Vice President Harris to Become the First Sitting U.S. Vice President or President to Visit an Abortion Clinic NEWS PROVIDED BY

Stanton Healthcare

March 14, 2024 BOISE, Idaho, March 14, 2024 /Christian Newswire/ -- Vice President Harris will visit a Planned Parenthood in Minnesota on Thursday. See link to news article: Harris to visit Planned Parenthood clinic that provides abortions in Minnesota In response to Vice President Harris visiting Planned Parenthood, Stanton Healthcares CEO and Founder, Brandi Swindell, has extended a personal invitation to the vice president to tour their life-affirming womens medical clinic in Idaho.



Stanton Healthcare is a AAAHC-accredited and fully licensed womens medical clinic. We specialize in serving women with unexpected pregnancies by providing professional medical care, practical and emotional support, women's wellness care, and a special outreach to refugee and marginalized communities. Stanton is based in Idaho with affiliates in the U.S. and internationally. Stanton Healthcare has included a copy of the invitation sent to Vice President Harris. Some of the excerpts of Ms. Swindells invitation include: As the nation discusses the issue of abortion, it is critical we involve all Americans in this conversation. That would include women who support abortion and those who embrace a life-affirming position. As Vice President of the United States, you have a sacred responsibility to ensure all voices are being heard and all communities are being listened to. Madame Vice President, if you truly believe in the concept of choice you would make the same commitment to visit a life-affirming womens medical clinic. One could never be considered pro-choice without offering real choices. Madame Vice President, Stanton Healthcare would be honored to give you a tour of our flagship life-affirming womens medical clinic in Meridian, Idaho as well as visiting our womens wellness center in Boise, Idaho. We would love to have you meet our professional staff and some of the clients we serve. For more information or interviews contact:

Rev. Patrick Mahoney at 540.538.4741 Below is the full invitation to Vice President Harris: Dear Madame Vice President, As the nation discusses the issue of abortion, it is critical we involve all Americans in this conversation. That would include women who support abortion and those who embrace a life-affirming position. As Vice President of the United States, you have a sacred responsibility to ensure all voices are being heard and all communities are being listened to.



It is essential our political leaders respect diversity, especially when it involves millions of women.



Madame Vice President, Stanton Healthcare is an AAAHC-accredited and fully licensed womens medical clinic. We specialize in serving women with unexpected pregnancies by providing professional medical care, practical and emotional support, women's wellness care, and a special outreach to refugee and marginalized communities. Stanton is based in Idaho with affiliates in the U.S. and internationally. Every woman who walks through the doors of Stanton Healthcare is treated with dignity and equality regardless of their race, political views, religion, educational background or economic situation. It is my understanding you are visiting a Planned Parenthood this Thursday in Minnesota, which would make you the first sitting president or vice president to visit an abortion clinic. Madame Vice President, if you truly believe in the concept of choice you would make the same commitment to visit a life-affirming womens medical clinic. One could never be considered pro-choice without offering real choices. Madame Vice President, Stanton Healthcare would be honored to give you a tour of our flagship life-affirming womens medical clinic in Meridian, Idaho as well as visiting our womens wellness center in Boise, Idaho. We would love to have you meet our professional staff and some of the clients we serve. I am sure you would agree one of greatest ways to empower women is to give them true choices. While there is serious disagreement on the issue of abortion in America, there should be no disagreement with coming alongside women and giving them options and information on how to make the best possible decisions for their future. Madame Vice President, thank you for your time and we look forward to hearing back from you. Sincerely, Brandi Swindell

Founder/CEO of Stanton Healthcare SOURCE Stanton Healthcare CONTACT: Rev. Patrick Mahoney, 540-538-4741



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MNCs swear by Chinese market

10:15, March 14, 2024 By Fan Feifei and Ouyang Shijia ( China Daily

Visitors gather at the booth of Canon during an expo in Shanghai. CHINA DAILY

Executives of multinational corporations have said a review of the latest Government Work Report has given them immense confidence in China's economic prospects, given the new focus on technological innovation and industrial upgrade, and the 2024 GDP growth target of around 5 percent.

They pledged efforts to seize new business opportunities arising in the world's second-largest economy, saying that their long-term commitment to the Chinese market remains unchanged.

The long-term fundamentals of China's economy remain intact despite pressures and challenges, and Canon is confident that China can achieve its 2024 GDP growth target, said Howard Ozawa, executive vice-president of Japanese tech conglomerate Canon Inc, and president and CEO of Canon China.

"Canon is confident in the continuous improvement of China's business environment and the vast potential of the Chinese market," he said, adding given China's significant position and the promising growth trends, the company has set the goal of making Canon China No 1 in terms of sales within the whole group by 2035.

This year's Government Work Report underlined that China will strive to modernize its industrial system and develop new quality productive forces at a faster pace. Ozawa said the new quality productive forces are mainly led by scientific and technological innovation, while Canon aims to bolster innovation to further offer products and services tailored for the Chinese market, and seek diverse collaborative methods with China's leading companies.

"We remain optimistic about the long-term potential of the Chinese economy. China's economic landscape is dynamic and resilient, characterized by ongoing reforms, technological advancements and a strong commitment to sustainable development," said Cui Jingyi, vice-president and general manager of industrial software developer Aveva China.

Cui said the United Kingdom-headquartered company anticipates a growing demand for digital transformation across a wide range of industries, and this evolving landscape presents exciting opportunities for Aveva to collaborate with businesses of all sizes, helping them optimize their operations, reduce carbon emissions and enhance efficiency.

She highlighted that the new quality productive forces are essentially about promoting high-quality development through sci-tech innovation and industrial upgrade, saying Aveva focuses on cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, big data and cloud computing to provide industrial intelligence that energy business leaders need to build safe, efficient and agile operations that are also more sustainable.

"China is one of the most dynamic and resilient markets in the world and remains one of Sony's most crucial overseas markets. It is also home to many talented (content) creators and industry innovators," said Takehito Soeda, vice-president of Sony China, adding he pays great attention to China's emphasis on driving the upgrade of industries and consumption with technological innovation.

The Japanese consumer electronics company, he said, values personalized and diverse demands of the Chinese market.

Zhang Ying, managing director of industrial software company Dassault Systemes Greater China, said: "Looking back at 2023, China's economy rebounded with a 5.2 percent year-on-year GDP growth, showcasing China's strong intrinsic dynamism, resilience and great potential.

"With an unwavering commitment to further advance opening-up, China's influence in global industrial, supply and innovation chains has notably increased, providing new opportunities for multinational corporations like Dassault Systemes to tap into its market potential."

Wang Qian, country manager of LinkedIn China, said the new quality productive forces proposed at this year's two sessions have become key buzzwords, attracting widespread attention. "The proposal of new quality productive forces not only marks China's higher pursuit of quality and efficiency in economic growth, but also reflects forward-looking thinking about the future transformation of the labor market."

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
In the presence of CM Dhami, children dressed in colourful costumes at his residence started the festival by scattering flowers and rice at the threshold and singing the traditional song 'Phool Dei Chhama Dei, Jatuk Dela, Utuk Sai, Phool Dei Chhama Dei, Dedi Dwar Bhari Bhakar'.

"Celebrated folk festival Phuldei with family at government residence. Children dressed in colorful costumes started the festival by decorating the threshold with flowers and rice and singing the traditional song "Phooldei, Phouldei, Chamma Dei, Chamma Dei, Deli Dwar, Bhar Bhakar Yo Deli Saun, Barbarwa Namaskar," CM Dhami posted on X.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister wished the children a bright future.

The Chief Minister also extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of the state on the festival of Phool Dei and wished for the happiness and prosperity of the country and the state.

The Chief Minister said that folk festivals have special significance in people's lives.

Phool Dei is a folk festival of Uttarakhand. It is celebrated in the Garhwal and Kumaun regions of Uttarakhand in the flowering season in March-April. Celebrated on the first day of the Hindu month of Chaitra, Phool Dei is a harvest festival and celebrates the spring season. (ANI)
Following the announcement of his candidature for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Union Minister Anurag Thakur expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders of the party. He also said that PM Modi's work and his efforts will help the party "write history" (in the general elections). "I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders of the party for showing faith in me and choosing me for the fifth time (to contest elections) from Hamirpur constituency. I have full faith that PM Modi's work & my efforts will help us script history..." The remarks came during an interaction with the media at Kangra airport in Dharamshala. The party has decided to field Anurag Thakur from Hamirpur. Earlier on Wednesday the Union Minister in a post on X thanked the party and PM Modi for reposing faith in him. "I express my heartfelt gratitude to the top leadership of the party for reposing confidence in me for the 5th time from my own Hamirpur parliamentary constituency and for once again making me the Lok Sabha candidate of the world's largest political party, the Bharatiya Janata Party. I am grateful to the respected Prime Minister, respected Home Minister, the BJP National President, the leadership of the Center and the State, who have again given me the opportunity to continue serving the Hamirpur parliamentary constituency. We assure that under the leadership of the respected Prime Minister, we will go among the people regarding the achievements of the Central Government and the nationalist policies of Modi ji, and by winning all the 4 seats of Himachal, we will ensure the contribution of Devbhoomi in the resolution of crossing 400" Thakur posted on X. The Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday released the second list of 72 candidates for Lok Sabha polls, days after releasing its first list of 195 candidates. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will contest the Lok Sabha elections from Varanasi again. The BJP's second list consists of three former Chief Ministers, Manohar Lal Khattar, Trivendra Singh Rawat, and Basvaraj Bommai, as well as four Union Ministers, Nitin Gadkari, Anurag Thakur, Piyush Goyal, and Pralhad Joshi. In Himachal Pradesh, Union Minister Anurag Thakur will contest from the Hamirpur constituency. Suresh Kashyap has been fielded from Shimla. Meanwhile, Congress has so far announced names for 82 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won a total of 303 seats, leaving the grand-old party behind at 52 seats in the previous Lok Sabha elections. The Lok Sabha polls are slated to be held in April-May this year. (ANI)
The Report comprises of 18,626 pages and is an outcome of extensive consultations with stakeholders, experts and research work over 191 days, since its constitution on September 2, 2023.

The committee submitted the report in the presence of all committee members including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chief Gulam Nabi Azad and others.

Recently the High Level Committee also met and interacted with representatives of several Political parties including BJP, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, CPI, CPI(M), AIMIM, RPI, Apna Dal etc.

Representatives of these parties also handed over their suggestions in writing to the committee.

The High-Level Committee relating to the holding of simultaneous elections in the country has initiated a consultation process under the chairmanship of Ram Nath Kovind, former President of India.

The High-Level Committee recently also sought public opinion regarding the one nation, one election issue. The public notice issued stated, "Notice for inviting suggestions from members of the general public for making appropriate changes in the existing legal administrative framework to enable simultaneous elections in the country."

The central government in September last year constituted a high-level Committee to examine the issue of 'One Nation, One Election' and make recommendations for holding simultaneous elections in the country.

The central idea behind 'One Nation One Election' is to synchronize the timing of Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections across all States to reduce the frequency of polls throughout the country.

This concept was the practice till 1967, but it was disrupted due to various reasons such as defections, dismissals, and dissolutions of government. (ANI)
Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh on Thursday said that though the farmers were allowed to hold Mahapanchayat at Ramlila Maidan in the national capital, the Union government has no intention to address the concerns raised by them. "Earlier, farmers were treated with tear gas, but now the government is under their (farmer's) pressure. Finally, they (farmers) have got permission to organise their 'Mahapanchayat'," Ramesh told ANI. "But it is just to show that the government is sensitive to farmers. But they don't have the intention to give a legal guarantee to Minimum Support Price or calculate MSP based on the Swaminathan Commission Report," he added. He said that Prime Minister Modi will not break his silence on why, on the one hand, the government waives the loans of the industrialists but is not doing so with the farmers' loans. Meanwhile, farmers in large numbers gathered at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan to hold the 'Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat' on Thursday. Samyukt Kisan Morcha leader also called the Bharatiya Janata Party an "anti-farmer". Samyukt Kisan Morcha has called for a one-day Delhi Chalo, in which all the organizations related to the front are gathering at Ramlila Ground in Delhi. Thousands of farmers have arrived. Farmers taking part in the Mahapanchayat said that the stage proceedings will start from noonon Thursday. Darshan Pal, SKM leader said that ever since they first came to Delhi (in 2020 Kisan Andolan), they have expanded their network. "We have made laws for how we have to work," he said. "Today's Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat is being organized because we want to tell the people of the country that the BJP government has betrayed us. Today we are trying to show the anti-farmer face of BJP in the entire country. Till now people are facing problems in reaching here. We were also given permission two days ago and many conditions were imposed. we condemn this. We want to tell you that 'Delhi ab Door nahi hai," he added. On security arrangements, DCP Central M Harsha Vardhan told ANI that the police have made elaborate arrangements to ensure that law and order are maintained. (ANI)
One of the judges who was accused of accepting bribes in the recently suspended Kerala University youth festival was found dead inside his house at Kannur in Kerala. The deceased identified as PN Shaji, 51, is suspected of having consumed poison, said the police. Shaji was found dead on Wednesday evening at his residence located close to Kannur South railway station near Thazhe Chovva. According to the police, he locked himself inside a room after having breakfast yesterday. He told his family members that he won't be having his lunch and also asked them not to disturb him. Later on he was found dead. The Kerala University youth festival was marred with controversies and eventually suspended by the Vice Chancellor. A few judges were accused of accepting bribes in the competition. The University union members had submitted Whatsapp messages as proof of their allegations. Following this, Shaji and two trainers were taken into custody by the Cantonment Police from the festival venue. They were later released by the cops. However, the police issued a notice to Shaji asking him to appear in the station the next day. At present, Shaji's body is kept in the Kannur district hospital mortuary. Kannur City police informed that the cause of the death can be ascertained only after conducting the postmortem. A suicide note was found lying in Shaji's room, saying, "I am innocent. I have not done anything wrong." Shaji was a dance teacher by profession. He is survived by his parents and wife, Shamna. (ANI)
Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President and UDF candidate in the Kannur Lok Sabha constituency K Sudhakaran on Thursday visited the home of P N Shaji, who took his own life following allegations of bribery during the Kerala University Youth Festival. Shaji had recently been a judge at the university student festival. Sudhakaran alleged that the Student Federation of India (SFI), student wing of the ruling CPI(M), was responsible for Shaji's death. The CPM's students wing pressurised him after he declined to award first and second positions to individuals they recommended, he said. He also claimed that Shaji was physically assaulted. "SFI is responsible for the unfortunate demise of this man. It is reported that when they insisted on awarding the first and second positions to specific individuals at the university youth festival, he resisted. I spoke with colleagues who collaborated with him, and they affirmed that Shaji was impartial and had not committed any wrongdoing," Sudhakaran told reporters here. The Congress state chief said that no complaints were lodged against the victim until the SFI raised allegations. "No complaints were lodged against him until the SFI raised allegations. He was also subjected to physical assault. Would a well-respected teacher succumb to such demands during a Margamkali competition? Is it justified? But SFI was adamant," Sudhakaran said. Shaji, 51, is suspected of having consumed poison, said the police. Shaji was found dead on Wednesday evening at his residence located close to Kannur South railway station near Thazhe Chovva. According to the police, he locked himself inside a room after having breakfast yesterday. He told his family members that he won't be having his lunch and also asked them not to disturb him. Later on he was found dead. The Kerala University youth festival was marred with controversies and eventually suspended by the Vice Chancellor. A few judges were accused of accepting bribes in the competition. The University union members had submitted Whatsapp messages as proof of their allegations. Following this, Shaji and two trainers were taken into custody by the Cantonment Police from the festival venue. They were later released by the cops. However, the police issued a notice to Shaji asking him to appear in the station the next day. At present, Shaji's body is kept in the Kannur district hospital mortuary. Kannur City police informed that the cause of the death can be ascertained only after conducting the postmortem. A suicide note was found lying in Shaji's room, saying, "I am innocent. I have not done anything wrong." Shaji was a dance teacher by profession. He is survived by his parents and wife, Shamna. (ANI)
The Telugu Desam Party on Thursday released its second list of 34 candidates for the upcoming assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, days after releasing its first list. https://x.com/ncbn/status/1768174929504338338?s=20 In a message on X, Naidu wrote, "The first list of candidates contesting on behalf of the Telugu Desam Party in the upcoming 2024 elections has already been placed before the public. Now we have brought you the second list, with 34 more candidates.". His post added: "As always in the selection of candidates, public opinion has been given priority in this list as well. I request the people of the state to bless all the TDP candidates and make them win." In the run-up to the elections for the state assembly and Lok Sabha, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Jana Sena Party (JSP) sealed a seat-sharing pact in Andhra Pradesh on Monday. According to the pact, the BJP will contest from six seats, the TDP from 17 seats and the JSP from two seats for the parliamentary elections. In the assembly elections, the BJP will contest from 10 seats, the TDP from 144 seats and the JSP from 21 seats, as per the statement. The seat-sharing was finalised at a meeting held at Amaravati today following the meeting between the three parties in Delhi, where an alliance was formalised. The state has 25 Lok Sabha and 175 Assembly seats. Naidu has received sharp criticism from his opponents for allying with the BJP. He had pulled out of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in 2018 after the Modi government's refusal to grant Special Category Status (SCS) to Andhra Pradesh. APCC president YS Sharmila demanded that Naidu explain to the state's people why he chose to align with the BJP, which had betrayed the people on all fronts in the last 10 years. Lok Sabha elections are expected to be held in April-May.(ANI)
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday warned pro-Kannada activists that they should not take the law into their own hands for implementing the 60:40 rule for the use of Kannada on signboards. "60:40 signboards are mandatory. The government is committed to implementing it," Shivakumar told reporters here. " We allowed time because the manufacturing of the signboards was taking a lot of time. But I don't want pro-Kannada activists to take the law into their own hands on this issue," he added. The deadline for complying with the rule ended on Wednesday. Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has said that the rule has already seen 98% implementation. Earlier, Shivakumar orally announced the extension by two weeks of the previous deadline of February 28. His announcement came after BBMP started to shut down shops for non-compliance. Karnataka Rakshana Vedike spearheaded the campaign for Kannada signboards in December 2023, which degenerated into vandalism on December 27 in the city. The Commercial Street Shop Owners' Association said that in Commercial Street, about 90% of shopkeepers have complied with the law. However, they expressed apprehension in forced implementation of the rule. Meanwhile the Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar assured Bengaluru's citizens that there was no water crisis in the city as the government had made alternate arrangements. "As far as Bengaluru is concerned, there is no water crisis. We have made alternative arrangements. BJP is saying that we are releasing water to Tamil Nadu. This is absolutely false. I appeal to the PM and BJP MPs that we get permission for the Mekadattu dam" DK Shivakumar said. Earlier the BJP had accused the state Congress Government of knowing well in advance about the looming water crisis in Bengaluru but acting against the interests of the people by releasing water to Tamil Nadu only to please its alliance partner. (ANI)
Communist Party of India (CPI) Rajya Sabha MP and CPI Kerala State Secretary Binoy Viswam on Thursday said that CAA will be combatted legally and politically. He approached the Supreme Court challenging the implementation of the CAA on Thursday. "Provisions of the CAA are prima-facie against the secular tenets of our Constitution and we have approached the Supreme Court requesting to halt the implementation of the dreaded law, which goes against the inclusive fabric of Indian society", he said. Binoy Viswam in a statement said that the CPI has been steadfastly opposing CAA from the initial period itself. "During the discussion in Parliament on the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) 2019, I criticized the proposed amendment to citizenship laws in the country and said that the Bill intends to fulfil Guru Golwalkar's fascist aspiration of treating Muslims as second-class citizens in India," he said. "I had described CAA as the death knell to secularism and equality in India. In 2019, he was detained by the then-BJP government of Karnataka in Mangalore along with other CPI activists for protesting against the divisive CAA," he said in a statement. The Union government notified the rules for Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019 and announced the implementation before the 2024 general elections. Viswam said that despite being rushed through Parliament four years ago, the CAA was kept dormant. "The implementation of this chasmic law on the eve of the election is part of BJP's wider agenda to instigate tensions and fissures between different communities in India. The divisive and discriminatory law is against the values enshrined in the Constitution and has been opposed by every section of society. Making religion the determinant for granting citizenship is a complete negation of the spirit of our Constitution," he further said. Binoy Viswam is also a petitioner in the Supreme Court against Subramanian Swamy's plea to delete the terms 'secular,' and 'socialist' from the Preamble of Constitution. (ANI)
Even Karnataka ministers are hesitant to contest due to "fear of defeat", former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai claimed on Thursday as so far the Congress has named just seven candidates out of 28 Lok Sabha seats in the state while the BJP has announced 20. Notably, in the 2019 parliamentary polls, the Congres has won just one seat in the state. "The Congress Party was not finding candidates to contest the coming parliamentary polls due to fear of defeat. Even the ministers are hesitant to contest. The reality is that the Congress Party does not have the candidates to fight the elections," he said after meeting former CM and BJP Central Parliamentary Board member, BS Yediyurappa. Speaking about the BJP announcing the names of the candidates, Bommai said, "The party bosses have announced the list of candidates only after a thorough discussion. Yediyurappa had always blessed me in politics and I came to meet him to seek his blessings again. The veteran leader has promised to campaign." The Congress has announced 7 candidates out of 28 parliamentary seats of the state, while the BJP has announced 20 names so far. DK Suresh, MP and brother of Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC president DK Shivakumar, will contest again from Bengaluru Rural constituency. He is currently the lone Congress MP from Karnataka. Bommai and three former ministers are among the candidates named by the BJP for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Currently an MLA, Bommai served as chief minister from July 2021 to May 2023. He is fielded from the Haveri constituency. His cabinet colleagues B Sriramulu (Bellary), Kota Srinivas Poojary (Udupi-Chikmagalur) and V Somanna (Tumkur) are also on the list. Sitting MPs Tejasvi Surya and PC Mohan are fielded again from the Bangalore South and Bangalore Central constituencies, respectively. The JD(S) has managed to have one of its candidates fight elections on a BJP ticket. The saffron party has fielded Dr CN Manjunath, son-in-law of JD(S) supremo and former prime minister HD Deve Gowda. In the Davangere constituency, the BJP has fielded Gayathri Siddeshwara, wife of sitting MP GM Siddeshwara. It has not announced candidates for the Belgaum, Uttara Kannada, Chitradurga, Raichur and Chikkaballapur constituencies. "This year, the selection of candidates had been unique. Dr CN Manjunath has saved the lives of lakhs of people and his selection had sent a message that those who work well would be duly awarded in the party. Giving a ticket to Yaduveeer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar from the Mysuru-Kodagu constituency had sent a good message to the whole of South Karnataka. If South India had developed, the credit goes to the Wadiyar Dynasty. They had uplifted the backward classes also. The entire South Karnataka was happy to give Yaduveeer the Lok Sabha ticket. Such decisions are possible only in BJP," Bommai added. (ANI)
BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain on Thursday dismissed the opposition's claim that Muslims have fears regarding the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and said the party has talked to many Muslim organisations and they do not have any fear. "The Muslim community in the country has no confusion about CAA. Muslims and Muslim organisations also know about the act. These are the religious minority people from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan whose religion remains in danger. If they have come here, there is a law to give them citizenship. This is not a law to take away citizenship from anyone. We have talked to many Muslim organizations and they have no fear regarding CAA," the BJP leader said. Hussain said that there is no provision in CAA to take away anyone's citizenship, adding that Union Minister Amit Shah has already assured the people regarding the same. "There is no confusion among the Muslims because the country's Home Minister Amit Shah ji has said in clear words that this is a law to give citizenship; it is not a law to take citizenship. Communist Party leaders are provoking Muslims on this. If you want to take the votes from the people, that's fine, but stop misleading the Muslims," he said. "The Muslim community knows well that CAA is a law to give citizenship; it is not a law to take away anyone's citizenship. The Government of India has made it clear many times but some people are deliberately creating trouble in the Muslim community for vote politics. They want to create confusion in society, and no matter how much confusion they create, the Muslim community is not going to get confused on this. They are with the country, with the Home Minister," the BJP leader added. The BJP leader said that there is no question of political gain in implementing the CAA. "The BJP is not doing vote politics on CAA. The Home Minister of the country is right. The opposition had even raised questions about the surgical strike and now regarding the implementation of the CAA, they say that the BJP is doing vote politics on it, which is not right. It is unfortunate that such language is being spoken, there is anger in the Muslim community against the opposition parties in the entire country," he said. After the Union government led by PM Narendra Modi notified the rules for the Citizen (Amendment) Act, 2019, political leaders from various parties, including Jairam Ramesh, Mamata Banerjee and Asaduddin Owaisi, criticised the move. Meanwhile, BJP leaders heaped praise on the Home Ministry's decision. On March 11, the Union Home Ministry notified rules for the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The CAA, introduced by the Narendra Modi government and passed by Parliament in 2019, aims to confer Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants--including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians--who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014. (ANI)
As the opposition parties voiced concerns about the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in the country, several Sufi faith leaders hailed the Central government, saying that the law does not take away the citizenship of Indians, but gives. The CAA rules, notified by the Narendra Modi government on Tuesday and passed by Parliament in 2019, aim to confer Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants - including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians - who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014. National President of Sufi Kanqah Sufi Mohammad Hasan Majidi, while speaking to ANI said that there are several people who are "trying to create unnecessary confusion" regarding the act that Muslims will lose their citizenship. "This CAA has nothing to do with Indian citizens, similarly, it has nothing to do with Indian Muslims. This is for Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Jain, Buddhists, and Parsi, who faced atrocities based on religion in countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Those who came to India on December 31, 2014, and living as refugees, will be given Indian citizenship. Some are trying to create unnecessary confusion regarding the citizenships of Muslims that they (Muslims) will lose their citizenship. They should alert as in the name of Muslim leadership, they are pushing the agenda of division..." he said. Pyare Khan, Chairman of Hazrat Baba Tajuddin Trust hailed the Centre's decision, saying that It is the law that gives, not the one that takes away citizenship. "CAA is a very good law, it is a law that gives citizenship to people, not one that takes away anyone's citizenship. If you see, a similar misconception was spread a lot before (removal of Article) 370. When I went to Kashmir and talked to the Muslims there, see the development of Kashmir today, after the removal of Article 370, this type of activity will continue in the country, but today's Muslims are very intelligent," he said. He further said that Indian Muslims have nothing to do with the law. "For those who have been persecuted, this is the law for them. Muslims have nothing to do with it and useless Muslims are being dragged under this law, political parties are earning their living, so there is nothing like that. It is the law that gives, not the one that takes away citizenship," he added. Under the Citizenship Act of 1955, Indian citizenship by registration or naturalization is granted to non-Muslim minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan in nine states: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Maharashtra. (ANI)
The Temple is renowned for its significance in Hindu Mythology and holds a special place among the devotees.

Gandhi resumed his yatra from Nashik on Thursday afternoon.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, while addressing the gathering here hit out at the BJP-led Centre, accusing it of doing 'financial injustice' to the people of the country.

"How many loans of those who take exams - of Police, of IAS-IPS - has been waived off? Not even a Rupee. How much loan of labourers has been waived off? Not even a Rupee. How much of small shopkeepers? Not even a Rupee. Rs 16 Lakh Crores loan of the richest has been waived off. This is financial injustice. 22 people in India have the same amount of money that is held by 70 crore people of India...This is injustice. We are taking out this Yatra against this," Gandhi said.

The Nyay Yatra entered the state from the district of Nandurbar on Tuesday, March 12.

The Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT) are part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which also includes the NCP (SPawar) in the state. Smaller parties like the Swambhimani Vikash Parishad (SWP) and the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) are also likely to join the Congress-led alliance in the state. The state sends 48 legislators to the Lok Sabha.

The Congress's 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra', after the party's 'Bharat Jodo Yatra', aims to cover 6,700 km through 15 states, with Lok Sabha polls around the corner.

The Lok Sabha polls are likely to be held in April-May this year. (ANI)
"Under the guidance and inspiration of Hon'ble Chairperson Smt. @MamataOfficial, we are pleased to announce the AITC candidates from four Parliamentary Constituencies in Assam," the Trinamool Congress wrote on X.

Assam has 14 Lok Sabha seats.

TMC's list of candidates includes Gauri Shankar Sarania from Kokrajhar, a seat reserved for Schedule Tribe (ST), Abdul Kalam Azad from Barpeta seat, Ghana Kanta Chutia from Lakhimpur seat, and Radhashyam Biswas from Silchar, a seat reserved for the Schedule Caste.

The Lok Sabha elections are expected to be held in April and May this year.

On Tuesday, the party announced former minister Zenith Sangma as its candidate from Meghalaya's Tura constituency for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

"AITC under the guidance and inspiration of Chairperson Mamata Banerjee, we are pleased to announce the Meghalaya candidate from the Parliamentary Constituency of Tura (ST) seat," the party said in a post on X on Tuesday.

Zenith Sangma, brother to former Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, is the party's first candidate outside of West Bengal, to be named for the general elections.

In the last Lok Sabha polls in 2019, Mukul Sangma, who was in the Congress at that time, had polled more than 41.24 per cent votes in Tura. Agatha Sangma had won the seat with a margin of over 64,000 votes.

Mukul Sangma joined the TMC after quitting the Congress in November 2021. In the 2023 assembly elections, the TMC got the third-largest vote share in the state with over 13 per cent votes.

On March 10, TMC announced candidates for all 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal, abandoning the opposition coalition, INDIA bloc. (ANI)
Banerjee sustained injuries on her forehead on Thursday and was hospitalized, according to the Trinamool Congress.

She got injured after falling accidentally at her home and TMC national general secretary and Mamata's nephew Abhishek Banerjee got her admitted to the SSKM hospital, party leader Kunal Ghosh said.

"Wishing @MamataOfficial a speedy recovery. She was seriously injured after falling accidentally at her home. She had a head injury. She is undergoing treatment at SSKM Hospital. @abhishekaitc took her to the hospital. The examination process is underway," Ghosh said.

She was shifted from Woodburn Block at SSKM Hospital to Trauma Care Centre, in Kolkata.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, while taking to X expressed his shock.

"Shocked to see this. Pray for ur speedy recovery Didi. God bless u," he said.

Shashi Tharoor, a Congress MP also took to X and said, "Shocked to see this. Wish @MamataOfficial a swift & complete recovery! @AITCofficial"

State BJP president Sukanta Majumdar wished her a speedy recovery.

"Our prayers are with her for a quick return to good health," he posted on X.

The All India Trinamool Congress shared photos of Banerjee on a hospital bed with a deep cut in the middle of her forehead and blood on her face.

"Our chairperson Mamata Banerjee sustained a major injury. Please keep her in your prayers," the party said in a post on X.

"Please keep her in your prayers," the TMC added.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said, "My thoughts are with her during this difficult time, and I'm wishing her a speedy recovery."

Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, the party Rajya Sabha MP said that Vice President and chairman of the Upper House Jagdeep Dhankhar has inquired about Banerjee's health.

"Hon'ble Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankar has inquired about the health of the Hon'ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, Ms Mamata Banerjee, expressing his deep anguish and wishing speedy recovery," Ray said. (ANI)
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal hit out at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and claimed that AAP will be in the fourth position in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Sukhbir Singh Badal said, "I was listening to Kejriwal's statement yesterday. He is so clever. When he first saw a favourable atmosphere for AAP, he said "Ek mauka do Kejriwal ko." He took the credit. Then, when he came to know that the useless government and CM have done such damage, he said that the next campaigning would be done in the name of Bhagwant Mann. See the difference. This shows that he has accepted that the candidates will lose their deposits. You will see that AAP will be in the fourth position." He alleged that Kejriwal has an anti-Sikh mindset and this was one of the reasons for not supporting the CAA. He further said that, "Kejriwal has an anti-Sikh and anti-minority mindset. Shiromani Akali Dal had been saying from the beginning that Sikhs from Pakistan and Afghanistan have faced a lot of problems there. Several of them have come here over the past several years. We have been saying that they should be granted (Indian) citizenship. We supported CAA at the Parliament too. I knew of Kejrwal's anti-Punjab and anti-Sikh mindset from the beginning. These things are coming to light gradually." CM Kejriwal said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has failed to answer any questions related to providing employment and housing to migrants that he had raised on the newly notified Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) which will give citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. On March 11, the Union Home Ministry notified rules for the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), days ahead of the announcement of dates of the Lok Sabha elections. CAA aims to provide Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants - including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians - who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014. On a question of alliance between BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal, Badal said that SAD would contest on all 13 seats and alliance with the BJP was not confirmed yet. Badal said, "Neither I nor the BJP or anyone else knows knows about the alliance. This speculation is on social media, media. At the moment, we are contesting on all 13 seats. We have an alliance with the BSP. I am not ruling out. Like-minded parties that want to save Punjab are most welcome. We can't go with Congress or 'broom' (AAP)." (ANI)
PM Modi, who took to X on Thursday late at night, prayed for the Trinamool Chief's speedy recovery.

"I pray for a quick recovery and the best health for Mamata Didi," the PM wrote.

The West Bengal CM suffered major injuries to her forehead following an accident at her residence. The All India Trinamool Congress made the announcement on Thursday, through a post on social media platform X, revealing distressing images of Banerjee on a hospital bed, with a deep cut visible in the middle of her forehead and blood on her face.

"Our chairperson Mamata Banerjee sustained a major injury. Please keep her in your prayers," read the statement shared by the Trinamool Congress on X.

Expressing solidarity, Sukanta Majumdar, the state president of Trinamool Congress, conveyed wishes for Banerjee's swift recovery in a social media post on X. "Wishing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee a speedy recovery. Our prayers are with her for a quick return to good health," Majumdar stated.

Congress state President Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, "Wishing a speedy recovery of the Chief Minister, West Bengal".

Several other leaders including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal have also prayed for Banerjee's speedy recovery.

She got injured after falling accidentally at her home and TMC national general secretary and Mamata's nephew Abhishek Banerjee got her admitted to the SSKM hospital, party leader Kunal Ghosh said.

"Wishing @MamataOfficial a speedy recovery. She was seriously injured after falling accidentally at her home. She had a head injury. She is undergoing treatment at SSKM Hospital. @abhishekaitc took her to the hospital. The examination process is underway," Ghosh said.

She was shifted from Woodburn Block at SSKM Hospital to Trauma Care Centre, in Kolkata.

The All India Trinamool Congress shared photos of Banerjee on a hospital bed with a deep cut in the middle of her forehead and blood on her face. (ANI)
Vikramaditya Singh, the Himachal Pradesh minister whose 'rebel' pushed the state into a political crisis recently that engulfed the Congress government on Thursday said that the party state unit will fight the upcoming general elections together. Speaking to ANI, Singh, the Public Works Department Minister of Himachal Pradesh said that a meeting regarding the name of the candidates for the Lok Saba seats in the state will be called soon. "We are going ahead together. The party has announced a few names (of candidates). In the time to come, candidates will be announced for the remaining Lok Sabha seats too...Our state in charge is in contact with our CM and state president. A meeting will be called soon. Names of candidates will be decided...We will go to the people together and all efforts will be made to get blessings of the people," he said. Coming down heavily on the central government, the Himachal minister accused it of doing 'discrimination' towards the state in the last one year. He also alleged that the state has been facing 'discrimination' for the last one year. "The discrimination that has been done against Himachal Pradesh in the past one year - it didn't get the kind of assistance that should have been given at the time of calamity, the assistance that should have been given to Himachal in Central sponsored schemes, the assistance that should have been given under 15th Finance Commission...We fulfilled the guarantee of OPS (Old Pension Scheme), about Rs 9000 Crores has to be given to Himachal by the Centre but it is yet to be received," he said. He also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not visit the state at the time of calamity which is as per the minister 'unfortunate'. "PM didn't come to Himachal even once at the time of calamity. This is unfortunate..." Singh added. Last month, the BJP pulled off an upset by defeating the Congress's Abhishek Manu Singhvi in the election for the state's lone Rajya Sabha seat because of cross-voting by six of its party's MLAs. The Congress failed to get Singhvi elected even though it had 40 MLAs in the 68-member House while the BJP had 25 MLAs. The Congress also banked on the support of three Independent legislators but they too ended up voting for the BJP's Harsh Mahajan. As the crisis deepened, Cabinet Minister Vikramaditya Singh, Pratibha's son, resigned from his post on February 28 expressing dissatisfaction with Sukhu. But the Congress leadership managed to rein in Vikramaditya and the government was saved. (ANI)
Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar on Thursday called Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's remark on CAA as a betrayal with Punjab and Punjabis. On Wednesday, Kejriwal reiterated his earlier remarks on the CAA stating that more migration will now take place than what happened after independence. He further claimed that law and order will collapse and subsequently lead to a rise in thefts, robberies, and rapes. Retorting to Kejriwal's comment Jakhar said, "Betrayal is being done with Punjab and Punjabis. Congress is their (AAP's) ally in Delhi and Chandigarh...Arvind Kejriwal said in Delhi yesterday that refugees who will come from outside will commit theft and loot. Today, Arvind Kejriwal can feel a stench from the poor?" Further slamming the AAP chief for calling their party a representative of the poorer Jakhar said, "They call themselves a representative of the poor...Punjabi refugees have made a great contribution towards Delhi...I am not speaking about just the Sikh community but also about Punjabis who migrated from Pakistan and Afghanistan." Alleging Kejriwal of insulting Punjabis he said, "Today, we have to bring back the holy Guru Granth Sahib from there and Kejriwal says that they will come and loot here. He has insulted Punjabis in Punjab...This is AAP's betrayal of Punjab and they will be taught a lesson in this election." A day ahead of this, responding to Kejriwal's criticism Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that the AAP supremo's outburst stemmed from his party's alleged exposure in corruption cases and said if he is concerned about national security he must talk about Bangladeshi infiltrators. In an interview with ANI, Amit Shah said, "The Delhi Chief Minister has lost his temper after his party's alleged corruption got exposed." "He (Kejriwal) is unaware that all these people have already taken refuge in our country. They are living in India. Those who arrived in our country by 2014 will get citizenship," Shah said. "And if he is concerned, why does he not talk about Bangladeshi infiltrators? Why does he not protest against Rohingyas? It is because they are doing vote-bank politics. He will face a very tough time during elections in Delhi which is why he is doing vote-bank politics. Are Rohingyas and Bangladeshi infiltrators not taking our jobs? He is just raising his voice against minorities of Jains, Buddhists, and Parsis," the Union Minister said. On March 11, the Union Home Ministry notified rules for the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), days ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections scheduled. (ANI)
The United Kingdom granted asylum to a Palestinian, who also held residentship of Israel, saying he would likely be persecuted if he returned, Al Jazeera reported on Wednesday. Arguing for permanent asylum for the Palestinian, identified as Hassan, his lawyers told an immigration tribunal that he faced an "enhanced risk of persecution" in Israel, given his Palestinian ethnicity, Muslim faith, anti-Zionist beliefs, and history of pro-Palestinian activism in the UK. Hasan, who has lived in the UK for most of his life--more than 20 years, according to his lawyers, first sought asylum in the country in 2019. The decision for his case was initially delayed, possibly because of the coronavirus pandemic and successive lockdowns, his lawyers said, according to Al Jazeera. In 2022, the Home Office in the UK rejected Hasan's claim that he faced the risk of persecution in Israel. Hasan's legal team moved the immigration tribunal challenging the Home Office ruling, after October 7, when Hamas terrorists unleashed terror in southern Israel, citing updated evidence. Hassan, through his lawyers, stated that he felt 'relieved' at being granted permanent residentship, revealing that he battled depression as faced stringent curbs under a UK law that prohibits asylum seekers from working, even voluntarily. "I have been left in limbo for so many years while my claim was being processed, prohibited from working, renting a property, travelling, buying a car, or being able to live my life in any meaningful way," Hasan submitted in court through his lawyers, adding, "The world moved on, while I remained behind." While saying that he feels 'reassured' after being granted the status of a permanent resident, he does worry for his loved ones back in Israel, citing "regular incidents of low-level violence and aggression" in Gaza. The report stated that the decision on Monday to grant asylum to the Palestine-born Israel resident could set a precedent for fellow Palestinian citizens in the country who aspire for permanent residentship in Britain, and elsewhere. Under the 1951 Refugee Convention, which is binding on all states, a refugee should not be returned to a country where they "face serious threats to their life or freedom", according to the UNHCR. The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), an international human rights treaty, also protects the rights of people within the 46 member states who have signed up to it, including the UK. "It's completely unprecedented," said Franck Magennis, a barrister representing Hasan. "In principle, any Palestinian finding themselves in any one of those 46 states can say, 'If you return me to any territory under Israel's jurisdiction, there's a real risk that my human rights will be breached'," he added. (ANI)
President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday oversaw the signing of four Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between India and Mauritius to enhance cooperation in the financial services sector, information sharing and capacity building to combat corruption and money laundering. "In a breakthrough agreement, the GIFT International Financial Services Centres Authority of India and the Financial Services Commission of Mauritius signed an MoU to promote cooperation in the financial services sector between GIFT City and FSC Mauritius," the Ministry of External Affairs posted on X. Also, an MoU was signed between the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) of India and the Public Service Commission of Mauritius for sharing experiences and expertise in public services recruitment. Both countries also agreed on a protocol to amend the India-Mauritius Double Tax Avoidance Agreement, making it compliant with the OECD/G20 Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Minimum Standards. Another MoU was signed between the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) of India and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) of Mauritius for information sharing and capacity building to combat corruption and money laundering. President Murmu and the Mauritian PM also virtually inaugurated 14 community development projects that are to be implemented with monetary assistance from India. They also virtually laid the foundation stone for the New New Forensic Science Laboratory of Mauritius, to be built with Indian funding. "The leaders also e-inaugurated 14 Community Development Projects, implemented with Indian grant assistance. They jointly laid the foundation stone of the New Forensic Science Laboratory of Mauritius, in virtual mode, to be built with Indian funding assistance," the MEA posted on X. An MoU on Community Development Projects was signed in January 2022 to undertake 96 small, people-oriented projects across Mauritius, of which eight have been inaugurated so far. Other India-assisted projects include the Upadhyay Training Centre, the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital, the Subramania Bharati Eye Centre, the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre, the Swami Vivekananda International Conference Centre and the World Hindi Secretariat. During her visit, she announced that India has approved a special provision to grant Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards to the 7th generation of Indian-origin people in Mauritius. The decision would allow the younger Mauritians of Indian origin to become overseas citizens and reconnect with the land of their ancestors. She also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi while stressing the significance of the date--March 12--for the two nations. Notably, the Father of the Nation started the famous salt march from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad on March 12, 1930. President Murmu was also conferred with the honorary degree of Doctor of Civil Law by the University of Mauritius on Tuesday, in recognition of the 'profound depth' of the bilateral relationship between the two nations. Later in the day, President Murmu arrived in Delhi after successfully concluding her state visit to Mauritius on Wednesday, the MEA stated. Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth accorded a warm send-off to the President at the airport as she wrapped up her visit. President Murmu arrived in Mauritius on March 11 and was received by PM Jugnauth at the airport with full military honours. (ANI)
The first-of-its-kind law imposes blanket-bans some "unacceptable" uses of the technology while enacting stiff guardrails for other applications deemed "high-risk."

The EU AI Act outlaws social scoring systems powered by AI and any biometric-based tools used to guess a person's race, political leanings or sexual orientation.

It also bans the use of AI to interpret the emotions of people in schools and workplaces, as well as some types of automated profiling intended to predict a person's likelihood of committing future crimes.

The law further outlines a separate category of 'high-risk' uses of AI, particularly for education, hiring and access to government services, and imposes a separate set of transparency and other obligations on them, CNN reported.

Companies such as OpenAI that produce powerful, complex and widely used AI models will also be subject to new disclosure requirements under the law.

It also requires all AI-generated deepfakes to be clearly labelled, targeting concerns about manipulated media that could lead to disinformation and election meddling.

The sweeping legislation, which is set to take effect in roughly two years, highlights the speed with which EU policymakers have responded to the exploding popularity of tools such as OpenAI's ChatGPT.

The legislation approved by a plenary vote in the European Parliament this week is the result of a proposal that was first introduced in 2021, which gave lawmakers a head start when the release of ChatGPT spurred an investment boom and public frenzy. (ANI)
President Vladimir Putin called on Russians to take part in the upcoming presidential election to be held on March 15-17, state news agency TASS reported on Thursday. "We need to confirm our consolidation, our determination to go forward together. Each vote counts. That is why I am calling on you to realise your right to vote in the coming three days," Putin said in a video address ahead of the voting. According to TASS, President Putin addressed the nation ahead of federal elections eight times--in 2000, 2004, 2016, and 2018 (twice before the presidential election and after announcing their results), in 2021, and 2020, before the nationwide referendum on constitutional amendments. Meanwhile, early voting for Russia's presidential election was ongoing abroad, with over 40,000 people casting their ballots, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. "Early voting is underway. It has already taken place in 23 countries, and 29 election commissions are supervising it. As of March 12, more than 40,000 Russians have already voted," the diplomat said. "Voting is taking place without any serious incidents," she said. She added that local Russian officials were ready to provide any assistance at the first request of their fellow citizens. The Russian Federation Council, or the Upper House of the Russian Parliament or Duma, officially scheduled the presidential election on March 17. The Russian Central Election Commission (CEC) announced subsequently that voting will take place over three days--from March 15 to 17, making it Russia's first three-day presidential election. President Putin is widely expected to sail through the polls, securing a fifth term in office and a full third decade as Russia's supreme leader, CNN reported. With the death of imprisoned Russian Opposition leader Alexei Navalny, it's fair to say Putin's political career has reached the president-for-life stage, CNN noted its report, adding that his re-anointment lays bare an uncomfortable fact for Russia's future political stability. The President and his circle have not made any visible preparations for a post-Putin era, it added. Putin is the longest-serving leader since Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin, CNN noted, adding that in 2020, Russian voters endorsed constitutional changes that would allow him to stay in power until 2036. Even before Putin announced his candidacy, the Kremlin made it clear that it did not see any alternatives on the horizon to his system of one-man rule, the report added. (ANI)
New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, who was on an official visit to India, said on Wednesday that the Pacific community is committed to enhancing ties with India, adding that relationship is already getting stronger. "We are here today celebrating the Pacific with our friends from the Pacific community and India. Our Pacific family is committed to enhancing relations with India. And the presence of our Pacific friends here in New Delhi is only getting stronger with the Solomon Islands having set up a High Commission in New Delhi in March of last year," he said, addressing an event titled 'Pacific Night 2024' in Delhi. "It gives one great pleasure to see the steady steps that are being taken and continue to be taken to bring India and our part of the world closer together. Earlier this evening, we had the chance to brainstorm on ways we can build on connectivity between India and the Pacific. And it's inspiring and exciting to comprehend the enormous potential of that endeavour," he added. FM Peters also described details of his meeting with the External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and said he discussed the opening of direct flight between New Zealand and India, adding that this will be the most impactful boost to the future of both countries. "We had very fruitful meeting with Dr. S Jaishankar and we look forward to certain things happening very fast, such as direct air services between New Zealand and India. When it happens, this will perhaps be the most immediate, visual, impactful boost to that future that we all envisage. India's connection with the Pacific goes back, as I said, several centuries ago, and through the thriving and successful Indian diaspora in the region, those connections are renewed and refreshed," he said. On Wednesday, Peters concluded a successful tour of India, describing it as an essential step in advancing the two countries' relationship to the next level. He also met Indian business leaders in New Delhi and Gujarat. Moreover, Peters also visited the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar, Gujarat and met with representatives of the Jama Masjid Mosque in New Delhi. During the visit, an enhanced Air Services Agreement between India and New Zealand came into force - making code sharing on services between New Zealand and India easier.In Gujarat, Peters also met with Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel and other key members of the state's government. New Zealand's Deputy PM was on an official visit to India from March 10 to 13 at the invitation of External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar. Winston Peters was on his first visit to India after the new government in New Zealand assumed office in November 2023. He had earlier visited India in February 2020, according to MEA. (ANI)
Belarusian Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stressed the need to generate awareness about business opportunities in the two countries. Sergei Aleinik, who was on a visit to India from March 12-13, held talks with Union Minister Piyush Goyal and both sides discussed various aspects of the bilateral economic partnership including ways to enhance bilateral trade through cooperation in the manufacture of EVs, agriculture machinery and harvesting equipment. "The two Ministers stressed the need to generate greater awareness about available business opportunities among the business communities of the two countries," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. Belarusian Foreign Minister Aleinik was in India at the invitation of EAM S Jaishankar. During his visit, he had fruitful meetings with EAM Jaishankar, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal (CIM) and Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers & Health and Family Welfare, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya. Belarusian minister Aleinik and EAM Jaishankar held meetings on Tuesday and reviewed India-Belarus bilateral ties and discussed ways to enhance the development partnership and bilateral cooperation in sectors such as trade, economy, insurance, defence, education, IT and science and technology. "They also discussed the regional/global issues of mutual interest and cooperation in various multilateral groupings/organizations such as UN, SCO and others," the statement said. The Belarusian Foreign Minister held a meeting with Mansukh Mandaviya on the same day and discussed ways to develop and strengthen cooperation in areas such as health, pharmaceuticals and fertilizers. Moreover, he also met with the Secretary of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Dr Vivek Joshi in addition to interacting with the Indian business community. The Belarusian delegation also engaged with Indian business and industry through an interaction coordinated by FICCI on Tuesday. India and Belarus enjoy comprehensive relations across a large spectrum of areas. They have established mechanisms for furthering bilateral cooperation and sharing views on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest through Foreign Office Consultations, an Intergovernmental Commission (IGC), and Joint Working Groups. The last visit of a Foreign Minister of Belarus, the Late Mr Vladimir Makei, to India, was in November 2022 for the 11th Session of the India-Belarus Joint Commission on Trade, Economy, Industry, Science, Technology and Culture (IGC-TEC). During that visit, bilateral meetings with EAM, CIM and the Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers were also held. (ANI)
New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters emphasised the importance of allowing the ongoing investigation to unfold before definitive conclusions are drawn in the allegations made by the Canadian government against India concerning the killing of India designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. New Zealand a member of the Five-Eyes intelligence alliance maintains its stance that if the allegations are proven true, it would raise serious concerns. John Tulloch, spokesperson for the Deputy PM, reiterated New Zealand's position, emphasizing the necessity for the investigation to reach its conclusion before making judgments. "New Zealand's position on the allegations remains unchanged; if they are proven correct, then that would be of serious concern. The minister's point is that this is an ongoing criminal investigation. It needs to run its course before clear conclusions can be drawn," Tulloch told ANI. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau previously alleged a potential link between Nijjar's killing and Indian government agents, which India rejected as "absurd and motivated." Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India, was shot and killed outside a Gurudwara in British Columbia on June 18 last year. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), however, has yet to name any suspects or make arrests in connection with the killing. Nijjar's death sparked a diplomatic row between India and Canada. This led to the straining of diplomatic relations between India and Canada, raising concerns about the future of the bilateral partnership. Meanwhile, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters completed a successful visit to India from March 10 to 13, saying it was an important step in taking the relationship between the two countries to the next level. "New Zealand and India are two countries that can, should and will be doing more together," Peters said, adding, "My visit has demonstrated a joint commitment to investing more in building a broad-based, mutually beneficial relationship." In New Delhi, Peters reconnected with his counterpart, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. "It is clear that New Zealand and India share common strategic perspectives about the security challenges our Indo-Pacific region faces, as well as a commitment to do more together to meet them," Peters also said. "Minister Jaishankar and I agreed to work together to unlock more opportunities and achieve a step up in the relationship between New Zealand and India. Further high-level political visits in both directions during 2024 will be a crucial part of this process," he added. Peters also visited the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar, Gujarat and met with representatives of the Jama Masjid Mosque in New Delhi. (ANI)
The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) International Week has begun with the second day of session focusing on unleashing innovation and collaboration. The second day of the PHDCCI International Week saw an invigorating exchange of ideas, fostering a dynamic atmosphere of innovation and collaboration among global leaders, experts, and delegates. The session titled "Empowering Tomorrow: Unleashing Innovation, Collaboration, and Global Impact on Day 2 of PHDCCI International Week - Where Vision Meets Action" took place on March 13 (Wednesday), where all the delegates exchanged ideas and experiences that had set the stage for transformative actions which will positively impact economies and societies. Uzbekistan Ambassador to India, Sardor Rustambaev highlighted that in the six years that India and Uzbekistan have been trading and cooperating economically, significant progress has been made in several areas. Both countries have shown a dedication to a multifarious collaboration that goes beyond economic gains to include breakthroughs in education, technology, and industry, in the areas of mutual interest including medicines, hotel management, education, and textiles.Daniiar Syrdybaev, Minister Counsellor, Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic, India emphasised that significant efforts have been made by both India and the CIS nations to forge meaningful connections, notably in the areas of technology and logistics. "The convergence of these domains signifies a mutual understanding of the significance of technology innovations and efficient logistics in promoting economic expansion and cooperation," an official statement said. Moreover, modern technology combined with effective logistics creates a bridge that improves trade, makes transactions easier, and fortifies overall economic relations between the countries. Notably, both parties are open to business potential in this situation. The statement added that the welcoming gestures shown to Indian companies indicate a desire to promote business alliances and build on one another's advantages. "This openness highlights the possibility of mutual gain because India's technological expertise and dynamic economy complement the opportunities and resources offered by the CIS nations, added Mr Daniiar," the statement read. Azat Serikbossyn, Deputy Head of Mission, Assembly of the Republic of Kazakhstan, said that the excellent and mutually beneficial relations between Kazakhstan and India have been largely fostered by their spirit of friendship. Moreover, this unity has resulted in significant growth in significant industries, both in terms of quantity and quality. They further noted the substantial advancement in manufacturing, especially in important areas like food, chemicals, and machine building. The increase in output is a reflection of both countries' dedication to economic growth and mutual benefit. Additionally, improvements in the calibre of products and services highlighted a shared commitment to fulfilling global standards and meeting customer expectations. The active involvement of numerous Indian multinational corporations in conducting business in Kazakhstan is a notable aspect of this cooperative endeavour. These businesses, contributing knowledge, creativity, and investment, have been crucial in shaping Kazakhstan's economic environment. The involvement of Indian multinational companies highlighted the breadth of economic cooperation and is a sign of confidence in Kazakhstan's business environment. Additionally, the robust camaraderie among people has created the groundwork for significant increases in output, with an emphasis on improving the calibre and volume of products and services. "A prosperous and cordial cooperation exists between Kazakhstan and India thanks to the active participation of multinational corporations from India, which further strengthens the breadth of economic links," the statement read. Elchin Nariman Oglu Huseynli, Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan highlighted that the two countries work together in areas, including, trade, tourism, and medical cooperation. This complex partnership puts a strong emphasis on a shared prosperity pledge and the sharing of knowledge and resources. Moreover, the synergies produced by this kind of cooperation promote interpersonal relationships and cultural understanding in addition to economic growth. Notably, India is the tenth-largest economic partner, demonstrating the breadth and importance of its economic cooperation. India's rank reflected the significant investment and trade flows that exist between the two nations, further establishing their status as important players in the world economy. The partnership's dynamic nature is further highlighted by the opening of fresh investment opportunities. Elchin added that the openness to accepting fresh works and promoting investments is indicative of both countries' forward-thinking perspectives. The statement read, "As the PHDCCI International Week progresses, we remain dedicated to providing a platform that transcends geographical boundaries, fostering collaboration and innovation on a global scale." Later during the second session, Steven De Wilde, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Belgium in India stressed that India's standing on the world stage has greatly improved, especially in the areas of research and development. It is now at the forefront of worldwide competitiveness owing to its dedication to promoting innovation and technological developments. India's persistent culture of win-win competition, which promotes cooperation and mutual benefit with other countries, is an example of this trend. Renewable resources and green energy are two notable areas where India has advanced significantly. The nation has become the world's fourth-largest generator of wind energy, demonstrating its commitment to ecologically responsible methods and solutions. "In addition to establishing India as a major force in the global energy scene, this accomplishment highlights India's dedication to combating climate change and advancing a more sustainable, cleaner future," it added. Notably, India and Belgium have worked together to create a dynamic synergy, each using its own capabilities to advance the other. Belgium has become a research and development powerhouse, making substantial contributions to the growth of technology. Meanwhile, India has demonstrated its strength in the healthcare industry by securing its position as the world's biggest producer of vaccinations. "A crucial component of bilateral collaboration has been the integration of information technology (IT), as Belgium depends more and more on India's IT industries. This mutual reliance has advanced both countries in the rapidly changing digital sphere while also fortifying bilateral relations," it stated. Ambassador of Slovenia to India, Mateja Vodeb Ghosh said that Slovenia has excellent conditions for business and investment, with development prospects and stability. Recognizing foreign investment's ability to improve and diversify the nation's economic environment, the nation has actively pursued it. "Thus, the inflow of foreign investment creates new opportunities for international investors in addition to boosting the nation's economic development," it stated. Slovenia is a country with a highly skilled and productive labour force. Moreover, the nation has invested in education and skill development, producing a workforce that is both skilled and flexible enough to meet changing industry demands. Leading to this, human capital offers a strong basis for efficiency and creativity, making it a desirable asset for companies thinking about investing in Slovenia.For investors seeking to investigate and take advantage of investment opportunities, Slovenia is an appealing option because of its safety record, highly skilled workforce, and friendly business environment, Mateja Vodeb Ghosh added. Ambassador of Estonia to India, Marje Luup highlighted that Estonia, known for its technological creativity and prowess, has cemented its place as a major global IT powerhouse. "Promising potential arises from the synergy between Estonia and India, especially in the areas of food and beverage production, military, and green energy solutions," she said. She added that both countries may take advantage of their unique advantages to tackle urgent global issues. "Collaboration in the field of green energy could result in creative and long-lasting solutions, supporting international efforts to tackle climate change," Luup said. Moreover, she emphasised that joint projects could improve technology and security protocols in the defence industry, resulting in a stronger defence alliance. She said that collaboration in the food and beverage sector also presents opportunities for shared invention, economic development, and the sharing of culinary customs. Given their common principles of innovation, transparency, and a global outlook, both countries are ideal allies for tackling today's issues and creating new opportunities in a range of industries.Reuben Gauci, High Commissioner of Malta High Commission, India said that the pharmaceutical industry's active relationship between Malta and India is a calculated effort meant to maximize the advantages of this partnership. The ease of conducting business in Malta is further enhanced by the lack of linguistic obstacles. "The linguistic harmony between Maltese and Indian stakeholders facilitates communication and collaboration, hence augmenting the efficacy and triumph of the pharmaceutical alliance," Gauci said. The pharmaceutical collaboration between Malta and India essentially takes advantage of Malta's EU membership, linguistic compatibility, and highly qualified workforce to strategically build a production hub that can cater to the large European market. This joint venture has put both countries in a strong position to prosper in the ever-changing and cutthroat pharmaceutical industry, Reuben added.Martine Aamdal Bottheim, Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister Counsellor at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in India, stated that there are countless opportunities between both nations, offering a game-changing chance to double commerce between the two countries. This audacious objective demonstrates a common dedication to developing profitable alliances and strengthening economic connections across a range of industries, she said. Norway and India are both prepared to work together to support the international effort to address climate change because they understand the value of environmental care. "The collaboration has the potential to accelerate green technology developments and benefit economies and the environment by exchanging information, technology, and sustainable practices," Martine added. Essentially, the elaborate cooperation between Norway and India emphasizes a commitment to mutually beneficial collaborations and sustainable development, in addition to the goal of doubling trade. This alliance has placed both countries at the forefront of international economic and environmental activities by symbolizing a convergence of capabilities and goals, Martine said. Vijay Sheoran, Co-Chair, of the International Affairs Committee for Europe & CIS, PHDCCI, highlighted the close cultural and economic relations shared by India and European countries. He further stressed the various sectors of cooperation like Health and Wellness, Technology transfer, manufacturing, education, and tourism amongst many others where both India and Europe have been closely cooperating. (ANI)
The World Sindhi Congress (WSC), an organisation involved in Sindh rights advocacy organised a protest outside the United Nations Human Rights Council headquarters in Geneva, to highlight the atrocities of the Pakistan administration on the people of Sindh. The protest aimed to inform the international community about the ongoing human rights violations against the Sindhi people. "The protest aimed to inform the UN and the international community about the ongoing human rights violations inflicted upon the Sindhi people by the Pakistani state. The assembly highlighted the extrajudicial murder of a renowned political worker and human rights defender, Mr. Hidayat Lohar, who was gunned down on February 16 in his hometown Nasirabad, Sindh, Pakistan," the World Sindhi Congress said in a press release. Moreover, the spotlight was firmly placed on atrocities, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, persecution of religious minorities, and the plundering of the Sindhi people's resources. The protest was held on the sidelines of the 55th session of UNHRC in Geneva "Speakers reiterated that Sindhi, Baloch, Kashmiri, and Pashtun people are systematically oppressed by Pakistan, citing numerous instances of heinous crimes. WSC representatives emphasised that the situation worsens daily. They further raised the major concerns including, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings of Sindhi political activists, ethnic cleansing of Sindhi Hindus, colonial-style land grabs by the Pakistan army and their associates, large-scale theft of River Indus waters by Punjab, and the suppression of the Sindhi voice regarding historical, political, and human rights, the press release stated. The speakers participating in the protest resolutely pointed out that the human rights atrocities occurring with utter impunity in Pakistan, leave the victims with no path to seek justice. The WSC press release added, "Considering these appalling violations, an earnest plea was made to the UN and the international community to intervene and take effective action to protect the Sindhi nation and prevent further suffering." During the protest, General Secretary of WSC Lakhu Lohana urged the UN and the international community to save the Sindhi people from this genocide. Lohana said, "The persecution, suffering, and ruthlessness of the state of Pakistan and its agencies continues unabated without impunity. They are on a mission of orchestrating genocide upon the Sindhi people. They are taking out land, water, tax, oil, coal, and coastal lines. How will the Sindhi people survive, they want to kill us, and the world should know this. Only they can stop this genocide, hence we request the UN and the international community. To come help and save the Sindhi people from this genocide." Hidayat Bhutto a prominent Sindh rights activist and member of the World Sindhi Congress highlighted an incident, stating, "On February 16, a known activist Hidayat Lohar was killed in broad daylight. The culprits were seen by the bystanders and the entire event was recorded in CCTV footage. But the Pakistani state is not even ready to lodge an FIR. The family members of Lohar are protesting to date, firstly they had protested with his dead body, Lohar's daughters are still fighting to get the case of their father's death registered but they are still not getting justice." While stating names of enforcible disappeared individuals like Aqib Chandio, Insaf Ali Diyo, and Kashif Ali Tagar, Bhutto stated "Thousands like them have disappeared and subjugated, and enforced disappearances are still high in Pakistan. The Pakistani army and the Pakistani administration are committing these crimes with impunity, hence we ask the international community to take action and support us." Another protester Fahmeeda Khushk stated that the WSC protests are held every year, demanding strict action against the atrocities inflicted by the Pakistan administration upon the people of Sindh. Khushk in her statement added, "These atrocities need to stop, the forced land grabbing a halt of enforced disappearance needs to be imposed. If Sindh is separated from Pakistan today we have the resources to manage by ourselves, but Pakistan has taken over our resources which is stopping the development of our land and our people." (ANI)
The Ministry of National Defence (MND) of Taiwan reported monitoring 26 Chinese military aircraft and 10 naval vessels encircling the nation from 6 am on Wednesday to 6 am on Thursday, Taiwan News reported.

Seven Chinese military aircraft breached the median of the Taiwan Strait, the country's Defence Ministry said today.

Additionally, the MND tracked 10 aircraft in the southwest corner of Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ), three in the northeast ADIZ, and one in the southern ADIZ, as per Taiwan News.

According to Taiwan News, this incident marks the latest in a series of provocations, with Taiwan having tracked Chinese military aircraft 151 times and naval vessels 85 times this month alone.Since September 2020, China has been increasingly employed gray zone tactics, gradually escalating the presence of military assets around Taiwan.

Gray zone tactics are defined as "an effort or series of efforts beyond steady-state deterrence and assurance that attempts to achieve one's security objectives without resorting to direct and sizable use of force."

Earlier, On March 9, Taiwan's MND reported tracking nine Chinese military aircraft and five naval vessels around the nation

"Among the nine People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, four breached the median line of the Taiwan strait, entering the southwestern and northern corner of Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ), as per the MND."

According to Focus Taiwan, Taiwan dispatched aircraft and naval ships and deployed air defence missile systems to closely monitor the PLA's activities." (ANI)
India and Singapore signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation between the two countries in the sphere of Law and Dispute Resolution on Thursday. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in a virtual meeting of the Minister of State for Law and Justice (Independent Charge), Government of India, Arjun Ram Meghwal for the Indian side and the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law, Government of Singapore, Edwin Tong for the Singapore side. The Memorandum of Understanding is on further cooperation between the two countries in the areas of common interest such as international commercial dispute resolution; matters relating to the promotion of robust alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in respective countries and the establishment of a Joint Consultative Committee to oversee the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding. Arjun Ram Meghwal, in his virtual address, while highlighting the importance of the Memorandum of Understanding stated that "The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding signifies our collective commitment to deepening collaboration in the field of law and dispute resolution, with a focus on sharing best practices, exchanging expertise, and facilitating capacity building initiatives for the stakeholder." "Through this partnership, we are aiming to harness synergies between our legal regimes, leverage our respective strengths and explore innovative approaches to address the evolving needs of our citizens and businesses," Meghwal added. Edwin Tong, the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law, Government of Singapore, while commending the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding stated that "Singapore enjoys excellent, broad-based and multifaceted relations with India. Given our strong economic and commercial ties, it is imperative for us to continually deepen our cooperation in the legal and dispute resolution fields." "This (understanding) will enable us to better support our businesses and those doing business with Singapore and India. We look forward to exchanging our experiences and strengthening our relationships with the India Ministry of Law and Justice, as well as with the various legal and dispute resolution industry players in India," said Edwin Tong. This collaboration therefore marks a key milestone in strengthening cooperation between India and Singapore with a focus on the exchange of best practices in the sphere of law and dispute resolution, which will eventually enable the adoption of efficacious mechanisms for the resolution of disputes through alternate dispute resolution mechanisms. (ANI)
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Bhutan Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, who is on a visit to India, called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence on Thursday, and the two leaders held productive discussions regarding the "unique and special" partnership between New Delhi and Thimphu. PM Modi thanked PM Tobgay and the Bhutan King for inviting him to visit Bhutan next week. "Glad to meet my friend and PM of Bhutan @tsheringtobgay on his first overseas visit in this term. Had productive discussions encompassing various aspects of our unique and special partnership. I convey heartfelt thanks to His Majesty the King of Bhutan and @PMBhutan for inviting me to visit Bhutan next week," PM Modi posted on X. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1768289000765132923?s=20 Tobgay is on a five-day official visit to India. This is his first overseas visit after assuming office. He was received at the airport by Union Minister of State for Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Ashwini Choubey on Thursday. He is also expected to meet President Droupadi Murmu and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that his visit is a testament to the ties of friendship between the two countries. The Bhutan PM is accompanied by the Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister, Energy and Natural Resources Minister, Industry, Commerce and Employment Minister, and senior officials from the Royal Government of Bhutan. India and Bhutan enjoy exemplary ties of friendship and cooperation, based on trust, goodwill and mutual understanding at all levels. The visit of the Prime Minister of Bhutan will provide an opportunity for the two sides to review the progress in their unique partnership and to discuss ways and means to expand the enduring ties of friendship and cooperation between both nations, the MEA earlier stated. The tradition of regular political and official exchanges is an important hallmark of the special ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Prime Minister Modi visited Bhutan on his first overseas visit after winning the election in 2014. He undertook a State visit to Bhutan in August 2019, after assuming office for the second term. The King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck visited in September 2022 and met with PM Modi and EAM Jaishankar. In April 2023, the King of Bhutan visited India. A Joint Statement titled "A Framework for Expanded India-Bhutan Partnership" was issued, which reaffirmed the strength of the unique ties while outlining concrete areas to advance the India-Bhutan partnership. In November 2023, the King again visited India to hold discussions. The King of Bhutan also made his first official visit to the states of Assam and Maharashtra to expand ties of friendship and cooperation. (ANI)
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas appointed economist and former senior government official, Mohammad Mustafa, as the new Prime Minister, his office said, according to a report in The Times of Israel. The decision is seen as part of an effort by Mahmoud Abbas to reform Palestine, creating a technocratic government in the West Bank that will be better prepared to govern Gaza as well after the conflict between Israel and Hamas ends, the report noted. Mohammad Mustafa (69) will have several weeks to appoint his cabinet. During the process, outgoing Palestinian PM Mohammed Shtayyeh will remain at the helm, The Times of Israel reported, citing a Palestinian official, a senior European diplomat and a US official. In recent weeks, Mustafa has been holding discussions with prospective cabinet members and members are expected to be technocrats unaffiliated with Abbas's Fatah party. Mustafa holds a doctorate in economics from George Washington University and has worked at the World Bank for 15 years. He is a longtime confidant of Mahmoud Abbas and has served as Palestine's Deputy Prime Minister, Economy Minister and Abbas's economic adviser, The Times of Israel reported. He has been part of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation since 2022 and has worked as Palestine Investment Fund's chairman since 2005. Earlier, in February, outgoing PM Mohammad Shtayyeh announced his resignation. "I would like to inform the honourable council and our great people that I placed the government's resignation at the disposal of Mr President [Mahmoud Abbas], last Tuesday, and today I submit it in writing," Shtayyeh said in a post on Facebook, according to CNN. (ANI)
Seer Swami Brahmaviharidas met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence on Thursday, thanking him for overseeing the BAPS Hindu Temple project from its inception to completion in Abu Dhabi. "On behalf of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the entire BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, and the community at large of the UAE, Swami Brahmaviharidas met Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at his residence at 11 AM," BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha informed through an official statement. Swami Brahmaviharidas gave a brief report of the temple after its inauguration while expressing his gratitude to PM Modi and presenting him with a garland that had been specially blessed by Mahant Swami Maharaj, accompanied by special prayers for the former's health and well-being, and, for him to lead India for many more years to come, according to the statement. "While expressing gratitude to the Rulers of the UAE for their largeheartedness and support, the Prime Minister appreciated the swamis and volunteers of the BAPS Sanstha for their time, selfless service, and immense dedication put behind the creation of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi. He stated: 'Our culture, our country, and humanity shall remain thankful for the harmony the BAPS Hindu Mandir is spreading'," BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha added in its statement. Further, according to the statement, the BAPS Hindu Temple has received overwhelming warmth from the UAE community and visitors from around the world, welcoming 65,000 visitors on its first public Sunday. The temple has been consistently attracting thousands of people daily, who patiently line up in an orderly manner to offer prayers. The temple has been the venue for celebrating festivals, such as Maha Shivaratri, with plans to continue embracing such vibrant festivals, rituals, and traditions, according to the statement. On March 1, the BAPS Hindu temple, which was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi during his visit to Abu Dhabi, opened to devotees across the world. PM Modi opened the grand Hindu temple, the first in Abu Dhabi, on February 14. UAE's Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, was also present at the inauguration event. The first traditional Hindu temple in the UAE sits on 27 acres of land that was generously gifted by the leadership in the Emirates. Standing tall at 108 feet, the BAPS Hindu Mandir is not only a symbol of spiritual devotion but also a marvel of engineering and craftsmanship. As the temple opened for the general public, a newlywed couple shared their happiness to be there on the first day of their wedding. "It is a very good opportunity for us to come here and take the blessings of God. It is so peaceful out here," the couple said. Complimenting the exquisite architectural work at the temple, the couple added, "The architecture is simply incredible. This place is beautiful and we are really happy to be here on the first day of our marriage." Situated in the Abu Mureikhah area, this majestic structure embodies the spirit of cultural peace and collaboration and is a testament to the enduring friendship between India and the UAE. (ANI)
A roadside memorial at the site of Friday's crash that killed nine people in Clark County.

Nine people were killed and one injured in a crash on March 8 in Clark County in west central Wisconsin.

The crash ties for the second-deadliest crash in Wisconsin history, as nine people also died in a crash in 1937 in Manitowoc, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

In addition to the following list, there have been nine crashes in Wisconsin with five fatalities, according to WisDOT. Here are the top deadliest vehicle crashes in Wisconsin history:

Oct. 11, 2002 (Sheboygan County): 10 people killed

The deadliest crash in Wisconsin history occurred in 2002 on Interstate 43 in Sheboygan County, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Ten people died in a 45-vehicle pileup on a foggy day.

May 30, 1937 (Manitowoc County): 9 people killed

Nine people were killed in a crash in Manitowoc County in 1937. A family was headed to Door County for a Memorial Day vacation when their car collided with another car carrying three men. A young child was the lone survivor of the crash, according to Wisconsin Watch.

March 8, 2024 (Clark County): 9 people killed

Seven of the victims of a crash in Hatfield were members of an Amish community in Virginia and were visiting family in Wisconsin. Only a 2-year-old boy survived the horrific crash. He was pulled from the crash by witness Nathaniel Jahn.

Nine people were killed and one other person was injured on March 8, 2024 in a crash involving a semi-truck and a passenger van in Clark County, according to the Clark County Sheriff's Office. Seven victims of the crash were members of the Amish community in Virginia and were visiting family in Wisconsin. Only a 2-year-old boy survived the crash, and was pulled from the crash by witness Nathaniel Jahn.

The semitrailer truck driver involved in the crash was identified as Daniel Liddicoat, who died at the scene of the crash after being ejected from the semi, the sheriff's office said.

July 27, 1940 (Richland County): 8 people killed

On July 27, 1940, eight people were killed in a crash attributed to foggy conditions, according to Richland County.

Feb. 12, 1997 (Washington County): 8 people killed

Nine men traveling in a rented van to an annual one-day ice-fishing trip collided with a semi-truck on Highway 21 near Slinger. Seven men were killed the day of the accident, while an eighth man died over a week later, according to Wisconsin Watch.

July 2, 1960 (Sauk County): 7 people killed

A horse trailer broke loose from a car on Wisconsin 23 north of Spring Green and hit another car, killing seven people, according to Wisconsin Watch. Richard Meister and his six children, of Beloit, died in the crash, and his wife Loraine survived the crash.

Aug. 9, 1980 (Dodge County): 7 people killed

Two cars collided on Highway 6 in Dodge County about 3 miles northwest of Beaver Dam, killing seven people, according to Wisconsin Watch.

March 25, 1999 (Rock County): 7 people killed

Phil Ellenbecker weeps while addressing the court during a sentencing hearing of Jeremy Holmes, the driver in a fatal van crash in March that killed seven people. Ellenbecker's daughter, Malinda Turvey, was one of the crash victims.

A van carrying 14 young people selling magazine subscriptions door to door overturned on Interstate 90 near Janesville, killing seven passengers and injuring the others. The driver, Jeremy Holmes, tried to change places with a front-seat passenger as the van drove at 81 miles an hour.

Nov. 8, 1994 (Milwaukee County): 6 people killed

On Nov. 8, 1994, Scott and Janet Willis and their six youngest children were driving through Milwaukee. Ricardo Guzman, who had paid a bribe to obtain a commercial driver's license in Illinois, did not realize that a 30-pound bracket holding the truck's mudflap in place had broken loose. The Willis' minivan ran over the bracket and exploded in flames, killing the six children.

March 26, 2002 (Jefferson County): 6 people killed

A retirement home bus carrying more than 20 people crashed with a van on state Highway 16, 30 miles west of Milwaukee, according to previous media reports. Five people, including both drivers, died the day of the crash and 19 were injured. The sixth person died later at the hospital and the seventh over two months later. The eighth person died in September 2002 from injuries sustained in the accident, according to Wisconsin Watch.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What are the deadliest car crashes in Wisconsin history?
Wednesday marked four years since Breonna Taylor was shot and killed by police in Louisville, Kentucky during a botched raid at her apartment complex, and in that time, her family is still fighting for justice.

That could come as the Justice Department prepares a third trial for Brett Hankison, who is facing federal civil rights violations, the Washington Post reported earlier this week.

Taylors death came three weeks after Ahmaud Arbery was killed by two white men while running in a Brunswick, Georgia neighborhood and two months before George Floyd was killed after a white former Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for more than 9 minutes. Both Arbery and Floyds killings resulted in convictions.

The only conviction in the case Taylors family has seen is that of Kelly Goodlett, a former detective who pleaded guilty to federal charges of falsifying the search warrant that allowed officers to enter Taylors home, the Post reported. Two others are awaiting trial and Goodlett hasnt been sentenced.

While Taylors family won a $12 million settlement in the a wrongful death lawsuit filed against the city of Louisville, it should not be considered the sole form justice for a woman wrongly killed in her home. Justice shouldnt stop there for a woman who is enshrined in the slogan, Say Her Name at the height of racial justice protests in 2020.

INSIDE THE 305:

Mountains, a Miami-made feature film about gentrification in Little Haiti, was honored at the Film Independent Spirit Awards in February. From left to right, the films producer Robert Colom, lead actor Atibon Nazaire and director Monica Sorelle at the event.

Miami-made film about gentrification in Little Haiti is making a splash at festivals

Filmmaker Monica Sorelles latest project, Mountains, focuses on gentrification in Miamis Little Haiti neighborhood. Co-written with Robert Colom, the film was birthed after they saw homes being demolished daily in the Wynwood neighborhood. The film has been awarded in major film festivals and Sorelle was recognized at the Film Independent Spirit Awards, winning the Someone To Watch Award along with a $25,000 grant.

Healing and Justice Center Medical Director Dr. Armen Henderson speaks to the media during a press conference across the street from the scene of a shooting at NW 58th St and NW 7th Court, in Liberty City, Florida, on Thursday, March 14, 2024. City of Miami police officers shot Donald Armstrong last week more than five times while responding to an emergency call during a mental health crisis.

Miami activists denounce police for shooting Black man having mental health crisis

The multiple organizations that make up the Healing and Justice Center came together Thursday morning to denounce a Miami police shooting that left a Black man in critical condition.

Miami police shot Donald Armstrong multiple times last Thursday in Liberty City after his mother called 911 to help her son who was in the midst of a mental health crisis. Members of the Healing and Justice Center (HJC), a collective made up of the Circle of Brotherhood, Dade County Street Response, Dream Defenders and Touching Miami with Love, contended that Armstrong not only shouldnt have been shot but that their Freedom House Mobile Crisis Unit wouldve better handled the situation.

OUTSIDE THE 305:

Volunteers maintain a memorial to Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Ky., on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, a day after the grand jury indictment of one former police officer on charges of wanton endangerment in the police shooting death of Taylor in March. No officer was charged with killing Taylor.

Former Louisville officer faces third trial in Breonna Taylor slaying

Two years after Louisville police fatally shot Breonna Taylor, her mother made a surprise visit to Justice Department headquarters in Washington to implore federal authorities to hold one or more officers criminally liable for the killing. Former officer Brett Hankison had been acquitted of state charges of reckless behavior related to Taylors death. With a petition signed by 18,000 people, Tamika Palmer that day in 2022 asked senior Justice officials whether there was anything more they could do.

HIGH CULTURE:

Artist Jessie Coleman, Jr. reads inside the D.A. Dorsey House in Overtown where the presentation of the exhibition On the Ban Wagon: The Power of the Pen, which delves into a pivotal chapter of history through the lens of banned books that is currently on display on Monday, March 11, 2024, in Miami, Florida. .

Keep the kids reading. New Overtown exhibition combines Black history, banned books

Imagine Americas response after David Walker published An Appeal to the Coloured Citizens of the World in 1829. A Black man, writing a book, trying to unite a race of enslaved people. An uproar ensued and the book became considered contraband, even more so due to the mention of the Haitian Revolution of 1804. Walkers Appeal helped inspire On the Ban Wagon: The Power of the Pen, an art installation currently on display at the D.A. Dorsey House in Overtown through Dec. 20, 2024.

Where does The 44 Percent name come from? Click here to find out how Miami history influenced the newsletters title.
At the Aurora City Council meeting on Tuesday, Mayor Richard Irivn honored four local educators, all from Indian Prairie School District 204, who recently won statewide and countywide awards.

The four educators  Rachael Mahmood of Georgetown Elementary School, Mark Duker of Waubonsie Valley High School, Erin Rodriguez of Young Elementary School and Al Davenport of Granger Middle School  received a Mayors Award for Excellence and the citys first ever Crystal Golden Apple Award in addition to the other awards they won.

Our employees do outstanding jobs day in and day out, and Im very happy that the city is honoring these four outstanding educators, District 204 Superintendent Adrian Talley said at the meeting. They are, day in and day out, in front of our children, serving them, serving our community and serving Aurora and Naperville.

Mahmood, a fifth-grade teacher at Georgetown Elementary, was named the 2024 Far West Suburbs Teacher of the Year by the Illinois State Board of Education, which puts her in the running to be the boards statewide Teacher of the Year.

According to a presentation by Clayton Muhammad, Auroras chief communications and equity officer, Mahmood inspires students to change their academic self-image and creates an environment of love, support, engagement and fun.

She also works throughout the district and state to help develop curriculums, and she focuses on affirming students identities through her curriculums, Muhammad said.

In a speech at Tuesdays meeting, Mahmood said she was drawn to Indian Prairie School District 204 because of how it values diversity and equity.

Duker, a fine arts teacher at Waubonsie Valley, was named the 2024 Teacher of the Year by the Illinois PTA. Muhammad said Duker fills the schools hallways with music, theater and art, and ensures that students learn more than just the core subjects of math and English.

He also oversees a number of the schools art-related events, including the Prism concert, marching band and the fine arts festival, Muhammad said.

In his speech, Duker said that the award is more about the community at Waubonsie Valley High School than it is about his individual performance as a teacher.

I think you could have inserted many different Waubonsie staff members names into this application, but they put mine in, so here I am, he said. Im just fortunate to teach in the community, and I mean the Waubonsie community and the Aurora community, that really values education and gives us the chance to do things we love to do.

Rodriguez, principal of Young Elementary, was named the 2024 DuPage County Elementary School Principal of the Year. According to Muhammad, she mentors teachers and has made students social and emotional needs a priority.

In everything, she focuses on students and their support and success, Muhammad said.

In her speech, Rodriguez said relationships are the key to her success in the district. Those relationships could be with students, staff or anyone else she meets in a day, but they have all gotten her to where she is today, she said.

Davenport, principal of Granger Middle School, was named the 2024 Illinois Middle School Principal of the Year by the Illinois Principals Association. Like Rodriguez, Davenport is focused on his students and leads by example to encourage his staff to do the same, Muhammad said.

He has an open door policy to students so they can bring him their concerns and celebrations, he can often be found fostering a sense of reading among his students by offering book suggestions or reading to them, and he recently created a new mentorship program for at-risk students, according to Muhammad.

He said that, at the end of the day, Davenport can even be found directing traffic in front of the building.

rsmith@chicagotribune.com
The Biden administration is discussing using Guantanamo Bay to process Haitian migrants if there is a mass exodus to the US amid worsening conditions in the country, according to a US official.

For years, Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, which is located about 200 miles from Haiti, has had a migrant center to hold and process migrants before returning them to Haiti or a third country.

The center  which is separate from where terrorist suspects are held  has been used before. In 2010, for example, the US military prepared the site in anticipation of Haitians fleeing the earthquake-stricken country.

But discussions to expand capacity at the site mark the latest sign of growing concern within the administration about people fleeing Haiti in droves as gangs attack government structures and social order is on the brink of collapse.

Migrants from Haiti would likely attempt to reach Florida by sea in a journey that can be perilous, and the US is weighing plans to take those interdicted at sea and transport them to Guantanamo for processing and potential repatriation.

We are clear-eyed that economic, political, and security instability are key drivers for migrants around the world. We are closely monitoring the situation and the routes frequently used by migrants to reach our borders and at this time, irregular migration flows through the Caribbean remain low, a National Security Council spokesperson told CNN.

A Homeland Security spokesperson said that so far, migration from the Caribbean remains low.

DHS is monitoring the situation in Haiti and coordinating closely with the State Department and international partners. At this time, irregular migration flows through the Caribbean remain low, the spokesperson said.

Those interdicted at sea are subject to immediate repatriation pursuant to our longstanding policy and procedures. The United States returns or repatriates migrants interdicted at sea to The Bahamas, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti, the spokesperson added.

Haitis government has been under a state of emergency since groups attacked the countrys largest prison in Port-au-Prince earlier this month, killing and injuring police and prison staff and allowing some 3,500 inmates to escape.

Gangs now control 80% of Haitis capital, according to United Nations estimates. The chaos has forced tens of thousands to flee their homes, adding to the more than 300,000 already displaced by gang violence.

As the situation deteriorates, the United States deployed a Marine Fleet-Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST) to Haiti to support security at the US embassy in Port-au-Prince after non-essential personnel were evacuated over the weekend.

And earlier this week, the embattled prime minister of Haiti, Ariel Henry, said he will resign, paving the way toward a political transition in Haiti that the US, among others, had pushed for.

But amid the uncertainty in Haiti, Biden administration officials are bracing for a mass migration event at a time when federal resources are already strapped, and key immigration agencies are low on funds.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement, for example, has drafted contingency plans to cut detention capacity and release thousands of migrants unless they get additional funds. They would likely have to provide personnel who have already been diverted to assist along the US southern border.

The Department of Homeland Security has been dusting off mass migration event plans, as theyve done before with Haiti, including in 2022 as the number of Haitians interdicted at sea ticked up.

On Tuesday, Defense Department and military officials told Congress that the department is doing a number of things to ensure were keeping track of a potential mass migration from Haiti.

I think that we need to be postured appropriately for that, exactly what youre talking about. And I have put in a request for increased capability to do exactly that. And we are ready if a mass migration  if we need to deal with a mass migration. We did a full walkthrough of our contingency plan on Gitmo last summer with all of the interagency and all of my components, US Southern Command Commander Gen. Laura Richardson told lawmakers.

Rebecca Zimmerman, the official performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs, said that so far, the administration has not yet seen large numbers, what we would characterize as a maritime mass migration.

Maritime migration presents its own unique challenges and involves US Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, the US Border Patrol and Coast Guard, among others, coordinating to interdict migrants who are often taking the dayslong journey in makeshift vessels.

The agencies work together to identify and interdict migrants so they may be repatriated. If migrants make landfall, theyre brought into Border Patrol custody.

Border authorities in southern Florida are monitoring the situation in Haiti and preparation is underway in the event of an influx of Haitians arriving, according to a US Customs and Border Protection official. In the past, more than 100 people amassed on vessels for the dangerous journey by sea.

Immigration enforcement agencies within the Department of Homeland Security continue to face a budget shortfall in the absence of supplemental funding. Last year, the White House asked Congress for around $14 billion in additional funds to secure the US-Mexico border as part of a broader national security supplemental request.

President Joe Biden has repeatedly implored lawmakers to pass the request but faced challenges in the Republican-controlled House. The request remains stalled in Congress.

CNNs Haley Britzky contributed reporting.

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East Jordan Iron Works has a manufacturing facility and sales office in County Offaly in Ireland. Representatives from the company made this ceremonial plaque to mark the twinning partnership, which is now on display in Boyne City Hall.

BOYNE CITY  Boyne City celebrated its connection with Ireland at the latest city commission meeting on March 12 with a salute from its Irish namesake.

Meath County Counciler Tommy Reilly gave a heartfelt greeting to the people of Boyne City, reminding the community of their unique relationship with Ireland.

"We are wishing all the government and officials and citizens of Boyne City, Michigan a very happy St. Patrick's Day," said Reilly. "And I look forward to extending an official invitation for you all to come and visit us here in the Boyne Valley."

Boyne City was established in 1856 by an Irish couple named John and Harriet Miller who landed near the Boyne River and were struck by how much the landscape reminded them of their home in the Boyne Valley in Ireland, so they decided to name the region after it.

Five years ago, the City of Boyne City created an official twinning partnership with Boyne Valley, Ireland with the hopes of honoring the areas Irish roots.

Meath County Counciler Tommy Reilly gave a heartfelt greeting to the people of Boyne City on March 12, reminding the community of their unique relationship with Ireland.

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More: 'Twinning' of the Boynes

The idea for a sister city/twinning relationship between the two Boyne Valleys first came to hospitality and tourism consultant Gerry Meade in 2017 after he met two tourists from Michigan who explained that they had a Boyne Valley of their own.

After five years of partnership, the regions are still hoping to establish economic connections outside of tourism by encouraging businesses to sell local products to the other region and possibly opening locations in each region, like an Irish pub in Boyne City.

Connections beyond heritage already exist with the East Jordan Foundry, or EJ, a global iron works company with its American headquarters in East Jordan, Michigan. The company has a manufacturing facility and sales office in County Offaly in Ireland.

More: Boyne area exploring roots through twinning partnership with Boyne Valley, Ireland

The Irish Boyne Valley Twinning Committee pose with Irish and American flags outside of the Trim Castle in County Meath. Pictured (top, from left) are Mick Huges, Gerry Meade, (bottom, from left) Micheal Kerr and David Gorey.

Representatives from the company attended the first ceremony in Ireland in 2018 and made a ceremonial plaque to mark the occasion, which is now on display in Boyne City City Hall.

Its been about five years since we started this relationship with our origin community in the Boyne Valley of Ireland," said Boyne City City Manager Michael Cain. "This builds on our history and helps us to know where our roots are from. It is important to know our local communitys history and the people that came from Ireland and named if after what they saw as something familiar back home.

Students in Trim, Ireland, visit via Zoom with students from Boyne City High School.

Cain said Boyne City Public Schools has also incorporated information about the communitys Irish heritage into the curriculum.

Boyne City Commissioner Marty Moody said he fondly remembers learning about the areas Irish ancestry when he was in school.

It was always fun to learn about," he said. I think its a great link to our roots."

Commissioner Tim Nemecek said he understood the heritage was a key part of the foundation of the city and that he hopes to explore the possibilities of the partnership.

 Contact reporter Annie Doyle at (231) 675-0099 or adoyle@charlevoixcourier.com.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Boyne City celebrates Irish connection with heartfelt tribute from namesake county
Multiple rounds of thunderstorms are likely today, some of which could be strong to severe later this afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service says the primary hazards are large hail and damaging wind gusts, though a brief tornado is also possible.

CANTON  Multiple rounds of thunderstorms are likely today. Some could be strong to severe later this afternoon and evening between 6 and 11 p.m.

The National Weather Service says the primary potential hazards are large hail, greater than an inch in diameter, and damaging wind gusts. A brief tornado is also possible.

The hazardous weather outlook stretches across northern Ohio. Residents are advised to have multiple ways to receive warnings of severe weather.

Hazardous weather is not expected Friday through Wednesday. Snow is possible next week.

Today's high temperature is expected to be near 73 degrees. There will be a south wind of 5 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts are forecast to be between a tenth and quarter of an inch, with more possible in thunderstorms.

Today's nighttime low will be around 51 degrees, and the chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch are possible.

Eclipse countdown: Don't be in the dark about the total eclipse. Here's what you need to know

Here's the weather service forecast through Wednesday:

Friday : A chance of showers, mainly before noon. Cloudy, with a high near 53. North wind around 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. At night, mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 35. North wind 8 to 10 mph.

Saturday : Sunny, with a high near 57. Southwest wind 8 to 14 mph. At night, showers are likely, mainly before 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Sunday : A chance of showers before 8 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 47. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Night skies will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 29.

Monday : A chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 37. Chance of precipitation is 40%. At night, it will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Tuesday : Partly sunny with a high near 40. At night, mostly cloudy with a low around 26.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 47.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton weather may include large hail, damaging wind, tornado
[Source]

A cat that made a daring escape after falling into a vat of hazardous chemicals at a factory in Japan over the weekend has prompted city officials to issue a public health warning.

What happened: The incident occurred at the Nomura Mekki Fukuyama factory in Fukuyama, a city in Hiroshima Prefecture, on Monday. An employee who arrived for work that day promptly reported the incident after noticing footprints on the pavement left by the feline.

Their investigation: CCTV footage from Sunday night shows the cat escaping the factory. Following the footprints it left behind, employees discovered that the feline had fallen into a vat of hexavalent chromium, a carcinogenic substance that can cause rashes and inflammation if touched or inhaled. Akihiro Kobayashi, the factorys manager, noted the sheet covering the vat was partially torn when the employee inspected it.

The aftermath: Fukuyama City officials immediately sent out a health warning to its residents, advising them not to go near or touch a cat that seems abnormal. The company has also reportedly been on the lookout for the cat since the incident and had not made any sightings of the feline as of Tuesday.

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The incident woke us up to the need to take measures to prevent small animals like cats from sneaking in, which is something we had never anticipated before, a company spokesperson told AFP.

The cats condition: While it remains unclear what the cats condition is after falling into the vat of hexavalent chromium, also known as chromium 6, experts believe that the feline may not survive long.

Even if the fur would protect the skin from immediately getting large burns, cats clean their fur by licking it, moving the corrosive solution into the mouth, Linda Schenk, a researcher who specializes in chemical risk assessment at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, told CNN.

Trending on NextShark: Watch: Robot dog plays with real dog in India

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The CEO of Palantir said the company has lost employees due to its support of Israel.

The American data analytics company provides artificial intelligence models to Israel's military.

In January, Palantir held its first board meeting of the year in Tel Aviv.

Palantir CEO Alexander Karp said the company has lost employees due to its public support for Israel.

"We've lost employees. I'm sure we'll lose employees," Karp said in an interview with CNBC's " Money Movers " on Wednesday. "If you have a position that does not cost you ever to lose an employee, it's not a position."

The American data analysis company provides militaries, including those of Israel and Ukraine, with artificial intelligence models. In January, the company held its first board meeting of the year in Tel Aviv. It later said it had agreed to a partnership with the Israeli Ministry of Defense to supply technology to help the country's war effort.

"This is not a small issue. From my perspective it's not just about Israel," Karp told CNBC on Wednesday. "Do you believe in the West? Do you believe that the West has created a superior way of living. Are you willing to admit you believe that?"

Palantir has publicly and repeatedly announced its support of Israel on social media and in interviews since Hamas launched a series of terrorist attacks on Israel on October 7, killing more than 1,400 people. In response to the attacks, Israel launched a full-scale attack on Gaza. More than 75% of Gaza's population has since been internally displaced. At least 31,341 people have since been killed in Gaza, Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry said on Thursday.

The CEOs of major US-based companies including Apple, Google, Microsoft, and BlackRock all condemned Hamas in the immediate aftermath of its attack on Israel. Few leaders of major US-based businesses have continued to express support for Israel as clearly as Karp has.

Last week, a Google employee who publicly protested a talk by the head of Google Israel lost his job because of "violating" Google's policies, the tech giant said in a statement to The Verge. Over 600 Google employees signed a letter asking the tech giant to cut ties with the same conference that promotes Israeli tech companies, Wired reported in early March.

Palantir did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider sent outside regular business hours.

Disclosure: Palantir Technologies CEO Alexander Karp is a member of Axel Springer's shareholder committee. Axel Springer owns Insider Inc, Business Insider's parent company.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A judge has ruled in favor of the city of Fresno in a lawsuit challenging the Fresno City Councils vote last year to rename portions of several major streets as Cesar Chavez Boulevard.

In a tentative ruling Wednesday, Fresno County Superior Court Judge Jon Skiles also denied a motion by residents and business owners seeking a preliminary injunction barring the city from moving forward with changing the street names spanning south Fresno.

The name change to honor the late farm-labor leader was approved by the City Council in March 2023 on a 6-1 vote. It covers a 10-mile stretch of California Avenue in southwest Fresno, Ventura Street in downtown and Kings Canyon Road in southeast Fresno.

The vote to rename the roads fueled an intense debate between supporters and opponents of the change and later sparked a lawsuit by 1 Community Compact, an informal coalition of business owners and residents along the streets who opposed the change based on the historic cultural nature of the street names as well as the level of inconvenience and cost they would encounter in changing their addresses on letterhead and legal and other documents.

Skiles ruled that the opponents failed to clearly lay out specific facts to support their assertions that the City Council abused its power, denied them due process, and violated their rights under the First and 14th amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

A law is presumed to be a valid exercise of police power, and the party challenging the law has the burden of establishing it does not reasonably relate to a legitimate government concern, Skiles wrote in his tentative ruling, citing previous appellate court rulings.

Though (the city) argues that it had inherent authority to change the street name, (it) does not address whether the exercise of that preemptively valid exercise of power was reasonably related to a legitimate government concern, he added. Neither does the (lawsuit) allege any facts to support a conclusion that the (citys) exercise of police power was manifestly unreasonable, arbitrary or capricious.

Skiles did, however, leave the door open for opponents of the name change to amend their lawsuit. At a hearing late Thursday afternoon in which Skiles finalized the ruling, the judge allowed attorney Brian Leighton, the lawyer representing 1 Community Compact, until April 19 to refile an amended lawsuit.

Leighton said after the hearing that he will file an amended complaint and is also contemplating an appeal to the states 5th District Court of Appeal. Maybe the 5th District Court of Appeal will be very excited about the city changing their street name on Ventura Street.

I hope the city decides they dont want to proceed while this is up in the air, Leighton said. If this court or the court of appeal agrees with me  theyre going to have to change the names back. Its going to cost the city a lot more money.

The problem is, the city didnt give us a chance to weigh anything, he added, noting that in February 2022 the City Council adopted a resolution calling for public outreach and a committee to consider the name change, but opted in March 2023 to supersede that earlier vote  a move he described in court as arbitrary and capricious to change the names of what he said were historic street names, without allowing for deliberation in the public.

They said, Screw you people. We dont want to hear from you, Leighton said. They knew that overwhelmingly the people on those streets and associated with those streets were going to say no.

Fresno to pursue reimbursement, councilmember says

Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias, one of three council members who sponsored the name change, celebrated Skiles tentative ruling.

We knew from the very beginning that this frivolous lawsuit, based on anti-Latino and anti-farmworker sentiment, was without legal merit, Arias said.

He added that City Attorney Andrew Janz would be pursuing reimbursement from the opponents for the cost of the citys legal fees and expenses to defend against the lawsuit.

But Leighton said he believes it is ludicrous for Arias to suggest that the only reason were objecting is because we dont like brown people.

The citys Public Works Department did not respond to a question from The Bee on when the city would begin changing road signs to reflect the Cesar Chavez name. Arias said installations are expected to begin within the upcoming months.

Cesar Chavez is featured on one of the murals at Edison High School. Photographed Wednesday, July 12, 2023 in Fresno.

222 street signs to be changed in Fresno

The judge had previously denied an earlier motion to speed up the hearing date for a preliminary injunction against changing the street signs along the roads. In that Feb. 7 ruling, Skiles rejected an argument that allowing the city to begin changing street signs along the route before a hearing on the injunction would result in irreparable injury.

At its Feb. 1 meeting, the Fresno City Council awarded a $142,000 contract to Kroeker Inc. to change more than 200 street signs along the roads from Marks Avenue on the west to Peach Avenue on the east. The contract calls for removing existing street name signs along California Avenue, Ventura Street and Kings Canyon Road within the Fresno city limits. In their place, new street name signs would be installed.

A short portion of California Avenue between Hughes and West avenues, which falls outside the Fresno city limits in Fresno Countys jurisdiction, would remain unchanged. The Fresno County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously in April 2023 to oppose the citys action and reject the name change within the countys jurisdiction.

A total of 222 street signs are to be changed, not only providing new signs for Cesar Chavez Boulevard but also replacing older signs for side streets along the route.

A stretch of Kings Canyon Road in southeast Fresno is part of a project approved by the Fresno City Council in March 2023 to rename a 10.2-mile stretch of major streets to Cesar Chavez Boulevard to honor the late labor leader.
The Charlotte area added some 135,000 people from 2020 to 2023, with the regions least populated counties seeing the biggest growth, newly released census estimates show.

As of last year, 2.8 million people call the region home. And when looking at the metro regions growth from 2022 to last year, the addition of 50,458 people was sixth most out of any metro area in the country, census estimates show.

Lancaster County, in South Carolina, grew by 12%, according to a Charlotte Observer analysis of the data released Thursday morning. Lincoln County, northwest of Charlotte, grew by 9.7%  the sixth highest rate among North Carolinas 100 counties.

Coastal Brunswick County in the Wilmington area led the state with a 15.8% increase in its population rate.

Mecklenburg County, now home to 1.16 million people, added 46,300 residents since 2020  thats a 4.1% increase.

Mecklenburg County, the states second-largest county, had some 1.16 million people in 2023, according to newly released census estimates.

Only one county in the area, Catawba County, did not keep pace with the state, whose population increased 3.7% from July 2020 to July 2023. North Carolina, with a population of 10.8 million, added 382,000 residents during that time.

More details from census county, metro area estimates

According to the census data:

 The nine-county Charlotte metro area was home to 2.8 million people last year, up 5.1% from three years earlier.

 The MSA grew by 5% from 2020 to 2023. Only three larger MSAs grew at a faster rate  Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Dallas-Plano-Irving and Oralndo-Kissimmee-Sanford.

 The Charlotte area added about 135,000 between 2020 and last year.

 The regions 1.84% growth rate between 2022 and last year topped its growth rate from 2020 to 2021 and from 2021 to 2022, which were 1.4% and 1.8%, respectively.

The nine-county Charlotte area added some 135,000 people from 2020 to 2023. The region is home to some 2.8 million people.

 Wake County remains the states largest county, with 1.19 million people. It added 59,700 people from 2020 to 2023, a 5.3% growth, which also surpassed Mecklenburgs growth rate.

 Nearly one in five North Carolina counties lost population. Several of those are in the states northeast corner, between Interstate 85 and the ocean.
A look from the second level down to the common area at one of the newly refurbished wings inside Unit One at the Chatham County Detention Center.

On Wednesday, a former contract worker employed by the Chatham County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) was arrested and charged with smuggling drugs into the Chatham County Detention Center (CCDC). Sheriff John Wilcher announced Wednesday in a press release that he terminated and arrested the former Summit Food contract employee, Indonesia Bell, following "a shakedown in the kitchen on March 11, 2024."

The CCSO's Criminal Investigation Division (CID) established the possibility of drugs entering the facility. Bell was interviewed and admitted to accepting payments from detainees family members and associates.

As the Sheriff of Chatham County, I want to clarify that there hasn't been a noticeable increase in drugs entering our facility," Wilcher said, according to the press release. "What we are witnessing, however, is a testament to the investigative skill and dedication of our Criminal Investigation Division.

The arrest of Bell is at least the fifth arrest of a former CCSO corrections officer or contract worker hired at the CCSO within the past two years.

On March 5, a former CCSO corrections officer, Megan Barbee, was arrested and charged with smuggling drugs. In February 2023, a nurse practitioner was arrested after being caught stealing medication from an inmate. Also in February 2023, a corrections officer smuggled drugs into the jail using a Styrofoam cup filled with ice. That corrections officer, Georgette Bennett, was alleged to have smuggled drugs at her previous job at Rogers State Prison in Reidsville, Georgia. In May 2023, a jail contract worker for Oasis, the private company that manages the detention centers commissary, was paid $1,500 to bring in sheets of paper laced with drugs.

In September 2023, two inmate deaths were attributed to drug overdoses, according to CCDC officials. In 2021, the sheriff's office moved to an electronic mail system because of the prevalance of fentanyl-laced mail.

This is an ongoing investigation, and more charges and arrests are likely to follow, according to the press release.

"We just don't want to catch the employee," Chief Deputy Gary Taylor said in a phone call. "We want to catch the person outside the facility. So, that aspect of the case has been turned over to [the Counter Narcotics Team]."

Drew Favakeh is the public safety and courts reporter for Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at AFavakeh@Gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Chatham County GA jail contract worker arrested for drug smuggling
The sign in front of the Gov. Kristi Noem's office on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024 at South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre.

On a warm, mid-August afternoon in 2018, a group of newspaper publishers and editors gathered at the meeting room of the South Dakota Newspaper Association in Brookings. They were there to question U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem, the Republican candidate for governor, about her thoughts on First Amendment and open government issues.

The journalists in the room came from two groups. There were members of the SDNA board of directors, newspaper publishers on the board for their acumen in the business of journalism. The other group was members of SDNAs First Amendment Committee, charged, among other things, with tracking legislation that has implications for the publics right to know.

Dana Hess

Meetings like this, known as editorial boards, were common at some newspapers. The publications leadership would meet with a candidate to ask questions about statewide issues and those of local concern. The questions from the SDNA group would take a narrower focus, seeking Noems opinions about the states spineless open meetings law, the lengthy list of records not open to public review, the prospect of opening state emails as public records and opening access to body cam video and crime reports.

There were no rookies in the journalism group. They came from all over the state but their common denominator was experience dealing with candidates, elected officials and major advertisers. They thought they had heard it all. Then Noem surprised them.

Early in the conversation that day, Noem announced that one of the first bills she would sponsor was a reporter shield law. Reporter shield laws allow that journalists dont have to reveal their sources, turn over their notes or be compelled to testify.

Noem said the law was needed to ensure that investigative reporters can do their jobs without fear of consequences or legal action. Such a law would add accountability to state government, she said, and allow that you all are able to do your jobs to the best of your ability.

Its not too great a stretch to say that the journalists in the room were stunned by Noems statement. They welcomed the news, but the prospect of getting a reporter shield law in South Dakota wasnt even on their list of questions that day. They would rather that the candidate promise to convene a task force to study open records or the open meetings law.

The reporter shield law was part of what Noem called her Sunshine Initiative for government openness. As luck would have it, March 10 through March 16 is Sunshine Week, a time set aside in this country each year to look at the importance of shining a light on the workings of government.

Noem is in her second term. After a fast start with the reporter shield law, which she signed into law in 2019, her Sunshine Initiative has faded. When it comes to government openness her administration has been, at best, mostly cloudy.

This space has been used at length and often to chronicle how the Noem administration has been less than open, less than willing to let the sun shine in:

As per Noems directive, reporters arent allowed to talk directly to government sources but must instead submit questions to the departments public information officer who may, or may not, decide to provide answers.

The governor has largely given up on the weekly news conferences traditionally held during the legislative session.

During her one, hastily called, legislative press conference this year, she admitted that the cost of deploying National Guard troops to monitor the Texas border was being paid for by South Dakota taxpayers.

The Freedom Works Here workforce development commercials starring Noem came under legislative fire for the way that the winning bidder was selected and how that bidder came into possession of ideas submitted in Lawrence and Schillers bid.

Security has been invoked as the reason for not divulging how much it costs to protect the much-traveled governor.

She refused to release transcripts of the calls to the whistleblower hotline set up to collect complaints about the states institutions of higher learning.

Government openness is dependent on our leaders recognizing its importance and acting in a way that sheds light on the bureaucracy. Despite running for office with a Sunshine Initiative, Noem has worked tirelessly to ensure that the workings of her administration be encased in darkness.

Public invited to government transparency Zoom event

Open government laws in South Dakota and nationwide will be the topic of a Zoom presentation at 10 a.m. Central time on Thursday, March 14. The presentation is open to the public and sponsored by the South Dakota NewsMedia Association, which represents newspapers and online newsrooms.

David Cuillier, director of the Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project and co-director of the Brechner Center for Advancement of the First Amendment at the University of Florida, will make the presentation.

Cuillier previously served as national president of the Society of Professional Journalists and as president of the National Freedom of Information Coalition.

He currently serves on the Federal FOIA Advisory Committee under the National Archives and Records Administration and has testified before Congress three times about the Freedom of Information Act.

Preregister for the Zoom event at sdna.com.

Dana Hess spent more than 25 years in South Dakota journalism, editing newspapers in Redfield, Milbank and Pierre. He's retired and lives in Brookings, working occasionally as a freelance writer.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: After sunny start, Noem turns mostly cloudy on open government
Minnesota's largest state agency monitors day care centers. It oversees the Medical Assistance program and provides cash assistance and benefits. It runs mental health hospitals and specialty dental clinics.

The sprawling Department of Human Services serves at least a quarter of the state's population. And it's in the middle of a historic overhaul after years of scrutiny.

State leaders decided last year to divide the more than $20 billion department into three entities, saying the change will allow the agencies to be more nimble and better serve Minnesotans. The move followed years of audits showing the DHS failed to provide sufficient financial controls, as well as repeated calls from legislators to break up the mega-agency to improve accountability.

"Creating a new state agency doesn't solve all the problems and fund all the asks tomorrow," said Erin Bailey, co-chair of the steering committee overseeing the creation of a Department of Children, Youth, and Families. But she told lawmakers this week, "We have to look inside the house and think about how we do our work differently if we want to see and experience different results."

The state will establish that agency and have a commissioner in place by July 1, although some programs won't shift to the new agency until 2025, according to a report published this month that provides the latest look at the complex transition.

Next year, Direct Care and Treatment will splinter off from the DHS. That division employs about 4,700 people and is responsible for the state's behavioral health hospitals, substance use treatment facilities and many other programs.

Here's what you need to know about the changes.

What will each of the three agencies do?

Department of Children, Youth and Families: Various state programs will merge under this new department. It will handle licensing for child care providers as well as child safety, foster care and adoption work. The department is taking over juvenile justice and youth intervention programs that the Department of Public Safety administers, and will run some education-related services like early learning scholarships and the Early Childhood Family Education program.

The new agency will also be responsible for a number of cash assistance programs, including some related to housing and hunger.

Direct Care and Treatment: This existing division of the DHS runs a health care system that has roughly 200 sites across the state. Those locations include psychiatric hospitals, inpatient substance abuse treatment centers, a sex offender treatment program, group homes and vocation programs for people with disabilities. The leadership of the program will shift with the transition, but DHS officials said the work of the division will not change dramatically.

Department of Human Services: The slimmed-down version of this agency will still administer a number of programs but much of the agency's focus will be running the state's Medicaid program.

Are my services going to change?

No. Minnesotans don't need to do anything at this point to ensure their services continue and shouldn't expect changes to programs, DHS Chief of Staff Stacy Twite said. The state supervises human service programs but counties and tribes generally administer them, and that won't change, she said.

"We are really trying to aim to make this as seamless as possible for folks," Twite said. "Disruption in services is the last thing we want."

Why split up DHS?

Lawmakers have raised concerns for years about the agency's ability to adequately oversee and manage its multitude of programs.

When Gov. Tim Walz pitched his plan to split up the agency last year, he said the current structure, with the DHS overseeing everything from day cares to treatment for sex offenders, "makes no sense."

State leaders hope the new structure of the Department of Children, Youth and Families will reduce disparities across race, income and ZIP codes. It is supposed to improve access and delivery of services and better promote needed funding and policy changes for kids and families, according to the new transition report.

Conversations about splitting off Direct Care and Treatment into its own agency had been happening for years before state leaders opted last session to make the change. That large division provides specialty direct care to clients, and officials said the change is going to allow it to operate more like a health care system.

A five-person executive board is going to start overseeing Direct Care and Treatment. Board members are supposed to have relevant experience, such as serving on a hospital or nonprofit board, working in health care or coordinating behavioral health care.

Once the DHS has a narrower scope, it will be able to focus on improving core services, like Medicaid, and can invest in minimizing errors, Twite said.

How much will this change cost?

The full cost won't be clear until the transitions wrap up. However, lawmakers devoted $20.3 million in the current two-year budget to create the Department of Children, Youth and Families and $7 million over the following two years for the new agency.

Another $7.8 million was dedicated for the Direct Care and Treatment transition in the current budget and there's $7.5 million in the next two-year budget.

What will happen to the agency's employees?

About 7,100 people work for the Department of Human Services, making it one of Minnesota's larger employers. DHS officials have said they do not intend to lay off workers.

Roughly 4,700 of those employees work in Direct Care and Treatment and that number is not supposed to change much when the department splits off into its own agency. The law creating that new agency states: "No transferred employee shall have their employment status and job classification altered as a result of the transfer."

The Department of Children, Youth and Families, which will pull together employees from the state's human services, education, public safety and health departments, is expected to have around 900 workers.

Approximately 2,100 employees will remain under the Department of Human Services.
A dog-killing parasite that was believed to only exist in Texas and other Gulf Coast states has been discovered as far west as California for the first time, scientists have warned.

Experts at the University of California Riverside found the Heterobilharzia americana parasite, a flatworm commonly known as a liver fluke, in spots along the Colorado River where it runs through Southern California. According to the university, the flatworm has never before been seen outside of Texas and surrounding areas, and other studies have found most infections occur in Texas and Louisiana, though some have occurred in North Carolina, Texas, and Kansas.

Dog owners should be aware of where they take their dogs swimming, experts have warned.

The worm can cause canine schistosomiasis, an illness that impacts the liver and intestines of dogs. While there are treatment options once a dog becomes infected, they are not always successful and such infections can lead to euthanasia.

Dogs can die from this infection, so we are hoping to raise public awareness that its there, said UCR nematology professor Adler Dillman in a press statement. If youre swimming in the Colorado River with them, your pets are in peril.

Shocking migraine discovery: A Florida man kept having migraines. Doctors then discovered tapeworm eggs in his brain.

H. americana flatworm found in California

The flatworm H. americana and the snail that transmits it during one of its life stages

Scientists took to examining the waters in Riverside County after several cases of infection were reported in local dogs. Because the infection is generally transmitted via the presence of snails, the research team collected more than 2,000 along the banks of the Colorado River and examined DNA to identify the presence of the snails and the flatworm.

The team was surprised to find two species of snail that can carry the parasite. Not only was it a surprise to find H. americana, we also did not know that the snails were present here," Dillman said in a statement.

Map of spots along the Colorado river the flatworms were found.

The parasite works by first making its way into the snail's body and traveling through its system. Once transformed, it ventures out to find a mammal host to infect within 24 hours before it is unable to survive further on its own. Dogs and raccoons are specifically susceptible to acquiring one of these worms via fresh water, whether it be from swimming in or drinking it.

A worm can enter into the veins of the intestinal lining, where it will mature, mate and lay eggs. The eggs then get into the lungs, spleen, liver, and heart, causing an autoimmune reaction, according to Dillman. The immune system responds by forming clusters of cells called granulomas, which eventually lead to organ tissue failure.

What canine infections look like

It may take several months before notable and serious symptoms appear following infection.

Life cycle of the H. americana flatworm.

Symptoms tend to occur gradually, Emily Beeler, a veterinarian with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, said in a statement. Loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, profound weight loss, and signs of liver disease are all symptoms associated with the progression of the disease.

"If your dog has these symptoms after swimming in the Colorado River, its a good precaution to ask your veterinarian for a simple fecal test, said Beeler. Treatment typically involves use of multiple medications and close monitoring of the dog by a veterinarian."

The parasite is not capable of causing such infection in humans. However, it has impacted 11 dogs in three California counties and killed one since 2019. With the new discovery, experts are warning dog owners to be vigilant and aware of the waters in which they take their pets to swim. Many freshwater sources such as rivers and swamps are capable of sustaining such parasites, even if humans have yet to identify them in those waters.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Concern after dog-killing flatworm found in California for first time
Update: The Oregon Department of Transportation announced on social media that all lanes of I-84 were back open at 3:16 a.m. on Thursday. Parts of the interstate were closed for more than 12 hours following a semi crash.

Officials in eastern Oregon have closed separate parts of Interstate 84 after a crash Wednesday, causing major delays and detours for travelers trying to go from Idaho past Ontario and heading west.

Both directions of I-84 are closed from Exit 374, located 3 miles west of Ontario, all the way to Exit 304 because of a crash at mile marker 332 that is requiring a cleanup expected to last well into Wednesday night.

Law enforcement also closed the interstates eastbound lanes to commercial traffic between Exit 216, located 7 miles east of Pendleton, and Exit 304, located 2 miles north of Baker City. Only local traffic and deliveries are being allowed through this area.

U.S. 30, Oregon Route 204 and Oregon Route 245 are also closed to non-local traffic in that area and are not viable detour routes for commercial traffic, according to an Oregon Department of Transportation news release.

There was a crash Wednesday morning involving a semitrailer, according to the departments website, and tow trucks were on scene waiting to set up a 200-ton crane that will be used to stabilize the tower section so the truck and trailers can be removed.

The overall combination of the vehicle weight is 251,000 lbs and 170ft long, according to the department.

No update was provided about reopening times, but officials said the crane operation was expected to last about six hours.
Derek LaMontagne argues at a St. Johns River Water Management District board meeting Tuesday against issuance of a permit to the Florida Department of Transportation to construct a new interchange at Interstate 95 and Pioneer Trail.

The St. Johns River Water Management District's decision this week to issue a permit allowing the state to construct a new $120 million interchange at Interstate 95 and Pioneer Trail will likely face more legal hurdles, local environmentalists say, including a possible federal lawsuit.

The granting of an environmental resource permit to the Florida Department of Transportation came in spite of a judge's determination in January that the long-planned, long-controversial project is not in the public interest.

Administrative Law Judge E. Gary Early's ruling followed a five-day hearing in Tallahassee last October. It came as a result of a challenge to the initial approval of a permit a little more than a year ago.

A group of environmentalists that included the Sweetwater Coalition of Volusia County, its founder Derek LaMontagne, Bear Warriors United and area resident Bryon White filed the challenge. They say the project will cause harm to Spruce Creek and surrounding land, much of which is part of the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve.

They're not the only opposition. Property owners  particularly along Turnbull Bay Road to the east of the proposed interchange  have for years posted yard signs opposing the project.

Signs like this have been posted for years along Pioneer Trail and Turnbull Bay Road in the New Smyrna Beach area, as consideration has been given to an I-95 interchange.

However, state officials contend the interchange is needed to enhance safety, address traffic concerns at neighboring I-95 interchanges and provide residents who use Pioneer Trail  a two-lane county road anchoring a growing area where Port Orange meets New Smyrna Beach  with an additional hurricane evacuation route. The project has been made a priority by the River to Sea Transportation Planning Organization, whose board is comprised of county and city officials and has been advanced by the Gov. Ron DeSantis administration with COVID relief funds.

Early, the judge, found that the FDOT plans to address stormwater will reduce phosphorus and other harmful runoff to Spruce Creek and will not impact wetlands, fish and wildlife because of a mitigation plan. However, he also determined that the project isn't in the public interest because it will impact an unnamed canal that connects to Spruce Creek, deemed an Outstanding Florida Water, or a body of water designated by law as worthy of special protections because of its natural attributes.

How the district can overrule the judge

Florida law, though, gives the final say on the permit to the water management district director, which, in this case, was handled by Mary Ellen Winkler, the district's assistant executive director.

Winkler and other district officials scrutinized Early's findings and found a previous case where a judge had ruled that because the 517-mile Sabal Trail natural gas pipeline that runs from Alabama to Orange County, Florida, "clearly demonstrated compliance with all applicable regulatory criteria, the project is clearly in the public interest," she said.

District and FDOT lawyers said the Pioneer Trail interchange plans passed all tests for it to be considered "in the public interest," except for the judge's finding about it being constructed on part of an Outstanding Florida Water.

The ultimate findings were there were no adverse impacts. The agency is not permitted to require extra measures, and in such circumstances, the applicant has provided reasonable assurance of compliance, and therefore the project is clearly in the public interest, Winkler said.

St. Johns River Water Management District Board Chairman Rob Bradley, a former state senator, took issue with Early's finding that the benefits the project will provide, including serving as an additional hurricane evacuation route, are non-environmental factors and should not be weighed in the question of public interest.

I could not disagree more with that statement that was made in this opinion by the judge," Bradley said, "because ... we live in such a vulnerable state where hurricanes are a fact of life, and we are growing just faster than any other state and were having to manage all these people coming in with the impacts that it has on the environment. ... We need to keep people safe, and I really believe its important when considering these public interest tests that not only as agencies but as jurists who review these matters, this cannot stand.

Board member Myriam Ghyabi-White, a Volusia County transportation engineer, did not participate in the discussion, citing a conflict of interest. Her brother, ICI Homes chairman and CEO Mori Hosseini, is developing Woodhaven, a community adjacent to the Pioneer Trail interchange.

Can FDOT prevent runoff from damaging Spruce Creek?

Winkler's presentation noted that the FDOT plan goes above and beyond what's required, a system capable of handling a 25-year, 24-hour storm. She said the system will be equipped to handle a 100-year, 24-hour storm.

LaMontagne, a Port Orange native and petitioner who argued the matter before Early, also made his case to the district board Tuesday.

The state's project designs did not acknowledge the project was going to be built in an Outstanding Florida Water until long after the permit was originally issued in February 2023, he said.

"This whole area is going to be leveled," LaMontagne said. " ... What we really take great exception, and almost offense, to is the fact that they said, Were providing extra stormwater capacity."

Cars traverse Pioneer Trail heading west on a bridge over Interstate 95 Tuesday. The Florida Department of Transportation want to construct a new interchange at that location.

Part of the state's stormwater plan will be "destroying a wetland or forest," he said, questioning the notion that the state is "overdesigning" the stormwater plan.

"We want it underdesigned," LaMontagne said.

Kathleen Toolan, an FDOT attorney, told the board the state has heard the petitioners' concerns and has designed the stormwater system to handle more water than is required by law, and will treat runoff prior to it reaching the canal and creek.

The project does in fact discharge to an Outstanding Florida Water, and we have ... 150% increased treatment, which is required for OFWs," she said.

Petitioners reject state's settlement overture

When Winkler announced the district's decision to grant FDOT the permit, she also explained that she wanted to give the board an opportunity to weigh in, should it object.

Bradley asked board members if anyone wanted to make a motion, and no one did. So the district staff's ruling stands.

At one point, Bradley said he wanted district and FDOT lawyers to discuss a potential settlement with those objecting to the permit.

Katrina Shadix, founder and director of Bear Warriors United, a Seminole County-based organization that aims to protect bears and other wildlife, was part of the brief talks and provided a photo of the proposed settlement she and LaMontagne were offered.

Katrina Shadix, founder and director of Bear Warriors United, speaks at a St. Johns River Water Management District board meeting Tuesday.

"(FDOT) shall submit revised plans prior to the commencement of construction demonstrating that there will be no direct impacts to wetlands within those portions of the Unnamed Canal designated as an Outstanding Florida Water," the proposal reads.

Shadix said the petitioners rejected the offer because the state's lawyers couldn't explain how they would engineer around impacting the unnamed canal, and wouldn't agree to other demands, such as creating a wildlife crossing.

Talk of a federal legal challenge

Those petitioners say they intend to continue the fight, suggesting they intend to file a federal lawsuit to stop the project because they say it will undoubtedly damage Spruce Creek.

Shadix said her coalition has "such a great federal case now," after the district granted the permit despite the judge's finding.

We dont want to be too negative and call it a banana republic and a kangaroo court," Shadix said. "... Its ridiculous they used this vehicle, this tool, to permit the damage to wetlands and the environmental wildlife. I just didnt think it was a fair process.

Bryon White

White, who grew up near Spruce Creek and for several years served as caretaker of the adjacent Doris Leeper Preserve, called the granting of the permit "disappointing" and vowed a federal court fight.

"I think its just a joke that we went through this whole process of going through this legal review, and this judge offered a very thoughtful order and they said, Yeah, well, we dont care. Were going to do whatever we want. Thats the type of democracy we live in today."

White also expressed disdain for the state's plans to mitigate 48 acres of wetlands near the interchange. Mitigation allows a project developer to take wetlands in one area by purchasing credits to establish new wetlands in another area. White called it a "total scam" that will be destructive to the Spruce Creek/Leper preserve area.

Pioneer Trail Interchange: Florida developer Mori Hosseini denies seeking favoritism from DeSantis for path to homes

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: FDOT gets I-95/Pioneer Trail interchange permit; water advocates react
A man who was once responsible for putting criminals in jail will now spend the next 15 in a federal prison.

William Parker was sentenced Thursday for what attorneys described as a depraved and disgusting scheme to coerce sex from at least two unsuspecting women. Parker, 67, had once served as police chief of the Lexington County town of Pine Ridge from 2011 to 2017, capping off a 40-year career in South Carolina law enforcement.

Last October, Parker pleaded guilty at the federal courthouse in Columbia to making an interstate threat with the intent to extort, and to cyberstalking resulting in serious bodily injury.

He admitted that between February 2021 and February 2022, Parker used a phony email account and a burner cellphone to send threatening messages to two women. He threatened to harm them or their families if they did not reply with pornographic images and videos of themselves.

The women sought Parkers advice on the messages, not knowing he was the one sending them. Parker advised them to comply, claiming that he could get the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to track the messages. The mysterious sender of the threatening messages then demanded the women film themselves having sex with Parker.

In once instance, the victim went through with the demand. Parker told the woman they would fake having sex for the camera but then forced himself on her. In another instance, the woman went as far as appearing nude on camera before backing out and taking her suspicions to police.

Parkers attorneys, Steve Hisker and John Meadors, asked Judge Cameron Currie for a five-year sentence, potentially served in home confinement. They argued that Parker had cooperated with law enforcement and taken full responsibility for his actions. Hisker feared that at Parkers age, any longer would effectively be a life sentence.

Im not sure if hell survive 60 months, but he certainly wont survive 210, Hisker said, referencing the maximum federal guideline for Parkers most serious charge. Id like him to have the opportunity to die in his own community.

But prosecutor Elliott Daniels said Parkers age, position and law enforcement history made his actions more, not less, heinous. Ive seen people in court with drug addictions, criminal histories and few options, Daniels said. Thats not Billy Parker. He of all people knew better.

It was because of Parkers history in law enforcement that his victims sought out and followed his advice, Daniels said. They believed him when he told them to take the threatening messages seriously, not to go to the police, and that he was in touch with SLED on their behalf.

They believed him because of his long and storied career in law enforcement, he said. If he had been in sales or an electrician, he would not have been able to drive these victims to himself.

The defense touted Parkers 40-year career in law enforcement, saying it was unblemished. They also cited extenuating circumstances: injuries Parker received in the line of duty, which he continues to deal with today; an extended period of childhood sexual abuse detailed in a statement to the court; and the trauma of a 2019 incident when he had to shoot his son when the younger man attacked him while on drugs.

Parkers attorneys argued that these past triggers, coupled with the loss of his identity when his law enforcement career ended and the stress and isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, led Parker to a period of darkness that caused his mental health to deteriorate.

Dorri Smith, who has counseled Parker since his 2022 arrest, described him as a broken and battered man dealing with a dormant mental illness dating back to his childhood abuse, for which he was never treated.

Parkers pastor and a fellow police officer spoke of him as an upstanding citizen and member of his community who sincerely regretted his actions and wanted to make amends.

But Parkers actions showed a long and deliberate plan to exploit his victims trust, prosecutor Daniels said. He bought some of his burner phones as far back as the summer of 2020. He systemically contacted six victims in total, exploiting known vulnerabilities as well as making explicit and graphic threats against them and their families.

Parkers age also shouldnt count as a mark in his favor, the prosecution said. He is a dangerous offender now, Daniels said. He was 65 when he committed the crimes. These are not offenses from decades ago.

Parker, dressed in a blue jailhouse jumpsuit with his hands chained around his waist, took responsibility for his actions in a statement to the court.

I have done horrible things to people I love, Parker said. I pray every day for their healing and that some day they can forgive me. ... I have hurt my family in ways that may never be repaired.

The former police chief said finally getting counseling has made his life and mind much better and more clear. When he and his attorney recently reviewed the threatening messages he sent, I threw up, Parker said. Im not that monster.

Judge Currie ultimately said her 15-year sentence was in line with federal sentencing guidelines, but she declined to impose the maximum 20-year sentence due to his history of abuse, his lengthy law enforcement career, his honest expressions of remorse and his age.

The judge said she had been kept awake at night from reading the threats Parker made against his victims.

These six victims have been put in a situation they will not recover from, she said. Two of them have had extensive counseling that will probably last the rest of their lives.

In addition to the prison time, Parker must pay $10,000 in restitution to his victims, serve three years of supervised release after his sentence, accept restrictions and monitoring of the use of any computer or electronic device, and undergo a psycho-sexual evaluation. She said he will likely serve his sentence at a federal facility in Petersburg, Virginia.

Court filings in the case identify Parker using the aliases John Wayne and Willie Boner. He has been held in a South Carolina jail since his guilty plea in October.

Parker was arrested in Lexington County in 2022 and charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct and attempted criminal sexual conduct by the Lexington County Sheriffs Office. Those charges, which carried a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, were dropped as part of Parkers federal guilty plea.

As he was led out of the courtroom, members of Parkers family called out I love you from the gallery. He turned toward them and silently mouthed Im sorry with a pained expression on his face.
MOGADISHU, March 14 (Xinhua) -- The Paris Club, an informal group of creditor nations whose objective is to find workable solutions to payment problems faced by debtor nations, has agreed to cancel more than 2 billion U.S. dollars of debt Somalia owed to its members to help the East African country restore its debt sustainability.

The debt relief represents 99 percent of the debt Somalia owed to Paris Club members as of January 2023, according to a statement issued Wednesday.

"Creditors welcomed and supported the commitment of Somalia to seek a treatment at least as favorable from all its other official bilateral and external commercial creditors," read the statement.

It said the decision was made after a meeting Wednesday between representatives of the Paris Club creditor countries and the Somali government following its Completion Point under the Enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (Enhanced HIPC) Initiative approval by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in December 2023.

Reaching Completion Points means Somalia has implemented reforms agreed to when the country became eligible for debt relief and also fully normalized its relations with international financial institutions.

The Paris Club creditors committed to cancel 1.2 billion dollars in nominal terms under the Enhanced HIPC Initiative framework to contribute to restoring the debt sustainability of Somalia, the statement said.

In addition, Paris Club creditors confirmed their willingness to grant additional debt cancellation on a voluntary and bilateral basis for 815 million dollars, the statement added. 
The 15 Fort Worth firefighters who deployed to the Texas Panhandle in late February to help contain the wildfires sweeping through the region have all returned safely, the department said on social media this week.

Lt. Brad Fowler told the Star-Telegram in a phone interview that the devastation he witnessed in the Panhandle was almost unreal.

Just miles and miles of black where the fire had run over hills, over hills as far as you could see, he said.

Wildfires across the Texas Panhandle in late February and early March destroyed hundreds of structures, as well as vehicles and livestock, officials say.

Fowler spent 12 days in the Panhandle. He deployed with the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System to fight the Windy Deuce Fire, which ultimately burned through more than 144,000 acres in Moore, Hutchinson, Potter and Carson counties.

The blaze was 94% contained as of Monday, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.

Update: the #WindyDeuceFire in Moore County is 144,045 acres and 94% contained. Firefighters continue to patrol and monitor the fire area. Crews are checking to ensure there is no heat near containment lines. #txfire  Incident Information - Texas A&M Forest Service (@AllHazardsTFS) March 11, 2024

According to Texas A&M Forest Service investigators, power lines were responsible for igniting the Windy Deuce Fire and the massive Smokehouse Creek Fire, Star-Telegram media partner WFAA-TV reported.

Fowler was stationed near the communities of Borger and Fritch. More than 200 structures, including homes, were destroyed in the Windy Deuce Fire, he said. High winds intensified the blaze and made it difficult to contain.

Fritch was probably one of the hardest-hit towns as far as structure loss and people having to leave the town, Fowler said. But they all came together. They supported us. They donated tons of food and water and supplies for people that were affected by the fire as well as supporting the firefighters.

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Fritch also lost its fire chief, Zeb Smith, who died from injuries he received while responding to a house fire on March 5. Fowler said Smiths death was a huge community blow.

Initially, Fowler helped with fire attack and suppression. As the blaze became more contained, he and other firefighters worked to maintain the fire line and ensure new fires didnt flare up from hotspots. He said a normal day ran from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., but some days he worked until midnight.

Fort Worth firefighters joined firefighters from across North Texas to contain wildfires in the Panhandle, including the Smokehouse Creek Fire and the Windy Deuce Fire.

Fowler has been with the Fort Worth Fire Department for 31 years. At the age of 16, he got his start as a volunteer firefighter in Eagle Mountain and fell in love with helping people and helping out the community at their time of need, he said.

Hes fought other wildfires, but never one as big as those that have devastated the Panhandle in recent weeks, he said.

In addition to the Windy Deuce Fire, the Grape Vine Creek Fire burned nearly 35,000 acres in Gray County and the Smokehouse Creek Fire combined with the 687 Reamer Fire to torch nearly 1.1 million acres. The Smokehouse Creek Fire is now recognized as the largest recorded wildfire in Texas history.

Donations for wildfire victims are pouring in, and Fowler said he anticipates the affected communities will remain strong and rebuild. Locally, people are taking care of their neighbors and making sure they have food, water, clothing and a place to stay.

Agencies across the state came together to fight the Panhandle wildfires. Fowler said his TIFMAS unit used equipment from the Lewisville and Stephenville fire departments and personnel from other North Texas departments, including Allen and Red Oak.

Fowler said hes thankful for the backing hes received from Fort Worth and encouraged the public to keep supporting their local fire departments.

The city of Fort Worth ... allowed us to train and work and deploy to these areas to assist other departments and other areas around the state, Fowler said. And thats a huge support, you know, here at home to have those people behind us.
In his harshest criticism yet of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called Thursday for Israelis to hold elections and choose a new government that can better handle the threat of Hamas.

As a lifelong supporter of Israel, it has become clear to me: The Netanyahu coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel after Oct. 7, the New York Democrat said in a floor speech Thursday morning. Nobody expects Prime Minister Netanyahu to do the things that must be done to break the cycle of violence, preserve Israels credibility on the world stage and work toward a two-state solution.

The message reflects the growing pressure among Democrats to forcefully push back against the catastrophic loss of life in the Gaza Strip, where Israel has been pursuing Hamas militants and has killed more than 31,000 people.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnel, R-Kentucky, challenged Schumer's view in a social media post, writing the primary obstacles to peace" are "genocidal terrorists and corrupt Palestinian Authority leaders" who reject peace deals.

"Foreign observers who cannot keep this straight ought to refrain from interfering in the democracy of a sovereign ally," McConnell wrote. Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett agreed, posting on social media that Israelis oppose "external intervention" in their politics and that Israel is "an independent nation, not a banana republic."

At the House GOP retreat in West Virginia, Speaker Mike Johnson called an impromptu press conference to respond to Schumers floor speech.

This is not only highly inappropriate, its just plain wrong for an American leader to play such a divisive role in Israeli politics while our closest ally in the region is in an existential battle for its survival," the Louisiana Republican said.

Schumer  the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in American history  also criticized Hamas and Palestinians who support the militant group that attacked Israel last fall, killing about 1,200 people and taking some 250 hostages. He called on Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to step down and be replaced by a new generation of Palestinian leaders who will work toward attaining peace with a Jewish state.

Schumer blasted right-wing Israelis who have called for the forced displacement of Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza, and government officials who have encouraged violence in each region.

I believe a new election is the only way to allow for a healthy and open decision-making process about the future of Israel, at a time when so many Israelis have lost their confidence in the vision and direction of their government, he said.

 Riley Beggin

Israel to relocate Rafah civilians: Vows move to 'humanitarian islands' before offensive

A member of the World Central Kitchen walks by humanitarian aid being loaded for transport to the port of Larnaca, Cyprus, for shipment to Gaza on March 13, 2024.

Developments:

 Abdul Malik al-Houthi, leader of the Houthi rebels in Yemen, said his group has expanded operations from the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and will now also target Israeli-linked commercial ships in the Indian Ocean headed to the Cape of Good Hope, the Times of Israel reported. "This is a major step and we have begun to implement our operations related to it, al-Houthi told a TV audience.

 Iran denied claims Thursday that its talks with the U.S. in January had involved Houthi militant attacks on Red Sea shipping. Iranian officials told state-run IRNA news agency that the talks solely involved Iranian sanctions.

 Counterterrorism troops on Thursday found a multiple-rocket launcher next to a school and rockets under a bed in the home of a Hamas operative in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, the Israeli military said. Israel has blamed the high civilian death toll from the Gaza campaign on the militants' use of "human shields."

Dozens killed awaiting food aid, Gaza Health Ministry says

Incidents of Palestinians getting killed by Israeli forces while waiting for food aid are proliferating in Gaza, and two such instances Thursday left at least 29 dead, the Health Ministry said.

Israeli gunfire killed at least 21 and injured more than 150 awaiting the arrival of aid trucks at a northern Gaza roundabout, Reuters reported, citing the Hamas-run Health Ministry.

Earlier Thursday, eight people were killed and others wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a warehouse in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, according to Middle Eastern media outlets. Al Jazeera said video footage it authenticated captured the moment the Israeli raid hit the food and aid deposit belonging to the Ministry of Social Development.

Late Wednesday, six people were killed and dozens wounded when Israel bombed an area of Gaza City where Palestinians had gathered to wait for aid trucks, the Gaza Health Ministry said.

The Israel Defense Forces said it's investigating the incidents.

The U.N. says severe food shortages in Gaza, especially the north, have left one-quarter of the population on the brink of starvation. That has contributed to crowding and looting of aid trucks. On Feb. 29, more than 100 Palestinians waiting for an aid delivery were killed after Israeli forces fired their weapons. Health ministry officials said the majority died of gunshot wounds, but Israel said its soldiers only fired warning shots and that most in the crowd died in the ensuing trampling.

First aid ship set to arrive in Gaza

The first humanitarian aid ship from Cyprus was due to arrive at war-battered Gaza on Thursday with more than 500,000 meals from chef Jose Andres World Central Kitchen. Crews were working on preparing a jetty at an undisclosed location to unload Open Arms, the first ship bringing aid to the enclave. The nonprofit organization said in a statement it was working with the United Arab Emirates, Cyprus and the international community to open the maritime aid corridor.

"Once there, we will distribute the food to communities on the brink of famine," WCK said. The Israeli military said a "comprehensive security check" of the ship and its cargo of almost 200 tons of rice, flour, beans, lentils and canned meats was completed.

A second ship was being prepared to make the trip. WCK says it has already provided more than 35 million meals to displaced Palestinians in the region since the war began. The U.S is sending material for construction of a floating dock that would expand access to aid ships. The dock, when fully operational within two months, should be able to offload up to 2 million meals a day.

Palestinian Authority head names ally as premier, defies calls for reformist

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday appointed longtime economic adviser and close ally Mohammad Mustafa as prime minister, despite international pressure to reform the unpopular political entity that rules parts of the West Bank.

The U.S. has pushed for a revitalized Palestinian Authority as a viable option to govern Gaza after the war, a notion rejected by Netanyahu and a hard sell for Palestinians who consider the organization corrupt, ineffective and too cozy with Israel. Abbas, 88, has remained the PA leader and refused to hold elections after his mandate ended in 2009.

Mustafa, 69, earned a doctorate in business administration and economics from George Washington University and currently serves as chairman of the Palestine Investment Fund, after previous posts as the PA's deputy prime minister and economy minister.

Palestinian political analyst Hani al-Masri told the Associated Press that Mustafa is a respected and educated man but will have a hard time turning around the economic crisis in the West Bank stemming from restrictions Israel has imposed during the war.

8 die in Israeli airstrike on Gaza aid warehouse

At least eight people were killed and others wounded Thursday in an Israeli airstrike on a warehouse in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, according to preliminary reports in multiple Middle Eastern media outlets. Al Jazeera said video footage it authenticated captured the moment the Israeli raid hit the food and aid deposit belonging to the Ministry of Social Development.

Late Wednesday, six people were killed and dozens wounded when Israel bombed an area of Gaza City where Palestinians had gathered to wait for aid trucks, the Gaza Health Ministry said.

Earlier that day, U.N. officials said at least one aid worker was killed and 22 others wounded when Israeli forces struck a humanitarian aid distribution center in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. In an email to USA TODAY, the Israeli military said that strike killed Muhammad Abu Hasna, described as a "combat support operative" in Hamas military wing who was involved in "taking control of humanitarian aid and distributing it to Hamas terrorists."

West Bank settlers accused of attacking Palestinians draw sanctions

The U.S. imposed sanctions Thursday on three extremist Israeli West Bank settlers accused of attacking Palestinians to pressure them into leaving their land. The State Department announced sanctions and visa restrictions against Zvi Bar Yosef and his farm, Moshe Sharvit and his farm, and Neriya Ben Pazi, who attacked and expelled Palestinian shepherds from hundreds of acres of land as recently as August.

The U.S. sanctions block the men and their settlements from using the U.S. financial system and bar American citizens from dealing with them.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement there is no justification for extremist violence against civilians or forcing families from their homes, whatever their national origin, ethnicity, race, or religion.

Would Biden support scaled-back Israeli effort in Rafah?

Senior officials in the White House have told Israeli officials that President Joe Biden would support efforts to target key Hamas leaders in Rafah if Israel avoids a large-scale invasion of the southern Gaza city, Politico reported Wednesday. The administration is concerned that a military offensive in the city, packed with refugees who fled the fighting elsewhere in the enclave, would further strain waning global support for Israel's effort to destroy the militant group.

Politico, citing private conversations, said "top" administration officials have signaled support for counterterrorism operations rather than an all-out war, four U.S. officials said. Such a plan would minimize civilian casualties and decimate Hamas ranks without the intense images of suffering that have fueled opposition to Israel's military effort. Such a plan, however, has not yet been formulated, Politico said. The Israeli military said this week that civilians in Rafah would be redirected to central Gaza and provided food, water and shelter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Israel war live updates: Schumer: Israel should vote Netanyahu out
Krispy Kreme is celebrating St. Patricks Day with a free treat for all.

Customers wearing green to Krispy Kreme shops March 15-17 can receive a free green Original Glazed doughnut, the Charlotte, North Carolina-based bakery said in a news release.

No purchase is required. The offer is also available in the drive-thru.

To mark the festive occasion, Krispy Kreme also rolled out a St. Patricks Day collection featuring four new treats:

Luck of the rainbow doughnut

Shamrock cookies n creme with Oreo cookies

Plaid party doughnut

Shooting shamrock doughnut

Find your nearest Krispy Kreme here.

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Wendys sets the record straight on surge pricing: No plans to do that

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Haiti is facing further turmoil as former Prime Minister Ariel Henry has said that only he can appoint the transitional council needed to take over leadership of the beleaguered Caribbean nation.

Ariel Henrys office told CNN that, under Haitis constitution, it is down to him and his cabinet to appoint the transitional leaders  as he vowed to follow constitutional procedures.

We will not deliver the country to just a group of people without following the procedure. We are in crisis as a country, but we must stay inside of the law and set a good example, his office said.

This further state of flux comes after a state of emergency was declared in the nation last week, prompting Caribbean leaders and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to meet in Jamaica to urgently discuss the crisis on Monday.

On 11 March, Mr Henry agreed to resign once a transitional presidential council is created.

The violence, which began on 29 February, has seen gang members burn down police stations and raid prisons, releasing more than 4,000 inmates.

Heavily armed criminal gangs also attacked major government assets across the capital Port-au-Prince and took control of the main international airports.

Key points

US forces deployed to protect US embassy in Haiti

US and EU embassies begin evacuating staff

Haiti prime minister resigns as criminal gangs plunge country into crisis

Kenya security mission on hold until a sitting government is established in Haiti

Tuesday 12 March 2024 17:09 , Graig Graziosi

The US pledged to spend $300m to help fund a Kenyan-led security mission to Haiti following increases in gang violence across the nation.

Prior to his resignation, Prime Minister Ariel Henry visited Kenya to ask for security assistance. That prompted a gang-led effort to remove him from office.

Hours after Mr Henry announced he was stepping down, Kenya announced it would not send a security team unless a sitting government was in place in Haiti.

The deal they signed with the president [William Ruto] still stands although the deployment will not happen now because definitely we will require a sitting government to also collaborate with, Salim Swaleh, Kenyas Foreign Ministry spokesperson, told The New York Times.

Barbecue Cherizier warned of anti-government violence earlier this month

Tuesday 12 March 2024 18:03 , Graig Graziosi

Jimmy Barbecue Cherizier, the leader of the G9 gang that allied with other Haitian gangs to force the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, warned on 5 March of the violence that would come if Mr Henry remained in power.

He previously said if the international community continues to support [Mr Henry], well be heading straight for a civil war that will lead to genocide.

Either Haiti becomes a paradise or a hell for all of us. Its out of the question for a small group of rich people living in big hotels to decide the fate of people living in working-class neighborhoods, Mr Cherizier said.

Caricom leader says still a long way to go before plan for Haitian leadership is in place

Tuesday 12 March 2024 18:33 , Graig Graziosi

Leaders from several Caribbean nations have been working to solidify a transitional council to lead Haiti in the wake of Ariel Henrys resignation as Prime Minister.

The leaders called a meeting of Caricom, which represents 15 Caribbean countries, on Monday to discuss how to proceed.

Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the president of Guyana, said that we still have a long way to go before such a council is established.

Ariel Henry was not allowed to return to Haiti after asking for Kenyan aid

Tuesday 12 March 2024 19:05 , Graig Graziosi

Now-former Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry was not allowed to return to the nation after he left to ask for Kenya for help in the form of a security force to help stop gang uprisings.

Mr Henry took power in 2021 after the assassination of former President Jovenel Moise, ostensibly as an interim until a new election could be called. However, he continually delayed elections, citing security issues in the country.

One of the demands of the gangs that organised and attacked government facilities and ransacked neighborhoods in recent days was that Mr Henry step down.

After his resignation, Kenya said it would not send its security force to Haiti until a sitting government is in place to coordinate their efforts.

Haiti crisis: What we know about the gang takeover that has killed dozens and displaced 15,000

Tuesday 12 March 2024 19:50 , Graig Graziosi

Haiti is spiralling further into chaos after armed gang members freed thousands of prisoners, burned government buildings, and forced the prime minister to resign after he fled the country to seek help.

Dozens of people are dead and roughly 15,000 have been forced to flee their homes due to gang raids, according to The Associated Press, with many now facing dwindling supplies of food and water.

The violence escalated on 29 February when Haitis powerful criminal gangs, which already controlled large parts of the economy and most of the capital city, Port-au-Prince, launched a series of attacks on police stations, prisons, and other government buildings.

After all the capitals international airports were seized by gangs, prime minister Ariel Henry was trapped outside the country and faced both domestic and international pressure to resign.

On 5 March, the leader of the unified gangs Jimmy Cherizier  known by his childhood nickname, Barbecue  threatened continued violence if Mr Henry did not step down.

He said if the international community continues to support [Mr Henry], well be heading straight for a civil war that will lead to genocide.

READ MORE:

Haiti crisis: What we know about the gang takeover that has paralysed the country

US embassy workers evacuate Haiti

Tuesday 12 March 2024 20:14 , Graig Graziosi

US embassy workers are being airlifted out of Haiti following widespread gang takeovers of the island and the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

The US said concerns over the conditions  and the potential for continued violence  drove the decision to remove staff from the nation.

US officials and members of Caricom, a group of leaders representing 15 Carribbean nations, have been meeting over the last several days to address the spiralling crisis in Haiti.

Haitian congresswoman called for Haiti prime minister to resign

Tuesday 12 March 2024 21:00 , Graig Graziosi

US Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democrat, was one of the voices calling for Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign.

We have to make sure that the Haitian people trust the process and that they feel that they are being protected and that the gangs will not be involved in any kind of transition government, the Haitian-American representative said on Monday. She added that Mr Henry should hand over his post to a transitional government, according to the Miami Herald.

She also insisted that gang members should not get amnesty. The gangs have consistently asked for amnesty. I believe that more people will be committed to working and fighting with the gangs if they think they are going to get amnesty, she said during a news conference. If we do that, I dont believe that the Haitian people will ever believe that the international community has their best interests at heart.

Haiti prime minister resigns as criminal gangs plunge country into crisis

Tuesday 12 March 2024 22:00 , Graig Graziosi

Haitis prime minister Ariel Henry has agreed to tender his resignation, regional Caribbean leaders said, amid weeks of spiralling violence in the country.

The prime minister has been under pressure to resign and has remained stranded outside the country in Puerto Rico due to surging violence and unrest in Haiti led by criminal gangs, who have taken control of much of the capital.

Mr Henry will stand down once a transitional government has been put in place, according to the chair of the Caribbean Community regional bloc Irfaan Ali, who is also president of Guyana.

READ MORE:

Haiti prime minister resigns as criminal gangs plunge country into crisis

Antony Blinken attended meeting in Jamaica regarding Haiti crisis

Tuesday 12 March 2024 23:00 , Graig Graziosi

Global leaders, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, are expected to attend a meeting on Monday in Jamaica about Haitis future as it remains in a state of emergency following an attempted gang takeover.

Read more about the ongoing conflict here:

Haiti crisis: What we know about the gang takeover that has paralysed the country

Secretary Antony Blinkens statement on Monday Caricom meeting

Wednesday 13 March 2024 00:00 , Graig Graziosi

Today I'm in Jamaica to meet with leaders of the Caribbean region @CARICOMorg on the political and security crisis in Haiti. It is critical we work together to support the Haitian people, curb escalating violence and unrest, and expedite a political transition.  Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) March 11, 2024

Haitis crisis is prompting thousands of residents to flee to the Dominican Republic

Wednesday 13 March 2024 01:00 , Graig Graziosi

Fifteen thousand people have been displaced in Haiti since the end of last month, when the gang attacks began, according to Le Monde. This has led to some of the countrys residents attempting to cross into neighbouring Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti.

Despite the ongoing crisis, border officials in the Dominican Republic have been filmed deporting some of the residents back into Haiti, according to Al Jazeera.

Last year, the Dominican Republic closed its border with the country over the construction of a canal on the Massacre River, which lies in between the two countries. In October, the Dominican Republic partially reopened the border but maintained a ban on issuing visas to Haitian migrants.

Diplomatic tensions continue. After the gang attacks, Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Henry was denied entry into the Dominican Republic, forcing him to take shelter in nearby Puerto Rico.

US forces deployed to protect US embassy in Haiti

Wednesday 13 March 2024 02:00 , Graig Graziosi

Over the weekend, US military officials said they had flown in forces to Haiti to up security at the countrys Port-Au-Prince embassy. Authorities were careful to mention that no residents of the country were on the aircraft, amid rumours that senior Haitian officials might be attempting to flee the country as attacks worsen.

The aircraft landed at the embassy compound, meaning that helicopters were involved in the operation.

This airlift of personnel into and out of the Embassy is consistent with our standard practice for Embassy security augmentation worldwide, and no Haitians were on board the military aircraft, according to a statement released by the military. The military had previously ordered the departure of nonessential staff and all family members in July, according to the Associated Press.

ICYMI: PM Ariel Henry says no sacrifice too big for country

Wednesday 13 March 2024 03:00 , Graig Graziosi

Prime minister Ariel Henry released a video statement to announce his resignation after the Caribbean leaders confirmed he is stepping down.

In a videotaped statement, Mr Henry said: The government that Im running cannot remain insensitive in front of this situation. There is no sacrifice that is too big for our country.

The government Im running will remove itself immediately after the installation of the council, he said.

US officials called emergency talks on Haiti critical moment

Wednesday 13 March 2024 03:59 , Graig Graziosi

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters the meeting in Kingston, Jamaica was a critical moment for Haiti and also all of us. Meanwhile, he praised Jamaica for its leadership in the hemisphere that we share.

Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who chairs CARICOM, the trade bloc holding the talks, said the aim of the meeting was to bring stability and normalcy to Haiti, but that Haitian stakeholders are not where they need to be, according to AFP.

Time is not on their side, Ali warned in a video posted to social media, while describing reports out of Haiti as dire.

Ariel Henry: Haiti needs peace

Wednesday 13 March 2024 05:00 , Graig Graziosi

The unelected prime minister of Haiti, Ariel Henry, annocuned he will step down amid growing gang violence and nearing total social collapse in the Caribbean nation.

Mr Henry informed the nation of his intents in a video he shared late on Monday.

My government will leave immediately after the inauguration of the council. We will be a caretaker government until they name a prime minister and a new cabinet, he said. Haiti needs peace. Haiti needs stability.

Haitian leadership reliance on gangs may have laid the groundwork for collapse

Wednesday 13 March 2024 07:00 , Graig Graziosi

Haitian leaders using gangs to achieve their ends may have contributed to the current crisis facing the nation, according to one historian.

Michael Deibert, author of Notes From the Last Testament: The Struggle for Haiti, and Haiti Will Not Perish: A Recent History told the Associated Press that young, out of work men who organized into gangs were sometimes hired by the government as muscle.

Now, you have these different politicians that have been collaborating with these gangs for years, and  it blew up in their face, Mr Deibert said.

Kenya security mission on hold until a sitting government is established in Haiti

Wednesday 13 March 2024 09:00 , Graig Graziosi

The US pledged to spend $300m to help fund a Kenyan-led security mission to Haiti following increases in gang violence across the nation.

Prior to his resignation, Prime Minister Ariel Henry visited Kenya to ask for security assistance. That prompted a gang-led effort to remove him from office.

Hours after Mr Henry announced he was stepping down, Kenya announced it would not send a security team unless a sitting government was in place in Haiti.

The deal they signed with the president [William Ruto] still stands although the deployment will not happen now because definitely we will require a sitting government to also collaborate with, Salim Swaleh, Kenyas Foreign Ministry spokesperson, told The New York Times.

Ariel Henry was not allowed to return to Haiti after asking for Kenyan aid

Wednesday 13 March 2024 11:00 , Graig Graziosi

Now-former Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry was not allowed to return to the nation after he left to ask for Kenya for help in the form of a security force to help stop gang uprisings.

Mr Henry took power in 2021 after the assassination of former President Jovenel Moise, ostensibly as an interim until a new election could be called. However, he continually delayed elections, citing security issues in the country.

One of the demands of the gangs that organised and attacked government facilities and ransacked neighborhoods in recent days was that Mr Henry step down.

After his resignation, Kenya said it would not send its security force to Haiti until a sitting government is in place to coordinate their efforts.

US State Department warns Americans not to travel to Haiti

Wednesday 13 March 2024 11:10 , Rachel Sharp

The US State Department is warning Americans not to travel to Haiti as the Caribbean nation continues to grapple with spiralling gang violence.

Haiti is listed as a Level 4: Do Not Travel destination  an advisory level that was in place even before the assassination of President Jovenel MoiIse in 2021.

A state of emergency was declared in the nation last week, while the US Embassy in Haiti issued a security alert saying that the current security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous.

Haiti crisis: What we know about the gang takeover that has killed dozens and displaced 15,000

Wednesday 13 March 2024 13:00 , Graig Graziosi

Haiti is spiralling further into chaos after armed gang members freed thousands of prisoners, burned government buildings, and forced the prime minister to resign after he fled the country to seek help.

Dozens of people are dead and roughly 15,000 have been forced to flee their homes due to gang raids, according to The Associated Press, with many now facing dwindling supplies of food and water.

The violence escalated on 29 February when Haitis powerful criminal gangs, which already controlled large parts of the economy and most of the capital city, Port-au-Prince, launched a series of attacks on police stations, prisons, and other government buildings.

After all the capitals international airports were seized by gangs, prime minister Ariel Henry was trapped outside the country and faced both domestic and international pressure to resign.

On 5 March, the leader of the unified gangs Jimmy Cherizier  known by his childhood nickname, Barbecue  threatened continued violence if Mr Henry did not step down.

He said if the international community continues to support [Mr Henry], well be heading straight for a civil war that will lead to genocide.

READ MORE:

Haiti crisis: What we know about the gang takeover that has paralysed the country

US embassy workers evacuate Haiti

Wednesday 13 March 2024 14:00 , Graig Graziosi

US embassy workers are being airlifted out of Haiti following widespread gang takeovers of the island and the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

The US said concerns over the conditions  and the potential for continued violence  drove the decision to remove staff from the nation.

US officials and members of Caricom, a group of leaders representing 15 Carribbean nations, have been meeting over the last several days to address the spiralling crisis in Haiti.

Jimmy Barbecue Cherizier: The former cop-turned-gang leader bringing Haiti to its knees

Wednesday 13 March 2024 14:48 , Graig Graziosi

Haitis prime minister Ariel Henry said he was resigning amid mounting international pressure following gang violence that has pushed the capital to the brink of civil war.

Mr Henry faced calls to resign from Haitian gang leaders who have taken control of capital Port-au-Prince, keeping the prime minister stranded outside the country.

Heavily armed gangs have tried to seize control of Haitis main international airport, exchanging gunfire with police and soldiers in the latest attack on key government sites.

READ MORE:

Jimmy Barbecue Cherizier: Gang leader bringing Haiti to its knees

New York Mayor Eric Adams offers message of support for people of Haiti

Wednesday 13 March 2024 15:41 , Graig Graziosi

We call New York City the Port-Au-Prince of America. We feel the pain our Haitian neighbors feel as the situation grows dire.



To the people of Haiti and our own Haitian community here in New York City, know that we stand with you today and always.  Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) March 13, 2024

Haitis largest non-government hospital shares challenge of keeping up with escalating violence

Wednesday 13 March 2024 16:10 , Graig Graziosi

Zanmi Lasante, Haitis largest non-government healthcare provider says it is facing staffing and cost issues as it tries to keep up with the gang violence across the island.

The hospital offered the following statement:

Zanmi LasantePartners In Healths sister organization operating in Haitiis facing urgent challenges to maintain clinical services across the communities we serve. With roads and transportation blocked, it is difficult to get essential supplies to our sites; in the meantime, the costs and risks of doing so are rising. Zanmi Lasante is experiencing an increasing need among our staff for mental health support as well as access to food and safe housing in their communities. The ZL team remains steadfastly committed to identifying solutions and overcoming these barriers so we can continue to provide lifesaving care.As a social justice organization committed to advancing human rights, we refuse to accept that any life is worth less than another. We urge all parties involved to take measures to help stabilize the country to ensure Haitians can access health care and other fundamental rights.

Frances ambassador to Haiti has returned to the island

Wednesday 13 March 2024 17:17 , Graig Graziosi

The French ambassador to Haiti has reportedly returned to the capital after weeks of coordinated gang attacks on government facilities forced Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign.

Message a la communaute francaise d'Haiti:



Chers compatriotes,

Lambassadeur @FabriceMauries, qui se trouvait en France au moment de la suspension des vols, a repris ce matin la direction du poste diplomatique a Port-au-Prince. (1/3)  La France en Haiti  (@ambafranceht) March 13, 2024

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis sends state guard, law enforcement prepare for influx of fleeing Haitians

Wednesday 13 March 2024 17:40 , Graig Graziosi

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has sent state guard troops and state law enforcement officers to the states southern reaches  specifically the Keys  to stop Haitians from fleeing the island to the US.

NEW: @GovRonDeSantis sends state forces to the Keys, Southern Florida to stop potential invasion of illegal immigrants from Haiti, including:@fdlepio: 39 additional officers@MyFWC: 23 additional officers with eight additional sea craft@FLGuard: 48 additional Guardsmen pic.twitter.com/7B5A3i5HXT  Bryan Griffin (@BryanDGriffin) March 13, 2024

Coast Guard intercepts vessel carrying Haitian migrants

Wednesday 13 March 2024 18:00 , Graig Graziosi

The US Coast Guard Cutter Venturous intercepted 65 migrants from Haiti near Great Inagua, Bahamas, according to a statement.

A witness spotted a sailing vessel in distress on 7 March and notified the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guards primary mission as a member of the Homeland Security Task Force- Southeast is to preserve human life at sea, Captain Willie Carmichael, Incident Commander for Operation Vigilant Sentry, said in a statement . The maritime environment is inherently dangerous and can become deadly aboard crowded unseaworthy vessels. The Coast Guard will continue working with our HSTF-SE partners to rescue and repatriate anyone attempting irregular migration via sea routes, regardless of their nationality.

All of the migrants were given food, water, medical attention, and shelter before they were repatriated to Haiti.

US sends Marines to secure US Embassy and assist staff in evacuating

Wednesday 13 March 2024 18:36 , Graig Graziosi

US Southern Command issued a statement on Wednesday saying a group of Marines has been sent to secure the embassy in Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti.

The statement can be found below:

At the request of the Department of State, the U.S. Southern Command deployed a U.S. Marine Fleet-Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST) to maintain strong security capabilities at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and conduct relief in place for our current Marines, a common and routine practice worldwide -- and allow additional non-emergency personnel to depart. Our Marines in Haiti completed their assignment and were relieved by a secondary team of Marines. The U.S. Embassy remains open, and limited operations continue, focused on assistance to US citizens and supporting Haitian led efforts to secure a peaceful transition of power. This week, the Department of Defense doubled our funding for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, and we are working with Haitian, Kenyan, and other partners to expedite its deployment to support the Haitian National Police and to restore security in Haiti. The Department of Defense is postured to provide enabling support for the MSS, including planning assistance, information sharing, airlift, and medical support.

WATCH: Agape Flights still paused for aid to Haiti

Wednesday 13 March 2024 19:37 , Graig Graziosi

Why is Haiti so chaotic? Leaders used street gangs to gain power. Then the gangs got stronger

Wednesday 13 March 2024 20:16 , Graig Graziosi

Haitis prime minister was last seen in Puerto Rico, negotiating his return to a homeland gripped by violence and controlled by heavily armed gangsters. With his fate in the air and the situation in Haiti deteriorating by the day, the world has been left to wonder whether the country will fully descend into anarchy or whether some semblance of order will be restored.

What is going on in Haiti?

Its easy to blame this latest spasm of violence in the Wests first free Black republic on longstanding poverty, the legacy of colonialism, widespread deforestation, and European and U.S. interference.

However, a series of experts told The Associated Press that the most important immediate cause is more recent: Haitian rulers increasing dependence on street gangs.

READ MORE:

Why is Haiti so chaotic? Leaders used street gangs to gain power. Then the gangs got stronger

Haitian political alliance refuses Caricom plan to install a ruling council after Henrys resignation

Wednesday 13 March 2024 20:26 , Graig Graziosi

A pair of influential Haitain political figures have allied and have rejected a proposed ruling council developed by Caricom, a group representing 15 Caribbean nations.

Caricom planned to develop a council to step in and rule the island nation after the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

However, Jean Charles Moise, an ex-senator and presidential candidate and former rebel leader Guy Philippe, announced on Wednesday that they will not agree to that plan.

Mr Moise instead wants a three-person presidential council  which he created with Philippe and a Haitian judge  to rule instead.

We are not going to negotiate it, he said during the conference. We have to make them understand.

Haiti US Deported Senator (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

WATCH: Aid channels at risk as security risk heightens in Haiti

Wednesday 13 March 2024 21:00 , Graig Graziosi

US officials called emergency talks on Haiti critical moment

Wednesday 13 March 2024 22:00 , Graig Graziosi

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters a meeting in Kingston, Jamaica was a critical moment for Haiti and also all of us. Meanwhile, he praised Jamaica for its leadership in the hemisphere that we share.

Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who chairs CARICOM, the trade bloc holding the talks, said the aim of the meeting was to bring stability and normalcy to Haiti, but that Haitian stakeholders are not where they need to be, according to AFP.

Time is not on their side, Ali warned in a video posted to social media, while describing reports out of Haiti as dire.

WATCH: US deploys Marines to embassy in Haiti amid rising unrest

Wednesday 13 March 2024 23:00 , Graig Graziosi

Is it safe to travel to Haiti now amid gang takeover?

00:00 , Graig Graziosi

Several countries are advising their citizens against travelling to Haiti, including the US, UK, Ireland and Canada as gangs continue to take hold of the country.

Earlier this month, gangs attempted to take Haitis Toussaint Louverture International Airport, located in Port-Au-Prince, the countrys capital and broke into a nearby port services terminal. Armed men have also stormed police stations in the country and let thousands of prisoners loose from Haitis National Penitentiary.

Ariel Henry, who had been running the country as prime minister and acting president until he resigned on Tuesday amid international pressure, fled the country to Puerto Rico last week after he was refused entry into the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. Dominican air, land and sea borders are closed to travellers.

READ MORE:

Is it safe to travel to Haiti now amid gang takeover?

Ariel Henry was not allowed to return to Haiti after asking for Kenyan aid

01:00 , Graig Graziosi

Now-former Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry was not allowed to return to the nation after he left to ask for Kenya for help in the form of a security force to help stop gang uprisings.

Mr Henry took power in 2021 after the assassination of former President Jovenel Moise, ostensibly as an interim until a new election could be called. However, he continually delayed elections, citing security issues in the country.

One of the demands of the gangs that organised and attacked government facilities and ransacked neighborhoods in recent days was that Mr Henry step down.

After his resignation, Kenya said it would not send its security force to Haiti until a sitting government is in place to coordinate their efforts.

Jimmy Barbecue Cherizier: The former cop-turned-gang leader bringing Haiti to its knees

02:00 , Graig Graziosi

Haitis prime minister Ariel Henry said he was resigning amid mounting international pressure following gang violence that has pushed the capital to the brink of civil war.

Mr Henry faced calls to resign from Haitian gang leaders who have taken control of capital Port-au-Prince, keeping the prime minister stranded outside the country.

Heavily armed gangs have tried to seize control of Haitis main international airport, exchanging gunfire with police and soldiers in the latest attack on key government sites.

READ MORE:

Jimmy Barbecue Cherizier: Gang leader bringing Haiti to its knees

Kenya security mission on hold until a sitting government is established in Haiti

03:00 , Graig Graziosi

The US pledged to spend $300m to help fund a Kenyan-led security mission to Haiti following increases in gang violence across the nation.

Prior to his resignation, Prime Minister Ariel Henry visited Kenya to ask for security assistance. That prompted a gang-led effort to remove him from office.

Hours after Mr Henry announced he was stepping down, Kenya announced it would not send a security team unless a sitting government was in place in Haiti.

The deal they signed with the president [William Ruto] still stands although the deployment will not happen now because definitely we will require a sitting government to also collaborate with, Salim Swaleh, Kenyas Foreign Ministry spokesperson, told The New York Times.

Haiti crisis: What we know about the gang takeover that has killed dozens and displaced 15,000

03:59 , Graig Graziosi

Haiti is spiralling further into chaos after armed gang members freed thousands of prisoners, burned government buildings, and forced the prime minister to resign after he fled the country to seek help.

Dozens of people are dead and roughly 15,000 have been forced to flee their homes due to gang raids, according to The Associated Press, with many now facing dwindling supplies of food and water.

The violence escalated on 29 February when Haitis powerful criminal gangs, which already controlled large parts of the economy and most of the capital city, Port-au-Prince, launched a series of attacks on police stations, prisons, and other government buildings.

After all the capitals international airports were seized by gangs, prime minister Ariel Henry was trapped outside the country and faced both domestic and international pressure to resign.

On 5 March, the leader of the unified gangs Jimmy Cherizier  known by his childhood nickname, Barbecue  threatened continued violence if Mr Henry did not step down.

He said if the international community continues to support [Mr Henry], well be heading straight for a civil war that will lead to genocide.

READ MORE:

Haiti crisis: What we know about the gang takeover that has paralysed the country

WATCH: Haiti: Hundreds of inmates escape after armed gangs storm prison

05:00 , Graig Graziosi

Haitis largest non-government hospital shares challenge of keeping up with escalating violence

07:00 , Graig Graziosi

Zanmi Lasante, Haitis largest non-government healthcare provider says it is facing staffing and cost issues as it tries to keep up with the gang violence across the island.

The hospital offered the following statement:

Zanmi LasantePartners In Healths sister organization operating in Haitiis facing urgent challenges to maintain clinical services across the communities we serve. With roads and transportation blocked, it is difficult to get essential supplies to our sites; in the meantime, the costs and risks of doing so are rising. Zanmi Lasante is experiencing an increasing need among our staff for mental health support as well as access to food and safe housing in their communities. The ZL team remains steadfastly committed to identifying solutions and overcoming these barriers so we can continue to provide lifesaving care. As a social justice organization committed to advancing human rights, we refuse to accept that any life is worth less than another. We urge all parties involved to take measures to help stabilize the country to ensure Haitians can access health care and other fundamental rights.

09:00 , Graig Graziosi

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis sends state guard, law enforcement prepare for influx of fleeing Haitians

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has sent state guard troops and state law enforcement officers to the states southern reaches  specifically the Keys  to stop Haitians from fleeing the island to the US.

NEW: @GovRonDeSantis sends state forces to the Keys, Southern Florida to stop potential invasion of illegal immigrants from Haiti, including:@fdlepio: 39 additional officers@MyFWC: 23 additional officers with eight additional sea craft@FLGuard: 48 additional Guardsmen with pic.twitter.com/d7APQC7wYK  Bryan Griffin (@BryanDGriffin) March 13, 2024

US sends Marines to secure US Embassy and assist staff in evacuating

11:00 , Graig Graziosi

US Southern Command issued a statement on Wednesday saying a group of Marines has been sent to secure the embassy in Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti.

The statement can be found below:

At the request of the Department of State, the U.S. Southern Command deployed a U.S. Marine Fleet-Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST) to maintain strong security capabilities at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and conduct relief in place for our current Marines, a common and routine practice worldwide -- and allow additional non-emergency personnel to depart. Our Marines in Haiti completed their assignment and were relieved by a secondary team of Marines. The U.S. Embassy remains open, and limited operations continue, focused on assistance to US citizens and supporting Haitian led efforts to secure a peaceful transition of power. This week, the Department of Defense doubled our funding for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, and we are working with Haitian, Kenyan, and other partners to expedite its deployment to support the Haitian National Police and to restore security in Haiti. The Department of Defense is postured to provide enabling support for the MSS, including planning assistance, information sharing, airlift, and medical support.

Haitian political alliance refuses Caricom plan to install a ruling council after Henrys resignation

13:00 , Graig Graziosi

A pair of influential Haitain political figures have allied and have rejected a proposed ruling council developed by Caricom, a group representing 15 Caribbean nations.

Caricom planned to develop a council to step in and rule the island nation after the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

However, Jean Charles Moise, an ex-senator and presidential candidate and former rebel leader Guy Philippe, announced on Wednesday that they will not agree to that plan.

Mr Moise instead wants a three-person presidential council  which he created with Philippe and a Haitian judge  to rule instead.

We are not going to negotiate it, he said during the conference. We have to make them understand.

Why is Haiti so chaotic? Leaders used street gangs to gain power. Then the gangs got stronger

13:30 , Graig Graziosi

Haitis prime minister was last seen in Puerto Rico, negotiating his return to a homeland gripped by violence and controlled by heavily armed gangsters. With his fate in the air and the situation in Haiti deteriorating by the day, the world has been left to wonder whether the country will fully descend into anarchy or whether some semblance of order will be restored.

What is going on in Haiti?

Its easy to blame this latest spasm of violence in the Wests first free Black republic on longstanding poverty, the legacy of colonialism, widespread deforestation, and European and U.S. interference.

However, a series of experts told The Associated Press that the most important immediate cause is more recent: Haitian rulers increasing dependence on street gangs.

READ MORE:

Why is Haiti so chaotic? Leaders used street gangs to gain power. Then the gangs got stronger

WATCH: Aid channels suffer as security risk heightens in Haiti

14:00 , Graig Graziosi

Liveblog closed

14:38 , Graig Graziosi

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First, armed groups attacked Haitis largest prison and orchestrated a jailbreak of nearly 4,000 inmates, many of them murderers, kidnappers and gang leaders.

Now the countrys National Penitentiary is on fire.

The flames from inside the mammoth structure sent up billows of black smoke across Port-au-Princes skies on Thursday, as bursts of automatic gunfire could be heard in the capital again after a few days of relative calm. The prison was empty after the few prisoners who did not escape on March 2 and 3 were relocated. So far, the fire appears to be accidental, several sources told the Miami Herald. A spokesperson for the Haiti National Police was not immediately available.

As a fire brigade made its way to the structure, Haitian police across town were once more fighting off a gang attack. Armed groups, which have been attempting to take control of the international and domestic airports, made their way to the perimeter and opened fire across the runway. On the other side: the headquarters of the Haiti National Police. A Haitian police official inside the headquarters confirmed the incident and said police successfully battled the gangs back. There are unconfirmed reports that at least one person, a former head of the specialized border police unit, was wounded in the incident.

Later in the afternoon, the home of Haiti National Police Director Frantz Elbe, located in the Santo neighborhood of Croix-des-Bouquets, also went up in flames. Elbe didnt respond to a request for comment but the fire was confirmed by several sources, who did not know if he was targeted. The streets of the capital, normally teeming with foot traffic and cars, were quiet as people remained at home and banks shut their doors at noon.

Le Penitencier National est actuellement en feu. L'information est confirmee par des responsables de l'APENA. L'origine de l'incendie demeure pour l'heure inconnu. Depuis l'attaque armee des bandits contre le plus grand centre carceral du pays, il n'y avait plus aucun detenu. pic.twitter.com/cMqML7oklZ  Gazette Haiti (@GazetteHaiti) March 14, 2024

Marie Yolene Gilles, a human-rights activist with Eyes Wide Open/La Fondasyon Je Klere who monitors Haitis prison system, said that the fire at the prison appears to have started in the high-security part of the prison that inmates call the Titanic. The top level is where kidnappers and other major criminals are housed, while at the bottom is an isolation area that was temporarily used to hold 17 Colombians recently indicted in the July 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise.

The Colombians were quietly moved out the day after armed groups, with the aide of a drone, attacked the prison and freed more close to 4,000 prisoners. Among those who were freed were several high-profile gang leaders and two former top police officials who were in charge of Moises presidential detail, Dimitri Herard and Jean Laguel Civil. They were also charged in the murder along with dozens of others by an investigative judge in Haiti.

Prior to the recent coordinated violent attacks threatening to topple whats left of the Haitian state, the United Nations office in Port-au-Prince was reviewing Haitis prisons to determine where detained gang members may be held after the arrival of a Multinational Security Support mission led by Kenya. There were few options, given that most of the prisons are overcrowded with inmates who have been detained for years without ever being seen by a judge or formally charged.

One facility, a newly U.S. built womens prison located on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince in the town of Cabaret, was already overtaken by gangs in late January, after authorities were forced to move out inmates when repeated gang attacks led to a mass prison break. A second, in the suburbs of Croix-des-Bouquets, was also attacked by gangs the same day they breached the National Penitentiary.

In its latest report, the Eyes Wide Open Foundation said there 1,030 prisoners at the Croix-des-Bouquets prison when it came under attack, and 3,696 inside the National Penitentiary. The area of the Titanic, which is believed to be where the fire started, had the padlocks of the cells broken by gang members, who then went one-by-one to free their respective leaders.

Of those the detainees at the National Penitentiary, only 87 responded to prison officials call to return on the next day around noon. Some 3,609 remain free, among them dangerous criminals, kidnappers, rapists and terrorists, the report said.

The report notes that the mass prison break was premeditated and was announced ahead of time on Feb. 29, when gang leaders published excerpts from a meeting where they decided to do everything in their power to free the inmates at the prison in Port-au-Prince before attacking other targets such as the National Palace.

They announced their strategy: attack at several points at the same time to keep the police busy and make it impossible for the [Haiti National Police] to respond to all these fronts at the same time, the report said. The same day, they went from speaking to actions: bursts of automatic weapons are heard a little everywhere, public offices, churches, police stations and even hospitals are attacked.

As of late Wednesday, five groups had submitted names to the 15-member Caribbean Community regional bloc, known as CARICOM, to sit on a presidential panel charged with leading Haitis transition and helping the country find a way out of the crisis.

On Thursday, the United Nations continued its call for Haitis political and civic society to quickly decide who will make up that transitional panel with seven voting members and two non-voting members.

The process needs to be Haitian led; Haitian political class, Haitian civil society, Haitian stakeholders need to find the best solution and the best way forward and there is a plan that has been laid out, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The remains of a rocket fired by Hezbollah are examined an Israeli police officer - Ariel Schalit/AP

Iran is using European ports to provide cover for shipments of weapons to Hezbollah, The Telegraph can reveal.

The Lebanese terror group has received missiles and bombs on ships that go on to dock in ports in Belgium, Spain and Italy, sources said.

Hezbollah and Israel are close to all-out war amid daily exchanges of cross-border fire, causing border regions to be evacuated.

Iran has switched to shipping weapons by sea after Israels air force began to target consignments coming in by land into northern Syria via Iraq, the source said.

Weapons and other goods are now shipped to the Syrian port of Latakia before the vessels go on to ports in Antwerp, Valencia and Ravenna, the Telegraph was told, in an attempt to disguise the purpose of the journeys.

From Latakia, the weapons are transported south to Lebanon.

Using Europe helps to hide the nature and the source of the shipments, switching paperwork and containers to clean the shipments, a senior intelligence source in Israel said.

Europe has huge ports so Iran is using that as a camouflage. Its very easy to do manipulations in those big ports where things have to get moved quickly, rather than a small port where there will be more scrutiny.

Its like a cat and mouse between us and the Iranians. Theyre trying to smuggle and were trying to stop it. Its been at least three years like this.

Israeli attacks prompt a change in tactics

Ronen Solomon, an independent intelligence analyst based in Israel, said that Iran was also shipping weapons directly to Syria. The use of separate routes via Europe was to legitimise their cargo and distract attention from those direct shipments.

An Israeli tank takes part in a military exercise in the Golan Heights, which has been the target of Hezbollah attacks - Jalaa Marey/AFP

The port of Latakia was targeted by air strikes in 2021, though these were not claimed by Israel, which rarely confirms operations in Syrian territory.

The reason we see Irans efforts to transfer through the sea in the last month is because of Israeli attacks on air and land infrastructure in Syria to Lebanon, so we are seeing an increase in container shipments, Mr Solomon said.

Mr Solomon, who works with intelligence officials in Israel, said the Iranian corridor to Syria and Lebanon by land, air, and sea operates continuously.

The flow of weapons comes amidst the worst tensions between Lebanons Hezbollah and Israel since the second Lebanon war.

Hezbollah launched 100 rockets at the Golan Heights in a single day this week. Around 60,000 Israeli civilians have been evacuated from the northern border regions, and Israels leaders have regularly warned they are prepared for a ground war against Hezbollah.

Mr Solomon added that the weapons will also reach Hamas in Lebanon and the routes, which include Egypt and Libya, are used to channel weapons to Hamas in Gaza.

Switching ships and containers via Europe, especially under the cover of companies based in countries such as Romania, allows Iran to stay further under the radar, he said.

Libya has long been known to be a route for weapons to travel to Hamas via Rafah in Egypt, and this could still be the case with the latest shipments, as Egypts checks are not thorough the way they are done [at] Israels borders.

Israel launched an airstrike on the Syrian port of Latakia in 2021 - AFP

Since the beginning of the Gaza war in October, five Iranian ships  Daisy, Kashan, Shiba, Arezoo and Azargoun  have unloaded goods in Syria, starting their journey in Bandar Abbas in Iran, according to intelligence handed to Solomon.

Co-ordinated by Irans Quds Force Unit 190, the weapon transfers are then managed by Hezbollahs Unit 4400, which is responsible for arms shipments.

Some ships like Daisy are also docked next to the Iranian spy ship Behshad which sits in the Red Sea and receives regular supplies unloaded in Egyptian and Libyan ports, Mr Solomon added.

The US has been urged to strike the Behshad, which has also been co-ordinating the Houthi attacks on global shipping.

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There will be a contested Republican primary in the District 28 state House seat in Dallas County.

Former U.S. Rep. David Young, a Republican who represents District 28, announced on March 13 his plans to run again for the state legislative district seat.

Iowa Secretary of State records showed that Young had filed the same day for the June 4 primary election  has had a fellow Republican, Chad Brewbaker, of West Des Moines.

District 28 represents areas of Dallas County including southwestern West Des Moines, Adel and Van Meter.

David Young gets endorsement from Iowa speaker of the House in his re-election run announcement

Young, of Van Meter, represented Iowa's 3rd Congressional District between 2015 and 2019 before he lost to Democrat Cindy Axne in 2018 and 2020. Young also was chief of staff for U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley from 2006 to 2013.

Iowa Rep. David Young is running for re-election to the Iowa House District 28 seat.

In November 2022, Young defeated Democrat Sonya Heitshusen for the District 28 seat.

Young said in a news release, "In my first term in the statehouse, I've stuck to my principles to offer solutions and be a strong voice for my constituents. I seek feedback from my district and stay focused on fighting for their priorities."

He wants to continue fighting for "a stronger educational system, lower taxes, and freedom from government overreach."

Young  an adjunct professor at his alma mater Drake University  is an assistant majority leader in the Iowa House and serves on the Commerce, State Government, Appropriations and Administration and Rules committees.

His announcement to run again as an incumbent included an endorsement from Republican Speaker of the Iowa House Pat Grassley.

Grassley said, "David is known for sticking to his principles, offering solutions, and doing what he believes is right for his district. He is in touch with the people he represents and is a vocal advocate for the priorities of HD 28. I look forward to continuing to work with him in the Capitol."

Former Libertarian candidate Chad Brewbaker running as a Republican

Brewbaker ran in 2018 as a Libertarian against Democrat Jennifer Konfrst and Republican Michael Boal for the Iowa House District 43 seat. Konfrst won that election.

Chad Brewbaker poses in a photo for the 2018 election for Iowa House District 43 in which he ran as a Libertarian candidate. Brewbaker is running for the Iowa House District 28 seat as a Republican.

Brewbaker said Wednesday he had not run for any office since.

He said he wants to be sure tech giants like the Microsoft and Apple are paying their fair share of property taxes as they expand data centers in the western suburbs.

More: Microsoft to expand a West Des Moines data center as leaders tout economic benefits

Brewbaker does not want Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System to invest in private equity. "I want IPERS to be conservatively invested for our teachers."

And he said rather than the school voucher system Iowa has in place that lets families use public funds to pay for their child's private school costs, he'd like every fulltime, licensed teacher in the state to be paid directly from the state, whether they work at a public or private school.

Brewbaker credited former 2024 U.S. presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy for bringing him and other Libertarian-leaning Republicans back into the GOP.

Laura Snider, a Democrat from West Des Moines, announced on March 12 her candidacy to run for the Iowa House District 28 seat.

Phillip Sitter focuses for the Des Moines Register on reporting on suburban growth and development in the western metro areas. Phillip can be reached via email at psitter@gannett.com. He is on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @pslifeisabeauty.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Rep. David Young, Chad Brewbaker file for Iowa House District 28 seat
A Palestinian woman speaks with a worker as she waits to receive aid at a UN distribution centre in Rafah on Wednesday

Israel's military says it is trying to "flood" Gaza with aid as international pressure to address the territory's humanitarian crisis grows.

Rear Adm Daniel Hagari said Israel would facilitate further aid convoys, after a new land route opened up to deliver food to northern Gaza.

The UN has warned that Gaza, under Israeli attack since the war with Hamas began in October, is at risk of famine.

Brussels says starvation is being used as a weapon of war in the territory.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said earlier that land routes had been deliberately closed off to prevent the delivery of aid.

The UN says "ongoing fighting and Israeli bombardment, as well as insecurity, frequent border closures and access constraints" have impeded safe and efficient aid operations.

On Wednesday, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) spokesman Rear Adm Hagari suggested more routes could open up.

"We are trying to flood the area... with humanitarian aid," he told reporters.

The IDF announced earlier that six lorries carrying food had entered via the 96th gate in the Gaza border fence, near Kibbutz Be'eri in southern Israel, on Tuesday night.

Rear Adm Hagari said more convoys would follow as well as deliveries from other entry points, alongside drops by air and sea, adding that more needed to be done to make sure aid could be distributed fairly and efficiently.

He said the deliveries would not follow a routine, with Israel concerned about aid falling into the hands of Hamas.

"We are learning and improving and doing different changes so as not to create a routine but to create a diversity of ways that we can enter," he said.

The war began when Hamas gunmen attacked southern Israel on 7 October, killing about 1,200 people and seizing 253 hostages.

More than 31,200 people have been killed in Gaza since then, the Hamas-run health ministry says.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

The UN says at least 576,000 Palestinians in Gaza - one quarter of the population - are one step away from famine. It warns that the problem is particularly acute in the north, with agencies struggling to gain access for several months.

Gaza's health ministry says 27 people, including 23 children, have died as a result of malnutrition and dehydration at hospitals in the territory.

Almost all of the limited aid that has reached northern Gaza has been delivered via the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom and the Egyptian-controlled Rafah crossings, which are in southern Gaza, and then distributed by lorries.

On Wednesday, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNWRA) said Israeli forces had hit a food distribution centre in Rafah, Gaza's southernmost city, killing a member of staff and injuring 22 others.

Gaza's health ministry said five were killed in an Israeli strike, while the IDF said a "precise strike" had killed a Hamas commander.

Efforts have recently been focused on delivering aid by air and sea.

A Spanish ship towing a barge loaded with 200 tonnes of food supplies is set to arrive in Gaza on Thursday morning.

That is expected to be followed up by a US military effort to build a temporary pier that will enable the distribution of up to two million meals a day.

But US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has said the Cyprus-Gaza corridor cannot be a substitute for getting more aid in by land - the "most critical way to get assistance in".

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to press ahead with a military offensive in Rafah.

After weeks of talks involving US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators, a ceasefire or hostage exchange deal between Hamas and Israel looks no closer.
A federal judge in New York declined to dismiss bribery charges against Sen. Bob Menendez, ruling his conduct is not protected by the nature of his job as a United States senator or as then-chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee.

"[T}he Court finds that none of the allegations at issue concerning the U.S. Attorney Scheme or the Egyptian Aid Scheme are protected by the Speech or Debate Clause," Judge Sidney Stein wrote Thursday.

Menendez sought to dismiss charges including conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right, and conspiracy for a public official to act as a foreign agent.

The judge said none of those charges should be dismissed based on the U.S. Constitution's Speech and Debate Clause protections for members of Congress and no allegations should be purged.

PHOTO: Sen. Bob Menendez asks a question during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on Capitol Hill, on March 14, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Mariam Zuhaib/AP)

Prosecutors have accused Menendez, 69, of conspiring with his wife, Nadine Menendez, and businessman Wael Hana to have the senator act as an agent of Egypt. In exchange for bribe payments, Menendez was meant to help lift a block on U.S. military aid to Egypt, the indictment says. The senator has also been accused of accepting bribes in exchange for doing favors for the government of Qatar.

Another businessman who had been charged in the case, Jose Uribe, pleaded guilty earlier this month and agreed to cooperate. Uribe said he supplied Nadine Menendez with a luxury convertible in exchange for favors, prosecutors said.

MORE: Businessman charged with bribing Sen. Bob Menendez and his wife pleads guilty

Sen. Menendez is the first sitting member of Congress to be charged with conspiracy by a public official to act as a foreign agent.

The senator and his wife face additional charges of obstruction that were not part of Thursday's order. The couple and other defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges contained in a total of four indictments.

They are scheduled to stand trial in May.

Judge declines to dismiss charges against Sen. Bob Menendez in bribery case originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Chairs for the jury in courtroom 3A are seen, Friday, July 29, 2022, at the Johnson County Courthouse in Iowa City, Iowa.

A jury found Tara Dutcher not guilty of disorderly conduct and interference with official acts on Wednesday, a rebuttal of charges that stirred controversy and brought condemnation of the county attorneys office.

Deliberations took only a few hours, with the verdict filed by the Johnson County clerk a little more than three hours after the judge sent the jury into the deliberation room.

If the jury had found Dutcher guilty, they could have faced more than $3,000 in fines and as much as one year in jail. Dutcher is one of seven transgender and nonbinary people who faced charges in connection with an Oct. 16, 2023, protest at the University of Iowa. Five others took plea deals and paid a small fine.

Charges stemmed from a sizeable protest against Chloe Cole who spoke at the Iowa Memorial Union last year.

More: Johnson County attorney avoids censure, but not scrutiny, for charging trans protesters

Cole appeared in a lecture series hosted by the UI chapter of Young Americans for Freedom. In her Oct. 16 talk to a roughly 150-person crowd in the Iowa Memorial Unions Black Box Theatre, she detailed her experience as a de-transitioned teenager and her work in recent years to share her story and stop youth gender transitioning.

More than 100 demonstrators circled the intersection of Madison Street and Jefferson Street during Cole's appearance. Police claimed Dutcher played a role in blocking the road and resisted police during the protest.

A large group of protesters circle the intersection of Jefferson and Madison streets on Oct. 16, 2023. Seven transgender protesters were charged with disorderly conduct and interference with official acts for their actions during protests against Cole's appearance and rhetoric.

On the stand, Dutcher said they wanted to 'support the transgender community'

Dutcher testified that on Oct. 16, they decided to go to the Iowa Memorial Union, where the formerly transgender Cole was set to speak. Dutcher said Cole was the second incendiary speaker invited to campus by the UIs Young Americans for Freedom chapter last year, referencing conservative commentator Matt Walsh.

Dutcher said repeatedly that they went to the IMU that night to "show up and support the transgender community."

Trans rights are a big value to me as a trans person, a parent to a trans person and a friend of many trans people, Dutcher said on the stand.

After nearly two hours making their voice heard inside and outside of the Iowa Memorial Union, Dutcher admitted that they were part of a larger group with "no known leadership" that entered the intersection.

Eventually, as police attempted to clear people from the northeast corner of the intersection to open a lane for cars, Dutcher testified that they noticed University of Iowa police Lt. Travis Tyrell pushing... and grabbing anyone who came near."

Dutcher said they also saw another officer they were familiar with being even more violent than Tyrell, which is when Dutcher started recording.

More: Dutcher testifies as jury enters deliberation on second day of trial for Cole protestor

It was never my intent to block cars, Dutcher said. My intent when my camera is out is to document instances of police misbehaving, putting their hands on people, yelling at people. My intent was to keep my community safe.

Dutcher, who is in their 40s, laughed at the idea that the state was trying to target them as a group leader.

"These young people  who are very cool  do not regard me as a leader," Dutcher said.

In Tyrell's testimony on Tuesday, March 12, he said his body camera footage showed Dutcher instructing others to stay in a group.

Dutcher refuted that claim from the stand on multiple occasions. Gina Messamer, Dutcher's attorney, also implored jurors to review the video in slow motion during deliberation and observe her client's mouth and it will become clear that Dutcher had not said that.

I have no plans to protest on (UI) campus in the future because I think the University of Iowa Police Department has no oversight, Dutcher said.

Chloe Cole speaks in the Iowa Memorial Union's Black Box Theatre on Oct. 16, 2023. Seven transgender protesters were charged with disorderly conduct and interference with official acts for their actions during protests outside against Cole's appearance and rhetoric.

States witnesses featured police officers who worked the Chloe Cole event

University of Iowa police Lt. Travis Tyrell was first on the stand. Tyrell coordinated much of the response on the night of the Chloe Cole protest.

In body camera footage shown at the trial, Tyrell was shown urging protesters from the street. He told some protesters, What youre doing is illegal. At one point, Dutcher appeared on the footage and said the demonstration was not illegal.

Tyrell also redirected traffic away from the corner and up the alternate route along a usual pedestrian walkway on the University of Iowa campus that leads into Bloomington Street after facing significant resistance from protesters when trying to clear the road.

He testified that there were only around six police officers on scene when they first attempted to move protesters aside and they made little headway until additional backup arrived.

Officer Adam Herrig was next on the stand, providing his recollection of the night. His testimony included an admission that police were not expecting the crowd protesting Cole on that night to be as large as it was months earlier when conservative commentator Matt Walsh visited campus.

More: Johnson County attorney faces censure for charging trans protesters at Chloe Cole event

Detective Ian Mallory manned a pan-tilt-zoom camera on the night of the event and was the third witness on the stand on the first day of the trial.

Mallory was the officer who filed charges against Dutcher after someone identified Dutcher as the person in the body camera footage during a meeting with the county attorneys office related to probable cause. That meeting featured the county attorney and assistant county attorney, among others. He could not pinpoint who identified Dutcher.

Dutchers attorney questioned why charges came more than three weeks after the event. Mallory said he works four 10-hour days rather than the typical 9-5 and was off on vacation from Oct. 20 to Nov. 1.

Mallory also monitors social media chatter in the area to help get a picture, for instance, of crowd size during a protest. In the past, he briefly monitored Dutchers social media when they expressed opposition to the sheriffs office purchasing a second military-style vehicle in 2021.

Each officer admitted that Dutcher had spent time circling the block with other protesters and blocking traffic, but affirmed that once police began urging protesters from the left lane of Jefferson Street in an attempt to let cars through, Dutcher had not entered that portion of the road.

More: Everything to know about the Dubuque St. construction in downtown Iowa City

Judge chastised public after message to jurors was left in bathroom

Judge Jason Burns gently chastised the public crowd on the first day of proceedings after dismissing the jury for the day.

The flags of the United States and state of Iowa are seen flanking the judge bench in courtroom 3A, Friday, July 29, 2022, at the Johnson County Courthouse in Iowa City, Iowa.

The judges concern was with a message scribbled by someone in one of the bathrooms. Burns did not specify what was written but did say it was likely an attempt to influence jurors.

On day two of the trial, the jury was instructed only to use the downstairs bathroom to not interact with any non-jurors or writings from members of the public.

Burns expressed disappointment with the crowd and said additional attempts to persuade the jurors would have resulted in the nuclear option" of closing the hearing to the public.

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

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Tara Dutcher trial: Jury acquits UI protester on second day of trial
BANGKOK, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made his first public appearance on Thursday since leaving detention on parole last month.

Thaksin visited the Bangkok City Pillar Shrine in the capital early Thursday morning before flying to his hometown in the country's northern Chiang Mai province for a three-day trip, local media reported.

Making his first journey back to his home province in 17 years, Thaksin arrived at Chiang Mai Airport with his daughter and ruling Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Upon arrival, they were greeted by family members, officials and supporters, according to public broadcaster Thai PBS.

The 74-year-old convicted former prime minister was released in February from a Bangkok police hospital, where he received medical treatment and served six months of his one-year prison sentence.

According to the Thai government, Thaksin was eligible for parole as he is over 70 years old and suffers from a serious illness.

Thaksin ended his exile of over 15 years and returned to Thailand in August last year, but was soon detained and faced an eight-year prison sentence on several charges.

Last September, Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn reduced Thaksin's prison sentence to one year following his request for a royal pardon.

Thaksin served as the Southeast Asian country's prime minister from 2001 to 2006 and had been in self-exile abroad since 2008. 
ST. PAUL, Minn.  Vice President Kamala Harris made a historic visit to an abortion clinic in the Twin Cities Thursday, demanding "we have to be a nation that trusts women" and declaring that access to reproductive medical care has spiraled into a "health crisis."

The visit to the Planned Parenthood facility  the first ever by a president or vice president to a clinic that provides abortion services  marked the most dramatic push by President Joe Biden's reelection campaign to make access to abortion a defining issue in the 2024 election.

Harris, the nation's first female vice president, has become the White House's leading voice on restoring abortion rights after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, ending a 50-year constitutional right to an abortion and prompting several Republican-led states to pass laws limiting abortion access.

"In this environment, these attacks against an individual's right to make decisions about their own body are outrageous and, in many instances, just plain old immoral. How dare these elected leaders believe they are in a better position to tell women what they need, to tell women what is in their best interest?" Harris said.

The trip was the final stop of Harris' Fight for Reproductive Freedoms tour, which launched in January and included previous visits to Wisconsin, California, Georgia, Michigan and Arizona.

US Vice President Kamala Harris arrives to speak during her visit to a Planned Parenthood clinic in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on March 14, 2024. Harris toured an abortion clinic, highlighting a key election issue in what US media reported was the first such visit by a president or vice president.

More: Vice President Kamala Harris to make historic visit to abortion clinic in Minnesota

Minnesota, which offers broad access to abortion procedures, has become a safe haven for individuals from other states that have passed bans on abortion over the nearly two years since Roe was overturned.

"Many of you have asked why am I here at this facility," Harris said after touring the St. Paul Health Center - Vandalia, which remained open to patients during her visit. "It is because right now in our country we are facing a very serious health crisis, and the crisis is affecting many, many people in our country, most of whom are frankly silently suffering."

The Biden campaign has set out to relentlessly remind women voters that it was former President Donald Trump's three Supreme Court appointments who led to Roe's dismantling.

Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, said in a Fox News town hall in January that he's "proud to have done it" when asked about the court's overturning of Roe v. Wade. Trump later added that he supports exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother.

"Let us all recognize who is to blame," Harris said, singling out Trump during a campaign rally elsewhere in St. Paul after leaving the clinic. "He intended for them to take away your freedoms. And it is a decision he brags about.

Harris was joined at the abortion clinic by Minnesota's Democratic governor, Tim Walz, and U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn.

Walz signed legislation last year codifying the "fundamental right" to an abortion in the state and repealing the states 24-hour waiting period before an abortion.

"When we talk about clinics such as this, it is absolutely about health care and reproductive health care," Harris said. "So, everyone get ready for the language. Uterus  that part of the body needs a lot of medical care from time to time. Issues like fibroids. We can handle this. Breast cancer screenings. Contraceptive care. That is the kind of work that happens here  in addition, of course, to abortion care."

Harris slammed other states for passing laws that "caused clinics like this to shut down," which she said denied women "vital care" within any reasonable distance. She spoke in front of a large map showing Planned Parenthood clinics in the organizations five-state North Central region.

Sixteen pink dots noted the presence of clinics in Minnesota, where Walz and the Democratic-controlled state legislature moved to protect abortion access. But Minnesotas neighbors are barren in comparison, with just four clinics distributed across North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska. Only one provides abortions, according to the organizations website.

"Since Roe was overturned, I've cared for patients from everywhere  from nearby states like South Dakota and North Dakota and Wisconsin, but from faraway states like Texas, Alabama, Wyoming, Florida, Oklahoma, Missouri, and the list goes on," said Sarah Traxler, chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood North Central States.

Traxler said the St. Paul abortion clinic has seen a 25% increase in abortions since the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision that overturned Roe. Out-of-state patients have doubled, she said.

"Traveling to access essential health care can be intimidating and overwhelming. It is not an easy thing to do as we have all pretended that it is," Traxler said.

While Biden struggles to convince Americans of an improving economy, according to polls, abortion rights has proven to be a winning issue for Democrats in elections held since 2022.

Clearly those bragging about overturning Roe v. Wade have no clue about the power of women in America, Biden said in his State of the Union address last week. But they found out when reproductive freedom was on the ballot and won in 2022, 2023, and we'll win again in 2024.

US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during her visit to a Planned Parenthood clinic in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on March 14, 2024. Harris toured an abortion clinic, highlighting a key election issue in what US media reported was the first such visit by a president or vice president.

More: Joe Biden boosts abortion, contraception access on Roe v. Wade anniversary

Over the course of the decades-long battle over abortion rights in the U.S., abortion clinics have at times been sites of violent protests and targets of bombings.

An hour before Harris was scheduled to speak, about two dozen protesters gathered outside the St. Paul Planned Parenthood, holding signs with slogans such as, life is a human right, theyre killing babies here, and the real war on women. A heavy police and Secret Service presence surrounded the building in anticipation of the vice presidents arrival.

Diana Halsey, a 70-year-old Minneapolis resident was among those hoisting signs with anti-abortion slogans. She said she stops by the clinic about once a week to pray that the women coming and going get the help they need.

She was surprised to learn that Harris would also be dropping by Thursday and hurried to find a bigger display. As Harris drove by, Halseys large Life is a human right sign was on immediate display. It's sad, she said of Harris visit. I really feel bad about our medical community  that they are not supporting."

Paige Robinson, a 22-year-old University of Minnesota student, was among a handful of supporters who gathered outside the clinic Thursday, intermingling with the protesters, trying to catch a glimpse of the vice president as her motorcade exited the building.

I think it's very cool, Robinson, a Democrat, said of Harris visit. I know that this is the first time she's ever done it  the first time anyone has ever done something at an abortion clinic, which I think is very neat.

"And I think it's very cool that it's Minnesota especially, because Minnesota has a pretty good track record. It's nice to see such clear support of our pro-woman policies," Robinson said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kamala Harris declares 'health crisis' in visit to abortion clinic
A school choice amendment bill  a top priority for Republican lawmakers in the 2024 General Assembly  cleared the Kentucky House of Representatives Wednesday afternoon following more than two hours of contentious floor debate.

In a 65-32 vote, legislators passed House Bill 2, which would give voters the choice of amending the state constitution to allow taxpayer dollars to go to non-public schools, such as charter and private schools, sponsored by Majority Caucus Chair Suzanne Miles, R-Owensboro.

All 20 Democrats in the House voted against the bill, as did 12 Republicans, primarily from rural communities.

Democrats accused GOP leadership of stifling the discussion by refusing to allow them to mention the potential education ramifications of the very amendment they were discussing.

Miles and Speaker David Osborne, R-Prospect, repeatedly admonished Democrats who spoke against the bill that their questions and comments  about charter school performance and costs of voucher programs in other states, for example  were not pertinent to the bill at hand.

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Rep. Josie Raymond, D-Louisville, asked if it was good policy-making to consider the potential long-term impact of changing the constitution.

We have seen in this body in recent years many constitutional amendments proposed, and often there is enabling legislation attached because legislators say, Well, I want to know what it might look like if we put this amendment on the ballot and it passes, what might the enabling legislation look like? Raymond said. Legislators have asked for that. How come in this case we dont have any enabling legislation?

Its irrelevant to the conversation today, Miles responded. This will solely put a constitutional amendment on the ballot for the voters to decide if they want us to consider, that we may consider, any other future ... legislation.

Raymond predicted that Kentucky voters would overwhelmingly reject Miles amendment on a 70-30 vote.

The voters of Kentucky know the value of our public schools, and the people they employ, and what they bring to our communities, Raymond said. They know that this push to use public money on private schools is happening after years of work to defund and delegitimize our public schools.

They will say no. This ones another loser. Just like theyve rejected most of the recent amendments that this Republican supermajority has put on the ballot.

It will be so embarrassing for you all.

Few Republican lawmakers spoke in favor of HB 2, despite its 65 votes of support.

Majority Caucus Chair Suzanne Miles, R-Owensboro, sponsored House Bill 2, which would give voters the choice of amending the state constitution to allow taxpayer dollars to go to non-public schools, like charter and private schools.

House Education Chair Rep. James Tipton, R-Taylorsville, said he hadnt planned to speak on the bill, but after more than an hour of discussion, he felt it was appropriate for somebody to get up and actually speak about whats before this body.

Ultimately, the decision were asking today, is do we have faith, do we trust the voters of Kentucky to make a decision? he said. Are we fearful that they may not agree with us? They may not agree with what our particular position is? My vote today is going to be to put my faith and trust in the voters of the commonwealth of Kentucky to make that decision.

I may be happy with the outcome. I may not. But I will certainly accept the vote of the people.

Proposed constitutional amendments, like HB 2, must pass both the House and Senate by a vote of three-fifths of members in order for them to make it the statewide ballot.

The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. It will be heard in a special-called Senate Education meeting Thursday after adjournment.

The bill was approved in an 11-4 vote Tuesday in a House committee. Democrats criticized Republicans for specially calling the committee with little more than two hours notice.

We have needs in our education system

Rep. Chris Fugate, R-Chavies, said he personally supported school choice, but could not vote for it because of the ongoing needs in his district, which was hit hard by the devastating 2022 flooding in Eastern Kentucky.

He recalled dozens of people sheltered in his church in the aftermath.

I watched as our school districts also opened up shelters, and I saw teachers that would come to the church  bring things to the church every day for our kids to do, he said. They helped feed our kids, cried with our kids, they loved on our kids, they were there with our kids.

Almost two years later, he said, there are still schools that have not been restored and most likely never will be unless the General Assembly appropriates money in the budget to fix those needs.

Among the ongoing hardships Fugate described: two schools in Perry County were combined an put into an old school building that had closed years earlier; a bus driver setting off at 4:45 a.m. to pick up the first student at 6 a.m. because the nearest school is in Hazard now, not Buckhorn; and of $47 million in FEMA claims for rebuilding those two Perry County schools, more than $40 million has not been approved.

What Im saying is, we have needs in our education system in the mountains, he said. And it appears (some people) sometimes really dont give two hoots about Eastern Kentucky.

Fugate said hed be for HB 2  after meeting the needs that exist in the education system currently.

Its hard for me to go home with a reserve trust fund of $3.7 (billion) and brag about it when I dont have my vocational school, he said. All Im doing is pleading the case of my district because my people deserve their schools to be fixed before we fund other schools.

The bill thats before us, again, Im for it. My kids went to Christian school, I paid the tuition. Im not against this. But what are we supposed to do? Keep driving an hour-and-a-half on the school bus?

The Kentucky House of Representatives voted 65-32 Wednesday afternoon to approve House Bill 2, which would give voters the choice of amending the state constitution to allow taxpayer dollars to go to non-public schools, like charter and private schools.

Another Eastern Kentucky Republican, Rep. Jacob Justice of Elkhorn City, said he voted for the bill to give Kentuckians a say in the matter. But if it appears on the ballot, he will definitely be a hard no.

I love the idea of families having multiple options to pick the school that best fits their child, he said. Then on the other hand, anything that could be detrimental or hurt our public school systems in any way... I cannot stand for it. Especially in my district.

Were already struggling.

Lt. Gov. Coleman: Amendment will fail

Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, a public school educator before taking elected office in 2019, predicts Kentucky voters will reject the amendment if given the option  and she plans to do her part to make that happen.

I plan on, if it makes it to the ballot, doing everything I can, not just to defeat that amendment, but defeat the folks who support it because they are not whats best for Kentuckys kids, Coleman told the Herald-Leader Wednesday before the vote.

And Im willing to work with anybody. I dont care what your party is, as long as you know that youre in it for the kids.

Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, who won reelection in November alongside Coleman, also has promised to fight any school choice effort.

Im opposed to any school choice amendment and any voucher program  anything that would take dollars from our public schools and send them to unaccountable private schools, he told the Herald-Leader in October.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Public dollars are for public schools.https://t.co/K8LXitfa5Y  Andy Beshear (@AndyBeshearKY) March 13, 2024

Coleman said HB 2 was yet another example of Republican leadership continuing the war on public education instead of focusing on the real needs of Kentucky families.

Her stance on charter schools and vouchers is informed by her time in the classroom, Coleman said. But, she added, such states as Arizona, Arkansas and Texas provide evidence for how much these systems have failed kids.

The governor of Arizona wants to overhaul the states voucher program to rein in the skyrocketing costs and reduce the number of participants in the face of a growing state budget deficit, the Associated Press reported in January.

Data from the Arkansas voucher programs first year of data shows that less than 5% of students in the program were previously enrolled in a public school, according to the Arkansas Advocate in October. First-time kindergartners make up about 31% of voucher recipients.

And in Texas, 21 House Republicans, largely from rural districts, voted with Democrats to strip school vouchers from the chambers massive education funding bill, the Texas Tribune reported in November.

I just dont see any reason for us to follow these other states off this cliff, Coleman said. Its been proven time and time again that this is not a solution.

Whats in the bill?

The ballot question put forth in HB 2 would read as follows:

To give parents choices in educational opportunities for their children, are you in favor of enabling the General Assembly to provide financial support for the education costs of students in kindergarten through 12th grade who are outside the system of common (public) schools by amending the Constitution of Kentucky as stated below?

The General Assembly may provide financial support for the education of students outside the system of common schools. The General Assembly may exercise this authority by law, Sections 59, 60, 171, 183, 184, 186, and 189 of this Constitution notwithstanding.

The original bill said lawmakers would be able to fund non-public schools, like charter or private schools, notwithstanding five provisions of the Kentucky constitution; in the substitute, that grew to seven sections.

If given the OK by the Senate, too, the question will appear on the November ballot. It would then need to be approved by the majority of voters.

In late 2022, the Kentucky Supreme Court unanimously struck down a 2021 bill that would have created a privately funded needs-based assistance program to cover educational expenses for families that would have been offset by tax credits.

Then, in December 2023, Franklin Circuit Court Judge Phillip Shepherd struck down a law that would have set up a funding mechanism for charter schools in the state.

Because charter schools are publicly funded but operated by independent groups, Shepherd said the plain language of the Kentucky Constitution itself, yields the inescapable conclusion that they do not meet the definition of public schools.

Reporter Alex Acquisto contributed to this story.
The Kentucky Attorney General said public universities use of certain diversity, equity and inclusion policies violates the U.S. Constitution and the Civil Rights Act in an opinion issued Thursday.

Drawing on the U.S. Supreme Courts decision in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President & Fellows of Harvard College, the case, which struck down affirmative action last year, Attorney General Russell Coleman said using underrepresented minorities as a metric for funding state colleges is unconstitutional.

The U.S. Supreme Courts 2023 decision in Students for Fair Admissions makes clear that the (CPE, Council on Postsecondary Education) defining underrepresented minority exclusively in terms of race, and accordingly, requiring that Kentuckys state-funded postsecondary institutions set targets for how many students of a particular race they will enroll, retain, and graduate, violates the U.S. Constitution and the Civil Rights Act, Coleman, a first-term Republican, wrote.

There is no active court case in Kentucky on this topic. As such, the opinion has no material bearing on university operations other than to signal Colemans legal opinion on the matter.

Colemans opinion was requested by Rep. Jennifer Decker, R-Waddy, who is the sponsor of one of two bills filed this session that targets DEI on Kentucky college campuses.

Kentucky uses a performance funding model to allocate state funds to public universities and colleges. Certain metrics are used to determine a universitys success and subsequent funding, including the number of degrees earned by minority and low-income students.

In the latest version of the budget making its way through the legislature this session, the Senate proposed increasing funding through that performance-based model from just under $100 million per fiscal year to $200 million.

Underrepresented minorities are defined as students who identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, or two or more races.

Equality will not arise out of inequality. Kentucky public postsecondary institutions will not achieve equality by being forced to treat students of different races differently. The CPE must no longer define underrepresented minority in race-exclusive terms, Coleman wrote.

Coleman said that some factors can still be considered in college admissions.

For example, postsecondary institutions may consider factors, such as an applicants socioeconomic background, whether an applicant is a first-generation college student, and whether an applicant is from underrepresented geographic areas, Coleman said.

So long as the student [is] treated based on his or her experiences as an individual, ... these are all tools legally available to promote meaningful diversity while broadening access to educational advancement.

Senate President Pro Tempore David Givens, R-Greensburg, was the architect of the performance-based funding model, which was passed in 2017. Givens told the Herald-Leader Thursday that he had reviewed Colemans opinion, but he feels confident the model can be tweaked to thread the needle and make everyone happy.

That would include, he indicated, changing the language of the model as it relates to race.

We can continue to find opportunities for demographics that are challenged to excel in education and (give them) the supports they need to move forward without basing it on race. Im confident we can find the appropriate resolution to the question and achieve a goal of lifting all Kentuckians educational success, Givens said.

University of Louisville President Kim Schatzel sent an email out to the university community that she was reviewing the opinion and working with the Council on Postsecondary Education to determine its effects on the school.

UofLs Strategic Plan commits us to being a university that values diversity, equity and inclusion. The unique backgrounds and contributions of all our faculty, staff, students and alumni make us the strong community we are today, Schatzel wrote.

Anti-DEI bills filed in Kentucky

The decision came as Kentucky is considering two bills that target DEI at colleges in the state.

Senate Bill 6 from Senate Majority Whip Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green, seeks to curtail DEI practices that affect students and staff in a variety of campus settings, including non-credit classes, seminars, workshop, training and orientations. The bill was passed by the Senate and is to be heard in the House Education Committee in a special-called meeting Thursday evening.

House Bill 9 from Decker would bar public post-secondary institutions from providing any differential or preferential treatment to a student or employee based on race, religion, sex, color or national origin, including through any office, programming or training on DEI.

Universities across the state reaffirmed their commitment to diversity after the bills were filed.

University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto called the proposed DEI legislation deeply concerning, and publicly opposed the bills.

UK president to legislature: Proposed DEI, tenure legislation is deeply concerning

We dont have room for threats, intimidation or harassment towards an individual or a group, he told the Herald-Leader in January. We cannot interrupt and disrupt someones opportunity for an education.

And at the same time, weve got to find a way to have those difficult discussions while understanding our story and the stories that are within other people, such that we can gain knowledge and respect from those interactions.

Speaking to the Herald-Leader Monday, Capilouto said he had spoken with lawmakers, expressing what I think are the views of the campus and how those (bills) could potentially impact education.
A Lithuanian citizen arrested on the border between Lithuania and Belarus has died in a Belarusian prison. The Lithuanian authorities only learnt of the death after repeated attempts to contact the detainee.

"Many requests were made, many letters were written, many appeals were made for a meeting. We have not been given it, so we wrote another note. As a response to this note, we have received a call from the Belarusian institutions that it is not possible to organize a meeting, because the Lithuanian citizen is dead, says Asta Andrijauskiene, the Lithuanian Ambassador-at-Large to Belarus.

Surprised and outraged by the death of the Lithuanian citizen, the Lithuanian authorities are demanding explanations from their Belarusian counterparts.

According to the Lithuanian ambassador, "many Lithuanian citizens are detained in Belarus" for different reasons. In most cases, the authorities are informed by people who have lost track of relatives who have left for Belarus.

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya holds a portrait of her jailed husband Syarhey Tsikhanousky attending a protest demanding freedom for political prisoners - Mindaugas Kulbis/AP

Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya last week marched to the countrys embassy in Lithuania, holding a photo of her imprisoned husband and demanding information about him after a year of being incommunicado.

Siarhei Tsikhanouski is among several prominent imprisoned opposition figures whom relatives say have not been heard from in a year or more.

For exactly a year, neither I nor my children know about the fate of Siarhei, who is being held in prison by the Belarusian authorities in complete isolation, Tsikhanouskaya said.

She called on the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to intervene with Belarus about the fate of political prisoners.
Some of the fraternities suspended by the University of Maryland, College Park are asking a federal judge to step in and reinstate operations over what they say are violations of their First Amendment rights.

Attorneys representing four fraternities and three students on Wednesday filed a petition for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against the university and several officials.

The filing to Timothy J. Sullivan, a magistrate judge of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, centers on a March 1 letter to Greek-letter organizations that prohibits students from communicating with potential new members and all social events involving alcohol. The order applied to 37 fraternities and sororities in the Interfraternity Council or the Panhellenic Association.

You may wish to review the Code of Student Conduct and the Universitys Hazing Policy, James Bond, the director of student conduct, wrote in the letter.

Bond also said in the letter that the university would investigate allegations of misconduct and warned students that the university would pursue disciplinary actions against any students who attempt to coordinate responses, deceive investigators or provide false information.

The purpose behind this restriction is to implement a pause on new member activities while the University completes its investigation into widespread allegations of health and safety infractions in organizations new member intake processes, James McShay, the interim director of fraternity and sorority life, wrote in a follow-up letter to students March 6.

The plaintiffs attorneys argue in the motion filed Wednesday that the judge should intervene and reinstate full operations.

We have seen no court filing on this, so we wont have a comment, university spokesperson Sara Gavin said Wednesday evening

The university first issued the contact ban as well as an immediate social moratorium for new membership activities and hosting of events, on or off campus, with alcohol present March 1. The letter references a Feb. 29 emergency meeting at which chapters were warned that further allegations of misconduct could result in cease-and-desist orders.

Despite that warning, additional incidents regarding fraternity and sorority organizations were reported today, Bond wrote March 1. Current members of the organization are to have absolutely no contact with any new member or prospective new member.

The March 1 letter banned all communications between fraternities and sororities and prospective new members without specifying exceptions. The March 6 letter clarified that the communications order did not apply to school, work, other student groups or any other topics of conversations outside Greek-letter organization-related activities.

That members of these chapters may not speak to one another about what the University is doing is clearly an infringement upon First Amendment freedoms of speech, attorneys Alfred Dumetz Carry from Washington D.C.-based firm McGlinchey Stafford and Micah Kamrass from Cincinnati-based firm Manley Burke wrote in the petition.

The Alpha Psi chapter of Theta Chi fraternity, Betta Kappa chapter of Kappa Alpha order, Epsilon Delta chapter of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity, Epsilon Gamma chapter of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and three unnamed fraternity members are listed as plaintiffs. McShay, Bond, Vice President for Student Affairs Patricia Perillo, President Darryll Pines and the university are named as defendants.

Letters to the university officials dated Wednesday give a three-week deadline to respond to the complaint.
The Milwaukee Election Commission is seeking a nearly $800,000 private grant for election equipment ahead of the November presidential election that is expected to again pit President Joe Biden against former President Donald Trump.

Trump and some of his allies in the state Legislature have sought to cast doubt on the validity of Milwaukee's vote in 2020, including based on a similar grant the city and other Wisconsin communities received to help with elections in the coronavirus pandemic.

At a Common Council committee meeting Thursday, Election Commission Executive Director Claire Woodall said she did not know who was funding the 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is providing the grant, Washington D.C.-based Cities Forward. The donors have not been released, and the organization, which has been tax-exempt just since January, has not yet filed documentation with the IRS that shows all of the people involved.

"What I think is really important is that they are a registered nonprofit, they are non-partisan, and they are funding this exactly as I have put out and requested, and no one has asked me to change my funding request or spend it a certain way," she said.

Milwaukee Election Commission executive director says election grant funders have not sought influence over election

Woodall told the Journal Sentinel after the meeting that she expected the grant to "fuel the exact same speculation we saw in 2020," a reference to Republicans' longstanding scrutiny of millions of dollarsin grants to cities like Milwaukee from the Center for Tech and Civic Life to help run elections in the pandemic. The organization was financed by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan.

Milwaukee Election Commission Executive Director Claire Woodall-Vogg gives updates regarding the ballots for the general election on Tuesday November 8, 2022 at Central Count at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee, Wis.

Woodall said she did not know in 2020 who was funding the grant. She said she asked the nonprofit for what her office needed, and it was funded.

"In neither grant have I ever seen any influence of any type of funders trying to engage in election administration," she said.

The grant agreement between the Election Commission and Cities Forward includes a prohibition on using the funds to try to influence the outcome of any election or to participate or intervene in any political campaign for or against any candidate. It also prohibits using the grant funds to try to influence the "selection, nomination, election or appointment of any individual to any public office or office in a political organization."

The scrutiny over the Center for Tech and Civic Life grants is fueling an April 2 referendum on a constitutional amendment that would bar state agencies and local governments from using private grant money to help administer elections.

Woodall said the city is prepared to make the purchase before voters go to the polls on April 2, if the Common Council approves the grant at its meeting Tuesday. The Judiciary and Legislation Committee recommended allowing the Election Commission to receive the grant on Thursday.

The equipment  the most expensive of which are two machines to count absentee ballots  would be received after the April 2 election for use in the other 2024 elections, she said.

Milwaukee grant request follows Monday absentee ballot processing failure in state Legislature

The grant request comes after legislation that would have allowed clerks to begin processing absentee ballots the day before Election Day died in the Republican-controlled state Senate. The change would have allowed Milwaukee to report absentee ballot results earlier, short-circuiting misleading claims of "ballot dumps" in the middle of the night.

As it stands, Wisconsin clerks cannot start processing absentee ballots until 7 a.m. on Election Day. Milwaukee and many other communities count their absentee ballots in a single location, known as "central count," and report the results all at once. Particularly in Milwaukee, and especially in high-turnout elections, the counting of those ballots has stretched late into the night or early morning and led sometimes to a late change in who prevailed in a hotly contested statewide race.

Assembly Majority Leader Tyler August said as the bill died that if the Senate didn't take it up, Milwaukee officials should work to avoid late postings of results.

In a statement, Sam Oliker-Friedland of Cities Forward slammed the Republican-controlled state Legislature for not taking action on a bill that would have allowed the state Elections Commission to provide funding for municipalities to purchase election supplies and equipment.

Cities Forward is pleased to support Milwaukee with funding for an urgent election infrastructure request to replace aging tabulators and (Americans with Disabilities Act)-compliant voting equipment, especially given that unlike most other states, Milwaukee is not allowed to pre-process ballots, which creates unusually acute operational challenges in needing to process thousands of ballots on election day," he said.

Cities Forward will publish its major donors on a tax form and its website "no later than November," he said. The presidential election is Nov. 5.

The grant agreement says the nonprofit "works to prioritize participation in our democracy by supporting cities in the development of nonpartisan, city-driven projects to boost civic participation and by helping cities strengthen the infrastructure of civic engagement."

Cities Forward grant would be used to fund Milwaukee election equipment

According to the grant request, the $786,850 in funding would be used to purchase:

Two high-speed machines known as "tabulators" for counting absentee ballots, bringing the Election Commission's inventory up to 11 machines, Woodall said. The total cost for the two machines would be $292,750.

50 ExpressVote machines, which allow voters to use a touch screen to mark their ballots and produce a paper record for tabulation. These ADA-compliant machines allow voters with challenges seeing or hearing to fill out ballots independently and privately, according to the Election Commission. The total cost for the machines would be $211,250.

210 smartphones to replace flip phones currently used by Election Commission staff and polling place staff to communicate on Election Day. The phones would be activated only during the month of an election and would also serve other purposes such as allowing chief inspectors to document with a photograph any concerns or questions. These would cost $147,000.

TextMyGov service to provide non-partisan voting information to city voters in an effort to head off mis- and dis-information and for curbside voters to notify election inspectors inside a polling place that they need assistance. It would also be used for commission staff communication. It would cost $37,500.

Twenty additional security cameras ($50,000) and additional lighting ($10,000) on the front of the commission's operations center, where the commission stores and maintains all voting equipment and polling place supplies, blank ballots and incoming voted absentee ballots.

The remainder would fund trolleys to move tables and electric pallet jacks for the operations center in addition to a-frames and interchangeable signs that would be used with them to direct voters at early voting locations and Election Day polling places.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Alison Dirr can be reached at adirr@jrn.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee seeks election equipment grant ahead of April 2 referendum
Senate Republicans attacked new rules released by a federal judicial rule-making body on Wednesday preventing the practice of judge-shopping, which conservatives have used to ensure they get a favorable hearing when trying to strike down Biden administration policies.

The new rules issued by the Judicial Conference of the United States  a 26-member body that oversees the federal judiciary  say that if a case seeks a national injunction to reverse or block a federal government policy, it must be randomly assigned to a judge within the district court in which the case was filed.

The conference is led by Chief Justice John Roberts, and consists of the chief judges of each circuit court of appeals as well as representatives from the district courts.

This was an unforced error by the Judicial Conference. I hope they will reconsider, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said in a Senate floor speech on Thursday. And I hope district courts throughout the country will instead weigh what is best for their jurisdictions, not half-baked guidance that just does Washington Democrats bidding.

The new rules put forward by the conference followed years of controversy over the practice of judge-shopping exploited by conservatives. Conservative activist groups and GOP attorneys general have increasingly directed their lawsuits against Biden administration policies to single-judge geographical divisions in Texas where they know they will get a sympathetic hearing.

"This was an unforced error by the Judicial Conference. I hope they will reconsider," Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said on Mar. 14. Tom Williams via Getty Images

In particular, conservatives have repeatedly filed suit on issues of national importance in the Amarillo, Texas, federal courthouse in the Northern Texas federal district. Thats because the Amarillo courthouse has only one judge: the conservative activist and Trump appointee Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk.

Kacsmaryk has consistently sided with conservatives in a series of highly controversial decisions that are often overturned on appeal. In 2021, he prevented the Biden administration from ending former President Donald Trumps Remain in Mexico immigration policy. That was eventually overturned by the Supreme Court. And, most notably, he issued a nationwide injunction blocking the distribution of the abortion drug mifepristone. That decision was put on hold by the Supreme Court as it hears arguments on appeal.

In addition to his floor speech, McConnell sent a letter with GOP Sens. John Cornyn (Texas) and Thom Tillis (N.C.) to David Godbey  the chief judge of the District Court of the Northern District of Texas, where Kacsmaryks Amarillo courthouse is situated  urging him to ignore the Judicial Conferences new rules.

Judicial Conference policy is not legislation, the letter states. It is Congress that decides how cases should be assigned in the inferior courts and Congress has already spoken on this issue in an enacted statute: Congress gave that power to the individual district courts. Whatever the Judicial Conference thinks you ought to do, what you actually choose to do is left to your courts discretion under the law.

McConnell and his fellow GOP senators blamed the new Judicial Conference policy on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who sent a letter along with 18 Democratic senators to the judicial body asking it to consider a new policy on judge-shopping in July 2023.

For his part, Schumer thanked the Judicial Conference in a statement for issuing the new rules following his letter: After nearly a year of sounding the alarm and calling for courts to act, I am pleased the Judicial Conference has finally taken action to update rules, level the playing field, and bring more justice back into the justice system by finally putting an end to unscrupulous plaintiffs having the ability to choose their judge.

Related...
Rose told the BBC her "life was hell" when she came to Britain

Sitting in the living room of a Salvation Army safe house in Cambridgeshire, Rose looks like a regular 20-something. Her clothes and friendly smile tell little of the four-year ordeal that brought her from Nigeria to this refuge. She says her dreams of a new life in Britain became a nightmare of punishing work, physical assault and rape. She is nervous to tell her story, but wants people to understand the reality of modern slavery in the UK - a crime hiding in plain sight.

Rose left Nigeria full of optimism for all that Britain has to offer.

The first of five children, her father had been a trader until he lost his shop, which meant the family could not pay for her to continue her education.

So when a family friend from church told her of an opportunity to become a nanny for a wealthy UK couple, who would sponsor her studies, she jumped at the chance.

She travelled to the UK on a six-month tourist visa.

When she first met the couple, she says they seemed "nice" and gave her a room in their four-bed apartment, but she soon found the work was not as advertised.

Rose says she was stuck indoors doing cooking and cleaning every day

Rose, not her real name, says she was taken to a restaurant owned by the couple, where she would cook and clean from 17:00 to 05:00.

She worked six days a week, and on her only day off did more chores at home.

"I felt so exhausted... so empty. This was not what they promised me," she says.

Rose says the gruelling work pattern continued for a year, with no wages and no sign of her starting her studies.

"That's when it dawned on me - 'Oh, these people actually bring me here to work for them as a slave.'"

At the time she could not call her family because of the home's CCTV, so called when she took their little girl to the park.

Even then, she did not want to tell the truth.

"When I call [my mother] and she asked me, 'How are you doing?' - I would lie to her. 'I'm fine, I'm OK, they are planning to send me to school.'"

She says the couple would shout at her, calling her "stupid" and "useless", which made her "very scared".

On one occasion, she says the wife slapped her for a perceived act of disobedience.

'My life was hell'

The Covid-19 pandemic made matters worse.

All the other staff left the restaurant, leaving her alone cooking and cleaning all night.

The wife also returned to Nigeria, which meant Rose had sole care of her daughter.

Describing her routine, in which she would get only a few hours of sleep each day, Rose breaks down in tears.

Volunteers at a Salvation Army shop make welfare packs for survivors of modern slavery

She says the situation left her trapped and exposed to a new form of exploitation.

"The man abused me in so many ways. Sexually, emotionally, physically.

"He raped me countless times because I can't talk to anybody.

"My life was hell."

If you, or someone you know, has been affected by modern day slavery, a list of organisations that can help can be found at BBC Action Line.

Her escape came when she confided in a friend at the restaurant, who over months persuaded her to go to the police.

At first she was very reluctant because the couple made her fear the authorities. It has taken time to recover.

"I didn't have that confidence any more because I didn't see myself as good enough, I didn't see myself as a human being."

It is no surprise to Rose that the people she worked with, and the customers she served, had no idea of her ordeal.

"I see people every day, they see me laugh and smile. Inside I'm crying."

Kathy Betteridge, a director of anti-trafficking for the Salvation Army, says modern slavery cases are on the rise

Rose's story is all too familiar to the Salvation Army - the charity that has held the government contract for supporting victims of modern slavery since 2011.

Offering economically disadvantaged people a dream job or educational opportunity is a common method used to entrap victims, who are told they owe a debt to their captors and must work to pay it off.

Territorial director for anti-trafficking, Kathy Betteridge, says in spite of increased awareness there are still too many falling through the net.

"For every one person we've rescued, there will be seven others still in captivity," she says.

The charity calculates it has supported 22,000 survivors and the numbers are growing year on year.

Last year across England and Wales, 3,533 people were rescued and supported, while in the East of England the charity helped 187 people - an increase of 64 people on the previous year.

"A human body is such a lucrative commodity. It can be sold and resold. Somebody comes in and then they are moved around the country for gain of the criminals," says Ms Betteridge.

'We give them their life back'

Forced labour is common in the construction, agriculture, hospitality, domestic and sex industries, she says, but there is "growing concern" about the care sector.

"People who are caught up in modern slavery aren't bound in chains as maybe some think. We could be sitting next to somebody... served by somebody who is in modern slavery."

Signs to look out for and report include people who are fearful or withdrawn, those who have marks on their bodies or appear to be controlled by someone who talks on their behalf.

Sadia Wain, regional operations manager for the Salvation Army, says she wants to be a "voice" for victims until they can speak for themselves

Sadia Wain, who oversees the charity's accommodation and support services, says when clients first enter a safe house "you can read fear on their faces", and her teams work to build trust.

The charity supports victims through the criminal justice process and makes sure they have access to English classes and education.

"They were given a promise and when they came over here with that promise it turned into a nightmare, and we turn that nightmare back into a dream. We give them their life back," Ms Wain says.

The Salvation Army says the couple who allegedly forced Rose to work for them were arrested and interviewed by police. No charges have been brought and inquiries continue.

Rose has received an initial decision from the Home Office to say there are "reasonable grounds" to say she is a victim of modern slavery but is awaiting a "conclusive grounds" determination, which can take many months.

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastinvestigationsteam@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830
A Montana rancher was charged with illegally selling offspring from a cloned sheep across state lines.

The retail value of the transported animals is $250,000 to $550,000, per court documents.

The hybrid offspring were sold to game farms, possibly for hunting.

An 80-year-old Montana rancher, Arthur "Jack" Schubarth, had a lucrative business going until authorities got wind of it.

For the last five years, or so, Schubarth has been selling sheep for tens of thousands of dollars.

There's nothing illegal about selling sheep for exorbitant prices  unless those animals are Marco Polo argali sheep, or in Schubarth's case, hybrids of Marco Polo argali sheep.

Marco Polo argali sheep are native to central Asia and are considered threatened under the US Endangered Species Act. Montana law prohibits importing, possessing, and selling them.

On Tuesday, Schubarth pleaded guilty to charges in a scheme that involved all three.

His sentencing is scheduled for July and he faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the two felony counts against him.

The US has wildlife protection laws

It all started in 2013 when an unnamed party illegally imported Marco Polo argali sheep parts to the US from Kyrgyzstan, according to court documents.

Shortly thereafter, Schubarth allegedly got his hands on some of those sheep parts and, in 2015, paid a deposit of $4,200 to produce cloned sheep embryos from the dead argali's remains.

In May 2017, a pure argali sheep was born from one of those cloned embryos. Schubarth named him Montana Mountain King.

Mountain King would be Schubarth's golden goose in a lucrative business scheme to create larger, more attractive sheep for (mostly) Texan hunting farms, according to court documents.

In 2018, Schubarth harvested Mountain King's sperm, which he used to artificially inseminate bighorn ewes (female sheep) on his farm to create hybrid offspring.

Over the next several years, Schubarth, with several unnamed parties, illegally transported dozens of ewes and their hybrid offspring across state lines.

In the process, they are accused of forging vet inspection certificates and lying that the sheep were a legally permitted species, according to court documents.

Sheep worth tens of thousands of dollars

Marco Polo, a subspecies of argali sheep, is "an almost mythical animal" prized by trophy hunters for its large spiral horns, naturalist George Schaller told NPR in 2006.

Schubarth's hybrids were a mix of the Marco Polo and other bighorn sheep. Their large size and giant horns would fetch higher prices on the game farms than other species. In 2020, Schubarth sold 24 hybrids for $46,200, according to the Department of Justice's statement.

Cloning the dead sheep isn't where Schubarth broke the law since there's no regulation on animal cloning in the US, Joyce Tischler, a professor at Lewis & Clark Law School's Center for Animal Law Studies, told Business Insider.

It was all of that illegal transporting across state lines (and the lying and forging of official documents).

On March 12, Schubarth pleaded guilty to conspiracy and trafficking in violation of the Lacey Act, according to the DOJ's statement. The act bans the trade of wildlife that was obtained illegally.

The retail value of the transported wildlife was between $250,000 and $550,000, according to court documents.

"What I see as the danger is that if this becomes popular, then other people are going to want to illegally import argali sheep to make money off of them," Joyce Tischler, a professor at Lewis & Clark Law School's Center for Animal Law Studies, told Business Insider.

How to clone a sheep

Though none of the Department of Justice's charges relate to the cloning of illegally imported sheep parts, the process remains controversial in some countries.

In 2015, the European Union banned the cloning of farm animals, citing animal welfare concerns. One of the biggest concerns was that cloning mammals has a low success rate. It's unclear what Schubarth's success rate was, though court documents only mention a single cloned animal  Montana Mountain King.

Dolly the sheep was the first successful mammal to be cloned. Matthew Polak/Sygma/Sygma via Getty Images

Some improvements have been made since Dolly the sheep, the world's first mammal clone, was born in 1996. However, it's still an involved process that requires veterinary expertise and a surgical procedure for sheep.

The most difficult part is inserting the cloned embryos into a live ewe to carry it to term, Alison Van Eenennaam, a biotechnologist with the University of California, Davis who wasn't involved in the case, told Business Insider.

An expert will make an incision, implant the embryo in the uterus, and sew the ewe up again. "It's a real scene," Van Eenennaam said. "It's not that trivial to do."

The sheep would have to be at the right stage of its reproductive cycle to maintain the pregnancy, Van Eenennaam said.

Once Schubarth had the male clone, Mountain King, it was an easier process from there to build a family of hybrids. He could simply use King's semen to artificially inseminate ewes, no surgical implanting necessary.

Cloning isn't the real concern here

The plea agreement requires Schubarth to quarantine any clones and offspring. The US Fish and Wildlife Service may also decide to neuter the animals, according to court documents.

Gregory Kaebnick, a senior research scholar with The Hastings Center who studies bioethics, isn't worried that the cloned sheep may impact wild species or alter ecosystems since they seemed to have been bread for hunting. But he said that it could be a concern in the future.

"Some of this technology is coming down to what's sometimes called the DIY bio level or the garage bio level," he said. "People are sort of trying to hack genomes in their basements."

A scientist at the Reproductive Biotechnology Centre in Dubai works on cloning camels. Rula Rouhana/Reuters

It's not completely unreasonable to start thinking about how this could one day impact wild genomes, Kaebnick said.

Van Eenennaam agreed that the genetic component of this case isn't particularly worrying. Livestock cloning still has a relatively low success rate.

However, she noted that bringing in tissue from any non-native species could be a biosecurity risk if they're carrying disease.

"It's kind of your worst nightmare," she said, "that material is being moved around without the proper clearances just because of the potential threat to the agricultural industry."

Schubarth's lawyers didn't respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Prosecutors alleged genetic material from the Marco Polo argali sheep (pictured) was used to breed the Montana Mountain King

A farmer has been caught illegally breeding massive mutant sheep to sell to private hunting reserves for up to $10,000, a court in Montana heard.

Arthur Jack Schubarth, 80, who owns a 215-acre ranch in Vaughn, Montana, pleaded guilty to criminal charges of wildlife trafficking and conspiracy to traffic wildlife at a court in Great Falls on Tuesday.

Prosecutors say he illegally used tissue and testicles from wild sheep killed by hunters in Central Asia, and the US, to breed hybrid sheep for sale.

According to court documents, Schubarth conspired with at least five other people between 2013 and 2021 to create a larger hybrid species of sheep that would generate high prices from shooting reserves, where people pay to hunt captive trophy game animals.

Arthur 'Jack' Schubarth owns a 215-acre ranch in Vaughn, Montana

Schubarths ranch specialises in the purchase, sale and breeding of alternative livestock such as mountain sheep, mountain goats and various ungulates, according to prosecutors.

They claimed that Schubarth secretly brought parts of the largest sheep in the world, the Marco Polo argali sheep from Kyrgyzstan, into America.

Marco Polo males, which are native to the mountains of the Pamir region of Central Asia, can weigh more than 22 stone with horns that span more than 5ft.

They are protected species internationally and the court also heard how they are prohibited in Montana to protect native sheep from disease and hybridisation.

Prosecutors say Schubarth sent genetic material from the Marco Polos body parts to a lab to create cloned embryos. He then implanted the embryos in ewes on his ranch, resulting in a single, pure genetic male Marco Polo that he named Montana Mountain King or MMK, the court heard.

Court documents stated that Schubarth worked with the others to use the Montana Mountain Kings semen to artificially impregnate various other species of ewes and create hybrid animals. He agreed to sell one offspring to two people in Texas for $10,000, the court heard.

To move the prohibited sheep in and out of Montana, Schubarth and others forged veterinary inspection certificates, falsely claiming that the sheep were legally permitted species, the court heard. Prosecutors said Schubarth also sold semen from the Montana Mountain King directly to sheep breeders in other states.

This was an audacious scheme to create massive hybrid sheep species to be sold and hunted as trophies, said Todd Kim, assistant attorney general. In pursuit of this scheme, Schubarth violated international law and the Lacey Act, both of which protect the viability and health of native populations of animals.

The Lacey Act prohibits trade in wildlife that has been taken, possessed, transported or sold in violation of federal or state law.

Schubarth also illegally purchased genetic material from a Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, the largest wild sheep in North America which stand around three feet tall and can weigh over 21 stone, to traffic to buyers in other states.

He paid $400 to a hunter for the testicles from one of the wild sheep, which had been shot in Montana, to breed more of the species and crossbreed with the argali sheep.

Schubarth named the hybrid sheep Montana Mountain King - Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks

The kind of crime we uncovered here could threaten the integrity of our wildlife species in Montana, Ron Howell, head of state wildlife enforcement, said.

Each count carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing for Schubarth is set for July 11.

On a Facebook page in his name which features numerous photos of livestock, Schubarth wrote two days ago: We have not been able to sell sheep for about three years now. First time in 80 plus years Im broke.

In 2019, Donald Trump Jr, the son of the former president, was condemned by animal rights groups when he went to hunt argali sheep in Mongolia, where they are considered a national treasure.

He reportedly shot one of the creatures, which are on the list of near-threatened species, using a laser-sighted rifle.

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DHAKA, March 14 (Xinhua) -- The Bangladeshi government in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has hired more than 1,200 social workers in child protection services.

The initiative underscores the importance of ensuring the welfare of children and families across the nation, UNICEF said in a statement Thursday.

As a first step towards their integration in the child protection social services, Bangladesh's Department of Social Services and UNICEF jointly completed a three-day training of trainers in Dhaka for the social workers on Thursday.

This program is designed to equip a carefully chosen group of social workers with the knowledge and skills needed to introduce new recruits in Bangladesh to the field.

Additionally, it will enhance their ability to offer essential services in critical areas such as child protection, support for families, emergency response and the implementation of child rights policies.

The goal of this initiative is to cultivate a highly skilled workforce, thereby enhancing the quality of services provided and broadening the availability of protective services delivered by social workers. 
The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals issued a ruling in March recognizing that the Wyandotte Nation's reservation still exists in northeast Oklahoma.

The Wyandotte Nation reservation still exists in the northeast corner of Oklahoma, the states highest criminal court has found.

The decision comes nearly four years after the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its landmark ruling on tribal reservations in Oklahoma. State courts lack the power to prosecute Native Americans accused of committing crimes in those areas.

In the latest case decided earlier this month, the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals concluded that a lower court correctly determined the Wyandotte reservation fit the definition of Indian Country under federal criminal law. The district court pointed to a 2023 appeals court decision that found the nearby Ottawa and Peoria reservations also remained intact.

All three small reservations were created by an 1867 treaty, and Congress restored the tribes rights under that treaty in 1978, the appeals court found.

How many reservations in Oklahoma have been recognized by the courts?

Courts have now recognized a total of nine reservations in Oklahoma, all in the eastern half of the state. Tribal and federal courts have the jurisdiction to prosecute Native Americans accused of committing crimes in those areas. Federal courts also can take on cases involving Native American victims.

Billy Friend, the chief of the Wyandotte Nation in Wyandotte, said he and other leaders had been anticipating the decision for weeks and preparing for it for years. The tribe has its own police force and court system and has had cross-deputization agreements in place with local law enforcement agencies for years, Friend said.

"Now that weve had the reservation affirmed, its pretty much a seamless transition," he said.

The ruling followed the arrest of a Cherokee man accused of driving under the influence, as well as several other related offenses, within the historical boundaries of the Wyandotte reservation. The man asked for the case to be dismissed from state court because he is Native American.

One of the five judges on the Court of Criminal Appeals dissented from the majority holding that affirmed the Wyandotte reservation status. Judge Gary Lumpkin said the courts ruling amounted to an advisory opinion, something it does not issue.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt pushes back with task force

Gov. Kevin Stitt has pushed back for years against the growing recognition of tribal reservations in Oklahoma, saying he believes state laws should apply statewide. In December, he formed a task force to discuss questions about jurisdiction on tribal lands. No elected official from a tribal nation has yet agreed to participate in the talks.

Stitt has also worried the state could lose its ability to tax tribal citizens who live on the reaffirmed reservations. The Oklahoma Supreme Court is set to decide a case that would determine whether a Muscogee Nation citizen who lives on her tribes reservation and works for her tribe owes state income taxes.

Friend said Wyandotte leaders have been getting ready for the influx of cases that will flow to the tribe's court and have worked with Ottawa County prosecutors to make sure case information gets where it needs to go.

"I know a lot of the focus has been on the challenges this creates, but we're focused on solutions and coming up with solutions to those challenges," Friend said.

Molly Young covers Indigenous affairs. Reach her at mollyyoung@gannett.com or 405-347-3534.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Court rules Wyandotte reservation still exists in northeast Oklahoma
STAUNTON  Authorities are now saying two men were shot Friday morning in Staunton as new charges were lodged against a suspect who is already facing a murder charge.

On Tuesday, Rodney D. Phillips, 35, of Staunton, was charged with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and shooting inside an occupied dwelling. Phillips was already charged with second-degree murder in the killing of 39-year-old Jonathan M. Jacobs of Staunton.

Rodney Dwayne Phillips

Jacobs was was shot to death Friday morning, March 8, at the Howard Johnson motel in downtown Staunton on North Central Avenue.

The Staunton Police Department initially reported that gunshots rang out shortly before 10 a.m. They found Jacobs injured in Room 412 on the fourth floor. He died at the scene.

Further investigation revealed a second man was shot in the leg, resulting in the new batch of charges against Phillips. The victim did not require hospitalization, police said.

During a search of the motel room, investigators collected numerous pieces of clothing, a wallet, jewelry, less than $50 in cash and coins, pills, a white powder substance, two scales, and two cell phones, according to a search warrant. Two shell casings were also found at the scene.

Following the shooting, police apprehended Phillips during a traffic stop on Lacy B. King Way in Staunton.

He is being held without bond at Middle River Regional Jail in Verona.

Ex-CPS investigator pleads guilty in Augusta County to molesting young girl, gets prison

Virginia State Police: Man threatened to defecate on slain police officer's gravesite

Stauntons first downtown doggy daycare

Brad Zinn is the cops, courts and breaking news reporter at The News Leader. Have a news tip? Or something that needs investigating? You can email reporter Brad Zinn (he/him) at bzinn@newsleader.com. You can also follow him on X (formerly Twitter).

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: PD: Second victim was shot in last week's homicide in Staunton
A man in Northern Kentucky was shot and killed by police after he allegedly charged towards officers with a butcher knife, according to Kentucky State Police and the Covington Police Department.

Around 1:30 a.m. Thursday, Covington police officers responded to Cambridge Square Apartments on Promontory Drive for a report of a burglary in progress. Covington police said a man was armed with a butcher knife and beating on the door of an apartment.

Police officers encountered the man and he came at officers while armed with the knife, according to Covington police. Officers fired shots in response.

The man was transported to University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Covington police said. The man died at the hospital, KSP said.

No other injuries were reported, according to KSP. The identity of the man killed has not been released.

KSP is handling the investigation into the shooting, as it does with all shootings involving police officers. More details about the incident are expected to be released at a later time.

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, KSP said in a press release.
Corry resident Shawn C. Cranston, 52, is scheduled to appear for his preliminary hearing on Friday on charges in the death of Rebekah A. Byler, a 23-year-old pregnant Amish woman who was killed inside her home at 21845 Fish Flats Road in Sparta Township, Crawford County, on Feb. 26.

More details on Byler's death and what led the Pennsylvania State Police to identify Cranston as a suspect are expected to be revealed at the hearing, scheduled for 1:15 p.m. at the Crawford County Judicial Center.

Here's what we know so far:

How did police learn of Rebekah Byler's death?

State police at Corry, in southern Erie County, were summoned to Byler's Fish Flats Road home, which sits west of Route 89, shortly before 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 26.

A caller to 911, described by state police as a family friend who had given Byler's husband a ride to an outing earlier that day, reported that she and Byler's husband returned to the Byler residence to find Rebekah Byler unresponsive inside, according to information state police filed with search warrants for the Byler home.

Troopers found Byler, who was six months pregnant, on her back in a pool of blood in the home's living room, according to information in the warrants. Two toddler-age children were also inside the home but were not injured, state police said.

Corry resident Shawn C. Cranston is scheduled to appear in court on Friday for a preliminary hearing on criminal homicide and other charges in the death of Rebecca Byler, a 23-year-old Amish woman who was pregnant, at Byler's Fish Flats Road home in Sparta Township, Crawford County, on Feb. 26.

A laceration was observed on the front side of Byler's neck "in addition to a scalping type wound on her head," the trooper who obtained the search warrants wrote in their affidavits.

Crawford County Coroner Eric Coston pronounced Byler dead at the scene at 1:45 p.m. on Feb. 26.

How did police investigate Byler's death?

State police obtained two search warrants for the Byler residence from Titusville District Judge Amy Nicols and served them on the residence shortly after 3 p.m. on Feb. 26. Evidence they were looking for included knives, firearms, blood, DNA, fingernail scrapings and clippings, electronic devices "and any other physical evidence associated with criminal activity," according to the warrants.

Inventory lists of items collected from the property were returned on the early afternoon of March 4. The seized items included a rifle and two shotguns, two discharged cartridge cases, pieces of at least one broken knife, a partially smoked cigarette, a black hair, an empty soda bottle and a cotton-tipped applicator used for a DNA swab containing possible DNA, according to the inventory lists.

Erie County forensic pathologist Eric Vey, M.D., performed an autopsy on Byler in Erie County on Feb. 27. Details on the autopsy, including the cause and manner of Byler's death, were not released in order to maintain the integrity of the active investigation, Coston wrote in a news release issued on Feb. 28.

Coston said he released Byler's body to a funeral home in Union City on the evening of Feb. 28.

A GoFundMe effort was organized on Feb. 28 by a friend of the Byler family to raise funds for Byler's husband and children. The GoFundMe post said Byler was six months pregnant.

When was Shawn Cranston charged in Byler's death?

Cranston, who state police said is known to some in the Amish community where the Bylers live, was taken into custody in Corry on the evening of March 1.

State police on March 1 also searched Cranston's residence at 428 E. Main St. in Corry, with the search continuing into March 2.

Cranston was brought before Nicols at 4:24 a.m. on March 2 for his arraignment. He was placed in the Crawford County Correctional Facility without bond.

The criminal complaint filed against Cranston did not include an affidavit of probable cause. The trooper who filed the charges wrote in the complaint that Cranston is accused of killing Byler by shooting her in the head and/or slashing her throat.

What penalties would Cranston face if convicted?

Cranston is charged with criminal homicide, with criminal homicide of an unborn child and felony counts of burglary and criminal trespass.

The two homicide charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison, the burglary charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and the criminal trespass charge carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison, according to information in the criminal complaint.

Crawford County District Attorney Paula DiGiacomo is prosecuting the case against Shawn C. Cranston, a Corry resident accused of killing 23-year-old Rebekah A. Byler inside the pregnant Amish woman's home in Sparta Township, Crawford County, on Feb. 26.

Crawford County District Attorney Paula DiGiacomo is prosecuting the case. The Crawford County Public Defender's Office is representing Cranston, according to information in his online court docket sheet.

Cranston's preliminary hearing was initially scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday in Nicols' district court in Titusville.

Crawford County President Judge John Spataro issued an order on March 8 moving the hearing to 1:15 p.m. Friday in Courtroom 1 of the Crawford County Judicial Center, at 359 E. Center St. in Meadville, off Diamond Park. Nicols will preside.

Contact Tim Hahn at thahn@timesnews.com. Follow him on X @ETNhahn.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: PA pregnant Amish woman's slaying: Preliminary hearing arrives Friday
Against the backdrop of the U.S. Capitol, Republican Rep. Kevin Kiley and other local advocates called on Congress to extend funding to support environmental preservation in the cherished Lake Tahoe region for another decade.

The bipartisan group was advocating for an extension of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act, which allocates federal funding to a litany of local restoration projects and is set to expire on Sept. 30.

Since its previous reauthorization 20 years ago, funds have gone to more than 700 projects in the Tahoe Basin, and waters are the clearest theyve been in decades. Without these projects it wouldnt be the same, Kiley, R-Rocklin, said at a Wednesday news conference. Lake Tahoe is a national treasure, and we must honor our commitment to preserving it for generations to come.

An extension of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act for 10 years was introduced last year by Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, and has the support of all four Nevada and California U.S. senators. It would keep millions of dollars in federal funding flowing to projects tackling regional water quality, air quality, transportation, forest management and recreation.

The original LTRA was signed in 2000 and pledged $300 million to restore the lake. A 2016 reauthorization effort allotted another $415 million. This new reauthorization does not approve additional federal dollars but rather unlocks $300 million in unspent funds.

Representatives of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, League to Save Lake Tahoe, and chair of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California also spoke in favor of reauthorizing the law to extend funding for key programs.

The Washoe Tribe currently runs about seven projects out of Lake Tahoe for conservation and restoration, said tribal chairman Serrell Smokey. These lands have given us life for thousands of years and its our hope that we can continue to maintain them so that they will continue to do so for thousands of years to come.

Lake Tahoe restoration was a particularly important cause for the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who grew up attending summer camp near the lake and owned a vacation home there. She sponsored the initial legislation in 1999 and was central to the 2016 negotiations. Democratic Congressman John Garamendi introduced a bill last year to rename the law in her honor.

Since its inception, the law has funded hundreds of projects under the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program in conjunction with state, local and private funding. The program has also supported an average of 1,700 jobs per year, according to lawmakers.

Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America, home to more than 55,000 people and a major tourist attraction. Historically, the region has suffered from loss of water clarity, air pollution and invasive species that pose a threat to the regions biodiversity.

According to scientists at the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center, growing urban areas have exacerbated pollution, and harmful algae growth has steadily increased in recent decades. Climate change caused by the burning of fossil fuels is also intensifying wildfire risk and stressing the lakes delicate ecosystems.

But the lakes water clarity made a remarkable improvement in 2023 thanks to the reintroduction of native zooplankton. With help from scientists, the zooplankton have provided a natural clean-up crew to help restore the lakes famous blue waters. However, those gains are expected to be short-term with the rise of other competing plankton species.

Kiley and other lawmakers aim to pass the reauthorization bill this year. It has not yet been scheduled for a committee hearing in the U.S. Senate.
Russia is believed to have jammed the signal of an RAF plane carrying Grant Shapps in an electronic attack described as wildly irresponsible.

The GPS signal of the plane was said to have been interfered with for half an hour while it passed the Russian territory of Kaliningrad, which sits between Poland and Lithuania.

The defence secretary was aboard an RAF Dassault 900LX Falcon jet, named Envoy, on the way back from Poland on Wednesday when the attack took place. The aircrafts flight path was visible to trackers.

The attack did not threaten the safety of the aircraft but left phones unable to connect to the planes WiFi. The plane was forced to use other navigation systems available to the pilots.

One defence source said: While the RAF are well prepared to deal with this, it still puts an unnecessary risk on civilian aircraft and could potentially endanger peoples lives. There is no excuse for this and its wildly irresponsible on Russias part.

Grant Shapps and Polish defence minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz talk to British and Polish troops on Wednesday (AFP via Getty)

Another source said it was not unusual for attacks of that nature to happen near Kaliningrad.

A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed the plane experienced GPS jamming when they flew close to Kaliningrad.

They added: It didnt threaten the safety of the aircraft and it is not unusual for aircraft to experience GPS jamming near Kaliningrad, which is of course Russian territory.

Mr Shapps was returning from a visit to a military training site in Orzysz, northeast Poland, about 100 miles from Kaliningrad. He watched troops taking part in the Steadfast Defender, Natos largest military exercises since the Cold War. The exercises, taking place until May, involve around 90,000 troops from across the alliance, including UK forces.

During the trip to Poland, Mr Shapps hit out at Vladimir Putins sabre-rattling after the Russian leader used an interview with state media to claim that his nation was ready for nuclear war if the need arose. It is a threat that he has used repeatedly since invading Ukraine, with Western allies  including the UK  having rallied around Kyiv as it has defended itself. Mr Shapps called such rhetoric irresponsible and said that Mr Putin should drive back east and get out of the democratic country he decided to invade two years ago.

Mr Shapps has also called for UK military spending to increase to 3 per cent of GDP, saying in Poland: I want a bigger budget.

He said: I have coined the phrase moving from post-war to pre-war. We have to be much better prepared.

Defence is the best way to protect ourselves against a military conflict  you have to show your adversaries  so I am clearly in favour [of a 3 per cent target]. We live in a more dangerous world, weve got Putin on the frontline making gains.

Grant Shapps in Poland, where he hit out at Vladimir Putin (AFP via Getty)

That is a reference to gains Mr Putins forces have made in eastern Ukraine, with Kyivs troops being forced to withdraw from a number of towns and villages. Ukraine has called on Western allies to send more weapons and ammunition to combat shortages it is facing on the frontline  with delays to Western aid seen as part of the cause.

The US Congress has so far failed to pass fresh military aid funding for Ukraine, despite months of talks  with a group of congressional Democrats including the former House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi and armed services veterans urging the current Republican speaker, Mike Johnson, to lead, follow or get out of the way so that a package can be passed.

President Joe Biden has been clear that Congress needs to do its duty to pass billions of dollars in funds. On Tuesday, the White House announced that the US would send Ukraine aid worth $300m, which will come from savings on Pentagon contracts. The funds will be used for artillery munitions.

Research by the Royal United Services Institute in 2022 suggested that increasing UK defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP by 2030, as suggested by Liz Truss's government, would require 157bn in additional spending over the following eight years.

Mr Shapps call follows demands from security minister Tom Tugendhat and Foreign Office minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan that spending rise from 2.27 per cent of GDP to 2.5 per cent immediately.

Last weeks Budget contained no new money for defence despite concerns about the state of Britains armed forces and the governments commitment to spend 2.5 per cent of GDP on the military as soon as economic conditions allow.

The Ministry of Defence has also announced that the UK will get 14 new Chinook helicopters. Mr Shapps announced the commitment to proceed with the contract, reversing a decision by his predecessor Ben Wallace to scrap the deal in a diplomatic spat over the 2.3bn price tag  500m more than initial estimates. The price was negotiated down to 2bn. Mr Shapps said that Mr Wallaces intervention had been helpful in bringing about that reduction.

Mr Shapps said: Procuring these Chinook helicopters will mark a significant milestone in our efforts to modernise and enhance the agility of the UK armed forces, cementing our ability to respond at pace to situations and threats across the globe.

The Chinook is one of our most iconic aircraft, having been operated in every major conflict since the Falklands War. Delivering on this deal not only enhances our capability, but will boost UK industry and skills.

It is not the first time that British planes have faced likely jamming by Russia. In 2021, planes flying in and out of RAF Akrotiri on Cyprus were also thought to have had their GPS signals jammed by Moscow.

The aircraft affected were believed to have been F-35 and Typhoon fighter jets, A400M transport aircraft and Voyager troop planes. No serious incidents were reported at the time, but the signal was thought to have been coming from Syrian territory, where Russia has had a presence.

Poland and other nations in the Baltic region have also reported levels of GPS interference in recent months. The Institute for the Study of War think tank, which monitors the war in Ukraine, said in a report in January that areas of the north and east of Poland saw something similar on 10 January and 16 January, and areas of the south Baltic Sea on 25 December and 27 December.

With an increased use of drones from both Russia and Ukraine during Moscows invasion, electronic warfare such as jamming has taken on a greater importance.

Swedish military officer Joakim Paasikivi told the countrys SVT broadcaster: I believe this is part of Russian influence activities or so-called hybrid warfare. This may be Russias way of sowing uncertainty.
The annual Snake Saturday parade in North Kansas City takes place this weekend, bringing thousands of people from around the area to Swift Street.

Since its inception, Snake Saturday has taken place the weekend before St. Patricks Day, rain or shine. This year, it is at 11 a.m. on March 16, the day before the Irish holiday.

1984 marked the first official Snake Saturday, and this year it celebrates its 40th anniversary, titled Mickey Finns Irish Dream, after one of the founders.

For the last 40 years, Snake Saturday has been a celebration exclusive to North Kansas City, according to parade organizer and publicist Mindy Hart. But where did it start? Heres what we found.

Rain didnt dampen the festivities as an oversize snake made its way down the street during the 2023 Brookside St. Patricks Day Warm-Up Parade on Saturday March 11, 2023 in Kansas City.

Who came up with Snake Saturday?

The first event of its kind happened in 1983, thanks to founders Finn and Bill Grigsby. Finn had done a parade in a Rodeway Inn parking lot as an advertising gimmick for the motel, and they had so much fun that Grigsby, the mayor of North Kansas City, suggested taking it to the streets the following year, Hart said.

But whats with the Snake Saturday name? It honors St. Patrick, who is said in Irish folklore to have driven the snakes away from Ireland in the 5th century.

It is in reference to one of the legends associated with St. Patrick is that he stood atop an Irish hillside and banished snakes from Ireland  prompting all serpents to slither away into the sea, Hart said. In fact, research suggests snakes never occupied the Emerald Isle in the first place.

Forty years later, and the parade has raised over $1.9 million for local charities. The parade gives away over $50,000 each year to charities through the parade and the charity cook-off, where 25 charities compete to see who can cook the best steak for the $1,000 grand prize, Hart said.

All charities leave with something, she said.

Where does the Snake Saturday parade take place?

The parade route goes from 10th Avenue to 14th Avenue along Swift Street and along 14th Avenue from Howell Street to Swift Street. These roads will be closed for the duration of the parade.

North KC Public Works will close all parking along the parade route before the parade starts Saturday. While there is no designated parade lot, they recommend parking in these areas:

Any public lot or street north of Armour Road

Any public lot or street south of 18th Avenue and East of Erie Street

Any public lot or street west of Clay Street

Public parking at the former NKC Pro Bowl located at 18th and Erie Street.

Fayette Street and East 18th Avenue is also closed for the festival that happens after the parade comes to an end.

Hart did not say how many she expects to show up this year. Usually, on bad weather days, they see around 30,000 people. On good weather days, North Kansas City could attract more than 100,000 people for the parade and festival.

The parade route for 2024s Snake Saturday parade in North Kansas City. The parade happens the weekend before St. Patricks Day, and this year it is on March 16.
As state attorneys general, we have two primary duties: defending our states laws and interests, and protecting the rights and well-being of the people we were elected to serve. When Americans across the country faced urgent and powerful threats to their health, safety and prosperity, attorneys general across the nation have stood together to take them on:

In the 1990s, state attorneys general stood up to Big Tobacco after years of false advertising and illegally marketing to children.

During the housing crisis, we took on the Big Banks that recklessly led the country into a massive economic recession.

More recently, we have worked together to hold Big Pharma accountable for the opioid crisis that has led to addiction and tragic overdose deaths.

Now, as a mental health crisis exacerbated by social media giants seeking to addict and commodify the attention of children grows worse and worse each year, its time to take collective action again.

Our teens' addictive social feeds heighten risks

Recent research demonstrates the devastating mental health effects caused by social media use, including increased rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and self-harm. Adolescents who spend more than three hours per day on social media face twice the risk of poor mental health outcomes.

Addictive feeds  designed to harness personal data to curate users content that will keep them on the platform for as long as possible  have dramatically heightened the risk to young users well-being and made our children addicted to these social media outlets.

Sexual violence is too rampant. So I said no to my daughter's sleepover invitation.

In the first seven years after addictive feeds were introduced, suicide rates for 10- to 14-year-old girls doubled and hospitalizations for suicidal ideation and attempts increased nearly twofold for all adolescents.

Instead of responding to the problem, social media empires have escalated efforts to keep and capture user engagement, and the consequences have been catastrophic.

A photo taken on February 22, 2024 shows the logo of US online social media and social networking service Facebook on a smartphone screen in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP) (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)

Beyond the direct toll of social media addiction, the collection of childrens data by these giant companies puts our kids at grave risk, leaving them vulnerable to having their location and other personal data tracked, shared and sold online. As a consequence, that data is at greater risk of falling into the wrong hands  including human traffickers, identity thieves and others who might prey on young people.

We will not stand by and watch an arms race among social media mega-corporations over who can best profit from our childrens pain and addiction. That is why we are using every tool at our disposal to fight back against these pernicious practices: from the courthouse to the statehouse.

Congress wants US to ban TikTok. That's a mistake.

Why we are championing new legislation to protect our kids

Last October, we spearheaded litigation with 40 fellow state attorneys general against Meta  which owns Facebook, Instagram and Threads  alleging that the company knowingly designed and deployed harmful features on its social media platforms that purposefully addict children and teens.

However, Meta is not the only company pushing algorithmic addiction on vulnerable young people. TikTok, Youtube, X (formerly Twitter) and others are explicitly engineered to capture unhealthy levels of engagement. A broader and more permanent solution is needed.

That is why we are also championing legislation in our respective states to crack down on addictive feeds and safeguard against the collection and sale of childrens personal information.

While these bills will be subject to deafening levels of fearmongering by some of the richest and most powerful companies in the world, in reality they are carefully designed, commonsense measures crafted to limit the harms of social media on children while still maintaining the benefits.

Supreme Court case is about more than regulating social media. Can you comment? Maybe not.

At their hearts, the addictive feed bills do a few basic, logical things  including requiring that chronological feeds of posts from users that children actually follow be the default setting, which is how social media operated before addictive feeds were surreptitiously introduced.

Additionally, our legislation will allow parents to limit the number of hours their children can access social media, opt out of middle-of-the-night access, and prohibit companies from sending kids dead-of-night notifications.

The data protection bills simply protect more young people by prohibiting all online sites from collecting, using, sharing or selling personal data of anyone under the age of 18, unless they receive informed consent or unless doing so is strictly necessary for the websites core purpose.

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And this is what the legislation will not do

We would also like to be clear about what the bills will not do:

They will not require minors to obtain parental consent or verify their age in order to create social media accounts.

They will not give parents new or additional legal authority to view or access minors' accounts.

They will not limit minors ability to connect with friends, explore topics of interest or receive general content recommendations.

These activities will remain as they are now.

New York Attorney General Letitia James speaks to the media, Nov. 6, 2023, in New York. New Yorks attorney general filed suit Wednesday, Dec. 20, against SiriusXM, accusing the satellite radio and streaming service of making it intentionally difficult for its customers to cancel their subscriptions.

And despite a common industry talking point, these bills will not restrict speech. These bills dont regulate what is said; they create default limits on platform features and designs to better protect young minds.

The type of thoughtful limitation in these bills has been found constitutional time and again, particularly when the governments interest is as profound as protecting the health and safety of our children.

California State Attorney General Rob Bonta speaks at a press conference at the Stockton Police Department in downtown Stockton concerning the results of Operation Hybrid Havoc which targeted guns and gangs in the Stockton area.

Curbing the excesses of some of the worlds most powerful and influential companies will not be easy. But the formative mental health of a generation is at stake, and we cannot afford to stand idly by and not respond.

Weve stepped up before as attorneys general to address a rising threat to the health and safety of our constituents. With the support and courage of our colleagues in our states legislatures, we know that we will succeed, and that children will finally be protected against the most insidious harms of social media.

Letitia James is attorney general of New York and Rob Bonta is attorney general of California. This article originally appeared on lohud.com

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 Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok are addictive for kids. That must change
I used to explain the 10th example of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances working definition of antisemitism, Comparing Israel to Nazis or Israeli policy to that of Nazis, to non-experts in Jew-hatred in the following way: That would be like accusing a rape victim of being a rapist. Aside from the historical Soviet roots of this antisemitic comparison between the Jewish state and the Third Reich Nazis, the juxtaposition of calling a victim of rape a rapist, the absurdity of blaming a victim for the very violent crime that they were victimized by, would at once provide clarity as to the outlandishness of this claim and also demonstrate why such a claim was deeply offensive, demonizing and, in the case of leveraging this accusation against Jews as a group, often meant to promote bigotry and hostility. I thought that this explanation would make carnal sense to everyone  that it was a sound allegory  until CyberWell delved into the latest online trend of Oct. 7 denial: denying the mass and deliberate use of rape and sexual violence by Hamas and its allies against Israeli women on Oct. 7.

FILE - 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)

CyberWells latest report, released ahead of International Womens Day, unpacks the online evolution, revisionism and unprecedented exposure of the Oct. 7 rape denial sub-narratives on our most-used social media platforms. Our team of professional online antisemitism and digital policy analysts vetted and reported on a relatively small dataset of just 135 online examples denying the mass rape of Oct. 7 and found that this content reached an astounding audience of over 15 million views across major social media platforms. X, formerly Twitter, contributed to over 80% of those views.

The specific conspiracy iterations of this Oct. 7 denial sub-narrative claim that:

Rape did not happen since there is no direct survivor testimony.

Witnesses are lying and not credible.

Israel is lying about the mass sexual violence for its own gain.

Hamas did not commit mass rape since its members are radical militant Islamists.

Hamas did not rape civilians, but Israel raped its own people.

Despite these narratives' violating the policies of the social media platforms hosting this content, the removal rate by the platforms dwindled to 11.6%, a far cry from the average removal rate of online antisemitism at 32% in 2023. Instagram produced the lowest removal rate of Oct. 7 rape denial content, with a zero percent action rate, even with the content being reported to the platform via user accounts.

This latest vile Oct. 7 denial sub-narrative puts social media apps in new territory: the large-scale platforming of mass rape denial. This phenomenon carries its own weight  the reinforcement of rape culture and the oppression of women everywhere.

On Oct. 7, Hamas terrorists committed the same sadistic practice of purposeful, widespread, systematic sexual violence that led to the rape of between 250,000 and 500,000 women and girls in the 1994 during the genocide in Rwanda, more than 60,000 in the civil war in Sierra Leone, between 20,000 and 50,000 in the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina and at least 200,000 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 1996, according to estimates by the United Nations Development Fund for Women.

However, this time Hamas livestreamed its violent executions and pillaging, revealing the newest and most important tool of war that is ripe for terrorist exploitation: our major social media platforms. The plot twist: The same social media platforms that were leveraged as weapons of psychological warfare by Hamas are now being used to gaslight victims of rape, sexual assault and terror through their apologists in a series of conspiratorial online sub-narratives that are directly influencing traditional news sources sworn to gateeeping accurate reporting.

The same week that the United Nations special envoy for sexual violence in conflict confirmed the systematic use of sexual violence and gang rape during the Oct. 7 attacks, other publications are amplifying the rape-denial sub-narrative by citing unqualified "independent fact checkers" that promoted the Oct. 7 denial on social media on the same day of the massacre. Through social media inaction, terror groups are learning that platforms can be manipulated effectively to deny the same atrocities they commit in order to avoid international culpability for their actions.

Unless social media platforms mobilize to make major inroads into removing and blocking Oct. 7 denial content at scale, we will no doubt see a repetitive cycle of exploitation and gaslighting by other terrorist organizations targeting Western democracies in the future.

Tal-Or Cohen Montemayor

As accusations circle about at least two alleged cases of rape committed by Israeli Defense Forces on Palestinian detainees, after one of the most well-documented massacres and mass rapes of Israeli women, one thing should be crystal clear: There is no litmus test when it comes to rape. It is always abhorrent, never acceptable, and has been weaponized against women and girls as a tool of war for centuries. Systematic rape is a crime against humanity that perpetuates lifelong trauma and widespread rejection and disempowerment of rape survivors long after the end of armed conflict. As we grapple with the efficacy and legitimacy of the humanitarian and international legal institutions that the collective international community set up after World War II, we should be careful not to discard this crucial understanding. Moreover, we should apply this principle to the same platforms that self-govern through digital policies created in the image of humanitarian law.

Tal-Or Cohen Montemayor is the founder and executive director of CyberWell, an Israeli tech nonprofit working with social media platforms to monitor and catalog antisemitic rhetoric while improving enforcement and enhancement efforts vis-a-vis community standards and hate speech policies.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Social media platforms are denying mass sexual violence against women
The host of The Late Show on CBS, used his opening monologue on Tuesday night to mock the furore surrounding the edited photograph

One of Americas most prominent comedians has joked about scurrilous rumours concerning the Prince and Princess of Wales on a popular late night television show.

Stephen Colbert, the host of The Late Show on CBS, used his opening monologue on Tuesday night to mock the furore surrounding the Princess following her admission that she had edited a family portrait.

Im afraid Ive got some troubling news about Englands Royal family, he said.

The United Kingdom has been all aflutter by the seeming disappearance of Kate Middleton.

He went on to repeat unsubstantiated internet rumours about why the Princess had not been seen in public.

Oh, my heart goes out to poor Kate, he said, to laughs and groans from the audience.

Colbert went on to joke about the rumours that he said had been circulating since 2019.

Endless stream of false allegations

The subject was also raised on Monday nights show, when the comedian joked about online speculation that Kate Middleton is dead, Kate Middleton is getting divorced from Prince William or maybe both.

The satirical weeknight show is filmed in New York and regularly tops the US late-night talk show ratings, attracting more than two million viewers.

It is not readily accessible in the UK but clips were posted online and the segment concerning the Princess was shared widely on social media.

It is thought unlikely to go down well with Kensington Palace, which has struggled to quash social media speculation in recent days. A spokesman declined to comment.

The Princess, who is recovering from the abdominal surgery she underwent on Jan 17, is understood to have been distressed by the seemingly endless stream of false allegations and rumours, which were only fuelled by the revelation on Monday that she had edited a family photograph.

In January 2023, the Duke of Sussex appeared on the programme to promote his memoir, Spare.

On the show, the Duke claimed that his family was engaged in an active campaign to undermine his book because it made them feel uncomfortable and scared.

The fact that he knows how the system works is terrifying for them, he claimed.

The moment that I started doing therapy, its like we started speaking a different language, the Duke added. They couldnt understand me. I was doing my best to try and encourage them to [heal].

The Duke also admitted that he watches The Crown and fact checks it, including the older stuff and more recent stuff.

He admitted that he was previously obsessed with the media but claimed he had now weaned himself off it and now worried about what he put through his eyes as much as what he put into his mouth.

In lighter moments, the Duke was filmed being greeted at the New York TV studio by men dressed as ceremonial guards with trumpets before he was told to move out of the way as the fanfare was for actor Tom Hanks.

The Duke sipped tequila throughout the interview, at one point admitting that he had always wrongly assumed that if he and the Duchess had children there was no way the ginger gene would stand up to his wifes genes.

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CANBERRA, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Australia's Treasurer Jim Chalmers warned on Thursday that falling commodity prices and an uptick in unemployment will negatively impact revenue projections in Australia's upcoming federal budget.

Chalmers made the remarks in a speech to a committee for economic development, while outlining the Australian government's approach to its third federal budget, which he will hand down in May.

He identified global uncertainty, persistent cost-of-living pressures and slowing growth as the three biggest drivers of the government's thinking regarding the budget.

He said that the Australian government can no longer rely on large revenue upgrades, caused by tax receipts coming in larger than projected, due to the falling price of iron ore and a softening labor market.

The Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook released in December 2023 forecast a 69 billion Australian dollar (45.6 billion U.S. dollar) budget revenue windfall over the next four years, but Chalmers said it would now be much less.

"In each of our first two budgets we benefited from more than 100 billion Australian dollars (66.2 billion dollars) in revenue upgrades. This year, we won't see anything like that," he said.

Iron ore is Australia's biggest export, with exports worth 132.4 billion Australian dollars (87.6 billion dollars) in fiscal year 2021-22.

However, Chalmers noted in his speech that the price of iron ore has fallen 10 percent last week.

"Its current price is around 20 percent lower than it was this far out from last year's budget," he said.

Chalmers said Australia's labor market has been resilient but is now softening, which hurts government revenue through lower income tax receipts and higher welfare payments.

He said that the government is still aiming for a second consecutive budget surplus in fiscal year 2023-24. 
For 200 years, Fouriers law has been the go-to explanation for how heat diffuses through solid materials (at least on macro scales).

However, a new study by scientists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst has detected heat behavior in translucent polymers and inorganic glass that this time-tested law cant explain.

Fleshing out a deeper understanding of how heat works could help engineers craft electronic components that are even more heat-resistant.

In 1822, French mathematician and physicist Jean-Baptise Joseph Fourier published the treatise Theorie analytique de la chaleur, or The Analytical Theory of Heat. In this treatise, Fourier describes a law of physics that would eventually become his namesake. This law of heat conduction, known today as Fouriers Law, mathematically described the rate at which heat transfers through a solid material. That hot cup of coffee slowly warming your hand? Thats Fouriers law in action.

In the 200 years since, Fouriers law has held up pretty well. But things changed during the dawn of nanotechnology, because the law breaks down when predicting thermal performance across nanodevices. And a new study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , argues that these exceptions arent limited to the world of the miniscule. By analyzing the heat performance of translucent polymers and inorganic glasses, scientists from the University of Massachusetts Amherst were able to detect anomalies that could not be explained with Fouriers Law.

This research began with a simple question, UMass Amhersts Steve Granick, the senior author on the paper, said in a press statement . What if heat could be transmitted by another pathway, not just the one that people had assumed?

Although textbooks have, for 200 years, explained heat transfer through a process known as diffusion, Granick explains that his team needed to get creative and put the textbook aside for a moment. The researchers idea was that translucent polymers and inorganic glasses would diffuse heat as normal, but their translucence would also allow electromagnetic thermal energy to radiate through the material.

With samples situated in a vacuum chamber, the scientists eliminated the air necessary for the convective distribution of heat. Then, as the best experiments always do, the research team turned on some lasers. In one sample, they pulsed heat in a small area while another sample was warmed on one side and kept cold on the other. To track heat spread across the samples, the team relied on incredibly precise infrared cameras. Once the data was collected, they confirmed their suspicionsFouriers law had failed on a macro scale.

Granick and his team came to the conclusion that these translucent materials radiate energy internally. But crucially, this heat interacts with structure imperfections, which the researchers say creates secondary heat sources.

Its not that Fouriers Law is wrong, Granick said in a press statement. Just that it doesnt explain everything we see when it comes to heat transmission.

Understanding the behavior of heat is vitally important for creating computing devices, where heat is the ultimate enemy. By poking holes in this 200-year-old law, these scientists hope to gain a deeper understanding of heat behaviorsomething you wont find in your usual scientific textbook.

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Donald Trump's flip-flop on TikTok makes abundantly clear that every single thing is transactional for the former president.

And while Trump was actually against TikTok in 2020 before he was for it this month, President Joe Biden is trying to capitalize on that about-face with a game of two-sidesy.

The U.S. House passed legislation Wednesday in a 352-65 bipartisan vote to force ByteDance, the Chinese owner of TikTok, to sell the social media platform wildly popular with young American users or a face a national ban.

The argument: TikTok, like all social media platforms, tracks all kinds of sensitive personal data about users. And the Chinese government could demand that the company hand over all that information.

That was Trump's argument when, as president, he signed a 2020 executive order to block all U.S. transactions with TikTok to address what he called then "a national emergency."

Now Trump says keep TikTok. Why? He's got a new ax to grind with Facebook. And he thinks a TikTok ban would help the rival social media platform.

Why has Trump changed his mind on TikTok?

But ByteDance has clearly pierced the former president's inner circle, with former advisers now reportedly pushing him to pull back on TikTok. And Pennsylvania's richest man might have also played a role.

Jeff Yass, a founder of the suburban Philadelphia stock trading firm Susquehanna International who is estimated by Forbes to be worth $26.7 billion, holds a $15 billion stake in ByteDance, according to a Bloomberg valuation.

Politico reported two weeks ago that Trump told conservative Club for Growth in a speech that Yass had encouraged him to attend the event. Trump in that speech called Yass, who had previously been critical of the former president, "fantastic."

Mar 13, 2024; Washington, DC, USA; Protesters outside of the United States Capitol as the House voted and approved a bill Wednesday, March 13, 2024, that would force TikToks parent company to sell the popular social media app or face a practical ban in the U.S. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY ORG XMIT: USAT-tik tok vote (Via OlyDrop)

Trump doesn't cozy up to critics for no reason. His campaign coffers have been depleted by legal fees in his civil and criminal cases. And his allies just took over the Republican National Committee, which has been lackluster in fundraising of late. Having a super rich pal like Yass probably looks pretty lucrative right now.

Politico also reported Saturday that Kellyanne Conway, a former Trump campaign manager and White House adviser, was working for Club for Growth to talk up TikTok to Congress.

And The Washington Post on Tuesday reported that another former Trump aide, Tony Sayegh, now handles public affairs for Yass' trading firm and has been advocating in Trump's camp for TikTok.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks to supporters in Greensboro, North Carolina on March 2, 2024.

ByteDance has also stepped up spending on lobbying against such a ban. The company reported spending $8.7 million last year to lobby legislators in the House and Senate. That's an increase of 77% in what the company reported for lobbying in 2022.

Did ByteDance get its money's worth?

The changing American sentiment on TikTok

A Pew Research Center survey of American adults released a year ago found that 50% supported a TikTok ban while 22% opposed that. People ages 18-29 showed the strongest opposition, at 46%. People who identified as conservative showed the strongest support, at 70%.

Banning TikTok? The House wants the US to ban TikTok. That's a mistake.

That didn't take long to change. Pew reported in December that overall support for a ban fell to 38%, a drop of 12 percentage points. In addition, 35% said they were unsure about a ban while 27% opposed it, an increase in 5 points.

Again, the 18- to 29-year-olds showed the least amount of support for the ban while conservatives showed the most support.

The survey conducted Sept. 25-Oct. 1 found opinions among Democratic participants "more mixed," which helped shift the overall approval rate in TikTok's favor.

Biden has to play both sides of the debate

President Joe Biden delivers a speech during an event at a YMCA, Monday, March 11, 2024, in Goffstown, N.H.

Biden would probably love to win over conservative voters in what will now be a 2020 rematch with Trump. But he needs those young voters to stick with his coalition if he is going to win a second term in November.

To get there, Biden is willing to be for and against TikTok. His campaign joined TikTok last month to reach young voters. Then the president said Friday he would sign into law the legislation to force a sale if it passed Congress.

Why play both sides?

Biden on TikTok: I don't want my president to be a TikTok influencer. Biden is wasting time making jokes.

Young voters have been drifting from Biden for months. It doesn't help that a sitting president just had to launch a campaign commercial to address concerns that he's 81 years old and looking to stick around until 2028. Does he really want to be the guy who kills off TikTok?

And Trump and his Republican allies always try to paint Biden as a feeble defender of America against a looming Chinese threat. So Biden called the bluff there, likely anticipating the legislation would stall and never reach his desk.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, appears to be in zero rush to take up the TikTok ban legislation. And, just as Trump's attempt at an executive order got tied up in a legal challenge, ByteDance could try the same path through the courts to stymie this effort.

Biden has the better hand here. He can keep saying the Senate should support the ban while also hoping it goes nowhere.

Does Trump's new position on banning TikTok matter to Republican lawmakers?

But what about Trump. He had a legion of Republican legislators who have matched his anti-TikTok rhetoric for years. He just walked away from all that  didn't even bother to look over his shoulder at them.

Does it matter?

Steve Bannon, another former Trump campaign manager who served as a White House adviser, posted Saturday on social media that the former president's motivation for the TikTok reversal was "Simple: Yass coin."

So Bannon suggests that Trump flip-flopped in hopes of largesse from Yass.

Notably, there was no stampede of congressional Republicans to the waiting microphones post-vote Wednesday to put any distance between themselves and Trump.

There were 65 House votes against the TikTok ban Wednesday, 50 Democrats and 15 Republicans. They included some of the Trump-iest Republicans in the House  Matt Gaetz of Florida, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Scott Perry of Pennsylvania.

Still 197 House Republicans voted for the ban  in opposition to a (revised and reversed) position held by their party's presumptive nominee for president.

A loss for TikTok is now a loss for Trump. Unless, of course, he just completely changes his position again.

Follow USA TODAY elections columnist Chris Brennan on X, formerly known as Twitter: @ByChrisBrennan

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: TikTok ban is looming. Does Trump or Biden support it? Depends
An easy drive from Miami, the Florida Keys have a reputation for their laid-back and somewhat rustic nature. But you just have to know where to look to find the finer things.

Heres a guide to the latest, greatest and most luxurious location, from Key Largo to Key West:

Hotels in the Keys

On the beach at Little Palm Island.

Check into the boutique Marquesa Hotel (marquesa.com), which oozes Old Florida charm throughout its four restored Victorian-style cottages. Twenty-seven uniquely decorated guest rooms are outfitted in high-gloss Brazilian cherrywood floors and furniture from the West Indies, Philippines and England.

The Marker ( themarkerkeywest.com ) , which opened in 2015 at the Historic Seaport, channels Key Wests vernacular architecture with its tin roof and courtyard pool. Thoroughly modern guest rooms are awash in bright blues and crisp whites.





For a taste of Key West history, Casa Marina (casamarinaresort.com) was conceived by oil tycoon Henry Flagler. Today, the resort retains its Mediterranean opulence with a grand Cypress wood lobby and stucco arcades opening up to the sprawling oceanfroont poolscapeone of the prettiest scenes on the island.

The Reach (reachresort.com), Casa Marinas sister property, underwent a $32 million redesign and renovation in 2008 that added to the allure of this subtropical playground along Key Wests only natural beach. The resprt also underwent a $10 million renovation in 2019

Luxurious restaurants in the Keys

Fish tacos at Latitudes in Key West.

Longtime locals and husband-wife duo Thomas Quartararo and Kristen Onderdonk have opened a pair of new restaurants  Thirsty Mermaid (thirstymermaidkeywest.com) and Little Pearl (littlepearlkeywest.com)  in the span of about a year; theyve become the hottest tables in town. The former was inspired by oyster bars and sidewalk cafes in New York Citys West Village, while the latter offers a slightly more rarefied dining experience with inventive takes on classic dishes and locally caught seafood.

The following formula never fails when it comes to a romantic dinner in Key West: Reserve a table on the patio at Latitudes (sunsetkeycottages.com) for an hour before sunset, catch the ferry to Sunset Key, order a bottle of Champagne, and dine by torchlight on lobster-encrusted grouper. Unobstructed views of the sunset as sailboats are icing on the cake  or Key lime pie.

Things to Do in Key West

A signpost points to various locations from Sunset Pier in Key West, Florida on Saturday, December 11, 2021.

Set sail with a wine tasting, cheese and charcuterie aboard the Schooner Hindu (sailschoonerhindu.com), an elegant wooden vessel that dates to 1925.

Skip the two-hour ferry ride to Dry Tortugas National Park and opt instead for a private seaplane (keywestseaplanecharters.com) with unreal birds-eye views of the glistening aquamarine water.

Take a stroll along Eaton Street to discover whats becoming known as Key Wests cultural corridor, thanks to a collection of arts institutions within the span of two blocks, including The Studios of Key West (tskw.org), a local branch of Miamis Books & Books (booksandbookskw.com) owned by legendary author and Key West resident Judy Blume, The Key West Theater (thekeywesttheater.com) and Tropic Cinema (tropiccinema.com).

For the perfect tasteful souvenir, duck into Besame Mucho (besamemucho.net), a charming cottage in the heart of Bahama Village where youll find a menagerie of handmade jewelry, accessories, home goods, books and apothecary.

Resort escapes in the Keys

A crowd watches sun go down at Mallory Square in Key West.

Mile Marker 97: In Key Largo, Playa Largo Resort & Spa brings an unprecedented air of luxury to the uppermost key. playalargoresort.com.

Mile Marker 80: Awash in natural wood and stone, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water, Amara Cay Resorts guest rooms are a posh retreat in Islamorada. amaracayresort.com.

Mile Marker 28: Play out your Robinson Crusoe fantasies at Little Palm Island, accessible by wooden ferry and where 15 thatched-roof bungalows and a dreamy spa await. littlepalmisland.com.

Mile Marker 5: Stock Island, the sleepy longtime home to commercial fishermen and artist studios, is ready to welcome visitors to its first hotels: Oceans Edge and The Perry, both set on marinas for easy access to offshore pleasures. oceansedgekeywest.com, perrykeywest.com.






Where do I see the future of agriculture in New Mexico? We start from a very traditional system here in New Mexico. This is a wonderful thing. People from around the world visit our agricultural landscapes  our snow-fed acequias, desert ranchlands; chile, alfalfa and diverse vegetable fields; and pecan orchards. This beauty connects us with our heritage.

We also have limitations in New Mexico. Everything we do depends on water, and most of our states water goes toward agriculture. We need creativity and sustainability in water use.

We also have challenges with processing capacity: most New Mexico-raised livestock goes out of state for processing, and we buy it back after processing.

What we do have is a great opportunity: value-added sustainable agriculture.

Rolando Flores Galarza

Value-added is an opportunity to keep more of New Mexicans money in New Mexico. In 2022, nationwide, less than 15 cents of each dollar spent on food went to the farmers and ranchers who produced it, according to the USDA Economic Research Service. Value-added is our initiative to grow New Mexicos economy by enhancing our capacity in the rest of the food industry.

Our new facilities in the College of ACES provide an unprecedented boost to this sector. These facilities and accompanying expertise will support direct-to-consumer marketing of beef, wine evaluation, new dairy products, pecan and chile byproduct utilization, and more. They will provide outlets for agricultural byproducts. All of this is part of finding creative ways to keep more of our agricultural food chain in New Mexico, all the way from producer to consumer.

Value-added means keeping economic opportunity in New Mexico, transforming raw products into finished products here in our state.

What do we have in New Mexico that makes us unique? Our people, cultures, location, and land resources. New Mexico State University is the land-grant university with the largest land holdings in the nation. We are the land-grant university located closest to a border in an agricultural community. Our area of influence extends beyond the border with Mexico.

NMSU Insights logo.

Innovative farmers, ranchers, and agricultural researchers bring new technologies and new practices into use every day. These creative entrepreneurs are building on our traditional strengths while incorporating digital agriculture, sustainable practices, and value-added products.

Many of these innovations come from the work of talented and creative faculty at New Mexico State University, including new ACES faculty in meat science, food science, and dairy and those affiliated with the Center for Excellence in Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems (CESFAS). These faculty advise New Mexico producers, mentor students, attract funding from federal programs and industry, train labor force and develop patents.

Our faculty are delivering outstanding work in the application of digital methods for cattle management, fencing, and drone technologies.

ACES faculty, in collaboration with faculty in the College of Engineering, are developing robotics that could ameliorate labor shortages that we are experiencing in agriculture, as well as manage large databases generated with sensing equipment and other data-gathering components, such as our ZiaMet weather station network around the state.

We are also looking towards increased online learning offerings from the College of ACES, critical to training the labor force in New Mexico as well as to create new markets for our traditional programs leading to bachelors degrees, masters degrees, and PhDs. With the development of digital learning through NMSU Global, we can attract more students from New Mexico and across borders and around the world, students that in turn will learn about New Mexicos culture and agriculture opening potential new markets worldwide.

What is the future of agriculture in New Mexico? We need to continue to grow and produce agricultural products, traditional and non-traditional, to bring health and enjoyment to consumers, profitability to each farmer or rancher, and to grow businesses in New Mexico at every step of the agricultural food chain.

Our college is working hard to develop innovations in four areas: water conservation and utilization; development of value-added and sustainable agriculture; development of digital agriculture that will benefit ranchers, farmers, and all New Mexicans; and delivery of online education and labor force training. The move toward a value-added agriculture is not easy and does not happen overnight; it requires investment, creativity, entrepreneurship, and a dynamic system in the state.

Saturday, April 6th, join us for our ACES Open House to learn more about initiatives in each of these areas.

Look for our Spring issue of ACES magazine to read about what we have been doing in the past year, how our programs and innovations can benefit you today, and where we want to go!

Rolando Flores Galarza is the dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at New Mexico State University. He can be reached at acesdean@nmsu.edu.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: A value-added, sustainable agriculture for New Mexico
The Union County Courthouse in downtown Marysville as seen in a May 2019 file photo.

Republican voters in Union County will decide who will be the county's next sheriff, but otherwise there are no other contested races among county offices and no Democrats even on the ballot for those offices in the March 19 primary.

The GOP's U.S. Senate nominee and 86th Ohio House District representative will also be decided by Republican voters, while Democrats will decide which of two candidates will represent their party in the Nov. 5 general election battle for one of three contested state Supreme Court justice seats and for the 4th Congressional District seat held by Republican incumbent Jim Jordan.

Voters who are served by the Marysville Public Library and Fairbanks Local School districts and Claibourne-Richwood cemeteries will have funding issues to consider.

Here is a quick rundown of contested candidate races  not including county or state party committee posts  and local municipal and school issues on the primary ballot in Union County:

Union County

The only contested race among Union County offices is for sheriff.

Mike Justice, a former captain with the Union County Sheriff's Office who retired last December after 33 years, is running against incumbent Sheriff Malcum J. "Jamie" Patton on the Republican ballot.

Patton was first appointed to the post in April 2011 and has been elected and reelected since. Justice has been endorsed by Union County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #171.

Ohio 86th House District representative

Wezlynn Davis is challenging incumbent Tracy Richardson for the GOP nomination for the district, which represents all of Union County and portions of Madison County.

Ohio Supreme Court

In the only contested primary battle for three seats up for election this year on the state's highest court, Democrats will decide between two appeals court judges for their party's nominee. Tenth District Court of Appeals Judge Terri Jamison, who lost her bid for the high court in 2022, and 8th District Court of Appeals Judge Lisa Forbes are battling to see who will face unopposed Republican Dan Hawkins, a Franklin County Common Pleas Court judge, in the Nov. 5 general election.

U.S. Senate

Incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown is unopposed on his party's primary ballot and in November will face the winner among three Republicans battling for their party's nomination: Matt Dolan, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, whose office oversees the state's elections; and Bernie Moreno, who has the endorsement of former President Trump.

Ohio GOP Senate debate: Where primary candidates stand on abortion, immigration, Trump

U.S. House

4th Congressional District: Democrats Steve Thomas and Tamie Wilson, both of Delaware city, are battling in the primary to see who will face unopposed Republican incumbent Jim Jordan of Urbana in November.

President of the United States

Democratic President Joe Biden and Republican Donald Trump have won enough states to secure their party's nominations. However, Ohio voters will still find party challengers on their primary ballots even though all those challengers have suspended their campaigns.

Local municipal and school issues

Only registered voters in the districts and municipalities involved will cast ballots on these issues.

Marysville Public Library District is seeking a 1.5-mill replacement levy for five years to cover current expenses that would generate an estimated $1,636,000 annually. If approved by voters, the levy would cost property owners $53 for each $100,000 of the county auditor's appraised value.

Richwood Village is asking voters to renew a 3.2-mill property tax levy for five years that covers current operating expenses and generates an estimated $81,000 annually. If approved by voters, the levy would cost property owners $63 for each $100,000 of the county auditor's appraised value.

Claibourne Township, including Richwood Village, is seeking a 1.15-mill replacement property tax levy for five years  which represents a decrease of 0.05-mill from the current levy  to maintain and operate cemeteries. If approved by voters, the levy would cost property owners $40 for each $100,000 of the county auditor's appraised value.

Fairbanks Local School District, located in Union and Madison counties, is asking voters to approve a 0.25% income tax hike and a 1.85-mill property tax to fund a 30-year bond issue that would raise a total $23 million toward the district's share of completing the renovation of the shared middle and high school building, adding 19,000 square feet to the front of the building, a 12,000-square-foot gymnasium, and other work. The remainder would be funded by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission. If approved by voters, the 1.85-mill property tax levy would cost property owners $64 for each $100,000 of the county auditor's appraised value.

Anticipated growth in the district is the reason for the funding request, Superintendent Adham Schirg said. He said district officials have gone through a master planning process with the community since 2021.

How can I see everything that is on my primary ballot?

You must be a registered voter as of Feb. 20 to vote in the March primary. To see everything that is on your individual ballot, go to www.unioncountyohio.gov/board-of-elections, scroll down and click the "What's On My Ballot?" button, and enter your information.

When can I vote?

You must be a registered voter as of Feb. 20 to vote in the March primary. Early in-person voting continues through Sunday, March 17 only at the Pickaway County Board of Elections, 141 West Main Street, Suite 800, Circleville. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday.

On Tuesday, March 19, Primary Election Day, local polling places in Ohio are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. You can find your polling place at voteohio.gov.

What about absentee ballots?

The deadline for a registered voter to obtain an absentee ballot for the primary election was March 12. If you received an absentee ballot, they must be postmarked by Monday, March 18, to be returned by mail. Absentee ballots not mailed by that deadline must be personally delivered to the drop box at your county board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on Primary Election Day, March 19. Absentee ballots postmarked on or before March 18 must be delivered to the county board of elections by March 23 to be counted.

What kind of ID do I need to vote in person?

Ohio now requires voters to show a photo ID when they cast in-person ballots, either early or on Election Day. The ID must be unexpired, but it doesn't need to have your current address on it. Other documents, such as utility bills and bank statements, are no longer accepted.

The following documents qualify:

Ohio driver's license

Ohio state ID

U.S. passport or passport card

U.S. Military ID, Ohio National Guard ID or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID

Interim identification issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles

Free state IDs are available to residents at BMV deputy registrar locations. More information can be found at bmv.ohio.gov.

What if I forget my ID?

If you don't have your ID or run into other problems at the polls on Election Day, you can cast a provisional ballot.

Voters have four days to provide any missing information to election officials. Boards of elections have until eight days after the election to determine which provisional ballots can be counted.

Haley BeMiller, a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which includes The Columbus Dispatch, contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: What's on the primary ballot in Union County? Here's a quick summary
Whitehall City Schools Superintendent Sharee Wells, center, after the board voted to extend her contract in a 3-1 vote with a single abstention.

Supporters of the Whitehall City Schools superintendent filled the seats at the Board of Education meeting on Thursday, where the school board voted to extend her contract until 2028.

After board members voted 3-1 with one abstention to approve the resolution to extend Whitehall Superintendent Sharee Wells' contract, applause erupted from her supporters who filled the Yearling-Whitehall High School library.

The decision ended months of controversy that began last year after the board vote not to extend Wells' contract, with lawsuits against the district alleging the vote was taken improperly, The Dispatch previously reported.

According to the resolution adopted Thursday, Wells "is fully qualified for and is willing and able to perform the duties of superintendent," and her contract is extended through 2028.

Wells told The Dispatch after the vote that she was ready to be "focused on the work again and moving the district forward.

"This has been a distraction for many, I'm glad to be beyond the distraction and focus on what's most important, that is our students and staff," Wells said.

Supporters of Superintendent Sharee Wells filled all the seats at the Whitehall-Yearling High School library, where the Whitehall City School Board voted Tuesday to extend Wells' contract

Board President Darryl Hammock and members Jayne Shannon and Lorena Lacey approved extening the contrat at Thursday's meeting. Lacy was voted onto the board in November to replace Jeff Lees, who in December was part of the three-member majority that voted against renewing the contract.

Board Member Zack Wright again voted against renewing the contract on Thursday, but member Michael Adkins, who previously voted against, abstained from the latest vote.

Wright read from a prepared statement before the vote, suggesting the board would never give Wells an interview if they were searching for a candidate today. Adkins had also initially voted not to renew the contr

"A great number of current employees are unhappy and do not approve of our current administration," Wright said. "If this contract is approved, be ready for more top-end personnel as well as others, to go out and find opportunities elsewhere."

Wells said she hoped to mend fences.

"I look forward to being able to work with (Wright) and being able to work through some of his concerns so we can move forward together," Wells said.

Eric Terford, a parent of a junior at Whitehall-Yearling, said he was in attendance in support of Wells because she is the first superintendent he remembers to actually reach out to him, engage with him and actually be known by his daughter.

He said he plans to get reengaged with the district after watching what has happened since December.

"Shame on me for not making this a bigger priority," Terford said. "For not holding them as accountable as I want them to be held accountable."

Vote on new superintendent contract comes after dispute over first vote

On Dec. 14, the board voted 3-2 not to extend the contract with Wells, who was hired in 2021 and entered into contract to be superintendent beginning Jan. 1, 2022, with the contract expiring July 31, 2024. The superintendent's contract was not on the original December agenda and the vote was taken after an executive session.

Sharee Wells is the new superintendent of Whitehall City Schools.

It was Lacey who cast the deciding vote in January to rescind the December vote to terminate Wells' contract.

In December, an Ohio group called Open Government Advocates sued the Whitehall school board in Franklin County Common Pleas Court, claiming the school board did not post notices for 19 special meetings in 2022 and 2023. The suit did not list the Dec. 14 meeting where the vote to not renew Wells' contract occurred.

@Colebehr_report

Cbehrens@dispatch.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Whitehall School Board votes to extend superintendent's contract
BEDFORD  An attorney for a North Carolina man facing a first-degree murder charge in connection with a Forest womans death is seeking DNA testing for items from the apartment she was found unresponsive in.

Trenton David Mills Frye, 30, was in Bedford Circuit Court on Wednesday for a motion hearing from Joseph Sanzone, his attorney. He was set for an April 30 jury trial but Judge James Updike Jr. agreed to continue the matter so more time can be allowed for the defense to seek evidence.

Frye is accused of killing Katlyn Lyon Montgomery, who was found unresponsive in an apartment at 1060 Mountain View Drive in Forest on Oct. 7, 2022, the Bedford County Sheriffs Office has said. The defendant was taken into custody in Greensboro, North Carolina, where he resides exactly two weeks after Montgomery was found and he been in custody of the Blue Ridge Regional Jail since his Nov. 30, 2022 extradition to Virginia.

A search warrant filed in Bedford Circuit Court states investigators became aware Frye was in a relationship with Montgomery. Lynchburg General Hospital physicians noticed marks on her neck consistent with strangulation and a search warrant executed at the apartment found charging cords wrapped on a blanket on a bed, the warrant filing states.

Search warrants provide details in Forest homicide case Trenton David Mills Frye, 28, of Greensboro, North Carolina, is charged with murder in the death of Katlyn Lyon Montgomery, 28, of Forest.

Law enforcement assessed the cords appeared to be the same size as markings on her neck, according to the warrant filing. Montgomery died Oct. 8 and an autopsy found strangulation could not be ruled out as a cause of death, the warrant filing states.

Investigators learned Montgomery ended the relationship with Frye and the two argued through texts the night of Oct. 6 and into Oct. 7, the warrant filing states. Frye denied having knowledge of where she was at that time when Bedford law enforcement contacted him, the warrant document states.

On Oct. 13, nearly a week after Montgomery was transported to the hospital, investigators received data from cellphone records that showed Fryes phone transmitted to a tower about a mile from the apartment at 10:19 p.m. Oct. 6, the warrant filing states.

Sanzone told Updike on Wednesday the case is complicated and circumstantial. A new inquiry came up in the fall and he needs more time for the DNA testing, Sanzone said. He said Frye waives a right to speedy trial.

Bedford County Commonwealths Attorney Wes Nance said he was ready to try the case in August when Sanzone alleged a new person of interest.

Nance said the prosecution found no connection between that alleged person and the victim, and did not have probable cause. He told Updike April 30 is considered as a deadline to receive any DNA sample from the defense that the prosecution can analyze.

This allows us to have some certainty on how were setting this case April 30, Nance told Updike.

A new trial date is expected to be scheduled at that time.
Democratic Virginia Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine will be introducing a bill Thursday to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Lynchburg after Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Desmond T. Doss.

When his country called on him to serve, Lynchburg native Desmond Doss was able to square his deeply-held pacifist beliefs with the need to stand in a battle of good versus evil, Warner said in a statement Tuesday.

Born in Lynchburg, Doss joined the U.S. Army in April 1942 after the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. As a Seventh-Day Adventist, Doss refused to carry a weapon and was the first and only conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor during World War II.

Serving as an army medic for the 77th Infantry, Doss single-handedly saved 75 wounded soldiers during the Battle of Okinawa, by lowering them down a 400-foot-cliff while facing enemy fire.

His story was featured in the 2016 Academy Award-winning film Hacksaw Ridge, directed by Mel Gibson. Doss died in 2006 but his legacy remains across the Hill City: Lynchburg is home to the Desmond T. Doss Christian Academy and the PFC Desmond T. Doss Memorial Expressway, and there is a marker honoring him along the Monument Terrace steps in downtown Lynchburg.

The city has celebrated Desmond T. Doss Day on Oct. 12 since 2019, and Doss childhood home on Garfield Avenue has been converted into a shelter for homeless veterans.

Warner's and Kaines bill would designate the outpatient clinic located at 1600 Lakeside Drive as the Private First Class Desmond T. Doss VA Clinic. U.S. Rep. Bob Good, R-5th, introduced a similar bill in the House of Representatives in May 2023. A spokesperson for Warner explained the two are companion bills, which makes renaming the clinic a bicameral effort.

The bill will honor the legacy of a courageous army medic from Lynchburg who helped save the lives of 75 men during World War II, Kaine said in a statement Tuesday.

I urge my colleagues to join me in getting this bill across the finish line to commemorate his bravery and sacrifice.
TOKYO, Mar 14 (News On Japan) - The National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan is issuing a warning as incidents of children making unauthorized in-app purchases in smartphone online games continue to rise.

Astonishing data on children's in-app spending reveals that, in the fiscal year 2020, half of the consultations related to online games involved spending amounts between 100,000 and 500,000 yen, with an average of 330,000 yen. Furthermore, 6.5% of cases involved spending over 1 million yen.

While these figures are shockingly high, parents should not be complacent, thinking that their child does not have a smartphone or that child locks are in place.

In one case involving a child under 10 years old, the child was using an old smartphone previously used by a parent, connected to Wi-Fi for gaming and watching videos. The smartphone had credit card information registered, and the parent thought it was safe due to fingerprint authentication. However, the child learned how to add their fingerprint from a friend and ended up spending 50,000 yen on a game.

Another case involved a child who changed the smartphone password while the parent was driving and made in-app purchases right next to them.

Given that today's children are digital natives, it is crucial for parents not to let their guard down. It is also important to notice payment completion emails before the spending gets too high and to take action to prevent further unauthorized purchases.

Source: FNN
U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra will host a Military Academy Day for Iowa students in eighth through 12th grades who are interested in applying to U.S. military academies.

Representatives from all five academies  the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy  will be present to answer questions and provide advice, according to a news release.

The event will be held at Iowa Central Community College, 1 Triton Circle in Fort Dodge, in Room 133 of the Greehey Building on Thursday April 4, from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

I encourage any student interested in applying to one of our nations military academies to attend my Military Academy Day in Fort Dodge," Feenstra said in the release. "This will be a unique opportunity to hear directly from representatives from each of the academies and learn more about the application process.

For more information, contact Jim Oberhelman, military academy coordinator, at 515-302-7060.
KUALA LUMPUR, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are eyeing opportunities at the upcoming 19th China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair (CISMEF), a government trade agency said on Thursday.

Among areas of interest are food and beverage, tourism, handicraft and business services, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) said in a statement.

The agency said Malaysia's participation in CISMEF is part of a series of programs organized to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China. 
News organizations and their journalists across Nebraska act as watchdogs, storytellers, community advocates and, sometimes, community critics. They help to foster civic engagement, they highlight social injustices and they help celebrate achievements. Journalists document the history of the
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Gold production in Burkina Faso dropped significantly due to a surge in Jihadist activity in a country where military rulers have been in power since September 2022.

As Jihadist groups continue to wreak havoc in the wider Sahel, Burkina Faso suffered the most, accounting for almost a quarter of people killed in terrorist attacks globally in 2023, according to Sydney-based Institute for Economics & Peace.

Six mining companies closed-down in 2022, while one more ceased activity last year. Output of the precious metal fell 1.5% to 57.3 tons in 2023, the Ministry of Mines, Quarries and Energy said.

Terrorist attacks made it difficult to resupply mines with fuel and led investors to shun the country.

Earlier this month, Burkina Faso judicial authorities said an attack on a village in Yatenga province left 170 people dead, including women and children.

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.
Despite the recent decision by the ECOWAS to lift its sanctions imposed on Niger, the stalemate between the regional bloc and the three coup-hit Sahelian countries of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger lingers on.

Observers and analysts have pondered if the relations between the three junta-ruled countries and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) could be repaired and rebuilt following recent efforts by the latter for reconciliation. The communique that emerged out of the recent high-level ECOWAS summit held in Abuja suggests that the regional grouping has extended a hand of friendship to the revolutionary regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, forgiving their sins of removing democratically elected proxies of France from power, with the overarching aim to keep the regional integration dream alive. The ECOWAS heads of state even urged the three countries to reconsider their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS, given the benefits that all ECOWAS Member States and their citizens enjoy for being part of the Community.

While some experts expressed their belief that it is a worthwhile endeavor to try to lure the junta regimes back to the ECOWAS fold, according to Ademola Araoye, former director of Abuja Leadership Center, by this generosity borne out of desperation, the organization sought to cover its shame. In a recent commentary, he also slammed ECOWAS leaders for claiming they were protecting democracy in the sub-region without undertaking any meaningful investigations into the nature of the challenges that events in the Sahel posed.

In this context, Araoye denounces ECOWAS effort to maintain the status-quo in the region at any cost, seeing the grouping as returning to eat its vomit in its latest scampering to protect its integrity as a truly pan-regional body.
The UK government reportedly has a plan in place to be included into a new agreement with Rwanda, which provides for a payment to failed asylum seekers to return to their home countries.

The UK governments plan is understood to be a variation of an existing voluntary returns scheme, where asylum seekers, who have been rejected by the United Kingdom, receive cash of up to 3,000 ($3,800) to return to move to Rwanda or their respective home countries. The new scheme will be open to all migrants whose asylum claim has been rejected, thereby targeting all those who cannot return to their countries of origin. This is just another scheme in Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks ambitious plan to stop irregular migration.

The new voluntary scheme does not replace the plan to deport illegal arrivals to Rwanda, which has been blocked by the UK Supreme Court over concerns about the east African countrys safety. Rishi Sunak has vowed to press ahead with the plan and his government is now trying to satisfy the courts ruling, which found deporting asylum seekers to Kigali to be illegal under international law, by enacting legislation compelling judges to treat it as a safe third country.

To side step the courts concerns, the Rishi Sunaks government introduced a bill which seeks to label Rwanda a safe country. After numerous court cases and international outcry, no deportation flights have taken off under the deal struck in April 2022.
Trade between Morocco and China grew by 50% from 2021 to 2022 as China becomes Moroccos first trading partner in Asia.

Mehdi Laraki, head of Morocco-China business council, told le360 that Chinese investments in Morocco totaled 56 million dollars in 2022 in vital fields such as industry, transport, real estate, and energy.

There has been a growing flow of Chinese business delegations to Morocco which they see as a gateway to the African and European markets, he said.

Laraki, who is also a member of Moroccos private sector federation CGEM, urged Chinese companies to relocate some of their industries in Morocco, which has a growing market that also offers investors access to the African and European markets.

Morocco has signed 56 free trade agreements. Exporting from Morocco to these regions would enable cutting customs duties and transport costs, he said.
India and Ethiopia are in the final stages of finalizing a defense cooperation pact, Ethiopias ambassador to New Delhi said.

Under the agreement, to be likely signed after Indias general elections, India will offer equipment and training to Ethiopias army, ambassador Demeke Atnafu told Indian news outlet The Print.

The deal was evoked by Indian PM Narendra Modi and his Ethiopian peer Abiy Ahmed, at a meeting held on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg in August 2023.

Analysts believe that Ethiopia had the full backing of India to join the group of states with fast growing economies last year.

The defense cooperation agreement is part of a larger push by India to strengthen its foothold on the African continent, where it is already selling air defense systems, small arms, missiles, and anti-drone weapons.

India has also extended a credit line of nearly 14 billion dollars to 42 African nations.
Several influential law-makers, experts and officials from Palestine, Europe, Africa, and the United States have lauded the successful humanitarian operation launched by King Mohammed VI, via a land route, to alleviate the sufferings of Palestinians in Gaza and Al Quds, reeling under inhuman Israeli siege.

Forty tons of foodstuffs and basic products were sent Tuesday to Palestinians upon the instructions of King Mohammed VI, chairman of Al Quds Committee. A large part of the aid sent to Palestinian babies and young children was paid by the King from his personal funds.

Palestinian Minister of Womens Affairs Amal Hamad thanked the Moroccan Sovereign for his generosity, solidarity, and unwavering support for the Palestinian people and Palestinian cause.

President of the Paris-based Arab World Institute, Jack Lang, paid tribute to the Royal initiative which coincides with the start of the holy month of Ramadan, saying it is an act of immense generosity which demonstrates the Moroccan Sovereigns personal commitment to the Palestinian people.

We would like this unique example to inspire other Heads of State around the world, said Lang, affirming that he was touched by the kindness and humanity of the Monarch.

President of U.S. Global Policy Institute, Paolo von Schirach, said that the royal humanitarian operation shows the Monarchs strong solidarity with the Palestinian people, especially the most venerable.

This initiative is a humanitarian effort launched on the ground to ease the sufferings of Palestinian people, added Head of the Washington-based institute.

Several members of the European Parliament, including MEPs Tomas Zdechovsky and Ilhan Kyuchyuk, described Moroccos Aid to Palestine as a historic gesture stemming from the Kings humanitarian commitment, saying the move shows the important role played by Al Quds Committee.

They also highlighted the timing of this strategic humanitarian operation that brought urgent needed relief to Gazans with the start of the Holy month of Ramadan.

President of the Moroccan-Spanish Studies Center Miguel Angel Puyol Garcia said the Moroccan aid is another proof of the firm and continuous commitment of the Sovereign and the Moroccan people to the Palestinian cause.

King Mohammed VI, Chairman of Al-Quds Committee, continues to provide support to the Palestinians and works tirelessly for a fair and lasting peace in the region, added Mr. Puyol Garcia.

President of AUs Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), Khalid Boudali, thanked the King and the Moroccan people for their exceptional humanitarian gesture, which reflects the Kingdoms firm engagement for regional peace and solidarity.

The Royal initiative, which comes amid hostilities in Gaza, stands out as a beacon of hope, showing Moroccos tangible support for the Palestinian people during a challenging time, added Mr. Boudali.

Regional director of the Dakar-based Timbuktu Institute, Bakkary Sambe, commended the land humanitarian operation launched to save lives in Gaza and Al Quds, describing the move as an unprecedented. The move confirms Moroccos King attachment to the protection of Palestinians and the sacred status of the Holy City, underlined the Senegalese researcher.

From Tunis, political analyst and former CEO of the Tunisian news agency (TAP), Mohamed Nejib Ouerghi, said Moroccos commitment alongside the Palestinian people is hardly surprising; it is inherent in the constants of the Kingdoms policy marked by its concrete nature and suffers neither from confusion nor from sterile escalation.

This gesture reflects the Kings solicitude towards the Palestinian people and the Kingdoms unwavering commitment to the victims of a complex situation, he said, adding that thanks to this move, Morocco combines words with actions and provides tangible proof of its ability to break new ground and brave difficulties to achieve the set objectives, by conducting this unprecedented operation to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians.

The consistency of Moroccan humanitarian support and the method chosen for its delivery fully demonstrate the humanitarian dimension that has always characterized the approach advocated by the Kingdom when it comes to assisting vulnerable or disaster-stricken populations, Ouerghi argued.

Former US ambassador to Rabat David T. Fischer on his part took to his X account to commend Moroccos humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza and Al Quds via land routes.
China's ARJ21, C919 make debut in Malaysia

Xinhua) 10:31, March 14, 2024

This photo taken on March 13, 2024 shows commercial aircraft ARJ21 (R) and C919, manufactured by Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC), on display at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Selangor state, Malaysia. The static display and demonstration flight of the China-manufactured commercial aircraft ARJ21 and C919 were held here on Wednesday. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)

KUALA LUMPUR, March 13 (Xinhua) -- The static display and demonstration flight of the China-manufactured commercial aircraft ARJ21 and C919 were held on Wednesday at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Malaysia's Selangor state.

This was the last leg of ARJ21 and C919's five-country Southeast Asian demonstration flight tour after Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Indonesia. Visitors to the show included Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Liew Chin Tong, representatives from local investment promotion institutions and aviation sectors.

During the demonstration flights and static displays, producer of the two aircraft Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) conducted a series of product promotion activities for potential customers.

The purpose of this tour was to validate the aircraft's adaptability to the airports and routes in the above-mentioned five countries, assess the adaptability of the airport ground service equipment, evaluate the adaptability of special flight procedures, and demonstrate the economic viability of these routes, said COMAC, adding that demonstration flights would lay the foundation for future market development in Southeast Asia.

The ARJ21 regional aircraft can accommodate 78-97 passengers, with a flight range of 2,225-3,700 kilometers. The C919 jetliner has a layout of 158-192 seats, with a range of 4,075-5,555 kilometers, according to the company.

On May 28, 2023, the C919 successfully completed its first commercial flight. Since then, five C919 aircraft have been delivered to China Eastern Airlines, its inaugural customer, operating round-trip flights on Shanghai-Beijing and Shanghai-Chengdu routes. It has safely transported over 140,000 passengers so far, according to COMAC.

This photo taken on March 13, 2024 shows a C919 commercial aircraft, manufactured by Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC), on display at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Selangor state, Malaysia. The static display and demonstration flight of the China-manufactured commercial aircraft ARJ21 and C919 were held here on Wednesday. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)

Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook poses for a photo with a C919 commercial aircraft, manufactured by Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC), at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Selangor state, Malaysia, March 13, 2024. The static display and demonstration flight of the China-manufactured commercial aircraft ARJ21 and C919 were held here on Wednesday. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)

This photo taken on March 13, 2024 shows the cockpit of a C919 commercial aircraft, manufactured by Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC), at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Selangor state, Malaysia. The static display and demonstration flight of the China-manufactured commercial aircraft ARJ21 and C919 were held here on Wednesday. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
BUENOS AIRES, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Argentina on Wednesday lamented Venezuela's decision to bar Argentine carriers from using its airspace, highlighting the ensuing higher costs for airlines and passengers.

The comment came a day after Venezuela announced the decision to ban Argentine aircraft until it is compensated for the impounding of a plane in Buenos Aires that belonged to Venezuelan cargo airline Emtrasur.

"Venezuela exercises full sovereignty over its airspace and reiterates that no aircraft, coming from or heading to Argentina, will be able to fly over our territory, until our company is duly compensated for the damages caused, after the illegal actions carried out, only to please their guardians from the north," said Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil on X, formerly Twitter.

"This ban ... has a very high economic cost for each of the flights for which it is more efficient to pass through the Venezuelan route and cross Venezuelan airspace," Manuel Adorni, the spokesperson for the Argentine Presidency, said at a press conference.

Relations between Caracas and Buenos Aires have soured since Argentine President Javier Milei took office and subsequently allowed the United States to seize the Emtrasur Boeing 747, which Venezuela claims was then looted on U.S. soil.

Venezuela maintains that Argentina violated the rules of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) by allowing the aircraft to take off to the United States.

Argentina has said it will take "diplomatic steps" to address the ban, including potentially filing a complaint with the ICAO. 
The United States welcomes the leadership of King Mohammed VI in this critical relief effort, in the framework of Moroccos delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, said U.S. Ambassador in Rabat, Puneet Talwar, in an exclusive statement to Medi1TV.

The United States welcomes the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI in this critical relief effort, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, emphasized the U.S. diplomat, recalling that Secretary Blinken on Tuesday highlighted Moroccos most recent delivery of humanitarian aid [for the populations of Gaza].

King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, had ordered the deployment of a humanitarian operation of food aid, by land, intended for the Palestinian population of Gaza and the holy city of Al-Quds.

This aid, coinciding with the beginning of the sacred month of Ramadan, comes to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian populations, especially their most vulnerable categories.
Asa Ellerup, wife of Gilgo Beach suspect Rex Heuerson, walks into the courtroom in Riverhead, New York with her lawyer, Bob Macedonio, on November 15. Photo: Emma Seiwell for New York Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

The wife of Rex Heuermann, the suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer, said Wednesday that she doesnt believe that he is capable of having committed the violent crimes.

I will listen to all of the evidence and withhold judgment until the end of trial. I have given him the benefit of the doubt, as we all deserve, Asa Ellerup said in a statement issued through her attorney, Robert Macedonio.

On July 14, the authorities announced a long-awaited break in several cold cases, arresting Heuermann in connection with the deaths of Melissa Barthelemy, 24; Amber Lynn Costello, 27; and Megan Waterman, 22, who were last seen in 2009 and 2010. In January, Heuermann was charged in the death of a fourth woman: Maureen Brainard-Barnes, a 25-year-old mother of two from Connecticut who went missing in 2007. At the time of their disappearances, all four women had been working as escorts. Their remains were discovered in 2010 near Gilgo Beach on Long Island, wrapped in burlap sacks.

In her statement, Ellerup expressed her heartfelt sympathies toward the victims and their families. Nobody deserves to die in that manner, she said. Though Ellerup filed for divorce shortly after Heuermann was arrested, she visits him weekly in prison and still maintains that Rex is not capable of the crimes he is accused of, per her attorney.

Heuermann, an architect from Massapequa Park, was connected to the murders using cell-tower data as well as DNA from a pizza crust he threw away in midtown Manhattan, where he previously worked. Investigators linked the DNA found on the discarded scraps to a male hair discovered on Watermans body. Heuermann is currently facing numerous charges of murder in the first and second degree to which he had pleaded not guilty. Hes been held in prison without bail since his arrest.
Dimensions: 39.8 liter | Hard-sided or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Compartments: Organizational compartments, laundry bag | Warranty: Lifetime warranty

The Away carry-on has been recommended to us time and time (and time) again, prompting my fellow Strategist writer Rachael Griffiths to try one out for herself. She already knew the suitcase had 360-degree spinner wheels, a polycarbonate shell, built-in dividers, and dimensions that match the airline guidance for a carry-on-size case. As for its capacity, she was able to roll and pack three tops, a pair of jeans, a skirt, a dress, two bikinis, underwear, socks, and pajamas in the secondary compartment. On the other side, she put a bulkier sweater, a weekends worth of toiletries (including her entire skin-care routine), some trainers, and an AirWrap. Not only did it all slot in with plenty of space, but I also appreciated the built-in laundry bag for my dirty clothes, she says.

The Away Carry Ons spinner wheels are perhaps its most underrated design feature. Griffithss street in London is cobblestoned, so she previously dreaded lugging suitcases along it. But the sturdy wheels meant the Away didnt rattle as much as Id anticipated, she says. And on flat surfaces, just a flick from my finger sent the case gliding.

The brands warranty is also worth noting. Strategist editor Maxine Builders internal zipper broke in March 2019, and she emailed Away to ask if this damage was covered. There was a fair bit of back-and-forth over the next four months, she says. But I ended up with a replacement suitcase in exactly the same limited-edition colorway with the same hand-painted monogram, all for free.

If youre traveling domestic  and not across Europe, where carry-on allowances are smaller  consider the Away Bigger Carry-On. Its slightly roomier at 47.9 liters, meaning you can squeeze that extra sweater or spare pair of shoes inside.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP)  An Alabama judge cut bond by nearly $1.9 million on Tuesday for a man accused of fleeing from police during a car chase and causing a crash last January that injured Gayle Manchin, the wife of U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, and a work colleague.

Tradarryl Rishad Boykins, 31, of Birmingham, is charged with two counts of second-degree assault, felony attempting to elude, and certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm  also a felony  in connection with the Jan. 29 crash.

District Judge William Bell cut Boykins bond  originally set at more than $2 million  to a total of $135,000, al.com reported. Bond is typically set to ensure a defendants return to court and to protect the community at large.

Boykins' attorneys  Juandalynn Givan and Reginald McDaniel  sought the reduction, telling the judge at a hearing Tuesday that the previous bond amounts were excessive and only set that high because Manchin is the wife of West Virginia's Democratic U.S. senator.

Four of the bonds for the charges of assault, attempting to elude and persons forbidden to possess a firearm initially were set at $500,000 each but were cut to a total of $75,000.

Clearly, bail was excessive in this matter, Bell said.

Gayle Manchin, 76, is the federal co-chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission and was in Birmingham with commission colleague Guy Land for an event involving that economic development partnership of the federal government and 13 state governments.

Just before the crash, Homewood Police Sgt. John Carr said, officers had tried to stop a car in connection with a felony warrant and a traffic offense. He said a seven-minute police chase wound through that Birmingham suburb and surrounding areas and ended when the fleeing car struck the SUV carrying the two.

Both Gayle Manchin and Land, the commission's congressional liaison, were injured in the crash. Manchin was a passenger in the SUV driven by Land.

At Tuesday's hearing, Jefferson County Deputy District Attorney Deborah Danneman asked that Boykins bonds actually be increased. Danneman said the defendant's alleged behavior, beginning in December 2023, escalated leading up to the crash in which Manchin suffered a broken sternum and internal bleeding and Land sustained eight broken ribs and a broken hand.

He has continuously shown blatant evidence that he will not return to court, Danneman said of Boykin. He has fled from law enforcement, endangering members of the public.

Givan responded that Boykins has always shown for his court proceedings in the past. And she noted that at least a dozen family members of Boykins were present in court to support him, as well as his pastor.

He has very strong family support, she said. We are asking for a bond reduction that would allow him to be placed back out into civilization.

Following the hearing, Givan called the judges ruling fair.

Had this been me or you or any ordinary citizen, (Boykins) would have been charged with reckless driving, she said. I think because of who the victims were in this case that bond was excessive, so much so that it made it unfair, unconstitutional, because it almost convicted him before he had an opportunity to have a fair trial.

Boykins waived his right to a preliminary hearing and the case has been sent to a grand jury for consideration.

Gayle Manchin was sworn in as the Appalachian Regional Commissions 13th federal co-chair in 2021 after being nominated by President Joe Biden. Joe Manchin, a former West Virginia governor later elected to the Senate, announced last month that he would not seek reelection.
hot girl shit

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Amazing. And in a place where it's actually brave to do so and very needed.

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freaking awesome

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good 4 ha!

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And that's how you do it.

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Fuck that Sinemea bish and her fake ass

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I'm glad she's leaving but of course I'm sure her corrupt ass is going to be a lobbyist now. She's gonna get paid for all progress she stopped. Manchin is leaving too. Looks like Fetterman is the new Manchin/Sinema.

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I was like, oh what a cute little girly pop move and then I read the comments under that post and I feel the need to protect her.

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That is so fucking cool

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Olivia is amazing for this. 

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Thats fucking awesome.

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This is awesome and I hope shes able to do it at more concerts.



It shouldnt be up to pop stars to give people medical care 

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Plan B can cost between $40 and $50



what the fuck?!? thats almost one thousand pesos, i can get plan b for like 70 pesos, which is not even 5 dollars



eta: i was too shocked by the price i forgot to praise her for this bc she truly deserves it, i wish nothing but good things for olivia



Edited at 2024-03-13 11:21 pm (UTC)

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I'm surprised it isn't more in USA just because of all the horror stories about the cost of healthcare over there. The last time I paid for the morning after pill it was $30 AUD. 70 pesos sounds amazing tbh

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true! i'm also surprised is over the counter and not prescription like regular bc pills

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it's for free in my country so it makes me really shocked

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The last time I checked the price, Plan B cost $50 at CVS. That was about two years ago, right after Roe was overturned.

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It's around $2-5 for the generic version in India, so I always stock up when I'm over there. Prices in the US are wild

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I just googled it and in my country (Austria) it costs between 14 and 35 dollars, depending on the one you get.

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I got it in France this summer and it was 1,2 for a single pill.

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Queen behavior!

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Thats amazing and so awesome of her to do

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Amazing

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This is so cool and I'm sure people are having a normal reaction to this

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Given that a lot of far-right religious conservatives *cough*CatholicsAmongOthers*cough* think that Plan B is an abortion pill, yep yep.

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i think there parents should have used plan b so we wouldn't have to put up with their stupidity and awfulness.

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Several years ago, a line in my local newspaper implied that Plan B was an abortifacient and I tweeted a correction to the two people in the byline but there was no response. The ignorance is breathtaking, tbh.

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not just far-right religious conservatives. I had a friend who thought so too until we explained it to her. But she also thought that she could get pregnant while having sex with her girlfriend so. We blame her parents for not telling her the basics in sex-ed.

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This is bullshit, as far as I understood, the agreement they had was verbal only and she went to a judge to get permission to sell her share before doing it, and it was granted



Fuck Brad Pitt for putting her trough this

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Only Pitts permission counts apparently.

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God, she will never be rid of that festering boil of a man.

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Foul. Are they even divorced yet?

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I think it was finalized in Aug. 2023.

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oh my god that estate is the stuff of my wildest dreams I wanna roll all over that grass

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Jesus fuck, she'll never be rid of this scumbag

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i hate how he can continue dragging her through court with zero repercussions on his career or rep

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Not only zero repercussions, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if he's given some lifetime career achievement honor soon. I'll never forget how they voted for him to win an Oscar and everyone was applauding him as if he wasn't a piece of shit child abuser.

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The way men can use the legal system to continue abusing women is disgusting.

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So his team is still trying to Bury that he's been sued for 350 million, cool

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I am officially calling for a movement in which we refer to him forevermore as "Brad Pitt; Sued for $350 million" as his name. Let them never forget... nevah!





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Brad  I didnt hit my son in the face yes I put my hands on him BUTTT not the face  Pitt; Sued for $350 million



I like to use his full name personally.

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I amend my motion to also add this and refer to it as his "government name."

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Here come 50 articles about Brad Pitt just really enjoying the company of his girlfriend.



What a fuckbag!

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Brad has always been a dirty sneaky fuck.

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Is it even a surprise all of his kids want nothing to do with him? The sad part is even if they all speak out about what he did to her and their family, people will blame Angie for turning them against him. They still call her a home wrecker, like my mom who I had to correct until she admitted I was right, and will always hold it against her. Its so depressing.

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if this ain't proof that he was really abusive and violent towards her

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@BradPitt just fuck the fuck off you fucking fuck.

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Wishing Brad a very fuck you

Also, wine post? Any good recs for a smooth red for gifting purposes?

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Four Virtues Cab is a top fav of mine is a top fav of mine

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Thanks, the description for this online sounds delicious. I'll end up grabbing it tonight!

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I believe Angelina and her lawyers every day and twice on Sunday over Brad fucking Pitt.

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This was an immediate scroll up to OP, cause the first thing you do is file to dismiss, and unless it's totally nuts the judge usually rules against that. So considering that, the framing as "big win," and the original news sources (daily mail and the sun), this is garbage.

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ty amor143x Brad  I didnt hit my son in the face yes I put my hands on him BUTTT not the face  Pitt; Sued for $350 million needs to start paying rent for being on this planet.

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Fuck Brad Pitt

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i guess he's realized none of the children will ever speak to him again (iirc the twins are now old enough to refuse seeing him) so he's just going scorched earth. fuck Brad  I didnt hit my son in the face yes I put my hands on him BUTTT not the face  Pitt; Sued for $350 million Pitt.

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Ohio Safety Congress & Expo Coming to Columbus This Month

The annual event runs from March 27-29, 2024, and features more than 150 educational sessions and workshops.

The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation is once again set to host the Ohio Safety Congress & Expo (OSC) from March 27 to 29, 2024, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

According to the events website, OSC is the nation's largest free occupational safety event.

The annual conference is dedicated to assisting employers in enhancing the safety and health standards within their workplaces. With over 7,000 participants expected to attend, the event offers over 150 educational sessions and workshops as well as the continuing education credits.

Attendees will also hear keynote addresses from documentary filmmaker Brett Culp and electrocution survivor Eduardo Garcia. On March 27, Culp offers insights from his career on employee engagement and navigating change. Then on March 28, Garcia will discuss being electrocuted by 2400 volts of electricity and the journey of personal growth it took him on.

OSC aims to address the challenges businesses currently face in workplace safety and health. Participants will be able to network with peers and interact with over 300 exhibiting companies. And while all sessions will be conducted in person, a select number will also be streamed online. Those interested in attending can find registration details on OSCs official website.
A state-owned uranium producer in Uzbekistan is in talks with China Nuclear Uranium, also state-run, on the possibility of working together to develop a pair of mines.

Navoiuran said in a statement on March 12 that the black shale uranium deposits under consideration  Jantuar and Madanli  are both in Uzbekistans Navoi region. Black shale uranium refers to uranium deposits found within black shale rock formations.

Navoiuran has been operating since 2022, when it was hived off from the Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Plant.

The tie-up with China Nuclear Uranium is part of a broader agenda promoted by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who issued a resolution in July 2022 setting a national uranium production target of 7,100 tons by 2030, up from around 3,500 tons in 2021.

In seeking to hit that target, the government has actively solicited international partners.

In November, Mirziyoyevs office reported that Uzbekistan was looking to expand its partnership with Frances state-run Orano, which deals with the entire cycle of uranium from mining to fuel production. The French company has been present in Uzbekistan since 2019. That same year it set up a joint venture called Nurlikum Mining.

Related: The No.1 Energy Stock for 2024

Deep processing of strategic raw materials and the production of industrial products based on advanced technologies are an important area for cooperation, the presidents office said in its statement at the time.

That announcement was timed to coincide with a visit to Uzbekistan by French President Emmanuel Macron.

There will be a strong component of quid pro quo in any such cooperation. Ahead of Macrons visit, energy analysts suggested that France might see Uzbekistan, as well as neighboring Kazakhstan, as strong alternative sources for the uranium that it needs to keep its vital nuclear power sector running.

Uzbek Mining and Geology Minister Bobir Islamov later in the same month announced that Orano had pledged to invest up to $500 million in uranium mining in Uzbekistan.

A strategic agreement stipulates that [Orano] will carry out geological exploration work at two additional sites [in the Tamdyn district of the Navoi region]. Everything will, of course, be decided by a feasibility study, but everything is going very positively at the moment, Islamov was quoted as saying by Gazeta.uz.

Related: Forgotten Gas Reserves Could Be A Gamechanger For European Energy

Uzbekistan hopes that Kazakhstan, currently the world largest producer of uranium, can help its cause too.

In late February, Aigul Kuspan, who chairs the International Affairs, Defense and Security Committee in the lower house of parliament in Kazakhstan, told her colleagues that Uzbekistan had expressed interest in jointly mining and processing uranium in areas along the shared border.

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An initial memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the uranium sector was signed between China Nuclear Uranium and Navoiuran just a matter of days after Macrons visit. That agreement was sealed on the sidelines of the first-ever International Forum on Natural Uranium Industry, held in Beijing.

Aside from wishing to bolster its standing among the worlds largest producers of uranium, Uzbekistan is also exploring the option of installing its own nuclear power plant and is accordingly tentatively exploring potential suitors, including companies in France and Russia.

By Eurasianet.org

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
The head of Shell received nearly 8m last year as the petrol giant cut executive pay following a drop in energy prices.

The firm handed chief executive Wael Sawan, who took over the role from longstanding predecessor Ben van Beurden in January of 2023, a total pay packet worth 7.94m.

This comprised a base salary of 1.40m, an annual bonus of 2.71m and a 2.60m long-term incentive payment, among other payments.

This figure ranks more than van Beurdens 2021 pay packet, but less than the 9.7m the former chief received after a bumper 2022 sent profit through the roof.

It also ranks slightly behind the sum taken for the period by Murray Auchincloss, head of fellow UK fossil fuel major BP.

Both firms hope to keep investors happy with bumper buyback programmes planned for the next few months.

The news comes as Shell announced its new energy transition plan for 2024.

According to the published release, the company will look to alter the carbon intensity of the products it sells by 15-20 percent by 2030 compared to 2016 levels.

The previously announced target was a firm 20 percent.

Related: The No.1 Energy Stock for 2024

The firm also set a new ambition to reduce the emissions created by its oil products by 15-20 percent by 2030 compared to 2021.

It also dropped a plan to reduce net carbon intensity, i.e the emissions produced by each unit of energy that Shell sells, by 45 percent by 2035 due to uncertainty in the pace of change in the energy transition.

However, a reduction in the intensity does not mean the companys overall emissions will drop.

Even if the intensity is lower, the company could increase its sales, keeping overall emissions stable or even drive them higher.

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The biggest driver for reducing our net carbon intensity is increasing the sales of and demand for low-carbon energy, Shell said.

By CityAM

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Crude oil prices hit a four-month high on Thursday, with the U.S. benchmark crossing over the $80 mark and Brent passing $85 per barrel after changes in supply and demand predictions that bring OPEC+ and International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts into closer alignment.

After gaining nearly $3 on Wednesday, at 3:43 p.m. ET on Thursday, Brent crude was trading at $85.23, up 1.43% on the day. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was trading at $81.13, up 1.77% on the day.

Earlier on Thursday, the IEA tweaked its forecasts for this year, predicting a tighter market and higher demand growth than previously anticipated, primarily due to disruption from Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes.

Since November last year, the IEA has upwardly revised its oil demand growth forecasts for 2024 four timeseach time primarily as a result of Red Sea-related supply disruption potential, noting that the global economic slowdown acts as an additional headwind to oil use.

The IEAs forecasts have contradicted OPEC+ forecasts for some time, with the international energy agency in May 2021 saying there was no need for new oil and gas exploration any longer due to the pace of the energy transition. February 2024 oil demand forecasts from the IEA and OPEC+ diverged by over 1 million bpd.

The IEA has now slashed its 2024 supply forecast to 102.9 million bpd this year.

In its Oil Market Report for March, the IEA now assumes that OPEC+ would continue with the voluntary cuts through 2024, which prompted the agency to change its view on the supply-demand balance this year.

"Demand is staying high, while supplies are getting tighter, particularly on the fuel side. The refining margins are also very strong and a positive for crude demand," Reuters quoted Dennis Kissler, senior vice president of trading at BOK Financial, as saying on Thursday, noting that near-six-month-high crack spreads were prompting refiners to process more crude.

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By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com

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MANILA, March 14 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Thursday that it will heighten monitoring measures to fight against illegal drug smuggling.

PCG Commandant Ronnie Gil Gavan issued the order after its force recovered 122.7 million pesos (about 2.2 million U.S. dollars) worth of suspected cocaine in the waters off and shorelines of central and southern Philippines this month.

Gavan ordered the personnel to coordinate with other law enforcement agencies and strengthen local fisherfolk networks for enhanced anti-illegal drug operations and a more robust monitoring system in case of suspicious or unauthorized activities at sea.

In the Philippines, illegal drug smugglers often dump at sea the contraband, which could be washed up at seaside communities or end up in the fishing nets of fisherfolk. In 2018, police recovered 25 cocaine bricks fished out by fishers.

On Monday, the Philippine National Police said it was beefing up the coordination with its foreign counterparts and conducting more patrols to curb drug smuggling. 
A decline in construction activity in China has pressured independent refiners to start curbing diesel production.

Diesel is the primary output of the so-called teapots and times were good while the real estate market was booming. But the boom now seems to be over, forcing the industry into a gear change.

Bloomberg reported earlier today that operating rates at the independent refineries in Shandong have dropped to the lowest in two years and that run rates are the lowest in nine years.

Downstream demand for diesel, from mining to infrastructure, is seriously lagging expectations, a Mysteel OilChem analyst said, as quoted by Bloomberg. Zhang Xiao added that the logistics sector has been the exception, noting that even there, LNG was replacing diesel as a heavy vehicle fuel.

Many private refiners in China started this year struggling, squeezed between higher prices for importing sanctioned oil and depressed refining margins amid sinking domestic diesel prices in the face of a faltering Chinese economy.

The aggregate margin across various fuels of the private refiners has slumped by 50% over the past year. The margin last week fell to its lowest level since early November 2023, per data from Mysteel OilChem cited by Bloomberg in February.

This followed a stellar year for the industry in 2023, with record imports of crude oil and also record domestic production. Crude oil imports jumped by 11% year-on-year to 11.28 million barrels per day in 2023, according to data from the General Administration of Customs.

Oil production at home reached 208 million tons in total, or 3 million tons more than in 2022. The daily average came in at around 4.2 million barrels. Daily processing rates at refineries hit an all-time high of 14.7 million barrels. Independent refiners represent about a quarter of the countrys total refining capacity.

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By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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The vice president of Russian Lukoil, Vitaly Robertus, has been found dead in his office in Moscow, according to a Lukoil, making him the fourth top Lukoil executive to die since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in March 2022.

It is with deep regret that we inform you that at the age of 54, the vice-president of the company, Robertus Vitaly Vladimirovich, suddenly died, Lukoil said in a March 13 press release, which did not disclose the cause of death.

While the Lukoil press release avoided mentioning the cause of death, Russian Telegram channels, both independent and linked to the Kremlin, reported on Thursday that the Robertus had been found hanged.

According to Baza, which is believed to be associated with Russian security services, shortly before his death, Robertus complained about his health and asked for pills for a headache, after which he went to his office and did not leave for several hours. Robertus did not answer his phone. His employees decided to enter his office and discovered his body. The top manager committed suicide and died of asphyxia. He worked for the company for about 30 years.

Another telegram channel by VChK-OGPU news outlet claimed the Lukoil executive had no chronic illness or family problems, and that friends had seen him the night before and he was with sober mind and in good health. The veracity of this Telegram channel has not been independently confirmed.

Robertus death follows that of Lukoil Chairman Vladimir Nekrasov, who died of acute heart failure in October 2023 and previous chairman Ravil Maganov, who died after apparently falling out of a window of a Moscow hospital in August 2022. Prior to that, in May 2022, former top Lukoil manager Aleksandr Subbotin was found dead in the basement of a home outside of Moscow under mysterious circumstances, according to an RFE/RL report.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM), the official export credit agency of the United States, is voting on Thursday whether to underwrite a loan backing an oil and gas project in Bahrain despite a U.S. pledge to stop supporting the expansion of fossil fuel projects.

Last month, Exim voted to notify Congress that it plans to underwrite a loan of more than $100 million to the borrower, Bahrains state company Bapco Energies, which would help it drill more than 400 oil and gas wells in the Middle Eastern country. The project will see the involvement of SLB, the worlds biggest oilfield services provider.

The plan to back fossil fuel expansion runs counter the U.S. Administrations climate pledge to stop financing such projects.

According to environmental campaigners Friends of the Earth, EXIM has approved many fossil fuel projects since 2020, despite receiving directives from the Biden administration to move toward renewable energy financing.

In 2023 the institution funded nearly $1 billion for overseas oil and gas development, violating President Bidens 2021 Executive Order, Friends of the Earth United States said last month.

Kate DeAngelis, Senior Program Manager of International Finance for Friends of the Earth, said:

Time and again the Export-Import Bank proves itself to a be a loose cannon, blatantly disregarding White House climate guidance to funnel hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars toward fossil fuels.

Ahead of todays vote, U.S. Democratic lawmakers also expressed concern about the plans of the Export-Import Bank to back the oil and gas expansion project.

The world is in the midst of a climate crisis that is already having devastating impacts, the Democratic members of Congress, led by Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon, wrote in a letter this week to bank board members and Biden administration officials, as quoted by Bloomberg.

We cannot afford to have ex-im undermine domestic and international climate progress by financing projects that worsen this crisis.

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Swedish utility Vattenfall is scrapping a project to explore the possibilities of hydrogen production on offshore wind farms and transportation to shore, nearly two years after it began.?

The HT1 Project was designed around Vattenfalls European Offshore Wind Development Centre off the coast of Aberdeen, Scotland, and was partly funded by the UKs Department for Energy Security and Net Zero through the Low Carbon Hydrogen Supply 2 funding program.?

Having tested the development phase for decentralised offshore hydrogen production, and in light of other industry advances, Vattenfall has now taken the decision to conclude the project, Vattenfall said on Thursday, adding that it would continue to explore fossil fuel-free hydrogen production.

The HT1 project has helped the creation of a new regulatory and consenting regime by the UK Government for offshore hydrogen transportation and storage, Vattenfall said.

The technological and environmental progress we have made will also enable further advances by the industry towards the creation of a thriving offshore hydrogen production market, Lisa Christie, Country Manager for Vattenfall in the UK, said.

In July 2023, Vattenfall canceled a large UK offshore wind project due to surging costs and challenging market conditions pressuring new developments. Vattenfall will not proceed with the development of the 1.4-GW Norfolk Boreas offshore wind project as the industry has seen cost increases by up to 40%, the company said at the time. The soaring costs, coupled with increased cost of capital, put significant pressure on all new offshore wind projects, according to the Swedish firm.

At the end of 2023, Germanys RWE said it would buy the UK Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone portfolio from Vattenfall. The portfolio includes three offshore wind development projects off the east coast of England  Norfolk Vanguard West, Norfolk Vanguard East, and Norfolk Boreas, whose development Vattenfall had canceled. RWE will resume the development of the Norfolk Boreas project, which was previously halted, the German firm said in December.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Anyone who has raised kids knows that managing their sleep can be one of the most challenging aspects of parenting. But not everyone understands just how vital that sleep is.

Adequate sleep is a bedrock of a child's physical and mental health, said Dr. Jill Kaar, an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado's Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora.

"Everything starts with sleep," said Kaar, a maternal and child health epidemiologist. Making sure a child gets enough sleep is as important as serving balanced meals or encouraging exercise  possibly more important, she said. "All of it's related, and all of it stems from sleep."

Children and teens who don't get a good night's sleep are at risk for issues beyond simple fatigue, said Dr. Julio Fernandez-Mendoza, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral health, public health sciences and neural and behavioral sciences at Penn State University College of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Insufficient or out-of-sync sleep has been connected to learning problems, attention problems and cognitive issues.

"When youth can't get enough sleep, we're exposing them to something that can have long-term health consequences, including cardiometabolic health," said Fernandez-Mendoza, a clinical psychologist who directs Penn State's behavioral sleep medicine program.

Not getting enough sleep has been associated with weight gain and obesity, increased blood pressure and insulin resistance among youth, he said, and sleep also is linked to how the immune system works. The American Heart Association considers sleep to be one of eight essential elements for heart and brain health in adults and kids.

But, while sleep's importance is universally acknowledged, the needs of each family  and each child within that family  can be different.

As spelled out in the American Academy of Pediatrics' sleep recommendations, needs change with age. The AAP says infants need 12 to 16 hours a day; toddlers 11 to 14 hours; preschoolers 10 to 13 hours; grade-schoolers nine to 12 hours; and teens eight to 10 hours. Those recommendations include naps for younger children.

That guidance shows how sleep patterns shift as a child grows, Fernandez-Mendoza said. A young child may not fall asleep right after dinner like a baby would; a teenager may naturally become more of a night owl. But even within the same family, the experience can vary widely from sibling to sibling.

Kaar said sleep advice also has to be adjusted for each family's circumstances. The needs of a suburban family where every child sleeps in their own quiet room are different from one that lives in a noisy, brightly lit apartment where four children share a room.

So, one-size-fits-all sleep advice doesn't exist, she said.

That said, here are ways to help your child get the best possible sleep:

Make sleep a priority

It's easy to push sleep to the backburner, Kaar said. Sports, homework, even family dinners when both parents work late can get in the way.

But for all the reasons listed above, families need to find ways to make sure sleep is not sacrificed. Sleeping in on the weekends to catch up on missed hours during the week is not the answer, Kaar said. If your sleep hours vary from night to night, "your body doesn't like that either," she said. "It wants a regular sleep schedule."

Fernandez-Mendoza emphasized that the recommendations are for hours spent actually sleeping  not including time spent falling asleep. So, parents need to be "cautious and thoughtful" in scheduling enough time for a child to settle down and for teens to disconnect from daytime activities before getting into bed.

Teach them how

When it comes to helping children and teens prepare to go to sleep, "I think the most important thing is to teach kids that they're sleepy," Fernandez-Mendoza said.

A child needs to learn where and how to sleep, he said, and how signs such as drooping eyelids indicate it's time to settle into bed. Fernandez-Mendoza likens it to toilet training  a child will have a physical need, but they have to be taught the right place for it.

"The moment your kid is falling asleep, if at all possible, take them to bed," he said.

Such basic steps can make a big difference. A review of research published in 2022 in JAMA Pediatrics showed that simply encouraging earlier bedtimes lengthened the amount of sleep a child got by 47 minutes.

At the same time, Fernandez-Mendoza said, a parent shouldn't force an older child to adhere to a bedtime they might have outgrown. It would be unrealistic, for example, to make a teenager go to bed at 8:30 p.m. "That's not going to happen for the majority of teens," he said, noting that later school start times could help teens get the sleep they need.

Learn a healthy routine

"Behavioral insomnia" is a term used to describe children who have sleep difficulties because they have not learned to fall asleep or return to sleep without the presence of a caregiver or because they have not had consistent sleep schedules and bedtime routines, Fernandez-Mendoza said. Perhaps they were allowed to fall asleep watching television on the couch, or they learned to fall asleep only when someone else was in bed with them.

When such problems affect the child's or caregiver's daytime functioning or quality of life, they often can be treated easily with behavioral therapy, he said.

What does a healthy sleep routine look like? Again, each child will be different, Kaar said, but "for little kids, it might be 'I finished my homework, then I like to shower, and then I like to read a book.'" Older kids should be taught to use their bed only for sleeping, to avoid caffeine and to set a bedtime for their screens.

About those screens 

The AAP recommends keeping screens out of children's rooms and shutting them off an hour before bedtime. The light from screens can interfere with the body's sleep rhythms and production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep.

Fernandez-Mendoza favors enforcing this in a way that's more educational than authoritarian. Helping children find appropriate times for video games and phone chats  and helping them understand why setting aside those screens before bed is good for them  could help more in the long run than demonizing the devices themselves or the activities kids enjoy doing with them.

What about melatonin supplements?

Melatonin supplements are increasingly popular, but the AAP recommends talking to a pediatrician before considering them.

"Medications should be a second-line resource for most youth, children and adolescents" who are having trouble sleeping, Fernandez-Mendoza said. Behavioral therapies should be the first line "because they really get rid of the problem for a high proportion of them."

Families that turn to melatonin should be aware that the Food and Drug Administration less strictly regulates supplements than medicines, he said. The amount of melatonin in different products can vary widely, and studies have shown that actual amounts might not match what's on the label.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 260,000 ingestions of melatonin in children were reported to U.S. poison control centers from 2012 to 2021. In most cases, young children accidentally got into bottles of melatonin.

Fernandez-Mendoza emphasized that helping a child learn how to fall asleep is generally going to be more helpful than any type of drug or supplement that simply shuts them off at night  and sometimes not even successfully. However, he added, "melatonin when given at the right dosage and at the right time, as indicated by a sleep specialist, can be effective in youth in whom behavioral sleep therapies do not work well enough."

Turning to apps

Kaar co-wrote a 2022 study in JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting on children's sleep apps that found few were rooted in science. But if they seem to help your child, she sees no harm. She uses them herself with her children: She has a 6-year-old who sometimes listens to a story app, and an 8-year-old who's helped by a white noise generator.

But families don't need anything fancy, she said. "With sleep, at the end of the day, you need a quiet environment."

Similarly, Kaar said, you don't need to spend a lot to create a suitable space for sleep. Tape a black trash bag to the window to darken a room. Find a free white noise app on your phone or turn on a fan in the room to decrease noise from outside of the room. And if anybody promotes a product that sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

"Don't give in to the gimmicks," she said.

When to get help

Talk to your child's doctor if sleep issues start to affect school or social life or the way the family functions  say, if a child stayed up so late that they can't be awakened in the morning or are sleepy and fatigued during the day, Fernandez-Mendoza said. "That's when we have first signs of having a problem."

If sleep has been a challenge for your family, understand that you're far from alone, Kaar said. "People think that every other family might be doing it right," she said, but families of all types of backgrounds end up needing help. "Kids struggle," she said. "Everyone struggles. It's hard."

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covers heart and brain health. Not all views expressed in this story reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved.
A 4-year-old boy died Thursday after being hit by a car Wednesday morning in North Omaha.

The Omaha Police Department is investigating the fatal accident, which occurred at 11:40 a.m. near Fontenelle Boulevard and Wirt Street, according to a press release from the Police Department.

The boy was attempting to cross from the east side of Fontenelle Boulevard to meet family members on the west side of the street when he was hit by a northbound Kia Sorento driven by a 35-year-old man, according to the release.

Omaha Fire Department medics transported the boy to the Nebraska Medical Center in critical condition, and he was declared dead Thursday, the release said.

No charges have been filed as of Thursday, the release said. The investigation is ongoing.
A disturbance in a kickball game led to the fatal shooting of man Sunday at a North Omaha park and the arrests of two other men.

Taw Moo, 27, of Omaha, was shot in the stomach Sunday at Fontenelle Park near 48th and Pratt Streets about 6:20 p.m., Omaha police said. He was pronounced dead at the Nebraska Medical Center.

Police arrested Chit Lay, 25, and Wah K. Say, 18, both of Omaha, on suspicion of first-degree murder, use of a weapon to commit a felony and being felons in possession of a firearm. Say was also arrested on suspicion of flight to avoid arrest. Both men were booked into the Douglas County Jail late Tuesday.

A witness told police that he was involved in a kickball game at the park when he noticed a disturbance in another kickball game being played nearby. The witness, according to an affidavit filed by an Omaha police officer, saw a man in his early 20s approach Moo with a handgun and shoot him in the stomach at close range.

The witness said the shooter and at least three other men ran to a white Dodge Challenger SRT with a black hood scoop that left the area westbound. Officers located a Dodge Challenger thought to have been involved in the shooting and attempted a traffic stop near 46th Street and Ames Avenue.

Near 66th Street and Grand Avenue, a passenger in the Challenger got out and ran. The passenger, a 17-year-old male in possession of a rifle, was captured following a foot pursuit.

The Challenger was being driven recklessly, a police spokesman said, as it eluded officers. The Challenger is alleged to have run several stop signs and red lights while being pursued by police cruisers and a police helicopter.

The helicopter pilot reported the Challenger being driven at speeds exceeding 70 mph in residential neighborhoods. At one point, the Challenger attempted to stop for fuel but took off when officers arrived in the area.
A laboratory at the University of Nebraska Medical Center recently became one of seven in the United States accredited to use the type of genetic analysis that helped authorities catch the Golden State Killer.

Scientists will initially use the lab help Omaha police with cold case investigations.

The Human DNA Identification Lab at UNMC obtained $500,000 from a private donor early last year to add technology that would allow it to perform the analysis, known as Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy, or FIGG for short, said Mellissa Helligso, the manager, technical lead and forensic DNA analyst with the lab. The donor wished to remain anonymous.

The lab, directed by Dr. Jesse Cox, has worked with the Omaha Police Department and other law enforcement agencies for nearly three decades to conduct forensic DNA analysis in cases ranging from homicides to sexual assaults.

The same technology also is used in UNMCs molecular diagnostics laboratory to match patients with organs for transplants, identify tumor types and predict what drugs will work best in different patients.

The new technology, Helligso said, will allow the Human DNA Identification Lab to assist law enforcement with identifying unknown DNA, which could help solve cold cases.

After testing the technology for most of last year, the lab sought accreditation in November from the American National Standards Institute National Accreditation Board, which gave its approval after completing an audit.

Since the lab obtained the new accreditation, Helligso has been working with the police department, which received a federal grant to examine cold cases, to identify DNA profiles to use with the new FIGG technology. They have identified 15 to 20 homicides they can analyze and have begun working on two. Investigators declined to indicate which cases they are working on.

I would love if my DNA solved every case, but it doesnt, said Helligso, noting that investigators sometimes dont get any DNA when investigating crimes, and in other cases they dont get enough. This is giving us another opportunity to bring justice to victims, which they deserve.

Nationwide, more than 300 cases have been solved with the FIGG technology over approximately the past five years, she said. The Golden State Killer was identified in 2018. The technology also is used to identify remains. There are some 40,000 sets of unidentified remains in the United States.

Thats another way our technology could be used, and I fully anticipate doing those as well, she said.

Chris Spencer, a sergeant in the OPD homicide units cold case squad, said more law enforcement agencies are using the technology to solve crimes. For some older cases, police have exhausted all leads and there are no new ones coming in.

Its interesting to be a part of it and see it from start to finish, he said. Our goal is to get some of these cases solved with FIGG.

Perhaps the best known case solved with the help of the technology was the apprehension of Joseph James DeAngelo, known as the Golden State Killer. He was sentenced in 2020 to multiple terms of life in prison without parole after pleading guilty to a series of murders and kidnappings that terrorized California for decades. The technology also was used to identify a suspect in the slayings of four University of Idaho students.

Investigators start with DNA samples associated with unsolved homicides that have been entered into the national DNA database used by law enforcement, the Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS.

The DNA profile from the crime scene then is uploaded to public databases, such as GEDMatch, that house DNA data from people who have taken tests through commercial testing services like 23andMe and AncestryDNA. The system searches for potential close relatives and builds out possible family trees.

Initially, Helligso said, GEDMatch had a clause in its contract that automatically opted in users of the commercial testing services for law enforcement use. Later, the company created a new version of the database for law enforcement called GEDMatch Pro which only includes those who manually opt in.

Helligso acknowledged that there has been some controversy with the use by law enforcement of data from commercial genealogy databases that were initially designed to help hobbyists trace family trees. Some users, though, want to help law enforcement. The more users who opt in to the database, the more suspects who may be caught.

In general, the FIGG process identifies people who might be as remotely related as third or fourth cousins, who have a great, great, great-grandparent in common. That could be between 2,000 and 3,000 people on a family tree.

The technique generates what are known as investigative leads, that might point toward a suspect, she said.

But Spencer said investigators still have to do a lot of old-school detective work to track down those leads.

Helligso said much of that work involves tracking potential relatives through public records such as marriage licenses and birth certificates. In the Golden State case, investigators also were able to show that the suspect was in the area at the time specific crimes were committed.

In the end, she said, a potential suspects DNA still has to match the original DNA test for law enforcement to go forward with prosecution, so theres no risk of identifying the wrong person.

Its pretty exciting, she said of her work. I do think you have to have a passion for it. It can be stressful. It can be really exhausting ... But ultimately, you are bringing justice for someone who cant speak for himself anymore. And I guess I just have a heart for that.
Owasso police say the death of a local high school student was not the result of trauma as they investigate threats made against the school district, one of which the FBI has deemed credible.

Nex Benedict, 16, who identified as nonbinary and used gender-neutral pronouns, died Feb. 8, one day after they were involved in a fight at Owasso High School, police say.

While the investigation continues into the altercation, preliminary information from the medical examiners office is that a complete autopsy was performed and indicated that the decedent did not die as a result of trauma, police said in a statement Wednesday afternoon.

At this time, any further comments on the cause of death are currently pending until toxicology results and other ancillary testing results are received. The official autopsy report will be available at a later date.

Benedict has also been referred to as Dagny, a name their family continued to use at the 16-year-olds funeral and on a GoFundMe campaign page.

In a statement released by its attorneys, the Benedict family called on all school, local, state and national officials to join forces to determine why this happened, to hold those responsible to account and to ensure it never happens again.

Many of the questions posed by friends, family, media and other concerned citizens are also top of mind for those left to honor Nexs memory, the familys statement reads. While various investigations are still pending, the facts currently known by the family, some of which have been released to the public, are troubling at best. We urge those tasked with investigating and prosecuting all potentially liable parties to do so fully, fairly and expediently.

Notwithstanding, the family is independently interviewing witnesses and collecting all available evidence.

The Benedict family also asked that any threats, or acts, of violence, against students, employees and personnel, or any other persons associated with the Owasso Public Schools, cease immediately.

Owasso Police Lt. Nick Boatman told the Owasso Reporter on Wednesday that the Owasso Police Department received information from the district the previous morning about a serious threat made against a school administrator.

The FBI  has identified this threat as credible. It was a specific threat against a specific school official, Boatman said. Since then, there have been many more vague threats against the school system, school officials, schools themselves.

The Owasso Police Department, in partnership with the FBI and the Oklahoma Counter Terrorism Intelligence Center, is investigating around 10 to 20 overall message threats that had been sent to the school district within the last two days.

Boatman said the circumstances surrounding the threats have led police to believe they are targeted toward the districts secondary schools, but they have units stationed across the districts 15 elementary schools, as well.

It has caused us to increase our police presence at all of our campuses, Boatman said. Our Patrol Division is now at as many drive-throughs, drive-bys, walk-throughs, sit-and-patrols, directed patrols, at all of the different schools.

Owasso Public Schools said in a letter to parents on Wednesday: We are taking every threat seriously and are working diligently with agencies to determine the credibility of each threat. Each of our schools are continuing with operations as normally as possible. We did not want parents to be alarmed should they see increased security at our buildings. We will continue to provide parents with updated information.
NEW YORK  New York prosecutors said Thursday they are open to delaying the start of Donald Trump's hush-money criminal trial by a month in an abundance of caution to give the former president's lawyers time to review evidence they received only recently from a previous federal investigation into the matter.

The Manhattan district attorney's office said in a court filing that it's not opposed to adjourning the start of the trial for up to 30 days, but said it would fight the defense's demand for a longer delay. The evidence Trump's lawyers received from the U.S. attorneys office in Manhattan is "largely irrelevant to the subject matter of this case," the district attorney's office said.

Jury selection in the hush-money trial is scheduled for March 25. It is one of four criminal cases against Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.

Trump's lawyers are seeking a 90-day postponement and have also asked Judge Juan Manuel Merchan to dismiss the case, alleging that the last-minute disclosures violated rules governing the sharing of evidence. That process, called discovery, is routine in criminal cases and is intended to help ensure a fair trial.

Short trial delays because of evidence issues aren't unusual.

Since March 4, Trumps lawyers have received at least 84,000 pages of records from the U.S. attorney's office, including a batch of 31,000 pages on Wednesday, according to a court filing.

The defense has also sought to delay the trial until after the Supreme Court rules on Trump's presidential immunity claims, which his lawyers say could apply to some of the allegations and evidence in the hush-money case. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments April 25.

Merchan has yet to rule on either request.

The New York case centers on allegations that Trump falsified his companys internal records to hide the true nature of payments to his former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen, who helped Trump bury negative stories during his 2016 presidential campaign. Among other things, Cohen paid porn actor Stormy Daniels $130,000 to suppress her claims of an extramarital sexual encounter with Trump years earlier.

Trump pleaded not guilty last year to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. He has denied having a sexual encounter with Daniels, and his lawyers argue the payments to Cohen were legitimate legal expenses and not part of any cover-up.

Trump has repeatedly sought to delay the start of his criminal trials.

We want delays, Trump said to reporters at a pretrial hearing in the New York case on Feb. 15. Obviously Im running for election. How can you run for election if youre sitting in a courthouse in Manhattan all day long?

The deluge of evidence that spurred Trump's lawyers to request a delay pertains to a federal investigation into the hush-money matter that sent Cohen to prison.

After a decade of working for Trump, Cohen broke with his boss in 2018 and soon pleaded guilty campaign finance violations related to the hush-money payments, making false statements on a bank loan application, evading taxes related to his investments in the taxi industry and lying to Congress. The contributions were in the form of payouts to women who said they had extramarital sexual encounters with Trump, who denied them.

Cohen served about a year in prison before being released to home confinement because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He became an outspoken Trump foe and is poised to be a key prosecution witness in the hush-money trial. Trump and his lawyers, meanwhile, have portrayed Cohen as completely untrustworthy.

While federal prosecutors said in their case against Cohen that the hush-money payments were done to benefit Trump, and occurred with his knowledge, they stopped short at the time of accusing Trump of directly committing a crime.

The Justice Departments Office of Legal Counsel, which provides legal advice and guidance to executive branch agencies, has maintained that a sitting president cannot be indicted. The U.S. attorney in Manhattan didnt revive the investigation once Trump left the White House.

Classified documents charges

A federal judge on Thursday rejected a bid by Donald Trump to throw out out his classified documents criminal case, and appeared skeptical during hours of arguments of a separate effort to scuttle the prosecution ahead of trial.

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon issued a two-page order saying that though the Trump team had raised various arguments warranting serious consideration, a dismissal of charges was not merited.

Cannon, who was nominated to the bench by Trump, had made clear during more than three-and-a-half hours of arguments that she was reluctant to dismiss one of the four criminal cases against the 2024 presumptive Republican presidential nominee. She said at one point that it would be quite an extraordinary step to strike down an Espionage Act statute that underpins the bulk of the felony counts against Trump but that his lawyers contend is unconstitutionally vague.

Where each Trump case stands Classified documents case Election interference Hush-money scheme Georgia election indictment Civil cases
PHNOM PENH, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia reported 32 landmine and explosive remnant of war (ERW) casualties in 2023, a 22 percent decline from 41 in 2022, according to an official report on Thursday.

"Four people were killed, 18 others were injured, and the 10 others were amputated in 2023," the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA)'s report said, adding that a total of 29 explosive ordnance accidents were recorded in 2023.

From 1979 to 2023, landmine and ERW explosions had claimed 19,822 lives and either injured or amputated 45,215 others, the report added.

Cambodia is one of the countries worst-affected by landmines and ERWs. An estimated 4 million to 6 million landmines and other munitions had been left over from three decades of war and internal conflicts that ended in 1998.

According to the Yale University, between 1965 and 1973, the United States had dropped some 230,516 bombs on 113,716 sites in the Southeast Asian country.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in February called for greater support from the international community to achieve the kingdom's 2025 mine-free goal.

"We urge greater participation from the international community to raise awareness of the dangers of landmines and unexploded ordnance, the hidden killers that threaten human security even after armed conflicts have ended," he said in a message to mark the National Mine Awareness Day on Feb. 24.

CMAA First Vice President Ly Thuch said the kingdom currently needs to clear the remaining 533-square-km land contaminated with mines and another 1,321-square-km land contaminated with cluster munitions and other ERWs.

"Around 1 million people in the kingdom, particularly in rural areas, still live in fear and work in areas suspiciously contaminated by landmines, ERWs and cluster munitions," he told Xinhua recently. 
LINCOLN  Nebraska lawmakers spent hours debating the state budget before advancing the Appropriations Committee package with virtually no changes.

Senators talked from Tuesday through most of the day Thursday about various parts of the two budget proposals. In the end, they gave first-round approval to the committees version of Legislative Bill 1412 on a 39-4 vote Wednesday. They advanced LB 1413 on a 37-5 vote Thursday, with two minor changes.

The package updates the current state budget, which was passed last year and covers the two fiscal years ending June 30, 2025. It includes the transfer of about $230 million from various cash funds to support Gov. Jim Pillens much-repeated initiative to cut property tax payments by 40%.

The plan would leave a record balance of $574.9 million in the states general fund by the end of the budget period and another $904 million in the separate cash reserve fund. The Appropriation Committees plan calls for an average increase in state spending of 3.1% over the two-year budget period, up from the 2.3% approved last year.

Pillens property tax initiative relies on tapping a number of cash funds created for specific purposes, such as water recreation enhancements, behavioral health services and unemployment benefits. Pillen had proposed sweeping nearly $274 million to the general fund to keep the budget in the black.

The committee signed off on most of those transfers. But the depletion of these cash funds was the focus of most opposition to the package, with some lawmakers arguing it was irresponsible to raid those funds at a time of economic prosperity, and it was an unsustainable plan that lawmakers may not be able to continue in future budget years.

Were doing a sleight of hand to make it look like we have more money than we do, said State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha.

Opponents largely focused on the plan to take $70 million from the state unemployment insurance trust fund, which is separate from the federal unemployment trust fund allocated to Nebraska to pay benefits. Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln said the state fund acts as a necessary safety net if the federal funding isnt enough to meet Nebraskas needs.

But proponents of the proposal argued that the state doesnt use this fund and that it only served as a waste of taxpayer dollars. Appropriations Chair Sen. Robert Clements of Elmwood said the fund hasnt been used since being established in the 1990s. He noted that officials with the Nebraska Department of Labor condoned raiding the fund.

Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte went even further, and said he would support eliminating the fund entirely. If lawmakers approve all the cash fund transfers proposed in the package, he said Nebraska would still retain nearly $1 billion in its cash reserve fund.

The sky is not falling, said Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard. The world is not coming to an end.

The issue divided lawmakers during floor debate, with an amendment to remove this portion of the plan failing on a 20-20 vote Thursday morning. But the issue may return during second-round debate. Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston offered, then withdrew, a motion to reconsider the vote on the amendment. He said he hopes to negotiate a compromise before the bill comes back again.

Meanwhile, Sens. Ben Hansen of Blair and Brad von Gillern of Omaha expressed concern about the businesses that paid into the fund, and said they would rather give the money back to those businesses, than distribute it across the states budget.

Sen. Christy Armendariz of Omaha, an Appropriations Committee member, said she was amenable to this idea, but couldnt support an amendment to simply leave the fund intact. She said she was disappointed previous committees hadnt cut the fund sooner, and urged lawmakers to support a change.

Staying with the status quo is not an option, in my mind, Armendariz said.

Lawmakers did adopt a Jacobson amendment that eliminated a $5 million transfer out of the State Visitors Promotion Fund. The Appropriations Committee plan called for giving the money to the Department of Economic Development to promote the state as a place to live. Jacobson argued that the state Tourism Commission has plans for the money. Clements said he would support the amendment and find another $5 million for the DED program.

Senators also adopted an amendment from Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, which adjusted a plan to cut $11.2 million in accrued interest for the states Universal Service Fund, which supports telecommunications services. Cavanaughs amendment allows the Legislature to take dollars from the fund this year, but future cuts would require new legislative approval.

Sen. George Dungan of Lincoln took issue with the budget not including funding to support court interpreter services, which he previously proposed in a bill that was vetoed last year. Critics have said Nebraskas courts already have the funding to pay for interpreters, but Dungan urged lawmakers to act because the courts have shown resistance.

Multiple amendments have been proposed on the package to be debated in future floor debates, including one from Dungan that would add $600,000 to the budget to pay for court interpreters.
The federal government has banned Boeing 737 Max airplanes from flying into Nigerias airspace following a fatal crash in Ethiopia over the weekend.

Hadi Sirika, minister of state, aviation, disclosed this to state house correspondents at the end of the federal executive council (FEC) meeting, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Regarding Boeing 737 Max 8 and Max 9, that has been in the news recently, there is no cause for alarm as there is no operator in Nigeria that is using that type of airplane, he said.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, whose mandate it is to issue advisory, has already issued advisory that nobody should fly into Nigeria or out of Nigeria using Boeing 737 Max 8 and Max 9, pending the determination of the actual cause of the crash in Ethiopia and also pending the outcome of the response of the manufacturer, which is Messers Boeing.

Regardless of the enormous safety records of this plane 737, it has caused concern in the world of aviation and you know aviation is universal, whatever affects one affects the other because aircraft will be flying in and out. So, we have issued directive that no operator with Boeing 737 Max 8 or Max 9 should operate into and outside our airports and this is being carried out.

He said although two Nigerian airlines had placed order for the model, it would take two years for the aircraft to be delivered.

Sirika said two years is enough time for Boeing to rectify the problem leading to crashes.

Regarding Air Peace and Arik orders, whether those orders were confirmed or intent, it is to our knowledge in the ministry that they wont be in the country until the next two years or so, he said.

And this is enough period to sort out whatever problem it is with that plane. The world of aviation will not be sleeping just as we in Nigeria will not be sleeping. And it is normal standard practice that once a particular aircraft type is involved in accident back to back, it is withdrawn from the market and see if there is something they are doing wrong.

And if it is confirmed that a particular problem say for instance, landing gear, they will issue an instruction to ground such plane worldwide until the problem is fix.

The 157 persons on board the ill-fated aircraft were killed. Two Nigerians: Pius Adesanmi, a professor, and Abiodun Bashua, an ex-diplomat, lost their lives in the incident.

Sundays crash was the second involving Boeing 737 Max 8 model in less than six months  a Lion Air plane of the same model crashed in Indonesia in October last year, killing 189 people.

According to Al Jazeera, Boeing has delivered about 350 of the approximately $120 million each 737 MAX 8s till date, with more than 4,500 in total ordered since 2017

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The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the compulsory retirement of the Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Walter Onnoghen, based on incontrovertible findings on him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The NJC asked President Muhammadu Buhari to give effect to the recommendation immediately.

But the NJC urged the President to allow Justice Onnoghen retain his seat as

a former CJN in the Council of State. The council also said the CJN should be retired with full benefits. A source, who pleaded not to be named, told The Nation that because of the sensitivity of the matter, the compulsory retirement of Justice Onnoghen was the major highlight of NJCs meeting. All NJC members were said to have decided not to comment on the meeting because it would not be right to do so when a letter has been sent to the President on their decision. He should get the letter before any comment, the source said. The source said: The NJC has been able to navigate the most challenging moment for the nations judiciary by recommending compulsory retirement of Onnoghen with full benefits. The NJC specifically demanded that the CJN be allowed to take his eminent position in the Council of State like his predecessors. If these recommendations are accepted, the Executive may be on the same page with the Judiciary by staying action on the ongoing trial and other pending trials of the CJN. The NJC may have adopted a win-win approach to ensure that the Executive and the Judiciary are on the same page.
Despite impromto sessions of the thirty members of the jigawa House of Assembly who.passed Vote of Confidence on embattled Speaker Rt. Hon. Aliyu Dangyatin who narrowly escaped impeachment move, Dangyatin was not having it easier in.managing his seat.

Recalled that during his foreign trip on the entourage of Governor Danmodi, the jigawa assembly was thrown into confusion on an alleged plot which was stage managed among gladiators of the House.

But the return of the speaker thwarted the plot, it was not clear as to why the seat of the speaker is being threatened, a situation that might not be unconnected to power struggle among gladiators of the House.

The speaker who was on foreign trips to Saudi Arabia when the alleged impeachment plot started was said to have rushed back to Nigeria to avoid the embarrassment and also put the house into order.

The house of assembly which was barricaded by heavily armed security for days was relatively ease and made accessible to the Hon members and assembly staffs.

During the house emergency sitting which was presided by Rt Hon Haruna Aliyu Dangyating, a member representing Malam Madori Constituency Hon Hamza Adamu Ibrahim moved a motion for the passing vote of confidence on the speaker.

While shading more light on the house sitting the Chairman House committee on information Hon Hashimu Ibrahim Kanya a member representing Kanya Constituency said, the alleged plot to Impeach the speaker was mare speculation.

He explained that, the vote of confidence they passed on their leader was aimed at their allegiance to the speaker and also tell the world that, the Jigawa state house of assembly is united with mutual respect to each others.

Hon Kanya however revealed that, all the speculated allegations against the Speaker Hon Dangyatin was discussed and addressed, every members was convinced that, the allegations was baseless and lack any iota of truth, while the alleged plot to Impeach the speaker also lack ground roots anywhere .

Ealier the Speaker of Jigawa State House of Assembly in Northwest Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin escaped impeachment by aggrieved members of the Assembly two weeks ago, as security operatives were drafted to condone the premises of the Assembly.to avoid breakdown of law and order

The Spokesman for the Jigawa state police command, DSP Lawan Shiihu Adam confirmed the presence of police personnel who took over the premises.

He said-Yes it is true we have posted our men to guard the assembly premises due to intelligence reports we received and we deemed it necessary to do that to prevent any occurrence.

Lawan Shiisu however explained that he is not aware of any impeachment threat by members of the state assembly, saying as far as i am concerned we received intelligence reports thats all and nothing more nothing less. He concluded.

Those who plotted the impeachment attempted seized the absence of the speaker while he accompanied the Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Umar Namadi to Saudi Arabia on official trip.

There are reports that the governor and the speaker got wind of the plan which compelled the speaker to suspend his trip and catch a flight back home to thwart the efforts of his colleagues.

While the return of the speaker thwarted the plot, it was not clear as to why the seat of the speaker is being threatened, a situation that might not be unconnected to power struggle among gladiators of the House.

There were insinuations that the grand plot against Rt. Hon. Dangyatin was designed to pave way for the member representing Dutse constituency, Hon. Tasiu Soja as possible replacement.

The development may lead to some political and leadership changes in the Assembly as the loyalty of some members to the House leadership is now suspicious.

Apart from.the impeachment saga of the Jigawa Speaker, the House has impeach its principal officers and suspends four local government chairmen following deliberations during its resumed session after the recess and the presentation of house committee reports.

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Bauchi State Governor, Dr Bala Mohammed has hailed Senator Abdul Ningi by standing for the truth over the budget padding controversial in the red chamber of the senate.

Accordingly, pledged his continues support to the suspended Senator in whatever he is doing in representing the state.

Mohammed made the statement at a State Executive Council (SEC) meeting holds at the New Exco Chamber of the Government House, Wednesday in Bauchi, expressed his sadnessed over suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi from senate.

According to the governor, said yesterday its was a double swords, Iwas very sad, the senate suspended one of our best from Bauchi for saying the truth and for standing to be the beacon of truth Senator Abdul Ningi, equally, l ll meet and discuss to see what we can do to help him privately. Because l support him in whatever hes doing. Thats face of the opposition especially if what hes saying is the truth.

well make investigation to fine out, Im not to quick to go to the media but stanly he has shown courage, he has shown that hes from Bauchi and we have to be with him, Mohammed said.

Recall that Senator Abdul Ningi who is representing Bauchi central zone and Chairman of the Northern Senator Forum was been suspended due to the contravesy of Budget Pading by the Senate during yesterdays plenary season for 3 months without any involvement into the senate activities.
By Chuks Eke

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra state has restated the state governments commitment to construct, reconstruct and rehabilitate an average of 10 kilometers of roads in the state on monthly basis.

He disclosed that so far, his administration has done a total of 240 kilometers of roads in all parts of the state within its two years in office which kicked off on March 17, 2022.

Soludo who make the disclosure yesterday while commissioning newly completed five kilometers of roads linking Port-Harcourt road and Niger street in Fegge area of Onitsha, in Onitsha South Local Government Area of the state, said apart from roads, government also has other numerous projects to contend with.

Mentioning hospitals and pipe borne water as some other projects being embarked upon by his administration to make healthcare delivery system and good drinking water available and affordable to the people in all parts of the state, Soludo noted that having completed Port Harcourt road and Niger street, government would now shift its attention to other adjoining rooms in Onitsha like Ziks Avenue, Silas Works, Miss Elems, among others.

On the issue of touts and other criminals still operating in the state, Soludo warned that government would no longer give them conducive atmosphere to operate, particularly those who are extorting barrow pushers and petty traders in the name of generating revenues for the state government.

If any of you here knows those touts extorting barrow pushers, please tell them to stop it or else the long arms of the law will catch up with them sooner or later, Soludo warned.

Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Transition Committee, Emeka Orji, in his goodwill message, commended Governor Soludo for his tireless efforts in the restoration of lost glory of the commercial city of Onitsha and urged him not to relent in his good works.

Flanked by the Secretary to the Local Government, Paul Onuachala Esq., Orji also expressed his determination to complement the efforts of the state government by ensuring a clean and heslthy environment in all the streets in the council area and at the same time recovering all the government lands occupied by land grabbers.

Hon. Emeka Mbachu, Chairman, Sokoto/New Market Roads Traders Association, Onitsha and his Haruna Street counterpart, Emmanuel Idoko, assured Soludo of their unflinching support throughout his tenure.

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Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has expressed full support for Senator Abdul Ningi, who was on Tuesday suspended by the Senate for three months.

Ningi, the lawmaker representing Bauchi Central, was suspended on Tuesday.

He also stepped down from his position as Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum.

Ningi faced suspension following a debate on a BBC interview where he claimed that the National Assembly padded the 2024 N28.7tn budget.

In the interview on Friday, Ningi claimed that N3.7tn was not allocated to specific projects in the 2024 budget.

He stated, For the first time in Nigerian history, today we are operating two different budgets. One budget was approved by the National Assembly and signed by President Bola Tinubu and the one was implemented by the presidency.

The one approved by us is N25tn while the one operating by the Federal Government is 28tn.

Apparently, we discovered N3tn was inserted into the budget for projects without locations. This is the highest budget padding that happened in Nigerian history under Senator Akpabios watch.

Furthermore, during a press briefing on Monday, the senator reiterated the accusation and expressed no fear of being suspended.

The Bauchi State Governor, however, expressed his support for the lawmaker.

In todays State Executive Council meeting, I made it clear that I stand firm in our support for Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, of Bauchi Central, Mohammed wrote on his official X account on Monday.

He added, I emphasised the importance of preserving dissent within our political landscape without resorting to punitive actions.

I am committed to examining Senator Ningis situation further. It is common knowledge that Senator Ningi is one of the best performing senators whose heritage and uprightness, ancestry and integrity are worthy of praise.

Senator Opeyemi Bamidele from Ekiti Central faulted Ningis claims that the 2024 budget passed by the Senate was padded, calling it a civilian coup.

A member of the Appropriation Committee in the Senate, Jimoh Ibrahim, initiated the motion to suspend Ningi for 12 months due to allegations of criminal misinformation and breach of peace in the National Assembly and the country at large.

On the other hand, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong and Senator Abdulfatai Buhari proposed amendments to the motion by Ibrahim.

Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South Senatorial District, suggested reducing the suspension to six months, while Buhari from Oyo North proposed three months.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, described Ningis offences as grievous.

A voice vote was conducted and a majority of the lawmakers voted in support of Ningis suspension for three months.
Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested 45 suspected internet fraudsters in the Ikorodu area of the state.

This was disclosed in a statement posted on the agencys official X handle on Wednesday.

The statement read, They were arrested on Monday, March 11, 2024, at Ikorodu, Lagos, following intelligence on the activities of an Organised Cybercrime Syndicate Network, OCSN, operating in that axis of the state.

Items recovered from them at the point of arrest include exotic vehicles, sophisticated mobile devices, and laptops.

They will soon be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations.

National Daily had reported on March 8 that the Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC arrested an herbalist and 48 suspected internet fraudsters in Lokoja, Kogi State.

Similarly, it was reported on Monday that 37 suspected Internet fraudsters were arrested by the EFCC in different parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The Nollywood industry has again been thrown into mourning, following the death of one of its veteran, Jonathan Ihonde.

It was gathered that the dramatist and creator of the TV series, Hotel de Jordan, died on Tuesday, at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

News of his death was circulated on various WhatsApp platforms in Benin, the Edo State capital.

The ace TV producer was a renowned and award-winning dramatist, writer, veteran Labour Union leader and social mobiliser, humanist and consistent patriot.

He created one of the precursors of Nigerian Home Video, the Hotel de Jordan in 1973, on the Midwest Television (MTV), which later became NTA Benin, following the take over of all television stations by the Federal Government.

He has also featured in several home videos before his untimely death.
Access Holdings Plc has announced the return of Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR as its Non-Executive Chairman.

Aig-Imoukhuede replaces Mr. Abubakar Jimoh, the erstwhile Chairman of the HoldCo who remains on the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director.

This visionary and accomplished leader is bringing an outstanding record of accomplishments, wealth of expertise and leadership to guide the Group into a new era of success.

In response to the untimely passing of the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR and following extensive consultations with key stakeholders, the Holdco Board unanimously decided to invite Aig-Imoukhuede to the helm of governance.

With an illustrious career spanning several decades in the banking and finance sector, Aig-Imoukhuede has proven to be an exceptional and influential leader, having admirably laid a solid foundation for Access Banks success as Group Chief Executive Officer between 2002 and 2013 ably supported by his partner and deputy, the late Herbert Wigwe, who later succeeded him.

READ ALSO: Access Bank bids farewell to Herbert Wigwe

Under Aig-Imoukhuedes leadership, Access Bank experienced remarkable growth and established itself as a trusted financial institution within the community.

The Bank transformed from a minor player into one of Nigerias top 5 banks with presence in 9 other African countries and the United Kingdom.

Under his stewardship, Access Bank grew its customer base from ten thousand to over six million with more than 5,000 employees and an asset base of USD $12 billion, achieving numerous milestones and becoming a globally recognized name.

His strategic vision, innovative thinking, and deep market insight were instrumental to shaping the Banks success.

Following his retirement as the Banks CEO in December 2013, Aig-Imoukhuede co-founded the Tengen Family Office Limited which oversees a significant portfolio of investments and businesses in banking, finance, insurance, technology, real estate, and energy.

Through the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, he is focused on building Nigerias next generation of government leaders, helping transform public sector effectiveness, and improving access to quality primary health care.

The decision to bring back Aig-Imoukhuede as the Groups Non-Executive Chairman reflects the Boards commitment to our core values and determination to build upon the strong foundation he jointly established with Wigwe.

With his return, Access Holdings aims to leverage his extensive experience, industry knowledge, and exceptional leadership skills to consolidate on the growth and accomplishments recorded under Wigwes leadership.

READ ALSO: Access Bank Plc signs landmark loan agreement with JICA

In his new role as Non-Executive Chairman, Aig-Imoukhuede will collaborate with the Board of Directors to oversee strategy and provide guidance to the executive management team.

His return is not only a testament to his unwavering dedication to Access Group but also a clear demonstration of the Boards confidence in his ability to lead the Group to new heights.

Speaking about his return, Abubakar Jimoh past Chairman, Access Holdings expressed his excitement, stating: Mr. Aig-Imoukhuedes appointment to the Board and subsequent election as Chairman is a landmark development for Access Holdings. All our board members are excited about our future.

Commenting on his appointment, Aig-Imoukhuede, said: I am thrilled to be back in active service to the Access Group ecosystem. I am confident that working with our directors, our exceptional team of executives and our best-in-class banking and finance professionals, we will deliver outstanding value to our esteemed stakeholders. I am determined that our shared vision which Dr. Wigwe gave everything for, will be realized.
UNITED NATIONS, March 14 (Xinhua) -- While withdrawing non-essential staff from Haiti due to the escalation of violence, the United Nations is bringing in crisis specialists and humanitarian personnel to help deliver life-saving aid, a UN spokesman said Thursday.

"We are reconfiguring our presence in the country while remaining fully committed to delivering life-saving assistance to the people of Haiti," said Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The United Nations authorized the temporary relocation of some internationally recruited personnel from Haiti, while others, who are crisis specialists and humanitarian personnel, will come in to help with operations on the ground, said the spokesman.

"Our colleagues and partners are continuing to work to deliver life-saving assistance to people in need, despite the limited access and despite obviously the very concerning security situation," he said. "We are continuing to monitor and review measures that we take as the situation develops."

On Wednesday, the World Food Programme (WFP) was able to provide hot meals to about 13,000 displaced people. But this service in Port-au-Prince might be shut down next week if new funding is not secured. The WFP urgently needs 10 million U.S. dollars to be able to sustain this life-saving program, said the spokesman.

Overall funding for the humanitarian response plan stands at 674 million dollars, but it is now 3.2 percent funded with about 21.6 million dollars in the bank. Needless to say, much more is needed to meet Haiti's humanitarian needs for this coming year, he said.

The world body's medical partners are concerned about the overall health situation in Haiti, particularly about significant shortages in blood supply. The Pan American Health Organization, the UN Children's Fund and the International Organization for Migration, through their national partners, are providing medical assistance via mobile clinics at several sites for displaced people and other essential aid such as water and psychosocial assistance, said Dujarric. 
Unknown gunmen in their numbers have attacked the hotel of the Ohaukwu LGA council chairman, Mr Ikechukwu Odono and allegedly set ablaze some cars and some sections of the hotel.

It was gathered that the unknown gunmen invaded the chairmans hotel located near Ezzangbo junction on Sunday night, and was shooting sporadically till 5:00am Monday.

According to report, one person whose name is yet to be identified at the time of filing this report was allegedly shot dead during the attack.

When contacted for reaction, the Chairman, Odono who was in shock and pains over the incident, declined to speak on the attack.

According to him: I dont want to speak to the press now, on this incident he stated.

The Ebonyi State Police Commands spokesperson DSP Joshua Ukandu, who reacted to the incident confirmed the attack of the chairmans hotel by the unknown gunmen.

He noted that one person was shot dead and some cars set ablaze.

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The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB has issued a warning to governors of the Southeast and the president.

Speaking on Thursday, IPOB said it will not allow governors give out lands for grazing.

It faulted President Bola Tinubus call asking state governors to donate lands, in order to end the farmer-herder crisis.

IPOB vowed never to allow Southeast governors to cede Igbos ancestral lands in a bid to resolve the crisis.

Recall that Tinubu had vowed to end the crisis in three weeks if state governors donate lands.

Reacting, the spokesman of IPOB, Emma Powerful, warned that the Southeast is a no go area for Fulani herders.

A statement by Powerful reads partly: The attention of the global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by the great and indefatigable leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has been drawn to the careless call from President Bola Tinubu to the State Governors to provide Land in each State for Fulani ranching.

IPOB considers such a call as careless, thoughtless, and a great insult to the indigenous peoples in Nigeria who have been massacred by the same foreign marauding Fulani terrorists nicknamed herdsmen.

Nigerian dailies yesterday reported what could be considered as the most reckless and thoughtless call by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu during a political inauguration of his Agricultural Program in Niger State. He was said to have asked the State Governors to provide land to Fulanis for RUGA and ranches in the contraption called Nigeria. Perhaps President Tinubu has forgotten that political campaigns where careless promises are made to win elections are over.

The recent public call for the State Governors to provide land to murderous Fulanis that have committed mass murder against the indigenous peoples in Nigeria is thoughtless, careless, and is emboldening of the herdsmen terrorists.

Nevertheless, we in the IPOB movement and family will never allow ceding or selling any part of our ancestral land to these dangerous Fulani terrorists and bandits for whatever reason. The Biafra region has no land for Fulanis for whatever purpose.

Biafrans are farmers and pastoralists, too. Our lands are not sufficient for Biafrans to farm and rear livestock, let alone ceding some to the dangerous terrorists. President Bola Tinubu can cede part of the South West land to his Fulani political Masters. Moreso, the north has the largest land mass. They can cede some to the Fulanis but definitely not in the South East and South South.

Fulani herdsmen and bandits must know that Biafra territory is a no-go area. We call on the people of the South West and Middle Belt to rise up and reject Tinubus and his Fulani Masters Fulanization agenda. Any region that allows Fulani occupation either by RUGA or ranching is doomed.
The Federal Government has filed terrorism charges against the detained President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo.

This followed an order by the Federal High Court.

In the terrorism charges dated March 12, Bodejo was accused of undermining the national security of Nigeria by establishing and arming an ethnic militia group without authorization.

Part of the charges read: That you, Bello Bodejo, Male, Adult, on or before the 17th Day of January, 2024, at Lafia, Nasarawa State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, committed to commit an offence to wit: you established an ethnic militia known as Kungiya Zaman Lafiya without authorization and thereby committed an act prejudicial to national security and public safety, an offence punishable under Section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Bodejo was arrested on January 23 at the Miyetti Allahs office in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State over the alleged unveiling and arming of a vigilante group.

The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), filed a motion ex parte on February 5 seeking to remand Bodejo pending the conclusion of the investigation by DIA and his arraignment in court.

Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja had, upon the ex parte application, ordered that Bodejo be remanded for 15 days.

At the expiration of the 15 days on February 22, the judge gave the Federal Government seven days to file a charge against Bodejo.

However, at Wednesdays proceedings, the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) in Abuja declined to produce the detained President of Miyetti Allah before the Federal High Court for arraignment.

Following the absence of the detainee in court, Justice Ekwo asked the counsel to the federal government, Y.A. Imana, if charges had been filed against Bodejo.

The judge said, This court made an order that you should charge the detainee before a court of competent jurisdiction. Where is the evidence that you filed the charges before this court?

The government lawyer, however, explained that the charge was filed yesterday, but the judge wondered why the charge was not before him.

At this point, Bodejos counsel, Mohammed Sheriff, informed the Court that he had filed an application seeking his clients unconditional release from the Defence Intelligence Agencys custody.

The counsel pleaded with the court to hear the bail application of his client.

He said, Our bail application is dated February 26, 2024, and is seeking to admit the applicant to bail pending arraignment before a competent court.

The prosecution counsel, Y.A Imana, however, vehemently objected to the request for bail of the detainee on the ground that charges against him have to do with undermining the national security of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and urged the court to dismiss the application.

She said, We pray this court to dismiss the bail application of the detainee because it is a matter that touches on national security.

Justice Ekwo, after taking arguments from lawyers, fixed March 22 for ruling on whether to grant the bail request or not.
Terrorists who abducted more than 286 students and staff in Kaduna State have demanded a ransom totaling N1 billion ($620,432) for their release.

Jubril Aminu, a community leader and spokesman for the families of the hostages, revealed, They made a total of a N1 billion ransom demand for all the pupils, students and staff of the school. They gave an ultimatum to pay the ransom within 20 days, effective from the date of the kidnap. They said they will kill all the students and the staff if the ransom demand is not met.

Idris Ibrahim, an elected official from the Kuriga Ward municipal council, confirmed the ransom demand, stating, Yes, the kidnappers called the community through Jubril Aminus number and made the demand. They called from a hidden number but the authorities are working on getting the number.

He further assured, The security forces were taking adequate measures to secure the release of the students.

However, there was no immediate response from the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs in Kaduna State, Samuel Aruwan, regarding the kidnappers demands. Similarly, there was no response from spokespeople for President Bola Tinubu and the army.

Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information, emphasized Tinubus stance on the matter, stating, Tinubus position on the kidnappings in Kuriga was that security forces should secure the hostages release without any ransom.

The abduction of the school children, older students, and school staff occurred on March 7 in the town of Kuriga, Kaduna State, marking the first mass kidnapping in the country since 2021.
Former lawmaker Shehu Sani has shared insights into why many senators may be reluctant to comment on the allegations raised by Bauchi Central Senator Abdul Ningi and the subsequent suspension.

Ningis claim that the Senate is attempting to silence or arrest him for exposing the N3.7 trillion budget padding has created a contentious atmosphere, Sani remarked.

In a recent interview, Ningi alleged that projects worth N3.7 trillion in the 2024 budget were untraceable, leading to his suspension by the Senate for three months.

While Senate President Godswill Akpabio advocated for a fair hearing, the Senate eventually suspended Ningi after deliberations.

Speaking on Arise TV post-suspension, Ningi emphasized the magnitude of the situation, stating, Neither I nor the Senate can control the can of worms I have opened.

Sani, reflecting on senators silence, commented on X, saying, Its either your Senator is on the side of Akpabio or on the side of Ningi. The Senators who maintain silence are either afraid of the public or afraid of suspension.
The Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Right Hon Kolawole, on Friday celebrated the judgment of the Election Petition Tribunal which nullified the election of Senator Dino Melaye into the ninth National Assembly.

Kolawole in a statement commended the Tribunal on the decision to order a re-election for the Kogi West senatorial district, adding that the judgment confirmed the level of fraud perpetrated by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2019 general elections.

The Speaker maintained that the decision of the Tribunal to order fresh election in upholding the request of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Smart Adeyemi, was victory for the entire well meaning people of Kogi West senatorial district.

He stated that the judgment of the Tribunal rekindled hope of the common man in the judiciary.

He enjoined APC members to be vigilant and prepare to win the rescheduled election.

However, Senator Melaye had decried that the judgment of the Tribunal is travesty of justice, a subversion of the peoples will. The senator is heading to the Court of Appeal to upturn the judgment.

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According to a PM News report, a female victim, Joy Muriyaro has told the police that a man who claimed to be a prophet was masturbating while robbing anointing oil on her buttocks.

The fake prophet, David Daniel, 41, has been arrested by the police for indecent assault on the woman and charged to court.

Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, in a statement on Sunday said on 17 September, 2019 at about 20:45pm Muriyaro of No 31 Olarenwaju Street Ejigbo Lagos, reported at Ejigbo Police Station, that Daniel came to her shop at No 2 Ailegun Road Ejigbo under the guise of being a prophet sent to her by God.

According to him, she told the police that the said prophet claimed that he saw in a vision that she was having a spiritual problems and had foreseen her having fibroid growth in her womb in the future.



He collected N3,000 cash from her and a bottle of perfume worth N1,000 for spiritual cleansing. She stated further that the suspect followed her to her house and ordered her to remove her clothes for him to rob anointing oil on her buttocks.

She became apprehensive when she noticed that the suspect was masturbating when robbing the anointing oil on her buttocks. The Suspect was arrested and charged to Court for indecent assault and remanded in Kirikiri Prison, Elkana said.
Following the testing and investigation of the Chinese man that checked into Reddington Hospital, Ikeja, and suspected to have Coronavirus, the Lagos government come out with an official position on the result.

Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, in a statement Thursday, said the result is still negative for now, adding the likelihood of COVID-19 infection in this particular patient was very low.

I would like to reassure Lagosians that our vigilance levels are very high and we are putting more measures in place to safeguard the State, he said.

The Chinese citizen arrived in Nigeria from China 7 weeks ago, and presented at Reddington Hospital yesterday complaining about fever.

The hospital in keeping with the advisory we earlier issued, correctly maintained a high index of suspicion, isolated the patient and reported the case to the ministry, said the commissioner

We took up the case, transferred the patient to the State Isolation Unit at the Mainland hospital which is our specialised infectious disease hospital. His blood samples were taken to the Virology laboratory for analysis and it came out negative.

Abayomi appealed to citizens to refrain from posting unverified news that can cause unnecessary anxiety in the community.

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[unable to retrieve full-text content]A longtime city employee shot and killed 13 people and injured six others after opening fire on Friday afternoon in the public works building, making it the United States deadliest mass shooting this year. Police said officers killed the man, whom they did not name, after he fired at them. One officer was shot 
BLOOMINGTON  Minds of music and medicine will converge for a Sunday charity concert and hors d'oeuvres Sunday in Bloomington.

Music as Medicine, a fundraiser formerly known as a Doctors in Concert, is sharing performances from eight area physicians at The Chateau Hotel and Conference Center to benefit Illinois Symphony Orchestra outreach. The symphonic organization, which hosts concerts in Springfield and Bloomington-Normal, continues movement toward selecting its next music director, with two more candidates slated to conduct shows later this spring.

Organizers said it's an annual fundraiser with rotating beneficiaries. This year, it will support ISO educational programs, which includes music scholarships for K-12 students, demonstrative visits by ISO musicians to area schools ("Music Matters!") and a "Concert for Kids" program that hosted over 2,200 students and chaperones last month for shows at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts. This year, the kids concert was themed "Take Me Out to the Symphony!"

In this week's BloNo Beats, you can read questionnaire responses from one of Sunday's piano performers. Dr. Daniel Brownstone, 64, is a Bloomington resident of 29 years and has been an ophthalmologist at VisionPoint Eye Center since its inception four years ago. Brownstone was previously with Eye Surgical Associates.

Other physician-artists taking the stage on Sunday are as follows:

Dr. Jerry Antonini  piano

Dr. William Bond  piano

Dr. Frank Han  piano

Dr. Tom Kelly  classical guitar

Dr. Darrell Looney  jazz violin

Dr. Susan Sheppard  piano

Dr. David Skillrud  piano and voice

Dr. Dan Brownstone

Why did you start learning a musical instrument, and what or who kept you progressing on your music journey?

"I started learning the piano at age 7. It was almost expected that I would take up an instrument, as my entire family played musical instruments. I went as high as second year in university in music school at University of Southern California, then switched to science and medicine, which was my other passion. Needless to say, piano took a back seat until after I completed my ophthalmology residency and moved permanently to Bloomington. My mother shipped my piano to me and I have been trying to work at it ever since. Love of music and a deep understanding of the relationship between music and science is what keeps me going!"

In what ways can music provide an avenue for holistic treatment approaches?

"There is ample evidence of the power of music to transform peoples lives. Thinking musically helps our brains create new connections and pathways that are not stimulated in any other way. The hit movie 'Oppenheimer' just referenced this when Professor Bohr asked Oppenheimer if he could hear the 'music in algebra.' Music allows us to recognize complicated patterns that repeat in unusual ways. Without exposure to music, we cannot find these connections. Our world is filled with these connections waiting for people with the proper mindset to notice them. It is for this reason that we are presenting 'Music as Medicine' this weekend to support the efforts of the ISO Guild of Bloomington/Normal who are actively seeking to provide music education to all children in our community regardless of financial status. In the coming years we will partner with Music Connections and the Creativity Center at the BCPA, as they have similar missions to bring quality music education to everyone."

Tell us about a piece of music that youve worked on for this upcoming Music as Medicine concert, and why youve enjoyed rehearsing it.

"I am working on a set of dances written by Takashi Yoshimatsu. He is a 95-year-old Japanese composer who is considered to be a national treasure in his country but is almost unheard of here in the U.S. I believe this piece shows that we are more alike than we think. The piece is in four short movements and is to be played with the left hand only. The title is 'Gauche Dances Op.96', and each movement pays tribute to a style of modern American music, including rock, blues, tango and boogie woogie. I just find it fascinating that a man halfway around the world could show such a deep understanding of our own popular music."

Tell me about an experience you had as a concertgoer that left you feeling inspired.

"The first time I heard (Maurice) Ravels 'La Valse'! It was the first time that I discovered that an entire story and political commentary could be effectively presented in one short piece. Ravel wrote the piece to alert his fellow Frenchmen at the intentions of Germany to take over all of Europe. He wrote the piece to shake his fellow countrymen out of their inaction. The piece is basically a grand waltz like you would hear at any grand ballroom at the time. Imagine all of the couples dancing as the piece turns darker and more frantic, to the point where you can actually hear the bombs blasting just outside as the Germans take over. In spite of this, they keep on dancing, ignoring what is going to happen until the walls collapse around them. No words or commentary was needed to get the idea. Everyone should be able to have an experience like this."

ISOs mission statement is "to inspire audiences through exceptional live orchestral performances and programs." Why is it important for you to support this vision?

"I believe that exposure to music throughout ones life enriches and enhances our understanding of the world. These days, it seems that we are divided and entrenched in our beliefs. If you get people together from all walks of life in front of live music, it becomes very clear that our differences are not as deep as they seem. Music has the power to unite us and allow us to see the world from a different perspective. What could be more important today?"

IF YOU GO WHAT: Music as Medicine, an evening of food, fun and live music performed by doctors from the Bloomington-Normal area WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Sunday WHERE: The Chateau Hotel and Conference Center, 1621 Jumer Drive, Bloomington TICKETS: $75 each until Friday, or $100 at the door. Available online at weblink.donorperfect.com/Musicasmedicine

Doctors in Concert Virtual Fundraiser for the Childrens Discovery Museum Beth Whisman, Director of Cultural Arts Department and Childrens Discovery Museum Behind the scenes MC David Horine David Horine, Beth Whisman, Director of Cultural Arts Department and Childrens Discovery Museum David Horine Scott Sarver with Broadleaf Productions Patrons Dr. Susan Sheppard Dr. Darrell Looney Dr. David Skillrud shows how his mothers piano advice helps him overcome the limitations of MS Dr. David Skillrud played several church hymns to honor his father, Rev. Harold Skillrud, who passed in January. Piano on loan from Horines Pianos Plus Dr. Thomas Kelly plays the classical guitar Dr. Jerry Antonini Elise Albers Dr. William Bond Dr. David Skillrud Dr. Daniel Brownstone Close-up on Dr. Daniel Brownstone
SPRINGFIELD  Thousands of non-U.S. citizens living in Illinois will no longer receive state-funded health care benefits as Gov. J.B. Pritzkers administration looks for ways to cut the costs of two programs that came close to derailing state budget talks last year.

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services projects that as many as 6,000 people will lose coverage by next month when the state stops offering the programs benefits to those who have green cards but have not completed a five-year waiting period in the U.S.

Individuals in that category will no longer be eligible for the benefits provided through two programs, Health Benefits of Immigrant Adults and Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors, by May 1. The affected individuals would then have to reapply for coverage through the federal Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace, which provides subsidies to noncitizens who are living in the country legally, the department said.

It is important to note that all of the enrollee groups identified for changes  have alternative coverage options, HFS spokesperson Jamie Munks said in an email. These individuals will qualify for Medicaid coverage if they meet the eligibility requirements once they have been in the country for five years. We understand this creates turbulence for these individuals in their medical coverage and will do everything we can to help make the transition as smooth as possible.

Munks said HFS is working with the states Department of Insurance to ensure that so-called navigators can assist these recipients with enrolling in a new plan.

The state budgeted $550 million for the programs last year, and Pritzker is proposing $440 million for them during the fiscal year that begins July 1. During a meeting before the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules on Tuesday, Healthcare and Family Services chief of staff Dana Kelly said removing the designated group recipients from the two programs would save a little over $13 million.

We will be notifying them in the next week of that change and they will be made eligible for a special enrollment period on the Health Insurance Marketplace, she said.

State Rep. Norma Hernandez, a Democrat from Melrose Park, criticized the changes as a short-term cost-saving measure, not a long term solution, and raised concerns about whether the navigators will suffice to help thousands of people through a complicated enrollment process that could be complicated by language barriers with only about a month and a half left before their state-funded health care expires.

Even for me, and I have an education, I have a health care background, a masters, its hard for me to navigate and understand copays, deductibles, all of that stuff, Hernandez said. I actually have a decent way of living, right? And then theres folks that make less than $30K a year, less than $20K a year, and are now going to have to figure out how to pay for health care.

In addition to proposing $440 million from the states general revenue fund for the programs in the coming year, Pritzker also proposed that an additional outlay of nearly $200 million could be allocated toward the two programs through other revenue streams. More than half of that would come from a federal match to emergency services funding.

Illinois initially offered the health care benefits in 2020. The programs initially provided Medicaid-style coverage to immigrants 65 and older who were in the country without legal permission, or who had green cards but havent completed a five-year waiting period and are therefore ineligible for the traditional health insurance program for the poor, which is jointly funded by the federal government. The programs have been expanded twice and now cover those 42 and older.

The two programs launched in Illinois at a time when Medicaid redeterminations  annual checks that verify whether an enrollee is eligible for that benefit  were put on pause by the federal government during the COVID-19 pandemic. Munks said this year will be the first time enrollees in the state-funded immigrant health care programs, which are separate from Medicaid, will be subject to redetermination.

The health care programs became a major sticking point in budget negotiations last year. In his budget proposal a year ago, Pritzker pitched $220 million for the program. But as projected costs rose to $1.1 billion, he ended up striking a deal that set aside $550 million for the benefits.

The subsequent move to limit enrollment drew criticism from Latino communities at the time. The group Healthy Illinois, which advocated for the program, called Pritzkers decision immoral and fiscally short-sighted.

Senate Republicans, meanwhile, this year indicated they had issues with continuing to fund the program.

Prior to the funding issues last year, Pritzker had said he believes everyone, regardless of documentation status, deserves access to holistic health care coverage.

The programs do not extend to the asylum-seekers primarily arriving in Chicago from Texas.

Olander reported and Laura Rodriguez Presa contributed from Chicago.

Photos: Pritzker Military Archives Center
As I look back on my years as a Republican officeholder in Illinois, I realize just how large the tent was. There was always a place to accommodate those of us who didnt subscribe to the most conservative version of Republican dogma.

Today, with Republican candidates forced to kiss Donald Trumps ring to access the general election ballot, its hard to believe there was a day when even dyed-in-the-wool, conservative Republicans would surprise occasionally with more moderate political stances not in keeping with many of their supporters. Thats a far cry from the orthodoxy of the Republican Party today, when a ticket of admission to the party must be stamped with unwavering adoration of megalomaniac Trump.

Consider these examples from not so long ago:

Remembered primarily for the Watergate scandal, President Richard Nixon created the Environmental Protection Agency, which todays Republican Party is out to destroy as Trump takes his orders from oil and gas lobbies and then pollutes the minds of his MAGA faithful with lies and misinformation about climate change.

Then there was U.S. Rep. Henry Hyde, whose legacy is the Hyde Amendment that prohibited the use of federal funds for abortion, but even he allowed for exceptions. Today, Republican-controlled legislatures in 21 states passed tougher restrictions on abortions than allowed by Roe v. Wade, which was a U.S. Supreme Court decision written by a Republican justice, Harry Blackmun, who was appointed to the court by Nixon.

Hyde also was an original sponsor of the Brady Bill requiring background checks for gun buyers, and he broke with his party in 1994 when he supported a ban on the sale of semi-automatic weapons. Todays Republicans worship all manner of guns, especially those that kill our children in their classrooms, and they have done everything but set up gun shops in the cloakrooms of Congress.

As California governor, Ronald Reagan signed one of the most liberal abortion laws. As president, he remains the hero of the partys conservative wing, yet he didnt lay a glove on a womans right to choose under Roe v. Wade. Trump Republicans are scrambling now to catch up with American women who showed up at 2022 midterms to vote against Republicans who ignored choice.

Every time I hear Trump idolize Russian President Vladimir Putin, encouraging him to attack NATO countries and blithely bragging to his MAGA crowd that he will end the war on Ukraine in one day, I wonder what President George H.W. Bush would do if he were still with us. Would he walk away from Ukraine as Trump and many of his minions threaten? No, Bush remembered the price of freedom from his days as a fighter pilot in World War II risking his own life to save Europe and democracy from the Nazis. Meanwhile, when it came time for Trump to serve, he used a spurious bone spur diagnosis to dodge military service and the possibility of a Vietnam tour of duty.

Bush was an internationalist, based on his service to country and his performance in the White House. Biden falls in line with Republican presidents such as Bush, Reagan and Dwight D. Eisenhower who believed in a rules-based international order and employed the power and authority of America to back it up. Trump spends his time on foreign policy praising autocrats around the globe and leaving no doubt about his presidency deserting friendly democracies and standing silently by as rogue governments prosper.

Trumps inability to register the slightest empathy for more than 10,000 civilians, including many women and children, who have died in Putins war against Ukraine, reminds us of the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz who lacked the ability to feel and experience emotions.

The future of the Republican Party cannot belong to an insurrectionist whose life has been devoted to self-indulgence. Trumps prescription for making America great again is a government that turns inward and cares not to extend a hand to those fighting off autocracy. What is downright scary about this radical turn our politics have taken is the fantasy culture among the MAGA crowd that legitimizes a corrupt liar as leader of one of our two major parties.

It is my fondest hope in the 2024 election that voters reject the charlatan Trump and that Republicans can then rebuild the party of Lincoln. Those who still choose to follow Trump can become the Mar-a-Lago Party, the perfect symbol of a leader and followers living in an alternate universe devoid of any concern for the well-being of its own citizens and impressed only by tyrants abroad who kill and maim to snuff out democracy wherever they find it.
As an attorney who often interacts with the circuit clerks office, I understand how important it is for that office to be well run. Under Dons leadership, our circuit clerks office is functioning very well. A major challenge his office faces is updating its case management system. I can attest that Don has become extremely well-versed on the appropriate technology and has gained the respect of his fellow circuit clerks as evidenced by his appointment as the Chair of the Illinois Association of Court Clerks Technology Committee.
McLean County Regional Planning Commission (MCRPC) has released the Draft Regional Housing Recovery Plan for public review and comment by March 14. The draft plan document and comment form can be accessed by visiting www.mcplan.org or certain public libraries listed below.

This planning effort is funded by a grant award by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Once the plan has been approved by the steering committee and the MCRPC Commission by the end of this month, it will move on to proposed adoption by the Town of Normal Council, City of Bloomington, and McLean County Board. From there, it will require the formation of a cross-sectoral implementation committee to carry out the recommendations.

The purpose of the plan is to evaluate McLean Countys housing needs and services and promote housing recovery from the instability caused by COVID-19 pandemic. This plan will emphasize affordable and workforce housing demand and issues and recommend solutions to public officials, community leaders, and the public.

To submit your comments, visit https://mcplan.org/projects-and-programs/bn-home-/regional-housing-recovery-plan. Paper copies of the Draft Regional Housing Recovery Plan may also be viewed at the Normal Public Library, Bloomington Public Library, Heyworth Public Library, Lexington Public Library, Carlock Public Library, LeRoy Public Library or visiting the MCRPC office at 115 E. Washington Street, Suite M103. Contact Mark Adams, community planner of MCRPC, at madams@mcplan.org or 309-434-6838 with questions.

Mark Adams, Bloomington
The Assemblymember for Wuxor, Have, and Sremanu Electoral Area, Japhet Festus Gbede is encouraging parents in his Electoral Area to prioritize investing in their childrens education over buying material things, such as GTP clothes.



During a meeting with the PTA and SMC of Have M/A Basic School in the Akatsi South Municipality of the Volta Region, the Assemblymember emphasized that investing in education is the key to closing the poverty gap and transforming the lives of students in the future.



He also discouraged residents from engaging in harmful practices towards one another and urged parents to focus their resources and energy on educating their children, especially young girls who are at risk of teenage pregnancy.



He further stated that education is the foundation for a better future and its important to invest in it.



The Assemblymember also pledged to work with the government to provide more resources for schools in the area, including scholarships from the MPs Common Fund, School feeding Program, and other educational materials for the schools.



He believes that by investing in education, the community will be able to create a brighter future for themselves and their children. He urged parents to take advantage of the opportunities available to them and ensure that their children receive a quality education.



The Assemblymember ended his speech by calling on all stakeholders in the community to work together towards improving educational outcomes for all students in the area.

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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A retired Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Benjamin Agordzo, has attributed the dismissals of security service heads to the lack of trust in them by the incumbent government.



According to the senior police officer, appointments by previous governments are usually met with outright dismissal by a new government due to the lack of trust.



He said some officers also resigned on their own due to a lack of trust in their service from the newly elected president.



Speaking on Ghana Tonight on Tuesday, March 12 monitored by Peacefmonline.com, ACP Agordzo rvealed that there are dangers associated with terminating the appointment of security heads by the new government, which has been the norm in recent years.



He said, I admit that there are dangers, of course, there are dangers associated with this. But when you look at it critically, it is difficult for somebody who has been appointed by a previous government to work with another government, especially in this current dispensation.



I have seen and known at the police headquarters where previous IGP [Inspector General of Police] who has gone to newly elected president and told him that he wants to go, at least I know two,



Because once there is a new president and you were appointed by the previous president, you cannot be trusted and because you cannot be trusted there is no way you can work effectively in the new government, he added.



Amendment



Against this background, ACP Agordzo requests a complete constitutional amendment to tackle the issue.



He said, Unless we go for a complete constitutional amendment where we have stated the criteria for appointment, stated criteria for termination and then stated tenure, then we all have confidence in that system where everybody knows that this person was not selected based on political affiliation.



The retired senior police officer was reacting to IMANI Africa and Prof. Kwesi Anings suit at the Supreme Court seeking to prevent the President from dismissing heads of some security services whenever there is a change in government.



Supreme Court Writ



The IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, and Professor Kwesi Aning of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre filed a case against the attorney general for the removal of heads of security agencies when there is a new government.



The petitioners have expressed concerns about the practice of new governments terminating the tenures of specific institution leaders.



In some cases, these removals occur before the individual occupants of the office reach the statutory retirement age. For instance, in 2017, the then Director-General of the Prisons Service, Mr. Emmanuel Yao Adzator was asked to proceed on leave at the age of 54 and subsequently another was appointed in his stead.



The President of the Republic of Ghana upon assumption of Office does not have the power to make a fresh appoint to the office of the Chief Fire Officer of the Fire Service; Inspector General of Police; Director General of Prisons Service and Comptroller General of the Immigration Service unless the immediate holder of the office is deceased, portions of the writ stated.





Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com









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

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The Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, has reiterated the readiness of the Police and other security agencies to work with the Electoral Commission(EC) and all other stakeholders for peaceful polls in December this year.



He said the police will work with the EC to address all their security issues ahead of the polls.



"We're here to listen to you to know the concerns that you have in the area of security ahead of the elections, so we position ourselves to resolve all of them.



"Already, the national election security task force is working with all relevant stakeholders and we will continue to do more to ensure that our country continues to remain peaceful before, during and after the polls. So we are here to assure you that we will address all your security concerns ahead of the polls, the IGP gave the assurance during a meeting with the Election Management Body(EMB) at the EC headquarters on Thursday.



On her part, the EC chair Madam Jean Mensa commended the IGP and the Police leadership for their proactiveness towards the upcoming polls. She said she is confident that the approach the police leadership has taken towards the election will help build confidence among all stakeholders.



Meanwhile, the Centre for Democratic Development has praised the IGP for his handling of by-elections in the country since he assumed the position.



The IGP established the Election Security Task Force and did a good show in all the by-elections that we have had, unlike Chereponi, Asankrakwa, and the other places. Here all the by-elections that we have had in this era we have not had any serious issues around them.



So I think the experiments by the Election Security Task Force will carry us through the main elections, The Programs Manager for CDD-Ghana Mr. Paul Aborampah Mensah told Accra-based Starr FM.







Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/peacefmonline.com









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

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Former NDC Central Regional Chairman, Bernard Allotey Jacobs has waded into the brouhaha concerning the death of Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah.



News about the John Kumahs death broke on Thursday, March 8, 2024, sending shocking waves across the nation.



Mr. John Kumah, who doubled as the Member of Parliament for Ejisu, passed away after an illness.



But his death has been associated with food poisoning with broadcaster Blessed Godsbrain Smart, popularly called Captain Smart, and some people claiming the Deputy Minister didnt die a natural death but was killed by some person(s) within the governing New Patriotic Party.



They cited his rising through the ranks of the party as a reason for his demise.



This compelled the wife of the late Deputy Finance Minister, Apostle Lilian Kumah to break tradition and set the record straight on the cause of her husband's death.



I know the disease that killed my husband and no doctor has told me he was poisoned, she said in an interview on Asaase radio.



She revealed that her late husband had been battling an illness since August 2023.



As far as Im concerned, my husband was sick, and I know the sickness and I wont lie, she said.



The widow also called on the Police to deal with those spreading her late husbands poison news, beginning with the Onua TVs morning show host, Captain Smart.



Why is it that someone (referring to Captain Smart) has been this bold to claim that he knows for a fact that a person like John Kumah who has served his country virtually all his life, was poisoned, while he was working for his country and party (New Patriotic Party, NPP), why should we sit down and not bring that person to book.



If it is true that a person who is not dead but alive claims that he knows how my husband (John Kumah) died and that he was poisoned, and that person is still moving around for the past three weeks, it hurts me, it saddens me and I do not know how best to express my frustrations about these false claims by Captain Smart, the widow lamented.



She added; If there are laws in this country concerning such false claims, I think this is the time for the leadership of the land to bring that wicked person (Captain Smart) to book to prove his false claims and to point out the persons who were involved in the poisoning of my late husband.



Commenting on the issue during Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show, Allotey Jacobs described it as the "greatest political conspiracy" ever in the history of Ghana.



He said this to wit the poison claims are concocted stories by some political opponents for their political expediency.



"This is the greatest conspiracy. From UGCC to CPP, I haven't ever seen this kind of conspiracy before," a shocked Allotey Jacobs told host Kwami Sefa Kayi.

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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Deputy Communications Director of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Maame Afia Akoto has questioned Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour's integrity as the President of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA).



According to her, the GJA's president's loud silence about media outrage after John Kumah's death in recent times is worrying.



She also asked in a Facebook post if Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour is current on national issues aside from his bias against politicians affiliated with the NPP.



So is the #GJA President in Ghana currently? He can issue statement without having all his facts when it's a politician or political party huh? She questioned.



The sudden death of the Deputy Finance Minister, Mr John Kumah has generated some cacophonies within the media spaces with verbal counter-attacks from known TV presenters.



The GJA is yet to release a statement to address the unprofessionalism act which netizens have described as 'shameful'.



Maame Afia Akoto who is equally worried about the development tagged the GJA president, Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour as a hypocrite".



What has he done to the negative press that some media houses and hosts have done in the past few days? Hypocrisy in the highest order. Please tag him for me. Her post reads.





Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/peacefmonline.com









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

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The Director General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), and a Parliamentary Candidate for Akuapem North constituency, Sammi Awuku has encouraged the officials of the Electricity Company of Ghana to communicate well with Ghanaians following the recent incessant power outages being experienced in various parts of the country.



Ghanaians have raised genuine concerns about the unstable power supplies that has hit various parts of the country.



"In the past few weeks, it hasnt been easy for people, especially power outages and NPP won't pretend that all Ghanaians are happy or they are comfortable, but I can also confirm that we are not back to Dumsor era, but how we communicate it is key."



Sammi Awuku added that, if the communication is not clear or does not reach the consumer in time, the consumer might presume that the Dumsor which characterised the erstwhile John Mahama government is back.



Outlining the challenges faced by the ECG, the NLA boss said, "If the customer is sleeping in light-out, forget about the rhetorics, they will not care about the reasons, but there are reasons. The underground cables are all damaged due to the heat".



Sammi Awuku advised ECG to communicate effectively to Ghanaians so that the system is not poisoned due to the lack of communication.



He said, "If you dont communicate effectively and allow people to understand where are you are, the atmosphere will be poisoned."



Watch video below





Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com









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

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By Saio Marrah

Justice Sulaiman Bah, presiding over a murder trial of Ntuma Mansaray nee Bangura accused of killing her soldier husband Mamoud Mansaray, has told the court he will do his summing up this Monday 4th March 2024, to be followed by jurors verdict.

Justice Bahs announcement came after the state prosecution and defence lawyers made their closing statements.

Lawyer Umu Sumaray representing the state, reminded the court that the circumstance was stabbing with a knife and that the prosecution had proven beyond all reasonable doubt that the accused did commit the offence and with intent.

According to her, the first prosecution witness (PW 1), Sheku Kamara was a neighbour of both the deceased husband and the accused. She reminded the court about how PW 1 testified in court that he was sleeping in his room when he overheard the deceased screaming Wai e don chuk me translated to mean she has stabbed me.

The prosecutor recounted the witness explaining how he rushed into their apartment, where he met the deceased on top of the accused, with blood dripping from the deceased.

The witness went on to remove the deceased from on top of the accused, with the accused having a wound close to her upper eyelid, and her hair rough.

The prosecutor reminded the court about a particular witness, a soldier who said the accused admitted to him that she stabbed the deceased.

The prosecutor however stated that the accused had been complaining about the deceaseds violent conduct towards her, pointing out that she made one complaint to Congo-Cross Police Station and others to military police, as well as the immediate military officer boss of the deceased.

The prosecutor read WhatsApp text conversations between the deceased and the accused in court, indicating threatening violent exchanges coming from both individuals between 19:00 and 20:23 hours on the day of the incident, 30th March 2020.

Prosecutor Sumaray further told the court that the accused had enough time to have escaped, after receiving such a threat from the deceased husband and pointed out that the two people intended to kill each other.

Defence lawyer, Charles I. Williams, reminded the court about how the accused had explained that she did not stab the deceased, but that when the deceased entered the house that night, he confronted her with a knife intending to kill her. The wife further pointed out that as the deceased entered, he locked the main door, causing her to be stranded in the house.

He further reported the accused saying when the deceased rushed towards her to kill her; she too ran towards their freezer and grabbed a bread knife, but that she had to drop hers after noticing that the husband was serious about it.

The wife, a nurse said she then pleaded with her husband not to kill her, but he was still advancing towards her.

The deceased said she had to push him back and when the deceased fell, he wailed saying that the knife had stabbed him.

Williams, while referring to the WhatsApp conversation, referenced a book written by former Justice Bankole Thoms, which says when one is responding to a threatening language with a similar threat, it is not a threat, but an attempt to repel the threat from the opponent.

He also noted that the wife acted in self-defence. According to him, the wife needed not to have escaped. The defence reminded the court about how PW 1 testified that the deceased husband had on several occasions beat up the wife.

The mother of the deceased had also admitted to the court that the accused had been complaining about the deceaseds domestic abuse against her and that the wife had severally complained to military police.

According to the defence despite all those efforts including a complaint to the police, the situation rather got worse. He noted that if the evidence provided by the prosecution was true, the accused would have been the deceased instead.

At the end of the proceeding, their daughter about four to five years of age was seen running after her mother (deceased) as the prison officers escorted her away.

Copyright  2024 Politico (04/03/24)
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Former Atlantic City Councilman MD Hossain Morshed admitted Wednesday in federal court to falsifying voter registrations ahead of the 2019 June primary election, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said.

Morshed, the former 4th Ward councilman, pleaded guilty in Camden before Chief U.S. District Judge Renee Marie Bumb to fraudulent procurement and submission of voter registration applications. He also admitted collecting unemployment benefits from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development to which he was not entitled and agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $39,208, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in an email. He was originally charged March 17, 2023.

False voter registration and false statements can each carry a potential maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offense.

Morshed is scheduled to be sentenced July 16.

This defendant admitted that he attempted to deprive residents of New Jersey of a fair election by obtaining false voter registration applications and facilitating their submission, Sellinger said in a news release. Working with our law enforcement partners, we were able to uncover Morsheds efforts to garner votes from residents who were not allowed to vote for him. We are committed to investigating and prosecuting those who unlawfully attempt to compromise the integrity of our elections.

According to court documents, in April 2019, in advance of the June primary, Morshed gave a prospective voter a state voter registration application that had already been filled out and that falsely asserted the prospective voter had a residential address in the 4th Ward even though that person did not live there. Documents allege Morshed urged the prospective voter to sign the application anyway.

Subsequently, Morshed visited the prospective voter and their actual residence that wasnt in the 4th Ward and presented them a vote-by-mail application to sign that included the same information as the registration application and listed another false Atlantic City address for where the mail-in ballot should be sent to the voter.

The Atlantic County superintendent of elections subsequently received the falsified voter registration application, and the county Board of Elections received the mail-in ballot that counted toward the June 2019 primary, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

Recorded conversations between the voter and Morshed revealed possible questioning by law enforcement, and Morshed directed the voter to lie about where they lived and about who filled out the voter forms Morshed had given them, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

When Morshed was approached by the FBI, he said he had never provided any voter documents to any prospective voter, never assisted any prospective voter in filling out those documents and never collected any documents from a prospective voter, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

He also falsely said he never asked residents of municipalities outside Atlantic City to register to vote in the 4th Ward, documents said.

Morshed was up for reelection in last Novembers election, but he lost to George Animal Crouch in the June primary.

Morshed was charged in September 2022 with assaulting his wife in their home and with endangering the welfare of a child. The 12-year-old allegedly recorded Morsheds assault on his wife, identified in court papers as L.N., and was pushed and hit by the councilman as a result. L.N. alleged Morshed grabbed and bent her arm, causing her pain; pulled her hair and struck her in the leg. The child endangerment charge was downgraded in January 2023 to simple assault.

In July 2021, Morshed said he was assaulted in a parking lot at Atlantic and Florida avenues by six people after leaving Masjid Al-Hera mosque.

Morshed said the confrontation was because the alleged suspects were upset with Morshed being among the members of council introducing an ordinance that summer that would end the needle exchange program in the city.
OC ribbon cutting: The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday welcoming DriftSpaces, a co-working and customizable event space, to 956 Asbury Ave.

DriftSpaces is an adaptable venue space that can host small-scale private or corporate events. It offers day passes and monthly coworking memberships and specializes in corporate off-site retreats.

League elects officers: The Atlantic County League of Municipalities, whose members are all elected and appointed officials in the county and its municipalities, recently elected its 2024 officers during a meeting at the Crab Trap restaurant in Somers Point. They are President Mike Riordan of Brigantine, First Vice President Kaleem Shabazz of Atlantic City, Second Vice President Nick Larotonda of Absecon and Third Vice President Nanette Galloway of Egg Harbor City.

Shore Employee of the Month: Katina Tina Johnson, a medical assistant at Shore Cancer Center in Atlantic City, has been named Shore Medical Centers Employee of the Month for March.

Tina exemplifies the mission of Shore Medical Center and is a great asset to the Cancer Center. She is conscientious and works well with our entire team, said Johnsons colleague Andrea Pearson, an outpatient service representative. She has a quiet and calm demeanor, which is greatly appreciated by our patients who come in feeling sick or stressed. She strives to comfort and support them in any way needed.

Peace Corps discussion and dinner: Peter Belasco will discuss his experience in the Peace Corps during a Rotary Club of Ocean City-Upper Township dinner at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Somers Point Diner, 8 MacArthur Blvd.

Belasco was a community development volunteer in the Peace Corps from 2010 to 2012, stationed on Santiago Island in the Cape Verde Islands off Africa. He launched a microcredit project, learned Kriolu and spearfished. With a masters degree in public administration from Rutgers-Camden and a bachelors degree in political science from Stockton University, he applied his Peace Corps experiences to address systemic issues.

Post-service, he contributed to government, startups and academic medicine, playing a key role in launching Rutgers Medical Schools northern New Jersey Medication-Assisted Treatment Center of Excellence.

All Rotary Inter-Club members, quests, prospective members and the general public are welcome to attend Rotary meetings.

For more information, visit ocutrotary.org.

Ladies Night in Hammonton: Downtown Hammonton will host Ladies Night Out from 5 to 8 p.m. March 21. This event serves both as the March installment of Downtown Hammontons Third Thursday series and as a celebration of Womens History Month.

Explore products, specials and family-friendly activities at local shops in Downtown Hammonton.

This month, we are introducing Women for Women, a self-guided walking gallery through Downtown Hammonton that features work by women artists showcased at women-owned and women-operated businesses, said MainStreet Hammonton Executive Director Mica McCullough.

The walking gallery experience will open March 21 and remain on display through April 17. For more information, visit downtownhammonton.com/events.

Fallen Hero Plunge: The 16th annual Fallen Hero Plunge will be held at 11 a.m. April 6 at Inlet Beach, First and Surf avenues in North Wildwood.

The plunge is dedicated to the memory of law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. Proceeds will benefit the families of those officers.

Registration for the plunge is open at fallenheroplunge.com. The online registration fee is $35 per plunger and $15 for children under 15. The first 600 people to sign up will receive a commemorative T-shirt. On-site registration will be available the day of the event from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m. Day-of registration will be $40 for adults and $15 for children under 15.

There will be an auction of autographed items, gift certificates and gift baskets during the plunge. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes. Participants do not have to wear costumes to the after party.

All registered plungers are invited to the post-plunge party at noon at Keenans Irish Pub, 113 Olde New Jersey Ave., and sponsoring locations, including the Anglesea Pub, Tacos and Tequila, Exit 6, North End American Grill, Currans Irish Inn, Salty Mermaid and Surfing Pig. Non-plungers will be able to purchase a wristband for $20 to participate in the post-plunge party at Keenans. All proceeds from the wristbands will go to the Fallen Heroes Survivors Fund.

For more information, visit fallenheroplunge.com or call 215-990-8689.

Pickleball fundraiser to support JFS: Residents and pickleball enthusiasts are invited to join in the fun at the Pickle Juice Pickleball Club, 5038 Wellington Ave. in Ventnor, from 1 to 3 p.m. April 17 to support Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties.

At JFS, we strive to introduce new ways to get involved with our agency every year, and with the surge of interest in pickleball, we know attendees will enjoy an exciting game while supporting our organization, said Andrea Steinberg, JFS CEO.

Admission is $55 per person and includes two hours of play and a juice or smoothie. Proceeds benefit JFS programs and services.

To register, visit jfsatlantic.org. For more information, contact Beth Joseph at bjoseph@jfsatlantic.org or 609-822-7409. Deadline to RSVP is April 3.
ATLANTIC CITY  The New Jersey Economic Development Authority has launched a $5.2 million program intended to help address food insecurity in the resort.

The Atlantic City Food Security Grants Pilot Program, funded by state and federal dollars, will provide grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 to fund projects to strengthen local food access. The grants can be used for direct and indirect project costs.

The program, which the NJEDA approved in October, is meant to act as a more immediate response to food access issues as residents await the construction of a full-fledged supermarket, which could take years, according to the authority.

As it stands, the city does not have a deal for a supermarket, despite two recent attempts to lure one.

In 2021, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority held a groundbreaking for an $18.7 million ShopRite on Baltic Avenue. But ShopRite eventually pulled out of the deal, frustrating politicians from Gov. Phil Murphy on down.

Then, in September of last year, the CRDA rejected four new supermarket proposals, citing the requested subsidies. Instead, the board voted to give the owner of the existing Save A Lot discount grocer in Renaissance Plaza a $250,000 grant to help with rent.

Can Atlantic Citys original failed supermarket site be the key to its revival? The pols, naturally, wanted ShopRite. They considered the existing Save A Lot and dubiously named Renaissance Plaza on Atlantic Avenue a lost cause. Nonetheless, perhaps by default, it is now Renaissance Plaza that the pols and money controllers are looking toward to solve the problem of the lack of a big-name, full-service supermarket in Atlantic City, a city of 38,500 people and a 32% poverty rate. But is it enough?

Our focus has really broadened to include investments in food security, food access, alleviating food deserts, said Tara Colton, chief economic security officer for the NJEDA, during a meeting the organization held Wednesday at Stockton Universitys City Campus. The fact that the states economic agency is putting its money where its mouth is  no pun intended  is a signal about the importance of combating hunger and combating food insecurity. It shows that this is not a handout, its an investment, and it has smart, strategic economic impact.

Atlantic City and parts of Ventnor are considered food deserts due to their lack of food options, officials said.

Im very excited to see so many people here from presenting nonprofits and profits that are interested in providing enough food for everyone, said Assemblyman Don Guardian, R-Atlantic. No one should ever go to bed hungry, and no one should not be able to have a well-balanced meal. So whether were helping people to cook better meals, or were giving them food because they dont have the money  because theyre trying to pay to live where theyre living or pay for the utilities  I think its great that were all here today.

Guardian, who also served as mayor of Atlantic City, pointed out a variety of food security efforts in the city, like the Mighty Writers opening up a food pantry at 300 N. Tennessee Ave., the city and Ideal Institute of Technology opening up the Midtown Co-Op Market at 7 South Carolina Ave., AtlantiCares Community Mobile Market and Virtua Healths Eat Well Atlantic City mobile supermarket.

The NJEDA has provided about $26.75 million in funding for projects in Atlantic City, so the food security program was another way the authority has showed its commitment to the city, Mayor Marty Small Sr. said.

As you know, and its been well chronicled, that we had a severe letdown, Small said. We thought we had the deal with ShopRite to build a world-class supermarket, main branch supermarket for residents of this great city that they truly deserve, but we cant harp on that. We have to move forward.
The emotional support dog at the center of a legal fight between the dogs owners and their condo association can stay in her home  at least for now  under a ruling the New Jersey Supreme Court issued Wednesday.

The unanimous ruling reverses a lower courts decision that said the couple could not sue the condo association on discrimination grounds. The association argued the couple could not keep the 70-pound dog, Luna, because of a policy that limits pets to 30 pounds.

But Chief Justice Stuart Rabner, who penned the decision, said emotional support animals are different from pets and are not subject to general pet policies.

Wednesdays ruling is the first time the high court has evaluated emotional support animal accommodation requests under the states Law Against Discrimination. One of the dogs owners  the couple are identified in the ruling only by initials  has been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and acute post-traumatic stress disorder, and said Luna helped her cope with those issues.

The couples lawyer, Talbot B. Kramer, noted that even the condo associations expert grudgingly agreed that the wife has symptoms of mental health disorders. He said the couple are positive about the ruling, which went largely in their favor.

I think in a big picture sense, itll make things a little easier because theres a more definitive standard as to what a landlord or property owner can ask for, he said.

Rabner said that when housing providers are faced with requests for accommodations related to emotional support animals, the onus is on the providers to prove that the request is unreasonable. Both parties should engage in a collaborative conversation in advance of acquiring the animal, he said.

Wednesdays ruling sends the case back to the Law Division, which must rule on it under the new guidance. Rabner said that while the outcome of whether Luna can stay in the condo complex will be determined by the Law Division, the association cant demand that Luna be removed from the property.

Detention hearing delayed for Galloway man accused of running cockfighting ring A detention hearing for a Galloway Township man who allegedly ran a cockfighting operation out of his home has been moved to Tuesday after the state requested a three-day postponement.

Rabners decision lays out the facts behind the dispute.

The couple moved into the Players Place II condo complex in Gloucester Township in May 2018. They agreed to the policy against dogs that weigh over 30 pounds, but the wifes mental health history led her to seek an emotional support dog.

She wanted a larger dog since smaller dogs are loud and yappy and add to her anxiety, she said in court filings. She had letters from doctors who treated her and said an emotional support animal could help her during depressive episodes and panic attacks.

The husband emailed the condo association to alert them that the couple was probably adopting an emotional support dog beyond the 30-pound limit and inquired about what medical information and paperwork might be required for an exemption. Before the board replied, he adopted the dog.

The board, unaware that the couple had already adopted a dog, said it wouldnt accommodate any alleged disability. When the board found out Luna had been adopted  the board president saw the owners walking her  the board threatened legal action.

The association filed a complaint against the husband in October 2018, and the couple filed a counterclaim in return, alleging the association was violating state and federal anti-discrimination laws and the Federal Housing Act.

The chancery court trial began in 2020, with testimony from medical experts, family members, and board members. The judge dismissed the couples claims of discrimination, finding that the woman was not handicapped or disabled within the meaning of the law. But the court allowed Luna to remain with her owner, determining the dog does provide comfort and had not been disruptive to other residents.

The association appealed that to the Appellate Division, which affirmed the lower courts decision to dismiss the discrimination claims while also finding that the trial court misinterpreted relevant statutes when determining whether the woman was disabled. It also found the judge acted within reason to provide an equitable remedy suitable for the particular facts of the case.

New Jersey infant killed, parents injured in apparent attack by family dog, police say Authorities say an infant was killed and the childs parents injured in an apparent attack by a dog at a New Jersey home over the weekend.

Wednesdays decision says residents dont have to show medical records to prove they need emotional support animals. However, housing providers can request proof of medical needs, like letters from a doctor.
Assembly lawmakers will again weigh a bill critics have said would gut New Jerseys Open Public Records Act in what could be the bills final hearing before reaching floor votes.

The bill  which has drawn significant opposition from good government groups, labor unions, citizens, and some lawmakers  would exempt numerous public records from OPRA, make it more difficult to obtain emails between public officials, end fee shifting that is the laws primary enforcement mechanism, and allow municipalities to sue requestors they believe are harassing them, among other things.

On Wednesday, a bevy of advocates and a former state Senate majority leader again urged legislators to shift course on the fast-tracked bill, cautioning the measure is more focused on shielding public records from disclosure than it is on curtailing commercial requests, lawmakers professed motive.

This is desperate, said Loretta Weinberg, the former Senate majority leader. At the national level, were talking about the need to protect democracy. Well, one of the foundations to protect democracy is to have open, transparent government that the people who elect their representatives can have confidence in.

The advocates said lawmakers should restore language on fee shifting, a practice that requires public entities that improperly withhold records to pay the legal fees of plaintiffs who successfully sue them.

OPRA makes fee shifting mandatory, but the bill under consideration Thursday in front of the Assemblys appropriations committee would leave legal fees up to judges discretion, saying courts may consider whether a custodian knowingly and willfully violated OPRA when awarding attorneys fees. This change, advocates say, would discourage attorneys from taking on pro-bono public records cases and leave residents with no real recourse to combat bad actors in government records offices. Lawsuits are often the only real way to compel governments to comply with the public records law.

This is going to have an intense chilling effect on OPRA enforcement and will likely result in there being no enforcement across the board because there are not going to be any attorneys in a position to represent these requestors moving forward, said Joe Johnson, policy counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey.

The League of Municipalities, one of the bills few supporters, has argued the fee-shifting mandate can punish well-meaning custodians who attempt to comply with the law as they understand it, including when they rely on decisions from the Government Records Council, an administrative body that handles some records disputes.

All were saying is why should a municipality and the taxpayers of that one municipality be on the hook to defend a state agency decision? said Lori Buckelew, assistant executive director at the New Jersey League of Municipalities.

While the Government Records Council also adjudicates records disputes, it takes years to resolve them, and its decisions have often been overturned by the courts.

The bill would provide $4 million in funding to the beleaguered council, though that appropriation is a one-shot that would not recur in future years. The legislation would also eliminate parts of the statute that bar appointed officials and government employees from sitting on the body that weighs whether they have complied with New Jerseys public records law.

That provision would create a total conflict of interest, said Dena Mottola Jaborska, executive director of New Jersey Citizen Action.

This is a law we use to hold elected officials and public officials accountable, so we cant imagine why they would sit on a council thats implementing a law thats there to hold them accountable, she said.

Sen. Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen), the bills sponsor in the upper chamber, did not return a request for comment. The New Jersey Monitor reached Assemblyman Joe Danielsen (D-Somerset), the Assembly sponsor, but he immediately hung up after learning the call was from a reporter.

The bill would also exempt email and call logs from the Open Public Records Act, which the advocates warned would make it more difficult for requestors to identify the records they are seeking.

These are not high-lift issues, said Johnson. It does not take a lot of work for a records custodian to provide an email log, and it makes it a lot easier for folks who are attempting to narrow in on what specific communications they should be requesting that shows, generally, who somebody is corresponding with.

Labor unions oppose bills to limit public's access to government records A coalition of labor unions is opposing a bill (A4045/S2930) that would change the Open Public Records Act in New Jersey, making it more difficult for many people to get access to public documents.

A proposed exemption for metadata is also unjustified, they said, noting such metadata revealed officials at the Schools Development Authority fabricated documents to conceal a patronage scandal that led to the ouster of Lizette Delgado-Polanco, the authoritys chief executive and the then-vice-chair of the Democratic State Committee.

The elimination of a statute that requires custodians to provide electronic copies of records upon request would also create barriers for residents, they said. The replacement provision could shield state databases from OPRA because custodians create a new record when exporting data from such repositories, they added.

Buckelew said this is a problem for municipalities.

The intent of OPRA was always to provide the public with the records you have in hand, not create a new record to meet the obligation, she said.
Update: On Friday, the Sheriff's Office said the woman killed was Taylor Escontrias (McKee), 31, of Park View.

Original story: Scott County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a car crash in Mount Joy Thursday, but their investigation led to the discovery of a body in Park View.

The crash happened near the intersection of 90th Street and Harrison Street in Mt. Joy, according a sheriff's office news release. The time of the crash was unavailable, but the release said the crash was near the entrance to Davenport Municipal Airport.

"During the accident investigation, information led to the discovery of a female deceased body in Park View, Iowa," the release stated.

The sheriff's office did not identify the person whose body was discovered because family was still being notified Thursday.

The release identified the driver of the vehicle as Christopher Behal, 30, of Park View. Authorities sent him to Genesis Health System's eastern campus in Davenport because he was injured.

Once he was cleared at the hospital, the sheriff's office arrested him on suspicion of first-degree murder, the release states.

The Scott County Jail's website stated that Behal got booked at 2:10 p.m. and remained in custody Thursday afternoon.

No court records related to the Scott County investigation were available as of 4 p.m. Thursday.
A Scott County judge granted a motion to dismiss a lawsuit regarding Pleasant Valley's Director District 6 recount.

This marks the latest update in the Pleasant Valley school board race between Jameson Smith  currently seated  and former incumbent challenger Tracey Rivera, who ran as a write-in candidate for the Nov. 7 city/school elections.

Rivera lost by six votes, but filed for a recount. The recount ended in a tie, but the Scott County Board rejected the results. Rivera then filed suit against the county board, asking the judge to require the board to certify the recount.

On Jan. 8, Smith filed a motion to intervene to join the suit as a defendant, arguing the final recount report had two deficiencies, and therefore, the rejection was correct.

Meanwhile, Scott County Attorney Kristina Lyon filed a motion to dismiss in defense of Scott County Supervisors on Tuesday, Jan. 23.

She asserted Rivera's motion was, "not the appropriate mechanism by which the results and process of the election and the Board of Supervisors conduct could be revisited," and that there are alternative, codified remedies that are, "plain, speedy and adequate."

"It's just our belief that if Ms. Rivera found that there were issues with what (supervisors) did, she should have and could have filed that election contest instead of pursuing the writ of mandamus," Lyon said to the Quad-City Times/Dispatch-Argus on Wednesday.

Judge Mark Fowler used this rationale in dismissing the case, maintaining that Rivera could have sought relief via an election contest.

"Because she did not avail herself of another plain, speedy and adequate remedy at law; Riveras petition for a writ of mandamus must be dismissed," the court filing states.

Fowler ordered the case's dismissal on Wednesday, March 13.

The judge reached the right result. Iowa law is clear that Tracey Rivera should have filed an election contest instead of going to court," Smith's attorney, Alan Ostergren, said via email after the ruling. It is unfortunate we were ever in this situation. If the recount board had listened to the legal advice it was given it would have never counted invalid write-in votes in the first place."

The recount was conducted by a three-member recount board, comprised of an individual selected by Smith, an individual selected by Rivera and a third, court-appointed delegate.

"We are very disappointed by Judge Fowlers ruling to dismiss," Rivera said to the Quad-City Times on Wednesday. "The Scott County Board of Supervisors refused to fulfill their legal duty and accept the findings of the recount board when the Iowa Code, Section 50.48(5) is clear: If a recount board finds an error in the tally, the law says, 'The county board shall reconvene within three days after being so notified, and shall correct its previous proceedings,'

"The county attorneys office told the supervisors the law was clear, that their role was ministerial," she added. "And the report should have been accepted."

On the final day of the recount, Nov. 28, 2023, tallies showed a tie between Rivera and Smith  though Cyndi Diercks  Smith's recount delegate  objected, citing the inclusion of write-in ballots that were filled out incorrectly.

To resolve these disputes, she wanted to reconvene with county attorneys and the other recount delegates before the state's Dec. 4 deadline.

When this didn't happen, Diercks filed the final recount report  reflecting the tie  on Friday, Dec. 1, along with four additional documents explaining her objections.

She had the tally sheets in her custody from Nov. 28 to Dec. 1, though Lyon said there was no evidence to support that the tally sheets had been altered.

Still, the other delegates said they didn't know Scott County Auditor Kerri Tompkins gave the tally sheets back to Diercks after all three signed off, spurring some concerns.

Scott County Supervisors voted to reject the recount  reverting election results for Pleasant Valley's District 6 seat to the initial canvass, subject to further litigation.

Smith was seated on the Pleasant Valley School Board on Monday, Nov. 27, in accordance with the school district's annual/organizational meeting process.

On Jan. 5, the Iowa Secretary of State issued a technical infraction to the recount board for "failing to follow" recount laws by including "invalid votes" in their final report, despite county guidelines. Dierks had written to the Secretary of State's office to request a review of the process.

"No fine will be imposed for this specific infraction to the Recount Board," Iowa SOS Communications Director Ashley Hunt said via email. "We review technical infractions and include in our training to auditors, if appropriate."

PHOTOS: Scott County supervisors sworn in 010323-qc-nws-supervisors005 010323-qc-nws-supervisors006 010323-qc-nws-supervisors001 010323-qc-nws-supervisors002 010323-qc-nws-supervisors003 010323-qc-nws-supervisors004
Michelle Hargrave has served as the Figge Art Museum's executive director and CEO since October 2019.

Almost five years later, she's leaving her post for a position at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts in Michigan, the museum announced on Thursday.

"Her tenure has been a period of remarkable achievements and growth for the Figge, greatly benefitting our art community," said the president of the museum's board of directors, Aleeza Singh, in a press release.

Singh said the museum's board of directors will launch a "nationwide search" in the next month for the Figge's new executive director. According to the release, Singh added that the Figge would be partnering with a search firm to find the best candidates.

Her visionary leadership has propelled the museum into an era of significant growth and deeper community engagement," Singh said. "Although Michelle will be greatly missed, she leaves us in a tremendous position for future opportunities and successes.

Since Hargrave joined the Figge in 2019, she's helped to oversee partnerships with organizations like Art Bridges Foundation, the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation and the Warner Foundation, the release said. She guided the Figge through the expansion of its arts education initiatives and the museum's 15th anniversary.

As executive director, Hargrave also helped to secure $4 million in donations for a new light sculpture coming in 2025, which will become the state of Iowa's largest public artwork.

Hargrave also helped lead the museum through the COVID-19 pandemic, the release said.

"Her strategic response ensured the museums relevance and connection to the community during a time of global crisis," it read.

Hargrave will continue as executive director until April 17. The museum is planning a celebration to thank her for her work serving the Figge and the local arts community.

"Im grateful for the warm welcome, support, and all the enriching experiences during my time at the Figge," Hargrave said in the release.

"I am proud of our collective achievements, the lasting impact weve made, and the strong foundation we've built for the future. I eagerly anticipate celebrating from afar the continued growth and success of the museum and the region."
The Davenport woman charged in a January double homicide has written another letter to a judge.

Adriana Blake faces two counts of first-degree murder in the Jan. 15 slaying of Brian L. Goodwin and Amy M. Smith. She first wrote to District 7 Associate Judge Michael Motto on Feb. 25 asking for a new attorney.

Her newest letter to Motto, dated March 10, is three-and-a-half pages long and alleges Scott County Jail medical staff and corrections officers are ignoring her requests for assistance.

Blake claims in the letter she has been denied access to medical and mental health services, as well as use of a toothbrush and toothpaste.

She is scheduled to make two appearances in court Thursday  the first at 9:30 a.m. and the second at 11 a.m. The latter was Blake's originally-scheduled arraignment.

Blake also made a number of complaints in the newest letter about her state of mind. She describes periods of feeling "delirious."

Later in the letter, Blake claimed she spent some of her time in the jail "hallucinating." She said she thought she saw her dead husband and traveled through time ... and stopped him from shooting himself."

While claiming she is "terrified" at the prospect of " ... being housed in this jail," Blake did not ask to be moved to another facility.

Blake's co-defendant is Devon Braet

Devon Braet, 34, also is charged in the deaths. He and Blake were arrested Jan. 18, and at that time they were charged with being felons in possession of a firearm and various warrants.

Blake and Braet were officially charged with the murders on Feb. 7. Like Blake, Braet is slated to appear in the Scott County Courthouse at 11 a.m. Thursday.

They appeared in court as co-defendants on Feb. 16. Blake was represented by Public Defender Troy Smith. Braet was represented by Amy Kepes of the Des Moines-based Special Defense Unit.

In the pair's murder case, the most recent development is the assignment of District Court Judge Stuart P. Werling as the trial judge who will oversee the proceedings, according to court documents. The appointment documents were filed on March 5.

Investigators say Blake and Braet possessed firearms during the commission of the crimes.

Arresting officers said that when Blake and Braet were taken into custody on Jan. 18 they had 4.3 grams of heroin and 11 grams of meth.

Braet and Blake are charged with two counts each of first-degree murder, assault while participating in a felony causing serious injury, and abuse of a corpse. The pair also are charged with one count each of second-degree arson, going armed with intent, possession of a firearm by a felon, use of a dangerous weapon in the commission of a crime, and possession of a controlled substance.

Blake's first letter

In a letter written on Feb. 25, Blake asked Motto for a different attorney and named private attorneys Andrea Jaeger and "Eric," for whom she does not give a last name. The second could could be Jaeger's partner, Eric Tindal, at the law firm Keegan Tindal & Jaeger.

Blake claimed she is not being adequately represented by Smith.

"Troy (Smith) also told me when I had court on the 16th that he would be here last week to speak with me and never came," Blake wrote in the letter.

Smith has filed with the court asking for a judge to hear Blake's concerns.

When Blake was originally arrested on Jan. 18, she was booked under the name "Adriana Prieto." In the letter, Blake asks for all her documentation to show her last name as "Blake."

She said she was married on July 4, 2023, and has identification showing her married name.

Details of the case

The bodies of Goodwin and Smith, both 44, were found Jan. 16 by Davenport firefighters after a fire was reported at Goodwins residence at 5210 N. Division St. They had gunshot wounds.

According to their arrest affidavits, Blake and Braet also lived at the residence.

Under Iowa law, first-degree murder carries an automatic sentence of life in prison upon conviction.

During the Feb. 16 court hearing, Davenport police investigator Brandon Askew testified that Blake was recorded on video in a hotel room in Galesburg, Illinois, bragging about "killing two people."

Askew also testified that Blake and Braet were in possession of the firearms believed to be used in the murders when they were arrested on Jan. 18.

According to the arrest affidavits, Blake and Braet killed Goodwin and Smith between 4:30 and 7 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 15.

An alleged 'accessory after the fact'

Another woman also was arrested Feb. 7 in connection with the case. Melisa Marie Weber, 49, is charged with two counts of abuse of a corpse and one count each of accessory after the fact and second-degree arson.

Blake and Braet, along with Weber, placed combustible materials inside the residence where the bodies of Goodwin and Smith were located, authorities allege. They set fire to the materials in the hopes of altering the crime scene. The fire damaged the bodies of Goodwin and Smith.

After helping to start the fire, Weber helped Blake and Braet avoid apprehension, the affidavits said.

Weber is being held in the Rock Island County Jail for Scott County.

One city's surprising tactic to reduce gun violence: Solving more nonfatal shootings One city's surprising tactic to reduce gun violence: Solving more nonfatal shootings Other cities have woken up to Denver's example
An Illinois State Police squad car was hit by a motorist Wednesday morning on Interstate 280 near the Quad-Cities International Airport.

At about 7:30 a.m. March 13, an ISP squad car was parked on the right shoulder of I-280 near milepost 13.5 with the emergency lights activated, according to an ISP release. The trooper was sitting inside the car when it was sideswiped by a truck-tractor semi-trailer. The truck did not stop after the impact and continued east on I-280.

The trooper's squad car was still drivable and able to follow the truck two miles east on the interstate and initiate a traffic stop. Driver of the semi, 65-year-old Mark V. Powell of Columbus, Ohio, was issued a citation for failing to yield to a stationary emergency vehicle.

Scott's Law, or the "move over" law, was named after Scott Gillen of the Chicago Fire Department who was struck and killed by a drunk driver while assisting a crash on a Chicago Expressway. According to the law, motorists are required to slow down and change lanes if possible for emergency, construction and maintenance vehicles and workers.

A person who violates the law, faces a fine of no less than $250 or more than $10,000 for a first offense. If the violation results in an injury to another individual, the violator's driver's license is suspended for a mandatory period of time between six months and two years.

According to the ISP media release, last year had 21 Move Over-law related crashes; 2022 had 23 Move Over-law related crashes; and 2024 has had 11 so far. The state police urge motorists to move over as the law requires when approaching emergency vehicles or any vehicle with emergency or hazard lights activated.
Davenport council members voted unanimously on Wednesday to delay votes on ratifying the mayors appointments of the interim city administrator and interim city attorney.

Dozens of Davenport residents turned out to tell the council to vote down the items on the agenda. Residents expressed concern with how more decisions were being voted on by the council months later, calling the agreements backroom deals and questioning the credentials of the two staffers.

The goal is basically for the 10 council people to have input on what to do, what our next step needs to be, and we just feel that we need to have the time to discuss it, 8th Ward Ald. Paul Reinartz Jr. said in explaining the reasoning to a reporter on the motion to table the two discussion items.

The council items were tabled for two cycles and are expected to return to the agenda in April.

The two items would ratify Mayor Mike Matsons appointments of Mallory Merritt as interim city administrator and Brian Heyer as interim city attorney. They also include pay and expectations for the positions.

Matson signed an executive agreement Nov. 8 to appoint Merritt as interim city administrator starting Nov. 17, 2023, in addition to Merritts duties as assistant city administrator and chief financial officer. Nov. 17 was also former city administrator Corri Spiegel's last day working in office.

The city also entered into a memorandum of understanding Nov. 8 formalizing Merritts appointment and setting expectations and pay. Merritts base salary of $174,420 was kept the same, but under the agreement, she would receive a lump sum $50,000 bonus on the May 3 payroll cycle for the extra duties.

That memorandum was signed by Matson and the five aldermen that chaired committees at the time. But the memorandum did not come before council in a meeting for a public vote.

Now, according to the city council background documents, the citys outside legal counsel advises that the city council should ratify the executive orders and Merritts memorandum of understanding and approve a negotiated amendment with additional pay for Merritt and a negotiated agreement with Heyer.

This is my take on it, said Judith Lee, who represented 8th Ward on the council until the start of the year, leaving after losing a reelection bid. That what the mayor, the interim city administrator, the legal department via their review of the MOU and Lane and Waterman are expecting you to do tonight is to provide public cover for a secret action hidden from the public and half of council that the mayor took four months ago.

When Merritts predecessor, Spiegel, was appointed interim city administrator in June 2015, it came before council for a vote.

Matson did not attend Wednesday nights regular meeting, nor last weeks committee of the whole meeting, and did not return a call from a reporter. At-Large Ald. Kyle Gripp, who tuned in to the meeting remotely, said he and the mayor were in Washington D.C. meeting with federal officials about city projects and priorities.

Others were quick to notice the mayors absence as the ratifications appeared on the agenda.

The agenda item up for consideration also included a more-recently negotiated amendment that would adjust Merritts salary to be increased 2.5% retroactively to Jan. 7. The amendment also agrees that Merritt will serve as interim city administrator until the city appoints someone to the position permanently.

If she serves beyond April 30 as interim, the agreement states that Merritt would be paid an additional $5,000 a month. The agreement would last until Nov. 17, and if a permanent city administrator isnt appointed by then, Merritt and the city would negotiate a revised agreement.

Merritts appointment came after Spiegel reached a separation agreement with the city that included a $1.6 million payment for lost wages and emotional pain and suffering because of alleged harassment by elected officials. The agreement with Spiegel, signed Oct. 6, stipulated that Spiegels employment with the city would end Jan. 2, 2024, and she would be on paid leave from Nov. 17 until Jan. 2. Her departure and settlement was not announced until after the November elections.

The council did not vote on Spiegels agreement in a public meeting, either, until three months after it was signed. The city council ratified it in December, also on the advice of outside counsel.

Matson, via executive order, also appointed Heyer as the interim city attorney Jan. 2. Also included in the councils item would be approval of a memorandum of understanding for Heyer dated March 13, which would keep Heyers salary at $123,708 and provides a lump sum bonus of $50,000 on the May 3 payroll cycle. Heyer was appointed after previous long-time city attorney Tom Warner stopped doing work for the city in December and officially retired at the start of the new year.

Davenport Civil Rights Director Latrice Lacey and another employee of the department told the city council they would be amending existing or filing new equal pay complaints with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission if the council approves the bonuses for Merritt and Heyer.

Lacey said she works multiple jobs, and her staffers routinely work 60-80 hours a week, yet she said her budget requests for additional dollars and staff are typically denied.

We ask for additional funding every year. Were told its not in the budget. So somehow we have $50,000 that we can give out, Lacey told the council. This is a waste of money. Its a slap in the face. And its discriminatory.

Ezra Sidran, a frequent commenter at Davenport meetings and records requestor, questioned Merritts credentials, pointing to a court transcript in which Merritt says her first job in her career field was at the city of Davenport. He, and others, also questioned the quality of legal advice the city council received under the former city attorney and Heyer, pointing to the city's use of outside attorneys to review previous legal advice and referencing the city's records court case in which Sidran is named as a defendant.

Some public commenters said they thought it was unprofessional of Heyer to decline to publicly answer a legal question from At-Large Ald. Jazmin Newton during a recent meeting.

Some council members took particular issue with members of the public alleging that Merritt was unqualified.

Gripp called Merritt uniquely qualified to lead the city staff until a permanent successor is chosen and said if she were to look outside the city of Davenport for employment, she would be a top candidate for a municipal leadership position.

Merritt has been the city's chief financial officer and one of two assistant city administrators since June, 2020. Previously, she's worked for the city as its human resources director, assistant to the city administrator and budget management analyst I and II. She has a masters of public administration from Auburn University.

Sixth Ward Ald. Ben Jobgen said hes received more communications from Merritt in the past few months than he had previously, and said its not unusual for someone to be promoted within the same organization, pointing to his own experience being promoted to a director in his field within six years of graduating physical therapy school and landing his first job.

Photos: Spring Floral Show at Vander Veer Conservatory
Davenport police Corporal Gordon Morse announced that he plans to seek the Democratic nomination for Scott County Sheriff.

Morse previously launched a write-in campaign in 2020 as an independent for sheriff, and said he was motivated to run again, this time on the ballot for the Democratic nomination.

Morse said he intends to prioritize the formation of an inter-agency unit that can more effectively respond to calls where someone is experiencing a mental health crisis that can be deescalated without an arrest.

"A general response by an officer may inflame or cause more issues," Morse said. "I spent 15 years as a detective and I've recently gone back to patrol and started seeing the number of calls, especially in the downtown area of Davenport where the officers are just going from some type of mental health call to another and eventually that leads to an arrest sometimes to solve the problem."

Also, he said he would work to raise wages for correctional officers and restructure to alleviate staffing shortages and focus on addressing juvenile crime.

Morse, too, said he would place a higher priority on rural areas of the county. He said smaller agencies have told him they don't receive as much support from the sheriff's office as larger communities such as Davenport.

"I think I bring an idea of the needed change and evolution of the Sheriff's Office from where it's at and where it needs to change in the future," Morse said.

Morse, 52, was first hired in 1992 as a corrections officer for the Scott County Sheriff's Office. In 1993, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard and was stationed in Galveston, where he was deployed as part of operations that responded to mass migration from Haiti and Cuba in the mid-1990s. He's worked at the Davenport Police Department since 2000, where he's worked as a patrol officer, evidence technician, field training officer, street supervisor and detective. He's also been a bomb technician with the Quad City Bomb Squad since 2004.

Morse is one of four candidates who've announced bids for the position. Scott County Sheriff's Lieutenant Thomas Gibbs announced earlier this year he intends to seek the Democratic nomination for sheriff.

For the Republican nomination, incumbent Tim Lane, the county's sheriff since 2016, and Scott County Sheriffs Deputy Chris Laye have announced they plan to run.

The primary will be June 4 and the general election will be Nov. 5.

Candidates running for county office must file their paperwork for the 2024 primary race between March 4 and March 22.
DES MOINES  Two Republican bills relating to immigration enforcement in Iowa were halted this week after they failed to garner support from fellow statehouse Republicans.

An Iowa House Republican bill that would have created a new state crime of human smuggling and penalized individuals who transport or harbor undocumented immigrants in some cases  a proposal that was opposed by advocates for charities and shelters  was stopped in the Republican-led Iowa Senate.

And an Iowa Senate bill that would have required businesses to use the E-Verify program to ensure all employees are legal U.S. residents  which was opposed by business groups  will not advance in the Republican-led Iowa House.

The Republicans who chair the Iowa House and Iowa Senate judiciary committees confirmed the proposals legislative deaths Wednesday.

Rep. Steve Holt, a Republican from Denison who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, said a significant concern he had with the E-Verify proposal is that on a second offense it would have revoked a business license to operate in Iowa.

That doesnt seem like a reasonable approach, Holt told reporters Wednesday.

The E-Verify bill, Senate File 108, earlier this year passed the Iowa Senate on a 30-17 vote, with only Republicans supporting it.

Theres also people concerned that E-Verify puts an additional burden on business. Theres also concerns that E-Verify doesnt necessarily do what people believe that it does in terms of verifying (a workers) legitimate right to be employed, Holt said. Those are the concerns that I have over on my side.

State Sen. Brad Zaun, a Republican from Urbandale who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the potential for unintended consequences was the chief concern for the House-passed human smuggling bill.

There was some unintended consequences with the bill. And it needed work. So thats why I pulled the bill, Zaun told reporters. In the (bills) language, it was my interpretation, as well as some of the people on the committee, that there was some unintended consequences.

Advocates had expressed concern that the bill could penalize charities and shelters that attempt to aid immigrants. Those advocates said they do not always know an immigrants legal status before offering them help.

House Republicans had attempted to address those concerns by placing in the bill language that said arrests could not be made at a church, shelter or school. And Holt said he had expressed a willingness to amend the bill to make the language more palatable to Senate Republicans.

The bill, House File 2608, passed the House last week on a 60-32 vote with only Republican support. The bill also prohibits undocumented immigrants from receiving public assistance; that prohibition is already in federal law.

Holt said he found it deeply concerning that the bill did not advance in the Senate and said he will consider adding the language to another immigration-related bill that still is eligible for consideration.

The bottom line is our law enforcement needs to have tools  when ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) refuses to cooperate  to be able to deal with human smuggling and the trafficking thats going on coming from the invasion on our southern border, Holt said. Im extremely disappointed that they chose not to advance that legislation.
A Pennington County judge Thursday morning sentenced a 28-year-old Rapid City man for the fourth-degree rape of a teenager last fall.

Isaiah Yellow Eyes pleaded guilty to the charge on Dec. 21, 2023. He admitted to having sex with a 15-year-old girl on Oct. 2, 2023.

Deputy Pennington County State's Attorney Roxanne Hammond said Yellow Eyes took advantage of the 15-year-old intoxicated runaway in a public park. She also pointed to Yellow Eyes' criminal history, which includes simple assault convictions from 2022 and 2023.

She asked the judge to sentence him to five years in prison for the crime, the amount the state agreed to request in the plea agreement. Fourth-degree rape carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and up to a $30,000 fine.

Todd Love, Yellow Eyes' defense attorney, emphasized the conviction is his client's first felony offense. He also told the judge  after noting it is not a legal defense  that his client said he did not know the girl's age or that she was a runaway. He also said there was nothing to suggest the interaction was "anything forceful."

He said a prison sentence is "not necessary in this case." He highlighted Yellow Eyes' struggles with substance abuse and noted there is "very little risk" he'll be a danger to the community if he maintains sobriety. He said the crime did not stem from a sexual preference issue, but an "environmental issue."

"I don't have any excuses for my behavior," Yellow Eyes said to the court. "I know it's time to start living a better life."

He said the charge was a "wakeup call" to his issues with alcohol.

In a letter to the judge ahead of sentencing, Yellow Eyes asked the court to "bless" him with a chance on probation to show he is not a danger to the community.

Presiding Judge Craig Pfeifle said time in prison was necessary for Yellow Eyes to understand why the choices he made can and do hurt others.
Actor Pierce Brosnan was fined on March 14 after pleading guilty to walking off a boardwalk into a Yellowstone National Park thermal area last year, the Park Service reported.

Brosnan, a 70-year-old Malibu resident, was assessed a $500 fine, a $1,000 community service payment to the Yellowstone Forever geological fund, a $30 court processing fee, and a $10 special assessment by U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick at the Mammoth, Wyoming, courthouse.

According to court documents, Brosnan uploaded pictures to his Instagram page of himself standing on a Yellowstone National Park thermal feature at Mammoth Hot Springs in November. At the time, Brosnan was in the nearby Paradise Valley working on a film.

There are signs posted in Yellowstone's thermal areas warning visitors about the dangers of thermal features and requiring them to remain on designated boardwalks and trails. The ground in thermal areas is fragile and thin, and scalding water is just below the surface.

The United States Attorneys Office had asked the court to sentence Brosnan to two years probation and the maximum fine of $5,000.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  North Korean leader Kim Jong Un joined his troops in training to operate newly developed battle tanks as he called for bigger efforts to prepare for war, state media reported Thursday.

The Norths tank training was seen as a response to the annual 11-day South Korean-U.S. military drills that are to end later Thursday. The North views its rivals exercises a rehearsal for invasion.

The Norths training on Wednesday was designed to inspect tankmens combat capabilities and involved the new-type main battle tank that Kim called the worlds most powerful, the official Korean Central News Agency.

During the training, heavy tanks moved around various simulated harsh combat circumstances and fired rounds at targets. Kim mounted one of the new-type tanks and drove it himself, adding to the high militant spirit of the tankmen of our army, KCNA said.

North Korea's Defense Ministry earlier vowed to carry out responsible military activities in reaction to the ongoing South Korea-U.S. military exercises in the South. Kim later supervised artillery firing drills.

The South Korean-U.S. training involve a computer-simulated command post training and 48 kinds of field exercises, twice the number conducted last year.

North Korea has dialed up its weapons testing activities since early 2022 in a bid to modernize and enlarge its nuclear and missile arsenals. The U.S. and South Korea have expanded their training exercises and a trilateral drill involving Japan in response.

Experts say Kim likely wants to use his upgraded weapons arsenal to win U.S. concessions like extensive relief of international sanctions on North Korea. They say North Korea is expected to extend its testing activities and ramp up warlike rhetoric this year as both the United States and South Korea hold major elections.
MOSCOW (Reuters) -President Vladimir Putin told the West on Wednesday that Russia was technically ready for nuclear war and that if the U.S. sent troops to Ukraine, it would be considered a significant escalation of the conflict.

Putin, speaking ahead of a March 15-17 election which is certain to give him another six years in power, added that the nuclear war scenario was not "rushing" up and he saw no need for the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine.





"From a military-technical point of view, we are, of course, ready," Putin, 71, told Rossiya-1 television and news agency RIA when asked whether Russia was really ready for a nuclear war.





Putin said the U.S. understood that if it deployed American troops on Russian territory - or to Ukraine - Russia would treat the move as an intervention. Moscow claims to have annexed four regions of Ukraine and says they are now fully part of Russia.





"(In the U.S.) there are enough specialists in the field of Russian-American relations and in the field of strategic restraint," said Putin.





"Therefore, I don't think that here everything is rushing to it (nuclear confrontation), but we are ready for this."





The Biden administration has said it has no plans to send troops to Ukraine but has stressed the need to approve a stalled security aid bill that would ensure Ukrainian troops got the weapons they need to continue the war, now in its third year.





It did not immediately respond on Wednesday to a request for comment on Putin's remarks, but the White House has said in the past it has seen no sign that Russia is preparing to use nuclear weapons despite what it calls Putin's "nuclear saber-rattling".





Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior Ukrainian presidential official, told Reuters in a statement he viewed Putin's nuclear warning as propaganda designed to intimidate the West.





"Realising that things are going the wrong way, Putin continues to use classic nuclear rhetoric. With the old Soviet hope - 'be scared and retreat!'," said Podolyak, who said he believed such talk showed Putin was afraid of losing the war.





The Ukraine war has triggered the deepest crisis in Moscow's relations with the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Putin has often warned of the risks of nuclear war but says he has never felt the need to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine.





NUCLEAR DOCTRINE





In a U.S. election year, the West is grappling with how to support Kyiv against Russia, which now controls almost one-fifth of Ukrainian territory and is rearming much faster than the West and Ukraine.





Kyiv says it is defending itself against an imperial-style war of conquest designed to erase its national identity. Putin says he sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in Feb. 2022 to bolster Russia's own security against a hostile West.





Putin reiterated the use of nuclear weapons was spelled out in the Kremlin's nuclear doctrine, which sets out the conditions under which it would use such a weapon: broadly a response to an attack using nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction, or the use of conventional weapons against Russia "when the very existence of the state is put under threat".





"Weapons exist in order to use them," Putin said.





Putin's nuclear warning came alongside another offer for talks on Ukraine as part of a new post-Cold War demarcation of European security. The U.S. says Putin is not ready for serious talks over Ukraine.





Reuters reported last month that Putin's suggestion of a ceasefire in Ukraine to freeze the war was rejected by the U.S. after contacts between intermediaries.





U.S. Central Intelligence Agency Director William Burns said this week that, without more Western support, Ukraine would lose more territory to Russia which would embolden Chinese President Xi Jinping.





Burns, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, told the Senate Intelligence Committee it was in U.S. interests to help Kyiv get into a stronger position before talks.





Putin said Russia would need written security guarantees in the event of any settlement.




Hanover Schools have put a plan into motion that would address bulging class sizes at Cool Spring Elementary by the start of next school year. The school board voted on a plan to purchase learning cottages on a short-term basis while it searches for a long-term solution to address enrollment growth.

Cool Spring parents have been upset at the state of the schools classes, with some music classes being moved into a converted janitorial space and many specialized classes  such as gifted and talented and special education classes  having their space cannibalized to accommodate more general education space.

Thirty-eight of the schools 40 full-size classrooms have been turned into general education classrooms, reducing the amount of space for gifted and special education classes. Other classes such as gym and art have also had space constraints, with some teachers using their homerooms as overflow space to host those class periods.

The School Board voted unanimously on a plan that would bring in two separate learning cottages for a total of four extra classrooms, at the cost of $400,000. School administrators told the School Board that it was looking at enrollment projections for the next two years when recommending learning cottages.

A previous proposal from staff seeking to add eight-classroom learning cottages at a cost of $250,000 per year  $750,000 in first-year setup costs  was shot down by the board before voting to approve the pair of two-classroom cottages.

Those four classrooms would be used for a music space, gifted and talented classroom, and two intervention spaces.

The exact use of extra classrooms could change depending on actual enrollment increases over the summer, said Assistant Superintendent Christina Berta.

Cool Spring does not yet meet Hanovers definition of overcrowded. It currently has 817 total students. Over capacity is considered a student population of 768 students. Overcrowded hits when the school reaches 922 students.

Enrollment is expected to increase by 99 students over the next four years.

Hanovers benchmark for elementary class sizes is between 19 and 23 students per general education teacher, depending on grade level. In a prior presentation given to the board, staff said the total average ratio at Cool Spring was 21 students per teacher, and that fifth grade had 24 students per teacher.

School Board Chair Bob May said that the four new temporary classrooms would not solve the issue of class sizes.

The rooms being proposed do not reduce any classroom sizes, but currently, unless something drastically changes, we are ok for the current year and this meets the need for Cool Spring Elementary Schools recommendation of what they need going into the fall, May said.

Assistant Superintendent Gennifer Grief said teacher placements and staffing is reconsidered each summer and that there is enough flexibility to have cover for increased spaces.

School Board representatives have talked about redistricting as a long-term solution to growing class sizes at Cool Spring Elementary.

Nearby schools are still under capacity. Pearsons Elementary is 141 students under capacity, Mechanicsville Elementary is 210 students under capacity and Washington-Henry is 119 students under capacity.

Hanover schools staff told the School Board they are working on parameters to put the redistricting project out to bid by consulting firms. The floated completion date for redistricting was 2026, two years after the learning cottages are expected to be put into use.

Redistricting could not move more than 15% of a schools total population.

The state of enrollment and redistricting could impact the scheduled rebuild of nearby Washington-Henry Elementary, which goes into its design phase this summer.

We can have an equal distribution of all our elementary schools and their enrollments, said Cold Harbor board member Steve Ikenberry. That would also give us a lot of information about how big or how small to build Washington-Henry in the future.

Staff said the redistricting process would begin in the near future in order to meet time constraints.

PHOTOS: Recognize these Richmond-area places?
A chemical plant in Hopewell with a long history of leaking harmful chemicals is on track to receive a new pollution permit.

Coming Sunday The Times-Dispatch's two-part series looks at the origins of the 1974 Kepone disaster and the health of the James River today.

Absent from its application is how much pollution the plant will actually create.

Plastics producer AdvanSix is a descendant of Allied Chemical and Dye Corp., one of two companies responsible for Virginias Kepone disaster in the 1970s. It has continued to incur penalties for violations of environmental rules, with violation letters being sent to the company as recently as Feb. 13 of this year.

Every five years, AdvanSix is required to renew its Title V permit with state regulators.

The renewal is announced publicly so that community members and neighbors of the sprawling industrial plant can weigh in and shape the permit that is ultimately approved.

In January, the state opened such a public comment period for the companys latest permit. In the 200-page permit, the company cited its pollution calculations as confidential business information, a decision that has drawn a sharp rebuke from the Hopewell-Colonial Heights branch of the NAACP and four environmental groups.

Those groups say Hopewell has borne the brunt of industrial pollution for years and deserves to know what is being emitted into residents air. The groups include the Hopewell NAACP, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Virginia Interfaith Power & Light, the Southern Environmental Law Center and the central Virginia branch of the Sierra Club.

The public version of AdvanSixs Title V permit application contains no potential-to-emit information and impermissibly omits other emissions-related data, reads a letter authored by the five groups, which goes on to call the companys application woefully incomplete.

Confidential version of permit received

The groups are asking the states main environmental agency, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, to compel AdvanSix to release pollution estimates and then reopen another public comment period.

The department has also received a separate, confidential version of its permit application. DEQ records approved its reasoning for having a parallel confidential permit. Its not clear if that permit includes pollution estimates.

AdvanSixs permit, which will allow the company to continue operations for another five years, has not yet been approved.

Irina Calos, a spokesperson for the DEQ, said a final review is being done by state regulators before vetting from the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

At this time, staff are reviewing the information submitted to determine if any changes need to be made to the draft, Calos said.

A spokesperson for AdvanSix said the company disclosed all of the information that regulators required.

As always, we seek to maintain engaged and transparent working relationships with our state and federal regulatory agencies, said spokesperson Janeen Lawlor. We take great pride in our operations, and the health and safety of our employees and the communities in which we operate is paramount.

66 violations made by plant

AdvanSix is one of five major industrial plants in Hopewell. Headquartered in New Jersey, its plant on Hopewells Randolph Road was previously owned by Honeywell International, and before that by AlliedSignal and Allied Chemical and Dye Corp. The latter was the company primarily responsible for the Kepone disaster in 1975.

In 2023, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that AdvanSixs aging plant had violated the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act more than 66 times across a period of eight years. Those violations were caused by leaks of hazardous air pollutants like phenol, benzene and ammonia into Hopewells air.

DEQ records show that each time a violation occurred, corrective actions were taken by the company. Most of AdvanSixs violations were also self-reported. Lawlor has previously said that while some of the leaks were violations, they did not tip the plant over its facility-wide emissions limits.

Still, the plant remains under a consent order with the EPA  a special agreement reached in lieu of the agency recommending criminal charges to the U.S. Department of Justice.

The company was most recently cited on Feb. 13 for a violation of the Clean Water Act, according to the EPA. Discharges typically flow into two streams that run into the James River.

Hopewell is also one of Virginias most economically disadvantaged communities, with disproportionately high rates of concern and an average life expectancy eight years below the state average.

About 500 residents live within a mile of the plant, and the majority of Hopewells population lives within 3 miles of the plant, according to an environmental justice analysis done by the EPA; most of those residents are low-income.

AdvanSixs critics say those are reasons the companys pollution calculations should be public.

DEQ has an obligation to look closely at its permitting actions and ensure that they do not perpetuate this pattern, wrote the environmental organizations and the NAACP.

Taking the lead has been the Southern Environmental Law Center. Mark Sabath, a senior attorney with the group, outlined areas where he says the permit does not conform with federal laws.

Sabath said the permit only requires nine out of more than 200 smokestacks to be regularly monitored. As written, the permit also exempts problem smokestacks from future testing.

Some of the provisions are hopelessly vague. The whole point of a permit like this is to ensure that theyre in compliance, Sabath said. Some of these steps are not much better than nothing at all.

Hopewell City Manager Concetta Manker declined to comment on the proposed permit.

AdvanSixs Hopewell plant primarily makes caprolactam, a chemical used to make nylon. The main greenhouse gas produced as a byproduct of its operations is nitrous oxide, which is primarily what blows out of the plants smokestacks.

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Chesterfield officials presented the countys proposed $998.4 million fiscal year 2025 operating budget Wednesday, which places a heavy emphasis on public safety, infrastructure and education.

The proposed FY25 budget is an increase of $46.7 million over the previous budget.

This budget is another great example of what a collaborative and mindful process can achieve, Chesterfield County Administrator Joe Casey said. This is the start of an important phase.

That phase began with Wednesdays presentation of the budget to the Board of Supervisors and will continue with several community meetings and public hearings before the planned budget adoption on April 10.

Infrastructure

The county is looking to take its $30 million annual revenue stream from the Central Virginia Transportation Authority and leverage it into a one-time investment of $300 million, a record high for infrastructure.

The transaction is scheduled to take place this summer and will speed up the process of improving Chesterfields roadways instead of waiting a decade for that revenue to become available.

A big portion of that investment will go toward phase one of another Powhite Parkway extension. Improvements along Hull Street Road will also be assisted through the funding.

Education

A $388.8 million general fund transfer from the county will go toward education, a $20 million increase from the last budget.

The funds will help pay off debt from school construction, operating costs of new schools, increased staffing and major maintenance.

In February, the Chesterfield School Board proposed a $913.7 million operating budget for public schools.

Public Safety

In the public safety sector, the FY25 budget focuses on compensation and enhanced staffing, including a $1.64 million increase to the sheriffs budget.

Case worker positions will be added to support police and a wellness support team will be added to provide care for first responders.

Taxes

The proposed real estate tax rate of 90 cents per $100 of assessed value would mark a one cent decrease from the previous year and make it the third year in a row that the rate has been reduced.

For seniors, $19.2 million in tax relief is proposed under the FY25 budget. Additionally, the $3,000 maximum relief cap would be removed and the eligible acreage would rise from one to 10 for the 2025 tax year.

According to county officials, average personal property bills are expected to decline from last years totals.

All community budget meetings will run from 6:30-8 p.m. at the following dates and locations:

March 14 at Midlothian Library (100 Millworks Crossing)

March 18 at Beulah Recreation Center (6901 Hopkins Road)

March 19 at CTC at Hull (13900 Hull Street Road)

March 20 at North Courthouse Road Library (325 Courthouse Road)

March 21 at Thomas Dale High School Auditorium (3626 W. Hundred Road)

March 25 Spanish-speaking town hall at Beulah Recreation Center (6901 Hopkins Road)

March 25 Facebook Live town hall

March 26 at Matoaca Elementary (20300 Halloway Avenue)

Remember Safety Town? A look back through the Times-Dispatch archives
Two Hanover County School Board seats will soon open up for applicants looking to become decision-makers for the countys schools.

The two seats are for the Chickahominy District and the Ashland District. The terms of current School Board members Robert Hundley Jr. and Ola Hawkins are set to end June 30.

Applications open on March 27 to anyone interested, and a public hearing for those announcing their candidacies will be held on April 10. Candidates can submit applications at that meeting.

Hanover is one of just a handful of localities in Virginia that appoint its School Board members through its Board of Supervisors. Supervisors from corresponding voting districts have typically led the nomination and interview process. Then, the candidate is voted on by the full board. Rarely, if ever, does any board member vote against another supervisors final nominee.

The most recent nomination process in spring 2023 was the subject of controversy. Two overlooked candidates for the Beaverdam seat said the process was rushed and consisted of no more than an unannounced 15-minute phone call on a Saturday morning days before the final decision was announced.

Hanovers NAACP branch accused the board of favoring religion as the critical criteria for selection.

The Board of Supervisors recently approved two changes to its nomination process. Nominees are now required to provide contact information for supervisors and citizens to connect with it. The board also has an extra two weeks to consider its choices  up from four weeks to six weeks.

Cold Harbor Supervisor F. Michael Herzberg said applications consist of only basic information  name, address, district where the individual resides  to ensure they meet eligibility requirements.

The state code only requires that localities hold a public hearing before a vote on the names considered for school board.

Supervisors Danielle Floyd (Chickahominy) and Faye Prichard (Ashland) will make their recommendations to the full board for a vote on May 22.

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Tobacco giant Altria Group has decided to sell a chunk of its holding in Anheuser-Busch InBev  a deal that at the current price for the shares would exceed $2.2 billion.

Henrico County-based Altria said it plans to offer 35 million shares of its holding of 197 million of the beer companys shares. AB InBev is the worlds largest brewer.

Altria has held that stake, amounting to 10%, since 2016 when AB InBev merged with SABMiller, in which Altria at the time held a 27% interest. It had bought into that beer company as part of what was then a strategy of diversifying away from tobacco.

The tobacco company will sell shares through offerings in the United States, the European Union and United Kingdom and in other countries.

It expects to grant the investment banks handling the shares an option to buy up to 5.25 million more AB InBev shares, and the beer company has agreed to buy $200 million worth of shares directly from Altria.

Altria plans to use the money it gets to buy back some of its own stock.

Altria Chief Executive Officer Billy Gifford said the sale represents a good chance to realize a large return on its long-term beer investment.

Over the decades of our ownership, the beer investment has provided significant income and cash returns and supported our strong balance sheet, he said.

From the Archives: Philip Morris Philip Morris 60s and 70s Philip Morris 60s and 70s Philip Morris 60s and 70s Philip Morris 60s and 70s Philip Morris 60s and 70s Philip Morris 60s and 70s Philip Morris 60s and 70s Philip Morris 60s and 70s Philip Morris 60s and 70s Philip Morris Phillip Morris Phillip Morris Phillip Morris Philip Morris Philip Morris Philip Morris Philip Morris Philip Morris Philip Morris Philip Morris Philip Morris Philip Morris Philip Morris Philip Morris Philip Morris Philip Morris Philip Morris Philip Morris Philip Morris
Nine Richmond-area General Assembly Democrats say they oppose Dominion Energys plans to build a gas-fired plant in Chesterfield County that the company says it needs for when its growing fleet of wind and solar generators are not producing power.

As members of the General Assembly, our concerns focus on the impact this proposed plant has on statewide efforts to reduce fossil fuel usage, lower carbon emissions, enforce the Commonwealths policy on environmental justice, and pursue renewable energy sources and technologies, the nine legislators said.

This proposed construction runs counter to the measures the Commonwealth has taken recently to lower carbon emissions and to diversify energy production and storage, the legislators said.

Dominion wants to install four natural gas-fired generators next to its Chesterfield Power Station, where it recently shuttered two coal-fired units. Dominion has said the generators will be able to produce 1,000 megawatts of electricity  enough to power 250,000 homes.

The Democratic legislators said the plant is expected to produce significant air pollution in a neighborhood that includes an elementary school and a disproportionate number of low-income and minority households.

The legislators said the still undisclosed costs of the project are likely to be high, given that it will not be used all the time.

Dominion has said it expects to run when peak demand for power coincides with little or no wind and solar generation.

Wind power, like the $9 billion offshore facility the company is building in the Atlantic Ocean, 25 miles from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, only produces power about 40 to 50% of the time  the target for the offshore wind farm set by the State Corporation Commission is 42%.

Solar facilities do not generate power at night, and not always during the day. They produce power about 20 to 25% of the time, Dominion said.

Youre saying its a peaker, but its not actually operating as a peaker, Rachel James, an associate attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center, said at a recent town hall hosted by state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Chesterfield. A peaker is a facility to augment power generation at periods of peak demand. Thats far more than peakers are generally run, James said.

Hashmi was joined on the letter by state Sens. Lashrecse Aird, D-Petersburg, and Lamont Bagby, D-Richmond, as well as by Dels. Delores McQuinn, D-Henrico, Betsy Carr, D-Richmond, Rodney Willett, D-Henrico, Rae Cousins, D-Richmond, Michael Jones, D-Richmond and Debra Gardner, D-Chesterfield.

The legislators said the proposed plant flouts goals set in the Virginia Clean Economy Act of 2020, which calls on Dominion to deliver electricity from 100% renewable sources by 2045. Dominion says the act does allow it to continue to operate fossil fuel plants if the State Corporation Commission finds they are needed to ensure reliable 24-hour-a-day delivery of electricity with no brownouts or blackouts.

Dominion Energy is all-in on renewables, said company spokesman Jeremy Slayton. Were building the largest offshore wind project in North America. We have the second largest solar fleet in the country, and its growing at a faster pace than any other utility in the country.

He said 95 percent of the power plants the company is building are carbon-free, with the Chesterfield plant representing a part of the 5% that the company will need to cope with a rising demand for electricity, which it expects to nearly double over the next few decades.

PHOTOS: Dominion's offshore wind turbines
Virginia will soon start regulating how pet shops care for dogs and cats to make sure they are cared for properly.

The new rules, which take effect on May 9, say pet shops must register with the state and will be subject to at least one unannounced inspection a year.

Repeated violations of state standards for the care of animals would mean a shop could be banned from selling dogs and cats.

Nancy Guinn, president of Dog Krazy Inc., a Richmond pet store, said: While its encouraging to see some steps being taken to oversee the sale of dogs and cats, including registration fees, inspections and basic care standards, I cant help but feel its not nearly enough. To me, the issue runs much deeper than just setting minimal care standards.

Having seen the conditions in which animals are kept in some pet stores and knowing about the origins of these animals, often from puppy mills, its heartbreaking, she said.

The thought of puppies and kittens being treated as mere merchandise, bred in conditions lacking in compassion, health care and proper socialization, is deeply troubling. Its a systemic issue that a $250 fee and basic care standards barely touch, she added.

Legislation sponsored by state Sen. Dave Marsden, D-Fairfax, in 2020 directed the state Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs to hire two State Animal Welfare Inspectors. It also directed the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to develop regulations for pet shops.

The new regulations say pet shops have to be kept clean and dry and provide enclosures that safely house dogs and cats and that keep animals of different sexes, ages and temperaments apart. Those enclosures have to be ventilated and kept at a comfortable temperature and the animals cannot be in them while they are cleaned.

Water must be in bowls that cannot be tipped over, and animals must be properly fed, with food utensils and bowls cleaned after each feeding. The animals must have regular exercise and adequate space. Pet shops cannot employ anyone convicted of animal cruelty.

While the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies does not support the sale of companion animals in pet shops, these regulations provide at least some protections for those animals and the public, said Sue Bell, executive director of Homeward Trails Animal Rescue in Arlington County.

State law requires animal shelters to follow higher standards than the pet shop proposal, and Bell said pet shops should be subject to those same rules.

Virginia continues to lag behind other states with more progressive and commonsense laws to protect animals, including those in pet shops, she said. Given the incredibly challenging state of animal welfare currently, its past time that Virginia take steps to stop pet stops from profiting off the backs of animals while our shelters struggle every day to save lives.

20 pet shops

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services estimates that there are approximately 20 pet shops in Virginia that sell dogs and cats.

That does not include pet shops that keep dogs and cats to facilitate adoptions on behalf of shelters, as most national pet store chains do. Local animal control officers are responsible for inspecting shops that keep dogs and cats for adoption. The new regulation applies only to private for-profit pet shops selling dogs and cats.

The new regulations say pet shops cannot sell dogs and cats to any laboratory or research facility that does scientific tests, experiments or investigations on living animals.

Breeder mill prompted bills

The rescue of some 4,000 beagles from the Envigo research and breeding facility in Cumberland County in 2022, after state inspectors found dozens of violations of Virginias animal welfare law, prompted a series of bills aimed at tightening oversight of how companion animals are treated.

This year, for instance, the General Assembly passed:

, sponsored by Sen. Barbara Favola, D-Arlington, under which people convicted of animal cruelty may be prohibited from owning pets or horses for life

, sponsored by Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Franklin County, under which localities can post lists of people convicted of felony abuses of animals

, sponsored by Del. Ellen Campbell, R-Rockbridge, under which the Virginia State Police would create and publish a list of people convicted of animal cruelty

, sponsored by Del. Bobby Orrock, R-Spotsylvania, under which pet shops financing purchases of dogs or cats must comply with federal and state lending law

, sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Boysko, D-Fairfax, under which veterinarians must keep vaccination records and rabies clinics would be allowed to offer microchipping of pets

, sponsored by Del. Shelly Simonds, D-Newport News, under which the state should form a task force to identify problems with publicly funded animal testing facilities.

The General Assembly continued for consideration next year House Bill 206, sponsored by Simonds, that would require pet shops to tell the state veterinarian when dogs or cats in their possession die, and Senate Bill 31, sponsored by Stanley, that would establish a fund to reimburse veterinarians for sterilizing dogs and cats.
Amid ongoing problems with mail delivery in Virginia, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va. and seven other members of Virginias congressional delegation have written to the United States Postal Services Inspector General to press their concerns.

The letter follows delays and disruptions in local mail service and a recent court case that involved theft of mail by former mail carrier. Kaines office has requested a tour of the Richmond Regional Processing and Distribution Center in Sandston, which is currently being audited by the Inspector Generals office.

Kaine said in a press call Wednesday that he hopes the tour can happen soon. He said a tour was supposed to have happened sooner, but he suspects the facility has delayed the meeting to clean up their act.

If our demand to tour has lit the fire under them so that theyre doing better  thats why its good for us to come, Kaine said.

The letters signers are Kaine, Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., and Reps. Rob Wittman, R-1st, Jen Kiggans, R-2nd, Bobby Scott, D-3rd, Jennifer McClellan, D-4th, Bob Good, R-5th and Abigail Spanberger, D-7th.

According to the letter, the facility was one of the first consolidation projects under the postal services Delivering for America initiative.

While we are always open to changes to longstanding practices to improve efficiency, the Virginia members of Congress wrote, the ongoing stream of reports we get suggests that the opposite is happening.

In their letter Kaine and his colleagues wrote that it is concerning to hear reports from constituents about issues.

While we are always open to changes to longstanding practices to improve efficiency, the ongoing stream of reports we get suggests that the opposite is happening, the lawmakers wrote.

It includes anecdotes from Virginia who have had problems with their mail service. For instance:

A Vietnam veteran from Mechanicsville placed an order through the Department of Veterans Affairs for medication and was told to expect a 710-day delivery time. More than six weeks later, he had not received his medications despite verification from the Department of Veterans Affairs that it was mailed on December 28.

A woman who runs a medical supply business in Richmond said that more than $1,000 worth of medical supplies were never delivered after having been traced to the Richmond RPDC on December 18, 2023. The letter said that after multiple inquiries with the postal service the woman never recovered the supplies, and their business relationship with a key distributor ended as a result.

A Ph.D. student at Virginia Commonwealth University, counted on USPS to deliver his visa application to the Italian Consulate as is needed to acquire a student visa to Italy. However, the entire package, including his passport, was lost in transit having never left Richmond. The resulting delays cost the student hundreds of dollars and weeks of uncertainty about his academic future.

Timely outlook on federal appropriations

In addition to discussing the postal issues Wednesday, Kaine addressed delays with Congressional approval of government spending. He attributed some of the delay to the leadership shakeup in the House of Representatives after lawmakers ousted Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. and it took time for the House to elect Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La. as speaker.

But having already approved about half of the annual government spending last week, Kaine said he is confident the nations legislative body will be able to agree on the rest by the end of next week to avoid a government shutdown.

It could be trickier to reach consensus, as the next bit of government spending approvals include the Defense, State and Homeland Security departments  areas where there is disagreement on U.S. aid to Ukraine and Israel and security at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Good, head of the House Freedom Caucus, has routinely pressed for more funding to go to border security and in recent years appropriations votes have stalled over disagreements. Congress sometimes passes continuing resolutions to avoid shutdowns.

But Kaine feels confident at least Virginias congressional delegation is committed to getting the votes through by March 22.

We had our delegation lunch (Tuesday) and I asked the Virginia House members is it going to happen next week, or is there some chance youre going to do another short term (continuing resolution) to extend? And all of them said theres no appetite for another extension, Kaine said.

From the Archives: Mail in Richmond
Lynwood Lewis, a former Democratic legislator from the Eastern Shore, goes back on the state payroll in about two weeks. He's been off it barely two months.

Lewis, a 62-year-old lawyer, becomes a circuit court judge  no fooling!  on April 1. It's a full-time job that pays more than $184,000 a year. That's a roughly 10-fold increase from the $18,000 he made as a part-time state senator. Before that, Lewis was a delegate, also a part-time post, making $17,640.

In pivoting to the bench from the legislature, Lewis is upholding a grand Virginia tradition.

As the late A.L. Philpott, a crusty, moonshine-sipping Democrat from rural Henry County who was House speaker from 1980-91, used to say: It's the prerogative of every lawyer-legislator to seek a judgeship.

Indeed, Lewis was among about a half-dozen former lawmakers approved in the closing hours of the 2024 General Assembly as new judges, or for promotions to higher courts. Most of them were Republicans.

Lewis beat out for the vacant judgeship his former law partner  an ex-Republican county chairman, Gordon Vincent. He's been a general district court judge for nearly 18 years and was installed when the GOP controlled judicial selection. Vincent, 67, is now likely to close his career as a judge where it began: in the general district court.

The Lewis-Vincent contest for the circuit court was shaped by partisanship and personalities, both magnified by professional and personal complications in the cozy, legal circles of the Eastern Shore, a fishing and farming community where Vincent and Lewis grew up  and where old times, they are not forgotten.

A former Democratic governor from the Shore had a small role in this small-town drama.

Ralph Northam, governor from 2018-22, took soundings, telling Vincent  though he'd been overwhelmingly endorsed by the local bar association as the more experienced candidate  that the circuit court seat would likely go to Lewis; that even Republicans apparently were OK with it.

Among them: Sen. Bill DeSteph, R-Virginia Beach, with whom Lewis had been paired in redistricting but didn't oppose in November, opting to retire. Another Republican, Del. Rob Bloxom of Accomack County  a distant cousin to Lewis  was neutral in the Lewis-Vincent tussle. Not that Bloxom's opinion  or vote  counted.

Judicial picks are solely the privilege of the General Assembly's majority party, now Democratic. The state Constitution leaves it to the legislature to elect judges  not pick, confirm or select  but elect them by majority votes of the House of Delegates and Virginia Senate. Only one other state, South Carolina, has a similar process.

This makes for mini-campaigns by judicial prospects, with their target audiences usually a handful of lawmakers. Once the legislature's controlling party aligns behind a candidate, the election is a mere formality.

Not so in a divided General Assembly as seen in the Republican-Democrat standoff over two vacancies on the State Corporation Commission, the quasi-judicial agency that polices business, large and small. After a two-year impasse, those seats were finally filled this winter  only because of unified Democratic control.

The always-dapper Lewis, mentioned at one point for the SCC, cruised the corridors of the new General Assembly Building, telling those who asked he was hopeful there was a judgeship in his future. Vincent, too, met with legislators, including the Democratic House speaker, Don Scott of Portsmouth, who had argued cases in Vincent's court.

And because good things  in that they're interesting  come in threes.

When Lewis and Vincent practiced together  going back some 30-odd years  there was a third partner: Tom Northam, older brother of the ex-governor. Northam would lose the general district judgeship to Vincent nearly two decades ago and later had professional disagreements with Lewis that remain a source of Shore gossip.

Plus, the Northams are no strangers to the fussing and fighting that can surround judicial selection.

Their father, Wescott, who turns 100 in August, was a former Accomack County prosecutor and law partner to Bill Fears, the Shore's colorful, Harley-riding longtime Democratic senator who served in the chamber from 1968 to 1992. Wescott Northam  like his father before him  would become a judge. That Fears was Northam's unapologetic champion ensured Northam a spot on the general district court. But it also opened Fears to criticism he'd brush off with a barnyard epithet that he was using his public office to reward a personal pal.

For aspiring judges, having friends in high places is no guarantee their dreams come true.

In the 1980s, Philpott wanted his law partner named as a general district court judge in the hardscrabble foothills of near-Southwest Virginia. The region's senator, Virgil Goode  then still a Democrat  had someone else in mind: the son of his predecessor. Philpott and Goode could never agree, ultimately leaving it to the circuit court to appoint an interim judge. It went with Goode's choice.

Subordinate to circuit court, a general district court hears comparatively minor matters  traffic cases, contract and tenant disputes, misdemeanors and personal injury actions. Judges decide these cases without a jury and their rulings can be appealed to circuit court.

A judgeship includes a fattened public pension. It's determined by using the average of an employees three highest years of salary. For Lewis, that will be six figures approaching $200,000, not the five hovering below the $20,000 he pulled down in the General Assembly.

Plus, because judges are credited for up to 2.5 years of service for each year on the bench, they can, for example, quit after 10 years but receive an enhanced pension that assumes they'd worked 25. Lewis can sit full-time for 11 years, until age 73, when retirement is mandatory.

That means, Lewis  because he's becoming a judge after age 55, qualifying for the maximum 2.5-year-multiplier  could receive a pension that's calculated as if as he had heard cases nearly 28 years. It's nice work if you can get it.

And Lewis, who has a general practice in Accomack County, can.

That's because he knows the right people: fellow Democrats, who, again controlling the House of Delegates and Senate, now command the somewhat-incestuous exercise that is judicial selection. That means those with the votes determine the unofficial, often overriding, rules that guide the process.

For example, whether to stick with candidates backed by lawyers' groups. Their preferences have been ignored by legislators any number of times. Witness the election in the past decade or so of nonbar endorsed lawyers to suburban Richmond courts.

Previous experience and performance as a judge? Both, too, can be overlooked.

If they hadn't been, the Virginia Supreme Court would not have had its first Black justice in 1983. John Charles Thomas, a partner at a muscular law firm, was picked by Gov. Charles Robb as an interim justice because a seat was open after the legislature adjourned. When it returned, Thomas  as required by the state constitution  was elected by the General Assembly. The vote on the historic appointment was unanimous.

Virginia's legislature runs on information, relationships and the self-importance of its members. And nothing quite affirms that like a legislator's ability to hand out a political patronage job sought by many but awarded to a few: a judgeship. Whether the decision is made by Democrats or Republicans, the only thing ironclad about the guidelines is that they're flexible.

Or as Bill Janis, the loquacious former Henrico County delegate who vetted judicial candidates for the House's former Republican majority, put it, "We were always consistent in our criteria for the selection of judges  except when we weren't."

Lobby Day at the Virginia General Assembly 2024
A coalition called Republican Voters Against Trump is investing $50 million in targeted advertisements in swing states ahead of the November rematch of former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden.

While the bulk of the efforts will be focused on the key swing states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin its ads are running nationwide.

While most pundits do not consider Virginia a presidential swing state  it has backed Democrats in four straight presidential contests  the state remains politically purple in many of its elections.

John Conway, director of strategy with Republican Voters Against Trump, said that the campaign aims to reach Republican or independent voters who could be convinced to vote for Biden or at least not vote for Trump.

Our position has always been that Donald Trump is a unique and existential threat to our democracy, Conway said. Anybody is better than Donald Trump.

Powhatan resident John Newby agrees.

Though he abstained from voting in 2016 because he could not get behind Trump or his Democratic opponent, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Newby said he eventually warmed to Trump by 2020.

But shortly afterward, he said he regretted it.

During much of Trumps first term, Newby said, he appreciated the tougher stance on immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border. He said he saw hope for an economic boost when Trump signed Congress Tax Cuts and Job Act in 2017. However, he disliked the former presidents rhetoric on social media and worried about his interactions with foreign leaders.

I always told my liberal friends (Trump) says stupid stuff often enough that you dont have to misrepresent what he says.  Newby said.

As time went on, Newby says he grew concerned over Trumps embrace of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He has this love of Putin  this fascination with him and other authoritarian leaders, Newby said.

The Russian conflict with Ukraine is a key factor in why Newby does not plan to vote for Trump again. In vocalizing his own concerns online, he became connected with Republican Voters Against Trump and agreed to provide a testimonial for one of its videos.

At his Richmond rally Trump said Russia would not have invaded Ukraine if he were still in office and that Hamas would not have attacked Israel, a U.S. ally.

Iran, China, Russia, North Korea were in check. They were afraid of us, they wouldnt act against us, Trump said and added that he thinks America is too weak to protect against outside aggression.

Trump backers response

Conservative radio host John Fredericks, who served as Trumps Virginia campaign chair in 2016 and 2020, lambasted the $50 million effort.

This is a total clown show, he said, perpetrated by Never Trumpers, neocons, war mongers and the deep state military complex operatives who hearken back to Jeb Bush, George Bush and the John McCain loser Republicans who collaborated with the Democrats.

Fredericks asserted that for every former Trump voter who backs Biden, I could give you five (former) Biden supporters under the age of 25 who are voting for Trump.

Opponents of Trump continue to express caution about the former president.

Conway said Trumps continued denial of the 2020 election result is a threat to democracy. He pointed to Trumps influence on the fervent supporters who violently stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Conway also pointed to Trumps four indictments and pending criminal trials.

Newby said his list of reasons not to vote for Trump means he is going to power through voting for Biden this year.

I dont despise Biden, Newby said. I just dont agree with a lot of his policies, but he hasnt been horrible.

Organizers say they hope the campaign will help Republicans who have broken with Trump feel more empowered to break away from their party this election cycle to help stop Trump from winning a second term.

Voting is tribal. These Republicans may have never voted for a Democrat before, Conway said. They need to hear from people like themselves. They need to hear from voters that can give them permission to vote against Donald Trump.

VIDEOS: Watch scenes and reaction from Saturday's Trump rally in Richmond Reaction to Trump's rally in Richmond Tom Orr speaks about his experience at Trump's rally Paul Saunders speaks about his experience at Trump's rally Lillian Windham speaks about her experience at Trump's rally Sam Duncan speaks at a rally for Donald Trump Scenes from Donald Trump's rally in Richmond on Saturday Line to get in the Trump rally at about 4:30 p.m. Saturday
People around the world are grossly misinformed about the nature and character of government. They do not understand the need for limits on government for it to remain a useful instrument and not a coercive one. Nor do they understand how the concentration of power in government tends toward corruption and tyranny. To varying degrees, governments worldwide routinely abuse the power they wield to the detriment of the people living under them. Even in the U.S., where freedom and liberty are celebrated, the advancement of a Leviathan state has been on the march for over a hundred years.

The United States of America was founded as a federated constitutional republic. The framers intended to bind the actions of government officials by a written constitution that restricted what they could do. Unfortunately, the current political crisis is that this government has broken loose from its constitutional bondage and is now running amok. As British political philosopher Michael Oakeshott observed:

To some people, government appears as a vast reservoir of power which inspires them to dream of what use might be made of it. They have their favorite projects, of various dimensions, which they sincerely believe are for the benefit of mankind, and to capture this source of power, if necessary to increase it, and to use it for imposing their favorite projects on their fellows is what they understand as the adventure of governing men. They are, thus, disposed to recognize government as an instrument of passion; the art of politics is to inflame and direct desire.

Two questions come immediately to mind. First, what inspired the framers of the U.S. Constitution to establish a limited government? Second, why and how have those limits been eroded over time?

Throughout human history, those possessing the power of government have tended to abuse that power. Indeed, the normal situation for most people is to live under the rule of some monarch or overlord. The extent of the abuse the people suffered was limited only by the degree of benevolence expressed by the individual ruler. Some were better than others, and some were tyrannical beasts, as was the case of Nero in the Roman Empire and Stalin in the old Soviet Union.

The push to recognize the value of individual freedom and liberty was the result of the spread of the Judeo-Christian religion and the efforts of numerous scholars and writers. Among them were the Spanish Scholastics, mainly at the school of Salamanca during the 16th century as they chastised the Spanish crown for abusing the people groups in Central and South America. Juan de Mariana went so far as to argue that tyrannicide is not a sin. In England, John Milton made the case for freedom of speech by arguing that truth never needs to be licensed by the state. In addition, John Lockes Two Treatises of Government made a strong case for the natural rights of the individual. In the first treatise, he appealed to Scripture to dismantle the notion that the king is Gods vicar on earth with its assumption of absolutism. In the second, Locke laid out the logical case for the individual rights of life, liberty, and property. As he wrote, The state of nature has a law of nature to govern it, which obliges everyone: and reason, which is that law, teaches all mankind, who will but consult it, that being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions.

The combination of the spread of natural law thought and Christianity in North America bubbled up into a growing desire to establish a government whose power was restricted in order to secure the universal rights of the individual person. This desire led to the Declaration of Independence, by means of which the colonists cut ties with England based upon the observation that the king had abused his power over the colonies. The resulting war for independence was successful and the Founding Fathers of the United States worked to establish a government that would recognize the rights of the people but also secure those rights by limited governmental force.

As James Madison put the matter in Federalist No. 51: If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself. This point of view was widely shared. Moreover, it was important to the Founders to restrict government by way of a written constitution. As Thomas Jefferson put the matter, I had rather ask an enlargement of power from the nation, where it is found necessary, than to assume it by a construction which would make our powers boundless. Our peculiar security is in the possession of a written Constitution. Let us not make it a blank paper by construction.

While individual freedom and liberty were not fully secured, as evidenced by the chattel slave trade in the South and by Alexander Hamiltons desire to promote special business privilege with government power, nevertheless, the citizenry in the newly formed United States were as free a people as had ever existed in world history.

The development of natural-law ideas  attained its culmination at the end of the eighteenth century. After that time we can begin to trace a process of collapse and disintegration in the natural-law system of thought. So wrote Otto Gierke. This process was the result of the rise of legal positivism. In the early 19th century, the British political philosopher Jeremy Bentham argued that there is no such thing as natural law other than the fact that peoples lives are governed by pleasure and pain. He reduced this to the notion of utility and argued that laws should be based on a hedonistic calculus. Thus, any good law would be one that produced more pleasure than the pain it caused. This idea gained traction throughout the century and was effectively spread by Benthams most famous student, John Stuart Mill. Utilitarianism made exceptional headway as it spread through the English study of economics by way of welfare analysis. While Bentham and Mill were generally favorably disposed to free enterprise, there is nothing in utilitarianism that necessarily embraces it. At root, free enterprise is the logic of private property law and that is best defended by the natural law argument. However, if someone can argue that violating ones natural rights can promote the so-called common good, then violating that right is seen as justified.

Legal positivism gained momentum with the rise of evolutionary thought beginning in the middle of the 19th century. There were numerous writers contributing to this view of the world, not only (most famously) Charles Darwin but also Karl Marx, Herbert Spencer, and others. The focus on change over time tended to eclipse the importance of identifying and relying on fixed principles. Increasingly, numerous people began putting forward their own notions of how to achieve economic and social progress. The spread of this sort of utopian thinking gave added momentum to the spread of legal positivism. Indeed, the spawning of the common-school movement became incorporated into legal positivism as people began to conceive of education as means of socializing children and fitting them for the collective, rather than teaching them to read, write, and think logically.

While the term socialism never sold well in the U.S., the concept of progress did. Thus those embracing the use of the state for the purpose of collectivizing people began to refer to themselves as progressives. For the religious skeptic, the state became their god as they embraced the Hegelian dialectic. As Hegel put the matter, The state is the Divine Idea as it exists on earth. This point of view made its way into Christianity as numerous theologians threw off long-held Christian doctrines in favor of progressive theology. They rejected the doctrines of original sin, the deity of Christ, and the atonement. Out of this the social gospel movement was born.

Among the theologians embracing this point of view, perhaps the leader of the movement, was Walter Rauschenbusch. He openly criticized orthodox Christianity for being too focused on the individual person. In fact, historic Christianity has always concentrated on the salvation of individual people, who are called to confess their individual sins and to accept Gods forgiveness based upon the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. For Rauschenbusch, this was too focused on heaven and on personal piety. He believed that salvation (if you can call it that) should be directed to the state provision of social goods and the socializing of property. In his own words, By socializing property we mean, then, that it is made to serve the public good, either by the service its uses render to public welfare, or by income it brings to the public treasury. In saying this, he set aside Gods commandment against theft and asserts that government can use its power to effectively take property from people by the force of law. Thus he turns government from its legitimate purpose to an illegitimate one.

As this worldview spread, many pastors and teachers turned away from the Gospel proper and toward the idea of creating a heaven on earth by using the state to accomplish the change. While they continued to call themselves Christians, they had, in faith, departed from the historic faith. (J. Gresham Machen, who remained an orthodox, Reformed theologian, wrote Christianity and Liberalism in the 1920s specifically to point out this fact.) They were in essence attempting to turn Marxism into Christianity. But the reality is that you cannot separate Marxism from its atheism.

Politically, the U.S. Constitution stood as a major obstacle to progressivism, since it set out clear restrictions on government action. In order to move progressivism forward, proponents had to take aim at it. Thus, they promoted the idea that the Constitution was old-fashioned and could not be made to fit a modern nation. They argued that what we needed was a living constitution. Among those arguing thus was Woodrow Wilson, who proposed that:

Governments are living things and operate as organic wholes. Moreover, governments have their natural evolution and are one thing in one age, another in another. The makers of the Constitution constructed the federal government upon a theory of checks and balances which was meant to limit the operation of each part and allow to no single part or organ of it to a dominating force; but no government can be successful constructed upon so mechanical a theory.

As a result, the progressive movement got a major boost when Wilson was elected president in 1912. His administration immediately set out to make changes to the Constitution to allow government to expand its power and control. The adoption of the 16th Amendment allowed for a progressive income tax, which made it possible to redistribute income. Subsequently, the 17th Amendment cut state legislatures out of the law-making process by selecting senators on the basis of popular vote rather than as specified originally. This move allowed the federal government to pass laws that extort the states to comply with federal mandates, as state legislators no longer had a say. Finally, the passage of the Federal Reserve Act monopolized money and banking in the nation. All these were major tenets of socialism. Thus, the Wilson administration set government on a course of becoming a Leviathan.

There were, of course, other mutations that accelerated the growth of the administrative state. Franklin Roosevelts New Deal programs went a long way toward major expansions in government power and control. Coupled with various legislative acts that created new government departments and bureaus, government power and control has continued to escalate. So much so that the government now aims to tell citizens what kind of car they may drive, what kind of stove they may purchase, and even the amount of water that can be used when they flush their toilets. This is a far cry from the individual freedom recognized by the U.S. Constitution. Indeed, Leviathan is alive and well in America. Is it possible to restore a limited constitutional government? That is a the question for this age of growing political crises.
Attorney Ryan Hamrick said Wednesday that his chief legal interest has always been juvenile and domestic relations court.

Last week, the General Assembly appointed the Christiansburg-based lawyer to the judgeship previously held by Robert Viar, who retired last summer. Viar has continued to preside over cases as a substitute judge.

This was a unique opportunity with Judge Viar retiring and with practicing in front of him for years and years. The J&DR court was what appealed to me, Hamrick said.

Hamricks appointment takes effect June 1 and is to the 27th Judicial District, which covers Montgomery, Giles, Floyd, Pulaski, Bland, Wythe, Grayson and Carroll counties, and the cities of Radford and Galax. Hamrick, 42, said that he did not know yet in which courts he would sit.

An attorney since 2009, Hamricks work has included numerous cases where he was appointed as a guardian ad litem for juveniles. In Virginia, the position involves making independent recommendations to the court about what outcome would be in a childs best interest.

Hamrick also has handled an array of criminal defense cases and done other legal work. But he said that about three-fourths of his caseload originated in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

My practices touches every corner, pretty much, of J&DR work, Hamrick said.

Hamrick said that before June, he will wind up his current cases either by bringing them to a resolution or transferring them to another lawyer. And he will go through the state training for new judges to make sure Im fully up to speed, Hamrick said.

Hamrick said that he was grateful for legislators support in the new judgeship. He was interviewed by the Senate and House of Delegates Courts of Justice committees on March 1. His appointment was approved by the General Assembly on March 7.

The Virginia Senate voted 40-0 in favor of an appointment list that included Hamrick, and the House voted 97-0 with Del. Chris Obenshain, R-Montgomery, abstaining. Obenshain is an assistant prosecutor in Montgomery County.
East China's Qingdao sees foreign trade in goods up 5.4 pct in Jan-Feb

Xinhua) 10:47, March 14, 2024

A drone photo shows a cargo ship docking at Qingdao Port in east China's Shandong Province, March 13, 2024. The total import and export of goods in Qingdao grew 5.4 percent year on year to 125.8 billion yuan (about 17.49 billion U.S. dollars) in the first two months of 2024, according to the local customs administration. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)

A drone photo shows a view of Qingdao Port in east China's Shandong Province, March 13, 2024. The total import and export of goods in Qingdao grew 5.4 percent year on year to 125.8 billion yuan (about 17.49 billion U.S. dollars) in the first two months of 2024, according to the local customs administration. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)

Trucks transport containers at Qingdao Port in east China's Shandong Province, March 13, 2024. The total import and export of goods in Qingdao grew 5.4 percent year on year to 125.8 billion yuan (about 17.49 billion U.S. dollars) in the first two months of 2024, according to the local customs administration. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Police in Jharkhand arrested the seven men suspected in the gang rape of a foreign tourist and the assault of her husband last week. The incident highlights India's ongoing struggle to combat sexual violence against women, a challenge that has persisted for decades.



The couple, who were travelling by motorcycle from West Bengal to Nepal, were discovered by police on patrol late Friday (March 1, 2024) in Dumka district. They were subsequently taken to a hospital, where the woman revealed that she had been raped.

Three of the seven suspects were arrested over the weekend, while the remaining four were arrested on the night of March 4.

The names of the couple have been intentionally withheld.

The arrests were made following a video posted by the couple on Instagram on Friday where the woman recounted the harrowing details of the assault. She displayed bruises and wounds on her face, stating, Something has happened to us that we would not wish on anyone. Seven men have raped me, said the woman who hails from Brazil in her Instagram story. They have beaten us and robbed us, although not many things, because what they wanted was to rape me. We are in the hospital with the police. She was taken for a DNA testing at a hospital.

Media reported that the couple spoke to the police for at least two-hours on Tuesday before they continued their journey to Nepal.

The couple are on a world expedition tour and have visited 66 countries and covered 170,000 km of road travel before reaching India.

In response to the incident, India's National Commission for Women (NCW) promptly condemned the alleged assault and extended support to the victim. Additionally, Jharkhand minister Mithilesh Kumar Thakur condemned the attack and promised decisive action against the perpetrators.

The top court taking suo moto cognizance ordered the police to file the progress report in the case.

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, the court observed.

A sex-related crime against a foreign woman is likely to bring adverse publicity to the country, thereby tarnishing the image of India across the globe, the court added.

This incident underscores India's ongoing struggle to address widespread violence against women, with several high-profile cases involving foreign nationals drawing global attention in recent years. Despite legal reforms enacted in the wake of public outcry, rape remains alarmingly common in the country, with many cases going unreported due to social stigma and cultural taboos.

According to Indias National Crime Records Bureau, there were 31,516 recorded rape cases in 2022, averaging 86 cases per day. However, the actual numbers are believed to be much higher than recorded and reported.

While legislative changes have broadened the definition of sexual offences and imposed harsher penalties, advocates argue that systemic challenges continue to hinder justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators. The enduring prevalence of sexual violence highlights the urgent need for comprehensive measures to protect women and promote gender equality in India.



Originally published by Christian Today India
Floyd County schools have suspended a mass reading program thats been in effect for years, following fears that a childrens book selected in the current semester could influence tender minds in favor of transgenderism and nonbinary pronouns.

The youth novel in question is Wishtree, by Katherine Applegate, a New York Times No. 1 bestseller first published in 2017. The story is narrated by an oak tree named Red, and has been translated into many foreign languages  most recently Catalan.

The yanking of the book and suspension of the reading program appear to be the most recent local example of culture-war inspired book challenges that have hit schools and flummoxed librarians across the nation.

A panel of educators selected Wishtree for Floyd County schools March One Division, One Book program, in which students are issued a copy of the same volume and are encouraged to read it at home with their families following a prescribed schedule.

The book, said Floyd County parent Justin Buehler, promotes acceptance and unity. But in Floyd County, its elicited an opposite reaction.

Scheduled reading of the 51-chapter novel commenced March 4, and by Monday students were expected to have finished chapter 17. Instead, on Monday the school system sent an unsigned email to Floyd County parents canceling school activities related to the book  and suspending the reading program. (Nowhere does the email cite the books title.)

Buehler, a parent of three kids who attend Check Elementary, brought that email to my attention. Hed been enjoying the book with his children and was initially uncertain which section had raised hackles.

The complaints started with a March 8 social media post by Jodi Farmer, a mom who lives in Carroll County and sends her boys to a private Christian school in Dugspur, also in Carroll County.

An attachment to Farmers Facebook post featured a photo of the first page of Wishtrees chapter 5. Heres that passage:

Some trees are male. Some trees are female. And some, like me, are both.

Its confusing, as is often the case with nature.

Call me she. Call me he. Anything will work.

Thats apparently what set everyone off, according to [Floyd County schools Superintendent Jessica Cromer], Buehler told me after speaking with Cromer. She explained her office had pre-read it and approved it.

An identical version of Farmers post also appears on a Facebook page for Hebrews 11 Ministries, which has 199 followers and describes its mission thusly: Helping children and their families realize Biblical truths through scientific principles.

Parents be careful if your child comes home with this book, both posts read. Floyd County has just sent this book home. Below is a picture from the Floyd Elementary School Facebook page, an excerpt from the book itself, and reviews that praise the book for its non-binary character. (Jodi Farmer answered emails sent to that the email address listed for that page, too.)

The attachment with the excerpt (above) features this comment apparently added by the poster: This is the book this year ALL the floyd county elementary schools read for one division, one book month. Its called Wishtree. A tree with pronouns, and can be any sex it wants. Indoctrination at its finest.

As of Wednesday, Jodi Farmers post had been shared eight times and had attracted eight comments. Some were just one word  Sickening! Insane! and Eeeek.

Oh, there is a big discussion within the Floyd group right now with some very upset parents, commented Teresa Martin.

There is nothing wrong with the book, Terry Boothe wrote on the same post. Just read it completely. Maybe we need some more education about trees, plants and discrimination.

Floyd County School Board Chair James Ingram responded to neither an email nor voicemail seeking comment. Reached by phone, school board member Gene Bishop replied No comment and referred me to the schools administration.

Wednesday in an email, I posed 12 questions about the issue to Cromer. One sought the number of copies of Wishtree the school system had purchased. She ignored most of the questions, responding with this statement:

Floyd County Public Schools acknowledges recent concerns raised by the community regarding the content of the selected book for the One Division, One Book reading event.

While the initiative aimed to promote reading and dialogue, the discomfort expressed by some community members regarding certain material is recognized and taken seriously. Consequently, the event has been suspended for this year, although families may continue reading the book independently.

Buehler said he attended a meet-and-greet with school board members Tuesday evening at Check Elementary. He said Bishop appeared to be the most anti-Wishtree of the four school board members present.

Jodi Farmer answered questions via email. So did author Katherine Applegate. (Until she mentioned it, I was unaware, but shes the sister of Lisa Applegate, a former colleague who used to cover public education for this newspaper.)

Farmer said she created the post because, I wanted to make sure parents in the area, who have children in public schools were aware so that they could make an informed decision on whether their child should read this book or not.

Farmer added: Yes, it is a scientific fact that trees can have both male and female parts, but the way the book words it seems to be using an agenda to show that it is ok to use different pronouns to describe oneself, Farmer added.

It is important that children know what is going on in the world today, but it is not the schools job to tell children what they should believe or to normalize this lifestyle. It is the job of the family. I have taught my children to love everyone. I want them to love the drug addict, love the alcoholic, love those that live alternate lifestyles. Jesus loved the sinner, therefore we should too.

Just because I love them and teach my children to love them, doesnt mean I have to agree with what they do and it doesnt mean that I have to normalize that lifestyle.

Katherine Applegate told me she was unaware of the Floyd County controversy swirling around her book. Although Wishtree has been challenged in other jurisdictions, the author was uncertain where.

She noted the 2023 Oscar-nominated short documentary, The ABCs of Book Banning, featured a section that depicts a young Muslim girl reading from Wishtree. On March 2, Applegate said, she performed a reading from the book at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Wishtree is a book about tolerance, community, and kindness: nothing more, nothing less, Applegate said in the email. That trees can be monoecious, meaning a single plant can have both male and female parts, is a scientific fact.

I checked that assertion with DorothyBelle Poli, a plant biology expert at Roanoke College. She confirmed some trees have both male and female flowers and can self-pollinate under the right circumstances. And some plants sport male and female plant-genitalia in the same flower.

Trees are kinky, Poli said.

If you believe that God made trees, then it seems to me thats where you should be directing your complaints, Applegate added.
The Santa Maria Police Department in conjunction with the Santa Maria-Bonita School District will be hosting a fentanyl awareness presentation Tuesday, March 26, at Allan Hancock College Boyd Concert Hall located in building F, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Gov. Gavin Newsom made mental health a priority since he took office five years ago. The ballot initiative voters approved this week will provide billions of dollars to fund housing and treatment facilities for mentally ill Californians.
The popular artificial intelligence image-generator Midjourney has started blocking its users from creating fake images of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump ahead of the upcoming U.S. presidential election, according to tests of the AI tool by The Associated Press
An open seat to lead the nations second-largest prosecutors office has become one of the most spirited races in the Illinois primary
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Now that former Gov. Nikki Haley 2024 presidential bid has ended, she can look to the future of her career, if she wants to.

At 52 years old, Haley is very much still in her political prime, considering President Joe Biden, 81, and former President Donald Trump, 77, will have a rematch breaking the record for oldest candidates to run for the White House the two of them set four years ago.

In the near term it appears the Bamberg County native probably will take some time to catch her breath and recharge after running a more than one year-long campaign for the White House and retreat to private life.

She will face a decision of how much she wants to stay involved in politics and whether she wants to make another White House run in 2028. If she wants to stay in the public realm, she will have to decide how she does so. One way could be helping other candidates running for office this year.

Preparing for another run would require staying in the news or at least staying on donors' and activists' radar screens. Making another run may require going around the country and forming relationships with other politicians who could prove helpful in the future.

Haley last held public office in 2018, when she resigned as ambassador to the United Nations.

Trump has said Haley most likely would not be his pick for a vice presidential running mate.

Haley often repeated she wasnt staying in the race to be Trumps vice president and said her extended run was not meant to set up a 2028 campaign.

If I was running for a bogus reason, I would have dropped out a long time ago. The rest of the fellas already did that. They have their own plans. I dont judge them. But Im still here, Haley said in a Feb. 20 speech. Im fighting for what I know is right. And I dont care what the party leaders and political elites want. Ill keep fighting until the American people close the door.

Im used to people questioning my intentions, so Ill make a few things clear, Haley said. Some people used to say I was running because I really wanted to be vice president. I think Ive pretty well settled that question.

Staying relevant

What is next for Haley depends on how involved she wants to get up and down the ballot in the fall election, said Rob Godfrey, a former aide to Haley when she was governor.

There is the opportunity for Republicans to expand their majority in the House and flip the Senate and she may find herself campaigning on behalf of GOP candidates across the country.

She does it on behalf of those candidates and in doing so she not only helps them out, but she helps the (former) president out if he wins because his majority would be larger in the House, Godfrey said. His working allies would be larger in numbers in the Senate, and Nikki Haley would be seen as an ally who helped make that happen. It also happens to benefit her as well because she would have been seen as a team player.

Whether Haley decides to actively court activists and donors during the next four years will also inform whats next for her.

Regardless of any of that, she has an important voice thats only grown in its power and significance in the primary process and she will be sought out as a speaker about the future of conservative policy in the country and shes never shied away from the opportunity to talk about that and like anybody else, she has to make money, too, Godfrey said. Im sure that will be a focus of hers as well.

Warren Tompkins, a South Carolina political strategist who worked for Gov. Carroll Campbell, said Haley, the former ambassador to the United Nations, can be a contributor on cable news or Sunday morning political talk shows.

The country has challenges with China, Russia, Iran and the Middle East. People who are well versed in the foreign policy arena will be in demand.

She has credentials in foreign policy. Thats going to be a huge topic, Tompkins said. It is right now. Its not going to go away in the next few years.

Tompkins added that if Haley wants to run for a lower office in the next couple of years, she may look at the 2026 Senate or governors race in South Carolina. The states constitution only limits someone from being governor for two successive terms.

Shes got opportunities, Haley said. She just has to figure out what its going to be.

Haleys relevance may also hinge on how much money she has leftover in her campaign account from the presidential run.

If she leaves money in a federal campaign account, thats a basis for her to continue her operations, said Dave Wilson, another South Carolina political strategist. Keeping some level of an operation would allow her to keep relevance.

Another run?

Republicans have traditionally nominated someone as their presidential candidate who had run before and was in the race longer than other hopefuls. They can be as next in line.

Reagan was nominated in 1980 after a failed run in 1976. George H.W. Bush was nominated in 1988 after running in 1980. Bob Dole was nominated after failed runs in 1980 and 1988. In 2008, McCain was nominated after losing to George W. Bush in 2000. Mitt Romney got the nomination in 2012 after coming up short against McCain in 2008.

If she can take that mantle, she can only do it in 2028, said Scott Huffmon, the director of the Winthrop University Poll. But the fact is  only Donald Trump could be Donald Trump. If he gets elected, whoever he sets up as his heir apparent, will not necessarily have the advantage of previous heir apparents because they arent Trump. Being blessed by Trump doesnt automatically guarantee you a victory. We saw that in 2022.

During her 2024 run, Haley often repeated that she performed better than Trump in head-to-head matchup polls against Biden. She pointed to how Republicans lost control of the House in 2018, lost the Senate and White House in 2020, and did not have a large red wave in 2022.

If Trump loses, she is the frontrunner moving forward. If Biden loses, she is going to do a lot of making up to Donald Trump to have any chance of getting at least a nod from him moving forward, Wilson said. Its also dependent on who his running mate is. If Trump wins and his running mate is someone like Tim Scott, Tim Scott would then be set for a massive run for the presidency come 2028.

If Biden wins, she has a I told you so line she can easily run, Wilson added.

If Haley does make another run, she will have to reach out to those who have connections to grassroots activists, said Nate Leupp, who leads the 4th District Republican club in the Upstate.

A good presidential campaign needs to be making some key connections which could be a handful of people, but when the campaign season really starts to hit off, when they come to South Carolina for the year, year-and-a-half, two years preceding the actual election, they need to be reaching out to grassroots, Leupp said.

Will voters remember?

Haleys decision to stay in the presidential race through Super Tuesday irked the party faithful who called on her to drop out to allow the party to unite around Trumps candidacy.

Whether those in the GOP, who are most loyal to Trump supporters and dominate the party, will hold Haleys extended run against her will be a question.

I dont care what she does. She just needs to know the backlash is going to come back. Its going to follow her, Tanya Ramp, 39, of Myrtle Beach said last month outside of Trumps rally in Conway.

Scott, 66, and Cindy Simmons, 67, of Myrtle Beach, said they would like to see Haley as part of a Trump administration and stay the full four years, instead of leaving after two years.

She had a good position and how do you walk away from that, Scott Simmons said.

I could see her running in 2028, depending on how the country is at that point, thats when I would make my decision and whos running against her obviously, Cindy Simmons said.

Scott Simmons said he would like to see her as part of Trumps administration.

And even though Trump said he probably wouldnt pick Haley as vice president, the Simmons couple said they could see it working even though Trump and Haley would probably butt heads.

(Haley) would be somebody to challenge him, in a good way, Scott Simmons said.

But a year in politics can be an eternity and so much could happen to effect the trajectories of peoples careers.

You cannot predict politics, Gov. Henry McMaster, who succeeded Haley as governor in 2017, said on Feb. 24 after voting in the S.C. GOP primary. You never know.

McMaster points to Richard Nixons career. After serving two terms as vice president under Dwight Eisenhower, Nixon lost the 1960 presidential election. Nixon then made a comeback and won the White House in 1968 and won re-election in 1972.

Then in just a couple of years, he was gone and everybody thought he was dead again. And then he was back on the book circuit and the lecture circuit and got invited to everything, McMaster said. You cant ever tell.

In the immediate future, Haley did not indicate what she might do this cycle except for returning to private life.

I sought the honor of being your president; but in our great country, being a private citizen is privilege enough in itself. And thats a privilege I very much look forward to enjoying, Haley said.
Meat products, such as pork jerky, seized during SFA operation. (Photo: SFA)

SINGAPORE  Bakery Gin Thye was fined S$4,000 on Wednesday (13 March) for operating an unlicensed cold store, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said.

According to the SFA's media release, officers discovered on 6 September 2023 that the bakery, known for providing confectioneries for occasions like weddings and Chinese New Year, had stored over 1,500kg of meat products in a refrigerated container.

Seizure of meat products

The agency said the container, situated at the Northlink building at 10 Admiralty Street, did not have the necessary licence to function as a cold store. The SFA seized the meat products.

"Illegal storage of meat and seafood at unlicensed facilities pose a food safety risk," according to SFA, adding that cold stores for such products must operate with a valid licence.

Those found guilty of illegally storing such products could face imprisonment for up to 12 months and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

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A drone strike in Odesa, Ukraine, resulted in the tragic deaths of 12 individuals, including a Baptist pastors daughter and grandson. The attack, which targeted a residential building, also left 20 others injured, with some in critical condition.



In Odesa, a city frequently subjected to Russian aggression, the drones impact was devastating on March 2, CNN reported. Among the victims were Anna, the daughter of Pastor Nikolai Sidak of an independent Baptist church, and her infant son, Timothy. They were in their apartment when the strike occurred, leading to their immediate deaths under the debris.

Serhiy Haidarzh, Annas husband, and their daughter, Liza, were in another room and survived the attack, the Baptist Standard said. The incident took place as Anna and Timothy were sleeping, with Serhiy and Liza in a separate part of their home.

The familys ordeal ended with the discovery of Anna and Timothys bodies the following day around 4 p.m., as confirmed by Igor Bandura, vice president of the Evangelical Baptist Union of Ukraine.

The strike not only claimed the lives of Anna and Timothy but also resulted in the deaths of five children, including Timothy, the youngest victim. The ages of these children ranged from 8 months to 9 years old. The attack has sparked a wave of mourning and outrage in Odesa, with locals paying tribute at the site by laying flowers, candles and toys.

Serhiy Haidarzh recounted the fateful night at a memorial service, revealing that a change in routine, with Anna falling asleep with their baby, led to their survival in a different room. The loss was profound, with Serhiy waiting 16 hours before rescue workers confirmed the tragic outcome.

I was very worried that they suffered, but the doctors said they died in their sleep. They were found in the same position they fell asleep, they were together, he was quoted as telling the congregation.

The Kravets family also suffered immense losses. Tetyana and Oleh Kravets, both serving in Ukraines armed forces, and three of their children were killed. The search efforts concluded with the recovery of their bodies.

The nature of the drone used in the attack is under investigation, with speculations about its enhanced destructive capacity.

Natalia Humeniuk, a spokeswoman for the Southern Operational Command, suggested the possibility of a reinforced warhead, given the unusual level of destruction.



Originally published by The Christian Post
Polish border guards

Polish authorities have dealt with record-breaking 173 attempts to illegally cross the Polish-Belarusian border on March 11-12, Polands Border Guard Service reported on March 13.

The number of attempts on March 12 alone reached 133, the highest since the beginning of 2024, including 109 in the Dubicze-Czerkovno cheackpointarea.

Read also: Kastus Kalinouski regiment may enter Belarus if Lukashenko crosses red line, says United Transitional Cabine

"Most of the migrants returned to Belarus after seeing the Polish border services [personnel], the report said.

Read also: Latvia plans to mine its border with Russia and Belarus

Meanwhile, in the area of responsibility of the Biaowieza border guard outpost, foreigners attempted to cross the Przewloka River."

Read also: Over 100 Belarusian citizens detained after returning from abroad in 2023

Forty attempts were recorded on March 11. On the same day, Polish border guards detained a Ukrainian citizen who came to pick up illegal migrants in the town of Hajnowka.

In total, there were 1,142 attempts to illegally cross the Polish-Belarusian border in the area overseen by the Podlasie division of Polish Border Guard Service in 2024.

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

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Photo of general Trans Cab taxi (left) and example of test pen used by driver to attack passengers (Photos: Getty Images)

SINGAPORE  A 69-year-old Trans Cab taxi driver has been arrested for allegedly attacking a passenger with a dangerous weapon after a heated argument.

The Straits Times reported on Wednesday (13 March) that the weapon was a test pen, which is a tool shaped like a screwdriver, used to detect or test for electrical currents.

The passenger, a 39-year-old man, suffered minor cuts from the scuffle but was not taken to hospital after assessment by paramedics from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). He was accompanied by a woman in her 30s and a young boy around eight years old, reported Chinese-language news outlet Shin Min Daily News.

How the argument started

According to The Straits Times, police were alerted to the incident at 6.30pm on Tuesday at Block 107 Bedok North Road. The driver had initially agreed to drop off a family of three at multiple destinations. An argument started after he later retracted from the arrangement.

According to Shin Min Daily News, the family boarded the taxi in Hougang, and later realised the wrong destination had been specified. They then requested the driver to first head to Block 95 Bedok North Avenue 4, before heading to the original destination at Block 106 Bedok North Road.

The fight started after the driver drove straight to the final destination instead, and allegedly used the test pen to attack the passengers. The driver was arrested for voluntarily causing hurt with a dangerous weapon.

Company to assist in police investigations

The Straits Times reported that Trans Cab has yet to get in touch with the taxi driver or the passenger. It nonetheless said it would be assisting the police in their investigations.

We will not hesitate to terminate the service of the driver and we will continue to remind our drivers to provide a good service to continue to serve the public, said Trans Cab.

When passengers are on board the taxi, drivers have to fulfil their duty to ferry the passengers to the location unless the vehicle meets with an accident or a breakdown.

Story continues

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Irish Bake Potato Buffet

New Horizons United Church of Christ, 141 Reed St., Akron, Iowa, will hold an Irish Bake Potato Buffet from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 16. Choice of baked potato or sweet potato with a variety of toppings is $8. Grilled Hotdog meal is $4 and includes potato chips, chocolate chip cookie and beverage. 10% of net proceeds go to American Legion #186 in Akron. Dine-in, carryout, or free delivery within Akron city limits. Contact the church at 712-568-3446.

Mid-Week Lenten Services

Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3204 S. Lakeport, is inviting the public to their Lenten services on Wednesday, March 20. Worship times are at 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. A free-will offering soup, sandwich and dessert lunch will be served at 12:15 p.m., following the 11:30 a.m. service, and dinner will be served from 5 to 6:45 p.m., prior to the 7 p.m. service (carry-out available). Join us for our Guided to the Cross series, week five, Guided to Perseverance: Ephesians 6:18  "When we are faced with hardship, we look to Christ on the cross who endured to the end so that we might carry on."

United Lutheran Church, 315 Hamilton Blvd., will hold Lenten Worship services every Wednesday through Lent. Dinner will be served from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Service will be at 6:30 p.m. Bible Study will be held at 7:30 p.m.

Palm Sunday Dinners

Bethany Lutheran Church, 1201 Dubuque St., will host its annual Palm Sunday Brunch after the 10:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday, March 24. Serving will be from about 11:30 a.m. to about 12:30 p.m. and will feature waffles and syrup, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, orange juice, coffee and milk. The public is invited to both the worship service and brunch, and there will be a free-will offering.

Community United Methodist Church, 101 Baker St., Sergeant Bluff, will hold a ham dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 24, sponsored by Methodist Women. Food served will include ham, au gratin potatoes, vegetable with a salad bar and desert. Free will offering.

Holy Week Services

Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3204 S. Lakeport, invites the public to Holy Week and Easter Services. Beginning with Palm Sunday, please join on Sunday, March 24, at 8:15 and 10:45 a.m., Maundy Thursday services on Thursday, March 28, at 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. with Holy Communion. Good Friday services on Friday, March 29, at 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Easter Sunday services with Holy Communion and the Hallelujah Chorus on Sunday, March 31, at 6:30, 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Easter Breakfast served 7:30 to 10 a.m.

United Lutheran Church, 315 Hamilton Blvd., will hold services for Holy Week. Maundy Thursday service will be at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 28; Good Friday service will be at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 29; and service will be at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 30. Easter Sunday services will be a sunrise service at 7 a.m. and regular service at 10 a.m. with an Egg Bake Breakfast following the sunrise service.

Leonetti to keynote Mens Conference

National Catholic speaker, youth minister, parish mission leader, author and Des Moines Catholic radio host Jon Leonetti will be the keynote speaker for the April 6 Mens Conference in Le Mars, Iowa.

The Men of the Cross conference is co-sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Sioux City and the Le Mars All Saints Catholic Parish Mens Ministry group.

Leonetti shared that he will be talking to the conference participants about humans being created in Gods image and likeness, as described in the book of Genesis. He pointed out that humans are the highest form of Gods creation.

Men of the Cross will include three keynote presentations from Leonetti, two 30-minute breakout sessions, lunch and Mass at 2 p.m. with Bishop Nickless. The Plymouth County Pork Producers will be providing a hearty pork chop lunch for the men, which has become an annual favorite for the participants. Bower explained the breakout speakers will include Father Zach Jones, Father Michael Erpelding and Daniel Swalve, parishioner and father of young children.

To register for the conference, participants can go to scdiocese.org/mensconference. Cost is $40 per person if registered by March 22. After March 22, the fee increases to $50 per person. Fathers and sons registering together will receive a $5 discount off of each registration. The conference will be held at All Saints Catholic ParishSt. Joseph Church, 605 Plymouth St. NE in Le Mars.

Citywide confessions

In an effort to encourage the Catholic faithful to participate in the sacrament of reconciliation (confession), the four Catholic parishes in Sioux City are collaborating on citywide confessions throughout the next year.

Each parish will host one of four come and go confessions in the next 10 months to remind Catholics that the sacrament is available throughout the year  not just during the liturgical (church) seasons of Advent and Lent.

Confessions will be available at the following locations from 7 to 8 p.m. and the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for confession participants to pray in adoration if they wish. Multiple priests will be present at each citywide confessions event.

March 19, 2024 at Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ Church at 4241 Natalia Way

June 18, 2024 at Sacred Heart Parish at 5010 Military Road.

Pastors of the four parishes include: The Rev. David Hemann of Holy Cross Parish, which includes Blessed Sacrament and St. Michael churches; the Rev. David Esquiliano of Cathedral Parish, which includes the Cathedral of the Epiphany, St. Boniface and St. Joseph churches; the Rev. Brad Pelzel of Mater Dei Parish, which includes Immaculate Conception and Nativity churches, and the Rev. Tim Friedrichsen of Sacred Heart Parish.

Food pantry

St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 1200 Douglas St., will have its food pantry open from 10 a.m. to noon Mondays.
LOS ANGELES -- While others were caught up in the whirlwind of awards week last year, Andrea Riseborough only had hours to take in the atmosphere.

I was shooting The Regime and I only had a few days to be here, but I was so grateful, she says.

The film, To Leslie, was an independent feature about a woman with alcoholism that had limited release. Nominated for Best Actress, Riseborough was championed by a number of powerhouse actresses who had seen her performance and were determined to get her on Oscars list.

They succeeded: Riseborough landed among Michelle Yeoh, Michelle Williams, Cate Blanchett and Ana de Armas. While Yeoh won, the 42-year-old Riseborough says she got a prize of her own  stories from those who had been affected by alcoholism. That film made the world a little bigger and it made it a little smaller, she says. I was so grateful people saw the film.

And, obviously, she was thrilled to tell the story.

Doing the research

One of the most incredible, strange and valuable parts of this job is we get to delve into a world that we would never have had access to in that same way, Riseborough says. I suppose, in a sense, it feels a little like journalism.

With a multitude of characters to her credit, the British actress says she loves to delve into the process,  researching, conferring, and talking with others about story and the characters. When you leave a character, its a sort of strange, celebratory grief. Sometimes you want to revisit a character and sometimes youre, Thank you very muchquite good.

And then, perhaps, you realize later there was a little more you could have mined or you wanted to engage with.

In her latest, Alice and Jack, a limited Masterpiece series about a couple over more than a decade. Alice (Riseboroughs character, a finance executive) spends a night with Jack (Domhnall Gleeson, a scientist) and they go their separate ways. In time, however, they come back to one another and share how their lives have changed.

Longtime friends

For Riseborough and Gleeson, the story parallels moments in their own relationship. This is our third project together, Riseborough says. Weve grown up together. We played partners in the first film, brother and sister in the second. And, then, in the U.S., I played his fathers girlfriend. We came together to make this and I think we can both think of each other at those different periods of time. The acting shorthand can be summed up in one word: friendship, she says.

Alice and Jack came Riseboroughs way three weeks after I met my great love, Karim Saleh. So it felt incredibly meaningful and something I felt compelled to explore.

Real romance, Riseborough says, isnt always as predictable as movies would suggest. For most of us, its incredibly difficult and it often looks sloppy.

Alice and Jack, she says, dont live their lives together but that doesnt make it any less of a great love.

First choice

When Victor Levin was writing the screenplay, he says he thought of Andrea and Dom for the parts. Ive made a great study of both of their bodies of work and I love their voicesI love the way they make me feel. I wanted this to be not just a drama, but also a comedy. It was really about the two of them from the very, very beginning.

While Gleeson grew up in an acting family (dad Brendan Gleeson is also an Oscar nominee), Riseborough comes from a non-theatrical background. Still, they have much in common, including roles in Martin McDonagh plays. Its friendship and respect, she says.

When roles like this come her way, its kismet. Its being open to different opportunities for explorations. Its vast and endless; the world is ever-changing and ever evolving. So, there are many incredible stories to listen to and identify with."

"Aice and Jack" airs Sunday on "Masterpiece."
LOS ANGELES  When photographers relied entirely on 35mm film, they had to wait to capture that decisive moment.

Now, they can shoot hundreds of frames and feel fairly certain they got the photo they were seeking.

Artistry, however, remains a key factor.

Digital cameras are just a way of sketching what youre doing until the moment happens, says National Geographic photographer Cristina Mittermeier.

Adds photographer Campbell Addy: The decisive moment changed more to the 'intuitive moment' because you have so much at your disposal that sometimes you forget just to look. Despite having thousands of gigabytes a day to capture, you just need that one frame. That decisive moment is still there.

86163 A polar bear dives below a pan of sea ice in Nunavut, Canada, its image mirrored against the waters surface.

Mittermeier and Addy are among the shooters included in Photographer, a look at some of the worlds leading visual storytellers.

Produced by Oscar winners Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, the six-part series was designed to show how photographers make the decisions they do. The two had produced Free Solo, a heart-pounding profile of climber Alex Honnold, and heard many comments that they were crazy to climb with him just to get the perfect shot.

They were fascinated with how I do it and the decisions I make, Chin says. I always looked around at my peers and thought what they do is so crazy  how do they approach a leopard seal or a supermodel or a celebrity?

In his line of work, Chin has to be a climber first. When things are too dangerous or when I need to contribute to the climbing team in order to get us up or get us down, I have to do that before I can take out the camera and shoot.

Mittermeier agrees: You have to be an accomplished water person first before you can take any photographs because your life is in danger every second that youre in the ocean or the middle of nowhere. Theres no point in trying to chase a whale or shark. It will outrace you every time. You have to exercise tremendous patience and wait for animals to come close to you.

86163 Cristina Mittermeier talks about her life experience as a photographer and conservationist. (National Geographic/Ronan Killeen)

86163 Cristina Mittermeier photographs a Sea Turtle casually swimming by.

Paul Nicklen, a veteran National Geographic photographer, has dealt with leopard seals in Antarctica, polar bears and grizzly bears. Ive never had a scary moment with a bear, he says. But the scariest moment Ive ever had where I got attacked was in the subway station in New York.

Addy  who traffics in that world as a portrait photographer  says he has to know the subjects environment to get the right picture. The biggest fear is working with people who have huge profiles. I have to capture their essence; I have to capture a moment and an emotive space where Ive captured someone honest and true.

Like the others, he says, there are certain shoots I can think of now, if I hadnt pushed myself that one little extra inch I would be a very different artist than who I am now. I guess its scary shooting superstars in 10 minutes sometimes.

The variety of photographers is key to the series, Vasarhelyi says. What they share is their singularity and that drive to be able to execute their vision.

86163 Paul Nicklen discusses his love of the Arctic and vulnerability of filming in such a climate.

Social media, they say, isnt a threat to photography but a way to be seen. It allowed my stories and my communitys stories to get center stage where we wouldnt necessarily have had access to it, Addy says. Were ever-changing people and we have to go and push ourselves.

Social media gave Mittermeier the kind of feedback she hadnt gotten from readers. Now were having a conversation, a dialogue with millions of people around the world who are asking questions through social media.

Conversely, Nicklen went kicking and screaming into social media. I wanted to just be out there in nature with the animals, he says. When he first suggested followers could get more information if they went to his feed, he had more than 45,000 new followers in two hours. A polar bear shoot on the National Geographic site, got two billion views. Another video netted 180 million. All of a sudden, heres another way to communicate with the world. Instead of putting out a story once a year, you can beat the drum daily on issues that you care about.

Photographer begins March 18 on National Geographic and is available to stream March 19 on Disney+ and Hulu.
SIOUX CITY  A Sioux City man has pleaded not guilty of the armed robbery of a Morningside convenience store.

Threeten Sirom, 29, entered his written plea Thursday in Woodbury County District Court to charges of first-degree robbery, assault while participating in a felony, intimidation with a dangerous weapon, felon in possession of a firearm and two counts of aggravated assault.

Sirom is accused of entering Kum & Go at 1925 S. Lakeport St. on Jan. 25, brandishing a gun, demanding money and pistol-whipping the clerk in the face before leaving the store with approximately $360. He then fled the business on foot. According to court documents, a witness drove after Sirom, who fired shots at the witness' vehicle at least twice.

He was arrested Feb. 28 after a police investigation. According to court documents, he was preparing to fly to his native Hawaii later that night.

Sirom had been arrested Feb. 21 at the conclusion of a high-speed chase that reached speeds above 110 mph through Morningside. He was charged with eluding, second-degree criminal mischief and operating while intoxicated and had bonded out of jail prior to his arrest for the alleged robbery. He pleaded not guilty to those charges on March 8.

He also faces charges related to a November high-speed chase.
STORM LAKE, Iowa -- A Storm Lake man was arrested Thursday on suspicion of setting a fire in a trash can at a laundromat.

Storm Lake police and firefighters were dispatched at 11 p.m. Wednesday to Royal Laundromat, 221 W. Milwaukee Ave., for a report of a trash can on fire outside the building. The fire was extinguished by bystanders by the time firefighters arrived, and minor property damage was observed.

Reviewing surveillance video, police observed the suspect use a lighter and start the trash can on fire inside while other patrons were present. The fire spread, and several people extinguished the fire and moved the trash can outside. The suspect was seen fleeing the scene before officers arrived.

At about 1 a.m. Thursday, police located Dany Duarte, 46, and took him into custody. He was booked into the Buena Vista County Jail on a charge of first-degree arson, a Class B felony.
SIOUX CITY  The Sioux City School District presented its opening proposals Wednesday in contract negotiations with the unions representing their classroom teachers.

The district made their pitch to the Sioux City Education Association and the Sioux City Education Support Personnel Association for the 2024-25 school year. The two unions offered their proposals last week.

For the SCEA, the school district proposes a $45 increase to the base salary, from $38,711 to $38,756, and a $45 increase to longevity pay.

The SCEA proposed a 4.5 percent base salary increase and a $1,500 increase in longevity pay. The percentage increase would result in a $1,742 base pay increase, from $38,711 to $40,453.

For SCESPA, the school district proposes a 42-cent-an-hour increase and no changes to longevity.

Hourly minimum in both schedules will increase 80% of the wage increase and hourly maximum in both schedules will increase 100% of the wage increase, according to the proposal.

Sioux City Community School District directors Dr. Rod Earleywine, Superintendent of the Sioux City Community School District Board of Education talks during a meeting held Monday, Jan. 22,

The SCESPA proposed a $2.10 an-hour increase and the addition of two new longevity pay categories: Five years would give a $50 monthly increase and 10 years would give a $100 increase. SCESPA also proposed increasing current longevity pay for 15 years from $75 to $150, for 20 years from $100 to $200 and for 25 years from $125 to $250.

Under state law, the opening proposal from employee unions and the response from the district are open to the public. Subsequent bargaining sessions are held behind closed doors.

The SCEA has step increases in its contract that give a base salary increase for every additional year of service. Including that base increase, the longevity pay asks, and TSS increase, Documents provided by the district show an 6.55 percent increase from the SCEA proposal.

The district's proposal would be a 2.51 percent increase.

For the SCESPA, the $2.10 increase is a 12.7 percent hourly increase, according to district administration. The district's proposal would be a 2.54 percent increase.
SIOUX CITY  Saturday, area families can head to the Sioux City Public Museum to play bingo, get books and munch on some snacks.

The museum is hosting a free "Books and Bingo" event for elementary-aged kids with the Sioux City Community School District and the Sioux City Public Schools Foundation.

During the get together, three Sioux City Community School District members will take part in a "special storytelling hour": Board President Jan George, Associate Superintendent Angela Bemus and Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Amy Denney.

The event is being held in recognition of Read Across America Month, according to a release from the Sioux City Community School District.
NAIROBI, Kenya  Njeri Migwis phone buzzes incessantly. Phone calls and messages keep coming in from women seeking help to escape life-threatening situations. A mother and her remaining child are looking for a place to stay after her partner allegedly raped and killed her two other children, including a 6-month old.

Moments later, someone calls looking to help a woman who has been nearly beaten to death.

Sometimes I feel like I am the government, because I'm doing the work that they should be doing, says Migwi, 43, the co-founder of a community-based organization called Usikimye, which means Don't be silent in Swahili. The organization helps women escape violent relationships, puts them up in safe houses and counsels them on how to rebuild their lives.

Migwi is on the front lines of a war against a silent epidemic of gender-based violence in Kenya, where almost 60 women have been killed since the beginning of the year, according to the government.

She says her work supporting and protecting survivors of gender-based violence feels like a drop in the ocean compared to the floodgate of victims seeking help daily. In January of this year, Migwi says, 32 women were victims of femicide, defined by the United Nations as the intentional killing with a gender-related motivation.

What would the government do if 32 women were killed by a disease in a month? It would declare it a national disaster," Migwi said.

Kenya's Demographic and Health Survey of 2023 found that more than 11 million women  or 20% of the population  have experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner during their lives, with 2.8 million of those women having experienced this type of violence in the past 12 months.

Odipo Dev, a Kenyan research firm, says at least 500 women in Kenya were killed because of their gender from January 2016 to December 2023.

Migwi, a survivor of domestic violence herself, says she co-founded Usikimye in 2019 to rescue and assist Kenyan women who are silent victims of gender-based violence and who feel helpless and trapped in violent relationships.

She says that nothing would have prepared her then for the avalanche of cases of violence against women she deals with on a daily basis, particularly in the low-income area where she set up the organizations offices.

Soon after setting up shop in Soweto, one of the most violent neighborhoods in Kenyas capital, Nairobi, Migwi realized that many cases of violence against women go unreported to the police. She also found that the majority of the perpetrators are never held to account, and this emboldens them to commit worse atrocities against their victims, ultimately leading to death.

Kenya made headlines in recent months after the Jan. 3 killing of Wahu Starlet, a 26-year-old sister and daughter of evangelical preachers, who was stabbed by a man alleged to belong to a criminal ring and whose members extort and rape women they target through dating sites.

The suspect, John Matara, was arrested after he checked himself into a hospital with stab wounds from the confrontation with Starlet. He was charged with rape and murder. After his identity was revealed, seven women came forward alleging he had tortured and extorted them.

The killing of Starlet, along with those of more than 31 women in January, led thousands of Kenyans to take to the streets in the country's largest protest ever against sexual and gender-based violence.

None of the men who killed these women are in prison ... Most of them are walking among us, Migwi says.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when reported gender-based violence cases in Kenya shot up by 300%, the government reactivated special desks at police stations with officers especially trained to help fast track investigations cases of into gender-based violence to give survivors justice and deter perpetrators.

But rights activists in Kenya, many of whom spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, say those desks are no longer functional and that some of the officers in charge were frustrated over poor pay, taking out their frustrations on the survivors themselves.

Activists also point at the pervasive bribe-taking culture among members of the Kenyan police, and cases in which police officers have asked victims of gender-based violence to pay a bribe for action to be taken against the perpetrators.

Kenya police did not respond to a written request for comment about these allegations.

Migwi says she sometimes feels she's losing her mind by her inability to help all of the victims. But she draws inspiration from seeing some of the women she has helped reclaim their voice, start a new life and find their independence.

She recalls a meeting at a Rotary Club last week, where she was invited to give a keynote address, and met Sheila Shiyonga, a woman her organization helped rescue in 2021 from female genital mutilation her husband and his parents were forcing her to undergo.

I thank God for Njeri, she rescued me and took me to her safe house where I stayed with my two kids for six months. She ensured my kids went to school ... and she helped me get a job," said Shiyonga, who now works as a supervisor at a branch of one of Kenyas leading supermarket chains.

It is the success stories like that of Shiyonga's that give Migwi and other rights activists in Kenya the motivation to continue to fight.

In helping others I heal myself  and I find my voice," Migwi said.

How Houthi attacks crimp global trade Why are Houthis attacking ships? Why is the Red Sea important? How are Houthi attacks affecting trade? What does it mean for oil prices? How is the world responding?
Christian Daily International (CDI) is pleased to announce the official launch of its Spanish edition Diario Cristiano Internacional today, March 12, 2024. Serving audiences in Latin America and beyond, Diario Cristiano will feature news written by a team based in Latin America as well as stories from other regions translated into Spanish from the English edition.

In our earliest conversations about CDI, we discussed working towards publishing in as many major languages as possible so that CDI would become a truly global news publication, said Gordon Showell-Rogers, International Director of CDI.



We are grateful to God that He has enabled this next step towards that larger goal, with the launch of CDIs Spanish edition three months to-the-day after CDIs initial launch in English on December 12th 2023, he added.

Diario Cristianos editorial team is led by CDIs Latin America editor Javier Bolanos who is based in Costa Rica. Expressing his excitement about the new language edition, he said: I am thrilled to witness the launch of our Spanish version. The pages of our publication now resonate with the rich tapestry of Latin America, a region pulsating with faith, culture, and vibrant stories.

From the heart of this region where the sun kisses the Andes and the rhythm of life dances to the beat of salsa, we unveil our Spanish edition. From the cobblestone streets of Cartagena to the peaks of Machu Picchu, our reports will echo across borders, uniting the faithful in purpose and praise, Bolanos added.

Commenting on the wider vision of serving churches and believers in every country, Showell-Rogers said: At CDI, we pray that the news we write and the voices we feature will contribute to greater unity in the global body of Christ. As believers in different regions of the world read about the issues and opportunities that their brothers and sisters in Christ face in other regions, we hope that they will be informed, inspired, and challenged to pray for and stand with one another.

He also pointed to CDIs commitment to reporters from each region telling their own stories, creating a greater sense of authenticity, and raising voices which might otherwise not be heard in global conversations.

Language is central to storytelling, so we are praying that we will soon be able to add other language editions to more effectively serve believers in even more places, he said. Pointing to a growing network of news and content partners, he added that CDI is also working in partnership with existing Christian media in various regions and languages, aspiring to strengthening their work, so that we can together provide news and stories that edify the global Church.

Christian Daily International provides biblical, factual and personal news, stories and perspectives from every region, focusing on religious freedom, integrated gospel and other issues that are relevant to the global Church today. It is the vision of a group of Christian people, followers of Jesus, who are committed to professional journalism that is full of grace and truth as this is the way how Jesus is described in John 1:14.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates  Yemen's Houthi rebels claim to have a new, hypersonic missile in their arsenal, Russia's state media reported Thursday, potentially raising the stakes in their ongoing attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways against the backdrop of Israel's war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The report by the state-run RIA Novosti news agency cited an unnamed official but provided no evidence for the claim. It comes as Moscow maintains an aggressively counter-Western foreign policy amid its grinding war on Ukraine.

However, the Houthis have for weeks hinted about surprises they plan for the battles at sea to counter the United States and its allies, which have so far been able to down any missile or bomb-carrying drone that comes near their warships in Mideast waters.

Meanwhile, Iran and the U.S. reportedly held indirect talks in Oman, the first in months amid their long-simmering tensions over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program and attacks by its proxies.

Iran, the Houthis' main benefactor, claims to have a hypersonic missile and has widely armed the rebels with the missiles they now use. Adding a hypersonic missile to their arsenal could pose a more formidable challenge to the air defense systems employed by America and its allies, including Israel.

What is a hypersonic missile?

The groups missile forces have successfully tested a missile that is capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 8 and runs on solid fuel," a military official close to the Houthis said, according to the RIA report. The Houthis intend to begin manufacturing it for use during attacks in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, as well as against targets in Israel.

Mach 8 is eight times the speed of sound.

Hypersonic weapons, which fly at speeds higher than Mach 5, could pose crucial challenges to missile defense systems because of their speed and maneuverability.

Ballistic missiles fly on a trajectory in which anti-missile systems like the U.S.-made Patriot can anticipate their path and intercept them. The more irregular the missiles flight path, such as a hypersonic missile with the ability to change directions, the more difficult it becomes to intercept.

China is believed to be pursuing the weapons, as is America. Russia claims it has already used them.

In Yemen, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the Houthi rebels' secretive supreme leader, boasted about the rebels' weapons efforts at the end of February, saying: We have surprises that the enemies do not expect at all."

A week ago, he similarly warned: What is coming is greater.

The enemy ... will see the level of achievements of strategic importance that place our country in its capabilities among the limited and numbered countries in this world, al-Houthi said, without elaborating.

After seizing Yemen's capital, Sanaa, in 2014, the Houthis ransacked government arsenals, which held Soviet-era Scud missiles and other arms.

As the Saudi-led coalition entered Yemen's conflict on behalf of its exiled government in 2015, the Houthis' arsenal was increasingly targeted. Soon  and despite Yemen having no indigenous missile manufacturing infrastructure  newer missiles made their way into rebel hands.

Iran also claims to have hypersonic weapon

Iran long has denied arming the Houthis, likely because of a yearslong United Nations arms embargo on the rebels. However, the U.S. and its allies have seized multiple arms shipments bound for the rebels in Mideast waters. Weapons experts as well have tied Houthi arms seized on the battlefield back to Iran.

Iran also now claims to have a hypersonic weapon. In June, Iran unveiled its Fattah, or Conqueror in Farsi, missile, which it described as being a hypersonic. It described another as being in development.

Iran's mission to the U.N. did not respond to a request for comment Thursday, nor did the U.S. Navy's Bahrain-based 5th Fleet, which patrols Mideast waterways.

Israel's military  which also has come under Houthi fire since the war against Hamas erupted on Oct. 7 when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 others hostage  declined to comment.

US, Iran hold talks over attacks

Also Thursday, The Financial Times reported that the U.S. and Iran held indirect talks in Oman in January that America hoped would curtail the Red Sea attacks. The last known round of such talks had come last May.

Iran's state-run IRNA news agency indirectly acknowledged the talks but insisted they were merely limited to negotiations on lifting anti-Iran sanctions.

The U.S. State Department did not deny the January talks took place in a statement to The Associated Press, saying: We have many channels for passing messages to Iran.

Since Oct. 7, all of (the communications) have been focused on raising the full range of threats emanating from Iran and the need for Iran to cease its across-the-board escalation, it added.

The Houthis have attacked ships since November, saying they want to force Israel to end the war in Gaza, which has seen over 31,000 Palestinians killed in the besieged strip. The ships attacked, however, have increasingly had little or no connection to Israel, the U.S. or other nations involved in the war.

But the assaults have raised the profile of the Houthis, whose Zaydi people ruled a 1,000-year kingdom in Yemen up until 1962. Adding a new weapon increases that cachet and puts more pressure on Israel after a cease-fire deal failed to take hold in Gaza before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Earlier in March, a Houthi missile struck a commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden, killing three of its crew members and forcing survivors to abandon the vessel. It marked their first fatal attack by the Houthis on shipping.

Other recent Houthi actions include an attack last month on a cargo ship carrying fertilizer, the Rubymar, which later sank after drifting for several days.

A new suspected Houthi attack targeted a ship in the Gulf of Aden on Thursday, but missed the vessel and caused no damage, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said.

Fabian Hinz, a missile expert and research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said he wouldnt be surprised if Iran transferred a new, hypersonic weapon to the Houthis. However, the question is how maneuverable such a weapon would be at hypersonic speeds and whether it could hit moving targets, like ships in the Red Sea.

I wouldnt exclude the possibility that the Houthis have some system that has some maneuvering capability to some extent, Hinz said. It is also possible for the Iranians to transfer new stuff for the Houthis to test it.

How Houthi attacks crimp global trade Why are Houthis attacking ships? Why is the Red Sea important? How are Houthi attacks affecting trade? What does it mean for oil prices? How is the world responding?
ARTHUR THE KING (Rated PG-13 for language throughout)

An adventure racer adopts a stray dog named Arthur to join him in an epic endurance race.

KNOX GOES AWAY (Rated R for language and violence)

When a contract killer has a rapidly evolving form of dementia, he is offered an opportunity to redeem himself by saving the life of the adult son with whom he had been estranged.

SNACK SHACK (Rated R for pervasive language, alcohol and drug usage, soke sexual material and smoking, all done by teenagers)

Nebraska City, 1991, two best friends get the chance to run the swimming pool snack shack, that later comes to be the perfect scenario for transgression, fun, personal discovery and romance.

LOVE LIES BLEEDING (Rated R for violence and grisly images, sexual content, nudity, language throughout and drug use)

Gym manager Lou falls for Jackie, a bodybuilder who is passing through town en route to a competition in Las Vegas.

FRENCH GIRL (Rated R for language and some sexual references)

Follows Gordon Kinski, a high school teacher from Brooklyn, who goes with his girlfriend and chef Sophie Tremblay to her hometown of Quebec City where she is testing for the Michelin 3-star restaurant of super-chef Ruby Collins.

NEW DVD RELEASES FOR THE WEEK

Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom

Anyone But You

The Color Purple

Poor Things

Ferrari
DR. WALLACE: My dad leaves our family home really early for his job, often before it's even 6 a.m. My mother always promises to give me a ride to school with her, but then sometimes at the last minute she gets a text or call from her boss and then she'll tell me that there's no time for her to drive me to school!

Since at that point walking to school would take too long, I'm forced to call and text everyone I know to try to beg for a ride to school at the last minute. I understand her work supervisor is important to her and to her job, but I feel it's really unfair for my mom to tell me to fend for myself at the last minute. I'm a junior in high school and I feel I'm too old to be begging my friends and even acquaintances to help me get a ride to school under last-minute time pressure.

We live about a 10-minute drive from my school but it's almost a half-hour walk, so that limits my options. How can I politely tell my mother her behavior is unacceptable?  She's Not Always Reliable, via email

SHE'S NOT ALWAYS RELIABLE: If I were you, I'd drop the mindset that causes you to think your mother's behavior is unacceptable. Your mother is doing you a favor on the days she does drive you to school in her car.

It's your own responsibility to get to school on time, not hers. You're nearly now an adult yourself as I'd guess your age to be roughly 17.

Either get up early enough to walk yourself to school, or plan to get rides to school from other people. And if you do wish to try to use your mother in the future as your chauffeur, see if you can make breakfast for her or do anything else that will allow her to leave home at least 15 minutes earlier than usual. This would then allow her to drop you off and still have time to pick up her boss if she gets one of those semi-regular requests to pick her work colleague up.

THEIR GAIN MAY WELL BE MY PAIN

DR. WALLACE: I'm the youngest of four siblings and I'll be off to college this fall about 45 minutes from my hometown. I've always been very, very close to my parents, especially my mother.

Since I'm the last sibling to leave home, my parents are planning to sell the family home, buy a small condo, lock it up and travel the country and eventually the world. This of course sounds great for them, but I'm worried I won't be able to have the long heart-to-heart talks I've had with my mom for years.

She gives me guidance, encouragement and great life suggestions I really benefit a lot from. My father is quite practical and similarly gives me good financial, practical and even business advice like how to best manage my food budget when college starts for me and so forth.

My older siblings had the benefit of having my parents around in person to help them with their transitions to college life, so now I feel shortchanged and worried my guiding lights may be faint or even extinguished when I need them most. Am I being selfish or unreasonable to think this way? What can I do about the void I'm going to feel for sure this fall?  The Last to Leave the Nest, via email

THE LAST TO LEAVE THE NEST: The good news is that you still have months left before this school year even ends. Use this time to run as many questions as you can by your parents.

Try also to visit your upcoming college campus and see if you can stay with an older sibling of one of your friends for the weekend so you can get a feel for the school, the housing and the city or town.

This will likely enable you to roleplay your upcoming situation, and you'll likely have questions and concerns arise that you can run by your parents in person when you return home for the next week of high school.

Also take the time to both tell your parents that you're excited for them to get out and enjoy the world, but that you'd like to still be able to keep in close touch with them as well. At least while they are in the USA you should have no problem calling them, texting them and keeping in touch via social media.

Perhaps by the time they start to explore foreign countries you'll have settled into a nice, comfortable routine in your new environment. So do ask your parents to consider starting their travels domestically for this purpose. I trust they'll likely be able to accommodate you in this regard. They've had a lot of previous experience helping your siblings, so I trust they each can quickly give you practical and heartfelt advice when you need it.
Skeptical Science New Research for Week #11 2024

Posted on 14 March 2024 by Doug Bostrom, Marc Kodack

Open access notables

A Glimpse into the Future: The 2023 Ocean Temperature and Sea Ice Extremes in the Context of Longer-Term Climate Change, Kuhlbrodt et al., Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society:

In the year 2023, we have seen extraordinary extrema in high sea surface temperature (SST) in the North Atlantic and in low sea ice extent in the Southern Ocean, outside the 4 envelope of the 19822011 daily time series. Earths net global energy imbalance (12 months up to September 2023) amounts to +1.9 W m2 as part of a remarkably large upward trend, ensuring further heating of the ocean. However, the regional radiation budget over the North Atlantic does not show signs of a suggested significant step increase from less negative aerosol forcing since 2020. While the temperature in the top 100 m of the global ocean has been rising in all basins since about 1980, specifically the Atlantic basin has continued to further heat up since 2016, potentially contributing to the extreme SST. Similarly, salinity in the top 100 m of the ocean has increased in recent years specifically in the Atlantic basin, and in addition in about 2015 a substantial negative trend for sea ice extent in the Southern Ocean began. Analyzing climate and Earth system model simulations of the future, we find that the extreme SST in the North Atlantic and the extreme in Southern Ocean sea ice extent in 2023 lie at the fringe of the expected mean climate change for a global surface-air temperature warming level (GWL) of 1.5C, and closer to the average at a 3.0C GWL. Understanding the regional and global drivers of these extremes is indispensable for assessing frequency and impacts of similar events in the coming years. [Already. Bold ours]

Mapping of sea ice concentration using the NASA NIMBUS 5 Electrically Scanning Microwave Radiometer data from 19721977, Kolbe et al., Earth System Science Data:

We find that our sea ice extent in the Arctic and Antarctic in the 1970s is generally higher than those available from the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC), which were derived from the same ESMR dataset, with mean differences of 240 000 and 590 000 km2, respectively. When comparing monthly sea ice extents, the largest differences reach up to 2 million km2. Such large differences cannot be explained by the different grids and land masks of the datasets alone and must therefore also result from the differences in data filtering and algorithms, such as the dynamical tie points and atmospheric correction. [Combined with the non-stationary nature of the "baseline" ice extent used to compute anomalies: where do we actually stand?]

How far can low emission retrofit of terraced housing in Northern Ireland go?, James et al., Environmental Research: Infrastructure and Sustainability:

This paper investigates the potential of retrofit to reduce and limit lifecycle GHG emissions resulting from an existing house, typical of one of the predominant housing typologies in Northern Ireland. Through the use of lifecycle assessment a range of retrofit scenarios are considered for an early 20th century, solid wall, terraced house, to understand the impacts of retrofit on lifecycle emissions. A range of retrofit scenarios were modelled and simulated, considering both embodied and operational emissions over the building's lifetime, to understand how net emissions can be reduced. The results show that although fabric and some technological measures can reduce emissions by over 60% when applied in isolation, a holistic approach is required to achieve the greatest reductions. Although operation remains the largest single source of emissions, the results also show the importance of taking a holistic approach to the assessment of retrofit with varying lifecycle stages responsible for considerable emissions. It is seen that emissions reductions of up to 99% may be possible when taking a holistic approach to retrofit and its assessment, considering whole-life emissions.

Living in the Blue Zone of a sea-level rise inundation map: Community perceptions of coastal flooding in King Salmon, California, Richmond & Kunkel Kunkel, Climate Risk Management:

This paper uses the example of King Salmon, CA  a rural, low-income residential area projected to be one of the most at risk to SLR on the US West Coast  to examine how a community responds to external projections showing SLR risk to their homes and businesses. Through interviews with 17 King Salmon community members and observation of a county-hosted communities at risk workshop, we examined the communitys social context, their past experiences with flooding, and their reaction to SLR projection maps including what next steps they would like to see taken. Residents expressed a strong connection to the place, noting that it is one of the few affordable places to live on the coast in California. We found that residents already live with regular flooding during larger tides of the year and have taken steps to adapt. We observed a strong generational component in responses to projection maps with many older respondents believing or hoping that they would die before the biggest impacts from SLR arrived. Residents expressed a lack of faith in government to address flooding concerns both at present and into the future, noting that general maintenance issues have gone unaddressed for decades. Many residents interviewed and observed seemed open or at least resigned to the possibility of relocation at a future undetermined time.

From this week's government/NGO section:

Climate change opinion and recent presidential elections, Burgess et al., Center for Social and Environmental Futures, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder:

The authors review patterns of climate change opinion and polarization and estimate the effect of climate change opinion on recent U.S. presidential elections. They found that climate change opinion has had a significant and growing effect on voting that favors the Democrats and is large enough to be pivotal to the outcomes of close elections. They project that climate change opinion probably cost Republicans the 2020 presidential election, all else being equal.

The AI Threats to Climate Change, Climate Action Against Disinformation, Check My Adds, Friends of the Earth, Global Action Plan, Greenpeace, and Kairos:

Silicon Valley and Wall Street love to hype artificial intelligence (AI). The more its used, they say, the more diseases well cure, the fewer errors well makeand the lower emissions will go. But there are two significant and immediate dangers posed by AI that are much less discussed: 1) the vast increase in energy and water consumption required by AI systems like ChatGPT; and 2) the threat of AI turbocharging disinformationon a topic already rife with anti-science lies and funded by fossil fuel companies and their networks.

128 articles in 62 journals by 767 contributing authors

Physical science of climate change, effects

Albedo-Induced Global Warming Potential Following Disturbances in Global Temperate and Boreal Forests, Zhu et al., 10.2139/ssrn.4435283

The role of interdecadal climate oscillations in driving Arctic atmospheric river trends, Ma et al., Nature Communications Open Access pdf 10.1038/s41467-024-45159-5

Observations of climate change, effects

Comprehensive assessment of daytime, nighttime and compound heatwave risk in East China, Ding & Chen, Natural Hazards 10.1007/s11069-024-06504-5

Modulation of coupling climatic extremes and their climate signals in a subtropical monsoon country, Islam et al., Theoretical and Applied Climatology 10.1007/s00704-024-04892-z

Warming-and-wetting trend over the Chinas drylands: Observational evidence and future projection, Li et al., Global Environmental Change Open Access 10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2024.102826

Instrumentation & observational methods of climate change, effects

An Improved Ensemble of Land Surface Air Temperatures Since 1880 Using Revised Pair-Wise Homogenization Algorithms Accounting for Autocorrelation, Chan et al., Journal of Climate 10.1175/jcli-d-23-0338.1

Brief communication: Significant biases in ERA5 output for the McMurdo Dry Valleys region, Antarctica, Garza-Giron & Tulaczyk, The Cryosphere Open Access 10.5194/tc-18-1207-2024

In temperate Europe, fire is already here: The case of The Netherlands, Stoof et al., Ambio Open Access pdf 10.1007/s13280-023-01960-y

Influence of cloud retrieval errors due to three-dimensional radiative effects on calculations of broadband shortwave cloud radiative effect, Ademakinwa et al., Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Open Access pdf 10.5194/acp-24-3093-2024

Mapping of sea ice concentration using the NASA NIMBUS 5 Electrically Scanning Microwave Radiometer data from 19721977, Kolbe et al., Earth System Science Data Open Access 10.5194/essd-16-1247-2024

Simplified equations for wet bulb globe temperature estimation in Bangladesh, Kamal et al., International Journal of Climatology 10.1002/joc.8402

Modeling, simulation & projection of climate change, effects

Future changes in intense tropical cyclone hazards in the Pearl River Delta region: an air-wave-ocean coupled model study, Li et al., Natural Hazards Open Access pdf 10.1007/s11069-024-06510-7

Global Future Climate Signal by Latitudes Using CMIP6 GCMs, Song et al., Earth's Future Open Access pdf 10.1029/2022ef003183

Unraveling the Role of Vegetation CO2 Physiological Forcing on Climate Zone Shifts in China, He et al., Geophysical Research Letters Open Access pdf 10.1029/2023gl107826

Advancement of climate & climate effects modeling, simulation & projection

Changes in External Forcings Drive Divergent AMOC Responses Across CESM Generations, Needham et al., Geophysical Research Letters Open Access pdf 10.1029/2023gl106410

Identification of optimal CMIP6 GCMs for future typical meteorological year in major cities of Indonesia using multi-criteria decision analysis, Bhanage et al., Frontiers in Environmental Science Open Access pdf 10.3389/fenvs.2024.1341807

Land surface conductance linked to precipitation: Co-evolution of vegetation and climate in Earth system models, Franks et al., Global Change Biology 10.1111/gcb.17188

Performance evaluation of surface air temperature simulated by the Beijing Climate Central Climate Model based on the climate complexity, Jin et al., Climate Dynamics 10.1007/s00382-024-07137-x

Relationship between the Uncertainty of Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) Modes and Sampling Sizes in Climate Models, Shen & Lu, Journal of Climate 10.1175/jcli-d-23-0165.1

Understanding the Impact of Precipitation Bias-Correction and Statistical Downscaling Methods on Projected Changes in Flood Extremes, Michalek et al., Earth's Future Open Access pdf 10.1029/2023ef004179

Cryosphere & climate change

Augmenting daily MODIS LST with AIRS surface temperature retrievals to estimate ground temperature and permafrost extent in High Mountain Asia, Kim et al., Remote Sensing of Environment Open Access 10.1016/j.rse.2024.114075

Byrd Ice Core Debris Constrains the Sediment Provenance Signature of Central West Antarctica, Marschalek et al., Geophysical Research Letters Open Access 10.1029/2023gl106958

Impact of boundary conditions on the modelled thermal regime of the Antarctic ice sheet, Park et al., The Cryosphere Open Access 10.5194/tc-18-1139-2024

Mapping of sea ice concentration using the NASA NIMBUS 5 Electrically Scanning Microwave Radiometer data from 19721977, Kolbe et al., Earth System Science Data Open Access 10.5194/essd-16-1247-2024

The staggered retreat of grounded ice in the Ross Sea, Antarctica, since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), Danielson & Bart, The Cryosphere Open Access 10.5194/tc-18-1125-2024

Sea level & climate change

A framework for estimating the anthropogenic part of Antarcticas sea level contribution in a synthetic setting, Bradley et al., Communications Earth & Environment Open Access pdf 10.1038/s43247-024-01287-w

Nonstationary coastal flood hazard analysis, Jia & Sasani, Natural Hazards Open Access pdf 10.1007/s11069-024-06447-x

Paleoclimate & paleogeochemistry

A global analysis of reconstructed land climate changes during Dansgaard-Oeschger events, Liu et al., Open Access 10.5194/cp-2024-12

High-resolution LGM climate of Europe and the Alpine region using the regional climate model WRF, Russo et al., Climate of the Past Open Access 10.5194/cp-20-449-2024

Holocene thermal maximum paleofloods improve flood frequency analyses in the lower Tennessee River Basin (USA), Davis et al., Global and Planetary Change 10.1016/j.gloplacha.2024.104412

Biology & climate change, related geochemistry

A 2,000-Year Record of Eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) Colonization Shows Substantial Gains in Blue Carbon Storage and Nutrient Retention, Dahl et al., Global Biogeochemical Cycles Open Access pdf 10.1029/2023gb008039

A positive feedback to climate change: The effect of temperature on the respiration of key wood-decomposing fungi does not decline with time, Journeaux et al., Global Change Biology Open Access pdf 10.1111/gcb.17212

An evolutionary innovation for mating facilitates ecological niche expansion and buffers species against climate change, Moore et al., Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 10.1073/pnas.2313371121

Climate change and its effects on body size and shape: the role of endocrine mechanisms, Names et al., Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences Open Access pdf 10.1098/rstb.2022.0509

Climate change is an important predictor of extinction risk on macroevolutionary timescales, Malanoski et al., Science 10.1126/science.adj5763

Contrasting depth-related fine root plastic responses to soil warming in a subtropical Chinese fir plantation, Jia et al., Journal of Ecology 10.1111/1365-2745.14286

Cross-basin and cross-taxa patterns of marine community tropicalization and deborealization in warming European seas, Chust et al., Nature Communications Open Access pdf 10.1038/s41467-024-46526-y

Exposure of protected areas in Central America to extreme weather events, Gonzalez?Trujillo et al., Conservation Biology Open Access pdf 10.1111/cobi.14251

Foraging habits of Northwest Atlantic hooded seals over the past 30 years: Future habitat suitability under global warming, Vacquie?Garcia et al., Global Change Biology Open Access pdf 10.1111/gcb.17186

Genomic signatures of climate adaptation in bank voles, Folkertsma et al., Ecology and Evolution Open Access 10.1002/ece3.10886

Improving access and use of climate projections for ecological research through the use of a new Python tool, Paz et al., Ecography Open Access pdf 10.1111/ecog.07186

Insights into carbonate environmental conditions in the Chukchi Sea, Hauri et al., Biogeosciences Open Access 10.5194/bg-21-1135-2024

Making Ecosystem Modeling OperationalA Novel Distributed Execution Framework to Systematically Explore Ecological Responses to Divergent Climate Trajectories, Steenbeek et al., Earth's Future Open Access pdf 10.1029/2023ef004295

Marine heatwaves disrupt ecosystem structure and function via altered food webs and energy flux, Gomes et al., Open Access pdf 10.1101/2023.08.11.553012

Modern coral range expansion off southeast Florida falls short of Late Holocene baseline, Modys et al., Communications Earth & Environment 10.1038/s43247-024-01283-0

Population-specific responses to developmental temperature in the arboviral vector Aedes albopictus: Implications for climate change, Carlassara et al., Global Change Biology Open Access 10.1111/gcb.17226

Seasonal and long-term climate drivers of tree species phenology and litterfall in a Nothofagus cool temperate rainforest of Australia, Vogado et al., Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution Open Access pdf 10.3389/fevo.2024.1358676

Southern Ocean food-webs and climate change: A short review and future directions, Queiros et al., PLOS Climate Open Access pdf 10.1371/journal.pclm.0000358

Systematic review of the uncertainty of coral reef futures under climate change, Klein et al., Nature Communications Open Access pdf 10.1038/s41467-024-46255-2

GHG sources & sinks, flux, related geochemistry

A positive feedback to climate change: The effect of temperature on the respiration of key wood-decomposing fungi does not decline with time, Journeaux et al., Global Change Biology Open Access pdf 10.1111/gcb.17212

Canal networks regulate aquatic losses of carbon from degraded tropical peatlands, Bowen et al., Nature Geoscience 10.1038/s41561-024-01383-8

CO2 drawdown from weathering is maximized at moderate erosion rates, Bufe et al., Science 10.1126/science.adk0957

iLOSCAR: Interactive long-term ocean-atmosphere-sediment CArbon cycle reservoir model v1.0, Li et al., Global and Planetary Change 10.1016/j.gloplacha.2024.104413

Individual coal mine methane emissions constrained by eddy covariance measurements: low bias and missing sources, Qin et al., Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Open Access 10.5194/acp-24-3009-2024

Microclimate explains little variation in year-round decomposition across an Arctic tundra landscape, von Oppen et al., Nordic Journal of Botany Open Access pdf 10.1111/njb.04062

Peatland evaporation across hemispheres: contrasting controls and sensitivity to climate warming driven by plant functional types, Speranskaya et al., Biogeosciences Open Access pdf 10.5194/bg-21-1173-2024

Projected effects of climate change and forest management on carbon fluxes and biomass of a boreal forest, Islam et al., Agricultural and Forest Meteorology Open Access 10.1016/j.agrformet.2024.109959

Six years of continuous carbon isotope composition measurements of methane in Heidelberg (Germany)  a study of source contributions and comparison to emission inventories, Hoheisel & Schmidt Schmidt, Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Open Access 10.5194/acp-24-2951-2024

Soil respiration and controls in warmer winter: A snow manipulation study in postfire and undisturbed black pine forests, PACALDO et al., Open Access pdf 10.22541/au.169279291.19911911/v1

Spatial and temporal variations of gross primary production simulated by land surface model BCC&AVIM2.0, Li et al., Advances in Climate Change Research Open Access 10.1016/j.accre.2023.02.001

Variables controlling growing season carbon dynamics in desert shrub ecosystem, ?aylan et al., Theoretical and Applied Climatology 10.1007/s00704-024-04924-8

Water table depth and plant species determine the direction and magnitude of methane fluxes in floodplain meadow soils, Peacock et al., Ecology and Evolution Open Access pdf 10.1002/ece3.11147

CO2 capture, sequestration science & engineering

Using remote sensing to map degraded mountain peatlands with high climate mitigation potential in Colombia's Central Cordillera, Battaglia et al., Frontiers in Climate Open Access pdf 10.3389/fclim.2024.1334159

Decarbonization

Future Projection and Uncertainty Analysis of Wind and Solar Energy in China Based on an Ensemble of CORDEX-EA-II Regional Climate Simulations, Wu et al., Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres 10.1029/2023jd040271

Meta-analysis of the greenhouse gases emissions of nuclear electricity generation: learnings for process-based LCA, Le Boulch et al., The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment 10.1007/s11367-024-02293-y

Potentiometry of wind, solar and geothermal energy resources and their future perspectives in Iran, Zahedi et al., Environment, Development and Sustainability 10.1007/s10668-024-04633-2

Social sustainability of biojet fuel for net zero aviation, Sharno & Hiloidhari, Energy for Sustainable Development 10.1016/j.esd.2024.101419

The first demonstration of entirely roll-to-roll fabricated perovskite solar cell modules under ambient room conditions, Weerasinghe et al., Nature Communications Open Access pdf 10.1038/s41467-024-46016-1

Uncovering the rapid expansion of photovoltaic power plants in China from 2010 to 2022 using satellite data and deep learning, Chen et al., Remote Sensing of Environment 10.1016/j.rse.2024.114100

Climate change communications & cognition

Climate change worry in the times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence from two large-scale European surveys, Stefkovics et al., Climate Risk Management Open Access 10.1016/j.crm.2024.100599

Did Increased Media Coverage of Climate Change and the COVID19 Pandemic Affect Climate Change Concern and Issue Salience in the UK in 2021?, Lampard et al., Environmental Communication Open Access pdf 10.1080/17524032.2024.2326433

Education outcomes in the era of global climate change, Prentice et al., Nature Climate Change Open Access 10.1038/s41558-024-01945-z

Emotions, worry, efficacy, and climate changerelated sustainability behaviors among a representative sample of Texas and Florida residents, Garfin et al., Climatic Change Open Access pdf 10.1007/s10584-023-03658-2

How do sensemaking and climate change education affect climate engagement at the grassroots level? A study of five communities in Southeastern Ghana, Adobor, Climatic Change Open Access pdf 10.1007/s10584-024-03701-w

Perceptions of environmental changes among a climate-vulnerable population from Bangladesh, Freihardt, Climatic Change Open Access pdf 10.1007/s10584-024-03678-6

The Renewable Energy Transition and the People  Exploring the Intersections of Right-wing Populism and the Renewable Energy Transition in Portuguese Media Discourses, Valquaresma et al., Environmental Communication 10.1080/17524032.2024.2326423

Agronomy, animal husbundry, food production & climate change

Advances and knowledge gaps on climate change impacts on honey bees and beekeeping: A systematic review, Zapata?Hernandez et al., Global Change Biology 10.1111/gcb.17219

Agricultural Land-Use Increases Carbon Yields in Lowland Streams of the Congo Basin, Drake et al., Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences Open Access pdf 10.1029/2023jg007751

An investigation of small and marginal holder farmers adaptation strategies to climate variability and its determinants in coastal agriculture: evidence from east coast of India, Panja & Mukhopadhyay, Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change 10.1007/s11027-024-10118-4

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) adaptation, adaptation determinants and extension services synergies: a systematic review, Thottadi & Singh, Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change 10.1007/s11027-024-10113-9

Climatic zoning of yerba mate and climate change projections: a CMIP6 approach, Torsoni et al., International Journal of Biometeorology Open Access pdf 10.1007/s00484-024-02641-5

Factors affecting climate adaptation behavior among grain farmers in China, Wu & Xu, Environment, Development and Sustainability 10.1007/s10668-024-04500-0

Hydrological investigation of climate change impact on water balance components in the agricultural terraced watersheds of Yemeni highland, AL-Falahi et al., Theoretical and Applied Climatology Open Access pdf 10.1007/s00704-024-04913-x

Long-term straw return to a wheat-maize system results in topsoil organic C saturation and increased yields while no stimulating or reducing yield-scaled N 2 O and NO emissions, Yao et al., Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 10.1016/j.agrformet.2024.109937

Plastic film mulching increases crop yields and reduces global warming potential under future climate change, Zhang et al., Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 10.1016/j.agrformet.2024.109963

Ruminating on soil carbon: Applying current understanding to inform grazing management, Stanley et al., Global Change Biology Open Access pdf 10.1111/gcb.17223

Soil N2O emissions from specialty crop systems: A global estimation and meta-analysis, Li et al., Global Change Biology Open Access pdf 10.1111/gcb.17233

Substantial Differences in Crop Yield Sensitivities Between Models Call for Functionality-Based Model Evaluation, Muller et al., Earth's Future Open Access pdf 10.1029/2023ef003773

Hydrology, hydrometeorology & climate change

A Climatology of Intensity Change and Translation Speed of Landfalling North American Tropical Cyclones between 1971 and 2020, Grondin & Ellis, Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology 10.1175/jamc-d-23-0184.1

Enhanced influence of tropical Atlantic Sea surface temperature anomalies on east Asian summer monsoon since the late 1970s, Jin et al., Climate Dynamics 10.1007/s00382-024-07173-7

Groundwater recharge is sensitive to changing long-term aridity, Berghuijs et al., Nature Climate Change 10.1038/s41558-024-01953-z

Holocene thermal maximum paleofloods improve flood frequency analyses in the lower Tennessee River Basin (USA), Davis et al., Global and Planetary Change 10.1016/j.gloplacha.2024.104412

Impacts of climate change on spatial drought distribution in the Mediterranean Basin (Turkey): different climate models and downscaling methods, Erkol et al., Theoretical and Applied Climatology 10.1007/s00704-024-04867-0

River water quality shaped by landriver connectivity in a changing climate, Li et al., Nature Climate Change Open Access 10.1038/s41558-023-01923-x

The evolution of river systems under the influence of climate change and human activities in the endorheic zones during the Holocene, Gao et al., The Holocene 10.1177/09596836241236344

The response of global terrestrial water storage to drought based on multiple climate scenarios, Wei et al., Atmospheric Research 10.1016/j.atmosres.2024.107331

Climate change economics

Articulating a Loss and Damage Fund: How the Global South is Rethinking Agency and Justice in an Age of Climate Disasters, Kamboh et al., Environmental Communication 10.1080/17524032.2024.2327058

Climate change and economic development in Africa: A systematic review of energy transition modeling research, Blimpo et al., Energy Policy Open Access 10.1016/j.enpol.2024.114044

Does industrialization promote the emission mitigation agenda of East Africa? a pathway toward environmental sustainability, Yu et al., Frontiers in Environmental Science Open Access pdf 10.3389/fenvs.2024.1305852

Shades of sustainability: decoding the impact of foreign direct investment on CO2 emissions in Africas growth trajectory, Boubacar et al., Environment, Development and Sustainability 10.1007/s10668-024-04656-9

Climate change mitigation public policy research

Actors participation and power relations of REDD+ implementation in Bale Eco Region, Ethiopia, Chorito & Assefa, Climate Policy 10.1080/14693062.2024.2322962

Aligning renewable energy expansion with climate-driven range shifts, Ashraf et al., Nature Climate Change 10.1038/s41558-024-01941-3

Cost-effectiveness uncertainty may bias the decision of coal power transitions in China, Yan & Tong, 10.5194/egusphere-egu24-1232

Exploring policy support for wind power development from a balancing perspective - A study of dynamic strategies based on evolutionary game, Liu et al., Energy Policy 10.1016/j.enpol.2024.114061

How far can low emission retrofit of terraced housing in Northern Ireland go?, James et al., Environmental Research: Infrastructure and Sustainability Open Access pdf 10.1088/2634-4505/ad2c97

Institutionalism, the corporation, and the climate crisis, Ferguson-Cradler, The Anthropocene Review Open Access pdf 10.1177/20530196241227641

Modelling long-term industry energy demand and CO2 emissions in the system context using REMIND (version 3.1.0), Pehl et al., Geoscientific Model Development Open Access 10.5194/gmd-17-2015-2024

Status and trends of carbon emissions research at the county level in China, Ang-Zu et al., Advances in Climate Change Research Open Access 10.1016/j.accre.2024.03.003

Towards nexus thinking in energy systems modelling: A multi-scale, embodied perspective, Di Felice et al., Energy Policy Open Access 10.1016/j.enpol.2024.114052

Understanding the embeddedness of individuals within the larger system to support energy transition, Biely et al., Sustainability Science Open Access pdf 10.1007/s11625-022-01230-y

Climate change adaptation & adaptation public policy research

Adaptation pathways for effective responses to climate change risks, Muccione et al., WIREs Climate Change Open Access pdf 10.1002/wcc.883

Defining severe risks related to mobility from climate change, Gilmore et al., Climate Risk Management Open Access 10.1016/j.crm.2024.100601

Developing behavioral models of citizens for adapting to and mitigating climate change: a study on four prefectures in Japan, Aoki et al., Frontiers in Climate Open Access pdf 10.3389/fclim.2024.1283946

Disaster risk management, climate change adaptation and the role of spatial and urban planning: evidence from European case studies, Farinos-Dasi et al., Natural Hazards Open Access 10.1007/s11069-024-06448-w

Heat waves, climate crisis and adaptation challenges in the global south metropolises, Barcellos, PLOS Climate Open Access pdf 10.1371/journal.pclm.0000367

How do irrigation district managers deal with climate change risks? Considering experiences, tipping points, and risk normalization in northern Italy, Ricart et al., Climate Risk Management Open Access 10.1016/j.crm.2024.100598

How to track progress on the Global Goal on Adaptation?: a stocktaking of Parties positions on measurement one year into the GlaSS work programme, Falzon, Climate and Development 10.1080/17565529.2024.2326852

Living in the Blue Zone of a sea-level rise inundation map: Community perceptions of coastal flooding in King Salmon, California, Richmond & Kunkel Kunkel, Climate Risk Management Open Access 10.1016/j.crm.2024.100596

Policy and market forces delay real estate price declines on the US coast, McNamara et al., Nature Communications Open Access pdf 10.1038/s41467-024-46548-6

Traditional knowledge for climate resilience in the Pacific Islands, Nunn et al., WIREs Climate Change Open Access pdf 10.1002/wcc.882

Climate change impacts on human health

Climate adjusted projections of the distribution and frequency of poor air quality days for the contiguous United States, Wilson et al., Open Access pdf 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3937277/v1

How do childcare centers cope with heat?  Findings of a mixed-method approach from three German cities, Otto & Thieken, Climate Risk Management Open Access 10.1016/j.crm.2024.100597

Temperature impacts on dengue incidence are nonlinear and mediated by climatic and socioeconomic factors: A meta-analysis, Kirk et al., PLOS Climate Open Access pdf 10.1371/journal.pclm.0000152

Other

Peatland restoration in Norway  evaluation of ongoing monitoring and identification of plant indicators of restoration success, Kyrkjeeide et al., Nordic Journal of Botany Open Access pdf 10.1111/njb.03988

Some feminist strands and their potential for the performativity of climate regulations: a review, Kyriacou, Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability 10.1016/j.cosust.2024.101434

Trends of lightning flash density over India during different seasons, Prasanna et al., International Journal of Climatology 10.1002/joc.8400

Informed opinion, nudges & major initiatives

A Glimpse into the Future: The 2023 Ocean Temperature and Sea Ice Extremes in the Context of Longer-Term Climate Change, Kuhlbrodt et al., Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society Open Access pdf 10.1175/bams-d-23-0209.1

Bridging gaps in permafrost-shrub understanding, Wilcox et al., PLOS Climate Open Access pdf 10.1371/journal.pclm.0000360

Build networked resilience across cities, Bai, Science 10.1126/science.ado5304

Feeding the future world, Williams, Current Biology Open Access pdf 10.1016/j.cub.2009.10.045

Key components of sustainable climate-smart ocean planning, Frazao Santos et al., npj Ocean Sustainability Open Access pdf 10.1038/s44183-024-00045-x

Articles/Reports from Agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations Addressing Aspects of Climate Change

Clean Clicks or Dirty Chips?, Gary Cook, StandEarth

The authors examine the U.S. wave of factory expansion by the worlds four largest semiconductor manufacturers. They found that despite public commitments to 100% renewable energy across the IT sector and subsidies from federal and state governments, the rapid facility expansion underway is poised to fuel an unprecedented new demand for dirty energy in states where these factories are currently under construction. Intel, TSMC, Samsung, and Micron rely heavily on unbundled renewable energy certificates (RECs) that do little to increase the supply of renewable electricity. Rather than following the approach used by Apple and Google to add renewable energy supply to power their fast-growing data centers, Intel and other semiconductor giants are using RECs to greenwash the massive carbon footprint of their semiconductor factories.

Climate Change in the Irish Mind, Wave 2 Report 1, OMahony et al., Environmental Protection Agency

95% of the Irish people think climate change is happening. By contrast, our latest national survey in the U.S. found that 72% of Americans think global warming is happening. (Note: The term climate change was used in Ireland, while global warming was used in the U.S.) 80% of the Irish public says that most scientists think climate change is happening. By contrast, 53% of Americans say the same. 81% of the Irish public is worried about climate change. In the U.S., 65% of Americans are worried. 78% of the Irish public says they discuss climate change occasionally or often with their families and friends. In the U.S., only 35% of Americans do. 74% of the Irish public says they hear about climate change in the media at least once a week. By contrast, in the U.S., only 28% do. 79% of the Irish public says climate change should be a very high or high priority for the national government. In the U.S., 56% of registered voters say the same.

The AI Threats to Climate Change, Climate Action Against Disinformation, Check My Adds, Friends of the Earth, Global Action Plan, Greenpeace, and Kairos

Silicon Valley and Wall Street love to hype artificial intelligence (AI). The more its used, they say, the more diseases well cure, the fewer errors well makeand the lower emissions will go. But there are two significant and immediate dangers posed by AI that are much less discussed: 1) the vast increase in energy and water consumption required by AI systems like ChatGPT; and 2) the threat of AI turbocharging disinformationon a topic already rife with anti-science lies and funded by fossil fuel companies and their networks.

Beyond the Eye of the Storm. Mapping Out a Comprehensive Research Agenda for the National Security Implications of Climate Change, Bryan Frederick and Caitlin McCulloch, RAND

Climate change is on the verge of altering political, economic, and social systems in ways that could have far-reaching effects on U.S. security interests. There is growing awareness within the U.S. government that climate change could pose a serious national security threat. However, although the need to prepare for the physical effects of climate change on military operations and basing is well understood, how climate change might affect other aspects of international security has not been thoroughly studied. The authors argue that there is still an enormous amount to be learned about how climate change may affect U.S. national security. To help close this gap, the authors highlight specific areas that researchers should study further and illustrate how the impacts of climate change in these areas may affect both the Department of Defense as a whole and the Department of the Air Force specifically.

The unjust climate. Measuring the impacts of climate change on rural poor, women and youth, Sitko et al., Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

The authors show for the first time, concrete evidence from 24 countries on the magnitude of the challenge posed by the climate crisis for rural people in socially and economically vulnerable positions due to their wealth status, gender, and age. They demonstrate that extreme weather events and long-run climate change are disproportionately affecting the incomes of rural people living in poverty, women, and older populations. As a result, climate change is widening even further existing income gaps in rural areas, pushing vulnerable people towards maladaptive coping strategies and ultimately making it harder for these groups to escape cycles of poverty and hunger.

Seasonal Attribution Report. An analysis of how climate change boosted temperatures worldwide between December 2023 and February 2024, Climate Central

Carbon pollution drove abnormal warmth experienced by 59% of humanity between December 2023 and February 2024. Roughly 80% of Earths population, 6.7 billion people, were exposed to unusual warmth linked to climate change. More than half  4.8 billion people, approximately 59%  experienced at least one day of temperatures that would be virtually impossible without the influence of carbon pollution. For 1.7 billion people worldwide, daily temperatures during this span  meteorological winter in the northern hemisphere  reached the maximum level 5 on Climate Centrals Climate Shift Index (CSI) at least 31 times. That equates to a month or more of abnormal warmth made at least five times more likely by the influence of climate change.

ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1- 2022: Energy Savings Analysis, Maddox et al., US. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Building Technologies Office

To meet legal requirements, the Department of Energy conducted a technical analysis to evaluate and quantify the expected energy savings associated with the American National Standards Institute; American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers; and the Illuminating Engineering Society's Standard 90.1-2022 (Energy Standard for Sites and Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings). The authors document the methods, technical analysis, and findings supporting DOEs determination on Standard 90.1-2022. The Standard includes a renewable energy requirement for the first time.

Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community, Office of the Director of National Intelligence

The risks to U.S. national security interests are increasing as the physical effects of climate and environmental change intersect with geopolitical tension and vulnerabilities of some global systems. Climate-related disasters in low-income countries will deepen economic challenges, raise the risk of inter-communal conflict over scarce resources, and increase the need for humanitarian and financial assistance. Climate-related disasters and economic losses in low-income countries are poised to continue contributing to cross-border migration. Competition over access and economic resources in the Arctic, as sea ice recedes, increases the risk of miscalculation, particularly while there is military tension between Russia and the other seven countries with Arctic territory. El Nino weather patterns arc combining with :he effects of climate change and pre-existing vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure to worsen populations' exposure to flooding, drought, heatwaves, and intense storms. El Nino-related events arc projected to reduce global economic growth, resulting in more than $3 trillion in lost GDP during the rest of the decade.

Climate change opinion and recent presidential elections, Burgess et al., Center for Social and Environmental Futures, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder

The authors review patterns of climate change opinion and polarization and estimate the effect of climate change opinion on recent U.S. presidential elections. They found that climate change opinion has had a significant and growing effect on voting that favors the Democrats and is large enough to be pivotal to the outcomes of close elections. They project that climate change opinion probably cost Republicans the 2020 presidential election, all else being equal.

Savings in Action: Lessons Learned from a Vermont Community with Solar Plus Storage, Manogaran et al., National Renewable Energy Laboratory

The authors analyze field data from a deployment of solar-plus-storage (S+S) in a community of highly efficient homes in Vermontthe McKnight Lane community. The authors then use these data to quantify value streams of the existing S+S across stakeholders and use modeled results to show how additional value could be derived from these systems. The authors demonstrate how these value streams can be visualized and communicated across stakeholders using a novel scorecard.

Battery Energy Storage System Evaluation Method, Walker et al., US. Department of Energys Federal Energy Management Program

The authors describe the development of an effort to assess Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) performance that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) and others can use to evaluate the performance of deployed BESS or solar photovoltaic (PV) +BESS systems. The proposed method is based on actual battery charge and discharge metered data to be collected from BESS systems provided by federal agencies participating in the FEMPs performance assessment initiatives. Long-term (e.g., at least one year) time series (e.g., hourly) charge and discharge data are analyzed to provide approximate estimates of key performance indicators (KPIs).

The Lifecycle Emissions of Electric Vehicles, Corey Cantor and Nikolas Soulopoulos, Bloomberg New Energy Finance

Electric vehicles (EVs) have zero tailpipe emissions, yet the emissions associated with their manufacturing and use have raised questions regarding just how clean they really are. The answer: in all analyzed cases, EVs have lower lifecycle emissions than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. Just how much lower depends on how far they are driven, and the cleanliness of the grid where they charge. With zero-emission generation deployment rising globally, we expect that EVs will reach the breakeven emissions point with ICEs even earlier.

Obtaining articles without journal subscriptions

We know it's frustrating that many articles we cite here are not free to read. One-off paid access fees are generally astronomically priced, suitable for such as "On a Heuristic Point of View Concerning the Production and Transformation of Light" but not as a gamble on unknowns. With a median world income of US$ 9,373, for most of us US$ 42 is significant money to wager on an article's relevance and importance.

Here's an excellent collection of tips and techniques for obtaining articles, legally.

Unpaywall offers a browser extension for Chrome and Firefox that automatically indicates when an article is freely accessible and provides immediate access without further trouble. Unpaywall is also unscammy, works well, is itself offered free to use. The organizers (a legitimate nonprofit) report about a 50% success rate

The weekly New Research catch is checked against the Unpaywall database with accessible items being flagged. Especially for just-published articles this mechansim may fail. If you're interested in an article title and it is not listed here as "open access," be sure to check the link anyway.

How is New Research assembled?

Most articles appearing here are found via RSS feeds from journal publishers, filtered by search terms to produce raw output for assessment of relevance.

Relevant articles are then queried against the Unpaywall database, to identify open access articles and expose useful metadata for articles appearing in the database.

The objective of New Research isn't to cast a tinge on scientific results, to color readers' impressions. Hence candidate articles are assessed via two metrics only:

Was an article deemed of sufficient merit by a team of journal editors and peer reviewers? The fact of journal RSS output assigns a "yes" to this automatically.

Is an article relevant to the topic of anthropogenic climate change? Due to filter overlap with other publication topics of inquiry, of a typical week's 550 or so input articles about 1/4 of RSS output makes the cut.

A few journals offer public access to "preprint" versions of articles for which the review process is not yet complete. For some key journals this all the mention we'll see in RSS feeds, so we include such items in New Research. These are flagged as "preprint."

The section "Informed opinion, nudges & major initiatives" includes some items that are not scientific research per se but fall instead into the category of "perspectives," observations of implications of research findings, areas needing attention, etc.

Suggestions

Please let us know if you're aware of an article you think may be of interest for Skeptical Science research news, or if we've missed something that may be important. Send your input to Skeptical Science via our contact form.

Journals covered

A list of journals we cover may be found here. We welcome pointers to omissions, new journals etc.

Previous edition

The previous edition of Skeptical Science New Research may be found here.
A torch was passed at the 96th Academy Awards. I speak not of Cillian Murphys establishing himself as the leading man du jour, or Christopher Nolans ascendancy into a Spielberg-like box-office auteur, or even Ryan Goslings uncanny ability to find a brand-new way to be hot. No, instead, the Oscars proved, once again, that America is capable of sustaining the popularity of exactly one ludicrously jacked former wrestler at a time, and in 2024 his name is John Cena. This is terrible news for Dwayne the Rock Johnson, who had a formidable run with the belt but is now relegated to second place.

You likely remember Cenas appearance at the Academy Awards. It occurred in the midst of the shows doldrums, when the technical achievements must be honored and momentum grinds to a halt. The producers typically come up with a gimmick or two to keep the audience engaged, and this year their solution was for Cena to present the Oscar for costume design while garishly nude, wearing only a pair of Birkenstock sandals. The whole bit recalled a famous incident in Oscars history in which a streaker ran across the stage behind David Niven during the 1974 show, and Cena reprised the role perfectly. He cut the same silhouette as he has in the wrestling ring for much of the past 20 years: oily and huge in an oddly cuddly way, with deltoids the size of most peoples waists. Cena nailed a couple of easy punchlines and sold a counterfeit humiliation about his predicamenteven though there is no doubt that he looked better naked than 98 percent of the attendees.

Compare that to the Rock, also attending the show as a presenter, who mumbled a few toothless lines about cinema being a global language to preamble the International Feature category, alongside a flimsy joke about his co-presenter, Bad Bunny. It clunked in the room and on TV, which is the perfect corollary for the Rocks current station in the business of celebrity. The jig is up: Cena is younger, hunkier, and unblemished by the deleterious forces of overexposure, and his protective brand-conscious instincts have not gnarled to the point that he would decline a streaker bit on national television. As such, he is about to take all of the Rocks roles.

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There has not been a single moment in American history when two imports from the WWE have shared equal dominion over Hollywood. Much like the wrestling industry itself, only one man at a time can be the world champion. The first was Hulk Hogan, who experimented with a jittery, cosmically weird, and ultimately faulty venture into crossover stardom in the late 80s and early 90safter he had burned quite a few bridges with his colleagues in the ring. Hogan would play Thunderlips in 1982s Rocky III, which is probably the fourth or fifth best Rocky film, as well as intergalactic stormtrooper Shep Ramsey in 1991s Suburban Commando alongside Christopher Lloyd and Shelley Duvall, a role that moved Roger Ebert to write, with resonant antipathy, Hogans range is limited, but not as limited as the movies hes appeared in.

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Related From Slate The Far Right Thinks Sydney Sweeney Killed Wokeness Read More

Hogan would return to wrestling with his tail between his legs in the mid-1990s, and today performs only in the terrain of reality television. That left the Rock as the lone wrestler standing who could feasibly refine a transition into mainstream relevancy. He left WWE in 2004, following the promising yields of The Scorpion King and The Mummy Returns, and never looked back. The Rock became nuclearly successful with billion-dollar franchises like Fast & Furious and the greater DC cinematic universe, flexing an uncommon affability and precise comic timing that catapulted him to rarefied tiers of fame. (There was even a moment in 2017 when audiences were openly sizing up the Rocks presidential bona fides.) However, more recently, the Rocks film career has petered out a bit, the result of a combination of turgid movies (Black Adam), box-office slaughters (Jungle Cruise), and rumors of interpersonal on-set toxicity. (Consider the wealth of bad vibes that have leaked from the Fast & Furious crew over the years.) Unsurprisingly, with only two films on his docket in 2024, the Rock has found himself back in the wrestling ring for the first time since 2013. He is main-eventing Wrestlemania this year rather than opening a blockbuster, which can only be perceived as a downgrade in status.

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Cena clearly sensed an opportunity and has filled the Rocks gap seamlessly. The man is riding perhaps the greatest hot streak a wrestler-cum-actor has ever enjoyed, thanks to his unique nerdy charisma and ability to demonstrate genuine cinematic vulnerability despite his hulking frame. He is excellent in HBOs psychotic Peacemaker, which is one of the few survivors of the great superhero flick purge, and hes coming off a 2023 in which he appeared in six moviesincluding Barbie, where he played the instantly iconic Kenmaid. There is a levity, and newness, to Cenas reign that has made him unimpeachablehes an ubermuscular toy that auteurs cant wait to play with. More importantly, his body mass is not integral to his creative range: Cena is booked for a movie directed by Paul Feigof Bridesmaids famelater this year, which is the exact sort of aesthetic mashup that gets my blood up. Over the past several years, the Rock, meanwhile, has starred in the disaster flicks San Andreas, Skyscraper, and Rampage, which each asked him to represent the exact same imperious ass-kicker he is in the ring. Hes never quite challenged himself in the same way.

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In fact, you could make the argument that Cena isnt even competing with the Rock for the same turf, especially when a different rival is coming into view. Dave Bautista, who was not as famous as either men during his time in the WWE, has carved out a remarkable niche as a mega-yoked aesthete. He is a Marvel Avenger, a Dune villain, and a Blade Runner replicant, and has made time to appear in a variety of artisanal big swings, like Hayao Miyazakis The Boy and the Heron and Rian Johnsons Glass Onion. I like to imagine Bautista and Cena eyeing each other from across the ring, with the title on the line. The Rock? Well, he tapped out long before the main event.

Because, truly, there is only one more achievement a wrestler has yet to reach in Hollywood. Eventually, someone is going to need to brandish an Oscar as a winner, rather than a presenter, thus putting the art of professional wrestling adjacent to aureate, mainstream prestige. Cena has the inside track. Make the phone call, Christopher Nolan. Oppenheimer wouldve looked better with massive biceps anyway.
This article was originally featured in Foreign Policy, the magazine of global politics and ideas.

A family snap of the Princess of Wales with her three children has dominated headlines and group chats since its release on U.K. Mothers Day last weekend. Princess Catherine, whom the palace says is recovering from a January abdominal surgery, is known chiefly for never putting a foot wrong during nearly two decades of intense public scrutinyfirst as the girlfriend of Prince William, then as a wife and mother to future kings, and an advocate for uncontroversial but important causes, such as early childhood development.

Yet, even for a woman defined by her seeming perfectionHilary Mantel once wrote that the former duchess appeared to have been designed by a committee and built by craftsmenthe Mothers Day photo of Catherine and her family was judged to be a little too perfect. The uncanny valley of the photo was prime territory for conspiracy theories, already circulating, that the princess is missing or perhaps even dead. According to these theories, the snap was either a sinister throwback designed to deceive, or created via artificial intelligence, in order to conjure a body or bodies. (The A.I. charge has since been debunked thanks to the photos metadata.)

It turned out there was a technical reason why our collective gaze rejected the photo, its wonky sleeves, and its distorted skirting boards. The picture had been edited, apparently by the princess herself, likely for the same reason anyone edits photos, which is to look better. Flawless. Not a crime, exactly, but not something the public has much patience for anymore.

This week marked the seven-year anniversary of another familys moment in the global spotlight, and the contrast between the two is instructive on how expectations have changed. Incredibly, it was 2017 when an interview on the BBC with Professor Robert E. Kelly about political tension between North Korea and South Korea was interrupted by his extremely adorable daughter, Marion, and her equally cute younger brother, James, bursting into the roomonly to be coaxed and then dragged out by Kellys wife, Kim Jung-A. At the time, the episode was greeted with worldwide mirth and disbelief. Its hard to imagine it making anywhere near the same waves in 2024.

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Kelly, who has contributed to Foreign Policy, kept his cool on-air with pardon me and apologies. But what made the incident so strikingin addition to the kids unforgettable entrances, and their mothers careening across the floorwas its collision of public and private. It was unprecedented then, not so much now. In fact, its hard to imagine how mortifying the interview must have been for Kelly at the time. He told the New York Times afterward, We thought it was a disasterwould the paper even report on this happening now?and confessed a fear that no TV network would ever call him again. The opposite was true, of course. Theres not a producer in the world who wouldnt think of Kelly when consulting a virtual Rolodex of Korea experts. Seven years later, media organizations delight in running updates on his family and sharing photos Kelly has posted of them on social media. Theyre all grown up, the New York Post declared this time around.

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Maybe, like the Kelly kids, were all grown-up too and are no longer content to be fed images of family life that look too neat and unscuffed. Since Marion burst into her fathers study, a few events have reshaped our relationship to what family life actually looks like.

Related From Slate The Kate Middleton Situation Was Out of Control. Then the Royals Made a Hugely Stupid Mistake. Read More

First, there was the pandemic. During COVID, we all got to peer into each others lives in a way that was unprecedented. Think Joe Biden conducting a presidential campaign from his basement, or Anna Wintour filmed doing a Zoom in sweatpants. Even Queen Elizabeth got into the swing, delivering an address from what we liked to imagine was her slightly less formal receiving room in April 2020, and ending with the cozy and comforting refrain that well meet again. Because of this precedent, and for white-collar workers fortunate enough to continue their jobs at least part of the time from home, the idea of a kid making an appearance during a meeting is no longer a big deal. If anything, it is now seen as humanizing.

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Then theres the rise and fall of influencer culture. Documenting domestic life on the internet arguably began with the Mormon mommy bloggers of the early 2010s. As phones became more ubiquitous in everyday life, so too did the audiences desire for warts and all, and the suburban wine moms on Instagram were ready to answer the call. These days, the most successful influencers toe a careful line: never too perfect, always relatable, sometimes vulnerable, up for sharing both parenting fails and styling hacks. Theyre tiredwho wouldnt be, with a brood this bigbut look! Everyones in matching pajamas, Moms using the new Dyson hair dryer, and here are the affiliate links with a discount code just for you.

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Finally, lets not underestimate the impact of runaway royals the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have pulled back the curtain on the most famous family of all. Between the couples tell-all interview with Oprah, their Netflix documentary, and Prince Harrys memoir Spare, the British royal familys rampant dysfunction has been revealed anew for those not alive or sentient when Princess Diana was doing the same. When Diana told the BBC in 1995 that she wanted to be a princess of hearts but didnt see herself becoming queen of England, she seemed to be grasping, ahead of her time, the growing potency of attention over institutional power. Theres a reason why the Kardashians, who also understood this truth before others, are referred to as Americas royal familyand at this stage, probably live much nicer, and easier, lives than their British counterparts.

These days we are all the popular Marie Kondo GIF I love mess! We expect it, we demand it, and when its not there, we get angry. The publics reception to two families, both alike in virality, illustrates this phenomenon. BBC Dad is no longer the aberration. Hes the norm. And until the Waleses embrace this new world, conspiracy will swirl in the information vacuum theyve created.
This is part of Season 2 of Whos Afraid of Aymann Ismail?, a series featuring Slates Aymann Ismail investigating fears about Muslims in America. Watch the entire series.

If youve never had a bean pie, youre missing out on a lot more than a dessert. Made from navy beans, it was developed by black Muslims in the Nation of Islam in the 1930s. The history of why they created it, and what it represents, tells one of the most essential stories about Muslims in America. And as youll see, it is extremely delicious.

In this episode, I travel to Abus Bakery in Brooklyn, the only bakery in New York City to make the pie, where the founder and his son tell me why they carry on the legacy. I also stop by the Brooklyn Historical Society, where oral historian Zaheer Alithe head of an incredible project called Muslims in Brooklynexplains how a simple pie symbolizes the black Muslim experience in America. Aymann Ismail

This series is written and produced by Aymann Ismail and Jeffrey Bloomer, and edited by Aymann Ismail.

Watch more episodes:

Why the Far Right Believes Every MuslimIncluding MeIs a Liar

What Happened When a Muslim and Catholic Got Married in Small-Town Iowa

Fox News Claimed a Sharia Law Court Is Enforcing Islamic Law in Texas. So I Went to See It.
Sen. Chuck Schumers call for new elections in Israel marks a startling turn in the spiraling tensions between Washington and Jerusalem.

In a speech delivered Thursday on the Senate floor, Schumer declared that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus extremism, especially in his refusal to tone down the bombing of Gaza in the war with Hamas, is turning the Jewish state into a pariah nation. The speech set off political earthquakes in both capitalsthe Israeli newspaper Haaretz called it a watershed moment in relations between the two countriesnoting that Schumer is not only the Senate majority leader but also a longtime stalwart supporter of Israel and the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in U.S. history.

Schumers call was not quite as firm as some headlines suggest. He did not advocate an immediate cease-fire in Israels war with Hamas. Rather, he said a new electionto give Israelis an opportunity to express their vision for the postwar futureshould be held once the war starts to wind down. He put forth no plan or timetable on when the winding down should take place.

In another little-noted passage, he also called for the ouster of Mahmoud Abbas as president of the Palestinian Authority, saying that for there to be any hope of peace in the future, Abbas must step down and be replaced by a new generation of Palestinian leaders who will work towards attaining peace with a Jewish state.

Still, Schumers critique was as stark and stern as any delivered by an American political leader. Netanyahu, he lamented, has lost his way, putting himself in coalition with far-right extremists that no longer fits the needs of Israel after Oct. 7. The world has changed radically since then. Netanyahus toleration of civilian deaths in Gaza is pushing support for Israel worldwide to historic lows, and Israel, he noted, cannot survive if it becomes a pariah.

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He went further still, warning that the patience of even the United States, Israels strongest ally, has limits. The Netanyahu coalition, he charged, is pursuing dangerous and inflammatory policies that test existing U.S. standards for assistance. If the coalition remains in power, Washington should use its leverage to play a more active role in shaping Israeli policy.

Earlier this week, eight Senate Democrats called on President Biden to halt military aid to Israel if it doesnt do more to minimize civilian casualties in Gaza. But Schumer has never supported placing any such limits on aid to Israel. Quite the contrary. He has rarely criticized Israel at all. He even joined many Republicans in speaking out against President Barack Obamas Iran nuclear deal because Netanyahu argued that the accord would harm Israeli security.

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It is unclear what impact Schumers speech will have. Republicans in Congress have denounced it as grotesque and inappropriate. White House national security spokesman John Kirby said that Schumer gave advance notice of the speech to Biden, who neither approved nor disapproved it. Whether or not to hold elections, Kirby said, is up to the Israelis.

In Israel, the speech has been the subject of headline news all day. Haaretz predicted that it will only further cement Netanyahus poor standing within the Democratic Party. Opposition leader Yair Lapid lauded Schumers turn as proof that one by one the prime minister is losing Israels biggest supporters in the U.S.

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However, most opinion has been critical. Benny Gantz, a member of Netanyahus emergency war Cabinet but also his most prominent rival if there were elections, called Schumers speech a mistake. He praised the senator as a friend who helps us a lot, including recently, but added, Israel is a strong democracy, and only its citizens will determine its leadership and future. Any external intervention in the matter is incorrect and unacceptable.

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Thousands of Israelis have protested in the streets for Netanyahu to leave office or for new elections to be held. But it is unclear just how this would happen, since new elections arent scheduled until Oct. 2026. The only way for Netanyahu to be ousted before then would be if a handful of Netanyahus coalition partners resigned, eliminating his majority in Parliament. All of his partners stand to his right politically, so they would resign only if Netanyahu moved too far for their taste to the leftthat is, too far toward accommodation with the Palestinians or his Western critics.

Related From Slate Four Things That Will Have to Happen for the Israel-Hamas War to End Read More

This is one reason Netanyahu refuses to caverefuses even to dissociate himself from his partners most extreme positions. Schumer singled out two of the most outspoken partners, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, who have advocated reoccupying Gaza and annexing the West Bank. Ben-Gvir also recently praised a Jewish settler for murdering a 12-year-old Palestinian boy. Nor, for similar political reasons, has Netanyahu deigned to pay even lip service to the notion of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, even after Saudi leaders said they would resume talks toward normalized relations with Israel if he merely endorsed the idea of a Palestinian state as a goal, in principle, at some time in the future.

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Complicating all this is the fact that Hamasnot Israelhas rejected a plan for a six-week cease-fire, during which Hamas would free 40 hostages (out of the 134 remaining in Gaza) and Israel would release 400 Palestinian prisoners. Israel not only supports the plan but helped negotiate it with the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar.

Netanyahus political position is so fraught and tangled with the extreme right that he cant even tout himself publicly as a willing peacemaker, stressing instead his determination to continue the war, pushing Israeli troops to the southern edge of Gaza, until Hamas is completely destroyed.

Schumer may have hoped to pressure Netanyahu and other Israelis to support moves toward peace more loudly. Egypt and Qatar have been pressing Hamas to do the samebut, it seems, not hard enough.
As one of the most important battleground Senate races in the country, where Democratic incumbent Sherrod Brown is hoping to hold his seat in red Ohioand possibly majority control of the chamber along with itDemocrats are deeply invested in Tuesdays Republican primary that will decide who Brown will be running against.

Now, theyve literally invested in it too. A group called Duty and Country, funded by Senate Democrats Senate Majority PAC, is spending roughly $2.7 million in the states Republican primary to tilt the outcome in favor of far-right, Trump-endorsed candidate Bernie Moreno. State Sen. Matt Dolan, who has been endorsed by Gov. Mike DeWine, has taken the lead in the polls, but Moreno is close behind, with Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose trailing.

Its not the first time in 2024 that Democrats have elevated a Republican Senate candidatethat, too, happened just a few weeks ago in California. Why would Democrats throw valuable resources behind their adversaries?

Its all part of a strategic gambit that Democrats embraced, somewhat newly, in the 2022 midterm cycle, and its not without its critics. The usually impartial New York Times called it an enormously risky strategy two years ago, after Democrats waded into a handful of Republican primaries to elevate more extreme, far-right candidates. Those extremist candidates, according to Dems own polling, would turn off swing voters, making them weaker candidates in a general election contest versus Democrats.

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Despite those detractors, the strategy proved remarkably successful, especially in the Upper Midwest. In Pennsylvanias gubernatorial race, Democratic candidate Josh Shapiro spent money to elevate eventual Republican primary winner Doug Mastriano, who held a bevy of cockeyed, far-right beliefs. Mastriano, forced to defend those out-there positions, came unglued in the general election, and Shapiro trounced him.

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In another high-profile primary, Democrats spent to elevate Trump hard-liner John Gibbs over moderate Peter Meijer, one of the 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Donald Trump for his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection attempt. Gibbs beat Meijer narrowly, becoming the Republican candidate in Michigans 3rd Congressional District. The gambit, again, paid off: That swing district race was won a few months later by Democrat Hillary Scholten.

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Even in races where it didnt work out, the downside was capped. Democrats tried to elevate a more extreme right-wing Senate candidate in Colorado, and failed; Democrat Michael Bennet won easily even against the more moderate Joe ODea. Despite playing with fire, Democrats came away from that cycle without once getting singed.

Early in the 2024 cycle, it seems that this approach will again be a fixture. In a state where moderate Republicans still seem to have some purchaseDeWine is not Trump-aligned, though hes hardly a liberala far-right candidate like Moreno might have a tougher path to reelection. Brown, the Democratic incumbent, faces a steep uphill battle in a state where Democrats havent been competitive statewide in quite a while; facing up against a weaker, more extreme candidate like Moreno would mark a slight advantage for a candidate who will take all the help he can get. Trump-backed Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance ended up being a massive financial drain on Senate Republicans just two years ago, requiring huge cash infusions to secure a victory against a nonincumbent Democrat. Dems have reason to believe this matchup would be even more favorable.

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And yet: The strategy of boosting Republicans is already being stretched to more dubious ends than last cycle. In Marchs California Senate primary, Democrat Adam Schiff spent lavishly to animate the barely breathing Senate campaign of Republican Steve Garvey. Schiffs millions were so effective that Garvey, despite having no real money, staff, or platform, actually finished first in Californias jungle primary, ahead of Schiff and all other Democrats. The two will face each other in a runoff in November.

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But theres a critical difference between what Schiff did and Democrats intervention into the Ohio race.

The Ohio Senate race shares some important features with the successful 2022 races highlighted above: All of them were swing districts or swing states, and all of them were in partisan primariesmeaning that elevating one Republican over another did not have any real adverse effect on Democratic competitiveness or turnout elsewhere on the ticket.

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Related From Slate Democrats Are in Deep Trouble in California Read More

In Schiffs race, the opposite was true. California is resoundingly not a swing state; Republicans are not competitive statewide. Meanwhile, the state does not have closed or partisan primaries; it has an open, jungle primary system, where the top two candidates, regardless of party, face off in November.

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Schiff, fearing a head-to-head matchup with a progressive Democrat who is more aligned with the states actual politics, spent lavishly to help Garvey to prevent that from happening. His campaign went to great lengths to juice Republican turnout, contacting high propensity Republican voters with mailers and more.

Schiff got what he wanted, but the outcome was effectively the opposite of what Democrats have generally accomplished with their pro-Republican meddling. Juiced-up Republican turnout made life harder for down-ballot Democrats all over the state; Democratic groups had to pony up critical resources to ensure that they didnt get locked out of critical runoffs by missing top-two finishes. (According to Schiffs own campaign, Republicans turned out in massive numbers, though they offered no explanation as to why.) So Schiff benefited personally, and Democrats everywhere suffered for it. Whether this has any lasting effect on the general election remains to be seen.

Schiff can now win his California Senate seat without spending another cent. On the other hand, if Democrats manage to force a Moreno vs. Brown showdown in Ohio, which will be more favorable than taking on Dolan, it will still require tens of millions of dollars, if not more, for Brown to gut out a Democratic victory.

There was some hope that Schiff would simply donate his vast trove of resources to needy Democratic senators in these highly contested swing states. So far that doesnt seem to have happened. He continues to fundraise for himself.
This article was originally featured in Foreign Policy, the magazine of global politics and ideas.

For the past four and a half years, Haitis internal security has steadily deteriorated. In 2019, the United Nations concluded 15 years of peacekeeping operations in the country, which had been initiated to address growing instability in the wake of President Jean-Bertrand Aristides 2004 ouster. Under the U.N. mission, an estimated 10,000 international nongovernmental organizations channeled foreign aid into Haiti to help support its social services. But the U.N.s departure forced many aid groups to withdraw, spiraling the country into social unrest once again.

The 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise was the most visible harbingerand catalystof impending state collapse. That foreign mercenaries managed to kill the president, as both Haitian officials and U.S. prosecutors allege, was itself a signal of Haitis eroded internal security. De facto Prime Minister Ariel Henry then assumed control of the government without a roadmap to new elections. Henrys lack of legitimacy made him unpopular and further compromised the countrys stability.

Now, the Haitian state has functionally disintegrated. Henry traveled to Nairobi in late February to secure Kenyas leadership of a new U.N.-authorized Multinational Security Support mission for Haiti. But his absence from Port-au-Prince undermined the prospects of the planned intervention by emboldening gangs that already controlled most of the capital to make further advances.

Jimmy Cherizier, who leads the G9 Family and Allies gang and is known by his nom de guerre, Barbecue, apparently orchestrated a mass prison break in Port-au-Prince, freeing upward of 4,000 prisoners. This faction has claimed responsibility for attacks on government institutions, including Toussaint Louverture International Airport, the apparent aim of which was to prevent Henrys return. Cherizier declared his intent to oust Henry, threatening civil war and genocide unless the leader resigned. The Haitian National Police, whose ranks have dwindled from around 9,000 to an estimated 5,000 over the past two years, is losing ground daily.

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After an emergency Caribbean Community and Common Market meeting in Jamaica on Monday, Henry announced his resignation and vowed to step down after the installation of a CARICOM-mandated transitional council. Henry was not present at the meeting and remains in Puerto Rico, where he diverted his plane after being unable to land in Haiti or the Dominican Republic.

These rapidly escalating developments should prompt the international community to speak about Haitis crisis in clearer terms. The country is experiencing not just an uptick in gang violenceas the U.N. mandate for the new security mission characterizes itbut a full-blown insurgency. Pretending otherwise will doom any intervention before it has begun. In framing Haitis situation as a mere gang problem, global actors risk committing to an ill-prepared and ill-fated intervention that will fail to secure the country and needlessly endanger those deployedultimately exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

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The Kenyan-led U.N. mission to Haiti was predicated on the view that the country required assistance in suppressing gang violence to restore public order. As a result, the current U.N.-backed plan, largely financed by the United States, entails Kenya leading the force with a contingent of 1,000 Kenyan police officers. Several CARICOM states, as well as Bangladesh, Chad, and Benin, have pledged to send personnel to supplement the Kenyan police, but their numbers and composition have yet to be finalized.

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As the coreand only deployment-readyforce, the Kenyan contingent is wholly insufficient to provide any meaningful reinforcement to the Haitian National Police. It is also inappropriate to center the U.N. mission on policing when Haitis situation clearly requires a military response.

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Police officers enforce laws under governments that hold the monopoly on violence in their respective territories. When nonstate armed groupswhether one calls them gangs or insurgentschallenge that monopoly on violence by establishing control over territory claimed by the state, they nullify the laws reach into that space. In these cases, a military intervention is necessary to reclaim lost territory and neutralize hostile forces.

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The distinction between organized criminal groups and insurgency groups can be murky. Both employ violence to contest state control over territory. A growing body of strategic literature speaks to organized crime and insurgencies as variations of the singular phenomenon of organized violence. Narco-traffickers in Latin America, most recently in Ecuador, have so evidently confounded the distinction that analysts increasingly label them as criminal insurgents.

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This nuance is often eschewed by academics, policymakers, and other stakeholders who remain hesitant to liken organized crime to insurgencies for both rhetorical and pragmatic reasons. Rhetorically, they concede the overlap in the modi operandi of gangs and insurgent groups but reserve the insurgency label for armed groups with stated political goals, as opposed to criminal groups, which are considered violent income-generating enterprises.

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Regardless, Haitis most prominent and powerful gangs have issued political demands while also conducting operations against government officials, institutions, and infrastructure. These are the actions of insurgents carrying out urban warfare. Perhaps if a major gang donned fatigues and included the word revolutionary in its name, we would more readily acknowledge this reality.

States also hesitate to describe gangs as insurgent groups because doing so carries practical implications. Since gangs are conceived as criminal enterprises, countermeasures fall under the umbrella of justice and law enforcement; combating gangs, the argument goes, is the purview of the police and the courts. Declaring the existence of an insurgent group, by contrast, invokes the laws of war, a military response, and the concomitant resources and strategy.

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It is undeniable that Haiti is a failed state. That means there is no Haitian-led solution to the countrys turmoil forthcoming. The Haitian government, and by extension its laws, has lost authority; armed groups have overrun Port-au-Prince and are expanding across the country. The only practical goal of an international intervention would be to reverse this situation and reassert control of the country through direct confrontation with armed groupssetting aside the fraught question of determining trustworthy local stakeholders to reconstitute a government. This is the work of soldiers, not police. Retaking territory and neutralizing enemy combatants are military actions.

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For the moment, Kenya has paused its plan to deploy its police forces to Haiti until a transitional government has been established. This gives the international community an opportunity to rethink and reconfigure the requirements for the U.N.-backed security mission.

Unless CARICOM, the U.S. government, and all who have a say or stake in Haiti accept that we are facing an insurgency, not a gang problem, the prospects of resolving Haitis crisis remain dim. Haiti can only be brought under control by a military deployment operating under rules of engagement that recognize armed groups as combatants. Otherwise, anarchy will prevail, with attendant consequences for the people of Haiti and the security of the Caribbean Basin.
Three memorabilia emerge from the wake of the disastrous and hilarious Willy Wonka-inspired experience in Glasgow, Scotland two weeks ago to be sold in, so far, a surprisingly successful eBay auction.

According to a recap by Vox, the House of Illuminati-launched event saw disappointed kids and parents who paid as much as $45 per ticket only to receive half a glass of lemonade and rationed jellybeans for their patronage.

The keepsakes were the dull backdrops intended to evoke the "magic" of the famed fictional chocolatier's enchanting factory, all of which are now being sold as a set in an eBay sale initiated by the Monorail Music record store, similarly located in Glasgow.

A Good Addendum to a 'Disastrous' 'Willy Wonka' Experience

Despite the event betraying all the expectations of its visitors, it did cement itself in the internet's club of "clowned-on" entities, which is mostly thanks to circulating meme photographs. This includes a comedically drab scene involving what others dubbed as "Meth Lab Oompa Loompa."

Because of this notoriety, others have enjoyed chiming in on all the hilarity, with an Aberdeen art gallery even putting in its rendition of the meme.

This is also precisely what fuels the enthusiasm behind Monorail Music's recent auction listing of the two backdrops plus a freebie, which had an initial price of just 10 ($12) when it was first put up last March 7 before ballooning up to the current sale high of 760 ($972), 48 bids later.

The lot, which has a bidding set to stay open until Thursday, March 14, comprises backgrounds depicting a "generic-looking" and colorful chocolate land filled with rainbows alongside a black-and-white-striped backdrop that the listers said was used for the event's "time tunnel."

The eBay listing's specifications said the items' conditions were used and the colors are "all of them, while the type of items were described as "rip off.'

"Yes it's real," wrote Monorail in the eBay sale's description "A friend of ours has a workshop below the House Of Illuminati Willy's Chocolate Experience and rescued these original printed backdrops from the bin following the globally reported Willy Wonka scam."

In another ironic stab at the House of Illuminati's AI-powered marketing for the Willy Wonka experience, the sellers at Monorail Music put in a generative tool's output as part of the auction description.

It read: "This unique and exclusive item is a must-have for any fan of the House of Illuminati brand. The Glasgow Willy Wonka Experience Original Backdrops feature a stunning array of colours that will brighten up any room."

All the jokes aside, Monorail Music intends to put a more wholesome spin to the disastrous experience by deciding that all the proceeds from the sale will go to Medical Aid for Palestinians, a British charity.

Read Also: Andrea Bocelli Performs Heartfelt Duet With Son Matteo at the 2024 Oscars Ceremony Singing 'Time to Say Goodbye'

 2024 Classicalite All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
You may not realize it, but Pi Day is a real, nationally recognized holiday. In 2014, Joseph Mazur, author of Enlightening Symbols: A Short History of Mathematical Notation and Its Hidden Powers, explained how we came to worship March 14. His piece is reprinted below.



There are holidays like Mothers Day, Earth Day, Thanksgiving Day. Even a Talk-Like-Shakespeare Day. But Monday is Pi Day.

Really! Its official. The date March 14 (that is, 3/14) was designated Pi Day by House Resolution 224 of the first session of the 111th Congress of the United States. It begins Whereas the Greek letter (Pi) is the symbol for the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter, and is followed by 11 more whereases before it resolves to support the designation of Pi Day to encourage schools and educators to observe the day with appropriate activities that teach students about Pi and engage them about the study of mathematics.

It wasnt the first government resolution to address that renowned Greek letter. In 1897, the state of Indiana passed House Bill 246 dictating that the mathematical constant pi would officially have the value 3.2. There was a duplicitous reason for this number: The fellow who lobbied for the bill was Edwin Goodwin, a country doctor from Solitude, Ind., a crank pseudo-mathematician with loony-toon visions of fame. He claimed to have solved a problem that had baffled great mathematicians for 2,000 years. He managed to have his proof, which required that pi be 3.2, published in the American Mathematical Monthly. It was unreserved gobbledygook. But with the credentials of a publication in the countrys leading journal of mathematics, he was able to convince his state representative, Taylor Record, to introduce a bill making Goodwins method for squaring the circle Indiana law. Goodwin offered his method as a gift to the state of Indiana.

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The full House passed the bizarre bill 67 to 0. Had any of the 67 representatives even glanced at the bill? Fortunately, Clarence Abiathar Waldo, chairman of the mathematics department at Purdue University, by chance was visiting the statehouse at that time in support of appropriations for the Indiana Academy of Science. On his counsel, the Senate voted the pi bill down.

It seems that the U.S. 111th Congress was more sensible in 2009. After all, we do want to teach students about pi and engage them in the study of mathematics. Of course, Congress didnt appropriate any money for this wonderful day. But, hey, its a whole day dedicated to engaging students. Well take it.

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Why pi? The mathematical constant that every schoolchild has at least heard ofI hopeseems to pop up in so many seemingly unrelated areas. Its mystique may be one of the engaging hooks that make a child a scientist. When pi is around, something circular is lurking about. That ever-present pi connects the mysterious infinite world to the finite; infinite loops to straight lines. We see it happen in the Star Trek episode Wolf in the Fold when the Enterprises computer tries to compute the last decimal of pi sending the computer into an infinite loop.

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By definition, pi is a specific ratio, the circumference of a circle divided by its diameter. As a number, it as approximately equal to 3.14159approximately, because to pin it down precisely, the decimals would have to go on forever. I like to stop at the 9 in the hundred-thousandths place because, well, thats good enough for most things, and I can never remember decimals beyond the 9.

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It is rigidly linked to the beautiful circle, that consummate representation of perfect symmetry. But it can masquerade in many forms. It appears as a beautiful infinite sum, as an infinite product, or even as an infinitely repeated fraction. Through the wave formulas for light and sound, it tells us which colors should appear in a rainbow and how middle C should sound on a piano. It explains which direction the proverbial needle will fall when it hits the haystack. You will find it describing the morphology of the apple and the energy of stars. It sits deep in the wave functions describing the quantum state of the hydrogen atom. It even plays a significant role in analyzing survey predictions for the next president. And its entrenched in Heisenbergs uncertainty principle, the equation that tells us just how precisely we can ever know the state of the universe.

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My favorite, and one of the most surprising relations, is about how pi connects river flow with bird flight. Imagine a river flowing in uniformly erodible sand under the influence of a gentle slope. The sand can be movedthough not easilyby the pressures of the river flow. Over time, the rivers actual length, divided by the straight-line distance from beginning to end (that is, as the crow flies), will tend toward pi. If you guessed that the circle might be a cause, you would be right. Once again, there is that ubiquitous pi lurking about. Over time, the edges of the river tend to dredge themselves to smoothen out any sharp curves. Pi, and by extension circles, are deeply rooted in our perception of the universe.

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The symbol  had no meaning in Euclids time, other than it being the 16th letter of the ancient Greek alphabet. Only in the 18th century did the Welsh mathematician William Jones use it to denote the ratio of the circumference to the diameter of a circle.

As I explain in my book Enlightening Symbols: A Short History of Mathematical Notation and Its Hidden Powers, over the centuries many people approximated pi, starting with the Babylonians. Archimedes in the 2nd century B.C. got it accurately to three decimal places. By the 17th century, the German-Dutch mathematician Ludolph van Ceulen, who spent a lifetime calculating pi, succeeded in getting it to a colossal 35 decimals, 3.14159265358979323846264338327950288 , which is engraved on his tombstone.

Today pi has been calculated to 10 trillion decimal places. You can even smell it. In its modern olfactory form, it is a cologne.

When I asked my 12-year-old twin grandchildren how they celebrated Pi Day last year, they said, We ate pie and memorized digits.

Do you know what pi is? I asked.

No, they said. It has something to do with a circle.

With all the magic of pi, and its ubiquity in mathematics, is eating pie and memorizing digits what the 111th Congress had in mind? Surely we can do more.
Email is a vital communication resource that many small businesses rely on to send sensitive, confidential information inside and outside the organization. The prevalence of email as a business tool and the necessity for an email compliance guide underscore its susceptibility to exploitation and data loss. In fact, according to a white paper from AppRiver, a cybersecurity company, email accounts for 35 percent of all data loss incidents among enterprises.

Email Compliance Guide

Here are five steps from AppRiver that small businesses can follow to simplify the task of developing email compliance standards to safeguard sensitive information.

1. Determine What Regulations Apply and What You Need to Do

Start by asking: What regulations apply to my company? What requirements exist to demonstrate email compliance? Do these overlap or conflict?

Once you understand what regulations apply, determine if you need different policies to cover them or just one comprehensive policy.

Example regulations that small businesses may encounter include:

Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA)  governs the transmission of personally identifiable patient health information;

Sarbanes-Oxley Act (S-OX)  requires that companies establish internal controls to accurately gather, process and report financial information;

Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA)  demands that companies implement policy and technologies to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer records when transmitted and in storage;

Payment Card Information Security Standards (PCI)  mandates the secure transmission of cardholder data.

Understanding the scope and implications of these regulations is critical for developing effective compliance strategies. Thoroughly assessing your companys specific needs and potential risks will guide the creation of a tailored email compliance framework.

This foundational step ensures that your compliance efforts are both efficient and effective, minimizing the risk of regulatory violations and enhancing the overall security of your email communications.

2. Identify What Needs Protection and Set Protocols

Depending on the regulations your company is subject to, identify data that is deemed confidentialcredit card numbers, electronic health records, or personally identifiable informationthat is being sent via email.

Also, decide who should have access to send and receive such information. Then, set policies that you can enforce through the use of technology to encrypt, archive or even block transmission of email content based on users, user groups, keywords and other means of identifying transmitted data as sensitive.

Identifying the types of information most at risk and implementing strict access controls are fundamental steps in safeguarding sensitive data. By establishing clear protocols and leveraging advanced security technologies, businesses can significantly reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access or data breaches.

Effective policy enforcement protects confidential information and builds trust with clients and partners by demonstrating a commitment to data security and privacy.

3. Track Data Leaks and Losses

Once you understand what types of data users are sending via email, track to determine if loss is occurring and in what ways.

Are breaches taking place inside the business or within a particular group of users? Are file attachments being leaked? Set additional policies to address your core vulnerabilities.

Proactively monitoring for data leaks and quickly addressing any losses are crucial for maintaining the integrity of your email systems. Implementing robust tracking mechanisms allows for the early detection of potential breaches, enabling swift action to mitigate any damage.

Continuous analysis of data flow patterns can also reveal vulnerabilities within your systems, guiding further enhancements to your security posture.

4. Identify What You Need to Enforce Policy

Having the right solution to enforce your policy is just as important as the policy itself. Several solutions may be necessary to ensure email compliance to satisfy regulatory requirements.

Some solutions that organizations can implement include encryption, data leak prevention (DLP), archiving of emails and anti-virus protection.

Choosing the appropriate technology solutions to enforce your email compliance policy is essential for effective security management. Its important to select tools that integrate seamlessly with your existing infrastructure, offering robust protection without impeding the flow of legitimate business communication.

A comprehensive approach to policy enforcement, combining multiple technologies, provides a strong defense against both external threats and internal vulnerabilities.

5. Educate Users and Employees

An effective email compliance policy will focus on user education and policy enforcement for acceptable use.

As unintentional human error remains the most common cause of data breaches, many regulations require the training of users on behaviors that could potentially lead to such violations.

Users and employees will be less likely to let their guard down and make mistakes when they understand proper workplace email usage and the consequences of non-compliance and are comfortable using appropriate technologies.

While no one-size-fits-all plan can help small businesses comply with every regulation, following these five steps can help your business develop an effective email compliance policy that safeguards security standards.

Empowering users with the knowledge and tools to recognize and avoid potential email threats is key to strengthening your organizations security culture.

Regular training sessions, along with ongoing communication about policy updates and security best practices, ensure that employees are aware of the risks and understand their role in protecting sensitive information.

This approach to education and engagement is vital for minimizing the risk of data breaches and ensuring long-term compliance with email security regulations.

Step Description 1. Determine What Regulations Apply Identify relevant regulations and compliance requirements such as HIPAA, S-OX, GLBA, and PCI DSS. 2. Identify What Needs Protecting and Set Protocols Determine what sensitive data needs protection in emails and establish access and transmission policies. 3. Track Data Leaks and Losses Monitor email data to detect potential breaches or data losses, including internal and attachment leaks. 4. Identify What You Need to Enforce Policy Choose appropriate solutions like encryption, DLP, archiving, and anti-virus to enforce email compliance. 5. Educate Users and Employees Focus on user education and policy enforcement to prevent unintentional errors that could lead to violations.

Maximizing the Impact of Email Marketing

Email marketing remains a potent tool for businesses, and understanding how to harness its potential is crucial. Here are some strategies to maximize the impact of your email marketing campaigns:

Segment Your Audience: Divide your email list into segments based on factors like demographics, purchase history, or engagement level. Tailor your messages to each segment for more personalized and effective communication.

Divide your email list into segments based on factors like demographics, purchase history, or engagement level. Tailor your messages to each segment for more personalized and effective communication. Craft Compelling Subject Lines: Your subject line is the first impression you make. Create clear, concise, and engaging subject lines that entice recipients to open your emails.

Your subject line is the first impression you make. Create clear, concise, and engaging subject lines that entice recipients to open your emails. Focus on Content: Deliver valuable content that resonates with your audience. Use storytelling, informative articles, or exclusive offers to engage and build trust.

Deliver valuable content that resonates with your audience. Use storytelling, informative articles, or exclusive offers to engage and build trust. Responsive Design: Ensure your emails are mobile-friendly, as a significant portion of recipients view emails on mobile devices. Responsive design improves the user experience.

Ensure your emails are mobile-friendly, as a significant portion of recipients view emails on mobile devices. Responsive design improves the user experience. Call-to-Action (CTA): Use clear and actionable CTAs that guide recipients on the desired next steps. Whether its making a purchase or signing up, a compelling CTA can drive conversions.

Use clear and actionable CTAs that guide recipients on the desired next steps. Whether its making a purchase or signing up, a compelling CTA can drive conversions. A/B Testing: Continuously test different elements of your emails, such as subject lines, content, or CTA buttons. A/B testing helps you refine your approach based on performance data.

Continuously test different elements of your emails, such as subject lines, content, or CTA buttons. A/B testing helps you refine your approach based on performance data. Automation: Implement automation for tasks like welcome emails, follow-ups, and abandoned cart reminders. Automation saves time and ensures timely responses to customer actions.

Implement automation for tasks like welcome emails, follow-ups, and abandoned cart reminders. Automation saves time and ensures timely responses to customer actions. Personalization: Incorporate personalization, such as recipient names or tailored product recommendations, to make emails feel more relevant and engaging.

Incorporate personalization, such as recipient names or tailored product recommendations, to make emails feel more relevant and engaging. Monitor Analytics: Regularly analyze email campaign metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates. Use these insights to refine your future campaigns.

Regularly analyze email campaign metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates. Use these insights to refine your future campaigns. Compliance: Prioritize email compliance by adhering to data protection regulations, including GDPR or CCPA. Respect subscribers preferences and include clear unsubscribe options.

Prioritize email compliance by adhering to data protection regulations, including GDPR or CCPA. Respect subscribers preferences and include clear unsubscribe options. Integration: Integrate your email marketing platform with other tools like CRM systems or e-commerce platforms for seamless data management and campaign coordination.

Strategy Description Segment Your Audience Divide your email list into segments based on demographics, purchase history, or engagement level. Craft Compelling Subject Lines Create clear, concise, and engaging subject lines that entice recipients to open your emails. Focus on Content Deliver valuable content such as storytelling, informative articles, or exclusive offers to engage and build trust. Responsive Design Ensure your emails are mobile-friendly with responsive design to improve the user experience. Call-to-Action (CTA) Use clear and actionable CTAs to guide recipients on desired next steps, driving conversions. A/B Testing Continuously test elements like subject lines, content, or CTA buttons to refine your approach based on performance data. Automation Implement automation for tasks like welcome emails, follow-ups, and abandoned cart reminders to save time and respond to customer actions. Personalization Incorporate personalization with recipient names or tailored product recommendations for more relevant and engaging emails. Monitor Analytics Regularly analyze email campaign metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates, using insights to refine future campaigns. Compliance Prioritize email compliance by adhering to data protection regulations like GDPR or CCPA and respecting subscriber preferences. Integration Integrate your email marketing platform with other tools like CRM systems or e-commerce platforms for seamless data management and campaign coordination.

Best Practices for Email Marketing Success

Achieving success in email marketing requires a combination of strategies and best practices. Here are some key guidelines to enhance your email marketing efforts:

Build a Quality Email List: Focus on growing a list of engaged and interested subscribers. Avoid buying email lists, as they often result in low-quality leads and spam complaints.

Focus on growing a list of engaged and interested subscribers. Avoid buying email lists, as they often result in low-quality leads and spam complaints. Optimize for Mobile: With many recipients checking emails on mobile devices, ensure that your emails are responsive and display well on small screens.

With many recipients checking emails on mobile devices, ensure that your emails are responsive and display well on small screens. Personalize Content: Use recipient data to personalize emails, addressing subscribers by name and tailoring content based on their preferences and behavior.

Use recipient data to personalize emails, addressing subscribers by name and tailoring content based on their preferences and behavior. Segment Your Audience: Divide your email list into segments to send targeted, relevant content to specific groups of subscribers. Segmentation can boost engagement and conversions.

Divide your email list into segments to send targeted, relevant content to specific groups of subscribers. Segmentation can boost engagement and conversions. Test and Refine: Continuously test different elements of your emails, including subject lines, content, images, and CTAs. Analyze results and refine your approach based on what works best.

Continuously test different elements of your emails, including subject lines, content, images, and CTAs. Analyze results and refine your approach based on what works best. Prioritize Deliverability: Maintain a clean email list by removing inactive subscribers and adhering to email best practices to ensure your emails reach the inbox.

Maintain a clean email list by removing inactive subscribers and adhering to email best practices to ensure your emails reach the inbox. Frequency and Consistency: Find the right balance in email frequency. Consistency in sending emails helps build trust and expectations among subscribers.

Find the right balance in email frequency. Consistency in sending emails helps build trust and expectations among subscribers. Clear Call-to-Action (CTA): Make your CTAs stand out and guide recipients on the desired action. Use compelling language and design to encourage clicks.

Make your CTAs stand out and guide recipients on the desired action. Use compelling language and design to encourage clicks. Aim for Value: Offer valuable content, promotions, or exclusive offers to your subscribers. Demonstrating value can keep them engaged and loyal.

Offer valuable content, promotions, or exclusive offers to your subscribers. Demonstrating value can keep them engaged and loyal. Compliance: Stay compliant with data protection regulations and provide clear unsubscribe options. Respect subscribers preferences and privacy.

Stay compliant with data protection regulations and provide clear unsubscribe options. Respect subscribers preferences and privacy. Monitor and Analyze: Regularly monitor key email metrics, such as open rates, click-through rates, conversion rates, and unsubscribe rates. Use analytics to improve your campaigns.

Regularly monitor key email metrics, such as open rates, click-through rates, conversion rates, and unsubscribe rates. Use analytics to improve your campaigns. Engage with Subscribers: Encourage two-way communication with your audience. Respond to inquiries, feedback, and comments promptly to build a connection.

Encourage two-way communication with your audience. Respond to inquiries, feedback, and comments promptly to build a connection. Learn from Competitors: Analyze what successful competitors are doing in their email marketing campaigns. Identify trends and strategies that resonate with your audience.

Analyze what successful competitors are doing in their email marketing campaigns. Identify trends and strategies that resonate with your audience. Educate Yourself: Stay updated on email marketing trends, best practices, and emerging technologies by attending webinars, reading industry blogs, and investing in continuous learning.

Email Vulnerabilities: The Human Factor in Data Breaches

Data breaches do not always result from malicious activity, such as a hacking attempt. Most often, they occur due to simple employee negligence or oversight. (According to a Wells Fargo white paper, Employees are the leading cause of security-related incidents.)

In 2014, an employee at the insurance brokerage firm Willis North America accidentally emailed a spreadsheet containing confidential information to a group of employees enrolled in the companys Healthy Rewards Program medical plan. As a result, Willis had to pay for two years of identity theft protection for the nearly 5,000 people affected by the breach.

In another instance, also from 2014, an employee of the Rady Childrens Hospital in San Diego erroneously sent an email containing the protected health information of more than 20,000 patients to job applicants. (The employee thought she was sending a training file to evaluate the applicants.)

The hospital sent notification letters to the affected individuals and worked with an outside security firm to ensure the data was deleted.

These and many other such incidents point to emails vulnerabilities and underscore the need for businesses large and small to secure, control and track their messages and attachments wherever they send them.

Email Compliance Guide: The Takeaways

We hope you found this email compliance guide both enjoyable and useful. As you aim to secure your email communications, here are key points to keep in mind: Email Marketing as a Strategic Tool : Startups and small businesses can greatly benefit from email marketing to connect with their audience, enhance engagement, and increase sales. Success depends on strategic planning, adherence to best practices, and commitment to email compliance standards.

: Startups and small businesses can greatly benefit from email marketing to connect with their audience, enhance engagement, and increase sales. Success depends on strategic planning, adherence to best practices, and commitment to email compliance standards. Key Considerations for Success : Define clear marketing goals. Consider costs carefully. Prioritize excellent customer service. Leverage analytics for better decision-making. Ensure rigorous email compliance to prevent breaches and security issues.

: Components of a Successful Email Strategy : Crafting compelling subject lines. Choosing the right email marketing service. Building and maintaining an engaged list. Personalizing content to meet audience needs. Segmenting your audience for targeted communications. Committing to continuous improvement and staying up-to-date with industry trends and regulations.

: By following these guidelines and focusing on the principles outlined in this email compliance guide, small businesses can unlock the full potential of email marketing. This not only drives growth but also fosters enduring relationships with their audience. In todays digital landscape, where email remains a fundamental means of communication, mastering email marketing in an ethical and skillful manner opens up limitless opportunities for success.
Startup money for a new business can come from anywhere. Most businesses get it from a bank loan, personal savings, or family and friends. But one North Carolina entrepreneur launched his dream venture with money from Jeopardy!.

John Morgan is the owner of Queen City Charlottes Pimento Cheese Royale, a family-owned business out of Charlotte, North Carolina that produces packaged pimiento cheese in various flavors. The company launched in 2014, shortly after Morgans appearance on Jeopardy! in January 2013.

An elementary school teacher at the time, Morgan had the most money of the three contestants going into the Final Jeopardy round. However, he missed the last question and had to settle for second place. Luckily, the $2,000 awarded to the second-place contestant was still enough to cover a new mixer that he needed to start his dream pimiento cheese venture.

The winnings provided just one piece of the puzzle, of course. Morgan already had the idea and many of the other business elements in place. In fact, he even mentioned his plan for the winnings when he auditioned for the popular game show.

Morgan told told North Carolinas Fox 8 recently, Jeopardy! was an amazing genesis of our story but it was just a start. Everything else has been very much about just hard work.

Now, more than 10 years into his business story, Morgan and others know that it takes many elements to come together to launch and run a business successfully. Its not as if every entrepreneur can rely on game show winnings to fund their operations. But it does show that businesses can get creative to fill a need, whether its funding or any other element of business ownership. And sometimes, even unexpected opportunities like appearing on Jeopardy! can make a huge difference.
A Florida-based tax preparer was sentenced to a two-year prison term, marking a significant development in the fight against tax fraud, particularly for small business owners. This case, resolved on Monday, underscores the critical importance of ethical tax practices and the severe consequences of deviating from them.

Phedson Dore, associated with Empire Tax Services, engaged in a conspiracy to defraud the United States by filing fraudulent tax returns from 2017 through 2020. By inflating income tax withholdings and fabricating itemized deductions, Dore orchestrated a scheme that generated undeserved refunds for his clients. This deceit not only manipulated the tax system but also led to substantial financial losses for the IRS, totaling approximately $970,000.

Dores attempts to disguise his involvementby omitting his name or the businesss Electronic Filing Number (EFIN) on the returns, opting instead to use employee names and EFINs from other businesseshighlight the lengths to which individuals may go to perpetrate fraud. This tactic not only implicates Dore in fraudulent activities but also potentially jeopardizes the reputation and operational integrity of unwitting businesses associated with the used EFINs.

The sentencing, handed down by U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton Jr., includes not only prison time but also two years of supervised release and a restitution payment of nearly $970,976 to the United States. This restitution aims to address the financial damage caused by the fraudulent filings.

For small business owners, this case serves as a stark reminder of the imperative to adhere to lawful and transparent tax practices. Engaging in or falling victim to tax fraud can have devastating consequences, including legal repercussions, financial losses, and damage to ones professional reputation. It underscores the importance of thorough diligence when selecting tax preparation services. Ensuring that your tax preparer is reputable, transparent, and compliant with IRS regulations is crucial to avoiding similar pitfalls.

The investigation, led by IRS Criminal Investigation, with prosecution by the Justice Departments Tax Division and the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Florida, illustrates the governments dedication to uncovering and punishing tax fraud. For small business owners, this incident emphasizes the need for vigilance in all financial dealings to maintain the trust of clients and the community while ensuring compliance with tax laws.

This case not only reiterates businesses legal obligations for accurate tax reporting but also serves as a cautionary tale. It highlights the need for small business owners to be meticulous in their financial practices, ensuring they work with credible professionals who uphold the highest standards of tax law compliance.
The raft harbour Polik was once a famous and busy place.

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This colour postcard depicting the town of Ruzomberok in the Liptov region stems from the times of monarchy but as can be seen here its sender(s) crossed out the Hungarian name and left only the Slovak one. This used to be done frequently on postcards after the first Czechoslovak Republic came into existence.

It would be interesting to learn who sent this postcard, as it is addressed to none other than the first president of Czechoslovakia, Tomas Garrigue Masaryk, at the Prague Castle. With all probability, the sender belonged to the presidents close circle.

What the image offers is a matter of the past. As can be seen, across the Cebrat hill, on the bend of the Vah River, workers used to stand on the numerous rafts. This is the famous raft harbour called Polik. Flat, gravelly areas lying close to embankments were selected for raft harbours. Wood meant for binding together  lashing, i.e. the making of rafts  and also wood bound for further processing at lumber mills was brought here.

It is worth remembering that due to the absolute lack of passable and safe roads, river transport was the only well-working means of movement in the Middle Ages. In Liptov, the first more or less passable road was built in 1364, as ordered by Louis the Great. Despite the effort of those in power to secure roads for the country, particularly wealthier people and merchants used rafts for transport until the beginning of the 20th century.

We know from old records, for example, that in 1656 Hungarian palatine Wesselenyi floated down the river for a court session in Presporok (todays Bratislava) across the entire Liptov region all the way to Sered, from where he continued on horseback. In 1758, Ruzomberok mayor Juraj Rosinsky rafted for the same purpose to Pest, using four rafts for transport. Even rich farmers and petty nobility from Liptov who participated in the great battle near Trencin between the imperial army and Rakoczys rebelling units got to the site of the battle on rafts.

https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d167376.16870335763!2d19.10424560823608!3d49.04381983375513!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x4715081ae1aabb6f%3A0x400f7d1c6971010!2sRu%C5%BEomberok!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ssk!4v1710398268743!5m2!1sen!2ssk

This article was originally published by The Slovak Spectator on December 1, 2014. It has been updated to be relevant today.
What are the most popular alcoholic beverages sold online in Slovakia?

As many as 14 percent of Slovaks are problem drinkers, which means that they consume alcohol daily or several times a week. (Source: Unsplash)

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The Dry February initiative is an opportunity to take a break from alcohol. However, in Slovakia it was not reflected in the online sale of alcohol this year as monitored by Heureka.sk, the price-comparison website.

After year-on-year declines in 2021 and 2022, interest rose by over 21 percent in the previous year and this year we have recorded only a symbolic year-on-year decline of 1.4 percent, says Michal Buzek, head of analytics at the Heureka Group.

The sale of alcoholic beverages on the internet are balanced throughout the year, except in December when they rise by up to 50 percent compared to the annual average, Buzek noted.

In neither year under review was February the driest month, said Buzek. Unfortunately, we have to conclude that, with internet sales of alcohol, we are not experiencing a dry February.

The situation is very similar in the Czech Republic, where the same initiative is underway. The interest in alcohol on the internet in February of this year even grew by 7.5 percent year-on-year.

More than one fifth of Slovaks do not consume alcohol at all

As many as 14 percent of Slovaks are problem drinkers, which means that they consume alcohol daily or several times a week. Only 23 percent do not consume alcohol at all and 37 percent say they drink only occasionally, based on data of the Pilulka medical group and the Behavio pollster.

What alcohol is sold on the internet?

The best-selling category of alcohol on the internet is rums. Their share is over 30 percent and in the last three years interest has increased by over 50 percent. Whiskies have half the share and the same increase.

The surprise is wines, which were in third place in the past, but have now been overtaken by liqueurs. Wines are also experiencing the biggest drop in interest, which shows that Slovaks are seeking them out more in specialist brick-and-mortar stores. However, sparkling wine is growing in popularity, which has increased by 313 percent in the last three years.

Vermouths have seen the biggest increase of up to 668 percent, but their share of online alcohol sales is very low.

Internet sales of alcoholic beverages are specific and mainly includes more special or expensive types of alcohol, which people often buy as gifts, said Buzek.
Markiza journalists describe alleged intervention in their work in a letter.

The private TV Markiza resides in the Zahorska Bystrica borough of Bratislava. (Source: Sme - Gabriel Kuchta)

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Journalists from the private television channel Markiza are complaining about interference in their work for the benefit of the Smer-led government after the arrival of the new Markiza head.

The tension escalated to such an extent that they sent a letter to the general director, Peter Gazik, at the end of February and requested a solution to their situation. The letter was signed by the vast majority of reporters and presenters, including people from Markizas regional TV crews.

On Thursday morning, journalists met Gazik to discuss things.

The situation at the network became tense after the long-time news director, Henrich Krejca, was replaced by Michal Kratochvil from the private Czech television Nova in December.

With the arrival of the news director (...) Michal Kratochvil, procedures, which are incompatible with the internal editorial guidelines of CME [Markizas owner] and Markiza, began to be introduced in the editorial processes, reads the letter.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240313/dutch-election-winner-wilders-says-willing-to-forgo-premiership-1117314418.html

Dutch Election Winner Wilders Says Willing to Forgo Premiership

Dutch Election Winner Wilders Says Willing to Forgo Premiership

Sputnik International

Geert Wilders, leader of Dutch right-wing Party for Freedom, which won the most seats in the 2023 parliamentary elections, said he had failed to muster support to become the prime minister.

2024-03-13T23:09+0000

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"I can only become Prime Minister if ALL parties in the coalition support it. That was not the case," Wilders wrote on X. Earlier in the day, Dutch broadcaster NOS reported that Wilders and the leaders of three other major parties in the Dutch parliament  Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius from the center-right People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), Pieter Omtzigt from the New Social Contract (NSC) and Caroline van der Plas from the right-wing FarmerCitizen Movement  had agreed to remain in parliament and were continuing negotiations to form an extra-parliamentary government.After the agreement is made, they will be able to nominate cabinet ministers, who can be members of their own or any other parties or even outside experts, Dutch media said. The Netherlands held snap parliamentary elections on November 22, 2023. The PVV won 37 seats in the 150-seat lower house of parliament, followed by the left-wing GroenLinks-PvdA alliance with 25 seats and the ruling VVD with 24 seats. Wilders said he had no intention of establishing a coalition with the left wing, while his preferred partners would be the center-right VVD, the NSC and the right-wing BBB. Wilders is known for his tough stance on migrants, criticism of EU policies and calls for a referendum on leaving the European Union. He also opposes sanctions against Russia and does not support arms deliveries to Ukraine.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231123/wilders-electoral-revolution-wake-up-call-for-wests-elites-1115176004.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240313/french-recruitment-service-says-personal-data-of-43mln-people-stolen-in-cyberattack-1117314914.html

French Recruitment Service Says Personal Data of 43Mln People Stolen in Cyberattack

French Recruitment Service Says Personal Data of 43Mln People Stolen in Cyberattack

Sputnik International

Personal data of about 43 million people in France could have been compromised as a result of a cyberattack on online recruitment services in the country, the France Travail service said.

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france

hacking

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"As a result of a cyberattack on the France Travail and Cap Emploi services, personal data of applicants was stolen and could be disclosed and used illegally," the service said in a statement on Wednesday. As many as 43 million users that have registered on the France Travail website over the past 20 years could be affected, the service said. The hackers gained access to users' social security numbers, home addresses and mobile phone numbers, among other things, although not to their banking details, the statement read.The anti-cybercrime unit of the Paris prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the incident, France Travail added. Earlier this week, the Paris prosecutor's office also launched a probe into a massive DDoS-attack against online government services that had taken place from Sunday to Monday and targeted the websites of the French ministries of economy, environment and culture as well as the prime minister's online office and the website of the Directorate General for Civil Aviation. The Anonymous Sudan hacker group claimed responsibility for the attack.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240314/bidens-1t-military-budget-to-fund-boutique-expensive-fragile-equipment-1117315975.html

Bidens $1Trln Military Budget To Fund Boutique, Expensive, Fragile Equipment

Bidens $1Trln Military Budget To Fund Boutique, Expensive, Fragile Equipment

Sputnik International

US President Joe Biden's recent request for budget that includes over $1 trillion in military expenses is the result of contractors who want to sell expensive, not effective equipment, independent journalist Jim Kavanagh said.

2024-03-14T04:18+0000

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The request, representing the most expensive military in world history, is the result of military contractors who are incentivized to sell expensive items, not necessarily the most useful and effective items, Independent journalist Jim Kavanagh told Sputniks The Critical Hour on Wednesday.The whole [US Military Contracting economy] from beginning to end is corruption and [the] destruction of society, turning us into a militarized, censored society, referencing the ludicrous so-called TikTok Ban that just passed the US House of Representatives but gives the government sweeping powers to ban any foreign website or app it deems a threat.Kavanagh decried the corruption while there are issues in America that could be addressed with that money, but he asserted that would get in the way of neoliberal capitalism.Theyre not going to put $1 trillion or half a trillion or $10 billion into building housing for the people because thats going to compete with private market housing, Kavanagh explained. Capitalists dont care if [the government] spends billions of dollars on a sector of the economy that is going to be controlled by the government one way or another, he continued. But you want to build houses? You want to spend money on healthcare? You want to spend money on jobs for the people? No, because youll be competing with capitalists.The issue cannot be solved by voting for Bidens most prominent opponent in the upcoming presidential election Kavanagh explained, because former President Donald Trump is also focused on getting all the money to the military-industrial-complex.This is the best youre going to get from either party. Perpetual warfare, nothing to do for your healthcare, nothing to do for housing and rental, nothing to do for jobs But $1 trillion for military plus supplemental appropriations, this is what the United States is in for if we dont have a change and that is not going to come from either the Democrats or the Republicans.

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Internationally renowned Hong Kong-born, Berlin-based cellist Trey Lee is set to release his upcoming album, "Seasons Interrupted," a collection of "odes" to our current climate crisis through the lens of three composers' works that embody the past, present, and future.

The record is set to be available on May 17 via the British label Signum Records and marks Lee's first collaboration with London's English Chamber Orchestra (ECO), an ensemble that boasts the most amount of recordings in the world, today.

"Seasons Interrupted" will also feature Finnish conductor Emilia Hoving and German pianist Georgy Tchaidze.

Trey Lee's Sobering 'Musical Account' of Our Current Climate Crisis

In the record's program notes, Lee writes: "With the cello as a platform, I seek a sober yet trenchant means to tell the story of our seasons, and, concurrently, create a musical narrative to account for how this crisis unfolds."

"These works are expressions of human emotions that are open to interpretation and were not conceived to decry the climate crisis;" he continued, "however, I harness their emotive power to illustrate this story and to amplify this narrative when words alone do not suffice."

Lee primarily channels the message of his new album through the works of three composers representing three virtually different eras in a narrative arc that examines the past, present, and future of our current situation with climate change.

"Seasons Interrupted" begins with Lee's arrangement of Franz Schubert's four lieders or German art songs.

For Lee, Schubert's work facilitates a glimpse into the past, particularly through his Fruhling, D. 882 ("In Spring"), Die Sommernacht, D. 289 ("The Summernight"), Herbst, D. 945 ("Autumn"), and Gefrorne Tranen (from Die Winterreise, D. 911) ("Frozen Tears").

Writing of Schubert's portion in his new album, Lee said: "By highlighting man's emotional intrusion into nature's tranquility, is Schubert already alluding to humanity's role in altering the course of nature?"

In terms of representing the present, Lee looks to none other than Astor Piazzolla's "Las Cuatro Estaciones Portenas (The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires)."

Through Lee's solo cello and chamber orchestra derivative of Piazzolla's arrangement, he is able to draw parallels between the perilous effects of the Industrial Revolution during the 20th century that Piazzolla depicted to our current climate predicament.

"Today's world is powered by unrelenting progress and inventions, and, simultaneously, by unbridled depletion of the world's resources," Lee writes. "Instead of allowing the natural retreat of autumn to transpire, machines speed up the process to squeeze even more resources out of the land."

Finally, Lee calls upon Finnish contemporary composer Kirmo Lintinen's Cello Concerto as his "herald" of the future, highlighting the many possibilities that await us.

Lintinen dedicated the Cello Concerto to Lee as he aimed to depict a society deprived of seasons as we know them today due to the irreparability of climate change, a sonic landscape that the ECO and the cellist himself traverses skillfully and grippingly.

"This is an imaginary journey through four movements depicting a future arising from the effects of the environmental crisis," writes Lee. "Still, we are not condemned to this future just yet; it is simply one that many fear may come to pass if the world continues down its current trajectory."

To commemorate the record's release, Lee will be joining the ECO in performances on May 17 and 19 in Hong Kong, before linking up with the ensemble once more in a season-opening show at London's Cadogan Hall on Sept. 30.

The latter program will also feature "Las Cuatro Estaciones Portenas."

For more information about Trey Lee's new album and his upcoming performances, click here.

Read Also: Willy Wonka-Inspired Backdrops from Viral Glasgow Experience Hit Auction for Sale

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240314/everything-you-need-to-know-about-russias-presidential-elections--1117329708.html

Everything You Need to Know About Russias Presidential Election

Everything You Need to Know About Russias Presidential Election

Sputnik International

From March 15 to 17, Russian citizens will elect a the President of the Russian federation.

2024-03-14T17:21+0000

2024-03-14T17:21+0000

2024-03-28T12:40+0000

russia

russia

vladimir putin

leonid slutsky

ella pamfilova

central election commission

electronic voting system

2024 russian presidential election

presidential election

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Early voting for Russia's 2024 Presidential Election, the eighth in the nation's modern history, commenced on February 25. This enables Russian citizens who are unable to physically visit regular polling stations due to living or working in extreme or hard-to-reach locations to cast their ballots until March 14. Additionally, Russian citizens living abroad began heading to the polls on March 1.The main event in the elections will be held throughout Russia, across its vast geographic expanse, as well as at sea, encompassing the nation in its entirety from the Far North, to the special military operation zone and Russia's new regions, and even aboard ships way out in the Sea of Okhotsk.On March 15 and 16, mobile polling stations will be strategically placed near the special operation zone, covering the areas of the Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporozhye, Kherson, Belgorod, Bryansk, and Kursk regions, as well as Crimea. This initiative is designed to ensure that citizens residing in these areas have easy access to the voting process.Voter turnout at the previous presidential elections in 2018 was at 67.5%. This year, turnout is expected to be at 71%, the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) predicts.How Does Russia Elect Its President?The president of the Russian Federation is elected for a term of six years by citizens of the Russian Federation through universal, equal and direct suffrage by secret ballot. The presidential election is held in the single federal electoral district that comprises the entire territory of the Russian Federation.The Russian Federation Council, or upper house of parliament, officially designated March 17, 2024, as the day of the presidential election. The Russian Central Election Commission (CEC) subsequently announced that the voting would take place over three days on March 15-17.Three-day voting is already becoming a tradition in our electoral system It was first used during the [Covid-19] pandemic, but over time the majority of voters came to like the format because of its other advantages, said Russias Central Election Commission (CEC) chairwoman Ella Pamfilova.Whats New About 2024 Elections?This time around, an E-voting, remote electronic voting system, is being used for the first time to elect Russia's president, according to a decision made by the Central Election Commission. Voters in 28 Russian regions will be able to cast their ballots remotely.Online e-voting will be available in the city of Moscow and the surrounding Moscow Region, in the Altai, Arkhangelsk, Belgorod, Chelyabinsk, Chuvash, Kaliningrad, Kaluga, Kamchatka, Karelia, Kursk, Lipetsk, Murmansk, Nenets, Nizhny Novgorod, Novgorod, Novosibirsk, Perm, Pskov, Rostov, Sverdlovsk, Tomsk, Vladimir, Vologda, Voronezh and Yaroslavl regions, as well as in Crimea.In order to cast a ballot remotely using the electronic voting system, a voter was required to submit an application between January 29 and March 11, within a period of 45 days leading up to start of the Election Days.Electronic Ballot Processing System (EBPC) This innovative ballot processing system is a sophisticated e-system that uses a special scanner to read and process marked paper ballots and tally the results. EBPC is a hardware and software complex that counts the votes and automatically carries out standard procedures provided for in electoral legislation. The protocol of the election commission can be displayed on the printer connected to the EBPC, which is automatically sent to the higher election commission. Mobile Voter The Mobile Voter mechanism gives Russian citizens the opportunity to vote at a polling station different from the one based on their home address. The system also enables citizens to vote online, unless this option is unavailable in a certain region of the country. In both cases an official application must be submitted prior to the election. Election State Automated System The Election state automated system is information software that ensures that ballots are counted in an accurate and rapid manner. The system facilitates the process at all stages, including planning and preparation, registration of voters, processing details about the candidates, carrying out the voting, as well as its summarizing and final statistical processing.Who Can Run For President in Russia?Citizens of Russia who are not younger than 35 years and have permanently resided in Russia for at least 10 years may be elected president. The following Russian citizens are not entitled to run for office:Who Can Vote in Russia's Presidential Elections?According to the Central Election Commission, there are 112.3 million eligible voters inside Russia, and around 1.9 million eligible voters who reside abroad.Those, who have been declared incompetent by a court or are serving a prison term by a court verdict, are not allowed to take part in electoral activities. Who's Running in Russia's 2024 Presidential Race?There are four candidates vying for the top office:All candidates running in the presidential race have a higher education, with Putin specializing in law, Davankov in history, Slutsky in management, and Kharitonov in agrarian studies. In terms of academic degrees, Putin and Kharitonov hold doctorates in economics, Kharitonov also holds one in sociology, while Slutsky is a doctor of economics.Age-wise, Nikolai Kharitonov is the oldest candidate at 75, while Vladislav Davankov, who will turn 40 on March 17, 2024, is the youngest presidential contender. While Leonid Slutsky and Vladislav Davankov are newcomers to the presidential race, the other two other contenders have prior experience in running for the nation's top office. Vladimir Putin has participated in four presidential elections, while Nikolay Kharitonov threw his hat into the ring in 2004. Who Will Observe the Voting Process?Election observers are citizens who monitor compliance of election procedure with the law, supervise the process and record possible violations. Election observers have the right to: Delegations of international observers from 36 countries have arrived in Russia, including from 30 national parliaments, as well as from 5 international organizations. Among them are the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly of Member Nations, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (PA CSTO), the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Central American Parliament (PARLACEN).In total, more than 200 parliamentary observers have been accredited, in addition to dozens electoral experts.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20200701/from-adoption-in-1993-to-the-present-day-a-history-of-the-russian-constitution-1079769577.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240314/houthis-go-hypersonic-how-ansar-allahs-advance-in-missile-tech-could-trigger-us-defeat-in-mideast-1117334551.html

Houthis Go Hypersonic? How Ansar Allahs Advance in Missile Tech Could Trigger US Defeat in Mideast

Houthis Go Hypersonic? How Ansar Allahs Advance in Missile Tech Could Trigger US Defeat in Mideast

Sputnik International

A military source close to Yemens Ansar Allah (Houthi) movement has informed Sputnik that the militia has carried out a successful test flight of a hypersonic missile and is preparing to add it into its arsenal. Sputnik asked a leading Russian military observer about the developments strategic implications.

2024-03-14T16:48+0000

2024-03-14T16:48+0000

2024-03-19T09:31+0000

military

yemen

israel

houthis

houthi

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military & intelligence

abdul-malik al-houthi

americans

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Sputniks source has indicated that the new Houthi missile can accelerate to speeds up to Mach 8 (nearly 10,000 km per hour), and that it is powered by a solid fuel engine  which typically reduces launch preparation time dramatically and eases transport.The Houthis themselves have dropped hints about their efforts to develop a hypersonic missile amid their increasingly fierce confrontation in the Red Sea with US, British and European warships, and a partial blockade of vital international shipping lanes  which has all but shut down Israel- and Europe-bound commercial travel through the strategic maritime chokepoint.How are Houthis Able to Maintain an Arms Industry?Yemen has been locked in a brutal civil conflict since 2014 involving a number of warring factions  including the Houthi-led Supreme Political Council, which is concentrated in the countrys northwest and controls most of the countrys population centers, the separatist Southern Transitional Council controlling much of the territory of the former South Yemen, and the Republic of Yemen, the UN-recognized state entity in control of lands in the countrys north and northeast.Although Yemen is one of the poorest countries in the Middle East and North Africa, the Houthis have shown themselves to be masters of asymmetric warfare, regularly targeting US forces and their regional allies using cheap-to-build kamikaze drones and timeworn but effective ballistic missiles.Divided during the Cold War, the southern Arabian nation was flooded with vast stocks of Soviet armaments, from portable anti-tank weapons to long-range Scud ground-to-ground missiles and sophisticated 2K12 Kub anti-air missile system defenses, modernized into the Fater-1 (lit. Innovator-1) and used to shoot down at least five US-made Reaper drones to date.In addition to the modernization of old Soviet weapons stocks, the Yemeni militia has managed to capture vast quantities of military equipment from their Arabian coalition-allied adversaries in the course of the 2014-2022 conflict, from light vehicles to gunboats, sea mines and artillery installations.The Houthis pride themselves on the creation of weapons developed with purely Yemeni expertise. Western officials and Washingtons Middle Eastern allies have often alleged that the Houthis are getting help from outside, most notably from Iran. Iranian officials have not shied away from saying that they support the Houthis politically, but have repeatedly emphasized that this support does not extend to military-technical or planning support. The US Defense Intelligence Agency claimed in a February report that the Houthis receive technical assistance from the Islamic Republic, but no conclusive link has ever been established.Houthi Carrier-Killing Missiles?Sputnik's source did not offer any additional details about the hypersonic missile being tested by the Houthis, with its range, warhead weight and other key characteristics remaining unknown. But observers say that if the information about Houthi hypersonics pans out, it will be an unprecedented game-changer for the region.If the Houthis really have managed to accelerate a missile to Mach 8, that will mean that the ship-based air defense systems of the American naval group will be powerless, says veteran Russian military observer Alexei Leonkov.Facing off against hypersonic missile-armed Houthis, the US would receive something akin to Vietnam, in the military observers estimation, with the Yemeni fighters receiving strike capabilities far outmatching those they currently enjoy, which have already managed to throw the Western-led international trading order into chaos, even if they havent sunk many ships.If they start using such missiles to attack ships, warships, the [result] will be devastating. How the United States will respond is an open question, of course, Leonkov said, warning that he could not rule anything out  even a desperate turn to tactical nuclear weapons. Worryingly, the latest US Nuclear Posture Review in 2022 did not prohibit the president from launching a nuclear first strike, even against non-nuclear-armed adversaries.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240314/yemens-houthis-test-fired-hypersonic-missile---military-source-1117315182.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240311/houthis-vow-more-surprises-for-us-israel-while-schooling-west-in-asymmetric-warfare-1117271756.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240124/us-has-already-lost-race-for-hypersonic-directed-energy-weapons---senator-1116344107.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240314/is-aukus-in-trouble-australias-submarine-deal-with-us-in-turmoil-over-production-cut-1117277751.html

Is AUKUS in Trouble? Australia's Submarine Deal With US in Turmoil Over Production Cut

Is AUKUS in Trouble? Australia's Submarine Deal With US in Turmoil Over Production Cut

Sputnik International

Despite criticisms from Australia's ASEAN neighbors about the implications of the AUKUS security pact, Aussie authorities have favored seeing the security pact come to fruition. However, defense experts are casting a critical eye on the deal, prompting concerns about its potential to materialize.

2024-03-14T09:48+0000

2024-03-14T09:48+0000

2024-03-14T11:12+0000

world

military & intelligence

mao ning

sergey lavrov

hun sen

united kingdom (uk)

australian national university

asean

china

australia

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US President Joe Biden has slashed the number of nuclear-powered submarines that the Navy will buy in 2025 from two to one in his bloated budget request.While struggling to keep up the current rate of new launches, the Navy must now speed up ship-building to compensate for the looming sale of three Virginia-class fast attack submarines, armed with torpedoes and cruise missiles, to Australia by the end of the decade.Democrat Connecticut representative and co-chair of the congressional AUKUS caucus Joe Courtney slammed the Navy's decision, saying it makes little or no sense, especially given that the submarine fleet is already below planned strength at 17 boats.Given the new commitment the Department of Defense and Congress made last year to sell three submarines to our ally Australia, which I enthusiastically support, the ramifications of the Navys proposal will have a profound impact on both countries navies, Courtney told reporters.Australian politicians attacked the White House over the production cut. "The failure is almost too big to wrap your head around, Australian Greens Senator David Shoebridge posted on X, accusing the Biden government of budgeting for US needs but no one else.US Navy chief financial officer Mike McCord told a briefing that ordering only one Virginia-class submarine next year was a management decision. He pointed to the current backlog of over a dozen submarines with significant delays.The announcement of the trilateral security partnership on September 15, 2021, swiftly led to the US and UK gazumping Canberra's AU$90-billion contract with French shipyards for a fleet of conventionally-powered submarines. Along with the nuclear sub purchase, the AUKUS treaty included promises to share advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing.However, defense experts have voiced skepticism regarding the deal's viability, including Emeritus Professor Hugh White from the Australian National University, a former defense adviser. "I think the chance of the plan unfolding effectively is extremely low," White told an interview with ABC RN's Global Roaming.The expert questioned the need for nuclear-powered submarines, stressing their high cost and operational complications, and warned of Australia's rising dependence on the UK and the US.Allan Behm, the director of the international and security affairs program at the Australia Institute, voiced reservations about the deal's feasibility. He warned the Royal Australian Navy's lack of experience in operating and maintaining nuclear-powered submarines could lead to a drain on its resources.While Australian authorities have hailed the trilateral security plan as a deterrent to China, White raised red flags about its potential to draw Australia into a confrontation between the US and China.AUKUS has also drawn criticism from Russia, China and North Korea, warning against a renewed arms race within the region. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning condemned the agreement for raising tensions in the Asia-Pacific and condemned Washington for "pursuing its own interests and adhering to a zero-sum game mindset."Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen denounced the AUKUS agreement in June last year as the "starting point of a very dangerous arms race" in the Asia-Pacific. Cambodia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have repeatedly questioned whether AUKUS is complying with non-proliferation rules, stressing ASEAN's commitment to a nuclear-weapon-free region.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240307/pentagons-wasteful-spending-eats-away-at-us-defense-capability-1117195799.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230404/australia-says-us-tech-edge-against-prc-totally-gone-in-some-areas-urges-aukus-to-pool-resources-1109110634.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230607/why-aukus-nuclear-sub-deal-will-stir-up-pacific-into-ocean-of-storms-1110982350.html

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aukus, nuclear submarine deal, aukus security partnership, hugh white, allan behm, non-proliferation rules, 286 billion nuclear submarine deal, aukus security agreement, conventional submarines, aukus deterrence against china, anglo-saxon bloc structures, compliance with non-proliferation rules, asean nuclear-weapon-free region, cambodian prime minister, australia's submarine program costs.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240314/macrons-anti-russia-war-rhetoric-spawned-by-anger-over-losing-french-clout-in-africa-1117317372.html

Macron's Anti-Russia 'War Rhetoric' Spawned by Anger Over Losing French Clout in Africa

Macron's Anti-Russia 'War Rhetoric' Spawned by Anger Over Losing French Clout in Africa

Sputnik International

Emmanuel Macron has been blaming Russia instead of taking responsibility for his own political failures in Frances former colonies in central- and west-Africa, Prof. Alexis Habiyaremye told Sputnik.

2024-03-14T07:02+0000

2024-03-14T07:02+0000

2024-03-14T08:23+0000

analysis

france

emmanuel macron

vladimir putin

russia

nato

mali

burkina faso

crisis in mali

gabon

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Emmanuel Macron has been blaming Russia instead of taking responsibility for his own political failures in Frances former colonies in Central and West Africa, Prof. Alexis Habiyaremye, senior researcher with DSI/NRF, South African research chair in Industrial Development, University of Johannesburg, told Sputnik.The French president has been on a roll the past few weeks, upping his belligerent rhetoric by not ruling out sending NATO troops to Ukraine. Paris gradually walked back those remarks after a major backlash both in France and among other members of the NATO alliance. French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu implied in an interview that Macron had been misunderstood. With Paris still maintaining some 5,500 troops stationed in Africa, there were recently calls heard in France to move these troops to NATOs eastern flank, on the border with Ukraine. Macrons verbal bravado should be viewed in the context of France's decreasing influence in its former African colonies. In his interview on March 13, Russias President Vladimir Putin weighed in on the idea that the French presidents anti-Russian rhetoric could be explained by the desire to avenge the loss of French influence in Africa.Yes, I do believe there is some level of resentment present... We [] did not elbow France out of the region. The reality is that leaders of certain African nations chose to reach deals with Russian managing companies, opting to work with them instead of the French. This decision was made by our African friends, not us. Therefore, it is unclear why there should be any offense taken in this regard, Putin said in his interview on Wednesday.President Putin is absolutely correct in his interpretation of Macron's ulterior motives, said Prof. Alexis Habiyaremye, as he recalled France's debacle in Mali, and the humiliating expulsion of French troops from Burkina Faso and Niger.In August 2022, however, local authorities demanded that French troops leave Mali, and just a few months later, Paris put an end to the Barkhane op. Several other key states of what the French referred to as our France-Afrique rid themselves of the pro-Paris regimes on their territories: Guinea and Chad (2021), Burkina Faso (2022), Niger (July 2023), and Gabon (August 2023). As neo-colonial regimes were toppled in all of these countries, and France's influence in Africa began to rapidly dwindle, increasingly more African leaders have started looking to Russia for help.French mainstream media concocted allegations that so-called Russian disinformation campaigns were to blame for the fall of these pro-French regimes. In late 2022, as a wave of anti-French protests swept Africa's Sahel region, with many protesters expressing pro-Russian sentiments, a disgruntled Macron accused Russia of pursuing a "predatory project" in Africa, noting that "a number of powers who want to spread their influence in Africa are doing this to hurt France, hurt its language, sow doubts, but above all pursue certain interests."Russia, on the other hand, has been seeking to enhance cooperation with Africa taking into account its historic ties with the continent. The Russian resort city of Sochi held the first Russia-Africa Summit in October 2019, boosting Moscow's cooperation with African states, including ties in such spheres as trade, investment, energy, and security. The second Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg in 2023 reaffirmed that trend. Moreover, Russia is considered to be one of Africa's biggest arms suppliers. President Putin has reiterated on numerous occasions that Russia attaches great importance to developing relations with African states, and "the development and strengthening of mutually beneficial ties with African countries and their integration associations is one of Russia's foreign policy priorities." According to the analyst, Macron and French media seem to be stuck in the Francafrique logic, by which those former colonies are not allowed to talk to anybody without prior approval from Paris.It is doubtful that Emmanuel Macrons strong language when talking about the role France might play in the Ukraine conflict could earn him political points at home, Prof. Habiyaremye speculated. Emphasizing the fact that the presence of French and other Western troops in Ukraine in a non-official, non-endorsed capacity is far from secret, as evidenced by the recent leaks of German Bundeswehr conversations, Alexis Habiyaremye added that "Macron's rhetoric is therefore very dangerous." "It is already known that Western troops are fighting in Ukraine, some of them as mercenaries, some of them as instructors and support troops," the researcher said. Regarding possible political gains that Macron might be seeking, the pundit voiced the opinion that the public is slowly realizing that the West has failed in its strategy, and being the most hawkish has only limited political value. That is why Macro's appeal has gained little traction among other EU leaders.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240313/putins-response-to-macrons-frustration-over-africa-has-ironic-ring-to-it-1117310146.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230729/russia-africa-summit-boosts-moscows-cooperation-with-the-continent--1112230854.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240313/what-message-is-putin-sending-the-west-in-his-interview-1117298958.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230325/claims-of-russian-influence-in-africa-reflect-wests-neo-colonial-approach-russian-ambassador-1108779760.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240314/moldova-not-seeking-nato-membership-due-to-low-public-support---foreign-minister-1117315323.html

Moldova Not Seeking NATO Membership Due to Low Public Support - Foreign Minister

Moldova Not Seeking NATO Membership Due to Low Public Support - Foreign Minister

Sputnik International

Moldova currently has no plans to consider joining NATO as the idea is widely unpopular among the public, FM Mihai Popsoi said, calling for a broad debate on the matter.

2024-03-14T02:51+0000

2024-03-14T02:51+0000

2024-03-14T02:51+0000

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"As for cooperation with NATO or some kind of NATO membership, it is out of the question at the moment because there is not enough public support for it," Popsoi said in an interview with the RTVI broadcaster out Wednesday. Moldova's neutrality means it cannot join any military alliances, but does not prevent it from cooperating at the political level even in the security sphere, the minister said. Most of Moldovans have a negative perception of NATO, so the issue should be brought to a broad discussion, Popsoi said. Last January, Moldovan President Maia Sandu told Politico that Kishinev should abandon neutrality to join a major military alliance, although she did not specifically mention NATO back then. At the same time, Sandu has mentioned on several occasions that if the population votes in favor of joining NATO, the constitutional article on the country's neutral status could be revised. Under the current constitution, Moldova has neutral status, and it has been cooperating with NATO under an individual partnership since 1994. An alliance information center operates in Chisinau.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240214/moldova-saved-553mln-by-buying-gas-from-russias-gazprom---moldovagaz-ceo-1116767486.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240314/russia-destroyed-14-ukrainian-drones-over-belgorod-kursk-regions---mod-1117317098.html

Russia Destroyed 14 Ukrainian Drones Over Belgorod, Kursk Regions - MoD

Russia Destroyed 14 Ukrainian Drones Over Belgorod, Kursk Regions - MoD

Sputnik International

Russian air defenses intercepted and destroyed 14 Ukrainian drones over the Belgorod and Kursk regions overnight, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

2024-03-14T04:54+0000

2024-03-14T04:54+0000

2024-03-14T06:11+0000

russia

dmitry peskov

kursk

russia

ukraine

russian defense ministry

ukrainian drone attacks on russia

drone

drone attack

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During the past night, attempts by the Kiev regime to carry out terrorist attacks using aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles against targets on the territory of the Russian Federation were stopped. Air defense systems on duty intercepted and destroyed 14 UAVs over the Belgorod region (11 UAVs) and Kursk region (3 UAVs), the ministry said.Russian air defense systems have destroyed eight missiles launched by Ukraine at the Belgorod, the ministry added later in the day."At 08:30 Moscow time [05:30 GMT] on March 14, an attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out terrorist attack on targets on the territory of Russia using a multiple launch rocket system was stopped. On-duty air defense systems destroyed eight missiles in the air over the territory of the Belgorod region," the ministry said in a statement.Earlier, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov, commenting on attacks by Ukrainian drones on Russian territory, emphasized that Kiev continues terrorist activities, but that the Russian military is on alert and doing everything necessary. Ukraine has been sending drones and missiles into Russia almost daily since it launched its counteroffensive in early June 2023. The United Nations said in August last year, following a botched drone strike on Moscow, that it did not want to see any targeting of civilian infrastructure.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240309/russia-destroys-47-ukrainian-drones-over-four-regions-at-night--1117218935.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240314/russian-chinese-iranian-navies-finish-active-phase-of-sea-security-belt-drills-1117318676.html

Russian, Chinese, Iranian Navies Finish Active Phase of Sea Security Belt Drills

Russian, Chinese, Iranian Navies Finish Active Phase of Sea Security Belt Drills

Sputnik International

The Russian Pacific Fleet's detachment of ships have completed the active phase of the Sea Security Belt drills with Iranian and Chinese naval forces in the Gulf of Oman, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday morning.

2024-03-14T07:13+0000

2024-03-14T07:13+0000

2024-03-14T07:13+0000

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The drills started on Tuesday and were aimed at practicing safety in maritime economic activities, including the liberation of a ship captured by pirates. The Russian, Iranian and Chinese naval forces practiced joint maneuvering and communication exercises, firing large-caliber machine guns and small-caliber naval artillery at surface and air targets day and night, the statement said. A ceremony to mark the completion of the drills will take place in Chah Bahar and involve as observers countries including Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Oman, India and South Africa. Last year, Russia, China and Iran conducted the Maritime Security Belt-2023 trilateral naval exercise in the Arabian Sea.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240314/russias-56-bln-profit-from-redirecting-hydrocarbon-supplies-1117309225.html

Russia's $56 Bln Profit From Redirecting Hydrocarbon Supplies

Russia's $56 Bln Profit From Redirecting Hydrocarbon Supplies

Sputnik International

Since 2022, the EU has imposed comprehensive sanctions on Russian energy imports. Restrictions on coal were also followed by oil later that year that are in place to this day. This, however, did not stop Russian industry from rerouting its supplies and yielding billions in profit.

2024-03-14T04:39+0000

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According to Sputnik's calculations, Russia made nearly $187 billion from exporting oil, gas, and coal to several friendly nations in 2023 alone, marking a $56 billion increase compared to the average exports to European countries prior to the anti-Russian sanctions. The data analyzed mainly concerns major buyers of Russian hydrocarbons like Turkiye, China, India, Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the EU. In December 2022, Russian authorities banned exporting the country's oil and petroleum products to foreign contractors that provide for contractual price caps in one way or another. The presidential decree entered into force on February 1, 2023, and has since been extended until June 2024.Check out Sputnik's infographics to learn more!

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240314/some-50-of-finns-support-strikes-against-govt-labor-reforms---poll-1117316805.html

Some 50% of Finns Support Strikes Against Gov't Labor Reforms - Poll

Some 50% of Finns Support Strikes Against Gov't Labor Reforms - Poll

Sputnik International

More than 50% of Finland's citizens support holding strike actions against the government's labor reforms, a poll held by the Central Organization of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) has shown.

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The poll showed on Wednesday that 52% of Finns support strikes against labor reforms of the government, while 42% of the polled said they oppose such actions. Support for strikes is lowest among respondents aged 60 and over. The poll was hell from March 8-12 and polled 2,788 citizens aged 18 and over, except for the residents of the Aland Islands, with the margin of error not exceeding 1.9 percentage points.A two-week strike is now underway in Finland and is expected to last throughout March 24. Finland's unions, including SAK, the Industrial Union, the Transport Workers' Union (ATK), the Electrical Workers' Union and others, oppose Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's government's reforms that will affect pensions, sick leave payments, unemployment, insurance premiums, simplification of layoffs, a ban on strikes and other. Orpo has said earlier that he had held talks with union representatives and said the government's planned reforms were necessary and would not be canceled. The Confederation of Finnish Industries, the largest employers' organization in the country, estimates that the cumulative damage to the Finnish economy, businesses and jobs caused by strikes against the government's reforms has already amounted to nearly 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) and will approach 1.5 billion.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230929/finland-newest-nato-member-strikes-land-deals-to-build-fortifications-near-russian-border--reports-1113791507.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240314/ted-rall-no-appetite-for-french-deployment-even-within-military-1117315715.html

Ted Rall: No Appetite for French Deployment, Even Within Military

Ted Rall: No Appetite for French Deployment, Even Within Military

Sputnik International

Political Cartoonist and analyst Ted Rall told Sputnik's The Critical Hour on Wednesday that there is no appetite in France to send troops to Ukraine, even among the military.

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The leaked documents were published soon after French President Emmanuel Macron raised the possibility of deploying French troops to Ukraine. Political analyst and cartoonist Ted Rall told Sputniks Fault Lines on Tuesday that he suspects the documents were leaked because there is no appetite for sending French troops [to Ukraine], and that includes within the French military.Rall said it surprised him that Macron would consider military action, considering French history. The last time they had something like an invasion, I think it was in New Caledonia, which is a French island, kind of like Guam is for the United States. But, it didnt go well, and the French troops were met with heavy resistance, Rall explained, also pointing to Algerias independence struggle against France which he called basically their Vietnam.Among the general public, Rall notes that they have always been highly distrustful of government, saying Theyre just going to hate this. This was a dumb idea [by Macron]. Its very strange because Macron really did have complete domination of the French political system for a number of years. I dont know if hes in the Elysee bubble. He just doesnt seem to have any access to what ordinary people are thinking.Co-host Garland Nixon asked about parliamentary commissioner for the Bundeswehr, Eva Hoegls comments on Tuesday that the German military is short on everything after sending supplies to Ukraine.Rall said he is never sad to hear that Germany of all countriesmight not have enough military hardware but said it is not limited to just Germany. Were sort of in the state here in the United States, right? he asked. I mean, at the risk of sounding America first, French first, Germany first, maybe the main purpose of a military should be to defend your own country.Its kind of like if youre broke and your friend says, Hey, lend me my rent money and you end up getting evicted because you didnt pay your rent. You know thats stupid," Rall concluded.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240312/german-army-short-of-everything-partly-due-to-supplies-to-kiev---official-1117287141.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240314/ukrainian-radicals-repeatedly-threatened-hungarys-parlt-factions-members---lawmaker-1117316562.html

Ukrainian 'Radicals' Repeatedly Threatened Hungarian MPs, Legislator Reveals

Ukrainian 'Radicals' Repeatedly Threatened Hungarian MPs, Legislator Reveals

Sputnik International

Laszlo Toroczkai, the leader of Hungary's right-wing Our Homeland Movement party, has told Ria Novosti that he personally and members of his faction had received threats from Ukrainian "radicals".

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"Ukrainian terrorists are threatening an entire parliamentary faction in Hungary and me personally - I am also a member of the [Parliamentary Assembly] of the Council of Europe - because of our position on the war in Ukraine," Toroczkai said. In a video published on his YouTube channel, he said that the faction's lawmakers on February 13 received emails from Ukrainian organization ultras threatening "severe punishment for plans to occupy Transcarpathia." He added that members of the radical organization threatened to "set the office on fire, blow up a car, kill" the lawmakers.The second threat came to the emails of Hungarian lawmakers on February 28: members of the Fan at War organization recorded a video in which they demanded "an official apology to the Ukrainian people for calling for the annexation of Transcarpathia." He recalled that the party's program includes recognition of the legitimacy of the 1991 referendum in Ukraine's Transcarpathia, which proclaimed granting autonomy to Transcarpathia and Hungarian territorial autonomy to the Berehove district within Ukraine. "This legitimate referendum is illegally ignored by the government in Kiev," he said. The Hungarian lawmaker added that the reason for the threats against his party is not their position on Transcarpathia but the position of Hungarian authorities on Ukraine's accession to the European Union and the financing of Ukraine at the expense of European taxpayers.He also announced plans to widely disseminate the video with threats, which is currently subtitled in 17 languages.In late January, Toroczkai said his party is the only party in Hungary that would claim Transcarpathia if Ukraine loses statehood. Gergely Gulyas, the Hungarian prime minister's chief of staff, described Toroczkai's statement as irresponsible because Budapest respects international law.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240314/watch-annihilation-of-ukrainian-saboteurs-who-dared-approach-russian-border-1117328895.html

Watch Annihilation of Ukrainian Saboteurs Who Dared Approach Russian Border

Watch Annihilation of Ukrainian Saboteurs Who Dared Approach Russian Border

Sputnik International

The Russian Defense Ministry has released footage of the liquidation of the equipment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces during the attempted incursion into the Russian border territory near the village of Spodariushino in the Belgorod region.

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The Russian Defense Ministry has released footage showing the ill fate of Ukrainian saboteurs near the village of Spodaryushino in the Belgorod region. Fire from Russian artillery combined with airstrikes decimated militants and destroyed their vehicles, including five tanks."Preemptive actions by Russian units have thwarted another attempt by the Ukrainian Armed Forces to break through into the border area of the Russian Federation near the settlement of Spodaryushino in the Belgorod region," the Russian Defense Ministry said."As a result of air strikes and artillery fire, up to 195 servicemen, five tanks, four armored combat vehicles, three UR-77 mine clearing vehicles and three military engineering vehicles were destroyed," the Defense Ministry added.

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As The Red Mile readies for its 2024 meet, Gabe Prewitt, Vice-President of Racing, has announced that Sunday night racing has been approved and will return to the iconic track.

The Red Mile, celebrating its 150th season, will open on July 21 with a Sunday night 5:05 p.m. post time and will host nine such Sunday night programs with Kentucky Futurity Day scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 6 returning to an afternoon 1 p.m. post time.

In announcing that The Red Mile will be the place to be on Sunday night, Prewitt said, as it was very enthusiastically received last season and we are excited to have the opportunity to build on that.

Prewitt continued, We will have stakes racing every single day of the live meet and, to kick things off, on opening day, we will feature over $400,000 [USD] in purses highlighted by eight $50,000 [USD] Kentucky Proud Sire Stakes finals.

On Sept. 15, we will have $3.4 million [USD] in purses up for grabs as we host the Kentucky Sire Stakes finals for two-year-olds and three-year-olds, as well.

The famed one-mile oval will also be home to the $800,000 USD KYSS Commonwealth finals, as well as the lucrative Bluegrass Series, Golden Rod events and the Wildcat Series, all leading up to Kentucky Futurity Day featuring four Allerage events, the Glen Garnsey Memorial, the Tattersalls and the fabled Kentucky Futurity trotting events for sophomore trotting fillies and, of course, the colts and geldings.

The Red Mile recently added Emily Gaskin-Ratcliff as Director of Sponsorships and Scott Freeman as Track Superintendent to its outstanding roster of Department Heads and anticipates a very successful 2024 meet with the best stables and horsepeople participating in the lucrative stakes program.

(The Red Mile)
The upcoming Saturday, March 16 will be an eventful one at Freehold Raceway. The track will host two themed races: an Irish Heritage race and an International Womens Day race.

But first, Monmouth County 4-Hs Equine Science group will visit the paddock for a tour and learn about the behind-the-scenes of harness racing. Then the group will head over to the grandstand to enjoy the races, especially the special event races.

The Irish Heritage race is just in time for St. Patricks Day and will feature a full field of drivers of Irish descent. This race is sponsored by Peter and Mary Grandich and is in honoir of their good friend, a regular driver at Freehold Raceway, Irish Joe Hanney, who is still recovering from an accident in October. Marty Lyons of the New York Jets will be joining the Grandichs and Irish Joe in the renaissance dining room for a meet and greet with fans.

The field for the Irish Heritage race, scheduled as the afternoon's seventh race with an approximate 2:30 p.m. post time, is listed below.

Irish Heritage Race

Post - Horse - Driver

1. Gold Star Yoder - Jim Marohn Jr

2. Frankie Boy - James Foley

3. Dependlebury A - James Marshall IV

4. Colt Fourty One - Doreen Dailey

5. Lindythefourteenth - James ODonnell

6. Final Justice - Jack Killeen

7. Steppin Hurry - George Brennan

8. Hunt You Down - Seamus Quill

The International Womens Day race is scheduled as the ninth race of the day with an approximate 3:10 p.m. post time. Eight women will showcase their "girl power" and go head-to-head with each other. A special guest will be joining in the festivities as Jessica Paquette, the announcer at Parx Racing, will try her hand at calling some harness races, including the womens race.

The field for the International Womens Day race is listed below.

International Women's Day Race

Post - Horse - Driver

1. Moonwards Hanover - Marianna Monaco

2. H T Three - Helene Engblom

3. Keepamericagreat - McKenzie Sowers

4. Here Comes Red - Victoria Stratton

5. Matters Most - Madeliene Young

6. Salvadors Sun - Alexandra Goldin

7. Officer Blue Chip - Doreen Dailey

8. Walts Natty Datty - Stacy Chiodo

The forecast calls for a warm and sunny day; it will be a beautiful day to honour the women of horse racing.

First post for the 12-race card is 12:30 p.m.

(With files from Freehold Raceway)
During Super Tuesday, Culpeper County had a visitor who reported on the national primary election for Estonia, an Eastern European nation.

Laura Kalam, a Washington D.C.-based correspondent for Estonian Public Broadcasting, came to Culpeper to observe the elections held March 5. She has been a journalist for 10 years, traveling across the country to report on stories, including the United States border and the Iowa caucuses.

Kalam described the Estonian Public Broadcasting network as similar to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in Great Britain. Known as ERR, the network is a publicly funded and owned television and radio organization founded in June 2007. It is headquartered in the countrys capital, Tallinn.

Kalam said her choices for covering the primary from a rural perspective were between Culpeper and a place in North Carolina. She said she chose Culpeper for two reasons, the close proximity to her home base in Washington, D.C., and easy access to the train.

It was easy to come here, Kalam said. I was researching and found out that (Culpeper is) down here and it was easy to reach here. I came by train, so thats pretty much how I ended up here.

In talking to voters, she said she found they were very vocal about what side of the political line they were on and found it to be a very aggressive stance when compared to countries in Europe.

According to Kalam, the interest of rural American elections to a viewer in Estonia comes down to the impact it will have on the Russian-Ukrainian War. Located in northeastern Europe, Estonia is a geographic neighbor of Russia and neighbors Finland to the north, separated by the Gulf of Finland.

The country has an estimated population of 1.3 million and its government is a unitary parliamentary republic, which currently holds three parties.

We have a huge interest in who is going to be the next president because it may decide the help to Ukraine, said Kalam. Estonians appreciate every kind of aid you give to Ukraine, your input to NATO. We are very proud that we are members of NATO and its a huge help to us because we are a tiny, tiny country, unfortunately neighbors with huge Russia, who is a bully. And we need your help to stay independent.

President Joe Biden and Democrats in the United States Congress have been supportive of aiding Ukraine since Russia invaded the country in 2022. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump and some Republicans have opposed sending funds and weapons to aid Ukraine.

In February, Republican legislators in the United States Senate blocked a bipartisan $95.34 billion Senate security aid bill that would have funded Ukraines efforts as well as security at the southern border of the United States.
BRANDY STATION  Glebe Farm represents five generations of hardworking and adaptable Culpeper County farmers from the Swan family, a name also long synonymous in the region with agricultural equipment.

The family-run operation is the 2024 Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness of the Year, an honor bestowed earlier than usual this year to coincide with National Agriculture Week, March 17-23.

Thank you for your years of outstanding dedication and service to the agricultural community of Culpeper County, said Chamber President Amy Frazier during a presentation Monday on the 2,000-acre farm.

The family will officially accept the silver plate in front of the business community at the chamber awards banquet in November.

Home of the pasture, is what the farms name means, according to Steve Swan, who runs the operation with his son, Ross. Family history runs deep amid the red Virginia dirt.

Steves great-great grandfather, J.A. Swan Sr., started the farm in 1870, originally purchasing 425 acres. It was a just few short years after the Civil War and the Battle of Brandy Station, the largest ever cavalry battle in North America that raged all around the green fields.

Back then it was horses and horse-drawn equipment, cattle, wheat, hay, corn, said Steve Swan of the early days on Glebe Farm.

In 1926, J.A. passed away without a will in place and the farm was lost, he said. My great-grandfather (J.A. Swan Jr.) had enough money to buy it back, part of it, lost 50 acres across the road, said Steve Swan. Then, 1927, he started milking cows until 2009, until the economics at that time were so bad.

J.A. Swan Jr. is known to local history for operating a farm machinery store downtown, starting in the early 1900s, that stayed in business well into the 21st century. He was there for the shift from horse-drawn to automotive, embracing the changes and updating technology along the way, a practice that remains in place on the family farm.

By 1915, gas flowed from pumps in front of Pierre Thomas tinware shop, Guinn brothers property, and (J.A.) Swans farm equipment dealership, according to Culpeper: A Virginia Countys History through 1920 by Eugene Scheel, published in 1982 by the Culpeper Historical Society, in a sub-section, Horseless carriages.

The first car drove through Culpeper in 1905 on route from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to Fredericksburg, and the news made the Culpeper Exponent, Scheel writes.

On June 14, 1917, a decade after nearly everyone in the county had seen an auto, everyone had a chance to see the Mogul tractor at James A. Swans agricultural implement store, Scheel writes. Swan advertised, Buy one: Dont Overdo the Economy Stint. Next spring, Swan advertised kerosene-powered Emerson-Brantingham tractors.

At Glebe Farm through all the changes, dairy remained viable for over 75 years, with the Swan family milking 250 cows at the peak. Steve Swans father took over from his grandfather in 1971, and then he took over, and now Ross, age 30, is leading the new generation.

Seeing dairy become unsustainable at Glebe Farm was good and bad, Steve Swan said. Today, they raise corn, soybeans, hay and beef cows.

A 2011 graduate of Culpeper County High School who participated in Future Farmers of America and went to states for tractor repair troubleshooting, Ross Swan studied agriculture at Virginia Tech before becoming a fulltime farmer. He has four sisters and grew up on the farm.

Ross Swan stays up to date on all the latest agricultural advancements and has a knack and know-how for fixing farm equipment, passed down in his DNA.

Oh yeah, a lot of the stuff, it can drive itself, he said.

This time of year, hes prepping the corn spreader for planting. Corn grown at Glebe Farm goes to the Shenandoah Valley for feeding poultry. The soybeans go to eastern Virginia for shipment on a barge for grinding.

Culpeper County Senior Extension Agent Carl Stafford attended Mondays Agribusiness Award presentation on the farm. He emphasized, The future that is represented by the next generation standing right there and handling the technology that this place depends on and running the equipment, Stafford said. I dont want to try and do it  Ross can and thats a big deal that hes got that piece under control and he knows who to call if he cant do it.

Glebe Farm has got bigger planters so he can get more done, Stafford added.

Ross Swan agreed, saying the new equipment has more than doubled capacity.

He put new stuff on it, creating down pressure and cutting slits in the ground and putting seeds at the right depth, Stafford said.

He went over the whole thing this winter.

Ross Swan acknowledged hes the next generation of Swan family farming.

I love it, wouldnt do anything else, he said. Just the lifestyle  its get up and plant something, watch it grow.

He sees the future as expansion and improvement.

Steve Swan is still farming alongside his son. To what does he attribute the longevity of Glebe Farm?

Being able to make it profitable, keeping it sustainable. Doing the right economic things, making practices work, making things economically feasible, he said.

Asked about being named the Culpeper Agribusiness of the Year, Steve Swan said, Its a big pleasure to have that done. I very much appreciate this award and its been a long journey. Thank you for this.

Glebe Farm has a big, bright future, he added.

People are going to have to eat regardless of whether they think theyre going to get it from Walmart or not, he said.

Family farming is never easy, Stafford said.

Its no-till and its technology and you better have somebody coming along learning what the old people know, whether a family member or employee, and learn the new things and its a huge challenge, he said.

The volume in this coming season, their grain values are way down than what they were, so theyre going to have to really scrape to show a profit, its really small margins now, if at all, so its tough business and they got to be real shrewd and negotiate every single thing they do, buying, selling, Oh, no youre going to break me up, I dont got two nickels to rub together, and they are having to struggle with the income side, said the senior extension agent.

Culpeper Chamber Board Chairman Ken Bentleys said this years recipient of the Agribusiness of the Year Award is a well-deserving, longstanding member of the community.

They do an excellent job, and listening to the story theyve come through a lot of diversity since 1870 and having to change as the times change, he said.

Agriculture serves as the backbone of Culpeper, providing sustenance and fueling economic growth while fostering a sense of community, said Frazier, presenting the award.

This year we are very proud to present the accolade to Steve Swan and his family at Glebe Farm, one of Culpepers century farms.

We live in an era where the importance of agriculture cannot be overstated, she said. As we honor the Swan family, we acknowledge the profound impact that agriculture has on our locality.
During the March 2 meeting of the Culpeper County Democratic Committee, two members of the Culpeper County Registrars office talked about the upcoming elections.

General Registrar Melissa Hart and Electoral Board Chair Tracy Neely fielded questions from the audience gathered at the Culpeper Police Department concerned security and fairness of elections in the county.

Hart said responsibilities of the office are to provide equitable opportunities to register to vote and maintain accurate records related to voter registration, elections, candidates and officials. The Registrars office is also responsible for day-to-day operations for election administration, including absentee voting, administration of polling places during elections, maintaining voter registration and processing candidates.

It is our sacred honor to protect and promote public trust and confidence by conducting accurate and fair elections, Hart said. Protecting democracy is a team effort in the profession of elections administration. Our tasks require wisdom, courage and desire to remain focused on our vision of free and impartial elections despite changes in society and its flaws.

Hart was asked about the offices efficiency in maintaining accurate voting records after Virginia pulled out of the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) in August 2023. The center is an organization with the goal of improving election integrity, including making sure voter rolls are accurate.

Hart said not having access to ERICs data has made removing people from the voter rolls more difficult.

When somebody moves out of state, we have to have a signed document by the voter which basically says that they have moved to another state, said Hart. If they have not provided that information, then we cannot legally remove them at that time.

Hart also said another process to remove such voters has been put in place through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. When a voter goes to the DMV to register or to change their drivers license to a different state, she stated, this acts as a notification that the voter is now residing in another state.

If a person goes to another state and updates their drivers license then that goes to us as well, said Hart. So were getting that as well and were getting it all through the department of motor vehicles.

Hart added a drawback to not having access to ERIC is the registrars office doesnt get weekly updates from the organization and not getting information as fast as they used to.

Virginia was one of nine states that left the organization amid reports and conspiracy theories attempting to tie the organization to liberal donors and activists. ERIC had been highly praised in the fight against voter fraud prior to the controversy.

Attendees also said they were concerned about the safety of election workers at the polls. Neely stated options are being looked into, such as having law enforcement at the locations.

We dont want our election officers getting into fist fights and carrying guns to try and protect themselves, she said. I would prefer an officer  because some of these precincts, the cellphones dont always work.

The Culpeper County Democratic Committee will hold their next meeting on April 6, in the conference room of the Culpeper Police Department, located at 740 Old Brandy Road in Culpeper.
Donald Trump's domination of last week's primaries made it official: He has successfully routed the GOP establishment.

Some would argue, with ample evidence, that this happened a long time ago. Particularly in Congress, the party is divided into three sometimes overlapping factions: Reaganites, pragmatists and populists, the last being Trump's "MAGA" faction. Politicians from the non-MAGA factions have been retreating, retiring or reinventing themselves in Trump's image for years now.

If Republican Sens. Mike Lee of Utah, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Tim Scott of South Carolina and Marco Rubio of Florida aren't fully MAGA in their hearts, you wouldn't know it from their current public personas. Other Republicans, including former Sens. Rob Portman of Ohio, Jeff Flake of Arizona and Bob Corker of Tennessee, along with former Reps. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, Eric Cantor of Virginia and Liz Cheney of Wyoming, were either shown the door or fled for it themselves. And outside institutions such as the Conservative Political Action Committee, or CPAC, and the Heritage Foundation have repositioned themselves as MAGA organs.

That process has accelerated since Trump effectively locked up the Republican nomination for president for the third time. Over the past few months, non-MAGA Republicans such as Reps. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, Patrick McHenry of North Carolina and Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington have announced that they will be leaving Congress. And Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, the last actual avatar of "the GOP establishment," declared that he would not run to lead the Republican caucus again and went on to endorse Trump.

The takeover is culminating with the Trumpian captivity of the Republican National Committee. Virtually no Republican establishment is left that isn't synonymous with the Trump establishment.

Michael Whatley, the former head of the North Carolina GOP, is the new national chairman, having earned Trump's favor as an unrestrained booster of his claim that the 2020 election was stolen. Lara Trump, the former president's daughter-in-law, is serving alongside Whatley as co-chair. And Chris LaCivita, a top Trump campaign adviser, will run day-to-day operations. On Monday, they began a wholesale purge of staffers deemed insufficiently loyal.

Trump's son Donald Jr. agrees that it's official. In an interview with Newsmax Sunday, he said the old GOP establishment "no longer exists. ... People have to understand that America first, the MAGA movement, is the new Republican Party. That is conservatism today."

Now, one can quibble over whether a political philosophy that traces itself back to Edmund Burke and the American founding can be transformed by the installment of Trump apparatchiks at the RNC. Trump himself might even agree with those quibbles.

Trump has previously described himself as a "nationalist," and he at least partly rejected the conservative label in an interview with CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Monday. "People say, 'You're conservative,' " Trump said. "I'm not conservative. You know what I am? I'm a man of common sense, and a lot of conservative policies are common sense."

Whatever we call him, what's clear is that Trump thinks his team can go it alone. At a recent Virginia rally, he declared that MAGA "represents 96%, and maybe 100%" of the GOP. "We're getting rid of the Romneys of the world. We want to get Romneys and those (like him) out."

Normally, general election candidates try to expand their coalitions. Primary election exit polls -- and the actual results -- belie Trump's claim that the party is now almost pure MAGA.

"In each of the six states with entrance and exit polls," a CNN analysis found, "a sizable minority of the GOP electorate identified directly as a part of the MAGA, or 'Make America Great Again,' movement, ranging from about one-third in California, Virginia and New Hampshire to nearly half in Iowa." Put another way, between half and two-thirds of those primary-voting Republicans don't identify as MAGA. Most will still likely hold their nose and vote for Trump in November, but that's not proof that the GOP is totally Trumpian.

But the national GOP leadership is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Trumpism. That behooves a movement that has often been as concerned with taking over the party as taking over the government. In Republican primaries, Trump has tended to back loyalists with dim general election prospects over more traditional Republicans with a better chance of actually winning House and Senate seats. The MAGA movement seems convinced that a purer party dedicated to Trump is for some reason better than one saddled with the remnants of the old GOP coalition.

For all practical purposes, their wish has been granted. That's good for the movement if Trump wins in November. But if he loses, they'll have no one to blame but themselves. After all, they're the establishment now.
A proposed solar energy facility in Scotts Bluff County has generated plenty of discussion in recent months, with some residents coming out in force to scrutinize the plan in public hearings and open houses across the Scottsbluff/Gering area.

The Situla Solar Energy Project is being proposed and planned by California-based Dunlieh Energy, and is currently awaiting approval of a conditional use permit from the Scotts Bluff County Planning Commission in order to move forward.

The proposed facility would be constructed on land owned by brothers Jack and Don Preston, members of a family whose roots in the area date back nearly 150 years.

My great-great-grandparents on both sides moved here in the late 1880s, so my brother and I are the fifth generation, Preston said.

That history makes the Prestons mindful of how they use their familys land, so they were careful in their decision to lease some land for a renewable energy project that Preston says brings economic benefit to the family, local schools and the county.

Before Dunlieh Energy approached the Prestons, the family had entertained a proposal from another energy company interested in setting up a solar facility in the same location for the same reason  the two transmission lines that run directly through the property.

They can build their substation by the power lines and dont have to build their own transmission, Preston said.

The Prestons have been working with Dunlieh Energy for nearly two years now. Preston himself reported that the process of writing up the contract with the company took many months because he and his family were careful to scrutinize the details of the plan and ensure that it was right for them, their land and their community.

Were confident that weve got our Is dotted and our Ts crossed, he said.

Having served as a director at Wyoming-based electrical co-op Wyrulec for 40 years, Preston knows a thing or two about electrical infrastructure. Wyrulec supplies power to all of Goshen County, portions of Banner County and the southwest corner of Scotts Bluff County.

Throughout his involvement with Wyrulec, Preston said he witnessed the rise in usage of renewable energy sources, which he said reflects a national trend.

About 30% of their power is now renewable, and it keeps going up a bit each year, Preston said. Its whats going on in this country, its an economic development and I think we should do it.

Preston described the land selected for the project as lower quality ag land. While it was previously used to grow wheat, he explained, it is currently out of production through the federal governments Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).

As stated by the USDA, the CRP seeks to remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. Preston said that a solar energy project is a good way to get use out of the land while its agricultural value is relatively low.

In a sense, itll be put back into production because it will be producing electricity, which, to me, is similar to corn producing ethanol, he said.

The proposed facility has been a subject of scrutiny from both elected officials and county residents. Preston said that the project wont affect anyone aside from the small number of people who can see it from their homes.

It doesnt affect anyone else. Theres one person on the west and three or four homes on the east that will be able to see it, he said.

Prestons major concern related to the project was the quality and maintenance of the county-owned roads in the area, in both Scotts Bluff and Banner counties.

There will be some road issues definitely while the construction is going on, he said. Im in a comfortable spot with the plan, as long as the counties are treated properly for the roads.

With those sorts of agreements in place, Preston expressed his confidence in Dunlieh and the Situla project. He also said that no one will be watching the companys practices in the area more closely than he and his family as the term of the 30-year lease progresses.

Weve had a good relationship with the company thats doing it, and were confident in what theyre doing, Preston said. Well be paying attention to what theyre doing. If they have problems, well make sure they get brought to light and handled in a proper manner.

Scotts Bluff County building and zoning director Bill Mabin confirmed that the Situla project is slated to go before the planning commission again on April 9.
Gov. Jim Pillen has signed three more Unicameral bills introduced by western Nebraska state senators as the Legislature moved into the final one-third of its 2024 session this week.

Three additional bills by the regions lawmakers also have advanced from committees, though their fates are uncertain between the lateness of the session and renewed filibusters.

Pillen Monday signed Gordon Sen. Tom Brewers Legislative Bill 847, which updates legal language on multistate emergency management agreements, and LB 848, which allows Nebraskas adjutant general to serve in that position until the age of 66.

LB 847 officially withdraws Nebraska from the Interstate Civil Defense and Disaster Compact in favor of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. Both enable member states to help each other in case of natural disasters.

The governor Monday also signed North Platte Sen. Mike Jacobsons LB 854, which changes eligibility requirements for taking examinations to become a certified public accountant.

In other Unicameral action, committees unanimously advanced Gering Sen. Brian Hardins LB 1026 and LB 1101, as well as LB 1159 by Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner.

LB 1026, advanced by the Revenue Committee, would prevent the seizure of accounts in the states Achieving a Better Life Experience Program to pay an account holders debts. The program lets Nebraskans with disabilities set up tax-advantaged savings accounts.

The Education Committee advanced Hardins LB 1101, which would formalize undergraduate state tuition aid granted in 2023 for rural health and public health students at Nebraskas three state colleges and the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Senators approved $900,000 last year for rural Nebraska students to receive waivers of at least half their tuition as they prepare to enter the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Theyre guaranteed admittance to UNMC but must commit to practice in rural Nebraska after graduating from there.

LB 1101 would apply to students in both the 35-year-old Rural Health Opportunities Program and UNKs parallel Kearney Health Opportunities Program, founded in 2010. A committee amendment would specifically add the UNK program to the bills text.

Meanwhile, Judiciary Committee members forwarded Ibachs LB 1159 to the floor. It would add 12 more types of crimes to a 10-felony list requiring enhanced notification to their victims when convicted defendants are up for parole, pardon or release.

With just 18 legislative days left as of Wednesday, prospects are dwindling for bills that havent yet received first-round floor debate. All remaining active bills that havent gained final approval will die when the 108th Legislature adjourns April 18.

A fresh outbreak of the repeated filibusters that plagued the 2023 session also loomed following their 27-20 refusal Tuesday to override Pillens veto of a bill allowing cities or counties to authorize a sterile syringe-exchange program.

Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, who led repeated filibusters of major and minor bills last year, filed an array of delaying motions on the Legislatures two main budget bills after the failed override vote on Omaha Sen. Megan Hunts LB 307. Senators began considering the budget bills (LBs 1412 and 1413) Tuesday afternoon.
Nebraska submitted the state's first Climate Action Plan to federal regulators earlier this month, outlining voluntary and incentive-based programs aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollutants in the state.

The 84-page Priority Climate Action Plan, which the state submitted March 1 to the EPA, focuses on first-step efforts to reduce emissions in six economic sectors as state officials work to develop a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan targeting long-term emission reductions.

Nebraska's Department of Environment and Energy  which received a $3 million federal grant to develop the priority plan and the comprehensive plan, due in August 2025  proposed more than a dozen measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gases across economic sectors including agriculture, energy production, transportation, industry, commercial and residential buildings, and waste and wastewater.

The plan comes as Nebraska greenhouse gas emissions rank 26th highest in the country, though the state's per-capita emissions are the sixth highest in the U.S.

If fully implemented, the proposals outlined in the Priority Climate Action Plan could reduce the state's emissions by 25.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030  a reduction of more than 30% of the state's net greenhouse gas emissions in 2021.

The plan takes particular aim at Nebraska's agricultural industry, the state's leading economic industry that accounted for 42% of Nebraska's total emissions in 2021 and faces a "significant threat" from climate change and accompanying water scarcity, according to the plan.

The Department of Environment and Energy proposed incentivizing regenerative agriculture practices and the use of precision agriculture equipment in an effort to reduce the industry's greenhouse gas emissions, which are the fifth highest in the country in recent years.

One proposed program, which would be piloted in a multi-county area in south-central Nebraska, would aim to address the "social, technical and complex economic barriers" to regenerative farming buy-in through intensive outreach.

Increased participation in regenerative farming would drive improvements in nitrogen management and boost "carbon sequestration rates" through cover crops, no-till farming practices and reduced reliance on chemical fertilizer, according to the plan.

The department also proposed incentivizing participation in precision farming, which generally utilizes technology like soil sampling, satellite imagery and real-time sensors to track growing conditions of specific crops, allowing farmers to use "GPS-programmed technologies" and "chemically engineered interventions" to aid particular crops.

Another proposal calls for incentivizing corn and soybean farmers to participate in Nebraska's Carbon Intensity Score Registry, which would track the carbon emissions generated during crop production.

Farmers would receive a "small incentive payment" for logging their carbon intensity scores on the state registry, which would in turn help producers better understand carbon intensity scores as a performance metric that could inform crop management decisions and motivate them to seek out regenerative and precision agriculture opportunities.

Altogether, the proposals would reduce nitrate saturation from excess fertilization across the agricultural land  which combined with ranch land makes up roughly 90% of Nebraskas total land area  while increasing soil fertility and moisture retention.

And, more urgently, state climate planners expect "rapid, widespread adoption of the key strategies" outlined to achieve "substantial reductions in" greenhouse gas and other air pollutant emissions as early as 2026.

The agriculture-related proposals account for more than 86% of potential emission reductions the plan hopes to achieve by 2030.

Other incentive programs proposed in the plan include promoting energy efficiency and electrification upgrades for nonresidential buildings like manufacturing facilities, incentives to reduce food waste, incentives for irrigation well conversion from diesel to electric, along with funding for solar projects on unused or contaminated land or atop ag and industrial facilities or parking lot canopies.

Now that the state has submitted its Priority Climate Action Plan, it can apply for competitive federal grant dollars to implement the emission-reduction measures outlined in the plan.

The states three largest electrical utilities  Lincoln Electric System, Nebraska Public Power District and the Omaha Public Power District  have already set net-zero carbon emission targets for their electricity generation.

In 2021, 44.1% of the electricity used in Nebraska was generated from sources other than fossil fuels, according to the plan.

Still, renewable energy remains a divisive subject in Nebraska, particularly in the state's rural areas, where residents have packed public meetings to lodge opposition to proposed wind farms and solar farms.

Top Journal Star photos for March 2024
The wife of a double murder suspect who was shot and killed by deputies over the weekend is now facing charges of aiding her husband.

Ashlee Louise Klepfer, 40, of Ostwalt Amity Road, Troutman, was charged with felony accessory after the fact, felony possession of methamphetamine, possession with intent to sell or deliver methamphetamine, five counts of misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a minor, four counts of fail to secure firearm from a minor and one count each of misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of Schedule II. A magistrate ordered her held without bond due to her being out of jail on bond for a previous charge of school attendance law violation.

Iredell Sheriff Darren Campbell, in a news release, said that Klepfer is the wife of Justin Michael Strawser, 39, who was killed over the weekend after a standoff with deputies.

Strawser is the suspect in the shooting deaths of two men at a residence on Home Drive, Mooresville, on Saturday evening. Eduardo Cordova, 22, of Charlotte Highway, Mooresville, and Caleb Lopez, 24, of Lincolnton, were discovered bound and shot to death after deputies responded to a report of gunshots, Campbell said. Another man was found bound and injured on the back porch. He was transported to the hospital with serious injuries, Campbell said.

Campbell said Klepfers arrest came as the result of the ongoing investigation by homicide investigators. He said evidence indicates that she aided her husband after the homicides were committed and also found that she allowed four juveniles inside her home to have access to firearms during the standoff.

Strawser, Campbell said, was shot and killed after an hourslong standoff at the Ostwalt Amity Road home. He said that deputies made attempts to rescue the four juveniles, but they did not cooperate. He said Strawser fired an AR-15 rifle at deputies during the standoff.

The standoff came to an end when deputies fired gas into the house, causing the juveniles and Strawser to come outside, Campbell said. Strawser again fired at deputies, who returned the gunfire, killing him, he said.

Campbell said members of the Aggressive Criminal Enforcement team (ACE) located Klepfer and stopped her vehicle. Also in the vehicle was a 15-year-old who was found in possession of a loaded handgun and methamphetamine, he said.

Campbell said the case remains under investigation and additional charges could be forthcoming.

On Saturday, he said, neighbors on Home Drive reported seeing an SUV leave the scene with three people inside the vehicle.
Turkeys regional diplomacy exhibited flexibility, with strategic maneuvers adapting to the shifting realities on the ground, Mohammad Fawaz analyzes for Syria TV.

In the shadow of the October 7 aftermath, Middle Eastern nations, still haunted by the specters of the Arab Spring, exercised internal caution to preserve their grip on power amid fears that the ongoing war might reignite the embers of dissent, smothered only by the fear of oppression and deprivation. This apprehension did not, however, manifest in their external engagements, which remained driven by the intent to move beyond the Arab Spring era and reclaim a semblance of the status quo ante.

Turkey, diverging from this trend, adopted a fresh approach, particularly in the lead-up to its presidential elections, focusing on resetting relations from scratch. This included deepening ties with both Arab states and Western countries, despite facing domestic criticism over its responses to the Al-Aqsa Mosque incidents and the situation in Gaza. Turkeys stance, historically more pronounced than that of its Arab counterparts, took many by surprise, especially those detached from objective analyses of the evolving geopolitical landscape.

The economic imperative steered Turkey towards rekindling relations with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, though talks of a high-level meeting between Assad and Erdogan were quickly derailed, highlighting the complexities of restoring such ties to their erstwhile state.

Turkeys regional diplomacy exhibited flexibility, with strategic maneuvers adapting to the shifting realities on the ground, all aimed at securing national interests through the path of least resistance. An indirect benefit for Turkey in Syria has been the extension of a broader cooperative front with Russia through discussions about the Syrian regime and the establishment of communication channels, even if definitive conclusions remain elusive. The recent Turkish stance towards the Assad regime, articulated by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, underscores a perception of Assads limited autonomy and preconditions for diplomatic engagement as counterproductive.

Turkeys interests in Syria are multifaceted, spanning the presence of Turkish forces in northern Syria, border security, the situation of Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Kurdish groups near the Turkish border, and the status of Syrian refugees in Turkey. This array of concerns indicates Turkeys conviction that concessions to the Assad regime would be fruitless, preferring instead direct negotiations with major international actors like the United States and Russia.

The Syrian agenda was notably present in the comprehensive dialogues between the United States and Turkey, covering a wide range of regional issues. Despite not being the centrepiece, the Syrian file is intricately linked to Ankaras broader strategic considerations, particularly its relationship with both Washington and Moscow. The crux of Turkish-American discord in Syria revolves around the approach to combating ISIS, with the U.S. backing the SDF, a stance Ankara opposes due to the perceived threat of Kurdish separatism.

Turkeys nuanced position, balancing its engagements with Russia and the U.S., reflects a strategic calculus that recognizes the limitations of direct dialogues with the Syrian regime. This realization propelled Turkey to seek alignment with the shepherds or major influencers on the Syrian issue, leveraging its Western-friendly stance for enhanced communication with the U.S., without compromising its ties with Russia.

In sum, the shift in Turkeys focus regarding Syria does not signify a waning interest but rather a strategic recalibration, emphasizing the impracticality of direct engagement with Assad and the importance of influencing broader international and Syrian policy arenas.

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.
Confidential sources have informed Sawt Al-Asima that Syrian businessman Abu Ali Khodr has been placed under house arrest.

Confidential sources have informed Sawt Al-Asima that Syrian businessman Abu Ali Khodr has been placed under house arrest following a two-month period of restrictions on his business activities. This includes preventing official institutions and the private sector from engaging in any of Khodrs commercial ventures.

According to Sawt Al-Asimas sources, the situation parallels what occurred with Rami Makhlouf in previous years. Khodr has been presented with two options: either relinquish a significant portion of his assets both within and outside Syria, retaining limited operational capacity or maintain the status quo while placing all his properties under the oversight of economic committees at the Republican Palace.

Despite some of Khodrs companies continuing to operate, albeit at a reduced pace, there has been a notable exodus of managers and employees in recent weeks. Many fear being implicated in investigations or facing arrest, particularly those with personal ties to Khodr.

Emma Tel, which has long held a monopoly as the sole importer of mobile devices, wielded considerable commercial influence in the market under Khodrs authority. However, the shelves now stand barren of premium devices like Apple and Samsung, which Emma Tel exclusively imported into Syria for years.

Sources from Sawt Al-Asima report that intelligence services affiliated with the regime have shuttered all warehouses belonging to Khodr, including those storing goods for the Al-Mira company, which are smuggled into Syria and distributed under the companys label.

Those close to Khodr have yet to make a definitive decision regarding the disposition of his amassed wealth, whether to relocate it out of Syria or transfer ownership of his companies and properties within the country to the Republican Palace.

Security orders have effectively halted all sales, purchases, and agency agreements associated with Khodr and his associates to prevent any attempt to transfer assets between parties and evade scrutiny from economic committees.

In mid-January, the Sawt Al-Asima website reported that Khodr had severed ties with Maher al-Assad months prior, after years of collaboration. Maher purportedly presented Khodr as a gift to the Republican Palace, placing his trade and investments under the purview of the Economic Committee overseen by Asma al-Akhras.

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.
Pedersen aims to advance discussions on the ninth round of the Constitutional Committee talks, according to al-Watan.

Set to arrive in Damascus early next week, UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen will embark on a crucial two-day visit, sources revealed to Al-Watan. The agenda is packed with significant meetings, notably with Faisal al-Mekdad, Syrias Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.

During his stay, Pedersen aims to advance discussions on the ninth round of the Constitutional Committee talks, urging for its assembly in Geneva. Despite this, Damascus, through its UN representative Qusay al-Dahhak, proposed an alternative plan for hosting the constitutional discussions, a topic expected to be extensively debated during Pedersens visit.

The envoy is also scheduled to engage with key diplomatic figures, including Alexander Yefimov, the Russian ambassador to Damascus and special representative of the Russian President for Syrian relations, as well as Hussein Akbari, the Iranian ambassador to Syria.

Pedersen recently expressed hope for Arab and European support to aid in resolving the Syrian crisis. He underscored the importance of collaborative progress in negotiations among Turkey, Iran, Russia, and the United States, supplemented by Arab and European backing. Yet, he noted the lack of tangible progress despite discussions on Arab normalization with Damascus and potential Turkish-Syrian reconciliation, lamenting the absence of a breakthrough.

Furthermore, Pedersen advocated for hosting the ninth constitutional round in Geneva by the end of April, during a special Security Council session on Syria last February. This suggestion overlooked Russias stance on Switzerlands neutrality, prompting a swift response from Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin. Vershinin contested Genevas neutrality for the meetings, urging Pedersen to seek a unanimously agreed-upon venue, emphasizing Russias role in facilitating Syrian dialogue and the necessity of a neutral meeting place.

This visit marks a significant diplomatic effort towards engaging with Syrian officials and international representatives in Damascus, aiming to foster dialogue and find common ground for the Syrian peace process.

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.
Masked individuals riding motorcycles, suspected to be associated with cells linked to ISIS, attacked truffle collectors in the village of Tutian, according to Syria TV.

Nine individuals, primarily affiliated with the pro-regime National Defense militia, lost their lives on Wednesday while gathering truffles in separate incidents in the central Syrian countryside of Homs and Hama.

According to a military source within the regime forces cited by the North Press website, masked individuals riding motorcycles, suspected to be associated with cells linked to ISIS, attacked truffle collectors in the village of Tutian near Jabal al-Omar, west of Palmyra. The assault resulted in the deaths of Ahmed al-Dawar and Bandar al-Fneish, while the remainder of the group managed to evade the attackers.

Similarly, seven members of the National Defense militia were discovered deceased after being missing for several days while truffle hunting in the Tal Salama area near Dweizin in the eastern Hama countryside, as per the same source.

Additionally, three individuals were killed on Tuesday while searching for truffles near the village of Jaber in the eastern countryside of Raqqa.

Last Wednesday, an attack perpetrated by unidentified individuals claimed the lives of approximately 44 truffle collectors after they were besieged in the Kobajjep desert in the southern countryside of Deir-ez-Zor. Many from the group remain missing or injured.

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.
Africa Intelligence, a prominent intelligence platform, uncovered the visit of Maher al-Assad, brother of Bashar al-Assad, to Libya.

Within the past 24 hours, two Arab nations have reported the interception of narcotics shipments originating from Syrian territory.

The initial incident occurred in Libya, where the Anti-Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Agency disclosed the confiscation of three containers on Tuesday. These containers, originating from Syria, were found to be transporting over 16.5 million Captagon tablets. The Libyan agency detailed the route of the shipment, indicating it was destined from Syria, through Libya, to Sudan, as reported on their official Facebook account.

Africa Intelligence, a prominent intelligence platform, uncovered the visit of Maher al-Assad, brother of Bashar al-Assad, to Libya. The visit coincided with an agreement made with Saddam Haftar, son of General Khalifa Haftar. An earlier investigation had unearthed a drug trafficking network associated with Mahmoud Abdel-Ilah al-Dj. This network was responsible for transporting drugs from the port of Lattakia to eastern Libya. Altair Shipping, a Syrian company owned by Dj, facilitated the transportation of goods from Lattakia to Benghazi, including illicit narcotics.

Separately, the Jordanian army reported on Wednesday the successful disruption of an attempt to infiltrate and smuggle significant quantities of narcotics from Syrian territory. Following the detection of a group of smugglers attempting an illegal border crossing, the Jordanian army engaged them directly, resulting in injuries to some smugglers, while others fled deeper into Syria.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Turkey's allies to demonstrate solidarity by ending their support for "separatist terrorist organizations".

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated his call for the United States to cease its support for the Kurdish SDF forces in northeastern Syria. He emphasized Turkeys firm stance against the establishment of what it considers a terrorist entity on its southern border.

Speaking at an iftar with ambassadors from various countries in Ankara, Erdogan urged Turkeys allies to demonstrate solidarity by ending their support for separatist terrorist organizations, specifically citing the PKK and the YPG, which form the backbone of the SDF, purportedly combatting ISIS in Syria.

Erdogan pointed out that recent developments over the past decade have unequivocally demonstrated the futility of attempting to safeguard interests through collaboration with terrorist organizations, labelling such endeavours as destined for failure.

Highlighting Turkeys active involvement in promoting peace and stability across several regions, including Syria, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Afghanistan, Gaza, and Ukraine, Erdogan underscored the nations ongoing efforts to combat all forms of terrorism, including the PKK, Kurdish units, ISIS, and the Gulen movement.

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.
A bill making its way through Congress could reduce the risks banks and credit unions take on when doing business with marijuana retailers in states like Washington, where the drug is legal.

Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), who is a cosponsor of this bill as of February, said in a statement she is supporting the SAFER Banking Act because marijuana dispensaries  often unable to bank and therefore stacked with cash  can be targets of robberies.

While many Longview dispensaries have found a bank to work with, they are still subject to fees other retailers dont deal with because they are selling a product not federally legal.

The SAFER Banking Act could cut those costs by keeping federal regulators from penalizing banking institutions providing financial services, like opening savings accounts or lending, to marijuana retailers.

If the act passes, CEO of Longviews Twin City Bank Neil Zick said he doesnt foresee a change in the landscape of cannabis banking, but the bills guarantee of safe harbor might make other banks interested in doing business with dispensaries.

We monitor their activity, how they are complying with the law, Zick said of the banks marijuana retailer clients. If the bank ever gets to the point where it is uncomfortable doing business with a retailer, they can pull the plug.

But so far, Zick said Twin City has never had a problem with regulators or the federal government and the dozens of marijuana retailers it serves.

Most banks have already made the decision on whether they want to do business with marijuana retailers or not, Zick said.

Twin City has bank accounts with more than 40 marijuana dispensaries across the state, including Longview Freedom Market. The bank mostly holds deposit accounts for dispensaries and does a little bit of fairly restrictive lending, Zick said.

The bank is one of seven Washington banks and credit unions that offer services to marijuana dispensaries.

More roadblocks

Other industries are hesitant to do business with marijuana retailers because the business is not federally legal, Zick added, and that can drive up the costs of operating a legitimate marijuana retailer.

Porfitio Chavez has been the manager at the Longview Freedom Market since it opened in September 2014. It was one of the first cannabis dispensaries opened in the state, and part of the first chain of retail marijuana dispensaries in Washington.

Washington was the first state in the U.S. to legalize the sale and use of recreational marijuana in 2012, and since then more than 600 dispensaries have opened in the state.

Running a dispensary is similar to running a liquor store, Chavez said: The Washington State Liquor Control Board randomly audits the retailer to check that it has up-to-date business licenses, and the company is subject to yearly safety audits and monthly sales audits from its bank, just like how it would a liquor store.

But Chavez said some companies are still sketched out doing business with a marijuana retailer.

We have a higher cost on a lot of things. Ive had companies not even want to work with me because were cannabis, Chavez said.

He said Freedom Market has lost business with a number of support-industries due to the perceived risks of working with a marijuana retailer. Businesses that have declined working with Freedom Market include a bottled water company, a floor mat retailer and a fire extinguisher company.

Freedom Market used to buy insurance from local provider Longview Insurance Inc., but the insurer began charging higher rates to account for the increased financial risk of doing business with a marijuana retailer, Chavez said.

According to a representative from Longview Insurance, the company no longer provides services to marijuana retailers because of the high cost of insuring such a business.

The SAFER Banking Act has received support from entities ranging from banking institutions to the National Rifle Association.
A La Center man is facing four criminal charges, including two counts of drive-by shooting, for his alleged involvement in two separate shooting events last month in Kalama and Woodland.

Keith Ryan Brown, 41, of La Center was booked into Cowlitz County Jail on Sunday, March 3; bail was set at $200,000 and a public defender appointed to represent him.

Besides the two drive-by shooting charges, he is also facing charges of attempting to elude police and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm.

Brown is subject to a no-contact order to stay away from the Woodland victim. His cases next hearing, an arraignment, was scheduled for Thursday morning, March 14.

On Feb. 28, Cowlitz County Superior Court Judge Patricia Fassett issued an arrest warrant for Brown.

Reports from two police departments detailed the events of Feb. 3. According to the Kelso Police Department, at about 7:23 a.m. a witness reported hearing gunfire and seeing a shirtless, balding white man in jeans holding a black handgun upward as she looked from a window of a home in the 600 block of North Fourth Avenue.

The witness told dispatchers she saw the man enter a dark-colored sedan, subsequently revealed as a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. The witness estimated 10 shots were fired.

A second witness reported hearing gunfire and seeing a shirtless, balding white man in jeans enter a Chevrolet Malibu and drive off as officers arrived.

Per the Kelso police report, an officer ordered the driver, whom police later identified as Brown, to stop, but the driver sped away.

Another agency, the Woodland Police Department, reported that at about 7:53 a.m. officers were dispatched to the 110 block of Meadow Park Court.

Upon arrival, the victim showed police four bullet holes, three on the victims homes exterior and one in a parked motorhome. Two bullets pierced through the dining room, kitchen and bathroom before lodging into the wall of the residents bedroom, according to the report.

The shooting may have happened about an hour earlier. A neighbor reported hearing four shots at 7:05 a.m., and a Kalama police officer, who lives two blocks away from the victims house, heard what sounded like fireworks.

Police obtained security camera footage depicting a dark-colored sedan passing the near victims residence on Hollyberry Street at 7:03 a.m., with the drivers side window rolled down.

Kelso police would notify counterparts in Woodland about the shooting at North Fourth Avenue and identify Brown as the suspect.

A Woodland officer found one 9 mm shell casing on Hollyberry Street. The casing matched those found at Kelso, and the Malibu was located in the 330 block of Hollyberry Street, the Woodland police report states.

Another witness selected Brown out of a photo array as the person who ditched the Malibu, according to police.
Schneider Electric has appointed Mr Arvind Kakru as the Vice President of Industrial Automation for Greater India Zone.

Arvind brings over 28 years of extensive experience, having demonstrated strong fiscal, strategic, and operational leadership throughout his career. At Schneider Electric, he will lead the Industrial Automation, Process Automation, and Controls & Automation businesses, working closely with the Line of Business heads, Commercial & Strategic Segments team, and International Operations Teams. He will be responsible for driving market share expansion and identifying new growth opportunities.

Speaking on this announcement, Deepak Sharma, Zone President  Greater India, MD & CEO, Schneider Electric India, said, I am delighted to welcome Arvind as the new Vice President of Industrial Automation at Schneider Electric India. His rich experience would play a pivotal role in scaling Schneider Electrics Industrial Automation business to greater heights. Arvinds inclusion to the Greater India Management team would help us explore new opportunities, expand our business, and foster innovation.

Arvind Kakru, VP- Industrial Automation, Greater India, said, I am excited to join Schneider Electric India at such a transformative juncture. Its truly captivating to witness the companys dedication to empowering customers with innovative automation and digital solutions that enhance efficiency and promote sustainability. I am also looking forward to collaborating with the talented teams and leveraging our collective strengths to deliver innovative solutions and drive value for our customers across the region.

Before joining Schneider Electric, Arvind held pivotal roles at esteemed organizations like Rockwell Automation and GE. He holds a bachelors degree in electrical engineering from NIT, Durgapur. At Schneider Electric, he will be based out of the Gurgaon office and will report directly to Deepak Sharma, Zone President- Greater India, MD & CEO, Schneider Electric India, and be part of the India Management Team.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump greets South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem after she introduced him at the Monument Leaders Rally hosted by the South Dakota Republican Party on Sept. 8, 2023. Scott Olson/Getty Images

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has puzzled political observers with a new video touting her experience at Smile Texas, a Houston-area clinic focused on cosmetic dentistry.

I love my new family at Smile Texas! Noem said in a tweet accompanying the video posted Monday to her personal account on X, the former Twitter.

In the video, Noem said that for years she needed an adjustment to her teeth after a biking accident in which she lost all her front teeth. After an initial consultation with the clinic via Zoom several years ago, she explained, she traveled to Houston twice to have the work done.

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The team here was remarkable and finally gave me a smile that I can be proud of and confident in, Noem said.

Neither Noems office nor Smile Texas responded to questions Wednesday about the cost of the governors treatment, whether she received a discount or whether the treatments were covered by insurance.

While the sparsely populated state of South Dakota does have some cosmetic dentistry clinics, Noem suggested that her research pointed her to Smile Texas.

Theyre the best, first of all, Noem said.

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The Republican, a farmer and rancher by background, is in her second term as governor, having first been elected in 2018. She is an outspoken supporter of former President Donald Trump and is widely seen as a contender to be his running mate.

While Noems video was released on her personal account, political ethics experts have described it as unusual, to say the least.
Wesbanco Bank Inc. cut its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 0.7% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 123,877 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 854 shares during the period. Wesbanco Bank Inc.s holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $11,998,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in ABT. Halpern Financial Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the 3rd quarter valued at $26,000. Altshuler Shaham Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter valued at $28,000. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the 2nd quarter valued at $28,000. CGC Financial Services LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the 2nd quarter valued at $32,000. Finally, FWL Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter valued at $33,000. 73.70% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Abbott Laboratories Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:ABT traded down $0.12 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $120.64. The stock had a trading volume of 745,895 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,968,446. The company has a market capitalization of $209.33 billion, a PE ratio of 37.04, a P/E/G ratio of 2.89 and a beta of 0.75. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $114.98 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $105.59. The company has a current ratio of 1.64, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. Abbott Laboratories has a 1 year low of $89.67 and a 1 year high of $121.64.

Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend

Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, January 24th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.19 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $1.19. The business had revenue of $10.24 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.19 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 14.27% and a return on equity of 20.65%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 1.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.03 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts predict that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.62 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, May 15th. Investors of record on Monday, April 15th will be paid a $0.55 dividend. This represents a $2.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.82%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, April 12th. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 67.48%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts recently commented on ABT shares. Raymond James lifted their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $124.00 to $127.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, January 25th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted 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. TheStreet upgraded shares of Abbott Laboratories from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research note on Thursday, December 21st. Citigroup lifted 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. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $128.00 price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Wednesday, February 14th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $120.00.

Read Our Latest Research Report on ABT

Insider Activity at Abbott Laboratories

In related news, VP John A. Jr. Mccoy sold 472 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $118.50, for a total value of $55,932.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 18,760 shares in the company, valued at $2,223,060. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Abbott Laboratories news, VP John A. Jr. Mccoy sold 472 shares of Abbott Laboratories stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $118.50, for a total transaction of $55,932.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 18,760 shares in the company, valued at $2,223,060. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 15,000 shares of Abbott Laboratories stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $108.00, for a total transaction of $1,620,000.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 65,027 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,022,916. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 71,435 shares of company stock worth $8,071,298 over the last 90 days. Company insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock.

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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Hudson Bay Capital Management LP boosted its stake in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report) by 4,405.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 2,595,000 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after buying an additional 2,537,400 shares during the period. Pfizer comprises 0.7% of Hudson Bay Capital Management LPs investment portfolio, making the stock its 28th largest holding. Hudson Bay Capital Management LPs holdings in Pfizer were worth $86,076,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Worth Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Pfizer in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Briaud Financial Planning Inc bought a new stake in shares of Pfizer in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Mizuho Securities Co. Ltd. bought a new stake in shares of Pfizer in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $34,000. VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC grew its stake in shares of Pfizer by 52,350.0% in the 3rd quarter. VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC now owns 1,049 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $35,000 after buying an additional 1,047 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Hibernia Wealth Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Pfizer in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.05% of the companys stock.

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Pfizer Price Performance

NYSE PFE traded up $0.49 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $28.50. The company had a trading volume of 7,867,958 shares, compared to its average volume of 44,540,586. The company has a market capitalization of $160.93 billion, a PE ratio of 77.81, a P/E/G ratio of 1.27 and a beta of 0.61. The company has a current ratio of 0.91, a quick ratio of 0.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $27.72 and a 200-day moving average price of $30.01. Pfizer Inc. has a twelve month low of $25.61 and a twelve month high of $42.22.

Pfizer Increases Dividend

Pfizer ( NYSE:PFE Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 30th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.10 EPS for the quarter, topping 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 company had revenue of $14.25 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.37 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.14 EPS. Pfizers revenue was down 41.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts anticipate that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.22 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 1st. Investors of record on Friday, January 26th were given a dividend of $0.42 per share. This is a positive change from Pfizers previous quarterly dividend of $0.41. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, January 25th. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.89%. Pfizers dividend payout ratio is presently 466.67%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

PFE has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. TD Cowen cut Pfizer from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $32.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Thursday, January 4th. Guggenheim initiated coverage on Pfizer in a research report on Friday, February 23rd. They set a buy rating and a $36.00 target price for the company. Barclays decreased their target price on Pfizer from $34.00 to $28.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, December 14th. Truist Financial decreased their target price on Pfizer from $42.00 to $36.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, December 14th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an overweight rating and set a $45.00 price target on shares of Pfizer in a report on Friday, March 1st. Eleven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $36.88.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Pfizer

Insider Activity at Pfizer

In other news, Director Scott Gottlieb purchased 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, with a total value of $79,410.00. Following the purchase, the director now owns 9,000 shares in the company, valued at $238,230. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.05% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Pfizer 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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Moss Adams Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH  Free Report) by 4.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 3,097 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after acquiring an additional 135 shares during the period. UnitedHealth Group accounts for 0.5% of Moss Adams Wealth Advisors LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 20th biggest holding. Moss Adams Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $1,562,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in UNH. Axiom Financial Strategies LLC bought a new position in UnitedHealth Group during the first quarter valued at about $210,000. McGowan Group Asset Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 8.9% during the 1st quarter. McGowan Group Asset Management Inc. now owns 744 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $379,000 after acquiring an additional 61 shares during the period. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. raised its position in UnitedHealth Group by 31.8% in the first quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 250,196 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $127,592,000 after purchasing an additional 60,300 shares in the last quarter. MAS Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 10.8% in the 1st quarter. MAS Advisors LLC now owns 463 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $241,000 after buying an additional 45 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Western Trust Bank bought a new position in UnitedHealth Group during the 1st quarter valued at about $875,000. 85.69% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other UnitedHealth Group news, CAO Thomas E. Roos sold 858 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred 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 owns 32,289 shares of the companys stock, valued at $16,977,233.31. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other news, EVP Erin Mcsweeney sold 1,236 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, March 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $483.48, for a total value of $597,581.28. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 9,364 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,527,306.72. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CAO Thomas E. Roos sold 858 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $525.79, for a total value of $451,127.82. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 32,289 shares in the company, valued at approximately $16,977,233.31. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 0.35% of the companys stock.

UnitedHealth Group Stock Up 0.2 %

Shares of UnitedHealth Group stock traded up $0.86 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $490.21. The stock had a trading volume of 1,496,559 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,212,660. The company has a market capitalization of $451.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.63, a P/E/G ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 0.54. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $512.49 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $518.27. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 52 week low of $445.68 and a 52 week high of $554.70. The company has a current ratio of 0.79, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62.

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, January 12th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $6.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $5.98 by $0.18. UnitedHealth Group had a return on equity of 26.39% and a net margin of 6.02%. The business had revenue of $94.43 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $92.13 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $5.34 earnings per share. UnitedHealth Groups revenue was up 14.1% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts predict that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 27.79 EPS for the current fiscal year.

UnitedHealth Group Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 19th. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 11th will be given a dividend of $1.88 per share. This represents a $7.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.53%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 8th. UnitedHealth Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 31.54%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

UNH has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and issued a $596.00 target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a report on Thursday, February 29th. Truist Financial reiterated a buy rating and set a $610.00 target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research report on Thursday, November 30th. Oppenheimer reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $610.00 price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a report on Wednesday, January 17th. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their target price on UnitedHealth Group from $565.00 to $503.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Monday, November 20th. Finally, HSBC reiterated a reduce rating and issued a $480.00 price objective (down from $550.00) on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research report on Monday, December 18th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating, fifteen have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, UnitedHealth Group currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $579.33.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on UNH

UnitedHealth Group Profile

(Free Report)

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated operates as a diversified health care company in the United States. The company 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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FCF Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN  Free Report) by 90.2% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 18,483 shares of the information technology services providers stock after purchasing an additional 8,767 shares during the quarter. Accenture accounts for about 1.9% of FCF Advisors LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 6th largest holding. FCF Advisors LLCs holdings in Accenture were worth $6,486,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in ACN. United Bank increased its position in Accenture by 6.3% in the first quarter. United Bank now owns 2,969 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $1,001,000 after buying an additional 176 shares during the period. Weitz Investment Management Inc. increased its position in Accenture by 1.3% in the first quarter. Weitz Investment Management Inc. now owns 89,400 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $30,148,000 after buying an additional 1,168 shares during the period. Fund Management at Engine No. 1 LLC acquired a new stake in Accenture in the first quarter worth $1,805,000. Guardian Wealth Management Inc. increased its position in Accenture by 0.6% in the first quarter. Guardian Wealth Management Inc. now owns 7,292 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $2,459,000 after buying an additional 41 shares during the period. Finally, Clearbridge Investments LLC increased its position in Accenture by 104.8% in the first quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 441,451 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $148,871,000 after buying an additional 225,943 shares during the period. 70.42% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Accenture Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:ACN traded down $0.59 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $378.13. The company had a trading volume of 298,259 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,908,708. Accenture plc has a 1-year low of $242.80 and a 1-year high of $387.51. The firm has a market cap of $237.20 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.10, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.43 and a beta of 1.20. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $366.98 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $338.11.

Insiders Place Their Bets

Accenture ( NYSE:ACN Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, December 19th. The information technology services provider reported $3.27 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.14 by $0.13. Accenture had a return on equity of 29.08% and a net margin of 10.65%. The business had revenue of $16.22 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.17 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $3.08 EPS. Accentures revenue for the quarter was up 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts expect that Accenture plc will post 12.21 EPS for the current year.

In other Accenture news, Director Paula A. Price sold 551 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated 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 sale, 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 Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, General Counsel Joel Unruch sold 4,333 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $371.83, for a total transaction of $1,611,139.39. Following the completion of the sale, the general counsel now directly owns 34,795 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $12,937,824.85. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Paula A. Price sold 551 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $345.36, for a total value of $190,293.36. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 6,583 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,273,504.88. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 26,551 shares of company stock worth $9,739,791. 0.07% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts have weighed in on ACN shares. BMO Capital Markets increased their target price on Accenture from $350.00 to $385.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 20th. Bank of America raised their price target on Accenture from $379.00 to $419.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, March 7th. BNP Paribas raised Accenture from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $440.00 price target on the stock in a report on Wednesday, January 17th. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on Accenture from $369.00 to $400.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, January 24th. Finally, Wedbush raised their price target on Accenture from $330.00 to $360.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, December 14th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $368.85.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on ACN

About Accenture

(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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Appleton Partners Inc. MA lowered its position in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:EEM  Free Report) by 5.7% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 19,900 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 1,195 shares during the quarter. Appleton Partners Inc. MAs holdings in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF were worth $800,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in EEM. GoalVest Advisory LLC increased its position in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 15.0% during the 4th quarter. GoalVest Advisory LLC now owns 28,674 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,153,000 after purchasing an additional 3,730 shares during the period. Headinvest LLC acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $97,000. Financial Insights Inc. acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $371,000. Phoenix Holdings Ltd. increased its position in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 8.1% during the 3rd quarter. Phoenix Holdings Ltd. now owns 21,560 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $816,000 after purchasing an additional 1,619 shares during the period. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP increased its position in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 26.9% during the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 52,408 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,989,000 after purchasing an additional 11,105 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.58% of the companys stock.

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iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Stock Performance

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF stock opened at $41.23 on Thursday. iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF has a 52-week low of $36.38 and a 52-week high of $42.00. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $39.54 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $39.02.

About iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, formerly iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index Fund (the Fund), seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of publicly traded equity securities in global emerging markets, as measured by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (the Index).

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Arch Resources, Inc. (NYSE:ARCH  Get Free Report) Director James N. Chapman sold 2,005 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, March 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $184.08, for a total value of $369,080.40. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 1,219 shares in the company, valued at approximately $224,393.52. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link.

Arch Resources Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:ARCH opened at $167.72 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $3.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.98 and a beta of 0.68. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $172.58 and a 200-day moving average price of $161.52. The company has a current ratio of 2.49, a quick ratio of 1.83 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07. Arch Resources, Inc. has a 12 month low of $102.42 and a 12 month high of $187.60.

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Arch Resources (NYSE:ARCH  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 15th. The energy company reported $6.07 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $6.90 by ($0.83). Arch Resources had a net margin of 14.75% and a return on equity of 32.20%. The business had revenue of $774.00 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $704.53 million. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $23.18 EPS. Arch Resourcess revenue for the quarter was down 9.9% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Arch Resources, Inc. will post 22.32 EPS for the current year.

Arch Resources Announces Dividend

Institutional Trading of Arch Resources

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 15th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 29th will be given a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 28th. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.60%. Arch Resourcess payout ratio is 4.16%.

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Stratos Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Arch Resources by 1.1% in the 4th quarter. Stratos Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 5,599 shares of the energy companys stock worth $929,000 after buying an additional 63 shares in the last quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Arch Resources by 2.9% during the 1st quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 2,371 shares of the energy companys stock worth $325,000 after purchasing an additional 67 shares during the period. Covestor Ltd boosted its stake in shares of Arch Resources by 61.4% during the 3rd quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 184 shares of the energy companys stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 70 shares during the period. Unison Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Arch Resources by 2.5% during the 4th quarter. Unison Advisors LLC now owns 4,792 shares of the energy companys stock worth $795,000 after purchasing an additional 119 shares during the period. Finally, Hexagon Capital Partners LLC boosted its stake in shares of Arch Resources by 188.6% during the 4th quarter. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC now owns 202 shares of the energy companys stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 132 shares during the period. 85.03% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages recently issued reports on ARCH. StockNews.com lowered Arch Resources from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, March 7th. B. Riley lowered their target price on Arch Resources from $232.00 to $223.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, February 16th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets lifted their price objective on Arch Resources from $170.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, November 17th.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on ARCH

About Arch Resources

(Get Free Report)

Arch Resources, Inc engages in the production and sale of metallurgical products. It operates in two segments, Metallurgical and Thermal. The company operates active mines. It owned or controlled primarily through long-term leases of coal land in Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming, Kentucky, Montana, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Illinois; and smaller parcels of property in Alabama, Indiana, Washington, Arkansas, California, Utah, and Texas.

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Baron Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:FMX  Free Report) by 12.2% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 2,777 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 301 shares during the quarter. Baron Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Fomento Economico Mexicano were worth $362,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of FMX. Schroder Investment Management Group grew its position in Fomento Economico Mexicano by 5.6% during the second quarter. Schroder Investment Management Group now owns 4,199,431 shares of the companys stock worth $465,465,000 after buying an additional 223,708 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano by 11.0% in the 3rd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 3,056,875 shares of the companys stock valued at $191,820,000 after purchasing an additional 302,363 shares in the last quarter. Baillie Gifford & Co. increased its position in Fomento Economico Mexicano by 118.0% during the 3rd quarter. Baillie Gifford & Co. now owns 2,495,474 shares of the companys stock worth $272,381,000 after purchasing an additional 1,350,922 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its holdings in shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano by 11.5% during the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 1,880,584 shares of the companys stock worth $205,266,000 after buying an additional 193,543 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. lifted its stake in shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano by 6.0% in the 2nd quarter. Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. now owns 1,551,523 shares of the companys stock valued at $165,712,000 after acquiring an additional 87,950 shares during the last quarter.

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Fomento Economico Mexicano Trading Up 0.3 %

Shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano stock traded up $0.42 on Thursday, reaching $124.95. 45,435 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 602,652. Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. has a 52 week low of $85.66 and a 52 week high of $143.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 1.91 and a quick ratio of 1.60. The firms 50-day moving average is $131.17 and its two-hundred day moving average is $122.03.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

FMX has been the topic of a number of research reports. Citigroup initiated coverage on shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano in a report on Thursday, December 7th. They set a neutral rating and a $134.00 target price on the stock. UBS Group downgraded Fomento Economico Mexicano from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report on Friday, January 12th. StockNews.com cut Fomento Economico Mexicano from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, February 26th. Bank of America reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano in a research note on Monday, February 26th. Finally, HSBC raised shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano from a hold rating to a buy rating and increased their target price for the company from $124.00 to $152.00 in a research report on Friday, February 9th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $130.60.

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About Fomento Economico Mexicano

(Free Report)

Fomento Economico Mexicano, SAB. de C.V., through its subsidiaries, operates as a bottler of Coca-Cola trademark beverages. The company produces, markets, and distributes Coca-Cola trademark beverages in Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.

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Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Co. cut its stake in shares of Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM  Free Report) by 2.4% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 199,841 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 4,949 shares during the period. Exxon Mobil makes up approximately 3.1% of Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Co.s holdings, making the stock its 4th largest holding. Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Co.s holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $19,980,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 140,855.3% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 123,341,568 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $13,604,575,000 after purchasing an additional 123,254,064 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Exxon Mobil in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $5,226,390,000. Imprint Wealth LLC raised its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 9,115.2% in the 2nd quarter. Imprint Wealth LLC now owns 11,304,343 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,130,434,000 after purchasing an additional 11,181,673 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley raised its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 11.9% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 52,478,674 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $5,788,398,000 after purchasing an additional 5,566,797 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Osaic Holdings Inc. raised its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 273.7% in the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 7,270,987 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $209,848,000 after purchasing an additional 5,325,236 shares in the last quarter. 58.53% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Exxon Mobil Stock Performance

XOM traded up $1.58 during trading on Thursday, reaching $111.11. 6,991,080 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 18,396,029. Exxon Mobil Co. has a 52 week low of $95.77 and a 52 week high of $120.70. The stock has a market cap of $440.87 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.32, a PEG ratio of 3.98 and a beta of 0.96. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $102.65 and a 200 day moving average of $105.91. The company has a current ratio of 1.48, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18.

Exxon Mobil Dividend Announcement

Exxon Mobil ( NYSE:XOM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, February 2nd. The oil and gas company reported $2.48 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.20 by $0.28. Exxon Mobil had a return on equity of 18.51% and a net margin of 10.45%. The company had revenue of $84.34 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $90.03 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $3.40 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 11.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Exxon Mobil Co. will post 9.12 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, March 11th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, February 14th were issued a $0.95 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, February 13th. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.42%. Exxon Mobils dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 42.74%.

Insider Activity

In other news, VP Darrin L. Talley sold 2,400 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.00, for a total value of $252,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 30,189 shares in the company, valued at $3,169,845. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In related news, VP Leonard M. Fox sold 12,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, December 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $102.65, for a total value of $1,231,800.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 220,678 shares in the company, valued at approximately $22,652,596.70. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, VP Darrin L. Talley sold 2,400 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.00, for a total value of $252,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 30,189 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,169,845. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.04% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of brokerages have issued reports on XOM. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on Exxon Mobil from $134.00 to $127.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, December 8th. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating and issued a $120.00 target price on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research report on Monday, February 5th. Erste Group Bank reiterated a hold rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a report on Friday, December 22nd. TD Cowen upgraded Exxon Mobil from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $115.00 price target for the company in a report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Finally, UBS Group lowered their price target on Exxon Mobil from $133.00 to $132.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Nine 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 has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $127.53.

Get Our Latest Stock Report on Exxon Mobil

Exxon Mobil Company Profile

(Free Report)

Exxon Mobil Corporation engages in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in the United States and internationally. It operates through Upstream, Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products segments. The Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas.

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SpaceX's Starship 3 launches successfuly from Starbase on Boca Chica Beach, Brownsville, TX on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer SpaceX fans at Isla Blanca State Park on South Padre Island, across the bay from Starbase, sit in the fog about 6:30 a.m. Thursday hoping to see Starship lift off in about an hour. Brandon Lingle/Staff photo People watch and record the flight of SpaceX's Starship 3 from the rooftop of the Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer The Starship and Super Heavy booster after liftoff early Thursday. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer People wait on the rooftop of the Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island to watch the launch of SpaceX's Starship 3 from Starbase on Boca Chica Beach, Brownsville, TX on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer People wait on the rooftop of the Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island to watch the launch of SpaceX's Starship 3 from Starbase on Boca Chica Beach, Brownsville, TX on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer An illuminated SpaceX sign is seen near the launch pad late Wednesday during preparations for Starship flight three from Starbase on Boca Chica Beach. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer A man and his dog watch preparations for SpaceX Starship flight 3 from the sand dunes at Starbase on Boca Chica Beach, Brownsville, TX, on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer Starship 28 sits atop Booster 10 on the SpaceX Starbase launch pad at Boca Chica Beach, Brownsville, TX, on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, after receiving approval from the FAA to launch Starship flight 3. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer People wait on the rooftop of the Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island to watch the launch of SpaceX's Starship 3 from Starbase on Boca Chica Beach, Brownsville, TX on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer Steve King, left, from Bee Cave, TX, and Zhou Qiang from Bejing, China take in preparations for SpaceX Starship flight 3 at Starbase on Boca Chica Beach, Brownsville, TX, on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer Starship 28 sits atop Booster 10 on the SpaceX Starbase launch pad at Boca Chica Beach, Brownsville, TX, on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, after receiving approval from the FAA to launch Starship flight 3. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer Starship 28 sits atop Booster 10 on the SpaceX Starbase launch pad at Boca Chica Beach, Brownsville, TX, on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, after receiving approval from the FAA to launch Starship flight 3. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer Starship 28 sits atop Booster 10 on the SpaceX Starbase launch pad at Boca Chica Beach, Brownsville, TX, on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, after receiving approval from the FAA to launch Starship flight 3. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer Omar Aleian shoots a video on his phone as dusk during preparations for SpaceX Starship flight 3 at Starbase on Boca Chica Beach, Brownsville, TX, on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer Private Property signs mark the boundary where visitors must stay behind during preparations for SpaceX Starship flight 3 at Starbase on Boca Chica Beach, Brownsville, TX, on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer Independent filmmaker Katie Edwards from London, England films Starship 28 on the launch pad while working on a film during preparations for SpaceX Starship flight 3 at Starbase on Boca Chica Beach, Brownsville, TX, on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer Starship 28 sits atop Booster 10 on the SpaceX Starbase launch pad at dusk at Boca Chica Beach, Brownsville, TX, on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, after receiving approval from the FAA to launch Starship flight 3. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer The "Gateway to Mars" sign at Starbase on Boca Chica Beach, Brownsvile, TX, during preparations for SpaceX Starship flight 3 on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer The Starship spacecraft launches atop the Super Heavy booster Thursday on the systems third launch from SpaceXs Starbase near Boca Chica. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer People on South Padre Island wait for Starship to take flight atop the Super Heavy booster early Thursday from Starbase near Boca Chica. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND  SpaceX launched its Starship from South Texas for its third test flight Thursday, with the mega-rocket falling just short of its goal to make it halfway around the world and splash down in the Indian Ocean.

Its first two flights last year lasted only a few minutes before blowing up over the Gulf of Mexico.

The third flight went more smoothly, with Starship reaching space and completing new tests before breaking up on reentry.

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We got a Starship on the way to the Indian Ocean and a booster on the way to the Gulf, SpaceXs Dan Huot said a few minutes after launch.

Minutes later, the lower-stage booster separated from the upper-stage spaceship and splashed down into the Gulf of Mexico. The spacecraft continued eastward, reaching an altitude of 145 miles and approaching orbital speed  far outperforming the previous attempts.

About 70 minutes after liftoff, SpaceX said the craft had been lost before it could make its planned splashdown in the Indian Ocean.

This is the furthest and fastest Starship has ever flown, Kate Tice, another SpaceX commentator, said on the company live-stream of the flight. I think today has been a huge success given where we were, wed gone, and how much further weve gotten with both the booster and Starship itself.

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During the nearly 50-minute flight, CEO Elon Musk congratulated his team via social media.

SpaceX has come a long way, he posted on X. The company was founded exactly 22 years ago Thursday.

Ahead of the launch, Musk noted that SpaceX made thousands of upgrades and fixes to improve the odds since the last attempt in November.

Across the bay

After weather and other concerns that delayed Thursdays launch for nearly an hour, the rocket lifted off from Starbase at 8:25 a.m.

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Across the bay on South Padre Island, thousands of people whod lined up before 3 a.m. to get a viewing spot near the water in Isla Blanca Park heard, felt, then saw the big rocket lumbering off its launch platform at Boca Chica Beach.

It was weird because when it first started you couldnt see it too good, and then as it got going up a little bit it was there, and happening, said Doug Markert, who brought his two teenagers from Galveston for the event. It was there, and it was like, wow! A big ol' cylinder going up.

Seeing a launch had long been on his bucket list, he said, so when Starships launch lined up with spring break he knew where he, 18-year-old daughter Hana and 14-year-old son Nicholas would be.

It was just spectacular, man, Markert said. I had goose bumps like five times and they kept getting bigger. It was just crazy.

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Emma Montiel, an eighth-grade history teacher in Brownsville, came with her mother Rosa Higareda, also of Brownsville, and sister Lisa Garcia of Houston. It was their first trip to witness a launch.

After the second Starship launch in November rattled her windows and shook her house 20 miles away in Brownsville, Montiel said she knew shed be here for the next one.

It was amazing, she said.

Ric Stephens, who made the five-hour drive from San Antonio with his girlfriend, said he couldnt imagine being anywhere else.

How could you not be here to see it? Even if youre not into space or rocketry, this is something that you have to see at least once in your life, he said.

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Stephens, 50, also voiced some Texan pride. Of course, its Texas  do it big. You cant forget that part.

Also watching with keen interest was NASA. The space agency needs Starship to succeed to land astronauts on the moon in the next two or so years. The new crop of moonwalkers  the first since last centurys Apollo program  will descend to the lunar surface aboard a Starship, at least for the first couple of times. The first mission could come as soon as September 2026.

The mission

On Thursday, the lower-stage Super Heavy boosters 33 Raptor engines performed just as well as they did on the second flight in November. All 33 remained lit until SpaceX performed a hot staging maneuver during which all but three of the engines shut down while letting the upper stage fire its engines to separate the two stages. The Starship then continued its climb into space for a suborbital trip that took it east across the Atlantic and South Africa before approaching the Indian Ocean.

The second launch attempt had seen both the booster explode on its way back down to the Gulf of Mexico and Starship self-destruct several minutes later.

This time, the Super Heavy booster made it closer to Earth, although not completing the controlled burn just above the surface of the waters of the Gulf as SpaceX had planned to demonstrate its ability to land. SpaceX lost control of the booster, which was traveling more than 600 mph when it hit the water.

Attention then turned to the upper stage Starship as it completed its engine burn less than 10 minutes after launch and began a 30-minute coast phase during which SpaceX performed new tests including opening and closing the payload door and a fuel transfer demonstration.

But 49 minutes into the flight  with just 15 minutes remaining in the planned mission  all contact was lost and the spacecraft presumably broke apart. At that point, it was about 40 miles high and traveling at more than 16,000 mph.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson quickly congratulated SpaceX on what he called a successful test flight.

Together, we are making great strides through Artemis to return humanity to the Moon  then look onward to Mars, he said on X.

Previous launches

Starships maiden flight on April 20 obliterated its launch pad, hurled chunks of concrete and steel thousands of yards, touched off wildfires and kicked up a plume of sand and concrete dust that fell on nearby towns. The rocket, its engines damaged by debris from the launch and then plagued by cascading problems, exploded about four minutes into the flight.

The second Starship flew Nov. 18. Its liftoff appeared flawless and left minimal damage to the rebuilt and improved launch platform. The craft got further than its predecessor, but both the booster and spacecraft experienced problems after they separated and exploded just minutes into the flight.

According to SpaceX, several of the lower-stage boosters engines began shutting down before one engine failed energetically, quickly cascading to a rapid unscheduled disassembly of the booster  an explosion  about 3 minutes into flight.

Minutes after separation, the upper-stage Starship sustained several explosions and fires after a planned liquid oxygen dump. SpaceX later said a leak in the aft section of the spacecraft that developed when the liquid oxygen vent was initiated resulted in a combustion event and subsequent fires that led to a loss of communication between the spacecrafts flight computers. Its flight termination system engaged and destroyed the craft about seven minutes into its journey.

None of those issues, which resulted in the Federal Aviation Administration revoking SpaceXs license for launches from Starbase, were repeated Thursday.

After a SpaceX-led investigation into what went wrong in November, the company and FAA agreed on 17 corrective actions to complete before the FAA issued the license for Thursdays launch. They included seven improvements to the booster and 10 for the upper-stage Starship including hardware redesigns to increase robustness and reduce complexity.

In a Wednesday afternoon press release, the FAA said SpaceX had met all safety, environmental, policy and financial responsibility requirements for what was officially known as Orbital Flight Test 3. Even prior to its issuance, SpaceX had set plans to launch during a 110-minute window that opened at 7 a.m.

Last month, Musk had predicted Starship had a 70% to 80% chance of reaching orbit this time.

8:25 a.m. update: SpaceX has launched Starship from its South Texas Starbase for the third time.

We got a Starship on the way to the Indian Ocean and the booster on the way to the Gulf, a Starship engineer said a few minutes later.

Thursdays original story:

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND  Declaring the weather to be 70% favorable for a launch, SpaceX early Thursday set its countdown for a 7:30 a.m. liftoff of its Starship from South Texas but later pushed that to 8:10 and then 8:25.

With fog and low clouds in the area an hour ahead of the original launch window, a launch was still a maybe, though. Elon Musk, CEO of the commercial space company, posted to social media Wednesday night, Starship flight 3 maybe tomorrow. And just after 8 a.m., a company engineer at Starbase said winds were kicking up, making conditions for launch a little bit marginal.

Just after 7 a.m., the company said it was shifting its launch time to 8:10 a.m. to give boats more time to clear the area. About 25 minutes later, it said it was keeping an eye on winds, now targeting 8:25 a.m. CT for liftoff. At 7:35 a.m., it said propellant was being loaded into the rocket.

About 8:05 a.m., a company engineer at Starbase said the revised countdown looked clean as propellant continued to be loaded and no technical issues had surfaced. But because winds were picking up, the countdown could be paused at 40 seconds to liftoff.

The real thing were keeping an eye is on the winds, he said about 8:15 a.m. Dont be surprised if we do a hold at T-minus 40.

In case of a scrub, he noted SpaceX also has launch windows Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Across the bay from Starbase on South Padre Island, space fans lined up early in the fog to enter Isla Blanca State Park to get a spot to witness the launch. The crowd continued to grow as the sky showed signs of clearing about 7 a.m.

If it goes, the third test of the 400-foot-tall rocket would put it on a path toward the Indian Ocean and SpaceX plans to conduct several new tests of its lower-stage Super Heavy Booster and upper-stage Starship along the way.
Chemung Canal Trust Co. lifted its position in shares of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK  Free Report) by 17.0% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 579 shares of the asset managers stock after acquiring an additional 84 shares during the period. Chemung Canal Trust Co.s holdings in BlackRock were worth $470,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N A bought a new stake in BlackRock in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $26,000. West Tower Group LLC bought a new stake in BlackRock in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $27,000. WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new stake in BlackRock in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $33,000. Tyler Stone Wealth Management bought a new stake in BlackRock in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $33,000. Finally, Exchange Traded Concepts LLC grew its position in BlackRock by 671.4% in the 3rd quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC now owns 54 shares of the asset managers stock worth $35,000 after purchasing an additional 47 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 77.01% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on BLK shares. BNP Paribas upgraded shares of BlackRock from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $885.00 price target on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, December 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut shares of BlackRock from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $708.00 price target on the stock. in a research note on Friday, December 15th. TD Cowen upgraded shares of BlackRock from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and lifted their price target for the stock from $819.00 to $938.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 16th. UBS Group lifted their price target on shares of BlackRock from $720.00 to $818.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 10th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price target on shares of BlackRock from $719.00 to $793.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 30th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, BlackRock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $785.73.

BlackRock Price Performance

BLK stock traded down $15.82 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $810.17. The company had a trading volume of 108,808 shares, compared to its average volume of 578,690. The company has a market capitalization of $120.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.63, a P/E/G ratio of 1.82 and a beta of 1.37. BlackRock, Inc. has a 12-month low of $596.18 and a 12-month high of $845.00. The company has a quick ratio of 3.48, a current ratio of 3.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $800.23 and a 200 day moving average price of $734.15.

BlackRock (NYSE:BLK  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 12th. The asset manager reported $9.66 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $8.84 by $0.82. The business had revenue of $4.63 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.65 billion. BlackRock had a net margin of 30.81% and a return on equity of 14.74%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $8.93 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that BlackRock, Inc. will post 39.73 earnings per share 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 of this dividend 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 2.52%. BlackRocks payout ratio is 55.88%.

Insider Transactions at BlackRock

In other news, CEO Laurence Fink sold 30,978 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $809.92, for a total value of $25,089,701.76. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 414,146 shares in the company, valued at approximately $335,425,128.32. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In related news, CEO Laurence Fink sold 30,978 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $809.92, for a total transaction of $25,089,701.76. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 414,146 shares in the company, valued at approximately $335,425,128.32. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, Director Rachel Lord sold 36,059 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $818.06, for a total transaction of $29,498,425.54. Following the transaction, the director now owns 17,004 shares in the company, valued at $13,910,292.24. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 100,511 shares of company stock worth $71,864,028 in the last three months. Insiders own 1.06% of the companys stock.

About BlackRock

(Free Report)

BlackRock, Inc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks.

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Compass Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF (NYSEARCA:IPAC  Free Report) by 15.3% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 25,088 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 3,321 shares during the quarter. Compass Wealth Management LLC owned about 0.09% of iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF worth $1,493,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in IPAC. Flow Traders U.S. LLC boosted its position in iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF by 102.1% during the 1st quarter. Flow Traders U.S. LLC now owns 48,234 shares of the companys stock worth $2,937,000 after acquiring an additional 24,370 shares during the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF during the 1st quarter worth $603,000. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF during the 1st quarter worth $678,000. Vident Investment Advisory LLC grew its holdings in shares of iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF by 207.3% during the 1st quarter. Vident Investment Advisory LLC now owns 14,045 shares of the companys stock worth $856,000 after purchasing an additional 9,474 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada grew its holdings in shares of iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF by 111.5% during the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 67,887 shares of the companys stock worth $4,133,000 after purchasing an additional 35,788 shares in the last quarter.

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iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF Price Performance

NYSEARCA:IPAC traded down $0.50 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $61.97. The companys stock had a trading volume of 19,598 shares, compared to its average volume of 132,550. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $60.50 and a 200-day simple moving average of $58.01. The company has a market capitalization of $1.82 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.67 and a beta of 0.74. iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF has a twelve month low of $52.93 and a twelve month high of $63.85.

About iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF

The iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF (IPAC) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI Pacific IMI index, a market-cap-weighted index of developed Pacific securities. IPAC was launched on Jun 10, 2014 and is managed by BlackRock.

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CoreFirst Bank & Trust reduced its position in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Free Report) by 17.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 19,113 shares of the companys stock after selling 4,132 shares during the quarter. CoreFirst Bank & Trusts holdings in Altria Group were worth $804,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Sei Investments Co. grew its holdings in shares of Altria Group by 1.6% during the first quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 404,894 shares of the companys stock valued at $21,248,000 after purchasing an additional 6,324 shares during the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Altria Group by 5.2% during the first quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 18,647 shares of the companys stock valued at $974,000 after purchasing an additional 929 shares during the last quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P bought a new position in shares of Altria Group during the first quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Mackenzie Financial Corp grew its holdings in shares of Altria Group by 3.4% during the first quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 2,711,773 shares of the companys stock valued at $141,690,000 after purchasing an additional 89,334 shares during the last quarter. Finally, First Western Trust Bank bought a new position in shares of Altria Group during the first quarter valued at approximately $498,000. 58.94% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

MO has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. UBS Group reissued a sell rating and issued a $36.10 price objective on shares of Altria Group in a report on Tuesday, January 23rd. StockNews.com lowered Altria Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, February 23rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $47.22.

Altria Group Price Performance

MO opened at $43.37 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $76.48 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.49, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.58 and a beta of 0.65. Altria Group, Inc. has a 1-year low of $39.06 and a 1-year high of $48.04. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $40.88 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $41.55.

Altria Group (NYSE:MO  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 1st. The company reported $1.18 EPS for the quarter, beating 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 company had revenue of $5.02 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.06 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.18 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was down 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts expect that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.07 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Altria Group announced that its Board of Directors has approved a share repurchase plan on Thursday, February 1st that authorizes the company to buyback $1.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the company to reacquire up to 1.4% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are often a sign that the companys board believes its shares are undervalued.

Altria Group Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, April 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 25th will be given a dividend of $0.98 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 22nd. This represents a $3.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 9.04%. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 85.78%.

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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Shares of CRH plc (NYSE:CRH  Get Free Report) have been given a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy by the six research firms that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold recommendation and five have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 12-month price target among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $69.58.

Several research analysts have recently issued reports on CRH shares. StockNews.com raised CRH from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, February 16th. Jefferies Financial Group raised their target price on CRH from $89.70 to $100.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, March 4th. DA Davidson initiated coverage on CRH in a report on Friday, January 19th. They set a buy rating and a $82.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Truist Financial lifted their target price on CRH from $81.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, March 4th.

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CRH Stock Up 1.0 %

CRH Dividend Announcement

Shares of CRH opened at $84.70 on Friday. CRH has a twelve month low of $46.84 and a twelve month high of $84.88. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $74.65 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $64.72. The stock has a market capitalization of $58.42 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.02, a PEG ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 1.28.

The firm also recently announced a Variable dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 17th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 15th will be given a dividend of $0.262 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 14th. This represents a dividend yield of 2%. CRHs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 28.72%.

Institutional Trading of CRH

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of CRH. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its position in shares of CRH by 0.3% during the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 269,338 shares of the construction companys stock worth $10,790,000 after purchasing an additional 724 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its holdings in CRH by 0.8% in the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 262,579 shares of the construction companys stock worth $10,519,000 after buying an additional 2,011 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. acquired a new position in CRH in the 1st quarter valued at $1,541,000. Bank of Montreal Can lifted its position in CRH by 3.1% during the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 27,121 shares of the construction companys stock worth $1,113,000 after buying an additional 816 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Prudential Financial Inc. grew its stake in shares of CRH by 24.6% in the 1st quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 8,328 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $334,000 after buying an additional 1,643 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 8.21% of the companys stock.

About CRH

(Get Free Report

CRH plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides building materials solutions in Ireland and internationally. It operates through four segments: Americas Materials Solutions, Americas Building Solutions, Europe Materials Solutions, and Europe Building Solutions. The company provides solutions for the construction and maintenance of public infrastructure and commercial and residential buildings; and produces and sells aggregates, cement, readymixed concrete, and asphalt, as well as provides paving and construction services.

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E Fund Management Hong Kong Co. Ltd. bought a new stake in The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO  Free Report) during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm bought 1,054 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $62,000.

Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Hibernia Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Coca-Cola during the 3rd quarter valued at about $25,000. Freedom Wealth Alliance LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Coca-Cola during the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Coca-Cola during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $30,000. KB Financial Partners LLC acquired a new position in Coca-Cola in the first quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Finally, Meitav Investment House Ltd. purchased a new position in Coca-Cola in the second quarter worth approximately $34,000. 68.96% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Coca-Cola

In related news, CEO James Quincey sold 92,028 shares of Coca-Cola stock in a transaction on Monday, December 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $59.06, for a total transaction of $5,435,173.68. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 442,546 shares in the company, valued at approximately $26,136,766.76. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In related news, insider Bruno Pietracci sold 18,551 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, March 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $59.41, for a total value of $1,102,114.91. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO James Quincey sold 92,028 shares of Coca-Cola stock in a transaction on Monday, December 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $59.06, for a total transaction of $5,435,173.68. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 442,546 shares in the company, valued at $26,136,766.76. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 410,067 shares of company stock worth $24,738,925 over the last three months. Insiders own 1.00% of the companys stock.

Coca-Cola Stock Down 0.1 %

Shares of KO traded down $0.08 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $60.56. The company had a trading volume of 5,068,285 shares, compared to its average volume of 13,652,533. The Coca-Cola Company has a 1 year low of $51.55 and a 1 year high of $64.99. The firm has a market capitalization of $261.16 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.66, a P/E/G ratio of 3.41 and a beta of 0.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.29, a quick ratio of 0.95 and a current ratio of 1.13. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $59.97 and its 200-day simple moving average is $58.25.

Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 13th. The company reported $0.49 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.48 by $0.01. Coca-Cola had a net margin of 23.42% and a return on equity of 42.50%. The company had revenue of $10.80 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.68 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.45 EPS. The firms revenue was up 6.9% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that The Coca-Cola Company will post 2.81 EPS for the current year.

Coca-Cola 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 paid a dividend of $0.485 per share. This is a boost from Coca-Colas previous quarterly dividend of $0.46. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 14th. This represents a $1.94 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.20%. Coca-Colas payout ratio is presently 74.19%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Barclays increased their price target on Coca-Cola from $60.00 to $66.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, January 16th. Citigroup upped their price objective on shares of Coca-Cola from $67.00 to $68.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 17th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Coca-Cola from $64.00 to $66.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 14th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Coca-Cola currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $67.00.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on KO

Coca-Cola Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Coca-Cola Company, a beverage company, manufactures, markets, and sells various nonalcoholic beverages worldwide. The company provides sparkling soft drinks, sparkling flavors; water, sports, coffee, and tea; juice, value-added dairy, and plant-based beverages; and other beverages. It also offers beverage concentrates and syrups, as well as fountain syrups to fountain retailers, such as restaurants and convenience stores.

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Encompass Health (NYSE:EHC  Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY24 earnings guidance on Monday morning. The company provided earnings per share guidance of $3.77-4.06 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of $3.97. The company issued revenue guidance of $5.2-5.3 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $5.25 billion.

Encompass Health Stock Down 1.0 %

Shares of EHC stock opened at $76.15 on Thursday. Encompass Health has a 1-year low of $51.15 and a 1-year high of $78.11. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $72.57 and its 200 day moving average price is $68.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.19, a current ratio of 1.28 and a quick ratio of 1.28. The company has a market cap of $7.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.95, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.41 and a beta of 0.93.

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Encompass Health (NYSE:EHC  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, February 7th. The company reported $0.95 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.83 by $0.12. The firm had revenue of $1.25 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.24 billion. Encompass Health had a return on equity of 17.69% and a net margin of 7.33%. On average, research analysts expect that Encompass Health will post 3.94 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Encompass Health Announces Dividend

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, April 1st will be paid a dividend of $0.15 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 28th. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.79%. Encompass Healths payout ratio is presently 17.29%.

Several research firms have weighed in on EHC. William Blair reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Encompass Health in a research note on Wednesday, February 7th. Mizuho upped their target price on Encompass Health from $77.00 to $82.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, February 9th. Stephens restated an overweight rating and issued a $85.00 price target on shares of Encompass Health in a research report on Tuesday, January 16th. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $83.00 price target on shares of Encompass Health in a research report on Friday, February 9th. Finally, Truist Financial upped their price target on Encompass Health from $82.00 to $86.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, February 9th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $82.56.

View Our Latest Research Report on Encompass Health

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Encompass Health

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in EHC. Worth Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Encompass Health in the first quarter valued at $35,000. Quarry LP acquired a new stake in shares of Encompass Health in the first quarter valued at $42,000. Belpointe Asset Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Encompass Health by 88.2% in the first quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 781 shares of the companys stock valued at $42,000 after buying an additional 366 shares in the last quarter. Benjamin Edwards Inc. grew its stake in shares of Encompass Health by 89.0% in the second quarter. Benjamin Edwards Inc. now owns 1,087 shares of the companys stock valued at $74,000 after buying an additional 512 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Horizon Advisors Inc. grew its stake in shares of Encompass Health by 18.8% in the first quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 1,415 shares of the companys stock valued at $77,000 after buying an additional 224 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.66% of the companys stock.

Encompass Health Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Encompass Health Corporation provides post-acute healthcare services in the United States. It provides specialized rehabilitative treatment on an inpatient basis to patients who have experienced physical or cognitive disabilities or injuries due to medical conditions, such as strokes, hip fractures, and various debilitating neurological conditions.

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Farmers Bankshares, Inc. (OTCMKTS:FBVA  Get Free Report) traded up 2% on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $18.85 and last traded at $18.81. 900 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 4% from the average session volume of 933 shares. The stock had previously closed at $18.45.

Farmers Bankshares Trading Up 2.0 %

The companys 50-day moving average is $18.81 and its two-hundred day moving average is $18.81.

Farmers Bankshares Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Farmers Bankshares, Inc operates as the bank holding company for Farmers Bank that provides various banking products and services to small and mid-sized businesses, professionals, corporate executives, and entrepreneurs primarily in southeastern Virginia. The company offers personal and business checking and savings accounts.

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FCF Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Free Report) by 196.9% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 102,310 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after purchasing an additional 67,856 shares during the quarter. Bristol-Myers Squibb accounts for approximately 1.5% of FCF Advisors LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 11th largest holding. FCF Advisors LLCs holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $5,250,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Herold Advisors Inc. raised its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 3.2% during the 3rd quarter. Herold Advisors Inc. now owns 33,668 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,954,000 after purchasing an additional 1,051 shares in the last quarter. Osterweis Capital Management Inc. lifted its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 69.6% in the second quarter. Osterweis Capital Management Inc. now owns 5,049 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $323,000 after acquiring an additional 2,072 shares during the period. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC grew its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 9.5% during the 3rd quarter. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC now owns 139,811 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $8,115,000 after acquiring an additional 12,121 shares in the last quarter. Metis Global Partners LLC increased its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 14.8% during the 3rd quarter. Metis Global Partners LLC now owns 101,772 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $5,907,000 after purchasing an additional 13,122 shares during the period. Finally, Jmac Enterprises LLC raised its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 11.4% in the 3rd quarter. Jmac Enterprises LLC now owns 12,171 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $706,000 after purchasing an additional 1,245 shares in the last quarter. 74.98% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

BMY has been the topic of several research reports. Societe Generale lowered shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday. StockNews.com raised Bristol-Myers Squibb from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, March 1st. Bank of America downgraded Bristol-Myers Squibb from a buy rating to a neutral rating and dropped their price objective for the company from $68.00 to $60.00 in a research report on Wednesday, January 3rd. Redburn Atlantic downgraded shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from a buy rating to a neutral rating and reduced their target price for the stock from $77.00 to $54.00 in a report on Tuesday, February 6th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $58.00 to $51.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, February 6th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, fifteen have issued a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $61.12.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Stock Performance

NYSE:BMY traded down $0.63 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $52.02. The companys stock had a trading volume of 4,064,484 shares, compared to its average volume of 15,216,820. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a fifty-two week low of $47.58 and a fifty-two week high of $71.07. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.24, a current ratio of 1.43 and a quick ratio of 1.31. The firm has a market cap of $105.19 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.63, a P/E/G ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 0.38. The firms 50 day moving average is $50.53 and its 200-day moving average is $53.08.

Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, February 2nd. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.70 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.55 by $0.15. The firm had revenue of $11.48 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.19 billion. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a net margin of 17.83% and a return on equity of 50.95%. The firms revenue was up .6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.82 earnings per share. Equities analysts anticipate that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 6.61 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, May 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, April 5th will be issued a $0.60 dividend. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.61%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, April 4th. Bristol-Myers Squibbs payout ratio is presently 62.18%.

Bristol-Myers Squibb declared that its board has authorized a share repurchase plan on Thursday, December 7th that permits the company to repurchase $3.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization permits the biopharmaceutical company to buy up to 2.9% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are usually a sign that the companys board believes its shares are undervalued.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Profile

(Free Report)

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for various anti-cancer indications, including bladder, blood, CRC, head and neck, RCC, HCC, lung, melanoma, MPM, stomach and esophageal cancer; Pomalyst/Imnovid for multiple myeloma; Orencia for active rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia.

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GoalVest Advisory LLC grew its stake in iShares Short-Term National Muni Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:SUB  Free Report) by 247.2% in the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 684 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 487 shares during the period. GoalVest Advisory LLCs holdings in iShares Short-Term National Muni Bond ETF were worth $72,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Baystate Wealth Management LLC grew its position in shares of iShares Short-Term National Muni Bond ETF by 3.0% in the 3rd quarter. Baystate Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,745 shares of the companys stock worth $385,000 after buying an additional 109 shares during the period. Cahill Financial Advisors Inc. grew its position in iShares Short-Term National Muni Bond ETF by 6.1% during the 4th quarter. Cahill Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 2,117 shares of the companys stock valued at $221,000 after purchasing an additional 121 shares during the last quarter. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC grew its position in iShares Short-Term National Muni Bond ETF by 3.5% during the 4th quarter. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC now owns 3,676 shares of the companys stock valued at $383,000 after purchasing an additional 123 shares during the last quarter. West Michigan Advisors LLC grew its position in iShares Short-Term National Muni Bond ETF by 8.1% during the 2nd quarter. West Michigan Advisors LLC now owns 2,105 shares of the companys stock valued at $219,000 after purchasing an additional 157 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sunbelt Securities Inc. grew its position in iShares Short-Term National Muni Bond ETF by 10.9% during the 2nd quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. now owns 2,145 shares of the companys stock valued at $223,000 after purchasing an additional 211 shares during the last quarter.

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iShares Short-Term National Muni Bond ETF Stock Performance

SUB opened at $105.03 on Thursday. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $105.01 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $104.31. iShares Short-Term National Muni Bond ETF has a 52-week low of $102.50 and a 52-week high of $105.58.

iShares Short-Term National Muni Bond ETF Company Profile

iShares 2016 AMT-Free Muni Term ETF, formerly iShares S&P Short Term National AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P Short Term National AMT-Free Municipal Bond Index (the Index).

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Greenfield Savings Bank cut its stake in Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C  Free Report) by 7.1% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 7,858 shares of the companys stock after selling 602 shares during the period. Greenfield Savings Banks holdings in Citigroup were worth $404,000 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. Carmel Capital Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of Citigroup during the third quarter valued at about $25,000. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. raised its stake in Citigroup by 73.8% in the third quarter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 683 shares of the companys stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 290 shares in the last quarter. SkyView Investment Advisors LLC bought a new position in Citigroup in the first quarter worth about $28,000. AlphaMark Advisors LLC raised its stake in Citigroup by 75.0% in the third quarter. AlphaMark Advisors LLC now owns 700 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Union Savings Bank bought a new position in Citigroup in the second quarter worth about $30,000. 69.26% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Citigroup Price Performance

Shares of C stock traded down $0.80 on Thursday, reaching $56.96. 9,677,684 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 17,266,330. The company has a market cap of $108.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.39, a P/E/G ratio of 1.57 and a beta of 1.50. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $54.64 and a 200 day moving average price of $47.64. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.52, a quick ratio of 0.95 and a current ratio of 0.95. Citigroup Inc. has a 1 year low of $38.17 and a 1 year high of $58.67.

Citigroup Dividend Announcement

Citigroup ( NYSE:C Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 12th. The company reported ($1.16) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.73 by ($1.89). Citigroup had a net margin of 5.88% and a return on equity of 6.49%. The business had revenue of $17.44 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $18.71 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.10 EPS. The firms revenue was down 3.1% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts forecast that Citigroup Inc. will post 5.94 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 23rd. Stockholders of record on Monday, February 5th were paid a $0.53 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, February 2nd. This represents a $2.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.72%. Citigroups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 53.13%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Citigroup from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $68.00 target price on the stock in a report on Thursday. Morgan Stanley upgraded Citigroup from an underweight rating to an overweight rating and upped their price objective for the stock from $46.00 to $65.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 30th. Oppenheimer upped their price target on Citigroup from $93.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 30th. HSBC raised shares of Citigroup from a hold rating to a buy rating and increased their target price for the stock from $42.00 to $61.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 9th. Finally, Societe Generale downgraded shares of Citigroup from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Monday, January 8th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $57.97.

Read Our Latest Report on C

Citigroup Profile

(Free Report)

Citigroup Inc, a diversified financial service holding company, provides various financial product and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions worldwide. It operates through five segments: Services, Markets, Banking, U.S. Personal Banking, and Wealth. The Services segment includes Treasury and Trade Solutions, which provides cash management, trade, and working capital solutions to multinational corporations, financial institutions, and public sector organizations; and Securities Services, such as cross-border support for clients, local market expertise, post-trade technologies, data solutions, and various securities services solutions.

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Aquaculture thrives on edge of Tengger Desert in NW China's Gansu

People's Daily Online) 10:48, March 14, 2024

Jingtai county in Baiyin city, northwest China's Gansu Province is located on the southern edge of the Tengger Desert. It has a significant evaporation rate and 163,000 mu (10,867 hectares) of moderate to severe saline and alkaline land.

In 2016, Jingtai county implemented the innovative idea of using aquaculture to address the issue of saline and alkaline land while also boosting industrial development.

A worker harvests shrimps in Jingtai county, northwest China's Gansu Province. (Photo/Media convergence center of Jingtai county)

Local fishery enterprises proactively embarked on a journey to unlock the potential of saline and alkaline land. They conducted water quality testing and variety trials, and successfully cultivated shrimps and fish using saline and alkaline water.

Zhou Jincheng, the head of the Jincheng Agricultural Technology Development Co., Ltd. which specializes in white-leg shrimps farming, said the government's provision of equipment for extracting saline and alkaline water eliminates the need for the company to invest in this resource.

In addition, the company has transformed abandoned land into a productive cultivation area. The previously unproductive saline and alkaline land now generates an annual income of 10,000 yuan ($1,393) per mu.

Jingtai county actively attracts investment and expands the industrial chain. To support aquaculture, the local government provides subsidies based on the conditions of fish ponds, as well as technical, pharmaceutical, transportation, and facility support.

Fish farming not only benefits companies but also helps local villagers increase their income and employment opportunities. Furthermore, the extraction of underground saline and alkaline water has continuously reduced salinization in the surrounding land.

The wastewater generated by aquaculture is also used for agricultural irrigation, gradually restoring the surrounding agriculture and creating a positive cycle of saline and alkaline water utilization.

Wang Tao, deputy county mayor of Jingtai, explained that after years of development, the county has established a distinctive fishery industry system. As of the beginning of 2024, Jingtai county had treated and utilized 20,000 mu of saline and alkaline land for fish farming.

In 2023, the fishery production of the county reached 2.12 million kilograms, with an output value exceeding 60 million yuan.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Olive Applegate, 9, and her father, Doug Applegate from Houston view Starship from the nearby sand dunes at Boca Chica Beach before a launch in November. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer Visitors get set to view the liftoff of SpaceXs second flight test in November from the roof of the Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer SpaceXs Starship lifts off from Starbase in Boca Chica on Nov. 18. The commercial space company got FAA approval Wednesday for a third launch that could come as soon as Thursday. Eric Gay/Associated Press Visitors view SpaceXs Starship on the launch pad from the nearby dunes at Boca Chica Beach a day ahead of the rockets second launch attempt in November. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer Balconies at Margaritaville Beach Resort on South Padre Island were a popular spot to view Novembers second launch. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer Bailee Allen, right, and DJ Holt from St. George, Utah, take photos of Starship in November. People from around the world are drawn to South Texas for launches of the SpaceXs big Starship rocket. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer

SpaceXs Starship mega-rocket is set to blast off from Boca Chica Beach this week on a new flight path that will take it to the Indian Ocean instead of the Pacific.

The commercial space company said Wednesday that liftoff could occur between 7 and about 9 a.m. Thursday with backup windows during the same period each day through Sunday.

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Whether youre traveling to watch the launch in person or want to live-stream it from home, heres everything you need to know about Starships third orbital flight attempt.

Can I watch it in person? Im on Spring Break!

As with previous launches, thousands of people are expected to travel to South Padre Island, Port Isabel and other nearby areas to witness Starships third flight.

This time the in-person options includes a twist as the launch date comes in the middle of Texas Week, a major Spring Break period for universities, colleges and schools across the state. Previous Texas Week festivities have drawn more than 50,000 to South Padre Island, and local tourist officials expect similar numbers this year.

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The combination of Spring Break and the possibility of a Starship launch were pushing hotels to near capacity last week.

Will the weather cooperate?

Express-News newsroom meteorologist Anthony Franze said Thursdays launch window isnt likely to open with optimal conditions for SpaceXs plans and the following days could be problematic, too.

While a storm system is expected to bring scattered thunderstorms to parts of Central Texas on Thursday, Boca Chica Beach is expected to stay dry. But the system will bring cloud cover and wind gusts up to 35 mph to far South Texas, neither of which are generally suitable for launch.

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Friday looks a little better for SpaceX, Franze said. Cloud cover could still be a problem in the morning around Starbase, but skies are expected to clear a bit by noon. Winds will be lighter, though, coming in from 10 mph to 15 mph.

By Saturday and Sunday, scattered showers and thunderstorms are in the forecast for Boca Chica Beach.

OK, Im going! Um, where should I go?

For those going in person, Isla Blanca Park on South Padre Island is the most popular viewing location. The park will open at 3 a.m. Thursday. Expect long lines and be sure to have the $12 cash-only entrance fee.

Some sites around Port Isabel and along Texas 48 also offer good spots to watch.

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For those seeking a different perspective, at least one area boat operator, Star Fleet Tours, still had availability on one of its two boats to view the launch for $99 per person as of Wednesday afternoon. The boats will anchor in the mouth of South Bay, about 4 miles from the launch pad.

Another unique option is an outpost called Raptor Roost. This spot is only 3.8 miles from the launch pad, just inside the 4 mile exclusion zone. It offers camping options since people must arrive before authorities close Highway 4 at midnight before the launch.

Prices range from $150 for car camping to $325 for a motor home. Each additional person is another $150 and everyone must sign liability waivers.

Rocket Ranch, also at the edge of the exclusion zone, is offering tent camping for $200. Those interested must be at the ranch by 3 p.m. the day before.

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Darn, its too far for me. Can I see it online?

Yes! SpaceX is expected to live stream the launch on its website beginning at 6:30 a.m. Thursday.

Whats the flight plan?

SpaceX has said this weeks flight aims to build on previous attempts while adding several new ambitious objectives.

In addition to a successful ascent, the company hopes to open and close Starships payload door, demonstrate the crafts ability to transfer propellants in orbit, attempt the first ever re-light of a Raptor engine while in space and, finally, a controlled reentry.

The flight will also be on a new trajectory that will send it to land in the Indian Ocean rather than off the coast of Kauai in the Pacific. As in previous tests, the Super Heavy booster is to splash down in the Gulf of Mexico.

This new flight path enables us to attempt new techniques like in-space engine burns while maximizing public safety, SpaceX said.

Whats been happening since the last launch?

Plenty. Starships third flight plan comes a week after the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, which oversees the state parks department, unanimously approved a land swap deal that would give 43 acres of Boca Chica State Park to SpaceX for expansion of Starbase in exchange for 477 acres the company is buying about 10 miles away.

The approval came despite widespread public outcry about the proposal and the process that led to it.

LAND SWAP: Parks and Wildlife Commission approves land swap with SpaceX in South Texas

In addition to the land swap, several lawsuits over SpaceXs South Texas dealings are winding their way through the courts.

In early February, a Texas appeals court reversed Cameron County state district courts 2022 dismissal of a case against Texas Land Commissioner

Dawn Buckingham, the Texas Land Office, Cameron County and Attorney General Ken Paxton, over deals for SpaceX to regularly shut off public access to the pristine stretch of coastline  access that is protected by the state constitution.

A coalition of indigenous and environmental groups is challenging part of the 2013 Texas Natural Resources Code that allows commissioners in a county bordering the Gulf of Mexico or its tidewater to temporarily close a beach in reasonable proximity to a space flight launch site or access points to the beach in the county on launch dates.
Grove Collaborative Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:GROV  Get Free Report) CEO Jeffrey Michael Yurcisin bought 10,417 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 8th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $1.94 per share, for a total transaction of $20,208.98. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 20,417 shares in the company, valued at approximately $39,608.98. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website.

Jeffrey Michael Yurcisin also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Monday, March 11th, Jeffrey Michael Yurcisin acquired 5,406 shares of Grove Collaborative stock. The shares were acquired at an average price of $1.85 per share, with a total value of $10,001.10.

On Thursday, December 14th, Jeffrey Michael Yurcisin acquired 10,000 shares of Grove Collaborative stock. The shares were acquired at an average price of $1.98 per share, with a total value of $19,800.00.

Grove Collaborative Price Performance

GROV opened at $1.79 on Thursday. Grove Collaborative Holdings, Inc. has a 52-week low of $1.46 and a 52-week high of $3.81. The stock has a market cap of $67.04 million, a P/E ratio of -1.38 and a beta of 0.92. The business has a fifty day moving average of $1.86 and a 200 day moving average of $2.09. The company has a quick ratio of 2.58, a current ratio of 3.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.02.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Grove Collaborative

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of Grove Collaborative by 59.5% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 507,366 shares of the companys stock worth $202,000 after acquiring an additional 189,252 shares in the last quarter. Bridgeway Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of Grove Collaborative by 20.8% in the 4th quarter. Bridgeway Capital Management LLC now owns 87,025 shares of the companys stock worth $154,000 after acquiring an additional 15,000 shares in the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp increased its position in Grove Collaborative by 167.6% during the 4th quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 62,483 shares of the companys stock valued at $111,000 after buying an additional 39,130 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp acquired a new position in Grove Collaborative during the 3rd quarter valued at about $85,000. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. acquired a new position in Grove Collaborative during the 3rd quarter valued at about $81,000. 32.11% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Separately, Telsey Advisory Group restated an outperform rating and set a $3.00 price objective on shares of Grove Collaborative in a report on Thursday, March 7th.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Grove Collaborative

About Grove Collaborative

(Get Free Report)

Grove Collaborative Holdings, Inc operates as a plastic neutral consumer products retailer in the United States. It offers household, personal care, beauty, and other consumer products through retail channels, third parties, direct-to-consumer platform, and mobile applications, as well as online store.

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Green Alpha Advisors LLC lessened its holdings in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. (NYSE:HPP  Free Report) by 11.1% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 297,529 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 37,297 shares during the period. Hudson Pacific Properties accounts for approximately 2.0% of Green Alpha Advisors LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 4th biggest position. Green Alpha Advisors LLCs holdings in Hudson Pacific Properties were worth $2,770,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Group One Trading L.P. acquired a new position in Hudson Pacific Properties in the 1st quarter valued at about $149,000. HighTower Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 3.4% in the 1st quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 18,542 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $514,000 after acquiring an additional 612 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can lifted its holdings in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 76.5% in the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 36,550 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,034,000 after acquiring an additional 15,845 shares during the last quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 33.3% in the 1st quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 98,525 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,734,000 after acquiring an additional 24,633 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS lifted its holdings in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 10.5% in the 1st quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 55,882 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,551,000 after acquiring an additional 5,328 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 97.58% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at Hudson Pacific Properties

In related news, CIO Drew Gordon sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $7.11, for a total value of $71,100.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive now owns 116,694 shares in the company, valued at $829,694.34. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Hudson Pacific Properties news, Director Barry A. Sholem purchased 40,000 shares of Hudson Pacific Properties stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 21st. The shares were bought at an average price of $6.69 per share, with a total value of $267,600.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now directly owns 70,176 shares of the companys stock, valued at $469,477.44. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, CIO Drew Gordon sold 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $7.11, for a total transaction of $71,100.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive now directly owns 116,694 shares in the company, valued at approximately $829,694.34. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 2.95% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

HPP has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Piper Sandler upped their price objective on shares of Hudson Pacific Properties from $8.00 to $11.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, December 20th. Wedbush lowered shares of Hudson Pacific Properties from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and reduced their target price for the stock from $11.00 to $7.50 in a report on Tuesday, February 20th. BTIG Research increased their price objective on shares of Hudson Pacific Properties from $11.00 to $13.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, December 29th. BMO Capital Markets increased their price objective on shares of Hudson Pacific Properties from $12.00 to $13.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, January 4th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price objective on shares of Hudson Pacific Properties from $7.10 to $10.60 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, January 11th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and four 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 $8.83.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on HPP

Hudson Pacific Properties Stock Performance

Shares of HPP stock traded down $0.38 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $6.30. The stock had a trading volume of 987,257 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,887,534. Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $4.05 and a fifty-two week high of $9.85. The firm has a market cap of $888.99 million, a PE ratio of -4.58, a PEG ratio of 0.57 and a beta of 1.31. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.31, a current ratio of 1.79 and a quick ratio of 1.79. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $7.73 and its 200-day simple moving average is $6.97.

Hudson Pacific Properties (NYSE:HPP  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, February 12th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.15 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.15. Hudson Pacific Properties had a negative net margin of 19.20% and a negative return on equity of 5.74%. The company had revenue of $223.42 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $223.93 million. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.49 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 17.2% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. will post 1.03 earnings per share for the current year.

Hudson Pacific Properties Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a  dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 28th. Investors of record on Monday, March 18th will be paid a $0.05 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 15th.

About Hudson Pacific Properties

(Free Report)

Hudson Pacific Properties (NYSE: HPP) is a real estate investment trust serving dynamic tech and media tenants in global epicenters for these synergistic, converging and secular growth industries. Hudson Pacific's unique and high-barrier tech and media focus leverages a full-service, end-to-end value creation platform forged through deep strategic relationships and niche expertise across identifying, acquiring, transforming and developing properties into world-class amenitized, collaborative and sustainable office and studio space.

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InTrack Investment Management Inc decreased its position in Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE:APO  Free Report) by 8.8% in the 4th quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 5,344 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 513 shares during the period. InTrack Investment Management Incs holdings in Apollo Global Management were worth $498,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. DNB Asset Management AS raised its holdings in shares of Apollo Global Management by 3.6% in the 4th quarter. DNB Asset Management AS now owns 180,556 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $16,826,000 after buying an additional 6,344 shares in the last quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky acquired a new stake in Apollo Global Management during the 3rd quarter valued at $6,193,000. Hudson Bay Capital Management LP acquired a new stake in Apollo Global Management during the 3rd quarter valued at $13,464,000. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in Apollo Global Management by 11.1% during the 3rd quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 11,579 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,039,000 after purchasing an additional 1,159 shares in the last quarter. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. increased its holdings in Apollo Global Management by 4.6% during the 3rd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 34,472 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,094,000 after purchasing an additional 1,520 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 60.86% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Leon D. Black sold 300,000 shares of Apollo Global Management stock in a transaction dated Saturday, February 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $111.51, for a total transaction of $33,453,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 43,054,773 shares in the company, valued at $4,801,037,737.23. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, insider Leon D. Black sold 500,000 shares of Apollo Global Management stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $111.44, for a total transaction of $55,720,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 44,104,773 shares in the company, valued at $4,915,035,903.12. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Leon D. Black sold 300,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Saturday, February 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $111.51, for a total value of $33,453,000.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 43,054,773 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,801,037,737.23. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 976,000 shares of company stock worth $108,407,460. Company insiders own 8.70% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

APO has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Citigroup increased their price objective on Apollo Global Management from $111.00 to $125.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. assumed coverage on Apollo Global Management in a research report on Wednesday, February 28th. They issued an overweight rating and a $122.00 price objective on the stock. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their price objective on Apollo Global Management from $122.00 to $131.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, March 7th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on Apollo Global Management from $110.00 to $118.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, February 9th. Finally, Barclays lifted their price target on Apollo Global Management from $118.00 to $122.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, February 12th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $107.92.

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Apollo Global Management Stock Down 0.4 %

Shares of NYSE:APO traded down $0.46 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $109.52. The company had a trading volume of 517,712 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,447,258. The company has a quick ratio of 1.54, a current ratio of 1.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $104.55 and its 200 day moving average price is $94.23. The stock has a market cap of $62.22 billion, a PE ratio of 13.08, a P/E/G ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 1.64. Apollo Global Management, Inc. has a 1-year low of $55.16 and a 1-year high of $115.03.

Apollo Global Management (NYSE:APO  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, February 8th. The financial services provider reported $1.75 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.64 by $0.11. The business had revenue of $795.00 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $823.27 million. Apollo Global Management had a return on equity of 20.33% and a net margin of 15.86%. Research analysts forecast that Apollo Global Management, Inc. will post 7.48 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Apollo Global Management Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 29th. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 20th were issued a dividend of $0.43 per share. This represents a $1.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.57%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, February 16th. Apollo Global Managements payout ratio is currently 20.45%.

Apollo Global Management Company Profile

(Free Report)

Apollo Global Management, Inc is a private equity firm specializing in investments in credit, private equity and real estate markets. The firm's private equity investments include traditional buyouts, recapitalization, distressed buyouts and debt investments in real estate, corporate partner buyouts, distressed asset, corporate carve-outs, middle market, growth capital, turnaround, bridge, corporate restructuring, special situation, acquisition, and industry consolidation transactions.

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InTrack Investment Management Inc purchased a new stake in Brookfield Renewable Co. (NYSE:BEPC  Free Report) during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor purchased 40,146 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,156,000.

Other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Raymond James & Associates boosted its holdings in shares of Brookfield Renewable by 30.7% in the first quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 90,746 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,975,000 after acquiring an additional 21,313 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its holdings in shares of Brookfield Renewable by 1.3% in the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 417,541 shares of the companys stock valued at $18,288,000 after acquiring an additional 5,254 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Brookfield Renewable in the first quarter valued at approximately $261,000. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Brookfield Renewable by 154.7% during the first quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp now owns 3,601 shares of the companys stock worth $158,000 after purchasing an additional 2,187 shares during the period. Finally, Citigroup Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Brookfield Renewable by 33.4% during the first quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 33,511 shares of the companys stock worth $1,464,000 after purchasing an additional 8,391 shares during the period. 66.15% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Brookfield Renewable Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE BEPC traded down $0.35 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $23.88. 375,919 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,070,917. The company has a quick ratio of 0.40, a current ratio of 0.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $26.62 and a 200-day simple moving average of $26.28. Brookfield Renewable Co. has a 1-year low of $21.77 and a 1-year high of $36.16. The firm has a market cap of $4.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -74.75 and a beta of 1.09.

Brookfield Renewable Increases Dividend

Brookfield Renewable ( NYSE:BEPC Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Friday, February 2nd. The company reported $0.01 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.14) by $0.15. The company had revenue of $1.32 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.21 billion. Brookfield Renewable had a net margin of 12.23% and a return on equity of 3.67%. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Brookfield Renewable Co. will post -1.11 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 28th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 29th will be paid a $0.355 dividend. This is an increase from Brookfield Renewables previous quarterly dividend of $0.34. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 28th. This represents a $1.42 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.95%. Brookfield Renewables payout ratio is presently -443.75%.

About Brookfield Renewable

(Free Report)

Brookfield Renewable Corporation owns and operates a portfolio of renewable power and sustainable solution assets primarily in the United States, Europe, Colombia, and Brazil. It operates hydroelectric, wind, and solar power plants with an installed capacity of approximately 12,857 megawatts. The company was incorporated in 2019 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

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DNB Asset Management AS lifted its holdings in shares of NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE  Free Report) by 35.8% during the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 1,059,979 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 279,689 shares during the period. DNB Asset Management ASs holdings in NextEra Energy were worth $64,383,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the business. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC acquired a new position in NextEra Energy in the second quarter valued at $32,000. Country Trust Bank boosted its holdings in NextEra Energy by 975.6% in the third quarter. Country Trust Bank now owns 441 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 400 shares during the last quarter. West Tower Group LLC acquired a new position in NextEra Energy in the second quarter valued at $36,000. GeoWealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in NextEra Energy by 124.1% in the first quarter. GeoWealth Management LLC now owns 549 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 304 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Alaska Permanent Fund Corp boosted its holdings in NextEra Energy by 59.8% in the third quarter. Alaska Permanent Fund Corp now owns 556 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 208 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.48% of the companys stock.

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NextEra Energy Stock Up 0.2 %

Shares of NEE traded up $0.13 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $59.67. 2,744,366 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 11,105,538. NextEra Energy, Inc. has a 12-month low of $47.15 and a 12-month high of $79.78. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $57.80 and a 200-day simple moving average of $59.00. The company has a quick ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 0.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06. The company has a market cap of $122.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.49, a P/E/G ratio of 2.06 and a beta of 0.50.

NextEra Energy Increases Dividend

NextEra Energy ( NYSE:NEE Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 25th. The utilities provider reported $0.52 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.49 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $6.88 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.72 billion. NextEra Energy had a return on equity of 11.73% and a net margin of 26.00%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.51 EPS. Research analysts forecast that NextEra Energy, Inc. will post 3.44 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 15th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 27th will be issued a dividend of $0.515 per share. This is a positive change from NextEra Energys previous quarterly dividend of $0.47. The ex-dividend date is Monday, February 26th. This represents a $2.06 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.45%. NextEra Energys dividend payout ratio is currently 57.06%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

NEE has been the topic of several research reports. StockNews.com lowered NextEra Energy from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Monday, February 19th. Guggenheim raised their price objective on NextEra Energy from $70.00 to $80.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, January 22nd. Citigroup initiated coverage on NextEra Energy in a research report on Friday, December 8th. They issued a buy rating and a $69.00 price objective on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on NextEra Energy from $65.00 to $67.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 29th. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on NextEra Energy from $79.00 to $76.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 21st. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $71.85.

View Our Latest Research Report on NEE

About NextEra Energy

(Free Report)

NextEra Energy, Inc, through its subsidiaries, generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power to retail and wholesale customers in North America. The company generates electricity through wind, solar, nuclear,natural gas, and other clean energy. It also develops, constructs, and operates long-term contracted assets that consists of clean energy solutions, such as renewable generation facilities, battery storage projects, and electric transmission facilities; sells energy commodities; and owns, develops, constructs, manages and operates electric generation facilities in wholesale energy markets.

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Shares of Nokia Oyj (NYSE:NOK  Get Free Report) have earned a consensus recommendation of Hold from the eight ratings firms that are covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, four have issued a hold recommendation and two have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12 month target price among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $5.06.

A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Jefferies Financial Group cut Nokia Oyj from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, December 8th. Barclays cut Nokia Oyj from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating in a report on Friday, January 19th. The Goldman Sachs Group cut Nokia Oyj from a buy rating to a neutral rating and cut their price objective for the stock from $5.10 to $3.40 in a report on Monday, December 18th. Citigroup reiterated a sell rating on shares of Nokia Oyj in a report on Friday, December 15th. Finally, Raymond James lowered their target price on Nokia Oyj from $4.50 to $4.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, December 13th.

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View Our Latest Research Report on NOK

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Nokia Oyj

Nokia Oyj Price Performance

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Pzena Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in Nokia Oyj by 13,524.2% during the 3rd quarter. Pzena Investment Management LLC now owns 42,791,256 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $160,039,000 after purchasing an additional 42,477,173 shares during the period. Artisan Partners Limited Partnership increased its holdings in Nokia Oyj by 10.8% during the 3rd quarter. Artisan Partners Limited Partnership now owns 101,681,755 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $380,290,000 after purchasing an additional 9,908,461 shares during the period. Millennium Management LLC increased its holdings in Nokia Oyj by 55.0% during the 4th quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 27,742,934 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $128,727,000 after purchasing an additional 9,842,934 shares during the period. Renaissance Technologies LLC increased its holdings in Nokia Oyj by 35.1% during the 1st quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 28,586,180 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $140,358,000 after purchasing an additional 7,419,900 shares during the period. Finally, BlackRock Inc. increased its holdings in Nokia Oyj by 93.1% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 11,039,382 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $54,203,000 after purchasing an additional 5,321,714 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 5.26% of the companys stock.

Shares of NYSE:NOK opened at $3.65 on Thursday. The companys fifty day moving average price is $3.56 and its 200-day moving average price is $3.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18, a current ratio of 1.66 and a quick ratio of 1.41. The firm has a market capitalization of $20.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.42, a PEG ratio of 1.01 and a beta of 1.09. Nokia Oyj has a one year low of $2.94 and a one year high of $4.97.

Nokia Oyj (NYSE:NOK  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, January 25th. The technology company reported $0.11 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.14 by ($0.03). Nokia Oyj had a net margin of 2.99% and a return on equity of 7.60%. The firm had revenue of $6.15 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.66 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.16 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Nokia Oyj will post 0.38 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Nokia Oyj Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Nokia Oyj provides mobile, fixed, and cloud network solutions worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Network Infrastructure, Mobile Networks, Cloud and Network Services, and Nokia Technologies. The company provides fixed networking solutions, such as fiber and copper-based access infrastructure, in-home Wi-Fi solutions, and cloud and virtualization services; IP networking solutions, including IP access, aggregation, and edge and core routing for residential, mobile, enterprise and cloud applications; optical networks solutions that provides optical transport networks for metro, regional, and long-haul applications, and subsea applications; and submarine networks for undersea cable transmission.

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Appleton Partners Inc. MA decreased its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 6.2% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 7,482 shares of the companys stock after selling 494 shares during the quarter. Appleton Partners Inc. MAs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $704,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. PCA Investment Advisory Services Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Philip Morris International during the 2nd quarter worth $27,000. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new position in Philip Morris International in the 3rd quarter valued at $27,000. DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. acquired a new position in Philip Morris International in the 3rd quarter valued at $36,000. Legacy Financial Group LLC acquired a new position in Philip Morris International in the 3rd quarter valued at $37,000. Finally, VitalStone Financial LLC grew its stake in Philip Morris International by 950.0% in the 2nd quarter. VitalStone Financial LLC now owns 420 shares of the companys stock valued at $41,000 after buying an additional 380 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.70% of the companys stock.

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Philip Morris International Trading Up 0.7 %

PM opened at $95.36 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $148.04 billion, a PE ratio of 19.00, a PEG ratio of 2.13 and a beta of 0.61. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 1-year low of $87.23 and a 1-year high of $101.92. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $91.97 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $92.63.

Philip Morris International Announces Dividend

Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 8th. The company reported $1.36 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.44 by ($0.08). Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 116.29% and a net margin of 8.53%. The business had revenue of $9.05 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.99 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.39 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 11.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts predict that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.39 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, April 9th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, March 21st will be given a dividend of $1.30 per share. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.45%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, March 20th. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is 103.59%.

Insider Transactions at Philip Morris International

In related news, VP Reginaldo Dobrowolski sold 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, March 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $90.69, for a total transaction of $181,380.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 9,726 shares in the company, valued at $882,050.94. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, insider Werner Barth sold 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, March 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $91.46, for a total transaction of $457,300.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 102,918 shares in the company, valued at $9,412,880.28. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, VP Reginaldo Dobrowolski sold 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, March 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $90.69, for a total transaction of $181,380.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 9,726 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $882,050.94. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.13% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts have weighed in on the stock. Societe Generale raised shares of Philip Morris International from a sell rating to a hold rating and set a $87.50 price target for the company in a report on Tuesday, February 13th. Redburn Atlantic assumed coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Thursday, November 16th. They issued a neutral rating and a $95.00 price target for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on shares of Philip Morris International from $110.00 to $115.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, November 29th. UBS Group downgraded shares of Philip Morris International from a buy rating to a sell rating and reduced their price target for the company from $105.00 to $86.50 in a report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Finally, Argus reissued a hold rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Tuesday, March 5th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Philip Morris International presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $105.40.

View Our Latest Research Report on Philip Morris International

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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Investment analysts at Scotiabank started coverage on shares of BBB Foods (NYSE:TBBB  Get Free Report) in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday, MarketBeat.com reports. The brokerage set a sector outperform rating and a $33.00 price target on the stock. Scotiabanks price target suggests a potential upside of 49.86% from the stocks previous close.

A number of other equities research analysts also recently commented on the stock. Bank of America initiated coverage on shares of BBB Foods in a research report on Tuesday, March 5th. They issued a buy rating and a $26.00 price objective on the stock. Morgan Stanley assumed coverage on BBB Foods in a report on Tuesday, March 5th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $22.00 target price on the stock. UBS Group started coverage on BBB Foods in a report on Tuesday, March 5th. They set a buy rating and a $26.00 price target for the company. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. assumed coverage on shares of BBB Foods in a report on Wednesday, March 6th. They set an overweight rating and a $30.00 price objective on the stock. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $27.40.

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Read Our Latest Report on TBBB

BBB Foods Stock Up 4.0 %

BBB Foods Company Profile

Shares of BBB Foods stock opened at $22.02 on Tuesday. BBB Foods has a one year low of $18.71 and a one year high of $22.54.

(Get Free Report)

BBB Foods Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates grocery retail stores in Mexico. It offers food products, drinks, hygiene and beauty products, home clean products, coffee, tea and substitutes, jellies and desserts, and baby and pet products. The company also provides branded, private label, and spot products.

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Symmetry Partners LLC reduced its position in Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE:PAG  Free Report) by 1.5% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 10,288 shares of the companys stock after selling 156 shares during the period. Symmetry Partners LLCs holdings in Penske Automotive Group were worth $1,664,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Hsbc Holdings PLC raised its stake in Penske Automotive Group by 306.3% during the 3rd quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 25,785 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,331,000 after acquiring an additional 19,438 shares during the last quarter. Tudor Investment Corp Et Al lifted its holdings in Penske Automotive Group by 29.9% in the third quarter. Tudor Investment Corp Et Al now owns 69,253 shares of the companys stock valued at $11,569,000 after acquiring an additional 15,946 shares during the period. Invesco Ltd. lifted its holdings in Penske Automotive Group by 164.3% in the third quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 292,758 shares of the companys stock valued at $48,908,000 after acquiring an additional 181,995 shares during the period. California Public Employees Retirement System lifted its holdings in Penske Automotive Group by 67.0% in the third quarter. California Public Employees Retirement System now owns 41,461 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,926,000 after acquiring an additional 16,633 shares during the period. Finally, Qube Research & Technologies Ltd lifted its holdings in Penske Automotive Group by 206.5% in the third quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 73,531 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,284,000 after acquiring an additional 49,544 shares during the period. 27.26% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Penske Automotive Group Trading Up 0.3 %

Shares of PAG stock opened at $154.25 on Thursday. Penske Automotive Group, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $128.37 and a fifty-two week high of $180.84. The stock has a market cap of $10.33 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.96 and a beta of 1.19. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $151.43 and a 200-day simple moving average of $154.50. The company has a quick ratio of 0.25, a current ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30.

Penske Automotive Group Increases Dividend

Penske Automotive Group ( NYSE:PAG Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 7th. The company reported $3.45 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.66 by ($0.21). Penske Automotive Group had a net margin of 3.57% and a return on equity of 24.19%. The firm had revenue of $7.27 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.18 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $4.21 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 3.7% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts forecast that Penske Automotive Group, Inc. will post 13.83 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 1st. Investors of record on Thursday, February 15th were given a dividend of $0.87 per share. This represents a $3.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.26%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, February 14th. This is a boost from Penske Automotive Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.79. Penske Automotive Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 22.48%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Separately, Morgan Stanley raised their target price on Penske Automotive Group from $107.00 to $115.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Thursday, February 29th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $168.20.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on PAG

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Director Greg C. Smith sold 1,604 shares of Penske Automotive Group stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $149.38, for a total transaction of $239,605.52. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 51,001 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,618,529.38. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 46.60% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Penske Automotive Group Profile

(Free Report)

Penske Automotive Group, Inc, a diversified transportation services company, operates automotive and commercial truck dealerships worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Retail Automotive, Retail Commercial Truck, Other, and Non-Automotive Investments. It operates dealerships under franchise agreements with various automotive manufacturers and distributors.

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Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky increased its stake in shares of BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE:BWA  Free Report) by 29.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 477,139 shares of the auto parts companys stock after purchasing an additional 107,990 shares during the quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky owned about 0.20% of BorgWarner worth $19,262,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of BWA. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new stake in shares of BorgWarner in the 3rd quarter valued at $28,000. Trust Co. of Vermont raised its holdings in BorgWarner by 49,000.0% during the 3rd quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 982 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $40,000 after purchasing an additional 980 shares during the last quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC raised its holdings in BorgWarner by 72.2% during the 1st quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 816 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $40,000 after purchasing an additional 342 shares during the last quarter. Huntington National Bank lifted its position in BorgWarner by 86.0% during the 2nd quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 941 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $46,000 after purchasing an additional 435 shares during the period. Finally, NBC Securities Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of BorgWarner during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $51,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.35% of the companys stock.

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Insider Transactions at BorgWarner

In related news, VP Stefan Demmerle sold 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, March 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $31.29, for a total transaction of $93,870.00. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 252,013 shares in the company, valued at $7,885,486.77. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, VP Volker Weng sold 20,000 shares of BorgWarner stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $32.85, for a total value of $657,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 111,964 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,678,017.40. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, VP Stefan Demmerle sold 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, March 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $31.29, for a total transaction of $93,870.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 252,013 shares in the company, valued at $7,885,486.77. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 284,503 shares of company stock worth $8,916,478 in the last three months. Insiders own 0.45% of the companys stock.

BorgWarner Stock Down 0.2 %

NYSE:BWA opened at $32.47 on Thursday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $32.50 and a 200 day simple moving average of $35.42. BorgWarner Inc. has a 52-week low of $29.51 and a 52-week high of $50.04. The company has a market cap of $7.46 billion, a PE ratio of 12.16, a PEG ratio of 1.02 and a beta of 1.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a quick ratio of 1.30 and a current ratio of 1.65.

BorgWarner (NYSE:BWA  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 8th. The auto parts company reported $0.90 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.93 by ($0.03). BorgWarner had a return on equity of 14.69% and a net margin of 3.94%. The business had revenue of $3.52 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.62 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.26 earnings per share. BorgWarners revenue was up 6.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts expect that BorgWarner Inc. will post 3.91 EPS for the current fiscal year.

BorgWarner Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 1st will be given a dividend of $0.11 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 29th. This represents a $0.44 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.36%. BorgWarners dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 16.48%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages recently weighed in on BWA. Guggenheim upgraded shares of BorgWarner from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $41.00 price objective on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 16th. BNP Paribas lowered BorgWarner from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and reduced their price target for the stock from $43.00 to $35.00 in a research report on Tuesday, February 20th. StockNews.com downgraded BorgWarner from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, February 9th. The Goldman Sachs Group reduced their target price on BorgWarner from $38.00 to $34.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, February 9th. Finally, Barclays lowered their price target on BorgWarner from $43.00 to $40.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, February 15th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $44.12.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on BWA

BorgWarner Company Profile

(Free Report)

BorgWarner Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides solutions for combustion, hybrid, and electric vehicles worldwide. It offers turbochargers, eBoosters, eTurbos, timing systems, emissions systems, thermal systems, gasoline ignition technology, smart remote actuators, powertrain sensors, cabin heaters, battery modules and systems, battery heaters, and battery charging.

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Cadence Bank and Linscomb Wealth allege two former principals of the wealth advisory firm misappropriated trade secrets to launch a competing wealth management firm based in San Antonio called Precedent Wealth Partners LLC. Photo provided/Peter Dazeley/Getty Images Cadence Bank and Linscomb Wealth allege two former principals of the wealth advisory firm misappropriated trade secrets to launch a competing wealth management firm based in San Antonio called Precedent Wealth Partners LLC. Screenshot

A fledgling San Antonio wealth management firm and its founders  two brothers  are facing accusations that they stole trade secrets from their former employer to solicit and obtain its customers business.

Cadence Bank and its investment advisory unit, Linscomb Wealth, both of Houston, allege in a lawsuit that San Antonios Precedent Wealth Partners and brothers J. Harold Williams and George Williams implemented a blitzkrieg strategy to abruptly resign from Linscomb, start a competing firm and service the same customers they personally serviced at Linscomb.

The defendants unlawful conduct resulted in a loss to Linscomb of more than $350 million of assets under management, which the complaint says is believed to have transferred to Precedent.

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Cadence and Linscomb say the Williams brothers have been unjustly enriched through breaches of fiduciary duties and should be ordered to turn over all their financial gains, including salaries, bonuses, incentives and benefits. The plaintiffs also seek unspecified actual and punitive damages as well as damages for the alleged harm caused.

The lawsuit was filed Wednesday in federal court in San Antonio, the same day Cadence and Linscomb dropped a similar action they had filed in May in state District Court in Harris County against the two brothers. Precedent was not named as a defendant in the earlier suit.

Scott Newar, a Houston lawyer representing the Williams brothers, said in an email Wednesday that two different state court judges in the Houston case rejected Cadences meritless claims.

Unfortunately, rather than end its long-running vendetta against the Williams brothers, Cadence has opted to forum shop by filing a new lawsuit in San Antonio federal court, Newar said. We trust the federal court will likewise reject Cadences meritless claims.

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In their lawsuit, Cadence and Linscomb cited the state court judges busy docket, discovery roadblocks created by the defendants and the exigent circumstances in the case for dropping the earlier lawsuit. A lawyer for the plaintiffs did not respond to a request for comment.

Spite, vengeance, greed

In a May court filing there, the brothers responded that Cadence and Linscomb were acting out of spite, vengeance, greed  or all three in seeking to punish two elderly, long-term employees  for leaving their employment as investment advisors after a combined 95 years and striking out on their own.

George Williams, 76, and Dan Linscomb teamed up to form Linscomb & Williams Inc. 50 years ago. Harold Williams, 71, joined the firm two years later and became chairman and CEO in 2010.

Houstons Encore Bancshares Inc. acquired Linscomb & Williams in 2005 but allows the firm to operate as an independent subsidiary.

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In 2012, Cadence acquired Encore and with it, Linscomb & Williams. Nine years later, Cadence merged into BancorpSouth Bank but continued to operate as Cadence  with its corporate headquarters in Houston.

The Williams brothers alleged in their May filing that Cadences new owners began interfering with Linscomb & Williams day-to-day operations and curtailing Harold Williams authority and responsibility. As a result, they say, he decided to relinquish his position as CEO in 2022.

The brothers added that they became increasingly disillusioned and decided to leave Cadence and Linscomb & Williams to become independent registered investment advisers.

The pair submitted their resignations on April 14  without notice, Cadence and Linscomb allege. A week later, they opened Precedent. Court documents indicate San Antonio is Precedents principal place of business, but its website says its headquarters is in Houston.

We launched Precedent Wealth Partners largely because we want to partner with our clients by creating an advisory entity that cannot easily be sold, Harold Williams said in an April 26 press release. We want our clients to feel they can count on our permanence and alignment with them.

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The Williamses say in their court filing that they have not solicited any any former clients. The firm dropped Williams from its name and became Linscomb Wealth in January.

Project Astros

In their latest lawsuit, Cadence and Linscomb allege the Williams brothers plotted their resignations and launch of Precedent as early as October 2022.

Before they left, the brothers and Harold Williams son Grant Williams conducted meetings inconspicuously dubbed Project Astros or the three Amigos,  based on files listed on one of Harold Williams flash drives, according to the complaint. Grant Williams  who also is a Precedent founder  is not a defendant, though he was in the Houston lawsuit.

The suit adds that Harold Williams has given Linscomb notice on behalf of 92 households that he and his brother serviced at Linscomb that are now receiving financial services at Precedent. The plaintiffs accuse the brothers of breaching noncompete and customer nonsolicitation covenants in their employment agreements.

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A September filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission shows Precedent had about $221 million in assets under management in 183 accounts. The firm reported having 45 clients.
Telecom Italia S.p.A. (OTCMKTS:TIIAY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large drop in short interest during the month of February. As of February 29th, there was short interest totalling 14,700 shares, a drop of 33.2% from the February 14th total of 22,000 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 27,700 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.5 days.

Telecom Italia Trading Down 0.9 %

Shares of OTCMKTS TIIAY traded down $0.02 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $2.25. The company had a trading volume of 22,100 shares, compared to its average volume of 28,034. The company has a current ratio of 0.70, a quick ratio of 0.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.20. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $2.93 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $2.94. Telecom Italia has a 52-week low of $2.25 and a 52-week high of $3.48.

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About Telecom Italia

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Telecom Italia S.p.A., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of fixed and mobile telecommunications services in Italy and internationally. The company operates through Domestic, Brazil, and Other Operations segments. It offers fixed and mobile voice and Internet, and public telephony services, as well as products managed and developed for individuals and families; and voice, data, and Internet services and products, and information and communications technology solutions for small and medium-size enterprises, small offices/home offices, the public sector, large accounts, and enterprises in the fixed and mobile telecommunications markets.

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Jasmine Yoon received Senate confirmation Tuesday to be U.S. District judge for the Western District of Virginia.

She will be the first Asian American federal judge in the state and the first person of color to be a judge in the district.

The vote Tuesday was 55-41.

Virginias U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine issued this statement:

Were thrilled the Senate voted to confirm Jasmine Yoon to the federal judiciary. She has a remarkable track record and a profound commitment to public service. With todays confirmation, she cements herself in history as the first Asian American federal judge in Virginia. We know shell be a tremendous asset to the federal judiciary.

Yoon was nominated by President Joe Biden after the senators recommended her to fill the position when Chief Judge Michael Urbanski assumes senior status in July.

The senators spoke at her confirmation hearing in February, and she was voted out of the Senate Judiciary Committee last week.

Yoon, a South Korean immigrant who moved to the United States with her family at the age of 14, told the committee that she was grateful for an opportunity that a young, scared but grateful non-English speaking immigrant could only imagine in her wildest dreams.

Western Virginias federal bench has, with just one exception, consisted of white men since the district was created in 1871. Elizabeth Dillon became the first woman judge when she was appointed in 2014.

Currently, three women preside over the districts magistrate and bankruptcy courts. Magistrate judges are appointed by the district judges; bankruptcy judges by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The jobs do not carry the higher power and lifetime appointment that comes with a Senate confirmation to a District Court judgeship.

The Western District stretches from the Lynchburg region to the states western tip and extends all the way north to Winchester. It has seven courthouses; the largest one is in Roanoke.

Last fall, Yoon was one of two names recommended to the White House by Warner and Kaine. The other was Patice Holland, a Black attorney with the Roanoke firm of Woods Rogers Vandeventer Black.

Yoon, 43, is the wife of the districts U.S. Attorney, Chris Kavanaugh  creating a possible conflict of interest should she be asked to hear criminal cases handled by his office.

One possible scenario would be for Kavanaugh to step down from his four-year appointment, which was mentioned in a Virginia State Bar evaluation of the judicial candidates. Yoon and Kavanaugh have declined to comment.

In a questionnaire submitted to the judiciary committee, Yoon wrote that if she were to be confirmed and Kavanaugh was still the head prosecutor, she would recuse herself from matters involving the office.

Asked about Yoons possible conflict of interest last November, Warner and Kaine said they were confident that she would take the necessary steps to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest.

Yoon faced no opposition at a Judiciary Committee hearing last month.

Yoon is currently vice president of corporate integrity, ethics, and investigations at Capital One Financial Corp. She previously served as counsel to the University of Virginia and as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.
On Feb. 29, investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol conducted alcohol compliance checks in Hall County, checking 10 businesses.

Two of the businesses sold alcohol to a minor, for a compliance rate of 80%. One business failed to check the minors ID.

The Grand Island businesses that failed the compliance checks were Y&N Liquor and Pump & Pantry at 3210 W. Old Potash Highway.

The project was supported by a grant from Tobacco Free Hall County.

On the same day, investigators conducted alcohol compliance checks in Red Willow County. In total, 11 businesses were checked. None of those businesses sold alcohol to a minor, for a compliance rate of 100%. Each of the businesses checked the minors ID.

On Jan. 25 and Feb. 6, investigators conducted alcohol compliance checks in Adams County, visiting 30 businesses. One of those businesses sold alcohol to a minor, for a non-compliance rate of 3%. The business that sold alcohol to a minor was Midtowne Mart in Hastings.

The Adams County check was supported by a grant from Area Substance and Alcohol Abuse Prevention.

Investigators visit convenience stores, grocery stores, restaurants, bars and liquor stores.

Businesses that sell alcohol to a minor are referred to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. Clerks who sell alcohol to a minor are cited for procuring alcohol for a minor.
Vicky Kenney and Ian Osborn are running against each other for the right to succeed Gerry Piccolo as Hall County public defender.

Kenney, 49, is a longtime deputy Hall County public defender. Osborn, 34, is a deputy Hall County attorney. Both are Republicans.

Piccolo, who has been the countys public defender since 1990, will retire in January.

Osborn, a Lincoln native, has worked in the Hall County Attorneys Office since January. He served in the Hall County Public Defenders office for about six months, beginning in June of 2023.

Kenney has been part of the Hall County Public Defenders office since April of 2005. An Amherst native, she is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and graduated from law school at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. After law school, she worked in the public defenders office in Clay County, Mo., for two years and worked at a law firm in Kearney for two years.

Kenney is running for the public defender position because I love this job, she said. Im passionate about helping people out.

Her love is criminal law, she said.

Based on her experience, I think Im the best person for this job, Kenney said. Shes proven that she can do the work and she wants to keep doing it, she said.

Shes seen changes that have improved the office and she doesnt want to see things backslide, she said. Im very passionate about defending the clients that we have and I dont want to see that go away.

Kenney lives in Amherst and she knows her opponent is going to use that as a reason not to vote me into this position.

But over the past 19 years, shes made it to work through snow and rain, she said. I mean, I know three or four different routes to go back and forth  like when the interstate was closed, Highway 30 was closed. Oh man, you would not believe the routes that I have taken to get to and from work.

She remembers one day when she couldnt get to Grand Island. That was because the snow was just too high. All the roads were closed, anyway, she said. Otherwise, come hell or high water, I make it.

There is no rule against the Hall County public defender living in another county, she said.

Kenney and her husband, Andrew Murphy, have three daughters and two sons.

After graduating from Lincoln Southwest, Osborn earned an undergraduate degree from Heidelberg University in Ohio. He graduated from the UNL Law School in 2015.

Following law school, he did legal work in Minnesota from 2016 until June of last year.

Why is Osborn running for public defender?

I think that I can do the best job of anyone on the ballot, he said.

He believes that with his skills, I can get the case count down. Right now, its having a really severe backlog and thats due in part to a lack of technology and a lack of communication, really, between the prosecution office and the defense office, and I think I can definitely alleviate that.

When Osborn was working in the public defenders office, I had the fewest continuances of any attorney. My case count was consistently the lowest because I kept my clients happy but I also kept the cases moving and I think that is something that is really lacking. And since I want to save the taxpayers money as well as do a good job, I think that thats the best way forward.

Osborn has run for office once before. He pursued a City Council position in Shakopee, Minnesota, because I felt that I could affect some positive change there. Although I didnt win it was a really good experience for me.

Osborn lives in Grand Island with his fiancee and their two little boys, with a girl on the way.

I just want to say that I think its really important that Hall County is represented by someone who lives in the county. And I do not believe my opponent does, and that kind of concerns me, he said.

Kenney is an excellent attorney, he said. I mean, she has 18 years of experience and she has her way of doing things and I would never take that away from her. She is great at what she does. I just dont know if shes really cut out for the management aspect of the job. I completely agree she is a fantastic, phenomenal attorney and great at representing her clients, but as far as management goes Im just not sure if shes cut out for that.

In response, Kenney said shes seen numerous new attorneys come and go through our office. And I was one of the attorneys that would step up and help guide them in learning the practice (and) learning how things are done in the Hall County court system.

She believes those duties constitute management-type stuff, which I know how to do.

In addition, Kenney has headed the local public defenders union for many, many years. And I think thats kind of management-oriented as well.

The primary is May 14.
Vietnamese economy making dynamic shift with robust growth: Hong Kong news site

By Vietnam News Agency Thu, March 14, 2024 | 11:43 am GMT+7

Vietnam is going through a dynamic shift, marked by robust growth and the development of several key trends supporting a stronger looking future, according to an article recently published by the Hong Kong-based news site asianinsiders.com.

A corner of Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by Vietnam News Agency.

Examining the forces driving the countrys economic outlook and offering insights into its promising future, the author wrote: In modern times, the economy of Vietnam is centrally directed through a series of five-year plans. These are a series of economic development initiatives, broadly shaped by the central government, mapping strategies for economic development, growth targets and launching reforms.

The article said recognizing the need for technical innovation, the Vietnamese government has made substantial investments in research and development, evident both in the rapidly improving economy as well as its ascent on the Global Innovation Index (GII), ranking 46th of 132 countries in 2023, according to the GII report released by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). The country also maintained its second position amongst lower middle-income countries.

Major manufacturers are looking to diversify their production as well as take advantage of Vietnams low labour rates. Companies like Samsung, LG, Foxconn, Panasonic, Bosch, GE, Piaggio, and Yamaha have established either local research and development facilities or a full manufacturing bases, which underlines Vietnams potential for being an innovation and production hub.

The article also pointed out that the economy has benefited from geographic location, with its 3,300km eastern coastline offering 45 seaports of various grades. It is also significantly enhanced by recent and looming improvements to infrastructure and by the major influx of foreign direct investment (FDI). The country has been successful in attracting significant investments, making it one of the top countries globally in this regard, said the author. In 2023, Vietnam attracted 36.6 billion USD, an annual increase of 32%, from 111 countries and territories, with the bulk coming from Asian ones.

The strong recent FDI inflows speak of improved confidence in the future prospects for the economy of Vietnam, the article said.

Vietnams largest trading partner is China, with the U.S. being its largest export market. This is likely to grow further with the signing last year of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Washington in preparation for the coming U.S. recognition of Vietnam as a market economy.

The nation is looking to take a leading role in the green economy and sustainability, while dramatically improving its digital infrastructure. Vietnam ranks 86 out of 193 countries and territories in terms of digital government according to the UN, with the e-government development index higher than the global average.

In conclusion, the author wrote: With strong GDP growth, a solid increase in FDI and significant improvements in infrastructure, Vietnam remains one of the globes rising economies. With the labour market rebounding and a surging middle class, there is a noticeable uptick in domestic consumption. The double impact of export-driven growth and a thriving domestic market position the economy of Vietnam for sustained and dynamic growth.
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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott arrives for a meeting Wednesday with Britains Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch in 10 Downing Street in London. They signed a trade and economic development arrangement, the eighth and largest state-level arrangement signed by the U.K. with an individual U.S. state, benefiting emerging energy solutions, life sciences, infrastructure and professional business services. Alberto Pezzali/AP Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, right, speaks with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday at Downing Street in London. Peter Nicholls/AP Britains Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch, right, and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott sign a trade pact to boost trade and investment ties between the U.K. and Texas on Wednesday in London. Peter Nicholls/AP

LONDON  Britain signed a trade agreement Wednesday with Texas, the eighth the U.K. has inked with a U.S. state in the absence of a wider free trade deal with the U.S. government.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed the document in London alongside U.K. Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch. Abbott also met with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who told him it was an exciting moment.

The statement of mutual cooperation is not a full trade deal because individual U.S. states do not have the power to sign those, but it commits Britain and Texas to improve cooperation between businesses and tackle regulatory barriers to trade.

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Understand that this is far more than a document, Abbott said. What we signed our names to today is a pathway to increased prosperity.

During and after Britains 2016 referendum on European Union membership, supporters of Brexit argued that a chief benefit of leaving the bloc, and its vast free market of almost half a billion people, was the chance for the U.K. to make new trade deals around the world.

U.K.-U.S. trade talks were launched with fanfare soon after Britain left the EU in 2020, but negotiations faltered amid rising concern in the U.S. administration about the impact of Brexit, especially on Northern Ireland.

Instead, Britain has resorted to signing agreements with states including Florida, Indiana and North Carolina.

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PHOENIX -- U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Monday the finalization of a rule to align the voluntary Product of USA label claim with consumer understanding of what the claim means.

Vilsack also announced USDA is awarding $9.5 million to 42 projects through the Local Meat Capacity grant program to expand processing options for the meat and poultry industry and new actions to ensure transparency and a fair and competitive market in the U.S seed industry.

Sec. Vilsack visits SC State U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack visits South Carolina State University in 2023.

Todays announcement is a vital step toward consumer protection and builds on the Biden-Harris administrations work to bolster trust and fairness in the marketplace where smaller processors can compete, Vilsack said at the National Farmers Union Annual Convention.

This final rule will ensure that when consumers see Product of USA they can trust the authenticity of that label and know that every step involved, from birth to processing, was done here in America.

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In addition, the Local Meat Capacity grants are addressing critical processing infrastructure needs for local and regional livestock and poultry producers, ensuring their products get to market efficiently and cost effectively, which supports local economies, new jobs, and more choices for consumers, Vilsack said.

USDA is also committed to boosting the farmers voice in our seed patent system and enforcing the disclosure laws on the books as we deliver more and better choices for farmers.

USDA invests $7.2M in clean energy, domestic fertilizer projects in SC South Carolina is receiving over $7.2 million in this round of funding, said USDA Rural Development South Carolina Public Information Officer Stephanie Bittiker. Our Fertilizer Production Expansion Program will help increase or expand the manufacturing and processing of fertilizer and nutrient alternatives. Our goal is to jumpstart the next generation of fertilizers, nutrient alternatives, and other nutrient management products. In addition, our Rural Energy for America Program will help agricultural producers and rural small businesses, like Chapman Solar, make energy efficient improvements to their business and helps increase energy independence. Over time, investments like this will help lower the cost of energy which is climate smart and ultimately help rural America to thrive.

These actions complement a series of other all-encompassing actions by USDA to increase competition in agricultural markets, create a fairer playing field for small- and mid-size farmers, lower grocery costs for consumers, and strengthen local and regional food systems.

'Product of USA' final rule

USDAs final Product of USA rule allows the voluntary Product of USA or Made in the USA label claim to be used on meat, poultry and egg products only when they are derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States. The rule will prohibit misleading U.S. origin labeling in the market, and help ensure that the information that consumers receive about where their food comes from is truthful.

2 fertilizer projects in SC to get funding COLUMBIA  The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $207 million in renewable energy and domestic fertilizer projects to lower energy bills, generate new income, create jobs and strengthen competition for U.S. farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced.

USDAs final Product of USA rule is supported by petitions, thousands of comments from stakeholders, and data from a nationwide consumer survey.

Under the final rule, the Product of USA or Made in the USA label claim will continue to be voluntary. It will also remain eligible for generic label approval, meaning it would not need to be pre-approved by USDAs Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) before it can be used on regulated product, but would require the establishment to maintain documentation on file to support the claim.

Vilsack visits SCSU: U.S. ag secretary announces $208M loan help for farmers U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack visited South Carolina State University on Friday to discuss efforts to help farmers stay on family farms.

The final rule also allows the use of other voluntary U.S. origin claims on meat, poultry and egg products sold in the marketplace. These claims will need to include a description on the package of the preparation and processing steps that occurred in the United States upon which the claim is made.

USDA has also published an updated labeling guidance on the use of voluntary U.S.-origin label claims to provide examples of claims and the types of documentation that establishments may maintain to support use of the claims. The guidance will be open for public comment for 60 days after publishing in the Federal Register. Public comments can be submitted at www.regulations.gov.

Establishments voluntarily using a claim subject to the final rule will need to comply with the new regulatory requirements by January 1, 2026, and are encouraged to do so as soon as practicable after the publication of this final rule.

Local Meat Capacity grant program

USDA is also awarding $9.5 million to 42 projects through the Local Meat Capacity (Local MCap) grant program. This initial set of awards through Local MCap is for Simplified Equipment Only projects.

In April 2023, USDA announced up to $75 million available for Local MCap to fund innovative projects designed to build resilience in the meat and poultry supply chain by providing producers with more local processing options and strengthening their market potential. This is part of a larger, $1 billion commitment to expand independent meat and poultry processing capacity and give farmers additional, local options to obtain fairer prices for the animals they raise and give consumers more options in the marketplace.

The Local MCap grant program is targeted to support meat and poultry processors with smaller-scale projects, with a goal to increase processing availability and variety for local and regional livestock producers. The program is administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) with funding from President Bidens American Rescue Plan.

AMS has entered into a cooperative agreement with the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund (NHCLF) to execute and administer Local MCap awards. NHCLF is responsible for making grant awards and administering grant funds.

USDA will announce additional awards for both Equipment and Processing Expansion Local MCap grants at a later date.

USDA is announcing this first set of awards for simplified equipment projects in 27 states and Puerto Rico. This set of awards fund projects from $10,000 to $250,000 to purchase processing equipment such as meat grinders, stuffers, and smokers. For example:

 Yoders Butcher Barn, a Maryland-based livestock processing business, is owned and operated by third-generation butchers and specializes in livestock slaughter services for its community. They will use Local MCap grant funds to purchase a new smokehouse, linker, mixer-grinder, patty machine, and saws to double their weekly beef and pork capacity. In addition to improving processing efficiency, this project will create three to four new jobs and facilitate livestock sourcing from an additional 28 farmers.

 Nordik Meats is a small, independently owned meat processing facility in Southwest Wisconsin. Through Local MCap, Nordik Meats will purchase a grinder, meatball maker, and packaging equipment. This equipment will provide local producers with the ability to create new value-added products for local consumers, maximize the value of their animals, utilize byproducts, and increase animal harvest. Nordik Meats will increase the number of livestock processed annually by 100% over two years, implement new processing technologies, train 12 existing staff, hire four new employees, and benefit 350 local small family farms.

For more information, on Local MCap and to view a complete list of the awarded projects visit the AMS Local MCap webpage.

Farmer Seed Liaison Initiative

USDA is taking new actions to enhance transparency and competition in the U.S. seed industry through its Farmer Seed Liaison Initiative, which aims to elevate the voices of farmers, small- and mid-size seed companies, and independent plant breeders in policy and decision-making processes to improve competition, choice, and fairness in the seed marketplace.

Agricultural Marketing Service announced it will be launching a nationwide Website Monitoring Program focused on Federal Seed Act brand and variety name compliance. Key to the monitoring efforts, regulatory specialists are conducting in-depth reviews of websites, including links to scanned pamphlets and PDFs, that advertise Federal Seed Act-regulated seeds. AMS will approach these reviews and any subsequent enforcement using a risk-based approach that considers the impact and reach of the violation and the efforts of those responsible for the website to make the information compliant.

These efforts are the next steps in USDAs initiative to boost variety transparency to the farmer at the point of sale and follow on the letters that USDA sent to the executives of the largest seed companies in November. Additionally, USDA will increase outreach efforts, including a webinar to further educate producers about labeling requirements and participation in industry meetings. The agency produced a similar webinar with the American Seed Trade Association.
(TBTCO) - Ngay 1/4/2024, Kho bac Nha nuoc buoc sang nam thu 34 truong thanh va phat trien. Trong hon 30 nam qua, tu mot Kho bac truyen thong voi 4 nghiep vu chinh (ke toan thong ke, kho quy, giao dich va ke toan tong hop), Kho bac Nha nuoc a tro thanh kho bac ien tu, tao nhieu thuan loi cho khach hang trong giao dich. Trong tien trinh chuyen oi so hien nay, Kho bac Nha nuoc ang tiep tuc thuc hien nhieu cai cach, hien ai hoa e huong toi kho bac so vao nam 2030.
On the surface, the EU budget summit smoothed over the friction between Brussels and the blocs problem children. Deeper down, the rift may be growing.

If they held a competition to pick the biggest winner of the EU budget and recovery fund summit, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban would be a strong contender. He celebrated the outcome as a clear success because his country will get billions of euros that  according to his interpretation of the final text  are not conditional on his country abiding by the rule of law. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki interpreted the document in the same way.

The European Commission, however, sees the summit result in a different light. The reference to the rule of law in the [European Council] text is clear and readable, Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders said. The European Council announces that a conditionality regime will be introduced, he added.

That leaves a lot of wiggle room, and the debate over what the summit really decided about the rule of law was hardly resolved by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyens remarks as she touted a very clear commitment to the rule of law in the final document.

The matter is vital to both Hungary and Poland, as both are in open conflict with the Commission on whether their governments adhere to the rule of law. And both governments  Hungarys more so  no longer care about playing according to the basic EU rules. These are rules that  rhetorically although not in practice, as recent years have shown  are held to constitute the fundamental common values of the member states.

The term rule of law has become a curse. Or a blessing. It depends on your point of view. It is used so often that the real meaning of the phrase has been lost not just in translation but in real politics as well.

The threat that breaching the rule of law will result in tangible sanctions has vanished, because those who make such threats  EU commissioners most often, some other Western politicians less so  are not willing to back their words with deeds. The Hungarian prime minister knows very well that he gets political backing when needed from his conservative partys family group in Brussels, the European Peoples Party.

His Polish counterpart relies more on the size and importance of his country in the overall European setup. Both leaders have honed diplomatic skills that allow them to swim in European waters, to muddy them but not to sink.

These two countries are the hard evidence of the breach of a basic common European value. Witness the smashing of independent media and the opposition in Hungary or the Polish ruling partys assault on the judiciary.

But elsewhere in the region, we see soft rule-of-law bashing, which undermines trust in public institutions and common European values represented by the rule of law. Slovak Prime Minister Igor Matovic was recently accused of plagiarizing his university thesis. While previous cases of plagiarism have seen other Slovak politicians backtrack and suffer public shame, Matovic is fighting with journalists as well as with academic rules. Compliance with those measures is and should be part of the rule of law, but Matovic  as exemplary populist  shifts attention elsewhere without a qualm, admitting his mistake only rhetorically but refusing to countenance any real consequences.

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis displays a similar disdain for the rule of law as he goes about adapting Czech laws to his needs as the indirect owner of a big company, a recipient of EU funds, about which politician Babis makes decisions. The conflict of interest plus misuse of EU funds in the case of his Storks Nest farm (the never-ending police investigation continues) are clear breaches of the rule of law. These activities present lesser threats to the political system than the authoritarianism of Viktor Orban or the nationalist pragmatism of Mateusz Morawiecki, but they are most definitely not part of the playbook to which countries in Central Europe were supposed to subscribe on their way to EU membership.

The rule of law in Central Europe has fallen victim to a broader trend  the withering away of value-based politics. These days, the only things held up as worth fighting for are just empty slogans and pure political marketing while the underlying goal is merely to retain or gain power. The rule of law has become a jumble of letters stripped of its original meaning, at least in Central Europe. It has become an arrogant (and empty) term used by arrogant humankind, in the manner Vaclav Havel so tellingly described in his essay Words on Words in 1989.

May the time come soon when this phrase will get back its original meaning. That could be critical for preserving or renewing liberal democracy in this part of the world.

Martin Ehl is chief analyst at Hospodarske noviny, a Czech business daily.
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While Baby Boomers were able to pay off their college debt more quickly, Creditnews looks at how Millennials compare today and why some may ha
As James Bond, he had a license to kill  to go wherever and do whatever he wanted.

Real life isnt quite the same.

Actor Pierce Brosnan has been fined $1,540 for walking in a protected thermal area at Yellowstone National Park.

In November, Brosnan uploaded pictures of himself at Mammoth Hot Springs to Instagram. And, while he avoided falling into the springs 160-degree water  hot enough to kill most bacteria, quickly cause third-degree burns and perhaps poach an egg  Brosnan didnt avoid some legal hot water.

Signs in the area warn visitors of the dangers of thermal features and state that visitors must remain on the designated boardwalks and trails, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Wyoming which charged Brosnan for his ill-advised stroll.

Citing the photo as evidence of the deed, the United States Attorneys Office asked the court to sentence Brosnan to 2 years of probation and the maximum fine of $5,000.

Brosnan, of Malibu, California, didnt dispute the claim and pleaded guilty.

On Thursday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick ordered Brosnan to pay a $500 fine, a$1,000 community service payment to the Yellowstone Forever Geological Fund, a $30 court processing fee and a $10 special assessment.

Hambrick dismissed a minor charge for violating closures and use limits.

This case was investigated by the National Park Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Calmes.

Brosnan could have faced jail time and been banned from the park.

In a press release announcing the sentence, the National Park Service reminded Yellowstone visitors that the ground in thermal areas is fragile and thin, and scalding water is just below the surface. Therefore, trespassing on thermal features is dangerous and can harm delicate natural resources within the park, said the Park Service which is entrusted with protecting the hydrothermal areas as much as visitors.

The Service encourages parkgoers to exercise extreme caution around thermal features by staying on boardwalks and trails, which allow visitors to see many of the areas 50 hot springs and travertine formations.
In 2011, it was so unusual to see a moose in Eastern Montana that John Rahr drove all the way home to get his camera and returned to Deer Creek to capture a photograph. In the 50 years he lived in the area, he never had seen one of the long-legged, dark-brown creatures roaming the Glendive region.

Since Rahrs rare sighting 13 years ago, moose have migrated into almost all portions of southeastern Montana, said Brett Dorak, Region 7 wildlife manager for Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

Tanner Roth noted evidence of the regions increasing moose population last year during archery season. The Sidney hunter wrote in an email to the Fish and Wildlife Commission that he saw five moose between Glendive and Sidney. Subsequently, he advocated for issuing a tag to hunt them in the region.

FWP agreed, and this spring is offering one moose tag in Region 7.

It starts off as a rarity and then after a while numbers and observations seem to grow, Dorak said. Were encountering them on our (wildlife management areas), and one of our biologists just flew a waterfowl survey along the Missouri River and observed eight moose, which included immature bulls, adult bulls, cows and calves.

Moose migrations

The largest members of the deer family, which can weigh 600 to 1,200 pounds when fully grown, are probably trickling in from western North Dakota as well as Wyomings Bighorn Mountains. Southwest Saskatchewan and southeast Alberta moose populations to the north are also reportedly growing.

These population sources along the Regions boundaries are potentially providing the individuals that not only move through the area but have also taken up residence in the area, FWP noted in its December memo to the Fish and Wildlife Commission advocating for the new Region 7 license.

Although moose can be homebodies, Montana biologists have tracked collared cow moose taking 500-mile roundtrip journeys. Since 2012, when FWP began asking hunters if they had seen moose in Region 7, numbers have ranged from as low as 11 to as many as 75.

More recently, some landowners along the Yellowstone River have complained about crop depredation caused by moose.

They were an anomaly for a while, until they started taking up residence, Dorak said.

NoDak moose

Despite an increase in development driven by the oil fracking boom, North Dakotas moose population has swelled in the Williston region along the Missouri River since about the mid-2000s. One speculation is that the moose population may be thriving because deadly brain worms, which infect moose in wetter climates in eastern North Dakota, cant survive in the more arid regions of western North Dakota.

Moose tags in northeastern Montanas Region 6, another largely plains and prairie region, have been offered since 2008. In that first year, 98 hunters applied for the two tags offered. Since then, interest has steadily climbed.

Last year, more than 1,600 residents applied in the hunting district in Region 6 for a chance at one of nine tags. In terms of applicants, the area was third highest for submissions, falling behind only two hunting districts in Region 3 in southwest Montana. Annually, Montanas moose harvest averages around 300 animals.

One reason for the interest in hunting northeastern Montana moose may be because the success rate is so high, 100% every year  an anomaly when compared to the average success rate across the West of about 80%. Since the inaugural 2008 season, 69 moose have been killed in Region 6, only three of them cows.

Such success has come even though river and creek bottoms, prime moose habitat, are often on private lands. Difficulty gaining access to moose in southeastern Montana was one of the issues FWP noted in its comments to the Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Hunter access may be limited along the riparian habitats where moose have been frequently observed, but there are multiple WMAs and other access points that can provide access opportunities, the agency noted. Hunters may need to contact private landowners for additional access opportunities.

Prairie moose

This whole scenario of moose now homesteading on the prairie may seem kind of wacky for those used to them being mainly a mountain, forest-dwelling animal in Montana. Biologists have long believed moose inhabit these higher elevations because the big animals have thrived in wet, cool climates where the temperatures remain below 60 degrees. Yet the Williston area can see temperatures in the mid-80s or warmer in the summer.

It also seems out of character for moose to be thriving in this different habitat considering that in many of their traditional territories, the animals are declining due to infestations of parasites like arterial worms and winter ticks.

One theory scientists considered to explain the moose expansion in Eastern Montana was the arrival of a different subspecies. The subspecies living in the western third of Montana is called the Shiras moose (Alces alces shirasi). The midwestern moose is recognized as a different subspecies, Alces alces andersoni.

Recent range expansion of moose into eastern Montana has come with some uncertainty regarding subspecies identity, a 2017 study noted. It is unclear whether animals east of the Rocky Mountain chain in the eastern portions of Montana, with neighboring moose populations in Saskatchewan and North Dakota, would be better described as A. a. shirasi or as belonging to the northwestern subspecies A. a. andersoni.

To find out, biologists conducted a study. The research, published in 2020, analyzed genetic samples taken from moose living across western North America. The findings showed a low degree of genetic diversity. Differences in body size or antlers may be as much tied to nutrition as to genetics, the scientists theorized.

In a continuation of the research, genetic samples were collected by 699 moose hunters across Montana for further analysis of the connectivity of the states moose populations.

Tying the genetic analysis in with fossil remains from Ice Age moose, showed the animals likely populated North America after the last large glaciers began melting about 15,000 years ago, with no populations south of the glaciers before then.

Wild invaders

The movement of moose to Eastern Montana is encouraging considering the species was nearly exterminated from the state by the 1900s. In 1910, following the inaction of game laws, it was estimated fewer than 300 moose inhabited the entire state. Now Montana's population is estimated at around 5,000 animals.

Although moose may be the most recent wildlife to take up residence in Eastern Montana, they arent the only ones to find the region to their liking. Populations of black bears, cougars and elk have also grown in Eastern Montana. The occasional wolf will also pass through, although not-so-humorous jokes are made about them not staying above ground for long.

Through our elk objective meetings two summers ago, we talked with a lot of landowners who say I recall seeing my first elk in the late 80s, early 90s, and now there are thousands of them, Dorak said.

The increase in wildlife variety is no surprise.

Its prime habitat, and theyre certainly utilizing it, he said.
FOLLOWING a spate of robberies at its outlets across the country in just over a year and a half, Massy Stores yesterday replaced the firm responsible for its security.

G4S Secure Solutions Trinidad Ltd yesterday assumed the role of security provider for Massy Stores, replacing Amalgamated Security Services Ltd.
As we wait for U.S. government funding to help pay for the defense of Ukraine, there is desperately-needed private funding that we can provide now, Michael Taylor says. Global Images Ukraine/Global Images Ukraine via Getty

As Congress dithers on helping Ukraine defend itself against Russian invasion, there are other private financial ways to help defend the besieged nation. Taking part in them feels like one of the most moral acts we can carry out in the midst of a war that  unlike many others in my lifetime  has a clear aggressor and a clear victim.

And donating is safer than some other ways of supporting Ukraine.

Meet Mark Gino Jannetta. He lives in Austin, where hes a home builder.

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Because he had U.S. Army infantry experience  including a deployment to Afghanistan a decade ago  he decided to volunteer to defend Ukraine after Russia invaded in February 2022. Not only did he put his business on hold to go, he self-funded nearly everything he did. He estimates friends chipped in to the tune of $1,500 for his first tour.

Mark Gino Jannetta, right, during his convalescence after being hit by shrapnel during a tour as a volunteer with the International Legion in Ukraine. With the Austin resident is fellow U.S. veteran and legion member Thomas Harris, who pulled Jannetta to safety and nursed his wounds but later was killed while serving in Ukraine. Courtesy/Mark Jannetta

In July 2022, he crossed the border from Poland and served with the International Legion until that October. Unlike Ukrainian soldiers, legion members supply their own gear. The only two things provided by the Ukrainian military to foreign fighters are a weapon and ammunition.

Supporting the fighters Some ways to help: Protect A Volunteer matches donors with volunteers serving to defend Ukraine. Visit protectavolunteer.com

R.T. Weatherman Foundation arranges transportation for volunteer soldiers to get medical care and back to their home countries. Visit weathermanfoundation.org

Safe Passage 4 Ukraine takes donations of airline miles and credit card reward points for use by Ukrainians to join family members outside their country. Visit sp4ukraine.org

United24 was created by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to solicit donations for defense and demining, medical aid and rebuilding. Visit u24.gov.ua/

Everyone says going to fight in Ukraine is not like joining a video game. The risks are very real. There is no respawn, Jannetta says, using the term for a character in a video game reappearing after having been killed. But in every other way it is exactly like a video game. No two soldiers are the same. Everyone pieces together their own uniforms and gear. Its very grass roots.

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In what he calls a choose-your-own-adventure gear-up, he says financing matters.

You bring the old deployment multi-cam uniforms you had from 10 years ago, you buy whatever optics and weapon attachments you want at the military surplus stores, you spray paint your rifle, Velcro on whatever patches you want to use to identify yourself from the pack.

Funding the fight

International Legion volunteer soldiers already in-country sometimes turn to grassroots funding groups like Protect A Volunteer. The group matches volunteers with donors to bridge the private funding gap needs.

It was founded by Rachel Jamison, a law professor at New York University. She estimates the cost to fully equip a soldier  a kit built to American standards  at $20,000. Thats out of range for most to personally fund or crowd-source.

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Jannettas second tour was brief  from April to May 2023  and he was mostly held in the rear of the Bakhmut front while many of his fellow legion members saw desperate action. Because he already had in-country experience, Protect A Volunteer matched Jannetta with donors who booked his flight into Ukraine. The group did it again for his third tour. According to Jamison, Protect A Volunteer funded 117 flights for volunteers through its donors in 2023.

Mark Gino Jannetta of Austin as he was outfitted for his tours with the International Legion in Ukraine. Beyond his weapon and ammunition, he or supporters paid his expenses to help defend Ukraine from Russian invaders. When he was injured, donations also paid to get him to an Army hospital in Germany and back home. Courtesy/Mark Jannetta

On his third tour, Jannetta also benefited from a private sponsor whose house hed been building in Austin, a former Navy Seal with a successful social media business named Mr. Ballen. He opened up his credit card to Jannetta to the tune of $8,000 because he knew from his own military experience the importance of high-quality equipment.

Jannettas third tour began in August. In mid-October his team was sent overnight to shore up a frontline unit of eight Ukrainians. Before they had a chance to rest and acclimate, though, the Russians at 8 a.m. began a relentless assault that continued until nightfall, with multiple waves of troops interspersed with kamikaze drones, artillery and three tanks.

Late that morning Jannetta took shrapnel to his arm, lower back, and legs from a grenade tossed from 20 meters. Pulled to a bunker by a fellow U.S. veteran named Tommy who applied a tourniquet and packed his wounds with gauze, Jannetta lay in the dark, unable to move and expecting to be overrun and killed by the Russian attackers at any moment. Instead, he and other wounded  including Tommy  were extracted after midnight. Jannetta was dragged miles away from the front on a sled, all the time under constant threat of drone surveillance and artillery.

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Foundation support

With the support of the privately funded Weatherman Foundation, he eventually was transferred from Kharkiv to Germany via a 50-hour ambulance ride.

The R.T. Weatherman Foundation arranges transportation for International Legion fighters to the U.S. Armys Level 2 trauma center Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, which has agreed to dedicate up to 18 beds to wounded soldiers from the Ukraine conflict. According to David Bramlette, Weathermans deputy director of operations, the foundation has helped about 40 international legion casualties to make it to Landstuhl since July. He says it costs about $3,500 for an ambulance evacuation to Germany like Jannettas, or up to $20,000 for the occasional emergency flight.

The Weatherman Foundation is also focused on returning soldiers to their home countries or back to Ukraine. It paid for Jannettas flight back to the United States after his discharge from the hospital in Germany. It also arranges for the repatriation of remains of U.S. volunteers who are killed in action in Ukraine.

Back in the U.S. for Thanksgiving, Jannetta received a phone call that his buddy Tommy  Marine veteran Thomas Harris  had been killed Nov. 24 while still serving in Ukraine.

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As we wait for Congress to act, private donors, private citizens, grass-roots organizations and private foundations from the U.S. are working hard to keep Ukraine from being overrun by its Russian invaders.

Jamison, of Protect A Volunteer, says she understands her efforts are small stacked up against all the needs they see and requests they get.

But they are still meaningful.

A lot of us feel helpless. But you can help one person, Jamison says. We have had soldiers tell us This is why Im alive when pointing to their body armor bought by a donor.

She is also the founder of Safe Passage 4 Ukraine, which allows donations of airline miles and credit card points to help Ukrainians join the safety of family members outside of their country.

I donated through that organization myself by purchasing one such ticket for a Ukrainian refugee from Warsaw to Orlando, using just American Airlines miles I had already accumulated.

I hope youll join the many private citizens, organizations and volunteers like Harris and Jannetta who are doing what they can to keep our helpless feelings at bay while we wait for Congress to provide the support Ukraine needs.

Michael Taylor is a San Antonio Express-News columnist, author of The Financial Rules for New College Graduates and host of the podcast No Hill for a Climber.
An elderly man visiting Trinidad from Canada has been murdered in his familys home by intruders.

The body of Hilton Smith, 75, was found on Friday on a bed. His mouth was gagged, and his feet and hands tied.
Last Tuesday, 17 prison officers and six inmates were injured at the Port of Spain prison.

Social media had described the incident as a riot, but when contacted by the Express, Commissioner of Prisons Deopersad Ramoutar downplayed the event, stating in a media release later that it was all in a days work for the prison officers who are at times, undervalued, and unappreciated. Everyones injuries were said to be minor, although all the officers involved were still sent on sick leave.
You havent encountered this many nans, bins and blokes in one place since your last watch-through of The (lesser) Office.

15 Billy Connolly Ive always wanted to go to Switzerland to see what the army does with those wee red knives.

14 Les Dawson Duck goes into the chemists shop. A tube of lipsol please. Certainly, that will be 50 pence. Put it on my bill, please.

13 Frankie Boyle Ryanair have been getting a hard time because theyve launched a 7 flight to New York. Although as always with Ryanair, it does land slightly outside of New York  in Dublin.

12 Jimmy Carr I worry about my nan. If shes alone and she falls, does she make a sound? Advertisement Advertisement

11 Ricky Gervais Avoid employing unlucky people; throw half of the pile of CVs in the bin without reading them.

10 Michael McIntyre My boys are called Lucas and Oscar. Quite middle class. When I go to the park and I call Lucas! about three boys will normally go, Yes Daddy? Papa? Father, you called? Advertisement Advertisement

9 Sarah Millican I have developed something of a cake shelf. Somebody said recently, Are you pregnant? I said: Not unless Ive been shagged by Mr. Kipling.

8 Jack Whitehall I enjoy staring intensely at strangers whilst I eat bananas, added frisson that I might get lucky  or punched. Advertisement Advertisement

7 Jack Dee I hate people who think its clever to take drugs. Like custom officers. Arent they a bunch of bastards, all that finger up the arsehole, all day long. They put a uniform on, for a job like that, can you imagine doing that? Just off to work now dear. Have a nice day at the orafice.

6 Tim Vine I met this bloke with a didgeridoo and he was playing Dancing Queen on it. I thought, Thats Abba-riginal. Advertisement Advertisement

5 Milton Jones When I was in America, I really got into the culture. I went into the shop and the guy said, Have a nice day. And I didnt. So I sued him.

4 Bill Bailey Why do people want to swim with dolphins? The equivalent would be an Indonesian fellow coming over here, going up to a farmer and saying, Can I get in with the cows? I just fancy scuffling about with them. Advertisement Advertisement

3 Alun Cochrane The first time I met my wife, I knew she was a keeper. She was wearing massive gloves.

2 Paul Merton I used to go out with a giraffe. Used to take it to the pictures and that. Youd always get some bloke complaining that he couldnt see the screen. Its a giraffe, mate. What do you expect? Well he can take his hat off for a start! Advertisement Advertisement
The coming soon sign is on the front door of La Estrella Bakerys new downtown location, an 800-square-foot storefront across the street from St. Augustine Cathedral on South Stone Avenue.

But it will be weeks before it opens, said Isabel Montano, whose family owns the 39-year-old bakery.

When it opens sometime in April, the bakery on the corner of South Stone Avenue and West Ochoa Street will be the fourth location and the first downtown.

Its quite small but I think it will be great for the downtown area, said Montano, who runs the familys three operations with her parents, Antonio and Marta Franco, and siblings, Antonio, Sandra and Erica Franco.

La Estrella Bakery has been a cornerstone of Tucsons Mexican bakery scene since Antonio and Marta opened the flagship bakery at 5266 S. 12th Ave. in 1985.

The couple would raise their four children to adulthood before opening a second shop at the Mercado District, 100 S. Avenida del Convento, in 2011.

Ten years later, they opened a second west side location at the old El Rio Bakery, 901 N. Grande Ave., where Marta and Antonio learned to bake soon after emigrating to Tucson from their native Mexico in the early 1970s.

Montano said the family is looking forward to being downtown to serve the growing population of the areas residents and hotel guests.

We truly believe that bakeries belong inside of neighborhoods, she said. We always wanted to be a Tucson staple where people will ... have these bakeries in their neighborhood, being able to walk to your bakery.
The Arizona Board of Regents has formally approved University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins 10% pay cut and elected its new chair.

The regents met behind closed doors in a special meeting Thursday morning to receive legal advice about the pay cut, according to the boards agenda. The meeting, which was scheduled to last just 60 minutes, extended to over two hours.

After opening the meeting up to the public, the regents were swift to approve the pay cut and other business.

Robbins new base salary has been reduced from $816,008 to $734,407. His individual annual and multiple-year at-risk compensation goals have also been eliminated. Those had potential values of an additional $150,000 and $120,000, respectively.

Robbins himself requested the compensation cuts to aid with the universitys financial action plan amid its $177 million deficit.

When in executive session, the board also reviewed assignments with Robbins, received legal advice regarding the University of Arizona Global Campus and discussed the appointment of interim Executive Director Chad Sampson.

Once the regents reconvened for their public meeting, they elected Cecila Mata to serve as board chair through June 30. Mata, who was set to begin her term after June 30, is stepping into the role early after then-Chair Fred DuVal stepped down late last month.

The board also appointed John Arnold to interim senior vice president for business affairs and chief financial officer at the UA. He has been serving in that role since Dec. 13, but will now be paid by the university after taking a leave of absence from his role of executive director of ABOR.

After criticism from the Faculty Senate and Governor Katie Hobbs about a potential conflict of interest, Arnold announced late last month that he was taking a leave from his ABOR responsibilities to focus solely on the UA.

Until now, he was being paid by the regents. A spokeswoman for the UA has not yet responded to inquiries about Arnolds salary.

Chad Sampson was appointed to serve as interim executive director of ABOR, presumably set to serve until Arnold returns to the role.
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

As a resident of Southern Arizona, I am speaking up to emphasize the importance of supporting Senate Concurrent Resolution 1038, which aims to place an initiative on the November 2024 ballot to restore full funding for the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fund. This initiative would allocate $10 million annually from the Arizona Lottery to support our local, regional, and state parks, historic preservation, non-motorized trails and outdoor education.

Our fondest childhood memories often involve neighborhood parks and exploring Arizonas natural wonders. These outdoor spaces not only offer recreational opportunities but also serve as economic engines for host communities. Park visitors buy gas and groceries, they dine in local restaurants and stay overnight in local motels/hotels.

A study commissioned by the city of Show Low revealed that each camper at nearby Fool Hollow State Park contributed on average $100 per day to the citys economy.

More than three decades ago, Arizona voters overwhelmingly approved the creation of the State Parks Heritage Fund, recognizing the need to safeguard our states natural and historic heritage. But in recent years funding has been inconsistent. Due to budget shortfalls, Parks Heritage Funds have been swept into the general fund, hindering our ability to adequately maintain and enhance our parks and historic sites.

Past legislative efforts have made strides toward restoring funding to the State Parks Heritage Fund, but it is clear that a sustainable long-term solution is needed. By placing SCR 1038 on the ballot voters will have the opportunity to ensure a dedicated funding source for our parks, trails, historic and cultural sites for years to come.

With the 2024 legislative session underway and the Arizona Lottery encumbrances resolved, it is imperative that we take decisive action to reinstate full funding for our state parks through a ballot initiative. The Arizona Heritage Alliance, along with numerous environmental and conservation-oriented organizations as well as concerned citizens are advocating for this comprehensive approach to ensure the long-term sustainability of our parks and cultural resources.

As we confront challenges such as urban sprawl and wildfires that threaten our open spaces and historic sites, investing in our State Parks Heritage Fund is not just a matter of preserving the past but also safeguarding our future. We urge fellow Arizonans to support SCR 1038 and vote in favor of reinstating funding for the State Parks Heritage Fund in the upcoming November 2024 election. Let us reaffirm our commitment to preserving Arizonas natural beauty and cultural legacy for generations to come.

Parks Heritage Funds are not an expense; they are an investment that provides affordable outdoor recreational opportunities for Arizonans and visitors to our state.
In 2022, Calvin Hoang helped bring Korean-style corn dogs to Tucson. As a franchise owner, he opened Two Hands, where Tucsonans can indulge in crispy corn dogs coated in potato cubes and Flamin Hot Cheetos.

Now two years later, Hoang is starting his own concept. At his new restaurant expected to open this spring, small grills cover the tables, which can only mean one thing: Korean barbecue.

Hoang will open Kotu Korean BBQ, a new restaurant at 4545 N. Oracle Road where customers will have authentic Korean barbecue at their fingertips.

We don't see a lot of very authentic Korean barbecue here, so we wanted to do something very original, Hoang said.

With the idea to start a new restaurant, Hoangs broker was able to find the perfect building on the citys north side. Hoang has now been tasked with transforming the empty space into the newest Korean barbecue hotspot.

Unlike Two Hands, Hoang has had to start from scratch. When starting the corn dog franchise, he said he had a step-by-step guide he could follow, but now he has to take matters into his own hands.

This is my first time doing, like, full-service restaurant dining, Hoang said. Im most excited to see customers and talk to them. In fast food like Two Hands, they just come and go so I haven't had much time to talk to my customers.

In a 3D rendering of Kotu, colorful comic book-inspired murals cover the walls. The big space is filled with tables, each featuring a small grill where customers can cook their own barbecue. They even have a private room where people can book parties, Hoang said.

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When you visit a typical barbecue place, you usually order your meal and a waiter comes out with your pulled pork or ribs. Thats not the case for Korean barbecue.

At most Korean barbecue spots, the grill is built into the dining tables, so customers can cook and eat all they want. That all-you-can-eat mantra is what Kotu is going for.

In order to ensure the dishes are authentic, Hoang enlisted the help of a group of chefs from Los Angeles. They each have experience working at popular Korean restaurants, bringing a little of LA to Southern Arizona.

The menu at Kotu will mostly focus on dishes involving beef and pork. Kotu will also have classic appetizers like fried chicken, fried dumplings and French fries.

Since Hoangs main goal is to provide Tucson with authentic Korean barbecue, he said the key to making sure its the real deal is finding the right balance of seasonings and marinade. At Kotu, Hoang said they will focus on providing fresh, quality meat that isnt over-seasoned or over-marinated.

Hoang plans to open Kotus doors by the end of April or early May. Until then, Tucsonans will be anxiously counting down the days to sit at the new restaurant, cooking up Korean barbecue until they cant eat another bite.
Anna Codutti Tulsa World Breaking News Editor Follow Anna Codutti Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

The day after the country learned the cause of death for an LGBTQ+ Owasso sophomore who had been bullied, President Joe Biden said: Nex Benedict, a kid who just wanted to be accepted, should still be here with us today.

The 16-year-old died Feb. 8, one day after being involved in a fight at Owasso High School.

Jill and I are heartbroken by the recent loss of Nex Benedict, Biden said in a statement Thursday. Every young person deserves to have the fundamental right and freedom to be who they are, and feel safe and supported at school and in their communities.

A summary report of the autopsy for Benedict, who used masculine or gender-neutral pronouns, states a fatal combination of antihistamines and antidepressants was found in their system.

Nonbinary and transgender people are some of the bravest Americans I know, Bidens statement reads. But nobody should have to be brave just to be themselves.

In memory of Nex, we must all recommit to our work to end discrimination and address the suicide crisis impacting too many nonbinary and transgender children.

In a police interview at the hospital after the fight, Benedict said a group of freshmen girls had been antagonizing Benedict over a period of weeks. Benedict said they did not report the bullying to any teachers or administrators, only a parent, because I didnt really see the point of it.

Biden in his statement said no one should face the kind of bullying Benedict experienced, stressing the importance of taking reports about bullies seriously.

To all LGBTQI+ Americans for whom this tragedy feels so personal, know this: I will always have your back, Biden said. To LGBTQI+ young people across the country  you are loved exactly as you are.

A statement released to media Thursday by the familys attorney says the Benedicts continue to be overwhelmed by the outpouring of support.

The Benedicts continue to call on our schools, administrators, lawmakers, and communities to come together to prevent any other family from having to suffer through the heartache now borne by Nexs loved ones, the statement reads. Reforms creating school environments that are built upon the pillars of respect, inclusion and grace, and aim to eliminate bullying and hate, are the types of change that all involved should be able to rally behind.

Nicole McAfee, executive director of Freedom Oklahoma, said the summary report of Benedicts autopsy offers only limited insight into the reason for the students death.

We have said from the beginning that whether Nex died as a result of the physical or emotional harm,  our elected officials, our appointed State Board of Education, Owasso High School, and all of us failed Nex in allowing for policies and rhetoric that created a regularly hostile environment.

McAfee called out those in power who are using their platforms to  advance anti-trans rhetoric.

We reaffirm our calls for (State) Superintendent Ryan Walters, state library advisory board member Chaya Raichik  who also operates the anti-2SLGBTQ hate account LibsOfTikTok  and any other policymaker who has and continues to contribute to Oklahomas culture of anti-trans bigotry to step down immediately, McAfee said.

A statement from Walters, sent Thursday to the Tulsa World, reads: The loss of our student in Owasso is tragic for the family, the community, and our state. The LGBTQ groups pushing a false narrative are one of the biggest threats to our democracy and I remain, more than ever, committed to never backing down to a woke mob.

More than 100 people, including some area high-schoolers, gathered Thursday at the Oklahoma Capitol to express their grief for Benedict and the messaging surrounding their death.

We have leaders in here that never got out of high school, said Kris Williams, a program developer at Diversity Center of Oklahoma, gesturing toward the Capitol. They are literally gaining their popularity from our deaths.

Williams said the group wanted to bring awareness that were not being represented appropriately.

They dont know how resilient we are. They dont know how wonderful and bright and talented we are. They dont open their eyes because they dont actually understand what the word woke means, said Williams. My people love me. The rural areas of Oklahoma have much more accepting people than they do hateful people.

Reps. Jeff Boatman, R-Tulsa, and Lonnie Sims, R-Jenks, are among eight Oklahoma House members who released a statement Thursday about Benedicts death, calling it a harsh reminder of the power that words have.

As public officials and policy makers, we have a sacred obligation to ensure that as we do the work of the people, we do so with respect and dignity, the statement reads. Every human life is precious and created in the image of God regardless of who they are or who they love. We call on all Oklahomans to join us in our commitment to being respectful and deliberate in our language.

Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, released a statement, saying: I believe Nex Benedicts death is a direct result of a society and government that consistently pushes back and restricts their identity and those of other LGBTQ+ individuals. To LGBTQ+ people grappling with this tragedy, we see you and we are doing everything we can to stop the harmful legislation and policies that attack your existence.

World Capitol Bureau reporter Melissa Jacques contributed to this story.

How to find help Freedom Oklahoma notes that 2SLGBTQ+ affirming crisis support options include Rainbow Youth Project (317-643-4888), Trans Lifeline (877-565-8860), the Trevor Project (call 866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678), SAGE x HearMe app and the LGBT Hotline (888-843-4564). Those who call or text 988, the National Crisis Hotline, can dial the number 3 to talk to a counselor who has been specifically trained to support LGBTQI+ youth.

March and rally for Nex Benedict at Oklahoma Capitol on March 14, 2024 031524-tul-nws-nexreax-p12 031524-tul-nws-nexreax-p1 031524-tul-nws-nexreax-p2 031524-tul-nws-nexreax-p3 031524-tul-nws-nexreax-p4 031524-tul-nws-nexreax-p5 031524-tul-nws-nexreax-p6 031524-tul-nws-nexreax-p7 031524-tul-nws-nexreax-p8 031524-tul-nws-nexreax-p9 031524-tul-nws-nexreax-p10 031524-tul-nws-nexreax-p11 Check out our latest digital-only offer and subscribe now HIDE VERTICAL GALLERY ASSET TITLES
Smoked and glazed ham will be included in the Easter Sunday brunch at Perry's Steakhouse. Perry's Steakhouse

The hoppingest time of year is near, yall. Easter, in all of its pastel glory, is just weeks away, and theres no better way to celebrate than by breaking bread with family.

And thats easy to do in San Antonio. No need to spend hours in the kitchen roasting a ham or leg of lamb and making deviled eggs. Many area restaurants will be open for business as usual on March 31, with more than a few of those offering special Easter brunch menus.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar will serve Easter brunch with options including a tenderloin. Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar The Rock at La Cantera will host Easter brunch with a live jazz performance. Monte Bach/Staff file photo Zocca Cuisine d'Italia at the Westin Hotel will serve Easter brunch on a boat cruising the River Walk. Zocca Cuisine d'Italia Lamb chops are part of the endless parade of grilled meats that will be available Easter Sunday at Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse on the River Walk. Mike Sutter/Staff Dorrego's will serve Easter brunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 31. Mike Sutter/Staff file photo

If you and your family are considering heading out for a meal this Easter, here are seven restaurants to consider. Whether youre craving an Easter egg hunt, a visit with the Easter Bunny or an Easter Sunday riverboat cruise with your meal, all that, and more, is available.

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Some of these events are sure to book up quickly, so make reservations today.

Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails: Enjoy a three-course meal featuring a choice of dishes, including fried green tomatoes, crab and avocado toast, braised pork belly hash, chicken-fried steak Benedict and traditional roasted ham, along with a visit from the Easter Bunny. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., 306 W. Market St., $85 per adult, $39 per child, amblersanantonio.com

Biga on the Banks: A four-course meal including an appetizer, family-style salad, choice of entree and dessert will be served at this River Walk standout. 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., 203 S. St. Mary's St., Suite 100, $75 per adult, $35 per child, biga.com

TASTE THE BEST: Mike Sutter's Top 10 Best San Antonio River Walk Restaurants

Dorregos: Glazed ham is the centerpiece of this Easter brunch that will include waffle, omelet and prime rib-carving stations and a wide selection of other entrees and side dishes. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 150 E. Houston St. in the Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, $75 per adult, $29 per child, dorregos.com

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Eddie V's Prime Seafood will serve a two-course prix fixe menu on Easter Sunday. DouglasScaletta2022

Eddie V's Prime Seafood: A two-course prix fixe menu will start with a warm apple cinnamon scone followed by a choice of entrees that include lobster quiche Florentine, roasted avocado and lump crab on toast, and an 8-ounce steak with mushroom and cheese frittata. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 1834 N. Loop 1604 W., $55 per aduly, $17 per child, eddiev.com

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: The stars of this brunch service will be a 6-ounce tenderloin served with a French onion frittata, shellfish Louie or a 14-ounce pork chop stuffed with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, along with side dishes and dessert. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 255 E. Basse Road, Building E, Suite 200, a la carte pricing $46-$66, flemingssteakhouse.com

Fogo de Chao: This popular Brazilian steakhouse will serve a special Easter brunch buffet in addition to its meat-centric churrasco experience delivering a nonstop flow of steak to your table. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m, 849 E. Commerce St., $46.50 per adult, children 6 and younger eat free, children 7 to 12 eat for half-price, fogodechao.com

Landrace: Brunch will include fire-roasted lamb, glazed ham, an assortment of pastries and a seasonal selection of dishes that celebrate the food traditions of Texas. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 115 Lexington Ave. in the Thompson San Antonio - Riverwalk hotel $89 per person, landrace.com

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Perry's Steakhouse: Brunch will include a choice of soup or salad, followed by double-smoked and triple-glazed sliced ham, whipped potatoes and green breans almondine, with the option to add a slice of cheesecake for $9. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., 15900 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 22200, $49 per person, perryssteakhouse.com

The Rock at La Cantera: A brunch buffet will be served, along with a complimentary cocktail (for those 21 and older) while live jazz music serenades the crowd. Ticket price includes an Easter egg hunt and visit from the Easter Bunny. Noon to 2:30 p.m., 1 Spurs Way, $25 per child, $55 per adult, therockatlacantera.com

Seasons 52 will serve an Easter Sunday brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Seasons 52

Seasons 52: An apricot-glazed, spiral-cut ham with green beans and mashed sweet potatoes is just one of many Easter offerings at this restaurant in the Alamo Quarry Market. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 255 E. Basse Road, Suite 1400, a la carte pricing $7-$29, seasons52.com

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Tributary: Enjoy a sprawling buffet loaded with breakfast favorites, including pastries and frittata, a carving station featuring lamb and New York strip steak, and an omelet station., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 101 Bowie St. in the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter on the River Walk hotel, $30 per child, $65 per adult (reservation only), tributarysa.com
Andrea Eger Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Andrea Eger Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

Public records reveal at least $341,000 in donor funds was paid to top district administrators at Tulsa Public Schools, in addition to their taxpayer-funded salaries as public employees, during Deborah Gists last five years as superintendent.

But the elected Tulsa school board, charged with approving the hiring or firing and salaries of all public school employees in TPS, was apparently kept in the dark.

Financial accounting records of the nonprofit Foundation for Tulsa Schools reveal donor funds were paid directly to more than two dozen TPS administrators in increments ranging from $5,000 to $35,000.

The records reportedly came into possession of the school district because of a high-profile embezzlement investigation into former top TPS executive Devin Fletcher that began in summer 2022.

Most of the payments were listed as employee bonuses  either recruitment bonuses or retention bonuses, or as a reward for working extra hard during the COVID-19 pandemic. But in one instance, one of Gists right-hand employees received college tuition reimbursements over the course of three years while pursuing a graduate degree.

Email records requested by the Tulsa World show awareness about some bonus plans in 2020 and 2021 on the part of one philanthropic donor organization.

But school board leaders say its not enough that donors were on board  because all of the employee recipients in question are public employees.

I dont believe any board member had any knowledge of anyone receiving payments from the foundation. People are going to be blindsided, Tulsa School Board President Stacey Woolley said, when contacted by the Tulsa World. Based on the conversation we are having and the research and information you have gotten back from TPS, I think its critically important that the board is updated and knows what happened  as far as any payments that came from outside TPS, because thats not something we were aware of.

We are going to have to address this issue through policy changes that would require any payment to school employees having board approval. It would require defined parameters for qualifying for that and that there are equal opportunities for payment based on those parameters.

Now-Superintendent Ebony Johnson said she only learned that such bonus payments occurred since taking the helm, and she said she has been learning new details as TPS officials responded to the Tulsa Worlds public records requests for this report and as state auditors have been working to reconcile everything that happened involving Devin Fletcher.

From what has happened, it has allowed me to learn more about ways to put internal controls in place and processes and standard operating procedures in place so we will not repeat a situation that has happened in the past, Johnson said. As far as team members that have received those dollars, I am very aware there was no malicious intent  it was due to their work.

However, in the future, even instances where we want to support our team members, it will be done in a more apparent, more structured way that the foundation, TPS and the board are on the same page. It takes away any opportunity for there to be some mishandling and/or misuse of funds.

Moises Echeverria, who came on as president and CEO of the Foundation for Tulsa Schools in September 2022  in the immediate aftermath of the launch of internal and law enforcement investigations into Fletchers actions  said no such payments have occurred under his watch.

And both he and Johnson told the Tulsa World the right hand and left hands are now communicating about all funding requests to the foundation and awards paid out.

A critical update we have made is our processes in disbursement of philanthropic funds  in addition to working with TPS staff members who manage and approve expenses for initiatives funded by philanthropy, we now also solicit inspection and approval from TPSs CFO and superintendent. This allows us to have the highest authoritative approval for all philanthropically funded initiatives executed by TPS staff and ensures all TPS policies are being followed before disbursement of philanthropic funds, said Echeverria.

Superintendent Johnson recently told the Tulsa World for another news report on the Fletcher case that he had far too much leeway to direct the payment of school district funds and to solicit and obtain outside donor support through the nonprofit Foundation for Tulsa Schools.

That report detailed far greater losses than the $20,000 TPS initially publicized as well as an additional $330,000 in suspected losses of donor funds meant for TPS from the foundation.

The foundation, which is a separate legal entity with its own governing board, has declined to say whether it has filed its own insurance claim to cover those losses or whether it will be pursuing any civil claims against Fletcher.

But Echeverria said the foundation will never again compensate any TPS employee without the local school boards knowledge.

We have the responsibility to be good stewards of the funds of taxpayers and our donors. This includes transparency and following policies and procedures that protect the integrity of every dollar that is donated, he said. I strongly believe that all compensation of employees of public entities, including bonuses and stipends for TPS employees, needs to be reviewed by the appropriate supervisory and governance bodies, including the Tulsa Public Schools Board. Dr. Johnson and I are in total alignment on this.

What the public records show

Five foundation general ledgers that cover the time period of June 30, 2018, through Feb. 28, 2022, list about $341,000 in direct payments to 26 TPS administrative employees with memo lines indicating they were a form of compensation in addition to their taxpayer-funded salaries.

While a half dozen employee payments on the ledgers pre-date it, another related record in possession of TPS was a May 2020 memo signed by Fletcher, who was in charge of both human resources and academics at TPS, as well as Deputy Superintendent Paula Shannon that states TPS intent to request $680,000 from the George Kaiser Family Foundation to attract and retain key talent in critical leadership positions.

Asked to account for how much more money that flowed to the foundation from donors and was actually paid out to TPS employees higher beyond the $341,000 in the ledgers, Echeverria said he had no firsthand knowledge of that figure because all such payments predated his start at the foundation in September 2022.

However, I will say that it is not uncommon for philanthropically funded projects to use less funding than was secured. This happens with many of our philanthropically funded initiatives. When this happens, we work with the donor and TPS leaders to determine the best utilization of unused funds, including returning unused funds to the donor, he said. Since my time at the foundation, we have not disbursed any bonuses, including retention bonuses, to TPS employees.

A Tulsa World analysis of public school employee salary data for the 26 administrators who received payments from the foundation shows a few among the very highest salaried Gist Cabinet members.

All but six of the administrators had six-figure, taxpayer-funded salaries, and two of those were shy of that six-figure threshold by less than $5,000.

Details are scant, but public records and interviews with TPS officials offer some insights into the reasons given for these select top administrators to receive compensation on the side in previous years.

Pandemic-era bonuses

In July 2020, some $132,000 total was paid in bonuses to 15 district administrators in amounts of $8,000 or $10,000 each.

Multiple TPS officials, past and present, told the Tulsa World this group of administrators were casually referred to as the Tiger Team during the school districts initial response to the global coronavirus outbreak.

We understand these are payments relating to special/additional work projects during COVID for planning student and staff reentry following the pandemic, TPS spokeswoman Caroline Crouch told the Tulsa World. The funding came directly from the foundation, but we do not have records identifying the exact source of the funds beyond that.

There is no indication why some of the administrators received $8,000 while others received $10,000.

Also worth noting is one of the individuals, facilities manager Sue Ann Bell, is not an employee of TPS but rather an embedded employee of Sodexo, a school district vendor company, according to Crouch. Crouch said Bells salary would be covered at taxpayer expense through the vendor contract, but that agreement does not specify Bells salary.

With the exception of some special needs students, the vast majority of TPS students did not return from pandemic-induced school closures for in-person instruction until February 2021.

Other public records obtained by request from TPS raise questions about the sequence of events involving three of the largest bonus payments recorded in the foundation accounting ledgers.

Copies of checks cut by the foundation to TPS administrators Paula Shannon and Andrea Castaneda for $35,000 each and Jill Hendricks for $25,000 are all dated May 3, 2021.

But the email seeking approval by Fletcher from a representative of the George Kaiser Family Foundation to repurpose partial salaries from three other employees to cover the retention of three critical senior leadership positions, and the email response of approval from GKFF are dated the following day, May 4, 2021.

TPS also produced a retention bonus agreement Jill Hendricks signed, but it is dated more than two and a half months later, on July 19, 2021.

The agreement is on TPS letterhead, and states We are pleased to offer you a retention bonus of $25,000, then specifies the bonus will be paid by the foundation, and notes that she would be personally responsible for all applicable taxes.

The term of the agreement states that it ends two years after Hendricks cashed the check, but later says she would be responsible for paying back the bonus if she left TPS within 12 months, not two years.

TPS officials said Hendricks did not wish to be interviewed by the Tulsa World for this report.

Asked about the inconsistencies in the timeline and terms, Echeverria responded: When someone with positional authority who understands the complex systems of a large public entity who is being charged for committing criminal activity, like Mr. Fletcher, some irregularities on sequence of events start making sense.

Contacted by the Tulsa World, Shannon confirmed she accepted the retention incentive bonus in July 2021 with a commitment to serve another two school years.

She also said she was offered a recruitment incentive in the form of moving expenses from the foundation when she was hired in 2015.

I cant speak for the other two (administrators who received bonus payments at the same time as her), but what I will say is it was post-pandemic. I was very tired. Devin Fletcher was chief talent officer, and I was having conversations with him about next steps for me because of how exhausted I was, and that was something he was putting in place to get a commitment from me for the next two years, she said.

Shannon, who has previously announced she will resign at the end of the current academic year, told the World she is currently on long-term leave and therefore does not have full access to records.

But she said she recalled the May 2020 memo from both her and Fletcher, stating TPSs intent to request $680,000 from the Kaiser foundation to attract and retain key talent in critical leadership positions. She said it ultimately resulted in donor funding in fiscal year 2021 for that purpose, as well as teacher apprentice and novice teacher stipends, the creation of several new central office positions in student enrollment, and school planning and postsecondary readiness initiatives.

She said he was routinely tasked with helping pitch such district strategic funding needs as well as budget proposals to the Kaiser foundation and Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies.

In addition to addressing a chronic teacher shortage, there was a key priority of finding district office people with specific skill sets and experiences.

What about communicating with Tulsa Public Schools own school board about those strategic funding requests?

I dont know what the board knew or didnt know, Shannon said.

Close Gist associate received tuition payments

When Gist left the Rhode Island Department of Education as state superintendent to take the helm of TPS in summer 2015, she brought with her an assistant named Emma Garrett Nelson.

Garrett Nelson rose from Gists administrative assistant at TPS with a $49,000 initial base salary to ultimately serving in the position of executive director of communications and strategy with a base salary of $111,000 before resigning from TPS in June and moving out of state.

The foundations general ledgers show seven payments totaling $13,850 to Garrett Nelson between June 2018 and May 2020.

Some memo lines for the payments are blank while others state recruitment/retention.

Asked the purpose of these payments and who at TPS made the arrangements for the payments by the foundation or whether such an opportunity was made available to any other TPS employees in recent years, a TPS spokeswoman responded only: As we understand it, these payments are related to graduate-level educational expenses.

Did any other TPS employees receive the opportunity to have their graduate education funded through the Foundation for Tulsa Schools?

I do not know, Echeverria said.

Garrett Nelson did not return a call seeking comment.

Gists response to bonuses

Reached for comment on this new information to the public, former Superintendent Deborah Gist, who has since moved on to a new role with the University of Tulsa, said she was aware of some but not all of the foundations payments to TPS employees because Fletcher largely handled the matter.

I would be disappointed if we as a community conflated some parts of his (Devin Fletchers) job that were important with others that were nefarious and deeply troubling. This policy, or the lack thereof, is not what allowed him to engage in the embezzlement he is accused of, she said.

Gist insisted that no state law or school board policy prohibited the additional forms of compensation to TPS administrators at the time.

I was following and the team was following the law and the policies that those in government made. The benefit of having a foundation is you are able to do things you wouldnt do with taxpayer dollars  like relocation costs. Over time, we get better. We should always be scrutinizing and improving our policies and practices and we made those changes while I was there, Gist said.

Gist said under her leadership, the districts own budget prioritized the needs of students and classroom instruction, and she claimed during the same years in question, We spent at least $18 million on retention of teachers and employees who were support folks.

But she conceded greater transparency for how foundation resources are used by TPS is appropriate.

Even if the money originated with a private donation, its given for a purpose and it should be scrutinized the same way as public money because it all belongs to the people of Tulsa, she said.

Looming forensic audit report

Jennettie Marshall is one of two Tulsa school board members who went to the governors office in 2022 seeking the state forensic audit of TPS in the wake of the Fletcher embezzlement allegations.

She said she didnt know about the foundation bonus payments, but she doesnt trust that other school board members she has served with did not.

The district knew about it  that is my problem. It never came to the board. Where in the records do we see Paula Shannon and Deborah Gist bringing that forth to the board? And the answer is nowhere. They allowed it to happen without consequence. I think everyone involved in this needs to be prosecuted, Marshall said. I have no trust in the board. As soon as I got on the board in 2017, I would ask questions about financial items on the agenda and I got the runaround from everyone  the other board members, the executive cabinet. I asked the board to call for the audit starting in 2018 and they refused to to it.

Marshall said she is holding out hope that state auditors can get to the bottom of many financial practices at TPS that she questioned.

Asked for a status update, Oklahomas elected State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd told the Tulsa World her offices findings would be released to the public in a report very soon.

School board Vice President John Croisant said he was angered to learn that TPS leadership was going around the board in seeking additional compensation for their fellow administrators.

We didnt know anything about this, Croisant said of the school board. A lot of those things were apparently going on before I got on the board in 2020. We as board members dont work at the district every day supervising and we can only get the information everyone can get and ask more questions.

As a former TPS teacher, Croisant said the revelation is particularly outrageous and unacceptable to him.

All of this makes me so angry. This is like, Guys, come on  how hard is it to make sure we are always above board and let people know what is going on? he said. And if weve got money and weve got a custodial staff making $11 an hour who got a 3-cent raise last year, you cant tell me you paid thousands of dollars to someone making one-hundred fifty grand a year.

We really shouldnt be using the foundation for bonuses unless its going to teachers and were letting everyone know its going to everyone, even if its $500 or $1,000 a teacher. Not that I dont appreciate people for what they do  but if theyre doing work beyond their normal duties, welcome to being a teacher.

Woolley, president of the Tulsa school board, said in addition to gaining more information about this matter from inside TPS, she and other board members are awaiting the findings of the state auditors office, which was tasked by the governor with a forensic audit of TPS nearly two years ago.

Its really important that we recognize the poor choices of Devin Fletcher have impacted our district in a way that is much greater than anyone initially believed, she said. These things do seem to come back to one person, largely, and we are trying to move beyond it and ensure we have the right policies in place to serve the kids and the taxpayers.

I am so ready to rip off the Band-Aid. Can we have this audit come out already?

As for the foundations leadership, Echeverria said he believes there is power and benefit of ensuring greater public transparency than existed previously.

Governing bodies of public entities should be made aware of compensation made to their employees, especially if the compensation is directly tied to their job functions and is coming from an outside source, he said. It is unfortunate that someone with proven criminal intent has abused the trust given to him and taken advantage of the students and stakeholders he was supposed to serve. I am deeply disappointed in the severed confidence that this individual has brought upon the district, our foundation, and the wonderful Tulsans who believe in investing in our students and educators at Tulsa Public Schools through our foundations programs and initiatives.

Currently, the foundation is not providing any of the types of compensation to TPS employees that were apparently routine before the Fletcher scandal broke in summer 2022.

But if current or future TPS leaders were to express the need for philanthropic support for expenses like relocation costs, retention bonuses, or any additional stipends or reward pay, Echeverria said:

We will make sure to work with the superintendent to follow the proper processes to have these payments to TPS employees reviewed by all appropriate supervisory and governing bodies, including the Tulsa Public Schools Board. We would work with school leadership and funders to establish clear and objective criteria to determine selection of recipients and disbursement of funds.

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Kevin Canfield Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Kevin Canfield Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

A majority of city councilors took extraordinary measures on Wednesday to reject Councilor Jayme Fowlers proposed ordinance that would have prohibited city funds from being used to house, accommodate or provide public benefits to illegal immigrants.

Councilors first voted to waive City Charter and City Council rules to vote on the proposed ordinance at its first reading. Proposed ordinances typically come before the council twice before a vote. The second vote was on the ordinance itself. Both votes were 6-2; Councilor Lori Decter Wright was not present.

Councilors voting to reject the ordinance were Phil Lakin, Jeannie Cue, Laura Bellis, Vanessa Hall-Harper, Crista Patrick and Christian Bengal.

Bellis initiated the council votes.

Those voting against rejecting the ordinance were Fowler and Councilor Grant Miller.

Prior to the vote, Fowler, who is running for mayor, said he had never seen such a thing.

I think it was just kind of a real cheap shot, quite frankly, Fowler said. A low blow.

Fowler went on to explain why he was proposing the ordinance, noting that cities such as Denver have spent millions of taxpayer dollars to respond to the wave of illegal immigrants who have shown up recently in their cities.

Theres a big, big difference between refugees seeking proper asylum and those who have entered our country illegally. And thats what I am talking about, Fowler said. Ladies and gentlemen, I want everybody to look up and down the aisle, up and down the row.

When we cast this vote, I want everybody in this city to remember who cast that vote, every last one. I will see you in the political season.

Lakin responded by saying he wanted everybody to remember who brought this ridiculous ordinance to the table.

Miller said he would vote against rejecting the ordinance because he believes it is important for the process to play out as it normally would and for the public to have a chance to comment on the proposal at a second reading.

He added that his vote was not necessarily indicative of how he felt about the ordinance itself.

Theres a reason why theres two readings, and that reason is being usurped by Councilor Bellis right now, Miller said. And so I think we should at least have the public have the opportunity to be heard.

Patrick said that the longer councilors entertained the ordinance the more credence they gave to it and the more they discussed the proposal the more damage it would do.

For every time that we say that its OK to question somebodys immigration status is another time that a child or a person is getting threatened because of the way that they look, Patrick said. In my district, where a majority of the people have brown skin,  it is a real thing that they get treated differently.

They get abused because of these conversations. So we need to stop this now.

The highly unusual vote came just hours after a council committee meeting in which Fowler updated his colleagues on the latest version of the proposal.

The three-page document included several significant changes from previous versions, including adding asylum seekers to the definition of illegal immigrants and imposing a fine of no more than $5,500 for individuals or organizations that failed to comply with the ordinance.

The proposed ordinance also would have required grant recipients to maintain and make readily accessible to the city their ledgers documenting the allocation and expenditure of funds.

Nonprofits or other nongovernmental organizations that failed to comply with the ordinance would have been disqualified from receiving city funding for a minimum of three years. City employees and contractors who violated the ordinance would have been terminated and could not have worked for the city again for a minimum of 10 years.

Fowler has said from the start that his proposal was meant to be a prudent step to ensure that the citys finances were not damaged by a massive influx of illegal immigrants.

But Lakin and other councilors pushed back on Wednesday night, saying they had urged Fowler to work with them in a collaborative fashion from the start but that he had failed to do so.

Ill just say I tried to have a conversation with you last week or two weeks ago about this, and the ordinance that came back to us today was far worse than the ordinance that was originally presented, Lakin said.

Bengel cautioned Fowler against pointing fingers at his colleagues, noting that, like Lakin, several councilors had encouraged him to take a more collaborative approach.

Youve kind of just come back with just argument after argument, and the language has just gotten worse to me, Bengel said. So, again, I feel like there was adequate support to help you to work on this so that it could be brought in a different way.

But, again, this is just something youve pushed on your own. So, again, if this is how you choose to do it, then, again, Im more than happy for people to be pissed off at me because I voted against it. And I dont care who it is.

Lakin closed out his remarks by telling Fowler that if he were making his decisions based on politics, then your guiding light is wrong.

You should be using your heart and your brain, Lakin said. And Im shocked and surprised that you are not using those things in determining what kind of legislation you put before this council and you put before the citizens of this city.

Fowler responded in kind.

Councilor Lakin, councilors, there are a lot of people that have  gotten very, very tired of being looted and fleeced. Theyre fed up with it, he said. And there is a very, very large, silent majority that youll hear from. I promise you.

People are tired of being looted and fleeced over and over and over, and weve still got people out on the streets  we cant even get them housed, and were willing to take on more. Youre crazy. Absolutely crazy, Lakin. Come on. Grow up.

If he chooses to, Fowler could reintroduce the ordinance after 90 days.

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Circulating an initiative petition and getting it on the ballot in Oklahoma could be getting more complicated.

Legislation passed late Wednesday afternoon by the House of Representatives Republican supermajority would require every person gathering petition signatures to undergo an Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation criminal background check, extend the petition protest periods before and after circulation from 10 to 90 days, and impose a $1,000 filing fee.

The filing fee would be refundable if the petition makes it to the ballot, which most petitions do not.

Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City, who is carrying House Bill 1105 for Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, characterized the measure as an attempt to make the petition industry, as he called it, more transparent and accountable.

Democrats vehemently disagreed.

Initiative and petition campaigns have become big business, Echols said. Whats the last initiative petition that did not involve millions and millions of dollars, except medical marijuana?

A couple of Democrats said Echols bill would only add to those millions.

Rep. Forrest Bennett, D-Oklahoma City, asked what the difference is between the money spent on initiative petition campaigns and the hundreds of thousands of dollars that go into lobbying us?

The biggest problem with initiative petitions in general is dark money, said Echols. Thats what I would fix. This just shines a little additional light.

Echols acknowledged that a criminal history would not preclude someone from circulating initiative petitions. The point of the checks, he agreed, is to make them available for public inspection and possible use by petition opponents.

That, he said, would allow Oklahomans to know more about who is involved in initiative petition campaigns.

Democrats said the measure is really about recent successful petitions the Republican-controlled Legislature and executive suite have not liked. Since 2016, Oklahoma voters have approved criminal justice reform, medical marijuana and Medicaid expansion state questions that the states political and in some cases business leadership did not want.

Some speculated Wednesday that HB 1105 is an attempt to derail a pending initiative petition to raise the minimum wage. That petition is opposed by the Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce and other conservative and business interests.

Rep. Monroe Nichols, D-Tulsa, said he found it interesting that the majority is now concerned about out-of-state influences.

How many times have I seen a Florida bill become an Oklahoma bill? he asked. Or an Alabama bill become an Oklahoma bill? Just yesterday we had a bill about bathrooms in prisons. Who said it was an issue? Nobody in Oklahoma. But the American Alliance for something-or-other said it is.

HB 1105 passed 76-20, with all 19 Democrats present and one Republican, Rep. Daniel Pae of Lawton, in opposition.

Also Wednesday: The House met well into the evening as it worked toward a Thursday deadline for getting House bills and joint resolutions to the Senate.

Among measures heard was McCalls HB 2949, which would set up a means of phasing out the states largest revenue source, the individual income tax, if set revenue targets are hit.

Oklahoma tried revenue triggers as a means for ratcheting down income tax rates a decade ago but quickly abandoned them.

McCall and the interests behind zero income taxes say they have it figured out now, though.

The bill passed 75-19 on a straight party-line vote and heads to the Senate, which says it wont consider the measure.

HB 3278, by Rep. Rhonda Baker, R-Yukon, would rework high school graduation requirements, effective for the academic year 2025-26, with the intention of allowing a better fit with each students Individual Career and Academic Plan.

The intent seems to be requirements that are more generally flexible but focused individually, with Baker and others saying the expectation is that districts will be able to offer contextual and experience-based classes to fulfill math and science requirements.

For instance, of the four required math credits, two must consist of Algebra I and either Algebra II or geometry, but the other two could be such things as business math or some Career Tech classes.

HB 3278 passed 95-2.

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BROKEN ARROW  Gov. Kevin Stitt on Wednesday again raised the prospect of creating a separate business court system to hear commercial disputes but said details remain fuzzy.

One of the things Id most like to get across the finish line  is business courts, Stitt told the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce.

Around 30 states have courts that specialize in business disputes. The oldest is Delawares Court of Chancery, started in 1792. Texas enacted legislation last year creating a business court system that is expected to become operational this fall.

Oklahoma authorized business courts for Oklahoma and Tulsa counties in 2004 but never implemented them.

These are not for slip-and-fall cases, Stitt said. Im talking about business disputes, contract disputes, you would go to a special court system. Highly trained business lawyers that would determine resolution much quicker. There are (cases) that take 10 years, 12 years to resolve. Businesses need certainty, and they need it done quicker.

Delawares business laws have long made it a haven for incorporation. According to CNBC, 60% of Fortune 500 companies are legally headquartered there, even though that headquarters might not be more than a post office box or a law office.

In January, however, billionaire Elon Musk said he would reincorporate in Texas after a Delaware judge disallowed Musks $56 billion compensation package from Tesla.

As an example of why business courts are needed, Stitt cited the $355 million judgment a New York court levied against former President Donald Trump for misrepresenting for years the value of his assets on loan and insurance documents.

New York has had business courts since the 1990s. Trumps case, which involved state civil fraud charges, was heard in civil court.

Look at New York, he said. Look at how the court system is punishing President Trumps business. I dont care if its President Trumps business or President Bidens business or ABC business  you cant have a court system that arbitrarily pulls things out of thin air that says you owe $355 million or whatever the judgment was when there were no losses, no damages there.

Trump and his defense argued that because his companies paid back the loans, the false statements did not constitute fraud.

The judge in the case, Arthur Engoron, acknowledged that Trump and his associates did not rob a bank but said the dishonesty involved shocked the conscience and revealed complete lack of contrition and remorse.

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Feb. 5 video: Gov. Kevin Stitt calls for system of courts to address business disputes.
Ginnie Graham Tulsa World Editorials Editor Follow Ginnie Graham Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

For decades, every candidate and elected official Ive talked to has told me they are dedicated to government transparency. Not one person has ever said they were for secrecy.

Yet lawmakers each legislative session seek to carve out exemptions to the Oklahoma Open Meeting and Open Records Act, usually at the behest of agency heads or constituents who are upset with local journalists uncovering something they wish had remained hidden.

A former editor said the law was once solid but now looks like Swiss cheese. In reality, it has morphed from a simple, four-sentence open government law passed in 1959 into a book.

The original Open Meeting Act is barely half a page in length with only one exemption  to discuss the employment or appointment of an individual, but the vote or action shall be in public meeting.

In 1977, then-Gov. David Boren championed an update to the law to close the loopholes public officials were using to keep things covert. New amendments expanded the law to four pages with details such as defining public bodies, executive sessions, agenda postings and retention of minutes.

The Open Records Act was created in 1985 and spans about 6 pages. A lot has changed since then.

Today, the Oklahoma Press Association offers a book that contains the laws and relevant court decisions and attorneys generals opinions. Its in its 23rd edition and small enough for people to carry into meetings, which I have found handy on many occasions. Online resources, such as through FOI Oklahoma, have a host of links to drill down to precise situations.

Oklahomas openness laws boil down to this: Everything is open except for the specific exemptions in law.

Protecting these laws and holding public officials accountable has become a mighty struggle as media outlets close. A growing amount of rural Oklahoma is going without any local news coverage  no one observing and reporting on items at city councils, county commissions, school boards and other critical government functions. It becomes easier to keep information and meetings from scrutiny.

Thats why its important to give credit and honor groups and individuals who defend open government. The laws are not just for journalists  they ensure the rights of every Oklahoman to have access to government information.

FOI Oklahoma, a statewide advocacy group for open meetings and records, recognizes those who have shown through their actions to be dedicated to public transparency. It also shines light on the worst.

This is part of Sunshine Week to remind Americans about the importance of transparency laws.

For the best of the honorees this year:

The McCurtain County Gazette-News Publisher Bruce Willingham received the Ben Blackstock Award, named after the Oklahoma Press Associations executive director who helped craft and protect the states early openness laws.

Starting in early 2023, the southeastern Oklahoma newspaper published a series of stories reporting how the countys sheriff and county commissioners had held illegal meetings. At one meeting, journalists recorded officials threatening to hang Black residents and kill journalists. The stories gained national attention even though the newspapers pieces appeared only in print and occasionally on a Facebook page.

The newspaper, staffed by Willingham and his son, Chris, was vilified and praised in its divided community. The coverage led to state and federal investigations, the resignation of a county commissioner and the suspensions of three law enforcement officers by the Oklahoma Sheriffs Association.

The nomination for the award stated that the Willinghams took the ultimate risk in exposing the importance of sunshine when public officials are involved in potential wrongdoing.

Attorney General Gentner Drummond received the Sunshine Award for his work bolstering compliance with the laws and clearing a backlog of open records requests.

Upon entering office in January 2023, the Republican former fighter pilot faced 66 unfilled open records requests dating back years. Within two months, he had cleared those requests plus 34 additional ones.

Against this backdrop were growing complaints about other agencies and local offices not adhering to the Open Meeting and Records acts. Sometimes these problems are willful, but often there is a misunderstanding of the law.

Drummond created a public access position in his office and hired former state Sen. Anthony Sykes to work with state, county and local entities to ensure that they are in compliance with the openness laws. He also supports a program of free seminars offered across the state in partnership with the Oklahoma Press Association.

Oklahoma Supreme Court and Chief Justice M. John Kane IV were given a special commendation for the decision to post video recordings of past oral arguments on the Oklahoma Supreme Court Network website. The decision was made after a request from NonDoc journalist Tre Savage.

FOI Oklahoma states, The decision will give Oklahomans a better understanding about how their court system works and access to arguments in cases that have the potential to affect their legal rights and state government. 

William Bill Crum received the Bickham-Hale Service Award for his years of service as a board member and financial supporter. The long-time Oklahoma journalist is retiring.

Then there is the opposite.

State Superintendent Ryan Walters received the Black Hole Award for spreading darkness over public governance. He seeks book bans and a prohibition on programs that support diversity, equity and inclusion for all students. He attacks people with differing political opinions, including threats to revoke professional certifications.

Educators are afraid to speak out in fear of Walters, who has done more to damage First Amendment freedoms among educators and others than any other political leader in recent state history, states FOI Oklahoma.

Walters has been slow to noncompliant about filling open records requests and refused to change board meeting locations to accommodate growing public interest. Republicans in the Oklahoma House were forced to issue subpoenas to obtain information on a $2 million software expenditure, teacher recruitment, school performance and the actions of Walters chief lieutenant, Matt Langston.

Ryan Walters has done everything possible to spread his agenda and thwart the free flow of information in education and government. The state education system is in a black hole based on his inept leadership, states FOI Oklahoma.

Perhaps the former history teacher ought to have history lesson, starting with a line from the first Open Records Act.

As the Oklahoma Constitution recognizes and guarantees, all political power is inherent in the people. Thus, it is the public policy of the State of Oklahoma that the people are vested with the inherent right to know and be fully informed about their government.

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ChatGPT users will get access to French and Spanish news content from Le Monde and Prisa Media, Microsoft-backed OpenAI said on Wednesday, disclosing its partnership with the media publications.

The content will also be used to train generative artificial intelligence models, it said amid growing popularity of the technology and its influence across various sectors.

"Our partnership with OpenAI is a strategic move to ensure the dissemination of reliable information to AI users, safeguarding our journalistic integrity and revenue streams in the process," Le Monde CEO Louis Dreyfus said.

Last year, global news publisher Axel Springer and the Associated Press had signed deals with OpenAI to explore the use of generative AI in news.

But at the same time, news publications are grappling with issues such as copyright infringement and fair compensation when their content is used to train large language models.

The New York Times had sued OpenAI and Microsoft last year, accusing them of using millions of the its articles without permission.

News organizations such as the Intercept, Raw Story and AlterNet had also sued OpenAI in a New York federal court last month, accusing it of misusing their articles to train the AI system behind ChatGPT.
WASHINGTON -- Menopause is a rare trait among Earth's species, known to exist in only a few. Humans are one. Killer whales and four other toothed whales are the others.

New research examines menopause in these whales, with findings that may help explain why this phenomenon evolved, given that it is known in just six of the 6,000-plus mammal species living today. It might be titled: the tale of the helpful grandma whale.

The scientists compared the lifespans of 32 toothed whale species. They found that in the five menopausal species - killer whales, false killer whales, beluga whales, narwhals and short-finned pilot whales - the females live about four decades longer than the females of non-menopausal species of similar size.

Other toothed whales such as sperm whales, as well as the filter-feeding baleen whales, including the blue whale, have not been found to experience menopause.

"This result gives a unique insight into how menopause has evolved. Menopausal species of whales have a similar reproductive period to non-menopausal species. It is the life after reproduction that differs," said Sam Ellis, a lecturer in animal behavior at the University of Exeter in England and lead author of the study published on Wednesday in the journal Nature.

"Evolution has selected for a longer female lifespan so that mothers and grandmothers can continue to provide support to their family well after reproduction," he said of these whale species. "We see just the same patterns in human societies where women have a similar reproductive period to our closest primate relatives but have a much longer total lifespan."

A file photo of three killer whales surfacing through a breathing hole in the ice of Hudson Bay near the community of Inukjuak, Quebec January 9, 2013. Photo: Reuters

An extended lifespan increases the opportunities for female whales to help their children and grandchildren without increasing the amount of time they are reproducing at the same time as - and in competition with - their daughters.

"When mothers and daughters in the same group try to reproduce at the same time, there is the potential for conflict over resources because they both want to prioritize resources for their own offspring. This would be exacerbated if females reproduced for a longer time. By stopping reproducing, females minimize this conflict," said study co-author Darren Croft, a behavioral ecologist at the University of Exeter and executive director of the Center for Whale Research in Washington state.

Studies of killer whales living in the Pacific off the U.S. West Coast show that females stop reproducing at around age 40, but often live into their 60s and even their 80s. Male killer whales typically die before age 40.

These studies have shown that grandma killer whales help their daughters and grandchildren by providing food, protection and, in a manner of speaking, wisdom.

"We have found that offspring with a living post-reproductive grandmother have better survival that those without a living grandmother," Ellis said. "Other research points at a mechanism. In years when resources are scarce, older females lead their group - suggesting a role of ecological knowledge allowing them to lead their group/family to resources."

These older females also catch fish and bite them in half to share food with family members, behavior much less common in younger females and almost nonexistent in males, Ellis said.

A file photo of killer whales surfacing in the sea near Rausu, Hokkaido, Japan, July 1, 2019. Picture taken July 1, 2019. Photo: Reuters

Menopause evolved independently in humans and whales, the researchers said, with the last common ancestor between them living about 90 million years ago.

"From an evolutionary perspective, life after reproduction is difficult to explain. For the majority of species, evolution favors females to reproduce until the end of their life to maximize the transmission of their genes to future generations," Croft said.

"So why then has menopause evolved in humans and toothed whales? This new analysis shows that menopause has evolved by females lengthening their total lifespan while not simultaneously evolving a longer reproductive period," Croft added.

Menopause is uncommon in the animal kingdom and requires an unusual set of conditions to arise, Croft said.

"The key to this is the opportunity to help closely related kin in late life at the cost of late-life reproduction," Croft added.
Read what is in the news in Vietnam today:

Politics

-- Vietnams Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong chaired a meeting of the sub-committee on personnel affairs of the 14th National Party Congress in Hanoi on Wednesday.

Society

-- The Department of Health of Khanh Hoa Province in south-central Vietnam on Wednesday suspended a restaurant in the beach city of Nha Trang to facilitate the investigation into a case involving 60 people allegedly suffering from food poisoning after dining there.

-- Police in Nha Trang City announced on Wednesday that they had launched legal proceedings and issued an arrest warrant against a 32-year-old local man who had robbed a 14-year-old Belarusian girl two days earlier.

-- Tran Ngoc Tam, chairman of the Peoples Committee of Ben Tre Province, has proposed the construction of a canal connecting the Saigon and Dong Nai river systems with the Mekong River to mitigate saline intrusion in the Mekong Delta.

-- Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha on Wednesday signed a directive assigning the Peoples Committee of Dong Nai Province in southern Vietnam to oversee the investment in the Bien Hoa airport project, located in the heart of Bien Hoa City, under the public-private partnership (PPP) format.

Business

-- The number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals in Vietnam, who boast a net worth of US$30 million or more, increased 2.4 percent to 752 in 2023 from 734 in 2022, according to the latest edition of The Wealth Report by property consultancy Knight Frank.

-- Over 60 businesses from 12 countries and territories are showcasing their latest plastic and rubber products at the Plastics & Rubber Vietnam 2024 exhibition, held at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City from Wednesday to Friday.

Sports

-- The first VPBank Can Tho Music Night Run 2024, jointly held by the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Department of Can Tho City in the Mekong Delta, VPBank, and Nexus Sport Events, is expected to bring new experiences to 5,000 runners on April 12-13.

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The Apax Leaders English-language center systems unpaid tuition refunds to parents in Ho Chi Minh City total some VND93.8 billion (US$3.8 million), according to the municipal Department of Education and Training.

The department on Tuesday reported the status of Apax Leaders centers in the city to the municipal administration.

In particular, the department received a report by the chain on February 26.

The chain proposed extending the closure of two centers until June this year, offering online classes to students of these two centers, shutting down 26 venues, and relocating 13 others.

Apax Leaders centers citywide have a total of 11,295 students, including 839 attending in-person classes, over 6,000 deferring their courses, and nearly 4,400 others withdrawing their prepaid tuition fees.

The chain was informed that it had to refund VND108.1 billion ($4.4 million) in prepaid tuition fees to parents and has completed refunding VND14.3 billion ($582,216).

It proposed refunding VND4 million ($163) per quarter to each parent from January to December 2025 and continuing the refund the next year.

Apax Leaders owes teachers and employees VND11.5 billion ($468,788) and VND9 billion ($367,279) for space rental as of February 2023.

However, the chain has yet to report its solutions and deadlines to address its violations and demonstrate its responsibility to learners and related individuals and organizations, according to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training.

It also owes VND31 billion ($1.3 million) in health and social insurance premiums for Vietnamese laborers and VND1.3 billion ($53,051) for foreigners, the municipal social insurance agency reported.

During a meeting with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training on Wednesday last week, Doan Thi Thanh Thuy, CEO of Apax English Corporation, the operator of Apax Leaders centers, said the company was facing many difficulties in finances.

Its budget can cover online classes only, Thuy admitted.

The company needs more time to work with investors to build a plan to reopen centers in Ho Chi Minh City, refund the tuition fees to parents, and pay salaries to employees and social insurance premiums.

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training said it would coordinate with the Department of Planning and Investment, the municipal Tax Department, the social insurance agency, and other relevant agencies to review Apax Leaders legal documents and assess its continued operations.

The department will call on other English language centers in the city to admit students of Apax Leaders if these centers fail to maintain their operations.

Many parents had accused Apax Leaders of collecting tuition fees for long-term courses but failing to arrange classes, while its former employees denounced the chain for failing to pay their salaries.

The chain later repeatedly made commitments to refund prepaid tuition fees in installments.

However, many parents affirmed that they had yet to receive their refunds. As such, hundreds of parents gathered at Apax Leaders centers in Ho Chi Minh City to demand payment.

They said that they had completely lost trust in promises made by Apax Leaders and requested that designated agencies investigate the case.

Most recently, the chain announced a temporary suspension of in-person teaching activities at its centers in Ho Chi Minh City and its failure to reimburse the tuition fees, citing financial challenges and its inability to deal with disgruntled parents.

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No need to go to the coast: Tacos de pescado chicharron at El Bucanero are first-rate fish tacos. Mike Sutter/Staff file photo

Another day, another list. And another snub for San Antonio.

Yelp recently published its 2024 list of Top 100 Seafood Spots, and the Alamo City was nowhere to be found in the lineup.

Big whoop.

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While Texas did land a few seats at the table  most notably with Los Tortugos Seafood Market in Port Isabel hooking the No. 10 slot  it should come as no surprise landlocked San Antonio didnt make the grade. Theres a reason that whole Beef Loving Texans thing from the Texas Beef Council took off. While we have a few hundred miles of coastline  367 miles, to be precise  we are, first and foremost, a state defined by our prairies and the cattle that roam it.

And then theres how the list was compiled. As per Yelp: We identified businesses in the seafood category on Yelp with a large concentration of reviews mentioning seafood, then ranked those spots using a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews between January 1, 2001, and December 13, 2023. We included only 10 businesses per state for geographic diversity.

In other words, only places that have been around for a while and/or amassed a substantial volume of reviews managed to crack the Yelp algorithm. And then those were whittled down by state to appeal to a broader range of readers. I assure you, the average fish shack in California, Louisiana, Florida, Hawaii and other states with robust fishing industries could probably trump most Middle America restaurants on this reason alone: They have access to a wide range of fresh fish plucked directly from the deep, pristine waters of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans that doesnt have to be trucked or air-lifted to the table.

TASTE THE BEST: Mike Sutters Top 25 Restaurants in San Antonio

The Yelp list did note a trend toward Latin flavors that placed a number of Mexican and Peruvian restaurants on its roster. It also mentioned an enduring demand for shellfish, particularly crab and lobster. Oddly, not a single sushi specialist made the cut.

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All that being said, San Antonio is no slouch in the seafood game. We have many chefs who know their way around a fillet and prove it every day. And they know where to get the good stuff.

You should, too. If youre craving a seafood fix, try any of these four spots for a trip to the coast that wont require hopping in your car or slathering on sunscreen.

El Bucanero: From fried fish platters to ceviche to beer cans dressed with marinated shrimp to the best damn fish taco in San Antonio, this spot has it all. If youre craving seafood with a Mexican flair, this is the place to be. 13802 Embassy Road, 210-333-0909, el-bucanero.com

Leche de Tigre specializes in Peruvian-style seafood dishes. Paul Stephen/Staff file photo

Leche de Tigre: This spot near Southtown brings the bright and lively flavors of Peruvian-style seafood to town with a refined touch. Start with the Nikkei, starring cubed yellowfin tuna marinated in citrus and tamarind along with fried sweet potato. You wont regret it. 318 E. Cevallos St., 210-265-5933, lechedetigretx.com

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Shiro Japanese Bistro is San Antonio's best sushi restaurant. Mike Sutter/Staff file photo

Shiro Japanese Bistro: This isnt just San Antonios best sushi restaurant. Its San Antonios best restaurant, period, according to Express-News dining critic Mike Sutter. And you dont get to sit on that throne without dishing up the freshest fish to be found. 107 W. Jones Ave., (no phone), shirossan.com

Silo Terrace Oyster Bar serves a wide range of oysters among other notable seafood dishes. Mike Sutter/Staff file photo
Sixty people were hospitalized on suspicion of food poisoning after eating chicken rice on Tuesday at a restaurant in Nha Trang, a resort city on the south-central coast of Vietnam, local health authorities reported.

By Wednesday evening, the number of people admitted to hospitals due to suspected food poisoning in Nha Trang, the capital city of Khanh Hoa Province, had increased to 60, according to Dr. Bui Xuan Minh, director of the provincial Department of Health.

Among these patients, 20 with slight poisoning levels were discharged after receiving care, while the rest need further treatment, Dr. Minh said.

Shortly after receiving reports about the suspected food poisoning at 8:30 pm on Tuesday, the Nha Trang Health Center sent its staff to local hospitals to collect relevant information in order to carry out an investigation.

Most of the victims had symptoms which included abdominal pain, nausea, loose stools, fever, and fatigue, the center reported.

The cause of poisoning has yet to be identified.

At Saigon Nha Trang General Hospital, a number of patients suspected of poisoning were still undergoing treatment on Wednesday evening.

Some of the 60 patients suspected of having food poisoning after eating chicken rice in Khanh Hoa Provinces Nha Trang City are seen under treatment at a local hospital. Photo: Thanh Chuong / Tuoi Tre

Le Thi Ly Na, from Da Lat, said her group of 11 adults and three children visited Tram Anh Chicken Rice, a restaurant on Ba Trieu Street in Nha Trang, for lunch during their trip to the city on Tuesday.

Nearly the entire group began to vomit and experience headaches within a few hours of the meal, the woman said.

We want authorities to clarify the cause of the poisoning. Since her admission late on Tuesday, my daughter has been unconscious with a high fever of nearly 40 degrees Celsius, Na said.

She mentioned that the restaurant has reached out to her family in an attempt to address the issue, yet she still desires an official apology.

We would have been back to Da Lat if we hadnt suffered from the serious food poisoning case, Na complained.

Dr. Minh stated that the provincial health department has instructed hospitals to utilize all available resources to care for and treat the suspected victims of food poisoning.

"The restaurant was temporarily suspended from operation on Wednesday for investigative purposes," he added.

"Health workers have also collected samples from both patients and the suspected food items for testing."

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A provincial leader has recently proposed the construction of a canal connecting the Saigon and Dong Nai river systems to the Mekong River to mitigate saline intrusion in the delta of southern Vietnam.

Tran Ngoc Tam, chairman of the Peoples Committee of Ben Tre Province, presented the proposal during a meeting with Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Hoang Hiep on Tuesday.

Tam highlighted that upstream countries significantly influence the Mekong River flow.

Originating from the Tibetan Plateau, the Mekong is the worlds 12th-longest river and the third-longest in Asia.

It traverses southwest China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam.

Tam suggested that diverting flows from domestic river systems like the Saigon River and Dong Nai River could meet the freshwater needs of Mekong Delta localities during drought and salinity seasons.

Its feasible to utilize the high terrain [in the southeastern region] to create a canal or construct a water pipeline system linking the network of these two rivers with Long An and Tien Giang Provinces, with the distance between each pair of localities spanning only a few dozen kilometers, Tam stated.

He also proposed investing in anti-salinity sluice gate systems on the Ham Luong River, a Mekong River tributary flowing 70 kilometers through Ben Tre, as well as in the provinces north and south.

Tran Ngoc Tam (L), chairman of the Peoples Committee of Ben Tre Province, discusses saline intrusion prevention measures with Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Hoang Hiep (C) during a business trip in the province on March 12, 2024. Photo: Mau Truong / Tuoi Tre

During the meeting, Deputy Minister Hiep noted that salinity levels in the Mekong Delta are currently at their highest after the dry season began in December.

Unusually high salinity has penetrated deeply into the main rivers, extending approximately 5km to 15km further than the average distance observed in previous years.

Forecasts anticipate two more waves of saltwater intrusion later this month and in early April, albeit at lower levels than at present.

In Ben Tre Province, salinity levels of 4/1,000 have been recorded 52-64km from the main river mouths, similar to the historic levels observed during the dry season of 2016.

Usual river salinity levels typically hover around 0.25/1,000, with thresholds at 0.5/1,000.

However, Hiep praised local residents for their efforts in averting significant damage.

Currently, nearly 7,800 hectares of third-crop rice and over 23,000 hectares of fruit trees remain unaffected by saline intrusion, he said.

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The coastal city of Quy Nhon in Binh Dinh Province, south-central Vietnam is set to create more pedestrian space in order to serve local residents and tourists, said a local official on Tuesday.

The new pedestrian areas will be located on Nguyen Thiep, Nguyen Lac-Tran Doc, and Do Doc Bao Streets, according to chairman of the Quy Nhon Peoples Committee Ngo Hoang Nam.

The pedestrian space on Nguyen Thiep Street will be connected with a nearby beach and Nguyen Tat Thanh Square, where the city plans to host events and offer tourism services.

Meanwhile, the pedestrian area on Nguyen Lac-Tran Doc Street, a food zone on Ngo Van So Street, and the surrounding locations will be converted into a food destination.

The pedestrian space on Do Doc Bao Street and the adjacent Pham Hung Street will be lined with trees and will feature art performances as well as trading services.

The city will promote its intangible cultural heritage and local cuisine along the pedestrian spaces, which are scheduled to open this year, Nam said.

The local administration has asked relevant agencies to complete a detailed plan to invest in these pedestrian spaces, the chairman added.

Pedestrian spaces are not the only new things coming to Quy Nhon.

March is expected to be a festive month in the beach city thanks to an array of planned events and festivals, including the Formula 1 powerboat race F1H2O Grand Prix and Aquabike Grand Prix on March 22, the first Binh Dinh International Culinary Festival on March 23, an investment promotion conference on March 29, and an international music night on March 30.

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Travelers have always loved Son Tra Peninsualas Ban Co Peak in Da Nang, central Vietnam, but a recent visit by Bill Gates has driven its popularity to new heights.

Bill Gates, the worlds seventh-richest man, visited Da Nang for a vacation from March 4 to 7.

He traveled to Ban Co Peak for cloud hunting on the afternoon of March 6.

Cloud hunting involves visiting mountaintops right before sunrise or sunset, just as thick clouds of fog blanket the valley below.

Ban Co Peaks scenery looks otherworldly covered in a fine layer of fog early in the morning on Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang City, central Vietnam. Video: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre

The untouched beauty of Ban Co Peak

Located more than 700 meters above sea level and only around 30 kilometers from downtown, Ban Co Peak is an ideal spot for tourists to enjoy an unobstructed view of Da Nang from above.

On clear days, visitors can catch a glimpse of sunset or city lights.

The stone sculpture of a fairy eternally deep in thought over a losing game of chess lies on top of Ban Co Peak on Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang City, central Vietnam. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre

Ban Co Peaks distinctive charm, however, is the impenetrable blanket of fog which descends on the mountaintop a few times a year.

The fog begins to thicken at around 400 meters above sea level, hiding the thick green forest below and limiting visibility to about ten meters.

Navigating the peninsula

Vehicles going up the mountain for cloud hunting are advised to take it safe and slow, and to drive closer to the center of the road.

Dang Nam, a resident of Son Tra District in Da Nang, said that it takes only ten minutes of driving up the mountain before one winds up in the clouds.

Two tourists pose and take pictures at a famous check-in spot on top of Ban Co Peak on Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang City, central Vietnam. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre

He also mentioned that the peninsula often seems to have its own climate, separated from that of the city.

"On sunny days, the road leading to Ban Co Peak is well-shaded by trees, said Nam.

Sometimes when the sun is blazing out on the city streets, the atmosphere up here will stay cloudy with a temperature like Da Lat City.

A mountain road leading to Ban Co Peak is filled with fog on Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang City, central Vietnam. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre

On foggy days, it creates this hazy, magical feeling, which is not a common sight on coastal trips.

Currently, there is only a single road leading up to Ban Co Peak although this road is well-maintained and accessible to both cars and bikes after registering at a guard post.

There used to be more than one road, but recent heavy rains and landslides in central Vietnam have put all of them out of commission.

Two tourists take pictures at one of many roadside stops on their way up to Ban Co Peak on Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang City, central Vietnam. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre

Cloud hunters enjoy food and drinks at an outdoor cafe on top of Ban Co Peak on Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang City, central Vietnam. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre

Paragliders fly among the fog and hills of Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang City, central Vietnam. Photo: Hong Huy / Tuoi Tre

An ethereal-looking banyan tree is covered in thick fog on Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang City, central Vietnam. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre

Cloud hunters in various modes of transport travel up to Ban Co Peak on Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang City, central Vietnam. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre

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Architecture and Design streaming service Shelter has an Original series it has commissioned, Here are the Arquitectas, dropping from next week.

The three part series profiles the new wave of female architects working internationally from Mexico.

Alison Arieffs 2018 New York Times article sparked a series of debates in and around the architectural community when she asked the question: Where are all the female architects?

The debate raised issues with the culture of the industry, hiring practices, the glass ceiling and the pay gap between male and female architects.

It also struggled to find a definitive answer or path forward for the industry; beyond fixing the pay differences and increasing the profile and visibility of female architects.

But for filmmakers Kate Kliwadenko & Mario Novas, the journey towards closing the gap begins now, with Shelter Originals: Here are the Arquitectas.

Featuring Fernanda Canales, Tatiana Bilbao, Rozana Montiel and Claudia Rodriguez; this three episode series profiles the new wave of female architects working internationally from Mexico, who are looking to take a more personal, subtle and connected approach to architecture and design, that embraces the challenges of financial limitation and the natural environment.

From the team behind Shelter Originals: Mexity & Architecture on the Edge  return once again to explore the vibrant, fascinating and rapidly evolving world of architecture in Latin America, and discover the female architects trailblazing their own paths in a male-dominated industry, and see how a different style of design and collaboration is creating stunning, sustainable and ground breaking architecture.

Id like to think the interest in my architectural work isnt because of my gender as a woman, but its about the quality of the work.  Fernanda Canales

Making it as a collective, creative process; youll find more paths, answers and possibilities for people to live better.  Tatiana Bilbao

Its related to how we intertwine in the city. The way I approach how we make cities, has to do with small tactics or acupunctures.  Rozana Montiel

Episode 1: Fernanda Canales (Available March 18)

Explore the stunning red brick Terreno House, located on the foot of a mountain three hours from Mexico City. Designed by Canales for her family, the house embraces and incorporates the excess and damaged building materials into the design, and creates shelter from the radical weather while allowing in as much light and views into the stunning natural surroundings. Wander through the stark and modular Bruma House; a series of inter-connected buildings designed in sync with the existing trees and the passage of morning and evening light, structured around a large patio. As unique as it is functional. Then venture into the Monte Alban neighbourhood in Mexico City; 21 apartments developed as a reinterpretation of the neighbourhood model, with an iconic serrated roof design that introduces natural light to the homes on the upper level and provides greater continuity to the neighbourhood as a whole.

Episode 2: Tatiana Bilbao (Available March 25)

Wander through the tranquil Ajijic House, nestled between Chapala Lake and its surrounding mountains in Jalisco; designed and built with the very earth it sits upon, to avoid major design compromises with the projects tiny budget. Next, see the same successful and efficient earth-based building techniques replicated for the Ecole Maternelle, an elementary school in Jalisco, that implements flexible spaces that prioritise a direct connection with the outside landscape. Finally, travel to Casa del Parque in the city centre of Guadalajara. With its striking red-brick facade with movement-generating vertical lines, flowing natural light, and careful composition of earthy construction materials; Casa del Parque is an oasis of calm in the middle of a busy city.

Episode 3: Rozana Montiel & Claudia Rodriguez (Available April 1)

Climb the spiral staircase into the elevated Nidos House, woven with a beautiful and seamless harmony into the ecological reserve El Penon. Subtly resting above the earth on a series of load-bearing walls, the house imitates a classic birds nest, suspended in the treetops, while causing as little disturbance to the natural surroundings as possible. Then, head next-door to Encinos House, a playful, bright space in the middle of the forest. Designed and built with many small open spaces, working around the huge existing oak trees; creating a stunning and harmonious outdoor living space that embraces the natural habitat. Finally, return from the forest to Mexico City, and explore the calm and soft Pilares, a social impact urban project. Featuring a cyberschool, arts & crafts workshops, sports facilities, an orchard and classrooms for entrepreneurship & job training lessons, Pilares is designed as a public, inclusive and multifunctional space.

Written & Directed by Kate Kliwadenko & Mario Novas

Executive Producers: Dustin Clare & Camille Clare
There was a close battle for viewers after 8:30pm last night between ABC, Nine and Seven, while the latter also came out on top in AFL panel shows.

Married at First Sight was again tops at 1.56m in National TV Audience, defeating The 1% Club (795,000), Hard Quiz (673,000), 7:30 (667,000), then The Dog House just 291,000 and Australias Sleep Revolution with Dr. Michael Mosley (213,000).

Later it was a bunfight as The Weekly with Charlie Pickering (547,000), Under Investigation and The Front Bar (both 536,000) all battled for viewers. Ambulance Australia drew 301,000.

Nine News averaged 1.06m while A Current Affair with with 1.05m then Tipping Point (585,000). Footy Classified was 110,000.

Seven News won with 1.22m then Home & Away (765,000) and a win for The Chase at (592,000). Talking Footy was 224,000.

ABC News drew 815,000. This Is Going to Hurt (254,000) and Planet America (223,000) followed.

10 News First was 309,000 then The Project (296,000) and Deal or No Deal (295,000). FBI: International managed 134,000 / 75,000.

On SBS it was Hidden Volcano Abyss (194,000), SBS World News (162,000 / 129,000). Kin was 67,000.

Sunrise: 363,000

Today: 301,000

News Breakfast: 241,000

National Total TV: Wednesday 13 March 2024
Cast your eyes around the High Country production crew and youll soon see the DNA of Wentworth behind the cameras.

The series was created by Marcia Gardner (former Wentworth script producer) and John Ridley (Wentworth writer). Executive Producer Jo Porter also produced Wentworth, while series producer Pino Amenta also oversaw both shows. Director Kevin Carlin was even the establishing director for Wentworth episode 1.

And it was only the Foxtel Group where Marcia Gardner and John Ridley pitched the series in late 2020, becoming the final commission by the late Director of Television, Brian Walsh.

We pitched to him and Lana on day one, and he was the first person that we had pitched to, because of our relationship from Wentworth. Thats why we went there first, Marcia Gardner tells TV Tonight.

He loved the show from the beginning and he was the champion of the show.

Brian said Dont pitch in anywhere else'

Foxtel were the first and only people we went to, pre-Christmas 2020. In January, Brian said Dont pitch in anywhere else. So then it went through a development process.

If it wasnt for him the show wouldnt have been made. So its really sad that he wont get to see the finished product.

It was also the groups creative history with Leah Purcell that drove the project. The project was inspired by a news article about missing people in the Victorian Alps, in the east of the state.

I read that article back and phoned up John and said, This would be a really fantastic premise for a mystery thriller. Its in his neck of the woods because hes got family that live up that way.

The next thought was its gonna be a vehicle for Leah Purcell because wed just finished working on Wentworth and loved her.

An outsider in a small town  on some sort of spiritual journey

We came up with this idea that she would lead the investigation into these missing people as a detective from Melbourne, a fish out of water, an outsider in a small town and go on some sort of spiritual journey that had connections to who she was as an individual. So we pitched it to Leah.

Writing for the series took place during the punishing months of the pandemic in 2020. But the time proved to be a silver lining, creatively.

People like John and I work constantly. We dont have that much time to sit around and dream up a few new shows. So that gave us the perfect opportunity. In a way it was a godsend, says Gardner.

In the very first week of development Leah was in the room, helping shape it, Ridley explains.

We came up with the overarching story in terms of the narrative arc and the crime thriller aspect of it and then she obviously bought a lot of the character element.

First and foremost its a mystery crime thriller

First and foremost its a mystery crime thriller. Thats thats the nuts and bolts of the story. The Indigenous elements come as a consequence of having Leah Purcell as the lead character.

Purcell stars as Detective Andie, who is transferred to the Victorian High Country and thrust into a baffling mystery of five missing persons who have vanished into the wilderness. Through a high-stakes investigation, she uncovers a complex web involving murder, deceit and revenge.

Theres a very strong theme of parent and child stuff. We see that many iterations of that throughout the whole palette of our characters.different expressions of relationships between parents and children, says Gardner.

The cast also features Aaron Pedersen (Mystery Road, Jack Irish), Sara Wiseman (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, A Place to Call Home) and Ian McElhinney (Game of Thrones, Derry Girls).

Gardner and Ridley recognise the work the actors brought to the screen given the productions tight time frames.

We dont have American time to shoot, we have to shoot it within our timeframe. Just have actors come in completely prepared and just nail it effortlessly you couldnt do it otherwise because you cant spend hours doing retake after retake, says Ridley.

Everybodys really responded to the scripts

Everybodys really responded to the scripts, in a way I dont think Ive experienced that thoroughly before. People have come in and gone, We love these scripts, we love our characters, adds Gardner.

Filming took place around Jamieson and outer Melbourne.

Once you get up there, you can just turn the camera around and point, Gardner continues. But finding matching locations in outerour Melbourne was really challenging to find things that would play as high country, particularly because theres not many places with similar vegetatio of huge towering mountain ash trees and an underlayer of almost tropical looking ferns.

The end result is the landscape effectively becoming a pivotal character in the series.

Whenever you say that it sounds like such a cliche. But its very true, Ridley acknowledges.

Its almost literally true in the sense that Leahs character almost has this dialogue with the place. She has a relationship with this country and its part of the mystery as well.

High Country double episode premiere 8:30pm Tuesday on Showcase / Binge and continues weekly.
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Caleb Harris, 21, was last seen in Corpus Christi on March 4. Courtesy Randy Harris Caleb Harris, 21, was reported missing in Corpus Christi, police officials say. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Police Department

While the search continues in Corpus Christi for missing college student Caleb Harris, his parents say they havent lost hope that the 21-year-old from New Braunfels will be found safe.

Its a parents worst nightmare. We all feel like were living out a story on TV, said Randy Harris, Calebs father. But after meeting with police Wednesday, he said he was still confident in the efforts to find his son.

Caleb Harris, a student at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, was last seen on March 4 near his apartment complex in the 1900 block of Ennis Joslin Road, between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. His roommates were unable to locate him and his family reported him missing. Harris is 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighs 180 pounds and has brown eyes and brown hair.

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Police said he left behind his keys, wallet and vehicle, and his phone was turned off. Since then, fellow students, friends and family have helped search for him, along with the Corpus Christi police, Texas EquuSearch and TEXSAR Search and Rescue.

The police are doing an excellent job in keeping us informed and they are pushing forward, Randy Harris said. Theyre not stopping, and theyre using every resource to their advantage to find my son.

Harris said hes currently in Corpus Christi, and took part in a search Wednesday morning.

His sons disappearance is extremely out of character, he said.

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Hes a very punctual creature of habit, Randy Harris said. Caleb is an avid fisherman and hunter and always communicates with his parents about his location, he said.

He knows to never go out by himself, and anytime he would go out, hes got a VHF broadband radio and a first aid kit and things like that, so if hes ever stranded for any reason, he has a radio and can call for help, he father said.

He said his son wouldnt leave at 3 a.m. without shoes or keys. Thats not a sign of somebody trying to leave, he said.

Before Caleb was reported missing, he was preparing for school and to go fishing the next day, Randy Harris said. He was texting me different lures in his tackle box, and had ordered lunch for the next day: Lunchables and a Red Bull.

He was talking about long-term plans: He had signed a lease for the next school year and was looking forward to a job in Alaska this summer, his father said.

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Those are signs of somebody who is not going to run away, Randy Harris said. He said Caleb is somebody thats full of life, ready to tackle the world.

He said hes leaning on his faith, and hoping his son is doing the same.

Hes a believer in Jesus Christ, and thats what were holding on to as well, Randy Harris said. Weve asked for prayer, and were getting prayer from all over the world now.

He said he is asking anyone with any information to call police and report it, no matter what it is.

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Stay vigilant, he said, and continue to pray, knowing that Gods going to reveal himself in a miraculous way.
(Bloomberg) -- Austrias Foreign Ministry expelled two Russian diplomats for engaging in what were described as acts incompatible with their mandate.

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The diplomats were declared personae non gratae and must leave the country by March 19, the foreign ministry said in a brief statement. The Die Presse newspaper first reported the expulsions.

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A militarily neutral state that hosts several United National organizations, Austria has long been a diplomatic hub with populous embassies and missions that can provide cover for intelligence and espionage operations.

Its been slower to expel Russian diplomats than other European Union members, and has been sluggish to unwind economic ties with Moscow as well since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine two years ago.

A long-term supply contract with Russias Gazprom PJSC accounted from almost all of Austrias natural gas imports in December and January, and Raiffeisen Bank International AG still operates the largest foreign-owned lender in Russia, despite protracted efforts to sell the unit.

Relations with Russia have become a hot topic ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled in Austria for the fall. The far-right Freedom Party, which has often campaigned to end sanctions on Moscow, is leading public opinion polls with about 30% backing.

Citing a six-page report from experts on the matter it didnt identify, the Falter newspaper reported this week that 23 current and former Russian embassy staff in Austria have been identified as secret service agents.

The Foreign Ministry in Vienna said the expulsions werent related to recent media reports. Russias Foreign Ministry condemned the move and said it would take retaliatory measures, according to the state-owned Tass news agency.

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Dennis King's Progressive Conservatives promised the caregiver grant program if elected last spring, but Health Minister Mark McLane said implementing the program was trickier than anticipated. (Shutterstock - image credit)

The P.E.I. government says it is almost ready to launch a delayed home caregiver program that was budgeted for this fiscal year.

The caregiver grant program was first promised in the Progressive Conservatives' 2023 election platform with grants of up to $1,500 per month "to support families who choose to keep their loved ones at home longer instead of going to community care."

Premier Dennis King's government carved off $5.2 million for the program in this fiscal year, but Health Minister Mark McLane said developing the new program was harder than anticipated.

"We'll have a phased approach to this. We can't capture everybody in the first pass that we do in the program. We have to evaluate it too. It impacts long-term care and our health-care system, so it is quite an extensive program," McLane told CBC News.

"I would say we're 98 per cent of the way there."

McLane said he expects between 700 and 900 families will qualify for the first phase of the program. Islanders on the long-term care waitlist will be eligible, because they've already been assessed.

The other group likely to be included is those who are at risk of going in to long-term care unless assistance is provided.

The topic has come up in the house twice in the spring sitting, both from the Liberals and the Greens, who say they are hearing from constituents who were banking on this program rolling out.

Health Minister Mark McLane says he believes government has made recent strides with nurses to move things in the right direction.

Last month, McLane told the legislature part of the holdup was a clarification from the CRA on whether the benefits would be taxable. On Wednesday, he told reporters he believes that issue is cleared up. (Rick Gibbs/CBC)

"Many Islanders were quite pleased to hear about this program. Actually, the people that I talked [to] about [it], they voted for this government on that one particular promise," Official Opposition Leader Hal Perry told the house on Wednesday.

"We have an aging population and many family members have to spend a great deal of time looking after loved ones. It often means that their incomes are reduced because of those pressures."

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McLane said much of the program had to be created from scratch, since it is one of the first of its kind in the country.

He said they were also waiting on word from the Canada Revenue Agency on whether the benefits would be considered taxable income, but he's now confident that will not be the case.

The minister has also said the plan is to backdate the program to January of this year.
Welcome Guest! You are here: Home  Life & Style

American Activist Shaun King embraces Islam in solidarity with Palestinians

Shaun King and his wife Rai embraced Islam in front of Dr Omar Suleiman at a mosque in Texas, United States. Read More

Friday March 15, 2024 0:19 AM , ummid.com News Network

[Hassan Shibly confirmed Shaun King's converted to Islam on social media platform X, originally launched as Twitter @HassanShibly)]

London: Renowned African-American Activist and Writer Shaun King embraced Islam along with his wife Rai Sunday March 11, 2024, a day before Ramadan, to show solidarity with the Palestinians facing genocide at the hands of the Israeli Occupied Forces in Gaza.

Shaun King has always been critical of the Zionist aggression against the Palestinians. His protest against Zionists amplified by manifold ever since Oct 7, 2023 when the Israeli forces launched brutal military offensive in Gaza killing more than 31,000 Palestinians  a huge majority of them women and children, as on today.

Shaun King and his wife Rai embraced Islam in front of Dr Omar Suleiman at a mosque in Texas, United States.

Hassan Shibly confirmed Shaun King's converted to Islam on social media platform X, originally launched as Twitter.

What incredible news it is to witness the answer of a prayer and learn that our brother Shaun King and his wife just embraced Islam with Omar Suleiman, Hassan Shibly wrote on X.

Had the honor of meeting Br. Shaun at various community and social justice events over the years. His sincerity and dedication both to faith and the plight of the oppressed always shone through, he added.

I always prayed he would find guidance with Islam as I had no doubt he would be so enriched by it and the Muslim community would likewise advance with him. If anyone I met could be our generations next Malcom it is him, he wrote.

ALLAHU AKBAR! What incredible news it is to witness the answer of a prayer and learn that our brother Shaun King @shaunking and his wife just embraced Islam with @omarsuleiman504



Alhamdulilah! Had the honor of meeting Br. Shaun at various community and social justice events pic.twitter.com/JHRpgr1NTR  Hassan Shibly (@HassanShibly) March 11, 2024

In a video posted on social media platform Facebook, King, wearing Palestinian keffiyeh, is seen reciting the Shahadah in Arabic and English in front of Dr Omar and other followers.

King then passes the microphone to his wife Rai, wearing a brown hijab, who also takes the oath.

King attributed his decision to convert to Islam to the humanitarian situation in Gaza and also to Malcom X's heritage and to his long-time association with Muslims.

"I don't know that I would be here today without the past six months of suffering and pain and trauma that we've seen in Gaza," King said in the video uploaded on the Valley Ranch Islamic Center's YouTube channel.

"It (the situation in Gaza) has touched me in the most profound ways to see people right now in the most dangerous, traumatic place on the planet still be able to sometimes look at nothing but rubble and the remains of their family and still see meaning and purpose in life," King added.

"More than anything, it's been friendships and the deep devotion and faith of the Palestinian people that have moved my heart, he said.

Shaun King was a Pastor of Courageous Church in Atlanta from 2008 to 2011, the Daily Mail reported citing BuzzFeed. King rose to fame in mid 2010s during the Black Lives Matter movement.

After conversion to Islam, King and his wife Rai are also observing Ramadan fast.

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Welcome Guest! You are here: Home  Book Launch

'History of Bhopal Riyasat from 1722 to 1949' dispels many myths about Bhopal

Introducing History of Bhopal Riyasat from 1722 to 1949 - a captivating exploration is aimed to revive the forgotten stories and voices of those who lived within the confines of Bhopaliyat. Read More

Thursday March 14, 2024 8:21 PM , Pervez Bari

Bhopal: A book christened as History of Bhopal Riyasat from 1722 to 1949 on the history of Bhopal State was released at the iconic Maulana Azad Central Library here the other day in a simple but impressive function amidst a host of enthusiastic intellectuals comprising of the young and the grey-haired both.

The 333-page book has been brought out by Bhopal History Forum (BHF). The Forum comprises of historians, writers, intellectuals and dignitaries of Bhopal. The Forum is working to save the old Ganga-Jamuni culture of Bhopal by connecting people from every section of the society with the youth and elders to save the history, art and culture of the princely state of Bhopal.

The main intention of the Bhopal History Forum in bringing out this book is to dispel many myths, fictions, fantasy, misinformation etc. about the rulers of Bhopal state ruled by its founder Dost Mohammad Khan and his descendants.

A group of dedicated young and old mortals got together under the banner of Bhopal History Forum and established truth, authenticity and certainty of the facts lost in the face of parables and fabrications by vested interests to defame the rulers.

Bhopal State merged with Indian Union in 1947 not 1949

It was generally believed and heard about the Princely State of Bhopal that it was merged into the Union Government of India in 1949 which is about two years after the countrys independence.

This became a contentious issue between the people living here from the time of Independence with two narratives becoming prevalent among the masses who believed that the merger took place in 1949 while the other was convinced that it was in 1947 when India became free from the British yolk.

Bhopal History Forum with its untiring efforts unravelled the truth with strong documentary evidence. The BHF has published in the present book the document of merger of Bhopal State with the Union of India which was signed by Nawab Hameedullah Khan at 8:15 pm on 14th August 1947. Its basis is the Instrument of Accession. A photocopy of this document has been published in the book to establish their claim.

The Nawab of Bhopal was asked to look after the administrative system until the constitution was framed. This document has the signatures of Nawab Hameedullah Khan and Lord Mountbatten, the Governor General of India. The Nawab had, however, requested Lord Mountbatten and the Government of India not to make this information public.

While BHF convener Adv. Shahnawaz Khan claimed that the merger movement was a movement for the merger of the Princely State of Bhopal into Madhya Bharat Province. Even before this, the Bhopal State had been merged into the Union of India in 1947.

Meticulously crafted tome

Introducing History of Bhopal Riyasat from 1722 to 1949 - a captivating exploration is aimed to revive the forgotten stories and voices of those who lived within the confines of Bhopaliyat. This meticulously crafted tome, launched amidst anticipation and scholarly fervour, is nothing short of a masterpiece.

The book has been edited jointly by erudite historian Asstt. Prof. Ashar Kidwai and Adv. Shahnawaz Khan. The book transcends mere narration, offering readers an immersive odyssey through the corridors of time. With eloquence and insight, the book unfolds the rich tapestry woven from archival documents, letters, transcripts and eyewitness accounts; our journey goes far beyond history.

Putting their best foot forward the editors and contributors have negated the adverse and objectionable comments made by some right wing politicians and others from the cinema world that put the rulers of Bhopal in very poor light calling them names which are unprintable.

While burning proverbial midnight oil to search, research and re-research through the historical records available in the National Archives of India, Bhopal Branch and Madhya Pradesh State Archives along with in some personal libraries and collections they dug up the truth to nail the adversaries spreading fabricated facts.

The books launch ceremony was graced by Santosh Choubey, Chancellor of Rabindranath Tagore University, as chief guest and environmentalist Rajendra Kothari was also present as a special guest. Many well-known personalities, including educationist and litterateur such as Dr. Razia Hamid, a well-known writer, Nisar Ahmed (Rtd. IAS), Mohammad Asghar, Assistant Director of National Archives of India, Bhopal Unit; Archivist Mirza Mumtaz Beg, Social worker Kalim Akhtar, Mukesh Verma, Chairman of Vanmali Srijan Peeth; Ms Ratna Wadhwani, Librarian of Maulana Azad Central Library, Bhopal; Zainuddin Shah, Secretary of Saifia College Society; Khalid Mohammad Khan, Rizwan Ansari, Syed Khalid Ghani, Sarwat Zaidi etc. (all members of BHF) along with other distinguished citizens were present on this occasion amongst others.

Tagore expressed regret to Bhopal Nawab

Speaking on the occasion Santosh Choubey narrated an incident related to Noble laureate Gurudev Rabindra Nath Tagore, who had come to Bhopal in 1931. He said that after his return to Calcutta, Tagore wrote a letter to Nawab Hameedullah Khan thanking him for his warm hospitality and honour extended to him and his entourage which accompanied him. The letter has been published in the book. He, however, in the letter regretted that some persons in his entourage going beyond norms had accepted many valuable gifts presented to them by your courtiers while enjoying sumptuous food.

While Rajendra Kothari recalled that Bhopal had an identity because of its relationship with the Mewati family as Nazir Khan of Mewati gharana was the musician of Nawab Hameedullah Khan. He died in Bhopal and is buried here. This was revealed by Pandit Jasraj (28th January 1930  17th August 2020) who was an Indian classical vocalist, belonging to the Mewati gharana.

Book contains 48 articles by various authors

The book is divided into seven sections containing 48 articles by various authors with some rare pictures. The book is in Hindi but has two chapters in Urdu also. In the book, quoting from a photocopy of a letter, it is mentioned that Nawab Hameedullah Khan wrote a letter to Sardar Patel on 26th August 1947 asking him to merge his princely state with India.

Apart from this, a photocopy of the Gazette Notification regarding keeping holiday in Bhopal State on Independence Day, 15th August 1948 has also been published. There is also a photocopy of the order declaring holiday in the State of Bhopal to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti on 2 October 1948.

What truly sets this book apart is its ability to breathe life into historical figures and events, rendering them vivid and palpable.

In sum, History of Bhopal Riyasat from 1722 to 1949 is a tour de force that will enrapture both seasoned historians and casual enthusiasts alike. Its rich prose, meticulous research, and insightful commentary make it an indispensable addition to any library.

The book is available on Amazon; AISECT Publication, E-7/22, SBI, Arera Colony, Bhopal-462016 (Contact No. +91-8818883165).

Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic.
Welcome Guest! You are here: Home  Middle East

Watch: Ramadan (2024) Spirit in Gaza

Gazans feel bad that none of the Arab and/or Muslims have come to their rescue but still they are determined to keep the Ramdan trappings that is celebrated by approximately 2 billion Muslims around the world. Read More

Thursday March 14, 2024 11:26 AM , Dr Marwan Asmar

Everyone thought that the Israeli war on Gaza will stop during the Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan. But with the start of the fasting month it become ever more unlikely. Israeli Prime Benjamin Netanyahu says the deadly war on the Strip will continue till he destroys Hamas. But this seems a wish that cant come true.

The Americans, including Joe Biden, CIA Director Willian Burns and US Senate Intelligence Committee Mark Warren believe Hamas is nowhere near finished but continues to be a formidable force.

Children of Gaza making Ramadan lanterns using paper pic.twitter.com/uxYaWQTebP  missfalasteenia (@missfalsteenia) March 11, 2024

Meanwhile, civilians continue to bear the brunt of the Israeli bombing nightmare and destruction. Already starved to the point of famine, the civilian population of Gaza say they will not submit to their agonies, stay steadfast and not leave Gaza, which is also an Israeli wish.

They will fast, they will keep up the religious festivities of the month and will continue to have and celebrate a joyous holy month despite the Israeli criminalization they are under of air bombs, missiles from the sea and ground troops assaults.

Gaza is no pushover! And the world is realizing this.

Children in Gaza celebrate the arrival of Ramadan pic.twitter.com/IEH2rjl6BS   (@Alhamdhulillaah) March 12, 2024

The Gaza spirit  as in its people starting with babies, toddlers, youths, men, women and the old will not be broken, despite the massacres. People from Gaza have always been known to be tough, strong-minded, willful, determined and dont scare easily.

Many say they have been made biologically so to stand up to the Israelis, their guns and bombs.

Despite the Israeli siege around them since 2007, the Gaza Strip was able to develop despite all odds. Israeli sanctions were enforced but that didnt stop the Gaza spirit.

The following videoclip shows how Gaza city was in 2022, how it developed, the urbanization and the bright lights and how it is now, a colorful conurbations turned dull, bitter, devastated and strewn with debris and wreckage.

Ramadan last year and Ramadan this year in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/nbA4JHFCpI  Suppressed Voice. (@SuppressedNws) March 10, 2024

Despite all of this, the Gaza spirit burst asunder into the first days of Ramadan. This year Gazans are celebrating Ramadan as displaced refugees. About 1.9 million out of a population of 2.2 million have been turned into internal refugees mostly in UNRWA schools and/or living in tents.

The Israeli war machine  for a deep-seated quarrel with Hamas that needs to be solved once and for all  destroyed the homes of people, their apartments in building, bulldozed and scrapped their roads and made Gaza into a living hell.

But this is not breaking the Gazans as seen in many of the Ramadan videos clips. These show people putting aside their miseries and having a good time. Children in some of these UNRWA schools are putting a brave face on their new situation and life that sees no end of destruction, chaos and mayhem.

In one instance, they are using firecrackers to celebrate the festive season of fasting as best as they can.

children celebrating the start of ramadan in gaza :)



putting this on your timeline because it is so important to humanize palestinians. theyre not just numbers on your screen, these are REAL people. pic.twitter.com/sBr8Ot85Wh  anamta (@triedtruebIue) March 11, 2024

As well, the Gaza spirit goes beyond innovation. In one instance, a tent  presumably in the middle of sprawling canvases of Rafah, a city that now houses 1.4 million refugees  one sought to lit his new abode with bright lights and decorations in line with the new season.

How did he do that one can only wounder especially since there is no electricity here, and or at the, it is erratic.

Amidst the Pain Gaza's Ramadan is a testament to the enduring beauty of faith. pic.twitter.com/tAmt57Ppow  Syeda Aiman Zahra (@SyedaaAiman) March 14, 2024

These festivities have become a tradition in the Arab and Muslim worlds, and this year Gazans are determined not to be left out despite the eyesores, rubble and wreckage made by Israeli massive bombs and missiles.

Its like saying, it makes no difference if the sound of warplanes hover our heads, or an Israeli missile that lands here or there!

One blogger in Gaza have always said the people of Gaza have got used to this kind of things because of the frequent Israeli wars on the Strip and she would be right.

ramadan vibes from the tents in gaza pic.twitter.com/VWBsd6ae1I  (@falestiniasoul) March 10, 2024

The social media has been covering much of the Ramadan spirit in Gaza. News websites are talking about this one-month religious fast despite the bombs, war and hunger. What will they eat? Can they eat? If most are starving, its just more of the same thing.

In fact, a couple of weeks ago, an old man said, since there is no food, I will start Ramadan early. But fasting has a limit, from dawn to dusk. What will happen to many after that? The frequent answer is God will provide!

Gazans feel bad that none of the Arab and/or Muslims have come to their rescue but still they are determined to keep the Ramdan trappings that is celebrated by approximately 2 billion Muslims around the world.

Amidst challenging humanitarian circumstances, Palestinian children in refugee camps were observed welcoming the first day of Ramadan, despite the ongoing war on Gaza. pic.twitter.com/QqrFzshGPm  Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) March 12, 2024

There is also a sense of tenacity among the Palestinians of Gaza even when they are starving or very little food to go by.

North Gaza is starving. About 700,000 people are being starved to death by the Israelis who have waged a criminal war on them since 7 October 2023 literally destroying and tearing their world apart.

In the next videoclip, you dont see people giving up and/or senseless because of their hunger but alive and joyful ushering in the annual fasting season on the Muslim calendar. And this is in the north!

Chants of celebrations are heard all over the school.

Palestinians in schools in northern Gaza celebrate the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. pic.twitter.com/K1Mo3zUqrz  M e d i a s e t * S * (@MediasetS1) March 12, 2024

[The writer, Dr Asmar, is a writer based in Amman Jordan, specializing in Middle East Affairs.]

Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic.
Our Lady of the Lake University is hosting an exhibit on "La Matanza." William Luther

A traveling exhibit at Our Lady of the Lake University is shining the spotlight on a little-recognized period of Mexican-American history called "La Matanza."

Meaning "the massacre," La Matanza refers to the years from 1910 to 1920, when it is estimated that up to thousands of Mexican-Americans in Texas were killed by racial violence. That's according to Refusing to Forget, the historical project behind the exhibit, which says that the "true toll will never be known, though scholars from the 1930s to the present have given estimates of from several hundred to five thousand killed."

Exhibit "Life and Death on the Border: 1910-1920" is bringing that history back to the forefront with rare artifacts including photos, postcards and court documents.

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"These histories inspired Tejano literature, art, and music and influenced the creation of the Mexican American civil rights movement," the exhibit description reads.

As white Americans flooded into Texas in the early 20th century, anti-Mexican sentiment and policies followed, according to Refusing to Forget. Mobs and Texas Rangers shot and lynched Mexican-Americans without reproach, including one migrant who was burned at the stake in 1910 after being accused of murdering a white woman.

The violence and murders heightened from summer to fall 1915, a period referred to as "La Matanza of 1915."

Research and artifacts from the time are on display at "Life and Death on the Border," which will be at OLLU's Sueltenfuss Library until March 31.
HA NOI  According to the latest data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Viet Nam's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023 is estimated to have reached about US$433.3 billion, which is the fifth highest in Southeast Asia.

With this forecast, Viet Nam's economy in 2023 ranked equal to Malaysia ($433.35 billion) and above Myanmar ($74.9 billion), Cambodia ($30.9 billion), Brunei ($15.1 billion), Laos ($14.2 billion) and East Timor ($2 billion).

According to the IMF, in 2023, the GDP of the Southeast Asia region will reach about $3.86 trillion. Indonesia leads the region with an estimated GDP of about $1.42 billion. Thailand ranked second in the region with GDP in 2023 forecast at $512 billion, with Singapore and the Philippines, with GDP sizes of $497 billion and $435.7 billion, respectively, third and fourth.

IMF data shows that the size of global GDP in 2023 is estimated to reach about $104.5 trillion. The United States is the largest economy in the world with an estimated GDP of $26.95 trillion. China is the world's second-largest economy with a GDP of $17.7 trillion. They are followed by Germany ($4.43 trillion), Japan ($4.23 trillion) and India ($3.73 trillion). With a GDP of more than $430 billion, Viet Nam is currently the 35th largest economy in the world.

By the end of 2024, Viet Nam's GDP is forecast to reach about $469.7 billion, ranking it fifth in the region after countries such as Indonesia ($1.54 trillion), Thailand ($543.35 billion), Singapore ($520.97 billion) and the Philippines ($475.94 billion).

The UK's independent Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) assessed that Viet Nam's economic ranking may increase rapidly in the future. Specifically, Viet Nam will rise to the 24th position by 2033, with an economy of $1.05 trillion.

By 2038, with an expected GDP scale of $1.56 trillion, Viet Nam will rise to 21st position, surpassing other economies in the ASEAN region such as Thailand ($1.313 trillion), Singapore ($896 billion), the Philippines ($1.536 trillion) to enter the group of 25 largest economies in the world.

According to CEBR, with the advantage of a large and young population, Viet Nam has the opportunity to surpass most ASEAN countries economically such as Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia, and become a high-income country by 2045.

CEBR also forecasts Viet Nams average annual GDP growth rate will be 6.7 per cent in the period 2024-2028. Growth will be 6.4 per cent in the next nine years.

In the ASEAN region, besides Viet Nam, the Philippines is also considered a country with impressive growth, possibly reaching the 23rd position by 2038. Viet Nam and the Philippines are expected to improve their rankings thanks to repositioning in the global value chain, internal reforms, an increase of labour productivity and public and private investment, according to CERB.  VNS
HA NOI  The general upgrading of the Viet Nam Stock Market will bring about favourable outcomes and increase global integration, elevating the stature of the Vietnamese market and the country itself. The upgrading of the stock market contributes to Viet Nam's aspirations of establishing an international financial center. This plays a significant role in Viet Nam's national development strategy. Chairwoman of the State Securities Commission (SSC) Vu Thi Chan Phuong shares her insights with Viet Nam News.

The upgraded Viet Nam Stock Market will mean it will become more appealing to investors and attract substantial capital inflows from global investment funds. However, there are challenges to overcome in this process. Could you please elaborate on this?

According to evaluations by rating agencies and major international financial institutions, Viet Nam has made considerable improvements and achieved important criteria. However, there are currently two critical issues that require focused efforts to enhance and implement measures to facilitate the participation of foreign investors in the stock market in the near future. These issues include the requirement of pre-funding for trading and limitations on foreign ownership. Addressing these concerns necessitates practical co-ordination among relevant ministries and agencies.

The decision to upgrade the stock market is a collective objective that has received attention and guidance from the Government and the Prime Minister in recent times. This matter has been outlined in Government Resolution No 86/NQ-CP, issued on July 11, 2022, and has been incorporated into the approved Securities Market Development Strategy until 2030.

Furthermore, the stock market upgrade depends on the objective assessment of international rating agencies through the real experiences of foreign investors. Therefore, to achieve the desired outcomes, the participation and determination of relevant ministries and agencies are crucial, in addition to the guidance and attention provided by the Government and the Prime Minister.

The success of the upgrade also relies on the practical experiences of foreign investors when engaging in the Vietnamese stock market. Consequently, it requires united efforts from market participants in providing services, listed companies, particularly prominent listed organisations, in terms of transparent information disclosure, English-language information dissemination, and effective corporate governance practices.

What steps are the State Securities Commission taking to address these challenges?

In recent times, SSC has made efforts to implement various solutions aimed at improving the key criteria set by international rating organisations. To achieve this, SSC has organised multiple meetings with ministries, departments, and stakeholders. We have engaged in both domestic and international collaborations with international rating organisations, major financial institutions, and market participants. These collaborative efforts focus on studying and proposing solutions to overcome the remaining obstacles in Viet Nam's stock market upgrading process.

Regarding pre-funding issues, SSC has collaborated with relevant units and market participants to research and develop suitable solutions. Additionally, SSC has actively reviewed securities-related legislation to suggest necessary amendments and additions to meet the evolving needs promptly. In the medium term, the implementation of the Counterparty Clearing Center (CCP) model is considered vital for addressing pre-funding challenges effectively.

Concerning foreign ownership limits, the Ministry of Finance has recommended the Ministry of Planning and Investment review sectors with restrictions on foreign participation. Transparent disclosure of information about restricted sectors and specific ownership limits for each sector is essential to facilitate easy access to information for investors. The opinions of investment organisations regarding foreign ownership limits are also being considered, with a focus on implementing such limits only in strategic sectors that are crucial for national security.

Furthermore, SSC will report to the Ministry of Finance, suggesting amendments to Circular 96/TT-BTC, which provides guidelines for information disclosure in the stock market. The objective is to encourage companies to disclose information in English, enabling foreign investors to clearly understand the specific foreign ownership ratios in each sector. Additionally, SSC is reviewing and proposing amendments to Decree 155/2020/N-CP to enhance foreign investors' market access by specifying the timing requirements for large-scale public companies to disclose their maximum foreign ownership ratios. Urgent reviews and proposals are also underway to revise information disclosure regulations, making it mandatory for large-scale listed companies to disclose information in both Vietnamese and English.

Moving into 2024, what solutions will the State Securities Commission implement to make the stock market an increasingly efficient channel for mobilising medium and long-term capital for the economy?

To ensure a stable, fair, transparent, and sustainable operation of the Vietnamese stock market, SSC will continue to execute the solutions outlined in the approved Strategic Development Plan for the Vietnamese Stock Market until 2030.

We will enhance the legal framework and policy system to support market development. This involves completing the implementation plan for the Strategic Development Plan of the stock market for the period 2023-2030.

Initial public offerings (IPOs) will be linked with listings to expedite the process from issuance to listing on the stock market, allowing issuing organisations to shorten the timeline.

Strengthening supervision, inspections, and examinations in the stock market is crucial, with a particular emphasis on monitoring securities companies, fund management companies, market participants, and issuing organisations. Strict measures will be taken against any violations found.

SSC will also focus on promoting the modernisation of technological infrastructure and leveraging scientific and technological advancements. We will collaborate with relevant entities to promptly deploy new information technology systems, enabling the introduction of new products and services in the market.

Additionally, training and workshops on non-traditional security measures will be conducted for market participants, company leaders, and managers of securities and fund management firms.

International co-operation will be strengthened through investment promotion programmes, engagement with foreign investors, and collaboration with rating agencies. The aim is to upgrade Viet Nam's stock market from a frontier market to an emerging market. SSC will also focus on preparations for the Conference of the Securities Commission of Asia-Pacific Countries, scheduled to take place in Viet Nam in 2025. VNS
HA NOI  Japanese investors have expressed interest in investment opportunities in the Vietnamese stock market during an investment promotion conference held on Tuesday in Tokyo, Japan.

The conference, chaired by Minister of Finance Ho uc Phoc, brought together representatives from the Vietnamese government and various Japanese organisations. Over 200 delegates from leading companies in both countries attended the event.

Minister Ho uc Phoc highlighted that this year marks the beginning of the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World" between Viet Nam and Japan, signalling their strong economic ties.

He expressed hope that the conference would foster increased cooperation and deepen the economic partnership between the two nations. The Vietnamese government aims to create an open investment environment and support Japanese companies investing in Vietnam, while the Japanese government and relevant agencies will continue to strengthen their relationship with Vietnam.

At the conference, the Minister of Finance presented an overview of the Vietnamese stock market to Japanese investors.

"Viet Nam's stock market has been attracting both domestic and foreign investors and plays a crucial role as a capital channel for the economy. The government's goal is to upgrade the stock market from a frontier market to an emerging market, as outlined in the restructuring plan for the securities and insurance markets," he said.

Minister of Finance Ho uc Phoc affirmed that resolute measures will be taken to develop the market, including improving the legal framework, implementing digital transformation, addressing enterprises difficulties, ensuring market supervision, and enhancing international cooperation.

Representatives from Daiwa Securities Company in Viet Nam, which has been involved in the Vietnamese stock market for 16 years, also shared their investment experience.

Takafumi Oue, Head of the Representative Office of Daiwa Securities Company in Viet Nam, shared that since 2008, Daiwa Securities has formed an alliance with SSI Securities Corporation and participated in various successful buying and merging activities in the Vietnamese stock market.

Daiwa representatives highly regard the Vietnamese stock market, which has been welcomed by Japanese investors, and they affirmed that Daiwa will expand its operations in Viet Nam in the future, creating opportunities for Japanese businesses to invest in Viet Nam.  VNS
The sister of Blanca Pescador, who was found dead alongside her family in a Southeast house fire, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to provide burial services for her slain sister and her family. GoFundMe

A relative of the family found dead in a house fire Friday launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for burial services in El Paso.

Alfredo Pescador, 44; Blanca Pescador, 40; Leslie Pescador, 19; and a 13-year-old juvenile were found dead after a house fire in the 4400 block Wrangler Run. Police are investigating the case as a homicide but have not provided any other information.

In a Facebook post, Blanca Pescadors sister, Cristina Bendtsen, said the death of her sister and her family shocked her family.

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We suffered a terrible loss by losing 4 family members in a devastating fire, the post states.

ALSO READ: Police investigating Southeast Side house fire that killed family as a homicide

Bendtsen said her sister was a loving mom whose entire world revolved around her kids and being a good wife. She also said her niece, Leslie Pescador, 19, was an honor student at a local college and that her 13-year-old nephew, whom she identified as Freddie Jr., was an amazing kid.

Bendtsens GoFundMe states that they want to bring the family back to El Paso, where her sister was born and raised, for a proper burial surrounded by her family members.

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Only god knows why things had to happened this way, Bendtsen wrote.
HA NOI  The Ministry of Finance has announced its plans to inspect the sales of insurance products through credit institutions and foreign bank branches in Viet Nam.

The inspections will specifically target two life insurance companies: Mirae Asset Prevoir Life Insurance Company Limited and Cathay Life Vietnam Insurance Company Limited, according to Minister of Finance Ho uc Phoc.

The insurance market in Viet Nam has undergone significant growth, with insurance companies reinvesting about VN762.6 trillion in the economy by the end of 2023, he told au Tu (Investment) Newspaper.

Insurance benefits paid out amounted to VN86.4 trillion, and the total assets of insurance companies reached approximately VN913.3 trillion.

While acknowledging the market's achievements, Minister Phoc expressed concern about the quality of advisory services, customer care and claims settlement, particularly in the rapidly expanding life insurance sector.

"Bancassurance has diversified insurance operations but has also introduced complexity, requiring us to reevaluate and rectify our direction and ensure healthy operations," the minister said.

He further highlighted that the Ministry of Finance had applied several measures to address shortcomings and discrepancies in the implementation of insurance product operations, especially in the life insurance market and bancassurance.

They have standardised regulations related to insurance contracts to protect participants' rights and ensure transparency. Credit institutions are required to inform customers that insurance products are not mandatory for using their services.

Regarding investment-linked insurance products, insurance agents must record the advisory process, including the customer's confirmation of voluntary participation. Insurance companies are not allowed to issue contracts if the recorded content lacks the customer's confirmation of voluntary participation.

Life insurance companies are instructed to establish dedicated departments and hotlines to address customer feedback and inquiries promptly. Any reports received regarding forced insurance purchases during loan disbursement are forwarded to the State Bank's inspection and supervision agency for appropriate action.

In 2022 and 2023, the Ministry of Finance conducted inspections and examinations on 10 out of 17 life insurance companies involved in sales through credit institutions and foreign bank branches. Two insurance companies faced administrative penalties, resulting in a total fine of VN310 million.

In 2024, the Ministry plans to continue inspections and will focus on the above two life insurance companies to ensure compliance with regulations and the proper implementation of insurance sales through credit institutions and foreign bank branches.  VNS
HA NOI  Quang Ngai Sugar SJC said that it will finalise the shareholder list for the distribution of the third dividend payment for 2023 on April 17.

This dividend will be paid in cash at a rate of 20 per cent, meaning that each shareholder who owns one share of the company will receive a dividend of VN2,000.

The payment is scheduled to take place on April 26.

According to a document for the 2024 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, the company plans to propose a dividend distribution of 40 per cent of the charter capital for the year 2023, which translates to VN4,000 per share.

Last year, Quang Ngai Sugar had already made two cash advances at a rate of 20 per cent for the 2023 dividend. Looking ahead to 2024, the company have set a minimum dividend distribution target of 15 per cent of the charter capital.

It said that the ongoing impact of the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the competition among major economies will heavily affect the Vietnamese economy.

As a result, Quang Ngai Sugar has set its revenue target for the current year at VN9 trillion (US$365.2 million) with an after-tax profit goal of over VN1.3 trillion, down 14.4 per cent and 38.6 per cent year-on-year, respectively.

The leadership of Quang Ngai Sugar has also emphasised their commitment to investing in the development of high-quality, high-yield sugarcane and soybean raw material areas throughout this year.

This strategic focus aims to ensure substantial income for farmers and maximise overall efficiency for the company.

Quang Ngai Sugar intends to diversify its product portfolio and engage in research endeavours to introduce innovative offerings.

Last year, it disclosed that their company's sugarcane segment held over 20 per cent of the countrys total sugarcane production in the 2022/23 crop season.

For the soy milk and plant-based nutrition segment, Quang Ngai Sugar faced common challenges like the entire dairy industry. The company's milk consumption decreased by 9 per cent from 2022 to 240 million litres.

However, data from market research firm Nielsen showed that Quang Ngai Sugar's market share in the soy milk category continued to grow, accounting for 88.6 per cent of the market share.

It secured the second position in the ready-to-drink milk industry with 16.1 per cent of the market share in 2023.

Particularly, Quang Ngai Sugar's soy milk export revenue in 2023 witnessed a 44 per cent increase over 2022, thanks to successful market expansion into countries such as Japan, South Korea, China and the US.

On the stock market, shares of the company were traded at VN47,500 per share at 14:03 pm (local time) on Tuesday.  VNS
NINH THUAN  Discarded aloe vera peels are causing pollution in My Son Commune of the southern Ninh Thuan Province, according to residents in the area.

The peels are waste from the preliminary processing procedures of a local business.

People are demanding that local authorities take action to investigate the facilitys operation and waste treatment amid rising health concerns.

According to Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reporters, a landfill of aloe vera peels 500 metres away from the Tan My Canal gives off a strong and unpleasant odour.

Wastewater from the decomposing pile is also draining into the nearby area next to the stream.

Local resident Vay Phuc Loc said that dozens of trucks have been dumping the aloe vera peels in this area every day for quite some time.

The stench is even worse when the sun comes out. People here are very upset and are calling for action from the local authorities, said Loc.

Bo Say, another resident, said that the waste trucks operate day and night, and the smell from the landfill is increasingly affecting peoples health and daily life.

The 13-hectare area where the aloe vera peels are discarded is under the management of Sun and Wind JSC.

Speaking to VNA reporters, the companys deputy director Hoang Xuan Hau said that the peels were delivered from a processing facility of Viet Farm JSC and are being used for soil improvement. Both companies are part of the GC Food Group.

Depending on factory productivity, Sun and Wind JSC receives from 10 to 20 tonnes of aloe vera peels each day, which it said will be mixed with the soil to build humus.

The company has asked permission from My Son Commune authorities for soil treatment, Hau said.

Le Van Ha, vice chairman of My Son Peoples Committee, said the commune has taken the local peoples reports into account and will conduct a field visit to the area.

If an environmental violation is confirmed, authorities will handle the case according to regulations, he said.  VNS
HA NOI - Kim ong Publishing House has launched a new comic book entitled Song (Live).

The book is compiled by Vietnamese author Tran Hai Anh and French illustrator Pauline Guitton.

In Song, a mother tells her daughter about her own teenage years spent in hiding amid the war in Viet Nam against the US. From 1969 to 1975, the mother, now a director, spent seven years with her father, a script writer, in the forests with Vietnamese revolutionary soldiers. Her father introduced her to the national resistance and to film.

This tale of a Vietnamese woman in an untold part of history turns into a portrait of the complex relationship that Hai Anh has with her mother and her roots.

"Song is a word that pops into my head when my mother told me about her adventure in her teenage years," said Hai Anh at the book launching ceremony at Kim ong Publishing House on Tuesday.

"I decided to summarise each memory with a Vietnamese verb that helped me to imbed the memory in my mind.

"Therefore, when reading a family story punctuated with vocabulary from that family language, French readers will likely discover many other words of the beautiful language that is Vietnamese," said Hai Anh.

Hai Anh is a young filmmaker, born and raised in France to a Vietnamese family. She spent more time with her father than with her famous mother, director Viet Linh, the woman behind many international-award winning Vietnamese movies, who was going back and forth to Viet Nam for work.

Hai Anh has a Master's degree in economics, culture and cinema. She won the Forbes magazine honour 'Outstanding Young Faces Under 30 Years Old in Asia' in 2023.

Speaking at the book launching ceremony, French Ambassador Olivier Brochet expressed his joy when the book was launched in Vietnamese.

"This is a story of intergenerational communication between a mother and daughter," said the ambassador. "It contributes to recreating the nation's history from a rarely mentioned perspective and expressing a young person's desire to learn about her roots."

Song is a comic book, a graphic novel. Hai Anh wrote it with her friend Pauline Guitton who graduated with a Master in Character Animation and Animated Filmmaking in 2021. She is now a storyboard artist, animator and illustrator.

Song is their first graphic novel. The book was first released in France in early 2023 with some 8,000 copies. It received support from the Publishing Support Fund for excellent works in French - La Scam.

Early this year, Song won the Prix du Jury oecumenique de la BD 2024 (The Prize of the Ecumenical Jury) in France. - VNS
PARIS  The French Defence Audiovisual Agency (ECPAD) has released a photo book on the ien Bien Phu campaign in Viet Nam, including never-before-seen images, on the occasion of the campaign's 70th anniversary.

The 211-page book contains 162 photos, both colour and black-and-white, re-creating the historic campaign, from March 13 to May 7, 1954, said Marina Berthier, an ECPAD employee who played a role in publishing the book, noting most of them were taken by war photojournalists like Jean Peraud and Daniel Camus, or by soldiers themselves.

On this occasion, the agency, where many documents and photos related to wars in Indochina are kept, has introduced the website featuring ien Bien Phu campaign photos to the public, at imagesdefense.gouv.fr.

It has also participated in producing two documentaries on the wars in Indochina, including parts on the ien Bien Phu campaign.

The ECPAD archives up to 2,500 photos on the campaign taken by war journalists, and a number of documentaries produced during the period.

70 years ago, on March 13, 1954, the Vietnamese revolutionary army launched the first attack against the French colonialists heavily fortified base of ien Bien Phu, starting an historic 56-day campaign.

During the 56 days of undaunted, brave, and creative fighting, the Vietnamese army and people created the ien Bien Phu Victory that resounded across the five continents and shook the globe. The entire so-called invincible military base of ien Bien Phu was completely eradicated by the Vietnamese army and people.

President Ho Chi Minh affirmed that the ien Bien Phu Victory was a brilliant golden milestone in history that directly led to the signing of the Geneva Accords, ending the war and restoring peace in Indochina. It also created the foundation and conditions for the Vietnamese people to secure victory in the resistance war against the US, liberate the South, and reunify the country in 1975. VNS
THUA THIEN - HUE  The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines signed a sponsorship contract worth VN1.2 billion (nearly US$48,600) with the organising board of the Hue Festival 2024 at a ceremony in Hue City of the central province of Thua Thien - Hue on Thursday.

Under the contract, Vietnam Airlines will continue to serve as an official carrier for the Hue Festival 2024. This marks the 9th consecutive year Vietnam Airlines has been participating as a companion to the annual festival.

The airline will also contribute to promoting Hue as Viet Nam's distinctive festival city through articles introducing Hue's culture and tourism, and popularising the Hue Festival 2024 on the Vietnam Heritage Magazine distributed on flights and published in the electronic version.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thanh Binh emphasised that the success of the Hue Festival has always been greatly contributed to by sponsors, including Vietnam Airlines. He expressed his hope that Vietnam Airlines will continue to accompany the Hue Festival and strengthen cooperation with the local authorities to promote cultural and tourism development in the province.

The Hue Festival, held for 24 years, is one of the key international art events in Viet Nam.

Themed Cultural heritage with international integration and development, the Festival Hue 2024 will feature an array of outstanding festivals, including Spring Festival from January to March, Summer Festival from April to June, Autumn Festival from July to September, and Winter Festival from October to December, and hundreds of response activities.

The locality debuted the Hue Festival 2024 by performing the Ban Soc (royal calendar delivery) ceremony on January 1  the event that kings under the Nguyen Dynasty organised to distribute calendars for royal mandarins at Ngo Mon (Noon Gate). Ordinary people received the calendar in their localities.

The organising board has recently unveiled an official poster for the event, which draws inspiration primarily from the restored royal patterns on the Kien Trung Palace in the Imperial Citadel, Hue City.

Hue, the imperial capital of Viet Nam for over 100 years, has been a unique destination in central Viet Nam with its five UNESCO heritage: the ancient citadel relic complex, Hue royal court music, Nguyen Dynastys wooden blocks, Nguyen Dynastys royal administrative documents, and literature on Hue royal architecture.

The Hue Festival 2024 is of special significance in the context of Thua Thien - Hue province's efforts to realise the goal of becoming a centrally-run city based on the conservation and promotion of the values of the imperial heritage and cultural identity of Hue.  VNS
HA NOI  Exactly 70 years ago, on March 13, 1954, the Vietnamese revolutionary army launched the first attack against the French colonialists heavily fortified base of ien Bien Phu, starting a 56-day historic campaign whose victory directly led to the signing of the Geneva Accords on ending the war and restoring peace in Indochina.

In the autumn - winter of 1953, French colonialists and US interventionists built the Navarre Plan that focused on turning ien Bien Phu into the strongest military base in Indochina so as to seize control over the entire Northwest of Viet Nam and the Upper Laos and destroy the majority of Viet Nams regular troops, paving the way for controlling the Vietnamese territory and pacifying South Indochina.

French generals at that time heaped praise on this heavily fortified base, which was dubbed a hedgehog with entrenched concrete fortifications built across the four directions. In Muong Thanh Valley, France arranged 16,200 troops in 21 battalions divided into northern, central, and southern zones that comprised 49 entrenched fortifications supporting one another. At the airfields of Muong Thanh and Hong Cum, nearly 100 flight departures and arrivals occurred each day, capable of transporting about 200 - 300 tonnes of cargo and parachuting 100 - 150 soldiers.

Considering ien Bien Phu as a trap for crushing the regular troops of Viet Minh (League for the Independence of Viet Nam), general Rene Cogny boasted that the French colonialists had fire strong enough to wipe out an enemy four to six times larger than them.

Prior to the battle, US Vice President Richard Nixon, who later become President of the US, came to inspect the building of this military base to ensure that the US investment in Indochina was used effectively, and he expressed his satisfaction.

Realising the plot and ruses of French colonialists, in early December 1953, the Politburo of the Worker's Party of Viet Nam (now the Communist Party of Viet Nam) decided to launch the ien Bien Phu Campaign and adopted the combatant strategy of fast attack, fast victory. However, after considering the balance of power between the two sides, General Vo Nguyen Giap made the most difficult decision of his career: Halting the attack and shifting the strategy from fast attack, fast victory to steady attack, steady advance.

The Party committees of military units convened meetings to provide detailed information about the new fighting strategy and encourage the entire troops to weather challenges to fulfill the new tasks.

With all-out wisdom, efforts, and determination of reserving all for the battlefield and for the victory, in the following nearly two months, the Vietnamese army continued applying the diversionary tactics while widening and lengthening the paths through the mountains and forests of ien Bien Phu. Soldiers built stronger fortifications, dug deeper trenches, and moved closer to the French base. More food, weapons, and other supplies from the rear were delivered to the front to prepare for a long battle.

During the ien Bien Phu Campaign, tens of thousands of people engaged in transporting supplies to the front or building the road for moving the artillery serving the battle.

People of Thanh Hoa Province alone sent 9,000 tonnes of rice to the frontline. Meanwhile, people of Lai Chau province contributed 2,666 tonnes of rice, 226 tonnes of meat, 210 tonnes of vegetables, 16,972 personnel, 517,210 workdays, 348 pack horses, 58 boats, along with 25,070 timber trees for making roads. From 1951 to 1954, people of Inter-region 5 donated more than 1.32 million tonnes of unhusked rice and a large sum of money.

In his letter sent to soldiers on March 11, 1954, then President Ho Chi Minh said the duty was very difficult but also very glorious. He expressed his firm belief that the soldiers would bring into play the previous victory to overcome every difficulty and hardship to fulfill the coming glorious duty.

Exactly at 5pm on March 13, 1953, the Vietnamese troops opened fire on the Him Lam fortification, starting the ien Bien Phu Campaign. They annihilated this fortification and later the oc Lap fortification and forced the Ban Keo fortification to surrender, thus destroying the northern gateway of the ien Bien Phu base. More than 2,000 French soldiers were killed or taken prisoners, 25 aircraft destroyed, a regiment eradicated, and the Muong Thanh airfield threatened. In April 1954, the revolutionary army concurrently attacked fortifications, tightened the siege, and seized the control of Muong Thanh airfield, forcing the enemy into the passive status and extreme anxiety.

From May 1 to 7, 1954, the Vietnamese troops seized control over the fortifications in the east and waged a general offensive to decimate the entire military base of ien Bien Phu.

At 5:30pm on May 7, 1954, the Determined to fight, determined to win flag of the Vietnamese army was raised on the top of the command tunnel of French general De Castries. By the midnight on the same day, all the French troops were captured.

During the 56 days of undaunted, brave, and creative fighting, the Vietnamese army and people created the ien Bien Phu Victory that resounded across the five continents and shook the globe. The entire so-called invincible military base of ien Bien Phu was completely eradicated by the Vietnamese army and people.

President Ho Chi Minh affirmed that the ien Bien Phu Victory was a brilliant golden milestone in history that directly led to the signing of the Geneva Accords on ending the war and restoring peace in Indochina. It also created the foundation and conditions for the Vietnamese people to secure victory in the resistance war against the US, liberate the South, and reunify the country in 1975.

Seventy years have passed, but the ien Bien Phu Victory remains a source of pride of the Vietnamese people due to its great significance.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has affirmed that the ien Bien Phu Victory held substantially historic significance. It was a triumph of patriotism, the undaunted spirit, and the strength of the great national solidarity of Viet Nam under the smart and clear-sighted leadership of the Party. It was also a demonstration of the maturity of the Viet Nam Peoples Army.  VNS
SINGAPORE Viet Nam has showed its responsibility in participating in the ReCAAP Agreement and effectively combating maritime crimes, affirmed Major General Vu Trung Kien, Deputy Commander in charge of law of the Viet Nam Coast Guard (VCG) at the 18th ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ISC) Governing Council Meeting in Singapore on March 13.

The meeting saw the participation of members of the governing council, officials from 21 member countries of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP), and guest delegates from 10 maritime organisations, shipping associations, international and regional research institutes.

In his remarks, Kien underscored the need for countries to enhance awareness of the overall situation and instability in maritime security caused by piracy and armed robbery at sea.

"It is important to continue timely and effective cooperation and information sharing, and to enhance coordination among countries and with the ReCAAP ISC to ensure security and safety across all maritime routes regionally and globally, he said.

On the sidelines of the function, the VCG delegation held meetings with leaders of law enforcement forces at sea from the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and India, exchanging information and coordinating efforts to combat various crimes and protect the marine environment.

In particular, Viet Nam reiterated its significant efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities and urged partners to cooperate with and assist the country in quickly getting the "yellow card" warning imposed on Viet Namese seafood products by the European Commission lifted. VNS
QUANG BINH  A requiem was held on March 13 in the central province of Quang Binh in remembrance of the 64 soldiers who laid down their lives defending Gac Ma (Johnson South) Reef in Viet Nams Truong Sa (Spratly) 36 years ago.

Among the 64 martyrs, 13 hailed from Quang Binh. The memorial ceremony was an opportunity to educate patriotic tradition for younger generations.

On March 14, 1988, 64 naval soldiers of Viet Nam fell down while defending the national flag planted on Gac Ma Reef and affirming the countrys sea and island sovereignty.

Their brave deaths were honoured with a monument named Nhung nguoi nam lai phia chan troi (Those who laid down their lives on the horizon) at the Gac Ma soldier memorial site.

The commemoration in March is a demonstration of Vietnamese peoples tradition of expressing gratitude to those who dedicate their lives to safeguard the countrys maritime sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also illustrates the nations thousands-of-years unanimity and resolve to safeguard the Fatherland.

Nowadays, the officers and soldiers performing duties on the islands, reefs, and platforms on the countrys territorial waters are following former generations example, ready to sacrifice their lives to firmly defend the maritime sovereignty and be trustworthy supports for people at sea.

On the occasion, on March 14 Quang Phuc ward in Ba on town held a ceremony unveiling the street name plate for a street named after martyr hero Tran Van Phuong who died in the Gac Ma battle. This is a tribute to the son of the homeland who bravely sacrificed his life to protect the sovereignty of the sacred sea and islands of the Fatherland. VNS
U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar announces Tuesday the launch of a new task force that is advocating for the bipartisan legislation that died after Donald Trump turned on the package. Courtesy/Rep. Henry Cuellar's Office

WASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar has launched a Democratic working group on border security, hoping to counter the Republican claims that Democrats are unwilling to address the issue.

Its important for Democrats to talk about strong border security and still be respectful of immigrants rights, Cuellar, D-Laredo, told reporters. For so long the Republicans have had a narrative about the border being a dangerous place and out of control. And I think its important that Democrats also have a narrative about border security.

The Democrats for Border Security Task Force is advocating for the bipartisan border security legislation that was introduced earlier this year in the Senate but died after Republicans turned on the package. Democrats derided Republicans for killing the package because a broken border was politically expedient for former President Donald Trump in his 2024 run for the White House.

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The cynicism of saying that I dont want to pass a package that will help us address a problem because I want to run on that in November is unacceptable, U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas, said during a Tuesday news conference announcing the task force.

Allred and U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Houston, are on the task force with Cuellar, whose district is on the border with Mexico. Cuellar is the co-chair of the group and hasnt shied from working with Republicans on border issues in the past. Allred is running for U.S. Senate against Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, a border hawk who is against the Senate border deal.

Few issues have been as persistently vexing for Democrats during Joe Bidens presidency as the border. Democrats pushed the issue off to the side at the beginning of Bidens presidency when they had control of both chambers of Congress, opting instead to focus on pandemic recovery, infrastructure and climate change. Most discussion among Democrats on border issues at the time centered on securing permanent residency or citizenship for undocumented immigrants who had arrived as children.

But as Republicans took control of the House and border crossings reached record levels, Republicans amped the attacks against Biden as being too lenient after he rescinded many of Trumps border policies. Border Patrol recorded over 2 million arrests in the 2022 fiscal year  a new high. Biden did away with a Trump-era policy that required migrants to wait out their asylum claims in Mexico, which immigrant rights advocates said led to squalid and dangerous conditions.

House Republicans passed a hard-line border security package last year that would crack down on asylum eligibility. The bill was hammered out of a border plan introduced by Texas Republicans months before. Cruz introduced the Senate version of the bill, but Senate Democrats made it clear they would never support it.

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The bipartisan Senate border deal would be a major legislative crackdown. It would require a shutdown of all border crossings between ports of entry if unlawful crossings exceed an average of 5,000 per day in a week or 8,500 in a single day. It also would give federal agents rather than judges greater authority to determine asylum claims at the border.

The bill also included aid for Ukraine, Israel and U.S. allies in the Pacific. Arizona independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, Connecticut Democrat Sen. Chris Murphy and Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Lankford negotiated the deal.

Neither side was fully satisfied with the deal. The proposal does not give migrants who came as children, commonly called Dreamers, a pathway to citizenship, which was a major Democratic priority. Nor does it end the parole program that allows the president to admit foreign nationals on a case-by-case basis, which Republicans assert Biden has abused. Biden has used the authority to allow migrants from several Latin American countries to enter the U.S. on humanitarian grounds after being screened in their home countries.

Biden made an appeal to Congress to take up the border bill during a recent visit to Brownsville and during his State of the Union address. But House Republicans under Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, made it clear they have no interest in passing the package. The speaker normally has control over when legislation makes it to the House floor.

U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pennsylvania, is leading a procedural maneuver that could get around Johnson and force a vote on border security legislation. Fitzpatrick is an ardent supporter of aid for Ukraine, even as many members of his party turn away from the effort, and is keen to get a border and foreign package through. Pro-Ukraine Democrats would have to join in to pass the package. The move would require 218 votes.

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Cuellar said he would support Fitzpatricks effort if it came to the floor but that he was currently focused on passing the legislation negotiated in the Senate.

The Senate border deal also has its critics on the left who say it could complicate legitimate asylum claims and does not go far enough on giving undocumented immigrants legal status in the country.

U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso, opposes the bill and has said rapid expulsions do not work and merely lead to overcrowding on the Mexican side of the border as well as repeat crossers.

I live on the border, I have daily communication with Border Patrol, in fact, Im bringing 10 colleagues to El Paso to show what works and what doesnt. And something that has consistently not worked is rapid expulsion, Escobar said in a recent interview with Politico. It creates more inhumane conditions for migrants. It creates more death, more persecution, more sexual assault, just horrific conditions for migrants.

Escobar has her own bipartisan legislation she introduced last spring. She serves as a co-chair of Bidens reelection committee but has expressed dismay with Bidens recent language on the border bending toward Republican rhetoric. Biden said in January that if Congress passed the Senate deal, he would shut down the border right now and fix it quickly.

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Allred also backs Escobars legislation, the Dignity Act, and said Tuesday that the Senate border deal was just a start. He urged colleagues to also consider other bipartisan border legislation that also tackles legal entry as well as controlling illegal crossings in a comprehensive way, including the Dignity Act.

Cuellar acknowledged that the Senate border deal has opponents throughout both parties but stressed the need for border reform was high enough to push a majority of the House to pass the bill.

We do know that in both political parties, there are some folks that dont support the whole thing, Cuellar said. But I think somewhere in the middle, you got about 80% of Democrats and Republicans who want to get it done, and I think if they would put the Senate bill on the floor, we would get it passed.
HA NOI  Viet Nam asked China to honour the signed agreement on the Gulf of Tonkin as well as the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the foreign ministry says in response to a question regarding China's declaration of a new baseline outlining its territory in this gulf.

Spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang, during the press conference in Ha Noi on Thursday afternoon, said that on December 25, 2000, the two countries signed an agreement on the delimitation of the Gulf of Tonkin, which went into effect on June 30, 2004, delimitating each other's territorial seas, exclusive economic zones and continental shelves within the Gulf of Tonkin.

Hang said that Viet Nam believes all coastal countries need to abide by the 1982 UNCLOS when drawing the territorial baseline used to calculate the width of the territorial waters and to ensure that the baseline does not affect the lawful rights and interests of other countries, including the freedom of navigation and the freedom of transit passage through straits used for international maritime activities in accordance with the 1982 UNCLOS.

"Viet Nam has been and will continue to discuss our positions with China on this matter, in a spirit of friendship, mutual understanding and mutual respect."

Viet Nam asks that China respect and abide by the agreement on the delimitation of the territorial seas, exclusive economic zones and continental shelves of the two countries in the Gulf of Tonkin signed in 2000, as well as the 1982 UNCLOS.

The spokesperson remarked that at the same time, however, Viet Nam "reserves its lawful rights and interests in accordance with international law as well as its position as mentioned in the statement on June 6, 1996, made by the Government of Viet Nam, pertaining to the statement made by the Government of China on the May 15, 1996, which announced the baseline used to calculate the width of China's territorial sea."

"In every diplomatic relationship, including between Viet Nam and China, the differences between the two countries will be discussed," Hang noted, in response to whether the new announcement from China will affect bilateral cooperation in general and the gulf agreement in particular.

The Gulf of Tonkin borders both Viet Nam and China, with an area of 126,250sq.km. The body of water is considered to hold great significance to both countries security and defence along with economic development, given its abundant fisheries resources and oil and gas reserves. The two countries have attached importance to the management and exploration of the area.

The Viet Nam-China Maritime Boundary Delimitation Agreement in the Gulf of Tonkin, composed of 11 articles, is a culmination of nine years of talks between the two sides. The agreement is based on principles such as mutual respect for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, mutual benefit, and the strengthening of traditional friendship and neighbourly relations. It aims to uphold stability and promote the development of the Gulf region.  VNS
HA NOI  Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha received Canadian Ambassador for Climate Change Catherine Stewart and Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam Shawn Perry Steil in Ha Noi on Thursday.

Discussing the implementation of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) to which Canada is also a member, Ha said that Viet Nam has issued the National Power Development Plan in the 2021-30 period, with a vision to 2050 (PDP VIII) to develop renewable energy to achieve the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

Therefore, Viet Nam needs support in considering scientific arguments, techniques, technologies, and human resources to solve problems when developing renewable energy.

According to the Deputy PM, although the financial needs to implement JETP were announced, countries need to clarify the cooperation mechanism between government and the private sector, between businesses and international financial institutions. Viet Nam hopes that investors will propose ideas, build specific projects, consider legal issues, and then make them national mechanisms and policies.

Deputy PM Ha praised Canada's viewpoints and policies on climate change response and green transition, especially its "Global Carbon Pricing Challenge initiative, which is important in promoting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions globally. Viet Nam hopes Canada will share experience, methods, and carbon pricing tools to support Viet Nam in building a carbon market, Ha said.

For her part, Catherine Stewart agreed with the Vietnamese Deputy PM on the issues relating to the JETP implementation.

She said Canada considers cooperation with Viet Nam in implementing the JETP as a model to continue fostering cooperation in environment and climate change.

Regarding Viet Nam's renewable energy development plan, she hopes to contribute solutions to this field in Viet Nam, especially regarding opportunities for the private sector.

She also expressed her impression of Vietnam's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and hoped that Viet Nam will cooperate and support reaching an agreement on reducing marine waste, particularly plastic waste.  VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday urged for vigilance against scams disguised as tempting overseas job offers, in response to questions over cases of Vietnamese nationals detained by local authorities for involvement in gambling activities.

Spokeswoman for the foreign ministry Pham Thu Hang said that according to information from the Consulate General in Sihanouk Ville, Cambodia, on March 9, more than 100 Vietnamese nationals working illegally at an online scam gambling centre were detained by Cambodian authorities and subsequently deported.

Acting on the directions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 11, the Consulate General cooperated with local authorities and Vietnamese authorities to conduct the processes to receive the Vietnamese nationals.

Regarding the incident in which Thailand detained 18 Vietnamese nationals, Hang said that immediately upon receiving the information, the Embassy of Viet Nam in Thailand contacted local authorities to find out more about the case and identify those detained.

The embassy informed that the 18 Vietnamese were arrested for organising or participating in games or scams, or helping to advertise and invite others into gambling through electronic devices without the permission of the authorities.

Hang said in the foreseeable future, the Embassy of Viet Nam will continue to follow the situation and the development and requests that the local authorities ensure the lawful rights of the detainees.

Recently, these types of incidents have become more common.

The spokeswoman once again asked Vietnamese citizens to remain cautious in the face of invitations to come abroad and work for work for "high pay, easy job" with no requirements of qualifications or skills, no labour contracts, no mediators, or no labour-sending organisations.

The foreign ministry also urges citizens to properly find out the details of the job they're taking, the locations of the job, the insurance policies, their rights, and the identification of those who introduce them to the job, before going overseas.

Haiti violence

In connection with citizen protection efforts, the press questioned the ministry's efforts to safeguard Vietnamese citizens in Haiti amid a recent surge of violence.

According to the spokeswoman, the Vietnamese Embassy in Cuba also accredited to Haiti reported that the violence in Haiti has escalated rapidly, resulting in a complex situation causing many casualties.

In response, the embassy has implemented various measures to protect citizens, including issuing advisories on social media and providing guidance on ensuring security and safety for citizens.

Additionally, the embassy has deployed staff around the clock to maintain regular contact with the Vietnamese community in Haiti and to continuously update the situation.

"As of now, according to the latest information, Vietnamese citizens in Haiti are still safe. Currently, 70-80 Vietnamese people are living there," the diplomat told the press.

In the future, the Embassy will continue to coordinate with relevant local authorities, diplomatic missions in the area to implement necessary measures to protect citizens, develop appropriate plans to safeguard citizens in conflict situations, and ensure the safety of Vietnamese nationals in Haiti.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises Vietnamese citizens not to travel to conflict areas. Vietnamese citizens in the region should closely monitor the situation, take proactive safety measures when necessary, and strictly adhere to government regulations, Hang remarked.

When assistance is needed, citizens can contact the hotline of the embassy or the citizen protection hotline of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. VNS
HA NOI  Politburo member, permanent member of the Party Central Committees Secretariat and head of the Party Central Committees Organisation Commission Truong Thi Mai hosted a reception for the new Ambassador of Laos to Viet Nam, Khamphao Ernthavanh, in Ha Noi on Thursday.

The Lao diplomat congratulated Viet Nam on its significant, important, and comprehensive achievements across various fields, expressing her belief that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, headed by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, the Vietnamese people will continue to gain greater accomplishments in the renewal process and in the national construction and defence cause.

Showing her joy at the fruitful development of the Laos - Viet Nam special solidarity, she thanked Viet Nam for its effective and timely support for her country, and affirmed that she will do her utmost to further strengthen the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Viet Nam.

For her part, Mai valued the important role of the Lao Embassy in Viet Nam, expressing her hope that the embassy will continue to serve as a bridge connecting and enhancing cooperation between ministries, sectors, organisations, and localities of the two countries.

The Vietnamese Party official expressed her belief that under the leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, the Lao people will effectively implement the 11th Party Congresss resolution; successfully organise Party congresses at all levels towards the 12th National Party Congress; and fulfill the role as the Chair of ASEAN and AIPA in 2024, thus enhancing the countrys position in the region and the world.

Mai affirmed that Viet Nam will forever cherish and continuously nurture and further deepen the special solidarity and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.  VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a reception in Ha Noi on March 14 for Takebe Tsutomu, Special Advisor to the Japan-Viet Nam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, who is visiting Viet Nam in his capacity as Honorary Chairman of the organising board of the ninth Japan-Viet Nam Festival in Ho Chi Minh City.

PM Chinh hailed the festival as the first major event during the inaugural year of the Viet Nam-Japan comprehensive strategic partnership, which attracted nearly 400,000 visitors on March 9-10.

He thanked Takebe for his wholehearted, inspirational and constructive contributions to fostering the Vietnam-Japan friendly cooperation, especially regarding the construction of the Viet Nam-Japan University (VJU).

The PM wished that Takebe would continue to help with concretising the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership through specific projects and programmes across various sectors; stepping up educational cooperation, including upgrading the Japanese Culture and Language Centre at Ha Long University into a centre for Japanese studies, improving the VJU's training quality and opening a semiconductor engineering faculty; and strengthening collaboration with the National Innovation Centre, potentially through the annual organisation of the Japan-Viet Nam education festival in October.

He suggested that the special advisor promote local cooperation in investment, trade and tourism alongside cultural and people-to-people exchanges, including the Viet Nam Festival in Hokkaido and the Hokkaido Festival in Ha Long this year, which are important components of the new bilateral relationship framework. He also highlighted the importance of enhancing workforce training cooperation and improving working and living conditions for Vietnamese apprentices and workers in Japan.

PM Chinh proposed that Japan consider allocating new-generation Official Development Assistance (ODA) capital to a project on building a rail route from downtown Ha Noi to the Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park as soon as possible. He explained that such a railway project holds significant importance, including facilitating the development of the VJU, advancing projects within the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) framework and addressing issues related to the Nghi Son oil refinery project.

Takebe, for his part, agreed with the hosts proposals and pledged his continued support for cooperation with Viet Nam, especially in areas with promising opportunities as mentioned by the PM.

He also suggested specific measures to bolster bilateral ties, including building an "ecosystem" to support human resources training cooperation, and promoting educational tourism, internship training and labour cooperation.

At present, there are about 520,000 Vietnamese people living, working and studying in Japan, forming the second largest foreign community there and significantly contributing to socio-economic development of both countries.  VNS
HA NOI  President Nguyen Xuan Phuc on Monday attended a get-together held by the Air Defence-Air Force to mark the 50th anniversary of the "ien Bien Phu in the air" victory in 1972.

The event brought together leaders of the Ministry of National Defence, revolutionaries, war veterans and people who witnessed the battle, who directly contributed to the victory.

In the 12 days and nights of fierce fighting in Ha Noi in late December 1972 against the US air force, the Vietnamese army and people defeated US airstrikes in the North, shooting down 81 aircraft of all kinds, including 34 B-52 strategic bombers, forcing the US to sign the Paris Agreement on ending the war and restoring peace in Viet Nam (Paris Peace Accords) in January 1973.

This triumph is also called the ien Bien Phu in the air victory, which took the name from the victory of the ien Bien Phu Campaign in 1954 that put an end to the French colonial rule over Indochina.

With the "ien Bien Phu in the air" victory, the US was forced to stop bombing the north of Viet Nam and return to negotiations at the Paris Conference and eventually sign the Paris Peace Accords.

Addressing the event, President Phuc said that the victory reflected the sound political and military policies of the Party. It is the victory of the people-based war and people-based air defence of Viet Nam, the success of the political strength and the spirit of the whole Vietnamese nation, and the will and determination to defeat the US invaders.

It is one of the glorious feats and a great epic in the 20th century, he said, highlighting some lessons that are still valuable today.

President Phuc affirmed that the Party, State and people of Viet Nam always remember and respect the heroic martyrs, officials and soldiers of the Air Defence-Air Force who laid down their lives to achieve various glorious victories.

He highly valued the force's efforts to promote its tradition and complete its tasks in firmly protecting and managing the country's airspace as well as in research, rescue and natural disaster relief activities.

He also praised the force's performance during the Viet Nam Defence exhibition 2022.

Holding that the mission to construct and safeguard the Fatherland and the national sovereignty in the sky and ocean is a heavy one, the President asked the Air Defence-Air Force to continue to promote the spirit of the "ien Bien Phu in the air" victory, and build a strong force in all aspects.

At the same time, the force should stay active in all circumstances to protect the nation from early and afar, while giving advice to the Party and State, the Central Military Commission and Ministry of National Defence on measures to build the air defence, air force and people-based air defence forces, thus creating a firm people-based air defence position ready to fight to protect the country's sky.

The President also reminded the force of ensuring flight safety and actively engaging in military science and technology research in the field of air defence-air force. VNS
GIA LAI On March 14, the Gia Lai Forest Protection Department announced that law enforcement agencies are actively coordinating to investigate two cases of illegal deforestation in Kon Chieng Commune, Mang Yang District.

Based on the report from the Gia Lai Provincial Forest Protection Department, forest rangers and local authorities in Kon Chieng Commune discovered two cases of illegal forest exploitation during inspection patrols on March 5th. These occurrences took place in sub-areas 580 and 585, falling within the administrative boundaries of Kon Chieng Commune, Mang Yang District. The total deforested area amounted to 3,600 square meters.

The first area, encompassing 1,500 square metres, was designated as a production forest with broad-leaved trees in a deteriorating condition. This forest fell under the jurisdiction of Ktu Village in Kon Chieng Commune. Upon inspection of the entire area, which had been subjected to burning and clearance, investigators discovered 20 logs ranging from 18 to 22 centimetres in diameter, evidently felled with a chainsaw. During the investigation, the Kon Chieng Commune police identified a suspect, a 30-year-old man named Jim, residing in Kon Dong Town, Mang Yang District.

The second site, located in sub-area 585, comprised a deforested area of 2,100 square metres within a production forest featuring broad-leaved trees undergoing restoration. This area was also under the management of Ktu Village in Kon Chieng Commune, within the administrative boundaries of Mang Yang District.

Similar to the first location, the entire area had been subjected to burning and clearance, leaving behind five tree trunks with diameters ranging from eight to 15 centimetres, indicating chainsaw cutting. The Kon Chieng Commune police have identified a suspect and are actively pursuing the investigation.

The Provincial Forest Protection Department has instructed the Mang Yang District Forest Protection Team, the mobile Forest Protection Team, and Fire Prevention and Control Unit No. 1 to collaborate promptly with the People's Committee of Kon Chieng Commune, along with relevant agencies and units. Their task is to continue the investigation at the scene, identify offenders, and gather evidence to enforce penalties rigorously for illegal deforestation in Kon Chieng Commune, in accordance with the law. Furthermore, they are urged to enhance management measures, forest protection efforts, and public awareness campaigns to deter involvement in deforestation activities.  VNS
HA NOI  Thirty-six years ago today, 64 soldiers of the Vietnam People's Navy bravely sacrificed their lives in the depths of the sea to defend Viet Nam's sovereignty in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea).

On March 14, 1988, Vietnamese navy soldiers aboard the three vessels, HQ604, HQ605 and HQ505, and those garrisoned in Gac Ma, Co Lin and Len ao Islands, stood firm to stop the intrusion of hostile foreign warships.

Failing to force the soldiers to give in to their threats, the warships opened fire on the three vessels, causing HQ604 to be engulfed in flames and sink, and proceeded to shell the garrison in Gac Ma.

In the face of the sudden attack, the soldiers in Gac Ma held hands tightly and gathered in a circle formation around the national flag to fiercely defend the island.

"Hold the line, my brothers! Let our blood dye the flag of our Motherland and our sacrifices be part of the glorious history of the Navy," shouted the heroic martyr Tran Van Phuong, Deputy Commander of Gac Ma, when he organised the defence against the attack.

They fought bravely and fell in the battle, but their names and their "Immortal Circle" formation will be remembered forever as the embodiment of patriotism.

Hoang Nho, father of the fallen soldier Hoang Van Tuy, never missed a day to pay homage to the 64 martyrs. After he passed away in 2023, his descendants kept up his tradition of offering feast to the martyrs on the anniversaries of their death.

Hoang Thi Loan, Nho's daughter, sees the demise of his brother and the other 63 soldiers as a significant loss to her family and the country. Her family has always been proud of Tuy's courage and will teach its descendants never to forget how bravely he fought in the battle.

Tran Thi Thuy, daughter of the fallen soldier Tran Van Phuong, has followed in her father's footsteps and become a naval soldier.

"My father's image is engraved in my memory."

"I've always dreamed of wearing the naval uniform to follow in my father's footsteps and continue my family's traditions," said Thuy.

She said her father sacrificed his life for the country when she was still in her mother's womb. She only knows about him through his stories, photos and letters.

Every time she visits where he fell, she feels both deeply moved and proud. The strong emotions make her burst into tears like a child.

Nguyen Van Tan, Head of the Truong Sa Military Liaison Committee, was choked with emotions in the 35th anniversary of Gac Ma Battle last year.

He said the sacrifices of the soldiers deeply grieved those who remained and will remind the next generations to stay vigilant to safeguard the integrity of the countrys sovereignty.

The documentary "Truong Sa, April 1988" was produced shortly after the Gac Ma Battle. The graves of the fallen soldiers were laid on Sinh Ton Island.

In 1989, the President of Viet Nam awarded the title "Heroes of the Armed Forces" to the HQ505's crew, along with Tran uc Thong, Vu Phi Tru, Vu Huy Le, Tran Van Phuong and Nguyen Van Lanh.

"We were in a circle to defend Gac Ma; now we are in a circle of brothers to help each other," said veteran Le Huu Thao.  VNS
HA NOI  ong o Hospital will cooperate with the Vascular & Interventional Centre, Singapore in the field of cardiovascular examination and treatment as part of a memorandum of understanding on professional cooperation signed on March 11.

The cooperation will mark a new step forward for the Ha Noi-based ong o Hospital in the field of health care and treatment, bringing more options for patients with heart disease in Viet Nam.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. inh Thi Phuong Thuy, CEO of ong o Hospital, said that the cooperation will focus on improving the capacity to diagnose and treat vascular diseases, as well as provide advanced and effective endovascular intervention methods for patients in Viet Nam.

"This cooperation is expected to help improve the quality of examination and treatment for patients, create new opportunities in providing quality medical services to the Vietnamese people as well as help reduce treatment costs for patients, especially sick people when travelling abroad for treatment," said Thuy.

Established in 2011, ong o Hospital is one of the leading private general hospitals in Ha Noi, gathering leading experts in many fields, especially cardiology, ophthalmology and reproductive support. In 2016, ong o was the first private hospital in the North to successfully perform aortic valve replacement.

Dr. Benjamin Chua, professional director of the Singapore Vascular and Interventional Centre, also said that the cooperation will help the two sides accomplish great achievements together in patient health care and protection.

Dr. Chua also shared about the advanced treatment and diagnostic methods being applied at the Singapore Vascular and Interventional Centre in areas such as varicose veins of the lower limbs, and vascular diseases in the treatment of infertility treatment.

During the event, Dr. Chua and doctors of ong o Hospital also performed free examinations for patients with signs of varicose veins as well as other vascular diseases.

Established in 2015, the Singapore Vascular & Interventional Centre is one of the largest vascular and intervention centres in Singapore. The centre has a team of quality vascular surgeons, proficient in endovascular and surgical treatments for all vascular-related diseases.  VNS
HCM CITY  The Ministry of Health has issued a warning to the public regarding the rising number of deaths from rabies in the country.

There has been a significant increase in rabies-related deaths, with 22 cases reported in the first two months of the year, a spike from the same period last year, according to a report by the ministrys Department of Preventive Medicine.

Provinces that have seen a high number of deaths include Gia Lai (14 cases), Nghe An (7), Binh Phuoc (7), ien Bien (6), Ben Tre (5), and ak Lak (4) and Binh Thuan (4).

The ministry stressed the importance of seeking proper medical care rather than relying on self-treatment or traditional healers.

Rabies is a deadly virus that is usually transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, commonly through a bite or scratch. Once symptoms manifest, the disease is almost always fatal.

With a short incubation period of 10-15 days, rabies predominantly affects children under five who are bitten by infected animals near the central nervous system.

The main reasons for rabies-related deaths in humans include lack of proper treatment, delayed vaccination, insufficient dosage, and incorrect procedures.

The ministry said it was vital to raise public awareness regarding rabies prevention and treatment, as this often leads to delayed medical care and self-treatment with unproven methods.

Preventive measures recommended by the ministry include vaccinating pets, keeping them leashed or indoors, and avoiding interactions that may provoke them.

In the event of a bite, immediate cleaning of the wound and seeking medical attention are crucial, it said.

The public should exercise caution around animals, particularly stray dogs and cats, as they may be carriers of the rabies virus, it added.

Pet owners were urged to ensure their animals are up to date on rabies vaccinations, according to the ministry.  VNS
Germany greenlights humanitarian airlift to Gaza

Xinhua) 11:07, March 14, 2024

BERLIN, March 13 (Xinhua) -- The German Armed Forces will participate in an airlift of humanitarian aid for Gaza, and the deployment of aid could begin as early as the end of the week, Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius said on Wednesday.

Initiated by Jordan, the operation will airdrop relief supplies to the population in Gaza. The United States and France are also participating in the airlift.

The Bundeswehr (German armed forces) is providing two C-130J Hercules transport aircraft, stationed in Evreux in France. Each plane can transport up to 18 tons of cargo.

The population in Gaza is "stalked by hunger, disease, and death," Martin Griffiths, head of the United Nations' Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), warned last month. Around 2.2 million people live in the Gaza Strip.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Jose Angel Ruiz listens to his defense attorneys confer as his trial began Tuesday. Ruiz is accused in what a medical examiner called the extreme abuse and torture of 5-year-old Mercedes Losoya in February 2022. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

The mother of a 5-year-old girl beaten to death in 2022 spent hours describing to jurors at the trial of Jose Angel Ruiz how her then-boyfriend tortured and humiliated the child.

Ruiz, 27, is charged with eight counts of injury to a child causing serious bodily injury. Katrina Rose Mendoza has pleaded guilty to child assault for her part in the killing of her daughter, Mercedes Losoya, and testified Thursday under an agreement with prosecutors that limits her possible sentence to 45 years in prison.

Ruiz could get life in prison if convicted.

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Testimony this week established that Mercedes was pronounced dead at a South Side hospital on Feb. 7, 2022, where Mendoza and Ruiz took her  unresponsive, covered in bruises and abrasions and missing teeth and hair. A Bexar County medical examiner determined that she had endured extreme torture and abuse.

Jurors and the courtroom gallery gasped at photographs that Mendoza, 24, said Ruiz took of the girl at his apartment on his cellphone in the weeks before her death, after she and her two daughters had moved in with him.

Mendoza said Ruiz had told her he would deal with Mercedes because the mother was not disciplining her enough, and she didnt respect me.

She said she allowed it.

The childs relatives wept, and some had to leave, at the sight of Mercedes with bruises all over her face, kneeling naked with her arms bound to a pole. More pictures showed her with a bloody nose and a fat lip with two teeth missing, the top of her head with a huge bald spot, and of Mercedes standing on thumbtacks in a closet used for time outs that had a Ring camera in it so Ruiz could monitor her.

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Before a recess for lunch, the jury also saw a close-up of Mercedes face, smeared with dog feces.

When the trial resumed, there was more weeping, this time at a video showing Mercedes screaming and crying, sitting in the back seat of a car as Ruiz yelled at her to hold a heavy jug.

Hold it up! Hold it up! Ruiz shouted as the child sobbed uncontrollably.

Prosecutor Marissa Giovenco asked Mendoza to describe punishment she had seen either in person, or on the photographs, that was doled out by Ruiz.

Jose would stick her underwear or socks or clothing in her mouth and pull it out quickly, Mendoza told the jury. She believed it caused two of her teeth to be knocked out.

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Sometimes Mercedes would wet her pants when she was scared, Mendoza said, which happened frequently when she was left with Ruiz.

He would mop the floor with her in her urine, get her on the ground and drag her in her urine, Mendoza told the jury.

At times, Mendoza said, Ruiz would shove the childs urine-soaked clothes in Mercedes' mouth, and hold his fingers over her nose until she stopped breathing and passed out.

Mendoza said Ruiz would pull clumps of hair out of Mercedes head and would also force the girls sister, Jordan, who was 6 at the time, to join in the hair-pulling.

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On cross-examination, defense attorney Theresa Connolly asked about the number of times Texas Child Protective Services case workers investigated her. Mendoza could not remember.

Connolly focused on the type of punishment Mendoza herself conducted on Mercedes and asked for examples of things that the child did that made her bad.

She would lie, talk back, she wouldnt keep her hands still while in time out, the witness replied.

Mendoza spoke calmly, in a monotone.

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She testified that the girls were enrolled in school, Jordan in first grade and Mercedes in kindergarten, but she wouldnt take them because she liked to be with them. Mendoza could not remember the name of Mercedes school.
By Khanh Linh

The high school exam has long been the most competitive, nerve-wracking and high-pressure ordeal for Vietnamese students, particularly those in urban areas like Ha Noi. In the upcoming academic year of 2024-2025, the competition is forecast to escalate to unprecedented levels as it has become a race among parents before the students' official examinations take place.

In the past week, many private high schools in Ha Noi have begun accepting applications for the upcoming academic year. As part of this process, parents seeking admission for their children are required to pay a fee, referred to as the "reservation fee," "registration fee," or "deposit".

According to schools, this deposit requirement serves as a means of securing students' enrolment when submitting applications before the new academic year. It is a fee agreed upon voluntarily by parents.

The deposit for a seat at private schools this academic year has surged to a historic high. Prestigious institutes like Archimedes High School in ong Anh District top the list with a fee reaching up to VN23 million (US$932), followed closely by Hanoi Academy High School with VN20 million ($810), Luong The Vinh High School with VN15 million ($608), Newton High School with VN12 million ($486), and Ly Thai To High School in Cau Giay District with VN11 million ($446) per student.

Relatively less prestigious schools maintain slightly lower fees of VN3-10 million ($405-121).

It's essential to note that this amount is non-refundable, even in case students withdraw their applications from the school.

The story of parents rushing around in panic to secure private school options for their children after failing the public high school entrance exam remains a harsh lesson for many families in the capital city. Due to not considering the possibility of their children failing the exam, many parents did not plan another option.

Consequently, they found themselves staying up all night, queuing to submit applications, yet still unable to secure a place in a private school for their children. Many are forced to send their children to study in their hometowns or accept placements in private schools far from home.

Learning from the previous academic years experiences, parents are proactive this year, promptly submitting reservation applications as soon as many private schools opened their enrolment.

Despite the significant deposit required, many parents gritted their teeth and paid the money to ensure their children had back-up option in case they didn't get into their desired public school. They are willing to accept losing this fee if their children are admitted to a better school.

Nguyen Minh Trang, a parent from Nam Tu Liem District, has chosen a prestigious private school with a deposit of up to VN15 million for her child.

She said: I'm willing to spend money for peace of mind. If my child gets into a public school, I'll consider this money spent.

Trang's situation is not unique. It's common for parents to reserve spots at multiple private schools to alleviate their worries. On social media platforms, parents have engaged in discussions, with many admitting to submitting fees for at least one private school to ensure they can "sleep soundly at night," as one parent said.

Nguyen Minh Phuong, a parent residing at Nguyen Huy Tuong Street in Thanh Xuan District, shared that she had paid fees for two schools totalling VN23 million ($932). Uncertain if her child would attend, she paid the reservation fee out of love and concern for her child's future.

People might criticise me for wasting money, but only those in Ha Noi truly understand the educational pressure, she explained.

Its easy to understand the mindset of parents. According to the citys Department of Education and Training, the number of students transitioning from secondary to highschool steadily rises each year.

It estimates that in the academic year 2024 - 2025, the city will have nearly 135,000 students applying for grade 10, an increase of 5,732 students compared to the previous year.

Meanwhile, the admission rate to public high schools is expected to remain unchanged at around 60  62 per cent of the total number of students, making the exam increasingly stressful for students and parents.

The anxiety and fear make many parents restless and uneasy. Many have hurriedly made deposits to reserve a spot without careful consideration.

Nguyen Kim Dung, a parent residing in Khuong Ha Street in Thanh Xuan District, emphasised that those who have the opportunity should quickly rush to make deposits because they have to accept waste as they don't want their child to end up in the distressing situation of being left without a school placement.

At higher education, the situation isn't any different.

Next month, hundreds of thousands of 12th-grade students will begin the competency assessment examination, also known as the critical thinking assessment examination, in the hope that the exams will enhance their chances of admission to their preferred universities.

This examination is independently organised by universities. The fee for each exam session is VN500,000 ($20) per candidate, with candidates having the flexibility to register for as many sessions as they desire.

In recent years, universities have been organising exams in an increasingly overwhelming manner. For instance, Vietnam National University, Hanoi intends to conduct up to six exam sessions, with approximately 75,000 candidates from nine cities and provinces already registered. Similarly, Hanoi University of Science and Technology plans a comparable number of exam sessions across eight localities.

"My child has registered for both examinations at Ho Chi Minh City National University. She also participated in a preparatory course for these exams. All of my child's classmates have registered for the exams as well," said Nguyen Thu Huong from Hoang Mai District.

Dr Nguyen Hoang Chuong, former Principal of Loc Phat High School in Lam ong Province, told the Vietnamese Education Magazine that apart from some positive impacts of exams at certain universities, the proliferation of multiple exams has negative effects.

Students easily become confused and even register for multiple exams to increase their chances. In addition, many students who are unable to register for these exams in their local areas will have to travel to other provinces to take the exams, he said.

It not only adds pressure on students to prepare for the exams, but also financial pressure on parents. This results in a waste of social resources," he said.

It is worth noting that these exams are organised before the high school graduation exams. This means that no matter how well a candidate performs in these exams, the results are meaningless if they fail the high school graduation exams.

It's not difficult to see that examinations sound like good business for schools. Only parents and students are at a disadvantage. They endure financial losses, and the pressure of exams only increases.

The waste of money is evident, but the waste of time, effort and the trust of parents and students in the country's education system is immeasurable.

Building more schools is a long-term solution that needs to be done immediately.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Education and Training needs to have clear direction and conduct regular inspections to ensure that competency assessment exams at universities are organised at appropriate times, ensuring quality and fairness for candidates. By implementing these measures, waste and inefficiency in the examination process can be minimised, ultimately benefiting both students and society as a whole.  VNS
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Today we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the partnership between Vietnam and ADB, Asakawa said at a special ceremony in Ha Noi. Our partnership has improved the quality of life of millions of Vietnamese people - especially members of poor and vulnerable groups, and women and girls.

The ceremony was held in the presence of the prime minister and jointly hosted by the State Bank of Vietnam and ADB. More than 200 officials and representatives from government, development partners, and the private sector attended.

During his visit, Asakawa met with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, National Assembly Deputy Chairman Nguyen Duc Hai, and other senior government officials, including governor of the State Bank of Vietnam and ADB Governor Nguyen Thi Hong, and Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung. He will also meet with Minister of Finance Ho Duc Phoc.

In the last 30 years, ADBs cumulative assistance to Vietnam has amounted to about $18 billion, improving regional connectivity; strengthening environmental management and green investment; promoting the transition to climate-resilient development; enhancing access to education, health, and social services; and supporting the development of ethnic minority communities.

In his meetings, Asakawa reaffirmed ADBs commitment to providing $3 billion in assistance to Viet Nam from 2024-2026 and emphasised the need to enhance project preparation efficiency to accelerate delivery. In addition, ADB has pledged to mobilize $2.1 billion under the governments Resource Mobilisation Plan to support the Vietnam Just Energy Transition Partnership.

ADB president Masatsugu Asakawa delivers a speech at the ceremony

Vietnam is among six ASEAN members that have committed to net-zero emissions by 2050. ADB is stepping up its engagement with governments and development partners in Asia-Pacific to expand climate finance with an ambition to mobilise $100 billion between 2019 and 2030 from its own resources to support climate mitigation and adaptation.

In addition, Asakawa visited Selex Smart Electric Vehicles JSC, the first company in Vietnam to receive an equity investment from ADB Ventures, which supports and invests in impactful startups, demonstrating ADBs support for innovative private sector business models that can play a powerful role in addressing Vietnams climate-related development challenges.

Asakawa will also visit Hanoi College of Electro Mechanics main campus under the Skills and Knowledge for Inclusive Economic Growth Project, which aims to upgrade the teaching and learning environments of national high-quality technical and vocational education and training institutes with up-to-date technology.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia-Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members, with 49 from the region.

ADB agrees $13.8-million loan with GreenYellow The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has inked a $13.8 million loan agreement with GreenYellow Smart Solutions Vietnam to support the installation of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) solar systems in Vietnam.

A strategy fit for success to ensure 2024 targets are met Vietnams economy grew at a lower-than-expected rate in 2023. Shantanu Chakraborty, Vietnam country director for the Asian Development Bank, talked with VIRs Thanh Tung about how the economy has performed and key impetuses for the next 12 months.
What potential does the province have in terms of the global semiconductor production chain?

Luong Van Nghiep, deputy director of Bac Giang Department of Planning and Investment

In the past, many multinational groups selected Vietnam as a hub to produce chips and semiconductors, such as Hana Micron Vina and Amkor. Many other investors are also looking at opportunities, such as Nvidia. The agreement to upgrade the relationship between Vietnam and the United States to a comprehensive strategic partnership is also a milestone to promote the cooperation in the semiconductor production sector in Vietnam.

It is a huge opportunity for Vietnam, and Bac Giang in particular, to participate deeply in the global chip and semiconductor production value chain in the near future.

To hold opportunities, the province has built methodical promotion strategies, which the province determined, to make semiconductor production a key industrial sector. In addition, instead of waiting for investors, Bac Giang is proactive in going abroad to approach them in prominent markets such as the US, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore.

The province has also prepared clear land sites, human resources, as well as transport and industrial infrastructure to meet demands.

Bac Giang has made strong moves in terms of improving its business environment through various resolutions and directives over recent years. Furthermore, the province also established a steering committee for support and business environment improvements to provide support from the first stage of investment.

Many foreign investors like Hana Micron Vina are considering Bac Giang a good investment destination. Why do they do that?

Along with the aforementioned factors, the province has a geographical location with a diverse, synchronous, and modern developed transportation network for regional links.

Bac Giang is a northern province. Hence, it is quite near the rare earth mine, which is an important material to produce semiconductor products. With key foreign-invested projects, such as Hana Micron Vina, the province established a task force, led by a vice chairman of the peoples committee and the leaders of local departments, to support investors during the process, from researching the business climate, through to completing all procedures and during the operation process.

For example, financial backers often face problems relating to the procedures to get the fire safety certification or the approval of the environmental impact assessment report. However, at Bac Giang, key investors receive advice and support, so that the approval procedure goes smoothly.

The task force works with the investors every day, every week to meet their demands and also resolve their issues. At Hana Micron Vina, the company faced a problem relating to connection with the power grid for their expanded facilities. However, the task force was eager to resolve its issue in a short time to ensure the projects success. Furthermore, the task force quickly allocated available land for Hana Micron Vinas expansion.

We also determined that on-site investment promotion was also significant. Hana Micron Vina was an outstanding case. The company entered Bac Giang for the first time in 2019 with initial funding of over $100 million, and the group adjusted the licence to expand their operation for several times, showing their trust in the provinces investment environment.

How will the group help pave the way to lure other large manufacturers in the same field?

Hana Micron Vina has plans to increase its total investment in the province to $1 billion by 2025. The province and the task force will continue to accompany the group in supporting investors to speed up the implementation of procedures to import machinery and equipment for production, and other procedures to receive full benefits and incentives, according to the provisions of law to ensure the disbursement schedule.

Hana Micron Vinas semiconductor manufacturing factory project is one of the key projects with particularly important significance for the socioeconomic development of Bac Giang. The effective and smooth implementation of the project will be the foundation for the development of the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem in the province and in the north in general. This is also an opportunity to create momentum for Bac Giang to bring in more high-tech semiconductor projects.

What should the government do to make localities more favourable to semiconductor investors?

Vietnam is estimated to have large rare earth reserves, ranking second in the world with about 22 million tonnes, which is a huge advantage for the country. However, the government also needs to have a specific plan and select mining and processing investors with capacity, technology, and experience to exploit and deeply process this resource.

In this way, it will help to improve economic efficiency, as well as create advantages for Vietnam with this special important mineral resource.

PM visits northern region's first semiconductor chip factory in Bac Giang Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on December 23 visited Hana Micron Vina Ltd., a company invested by the Republic of Korea (RoK) and the first semiconductor chip manufacturer in the northern region, which is located in Van Trung industrial park, Viet Yen district , the northern province of Bac Giang.

Yadea break ground on its $100 million Bac Giang factory Yadea held a groundbreaking ceremony for its second factory in the northern province of Bac Giang on January 21, marking a new phase of development for the Chinese electronic vehicle (EV) manufacturer in Southeast Asia.
The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) and Ho Chi Minh City authorities on March 2 signed an agreement to jointly implement a pilot of a number of mechanisms policies on sci-tech and innovation for the 2024-2028 period.

Brand new incentives planned for science-technology efforts, illustration photo/ Source: freepik.com

Prioritised fields are AI, the Internet of Things, big data, blockchain, technology for designing and manufacturing components, integrated electronic circuits, robotics, automation tech, and others.

Several special policies are planned, including corporate income tax exemption for a period of five years for innovative startups, sci-tech organisations, innovation centres, and intermediary organisations supporting innovative startups in the city; exemption from personal income tax and organisations with income sourced from transferring capital contributions; and the right to contribute capital to innovative startups in the city.

Moreover, the two parties will work on developing and piloting controlled testing policies for new products, services, and business models based on sci-tech achievements and innovation.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh said, Ho Chi Minh City is the countrys top economic and innovation centre. More than ever, we have enough favourable legal grounds for the MoST and Ho Chi Minh City to boldly pilot specific policies in sci-tech and innovation.

The collaboration with Ho Chi Minh City is one among the tasks that the MoST will focus on this year, together with other legal improvements.

According to Pham Hong Quat, director general of the National Agency for Technology Entrepreneurship and Commercialisation Development, many regulations cannot be resolved immediately because it takes a long time to amend laws. Therefore, it is necessary to experimentally apply policies in some research institutes and universities.

Currently, the policies to support activities of innovative startup supporting centres and relevant startups are facing difficulties because there is no direct support for them or private investors, Quat said. Therefore, the MoST is developing a draft decree on innovation and innovative startups to regulate state management issues and supporting policies for innovative startup centres and other subjects. However, for the policy to come into practice, there needs to be an environment for testing.

Based on piloting a number of direct supporting policies in Ho Chi Minh City, the ministry will summarise and include them in the decree.

Quat added, Sci-tech business incubation at research institutes and universities are very few, and still facing many difficulties in both funding and environment, and testing space for incubated products and technologies.

To deal with this, the ministry is researching a national scheme on incubation and development of sci-tech enterprises to encourage and promote tech research and development, as well as create new products. In addition, the MoST is making proposals to amend the Law on Science and Technology, as well as amendments to the Law on Product and Goods Quality, and Law on Atomic Energy. It also plans to develop and submit to the government five decrees to remove problems while waiting for the sci-tech law to be amended.

According to Quat, this is good news for Vietnams innovation startup ecosystem. Thus far, the efficiency of developing new products and business models, as well as calling for domestic and foreign investment has been improved in number, scale, and quality.

High growth potential is forecast in food tech, health-tech, logistics, green growth, and carbon credit, Quat said. We are encouraging domestic and international powerful groups to pilot new products of innovation startups and businesses, thus creating a foundation for attracting more venture capital funds for the development of the local innovation startup ecosystem.

Huynh Thanh Dat, minister of Science and Technology In the context of complex and unpredictable global developments, along with the influence of the Industry 4.0, the sci-tech industry is making efforts to respond to the task of leveraging, contributing to promoting transformation of the traditional economy with the participation of the knowledge economy and innovation. Sci-tech is inherently a difficult field to manage, but that does not mean there are no solutions. Instead of avoiding it, lets see it as an opportunity and a motivation to change for the better. Therefore, the MoST sees the move not only as an opportunity for Ho Chi Minh City, but also for the sci-tech industry to policies. In that spirit, the Party Committee and the leaders of the MoST will actively advise the government to create a better environment and conditions for scientific research, tech development, and innovation, encouraging sci-tech staff to keep pursuing big dreams. Nam Thieu, country director in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, Qualcomm Vietnam is the third country in Asia and the only one in Southeast Asia that Qualcomm selected to implement innovation programmes, which means Vietnam is ready for the world stage with a dynamic innovation ecosystem. As a commitment to the government to support Vietnam to become an innovation-driven economy, the Qualcomm Vietnam Innovation Challenge is the foundation to foster the growth of domestic technology innovation in Vietnam, to further grow the ecosystem, locally then globally. Besides this, wed like to help Viet startups and smaller enterprises to leverage Qualcomm technologies and platforms with our technical support. The Vietnam startup ecosystem is facing a great opportunity where many government policies and initiatives on innovation have just been released in the country, especially in Ho Chi Minh City from last August, and the United States-Vietnam has upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership, in which AI and semiconductors are strongly focused on.

More stimulus to allure capital into science and technology investment New policy moves are expected to encourage more firms to embrace science and technology investment while also supporting firms through tax incentives.
The inauguration ceremony, held on March 11, commemorated the opening of GoodWe Vietnam Technology Co., Ltd and the commencement of production at the facility.

Representing a significant milestone in the companys global expansion strategy, the new facility marks the third in GoodWes manufacturing network.

Covering approximately 14,800 square metres, the factory will specialise in the production of grid-tied and hybrid inverters catering to markets in North America and key Asian regions.

Customers from diverse markets are eagerly anticipating the output of GoodWes Vietnam factory. We remain dedicated to listening to market needs, delivering high-quality products, and providing excellent service to our customers, Xianfeng LI, general manager of GoodWe Vietnam Technology Co., Ltd, said.

By establishing local production in Vietnam, GoodWe anticipates enhanced price competitiveness in global markets. Moreover, it aims to elevate its service offerings and ensure the timely delivery of high-quality products tailored to the diverse needs of residential, commercial and industrial, and utility applications.

The factory, drawing upon over a decade of GoodWes inverter manufacturing expertise, has fully integrated advanced inverter manufacturing technology and rigorous quality control systems. A range of intelligent manufacturing techniques, including quality traceability and digital monitoring, has been incorporated to ensure the quality and excellence of products.

Daniel Huang, founder and CEO of GoodWe, said, We are dedicated to establishing an overseas benchmark factory, showcasing operational excellence, and replicating success across our global markets in the future. The positive impact of this milestone shows GoodWe's innovation capabilities and its contribution to job creation in the local Vietnamese market.

This move exemplifies GoodWes commitment to strengthening its global brand image, he added. With the opening of the Vietnam factory, we look forward to cultivating expanded customer cooperation opportunities across key markets such as the United States, ASEAN countries, and beyond.

Chinese display maker BOE expands operations in Vietnam with $300 million investment The China-based display maker Beijing Oriental Electronics Group (BOE) is set to invest $300 million in Vietnam's smart terminal project.

Appealing infrastructure can assist China+1 investment diversity efforts Chinese investment flows are predicted to increase in Vietnam as companies continue their China+1 strategy in 2024.
At present, there is a clear assignment of duties assigned by the government to support the development. Specifically, in terms of human resources training, the government assigns the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) to implement manpower training activities. We cannot develop the industry without a qualified workforce.

Dam Bach Duong, director, High-Tech Department Ministry of Science and Technology

The government has assigned the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) to implement the semiconductor chip development strategy.

The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) is assigned to focus on research activities to connect the following stages. Among the ministrys activities, there includes the national product programme in which semiconductor chips are on the list of national products. Currently, the ministry is actively carrying out tasks related to the study, design and manufacturing of semiconductor chips.

We are also working with the MPI and MIC on developing manpower and the semiconductor industry.

At a meeting held in January to review the coordination programme between the MoST and the Ministry of Defence, Viettel proposed to the MoST that the company was also interested in a chip project and hopes to work with the ministry on it.

The MoST and Viettel are preparing meetings with the aim of jointly working on special policies to solve problems related to chips. As semiconductors are a specialised product, just applying existing policies makes it difficult to develop the industry.

We and Viettel now have specific schedules to work with each other, and then propose them to the government and higher agencies.

The development of the semiconductor chip industry is a global trend. Many countries have strengthened their cooperation with Vietnam to a higher level. Therefore, the semiconductor chip industry promises growth potential.

The industry comprises three main activities: design, manufacturing and packaging. Where Vietnam is in this chain. Vietnam is doing packaging, but chiefly through supporting industries for packaging.

Many experts believe that Vietnam should focus on design only. Meanwhile, the supporting industry for packaging should be developed into the packaging industry. We now have around 5,000 engineers, mostly focusing on chip design.

Meanwhile, many other experts have said that Vietnam should learn lessons from Taiwan, which invests in chip manufacturing. And the world is queuing to buy Taiwanese semiconductors. However, manufacturing is costly in terms of investment and human resources.

We have good international cooperation. Many big investors from developed markets like the US, Japan, and Taiwan are interested in making investments in the semiconductor manufacturing in Vietnam.

Work is being done to create better conditions to promote the development of the industry. There will also be sci-tech programmes related to this. We are studying this and will consult the government so that it has the right direction to develop the industry based on the local context and resources so that we can go move efficiently.

At present, we have not had consistent policies which include special incentives for the development of the semiconductor chip industry. Now, the policies related to semiconductor chips are scattered in different documents.

For example, in the high-tech industry, chips are in the list of high-tech products prioritised for development. This means investors can enjoy certain incentives. However, for activities like research, semiconductors are not in the list of national products which enjoy other certain incentives.

It is expected that in the strategy and plan on semiconductor development that the government assigns to the MPI and the MIC, there will be tasks on developing policies so we have consistent and specialised ones to encourage and to create the best policies conditions for businesses and organisations to join research, design, and manufacturing activities in the upcoming time.

Vietnam targets key sectors to cement status as prime investment destination To bolster its position as a hub for investment, Vietnam continues focusing on three key areas land infrastructure, human resources, and institutional reform, according to Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong.

Semiconductor development surge keenly anticipated Vietnam will look to build on its semiconductor diplomacy with the formulation of a strategy on developing the much-needed products.
On the afternoon of May 7, 1954, the flag of the Vietnam People's Army is raised on the roof of General De Castries' bunker, marking the victory of the historic Dien Bien Phu campaign (File photo: VNA)

Buenos Aires - The Dien Bien Phu Victory had a strong impact on the struggle against colonialism of peoples around the world, according to General Secretary of the BrazilVietnam Friendship Association Pedro De Oliveira.

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the victory (May 7), Oliveira emphasised that thanks to the encouragement from the glorious victory of the Vietnamese people over the French army, from 1954 to the late 60s of the last century, more than 40 nations gained independence from colonialism.



The victory was the convergence of many factors, including the leadership role of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the great strategic vision of President Ho Chi Minh and the commanding role of General Vo Nguyen Giap, said Oliviera who has many years researching Vietnams history.



Regarding Vietnam's achievements in recent years, he appreciated the country's admirable economic growth rate since the Doi Moi (Renewal) cause, as well as the results achieved in poverty reduction. Vietnam's export structure has changed a lot from a country exporting rice, coffee and agricultural products to an exporter of industrial products with high added value.



The General Secretary of the Brazil-Vietnam Friendship Association stressed that the Vietnamese revolution is a testament to its ability to adapt to the actual and specific circumstances of the country and the world context.

Vietnam continues to be ASEAN highlight Recovering consumption and production in addition to stronger global goods demand are expected to help Vietnam achieve the highest growth in ASEAN this year.

50 leading US businesses to visit Vietnam A high-level business delegation, including 50 top US businesses, will visit Vietnam from March 1821 to explore investment opportunities.
Beyond enhancing the experience for Vietnamese customers with state-of-the-art facilities, this new laboratory also serves academic purposes at Nguyen Tat Thanh University.

The laboratory is fully equipped with high-end instruments from the worlds leading brands that can be applied in various industries, from pharmaceutical, food and beverage, life science, research & academy to testing lab or mining minerals.

DKSH Business Unit Technology also unveiled the Leica Confocal, the microscope for cutting-edge biomedical research that provides imaging precision for subcellular-structures and dynamic processes.

This initiative is a testament to DKSH Business Unit Technology investment in contributing to market growth and providing assistance to local businesses in Vietnam.

Furthermore, it is also part of the collaboration with Nguyen Tat Thanh University to cultivate numerous educational opportunities and nurture a new generation in science and technology.

Dr. Wesley Chen, head of Sales, Microscopy, SEA and Taiwan, representative of Leica Microsystems said,We are excited to join forces with DKSHs Business Unit Technology in Vietnam as part of their new demonstration lab. Aligned with our shared mission of offering expertise and solutions to our customers, this strategic partnership, promises to provide a great platform for businesses and academia to access up-to-date science equipment.

Leica Microsystems develops and manufactures microscopes and scientific instruments for the analysis of microstructures and nanostructures. Widely recognised for optical precision and innovative technology, the company is one of the market leaders in compound and stereo microscopy, digital microscopy, confocal laser scanning and super-resolution microscopy with related imaging systems, electron microscopy sample preparation, and surgical microscopy.

Robert Puschmann, managing director, Business Unit Technology, DKSH Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam said, This upgraded laboratory demonstrates our commitment to market development and community contribution as an integrated science solutions provider. We believe that by granting access to cutting-edge technologies through the demonstration lab, we can offer the best experiences to customers while also fostering the next generation of scientists through education with our partners, Leica Microsystems and Nguyen Tat Thanh University.

DKSHs purpose is to enrich peoples lives. For almost 160 years, DKSH has been delivering growth for companies in Asia and beyond across its Business Units Healthcare, Consumer Goods, Performance Materials, and Technology. As a top Market Expansion Services provider, DKSH offers sourcing, market insights, marketing and sales, eCommerce, distribution and logistics as well as after-sales services.

The company is a participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business.

Listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, DKSH operates in 36 markets with 29,040 specialists, generating net sales of CHF11.1 billion in 2023.

DKSH Business Unit Technology offers complete solutions for specialised scientific and industrial applications. With around 1,760 specialists, the Business Unit generated net sales of CHF532.6 million in 2023.

DKSH and ACRO Biomedical announce partnership DKSH has announced a strategic partnership with ACRO Biomedical (ACRO), a Taiwanese trailblazer in medical-grade regenerative biomaterials, to boost the supply of ACROs wide range of medical materials to the Vietnamese market.

Vietnam is one of the DKSH's anchor markets Pham Duy Khiem, general manager of Supply Chain Management at DKSH Vietnam, spoke at VIR's Sustainable Development conference on November 16.
Blanca Pescador, 44, was found dead alongside her husband and her two kids. Cristina Bendtsen Leslie Pescador, 19, and her 13-year-old brother, whom the family has identified as Freddie were killed in the house fire last week. Cristina Bendtsen

Relatives of the family found dead in a house fire on the Southeast Side last week released a statement as police continue to investigate their deaths.

Alfredo Pescador, 44; Blanca Pescador, 40; Leslie Pescador, 19; and a 13-year-old juvenile were found dead after their home was found engulfed in flames in the 4400 block of Wrangler Run.

San Antonio police have released few details but said they are investigating the familys deaths as homicide.

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Blanca Pescadors family said last weeks tragic event left her entire family speechless.

ALSO READ: Police investigating Southeast Side house fire that killed family as a homicide

Our whole world was turned upside down, the statement reads. My sister Blanca was a happy and beautiful person and my niece (Leslie) and nephew (Freddie) (were) awesome human beings and outstanding students.

The family described Blanca as someone who prioritized her family while loving to laugh.

Her entire world revolved around her kids and husband, the family said.

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A GoFundMe campaign created by Blancas sister, Cristina Bendtsen, is raising money to bring the Pescador family to El Paso for a proper burial service, surrounded by their loved ones.
On March 25, Decree No.10/2024/ND-CP on establishing and expanding high-tech parks will come into effect, deemed good news for investors and the management boards of the current high-tech parks.

One of the headline incentives is the decentralisation and authorisation of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and municipal and provincial peoples committees to the management board of the high-tech park to implement one-stop shop administrative mechanisms to support investors.

One of the new points of the decree is the promotion of autonomy for high-tech parks in handling administrative procedures. This is the governments policy in removing bottlenecks and attracting high-tech projects, especially projects from foreign-invested enterprises and research and development (R&D) activities, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy said at a conference on the issue in Ho Chi Minh City on February 27.

The characteristic of high-tech investors is that they just focus on technology and are confused with the process of completing the administrative procedures. Therefore, implementing a one-stop shop mechanism, where all procedures are carried out at one focal point, is an important factor impacting their decision, Duy added.

The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) will continue to advise the government to propose decentralisation in the operation of high-tech parks. The decentralisation and authorisation for the management board to implement the one-stop shop is a highlight because it is the expectation of the management boards of high-tech parks.

The Management Authority of Saigon High-Tech Park had asked Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee and the MoST several times to re-establish the one-stop shop mechanism as many foreign investors became frustrated and could not wait any longer because administrative procedures were taking too long.

Along with the authorisation mechanism, the decree regulates that high-tech parks will be eligible for incentives equivalent to those applied to localities with extremely difficult socioeconomic conditions.

In addition, tenants will also enjoy the incentives of corporate income tax, export-import taxes, land fees and credit based on the established regulations. Specifically, tenants in high-tech parks will enjoy a corporate income tax of 10 per cent per year for 15 years. Exemption will be given for the first four years and a reduction of 50 per cent for nine consecutive years.

Projects in high-tech parks will also be prioritised for participation in support programmes on training and recruitment while receiving support for R&D, tech transfer, high-tech agriculture, and innovation.

According to experts, these incentives will pave the way to pull in projects having high-tech content, such as semiconductors.

Foreign investment inflows in Vietnam also appear a new trend, which focuses on the fields using green and clean technology with high technology content such as chip and semiconductor production, said Le Huu Quang Huy, a member of the interim executive committee of the Financial Association of Industrial Parks.

This trend comes from the matching supply and demand. The processing and manufacturing industries are the strengths of many groups around the globe, and whatever their strength, they will focus on investing to seek profits, Huy added.

Meanwhile, Vietnam is pushing many policies to draw in high-quality capital inflow to realise the goal of industrialisation, and the promulgating incentives for funding in high-tech parks is an example of incentive policies.

We have worked with many foreign investors in the high-tech sector. They include one kitchen equipment manufacturer from Taiwan and one from South Korea, which have experience in producing semiconductors, chips, and batteries to export to the United States and Germany for Tesla and Hyundai, Huy said. We saw that they trust the business environment of Vietnam and want to have long-term operation here. It is a good opportunity.

According to the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, as of February 20, the total newly registered capital, additional capital, capital contributions, and share purchases by foreign investors, surged 38.6 per cent compared to the same period in 2023.

Last year, Samsung poured another $1.2 billion into Vietnam, raising its investment to $22.4 billion. The group aims to pump an additional $1 billion per year into the country.

In addition, Qualcomm is planning to open a R&D centre in the central city of Danang, and has asked the city to support the group in opening an AI research lab at Danang Software Park 2.

Currently, there are four high-tech parks in Vietnam. Saigon High-Tech Park was founded two decades ago and has attracted 160 projects with the total investment of $12 billion. It is the production hub of Samsung HCMC CE Complex Electronics Co., Ltd. Danang High-Tech Park, established in 2010, has attracted 26 projects with the investment of $852 million. Covering around 1,600 hectares in Thach That and Quoc Oai districts in Hanoi, Hoa Lac High-Tech Park was founded in 1998 and has attracted 102 projects worth over $4 billion. The park draws big tech companies such as Viettel, FPT, Hanwha Aerospace, and Nidec, and hosts the National Innovation Centre. Dong Nai High-Biotechnology Park carries out research, incubation, application, and transfer of biotechnology. It will also develop human resources, support high-tech startups, manufacture and sell high-tech products, and provide advanced biotech services. In addition, Can Tho city and Ha Nam province are waiting for approval for several high-tech parks.

Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Park's green development Haiphong is scaling up efforts towards green development, with Sao Do Group's Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Park as a shining example.

Industrial parks seek answers for potential power shortages Many industrial areas face the risk of power shortages in 2024, which will undermine production, tenants, and investment.
The factory will specialise in manufacturing bearings and linear motion equipment, with a designed capacity of 930 metric tonnes per year. With an investment of $57 million, the project is slated to begin construction in mid-2025 and be put into operation in January the following year.

IKO Thompson Vietnam received an investment certificate from Quang Ninh leaders to implement the project in February.

With extensive experience in industrial production in Japan, IKO Thompson Vietnam's presence in Song Khoai IP sends a positive message to potential Japanese investors in the park.

Song Khoai IP is managed by Amata Ha Long Urban JSC, part of Amata Group, and is divided into five phases spanning 714ha valued atVND3.5 trillion ($142 million).

The park is now home to 15 projects worth more than $2.4 billion. These include the Jinko Solar PV Vietnam photovoltaic cell technology project and the Jinko Solar Vietnam silicon wafer technology project. Jinko Solars projects have created around 4,000 jobs, providing workers with an average income of VND13 million ($525) per person per month.

The remaining 13 projects are under construction.

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.

FPT takes ownership of Japan's NAC FPT Corporation announced on March 1 that it has acquired the IT services company Next Advanced Communications NAC Co., Ltd. (NAC), its first merger and acquisition (M&A) deal in Japan.
Screenshot of Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian presenting his remarks at the working meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR RI) Legislative Body in Jakarta on March 13, 2024. (Source: ANTARA/Melalusa Susthira K/nbl)

Jakarta  The Indonesian government is firm on its stance that future Jakarta governors should be elected by Jakarta residents instead of being appointed by the central government, Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has said.

"The government's stance is clear, (the governor) should be elected as the current system stands, not appointed," Karnavian emphasised at the working meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR RI) Legislative Body on March 13, as quoted by the countrys national news agency Antara.



According to the agency, the minister made the remarks in connection with the public response to the Jakarta Special Region Bill. He also noted that the election method of the Jakarta governor will be one of the government's focus on the bill deliberation.



According to DPR RI Legislative Body chairperson Supratman Andi Agtas, the bill will comprise 12 sections and 72 articles regulating four aspects.



The proposed law will regulate Jakarta's special status as the nation's economic center, global city, and urban agglomeration; offer solutions to address issues in Jakarta and its surrounding areas and the development synergy in the Greater Jakarta area; and regulate the monitoring of law enforcement.



Agtas highlighted that the fourth aspect regarding the appointment and dismissal of the Jakarta governor by the president and the governor's special authority has become a public discourse.

Indonesia asks social media platform X to remove gambling ads Indonesias Communications and Information Ministry (Kominfo) summoned representatives from the Singapore office of social media platform X, formerly Twitter, to address concerns regarding online gambling advertisements on the platform.

Indonesia provides 10 million doses of polio vaccine for Afghanistan The Indonesian Agency for International Development (Indonesian AID) has donated 10 million bOPV (bivalent oral polio vaccine) doses produced domestically to Afghanistan.
"Virtual Assets (VA) are an irreversible global trend. The total value of VA is expected to reach up to 10 per cent of the global GDP, counting for $16 trillion by 2030. Therefore, a comprehensive legal framework will be a catalyst for the development of the crypto and blockchain sectors, contributing to the national economy," said Phan Duc Trung, vice chairman of the VBA.

Phan Duc Trung shed light on the information regarding the virtual asset market

The event witnessed the appearances of numerous representatives of state management agencies such as the Science, Technology, and Environment Committee of the National Assembly, the Legislative Research Institute of the National Assembly, the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Public Security, the State Bank of Vietnam, the State Securities Commission, the Vietnam Bankers Association, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the National Centre for Electronic Authentication, the National Cyber Emergency Response Centre.

As well as research organisations, technology companies, financial institutions, legal entities, lawyers both domestic and international, and a large community of VASP representatives in Vietnam attended, along with representatives from 30 media agencies.

In his opening remarks, Nguyen Doan Hung, former vice chairman of the State Securities Commission said, the abundant participation of agencies, organisations, and VASPs operating in the Vietnamese market, demonstrates interest and support for the legalisation of VA and VASP.

This is the third scientific workshop to gather feedback for constructing the official rules for managing VA organised by VBA.

Previously, the VBA collaborated with the Vietnam Bankers Association to organise two feedback workshops at the headquarters of the State Bank of Vietnam in Hanoi and its branch in Ho Chi Minh City in September 2023, with the direct and online participation of nearly 2,000 invited guests representing state agencies, commercial banks, research institutions, law firms, and VASPs both domestically and internationally.

Virtual assets in Vietnam: a regulatory outlook While some countries have recognised their legal validity, Vietnam has yet to officially acknowledge virtual assets. Thai Gia Han, associate, and Nguyen Trung Nghia, legal assistant from Indochine Counsel, provide an overview of virtual assets, thereby offering some recommendations on whether virtual assets should be recognised in Vietnam.

Vietnam Blockchain Association supports innovation in Ho Chi Minh City The strategic cooperation between the Vietnam Blockchain Association (VBA) and the Department of Science and Technology has marked a turning point for blockchain innovation in Ho Chi Minh City.
With this cooperation, Liberty Insurance Vietnam offers Mercedes-Benz customers comprehensive, outstanding insurance benefits with competitive fees through the Mercedes-Benz Car Insurance programme (MBI).

Tran Nga, general director of Liberty Insurance Vietnam said, "We are honoured and proud to leverage our capabilities and international-standard services to help Mercedes-Benz car owners have a truly distinguished, premium experience, and peace of mind when using Mercedes-Benz Car Insurance provided by Liberty Insurance.

Serving individuals, family, and business customers in Vietnam for 20 years, Liberty continues to bring its top-notch, international-standard solutions, and services to the programme with three products: MBI Classic, MBI Advance, and MBI Luxury. Each product will have corresponding fees and benefits, but in general, MBI products provided by Liberty are committed to providing outstanding benefits.

One benefit is comprehensive and optimal insurance coverage against many types of risks, including hydraulic stroke insurance. Another benefit is repair at authorised service workshops in Vietnam and replacement with genuine parts from Mercedes-Benz without depreciation. This is coupled with a fast and transparent compensation process, free towing service 24/7 for all causes, and unlimited nationwide.

In an effort to bring a truly distinguished and premium experience to Mercedes-Benz owners, the MBI programme provided by Liberty also has exclusive support benefits such as a dedicated hotline and resolute customer care team to consult, support, and receive compensation requests. It also offers transportation arrangement for the driver and passengers in the case of immobility due to an accident.

Firat Yoney, customer services director of Mercedes-Benz Vietnam said, "We are glad to have Liberty accompany us in the MBI programme this year. We believe that, with Libertys many years of experience and expertise in the insurance industry, together we will bring services that perfectly match the high standards and expectations of Mercedes-Benz customers.

Liberty Insurance wins at the IAAs for second year in a row Liberty Insurance Limited, a subsidiary of the US-based Liberty Mutual Group, was recognised at the 2023 Insurance Asia Awards (IAAs) in the 'International General Insurer of the Year - Vietnam' and 'Auto Insurance Initiative of the Year - Vietnam' categories.

Liberty Insurance receives Best Companies to Work for in Asia award Liberty Insurance Limited, a subsidiary of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group headquartered in the US, has been recognised by the region's leading HR Asia as the first non-life insurer in Vietnam to become an award recipient of Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2023.
OpenAI will be able to use content from Le Monde and Prisa Media publications including El Pais, Cinco Dias, and El Huffpost to train the models powering its artificial intelligence, the San Francisco-based company said in an online post.

OpenAI partners with Le Monde and Prisa Media, illustration photo/ Source: freepik.com

"In partnership with Le Monde and Prisa Media, our goal is to enable ChatGPT users around the world to connect with the news in new ways that are interactive and insightful," OpenAI chief operating officer Brad Lightcap said in the post.

In the coming months, ChatGPT users will be able to get summaries of news content from the publishers along with links to original articles, according to OpenAI.

"This partnership with OpenAI allows us to expand our reach and uphold our commitment to providing accurate, verified, balanced news stories at scale," Le Monde chief executive Louis Dreyfus said in the post.

He described Le Monde as France's leading news outlet with 600,000 subscribers and more than 2 million daily users.

"Our partnership with OpenAI is a strategic move to ensure the dissemination of reliable information to AI users, safeguarding our journalistic integrity and revenue streams in the process," Dreyfus said.

Financial details of the partnerships were not disclosed.

Prisa Media chief executive Carlos Nunez called the OpenAI alliance a "step toward the future of news" where technology and human expertise merge to serve readers.

OpenAI had previously announced partnerships last year with The Associated Press and Axel Springer.

The European Parliament gave final approval on Wednesday to the world's most far-reaching rules to govern artificial intelligence, including powerful systems like OpenAI's ChatGPT.

The AI Act focuses on higher-risk uses of the technology by the private and public sector, with tougher obligations for providers, stricter transparency rules for the most powerful models like ChatGPT, and outright ban on tools considered too dangerous.

Brussels has been sprinting to pass the new rules since OpenAI's Microsoft-backed ChatGPT arrived on the scene in late 2022, unleashing a global AI race.

There was a burst of excitement for generative AI as ChatGPT wowed the world with its human-like capabilities -- from digesting complex text to producing poems within seconds or passing medical exams.

But with the excitement came a swift realisation of the threats -- not least that AI-generated audio and video deepfakes would turbocharge disinformation campaigns.

OpenAI CEO Altman visits S.Korea for Samsung, SK Hynix meetings: reports ChatGPT creator OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, has arrived in South Korea to meet with the leaders of chip giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, reports said Friday.

ChatGPT's OpenAI reveals text-to-video tool OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT and image generator DALL-E, said it was testing a text-to-video model called Sora that would allow users to create realistic videos with a simple prompt.

Microsoft says to invest 3.2 bn euros in AI in Germany Microsoft said Thursday it would invest 3.2 billion euros ($3.4 billion) in Germany through 2025, with the bulk going to expand the tech giant's efforts in artificial intelligence.
Quang Nam pursuing wider green growth strategy

To host the event, Quang Nam will organise almost 40 unique activities from now until November, mainly in the province itself. There will also be eight scientific forums, conferences, and seminars on biodiversity, 10 activities to raise awareness, and a series of activities related to planting trees.

The event will also see scientific talks on wildlife conservation and biodiversity restoration; a scientific conference on biodiversity research in coastal marine areas; workshops on improving operational efficiency and management of Cu Lao Cham-Hoi An Biosphere Reserve; and a symposium on carbon storage.

Le Thuy Trinh, deputy director of Quang Nam Department of Natural Resources and Environment, said that National Biodiversity Restoration Year 2024 was an environmental event of international scale, contributing to raising awareness of the importance of biodiversity conservation at all levels.

At the same time, it solidifies the viewpoint of not sacrificing the environment for the sake of economic development, and it is necessary to develop the economy with green thinking, circularity, and a harmonious balance between environmental protection and economic development according to the content of provincial planning, Trinh said.

In addition, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will organise three activities in Quang Nam: a ceremony in response to International Day of Biodiversity in May and for International Day of Biosphere Reserves in November, and a conference summarising the management of special-use forests and sharing management experiences between national parks and protected areas, also in November.

The overall event will help implement the national strategy on biodiversity to 2030, and is associated with participating in the United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration. The event also contributes to implementing Vietnams international commitments in 2022, which affirmed that Vietnam continues to actively participate in efforts to preserve global biodiversity.

Quang Nam aims to protect, promote, and sustainably use national and international natural ecosystems, including national parks, natural reserves, species, habitat conservation areas, cultural and historical relics, special-use forests, coral reefs, mangrove forests, and more besides.

The province has already established a new grey-shanked douc langur habitat conservation area, the Lim Xanh nature reserve, the Chien Thang landscape protection area, the Thu Bon River lower wetland conservation area; and the Tam Hai Marine protected area.

Chairman of Quang Nam Peoples Committee Le Tri Thanh said that maintaining, protecting, and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity was of great significance not only for the country but the whole world.

Restoring biodiversity associated with protecting the ecological environment is essential, so we should not focus too much on socioeconomic development without paying attention to restoring and preserving the biodiversity of natural ecosystems. Quang Nam province persistently pursues a green growth strategy for inclusive and sustainable development, he said.

Provinces tourism can break through With much potential for tourism development, Quang Nam province is to offer solutions to improve quality and become an even more attractive destination for both domestic and foreign tourists.

Quang Nam outlines its rapid development dreams Quang Nams provincial planning goals for 2030 and beyond indicate a wide ambition to develop its industry, energy, tourism, urban areas, and much more besides.

Quang Nam set for car industry upgrade Quang Nam province will raise the quality of its automobile industry and mechanical manufacturing to become an important field for the development of the province, according to its official planning.

Gas and energy industry becoming new driving force Quang Nam provinces planning for the rest of this decade is to emphasise the development of a central gas power centre associated with energy-using industries and post-gas products in Chu Lai Open Economic Zone.

Quang Nam seeking logistics centre status for the region A relatively modern and synchronous infrastructure system will play an important role in attracting investors to develop logistics services in Quang Nam province.
Vietnam's economy is on a robust growth trajectory, with a population nearing 100 million and a GDP growth rate of approximately 6 per cent.

Its automotive market is expanding in lockstep, with approximately five million vehicles in operation in the country and new vehicle sales expected to continue over 10 per cent growth on-year. This expansion is paralleled by a diversification in the sales and usage patterns of automobiles, fuelled by the increasing demand from both individual and corporate customers.

In line with Vietnam's commitment to achieving virtually zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the market is witnessing a surge in initiatives aimed at promoting carbon neutrality.

GSM, established in 2023 by Vingroup chairman Pham Nhat Vuong, is pioneering the EV taxi and rental business across Vietnam, promoting electric mobility and a low environmental impact lifestyle. This positions GSM as a key player in the transition towards electric vehicles in the Vietnamese automotive market.

Sumitomo Corporation is engaged in a broad range of automotive industry fields, in Japan and overseas, from vehicle engineering and manufacturing to sales, after-sales service, and energy management.

In the mobility business, Sumitomo Corporation works in auto leasing, auto financing, EVs, individual subscriptions, and parking lots, among other areas. Its efforts have significantly supported the development of Vietnam's automobile industry to date.

Sumitomo Corporation has set a goal of becoming carbon-neutral across all its business activities by 2050. Supporting the Asia Zero Emission Community, launched by the Japanese government and other Asian countries, Sumitomo is engaged in promoting decarbonisation and energy transition across Asia, including Vietnam.

Through this collaboration with GSM, Sumitomo aims to explore ways to foster carbon neutrality in Vietnam, leveraging GSM's customer base, EV maintenance, and charging infrastructure, along with expertise in mobility business.

Sumitomo will continue to collaborate with partners to develop businesses that respond to the evolving demands of the modern era, leveraging experience and expertise to contribute to the automotive industry and society at large.

Van Phong 1 power plant begins commercial operation The Van Phong 1 coal-fired power plant was connected to the national grid on March 13, marking the start of its commercial operations.

Sumitomo to cooperate with PV Gas in LNG Sumitomo Corporation expects to collaborate with PV Gas in developing liquefied natural gas projects chain in Van Phong Economic Zone of the central coastal province of Khanh Hoa.
US House easily passes TikTok ban bill as eyes turn to Senate, illustration photo/ Source: freepik.com

The legislation is a major setback for the video-sharing app, which has surged in popularity across the world while causing nervousness about its Chinese ownership and its potential subservience to the Communist Party in Beijing.

The lawmakers voted 352 in favor of the proposed law and 65 against, in a rare moment of unity in politically divided Washington.

The warning shot against the app caught many by surprise as both Republicans and Democrats risked the wrath of TikTok's passionate young users in an election year when the youth vote will be key.

"Today's bipartisan vote demonstrates Congress' opposition to Communist China's attempts to spy on and manipulate Americans, and signals our resolve to deter our enemies," Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said after the vote.

"I urge the Senate to pass this bill and send it to the President so he can sign it into law."

But the fate of the bill is uncertain in the more cautious Senate, where some are apprehensive about making a drastic move against an app that has 170 million US users.

President Joe Biden will sign the bill, known officially as the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, into law if it comes to his desk, the White House has said.

"This process was secret and the bill was jammed through for one reason: it's a ban," said a spokesperson for TikTok in a statement.

"We are hopeful that the Senate will consider the facts, listen to their constituents, and realize the impact on the economy, 7 million small businesses, and the 170 million Americans who use our service."

After the vote, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew urged the app's users in the United States to speak out and share their stories, including with their senators.

"This bill gives more power to a handful of social media companies. It will also take billions of dollars out of the pockets of creators and small businesses," Chew said in a video posted on social media platform X.

"It will put more than 300,000 American jobs at risk and it will take away your TikTok."

"We will continue to do all we can including exercising our legal rights to protect this amazing platform that we have built with you," he added.

"We believe we can overcome this together... Protect your constitutional rights. Make your voices heard."

Majority leader Chuck Schumer, who will need to back the bill, remained non-comital, saying only that the Senate "will review" the legislation when it comes over from the House.

The measure, which only gained momentum in the past few days, requires TikTok's parent company ByteDance to sell the app within 180 days or see it barred from the Apple and Google app stores in the United States.

It also gives the president power to designate other applications to be a national security threat if they are under the control of a country considered adversarial to the United States.

The renewed campaign against TikTok came out of the blue to the company, the Wall Street Journal reported, with TikTok executives reassured when Biden joined the app last month as part of his campaign for a second term.

Chew is in Washington, trying to stop progress on the bill.

China warned on Wednesday that the move will "inevitably come back to bite the United States."

"Although the United States has never found evidence that TikTok threatens US national security, it has not stopped suppressing TikTok," foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said, condemning it as "bullying behavior."

Republican lawmakers approved the bill, in an unusual act of defiance against Donald Trump.

In a turnaround from his earlier stance, Trump on Monday said he was against a ban, mainly because it would strengthen Meta, the owner of Instagram and Facebook, which he called an "enemy of the people."

When Trump was president, he attempted to wrest control of TikTok from ByteDance, but was blocked by US courts.

"I think it will die in the Senate," said Representative Nancy Mace, a Trump ally. "This is not our job to do this."

Other efforts to ban TikTok have failed, with a bill proposed a year ago getting nowhere largely over free speech concerns.

Similarly, a state law passed in Montana banning the platform was suspended by a federal court on the suspicion that it violated constitutional free speech rights.

TikTok staunchly denies any ties to the Chinese government and has restructured the company so the data of US users stays in the country with independent oversight, the company says.

TikTok to invest 1.5 billion USD in Indonesia's GoTo group Chinese short-video platform TikTok on December 11 announced an investment of 1.5 billion USD in GoTo technology firm of Indonesia following an agreement to restart its shopping app in the Southeast Asian country.
Following four years of construction, the Van Phong 1 thermal power plant was completed and put into operation ahead of schedule, towards the end of January. The project is run by Van Phong Power Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan-based Sumitomo Corporation, with an investment of $2.58 billion.

The plant uses ultra-supercritical technology, with a capacity of 1,320MW, comprising two generating sets of 660MW, and is expected to supply about 8.5 billion kWh each year to the national power grid, equivalent to 3 per cent of Vietnam's total capacity.

Van Phong 1 is expected to attract more investment to Van Phong Economic Zone, developing local industries, and creating growth drivers for the economy of Khanh Hoa province and the central region. The project will create jobs and contribute about VND1 trillion ($40.5 million) per year to the local budget.

Nguyen Tuan Tuan, Chairman of Khanh Hoa Peoples Committee, said, We hope that Sumitomo Corporation and other local and foreign companies will continue to research and implement new industrial, infrastructure, and service projects in the locality. Khanh Hoa province is committed to accompanying and supporting investors to achieve shared goals,

Hirokazu Tsuru, general director of Van Phong Electricity Co., Ltd., said, "Sumitomo Corporation greatly appreciates the support of the Vietnamese government and Khanh Hoa province during the project's implementation and construction. Thanks to our close partnership with Vietnam Electricity (EVN), the corporation can now accelerate the completion of the 500kV Van Phong-Thuan Nam transmission line and the Van Phong transformer station."

The Van Phong 1 thermal power plant is a 'build, operate, and transfer' project and will be handed over to EVN in 25 years.

The plant's general contractor is a consortium of reputable contractors, including IHI Corporation, Toshiba ESSC, CTCI Corporation, and Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction.

$2.58 billion Van Phong thermal power plant to start operation next year The thermal power plant project is invested by Van Phong Power Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Japan-based Sumitomo Corporation.

Van Phong 1 up and running sooner than expectated The Van Phong 1 thermal power plant, thanks to a $2.58 billion investment from Sumitomo Corporation, will start operation of its first turbine at full capacity in August, sooner than expected., with a second turbine set to be up and running by the end of the year.
Wearing makeup during exercise can be harmful to the skin, according to a study led by a Texas A&M University-San Antonio researcher. Robin Jerstad

Exercising while wearing makeup is harmful for your skin, according to a recent report by local researchers.

Time magazine this week acknowledged the work of Texas A&M University-San Antonio, including professor Sukho Lee, in determining that makeup left higher levels of moisture and debris on 43 students who participated in a study. Lee hopes to learn more about the effects of sunscreen and other topical applications on skin conditions during aerobic exercise.

Sukho Lee is a professor in the department of counseling, health and kinesiology at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Courtesy / Texas A&MUniversity-San Antonio

Although skin regulates body temperature during physical activity, makeup can block pores and negatively impact skin health, Lee told the magazine. He is a professor in the department of counseling, health and kinesiology and senior author of the study, published this month in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

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In the study, researchers applied foundation to foreheads and under the eyes of 23 female and 20 male students who ran on a treadmill for 20 minutes. They found smaller pores and higher levels of moisture and debris where foundation was applied, revealing areas where the skin wasnt able to regulate oil and debris.

Sukho Lee, professor at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, speaks with Sister Maria Luisa Vera, right, president and CEO of Mercy Ministries of Laredo, and Ranjita Misra, of Texas A&M University-College Station, in 2012. CUATE SANTOS

According to the study, theres a growing trend of individuals wearing cosmetics while participating in physical activities.

The findings suggested the foundation cream, where applied, caused dryness of the skin and clogged pores, potentially leading to acne and other problems. People with dry skin conditions are most at risk, the study said.
Vietnamese Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung and Ericsson President and CEO, Borje Ekholm on March 12 had a meeting to discuss strengthening cooperation in telecommunications, and digital transformation.

Vietnamese Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung and Ericsson president and CEO, Borje Ekholm discussed strengthening cooperation

Borje Ekholm highly appreciated the efforts of the Vietnamese government in developing networks for businesses as well as implementing the national digital transformation.

The CEO emphasised the importance of cloud computing and 5G technology, expressing his desire to cooperate more closely with Vietnamese operators to maximise coverage and optimise operations of new generation networks.

Sharing about Vietnam's 5G deployment plan, Minister Nguyen Manh Hung said that network operators will simultaneously deploy 5G network nationwide to increase network capacity and develop applications for industries, thereby developing the digital economy and increasing labour productivity.

The minister emphasised the importance of transforming from telecommunications infrastructure into digital infrastructure. Vietnamese operators are still basically telecommunications operators. Transforming into digital technology companies or digital infrastructure to develop the digital economy has not yet been achieved.

Therefore, the minister encouraged Ericsson to share experiences in building and developing digital infrastructure and developing new business models with Vietnamese network operators.

In addition, the minister also supports cooperation between Ericsson and Vietnamese universities in building more labs in Hanoi, creating conditions for students to access new and advanced technology and develop new applications.

Ericsson is the world's leading corporation in providing telecommunications infrastructure solutions, with about 100,000 employees, doing business in more than 180 countries.

Ericsson began providing telecommunications equipment in Vietnam in 1991, opening a Representative Office in 1993. The company provides equipment to all four mobile network operators in Vietnam.

Since 2020, Ericsson has coordinated with local network operators Viettel, Vinaphone and Mobifone in 5G commercialisation testing.

Ericsson and RMIT University to establish AI Lab in Vietnam Ericsson and RMIT University have elevated their cooperation to a new height with an agreement signed on August 18 for the launch of the RMIT & Ericsson AI Lab at RMIT's campus in Hanoi.

Ericsson to accelerate Vietnams digitalisation journey via upskilling in 5G The upcoming launch of the AI Lab by RMIT and Ericsson is pinning high hopes on upskilled manpower for Vietnams digital transformation. Denis Brunetti, president of Ericsson in Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, talked to VIRs Minh Anh about the ambitious goals of Ericsson through this initiative.

President of Ericsson Vietnam recognised for sci-tech contribution The International Society of Engineering Asset Managements Outstanding Achievement Award recognises the contribution to digital transformation efforts of Denis Brunetti, president of Ericsson in Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. He talked to VIRs Bich Thuy about this special journey and Ericssons strategy ahead in the context of 5G, Industry 4.0, and new emerging technologies.

Rita Mokbel appointed as head of Ericsson Vietnam Rita Mokbel was appointed as head of Ericsson Vietnam on November 13. Her new role will see her be responsible for driving the companys business and overseeing its operations in Vietnam.
Since its inception, the annual investment summit has attracted thousands of international companies and generated more than $98 billion in new ventures through a one-stop shop platform designed to connect qualified foreign companies and investors with US economic development organisations representing state and local governments from across the United States and its territories.

The US is the largest consumer market in the world and is a great choice for any Vietnamese company looking to go global, said Stephen Green, counsellor for commercial affairs at the US Embassy in Hanoi. Over the four days of the SelectUSA Investment Summit, companies can make connections and gather the information needed to start growing in the US.

"Since 2016, Vietnamese businesses have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the US after participating in this summit. This year, there will be around 2,300 international participants coming from 83 international markets, all looking for investment and cooperation opportunities in key industries such as business and professional services, information and communication technology, energy, automotive, healthcare, and financial services," said Ambassador Knapper.

Participants will also have the opportunity to hear from US cabinet members about doing business in the US, as well as meet with key representatives from the economic development teams of various governors and mayors from across the country.

Another highlight of the summit is 'SelectUSA tech' for eligible startups with innovative technology products and services that are planning to expand to the US within the next two to three years.

Last year, it saw a record of more than 500 early-stage companies attend the summit, including women entrepreneurs from 30 international markets. More than 75 tech startups from 33 markets participated in nine pitching sessions, with 85 mentors from the US startup ecosystems also attending the event.

The US has been ranked as the number one destination globally for foreign direct investment for over a decade, and is currently home to more overseas funding than any other country in the world.

The 10th SelectUSA Investment Summit aims to build on the momentum from the US  Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and is being hailed as yet another initiative to increase trade and commerce between the two countries.

50 leading US businesses to visit Vietnam A high-level business delegation, including 50 top US businesses, will visit Vietnam from March 1821 to explore investment opportunities.
A commission tasked with updating the city of Wacos state historical marker at City Hall has abandoned an effort to rank a long list of items of local history in order of importance.

The Waco Historic Landmark Preservation Commission on Tuesday agreed to produce a chronological list of 50 episodes and people in Waco history after a member complained that a subcommittees earlier ranking effort underemphasized Black history.

Commission member Jeanette Bell, president of the North East Riverside Neighborhood Association, said the list did not adequately include contributions of Black people to Wacos history. Bell also raised concern with the ranking system itself, saying that as the only Black representative on the commission, her efforts to prioritize Black history would be outvoted.

She said the ranking system was too complicated due to the difficulty in ranking 50 different items of historical interest.

Ultimately, the commission agreed that it was nearly impossible to rank 50 items by importance and opted for a chronological list.

Commission member Stephen Sloan, who heads Baylor Universitys Institute for Oral History, said a chronological list is typical for a marker submission, which usually includes a historical narrative of eight to 10 pages.

Once the list is finalized, it will be submitted to the McLennan County Historical Commission, which will review the list before sending it on to the Texas Historical Commission.

The state agency will draft the text for a new marker based on the recommendations.

Members of the city commission said they hoped for a new marker that will contain 200 to 300 words, and be similar to Wacos other narrative historical marker located at the Texas Ranger Museum.

In October, the Commission formed a subcommittee to draft recommendations for an update to the current marker, which many city officials said was outdated and offered an incomplete look at Wacos rich history.

The current marker was installed in 1964 at the intersection of Highways 84 and 31 east of town and later moved outside City Hall. The marker consists of only six sentences, or 46 words, and talks of Confederate officers and Paul Quinn College, which is no longer in Waco, while ignoring Dr Pepper, the Suspension Bridge and the deadly 1953 tornado.

The current list includes mention of historical items such as the Waco Indians for whom the city is named, Jacob de Cordovas platting of the Waco Village, the relocations of Paul Quinn College and Baylor University to Waco, the cattle drives through Waco as part of the Chisholm Trail, the completion of the Suspension Bridge, the 1953 tornado, the ALICO Building, the decimation of minority neighborhoods by federal urban renewal, the invention of Dr Pepper and many other items.

Commission President Aubrey Robertson, a local attorney, said more items could be added to the list before it is finalized and submitted to the county by the summer.

In other business at Tuesdays meeting, the commission approved an application submitted by the owners of the Kestner Building on Elm Avenue seeking to designate the building as a local historic landmark. The building was originally constructed in 1897 and was remodeled in 1914 and long served as a department store until its closure in 2003. The building has been vacant since then.

Scott Kapczynski, a lead architect for Sterling and Kap Architects, said his firm is working with the property owners to develop the land around the building. He said the property owners are hoping to restore and preserve the exterior of the building while revamping the interior to serve as a leased space.

With the application approved by the commission, it will be voted on by the Waco Plan Commission at the March 26 meeting before moving onto final approval by the Waco City Council.
St. Patricks Dance

The Waco chapter of Shriners International will have a St. Patricks Dance from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday at 400 Karem Circle.

The event is open to the public. Tickets cost $10 each at the door.

Free smoke alarms

McLennan County residents can call 210-582-1962 to request an appointment for new smoke alarm installation.

Red Cross volunteers will call to schedule an appointment and install the smoke alarms Saturday as part of Red Cross Sound the Alarm program.

County office closure

McLennan County offices will be closed April 8, when officials are anticipating an influx of people and mass travel through the area for the total solar eclipse.

Offices involved in preparing for the event and providing public safety, including the sheriffs office, constables offices, and the road and bridge department, will remain open on eclipse day.

Downtown walk

Waco Walks will have a Downtown Economic Development Walk starting at 10 a.m. Saturday at Fabled Bookshop and Cafe, 215 S. Fourth St.

The walk will focus on some of the citys most transformed blocks.

Medicare information

The Area Agency on Aging of the Heart of Texas will hold an information meeting from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Heart of Texas Council of Governments office, 1514 S. New Road, on learning the difference between Medicare Advantage plans and supplemental insurance, as well as other changes in store for Medicare this year.

Czech Heritage Society

The McLennan-Hill chapter of the Czech Heritage Society of Texas will meet at 2 p.m. Sunday at the West Community Center, for the societys Royalty Pageant followed by svacina, or potluck, and a silent-auction fundraiser.

Eclipse history

Eclipses in History and Culture will be presented from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. March 23 at the Waco-McLennan County Central Library, 1717 Austin Ave.

Baylor University astronomer Barbara Castanheira-Endl will discuss eclipses and how people and societies have reacted to them through the years. Castanheira-Endl will be available for questions and answers at the end of the program.

A limited number of eclipse glasses will be available for program attendees. Tickets will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis to be redeemed for one pair of eclipse glasses at the end of the program.

Robinson ISD job fair

Robinson Independent School District will host a job fair from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Robinson Intermediate School, 605 Old Robinson Road.

Robinson ISD will be hiring for all open positions for the 2024-25 school year.

To register, go to risdweb.org/page/hr.

Hazardous waste

Wacos annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day will run from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 23 at the Waco Solid Waste Operations Center, 501 Schroeder Drive. The free service is available to people who live in the city limits of Waco, Bellmead, Hewitt, Lacy Lakeview or Woodway.

Pre-registration is available for a fast lane via waco-texas.com/HHWD the Waco Curbside Services smartphone app or by calling 254-299-2606.

Pre-registered residents are asked to bring their registration confirmation number and a photo ID. Residents who do not pre-register must bring a current water or utility bill with matching identification.

For lists of accepted and prohibited items, go to waco-texas.com/HHWD and click the registration link. For more information, call Solid Waste Customer Service at 254-299-2612 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, email soildwasteinfo@wacotx.gov or text 254-644-3336.

Tax help

Students from La Vega High Schools business program will offer free tax preparation help from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March 18, March 25 and April 8 at the Waco-McLennan County Central Library, 1717 Austin Ave.

People receiving help should bring all tax documents, ID and Social Security cards for everyone on the tax return. No registration or library card is required.

Tax-Aide program

This years AARP Tax-Aide program sponsored by NeighborWorks Waco will run through April 15, offering free tax assistance to anyone, with a focus on taxpayers who are older than 50 or have low to moderate income. Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified. The service will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the following dates and locations:

Tuesdays and Thursdays through April 11 at NeighborWorks, 922 Franklin Ave. For an appointment, call 254-752-1647, ext. 0.

Mondays and Wednesdays through April 15 at Ascension Providence Medical Center, 6901 Medical Parkway. For an appointment, call 254-751-4102.

Tuesdays and Thursdays through April 11 at First Baptist Church of Hewitt, 301 S. First St. For an appointment, call 254-214-9123.
WAVERLY  Fiber artist Catherine Reinhart devotes as much attention to material relics of maternal caregiving as she does to her children and other family members.

It could be socks whose mates disappeared inside a steamy dryer, a threadbare blanket, or a worn-out, often-mended baby carrier. In some shape, form or fashion, these cast-off, lost or discarded items find their way into her artwork.

Dwell, an exhibition of her fiber art and sculptures, is on display through March 25 at the Waldemar A. Schmidt Art Gallery on the Wartburg College campus.

I have this belief that all of the labor, all of the touch and interaction and all of the energy is absorbed into domestic materials. They speak to me, said the Ames-based artist.

Reinhart, who describes herself as an archivist and field hand incorporates abandoned textiles into her work. That, in turn, is a way of cataloging womens maternal and domestic labor, connection and caregiving.

Im taking abandoned things and making them into fine arts. The question is, how do we attribute value to objects, who gets to determine if it has value or not? Society has a disposable view of things. I look at these materials in a redemptive way, she explained.

Kent Shankle said Reinharts work encourages viewers to recognize the history of the bits and pieces of reclaimed textiles that characterize her work.

You can feel it in this space that the work is very emotionally charged. Most of us have had moms, grandmothers, sisters and aunts who have nurtured us and labored for us, and we need to respect and value their work of these women, explained Shankle, interim gallery director.

Reinhart disassembles, reconfigures, alters and reassembles these textiles, including quilts that have been cut apart, restitched and adorned with messages embroidered in the artists favorite French knots.

Ive become quite obsessive about French knots. Its so enjoyable to make them, and they feel good to touch, she explained.

Her work also counters the attitude that youre not a real artist if you have kids, that somehow you have to pick one over the other, she said.

The intricacy of navigating a creative career is hard enough. I got really passionate about it. To say youre not a legitimate artist because youre also a caregiver is pretty ridiculous.

Instead, Reinhart found freedom in her home environment and ways to change the script of the boring parts of your life like doing laundry. She was inspired to create a series of sculptures, each representing the height of a child, much in the way parents mark a childs height on a door frame. Sedimentary layers of laundry fill each clear pillar.

I wanted to change the narrative in a positive, expansive way of looking at my everyday surroundings. If I didnt do that, I was gonna go bananas, Reinhart said, laughing.

She also salvaged a baby carrier from a good friend, took it apart and transformed it into a wall display.

Somehow it was precious to me. Id started mending the carrier for her while babies were little and when the babies got big, I realized I was attached to it. There was a real emotional connection, the artist recalled.

Reinhart received her bachelor of fine arts degree in 2008 from Iowa State University. She completed her master of fine arts in textiles degree in 2012 at the University of Kansas.

Her work has been exhibited locally, regionally and nationally. In 2020, she was honored as an Iowa Artist Fellow and was an artist-in-residence at West Cork Arts Center in Ireland.

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WEST UNION  Fayette County first responders on Tuesday rescued an 81-year-old Waverly man whod fallen 60 feet into a ravine.

The Sheriffs Office recounted the incident and response on Facebook a day later, having received the call at approximately 4:08 p.m. from that man, Duane Foelske, after hed stumbled amidst checking his cabin property near a quarry in the area between Juniper Road and J Avenue north of West Union.

Fayette County Sheriff deputies were joined by West Union firefighters and paramedics in conducting a search and rescue operation across the more than 80 acres of densely wooded ravines.

While a foot search of the immediate area began, police completed aerial drone coverage. Much of the area was inaccessible by vehicles  including utility terrain vehicles, the sheriffs office post stated.

Sheriff Marty Fisher reportedly located Foelske in the southeast area of the property. He monitored the fallen man while directing the rescue team to the location.

Once the patient was treated and stable, first responders carried him out of the ravine and transported him to Gundersen Palmer Hospital.

The West Union Fire Department, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance and the Fayette Police Department assisted the sheriffs department in the rescue.

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A bill that would allow state agencies to bypass the state auditors office by hiring private accountants to conduct annual audits was shelved on Wednesday ahead of a key legislative deadline.

The House State Government Committee opted not to advance Senate File 2311, making it unlikely it will become law this year.

The bill passed the Senate 31-16 last month.

Rep. Jane Bloomingdale, R-Northwood, who chairs the committee, said committee members had too many concerns about the potential added costs created by the bill.

A fiscal note from the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency found that hiring a private CPA firm could cost up to more than three times as much as using staff from the state auditors office.

"It was just something the committee couldn't get behind," Bloomingdale said, adding there's not support to move the bill forward in the House.

Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand, the lone Democrat elected to statewide office in Iowa, said in a statement House Republicans tabling of the bill is a welcome development that respects the will of the voters and won't waste taxpayer money.

Sand and legislative Democrats say the bill kneecaps Sands authority as auditor and opens the door to political corruption by allowing government officials to bypass the state auditor for annual audits.

Republican supporters of the bill argue the hiring of a private accountant to conduct a required annual audit already is allowed and widely employed by local governments and school districts.

A recent Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll shows a majority of Iowans oppose the measure.

We thank those legislators who joined the majority of Iowans who oppose the bill, Sand said.

Senate Democrats urge action on Perry Tyson plant closing

Democratic state lawmakers in the Iowa Senate are urging the Iowa Legislature and Gov. Kim Reynolds to take action to help residents of Perry deal with the recently announced closing of Tyson Foods pork plant there, which will result in the elimination of roughly 1,200 jobs.

Democrats also criticized recent, Republican-approved changes to the states unemployment benefits program, which reduced the amount of time that individuals can receive benefits by nearly three months.

They Tyson plant will close near the end of June. The Associated Press reported that Tyson will work with state and local officials to help workers who are losing their jobs, but the company did not say what severance packages it will offer.

Multiple Iowa Senate Democrats spoke on the floor Wednesday, calling on Reynolds to release emergency funding to help Tyson workers remain in Perry while finding a new job, and for Tyson to offer Perry workers a severance package.

Iowa Sen. Bill Dotzler, D-Waterloo, criticized the reduction in state unemployment benefits that statehouse Republicans approved in 2020. Dotzler noted that at the time, Senate Democrats offered an amendment that would have kept the longer benefits eligibility in place for workers impacted by plant closures.

These benefits paid to workers also help the small businesses in their town.  They buy their goods, get their gas; they are the real engine of economic development in keeping small businesses alive in Perry, Dotzler said. And now, thanks to your actions, theyre going to lose nearly three months worth of benefits. Thats going to affect that community in a very negative way.

A spokesman for Iowa Workforce Development said the state department will be working with Tyson to assist workers impacted by the Perry plants closure, including the deployment of the agencys new, mobile workforce center.

In a statement, Republican Sen. Jason Schultz of Schleswig said Republicans' recent unemployment changes have ben a success in getting Iowans back into the workforce. He noted that there are more than 13,000 job opening in central Iowa, saying he is optimistic that the affected Perry workers will be able to find new work.

Plant closing and job losses are traumatic experience for employees affected by the closing, their families, and the entire community," Schultz said. "Iowa Workforce Development and Tyson are both fully engaged in finding new employment for the impacted workers in Perry."

Tax on hemp products proposed

Sales of hemp-derived CBD and THC products in Iowa could carry a 25% tax under a bill Senate lawmakers advanced on Wednesday.

Senate Study Bill 3186 is intended to put intoxicating THC drinks and other products on the same level as alcohol, which is subject to a tax from the states Alcoholic Beverages Division, said Sen. Dan Dawson, R-Council Bluffs, who led a subcommittee on the bill.

Its not fair in this state to have these distributors paying a 7% sales tax on these products, meanwhile if youre brewing or selling beer youve got to run it through ABDs state warehouse, he said. The tax disparity is all off on these issues.

Products containing THC, legal under federal and state hemp regulation laws, are sold at some shops and bars across Iowa and cause similar psychoactive effects to traditional marijuana. But the bill would go beyond THC and impose the same tax rate on non-psychoactive CBD and any other consumable hemp product sold in Iowa.

Owners of shops that sell CBD told lawmakers on Wednesday the bill would punish those stores that are selling products that are used for therapeutic reasons and do not cause intoxication. They said the bill should be written more narrowly to target high-THC products.

State lawmakers are also looking to regulate the THC content of hemp products. House lawmakers passed a bill this week to cap the potency of hemp products at 4 milligrams of THC per serving and 10 milligrams per package.

Iowa House passes drug pricing bill

Iowa House lawmakers passed a bill, 93-3, Tuesday aimed at reining in prescription drug pricing practices that have forced small, independent and rural Iowa pharmacies to close.

House File 2401 would prohibit pharmacy benefit managers from charging an insurer more than they pay a pharmacy to dispense a medication. The practice is refereed to as spread pricing, and where the pharmacy benefit manager keeps the "spread" or difference as profit.

Instead, the bill would require PBMs to contract based on a pass-through pricing model  meaning PBMs could not pay pharmacies less than they charge the insurers that contract with them.

Pharmacy benefit managers, known as PBMs, are third party companies that function as intermediaries between insurance providers and drug manufacturers. The multibillion-dollar companies play a major role in negotiating drug prices and reimbursements for pharmacies.

Lawmakers said the bill would aid rural and independent community pharmacies that have struggled because of PBM practices.

Pharmacies across Iowa have closed at an alarming rate over the past decade-plus, partly because insurance payouts don't cover drug costs.

Independent pharmacies rely on pharmacy benefit managers so that they can take various insurance plans, but those companies also decide how much money the pharmacists receive when reimbursing them.

Pharmacists have said they are selling many common, brand-name prescriptions at a loss because PBMs reimburse them less than a pharmacy's cost to acquire the drug.

At one time, Iowa counties had a minimum of two pharmacies. Now we are down to 54 (of 99) counties having at least two pharmacies, bill manager Rep. Shannon Lundgren, R-Peosta, said in her closing comments on the House floor Tuesday.  Its time to take some bold action to stop the unfair treatment of our local pharmacies.

The House-passed bill also requires PBMs to create a process by which pharmacies can appeal the maximum allowable reimbursement paid to a pharmacy for a particular generic drug or and brand name drugs that have generic versions available from multiple manufacturers and sold at different prices.

The legislation would also prohibit retaliation by a PBM against a pharmacy or pharmacist for filing a complaint with the state insurance division by not renewing its contract with said pharmacy.
As state lawmakers weigh Gov. Kim Reynolds proposal to unify Iowas splintered treatment systems for mental health and substance abuse, local advocates say they welcome the opportunity to streamline the networks and improve care to Iowans grappling with both issues simultaneously.

But some worry that the proposal does not go far enough to address underlying issues that they say threaten these services in Iowa.

Currently, Iowa has separate treatment networks: one that provides mental health services and another that provides substance use disorder care. Reynolds proposal, which she unveiled during her annual condition of the state address in January, would establish new districts that provide health care services for both  a change advocates favor because the issues often overlap.

Advocates support a treatment system that recognizes the connection between mental health and substance use issues. But some worry these changes under Reynolds proposal fail to recognize the root problem hindering access to care: the billing mechanisms and low Medicaid reimbursement rates used to provide these services.

Under the current system, Iowa has 13 Mental Health and Disability Service regions that provide care for people with mental health issues and intellectual disabilities. There are 19 Integrated Provider Networks that address substance use disorder and gambling addiction.

This bill proposes a new network of seven Behavioral Health Districts under the Department of Health and Human Services. Those districts would handle prevention, education, treatment, recovery and crisis services related to both mental health and substance use disorders.

Disability services provided by the states Mental Health and Disability Service network would be moved to the states Aging and Disability Services.

Mary McKinnell, the chief executive officer of County Social Services, which represents 12 counties in Northeast Iowa, said her current region could be changed by removing Floyd and Mitchell counties while adding Bremer, Buchanan, Delaware, Dubuque, Benton, Linn and Jones counties. Those seven counties are currently served under the East Central Region. The map provided by Iowa Health and Human Services is currently a draft and could be changed.

The hardest part of all of this is not knowing what the end will look like, McKinnell said. Im confident we will be strong and provide great services, its just, we cant predict what the future will look like.

Ryan Crane is executive director of the Iowa chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. In an emailed response to questions from The Gazette, Crane said NAMI believes there are gaps and barriers to accessing Iowas mental health system.

Iowans are waiting too long to access services across the continuum of care, from early interventions like community-based therapy, to intensive treatment options like inpatient psychiatric care. Iowans often dont know where to turn for help. The system can be difficult to navigate, Crane said. We believe the alignment legislation is a step in the right direction toward creating consistency for Iowans and accountability for the system as a whole.

Uncertainty on funding

McKinnell appreciated that the governors proposal would allow for dual treatment planning for people with co-occurring mental health and substance use issues, which isnt possible through the current system.

Some uncertainty remains as to the amount of funding that would come with the proposed changes.

Black Hawk County Supervisor Tavis Hall, the countys representative on the regional governing board, said the possibility of combining these funding streams could be a good idea, but he remained skeptical without more clarity.

I can see correlation at times with what the governor is trying to do but the government is trying to use too broad of a tool and this tends to be something that needs acute attention, he said. Id be cautious of lumping all of them into one.

Molly Severn, the legislative liaison for Reynolds office, last month told lawmakers that millions in unspent funds for Iowas mental health regions are evidence the current system is inefficient.

HHS allocates state tax dollars to the regions and state lawmakers every year set a fund balance that regions must carry by the end of the budget year and retain. But if regions carry too much surplus, HHS withholds further dollars that could have gone to providers.

Regions that dont spend funds in excess of this balance return the money to an incentive fund thats used by other regions based on need. Regional governing board members have blamed low Medicaid reimbursement rates, flawed billing mechanisms and the constantly changing fund balance for challenging their ability to strategically spend dollars to meet local needs.

Hall said the math used to allocate the money is outdated.

If youre funding 2024 problems with 1994 dollars, that isnt gonna cut it, he said. Mental health is an escalating problem and to have flatline resources is really problematic and really unfortunate.

Reynolds spokesman Kollin Crompton said the reduction in funds regions have been allowed to maintain in their fund balances was intended to address the peculiarity of having multiple regions with significant fund balances while there are significant systemic needs going unaddressed.

Crane, with NAMI-Iowa, applauded that funding and the state Health and Human Services Departments new process for reviewing Medicaid rates on a regular schedule.

The system as a whole absolutely needs more resources across the continuum of care, Crane said. We are hopeful that this new practice (of regularly reviewing Medicaid rates) will result in timely and significant rate increases where and when they are needed.

Core service concerns

Advocates said they were concerned the bill in its current form does not specify core services  the requirements for minimum service levels for Iowans regardless of where theyre located. Core services include access centers, 24-hour crisis response, inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment, crisis stabilization residential or community-based services, and more.

Reynolds spokesman said core services will be included in an amendment to the governors proposal.

Amendments currently under discussion would outline required services to include prevention, early intervention, treatment, recovery support and crisis services, Crompton said in an email to The Gazette. The services will be defined in the state plan for behavioral health. As the system makes its transition from the current state, continuity of care provisions will ensure that individuals continue to receive care and providers continue to be reimbursed for their services.

As for access centers, Crompton said the facilities have been an important development in Iowa mental health system and will continue to be important part of the future system so Iowans can access services in their community. Districts will create a plan based on the needs of that specific district.

Addressing short staffing

Some advocates worried that while state-set Medicaid reimbursement rates stay low  with most people who are receiving mental health services on Medicaid  providers would remain hamstrung in efforts to expand services and recruit and retain staff.

McKinnell with County Social Services said shes fortunate her organization is fully staffed but the treatment centers she refers patients to arent as lucky.

A lot of providers have bachelors and masters degrees and make as much as someone at Kwik Star or a retail store, she said. Its hard work, its emotionally hard, its physically hard and the financial reward is little.

Asked if the governors proposal would address the gap left after Medicaid-covered costs, Crompton pointed to $13 million in funding appropriated by the state last year to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for mental health therapy and residential treatment for substance abuse and psychiatric medical institutions for children in Iowa.

Crompton, the governors spokesman, said the proposal will reduce administrative burden and red tape in the current system, and will make more funding available to support providers, including training and technical assistance, streamlining of licensure certification and accreditation, additional funding for prevention and recovery services and improved systems that support crisis response.

Improving systems allows providers to focus on their practice instead of navigating a maze of administrative red tape, Crompton said.

Status of proposal

Reynolds proposal has been moving through both chambers of the Legislature in the form of twin companion bills, Senate File 2354 and House File 2509. Both bills were approved by their respective chambers policy committees on health and human services, and now are working their way through the House and Senate budget committees.

During a subcommittee hearing on the bill in the House, the legislator running the hearing said an amendment is planned to address some of the issues raised by advocates, but that details of that amendment were not yet available.

Maria Kuiper of The Courier contributed to this story.

Photos: Program eases toll of separation on incarcerated moms, kids
Jose Angel Ruiz appears in court on the first day of his trial on Tuesday. Ruiz is accused in what a medical examiner called the extreme abuse and torture of 5-year-old Mercedes Losoya in February 2022. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

A fiery Jose Angel Ruiz cursed during an interview with a San Antonio police detective after he was told his girlfriend had implicated him in the death of her youngest daughter as the one who inflicted the fatal injuries.

The couple were both under suspicion after bringing Mercedes Losoya, 5, to a hospital on Feb. 7, 2022, where she was pronounced dead. Injuries covered the childs body, head to toe.

An audio recording of his questioning by the detective played Wednesday at his injury to a child trial showed Ruiz also tried to blame Mercedes injuries on her 6-year-old sister, Jordan.

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Detective Christopher Lloyd spoke to Ruiz while the lead detective, Lawrence Saiz, questioned the childs mother, Katrina Rose Mendoza.

When Saiz conducted a second interview with Ruiz hours after the pair were arrested and charged with injury to a child causing serious bodily injury, Ruiz became angry.

You need to man up. Her autopsy will tell everything, Saiz told Ruiz. I know what Katrina told me, and it lines up to some of what you said. How did this get so out of hand?

Ruizs voice began to get louder as he kept saying he told Lloyd and Saiz the truth. The detective was not convinced.

No kid deserves  no adult deserves  what she got, Saiz told Ruiz. You beat the (expletive) out of that little girl. You tortured her, and you have to be a man and be responsible for what you did.

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I am not going to take the blame for killing that little girl because I (expletive) didnt, Ruiz yelled.

Saiz told him about the child's bruises and the clumps of hair missing from her scalp. Ruiz admitted he pinched Mercedes, but after some back and forth, said Mercedes sister would beat her ass and pull her hair out of her (expletive) head. Katrina let that (expletive) happen.

Mendoza, 24, pleaded guilty last summer to a lesser charge of assault in exchange for a 45-year prison term and her testimony against Ruiz, 27.

Jurors earlier Wednesday saw graphic images of Mercedes on a hospital bed that Saiz took after she was pronounced dead. Some members of the panel cried and at least one looked away.

Bruises covered her face, hands, legs, buttocks and feet, and the back part of her body.

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Another image showed Mercedes was nearly bald on one side of her head. One photograph showed puncture wounds on the bottoms of her feet.

Jordan, the older sister, had told police that her mother beat both daughters, but Mercedes got it worse. Mendoza once held Mercedes under water in a bathtub and Ruiz had put thumb tacks in the soles of her feet, the girl said in an interview played in court Tuesday.

On Wednesday, San Antonio police crime scene investigator Raul Hurtado displayed photographs taken at Ruizs apartment that showed scattered thumb tacks on the floor, six clumps of hair, childrens clothing and other items that officers gathered as evidence.

Later, two former neighbors of Ruizs testified about making numerous phone calls to 911 complaining about hearing a child yelling like she was being beaten and the sounds of slapping and punching. It drew at least one visit by police, which was inconclusive, in the months before Ruiz changed apartments after December 2021, they said.

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DES MOINES  In vitro fertilizations future in Iowa will not face legal uncertainty after all  at least for the moment.

A legislative proposal from Statehouse Republicans to increase criminal penalties when an individual causes the termination of a pregnancy without the mothers consent  a proposal that also amended state law in a way that critics warned would endanger fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization  will no longer be considered by state lawmakers this year, a key legislator said Wednesday.

Sen. Brad Zaun, a Republican from Urbandale and chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he did not advance the legislation specifically because of questions about its potential impact on in vitro fertilization.

I would say this: there was some definite concerns about in vitro fertilization and the negative effects and unintended consequences with that (bill), and that was very problematic for myself, Zaun told reporters after Wednesdays committee meeting. And so thats why I pulled the bill.

With that action, the bill essentially is ineligible for consideration for the remainder of the 2024 legislative session. However, legislative leaders in the majority party  which in both chambers of the Iowa Legislature is Republicans  have tools and tricks at their disposal to resurrect any dead bills if they choose.

In vitro fertilization is a fertility treatment by which a womans egg is combined with a mans sperm in a medical lab, and then those embryos are placed in the womens uterus.

Critics have warned the proposed legislation could have made IVF illegal because as part of the process, extra embryos are sometimes frozen, stored or discarded. They argued the bill does not sufficiently exempt fertility treatments.

During debate in the Iowa House, Republicans insisted the bill, House File 2575, would not impact fertility treatments, and that its focus specifically was on the crime of nonconsensual termination of a pregnancy. The bill passed out of the House on a 58-36 vote, with only Republicans supporting it

On Wednesday, Rep. Steve Holt, a Republican from Denison who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, told reporters that House Republicans believed the bill would not have impacted fertility treatments, and that comparisons to issues that have arisen after an Alabama Supreme Court ruling in that state are not applicable to Iowa because of differences in the states constitutions.

The Alabama Supreme Court ruled last month that frozen embryos can be considered children under state law. Alabama legislators, facing push back after treatments were stopped at some of that states largest fertility clinics, rushed pass a bill this month shielding doctors from legal liability because of the court opinion.

Holt said that he understood the concerns raised about the Iowa bills potential impact.

I understand the concerns about IVF, Holt said. We did not necessarily believe that there was an issue related to IVF, but I understand the concerns there.  I believe life begins at conception. I also think we have to come to terms with how were going to deal with the IVF issue. So I understand the concerns there.

IVF: What to know after Alabama frozen embryo ruling What is IVF? How are embryos made? How are embryos frozen and stored? How could the Alabama ruling affect IVF? What are doctors concerns? What about church-state separation? What happens to embryos after divorce? Whats next?
I was one of the anti-Israel activists referred to in a recent op-ed published in The Courier on March 9 (City councils should reject anti-Israel resolution by Joe Gorton).

The writer cites a lot of data, some of which I found intriguing. For example he speaks of the organization Human Rights Watch as criticizing Hamas violations of human rights, but neglects to mention the many years HRW has been consistently critical of Israels violations of human rights. HRW minces no words about Israels refusal to honor the recent legally binding order from the International Court of Justice in South Africas case accusing Israel of violating the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. It cites (nation of Israel) using starvation of civilians as a weapon of war, deliberately blocking the delivery of water, food and fuel; impeding humanitarian assistance.

The writer questions the data submitted about numbers of civilians killed saying they are only channeled thru Hamas and are not independently verified. Perhaps if journalists were respected more the data would be more forthcoming. The International Federation of Journalists as of March 6 has documented the deaths of 98 Palestinian, four Israeli (Oct. 7), and three Lebanese journalist and media workers since the recent siege began. Independent human rights groups operating in the region like Doctors Without Borders and the International Committee of the Red Cross are begging for mercy for people. There is nowhere safe for people to go. The civilian death toll and the ongoing captivity of hostages are shocking and unacceptable (Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the ICRC).

Gorton neednt worry, the city councils rejected the cease-fire resolutions, although Waterloo made a powerful proclamation, but I feel moved to state some reasons a local resolution mattered.

I disagree with the idea that Israel is right to drop thousands of tons of bombs and use other implements of war to destroy people who live on land Israel claims as its own.

Bombing hospitals, schools, religious sites, children, is not OK with me. Critics ask, why focus on Palestinian territory and not other places where this is happening? I object to it especially when its being done in my name, by my government, with my tax money.

Using resources to rebuild the infrastructure weve destroyed in Gaza just doesnt make fiscal sense. And its abusive of creation itself.

I mourn for those in our local community who have loved ones under assault. I likewise mourn for people in Israel who were targeted in the Hamas terrorist attack of Oct. 7, and will note that this fact has been well-noted and documented while the other has not. I do understand that acts of terrorism occur when a people find no other tools in the toolbox.

The United States government has always supported the nation of Israel without question. With its UN Security Council role the U.S. has used its veto power 34 times to block resolutions critical of Israel or favorable to Palestinian interests; this is not a new relationship. As soon as the Iowa legislative season opened in January the Iowa House of Representatives passed a symbolic bill stating unconditional support for Israel. Meantime, local municipalities around the country were passing resolutions asking for a cease-fire. Is that any more symbolic than the Iowa Legislatures action of support? I wanted to feel my own view was validated.

Famed Jewish-American psychologist Abraham Maslow said, I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail. The United States wields great power in the world, and should use this power to calm chaos and work for solutions, rather than using the only tool we seem to have, bombs and guns.
Sunshine Week is March 10-16, and this year, theres an even greater need for you to get involved.

Sunshine Week annually celebrates freedom of information laws in every state. It also salutes efforts by good government advocates and journalists to use and ensure the effectiveness of those laws to get the information we need as self-governing citizens.

The name is a play on the commonsense words spoken more than a century ago by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, that Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.

Brandeis remark was not made in a court opinion. It was in a 1913 article published in the news magazine Harpers Weekly. Along with its observations on American culture and events, Harpers was part of the muckraking news era, with journalists holding business and government accountable for corruption, waste and illegal activity.

As a special treat of each Sunshine Week, we get to see current examples of news reporting on behalf of the public, the type of journalism that the nations founders had in mind when they adopted strong First Amendment protection for a free press.

Sunshine Week was started in 2005 by the American Society of News Editors. The Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications is coordinating Sunshine Week for the first time this year.

Each year, we celebrate the thousands of local, state and national print, TV, radio and online reports that tell us what the government or others are doing and how they are doing it; reports that explore and expose otherwise-unseen information we need to know to make good decisions at the ballot box, when petitioning for change or simply things we should know about our communities.

Just a few examples, from a 2023 New York Times report:

In the Hunter Hills neighborhood of Atlanta, idle freight trains blocked a main road, sometimes for more than 30 hours, potentially blocking ambulances and fire trucks. In Colorado, a libertarian food freedom movement has re-energized a long battle over the safety of unpasteurized milk.

A city manager in DuBois, Pennsylvania, gave himself raises and allegedly took hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars. After bus issues caused school closures in Jefferson County, Kentucky, two reporters followed one school bus trying to complete an impossible route. An investigative report of wage theft in New York State uncovered rampant abuse in the horse racing industry, with repeat offenders owing workers more than $4.4 million.

But this year as we celebrate that work being done on behalf of democracy, there is an increasingly needed partner in that work: You and your support for local journalists.

The number of journalists continues to plummet, from more than 75,000 newsroom jobs in 2005 to 31,860 in 2022, according to the Medill Local News Initiative. Far too many of us now live in news deserts, areas across the nation where not a single news outlet exists. Medill reported that in 2023, that out of 3,143 counties nationwide, 204 counties had no newspapers, local digital sites, public radio newsrooms or ethnic publications, and another 228 counties were at substantial risk of losing all local news media.

Even where there are established news media outlets, economic pressures have resulted in staff cuts that mean there is less coverage of local government institutions like the city council, school board and local courts.

We need to face the fact that there just arent enough journalists to do the job of monitoring and reporting on government, business and others.

To be sure, journalists and free press advocates are working to cut those losses and to buttress the flow of information to the public. There are new projects to fund local reporting or produce statewide or local reports, including the American Journalism Project; the Indiana Local News Initiative; Signal, a nonprofit organization in Ohio; and Houston Landing, a recently launched Texas publication.

Student-operated news media at several universities are reporting on their communities as well as their campuses. Student journalists are sometimes providing the only full-time reporting in some communities. Innovative nonprofit statewide news operations such as Wisconsin Watch, South Dakota News Watch and The Maine Monitor report, investigate and examine issues in their states.

Among notable national efforts: Freedom Forum funds two reporters, in Tennessee and Florida, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners, who are dedicated to the First Amendment beat. The Lenfest Institute for Journalism provides tools and resources for local journalism leaders. The Knight Foundation has been a longtime advocate and supporter of efforts to energize local news outlets and nonprofit journalism operations.

But even with all those long-term and new initiatives, more help is needed. Lets turn again to Brandeis, who according to an article by the Sunlight Foundation in 2009, said in that Harpers article, The individual citizen must in some way collect and spread the information through civic groups and the press, which he believed would lead to remedial action.

This does not necessarily mean filing a Freedom of Information request. There are ways to help hold government accountable beyond this direct action.

Whether you are red or blue, progressive or conservative, Democrat, Republican or independent, you need to support those who do that investigative work on a daily basis.

Get behind and get engaged with those who use FOI laws and shoe-leather journalism to bring you the facts required for real self-governance. Take that that information and make up your own minds about the concerns of the day where you live  and perhaps give the national pundit class a rest.

Open your eyes, your minds  and, yes, perhaps your wallets too  and bring a little sunlight into your life. Celebrate Sunshine Week. Justice Brandeis would be pleased, and you and your fellow citizens will be better off for the effort.
In early November, Chemistry students Marni Aosved BS24 and Melissa Duncan BS24 were awarded Best Undergraduate Poster Presentation at the Oregon Bioengineering Symposium hosted by the University of Oregon. The pair were recognized for their project Understanding the Effects of Modifications in Quadruplex Molecular Beacons, which is part of a larger undertaking facilitated by Assistant Professor of Chemistry Cooper Battle designing DNA biosensors for the early detection of breast cancer.

Then, the next weekend, the super-duo presented at the Murdock College Research Conference, where Duncan received a poster prize in the Biochemistry section for her presentation, Creating an Adaptable G4 Quadruplex Sensor.

Research is a fundamental part of the experience for Willamette Chemistry majors, Battle says. Marni and Melissa exemplify not just the importance of putting skills learned in the classroom into practice solving real-world problems but also in communicating that work to the larger scientific community outside of Willamette.

Though challenged by the atmosphere made up of PhD, Masters, and high-level undergraduate students, the students felt prepared at both conferences with their well-researched ideas and practiced presentation skills.

I wasnt a great public speaker before, but Ive presented my research regularly since sophomore year, says Duncan, who, along with participating in the Science Collaborative Research Program (SCRP) with Battle for three consecutive summers, is this years Presidential Scholarship recipient  a scholarship award that provides research funding for students.

Their research, which aims to make cancer detection faster and cheaper, became more significant when the students combined their interdisciplinary approaches. Aosved is a Chemistry and Data Science double major, and Duncan has minors in Math and Biology along with her Chemistry major. Drawing from multiple science and math fields, Aosved and Duncan were able to tackle these complex research objectives in creative ways.

The collaboration across campus really helped my approach, says Aosved. Data science techniques helped me analyze a lot of repetitive data. The Chemistry department depends on Biology and Biology on Chemistry, with a Physics overlap. Willamette students take language and Power, Difference, and Equity classes, which introduced me to new ways of learning.

With several projects on the horizon, presenting their poster at the National American Chemical Society conference in New Orleans, both students will take their solid research backgrounds into their post-Willamette pursuits. Duncan is currently working on applications to pursue a PhD in Chemistry, and. Aosved will return to Japan  she spent a semester abroad at Tokyo International University  to teach English and rebuild the connections she made in Data Science, a booming industry in Japan, before pursuing graduate studies.
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 Russian Ministry of Defence continues to track and personally record all foreign mercenaries who have arrived in Ukraine to participate in combat actions.

Since 24 February 2022, the total number of foreign mercenaries who have arrived in Ukraine is 13,387. At the same time, the destruction of 5,962 foreign mercenaries has been confirmed to date.

The undisputed leader in terms of the number of killed fighters is Poland (2,960 arrived, 1,497 eliminated).

From Georgia, 1,042 fighters arrived, of whom 561 were eliminated.

The 1,113 soldiers of fortune arriving from the U.S. lost 491 killed.

More than 40% of Canadian mercenaries were eliminated (422 out of 1,005).

Of the 822 fighters arriving from the UK, 360 were eliminated.

From Romania, 784 mercenaries arrived, 349 were killed.

From Germany  235 and 88, respectively.

It should be noted that France, which at all levels denies the presence of its mercenaries on the territory of Ukraine, has already lost 147 militants out of 356 arrived.

 Russian Defence Ministry

https://t.me/mod_russia_en

WtR
Residents filled the Columbus City Council chambers on Tuesday night looking for answers on the fate of Dingee Farm, a property many residents consider important to the citys history.

I have seen a community come together, said Jesse Pycha-Holst, a real estate agent from Madison who has been reaching out to people in Columbus about Dingee Farm over the last year.

People who have lived here for three generations or three years, and they are all on board with preserving this history and the barns, and the farm and everything, and not bulldozing a single lick of it, Pycha-Holst said. People from all perspectives and all walks of life  liberals, conservatives, independents and everyone in between has kept telling me the same thing over and over again: I cant believe the city is doing this.

The city purchased the property a year ago for $560,000, using funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, in hopes of adding development to the city. The city has gotten three offers on the property and provided details on the offers during Tuesdays public information meeting.

Pycha-Holst said the issue has prompted more people to have an interest in local politics.

This unity has happened in this community, Pycha-Holst said. This community is one like it hasnt been probably in a very long time, and we dont see it in this country at all very much anymore, and it is really very special.

The property at 1400 Park Ave. is a 7.55-acre parcel with a house and several other buildings. All three proposals that have been submitted to the city are dedicated to keeping the house, Columbus Community and Economic Development director Mike Kornmann said at the beginning of the meeting.

One of the first things we ask ourselves with a project like this is what is the citys vision for 1400 Park Ave., and the city did quite a bit of work visioning for this property.

One of the focuses was the 2021 comprehensive plan that identified that identified the future use of the Dingee Farm property as residential. Kornmann said increasing housing options in the city was part of the plan.

Konmann also went over the three proposals the city has received. David Stira and Brian Nagle recently moved to Columbus and want to acquire the Dingee Farm. Land developers Kason LLC and Lamps Landing LLC are also interested in the property.

The Stira/Nagle proposal preserves the farmhouse and other buildings and would use the property as a lavender farm and event center, Kornmann said.

The proposal from Lamps Landing would preserve the farmhouse while creating a mixed residential development of single family homes, a four-unit apartment building and two 28-unit apartment buildings.

Kason would also preserve the farmhouse and create 14 single-family lots.

The Kason proposal and the same with Lamps Landing, the average parcel size is about 7 acres, Kornmann said. Stira/Nagle would probably be two lots. The development of two of the proposals would access sewer/water from Park Avenue. The Stira/Nagle is extending the sewer/water from the properties to the west.

There is a huge difference in what the proposals offer the city as a purchase price. Kornmann said Kason is offering the city $350,000 to purchase the property, while Lamps Landing is offering $1. The Stira/Nagle proposal did not include a dollar amount.

Kornmann also went over the estimated city revenue for the city portions of taxes. The Kason proposal is estimated at $6.375 million in total property value, which may generate $50,775 in estimated annual city taxes. The Lands Landing proposal is estimated at $14 million in total property value, which may generate $111,507 in estimated annual city taxes.

The Stira/Nagle proposal, there are so many factors, Kornmann said. How much does the commercial wedding barn end up being valued?

Several of those at the meeting spoke in favor of preserving history.

Ann Ehlenfeldt, a retired teacher, spoke about historic preservation and said it was important for education and that learning environments are not just inside classrooms.

We as citizens have important history to preserve right here in Columbus, Ehlenfeldt said.

The Dingee Farm with its rich history should be added to the list of historic places in Columbus, Ehlenfeldt said.

Ben Swetmore also talked in favor of preservation.

The site has a wealth of historic value to early Columbus and is Columbus only farmstead remaining in existence, Swetmore said. Id argue that the whole farm property has a rich enough history to Columbus and even statewide that it out to be restored and preserved so that future generations may have a chance to learn from it.

Some people supported the other proposals. Paula Steiner spoke in favor of residential housing.

Former Columbus Mayor Kelly Crombie, who is now the Fox Lake City Administrator, also favored housing.

The Lamps proposal generates $111,000 in tax revenue to the city, Crombie said.

The Columbus City Council will meet on Tuesday and begin discussing the proposals before choosing one.

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Responses to the Wisconsin State Journals candidate questionnaire. The election is April 2.

Richard V. Brown Sr.

Age: 66

Hometown: 2306 Catalpa Road, Madison

Family: Divorced, seven grown children

Job: Retired from Dane County, systems accountant

Prior elected office: Dane County Board, 2000-06

Other public service: Dane County Housing Authority, Madison Community Development Block Grant Commission, Madison Housing Committee, chair Personnel and Finance Dane County Board

Education: Business administration-accounting, UW-Madison; UW Baraboo associate of science; graduate of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center; certified public manager, UW Extension

Matt Veldran

Age: 64

Hometown: Madison

Family: Married to Lisa, adult children Lily and Max

Job: Co-CFO of Badger Contractors, Rental and Sales

Prior elected office: County Board supervisor, since 2006

Other public service: Vice president of Meadowood Neighborhood Association, five years

Education: UW-Madison, political science

Q&A

What unique expertise or experience would you bring to this office?

Brown: With an extensive financial background, including roles as an auditor, business manager, and budget analyst, along with experience as a supervisor and systems accountant, I offer a wealth of knowledge and expertise from both employee and policy viewpoints for a position on the Board. My experience as a commissioner for the Dane County Housing Authority will be an asset.

Veldran: As current county supervisor, I have the unique perspective of understanding the important issues of District 4. Because of redistricting, this district has changed more than any other. I know its priorities are as diverse as the people. I have balanced these interests of diversity, public safety, improving mental health access, and environmental pressures when addressing or voting on them.

What issue do you think has not received enough funding and attention in the county?

Brown: Collaborating with schools to incorporate mental health education and coping strategies into the curriculum from an early age. I would like to look at mental health among our youth as a public health issue. I would put more money into early treatment and signs of mental health among youth.

Veldran: Though the countys aging population has been addressed by the Area Agency on Aging Board Report, it has not been given the weight it deserves. Chairing the Specialized Transit Commission, I see first hand the needs of older adults for public transportation. Other areas of importance: affordable housing, in-home care and social activities to help with social isolation and loneliness.

What can or should the county do to reduce racial disparities in the criminal justice system?

Brown: I would advocate for legislative changes to tackle systemic problems like mandatory minimum sentences and cash bail practices, providing mental health and substance abuse treatment options as alternatives to imprisonment for those requiring assistance, establishing a mandatory inpatient treatment facility as a substitute for incarceration.
Veronica Luevanos, left, hugs Nazarea Silguero as they listen to public comments at a Uvalde City Council meeting. Both women lost loved ones in the Robb Elementary School massacre, in which 19 fourth graders and two teachers were killed. The two women were at the council meeting to hear a consultant deliver his findings regarding the police response to the shooting. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Private investigator Jesse Prado absolved Uvalde police officers of blame in the May 24, 2022, massacre at Robb Elementary School. Above, he briefs city council members on his findings. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Kimberly Mata-Rubio reacts angrily to a consultant's report that exonerated Uvalde police officers who responded to the 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary School. Mata-Rubio lost her 10-year-old daughter, Lexi, in the massacre. She wants officers fired for failing to end the siege. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Private investigator Jesse Prado, right, absolved Uvalde police officers of blame in the May 24, 2022, massacre at Robb Elementary School. Above, he listens to public comments after briefing city council members on his findings. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News

UVALDE  The mayor told them he cared about them, that he cant even imagine how theyve suffered and that try as he might, I cant replace your babies.

Still, at the end of another wrenching City Council meeting, the families of the 21 people gunned down at Robb Elementary School on May 24, 2022, left disappointed and further embittered.

They showed up at the civic center Tuesday night expecting the Uvalde City Council to pass judgment on a consultants report that examined the police departments response to the Robb massacre, the worst school shooting in Texas history and the second-worst ever in the U.S. The report absolved local police officers of blame for failing to neutralize the shooter early in the incident.

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RELATED: Expert says Uvalde police not to blame for bungled response to school shooting

Many family members thought it was a whitewash, and some of them wanted police officers fired for failing to risk their lives to end the siege earlier.

Council members took no action. They said they needed more time to consider the matter.

The victims loved ones said theyd heard it all before.

We have waited almost two years now, and you keep asking us for more time, Veronica Mata, who lost her 10-year-old daughter, Tess Marie, told council members. How much more time do you want us to wait? These officers let our children down. Do the right thing and fire them. Our children deserve better than this. The community deserves better than them. Do the right thing.

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RELATED: Remembering the victims of the Uvalde school shooting

At the cemetery

The controversial report by private investigator Jesse Prado said Uvalde police officers followed department policy, acted in good faith and were not to blame for the heavy loss of life. Nineteen fourth-graders and two teachers were killed that day by a teenager armed with an assault-style rifle.

Prado outlined his findings during a contentious special council meeting March 7. But the only action council members took on the matter Tuesday was to approve the minutes from the earlier meeting.

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Their refusal even to discuss the report left Kimberly Mata-Rubio smoldering. Her daughter, Lexi, 10, died in the massacre.

Mata-Rubio singled out three officers who were among the first to enter the school that day  Lt. Javier Martinez, Detective Louis Landry and Sgt. Eduardo Canales  and demanded they be fired. Prados report exonerated all three.

Mata-Rubio, who ran unsuccessfully for mayor last year, said council members had a responsibility to terminate the three officers I mentioned.

Yeah, Ill go ahead and second that, said Brett Cross, leader of a loosely affiliated protest movement that sprung up after the shooting. Cross was the guardian of 10-year-old Uziyah Garcia, who also died at Robb.

This is very disappointing (that) we wont get any answers, but par for the course, apparently. I do want to say, though, that while were here doing this, there is a family out there that is celebrating their childs 12th birthday today  at the cemetery  and yall still cant give us answers.

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Cross was referring to another victim of the shooting, 10-year-old Xavier James Lopez.

MORNING OF CHAOS: A reconstruction of the Uvalde school shooting

As the meeting began, Mayor Cody Smith told the 50 or so people in attendance that council members would not react to comments from the audience. But Smith broke his own rule early on when he told Cross that council was not ready to decide on a response to Prados report.

That led to a contentious back-and-forth.

I understand completely, Brett, how you feel, but we got to have some more time, man, Smith told Cross. I know you all are sick of it, yall are sick of getting the can kicked down the road. I feel you, I do. But we have to have some more time.

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Some more time? Cross responded. Did nobody read the report?

Smith said the council needed time to determine what, if any actions we can take, Brett. We need more time, and thats going to happen.

Nearly 400 law enforcement officers from two dozen local, state and federal agencies responded to the Robb Elementary School shooting on May 24, 2022. Seventy-seven minutes passed before a Border Patrol-led team stormed the classroom where the shooter was hiding and killed him. Courtesy of the State of Texas

Im done asking

Addressing the audience, the mayor said: I told yall  how much I care. Thats all I can do, is tell you how much I care. I cant replace your babies. I cant imagine the pain of losing your babies. Ive got an 18-year-old son, and I cant even imagine the thoughts, especially with the evil that happened that day, the horrendous act that happened that day.

So what would you do if the tables were flipped? Would you be standing up here demanding some answers? Cross shot back.

Yes, I would, Smith replied.

And would you take this BS? Cross said.

We have to have more time to determine what  "

I gave yall until today, Cross shot back.

I didnt agree to that, Smith said. I heard you say that without a doubt, but we didnt agree.

Cross got no answers from the other council members, either. They sat stoically through the hourlong public comment period.

Man, Im done asking, Im done begging, Im done pleading, Cross said. Im about to start taking actions in my own damned hands. Enough is enough! But yall can expect to see me every day at the police station from sunup to sundown, because enough is enough.

Gloria Cazares stood beside her husband, Javier, as she addressed the council. They lost their daughter, Jacklyn Jackie Cazares, 9.

What else did you expect to hear from us, besides disappointment? Gloria Cazares asked.

Lives would have been saved

Uvalde Police Department officers were among the first to respond to the shooting but were a small part of the overall law enforcement presence. Nearly 400 officers from two dozen agencies, including the Texas Department of Public Safety and the U.S. Border Patrol, went to the scene.

Poor communications, the lack of a clear command structure and the absence of critical equipment, including ballistic body shields strong enough to protect officers against the shooters high-powered rifle, hobbled the police response, according to a series of official investigations.

It wasnt until 77 minutes after the first 911 call that a Border Patrol-led team stormed the classroom where the shooter was hiding and killed him. By then, a sufficiently sturdy body shield had been delivered to the school, and the officers lined up behind it as they went into the classroom.

Until that point, dozens of officers had waited in a hallway, even after children who were trapped with the gunman furtively called 911, pleading to be rescued. Some children bled to death while waiting for police to end the siege, according to a U.S. Justice Department review released in January.

Had law enforcement followed generally accepted practices in an active-shooter situation and gone right after the shooter to stop him, lives would have been saved, and people would have survived, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said when he made the report public.

A report by a Texas House investigative committee, released in 2022, said the school district didnt adequately prepare for the risk of an armed attacker, that there was a regrettable culture of noncompliance by school personnel who frequently propped doors open and deliberately circumvented locks, and that no one had locked any of the three exterior doors to the west building of Robb, allowing the shooter to enter.

The House committee also said that law enforcement responders failed to adhere to their active shooter training, and they failed to prioritize saving the lives of innocent victims over their own safety. It said that there was an unacceptably long period of time before officers breached the classroom, neutralized the attacker, and began rescue efforts.

Law enforcement officials evacuate students and staff from Robb Elementary School after a gunman entered a classroom and began shooting on May 24, 2022. Pete Luna /Uvalde Leader-News

No violations of policy

The city hired Prado, a retired Austin police detective with more than 24 years of experience, to assess how Uvalde police officers still on the force acquitted themselves on May 24, 2022. Twenty-eight officers and three dispatchers responded to the incident.

In his report, Prado exonerated all of the Uvalde officers, saying they acted in good faith and complied with department policies. The officers saw no solutions to the situation they confronted that morning, he said. They had no clear shot at the gunman, and they lacked adequate body shields.

Prado said two officers who tried to enter the classroom and confront the shooter were driven back when he fired through the wall, grazing both of them. The officers were on the wrong end of a fatal funnel, Prado wrote  the shooter had a clear line of sight and superior firepower and could quickly kill anyone trying to enter the room.

There were many failures on the part of police that day, but no violations of policy on the part of local officers, Prado said when he briefed council members on his findings last week.

Police Chief Daniel Rodriguez was on vacation in Phoenix, Ariz., on May 24, 2022, leaving Lt. Mariano Pargas in charge of the department for the day. Pargas resigned in November 2022 to avoid being fired. Pargas position became untenable after CNN aired video footage from Robb that showed he was informed by a police dispatcher that some children were still alive in the classroom and yet did not take action to end the standoff.

Nevertheless, Prado exonerated Pargas in his report, saying he found no indications of wrongdoing in his actions. Prado did say Pargas could have performed a stronger role in establishing a command structure.

A criminal investigation into the shooting is still underway. A Uvalde County grand jury is reviewing evidence collected by the Texas Rangers. District Attorney Christina Mitchell, who is leading the investigation, has said issues to be examined include whether anyone illegally helped the gunman buy weapons and ammunition.

The grand jury also may consider whether any law enforcement officers could be held criminally responsible for the botched police response.

After Tuesdays meeting, Smith said council members would explore any options that we have in responding to Prados report, adding, I dont know where were at now.

Hours before the meeting, Rodriguez announced his resignation as chief, effective April 6. His resignation letter made no mention of the Robb shooting. Rodriguez, a 26-year veteran of the department, said he was leaving to embark on a new chapter in my career.
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FILE - In this image provided Malia Pila, Nex Benedict poses outside the family's home in Owasso, Okla., in December 2023. The death of Nex Benedict, a nonbinary student the day after a fight inside an Oklahoma high school restroom, has been ruled a suicide, the state medical examiner's office said Wednesday, March 13, 2024.
Devotees of TikTok cheer their support to passing motorists at the Capitol in Washington, before the House passed a bill that would lead to a nationwide ban of the popular video app if its China-based owner doesn't sell, Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Lawmakers contend the app's owner, ByteDance, is beholden to the Chinese government, which could demand access to the data of TikTok's consumers in the U.S. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Daniel Vazquez, 36, Malden, Mass., stands for a photograph Wednesday, March 13, 2024, in Salem, Mass. Vazquez was arrested as a teenager and sentenced to time in a juvenile facility on a cannabis-related charges. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey on Wednesday said she would issue pardons for tens of thousands of people convicted of misdemeanor marijuana charges going back decades in the latest example of a state ambitiously seeking to forgive low-level drug offenders. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Eileen O'Neill Burke, a former appellate judge, responds to a question as she talks to members of the Cliff Dwellers Club Thursday, March 7, 2024, in Chicago. An open seat to lead the nation's second-largest prosecutor's office has become one of the most spirited races in the Illinois primary. The Democratic matchup is between O'Neill Burke, a tough-on-crime judge and Clayton Harris III, an attorney with union and establishment backing. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
From left to right: Spain's Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Spain's Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry of Finance Maria Jesus Montero and Spain's second Deputy Prime Minister and Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz at the Spanish Parliament in Madrid, Spain, Thursday, March 14, 2024. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has promoted the amnesty as a way to move past a secession attempt by the then-leaders of Catalonia, a northeastern region centered around Barcelona where many speak the local Catalan language as well as Spanish. The conservative opposition accuses Sanchez of selling out the rule of law in exchange for another term in the Moncloa Palace and has organized major street protests during recent months. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
FILE - LGBT activists hold their flag at a rally to collect signatures to cancel the results of voting on amendments to the Constitution in Pushkin Square in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 15, 2020. As Vladimir Putin heads for another six-year term as Russias president, theres little electoral drama in the race. What he does after he crosses the finish line, however, is whats drawing attention and, for many observers, provoking anxiety. Russia last year banned the notional LGBTQ+ movement by declaring it to be extremist in what officials said was a fight for traditional values like those espoused by the Russian Orthodox Church in the face of Western influence. Courts also banned gender transitioning. (AP Photo, File)
A missing 17-year-old girl was found dead in a ditch on the Northeast Side on Tuesday night. Ken Branca

The man identified as a person of interest in the death of a 17-year-old girl went live on Instagram as a detective questioned him about his involvement Wednesday afternoon.

San Antonio police found the girls naked body in a drainage ditch around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 7600 block of Dell Oak Drive. The area is south of 410 and west of Interstate 35.

Early Wednesday, San Antonio police released a photo of a man walking into a convenience store and asked the public for information on a person of interest.

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Yall just stay on, and yall are going to hear the story, he said as he put on a shirt and walked into another room to meet with two detectives.

The man, who said his name is Vinny and hes 24, has the Instagram handle @Dareal_vinny3000. He muted the recording when giving his full name to the officer.

In the video, Vinny told police he was on a bridge on his way to the store around 10 p.m. when he looked down and saw a light by a drainage ditch.

He went down and retrieved the phone. He told the detective he had seen some clothes beside it but had not seen a body.

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The man continued to the store, and the phone started ringing. It was the girls grandmother, he said. She said shed been looking for the girl for hours.

She met him at the store, and he showed her where he found the phone and took pictures of the area for her.

As he was leaving, the girls mom drove up, and he explained the same thing to her before going home.

I dont think hes a suspect at all. Its just he had her phone, the detective can be heard telling Vinnys dad.

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The detective also asked to set up a DNA sample to rule him out.

When the detective left, Vinny walked back into his room and started vaping as he talked to his friends about the situation.

My mom was freaking out, bro, one of his friends said.

Vinny later told a friend, I was just trying to go to the store.

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If hed been there earlier, Vinny said, he definitely would have stopped it.
At New Yorks St. Patricks Day parade 13 years ago, Bill Spencer Reilly, 73, saw a T-shirt with a slogan that caught his eye: St. Patricks Day Today, Hungover Tomorrow.



Though drinking and next-day hangovers may be a central part of celebrating the holiday for many, they dont have to be, says Reilly, who founded Sober St. Patricks Day, a family-friendly celebration of Irish culture and art  without the alcohol  in New York City.

In its 13th year, the organization brings in Irish musicians, dancers and other artists, aiming to reclaim the day from a binge-drinking holiday to restore it to what Reilly says it should be: a celebration of the depth of Irish culture and the legacy of St. Patrick.

Elizabeth Stack, the executive director of the American Irish Historical Society in New York and former executive director of the Irish American Heritage Museum, agrees with the sentiment, saying the common toast in Ireland, slainte (pronounced slawn-cha), is a toast to good health. And drinking in excess isnt necessarily healthy for older adults.

Here are some ways to ring in the luck of the Irish this St. Patricks Day on Sunday, March 17, without drinking alcohol  or at least not making it the center of your celebration.

Wear green  the national color of Ireland

Reilly says everybody wants to be Irish on St. Patricks Day, and everyone is Irish on St. Patricks Day  but its highly recommended to don green apparel to show it. Stack says people in Ireland also wear green on St. Patricks Day, but its far more subtle  they tend to wear fresh sprigs of shamrock or a shamrock-shaped badge or ribbon  and you likely wont get pinched if you happen to forget emerald garments or accessories. Thats an American thing, Stack says.

Watch a St. Patricks Day parade  and take it up a notch by walking the length

Stack says that in Ireland, its tradition to watch the parade, then head home to cook Irish foods and spend time with family.

Make the day even healthier by getting out for a walk, which is one of the best things you could do for yourself on St. Patricks Day, Stack says. Perhaps even follow the parade route to get in the spirit.
Construction continues at the site of a new IDEA Public Schools K-8 school, Friday, Feb. 14, 2020, in Houston. IDEA was granted approval to expand with 10 new campuses, mostly in the Fort Worth area and Permian Basin, plus a couple in Humble, near Houston. Mark Mulligan/Staff photographer

Just days after putting the states largest charter school network under conservatorship for misusing public funds, the Texas Education Agency agreed to let the network, IDEA Public Schools, carry out a major expansion.

IDEA is allowed to increase student enrollment from 78,200 to more than 90,000 by the 2025-26 school year. The 10 new campuses will be mostly in Fort Worth and the Permian Basin, with two in Humble, near Houston.

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The application went in March 6  the day TEA assigned a pair of conservators to oversee IDEA  and was approved March 8.

Critics, including teachers unions, said the TEAs rapid approval of a charter network under scrutiny exemplified their concerns with GOP leaders push to privatize the states public education system. While school districts are run by elected boards of trustees, charter schools are public schools run by private organizations.

This is an insider deal, behind-the-scenes, shady transaction that had no public input whatsoever, said Patty Quinzi, director of public affairs with the Texas branch of the American Federation of Teachers union.

TEA said in an emailed statement that the new IDEA schools met the requirements in state law to be eligible for expansion and would lead to improved educational outcomes for students.

The charter network said the expansion would allow it to serve more students.

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IDEA Public Schools has a long track record of achieving excellent results for kids  especially helping low-income and traditionally underserved students succeed in college and adulthood, said Brian Whitley, spokesman for the Texas Charter Schools Association. Its important that Texas families have access to these opportunities.

New charter schools require approval from the elected State Board of Education, but for the last decade, existing charter schools have been allowed to expand with only the approval of TEA Commissioner Mike Morath. During that time the number of charter schools has increased rapidly.

IDEA has been preparing the expansion since at least September, according to the boards meeting minutes, but the plan was discussed only in sessions closed to the public.

Charters must meet academic performance requirements to expand and notify the local school districts when they will be expanding. IDEA followed these rules, said TEA spokesman Jake Kobersky.

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In many cases, the submission of the expansion amendment request form to the agency is not the beginning of the expansion amendment process, Kobersky said. TEA has a standard process where applications are thoroughly reviewed in a timely fashion that ensures that the school has met the criteria for approval.

Quinzi fears the expansion will harm nearby public school districts financially, by siphoning away students and state funds at a time when many districts are already struggling.

IDEA Public Schools has more than 60 campuses around the state, including 15 in the San Antonio area. It is funded by taxpayer dollars and received more than $800 million from the state in the 2022-23 school year, the most recent data available.

The new campuses approved this week are IDEAs first since the state began its investigation in 2021 into accusations of wasteful spending, such as leasing a $15 million private jet and purchasing luxury boxes at Spurs games.

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The conservators appointed by TEA are tasked with ensuring that IDEA follows state law and reports on its progress. Unlike a full takeover, like that of Houston ISD, the conservators do not displace the superintendent and school board, but they can direct actions taken by IDEA and its leaders.

A spokeswoman for IDEA said in 2021 the school paused opening new schools in Texas to navigate leadership transitions and reform the management of public and philanthropic resources entrusted to our organization and spent the intervening years overhauling its approach to expansion in preparation for a settlement agreement with the TEA.

In nearly three years, IDEA has seen significant changes to its Board and executive leadership team, enlarged the number of staff responsible for grant management and compliance, and strengthened internal controls and auditing procedures, she wrote.

Current IDEA Superintendent Jeff Cotrill was hired from TEA in 2022, where he served as deputy commissioner of governance and accountability, the division that oversaw the IDEA investigation.

In addition to the state investigation, IDEA faced a long-running federal investigation for the same spending practices.

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Late last year, the charter network agreed to pay back nearly $30 million in federal grant funds  using state taxpayer dollars to do so.
Over 100 artists and groups have canceled their appearances at South by Southwest in protest of military sponsorship of the festival, citing involvement in Gaza.

That's according to organizer Austin for Palestine Coalition, which lists musicians, record labels, authors and a filmmaker who are boycotting the event over promotion of defense companies and over the U.S. Army's status as a "super sponsor."

FILE - In this March 16, 2020, file photo, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during a news conference in San Antonio. Gov. Abbott, in defending Texas' near-ban on abortions, says women and girls who are raped won't be forced to give birth because the new law "provides at least six weeks for a person to be able to get an abortion." But that's not how pregnancy works. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File) Eric Gay/Associated Press

Festival protestors are critical of U.S. government and military support for Israel amid war in Gaza. Over 30,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Associated Press, which cites health officials in Gaza.

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"Im pulling out after learning about the unacceptable deep links the festival has to weapons manufacturers and the US military who at this very moment are enabling the genocide of Palestinians," wrote author Ruha Benjamin on X.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott had a message Tuesday for the boycotting artists on social media: "Bye. Don't come back."

SXSW responded to Abbott's post saying it didn't agree, but defended its inclusion of defense companies in event programming.

"These institutions are often leaders in emerging technologies, and we believe its better to understand how their approach will impact our lives," SXSW said on X.

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The weeklong festival, which ends Saturday, also sent support to participants who decided to drop out.

"We fully respect the decision these artists made to exercise their right to free speech," SXSW said.
ACESO, a pioneering market maker company revolutionising the life insurance landscape, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ranjit Kulkarni as its new Research and Strategic Acquisitions Head. With over 35 years of distinguished experience in the life insurance industry, Ranjit brings a wealth of expertise and insight to his new role.

As ACESO continues to innovate and provide optimal solutions to policyholders, Ranjits appointment marks a significant milestone in the company's strategic growth. His extensive network within the insurance fraternity ensures that ACESO remains at the forefront of industry trends and developments.

In his new role, Ranjit will lead ACESO's team in leveraging the C2B platform, specifically designed for LIC Policy holders, called ALIP  Assignment of Life Insurance Policies. This platform offers an alternative for policyholders who are keen to surrender their LIC Policies or where policies are lapsed, ensuring that policyholders do not lose out on their entire life cover benefits. Additionally, this platform also helps in sustaining the income of the agents/ insurance advisors.

Ranjit's journey in the field of life insurance began with a passion for mathematics, which served as the cornerstone for his analytical prowess in navigating the complexities of insurance products. As a third-generation professional in insurance business development, Ranjit has garnered numerous national and international awards for his outstanding achievements. His pivotal contribution as a mentor has shaped top-performing insurance advisors, empowering them to excel in their roles and reach their full potential.

Commenting on Ranjits appointment, Ketan Mehta, Founder - ACESO, said, We are thrilled to welcome Ranjit Kulkarni to the ACESO team as our Research and Strategic Acquisitions Head. With his extensive industry experience and unwavering commitment to excellence, Ranjit will play a crucial role in driving our mission to empower policyholders and redefine the life insurance landscape. His leadership will further propel ACESO as a leader in delivering innovative solutions to our valued customers.

Ranjit expressing his enthusiasm, said, I am honoured to join ACESO and contribute to its mission of providing innovative solutions to policyholders. I look forward to working with the team to further enhance ACESO's position as a leader in the life insurance market.

Having facilitated the assignment of over Rs. 400 million worth of Endowment policies issued by LIC of India, ACESO and its associate company have showcased a remarkable dedication to empowering policyholders. With a reputation for professionalism and expertise, ACESO boasts in-depth knowledge of insurance plans and products offered by LIC of India, setting it apart as a trusted authority in the field.

ACESO's Complete Secondary Life Asset Management servicing capabilities, administered through a professional SEBI Registered trustee company, solidify its position as a cornerstone in the industry, providing seamless support to policyholders throughout their journey. With Ranjit Kulkarni at the helm of Research and Strategic Acquisitions, ACESO reaffirms its commitment to delivering unparalleled value to policyholders and solidifying its position as a trailblazer in the insurance industry.
Anuj Sawhney Managing Director - Swiss Military Worldwide & former Bollywood Actor, joins forces with his childhood best friend Manav Subodh, the founder of 1M1B ( One Million for One Billion) a United Nations accredited organization, to introduce a groundbreaking podcast: The Big Small Talk! This captivating show promises to unravel the intricacies of daily life, shedding light on seemingly inconsequential moments that profoundly shape our collective experiences.

In today's world, inundated with Podcasts covering a plethora of topics, The Big Small Talk emerges as a breath of fresh air. Hosted by Sawhney and Subodh, this innovative podcast ventures into the heart of everyday nuances, often overlooked but carrying immense significance.

The Big Small Talk delves into varied "seemingly insignificant" situations encountered by everyone in their daily lives. From moments of humour to instances of confusion or frustration, these scenarios affect our well-being, often leaving us clueless about how to navigate them.

Anuj Sawhney, marking his 50th birthday as a milestone, chose to launch this podcast on this significant occasion and said, It's a show where best friends come together and discuss anything and everything, with no holds barred and bearing their soul to each other without any fear or risk of getting judged. It is an opportunity to talk about bottled-up emotions and instances that are 'seemingly' nothing but factually everything! It's finally a show Ive been thinking about for years and had decided my 50th birthday to be the landmark when I would finally take the plunge back into the limelight.

Adding to the sentiment, Manav Subodh emphasizes the inclusivity of the podcast, stating that The Big Small Talk isn't just a podcast it's a platform for connection and reflection. As best friends & co-hosts, we're excited to delve into the intricacies of daily life, inviting guests and listeners alike who are the local heroes under our Hidden Gems section to share their stories and perspectives. We have attempted to discuss these instances in a humorous yet non-judgemental way.

Upcoming Episodes Preview:

Episode 2  Fake itto Make it!: Join Anuj and Manav as they explore the dynamics of authenticity and success, sharing personal anecdotes and challenging perspectives on achieving goals and then flaunting the same to fulfill underlying insecurities all of us have within.

Episode 3 - The Role of Abuses in Everyday Life: Uncover the nuances of language and societal norms with candid discussions on when and where colorful language is acceptable or crass.

Stay tuned for more engaging discussions and thought-provoking conversations on The Big Small' Talk podcast. Join Anuj Sawhney and Manav Subodh as they navigate life's subtleties with honesty, wit, and humour. Don't miss out on the next episode!
Chinmay Chandratre has joined FCB/SIX India as Sr. Vice President  Media. He will head the media vertical for FCB/SIX India across its three offices in Mumbai, Delhi NCR & Bengaluru.

Prior to this role, Chinmay was the General Manager at Madison World. With over 14 years of experience, he has worked with companies like Madison World, iProspect and Direxions Marketing Solutions, among others.

Being one of fastest-growing capabilities of FCB Group in India, FCB/SIX India offers a suite of digital services such as Digital Media Planning & Buying, E-commerce Marketing, UI/UX Design & Development, CRM & Martech Solutions, Search Engine Optimisation, App Store & Ecommerce Optimisation, Creative Performance Production Hub, Data Studio and a Command Centre for Listening & Online Reputation Management.

Talking about the hiring of Chinmay, Ankit Banga, Chief Business Officer, FCB/SIX India, said, We are thrilled to welcome Chinmay to the team, a testament to FCB/SIX India's commitment to fortifying our media capabilities. Chinmay embodies a fusion of seasoned expertise and dynamic adaptability, poised to navigate the evolving landscape of media and client needs with enthusiasm. Additionally, Chinmay's integrated media approach resonates seamlessly with FCB/SIX Indias view of leveraging digital platforms not only to drive performance but also build brands.

Rohan Mehta, CEO, FCB Kinnect and FCB/SIX India, added, We are confident that Chinmay's expertise will help us work cohesively with our clients at FCB Kinnect and the FCB Group at large, to strengthen our thesis that media and creative should not be separated in a digital world, and to further the thought process of creativity as an economic multiplier.

Speaking on his new role, Chinmay Chandratre, Sr. Vice President  Media, FCB/SIX India, said, I am thrilled to join hands with FCB Group Indias leadership team and lead the Media vertical for FCB/SIX India. Together, we are on a mission to navigate the ever-evolving media landscape, pre-empt the pulse of digital trends to drive strategic decisions and create meaningful experiences for our clients and customers. FCB/SIX India is all set to redefine digital possibilities, leverage data-driven insights, shape narratives, and unlock the full potential of modern communication to drive transformative change. I am super excited to be a part of this journey.
Cornitos, the made-in-India snack brand, showcased its newly launched Pistachio, Millet Ragi Nachos and unique flavours in dips range along with Nachos Crisps, Taco Shells, Tortilla Wraps, and Tray Packs at Aahar 2024. Transforming the 24 sq. meter booth in Hall no 5 at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, into a snacker's paradise, Cornitos highlighted its versatility in the range of products and unique flavours at an international cuisine and hospitality exhibition held from March 7 to March 11, 2024, in New Delhi.

Manoj Singh, Head of Marketing at Cornitos, said, We are thrilled with the incredible response received at AAHAR 2024. The event offered us the chance to interact with consumers and food enthusiasts from across the world and take their feedback on the choices and requirements. We were glad to see the overwhelming response for our Taco Shells and the Nachos range. These events encourage us to keep offering our best to our customers and develop strong relations with them.

The Cornitos Nachos Crisps took center stage, offering various flavours to suit every palate. Taco shells, masters of fusion taste, strike a perfect balance of crunch and flavour for everyone. Simultaneously, the Tortilla Wraps offer an innovative twist to snacking, making it a tasteful snack for anyone.

Cornitos offered the best of its products to the consumer at Aahar 2024. All products offered by the brand are cholesterol-free and gluten-free, made keeping in mind the health-conscious consumers.
Dentsu Creative has won the integrated creative mandate for Gemini Edibles & Fats India (GEF India). The account was won following a multi-agency pitch and will be serviced from the agencys Chennai office. GEF India is a Hyderabad-based company engaged in the manufacturing, distributing, and branding of edible oils and specialty fats in India, whose flagship brand is Freedom Healthy Cooking Oil -Indias No.1 Selling Sunflower Oil (Source NielsenIQ MAT Q4-Dec23).

As per the mandate, Dentsu Creative will provide end-to-end creative solutions for GEF India, covering all aspects of branding, communication, and marketing. This includes designing attractive packaging, creating impactful Point-of-Sale Materials (POSM), launching engaging TV, radio, and print campaigns, and producing event collaterals for the brand. The agency will also craft a comprehensive digital strategy, with a monthly content calendar, captivating social media creatives, and innovative executions.

Through this partnership, Dentsu Creatives focus is to elevate the brand value of GEF India and its products, highlighting their quality, health benefits, and consumer trust. The agency will also aim to strengthen the brand's connection with its target audience by creating relevant and memorable brand stories and delivering them across multiple touchpoints.

Speaking on the development, P. Chandra Shekhara Reddy, Sr. Vice President, Sales & Marketing, GEF India said, As we are planning to launch new brands, we were on the lookout for a strategic and creative partner who could collaborate and resonate with the ethos of our brand. With Dentsu Creative, we found a team that is passionate, enthusiastic and has excellent capabilities. We firmly believe that Dentsu Creative India team has all the qualities that are required to deal and develop our upcoming brands. We look forward to this great partnership that will take the GEF India brands to the next level.

Chetan Pimpalkhute, Head, Marketing, GEF India added, Were delighted to join hands with Dentsu Creative to propel our brands towards unprecedented growth. We are confident that this collaboration will infuse a fresh perspective in this category and bolster our marketing efforts.

Indrajeet Mookherjee, President, Dentsu Creative India commented, We are extremely honored to win the prestigious mandate for GEF India - one of India's most trusted Edible Oil and Fats Company. Having carved out a niche for themselves in the industry over the years, we look forward to partnering with the company during this exciting new phase of growth.
Producer Prerna Arora, who has produced impactful films such as Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Pad Man, Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran and Rustom, is adding another feather to her cap as a filmmaker by producing a bilingual Hindi-Telugu film, titled 'Hero Heeroine'. The film will feature Divyah Khosla Kumar in the lead role and is all set to go on floors.

Talking about the project, Divyah said, "Just imagine, having enjoyed numerous Telugu films with English subtitles, appreciating their compelling subjects, stellar performances, and technical finesse. Now, suddenly, I find myself cast in a Telugu film. No subtitles to rely on; I must speak the language myself. It's a whole new world."

Divyah went on to add, "If there's any nervousness within me, it's solely because of this challenge. However, I've accepted it wholeheartedly and am eager to dive in. It's not just a different chapter; it's like stepping into another universe. Prerna, my companion on this journey, constantly enlightens me about the nuances of working in the South and the aesthetic standards. It's bound to be an exhilarating experience, one that will demand utmost dedication to embody the essence of the film and cater to its pan-India audience."

On the elegance of legendary actresses like Jaya Prada and Sridevi, Divyah expressed how she has always been captivated! She further shared, "They exuded such stunning beauty and grace. Whether it was in their native costumes or later in Hindi films, they always left a lasting impression. As someone relatively new to this scene, I'm genuinely excited to explore how I'll be styled in these films. On her anticipated look, she added, I've entrusted Prerna (Arora) to provide all the necessary inputs for my appearance. I'm relying on director Suresh Krissna to guide me through the process, taking into account my character and status within the story. Additionally, since it's a film-within-a-film narrative, I'll need to prepare two additional looks." The charismatic actor has also expressed her excitement and passion for the challenge she has taken with Prerna Aroras Hero Heeroine.
ABP Ananda, West Bengals foremost Bengali news channel, is delighted to unveil the highly anticipated ABP Ananda Kolkata Khaibaar Pass 2.0, a culinary celebration set to enchant South Kolkata. This event builds on the monumental success of its 10th-anniversary edition in North Kolkata earlier in January 2024, marking a historic moment as ABP Ananda embarks on organising two Khaibaar Pass celebrations in Kolkata within a single calendar year for the first time. The festivities will unfold at the EEDF Ground near South City Mall, Kolkata from March 15th to 17th, 2024.

Acknowledging the overwhelming response received from the recent 10th-anniversary edition in North Kolkata, ABP Ananda recognises the enthusiasm of the people and their appetite for celebrating Bengal's diverse culinary heritage. In an effort to extend this culinary jubilation to a broader audience, the festival will showcase the epitome of Bengali cuisine to people in South Kolkata.

Continuing its legacy, ABP Ananda Kolkata Khaibaar Pass 2.0 is poised to unite the finest restaurants, food joints, and culinary artisans, providing an unparalleled platform for both established and emerging talents. Attendees can anticipate a vibrant showcase of signature dishes, blending time-honoured classics with contemporary innovations that define the rich tapestry of Bengali cuisine.

As the leading news channel in the region, ABP Ananda extends its cultural outreach beyond the newsroom to curate an immersive experience celebrating the very essence of Bengal's culinary traditions. The commitment to fostering community bonds and showcasing the essence of Bengal's tradition continues with part two of ABP Ananda Khaibaar Pass. The event serves as a platform for emerging talent and a melting pot of flavours, inviting everyone to partake in the richness of Bengali cuisine.

The presenting sponsors for this years edition are Jaya Biscuits, Rungta Steel TMT Bar, Suman Organic Guro Moshla, Wild Stone Code Pyro. It is Co-Powered by Dear Government Lotteries and is Partnered by Saha Textile and Bhooter Raja Dilo Bor. ABP Live is the Digital Partner while the Print Partner is t2.

ABP Ananda remains dedicated to its role beyond being a news channel, embodying its commitment to Bengal's cultural tapestry through events like Khaibaar Pass. By curating this gastronomic extravaganza, ABP Ananda continues to nurture the spirit of togetherness, showcasing the very essence of Bengal's traditions.
A federal drug sting in Brownsville led to two arrests and the seizure of over 70 pounds of cocaine last week. Uma Shankar sharma/Getty Images

Federal authorities say a sting operation at a Brownsville H-E-B last week led to two arrests and the seizure of over 70 pounds of cocaine.

On March 7, Rolando Valentin Quintanilla Aguas supplied undercover agents with 10 bundles of cocaine, weighing about 23 pounds, in the parking lot of an H-E-B at 2155 Paredes Line Road in Brownsville, authorities say in federal court documents.

Quintanilla was arrested by federal agents and confessed to bringing the drugs across the border, according to the criminal complaint. He also led investigators to a property he rented, where agents discovered about 24 pounds of cocaine in a reusable shopping bag in one vehicle and about 24 pounds of cocaine stashed in the air filter of another vehicle.

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At the property, agents arrested Roberto Cruz Ramirez, who Quintanilla said was watching the drugs until he returned. Cruz also admitted to intentionally bringing the drugs into the country, the criminal complaint said.
In a significant development for the Indian gaming industry, KRAFTON, Inc., the leading South Korean video game developer, has announced a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Gujarat and TransStadia Technologies Pvt. Ltd. This collaboration is set to stimulate the technology, gaming, and esports ecosystem in Gujarat, furthering KRAFTON's dedicated efforts to cultivate India's overall gaming and technology environment.

The vibrant state of Gujarat, known for its rapid economic growth and burgeoning status as a magnet for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), is now poised to become a pivotal center for the esports and gaming industry. The state's commitment to technological innovation and digital infrastructure makes it an ideal partner for KRAFTON, aiming to propel the local and national gaming scenes to new heights.

We are immensely proud to announce our partnership with the Government of Gujarat, a collaboration representing a significant stride forward for game development and esports in India. By combining Gujarat's vibrant growth environment and our expertise in game development and esports, we are set to create unparalleled opportunities for talent development, infrastructure enhancement, and community engagement. We firmly believe that this collaboration will have a profound and positive impact, fostering innovation, and inspiring a new generation of gamers and developers." said Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, KRAFTON India.

The Government of Gujarat expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing its alignment with the state's vision for digital and economic growth. Sh. Harsh Sanghavi, Honble Minister for Home, Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities, Government of Gujarat, remarked, "Government of Gujarat will benefit from this collaboration with KRAFTON as it will undoubtedly catalyze our efforts to transform Gujarat into an indigenous and interactive hub for e-sports. We look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have on our youth and the broader esports gaming community.

KRAFTON has already invested USD 160 million in Indian startups since 2021 and plans to invest an additional USD 150 million over the next 2-3 years. In line with this commitment, KRAFTON recently launched the KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator program, an initiative designed to nurture game development talent in India by providing funding, mentorship, and essential resources to promising developers.

More recently, KRAFTON India also hosted BMPS 2023 (BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA PRO SERIES) in Ahmedabad, a collaborative effort by KRAFTON and the city of Ahmedabad to foster the growing gaming ecosystem. With the signing of this MoU, the future of gaming and esports in Gujarat and India at large is brighter than ever. This collaboration is expected to create new opportunities, nurture talent, and establish Gujarat as a landmark destination for the global gaming community.
Yuvaa, Indias beloved Gen Z impact, research, and media organization, launched its womens day initiative - Sisterhood with an exclusive, invite-only slumber party.

The event brought women from all walks of life together under one roof to celebrate womanhood and honour each others journeys. The night kicked off with a panel discussion about what women desire in their personal and professional lives. The panel, curated in collaboration with Max Life Insurance, used the brands latest IPQ (India Protection Quotient) 6.0 study to underline the importance of financial awareness and planning. Featuring a stellar lineup of Neha Dhupia, Faye DSouza, Anshula Kapoor, and Aastha Shah, the conversation highlighted the importance of the awareness surrounding financial security. There are difficult decisions that are emotionally taxing, but they shouldn't be financially taxing as well. Which means you need to have enough money to quit that job, to walk out of that relationship if you need to, to do whatever it is you need to do, Faye DSouza said while sharing her thoughts on how important it is for women to be financially independent and secure. "It's important to have your financial independence. It doesn't have to be a lot of money, and you don't have to reach a certain amount of zeros in your bank account as long as you know your money is yours, actor Neha Dhupia added on the same topic. The discussion utilized information from Yuvaas latest insights report That's What Sis Said - an understanding of womens preferences, desires, and aspirations from brands that cater to them, from their workplace and from their friendships and relationships.

Speaking of the association with Yuvaa, Rahul Talwar, Chief Marketing Officer, Max Life Insurance, said, "Max Life remains steadfast in its commitment to trust and recognizes the vital role of financial planning in securing India's future. The sixth edition of our marquee study, India Protection Quotient (IPQ), emphasizes the critical need for financial empowerment across diverse sections, particularly among women. As part of our focus on developing integrated marketing plans that resonate with Gen Z and Millennials, partnering with Yuvaa for International Women's Day was a strategic decision. Yuvaa's ability to connect with younger audiences perfectly aligns with our brand ethos and goals. As advocates for financial empowerment, we were particularly drawn to Yuvaa's ability to connect with young women. The Sisterhood Slumber Party's focus on Gen Z women influencers presented a unique opportunity to raise financial awareness amongst this growing demographic. Through partnerships like this, we aim to enable diverse communities with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their financial futures, making informed decisions that pave the way for long-term security and success.

Anusha Shetty, Head of Creative Strategy at Yuvaa, also expressed her thoughts on the event, saying, "Sisterhood is the cornerstone of every womans journey, both personally and professionally. Through Sisterhood, we aim to create a space where women uplift and support each other, fostering a sense of belongingness. Personally, Sisterhood has been instrumental in my own growth and development, reminding me of the strength that lies in solidarity and sisterhood. At Yuvaa, we've championed women-centric initiatives, from our mindful hiring practices to projects like 'You Grow Girl' with Navya Nanda and now the 'UnstreeOtype' podcast. These endeavours are a testament to our commitment to amplifying young women's voices and reshaping societal narratives. Sisterhood is not just a concept but a lived experience that drives positive change and celebrates the diversity and resilience of women everywhere."

Another highlight of the night was when the legendary thespian Ratna Pathak Shah took the stage for a deeply insightful Ask Me Anything (AMA) session with the audience. Known for her work in Sarabhai vs. Sarabhai, Kapoor & Sons, Dhak Dhak, and more, Ratna Pathak Shah charmed the audience with her wisdom and warm energy. She said - Stree dhan should be stree dhan - it doesnt matter if its given by your parents or you earn it for yourself. Financial independence is a must.

Yuvaa also gave the audience a sneak peek into their upcoming podcast - UnstreeOtype. A special collaboration between Yuvaa and Amazon Music, the podcast aims to shatter age-old stereotypes that society imposes on women. Featuring an impressive lineup of guests like Uorfi Javed, Richa Chadha, Rasika Dugal, Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju, Barkha Singh, and Suchitra Pillai among others, the podcast will stream exclusively on Amazon Music starting 12 March. Later, Uorfi Javed herself took the stage for a spirited fireside chat moderated by popular Instagram creator Saumya Sahni. The conversation dove into her life, choices, and media image while also talking about her newly launched podcast Uncancellable. She spoke about finding inspiration in the women she encounters every day. I find inspiration every day, in everyone I meet. Today I have come here and met these beautiful women - I feel inspired by them, she said.

The event also had an interactive quiz that tested the audiences financial wisdom hosted by popular Instagram creator Vanika Sangtani, titled Wo-money-a. Furthermore, domestic worker turned comedian, and internet sensation, Deepika Mhatre performed a vibrant stand-up comedy set that had the audience in splits. Krittika Kannojia, a Dalit, queer creator, and an alumnus of Yuvaa Pride Class - a celebration of young, queer voices - announced the 2024 edition of Yuvaa Pride Class. Finally, the night was capped off by an energetic performance by the Konkan Kanya Band.

In the past, Yuvaa has been in the news for its work around gender sensitivity and empowerment. In 2023, the company traveled across the country with Navya Nanda on its roadshow titled You Grow Girl in partnership with L'Oreal - aimed at spreading awareness about street harassment. The launch of Sisterhood is yet another resounding victory for Yuvaa - one that is bound to change the way we celebrate everything about women.
ReadyToBeMom.com, a program dedicated to promoting preconception counselling, Pregnancy care and Post Partum care, has introduced a comprehensive information platform for expectant mothers in partnership with FOGSI (The Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India). The goal of this initiative is to provide women with authentic information about pre-pregnancy care, minimize pregnancy risks, and advocate for regular check-ups before deciding to conceive.

A set of monthly interactive doctor podcasts will be hosted across various platforms, each focusing on a specific topic. This initiative comprises six series, with the first series available in both English and Hindi. Subsequent series will be introduced monthly in four additional regional languages, including Tamil, Bangla, Kannada, and Malayalam. Each series will feature additional elements such as interactive quizzes, polls, and more.

Dr. Rohan Palshetkar, a top Obstetrician & Gynaecologist in Mumbai, Professor, D.Y.Patil School of Medicine and Chairperson FOGSI Young Talent Promotion Committee points out "The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently highlighted a worldwide rise in infertility rates from 10% to 17%. Factors contributing to this increase include age, delayed pregnancy, postponed marriage, and a strong emphasis on career pursuitskey life choices with significant impacts on fertility rates. While these decisions are pivotal, they may present challenges to achieving pregnancy. For women attempting to conceive, a basic pre-pregnancy check-up can prove invaluable in identifying and mitigating potential risk factors before they manifest during pregnancy."

Dr. Tanushree Pandey Padgaonkar, Samadhan hospital and Hope IVF centre, Mumbai, states, "In the case of males, there is often a reluctance to seek medical advice, possibly due to the fear of attributing blame to the partner's masculinity. Prenatal counselling is infrequently sought in our society, and there exists a hesitancy to openly discuss such matters, even with one's personal doctor."

Dr. Apoorva Pallam Reddy, top Gynecologist from Bangalore, says When couples are trying naturally to get pregnant, the Probability of pregnancy is only 5 to 10%, and that is in the best-case scenario. I think, preconception counselling is extremely important, as we have to ensure that everything is all right. We will preempt risks, do some tests if necessary, we will make sure that the couples are not stressed and they get the right amount of information. We will try to do everything possible to help them increase the possibility of pregnancy."
The Board of Directors of Sanofi India Limited (SIL) today approved an exclusive distribution and promotion agreement between SIL and Emcure Pharmaceuticals Limited (Emcure) for SILs Cardiovascular products in India, effective immediately.

Emcure Pharmaceuticals will exclusively distribute and promote the Companys Cardiovascular (CV) range of products that include well-established brands like Cardace, Clexane, Targocid, Lasix and Lasilactone.

While SIL will continue to own, import, and manufacture these brands across Sanofis plants in India and internationally, Emcure will leverage its strengths to engage healthcare professionals and expand reach of these therapeutic solutions for patients who need them across all areas of India.

Sanofi Indias concerned employees will have the opportunity to work at Emcure.

Rodolfo Hrosz , Managing Director, Sanofi India Limited

Sanofi has been committed to improving lives of patients in India through its range of products. Sanofi India has many cardiovascular products which are leaders in their respective categories. With Emcures wide presence across India, our partnership will benefit both HCPs (Healthcare Professionals) and patients by creating the opportunity to maximize the reach of our CV products.

Satish Mehta, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Emcure Pharmaceuticals Limited

At Emcure Pharmaceuticals our competitive advantage lies in our established presence in all major therapeutic areas including cardiology. Were delighted to have the opportunity to partner with Sanofi India as their range of well-established cardiovascular brands will complement our strong CV portfolio, making it a highly robust offering. Towards this endeavour, Sanofis relevant team also has the opportunity to join us.

Sanofi continues to give fresh impetus to its business in the country with an accelerated growth plan - India for India, across its pharmaceuticals, specialty, consumer healthcare and vaccines businesses.

Sanofi - in India for India

As Sanofi India, we are in a great place to make a difference. Present in India for nearly seven decades, we have earned the trust of our customers and stakeholders for our commitment to promoting health. As we chase the miracles of science to improve peoples lives, we continue to engage across the entire health spectrum from prevention with vaccines to wellness, treatment, patient support & capacity building.

Our India Charitable Access Program is the countrys longest running humanitarian program providing free treatment to people afflicted with Lysosomal Storage Disorders. We conduct clinical trials here so that India can have quicker access to the latest from our global pipeline. Our world-class manufacturing site in Goa produces for people in India and 60+ other countries. Recognized by the Top Employers Institute  a global authority that honours excellence in people practices  for 5 years in a row (since 2019), our local entities include Sanofi India Limited (SIL - listed entity) and Sanofi Healthcare India Pvt. Ltd. (SHIPL).
Authored by Shiraz Khan, Founder and Director, Spicetree Design Agency.

In the era of social media dominance, businesses constantly seek ways to stand out and engage with their audience effectively. Among the myriad available platforms, Instagram has undoubtedly emerged as a frontrunner for businesses looking to connect with consumers directly via visual mediums. Its been noticed that what a 20-30-second reel has done for brands is something long ads or catalogs could never do. However, what content strategy is yielding the best results for brands these days? Based on the current observations, the answer is authentic and simple.

Authenticity has become the currency of connection, which consumers are looking for. In an age where consumers crave genuine connections with brands, authenticity has become the currency of trust. Authentic advertising involves showcasing the true essence of a brand, its values, and its personality. This approach resonates deeply with modern consumers who value transparency and authenticity from the companies they engage with. While involving celebrities and renowned faces in promoting brands will never go out of trend, small businesses focus on using their authenticity to keep the content real and simple. Users are drawn to content that feels genuine and relatable rather than overly curated or promotional. Authentic advertising allows businesses to connect with their audience on a human level, fostering trust and loyalty.

To name a few creators whove recently gone viral just for the way they present their products on Instagram, Id name Jasmeet Kaur, the boutique owner in Delhi, who went viral for saying, So elegant, so beautiful, just looking like a wow! for her clothes. Her audio caught up with the audience and celebrities, and Deepika Padukone was seen using the audio in one of her Reels. Similarly, Bhaavesh from Property Transaction Guru is a property dealer famous for saying Aa jao Dikha dunga, so much so that brands like Zomato collaborated with him. And the best part about these commoners is that they were not trying to create viral content, but were being authentic while discussing their products. Another such example is the young lad Rahul from Gadgetzone Technologies, who is selling Macbooks, laptops, tablets, and all sorts of electronic gadgets on Instagram and is famous for simply talking about all the features of the product, showing them for confirmation, and quoting the best prices. And it does not stop there.

High.Street.cars is another page where car dealers sell old and new luxury cars for shocking prices, and they are gaining attraction because they are so simple with how they describe the products, which are worth Rs 20 lakh or more. There is no fancy stuff, no pomp and show about it. They show you the car, discuss its features, and quote the price. This is what people are looking for. These creators are not just limited to retail shopping; even wholesalers use real-time content to showcase and sell their products. Shalvie is a wholesale brand selling customized packaging with no minimum order quantity. They sell as many as 100 pieces with logo designs and customized sizes.

These creators have proven that the market for scripted advertisements has saturated, and consumers want the real deal. This also includes behind-the-scenes content because it provides a glimpse into the inner workings of a business, adding layers of authenticity. Whether showcasing the production process, introducing team members, or sharing candid moments from the office, adding a human touch to the brand helps forge stronger connections with followers.

Simplicity is helping brands cut through the clutter. In a world of information, simplicity is the breath of fresh air we crave. Simple advertising cuts through the noise, capturing attention and conveying messages clearly and effectively. On social media platforms where users are bombarded with content vying for their attention, simplicity stands out as a powerful tool for driving engagement and memorability. It distills complex ideas or messages into clear and concise visuals or captions. Whether a simple video breaks down complex concepts or a detailed caption discussing frequent issues, simplicity grabs attention in a cluttered feed. Simplicity extends to the user experience beyond the feed.

Streamlining the shopping process, sharing pricing and fabric qualities in live video sessions, showing product usage, simplifying navigation, and providing clear calls to action make it easier for users to engage with the brand and take desired actions, whether it's making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter.

Having said that, branding is not a one-day task but an ongoing activity; hence, consistency in content is the key. One viral reel might get you followers, but holding onto the authenticity makes a brand extraordinary. By embracing authenticity, businesses can connect with their audience on a human level, fostering trust and loyalty. Simplicity, meanwhile, cuts through the clutter, capturing attention and conveying messages clearly and effectively. Authentic and straightforward advertising forms a winning combination that drives engagement builds brand loyalty and drives business growth on Instagram. As businesses continue to navigate the evolving landscape of social media marketing, prioritizing authenticity and simplicity will remain crucial to success on platforms like Instagram.
Turkish Airlines, one of the leading airlines in the world, announced the launch of its Stopover in Istanbul program in India, providing passengers with the opportunity to explore the fascinating city during layovers. Passengers flying with Turkish Airlines can now enjoy free accommodation and immerse themselves in the rich history, culture, and shopping experiences that Istanbul has to offer. Travelers will benefit from free accommodation in select partner hotels, allowing them to make the most of their time in the city.

Turkish Airlines Director of Sales, Mahmut Yayla, said We are dedicated to enhancing the travel experiences of our Indian passengers. Our 'Stopover in Istanbul' program underscores our commitment to providing exceptional services. Through complimentary stays in our partner hotels, we invite Indian travelers to discover the vibrant charm of Istanbul during their layovers, enriching their journey with cultural immersion and memorable moments.

The surge in travel interest among Indians after the pandemic has resulted in a significant uptick in visits to European destinations, attributed to evolving travel preferences, improved connectivity, and enticing bundled travel packages. Recognized as one of the best airlines in the world, Turkish Airlines stands out as the most preferred choice for seamless journeys worldwide. Moreover, the Stopover in Istanbul program in India provides an additional perk, offering passengers traveling to Europe a complimentary stopover in Istanbul.

Passengers with a layover period of at least 20 hours are eligible to participate in the Stopover in Istanbul program. Vouchers for the free stay are issued upon completion of the application process. Travelers can now make a reservation by providing the necessary details, including name, reservation code (PNR), ticket number, preferred accommodation dates, room type, telephone number, and email address.

As an additional complimentary service, Turkish Airlines offers Touristanbul, a free layover service for all international transfer passengers with a layover time of 6-24 hours. Travelers can choose from a selection of tours tailored to their flight schedule, exploring the iconic historical sites of Istanbul, and savouring authentic Turkish cuisine. Turkish Airlines' Stopover Accommodation service is available at 108 destinations across 42 countries including India. Business Class passengers enjoy a two-night stay in a 5-star hotel, while Economy Class passengers are offered one night in a 4-star hotel.
The US House of Representatives has given the green light to a bill aimed at effectively prohibiting TikTok in the US unless it cuts its connections with its Chinese parent company ByteDance. This bipartisan move saw 352 votes in favour and 65 against. It is a significant blow to TikTok, which enjoys immense popularity globally but has faced scrutiny over its Chinese ownership and potential links to the Chinese Communist Party.

Dubbed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, the bill mandates ByteDance to divest TikTok within 180 days or face expulsion from the Apple and Google app stores in the US. Furthermore, it empowers the president to label other applications as national security risks if they are controlled by nations deemed adversarial to the US.

The bill's prospects in the Senate remain uncertain, with some senators expressing reluctance to take such a drastic step against an app boasting 170 million users in the US. Nonetheless, the White House has affirmed that President Biden would sign the bill if it lands on his desk.

Despite TikTok's claims of no affiliations with the Chinese government and efforts to ensure US user data remains stateside, doubts persist regarding potential ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

TikTok's CEO, Shou Zi Chew, has encouraged US users to voice their concerns and share their experiences with their senators in hopes of halting the bill's advancement. The company warns that the legislation would adversely affect 7 million small businesses and 170 million American users.

China has condemned the move, warning of repercussions for the US and denouncing it as bullying behavior. Previous attempts to ban TikTok have encountered hurdles due to free speech considerations. A Montana state law seeking to ban the platform was halted by a federal court on suspicion of violating constitutional free speech rights.

In essence, the US House of Representatives has passed a bill with the potential to effectively oust TikTok from the US market unless it severs ties with its Chinese parent company. Its fate in the Senate remains uncertain, but President Biden has signaled his readiness to endorse the bill if it crosses his desk. Despite TikTok's efforts to distance itself from the Chinese government, concerns persist over potential ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
Valvoline Cummins Private Limited (Valvoline Cummins), the pioneer in engine oil manufacturing and a prominent global lubricant provider driving innovation in mobility, has officially commenced the 4th edition of its Mechanics' Month campaign, both globally and in India. This year's campaign, themed 'Mechanics Make the World Better,' is aimed at honouring the efforts of mechanics and expressing gratitude for their indispensable role in keeping society functioning smoothly. The brand dedicates the month of March and ongoing efforts throughout the year to celebrate and empower mechanics, whose invaluable work enhances our lives in numerous ways.

The focus of this year's initiative by Valvoline Cummins is to highlight the significant contribution of mechanics in enhancing the world's functionality by ensuring the efficient operation of engines and vehicles. Through this campaign, Valvoline aims to inspire widespread participation in acknowledging and appreciating mechanics worldwide. Mechanics are instrumental in maintaining vehicles at their optimal performance levels, consistently demonstrating their expertise and dedication, often in demanding situations and at unconventional hours. They stand as the unsung heroes behind the smooth operation of every vehicle, serving as the backbone of the automotive industry.

Valvoline Cummins encourages individuals to join in this month-long celebration by expressing gratitude to their trusted mechanics for their unwavering commitment. The campaign will utilize various mass media platforms such as radio, digital channels, and on-ground activities to raise awareness about the invaluable contributions of mechanics and encourage people to convey heartfelt messages to their local mechanics.

As part of its ongoing Muskaan Scholarship program, Valvoline is extending educational support to children of truck drivers, mechanics, and underserved communities. The scholarship program, catering to students from 9th to 12th grade, aims to facilitate their academic pursuits. Notably, scholarship recipients will receive mentorship from company employees, who will dedicate their time to provide guidance beyond academic realms. To date, the scholarship has benefitted 3500+ children, with plans for further expansion.

Ipshita Chowdhury, Head of Marketing at Valvoline Cummins, remarked, Last year, our focus was on recognizing mechanics' pivotal role in sustaining societal functions. In 2024, we aspire to express gratitude to mechanics and inspire others to do the same, recognizing their indispensable role in ensuring the seamless functioning of our lives.

Sandeep Kalia, Managing Director of Valvoline Cummins, expressed enthusiasm for the fourth edition of Mechanics' Month, stating, We are delighted to launch the fourth edition of Mechanics' Month, collaborating with mechanic professionals to celebrate their contributions to the automotive industry and recognize their vital role in keeping our engines running smoothly. In today's fast-paced world, it's imperative that we acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of mechanics in ensuring vehicle safety and performance, thus sustaining our way of life. Through these initiatives, we aim to raise awareness among consumers and express our heartfelt appreciation to mechanics for their dedicated service.

This first-of-its-kind program has gained significant traction since Valvoline launched its Mechanics Month initiative in 2020. Participation has grown from 15 countries to more than 62. Valvoline Cummins has participated in this effort since 2020.

Valvoline attributes the success of Mechanics' Month to its unique approach within the industry and its broad global relevance. In India, Valvoline Cummins manufactures a diverse range of fluids, including engine oils, gear oils, radiator coolants, and brake fluids, catering to various OEM engines. The company firmly believes that its growth stems from its commitment to quality execution, innovative capabilities, and staying ahead of market demands. Its mission is to leverage real-world insights to provide valuable solutions that drive success for its customers and users.
Influencer marketing in India has been on a high growth trajectory in India for the last few years, As per Statista report, as of 2022, the influencer marketing industry in India was valued at over Rs 12 billion. It is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 25 per cent over the next five years. The industry's market value is further estimated to amount to Rs 28 billion by 2026. Nearly 55 million urban Indians were direct consumers of influencers of various kinds as of 2022.

This burgeoning trend has transformed into a powerful strategy for brands aiming to connect with their target audience in a more personalized and impactful manner. Leveraging the vast reach and sway of social media personalities across platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, brands engage in collaborative partnerships with influencers to promote their products or services to highly engaged audiences. With a diverse array of influencers spanning various nichesfrom fashion and beauty to lifestyle and technologybrands can effectively target specific segments of the Indian market. Despite facing challenges related to authenticity and regulation, influencer marketing continues to flourish, offering brands the opportunity to cultivate genuine connections and foster meaningful engagement within India's rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Furthermore, the Indian government's initiative to recognize and appreciate creators and influencers through the National Creators Award 2024 underscores the growing significance of digital content creators in contemporary society. By empowering online creators who inspire and contribute positively to the digital sphere, this governmental endeavor showcases a broader acknowledgment of their impact in shaping public discourse and fostering constructive engagement on social media platforms. With widespread support and participation reflected through substantial nominations and votes received for the National Creators Award 2024, it exemplifies the collective recognition and appreciation for creators within the Indian community.

Moreover, the increasing recognition of influencers' influence has spurred a surge in collaborations between companies, corporates, and government entities, all seeking to harness their reach and impact. Brands are increasingly realizing the value of influencer partnerships in authentically engaging with their target audience, thereby enhancing brand visibility, credibility, and ultimately driving sales. Corporates leverage influencers to amplify their corporate social responsibility initiatives and enhance their public image, while government agencies utilize influencers to disseminate critical information, promote public health campaigns, and engage with citizens on various social and civic issues. This growing trend underscores the multifaceted role influencers play in modern marketing strategies and their potential to shape public opinion and behavior in collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

As the influencer marketing ecosystem continues to thrive and evolve, recent data suggests that it has become a significant and rapidly growing industry in India, reflecting the country's burgeoning digital landscape. Estimates indicate that the market for influencer marketing in India is worth several hundred million dollars annually and continues to expand steadily. With the increasing penetration of smartphones, internet connectivity, and social media usage across the nation, brands are allocating larger portions of their marketing budgets towards influencer collaborations to effectively reach and engage with their target audience. The diversity of influencers across various niches and platforms further contributes to the robustness of the Indian influencer marketing market. As the digital ecosystem evolves and consumer behavior shifts towards online platforms, the value of the influencer ecosystem in India is poised to continue its upward trajectory, presenting lucrative opportunities for brands, influencers, and marketers alike.

Let's delve into the nuanced insights shared by leading marketers regarding influencer marketing. Speaking to Adgully, Kunal Khandelwal, Group Head of Outreach at SoCheers; Kunal Luhar, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer, 5W1H; Yash Chandiramani, Founder & Chief Strategist, Admatazz; Gaurav Arora, Co-Founder, Social Panga, and Yousouf Rangoonwala, Founder, Kakkoii International Ltd, provide valuable perspectives on various aspects of influencer marketing. Their collective expertise offers a comprehensive understanding of the evolving dynamics and strategies within the realm of influencer-brand collaborations.

In 2024, how are brands looking at engaging with influencers? How is the influencer marketing strategy evolving?

Yash Chandiramani highlights the shift towards a more strategic approach, stating, "It's not just about creating a post with a brand plug. It's more about setting the right KPIs and measuring success for each collaboration."

Kunal Luhar emphasizes the move towards a more results-driven strategy, noting, "brands now prioritize ROI, seeking to align influencer outreach programs with larger revenue goals."

Gaurav Arora discusses the emphasis on authenticity and long-term collaborations, stating, "In 2024, marketers are going to seek influencer engagement with a stronger emphasis on authenticity, relevance, and long-term collaborations."

Yousouf Rangoonwala underscores the importance of authenticity and credibility in influencer partnerships, stating, "Brands are focusing more on strategy-first and authentic storytelling in influencer marketing, moving away from mere popularity."

Kunal Khandelwal discusses the shift towards micro and nano influencers, stating, "Brands are increasingly working with micro and nano influencers to reach niche markets and foster stronger audience connections."

Long-term partnerships with influencers versus campaign-specific engagement - what works out to be more beneficial for brands?

Yash notes, "It depends. For macro influencers we recommend a longer collaboration. In those cases, influencers become mini brand ambassadors and lend their credibility to the brand. For short-term goals related to a campaign's KPI, a one-time burst of activity still works."

Gaurav argues, "Long-term partnerships with influencers can be more beneficial for brands than campaign-specific engagements. These partnerships foster deeper connections and trust with the audience, allowing brands to leverage the influencer's authentic voice and credibility. This authenticity leads to higher engagement rates and brand loyalty while maintaining consistency in messaging across campaigns reinforces brand identity and recognition."

Kunal Luhar emphasizes, "Establishing long-term partnerships between brands and influencers proves to be highly effective. Such collaborations foster consistent brand recall among the audience, reinforcing the association between the influencer and the brand over time. In today's marketing landscape, authenticity and loyalty are paramount, and long-term partnerships demonstrate both the brand's commitment to the influencer and the influencer's faith in the brand's vision. This mutual alignment enhances credibility and trust, as it reflects a shared understanding of the brand's values and goals. Ultimately, long-term partnerships contribute to building enduring relationships with the audience, driving sustained engagement and loyalty towards the brand."

Yousouf contrasts, "Campaign-specific engagements are favored over long-term partnerships due to the frequency of social media content. Brands aim to avoid oversaturation by limiting influencer endorsements within a single campaign cycle."

Kunal Khandelwal offers a comprehensive view, stating, "Both long-term partnerships and campaign-specific engagement with influencers can be beneficial for brands, but the choice between the two depends on the brand's goals, budget, and target audience."

Could you provide insights into how influencer marketing spends are growing? How is the ROI being measured now?

Yash highlights, "We set up benchmarks pre-campaign, usually CPE or CPV, and measure success after 15 and 30 days. For larger campaigns, third-party measurement is recommended."

Gaurav notes, "Brands focus on metrics like sales, conversions, and sentiment analysis. Advanced analytics tools track campaign impact from awareness to purchase."

Kunal Luhar adds, "Today, ROI is prioritized over traditional metrics like reach and engagement. Influencers are seen as strategic partners for tangible business outcomes."

Yousouf emphasizes, "Authenticity guides influencer costs. Brands also consider sentiment analysis, brand mentions, and ROAS for comprehensive evaluation."

Kunal Khandelwal concludes, "Influencer marketing in India is booming, with 33% of brands increasing budgets by over 50%. Brands use metrics like engagement, website traffic, conversions, reach, cost efficiency, and brand sentiment for ROI measurement."

Authenticity and credibility have become paramount for brands. What are the new parameters to ensure these in influencer engagement?

Yash raises concerns, "Authenticity is a big problem and I see it becoming a bigger one in the days to come. Brands often rely solely on the influencer's following or positive comments, which can be deceptive. To check authenticity, there are tools available or manual research can be done to understand genuine engagement. We also tend to trust creators who do long-form as well as short-form content instead of just the latter."

Gaurav emphasizes, "Organizations must evaluate the influencer's values and content alignment with their brand identity and target audience. This fosters trust among the influencer's followers. Brands should prioritize influencers who engage with their audience, demonstrating genuine connections."

Kunal Luhar highlights, "Brands are prioritizing authenticity and credibility, establishing long-term partnerships with influencers who resonate with their audience. Transparency about sponsored content, consistency in messaging, and genuine relationships are essential."

Yousouf underscores, "Transparency in sponsored content, alignment of values, and emphasis on quality engagement are crucial for authenticity and credibility in influencer engagements."

Kunal Khandelwal concludes, "Brands are adopting transparency, working with micro-influencers, focusing on content quality, data-driven selection, and audience alignment to ensure authenticity and credibility in influencer engagements."

In recent times, we have seen brands appointing Chief Influencer Officers. What do you see as their key roles in the overall marketing mix?

Gaurav emphasizes, "Chief Influencer Officers (CIOs) play a crucial role in influencer marketing, ensuring strategic planning, partnership management, and performance measurement."

Kunal Luhar explains, "CIOs are critical assets, responsible for building and nurturing connections with influencers, ensuring strategic alignment, and conducting performance assessments."

Kunal Khandelwal highlights, "CIOs shape and implement influencer marketing strategy, manage partnerships, collaborate on content, measure campaign effectiveness, and stay informed on industry trends."

Smaller/ micro influencers versus more well-known ones - what works to the brands' advantage in today's market ecosystem?

Gaurav explains, "In today's market, brands can benefit from both smaller and well-known influencers. Smaller influencers have niche audiences, allowing brands to establish authentic connections and increase credibility."

Kunal Luhar offers insight, "The choice between smaller or micro-influencers or well-known influencers depends on a brand's goals, target audience, budget, and campaign scope."

Yousouf adds perspective, "Smaller/micro influencers offer niche audiences, higher engagement, and authenticity, while well-known influencers bring reach and credibility."

Kunal Khandelwal concludes, "Both smaller/micro-influencers and more well-known influencers have their advantages for brands in today's market ecosystem, depending on the brand's goals and target audience."

What role do you see AI/ ML playing in influencer campaigns? What is the growth potential here?

Yash acknowledges, "AI influencers are growing. However, I personally feel it's the novelty that's driving following."

Gaurav highlights, "AI and machine learning rapidly changing influencer campaigns by transforming many components of the process."

Kunal Luhar explains, "AI and machine learning are revolutionizing influencer campaigns by enabling exact influencer selection, personalized content development, and accurate performance monitoring."

Yousouf emphasizes, "AI will play a vital role in influencer campaigns by providing specific data for influencer selection, enhancing content effectiveness, identifying audiences, and detecting influencer fraud."

Kunal Khandelwal summarizes, "AI can predict the potential success of an influencer marketing campaign by analyzing historical data."

In conclusion, the insights shared by these seasoned marketers shed light on the multifaceted landscape of influencer marketing. From the importance of authenticity and credibility to the strategic utilization of AI and machine learning, their perspectives offer valuable guidance for brands navigating this dynamic space. As influencer marketing continues to evolve, incorporating these insights into strategies can help brands forge meaningful connections, drive engagement, and ultimately achieve their marketing objectives in an increasingly digital world.
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Bern, 14.03.2024 - Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will travel to Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kenya from 17 to 22 March 2024. Discussions will focus on bilateral relations and regional geopolitical issues. Possible avenues for a peace process in Ukraine will also be explored. The Greater Horn of Africa is one of the most dynamic regions in the world, but is also one of the most fragile and severely affected by conflict. Mr Cassis will meet with the presidents and foreign ministers of all three countries. A meeting is also scheduled with the chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission. The AU joined the G20 earlier this year.

Mr Cassis' first destination in East Africa will be Ethiopia. The second largest country in Africa in terms of population is a strategically important partner for Switzerland, particularly in the areas of business, science and migration. In the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, Mr Cassis will meet with President Sahle-Work Zewde and Minister of Foreign Affairs Taye Atske Selassie.

Addis Ababa is also the seat of the AU. The AU comprises all African countries, making it the continent's most important multilateral organisation. Switzerland has been working with the AU in the areas of peace and security since 2016. Mr Cassis will also meet with Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the AU Commission, to discuss ways of stepping up cooperation between Switzerland and the AU. Other important issues on the agenda include the conflict situation on the Horn of Africa, the war in Ukraine and the preconditions for a peace process.

First visit by a federal councillor to Djibouti

On 19 March, Mr Cassis will travel on from Ethiopia to Djibouti, marking the first official visit by a member of the Federal Council to that country. Djibouti occupies a crucial geostrategic position due to its location between the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. As a major port for East Africa, Djibouti is vital to global trade. During his talks with President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Mr Cassis will stress the importance of regional and global security and science diplomacy.

Kenya: an important partner for Switzerland for 60 years

Mr Cassis will conclude his journey with a visit to Kenya from 20 to 22 March. Switzerland has maintained diplomatic relations with Kenya since 1964. This visit will therefore also mark 60 years of bilateral relations. Kenya is a crucial partner for Switzerland due to its stable democracy, robust economy, innovative strength and importance for regional stability. The Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy 202124 describes the country as a 'lion economy'. The volume of trade between Switzerland and Kenya exceeded CHF 180 million in 2022. The high-level talks will primarily focus on advancing a range of bilateral matters.

Mr Cassis' journey to East Africa is also in keeping with the Federal Council's Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy 202124. Although the subcontinent faces numerous challenges, its rapid social, economic and political transformation also presents new opportunities. Discussions in East Africa will therefore also be aimed at informing the follow-up strategy that is currently being drawn up.

National Councillors Monika Ruegger (SVP/Obwalden) and Farah Rumy (SP/Soloturn), both members of the National Council's Foreign Affairs Committee, will accompany Mr Cassis on his trip to East Africa.

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., in November 2021. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images/TNS) Drew Angerer/TNS The seal for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas hangs on the wall at the Federal Courthouse Tuesday Sept. 18, 2018 in Houston. Michael Ciaglo/Staff photographer

A new federal policy cracking down on so-called "judge shopping" could impede Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtons ability to thwart Biden Administration policies by strategically filing suits in geographic areas with only one judge.

The Judicial Conference of the United States, the policymaking body of the federal courts, said Tuesday that the new rule will apply to all civil cases that seek to block or mandate state or federal actions.

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Under the policy, judges would instead be assigned through a random selection process spanning the entire judicial district. Texas has four districts splitting the state by north, south, east and west.

The new rule promotes the impartiality of proceedings and bolsters public confidence in the federal Judiciary, said Judge Robert J. Conrad, Jr., the conferences secretary, in a statement.

Most federal court districts already assign cases at random to judges, but some, like the Northern District of Texas, assign cases to judges in the lower-level division where the case is filed.

In the Northern District, for example, two divisions have just one judge each, and a third has two judges, allowing plaintiffs to essentially choose which judge they want to hear their case.

As a result, by filing in Amarillo, Paxton can all but guarantee his offices cases get assigned to U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump and is a former attorney for a conservative religious liberty legal group.

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That was the case in Paxtons high-profile 2022 lawsuit seeking to ban a common abortion pill. Kacsmaryk sided with Paxton, and its been appealed all the way up to the Supreme Court, which will hear oral arguments on it later this month. The case has the potential to constrain abortion access nationwide.

Had the new Judicial Conference rule been in place at the time, the case would have been randomly assigned to any of the 16 judges in that district.

Paxtons office did not immediately respond Wednesday to a request for comment on the new rule. The conference has not yet released the full text of the policy.

Paxton has also turned to single-judge divisions to block the Biden administration from redirecting border wall funds, from temporarily pausing deportations at the beginning of his term and from ending a Trump-era policy that forced migrants to remain in Mexico while they awaited their asylum claims.

All were at least initially successful at the district court level and resulted in injunctions that temporarily blocked the policies. The latter two were overturned by the Supreme Court.

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Texas in recent years has also sought injunctions in single-judge divisions over environment regulations and labor and gun rights, among other highly politicized issues. Paxtons office has been accused of selectively choosing courtroom venues since he took office in 2015.

The Biden Administration, American Bar Association and Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about the apparent loophole. In April, Sen. Chuck Schumer and other Democratic senators called on the Judicial Conference to take action. Schumer wrote a letter to David Godbey, the chief judge of the Northern District of Texas, urging him to change district rules.

Godbey wrote back in May that he is cognizant of the public perception of improper judge-shopping in single-judge divisions. But he said randomizing case assignments would be unrealistic because of the size of the district, which covers more than 96,000 square miles, and its diversity, with courthouses in urban areas like Dallas and rural counties in the Panhandle.

Judge Jeff Sutton, chief judge of the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals and chair of the Judicial Conferences executive committee, said the policy was not a reaction to any particular case but plethora of national and statewide injunctions. The policy was announced by the U.S. Judicial Conference after its biennial meeting.

We get the idea of having local cases resolved locally, but when a case is a declaratory judgment action or national injunction, obviously the stakes of the case go beyond that small town, said Sutton, an appointee of Republican former President George W. Bush.

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University of Texas professor of law Steve Vladeck has been raising alarms about this system for years. In a 2023 blog post, Vladeck pointed out that in just over two years, Texas had filed at least 29 different challenges to Biden administration policies in one of Texass federal district courts, and the majority were filed in divisions where a single judge heard more than 60% of cases. Nearly half were filed in single-judge divisions.

The problem is not just that this allows plaintiffs to effectively choose their judge; it also undermines public faith in the integrity of the judiciary for the courts to stand idly by, Vladeck told CNN on Tuesday. "Todays news suggests that the federal judiciary, if somewhat belatedly, agrees.

Jennifer Ahearn, senior counsel in the judiciary program at the Brennan Center for Justice, which had written to a federal judiciary committee last year asking for reform on this issue, said Wednesday that the group is very pleased that the judiciary is taking this issue seriously.

Whats at stake is the ability of the federal judiciary to provide, and for the public to be confident it is providing, a fair and impartial judiciary, Ahearn said.

Other legal experts, however, took issue with the policy change.

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U.S. Circuit Judges James Ho and Edith Jones of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, one of the most conservative courts in the country, told Reuters in separate statements that they did not think the Judicial Conference has the authority to set rules for district judges.

Judges are supposed to follow the laws enacted by Congress, not bend the rules in response to political pressure," Ho said in the statement.

Josh Blackman, a professor at South Texas College of Law, said any elimination of the use of single-judge divisions would amount to retaliating against Republican judges. He added that their decisions are often checked by higher appellate courts.

We should be very candid about who's being affected by this, he said. This doesn't affect the 20-something Democratic-appointed judges in San Francisco who could rule against President Trump every five minutes. It only affects the Republican-appointed judges who will potentially rule against President Biden.
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Bern, 14.03.2024 - On 1314 March 2024, representatives of the more than 30 member states of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) met in Geneva to discuss their progress and challenges in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. At the 2024 Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, discussions focused on how to find sustainable and innovative solutions to implement the goals of the 2030 Agenda at a time dominated by crisis and conflict. Sustainable food systems are one of Switzerland's priority areas for action.

At this year's forum, the talks focused in particular on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda goals to combat poverty (goal 1) and hunger (goal 2), on measures to combat climate change (goal 13), on peace, justice and strong institutions (goal 16) and on partnerships for the goals (goal 17). The wide range of topics covered required close cooperation between the FDFA, DETEC, EAER, FDHA during the preparation phase and also on site in Geneva. Important stakeholders were also represented in the delegation by Pro Natura and the Swiss UN Youth Reps. Markus Reubi, the Federal Council's delegate for the 2030 Agenda and head of the Swiss delegation to the forum, highlighted the significance of the delegation's diversity: "It demonstrates the broad-based interest in stepping up the implementation of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals."

Despite challenges in the geopolitical environment, Switzerland is once again pursuing clear priorities this year that are based on its 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy. These include the transformation towards sustainable food systems, the implementation of the Paris Agreement in the fight against climate change, and access to better data and the necessary anticipation of future technological developments. In this way, Switzerland can make a significant contribution to combating poverty and hunger, which is key to sustainable development.

The findings from the UNECE Regional Forum on Sustainable Development will feed into the High-level Political Forum in July and the Summit of the Future in New York in September. The aim of the summit is to help ensure that the international community delivers on the promises it made in 2015 and works even more closely with civil society, business and science.

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The Centre on Thursday sanctioned the transfer of the Air India building in Mumbai from AI Assets Holding Company Ltd to the Maharashtra government for a sum of Rs 1,601 crore.

As part of the agreement, the Maharashtra government has decided to forgo Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) dues amounting to Rs 298.42 crore that would have been owed by AI Assets Holding Company Ltd, as confirmed by the DIPAM.

GoI has approved transfer of Air India building, Mumbai of AI Assets Holding Company Ltd to Government of Maharashtra (GoM) at consideration of Rs 1601 cr. GoM has agreed to waive dues of Rs. 298.42 cr, which would have been otherwise payable by AIAHL to GoM for this transaction, DIPAM said in a post on X.

Earlier, AI Assets Holdings Ltd, a state-owned entity established to oversee Air Indias debt and assets following its acquisition by the Tata Group in January 2022, declined a prior offer from the Maharashtra government for office accommodations within the Air India building.

Acquiring the Air India building holds significant strategic value for Maharashtra, especially considering its proximity to Mantralaya, the state governments administrative headquarters established in 1955.

Under the Air India divestment plan, the government assumed the airlines debt of approximately Rs 45,000 crore along with all non-core assets, which encompassed around 111 properties, including office buildings and housing colonies.

These assets were estimated to have a total value of Rs 14,718 crore, as outlined in a government statement released in 2021.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee suffered a major injury on her forehead on Thursday evening, the Trinamool Congress said. The TMC supremo underwent a few stitches and medical tests in a government-run hospital before doctors found her stable to be discharged. She was then taken back home.

The 69-year-old leader had a fall inside her Kalighat home in south Kolkata after she returned after attending a programme, her family said. Our chairperson @MamataOfficial sustained a major injury. Please keep her in your prayers, the party posted on X along with pictures of Banerjee bleeding from her forehead.

TMC national general secretary and Mamatas nephew Abhishek Banerjee got her admitted to the hospital, according to party sources.

She fell somewhere inside the home and was immediately shifted to the hospital. She was bleeding from the forehead and stitches were required, her brother Kartik Banerjee told a Bengali news channel.

According to sources, she was admitted to the Woodburn Ward of the state-run SSKM Hospital in Kolkata, from where she was discharged later. A number of prominent personalities expressed shock at the mishap.

According to senior TMC leader Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar enquired about the chief ministers health condition and expressed deep anguish and wished her speedy recovery. Dhankhar is also a former West Bengal governor.

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose went to the SSKM Hospital to visit Banerjee. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal wished her a speedy recovery. Shocked and deeply concerned about the road accident involving Honble Chief Minister of West Bengal @MamataOfficial didi. My thoughts are with her during this difficult time, Stalin said in a post on X.

Sharing the post of TMC with Banerjees photographs, Kejriwal said on X, Shocked to see this. Pray for ur speedy recovery Didi. God bless u. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also took to X to say, Deeply concerned to know that West Bengal Chief Minister @MamataOfficial suffered injury after meeting with an accident. Praying for her speedy recovery.

State BJP president Sukanta Majumdar wished her a speedy recovery.

Our prayers are with her for a quick return to good health, he posted on X. State Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Bengal CPI(M) secretary Md Salim also wished her a quick recovery.
It has been 35 years since the film Steel Magnolias debuted and quickly became one of the most beloved films set in the south.

Based on a play by Robert Harling of Natchitoches, La., the movie was largely filmed in the small Louisiana city. The film starred Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley McLaine, Julia Roberts, Olympia Dukakis, Daryl Hannah, and Tom Skerritt.

Today, visitors can still see many of the filming locations, and theres one where you can actually spend the night.

The home of the Eatenton family in the film is now a quaint bed-and-breakfast inn with rooms named for characters in the movie, such as Shelby, Clairee, Ouiser, Annelle.

The Steel Magnolia House B&B, opened in 2014, is located at 320 Jefferson St. in Natchitoches.

A little history of the house:

According to the Steel Magnolia House website, the home was originally located on the river. The first mention of this home was found in the Courthouse records in 1841 but it was built prior to this date, the website says. Built by two Italian architects, Trizini and Soldini, the owner Louis Dupleix had bricks imported from France to use in the construction of the building. He intended to use the structure as a store since it was in a prime location on the Cane River.

The home was moved, brick-by-brick, to its current location in the early 1900s. For reservations, call 318-238-2585.

Here are a few other film sites you can see while youre in Natchitoches (please note that some homes are privately owned and can only be viewed from the street:

Shelby and Jacksons house: Odaline Lambre-Gwinn House, 1972 Williams Ave., privately owned/

Shelbys wedding day: St. Augustine Catholic Church, Louisiana state highway 493 at Melrose

Shelbys funeral: American Cemetery, Second St. Natchitoches.com says: The American Cemetery is considered by many historians to be the oldest cemetery in the Louisiana Purchase. The American Cemetery contains graves that date to colonial times.

Ouisers house: Lemee House, 310 Rue Jefferson.

Truvys church: Trinity Episcopal Church, 533 Second St.

Site of Easter egg hunt: Riverfront behind Roque House, 800 block of Washington St.

Babys birth: Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, 501 Keyser Ave.

Clairees house: Tauzin Plantation Home, 1950 Williams Ave., privately owned.

Need a car while traveling around Natchitoches? Try Enterprise or Avis rental.
A college student who was asked to leave a Nashville bar is still missing, and now the owner of that bar, country music star Luke Bryan, is reacting to the news.

Bryan took to social media Friday to react to the news.

Yall, this is scary, he posted on Instagram, per PennLive. Praying for his safe return.

According to the report, he said his bar is continuing to work closely with the Metro Nashville Police Department to provide security camera footage and any other potentially helpful information to aid in the search for Riley Strain.

Riley Strain, 22, per reports, was asked to leave Bryans 32 Bridge bar Friday because he had been overserved. The University of Missouri student traveled to Nashville with his fraternity brothers for a convention, according to FOX.

Strains friends reportedly told police that he told them he would walk back to their hotel, which was five blocks away. However, FOX reported that phone pings appear to show that Strain walked in the opposite direction of the hotel when he left the bar.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on The Opening Kickoff on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.
This story is republished with permission from the Birmingham Times.

Its a sunny Tuesday in January, and Salaam Green is making a couple of stops in the Magic City. First, she attends a Birmingham City Council meeting, which is no ordinary gatheringits where she is sworn in as Birminghams first Poet Laureate. Now, Green is arriving at the Birmingham Museum of Art for a conversation with another local poet who has made historyAshley M. Jones, Poet Laureate of the state of Alabama.

In 2021, Jones was tapped to serve as the states Poet Laureate from 2022 to 2026. Jones, 33, is the first person of color and the youngest person to hold this position since it was established in Alabama 93 years ago.

In December, Green, 48, was announced as the city of Birminghams inaugural 20242025 Poet Laureate. Green is the founder and director of The Literary Healing Arts, a program designed to promote the healing power of words, and a certified trainer for the Kellogg Foundations Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) initiative.

She is also well known in the local literary community for leading her Write to Heal workshopsa series of seminars that teach both individuals and organizations how to use poetry, writing, and storytelling to reclaim their voices and change their lives.

The Birmingham Times brought the two Poets Laureate together for a Womens History Month exclusive, where they share words of wisdom and encouragement, moments of laughter, and heartfelt love and joy with one another.

Salaam Green, City of Birminghams inaugural Poet Laureate, left, and Ashley Jones, Poet Laureate of the state of Alabama. (Amarr Croskey Photo, For The Birmingham Times)

Green on what it meant to her when she learned that Jones had been selected as Alabamas youngest and first African American Poet Laureate.

Green: I dont cry a lot, but I was feeling teary. The idea of Alabama doing something right. The idea of you not just stepping into this role, but this role I feel like you were birthed to doit felt like my cousin, my play cousin, my sister is over there, and look at what shes doing.

[Speaking to Jones] Just to see your beautiful face all over the placeit meant so much. So, I just want to say thank you for being you and for giving me the opportunity to celebrate that. It was monumental.

Jones: That means a lot to hear you say. I love your work, and Im just so grateful for what you do. For you to say that youre proud of me, that makes me feel like Im doing something right. Everything I do, I feel like, is in service of the people. For me, the respect of my peers means everything. These higher-up peopletheyre whatever. But people who are on the ground, if you think Im worth it, that means its true. If some person up in New York says, Oh, we like you, it doesnt necessarily mean as much to me. So, I really do appreciate that.

Green: I remember your [debut poetry collection], Magic City Gospel, and taking it into my Write to Heal workshops. Im like, OK, Im taking this book everywhere! It has a beautiful cover number one, but also for young people to see the covers of books with the names of our people on them.

And then they see you transition into this monumental role and see that youre everywhere, even on [ABCs a.m. news program] Good Morning America. You stepped into your dream, into your destiny. And then others can see themselves in you.

Jones: When I was on Good Morning America, yall went up there with me. No, you werent there physically, but I was like, OK, Ive got to make all my people proud. I cant be on this TV talking crazy.

Jones reflects on learning there would be a city of Birmingham Poet Laureate and that Green had been selected.

Jones: I was really excited to find out they wanted to start one. Our city is just so vibrant and so full of artists, and I feel like its not enough to have somebody just for the state. Somebody needs to represent us, very specifically. So, when I found out that it was going to happen, I hoped that it would be someone who really had a spirit of the city, someone who was involved already, not just someone who wanted to put something on their resume.

Green: I dont think I even have a resume.

Jones: When I found out it was you, I was so ecstatic. Of course, I was very proud that it was another Black woman. I think we do everything wonderfully, but to know that you would be the one spreading your message of healing and authentic life to everybody in Birminghamthat was amazing to me. I was just so elated. I know youre going to take our city to a new level with poetry and show people what you can do. Im just so excited. I cannot wait.

Green shares why she decided to apply for the role of Birminghams first Poet Laureate.

Green: I was so excited when I heard that the Alabama State Council of Arts had decided to do this. I looked at the application, but I came aboard a little bit late. I put my application in probably an hour before it was time to be submitted. That is so like me.

[In August 2023, Create Birmingham, in partnership with the city of Birmingham and through funds by the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the Birmingham City Councils Cultural Arts Committee, began accepting applications for Birminghams inaugural 20242025 Poet Laureate.]

Jones: Wow! Clearly, it was meant for you.

Green: I had so many people who were encouraging me, so many people who I was inspired by, but Im thinking, This is the Magic City that is full of poets and spoken word artists like this person and this person. Other people kept saying, Just try. So, toward the end [of the submission period], I filled out the application hurriedly. I thought, as a Black woman who is aging with wisdom and as a Black woman who has touched the city and who the city has touched, why not just try and trust and believe.

Jones on what shes learned during her first two years as Alabamas Poet Laureate.

Jones: The first thing I would say is, honor your downtime. Before anybody asks you to do anything, know what time of yours untouchable. That is the biggest mistake Ive made just generally in life but certainly in my first two years as Poet Laureate. I was so eager to just be there for everybody, not realizing that I needed to take time for me in order to show up better wherever I was asked to go. The second biggest thing is just to really stay true to who you are, which is whats so great about you alreadythat you are always Salaam, all the time. You always bring your spirit to everything. Just try to protect that. Youll be asked to write for various occasions, and sometimes that can make you feel like youre not speaking as yourself. But the reason you were selected is because of who you are, so protect yourself and your own spirit at all costs because thats the thing people want to experience, thats whats going to bring people to poetry and together, as well.

Green: Thats powerful.

Jones: The third thing I would sayand this one may be a little silly, but its me, so Im going to say ithave a few go-to outfits ready for certain types of occasions. You know youre going to have your official stuff, so get you a couple of suits that are just ready to go and good to photograph. And the value of the hatI really cannot overstate that because sometimes, at least for me, the afro doesnt want to act right. The hat will eliminate any issue.

Green: I love that. I know the value of a head wrap. Believe me.

Green asks for more advice on being a Poet Laureate.

Green: Youve been doing this for a while, and its been a pleasure to watch you do this. But also, its been a pleasure to watch you stay true to yourself. How have you done that? Your identity, your fashion, your private life, your public life? How have you stayed true to Ashley?

Jones: It hasnt necessarily been easy. I always feel like Im being pulled in a lot of directions all the time. But Id say one thing is knowing who your people are and keeping them close. So, for me, thats my family and my boyfriend. Having my core group of people who will hold me accountable, who keep me humble. My mom will always say, Youre not going to get the big head as long as Im here. And I have not.

Having people that you can really be real with and vent to, as well. When youre a public figure, you really cant vent in a public space. Yes, we are poets, and we vent in our poetry, but theres a certain other level that were at now as public officials. So, having those people who are a safe space for you is vital. Thats going to help you to maintain yourself. Itll help you to face every situation. If youre able to bounce ideas off of somebody you trust, that is key.

Also, I keep reminding myself, the reason that I have this position is because of me, because of who I am already. I didnt have to put on any airs to get the position, so I dont have to do that to keep the position.

Salaam Green, City of Birminghams inaugural Poet Laureate, left, and Ashley M. Jones, Poet Laureate of the state of Alabama, share words of wisdom and encouragement inside the Birmingham Museum of Art. (Amarr Croskey Photo, For The Birmingham Times)

Green shares her Poet Laureate platform.

Green: The Poet Laureate, as you know, came with duties and responsibilities already. So, Im elated to do those things and many of those things I was doing in the city already. But I think one of the biggest things that I really want to do is look at how do we use poetry as a political activation, particularly in a Civil Rights and justice-oriented city. And this is an election year. There are some charged emotions. For me, part of my tenure is looking at poetry as a healing tool, a political activation tool, and a tool for advocacy. And then also a tool so that others can see, yes, you can spit poetry. Yes, you can perform poetry. Yes, you can do all those beautiful things. Poetry also can take you into rooms, it can take you into spaces, it can take you into legislative houses. I want to talk to government officials about how we can activate poetry into public spaces and the political realm.

Jones: Im voting for you for president.

Green shares life advice for Jones.

Green: First of all, dont let anyone tell you that any age has any limitation. But I would say my biggest adviceand this is what I would say to any Black womanis stay as Blackity Black as you possibly can. Im talking about collard greens. Im talking about sitting around barefoot outside. Im talking about allowing your culture of who you are as a Black woman permeate not just your writing and your artistry but through who you are. Whatever you decide to be, be as Black in those spaces as you can. When you go out into the world as this New York Times best-selling author, Pulitzer Prizewinning 

Jones: Im claiming it. Yes.

Green:  We can say, Thats Ashley. Thats my play cousin with those earrings telling me I need to go get a hat and a head wrap. Sometimes we lose the most important part of ourselves, which is what the Spirit has put inside of us to be, the thing that has caused us to shine. I know you will never lose that. As you get older, remember that you have nothing else to prove. You never did. You are enough. You always have been.

Jones: Im about to shout! I did not come here to be filled with the Holy Spirit! But this is why I love being around Black women.

Green and Jones reflect on what life experiences have prepared them for their respective positions.

Jones: Ive been studying writing professionally since I was 12. A lot of people, when they see Im the youngest this or that, assume I just magically became this. Ive been working hard for so long. So, to me, this took a really long time to get here. It just so happened that I started really early. All of the preparation at [the Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA), at [the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)], at [Florida International University (FIU)]all the schools I attendedof course, prepared me for the writing side of it. As far as the public-facing side, I think being a poet who was already doing touring gave me some experience being in front of cameras, having to answer questions off the cuff. Being a teacher prepared me a lot, actually, for this because being in front of students every single day is scary.

But I think also just being raised by people who made sure I knew I was good enough, just as myself, that kind of laid the groundwork for me always returning to my authentic self. Throughout my life, Ive not always liked who I am authentically. I used to think, Im not Black enough. Im not smart enough. Im not pretty enough. These are thoughts that were in my head as a young child. But because I had that foundation from my mom and my dad, I knew I always could return to, Well, they said I was worthy, so it must be true. And thats really what Ive been coming back to even as an adult. Even at 33, Im going back to 5-year-old Ashley hearing my parents say, Youre great. Youre beautiful. Youre smart. Salaam, what about you?

Green: I think we have two different paths. I used to really get sad and cry about the fact that I wish that I started poetry when I was 12 years old. I wish I had gone to college [to study writing], and I had that opportunity. But there wasnt any space in my life for that. I didnt even know it was available.

So, what I think has prepared me for it has been life experiences and being a community poet. It has been really challenging not having that background as an academic poet. I felt some shame around that for so many years. Even in this role, I was thinking, Salaam doesnt have a book, she doesnt have a [Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree]. How is the Spirit going to say, Let me just drop you into this role. But I think what has prepared me for it has been community, as well as knowing that I always could speak well and I have a voice.

Jones: I will say, though, about what you just said, about not having an MFA and being a community poet, Im very passionate about opening up the idea of who poets can be. Because, even though Im an academic poet, I sometimes feel like Im not cool enough to be in these community spaces. I dont memorize my poems. I mean, I have a reading presence, but Im not out here performing in the way that some spoken word artists do. So, I think on both sides, theres a lot of just this feeling of Am I enough?

When they asked me what I thought should be the requirements for this position, [Alabama Poet Laureate], I said, We cant have a publication requirement or MFA requirement. The poetry itself has nothing to do with those things. I didnt start writing because I wanted to do something in school. It was inside of me. So, I think having both of us as Poets Laureate in this state demonstrates that theres a wide range of experiences, of backgrounds. Different types of poets are able to represent everybody. Theres space for everybody.

Find Ashley M. Jones online at ashleymjonespoetry.com, on Instagram @cityofawoman, and on Facebook at Poet Ashley M. Jones

Find Salaam Green online at theliteraryhealingarts.com and on Instagram @theliteraryhealer.
A New Mexico man died after being hospitalized for bubonic plague in the states first death from the disease since 2020, health officials reported.

We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of the Lincoln County man who succumbed to plague, State Public Health Veterinarian Erin Phipps said in a Friday, March 8, news release.

This tragic incident serves as a clear reminder of the threat posed by this ancient disease and emphasizes the need for heightened community awareness and proactive measures to prevent its spread, Phipps said.

The last human plague case in New Mexico involved a Torrance County resident in 2021, the agency said. Four people in the state had bubonic plague in 2020 and one died.

Heres what to know.

What is bubonic plague?

Bubonic plague is caused by a bacteria named Yersinia pestis and is often spread by fleas on rodents and squirrels, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

Humans can catch plague by being bitten by infected fleas or by close contact with an infected animal, the agency said.

What was the Black Death?

Bubonic plague killed millions of people in Europe and Asia during the Middle Ages, when it was called the Black Death, according to History.com.

It became known as the Black Death for the black blotches caused by internal bleeding, the National Institutes of Health said.

The plague arrived in Europe in the 1300s when trading ships filled with sickened sailors docked in Messina on Sicily, History.com said.

Some people thought the Black Death, which could kill a healthy person overnight, was a punishment from God, according to the site.

The pandemic, which some people say inspired the nursery rhyme Ring Around the Rosy, finally petered out by the 1350s, in part because cities began quarantining newly arrived sailors, the site said.

What are the symptoms of bubonic plague?

Symptoms of plague can include a sudden onset of fever, nausea, weakness, chills, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes, Deschutes County health officials said.

Symptoms typically begin within two to eight days of exposure, officials said.

How is bubonic plague treated?

Antibiotics are used to effectively treat plague, but the disease can still cause serious illness or death if untreated, the CDC said.

How can you avoid bubonic plague?

Plague cases among humans in the United States mostly occur in rural areas of the western U.S., but the disease is more common in parts of Africa and Asia, the CDC said.

Health officials advise people to avoid contact with rodents and fleas, prevent pets from approaching sick or dead rodents and keep rodents out of their homes.

The New Mexico Department of Health also advised keeping food and water bowls for pets away from wildlife, keeping hay, wood and compost piles away from homes and having ill pets examined promptly by a veterinarian.

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2024 The Kansas City Star. Visit at kansascity.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A murder charge against a Fairfield man in the 2021 shooting death of a 27-year-old mother of three has been dismissed under the states Stand Your Ground law.

A Jefferson County grand jury in February 2022 indicted 45-year-old Cliven Milton on intentional murder in the slaying of Ladiamonique Esta Zaire Simmons, who was his wifes cousin.

Milton was not initially charged in the fatal shooting, but a Bessemer Cutoff grand jury issued the indictment against him five months later.

A lengthy Stand Your Ground hearing was held on Aug. 1, 2023  during which Milton and his wife testified - and this week Circuit Judge David Carpenter granted the motion to dismiss, which had been filed by Miltons attorney Jason Wollitz. His wife testified in his defense.

Zaire-Simmons was killed Sept. 16, 2021.

Jefferson County sheriffs deputies responded shortly after 1 a.m. that Thursday to the shooting at a home in the 500 block of Osceola Circle.

Deputies arrived to find that an argument between family members resulted in shots being fired.

Zaire-Simmons was struck and taken to the hospital where she was later pronounced dead at 2:16 a.m. She was the mother of three young boys.

Milton was gone by the time authorities arrived but did call and report the shooting. He told authorities he would be waiting at a nearby convenience store where deputies were able to make contact with him.

The Stand Your Ground law protects an individual from criminal prosecution if that person can prove that he or she used deadly force in self-defense or defense of another and:

Reasonably believe that another person was using, or was about to use, deadly force

He or she was not engaged in any criminal activity

He or she was in a place where he or she has a right to be

Wollitz in April 2023 filed a motion to dismiss the murder charge under the Stand Your Ground law.

Milton, the attorney said, was in his own home and Zaire-Simmons had been asked to leave.

Zaire-Simmons fired her gun at Milton, and he believed she was trying to kill him.

Prosecutors argued that Milton is a convicted felon and therefore could not legally be in possession of a gun.

Milton told authorities he had been in a physical altercation early that night with his wife because he believed she was having an extramarital affair. When it was over, he said, he went to sleep.

He later woke up to go to the bathroom and saw Zaire-Simmons at his home  a baby in one hand and a gun in the other, he said.

Milton testified that he said hello to Zaire-Simmons, who often frequented the home and whom he did not like being at his home, and said she didnt respond.

He said she kept bumping into him and at one point said, Ill shoot you, you (expletive).

Milton went into his bedroom and he was telling his wife to tell Zaire-Simmons to leave.

He said he heard Zaire-Simmons on the phone telling someone that he had pulled a gun on her, and he was afraid she was summoning someone to his home.

Then, Milton said, she fired a shot at him. There was a dispute over whether she actually fired a shot or just pointed the gun at him.

He returned fire, striking Zaire-Simmons.

Prosecutors argued that Milton was a convicted felon, and therefore was not allowed to be in possession of a firearm.

Milton testified, however, that the gun used to shoot Zaire-Simmons belonged to his wife, and he had gotten it off her nightstand for self-defense.

Judge Carpenter, in his March 12 ruling, said Milton was in his own home, a place he had a legal right to be, when he was threatened by a visitor whose permissive status in the home had been revoked.

Milton, he said, was not the initial aggressor.

Although the defendant was a convicted felon, and therefore could not legally be in possession of a firearm, the defendant has satisfied his burden that he reasonable feared death or serious injury from an imminent threat, Carpenter wrote.

He had not recklessly placed himself in the path of that threat, had no reasonable alternative than to take possession of the firearm, the ruling states. He reasonably believed that temporary possession of the firearm would avert the threat and he maintained possession only as long as necessary to avoid the threat.
Many of Alabamas counties grew last year, but none added more new residents than Madison County, home to Huntsville, which added about 25 people a day.

Madison County now has 412,600 residents, for the first time inching past Mobile County, per new estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. Mobile County, home to 411,640 residents, only added roughly one person a day in 2023.

Rob Buddo, president and CEO of Downtown Huntsville, Inc., said he isnt surprised by the new Census numbers, noting that Madison County has been growing rapidly for more than a decade, particularly in Huntsville.

He credited the countys concentration of high-paying jobs in industries such as defense and aerospace, engineering and automotive.

Once folks see the jobs available, they visit the area in Huntsville and Madison and see that its a high quality of life, Buddo told AL.com.

[Cant see the map? Click here.]

Only Jefferson County, home to Birmingham, is more populous than Madison County. It now has 662,895 residents, down just over 2,000 people since 2022. The county lost six people per day last year.

And just west of Madison, Limestone County is growing at the fastest rate in Alabama, jumping 3.4%. Limestone added about 10 people per day last year, and is up more than 10 percent since the 2020 Census.

Baldwin isnt far behind, growing by 2.8% in 2023 and up about 9 percent since the last full Census in 2020. The county added about 19 people per day in 2023.
Algeria, EU discuss efforts to achieve ceasefire in Gaza

Xinhua) 11:15, March 14, 2024

ALGIERS, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, and the European Union's Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process Sven Koopmans, discussed here on Wednesday efforts to achieve a ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian actions in the Gaza Strip, said a statement by the Algerian Foreign Ministry.

According to the statement, the two sides discussed developments in the occupied Palestinian territories in light of the ongoing Israeli aggression against Gaza, and called on the international community to "find a permanent, just and final solution to the Palestinian issue that guarantees the establishment of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state."

Since the beginning of its non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council in January, Algeria has been working to pass a draft resolution toward a ceasefire in Gaza.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Dr. Austin Dennard of Dallas holds her son as they walk out of the Texas Supreme Courtroom with Lauren Miller of Dallas on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, in Austin, Texas. Both women are part of the Zurawski v. Texas case, a major challenge to the states bortion ban led by more than 20 women suing for clarified medical exemptions. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News

The Texas Medical Board next week will consider issuing guidelines on allowable exceptions to the state's near-total abortion ban.

Calls for clarity have been growing in the wake of major lawsuits by nearly two dozen Texas women who alleged their lives and future fertility were endangered because of the laws vagueness and doctors' fears of facing steep penalties for violating it. The states abortion laws outlaw the procedure except in cases to save the pregnant persons life or prevent substantial impairment of a major bodily function.

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At its March 22 meeting, the board will address possible action on rules regarding exceptions to the ban on abortions, according to an agenda released Thursday.

Texas attorneys and lobbyists Steve and Amy Bresnen petitioned the board in January to issue guidance after the state Supreme Court declined to give Kate Cox, a 31-year-old Dallas woman whose fetus was diagnosed with a typically fatal condition, permission to receive an abortion in-state. The states highest civil court in its opinion called on the medical board to do more to provide guidance in response to any confusion that currently prevails.

The Board could assess various hypothetical circumstances, provide best practices, identify red lines, and the like, the ruling said, referencing similar guidelines the agency has issued in the past on COVID-19.

The Bresnens on Thursday welcomed the news that the board would consider their request.

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We are appreciative for the Boards positive response to our request for rule making and hopeful our mutual efforts will result in meaningful guidance to physicians and their patients. But, this is just the beginning and theres much work to do, the Bresnens wrote in a joint statement.

Members of the Texas Medical Board are appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican who signed the states abortion ban into law. There are a dozen physician members and seven public members.

The March 22 meeting is open to the public and will be held in Room 9.900 at 1801 Congress Ave. in Austin. It will also be live-streamed here.
Charges have been filed against a 57-year-old man in connection with the disappearance of a 10-year-old Blount County girl earlier this week.

Johnny Ray Chandler is charged with first-degree rape, first-degree kidnapping, two counts of sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12, unlawful imprisonment and obstructing government operations, according to Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey and Blountsville Police Chief Shane Best.

Chandler was taken into custody Tuesday after the victim was found his Smoke Rise home. Authorities are not releasing any additional information, including Chandlers relationship to the victim.

He remains in the Blount County Jail.

Casey said she is asking that he remain held without bond.

The girl was last known to be at her Blountsville home on Joy Road between 1:30 a.m. and 2 a.m. Sunday.

Officials on Monday said she left a note but did not releasing specifics of what was contained in that letter.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency on Monday issued an Emergency Missing Alert.

According to Blount County EMA, authorities were alerted to the girls disappearance at about 3 a.m. Sunday, after family conducted an initial search for an unknown amount of time and then contacted 911.

The Blountsville Police Department immediately initiated a search operation in the surrounding areas. Despite efforts, the situation did not meet the criteria for an Amber Alert; however, notifications were disseminated via the NIXLE alert system.

The Blountsville Police Department, the FBI, the Blount County Sheriffs Office, Blount County EMA, the Blountsville Fire Department, and other agencies worked together in the search.

The investigation is ongoing.
Dumbwaiter restaurant in Mobile was recently honored with selection to the Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRoNA) -- one of only three Alabama eateries to earn the designation.

Now, a Dumbwaiter could be coming to areas outside of Mobile.

The award-winning restaurant is looking to expand its reach by offering franchising opportunities, according to Wes Lambert, who opened the Dauphin Street restaurant with his wife, Dana, in 2015.

Ive been looking to grow our brand, Lambert told AL.com. I looked at Birmingham six times last year, but its so hard to do that and I realized the best way was to offer franchising and then teach the franchisees they way we do it.

It would be so hard for me to oversee other locations and still be involved in Mobile.

Lambert remodeled a Dauphin Street building built in 1828 and opened Dumbwaiter in March 2015. Since then, the restaurant has racked up awards and devoted followers in seemingly equal doses. Specializing in Southern cuisine, the restaurants menu is described as southern heritage cooking with a coastal flare.

Now, approaching the restaurants ninth birthday, Lambert says hes been very fortunate to have many longtime employees who have remained with Dumbwaiter since the outset.

Consistency is our goal, he said. We want things to be just as good every time you come in. That can be hard to do the way the labor market is. Ive been blessed as far as that part goes.

Lambert said hed like to see Dumbwaiter locations in places like Birmingham, the Florida Panhandle, Jackson (Miss.), Gulfport (Miss.), and perhaps Baton Rouge (La.). The requirements for a location are a market with 250,000 potential customers and a franchise fee of $50,000.

We dont want one on every corner, Lambert said. I think with those market requirements, the closest one that could open would be in Pensacola.

The $50,000 buys the Dumbwaiter brand, along with all the training, recipes and everything you need to get started.

Of course, the franchisee would also have to acquire a building and the equipment. Lambert noted that when he opened the original, it cost him north of $500,000.

Today, it would probably cost you double that, if you have to gut the building the way I did, he said.

But there are already existing restaurants that might be interested in trying a different -- and proven -- approach, he said.

Id like to see some restaurants that arent doing as well change brands and see how they do, Lambert said. Theyll have most of the equipment. We might have to change some of the interior, but it wouldnt cost them near as much.

I think wed fit very well in a lot of places.

With menu items including Hook to Table (fresh fish, stone ground cheddar grits, bacon caramelized green beans, Conecuh shrimp cream sauce); Dumbwaiter Chop Steak (ground Wagyu, goat cheese scallion mashed potatoes, sauteed onions, green and red bell peppers, house made brown gravy); and Tensaw Tournedos (twin filet medallions, grilled shrimp, goat cheese scallion mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, bourbon peppercorn sauce), a Dumbwaiter would clearly be a welcome addition to any area.

We just decided it was time. We wanted to grow the brand and this was the best way to do it, Lambert said. This gives people who dont want to have to develop their own concept to take a concept that really works.

For those who dont want to wait for a Dumbwaiter to come to them, the original is located at 167 Dauphin Street in Mobile. Its open Tuesday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Authorities have released the name of a man killed when an argument broke out at a family barbecue at a Birmingham home.

Birmingham police on Thursday identified the victim as Willie Carr. He was 56.

A suspect was taken into custody early Thursday in Chilton County with help from the Chilton County Sheriffs Office.

Birmingham police Sgt. LaQuitta Wade said the gathering was taking place Wednesday night at a home in the 1100 block of Cotton Avenue S.W.

About 7:45 p.m., she said, West Precinct officers were dispatched to a report of a person shot.

Officers arrived on the scene and went inside the house. Carr was pronounced dead on the scene 8:05 p.m.

Investigators believe the family dinner was taking place when the shooter became angry and started firing shots at the victim.

The two were not related. The nature of the dispute has not yet been made public.

The suspect fled the scene in a stolen food truck, authorities said. He was captured in the Jemison area when the food truck either broke down or ran out gas.

He is being held in the Birmingham City Jail awaiting formal charges.

Carr is Birminghams 24th homicide so far this year. Of those, three have been ruled justifiable and therefore are not deemed criminal.

In all of Jefferson County there have been 31 homicides, including the 24 in Birmingham.
Its turning into a mystery to rival the disappearance of Amelia Earhart or the D.B. Cooper hijacking. As Andy Cohen so eloquently put it on Watch What Happens Live on Tuesday night: What the fuck is going on with Kate Middleton?

Kate, whose official title is Catherine, Princess of Wales (previously she was the Duchess of Cambridge but moved up the ranks following Queen Elizabeth IIs death), was last seen in public in December. In January, Kensington Palace confirmed shed undergone an unspecified abdominal surgery.

By March, the princess -- who is married to Prince William -- had not been seen for almost three months. With little concrete information, rumors and conspiracy theories have flourished. An innocuous attempt to allay the publics curiosity with a Mothers Day photograph fanned the flames, quickly snowballing into an unmitigated disaster. So what is going on?

Heres what we know and dont know about Kates mysterious absence.

Dec. 25: Kates Last Public Appearance

Kate last appeared in public on Christmas Day on her way to church on the royal Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England. She was accompanied by her husband, Prince William, and their three young children. Dressed in a cobalt blue coat and jaunty hat, the princess looked in good health, giving no indication that she would soon find herself hospitalized just two weeks later.

Jan. 16: Kate Admitted to Hospital

Unbeknown to anyone outside the royals inner circle, Kate underwent planned abdominal surgery in a private hospital in London. Kensington Palace wouldnt confirm the surgery until the following day.

Jan. 17: Two Royal Medical Procedures Revealed

In two separate statements, palace officials announced that Kate successfully underwent abdominal surgery the previous day and would remain in the hospital for up to two weeks before recovering at home. They declined to disclose any further details of the surgery but said she was unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.

In a separate communication, the Buckingham Palace press office revealed that King Charles was to undergo a medical exam the following week for an enlarged prostate.

Kates desire to keep the reasons for her surgery a secret -- while understandable -- contrasts with Charles openness about his prostate exam and leads to an explosion of rumors and conspiracy theories across the internet. These range from speculative, with online commentators suggesting an abdominal surgery could mean a hysterectomy or even a colostomy (requiring a colostomy bag), to ludicrous, with some people across the internet suggesting Kate had died.

Jan. 28: Spanish Anchor Claims Kate Was in a Coma

Spanish news anchor Concha Calleja claimed Kate was in an induced coma and needed life-saving intervention during a stint on the news show Fiesta. She added that Kate was first hospitalized on Dec. 28 -- just days after her last public appearance -- and a decision was made to operate. The Times of London reported that Kensington Palace strongly denied Callejas claims.

Jan. 29: Kate Is Discharged From Hospital

Kate returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery.

Feb. 6: King Charles Has Cancer

More bad news for the British royals, as it was revealed that King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer and would postpone his public duties to begin treatment immediately. Upon hearing about his fathers condition, Prince Harry immediately boarded a plane for London, where local papers reported hed spent 30 minutes with Charles before returning to California. Although the type of cancer has not been confirmed, Buckingham Palace said it had been discovered during his hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement.

March 4: First Picture of Kate Post-Op Emerges

After two months out of the public eye, international tabloids including TMZ published a single paparazzi picture of Kate in the passenger seat alongside her mother as they drove through Windsor. It was not published by the U.K. press, who are cautious about running paparazzi shots of the royal family after they were blamed for Princess Dianas death. The grainy image, which showed Kate with her neck covered up and large dark glasses, fanned the conspiracy theorists, some of whom claimed the person in the passenger seat was someone else, such as a body double or Kates look-alike sister Pippa.

March 6: Kates Uncle Gives a Tantalizing Clue

Adding to Kates woes, her rogue uncle Gary Goldsmith turned up as a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother, where fellow contestant and former Love Island winner Ekin-Su wasted no time in asking him Wheres Kate? Goldsmith stumbled over his response, saying Kate doesnt want to talk about that and theres a kind of code of etiquette. But he added cryptically: If its announced, Ill give you an opinion. Royal watchers immediately wondered what it referred to, but Goldsmith gave no further clues, although he promised: Shes getting the best care in the world Shell be back. Of course she will.

March 10: Mothers Day Photo Controversy

With speculation intensifying over Kates condition and whereabouts, the Kensington Palace X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram accounts -- which function as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridges official social media -- posted a photograph celebrating U.K. Mothers Day. It featured Kate with her three children and was said to have been taken by William the previous week. The photo, which in accordance with tradition was subsequently passed to official news agencies for syndication, quickly spiraled into a royal scandal. After suspicious social media users spotted a number of discrepancies in the image, four photo agencies - AP, AFP, Reuters and PA - soon sent out a kill notice on the photo, accusing the royals of digital manipulation.

March 11: Kates Mea Culpa and Another Paparazzi Image

With the photo scandal gathering steam, threatening to overshadow even the Oscars, the royals published a statement in which Kate took responsibility for altering the image. Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing, the statement, ostensibly from Kate, read. I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mothers Day.

That afternoon, another blurry paparazzi photograph of her emerges in the car with William, who is on the way to a royal engagement while Kate is said to be going to a private appointment in London. Her face is not visible in the picture which, this time, is published by both the British and international press.

March 13: Andy Cohen Asks What Everyones Thinking

During Watch What Happens Live on Tuesday night, host Andy Cohen asks British comedian John Oliver what everyone is thinking: What the fuck is going on with Kate Middleton?

There is a non-zero chance she died 18 months ago, Oliver replied. They might be Weekend at Bernies-ing this situation. Im not saying it happened, Im saying its non-zero. Until proved otherwise, until we see her with a copy of todays newspaper.

 2024 Variety Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media; Distributed by

Tribune Content Agency, LLC
Did you book it to Orange Beach for a gulf-side vacation last summer? If so, you were probably driving one of the 2.3 million vehicles that passed over the Foley Beach Express toll bridge, earning the city over $1 million in that four-month period alone.

The toll bridge is privately owned by the Baldwin County Bridge Company (BCBC)  they take in the majority of the earnings, but the city gets a cut of 30 cents per vehicle, no matter how much the driver pays. The company determines the tolls.
This is a guest opinion column

As State officials were approached about trying to salvage Birmingham-Southern, the college had already established a dismal financial track record of the following:

Significant ill-considered borrowing to build facilities from 2004-2010

Miscalculating millions of dollars in Pell Grant awards

Depleting its endowment fund which had been $130 million in 2000

Downgrading of its bonds to the worst risk status by Moodys Investor Service

Management instability with 8 presidents of the College over the last 20 years

Creating serious doubt about its future by declaring in December 2022 that it would close

Declining enrollment of 1,268 students in 2018 to only 721 in 2023, a decrease of 43%

State officials had nothing to do with creating that track record.

The Alabama Legislature passed a bill in 2023 giving undisputed sole discretion to a Constitutional Officer with 50 years of banking, finance and investment expertise. For this reason, I believe the Legislatures intent was for me to do exactly as the law stipulates:

1) The State Treasurer shall require the applicant to meet five minimum criteria to be eligible and to submit a written financial restructuring plan documenting the applicants ability to repay the loan.

2) The State Treasurer shall review all applications for loans and shall make a careful and thorough investigation of the ability of each applicant to repay a loan under the program.

Birmingham-Southern does not have sufficient collateral to pledge toward yet another loan. It also cannot provide a first perfected security interest in all collateral assets.

Furthermore, last December, Birmingham-Southern was placed on Warning by its accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) citing the colleges failure to comply with governing board characteristics, financial resources, financial documents and financial responsibility. Additionally, Moodys Investor Services withdrew its debt rating entirely after previously downgrading it to junk bond status.

And now Senate Bill 31 has been introduced in the current legislative session to get $30 million of taxpayer money to Birmingham-Southern by stripping away any loan review from the State Treasurer, giving it to the bank that is already on the hook for millions loaned to the college  that would effectively surrender the hen house to the foxes!

After MANY hours of thoroughly reviewing and investigating the information provided by Birmingham-Southern, I stand by my decision to deny using Alabama taxpayer dollars for a loan to an institution which I believe has been grossly mismanaged for many years. It is beyond distressed.

Young Boozer is serving in his fourth term as Alabamas State Treasurer.
The lone House member from Alabama to vote against the legislation that would force TikToks Chinese owner to sell the company or face a ban in the United States said the bill infringes on the free speech rights of 170 million Americans.

Rep. Barry Moore, R-Enterprise, was the only House member from Alabama to vote against the bill, with the six other members of the states congressional delegation -- five Republicans and one Democrat -- among the 352 members to help pass the bill against 65 no votes.

The bill would lead to a nationwide ban of TikTok if its China-based owner doesnt sell its stake, as lawmakers acted on concerns that the companys current ownership structure is a national security threat.

TikTok, which has more than 150 million American users, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chinese technology firm ByteDance Ltd.

Lawmakers who support a TikTok ban contend that ByteDance is beholden to the Chinese government, which could demand access to the data of TikToks consumers in the U.S. any time it wants. The worry stems from a set of Chinese national security laws that compel organizations to assist with intelligence gathering.

In a statement on social media Wednesday night, Moore suggested his colleagues were attacking the problems created by TikTok from the wrong angle.

Today, I voted against legislation that functionally bans TikTok by giving them just 180 days to sell their operations. This infringes on the free speech rights of 170 million Americans by going after one company instead of the problem at hand, Moore said on X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter.

We need to protect Americans data from bulk exports by foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party, but targeting a singular company is not the right way to do it, the congressman tweeted. Congress should restrict data transfers, not companies.

TikTok users and creators protested in Washington against the bill, including Mama Tot, the Mobile County-based TikTok creator whose real name is Ophelia Nichols:
Will our historical era be remembered as the Age of Fakes? We have fake news, fake meat, fake elections, fake genders, fake vaccines, fake budgets, fake democracy, fake truths, fake hate, fake Russian collusion, fake insurrections, fake climate emergencies, fake freedoms, fake outrage, fake speech crimes, fake money, fake justice, fake intellects, fake women, fake borders, fake wars, and even a fake president. In some ways, it is a very silly time to be alive.

So much of our fake world has been built on two monstrously fake foundations: fake progress and fake liberalism. Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson redefined progress as something that only Big Government can provide. Instead of celebrating human innovation, artistic achievement, work ethic, and private entrepreneurship as the essential ingredients for any prosperous future, progressivism insists that nothing of value can be achieved without a strong centralized government and a bloated administrative Deep State. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt then picked up the Big Government cudgel by redefining liberalism as a collection of freedoms that only government can provide. Instead of recognizing human liberty as diametrically opposed to coercive State power, FDRs New Deal style of liberalism insists that only new laws, new social programs, new regulatory agencies, and newly discovered rights can ever make people free. In the last century of perverse word games, progressivism and liberalism promised progress and liberty and instead burdened Americans with the heavy weight of the governments chains.

Americas commitment to individual liberty, private property, and free speech once distinguished it from all other countries in the world. When it began betraying those commitments and exporting a brand of rules-based international order scarcely different from those devised under monarchical empires of the past, it became a global ambassador for fake freedom. And in a world where freedom is fake everywhere, happiness appears to be fake, too.

Polls from countries around the world continue to show that humans are dreadfully unhappy. With new gadgets, pop stars, and trending hashtags being constantly unveiled, shouldnt the global population be sufficiently entertained? With a never-ending string of celebrities advocating for the most important causes in our lifetimes, shouldnt lonely people be inundated with purpose? Or could it be that we humans  regardless of race, religion, or nationality  are wired to seek something more than the shiny knockoffs, fleeting pleasures, and engineered emergencies that devilishly vie for our attention? Maybe somewhere beyond the ill-used brain of every social media addict is a lonely soul desperate for authentic truth. Perhaps a growing share of the population sees this glittery globalist cage as disappointingly fake. What happens when the world is driven mad by frauds, hoaxes, and shams?

Social revolutions begin. In search of meaningful lives, people will reject the fake authorities that control them. One of the first things to go will be todays fake academic institutions because they no longer serve any purpose. Consider how far the state of Western education has fallen. During the time of our Founding Fathers, education was seen as the silver bullet against social inequality. It was widely understood that providing Americans with the foundations of civilizational knowledge equipped them with the tools to build better lives. Benjamin Franklin started the first lending library in the colonies. Thomas Jefferson established the University of Virginia on a farm once owned by James Monroe, and both James Madison and the Marquis de Lafayette were present for the schools inaugural banquet. Their dedication toward creating an educated and self-sufficient society stood in stark contrast to the European colleges that catered to an entrenched aristocracy. The men who changed the course of human history with the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights understood that the promotion of learning across all social classes simultaneously promotes individual liberty over government tyranny. Destroying a ruling classs monopoly on knowledge destroys its monopoly on power.

Note that knowledge is the key here  not the mere obtainment of some fancy degree. Neither Abraham Lincoln nor Thomas Edison had much in the way of formal education, but both were highly educated men who profoundly shaped this country. Mark Twains humorous wit is not less remarkable because he never attended high school, nor is the prose of John Steinbeck or William Faulkner less incisive because neither finished college. Degrees mean nothing if the knowledge that they represent is fake.

Yet what does a conferred degree mean today? Does it mean that a student has proven mastery in the arts and sciences, or does it mean that he has been deemed a politically correct cog for a world suffering from groupthink? Do universities still reward genius, hard work, and merit, or are they factories for producing intellectual mediocrity? The thing about a real education is that nobody can give it to you; it has to be pursued and earned. As colleges transitioned toward treating degrees like one of FDRs government-bestowed rights, they stopped producing genuine thinkers. Fake educations and fake degrees have instead produced a society ill-equipped to fight for individual liberty against the threats of resurgent government tyranny. Fake experts maintain authority only when citizens lack the intellectual discernment to object. Its as if the governments funding of fake intellectuals has been part of the progressive plan all along.

So social revolution will begin in the schools  or away from the schools, that is. Interest in homeschooling will continue to grow. Young minds that bristle at the rigid and dogmatic worldviews currently being inculcated inside overpriced colleges will discover that there are better ways to learn. Real thinkers will rebel against intellectual prisons that prioritize woke nonsense over the rich record of Western scholarship. Parents will refuse to subject their children to the racist and sexualized curricula of Marxist indoctrination camps disguised as classrooms. Degrees that are earned without rigor will be understood as expensive fakes. Then one day, some entrepreneur will decide that it is more important to hire people who can actually keep planes from falling out of the sky than to staff up with politically correct fools who know only how to protest against hydrocarbon energy and for Hamas terrorists. Because academic institutions have betrayed their purpose, employer-administered entrance exams and other merit-based tests might even replace the usefulness of college degrees. The governments stranglehold over thinking people is already crumbling.

Vladimir Lenin ominously boasted, Give me four years to teach the children and the seed I have sown will never be uprooted. John D. Rockefeller selfishly insisted, I dont want a nation of thinkers, I want a nation of workers. These sentiments have destroyed American genius and resiliency for the last century, and the harm that they have caused cannot be undone overnight. A nation taught not to think for itself is a nation that knows no other course of action than to obey.

However, when government artifice and manipulation become so outlandish that everything appears fake, traditional control mechanisms fall apart. Long-slumbering populations awaken from their State-induced hypnotic trance much like a hungry bear does from hibernation  shaky at first but ferocious in short order. Just as Central European countries trapped behind the Iron Curtain rebelled against the fake premises of Soviet communism, freedom-minded peoples of the West are already rebelling against the fake premises of the World Economic Forums climate change communism and build back better buffoonery. They will not eat the bugs or censor their own speech. They are not willing to let Klaus Schwab, Bill Gates, and other fake experts control their lives with CBDCs and digital IDs. They are not willing to live in a national security surveillance State that provides their children with fake futures.

This fake new world order is not making anybody happy, and as people begin thinking for themselves, they are learning to disobey.

Image via Pexels.
The Biden administration's plan to construct a floating pier in Gaza to deliver aid represents a significant logistical and humanitarian effort. Spearheaded by the U.S. military, in partnership with the private firm Fogbow, this initiative aims to deliver food equivalent to two million meals a day to Gaza.

The undertaking is complex, requiring the assembly of a large floating dock and an 1,800-foot causeway to facilitate the transfer of supplies from cargo ships to the Gazan shore. This operation, while showcasing American ingenuity and commitment to humanitarian aid, occurs in a geopolitical context where Gaza is governed by Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and many other countries. Notably, Hamas gained control of Gaza following elections in 2006, where they received a significant portion of the vote, highlighting complex political dynamics in the region.

In contrast, the Biden administration's approach to domestic border security, particularly the completion of a border wall, has been markedly different. The wall, intended to enhance national security and manage illegal immigration, has seen delays and reduced prioritization under the current administration. Critics from conservative and pro-Israel viewpoints argue that this reveals a discrepancy in policy prioritization, where significant resources and military expertise are deployed internationally for a humanitarian mission in an area controlled by a group with a history of conflict with Israel, while domestic security measures like the border wall face stagnation.

From this perspective, the contrast is not merely about infrastructure projects but reflects broader concerns about national security, the allocation of resources, and the consistency of policy application. Proponents of this view might argue that the same urgency and resourcefulness applied to constructing the pier in Gaza could be directed towards enhancing U.S. border security. They may contend that protecting national borders is as crucial as international humanitarian efforts, especially when considering the security implications of unregulated borders.

Moreover, the choice to engage in a large-scale humanitarian project in Gaza, despite the governing authority's designation as a terrorist organization, raises questions about the administration's approach to terrorism and regional stability. Supporters of a strong Israel-U.S. relationship might express concerns about the implications of such aid efforts on the balance of power in the region, suggesting that aid must be carefully managed to ensure it does not bolster Hamas's capabilities or legitimacy.

In conclusion, while the humanitarian crisis in Gaza undoubtedly requires attention and aid, the juxtaposition of the Biden administration's efforts in Gaza with its approach to domestic border security illuminates a contentious debate over policy priorities, on that any objective observer would conclude: that Biden loses.

Jerry McGlothlin serves as the CEO of Special Guests, a publicity agency known for representing guests who are dedicated to helping preserve and advance our Constitutional Republic and maintaining a Judeo-Christian ethic.

Image: PickPik
Shown is the estimated snowfall this year in parts of West Texas and the southern Panhandle on Feb 11-12. NWS Lubbock

Texas is not known for its snowstorms. Sure, it does happen from time to time, especially in West Texas and the Panhandle. But normally, snow totals pale in comparison to what they see in the northeastern United States, in cities like Boston or New York.

This past winter was different. However, most of the state did not see much, if any snowfall during the 2023-24 winter season. Cities like San Antonio, Austin, or Houston each did not receive any measurable snowfall. Moving north, Dallas did pick up a bit of snow, measuring 1.5 inches in mid-January.

Still, if you wanted major accumulations, you would have had to travel to West Texas and the Panhandle. Lubbock recorded 3.7 inches of snow this winter. Amarillo had more, measuring 8.3 inches.

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The highest snowfall totals this winter came between Lubbock and Amarillo. That includes the town of Plainview, which received 13 inches of snow this winter, 12 of which came on Feb 11-12. It was the most snow the town had seen in almost 10 years, when more than 17 inches fell in the winter of 2014-15.

Lack of snow in Northeast

Plainview has recorded more snow this winter than several cities in the far northeastern United States. For example, Boston has only recorded 9.7 inches of snow so far this winter, 25% less than what theyve seen in Plainview.

To be fair, thats probably saying more about the lack of snow in the Northeast than its saying about how heavy the snow was in Plainview. Bostons 9.7 inches is the city's 3rd-lowest seasonal snow total of all time, just barely higher than the 9 inches that fell in the winter of 1936-37.

For the record, Boston averages 48.7 inches of snow each winter. This years snow total is only 20% of whats normal.

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The same is true in New York City. The 2023-24 winters seasonal snow total in Central Park has only reached 7.5 inches so far, which is less than Amarillo or Plainview. Its New Yorks 10th-smallest snowfall on record and is more than 22 inches below average for a typical winter.
Remember Jerry Falwells Moral Majority? It was a political movement that sought to use political means to achieve Christian ends. It lasted from 1979 to 1989. After its demise, its second-in-command, Cal Thomas confessed trying to use politics to impose faith was a mistake, and no similar organization has replaced it. Even so, the Democrat/socialist/communist (D/s/c) left has invented a new straw man: Christian Nationalism.

And so on, with Heidi Przybyla of Politico terrified that these Christian nationalists, believe that our rights as Americans, as all human beings, dont come from any earthly authority. They dont come from Congress, they dont come from the Supreme Court. They come from God. So much for the self-evident truth that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness from the Declaration of Independence. The woke leftists, in effect, now issue a declaration of war.

Graphic: X Screenshot

Przybyla has since pseudo-apologized, calling her words clumsy.

Add Christian nationalist to white supremacists, MAGA Republicans, semi-fascists, and those 2016 loser Hillary Clinton smeared as deplorables. These all signify that the speaker doesnt like you, but theres more to it. Pronouncing people enemies of the state is to justify violence against them. This comes at a time when the Biden Junta (Our Democracy) has a domestic Nazi-Soviet Pact working, and sees the greatest threat from those citizens who want the nation to be great.

We cant forget insurrectionists and domestic terrorists, either, particularly not since the FBI has defined the latter as Trump supporters just in time for the 2024 campaign season. Front Page Magazine adds more detail:

The label Christian nationalism is the new Progressive dog-whistle for scary American patriots. It signals to Progressives that Americans who love God and country  which used to be the norm before our descent into a post-Christian, post-patriotism culture  are a subversive danger to democracy. Christianity, after all, imposes a moral code that chafes Progressive libertines, and nationalism, with its emphasis on state sovereignty and secure borders, frustrates their globalist ambitions.

D/s/cs almost exclusively refer to our democracy, and never to our actual representative republic. Thats so because our democracy is a one-party, eternal leftist state, a tyranny of the majority in direct opposition to the Constitution and the representative republic it establishes.

The left believes if they can demonize a politicized segment of Christians as violent radicals by tarring them as being not real Christians  much like they insist that Islamic terrorists arent real Muslims  then they can isolate the Trump-supporting Christian nationalists from the good Christians. As another example, filmmaker and anti-Trump hysteric Rob Reiner just released his documentary God & Country, about the threat of a movement that infuses Christian dogma with far-right politics, as The Hollywood Reporter put it. The films trailer features an interviewee who declares, This is not a movement about Christian values, this is about Christian power. Reiner himself recently tweeted that Christian Nationalism is not only a danger to our Country, its a danger to Christianity itself. [Emphasis added on both quotes] The relentless messaging here is, Christianity is fine, its Christian nationalism thats evil.

Reiner cares nothing for any sort of Christian, and his film atomic bombed, making only about $60,000 thus far, which isnt enough to cover production staff catering bills. Perhaps Christian Nationalists are keeping people away to keep their evil movement secret?

I recently taught use of force classes for church support teams. Part of the curriculum was the enormously increased threat levels America is facing. The invention of Christian Nationalism, encouraging violence against Christians, is among those threats. What was interesting, and entirely expected, was no one had heard of Christian Nationalism, nor did anyone know a Christian Nationalist.

How could this be? These were practicing Christians, serious about their faith, very much the kind of "Christian Nationalists" about which Miss Przybyla and others are warning the self-imagined elite. They're the very people posing mortal danger to our democracy, yet none of them had a clue what Christian Nationalism might be.

Its simple: there is no such thing. There are innumerable Christians who work hard, raise their families, worry about our nation, and do their best to live the teachings of Christ. They do all they can to be helpful to others, care nothing for power, and mostly want to be left alone in a nation that honors the Constitution and lets all live under the rule of law. Theyre Normal Americans.

That, not a nonsensical and false linguistic construction, is the difference between D/s/cs who would rule us in our democracy, and Normal Americans who would do unto others as they would want others to do unto them. That only works in a representative republic, and D/s/cs know, and fear, that.

Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor.
By

The Deep State is full of strange characters, but few are as strange as the one undercover journalist James O'Keefe picked out for a feature on Pentagon policymakers, a character named Jason Beck whose title is Associate Director, Total Force Requirements & Sourcing Policy at the Secretary of Defense's Office.

He spoke to O'Keefe with a full wokester menu of opening the border, disarming the population, abolishing the Second Amendment, abolishing the Electoral College, abolishing the Senate, and stacking the Supreme Court. His tone was repellently lackadaisical.

O'Keefe posed as a gay guy in a flowered shirt seeking a romantic relationship with the official from apparently a gay dating app in order to get him to open up:

It's an astonishing interview, given that Beck, whose LinkedIn lists him as a 2007 graduate of the Beltway's Catholic University of America, holds so much power at the Pentagon.

According to the interview, his actual job seems to be public relations. He's the one who tells Pentagon officials what they are going to say at certain kinds congressional hearings, known as "posture hearings," such as the one I wrote about a couple days ago with Rep. Matt Gaetz on the topic of Haiti. O'Keefe featured footage from that particular hearing in his video:

O'KEEFE: Oh, you actually write the answers for the congressional questions and stuff? BECK: Yeah.

...cut...

BECK: When we're talking about posture hearings, it's usually very high level.

So when we hear strange things coming from the Pentagon, like not wanting to guard the border as we did during the Trump administration, or the evasive mumble-jumble of the woman who gave Gaetz the lousy answers on Haiti, which Gaetz surmised suggested a lack of preparation for a Haitian refugee flood, it's Beck who tells these people what to say.

He casually listed all the liberal lotusland tropes about disarming the population, about sending the National Guard in to do it as had been done with school desegregation with all those racists, about stacking the Supreme Court in order to allow Congress to do what it wanted without checks and balances, and above all to open the border.

BECK: I mean, the recent immigration bill fiasco was almost unbelievable.

...cut...

BECK: Yeah, it's bad. O'KEEFE: Yeah. BECK: It's really racist.

...cut...

BECK: You know, just lots of that talk about, like, (finger quotes) border security. O'KEEFE: Ummm... BECK: That kind of nonsense. O'KEEFE: "Border security" ... what does that even mean? BECK: It doesn't mean anything.

...cut...

BECK: It's just like throwing money and people at a problem that doesn't really exist.

...cut...

BECK: The only crisis is one that we've created. It's a humanitarian crisis, but it's not a security crisis. O'KEEFE: And if anyone wants to come in, they can come in. BECK: I don't see why not, frankly, Like why do we need quotas? Why not just have an open border?

...cut...

BECK: There's no Taliban coming in (chuckles) through Mexico. Like they just make that stuff out of whole cloth, you know?

...cut...

BECK: When has a terrorist ever come in?

O'Keefe then shifted to footage of an incoming illegal at the border who said we would all soon know who he was, suggesting a potential terrorist with plans to destroy the U.S.

It calls to mind that these people at the Pentagon, who are supposedly so authoritative in their judgment that the media swallows everything they say whole -- aren't so very knowledgable at all.

This guy described himself on his dating app as "not masc" despite his beard, and told O'Keefe that he had had bottom surgery, meaning, his plumbing is different and he said it "hurt" suggesting that he had had his privates cut off in some kind of mental illness, making him a eunuch.

That his statements are so ill informed, and that he is a Pentagon official giving answers to higher-ranking Pentagon officials suggests that the country is being very poorly served, because this guy clearly doesn't understand what defense is or what defense is for. Calling for an unguarded border, allowing anyone in who wants to come in, and making the blanket claim that there is no such thing as terrorists crossing our border, despite what the Border Patrol is finding, amounts to clearly culpable ignorance. It's sad, really, this is a guy who perceives no threats except from the right and means to oppress those whose views aren't the same as his with force. He also denies that there's a such thing as a terrorist crossing our border despite the evidence that there is.

So he's a eunuch in Lotusland, basically waiting to be surprised that evil is out there, which is a disastrous thing to see in a defense official with that kind of rank and power.

It suggests that the people above him who promoted him hold similar ideas and know just as little as he does, culminating in Joe Biden who often says he does what he is told.

Is the U.S. being run by these kind of people? Apparently, it is, meaning, no one should take seriously anything they say as they live in a leftwing academic silo with no new ideas getting in. And suddenly, it becomes clear why the Pentagon was so resistant to guarding the border when the idea was bruited around during the Trump administration as well as so insubordinate generally.

A look under the hood at how these people talk in private confirms that they don't know more, they know less than the rest of us. That's what makes O'Keefe's work valuable.

Image: Screen shot from O'Keefe Media video, via YouTube.
If you were tasked with summing up Joe Bidens career in politics in one word or phrase, what would it be? Treason? Incompetence? Naptime? Brain fart? Ice cream? Dereliction of duty?

While all of the above are just as accurate and condemning as the next, Id certainly settle on the last one, because leaving Americans behind is one of the worst things a commander-in-chief can do, and Bidens streak remains uninterrupted.

But first the quick context, via Monica Showalters recent essay on Haiti:

On Joe Bidens watch, Haiti has fallen into complete chaos, costing the U.S. another embassy. The government is not functioning at all and barbarians have taken over.

Yet, despite all of this, Americans trapped in Haiti are on their ownnot only in theory, but as a matter of policy. The corpse in the White House sends his condolences though! Heres the story, from John Hayward at Breitbart News:

American missionaries trapped in Haiti pleaded for rescue on Tuesday, reporting constant gunfire around their hideaway and corpses rotting in the streets. The groups leader said the only assistance they have received from the Biden administration was advice to be safe. Okay, well, thats not really helpful, Jill Dolan of the group Love A Neighbor said of the response she received from the U.S. Embassy when she asked for help getting her family out of Haiti.  Weve contacted agencies to extract us out. They have just said, Its way too dangerous where you are; you have to stay put, she told CBS News on Wednesday.

So according to the Bidenites, its too dangerous to rescue trapped Americans because certain people in the native population present a serious threatgang leader Barbecue has attacked prisons, freeing close to 5,000 prisonersbut its not too dangerous to let Haitian refugees flood into our country? Whats to say the people waging the violence, the ones concerning American agencies as too dangerous, dont pose as refugees, and exploit an open borders pro-invasion policy?

Hayward also reported that not only are these missionaries in a very dangerous situation regarding the breakout of whats basically a civil war, some of them were trapped without life-saving medications (insulin)too bad they didnt claim to be Palestinians otherwise Biden and Blinken would have immediately dispatched $100 million worth of food, water, and medicine.

Yet, after Afghanistan and Israel, what else would anyone expect? This meme says it all, it just needs to be updated from time to time as Biden abandons Americans in a new locale:

Get in loser. We're leaving Afghanistan. pic.twitter.com/hRGFBhzRMO  Zach Vorhies / Google Whistleblower (@Perpetualmaniac) September 8, 2021

Image: YouTube video screengrab.
Nobody likes the IRS, but Americans always assumed that the IRS was an equal opportunity government pest, bedeviling people across the political spectrum. The belief in the agencys non-partisan status vanished in 2013 when we learned that the IRS had deliberately withheld tax-exempt status from Tea Party organizations, severely hampering their ability to share information during the 2012 presidential election. Now, David Horowitz contends that the IRS is trying to destroy his long tax-exempt Freedom Center, which, among many things, publishes Frontpage Magazine.

David Horowitz is an interesting person. He was raised in the Belly of the Beast, a red-diaper baby who was viewed as the great red hope for bringing communism to America. However, after working closely with the Black Panthers, Horowitz concluded that his former beliefs were completely wrong and that Americas founding principles were the best way to bring about maximum happiness and prosperity to the greatest number of people.

In 1988, along with Peter Collier, another former leftist radical, Horowitz founded the Freedom Center, which has been dedicated to exposing leftism in American institutions. As Horowitz writes (and all quotations in this post are Horowitzs),

Guided by our understanding of the Left, we were the first conservative institution to alert Americans that their universities and school systems had been captured by radical idealogues who had no respect for American achievements and communities and were transforming these educational institutions into indoctrination and recruitment centers for an anti-American left. We were the first conservative institution to organize Islamo-fascism teach-ins, to champion the rights of Muslim women, and to warn others about the unholy alliance between the Islamic terrorists and the American left. We managed to give speeches on these threats on 400 campuses and to expose Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) as a creation of the Hamas Nazis whose goal is to aid the terrorist enemies of the West and to bring about a second Holocaust of the Jews.

The Freedom Center sounded the warning tocsin long before others were aware that there was a problem. The organization writes books, maintains databases, and publishes one of my favorite outlets, FrontPage Magazine, all of which are aimed at making Americans aware of leftism in Americas institutionsincluding the peccadillos, foibles, and illegal acts of politicians advancing Marxism in America.

During the 2016 election, the Freedom Center used its outlets to report on a major news story, namely, Hillary Clintons self-admitted national security violations. According to Horowitz, for the IRS, this reporting was the gotcha! moment. By opining about Hillarys criminal activities when she was a presidential candidate, the Freedom Center had gone from being an information outlet to being a partisan political outletwhich meant it was no longer tax-exempt. Writes Horowitz,

In 2019, the IRS informed us that they were conducting an investigation of the Freedom Center to see whether we were a legitimate non-profit deserving of the tax-deduction subsidies we had been granted 31 years before. Five years later, the I.R.S. dropped the other shoe, informing us that they had reached a determination that we were not a non-profit, and if we did not respond within 30 days, and persuade them they were mistaken, our tax-exemption would be revoked. The key rule we were alleged to have violated was to have participated in a political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. In our 35 years, we have never endorsed a political candidate, nor did the IRS claim we had. Our thought crime emanated from our mission to defend free societies under attack from forces without and within. But these facts did not deter the IRS. From the viewpoint of the government behemoth, we were guilty because we expressed the journalistic opinion in our online news site, Frontpagemag.com, that Hillary Clinton had violated U.S. espionage laws and obstructed justice by destroying 30,000 emails subpoenaed by the United States Congress, putting classified data on an unsecured home server which could be read by our enemies, and had gotten away with it with the aid of a corrupt attorney general.

Of course, its possible that Horowitzs statement errs and that, as a matter of law, the IRS is rightbut history suggests that the IRS has become politicized and that we should take seriously the effort to end the Freedom Centers tax-exempt status. The Freedom Center is currently seeking donations, saying that its already lost several donors simply because of the investigation.

Image of the IRS building in D.C. made using a public domain photo.
Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it. George Santayana (also attributed to others).

Our universities and streets are filled with the doomed who think socialism/Marxism, even Islamism, are the inevitable keys to a bright future. Theyre not entirely to blame. The Marxists and Islamists teaching them are, but now and again its wise to revisit history that we might stave off doom a little longer.

September 9, 1976, Japan. Soviet Air Force pilot Viktor Belenko landed his MiG 25 and asked for asylum. It turned out the MiG 25 was in some ways brilliant, in other ways crude and far behind us in technology. It had been tracked making high speed runs which caused great concern in the West, but Belenko explained those propaganda dashes always junked the planes huge engines.

Graphic: book cover scan by author

As a pilot of what was then the Soviets hottest jet, Belenko enjoyed perks unavailable to all but the highest-ranking Russians, yet when he first arrived in America, driven past a common strip mall, Belenko demanded to see the stores. In his book MiG Pilot, John Barron described the scene. Belenko was shocked and amazed at the profusion of goods in a small supermarket, at the clothing in a small mens store, at the electronics in another store.

All of Belenkos suspicions about the true nature of the shopping center were fully and finally validated when he saw a service station on the corner. Three cars, all, as it happened, driven by women, were being fueled at the same time, a boy was cleaning the windshield of one car, and there were no lines. In Belenkos past life, gasoline outlets were so scarce that a wait of four or five hours for fuel was ordinary. I congratulate you, Belenko said en route back to the mansion. That was a spectacular show you put on for me. What do you mean? I mean that place; its like one of our show kolkhozes where we take foreigners. Nick laughed, but not Peter. Viktor, I give you my word that what youve just seen is a common, typical shopping center. There are tens of thousands all over America.

It took Belenko months to realize the truth. The reality of every day America was unlike anything he had ever seen or could imagine. Fast forward to September 16, 1989, Houston, TX.

After a visit to the Johnson Space Center, Boris Yeltsin visited an American supermarket:

It was September 16, 1989 and Yeltsin, then newly elected to the new Soviet parliament and the Supreme Soviet, had just visited Johnson Space Center. [skip] Yeltsin, then 58, roamed the aisles of Randalls nodding his head in amazement, wrote Asin. He told his fellow Russians in his entourage that if their people, who often must wait in line for most goods, saw the conditions of U.S. supermarkets, there would be a revolution.

Like Belenko, Yeltsin was stunned. He had no frame of reference.

Yeltsin asked customers about what they were buying and how much it cost, later asking the store manager if one needed a special education to manage a store. In the Chronicle photos, you can see him marveling at the produce section, the fresh fish market, and the checkout counter. He looked especially excited about frozen pudding pops. Even the Politburo doesnt have this choice. Not even Mr. Gorbachev, he said. The fact that stores like these were on nearly every street corner in America amazed him. [skip] About a year after the Russian leader left office, a Yeltsin biographer later wrote that on the plane ride to Yeltsins next destination, Miami, he was despondent. He couldnt stop thinking about the plentiful food at the grocery store and what his countrymen had to subsist on in Russia. In Yeltsins own autobiography, he wrote about the experience at Randalls, which shattered his view of communism, according to pundits. Two years later, he left the Communist Party and began making reforms to turn the economic tide in Russia.

It is easy to take what we have for granted, easier for some, particularly the young who have never had to work for anything, never built anything, to despise those that have, to embrace the lies of those promising an equitable utopia. In Viktor Belenko, who died, a free man, in America in 2023, and Boris Yeltsin, who died in 2007, there is a lesson for advocates of Marxism and Islamism. The grass isnt greener elsewhere. Liberty provides astounding benefits, and the lack of liberty takes them away.

Unless our young are taught history, actual history, and learn from it, they may one day be like Belenko and Yeltsin, amazed at the bounty of liberty. More likely, sadly, is there will be no place left to teach them that lesson.

Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor.
The dates for Google I/O have been revealed. And itll take place on May 14 and 15th. This marks the first time since 2019 that Google I/O has been a multi-day event. In 2020, it was canceled for obvious reasons, and in 2021 and 2022, it was online only. Last year, Google I/O returned to being in-person for one day only. Now were pretty much back to normal with a two-day Google I/O.

Googles CEO, Sundar Pichai, is expected to take the stage and kick off the keynote at Google I/O on May 14 at 10 AM PT. The keynote is generally a couple of hours long, going through each of the very many products that Google has.

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Just as was the case last year and really every other year, Google I/O is likely going to be full of artificial intelligence, or AI. Last year, Google announced a slew of features for Bard, which has since been renamed to Gemini and is now using a different LLM.

Google will also talk more about Android 15, even though the developer preview has already launched. We should be receiving the beta in April, as well as updates to Gmail and many other Google products.

How can you attend Google I/O?

Glad you asked. Registration for Google I/O opens today, and it is free. Google says that there will be a small live audience for the keynote. Its likely that most of the sessions will continue to be online so that anyone can watch them.

Google I/O takes place at the Shoreline Amphitheater, which is right next to Googles Mountain View headquarters. Google had chosen this venue since 2016 when it finally moved away from hosting I/O at Moscone West in San Francisco. Shoreline makes it easier to get to, and it also gives Google more space to invite more people and show off more things in the sandbox. Google typically has all sorts of demos on display at Google I/O, and given the large number of products they have, they need the space.

Mark your calendars for May 14 and 15.
A recent X leak claims that Google is testing a bottom bar feature in Chrome for Android, which might bring back the previously abandoned design experiment. This new feature, observed in Chrome Canary 124, will only be available for custom Chrome tabs launched through the Google app.

Google testing a limited functionality bottom bar for Chrome Android

Despite the lack of information on how this bottom bar would work because it is not yet operational, there are expectations that it would house specific options and buttons for Google Search activities. Discover, Search, and Saved could be some of the shortcuts provided on the bottom interface. Other popular choices may also be available such as Google Lens or additional search result options.

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However, from what AndroidPolice has described, the bottom bar on Chrome for Android might have more limitations compared with the bottom navigation on Chrome for iOS. When Chrome Home and Chrome Duplex replaced fully-fledged bottom-based interfaces in Chrome for Android, experiments failed and eventually dropped in favor of older top-bar navigation.

Google might reintroduce the bottom bar functionality as part of its effort to make activities smoother. This way the Chrome app will become more user-friendly hence complementing its well-known navigation and accessibility across its ecosystem.

The feature will remain experimental, accessed through Chrome Flags

Chrome Canary (unstable) allows you to try the feature by visiting chrome://flags/#cct-google-bottom-bar. However, whether this trial will turn into a permanent thing remains unknown since similar designs have failed to gain grounds based on what Google made us believe. Any changes to design or features still under development are at risk of discarding before final release.

The same goes for recent experiments with a bottom bar in Chrome for Android. While many users have been commenting on this characteristic, it will take time to determine if it can remain a constant feature within any browser. If any additions go official too soon, it may cause issues.
Caviar, a company specializing in luxury customization of flagship smartphones, has unveiled its latest collection. The firm modified the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max to match the aesthetics of the Apple Vision Pro. The devices come in limited quantity (99 units each) and carry a hefty price tag.

Customized iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max look like the Apple Vision Pro

Caviar has been customizing smartphones for over a decade now. Originally a Russian company, it formed an independent division for international markets in 2022. Caviar International is based in Dubai and operates separately from the Russian brand. It has already launched dozens of customized iPhone 15 versions with a unique luxury design and expensive materials.

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However, its latest collection is somewhat different from others. Caviars new iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max customizations are inspired by the Apple Vision Pro. The firm has slapped the aesthetics of the revolutionary XR headset, which Apple calls a spatial computer, on the back of the phones. Everything from its curves and circular vents to orange highlights and blue shades can be seen.

According to Caviar, the modified iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max feature aerospace-grade titanium, likely better than what Apple used. The company used colored accents and laser engravings to carefully craft a design that reminds you of the Apple Vision Pro. The devices come with an international certificate of authenticity, a personal certificate, and a one-year warranty.

As far as the prices are concerned, Caviar doesnt sell its phones cheaply. The iPhone 15 Pro starts at $8,060 for the 128GB variant. It costs $8,340 for 256GB, $8,700 for 512GB, and $9,060 for 1TB. If you pick the Pro Max model, you will have to shell out $8,840 for the 256GB variant, $9,200 for 512GB, and $9,560 for 1TB. Caviar offers a 15% discount when paying with cryptocurrency.

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The devices wont function any differently

These hefty prices dont make the devices any better in terms of functionality or performance. On the inside, they are still the same iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max that you can buy at around $1,000. Caviar charges a massive premium for its luxury modification and materials used. If you are willing to pay even more, the firm offers more personalization options.

You can have personal engraving on the side edges of the phones, apply your logo or initials, and even modify some design elements. Additionally, you can ask Caviar to replace the material or add custom shapes and elements to its body. You can also ask for custom packaging. This personalization will cost more. Head to Caviars website to check the Apple Vision Pro-inspired iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
TikTok CEO, Shou Chew, has responded to the newly passed bill that could ban the social media app in the US. He said the legislation is unconstitutional and built on misinformation. Chew urged TikTok users to speak up and make their voices heard as the company prepares to exercise its legal rights.

TikTok will challenge the bill designed to ban the app in the US

US lawmakers have been mulling banning TikTok nationwide for the past few years. They see the platform as a national security threat because of its Chinese ties (parent company ByteDance is based in China). Lawmakers have expressed concerns about the firm potentially leaking user information to the Chinese government. Several US states and government agencies have already banned the app on official devices.

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Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed a bill that, if passed into law, would force ByteDance to sell the US unit of TikTok or cease operations in the country within six months. Unsurprisingly, the firm doesnt agree with the decision. TikToks global CEO came down hard on this disappointing vote. Chew said banning TikTok, which is the primary goal of the bills sponsors, would give more power to other social media platforms.

The TikTok CEO also tried to clarify the misinformation about the platform in a video addressed to US users. He reiterated what the company has been saying all this while, that the user data is safe and free from outside manipulation. According to Chew, TikTok currently has 170 million users in the US, including 7 million businesses. A nationwide ban on the app will put more than 300,000 American jobs at risk.

TikTok plans to fight and wants its users to help it. We will not stop fighting and advocating for you and we will continue to do all we can, including exercising our legal rights, Chew said in the video posted to X. We believe we can overcome this together. He encouraged users to keep sharing their stories with friends, families, and senators. Protect your constitutional rights. Make your voices heard. Love you all, Chew signed off.

TikTok has challenged state-level legislation in the past

It has been a rough ride for TikTok in the US in recent years but the firm has held its own. The firm previously challenged state-level bans and won. A federal judge temporarily blocked the proposed statewide ban on the app in Montana last November. However, troubles keep mounting, making it more challenging for the company. It remains to be seen whether TikTok survives under ButeDances ownership in the US.
Shown are expected rainfall totals through Sunday, according to the National Blend of Models. San Antonio can expect a total of about 1 to 2 inches of rain over the weekend. Pivotal Weather

After a rainy start to the year in January and early February, rainfall totals have dried up lately in San Antonio. The past five and a half weeks have brought 0.08 inch of rainfall to the Alamo City, going back to Feb. 4. We could absolutely use more rain. The good news? It looks like its on the way.

After relatively dry weather on Thursday, a cold front is expected to move into San Antonio on Friday. Often, a cold front increases rain chances as it pushes through a region. Then after the front leaves, the rain chances stop. However, this time around, the cold front is expected to stall out directly over San Antonio, providing off-and-on chances of rain for a few days in a row. Heres everything we know so far.

Thursdays forecast

Throughout the day on Thursday, the front will still be well to the north of San Antonio. Because of that, rain chances are going to stay low in South Texas. Morning fog and patchy drizzle will be possible before 9 a.m., and we have a 20% chance of a few isolated showers in the middle of the day, but most spots will stay completely dry.

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Temperatures will be above average once again. San Antonio will start in the middle to upper 60s early, then rising into the 70s after 9 a.m. Afternoon highs are expected to reach the low 80s under mostly cloudy skies.

Shown are the expected high temperatures for Thursday in South Texas. San Antonio will see temps rise into the low 80s. Pivotal Weather

Overnight and into Friday morning, an area of atmospheric moisture is expected to move in from the south. Most of the rain will likely stay light, but a few embedded thunderstorms could result in brief, heavy rainfall at times.

Cold front moves in Friday

Friday morning, the cold front is still expected to be over Central and West Texas. By the afternoon, winds will turn northerly in San Antonio, signaling the fronts arrival. Scattered showers and storms are expected, but not everyone will see rain. Coverage will be about 50% in South Texas.

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High temperatures will likely reach the middle to upper 70s Friday before the cold front arrives, and theyll fall throughout the evening.

At left, a cold front is expected to move into South Texas by Friday afternoon. The cold front will stall out but still be near San Antonio on Sunday, as seen on the right. Pivotal Weather

Weekend heavy rain

The cold front is not expected to move much on Saturday or Sunday, meaning that rain chances will persist through the weekend. This also means we can expect showers and storms will be off-and-on throughout. Dont cancel plans yet, but having an umbrella with you would not be a bad idea.

Overall rain chances are 60% to 70% Saturday and Sunday. Some of the storms will produce locally heavy rainfall at times, resulting in isolated flooding. Strong to marginally severe storms also will be possible in South Texas, but a severe weather outbreak is not expected to happen.

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Weekend rainfall totals have been hard to estimate over the past few days, but generally, cumulative totals have been trending upward. With the latest data in, San Antonio can expect between 1 and 2 inches of rain through the weekend, but locally higher amounts greater than 2 inches are still possible.

High temperatures are going to stay near to slightly below average for mid-March, topping out in the upper 60s to near 70 degrees both Saturday and Sunday. Low temperatures will not fall much, only dropping to the upper 50s and low 60s.

Dress for STEM Day

If youre seeing a lot of people wearing purple on TV Thursday, dont adjust your color settings: Its Dress for STEM Day.

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The Dress for STEM movement promotes diversity and inclusion in science, technology, engineering and math careers. The public is encouraged to wear purple on March 14 as a gesture of support and advocacy for increased female representation in STEM.

Did you know?

Women make up half of the total U.S. college-educated workforce, but only 28% of the science and engineering workforce.

Fewer than 10% of female college first-year students indicate intentions to major in engineering, math, statistics, or computer science.

More than 32% of women switch out of STEM degree programs in college.

Less than 30% of the worlds researchers are women.

Why March 14? Its Pi Day.

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Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner has said she would like to see Diane Abbott back as a party MP and that she shares the frustration at times of how long investigations take.

The comments come after Ms Rayners boss, Sir Keir Starmer, said an 11-month investigation into alleged antisemitic remarks that Ms Abbott made was not resolved as he resisted calls to restore the Labour whip.

Former shadow home secretary Ms Abbott has sat as an independent MP since April after the Labour whip was withdrawn following a letter she sent to The Observer suggesting Jewish, Irish and Traveller people are not subject to racism all their lives.

The MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, who has been at the centre of a Conservative race row in recent days, is still awaiting the outcome of an independent process looking into her remarks.

Ms Rayner, asked at a lunch with Westminster reporters if she wanted to see Ms Abbott back in the Parliamentary Labour Party, said: Personally, I would like to see Diane back but the Labour Party has to follow its procedures.

And for me, that is the most important thing, that we have made sure our party is fit to govern by making sure we have got complaint procedures that are robust and people can have confidence in.

Diane Abbott has urged Sir Keir Starmer to restore her as a Labour MP (Jonathan Brady/PA)

So it doesnt matter what I think because I dont make that decision because it is done through a panel, it has gone through experts, and Im not involved in that process.

Ms Rayner, who served in former leader Jeremy Corbyns shadow cabinet alongside Ms Abbott, said she and party leader Sir Keir  following reforms made after the pair took the reins  do not interfere with the complaints process.

She added: So yes, I share the frustration at times of how long these processes take but in (some) instances there are sensitive reasons for that.

Angela Rayner served in Jeremy Corbyns shadow cabinet alongside Diane Abbott (PA)

In an earlier interview on Thursday, Sir Keir resisted calls to welcome Ms Abbott back to the party fold.

Ms Abbott, a close ally of left-wing stalwart Mr Corbyn, who in 2020 had the whip removed following his response to the equalities watchdog report into antisemitism in the party during his tenure as leader, has asked Sir Keir to restore her to his partys parliamentary ranks.

Britains longest-serving black MP was the target of comments by Tory donor Frank Hester, who allegedly said in 2019 that she made him want to hate all black women and that she should be shot.

Sir Keir said we must support Ms Abbott after the recent emergence of Mr Hesters racist and misogynistic remarks.

However, he said that should not be conflated with the antisemitism accusations she faces over her letter in The Observer.

Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer has faced calls to reinstate Diane Abbott as a party MP (Ian West/PA)

Following a backlash to her letter, Ms Abbott apologised for any anguish caused and withdrew her comments.

After Wednesdays Prime Ministers Questions, in which Sir Keir urged Rishi Sunak to return Mr Hesters 10 million donations, the Labour leader approached Ms Abbott to offer support.

Ms Abbott, who remains a Labour member, said she replied: You could restore the whip.

But on Thursday, Sir Keir said the suspension was an entirely different issue from the racism storm and cautioned against conflating the two matters.

That was about allegations of antisemitism in relation to a letter which is subject to an ongoing investigation, which is separate from me. Thats not something which I conduct, he told BBC Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine.

He said the independent process was not resolved.

Sir Keir also noted that Ms Abbott has been subjected to more of that kind of abuse than I think any other MP ever.

We absolutely need to put our arm around her and give her support in relation to that, he added.
What's going on cleared land on Greenville Highway?

A 1.6-acre site has been cleared on Greenville Highway north of Wyndham Way for five high-end homes in a "pocket subdivision" called the Enclave on West Park Avenue.

Homebuilder Eric Oursler said last week he is awaiting city approval for a sewer hookup that the Board of Commissioners made a condition when it rezoned the lot to allow for the small subdivision. The lot had contained one home. The custom homes of 2,000 to 3,900 square feet on one-third-acre lots will start at $450 per square foot  or $900,000 to $1.75 million.

"Its a completely fenced in community with an 8-foot fence surrounding the whole property, all grass with paved driveways," Oursler said. "Itll be a really nice little community."
Products featured in this Yahoo article are selected by our shopping writers. We will earn a commission from purchases made via links in this article. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

The best QVC deals to shop now. (QVC / Yahoo Life UK)

While you may be very well versed in late night QVC shopping on your TV screen, you may not have known that its best deals (including ones recently on air) are also now available to buy online directly from QVC's website. And right now, there's plenty of exclusive savings to be had across a huge range of categories.

A few standout picks include this Elemis 3 Piece Pro-Collagen Skincare Solutions  available now for just 75 down from 132 saving you a huge 50. There's also a brilliant offer on Molton Brown's 4 Piece Hand Wash Collection and over a whopping 149 off a pair of Beats Studio 3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones.

You'll also find limited edition gift sets of cult favourite beauty products that are fantastic value. The best beauty bargain we've found is the Tili Beauty Box, which is packed with over 200 worth of products for just 39.

Spanning everything from day dresses perfect for spring to must-have beauty sets and more, we've rounded up all the best offers available on QVC.

Best QVC deals worth browsing right now

This article was originally published on Yahoo Life UK.
Abbie Jarvis was diagnosed with bladder cancer at age 27. (SWNS)

A woman who was diagnosed with bladder cancer at age 27 has revealed the first warning signs of the disease.

Abbie Jarvis, from Warrington, Cheshire, was diagnosed with grade three cancer after a tumour was discovered in her bladder.

She says her first symptoms appeared in October last year and included being unable to walk due to the pain in her pelvis, and having blood in her urine.

Jarvis visited A&E three times due to her symptoms, but doctors told her they did not know what was wrong with her. It wasnt until she had a cystoscopy that she was given the official diagnosis.

"They told me my biopsy had come back and that I had a tumour," she recalls. "I didn't take it in for a few seconds, I just felt numb and didn't say anything. My eyes were just filling up.

"I had to get my head around it, especially because I was on my own. The nurse was trying to speak to me and tell me about the whole process and it was going in one ear and out of the other ear. She would say certain words to me and it didn't make sense."

Along with her visits to A&E, Jarvis also went to her local GP four times who suggested she may have an overactive bladder, or painful bladder syndrome.

Abbie went to A&E three times before she was diagnosed. (SWNS)

"I went to my doctors around four times in October and then I went to A&E around three times in November - I went through all the emotions," she explains.

"I went and said I had a pain down below and then they either think it's water infection or something else that they will think of first. Especially at my age, I think they just think other things. But I don't think they would ever test me for cancer straight away, even though I had quite a lot of the symptoms."

Before her diagnosis, Jarvis says she had suffered from urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney infections when she was younger, and had surgery in 2019 to stretch her urethra.

While doctors told her that the cells in her body could have been changed which led to the tumour, they arent 100% certain what caused it.

Jarvis is now undergoing Bacillus CalmetteGuerin (BCG) treatment which is given directly into the bladder and encourages the immune system to get rid of cancer cells.

"They've said it's not spread and has been confined to my bladder, which was a big relief," Jarvis explains. "Because it's not spreading, then I felt like I had a bit of time to try the BCG treatment. I feel like it's gone really well but I won't really know anything until June."

Jarvis is now hoping to raise awareness of bladder cancer among younger people, as most new cases are seen in people aged 60 and above.

Bladder cancer can sometimes lead to pelvic pain. (Getty Images) (athima tongloom via Getty Images)

"When I was diagnosed, the nurse was really shocked because it's really rare - I think I was the youngest person who she helps treat," Jarvis says. "I think it's more common in people over the age of 60 and in men."

Jarvis friends are now running the Great Manchester 10k in May to raise money for Action Bladder Cancer UK and to help support Abbie. You can donate here: gofundme.com

Bladder cancer in the UK

According to Cancer Research UK, there are nearly 10,300 new cases of bladder cancer in the UK each year, and it has a survival rate of 46%. However, it adds that 49% of cases are preventable.

It is the 11th most common cancer in the UK, and is more likely to affect men than women. Incidences of bladder cancer are highest in people aged 85 to 89.

Cancer Research UK estimates that 45% of bladder cancer cases in the UK are caused by smoking, 6% are caused by workplace exposures, and 2% are caused by ionising radiation.

Bladder cancer symptoms

The NHS says the most common bladder cancer symptom is blood in the urine, which is normally painless, but will appear as streaks of brown in your urine, or turn your urine brown. However, it isnt always noticeable and can come and go.

Other, less common symptoms include frequent and sudden need to urinate, and sometimes a burning sensation when peeing.

If the cancer reaches a more advanced stage, the health service says symptoms can include pelvic pain, unintentional weight loss, bone pain, and swelling of the legs.

If you have blood in your urine or any of the other symptoms associated with bladder cancer, you should make an appointment with your GP.

Additional reporting by SWNS.

Health: Read more
Wealthy aristocrat Constance Marten has told jurors how she went up against influential family members with connections in high places as she fought for her children.

Marten, 36, is on trial over the death of her newborn daughter Victoria while on the run from authorities with her partner Mark Gordon, 49.

The Old Bailey has heard that four of their children had already been taken into care and they were determined to keep their fifth child.

Court artist sketch of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon at the Old Bailey earlier in the trial (Elizabeth Cook/PA)

Victoria died while they were living off grid in a tent on the South Downs in wintry conditions last year.

On Thursday, Marten told jurors she was not a disgruntled parent but did disagree with the findings in her childrens case.

She said: Its abhorrent. My case might not be the same as other parents.

The problem I had was I was not just up against social services but family members who were very influential with huge connections in high places including Parliament.

If they said to social services jump, social services will say how high.

They were highly embarrassed about the fact I had children with Mark and the fact they do not come from an upper class, privileged background.

She added that the unnamed family members would go to any lengths to get what they wanted.

Marten was asked about lies she had told when giving birth to one of her children in hospital.

A teddy bear onesie baby Victoria wore which was found in a Lidl bag in a shed in Lower Roedale Allotments, East Sussex, with her body. (Met Police/PA)

She told jurors: I had to come up with a reason why I was in hospital without having been on an NHS database, no history of myself. Thats why I had to have the Irish Traveller background.

I knew my family will stop at nothing because they disagree with my choices.

She added: I would be prepared to lie to save my children. I would throw myself in front of a bus to save my children. I would do whatever I have to do to save my children.

The court has heard how the defendants fled with Victoria after their car burst into flames near Bolton, Greater Manchester, last January 5.

When they were finally arrested in Brighton last February 27, they had refused to answer officers urgent questions about where their baby was and whether she was alive or dead.

Victorias remains were found by police in a Lidl bag inside a shed on a nearby allotment on March 1 2023.

CCTV footage of Constance Marten, Mark Gordon and baby Victoria in East Ham, London, last January 7 (Met Police/PA)

Prosecutor Joel Smith challenged Martens claim Victoria died last January 9, suggesting she was alive at least until mid-January.

The defendant replied: Its ridiculous. If she was alive longer I would have said so. She died on the 9th.

She cast doubt on eyewitnesses who claimed to have seen them, saying they were curtain twitchers.

Mr Smith said: You lied about the date because you knew you kept her out in the cold, the outdoors and she got cold.

Marten asserted that people have been living outdoors for millennia.

The issue here is its just not true. This is the narrative the prosecution have been wanting to portray from day one because the police made such a big deal in the press, she said.

Mr Smith said: Victoria had her teddy bear onesie and nothing more. She did not have enough clothes for a winter walk, let alone roaming the country.

The prosecutor asserted that sleeping with her and Gordon in a tent was a thoroughly dangerous thing to do.

Marten denied it.

Mr Smith said: You decided to put your child face down on your chest, zipped up. That was no accident. Did you not think that was dangerous?

The defendant denied it.

Mr Smith went on: Given you could roll in your sleep, given Mr Gordon could roll in your sleep, given the crowded nature in the tent, did you not think that was dangerous?

Marten replied: She was fine.

Mr Smith asserted: You had reduced yourself to a position where you could not possibly care for that child.

Your account to police was to cover up your neglect after the event.

Marten denied it, saying: You do not want to believe my account because of all the media presence. You want something sinister to have happened when the truth is it was a terrible accident.

Mr Smith continued: You ended up putting her in a plastic bag sitting in her own faeces.

Marten became emotional and said she not in the right frame of mind.

The prosecutor repeatedly asked: Do you accept you stripped her of dignity in death?

Marten said that at the time she was living like a rat, scurrying through bins.

I never intended to keep her like that.

Its her flesh but we are all much greater than her flesh. Her spirit is what is important. Of course I want to give her a proper burial, she said.

Marten told jurors she considered having a pyre to get rid of the evidence because she did not trust the process.

Gordon noisily reacted in the dock as his partner was being cross-examined.

Earlier, Judge Mark Lucraft KC issued written directions about the family court findings in Martens case.

He told the jury: It is important that you understand that the decisions made by the independent judge sitting in the family court are ones that she was entitled to make based on all of the material available to her, and in this trial, there can be no going behind any of the determinations she made.

The defendants, of no fixed address, deny manslaughter by gross negligence, perverting the course of justice, concealing the birth of a child, child cruelty and causing or allowing the death of a child.
David Moyes hailed a brilliant achievement after West Ham reached another European quarter-final by flattening Freiburg 5-0.

Hammers boss Moyes uncharacteristically named an attacking line-up in a bid to repair the damage of the 1-0 Europa League first-leg defeat in Germany last week.

He was rewarded with a sparkling display as goals from Lucas Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen, Aaron Cresswell and two from Mohammed Kudus  including a sensational solo effort  secured a 5-1 aggregate win and a place in a the last eight of a European competition for a third successive season.

Im hugely pleased with the goals and the level of the performance and how well the players have done, said Moyes.

We were really unhappy from the first game, the staff and the players. We thought we should not have come out with the result we had. We had to put it right and thankfully we did.

I think for West Ham to be three years in a row for quarter-finals in European competition, I am not sure it has been done before in the clubs history.

For where we have come from, to be in another quarter-final is a brilliant achievement. The club has moved on so much. We want to try to make it better if we can.

Paqueta slid West Ham in front after nine minutes before Bowen celebrated his latest call-up to the England squad in style, shrugging off the attentions of Freiburg captain Christian Gunter before lashing the ball home from 20 yards.

Freiburg still posed a threat, though, with Roland Sallai firing across goal and wide just to let West Ham know the tie was still very much in the balance at half-time.

That lasted until six minutes into the second half, when Bowens square ball across the box was deflected out to Cresswell, lurking on the edge of the area.

The left-back, who was the fall guy in Frankfurt two years when his red card in the semi-final against Eintracht cost West Ham dearly, took a touch before leathering the ball inside the far post.

The best was still to come, despite there being little sign of danger when Kudus picked the ball up deep inside his own half.

The former Ajax wideman sprinted around 70 yards, slicing through the heart of the Freiburg defence before casually rolling the ball into the net.

If anybody can remember dribbling wingers, who used to take people on, snake hips, added Moyes.

It was a brilliant individual goal, a Roy of the Rovers type.

 West Ham head to the quarter-finals #UEL pic.twitter.com/69hQp6urjs  UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) March 14, 2024

No wonder Kudus felt the need to borrow a photographers stool and sit down in front of the delirious home fans as his team-mates celebrated around him.

The rest had clearly done Kudus good, as he promptly collected Bowens lay-off and dispatched a low drive from 20 yards to complete West Hams five-star display.

As a consequence of their win, the Hammers may have also done some of their Premier League rivals a favour, with the result pushing England ahead of Germany in UEFAs coefficient rankings, which could mean an extra spot in Europe next season.
Stormont reform that removes the need for cross-community consensus on key decisions is a non-starter, the DUP leader has said.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said changing the mindsets of people was more important than changing the rules of powersharing when it came to securing political stability in Northern Ireland.

His comments came after Taoiseach Leo Varadkar urged consideration of reform ahead of the next Assembly election.

Deputy Irish premier, Tanaiste Micheal Martin, has also articulated the case for changing the rules to ensure no one party can collapse the devolved institutions in Belfast.

The powersharing structures incorporate a system based on mutual veto powers, enabling blocs of unionist and nationalist MLAs to stop moves that otherwise command majority support and, in extreme circumstances, pull down the institutions and prevent them operating.

The DUP exercised its veto to blockade Stormont for two years in protest at post-Brexit trading arrangements.

The ending of that boycott enabled devolution to return last month.

In 2017, Sinn Fein collapsed the ministerial executive amid a furore about a botched green energy scheme.

It was down for three years.

Sinn Fein has said it is up for finding agreement with other parties to reform the structures.

It has said that should be done through the existing Assembly and Executive Review Committee at Stormont.

Sir Jeffrey was asked about the issue as he spoke to reporters at a business event in Washington DC on Thursday.

He highlighted that Mr Varadkar had acknowledged the matter did not involve the Irish government and related to the internal governance of Northern Ireland.

We will of course talk with other parties in due course, Sir Jeffrey said.

But our focus right now in terms of reform is on our health service, delivering for people on waiting lists, its on reform of our education system, (Education Minister) Paul Givan leading the way in ensuring that we have the best education system for our young people.

Its about growing our economy. Its about making Northern Ireland work. Thats what were focused on.

The time will come when we can discuss how we can make the institutions more effective.

But let me be absolutely clear, and this is the bottom line for us, cross-community consensus is the only way that Stormont can work effectively.

I said that throughout the last two years, I repeat that now. And the notion that were going to interfere with or remove the need for cross-community consensus is simply a non-starter.

The DUP leader added: It is about making Northern Ireland work and that includes our political institutions.

You know, changing the rules wont deliver that, what will deliver it is changing the mindsets, the way that people think, thats what Im in the business of doing, is about winning converts for the Union, about Northern Ireland being the best place for every one of our citizens to live, work, raise their families.

Thats my focus.
Esther Rantzen has been diagnosed with lung cancer. (PA Images via Getty Images) (Kirsty O'Connor - PA Images via Getty Images)

What did you miss?

Dame Esther Rantzens daughter has made an emotional plea about changing the laws around assisted dying, saying: I need it to happen now.

Broadcaster Rantzen, 83, has been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer and revealed last year that she had joined the Dignitas assisted dying clinic in Switzerland.

Euthanasia is illegal in the UK, but this week Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said in a phone call to the campaigner that he was in favour of changing the law around assisted dying. He has said that parliament would vote on it if Labour wins the next general election.

What, how, and why?

Rantzens daughter Rebecca Wilcox addressed his comments during an appearance on ITVs Lorraine, saying: I am very grateful to Sir Keir for making that commitment, I just need it to happen now.

Esther Rantzen's daughter Rebecca appeared on Lorraine. (ITV screengrab) (ITV screengrab)

She went on: Mum is extraordinary I cant imagine being 84 and doing this campaign let alone having stage four lung cancer and everything that goes with that, the stress and the symptoms.

Presenter Lorraine Kelly suggested that Rantzen was trying to spare her children, including Wilcox, after their father Desmond Wilcox died of heart disease in 2000.

Absolutely, Wilcox said. She knows so clearly that our wonderful father, who was insanely brilliant as a dad and broadcaster himself, and all our memories of him were completely replaced by those final hours.

"I couldnt tell you the last time I saw him but I could describe to you his death moment by moment, but I can't remember the last time we had a hug, the last time we had a conversation.

What else did Rebecca Wilcox say?

Esther Rantzen and her daughter Rebecca Wilcox. (John Phillips/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Wilcox also talked about the idea of having a "good death".

Mum and I are great fans of the wonderful Dame Joan Collins," she said. "So both of us have pictured our own versions of good death, as the social care and reform report called it, and it would be a wonderful bubble bath wearing every single diamond that anyone will lend us.

"Possibly quaffing champagne and then taking a cocktail of whatever drugs it is to gently gently slip off with all our loved ones around us. And I mean it sounds like a fairytale, and at the moment it is a fairytale.

Read more: Esther Rantzen

Watch: Esther Rantzen's daughter surprised by her mum's Dignitas comments
Family, friends and ex-colleagues of Charlie Bird have gathered in Dublin for a memorial service for the former journalist and campaigner.

Members of the public also attended the service for the renowned broadcaster who died this week aged 74 after a high-profile battle with motor neurone disease.

The veteran news reporter, who covered many of the biggest stories in Ireland and abroad over a long and varied career, had been vocal about his terminal diagnosis and continued to champion charitable and social justice causes despite his deteriorating condition.

Members of the broadcasters family, including his beloved dog Tiger, walked behind Birds coffin as it was carried into the building ahead of the memorial event.

The order of service (Brian Lawless/PA)

His friend and former RTE colleague Joe OBrien will lead the service and give a reflection on Birds life.

His widow Claire and daughters Orla and Neasa are also expected to share their memories.

The journalists five grandchildren will present mementoes reflecting his life at the start of the event. They will also read prayers during the service.

Former RTE radio presenter Sean ORourke will offer a reflection, as will Stardust fire campaigner Antoinette Keegan.

RTE presenter Miriam OCallaghan was among the mourners (Brian Lawless/PA).

Bird was a long-time supporter of the families of those who died in the fire at the Stardust nightclub in Dublin in 1981, having covered the story as a reporter at the time. Ms Keegan survived the blaze but her two sisters died.

LGBT+ rights activist Karl Hayden is to read a letter during the service.

The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Sean Clancy, will also address the event.

RTE news presenter Bryan Dobson and current affairs presenter Miriam OCallaghan were among those who arrived at the Mansion House for the service.

The director-general of Irelands public service broadcaster, Kevin Bakhurst, also attended.
Fewer middle-aged people are dying from cancer than at any point in 25 years, though cases are rising due to factors such as obesity, researchers say.

A new study from Cancer Research UK and published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found death rates from the disease among those aged 35 to 69 have plummeted, thanks to screening, better treatments and policies aimed at cutting smoking.

However, the UK-wide study warns that improvements in survival are slowing down, while cancer cases are rising, with a 57% jump in men and a 48% jump in women over the 25-year period.

In 1993, some 55,014 cancer cases were registered in men, but this rose to 86,297 in 2018, while in women the rise was from 60,187 to 88,970.

Drinking too much alcohol is linked to several cancer types (PA)

The researchers said the increases were mainly driven by rises in prostate and breast cancer, in part thanks to tests and screening, though there were also concerning rises in melanoma, liver, oral and kidney cancers.

While cancer cases are rising due to a growing population, factors such as obesity, drinking too much and being inactive play a role, they said.

Cancer Research UK said that, if action is taken against smoking, being overweight and obesity and alcohol, nearly 37,000 cancer cases could be prevented by 2040.

According to the study, four cancers (liver, melanoma, oral and kidney) showed substantial increases in incidence of more than 2% per year in both sexes across the 25 years.

The researchers said these are linked to known lifestyle factors, such as alcohol consumption, smoking, sun exposure and being overweight or obese.

Increases in liver cancer incidence and mortality for both men and women are very concerning, with nearly one in two attributable to modifiable risk factors, they said.

With high prevalence of overweight and obesity and diabetes in the general population, other studies expect the rates to remain high.

Being overweight or obese can cause 13 cancer types, such as stomach, bowel, liver, pancreatic, gallbladder, breast, uterus, ovary, kidney and thyroid.

Meanwhile, alcohol has been linked to seven types of cancer, including mouth, upper throat, larynx, oesophagus, breast and bowel cancer.

The study found that, overall, death rates have dropped by 37% in men and by 33% in women over the 25 years, when accounting for the growing and ageing population.

Success against individual cancers is noted.

For example, cervical cancer death rates fell by 54%, reflecting NHS cervical screening and the introduction of a vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes most cervical cancer cases.

Lung cancer death rates also fell, by 53% in men and 21% in women, thanks to drops in the number of people smoking.

Drops were also noted for stomach, mesothelioma and bladder cancers in men, and stomach and non-Hodgkin lymphoma in women.

Cancer Research UKs head of cancer intelligence and lead author of the study Jon Shelton said: This study helps us to see the progress weve made in beating cancer and where challenges clearly remain.

With cancer cases on the rise and improvements in survival slowing, its vital that the UK Government takes bold action to keep momentum up

We must continue to prevent as many cancer cases as possible, diagnose cancers sooner and develop kinder treatments.

Cancer Research UKs chief executive Michelle Mitchell said: This major study brings to life improvements that have been made to tackle cancer in recent decades.

If we take lung cancer, for example, we can clearly see that reducing smoking prevalence saves lives.

The UK Government can build on this success by raising the age of sale of tobacco and continuing to fund a world-leading programme of measures to help people who smoke quit.

But cancer is still a defining health issue in the UK that impacts nearly one in two people.

People face long waits for vital tests and treatment and cancer cases are on the rise.

Cancer patients wont feel the full benefits of advances in research breakthroughs and innovation, including new cancer treatments, without a long-term plan and funding from the UK Government.

Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said: I welcome the positive findings of this report. Through innovations in technology and treatment, cancer screening programmes and measures to help people quit smoking, survival rates are improving across almost all types of cancer.

We will shortly introduce a new law to stop children who turn 15 this year or younger from ever legally being sold cigarettes or other tobacco products. This is the biggest single public health intervention in decades, protecting an entire generation and future generations from the harms of smoking.

But I know challenges remain. Thats why I want to make our healthcare system faster, simpler and fairer, and achieve our goal of catching 75% of all cancers at stage 1 or 2 by 2028.

Last year, NHS England carried out a record number of cancer tests, and we are investing 2.3 billion in our new network of local community diagnostic centres, while our forthcoming Major Conditions Strategy will further improve cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

For the study, researchers used UK-wide data to examine trends in men and women aged 35 to 69 who were newly diagnosed with, or died from, cancer between 1993 and 2018.
Stormonts First Minister has pointed to the considerable opportunities created by Northern Irelands unique dual market access as she urged US companies to invest in the region.

Michelle ONeill insisted the return of stable governance in Belfast was interconnected to economic growth and fostering the right environment to attract more foreign direct investment.

The Sinn Fein vice president made the pitch to would-be investors at a breakfast event in Washington DC alongside deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.

Her DUP counterpart Ms Little-Pengelly told the NI Bureau Breakfast at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel that it was an exciting time for Northern Ireland as she portrayed the region as a fantastic place to invest.

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly (Niall Carson/PA)

Their comments came hours after the two leaders were the star attraction at a major dinner for Irish Americans in the US capital.

Addressing the Ireland Funds national gala on Wednesday evening, they proclaimed that Northern Ireland is open for business.

Reflecting on the event on Thursday, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who also addressed the dinner, said the joint appearance of Ms ONeill and Ms Little-Pengelly was a powerful personification of the Good Friday Agreement institutions back working again.

The gala dinner is a key element of the annual St Patricks Day celebrations in the US city. The NI Bureau Breakfast has also become a fixture in the week running up to St Patricks Day.

Under the Northern Ireland Protocol and Windsor Framework post-Brexit trading arrangements, Northern Ireland businesses can sell freely into both the Great Britain market and the EU single market.

Brexit barriers on moving goods from GB into NI was at the heart of a long-running political dispute that saw the DUP boycott powersharing at Stormont for two years ago.

A deal with the UK Government aimed at reducing some of the red tape associated with the so-called Irish Sea border led to the DUP ending its blockade six weeks ago, with the ministerial executive being restored thereafter.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar speaks to the media at the Salamander Hotel in Washington DC on Thursday (Niall Carson/PA)

That breakthrough has allowed Ms ONeill and Ms Little Pengelly to travel to Washington as First Minister and deputy First Minister.

With two long powersharing impasses coming either side of the Covid pandemic, it is eight years since a first and deputy first minister have been together in Washington for the St Patricks programme.

Ms ONeill told the breakfast gathering that she and Ms Little-Pengelly were determined to work together to create hope and opportunity.

Were determined to help to work with all sectors to secure good jobs and ensure that we invest in our people, she said.

And these close economic ties that we have with US companies, that weve developed over the course of the past two decades, who have chosen the North as their gateway to Europe, in creating thousands of good jobs, is only something that we will are determined to continue to build upon.

And we will begin to see the considerable opportunities that are created now by the Windsor Framework to use our dual market access, our unique selling point, to grow our exports, to attract further FDI and to drive the all-Ireland economy.

Ms ONeill added: Peace, stability and economic opportunity are all interconnected. And the onus is on all of us as political leaders to work together, to work with each other and to ensure that we work with all of you and we are determined to do that.

I said last night at the dinner that were in a new era in the north of Ireland, or Northern Ireland, whatever youre most comfortable with calling our home.

And I think that this new era represents, a whole changing portrait in terms of the picture. And there are a new generation of leaders at the helm now, and thats something that I am very proud of  two women leading the way in our executive.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly speaks as Michelle ONeill looks on (Niall Carson/PA)

Ms Little-Pengelly said Northern Ireland had an incredibly important story to tell about what it can offer to investors.

Northern Ireland has come such an incredibly long way, she said.

I know that so many in this room will recognise that, because I know so many in this room have been involved for many, many decades. And I feel incredibly excited about where we are. I feel a real sense of hope. But more than that, a sense of opportunity, an opportunity for what Michelle and I can build by working together, working together constructively, with respect, but with a focus on delivery.

I think it is, and Michelle and I have said this many times, its important for us to stand up here and show leadership. And Im incredibly proud that we are both women in these roles showing leadership.

But, more than that, what we really want to do is to deliver and to deliver on the big things that matter for people. And one of those that is absolutely key around all of that is building a thriving Northern Ireland, the improvement in our economy, creating those good jobs, those fantastic jobs for our young people, because we know that young people living in Northern Ireland, working in great jobs, that is the future, that is the future for stability for this wonderful place that we call home.

The DUP MLA added: You know, winning the peace has been very difficult, stabilisation as we all know has been a challenge. But I believe that we have an opportunity now to look into the next number of years, the next 25 years of prosperity for Northern Ireland.

This is an exciting time for Northern Ireland.

Speaking to reporters in Washington on Thursday, Mr Varadkar hailed the significance of the speeches from Ms ONeill and Ms Little-Pengelly at the Ireland Funds dinner.

I think that was powerful, he said.

To see them take the stage together, to make the speeches they did, to demonstrate the very good chemistry that I think they have, theyre working well together.

For people at the Ireland Funds dinner, you know people whove helped to raise 600 million dollars for Ireland over the past few decades, I think for them to see that and to see that the Good Friday Agreement is working again, personified in Michelle and Emma, really was my highlight last night.

Ms Little-Pengellys party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said US investors were showing a lot of interest in setting up in Northern Ireland.

He acknowledged dual market access was a factor in that.

I think what we have delivered in terms of unfettered access to the UK internal market and privileged access to the EU single market gives Northern Ireland a competitive advantage, he told reporters at the breakfast event in Washington.

Sir Jeffrey said changes to the Northern Ireland Protocol meant the region could also now benefit from UK free trade deals.

Im pleased with the progress weve made and were now going to exploit the opportunity for Northern Ireland to build our economy and deliver prosperity for everyone, he added.
Gina Carano has said she felt hopeless after being fired from The Mandalorian but that filing a lawsuit against the production companies showed she was able to fight back.

The US actress is suing Disney and Lucasfilm for wrongful termination and discrimination as she claims she was dropped from the sci-fi franchise for expressing her personal political opinions on social media.

Elon Musk is funding the lawsuit filed by Carano, who began her career as a mixed martial arts fighter before she moved into action films and later starred in two series of The Mandalorian as Rebel ranger Cara Dune.

The 20th Annual Sir Elton John Oscar Party  Los Angeles

Gina Carano (Tony Di Maio/PA) /caption]

She was axed from the series in 2021 after causing controversy with posts she shared online, including one which referenced the Nazis treatment of Jewish people while discussing political differences in modern day USA.

At the time, the shows production company, Lucasfilm, released a statement saying her social media posts denigrating people based on their cultural and religious identities are abhorrent and unacceptable.

Court documents filed in February on behalf of Carano claim Disney and Lucasfilm targeted, harassed, publicly humiliated, defamed, and went to great lengths to destroy Caranos career.

Reflecting on her banishment in a new interview, she told The Hollywood Reporter: You become unhirable. And then it becomes OK for other people to disrespect you.

And then youre just carrying around this disrespect, and youre shouldering all this shame, and it affects your physicality, your mentality.

Youre just kind of hopeless. So to be able to fight back  it makes me feel like, OK. That feels good.

Asked if there was a compensation figure from the lawsuit which would make her happy, she said: I know this might sound odd. But Im not thinking about that.

Im thinking about clearing my name. Im thinking about finally being healthier and having this monkey off my back and telling my story and just getting on with my life. Finally.

The actress revealed she was given further training by Lucasfilm and Disneys HR department following her comments, including some which led to her being accused of mocking people who state their preferred pronouns.

She said she received media training and spoke with two transgender representatives from GLAAD, a non-profit organisation which describes itself as being focused on LGBTQ advocacy and cultural change.

Today is an important day for meI am filing a lawsuit against @lucasfilm & @Disney After my 20 years of building a career from scratch, and during the regime of former Disney CEO Bob Chapek, Lucasfilm made this statement on Twitter, terminating me from The Mandalorian: Gina  Gina Carano  (@ginacarano) February 6, 2024

Carano also told The Hollywood Reporter that her co-star Pedro Pascal had explained the basics of the trans movement for her.

She said: He was telling me Just put #transrights in your feed. Do it and theyll leave you alone.

The actress said she did not follow his advice because thats not my style, to put hashtag anything. Im also not going to put #TrumpsRights.

During her career, Carano has starred in other Hollywood franchises including Fast & Furious 6 as Riley Hicks, and Deadpool, where she played Angel Dust.

Reflecting on whether she hopes to rejoin Hollywood, she said: If the unforgivable sin in Hollywood is being a person who wouldnt perfectly conform at a time when emotions were running wild in the world, then thats probably not a Hollywood Ill ever belong to.

But I think once egos are put aside, Hollywood has the opportunity to grow just like we all do.

Discussing Musk offering his support to her case, she said she thought it was pretty incredible.

A previous statement from the company said: As a sign of X Corps commitment to free speech, the online platform is proud to provide financial support for Caranos lawsuit, empowering her to seek vindication of her free speech rights on X and the ability to work without bullying, harassment, or discrimination.

A representative for Disney and Lucasfilm have been contacted for comment.
(Photo : AFP via Getty Images)

Firefighters douse a burning car after it was hit in an Israeli strike in Lebanon's southern area of Tyre on March 13, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border tensions as fighting continues between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli Defence Forces killed a Hamas military leader during a drone strike in Lebanon, leaders from both groups confirmed on Wednesday.

Hadi Mustafa was a member of the armed wing of Hamas, allegedly responsible for attacking Israelis. A Hamas spokesperson told Reuters that Mustafa was not a senior figure within the organization, while the Israeli military described him as a "significant" target.

Mustafa was reportedly inside his car in a location near the Lebanese city of Tyre. The city is home to 200,000 people, many of whom are refugees. Mustafa was reportedly from the nearby Palestinian refugee camp of Rashidieh, Reuters reported.

A Syrian man who was passing by on a motorcycle was also reportedly killed during the drone strike.

Israel has been carrying out air strikes against the Lebanese military group Hezbollah for several months.

@ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A Glasgow student is set to drive an ambulance to the Egypt-Gaza border to provide medical relief and to help evacuate civilians from Gaza.

On Thursday March 21, Umran Ali Javaid, a mature student at Glasgow Caledonian University, will set off from Glasgow in a second-hand ambulance equipped with a portable neonatal ventilator, providing breathing support for ill babies.

Travelling for about six to seven days to reach the Rafah border between Egypt and Gaza, his journey will see him take a ferry from Dover to France before travelling through Europe.

Umran in Burma in 2017 (Umran Ali Javaid)

It is not the first time the international tourism and events student, who did not wish to share his age, has undertaken such a journey, as he personally drove another ambulance to the Polish-Ukrainian border to help refugees fleeing the Russian invasion in March 2022.

The journey to Gaza will see him deliver his 41st ambulance for humanitarian aid, some of which he has delivered by himself, and others he has delivered with friends.

The ambulances I take save lives and thats why I continue doing this, Mr Javaid told the PA news agency.

Ambulances are a good way to evacuate civilians from danger zones as it gives the injured temporary medical relief  they also have distinct markings, signs and sirens which makes them easier to identify.

During the five-day ceasefire in Gaza, a journalist saw babies (in the hospital) in their mothers arms passing away due to hunger as there were no portable ventilators and they could not be evacuated.

The new ambulance I bought is kind of more of a high dependency unit to support the lives of infants  it could be used for decades if its not bombed or shot.

The ambulances I delivered to Ukraine only had basic equipment like defibrillators but the recent ones are better equipped to save lives.

Umran at the Ukraine border in 2022 (Umran Ali Javaid)

Mr Javaid said he is expecting a greater challenge in taking an ambulance to Gaza than he faced journeying to Ukraine because nearby Poland had been very accommodating with a clear structure of bringing in aid.

The first time I went to the Gaza Strip, I was the driver for a convoy and didnt know what I was doing but saw the difference ambulances make in saving lives, said Mr Javaid, who will be visiting Gaza for a third time.

When the Ukraine war happened I was there during the first couple of weeks and there were thousands of people needing help and seeing children and mothers in pain stayed with me, said Mr Javaid.

The five-month-old war that was triggered by Hamass October 7 massacre in southern Israel has killed more than 30,000 Palestinians and driven some 80% of Gazas 2.3 million people from their homes.

The UN says a quarter of the population is starving.

The militant attack that sparked the conflict killed around 1,200 people and saw some 250 taken hostage.

Speaking in Westminster, Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron said: If Israel really wanted to help, they could open Ashdod port which is in Israel, which is a fully functioning port that could really maximise the delivery of aid from Cyprus straight into Israel and therefore into Gaza.

Umran at the border of Syria and Turkey (Umran Ali Javaid)

With an approval from COGAT (Co-ordination of Government Activities in the Territories) in Israel and the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Javaid would be handing over the ambulance to UN agency UNRWA, the largest humanitarian organisation working inside Gaza.

I know I can make a difference since I have been doing this for a while and have experience, he added.

As Mr Javaid moves towards the conclusion of his studies, he plans to start an events company and use the profits to provide humanitarian aid.

I started studying so that I can organise my own events, he said.

This is still in the planning stage but I will organise a big event/festival for families for thousands of people.

It will be my own business however the profit I make, a part of that will help me buy ambulances on a larger scale. I will donate ambulances to UK care homes and donate them abroad too.
Michael Gove named a string of groups which could be checked against the Governments new definition of extremism amid concerns about threats to social cohesion and British democracy.

In the Commons, the Communities Secretary used parliamentary privilege to tell MPs he had concerns about the Islamist orientation of three Muslim-led organisations and said two far-right groups promoted a neo-Nazi ideology.

Views held by organisations such as the Muslim Association of Britain (MAB), Cage and Mend (Muslim Engagement and Development), as well as the British National Socialist Movement and Patriotic Alternative, will be assessed and the Government will take action as appropriate if they meet the description, he said.

The announcement came against a backdrop of rising antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents since the October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel.

But civil liberties groups and three former Conservative home secretaries previously urged the Government against using extremism to score political points in an election year, while concerns were also raised that too broad a definition could threaten freedom of speech, worship and protest.

Speaking to MPs on Thursday, Mr Gove said the countrys values of inclusivity and tolerance were under challenge from extremist groups which are radicalising our young people and driving greater polarisation within and between communities to further their own ends.

To protect our democratic values and enhance social cohesion, it is important both to reinforce what we all have in common, and to be clear and precise in identifying the dangers posed by extremism, he added.

The new definition makes clear extremism can lead to the radicalisation of individuals, deny people their full rights and opportunities, suppress freedom of expression, incite hatred, weaken social cohesion, and ultimately, it can lead to acts of terrorism.

Although Mr Gove said most extremist materials and activities are not illegal and do not lead to terrorism, citing examples of Islamist and neo-Nazi groups operating lawfully in Britain, he added: But they advocate and work towards the replacement of democracy with an Islamist or Nazi society.

He told the Commons: Organisations such as the Muslim Association of Britain, which is the British affiliate of the Muslim Brotherhood, and other groups such as Cage and Mend (Muslim Engagement and Development) give rise to concern for their Islamist orientation and views.

We will be holding these and other organisations to account to assess if they meet our definition of extremism and will take action as appropriate.

The plans will give Mr Gove and Home Secretary James Cleverly ultimate sign-off (James Manning/PA)

Describing the activities of extreme right-wing groups as a growing worry, he added: Im sure that we would agree that organisations such as the British National Socialist Movement and Patriotic Alternative  who promote neo-Nazi ideology, argue for forced repatriation, a white ethno-state and the targeting of minority groups for intimidation  are precisely the type of groups about which we should be concerned and whose activities we will assess against the new definition.

The activities of the extreme right wing are a growing worry, the targeting of Muslim and Jewish communities and individuals by these groups is of profound concern requiring assertive action.

The Government is in no way intending to restrict freedom of expression, religion or belief but it cannot be in a position where, unwittingly or not, we sponsor, subsidise or support in any way organisations (or) individuals opposed to the freedoms we hold dear, he warned.

The new definition will give the Government the tools that it needs to protect us against extremist activity, Rishi Sunak told broadcasters during a visit to Gloucestershire.

The overhaul comes after the Prime Ministers impromptu Downing Street speech earlier this month in which he warned of forces here at home trying to tear us apart, although work on the definition has been ongoing for a number of months.

Groups covered by the definition, which is designed to include conduct that falls short of criminality but is still deemed unacceptable, will be denied access to Government funding and prevented from meeting ministers and officials or gaining a platform that could legitimise them through association with the Government.

The definition  which comes into force on Thursday  describes extremism as the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance that aims to negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others or undermine, overturn or replace the UKs system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights.

It also includes those who intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve those aims.

The previous definition, published in 2011, described extremism as vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and belief as well as calls for the death of members of our armed forces.

Downing Street said a list of organisations the definition covers will be published in the coming weeks.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman told reporters: There is going to be a robust process led by subject-matter experts within the department, advised by other experts, with ultimate sign-off from the Communities Secretary and the Home Secretary.

Groups on the list will only be able to appeal against their inclusion by seeking a judicial review in the High Court.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan told BBC Radio 4s World At One programme the changes could divide communities while SNP home affairs spokeswoman Alison Thewliss said in the Commons that a rise in extremism is being driven by the culture wars stoked by the Conservative Party.

Miriam Cates, the Tory MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, told the Commons gender critical feminists could be labelled extremists under the proposals as she questioned the impartiality of civil servants who will be tasked with advising ministers on which organisations should be placed on the list.

Ex-immigration minister Robert Jenrick said the definition was in no mans land of not going far enough to tackle the real extremists, not doing enough to protect the non-extremists.

Labour called for a full counter-extremism strategy and hate crime action plan to turn words into action that will keep us safe.

The archbishops of Canterbury and York previously warned the definition could vilify the wrong people and risk yet more division instead of providing clarity or striking a conciliatory tone.

The PA news agency contacted, or attempted to contact, all five groups named.

MAB, Mend and Cage condemned the decision, with MAB warning it sets a dangerous precedent undermining democracy, religious freedoms and free speech.
Holly Willoughby is to present a Netflix show in which adventurer Bear Grylls hunts down celebrities in the jungle.

The action-packed reality competition, which will be presented by the former This Morning host, has a working title of Bear Hunt.

In the show, which is to be released next year, British celebrities will be dropped into the Central American jungle and become prey to survival expert Grylls.

Bear Grylls will star in a new Netflix celebrity competition series (Ian West/PA)

Grylls, 49, will put the famous faces through their paces, and competitors who fail to impress him will face the Bear Hunt  a game of cat and mouse in which they will be eliminated if they are captured.

Netflix has also announced that another series of Charlie Brookers dystopian anthology series Black Mirror will be coming to the platform in 2025.

Series seven will comprise six new episodes, including a sequel to the sci-fi adventure episode USS Callister.

The streaming platform will also be bringing Marian Keyes best-selling novel Grown Ups to the screen in 2026, in the form of a family drama.

Another programme arriving on Netflix in 2026 is three-part documentary Millennium Diamond Heist, based on the Millennium Dome raid in 2000 in which a group of south-east London criminals orchestrated an attempted heist in broad daylight.

Charlie Brookers Black Mirror is set for a return (Matt Crossick/PA)

Filmmaker Guy Ritchie serves as a co-executive producer.

Elsewhere, Suranne Jones plays a British prime minister in high stakes series The Choice, coming to Netflix next year.

Jones, who is also an executive producer on the series, stars as the recently elected Abigail Dalton, while Julie Delpy plays the first female French president campaigning for re-election.

The pair work together after Abigails husband is kidnapped and Vivienne begins to be blackmailed.

A documentary series taking a look at the day Gareth Southgates England team lost the Euros to Italy on July 11 2021 will also be coming to the platform this year.

The Final: Attack On Wembley will have first-hand testimonies and user-generated content exploring how ticketless fans arrived at Wembley to storm the stadium.

England fans and police outside Wembley Stadium (Zac Goodwin/PA)

Elsewhere, the story of the Guinness family, set in 19th century Dublin and New York, will be explored in an eight-episode series.

It will depict the consequences of the death of Benjamin Guinness, the man responsible for the success of the famous brewery.

The working title is House Of Guinness and the release date is yet to be confirmed.

A new crime noir series called The Undertow will also be coming to Netflix, starring Jamie Dornan as identical twins Adam and Lee.

The programme is based on the Nordisk Film Production AS television series Twin and production will start in the Scottish Highlands and islands this year.

Another show commissioned for Netflix, The Witness, follows the investigations into Rachel Nickells murder from the point of view of her son Alex Hanscombe, who witnessed her brutal death aged two.

Three hour-long episodes, based on Hanscombes memoir, will be released next year.
Irish author Paul Murray has been awarded the top 30,000 prize at the inaugural Nero Book Awards.

The Dublin-born writer won the book of the year gong for his fourth novel The Bee Sting, which follows an Irish family facing financial and emotional troubles following the 2008 banking crisis.

He was selected for the overall Nero Gold prize after he was one of four authors who came out on top in their individual category, each previously receiving 5,000, with Murray winning in the fiction category.

The winner of the Nero Gold Prize, Book of the Year 2023 is The Bee Sting A huge congratulations to Paul Murray! #NeroBookAwards pic.twitter.com/ZGj4CxscDD  Nero Book Awards (@nerobookawards) March 14, 2024

Murray was announced as the winner during a ceremony held in London on Thursday by award-winning author Bernardine Evaristo.

Evaristo, who was chairwoman of the judges, said about Murrays book: This is a wonderfully ambitious and entrancing novel about a family imploding against a background of Irelands economic and social crisis of the late noughties.

Suspenseful and linguistically astonishing, The Bee Sting is written with great wit and humanity, with a cast of complex characters who are held back by their past, mired in the present and longing for a different future.

Paul Murray is a supremely gifted storyteller as we learn of unspoken secrets and desires in difficult and sometimes dangerous situations, in a rich, multi-layered novel that is both epic and intimate in scale.

She hailed the novel as fiction of the finest calibre and said the judges were are unanimous in choosing it as the first book of the year for the Nero Book Awards.

The wait is over. Here are our 2023 category winning books! Huge congratulations to @FernBrady, @bethatintervals, @michaelmagee__ and Paul Murray!  Find out more by clicking here: https://t.co/O9KlNCo99N pic.twitter.com/p7KX18oNNn  Nero Book Awards (@nerobookawards) January 30, 2024

Set in rural Ireland in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crash, The Bee Sting is described as funny and tragic in equal measure.

It follows a middle-class Irish family as the Irish banking crisis takes its toll on the family finances.

Murray penned the 650-page novel during the pandemic and it has since been shortlisted for a number of awards, including the 2023 Booker Prize but he was beaten by fellow Irish writer Paul Lynch who won with Prophet Song.

It also won the An Post Irish Book Awards book of the year gong last year.

To claim the overall Nero Gold prize, he saw off tough competition from his fellow category winners including Scottish comedian Fern Brady, who won in the non-fiction section for her memoir Strong Female Character, which details her experience being diagnosed with autism.

The winner of the childrens fiction category was Newcastle-based writer Beth Lincoln for murder mystery The Swifts, illustrated by Claire Powell.

Northern Irish author Michael Magee won the debut fiction prize for Close To Home, which details the story of a young man who comes home to Belfast after university and has to grapple with the aftermath of an assault he commits at a party.

The awards, launched by high street coffee chain Caffe Nero in 2023, celebrates the craft of writing and the four category winners were chosen by judges who selected books from the UK and Ireland over the last 12 months.
Sir Keir Starmer said the issue of depriving Diane Abbott of the Labour whip has not been resolved as he resisted calls to welcome her back into the party fold.

Ms Abbott, who is at the centre of a racism row, has asked the Labour leader to restore her to his partys parliamentary ranks.

Britains longest-serving black MP was the target of comments by Tory donor Frank Hester, who allegedly said in 2019 that she made him want to hate all black women and that she should be shot.

Sir Keir said we must support Ms Abbott after the recent emergence of Mr Hesters racist and misogynistic remarks.

Diane Abbott has urged Sir Keir Starmer to restore her as a Labour MP (Jonathan Brady/PA)

However, he said that should not be conflated with the antisemitism accusations she faces over a letter she wrote to The Observer suggesting Jewish, Irish and Traveller people are not subject to racism all their lives.

Ms Abbott, first elected as MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington in 1987, has sat as an independent MP since April after the Labour whip was withdrawn following her letter to the newspaper.

Following a backlash, she apologised for any anguish caused and withdrew her comments.

After Wednesdays Prime Ministers Questions, in which Sir Keir urged Rishi Sunak to return Mr Hesters 10 million donations, the Labour leader approached Ms Abbott to offer support.

Ms Abbott, who remains a Labour member, said she replied: You could restore the whip.

But on Thursday, Sir Keir said the suspension was an entirely different issue from the racism storm and cautioned against conflating the two matters.

That was about allegations of antisemitism in relation to a letter which is subject to an ongoing investigation, which is separate from me. Thats not something which I conduct, he told the BBCs Jeremy Vine.

He said the independent process was not resolved.

Sir Keir also noted that Ms Abbott has been subjected to more of that kind of abuse than I think any other MP ever.

We absolutely need to put our arm around her and give her support in relation to that, he added.
Manchesters AO Arena will again host a group stage of the Davis Cup Finals in September, the International Tennis Federation has confirmed.

A record crowd for the competition in this country of 13,000 saw Leon Smiths Great Britain team triumph in a nail-biting tie against France last year to book their place in the Final Eight event in Malaga, where they lost to Serbia in the quarter-finals.

The ITF all but announced in November that Manchester would again be a host city and that has now been rubber-stamped, with the challenge for organisers to try to boost crowds for the non-GB ties.

Back in @DavisCup action in Manchester this September The Lexus GB Davis Cup Team will be heading to the @AOArena#BackTheBrits  | #DavisCup pic.twitter.com/YRIydNrmw0  LTA (@the_LTA) March 14, 2024

Britain will find out their three opponents for the group stage, which takes place from September 10-15, at the draw next Tuesday.

LTA director of major events and digital, Chris Pollard, said: We are delighted to bring the Davis Cup Finals group stage back to Manchester again this September.

We saw first-hand how the fans embraced the event and how their support helped our team win their group in 2023.

We are looking forward to working with our partners at Manchester City Council and Marketing Manchester to make the Davis Cup even bigger and better this year, helping open up our sport to many more people.

A record crowd attended last years Great Britain tie against France (Martin Rickett/PA)

Britain were given a wild card into the group stage along with Spain, while champions Italy and runners-up Australia also avoided having to play in last months qualifiers.

Bologna and Valencia join Manchester as returning hosts while Zhuhai will also stage a group despite China not being among the 16 competing nations.
Joe Biden meeting Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv in October last year. Photograph: Evan Vucci/AP

Joe Biden has committed a strategic mistake by bear-hugging the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, as he prosecutes war with Hamas, a leading congressional progressive Democrat and Biden campaign surrogate said.

Related: Next stop for Democratic uncommitted vote campaign for Gaza: Washington

The bear-hugging of Netanyahu has been a strategic mistake, Ro Khanna said, accusing the Israeli leader of conducting a callous war in Gaza, in defiance of the United States.

Speaking to One Decision, a podcast co-hosted by Sir Richard Dearlove, a former British intelligence chief, Khanna, from California, also called Netanyahu insufferably arrogant, for acting as if he is somehow an equal to Biden.

But his comments about Bidens mistakes may land with a thud at the White House.

Liz Landers, a One Decision guest host, asked Khanna about a recent trip to Michigan to meet leaders of the states large Arab American community.

What did they tell you about the Biden administrations policy with Israel? Landers asked.

They were opposed, Khanna said, adding: Ive been a longtime supporter of the US-Israel relationship. Ive been in Congress eight years and my record reflects that I unequivocally condemned the brutal Hamas attack [on Israel] on 7 October, the rapes, the murders. Ive called Hamas a terrorist organisation, which obviously they are.

They committed a terrorist act on 7 October, but the bear-hugging of Netanyahu has been a strategic mistake. Netanyahu has conducted a callous war in defiance of the United States.

I did not support a ceasefire for the first six weeks. I thought [Israel] would go and get the people responsible [for the 7 October attacks]. But they started bombing refugee camps, bombing hospitals, defying the United States and not letting aid in.

Biden, Khanna said, needed to set out clear consequences for Netanyahu if Israel does not change course.

He needs to say, Im for Israel, but Im not for this extreme rightwing government. And that means if [Netanyahu] defies the United States, not allowing aid, or going into Rafah  which Biden has said must not happen but Netanyahu has said will  [then] no more weapons transfers  unconditionally.

It means not protecting [Netanyahu] from the entire international community at the United Nations, it means recognising a Palestinian state. And those are the things I think some of the Arab American community want.

Asked about a looming clash over Rafah, Khanna highlighted Netanyahus behaviour, refusing to heed Bidens warning that the attack would represent a red line.

What I disagree with and sort of the media narrative on this [is that] Netanyahu and Biden, somehow theyre equals, Khanna said.

Theyre not. Were the greatest superpower in the world. Were giving Netanyahu weapons. He needs to be deferential with respect to the American president, whoever that is. And I find it insufferably arrogant for him to act as if hes somehow an equal to the American president. And thats just going to rub people the wrong way.

So if he defies the American secretary of defense, the American president, then we should stop the arms shipments now. We can stop the offensive arms shipments  I voted for defensive funding and we need to continue to protect Israel against an invasion from Hezbollah or Iran. But we certainly shouldnt be giving Netanyahu the offensive weapons to go kill more people in Gaza when hes acting in defiance to the president of the United States.

You can act as an equal if youre not begging for weapons at the same time.

On Thursday morning, Khanna commented further.

I respect the people and state of Israel, the Palestinian people and believe all nations are equal in self determination, the congressman said on social media.

But Bill Clinton said 28 years ago that Netanyahu failed to respect Americas leadership and power and disregarded our views despite our strong support.

Bidens Israel policy has also had an effect in domestic politics, protest votes in Democratic primaries sounding a warning for the presidential election to come. Landers asked Khanna if Biden could lose his re-election fight against Donald Trump because of such protests as seen in Michigan, where about 100,000 voted uncommitted.

Khanna said: I think the presidents gonna win. I mean, he won Michigan [by] almost 150,000 votes.

But he said anger with Biden was spreading probably beyond the Muslim or Arab American community. Its more young people, voters of colour, the broader Democratic coalition.

Related: Chicago 1968: glimpses of when the Democrats met amid a summer of unrest

And I think if this war continues, particularly if its continuing when we head to the Democratic convention in Chicago, then it creates a problem for us with the coalition that Barack Obama built, which was young people, progressives, voters of colour, that really turned out.

Khanna said there was potential for the convention, in mid-August, to generate unwelcome echoes of chaos in Chicago in 1968, the year of an election won by the Republican Richard Nixon amid protests against the Vietnam war.

I still believe the president will win, but this should be a warning sign that there are large parts of our base that are unhappy, Khanna said.

My hope is that the president, I believe, has changed tone and changed course. Hes now using the word ceasefire. Hes saying that weapons will not be indefinitely transferred to Netanyahu. So my hope is this pressure is going to work on getting a ceasefire and release of the hostages held by Hamas.
Dr Marco Falchieri of the influenza and avian virology team taking samples from a seal on South Georgia in December 2023. Photograph: Apha/Reuters

The grave of the explorer Ernest Shackleton on South Georgia island has become inaccessible to visitors due to bodies of dead seals blocking the way, as increasing numbers of animals are killed by bird flus spread through the Antarctic.

The H5N1 virus has spread to 10 species of birds and mammals since it arrived in the region last October, with five king penguins and five gentoo penguins the latest to test positive on the sub-Antarctic islands. Those confirmations follow reports of mass die-offs of elephant seals at the end of last year.

Astrid Saunders, a racing journalist who was on a cruise around South Georgia island and the Antarctic peninsula on 15-30 January, saw the devastation first-hand, as the ship was repeatedly prevented from docking. Every day they would say we cant land here because there are too many dead animals, said Saunders.

The only place the ship could anchor was in Grytviken, home to Shackletons grave, a British post office and a museum  but no one was allowed to disembark. We werent allowed to go up to the grave of Ernest Shackleton because there were so many dead seals blocking the way, she said. My impression from what I could see was that there were hundreds of dead seals.

Saunders said calculating the number of mortalities was challenging, as it is difficult to distinguish between dead, ill and resting seals, but added: There seemed to be an awful lot of bodies on the beach  a lot of seal pups with no mum. They were desperately trying to run around.

Shackleton was buried on the island in 1922 after he had a heart attack while exploring the Antarctic continent, and his grave has become a pilgrimage site for enthusiasts. One man on the cruise wanted to read a poem at Shackletons grave, Saunders said, and another had brought a special whiskey to propose a toast to the explorer.

Colette Engstrom, a travel consultant who was on the same cruise, said: There did definitely appear to be a lot of dead seals on South Georgia, in particular around Shackletons grave. Visibility was poor, she said, but we were being assured that the reason we couldnt go [to the grave] was because all the seals  or many of the seals  were dead, and bird flu was being blamed.

Saunders says many of those on her cruise had not known about bird flu, and were not informed of its impact before the trip. My dream was to walk among the king penguins  and I couldnt, said Saunders. But no one wants to contaminate the environment.

A spokesperson for Silversea said: The government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands temporarily restricted access to various sites as part of an effort to protect certain species of wildlife within its delicate ecosystem. Our Antarctica, Falklands, and South Georgia cruises will continue sailing as planned, and will call on alternative sites or add additional Zodiac cruising or sea-kayaking opportunities, based on the conditions. The safety of our guests, crew, and the destinations we visit  including their wildlife  is our top priority.

Dr Norman Ratcliffe, a seabird ecologist at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) who has worked on penguins and seabirds on South Georgia, said these observations of seal deaths were in line with what researchers have seen in the region. There has been widespread mortality along the north coast of South Georgia, he said.

On South Georgia, H5N1 has been confirmed in elephant seals, fur seals, Antarctic terns, wandering albatrosses and kelp gulls, according to the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (Scar).

On the Falkland Islands  900 miles (1,500km) west of South Georgia  deaths of gentoo penguins have been confirmed at three separate sites. Other confirmed cases have been reported in birds such as southern fulmar, variable hawk, brown skua and black-brown albatross.

While Scars database does not provide data on the number of seals that have died in the region, H5N1 has caused mass die-offs in marine mammals before: in 2023, scientists estimated the strain had killed off more than 17,000 southern elephant seal pups in Argentina, with the mortality rate in some breeding seasons reaching 96%.

Related: Bird flu confirmed among mass sub-Antarctic seal deaths as virus continues global spread

With the breeding season drawing to a close on the island, experts hope that the spread be limited. Ratcliffe said: Macaroni penguins will remain vulnerable as they gather in large concentrations to moult but subsequently will disperse to sea where transmission will be low. Gentoo and king penguins, however, continue to form communal roosts or to breed, respectively, throughout the winter and so may remain at risk.

Researchers have previously raised the alarm about one of the largest ecological disasters of modern times if bird flu reached remote Antarctic penguin populations.

The current outbreak of the highly infectious variant of H5N1  which started in 2021  is estimated to have killed millions of wild birds. The strain, 2.3.4.4b, has decimated bird populations across the UK, continental Europe, South Africa and the Americas.

Find more age of extinction coverage here, and follow biodiversity reporters Phoebe Weston and Patrick Greenfield on X for all the latest news and features
A man uses a Bitcoin ATM in Hong Kong. The price of Bitcoin has held above $70,000 all this week, peaking in at close to $74,000 in the past 24 hours. (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Bitcoin hit a fresh all-time high in past 24 hours, rising 1.5% to $73,737 (57,563) during early morning trade on Thursday.

The price though fell below $73k by 12noon UK time, according to CoinGeko data.

Bitcoin has mostly held above $73k since the beginning of the week, bolstered by increased inflows from fund managers such as BlackRock (BLK) and Franklin Templeton (BEN), via spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Read more: Crypto live prices

A spot bitcoin ETF is a financial product that investors anticipate could open the gateway for mainstream capital to flood the crypto market.

On Monday, BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) took in over $562m worth of bitcoin (BTC), the fourth-best day since its launch on January 11. The three days with the highest inflows were last Tuesday, totaling $788m, Wednesday, February 28th, with $612m, and Friday, February 29th, with $603m. The fund has now accumulated nearly 204,000 bitcoin, representing over $14.76bn in assets under management (AUM).

Bitcoin forecast to continue its rally

BitGo managing director Matt Ballensweig emphasised the significant inflows into bitcoin from fund managers via ETFs. "Institutions are starting to pile in through the nine new bitcoin ETFs. And the flows really don't lie here, there is demand for BTC as an asset. BlackRock through the IBIT ETF (IBIT) did $2bn in volume yesterday. In total, the ETFs now hold over $55bn in just their first 60 days of trading." Ballensweig told Yahoo Finance Live.

MicroStrategy co-founder Michael Saylor gave his bullish prognosis on bitcoin's long term prospects this week. Saylor told Yahoo Finance Live this week that owning bitcoin was like owning an apartment in New York City, because of the long-term value it holds. "New York City is the endgame for people that want to live in the greatest city in North America. Bitcoin is the endgame for anybody that wants to own the greatest property in the 21st century," he said. Saylor called called the cryptocurrency "the best investment asset."

MicroStrategy (MSTR) recently increased its bitcoin holdings by 12,000, which Saylor says the company will continue doing. When asked by Yahoo Finance if MicroStrategy will use some of its bitcoin holdings to return money to shareholders or make an acquisition, Saylor was clear, "we believe that the highest, best use of capital is to buy bitcoin and hold the bitcoin" adding that "bitcoin is the winner" compared to other assets.

FCA to allow bitcoin-backed securities

The UK's Financial Conduct Authority gave bitcoin (BTC-USD) a boost this week after stating it would allow bitcoin-linked securities to be listed on the stock market.

On Monday, the FCA said it would "not object" to the creation of bitcoin and ethereum-backed (ETH-USD) exchange traded notes (ETNs). Issuers will now be able to apply to list ETNs that are backed by bitcoin and ethereum on the London Stock Exchange from April. However, the FCA added that it would not allow the sale of these financial products to retail investors or members of the public.

Read more: Bitcoin success with SEC fuels anticipation for ether spot ETF

ETNs are debt securities that track an underlying asset but are traded and settled through a central market entity, such as a stock exchange and securities depository.

Bitcoin halving approaching

The bitcoin price could also be bolstered by the upcoming halving, in which the amount of new bitcoin being generated is reduced.

The bitcoin halving is an event that happens about every four years and is expect to happen again this April. The halving will reduce the bitcoin reward that miners receive for validating blocks on the blockchain from the current 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC.

This could act as a supply crunch for the digital asset, potentially leading to a price appreciation.

Watch: Bitcoin ETFs poised for inflows from US pension plans, Standard Chartered analyst says | Future Focus

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Claire Coutinho stepped in to delay the introduction of the policy by at least a year after Tory MPs warned that it would hammer ordinary families - Eddie Mulholland

Ministers have shelved plans to introduce a boiler tax until after the next election following a backlash from Tory MPs.

On Thursday, Claire Coutinho, the Energy Secretary, announced that quotas for sales of heat pumps will be pushed back a year until April 2025.

The delay came after boiler manufacturers raised their prices by 120 in anticipation of having to pay millions in fines under the new regime.

Tory MPs welcomed the move as great news, but said Downing Street must now go on and do the right thing by scrapping the policy altogether.

Under the proposals, initially slated to come into force next month, boiler-makers are set to be handed binding targets for heat pump installations.

Firms would have had to ensure that four per cent of sales were made up of heat pumps this year, with a 3,000 fine for every unit they missed their quota by.

Ms Coutinho stepped in to delay the introduction of the policy by at least a year after Tory MPs warned that it would hammer ordinary families.

But she could not go further and scrap it altogether after two junior ministers in her department threatened to resign in protest. Graham Stuart and Lord Callanan, both energy ministers, warned that scrapping the scheme would put the UK at risk of missing its net zero target.

The project is now set to come into force in 2025-26, when boiler makers will face a six per cent target and the same level of fines for failing to meet it.

A source close to Ms Coutinho said: Claires priority is to make sure people who dont yet have an alternative to a gas boiler arent being punished. Shes always fought hard to make sure we are helping people, not forcing them.

Baxi, one of Britains biggest boiler-makers, responded to the announcement by announcing it would reverse its 120 price rise.

A spokesman said: We will remove the surcharge recently added to sales of new residential boilers as soon as possibleand will work with our distributors to return any surcharge that weve already collected.

The plan had proved unpopular among Tory MPs, with dozens threatening to rebel against the legislation to bring it into force. Ministers would have had to table a law in Parliament by the start of next month to give them the power to levy the fines this year.

Craig Mackinlay, the chairman of the Net Zero Scrutiny Group of Tory MPs, said Ms Coutinho had put the public before the nannying green establishment.

This has never been about whether youre for or against heat pumps, but whether you think they should be forced upon consumers, he said. This is simply not the way a free market Conservative government should ever be thinking.

Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, a former energy secretary, said: This was the right decision, made in the face of significant internal opposition. Centrally planned targets for heat pumps was always a crazy idea, which could have only led to significant costs for the hard-pressed general public.

As Ive said before, net zero targets need to be postponed until we can find a way to get there that doesnt end up leaving the public poorer and colder.

Sir John Redwood, the Tory MP for Wokingham, said he was glad the Government has delayed the policy, but said it should be scrapped altogether.

He said: We dont want them interfering in how we heat our homes. Better a delay than no delay, but why dont they do the right thing and trust the market and the consumer.

Greg Smith, the Tory MP for Buckingham, added: Looking forward, we need to embrace the best emerging technology to be able to give homeowners choice on how to decarbonise in an affordable way.

Lord Frost, a former Cabinet minister, said it was encouraging that, gradually, ministers appear to be adopting a more pragmatic approach to net zero.

Mike Foster, of the Energy Utilities Alliance, said the move was an obvious trap for Labour and Sir Keir Starmer should ditch the policy if he wins the election.

They have been warned  the public dont like it, it hits the least well off the hardest and the whole policy needs to be revisited before it harms British companies and British workers, he said.
European lawmakers on Wednesday voted to approve the world's first comprehensive artificial intelligence law, known as the AI Act, to implement sweeping rules for developers of AI systems.

Additionally, the act would also impose new restrictions on how the technology can be used. The European Parliament voted to give its final approval of the law following lawmakers reaching a political agreement with European Union member states in December last year.

EU's AI Act

The new rules, which are expected to take effect gradually over the next few years, will ban certain uses of AI, introduce new transparency rules, and require risk assessments for AI systems that are considered to be high-risk.

The AI Act comes amid a global debate regarding the future of artificial intelligence as well as its potential risks and benefits. This comes as the technology is increasingly adopted by various companies and consumers worldwide.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently filed a lawsuit against OpenAi and its chief executive, Sam Altman, for supposedly breaking the company's founding agreement. This was by giving priority to profit over AI's benefits for humanity, according to Fox Business.

On the other hand, Altman argued that AI should be developed with great caution as it offers immense commercial possibilities. The new EU legislation will apply to AI products in the EU market, regardless of where they were developed. It will implement fines of up to 7% of a company's worldwide revenue.

An EU lawmaker from Italy, Brando Benifei, who helped lead negotiations on the new law, said that the AI Act is the "first regulation in the world that is putting a clear path towards a safe and human-centric development of AI."

Despite the development, the AI Act still needs to get final approval from EU member states. However, that is a process that many expect to be a formality since they have already given the legislation their political endorsement.

Read Also: US to Send $300 Million Weapons Package to Aid Ukraine in War With Russia: Report

Regulating Artificial Intelligence

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the European commissioner for the internal market, Thierry Breton, said that Europe is now a global standard-setter in AI. Roberta Metsola, the president of the European Parliament, described the new AI Act as trailblazing. She added that it would enable innovation while also safeguarding fundamental rights, said CNBC.

Breton noted that artificial intelligence has already become a large part of people's lives and it will now also become a part of their legislation. A lawmaker who oversaw EU negotiations on the agreement, Dragos Tudorache, touted the law but noted that its biggest challenge is implementation.

The EU AI Act was born in 2021 and divides the technology into categories of risk that range from "unacceptable," which would prompt the banning of the technology, to high, medium, and low hazard.

The legislation would also ban certain AI applications that threaten citizens' rights, including biometric categorization systems that are based on sensitive characteristics and untargeted scraping of facial images online. This also includes CCTV footage being used to create facial recognition databases.

However, there are some exemptions to the rules, including the use of biometric identification systems (RBI) by law enforcement. While this is prohibited in principle, officials are given an exemption in exhaustively listed and narrowly defined situations, according to the European Parliament.

Related Article: Fresh Off Sweden Joining NATO, Romania's President Wants To Become The Military Alliance's Leader

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Alice Sullivan is a professor of sociology at University College London and is an expert on data on sex and gender identity - BELINDA

A British academic has claimed she was deplatformed by the Canadian government over her views on transgender issues.

Alice Sullivan, a professor of sociology at University College London, was set to give an online talk to staff at the Canadian Department of Justice last week about the problems with prioritising self-described gender data over biological sex, which the Canadian government now does by default.

She was abruptly told the International Womens Day event had been scrapped, with no official reason.

Prof Sullivan said: After I had sent my slides, I received a phone call from a member of the department saying that she had been told to cancel the event.

She was not authorised to give me any explanation but indicated that, of course, we both knew what the reason was... you are not allowed to talk about sex in Canada.

Prof Alice Sullivan received a phone call cancelling her talk abruptly after she had sent her slides to the department - BELINDA JIAO

Two years ago, Canada became the first country in the world to collect and publish official data on gender identity via its national census. Around 59,000 Canadians said they were transgender, while more than 41,300 said they were non-binary.

Since then, the official policy for government departments and agencies has been to ask people for their gender instead of their sex, unless absolutely necessary.

In Canada, government data collection defaults to gender instead of sex, said Prof Sullivan. My talk would have discussed the value of collecting data on both, rather than avoiding data collection on sex.

While sex refers to the biological and physiological characteristics of females, males and intersex persons, gender is a persons internal sense of self as a man, woman, a blend of both, or neither, and may not correspond to their sex at birth, according to the World Health Organisation.

A report released in 2018 by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and the Department of Justice said: Departments and agencies should collect or display gender information by default, unless sex information is specifically needed.

This would ensure that the gender of transgender, non-binary and two-spirit individuals is accurately represented.

There is fierce debate among scientists and government officials over the issues caused by conflating gender identity and biological sex in studies, and how this information should be gathered, stored and used.

The census in England and Wales asked about sexual orientation and gender identity for the first time in 2021 but the question was optional, not mandatory like most other questions.

Prof Sullivan, an expert on data on sex and gender identity, has previously spoken out against the harassment and no-platforming of academics involved in the analysis of transgender issues.

Last month, she was appointed by the UKs Department of Science, Innovation and Technology to lead an official review of data, statistics and research on sex and gender.

She said it was shocking that her talk had been cancelled by the Canadian government.

Surely they should want to open up the conversation, she said. Clearly, there are some people in the Department of Justice who want to do that, or I wouldnt have been invited in the first place, but they have been shut down.

In a statement to The Telegraph, the Department of Justice Canada said it cancelled a proposed internal event that was meant to mark International Womens Day, in favour of promoting a whole-of-government event offered by the Canada School of Public Service that aligns more closely with the theme of the International Womens Day 2024 of investing in women and accelerating progress.
Figures show that in January 311 people were forced to sleep rough in London after leaving Home Office accommodation, up 117% from October 2023. Photograph: Jill Mead/The Guardian

Leading homelessness and refugee charities have called on the government to double the number of days that newly recognised refugees are given to find a home before being evicted from asylum hotels, after a near 1,000% rise in rough sleeping among Home Office accommodation leavers since July.

In a letter addressed to James Cleverly, 16 homelessness and refugee charities  including St Mungos, Shelter and the Refugee Council  called on the home secretary to increase the number of days refugees granted leave to remain in the UK are given to move out of Home Office accommodation from 28 to at least 56 days.

The charities called for the Home Office to work with them to create a fully funded transition process for people whose asylum support is due to end that enables information and support around housing and benefits to be given as far in advance as possible.

They also called for evictions to be staggered and for small delays for those in the process of working with councils and charities to find different housing.

Government statistics released in February showed a 965% increase over about six months in people sleeping rough after leaving asylum accommodation in the UK, jumping from 42 people in July 2023 to 469 by December 2023.

Last July the Home Office introduced an administrative change that resulted in refugees being evicted from hostels with seven days notice. In December, this was quietly reversed and returned to the 28-day notice period that was in place previously. Despite this, large numbers of newly recognised refugees continue to sleep rough after the U-turn.

Figures released by London Councils, which represents boroughs in the capital, show that in January 311 people were forced to sleep rough in London after leaving Home Office accommodation, up 41% from November 2023 and 117% from October 2023.

Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, said: The rise in homelessness amongst refugees is extremely alarming and should be a wake-up call for ministers. Despite the huge amount of work being done to end rough sleeping in London, this is a national crisis and we cant solve it alone.

The governments hostile approach to migrants means that hundreds of people in London who have been recognised as refugees in need of protection are being made homeless unnecessarily and forced to sleep on our streets.

At the same time, the cost of living crisis and government inaction on welfare reform is putting more and more Londoners at risk of losing their homes and ending up with nowhere to go.

Im determined to do everything possible to end rough sleeping in the capital but we need the government to step up and match our ambition.

One refugee, who is being supported by St Mungos, spent two years in a Home Office hotel before being granted refugee status. He was given 28 days to leave but ended up sleeping rough after not being able to find somewhere else to live in time. He was found sleeping on the streets by a support worker. I was so cold and scared, I started experiencing bad back pain. I couldnt sleep at all, he said.

Im a qualified mechanic. I want to start working and supporting myself but its so hard to work when you dont have somewhere to live and especially when you are sleeping on the streets. I dont want to be dependent on anyone else, I just need some help to get myself sorted.

The calls for action in the letter were worked out in a roundtable held last month, where it was said makeshift refugee camps were springing up near hotels that were being cleared out by the Home Office. There was concern that a number of negative decisions expected in the coming months could lead to an ever sharper rise in rough sleeping because individuals would not be able to legally work or access state assistance.

A government spokesperson said: Once a newly recognised refugee is issued a biometric residence permit, they get 28 days to move on from asylum accommodation.

Support is also available through Migrant Help and their partners, which includes advice on how to access universal credit, the labour market and where to get assistance with housing.

We are working with local authorities to manage the impact as we reduce the number of asylum seekers awaiting a decision.
Luis Villa said he would put '17 holes' in his son if he found out that the boy was homosexual - Luis Villa said he would put '17 holes' in his son if he found out that the boy was homosexual

One of Colombias leading influencers has been ordered to campaign against homophobia and transphobia after he posted a rant saying he would kill his own son if he came out as gay.

Luis Villa, 23, a tattooed gamer who uses the online name Westcol, uploaded the video to his 650,000 YouTube followers in September 2022.

In the video, he said he would shoot his son, putting 17 holes in him, if he found out that the boy was homosexual.

Mr Villa then went into graphic detail to explain how, should his son come out as trans, he would use an implement to sexually assault him.

Luis Villa, left, with Samuel Sanchez, a Venezuelan online personality - @westcol/Instagram

Colombias supreme court has now ordered Mr Villa, who also has 2.2 million followers on Instagram and 500,000 on X, formerly Twitter, to post social media content explaining the harm caused by hate based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It also ordered him to attend a course on LGBT rights.

The ruling was in response to a complaint filed by Jose Francisco Montufar, a lawyer and activist. That complaint alleged that Mr Villas rant normalises homicide, discrimination and sexual violence against this community.

According to court documents, the judges also suggested that YouTube had shown negligence in failing to uphold its own content rules, which prohibit hate, by allowing the video to remain public for months, despite being flagged by Mr Montafur.

Dark jokes are normal

Since the uproar triggered by his video, Mr Villa has expressed remorse, highlighting his rise to social media stardom from a slum in the city of Medellin. But he has also claimed that making dark, heavy jokes is normal.

Despite Rio de Janeiros travesti drag queens, homophobic and transphobic violence remains rife in much of Latin America. According to one study, there are four murders of LGBT people in the region every day.
Independent senator David Pocock has expressed concerns about a bill that would preserve approvals for offshore gas projects, exempting them from reassessment if environmental laws are tightened. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

The independent senator David Pocock has expressed grave concerns Labor is seeking to work around a court decision requiring more consultation with First Nations people on offshore gas developments.

Pocock made the comments at a Senate inquiry hearing on Thursday, at which Tiwi Islanders joined Mardudhunera activist Raelene Cooper in urging the Albanese government not to make changes they argue will allow gas companies to ignore their views.

In a bill largely about worker safety, the resources minister, Madeleine King, is seeking to preserve approvals for offshore gas projects, exempting them from reassessment if environmental laws are tightened.

Related: Labor accused of trying to silence Aboriginal voices over possible changes to gas project consultations

The Environmental Defenders Office has warned there was a real and imminent risk consultation will be reduced if the minister has a broad power to amend legislation or regulations without reference to national environmental standards.

Therese Bourke, a Tiwi Islands traditional owner and senior of the Malawu clan, told the hearing she is really worried about the law, which would allow King to ignore the environment minister and to change the laws we have worked so hard to have our human rights respected and honoured.

Bourke said that through court action clarifying consultation requirements they had won only a right to be told about proposed projects, not a right to say no.

Now you want to take that away from us and all Indigenous people across the country.

We live on an island surrounded by the sea and these gas projects are dangerous for our climate. We see the impact of climate change, water coming up quicker and further than in the past.

Pocock told the hearing he was concerned the government was attempting to legislate around Tipakalippa, a case in which the full federal court sided with Tiwi Islanders who challenged Santoss approval for the offshore Barossa project because of lack of consultation, for the benefit of gas companies.

Related: Santoss $5.8bn Barossa gas pipeline project can go ahead after Tiwi Islanders lose court battle

Pocock also accused the government of putting the cart before the horse by legislating a new process for approvals before higher environmental standards, contrary to the recommendations of the Samuel review.

Dr Kirsty Howey, the executive director of Environment Centre NT, said the bill creates a carveout with pretty much unfettered discretion allowing the minister with a role promoting the offshore gas industry to change consultation requirements.

Earlier Samantha McCulloch, chief executive of Australian Energy Producers, said existing consultation rules were characterised by ambiguity and uncertainty leading to significant delays, expense and consultation fatigue from traditional owners.

Labors bill would retain meaningful and comprehensive consultation while providing certainty, she argued.

Michelle La Point, the general manager of asset development at Chevron Australia, said it was important for the government to be able to amend rules without reducing requirements for consultation.

Robert Jeremenko, the head of the industry and resources departments oil and gas division, said that since 2014 project proponents only needed approval from the environment or industry department.

The bill simply allows flexibility for improvements to the law, without automatically introducing that burdensome and bureaucratic process of requiring approval from both, he said, allowing changes to be made without breaking streamlining that has existed in law since 2014.

Jeremenko said he appreciated the genuine concern that had been expressed, and the government was open to clarifying the intent of the bill.

On Wednesday the Greens leader, Adam Bandt, warned the law would financially benefit Santos, which lobbied for the changes, by seeking to clear away whatever is getting in the way of constructing their massive Barossa gas project.

In a statement Dorinda Cox, a Yamatji Noongar woman who is the Greens spokesperson for First Nations and resources, said: Labors first move after the voice referendum is to silence First Nations voices who are trying to stop climate-destroying gas projects on their land and sea country.
The 5 billion new fund will not contain any new funds to purchase weapons - RFE/RL/SERHII NUZHNENKO

A new 5 billion (4.7 billion) European Union fund will not necessarily guarantee that more weapons will be sent to Ukraine, it has emerged.

Member states agreed that their expected contributions to the Ukraine Assistance Fund, part of the European Peace Facility (EPF), could be partly offset against previous pledges of aid to Kyiv.

The compromise clause, inserted into the deal at the behest of Germany, means the EUs promise is unlikely to deliver on the headline figure in real terms.

Diplomats told The Telegraph that Berlin, which has promised 7 billion in weapons to Ukraine bilaterally since the start of the war, will not be expected to contribute to the EUs pot as a result, effectively leaving it short.

The EPF had been considered vital in the effort to replace waning American aid for Ukraine. Kyiv has warned it is losing ground to the Russians while a small group of Republican politicians refuse to back a planned $60 billion aid package from Washington.

As an agreement was reached in Brussels on Wednesday, Josep Borrell, the EUs top foreign diplomat, said: We made it. The message is clear  we will support Ukraine with whatever it takes to prevail.

But it later emerged the 5 billion fund would not contain any new funds from member states to purchase weapons. Instead, European capitals will be able to write off in-kind contributions to the EPF against donations already made for Kyiv.

Instead, European capitals will be able to write off in-kind contributions to the EPF against donations already made for Kyiv. The fund is designed to reimburse EU states back 50 per cent of their donations to Ukraine.

Germany has already promised enough bilateral aid to make up for its 1.25 billion contribution to the pot. The Telegraph last year reported that Berlin was seeking to reduce the amount it gave to the fund  some 25 per cent of the overall scheme  because it was annoyed with other European allies, mainly France, not stepping up to match its increased support for Kyiv.

Without Germanys commitment, there will be less cash for smaller member states that rely on support from Brussels to donate from their weapons and ammunition stockpiles. Other countries will also be able to follow suit if they are unwilling to commit extra funds to the EU scheme.

A deal on the scheme was also only made possible after France compromised on a long-held demand that the cash could only be used to reimburse for EU-made equipment.

Instead, EU states agreed that short-term purchases from third countries should be allowed to meet Ukraines urgent need for arms and ammunition.
Young Senegalese migrants

A celebrated human rights photographer once employed by the Red Cross has been arrested on charges he was part of a gang exploiting migrants crossing the Mediterranean.

Francisco Clemente, 27, built up a large social media following with images of migrants reaching Spain in small boats and became known in the media as a defender of arrivals from Africa.

But, according to an investigation by Spains Guardia Civil police force, Mr Clemente leveraged the contacts he gained to extort families anxious to learn about the fate of their relatives.

When corpses were brought ashore, the gang would gain access to morgues, identify the deceased via a network of contacts in North Africa, and then charge inflated sums for the paperwork required to repatriate a body.

The gang allegedly charged up to 10,000 to send a corpse home, more than three times the standard service, working in partnership with a corrupt funeral parlour.

The investigation has revealed that the gang counted on assistance from employees at a state forensic medicine institute. A total of 14 people have been arrested, including Mr Clemente.

When they became aware of a shipwreck, they contacted families to ask for personal information about the missing persons to carry out a false search for these people, assist the families in filing a report, manage DNA collections for the identification of the body and provide translation services, the Guardia Civil said in a statement.

The gang allegedly charged up to 10,000 to send a corpse home - Guardia Civil

Mr Clemente is thought to have been crucial in providing information about the departure of boats from the Moroccan and Algerian coasts, having developed contacts with people traffickers over more than five years of blogging about migration routes in the Western Mediterranean.

Mr Clemente first came into contact with the migration phenomenon when working for the Red Cross in 2018.

Two years later he set up his own blog Heroes del mar (Heroes of the Sea) on Twitter and Facebook, using VHF radio to follow coastguard transmissions so he could be first on the scene when migrants were brought to shore.

According to the newspaper El Pais, a witness told investigators that Mr Clemente would contact families in North Africa and demand payments of money if they wanted their relative not to have problems in Spain.

She said that he boasted about paying off judges and police officers to prevent immigrants from being imprisoned.

Mr Clemente claimed to collaborate with the NGO International Centre for the Identification of Disappeared Migrants (CIPIMD) which works to assist families whose members have been lost in migration attempts.

CIPIMD on Thursday put out a statement denying that it was under investigation and stressing that its policy is to cooperate with police and security services at all times.

The 14 arrested and one other individual are accused of belonging to a criminal organisation, fraud, falsifying documents, bribery and other crimes. Two were remanded in custody while the rest have been released on bail.
The West Midlands has already trialled the electric vehicles, with major concerns reported

The NHS is to introduce electric ambulances, raising concerns that its drive for net zero is being put above patient safety.

Paramedics fear patients will be forced to wait longer because of the hours lost recharging the vehicles, with particular concern about coverage of rural areas, given the limited range.

The move next month is part of a series of measures that whistleblowers fear put green credentials above medical priorities.

The drive had created a bureaucracy that was diverting vast sums from the front line, and placing grossly unethical obstacles in the way of clinical decisions, one whistleblower warned.

NHS England has set up a Greener NHS team with a combined salary bill of 3 million a year, leaked documents reveal.

Officials created 48 roles, including five on six-figure salaries, as part of efforts to pursue an environmental agenda which means every medicine and product has to undergo an evergreen assessment.

The 135-question process means that no decision can be taken without a products social values and contribution to emissions targets being considered.

One supplier alleged that devices such as plastic cannulas were routinely being rejected on environmental grounds, despite the fact they would improve patient safety.

An extra layer of bureaucracy will be added next month, with every NHS supplier asked to draw up a carbon reduction plan.

Other eco-initiatives being rolled out include climate-friendly pain relief for mothers in labour and chemotherapy deliveries and GP visits via e-bikes.

A whistleblower told the Telegraph: Every part of the NHS is under-resourced and waiting lists remain historically high, but commitment to green zealotry remains unchanged.

The amount of resources dedicated to the green agenda is astounding, and the fact that it is now impacting clinical decision-making is, I believe, grossly unethical.

Next month, electric ambulances will be piloted across swathes of the country. Under the scheme, electric ambulances will be trailed across the North West, East of England, Yorkshire, South West and London at a cost of around 150,000 each.

The West Midlands has already introduced the vehicles, although last year board papers from the West Midlands Ambulance Service revealed major concerns.

An evaluation of the pilot scheme found the ambulances took up to four hours to charge and travelled an average of 70 miles between charging, with the papers warning range and recharge time is a significant limiting factor.

While the vehicles had a range of 100 miles, which would cover a shift in urban areas, this would not be the case from most of its hubs, it states, adding: Rural areas in particular are covering twice this mileage and more in a shift. The report says that, as a minimum, ambulances need to be able to cover 160 miles.

Standard ambulances can cover up to 800 miles a day and be filled up in just minutes.

It follows warnings that ambulances are already spending vast amounts of time off the road, with two millions hours lost to waits in hospital car parks in the 12 months ending March 2023, while heart attack and stroke victims faced average waits of 36 minutes in 2023, twice the target.

Paramedics said they were fearful of the risks if electric ambulances were rolled out widely without a proper safety assessment.

Richard Webber, a paramedic and spokesman for the College of Paramedics, said he could see the benefits of such schemes in urban areas, for short distances.

He said: I think they really need to produce the evidence that this is safe before this is rolled out beyond urban areas. I would be very wary of that. If I have got a very sick patient, someone who has had a heart attack and I am trying to get them to hospital I dont want to be worrying about the battery.

Staff will want some convincing, Mr Webber added, urging the health service to go very cautiously pushing the green agenda when safety was at risk.

One emergency medical consultant said: If they could put the charging points at hospitals I would have less of a concern: waits are so long at Emergency Departments you could charge a jumbo jet. My worry is that they are looking to have charging points only in the ambulance station, so thats even more time lost.

One in 10 ambulances already spends more than an hour waiting outside hospitals, latest NHS data show.

The emergency medical consultant said: The worst-case scenario is running out of juice with a patient in the back. I think this is untested territory, I would rather they started testing all of this in Patient Transport Services, where patterns are much more predictable, than in emergency care.

Paul Bristow, a Tory member of the Commons health and social care committee, said: Saving lives and patient safety must always come first. The idea that anyone can consider that climate concerns and green zealotry should come before what is best for patients boggles the mind.

If concerns of first responders and ambulance crews are being overridden it just shows that eco group-think in our NHS is a very real concern.

Mark Francois, a Conservative member of the public accounts committee urged the NHS not to forget its true purpose.

He said: Florence Nightingale once famously said that the very first requirement in a hospital is that it should do the sick no harm. While achieving net zero is a laudable aim, we cannot allow it to trump common sense, especially if it compromises patient safety.

The most important consideration must be patient safety, comfort and wellbeing.

An NHS spokesman said: NHS services must always put patients first when procuring products and it is also right we seek green alternatives, but only when they save the taxpayer money.

The new electric ambulances are benefiting thousands of patients, hospitals report they are working efficiently, and they could help deliver annual operational savings of 59 million.

Green ideology clashes with patient welfare

In October 2020, the NHS became the worlds first health service to commit to reaching carbon net zero.

Health officials were so inspired they dreamt up a whole new bureaucracy to drive the agenda.

Plans for the Greener NHS team, seen by The Telegraph, show 48 roles, including five officials on six-figure salaries, in a structure due to come into place next month. All are charged with overseeing efforts to pursue an environmental agenda that means every medicine and product has to undergo an evergreen assessment.

The drive comes right from the top, with Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief executive stating in 2021 that climate change is a health emergency. Her predecessor  then Sir Simon (now Lord) Stevens  had announced the pledge the year before, in the foreword to a 176-page report.

Yet many of those working in the NHS, and those trying to work with it, say that too often, clinical decisions are being distorted in a push to satisfy the green agenda.

All NHS suppliers providing a new medicine, service or product must undertake an Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment, and meet criteria on emissions, including net zero, and social values. The 135-part questionnaire means no decision can be taken without a products social values and contribution to emissions targets being considered.

The principles aim to ensure the NHS has no carbon emissions by 2040. But the initiatives are diverting large sums from the front line. One whistleblower said the resources going into the initiatives were astounding and grossly unethical.

Competitions for funding of promising medical innovations, such as the Small Business Research Initiative Healthcare Programme, tell applicants to put net zero at the core of the proposal, a presentation seen by The Telegraph shows.

A whistleblower alleged that businesses with promising medical innovations were being ruled out for grant funding because of net zero and diversity and inclusion criteria. He said NHS leaders pervasive eco ideology meant they were putting environmental concerns ahead of patient welfare.

He cited an example where clinicians agreed a plastic cannula would improve patient safety and comfort for a group of their patients, but could not use the product because it contained more plastic than the current product. It is cheaper and safer than the metal needles used in patients requiring regular blood work, dialysis or chemotherapy, where the metal can damage blood vessels.

Ive never been in a situation [until now] where you cant even get beyond that conversation. They said there were several products that they are no longer able to use, because the trust has decided that theyre not environmentally friendly enough, he added.

Climate-friendly pain relied

The service has hailed eco-initiatives including climate-friendly pain relief for mothers in labour. This will use mobile destruction units to supply gas and air. The machines, which women will breathe from and which are already in use in some NHS hospitals, are designed to collect and destroy nitrous oxide  a powerful greenhouse gas produced when gas and air is exhaled. There has also been a big push to decarbonise  or replace  the inhalers of around five million patients with asthma for dry powder versions because leaders say they account for 3 per cent of NHS emissions.

The move is supported by Asthma and Lung UK, but the charity notes that those who are elderly, very young, or have severe asthma, may find it hard to use the dry powder versions, especially when symptoms are bad, because they require a strong inhalation force and new technique.

Meanwhile, virtual wards and smartphone consultations with hospital consultants and GPs have all been hailed as initiatives which can reduce the NHSs carbon output. However, charities for the elderly have raised concerns that shifts dependent on technology risk excluding those who need it most.

A major shift to remote GP appointments during the pandemic meant that at some points, just half of consultations were face-to-face. After repeated calls from ministers, the proportion has crept up, with two in three appointments in person.

The health service has become an enthusiastic proponent of electric bikes  now being used by GPs as well as for chemotherapy delivery, despite concerns from fire chiefs.

In Oxford, e-bikes are used to deliver time-sensitive patient-tailored chemotherapy. The chemotherapies are made for specific patients, ready to be used within a short timeframe and needed quickly across town to deliver life-saving cancer treatment.

John Radcliffe and Churchill hospitals, part of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, receives deliveries from a nearby manufacturer which claims the bikes are greener and quicker than driving the cargo across the city. GPs have also been using e-bikes to carry out home visits.

Their use comes despite warnings from authorities about the safety of the bikes, which can start incredibly ferocious fires. The service said it was called to put out an e-bike fire every other day on average in 2023.

Gloves saved from landfill

Elsewhere, a drive by University College London Hospitals trust encourages staff to stop wearing non-sterile single use gloves unless truly necessary. The trust says more than half a million gloves have been saved from landfill since it launched the initiative last May.

Hospital chiefs insist that staff should still wear gloves if there is a risk from blood or bodily fluids, or if a patient is infectious. Nurses said it was exciting to see glove usage fall, suggesting that putting on gloves to do anything for our patients had become a habit.

Next month the green agenda will ramp up further. The Greener NHS Team  currently led by Chris Gormley, acting chief sustainability officer for the NHS  will ask every NHS supplier to draw up a carbon reduction plan.

Electric ambulances will be trialled across most of England, with the NHS in the North West, East of England, Yorkshire, South West, London introducing the vehicles from next month.

The West Midlands has already introduced electric ambulances, although board papers from the West Midlands Ambulance Service last year revealed concerns that they will need charging too often.

I dont want to worry about the battery

Paramedics state their concerns simply. If I have got a very sick patient, and I am trying to get them to hospital, I dont want to be worrying about the battery, said Richard Webber, a spokesman for the College of Paramedics. He is among many front-line staff urging the service to go very cautiously in pushing the green agenda if patient safety is on the line.

Those trying to secure rollout of medical innovations and products often end up hiring consultants to work through the paperwork, at a cost of tens of thousands of pounds.

Smaller businesses end up pushed out of the market, the whistleblower says, while for larger ones it may just end up on the bill to the taxpayer.

He suggests the NHS may have forgotten its true purpose. It just needs someone to ask the question: do we really want to enact policies that drive up the costs and reduce choice, with front-line clinicians thinking, is this the most environmental option rather than whats right for the patients sat in front of me?

Meanwhile, senior officials do not appear to be taking their own medicine. NHS England executives spent around 30,000 on domestic flights in 2023, including 440 for a single fare from London to Manchester, a Freedom of Information disclosure to Health Service Journal reveals.

Health officials said the use of domestic flights will be banned by 2025.

It comes as yet more funds are ploughed into the NHS. Announcing an extra 6 billion last week, Jeremy Hunt said 3.4 million would be dedicated to improving efficiency and technology, pledging to release 35 billion in savings.

An NHS spokesman said: NHS services must always put patients first when procuring products and it is also right we seek green alternatives, but only when they save the taxpayer money. The new electric ambulances are benefiting thousands of patients, and they could help deliver annual operational savings of 59 million.
Geert Wilders said many people who voted for the PVV expecting him to be PM were angry, and Im just as angry as they are. Photograph: Bart Maat/EPA

Dutch coalition talks will move on from exploratory discussions to more concrete negotiations aimed at forming a largely technocratic government, after the far-right leader Geert Wilders accepted he could not be prime minister.

Four months after Wilders anti-Islam Freedom party (PVV) became the largest in parliament, Kim Putters, the former socialist senator overseeing the talks, said they would continue based on a cabinet of political veterans and outside experts.

In a keenly awaited report released on Thursday, Putters said the four parties involved  PVV, the liberal-conservative VVD, the agrarian BBB and the centre-right newcomer NSC  had agreed to pursue an extra-parliamentary government.

They would strive for a good, balanced mix of ministers from inside and outside politics, Putters said. Based on the discussions held, I consider it wise to strive for a split of, for example, 50% of people with political ties and 50% from outside.

The mediator said he had concluded it would not be possible to form a PVV-led coalition with a majority in parliament, or a minority government operating with parliamentary support, given the differences between the four parties.

Wilders on Wednesday reluctantly conceded he lacked the support among his prospective coalition allies to be the next prime minister. He said on Thursday that only the populist BBB leader, Caroline van der Plas, had fully backed his ambitions.

He said his forced withdrawal was unjust but the formation of a rightwing cabinet came first. In the end, no matter how much it hurts, and how unfair I think it is, and how constitutionally wrong it is, I made the decision not to choose my own position.

Media reports suggested that a technocratic cabinet  which would entail all four coalition leaders staying in parliament as MPs and not taking ministerial jobs  was the price that NSC, in particular, had demanded for supporting a PVV-led majority government.

Putters report suggested that the usually detailed coalition agreement  a more-or-less binding blueprint for government  should be shorter and less specific, since MPs would have a significantly greater say on individual policies.

The Netherlands has not had such a government since 1918 but the concept is familiar in other European countries, including Italy. It is unclear how exactly it would work in the Netherlands, although Wilders would be likely to propose the new premier.

Campaigning on a populist, anti-immigration platform, the PVV won 37 seats in the November election, far more than expected but well short of a majority in the 150-seat parliament. The four would-be coalition partners have 88 MPs between them.

Wilders said on Thursday that many people who voted for the PVV expecting him to become prime minister if it emerged as the largest party were angry, and Im just as angry as they are. But he said a rightwing cabinet could achieve a lot for the Netherlands.

Political commentators said Wilders decision could prove positive for him. As party leader in parliament, he can continue to play a freer, critical role, said NOSs political editor, Xander van der Wulp. He wont have to act in the name of the four partners.

Related: Geert Wilders gives up hope of being Dutch PM due to lack of support

Parliament is expected to debate Putters report next week before deciding on the next step. Talks so far between the four parties have been tense, with NSCs leader, Pieter Omtzigt, walking out in February over irreconcilable differences with Wilders.

The far-right firebrand Wilders, who has a conviction for insulting Dutch Moroccans as a group, had to drop anti-constitutional manifesto pledges including bans on mosques, the Quran and Islamic headscarves, as well as a Nexit referendum on leaving the EU, but insisted on Wednesday he would be premier one day.

With the support of even more Dutch people  if not tomorrow, then the day after, he said on X. The voice of millions of Dutch people will be heard!
The trials will test the potential of several nasal spray vaccines against betacoronaviruses - TIM SLOAN/AFP via Getty Images

Healthy volunteers are to be deliberately infected with diseases including Covid-19 in a bid to develop nasal spray vaccines that block the spread of coronaviruses.

The 44 million programme, led by Imperial College London, aims to develop next-generation vaccines that not only reduce disease severity, but also stop people from catching a virus in the first place.

Vaccines that can stop transmission of a virus  are crucial to being able to end pandemics and epidemics swiftly, said Dr Richard Hatchett, the chief executive of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (Cepi), which is co-funding the five-year project.

If we find a way to [block transmission] ... with the next generation of Covid-19 vaccines, for example, we could then dramatically reduce the circulation of the Sars-Cov-2 virus and hence limit its ability to generate dangerous new variants, he added.

Experts believe that inhaling a vaccine directly into the nose and lungs, rather than via an injection into muscle tissue, could be the key to triggering mucosal immunity  the type of protection that is believed to block infections.

Coronaviruses typically infect people through cells lining their nose, throat and lungs, said Chris Chiu, a professor of Infectious Diseases at Imperial and principal investigator for the project  called MusiCC.

Mucosal immunity generated at these surfaces is highly specialised  Since they directly act in the place that viruses enter and exit the body, they could be the key to developing vaccines that can block viruses from being able to spread from one person to another.

The global project is also significant because it will be based on human challenge trials.

Prof Danny Altman, a professor of immunology at Imperial, told the Telegraph the programme is unique because of the sheer momentum of human challenge studies, at scale, coming stage centre.

These medical studies intentionally infect individuals with a particular disease, to test whether vaccines or drugs work. They also give scientists unique opportunities to track how an illness develops, including the relationship between a virus and the human immune system.

While they have been used for decades to better understand diseases such as malaria, flu, typhoid and cholera, there are tight regulations on when and how they can be deployed.

But last year, Imperial announced that the worlds first Covid-19 human challenge trial was safe in 36 young adults, laying the groundwork for their use more broadly. Now, the consortium will develop a trial that can be used concurrently in multiple sites worldwide.

MusiCC will test the potential of several nasal spray vaccines against betacoronaviruses  the pathogen family that includes Sars-Cov-2, Mers and several seasonal common cold viruses. Trials will take place across several sites, each involving small groups of young, healthy volunteers.

This is highly significant considering that one of the major hurdles in the vaccine campaign against Covid was the failure in inducing mucosal immunity, Prof Linfa Wang, from the Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore, which is part of the consortium, told The Telegraph.

This model will also be highly important for other viruses of pandemic potential.

Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security
A memorial for Hardeep Singh Nijjar at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara temple in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, on 22 September 2023. Photograph: Ethan Cairns/EPA

India has ordered prominent video-sharing platforms to block access to a new Canadian documentary probing the assassination of a prominent Sikh activist in Vancouver, in a move that highlights Indias mounting frustration with the allegations its government was behind the high-profile killing.

Related: Canada: second Sikh activists house hit by gunfire this month

The request marks the second time in just over a year that India has sought to block a documentary critical of the Indian government or its leader, Narendra Modi. In 2023, India used emergency laws to block the distribution of the BBC documentary India: The Modi Question.

Last week, the CBCs Fifth Estate, the national broadcasters investigative unit, aired Contract to Kill, a 43-minute documentary about the shooting death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Nijjar, who held Canadian citizenship, was shot and killed in a parking lot in suburban Vancouver. The murder, and subsequent investigation by Canadas national security apparatus, prompted the prime minister, Justin Trudeau, in September to tell the countrys parliament there were credible allegations that agents of the Indian government were behind the killing. India has rejected Canadas allegations, and relations between the two countries remain strained.

Earlier this week, YouTube told the CBC that it had received an order from Indias ministry of electronics and information technology, requesting it to block access to the video of the story from its website.

The video-sharing platform said the content has now been blocked from view on the India YouTube country site, but it is still available outside the country.

In its request, the Indian government cited the countrys Information Technology Act of 2000 which gives it the power to intercept, monitor or decrypt any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer resource.

India also made a request to the social media site X, formerly Twitter, requesting it block access to the documentary.

Indian law obligates X to withhold access to this content in India; however, the content remains available elsewhere, X said in an email to the CBC. We disagree with this action and maintain that freedom of expression should extend to these posts. Following the Indian legal process, we are in current communication with the Indian authorities.

The documentary includes security footage of Nijjar leaving the parking lot of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara temple on a June evening. As he approaches the exit, a white vehicle blocks his truck and two men, dressed in hooded sweatshirts, approach the truck and shoot Nijjar.

CBC News stands by its journalism on this story. To ensure fairness and balance, the documentary included a wide range of voices, witnesses and subject matter experts, Chuck Thompson, CBCs head of public affairs, said in a statement. And, as is the case with all stories on the Fifth Estate, Contract to Kill was thoroughly researched, vetted by senior editorial leaders and meets our journalistic standards.

Canadas allegations that India was behind the assassination have yet to produce any arrests, despite an ongoing police investigation. The allegations also resurfaced this week when New Zealands deputy prime minister, Winston Peters, appeared to cast doubt on Canadas claims.

According to the Indian Express newspaper, Peters made comments to the media outlet during a recent visit to India. Wheres the evidence? Wheres the finding right here, right now? Well, there isnt one, Peters is reported to have said.

New Zealands position on the allegations remains unchanged  if they are proven correct, then that would be of serious concern, John Tulloch, the senior press secretary in Peters office, said in a statement. The ministers point is that this is an ongoing criminal investigation. It needs to run its course before clear conclusions can be drawn.
Denmark disclosed goals to expand military enlistment to women for the first time and prolong the usual period of service. The organization aims to increase its defense budget by almost $6 billion (4.6 billion) over the next five years to align with Nato goals.

PM Metter Frederiksen said, "We do not rearm because we want war. We are rearming because we want to avoid it." Tensions in Europe have escalated afterwards Russia's finish attack of Ukraine in February 2022.

Denmark Embraces Female Military Service

Denmark is currently the third European country, together with Norway and Sweden, to implement female military service, indicating an important shift in its defense method. The Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, and Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen confirmed intentions to prolong the service duration for both genders from four to 11 months as a component of a thorough improvement of the nation's military approach.

"We are not rearming in Denmark because we want war, destruction, or suffering. We are rearming right now to avoid war and in a world where the international order is being challenged," stated Prime Minister Frederiksen, emphasizing the defensive nature of Denmark's military reforms.

Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen expressed an identical perspective, offering the steps as a way to prevent possible threats. Denmark does not currently see a direct threat from Russia, but Rasmussen stated the need to maintain a strong defense position in order to prevent any potential risks.

Denmark's dedication to strengthening its defense capabilities is made apparent by its strong support for Ukraine in response to Russia's aggression. The nation will provide Kyiv with cutting-edge F-16 fighter jets, expected to arrive this summer, in combination with its ongoing military support, according to Politico.

Read Also: Ken Buck Hints At More GOP Resignations Day After Announcing Departure From Congress

Denmark Enhances Defense

In line with NATO targets, Denmark plans to increase its defense spending by $5.9 billion over the next five years, aiming to reach the alliance's 2 percent GDP target. This significant investment reflects the nation's dedication to enhancing its military readiness and contributing to collective security efforts.

Introducing female conscription marks an essential moment in Denmark's military history. Physically fit men over the age of 18 are required to serve in the military through a lottery system, but not all end up serving because of enough volunteers. Denmark's decision to include women in conscription indicates its dedication to gender equality and aligns with its overall goal of improving the armed forces.

The Defense Minister provided details on the timeline to set up the new conscription system, with legislative changes anticipated in 2025 and full integration by 2026. According to the proposed plan, conscripts will complete five months of basic training and then move on to six months of operational service, which will also include supplementary training.

The decision to expand conscription to women mirrors the steps taken by within Sweden and Norway, in response to changing security challenges in Europe. In 2017, Sweden reinstated military conscription for both men and women due to a worsening security situation, while Norway implemented gender-neutral conscription in 2013.

Denmark's move towards gender equality in its military is paving the way for other countries to prioritize diversity and inclusivity in their defense forces, displaying the relevance of these values in ensuring national security in a changing global scenery.

Related Article: Ukraine Needs Over $1 Billion to Restore Scientific Infrastructure: UN Agency Reports

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Patriotic Alternative was one of two far-right groups named by Michael Gove as he set out the new definition of extremism. Photograph: Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images

Far-right and Islamist groups are among those expected to be included in a list the government will publish in the coming weeks as part of a new definition of extremism.

The communities minister, Michael Gove, named five groups to MPs on Thursday  three Muslim-led and two far-right  which he said would be examined under the new legislation.

However, MPs from the Conservative and opposition side voiced concern that a much wider range of groups could end up on the list in the future. Here are some of movements that could be affected.

Muslim and pro-Palestinian

Gove used parliamentary privilege to name the Muslim Association of Britain, Cage and Mend as groups that would be assessed.

Cage, which describes itself as an advocacy group for prisoners, is headed by figures including Moazzam Begg, a former Guantanamo Bay detainee. While its work has been described as vital by the human rights lawyer Clive Stafford Smith, others have described the group as being an apologist for terrorism.

Mend describes itself as a community-funded organisation aiming to encourage political, civic and social engagement in British Muslim communities, but there have been claims it has links to extremists.

Gove also mentioned the Muslim Association of Britain (MAB), which he described as the British affiliate of the Muslim Brotherhood. Founded in 1997, MAB says it evolved from the older Muslim Student Society (MSS) with the aim of providing a comprehensive programme of spiritual, intellectual and social development firmly rooted in the teachings of Islam.

A draft version of Goves ministerial statement had also named Friends of al-Aqsa and 5Pillars as divisive forces within Muslim communities.

Before the government announcement, another group that was mooted in the rightwing press was Palestine Action, which has been conducting direct action protests against Israeli arms manufacturers in the UK, and issued a joint statement this week with Cage that was critical of Goves plans.

The far right

Gove named Patriotic Alternative (PA), which has emerged from the fractured far-right scene and splits in the British National party, and an older but lesser known group, the British National Socialist Movement, as two that would be assessed for inclusion on the list.

PA is led by a digital-savvy younger generation seeking to present themselves as a white pride organisation. It blends traditional far-right causes, such as hostility to immigration, with others, such as preserving the countryside and helping the homeless.

It has sought to piggyback on protests against hotels accommodating refugees, including those which led to riots in Liverpool last year.

Founded in 1968, the British National Socialist Movement is described by the counter-extremist organisation Hope Not Hate as one of the few openly Nazi groups still active in the UK. After a period of dormancy, its activities included opening a gym in Manchester last year and seeking to promote a fitness network.

Culture wars

While Gove said the new definition would not affect gender-critical campaigners, those with conservative religious beliefs and trans activists, MPs who fear such groups could ultimately end up subject to the definition disagreed.

The Scottish National party MP Joanna Cherry mentioned the LGB Alliance, a charity other MPs have described as a hate group because, she said, it had raised the hitherto unfashionable but now vindicated concerns about the prescription of puberty blockers.

The charity was founded in October 2019 by two veteran lesbian activists to campaign for the rights of same-sex attracted people.

Judges ruled last year that Mermaids  a charity that supports transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse children and their families  could not challenge the LGB Alliances charitable status.

Environmentalism and the left

Just Stop Oil has become a bete noire for many MPs, with its direct action targeting major public events and political gatherings.

Greenpeace, whose activists scaled Rishi Sunaks North Yorkshire home last year in protest against the governments decision to expand North Sea oil drilling, said this week that government attempts to capture more groups in its official definition of extremism risked fuelling the very extremism it claimed to be trying to quell.

Another group that has faced criticism from Conservative MPs in the past is Black Lives Matter, a name which appeared as a co-signatory of the statement by Cage and Palestine Action.
Michael Gove is expected to say that officials should have regard to whether a group maintains public confidence in government before working with it. Photograph: Tayfun Salc/Zuma Press Wire/Rex/Shutterstock

Ministers and civil servants will be banned from talking to or funding organisations that undermine the UKs system of liberal parliamentary democracy, under a new definition of extremism criticised by the governments terror watchdog and Muslim community groups.

Michael Gove, the communities secretary, will tell MPs on Thursday that officials should consider whether a group maintains public confidence in government before working with it.

Groups that will be effectively cancelled by ministers for falling foul of the new definition will be named in the coming weeks, government sources said.

There will be no appeals process if a group is labelled as extremist, it is understood, and groups will instead be expected to challenge a ministerial decision in the courts.

The new definition, which will be distributed across government and Whitehall, will say: Extremism is the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, that aims to: 1 negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others; or 2 undermine, overturn or replace the UKs system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights; or 3 intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the results in (1) or (2).

The previous guidelines, published in 2011, said individuals or groups are only defined as extremist if they show vocal or active opposition to British fundamental values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and the mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.

Gove, who has overseen the formulation of the new definition, said it would ensure that Government does not inadvertently provide a platform to those setting out to subvert democracy and deny other peoples fundamental rights.

Related: Extending extremism definition risks fuelling unlawful protest, warns Greenpeace UK

But deep concern was expressed by Jonathan Hall KC, the governments independent reviewer of state threat legislation who referred to a lack of safeguards and the labelling of people as extremists by ministerial decree.

The definition focuses on ideas, on ideology, not action. So its a move from the previous definition  Moving the focus from action to ideology or ideas is an important one because I think people will be entitled to say: What business is it of the government what people think, unless they do something with that? he told the Guardian.

Theres no appeal body and where you have this lack of safeguards, its going to be really important to make sure that this labelling does not bleed into other areas.

If the government says that someone is an extremist, and is essentially saying You are unacceptable, then what would stop a local authority, another public body or even a private body from deciding they will adopt it as well?

The new extremism definition is not statutory and will be used by government departments and officials alongside a new set of engagement principles, a statement from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said.

These principles are meant to mitigate the risk of undertaking engagement that undermines governments core aims to maintain public confidence in government; uphold democratic values; and protect the rights and freedoms of others.

A draft version of Goves ministerial statement, which has been seen by the Guardian, names several prominent Muslim groups, including MEND (Muslim Engagement and Development), CAGE, Friends of Al Aqsa, 5Pillars and the Muslim Association of Britain (MAB) as divisive forces within Muslim communities.

The document, which is entitled Draft ministerial statement  new extremism definition and community engagement principles, also says there is serious concern about the British National Socialist Movement, Patriotic Alternative and Britain First for intimidating minority groups.

It continues: With this new definition, we will be assessing whether these, and other organisations, meet our definition and will take action as appropriate.

But departmental sources did not respond to requests for a comment on the document or its contents.

Muslim organisations, including the Muslim Council of Britain, are preparing to take the government to judicial review over its new definition.

Zara Mohammed, secretary general of the MCB, said any of those named were likely to seek judicial review and her organisation might take such legal recourse even if not directly criticised in parliament.

The government has described itself as having a long-term policy of non-engagement with the MCB, the UKs largest umbrella organisation representing 500 mosques, schools and charitable institutions.

She said: Wed certainly consider [judicial review], definitely. Because the other side of it is, we have been unfairly targeted with the disengagement policy. If we are not considered an extreme group, why are you not engaging with us?

Sayeeda Warsi, the Tory peer, criticised the move, calling it a divide and rule approach intended to breed division and encourage mistrust.

The lack of consultation and the vague language used by the government would be at the heart of any legal challenge, it is understood.

The new definition, which comes into force on Thursday, appears to be a watered down version of those proposed in recent government briefings.

Ministers have spent days attempting to complete the proposals amid a cacophony of criticism from high-profile anti-extremist experts, including three former Conservative home secretaries.

People involved in the process said ministers had repeatedly sought advice from different internal lawyers after being advised some proposals would leave ministers open to legal challenge.

The overhaul of the definition follows Rishi Sunaks impromptu speech in Downing Street on 1 March in which he warned of forces here at home trying to tear us apart.

Brendan Cox, the co-founder of t Survivors Against Terror and the widower of Jo Cox MP, welcomed that the announcement did not seem to amount to the scorched earth policy that was being briefed to newspapers but he said the process of what happens next would be crucial.

Unless that process has a high evidential threshold and seeks consensus rom different viewpoints that it could still be weaponised by politicians to suit their own ends.

Extremism deserves to be treated seriously and soberly, not used tactically to seek party political advantage

Sadly the process over the last few weeks has undermined consensus instead of building it  and has left us less united in what should be our common fight against extremists, he said.
Zara Mohammed, the head of the Muslim Council of Britain, says we are the easy ones to scapegoat in the culture wars. Photograph: Graeme Robertson/The Guardian

A couple of months ago, Zara Mohammed, the 33-year-old secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), learned that the Ministry of Defence was ending its 12-year relationship with the organisation.

The MCB, the UKs largest Muslim umbrella group, with more than 500 affiliated members including mosques, schools and charitable associations, had been acting as a referee for potential imam chaplains in the armed forces.

There are uniformed chaplains of all faiths and denominations. Its really wonderful, says Mohammed. They would come to us and say, these imams have come forward, are they credible figures in the community? Wed say yes or no.

They cancelled it because the Daily Telegraph wrote a piece on it. [The MoD] wrote to say the government has said they cannot have any relationship with the Muslim Council of Britain. They didnt justify it.

It is barking, she adds. There is no replacement. They left a gap because we are the leading Muslim representative body that is trusted, so there is no one.

Mohammed, the first female leader of the MCB and by far its youngest, has led the organisation since 2021. She is a law and politics graduate from Strathclyde university but the MCB has never paid its secretary general so she offers a consultancy service on diversity issues to pay the bills.

Raised in Glasgow, she is the oldest of four children born to second-generation British Pakistani Muslims  an English-born mother and a Scottish-born father. Her mother wonders why she does what she does, says Mohammed. That nagging question has felt particularly relevant in recent days.

Related: Archbishops of Canterbury and York warn against new extremism definition

The government has for more than a decade had a policy of non-engagement with the MCB. The reasons as to why are murky.

A ministerial statement given in the Commons in February had claimed this was because previous MCB leaders have taken positions that contradict our fundamental values and these have not been explicitly retracted.

It appeared to be a reference to a row dating back to 2009 when the then deputy secretary general, Daud Abdullah, signed a document known as the Istanbul declaration which advocated attacks on the Royal Navy if it tried to stop arms for Hamas being smuggled into Gaza.

The then Labour government said it would have nothing more to do with the MCB unless Abdullah stepped down and the sentiment was repudiated.

But this is a bit of a misconception, says Mohammed. The MCB did denounce it and said that this was something done by Daud in his personal capacity. He then resigned and the MCB said: We did not endorse that statement. Then the Labour government re-engaged with us.

The current impasse, she says, is a mysterious Conservative government thing, on which it appears to be doubling down. In recent days, the government briefed that several Muslim organisations, potentially including the MCB, could be named as being among those that would be captured by a new definition, of the sort of extremist organisation Whitehall must have nothing to do with.

A draft ministerial statement, seen by the Guardian, suggests that Michael Gove was toying with naming the Muslim Association of Britain, Cage International, Muslim Engagement and Development, 5 pillars and the Friends of al-Aqsa (along with the far-right groups Britain First, British National Socialist Movement and the Patriotic Alternative).

These groups of divisive forces within Muslim communities cause real harm to them, the levelling up secretary was to tell MPs on Thursday.

It is still to be seen whether Gove will name the organisations, given the potential legal challenge it might provoke. The MCB and the other organisations have been taking legal advice over a possible judicial review of the governments definition of extremism.

But for Mohammed, it is almost beside the point. I think we are a very suitable political punchbag and thats what were seeing right now. The Muslim Council of Britain is always being targeted. I think theres this ongoing theme of demonising Muslims.

Theres a systemic issue that we are the easy ones to scapegoat in the culture wars. Its difficult because Im a new leader and I just dont think like that, and I question why. What is the problem? Surely engaging with us is a great thing because we represent so many Muslim communities. And if we engage, we can do more work together. But youre isolating us and marginalising us.

The MCB helped the NHS give advice to Muslim communities during the Covid pandemic and is seeking to make its affiliated groups more aware of how they can do their bit to address the climate emergency.

But since the 7 October attacks by Hamas in Israel, Mohammed says she has been constantly asked to prove she is not an extremist.

I dont represent Hamas, I dont talk for Hamas. I represent British Muslims in a British organisation, she says. In our faith, the killing of any innocent civilians, we condemn. And thats it. Why would my position be any different from that?
Donald Trump in court in New York on 7 December 2023. Photograph: David Dee Delgado/Pool via AP

Manhattan prosecutors on Thursday said they are willing to delay Donald Trumps trial on charges related to making hush-money payments for up to 30 days so they can review records newly obtained from federal authorities.

The request has the potential to delay the proceedings, which were to begin with jury selection on 25 March in New York and would be the first of the four criminal indictments against the former US president to go to trial.

The office of the district attorney, Alvin Bragg, told the court that they were open to the delay because they had received from federal prosecutors about 31,000 page of records, and expected more next week.

Based on our initial review of yesterdays production, those records appear to contain materials related to the subject matter of this case, including materials that the People requested from the [US attorneys office (USAO)] more than a year ago and that the USAO previously declined to provide, prosecutors wrote.

Trumps lawyers have asked to either delay for 90 days or for the charges to be dropped against him, alleging violations of the discovery process, in which the defense and prosecution shares evidence with each other. Prosecutors have said a delay of that length is not necessary.

Related: Trump lawyers urge judge to dismiss classified documents case against him

The New York case centers on allegations Trump directed his former lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, to pay adult film star Stormy Daniels $130,000 to keep quiet before the 2016 election about a sexual encounter she says they had a decade earlier, and then falsely recorded his reimbursement to Cohen as legal expenses.

Trump, who recently clinched enough delegates to win the Republican presidential nomination and is expected to face off against Joe Biden in November, denies the encounter with Daniels and has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsification of business records.

Last month, prosecutors said they planned to introduce evidence of a pressure campaign by Trump in 2018 to ensure Cohen did not cooperate with a federal investigation into the payment to Daniels. Cohen pleaded guilty that year to violating campaign finance law.

In their motion, Braggs office noted that the timing of the current production of additional materials from the USAO is a function of defendants own delay.

[D]efendant waited until January 18, 2024 to subpoena additional materials from the USAO and then consented to repeated extensions of the deadline for the USAOs determination, the office wrote.

Trump, alongside 18 co-defendants, is also facing charges in Georgia for allegedly meddling in the states 2020 election results in order to block Biden from winning its electoral votes.

At the federal level, the justice department special counsel Jack Smith has indicted him on charges that he plotted to keep Biden from entering the White House. He has separately accused Trump of taking classified government documents with him after his presidency, and conspiring to keep them out of the hands of authorities sent to retrieve them.

Trump is the first former president to face criminal charges, and a conviction could upend what is expected to be a hard-fought rematch against Biden, who has struggled with poor approval ratings for most of his presidency. However, Trumps three criminal cases outside New York are facing delays as judges weigh pre-trial motions and appeals, and it is unclear if any will be resolved before the 5 November election.
The Electoral Commission of Queensland urged Redland city council candidates to take proactive steps to establish a respectful campaigning environment. Photograph: Kgbo/ Wikimedia Commons

Queenslands electoral commission has warned candidates to behave amid a highly acrimonious Redland city council election campaign that has sparked the largest number of complaints across the state.

An email sent to all Redland city council election candidates this week threatened potential legal ramifications for non-compliant behaviour  but did not single anyone out.

The council in south-east Queensland is where former federal Liberal MP Andrew Laming is running for mayor, alongside opponents, Jos Mitchell and Cindy Corrie. The Guardian is not suggesting they have engaged in any wrongdoing.

Related: Rancour in Redland city: mayoral race turns toxic as Andrew Laming attempts political comeback

Guardian Australia reported earlier this month on controversies surrounding the mayoral race, with locals saying the atmosphere had become unpleasant and toxic.

Along with three mayoral candidates, 20 people have nominated for councillor positions across 10 divisions in Redland city council, with early-voting already under way ahead of polling day on 16 March.

The Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) told candidates the significant volume of complaints suggested an unusual level of potentially non-compliant behaviour has led to the emergence of a highly acrimonious campaigning environment.

Despite robust contests being underway across Queenslands 77 local governments, there is no other council which the ECQ is currently aware of where this same level of acrimony, complaint burden and related behaviour is present, the email said.

The ECQ said it was concerned about electoral integrity being under threat, with voters complaining of being approached in a physically intimidating manner and obstructed from accessing early voting centres.

Voters have also complained to the ECQ about the manner in which candidates have engaged with each other at early voting centres, according to the email.

The commission warned some of the complaints potentially constitute offences warranting police involvement.

The ECQ reminded candidates that wilfully obstructing or disturbing any proceeding at an election is an offence punishable by up to six months imprisonment, while candidates could face up to two years imprisonment if they are found to influence a persons vote by violence or intimidation.

All candidates should be aware that any behaviour which is likely to interfere with the proper conduct of the election  will be taken seriously and the ECQ will not hesitate to take action  where there is clear evidence of non-compliance, the email read.

The ECQ  urges all candidates  to reflect on the above matters in this final week of voting and take proactive steps to establish a respectful campaigning environment.

In response to questions about the ECQs letter, Laming, the former member for Bowman, told Guardian Australia his Redland city council mayoral campaign has been exemplary.

My volunteers have been respectful at all times. I have remained policy-focused  and I have told my team to ignore provocation, he said.

Guardian Australia has contacted Jos Michell, Cindy Corrie, the ECQ and Queenslands local government minister for comment.
A sign at an anti-immigration protest in Rotherham in February 2023. Photograph: Gary Calton/The Observer

British voters are restless, angry and demoralised and more than half of them are pessimistic about the future, according to polling that a counter-extremism organisation has said shows warning signs of future unrest.

More than one in four respondents (43%) described the UK as declining, just 6% agreed that the political system was working well and 79% said politicians dont listen to people like me.

The findings are contained in the latest annual report on extremism in Britain released by Hope Not Hate (HNH), which warns that the radical right is growing in confidence as it attempts to push what the campaign group called divisive, populist, anti-immigration, climate-sceptic policies.

Nick Lowles, HNHs CEO, said: The sense of pessimism and declinism that is very evident in our polling is likely to lead to a change in government. But at the same time this very same mood could turn on a new administration if it is not seen as delivering meaningful change quickly, and this could open the door for an increasingly confident radical right  either from a more rightwing Conservative party or an outside populist movement.

In other findings that prompted HNH to ask whether Tory voters were falling out of love with democracy, 48% of people intending to vote Conservative at the next election said they would prefer having a strong and decisive leader who has the authority to override or ignore parliament over having a liberal democracy with regular elections and a multiparty system.

A third of those who took part in the 25,000-person poll by Focaldata thought that in certain circumstances violence can be necessary to defend something you strongly believe in.

Related: Tories should give up 10m Frank Hester donation, most voters say

The report, which monitors activities of groups and individuals ranging from neo-Nazis and conspiracy theorists through to MPs on the right of the Conservative party and Reform UK, found that anti-migrant activism continued to dominate the far right last year.

Anti-migrant activity monitored by HNH researchers rose by 20% compared with 2022 levels, which were the previous highest on record, while there was an 18-fold increase in anti-migrant demonstrations from 2022.

A record number of far-right activists and sympathisers were convicted of terror-related offences in 2023. Their average age was 32, and four were teenagers.

Noting the rise in antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred in the UK since the Hamas attacks on Israel and Israels offensive in Gaza, HNH noted that the far right was divided on the issue, with some prioritising antisemitism and others attacking Muslims.

The organisation also highlighted the role of what it described as narratives perpetuated by the UKs political leadership, and criticised what it said was a lack of a clear plan from the government for what to do about far-right extremism.

Misbah Malik, HNHs senior policy and engagement officer, said: The last few years in particular have seen the Conservative party sliding to the right. Unsurprisingly therefore, almost immediately after the conflict escalated in October, the political mainstream jumped to propagate a narrative that lazily but dangerously draws from Islamophic tropes.

Other sections of the polling found that the conflict in the Middle East had deeply divided public opinion in the UK, although a majority of people did not take one side over another, answering do not care or dont know.

Only 38% of the public choose a side, according to the research, with 22% siding with the Palestinians and 16% with Israel. A little more than 20% said they supported both sides equally, while 27% said they supported neither side. The rest said they didnt know.
Polish deputy prime minister and minister of national defence Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz (l), Grant Shapps (c) and 1st deputy commander general of the armed forces Marek Sokolowski at the Orzysz training ground in north-east Poland on 13 March. Photograph: Tomasz Waszczuk/EPA

Russia is believed to have jammed the satellite signal on an RAF aircraft carrying Grant Shapps back from Poland, according to government sources.

Defence sources said there was no danger to Shapps, who was travelling back to the UK, though they called it a wildly irresponsible act of electronic warfare.

It is understood that the GPS signal was interfered with for about 30 minutes while the plane flew close to Russias Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad.

Mobile phones could no longer connect to the internet and the aircraft was forced to use alternative methods to determine its location, the source said.

GPS-jamming equipment can be operated by aircraft, including drones, but is usually carried out using ground vehicles.

Aircraft taking off from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus are regularly jammed by Russian equipment, thought to be in Syria, though it is believed to be rare for an aircraft carrying a high-profile figure to be affected.

Rishi Sunaks spokesperson confirmed that the incident had happened but added it was not unusual for aircrafts to experience GPS jamming over the city.

The spokesperson said: While travelling back from Poland yesterday, the plane carrying the defence secretary and his delegation temporarily experienced GPS jamming when they flew close to Kaliningrad, the spokesperson said.

It didnt threaten the safety of the aircraft and it is not unusual for aircraft to experience GPS jamming near Kaliningrad, which is of course Russian territory.

According to the Times, a defence source said: While the RAF are well prepared to deal with this, it still puts an unnecessary risk on civilian aircraft and could potentially endanger peoples lives. There is no excuse for this and its wildly irresponsible on Russias part.

It was unclear whether Shapps himself would have been the target, it added, although the flight path was visible to aircraft tracking websites.

During his one-day visit to Poland, Shapps said Britain should spend 3% of its GDP on defence to protect itself, adding that a recent visit to Ukraine had been a wake-up call.

He said of Putin: All that needs to happen to resolve this is he needs to drive back east and get out of a democratic country that he decided to invade two years ago. And that is the way to bring this whole thing to a conclusion.
Bryce Hodgson was shot dead by armed police when he aimed a crossbow at officers and tried to attack them with a sword

A convicted stalker was shot dead by armed police when he aimed a crossbow at officers and tried to attack them with a sword, it has been disclosed.

Bryce Hodgson, 30, originally from Middlesbrough, was killed in Southwark, south London, on Jan 30 when he broke into a house with an arsenal of weapons, including three crossbows, a sword, a hatchet and body armour.

The occupants had barricaded themselves inside the propertys bedroom while Hodgson tried to hack down the door with a sword at 5am, said the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Hodgson then swung the sword at officers who were called to the scene and had challenged him with a taser.

Fifteen minutes later, specialist firearms officers arrived and shot Hodgson twice, hitting him in the neck and chest, when he levelled a crossbow at them.

Hodgson was pronounced dead at the scene at 5:37am.

It later emerged Hodgson had been convicted of stalking a 31-year-old woman in Southwark last June and was subject to a five-year restraining order.

Hodgson had been banned from entering Bywater Place, the cul-de-sac where he was killed.

Entered victims bedroom

Croydon magistrates court heard last year how Hodgson had entered the victims bedroom without consent, sent text messages demanding she open her door to him and described his vivid sexual fantasies to her.

He pleaded guilty but was spared jail, with a 16-week suspended prison sentence, and ordered to undergo 12 months of supervision and carry out 120 hours of community service.

Mel Palmer, the regional director of the IOPC, said: I send my condolences to the family and friends of Bryce Hodgson and all those present or affected by this tragic incident, including the occupants of the property and officers involved.

The evidence gathered to date supports the officers accounts that they perceived there to be an immediate and serious threat to the occupants inside the house.

The officers, who were presented with a dynamic situation, acted swiftly to gain entry into the house to prevent any further harm to the residents.

The IOPC is investigating any prior contact Hodgson had with the Metropolitan Police.

Police forensic officers at the scene near Bywater Place in south east London - LUCY NORTH/PA

A former flatmate of Hodgson previously told The Telegraph how he had been a heavy cannabis user who smoked 7g of marijuana a week and spent most of his free time in front of his computer.

Mia Trutwein, a building manager from Birmingham, lived with Hodgson for two years in a three-person flat in Bermondsey until a month before the first Covid lockdown.

She said: He was a lovely guy, he was as timid as anything, a bit of a boffin.

He did not have any sort of animosity, he used to go to work and come home. It took me a while to get to know him.

He was really introverted, sweet and pleasant, he was really precious. I saw him every day for two years.

He did not have any girls around, he never had any girlfriends. He said he used to work for a debt collection agency.

He smoked weed quite heavily, through a bong, it would go straight to the brain, he would be buying a quarter of an ounce every week.

Intelligent loner

Ms Trutwein said Hodgson was a highly eloquent and intelligent loner who spent much of his free time playing shoot-em-up games on his computer, which had three monitors attached.

The only time he would leave his bedroom would be to use the bathroom or for food, she added, saying: We used to try and pry him out.

The IOPC investigation is expected to conclude this summer.
The communities secretary, Michael Gove, has laid out a new definition of extremism. Here the Guardian examines what has changed and why, and the reason it is attracting criticism.

How has the definition changed?

The new definition changes the focus from action to ideology. In 2011, the governments Prevent strategy defined extremism as the active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and the mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.

The new definition says extremism is the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, that aims to: 1 negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others; or 2 undermine, overturn or replace the UKs system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights; or 3 intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the results in (1) or (2).

What will it mean in practice?

Ministers and civil servants will be banned from talking to or funding organisations that are deemed to be captured by the new definition of extremism. It will only affect government. While councils will be expected to follow the governments lead, it will not be enshrined in law, so they will not be obliged to do so and therefore it will not create criminality nor should it make any difference to policing.

Why is it being changed now?

The government said it was a response to the increased extremist threat since the 7 October Hamas terror attacks in Israel. Following up on Rishi Sunaks impromptu speech outside Downing Street about extremism, Gove said the aim was to target extreme rightwing and Islamist extremists who are seeking to separate Muslims from the rest of society and create division within Muslim communities.

Which groups will it affect?

In his announcement in the House of Commons, organisations that Gove said would be assessed against the definition were the far-right groups the British National Socialist Movement and Patriotic Alternative and the Muslim groups the Muslim Association of Britain, Muslim Engagement and Development (Mend) and Cage. Other organisations whose names have been leaked as potentially falling within the definition are Friends of al-Aqsa, 5Pillars and Palestine Action.

Why is it controversial?

Jonathan Hall KC, the governments independent reviewer of state threat legislation, has described it as the labelling of people as extremists by ministerial decree and has said there is a lack of safeguards in the absence of an appeal body.

Unusually, there has been no consultation on the new definition.

In an interview with the Sunday Telegraph, Gove singled out for criticism pro-Palestinian protesters who have been marching for a ceasefire in Gaza, focusing attention particularly on those who use the slogan from the river to the sea, the meaning of which is itself contested.

Only a handful of people have been arrested on the peaceful marches but senior Conservatives have criticised them, leading to fears among civil liberties groups that the new definition is a further attempt to limit protest and free speech when they do not chime with the governments position.

Muslim groups named as at risk of being labelled extremist claim Gove has a history of associations and incidents that they deem Islamophobic, including leading the governments role in the Trojan horse affair, when it was falsely alleged that an extremist takeover of schools in Birmingham was under way; writing a book called Celsius 7/7 in which he highlighted the threat of Islamism; and being a member of the Henry Jackson Society, which they say has promoted an anti-Muslim agenda over many years.

What reassurances has Gove given?

He told MPs the definition will not affect gender-critical campaigners, those with conservative religious beliefs, trans activists, environmental protest groups or those exercising their proper right to free speech. Some of these groups had feared they could be captured by the definition.

Gove drew a distinction between Islam, which he called a great faith, and the totalitarian ideology of Islamism.
Victoria is considering removing minimum car parking in areas a short walking distance from public transport. Photograph: Nadir Kinani/The Guardian

Victoria could scrap car parking requirements for new apartment blocks near public transport hubs in a bid to reduce the cost of residential developments and ease traffic congestion.

The states transport department completed a discussion paper late last year that considered reforms to car parking and bicycle facilities. The proposals, first reported by the Age, include removing minimum car parking in areas a short walking distance from public transport.

The paper, which has been sent to some councils for feedback, estimate that a car parking space in a residential development could add up to $50,000 to the cost of an apartment.

Related: Councils from Paris to the Yarra want to use parking fees to clamp down on big SUVs. What are they doing and will they succeed?

It proposed a policy aligned to a new rating system for an areas public transport accessibility level (Ptal)  based on walking distance to a route  and removing or refining minimum car parking.

Areas with better Ptal rates could include those within or adjacent to Melbourne city, and some major suburban and regional areas. It could also include those with good access to multiple modes of public transport.

Victorias planning minister, Sonya Kilkenny, on Thursday confirmed the department had undertaken consultation with some councils regarding car parking requirements.

Ill let them do their work, she told reporters. Well have a look at what comes back with that.

Kilkenny said the government was focused on its target of 800,000 new homes over the next decade.

We want to pull every lever we can to ensure we reach that target, she said.

The paper pointed to an analysis of planning permit applications received between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022, showing 862 new or amended planning permits were issued to waive or reduce car parking requirements.

The average number of days for deciding on one of these applications was 121 days.

The current car parking requirements also result in the need to allocate land for car parking in areas where it may not be required, leading to inefficient use of limited available land which could be better utilised for housing, employment or open space, the paper said.

If an areas Ptal area was high, maximum car parking spaces requirement would apply. Those with a low rating would retain minimum car parking requirements.

Related: Labor wont outline cost of Melbournes Suburban Rail Loop as opposition cites independent estimates

It also proposed updating car parking rates to align with public transport accessibility and adopting new minimum rates and design standards for bicycle parking and end-of-trip facilities.

In a submission to the paper, the Municipal Association of Victoria said modernising car and bike parking requirements and introducing a Ptal would align the states planning decisions with local and international best practice.

Local and state planning policy often now directs new homes to transport and services-rich corridors so more people can access jobs and services easily without needing a car, the association said.

Meanwhile the car and bicycle parking particular provisions have remained static.
A miner passed away after being trapped underground during a rockfall at the Ballarat Gold Mine, while another man is currently in critical condition at the hospital.

The body of a 37-year-old man from Bruthen was found in the mine on Woolshed Gully Drive in Victoria's Goldfields region overnight on Wednesday. Ronnie Hayden, the Victorian branch secretary of the Australian Workers Union, stated the news during an appearance on Channel Seven's Sunrise program on Thursday morning.

Ballarat Gold Mine Rockfall

An unexpected incident occurred at the Ballarat Gold Mine, leading to the tragic loss of one worker and leaving another in critical condition. A 21-year-old from Ballarat was airlifted to Melbourne's Alfred Hospital and is currently in critical condition as of Thursday.

Officials confirmed the recovery of a dead worker's body, and the police are making protocols for a coroner's report. WorkSafe has initiated an inquiry into what took place leading up to the unfortunate incident.

According to Ronnie Hayden, the Australian Workers Union Victorian branch secretary, the fatal outcome "could have been avoided." Hayden revealed that the workers were engaged in a manual mining technique known as "air-legging" on unstable ground when the collapse occurred. This method involves the use of a handheld drill operated by two miners.

Hayden expressed reservations regarding the return of this antiquated mining process, highlighting the truth that a majority of mines had stopped using it over the years for reasons related to personal safety. He brought attention to earlier occasions in which the union had expressed worry about the working conditions of employees who were in dangerous situations.

Directly following the tragic incident, Victory Minerals, the proprietors of the Ballarat Gold Mine, sent a statement of grief and extended assistance to the relatives of the injured workers as well as the affected workers individually. The corporation recognized that the control had been transferred from the Victoria Police to WorkSafe Victoria in order to conduct additional investigations about the matter, according to The Guardian.

Read Also: Death of Oklahoma Nonbinary Student Nex Benedict After School Fight Ruled Suicide, Medical Examiner Reveals

Ballarat Community Unites in Wake of Tragedy

In regards to yet another horrible incident, the Mayor of Ballarat City, Des Hudson, proclaimed the community's sympathy with one another. Additionally, he clarified the resiliency of the local community as well as its dedication to provide assistance to one another in times of difficulty.

Premier Jacinta Allan extended her sympathies to the impacted workers and families, recognizing the profound impact of the incident on the entire community.

The Ballarat Gold Mine, located approximately 116km west of Melbourne, has been operational since the 1850s. The recent transition of ownership to Victory Minerals occurred in December last year, with the company emphasizing its dedication to safety and well-being in its operations.

While the investigations continue, both WorkSafe and the police will investigate the circumstances behind this incident. This will ensure that an in-depth probe is conducted and that accountability is maintained.

Related Article: US Sends More Anti-Terrorism Marines to Haiti After Gang Leader 'Barbecue' Demands 'Bloody Revolution'

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Von der Leyens trip is seen as a recognition that the EU must speed up green efforts. Photograph: Amel Emric/Reuters

The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, is heading to Greenland as melting Arctic ice, demand for green-technology raw materials and competition from China increase the territorys strategic importance.

While not in the EU, the autonomous Danish territory is of strong interest to Brussels, especially for highly sought after raw materials  it believes it has 25 of the 34 that it needs.

During a two-day trip with the Danish prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, Von der Leyen will first travel to the Faroe Islands on Thursday before visiting Greenland the following day to open a new EU Commission office in the capital, Nuuk.

It comes as Von der Leyen seeks a second term in office as the president of the EUs executive body. The EUs climate chief, Wopke Hoekstra, said this week that the EU must speed up green efforts after the EU election.

Tomas Baert, a special adviser to Von der Leyen on trade and international partnerships, said Greenland had many of the raw materials  such as rare earth elements and metals  that it needed for its green transition.

We lack some of the access to some of those materials. So having partners that can process, that can produce, that can mine these critical raw materials is critically important. But we do that fundamentally with a win-win spirit.

Greenland, he said, has about 27 of the strategic and critical raw materials that we have defined as being critical or strategic in the European Union. So enormous potential, but it is very much a question now of making that a reality. We are still at a fairly early stage when it comes to the exploration and the investments that are needed.

The Greenlandic government said that it in fact has 25 of the materials sought by the EU, but that it is still a big chunk. The European Commission later confirmed that Greenland had 25 of the 34 materials sought.

The visit comes months after the commission signed a partnership with Greenland in November.

Baert said the EUs approach was with full respect for the partner country and that the EU would bring partnership, knowledge and create value locally for Greenlanders. We are not looking to simply, lets say, extract and run. Others around the world are doing this, he said. China in particular, this is a model thats particularly followed by them, but also by others.

He said the trip, during which Von der Leyen will also visit evidence of the climate crisis, should be seen as geopolitical, with the intention of telling Greenland: Even if youre not part of the European Union, youre part of Europe.

He praised Greenlands alignment with many of the EU sanctions against Russia and said: We really want to take our relationship [with Greenland] to the next level. The new office, he added, was a means of keeping our ear close to the ground.

Naaja H Nathanielsen, Greenlands minister for business, trade and raw materials, said the new office would serve as a local platform for transatlantic cooperation between the European Union and Greenland and will build on already existing and extensive relationship with have with the European Union over decades.

She said the minerals agreement is about benefits on both sides. Greenland needs bilateral cooperation to develop its mineral sector, she said, which requires significant capital and long-term investment.

Development of mines, exports of minerals is of course an important issue for the diversification of the Greenlandic economy, she said. While fishing, the current top source of income, is not expected to be overtaken for many years, the tourism and minerals sectors are important focuses for growth.

If the western world wants sustainable diversified secure value chains, some of these minerals will need to come from countries that are smaller, like Greenland. We dont have the economic muscles to invest ourselves in the mineral sector, she said.

In order to enable the green transition, a helping hand from larger economies would be needed, she added.

The trip also comes at a critical point for Denmarks relationship with Greenland, amid a growing independence movement.

There is also outrage over the 4,500 women and girls who are believed to have been fitted with contraceptive coils without their consent or knowledge by Danish doctors  some of the girls were as young as 12  in an attempt to reduce Greenlands population. As those affected continue to come forward  a group of 143 women has sued the Danish state  they are still waiting for a full official response from the Danish government.

The prime ministers office declined to comment on whether Frederiksen would be addressing the historical violation during the visit.

During their visit to the Faroe Islands on Thursday, Frederiksen will meet prime minister Aksel V Johannesen and Von der Leyen will sign an agreement for broader and deeper cooperation between the Faroe Islands and the EU.
Campaigners and metro mayors have described the deregulation of buses outside London as leading to a wild west of private operators cherry-picking profitable routes. Photograph: Gary Calton/The Observer

Bus services in West Yorkshire will be brought under public control, as it becomes the third major region of the north to reverse four decades of deregulation.

The regions mayor, Tracy Brabin, said the decision was a historic moment that will impact on generations to come, adding: Buses are vital for our communities, and franchising will help us build that better connected network that works for all.

West Yorkshire follows Greater Manchester and Liverpool in deciding to return to a franchised system, where private operators must win contracts to run routes and timetables decided by the local authority, which also sets fares and takes revenues.

Campaigners and metro mayors have described the deregulation of buses outside London, enforced by the Thatcher government in the 1980s, as leading to a wild west of private operators cherrypicking profitable routes, leaving councils to subsidise essential public services.

Brabin added: Change will not happen overnight  [but] we will crack on at pace, delivering the changes that the public want to see. We will continue to invest in new routes, improve bus stations, stops and shelters, and to improve that passenger experience.

Under devolution, metro mayors have had the right to take buses under local control since the 2017 Bus Services Act, although the legal and political processes required remain arduous.

While Greater Manchesters mayor, Andy Burnham, immediately said he would franchise the citys bus network, it took until March 2021 for him to be able to officially announce the move in the face of legal challenges from firms. The first franchised routes started running in autumn last year as part of Manchesters new Bee Network.

Brabin, who was elected in 2021 on a pledge to bring buses under public control, is also hoping to bring a wider mass transit system to Leeds and Bradford, two of the worst served cities for public transport in Europe, which will also include a tram.

Buses in West Yorkshire were ranked as the worst in England in a passenger survey published this week by the watchdog Transport Focus. Only 66% of passengers were satisfied with their last journey on Arriva buses in West Yorkshire, the lowest rating of more than 50 bus companies nationwide. The operator cited a shortage of drivers for failing services and said it now had a large number of trainees about to complete their courses.

Matthew Topham, of We Own It and the Better Buses campaign, said: Like the sewage in our rivers and our spiralling energy bills, introducing profit-hungry shareholders to our bus network has led to daily suffering for people in West Yorkshire.

Throwing off the dead-hand of the wild west bus market around Leeds will help add services, lower fares, and boost reliability.

In Leeds city centre, bus users welcomed the move. John Walker, a retired civil servant from Batley, said buses had been steadily getting worse. Theyre appalling, absolutely appalling. Theres been a diminution of quality in the last few years, he said, while waiting for his second bus to take him to a hospital appointment. It disrupts the day and makes you have to change what you were going to do. You end up missing things.

In a county with 2.3 million people and no mass transit system, buses were essential, said Walker. Theres a huge north-south divide  people dont realise how bad they are here. Im greatly in favour of them being brought into public control. The trains should be too.

Rachel Bennett agreed. She said Arriva services were never on time and just dont turn up.

She gets up to eight buses a day to take her two children to school and to appointments, spending five hours travelling. Its really stressful because they end up being late for school, she said. Picking them up is the worst because you dont like the thought of your kids waiting for you, not knowing where you are. I cant afford to drive  I can barely afford the bus.

It was a similar story for Sina Kidane and her friends Nicole King and Michelle Ogunsina, who live in east Leeds and go to college in the north of the city centre. We end up being late to college because the board will say its coming in one minute but it actually comes in 30 minutes. Theyve recently brought out some new green buses but theyre too small so they end up full and you cant get on, Kidane said.

Andrew Griffiths, a musical theatre lecturer, sets off at 6.30am in order to teach at 9am, travelling just eight miles into Leeds. Sometimes I wait longer for the bus than the journey actually takes, he said.

I get on the bus on the way home and they havent been cleaned  theyre tatty, dirty and they stink. Buses are a basic human need. They shouldnt be run for profit.
An iconic Australian face  Jesinta Franklin is the face of swimwear brand Liandra's Fruits of the Sea collection. Photograph: Simon Upton

The model and super-Wag Jesinta Franklin usually loans her face to multimillion dollar brands; but her latest campaign is with a small, independent designer. And she wont make a cent from it.

Liandra Gaykamangu, a north-east Arnhem Land-based designer, said working with Franklin felt like the stars are aligning, but it was also a very natural fit for her sustainability-focused label, Liandra.

Franklin is one of Australias highest profile swimwear models, most recently fronting a global campaign for the beleaguered bikini giant Seafolly.

But the Liandra campaign is more personal for Franklin, who describes the partnership as an honour.

Gaykamangu struck up a relationship with the model through mutual friends and Instagram DMs. Then coincidence brought the pair closer. While Franklin was sitting front row at Gaykamangus runway show last year, her husband, Buddy Franklin, was spending time with Gaykamangus brothers wife, Sylvia Nulpinditj, at an AFL match in Melbourne.

Related: Fresh and considered: fashion label Haulier wins Australian designer award

It just felt like a funny little sort of interconnectedness between various members of my family and her family, Gaykamangu said. So the Yolu designer floated the idea of shooting a campaign together, and Franklin enthusiastically agreed.

When Franklin told Gaykamangu that she would like to donate her modelling fee to a charity the pair will choose together, it was further proof of alignment for Gaykamangu. It meant that she really understood what I cared about and what the brand stood for, the designer said.

Gaykamangu said an endorsement from such an iconic Australian face  really helps to cement that idea of who can wear First Nations fashion, and that we are for everyone.

Jasmina Ilicic, an associate professor of marketing at Monash Business School, said a campaign like this not common. Celebrity endorsement is normally dominated by well-known, often multinational brands that can afford the high fees associated, Ilicic said.

The academic, who studies celebrity endorsements, said she believes the campaign will be well received by consumers, because it feels genuine. Franklin is a likable, credible and authentic celebrity, Ilicic said. Celebrity endorsements can have a huge impact.

Ilicic said the impact may even carry beyond the Liandra brand. Her endorsement not only supports Indigenous designers, but also encourages consumers to think more about the origins and meanings of the garments they wear. The partnership could encourage Franklins followers to support smaller, community-driven brands over fast fashion alternatives, she said.

The night before the campaign shoot, Franklin caught a red eye flight to Darwin. She was on the beach in full hair and makeup by 11am. Gaykamangu was nervous, not just because of Franklins profile but because they were shooting in crocodile country. In the back of my mind, I was like, play it safe, Gaykamangu said.

Crocodiles became an on-set joke. We were kind of laughing about it, but thered been people swimming out much further. And so we were like, well, theyll get them first probably.

Gaykamangu said there has since been a small crocodile sighting near the shoot location. So we definitely were in the Northern Territory, and were very mindful of that.

Crocodiles aside, the location was very important to Gaykamangu. I wanted to also be able to say, Hey, look to the north, look what we can do from here.



Gaykamangu hopes to use the collection Franklin modelled to draw attention to the incredibly damaging sea plastic pollution problem in remote East Arnhem Land.

We have our rangers who are responsible for looking after sea and land management, and they are completely inundated with plastic pollution.

Gaykamangus swimwear is made with Repreve, a polyester fabric made from recycled marine waste. Over the coming weeks, the designer will work with the Marine Stewardship Council to broaden that conversation a little bit.

Environmental advocacy is not a new development for Gaykamangu, who always envisioned the business as profit-for-purpose.

Franklin said Gaykamangus sustainability efforts are a big part of the campaigns appeal. Aside from respecting her immense talent, what I love about Liandra  is her commitment to giving back to people and the planet, she said.

Having this opportunity to support a beautiful sustainable lifestyle brand and also to come together with someone I admire  is an honour.

Related: Size-inclusive, sustainable brands: Australian fashion professionals share their favourites

A celebrity spokesperson is not the only major development for Gaykamangu. The brand recently expanded its size offering up to size 20, which Gaykamangu said was definitely something that I think is important.

In May, Liandra will hold its first standalone show at Australian fashion week. Gaykamangu said the runway show will take the brand beyond the beach, with more ready-to-wear garments.

Were very keen to expand our offering and our horizons, she said.
Actor Noel Clarke may face women who have accused him of sexual misconduct at a libel trial against the Guardian newspapers publisher, the High Court has heard.

The 48-year-old is suing Guardian News and Media (GNM) over eight articles, including one from April 2021 which said 20 women who knew Mr Clarke in a professional capacity had come forward with the allegations.

In a statement at the time he vehemently denied any sexual misconduct or criminal wrongdoing.

The Doctor Who actor is bringing a libel and data protection claim against the publisher and is seeking 10 million in special damages.

Adam Speker KC, for Mr Clarke, said in written submissions: The claimant has not worked since the defendant published these articles, they have entirely destroyed his career and his personal life.

Yet the police did not consider that there was a basis to prosecute him.

At a preliminary hearing on Thursday, Alexandra Marzec, for GNM, said the publisher intends to defend its reporting as true and in the public interest.

Ms Marzec also said some of the women who made the allegations may give evidence at the eventual trial.

She said in written submissions: The defendant wishes to rely at trial on the oral evidence of a number of women who will give accounts of their mistreatment at the hands of the claimant in order to vindicate its journalism.

No date for the trial has been set.

In a judgment last year, Mr Justice Johnson said that seven of the articles mean that there are strong grounds to believe that the claimant is guilty of various forms of sexual harassment with the eighth meaning grounds to investigate.

The judge also ruled all of the articles could be defamatory, which had not been disputed by GNM over seven of the pieces.
Michelle ONeill has vowed to press President Joe Biden to replicate the constructive role the US played in Northern Ireland in its approach to the conflict in the Middle East.

The Sinn Fein vice president insisted she would raise the ongoing bloodshed in Gaza with the president when they meet during St Patricks Day engagements in the US.

Sinn Fein has resisted calls from some pro-Palestinian supporters to boycott the traditional St Patricks events in Washington DC in protest at the USs ongoing support for Israel.

The party had said it will instead use its platform in the US capital to call on the administration to push for an end to the conflict.

In an interview with the PA news agency in Washington, Stormont First Minister Ms ONeill said the main purpose of her visit as joint head of the devolved executive in Belfast was to seek investment for Northern Ireland.

However, she made clear she would raise the issue of Gaza in a personal capacity.

Our priority here in terms of our executive is in terms of the investment piece and about the political engagement, she said.

Personally, I will use the opportunity to talk to anybody that I can talk to in terms of the course of this visit to raise the issue of the fact that one of the most successful US foreign policies has been actually the Irish peace process, and their role in that, their constructive role in terms of being a strong partner for peace.

And I will be urging the president and others to encourage them to take that same approach in terms of the Middle East.

Because, ultimately, I think what everybody wants to see is a ceasefire and aid to the people and that we get to a political solution and it needs to happen with urgency.

DUP deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly told PA that the executive did not have an agreed policy position on Gaza.

However, she said all parties in the administration were clearly in agreement around the need for peace in the Middle East.

We are here as joint leaders of the executive, the executive doesnt have a policy on that particular issue, because of course its made up of four parties and there will be different party political perspectives, she said.

But one thing for absolutely sure is that of course we want peace in the region. We want to see the hostages released, we want to see discussions break out and eventual peace. So, of course, we have a joint view of that.
Dame Prue Leith has confirmed why she will not be filming another series of the celebrity version of The Great British Bake Off.

The cookery writer, broadcaster and restaurateur has been a judge since 2017 when she replaced Dame Mary Berry as the baking competition moved from the BBC to Channel 4.

When asked if the rumours were true and she would take a step back from the series, Dame Prue told ITVs This Morning: Its actually not true at all.

Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood on the set of The Great Festive Bake Off (Channel 4/PA)

Im still doing (The Great American Baking Show) Im still doing The Great British Bake Off, the two main shows of Bake Off.

What Im not doing this year is the celebrity one and its mainly because these things are filmed back-to-back the whole way through the summer.

So you start in April, and you end in August and honestly, you get no time off.

And so, Im getting a bit old and there are places I want to go to and other things I want to do.

She added that she wont be back after the latest instalment of The Great Celebrity Bake Off For Stand Up To Cancer, which will be aired later this year.

The latest series, hosted by This Morning star Alison Hammond and comedian Noel Fielding, sees EastEnders star Danny Dyer, former Doctor Who actress Jodie Whittaker, Spice Girl Mel B and This Morning star Dermot OLeary among the competitors.

The South African-born cook has written a dozen books and founded Leiths School of Food and Wine in the 1970s (David Parry/PA)

Dame Prue called Hammond wonderful as she cannot be anything but herself.

She cant be directed, she just does what shes going to do, she added.

Her time on the Channel 4 series first brought comparisons with Dame Mary from fans before the 84-year-old came into her own and became known for her banter with co-star Paul Hollywood.

Dame Prues judging has not been without some minor bumps along the way, and her first final saw her accidentally reveal the shows winner as former Army officer Sophie Faldo while in a different time zone.

She put out the name of the winning amateur baker on Twitter, while in Bhutan, which is six hours ahead of the UK.

Prior to The Great British Bake Off, Dame Prue was a judge on BBC cookery show The Great British Menu for 11 years, before stepping down in 2016.

The South African-born cook has written a dozen books, most famously Leiths Cookery Bible, which was penned as a textbook for her school and is frequently updated.

Leiths School of Food and Wine, which trains professional chefs and amateur cooks, was founded in the 1970s.

Famous alumni include Lorraine Pascale, Gizzi Erskine and Matt Tebbutt, as well as Michelin-star chefs including Joe Mercer Nairne and Matt Christmas.

She kicked of her career by training at Le Cordon Bleu cookery school in London and worked as a caterer before opening her restaurant in west London in 1969.

Outside of cooking, Dame Prue has long campaigned for a change in the law around assisted dying.

She said her elder brother David suffered a really horrible death from bone cancer more than a decade ago, and Dame Prue has also revealed that her late husband Rayne Kruger asked doctors if he could have a bit of assistance with dying.

The patron of Dignity in Dying made a documentary about assisted dying with her son, Tory MP for Devizes Danny Kruger, in 2023.

Prue And Dannys Death Road Trip saw them exploring the issue while listening to each others views from different sides of the debate.

She was married to South African author Kruger for almost 30 years before the authors death from emphysema aged 80 in 2002.

In 2016, she married retired fashion designer John Playfair  who is part of her ITV series Prue Leiths Cotswold Kitchen.
An RAF plane carrying Defence Secretary Grant Shapps had its GPS signal jammed while flying near Russian territory.

The satellite signal was interfered with for about 30 minutes while the flight was heading back to the UK from Poland, it is understood.

It happened near Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave on the Baltic, on Wednesday.

Security sources said it is not unusual for jamming to occur in airspace near the region.

The plane was not in danger during the incident as other navigation systems were available to the pilots, it is understood.

Mr Shapps was accompanied by several journalists and staff on the return flight from Poland, where he had been discussing support for Ukraine with his ministerial counterpart Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz.

Downing Street confirmed the plane experienced GPS jamming when they flew close to Kaliningrad but said it didnt threaten the safety of the aircraft.
First Minister Michelle ONeill has expressed the importance of getting a new stadium built at Casement Park for the Euros as diggers moved onto the site.

The derelict GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) ground in west Belfast has been earmarked as a venue for the Euro 2028 football tournament.

However, uncertainty remains over the funding for it following reports that suggested it could cost 308 million.

In 2011, the Stormont Executive committed 62.5 million to the project.

Contractors with excavators have begun clearing the concrete terraces at the ground in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA)

Last month, the Irish Government offered 40 million towards it, and the GAA has said it will contribute 15 million.

The UK Government reportedly has reservations around plugging the remaining funding gap.

Work was underway on Thursday to clear the concrete terracing.

Speaking during a joint visit to Washington DC with deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, Ms ONeill described having a Euro venue in Northern Ireland as a huge opportunity, describing sport as something that unites us all.

Michelle ONeill, right, and Emma Little-Pengelly attend the Northern Ireland Bureau breakfast in Washington DC (Niall Carson/PA)

Asked were they seeking potential investors for the project during the US visit, Ms ONeill said: Obviously, Casement is something that I want to see delivered, I think its so so important that we get that project, the stadia built particularly given its role within the wider Euro bid.

Its a huge opportunity for us and sport should be something that unites us all in our society, and its about building first class facilities for across all sporting codes, so I am determined to see Casement built, but this week is about investment, its about drumming up trade, its about telling people were open for business and its about encouraging those investors to come to our part of the world because we have something really strong to offer.

Ms Little-Pengelly added: These discussions are very much about foreign direct investment, of course, so that is about looking at our sectors and our industry, that is around things like cyber security, fintech, advanced manufacturing, those incredible growth industries that create many many thousands of jobs.

When companies invest in Northern Ireland, they reinvest in Northern Ireland. Thats a really positive indication about how great it is to set up business in Northern Ireland and, of course, other matters will be for the Executive to discuss in due course.

But our message here today is very, very clear, this is about Northern Ireland being open for business and seeking that investment.
Rules requiring boiler companies to boost the number of heat pumps they sell which prompted them to implement a so-called boiler tax have been delayed by a year.

Ministers also announced changes to the 7,500 heat pump grants the Government is offering, with households no longer having to install loft and cavity wall insulation in their homes to qualify for the funding.

Officials said the changes to the insulation requirements could save families 2,500 on the cost of installing a heat pump.

Although homes should still be appropriately insulated to save money on bills, the changes would allow householders to spread the costs so they are not hit with one big charge, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said.

The measures are part of a target to help phase out gas boilers and deliver 600,000 clean electric heat pump installations a year by 2028.

The clean heat market mechanism, which initially required boiler manufacturers to match, or substitute, 4% of their boiler sales with heat pumps or face a 3,000 fine for each missed installation, was due to be introduced on April 1.

Manufacturers have implemented price rises of as much as 120 on a boiler  dubbed a boiler tax  which they say is to cover the costs of the potential penalties, although critics say they could make millions from the move.

In light of the price rises, the Energy Security Secretary has called on the Competition and Markets Authority to review the industry, which is dominated by four companies covering 90% of the market, to consider if it is working as well as it should and is delivering the best outcomes for consumers.

Meanwhile, the date for implementing the mechanism has been pushed back to April 2025, with the proportion of boilers that have to be matched by heat pumps due to rise to 6% at that point as planned.

Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho has called on the Competition and Markets Authority to review the industry (PA)

Updates to boiler standards, which have also been announced, will make them more efficient and cheaper to run, the department said.

Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said: Weve already supported families by making our Boiler Upgrade Scheme one of the most generous in Europe and now were making heat pumps even cheaper and easier to install.

This is all part of our wider plan to ensure we cut our emissions and make homes more energy-efficient without burdening families with high costs.

The department said there had been a sustained surge in applications for heat pump grant applications after the level of support was upped from 5,000 to 7,500 last autumn, with numbers up 39% in January compared with the same time last year.

But a huge increase in heat pump installations is needed to meet the target of putting 600,000 into homes by 2028, the Government has been warned.

Jess Ralston, energy analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), said Ms Coutinho has clearly given in to big boiler manufacturers after previously accusing firms of price gouging.

This is another backwards step for the UKs energy security, she said. As long as we rely on gas boilers, well increasingly have to import gas from abroad as the North Sea continues its inevitable decline.

Clear, stable and long-term policy is the number one thing that investors ask for from leaders. While the wider economy stagnated, the net zero economy grew 9% last year. Delaying this policy is another signal adding potential political risk for investment in the UK.

Alethea Warrington, senior campaigner at climate charity Possible, said: The UKs rate of installation of heat pumps remains the lowest in Europe, not helped by concerted lobbying by gas boiler manufacturers against the introduction of heat pumps. Heat pumps are currently being installed at a rate of only around a ninth of what is needed to hit the Governments own targets.

More ambition is needed to get on with the job of getting the UK off volatile, high emissions gas and onto secure, affordable renewable energy and clean heat.

David Cowdrey, external affairs director at the MCS Foundation, called the decision extremely disappointing, adding: The Clean Heat Market Mechanism is crucial to the rollout of heat pumps, which are the only viable option to decarbonising at scale the 17% of UK emissions that are created by heating our homes.

The Government needs to immediately set out plans for how it intends to fill the huge gap in heat pump plans that they have just created. We need clear and consistent policy more than anything, and without that the UKs target of installing 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028 is in serious jeopardy.
Rishi Sunak is under fresh pressure over donations from Frank Hester, a party backer who is embroiled in a racism row, amid reports the Tories received 5 million more than previously declared.

Labour and the Liberal Democrats called on the Prime Minister to pay back the sum, which would take Mr Hesters total donations in the past year to 15 million.

Electoral Commission records only show the amount he gave the Tories up to the end of 2023, but the Tortoise Media news site reported that he has handed over more since then.

The outlet said the party was sitting on the extra cash.

The Conservative Party did not deny the additional payment, saying only that declarable donations will be published by the Electoral Commission in the usual way, with the next update due in June.

Mr Hester is alleged to have said that Diane Abbott, Britains first black female MP, made him want to hate all black women and that she should be shot, in comments the Prime Minister described as racist after initially refusing to do so.

Mr Sunak has resisted previous calls to pay back Mr Hesters money and argued that the healthcare tech entrepreneurs apology should be accepted.

But in a sign of divisions within his ranks, the Scottish Conservatives urged the UK party to carefully review Mr Hesters donations while Tory peer and former Marks & Spencer chief executive Stuart Rose said it should probably return the money.

Diane Abbott has described Frank Hesters comments as frightening (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Labour Party chairwoman Anneliese Dodds said on Thursday: Frank Hesters remarks were clearly racist, misogynistic and have no place in our politics.

There is absolutely no excuse for the Conservatives accepting additional money from Frank Hester. They should pay this back before it hits the coffers.

Rishi Sunak needs to pay back every penny, cut ties with Frank Hester and apologise unequivocally to Diane Abbott.

Lib Dem chief whip Wendy Chamberlain said: The Conservative Party must urgently confirm whether these reports are true and if so hand this tainted money back.

The Conservative Party has dragged its feet in condemning these racist remarks for what they are. If that was in any way linked to this 5 million donation it would show this scandal is even worse than we thought.

Rishi Sunak and Michael Gove (Owen Humphreys/PA)

People like Hester and his attitudes need to be nowhere near our politics. Conservative politicians need to learn that just because someone gives you millions of pounds that does not make the inexcusable, excusable.

Mr Sunak and Communities Secretary Michael Gove earlier suggested Mr Hesters comments would not be referred to the Governments new extremism taskforce.

Mr Gove described the remarks as horrific but said he was exercising Christian forgiveness after the entrepreneur had shown contrition.

It came as Mr Gove unveiled the Governments new definition of extremism on Thursday.

It describes extremism as the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance that aims to negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others or undermine, overturn or replace the UKs system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights.

Speaking ahead of a speech to the Commons, Mr Gove said an individual comment would not be enough to be examined by the expert team of civil servants deciding what should be deemed extremist.

The senior Tory told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: We have to be clear, were looking at organisations with a particular ideology.

The individual concerned said something that was horrific.

I wouldnt want to conflate those motivated by extremist ideology with an individual comment, however horrific, which has quite rightly been called out and which has quite rightly led to an apology.

Mr Sunak echoed the sentiment, suggesting Mr Hesters comments would not fall under the new extremism definition that deals with organisations that the Government engages with.

Its important that these things are done in an objective and considered manner, evidence-based, the Prime Minister told reporters during a visit to Gloucestershire.

He also said: When someone has expressed genuine remorse or contrition for what theyve done, which he has, its the right thing to do to accept that.

Asked whether the businessmans apology was genuine if he did not acknowledge his remarks were racist, Mr Gove told Sky News: I havent spoken to Mr Hester, but I think that when someone says that they are sorry, and I understand hes deeply sorry for these remarks, then my natural inclination is to exercise Christian forgiveness.

Ms Abbott, who has called Mr Hesters comments frightening, accused the Conservatives and Labour of failing to tackle racism.

In newspaper articles on Wednesday, she said the reluctance to call out racism and sexism was shocking, but hardly surprising, and warned the Conservatives would play the race card ruthlessly at the next election.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is facing a lawsuit that was filed by consumer advocacy group Travelers United on Wednesday over the Republican's supposed promotion of a Texas dentistry company.

The advocacy group claimed that the nearly five-minute-long video was an undisclosed advertisement for Smile Texas, a dentistry firm. The suit noted that Noem, as a social media influencer and a politician, herself is a brand. It added that the South Dakota governor promoted a service that benefits her.

Kristi Noem Lawsuit

The video that Noem's team posted featured before and after shots of recent cosmetic surgery for the South Dakota governor's teeth as well as a testimonial from Noem. The video seems to have been recorded inside the dentistry company's office in Houston, Texas.

At the beginning of the video, Noem introduced herself as the governor of South Dakota, adding that she was given the opportunity to come to Smile Texas to have her teeth fixed. The Republican added that she needed to come to the company to have an "adjustment" following a bike accident that took place several years ago, according to The Hill.

Noem also said that the team that helped her was "remarkable" and that they were able to give her a smile that she could be proud of. She later says that she chose to come to Smile Texas because they were the best.

The marketing video was simultaneously posted to all of the South Dakota governor's social media pages and ended to show an image of the dentistry company's logo. The lawsuit filed by Travelers United alleged that Noem acted as an influencer in the video.

The group said that Noem likely either received free dental care, discounted dental care, or was paid and received free dental care in exchange for the advertisement. The lawsuit continued to say that unfortunately, the Republican did not mark the video as an "Ad" or "Advertisement" when her team posted it, which made her a participant in an unfair and deceptive practice.

Read Also: Trump Georgia Election Fraud Judge Calls Out 'Fatal' Mistake by Fani Willis

Promoting a Texas Dentistry Company

Noem and her political team have not answered questions as to why the South Dakota governor traveled so far to get the procedure. They also did not respond to questions asking if the video was used to pay or defray the cost of the work done to her teeth, said CNN.

Travelers United's lawsuit claims that there are many dentists and cosmetic dentists in South Dakota. It added that no one with an extremely important job in the state would fly out to Texas just to receive dental treatment and then film an advertisement video without getting some sort of compensation.

A counsel at Travelers United, Lauren Wolfe, said that it is clear that anyone who promotes travel products, services, or anything similar needs to say that it is an ad, an advertisement, or sponsored in the caption.

She added that the issue with Noem's video was that the South Dakota governor could have disclosed it as an ad but did not do so. Wolfe said that it could have been simple to say "ad" at the beginning of the caption or say something in the middle of the video that Noem either got free services or was paid for it.

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Two firefighters have been injured tackling a blaze at a block of flats which led to the homes of 100 people  including an MSP  being evacuated.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said two firefighters sustained minor injuries tackling the blaze, which broke out in Breadalbane Street, Edinburgh, at around 4.10am on Thursday.

The service said around 70 firefighters, 12 fire appliances and additional specialist resources were at the scene of the well-developed fire at a high rise building and the blaze is now contained.

SFRS said in a statement: Around 100 people were safely evacuated and all people are accounted for. There are no reported casualties involving members of the public.

Two firefighters have sustained minor superficial injuries and have been assessed at the scene by the Scottish Ambulance Service. They do not require hospital treatment.

City of Edinburgh Council said a rest centre for affected residents has been set up at the nearby Leith Community Centre.

The alarm was raised in the early hours of Thursday (Graham Simpson/PA)

Central Scotland MSP Graham Simpson was among those staying in the building at the time.

Speaking at around 8am, he told the PA news agency: The fire alarm went off and people started evacuating and everybody got out.

There is a fire in the fifth-floor flat and flames were belching out of that flat, and it has then spread upwards to the sixth floor and the fire is still going on and smoke is belching out. I can still see flames, it appears to have spread to the stairwell.

Everybody has been evacuated, nobody has been hurt, thats the main thing, but some people will have lost their homes.

People got out but it was very dramatic and still is.

Mr Simpson, a Scottish Conservative MSP, said the fire crews were doing a fantastic job but access issues made it more difficult for them as they cannot drive up to the front of the building.

He said: I think there is a safety issue in that the fire brigade cannot get a fire engine up to the front of these flats because of the way they are designed, so what theyre having to do to get access from the front is actually carry ladders up to the front and put ladders up against balconies, its pretty shocking.

They have managed to drive up round the back, Ive seen a turntable ladder spraying water into the flats from there, but they cannot get proper access to the front.

Theyve got into some flats and theyre spraying water from balconies, but right now the fire is still raging.

We have been evacuated pic.twitter.com/P9iXiX4j72  Graham Simpson (@GrahamSMSP) March 14, 2024

The fire brigade should be able to drive up to the front of the building and get a turntable ladder.

Its quite ludicrous they are having to carry ladders up and physically put ladders up to balconies. They are doing a fantastic job but the fire is still going.

Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf praised the response from emergency services.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he said: My thanks to our emergency services, @fire_scot in particular for their efforts in tackling the fire.

I am pleased that everyone was evacuated safely and without any serious injuries being reported.

Nonetheless, a terrifying experience for all of those involved.

Speaking during First Ministers Questions later on Thursday about the incident, Mr Yousaf added: Can I also add my thanks to the emergency services, in particular Scottish Fire and Rescue, for their efforts.

And of course their efforts saw everybody  including Graham Simpson who was there  evacuated safely and without injury, so Im very pleased to see that.

While the situation was still evolving as he spoke, Mr Yousaf said it is important the Scottish Government continues to fund the fire service, touting an increase in its budget from 364.1 million last year to 393.4 million for the coming year.

Edinburgh council leader Cammy Day said: Thankfully everyone has been evacuated to safety, but this is a large-scale fire which is affecting as many as 100 residents.

Fire still going strong. Access a real issue pic.twitter.com/LGXjLzRVoM  Graham Simpson (@GrahamSMSP) March 14, 2024

We have council and health and social care officers on the scene to support residents, with a rest centre set up at the nearby Leith Community Centre.

Our roads team has put a small closure in place on Breadalbane Street and well continue to support all agencies and the local community and explore temporary accommodation should it be required.

Im very grateful to the emergency services for their ongoing swift response.

SFRS said the fire initially spread to adjacent flats on the same floor and above, but is now contained to one area.

SFRS deputy assistant chief officer Andy Girrity, the officer in charge, said: The fire is contained and firefighting operations remain ongoing to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.

This has been a complex incident which involved the evacuation of a large number of people.

Our crews have worked tirelessly to contain this fire and prevent further spread within the building.

There is a large-scale emergency service presence and we will remain on the scene for a considerable time.

I would strongly advise members of the public to avoid the area.

Fire Brigades Union (FBU) Scottish secretary John McKenzie said: Our thoughts are with the residents and firefighters involved in this significant incident, which saw over 70 firefighters, 12 fire appliances and a specialist high-reach vehicle in attendance throughout the night.

The FBU will support all of our members involved and work with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in any future investigation.
The Defence Secretary has called for military spending to be increased to 3% of GDP in a debate about the funding of Britains armed forces.

Speaking on a visit to Poland, Grant Shapps called for the inclusion of the 3% target in the Conservatives election manifesto, saying: I want a bigger budget.

He also called for an overhaul of recruitment, including an end to certain medical requirements and a lifting of the ban on soldiers growing beards, the Daily Mail reported.

Mr Shapps said: I have coined the phrase moving from post-war to pre-war. We have to be much better prepared.

Defence is the best way to protect ourselves against a military conflict  you have to show your adversaries  so I am clearly in favour (of a 3% target). We live in a more dangerous world, weve got Putin on the front line making gains.

Research by the Royal United Services Institute in 2022 suggested that increasing defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2030, as suggested by Liz Trusss government, would require 157 billion in additional spending over the following eight years.

Mr Shapps call follows demands from security minister Tom Tugendhat and Foreign Office minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan that spending rise from 2.27% of GDP to 2.5% immediately.

Last weeks Budget contained no new money for defence despite concerns about the state of Britains armed forces and the Governments commitment to spend 2.5% of GDP on the military as soon as economic conditions allow.

That decision has drawn criticism from some quarters, including former service chiefs such as Lord Stirrup, who served as chief of the defence staff between 2006 and 2010, and warned on Tuesday that basing military spending on the financial climate rather than threats to national security was not any kind of prudent.

Mr Shapps also said he wanted to see changes to recruitment processes that currently see applicants wait more than a year to begin training at a time when more people are leaving the armed forces than joining.

He said: You can be rejected for the most ludicrous reasons. Medical tests will ask about family history and if they think in 40 years time you might develop some diseases, using actuaries, then theyll say you cannot serve today.

Theyre probably not going to be serving in 40 years time.

Who cares if somebody has got a bear? Does that really mean you cannot fight? Come on, we are living in the 21st century, it is time to move on.
The UK has opened trade talks with Turkey in an effort to secure another post-Brexit deal.

Kemi Badenoch, the Trade Secretary, welcomed her Turkish opposite number Omer Bolat to London on Thursday to formally launch negotiations on an updated trade deal to improve UK access to Turkeys market of 85 million people.

The existing deal, signed in 2021, largely replicates the previous EU deal with Turkey that was negotiated in the 1990s, and the UK is now looking to modernise the agreement with a focus on the service sector.

Ms Badenoch said: Im delighted to be launching trade negotiations with Turkey  an important economic and strategic partner to the UK.

We already have a thriving trade relationship that will only get stronger with a new, modernised trade deal that is fit for the 21st century.

An upgraded deal will give the UKs world-leading services sector a competitive edge in this growing market and has the potential to support jobs across the UK.

Trade between the two countries was worth 26 billion in 2022, when despite the UKs strength in services, the sector accounted for only 27% of British exports to Turkey.

The Department for Business and Trade said the new deal could be a boost for the services sector, while giving British consumers improved access to imported Turkish food such as nuts, bulgar wheat and tomatoes.

Nicola Watkinson, managing director of financial services trade body TheCity UK, said: Turkey is a strategic gateway between the East and the West, offering vast opportunities for growth and innovation that UK businesses can leverage.

An enhanced free trade agreement with Turkey that includes services and digital will open up new trade and investment opportunities for financial and related professional services, as well as laying the groundwork for more robust bilateral relations and a frictionless trade environment that benefits both nations.

Since leaving the EU, the UK has signed three trade agreements covering Australia, New Zealand and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, a bloc of 11 countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Negotiations remain ongoing with several other countries including South Korea and Mexico, but progress on deals with countries such as Canada and the United States appears to have stalled.
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If armies of belligerent nations still fought with swords and mangonels, Spain would be the last country theyd want to invade. Thats on account of its many ancient and medieval walled cities, some of which are almost completely intact. When visiting these ancient fortifications, youre transported to a time when no one was asking if chivalry was dead and castles dotted the landscape. For example, in Toledo, the ancient capital of Spain, from the winding alleys of the old town to the grandeur of the alcazar, the imposing walls remain as relics of the countrys textured history of conquest, coexistence, and cultural exchange. Throughout the Iberian peninsula, walled cities can be found in abundance, each one with its own unique charm and character. Here, weve highlighted 12 walled cities worth invadinger... visitingto get a taste of that quintessential, timeless beauty of Spain's architectural heritage.

Carmona, Andalusia

Carmona's historic center, enveloped by medieval walls, is a a smorgasbord of Roman ruins (the Necropolis is a must-see) and Umayyad signatures (Alcazar de la Puerta de Sevilla).

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Toledo, Castile-La Mancha

Toledo is the Spanish city with arguably the most beautiful-sounding name when pronounced in Castilian. It's also among the most iconic medieval walled cities in Europe with Toledo Cathedral as its architectural ne plus ultra.

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Dalt Vila, Ibiza

Dalt Vila, Ibizas ancient city which sits inside fortified walls, is the quintessence of Mediterranean allure. The island might be known for its nightlife scene, but like shots of hierbas, theres more than an enough history and architectural beauty to go around.

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Segovia, Castile and Leon

Segovia has all the medieval food groups represented: protective wall, cobblestone streets, a stunning Old Town, the fairy-tale alcazar. But its main attractions the Roman aqueduct, a marvel of ancient engineering that dominates the cityscape. Come for the security, stay for the Segovian roast suckling pig.

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Caceres, Extremadura

Enclosed by patinated walls, Caceres is a compelling destination with a preserved medieval Old Town that has the added protection of a UNESCO designation.

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Ronda, Andalusia

Ronda features dramatic cliffs and a historic center enclosed by medieval walls, including the iconic Puente Nuevo bridge. Even generative AI couldnt come up with a cityscape this dreamlike.

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Morella, Valencian Community

Built upon the rugged Maestrat mountains, Morella's medieval walls protect a town frozen in time. Its picturesque setting offers breathtaking views while always feeling completely safe from outside attack.

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Brihuega, Castile-La Mancha

Brihuega, an hour outside Madrid, is known for its medieval walls, watchtowers, and picturesque streets, offering a historic escape after a some time museum hopping in Spains bustling capital.

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Laguardia, Basque Country

The town of Laguardia in Alava is famous for its medieval walls and historic charm, and features gobsmacking panoramic views of vineyards in the surrounding landscape.

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Lugo, Galicia

Lugo has the only completely intact Roman walls in Spain, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore its well-preserved historical center, where Roman ruins and medieval architecture converge. Despite modern expansion, the wall remains central to Lugo's identity, a hub of activity and pride. Come in June for Arde Lucus, an annual celebration of the citys Roman past.

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Avila, Castile and Leon

Avila is renowned for its well-preserved medieval walls and is one of Europe's best-preserved fortified towns. Its a time capsule where visitors can take in the chic isolationist vibe and wander through its narrow streets in their finest cota de malla.

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Tarragona (Catalonia)

Remnants of Roman walls intertwine with medieval fortifications in Tarragona. From its ancient amphitheater to its coastal vistas, this city is where style and high security become one.

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About 50 people have died in Angola after being forced to drink an herbal potion to prove they were not sorcerers, police and local officials said Thursday. The deaths occurred between January and February near the central town of Camacupa, according to Luzia Filemone, a local councilor.

Police confirmed that 50 people had died.

Speaking to Angola National Radio broadcaster, Filemone accused traditional healers of administering the deadly concoction.

"More than 50 victims were forced to drink this mysterious liquid which, according to traditional healers, proves whether or not a person practices witchcraft," she said.

Belief in witchcraft is still common in some rural Angolan communities despite strong opposition from the church in the predominantly Catholic former Portuguese colony.

"It's a widespread practice to make people drink the supposed poison because of the belief in witchcraft," provincial police spokesperson Antonio Hossi told the radio network, warning that cases were on the rise.

Angola does not have laws against witchcraft, leaving communities to deal with the issue as they see fit.

Allegations of sorcery are often settled by traditional healers, or "marabouts," by having the accused ingest a toxic herbal drink called "Mbulungo." Death is believed by many to prove guilt.

Last year, Bishop Firmino David of Sumbe Diocese in Angola told ACI Africa that socio-economic challenges in the country are forcing some to "resort to the practice of witchcraft because they believe that with witchcraft, they can get what they want and thus free themselves from poverty and get everything they need to survive."

Firmino encouraged his fellow Angolans "to help rescue people who try to make a living from practices that are harmful to society, including witchcraft and drugs."

During a 2009 trip to Angola, Pope Benedict urged Catholics to shun witchcraft and sorcery.

College students surprise a beloved security guard with a trip to Nigeria to see family

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer calls on Israel to hold election to replace prime minister

Prince William appears at event as rumors swirl
Nicholas Matthews

John Gallianos most recent Maison Margiela couture show was universally well-received; an indisputable triumph. It felt like the first collectionsince being fired from his creative director role at Christian Dior more than a decade agoto fully conjure up the magic that made his fabled Dior collections of the late 90s and early 2000s so thrilling. I saw, on my Twitter timeline, breathless excitement, hyperbolic gushing, from friends and colleagues. I loved seeing the return of the old Galliano so much that I almost forgot what got him sacked in the first place: he was caught on multiple occasions in 2011 making vile antisemitic (and in one case anti-Asian) comments to patrons at a Parisian cafe. In one instance, his rantI love Hitler. People like you would be dead. Your mothers, your forefathers, would all be fucking gassed.was captured on grainy cell phone video, which was then circulated around the world.

With its exaggerated silhouettes, off-kilter sensibility, and stagy, dark drama, this latest Margiela collection was a joy to see, but it also brought to mind a personal predicament, which has always been confounding for me: Im both Jewish and a diehard Galliano fan. When I became interested in style as a teenager in the early 2000s, he was a god, and there is still a part of me who believes his grandiose couture creations for Dior are the absolute pinnacle of fashion, an exuberant zenith the likes of which we have not seen since. Galliano didnt just design couture, but shaped my entire understanding of what Parisian fashion is supposed to be. Does it matter that somewhere in his subconscious there once wasand might still be?some hatred directed at people like me?

Courtesy of High & Low

Whether one can separate the artist from the art is a particular thorn of our social media era, where bad behavior goes viral, and notes app apologies are ubiquitous but rarely adequate. Its a question that cant be entirely answered, but it should be wrestled with at least. Kevin Macdonaldan Academy Award-winning director who has previously made films about Whitney Houston, Bob Marley, and Idi Aminhas a new documentary High and Low that delves right into this sticky situation through an exploration of Gallianos life both before and after the fall from grace. Though he was swiftly fired by Dior after the antisemitic incidents and he mostly receded from mainstream public life, more recently he has tiptoed his way back into the center of the industry with assistance from very powerful friends and a prestigious, if strategically under-the-radar role as the creative director of avant-garde fashion house Maison Margiela (where sales have been up since his appointment). He has apologized for his actions a few times over the years, and this movie could be seen as an attempt at a next step in Galliano reingratiating himself to the world at large.

JACQUES DEMARTHON

First, we get a picture of who the man is: born in Gibraltar, his family moved to London when he was six. His parents were serious Catholics, but his father was also abusive, and dismissive of his sons quiet, creative sensibility. The boys talent for illustration, though, was undeniable. After studying at Saint Martins College of Art in 1984, he designed a graduate collection of fantastical clothes called Les Incroyables inspired by post-Revolutionary France, so gorgeous it was bought by a boutique even though Galliano was still a student. He developed his own codes quickly: centuries-old silhouettes imagined in new ways, wonderful romance and whimsy, dresses cut sexily on the bias, rips and tangles and frayed edges, plenty of ruffles and frou frou, and a glorious sense of theatricality in how he presented everything.

Courtesy of Margiela

After years of producing his eponymous line, he caught the eye of luxury conglomerate LVMH and was hired as designer for their brand Givenchy in 1995 as a kind of test case for what would come next: the creative director role at one of the biggest and most iconic French fashion houses, Christian Dior. There he would produce seasonal collections but also haute couture, allowing his ideas to be translated into reality with the assistance of just about the best atelier in the business. He became known for over-the-top presentations, each one inspired by a historical theme or far flung location; though, as the movie explores, his preoccupation with various cultural touchstones often bordered on insensitive appropriation, there were moments of cinematic genius, like for Spring 2004, when he used gold leaf and organza to bring Nefertiti and King Tut alive on the runway. You realize the fecundity of his imagination, the richness of his technique, says Macdonald, who wasnt anything close to a fashion fanatic before making the film. You see how obsessed he is. You see that it's deeply personal to him. And that's why to me, it becomes art. Not just, Oh, I'm going to make a beautiful dress. They come out of something that he is not consciously in control of. His influence is just going to spill out of him.

PIERRE VERDY

Then, we start to see things fall apart. Both Macdonald and Galliano dwell on the exhaustion and stress of the Dior jobGalliano estimates that at one point he was in charge of over 50 collections a year, from childrens wear to sunglassesand wonder whether or not the industry enabled, even encouraged, reckless behavior. In one depressing moment, LVMH arranges for a private jet to fly him to his fathers funeral and return him home immediately after so that he can complete an upcoming collection, without even allowing him to spend the night. That's not normal. On his behalf or on the behalf of Dior, says Macdonald. They got him a plane so he could come back the same day, so that he could continue to work, so that the company didn't lose any money. It shows that there's a sort of mental capture that's happened. He drinks and takes pills to deal with the pressure, and Dior keeps bailing him out of trouble; on one odd occasion, he is kicked out of the Ritz for closing himself up in the hotels elevator, completely naked, telling people hes a lion, and is saved from further punishment thanks to the connections and pull of Dior CEO Sidney Toledano.

Penske Media

Of course, what comes next is the sad punctuation to a once-glorious career. After the death of a close friend and colleague and the suicide of fellow designer Alexander McQueen after similar kinds of stresses, Galliano was caught making his now-infamous hateful comments in Paris and fired from his job. The film offers a number of explanations for how this disgusting antisemitism might have seeped into his mind and out of his mouth, though it intentionally refrains from attempting to provide an answer There was, the film posits, the racism of South London during his childhood in the 1960s and 70s; the general hatred of Jews that lurks always in the collective unconscious, particularly in Europe; a drug-and-alcohol-addicted man babbling revolting things; a cry for help; a way of self-sabotaging himself out of a job that was killing him. How can I know what's going on inside somebody else's head? Ultimately, its the unknowability of this, admits Macdonald. I don't think I can ever definitively answer the reason.

[/image]

PIERRE VERDY

Whatever it is, there is punishment and then an attempt at redemption. A court case in France, where expressions of antisemitism are illegal, hands him a guilty plea and a financial fine. Kate Moss hires him to design her wedding dress. Galliano meets with Jewish leaders and Rabbis to attempt to understand and apologize for his own actions, though it takes him seven whole years to personally apologize to his former close colleague and boss Toledano, who is Jewish. Galliano offers general contrition repeatedly, up to and including in this film. He said to me, I don't expect people to forgive me, but I want to try and explain myself, says Macdonald. It's an opportunity for him to be there face to face with an audience, so that he can say what he thinks happened, and explain it himself.

@derekridgers

But if the film is a kind of reparation from Galliano, there are moments that undercut the genuineness of his repentance. One in particular is incredibly disturbing: when confronted with the play-by-play details of the antisemitic incidents, he forgets that there areand has to be reminded ofmore than one interaction to feel ashamed of. His partner Alexis Roche, off screen, shouts to him that he actually made such comments on multiple occasions, and still, Galliano cant grasp the details. You could interpret this as a man with a history of substance abuse misremembering the now-somewhat-distant past, but its hard to believe that he has, as he claims, spent the last decade deeply contemplating and reflecting on his deeds when hes this hazy on what he actually did. I think it's incredibly revealing, Macdonald says of the slip-up. In my mind, it's because he is a bit of a fantasist. And he has built a story which is acceptable to his conscious self. It makes him feel not so bad about this. It happened once. I was in a terrible state and I just went off. I think that's in keeping with the guy you see, who is into escape and fantasy, and clearly has trouble facing up to the tough things in life.

At the end of the film, Macdonald catches Galliano in a strange act: at the conclusion of one of his Margiela shows, right at the curtain call, Galliano turns from the stage and begins to sprint off. Macdonald chases him through hallways and up stairs but ultimately Galliano disappears behind closed doors. I asked Macdonald where Galliano was running to, but he said that the designer, once known for his love of the celebratory post-show bow, was in fact running from the crowd, the press, his friends and colleagues. It's him still escaping. Running away from reality, says Macdonald. Theres something about fashion and the repression of reality that happens in order to make beautiful things. Nobody talks about the bad stuff because we are here to provide the fantasy, the escapism. Lets not look down. Let's look up and talk about the clouds and the trees. And thats the really the takeaway here: no matter how beautiful we believe the facade of his art to be, cant we at least be expected to deal withinstead of run away fromthe ugly truths underneath as well? High and Low doesnt fully answer the question of whether or not Galliano has genuinely reckoned with his past offenses, but it does ensure that we, as the fans, have no choice but to see beneath the surface of things, no matter how shiny and pretty that surface may be.







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PHOENIX  Milwaukee Brewers All-Star closer Devin Williams will miss significant time with a back injury.

Williams was diagnosed with two stress fractures in his back during a trip to see a spine specialist in California on Tuesday and is expected to miss at least three months, a person with knowledge of the situation told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the situation publicly.

ESPN's Jeff Passan first reported the news Wednesday night.

Williams pitched through back pain last September on his way to winning National League reliever of the year for the second time, and it flared up this spring, including during a rough outing last week.

Williams traveled to California, where he saw Dr. Robert Watkins and was diagnosed with the stress fractures on Tuesday.

Devin Williams saved 36 games with a 1.53 ERA last season in earning the NL reliever of the year award for the second time.

Williams was told by team doctors that there was no major injury, but with the discomfort Williams was in he sought a second opinion. Watkins saw the imaging initially and informed Williams it was likely a stress fracture but needed the right-hander to see him in California to confirm.

What Watkins, a leading spine specialist, saw Tuesday when Williams came in was a pair of stress fractures.

The loss is a big blow to the Brewers, who saw Williams save 36 games with a 1.53 ERA last season. Williams, who also was named 2020 NL rookie of the year, earned the league's top reliever award.

He pitched through discomfort late last season as the Brewers made a playoff push and ultimately won the National League Central Division before being eliminated in the wild card round. With rest in the offseason, the pain subsided but it began to flare back up as Williams ramped up this spring.

Regardless of the timeline of the injury, the Brewers will be left scrambling for a ninth-inning replacement. Joel Payamps and Abner Uribe are among the most obvious early candidates.

While there isn't anyone with significant closing experience in the Milwaukee bullpen, the unit is considered a team strength heading into the year. Payamps, Uribe, Hoby Milner, Elvis Peguero, Bryse Wilson and Trevor Megill are all among the key returners from a bullpen that was second in earned run average in 2023.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Brewers closer Devin Williams expected to miss at least 3 months
The autopsy results for an Indiana mother of two who died in February on a flight home from her vacation in the Dominican Republic have reportedly been released.

A forensic pathologist told Stefanie Smith's family that the 41-year-old woman died of natural causes; specifically, a carotid artery dissection in her neck, her brother Chris Volz said in an interview with ABC News.

"It was truly a tragic medical event that happened," he told the outlet, adding that the autopsy did not suggest foul play.

Smith was on an American Airlines flight from Punta Cana headed to a connection in Charlotte, North Carolina, when she suddenly began convulsing soon after takeoff, forcing the plane to divert to Turks and Caicos, as her friend, Maria Yannotti, previously told Fox News Digital.

AMERICAN TEXTED FRIEND JUST BEFORE DYING ON FLIGHT FROM DOMINICAN REPUBLIC AFTER RESORT VACATION

Stefanie Smith, 41, was on American Airlines Flight 2790 from Punta Cana to Charlotte, North Carolina, when she started convulsing and died.

"Her boyfriend had told us that they were getting ready to  get altitude, or they hadn't been in the air very long. But he said that he looked over at her, and her head was tilted back in her seat. Her eyes were rolled in the back of her head, and he thought she was just making fun of them. They normally joke around  like that," said Yannotti, who was on the trip to Punta Cana with her fiance, Smith and Smith's boyfriend.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"And he said, Next thing you know, she was convulsing," Yannotti added.

FAMILY OF INDIANA MOM WHO DIED ON AA PLANE REMAIN WITH UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

Stefanie Smith died suddenly aboard a flight home from Punta Cana, where she had been on vacation for a week.

Smith's boyfriend asked flight attendants for help, and they began performing CPR, to no avail.

The Turks and Caicos Island Police announced that day they received a call at 6:12 p.m. from "the Air Traffic Control Tower requesting medical assistance for a 41-year-old female, who at the time was receiving [CPR]." Authorities dispatched a medical team and police to the scene and transported Smith to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, where she was pronounced dead.

INDIANA MOTHER APPEARED FIT AND HEALTHY BEFORE SUDDENLY DYING ABOARD AA FLIGHT, FAMILY AND FRIENDS SAY

Stefanie Smith began convulsing on the plane right home from Punta Cana.

Just before her plane took off, Smith texted Yannotti at 4:55 p.m., asking Yannotti to remind her to call once she reached her connection in Charlotte because she had "a funny story" to tell.

Yannotti said Smith and her boyfriend went with them on the trip to celebrate Yannotti's fiance's birthday.

Maria Yannotti, who said she has known Stefanie Smith for nearly two years because their partners are friends, went on to describe her friend as a "ball of energy" and "the life of the party."

"Everything she had, I had," Yannotti said. "We ate about the same meals. We drank about the same drinks. You know, it wasn't like [any]body was belligerent. [W]e just had our nice drinks by the pool and by the beach. I mean, most of the time, we watched them open the bottles right in front of us. We were having a great time. We played beach volleyball. We swam."

Yannotti, who said she has known Smith for nearly two years because their partners are friends, went on to describe her friend as a "ball of energy" and "the life of the party."

"She's definitely one of a kind. She was a ball of energy. She was always willing to help somebody, excited, always smiling. When I met her  I just knew we were going to click because she was a personality like myself. She was just full of life. I mean, she would give anybody a shirt off her back. Sometimes she would put  people before herself, and she loved to have a good time. Loved to laugh  sing karaoke. Just the life of the party."

Smith leaves behind an 18-year-old son and 16-year-old daughter. Her body is expected to be flown back to the United States next week, ABC reported.





Original article source:Brother of Indiana mom who died on flight from Dominican Republic reveals cause of death: report
Sean Pavone // Shutterstock

As your income goes up, so will your tax rates. In 2024, a $250,000 income ekes a single tax filer into the 35% federal income tax bracket. On top of that, you may need to factor in state and city taxes. And, depending on where you live, the cost of living could also take a bigger bite out of the value of your dollar.

To find where high earners retain more of their income, SmartAsset adjusted a $250,000 income for federal, state and local taxes, as well as varying costs of living for 72 of the largest U.S. cities.

Key findings

$100k of a $250K income goes to taxes in Baltimore. The tax rate at this income level is 38.9%, the highest across major U.S. cities. The cost of living reflects the U.S. average, so the post-tax paycheck is true to its purchasing power.

El Paso residents retain over $200K of value. Despite a 27.4% tax rate taking the annual pay down to just over $180,000, the costs in El Paso help make up the difference. Prices for necessities are roughly 12% more affordable than the U.S. average.

Manhattan residents lose 72% of their income to taxes and cost of living. At the $250K income level, Manhattanites face a 36.8% tax rate. Adjusting for a cost of living that's 125% higher than average, the income yields an estimated $70,133 of purchasing power.

Among places with no income tax, Seattle has the highest cost of living. Washington is one out of nine states that don't impose income tax, leaving Seattleites with one of the lowest aggregate tax rates at 27.4% for a $250K income. But the cost of living is 44% higher than average, meaning the income effectively yields $125,481.

SmartAsset

Where a $250K income goes furthest (and the least)

Cities are ranked by the purchasing power of $250K after accounting for federal, state and local taxes as well as cost of living premiums relative to the U.S. average.

Top 10 places where $250K is worth the most

El Paso, Texas

El Paso has a cost of living 12.1% below average and a tax rate of 27.4% for a $250,000 income. This yields an adjusted purchasing power of $206,423, which is 82.6% of its original value. Memphis, Tennessee

The cost of living in Memphis is 10.2% lower than average. With a tax rate of 27.4% at the $250,000 income level, the annual pay is equal to $202,056 in purchasing power, or 80.8% of its face value. Corpus Christi, Texas

In Corpus Christi, a $250,000 income is worth $200,715 after adjusting for a 9.6% lower cost of living and a tax rate of 27.4%. High earners here preserve 80.3% of their original income value. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

In Oklahoma City, the cost of living is 14.9% below average, with a tax rate of 31.7% on $250,000. This adjusts the income's purchasing power to $200,665, or 80.3% of the initial income. San Antonio, Texas

A $250,000 income in San Antonio adjusts to $198,954 after adjusting for an 8.8% cost of living that's lower than average and a tax rate of 27.4%. High earners here maintain 79.6% of their original income's value. Lubbock, Texas

Lubbock has an 8.2% advantage when it comes to cost of living, and a tax rate of 27.4% on $250,000. This yields a purchasing power of $197,654, or 79.1% of the original value. Jacksonville, Florida

After adjusting for a cost of living that is 6.9% lower than average and a tax rate of 27.4%, high earners in Jacksonville making $250,000 take home $194,894. This is 78% of the original value. Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa has a cost of living that is 11.8% lower than average and a tax rate of 31.7% for $250,000. This yields an adjusted purchasing power of $193,612, which is 77.4% of its original value. Houston, Texas

Houston's cost of living is 5.9% less expensive than average. And with a tax rate of 27.4% at $250,000l, this income effectively adjusts to $192,823 in purchasing power, or 77.1% of the original value. Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville, with a cost of living that is 4.1% below average and a tax rate of 27.4%, offers an adjusted purchasing power of $189,203 for a $250,000 income. This allows high earners to retain 75.7% of their original income.

Top 10 places where $250K is worth the least

Manhattan, New York

The cost of living in Manhattan is 125.2% above average, with a tax rate of 36.8% at the $250,000 income level in 2023. This reduces to an adjusted purchasing power of $70,133, retaining only 28.1% of its original value. Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu's high cost of living is 80.3% above average, along with a tax rate of 36.1% on $250,000. This yields $88,551 in purchasing power, preserving only 35.4% of the face value. San Francisco, California

San Francisco has a cost of living 70% above average and a tax rate of 37.9%. This leaves a $250,000 income with an adjusted purchasing power of $91,356. Brooklyn, New York

In Brooklyn, the cost of living is 60.5% above average and the tax rate is 36.8%. As a result, a $250,000 income's value drops to $98,404, or 39.4% of its original worth. Los Angeles, California

The cost of living in Los Angeles is 48.9% above average. And with a tax rate of 36.4%, the purchasing power of a $250,000 income falls to $106,768, which is 42.7% of the original value. Washington, DC

In DC, a $250,000 income is worth $110,455. After adjusting for a 46.8% higher cost of living and a 35.1% tax rate, that income will retain 44.2% of its value. San Diego, California

San Diego's cost of living is 42% above average, with a tax rate of 36.4% at the $250,000 level. This reduces that income to an adjusted purchasing power of $111,956, or 44.8% of its original value. Queens, New York

Queens has a 39.3% higher cost of living and a 36.8% tax rate on $250,000.This brings that income down to an adjusted purchasing power of $113,380, or 45.4% of its nominal value. Oakland, California

With a cost of living 38.8% above average and a tax rate of 36.4%, a $250,000 income in Oakland yields $114,537 in purchasing power, which is 45.8% of the original value. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston has a 46.5% higher cost of living and a tax rate of 32.3% for $250,000. This is an adjusted purchasing power of $115,540, which retains 46.2% of its original worth.

Data and methodology

This study used SmartAsset's paycheck calculator to apply federal, state and local taxes to an annual salary of $100,000 for an individual. This online tool calculates your take-home pay per paycheck for both salary and hourly jobs after taking into account federal, state and local taxes. We then adjusted the remaining amount for the local cost of living in 72 of the largest cities in the U.S. using data from the Council for Community and Economic Research. The cost of living takes into account the price of housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous goods and services. Cost of living index data is averaged across 2023.

This story was produced by SmartAsset and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media.
Geert Wilders' victory last year shook Dutch politics, sending a shock across Europe

Dutch anti-Islam populist leader Geert Wilders has abandoned his bid to become prime minister, despite his party's dramatic victory in the 2023 elections.

"I can only become prime minister if ALL parties in the coalition support it. That was not the case," he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

His Freedom Party (PVV) won the most votes last year - but needed support of other parties to form a coalition.

Talks with three other parties over the shape of a new government are ongoing.

The negotiator leading the latest round of talks, which concluded on Tuesday, is due to share his report with parliament on Thursday.

"I would like a right-wing cabinet. Less asylum and immigration. Dutch on 1. The love for my country and voter is great and more important than my own position," Mr Wilders wrote in his post on Wednesday evening.

Mr Wilders, 60, has spent months in talks with the centre-right VVD, New Social Contract (NSC) and BBB farmers' parties to try and form a coalition government.

The leaders of those three insisted this week that the only way they would be willing to move forward was if all four party leaders agreed not to take a role in the government, according to Dutch public broadcaster NOS.

It was not immediately clear if a compromise figure for the prime minister's post had emerged.

A parliamentary debate on the issue is also expected on Thursday.

The PVV's victory last year not only shook Dutch politics, but had repercussions across Europe as the Netherlands is one of the founding members of what is now the European Union.
Mitch Albom, renowned author of 'Tuesdays With Morrie,' was among a small group airlifted out of Port-au-Prince on Tuesday, escaping the turmoil engulfing Haiti amidst rising gang violence.

A total of 10 Americans, including Albom, were evacuated from the Haitian capital in the middle of chaos and escalating civil disorder as gangs seized control of the nation after a massive jailbreak.

Author Mitch Albom Recounts Being Stranded in Haiti

Albom, 65, found himself stranded when violence erupted late last month during a trip to visit his orphanage, Have Faith Haiti, as he confirmed in an Instagram post upon his return to the United States.

"We were luckier than a lot of others," he remarked, acknowledging the ongoing threat faced by Haiti's population. "Please don't forget about them."

The novelist and his wife had been taking refuge since March 3, when a state of emergency was declared following a coordinated assault by a gang coalition on two Port-au-Prince jails, resulting in the escape of numerous inmates.

Albom recounted to NBC News the sudden closure of airports, ports, and roads, leaving them with no means of escape.

The rescue operation was spearheaded by Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI), who intervened after being contacted by a distressed constituent. Albom and the other volunteers had been left without assistance from official channels. Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL), a U.S. Army veteran, facilitated the mission, securing a helicopter for the evacuation.

In an interview with Fox host Brian Kilmeade, Albom described the evacuation as "very, very fast, very, very hectic, like something out of a movie."

Nonetheless, the best-selling author stressed the importance of recognizing the plight of those left behind, emphasizing that many Americans, Canadians, and others are still trapped in Haiti without adequate assistance from their governments.

Read Also: Florida Braces For Surge of Haitian Refugees Fleeing Chaos As Gangs Take Over Streets

Rep. McClain Criticizes Biden Administration's Lack of Clear Rescue Plan

McClain emphasized the lack of a clear plan from the Biden administration to rescue Americans abroad, expressing concerns over their abandonment.

During a House Armed Services Committee hearing, McClain questioned Gen. Laura Richardson, head of the U.S. Southern Command, about the lack of support from the government.

Richardson acknowledged the absence of a formal request for assistance but suggested there might have been discussions at higher levels.

In response to the escalating violence, a fleet-anti-terrorism security team of Marines was deployed to the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince to bolster security and facilitate the departure of non-essential personnel.

Gang violence has surged in Haiti, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. While regional leaders aim to establish a transitional council, violent gangs pose challenges as they refuse to acknowledge the new government.

As Albom expressed relief at his safe return, he urged attention to the plight of the Haitian people, emphasizing the need to restore peace and safety to the country.

Despite his own evacuation, Albom's thoughts remain with those left behind, particularly the children at his orphanage, awaiting a safer future in their homeland.

"My wife and I are safe tonight. The people of Haiti are not," Albom wrote. "I hope that our attention can turn to them and how we can help restore peace and safety to a beautiful country and its people, including our kids, who deserve so much better."

Related Article: Haiti Gangs Launch Main Airport Seige, Massacring People 'Indiscriminately' Days After Massive Jail Break

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The Chicago White Sox are moving on from Dylan Cease. The team traded Cease to the San Diego Padres on Wednesday, Yahoo Sports' Russell Dorsey confirmed.

Going back to the White Sox will be pitching prospects Drew Thorpe and Jairo Iriarte, outfield prospect Samuel Zavala and reliever Steven Wilson, the team later announced. MLB Pipeline ranks Thorpe as the No. 5 prospect in San Diego's system, Zavala at No. 7 and Iriarte at No. 8. Thorpe is also ranked as the No. 85 prospect in baseball. Wilson holds a 3.48 ERA in 106 career innings across two seasons for the Padres.

Becoming a Padre has at least one very immediate impact for Cease: The team was scheduled to fly to South Korea on Wednesday for its two season-opening games against the Los Angeles Dodgers next week. Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove were already named the probable starters for those games.

The move signals more change for the White Sox, who fired former general manager Rick Hahn and vice president Kenny Williams in August. Chris Getz, who played for the White Sox for two years before joining the teams front office after he retired, was promoted to replace Hahn in late August.

The move marks the biggest trade  and arguably the biggest decision  Getz has made since taking over the reins. He also declined an option on shortstop Tim Anderson in November and acquired five players from the Atlanta Braves for reliever Aaron Bummer later that month. But dealing Cease is a whole other level of transaction.

Dylan Cease found stardom with White Sox

Cease emerged as one of the biggest success stories in the White Sox organization during its most recent rebuild. After posting a 5.79 ERA as a rookie, Cease steadily improved before breaking out in a major way in 2022. That season, he posted a 2.20 ERA over 32 starts, struck out 227 batters over 184 innings and finished second in AL Cy Young voting to Justin Verlander.

Cease experienced regression in 2023, posting a 4.58 ERA over 177 innings, and he failed to garner a single Cy Young vote as the White Sox collapsed yet again in the regular season.

Throughout his career, Cease has flashed dynamite stuff but has struggled to put his arsenal together. Even in 2022, when he nearly won the Cy Young award, he led the league in walks. His potential remains high, however, which is why he drew interest this offseason. With the right tweaks, Cease can likely return to a Cy Young level. And if he can make strides with his control, he could even exceed his 2022 levels.

Given his ability and contract situation (Cease is under team control through 2025), the White Sox apparently thought now was the best time to make a deal. The Padres have Cease under contract for two seasons and, if things work out, can use that time to work out an extension.

Padres try to stay aggressive in NL West

A trade for Cease feels like a classic Padres move, at least of the team's recent vintage. However, times have changed somewhat.

San Diego has more than its fair share of stars but is facing an uphill climb in an NL West that is as competitive as ever. The Dodgers flexed their muscles this offseason with the acquisitions of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow and more. The Arizona Diamondbacks are a young team that just reached the World Series, with more young talent on the way. The San Francisco Giants even made a splash with the signings of Jung Hoo Lee, Matt Chapman and Jorge Soler.

Meanwhile, the Padres traded away Juan Soto, watched closer Josh Hader sign with the Houston Astros and will likely lose reigning NL Cy Young winner Blake Snell. Considering that the team finished 18 games back of the Dodgers last season, it was very hard to believe they could be serious contenders this season.

The Padres entered Wednesday projected by Baseball Prospectus' PECOTA as the fourth-best team in the division, with their win total pegged at 79.9. That's more than 20 games back of the Dodgers (100.6) and a few games behind the D-backs (85.4) and Giants (83.3).

Cease is a good pitcher, 2023 surface-level results aside. But he has been worth an average of only 3.9 bWAR over the past three seasons. Maybe the Padres still have a few surprises in them, but it's hard to see Cease coming even close to putting them over the top in the division. That said, they should be competitive in the wild-card race, and you never know what will happen after Opening Day.
As Haiti faces an extreme political and societal crisis amid a wave of intense violence, tech billionaire Elon Musk and right-wing pundits online are weaponizing unverified claims of cannibalism coming out of the conflict to advance a political agenda on immigration.

Musk and conservative influencers have spread the message to millions, smearing Haitian migrants as cannibals as they endure deep uncertainty about the future of their country and family members still there.

The claims are getting tens of millions of views on the social media platform X, where false or misleading information has spread since Musk bought the app and slashed content moderation. Many of the people spreading the sensational claims are premium subscribers on X, meaning their content can make them money through advertising sales.

The accusations of widespread cannibalism are based on what experts said was a likely intimidation tactic from select gang members: In some videos, the most prominent examples being at least two years old, alleged members of violent gangs in Haiti appear to bite into human flesh. Experts said these videos are likely part of propaganda campaigns designed to scare rivals and terrorize local Haitians rather than a reflection of common or normalized behavior. One former armed group went by the name Cannibal Army.

Ian Miles Cheong, a right-wing commentator, helped to kick off the frenzy last week on X, writing that there were cannibal gangs in Haiti who abduct and eat people.

Reminder that these people are now illegally entering the US en masse, he continued, making no distinction between the most notorious Haitian gang members and those trying to flee them. He offered no evidence to support the assertion that cannibals were entering the U.S. en masse.

Cheong defended his posts in response to questions from NBC News, citing one video appearing to show someone eating part of a leg and noting the name of the Cannibal Army gang.

Another high-profile pundit, right-wing content creator Tim Pool, cited the unverified allegations of Haitian cannibalism as proof that former President Donald Trump was justified in opposing immigration from Haiti. Trump referred to Haiti and African nations as s---hole countries during a meeting in 2018, NBC News reported. Pool did not respond to a request for comment or further evidence.

The wave of cannibalism-related social media posts is insulting to Haitians and Haitian Americans, said Chris Nestor, a moderator of the r/Haiti message board on Reddit and a lawyer in Washington, D.C., whose parents were Haitian immigrants.

A whole population is getting blamed for what some psycho gang members are doing, Nestor said in a phone interview. It is racist. It is dehumanizing.

Nestor, whos also a U.S. Army reservist, said that the cruelty of the Haitian armed groups, if anything, bolsters the case for accepting Haitian refugees, who he said are innocent.

The false claims are spreading while Haiti is in the grip of a real emergency. Armed groups that had been fighting each other have now formed an alliance against the government, attacking police stations, airports and prisons  from which theyve freed thousands of inmates.

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry is stepping down and hasnt been able to return to the country after traveling abroad. Haitis elected president was assassinated two years ago.

Killing, hunger and displacement are widespread, according to the U.N. Dead bodies are often left to decompose in the Caribbean heat or else burned because theres no one to remove the corpses, The Washington Post reported Saturday from the capital, Port-au-Prince.

The cruelty of Haitian gang leaders is not in dispute, nor is the widespread killing in the country during a yearslong political crisis, but the false claims about widespread cannibalism go much further in trying to paint the whole Caribbean nation as barbarous.

The State Department has not received any credible reports regarding cannibalism in Haiti, a spokesperson said Tuesday. Doctors Without Borders said they also had seen no evidence of cannibalism in the country, and Human Rights Watch said it had no information on the subject.

Marlene Daut, a Yale University professor of French and African diaspora studies, said that American and European powers began spreading baseless tales of cannibalism in Haiti around the time the countrys slaves overthrew French colonizers and declared independence in 1804. The effect has been to depict Haiti as irredeemable.

It is very disturbing that Elon Musk would repeat these absurdities that do, indeed, have a long history, she wrote in an email.

After the Haitian Revolution, the slaving powers of the Atlantic World (namely, the United States, France, Great Britain) published seemingly endless depictions of the Haitian revolutionaries as ruthless killers, she wrote.

The Haitian revolution that culminated in 1804 was the most successful slave revolt in modern history. It made Haiti the second independent nation in the Western Hemisphere after the United States and the first majority-Black nation in the Americas.

Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has tweeted about alleged Haitian cannibalism several times since Saturday night.

Civilization is fragile, he posted in response to one user who was discussing a gang cannibalism video.

Musk shared a video from far-right commentator Matt Walsh about cannibal hordes of Haitians potentially migrating to the U.S., and as of late Tuesday it had received more than 10 million views. Musk has also boosted some of Cheongs posts about alleged Haitian cannibalism with replies and likes. Representatives for Musk and Walsh did not respond to requests for comment.

After NBC News initially published this article, Musk responded in a post on X. He said that he wants to screen immigrants for potential homicidal tendencies and cannibalism.

Musks choice of what to discuss online can have a wide impact. He has one of the largest megaphones on social media, with 176.1 million followers on X, and, as one of the wealthiest people in the world, he meets frequently with heads of state and other political leaders including Trump.

Elon Musk In Krakow (NurPhoto via AP file)

The claims shared by Musk have now traveled across the internet. On Reddit, the moderators of the r/Haiti message board imposed a new rule to limit discussion of cannibalism after what they said was a spike in racist posts that tapped into a long history of discrimination against Haitians. A Reddit spokesperson said the platform was removing some cannibalism-related posts under its content policy but generally leaving up legitimate news articles.

Dom Lucre, a Tennessee-based poster on X who has become well known for sharing misleading information, tweeted out one of the unverified videos Sunday and described it as breaking news, although the video has been online since at least November 2021. X later removed the video but his post had 21 million views as of Tuesday, according to the public view count on X. Lucre in an email declined an interview request.

Robert Bunker, a counterterrorism researcher and former U.S. Army War College professor, said the videos purporting to show Haitian gang members reminded him of similar videos that drug cartels distributed in Mexico as a form of psychological warfare and intimidation.

He said the idea behind such videos is: Youre trying to appear as the people who are crazy, because nobody wants to mess with the crazies. Anyone accepting the videos at face value is in effect falling for the intimidation tactic, he said.

NBC News has not been able to verify any of the videos as authentic. Some of the most widely shared videos associated with the claims have been online for two years or longer.

Two of Britains tabloid newspapers played a role in boosting the cannibalism claims. On March 5, the U.S. website of The Express reported that cannibalism has been witnessed on the streets. The article cited an unnamed journalist on the ground who said we have seen images of gang leaders eating people they have killed.

An affiliated British tabloid, The Star, repeated the claim in an article and in an accompanying headline without adding evidence or verification of the claim. Screenshots of The Stars headline have now gone viral on X with no context.

Both tabloids are owned by London-based media company Reach. The company did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday. The two newspapers are among the least trusted in the U.K., according to a YouGov survey last year. The Star ranked last among 32 media outlets in the survey, with 3% calling it trustworthy, while The Express ranked 25th, with 8% calling it trustworthy.

The nickname of Haitis chief gang leader has contributed to cannibalism speculation and easy punchlines on social media. Jimmy Cherizier, who goes by the alias "Barbecue," is a former police officer and the spokesperson for Haitis alliance of major armed groups.

In 2019, as Cherizier was rising to power, he told The Associated Press that he got the nickname Barbecue as a child because his mother was a street vendor who sold fried chicken  not, as others said at the time, because he was accused of setting people on fire. He has since been sanctioned by the British and Canadian governments for alleged human rights violations.

Now, some people on social media have re-interpreted the nickname as a reference to cannibalism, despite a lack of evidence. Bunker, the counterterrorism researcher, said he believed Cherizier has little reason to deny the claim now because it adds to his clout.

Laurent Dubois, a historian at the University of Virginia who specializes in Haiti, said that American society developed a rich fantasy view of Haiti while U.S. forces occupied it between 1915 and 1934. He noted that U.S. forces were accused of committing atrocities during the occupation, prompting a congressional investigation and the need for a cover story to justify the abuses.

Most people in the U.S. are not aware of the history of that occupation, but they did inherit many of the stereotypes that were popularized during that period. And whenever Haiti is in the news, many of those images get recirculated and reanimated, Dubois wrote in an email.

There is probably no country in the world that has had more misrepresentations projected onto it than Haiti, he wrote.
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

Dev Patel didnt plan to direct the upcoming action thriller Monkey Man, which he also cowrote and starred in.

I took it to Neill Blomkamp, originally, Patel said during a Q&A following Monkey Mans March 2024 premiere at South By Southwest in Austin, Texas. Me and Neill were talking, and he went, Man I thought you should do this. You know every corner of it. And I was like, I cant do it. He goes, You can. I reluctantly got pushed into the drivers seat.

After Patel stepped up to the plate, the film suffered multiple setbacks including coronavirus-related scheduling delays and budget issues.

You see throughout this film, we didnt have enough stuntmen, Patel explained during the talk-back, noting that he killed the same eight guys repeatedly during the final sequences.

Without a solid distributor, things looked bleak during the post-production stage as well. But then Monkey Man got its miracle: Jordan Peele saw the film and liked it. Once Peele signed on as a producer, Universal Pictures followed.

Keep scrolling for everything to know about Patels directorial debut:

What Is Monkey Man About?

Monkey Man follows Kid (Patel), a young man working in an underground fight club who seeks revenge against a group of corrupt leaders who are responsible for his mothers death among other crimes against the less fortunate.

Although the film has been compared to the John Wick franchise, Patel told the Austin American Statesman in March 2024 that he drew inspiration from multiple action heroes.

This film is born from my love of so much action cinema, from Bruce Lee to Sammo Hung to Jet Lee to Jackie Chan to the Korean cinema that totally changed my life, the Slumdog Millionaire actor said. And also Bollywood.

While introducing the film at SXSW, Patel noted that he wanted to bring more authenticity to the genre.

The action genre has been abused by the system, he said. You know, a quick buck, mindless st. I wanted to give it soul. Real trauma. Real pain. You guys deserve that. I wanted to infuse it with a little bit of culture.

Is Monkey Man Based on a Real Story?

Universal Pictures

Patel said at the films SXSW premiere that the idea for Monkey Man stemmed from the story of Hanuman, the half-human, half-monkey Hindu deity.

Hanuman really captivated me. He has been sort of an emblem for my father and many in my family, he said. What baffled me growing up was this iconography of this super-strong being who could hold mountains in one hand and split his chest open. It reminded me of the iconography of Superman. I was like, This is amazing, I wish the world knew about it.

Elements of the plot were also inspired by the 2012 gang rape and murder of a young woman on a bus in Delhi, India. Patel noted that he wanted to make a movie about fighting for whats right and whats good.

What Has Dev Patel Said About Making Monkey Man?

Universal Pictures

I put everything into this, Patel told the SXSW crowd of his first foray into directing. I shot this film in the biggest slum in India, Covid hit, and the film went down. Everything that could have gone wrong, went wrong. And then [Peele] came along in the end.  He brushed the dust off and put it on the mantelpiece.

Patels hard work was rewarded by a standing ovation at the end of the screening. In a video shared by Variety, he got emotional over the crowds praise.

What Injuries Did Dev Patel Get Making Monkey Man?

Patel suffered numerous physical injuries while filming Monkey Man, including a broken hand, broken toes and a torn shoulder.

It was a huge problem to have your hand in a cast for the entire film, Patel told USA Today in March 2024. We put a screw in the hand and the doctors like, You cannot put any weight on it or anything. I was like, OK, OK. And then we carried on shooting.  We had to change all of the choreo to one-handed moves.

What Has Jordan Peele Said About Monkey Man?

Vivien Killilea/Getty Images

This is a film that simply demands to be seen in a theater with a huge, raucous audience, Peele told the audience at Monkey Mans SXSW premiere. Its a movie that proves that films can be all things. You can have a movie that tells an amazing story, that has meaning, that has depth, and you still can just kick a bunch of peoples [butts] along the way.

Patel told USA Today that Peele championing the film felt like that scene in Pretty Woman when Julia Roberts character returns to an upscale boutique dressed to the nines to tell off a woman who previously wouldnt let her shop there.

I was Julia Roberts [but] covered in blood with a knife, Patel quipped.

Who Is in the Cast of Monkey Man?

Universal Pictures

In addition to Patel, the cast of Monkey Man consists of Indian actors Pitobash, Vipin Sharma, Sikander Kher, Sobhita Dhulipala, Ashwini Kalsekar and Makarand Deshpande, and South African actor Sharlto Copley, whom Patel previously worked with on the 2015 film Chappie.

When Is Monkey Man Coming Out?

The film hits theaters on April 5, 2024.
Taylor Selfridge and boyfriend Cory Whartons relationship is constantly in progress, but they are definitely still together.

We both have our deep-rooted issues with different things that kind of play a part in our relationship, Taylor, 29, exclusively told Us Weekly on Tuesday, March 5, when asked about Corys comments in the Teen Mom: Family Reunion trailer.

In Teen Mom: Family Reunion, several of the MTV stars will attend a cast retreat in Cartagena, Colombia, to help strengthen their relationships. In teaser footage, Cory, 33, said that he wanted to work on some deep-rooted issues between himself and Taylor.

I dont even think he meant between the two of us. I think its more so just us individually, Taylor told Us before reflecting on Corys comments that they would either get married or break up on the Teen Mom franchise. I dont want to give anything away, but were definitely still together, I will say. We definitely did not separate.

Teen Mom's Cory Wharton and Taylor Selfridge's Relationship Timeline

Taylor and Cory have been together since 2017 and share two daughters: Mila, 3, and Maya, 20 months. Cory also shares daughter Ryder, 7, with ex Cheyenne Floyd. Family Vacation gave Cory and Taylor a chance to reconnect outside of parenting their children.

Courtesy of Taylor Selfridge/Instagram

I think we just really needed time  to ourselves and to kind of be with just each other because were constantly with the kids, Taylor said, noting they had a lot going on in the last year regarding Mayas heart surgeries. We dont ever have a break. We really just needed to focus on our relationship.

Family Reunion also gave Taylor and Cory a chance to bond with Cheyenne, 31, and her husband, Zach Davis, who attended the getaway too.

I would say, I never thought that we would be living in the same house together, Cheyenne jokingly quipped to Us. I was Taylors across-the-street neighbor, basically, and  I feel like weve all done a really good job of respecting each others boundaries and respecting each others relationships and keeping our personal opinions out of each others relationships. And now living in a house together, its way harder to do that because we can all see each others st.

Cory Wharton and Taylor Selfridges Family Album

Cheyenne, who also shares 2-year-old son Ace with Zach, further stressed that she was able to lean on Taylor a lot more than in the past while staying in the Family Reunion house.

Now theyre together [and] we know about each others relationships at home and we dont have anything to prove to other people, Cheyenne said. But in the moments of when stuff does get hard or Zach and I are arguing, or Taylor and Cory are arguing, I know Taylors my buddy, she knows Zach from home, I know Cory from home. So its like were looking at each other, [and can say,] OK, you know I have a good relationship, right? Tell these people were OK. So I think if anything, it just made us closer.

Cheyenne concluded, At the end of the day, were not judgmental towards them. Theyre not judgmental towards us, and thats kind of been the foundation of our coparenting and our friendship and it works really well for us.

Teen Mom: Family Reunion premieres on MTV Wednesday, March 13, at 8 p.m. ET.

With reporting by Christina Garibaldi
Big companies have invested big bucks in recent years into software designed to automate routine back office tasks, many of which involve simply cutting and pasting data from one software application to another or using drop down menus to populate database fields.

Known as robotic process automation or RPA, these kinds of software robots arent AI. Some are little more than souped-up versions of Excel macros, recording mouse movements and keyboard strokes. Others use if-then rules to help software complete a workflow.

And yet businesses are now estimated to spend more than $6 billion per year on RPA software, according to technology analytics firm Forrester Research, a figure that is growing at a double-digit percentage clip. UiPath, one of the leading players in the RPA field, is valued at $13.5 billion. Appian, Blue Prism, and IBM also offer RPA solutions.

Now a tiny startup based in Munich, Germany, called Interloom thinks it can disrupt this entire market by rebuilding process automation on top of the new wave of large language models and generative AI assistants. Air Street Capital, the London-based venture capital boutique that specializes in early stage AI investments, just gave the company $3 million in seed funding to start making good on that vision.

Fabian Jakobi, Interlooms cofounder and managing director, is a serial entrepreneur. In 2021 he sold Boxplot, his last company, to Hyperscience, a New York-based AI software company that specializes in extracting data from unstructured documents. Jakobi thinks similar AI methods can be used in the future to extract information from video recordings, call logs, notes, and more, enabling AI software to learn how professionals actually work. Then AI agents, based on the same underlying AI methods that power todays large language models, can be used to automate many parts of these tasks.

This could allow for much higher-value tasks to be automated than can be addressed with todays RPA, which only works well for tasks with highly routinized and repeated workflows. According to Jakobi, current RPA tech is capable of automating about a third of business tasks  a limitation that helps explain why reports by consulting firms EY and Deloitte have found that a majority of RPA projects either fail completely or never live up to their potential.

Rather than starting from idealized workflows, Jakobi says that AI software can be trained on what a company actually does in real world situations. The AI can intuit what the right workflow is for that particular situation, instead of adhering to an overly standardized and rigid template.

He gives the example of drafting and sending out a non-disclosure agreement as part of commercial deal. With todays RPA, a company might create a rule that any deal worth more than $100,000 requires that the counterparty be sent an NDA. The workflow of filling out the NDA template for this particular deal is automatically handled by the software robot.

The problem with such rules is that they are far too inflexible to capture real business logic, Jakobi says. What about a deal valued at $98,500? Most businesses would probably still want that covered by NDAs even though it is below the threshold it set for the robot. Modern LLM-based software excels at capturing, from past data, tacit knowledge, which includes a lot of professional judgment about things like when an NDA is required.

The tasks most suitable to this kind of automation would include procurement and risk assessments, customer onboarding, mortgage and insurance claims processing, and managing import and export logistics documentation, according to Interloom.

While Jakobi says humans will still be needed to act as a quality control check on Interlooms software robots, he believes that for many processes, AI robots such as the ones they are building will be able to increase the output an employee can produce in a given amount of time by 30 times.

Interloom, which currently employs just ten people but is rapidly hiring, plans to target Germanys large mittelstandthe medium-sized industrial companies that are a bulwark of the German economyas its initial customer base, with plans to expand globally, including to the U.S., soon.

Every sector of the economy is eventually going to be rebuilt AI-first, Nathan Benaich, Air Streets founder and general partner, said. From their experience at Boxplot and Hyperscience, the Interloom team have a uniquely intimate understanding of automating complex workflows. This makes them best-placed to build the process infrastructure that will underpin AI-enabled productivity gains for business.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
New Zealand authorities were able to remove the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the Boeing 787-9 that experienced a technical event on Mondays LATAM Airlines Flight 800, a spokesman for New Zealands transport safety body told CNN on Wednesday.

The black boxes hold data crucial to understanding what caused the Boeing jet to suddenly drop during the flight from Australia to New Zealand, causing dozens of passengers to be treated for injuries.

The technical glitch and subsequent investigations come at a fraught time for Boeing. The US manufacturer has faced harsh criticism for a series of recent safety and quality issues in its aircraft.

A series of investigations

Chiles Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC) is leading the investigation into the black boxes as the plane was registered in the country. New Zealands Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC), will also contribute an investigator to the process.

The Boeing jet remains in Auckland and will also be assessed by the Chilean investigators.

The union representing the flights crew said on Wednesday that it would conduct an investigation, we well.

The LATAM Cabin Crew Union (STCLA) said in a statement to CNN Wednesday that it is gathering records of its colleagues who were injured during the incident.

According to a statement published by LATAM Airlines, at least 10 passengers and three crew members were injured when the plane experienced a technical event. However, emergency medical services provider Hato Hone St John Ambulance in Auckland told CNN that approximately 50 people were treated for injuries upon arrival in Auckland, including one person in serious condition.

Pilot may have temporarily lost control of the jet

One of the passengers aboard the Chilean Boeing 787, Brian Jokat, told CNN that the pilot checked on the passengers and explained he had temporarily lost control of the jet.

I immediately engaged with him and said, What was that? And he openly admitted, he said, I lost control of the plane. My gauges just kind of went blank on me, Jokat said.

STCLA told CNN that it is awaiting the results of the investigation not only to know what happened, but also to be able to ask the company for any necessary improvements.

CNN contacted LATAM Airlines Wednesday but has not received a comment.

Aviation is a complex activity, it involves significant risks and must be carried out safely, so carrying out our work with appropriate conditions is also guaranteeing the safety of aviation as a whole, STCLA said in its statement.

A nightmare for Boeing

Analysis of the LATAM Airline flights black box data could shed light on Boeings role in the flights sudden drop.

Boeing is in crisis after a series of mid-flight disasters in recent months have led to intense scrutiny of its quality standards.

In January, a door plug blew off a new Boeing 737 Max operated by Alaska Airlines, leaving a hole in the side of the plane mid-flight. Investigators from the US National Transportation Safety Board said evidence showed four bolts that are meant to hold the door plug were missing.

On Wednesday, in a letter to a Senate committee probing Boeing, the National Transportation Safety Board said its investigation has been held back by Boeings lack of a paper trail for key evidence.

The most serious problem Boeing faced in recent years: two fatal crashes of its 737 Max jet due to a design flaw in the plane.

Meanwhile, in February, the Federal Aviation Administration flagged safety issues with engine anti-ice systems on the 737 Max and larger 787 Dreamliner.

The FAA said Monday it has given Boeing until late May to produce a plan to remedy issues identified in a federal audit and other reviews, including a safety culture survey of employees and a separate panel report that found workers concerned about retaliation for reporting safety concerns.

- CNNs Chris Isidore, Kathleen Magramo, Manveena Suri and Alex Stambaugh contributed to reporting.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
An investigation is ongoing into the death of the female passenger, who was found unresponsive in her cabin on the ship

Getty Images Stock photo of a cruise ship

A 32-year-old Florida man has been arrested in the Bahamas after a woman was found dead on a cruise ship.

Around 5:30 p.m. local time on Monday, the Royal Bahamas Police Force was contacted with reports of an unresponsive passenger on board a cruise ship on the island of Grand Bahama, according to a police report. Authorities have not disclosed the name of the cruise line.

A female passenger, later identified as a 27-year-old woman, also from Florida, had been found unresponsive in her cabin on the ship, and after a medical team responded to the scene and performed CPR, she was pronounced dead, per police.

Upon investigating, the Royal Bahamas Police Force confiscated a quantity of suspected cocaine from the female passengers cabin. They also arrested the 32-year-old man.

Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket via Getty Images Stock image of Grand Bahama

Police said the investigation into the death remains ongoing, and an autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of the female passengers death.

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Neither the woman nor the man who was arrested have been identified further than their age and their status as U.S. citizens. An investigation is ongoing.

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Read the original article on People.
A Missouri girl was critically injured in a fight captured on video near Hazelwood East High School, the St. Louis County Police Department said.

Video of Fridays altercation has since been shared by thousands of people online. It shows a girl getting thrown to the ground and punched in the head by another teen girl, who slams her head onto a concrete sidewalk multiple times.

Other teens were fighting around the injured girl as she lay on the ground shaking, the video shows.

Its not clear what led to the fight, and police are not publicly identifying those involved. But police confirmed the viral video is connected to the investigation, according to police spokesperson Vera Clay.

The assault victim was in critical condition after the fight, St. Louis County police said. - Mario Nawfal/X

Officers responded to a call at 2:32 p.m. Friday for a fight in progress near the intersection of Norgate Drive and Claudine Drive, St. Louis County police said in a statement Monday.

Responding officers located a juvenile female suffering a severe head injury. The victim was transported to an area hospital where she remains in critical condition, police said.

A 15-year-old female suspect was arrested Saturday and was being held by St. Louis County Family Court on assault charges, police said.

No updates have been made in the case as of Thursday, a police spokesperson said.

St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell called the video sickening and difficult to watch in a social media post Sunday.

Bell said the juvenile court system  not his office  has jurisdiction over the case, We pray the victim makes a full recovery, the prosecutor added. This is just heartbreaking.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey called the incident evil and a complete disregard for human life.

I am praying for the victim. The criminal should be charged and tried as an adult, Bailey posted on X. If the victim dies, that offense should rise to a homicide.

It was not immediately clear whether those involved in the fight were students at Hazelwood East High School, less than half a mile away from the scene of the fight.

But the Hazelwood School District said it is a tragedy anytime children are hurt.

Bullying and fighting in the community is an issue for which we all need to take ownership and work towards a resolution for the sake of our children, the district said in a Facebook post Saturday.

A crisis team will help provide emotional support to those in need, the school district said.

Please be kind and respectful of the families involved during this difficult time and pledge to help work toward the betterment of our entire community, the district said.

CNNs Holly Yan and Chris Boyette contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Map of Haiti

Haiti became the world's first black-led republic and the first independent Caribbean state when it threw off French colonial control and slavery in the early 19th Century.

But independence came at a crippling cost. It had to pay reparations to France, which demanded compensation for former slave owners. The 19th Century "independence debt" was not paid off until 1947. There have been recent calls for France to repay the money.

Chronic instability, dictatorships and natural disasters in recent decades have left it as the poorest nation in the Americas. A 2010 earthquake killed some 300,000 people and caused extensive damage to infrastructure and the economy.

A UN peacekeeping force was put in place in 2004 to help stabilize the country, and only withdrew in 2019.

In 2021, President Jovenel Moise was assassinated by unidentified gunmen in Port-au-Prince. Since then the country has been wracked by economic chaos, little functioning political control, and increasing gang warfare.

Read more country profiles - Profiles by BBC Monitoring

REPUBLIC OF HAITI: FACTS

Capital: Port-au-Prince

Area: 27,800 sq km

Population: 11.3 million

Languages: French, Haitian Creole

Life expectancy: 62 years (men) 66 years (women)

LEADER

Acting President and Prime Minister: Ariel Henry (resigned)

Ariel Henry

Ariel Henry took over as prime minister and president following the killing of President Jovenel Moise.

He resigned in March 2024 after weeks of mounting pressure and increasing gang violence. He had been stranded in Puerto Rico after earlier visiting Guyana and Kenya to sign a deal on deploying an international security force to help tackle the violence.

Announcing his move, he said his government would resign following the "installation of [a transition] council."

Mr Henry had led the country on a supposedly interim basis since President Moise's assassination but had repeatedly postponed elections, saying that security had to be restored first.

Many Haitians had questioned the length of his unelected governance and Mr Henry's resignation had been one of the key demands of the heavily armed gangs that have recently tighten their grip on the capital, Port-au-Prince.

These gangs have attacked the main prison to help thousands of inmates escape, as well as targeting police stations, the capital's international airport and its port.

Port-au-Prince and the surrounding region has been under a state of emergency and curfew. Many Haitians were already facing malnutrition and there are concerns that the problem will soon become significantly worse.

MEDIA

Numerous local radio stations, such as this one, were destroyed in the 2010 quake

Radio is Haiti's leading news medium and there are hundreds of local, privately-owned stations.

The media reflect a range of views but the work of journalists is hampered by threats and violence, press watchdogs say.

TIMELINE

Haiti is the most populous country in the Caribbean

Some key dates in Haiti's history:

1492 - Christopher Columbus lands and names the island Hispaniola, or Little Spain.

1496 - Spain establishes first European settlement in western hemisphere at Santo Domingo, now capital of Dominican Republic.

1697 - Spain cedes western part of Hispaniola to France, and this becomes Haiti.

1801 - A former black slave who became a guerrilla leader, Toussaint Louverture, conquers Haiti, abolishing slavery and proclaiming himself governor-general of an autonomous government over all Hispaniola.

1804-06 - First Empire of Haiti. General Jean Jacques Dessalines proclaims the independent black republic of Haiti after rebel slaves defeat French troops dispatched by Napoleon Bonaparte. Haiti is the first nation ever to successfully gain independence through a slave revolt. The US refuses to recognise the new country, fearful of the potential impact the slave rebellion could have in the southern US.

1821 - After the former Spanish colony of Santo Domingo declares independence, Haitian forces under President Jean-Pierre Boyer invade and unify the island of Hispaniola

1844 - Dominican forces defeat the occupying Haitian army and Dominican Republic becomes independent.

1849-59 - Second Empire of Haiti. Haiti, under General Faustin Soulouque, makes repeated attempts to conquer the Dominican Republic.

Late 19th/Early 20 Century - Haiti sees repeated bouts of political instability.

1915 - Haiti's President Vilbrun Guillaume Sam orders the mass execution of political prisoners. He is overthrown and killed. Fearing possible foreign intervention or the formation of an anti-American government, President Woodrow Wilson sends in US troops. A pro-US Haitian president is installed with a new constitution favouring US interests.

1934 - US withdraws troops from Haiti, but maintains fiscal control until 1947.

1956-57 - Haiti undergoes severe political turmoil.

'Papa Doc' Duvalier's reign of terror was characterised by torture and killings

1957 - Francois "Papa Doc" Duvalier is elected president. Initially popular he turns his administration into a brutal dictatorship, aided by a private militia known as the Tontons Macoutes, who terrorize the population and political opponents. Duvalier creates a personality cult, identifying himself with Baron Samedi, one of the loa or spirits, of Haitian Vodou.

1964 - Duvalier proclaims himself "President for Life". An uprising against him in Jeremie is violently suppressed, with hundreds killed. Despite his abuses of power, his firm anti-Communism earns him US support.

1971 - Papa Doc dies and is replaced by his son Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier. Tourism, which had collapsed in Papa Doc's time, again becomes important. But with economy decline, Baby Doc's grip on power weakens.

1986 - Baby Doc is forced into exile, ending a 29-year family dictatorship. It is estimated 40,000-60,000 Haitians were killed during the Duvaliers' reign.

1987-90 - Haiti experiences political turmoil and two coups following the overthrow of Baby Doc

1990 - Populist priest Father Jean-Bertrand Aristide is the landslide winner in a presidential election, Haiti's first free and peaceful polls.

1991 - President Aristide is overthrown by the military.

1994 - 20,000 US troops arrive to restore democracy. Jean-Bertrand Aristide returns.

2004 - President Aristide leaves Haiti again amid a rebellion. US Marines land to restore order. A UN stabilisation force is put in place.

2004-2008 - Haiti sees a series of tropical storms causing widespread death and disruption.

2010 - More than 300,000 people are killed and 1.6 million made homeless when a magnitude 7.0 earthquake hits the capital Port-au-Prince and its wider region - the worst in Haiti for 200 years.

2016 - Hurricane Matthew, the strongest to hit the region in a decade, kills hundreds in Haiti and destroys thousands of homes.

2017 - UN stabilisation force is reduced in size.

2019 - UN force pulls out of Haiti.

2021 - Unidentified gunmen attack the home of President Jovenel Moise in the capital, Port-au-Prince, killing him. Shortly after, Haiti is struck by a magnitude 7.2 earthquake, killing 2,200 people.

2021-23 - Haiti sees continued political deadlock, economic crisis and spiralling gang violence.

2024 - Prime Minister and President Ariel Henry resigns amid worsening gang violence in Port-au-Prince.
China reprimands US for economic bullying over semiconductor restrictions, warning of global supply chain disruption

Global Times) 13:31, March 14, 2024

China-US Graphic: GT

The Chinese embassy in the Philippines criticized the US for voicing further restrictions on chip exports to China on Thursday, saying the act violates market norms and disrupts global supply chains.

The implementation of semiconductor export restrictions by US not only contravenes the most-favored-nation treatment principle outlined in Article 1 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, and the provisions of the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade, but also goes against market laws, disrupts normal trade order, impacts the international production and supply chain stability, and constitutes blatant economic bullying, a spokesperson of the Chinese embassy in the Philippines said on Thursday.

The US justifies restricting chip exports to China on the grounds of "national security," but those measures overstretch the scope of national security, obstruct trade of civilian-use chips, the spokesperson said.

The criticism comes in the wake of a visit by a US delegation to the Philippines, led by the US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, during which, security issues were prominently discussed over pragmatic cooperation between the Philippines and the US, the spokesperson said, accusing the US of coaxing and misleading allies into opposing China's technological progress, questioning the sincerity of the US in addressing the Philippines' development challenges.

China urges the US to cease politicizing and weaponising economic, trade, and technological issues, and discourages its allies from decoupling and disrupting supply chains with China. China has vowed to take necessary measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests, said the spokesperson.

During her visit, Raimondo announced more than $1 billion in investments by American companies in the Philippines, while saying that the US "will do whatever it takes" to limit China's technological capabilities, Bloomberg reported on Monday.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
A Utah mother and stepfather were arrested and charged with sexually assaulting their own 15-year-old daughter  allegedly telling police that they wanted to teach the teen about relationships that way because they felt it was "safer" than her having sex with random people.

According to an affidavit obtained by local outlet KSL, the teenager contacted the police on Thursday and reported that her father had been sexually assaulting her for over a year.

Utah Parents Charged with Sex Crimes Against Daughter

The daughter was reportedly approached by her parents at the age of 14, following her mother's discovery of her interest in reaching and engaging in sexual activities with strangers, as outlined in official documents.

According to a report by AB 4, the mother found online conversations and Snapchat images showing the girl in compromising situations, causing concern. The couple allegedly purchased sex gear for the girl and gave her instructions on how to use it, reports say.

The couple, who were taken into custody by the Provo Police Department on Thursday, are now charged with a number of crimes. The stepfather is accused of conducting a variety of felonies, including rape, forcible sexual abuse, forcible sodomy, and object rape. On the other hand, the mother is accused of forcible sexual abuse, forcible sodomy, and object rape.

Local media outlets such as KSL, KTVX, and KUTV have made the decision to suppress the identity of the said victimr to protect their reputations and adhere to moral guidelines. There are reports that indicate that the parents became aware of their daughter's online activities with strangers and found explicit content on her Snapchat page more than a year ago.

An alarming turn in the case occurred when the couple, who are parents to four other children, reportedly argued that educating the victim about sexual topics and engaging in intimate actions with her would provide better protection than her future experiences with strangers, as detailed in court records.

Read Also: Smiling Marjorie Taylor Greene Announces 'Black Market Baby Organ Harvesting' Hearing

Allegations of Encouraging Daughter's Online Encounters

The victim, during interactions with both law enforcement and medical personnel, disclosed enduring sexual assaults perpetrated by her stepfather over an extended period.

A further point to consider is that the stepfather allegedly admitted to the authorities that he had sexual interactions with the child. According to reports from ABC 4, he was said to be admitted to bathing with the child and purchasing sexual stuff for her. He also admitted to purchasing sexual items for her.

Based on the documents concerning their arrest, the woman confronted her husband about allegations of engaging in sexual activity with the teenager. Both individuals are currently in custody without bail, as indicated by jail records. It's still uncertain if they have entered a plea or hired a lawyer to represent them.

In the event of suspected child abuse, individuals are urged to contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or visit www.childhelp.org for confidential assistance available in over 170 languages, emphasizing the toll-free and confidential nature of the service.

Texting "STRENGTH" to 741-741 is a way to connect with an experienced trouble counselor through the Crisis Text Line. Those who are aware of instances of sexual abuse or who have been victims of such abuse are encouraged to take action this.

Related Article: Convicted Wife Killer Scott Peterson Gets 3 New Court Dates in Latest Bid to Clear His Name

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The House voted with bipartisan, overwhelming fashion on Wednesday to pass a bill that could lead to a nationwide ban against TikTok, a major challenge to one of the worlds most popular social media apps.

The bill would prohibit TikTok from US app stores unless the social media platform  used by roughly 170 million Americans  is spun off from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. Its not yet clear what the future of the bill will be in the Senate. The House vote was 352 to 65, with 50 Democrats and 15 Republicans voting in opposition.

Lawmakers supportive of the bill have argued TikTok poses a national security threat because the Chinese government could use its intelligence laws against ByteDance, forcing it to hand over the data of US app users.

The push to pass the bill came up against headwinds from several different political directions: former President Donald Trump, who was once a proponent of banning the platform, has since equivocated on his position, while Democrats are facing pressure from young progressives among whom TikTok remains a preferred social media platform. TikTok creators and Beijing have responded angrily to the upcoming vote, with Chinas foreign ministry calling it an act of bullying.

The bill passed by the US House of Representatives puts the US on the opposite side of the principle of fair competition and international economic and trade rules, Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for Chinas Foreign Ministry, said Thursday.

In a rare show of bipartisanship, the measure advanced unanimously out of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee, and President Joe Biden has said he would sign the bill if it makes it to his desk.

The bill would give ByteDance roughly five months to sell TikTok. If not divested by that time, it would be illegal for app store operators such as Apple and Google to make it available for download.

TikTok has called the legislation an attack on the constitutional right to freedom of expression for its users. It launched a call-to-action campaign within the app, urging users to call representatives in Washington to oppose the bill. Multiple congressional offices have said theyve been flooded with calls.

Legislation heads to the Senate

In a statement on Wednesdays vote, TikTok said its attention would now shift to the Senate, where the fate of the legislation is unclear.

This process was secret and the bill was jammed through for one reason: its a ban, a TikTok spokesperson said in a statement. We are hopeful that the Senate will consider the facts, listen to their constituents, and realize the impact on the economy, 7 million small businesses, and the 170 million Americans who use our service.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer issued a statement, remaining uncommitted to the next steps in the Senate.

The Senate will review the legislation when it comes over from the House, Schumer, a Democrat from New York.

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat, and the panels top Republican, Marco Rubio of Florida, urged support for the House bill, citing the strong showing in Wednesdays vote.

We are united in our concern about the national security threat posed by TikTok  a platform with enormous power to influence and divide Americans whose parent company ByteDance remains legally required to do the bidding of the Chinese Communist Party, the bipartisan pair said in their joint statement.

Trump pushes back on potential TikTok ban

When Trump was president, he supported calls to ban the app, but he appears to have now backed away from that stance, though his rhetoric has at times sent seemingly mixed messages.

In a post on Truth Social last week, Trump expressed opposition to a ban, arguing that if TikTok were out of the picture, Facebook would benefit as he attacked Facebook and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg as an Enemy of the People.

In a Monday interview with CNBC, Trump said it was a tough decision whether the US should ban TikTok and continued to argue that getting rid of it would benefit Facebook, adding that he thought, Facebook has been very bad for our country.

Trump said he thought TikTok posed a national security threat to the US but said, You have that problem with Facebook and lots of other companies too, and There are a lot of people on TikTok that love it.

Theres, you know, a lot of good, and theres a lot of bad with TikTok, Trump said.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle who support the bill have argued that it is not a ban.

In recent comments to reporters, Wisconsin Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher, who chairs a House select committee on China, rejected characterizations of the bill as a TikTok ban.

Its not a ban, he said. It puts the choice squarely in the hands of TikTok to sever their relationship with the Chinese Communist Party. As long as ByteDance no longer owns the company, TikTok can continue to survive.  the basic ownership structure has to change.

TikTok has pushed back on claims from lawmakers that the legislation would provide options for the app.

This legislation has a predetermined outcome: a total ban of TikTok in the United States, the company wrote in a post on X. The government is attempting to strip 170 million Americans of their Constitutional right to free expression. This will damage millions of businesses, deny artists an audience, and destroy the livelihoods of countless creators across the country.

TikToks CEO, Shou Chew, has attempted to schedule 11th-hour meetings with members of Congress. The company also sent letters to multiple House lawmakers on Monday accusing them of mischaracterizing TikToks call-to-action campaign, saying it is offensive for lawmakers to dismiss the views of constituents who have overwhelmed congressional offices with phone calls.

This story and headline have been updated with additional information.

CNNs Lauren Fox, Kate Sullivan, Morgan Rimmer and Lauren Fox contributed.

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DETROIT  James Crumbley, father of a school shooter in Michigan, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, a second conviction against the teenager's parents who were accused of failing to secure a gun at home and doing nothing to address acute signs of his mental turmoil.

Crumbley and his wife, Jennifer Crumbley, whose teenage son murdered four students and injured seven other people at Oxford High School in November 2021, are the first parents in the nation to be held criminally accountable for a child's school shooting. In February, Jennifer Crumbley was convicted on involuntary manslaughter charges.

When the jury foreman read the verdicts, sighs of relief could be heard from the victims' families. James Crumbley shook his head from side to side as each guilty verdict was read.

As the courtroom cleared, Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald hugged the parents of each victim as they left the courtroom.

Over five days of testimony in James Crumbleys trial, the prosecution and defense hammered away at the same themes they did in the wife's case: One side maintained James Crumbley was a careless, negligent father who bought a troubled son a gun and failed to secure it. Defense lawyers said the dad never saw any signs that his son was mentally ill or would ever harm someone, that the gun wasn't a gift his son could use freely, and that it was hidden.

McDonald implored the jury in an impassioned speech to hold James Crumbley accountable for failing to take "tragically small measures" that could have saved the lives of four children.

James Crumbley, she stressed, could have put a cable lock on the gun his son sneaked out of the home and used in the shooting or taken his son home from school when the boy showed signs of desperation in a drawing he made. But James Crumbley did nothing, she added.

The victims' families have long argued that the Crumbleys aren't the only ones who made mistakes, that school officials also were negligent and must be held accountable for their children's tragic deaths.

"While we are grateful that James and Jennifer Crumbley were found guilty, we want to be very clear that this is just the beginning of our quest for justice and true accountability," the families of the four slain students said in a joint statement after the verdict came down. "There is so much more that needs to be done to ensure other families in Michigan and across the country dont experience the pain that we feel and we will not stop until real change is made."

Prosecutor: 'I say their names because they matter'

Ethan Crumbley, who was 15 at the time of the shooting, pleaded guilty and is serving life in prison without parole. In his rampage on Nov. 30, 2021, he killed Tate Myre, 16; Hana St. Juliana, 14; Madisyn Baldwin, 17, and Justin Shilling, 17, and wounded six other students and a teacher.

"Remember that he didn't just fail in his duty to his son," McDonald said of the father. "He failed in his duty to protect Hana, and Justin and Madisyn and Tate. I don't say their names to evoke sympathy. I say their names because they matter. They matter."

"And that is why we are here . . . Because if James Crumbley had done even the smallest of things, like the 10-second cable lock or gone home or took responsibility for his kid who was in trouble, those kids wouldn't have been shot and killed in that school on that day."

McDonald urged the jury to focus on what James Crumbley did not do in the days, weeks and months before his son shot up his school. McDonald also argued that James Crumbley ignored a son who was mentally struggling and asking for help and bought him a gun instead.

"James Crumbley is not on trial for what his son did. He's on trial for what he did and didn't do," said McDonald, who later would stress: "We are absolutely here about what happened in that school that day."

Defense stressed the case is about hindsight

Defense attorney Mariell Lehman began her closing argument by acknowledging the horrors that occurred on Nov. 30, 2021, in which lives were tragically ended and ruined.

"We can agree that you heard a lot about what happened inside Oxford High School. This case is not about what happened inside Oxford High School. This case is about what happened outside Oxford High School  about what James Crumbley knew on or before Nov. 30, 2021," Lehman said.

She stressed, repeatedly, that the case is about hindsight.

"The prosecution is asking you to second guess the decisions" of James Crumbley, she said, maintaining that no one who met with the shooter in the hours before the massacre could have predicted what was going to happen.

"As (school counselor) Shawn Hopkins told you, 'It's easy to look at things in hindsight,' " she said, referring to the counselor who concluded shortly before the massacre that the shooter posed no threat to anyone, despite Hopkins getting five alerts from teachers within 24 hours of the shooting about the teen showing troubling behavior.

The school officials didn't think he was a danger, she stressed, and neither did the boy's father.

'It says, 'Help me.' How many times does this kid have to say it?'

McDonald became visibly incensed as she focused the jury's attention on perhaps the most damning piece of evidence in the case: a troubling drawing the shooter made on the morning before the shooting on his math worksheet. It features a gun, a human body bleeding and the words: "The thoughts won't stop. Help me."

The boy's parents were summoned to the school over the drawing, though the Crumbleys returned to their jobs after they met with the counselor and dean of students, vowing to get their son help within 48 hours. The school officials concluded the student was no threat to himself or others, and let him return to class.

Two hours later, the boy fired his first shot.

Had James Crumbley taken his son's drawing more seriously and taken the boy home, McDonald argued, the tragedy could have been avoided.

"It says, 'Help me,' How many times does this kid have to say it?" McDonald argued, alleging the shooter had asked for help repeatedly in the past year, but no one did anything.

After meeting with school officials, James and Jennifer Crumbley went back to their jobs.

"Use common sense," McDonald said. "It doesn't make any sense to stand here and say someone had no idea that he needed help when he saw on a page, 'Help me.' "

Lehman addressed why James Crumbley didn't bring his son home that day, saying the professionals at school wanted the boy to see someone so that his sadness wouldn't get worse, "not that 'he had to see someone right now. It's an emergency. He has to see someone right now.' That's not what was said."

A focus on the shooter's journal

McDonald urged jurors to remember the shooter's journal, noting the teen wrote he was "begging" his dad for a Sig Sauer 9mm handgun, and eventually got it. She cited this excerpt:

"First off, I got my gun. It's a Sig Sauer  The shooting is tomorrow. I have access to the gun and ammo."

McDonald also cited several of the shooter's journal entries:

"I have zero help for my mental problems, and it's causing me to shoot up the f----- school."

"I want help, but my parents won't listen to me, so I can't get any help."

"My parents won't listen to me about help or a therapist."

She also repeated a text the shooter sent to his friend in which he wrote: "I actually asked my dad to take me to the doctor the other day, and he just gave me some pills and said to 'suck it up.' "

Lehman, however, urged the jury to remember another excerpt in the journal, which reads: "I will have to find where my dad hid my 9 mm before I can shoot (up) the school."

This, Lehman argued, showed that the boy did not have access to the gun.

McDonald installs cable lock  'That takes less than 10 seconds'

McDonald concluded by focusing on "tragically small things" that she believed could have saved four lives.

She conducted a demonstration, showing jurors how easy it is to put a cable lock on a gun. "This is the murder weapon," she said, pointing at the 9mm in the courtroom. "This is a cable lock  we know a cable lock was in the home. We know it was provided."

McDonald then installed the lock. "This is me inserting a cable lock. That takes less than 10 seconds, 10 seconds.  It was right there. Ten seconds of the easiest simplest thing."

Contributing: The Associated Press

Contact Tresa Baldas at tbaldas@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: James Crumbley verdict: Jury finds father of school shooter guilty
Words used to describe Kamala Harris by registered democrat voters in Suffolk University/ USA Today poll

WASHINGTON  Despite efforts by the White House to rehabilitate Vice President Kamala Harris's image, she continues to struggle winning over Americans outside of the Democratic tent, an exclusive USA TODAY/Suffolk University Poll shows.

The national survey found 52% of registered voters disapprove of her job performance as President Joe Biden's vice president.

About 36% approve of how shes handling the role, trailing Biden's almost equally dismal 41% approval rating.

Asked to weigh Harris personal popularity the numbers dont get much better.

Roughly 38% of Americans have a favorable view of Harris, lagging behind Biden, who is viewed favorably by 41% of registered voters. Former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, was viewed favorably by 40% of respondents in the poll.

Democratic allies warned Biden's team a year ago about the need to boost Harris and clap back against the withering effectiveness of Republican attacks.

Now with the general election informally underway at a time when the age and acuity of both presumptive presidential nominees is being driven to the forefront, experts say questions about Harris  and eventually Trump's running mate  will only get louder.

Usually, it's a secondary and muted discussion about vice presidents. This time, it's going to be almost a parallel and loud discussion in comparison, said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center.

Mar 8, 2024; Phoenix, Ariz, U.S.; Vice President Kamala Harris gives a speech on her nationwide ?Fight for Reproductive Freedoms? tour at the South Mountain Community Center during a visit to Phoenix. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic

"I think she's very smart. I think she's confident," said Democrat Alissa Morris, 49, an administrator of a developmental disabilities program in Ronkonkoma, New York, who plans to vote for Biden. "She knows what she's doing. I think her role that she's in now does not take full advantage of her abilities."

Republican Rose Marie Livings isn't as forgiving. She pointed to Biden tapping Harris to lead efforts to address migration at the U.S.-Mexico border amid the ongoing migrant crisis.

"She's pathetic," Livings, 87, a retired public school administrator in Vero Beach, Florida, said in an interview. "She was supposed to deal with the border."

More than half don't view Harris as qualified to be president

Harris poll numbers have long been a sore spot for the White House and Democrats, who often say she is unfairly judged as the first Black and South Asian woman to hold the office.

The vice president has faced detractors who say she's failed to define an effective role in the administration. Some of her assignments have included the thorny tasks of solving Central American migration along the southern border and ensuring voting rights amid a barrage of new state election laws.

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.

Harris has shined as the White House's culture warrior-in-chief, leaning into progressive causes such as slamming Floridas education guidelines targeting Black history last summer. Recently, the vice president has emerged as one of the administration's leading voices pushing Israel to do more to limit Palestinian casualties in its war against Hamas and to get humanitarian aid into Gaza.

She has also led the White House's charge on restoring abortion access after the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade. Harris on Thursday is set to visit a Planned Parenthood clinic in Minnesota, marking the first visit by a president or vice president to a clinic that provides abortion services.

Harris hasn't publicly sweated poll numbers or GOP-fueled attacks, saying in a recent interview: "I am ready to serve. Theres no question about that."

This latest poll, however, show voters still have their doubts. And a significant portion lack of confidence in her ability to take over should Biden be unable to lead: 54% of survey respondents said Harris isn't qualified to serve as president versus 38% who believe she has what it takes.

Republican Nathan Conder, 59, a retired veteran, said she "just seems invisible to me most of the time."

"There doesn't seem to be an agenda at all, except for waiting for her turn to be the president and if something were to happen to Joe Biden," said Conder, who lives in Freeport, Illinois.

The Trump campaign and its allies have sought to seize on Harris unpopularity and concerns about her ability to serve as president.

In a television ad released last week by MAGA Inc., a super Pac supporting Trump, a narrator asked: "We can all see Joe Biden's weakness. If Biden wins, can he even survive till 2029?" The narrator added: "The real question is: Can we?" The ad then shows a clip of Harris laughing.

While a whopping 92% of Republican voters said Harris is not qualified to be president, doubts are also within key voting blocs the Biden campaign will need in the fall: 56% of independents; 37% of African Americans; and 48% of Hispanic voters said she isn't qualified.

"I don't even know why she was selected," said Sandra Luby, 75, a former special ed teacher who hails from Bainbridge, Ohio.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks before President Joe Biden at an event on the campus of George Mason University in Manassas, Va., Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, to campaign for abortion rights, a top issue for Democrats in the upcoming presidential election.

"I think the only reason she was selected is because she's Black, to be honest with you, and she's a woman," the self-described independent told USA TODAY.

"Is she articulate? Yeah. Shes relatively articulate and so I suppose that counts," Luby added. "But we're at that point where that's the only thing that counts? Thats sad."

The poll's findings are bound to infuriate Harris's most fervent backers, who argue she has faced a steeper and nastier hill to climb as the first Black woman and first South Asian woman to have what historians often call Washington's most thankless gig.

"I think if anything happened to Biden, I think she would be able to step in very, very nicely, and I don't think there would be any qualms," said Democrat Cynthia Lowe, 67, a school bus driver who lives in Gladstone, Oregon.

"Given that I don't know who else would be a better candidate at this point in time than I would have to say yes, she probably is the best that I'm aware of.

Queen of the Dems: VP scores big with Black voters

The poll isnt all doom and gloom for Harris, who is immensely popular among fellow Democrats.

Overall, 76% of voters who identified as Democrats approve of Harris' job performance which slightly trails the 84% of Democratic voters who approve of Biden's performance in office.

Harris gets her highest marks from Black voters, who at 51% approve of her job performance, compared to 33% of white voters and 39% of Hispanic voters, according to the USA TODAY/Suffolk University survey.

In terms of her overall popularity, she is viewed favorably by 59% of Black voters, while only 34% of white voters and 37% of Hispanic voters said they viewed Harris favorably.

"As I say, she's queen Kamala when it comes to Democrats," Paleologos, the Suffolk researcher, said. "Independents, you know, she's quite suitable Kamala. Among Republicans, she's court jester Kamala."

Harris approval rating is just 28% among independent voters and 4% among Republicans.

Still, when voters were asked to say a word to describe Harris, 46% had positive responses such as "smart," "intelligent," "knowledgeable," "competent" and "strong/confident."

"I think she's a really high-quality human being with great integrity  smart as a whip, very strong  and I would be comfortable if she became president if Biden had to resign or had some health issue," said Craig Richey, 62, a film and television composer from Los Angeles.

Richey, a Democrat, commended Harris' background as a prosecutor, which he said shined during her time as a U.S. senator from California. He questioned why "in some circles or in the press" Harris has endured criticism.

"I'm not sure for what because I don't know that there's been much out front that she can be measured on," Richey said.

Rick Davis, an insurance agent in Pembroke Pines, Florida, agreed that the vice president is doing an "excellent" job. The 52-year-old independent voter, who is Black, cited her efforts to reach out to younger voters and lobbying against gun violence.

"I follow her on Instagram and I see exactly what she's doing every day," he said. "I see her going out and getting things done."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kamala Harris approval rating high among Dems but not elsewhere: poll
A24/MH Illustration

IN MARCH OF 2022, Katy OBrian stumbled upon an A24 online casting call and perked up. Seeking an actress with bodybuilding experience, the listing read, specifying a few other desired characteristics: fresh-faced, striking, and wide-eyed. Still relatively new to Los Angeles, where she moved to pursue a full-time acting career, OBrian had spent her 20s navigating Indianas bodybuilding circuit. The muscular role, playing opposite Kristen Stewart, seemed like a perfect fit. It also made her a little annoyed that it hadnt yet been on her radar. Why did I not get an audition for this? she remembers thinking, recounting to Mens Health inside the library of A24s New York headquarters.

Later that week, OBrian put together a PowerPoint selling her extensive, bulked-up background. She compiled old competition photos, chronicled the contests shed entered, and shared her experiences training. I told my team to submit that or I would riot, which basically means pout really hard and mope around, OBrian laughs. When she eventually got to see pages of the script, she found even more real-life connections.  This is how I talk, she remembers thinking as she read through. I know this character. She earned a callback, then a screen test, and then a chemistry read, a six-part audition process that relied on her acting chops and banked on her eventual ability to get ripped. It was so unlike anything I'd ever done, OBrian says. It scared the shit out of me.

Thats also how it feels to watch certain parts of Love Lies Bleeding, director Rose Glasss genre-bending second feature, which starts as a seductive queer romance before turning into a brutal, pulpy thrill ride. Set in 1980s New Mexico, it hinges on Lou (Stewart), a reclusive gym owner, who strikes up a relationship with Jackie (OBrian), a Midwest drifter on her way to Las Vegas to compete in a bodybuilding contest. As they grow closer, Jackies loyal instinctsexacerbated by frequent steroid injectionsinitiate a supernatural act of violence, uncovering Lous criminal family and its secret history. The movie, which premiered at this years Sundance Film Festival to glowing reviews, pushed OBrian to her limit.

A24

I wanted to challenge myself, she says of her first leading role. I just wanted to show that I could do it, and I wanted to show myself that I could do it, too.

Living up to the casting calls striking descriptor, OBrian showcases a dynamic screen presence, her soft and sensitive eyes belying her sculpted anatomy and Jackies manic descent. Its a stark departure from OBrians recentand most notablestints, playing the stoic and sinister communications officer Elia Kane in The Mandalorian and Jentorra in last years Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, a marginal role that displayed her martial arts background. The decision to take on a meatier role, she says, afforded a real opportunity to explore her range and performative capabilities. As she witnessed in Park City during Sundance, it also gave her the first taste of stardom. You're walking on the street to get to and from press things, and you get paparazzi like crazy, she says. It was insane. It's like a blur.

In some ways, OBrian had been preparing to play Jackie her whole life. At the age of 5, she took martial arts classes to defend herself against elementary school bullies. Though she took various acting classes through high school and college, she pursued law enforcement and became a police officer outside of Indianapolis. I pushed it off as unrealistic, she says of acting. Still, she was unhappy. I just really wanted to get in shape and be confident about my body, she says. That eventually led her to try bodybuilding, whose various categories didnt mean just getting abnormally buff. She began training, competed in a couple contests, and split time earning a certificate to train others. The transformation made her stand out.

There is definitely this thing where people stare at you, they treat you kind of funny; and then, also being queer in the Midwest is not the greatest experience, she says. At the end of the day, I got stronger. I showed that I could do it. I have so much respect for it.

A24

After re-enrolling in acting classes around 2015, OBrian knew she needed to chase her long-gestating ambition full-time. A year later, she quit her job, dropped her training, and moved to Los Angeles, where she eventually earned a few television roles and met her wife, screenwriter Kylie Chi. Those life-changing experiences came full circle as she began to embody Jackie, another queer, ostracized, and bullied bodybuilder traveling across the country. There were so many little similarities where I was just like, I have to do this, she says. We both moved out west to chase our dreams, we both found love along the way. It just felt like a part that was written for me.

To get into shape, she enrolled in a taxing regimen two weeks before production began, working out six days a week in three-hour spurts (often after long days of shooting) with Hollywood trainer Steve Zim, whose clients have included Jessica Biel and Ashley Judd. He knows how to essentially sculpt muscle for the camera, which is a very different experience than just sculpting it for a competition, OBrian says. She adds: He would customize my workouts every single day, adjusting her routines based on her soreness levels. The studio also supplied OBrian with a meal prep service and a nutritionist to weigh her breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, tasks she was glad she didnt have to do herself. It was as easy as it possibly could be, she says.

Because Glass filmed the movie chronologically, OBrian had about a two-month head start to prepare for Jackies feverish (and ultimately violent) third-act bodybuilding competition scene. A week before filming, O'Brian worked to shed water weight so she'd look slightly more vascular and show more separation in her muscles (a look she'd based, along with her frizzled hairstyle, on 80s bodybuilder Lisa Lyon). To do this, she did what's called a dehydration cycle, significantly cutting her water consumption over several days to help get rid of an extra 10 pounds of water weight, a (not quite healthy) process she often implemented before contests in Indiana. There's a science to having your skin as tight to the muscle as it can be, so you can see striations and the musculature, OBrian says, but at the same time having blood flow and and having a pump.



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The biggest challenge? Flexing and posingalong with real bodybuildersfor extended periods of time. On an actual contest day, you go out and do like five minutes on stage, she says. [But] this is a 12-hour day of me doing the same routine over and over. Your body is so sensitive, it changes dramatically in the course of a couple hours, whether you drink a sip of water or your muscles get tired.

In between training, OBrian was grateful for the chance to tap into her characters sexuality and vulnerable side, too, which, in one scene, meant Stewart intimately licking her feet. I was like, I can spray mint on my toe, she laughs. I'm ticklish, so it was all I could do not to scream. Its a dimension she hadnt explored much under the Disney and Marvel apparatus, whose controlled environments and lengthy shoots had specific parameters and encouraged varied line readings that didnt always feel authentic to her character in the final edit. You really want to make everybody as three-dimensional as possible, OBrian says. They kind of pick the performance, and it takes a little bit of ownership away from you, as the artist.

Which is maybe why Love Lies Bleeding feels like such a coming-out partyand a chance to expand and diversify her fan base beyond its already strong sci-fi contingent. Shell have another opportunity this summer thanks to a small role in Twisters, marking a Mandalorian reunion with director Lee Isaac Chung. Shes eager for people to see it (she shows me a photo from the set at the end of our interview), but has tempered her excitement about a career that seems on the precipice of taking off. I havent booked anything since Twisters, she says.

In other words, shes in a waiting period, at least until the industry sees her flex. I have this work, I put it out there, and I'm happy, OBrian says. I feel like now I'm chasing that high of finding another project I love just as much.

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A Missouri man was shocked to see how much he won on a Powerball ticket.

The Laclede County man purchased the ticket for the Feb. 26 drawing at the East Gate Express in Lebanon, according to a March 13 news release from the Missouri Lottery.

It was just a Quick Pick, he said.

The man realized he matched four out of five numbers, plus the Powerball number.

When he looked at the screen to see the prize amount, it took him a moment to realize what he just won.

I looked at it on the computer and thought it was $5,000 at first, but then I realized it was $50,000, he said.

The man took the ticket back to the store, just to be sure, he told lottery officials.

She came back and told me it was for $50,000! he said.

The winning numbers were 24, 29, 42, 51 and 54 with the Powerball number being 16.

Lebanon is about 165-mile drive southwest of St. Louis.

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Mega Millions player wins big in Georgia. Where was the lucky ticket sold?

Mom thought she won $250 on lottery game from son  but the prize was much bigger
A mom was arrested after being accused of starving her 4-year-old son to death, Delaware officials said.

Mercedes Ferguson, 30, called 911 in August in reference to CPR on her son, according to a Facebook post by New Castle County Police.

Officers, paramedics and EMS arrived at the Wilmington home and tried providing the boy with medical aid, officials said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

He weighed 23 pounds at the time of his death, police told WPVI.

The Delaware Division of Forensic Science performed an autopsy and ruled the death a homicide through starvation, officials said.

On March 8, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Ferguson after police and the Delaware Attorney Generals Office reviewed the case, officers said.

Ferguson was arrested at a home in New Castle on March 11, officials said.

She was booked into the Delores J. Baylor Womens Correctional Institution on a murder by abuse or neglect charge, officials said.

The investigation remains ongoing and police are asking anyone with information to call 302-395-2745, officials said.

New Castle County is about a 30-mile drive northwest of Dover.

Mother let 16-month-old waste away and die, AZ officials say. Shes going to prison

Woman comes home to find her 4 kids dead, CA cops say. Their dad is going to prison

1-year-old twins faced abuses incomprehensible in their heinousness, PA officials say
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a court filing Thursday that his office doesn't oppose Donald Trump's request to delay his hush money trial  only days before the former president was scheduled to face his first criminal trial while simultaneously running to return to the White House.

The surprise move comes after federal prosecutors began turning over tens of thousands of documents this month relating to their investigation and their prosecution in 2018 of former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, who is expected to be a key witness in the trial.

Bragg's filing said that "although the People are prepared to proceed to trial on March 25, we do not oppose an adjournment in an abundance of caution and to ensure that defendant has sufficient time to review the new materials."

He added that his office doesn't oppose delaying the start of the trial for 30 days. The judge first scheduled the March 25 trial date in May.

If the start date is ultimately pushed back, it will be yet another win for Trump, whose strategy across the four criminal indictments he faces has been to seek delays.

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump accused the DA's office of having "illegally withheld thousands of pages of documents."

"[W]ow, people have never seen anything like this one," he wrote.

Trump had requested a 90-day delay in the trial after the U.S. attorneys office in Manhattan provided 73,000 pages of discovery since March 4. Bragg said his offices initial review of those documents were largely irrelevant to the subject matter of this case" except for 172 pages of witness statements.

He said the U.S. attorney's office produced about 31,000 pages of "additional records" to both prosecutors and Trump's lawyers Wednesday and "indicated that an additional production would follow by next week." A judge approved Trumps request in mid-January to subpoena additional materials from federal prosecutors.

The timing of the USAOs productions is a result solely of defendants delay despite the Peoples diligence, Bragg said, noting his office had received a "subset" of materials from the U.S. attorney's office in June, and promptly turned what they had over to Trump's lawyers.

"Despite having access to those materials since June, defendant raised no concerns to the People about the sufficiency of our efforts to obtain materials from the USAO before last week; instead, defendant waited until January 18, 2024, to subpoena additional material," Bragg's filing said.

Trump's attorneys blamed Bragg for the delay.

"The People should have obtained and produced these materials long ago, and instead they chose to seek unsuccessfully to obstruct our access to them," they told the judge in a March 8 filing that was made public Thursday.

They've asked the judge to sanction the DA's office for not having gotten the material earlier, accusing prosecutors of "improper and unethical actions" and of having "engaged in widespread misconduct as part of a desperate effort to improve their position at the potential trial on the false and unsupported charges in the Indictment."

They also characterized the newly turned-over evidence as being far more relevant than the DA claimed, saying the documents include "exculpatory evidence" for their client and information that could be used to impeach Cohen's credibility.

The evidence relates to Cohen's 2018 guilty plea to numerous criminal charges, including making secret payments to women who claimed they had affairs with Trump, lying to Congress about his boss' business dealings with Russia and failing to report millions of dollars in income.

The secret payments to women are at the heart of the DA's case, which alleges Trump falsified business records related to Cohen's $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels in the closing days of the 2016 presidential campaign. In court filings relating to Cohen's plea, federal prosecutors alleged Cohen paid the women off in coordination with and at the direction of Trump, who was named at the time only as "Individual-1."

Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump, framed Braggs filing as conceding serious discovery violations.

We will continue to fight to end this Hoax, Cheung said in his statement.

In mid-February, Judge Juan Merchan, who is overseeing the case, scheduled the trial to begin March 25. He said he expected it would last about six weeks.

Merchan, who did not seem interested in defense requests for a delay during a scheduling hearing this year, will need to rule on both sides requests to push back the trial date. He could rule for a delay of less than 30 days or more.

Trump's attorneys said in a court filing last week that part of their defense will be that Trump "lacked the requisite intent to commit the conduct charged in the indictment." Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to the hush money payments to Daniels. He has pleaded not guilty.
National Pi Day is Thursday, March 14, this year, and you don't have to be a mathematical genius to enjoy the delicious discounts it offers.

The origins of Pi Day can be traced back to the late 20th century, with physicist Larry Shaw organizing the first official celebration at the San Francisco Exploratorium in 1988, according to History.com. Since then, Pi Day has grown into a global phenomenon, with events ranging from mathematical lectures to pie-eating contests and pun-filled festivities.

Yet, Pi Day is about much more than just decimals. It's about really awesome deals.

Here's where to find them

Burger King: Sundae Pie special

Celebrating Pi Day, customers can enjoy a complimentary Hershey's Sundae Pie all day long with any purchase totaling $3.14 or more, exclusively through the app.

Grimaldi's Pizza: $3.14 slices on Pi Day

Grimaldis has giant pizza slices for $3.14 from 11 a.m.  3 p.m. on Pi Day. You can add additional toppings for 75 cents at select Grimaldis locations.

Kona Grill: Apple pie deal for $3.14

At Kona Grill, get a slice of apple pie for $3.14 with any entree or steak purchase on Thursday, March 14.

Marco's Pizza: National Pi Day $3.14 pizza deal

At Marco's Pizza on National Pi Day, get a medium one-topping pizza for $3.14 with the purchase of any large or extra-large menu-priced pizza (use code PIDAY2024; offer is good for online and app orders only).

At Marcos on National Pi Day, get a medium 1-topping pizza for $3.14 with the purchase of any large or extra-large menu-priced pizza.

Marie Callender's Pi Day deal on frozen pies

Marie Callender's celebrates Pi Day with a special offer on its frozen dessert pies. On March 14th, visit mariecallendersmeals.com for a coupon for $3.14 off multi-serve dessert pies at select retailers, including Walmart.

MJ's Gaming Cafe $3.14 discount

Calculate your $3.14 discount on hourly gaming, fluffy waffles, and sandwiches, available all day at 10280 Montana Ave Suite E, El Paso, TX. Gaming is available originally for $8 per hour on PC, console, Switch, and VR. Score points for some great prizes and family-friendly fun for all

Papa John's National Pi Day deal

Papa John's Garlic Epic Stuffed Crust pizza starts at just $13.99 for Pi Day. The pizza chain has additional deals on Offers.com.

Pieology: Pi Day free perks

Members of Pieology's Pie Life Rewards loyalty program will receive two free perks on Thursday, March 14th, when they order a Create Your Own (CYO) Pizza or Calzone. Perks include cookies, drinks, and salad.

Members of Pieology's Pie Life Rewards loyalty program will get two free perks on Thursday, March 14, when they order a Create Your Own (CYO) Pizza or Calzone.

Pizza Hut: Buy one, get one free pizza with purchase

Pizza Hut is offering a "special guest appreciation deal" to honor Pi Day, giving customers the opportunity to claim a free large one topping pizza with the purchase of a menu-priced large pizza.

Customers can claim this offer by heading to Pizza Hut's homepage, clicking on the advertised deal or entering code FREEPIZZA when they checkout.

Schlotzsky's: $3.14 off pizza or flatbread

Slice into saving with Schlotzsky's. Reward members can enjoy a tasty $3.14 off pizza and flatbread when ordering online, in-store, or through Schlotzsky's Rewards app. Participating locations only.

On National Pi Day, members of Schlotzsky's Rewards loyalty program get $3.14 off any pizza or flatbread.

Taco Bell: Get a $3.14 Mexican pizza on Pi Day

Pi Day persists with an exclusive offer for its rewards members: get a classic Mexican Pizza for $3.14 through the fast-food chain's app.

Village Inn: Free pie on Pi day

Treat yourself to a complimentary slice of pie, available in any flavor of your choosing, with the purchase of any entree and beverage at participating locations on 3/14/24. After all, nothing beats freeso why not sample a new favorite?

More deals abound: Some pizzerias and bakeries in El Paso may also celebrate Pi Day with specials. Keep an eye on social media accounts to discover additional discounts.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: National Pi Day pizza deals include Papa John's, Pizza Hut, Grimaldi's
By Trevor Hunnicutt and David Brunnstrom

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden plans to express concern over Nippon Steel's proposed $14.9 billion purchase of U.S. Steel, a person familiar with the matter said on Wednesday, pushing the U.S. company's stock nearly 13% lower on bets the deal could face greater political opposition.

The issue has the potential to overshadow an April 10 summit between Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida aimed at boosting the long-standing security alliance between their countries in the face of growing Chinese strength.

In December, Nippon Steel clinched a deal to buy the 122-year-old iconic U.S. steelmaker for a hefty premium, betting that U.S. Steel would benefit from the spending and tax incentives in Biden's infrastructure bill.

However, several Democratic and Republican U.S. senators have criticized the deal, citing national security concerns or raising questions about why the two companies did not consult U.S. Steel's main union ahead of the announcement.

Donald Trump, Biden's rival in the November U.S presidential election, has said he would block the acquisition of U.S. Steel if elected. The White House said in December the deal needed to be carefully scrutinized given U.S. Steel's core role in producing a material that is critical to national security.

The White House declined to comment on Wednesday, but a person familiar with the matter said Biden would issue a statement about the planned acquisition before Kishida arrives for his state visit.

U.S. officials and lawyers have drafted the statement and the White House has privately informed the Japanese government of Biden's decision, according to the Financial Times, which first reported the news.

Japan's top government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi declined to comment on the report. "The Japan-U.S. alliance is stronger than ever, and the two countries will continue to work together ... in the field of economic security," Hayashi, chief cabinet secretary, told reporters on Thursday, echoing recent remarks by Japanese officials.

Matthew Goodman, a trade and economics expert at Washington's Council on Foreign Relations think tank, said the issue could overshadow the summit and be damaging for Kishida, who is already struggling politically at home.

"A prime minister of Japan has to demonstrate that he has the U.S. relationship not only under control, but that he's enhancing it," Goodman said. "So to the extent this runs counter to that narrative politically at home, it's problematic."

Goodman said he thought the case of the acquisition being a risk to U.S. national security was "dubious" and questioning investments from a supposedly trusted security partner could be very damaging to the relationship.

"It's much more to do with politics in an election year when both nominees are appealing to support from steel workers and unions," he said of Biden and Trump.

In a joint statement, Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel said they welcomed the Biden administration's scrutiny of the transaction, as "an objective and comprehensive review of this transaction will demonstrate that it strengthens U.S. jobs, competition, and economic and national security."

Goodman said there have been long-standing concerns in the United States about Japanese labor practices and "non-support for unionization of workers in Japanese-owned factories in the U.S. well beyond steel."

The companies said they have had "active, dedicated discussions with the United Steelworkers, which are ongoing."

U.S. Steel, founded in 1901 by some of the biggest U.S. magnates, including Andrew Carnegie, J.P. Morgan and Charles Schwab, became intertwined with the industrial recovery following the Great Depression and World War Two.

Last year, the Pittsburgh-based company launched a formal review of its strategic options after rebuffing a takeover offer from steelmaker Cleveland-Cliffs.

Its shares had come under pressure following several quarters of falling revenue and profit, making it an attractive takeover target for rivals looking to add a maker of steel used by the automobile industry.

U.S. Steel shares closed 12.8% lower at $40.86 on Wednesday, well below Nippon's offer of $55 per share.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt and David Brunnstrom in Washington and Abhijith Ganapavaram in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Kantaro Komiya in Tokyo; Editing by Devika Syamnath, Arun Koyyur and Jamie Freed)
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees reported that Israeli troops had targeted one of its food distribution sites in southern Gaza, resulting in the death of at least a single worker and the injuries of 22 others. The Israeli military confirmed the strike, stating that it was directed at a Hamas commander.

The Israel Defense Forces announced that Muhammad Abu Hasna was killed in the strike on the building in Rafah. They stated that he was involved in managing humanitarian aid distribution to Hamas members.

Hamas Confirms Deputy Police Chief's Death Amid Tensions

Hamas confirmed the passing of Abu Hasna, who had been recognized as the deputy head of police operations in Rafah. This confirmation arrives as tensions in the region continue to rise.

An assault on a distribution center near the Egyptian border was reported by the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Even though the center's coordinates had been exchanged in advance with Israel and other parties, the attack still occurred, leading to casualties. UNRWA did not provide further details on the incident or reveal the identity of the staff member who was killed, but local human rights groups documented five deaths. Still, The Washington Post has yet to confirm the increased number of casualties.

These attacks took place among a severe hunger crisis affecting Gaza. Relief agencies point to Israel's obstruction of relief supplies as a contributing factor to this crisis. Previous attacks on police units responsible for protecting aid convoys have made trucks and supplies easy targets for criminals and desperate civilians, worsening the humanitarian crisis.

That emphasizes the scale of the situation, the UN expressed the over 576,000 people in Gaza, which is a quarter of its population, who are at risk of famine.

Responding to the crisis, the United Nations introduced a fresh land route for getting essential supplies to northern Gaza following a three-week break. The Israeli government spokesperson, Tal Heinrich, highlighted the efforts to improve aid distribution while avoiding potential interception by Hamas, according to SBS News.

Read Also: US Sends More Anti-Terrorism Marines to Haiti After Gang Leader 'Barbecue' Demands 'Bloody Revolution'

Israel Seeks Alternatives as Tensions Persist

Regardless, tensions continue as Israel accuses UNRWA of maintaining connections with Hamas militants. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is determined to replace UNRWA with alternative agencies to ensure aid delivery remains uninterrupted.

Many countries, including the US and Jordan, have turned to airdrops to provide aid in response to international appeals for greater humanitarian access to Gaza. Furthermore, a pilot project was initiated with a ship transporting 200 tonnes of aid setting sail from Cyprus. The goal is to create a sea route for delivering supplies. Despite these efforts, UN officials stress that access to land remains essential.

The repercussions of the conflict reaches beyond Gaza, as violence intensifies in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The latest occurrences involve a Palestinian teenager fatally stabbing a soldier and a guard at a checkpoint before being shot dead.

Israeli forces engaged in confrontations with Palestinians during operations in Jenin and on the outskirts of Jerusalem, leading to additional casualties.

As tensions persist and humanitarian crises deepen, the need of global cooperation to reduce suffering and prevent conflict escalation grows more pressing, Reuters reported.

Related Article: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Could Be Ousted from Power as Coalition in Jeopardy, US Intelligence Report Claims

@ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
SEOUL (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit South Korea next week and hold a meeting on Monday with his counterpart, Cho Tae-yul, the foreign ministry in Seoul said on Thursday.

Blinken will be attending the third Summit for Democracy hosted by South Korea taking place from Monday to Wednesday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lim Soo-suk told a briefing.

The meeting by Cho and Blinken will be the second in a month, as the allies step up efforts to upgrade their ability to execute the so-called "extended deterrence" in response to security threats from North Korea.

The summit, attended by foreign ministers, other senior officials and civil society leaders, will hold discussions under the theme of "Democracy for Future Generations," South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's office has announced.

(Reporting by Jack Kim; Editing by Michael Perry)
The American Library Association announced Thursday that the number of books challenged in libraries across the U.S. spiked 65% in 2023 over the previous year, reaching the highest level ever documented by the nonprofit organization.

In a new report, the association says that 4,240 individual book titles were targeted for removal from schools and public libraries  a sharp increase from the previous high of 2,571 in 2022.

The library association, which has monitored attempted book bans since 1990, compiles data on challenges from two sources: reports from library professionals and news stories. The association said the 2023 data represents only a snapshot of book censorship, partly because many attempts to challenge books are not formally flagged or covered by the news media.

The reports from librarians and educators in the field make it clear that the organized campaigns to ban books arent over, and that we must all stand together to preserve our right to choose what we read, said Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the associations Office for Intellectual Freedom.

In recent years, school districts and state legislatures nationwide have been roiled by fierce, politicized debates over what reading materials are appropriate for kids and teenagers. The efforts to restrict or withdraw books have been driven in part by conservative activist groups such as Moms for Liberty as well as Republican politicians.

Meanwhile, lawmakers in at least 13 states this year alone have introduced legislation that could disrupt libraries services and censor their materials, according to an NBC News tally.

The American Library Associations report found that nearly half of the book titles targeted for censorship dealt with the voices and lived experiences of the LGBTQ+ community and people of color.

In 2022, the library associations list of the 13 most challenged books nationwide included Maia Kobabes Gender Queer: A Memoir, George M. Johnsons All Boys Arent Blue, Toni Morrisons The Bluest Eye and Juno Dawsons This Book Is Gay. (The association plans to announce the list of the 10 most challenged books of 2023 on April 8.)

The library associations report illustrates that challenges to books have grown more concerted and aggressive. The reports authors learned that people are demanding the censorship of multiple titles, often dozens or hundreds at a time.

More than 2,670 titles were challenged in Florida last year, according to the associations data. The report logged efforts to censor more than 100 titles in 16 other states, including Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.

Each demand to ban a book is a demand to deny each persons constitutionally protected right to choose and read books that raise important issues and lift up the voices of those who are often silenced, Caldwell-Stone said in a statement.

The issue has drawn increased national attention over the last year as speech advocates, educators, parents and progressive activists raise alarms. The ABCs of Book Banning, a documentary short directed by former HBO executive Sheila Nevins, received an Oscar nomination this year.
British Rowing has launched two initiatives dedicated to cleaning up the nation's rivers and waterways.

Its environmental sustainability strategy and rowing clean water partnership were announced at the River and Rowing Museum in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, on Wednesday.

It comes after a report that described the state of river health in England and Northern Ireland as "desperate".

The goal is to enable rowers to carry out water quality testing.

The latest State of Our Rivers report from the Rivers Trust revealed that not a single river in England or Northern Ireland was "in good overall health".

"Toxic chemicals that remain in ecosystems for decades pollute every stretch of English rivers," the report added.

The British Rowing environmental sustainability strategy states that when testing, "rowers should look out for high levels of phosphates and nitrates that indicate the presence of sewage and other pollutants".

It has partnered with River Action, the Rivers Trust and Aquascope to "empower" rowers to conduct extensive water quality testing.

James Wallace, chief executive of River Action, said the partnership would be "supporting rowers and communities to pressure polluters and the government to act with urgency".

The GB Rowing Team has already begun testing the waters at the National Training Centre in Caversham, Berkshire.

"The goal is to build on the call for more citizen science testing, leading to action alongside our partners to improve the health of the water on which we row," British Rowing stated.

Triple World Champion, Olympian and Rivers Trust ambassador Imogen Grant said specific things that affected rowers "reflect the wider problems that are affecting rivers nationwide".

Ms Grant, who is also a qualified doctor, said she was "really excited" and "working towards a long-term goal in small, achievable steps".

British Rowing said it would announce a funding programme in the spring, enabling clubs to test their water, clean up litter and tackle the increasing problem of invasive species.

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2240.
By Josh Ye

HONG KONG (Reuters) -China's Tencent has taken over two ByteDance video games units after ByteDance retreated from the gaming business last year, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The two teams Tencent has acquired involve one Shenzhen-based studio working on an action game and another East-China-based studio working on an anime game, the person said on condition of anonymity as the person is not allowed to speak to media.

ByteDance and Tencent did not reply to Reuters' request for comment.

The two teams have recently formed a new Shenzhen-based company named "Saluosi" which is now 100% owned by a Tencent investment company, according to company database Qixin.com.

Reuters reported in January that ByteDance was in talks with multiple prospective buyers of its gaming assets including Tencent.

ByteDance pulled the plug on majority of its video games business last November, five years after beginning its high-profile foray into the $185 billion global video games market.

(Reporting by Josh Ye; Editing by Brenda Goh and Himani Sarkar)
By Renju Jose

SYDNEY (Reuters) -China's top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, will visit Australia and New Zealand next week, officials from both countries said on Thursday.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the visit, which comes days after China hinted it was close to removing restrictions on Australian wine, first imposed during a diplomatic spat in 2020.

"I look forward to meeting Wang Yi during his visit to Canberra next week," Albanese said during a televised media briefing. "It's a good thing that Wang Yi is visiting, it's a good thing to have dialogue."

The last time a Chinese foreign minister visited Australia was in 2017.

Australia's diplomatic relations with China first soured in 2018 when the previous conservative government banned Huawei from providing equipment during the rollout of its 5G network. Ties worsened further after Canberra called for an independent investigation into the origin of COVID-19.

China responded by imposing tariffs on several Australian commodities from late 2020. It has been lifting most trade blocks since Albanese's Labor government came to power two years ago.

Australia's top publicly listed winemaker Treasury Wine Estates on Tuesday said China's Ministry of Commerce has released an interim proposal to remove tariffs on Australian wine, raising hopes nearly three years of stiff duties would soon end.

Australia Foreign Minister Penny Wong is expected to raise consular matters, trade impediments, human rights, conflict prevention and regional security during her talks with Wang Yi next Wednesday.

Wang will also visit New Zealand, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said later on Thursday, calling the relationship one of New Zealand's "most important and complex."

The ministers will also discuss regional and global issues, including the importance of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

($1 = 1.5103 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Stephen Coates, Lincoln Feast and Michael Perry)
Days after the body of Riley Strain, the 22-year-old University of Missouri student who went missing in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 8, was found in a nearby river, officials are saying his death appears to be "accidental."

Strain's body was pulled from the Cumberland River in West Nashville, about eight miles from downtown, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department said in a statement on X on March 22.

"No foul play-related trauma was observed," police said in the statement at the time. "An autopsy is pending."

In a subsequent statement on March 25, Kristin Mumford, a spokesperson for the Nashville PD, said that Strain's death appeared to be "accidental."

Mumford told NBC News that a detective attended the autopsy examination, and added that Strain's death continues to appear accidental. There was no foul play-related trauma and a toxicology report is still pending, she said. The medical examiner does not complete an autopsy report until all testing is back, Mumford said.

Strain, a senior at Mizzou, was last seen by friends on the night of March 8 at Luke Bryan's bar in downtown Nashvilles busy Broadway area, according to police.

Lukes 32 Bridge Food + Drink said in a March 15 statement that based on our conduct standards, Strain was escorted out by security at 9:35 p.m. on the night of his disappearance. The company did not say what Strain had done to be removed.

Strain was last seen on video at around 9:52 p.m. on March 8 having a brief exchange with a police officer, according to footage shared by police on March 18. The post stated that Strain did not appear distressed.

The officer asked Strain how he was doing, and Strain replied, Im good. How are you?

Shown was Riley's brief exchange of greetings w/ Officer Reginald Young on Gay St., south of the Woodland St. Bridge, on the night of 3/8. Riley did not appear distressed. Officer Young was there on a vehicle burglary call & remained on that portion of Gay St. for 45 min. pic.twitter.com/z0xeEzeieK  Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) March 18, 2024

On March 17, police announced Strains bank card had been found on the embankment between Gay St. and the Cumberland River.

When did Riley Strain disappear?

The 22-year-old Mizzou student went missing after being asked to leave Luke Bryan's Nashville bar, Lukes 32 Bridge Food + Drink, on March 8.

Strain had been at the bar during a trip with his fraternity for a spring formal.

Strains stepfather, Chris Whiteid, told NBC News that Strain had gone to two bars before he was kicked out of Lukes 32 Bridge Food + Drink. Whiteid said that Strain FaceTimed his mother between 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. that night from Garth Brooks bar, Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk. Strain also went to Miranda Lamberts Casa Rosa that evening, according to his stepfather.

Strains mother, Michelle Whiteid, and stepfather told NBC affiliate WSMV of Nashville on March 11 that Strains friends said he told them he would walk back to their hotel after he was asked to leave Lukes 32 Bridge Food + Drink.

At approximately 9:45 p.m., he was asked to leave Luke Bryans bar, Chris Whiteid told the station. They got separated. The boys called him, and he said, Im walking back to my hotel. They didnt think anything about it.

Officers continue to work to locate missing person Riley Strain, 22, who was last seen Fri. night by friends @ a Broadway bar in Nashville. Riley is from Missouri and was visiting. He is 6'5" tall with a thin build, blue eyes and light brown hair. See him? Pls call 615-862-8600. pic.twitter.com/daqKDWGJJO  Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) March 11, 2024

In a March 15 statement, the bars owners said Strain was escorted out through the Broadway exit at the front of the building. A friend accompanied him down the stairs, according to the statement, but the friend did not leave with Strain and returned upstairs.

Lukes 32 Bridge Food + Drink said in the statement it has been cooperating with investigators and provided "all security camera footage, photos of Riley at our establishment with detailed time stamps, transaction records, and staff accounts."

What happened to Riley Strain?

When Strain's fraternity brothers returned to the Tempo Hotel, less than a mile away from the bar, they found Strains room key but no signs of Strain. When they tried to call him, his phone was dead, Strains parents told WSMV.

The students searched for Strain for hours while attempting to find him using his Snapchat locations. Finally, they called Strain's parents in Springfield, Missouri, to notify them he was missing.

Strain's parents immediately drove from their Springfield home to Nashville. We talk every day, multiple times a day, Michelle Whiteid told WSMV. This is the longest Ive ever gone without talking to him.

Riley is a very identifiable young man. Hes 67, hes 155-160 pounds with blond hair and blue eyes, Chris Whiteid said. Were in a bad dream. Can we wake up? Please, just let us wake up.

Riley Strain (Metropolitan Nashville Police Department)

Chris Whiteid later told NBC News in an interview on Top Story with Tom Llamas on March 13 that it was out of character for Strain to not be in touch with his family.

Its very odd. Friday night when they got there, he had sent pictures, he called, Chris Whiteid said. Yes, were hurting and everything, but right now were still expecting a positive outcome.

Lukes 32 Bridge Food + Drink says Riley Strain only had one drink

In a statement on March 15, Lukes 32 Bridge Food + Drink and its owner, TC Restaurant Group, said Strain was served one alcoholic drink and two waters before being escorted out by security.

In his Instagram story on March 12, country music star Luke Bryan shared a statement from the TC Restaurant Group, the owner and operator of Lukes 32 Bridge, that said it was working with police to provide security camera video and other information to aid in the search.

Luke Bryan posted about Riley Strain's disappearance. (@lukebryan via Instagram)

Yall this is scary. Praying for his safe return, Bryan wrote on top of the statement.

Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones for his safe return, the statement also added.

Bryan also shared a post from Nashville police asking anyone with information on Strains disappearance to come forward.

Riley Strains university and fraternity speak out

The University of Missouri said in a news release on March 12 that school officials learned over the weekend that Strain had gone missing during a trip to Nashville for a private event.

The school said it had been in communication with Strains family and Nashville authorities and offered counseling resources to members of the MU community.

Strains fraternity, Delta Chi, also issued a statement on March 12, saying it was aware that Strain had gone missing, and added that the fraternity was actively engaged with university officials.

Delta Chi is hopeful for Rileys safe return; our thoughts are with his family and the members of the Missouri Chapter during this time, the organization said.

Additionally, fraternitys CEO Karl Grindel asked that journalists not reach out to individual fraternity members, according to NBC News.

The search for Riley Strain

Nashville Police conducted a helicopter search of the area as well as ground searches by detectives. Strains family members also searched the area.

Nashville Police shared a security video on March 13 that showed Strain crossing 1st Avenue North to Gay Street at 9:47 p.m. Friday. In the video, he is seen wearing a two-toned shirt. After crossing the street, Strain pauses and appears to briefly turn, before continuing to walk in the same direction he was headed. The cross-section is about 0.7 miles from Luke Bryans bar.

Riley Strain's body was found

Strains body was recovered from the Cumberland River in West Nashville, about eight miles from downtown, police said in a statement on X on March 22.

No foul play-related trauma was observed, police said in the statement. An autopsy is pending.

As of March 25, spokesperson for the Nashville PD Kristin Mumford said told NBC News that Strain's death appeared to be accidental with no foul play-related trauma. The toxicology is pending and the medical examiner will complete the autopsy report when all testing is done.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
A bill that would loosen Iowas child labor laws advanced this week as advocacy groups decried proposed labor guidelines.

Iowas GOP-controlled state Senate early Tuesday morning passed the bill 32-17 to approve extended work hours for teenagers and allowing them to serve alcohol under certain conditions. The Des Moines Register reported that proposal has sparked labor union protests and criticism from the U.S. Labor Departments top lawyer, Solicitor of Labor Seema Nanda, who said it would contribute to the number of children who are working illegally at some workplace.

The vote was largely split down party lines, but two Republicans joined all Democrats who voted against the bill.

The legislation, which would still need to be passed by the House and signed by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) before it is enacted, would allow children under the age of 16 to work up to six hours a day, which is two more hours than the current threshold. It also extends how late children can work to 9 p.m. during the school year and 11 p.m. during the summer.

Reynolds has spoken positively about the bill, saying working can give children good experience, according to the Des Moines Register.

It teaches the kids a lot and if they have the time to do it and they want to earn some additional money I dont think we should discourage that, she said. Ultimately, parents and kids will decide if they want to work or not.

If enacted, the bill would also allows 16 and 17-year olds to serve alcohol at restaurants if the employers has written permission from the teenagers parent or guardian. Lawmakers amended the bill to clarify that the teenagers in that age group cannot work in bars or in strip clubs.

The bill also would create a committee to look into whether teenagers ages 14 and older can receive a special permit to drive themselves to work. In Iowa, children can start the states graduated drivers license program at 14 and get their first license at 16. Minors can also get a special school permit at the age of 14 and a half if they meet certain criteria, which would allow them to drive unsupervised between the hours of 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. to certain locations.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
OKINAWA, Japan  The United States alliance with Japan is evolving to counter an increasingly untethered China, Washingtons envoy to Tokyo told NBC News in an exclusive interview this week.

They have been more aggressive, as we have, from purely a strategic standpoint of putting our roots down even deeper in the area at the behest of regional allies, the U.S. ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, said Thursday in Tokyo, referring to Beijing.

The U.S.-Japan relationship is evolving from one that was always focused on alliance protection to one focused on alliance projection, Emanuel said. That means asserting U.S. and Japanese influence around the Asia-Pacific region, including through broader partnerships such as Washingtons AUKUS security alliance with Australia and Britain and the Quad, a security grouping made up of the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.

NBC News spoke to Emanuel as U.S. and Japanese forces participated in joint drills known as Iron Fist, which have taken place annually since 2006 and moved to Japan from California last year. They underscore the urgency with which Washington is shoring up security partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region, where China, Russia and North Korea pose growing threats.

The Biden administration is counting on Japan, a U.S. ally since the end of World War II, to sharpen its regional defense posture, particularly as China builds its military power.

The U.S. ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, in Tokyo on Thursday. (Janis Mackey Frayer / NBC News)

In the region, the United States and Japan are united  politically, diplomatically, economically, strategically  because they are an effective deterrent against an untethered China, Emanuel said. That deterrence is effective, he said, because it underscores that were the permanent Pacific power  you can bet long on America.

On Tuesday, Maj. Gen. Hajime Kitajima, commander of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, said the country was facing the most severe security environment since the end of World War II.

Speaking at a news conference in Okinawa, Kitajima cited Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine, saying one of the major lessons from the conflict was that there are actual states that will invade another country if they are perceived as not having sufficient strength to defend itself.

Emanuel said other Asia-Pacific countries with worries about China were reassured by the U.S.-Japan alliance. Japan hosts more U.S. troops  about 54,000  than any other country in the world. Roughly half of them are in Okinawa, the southernmost prefecture of Japan.

Earlier this week, an amphibious vehicle roared onto an Okinawa beach with a deafening sound, its massive propellers whirring furiously.

As its air cushion deflated, the vehicle slumped to the ground on a small stretch of beach on Okinawas main island.

A ramp came down to allow light armored vehicles onto the beach, along with U.S. Marines, U.S. Navy sailors and members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, all participating in a joint military exercise meant to simulate the retaking of an island.

Troops set up sensors along the beach that can detect divers, small boats  or something larger  and then pass that information on to U.S. and Japanese ships.

This system can see up to 100 nautical miles, Lance Cpl. Aidan Henson of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit said as he pointed at a computer.

The three-week U.S.-Japan military exercises, which take place all over Japan and run until Sunday, are not explicitly aimed at any particular country. But both countries are increasingly concerned about potential conflict with China, whether over its military activities in the South China Sea or its designs on the self-ruling island democracy of Taiwan.

In a sign of the importance of the U.S.-Japan relationship, President Joe Biden has invited Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to Washington for a state visit next month. Kishida will also address a joint session of Congress.

China is far from the only security concern for Japan, where Okinawa residents are sometimes urged to take shelter during North Korean missile tests. The isolated communist country has accelerated weapons testing in recent years in what analysts say is an effort to pressure the world into accepting it as a nuclear power.

Under a new security strategy adopted in 2022, Japan has moved to bolster its military power in a major shift away from the self-defense-only principle that has guided the country since the end of World War II.

In December, Japans Cabinet approved a record $56 billion defense budget for fiscal 2024, part of a five-year program to build up the military. It also eased a postwar ban on the export of lethal weapons, starting with the shipment of Japanese-produced Patriot guided missiles to the U.S. to help boost an inventory depleted by U.S. support for Ukraine.

Theyve acquired counterstrike capability, things that everybody thought were third-rail politics, Emanuel said.

In another big step, Japan has improved ties with historic rival South Korea, with Biden hosting Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for a historic trilateral summit at Camp David, Maryland, in August.

The trilateral between the United States, Japan and Korea is deterrence, Emanuel said. Increased economic trade is deterrence. Political alliances, diplomatic alliances is deterrence. So we dont limit it to the military.

Janis Mackey Frayer and Arata Yamamoto reported from Okinawa, Japan, and Jennifer Jett reported from Hong Kong.
MIAMI  It has been over two weeks since the family of Steeve Pierre, a Miami resident originally from Haiti, received the dreaded phone call asking for a ransom for the release of his cousin.

Pierre, 40, who came from Haiti in 2019 and owns a landscaping business in Miami, said his cousin, Borgella Antoine, went missing in Haiti at the end of February. Antoine, a truck driver, was delivering goods when he was kidnapped by members of a gang.

At the beginning, we were trying to do something," Pierre said. "I even sent money to Haiti in an effort to raise enough money to get him released."

Borgella Antoine. (Courtesy Steeve Pierre)

But the gang started asking for more money and now wants $500,000. Its too much for Pierre's family, and the owner of the truck company he works for is now trying to negotiate to lower the ransom.

Its very stressful for all the family. Whenever your phone rings youre afraid to answer because you dont know what the news will be, Pierre said. Were praying hes alive and will come home safe.

Pierre is one of many Haitians living in Miami whose lives have been rattled by the outbreak of violence in the Caribbean nation. Florida is home to the largest community of Haitian Americans in the United States. Many of them, with deep ties to their country and with relatives back home, are grappling with the uncertainty of not knowing what will happen next. Some are gripped with fear when they are unable to reach a loved one by phone.

Anderson Charles, 40, a Miami resident who came from Haiti in 2001, said family members who live in Port-au-Prince, the capital, were forced to go into hiding in the countryside recently.

While they were away from home, armed burglars broke in, stole possessions and eventually realized the family had relatives in the U.S. Charles said the gang members decided to wait for the family to return home, so they could kidnap them and ask for a ransom.

The family was alerted by neighbors and have been hiding since.

I spoke to my aunt this morning, and shes scared, Charles said. She doesnt have money and its hard for me to send it because, when they go to a bank or Western Union, they are being watched by gang members.

The current turmoil is not completely new to the Haitian American community here. That population began growing rapidly in the 1970s and 1980s as people escaped political repression and economic hardship during dictatorships. Many settled into neighborhoods like Little Haiti in Miami, where colorful murals decorate the streets and Kreyol is heard everywhere.

Haiti, with about 11 million people, has been in turmoil since the still-unsolved assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021 led to widespread violence.

A march in Miami in July to bring awareness to escalating gang violence and kidnappings in Haiti. (Carl Juste / Miami Herald/TNS via Getty Images file)

The lawlessness in Haiti reached a climax recently after the unelected prime minister, Ariel Henry, traveled to Kenya in late February to secure a deal for a United Nations-backed security mission to support the police. The government declared a state of emergency as Haiti went into a downward spiral of terror and violence. Gangs control much of Port-au-Prince, setting fire to police stations, storming two of the countrys biggest prisons and freeing an estimated 4,000 inmates. U.S. forces evacuated nonessential workers from the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince.

Henry announced Tuesday from Puerto Rico that he would resign once a transitional presidential council is created. Shortly before his announcement, officials of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) announced the creation of a transitional presidential council and met with Haitian political leaders and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

One question still looming is whether gangs, which wield much power and have deep ties to the political elite, will allow the new council to take over. Haitis most powerful gang leader, former police officer Jimmy Barbecue Cherizier, rejected any solution led and supported by the international community. Cherizier emphasized that its Haitian people who need to choose who will govern.

Some experts have warned that nothing will change in Haiti unless there is more inclusiveness in the next steps.

It [the council] is a step in the right direction, said Chantalle Verna, a history and international relations professor at Florida International University. However, it does seem to replicate the flaws and limits of past councils or commissions that have been put together.

Although reaching consensus will be a difficult process it is essential in order for there to be a positive outcome," said Verna. We have reached a very dire situation because of the lack of respect for Haitian political opinion and demands from the population.

Meanwhile Haitians have been left with little access to food and clean water. The U.N.s World Food Program has said 4 million people face acute food insecurity and 1 million are a step away from famine.

The Biden administration committed $33 million in humanitarian aid for Haiti as well as $300 million for a U.N.-backed security force. Kenya said it wouldnt contribute to the multinational police force until a transitional presidential council was formed.

The Biden administration has allowed a limited number of Haitians into the country under a humanitarian parole program that allows 30,000 asylum-seekers each month from Haiti, Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua combined. Deportations to Haiti have not been suspended, despite the situation there.

Some Florida lawmakers are preparing for a potential influx of Haitian migrants who flee the violence and try to reach the state by sea. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis said he would send over 250 additional officers and soldiers and over a dozen air and sea craft to the southern coast of Florida to protect our state.

Democratic Florida Rep. Dotie Joseph, who is Haitian American and represents a large number of Haitians in her district, said this move would be the wrong approach, both for Haitians and for Floridians.

Melissa Fils-Aime, 37, a resident of Miami, is worried about most of her family, including her parents, brother and sister, who live in Port-au-Prince.

Fils-Aime came with her husband and three young children a year and a half ago after her mother-in-law and her brother were kidnapped while they were leaving work. They were released after the family paid a ransom.

While her relatives live in Thomassin, an area of Port-au-Prince considered safer than others, the situation still affects everyone.

Everybody is affected," she said. "They are stuck at home. They cant travel.

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Catalan government head Pere Aragones announced on Wednesday that Spain's Catalonia region will hold an early election on May 12 after the regional parliament denied the separatist minority government's budget proposal.

The national politics of Spain may be affected by the early election of 135 members of the regional parliament since Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez depends on the Catalan separatist parties Junts and Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) to pass legislation.

Catalonia Calls Early Election

During a brief press conference, Aragones, a supporter of the region's independence from Spain, said, "I have decided to call elections for the Catalan parliament for May 12," blaming opposition MPs of "irresponsibility.

Catalan separatism has dominated Spanish politics in the past decade.

Aragones, a moderate separatist from the left-wing ERC party, lost his majority in the Catalan parliament when the rival separatist party JxCat resigned from an alliance in October 2022. JxCat accused the regional president of not doing enough to achieve independence from Madrid.

The decision to dissolve parliament was made in advance of a vote by the national parliament on Thursday to offer amnesty to those charged with involvement in Catalonia's unsuccessful 2017 independence bid, which JxCat spearheaded.

Spain's Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez introduced the amnesty law in exchange for JxCat's crucial parliamentary support after his party lost the July general elections.

Aragones has stated that he planned to hold his position until the end of the current legislature. On Wednesday, he said that the blockages among the political groups in the parliament are not making this possible.

Read Also: Airbus Surges Ahead in Aircraft Deliveries Amid Deepening Boeing Crisis

Thousands Rally in Madrid Over Catalan Amnesty Bill

On Saturday, thousands of people demonstrated in Madrid to demand Sanchez's resignation in opposition to an amnesty law that the Spanish government negotiated with Catalan independence parties this week.

Sanchez vowed last year to enact an amnesty absolving those convicted for their roles in Catalonia's unsuccessful 2017 independence campaign in return for the hardline Catalan separatist party JxCat's critical legislative backing.

Around 15,000 protested in the heart of Madrid's historic district in Cibeles Square, waving Spanish flags and shouting, "Sanchez, resign."

Some carried a big banner that read, in English, "Spain is no longer a democracy. It's beginning to be a dictatorship. SOS Europe," featuring Sanchez with a Hitler mustache.

Right-wing and far-right parties attended the demonstration organized by civil groups on Thursday after the parliament's justice committee adopted the proposed amnesty law.

In July's inconclusive general election, Sanchez's Socialists could not achieve a majority, and his precarious left-wing minority administration requires backing from other parties to pass legislation.

Furthermore, MPs rejected the first amnesty bill in January. JxCat MPs said that the draft did not protect all key individuals, starting with the exiled former leader of Catalonia, Carles Puigdemont.

Related Article: Indonesian Presidential Candidate Vows to Challenge Election Results After Losing: 'The Majority Are Not Paying Attention'



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The Indiana mom who perished last month while flying home from vacation in the Dominican Republic died from a tear to one of her neck arteries, her brother said Thursday.

Stefanie Smith, a 41-year-old mother of two teenagers from Danville, suffered a carotid artery dissection, Chris Volz said.

This condition, which affects the major blood vessels that supply blood to the brain, is the most common cause of strokes in younger patients, according to Penn Medicine and the National Library of Medicine.

Smith was flying home on flying on Feb. 28. when she suddenly went into convulsions and the plane was diverted to the Turks and Caicos where she died at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, according to The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

Volz said earlier that he was not aware of his sister having any pre-existing health conditions. He said she was an avid exerciser who continued to work out even while on vacation with her boyfriend.

Smith's body is expected to be returned to Indiana sometime next week, Volz said.
By Sakura Murakami and Kantaro Komiya

TOKYO (Reuters) -A high court in Japan on Thursday said the country's ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional, ruling on a matter that has divided lower levels of the judiciary and put the conservative government at odds with shifting public opinion.

Japan is the only member of the Group of Seven industrialised nations that doesn't offer legal protection for same-sex unions. Rights groups say the omission is discriminatory and hurts its appeal as a global business centre.

Although polls show 70% public support for same-sex unions, they are opposed by the Liberal Democratic Party of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Japanese civil code rules that limit marriage to those of the opposite sex are "unconstitutional" and "discriminatory", the high court in the northern city of Sapporo said in its ruling, but dismissed the plaintiffs' claim for damages from the government.

"Enacting same-sex marriage does not seem to cause disadvantages or harmful effects," the court said.

"It was a long-awaited, delightful ruling which makes me cry", plaintiff Eri Nakaya told reporters after the verdict.

The plaintiffs are considering appealing to the Supreme Court to clarify the unconstitutionality of existing law, lawyer Fumiyasu Tsunamori told a news briefing.

The government will eye other upcoming court decisions, its top spokesperson, Yoshimasa Hayashi, told a briefing.

Masakazu Yanagisawa, a senior executive at Goldman Sachs in Tokyo who sits on the board of rights group Marriage for All Japan, said the country risked being left behind in the hunt for global talent if it did not revise its civil code.

"There is a growing risk that Japan will be left behind by international trends and excluded from being an option as a place to work," said Yanagisawa.

"We are at a critical juncture to see if Japan will become a society that accepts diversity."

The debate on the same-sex ban has split lower courts, with one district court holding the ban to be constitutional but others saying it is unconstitutional, in varying degrees.

Earlier on Thursday, a Tokyo district court ruling described Japan's lack of same-sex marriage status as "a state of unconstitutionality".

U.S. ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel praised that ruling.

"A journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step. Glad to see the Tokyo court making one more step today towards marriage equality in all of Japan," he posted on social media platform X.

(Reporting by Sakura Murakami, Kantaro Komiya and John Geddie; Editing by Jacqueline Wong, Clarence Fernandez and Bernadette Baum)
On Oct 6. Salma Shurrab said goodbye to her hometown without knowing it.

Breaking her usual midnight curfew, she indulged in a late-night car ride. With her cousin, Rana Alghussain, in the passenger seat, Shurrab, 22, drove through Gaza City singing along to blaring pop music.

We literally said goodbye to every street, she wrote in her journal, listing off street names and neighborhoods the duo drove through. Im so thankful that coincidence happened because it made me say goodbye to Gaza.

After surviving 60 days of Israels military offensive that has flattened swaths of the Gaza Strip and killed more than 31,000 people, according to local health officials, including several of her friends, Shurrab fled to neighboring Egypt.

The key to her own survival has been what the dentistry student calls her trauma journal, in which she spent hours writing about the good, the bad and the ugly during sleepless nights.

It holds who I am. Thats how Im gonna stay connected to the past life I had in Gaza, even though it was destroyed, she told NBC News  which has followed her experiences since the beginning of the war in Gaza and now her life in Cairo.

Salma Shurrab, 22, in Cairo, holds her

A page of Salma's diary featuring a photograph of her at age 12 and the words

Shurrabs diary bursts with collages of family photos, dried flowers and keepsakes collected in the rubble, including a stray bullet. One page chronicles her forced evacuation from her childhood home. Another features the cutting words: Looking forward to staying alive.

Harnessing the mix of grief and gratitude reflected in her diary, Shurrab now holds informal workshops to teach other Palestinians who fled the war how to access and confront their pain through journaling.

I witnessed so many traumas. The journal was my therapy in the time I needed it the most, she said. Mental health awareness is the thing that Gaza needs right now. Everyones traumatized, and everyones needing help.

There is no P in our PTSD

Shurrab had begun recording her thoughts, feelings and experiences in a diary a year before the war, which began Oct. 7 when Hamas launched a multipronged attack on Israel that authorities say killed 1,200 people and saw 240 taken hostage.

But it was lying next to a blue United Nations High Commission for Refugees logo on her familys makeshift tent in the southern border town of Rafah that prompted her to continue recording her tumultuous life.

When I was under the tent and saw the logo, all the emotions came to me that I am one of these refugees now and people who lost their homes and I have to accept it, she said.

For Shurrab, the U.N. symbol triggered thoughts of the Nakba, or catastrophe in Arabic, which many use to describe the 1948 displacement of roughly 700,000 Palestinians who fled or were expelled from their land in what became Israel.

The diary features keepsakes collected from the rubble in Gaza. (NBC News)

Today, more than 90% of the enclaves population has been driven from their homes.

In Cairo, Shurrab no longer lives in a danger zone, but she still finds it hard to distance herself from thoughts of the UNHCR tent because her parents, whom shes desperately trying to get out, are still in Gaza.

My family is still under the tent. I still cant escape it, she said. And theres part of me that feels the guilt that I have access to water, electricity, lights, bathrooms.

The trauma is persisting

While wars toll on mental health has become more researched since PTSD  posttraumatic stress disorder  was coined in the 1980s after veterans experiences in the Vietnam War, experts say that exposure to protracted and ongoing conflict poses distinct mental health challenges.

Scarred by ongoing violence, military occupation, land seizures and restrictions on their movement, Palestinian youths and young adults  both in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank  are especially vulnerable to significant mental trauma.

Its one of the places in the world with the highest rates of psychological distress, Dr. Audrey McMahon, a psychiatrist for Doctors without Borders, said in a telephone interview from east Jerusalem.

Last year, an in-depth World Bank study found that 71% of the adult population in Gaza exhibited symptoms consistent with depression. In 2022, more than half of Gazan children expressed suicidal ideation, according to a Save the Children study. A further 80% of participants reported emotional distress.

When you have a population of children that score so high for psychological distress and for depression, the question is not whats wrong with these children? But whats wrong with the context? Because this isnt normal, McMahon said, referring to the data and her mental health work visits in Gaza.

Shurrab prepares blank journals ahead of a workshop she hosted on how to confront pain through art in Cairo. (NBC News)

Yara Asi, author of How War Kills: The Overlooked Threats to Our Health, said that many events in Gaza undoubtedly qualify as being highly traumatic, including witnessing mangled bodies and being displaced from ones home. But when such experiences are coupled with a lack of any conception of when this will end, and no avenues for justice, it exacerbates the trauma, she added.

We need to stop looking at trauma just as the event itself, she said. The trauma is persisting. If theres no accountability, that in itself is continued trauma, even if the child lives and is resettled in Egypt.

A 2020 study of preteen and teenage students in Gaza found that more than half of the participants fit the diagnosis criteria for PTSD.

But Dr. Samah Jabr, a longtime clinical psychiatrist who chairs mental health services at the Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah, said Western mental health diagnoses fail to encompass the impact of ongoing oppression.

PTSD can better describe the experience of a soldier, she said. Thats not the situation of Palestinians; they are fought continuously in their homeland. So the Palestinian experience is colonial, historic, collective, cumulative and cross-generational. There is no P  there is no post in our PTSD, she added.

Traumas are not something to avoid

Surviving seven wars in the last two decades, Shurrab knows these challenges well. Its why shes passionate about mental health and art therapy as a means to heal. Since arriving in Cairo, shes hosted 10 journaling sessions attended by Palestinians who have fled the war, as well as Egyptians, and hopes to pursue studies in creative-driven therapy methods.

In recent years, journaling and expressive writing have become more researched tools to alleviate mental health conditions, such as PTSD, and build resilience amid persistent pain and loss.

Shurrab talks to other Palestinians who fled the war about how to heal through journaling at her workshop in Cairo. (NBC News)

Before she fled Gaza, Shurrab vowed to only fill her diarys last page if she survived the war.

The page eventually featured anguished goodbyes and open-ended questions such as What will happen to my parents? and Where am I going?

Questions I dont have answers to until now, she said, reflecting on the last page of her Gaza journal.

But despite the layers of uncertainty coursing through her journal, Shurrab and her diary are resolutely hopeful.

Traumas are not something to avoid, she said, adding, They are the stuff that build, make us fuller and make us more experienced and full of life.
PONTIAC, Mich.  A jury on Thursday convicted James Crumbley of involuntary manslaughter in connection with his teenage sons deadly school shooting in 2021, in step with his wife, who was found guilty last month on the same charge.

The jury's decision after about 10 hours of deliberations caps a landmark case that for the first time in the U.S. held the parents of a mass school shooter criminally responsible. James and Jennifer Crumbleys son, Ethan, who was 15 when he opened fire at Oxford High School in suburban Detroit, pleaded guilty as an adult and was sentenced in December to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

"These were egregious facts in this case. These parents could have prevented this tragedy. It was foreseeable," Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said after the verdict.

"With just the smallest of efforts, they could have prevented this shooting and saved these kids lives," she said.

James Crumbley, 47, faces up to 15 years in prison per the four counts of involuntary manslaughter, each one representing a murdered student. Jennifer Crumbley, 45, will be sentenced in April.

Prosecutors said James Crumbley had bought Ethan a 9 mm Sig Sauer as a gift a day after Thanksgiving, at a difficult time in his son's life when he was struggling emotionally because his best friend had moved away. Crumbley is not accused of knowing about the attack beforehand, which his son had warned about in journal entries.

His attorney, Mariell Lehman, said after the verdict that James Crumbley "did not know that his son could or would harm anyone or that he had obtained the means to do so. James feels terrible about what happened that day to Hana St. Juliana, Madisyn Baldwin, Tate Myre, Justin Shilling, and the many others affected."

Parents of the four children killed spoke after the guilty verdict and said no other parent should have to go through what they have.

We can put people on the moon, we can build skyscrapers, huge monuments like the Hoover Dam  and we cant keep our kids safe in schools, Steve St. Juliana, the father of Hana, said. I think people just need to wake up and take action. Stop accepting the excuses.

Some of the parents also said the school failed their children, and called for change in leadership.

An attorney for Jennifer Crumbley, Shannon Smith, declined to comment after Thursday's verdict.

We believe the victims, their families, and the community need and deserve the space and time to begin healing from this tragedy," Smith said.

While the cases against the husband and wife largely mirrored each other  with many of the same witnesses testifying in both trials  prosecutors did not delve as deeply into James Crumbley's social and work life. Testimony took less than a week, and Crumbley did not take the stand in his own defense, like Jennifer Crumbley had.

His actions in the lead-up to and the day of the shooting played a vital role. School staff testified that the Crumbleys were called to Oxford High that morning about a drawing made by their son depicting a gun and a person shot. The parents didn't tell school officials he had access to a weapon and said they couldnt take him back home that day, saying they had work.

A computer crimes expert testified that James Crumbley had not begun his DoorDash delivery job until after the meeting and that when he started taking orders, he drove by the family's home four times  with the prosecution suggesting he had the opportunity to check on the gun and ensure it was safely secured.

Crumbley later told investigators he hid the 9 mm handgun in an armoire and placed the ammunition underneath jeans in another drawer.

Ethan Crumbley would go on to kill four students: Justin Shilling; Madisyn Baldwin, 17; Tate Myre, 16; and Hana St. Juliana, 14.

During closing arguments Wednesday, McDonald, the prosecutor, said the deaths were "preventable and foreseeable" if Crumbley had done any number of "tragically small efforts," and she attempted to undercut the defense by telling jurors that parents can be responsible gun owners no matter if their child is planning a mass shooting.

This case is not a statement about guns. Its not a statement about parental responsibility. Its not a case about kids doing kid things, she said.

father school shooter verdict (Robin Buckson / Pool/Detroit News via AP)

The majority of jurors in Crumbley's trial are parents and also either own guns, grew up around guns or have family or friends who have them  highlighting how firearm exposure is a familiar facet of this region of Michigan, where hunting is a popular activity.

Defense lawyer Mariell Lehman said in her closing arguments that the prosecution had to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt and that it presented no evidence to show Crumbley knew his son was a danger to the public or that he had access to the gun.

Prosecutors in the mother's case had focused more heavily on Jennifer Crumbley's perceived parenting failures and how she seemed to ignore her son's mental distress while she was preoccupied with her hobbies and an extramarital affair.

During James Crumbley's trial, prosecutors stressed to jurors that although Michigan now has a safe gun storage law that went into effect this year, it was still his legal duty as a parent to prevent his minor child from causing "unreasonable risk of harm to others."

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said after the verdict that the Crumbleys showed "tragic inaction" before the shooting.

If [your] very first thought when you hear about an active shooter at your childs school isnt, Is he OK? but to worry if your son is the shooter or to rush home to find out if the gun you irresponsibly left unsecure is still there, then you shouldve done something in advance, Bouchard said.

McDonald said that the guilty verdict does not bring back the children killed that day, but it does mark a moment of accountability.

She called gun violence, which in 2020 became the leading cause of death for children, a crisis in the United States.

And we will not be able to address it until we start treating it like a public health crisis, McDonald said. And yes, access to guns is a critical piece of that. But its not the only piece.

Selina Guevara reported from Pontiac and Erik Ortiz from New York.
Vice President Kamala Harris toured a Planned Parenthood clinic in Minnesota on Thursday, becoming what is believed to be the first president or vice president ever to visit a clinic that provides abortion services in U.S. history.

Sources familiar with Harris visit to the St. Paul clinic told NBC News that the vice president wanted to make sure she was meeting with people directly impacted by abortion policies and to connect with them in their spaces. The sources also said the visit is part of a broader strategy by Harris to be traveling and on the ground with Americans as much as possible.

Harris, who has become a prominent voice in the Biden administration on the issue of abortion, said she made the trip to highlight the work happening in such clinics and to hammer home the point that women need more access to reproductive healthcare in the aftermath of the Supreme Court overruling Roe v. Wade.

In this environment, these attacks against an individuals right to make decisions about their own body are outrageous, and in many instances just plain old immoral, Harris said while standing in the lobby of the clinic. How dare these elected leaders believe they are in a better position to tell women what they need, to tell women what is in their best interest. We have to be a nation that trusts women.

Image: Vice President Kamala Harris (Adam Bettcher / AP)

Harris said that, while in the clinic, she met with about two dozen health care workers and praised them for providing health care in a safe place that gives people dignity. She also said she wanted to come to St. Paul specifically because in the aftermath of Roe v. Wade being overruled, Minnesota workers have been providing care to an influx of out-of-state patients as states around it have restricted access to abortion.

Im here at this health care clinic to uplift the work that is happening in Minnesota as an example of what true leadership looks like, she said.

It is only right and fair that people have access to the health care they need and that they have access to health care in an environment where they are treated with dignity and respect. And please do understand that when we talk about a clinic such as this, it is absolutely about health care and reproductive health care, she added.

In 2013, then-President Barack Obama became the first sitting president to address Planned Parenthood, the group said back then. But Obama delivered his remarks at a Planned Parenthood conference at a hotel in Washington, D.C., and not at one of its clinics.

Minnesota was the sixth stop in Harris Fight for Reproductive Freedoms tour, which she kicked off in January to push for more abortion access in the wake of the overruling of Roe v. Wade. Since the Supreme Court ruling, Harris has held scores of meetings with hundreds of lawmakers from more than 40 states, according to her office.

On Thursday, Harris stressed that efforts to restrict abortion access have endangered womens lives and denied them much-needed care to not only abortion services, but also other care provided by Planned Parenthood, including breast exams and pap smears.

Right now in our country, we are facing a very serious health crisis, Harris said. And the crisis is affecting many, many people in our country, most of whom are frankly silently suffering."

The vice president argued that since Roe v. Wade was overruled, "extremists have proposed and passed laws that have denied women access to reproductive health care.

Sarah Traxler, the chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood North Central States, also spoke after Harris tour of the clinic.

Im honored that Vice President Kamala Harris has visited our clinic today, she said. Its a historic moment, and one that demonstrates how critically important access to reproductive health care is to people and their families across the country.

Traxler said that since the Supreme Courts decision, Planned Parenthood in Minnesota has seen a 25% increase in abortions and a nearly 100% increase in out-of-state patients seeking their services.

This is not by accident. Surrounding states have been limiting and banning abortion, while Minnesota, with the help of our governor, has been increasing access since Roe was overturned, Traxler said.

Ive cared for patients from everywhere from nearby states like South Dakota and North Dakota and Wisconsin, but from faraway states like Texas, Alabama, Wyoming, Florida, Oklahoma, Missouri, and the list goes on, she added.

Harris vowed that Democrats, if given control of Congress and the White House, would codify federal abortion rights into law.

Elections matter, the vice president said.

The issue of abortion has become a top priority for Democrats heading into the November presidential election. President Joe Biden highlighted the issue prominently in his State of the Union address and has promised to push for more access to abortions. A number of polls have also shown that protecting abortion rights is a key concern for many voters.
Consumer advocacy group Travelers United sued South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) Wednesday after she posted a nearly five-minute long video promoting a cosmetic dentistry company, accusing her of breaking Washington, D.C., consumer protection laws.

The group claims Noems video was an undisclosed advertisement for dentistry firm Smile Texas.

As a social media influencer and politician Kristi Noem is herself a brand and she is promoting a service that benefits her  both physically (a new smile) and financially (she was either paid or received free or reduced cost medical services in exchange for the advertisement), according to the suit.

The Noem video features before and after shots of recent cosmetic surgery for her teeth and a testimonial from the governor that appears to be shot inside the companys Houston office, the suit alleges.

Im the governor of South Dakota and had the opportunity to come to Smile Texas to fix my teeth, which has been absolutely amazing, Noem, who is seen as a potential running mate to former President Trump, says at the beginning of the video.

She said her teeth needed to have an adjustment from a biking accident that took place years ago.

But the team here was remarkable and finally gave me a smile that I can be proud of and confident in and that really is a gift that I think is going to be incredibly special to have. You know I think that I chose the team here at Smile Texas because theyre the best, she said.

The video, which was simultaneously posted to all the governors social media pages, ends on an image of the companys logo.

Kristi Noem acted here as an influencer, the suit alleges. She likely either received free dental care in exchange for this advertisement, discounted dental care in exchange for this advertisement or she was paid and received free dental care for the advertisement.

Unfortunately Noem did not mark this as an Ad or Advertisement when posting so she is participating in an unfair and deceptive practice, it continues.

The suit demands Noem mark future promoted content with advertising labels and pay undisclosed damages.

The Hill has reached out to Travelers United and Noems office for comment.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A jury left a Michigan courtroom Wednesday afternoon to begin deliberations to determine if James Crumbley, the father of a school shooter, is guilty of involuntary manslaughter after he allegedly failed to safely secure the gun his son used.

Prosecutor Karen McDonald urged the 12-member jury to convict Crumbley in her closing remarks, arguing that he ignored glaring opportunities to prevent his son from killing four students at Oxford High School on Nov. 30, 2021, The Associated Press (AP) reported.

In addition to being charged with involuntary manslaughter, Crumbley, 47, has been accused of failing to safely secure the gun his son Ethan used and not seeking help for the mental distress his son was in.

Crumbley and his wife, Jennifer, held a meeting with the school to address a concerning drawing Ethan had made on a math assignment. Instead of taking him home, the parents left the school and made DoorDash runs while the shooting occurred, McDonald said.

When the news of the shooting began to spread, Crumbley frantically called 911 and said the gun he had purchased four days prior was missing and said he thought his son could be the shooter, the AP reported.

There were 1,800 students at Oxford High School, McDonald said. There was one parent who suspected their son was a school shooter, and it was James Crumbley. You know what thats called? Thats called foreseeability.

Investigators said that a cable to lock the Sig Sauer 9 millimeter handgun was still in its packaging. In early November 2021, Ethan Crumbley wrote in his journal that he needed mental health help, but his parents dont listen to me so I cant get any help.

Previous court filings depicted a turbulent household, where Ethan Crumbley was often left to himself while his parents allegedly drank or fought.

Jurors learned Ethan Crumbley had told a friend he was experiencing insomnia and paranoia. He told his father about it, who gave me some pills and told me to Suck it up, NBC News reported Ethan Crumbley saying.

Defense attorney Mariell Lehman said Crumbley didnt know his son knew where to find the gun. She noted that school staff didnt think the teen was an immediate threat to others.

A jury found Jennifer Crumbley guilty of four counts of involuntary manslaughter in February. In December, Ethan Crumbley, now 17, was sentenced to multiple life sentences without parole.

The Crumbleys are the first parents in the U.S. to be charged with having criminal responsibility for a mass school shooting, the AP reported.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A 16-year-old from Oklahoma whose death in February was the subject of attention across the US died by suicide, a medical examiner has said.

Nex Benedict was non-binary and used they/them pronouns.

Their death one day after a fight in a school toilet prompted protests and vigils across the country.

The cause of death was revealed in a partial autopsy report released on Wednesday by Oklahoma's chief medical examiner.

The medical examiner said Nex had died from taking a combination of medications.

The day before Nex died, the student was involved in a brief fight in a toilet at Owasso high school, authorities say. The fight was broken up by other students and a school staff member.

The school did not call an ambulance, but its nurse recommended that Nex undergo further medical checks "out of an abundance of caution".

In bodycam footage released by police of an interview at the hospital that day, Nex said that they and their group had been picked on before the fight "because of the way that we dress".

Nex returned home and on 8 February, their mother called emergency services, saying their breathing was shallow and their eyes were rolling back. The teenager later died in hospital.

As the case began to receive national scrutiny, police released a statement saying only that preliminary autopsy information showed the teenager had not died "as a result of trauma".

On Wednesday, police said they had suspected suicide throughout the course of their investigation but had waited for the autopsy report to make a definitive statement.

A complete autopsy will be released in 10 days.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said his "heart is broken" over Nex's death.

"The Medical Examiner's finding of suicide makes me even more concerned that bullying played a role in this terrible loss," he wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

In the wake of the incident, the school district did not confirm whether Nex had been bullied for their gender identity.

The superintendent of Owasso Public Schools called Nex's death "devastating".

"As we mourn together, OPS remains focused on the safety and well-being of our students and staff," said Margaret Coates.

Vigils for Nex Benedict were held in cities across the US

Campaigners have criticised laws in Oklahoma that ban students from using school toilets and changing rooms that do not align with their sex at birth and have raised concerns about LGBT people being targeted.

One advocacy group, Freedom Oklahoma, said at the time that members of the LGBT community had experienced increased hostility "fuelled by state law and the rhetoric around it".

On Thursday, President Joe Biden said in a statement that he and Jill Biden are "heartbroken" over Nex's death.

"Every young person deserves to have the fundamental right and freedom to be who they are, and feel safe and supported at school and in their communities," he said.

After news of Nex's death spread, vigils honouring them were held in more than a dozen US cities.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story you can visit BBC Action Line.

From Canada or US: If you're in an emergency, please call 911
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) said policy differences toward Israel between her and President Biden wont stop her from supporting him in the November general election.

Of course, Omar said Tuesday, when asked by CNNs Abby Phillip on NewsNight whether she would vote for Biden if the election were held that day, in a clip highlighted by Mediaite. Democracy is on the line, we are facing down fascism.

And I personally know what my life felt like having Trump as the president of this country, and I know what it felt like for my constituents, and for people around this country and around the world, Omar continued. We have to do everything that we can to make sure that does not happen to our country again.

Last month at a press conference, Omar, a strong supporter of a cease-fire in Gaza, accused the Biden administration of greenlighting the massacre of Palestinians. She went after the Biden administration for the approval of extra aid to Israel without congressional approval.

This administration cannot claim to be an honest broker of peace while greenlighting the massacre of Palestinians. The restocking of Israels arsenal is not foreign policy. It is state-sponsored violence waged against defenseless families who want to only live in peace, Omar said.

Omar, in the same Tuesday interview, also accused White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan of not sharing the full picture when it comes to Gaza cease-fire talks.

Im saying hes not sharing the full picture, Omar said. I dont know if hes being honest or not, but it certainly does not go along with the current reporting that has come out of those negotiation efforts.

Earlier in the interview, a clip of Sullivan was played in which he said those who would like to see a cease-fire in Gaza, a cease-fire is on the table today, for six weeks, to be built on into something more enduring, if Hamas would simply release women, wounded and elderly.

And the fact that they will not do so says a lot to me, about Hamass regard for innocent Palestinian civilians, Sullivan continued.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
MANILA (Reuters) -Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will meet U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on March 19 to tackle cooperation and security matters, the office of the Manila leader said in a statement late on Wednesday night.

Their meeting comes on the heels of heightened tensions between the Philippines and China over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Marcos also vowed to defend the Philippines' maritime claims after Chinese President Xi Jinping called on the armed forces to coordinate preparations for military conflicts at sea.

"So, Im not surprised, but we will have to continue to do what we can to defend our maritime territory in the face of perhaps a more active attempt by the Chinese to annex some of our territory, Marcos told a news conference during a working visit to Berlin this week.

Japanese newspaper Asahi has also reported leaders from Japan, the United States and the Philippines are in the final stages of planning a summit meeting in Washington, D.C. next month.

A 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague found that China's sweeping claims had no legal basis, but Beijing has rejected the ruling, claiming "indisputable sovereignty" over most of the South China Sea.

(Reporting by Mikhail Flores and Karen Lema in Manila; Editing by Chris Reese and Nia Williams)
Mahogany Jackson, a woman from Birmingham, endured hours of torture before being fatally shot in the back of her head. According to a prosecutor, it was likely that she knew she wouldn't survive the abduction.

A 20-year-old mother with a 3-year-old daughter was extremely frightened by the physical and sexual assaults, many of which were recorded on video by the suspects. The fear was so intense that she had a bowel movement on the floor.

Details Revealed in Mahogany Jackson's Death

In a preliminary hearing before District Judge William Bell, Charissa Henrich, the Jefferson County Deputy District Attorney, provided horrific details of Mahogany Jackson's kidnapping and subsequent murder in Birmingham.

Henrich highlighted the impact of Jackson's situation, explaining that the victim's physical reactions during that moment proved her awareness of the imminent threat to her life.

Charges were filed against six out of the eight suspects involved in Jackson's abduction and demise during the court proceedings. Brandon Pope, 24, Francis "Ace" Harris, 25, and Jeremiah "Kodak" McDowell, 18, were charged with capital murder in connection with first-degree kidnapping and first-degree sodomy. Moreover, five individuals faced charges of felony murder. Teja Lewis, 26, Si'Niya McCall, 23, Giovannie Clapp, 23, Blair Green, 25, and Ariana Lashay Robinson, 23. Lewis and Clapp were charged with second-degree assault for reportedly attacking Jackson.

Birmingham homicide Det. Mark Green shared a thorough account of the investigation, including an essential witness who provided crucial evidence and the finding of Jackson's body. The witness, identified to prove himself after being accused on social media, played a crucial part in the case, according to Alabama News.

Read Also: European Lawmakers Pass AI Act, World's First Comprehensive Law on Artificial Intelligence

Mahogany Jackson's Text Messages Before Abduction

According to Det. Green, Jackson's alarming messages to family members on Sunday, Feb. 25, gave essential leads. In these messages, Jackson said that she was being held hostage at an apartment in Serenity Apartments. Unfortunately, her family only found the messages shortly before 8 a.m., causing a delay in response.

Jackson's body was found early in the morning on Monday, Feb. 26, hidden under mattresses at an illegal dump site called "Dead Man's Road." Authorities found footage of Jackson's abuse and torture at the hands of her kidnappers, which led to a horrifying series of instances that were exposed during the inquiry.

The people who were recorded and alleged in connection with Jackson's death, imposed impossible cruelty upon her. After being stripped, beaten, and forced into a car trunk, Jackson faced more torment at an apartment where she was held at gunpoint and sexually assaulted. Footage shared on social media defined the criminals' despicable actions, helping in their recognition and capture.

"This is definitely one of the most atrocious acts I've witnessed in my career. It's absolutely revolting," said Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond during a press briefing after Jackson's investigation.

Eventually, one of the kidnappers, Francis Harris, unexpectedly shot Jackson in the back of the head. Her body was found a distance from where she had sought help, presenting the tragic conclusion of her encounter..

Related Article: Hunter Biden's Trial on Gun Charges To Begin in June as Dad Joe's Campaign vs. Trump Heats Up

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Pornhub has blocked access to its content in Texas in protest of the states age verification requirement.

The site, one of the most-visited pornography platforms in the country, is blocking anyone who accesses it from a Texas IP address. Instead, its homepage displays a statement explaining its reasoning and encouraging users to contact their representatives about the law.

Unfortunately, the Texas law for age verification is ineffective, haphazard, and dangerous, the statement read, according to a copy Pornhub provided to NBC News. Not only will it not actually protect children, but it will also inevitably reduce content creators ability to post and distribute legal adult content and directly impact their ability to share the artistic messages they want to convey with it.

And its not just Pornhub: The entire portfolio of adult content platforms owned by Pornhubs parent company, Aylo, including Brazzers, YouPorn and Men.com, have also removed access to their content in Texas.

"Aylo has publicly supported age verification of users for years, but we believe that any law to this effect must ensure minors do not access content intended for adults and preserve user safety and privacy," Alex Kekesi, Aylo's vice president of brand and community, said in an email statement.

Instead, Kekesi wrote, the "real solution" to an age verification mandate is to impose a device-based verification system, which would have users input their age information directly into their phones operating systems.

Aylo is reviewing its options and consulting with its legal team, Kekesi said.

Texas is the latest in a string of states  including Montana, North Carolina, Louisiana, Utah, Arkansas, Mississippi and Virginia  where Aylo has restricted access to its porn sites in response to age-verification laws.

The state of Texas sued Aylo alleging it violated its age verification law, which requires visitors to porn sites to show government-issued identification or other data to confirm they are 18 or older.

Having taken effect last year, the law was challenged in federal court by an adult industry trade association before the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the injunction in November, allowing Texas to enforce it.

It subjects porn sites to fines of up to $10,000 per day for failing to verify users ages. Texas lawsuit claims Aylo has been in violation for 160 days and so must pay up to $1.6 million, as well as up to $10,000 for each additional day after the filing date.

Sites like PornHub are on the run because Texas has a law that aims to prevent them from showing harmful, obscene material to children, Attorney General Ken Paxton said in an email statement on Thursday. We recently secured a major victory against PornHub and other sites that sought to block this law from taking effect. In Texas, companies cannot get away with showing porn to children. If they dont want to comply, good riddance.

In its website statement, Pornhub claimed that asking users to provide ID every time they access porn sites will put minors and your privacy at risk. It said leaving enforcement up to individual platforms will drive users away from sites that do comply with the law but funnel them toward those that dont.
By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called on Thursday for new elections in Israel, harshly criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as an obstacle to peace.

Democrat Schumer, long a supporter of Israel and the highest-ranking U.S. Jewish elected official, told the Senate that Netanyahu's government "no longer fits the needs of Israel" five months into a war that began with attacks on Israel by Hamas militants on Oct. 7.

"As a democracy, Israel has the right to choose its own leaders, and we should let the chips fall where they may. But the important thing is that Israelis are given a choice. There needs to be a fresh debate about the future of Israel after Oct. 7," Schumer said.

"In my opinion, that is best accomplished by holding an election," he said.

Schumer said it would be a "grave mistake" for Israel to reject a two-state solution and urged negotiators in the Israel-Gaza conflict to do everything possible to secure a ceasefire, free hostages and get aid into Gaza.

Schumer and other leading Democrats, including President Joe Biden, face intense criticism from within the party, over Washington's unconditional support for Israel, given the impact on Palestinian civilians of Israel's assault on Gaza.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said that Schumer had given the White House advance notice about the speech, but that it had not given disapproval or approval or edited in anyway.

"We fully respect his right to say those remarks and decide for himself what he's going to say on the Senate floor," Kirby told reporters.

Asked if Washington thinks Israel should hold elections after the war, Kirby said: "That's up to the Israelis."

A spokesperson from the Israeli prime minister's office said there was "no comment for now." Netanyahu's Likud party said that Israel was not a banana republic and that Netanyahu's policy had wide public support.

"Contrary to Schumer's words, the Israeli public supports a total victory over Hamas, rejects any international dictates to establish a Palestinian terrorist state, and opposes the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza," the Likud statement said.

"Senator Schumer is expected to respect Israel's elected government and not undermine it. This is always true, and even more so in wartime."

The war erupted after fighters from Hamas killed 1,200 people in a lightning Oct. 7 attack on Israel and took 253 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's retaliatory military campaign has killed at least 31,184 Palestinians and injured 72,889, according to authorities in Hamas-ruled Gaza.

Schumer criticized Palestinians who support Hamas, and said Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas should also step aside.

"For there to be any hope of peace in the future, Abbas must step down and be replaced by a new generation of Palestinian leaders who will work towards attaining peace with a Jewish State," Schumer said.

U.S. LEVERAGE

The Senate's Republican leader, Mitch McConnell, quickly came to Netanyahu's defense in Senate remarks just after Schumer's unusually long 45-minute speech.

"It is grotesque... and hypocritical... for Americans who hyperventilate about foreign interference in our own democracy to call for the removal of the democratically elected leader of Israel. This is unprecedented," McConnell said.

While Schumer did not mention the possibility of introducing legislation to tie the provision of U.S. weapons to Israel easing the humanitarian crisis, as some Democrats advocate, Schumer raised the possibility of Washington using its leverage if Israel does not change course.

"If Prime Minister Netanyahus current coalition remains in power after the war begins to wind down, and continues to pursue dangerous and inflammatory policies that test existing U.S. standards for assistance, then the United States will have no choice but to play a more active role in shaping Israeli policy by using our leverage to change the present course," he said.

Schumer's speech reflected growing frustration in Washington with Netanyahu, his management of the war, failure to do more to protect Palestinian civilians and perceived obstruction of aid deliveries in Gaza.

"(Netanyahu) has been too willing to tolerate the civilian toll in Gaza, which is pushing support for Israel worldwide to historic lows. Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah," Schumer said.

Biden's administration is also unhappy with Netanyahu's staunch resistance to U.S. calls to back a two-state solution, which the U.S. sees as essential to helping to quell the conflict and achieving lasting peace.

This month's welcome to Washington by Schumer and administration officials of Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz was widely seen as a snub to Netanyahu, who has yet to be invited to the Biden White House. Gantz is a centrist politician who U.S. officials hope will someday replace the prime minister.

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; additional reporting by Richard Cowan, Katharine Jackson and Steve Holland in Washington and Henriette Chacar in Jerusalem; editing by Howard Goller)
WASHINGTON  The Senate on Thursday voted to confirm Dennis Hankins as the U.S. ambassador to Haiti as the Caribbean country faces escalating violence and political uncertainty.

The near-unanimous vote comes about 10 months after President Joe Biden nominated the longtime diplomat to the post in May 2023. Hankins was confirmed in an 89-1 vote, with 10 senators not voting.

The White House had urged a "swift confirmation" for Hankins amid growing gang violence in Haiti.

"This is a critical time to make sure that we have an ambassador in place, and we certainly urgently need him in place," National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters earlier on Thursday. "And again, were working with our partners on Capitol Hill to get him confirmed as soon as possible. We certainly hope that that vote proceeds swiftly and in the affirmative."

Hankins steps into the post just days after Haiti's prime minister, Ariel Henry, announced his resignation plans as violent gangs have swept through much of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Earlier this month, the plane Henry was on landed in Puerto Rico because of threats at a Haiti airport. The gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, called "Barbecue," had threatened additional violence if Henry did not step down.

Gangs in Haiti attacked government institutions and the National Penitentiary, which led to nearly all of the estimated 4,000 inmates escaping.

In response to the unrest, the U.S. added security forces at the U.S. Embassy and airlifted nonessential personnel out of the country.

Biden detailed his decision to deploy military personnel to the embassy, writing in a Thursday letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson that "United States Armed Forces personnel are anticipated to remain in Haiti for as long as the security environment requires."

"Although this military security force is equipped for combat, its movement was undertaken as a precautionary measure solely for the purpose of protecting United States diplomatic facilities and diplomatic personnel," Biden said in the letter.

Hankins has worked as a foreign policy adviser in the Pentagon and has held U.S. diplomatic posts in countries including Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Mozambique, according to the White House. He has also worked in Haiti as the nonimmigrant visa chief and refugee coordinator.
By Will Dunham

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Research in the expanding field of space medicine has identified many ways in which a microgravity environment and other factors can meddle with the human body during space missions. A new study has added to the field by showing that astronauts are more likely to experience headaches in space than previously known.

The study involved 24 astronauts from the U.S., European and Japanese space agencies who traveled aboard the International Space Station for up to 26 weeks. All but two of them reported experiencing headaches in space.

This was a larger proportion than the researchers had expected based on prior anecdotal evidence. The headaches - some resembling migraines and others resembling tension headaches - occurred not only during the first couple of weeks in space as the body goes through the process of adapting to microgravity, but also later.

The headaches occurring during the early period often present as migraine-like while those experienced later in space travel present more like a tension headache, the study found.

"We hypothesize that different mechanisms are involved for the early headache episodes - the first one to two weeks in space - versus later headache episodes," said neurologist WPJ van Oosterhout of Zaans Medical Center and the Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands, lead author of the study published this week in the journal Neurology.

"In the first week, the body has to adapt to the lack of gravity, known as space adaptation syndrome. This phenomenon is similar to motion sickness, and can cause nausea, vomiting and dizziness, and headaches," Van Oosterhout said. "The later headaches could result from an increase in intracranial pressure. Due to microgravity, there is more fluid accumulating in the upper part of the body and head, resulting in higher pressure in the skull."

Migraines experienced on Earth are often throbbing and pulsating headaches lasting four to seven hours, accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and hypersensitivity to light and sound, Van Oosterhout said. Tension-type headaches on Earth usually are a more dull pain felt over the entire head without those other symptoms, Van Oosterhout added.

The astronauts - 23 men and one woman, with an average age of about 47 - were aboard the International Space Station for missions that took place from November 2011 to June 2018, with a total of 378 headaches reported by 22 of the 24 astronauts during a total of 3,596 days in orbit. None of the 24 reported headaches in the three months after returning to Earth.

Thirteen of the astronauts were from NASA, six from the European Space Agency, two from Japan's JAXA and one from the Canadian Space Agency. None had ever been diagnosed with migraines prior to their space missions and none had a history of recurrent headaches.

Various documented effects of space travel include bone and muscle atrophy, changes in the brain, cardiovascular system and immune system, issues with the balance system in the inner ear and a syndrome involving the eyes. Cancer risk from greater radiation exposure in space is another concern.

Experts are unsure of how much of a barrier these effects might be on human space travel over extended periods, for instance for journeys to our neighboring planet Mars or beyond.

"The honest answer is that we don't know the effects of long-duration space travel - possibly years - on the human body," Van Oosterhout said. "It is clear that even short-term - days or weeks - to medium-term - weeks or months - duration exposure to microgravity already has some effects, mostly reversible, on the human body. This is a clear task for the field of space medicine."

(Reporting by Will Dunham, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
After the US House of Representatives voted to approve a bill that could result in US app stores removing TikTok, a US-China tech relations expert told The Independent the legislation could increase tensions between the two countries.

The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applicants Act, which passed with overwhelming support, will now go to the US Senate. Authored by a bipartisan group of representatives, the bill would allow federal law enforcement agencies to label certain apps as national security threats if they are determined to be under the control of foreign adversaries.

If the bill becomes law, TikTok parent company ByteDance will have 180 days to sell 80 per cent of its stake to a US company or face the app being removed from American app stores. Now, an expert in US-China tech relations says the bill will only increase tensions between the two countries if it passes the US Senate and receives a signature from President Joe Biden.

Dr Aynne Kokas, a professor at the University of Virginia, told The Independent that the Chinese government may retaliate through trade if the bill becomes law.

We could see more bellicose rhetoric or greater kind of trade pressures that are placed on the US by China, Dr Kokas said just hours after the successful House vote. It would be quite shocking for there not to be some sort of, at a very minimum, trade-related reciprocal action on the part of China. The big challenge is, its never really clear what that is going to be.

Dr Kokas, who has written extensively on US-China tech and media relations, explained that US legislators would be better off passing a bill that impacts the privacy regulations around all media companies  not just those controlled by foreign adversaries.

I have kind of long been of the mind that its much better to actually apply laws to all US companies, all companies operating in the US, rather than singling out specific firms, Dr Kokas told The Independent. Particularly those that are based in countries where we have really challenging relations already in a variety of different sectors.

Dr Kokas noted that TikTok executives have called for similar legislation  largely because, she said, its very unlikely to happen.

Its quite disturbing, but that is also a lobbying point thats used by TikTok to argue against TikTok-specific bans, she said.

Its a red herring where they just focus on that as the end solution, knowing that that will never happen or wont happen easily, especially in a post-Dobbs environment, Dr Kokas continued.

Dr Kokas is referring to the US Supreme Courts Dobbs v Jackson decision in 2022, which overturned the 1973 Roe v Wade case in which the Justices ruled that abortion is protected under the right to privacy granted by the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution.

Some House Democrats levelled similar criticisms against the bill.

Representative Ilhan Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota, told The Independent shes not convinced the legislation is necessary.

They were not able to provide any concrete evidence that this was necessary for us to protect our national security outside of the misinformation that weve seen on Facebook, on Instagram on YouTube shorts on Twitter, so just singling out this particular company seemed like it was not in line with protecting our national security, she said.

Meanwhile, Representative Ayanna Pressley, a Massachusetts Democrat, called the bill the wrong approach.

Instead of targeting a single company in a rushed and restricted process, Congress should pass comprehensive data privacy legislation that creates standards and regulations around data harvesting across all social media companies, like many other nations have done, Ms Pressley said in a statement.
By Luc Cohen

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Prosecutors in Donald Trump's hush money case said on Thursday they would not oppose a 30-day delay in the trial, set to begin on March 25, after the Republican presidential candidate said late disclosure of evidence was hurting his preparation.

A delay to the first-ever criminal trial of a former U.S. president would mark another victory for Trump, who has sought to slow down proceedings in his various legal entanglements as he prepares to challenge Democratic President Joe Biden in the Nov. 5 election.

The hush money case in New York state court in Manhattan is scheduled to be the first of four Trump criminal cases to reach trial. None of the other cases has a firm trial date but any delay to the New York trial could complicate their scheduling.

Trump has pleaded not guilty in the New York case to 34 counts of falsifying business records to hide his former lawyer Michael Cohen's $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels for her silence before the 2016 election about a sexual encounter she says they had a decade earlier.

Trump denies an encounter.

His lawyers have argued that Cohen paid off Daniels to spare Trump's family embarrassment, not to boost his electoral chances as prosecutors in Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office have alleged.

In a heavily redacted filing dated March 8 and made public on Thursday, Trump's lawyers said they needed more time to review thousands of pages of documents they recently received from the U.S. Attorney's office in Manhattan, which had previously investigated Cohen's payment to Daniels.

They suggested at least a 90-day delay to the trial. They also urged Justice Juan Merchan to consider dismissing the indictment altogether, arguing some of the federal prosecutors' evidence undermined the district attorney's arguments.

"The statements demonstrate that Cohen did not seek to be, and was not, acting for the benefit of President Trump's campaign," Trump's lawyer Todd Blanche wrote.

The statements he was referring to were redacted.

Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to federal charges of violating campaign finance law through the payment to Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford. The U.S. Attorney's office in Manhattan did not charge Trump in that case.

In a court filing, Bragg's office said it was ready to proceed to trial on March 25 but did not oppose a 30-day delay to make sure Trump had a chance to review the new material.

Merchan would have to approve any delay to the trial. It was not immediately clear when he would act.

Earlier this week, Trump asked Merchan to postpone the trial until the U.S. Supreme Court finishes its review of his claim of presidential immunity in his federal criminal case over efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Biden.

The Supreme Court is due to hear those arguments on April 25. A 30-day delay to the hush money trial would mean it would start that same week - a little over six months before Election Day.

Trump also faces a state criminal prosecution over his push to reverse the 2020 election results, and a federal prosecution in Florida over his handling of sensitive government documents after leaving the White House in 2021. He has pleaded not guilty in all cases.

(Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; Editing by Scott Malone and Howard Goller)
(Reuters) - UnitedHealth Group said on Wednesday its unit Change Healthcare's pharmacy network was back online, weeks after a cyberattack had a knock-on effect across the country's healthcare system that depends heavily on insurance.

Change Healthcare processes about 50% of medical claims in the United States for around 900,000 physicians, 33,000 pharmacies, 5,500 hospitals and 600 laboratories.

As of March 13, all major pharmacy and payment systems are up and more than 99% of pre-incident claim volume is flowing, UnitedHealth said.

The company, however, added that its teams are working on some pharmacies that are still offline.

Separately, UnitedHealth Group said it has identified the source of the intrusion and established a way to restore the affected systems.

A thorough forensic analysis with Alphabet's cybersecurity unit Mandiant and Palo Alto Networks is underway, UnitedHealth said, without providing additional details about the source of the data breach.

Earlier in the day, the U.S. Department Of Health and Human Services opened an investigation into the Feb. 21 cyberattack.

UnitedHealth had blamed the hack on the "Blackcat" gang, a notorious ransomware group that has a history of disruptive attacks.

In a message posted to, and then quickly deleted from their darknet site, the hackers said on Feb. 21 that they stole millions of sensitive records, including medical insurance and health data, from the company.

UnitedHealth has also been hit with at least six class action lawsuits accusing it of failing to protect millions of people's personal data following the hack, with more lawsuits likely to come.

(Reporting by Leroy Leo and Shivani Tanna in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta and Sherry Jacob-Phillips)
NEW YORK - The UK's Privy Council quashed Jamaican artist Vybz Kartel's murder conviction on Thursday sending the case to a lower court to decide whether to retry the dancehall icon.

His attorney Isat Buchanan told FOX 5 NY's Lisa Evers that the next step is a date with the court of appeals in Jamaica.

"A huge statement was made by the quashing of the murder convictions and that is where we are at. Yesterday Mr. Palmer was a convicted felon, today he is an innocent man," Buchanan said.

Vybz Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, will remain incarcerated for the time being. He -- along with Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones and Andre St John -- were convicted in 2014 for the 2011 murder of Clive "Lizard" Williams.

During the 2014 murder trial, a juror had allegedly attempted to bribe others by offering $500,000 JMD for a particular outcome in the case. Despite the allegations, the trial continued, and Vybz was convicted, according to the Privy Council. On Thursday, the council ruled that the conviction should be quashed on the grounds of juror misconduct.

"The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council has concluded that the appeals should be allowed and the appellants convictions should be quashed on the ground of juror misconduct, and that the case should be remitted to the Court of Appeal of Jamaica to decide whether to order a retrial of the appellants for the murder of the deceased," a Privy Council statement read.

Why is Vybz Kartel jailed?

Adidja Palmer is known to millions of fans around the world as entertainer Vybz Kartel. The incarcerated Jamaican Dancehall star has been behind bars for more than a decade on a murder he claims he did not commit.

After a lengthy process, the Privy Council in London is scheduled to finally rule on the appeal of Palmer and his three co-defendants.

Where is Vybz Kartel right now?

They've been behind bars since 2011 for the murder of Clive "Lizard" Williams  whose body was never found  and were convicted in 2014. Palmer has maintained his innocence. His conviction came from a mostly circumstantial case based on video and phone records from his BlackBerry Torch and a discredited witness.

"The Court of Appeal in Jamaica, they prepared three particular questions for the board to consider it concerns their telecommunications evidence, jury management issues, and an additional one for jury tampering," Buchanan said.

FOX 5 NY reported some of the findings of a British forensic expert who reviewed the case, and found serious questions about phone evidence, among other issues, during the 65-day trial.

"So when there is a gap in the footprint, for instance, the video did not have any GPS on it and all other videos on the phone had GPS, had the metadata and the epoch times in sequence," Buchannan said.

In his detailed report, digital forensic expert David John Martin-Woodgate found that the video prosecutors claimed had put Palmer at the scene of the crime also had a timestamp that was different from the inalterable embed time.

Another issue was timing. Buchanan filed for an expedited hearing given Kartel's health issues, which include Graves disease and a heart condition.

Buchanan said the report helped convince the United Kingdom's highest court, the Privy Council, to review Kartel's appeal.

"I'm very happy and optimistic about being before the Privy Council. It is the final court and justice is for all," Buchanan said.

Exclusive interview with Vybz Kartel's son

FOX 5 NY's Lisa Evers spoke exclusively with Kartel's son, Adidja Jaheim Palmer, known as Likkle Vybz, when his family fought to get him basic sanitary conditions and access to doctors for him as he awaited his appeal. He said they are keeping the faith his father will get better.

Vybz Kartel's son, Adidja Jahiem Palmer, known as Likkle Vybz.

"It weighs on my heart, I think about it a lot, but honestly, we just have to stay strong and know he is doing the best he can," Likkle Vybz said.

Likkle Vybz said he and his family thank all the fans for keeping his father in the prayers.

Buchanan had visited Kartel in prison before leaving for London, and says he's hopeful, and despite everything, still has faith in the court system, and that justice will prevail.

"In terms of Mr. Palmer, he's hanging in there, in terms of, at best both the private physician and the physicians from the government are doing their best with the reality of how best to manage his treatment," Buchanan said.
The heat up of a second melter at the Hanford site vitrification plant began early Tuesday morning and by Wednesday morning it had reached 300 degrees.

Heating up our second melter is a significant accomplishment  even more so as we are doing it while operating melter one and doing other work on the vitrification system, said Brian Hartman, the Bechtel National project director.

Just as before, we will follow a robust, deliberative process during melter heatup, he said.

Bechtel plans to slowly increase the temperature, with several holds, or pauses, as interim temperatures are achieved until the melter reaches 2,100 degrees. The goal of 300 degrees reached Wednesday was the first hold point.

Fog rolls over the vitrification plant at the Hanford nuclear reservation. In part of the plant that has been completed, a second radioactive waste melter has been heated to 300 degrees.

The heatup process is expected to take several weeks, the Hanford Advisory Board was told Wednesday.

Achieving operational temperature and the concurrent running of both melters will represent a major step toward future immobilization of Hanford tank waste, the Department of Energy said in a message to the advisory board Wednesday.

If the project proceeds as planned, both melter will remain hot for their planned life of five years, about the time they are expected to be swapped out with new melters to continue glassifying waste.

The first melter has been used to fill four canisters with glass, and that work is continuing to build proficiency in each of four crews that operate the melter around the clock.

Only glass beads are added to the melters during their initial test operation. Later this year chemicals to simulate waste will be added to the first melter in a step called cold commissioning. Hot commissioning will be done with radioactive waste.

Plans call for treating radioactive waste in 2025, making the melters the largest in the world doing that work.

DOEs Savannah River, S.C., site began operating a facility to vitrify less complex radioactive waste in 1996.

Were excited to see this next milestone achieved on the path to startup of treating low-activity tank waste at Hanford, said Stephanie Schleif, the new manager of the Washington state Department of Ecology, a Hanford regulator. Well continue to track the progress to support the schedule for hot commissioning in summer next year.

Work toward melter heatup

Its been a long road to get to this point in the Hanford vitrification process.

Construction on the Waste Treatment Plant, or vitrification plant, started nearly 22 years ago and continues.

The plant will vitrify much of the 56 million gallons of radioactive and hazardous chemical waste in underground tanks, some filled with waste as early as the 1940s and many of the tanks prone to leaking.

The Hanford nuclear reservation adjacent to Richland in Eastern Washington produced two-thirds of the plutonium for the nations nuclear weapons program from World War II through the Cold War.

Environmental cleanup is underway at the 580-square-mile Hanford nuclear reservation. The underground radioactive waste storage tanks and the vitrification plant are in the center of the site.

The tank waste is the byproduct of chemically processing irradiated uranium to remove plutonium.

In 2025 the vitrification plant is expected to start mixing the least radioactive waste separated out of the tank waste, called low-activity waste, with glass forming material to turn it into a stable glass form at the plants Low Activity Waste Facilitys two melters.

The waste is being glassified for permanent disposal.

Work on the vitrifications High Level Waste Facility, which is not fully constructed, continues to meet a federal court deadline to start treating the most radioactive tank waste in 2033. Only about 10% of the tank waste is expected to be high-level radioactive waste.

Bechtel National, the contractor building and commissioning the vitrification plant for DOE, started up the first melter at the plants Low Activity Waste Facility in October 2022.

But as temperatures approached 300 degrees Fahrenheit, the heatup was halted as a problem was discovered with the power supply to the melters startup heaters.

Workers at the Hanford site vitrification plant add frit, or glass beads, to the first melter inside the Low-Activity Waste Facility as preparations are made to glassify radioactive waste.

Temperatures were rising in the power supply cabinets, and pictures taken after the heatup was halted showed blackened inductors in the worst of three cabinets.

DOE and Bechtel then launched a thorough troubleshooting process, seeing how widely the problem extended and making changes, including ordering and installing some new parts or equipment.

A second attempt to heat up the second melter started in June 2023 and was successful. The melter filled a first container with glass before the end of 2023 in the test run.
US investors have been told that Northern Ireland is open for business as the regions political leadership addressed a major event in Washington DC.

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly made the remarks at the Ireland Funds national gala, a key part of annual St Patricks Day celebrations in the US city.

The Sinn Fein and Democratic Unionist Party pairing took centre stage at the event on Wednesday which was also attended by Irish premier Leo Varadkar.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, speaks at the Ireland Funds national gala (Niall Carson/PA)

Mr Varadkar is on a week-long visit to Washington which will see him engage with US President Joe Biden at the White House on a variety of issues including economic ties between the two countries and the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

Representatives from the Northern Ireland Executive, which was restored six weeks ago after a long-running boycott by the DUP over post-Brexit trading arrangements, arrived in Washington DC for engagements with investors, community groups and politicians.

Ms ONeill said Stormont representatives were in the US to advocate for Northern Ireland and set out shared priorities.

She said: Were also here with a clarion call to all US investors that were open for businesses, that government has been reinstated  its functional again.

Ms Little-Pengelly said Northern Ireland is a place of great hope, determination and ambition.

She added: We want to work hand-in-hand, shoulder-to-shoulder in terms of that investment and building that amazing future we know that Northern Ireland has.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland praised the two leaders message to the US audience.

Ms ONeill and Ms Little-Pengelly stressed they were in the US to advocate for Northern Ireland and set out shared priorities (Niall Carson/PA)

Speaking to the PA news agency, Chris Heaton-Harris said: Two amazing women are leading their nation, bringing a message of positivity about the future about what Northern Ireland can achieve.

I dont think you can ask for a better message to this crowd.

Mr Heaton-Harris said he would be using his time in the US to emphasise that Northern Ireland has unique economic opportunities and that the UK Government is always going to support the region.

Asked if he felt the Westminster administration had to play catch-up with announcements from the Irish Government about investment in projects in Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Secretary added: I think were pretty comfortable with the 14.8 billion block funding and the 3.3 billion we stuck in to get the Executive back up and running.

During his speech to the gala, Mr Varadkar said there was new hope and new beginning for Northern Ireland following the restoration of power-sharing.

He said: We will do whatever it takes to help build and make the idea of a better future a reality for everyone.

The Taoiseach told the crowd that Palestinian civilians are being subject to humiliation and starvation during the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Mr Varadkar has repeatedly said he will tell the US president that Irish people strongly believe there should be an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

He told the audience: We, as Europeans and Americans that are at least in some part responsible for the troubles in the region, have a duty to do all that we can to bring peace and justice to the Holy Land.

Sinn Fein Leader Mary Lou McDonald speaking to the media at the gala (Niall Carson/PA)

Meanwhile, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald defended the partys attendance at US events, amid calls for Irish politicians to boycott the Washington trip over Gaza.

Ms McDonald told reporters at the black-tie, 1,000-dollar-per-ticket gala that she would talk to the devil himself to bring about ceasefire.

She said: I feel a huge sense of responsibility to do everything that I possibly can to bring about ceasefire, to advocate for the people of Palestine.

The gala raised 1.2 million dollars for the Ireland Funds charity, which promotes peace, culture, education and community development across the island of Ireland and around the world.

Mr Varadkar and the Northern Irish political leadership were scheduled to continue engagements across Washington DC on Thursday.
An explosion during an indoor training exercise at the FBI Special Agent Jerry Crowe Regional Tactical Training Facility in Irvine, California, resulted in injuries to members of the Orange County Sheriff's Department SWAT team on Wednesday afternoon.

The explosion took place shortly before 1 p.m. local time while the OCSD SWAT team was engaged in its annual joint exercise with the agency's bomb squad at the FBI-operated facility, Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) Sergeant Frank Gonzalez told Fox News Digital.

SWAT Members Hospitalized Following Blast at FBI Facility

The blast resulted in injuries to 16 SWAT team members, with one individual requiring surgery for a non-life-threatening leg injury. Two other individuals sustained superficial wounds, while the remaining 13 reported symptoms such as dizziness and ringing in their ears, the Sheriff's Department specified.

The injured SWAT members were promptly transported to local hospitals for medical attention, with most having been discharged subsequently. The FBI issued a statement confirming the incident and the injuries.

"A training incident that occurred today at the FBI's training facility in Irvine with law enforcement partners resulted in some injuries and is under investigation," the national security organization stated.

Read Also: EU Countries Seal $5 Billion Deal for Ukraine Military Aid After Weeks of Debates

Investigators Probe Cause of Explosion

While the cause of the explosion remains under investigation, it was clarified that the FBI was not directly involved in the incident. Laura Eimiller, a spokesperson for the FBI, confirmed that no FBI personnel were injured in the explosion.

The FBI Special Agent Jerry Crowe Regional Tactical Training Facility, situated south of Los Angeles, serves as a venue for firearms training and qualifications tests for both the FBI and local law enforcement agencies.

Details regarding the exact circumstances leading to the explosion were not immediately disclosed, but investigations are currently being jointly conducted by the sheriff's office and the FBI.

Related Article: Minnesota Shooting Claims Lives of 2 Officers, First Responder; Suspect Pronounced Dead

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Nonbinary Oklahoma student Nex Benedict died by suicide, an autopsy report by the state Medical Examiner has concluded.

According to the report, acquired by The Independent on Wednesday, the 16-year-olds manner of death was suicide, while the probably cause was listed as Diphenhydramine and Fluoxetine combined toxicity.

Diphenhydramine and Fluoxetine are commonly known as Benadryl and Prozac.

Oklahoma student Nex Benedicts cause of death revealed (AP)

The teenager was beaten by other students inside a school bathroom on 7 February, at the Owasso High School in Oklahoma. They died the following day.

Owasso Police Department also confirmed the ruling on Nexs cause of death. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the department wrote: From the beginning of this investigation, Owasso Police observed many indications that this death was the result of suicide.

However, investigators did not wish to confirm that information without the final results being presented by the Oklahoma Medical Examiners Office. The Oklahoma Medical Examiners report has now been made public.

The Owasso Police Department would like to take this moment to inform anyone in crisis or contemplating suicide of the Oklahoma Mental Health Lifeline, just call or text 988.

Nex, whose family say used them/they pronouns, died one day after a fight with three girls inside a high school restroom, during which they suffered severe head injuries, according to the Owasso Police Department.

The teenager collapsed at home the day after the incident and was later pronounced dead in hospital.

According to the state Medical Examiners report, the 16-year-olds manner of death was suicide (THE OKLAHOMAN)

Nex had been bullied at the school for being openly nonbinary, their mother Sue Benedict told The Independent. The bullying had begun, Ms Benedict said, at the beginning of the 2023 school year after Republican state lawmakers passed a bill that required public school students to use bathrooms that matched the sex listed on their birth certificates.

The family previously said they were conducting an independent investigation into the death, and said that the facts surrounding the case were troubling at best.

On Wednesday, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, said: My heart is broken over the tragic death of Nex Benedict. The Medical Examiners finding of suicide makes me even more concerned that bullying played a role in this terrible loss.

Experts tell us that social media, bullying and a host of other factors are fueling a rash of suicides among young people, particularly for marginalized and traumatized youth.

Combating this problem likely means strengthening laws against bullying, as well as increasing emphasis on mental health services. Perhaps most immediately it means rejecting the cruelty of words and actions so often inflicted by other students, adults and algorithms on our youngest generations.

Perhaps most immediately it means rejecting the cruelty of words and actions so often inflicted by other students, adults and algorithms on our youngest generations. (4/4)  Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond (@Okla_OAG) March 13, 2024

Nexs death after has led to widespread condemnation of Oklahoma lawmakers, who have introduced more than 50 anti-LGBTQ bills in the current legislative session. LGBTQ advocacy groups in the state have linked Nexs death to the rise of hateful rhetoric and anti-trans legislation that has been passed.

Freedom Oklahoma described Nexs death as a hate crime, and blamed the hateful rhetoric spewed by leaders in our state and far-right social media influencers.

In late February, following Nexs death, more than a dozen of their former classmates staged a walkout to protest bullying and show support for the schools LGBTQ community.

Students and advocates displayed signs that stated You Are Loved and Protect Queer Kids as they gathered at an intersection across from the school in the Tulsa suburbs.

There is a community here in this city that does exist, and we see them, and they are loved, organiser Cassidy Brown, an Owasso graduate, told KTUL.

The protest came amid nationwide vigils to honour Nexs memory across Oklahoma state, and in Los Angeles, New York and Texas.

#Breaking The ME has released the summary report for Nex Benedict. The manner is listed as suicide. The report lists the probable cause as Diphenhydramine & fluoxetine combine toxicity. @kfor

*Earlier post deleted that showed the address. pic.twitter.com/tBqpERDWsG  Patrick Spencer (@made4tv) March 13, 2024

It is appalling and shameful that Nex Benedict endured a year of anti-LGBTQ harassment, then a brutal beating in the school bathroom, the LGBTQ advocacy group GLAAD said in a statement.

Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said: As parents, we send our kids to school expecting that they will be safe and cared for. Nex was failed by so many and should still be here today.

We hold their family in our hearts as they grapple with the devastating reality that their beloved child, a teen with a bright future, is no longer making this world a brighter place. Nex died one day after being beaten unconscious in a school bathroom, and following more than a year of bullying and harassment at school. This is heartbreaking.

And we have heard from so many parents and students that this culture of bullying and harassment is both pervasive at Owasso Public Schools and that many within the school had actual knowledge that it was occurring and took no steps to fix it.

We reiterate our call for a full and complete investigation. Young people in Oklahoma and across the country deserve to be safe and respected at school.

Nearly 58 per cent of of LGBT+ youth in Oklahoma felt unsafe at school, according to a 2022 survey from the Human Rights Campaign. Less than half of trans and gender nonconforming students in Oklahoma believe teachers and staff care about them, compared to two-thirds of trans youth in other states, the survey found.

A separate youth survey by the Trevor Project in 2022 found that 48 per cent of Oklahoma LGBT+ youth, including 55 -er cent of trans and nonbinary youth, had seriously considered suicide within the year prior to the survey.

Sixteen per cent of LGBT+ youth in the state, including 20 per cent of trans and nonbinary youth, reported attempting suicide, according to the report.
Haitis embattled Prime Minister Ariel Henry says his countrys constitution states that only he and his cabinet can appoint a council for the transition of power, Henrys office told CNN exclusively on Wednesday.

After a meeting of regional Caribbean leaders on Monday, Henry agreed to leave power once a transitional council had been set up to lay the foundations for future elections, following weeks of violence in Haiti where social order has all but collapsed.

But Henrys office told CNN that only he and his cabinet can appoint the transitional council and will not simply deliver the country to new leaders without following constitutional procedures.

According to the Haitian constitution, only the prime minister with the cabinet can appoint the presenting council. Yes, the PM expresses his patriotic intentions to resign with his cabinet, but we have to do this in order, special adviser to Prime Minister Ariel Henry, Jean Junior Joseph, told CNN.

We will not deliver the country to just a group of people without following the procedure. We are in crisis as a country, but we must stay inside of the law and set a good example, he added.

Henrys office said Article 149 of Haitis constitution states that once the president is not available, only the ministerial cabinet possesses powers to make decisions in his absence.

The council will have to go through the same process he went through when Ariel Henry became PM, the statement said.

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry speaks to students during a public lecture on bilateral engagement between Kenya and Haiti, at the United States International University Africa, in Nairobi, on March 1. - Simon Maina/AFP/Getty Images

The United Nations secretary-generals spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Wednesday that the transitional council under the CARICOM agreement for Haiti is the path forward.

When asked if the announcement weakens Haitis political transition towards elections, Dujarric said, Its not for the secretary-general or for the UN to impose a solution on the people of Haiti. As weve seen thats been tried many times without great success.

Henry came to power unelected in 2021 following the assassination of Haitis then-President Jovenel Moise. His premiership has been marred by months of spiraling gang violence, which grew more intense after he failed to hold elections last month, saying the countrys insecurity would compromise the vote.

His decision only further enraged protesters who had for months demanded he stand down as Haiti slid further into poverty and unchecked chaos.

When the worst of the violence erupted at the start of March, Henry was in Kenya to sign an agreement to send 1,000 Kenyan police officers to Haiti to restore the security situation. Their deployment was postponed Tuesday following Henrys announcement of his resignation.

After Mondays meeting of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM), Henry agreed that a transitional council would be established and endowed with some powers of the presidency  including the ability to name a new interim prime minister. The resulting government would be expected to eventually hold elections in the country for a complete political reset, although it is unclear how long this would take.

Jimmy Barbecue Cherizier, the leader of the alliance of gangs known as Viv Ansanm (living together), warned Monday that his group would not recognize any government resulting from the CARICOM agreement.

The agreement was struck while Henry was in the US territory of Puerto Rico, where he arrived last week. While Henry was out of the country, gangs laid siege to Haitis main airport to prevent his safe return.

Amid the chaos, the neighboring Dominican Republic has remained the only country to continue deporting people back into Haiti, according to new data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which tracks migration flows around the world.

In the month of March, the Dominican Republic  which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti - deported 4,151 people to its neighbor, per IOM figures. The majority of the people deported into Haiti were men, along with 716 women, 45 boys and 55 girls.

The IOM data shows no apparent reaction from Dominican authorities to worsening conditions on the ground, with 640 Haitians deported on March 4, the day after Haiti declared a state of emergency.

Asked to comment on the Dominican Republics recent deportations, Dujarric said the UN was against the forced mass displacement of people back into a country that is clearly not safe.

The UNs office in Haiti said it is establishing an air bridge between Haiti and the Dominican Republic to facilitate the movement of UN staff and humanitarian assistance. The air bridge will facilitate the temporary relocation of some UN staff outside Haiti and will facilitate the arrival of crisis management personnel into the country, BINUH said.

Meanwhile, aid is tricking into the country. A major Haitian port terminal, which was breached by looters and protesters last week, came back under government control on Monday.

The World Food Program (WFP) said it carried out its first maritime aid operation since late February out of Port-au-Prince to the south of Haiti on Monday, according to a post on X on Tuesday by its Haiti director Jean-Martin Bauer. The WFP transferred eight trucks carrying medical items by ferry which will be distributed to 80 health facilities, according to Bauer.

Food and other aid previously couldnt enter the Haitian capital by sea due to the interruption of maritime ports, Bauer explained.

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Violet "Evelyn" Alberts, a wealthy 96-year-old woman killed in a plot to steal her lavish California home, made herself an easy target by isolating herself with a "mistrusting" attitude and fear that those around her wanted her money, her former stepson told Fox News Digital.

When she was found dead in bed at her Montecito home in May 2022, ingredients to bake cookies in celebration of her upcoming birthday were found laid out on the table.

Porter Ranch resident and caregiver Pauline Macareno, 48, was charged with elder abuse, fraud and manipulation of legal documents in relation to Alberts' death, according to the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department.

Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said at a press conference last Friday that she tricked Alberts by offering her a reverse mortgage and "orchestrated a series of transactions, including forging documents and establishing fraudulent entities to gain control over Alberts assets unlawfully" in 2022.

CALIFORNIA SUSPECTS ACCUSED OF MURDERING 96-YEAR-OLD WIDOW WHO WAS BAKING COOKIES FOR HER BIRTHDAY: POLICE

Violet Alberts, 96, is fondly remembered as a beloved resident of the Montecito community.

Macareno was sentenced to six years behind bars for the fraud, according to court records, and now faces charges of solicit to commit murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Brown said she was "referred" to Alberts for her care but did not specify by who or which agency.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Alleged accomplices Harry Basmadjian, 58, Ricardo MartinDelCampo, 41, and Henry Rostomyan, 33, face charges ranging from murder to conspiracy and solicitation of murder in the plot.

Attorneys for Macareno, MartinDelCampo and Rostomyan could not immediately be reached for comment. Basmadjian "suffered a life-threatening medical emergency that left him totally incapacitated with a grim prognosis" after his arrest, the sheriff said.

"In the eyes of Pauline Macareno, Miss Alberts was living too long," Brown said at a press conference last Thursday. "And so the acceleration of her death is presumably what was  behind the murder."

"Without any immediate family nearby, Violet relied on her friendships and connections within the neighborhood, through which she achieved a sense of belonging with a tight-knit community," Brown said.

Bruce Anderson, Alberts' former stepson from a previous marriage of hers, said he and his wife had no idea his former stepmother had been murdered until his California-based brother read about it in local newspapers.

VIRGINIA MAN ARRESTED AFTER DNA FORENSIC ADVANCEMENTS LINK HIM TO 2 COLD-CASE MURDERS

Ricardo MartinDelCampo, Pauline Macareno and Henry Rostomyan are all suspects in Violet Alberts' murder case.

Anderson said Alberts, who went by her middle name, Evelyn, met his father, John Anderson, when he was the president of the California Rare Fruit Growers Society and she was a member.

The pair married in 1991. Although they divorced in 1996, they remained close friends until the elder Anderson died in 2005, paying frequent visits to each other's homes in Santa Barbara County.

Alberts' first husband died in the 1990s, Brown said last Thursday. When she died in 2022, Brown said, Alberts had aged out of her savings and was in a distressing financial situation.

PHOENIX SENIOR CHARGED IN KANSAS WITH 1982 COLD-CASE MURDER

But Alberts' hilltop property, within walking distance of Oprah Winfrey's home and Michael Jackson's compound, was her major point of pride, Anderson said.

The property was dotted with rare fruit and nut trees, he said, and Alberts had a prized Koi pond with fish imported from Japan, some worth thousands of dollars. She had a "real interest in Japanese culture," and had a six-foot-deep Japanese soaking tub and Japanese design features throughout her nearly 5,000 square foot home.

Assessment records show the home was last appraised at just under $5 million.

Alberts also kept a chicken coop on her property and was known for years in the Montecito community for selling eggs at local farmer's markets.

"Here's a lady that's got millions of dollars and she's selling eggs down at the farmers market just to talk to people. That's the kind of person she was  very outgoing and talkative," Anderson said.

But although she was known for her impeccable homemaking and hosting, Anderson said, she wasn't "overly trusting."

"She questioned a lot of things," Anderson said on Tuesday. "Apparently she was [too trusting] in the end.  I don't think she was an easy mark, but she might have been later in life."

Brown said at Thursday's press conference that Alberts was having difficulties with her "memory and cognition."

This aerial view shows the Montecito neighborhood of Santa Barbara, California, on March 5, 2021.

Since he had become estranged from her around 2005, Anderson said, his former stepmother "might have been more inflicted with memory problems and dependent on other people."

Anderson's wife, Darlene Anderson, said that "vivacious" Alberts "always thought that someone was trying to get something over on her."

It was "painful" when Alberts "did not want to keep in contact" because "she always thought that the only reason we would be checking on her would be to try to get into her will," Darlene Anderson said.

"I never would have thought that us not doing something would have us not know that she was in that type of trouble," she said. "She had enough money that we just thought she would be able to take care of herself  we forgot that when you are in your 90s, you don't always have the mental faculties to do that."

Hearing of the heinous crime in the star-studded town where "people knew each other, ran into each other in the grocery store [and] shared the same doctor" was a shock, she said.

Darlene Anderson said that Alberts had a difficult financial start in life, and that "every time her family contacted her, it wasn't to say, Hey, I was just thinking about you today and I wanted to tell you that I love you."

"When they called, it was 'You have all this money and I don't have any and I need this, you need to send me $10,000.' You get to the point where you don't want to pick up the phone," she said. "I think that's something that's extremely sad. You definitely want to take a look at that and never want to be in that position in your life."

The Andersons said that the role of family in Alberts' life was a "major bone of contention" in Alberts' relationship with her second husband that contributed to their divorce.

"She loved my father-in-law completely, [but] she was a little bit jealous of his family because she didn't have children of her own," Darlene Anderson recalled. "She didn't understand the dynamics of a family."

Another point of contention, they said, was that Alberts "wanted to give her estate away to a cat shelter" when she died.

"[My father-in-law was like, 'A cat is a cat and it's not supposed to have millions of dollars,'" Anderson said.

Alberts lived in the Montecito neighborhood of Santa Barbara, California.

Regardless, Darlene Anderson said, it "wasn't up to [Macareno] to decide whether Evelyn was going to will her money the way she wanted it."

"[Macareno's] job was to take care of her  someone abused her, scared her, probably told her that if you didn't do this or do that, they would take away those contacts that she had," she continued. "Can you imagine the fear that woman went through? It makes me extremely angry."

Although this type of murder in affluent Montecito  an area with residents such as Meghan Markle and Prince Harry  is "extremely rare," Pasadena-based criminal defense attorney Brian Claypool told Fox News Digital that "serious crime in posh, affluent areas in California has been on the rise."

"Last year, a lovely young lady working at an upscale furniture store in West Los Angeles was murdered in broad daylight," Claypool said. "Serious smash-and-grabs happened in Beverly Hills before the holidays. Prosecutors are soft on crime in certain counties, like Los Angeles, which has emboldened criminals."

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The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department did not return Fox News Digital's requests for comment on the case at press time.





Original article source:Relative of elderly California millionaire allegedly murdered by caregiver reveals how she became easy target
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to announce his running mate this month as he wages a long-shot independent bid for president. And the timing is no accident  his decision is set to come as he needs a running mate to qualify for the ballot in a majority of states, with some of their filing deadlines coming up soon.

Kennedy is attempting to qualify for the ballot in all 50 states, and at least 26 of them require him to file his nomination papers with a running mate named, according to an NBC News analysis of state ballot access requirements.

Qualifying for each states ballot is a daunting enterprise that could cost millions of dollars and requires gathering more than 900,000 signatures nationwide.

The campaign has estimated the effort could cost $15 million. Kennedys campaign had just over $4.8 million in its account at the end of January, according to a fundraising report filed with the Federal Election Commission. Meanwhile, ballot access deadlines are also fast approaching. They have already passed in North Carolina, Utah and Idaho.

Kennedys campaign has said it has gathered enough signatures to qualify for the ballot in Utah, as well as New Hampshire, Nevada and Hawaii. The campaign is starting to gather signatures in Texas, as well.

The pro-Kennedy super PAC American Values 2024 announced this week that it would stop collecting signatures on Kennedys behalf but said it had collected more than enough to place him on the ballot in Arizona, Michigan, Georgia and South Carolina. However, some petition signatures usually get invalidated when they are turned in and checked by election officials, which is why campaigns and other groups often try to gather more than the minimum.

Theres another twist: Although the filing deadline for independent candidates has passed in North Carolina, Kennedys supporters there are taking a different route to the ballot. In North Carolina and five other states  Hawaii, California, Delaware, Mississippi and Texas  his supporters have formed their own political parties.

That path, which is also the way No Labels is trying to get its presidential ticket on the ballot nationwide, requires fewer signatures in some states than the regular candidate petition-gathering Kennedy is doing elsewhere. In North Carolina, for example, an independent presidential candidate would have had to collect more than 83,000 signatures by March 5 to qualify.

But a new political party must collect only around 13,000 petition signatures by early June.

Still, Kennedys campaign faces a sprint. By August, more than 21 states deadlines will have passed, with 24 additional states imposing deadlines throughout that month.

The processes vary by states, and some require filing fees in addition to petition signatures. But the threshold to qualify for the ballot is somewhat lower in a handful of the most important swing states, where Kennedy could have the most impact on a close presidential race.

In Wisconsin, one of the closest states in 2020, an independent presidential candidate needs only 2,000 petition signatures to qualify for the ballot  just a tiny fraction of the more than 3.4 million voters in the state.

And independent presidential candidates need to collect just 7,500 signatures in Georgia and 5,000 in Pennsylvania, two more states that were decided by close margins in 2020.
While the family of a 3-year-old boy from Athens, Georgia mourns, authorities continue to hunt down and prosecute the toddler's alleged killers.

Kyron Zarco, also known as "Baby Dro," died after bullets pierced his home while he was watching TV and sitting on the sofa with his 9-year-old brother, Athens-Clarke police said.

I am sickened by this heinous crime, and my heart aches for the grieving family, friends and loved oneswho are suffering such a tragic loss, Athens-Clarke Chief of Police Jerry Saulters said March 9 in a news release. The Athens-Clarke County Police Department will dedicate our full strength and resources to bring the killers to justice.

Kyron Zarco

So far, two teenagers have been arrested and are facing murder and other felony charges in connection to Kyron's death. Julian Cubillos, 17, and Jayden Brown, 16, are in police custody without bond while authorities search for two more suspects who were allegedly involved in the shooting.

Dakious Echols, 18, and Desmontrez Mathis, 22, are the remaining two suspects police intend to arrest for Kyron's murder. All four suspects have been charged with two counts of murder (malice and felony murder), four counts ofaggravated assault and violation of the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, police said Thursday in a subsequent news release.

What happened to Kyron Zarco?

Athens-Clarke police responded to a call around 5:30 p.m. about a shooting at a mobile home park, according to the department. When officers arrived, they found three people with gunshot wounds  Kyron, his brother and an unidentified adult.

Kyron died from a bullet to the chest, according to Athens-Clarke County Coroner Sonny Wilson. The toddler's brother suffered a non-life-threatening injury, while the adult was not injured by gunfire, police said.

Kyron Zarco died after being shot during a drive-by at his home in Athens, Georgia.

The front of the mobile home had at least seven gunshot holes as a result of the shooting, according to police.

Athens-Clarke police Lt. Jody Thompson said the shooting appears to be over a gang-related dispute. Police have not said who the intended target of the shooting was.

Manhunt for Kyron Zarco's alleged killers commences

Athens-Clarke police are searching for the remaining suspects with the help of a Violent Gang Safe Streets Tasks Force, which consists of federal, state and local officers, Thompson said.

Crime Stoppers is enlisting the public's help by offering up to a $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons involved in the shooting, police said.

"There has been a lot of public input and a lot of helpful information given, Thompson said.

Cubillos was arrested in Jackson County, 19 miles from Athens, about an hour after the shooting, police said.

Athens-Clarke police had issued a lookout notice for a white Jeep Cherokee that Cubillos was possibly driving. A Jackson County sheriff's deputy spotted the Jeep and tailed it until the car stopped at a food mart in Arcade, Georgia, police said.

The deputy apprehended Cubillos after ordering him out of the Jeep and telling the teenager to put his hands in the air, according to police. When a backup officer arrived, Cubillos was put in handcuffs.

No weapons were found in Cubillos possession during the arrest, the deputy reported. The 17-year-old did not make a statement, and the deputies did not question him at that time.

Kyron Zarco's family mourns after deadly shooting

Kyron's mother, 29-year-old Shanita Smith, told WXIA-TV that her "baby didn't even have a chance" when bullets riddled the mobile home on the day of the shooting.

"Why? Why? I don't bother nobody. I don't bother nobody. So, were you aiming for someone else's house? Because why? My sweet little baby," Smith said.

Smith said she would have done "anything" for her kids.

"I love my kids," Smith told the TV station.

Kyron Zarco and his mother Shanita Smith

Kyron's family has organized a GoFundMe to help them find a safer home.

"Baby Dros life was taken from him too soon during a drive-by shooting while just watching television with his sibling, who was also hit by a bullet," the GoFundMe page says. "Baby Dro was only three years old when this horrific tragedy happened. This baby boy was so precious and innocent! He was her miracle baby, so sweet and full of joy."

The GoFundMe's donation goal is $30,000. So far, over $23,000 has been raised.

Contributing: Wayne Ford for the Athens Banner-Herald

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kyron Zarco: Georgia toddler fatally shot while watching TV
Welcome to the online version of From the Politics Desk, an evening newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics teams latest reporting and analysis from the campaign trail, the White House and Capitol Hill.

In todays edition, assistant managing editor of tech and science Jason Abbruzzese explains how the TikTok vote in the House Wednesday is part of a broader effort to crack down on social media companies after years of inaction. Plus, chief political analyst Chuck Todd takes a look at the GOP divide in Ohio's Senate race ahead of next week's primary.

The TikTok bill may be just the start of efforts to crack down on social media

By Jason Abbruzzese

Its not just TikTok.

Yes, Wednesdays vote  and the vitriol surrounding it that surprisingly does not fall cleanly along party lines  was primarily about TikTok, as the House overwhelmingly approved legislation that could ban the popular app if the China-based ByteDance doesnt divest it.

But its also a move that adds to the broader momentum around legislation aimed at cracking down on social media companies. For years, plenty of politicians had talked tough and floated the occasional bill targeting consumer tech giants. Tech companies like Facebook (now Meta) even mounted campaigns calling for regulation, albeit the kind that they helped shape. Little changed.

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Thats started to shift, and theres plenty of bills that arent expressly about TikTok. The most notable, the Kids Online Safety Act, has also gained momentum on Capitol Hill and resulted in a similar scrambling of traditional political coalitions. That bill would require social media companies to do more to make their platforms safe for younger users around issues like sexual exploitation and harassment.

At the state level, governments are entertaining a variety of different legislative ideas, even going so far as to propose bans on social media for kids under 16.

That said, theres plenty of barriers left for these bills. Passing through both chambers of Congress or a state legislature remains a major hurdle, not to mention the inevitable legal challenges that have scuttled even successful legislation. Laws passed by Texas and Florida meant to impose restrictions on how social media companies moderate their platforms were met with skepticism by Supreme Court justices during recent arguments, suggesting the laws could soon be struck down.

Even after earning broad support in the House, the TikTok legislation now faces an uncertain future in the Senate, where members are expressing less urgency to act. Democrats will have to weigh sending such a bill to President Joe Biden, whose struggles with young voters have been well documented, as his re-election campaign ramps up. Biden has said he would sign the bill if it reaches his desk.

But even the TikTok bills ultimate failure would add to what is a varied and increasingly bipartisan move on social media companies that once operated with few concerns of government intervention.

The most important Senate race in the fight for the GOPs future

Analysis by Chuck Todd

While Donald Trump has decisively won the GOP nomination for president, in some places, theres still a battle down the ballot over what direction the party should take  often breaking down along similar lines to Trumps one-on-one phase of his primary with Nikki Haley.

The Republican electorate spoke out loud and clear for the side of Trump in the presidential primaries, but some of the sub-battles in this struggle between the two wings are closer contests. Ohios Senate primary might be ground zero for this debate, as Trump and his forces are fully behind Bernie Moreno, while the more Chamber of Commerce-aligned wing of the party is behind a wealthy scion, state Sen. Matt Dolan.

The divides in this race are stark, particularly over issues like Ukraine and whether the government should be small or strong. In the last Ohio Senate primary, the old guard stayed out of the race and let Trump essentially pick the nominee, now-Sen. JD Vance.

This time, the old guard is uniting behind a non-Trump candidate, with Gov. Mike DeWine and former Sen. Rob Portman supporting Dolan. Dolan ran against Vance in 2022 but didnt have this level of outside support.

For those Republicans who hope to rebuild and redirect the party in a new direction post-Trump, a Dolan primary victory would be the start of a movement in that direction  should Trump lose the presidential race. But a Moreno victory would mean the Ohio GOP is most likely headed into the arms of Trump for the long haul, not just an election cycle or two.

Whatever the outcome in this Senate primary, it will matter a lot to the future of the GOP. And its certainly, for me, the most consequential Republican race to watch this cycle because of all the subtext involved.

Read more from Chuck here 

Thats all from The Politics Desk for now. If you have feedback  likes or dislikes  email us at politicsnewsletter@nbcuni.com

And if youre a fan, please share with everyone and anyone. They can sign up here.
The debate raging on Capitol Hill over TikTok is creating strange bedfellows and blurring ideological lines ahead of the November election.

The House of Representatives Wednesday passed a bill by an overwhelming 352-65 vote that would force TikTok's China-based parent company ByteDance to sell its ownership in the social media platform or face having the app banned in the U.S.

The bipartisan coalition -- unusually broad for the bare-knuckle boxing ring the House has become -- saw seemingly sworn enemies like Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, vote in favor of the bill and Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., vote against it.

And many of the Republicans who supported the legislation included staunch allies of Donald Trump like Jordan and Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y. -- bucking the former president's opposition to the bill.

"It was certainly a weird one," said one GOP House aide to a member who voted for the bill.

"It's very rare to see these members vote together on controversial bills. It's always interesting when votes show that the political spectrum is really just a full circle on some of these issues," added another GOP House aide to a second member who voted in support of the legislation.

MORE: How a possible TikTok ban could play out in Congress

Besides forcing ByteDance to sell the app within six months of its signing or have TikTok banned, the bill would apply that rule to all apps controlled by a foreign rival, including China, North Korea, Russia and Iran.

Yet much of the debate focused on TikTok and China -- lumping China hawks in both parties together and creating a separate coalition of bipartisan free speech absolutists and party gadflies.

Supporters of the legislation have centered their arguments around ByteDance's ties to the Chinese government, warning that relationship could turn TikTok into a potent tool for Beijing to invade the privacy of American consumers and influence them in an election year.

"Communist China is Americas largest geopolitical foe and is using technology to actively undermine Americas economy and security," Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said in a statement. "Todays bipartisan vote demonstrates Congress opposition to Communist Chinas attempts to spy on and manipulate Americans, and signals our resolve to deter our enemies. I urge the Senate to pass this bill and send it to the President so he can sign it into law."

Opponents are framing their disagreement around First Amendment concerns, warning that the bill itself violates Americans' freedom of speech and opens the door to future clampdowns on other platforms.

"As Ranking Member of the Intelligence Committee I have more insight than most into the online threats posed by our adversaries. But one of the key differences between us and those adversaries is the fact that they shut down newspapers, broadcast stations, and social media platforms. We do not. We trust our citizens to be worthy of their democracy," said Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee.

PHOTO: Rep. Jim Himes speaks to members of the press after a briefing at the U.S. Capitol, on Feb. 14, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

MORE: Possible TikTok ban in US: What's at stake and what comes next

The bill's passage flew in the face of an unrelenting lobbying campaign from TikTok itself, which sent influencers and a coterie of hired hands to Capitol Hill to convince lawmakers to oppose the bill. The app also sent select users a push notification to have them reach out their representatives, leading House offices to be flooded with calls from people who were opposed to the legislation but included some who weren't even sure who they were contacting.

"This process was secret and the bill was jammed through for one reason: it's a ban. We are hopeful that the Senate will consider the facts, listen to their constituents, and realize the impact on the economy, 7 million small businesses, and the 170 million Americans who use our service," the app said in a statement Wednesday morning.

The legislation now heads to an uncertain future in the Senate, where the bill would need 60 votes to pass and lawmakers have been cooler to the prospect of voting on the bill. That chamber too has seen stances that cross traditional alliances, with Trump supporters like Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., backing the bill.

PHOTO: Devotees of TikTok gather at the Capitol in Washington D.C., Mar. 13, 2024. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

"The people who are voting for it and coming together, it's not crazy that they're coming together on an issue of national security and an issue of reining in big tech because those are things that should transcend partisanship," said one former Democratic House aide who is familiar with the bill's drafting, noting the unusual nature of legislative enemies voting the same way Wednesday.

Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., only said in a short statement after the House vote that "the Senate will review the legislation when it comes over from the House" without any promise for a floor vote.

Complicating the debate over the app is the 2024 presidential race, with each candidate bringing convoluted histories to the topic.

President Joe Biden has said he would sign the bill into law even after his campaign joined the app, with the White House stating Wednesday its pleasure with the House vote. And Trump said he does not want to see the legislation pass out of fear of empower Meta -- a reversal from his past support that came after a meeting with hedge fund manager and GOP megadonor Jeff Yass, whose company owns tens of billions of dollars' worth of stocks in ByteDance.

MORE: Trump's TikTok ban reversal comes after meeting megadonor who has stake in TikTok

The debate comes at the same time as polling that suggest Biden is performing worse with young voters than he did in the 2020 race -- slippage that could cost him his reelection and that bill opponents have highlighted.

"Successful politics is addition and multiplication. And cutting out a large group of young voters is not the best-known strategy for reelection," Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., told reporters Tuesday.

But several hurdles remain that could block the TikTok legislation from significantly influencing the results later this year.

Senate passage of the bill is dubious at best, reducing the chances that Biden would even get the chance to sign it into law and dampening any electoral fallout.

"It will be interesting to see what the Senate does. I don't see this having much of a lasting impact unless it's signed into law, which seems increasingly unlikely, especially as we get closer to November," the second GOP House aide said.

On top of that, even if the bill is signed, ByteDance could sue and possibly delay implementation until after the election. The race is between two candidates with universal name recognition, limiting the possibility of outside factors to changer voters' minds. And several other issues are anticipated to dominate the countless news cycles between Wednesday and Nov. 5.

"I just really question whether or not people are sitting at home because they're TikTok-issue voters. And if you're a TikTok-issue voter, you probably weren't someone who was gonna absolutely be out on Election Day in the first place," the former Democratic House aide said.

"Frankly, I'd be shocked if this issue has any resonance among swing voters come November," added GOP pollster Robert Blizzard. "That's a million political lifetimes from now."

Ban TikTok? Debate creates strange bedfellows with an eye on 2024 election originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Former President Trump holds narrow leads over President Biden in the swing states of Pennsylvania and Arizona, according to polling released Thursday from Fox News.

A Fox News poll shows Trump leading Biden by 2 points in Pennsylvania, with about 49 percent of support compared to the presidents 47 percent. In Arizona, another Fox News survey shows the former president with a 4-point lead over Biden with about 49 percent of the vote compared to Bidens 45 percent.

The most recent presidential races have come down to the wire in Pennsylvania and Arizona, with Biden narrowly winning both of those states in 2020. Trump had carried them in 2016.

Trump and Biden each clinched enough delegates Tuesday to become their respective partys presumptive nominees for the White House. According to The Hill/Decision Desk HQs polling average, Trump is leading Biden by about 1.4 percentage points nationally.

In Pennsylvania, the Fox News poll found Trump and Biden were tied when voters were asked who they would back in a five-way race that also included Independents Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West and Green Party candidate Jill Stein. Trump and Biden each received 42 percent of support, Kennedy received 9 percent and West and Stein each received 2 percent.

When asked about a five-way race in Arizona, Trump maintained a 4-point lead over Biden, with 43 percent of support to Bidens 39 percent. Kennedy received 10 percent of support in Arizona.

The Pennsylvania poll was conducted March 7-11 among 1,149 registered voters and has a margin of error of 3 percentage points. The Arizona poll was conducted March 7-11 among 1,121 registered voters and had a margin of error of 3 percentage points.

Both polls were conducted under the joint direction of Beacon Research and Shaw & Company Research.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A new venture in the works at 406 and 408 N. Third St. in Wilmington, N.C. is set to be an office site and test kitchen for Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar, and offer space for food trucks and more.

A new venue is in the works for North Third Street in downtown Wilmington. It started as a project from growing Shuckin Shack Oyster Bar brand to build a test kitchen and offer a place to help franchise owners.

We saw the need for a non-live kitchen, said Jonathan Weathington, CEO. "And a place for training."

The locally born business now has nine locations in North Carolina, and more in South Carolina, Illinois, Florida and Georgia -- and at least four soon-to-open sites are planned. It wasn't long, though, before they saw more possibilities for what the space could be.

Now, theyre working with Genesis Block in that organizations ongoing efforts to grow opportunities for food entrepreneurs. The space at 406 and 408 N. Third St. will be home to a commercial kitchen, offer a home base for food trucks, have a take-out window with regular service hours, and be a place for pop-up restaurant events.

We wont need it for Shuckin Shack all the time, Weathington said, so theyre working out a lease agreement for the new Block Kitchenz project.

Genesis Block worked with Cape Fear Community College for the similar Block Eatz project, which opened last year in the McKeithan Center on the North Campus. Girard Newkirk, a founder of Genesis Block, said they expect to be able to work with more budding entrepreneurs downtown.

The possibilities are limitless, Weathington said.

The two properties are a combined 4,000 square feet, he said, in two equally sized buildings. One will be devoted to office space. The other will include a 900-sqare-foot kitchen, and space for events and a conference room. Theres also a private parking lot that could be a home base for four or five food trucks.

And its right downtown. Its so convenient, Weathington said.

The space is right beside The Eagles Dare bar at 420 N. Third St. and on the same block as Flytrap Brewing on Walnut Street. Newkirk said he can envision the kitchen being an asset to those businesses, and others like it close by. In addition to the food trucks, caterers or others will ideally be able to reserve space in the commissary kitchen or host pop-ups.

Newkirk said they'd like to offer window-service hours for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. Weathington said they're hoping to start in mid-May.

STAY CONNECTED: Keep up with the areas latest food news by signing up for the Port City Foodies newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram.

Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Shuckin' Shack, Genesis Block team up for test kitchen in Wilmington, NC


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Wednesday witnessed a great setback to a proposed plan to install new leadership in Haiti as some political parties rejected the plan to create a transitional presidential council that would be responsible for selecting an interim prime minister as well as a council of ministers.

The ministers would be charged with mapping out a new direction for the Caribbean nation that is currently besieged by armed gangs in open rebellion.

The violence has caused businesses to board up and schools to close and destroyed much of the already crumbling infrastructure.

Former senator and presidential candidate Jean Charles Moise teamed up with one-time rebel leader Guy Phillippe to hold a press conference announcing their disapproval of the proposed council, which is backed by the international community.

In a clear attempt at centering himself amid the calamity, Moise asserted that the three-person council he created with Phillipe and a Haitian judge should be installed.

"We are not going to negotiate it," he said in a loud voice as he wiped his forehead with a handkerchief. "We have to make them understand."

Phillippe was a key figure in the revolt of 2004 that ousted former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. He also was recently released from prison in the United States after pleading guilty to money laundering.

He believes no Haitian should accept any proposal being floated by the international community. Phillippe accused the international community of complicity with Haiti's corrupt elite and urged Haitians to take to the streets in protest.

"The decision of Caricom is not our decision," he said, referring to the regional trade bloc whose leaders presented the plan to create a transitional council. "Haitians will decide who will govern Haiti."

Himmler Rebu, a former colonel of Haiti's army and president of the Grand Rally for the Evolution of Haiti, a party that was awarded a spot on the transitional council, declined to participate in the council.

He believes a judge from Haiti's Supreme Court should be put in power. Rebu expressed that his party is "ashamed and angry" upon seeing "the search for positions of power that do not take into account the responsibilities attached to them."

Backers of Prime Minister Ariel Henry are former senator Sorel Jacinthe and politician Jorchemy Jean Baptiste each argued why their candidate was the best.

The plan came into being following an urgent meeting of Caribbean leaders at which U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was present.

Hours after the meeting, Henry announced Tuesday that he would resign once the council was in place, saying that his government "cannot remain insensitive to this situation."

Henry remains locked out of Haiti and is currently in Puerto Rico due to an open rebellion by armed gangs that began while Henry was in Kenya urging the United Nations-sponsored deployment of Kenya troops in Haiti to stem the tide of violence.

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Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Rain showers early with clear skies overnight. Low 46F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Rain showers early with clear skies overnight. Low 46F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
One mother said she went "almost mad" with agony when she learned her 13-year-old daughter, Precious Sim, was kidnapped along with other students from a northern Nigeria high school in 2021.

Taking matters into her own hands, Esther Joseph sold her possessions to pay the 2 million naira ($1,256) ransom to the kidnappers in exchange for her daughter's release.

Precious had been kidnapped from the Bethel Baptist High School of Maraban Damish in Kaduna State and released to her family after one month of captivity, Joseph told Reuters.

Kidnappings at schools in Nigeria are sadly a norm for Africa's most populous nation. A decade ago, jihadist group Boko Haram seized 276 students from a girls' school in Chibok in Borno State. Some of the girls remain missing to this day.

The tactic, though, caught on quickly as criminal gangs began to copycat the kidnappings as a means to secure ransom payments. With no ideological connection, authorities are at a loss for how to stop them.

As Nigeria's economy and poverty levels continue to drop at high intensity, the abductions have become a daily scene as people resort to desperate measures.

Two-hundred-and-eighty-six students and staff were kidnapped from a school in northern Nigeria last week by gunmen who have demanded a total of 1 billion nairas ($620,432) for their release.

On Monday night, around 60 people were abducted in Buda, in the same state, residents said - bringing the total of those kidnapped across the country in the first two weeks of March to nearly 750, according to Amnesty International.

"Kidnapping for ransom has eclipsed other motivations for abductions, especially political reasons," research firm SBM Intelligence said in a July 2023 report.

Speaking on last week's mass kidnapping, Information Minister Mohammed Idris said that the government's stance relies solely on security forces' securement of the hostages' release. Paying for the release of any hostage is a crime in Nigeria and carries a jail sentence of at least 15 years.

With no viable solution, communities are struggling to gather their savings to try and meet the ransom demands.

Despite Precious' return to school, many other victims have dropped out entirely in fear of more abductions.

At least 10.5 million children are out of school in Nigeria, the highest number in the world, according to the U.N. children's agency UNICEF. That is due to insecurity, including abductions and a long-running insurgency in the northeast.

Kidnappings are "a major driver of withdrawal of children from schools in northern Nigeria," said Isa Sanusi, director at Amnesty International in Nigeria.

"No parent wants to go through the horror of having children abducted by ruthless gunmen... On and off, schools are closed due to security concerns and the children end up missing out on education. Because girls are usually raped when abducted, many girls have been withdrawn from schools and married off at an early age."

7,000 people are estimated to have been abducted throughout Nigeria since President Bola Tinubu took office in May, according to Reuters.

Successive Nigerian governments are deploying soldiers and bombing alleged hideouts used by gunmen, mainly in Kaduna, Zamfara, and Katsina states.

However, it's important to note that the gunmen using motorbikes control large swathes of land. Schools in remote and rural areas are considered an easy target, lacking any form of security.

Sanusi said that it was difficult to get accurate figures for school kidnappings.

He said that, according to Amnesty's findings, more than 780 children were abducted for ransom in 2021 alone. As of 2022, more than 700 schools were closed in seven of Nigeria's 36 states.

"Some schools have reopened, while others remain indefinitely closed," Sanusi said.

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YEREVAN, MARCH 14, ARMENPRESS. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un guided a military demonstration involving a new battle tank, state media KCNA reported.

He expressed great satisfaction over the fact that the new-type main battle tank successfully demonstrated its very excellent striking power and mobility, displaying its amazing combat capability for the first time in the tankmens match, KCNA said.

The "training match" was designed to inspect the combat capabilities of tank crews and make them familiar with combat action on different tactical missions, it said.

The 105th Tank Division, which was declared the winner of the mock battle, was the unit which occupied the South Korean capital Seoul during the Korean War, according to KCNA.

After reviewing the tank crews, Kim Jong Un mounted a new-type main battle tank, seized the control lever and drove the tank himself.

The mock battle comes as joint annual drills involving South Korea and the U.S. were due to wrap up on March 14. As part of the drills, South Korea's army said the combined forces had conducted a joint live fire exercise featuring tanks, armoured cars as well as FA-50 fighter jets.

North Korea has long condemned such military drills as rehearsals for war, while Seoul has said they are purely defensive.
At the same time, Origins white label wholesale agreement with Aussie is due to end on 12 April, with the exception of certain services for a further six months.

According to a statement released to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), Aussie Broadband had discussed moving from its current white label offering to a layer 3 wholesale model for over six months, providing network services.

Origin would assume responsibility for the technical and accounts call centre, billing, customer portal and collections that Aussie currently handles.

Aussie claimed Origin's most recent proposal would have resulted in a "considerably" reduced EBITDA from the energy provider, rejecting it on 7 March. It then provided an alternative proposal on the same day, but did not receive a response.

"We are disappointed we have not been able to reach an agreement with Origin to renew our white label wholesale agreement, however as a company we have always been disciplined in ensuring every contract delivers value to our shareholders while also ensuring we can maintain a high quality service offering for customers," said Aussie managing director Phillip Britt.

"In the case of Origin it became clear that, given the contract parameters they set us, we would not be able to meet either of these objectives.

"Given the growth profile of ABB, and the retail and wholesale opportunities we are pursuing, we took the view that it was important that a disciplined approach to assessing contracts and how capital is deployed is critical.

Meanwhile, Superloop CEO Paul Tyler said the Origin contract is a "key progress milestone" in the telco provider's three-year "double down" growth strategy, which it previously detailed in February.

"In order to create strong alignment and pursue growth in broadband customers, we are delighted to welcome Origin as a shareholder and to issue it an option to acquire further shares," he said.

The deal is expected to considerably boost the company's results for the 2024 financial year, with the low end of its underlying EBITDA range bumping up from $49 million to $51 million. Meanwhile, the high end of $53 million remains unchanged.
Gyalo Thondup's enigmatic role and the indelible legacy of the Dalai Lama in the context of Tibet's struggle for autonomy.

No Chinese leader had ever asked of the Dalai Lama -- as Stalin did of the Pope -- How many divisions does he command? Yet this 65th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising of March 1959 must find China worried that the 88-year-old exile with an infectious giggle but without a country to rule or troops to command might be the wolf in a monks robe of its national nightmare. If so, what role will history assign to his enigmatic second eldest brother, Gyalo Thondup?

When Jawaharlal Nehru sent the Dalai Lama to Dharamsala, journalists predicted that he would be forgotten on that shelf above the world. But Mao Zedong, with his acute insight into character and situations, had lamented when he heard that the Dalai Lama had escaped: In that case, we have lost the battle.

The Great Helmsman knew that an idea conquers the world more effectively than any army can. While Dalai Lamas come and go, an institution embodying the spirit of Tibet lives for ever. Tibet and Tibetans have blossomed into an indestructible virtual nation during these 65 years of the Dalai Lamas exile.

That is also Indias unique contribution to the cause. Presidents and Premiers meet the Dalai Lama only when they want to make a point against China, Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao once told me. We alone have given him full liberty to do whatever he wants! When I asked Chinas consul-general in Kolkata if Beijing was serious about claiming Arunachal Pradesh, he retorted: But of course! The Sixth Dalai Lama was born there! The fervently loyal Han diplomat meant Tsangyang Gyatso, an unconventional 17th century pontiff who disdained monastic austerity, grew his hair long, wore regular Tibetan robes, drank alcohol and accepted female company. Born on March 1, 1683 in Tawang, he was probably kidnapped and murdered by Mongol rebels during a power struggle but his poems and songs remain popular even today among Tibetan-speaking communities in Nepal, India and throughout China.

The present 14th Dalai Lama, whom Tibetans call Gyalwa Rinpoche, was born into a farming family on July 6, 1935, and chosen as the incarnation of Tibetan Buddhisms supreme head at the age of two. He was given a string of high-sounding names and hastily installed in Lhasas 13-storeyed Potala Palace with its more than 1,000 rooms soaring nearly 400 feet above the Marpo Ri, or Red Hill, when the Chinese invaded.

A detailed account of the enthronement by Sir Basil Gould, British representative in Gangtok with jurisdiction in Bhutan and Tibet, confirmed that despite Manchu claims, the canny Tibetans allowed the Chinese no role in the ceremonies. When Chinese troops crushed the Tibetan uprising, the Dalai Lama escaped from the Potala Palace to start the 13-day trek across the Himalayas to India, from which there was no return. He was just 23.

While the Dalai Lama remains one of Natures innocents, his life an open Book. Gyalo Thondups tantalising links with the United States, Communist China, Taiwan, India, and Bhutan and role in the 1959 Tibetan uprising baffles many. As I wrote in my 2002 book, Waiting for America: India and the US in the New Millennium: When British intelligence reported in 1958 that the Chinese would soon launch their final campaign of pacification in Tibet, Dwight D. Eisenhower asked Nehru to give the Dalai Lama asylum. Being a notorious hard bargainer, Nehru demanded help in developing nuclear weapons. A security assurance is not enough, he said. India required its own nuclear guarantee against China.

In 1953, when Nehrus sister Vijayalakshmi Pandit was the UNGAs president, President Eisenhower had made a seminal speech to the General Assembly announcing his Atoms for Peace programme to share nuclear technology to develop atomic energy for civilian purposes. Nehru welcomed the plan and agreement was reached in 1958 for what eventually became the $118-million Tarapur nuclear reactor

According to the intermediary, William Corson, a Hong Kong-based Marine Corps major who was an intelligence aide to Eisenhower, Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, the course of the negotiations left no doubt that the American-trained scientists would be assigned the task of producing nuclear weapons. In 1974, less than sixteen years later, India exploded Pokharan-I, its first nuclear test Three years after the request about the Dalai Lama, a state department memo proposed that Washington should help India to develop the bomb in order to deny China the psychological edge of being Asias first nuclear power.

Gyalo Thondup moved to Lhasa in 1939, and to Nanjing, Republican Chinas capital, three years later when he was 14, ostensibly to learn Chinese. He became a protege of Chiang Kai-shek, often dining with him at home and being educated by tutors selected by Chiang. In 1948, he married Zhu Dan, the daughter of a Kuomintang general. The first officially acknowledged Tibetan to visit Taiwan since 1949, Gyalo Thondup facilitated semi-official contacts between the exiled Dalai Lamas administration and the Chinese in both Beijing and Taiwan. He travelled to the United States in 1951, becoming a seemingly contrary link between Americas Central Intelligence Agency (which promised to make Tibet independent by organising guerrilla units to fight against the Peoples Liberation Army) and Deng Xiaoping, with whom he had negotiated on behalf of the Dalai Lama.

It was a tortuous mix of roles with no one ever sure whether Indias RAW or the CIA was the real mastermind. Whispers of KMT funding and the part that an inconspicuous Tibetan restaurant in Calcuttas old Chinatown, which served Indias first and most delicious momos, played in recruiting fighters compounded the mystery. Even more curious was Bhutans allegation in 1974 that Gyalo Thondup had plotted to blow up Thimphus Tashichodzong, assassinate key members of the royal family and stage a coup.

All that lies in the past. The Dalai Lama has handed over to an elected government and says that sovereign independence is no longer the goal. Change may now have to wait until some other power takes the initiative -- as the US did in 1903 to hive off Panama from Colombia, or India in 1971 splitting Bangladesh from Pakistan -- to create a more benign world order. But whatever happens, the 14th Dalai Lama, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, has ensured that Tibet and Tibetans will always remain distinctly separate from China and the Chinese. That is his unforgettable legacy.
The apex court had also directed the EC to publish the details shared by the bank on its official website by 5 pm on March 15

In its affidavit furnished to the apex court, the SBI said, as per the court's direction, it has made available the details of electoral bonds to the Election Commission (EC) before the close of business hours on March 12. (PTI)

NEW DELHI: In a seven-page compliance affidavit, the State Bank of India on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that a total of 22,217 electoral bonds were purchased and 22,030 redeemed by political parties between April 1, 2019 and February 15, this year, out of which 22,030 were redeemed.

In its affidavit furnished to the apex court, the SBI said, as per the court's direction, it has made available the details of electoral bonds to the Election Commission (EC) before the close of business hours on March 12.

In compliance with the order of the Supreme Court, please find a sealed envelope containing the above details in two PDF files, one with details of the purchasers of the electoral bonds and the other file containing names of the political parties who have encashed these bonds with all the requisite details, as per the order..., reads a letter from the SBI to the Election Commission, annexed with the affidavit, furnished to the poll panel at 4.15 PM on Tuesday.

The affidavit submitted before the top court said details, including the date of purchase of each electoral bond, the names of the purchaser and the denomination of the bonds purchased, have been furnished.

The affidavit, sworn by SBI chairman Dinesh Kumar Khara, said the bank has also furnished to the EC details like the date of encashment of the electoral bonds, the names of political parties that received the contributions and the denominations of the bonds.

"A total of 22,217 bonds were purchased during the period from April 1, 2019 till February 15. At the time of collating the information for the EC, the details were segregated as below," it said.

The affidavit said between April 1, 2019 and April 11, 2019, a total of 3,346 electoral bonds were purchased and 1,609 redeemed.

It further said that from April 12, 2019 to February 15, a total of 18,871 electoral bonds were purchased and 20,421 were redeemed.

"The SBI has ready records in which the date of purchase, denomination and name of the buyer were recorded and (in relation to the political parties), the date of encashment and the denominations of the bonds encashed were recorded," the affidavit said.

The affidavit said, in compliance with the apex court's directions, a record of this information was made available to the EC by hand delivery in digital form (password protected) before the close of business hours on March 12.

The SBI said the aforesaid data has been furnished in respect of bonds purchased and redeemed between April 12, 2019 and February 15.

"The electoral bonds were sold and redeemed in phases during this period and phase IX started on April 1, 2019. The number of bonds set out in the application included (by oversight) the bonds that were purchased during the period commencing April 1, 2019 and not from April 12, 2019," it said.

The affidavit also contains as an annexure a copy of the letter as proof of service of data sent by the SBI to the Election Commission.

The amount of the electoral bonds that were not encashed by the political party within the validity period of 15 days during this period have been transferred to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund, as per Gazette notification no 20 dated January 2, 2018, said the letter sent by the SBI to the poll panel.

On March 11, a five-judge Constitution bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud had dismissed the SBI's plea seeking an extension of time and ordered it to disclose the details of electoral bonds to the EC by the close of business hours on March 12.

The apex court had also directed the EC to publish the details shared by the bank on its official website by 5 pm on March 15.

In a landmark verdict delivered on February 15, a five-judge Constitution bench scrapped the Centre's electoral bonds scheme that allowed anonymous political funding, dubbing it "unconstitutional" and ordered the closure of the scheme forthwith.

Through the February 15 order, the top court had directed the SBI, the exclusive banker authorised under the scheme, to submit by March 6 the details of the electoral bonds purchased since April 12, 2019, till date to the EC. The EC, in turn, was asked to upload the data by 5 pm on March 13.

On March 11, while hearing SBI's application seeking an extension of time till June 30 to furnish the details to the EC, the apex court had observed that the bank's submissions in the application sufficiently indicated that the information was readily available with the bank.

In its application, the SBI had contended that the retrieval of information from "each silo" and the procedure of matching the information of one silo to that of the other will be a time-consuming exercise.

"The data related to the issuance of the bond and the data related to the redemption of the bond were kept and recorded in two different silos. No central database was maintained," the bank had said.

The SBI also 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."

Due to stringent measures undertaken to ensure that the identity of the donors was kept anonymous, "decoding" the electoral bonds and matching the donors to the donations will be a complex process, SBI had said in its application.
The selection of the two officers comes a day before the Supreme Court is to hear petitions challenging the selection process of ECs

New Delhi: The committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday selected former bureaucrats Dr Sukhbir Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar as Election Commissioners (ECs), against the vacancies created by the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey on February 14 and the sudden resignation of Arun Goel last Friday.

The selection of the two officers comes a day before the Supreme Court is to hear petitions challenging the selection process of ECs. The Congress put in a dissent note over the process, noting that the law had been amended to keep the Chief Justice of India out of the process.

Both IAS officers belong to the 1988 batch. Sandhu, originally from Punjab, is from the Uttarakhand cadre. He is a medical doctor by training. Sandhu was appointed Chief Secretary when Pushkar Singh Dhami became the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand in 2021. Before this he had served in the National Highways Authority and the ministry of education.

Gyanesh Kumar is a Kerala cadre IAS officer who hails from Uttar Pradesh. During his tenure in the Union home ministry, Kumar oversaw the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 as additional secretary. He had also served as cooperation secretary and Parliamentary Affairs secretary.

They were picked from six names that were shortlisted, that had Utpal Kumar Singh, Pradeep Kumar Tripathi, Indevar Pandey and Sudhir Kumar Gangadhar Rahate, all former bureaucrats, apart from Dr Sandhu and Kumar.

Giving the details of the meeting, Congresss leader in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said he had submitted a dissent note over the process, adding that the government had amended the law to keep the Chief Justice out of the process. He said the CJIs presence needed for neutrality and transparency as the government chose the one it wanted due to a majority in the committee. The previous meeting to pick an EC had been deferred.

When Mr (Arun) Goel was appointed, the Supreme Court had made a lightning speed remark. He came at lightning speed and left with digital speed, Chowdhury added.

The PM-led committee had two ministers  Union home minister Amit Shah and law minister Ajrun Meghwal, who also heads the search committee apart from the LoP or the leader of the largest Opposition party in the Lok Sabha. Chowdhury said he had asked for the list of the shortlisted candidates, which he got barely hours before the meeting, while the final list of six candidates came 10 minutes before the meeting, which gave him little time to check about the candidates.

It was fait accompli that the chosen two will be selected. However, I tried to intervene in an appropriate manner so as to bolster the institution. Thats why, before my arrival in Delhi, I sought a shortlist made before the selection by the law ministry. I got the list of 212 people very late, and 10 minutes before the meeting I was given the list of six candidates.

I reached Delhi at around 12 am and the meeting was at 12 pm. Now you can imagine if, in a single night, it is humanly possible for me to examine 212 names and find out the most competent person among them. How could I have scrutinised the list and applied my mind on these candidates? Had I got this in time I would have gained more information about these candidates. There was no clarity on how six names were shortlisted from the list of 212 candidates. But since they have a majority in the committee, my agreeing or not does not matter, Chowdhury said.

However, sources said the government sent Chowdhury five lists containing 236 names. The lists included the names of 92 officers who retired at secretary level at the Centre, 93 officers still serving at secretary level in the Government of India, 15 officers who retired as chief secretaries of states and Union territories in the last one year, and 28 officers serving as chief secretaries in states and eight in Union territories.

The Congress MP hit out at the Centre over the law that replaced the Chief Justice of India by a Union minister on the selection committee. I know that the CJI is not there. The government has made such a law that the CJI doesn't interfere and the Central government can choose a favourable name. It has reduced the meeting to a mere formality I am not saying that it's arbitrary but the procedure that is being followed has some lacunae, said Chowdhury.
The committee has recommended that there should be a single electoral roll and Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) for use in elections

Ram Nath Kovind, Chairman of the High-Level Committee (HLC) on 'One Nation, One Election', presents the report to President Droupadi Murmu, in New Delhi, Thursday, March 14, 2024. Two of the committee members, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and DPAP leader Ghulam Nabi Azad are also seen. (PTI Photo)

New Delhi: The high-level committee on simultaneous elections headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind has backed the One Nation One Election (ONOE) concept, simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies as the first step, followed by synchronised local body polls within 100 days of the parliamentary and Assembly elections.

The committee has recommended that there should be a single electoral roll and Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) for use in elections to all the three tiers of government.

The Kovind committee on Thursday submitted its 18,626-page report to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Kovind was accompanied by the panel members, including home minister Amit Shah, former Finance Commission chairman N.K. Singh, former Lok Sabha secretary-general Subhash Kashyap, former Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad and Union law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.

Amit Shah termed the recommendation as a historic day for the countrys democratic system while the Congress alleged that the BJP wanted to completely dismantle the Constitution with the objective of one nation, no election.

A statement by the law ministry said the committee crafted its recommendations in such a way that they are in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution and would require the bare minimum amendments to the Constitution, even as legal experts raised doubts over its applicability.

The simultaneous elections will bring fundamental transformation in the election process and overall governance. It will result in optimising scarce resources and encourage voters to participate in large numbers, said the report.

The committee recommended that fresh elections could be held to constitute a new Lok Sabha in the event of a hung House or a no-confidence motion, or any such event. Where fresh elections are held for the Lok Sabha, the tenure of the House will be only for the unexpired (remaining) term of the immediately preceding full term of the House, the report said.

When fresh elections are held for state Assemblies, then such new Assemblies  unless sooner dissolved  shall continue up to the end of the full term of the Lok Sabha.

To bring into force such a mechanism, Article 83 (duration of Houses of Parliament) and Article 172 (duration of state legislatures) need to be amended, the committee said.

This constitutional amendment will not need ratification by the states, the committee said, adding Article 325 dealing with voters lists may be suitably amended for the purpose.

At present, the EC is responsible for Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, while local body polls for municipalities and panchayats are managed by state election commissions. The panel recommended several constitutional amendments, most of which will not need ratification by the states.

Now, several elections are being held every year. This casts a huge burden on the government, businesses, workers, courts, political parties, candidates contesting elections and civil society at large," the panel said. It added that the government must develop a legally tenable mechanism to restore the cycle of simultaneous elections.

Responses were sought from 47 political parties. Barring 15, the remaining 32 political parties favoured simultaneous elections, the committee said in its report. However, three former high court chief justices and one former state election commissioner were among those who objected. The Congress, Aam Aadmi Party and CPI(M) opposed the proposal, while the BJP and National People's Party supported it.

The Bahujan Samaj Party did not explicitly oppose it, but highlighted concerns regarding the large territorial extent and population of the country, which could make implementation challenging, said the report. The Samajwadi Party, in its submission, said if simultaneous elections are implemented, state-level parties will not be able to compete with national parties in electoral strategy and expenditure, leading to increased discord between these two sets of parties.

According to the report, all four former Supreme Court Chief Justices  Justice Dipak Misra, Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde and Justice U.U. Lalit  favoured holding simultaneous elections. Among the former chief justices of major High Court, nine supported simultaneous elections while three raised concerns or objections.

Among these are former Delhi High Court Chief Justice Ajit Prakash Shah, who noted it may curb democratic expression along with concerns about distorted voting patterns and state-level political alterations, former Calcutta High Court Chief Justice Girish Chandra Gupta, who felt the idea was not conducive to the principles of democracy, and Justice Sanjib Banerjee, former Chief Justice, Madras High Court, who had concerns that it would undermine India's federal structure and be prejudicial to regional issues.

The panel studied election processes in six countries, including South Africa, Sweden and Belgium, before recommending simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies in India. The other countries where simultaneous elections are conducted are Germany, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines and Belgium.

Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan said: If they have to implement it as they suggest in the report, they want to include and insert an Article to bring about the change  that would require an amendment of the Constitution with two-thirds majority, plus also half the states giving their consent. So, it is a fairly long process. I think they have looked at it in a simplistic, straightforward manner, looking at only tenures. They should also look at all the various provisions of the Constitution, including emergency powers, President's powers, Presidents Rule, etc, which will need to be altered and changed. Until you do that comprehensive exercise, I think it may be shortsighted. On a practical plane, I think it makes no sense at all because we have seen how governments are created, Parliaments and legislatures have been created in last 75 years. We haven't seen any particular problem that needs to be fixed In my view, it is thoroughly impractical and completely unnecessary.
by Melani Manel Perera

Human Rights Watch raises the alarm on the executive's regulations and bills that undermine political freedoms. The latest one concerns non-governmental organisations, whose application can lead to abuses and arbitrariness. The credibility and effectiveness of the International Monetary Fund programme is at risk.

Colombo (AsiaNews) - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) should remind the Sri Lankan government to respect rights and follow the reform plan, a condition to which the allocation of funds is linked, in particular blocking a bill that would severely limit the scope of civil society action.

This is what the international activist group Human Rights Watch (HRW) states in a letter sent to the IMF, published yesterday, underlining that some rules that the executive intends to approve would end up putting the very fund program for the island at risk.

The latest law at the center of the controversy is that on non-governmental organizations (in reference to registration and supervision), which risk limiting freedoms behind the facade of "good governance" and the "fight against corruption".

In the letter, the New York-based activist NGO recalls how the rescue plan for Sri Lanka drawn up by the IMF for three billion dollars, essential to stem the deep economic crisis and the 2022 default on foreign debt, is linked to the commitment on the subject of reforms. However, progress is threatened by the introduction of rules by the administration led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe that violate or severely restrict fundamental rights.

Among the elements of controversy is the Online Safety law, promulgated in January, whose definition of crime appears vague and arbitrary, applicable at discretion and which ends up punishing the so-called "speech crime" with long prison sentences.

Added to this is the Anti-Terrorism bill, currently being examined by Parliament, which contains new and extensive speech-related crimes and also in this case arbitrary and discretionary arrest powers. Finally, the bill for the Regulation of Non-Governmental Organizations which could make independent civil society activity on the island almost impossible.

With the economic collapse in 2022, citizens have called for good governance and an end to corruption; now they are faced with draconian laws and policies that threaten rights and undermine reforms, explains Meenakshi Ganguly, deputy Asia director at HRW. The protests contributed, he adds, to bringing President Wickremesinghe to power, but instead of listening to calls for change, he is repressing peaceful dissent.

A 2023 IMF study, known as the Governance Diagnostic Assessment, said that anti-corruption efforts are unlikely to achieve their objectives if they do not also include initiatives designed and led by groups outside the government.

These initiatives, the report continues, must be aimed at rules-based inclusive economic and social progress. In reality, the study shows that the participation of civil society in the supervision and monitoring of the executive is hindered by "limited transparency, lack of platforms for inclusive and participatory governance and broad application of anti-terrorism rules". As a result, the study concludes, opportunities for public participation and control of official behavior, including by civil society, are increasingly restricted.

On January 30, the government provided the draft law on NGOs to selected members of civil society, who had three weeks to respond. However, the text does not respond to any obvious need, but instead seeks to subject civil society organizations to control and interference by the authorities, threatening prison if the organizations and their members do not comply with cumbersome administrative procedures.

A few weeks later, on February 28, the "National Collective of CSOs and NGOs", a coalition of civil society organizations, wrote to the government that the proposed law "would violate the fundamental rights to freedom of association and expression". It also ends up damaging the provision of services by civil society organisations, including to the many families struggling to make ends meet amidst severe economic difficulties.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk in his update on March 1 said he was "concerned about the introduction of new laws or other proposals with a potentially far-reaching impact on fundamental rights and freedoms".

This is why, HRW concludes, the IMF should protect the credibility and effectiveness of its program in Sri Lanka by publicly asking the government to abandon the proposed law on NGOs. Added to this is the need to impose a moratorium on the use of the Online Safety Act and to amend the anti-terrorism law to ensure that it respects human rights standards.

(Photo taken from the Human Rights Watch website)
Turkey is developing a US$ 17 billion, 100,000-job project to connect Asia and Europe by rail and road, competing with rival Israel and the United Arab Emirates. This is why Turkeys military is planning a summer campaign against the PKK in Iraqi Kurdistan. A high-level meeting between Turkish and Iraqi officials was held today in Baghdad.

Istanbul (AsiaNews)  War and economy. Military operations and trade routes. In the Middle East, weapons and money go increasingly hand in hand, as evinced by a major offensive Turkey is preparing for this summer in the west of Iraqi Kurdistan against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Turkey considers the latter a terrorist group, and wants to drive it south to secure a new trade route from the Persian Gulf to transport goods to the Mediterranean.

Dubbed Development Road, the new highway would link Asia to Europe, going from Basra to the Turkish border, worth US$ 17 billion, countering the hegemony of the Suez Canal, which is in a crisis, following Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.

According to sources cited by Middle East Eye (MME), the planned military operations will target the western areas of the semi-autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan, targeting areas next to the territory controlled by the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), an ally of Ankara, cutting off the PKK's access to Mosul.

"Turkey's main purpose is very clear. The presence of the PKK in Metina and Gara has the potential to seriously threaten the Iraq Development Road Project, a Turkish source said, referring to the planned 1,200km highway and railway project that would connect the Gulf to Turkey through Iraq.

For both Ankara and Baghdad, the goal is to remove PKK from these two areas as well as secure the area for the construction of the project, reaching both objectives in one step.

Iraq, Turkey, and the Gulf Arab states hope to soon finalise the project, which involves transporting goods through the port of al-Faw in Basra governorate to international markets via Turkey.

Baghdad expects trains to operate at speeds of up to 300 km per hour, making it easier to transport passengers and freight.

In addition, plans include the creation of logistics hubs, industrial complexes, and the potential integration of oil and gas pipelines.

This ambitious project is estimated to require an investment of about billion, with an expected annual return of US$ 4 billion and the creation of at least 100,000 jobs.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is among the main supporters of the project, which he is promoting in direct competition with the rival India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) supported by Israel and the United Arab Emirates, which bypasses Turkey.

Earlier this week, Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler said Ankara wants to deploy forces 30-40 km deep into Iraqi territory, setting up a joint operations centre with Baghdad, although the project seems to be stalled.

According to Turkish sources, the Iraqi army has begun to build up its forces on the demarcation line between the Turkish army and the PKK, deploying troops in the Balinda area, an administrative transition between Duhok and Mergasor in the KDP-controlled area.

It is not yet clear whether Baghdad has moved its forces to the region to cooperate with Turkey or to act as a buffer between the PKK and Erdogan's army to avert further clashes.

For some time, the Kurds in Syria and Iraq have been caught between Iran and Turkey, with missiles and drones causing casualties and serious damage to infrastructure in areas already subject to heavy bombing and military attacks in the past.

Tehran has concentrated its operations in Iraqi Kurdistan, where it believes Kurdish resistance bases and opposition figures are concentrated. Its crackdown intensified after the death of a 22-year-old Kurdish woman, Mahsa Amini, in September 2022.

At the same time, Ankara has accelerated cross-border operations, considering the Kurdish-Syrian area to be the area of origin of the PKK (and YPG) cell that struck on 13 November 2022 in Istanbul, killing six people and wounding dozens.

Such operations end up involving not only the PKK but civilians as well, in particular the residents of Christian villages in the mountainous area of Iraqi Kurdistan on the border with Turkey, Syria and Iran.

Iraqi and Turkish officials were set to meet in Baghdad today to discuss energy cooperation, security, and defence.

The meeting could also be an opportunity to discuss joint operations with KRG forces to secure the area from Mosul to Duhok and the Turkish border town of Ovakoy, also as part of the Iraq Development Road project.

This large-scale infrastructure project is vital for Turkey in the so-called Middle Corridor, a trade route that stretches from Asia to Europe.

However, the struggle between Baghdad and Erbil over the sale of oil through the Iraqi-Turkish pipeline, on which the Iraqi Supreme Court itself has ruled, causing havoc to the finances of the Kurdistan region, is complicating matters.

(Photo: Middle East Eye)
Malaysian authorities want migrants they deem illegal to go home after paying a fine to avoid prosecution and incarceration. Malaysia, however, does not recognise refugee status for those fleeing persecution and conflict. Myanmar citizens who fled their country risk compulsory military service if they return.

Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews)  Malaysia launched a new repatriation programme earlier this month, requiring migrants it deems illegal to return to their country after paying a fine instead of going to trial with the possibility of prison.

No one under the programme will be prosecuted, said Datuk Ruslin Jusoh, director-general of the Immigration Department  All they need to do is surrender themselves so that they can be processed and sent home rather than stay in Malaysia illegally.

But once they join the programme, not only will migrants have to have to pay the fine, which ranges from 300 to 500 ringgit (US-105), but they will have to show a one-way ticket to their home country, Datuk Ruslin Jusoh explained.

According to Malaysias Home Affairs Ministry, 800 undocumented foreign workers out of 600,000 have already been repatriated.

For some migrants, going home means endangering their lives. This is the case for those who fled Myanmar because of its ongoing civil war. Malaysia does not recognise them as refugees since it is not a signatory to the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.

For many Myanmar nationals, repatriation means possible prosecution for opposing the militarys February 2021 coup, while those aged 18 to 45 could be drafted.

The countrys ruling miliary junta has in fact introduced compulsory military service to beef up its armed forces, which have been struggling for months due to an offensive by the armed groups that form the anti-coup resistance.

For one migrant who earns 55 ringgits (US$ 12) a day making bricks, going home is not an option. If I go back to Myanmar, Ill be forced to serve in the military. If that happens, no one could support my family, he told Frontier Myanmar. For this reason, Ive decided to stay here and face any difficulties, no matter what happens, in order to support my family,

Others, on the other hand, fear arrest by the Malaysian police. A 45-year-old construction worker who arrived from Myanmar in June 2021 and now suffers from an enlarged liver, said he prefers to return. If I got arrested for staying here illegally, my health would probably worsen even more in prison, so I decided to go back, he said.

About 300,000 Myanmar migrants out of the total 800,000 in the country are undocumented.

According to observers, it is likely that in the coming months the Malaysian government will decide to empty the detention centres for migrants, repatriating as many as possible.

Human Rights Watch estimates that at least 12,000 refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants are held in 20 centres across the country.

The Global Detention Project, which analyses immigration-related detention practices around the world, has called Malaysia's immigration control regime one of the worlds more punitive, arbitrary, and harmful systems.

Malaysian law, in fact, considers any illegal entry and stay a criminal offence and convictions carry prison sentences of up to five years and six strokes with a cane.

But migrants are often detained arbitrarily, without recourse to judicial review and held indefinitely.
(Photo : GoFundMe)

Lilyanna Miah Gunsaules was killed in a car crash last year.

The family of a 16-year-old who was killed by a drunk driver is furious after the teenage boy who was driving the car reached a plea deal with prosecutors, according to a report.

The tragic crash happened around 3:15 a.m., near West 52nd Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard in Denver, CO killed 16-year-old Lilyanna Miah Gunsaules, according to KVDR.



Her mother, Shyla Combs, said her daughter had been spending the night at a friend's house and was supposed to be home the next day to watch her younger brother.

When she did not show up, Combs began frantically contacting her friends. A call from the coroner's office was the culmination of her worst fears.

"I just feel so incomplete without her. It's like I died with her," Combs said. Police say the driver was driving south when he swerved and crashed into a tree.

The driver fled, leaving Miah behind, as the vehicle burst into flames. Combs said those details and his actions in court show a lack of remorse.

"You didn't check on her, you didn't mention her to the police. This is somebody's child. It's hard when you see someone coming in and out of the courtroom freely after killing your child," she added.

"We are talking two years out-of-home placement and any time that's said, people think jail - and that doesn't mean jail. That's up for the judge to decide," Combs said.



The victim's mother says the district attorney advised her that the plea deal was the best way to make the charges stick.

"There needs to be attention on our juvenile system, because this is the life of my child, and she was 16. She had her whole life ahead of her and tons of plans. I will never be able to see her walk down the aisle or have a family of her own, and I feel like the courts absolutely do not care," Combs said.

The driver is due in court on March 26 to enter a plea and receive a sentence.

@ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
by Santosh Digal

The movement for interreligious dialogue founded in Mindanao by Fr Sebastiano D'Ambra, a PIME missionary, is also active in offering prisoners training courses for when they regain their freedom. But because of the slow pace of the Philippine justice system, many remain in prison longer than they should. "I pray that during this Lenten period they can be released," said Giljohn G. Rojas, coordinator in Zamboanga prison.

Manila (AsiaNews) - For 30 years the Silsilah Dialogue Movement has been bringing hope, compassion and love to the inmates of the Zamboanga City prison in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, in the southern Philippines.

The activity in favor of prisoners is one of the faces of this initiative for interreligious dialogue in Mindanao: founded by the PIME missionary Fr. Sebastiano D'Ambra in 1984, Silsilah (which means "chain") sees Christians and Muslims working together in many areas of social life.

We continue to carry out our mission by inviting other Silsilah members from different cities to pay attention to this specific mission, said Giljohn G. Rojas, staff member and new prison ministry coordinator at Zamboanga Prison. "We collected the testimonies of people deprived of their liberty who shared with us how they were transformed and how, thanks to the project carried out by Silsilah, their time in prison was reduced", he said.

Silsilah works with institutions, police and volunteers providing training courses to reduce prisoners' sentences and prepare them for reintegration when they return to freedom. In the first few days of visiting the prison, I was eager to talk or interact with the prisoners.

In addition to being uncomfortable at the time, I felt conflicted, anxious, fearful, and ashamed. Little by little, those apprehensions disappeared and gave way to mutual trust, said Rojas, who, trying to show solidarity with the prisoners, began wearing colors similar to those of the prisoners' uniforms.

The coordinator of the movement in Zamboanga underlined the importance of treating prisoners with love and respect: They are our brothers and children loved by God, even if not impeccable. They need God's mercy and our compassion, just as each of us is imperfect. With all our flaws, we are loved. Each of us is loved, Rojas said.

Some cases are more harrowing than others, such as that of a man sentenced to eight years, but who, due to the length of the judicial process, has been in prison for much longer: "I have not been able to look this prisoner in the eyes, who continues to feeling like he wasn't allowed to live his life, even after serving more than double his allotted time. He's getting older, and I've been thinking about what chances he would have of surviving outside prison walls if he were released. I believe that he was denied not only freedom, but much more."

Many cases are still pending or proceeding too slowly. Many prisoners cling to the hope that one day they will return to society, but they do not know whether they will be accepted or have the opportunity to work or study again.

Or simply whether they will be given a second chance because of their past. Now I understand why Jesus specifically mentioned visiting incarcerated people as a work of mercy: because it is a gesture towards him, Rojas continued. Even though they have committed crimes, they are more than just criminals. They are human beings, made in the image and likeness of God."

"I pray that in this period of Lent they can leave prison", continued the coordinator. "We often close ourselves off to avoid needing people and also that people need us. Because of our conceit and self-interest, we confine ourselves. And so we also end up imprisoned in this prison of our own creation. I pray that we can be free to love those who are loved by God, who are the most neglected by our society.
The Pontifical Academies of Sciences and Social Sciences is holding a workshop to explore how the knowledge of aboriginal communities and the scientific world can, together, meet major global challenges. Pope Francis urges governments to acknowledge and respect the rich diversity within the great human family.

Vatican City (AsiaNews)  Science should engage in dialogue with Indigenous peoples to confront in a new, more integral and more effective way such crucial issues as water, climate change, hunger and biodiversity, said Pope Francis this morning when he met at the Vatican Apostolic Palace the participants at the Indigenous Peoples Knowledge and the Sciences workshop currently underway in Rome.

Organised by the Pontifical Academies of Sciences and Social Sciences, the meeting has drawn representatives from the worlds Indigenous communities and leading scientists with the expressed aim of building a bridge between their respective systems of knowledge and explore new opportunities to solve major global challenges.

Asias Indigenous peoples are also represented at the event. Among the speakers are Dr Viswajanani Sattigeri, head of the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library Unit in New Delhi (India); Dr Anamika Dey, whose talk will focus on Indigenous women-led community knowledge-based bio-enterprises in Gujarat; and Prof Lun Yin, from Southwest Forestry University in Kunming (China), who studies the contribution of Aboriginal communities to the preservation of biodiversity.

In his speech, delivered by to Fr Pierluigi Giroli, Pope Francis noted that the UNs Food and Agriculture Organisation also promoted a platform of this kind to ensure the protection of the food systems of the first communities. But the dialogue needs to grow, by listening to one other and be extended to other areas as well.

This study seminar also sends a message to government leaders and to international organizations, encouraging them to acknowledge and respect the rich diversity within the great human family.

In fact, The fabric of humanity is woven with a variety of cultures, traditions, spiritualities and languages that must be protected, since their loss would represent an impoverishment of knowledge, identity and memory for all of us.

Hence, projects of scientific research, and accordingly investments, ought to be directed decisively to the promotion of human fraternity, justice and peace, so that resources can be coordinated and allocated to respond to the urgent challenges facing the earth, our common home, and the family of peoples.

This goal today requires conversion. In the dialogue between indigenous knowledge and science, we need to keep clearly in mind that this entire patrimony of knowledge should be employed as a means of overcoming conflicts in a nonviolent manner and combating poverty and the new forms of slavery.

It is important to keep in mind that we are all called to an ecological conversion, a commitment to saving our common home and to fostering intergenerational solidarity in order to preserve the life of future generations, rather than wasting resources and aggravating inequality, exploitation and destruction.

Lastly, I encourage you to draw from the patrimony of the wisdom of your forebears and from the fruits of your scientific research the vital energy needed to continue to cooperate in the service of truth, freedom, dialogue, justice and peace.

To this end, The Church is with you, an ally of the Indigenous peoples and their wisdom, and an ally of science in striving to make our world one of ever greater fraternity and social friendship.
by Nirmala Carvalho

Pope Francis has authorised the promulgation of the heroic virtues of the prelate who died in 1953, considered "the Newman of the East in his native India. Our Church has been praying fervently for many years for this day, Card Baselios Cleemis told AsiaNews. Thus, his unconditional commitment to Providence has been recognised. The latest papal decrees also recognise the miracle that will lead to the beatification of Istifan al-Duwayhi, the great Maronite patriarch of the 17th century.

Vatican City (AsiaNews)  Pope Francis has authorised the promulgation of the decree recognising the heroic virtues of Indian Archbishop Geevaghese Mar Ivanios, who led the Syro-Malankara Church into communion with Rome in 1930, making it one of the 23 Catholic Churches of the Eastern Rite.

The Vatican made the announcement today, along with 12 other decrees of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

Archbishop Ivanios is also known as the Newman of the East because, like John Henry Newman (a 19th-century English theologian who was first drawn to the high church tradition of Anglicanism), he walked the path from his spiritual tradition towards his newfound unity with the Catholic Church.

With the recognition of his heroic virtues, he receives the title of venerable, the first step towards beatification.

The news was greeted with great joy by Card Baselios Cleemis, the incumbent major archbishop of the Syro-Malankaras.

The whole Syro-Malankara Catholic Church is very much excited in hearing the news, the good news, that Archbishop Mar Ivanios, the Servant of God, is being elevated to the status of venerable, the cardinal said speaking to AsiaNews.

His heroic virtues were his unconditional commitment to Providence and a deep communion with the Holy See and the Catholic Church, and his personal, heroic and pious life, he added.

Our Church has been praying fervently for many years and now the time has come to call him, to call our father in faith, as Venerable Father.

It is a great recognition for the Malankara Church and for the holy life of Mar Ivanios. We are grateful to the Holy See and the Holy Father for this great gesture of deep appreciation.

Archbishop Ivanios was born on 21 September 1882 into a Malankara Syriac Orthodox family.

Baptised with the name of Geevarghese, he entered the minor seminary before going to Madras (now Chennai) for higher studies.

Ordained a priest in 1908, he was first principal of the minor seminary of Kottayam and then a lecturer in Kolkata (then Calcutta), where he founded a monastic community following the Orthodox tradition.

In the 1920s, a "reunion movement" developed in the Malankara Orthodox Church, in many ways similar to the one that developed among Anglicans in Oxford in the 1830s around Newman.

It was led by Mar Ivanios, who took his name after being consecrated bishop. But the movement soon went into crisis and he found himself alone. In 1930 only four people entered in communion with Rome with him: a bishop, a priest, a deacon, and a layman.

That difficult beginning, however, was the seed of a story that in less than a century saw major growth; until his death in 1953, Archbishop Ivanios dedicated himself to the education of young people, founding a college in Thiruvananthapuram.

Today the Syro-Malankara Church has about half a million members, mostly in Kerala, but also in some diaspora communities in Europe and North America.

Among the decrees whose promulgation Pope Francis authorised today one is very important for the Churches of the Eastern rite; the recognition of the miracle that paves the way for the beatification of Istifan al-Duwayhi (1630-1704), patriarch of the Maronites whom Lebanese Catholics consider one of the central figures in their history.
The ownership of this 9,286-square-foot West End home wants to increase it by 5,680 feet but has been met with rejection on the administrative and legislative levels of the city, as well as the state court system.
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Along with the Volkswagen ID.3 GTX launch, Volkswagen also introduced the ID.7 GTX Tourer, an electric station wagon built for performance that could also serve as a large family vehicle.

When the German automaker introduced the ID.7 Tourer in early 2024, customers welcomed it, but the news about this model was not over yet. Just a few months later, in March of the same year, Volkswagen revealed the GTX version. This was a sportier version of its regular sibling. It had more power, electric motors on both axles, and an aggressive look. It was like a GTI version of the ID.7 Tourer, albeit since it was electric, it was named GTX. Furthermore, its standard features were richer than on the mundane ID.7 Tourer.

At the front, the GTX version carried over most of the elements provided by the standard ID.7. Its IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, illuminated VW logo in the middle, and the light stripes that flanked it were standard. Furthermore, the bumper was new and featured an A-shaped lower grille adorned by a high-gloss black mesh grille. In addition, a set of triangular LED daytime running lights flanked it, creating an even sportier look for the vehicle.

From its profile, the ID.7 GTX boasted its standard 21-inch light alloy wheels. Customers could also get a 21-inch set from the options list. The front doors were adorned by high-gloss black GTX badges that matched the color of the side sills. Volkswagen used the same shade for the greenhouse, contrasting the lower side of the bodywork. Out back, the cars tailgate featured a horizontal red stripe that visually connected the taillights, integrated into high-gloss black trims. The bumper was adorned on its lower side by similar-colored dark accents with a hexagonal pattern.

Inside, customers were greeted by GTX-specific seats with high-bolstered areas upholstered in ArtVelours Eco microfleece. As an option, Volkswagen also provided them with a set of ergonomic active seats with twelve-way adjustment and memory. These were part of a package that also included heated rear seats and a 700-watt Harman Kardon sound system. On the dashboard, the automaker installed a 15-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. This sported ChatGPT integration. Drivers could also read essential data in front of them on a small display placed behind the steering wheel or via a head-up display with augmented reality.

But the most attractive part of the ID.7 GTX was its drivetrain. The vehicle was powered by two electric motors: an 80 kW (107 hp) for the front axle and a 210 kW (281 hp) for the rear axle. Their combined output was 250 kW (335 hp), or 40 kW (54 hp) more than the regular, rear-wheel drive ID.7. The GTX also featured an adaptive suspension that helped the vehicle during high-speed cornering. As a result, the ID.7 GTX could provide families with a better driving experience and performance than the rest of the ID.7 family.
It was a nightmare situation in which one man found himself trapped inside his relatively new car, speeding down the highway with no brakes but a very clear sense of impending doom. It wasn't a movie, but real life. It was also quite possibly a lie.

EV

Photo: North West Motorway Police

A man has been arrested in relation to an incident on the M62 on 6th March when officers from the force Roads Policing Unit were called to help stop a vehicle safely. A 31-year-old man from Bolton has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and causing a public nuisance. pic.twitter.com/CeBeDx8FHQ  Merseyside Police (@MerseyPolice) March 13, 2024

Last week (March 6), a 31-year-old man from the UK named Nathan Owens called the police to report that his 2019 Jaguar I-Pace was malfunctioning. The real problem, of course, was that he was inside the electric vehicle at the time, and it was moving at 100 mph (161 kph) on the very busy M62 motorway, with no signs that the brakes were working anymore and, as such, no possibility to safely pull over.Merseyside Police advised him to pull into the hard shoulder and try to stay there to reduce risks of an impact with another vehicle, but Owens couldn't. He later told the media that he had to swerve between cars to avoid junctions and exits, which saw him fearing for his and others' lives.Police dispatched eight vehicles to intercept the rogue I-Pace and shut down two lanes of the motorway, which prompted extended delays in traffic. In the end, after 35 minutes of chasing the runaway, the incident came to a happy ending when the same EV ran out of battery. No one had been injured.In the hours that followed, Owens told the media that this was actually the second mishap of the kind in less than 4 months. It was scarier than the first because it happened in heavy traffic, but the first time it happened, the I-Pace had actually shot to speeds of 120 mph (193 kph) without him being able to do anything about it.Owens compared his experience to chase scenes you see in action movies and spoke of how he feared he might injure drivers or come to harm himself, saying "the car was in its own world." His fear was understandable, as anyone who has seen Christine and has a shred of empathy can see.The Merseyside Police and Jaguar Land Rover launched separate investigations into the terrifying incident while Owens made the media rounds, and angry voices started to rise about the dangers and unpredictability of electric vehicles in case of malfunctions. Those investigations are now nearing conclusion, but we have a feeling the findings will probably not make Mr. Owens happy.Police arrested Owens on suspicion of dangerous driving and causing a public nuisance, taking him in for investigation. JLR also issued a statement to say they've been cooperating with the police. It only confirms the arrest and refrains from offering details, but the implication is that the automaker's investigation is over and that it didn't find proof of the malfunction Owens blamed on his driving.All signs point to the fact that there is evidence that the "I-Pace gone rogue" incident didn't go down as Owens said it did."JLR seeks to investigate all reports of issues relating to product safety and will continue to cooperate with Merseyside Police and the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency where required," the statement concludes.
Money doesn't buy class, taste, good manners, or enough composure to be able to go through a stressful situation without losing your cool. But money does buy you a Tecnomar Lamborghini 63 yacht, so there's always that.

Italian luxury shipyard Tecnomar is perhaps best known in certain circles for creating the "Lamborghini of the seas," which is not some figure of speech but a literal Lamborghini yacht . Officially called the Lamborghini Tecnomar 63, it's one of the most impressive, rarest, and highest-performance vessels out there. It's also a status symbol because of all these things, its $4.5 million price tag and its availability limited to only 63 units.One of these 63 units belongs to San Diego-based entrepreneur Ajay Thakore, aka Ace Rogers. He took delivery of it in the fall of 2023 and has since been regularly posting about it online, including to boast that it's the first Lambo yacht on the West Coast. He named it Aspen & Delilah after his dog and daughter (in this specific order), and it's a true beauty both inside and out.This particular Lamborghini yacht was also involved in the strangest parking dispute earlier this week at San Diego's private Marriott Marquis Marina, where Thakore got into a very heated dispute with a dock worker over his desire to dock there without authorization. Part of their exchange was captured on camera and predictably posted online, painting Thakore in less than a favorable light.Thakore is heard repeatedly threatening the dock worker, who later identified himself to the media as Joseph Holt, and, at one point, even dropping his pants to make rude gestures. All this is happening as the Lambo yacht is pulling away from the dock. Thakore had tried to dock to pick up one of his employees, but Holt told him he couldn't because that was a private marina.Holt also told the media Thakore mocked him for his job and threw handfuls of $100 bills at him, most of which went into the water. Holt insisted he was trying to de-escalate the situation and admitted that flipping the bird at Thakore was wrong.For his part, Thakore says that aggressive behavior from the dock worker and two other employees started the dispute. He was there to pick up one of his employees and got into over-protective mode when he saw him (the employee) manhandled by the three men. He says he will never apologize for sticking up for one of his own while conceding that the exact way in which he did it on this occasion was "regrettable.""Regrettable" doesn't even begin to cover it. As we speak, some of Thakore's most popular posts on social media with his Aspen & Delilah Lambo yacht are getting trolled with " you can't park there, mate " comments.
(Photo : Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is calling for Israeli elections after saying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "has lost his way."

He made the statement during a speech on the Senate floor on Thursday.

"Netanyahu has lost his way by allowing his political survival to take the precedence over the best interests of Israel," Schumer said.

Schumer says Netanyahu's recent rejection of a two-state solution is a major problem that should lead to him being replaced..

"This is a grave mistake for Israelis, Palestinians, the region and the world, Schumer said."

He said there are four major obstacles to peace between the Israelis and Palestinians: Hamas and Palestinians who support them, radical right-wing Israelis in government, the Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, and Netanyahu.

Schumer's call for a new election comes amid growing frustration in the Biden administration with Netanyahu over the civilian death toll in Gaza.

"At this critical juncture, I believe a new election is the only way to allow for a healthy and open decision-making process about the future of Israel, at a time when so many Israelis have lost their confidence in the vision and direction of their government," he said.

Today, Im giving a major address from the Senate floor on a pathway to peace and achieving a two-state solution.



Watch live: https://t.co/cuUUWbM1xF  Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) March 14, 2024

President Biden said Saturday that he believes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is doing his own country more harm than good in his handling of the war on Hamas, stressing the need for Israel to minimize civilian casualties in Gaza.

Last week, Netanyahu said that Israel will not give in to international pressure to stall an attack on the southern Gaza city of Rafah and will continue its bloody offensive against Hamas.

"We have our agreements on the basic goals but our disagreement on how to achieve them," Netanyahu said Monday on Fox News.

But he said the decisions on when to stop the battle are up to Israel.

"Our necks are on the line," he said. "I'm telling you that we're not getting off the gas."

@ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The tech giant worked with Arizona, Maryland, Colorado, and Georgia authorities to give iPhone owners the option of leaving their driver's license at home. Instead, the iPhone served as a digital replacement, something many of us have been dreaming about for years.Without a doubt, such a feature wouldn't work without mass adoption. After all, what's the purpose of a digital driver's license if you can use it only in a very limited region?Apple knew this from the beginning, so the company announced in March 2022 that more states would join this digital transformation, including Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah.However, as reported recently, Apple has never shipped this highly anticipated expansion to users in these states. The digital driver's license is still available only in four states, so everybody else must still carry a physical document when they get behind the wheel.The company hasn't even offered updates on the status of its planned expansion, so as far as it's concerned, the digital driver's license should still be launched in these states.After the Apple Car failure, it's easy to understand why many people see Apple's delayed products as potential flops. Apple's FBI-inspired secrecy somehow adds fuel to the speculation, making people believe that the expansion doesn't happen because the digital driver's license isn't enjoying the adoption Apple hoped. The tech firm embraced a similar tight-lipped approach in the case of the Apple Car, keeping everything away from our eyes and ears.Considering Apple's approach, it's impossible to tell precisely why the digital driver's license doesn't expand to more states faster. However, there are two big possible reasons.On the one hand, the states that originally planned to adopt the digital driver's license aren't yet ready to do so and need additional time to set up the systems that would allow authorities to verify digital documents. This scenario makes little sense, considering these states were committed to adopting the digital driver's license, as one would expect authorities in a region to already make the first preparations to deliver on their promise.On the other hand, some people seem to believe that Apple has lost interest in the digital driver's license now that the Apple Car is no longer around . The digital driver's license was considered an essential part of the experience with the Apple Car. Apple is known as a company that invests in products and services that bring home the bacon, and it's hard to believe the digital driver's license aligns with this strategy.Time will tell if Apple will pursue this great idea, but considering that rivals in the Android world have also jumped on this bandwagon , the iPhone maker could soon be late to the digital party.
Fisker acknowledged its critical financial situation after recently admitting to investors that it sought new partnerships and funding to avoid shutting down. The EV startup has failed to convince people to buy its vehicles, and it's now preparing to file for bankruptcy. This would be the second time Henry Fisker failed to create a viable auto company.

EV

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Fisker was one of thestartups that garnered a lot of attention throughout 2023, as it started deliveries of the Oceanand laid out plans to bring more EV models to market. These included the electric pickup truck Alaska. Despite the hype surrounding the company, it failed to find buyers for its electric vehicles. Although its contract manufacturing partner, Magna Steyr, built over 10,000 Fisker Ocean SUVs in 2023, only half were delivered to customers.This put the company in a difficult position, which Fisker acknowledged during the Q4 2023 earnings call. Without prospects to find more buyers for its vehicles and a cash reserve running on empty, Fisker is reportedly preparing to file for bankruptcy. The company reported last month that it sold EVs worth $273 million in 2023 while holding over $1 billion in debt.Fisker Ocean's many quality issues could explain the lackluster sales. The electric crossover is subject to twoinvestigations after 68 owners complained about loss of braking performance and unintended vehicle movement . The Fisker Ocean was also riddled with software bugs, as YouTuber Marques Brownlee revealed in his most viral video to date. It's no wonder Fisker found it nearly impossible to offload the 5,000 vehicles in stock.According to a report (paywall) from the Wall Street Journal, Fisker hired restructuring advisors to work on a potential bankruptcy filing. Although the EV startup declined to comment on the report, it comes after Fisker warned investors in February that it might not have enough money to survive through the year. At the time, Fisker announced that talks with potential investors were being initiated to raise more money to keep the company afloat.Rumors also indicated that the company was trying to convince Nissan to form a partnership to produce the electric pickup Alaska in the US. Nissan could've been Fisker's second manufacturing partner besides Magna, but it appears the startup will not live enough to see it through. It's unclear whether Nissan might be interested in buying Fisker if it files for bankruptcy. After all, Nissan did exactly that with Mitsubishi in 2016 after exposing its partner for cheating about fuel efficiency.If Fisker files for bankruptcy, it would be the second time Henry Fisker failed to create a viable car company . His first attempt, Fisker Automotive, filed for bankruptcy in 2013 after Hurricane Sandy wiped out much of its inventory. Henry Fisker sold the company's assets to a Chinese company that later started Karma Automotive. The former BMW and Aston Martin car designer retained the Fisker trademarks and brand and, in 2016, founded Fisker Inc., with his wife and co-founder Geeta Gupta-Fisker as president and CFO.
Tesla is still expected to start volume production of the Semi in Nevada, but Elon Musk is already considering new production facilities. During a recent visit to Giga Berlin, Musk told employees that Tesla might also produce the Semi in the German gigafactory. He made a similar prediction about the next-generation compact EV that Tesla is working on.

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Following a recent attack on the factory by an extremist group, Elon Musk went to Giga Berlin to show his support as the electricity supply was restored. During his speech in front of the Giga Berlin staff, Musk admitted that "it makes sense to produce the Semi truck in Europe at Giga Berlin." While this sounds more like a vague promise than a commitment, you can't argue that Musk is right about Semi's European production plans.Musk made a similar statement about the Gen-3 EVs Tesla is working on, which will likely become a resounding success in the European market. Europeans don't like big cars, so a smaller model will sell in much larger volumes than the current best-seller, the Model Y. However, Musk was not as firm as when discussing the Semi. He only said the affordable model would "definitely come to Berlin in the long term."Considering that Germany is the last place in Europe (and probably in the world) where you might want to produce an affordable car, I give more credit to the Tesla Semi entering production at Giga Berlin than the next-gen. Giga Berlin may be appropriate for building higher-margin vehicles. However, Germany's high wages and powerful unions would ruin a cost-conscious model where every penny counts. If Tesla wants to produce an affordable electric car in Europe, Eastern Europe or Turkey is the place to go, not Germany.Tesla Semi is yet to start volume production in the US, and a dedicated production facility in Nevada is still under construction. However, Tesla is making progress with its electric Class-8 truck and has built more than 100 units . However, if Tesla wants to make a statement about its electric truck, it will need to start local production of the Semi (and derivates) outside the US. Considering that regulations don't favor big trucks, Europe might not be an obvious target.The current 18.75 meters (61.55 feet) length limit has effectively wiped out the market for long-nose trucks. Having the truck's engine use precious cargo space is not productive, so the cab over trucks dominate the market. This would make Tesla Semi an outlier unless the legislation changes. There are already discussions to allow for longer, more aerodynamic cabs without sacrificing cargo volume in the case of electric trucks.Since Europe is pushing forward with decarbonizing the transport sector, Tesla Semi might prove the perfect vehicle to launch on the Continent. It's unclear whether Tesla would optimize the Semi for European roads. The narrower local roads require the driver's seat closer to the road median to overpass other vehicles safely. Tesla Semi has a center seat, which impedes forward visibility when it drives behind other vehicles.
Ford has recalled 1,505 replacement headlight assemblies due to a manufacturing issue. Said headlights, which fit the 2017 to 2019 model year F-Series Super Duty line of pickup trucks, exceed the maximum light output allowed under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 for lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.

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As per the chronology of defect published by the, the safety boffins at Transport Canada identified this condition back in March 2023 by means of a photometric test of a driver-side high series headlamp. The headlamp showed a noncompliance with Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 for the lower beam, prompting a retest by Ford.Dearborn's favorite son obtained no fewer than 17 replacement headlamps from service depots throughout North America, with all of them passing the photometric test at the tier-1 supplier. However, the Transport Canada retest using the Super Duty headlamp fixture resulted in the apparent noncompliance originally identified by Transport Canada. But how come?A teardown analysis of the suspect headlamp identified a low-beam module lens molding deviation from the nominal surface design. This causes the photometric intensity to exceed the maximum requirement at a single test point. Ford ultimately pinned the blame on a tier-3 supplier's molding process, with Ford theorizing that the valve gates controlling the fill of plastic into the injection mold could have malfunctioned. Alternatively, incorrect cooling of the injection mold for the lens may have caused the dimensional inaccuracy.The Critical Concern Review Group reviewed the tier-1 supplier's quality control process data, confirming that suspect headlamps were produced from May 5, 2021 through December 30, 2021. The headlamp tested by Transport Canada in March 2023 was produced in September 2021. Ford also determined that 82 trucks may have been repaired with iffy replacement headlamps between May 2021 and March 2023 in the US and Canada.The report attached below lists five part numbers for five distinct variations of the high series replacement headlamp. In order to prevent such mistakes from happening again, the tier-1 supplier (Ventra Sandusky LLC of Sandusky, Ohio) now performs a photometric inspection of every replacement headlamp it sends to FoMoCo.Dealers nationwide that ordered the suspect headlamps are required to purge said parts from their inventory. Dealers are further required to contact Super Duty owners who purchased or had their pickup trucks fitted with suspect headlamps. Of course, Ford is required to contact potentially affected owners via first-class mail to inform them of recall number 24E-023. Notification letters will be mailed between April 15 and April 19, 2024.Now in its fifth generation, the F-Series Super Duty line kicks off at $44,970 for the F-250 XL with the regular cab, two-wheel drive, and the 6.8-liter gas V8. Powertrain options include the 7.3-liter Godzilla on which the 6.8 is based, plus two versions of the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 engine.The high-output diesel cranks out a segment-leading 500 horsepower and 1,200 pound-feet (1,627 Nm), putting it well ahead of the Duramax V8 and Cummins I6. There is a rumor according to which General Motors will debut an 8.3-liter version of the Duramax around 2026 , but thus far, GM has not confirmed or denied the hearsay.
Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant has just turned one century old. The facility seems to be one steady place to work in. There are employees who have been working there for 50 years or more, and it seems that robots can't replace them.

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This year marks the 100th anniversary of @Fords Chicago Assembly Plant! CAP is the longest continuously running Ford plant in the U.S. So much Ford history has been made here from Model Ts in 1924 to Ford Explorers and Lincoln Aviators in 2024! Thank you to the nearly 5K team pic.twitter.com/jpn0tPVYgG  Jim Farley (@jimfarley98) March 12, 2024

Another important moment at CAPs 100th celebration. These gentlemen are 5 of the 7 employees with 50 years or more at Chicago Assembly Plant! Philip Pryor, Johnny Weems, Hugh Ferguson, William Julian, Jeff Wiancek - thank you for all you do at @Ford! #WeAreFord https://t.co/w3QUdUH7GL pic.twitter.com/kvps77oXnA  Jim Farley (@jimfarley98) March 12, 2024

12600 S Torrence Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. That is the place where automotive history has been in the making for the past one hundred years. The factory started operating on March 3, 1924, which is a century and ten days ago. The first car to roll off the assembly line in Chicago was the Ford Model T. In 1928, the factory switched to the production of the Model A.During World War II, the facility went through a conversion and switched to building M8 Greyhound and M20 Armored Utility Cars for the Armed Forces of the US. For the next 40 years, the Ford plant in Chicago built pickup trucks. In 1985, Ford sent the Taurus and the Mercury Sable sedans plans for the employees to make them happen.The manufacturing center underwent a massive overhaul in 2004 when Ford invested $400 million to modernize it. To set the grounds for a comprehensive supply network, nine automotive suppliers built factories in the vicinity of the Ford plant , thus saving time and money that they would have otherwise spent on shipping the products.Rumors yet unconfirmed claim that the factory will be converted into an-only manufacturing facility , progressively ditching the production of internal combustion engines.Ford is currently producing two electric passenger cars: it is the Ford Mustang Mach-E crossover and the Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck, with the intention of expanding the zero-emission lineup.Right now, the Ford Explorer, the Police Interceptor Utility, and the Lincoln Aviator see the light of day at the factory in Chicago. As of August 2023, there are 4,852 people working at the site that spans over 113 acres of land, most of them paid per hour.Jim Farley marked the 100th anniversary with two posts on X, pointing out that Fords Chicago Assembly Plant is the longest continuously running Ford plant in the United States. The carmaker CEO thanked the employees for being a part of Ford's history.And it is not just the one-century-old plant that is worth celebrating. Jim Farley posted a photo of five of the seven employees who have been working at the Chicago Assembly Plant for 50 years or more. Philip Pryor, Johnny Weems, Hugh Ferguson, William Julian, Jeff Wiancek - thank you for all you do at Ford, Farley wrote in the caption of the photo.Elon Musk saw the post and rushed in to congratulate Ford. Thanks, Elon! Jim Farley promptly replied on X.
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For whatever reason, Ford's team, which is in charge of its development, fine-tuning, and testing phases, has decided that it is a good idea to dress it in full camouflage. Thus, this Puma Gen-E prototype immediately stood out, attracting the attention of our spy photographers, who immortalized it near the Arctic Circle as it embarked on a short drive on the frozen roads of Northern Europe.Suppose the mid-cycle refresh is any indication of what to expect. In that case, we'd say it will feature an almost identical exterior design, bar the closed-off grille and a few-specific badges. The wheels should be different, too, sporting an aero pattern that will slightly improve its efficiency. It is possible that Ford might top it off with new colors, including one or more exclusive hues.Inside, it should get the same 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system that we've seen on the-powered 2024 Puma, next to a 12.8-inch digital gauge cluster. Nevertheless, look for new functions and sub-menus to evoke its all-quiet nature. The cockpit should also be home to exclusive upholstery, trim, and perhaps other details on top of the gasoline-fed subcompact crossover.One thing we have yet to learn is the output and thrust produced by the electric motor . Nevertheless, it has been reported that the Ford Puma Gen-E might share its zero-emission assembly with the all-quiet version of the Transit Courier and Tourneo Courier. Just like the Puma, the vans are based on the same platform as the discontinued Fiesta, so it would make a lot of financial sense to feature the same powertrain.The light commercial vehicle and minivan have 134 horsepower (136 ps/100) on tap and 214 pound-foot (290 Nm) of torque. These numbers match some of the Puma Gen-E's rivals, like the Peugeot e-2008, Jeep Avenger, and so on. However, it is impossible to tell yet if the battery-electric crossover will have identical output and thrust when it launches. The range is another big unknown, and so are the charging times at different connections.Ford has already confirmed that the Puma Gen-E will be built on the same assembly line at the Craiova factory in Romania as the regular Puma , which has been manufactured there since its introduction in 2019. The Blue Oval has also announced that the all-quiet variant of its subcompact crossover will be introduced later this year, though the exact date is currently unknown. The first units of the car will likely end up at dealers all over Europe before the end of the year.
Hyundai Motor America issued a safety recall for 28,439 vehicles from the Genesis luxury brand, with said vehicles coming in the form of the full-size G90, mid-size G80, and sportier G70. Assembled in South Korea between June 2016 and September 2021, the sedans in question all feature Hyundai's 3.3L twin-turbocharged V6 engine.

Photo: Hyundai

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Codenamed G6DP, the Lambda II RS T-GDi rolled out in late 2015 for the Genesis EQ900. The G90 for the United States would follow suit as a 2017 model. In this application, the 3.3-liter mill produces 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet (510 Nm) as opposed to 420 horsepower and 383 pound-feet (520 Nm) for the 5.0L free-breathing V8.Succeeded by the Smartstream FR G3.5T, the 3.3er may leak oil from the left-hand turbocharger oil supply line. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures could result in a leak, and if the oil contacts the V6's exhaust manifold, it could result in a pretty serious engine compartment fire.Hyundai's part number for the left-hand turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly is 28240-3L100, with said part number also used in the case of the Kia K900 and Stinger sedans with the 3.3L twin-turbo V6. Back in June 2023, Hyundai Motor Company (the mothership from South Korea) informed Hyundai Motor America of turbocharger oil supply pipe cracking reports from South Korea and other markets outside the US.The American division conducted a preliminary review in August 2023, during which Hyundai Motor America observed an increasing trend of repairs during the cold season. Come January 2024, the safety boffins in South Korea determined that the material used in the pipe wasn't up to snuff.HMC also determined that said pipe material was changed by the supplier in August 2021 in order to prevent cracking. HMA identified no fewer than 81 reports (dated from June 2020 through January 2014) alleging the aforementioned condition. Fortunately, the American division isn't aware of any fires or worse related to the subject condition.The safety recall report published on the's website reveals that both dealers and owners will be informed about recall number 24V-191 on May 7. Service techs are required to replace the left-hand turbo oil feed pipe/hose assembly with the redesigned part, which uses stainless steel for increased durability at high ambient temperatures.At the moment of reporting, the G70 remains the luxury marque's most affordable car at $41,500 for the 2.5-liter turbo I4. All-wheel drive adds $2,100 to the final price, whereas the V6-powered G70 starts at $49,950 with rear-wheel drive. Stepping up to the G80, which is available in all-electric form as well, means $54,400 (sans freight) withor $74,375 for the zero-emission setup.Now coming with twin-turbo V6 power exclusively, the big-daddy G90 can be yours for $89,200 at the very least. The 3.5T E-Supercharged, which adds an electric supercharger to the mix, retails at $99,500 in the United States market.
There are numerous eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing) gearing up to offer long-awaited air mobility services across the US, but the German-made Lilium eVTOL jet is in a league of its own.

German eVTOL maker Lilium has set its sights on what will soon become its launch locations in America. Its flagship aircraft is expected to start operating in Florida, Southern California, the Northeast Corridor, and Texas. Fixed-based operation (FBO) and aviation service provider Atlantic Aviation is giving a helping hand in terms of infrastructure.Based on this partnership, Lilium will have access to more than 30 airports within its targeted area of operation. Still, until the official launch, there's still a lot of work to be done behind the scenes. Electric air mobility is new, and it involves a series of specific issues that need to be addressed, such as electric charging infrastructure, operation integration with standard airport operations, and even a new kind of passenger experience.Lilium and Atlantic Aviation will work on all of that and more in preparation for upcoming commercial service.The German company is also tackling the US market in a different way than its competitors by planning to offer not just shuttle operations but also private and premium options. Both companies and individuals will be able to purchase this aircraft, which translates to a wider range of potential operations.Another thing that makes the Lilium aircraft stand out is that, unlike most eVTOLs, it targets regional aviation. This air taxi won't limit itself to short-range flights within the same city. It claims to have the capacity to withstand longer journeys without sacrificing speed or comfort. This comes back to the aircraft's unique lift-plus-cruise configuration and jet propulsion. The German developer adapted the existing jet engine technology to electric motors in order to create what it claims to be the world's first eVTOL jet.In the meantime, Lilium is also working hard to secure battery production for the large-scale commercialization of its flagship aircraft. InoBat will produce battery cells for the Lilium jet at its two factories in Voderady, Slovakia. The first one, Volta 1, should kick off operations this year. Volta 2, on the other hand, is set to become InoBat's first gigafactory, targeting a production capacity of four-gigawatt hours (GWh).InoBat is linked to the company that supplies the Unified Cell that will be installed in almost 80% of all Volkswagen Group's electric vehicles in the future  Gotion High-Tech.On its way to conquering the US market, Lilium has also appointed its exclusive deal for private sales in America  that's EMCJET, a Texas-based aircraft brokerage and management company. The premium version of the eVTOL jet was rumored to cost somewhere between $7 and $10 million.
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Just to put into perspective the fact that Lancia was on life support for a very long time, the iconic Italian company has been selling the third-generation Ypsilon B-segment model since 2011, and in many places, it was the only car on offer. It is kind of like how it happens today with Chrysler, with the sole exception being that the Pacifica is a large minivan. Other than that, they're both just as boring and unreliable, most likely.Anyway, now there's a new strategy in place. So, back in early February 2024, Lancia took the first step towards coming out of ICU (intensive care unit) by launching the fourth generation Ypsilon . It is the company's first all-electric vehicle, as well as the first series-production model rocking the Pu+Ra Design previewed with the Lancia Pu+Ra HPE Concept last year.However, don't let the fresh logo fool you  the underpinnings are well-known because the new Ypsilon uses the CMP / eCMP architecture and has lots in common with the well-known Peugeot 208 II or Opel Corsa F. In fact, if it were a crossover, its other siblings would be the Jeep Avenger, Fiat 600e, upcoming Alfa Romeo Milano, Peugeot 2008 II, Opel Mokka B, or DS 3 Crossback (E-Tense).As for the powertrain, it's already well known  there's a 115/ 156 ps/ 154 hp electric motor taking its electrons from a 51-battery pack, and the electric range promises up to 403 km (250 miles) on a single charge according to thestandards. Now, the Lancia brand wants to spice things up much in the same way Abarth is taking the Fiat 600e to new performance extremes.But to do so, they needed a hook  and of course, they're prepared to make some of their fans angry, much like Dodge did with the revival of the Daytona branding. So, Lancia is bringing back the 'HF' moniker, but it's not for an-powered rally monster but rather for the sporty, all-electric Lancia Ypsilon HF supermini. At the moment, this is only a teaser  the company only revealed the modern HF logo with the letters and a charming little red elephant jumping around.Unlike Abarth, Lancia didn't come out with the first picture of the Ypsilon HF, but that's not necessarily a problem because they provided some juicy technical details. More precisely, the brand said the Ypsilon HF will be all-electric, use a 240-ps (237 hp) 'engine' (which is technically incorrect because it will be an electric motor), and sprint from zero to 100 kph (62 mph) in 5.8 seconds. Also, the fresh Ypsilon HF will have a lowered suspension and widened track  so we can easily expect it to look like a widebody version of the standard supermini.
Photo: Mansory

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A shadowy teaser pic we found on the controversial tuner's website suggests Mansory is working on a complete body kit for the Rolls-Royce Spectre. The model will get the usual front and rear add-ons, including a trunk lid spoiler, a new diffuser, and an apron, side skirt extensions, and new trim on the doors and front fenders.Chances are Mansory will also offer multiple interior options for the Spectre, with high-end leather and Alcantara upholstery available in several lively hues. These will probably be complemented by new seatbelts, fresh trim, and the tuner's logo that should decorate a whole bunch of components inside, as there is no reason to believe they won't go wild on it. After all, this is their signature card.For now, though, the only upgrade available is a set of wheels. The alloys measure 9.5x23 inches at the front and 10.5x23 inches at the rear. They are called the FD.15 and sport Mansory's center caps, and the company recommends wrapping them in Pirelli P Zero PZ4 tires, 295/35 at the rear and 255/40 at the front.These wheels can be found on other vehicles, including the Cullinan, Range Rover, Mercedes-AMG G 63 4x4 Squared , and others. There is no word about the pricing, and besides the 23-inch diameter available on the Spectre, they can also be ordered in 21, 22, and 24 inches. We also couldn't tell you when Mansory will introduce the body kit, yet we assume these parts are probably a few months away.It is possible that a power boost will not be on the menu. After all, fiddling with electric motors is tricky, and the Rolls-Royce Spectre features two of them. They generate a total output of 567 horsepower (575 ps/430) and produce 664 pound-feet (900 Nm) of torque. The Goodwood auto marque quotes the 0-60 mph (0-97 kph) accelerate at 4.5 seconds, an impressive achievement for something that weighs roughly 6,600 lbs or almost three tons.The battery-electric recipe fits the Rolls-Royce brand like a glove, as its rides have always been extremely quiet and refined, and you cannot go quieter than by applying this method. The range is more than sufficient for the daily commute, as it stands at 320 miles or 515 kilometers on a full charge. The Rolls-Royce Spectre is eye-watering expensive, as it kicks off at approximately $400,000 in the United States of America, and adding a few options to it will make it exceed the half a million dollars mark.
(Photo : JOEL SAGET/AFP via Getty Images)

Chef Marco Sacco was sentenced to three months in an Italian prison after he served 53 wedding guests raw clams that were infected with norovirus.



A Michelin-star chef was sentenced to three months in an Italian prison after he served 53 wedding guests raw clams that were infected with norovirus, according to a report.

Chef Marco Sacco and manager Raffaella Marchetti were convicted of culpable negligence and trading harmful foodstuffs, two years after a disastrous wedding held at the chef's lakeside Piccolo Lago di Verbania restaurant.

Sacco served dozens of guests risotto with clams that were tainted by the infectious stomach virus. A number of guests complained of vomiting and diarrhea and some were even hospitalized, according to People.

In court, the chef argued that his supplier was culpable for the incident - adding that he had served similar dishes in the past without guests becoming ill.

"The menu included a risotto with borage and raw clams. We bought clams that can be eaten raw, as the manufacturer's label shows and as shown in the product data sheet," said Sacco, according to the Italian newspaper la Repubblica.

"They are clams that I have been using since 2015. Since I have this supplier, I will have served over three thousand dishes like that."

Sacco is also facing a penalty of more than 20,000 euros - with 8000 going to the couple and 250 going to each wedding guest. He is also responsible for paying legal fees, according to la Repubblica.

Sacco plans to appeal the court's decision and open his restaurant for the spring in the coming weeks, according to People.

@ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
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After a strong 2023 in terms of deliveries, American Honda wants to bring a quartet of sustainable choices to the US market. Those include the all-electric Honda Prologue crossoverand the reborn Acura ZDX (complete with a Type S variant), plus the quirky CR-V with both battery power and fuel cell system . Last but not least, because it will probably be the best-selling model of the bunch, the refreshed 2025 Civic is also adding the eagerly-awaited Hybrid powertrain option.Additional upgrades will cover the Acura MDX and RDX crossovers, while the premium brand is also bringing to life an all-new base compact to sit alongside the Integra passenger car. At Honda, meanwhile, only the Odyssey will receive additional styling and technology enhancements. As such, maybe some fans of the Japanese brand might feel that the company is focusing a bit too much on the sustainable side of things  and perhaps they want the emotional side to get some additional support, too.Well, Honda is not a sentimental brand; we all know that. As such, it only has one true high-performance variant, unlike Acura, which has four Type S models. That is the 2024 Honda Civic Type R  and that's a shame, a lot of people believe. No worries, some of them can also do something about it  especially if they are members of the imaginative realm of digital car content creators, where everything is possible. For example, Dimas Ramadhan, the virtual automotive artist behind the Digimods DESIGN channel on YouTube, has recently taken up the task of CGI-revealing a feisty CR-V.Naturally, he can take just one direction, hence the 2025 Honda CR-V Type R design project. It clearly gets the styling inspiration from the $44,795 Civic Type R, hence the vertical slats at the front and the center-mounted triple exhaust at the rear. Logic dictates that a sporty CR-V could easily take advantage of the compact hot hatchback's 2.0-liter K20C1 turbocharged inline-four that's also used on the Integra Type S, complete with 316 horsepower.However, since we're on the subject of car dreams, we would easily envision the CR-V Type R as one of the most powerful and fastest-powered compact crossovers on the market if Honda took a daring leap of faith and tucked inside the engine bay the 3.0-liter V6 turbo with a ten-speed automatic and 355 hp from its sibling brand Acura! What do you think? Could that swap work to make the CR-V a lot cooler than the faster-selling Toyota RAV4, or is it completely wishful thinking?
Pyxis Ocean is not a new-generation bulk carrier. Yet, it is now officially a pioneer in green shipping after having ended its first six-month-long ocean trial as a retrofitted ship with great results. It's a huge milestone not just for Cargill and BAR Technologies but also for the global shipping industry.

In August 2023, the Pyxis Ocean embarked on its trailblazing journey. For the following six months, it made its way through the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, North and South Atlantic, passing Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope. What made this voyage different was the fact that it was partly wind-powered. Pyxis Ocean is officially a Kamsarmax, which is a type of huge bulk carrier sporting the biggest size allowed in the Panamax category, yet it is still able to enter the Kamsar port in Guinea. By design, this type of ship is already meant to improve cargo capacity and fuel efficiency, but this MC Shipping vessel took a step further by adding an innovative sailing system onboard.The sailing solution developed by BAR Technologies is inspired by aircraft wings, hence the name WindWings . These huge sails can be as tall as 37,5 meters (123 feet) and are installed vertically and controlled digitally via a control panel on the bridge.They literally help propel the vessel so that it can maintain the same speed as a regular carrier but burn less fuel by turning down the engine. Plus, like most of today's sailing systems, the WindWings can operate autonomously, using onboard sensors to self-adjust.When the retrofitted Pyxis Ocean hit the ocean with two WindWings onboard, it officially became the world's first wind-powered ocean vessel to embark on a green voyage. At the end of the six-month trial, Cargill was proud to report that the operation was a success. What this looks like in numbers is a reduction of approximately 3 tons of fuel per day. On days when sailing conditions were nearly perfect, fuel savings during the trip were as high as 11 tons. Also, considering that typical bulk carriers would normally require three WindWings onboard, numbers could go even higher.American food giant Cargill was one of the main players behind this pioneering project through its Ocean Transportation branch. The goal was to confirm WindWings' real-world potential for saving emissions derived from shipping.Modern sailing technologies such as this one are being developed in response to IMO's (the International Maritime Organization) targets for 2030, which require ships to have at least five percent of energy coming from clean sources.Wind-assisted propulsion is clearly one of the ways to go, but the other piece of the puzzle has to do with infrastructure. One of the findings of this breakthrough voyage was that all ports and terminals should also do their part to accommodate retrofitted ships and these emerging technologies.
14 March 2024 15:00 (UTC+04:00)

Elnur Enveroglu Read more

Organised by the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, the 11th Global Baku Forum, themed Fixing the Fractured World, started at the Gulustan Palace in Baku.

The 11th Global Baku Forum, themed Fixing the Fractured World", welcomed 350 guests from more than 70 countries.

Speaking at the event, the President of Azerbaijan touched on several key issues regarding peace and stability in the South Caucasus. Besides that, the head os state spoke about the growing influence of the Global Baku Forum, and its transformation into one of the leading international conferences on a global scale.

The Global Baku Forum already transformed many years ago into one of the leading international conferences on a global scale, said President Ilham Aliyev as he addressed the opening ceremony.

I think that the Global Baku Forum is now in line with such leading international fora like the Davos World Economic Forum and the Munich Security Conference, the head of state emphasised.

In addition, President Ilham Aliyev stressed the geopolitical changes in Azerbaijan and the region during the last year, as well as Azerbaijan's complete restoration of its sovereignty.

Since we met last time, many things have happened in the world and also in our region. The main geopolitical change, which happened since we met last time here a year ago, is the full restoration of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

President Ilham Aliyev added that this change also creates ample opportunities for sustainable peace in the future. It also promises positive results in terms of the security of the South Caucasus.

And this is a really very serious geopolitical change, which I think will have a lot of positive consequences with respect to the resolution of conflicts, which seem to be unresolvable, the president underlined.

At the same time, the head of state added that today, Azerbaijan is closer to peace with Armenia than ever before. He also emphasised that this is due to the historical victory that Azerbaijan gained in 44 days.

However, as the head of state noted, Armenia thought that it could perpetuate holding the territories of Azerbaijan under occupation until September 2020. For example, the Armenian Prime Minister's slogan "Karabakh is Armenia" was one of the blunders of the Armenian leadership, which had to pay for it with its humiliating defeat in 2020.

Armenia was not satisfied with this and continued provocations in Garabagh for three years. Finally, the time came to clean up the separatist and terrorist elements in Garabagh.

When the Azerbaijani army carried out anti-terrorist measures in September 2023, Armenia was very confident in the weapons and ammunition provided by foreign forces. They thought that the free weapons given to them would be able to return Garabagh to them again through occupation. But this time again, Armenia's estimates misled it, and in the end, some of the combat equipment was destroyed and some others were exhibited in the Trophy Park in Baku.

During the last anti-terror operation, military ammunition, including heavy weapons and armoured vehicles, with a cost and worth close to 1 billion US dollars, was destroyed and taken as trophies. During the Second Karabakh War, military trophies and what was eliminated during the war had a cost was close to 5 billion US dollars, the president said.

Of course, an interesting question arises here: at what expense were so many weapons given to Armenia? President Ilham Aliyev voiced this very question during his speech and clarified his question himself: "The question is: Where did Armenia get all that money? Of course, it's clear that all the weapons they were using against us were given to them free of charge, the head of state underscored.

Despite all this injustice, double standards, and biased approaches, Azerbaijan was able to restore historical justice in the region and, most importantly, on its ancient lands. Garabagh finally got rid of the sounds of fire and bombs and woke up with the call to prayer, Adhan.

Azerbaijan undertakes a commitment that it will only take steps for peace negotiations. Because Azerbaijan has restored both justice and international law.

"We restored historical justice and international law. And now it's time to put an end to hostility in the region," the president said.

As mentioned above, organised by the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, the 11th Global Baku Forum, themed Fixing the Fractured World, kicked off at the Gulustan Palace in Baku. The Nizami Ganjavi International Centre (NGIC) has become a leading international platform for addressing global challenges and raising awareness within the global community. As a result, interest in the events organised by the Centre is increasing year by year.

The Forum, running until March 16, will feature global discussions on the outcomes of COP28 and preparations for COP29. It will also hold discussions on factors threatening the new world order, including security issues, prospects for ensuring peace, and building stability in a divided world. Additionally, the forum will address world-shaking conflicts and mega-threats, including challenges related to climate, food, and nuclear security.

Simultaneously, the forum will focus on the role of military and economic alliances in global governance, regional perspectives, relations with the European Union and its neighbours, youth policy, ways to increase resilience to global challenges, inequality, scarcity of natural resources, migration, as well as artificial intelligence, drones, and cyber weapons.

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Elnur Enveroglu is AzerNews Deputy Editor-in-Chief; follow him on @ElnurMammadli1

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14 March 2024 12:17 (UTC+04:00)

Fatime Letifova Read more

The German company IBG HydroTech intends to cooperate with Azerbaijan in introducing mechanisms for eliminating water pipe leaks, Azernews reports, citing the company's CEO, Norbert Olbrich, as he said.

He noted that the demand for such mechanisms in Azerbaijan exceeds 60% and IBG HydroTech is aimed at establishing business in the country in the next decade.

Olbrich also noted that Germany already has a system that helps monitor water leakage.

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14 March 2024 13:18 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

Despite the intensive development of agriculture in Azerbaijan as a priority direction of the economy, the water resources necessary for it are decreasing intensively, Azernews reports, citing Azerbaijani Deputy Agriculture Minister Sarvan Jafarov as saying at the Baku Water Week Conference.

He noted that the agricultural sector is the largest production sector in Azerbaijan, with a share of 70-80% of total water consumption. Some 90% of the 1.5 million hectares of irrigated land in the country is covered by surface water sources, and underground water sources are used to irrigate approximately 180 thousand hectares of land.

"At the same time, more than 90% of export-oriented agricultural products fall on irrigated lands. These numbers clearly show the dependence of agriculture on water," he said.

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14 March 2024 13:37 (UTC+04:00)

Fatime Letifova Read more

Azerbaijan`s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the area of ecological and environmental protection in Beijing, Azernews reports.

The document was inked by Azerbaijani Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mukhtar Babayev, who is on a visit to China, and Chinese Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu.

The document envisages cooperation dealing with environmental protection, addressing climate change, solid waste management, biodiversity protection, ecological restoration, environmental monitoring, and other realms. Additionally, Azerbaijan and China are slated to cooperate on green development within international and regional organisations. For these purposes, information exchange and reciprocal visits will be carried out, scientific research will be conducted, and joint events to be hosted.

During the meeting, the Azerbaijani delegation underscored that the mutual trust and friendly relations between the heads of state, Ilham Aliyev and Xi Jinping, ensure the swift development of relations between Azerbaijan and China in various domains. The Azerbaijani Minister described Azerbaijan as one of the first countries to support China's initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative.

The Ministers emphasised that Azerbaijan and China enjoy great potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in various facets, including ecology, protection of the environment and biodiversity, addressing climate change, and green development.

Shedding light on the process of preparation for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), scheduled to take place in Azerbaijan this year, Minister Mukhtar Babayev underscored that Azerbaijan constantly supports international efforts in the area of environmental protection and global climate change and contributes to this process.

Chinese Minister Huang Runqiu expressed optimism that Azerbaijan would successfully organise COP29, one of the major and most prestigious events in the world, saying that his country is eager to actively participate in COP29 and provide all feasible support to Azerbaijan.

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Azerbaijan State Theater of Young Spectators will host a festive concert "Naxsl Novruz" on March 15.

State Children's Philharmonic will delight the little guests of the event with their performances, Azernews reports.

The concert is dedicated to the arrival of the Novruz holiday, which reflects the unique traditions of the Azerbaijani people.

The program is full of interesting, colorful dances, songs, and skits. The program will feature Azerbaijani composer and folk songs and dances. To purchase tickets, please visit iTicket.Az.

Note that the first day of Novruz falls on the spring equinox on March 20-21. The holiday celebrates the arrival of spring and the start of a new year.

On September 30, 2009, Novruz was included in UNESCOs List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. On February 23, 2010, the UN declared March 21 the International Day of Novruz.

Azerbaijan is to mark Torpaq Charshanbasi (Soil Tuesday) on March 19. The Novruz holiday will be celebrated on March 21.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr

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A documentary film "The Son" about the fate of Azerbaijani soldier Natig Gasimov, who was captured by Armenians during the first Garabagh War, has been shown in the cinema hall of the British Academy of Film Awards (BAFTA) in London.



The event was organized by the British European Azerbaijan School and supported by the Azerbaijani Embassy to the United Kingdom, Azernews reports.

Numerous representatives of the diplomatic corps, public and political figures, members of Azerbaijani, Turkish, and other communities, and journalists took part in the event.

The teacher of the British European Azerbaijan School, Rauf Khalilov, opened the event.

The Azerbaijani Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Elin Suleymanov, expressed his gratitude to the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, TEAS Press Publishing House, the Executive Director of the film Tale Heydarov, as well as the teachers of the British European Azerbaijan School, Sabina Rakcheyeva and Sabina Guliyeva, for the organisation of the event.

In his speech, the ambassador emphasised that the bravery shown by Natig Gasimov is an example of heroism and that the film is of great importance in order to keep his memory alive and to convey the truth about the Garabagh War to the world community.

The ambassador noted that the memory of the victims of the Khojaly tragedy was commemorated together with the members of the Azerbaijani community in recent days and emphasised that such difficult moments are part of the new history of Azerbaijan.

He also stressed the importance of countries that are friends and partners of Azerbaijan understanding this.

At the same time, the ambassador recalled the opinion of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, that we should close the page of history related to the conflict, and emphasized that after the liberation of the Azerbaijani lands from occupation, a historical opportunity arose for the establishment of peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

He emphasised the importance of conducting direct bilateral negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia and drew attention to the fact that there are those who want to hinder this process from outside.

Film director Karan Singh said that he was very impressed by the photos taken by Italian photographer and journalist Enrico Sarsini of Natig Gasimov while he was in captivity, and the idea of making the film came from there. He talked about the filming process of the film and interviews with live witnesses of the event.

He said that the scene that affected him the most during the filming process was the tears of Natig Gasimov's mother.

In his speech, the film producer Ekard Sager outlined that Azerbaijan has already freed its lands from occupation. He noted that all conditions have been created for the return of hundreds of thousands of IDPs, including Natig Gasimov's family, to their native lands.

In his speech, he drew attention to the fact that more than 1.5 million mines were buried in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan during the occupation.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
14 March 2024 16:47 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

The Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum invites you to enjoy an exhibition on the Clothing and Jewellery Culture of the Turkic Peoples on March 15.

Co-organized by the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, and the National Carpet Museum, the event is timed to the 15th anniversary of the inscription of the Novruz Festival in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Azernews reports.

On September 30, 2009, Novruz was included in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. On February 23, 2010, the UN declared March 21 the International Day of Novruz.

The exposition will showcase traditional women's costumes and jewellery from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Hungary, Uzbekistan, Turkiye, and Turkmenistan.

The patterns and materials of these artworks aim to create a rich perception of the unique national features, customs, and traditions, as well as the natural and geographical conditions of the habitat of the Turkic peoples and their mindset and lifestyle.

The presented exhibits are preserved in the collections of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, the Association of Hungarian Folk Artists, and private collector Virginija Morgan-Hayat's.

The exhibition, which runs until March 31, will be followed by a master class and lecture.

Founded in 1967, the National Carpet Museum holds more than 14,000 exhibits of the finest Azerbaijani carpets.

Initiated by eminent carpet artist Latif Karimov, the museum is beautiful inside and out.

The museum's new building is designed in the form of a rolled carpet. Now, the museum hosts multiple events, including international symposiums, conferences, and various exhibitions.

In 2019, the museum received national status for its significant contribution to popularising and promoting Azerbaijani carpet weaving art.

In 2020, the Carpet Museum enriched its collection with a beautiful pile of carpets purchased by the Culture Ministry at the Sartirana Textile Show in Italy.

The 19th-century Guba carpet "Ugakh" was donated to the Carpet Museum, while the Garabagh carpet "Chelebi" enriched the collection of the museum's Shusha branch.

Moreover, the Carpet Museum won the Travellers' Choice Awards for the fourth time in a row last year.

The award proves once again that the professional activity of the National Carpet Museum is highly appreciated by visitors from all over the world.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
14 March 2024 10:20 (UTC+04:00)

Organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center under the patronage of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the 11th Global Baku Forum themed Fixing the Fractured World has started at the Gulustan Palace in Baku, Azernews reports.

President Ilham Aliyev attended the opening ceremony of the Forum.

First, a family photo was taken.

Opening the 11th Global Baku Forum, Ismail Serageldin, the co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, said:

- Your Excellency, President Aliyev.

Ladies and gentlemen.

I am Ismail Serageldin, co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, and it is my great privilege to welcome you all to the 11th Global Baku forum.

We meet under the title of Fixing the Fractured World. The world is indeed fractured. Severe challenges are everywhere. Indeed we meet in a time of peril, but we also meet in a time of promise. Peril is abound. The big powers are rending the fabric of the established order, as a New World Order struggles to emerge. And in the process, they undermine the existing peace and security arrangements of multilateral rules-based approaches. Insurgent Russia, wages a destructive war in Ukraine, ignoring the UN General Assembly votes against it. In the case of the war in Gazza, triggered by the terrible October 7 attack by Hamas, the world is ardently demanding a humanitarian ceasefire but the US is supporting the Netanyahu government and refusing a ceasefire.

Conflicts beset many parts of Africa. Haiti falls into a spiral of chaotic violence and criminal violence is the bane of many Latin American countries. Wars rage in many parts of the world. Nations are as multi-layered as ever with ethnic, religious and political divides that challenge the stable national governance and that views negatively any type of immigration, even as the number of refugees and displaced people now exceeds 100 million persons. The American Colossus casts a giant shadow, as its deeply divided politics undermine confidence in any consistent engagement in this world of shifting tectonic plates, where lines of cleavage are being constantly redrawn. Meanwhile, arising China justifiably seeks to have a major say in the emerging new world order.

Perils abound, as the world is failing to remain on its adopted sustainable development path. The global challenges confront humanity. From climate change and biodiversity loss to the mismanagement of precious water resources, inequality, extreme poverty and hunger afflict over 1 in 10 of the human family. We are barely coming out of a raging pandemic without having learned the lessons of how to prepare for the next one. Global challenges require a global response. But we also stand on the cusp of an unbelievable revolution in science and technology and innovation. Artificial Intelligence is now affecting everything and accelerating the pace of innovation in all fields, and assist in solving all sorts of complex problems. The Revolution of ICT is matched by another revolution in the new biology, rejuvenated process of science technology and innovation. STI is poised to help us redeem the promise of science, namely, that it can heal the sick, feed the hungry, refashion our development to be in harmony with nature, bring dignity to work and create the scope for self-expression. Provided that we do not just focus on the destructive and lethal applications of these new technologies.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the Global Baku Forum is a unique space of freedom, where eminent people with exceptional experience and insight, holding a broad range of opinions can discuss their views on all these issues, to reduce the perils and enhance the promises. Discuss all this and more with a commitment to civility in discourse and rationality and argument. And beyond their knowledge and experience they also bring to bear their wisdom. We hope that the results of these discussions may help us develop insights that will enrich the discussions at the upcoming United Nations summit for the future and the COP-29 meetings, which will be hosted by President Aliyev here in Azerbaijan.

And to start us on this Global Baku forum. It is my honor and my privilege to call upon our patron, our host, His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev. Your Excellency.

x x x

The head of state addressed the opening ceremony.

Speech by President Ilham Aliyev

- Dear ladies and gentlemen, dear guests.

Welcome to Azerbaijan. I am glad to see all of you here today at the annual Forum, which transformed many years ago into one of the leading international conferences on a global scale. I think that Global Baku Forum now stands in line with other leading international fora like the Davos World Economic Forum and the Munich Security Conference. With respect to the potential of Nizami Ganjavi International Center and the list of participants, we really see that the discussions held annually here in Baku contribute to a better understanding or different important international issues.

The world is changing rapidly. Unfortunately, new areas of instability and confrontation are emerging. If we compare what we discussed last March to what we are discussing today, we see substantial changes, including geopolitical changes. Therefore, the experience of members of NGIC and participants, their knowledge, and their experience as heads of state and government, and foreign ministers really are something which the world needs today in order to address issues of global importance.

This time, we have, I think, a record number of participants, more than 400 guests attending 11th Forum from 68 countries. So, we also have expanded the geography among our guests, we have more than 40 acting and former heads of state and government. So, this really is an illustration of a huge intellectual potential of the Forum.

Yesterday, I met with the members of Board of NGIC. We had very good and sincere discussions about many issues. Our meetings prior to the Forum already had a good record of establishing a positive tradition. Yesterday, I once again expressed gratitude to the members of Board for their activity. Because throughout the year, the NGIC has been doing a great job in bringing the most important and urgent issues of the global agenda to the attention of decision-makers in different parts of the world.

Once again, I'd like to express my personal gratitude to the co-chairs of NGIC, Madame Vike-Freiberga and Mr. Serageldin, for their continuous contribution to the NGIC and for their excellent performance as co-chairs. They really managed to create a strong team of very special personalities and to organize the work of the center as a really result-oriented international NGO, which today is well-respected on a global scale.

As I said, since we met last time, many things have happened in the world and also in our region. Changes in our region may seem to have a local character, but actually, I think that they have much broader implications. Because the main geopolitical change, which happened since we met last time here a year ago is the full restoration of territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan. And this is a really very serious geopolitical change, which I think will have a lot of positive consequences with respect to resolution of conflicts, which seem to be unresolvable.

For many years, we've been working in order to find peaceful solution to the conflict. For many years, including our annual meetings here prior to the Second Karabakh War, we were always talking about injustice, occupation, violation of international law, and the non-implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, and we continued to talk about that because we wanted this issue to be in the center of attention of the international community. We wanted justice to prevail, but unfortunately, it didn't happen by peaceful means.

For 28 years of the activity of the former Minsk Group, the result was zero. And now, after 28 years, when we analyze and look back, how it continued, we are absolutely sure that the main objective of the Minsk Group was not to resolve the conflict but to freeze it, to make Armenian occupation eternal and to try to communicate with us inevitability of our agreement with the occupation.

This is a main reason why the conflict was not resolved by peaceful means, along with of course, the unconstructive position of Armenian governments, different governments starting from the beginning of the 1990s until today. There was another message, which regularly was channeled to us from the world's leading capitals that there is no military solution to the conflict. We said yes, okay. We may agree with that. But what is the alternative? If the alternative is to agree with occupation and agree with the existence of the separatist regime on almost 20% of our internationally recognized territory, that's not something we can agree with.

We can agree that there can be no military solution in one case: if you, the Minsk Group co-chairs, the leading countries of the world, the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, will force the occupational forces of Armenia to withdraw from our lands. You, who yourself adopted four United Nations Security Council resolutions, which demanded the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian troops from Azerbaijani territories, should provide the implementation of these resolutions, otherwise, the conflict will never be resolved.

Unfortunately, all our attempts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict have failed, and the reason I have already explained. So, the resolution of the conflict by military-political means actually demonstrates that, in order to achieve peace, sometimes you have to use military option, and that is what is happening now. Now we're closer to peace with Armenia than ever before. Never in the history of the independence of the Southern Caucasus has peace been as close as it is today. This is a result of the Second Karabakh War. This is a result of the anti-terror operation we held last September, which lasted less than 24 hours and put an end to separatism forever in Azerbaijan, restoring our sovereignty and territorial integrity.

That's why when I say that what has happened here in Azerbaijan during the last three to four years is not the issue of local character. It has a lot of already positive implications on the situation, not only in the Southern Caucasus. I think it can be used as a pattern to resolve conflicts, which seem to be unresolvable. But first of all, of course, with the prevalence of international law. International law norms were on our side, Azerbaijan was the subject of illegal occupation and ethnic cleansing and genocide. All these are well-known historical facts. We restored justice and international law ourselves. No one helped us, we did it ourselves.

We demonstrated strong political will, and also our potential. Because strong political will without strong military capability and unity of the people will not lead to success. So, a combination of all factors, our economic development, our financial capability, our defense capability, training of our military personnel, active and pro-active foreign policy, when all the leading international organizations like the United Nations, OSCE, Non-Aligned Movement, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and others fully supported Azerbaijan's position on the issue of territorial integrity.

Was it possible to avoid a military solution? Yes. Yesterday we discussed broadly with the members of the Board and I a little bit opened the curtain of insights. There was a chance to reach an agreement in 2018 when there was a change of government in Armenia. We got assurances from the new Armenian government that they will behave in line with the international law and territories will be returned. We had those expectations, and if, at that time, the Armenian new government had preferred to behave as they do now, then there would have been no need to restore our sovereignty by force.

But unfortunately, in 2019, the new Armenian leadership put forward absolutely unacceptable proposals, such as Azerbaijan have to negotiate with separatists, all what has been elaborated as a basis for a peace agreement should have been wiped out, and everything should have started from scratch, and Armenia is not going to return one centimeter of occupied territories. Moreover, the famous slogan articulated by Armenian Prime Minister that Karabakh is Armenia. First, it's an absolute violation of international law, and second, it was too ambitious for a country that thought that they could keep our lands forever.

So, we had to teach them a lesson in 2020, in September-November, and we thought that this lesson was enough for them to understand that the time when they could rely on foreign forces and keep the lands of another country under occupation had gone.

Was there an opportunity to achieve peace during the last three to four years? Yes. Only if Armenia had behaved constructively with respect to our proposal of a draft peace agreement, and had not insisted on incorporation into this peace agreement the so-called Nagorno-Karabakh Republic status. First, this kind of republic do not exist. It exists only in their dreams and in their mythology. Second, our opposition was again totally in line with international law. In interstate agreements, issues of internal politics should not be present.

Based on the capitulation act, which Armenia had to sign on 10 November, 2020, they were obliged to withdraw their occupational forces from the remaining part of Karabakh, which at that time was not under our control. But for three years, they didn't do it. Not only did they not withdraw almost 15,000 of their military contingent, but they also smuggled weapons, mines, ammunition to Karabakh, taking advantage of the situation when we did not control communication in the aftermath of the Second Karabakh War. After we started to control the communication, of course, this smuggling stopped. Nevertheless, during the last anti-terror operation, military ammunition including heavy weapons and armored vehicles, with a cost and worth close to 1 billion US dollars, was destroyed and taken as trophies. During the Second Karabakh War, military trophies and what was eliminated during the war had a cost was close to 5 billion US dollar. The question is: Where did Armenia get all that money? Of course, it's clear that all the weapons they were using against us were given to them free of charge.

Now, when Karabakh issue is closed, we are very close to peace. That's what we think. Azerbaijan is ready to continue the peace process. Meetings at the level of the foreign ministers of both countries have now resumed, and we think that peace is reachable. That is what we want. We restored historical justice and international law, and now it's time to put an end to hostility in the region.

One issue to which I also want to draw your attention is the international reaction to our anti-terror operation, which was absolutely adequate in the majority of cases. The international community, different countries and international organizations in public statements, and also in our behind-the-scenes communication, expressed full understanding of what we have done and what we had to do. The understanding that there were two red lines which Armenia crossed prior to our anti-terror operation, and in general, the reaction of the international community was absolutely positive.

To inform you about some details, I just want to say what happened at the beginning of September, and why did the anti-terror operation happen in September? Because at the beginning of September, the Armenian Prime Minister sent a congratulatory letter to the separatist regime in Karabakh, congratulating them on the so-called independence. That was a big surprise and a bad surprise for us. Because the same Prime Minister of Armenia publicly recognized Azerbaijan's territorial integrity in 2022 at the meeting in Prague and reiterated several times that Armenia has no territorial claims to Azerbaijan.

Then, what was that congratulations about? That was a congratulation to separatists, and that was a violation of Azerbaijan's sovereignty, and an absolutely unacceptable and contradictory gesture. And then, on the 9th of September, the so-called Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, which again exists only in the dreams of some people, held the so-called presidential elections, and that was another red line.

So, these were actually the final triggers that led to the anti-terror operation, which lasted several hours, and after 23 hours, separatists surrendered. There were no casualties among civilians, and as soon as separatists surrendered, we stopped the operation, and that was actually the end of the story.

Talking about international reaction, unfortunately, I have to mention the position of one country, which is absolutely in contradiction with the international community. This is France. I regret it very much because relations between Azerbaijan and France since the beginning of the 1990s developed in a positive direction. There have been numerous high-level visits, a lot of business contacts, 13 cities from each country had an agreement, and they were named sister cities.

But the reaction of the French government to the Second Karabakh War and the anti-terror operation was absolutely inadequate. There were five attempts to bring this issue to the Security Council of the United Nations and to impose sanctions on Azerbaijan - for what we have not done. We did not do anything in contradiction with international law. All these five attempts failed because other members of the Security Council did not support that. After that, there were several attempts to sanction Azerbaijan in the European Union. And those attempts also failed. The majority of countries of the European Union did not support that.

Unfortunately, what happened after that is absolutely beyond normal understanding. There was an act of vandalism in France, in the city of Evian, which used to be a sister city to one of the cities of Azerbaijan. The monument of Azerbaijani poetess Natavan was vandalized. I just want to show you the monument - the red color and the broken nose. This happened in France, as a result of the failure to sanction Azerbaijan in the Security Council and the EU.

And after that, what happened? The authorities did not try even to wash out the color or to restore the monument, and what have they done? They've just wrapped it, and in this wrapped position, it stayed for more than one or two months. And all our requests to the French authorities through our embassy and other channels and to the Mayor's Office of Evian just to stop continuing the vandalism because wrapping it like this and keeping it in there without even an attempt to clean this red color is vandalism in itself. There was no reaction, neither from the French government nor from Evian.

Then, we started to insist that allow us evacuate it. Because this is an insult to us. This is a humiliation. In a country like France, which pretends to be a moral leader, in many cases, things like that are unacceptable. But it took us again several months to be able to evacuate it from Evian and bring it to the garden of the Azerbaijani Cultural Center in Paris, where Natavan is now staying.

This is just an illustration of what we're facing after we restored our sovereignty. This is an illustration of double standards. France, which declared that they will send troops to Ukraine to help Ukraine restore its territorial integrity, tries to punish Azerbaijan for our restoration of territorial integrity.

Another topic that I want to bring to your attention and that we discussed broadly yesterday is COP29. We count very much on the NGIC to be an active partner of Azerbaijan in preparation and during the conference. COP29 in Azerbaijan is a recognition of Azerbaijan's efforts with respect to the green transition. As I have said many times, including in public comments, the fact that we have oil and gas is not our fault, and we should not be criticized for that. I think those who try to criticize us and those who made the decision to award us with this honor to host this global event should understand that our intention is to contribute to the issue of climate. All that we are doing with respect to the green transition already has practical results.

Last October, we inaugurated the biggest 230 MW solar power plant in the area of the Caucasus and Central Asia. Two more are now in the process of construction and preparation. Our plans until 2030 are to have a generating potential of 5,000 megawatts of renewables. This is absolutely realistic because many contracts and MOUs have been signed.

We are actively working now on building the green energy cable from the Caspian to the Black Sea and further down to Europe, and the feasibility study of that project is almost ready.

So, first, COP29 will be for us the chance to demonstrate that the country, which lives independently and does not depend on anyone, can successfully develop. It is a demonstration of the right policy that Azerbaijan has pursued for the last 30 years. From a practical point of view, it will be a chance for us to contribute to solidarity. Because four years of our chairmanship in the Non-Aligned Movement created a very special atmosphere in this second largest international institution after the UN, with 120 countries. With nine members of the EU, Azerbaijan signed declarations on strategic partnership. We are members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation with more than 50 members. So, we have the capability to bring together different countries, and that is what is needed now to address the issues of climate.

I don't want to take much of your time, I know that you have a very busy program. I will conclude now. Once again, expressing gratitude to all our participants for being with us, especially to the NGIC, and wishing the Forum success.

x x x

Addressing the event, Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the Former President of Latvia and the co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, said:

- Your Excellency President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

Your Excellencies presidents, former presidents, heads of government  both former and current.

Ladies and gentlemen.

Dear guests and friends, friends of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center.

I would like to start my speech by thanking President Ilham Aliyev. We have been welcomed with very warm hospitality. Over the past 11 years, we have been gathering in Baku to participate in the Global Forum. We have always witnessed full cooperation and your openness in accepting the increasing number of participants of this forum.

We see that people are suffering in different parts of the world today. This is why we have always gathered in one place to exchange ideas on common issues of concern, to revive and restore the broken world. Together, we can narrow this divide and alleviate peoples suffering.

Since last year's Baku Forum, we have been hearing a lot of bad news, watching it on news channels and social media. But there has also been good news. The good news is that  President Aliyev also noted that  Azerbaijan is one of a handful of countries of the world where a 28-year-old frozen conflict has finally been resolved. Armenia illegally occupied the territory of its neighbor in violation of international law, but your country has restored its territorial integrity, i.e. its own territorial integrity. But despite this, 50 conflicts are still fuming in the world. Ukraine is faced with the occupation and annexation of its territory. This reminds us again that a state that succeeded the Soviet Union, a country that was based on Stalin's principles and occupied Baltic states  Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania  in World War Two, is doing the same now. At that time, they turned those states into parts of the Soviet Union, and it happened in a special way. What is happening in Ukraine today is exactly a repetition of those historical facts. So there is actually a comical situation on the one hand and a tragic one on the other.

The President made a reference here. When it comes to our broken world, we can make it better. We can actually see the severity of the lines that divide us. We can see that there can be different opinions, behaviors and interests. But it is possible to come together and find common solutions. Of course, there should be at least good will for this and we have to make it work. The lack of good will and trust leads to very serious consequences, as we see all over the world today.

We are living in a world where there are certain principles. Based on the good will of people, we try to resolve issues related to living together. Since its inception, the UN has established those principles through its Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and noted that peoples of the world must adhere to those principles. Under such circumstances, we can live in a civilized world and have good relations with our neighbors. Of course, when any such behavior occurs today, we simply liken it to the behavior of predatory animals. Because we must remember again that some breeds base their existence on certain natural instincts. In Soviet times, we had farms in Latvia, where a number of dairy products were produced. Those dairy products were of high quality and popular. However, we were deprived of the opportunity to use them. I should also mention that there is an island in our country, and a great blow was inflicted on nature on that island. Many birds were killed there. It was a step against nature. Because this island actually became a victim of the political goals of the predators. In fact, it is the same among people. There is a feature inherent in human nature that some people try to impose their will on others and use force to achieve that. But we see that this is completely unacceptable.

I should also note that the principles declared by international organizations should remain in force. We should all know, remember and even mention it in our discussions that we don't have to reinvent the wheel. We should respect human beings  women, men and representatives of different races without discrimination regardless of their origin, creed or belief. This is what the rights of people and individuals consist of. We must build a world where there is no discrimination.

We must not forget that small countries also have rights. You may not have heard of them, you may not know about them, but they exist nonetheless. Many countries of the world are represented in the UN General Assembly. However, we must note that regardless of whether they are big or small, everyone has equal rights and this must be ensured.

Ladies and gentlemen, you come from different parts of the world and you have had different experiences. I urge you to join the debates, speak honestly, speak up and, of course, have discussions without harming each other. Because we are a civilized society. We have come here to get to know each other, to listen to each other, and this is our advantage as human beings. Of course, we should also pay attention to each other, meet and understand each other.

I wish you all a fruitful discussion. We will have meetings during these days, and you will actually contribute to our discussions. What is happening in the world today is exactly what is related to the human essence, i.e. it stems from it. Therefore, we must understand this well. I wish you fruitful discussions and an interesting forum.

x x x

Binali Yldrm, the Chairman of Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States, presented a keepsake to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

x x x

Other speakers at the event included President of Albania Bajram Begaj, Serb Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zeljka Cvijanovic, Director-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Under-Secretary-General for Policy at the United Nations Guy Ryder, Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Winnie Byanyima, and High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Miguel Angel Moratinos.

x x x

Addressing the event, Binali Yldrm, the Chairman of Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States, said:

- I am very pleased and honoured to address you on behalf of His Excellency Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkiye, on the occasion of the eleventh Global Baku Forum, which is successfully held every year. First of all, I would like to congratulate the organizers of the Global Baku Forum and the Azerbaijani authorities for organizing yet another very successful event this year. We are pleased to observe that the Global Baku Forum, which has been held for many years and has already become a tradition, is growing into an important ideation platform in its field.

It is also a nice coincidence for us that shortly after the 3rd Antalya Diplomacy Forum, which we have hosted in Turkiye on March 1-3, the "Global Baku Forum" is being held this time in our brotherly country Azerbaijan. As stated in the main theme of this year's Forum, "Fixing the Fractured World" is the most fundamental task before us, as the entire international community, in these challenging times which we are going through. As a matter of fact, the ever-increasing global and regional challenges and the disorganized and disorderly appearance of the international system, which is unable to respond adequately to these challenges, lead to a fragmented image all over the world. This fragmentation starts at the regional level and moves to the global level as a tangle of problems. When we look around us, we see that the regional disputes, tensions and hot conflicts do continue, and that these conflicts exert negative repercussions, not only on the political and military fields, but also on fields such as economy, transportation and energy, as well as in social and societal dimensions.

When we look at the South Caucasus, all countries in the region need to make constructive and result-oriented efforts to attain peace, security and prosperity that the region deserves.

Climate change, which is another challenge of modern times, is also an issue that concerns not only certain countries, but the whole world, and requires an all-out struggle. As you know, we will be addressing this issue extensively at the UN Climate Conference (COP29) to be held in Azerbaijan in November this year.

At this stage, Turkiye is endeavouring to lead towards the solution of the problems in its region together with friendly and brotherly countries, with the principle of "regional ownership". We believe that the "3+3 Regional Cooperation Platform" initiative, which was announced by President Erdogan together with President Aliyev, during his visit to Baku on December 10, 2020, has an important function of strengthening this understanding of regional ownership on the path towards a comprehensive normalization and the establishment of peace and stability in the South Caucasus. This year, we will host the third meeting of this initiative in Turkiye. Another way of addressing regional challenges is to strengthen regional organizations. The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) stands among the leading organizations in this field with its cultural and historical unity, the spirit of solidarity at its core, and its targeted vision of a world in peace and stability. In essence, the common good of the Turkic World aligns with the initiatives for global peace, justice and stability. In this respect, the OTS has the potential to contribute to the prosperity and stability of not only the Turkic World but also our common geography and beyond. We believe in the benefit of increasing our contacts and cooperation under the roof of the OTS. In this context, I would like to draw attention to the fact that this year, the Informal Summit of the OTS will be hosted by Azerbaijan in Shusha in July, which has always held a special place for the Turkic World. In the coming period, the culture of cooperation within the OTS will continue to promote peace and stability in our region.

x x x

Fergus Auld, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Azerbaijan, read out British PM Rishi Sunaks letter to the Forum participants.

x x x

The Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC) has become a leading international platform for addressing global challenges and raising awareness within the global community. As a result, interest in the events organized by the Center is increasing year by year.

The 11th Global Baku Forum, themed Fixing the Fractured World", welcomed 350 guests from more than 70 countries.

The Forum, running until March 16, will feature global discussions on the outcomes of COP28 and preparations for COP29. It will also hold discussions on factors threatening the new world order, including security issues, prospects for ensuring peace, and building stability in a divided world. Additionally, the forum will address world-shaking conflicts and mega threats, including challenges related to climate, food, and nuclear security. Simultaneously, the forum will focus on the role of military and economic alliances in global governance, regional perspectives, relations with the European Union and its neighbors, youth policy, ways to increase resilience to global challenges, inequality, scarcity of natural resources, migration, as well as artificial intelligence, drones, and cyber weapons.

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China's Yuan Yue fights into Indian Wells quarterfinals

Xinhua) 16:59, March 14, 2024

WASHINGTON, March 14 (Xinhua) -- China's Yuan Yue battled through to Indian Wells quarterfinals after she defeated No. 11 seed Daria Kasatkina in three sets on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old Austin champion extended her winning streak to nine matches as she outlasted Kasatkina 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in two and a half hours.

"I am super happy today. Even though I felt tired during the match, I kept my confidence that I could do well," she said.

"I made too many mistakes in the first set, but I well adjusted myself in the second set," she added.

Yuan next faces third seed Coco Gauff who dispatched German Elise Mertens 6-0, 6-2.

Yuan was fresh from winning her first WTA Tour title at the 2024 ATX Open, and made her Top 50 debut the following week as a result. In the final, Yuan defeated Wang Xiyu in the fourth all-Chinese final in tour history and the first since Nanchang 2018 when Wang Qiang defeated Zheng Saisai.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Marissa Luck is a senior real estate reporter at Houston Chronicle. She can be reached at marissa.luck@houstonchronicle.com.

Previously, Luck covered commercial real estate in Texas for CoStar News; real estate for Austin Business Journal; energy for Houston Chronicle; and business news for The Daily News in Longview, Wash. Shes won awards from Society of Professional Journalists and National Association of Real Estate Editors, and her byline has appeared in numerous publications nationally. Originally from Hawaii, Luck grew up in the Pacific Northwest and studied international political economy at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash. She now lives in Midtown Houston.
14 March 2024 11:18 (UTC+04:00)

Fatime Letifova Read more

On March 11-13, employees of the Russian Embassy in Azerbaijan conducted early mobile voting for the presidential election of the Russian Federation in the places where Russian peacekeepers were stationed, Azernews reports, citing the press service of the diplomatic mission.

"We express our gratitude to the Azerbaijani authorities for the assistance provided in holding elections in the Garabagh economic region, thanks to which the military personnel of the Russian peacekeeping contingent were able to exercise their voting rights," the Russian Embassy noted.

Polling station No. 8017 is also open at the consular department of the Russian Embassy in Baku. Citizens of the Russian Federation who have reached the age of 18 will be able to vote there on March 17, 2024 from 08:00 to 20:00.

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14 March 2024 11:36 (UTC+04:00)

The resolution adopted by the European Parliament on March 13, 2024, on "Closer ties between the EU and Armenia and the need for a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia" is not only unfounded and biased, but it also serves as a clear example of a recurrent double-standards approach against Azerbaijan, Azernews reports, citing the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Aykhan Hajizada, as he said in a commentary on the resolution of the European Parliament of March 13, 2024.

This resolution, sponsored by a number of groups in the European Parliament that are influenced by Armenia and the Armenian Lobby, is an integral part of the smear campaign against Azerbaijan, in which every fact is falsified, despite being presented as "promoting peace" and purportedly dedicated to the European Union-Armenia relationship.

The resolution contains ludicrous and offensive statements that go beyond political ethics, contradicting the essence of international relations, as well as statements that are in clear violation of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty, revealing the true nature of the MEPs who proposed the resolution.

The European Parliament may prove a more useful institution if it addresses more serious issues plaguing Europe, such as racial discrimination, Islamophobia, xenophobia, extremism, and inhumane treatment of migrants, instead of interfering with the normalisation process between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

We remind MEPs that such resolutions, which have nothing to do with the European Parliament's declared values, completely invalidate its role as an institution.

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14 March 2024 15:23 (UTC+04:00)

A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation and the Media platform "Turkic World" in order to popularize and highlight in the international arena the activities of the Foundation for the preservation of the cultural heritage of Turkic peoples with common historical roots, Azernews reports.

The document was signed by president of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Aktoty Raimkulova and head of the Media platform "Turkic World", deputy director of the international news agency Trend Rufiz Hafizoglu.

President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Aktoty Raimkulova expressed confidence that the signed Memorandum will contribute to the further promotion and dissemination of the material and spiritual heritage of the Turkic world, as well as further rapprochement of the Turkic peoples living on a vast territory.

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14 March 2024 15:51 (UTC+04:00)

Baku is a city with a rich past. The city is an ideal location for hosting the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), Azernews reports, citing the former President of Latvia, Egils Levits, as he addressed the panel meeting held as part of the 11th Global Baku Forum themed Fixing the Fractured World.

I do believe that this prestigious event would contribute to successfully addressing the climate change debates, Egils Levits noted.

It is worth noting that the Global Baku Forum, themed Fixing the Fractured World, started at the Gulustan Palace in Baku, organised by the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The forum welcomed 350 guests from more than 70 countries.

President Ilham Aliyev attended the opening ceremony of the forum.

First, a family photo was taken.

The co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre, Ismail Serageldin, opened the 11th Global Baku Forum.

The head of state addressed the opening ceremony.

Then, Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the former President of Latvia and the co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre, made a speech.

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14 March 2024 16:34 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan is one of the rare countries globally to resolve a 28-year-old frozen conflict, Azernews reports, citing Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the former President of Latvia and the co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre, as she addressed the 11th Global Baku Forum on "Fixing the Fractured World".

She also highlighted that Armenia illegally occupied the territory of its neighbour, violating international law, and Azerbaijan restored its territorial integrity.

It is worth noting that the Global Baku Forum, themed Fixing the Fractured World, started at the Gulustan Palace in Baku, organised by the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The forum welcomed 350 guests from more than 70 countries.

President Ilham Aliyev attended the opening ceremony of the Forum.

First, a family photo was taken.

The co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre, Ismail Serageldin, opened the 11th Global Baku Forum.

The head of state addressed the opening ceremony.

Then, Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the former President of Latvia and the co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre, made a speech.

---

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14 March 2024 17:26 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan has managed to bring stability to the South Caucasus region. Everyone is witnessing the warming of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Azernews reports, citing the Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, Head of Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, Hikmet Hajiyev, said during the panel meeting held on the sidelines of the 11th Global Baku Forum on Fixing the Fractured World.

Azerbaijan spares no effort in establishing peace with Armenia and promoting more collaboration in a non-divisive environment, stated Hajiyev. He reiterated Azerbaijan's commitment to fulfilling its obligations and expressed the country's readiness to share its experiences in ensuring stability in the South Caucasus with other parts of the world.

It is worth noting that the Global Baku Forum, themed Fixing the Fractured World, started at the Gulustan Palace in Baku, organised by the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The forum welcomed 350 guests from more than 70 countries.

President Ilham Aliyev attended the opening ceremony of the forum.

First, a family photo was taken.

The co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre, Ismail Serageldin, opened the 11th Global Baku Forum.

The head of state addressed the opening ceremony.

Then, Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the former President of Latvia and the co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre, made a speech.

---

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14 March 2024 18:06 (UTC+04:00)

Global Baku Forum opens new horizons. Within this Forum, we must change the way of thinking to save the world, Azernews reports, citing Kerry Kennedy, President of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, as she addressed the panel meeting held as part of the 11th Global Baku Forum themed Fixing the Fractured World.

She noted that RFK Human Rights always speaks up against inequality and injustice.

We must attain equal rights and jointly overcome poverty and all these upheavals. We must join forces, Kerry Kennedy underscored.

It is worth noting that the Global Baku Forum, themed Fixing the Fractured World, started at the Gulustan Palace in Baku, organised by the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The forum welcomed 350 guests from more than 70 countries.

President Ilham Aliyev attended the opening ceremony of the forum.

First, a family photo was taken.

The co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre, Ismail Serageldin, opened the 11th Global Baku Forum.

The head of state addressed the opening ceremony.

Then, Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the former President of Latvia and the co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre, made a speech.

---

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14 March 2024 18:17 (UTC+04:00)

We observe a decrease in dynamics in international relations. There must be new tools for solving problems, Azernews reports, citing the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, as he said at the panel meeting on "War and Peace: The Return of Realpolitik" held as part of the 11th Global Baku Forum.

"The Middle powers have interests of their own. They are extremely powerful regional actors. Their interests should also be considered. New changes and dynamics should be taken into consideration," the minister stressed.

It is worth noting that the Global Baku Forum, themed Fixing the Fractured World, started at the Gulustan Palace in Baku, organised by the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The forum welcomed 350 guests from more than 70 countries.

President Ilham Aliyev attended the opening ceremony of the forum.

First, a family photo was taken.

The co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre, Ismail Serageldin, opened the 11th Global Baku Forum.

The head of state addressed the opening ceremony.

Then, Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the former President of Latvia and the co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre, made a speech.

---

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14 March 2024 19:23 (UTC+04:00)

Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov has met with visiting President of Albania Bajram Begaj, Azernews reports.

During the meeting, the parties highlighted the significance of the 11th Global Baku Forum.

Both leaders praised the positive momentum in the bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Albania, highlighting their fruitful cooperation within international organizations. They particularly noted the recent decision to open embassies in each other's countries as a testament to the elevated level of their bilateral relations.

Hailing the participation of the President of Albania in the forum, Ali Asadov expressed optimism that the intergovernmental agreement on economic cooperation inked as part of the visit of the Albanian Prime Minister to Azerbaijan in the beginning of March would bolster relations in trade, economic and investment promotion domains.

The Azerbaijani PM highlighted the positive outcomes of cooperation in the area of energy and the importance of the TAP project. Asadov commended the role of Albania as a transit country in the supply of Azerbaijani gas to Europe.

They emphasized the imperative for developing cooperation in the tourism sector.

The pair also explored the issues on expansion of relations between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.

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14 March 2024 21:49 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan`s Prime Minister Ali Asadov has met with Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Azernews reports.

During the meeting, Winnie Byanyima hailed the significance of the 11th Global Baku Forum.

Ali Asadov highlighted Azerbaijan`s close cooperation and support for various UN institutions, including the UNAIDS.

He noted that combating HIV/AIDS is a fundamental priority of Azerbaijan`s national healthcare strategy.

The PM underscored that since 2006, the Cabinet of Ministers has adopted a five-year Action Plan to combat HIV/AIDS.

He underlined that program development aligns with recommendations and support from the World Health Organization, UNAIDS, and the Global Fund, and highlighted Azerbaijan's status as one of the countries with low infection rates.

The parties also reviewed the issues of cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the UNAIDS.

The meeting was also attended by Azerbaijan`s Minister of Health Teymur Musayev.

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United Airlines will offer non-stop flights from Houston to Medellin for the time in the airline's history. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

Starting in the fall, United Airlines will fly directly from Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport to Medellin, a city in Colombia. It's the first time in the airline's history that passengers will get to take advantage of the non-stop flight, beginning Oct. 27, a news release announced.

"We have consistently been ahead of the curve in finding hidden gem destinations for our customers to explore and remain committed to providing the most unique slate of travel options for their adventures abroad," said Patrick Quayle, United Airline's senior vice president of Global Network Planning and Alliances, in a statement. "With our leading global network and elevated inflight experience, United has become the airline of choice for discerning customers looking for experiences they can't have with any other carrier."

As a result, United Airlines will expand its presence in the South American country that already flies from Houston and Newark, New Jersey to Bogotathe capital of Colombia. The new route brings the number of destinations United Airlines serves in Latin America to 52. In total, United Airlines travels to 134 international destinations across 67 countries.

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14 March 2024 22:11 (UTC+04:00)

Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has sent a congratulatory letter to President Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports.

The letter reads:

"His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Congratulations on this 11st Meeting of the Baku Global Forum.

This forum comes at an important time. Baku hosts COP29 in November, where the eyes of the world will be on Azerbaijan as never before. I know you will rise to the challenge and deliver an excellent event with typical hospitality.

The Global Stocktake at COP28 in Dubai demonstrated the need for urgent action. This year, attention will be on Azerbaijan to turn the ambitious commitments we agreed into action. Together we must drive forward energy transitions and reduce global emissions, by phasing out fossil fuels and accelerating the phase out of unabated coal power. We must also continue to improve climate resilience for vulnerable countries. As a fellow producer of oil and gas, the UK unsterstands the need to chart the course for a just energy transition that secures the future of our people and our planet, respecting the Paris commitment to limiting global warning to 1.5 degrees.

There will be an intense focus on finance at COP29. We need to deliver an ambitious outcome on the New Collective Quantified Goal that incorporates wider sources of finance in order to move from billions to the trillions needed for climate action. The UK would welcome Azerbaijan`s coordination with the UAE and Brazil to ensure that each COP continues to increase ambition on the previous summit. We stand ready to support Azerbaijan in its preparations, sharing our own experience of hosting COP26 in Glasgow.

Azerbaijan lies on the trade routes for goods valued worldwide. The UK will continue to support the opening of new connections, across the Caspian to Central Asia and across Turkiye and the Black Sea into Europe. At this 11th Baku Global Forum, your guests might reflect on the common principles and values which protect our shared security and prosperity  principles and values under assault from many sides today, enshrined in the UN Charter.

Azerbaijan stands at the crossroads of its future. At this moment, you have an historic opportunity to end decades of conflict with Armenia. The world welcomed your joint statement in December: it would be even more powerful to come to Baku this November with a peace agreement signed and secured and the countries of the South Caucasus committed to tackling together the shared challenges of climate and energy, water, and food security.

We do not take for granted that such opportunities will remain open or come again. Some would rather draw the world back into armed conflict and competition instead of hard-won peace and collaboration that respects the interest of all. As the world moves through this volatile and uncertain phase, we look to Azerbaijan to seize an opportunity that can secure stability and certainty.

Relations between the UK and Azerbaijan continue to grow deeper and broader, in support of our shared interests in mutual prosperity and security. At the end of 2024, the UK will be there to support you in making COP a success in Baku. I hope by then you will have achieved lasting peace with Armenia, and we can welcome a new era for partnership and cooperation between our two countries. I wish you all productive discussions.

Your sincerely,

Rishi Sunak

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland"

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14 March 2024 19:10 (UTC+04:00)

By News Centre

Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat continued his contacts in Germany on the sidelines of his visit to this country.

Minister Bolat took part in the Iftar program organized by the Independent Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (MUSIAD) Berlin branch. The minister made a speech at the program and stated that he was pleased to come together with the Turkish community in Germany.

In his speech here, Bolat said that the decision to be issued by the EU Council a week later regarding the renewal of the Customs Union with the European Union (EU) could probably initiate a new rapprochement in Turkiye-EU relations.

Emphasizing that 3.5 million people of Turkish origin living in Germany play an important role in creating a bridge between these two great countries, Bolat continued his words as follows:

Your love for Turkiye and your investments and support for Turkiye are contributions that we always remember with gratitude. May God bless you all. I never forget. Until 2002, annual workers' remittances from Germany worth $5 billion made a significant contribution to Turkiye's balance of payments.

Minister Bolat stated Turkiye's trade turnover with the European Union has reached 211 billion dollars in 2023.

"Therefore, Turkiye-EU relations are very important. But Germany, the center of Europe, is also very important in every aspect. Its economy, financial power, trade, investments, tourism, and services sector is of great importance for the Turkish economy," he said.

He underlined that Turkiye is "an economic member of the EU with the Customs Union", and said that despite the disruptions in the global supply chain during the coronavirus epidemic and after the Ukraine-Russia war, there was no interruption in the supply of goods from Turkiye to Europe.

The minister explained to Turkish society the successes that Turkiye has achieved in the industry, tourism, and defense sectors. Bolat said that the more Turkiye in unity and solidarity, work hard and produce, and export competitively in the world, the country will not have foreign exchange problems, and its power and influence in the world will increase.

Bolat stated that they are in close contact with Germany to "solve the lock" on Turkiye's EU membership and made the following assessment:

We want to sit at the table with the EU regarding the modernization of the Customs Union and its inclusion of the services sector. At this point, the decision to be issued by the EU Council a week later could probably initiate a new rapprochement in Turkiye-EU relations.

Emphasizing that the coronavirus epidemic and the Ukraine-Russia war reveal the importance of Turkiye in the supply chain for the EU, Bolat said:

Turkiye showed that it is a security supplier and production country. Germany and the German business community understand this. They have been coming to Turkiye a lot in recent months and talking about investments. At this point, hopefully, we will attract more trade and investment to our country with your support and help.

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14 March 2024 21:20 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Beijing will take appropriate countermeasures against the US plans to ban the TikTok social network, Azernews reports, citing the official representative of the Ministry of Commerce of China, He Yadong.

"We are closely monitoring what is happening in the US Congress. China will take all necessary measures to reliably protect its legitimate rights and interests," He Yadong said.

According to him, Washington should stop "unjustified pressure" on foreign companies and ensure "open and fair conditions for companies from all countries investing in the United States."

On March 13, the House of Representatives of the US Congress supported the idea of banning the TikTok social network. Lawmakers have proposed giving ByteDance six months to sell the social network. After that, the initiative will be sent to the Senate for consideration. President Joseph Biden said earlier that he was ready to sign the relevant bill.

It is worth noting that the international version of the TikTok application, launched in 2017, was launched in August 2018. Claiming that a social network owned by a Chinese company poses a threat to the United States, the US administration is trying to ban it. According to Washington, the application is a tool for collecting information for the Chinese authorities and special services.

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14 March 2024 21:55 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Washington plans to open a factory in Australia for the production of GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launcher Rocket System) guided long-range missiles, Azernews reports, citing foreign media outlets.

The interlocutors of the publication attributed the decision to open the plant to the fact that the US defense industry cannot meet demand and replenish depleted ammunition stocks.

According to Australian officials, the first batch of 12 GMLRS missiles will be tested at the end of 2025, and by 2030 the country plans to produce thousands of munitions annually.

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14 March 2024 22:25 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Kazakhstan is facing a drought this spring due to a similar phenomenon in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, Azernews

reports, citing Vice Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan Arsen Zhakanbayev.

He explained that the problem lies in the drought, which has affected the water resources of neighboring countries.

"The volume of water in the Toktogul reservoir in Kyrgyzstan is 300 million cubic meters less than last year. And the volume of water in the Chirchik basin is 100 million cubic meters less than last year. Therefore, the amount of incoming water is small. This year, problems may arise due to the shortage of this water," Zhakanbayev said at a meeting of the Committee on Agrarian Issues of the Mazhilis of Kazakhstan.

According to the official, the Turkestan and Kyzylorda regions of the republic are at risk. Local authorities have already been advised to reduce rice sowing  this crop requires the most water.

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Parade goers take part in the annual St. Patricks Day walking parade through downtown Conroe, Friday, March 17, 2023. This year's parade is set for 3 p.m. Sunday at The Corner Pub in downtown Conroe. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Ellie, left and Lindsey perform a dance with the McTeggart Irish Dancers during The St. Patrick's Day Celebration at The Woodland's Children Museum, Wednesday, March 17, 2021, in The Woodlands. The McTeggart Irish Dancers have offered dance lessons for over 30 years and operates as a nonprofit. The group returns to The Woodlands Children's Museum this Saturday. Gustavo Huerta/Staff photographer The "Time to Paddy" St. Patrick's Day run was at the Brazos River Park in Sugar Land in 2023. This year, its in the Katy area in Cullen Park. Photo courtesy Bodies Race Company The Sam Houston Race Park is pictured on Jan. 17, 2019. A Sunday Funday is set for St. Patrick's Day at the park with live music, food trucks and family friendly activities. Jerry Baker/Contributor Vallensons' Brewing Company is hosting a St Patrick's Day celebration and crawfish boil. Photo courtesy Vallensons Brewing

With parades, dancing, music, parties awash in green and even a special run event, residents in the Houston suburbs will celebrate their "wee bit of Irish" side this weekend.

The date of March 17 observes the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The holiday has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, drinking and a whole lot of the color green.

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Here's what to know about St. Patrick's Day celebrations planned for the Houston suburbs.

St. Patrick's Day in Conroe

The 26th Annual Conroe St. Patrick's Day Walking Parade kicks off at 3 p.m. Sunday at downtown Conroe's The Corner Pub. The 5 O'Clock Phlock Parrot Head Club and The McDougal Family are the hosts for this year's event.

At 3:30 p.m. the Irish Proclamation will be read and the 2024 Lord and Lady of the parade will be crowned. A bagpiper will then lead revelers on a walking parade around the courthouse square before returning to the pub at 302 N Main Street for Irish music and snacks.

One of the parade's founders, Michael McDougal, died on Feb. 22. Crazy socks were his thing and he'd hand out crazy socks at Christmas. Revelers are asked to bring socks to the event to donate.

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Also in Conroe, the Conroe VFW Post 4709 hosts is annual St. Patrick's Day Chili Cook-off. It starts at 8 a.m. Saturday at 1303 W. Semands in Conroe.

St. Patrick's Day in The Woodlands

At The Woodlands Children's Museum, the McTeggart Irish Dancers are a St. Patrick's Day tradition. The Irish dance troupe performs at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. A St. Patrick's Day story time is set for 11 a.m. The museum is at 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Suite 280.

In Market Street, there will be a St. Patrick's Day photo opp in the venue's Central Park area Friday and Saturday. It's at 9595 Six Pines Drive.

The Goose's Acre Bistro & Irish Pub at 21 Waterway Ave. is also a hot spot on St. Patrick's Day. It's open for breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. There will be live music on two stages from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., bagpipers at noon and 6 p.m. and Irish dancers at 12:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

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St. Patrick's Day in the Katy area

The Time to Paddy 5K, 10K and Lucky 13.1 Run is set for St. Patrick's Day morning at Cullen Park (Pavilion C), 19008 Saums Road in Houston. This is a St. Patrick's Day-themed run for the whole family. It's at 8 a.m.

The run includes a green "Time to Paddy" runner's shirt, St. Patrick's Day themed medal, live results and awards, photo opps and post-race foods and fun.

Katy Crossing Icehouse at 5722 2nd Street in Katy hosts live music Friday and Saturday nights and throughout the day Sunday. St. Patrick's Day activities are from noon to 10 p.m.

St. Patrick's Day in Northwest Houston

Sam Houston Race Park at 7575 North Sam Houston Pkwy West hosts a St. Patrick's Day Sunday Funday with special food and music in the afternoon. A bagpiper will play from 3 to 4 p.m. Musician Leo Mendoza will perform in the pavilion from 1 to 5 p.m. Clutch City Crawfish and Texasiana are the featured food trucks Sunday.

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Family friendly activities include a petting zoo, pony rides, inflatables, arts and crafts and face painting.

St. Patrick's Day in Pearland

Vallensons' Brewing Company is hosting a St Patrick's Day celebration and crawfish boil at 4081 Rice Drier Rd, Pearland. Grab one of their special beer releases for the holiday while listening to live music from Patty O'Beers and Crawfish by the UH Space City Wolves. Bagpipers are expected to perform as well.

The festivities, located at 4081 Rice Drier Rd, Pearland, begin March 16 at 2 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m.

St. Patrick's Day in Clear Lake

Head to Davenport Lounge Clear Lake,1235 Clear Lake City Blvd., Houston, for their St. Patrick's Day party on Sunday as a way to cap off the weekend. Visitors can expect Irish shot specials, freshly made shepherds pie and a cornhole contest for prizes. Those with enough liquid courage can take on the karaoke contest for a chance at even more prizes. The event begins at 4 p.m.

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He Said She Said is headlining Jackie's Bar and Grill's St. Patrick's Day event in Kemah from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 1053 Marina Bay Dr, Kemah. Grab a beer on the patio while listening to a local live band.

St. Patrick's Day in Galveston

Lucky Lounge in Galveston is celebrating St. Patrick's Day with drink specials and Irish stew served by their chef. Live music will occur from 5-9 p.m. featuring Dave Thomas. The event begins at noon and is located at 904 Avenue M., Galveston.

The St. Patrick's Day Shindig at Galveston Island Brewing invites locals to enjoy Irish themed games like musical chairs, a costime contest and the Irish jig dance off in between sips of their Red Ale Irish Red or Nitro Mustache Ride Milk Stout. The Shepherd Mix Food Bar Food Truck will also show up at 2 p.m., offering filling meals like Irish nachos, cabbage quesadillas and shepherd's pie fries.
Washington and Florida made big moves for and against noncompetes this week.

Here are two recent noncompete updates to know:

1. A bill amending Washington's noncompete policy was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee on March 13. The law, which adds protections for workers following instances that have arisen since the state moved to restrict noncompetes in 2019, goes into effect June 6.

2. The Florida Legislature declined to pass two laws banning noncompetes for physicians and doctors of osteopathic medicine.
A former physician was resentenced for opioid prescription charges tied to his Milford, Del.-based pain clinic, Delaware Online reported March 13.

In 2022, Patrick Titus, MD, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for unlawful distribution of opioids outside of the usual scope of practice. The former internal medicine physician prescribed the controlled substances in high dosages and sometimes in dangerous combinations with other controlled substances.

He successfully appealed the sentence, arguing the prosecutor used an unfair calculation of the weight of the drugs involved to lobby for a long prison sentence, according to the report. The federal appeals court agreed that the jury had fairly convicted Dr. Titus but relied on a small sample of prescriptions.

On March 13, a judge resentenced Dr. Titus to 13 years in prison.
A physician who practiced in Sandusky, Ohio, was sentenced to three and a half years of prison and one year of house arrest for illegally dispensing narcotics to patients.

From January 2010 to August 2018, Gregory Gerber, MD, 58, repeatedly prescribed controlled substances  including fentanyl, oxycodone and oxymorphone  without a legitimate medical purpose, the Justice Department said in a March 14 news release.

Dr. Gerber also received $175,000 from writing 835 prescriptions for Subsys, a branded formulation of fentanyl manufactured by Insys Therapeutics, between 2013 and 2016.
On March 11, Montgomery, Ala.-based Baptist Medical Center South issued a statement claiming that Southeastern Cardiology, an unaffiliated practice located on Baptist's campus, had abruptly closed its doors for good.

Now, the practice has issued a statement saying that it is still open and serving patients, according to a March 13 report from local news affiliate WAFF.

According to the previous announcement from Baptist, Southeastern Cardiology informed the system it was closing on March 8, but did not provide a reason.

"The office is not currently closed," Southeastern Cardiologys statement says. "There are providers in the office to take care of any urgent cardiac issues, as well as staff to answer phone calls and any questions you have regarding medical records. The office can be contacted at 334-613-0807. With call volume being high, if you are unable to reach a staff member, please leave a detailed voicemail and contact number and someone will return your call as soon as possible. There has been misinformation put out to the public by unauthorized individuals regarding who to contact with questions and requests. All phone calls regarding your care and medical records are to be directed to Southeastern Cardiology Consultants only at the number above."

The practice did not clarify if, or when, it is closing for good. It said it will be "reaching out very soon to all patients to provide information with disposition and follow-up care," according to the report.

The practice has been open for more than 30 years and has five physicians and three nurse practitioners on site, according to its website.
Dr. Talat Jehan Khan, 52, was murdered in Conroe on Saturday. Courtesy of ABC13 Miles Joseph Fridrich sits in a Montgomery County courtroom on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024 in Conroe. Fridrich, 24, is charged with murder in the stabbing death of Conroe pediatrician Talat Khan, 54, while she was sitting at a picnic table in her apartment complex on Oct. 29, 2023. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

A lawsuit filed against Alys Luxury Living in Conroe claims the complexs ill-maintained and inoperable entry and exit gates were to blame in the stabbing death of a pediatrician in October.

Dr. Talat Jehan Khan, 54, was pronounced dead at the Alys Apartments in the 15000 block of Mansions View after she was stabbed multiple times while she sat at a picnic bench Oct. 28.

Miles Fridrich, 24, was indicted on a murder charge Jan. 18 and remains in the Montgomery County Jail on a $500,000 bond.

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The lawsuit, filed in Dallas County on behalf of Khans family, claims along with failing to maintain the security gates, the complexs management failed to hire and train security personnel and warn residents about nearby criminal acts including burglaries, aggravated assaults and gun violence.

Apartment security had not been flagged publicly by Montgomery County investigators or the district attorneys office in the Fridrich case as a potential factor in Khans death. The district attorneys office declined to comment since cases are pending in criminal and civil courts.

Officials with Knightvest Management, the apartment complexs management firm, could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Houston attorneys Mo Aziz of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner, and Bilaal Badat filed the lawsuit against Knightvest Management LLC, Knightvest LLC, Massandra KV Regency LLC and Massandra KV Regency LLC earlier this week.

MORE CONROE NEWS: Failure of AV equipment during recent Montgomery County trial prompts $85,000 replacement

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The suit claims the knife attack was reasonably foreseeable and was the obligation of the management of the complex to take reasonable steps to prevent this terrible act, which could have been avoided.

The suit seeks compensation for the family but does not indicate an amount.

The Conroe Police Department arrested Fridrich after he fled the scene of the stabbing, investigators said previously. He surrendered to police officers after being found nearby.

During an Oct. 29 probable cause hearing, Associate Judge Jacqueline Bello set Fridrichs bond at $500,000. According to court documents, Bello set the bond based on the seriousness of the crime and potential danger to the public. Bello also factored in Fridrichs previous criminal history.

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In a Feb. 13 motion submitted by Fridrich to Judge Phil Grant of the 9th State District Court, Fridrich asked for the bond to be reduced to $50,000, requiring Fridrich to post a $5,000 bond and be released from jail. With the bond set at $500,000, Fridrich would need to pay a $50,000 to be released.
Gastroenterologists continue to play tug of war with payers over reimbursement rates.

Here's how three gastroenterologists see this struggle affecting gastroenterology's workforce.

Note: These responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Robert Pecha, MD. President of Gastroenterology Medical Clinic (Folsom, Calif.): Our biggest challenge for both the endoscopy center as well as our practice (separate companies) is our inability to communicate with insurance companies to negotiate rates. We are too small for them (e.g., Blue Cross) to talk to us. What they don't seem to realize is that small raises to independent practitioners prevents those physicians from defecting to large hospital-based practices that charge all insurers much more.

Read the full story here.

Pooja Singhal, MD. Gastroenterologist at SSM Health (St. Louis): In my opinion, the decision to potentially leave the field of gastroenterology that one has spent an average of 14 years of investment to train and practice is based on multiple factors. Higher demands of productivity, constant annual cuts by insurance companies for procedure reimbursements and lack of autonomy ultimately lead to a lack of job satisfaction at the price of personal life sacrifices.

Read the full story here.

Pankaj Vashi, MD. Department Head of Gastroenterology and Nutrition at City of Hope Chicago (Zion, Ill.): My major concern regarding procedure reimbursement is continued increase in costs of doing procedures and denials from payers with decreasing payments especially by government payers. The only way ASCs can survive is by increasing efficiency and volume and maintaining quality care.

Read the full story here.
Miami-based United Dental Corporation marked its entry into Tennessee with the addition of a practice in Nashville.

The dental partnership organization acquired Gorham and Ammarell Dentistry, led by Matt Gorham, DDS, and Robert Ammarell, DDS, according to a March 13 news release from UDC.

The partnership marks the company's 14th addition since launching its acquisition strategy in October 2022.

United Dental Corporation's dentist partners produce $2 million to $5 million in annual collections from a single location, the release said.
A Florida health system will pay $5.4 million over 10 years to have its name on a local amphitheater.

The BayCare Sound amphitheater in Clearwater, Fla., will be named after Clearwater-based BayCare Health System after the local city council approved the deal March 7, according to St. Pete Catalyst. The contract has an option to be renewed for another 10 years in 2034. The 4,000-seat concert venue opened in June, part of the city's new $84 million waterfront development.

The agreement continues a string of recent health system naming deals at theaters and stadiums. BayCare's name also adorns Clearwater's BayCare Ballpark, the spring training home of MLB's Philadelphia Phillies, while Macon, Ga.-based Atrium Health Navicent recently invested $1.5 million for the naming rights to a new amphitheater in Georgia.

"BayCare is excited to expand our longstanding relationship with the city of Clearwater and create a foundation for future communitywide collaborations at The BayCare Sound venue," BayCare co-COO Lou Galdieri told Tampa Bay Business Journal. "The BayCare Sound partnership furthers our shared commitment of investing in the communities we serve and, together, building healthier, more active and engaged communities across all of West Central Florida."
"Everyone's talking about AI."

That was a major takeaway from this week's HIMSS 2024 conference in Orlando, Fla., where it was difficult to go long without someone bringing up artificial intelligence.

But as Gary Fritz, chief of applications at Palo Alto, Calif.-based Stanford Health Care, explained to Becker's: HIMSS usually delves into "crest-of-the-wave conversations."

"Years ago, it was analytics, telehealth  and you get two years of those," he said. "So now we're in that AI wave, which will take a long time, by the way."

While high-level discussions took place around AI safety and guidelines, healthcare leaders were often more interested in how the technology is actually being used by hospitals and health systems. Here are six highlights from the annual health IT conference:

1. Companies from Oracle Health to Google revealed their latest healthcare generative AI offerings at HIMSS, and Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare shared early results of a new collaboration with the Big Tech firm. Seventy-nine emergency room physicians at four HCA hospitals have used a clinical documentation tool from Augmedix for which Google's large language model creates a visit summary. The reaction from clinicians has been "generally pretty positive," Vikesh Tahiliani, MD, HCA's vice president of care transformation and innovation, said at a panel. "They're definitely getting time back in their day, some of them more than an hour as a net positive." In talking about how AI and technology could further transform care, he added: "We're just at the beginning."

2. Stanford Health Care announced this week it would be deploying the DAX co-pilot clinical documentation platform from Microsoft's Nuance, powered by  what else  AI, across the organization. Other healthcare leaders were excited about the tool's potential for saving physicians loads of time while allowing them to focus more on the actual practice of medicine  while noting that the technology is expensive and will require more buy-in from senior leaders. "I hesitate to go too strongly because I'm not super 'shiny object', but the docs who are on this ambient documentation say, 'Absolutely, it is a game changer for me  and do not take it away,'" Ann Cappellari, MD, chief medical information officer of St. Louis-based SSM Health, told Becker's. "They point their finger at me and say, 'Do not take this away!"

3. To alleviate fears about healthcare AI, humans must remain "on top" of the technology, Michael Pencina, PhD, chief data scientist at Durham N.C.-based Duke Health, said in a session. "People say, human in the loop  I reject that notion," he said. "With a human in the loop, I'm envisioning this electric circuit with different nodes, and humans somewhere and machines somewhere. What happens when you do that? Well, the machine takes hold of what's happening and they're going to eliminate the weakest node. Who is the weakest node? Humans. We don't want that  so humans on top."

4. "Hospital at home" was a hot topic of conversation with health systems such as Charlotte, N.C.-based Atrium Health and Somerville, Mass.-based Mass General Brigham explaining why they were dedicated to the care model and technology vendors such as Best Buy Health showcasing their latest at-home-care solutions. "We're all in," said Stephen Dorner, MD, chief clinical and innovation officer of Mass General Brigham Healthcare at Home. "We're committed that this is the best way for us to deliver care and will advocate and continue to support ways that make it possible. I think it's how patients want care too."

5. With the Change Healthcare ransomware attack still having ripple effects, cybersecurity was front of mind for many executives. The breadth of the attack  the largest to ever hit the industry, affecting healthcare providers far and wide  is giving the issue the attention it deserves, leaders say. "It's not like this suddenly made everybody realize that we need to do something new," said Erik Decker, chief information security officer of Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Health. "It's more of a check into: 'Yep, here's the reason why we need to be doing the work we have to be doing.'"

6. Leaders from Mayo Clinic discussed how their new $5 billion hospital campus in downtown Rochester, Minn., would be fully "digitized." "Imagine a future where you need some medical gauze and you go into that supply room and you say 'gauze,' and a wall panel opens, lighting peaks up and that supply is delivered to you," said Tara Gosse, director of clinical innovation at Mayo Clinic, at a panel. "And it's been stamped into inventory overnight by an autonomous robot or, even better yet, a predictive resource delivery." She added: "As we think about the future, instead of even going to that medical supply closet, our aspirations at the highest level are that those supplies could come right to the bedside or right to the patient's home."
Nebraska Medicine, the Omaha-based health network with more than 800 beds, is shifting several leaders upward or into new roles on its senior team.

Each promotion or executive change is effective immediately, Nebraska Medicine noted in its March 13 news release.

"Extraordinary organizations never stand still," James Linder, MD, CEO said. "Nebraska Medicine will continue to evolve to meet the needs of our patients, to create the best possible work environment for the thousands of extraordinary colleagues here, and to be ready for the future."

Dr. Linder noted that the changes are "budget neutral," not adding new expenses for the system.

Michael Ash, MD, is promoted to health system president and COO after serving as executive vice president  COO and spending 10 years with the system.

Kelly Vaughn will serve as CNO, leading the system's thousands of nurses across its two hospitals, 70 clinics, and support areas.

Sue Nuss, PhD, is taking on a new role of clinical workforce development officer for Nebraska Medicine and assistant vice chancellor at 718-bed University of Nebraska Medical Center. Dr. Nuss, who previously served as CNO, will focus on pipeline development between UNMC and higher education and regional nursing and allied health schools in the new position.

Kyle Skiermont, PharmD, is promoted to senior vice president of operations after most recently serving as vice president of pharmacy and therapeutics for Nebraska Medicine and assistant dean for clinical affairs at UNMC College of Pharmacy.

Julie Lazure is promoted to vice president  nurse executive after most recently serving as vice president of operations.

Tiffany Joekel is promoted to vice president of government affairs, serving as a liaison to the organization's public partners, including lawmakers at local, state and federal levels.
Robert Garrett, CEO of Edison, N.J.-based Hackensack Meridian Health, is calling for a "Mental Health Moonshot" to address the nation's behavioral health crisis, similar to commitments the country has put forward through the Cancer Moonshot.

On March 13, Mr. Garrett spoke at Politico's 2024 Health Care Summit in Washington, D.C., saying a coordinated approach is needed to improve access to mental healthcare and support advancements in treatment.

"With New Jersey and the nation facing an unparalleled mental health epidemic, we are calling for a mental health moonshot to write a new narrative for behavioral healthcare," he said. "We need a multi-pronged strategy including expanding access to care, better coordination of care, and innovation of treatments."

Mr. Garrett shared a range of investments the Hackensack Meridian Health has made recently as part of the system's focus to expand access to care in 2024. Among them are opening more residency spots for psychiatry students at the system's medical school, expanding inpatient beds for pediatric and adolescent patients and specialized training for nurses to identify and care for ED patients who may be having suicidal thoughts.

In February, HHS announced $37 million in grant funding opportunities to improve access to behavioral health services across the country, most of which are focused on community-based programs through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. CMS also issued new guidance to state Medicaid directors that expands the pool of providers to include master's-level behavioral healthcare providers, such as mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists.

Mr. Garrett applauded these steps but said a more targeted approach, modeled off of the Cancer Moonshot, is needed to make meaningful progress in addressing the nation's behavioral health crisis.

Through Cancer Moonshot  which involves healthcare providers, the federal government, patients, advocates and researchers  the U.S. to prevent at least 4 million cancer deaths by 2047. In 2023, HHS debuted a plan to achieve moonshot goals.








Robert Bone, MD, a physician who helped found a Tennessee hospital, died March 11 at 87.

Dr. Bone grew up in Lebanon, Tenn., and graduated from Nashville, Tenn.-based Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 1962. He served as a pediatrics resident and completed a surgical oncology fellowship at the university. He was Lebanon's first physician certified in two specialties, pediatrics and surgery, according to a March 13 Vanderbilt news release.

He worked to establish a 65-bed private, nonprofit hospital called University Hospital in Lebanon, which opened in 1979. That hospital was acquired by Vanderbilt University Medical Center in 2019 and is now a 245-bed hospital known as Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital.

In 2016, Dr. Bone was honored by the United Neighborhood Health Services for helping to bring government-funded healthcare centers to underserved areas in the state.

Dr. Bone is survived by his wife, son, daughter, stepdaughter and three grandchildren.
Walmart is championing compassionate leadership practices among its store managers, mirroring a broader trend across corporate America, The New York Times reported March 12.

Nearly every week, the nation's largest private employer flies about 50 managers to its headquarters in Bentonville, Ark., for leadership training.

The leadership academy, launched in July 2022, encourages managers to put people first and reinforces the notion that the company's success is tied to leaders taking care of their employees, customers and communities, according to the report.

"The intent of the academy is to walk away knowing what are our values, what are our expectations of leaders, how do we operate effectively with the view of putting our people first?" Donna Morris, Walmart's chief people officer, told the Times.

Last year, Walmart trained about 1,800 managers through the academy. This year, the company is on track to train about 2,200.

Walmart is not unique in this leadership objective. Over the last two years, U.S. companies have increasingly prioritized compassionate leadership, according to Jessica Kriegel, a workplace training consultant at Culture Partners.

"The big insight here is that employees feeling cared for is directly tied to communication," she told the Times. "And the folks who communicate the most with the front line are their supervisors. That's why frontline supervisors are so critical, because if they're communicating effectively then the workforce feels cared for."
Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare operated 186 hospitals by the end of 2023, up from 179 in 2019. Meanwhile, two other large for-profit health systems  Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems and Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare  have trimmed the number of hospitals they operated over that span.

Those trajectories could continue in 2024. HCA closed its acquisition of Trinity Regional Hospital Sachse (Texas) from Sunland Medical Foundation on Feb. 1. That same day, Tenet completed the sale of three South Carolina hospitals to Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Novant Health and reached a definitive agreement to sell four hospitals in Southern California and their associated outpatient locations to Orange, Calif.-based UCI Health. On Feb. 29, Tenet announced it signed a definitive agreement to sell two more California hospitals to Roseville, Calif.-based Adventist Health.

CHS CEO Tim Hingtgen said during the company's Feb. 21 earnings call that it is evaluating interest for sales that could yield more than $1 billion in additional proceeds. CFO Kevin Hammons said on the call that the system anticipates one or more of these transactions could close within the calendar year. The system also has plans to sell two of its North Carolina hospitals to Novant Health, but the Federal Trade Commission sued to block the move in January. The case is pending in federal court.

Here is how the number of hospitals the three for-profit systems have operated have grown or shrunk over the past five years, according to regulatory filings. The figures are as of Dec. 31 of those years.

CHS

2019: 102

2020: 89

2021: 83

2022: 80

2023: 71

HCA

2019: 179

2020: 178

2021: 175

2022: 182

2023: 186

Tenet

2019: 65

2020: 65

2021: 60

2022: 61

2023: 61
After months of 10 p.m. Saturday emails about utilization trends and "pain points" at Community Health Systems, Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Co. secured its first hospital system partnership. Compared to other drugmakers, CHS leaders called the relationship unique.

In summer 2023, Lynn Simon, MD, chief medical officer and president of healthcare innovation for Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems, connected with Cost Plus Drugs' CEO and co-founder, Alex Oshmyansky, MD, PhD.

"We've been watching Alex and his team from afar," Dr. Simon told Becker's. "It's always fun to watch disruptors in the industry and see what they're doing and trying to do."

For months, the two companies discussed drug shortage strategies tailored for hospital operations.

"I think you guys must have spent crazy amounts of hours, like to the point of no work-life balance," Dr. Oshmyansky said in an interview alongside CHS leaders. "I think I got emails from you guys at like 10 o'clock on a Saturday, almost every week, delving into their utilization, figuring out what were the pain points and where we could fit into helping."

On March 7, CHS announced the partnership, which secures shipments of epinephrine and norepinephrine for nine of the system's hospitals. Since then, Dr. Oshmyansky said he has been in talks with dozens of other health systems and hospitals about potential deals.

Cost Plus Drugs' pharmaceutical manufacturing site in Dallas can produce between 1 million and 2 million doses each year, depending on the vial size. This is relatively small for a drug manufacturing plant, so Cost Plus Drugs isn't seeking to partner with dozens of hospitals yet, but the plant is designed for scalability and quick changes.

The facility, which cost $11 million and spans 22,000 square feet, could be expanded to eventually fill 70 million doses, Dr. Oshmyansky said. Right now, it is only licensed to ship medicines to four states  Texas, Pennsylvania, Oregon and Louisiana  but it's planning for all 50.

In November, CHS leaders toured the plant. Heather Weese, PharmD, vice president of pharmacy services, and Kara Scalzo, PharmD, senior director of corporate pharmacy services, said they were impressed by the automation and attention to detail in the 503B facility.

"Cost Plus is probably the first vendor that Heather and I have run across that said, 'We hear what your needs are and we're willing to meet them,' rather than asking us to meet an industry standard," Dr. Scalzo said.

Those standards include vial sizes contrary to normal doses. For example, some epinephrine manufacturers only make 1 milliliter and 30 millimeter solutions, but the typical dose for an IV bag is 5 milliliters  a difference that can lead to medical waste, drug shortages and patient safety concerns.

Cost Plus Drugs is halfway through manufacturing its first batches, which will be shipped to a lab for sterility tests before appearing at CHS in early April. This summer, the company expects to start manufacturing four chemotherapies in short supply: vinblastine, cisplatin, methotrexate and dacarbazine. As shortages fluctuate, the lines are designed to quickly pivot from one product to another.

Another unique aspect of the partnership is the health system gets answers to "why" questions, such as active pharmaceutical ingredients and manufacturing processes, CHS executives said.

"Usually, we don't have access to the Alexes of the manufacturers," Dr. Weese said, laughing. "I think his willingness to come to the table there really made a difference."

Two medications for nine hospitals is not "life changing," Dr. Simon said, but this isn't simply a vendor purchasing agreement  it's a symbiotic relationship.

The system is collaborating with Cost Plus Drugs to offer unmet needs in the hospital industry, according to Dr. Simon, who said the partnership is easily transferable.

"If there's disruption to be had in the industry, let's have at it," she said. "The more the merrier."
Police say a 3-year-old is dead after being in a car crash while riding in an Uber. Houston Chronicle

A 3-year-old was pronounced dead Monday after she was involved in a recent car crash while riding in an Uber, authorities say.

On March 3, Evelyn Medina and her family were in a white minivan when a white F-350 pickup rear-ended the Uber vehicle near I-45 and West Road, according to reporting by ABC 13. The Uber driver then began to chase the pickup after the other driver tried to flee, but the Uber driver struck a traffic control box in the process.

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At the time, Medina was hospitalized with severe spinal cord injuries. On Wednesday, the Houston Police Department told reporters that Medina died on Monday, while the family's attorney's confirmed that she was taken off life support.

No one has been charged in Medina's death, ABC 13 reports.

Uber told reporters the driver has been removed from the platform while the investigation continues.

Harris County District Attorney's Office was consulted and determined the case will be presented to a grand jury for review.
Florida used to be a hot spot for retirees. Now, it's losing them to Southern Appalachia, The Wall Street Journal reported March 13.

Baby boomers have been migrating to North Georgia, East Tennessee, the Carolinas and Western Virginia in droves, according to Hamilton Lombard, a demographer at the University of Virginia who's tracking the trend. Between April 2020 and July 2022, the population in Southern Appalachian counties designated retirement or recreational areas grew by 3.8%, more than six times the national average. Each year since 2020, an average of 328,000 people from other parts of the country migrated to the region  up from an annual net domestic migration of 140,000 in the 2010s.

Many of the newcomers are traveling up from Florida, tired of extreme weather events, heat and humidity, overcrowding and rising costs. They find lower living expenses, taxes and hurricane risks in Appalachia.

But the region's infrastructure isn't equipped to handle the influx, according to the Journal. The new population is wealthier and demands increased services, driving up costs and creating a need for more affordable housing for the workers who serve them. Local governments are also working to expand broadband, water and wastewater, roads, and healthcare.

Dawson County (Ga.) Manager Joey Leverette told the Journal that medical calls to elder care facilities are increasingly taking up resources. County officials have considered splitting staff to dedicate some to just emergency calls, as the public safety budget  including fire and emergency medical services  rose 16% from 2023 to 2024. The area plans to construct six new medical facilities.

Another county commissioner, Chris Gaines, told the Journal he's trying to manage the growth "without changing what makes us desirable in the first place."
Endoscopic spine surgery is a critical skill for every spine surgeon to have in their armamentarium or at least be familiar with. I was exposed to endoscopic spine surgery by chance in 2018 when I was a spine fellow interviewing for staff positions around the country. At one of my job interviews, an interviewer suggested that I should learn endoscopic spine surgery. I had no idea what he was talking about. When I got to my hotel room that evening, I looked up a video of endoscopic spine surgery on YouTube, and watched Dr. Albert Telfeian perform a lumbar microdiscectomy via a transforaminal approach. I was immediately sold!

At that time, most of these surgeries were being performed in Europe and Asia. I therefore attended the 2018 Asian Congress of Neurological Surgeons meeting where I got to meet two of my future mentors, Dr. Harrison Kim from South Korea and Dr. Marcio Ramalho from Brazil. Dr. Kim was the instructor at my pre-meeting donor-cadaver course, and I ended up spending 6 weeks with him in Seoul later that year. In 2019, I spent a few days shadowing Dr. Ramalho in Brazil. In 2021, I decided to take a sabbatical to do an endoscopic spine fellowship with Dr. Christoph Hofstetter in Seattle, where I got to work one-on-one with a world-renown expert. I can say that Dr. Hofstetters promise of fast-forwarding my development as an endoscopic spine surgeon by 5 years by spending 6 months with him was an understatement.

The first year or two of starting an endoscopic practice is an exhilarating process. By the end of the process, every surgeon figures out where endoscopy fits in their practice. For some surgeons, almost all cases become endoscopic including lumbar fusions. For others, only one or two procedure-types are better in their hands than the traditional open or tubular approaches. I would say I settled much closer to the former than the latter.

How has endoscopy improved our ability to take care of patients? First, due to the much smaller diameter of the working channel when compared to a tube, endoscopy respects tissue planes and does not place muscle fibers on as much stretch throughout the procedure. Moreover, less tissue is strangulated during the surgery, which minimizes tissue devascularization and possible necrosis. These characteristics likely contribute to decreased immediate postoperative pain in endoscopic spine patients. Second, endoscopy allows a surgeon to perform the same operation as more traditional approaches but with decreased/minimal bony removal due to use of angled endoscopes. This aspect of endoscopy allows for more native structures to remain untouched and theoretically decreases the chances of any future iatrogenic destabilization. Third, with the use of the transforaminal approach (an approach that cannot be done the same way without an angled endoscope), less nerve/spinal cord retraction is needed than with more traditional approaches. This theoretically can decrease retraction injury and resultant neurologic deficits. Fourth, the water pressure from the endoscope acts as a retractor to better protect against dural tears and is also a gentler method of dissecting tissue planes than utilizing curettes entirely as is done traditionally. Lastly, endoscopic surgeons have much improved visualization of anatomy due to bringing the camera closer to the lesion when compared to a microscope or loupes. This aspect of endoscopy is especially important in the care of high BMI patients. Unlike in traditional surgery where they are significant challenges, instrument reach and visualization are independent of BMI in endoscopic spine surgery. Notice I did not say anything about incision size, as to me, decreased incision size is just a byproduct. However, patients do love barely seeing any incisions on their bodies after the conclusion of the healing process!
Spine and orthopedic surgery remain as specialties that are majority white and male.

A recent study in the journal Spine found no significant movement toward a more diverse pool of spine fellows, with white, non-Hispanic males continuing to represent the largest percentage of surgeons in training.

And according to Medscape only 10% of orthopedic surgeons are women.

Three spine surgeons discuss what it'll take to grow the field.

Ask Spine Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to spine surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting spine care. Becker's invites all spine surgeon and specialist responses.

Next question: What is the most underrated technology or technique in spine?

Please send responses to Carly Behm at cbehm@beckershealthcare.com by 5 p.m. CST Wednesday, March 20.

Editor's note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.

Question: What can the spine industry do better to increase diversity in the field?

Hao-Hua Wu, MD. UCI Health (Orange, Calif.): To increase diversity in the spine industry, it is crucial to implement mentorship initiatives, promote diversity in leadership positions, ensure diverse representation in education and research and engage in community outreach. These efforts will foster innovation, address healthcare disparities, and provide culturally competent care, ultimately creating a more equitable and inclusive environment for both our patients and the health care providers working in spine.

Bo Zhang, MD. The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics (Bethesda, Md.): Diversifying the spine industry begins with training, most critically in the junior resident phase. In this phase, trainees will identify mentors and begin to align and gravitate toward their respective fields. Improving diversity in academic spine centers and their exposure to junior residents can significantly boost diversity among spine fellowship applicants.

Christian Zimmerman, MD. St. Alphonsus Medical Group and SAHS Neuroscience Institute (Boise, Idaho): As a believer in the immutable opportunity, fortuity and academic prowess of this country, the system of merit and aptitude should continue to apply ever so strongly in medicine and the specialties.

A recent article in World Neurosurgery (2021) outlined the statistical findings of diversity amongst neurosurgery training programs (Women 15%, Hispanic 4%, Black 1%, Asian ) with decreasing trends in minorities and increasing trends in gender posted over the last decade. Yet, reviewing a number of articles attempting to address neurosurgical diversity, many authors invoked ''social, cultural and discriminatory barriers" as to reasons for this less than adequate expected dissilience which has not occurred. The response to such a tired subject should be praise and recognition for quality and distemper for quotas, whereby merit and qualification should be the standard bearer for any field of study. Lowering any standard to fill a perceived gap reflects poorly on all the members of that society current and forward. Opportunity through encouragement and excellence through merit should be rewarded in our society and disciplines.
From left, Joe Kennedy III, US Special Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland, Rossa Fanning, the Attorney General of Ireland, Richard Kennedy, chairman InterTradeIreland, Margaret Hearty, CEO InterTradeIreland and Economy Minister Conor Murphy

Cross-border body InterTradeIreland has welcomed delegates to a special event in Washington DC to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

InterTradeIreland was established in 1999 under the Good Friday Agreement, and since then has assisted more than 57,000 business across the island of Ireland, generating 1.6bn (1.8bn) in business development value.

Economy Minister Conor Murphy said: InterTradeIreland play a key role in the economy. With cross-border trade now at an all-time high, it was insightful to hear from businesses that started their export journey in the cross-border market and are now selling products to the US.

Events like this are important to consider how we can further build on our trade and economic links across the island, and with our partners in America, particularly in the context of the dual market access to both the EU and markets in Britain that firms based in the north of Ireland continue to enjoy.

Attorney General Rossa Fanning represented the Irish Government at the event. He said: Since 1999, InterTradeIreland has delivered significant economic benefits on both sides of the border, playing a key role in creating prosperity across the island.

Under the new Shared Island initiative, there will be further opportunities to boost the all-island economy and as today has shown, to grow exports and build new collaborations beyond the island.

Joe Kennedy III, the US Special Economic Envoy to Northern, pointed to InterTradeIrelands impressive record of supporting businesses and cross-border partnerships to maximise prosperity, trade and innovation.

InterTrade Ireland supports the US-Ireland R&D Partnership, which brings together researchers from Ireland, Northern Ireland and the US to focus on areas like energy, sustainability and health.

Margaret Hearty, InterTradeIreland chief executive, said: The US-Ireland R&D Partnership has been very successful, with funding of $172m raised to date. Todays event provided guests with the opportunity to learn how options are being explored to expand its scope including the commercialisation of research.

I am proud of our record of connecting partners to develop business and trade. We play a unique role in identifying opportunities for north-south collaboration that can accelerate growth in both economies, as well as connecting business across the island to trade cross-border, collaborate, innovate and attract investment.

By maximising collaboration with our partners, I am confident we can build on the progress that weve made and take advantage of the significant opportunities that lie ahead over the next 25 years."

The event also featured panel discussions on expanding trade and investment opportunities as well as the importance of collaboration across borders to accelerate growth, including with transatlantic partners.
NIs 30 under 30: How business programmes are helping next generation of NI entrepreneurs

To mark the 2024 Belfast Telegraph 30 Under 30 series, we examine how young people get ideas off ground

Maebh Reynolds of GoPlugable

Margaret Canning Thu 14 Mar 2024 at 07:40

Entrepreneurship is becoming increasingly accessible to young people as programmes encouraging them to establish businesses have expanded.
No other place in the world offers the same trading advantages of Northern Ireland, Economy Minister Conor Murphy has told business leaders in the US.

He spoke about Northern Irelands post-Brexit dual market access at a reception in Washington DC on Thursday hosted by Joe Kennedy III, the US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs.

It was attended by 130 senior businesspeople, including some who accompanied the Envoy to Northern Ireland last October as part of a US trade delegation.

Mr Murphy said: Over 260 US companies already invest in the north as a result of the skills of our people and our world class further and higher education colleges and institutions.

"Building on this proposition we now have unfettered access to both the British and EU markets for goods. No other place in the world offers this.

The Minister outlined how the Windsor Framework, setting out Northern Irelands trading position following Brexit, provides a unique advantage for manufacturing investors.

He said: The Windsor Framework allows goods to move free from customs declarations, rules of origin certificates and non-tariff barriers to both Britain and the EU. This opens up great potential to attract investment and grow trade on both a north-south and east-west basis.

The event was one of the Ministers final engagements following a week-long visit programme to New York and Washington DC.

According to the department, he used the trip to set out his economic ambitions as Minister for the Economy, highlighted the strengths of the region for investment, promoted tourism opportunities and spoke of the opportunities for north-south and east-west trade.

Reflecting on his first international visit as Minister, he said: Were home to more than 260 US-owned companies and the top international investment location for US cybersecurity firms.

It has been very clear throughout this week that there is strong interest in the north among US investors. The US is one of our most important trading partners and our largest source of foreign direct investment. That is why it is has been an important week in my first international visit as Economy Minister.
Belfast police drama Blue Lights has been nominated across four categories in this years Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) awards.

Award winners will be announced at the 21st Anniversary IFTA Awards Ceremony taking place on Saturday, April 20 at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre.

Blue Lights has been nominated for Best Drama and Best Script at the awards.

Martin McCann  who plays officer Stevie Neil in the show  has also been nominated in the Lead Actor category and Richard Dormer - who plays PC Gerald 'Gerry' Cliff  has been nominated in the Supporting Actor category.

In the Film categories, Belfast born director and actor Kenneth Branagh has been nominated in the Supporting Actor category for his role in Oppenheimer and Derrys Bronagh Gallagher has been nominated for the Supporting Actress award for her role in Dance First.

Academy CEO, Aine Moriarty said: What an incredible showcase of Nominees shortlisted for Irish Academy Awards this year. Irish talents are proving themselves to be amongst the best in the world, both in front and behind the camera, delivering such high standards of acting, filmmaking, and storytelling.

We in the Irish Academy, are proud to showcase this industrys great work and to reward their achievements. Congratulations to all the Nominees - so well deserved!

Earlier this year, creators of hit BBC police drama Blue Lights were given the green light for a third and fourth season  before the second has even started.

The show shot in Belfast was written by Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson and launched on BBC One and iPlayer in March last year to rave reviews from critics.

The first episode alone was watched by more than seven million people.

The first series of the show followed three PSNI recruits as they navigate their way through their first few months of being a police officer.

The second series begins a year after the fall of the McIntyre crime gang, with the vacuum having been filled by rival gangs, all now competing for dominance.

A new constable is drafted in to help out, but his motivations seem unclear.

Tommy Foster (played by Nathan Braniff) is seduced by the world of intelligence policing, while Grace Ellis (Sian Brooke) struggles to deal with her sons absence and growing feelings for her fellow officer Stevie Neil (Martin McCann).

As a young loyalist, Lee Thompson (Seamus OHara), threatens to take over crime in the city, the officers face a gangland feud that culminates in a violent and devastating confrontation.
Kate Garraway, with her husband Derek Draper and her parents Gordon and Marilyn Garraway. (Andrew Matthews/PA)

The final year of psychologist and author Derek Drapers life will be told by his widow Kate Garraway in a new ITV documentary.

In Kate Garraway: Dereks Story, the Good Morning Britain (GMB) presenter will explore her husbands struggles as he suffered long-lasting symptoms from coronavirus and required daily care.

The film will also highlight the cost of caring for a loved one in the UK.

Garraway previously chronicled the impact of caring for her husband, who died aged 56 in January after suffering a cardiac arrest, in two other ITV documentaries.

Kate Garraway with husband Derek Draper and children Darcey and Billy (Steve Parsons/PA)

Before his death, the former lobbyist said he wanted the public to hear his story, and when asked why, he added: I want to be heard.

Garraway said: Obviously, when we started making this documentary early last year, we had no idea the events that would unfold that ultimately took Derek from us.

And in January 2024, I wondered if it was right that it should ever come to air.

But I didnt want to let those who have given us so much support over the last four years down, and the carers paid and unpaid who, in their thousands of letters to me, feel Dereks story has given them a voice.

Also, I remembered so vividly that the idea of making this third documentary at all came from Derek himself.

The first instalment, Finding Derek  which was about her familys experience during the pandemic and detailed her husbands treatment and his return to their family home  won Garraway the documentary prize at the 2021 National Television Awards (NTA).

It was followed with Caring For Derek, which showed the myriad challenges of the social care system and its complexities, and earned her the same NTA gong.

A third documentary had been planned, which was confirmed to be going ahead on Wednesday.

In the 2022 New Year Honours, Smooth Radio presenter Garraway became an MBE for her services to broadcasting, journalism and charity after highlighting the impact of long Covid.

The new documentary charts Drapers relationship with his wife  who he married in 2005 and the pair had two children, Darcey and Billy  and how the illness changed their lives, along with his experiences before Covid, including his political career.

Garraway said: I am delighted that the film is a tribute to Derek, his incredible spirit and a tribute to all of those who fight on to make every second of life count, whatever is thrown at them.

In the 1990s, Draper was a prominent figure in New Labour, working for Peter Mandelson and setting up the centre-left pressure group Progress with Liam Byrne, who went on to become a Labour MP.

He later founded and edited the LabourList news site before stepping down in 2009.

Kate Garraway at Derek Drapers funeral (Jonathan Brady/PA)

There are also contributions in the documentary from Jake, the care worker who supported Draper, and Kathryn Smith, chief executive of charity the Social Care Institute for Excellence.

Jo Clinton-Davis, controller of factual at ITV, said: We can see in Derek Drapers story the individual tragedy of a life devastated by illness, but also the wider perspective of how a family is impacted.

Dereks desire for his story to be filmed, along with Kate in their home, provides an insight into both their personal struggles as well highlighting the exhausting challenges of caring for a family member in the home within our care system.

In February, a funeral for Draper was attended by former prime minister Sir Tony Blair, musician Sir Elton John, ex-cabinet minister Lord Mandelson and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.

Garraway took a brief absence from Smooth Radio and GMB after Drapers death before returning and thanking her audiences for their support.

Colleen Flynn, executive producer at Flicker Productions, said: We thank Kate and Derek for sharing their story at the most intimate of times and hope that this film goes some way to highlighting the need for the positive change they both hoped for within the care system.

Kate Garraway: Dereks Story will air on ITV1 and ITVX later this month.
Clare Campbell-Cooper on what she learned during partner Davids illness and death

In a way, I consider myself to be part of an incredibly fortunate minority  those people who have been given the opportunity to understand how incredibly precious being loved, and the gift of being able to give love, is.

My husband, David, was diagnosed with a brain tumour at 26 and he died when he was 39. Over the course of those 12 years I learned more about love than I ever thought possible.

I learned that, in an emergency, you can put your love aside so that you can function systematically and methodically.

Over the course of Davids illness, he was hospitalised many times and could deteriorate within 24 hours. There was no time for emotion, no time for panic, no time for me to feel my own fear. David needed me and I wouldnt fail him. I got him safe. I kept him warm, hydrated, pain-free. I administered his rescue medication, took pulses, temperatures, blood pressures. I monitored his eyes and his breathing. I made the call. I kept him alive. Only after leaving him in hospital at the end of the day could I collapse and give in to my fear.

I learned that everyone is doing the best they can, making the best decisions that they can with the information they have to hand. On one occasion, David was hospitalised for an overdose. There had been a mistake on his prescription. Instead of feeling angry, we chose to accept and move on  we chose to forgive. No one makes a mistake on purpose and I learned to show compassion and love to all, not just friends and family.

I learned that family and home means the world and that our love for both will never diminish with distance. We lived in Devon but David was from Newtownabbey. We received permission to travel to Northern Ireland a few weeks before David died. He wanted to see his family and his home again before he died. And we gathered, socially distanced, in the freezing cold that can only be a late spring in Northern Ireland, so that we could laugh together one last time.

Clare Campbell-Cooper and husband David

I witnessed Davids love for our son. It was immediate and unswerving. Every evening, on his way to bed, David would call out Love you, George despite knowing that George was usually asleep. George was the last person David spoke to, the last person who he remembered the name of. George was the last person to administer his medication  when no one else could get David to swallow.

David managed, even when he was only partly conscious, to make sure things were right for George. Davids love for him knew no boundaries: it was pure, unfailing and given freely and unreservedly.

I learned that a mothers love is complete and unconditional. I am ashamed to say that, in my darkest moments, I took advantage of my mum, lashing her with my tongue and my razor-sharp wit.

I knew where the chinks in her armour were and I knew what would get to her. I suppose, subconsciously, I wanted her to hurt as much as I was hurting. My mum took all of this without complaint or bitterness, psychologically accepting my burden. She was never resentful, rarely upset and always loving. She was steadfast and remained strong, never faltering under the weight of my hurt, anger and grief. And I, in return, give the same love to George.

I learned that a dying man, one unconscious to all but God, can show love. On the last day of Davids life, when his poor, ravaged body could barely breathe, I realised he was holding on for George and me, not wanting to leave us. Whilst my heart was breaking into a million tiny pieces, I sat down and told him gently that he could go, that we knew we were loved and that we would be OK. I told him I couldnt love him more. He died that night, surrounded by the people who loved him most: our son, Davids sister Karen and me.

I learned that God loves us. He held our family safe in His hands long enough for our son to have memories of his father. He gave David a good death. He was always there, in our darkest moments, to banish the shadows in the darkest night, to give us hope and grace.

Davids story is a love story. A love of life, a love of the power for good, a love of light, of people, of faith, of joy, of laughter. A love of love. I have been blessed.

Look around. Take the time to say people look good, that that colour suits them, that you are pleased to see them and are looking forward to a catch-up. Let your smile reach your eyes, hug hard, tell your family they are appreciated. And when things go wrong, as they inevitably will, be gentle, be kind, show love.

Clare Campbell-Coopers new book, Choosing To Float, is out now (8.99), available from Amazon.co.uk. Clare will be giving at least 10% of her net royalties to Brain Tumour Research
Police Chief Troy Finner and Houston Mayor John Whitmire are joined by Houston Area Women's Center President Emilee Dawn Whitehurst and Deputy CEO Sonia Corrales for a press conference on Monday, March 11, 2024, in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

As Mayor John Whitmire and Police Chief Troy Finner contend with a scandal over the departments practice of suspending investigations for lack of staffing, both say more police are needed to fix the problem.

We need an additional 2,000 officers to properly patrol our streets and conduct investigations in the city, Finner said during a March 7 news conference.

But with the city facing a deficit of more than $100 million, theres no money for that. And even if there were, it would take police administrators years to fill that many open positions.

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Experts and previous internal reports on HPDs operations say the solutions must go beyond a massive hiring spree. Department leaders, rather, must use existing resources more efficiently.

The service professions are struggling and straining right now to recruit people, which obviously is one issue they need to address, said Dennis Kenney, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. But then the alternative is also to think about how youre deploying what you currently have.

In a series of reports starting in 2014, internal administrators and professional experts lay out recommendations to improve the departments efficiency.

Researchers in a 2014 report explain that, rather than adding some specific number of investigative or patrol positions to the departments payroll, its worth considering what administrators hope to accomplish with both.

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Whitmire in his first months as mayor has talked about his desire to increase patrols in Houston and said he thinks law enforcement agencies need to be making more traffic stops to make people feel safer.

Finner this week assured Houstonians that no patrol officers had been reassigned as part of the ongoing review into suspended cases. Rather, over 100 employees were reassigned from other investigative divisions, community affairs and elsewhere.

Using those workers more wisely was recommended in a series of reports that called for consolidating some positions, filling others with civilians and weighing alternative methods for responding to calls for service when sending a sworn officer might not be necessary, such as for minor traffic crashes.

In 2014, former Chief Charles McClelland questioned the over-reliance on patrol officers in some instances, saying it could restrict innovation.

"No one can really be sure the absence of crime is solely due to the visibility of the police .... its reliance by supervisors and managers inhibits their willingness to use other tactics which could be more effective in high crime areas."

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Despite McClellands comments, the police department in 2016 shuttered a highly praised investigative unit focused on nonlethal crimes in a bid to reduce response times and increase police visibility throughout the city.

The Investigative First Responders Division was a hybrid patrol-investigative division, in which patrol officers continued to investigate the calls to which they initially responded.

Innovation push fizzled

One of the reports identified 440 positions inside the department that could be handled by civilians to save money, and called for more study.

But that never happened. In fact, the number of civilians in the department has declined in the last 20 years.

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Shay Awosiyan, a spokesman for the department, said Wednesday it is constantly reviewing and shifting resources based on demands. The department has struggled to recruit civilians in recent years as well as sworn officers, he said.

As of April 2023, the department had 342 fewer full-time officers than it had 25 years ago, according to police department data. The decrease coincided with a population surge in Houston, which drove the citys resident-to-officer ratio up from 334 residents per officer to 461 during the past quarter-century.

More than 90% of the police budget goes to staffing, covering roughly 5,200 officers, 880 civilian support personnel and 140 cadets. Awosiyan said the number of civilian employees in the department has been roughly cut in half since its peak.

Another point highlighted in the reports and among experts is that officers, especially those on patrol, spend a significant amount of time responding to minor calls for service or issues that theyre not best equipped to handle on their own.

Over the years, the department created several units to help ease that burden and free up officers for more serious issues.

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For instance, employees in HPDs Patrol Desk Unit specialize in identifying calls for service that can be handled over the phone, and they work to resolve problems without having to dispatch an officer to the scene.

The city has also long been nationally-recognized for its Mental Health Unit, which sends trained clinicians out with some police officers to respond to calls involving those issues. Houston police leaders have in the past called for applying similar concepts in other areas of the department, like motor vehicle thefts.

People who call about a stolen car want a police department employee to come out and take a report in person, but does it have to be a sworn officer? The department floated that idea in a 2015 report, but it was never implemented.

Mayor calls for consolidation

Whitmire himself has brought up the possibility of coordinating with other Harris County law enforcement agencies to ensure they arent duplicating services as a potential cost-savings measure.

Days after taking office, he met with representatives from the Houston Area Police Chiefs Association to discuss ways they might better communicate. Hes mentioned bringing troopers from the Texas Department of Public Safety to handle some traffic patrols in the city and has raised the possibility of merging the 400-person staff of the Metro police force into the Houston Police Department.

The transit agency's police department, with a budget in 2024 of around $40.8 million, could be a force multiplier, Whitmire said, with officers responding to calls for service, whether thats on a bus or train or in surrounding neighborhoods.
Two men involved in a racially aggravated incident against three foreign nationals in south Belfast have been jailed today.

Sam Croskery (21) and Dylan Stuart Waggott (22) were part of a three-man masked gang who broke into a flat and attacked three occupants in June 2021.

Croskery, from Tullynakill Road in Comber, was handed a 27-month sentence, whilst Waggott, of Cambourne Park in Newtownards, received a 22-month sentence.

The pair were sentenced by Judge Gordon Kerr KC, who divided the terms equally between prison and licence.

Co-accused Stephen Kerr (24), from Dunsy Green in Comber, acted as a driver during the attack and was handed a combination order consisting of 60 hours community service and two years on probation.

Belfast Crown Court heard that on June 2, 2021, at around 1am, a three-man gang entered a flat on Lawrence Street.

The masked men walked into the kitchen, started damaging and smashing items and were heard to shout: You are Muslims, why are you here? Go back to your homes.

One of the men asked the intruders what they wanted; he was punched in the head and kicked.

When another occupant asked why the gang were there, he was attacked, sustaining broken teeth and an injured lip.

A man who lived in an upstairs flat came downstairs and was also assaulted by the masked gang, one of whom was not before the court.

During the violent incident, reference was also made to Muslims being child abusers.

The PSNI was called and CCTV footage linked a car to the incident. This vehicle was stopped in east Belfast at around 1.30am and all three defendants were arrested.

Croskery and Waggott subsequently pleaded guilty to charges of attempted intimidation, burglary with intent to do unlawful damage, and three counts of assault.

Judge Kerr said: For whatever reason, these two defendants decided that one of the persons in the house may have been involved in some criminal activity and both decided they would become vigilantes.

That in itself is a factor which is serious. In any case, nobody has the right to try to take the law into their own hands.

Having done so, they got someone to drive them over to the house and they masked themselves.

Inside the premises, not only did they break property, deliberately for its frightening effect, in addition to that three persons within the property were assaulted.

Comments were made to these people inside the premises that were made both to their religion and to their ethnicity.

Those are serious aggravating features, in my view.

Judge Kerr then referred to statements provided by the three victims.

One said the attack affected him deeply, a second man spoke of the trauma he suffered, whilst the third victim said his spirit was crushed by what happened and he has since moved Scotland.

Regarding each defendant, Judge Kerr said he has considered submissions made on their behalf as well as the relative youth of all three at the time of offending.

Acknowledging that Kerr did not enter the premises, the judge imposed a combination order for charges of aiding and abetting both intimidation and burglary.

The case concluded when Judge Kerr said: Croskery and Waggott can be put back into custody and Kerr can be released.
NHS dentistry in Northern Ireland is in its final days, it has been warned. A survey of almost 300 dentists here found almost nine in 10 intend to reduce or end their health service commitments in the coming year. Photo: Getty

Stormont has been warned that NHS dentistry is in its final days in Northern Ireland.

A survey of almost 300 dentists here found almost nine in 10 intend to reduce or end their health service commitments in the coming year.

The British Dental Association today issued an appeal to the restored government to throw the service a lifeline.

A survey of 279 high street dentists by the professional body revealed that 75% have reduced their NHS commitment since lockdown  by an average of a quarter.

Nearly 90% now say they intend to reduce  or further reduce  that commitment in the year ahead, while almost half of those questioned say they are likely to go fully private.

The association stressed that no health professional should be expected to deliver NHS care at a loss, and that urgent action is needed to prevent the wholesale collapse of services across NI.

Ciara Gallagher, Chair of the British Dental Association's Northern Ireland (BDA NI) Dental Practice Committee, said: NHS dentistry in Northern Ireland is on its knees, and the amalgam ban could be the final blow.

Dentists have told us they are working in what feels like the final days of this service. Delivering Health Service care at a loss and developing private work simply to break even.

None of this is inevitable. A restored Stormont has the power to ensure NHS dentistry can once again stand on its own two feet.

If it doesnt, this service will die.

The body is set to give evidence to Stormonts Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee this morning.

They will then further ask the committee to protect it from the hammer blow of the ban on amalgam fillings, and rapidly roll out changes to the payment model followed by Scotland.

The dental amalgam ban was voted for by the European Parliament, and will come into effect on January 1, 2025.

It remains the most common material for NHS permanent fillings in all corners of the United Kingdom.

BDA NI added: This vote will hit all four home nations but will have a disproportionate impact on services in Northern Ireland, which tops the UK league table for oral health inequality, and has the highest proportion of filled teeth.

Under post Brexit arrangements, Northern Ireland will be expected to phase out dental amalgam on the same basis as EU member states. Divergence means the rest of the UK faces disruption and higher costs given the impact on supply chains, but not a formal ban.

In Scotland, payment reform was implemented in November with the main aim to sustain NHS dental services, by offering higher fees to incentivise NHS treatment and improve access to NHS dental services.

The reform will therefore benefit both the sector by improving the NHS offer, and patients, with increased NHS provision, stated the Scottish government.

BDA NI is urging Northern Ireland to follow suit.

In response, the Department of Health said it has invested an additional 88.1m in General Dental Services via the Financial Support Scheme and Rebuilding Support Scheme since April 2020.

However, this came to an end in July 2023 due to the severe financial pressures arising from the Departments 2023/24 budget settlement.

The Department said it continues to engage with relevant government departments on the practical implications of the proposed changes over amalgam use.

"The Department understands that the regulations are not yet final, with the EU Parliament and EU Council still needing to negotiate a final agreement in the coming months, it said.

"The Department is concerned about the impacts and disruption it will cause for practices and patients in an already difficult clinical environment.

It said officials continue to engage on the practical implications of the proposed changes and the Department is developing implementation plans to ensure that any changes can be implemented as seamlessly as possible.
It comes after Mark H Durkan compared parts of the sector to the Wild West

A 2013 report by Sir Bruce Keogh said fillers were no more regulated in the UK than toothbrushes.

Health Minister Robin Swann said there are no active plans to introduce legislation around Northern Irelands aesthetics industry.

It comes after one MLA compared parts of the sector to the Wild West.

Mark H Durkan suggested a Zoom boom  where people saw themselves on screen more regularly as online meetings increased during Covid  had led to increased demand.

He raised the issue in the Assembly after the Belfast Telegraph reported that more patients are suffering life-altering injuries from botched and unregulated aesthetics processes, like Botox and dermal fillers.

The SDLP MLA called on Mr Swann to introduce a licensing scheme and standardised qualifications for practitioners carrying out non-surgical cosmetic procedures (NSCPs).

But Mr Swann said his department is currently operating within a constrained budget and is required to make decisions in relation to the work that can be delivered within current resources.

He added: "In that context, work on the review of the regulation is currently paused to allow for other priority projects to progress. As such, there are no active plans to bring forward legislation in this area.

A 2013 report by Sir Bruce Keogh said fillers were no more regulated in the UK than toothbrushes

In 2022, in the absence of an Executive, Mr Durkan commissioned a comparative research paper from the Assembly Research and Information Service (RaISe) into NSCPs in Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

The Foyle MLA said: Cosmetic surgery is a lucrative market, the industry in the UK is worth an estimated 3.6bn, so its no wonder so many practitioners are diversifying into this field.

"The Zoom boom over the course of the pandemic  which saw people looking at their own reflection in countless work calls, coupled with the social media and use of online filters  has seen the demand for Botox and filler skyrocket.

People are pitting themselves up against impossible standards of perfection. Of course, this is nothing new but the lack of regulation in terms of licensing and advertising is deeply concerning.

"People dont need to look too far to see how widespread the issue of unregulated non-surgical cosmetic procedures problems is. Social media is filled to the brim with influencers promoting the latest on the market trends.

Mr Durkan recalled a social media post on which someone said they were trying out a move into NSCPs and were offering a free Botox treatment to anyone willing to act as a guinea pig.

"Its not my intention to impact the many practitioners and businesses out there who pride themselves on their high standards but rather this is about the system theyre working in, he said.

"Registered healthcare professionals performing NSCPs are required to meet the competency standards set by regulatory bodies such as the General Medical Council, the major problem here is that there is no such requirement for non-medical practitioners.

"This creates a Wild West scenario where essentially anyone can practise cosmetic procedures without a proper screening process for customers.

"If youve got the cash you can access the treatment, with the potential of leaving under 18s or those with a history with mental illnesses like body dysmorphia completely unprotected under the current structure and unaware of the significant, possibly life altering complications.

Mr Durkan urged Mr Swann to issue a public consultation on a mandatory licensing scheme for NSCPs.

"This industry isnt going anywhere, its here to stay  the Executive shouldnt wait until disaster strikes before acting to make it safer for everyone involved, he added.

Responding, Mr Swann said the Department of Health is aware of the wider, changing health and social care service delivery environment including in relation to cosmetic treatments.

"Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the department had developed a new draft regulatory policy framework however further development work is required, including consultation on the draft policy, he continued, repeating that work has been paused.
A council-backed Letters To Heaven post-box will not be replaced at Castlederg Cemetery.

It was initially hailed as a way to help people, especially children, cope with bereavement.

It followed an earlier endorsement by Derry City and Strabane District councillors to install four special post-boxes in all council-operated cemeteries in the city and district  Ballyoan, Strabane and Castlederg Cemeteries, and the City Cemetery.

According to the council, the letterboxes would allow mourners to remember their loved ones in a special way by posting letters to a person buried in the cemeteries.

At a meeting of the councils Environment and Regeneration Committee meeting on Wednesday, Head of Environment Connor Canning said the boxes had been removed at Castlederg and a public consultation had taken place late last year.

He said that, while the initial public feedback was positive, council had received representations seeking the removal of the box at Castlederg Cemetery, with those opposing the initiative stating that it was both insensitive and against the wishes of the majority of families with loved ones buried there.

Mr Canning added: In consideration of this members resolved that a public consultation exercise be undertaken within the Castlederg area to ensure that the views of local residents were fully considered as part of this process.

An online consultation yielded 133 responses for members of the public, with the majority opposed both to the concept and specifically to locating a box within the Co Tyrone cemetery.

Mr Canning said that, whilst there were a broad mix of replies, respondents did not support the scheme and felt the funding could have been better spent, with a minority of replies supportive of the proposal.

Councillors unanimously accepted the council officers recommendation not to reinstate the post-box.

DUP councillor Keith Kerrigan told BBC Radio Foyles North West Today that some church ministers in Castlederg also told him it went against the teachings of their faith.

There was a very negative reaction to the post box, he said, adding that he had been contacted by a number of residents and clergy asking why it was placed there.

They didnt think it was appropriate for the council to be dealing with peoples individual grief and loss of a loved one in this way, he added.

Mr Kerrigan said he had spoken to clergy from across the Protestant denominations and they didnt feel it was appropriate.

They were mindful that within the Protestant faith when someone passes on you cant continue to correspond or pray or write to them, he said.

There are theological differences and they felt it was against the Protestant faith.
A man has been arrested following an incident at the American Bar in north Belfast on Thursday evening.

Multiple PSNI cars and police officers attended the scene at around 5pm on Dock Street in the Sailortown area of the city.

Officers attended and arrested a man on suspicion of assault and criminal damage. He is currently in custody, a police spokesperson confirmed.
A PSNI staff member has been sacked after he received a suspended prison sentence for assaulting a man in custody.

It follows an investigation by the Police Ombudsman's office which found the civilian detention officer struck the man twice in the face with his knee.

The incident happened at Musgrave Police Station in Belfast in May 2020.

The investigation found that the police employee had twice used his knee to strike the man to the face, causing an injury to an eye and a bleed from his nose.

He was subsequently convicted of common assault and sentenced to four months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.

The incident happened after the detainee had been arrested on suspicion of breaching his bail conditions and assaulting police.

Police Ombudsman, Mrs Marie Anderson, described it as a volatile situation adding that it was also a serious and unwarranted assault on a man who was intoxicated.

She said: Police detainees are often vulnerable and distressed, and this type of behaviour has no place in custody suites.

She commended another Civilian Detention Officer (CDO) who raised concerns about the incident with his supervisor and custody sergeant, which resulted in the matter being notified to her by the PSNI.

Police Ombudsman investigators obtained CCTV footage from the custody suite which showed that the detainee had been taken to a search room by the two CDOs who suspected that he may have hidden drugs on his person.

After the man threatened to head butt the detention officers, the now former CDO used his forearm to slam him against a wall.

The other CDO, who was dealing with the mans property, then rushed to assist and the man was taken to the ground.

The assault happened as the CDOs held on to his arms and head and tried to apply handcuffs.

An audible pop could be heard on the CCTV footage as the blows connected. A police sergeant later told Police Ombudsman investigators that the incident made for uncomfortable viewing.

When interviewed about the incident, the now former CDO said the detainee had a history of spitting at police staff, and said he had used force to prevent him doing so again.

He said he chose to use his knee, rather than striking the man with his open hand or fist, as his trousers had a large foam pad at the knee and he considered it to be the lesser of two evils.

However, Police Ombudsman investigators noted that the assault occurred when the mans arms and head had been restrained and he posed little threat.

After the CDOs conviction, the Police Ombudsman reviewed the incident for misconduct and recommended that the PSNI should hold a misconduct hearing. The CDO was subsequently dismissed from the PSNI.

In a statement, Assistant Chief Officer for People and Organisational Development Clare Duffield said: We expect the highest standards of professionalism and integrity from all of our police officers and police staff and where conduct falls short of these high standards, it is right that officers or designated staff should face an impartial, thorough enquiry by the Police Ombudsmans office.

The Police Service accepted the findings of the Ombudsman in this case and implemented an internal disciplinary process which resulted in the dismissal of the staff member concerned.
Translink have announced some train disruptions during Easter week this year as a result of "essential engineering work on the railway line between Belfast and Lisburn, and Belfast and Portadown.

The work is being carried out to continue the process of connecting up the rail lines to the new Belfast Grand Central Station, set to be in passenger use by the end of the year.

A line closure has thus been planned from Saturday, March 30, until Sunday, April 7, 2024 inclusively.

There are different closure periods and train services along the southern corridor will be impacted.

The public transport company is encouraging passengers to plan their journey before they go using information on the website www.translink.co.uk or Journey Planner and allow extra time for their journey.

Translinks John Glass said: Work on the new integrated transport facility is moving at pace. Once complete, this impressive high-quality facility will offer an enhanced user experience with a significant increase in capacity, doubling the number of rail platforms from four to eight and increasing bus stands to 26. This will bring significant benefits to people travelling right across Northern Ireland and beyond.

Designed to be fully inclusive, up to 20 million passenger journeys can be accommodated making it the largest integrated transport facility on the island of Ireland.

With reduced passenger numbers over the holiday period, we have carefully planned a range of travel options with bus substitution services in place to minimise the overall impact and ensure people can continue to make their journeys and access the city.

During this closure period we will also be carrying out essential platform works at Adelaide and Derriaghy and complete signalling upgrades at Lisburn.

Our teams will be hosting pop-up information days at stations along the line during March and I encourage the public to come and meet with them to find out more about these works and their impact.

I want to thank all our passengers and local neighbours for their support and patience as we progress these essential works, John concluded.

A Saturday Rail Timetable will operate across the entire rail network during Easter week except Easter Sunday, which will be a normal Sunday timetable.

Passengers and residents seeking further details on this work here.

People can also attend the passenger pop-up information days at the following stations:

Lanyon Place - Tuesday 19th March, 7am-9am

Botanic - Tuesday 19th March, 4pm-6pm

Great Victoria Street - Wednesday 20th March, 7am-9am

Lisburn - Wednesday 20th March, 4pm-6pm

Lurgan - Thursday 21st March, 7am-9am

Portadown - Monday 25th March, 7am-9am

Newry - Monday 25th March, 4pm-6pm

For more information visit www.translink.co.uk or call the Contact Centre 02890 666630
The sound of diggers could be heard coming from Casement Park this morning as it appeared preparation work began on the redevelopment of the site, which has caused much controversy in recent days.

The Executive has pledged 62.5m for Casement, with the Irish Government stumping up 50m (42.8m) and the GAA contributing 15m. At his stage it is unclear where the remaining money will come from.

The Belfast Telegraph revealed that 5.5m of public money has already been spent on consultancy fees for the redevelopment of Casement Park.

The bill  branded outrageous by one MLA  has piled up despite work on the project barely starting.

SDLP councillor for the area Paul Doherty posted on Thursday on X: Welcome sights and sounds from Casement Park this morning as diggers operate on the old pitch and stands as part of preparation work.

This development will have such a positive impact on the lives of people in this area and beyond. It's time to push forward and get it built.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar speaks to the media in Washington during his visit to the US for St Patricks Day (Niall Carson/PA)

The Irish premier has denied softening his language on Gaza throughout his week-long series of engagements in the US.

Leo Varadkar has said he will use the special platform of St Patricks Day to press US President Joe Biden to back a ceasefire in the Middle East.

He has referenced the conflict during several speeches in Boston and Washington, DC, as part of a week of engagements which will include meetings with Mr Biden.

At the start of the week in Boston, Mr Varadkar told the crowd that innocent men, women and children in Gaza should not be subject to collective punishment.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar speaks to the media at the Salamander Hotel, in Washington (Niall Carson/PA)

He told the audience that no-one can avert their eyes from the deaths of thousands of children in Gaza.

However, during an address at the Ireland Funds gala in Washington on Wednesday, Mr Varadkar said that Palestinian civilians are being subject to humiliation and starvation during the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Asked by reporters on Thursday if his use of the term humiliation rather than explicit references to death was an indication of rolling back his rhetoric, Mr Varadkar said: No, not at all.

He said he would not be softening his tone or language on the issue but said there was a need to tailor messaging to specific audiences.

Theres nothing I wouldnt say here that I wouldnt say back home.

But I think any time you speak to any audience, or any time you go anywhere in the world, you know, we have to get the tone right and tailor the message for the audience.

He added: What I said back home, about Palestine and Gaza, Ill be saying here too and I think Ive used the term collective punishment in relation to Palestinians.

And we all know what that means, its a violation of international humanitarian law.

Mr Varadkars Washington comments on Gaza also received a more lukewarm reception than preceding remarks on continued support for Ukraine.

Asked if he believed the reception to the comments was an indicator that it was going to be difficult to raise the Middle East conflict with Mr Biden, Mr Varadkar said: I suppose it depends on the audience.

I was really encouraged by the response in terms of what I had to say about Ukraine because we need America in this battle to save Ukrainian democracy and sovereignty and independence, and I dont think the war will stop in Ukraine.

If Ukraine falls, Putin will have another target  and theres a number of European prime ministers in town today, Im not the only one, and were very much trying to put that message across to our American friends.

If Putin is successful in Ukraine, he will at some point test Nato, and the consequences then for all of us are very serious.

So Im very keen to use any opportunity I have to speak to US Congressional leaders in particular about getting the legislation passed to provide the funding and support for Ukraine that it needs.

I appreciate that there will be difference of opinions in relation to Israel and Gaza  you know, theres very strong historic support for Israel in the US, for lots of different reasons, but thats not going to deflect me from saying what I feel needs to be said.

Mr Varadkar said there had not been any negative reaction to his remarks on Gaza during the trip so far.
A 33-year-old man has been warned he faces a possible prison sentence after pleading guilty to sending threatening emails to a female MP.

Liam McCarthy, of Copperfield Road, Southampton, admitted continuously sending emails and leaving voicemails for Caroline Nokes, Conservative MP for Romsey and Southampton North, between May 15 2022 and March 4 2023.

He also admitted leaving threatening voicemails for Steve Smith, former head of stronger communities, neighbourhoods and housing, at Southampton City Council between November 14 and 21 2022.

Caroline Nokes (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Victoria Hill, prosecuting, told Southampton Magistrates Court that the defendant first contacted Ms Nokes to raise a lack of support for people aged between 18 and 25.

Ms Hill said: He moved on to talk about issues he was having with the Department of Work and Pensions and a debt collection agency.

They didnt end up seeing one another because the defendant cancelled his appointment because he felt unprepared.

The emails continued and in August 2022 they started to become threatening. At that stage the defendant was saying he would become violent towards members of the Department for Work and Pensions, he said he would kill them, he followed that up by saying he wouldnt kill them but would really hurt them.

Caroline Nokes MP responded saying she wouldnt tolerate threatening or abusive emails but the emails continued from August into September in the same vein.

There were repeated emails over quite some period. At one point he was threatening to destroy another MP, Alan Whitehead. He was making implied threats to her saying she was on his list along with other people.

He was eventually arrested with bail conditions not to contact her and continued to contact her.

Describing the voicemails to Mr Smith, Ms Hill said: They were more overtly threatening. He said things like, I will find you, I will f****** destroy you, I swear to god, I mean that as a threat.

District Judge Anthony Callaway ordered a pre-sentence report to prepared in addition to a psychiatric report already carried out on the defendant and adjourned the case to be sentenced on May 30.

He told McCarthy: People going about their business as an MP or otherwise, as Mr Smith was, are entitled to go about their business without fear of being threatened.

This is a very serious matter and in my judgment possibly passes the custody threshold.
Breaking news Houston Chronicle

A Montgomery man was shot and killed after law enforcement responded to a domestic disturbance call Monday evening, police say.

Around 11:30 p.m., two Conroe Police officers responded to the disturbance call at the 14700 block of Callard Court in Conroe's Chapel Hill subdivision, according to a news release from the department. Upon arrival, the officers could hear a woman screaming inside a home in the subdivision, which prompted them to enter, the release states.

LAMAR TEACHERS FOUND DEAD: Two Lamar CISD teachers found dead inside Richmond home in an alleged murder-suicide

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Inside, they discovered a man who was in a physical altercation with a woman and was holding a weapon, the release states.

Officers then tried to deescalate the situation, however, the man pointed the weapon at them  where the officers then shot the man to stop his aggression, the release states.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman was not injured during the altercation and none of the officers were injured as well.

Michael Holley, first assistant district attorney, said the man was attempting to sexually assault the woman and was holding a gun, but couldn't confirm whether the man pointed the gun at the officers.

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The shooting is being investigated by the Conroe Police Department and the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.
More could have been done to prepare the ground for Wales 20mph speed limits, First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford has admitted, as he stood by the policy (Yui Mok/PA)

More could have been done to prepare the ground for Wales 20mph speed limits, the First Minister has admitted, as he stood by the policy.

Mark Drakeford, the outgoing Welsh leader, said people will look back on the policy  which has seen a lower speed limit introduced for built-up areas  as Wales leading the way.

However, he accepted that change is difficult, and the Welsh Labour Government could have done more to communicate the change.

The policy was introduced in September last year, with the promise that lower speed limits would lead to fewer collisions and people injured.

It has also seen fierce opposition from the Conservatives in the Senedd, who have branded it a waste of time and resources.

Enforcement of the policy is due to start on Monday (March 18).

Speaking to the PA news agency, Mr Drakeford said: When you look back, I think we could have done more to try to prepare the ground to explain to people what we were intending to do.

Mr Drakeford is in his last days as First Minister, with Vaughan Gething or Jeremy Miles to be announced as his successor on Saturday.

He said that while the policy had been in Labours manifesto during the last Senedd election, he understood that people in Wales lead busy lives and do not spend their evenings flicking through the programme for government.

Mr Drakeford said that as a proportion more roads in England are 20mph than in Wales, it was not something extraordinary that had been done in the country (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

So there probably was more that we could have done, he said. In the end, no matter how much you prepare the ground, when change comes, it can be challenging.

Look at the history of changes in relation to the way people use their motor cars, its always been challenging.

Whether that was introducing 30mph speed limits, that wasnt easy to do; the breathalyser was fiercely opposed by people, as was wearing seatbelts.

I dont think we look back now and say that was the wrong thing to do, we should allow people to spend the night in the pub and get in the car and drive home.

In an era of climate change, were all going to have to travel differently. The idea that we can go on using up the worlds finite resources, for our own benefit in our own time and leave the problem for somebody after us to clear up, that cannot be a responsible way to approach these things.

And tough as it has been in some ways, it remains a policy that will save peoples lives, that will prevent thousands of accidents, that has given people back the streets that they live in.

Very few people argue for the street they live in to go back to 30 miles an hour.

He said  as a motorist himself  people can be keen to have change in their own streets but wish to drive faster down other peoples.

I think people will look back in the future and say Wales was in the lead. No, we are doing things that other people will follow.

However, he also said that as a proportion more roads in England are 20mph than in Wales, it was not something extraordinary that had been done in the country, which he called one of the ironies of the debate.

Weve been fiercely attacked, foolishly attacked, by some Tory MPs who have more 20 mile an hour road to their own constituencies, than we will in Wales.

Mr Drakeford said he was quite sure that Keir Starmer, the Labour leader in Parliament, will be looking at what they have done and whether any elements of it could be applied to England if he wins the next general election.
Voting has closed in the contest between two candidates vying to be the next first minister of Wales.

Jeremy Miles, the current minister for education and Welsh language, and Vaughan Gething, the minister for the economy, are competing to see who will lead Welsh Labour, and the country.

They want to replace Mark Drakeford, who has been First Minister since 2018, having announced his intention to resign late last year.

Jeremy Miles, the education minister in Wales (David Mirzoeff/PA)

After the ballot closed, both candidates posted on X, formerly Twitter, thanking supporters.

Mr Gething said: With the ballots now closed, ahead of the result announcement this Saturday, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has taken part.

Mr Miles added: Voting has now closed. Thank you to everyone whos voted and supported us throughout this campaign.

For me, leadership is about the We, not the I and to have campaigned alongside you, Welsh Labour family, has been a privilege.

Whoever is successful will become the fifth leader of the country since the National Assembly for Wales, which is now called the Senedd, was established in 1999.

Most people in Wales will not get a say in which of them will be the new leader of the country.

Only Labour members or part of an affiliated organisation, such as a trade union, can participate  meaning about 100,000 people can vote.

Minister for the economy Vaughan Gething (Ben Birchall/PA)

Mr Gething has the backing of most of the large unions, and Lord Kinnock, who led the UK party from 1983 to 1992.

There has been some controversy over Mr Gething receiving the backing of the Unite union, after his opponent was disqualified because he has never held elected lay office as representatives of workers.

Mr Miles said it was a new rule that no-one was aware of and that members were unhappy.

But Unite said it had carried out the nomination process correctly and Mr Gething said it was up to the union to determine its own democratic processes.

Unlike previous Labour leadership elections, all the votes are equally weighted.

Selection in the past has used an electoral college system, giving greater weight to MPs and Members of the Senedd.

Voting closed at midday and the winner will be declared on Saturday.

Mr Drakeford is not expected to stand down immediately and his final first ministers questions is expected on March 19.

A vote will also need to take place in the Senedd at which opposition groups can put forward their own candidates.

With Labour the largest party, it is unlikely that any other group would take the role.
Support for marriage equality has grown among the Japanese public in recent years (Kyodo News via AP)

A Japanese high court has ruled that denying same-sex marriage is unconstitutional and called for urgent government action to address the lack of any law allowing for such unions.

The court does not have the power to overturn the current marriage law, which has been interpreted to restrict marriage as between a man and a woman.

Government offices may continue to deny marriage status to same-sex couples unless the existing law is revised to include LGBT+ couples, or a new law is enacted that allows for other types of unions.

The court does not have the power to overturn the current marriage law (Hiro Komae/AP)

The Sapporo High Court ruling said that not allowing same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the same benefits as heterosexual couples violated their fundamental right to have a family.

A lower court issued a similar ruling earlier on Thursday, becoming the sixth district court to do so.

But the Tokyo District Court ruling was only a partial victory for Japans LGBT+ community calling for equal marriage rights, as it does not change or overturn the current civil union law that describes marriage as between a man and a woman.

Five previous court decisions in various cities said Japans policy of denying same-sex marriage is either unconstitutional or nearly so.

Recent surveys show a majority of Japanese people back legalising same-sex marriage (Hiro Komae/AP)

But unlike the Sapporo ruling on Friday, none of the low-level courts clearly deemed the Japanese governments existing policy to reject same-sex couples unconstitutional.

Japan is the only member of the Group of Seven nations that still excludes same-sex couples from the right to legally marry and receive spousal benefits.

Support for marriage equality has grown among the Japanese public in recent years, but the governing Liberal Democratic Party, known for its conservative family values and reluctance to promote gender equality and sexual diversity, remains opposed to the campaign.

In the Tokyo ruling, the court said the right to marry, have a family and enjoy advantages marriage brings  such as tax deductions and social security benefits  are guaranteed for everyone, and that lack of the legal right to same-sex couples deprives them of their basic right.

The Tokyo ruling also acknowledged the right for anyone to live based on their sexuality and sexual identity, and the traditional family values and marriage are changing, and equality of same-sex marriage is increasingly accepted in international and corporate communities.

The court expressed hope for the parliament to enact a law for same-sex marriage (Hiro Komae/AP)

The court expressed hope for the parliament to enact a law for same-sex marriage.

Marriage equality is now recognised in dozens of countries, not only in western countries such as Greece and the United States but also in Asia, with Nepal allowing same-sex marriage registration starting in 2023, according to the Marriage for All Japan, a civil group supporting the lawsuits.

While Japans conservative government has been criticised as stonewalling diversity, recent surveys show a majority of Japanese people back legalising same-sex marriage. Support among the business community has rapidly increased.

Tokyo enacted an LGBT+ awareness promotion law in June that critics said was watered down. The Supreme Court separately ruled that Japans law requiring compulsory sterilisation surgery for transgender people to officially change their gender is unconstitutional.
The Houthis have for weeks hinted about surprises they plan in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways (Osamah Abdulrahman/AP)

Yemens Houthi rebels claim to have a new, hypersonic missile in their arsenal, Russias state media has reported, potentially raising the stakes in their ongoing attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways.

The report by the state-run RIA Novosti news agency cited an unnamed official but provided no evidence for the claim. It comes as Moscow maintains an aggressively counter-western foreign policy amid its grinding war on Ukraine.

But the Houthis have for weeks hinted about surprises they plan for the battles at sea to counter the United States and its allies, which have so far been able to down any missile or bomb-carrying drone that comes near their warships in Middle East waters.

Houthis have been hinting about surprises they plan for battles at sea (Osamah Abdulrahman/AP)

The Houthis main benefactor, Iran, claims to have a hypersonic missile and has widely armed the rebels with the missiles they now use.

Adding a hypersonic missile to their arsenal could pose a more formidable challenge to the air defence systems employed by America and its allies, including Israel.

The groups missile forces have successfully tested a missile that is capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 8 and runs on solid fuel, a military official close to the Houthis said, according to the RIA report.

The Houthis intend to begin manufacturing it for use during attacks in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, as well as against targets in Israel.

Mach 8 is eight times the speed of sound.

Russia has maintained close ties with Iran, relying on Iranian bomb-carrying drones to target Ukraine.

Russian state media, particularly its Arabic-language services, have closely reported on Yemens years-long civil war that pits the Iran-backed Houthis against forces of the internationally backed Yemeni government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition.

Hypersonic weapons, which fly at speeds higher than Mach 5, could pose crucial challenges to missile defence systems because of their speed and manoeuverability.

China is believed to be pursuing the weapons, as is America. Russia claims it has already used them on the battlefield in Ukraine.

In Yemen, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the Houthi rebels secretive supreme leader, boasted about the rebels weapons efforts at the end of February.

Houthis say they want to force Israel to end the war in Gaza (Osamah Abdulrahman/AP)

We have surprises that the enemies do not expect at all, he warned at the time.

A week ago, he similarly warned: What is coming is greater.

The enemy  will see the level of achievements of strategic importance that place our country in its capabilities among the limited and numbered countries in this world, Mr al-Houthi said, without elaborating.

The Houthis have attacked ships since November, saying they want to force Israel to end the war in Gaza, which has seen over 31,000 Palestinians killed in the besieged strip.

But the ships attacked have increasingly had little or no connection to Israel, the US or other nations involved in the war.
Spains parliament has approved an amnesty bill aimed at forgiving crimes  both proven and alleged  committed by Catalan separatists during a chaotic attempt to hold an independence referendum in the region six years ago.

Socialist prime minister Pedro Sanchez has promoted the amnesty as a way to move past the 2017 secession attempt by the then-leaders of Catalonia, a northeastern region centred around Barcelona where many people speak the local Catalan language as well as Spanish.

But the Bill has also met opposition from millions of Spaniards who believe that the people who provoked one of Spains biggest political crises should face charges including embezzlement and promoting public disorder.

Crowds with Spanish flags packed the central Puerta del Sol during a protest called by Spains Conservative Popular Party in Madrid in November last year (Joan Mateu Parra/AP)

Mr Sanchez has already pardoned nine jailed Catalan independence leaders, a move that helped heal wounds at little political cost. But the amnesty is proving to be much more divisive.

The Bill was passed by 178-172 votes in favour in the 350-seat lower house of parliament in Madrid.

The secession crisis erupted in 2017, when a regional administration led by Carles Puigdemont staged a referendum on independence, defying orders from the national government and a ruling from Spains top court that doing so violated the constitution. Madrid sent in police in an attempt to stop the referendum, which was opposed by protests that turned violent.

The Catalan parliament declared independence on October 27 that year but it failed to garner any international support.

Spains prime minister Pedro Sanchez has had a hard time crafting a bill that satisfies the separatists (Manu Fernandez/AP)

Mr Puigdemont and several other senior officials later fled Spain.

Hundreds or thousands of people in Catalonia face the threat of prosecutions related to the referendum or protests, and Mr Puigdemont and other leaders remain abroad.

Recent court investigations have accused the former regional president of terrorism for allegedly masterminding massive protests that clashed violently with police and closed roads, train lines and the Barcelona airport in 2019.

Mr Sanchez agreed to the amnesty to secure the backing of two Catalan separatist parties, after an inconclusive national election last July turned them into kingmakers.

Carles Puigdemont and several other senior officials fled Spain after the secession crisis in 2017 (Gloria Calvi/AP)

The conservative opposition accuses Mr Sanchez of selling out the rule of law in exchange for another term in the Moncloa Palace and has organised major street protests during recent months.

Socialist party parliamentary spokesman Patxi Lopez defended the Bill on Thursday as a move to seek a page-turning reconciliation with Catalonia.

The opposition Popular Party leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo hit back saying that this is not reconciliation but submission.

It was not clear whether the deal would add stability to Mr Sanchezs minority government: Junts, a separatist party led by Mr Puigdemont, said that Mr Sanchez owed them the amnesty for having supported his bid to stay in power, and that their potential backing of his policies would depend on what they could get in return.

The Bill still faces a number of procedural steps before becoming law. The Senate, which has a conservative majority is expected to reject it, which would mean that parliaments lower house would have to vote for it a second time to push it through.

The opposition Popular Party leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo said this is not reconciliation but submission (Manu Fernandez/AP)

Mr Sanchezs party has had a hard time crafting a bill that satisfies the separatists and which will surely be highly scrutinised by the courts. Parliament rejected an earlier version of the Bill in late January when Junts said it did not do enough to protect Mr Puigdemont. The Bill then went back to a parliamentary committee, where it was tweaked to suit Junts needs.

Mr Puigdemont now lives in Belgium, where he has become a European Parliament member. A fugitive from Spanish justice, he calls himself a political exile.

Thursdays vote comes a day after Catalonias regional leader called early elections. That decision added more uncertainty to Spanish politics and led to Mr Sanchez cancelling plans for a 2024 budget because of the difficulty he would have had trying to get the support of the two separatist parties during election time.

The government says the amnesty could help hundreds of people, while the pro-independence Catalan organisation Omnium Cultural says it should benefit some 4,400 people, mostly minor officials and ordinary citizens who either helped to organise the referendum or participated in protests.

The application of the amnesty would be decided by the courts on a case-by-case basis.
The Senate majority leader said Israel could not survive if it became a pariah (J Scott Applewhite/AP)

US Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer called on Israel to hold new elections, saying he believes Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lost his way and is an obstacle to peace in the region amid a growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Mr Schumer, the first Jewish majority leader in the Senate and the highest-ranking Jewish official in the US, strongly criticised Mr Netanyahu in a lengthy speech on the Senate floor.

Mr Schumer said the prime minister had put himself in a coalition of far-right extremists and as a result, he has been too willing to tolerate the civilian toll in Gaza, which is pushing support for Israel worldwide to historic lows.

Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah, Mr Schumer said.

The high-level warning comes as an increasing number of Democrats have pushed back against Israel and as US president Joe Biden has stepped up public pressure on Mr Netanyahus government, warning that he needs to pay more attention to the civilian death toll in Gaza.

This month, the US began airdrops of badly needed humanitarian aid and announced it would establish a temporary pier to get more assistance into Gaza by sea.

Mr Schumer has so far positioned himself as a strong ally of the Israeli government, visiting the country days after the October 7 attack by Hamas and giving a lengthy speech on the Senate floor in December decrying brazen and widespread antisemitism the likes of which we havent seen in generations in this country, if ever.

Many Israelis hold Benjamin Netanyahu responsible for failing to stop the October 7 cross-border raid by Hamas (Ohad Zwigenberg/Pool/AP)

But he said on the Senate floor on Thursday that the Israeli people are being stifled right now by a governing vision that is stuck in the past.

Mr Schumer said Mr Netanyahu, who has long opposed Palestinian statehood, was one of several obstacles in the way of the two-state solution pushed by the United States. He was also blaming right-wing Israelis, Hamas and Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas.

Until they were all removed from the equation, he said, there will never be peace in Israel and Gaza and the West Bank.

Mr Schumer said the United States could not dictate the outcome of an election in Israel, but a new election is the only way to allow for a healthy and open decision-making process about the future of Israel, at a time when so many Israelis have lost their confidence in the vision and direction of their government.

US president Joe Biden has warned Mr Netanyahu that he needs to pay more attention to the civilian death toll in Gaza (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)

At the White House, national security spokesman John Kirby declined to weigh in on Mr Schumers call for new elections, saying the White House is most focused on getting a temporary ceasefire in place.

We know Leader Schumer feels strongly about this and well certainly let him speak to it and to his comments, Mr Kirby said.

Were going to stay focused on making sure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself while doing everything that they can to avoid civilian casualties.

It is unclear how Mr Schumers unusually direct call will be received in Israel. The next parliamentary elections are expected in 2026 but could be held before then.

Many Israelis hold Mr Netanyahu responsible for failing to stop the October 7 cross-border raid by Hamas, which killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and his popularity appears to have taken a hit as a result.

US priorities in the region have increasingly been hampered by Mr Netanyahus cabinet, which is dominated by ultranationalists. The far-right cabinet members share Mr Netanyahus opposition to Palestinian statehood and other aims that successive US administrations have seen as essential to resolving Palestinian-Israeli conflicts long-term.
Fijis former strongman Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama interfered in a police investigation while in power, according to a court ruling Thursday that overturned an earlier acquittal and could prevent him from running for office for the next decade.

The Pacific island countrys acting chief justice, Salesi Temo, ordered Bainimarama and his now suspended police chief, Sitiveni Qiliho, to be sentenced on March 28, the public prosecutors office said in a statement.

Bainimarama, who held sway over Fiji for 16 years after seizing power in a coup, and Qiliho faced trial last year because of allegations that they had shut down a police investigation into alleged financial mismanagement at the University of the South Pacific.

Temo said a lower court judge had erred in fact and law when she ruled in October that Bainimarama was not guilty of perverting the course of justice and that Qiliho was not guilty of abuse of office.

Fijis Crimes Act allows a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment for conspiring to defeat justice. Abuse of office can be punished with up to 17 years prison if it was done for personal gain. Bainimarama, nor the political party he leads, immediately commented on Thursdays ruling.

Bainimaramas years in power ended in December 2022 after his Fiji First Party dropped below 50% of the vote in national elections, allowing opposition parties to form a coalition government led by Sitiveni Rabuka. Both men are former coup leaders  Rabuka in the late 1980s and Bainimarama in 2006.

A purge of Bainimarama appointees from important public positions followed the change in government along with a slew of investigations into alleged abuses of office and the removal of restrictions on the media.

However, Bainimarama still commands a significant following in Fiji  the second most populous Pacific island country with nearly 1 million people  while the initial enthusiasm for Rabukas coalition government has faded amid cost-of-living increases, slowing economic growth and scandals involving government ministers.

According to Fijis 2013 constitution, drafted under Bainimarama, candidates for Parliament must not have a conviction in the previous eight years for any offense that has a term of imprisonment of a year or more. Bainimarama also faces another trial after being charged with abuse of office in February.

Former Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama after appearing at the Magistrates Court in Suva, Feb. 7, 2024. Bainimarama was granted bail following a night in jail on an abuse of office charge stemming from his time in government. [Leon Lord/AFP]

Seini Puamau, the judge who acquitted the two men last year, said state prosecutors failed to make a compelling case that Bainimarama had advised Qiliho to end the police probe.

Puamau also said that a state witness, former acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu, had an axe to grind following his dismissal from Fijis police for a reason unrelated to the court case.

Nothing in his evidence pointed to Bainimarama directing him or anyone else to stop the investigation, she said. Qiliho, meanwhile, had not been aware the investigation had ended until he was questioned by the Criminal Investigation Department in 2022, Puamau said.

The office of the public prosecutor said it appealed Puamaus decision on eight grounds. The judge made mistakes related to evidence and procedure that resulted in an unfair trial and an erroneous verdict, according to the public prosecutors statement.

Under the chief justices order, Puamau will be the sentencing judge for Bainimarama and Qihilo.

Fiji, a linchpin nation in a region increasingly contested by the United States and China, had a burgeoning relationship with Beijing under Bainimarama. Ties have been tested under Rabuka, who put a police cooperation agreement with China under review and reasserted the importance of maintaining a close security relationship with the U.S. and countries such as Australia and New Zealand.

Fijis relationship with China had blossomed after New Zealand, Australia and other countries sought to punish Bainimarama and his government for the 2006 coup.

Bainimarama left office grudgingly and stayed in the official prime ministers residence for several weeks after Rabuka was confirmed as Fijis new leader by a vote in Parliament.

He was suspended from Parliament in February last year for three years after accusing the countrys president of failing to follow the constitution, which gives the military a guardian role over the nations politics.
Mayor John Whitmire speaks during a press conference with City Attorney Arturo Michel, from left, ASL interpreter Timothy Herrera and former State Rep. Ellen Cohen to announce a taskforce that will investigate the Houston Police Department's handling of suspended incident reports on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Houston Mayor John John Whitmire pauses while he speaks during a press conference announcing a taskforce that will investigate the Houston Police Department's handling of suspended incident reports on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer City Attorney Arturo Michel speaks during a press conference with Mayor John Whitmire and former state Rep. Ellen Cohen to announce a taskforce that will investigate the Houston Police Department's handling of suspended incident reports on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer

Mayor John Whitmire on Wednesday named the five people who will run an independent investigation into the Houston Police Department's handling of over 264,000 suspended incident reports.

The committee will be led by a former state representative with a long history of advocacy for victims of sexual assault, a Texas Ranger, a local church leader and two city employees.

"I've asked them to collect the data, review HPD, look over their shoulder, make sure the process is transparent and report back to me," Whitmire said. "I will report back to Houstonians and let them know exactly... how in the world this existed for eight years without someone having the good sense to sound the alarm."

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On Feb. 22, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner announced the department was launching an internal investigation into more than 4,000 reported sexual assaults that had been designated as "SL," suspended due to a lack of personnel in the department's record management system. The review quickly grew to include more than 264,000 cases across multiple police divisions dating back to 2016.

The committee investigating the police department will be chaired by former state Rep. Ellen Cohen, who also served as a Houston City Council member from 2012 until 2020. While on council, she championed the effort to eliminate the sexual assault kit backlog. Before becoming an elected official, she was also the president and CEO of the Houston Area Womens Center, an organization that provides services to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.

Victim survivors are the ones that need to be addressed, Cohen said, before adding that part of the role of the committee would be to ensure that police "are in fact talking to these survivors."

The committee will also include Texas Rangers Capt. Jeff Owles, a 21-year law enforcement officer who Whitmire said would bring investigative tools to the group, and Rev. T. Leon Preston II, pastor of Yale Street Baptist Church since 2009.

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(Preston) is an outspoken voice from the community who will assure that no one is forgotten in this review, Whitmire said.

The two city employees on the committee are Christina Nowak, the city's deputy inspector general of the Office of Policing Reform and Accountability, and City Attorney Arturo G. Michel.

BACKUP ASSISTANCE: HPD Chief Troy Finner adds more investigators to review suspended sexual assault cases

Nowak has already begun collecting data from the police on behalf of the committee, Whitmire said. And Michel was put on the committee to give legal advice and make sure everything is done in compliance with city laws," Whitmire said.

"I want Houstonians to know that we are doing everything possible to reveal to them the full extent, the circumstances, and who knew what and when," Whitmire said, standing next to Cohen and Michel in City Hall.

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The announcement of the committee members came a week after Whitmire announced he planned to launch an independent review of the department's handling of the suspended cases.

Whitmire used the press conference to criticize anti-crime efforts started by his predecessor, former Mayor Sylvester Turner, and said the suspended police reports scandal reveals that previous claims about crime data in Houston were spin based on flawed data.

Last October, the police department reported a reduction in violent crime, following several years of increased violence that coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, police reported an increase in other crimes, including car thefts.

"We've been shown that crime rates are going in the right direction, and I think we have the right to question the validity of it," Whitmire said. "I would believe that if you're not following up on incident reports, that become cases, that become convictions, it could very easily impact your crime rate. But I think we need to leave that to the investigation."

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Houston Police Chief Finner has said that he would stop citing the departments clearance rate numbers in light of the suspended case review, but it is unclear how the suspended cases might have affected the departments reporting on violent crime or other issues.

Whitmire said most of the committees work will not be done in public meetings, but that the group would hold some kind of public discussion. The committee won't have the power to take depositions or issues subpoenas, he said. Rather, its job is to collect data and validate the police department's own investigation.

There's no timeline for the committee to complete its work, Whitmire said. Finner has said his department's internal review, however, could take months.

The panel will meet for the first time next Wednesday, Cohen said.
A view of Chocolate Hills, a geological formation in Bohol province in the central Philippines, March 25, 2010.

The Philippine government on Thursday announced it would find out who was responsible for allowing a resort to be constructed in a national protected area in the central Visayas region.

The governments announcement came a day after the environment department said it wanted the hotel shut according to its order from last year.

The Captains Peak resort is built in the middle of the area called Chocolate Hills, a collection of more than 1,700 natural hills or mounds of the same shape spread over 20 square miles near the town of Sagbayan in Bohol province.

During the dry season, the mounds, usually covered with green grass, turn into a chocolate brown, which is how the hills get their name. The hills are also on the tentative list of UNESCOs World Heritage Sites.

Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. expressed profound concern over the establishment of a pool resort on one of the hills.

Any activity that disturbs or damages protected areas such as the Chocolate Hills, without proper authorization, is prohibited by law. We will look into the accountability of the local government units concerned, he said.

Should there be neglect of duty or any other irregularity on the part of the officials tasked with protecting and overseeing the area, we will not hesitate to pursue appropriate legal actions.

Local government units should be stewards of nature, he said on Thursday.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Wednesday directed a provincial office to set up a team to ensure that the resort follows its temporary closure order from last September. It said it had also issued a notice of violation in January for operating without an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).

The management of Captains Peak, which began operations in 2022, has said that it had received the closure order, but was continuing with business as usual while waiting for results of an appeal they had filed.

Pictures of the resort went viral on social media after many of the areas residents pointed out the construction in the protected area.

A cow grazes near a quake-damaged Chocolate Hill, one of more than a thousand others that dot Carmen township in Bohol province, central Philippines, Oct. 17, 2013. [Bullit Marquez/AFP]

In Manila, Sen. Nancy Binay, who chairs the senate tourism committee, said she was saddened by the image of the resort on the protected hills.

We understand the importance of development, but there should be boundaries, she said in a statement on Wednesday.

If the DENR continues to issue ECCs in the guise of tourism development, I believe they have misunderstood what ecotourism is all about, and they have become complicit in defacing a natural monument they're supposed to oppose.

She called on the local government to explain why even with Chocolate Hills protected status, construction permits continue to be granted.

In the lower house, Congressman Alexie Tutor called for the razing of the resort.

That Captains Peak resort should not have been allowed to be built there in the first place, he said in a statement.

It should be demolished and the construction site should be restored, with costs borne by the owners of that resort. But before these can happen, we have to follow due process.

In Bohol on Wednesday, provincial Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado said his office had already asked the environment department to clearly define its guidelines on the construction of establishments near the sites.

He said that as stewards of the province, we cannot let this go on. Aumentado was reacting to an angry clamor on social media.

One Filipina, Lina Araneta, posted on Facebook that the resort should be dismantled.

She wrote: Its an eyesore on the natural beauty of Chocolate Hills.

Another commentator on Facebook pointed out that the damage has been done.

Someone has to be held accountable, she wrote.

This should not be a simple revisit of the policy because if this were not called out on social media, Im sure this wouldnt be noticed and it's business as usual.
Protesters flash the three-finger salute outside the Criminal Court during a demonstration against Article 112, Thailands lese-majeste royal defamation law, in Bangkok, Dec. 22, 2021.

A Thai court on Thursday handed down a 25-year prison sentence to an LGBTQ activist for insulting the monarchy via a series of social media posts during the rule of former Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha.

The sentence, initially set at 50 years under Thailands strict royal defamation law, was cut in half by the Southern Bangkok Criminal Court after a guilty plea by the defendant, a woman whose name was not released by the court but is known by the alias Maggie.

The Yasothon province woman, 26, was charged under the lese-majeste law as well as the Computer Crime Act, resulting from tweets between December 2022 and October 2023.

She posted 18 messages on an unspecified social media platform [X, formerly Twitter] that referenced the Thai monarchy. These messages formed the basis of the charges against her under Article 112, Thailands lese-majeste law, part of the judgment stated.

The charges resulted from the social media postings, with 14 being prosecuted under Article 112 and four under the Computer Crime Act. The original sentences amounted to 42 years for the lese-majeste charges and eight years for the computer crime charges.

Prior to her arrest on Oct. 20, 2023, Maggie worked as a temporary department store employee and had been participating since 2020 in demonstrations organized by the Ratsadon, or the Peoples Movement group, according to the court.

In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand, massive pro-democracy street protests in Bangkok called for the removal of then-PM Prayuth, who came to power after leading a military coup in 2014, and reforms to Article 112. Critics of his government said it was using lese-majeste to go after political dissidents.

A new, civilian-led government took power last September after the 2023 general election but it has ties to the military.

Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) said Maggie had been in detention for 144 days since the investigation phase of the case began while being denied bail.

Thank you to everyone outside for pushing forward, keeping track of those of us inside, and for all the moral support. As for me, on the inside, I will continue to fight. Thank you all so much, Maggie told journalists after hearing the verdict.

Increase transparency

Assistant professor Piyapong Pimpaluck, a researcher from the Social Research Institute at Chiang Mai University, said Thailand needed to be more cautious about enforcing laws that violate human rights.

The continuous occurrence of Article 112 cases, even under civilian governments, indicates that Thailand needs to review its use of laws to align with international human rights standards. We also need to increase transparency and justice in the judicial process, Piyapong told BenarNews.

Its clear that the Thai government lacks seriousness in promoting and protecting human rights, which could negatively affect Thailands international image in the future.

Since July 2020, when the pro-democracy began, at least 1,951 people have been prosecuted in connection with the demonstrations across 1,279 cases, according to TLHR.

Of these, at least 268 individuals were charged with violating lese-majeste for allegedly insulting the monarchy, TLHR said, adding at least 40 people involved in the protests are detained on a series of political charges.

Earlier this year, the Thai Court of Appeal sentenced an activist from Chiang Rai to 50 years over Facebook posts criticizing the monarchy.

The court in January added 22 years to the original sentence of Mongkol Tirakot. One year earlier, the Chiang Rai Provincial Court found Mongkol guilty of violating Article 112 as a result of 14 posts  each carrying a two-year prison term.
Myanmar migrant workers demonstrate against the military coup and demand the restoration of democracy in their country during a protest in Bangkok to mark May Day, May 1, 2022.

For two decades, accountant Khin Thit Yee lived and worked as a business consultant in Yangon, Myanmar, and as an online trainer for the accounting programs she set up while investing in an agricultural business on the side.

Before the Burmese military coup in February 2021, she was working for one of the Big Four accounting firms in that city.

When the coup was announced, I was sleeping. My mother broke the news to me and I was very surprised, she told BenarNews.

But it took Khin Thit, now 41, no time to wrap her head around the situation. Two months after the coup, she and her family headed to Bangkok in search of new lives in neighboring Thailand.

After March 2021, things are getting worse and worse. I checked with my office and they said they could support my move to Singapore. But if I moved to Singapore I would not be able to take care of my family because the living expenses are very high, so I decided to go to Thailand and gave notice to my office.

Today, Khin Thit holds a consulting management position with an international firm in Bangkok and does not plan to return to Myanmar.

She is among a growing number of Myanmars working professionals who have moved to Thailand in the aftermath of the 2021 coup and since the Tatmadaw (Myanmar military) launched a violent crackdown on opponents and resistance.

Fighting across the Southeast Asian country has displaced millions and killed at least 50,000 including 8,000 civilians, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED).

Khin Thit Yee, 41, an accounting consultant from Yangon, moved to Thailand in April 2021 with her family to escape the coup in Myanmar, Feb. 29, 2024. [Jitsiree Thongnoi/BenarNews]

The number of Myanmar migrants and those fleeing the fighting to Thailand can fluctuate at times as some have been in Thailand before the coup and some moved here after the coup. Some are still living in Myanmar and flying back and forth, Khin Thit said.

The estimated monthly number of long-term migrants entering Thailand since the beginning of 2023 is 13,000, according to the International Organization for Migration.

Khin Thit said she was no longer optimistic about her home country.

Before the coup I believed in my country and the people and I wanted to contribute to the community and make the country better. But after the coup, I was lost.

Relocation

Apart from her full-time work, Khin Thit runs two restaurants in Chiang Mai, in Thailands north, and has invested in properties in Bangkok. She is hopeful about her life in Thailand with her mother, uncle, brother and his family.

In Thailand, the culture is not very different and living expenses are OK. It is also easy to start a business here, she said.

Natty Tangmeesang is a Thai blogger who lived in Myanmar between 2014 and 2020 and worked as a marketing and communications executive in Yangon. She said the ascent of the National League for Democracy led by Aung San Suu Kyi after the 2015 general election allowed the country to open doors to international investment, which brought opportunities for citizens.

Now we have seen a wave of middle-class and wealthy Myanmar people looking for ways to live and open businesses in Thailand, Natty told BenarNews. Many of them have opened restaurants, bars and businesses here. Others have come for higher education as well.

In February, real estate consultant Colliers Thailand reported that buyers from Myanmar were looking for residential projects in cities including Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, noting that they were upper-middle class, mostly young families aged 35 and older, The Bangkok Post reported.

Those who flee

Natty said the exodus of young, middle-class Myanmar citizens could spike soon because of the juntas military conscription beginning in April for men between the ages of 18 and 35 and women between the ages of 18 and 27.

The conflict after the February 2021 coup is the one between the new generation and the Tatmadaw, Natty said about those who joined rebel groups against the government. So they are hunted down by the army.

Signs are in Burmese in a clothing store operated by Yi Win, a Myanmar man who immigrated shortly before the February 2021 coup and who opened it in the Phra Khanong section of Bangkok, March 13, 2024. [Wissarut Verasopon/Thai News Pix/BenarNews]

Taien Layraman, assistant to the president of International Affairs at Payap University, said that since the junta made the announcement in February, there had been a surge in applications from Myanmar students to the university, located in Chiang Mai province.

Our semester usually begins in August and we often see applications later on in the year. But this year we have seen a lot of early applications, she told BenarNews.

We have also noticed that before the 2021 coup, Myanmar students enrolled here before returning to work in Myanmar. But now there is more tendency for them to find work in Thailand or another country after graduation.

New hope

Susu, 20, a Myanmar student from Bago city, has lived in Tak, a Thai province along the border with Myanmar, since moving to Thailand in December 2022, when she joined her sister who had moved here earlier.

She is working on obtaining a general equivalency diploma and wants to enroll at a university in Thailand. Susu, who goes by one name, said traveling to Thailand was a daunting experience but she was willing to risk it.

I and another sister left Bago and traveled to Myawaddy. Then a traveling agent took us across the Moei river to Tak, she said.

After the coup, Susus sisters, who worked as a teacher and a nurse in Bago, joined the civil disobedience movement, a national strike involving health care workers and civil servants in opposition to the militarys takeover of Myanmars government. Because their safety was at risk, the three sisters decided to move to Thailand, leaving their mother and everyone they know in their hometown.

My friends in Myanmar used to have a goal for their future, but after the coup there was no opportunity, no safety, no justice, Susu said. I want to go back to Myanmar one day. But from the way things look, nothing will ever get better.

Myanmar citizens living in Thailand protest against the military coup in their home country in front of the United Nations office in Bangkok, March 7, 2021. [Soe Zeya Tun/Reuters]

Meanwhile, as the civil war in Myanmar enters its fourth year, Thailand has sought to create initiatives including a humanitarian corridor that would be set up in Tak province to coordinate sending food and medicine to Myanmar.

The Thai parliament recently hosted a seminar to seek peaceful and sustainable political solutions for Myanmar, according to Thai opposition MP Rangsiman Rome.

It was lambasted by the Myanmar junta as affecting bilateral relations.

Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara was scheduled to deliver a speech but he canceled shortly before the event.

I think humanitarian aid is not just sending supplies, but also offering other assistance. There are many working professionals from Myanmar, those who are nurses, teachers or journalists who have to flee Myanmar without papers for safety. We should offer them support as well. blogger Natty said.
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us

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Rafael Juarez rides his bicycle through a street flooded by Tropical Storm Beta as he makes his way home from the store Monday, Sept. 21, 2020 in Galveston. A new study in Nature maps how land subsidence in coastal cities like Galveston could interact with sea level rise to make people and their homes especially vulnerable to climate change impacts. Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer A house is totally engulfed in flames as floodwaters and crashing waves inundated beach homes on Galveston Island as Hurricane Ike approached the Texas Gulf Coast, Friday, Sept. 12, 2008. A new study in Nature maps how land subsidence in coastal cities like Galveston could interact with sea level rise to make people and their homes especially vulnerable to climate change impacts. Smiley N. Pool, Staff / Houston Chronicle

Cities along the Gulf Coast are bracing for 10 to 12 inches of sea level rise by 2050, and data from a study in the journal Nature last week showed those risks will be exacerbated as urban areas sink to meet the sea.

MORE DATA: New interactive map shows which Texas counties are most vulnerable to climate change

Researchers from Virginia Tech, Brown University and other institutions mapped the impacts of sea level rise and coastal subsidence, or the sinking of land near the ocean, and found that land sinking would exacerbate sea level rise in some urban areas along the Gulf to a greater degree than other cities in the 32-municipality study.

The study projected that between 2020 and 2050, subsidence would account for about a fifth to a third of the new land below sea level in the urban areas analyzed on the Gulf Coast, compared to just over a tenth on the Atlantic coast and about 5% on the Pacific.

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A map of the U.S. from a March 6, 2024 paper in the journal Nature shows how the Gulf Coast will see a strong combined impact of sinking earth and rising tides in the next quarter century. Leonard Ohenhen/Nature

As sea level rises and land subsides, the hazards associated with climate extremes (for example, hurricanes and storm surges), shoreline erosion and inundation of low-lying coastal areas grow, the study said.

The authors identified each coastal citys risk of storm damage using localized data on flooding and calculating how much each segment of land had been subsiding. Sinking ground is found most often in urban areas with clay-like soil where groundwater and oil extraction irreparably compact the earth.

A lot of the coastal areas that we have around the U.S. are made up of young sediment, the latest geological materials to be deposited on land, said Leonard Ohenhen, a coastal resilience expert at Virginia Tech and the studys lead author. They are easily compressible, and that compaction leads to subsidence.

His teams paper also honed in on the potential costs of high tide flooding for five Texas cities: Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas City, Freeport and Corpus Christi.

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The analysis found that across the five coastal Texas cities in the study, thousands more homes and tens of thousands more residents could be exposed by mid-century to flood devastation following the combination of sea level rise and sinking land.

A map of the Gulf Coast from a March 6, 2024 paper in the journal Nature shows how sinking cities will be more susceptible to impending sea level rise. Leonard Ohenhen/Nature

Based on its land features, Port Arthur would see the most residents affected by high tide flooding. The models midpoint suggests 23,520 people will be in its path. The costliest home damages would likely occur in Galveston, though, where homes hit by a typical high tide flood would be worth a combined $1 billion. Together, the home value exposure in all 11 Gulf Coast cities analyzed in the study could range from $14 billion to $21 billion in 2050, before factoring in existing flood barriers.

Still, Ohenhen said, the news is not all bad. While his research modeled the hypothetical climate impacts as coastal cities approached the sea, those first calculations did not account for the significant disaster readiness infrastructure already in place or in process along the shoreline.

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All of the consequences are significantly reduced because of that, Ohenhen said.

Along the Gulf Coast, the model shows current protections such as levee systems should shield a large swath of Texas City and Port Arthur homes, as well as many in New Orleans.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
FILE - This image taken from body cam video recorded Feb. 12, 2022, in Buffalo, N.Y., shows the hands of state trooper Anthony Nigro pointing his firearm at James Huber as he approaches Huber's car. Nigro, who was charged with manslaughter after shooting Huber to death following a high-speed chase, was acquitted on Wednesday, March 13, 2024.
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The Starship spacecraft, atop the Super Heavy rocket, lifts off on a hazy morning Thursday, March 14, 2024, at a SpaceX launch facility in Boca Chica. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

The worlds most powerful rocket took its third flight test from South Texas on Thursday, going significantly farther than earlier flights before ultimately losing both vehicles in explosions.

SpaceX successfully ignited all 33 engines of its Super Heavy rocket at 8:25 a.m. to push the Starship spacecraft into space. After the two vehicles separated, Starship continued its journey around the Earth while Super Heavy returned to land in the Gulf of Mexico.

The rocket booster hit new milestones as it attempted a controlled landing in the Gulf of Mexico. It flipped itself around and ignited engines to move toward its landing. But a subsequent attempt to slow down wasn't successful, and Super Heavy exploded roughly 1,500 feet above the water.

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The Starship spacecraft launches atop the Super Heavy rocket Thursday, March 14, 2024, at a SpaceX launch facility in Boca Chica. (Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle) Jon Shapley/Staff photographer The Starship spacecraft, atop the Super Heavy rocket, lifts off on a hazy morning Thursday, March 14, 2024, at a SpaceX launch facility in Boca Chica. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer The Starship spacecraft, atop the Super Heavy rocket, lifts off on a hazy morning Thursday, March 14, 2024, at a SpaceX launch facility in Boca Chica. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer The Starship spacecraft, atop the Super Heavy rocket, lifts off on a hazy morning Thursday, March 14, 2024, at a SpaceX launch facility in Boca Chica. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer People watch as the Starship spacecraft takes flight atop the Super Heavy rocket Thursday, March 14, 2024, at a SpaceX launch facility in Boca Chica. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer The Starship spacecraft, atop the Super Heavy rocket, lifts off on a hazy morning Thursday, March 14, 2024, at a SpaceX launch facility in Boca Chica. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Logan Perry, 10, looks through the fog ahead of a planned launch of the Starship spacecraft atop the Super Heavy rocket Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Isla Blanca Park in South Padre Island. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer The Starship spacecraft launches atop the Super Heavy rocket Thursday, March 14, 2024, at a SpaceX launch facility in Boca Chica. (Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle) Jon Shapley/Staff photographer The Starship spacecraft launches atop the Super Heavy rocket Thursday, March 14, 2024, at a SpaceX launch facility in Boca Chica. (Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle) Jon Shapley/Staff photographer The Starship spacecraft launches atop the Super Heavy rocket Thursday, March 14, 2024, at a SpaceX launch facility in Boca Chica. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer SpaceXs Starship spacecraft sits atop the Super Heavy rocket ahead of a planned launch Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at a SpaceX facility in Boca Chica. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer SpaceXs Starship spacecraft sits atop the Super Heavy rocket ahead of a planned launch Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at a SpaceX facility in Boca Chica. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer People wait for the the Starship spacecraft to take flight atop the Super Heavy rocket Thursday, March 14, 2024, at a SpaceX launch facility in Boca Chica. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer People wait for a planned launch of the Starship spacecraft atop the Super Heavy rocket Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Isla Blaca Park in South Padre Island. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer A Cybertruck passes a gate to a SpaceX launch facility ahead of a planned launch Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at SpaceX facility in Boca Chica. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer John Adler checks for SpaceX news ahead of a launch of the Starship spacecraft atop the Super Heavy rocket Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at Isla Blanca Park in South Padre Island. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

PHOTOS: See the SpaceX Starship launch in Texas

The Starship spacecraft continued moving around the planet. For the first time, it tested opening payload doors and transferring super-cold propellant from one tank to another, which will be key for future missions. It was also the first Starship to reenter Earth's atmosphere.

The spacecraft was expected to land in the Indian Ocean, but it exploded on the descent.

Ultimately, experts were pleased to see SpaceX meet new goals.

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The Starship spacecraft launches atop the Super Heavy rocket Thursday, March 14, 2024, at a SpaceX launch facility in Boca Chica. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

This was very much the best-case scenario for the full test, Phil Smith, a space industry analyst at BryceTech, said in an email.

Thursdays launch marked the company's third flight test of the combined Super Heavy rocket and Starship spacecraft, collectively called Starship, from Boca Chica, an unincorporated area outside of Brownsville. The combined vehicles are nearly 400 feet tall, surpassing the Statue of Liberty.

The flight lasted nearly 50 minutes, significantly longer than the earlier tests that ended after about four minutes and eight minutes. SpaceX is developing Starship to land NASA astronauts on the moon no sooner than 2026 and ultimately to carry humanity to Mars.

The first combined Starship flight test occurred nearly a year ago. Several of the Super Heavy rocket engines did not ignite or turned off prematurely. The launch pad was destroyed and caused sand to rain down 6 miles away in Port Isabel. Ultimately, an onboard system detonated the vehicles after Starship failed to separate from the Super Heavy booster and they began to tumble.

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Lizzy Perry, 8, looks through the fog ahead of a planned launch of the Starship spacecraft atop the Super Heavy rocket Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Isla Blanca Park in South Padre Island. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

SpaceX made many adjustments ahead of its second flight on Nov. 18, including a new system that uses water to protect the launch pad from the rocket engines. The launch pad stayed intact. And many of the milestones reached in this second flight, including igniting all 33 Super Heavy engines for the upward climb and separating Starship from the rocket booster, were replicated on Thursday.

The company said that its already preparing to build on Thursday's lessons for future flights as it seeks to increase Starships launch cadence this year.

This rapid iterative development approach has been the basis for all of SpaceXs major innovative advancements, including Falcon, Dragon, and Starlink, the company said on its website. Recursive improvement is essential as we work to build a fully reusable transportation system capable of carrying both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, help humanity return to the moon, and ultimately travel to Mars and beyond.

Landing in the Indian Ocean was a new trajectory from the earlier flights, which hoped to land Starship off the coast of Hawaii. SpaceX said the new path, which did not take a full lap of the Earth, would allow the company to attempt igniting one engine in space while maximizing public safety. But it ultimately did not re-ignite this engine on the third flight.

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The Starship spacecraft flies atop the Super Heavy rocket Thursday, March 14, 2024, at a SpaceX launch facility in Boca Chica. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

Several critical aspects of Thursdays flight test  igniting Super Heavys engines, separating the two spacecraft and conducting two tests while Starship was in space  went perfectly, said Greg Autry, director of Arizona State Universitys Thunderbird Initiative for Space Leadership, Policy and Business.

While it would have been great for the booster to have demonstrated a simulated landing, that is a challenge SpaceX has conquered before, Autry said in an email. Nobody expected this Starship to survive its landing, and its final disposition wasnt critical to the missions goals.

He also praised the mission for moving Texas closer to becoming a destination for orbital spaceflight, which will be important as rocket launches increase in the coming decades.

And both Autry and Smith emphasized the importance of learning to transfer super-cold propellant in space, saying the SpaceX test was a step in the right direction.

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Because when Starship does venture into deep space, and not on a flight test, it will not have enough propellant to reach the moon for NASA's Artemis missions. SpaceX will have to launch roughly 10 Starship spacecraft into Earths orbit, each transferring propellant into a single spacecraft circling the planet. The orbiting vehicle then would provide propellant to a final Starship, the one being used as NASAs human landing system, to reach the moon.

Smith emphasized the importance of refueling Starship for landing NASA astronauts on the moon. Autry added that refueling in orbit would help develop a space economy and reduce space junk.
Do you know a lot about the Jewish sacrifices? Are you familiar with the law? Do you have a great understanding of the priesthood and the temple?

Many of us, as modern-day Christians, often feel distant from the Old Covenant found in the Old Testament of our Bibles. The first covenant that God made with His people is now fulfilled through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. He brought the New Covenant into action.

Thankfully, there is a beautiful book in the New Testament to help us have a greater understanding of both the old and the new. Here are seven reasons every Christian should read Hebrews.

1. We Understand Jesus Sacrifice More Clearly

The Son is the radiance of Gods glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven (Hebrews 1:3).

Hebrews is a book that was written to Jewish Christians who were new believers. They understood the practices that were set in place by the law for those who followed Yahweh. They felt the weight of their sin every time an animal was sacrificed, or once a year when the high priest went in the Holy of Holies on behalf of their sins.

Hebrews helps us get a glimpse of these common Jewish practices, and how Christ fulfilled them.

2. We Learn about Jesus as King

Hebrews teaches us that Jesus is our King. He is reigning over all. He is supreme and majestic. He is worthy of our worship. When we understand that He is sovereign and trustworthy, it provides us with a greater adoration of our King of kings. We are reminded of the level of respect and awe that He is deserving of, and we become even more amazed that He would leave His heavenly throne to come to us to become our Savior.

When we ponder the greatest rulers of all time, the thought that they would even give us one second of their time is far-fetched. The likelihood is slim, but we could approach their throne and formally visit them. How much greater is our King of kings? He is far beyond any earthly ruler, however He left His throne to come to us and sacrifice Himself for us. He is now seated back at the right hand of Majesty, and we are now given full access to His throne 24/7. Wow!

3. We Learn about Jesus as High Priest

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 6:19-20).

Melchizedek is a high priest of great mystery, found in Genesis 14. Melchizedek has no genealogy. In fact, Scripture tells us that he had no beginning or end (Hebrews 7:3) His priesthood is eternal. His priesthood is the priesthood of Jesus.

In order for our Savior to fulfill His role as Messiah, He had to be from the tribe of Judah. But priests were from the tribe of Levi. How would Jesus be both a King and a High Priest? This is because God intentionally chose the virgin Mary to carry him, and selected Joseph to be his earthly adopted father because Joseph was in the line of David.

Think about this, the fathers name gave the identity. Joseph gave Jesus the line of David (King). Just like Pharoahs daughter adopted Moses and took him in, he had full access to the benefits of the Egyptian kingdom. Melchizedek gave Jesus the Priesthood. Jesus was from the order of Melchizedek (Priest). He became the Great High Priest for all who believe.

4. The Torn Veil Means More to Us

Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh (Hebrews 10:19-20).

A high priest went into the Holy of Holies once a year. Only one man was selected from the priesthood, and this man was given the opportunity to go into the presence of God behind the veil. It was a great honor.

When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, it says in Matthew 27:51, Mark 15:38, and Luke 23:45 that the veil to the Holy of Holies tore in two from top to bottom. Jesus broke the barrier between us and the Lord. His death was the final sacrifice to give us full access to our Creator again.

5. We Will Mourn Our Sin

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us (Hebrews 12:1).

Hebrews causes us to feel the weight of our sinful hearts, evil desires, disobedience, and fallen nature. We realize that sin truly does entangle us and in Christ, we are called and empowered to throw off the sin that gets us stuck so easily. We do not have to provide animal sacrifices because of what Jesus did for us, however, let us not forget the great need of what Jesus did on our behalf. We can mourn over our sin and celebrate salvation in Christ. This can lead us to a repentant lifestyle as He refines us and opens our eyes to sins in our lives.

6. We Are Encouraged to Live by Faith

Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1).

The Hall of Faith is found in Hebrews 11. This chapter contains a list of many men and women who lived by faith to follow God. It encourages us to also live by faith. This leads us to be living empowered by the Holy Spirit, standing on the Word of God, and trusting in the Lord as we seek Him and walk with Him daily.

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7. We Can Communicate More Effectively with Jews

You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel (Hebrews 12:23b-24).

Hebrews is a wonderful book of the Bible to read with a Jewish friend or to gain a greater understanding of how Jesus is the Messiah. The book enables us to comprehend the big picture of how Jesus fulfilled the law and came to be the sacrifice for all who believe in Him. Hebrews reveals that God made a New Covenant and the Old Covenant was fulfilled by Jesus. His law was perfect, the imperfection was the people. We could not keep our end of the covenant.

Websters Dictionary defines a covenant as: a written agreement or promise usually under seal between two or more parties especially for the performance of some action.

Gods end of the covenant was perfect and fulfilled, our end however was not. We broke the covenant; we could not keep it. So God, being rich in mercy, came down and made us a new covenant, one that was fully reliant on Him, not what we could do. We need our Savior. He is so kind to us. As we ponder the power and the grace that He has entrusted to all who believe in Him, may we celebrate this eternal gift today and forever.

Photo credit: Unsplash/Tim Wildsmith

Emma Danzeys mission in life stems from Ephesians 3:20-21, to embrace the extraordinary. One of her greatest joys is to journey with the Lord in His Scriptures. She is wife to Drew and mom to Graham. Emma serves alongside her husband in ministry, she focuses most of her time in the home, but loves to provide articles on the Bible, life questions, and Christian lifestyle. Her article on Interracial Marriage was the number 1 on Crosswalk in 2021. Most recently, Emma released Treasures for Tots, (Scripture memory songs) for young children. During her ministry career, Emma has released Wildflower: Blooming Through Singleness, two worship EP albums, founded and led Polished Conference Ministries, and ran the Refined Magazine. You can view her articles on her blog at emmadanzey.wordpress.com and check out her Instagram @Emmadanzey.
Easter Sunday is fast approaching and with it an excitement that grows by the day. I dont know about you, but Easter Sunday is my favorite day to be in church. We celebrate in a big way and my heart is overwhelmed with joy. We can prepare our hearts for this special day with Easter Sunday prayers and blessings.

Why Do We Celebrate Easter Sunday?

Easter Sunday is all about celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. On Good Friday we spend time remembering the death of Jesus on a cross. Even though He was the only human to ever live a sinless life, He took the sins of the world upon Himself and died in our place. But Jesus didnt stay dead. Oh no! Three days later He rose from the dead, defeating sin and death once and for all.

We can live in spiritual freedom because Jesus lives. We can live in a relationship with God because Jesus lives. We can live an abundant life in the midst of trials because Jesus overcame the world. We can experience peace in the midst of the storms of life because Jesus lives and intercedes on our behalf. We can experience victory in this life because Jesus was victorious over sin and death. When our time here on earth comes to an end, its just the beginning because Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us. Eternity with Him begins the moment we accept the gift of His life in exchange for ours. Now thats something worth celebrating!

13 Beautiful Easter Sunday Blessing and Prayers

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace Numbers 6:24-25.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen Galatians 1:3-5.

Dear God, we praise you for your great strength, we praise you for your lavish love. We praise you that you are Conqueror, Victor, Redeemer, and Friend. We praise you that you are Deliverer, Worthy One, Everlasting Father, Great and Awesome God. To you be glory and honor, on this Resurrection Day, and forever. In Jesus name, Amen. Debbie McDaniel

I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come Ephesians 1:16-21.

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God Ephesians 3:14-19.

Lord, You are so amazing! How can I ever thank You enough for coming into this world to give Your life for me? I'm sorry for the times I get so busy that I fail to remember the incredible love You willfully demonstrated to me by going to the Cross. You didn't have to do it, but You did it for me. I thank You from the depths of my heart for loving me so completely! I pray this in Jesus' name! Rick Renner

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen Ephesians 3:20-21.

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God Philippians 1:9-11.

The Light of God Surrounds me.

The Love of God Enfolds me.

The Power of God Protects me.

The Presence of God Watches over me.

Where I am, God is and All is Well.

Clare Campbell (adaption of a prayer by Catherine Ponder)

"May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins Colossians 1:11-14.

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.

Dear Jesus, you have promised that if I believe in you, everything Ive ever done wrong will be forgiven, I will learn the purpose of my life, and you will accept me into your eternal home in Heaven one day. I confess my sin, and I believe that you are God, my Savior. I receive you into my life as my Lord. Today Im turning over every part of my life to your management. You have the right to call the shots in my life. Jesus, I want to relax in your love. Thank you that I dont have to earn it or deserve it or work for it. I want to use the rest of my life to serve you instead of serving myself. I humbly commit my life to you and ask you to save me and accept me into your family. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen. Rick Warren

Romans 10:9 says, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. If you did that for the first time today, welcome to the family of God! I leave you with my own prayer of gratitude for everything we celebrate on Easter Sunday and every other day.

"Thank You, Jesus. A simple thank You doesnt seem sufficient when we consider all that You have done for us, but its all we have to give. We know that there is nothing we can do to earn Your love or deserve the sacrifice You made for us. We could never work hard enough or do enough good deeds to earn a place in Heaven with You. Thank You for having a better plan, Lord. Thank You for sending Jesus to do what we could not, so that we can have what we dont deserve. Its the best gift we could ever imagine. We receive this gift and we choose to believe in Your name, Everlasting Father. Amen."

BONUS! Hear This Guided Easter Prayer, Written & Read by Meg Bucher:

Great Bible Verses for Easter Sunday

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him John 3:16-17, ESV.

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you. So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, Greetings! And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him Matthew 28:1-9.

For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation Romans 5:10-11.

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father Philippians 2:5-11.

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself Hebrews 7:25-27.

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit Romans 8:1-4.

Photo credit: GettyImages/IrisImages

Passionate about helping people find joy for their journey, Josie Siler, a small-town Wisconsin girl, has big dreams. As an author and photographer, Josie shares Gods gifts of beauty, hope, and adventure with people who are overwhelmed by lifes circumstances, encouraging them to walk in the freedom and joy found in Jesus. Josie is the author of the award-winning picture book, Howies Broken Hee-Haw, published by End Game Press. She's also a chronic illness warrior who believes every day is a gift that should be celebrated. When shes not writing or taking pictures, youll find Josie looking for adventure, curled up with a good book, or cuddling her teddy bear dog Ruby Mae (a.k.a. The Scruffy Princess). Connect with Josie at JosieSiler.com.
Clarkston, WA (99403)

Today

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 38F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 38F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
This course in AR and VR programming bridges the need for qualified professionals in the field

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation is partnering with VyVoxel, an international AR/VR/MR company, to offer a course on Augmented Reality / Virtual Reality (AR/VR) Programming for students to build a career in this cutting-edge field. The course is offered in online mode and has a duration of 60 hours.

VyVoxel is a company based in the US and in Chennai specialising in visual computing and application development. They develop enterprise solutions in AR, VR and MR experiences, 3D graphics, animation, programming and computer vision.

VR simulations can be used to train medical professionals in a safe and realistic environment, allowing for practising complex procedures and decision-making skills.

Augmented and Virtual Reality as a field has seen several technological advancements recently. Market analysts predict the AR and VR market to reach a size of $71.2 billion to $372.73 billion by 2032, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) ranging from 23.2% to 39.8%.
South African Tourism (SA Tourism) has appointed Talib Sadik as chief financial officer and Siya Mthethwa as chief strategy officer.

Sadik, a seasoned chartered accountant with over 30 years of experience, brings extensive financial expertise to his new role. He has a proven track record of making significant contributions to organisations in both the public and private sectors.

Mthethwa, with 20+ years of experience across consulting, financial services, public sector, and tech startups, will play a vital role in positioning SA Tourism as an industry leader. He will oversee research, insights, analytics, and innovation initiatives crucial for this endeavour.


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The Bowdoin senior, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as an infant, was invited to participate in the event to personalize the health care policy issue that Biden focused on in his remarks.

The disease, which is progressive and has no cure, requires Keller to take numerous life-sustaining prescription drugs. Like countless others grappling with chronic illnesses, I have witnessed firsthand the burden exorbitant drug costs have imposed on my family, she said at the podium, acknowledging her father, Donald Kreis, standing behind her.

Last year, her family spent almost $3,000 out of pocket for her medications. Just one of the drugs she takes would have an annual list price of more than $300,000 without insurance coverage.

A government and English major, Keller one day hopes to be an attorney who fights for good governance practices and effective public administration, she said in her speech. I want to spend my time planning for that future. Instead I am worried about my ability to afford my health care and live an independent life.

A couple of days later, Keller provided a few more details about what it was like to participate in the political event, which she described as an opportunity of a lifetime.

She said that the event organizers had invited her to check out the YMCA venue ahead of time, where she got to the witness the preparationsbuilding the stage, setting up cameras, testing teleprompters, etc. That was when it really sunk in, that I would be up there speaking behind a podium with the presidential seal, she wrote in an email.

She and her dad chatted with Biden backstage before she introduced him, which she said was a blast and a bit surreal. He and my father exchanged low-quality dad jokes and then the President took my side on a little debate my dad and I had about how deferential daughters should be to their fathers when writing presidential introductions. (Take that, dad!), she added.

The audience included local politicians, health care policy experts, families like hers, members of the press, and some of New Hampshire's congressional delegation.

She got a chance to speak with New Hampshire Senator Maggie Hassan and also gave interviews to reporters (check out this clip with NBCBoston).
Advanced technologies spur low-carbon lifestyle across China

People's Daily Online) 13:23, March 14, 2024

Advanced green and low-carbon technologies have made their way in recent years to various industries in China, such as the construction, agriculture, and transportation sectors, empowering people across the country to enjoy eco-friendly lifestyles.

In China, the proportion of green building area in newly constructed area has exceeded 90 percent, according to Peng Shou, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

Continuous breakthroughs in China's green building materials industry have constantly updated the industry's business forms, Peng said during a recent interview.

In Beijings Chaoyang district, a total of 20 energy-saving technologies of seven major categories have helped put an "energy-saving outfit" on a building constructed in 1987, making it Beijing's first zero-carbon building after renovation, and also a model of green buildings in the field of public building renovation.

Aerial photo taken on Sept. 9, 2022 shows the Xiong'an Railway Station in Xiong'an New Area, north China's Hebei Province. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

Relevant technologies have reduced the building's energy consumption to 66 percent of its pre-renovation levels, and various photovoltaic facilities installed on the surface of the building act as "energy collectors," providing sufficient electricity for the building, explained Gong Haiguang, director of the Beijing building energy efficiency research and development center.

Not long ago, the first zero-carbon office building in southwest China's Guizhou Province was put into use.

The building is equipped with two wind turbines, which are expected to generate 3,299 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually. The utilization of shallow geothermal energy helps ensure heating in winter and cooling in summer for the building.

"Green buildings are an essential means of shaping green production and lifestyles, and driving industrial transformation and upgrading," Peng said, noting that the implementation of relevant policies has given China an advantage in the large-scale development of green buildings.

Low-carbon technologies have also deeply integrated into the country's agriculture sector, facilitating efforts to achieve a win-win situation for agricultural production and environmental protection.

In Huantai county, Zibo city, east China's Shandong Province, a low-carbon wheat field covering an area of 200 mu (13.33 hectares) has realized the goal of increasing yield while ensuring environmental protection by employing no-till farming and precision fertilization, among other methods of modern agriculture.

The wheat field is on a farm operated under the Modern Agriculture Platform (MAP) business model of Syngenta Group China, an agriculture giant owned by Sinochem Holdings.

Compared to traditional farming methods, these modern methods can increase the wheat yield per mu by about 7.5 percent, while reducing the use of agricultural machinery operations by two to three times, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions by about 30 percent, according to Jiang Yekui, chief sustainability officer of Syngenta Group China.

"To reduce carbon emissions, we adopted the no-till farming method from the start. Compared to traditional methods, this approach allows the soil to better fix carbon," Jiang explained.

"More precise water and fertilizer management is also a key measure to reduce carbon emissions. By adopting the method of formulated fertilization based on soil testing and management technologies in integrating water and fertilizers, we have been able to save water by 50 percent and fertilizers by 30 to 50 percent," Jiang added.

In many cities across the country, smart urban public transportation networks empowered by low-carbon technologies have paved the way for green travel.

Bus-hailing services and mobile charging robots, as part of such smart transportation networks, have brought tangible benefits to urban residents in many Chinese cities.

Zhu Tingting, a woman who works for a company in Xi'an city, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, takes a "pre-ordered" shuttle bus from a subway station to her workplace every morning.

She places an order for the bus service on her mobile phone, and can get on the bus as soon as she gets out of the subway station, which has made commuting much more convenient, Zhu said.

Such "pre-ordered" shuttle buses, which reflects an innovative bus-hailing service Xi'an has launched to shape a diversified bus service system, allow citizens to enjoy "on-demand, economical, fast, order-based, and one-stop" bus rides, and have become the preferred choice for commuting for many people.

At a bamboo expo park in Anji county, east China's Zhejiang Province, a mobile charging robot saves owners of electric cars the trouble of waiting at or searching for charging piles themselves.

"In the past, car owners looked for charging piles to charge their cars. Now, charging piles look for vehicles that need to get charged," said Yu Xiang, vice president of China's electric vehicle charging service provider Newlink NaaS, adding that mobile charging robots have overcome the limitations of fixed charging piles in terms of site and battery capacity.

"Smart transportation has greatly optimized travel routes, promoted traffic safety, and facilitated energy conservation and emission reduction endeavors," said Wang Xianjin, vice president and chief engineer of China Academy of Transportation Sciences.

Smart transportation can contribute to China's efforts to realize its goal of peaking carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060 on at least three levels, Wang noted.

First, smart transportation can integrate the resources of the transportation system and provide integrated transportation services, thus optimizing the structure of the transportation network; second, innovations and advancements in smart transportation technologies can bring significant changes to the entire industry, improving travel efficiency; and third, smart transportation technologies can ensure the accurate monitoring and measurement of carbon emissions across the transportation industry at relatively low social costs, providing a scientific basis for the formulation of relevant measures, he explained.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Texas maintains a robust deer population, about 5.4 million animals, according the latest estimate from Texas Parks Wildlife Department white-tailed deer program leader Alan Cain. Photo by Matt Williams

Texas reported just one hunting-related fatality and 10 hunting-related injuries last year, a record low number of deaths for the year.

Only a single fatality has been reported for each of the last four years, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife.

RATTLESNAKES IN TEXAS: Here's what you need to know about rattlesnake season in Texas

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The highest accidents reported in Texas was in 1972, with 30 fatal hunting-related accidents, the agency's release states.

Texas had 1.1 million hunting license holders in 2023, according to Stacker, which compiles the number from federal data.

Houston tends to have a low percentage of accidents reported, said Steve Hall, coordinator of the agency's Hunter Education program.

"Most of the (hunting accidents) tend to be in Central Texas and South Texas," Hall said, noting that most accidents are related to dove and hog hunting. "The only ones in Houston tend to be on the coast. And those tend to be rare."

The last fatal accident that was reported in the Houston-area was in 2008, where a hunter in Chambers County accidentally shot himself with his shotgun after trying to load it into his truck, according to the 2008 Texas Hunting Accident Report.

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Officials cite the Hunter Education program, which was made mandatory for all hunters in 1988, as the reason for the steady decrease in accidents.

"The continued decline in hunting-related accidents and fatalities is in large part due to the efforts of the TPWD Hunter Education Program and the many Hunter Education instructors across the state, many whom are volunteers," Hall said. "Beyond safety, we teach hunters how to be legal, ethical, take a good shot and take care of game from field to fork."

More than 1.5 million students have been certified since 1972, the release states. In 2023, nearly 50,000 students were certified, with more than 1.2 million licenses sold.

Out of the hunters that have been certified, most come from the Houston area, Hall said, noting that most hunters travel outside of the city to hunt.

"There could be a lot of folks in the accident reports that are from Houston, but the accident occurs in another county," he said.

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Hunting Education Program

Hunter Education is required for all hunters in Texas, including out-of-state hunters, born on or after Sept. 2, 1971.

TEXAS PANHANDLE FIRES: Houston comes together to support those affected by the Texas Panhandle fires

The cost to enroll in the program in $15 if in a classroom, or through the "Internet + Field Course," which is a hybrid of online course and in-field instruction. Hunters that are 17-years-old and older can enroll in an online-only class, with fees paid through the provider. Courses last up to six hours, the agency's website states.

How to hunt safely

Whether hunters are at their home, en route to a hunting spot or in the field, the Texas Parks and Wildlife encourages them to hunt safely.

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This includes watching where hunters point their muzzle, unloading all firearms when not in use, keeping their fingers outside of the trigger guard until ready to shoot, being sure of their target and wearing blaze orange to be seen by other hunters.

For Waterfowl hunters, they should wear protective clothing, waders and approved life jackets while in boats or around water, especially during winter. For dove, quail and pheasant hunters, they should communicate and stick to their safe zone of fire, and never shoot towards another hunter, building, structure, or domestic animal such as a cow.

Hunters must have proof of a Hunter Education certification on them while in the field, the release states.

For more information, visit tpwd.texas.gov.
Hana Ikramuddin is a Hearst Fellow for the Houston Chronicle.

Raised in the Twin Cities, Hana majored in journalism and political science at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.

She has held internships with the Star Tribune, APM Reports and Sahan Journal. In her free time, she loves to cook, make chai and take care of her houseplants.
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Fuels for Ireland (FFI), the industry body representing entities providing 50 per cent of Ireland's total energy, is "urgently" calling for the Minister for Finance and the Government to postpone the planned increase in excise duty on fuels which is scheduled for April 1st.

The British chancellor announced last week that he has postponed increases on fuel excise duties for 12 months. In Ireland, there are two excise duty increases scheduled for April and August.

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The resultant differences in prices at the fuel pumps between Ireland and the UK will put fuel retailers operating in counties Louth, Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim, Sligo and Donegal "at such a disadvantage that many will face the prospect of going out of business".

FFI also reiterated its call for the establishment of an Expert Group on Taxation to examine all issues surrounding tax as the economy transitions to net zero carbon emissions.

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Kevin McPartlan, chief executive of Fuels for Ireland said there could be a 15 per cent per litre difference in prices between the mentioned counties and stations across the Border by August.

'Huge pressure'

"Undoubtedly, this would mean that retailers in Counties Louth, Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim, Sligo and Donegal would be under such huge pressure that many could go out of business.

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During the cost-of-living crisis, the Irish Government made the correct decision to reduce excise duties on fuel. The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer made a similar decision. Ireland intends to increase excise duties to their previous levels with two increases on April 1st and August 1st. However, just last week in his Spring Budget, the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, announced that the UK will postpone any increases for the next 12 months.

"This will lead to a huge difference in prices at the pump with retailer south of the border at an extreme disadvantage. Forecourt operators in border constituencies are expected to face a substantial reduction in demand. With many retailers situated near the Border, the price gap between Northern Ireland and Ireland will drive consumers across the Border, posing a grave threat to the viability of local forecourts."

Mr McPartlan added: Secondly, the Irish Exchequer stands to suffer a considerable loss in income as fuel sales plummet due to cross-border purchases. This reduction in State revenue contradicts the intended goal of increasing excise duty.

Fuels for Ireland urges the Minister for Finance and the Government to reconsider the decision to increase excise duty and to postpone it in light of the UK's actions.

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Additionally, we call for the establishment of an Expert Group on Taxation to assess the broader implications of taxation changes, especially in alignment with our commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

We urge the Government to prioritise the economic stability of Border constituencies and the nation as a whole by addressing this issue promptly.
Meghan Markle has launched a new business venture with an Instagram teaser.

A vintage-style video of Meghan cooking and arranging white hydrangeas and roses was posted to the new American Riviera Orchard Instagram account on Thursday.

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The brief video is set to Nancy Wilsons I Wish You Love and closes with the brands logo, American Riviera Orchard, written in fine gold script above the word Montecito  a celebrity enclave near Santa Barbara in California where Meghan and Britain's Prince Harry live.

Meghan Markle has launched a new brand (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

Little information has been released about American Riviera Orchard but a trademark application filed on February 2 this year shows the company wishes to offer downloadable and printed recipe books, table wear, textiles, and jams and marmalades, according to the United States Patent and Trademark Office website.

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The account had 100,000 followers just three hours after its first post.

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The launch comes as the Prince and Princess of Wales face intense scrutiny, after Kate publicly apologised and confessed to digitally editing a family portrait taken by William and released by Kensington Palace to mark Mothers Day.

Meghan has not run an Instagram account since the Sussexes stepped back from royal life four years ago.

Previously, they ran a joint account @sussexroyal but announced they would stop posting in March 2020.
Holly Willoughby is to present a Netflix show in which adventurer Bear Grylls hunts down celebrities in the jungle.

The action-packed reality competition, which will be presented by the former This Morning host, has a working title of Bear Hunt.

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In the show, which is to be released next year, British celebrities will be dropped into the Central American jungle and become prey to survival expert Grylls.

Bear Grylls will star in a new Netflix celebrity competition series. Photo: Ian West/PA.

Grylls, 49, will put the famous faces through their paces, and competitors who fail to impress him will face the Bear Hunt  a game of cat and mouse in which they will be eliminated if they are captured.

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Netflix has also announced that another series of Charlie Brookers dystopian anthology series Black Mirror will be coming to the platform in 2025.

Series seven will comprise six new episodes, including a sequel to the sci-fi adventure episode USS Callister.

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The streaming platform will also be bringing Marian Keyes best-selling novel Grown Ups to the screen in 2026, in the form of a family drama.

Another programme arriving on Netflix in 2026 is three-part documentary Millennium Diamond Heist, based on the Millennium Dome raid in 2000 in which a group of south-east London criminals orchestrated an attempted heist in broad daylight.

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Charlie Brookers Black Mirror is set for a return. Photo: Matt Crossick/PA.

Filmmaker Guy Ritchie serves as a co-executive producer.

Elsewhere, Suranne Jones plays a British prime minister in high stakes series The Choice, coming to Netflix next year.

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Jones, who is also an executive producer on the series, stars as the recently elected Abigail Dalton, while Julie Delpy plays the first female French president campaigning for re-election.

The pair work together after Abigails husband is kidnapped and Vivienne begins to be blackmailed.

A documentary series taking a look at the day Gareth Southgates England team lost the Euros to Italy on July 11th 2021 will also be coming to the platform this year.

The Final: Attack On Wembley will have first-hand testimonies and user-generated content exploring how ticketless fans arrived at Wembley to storm the stadium.

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England fans and police outside Wembley Stadium. Photo: Zac Goodwin/PA.

Elsewhere, the story of the Guinness family, set in 19th century Dublin and New York, will be explored in an eight-episode series.

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It will depict the consequences of the death of Benjamin Guinness, the man responsible for the success of the famous brewery.

The working title is House Of Guinness and the release date is yet to be confirmed.

A new crime noir series called The Undertow will also be coming to Netflix, starring Jamie Dornan as identical twins Adam and Lee.

The programme is based on the Nordisk Film Production AS television series Twin and production will start in the Scottish Highlands and islands this year.

Another show commissioned for Netflix, The Witness, follows the investigations into Rachel Nickells murder from the point of view of her son Alex Hanscombe, who witnessed her brutal death aged two.

Three hour-long episodes, based on Hanscombes memoir, will be released next year.
Former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne has revealed she wants Nikita Kuzmin and Levi Roots to be in the Celebrity Big Brother final as she left the show.

The housemates marked the last day on the show for Osbourne, who has been a celebrity lodger in the house, with a farewell tea party.

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The contestants delivered farewell speeches to Osbourne, who they described as our Queen.

A tea party was the only fitting farewell for Mrs O  #CBBUK pic.twitter.com/pblxxev4vP  Celebrity Big Brother UK (@bbuk) March 13, 2024 Advertisement

Former This Morning presenter Fern Britton told her: Youve navigated a life thats been full of excitement and also tribulations and youve emerged always tremendously gracious and very well loved.

Strictly Come Dancing professional Kuzmin said: I honestly love you so much. Youre the mother which we all count on and youve been so genuine, so kind, youve been so much yourself, youre just our queen Sharon. We love you so, so much and we will miss you dearly.

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TV star Osbourne told her fellow housemates: Ive had a great time, met new friends and Im going to watch you on your paths and may all your dreams come true.

Speaking in the diary room, she added: Its just been so much better than I couldve ever imagined.

If someone said to me, Youre going to come into Big Brother and youre going to have the best time and youre going to have fun, I would have gone, Yeah, right.

I never have thought that I would have been in a house with 11 strangers but its worked out fantastic and I hope that we can all stay in touch.

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Later in the evening, the housemates give her a round of applause as she left, shouting: We love you Sharon.

pic.twitter.com/VDZcvvy6DR  Celebrity Big Brother UK (@bbuk) March 13, 2024 Advertisement

Before she left, she revealed that Kuzmin and Dragons Den star Roots were the contestants who had made the most lasting impact on her and deserve to be in the final.

She told a shocked Kuzmin she picked him because hes beautiful inside and outside, and chose Roots as he is at peace with the world, he only wants good things and hes genuinely a good guy.

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Real Housewives Of Cheshire star Lauren Simon was also booted out, meaning Louis Walsh and Britton escaped.

Walsh claimed he was ready to go but did not want to be nominated again, while Britton said in the diary room that she was shocked as she was absolutely certain I was off.

Later in the episode, the housemates played jelly bean roulette, answering tricky questions about fellow contestants.

Former X Factor judge Walsh was singled out for a number of unfavourable traits, including being picked as laziest by Britton and least trustworthy by YouTuber Zeze Millz.

Coronation Street actor Colson Smith chose Walsh as the biggest game player as he felt the TV star is on the show for different reasons.

However, Smith got upset after he was picked by Roots for being the most boring.

The Princess of Wales (Chris Jackson/PA)

Britton, Osbourne and Walsh also discussed the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex.

Walsh said: I just want to know about Kate Middleton, I know shes a lovely lady, as he revealed he asked her if she had named her youngest son after him at the Chelsea Flower Show last year.

Britton noted that Kate had big shoes to step into as she took on the Princess of Wales title and wedding ring from the late Diana.

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Walsh asked if anyone liked Meghan, to which Britton replied: Shes mysterious. I want to be able to believe what I see, that pretty face and a mother and loving her husband. But theres also, perhaps, I feel, that manipulation behind all of that.

Osbourne agreed, saying: I think its all put on, I think shes acting.

Britton added that she just wants the Duke of Sussex and their children to be happy and she would like him to return to the UK and make it up with his brother.

Celebrity Big Brother continues on ITV.
Stormonts First Minister has pointed to the considerable opportunities created by the Norths unique dual market access as she urged US companies to invest in the region.

Michelle ONeill insisted the return of stable governance in Belfast was interconnected to economic growth and fostering the right environment to attract more foreign direct investment.

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The Sinn Fein vice president made the pitch to would-be investors at a breakfast event in Washington DC alongside deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly.

Her DUP counterpart Ms Little Pengelly told the NI Bureau Breakfast at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel that it was an exciting time for Northern Ireland as she portrayed the region as a fantastic place to invest.

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly (Niall Carson/PA)

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Their comments came hours after the two leaders were the star attraction at a major dinner for Irish Americans in the US capital.

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Addressing the Ireland Funds national gala on Wednesday evening, they proclaimed that Northern Ireland is open for business.

Reflecting on the event on Thursday, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who also addressed the dinner, said the joint appearance of Ms ONeill and Ms Little Pengelly was a powerful personification of the Good Friday Agreement institutions back working again.

The gala dinner is a key element of the annual St Patricks Day celebrations in the US city. The NI Bureau Breakfast has also become a fixture in the week running up to St Patricks Day.

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Under the Northern Ireland Protocol and Windsor Framework post-Brexit trading arrangements, Northern Ireland businesses can sell freely into both the Great Britain market and the EU single market.

Brexit barriers on moving goods from Britain into Northern Ireland was at the heart of a long-running political dispute that saw the DUP boycott powersharing at Stormont for two years ago.

A deal with the British government aimed at reducing some of the red tape associated with the so-called Irish Sea border led to the DUP ending its blockade six weeks ago, with the ministerial executive being restored thereafter.

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Taoiseach Leo Varadkar speaks to the media at the Salamander Hotel in Washington DC on Thursday (Niall Carson/PA)

That breakthrough has allowed Ms ONeill and Ms Little Pengelly to travel to Washington as First Minister and deputy First Minister.

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With two long powersharing impasses coming either side of the Covid pandemic, it is eight years since a first and deputy first minister have been together in Washington for the St Patricks programme.

Ms ONeill told the breakfast gathering that she and Ms Little Pengelly were determined to work together to create hope and opportunity.

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Were determined to help to work with all sectors to secure good jobs and ensure that we invest in our people, she said.

And these close economic ties that we have with US companies, that weve developed over the course of the past two decades, who have chosen the North as their gateway to Europe, in creating thousands of good jobs, is only something that we will are determined to continue to build upon.

And we will begin to see the considerable opportunities that are created now by the Windsor Framework to use our dual market access, our unique selling point, to grow our exports, to attract further FDI and to drive the all-Ireland economy.

Ms ONeill added: Peace, stability and economic opportunity are all interconnected. And the onus is on all of us as political leaders to work together, to work with each other and to ensure that we work with all of you and we are determined to do that.

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I said last night at the dinner that were in a new era in the north of Ireland, or Northern Ireland, whatever youre most comfortable with calling our home.

And I think that this new era represents, a whole changing portrait in terms of the picture. And there are a new generation of leaders at the helm now, and thats something that I am very proud of  two women leading the way in our executive.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly speaks as Michelle ONeill looks on (Niall Carson/PA)

Ms Little Pengelly said the North had an incredibly important story to tell about what it can offer to investors.

Northern Ireland has come such an incredibly long way, she said.

I know that so many in this room will recognise that, because I know so many in this room have been involved for many, many decades. And I feel incredibly excited about where we are. I feel a real sense of hope. But more than that, a sense of opportunity, an opportunity for what Michelle and I can build by working together, working together constructively, with respect, but with a focus on delivery.

I think it is, and Michelle and I have said this many times, its important for us to stand up here and show leadership. And Im incredibly proud that we are both women in these roles showing leadership.

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But, more than that, what we really want to do is to deliver and to deliver on the big things that matter for people. And one of those that is absolutely key around all of that is building a thriving Northern Ireland, the improvement in our economy, creating those good jobs, those fantastic jobs for our young people, because we know that young people living in Northern Ireland, working in great jobs, that is the future, that is the future for stability for this wonderful place that we call home.

The DUP MLA added: You know, winning the peace has been very difficult, stabilisation as we all know has been a challenge. But I believe that we have an opportunity now to look into the next number of years, the next 25 years of prosperity for Northern Ireland.

This is an exciting time for Northern Ireland.

Speaking to reporters in Washington on Thursday, Mr Varadkar hailed the significance of the speeches from Ms ONeill and Ms Little Pengelly at the Ireland Funds dinner.

I think that was powerful, he said.

To see them take the stage together, to make the speeches they did, to demonstrate the very good chemistry that I think they have, theyre working well together.

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For people at the Ireland Funds dinner, you know people whove helped to raise $600 million for Ireland over the past few decades, I think for them to see that and to see that the Good Friday Agreement is working again, personified in Michelle and Emma, really was my highlight last night.
Local and national meteorologists plan to wear purple on Thursday for Dress for STEM Day, a campaign to encourage more women to join STEM fields. Top, from left: Rachel Briers, KTRK-TV meteorologist; Elita Loresca, KTRK-TV meteorologist; Ginger Zee, chief meteorologist and chief climate correspondent for ABC News. Bottom, from left: Mary Wasson, San Antonio-Express News meteorologist; Elyse Smith, KTRK-TV meteorologist. Contributed photos

If you watched your favorite local weather newscast Thursday morning and noticed a lot of purple, thats because its Dress for STEM Day.

The Dress for STEM movement promotes diversity and inclusion in science, technology, engineering and math  or STEM careers. The public is encouraged to wear purple on March 14 as a gesture of support and advocacy for increased female representation in STEM. To illustrate the issue, Dress for STEM organizers point out that:

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Dress for STEM Day was born from humble beginnings nearly a decade ago.

There was this dress that became really popular with female meteorologists and was called the dress. All these meteorologists bought it because the dress came in every color in the world, said Mary Wasson, a newsroom meteorologist for the San Antonio-Express News and the Houston Chronicle.

But it wasnt until about five years ago that what started as a fun observation on a female meteorologists group on Facebook started to stand for something bigger than themselves.

March 14 is a cool day for science, so a group of a dozen or so female meteorologists decided the day should be about raising awareness that there are not a lot of females in the scientific community, Wasson said.

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Oh my gosh, thats what I want to be

Ginger Zee, chief meteorologist and chief climate correspondent for ABC News, said she thinks (Dress for) STEM gives women something that we didnt necessarily have back in the day that allows you to know this is a supported group.

For Zee, a self-described proud weather nerd, the 1996 film Twister had a significant effect on her at a crucial age.

I saw the movie in the theater and I thought, Oh my gosh, thats what I want to be,  she said. When I talk about representation, Helen Hunts (meteorologist) character wasnt based on a real person, so I guess thanks Hollywood for getting it wrong.

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Elita Loresca, weekday morning meteorologist at KTRK-TV in Houston, said Dress for STEM Day is just one more way to advocate for women in STEM. Its no surprise that STEM subjects in school are difficult, but there are so many conversations now about how cool it is to be a female scientist.

Getting the kids in late elementary to early middle school interested in STEM is critical, said Loresca, a mom to a 12-year-old son and a 9-year-old daughter.

That age group is my favorite to talk to about weather because thats really when they start forming their idea of what they want to be when they grow up, she said.

Elyse Smith, weekend evening meteorologist at KTRK-TV, said Dress for STEM Day is all about representation and connection.

Whenever you can connect people for a common cause through a common bond, a movement will take off organically, Smith said.

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Smith, who shares an alma mater with Zee, believes the Dress for STEM Day initiative has helped to dispel the weather girl association with female meteorologists.

Were meteorologists  I understand where that verbiage comes from, but that doesnt properly represent who the face of weather is anymore in television, Smith added.

Rachel Briers, a fellow meteorologist at KTRK-TV, said she didnt see women doing the weather until high school.

If you dont see someone that looks like you, you might not think, Hey, I can do that, too,  she said.

Despite her familys fondness for the local TV weather anchor, it wasnt until I saw a female meteorologist on TV that I felt like I could obtain a meteorology degree.

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For Briers, her wearing purple on March 14 is personal.

Im wearing purple for my daughter. She already loves math and science, she said. Meteorology Mommy is hoping she goes into weather, but there are so many options for her.

Whats special about March 14?

If you took a high school geometry course, youre probably familiar with pi, a Greek letter that's the symbol for the most well-known mathematical constant: the ratio of a circles circumference to its diameter. Pi is an irrational number that starts with 3.141562654 but goes much farther than that. The closest calendar analog to that number is the date 3/14 or March 14 for Pi Day.
US President Joe Bidens heart is in the right place over the conflict in Gaza, the Irish premier has said.

Leo Varadkar is in Washington DC for a week of engagements which will involve meeting Mr Biden.

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The Taoiseach has said he will tell the the US president that Irish people strongly believe there should be an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Joe Biden (Morry Gash/AP)

Asked by reporters if this years traditional visit to the White House was difficult due to the US administrations position on the Middle East conflict, Mr Varadkar said it presented a new aspect to the engagement.

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He said: Obviously, in Gaza its catastrophic and a great concern.

I have to say, I believe President Bidens heart is in the right place there.

I know hes working with Egypt, with Qatar, with Saudi Arabia and other countries in the region, the Jordanians, to try and get Israel and Hamas to agree to a ceasefire.

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So Im keen to hear from him what his perspective is, but also to put across the very strong view of the Irish people that there should be an immediate ceasefire, so the hostages can be released, so that medicine and food thats desperately needed can get into Gaza.

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But what we need beyond that is a pathway towards a just and lasting piece.
US investors have been told that Northern Ireland is open for business as the regions political leadership addressed a major event in Washington DC.

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly made the remarks at the Ireland Funds national gala, a key part of annual St Patricks Day celebrations in the US city.

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The Sinn Fein and Democratic Unionist Party pairing took centre stage at the event on Wednesday which was also attended by Irish premier Leo Varadkar.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, speaks at the Ireland Funds national gala (Niall Carson/PA)

Mr Varadkar is on a week-long visit to Washington which will see him engage with US President Joe Biden at the White House on a variety of issues including economic ties between the two countries and the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

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Representatives from the Northern Ireland Executive, which was restored six weeks ago after a long-running boycott by the DUP over post-Brexit trading arrangements, arrived in Washington DC for engagements with investors, community groups and politicians.

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Ms ONeill said Stormont representatives were in the US to advocate for Northern Ireland and set out shared priorities.

She said: Were also here with a clarion call to all US investors that were open for businesses, that government has been reinstated  its functional again.

Ms Little-Pengelly said Northern Ireland is a place of great hope, determination and ambition.

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She added: We want to work hand-in-hand, shoulder-to-shoulder in terms of that investment and building that amazing future we know that Northern Ireland has.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland praised the two leaders message to the US audience.

Ms ONeill and Ms Little-Pengelly stressed they were in the US to advocate for Northern Ireland and set out shared priorities (Niall Carson/PA)

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Speaking to the PA news agency, Chris Heaton-Harris said: Two amazing women are leading their nation, bringing a message of positivity about the future about what Northern Ireland can achieve.

I dont think you can ask for a better message to this crowd.

Mr Heaton-Harris said he would be using his time in the US to emphasise that Northern Ireland has unique economic opportunities and that the UK Government is always going to support the region.

Asked if he felt the Westminster administration had to play catch-up with announcements from the Irish Government about investment in projects in Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Secretary said: I think were pretty comfortable with the 14.8 billion (17 billion) block funding and the 3.3 billion we stuck in to get the Executive back up and running.

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During his speech to the gala, Mr Varadkar said there was new hope and new beginning for Northern Ireland following the restoration of power-sharing.

He said: We will do whatever it takes to help build and make the idea of a better future a reality for everyone.

The Taoiseach told the crowd that Palestinian civilians are being subject to humiliation and starvation during the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Mr Varadkar has repeatedly said he will tell the US president that Irish people strongly believe there should be an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

He told the audience: We, as Europeans and Americans that are at least in some part responsible for the troubles in the region, have a duty to do all that we can to bring peace and justice to the Holy Land.

Sinn Fein Leader Mary Lou McDonald speaking to the media at the gala (Niall Carson/PA)

Meanwhile, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald defended the partys attendance at US events, amid calls for Irish politicians to boycott the Washington trip over Gaza.

Ms McDonald told reporters at the black-tie, 1,000-dollar-per-ticket gala that she would talk to the devil himself to bring about ceasefire.

She said: I feel a huge sense of responsibility to do everything that I possibly can to bring about a ceasefire, to advocate for the people of Palestine.

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The gala raised $1.2 million for the Ireland Funds charity, which promotes peace, culture, education and community development across the island of Ireland and around the world.

Mr Varadkar and the Northern Irish political leadership were scheduled to continue engagements across Washington DC on Thursday.
Sinn Fein would turn Irelands friends into enemies, Leo Varadkar has claimed.

Taoiseach said that while the Government and his Fine Gael party are willing to co-operate with Sinn Fein, he is not willing to form a coalition with the opposition party.

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He also said a Sinn Fein government would make Ireland broke again.

Mr Varadkar made the comments to reporters ahead of a black-tie gala in Washington DC, where Sinn Fein vice-president and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeill will address attendees.

Michelle ONeill (Liam McBurney/PA)

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The Ireland Funds national gala is a major part of the Taoiseachs week-long visit to the US for St Patricks Day celebrations.

Asked if his stance on Sinn Fein had changed recently, Mr Varadkar said: No, not in terms of forming a coalition with them.

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Were willing to co-operate with them on certain issues, and we do, and certainly were willing to co-operate in relation to Northern Ireland.

I very much like and respect the First Minister, but forming a coalition in Ireland, forming a sovereign government, is a different thing.

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I firmly believe that Sinn Fein would make Ireland broke again if they pursue their economic and trade policies.

I know theyll tell one thing to business leaders, but theyre telling a very different thing to the Irish people.

And if theyre telling the Irish people the truth, their economic policies will be deleterious for us.

And I think when it comes to foreign policy, that theyll turn our friends and enemies, that will be a very serious matter.

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You know, whether its supporting separatism in Spain, whether its already making an enemy of (European Commission) President (Ursula) von der Leyen by looking to veto even though shell probably get reappointed.

If you look at Cuba, Venezuela, which theyre very quiet about here (in the US), their position of Palestine here and Israel, I think a lot of countries that are friends of ours at the moment will be turned into enemies under Sinn Fein.
A neighbour of one of Dublin's best-known gay bars has told a court his night's sleep was "decimated" by the venue playing "thumping" club music and blasting Whitney Houston or Celine Dion's hits.

Tommy Bergin, who lives with his wife in an apartment above the popular Street 66 bar on Parliament Street, lodged an objection to its music, singing, and dancing licences.

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The case was heard at Dublin District Court by Judge Marie Quirke, who oversees public houses in the capital.

The judge noted expert witnesses gave evidence that the building was not ideal for the co-location of apartments and a late-night venue.

She granted the renewal of the licences on the condition that the premises implemented a ten-decibel drop in the music levels, noting that there was no empirical evidence that this would affect business. The judge also ordered both parties to meet every four months.

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Describing it as an "unfortunate situation," she said on Thursday that the Bergins were entitled to peace and quiet. However, she accepted that the bar owner, Siobhan Conmy, had also bought the venue in good faith and her evidence that she would do everything required.

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The judge refused to change the bar's special exemptions, allowing late-night opening two nights at the weekend.

Dublin City Council employee Mr Bergin and his wife Mai moved into an apartment in 2021. Mr Bergin said the problem began in early 2022 when the Covid restrictions were lifted.

He said the music now coming from the bar was "like an earthquake" and much louder than before.

He could not sleep despite using noise-cancelling headphones. He said that even if he turned his television to full volume, "you could still hear the blast of Celine Dion and Whitney Houston".

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He told his barrister, Conor Duff, that the music was "thumping every night" and also included club-style tunes, and the effect was that "my sleep pattern was absolutely decimated." He could not sleep before 3 am and had to be at work six hours later.

The bar stays open until midnight Monday to Thursday and until 3am at the weekends.

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Asked about the music volume, his wife Mai told the court, "The walls trembled". She could give the court the bar's playlist: "A lot of Taylor Swift, Celine Dion, Britney Spears doing 'Toxic' at one, two or three, and Whitney Houston and 'Psycho Killer".

Mrs Bergin said the night would often end with Ike and Tina Turner's version of Proud Mary.

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She said, "The walls were shaking", and it felt like being in a nightclub.

Night shifts

Another witness who lived in the apartments over the bar also agreed the volume had gone up. He told the court he had to switch to night shifts at work so he could sleep in the daytime.

During the case management stages of the proceedings, the court ordered sound experts from each side to carry out a joint assessment. They differed by two decibels on how much the sound level needed to be reduced.

The venue's audio expert, Diarmuid Keaney, recommended reducing the volume limit at one part of the bar from 88 to 80 decibels, which he said had almost halved the maximum sound level.

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Mr Bergin's audio consultant, Ted Dalton, believed the limit should be 78 decibels in the front bar and 86 decibels in the back.

Owner Siobhan Conmy said her bar, which was called the Front Lounge until 2016, was a fun premises that plays chart music; she said it was an LGBT bar and had that feel about it since 1995

She agreed with her counsel, Dorothy Collins, that she had paid 52,000 for modifications.

The court heard she removed six bass speakers from the bar, installed air conditioning so windows and doors could be kept closed, and soundproofing upgrades had been carried out.

Judge Quirke ordered that the new maximum music volume be limited to the levels recommended by Mr Bergin's expert witness.
Booker prize shortlisted author Paul Murray has been awarded the top gong at the inaugural Nero Book Awards.

The Dublin-born author took home the book of the year prize and 30,000 (35,000) for his fourth novel The Bee Sting, which follows an Irish family facing financial and emotional troubles following the 2008 banking crisis.

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He was selected for the overall prize after he was one of four authors who came out on top in their individual category, each previously receiving 5,000, with Murray winning in the fiction category.

The winner of the Nero Gold Prize, Book of the Year 2023 is...



The Bee Sting



A huge congratulations to Paul Murray!



#NeroBookAwards pic.twitter.com/ZGj4CxscDD  Nero Book Awards (@nerobookawards) March 14, 2024 Advertisement

Murray was announced as the winner during a ceremony held in London on Thursday, which was hosted by award-winning author Bernardine Evaristo.

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Evaristo, who was chairwoman of the judges, said about Murrays book: This is a wonderfully ambitious and entrancing novel about a family imploding against a background of Irelands economic and social crisis of the late noughties.

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Suspenseful and linguistically astonishing, The Bee Sting is written with great wit and humanity, with a cast of complex characters who are held back by their past, mired in the present and longing for a different future.

Paul Murray is a supremely gifted storyteller as we learn of unspoken secrets and desires in difficult and sometimes dangerous situations, in a rich, multi-layered novel that is both epic and intimate in scale.

She hailed the novel as fiction of the finest calibre and said the judges were are unanimous in choosing it as the first book of the year for the Nero Book Awards.

Set in rural Ireland in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crash, The Bee Sting is described as funny and tragic in equal measure.

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It follows a middle-class Irish family as the Irish banking crisis takes its toll on the family finances.

Murray penned the 650-page novel during the pandemic and it has since been shortlisted for a number of awards, including the 2023 Booker Prize, but he was beaten by fellow Irish writer Paul Lynch who won with Prophet Song.

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It also won the An Post Irish Book Awards book of the year gong last year.

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The wait is over.... Here are our 2023 category winning books!



Huge congratulations to @FernBrady, @bethatintervals, @michaelmagee__ and Paul Murray! 



Find out more by clicking here: https://t.co/O9KlNCo99N pic.twitter.com/p7KX18oNNn  Nero Book Awards (@nerobookawards) January 30, 2024

To claim the overall prize, he saw off tough competition from his fellow category winners including Scottish comedian Fern Brady, who won in the non-fiction section for her memoir Strong Female Character, which details her experience being diagnosed with autism.

The winner of the childrens fiction category was Newcastle-based writer Beth Lincoln for murder mystery The Swifts, illustrated by Claire Powell.

Belfast author Michael Magee won the debut fiction prize for Close To Home, which details the story of a young man who comes home to the city after university and has to grapple with the aftermath of an assault he commits at a party.

The awards, launched by high street coffee chain Caffe Nero in 2023, celebrates the craft of writing and the four category winners were chosen by 12 judges who selected books from Ireland and Britain over the last 12 months.
The European Union has become embroiled in a damaging legal standoff between its legislature and its executive Commission over the release of billions in frozen funds to the government of Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban.

The release of the funds came on the eve of a major decision on Ukraine for which Mr Orbans consent was needed.

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Parliamentarians from several groups said that the necessary rule of law commitments needed to release over 10 billion euros (8.5 billion) in funds were not met by Mr Orban and claimed the approval by the Commission was a mere bargaining chip to make sure he would lift his longstanding objections to opening EU membership talks with Ukraine.

One day after the funds were approved, Mr Orban made a stunning reversal at a summit of EU leaders in December and, by letting his time window to oppose the decision lapse, paved the way for it to proceed.

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As a result, the parliament took the exceptional step to sue the Commission in what could amount to an unseemly legal fight right during the heat of the campaign for the June 6-9 EU elections.

The Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen has denied allegations that this amounted to a trade-off.

The Commission considers that it acted in full compliance with EU law and will defend its decision before the EU courts, EU Commission spokesman Christian Wigand said.

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Mr Orban has been in a dispute with the European Commission over Hungarys alleged democratic backsliding for years, and as a result, billions in funding were withheld.

In response, Hungary vetoed statements at the EU on a range of issues  and even exported the problem to Nato, by holding up Swedens bid for membership in the trans-Atlantic military alliance before the Scandinavian nation finally joined this week.



The Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen has denied allegations the decision amounted to a trade-off (Jean-Francois Badias/AP)

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Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has denounced Mr Orbans use of the veto.

I dont want to use the word blackmail, but I dont know what other better word (might fit), she said in December.

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The objections over the timing of the release of money on the eve of the EU summit also angered the EU parliament, leading to the all-party endorsement to start legal proceedings.

We want to make sure that taxpayers money has been treated in accordance with the (EU) Treaties, said Petri Sarvamaa, from the Christian democrat European Peoples Party, or EPP, the biggest in the legislature.

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The parliament might face an uphill battle, since the court would need to show obvious errors committed by the Commission, considered a big task.





The Commission said that even if the timing was awkward, it had to act since Hungary had moved to improve its rule of law record on the issues the EU had demanded.

Hungary had submitted all evidence the Commission had required to show the independence of its judiciary. The Commission is therefore under a legal obligation to adopt this decision, Mr Wigand said.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been one of the most steadfast defenders of Ukraine during the war against Russia and she had pushed hard for the EU to approve the opening of membership talks.

Since she is the EPPs candidate for a second term at the helm of the Commission, support for a court case against the Commission came as a surprise to some.

This is not a political issue for the EPP, this is not an election issue  we only want to have legal clarity, said Mr Sarvamaa.
German lawmakers have rejected a new call by the opposition for the government to send Taurus long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine, a day after Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended his refusal to supply the weapons.

The main centre-right opposition bloc has sought to keep up pressure on the issue and exploit divisions in Mr Scholzs unpopular three-party coalition, even as the German leader tries to put a lid on the debate.

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On Wednesday, he told lawmakers that prudence was a virtue and rejected suggestions that he did not trust Kyiv.

Parliaments lower house, or Bundestag, rejected the opposition Union blocs motion by 495 votes to 190, with five abstentions.



German chancellor Olaf Scholzs position has frustrated the conservative opposition and parts of his own coalition (Markus Schreiber/AP)

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Germany has become the second-biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the United States, but Mr Scholz has stalled for months on Ukraines desire for Taurus missiles, which have a range of up to 310 miles (500km) and could in theory be used against targets far into Russian territory.

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His position has frustrated the conservative opposition and parts of Mr Scholzs own coalition.

The criticism did not diminish after Mr Scholz finally offered a detailed explanation last month, pointing to his insistence that Germany must not become directly involved in the war.

Lawmakers last month urged the government to deliver further long-range weapons to Ukraine but voted down a previous opposition call explicitly urging it to send Taurus missiles.

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Critics reject Mr Scholzs argument that Taurus missiles could only be used responsibly with the involvement of German soldiers, whether inside or outside Ukraine. That, he said Wednesday, is a line that I as chancellor do not want to cross.

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The supposed prudence has always only fuelled (Russian President Vladimir) Putin in his aggression against Ukraine  that is the result, opposition lawmaker Johann Wadephul told lawmakers.

He will only retreat if he is only forced to. Either we enable Ukraine to win the war or we will lose with it. There is no third way.

Rolf Mutzenich, who leads the parliamentary group of Mr Scholzs Social Democrats, suggested that the debate was being driven by domestic political motives.





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Germany is the country that, after the United States, does most for Ukraine, he said.

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A senior lawmaker with the Greens, one of Mr Scholzs junior coalition partners, made clear that her party continued to back sending Taurus missiles but rejected what she called shop-window motions by the opposition.

Agnieszka Brugger noted that any decision could only be made by senior ministers.

But she said that hesitation and procrastination also can ultimately contribute to escalation and rejected Mr Scholzs attempts to shut down the debate.

She said that France and Britain had sent similar missiles and that had not meant a further escalation.
The UK government is in dialogue with the funeral industry as police investigate an alleged scandal at a business in Hull, the prime minister has said.

Legacy Independent Funeral Directors is the subject of an investigation after officers recovered 35 bodies and suspected human ashes from the Hull-based firm.

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Officers cordoned off three of the companys sites after the force received a report last week of concerns about the storage and management processes relating to care of the deceased.

Rishi Sunak was speaking during a visit to Gloucester RFCs stadium in Gloucester. Photo: Leon Neal/PA.

Two people, a man aged 46 and a 23-year-old woman, have been released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of prevention of a lawful and decent burial, fraud by false representation and fraud by abuse of position.

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Speaking during a visit to Gloucester, UK prime minister Rishi Sunak said the UK government was reviewing the regulation of the funeral industry in the wake of the alleged scandal.

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I think when any family experiences that loss, what they deserve is dignity and respect that they need at that particular point in time, Mr Sunak said.

And some of the things that weve been hearing about are obviously very concerning and I cant comment on live investigations.

What I would say is, from our point of view, were already in a dialogue with the industry to make sure that (dignity and respect) it is provided to people when they need it.

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Were reviewing the regulation of the industry, and in the meantime, working with trade bodies who are focused on codes of practice and self-regulation.

Were engaging with them to make sure thats happening but also reviewing the regulation of the industry and in general overall.

Humberside Police, which is investigating the Hull-based firm, said it had received more than 1,000 calls as part of its inquiries.

Some heartbroken family members have spoken of their concerns following the probe, with one woman saying she believed she kissed an empty coffin at her fathers funeral.

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Deputy Chief Constable Dave Marshall told reporters the force was investigating a truly horrific incident during a press conference on Tuesday.

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Flowers continued to be laid at the site on Hessle Road on Wednesday morning after families from Hull and East Yorkshire took to social media to express their concerns over what may have happened to their relatives bodies.

Billie-Jo Suffill, a mother of three from Hull, said she felt physically sick after not receiving her fathers ashes.

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Flowers are left outside the Hessle Road branch of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull. Photo: Dave Higgens/PA.

The 33-year-old lost 52-year-old Andrew Suffill in July 2022, and her brother Dwane Suffill, 34, five days later.

She told the Daily Mirror newspaper: I bet my dad was not even in the coffin  it was an empty coffin.

I was kissing an empty coffin. When I think about it, it is disgusting. Its like something out of a horror movie.

I wonder if this will stop at 35 bodies. I think my dad is one of them.

A friend of a widow told The Times newspaper the body of her late husband, which was supposed to have been cremated, was discovered in the firms freezers eight months later.

The newspaper said three generations of the family had been wearing jewellery they believed had been made from his ashes.

The family friend said: The widow is distraught. The family thought they had his remains and are now asking, If its not him, then who is it?

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They are now grieving again, they have lost that closure that a funeral gives you.

Police remained at the firms Hessle Road site on Wednesday and flowers had been left in front of the shuttered doors of the premises with messages such as RIP you beautiful souls.

The force confirmed more than 120 police and civilian staff were working on the case on Tuesday.

The bodies were removed between Friday morning and Saturday evening, the force said.

Formal identification is taking place at Hulls city mortuary.

Legacy Independent Funeral Directors is owned by Robert Bush, according to Companies House.

Mr Marshall said it was an extremely complex and sensitive investigation, and pledged to put the heartbroken families at the core of the inquiry.

He said: Many will be shocked, horrified and retraumatised through grief following the disclosure of the facts of this case this week.

The Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM), which provides training for those working within the bereavement services, called for funeral directors to be regulated after the probe was announced.
Poorer nations are seeing conditions deteriorating as they bounce back slower from the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a report from the United Nations Development Programme.

Agency head Achim Steiner said that after two decades during which rich and poor countries were coming closer in terms of development, the finding is a very strong warning signal that nations are now drifting apart.

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The Human Development Index that the agency has produced since 1990 is projected to reach record highs in 2023 after steep declines during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021.

But development in half of the worlds poorest countries remains below 2019 pre-pandemic levels, the report said.



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Its a rich persons versus a poor persons world in which we are seeing development unfolding in very unequal, partially incomplete ways, Mr Steiner said at a news conference on Wednesday. Why does this matter? Not only because it creates more vulnerability, it creates also more misery and protracted poverty, growing inequality.

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The growing inequalities are compounded by the concentration of economic wealth, the report said.

It pointed to almost 40% of global trade in goods concentrated in three or fewer countries.

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And it said the stock market value of the three largest tech companies in 2021  Amazon, Apple and Microsoft  surpassed the gross domestic product of more than 90% of the 193 UN member nations that year.

Mr Steiner said the worlds nations should be joining forces to focus on major threats in the 21st century, especially climate change, the next pandemic and the emergence of a digital economy and artificial intelligence.

But instead, he warned, there is increasing division and growing frustration and polarisation.

He said a significant response has been the emergence of populism, which is hostile to international co-operation, saying it is increasingly dividing societies, radicalising the political discourse and essentially turning more and more people against each other.

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Women hold their malnourished children at Hays Rural Hospital in Hodeida, Yemen, in 2022. (AP)

The report says advancing global collective action to tackle the worlds major challenges is hindered by an emerging democracy paradox  90% of people worldwide endorse democracy but for the first time more than half the respondents in a global survey expressed support for leaders that risk undermining the foundations of democracy.

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We are driving ourselves deeper and deeper into a condition where our ability to solve problems is actually being compromised, he said.

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You will not stop climate change with missiles. You will not stop the next pandemic at your border with a tank, and youre certainly not going to stop cybercrime with missiles.

The report calls for more spending on global public goods that benefit all people, including to stabilise climate and the planet, to harness new technologies to improve human development, and to improve the global financial system to benefit low-income countries.

The agencys Human Development Index measures key issues for a long and healthy life, for gaining knowledge and for achieving a decent standard of living.

Based on the latest figures from 2022, the 10 states with the highest human development scores are Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Hong Kong, Denmark, Sweden, Germany and Ireland tied for seventh ahead of Singapore with Australia and the Netherlands tied for 10th place. The United States tied with Luxembourg for 20th place.

The 10 countries with the lowest human development were Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Yemen, Burundi, Mali, Chad, Niger, Central African Republic, South Sudan and Somalia.
Pope Francis says he has no plans to retire and is not suffering from any health problems that would require doing so, saying in a new memoir he still has many projects to bring to fruition.

Francis, 87, made the comments in an autobiography, Life: My Story Through History, which is being published on March 20, the 11th anniversary of his installation as pope.

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Extensive excerpts were published on Thursday in the Italian daily Corriere della Sera.

In the memoir, written with Italian journalist Fabio Marchese Ragona, Francis traces key moments of his life and their intersection with world events (the Second World War, Argentinas military dictatorship and Vatican intrigue) and how they together inform his priorities as Pope.

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Significantly, he addresses recurring speculation about his health problems, criticism from conservatives and what both may mean for the future of his pontificate.

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Such questions have always surrounded the papacy but the prospect of a papal resignation only became a reality with the late Pope Benedict XVIs historic 2013 retirement.

Francis, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, has been battling bronchitis, flu and a cold on and off this winter and for the past two weeks has asked an aide to read most of his speeches.

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He had a chunk of his large intestine removed in 2021 and was hospitalised three times last year, including once to remove intestinal scar tissue from previous surgeries to address diverticulosis, or bulges in his intestinal wall.

In his memoir, he stressed that the papacy is a job for life but that if a serious physical impediment occurs, he has already penned a letter of resignation that is being held in the Secretariat of State.

But this is, I repeat, a distant possibility, because I truly do not have any cause serious enough to make me think of resigning, he said.

Some people may have hoped that sooner or later, perhaps after a stay in the hospital, I might make an announcement of that kind, but there is no risk of it: Thanks be to God, I enjoy good health, and as I have said, there are many projects to bring to fruition, God willing.

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Pope Francis in Rome earlier this month. Photo: Andrew Medichini/AP.

Francis acknowledged that critics inside the Vatican and out have accused him of destroying the papacy and have tried to block the reforms that he was mandated by cardinals to enact as a result of his 2013 election.

There was a strong desire to change things, to abandon certain attitudes, which, sadly, have proved difficult to eradicate, he said.

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Needless to say, there are always some who wish to put the brakes on reform, who want things always to stay as they were during the days of pope kings.

In the memoir, Francis doubled down on his recent decision to allow Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples and denied that the criticism that erupted could split the church.

Africas bishops as a whole, as well as individual conservative bishops around the world, have said they would not follow the new directive.

I just want to say that God loves everyone, especially sinners. And if my brother bishops, according to their discernment, decide not to follow this path it doesnt mean that this is the antechamber to schism, because the churchs doctrine is not brought into question, Francis said.

He reaffirmed his support for civil unions while ruling out gay marriage, saying it is right that these people who experience the gift of love should have the same legal protections as everyone else.

He reasoned that Jesus spent time with people who lived on the margins of society and that is what the church should be doing today with members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Make them feel at home, especially those who have been baptised and are in every respect among Gods people, he said. And those who have not been baptised and would like to be, or who would like to be godfathers or godmothers: let them be welcomed, please; let them follow a careful pathway to personal discernment.
SBISD School Board President Chris Earnest responds to a public remark during a school board meeting on Monday, March 4, 2024, at the Duncan Klussmann Center. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Duncan Klussmann, former superintendent of the Spring Branch ISD, in the media center at Buffalo Creek Elementary School. Gary Fountain, Freelance / For the Chronicle A flag reading  Come and Take It flies in front of the Spring Branch ISD administration building on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023, in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

Things got personal at the most recent Spring Branch ISD board workshop as discussion turned to the possible renaming of the districts education center, currently named after former Superintendent Duncan F. Klussmann.

Some districts have policies where they dont name buildings after people who are alive, board member Lisa Andrews Alpe said at the meeting. And maybe theres a darn good reason for that.

In this case, the boards darn good reason for advancing the proposal is the fact that Klussmann, an education professor at the University of Houston who frequently weighs in on state and local issues, published an op-ed in the Houston Chronicle that was critical of some of the districts recent budget decisions. He wrote that changes, including the elimination of all librarian positions and shutting down Panda Path School for Early Learning, Treasure Forest Elementary and a charter school partnership at Northbrook High School, all of which serve a high-poverty population, were too drastic and done without proper consideration of the impact on students.

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I did take it personal, Alpe continued, as she pushed back on the characterization of district leaders. I see how hard they work and how thoughtful they are. Alpe seconded the motion to go ahead with the hearing, which will be held in the Duncan F. Klussmann Education Center on March 25.

If thats petty, if thats wrong, maybe it is but right now it offends me for them.

When times get tough, good leaders focus on the challenge at hand, and put pettiness aside.

And times are certainly tough.

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Spring Branch ISD isnt alone in facing difficult financial decisions. School districts across the state are grappling with the dual challenges of dwindling COVID-era funds and a bust of a legislative session in which lawmakers special sessioned their way out of making any real investment in our public schools. Proposed school funding increases were almost entirely held up for Gov. Greg Abbotts voucher quest. In their pleas with state lawmakers, the district drew attention to the dire need for a boost in per pupil funding.

Last August, the board voted to withhold the payment required of property-rich districts like Spring Branch and Houston and later flew a Come and Take It flag as a sign of their resistance. Of course, the district cant really stiff the state, even if the state Legislature can stiff the districts. But the gesture earned praise from this editorial board that shares the deep frustration.

Now the Spring Branch board is undercutting its own credibility with its latest consideration of yet another symbolic protest.

The board may contest Klussmanns perspective, and indeed board president Chris Earnest posted his own response online shortly before spring break this week doing just that. When it comes to closing campuses, for example, he wrote, Gentrification is to blame for these decisions, NOT the SBISD Board of Trustees. Demographic shifts may require tough decisions. Renaming buildings because someone was critical of those decisions should not be one of them.

Were not alone apparently.

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Board member John Perez voiced his own reservations about the move at the workshop saying that while he wasnt around when the vote unanimously approved naming the building after Klussmann (as Earnest was) he didnt think this was the best way to handle the disagreements. It would be nice if perhaps we resolved this differently and perhaps had a conversation, he said.

I think it needed to be said, Klussmann told us Monday of his op-ed. I think they have more money from their fund balance that they could use to keep some of these programs in place, he said, reiterating that balance includes both assigned and unassigned dollars.

This state started its last legislative session flush with excess cash. And it ended it that way too, leaving school districts across the state to pick up the pieces of failed promises. Next door in Houston ISD, under state takeover, Superintendent Mike Miles has, for now, managed to increase teacher pay at some campuses and even promised to hold off on school closures, finding ways to trim inefficiencies in district spending instead. The common denominator here is a state that wont cough up enough school funding  Texas ranks near the bottom among states for public school spending  and our anger remains there even if we might also question some of the cuts Spring Branch has decided to make.

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Spring Branch, meanwhile, stands by its decisions. Fine. It shouldnt stoop, then, to petty retaliation.
US Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer called on Israel to hold new elections, saying he believes Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lost his way and is an obstacle to peace in the region amid a growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Mr Schumer, the first Jewish majority leader in the Senate and the highest-ranking Jewish official in the US, strongly criticised Mr Netanyahu in a lengthy speech on the Senate floor.

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Mr Schumer said the prime minister had put himself in a coalition of far-right extremists and as a result, he has been too willing to tolerate the civilian toll in Gaza, which is pushing support for Israel worldwide to historic lows.





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Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah, Mr Schumer said.

The high-level warning comes as an increasing number of Democrats have pushed back against Israel and as US president Joe Biden has stepped up public pressure on Mr Netanyahus government, warning that he needs to pay more attention to the civilian death toll in Gaza.

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This month, the US began airdrops of badly needed humanitarian aid and announced it would establish a temporary pier to get more assistance into Gaza by sea.

Mr Schumer has so far positioned himself as a strong ally of the Israeli government, visiting the country days after the October 7 attack by Hamas and giving a lengthy speech on the Senate floor in December decrying brazen and widespread antisemitism the likes of which we havent seen in generations in this country, if ever.

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Many Israelis hold Benjamin Netanyahu responsible for failing to stop the October 7 cross-border raid by Hamas (Ohad Zwigenberg/Pool/AP)

But he said on the Senate floor on Thursday that the Israeli people are being stifled right now by a governing vision that is stuck in the past.

Mr Schumer said Mr Netanyahu, who has long opposed Palestinian statehood, was one of several obstacles in the way of the two-state solution pushed by the United States. He was also blaming right-wing Israelis, Hamas and Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas.

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Until they were all removed from the equation, he said, there will never be peace in Israel and Gaza and the West Bank.

Mr Schumer said the United States could not dictate the outcome of an election in Israel, but a new election is the only way to allow for a healthy and open decision-making process about the future of Israel, at a time when so many Israelis have lost their confidence in the vision and direction of their government.

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US president Joe Biden has warned Mr Netanyahu that he needs to pay more attention to the civilian death toll in Gaza (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)

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At the White House, national security spokesman John Kirby declined to weigh in on Mr Schumers call for new elections, saying the White House is most focused on getting a temporary ceasefire in place.

We know Leader Schumer feels strongly about this and well certainly let him speak to it and to his comments, Mr Kirby said.

Were going to stay focused on making sure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself while doing everything that they can to avoid civilian casualties.

It is unclear how Mr Schumers unusually direct call will be received in Israel. The next parliamentary elections are expected in 2026 but could be held before then.

Many Israelis hold Mr Netanyahu responsible for failing to stop the October 7 cross-border raid by Hamas, which killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and his popularity appears to have taken a hit as a result.

US priorities in the region have increasingly been hampered by Mr Netanyahus cabinet, which is dominated by ultranationalists. The far-right cabinet members share Mr Netanyahus opposition to Palestinian statehood and other aims that successive US administrations have seen as essential to resolving Palestinian-Israeli conflicts long-term.
The data on carbon emissions in 2023 is only just in, but we can already predict where things will go this year.

Global greenhouse pollution hit a new record and increased 1.1 per cent last year, the International Energy Agency reported last week. That was almost entirely a China story. Had the country held its carbon budget steady  or reduced it, in the manner of fellow high-income countries whose pollution is now at a 50-year low  then the worlds climate footprint would have shrunk by about 155 million metric tonnes, instead of growing by 410 million tonnes.

Chinas push for growth is bad news for the environment. Credit: AP

If you want to know how this year is shaping up, Beijings National Peoples Congress provided a sneak peek. Its 5 per cent growth target announced doesnt absolutely guarantee that global emissions will rise again in 2024. But it makes the path to avoiding that fate extraordinarily narrow.

Thats because a countrys greenhouse footprint can be boiled down to three factors: its economic growth, the energy intensity of that growth, and the carbon intensity of that energy. On all three, China performs dismally outside the norm  and the dirigiste policymaking typified by the NPC is the major culprit.
Former prime minister Scott Morrisons farewell dinner in the Sutherland Shire, featuring Sky News sycophant Paul Murray on MC duties, was meant to go down next week.

CBD wondered how many Liberals would actually show up; it looks like weve gotten our answer  the event has been postponed, with no rescheduled date in sight.

Sky News presenter Paul Murray was supposed to be MC at Scott Morrisons farewell dinner. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

In an email seen by this column, Cook federal electorate conference president Scott Briggs (of sacked Mike Pezzullo fame) told guests the event was being pushed back because the party had decided to focus its efforts winning big in the electorate. This was a little hard to swallow in a seat so safe Labor isnt even in the contest.

You will also be pleased to know that Scott welcomes the opportunity to postpone, given the requirements of his new private sector roles, forthcoming travel commitments, and launching his new book in May, Briggs wrote.
Manhunt 

Apple TV+, Friday

A historical thriller that mostly succeeds in augmenting non-fiction facts with tactile characters and vivid momentum, Manhunt is a seesawing journey through American conflict. It uses the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln (Hamish Linklater), shot on April 14, 1865, just five days after he had won victory over the Confederacy in the American Civil War, to examine fault lines and beliefs that remain bluntly relevant. As Lincolns friend and Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton (Tobias Menzies), puts it: we replace our Presidents with election, not with coups.

Lili Taylor and Hamish Linklater in the historical drama Manhunt.

Stanton, who wants both vengeance and to enact Lincolns crucial policies regarding slavery post-war, is the limited series focus.

The notion that the surrender of the southern rebel states ended the war is debunked: violence continues, conspirators simply act covertly, and the conditions for Americas black population, not yet legally emancipated, remains fraught. Everything is up for grabs, even as half a nation grieves.
A company with question marks over its financial viability is behind the push to drill for gas off the northern NSW coast and another subsidiary in WA has not complied with directions from a regulator to make old gas wells safe.

A well of Advent Energy subsidiary Onshore Energy in WAs remote Kimberley region had an increasing risk it could leak due to rising gas pressure or heat from a bushfire, according to an internal state government memo seen by this masthead.

A well leak during a bushfire season poses a very high and uncontrollable bushfire risk, the April 2023 memo at WAs Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety said.

Newcastles Bar Beach, a local favourite: the PEP-11 permit Advent owns 85 per cent of runs from Sydney to Newcastle. Credit: Destination NSW

Any emergency at the remote Vienta-1 well, 44 kilometres north of Kununurra, would be challenging and expensive to respond to and the department was concerned a gas leak or fire could significantly damage surrounding stations, Indigenous communities and a conservation park.
Fast food giant McDonalds is experiencing a nationwide outage of its computer systems, which is preventing stores from processing orders.

Stores started to have problems about 4pm on Friday afternoon, Seven News reported.

In the Blue Mountains, hungry locals said staff had barricaded the drive-through at one franchise to prevent customers from entering.

McDonalds restaurants are suffering a nationwide outage. Credit: Glenn Hunt

A McDonalds Australia spokesperson apologised for the inconvenience and thanked customers for their patience.

We are aware of a technology outage currently impacting our restaurants nationwide and are working to resolve this issue as soon as possible, the spokesperson said.

One man, whose social media profiles said he worked at the multinational company, said: I can confirm All McDonalds Stores are currently closed as our POS [Point of Sale] systems arent working.

We dont know whats going on at [this] stage or any ETAs. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Customers in other countries, including the United States and New Zealand, have also reported outages.
Tech entrepreneur Fred Schebesta has a history of getting out of tight scrapes, like that time his nascent comparisons site Finder was put in the deep freeze by Google and only just managed to survive before growing into a $650 million new economy success story.

And things were looking tricky again in late 2022 when the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)  as part of a broader effort to bring law and order to the wild frontier of crypto-currency  hauled Finder subsidiary Finder Wallet into court, alleging that its crypto investment product Earn was a financial service operating without a licence. Thats serious.

Schebesta at home in South Coogee. Credit: James Brickwood

But things have come up rosy again for Schebesta, who lives in a cliff-top mansion known as crypto castle overlooking Sydneys Coogee Beach, with Federal Court judge Brigitte Markovic dismissing ASICs argument that Earn was a debenture  kind of a bond  requiring a financial services licence for its provision.
Barry Lamb of Eastwood has seen the signs (C8). Like the Gender Neutral Restroom with a stylised picture of a figure with a dress, another with trousers and the third with one trouser leg and the other leg sporting a dress, a house sign declaring: Dog on Duty, toilet signs in Cardwell, Queensland: Man Goes and No Man Goes each showing a sketch of a mango tree  one with many fruit and one with none. And a sign at a temple complex in India: Do not disturb the Office.

While attending a conference in Umea, Sweden many years ago, bear stew (C8) was served for lunch, recalls Tim Ingall of Scottsdale, Arizona (US). It was quite nice, and didnt taste like chicken.

In regard to making it the national dish, Steve Semple of Port Macquarie suggests that After a meal of canned bear in Canberra, we could have some polly waffle for dessert.

The discussion on bear fare has been slightly annexed with this biblical offering from Rosamund Turkington of Rockdale: Salami aficionados would probably like to know about the French specialty Saucisson de Jesus. It certainly gave me pause for thought the first time I saw it among the regular pork, beef and duck and less common donkey dried sausages in a market one day. The stories about the name vary, some say it is because it is a large sausage, some because it was made for end of year celebrations and some say, my favourite, that the misshapen sausage looks like baby Jesus in the crib.

Alan Marel of North Curl Curl found his curious overseas flavours in snack form: Travelling through Ireland, Scotland and England, we were amazed by the variety of strange flavoured potato crisps: Haggis and black pepper, Roast Ox, Smoked Pheasant, Wild Duck, Grouse and Whinberry, Wild Boar, Sweet cured Ham and Pickle, Caviar, Black Truffle, Truffle and Rosemary, Wagyu Beef and Honey Mustard, and Parmesan and Port. And just in case youre asking, a whinberry is a European blueberry. Wed never heard of them either.
The partner of a traffic controller who was killed by a speeding driver is relieved the drivers 16-year jail term will stop him from hurting someone else.

Jason Ruscoe, 31, was driving at 100km/h in a 40km/h roadworks zone when he struck and killed Timmy Rakei on November 9, 2021.

Traffic controller Timmy Rakei.

Rakei was in the process of putting cones down at the Carrum Downs site in Melbournes south-east when Ruscoes Holden Commodore hurtled towards him.

The 44-year-old father was crushed between a stationary ute and the Holden before he was flung onto the road. His colleague Shaun Kilmartin was also seriously injured.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size For a young man who began his working life as a telesales consultant and labourer, Jack Endersby went on to do very well for himself. Within a few years, the so-called self-taught investor had an apartment at The Towers at Elizabeth Quay, a flashy office at The Esplanade, drove a Maserati and made regular trips to Dubai and New York. From the outside, it looked like he was running a very successful investment business boasting huge returns on blue-chip stocks that quickly garnered a large client base of keen investors. Jack Endersby, right, has been arrested for fraud. And all before his 25th birthday. It is now alleged Endersby, from Mandurah, was running a Ponzi scheme, taking large sums of money from clients that was instead used to pay out earlier investors and to fund a lavish lifestyle. Last week, the 24-year-old was arrested on 11 counts of fraud.

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The business Endersby ran a company called Codex Investments and had spin-off businesses called Codex Australia and Codex Property Group. In 2020, he boasted of managing a portfolio just knocking on the door of $2.2 million. He rented an office at The Esplanade, where he would invite prospective clients to meet with him and discuss his offer. Company emails were footnoted with a New York address. Four years ago, Endersby took part in The Big Shiv Podcast, hosted by his friend and one of his earliest investors, Shivan Arasu-Dahl, which talks all things fitness, nutrition, recovery and mindset. The then 21-year-old Endersby spoke of how he got into stocks and shares through a high school friend and talked about investing.

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Putting your savings into stocks, youve got to have a bit of knowledge or have someone there who knows what theyre doing, he said. When you go to a broker, you have to look at how the companys structured. Thats something you definitely have to look out for. Endersby rented an office at The Esplanade. Credit: Instagram Ive got a portfolio of clients which I just reinvest capital into blue-chip stocks in the US and Australian markets. Just day trading, its a very small fund compared to really anyone else out there. One former client, who allegedly lost $50,000 after investing with Endersby in 2022, said he was not a pushy sales type and built trust by launching a friend referral scheme as part of his recruitment drive. If you successfully referred a friend, you would get 10 per cent of whatever they invested with him, he said. So most of us thought, OK, so-and-so has already invested with him and seems happy, Im going to give it a go.

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Of the former clients who spoke to this masthead on the promise of anonymity, all were young, successful and well-educated. They thought they had done their due diligence in meeting with Endersby face-to-face, in some instances meeting with him more than once to ask questions and check out his credentials. If you are interested in investing in our equity-based mutual fund, Endersby wrote to one former client before he signed up. We encourage you to review our prospectus and other offering materials carefully, and to consult with your financial advisor to determine whether our fund is suitable for your investment objectives and risk tolerance. Nearly all of them were referred to the scheme by a friend, who in turn referred someone else, leaving them wracked with guilt that they and their friends money might have vanished. One man referred Endersby to his parents, who invested six figures into Codex. In total, police allege Endersby received approximately $2 million in funds from victims across Australia between February 2021 and February 2024. Profits and payouts

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Some of Endersbys earliest clients did get their money back, including the trading profits he said their investment had earned. And those trading profits were substantial. In his brochure, Endersby gave one client a snapshot of his day trading performance broken down month by month for a 12-month period. Jack Endersby rented an apartment at The Towers at Elizabeth Quay Credit: Getty Images Between May 2021 and April 2022, Endersby claims his investments at the time were reaping returns on average of 3 per cent, in some cases over 5 per cent, a month. Another client told this masthead they invested $31,000 with Codex in 2021. By June 2023, statements sent to him showed his account was sitting at $80,000  a whopping $49,000 profit in just two years. He gave a really good spiel on how this whole investment thing worked and to someone whos maybe inexperienced in the share market and financial services, which me and a lot of my friends were at the time, it sounded amazing, he said.

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Starship 28 sits atop Booster 10 on the SpaceX Starbase launch pad at dusk at Boca Chica Beach, Brownsville, TX, on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, after receiving approval from the FAA to launch Starship flight 3. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer

SpaceX, Elon Musks innovative spaceflight company, launched its third Super Heavy booster and Starship spacecraft on a crucial test flight on Thursday at 8:25 a.m. CDT. The Super Heavy booster put Starship on the proper suborbital path, but neither booster nor Starship survived to splashdown.

The latest Starship flight, an improvement over the two previous partial successes in 2023, put America at a crossroads on its way back to the moon. Will American astronauts ride the nascent Starship lander down to the moon, or is it time to push for a less risky lander design from another industry team?

NASA plans a lunar return on the 2026 Artemis III mission, which will send four astronauts in an Orion deep spacecraft to lunar orbit. There they will meet a lander for descent to the moons surface, the first by Americans since 1972. Preparing for that milestone, NASA plans to launch Artemis II no earlier than September of next year, using its powerful Space Launch System booster on a looping, 10-day swing around the moon. The flight will test Orions heat shield, life support and propulsion systems.

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But Orion is strictly an orbital craft, incapable of descent to the rugged lunar surface. Until we build a capable, reliable lander, the moon will remain out of our reach  along with its invaluable water resources and the preserved history of our planets origins. NASA chose SpaceXs Starship as its Artemis III lander, but this latest test shows clearly that the Starship is far from ready.

NASA cant wait forever for SpaceX to qualify the Starship lander, because America is not alone in reaching for the moon. China plans to land its own taikonauts on the moon by 2030, but may well get there several years earlier. Last September, taikonaut Fei Junlong told an international astronaut gathering that his countrys moon plans are well along. Chinas lunar spacecraft resemble the old Apollo command and lunar modules; launched atop their powerful Long March 9 heavy booster, they might beat Orion and Starship to the moon. As the world watches Chinas taikonauts lope across that stark landscape, an American protest that We did that 55 years ago will be unconvincing. The U.S. and its partners will suffer widespread reputational damage, and China wont fail to claim bragging rights as Earths foremost spacefaring nation.

When the Soviets forged ahead in the 1960s space race  the first satellite, the first human in space  America responded with Apollo, an all-out, top-priority Cold War program. Today, we face a similar Chinese challenge at the moon. We can avoid an expensive and risky game of lunar catch-up by acting now to ensure we win this slow-paced but highly consequential second moon race.

Fielding a tested, reliable lander is the long pole in the Artemis tent. NASA must first tighten its partnership with SpaceX and critically assess whether the company can demonstrate an unpiloted Starship landing by early 2026. And the administration should also act to remove obstacles to Starships Texas test operations, speeding launch permits while preserving safety.

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The administration and Congress should also fully fund NASAs Plan B lander called Blue Moon, crafted by Blue Origins industry team. Should SpaceXs Starship falter, Blue Moon must be ready to step up.

Getting to the moon is hard  two American commercial robot missions launched earlier this year notched one failure and a hard touchdown. Its a reminder that landing astronauts will be more challenging, more costly and more dangerous than operating the Space Station. Congress in its latest spending bill kept NASAs budget at 2023 levels, a shortsighted move which will slow the Artemis program just as it enters this crucial phase. Underfunding our lunar efforts now risks ceding the moon to an authoritarian adversary.

Apollo 11s triumph at the Sea of Tranquility in 1969 cemented Americas position as the worlds high-tech leader, a reputation thats endured well into the new millennium. Our timely return to the moon will secure that status for another half-century, but it wont happen without clear-eyed decision-making, innovative engineering and realistic funding. At stake is free and open access to the useful resources of the moon and deep space. The movie version of famed Apollo flight director Gene Kranz had it right: Failure is not an option.

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Pharmacies have negotiated an extra $3 billion from Labor in a peace deal struck after almost a year of protest over the governments 60-day medicine script scheme.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia said on Thursday that it had reached a historic deal with the government that would invest billions back into community pharmacies under an expedited agreement over five years  effectively $600 million more a year  that will begin in July.

Several hundred pharmacists protested 60-day script changes outside Parliament House in September. Credit: AAP

The agreement follows months of tension between Health Minister Mark Butler and pharmacy owners after the governments decision to double prescription lengths for 320 common medicines in last years budget.

The policy set Labor on a collision course with the Pharmacy Guild, an influential lobby group and one of the countrys biggest political donors, whose members would lose income from dispensing fees under the scheme.
The spectre of a single billionaire has shaped years of national argument over political donations because of the justified concern about one man  mining magnate Clive Palmer  flooding an election campaign with a tidal wave of cash.

Palmer is easy to dismiss because he gained such a paltry result from the $117 million he poured into his United Australia Party before the last election, buying him a solitary seat in the Senate. But his huge spending, and the sheer scale of his advertising blitz, set a template for any rich-lister who wants to sway an election result.

Illustration: Simon Letch

Labor is convinced that Palmer cost it power at the 2019 election and hurt it at the 2022 election. Winning a seat, in other words, was not the only measure of his influence, and nobody can be sure how he might try to shift the next election. So the Palmer experiment is not over, especially because other wealthy Australians might one day tweak the template to buy a better outcome.

That is why caps on campaign spending must be on the agenda when the federal government reveals its looming changes to political donations. There are many parts to this new policy, ranging from real-time disclosure of donations to the regulation of truth in advertising, but nothing matters as much as managing the volume of cash.
Poor mobile coverage Why is mobile-phone coverage in New Zealand so bad? Youll spend quite a bit of time with no coverage at all, even near cities. Indeed, even New Zealands biggest cities have suburban dead zones. And youll not get much satisfaction from public Wi-Fi either: it grinds along as slowly as it did elsewhere in 2004. Dont rely on your phone for anything. If you have to, run up the nearest hill to make a call. Loading Paying at restaurant counters Dont be surprised in New Zealand if you sit and sit at your table hoping for the bill, only to realise everyone else is going up to pay at the counter on the way out. This isnt unknown in other places, of course, but in New Zealand seems to be the rule rather than the exception. How do staff keep track  especially as New Zealanders in a group will routinely pay individually for what theyve eaten?

No shoes Expect barefoot shoppers, barefoot kids in parks, and occasional barefoot diners in restaurants. Credit: Getty A 2023 study by money-remittance company Remitly listed shoeless Kiwis as the most-commented-on cultural surprise by foreign visitors, followed by the frequency of swearing and lack of tipping. None of those is likely to perturb Australians, but Kiwis do take going barefoot to another level. Expect barefoot shoppers, barefoot kids in parks, and occasional barefoot diners in restaurants, especially in coastal towns. You cant, however, go barefoot on Air New Zealand planes, where its considered a safety hazard. The dress-down fashion Onesies are everwhere in New Zealand. Credit: Getty

New Zealanders scarcely bother getting dressed, let alone putting on shoes. Onesies are everywhere. You can get long- and short-sleeved onesies, and onesies for camping and the outdoors. New Zealanders might even head out in their pyjamas or dressing gown. Social-media debates rage over whether its acceptable to wear dressing gowns to the supermarket. Why not pack one, and test the waters? Not New Zealandish Flat white is an Australian creation. Seriously, bro. Credit: Janie Barrett Whats with New Zealand claiming things as their own that originated elsewhere? Bungee jumping is from Vanuatu, kiwi fruit from China, and has the great pavlova debate finally been settled by some boffin claiming its actually German? Kiwis seem especially determined to steal the glory off Australians: the lamington, Crowded House, the Anzac biscuit, Rebecca Gibney, Phar Lap  where would they all be without us? More recently, Kiwis have even laid claim to the flat white. Seriously, bro? Free national parks

Given how stunningly beautiful New Zealand is, their free national parks must be the greatest bargain in travel. Credit: iStock No one-off entry fees, no yearly membership, nada. Legislation says so. Many campsites are free too, though you might have to book in advance  look for Freedom Camping areas. The only thing youre charged for are overnight huts on multi-day walks, and fair enough. True, foreign visitors are charged a $NZ35 ($32) levy for sustainable tourism projects, but Aussies are exempt. Given how stunningly beautiful New Zealand is, this must be the greatest bargain in travel. The number of road signs Even Australians are distracted by the forest of road signs you see in New Zealand. Credit: Alamy Anyone arriving in Australia from elsewhere notices the number of road signs hectoring drivers with directions, speed limits, regulatory advice and parking limits, but even Australians are distracted in New Zealand by the forest of road signs commanding you to do everything from slow down to share the road and take a break.
Cairo/Gaza: An Israeli airstrike on a United Nations food distribution centre in southern Gaza targeted and killed a Hamas commander, according to the military, but Palestinian health officials said it killed four more people including a UN worker.

On Thursday, the Israeli military said the Wednesday strike killed Mohammad Abu Hasna, whom it described as a Hamas militant who provided intelligence to the group on Israeli troops positions and was also involved in taking control of humanitarian aid and distributing it to Hamas terrorists.

In a statement, Hamas said Abu Hasna was a member of its police force and condemned his killing as a cowardly assassination meant to disrupt aid distribution.

A boy mourns with others as they receive the bodies of relatives killed in the Israeli strike on the UN food centre in Gaza. Credit: Getty

Hamas identified another of the five killed as the head of an emergency committee for the southern city of Rafah, Nidal al-Sheikh Eid.
This new project is a great example of our commitment to work with the Cook government to ensure more Western Australians have a safe and affordable place to call home, Julie Collins (pictured above), federal minister for housing and homelessness, said in a news release.
The United Nations has not seen such a high death toll in a single operation in the West Bank since its records began in 2005 (Photo: Ammar Awad/Reuters)

An Israeli drone strike on Wednesday targeted a vehicle in southern Lebanon near the city of Tyre, resulting in the death of a Hamas member and a civilian passerby. The operation marks a continuation of Israel's military engagement in the region, which has seen an uptick in hostilities since the Hamas-led incursion into southern Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7.

The individual targeted by the Israeli military was identified as Hadi Mustafa, affiliated with Hamas's military wing, the Qassam Brigades. Mustafa was recognized as a significant figure within the organization, purportedly involved in orchestrating attacks against Israeli and Jewish targets globally. The Israeli military's statement emphasized their commitment to pursuing Hamas members actively engaged in such activities.

According to reports from local security sources, the strike not only claimed the life of Mustafa but also inadvertently resulted in the death of a Syrian man who happened to be nearby on his motorcycle. This secondary casualty underscores the unpredictable and often tragic consequences of targeted military actions in densely populated areas.

The attack occurred in an area where Hamas maintains a notable presence, specifically within the Rashidieh refugee camp close to Tyre. This camp, like others in Lebanon, has long been a sanctuary for Palestinian refugees and has become a base for political and military operations by Palestinian factions, including Hamas.

This recent drone strike is part of a broader pattern of Israeli military activity in Lebanon, particularly following the reciprocal hostilities between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah in support of Hamas. Israeli operations have primarily focused on border regions but have increasingly extended further into Lebanese territory.

The incident also follows a pattern of targeted killings by Israel against members of Hezbollah and Hamas in Lebanon since the conflict in Gaza erupted. Lebanese and Israeli forces have experienced frequent skirmishes along the border, with international efforts underway to prevent the conflict from engulfing Lebanon entirely.

Hezbollah's commitment to continuing hostilities until a ceasefire is achieved in Gaza, coupled with Israel's determination to neutralize perceived threats, suggests a protracted period of tension and potential violence along the Lebanon-Israel border. The international community remains watchful, hoping to avert a wider regional conflict that could have far-reaching implications for stability in the Middle East.

Reuters and AP contributed to this report.
Workers hang Malaysian flags ahead of celebrations for the countrys 62nd anniversary of independence on August 31 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Photo: Reuters / Lim Huey Teng)

As the United States and China wage a fierce battle for supremacy in the global semiconductor industry, Malaysia has emerged as an unexpected beneficiary, attracting billions of dollars in foreign investment and solidifying its position as a key player in the global chip supply chain.

The ongoing Chip War between the two superpowers has prompted many semiconductor manufacturers to seek alternatives to China, with Malaysia's Penang state becoming a prime destination, as reported by Financial Times. The influx of foreign companies, including industry giants like Intel, Micron, and Infineon, has led to a surge in investment, with Penang attracting RM60.1bn ($12.8bn) in foreign direct investment in 2023 alone, surpassing the total it received from 2013 to 2020 combined.

"It's a rush. It's not only Chinese companies [setting up in Penang]. It's Korean, it's Japanese, and it is western," says Marcel Wismer, CEO of Malaysian contract manufacturer Kemikon. "And all of this is related to the tech war between the US and China."

The US restrictions on Chinese technology, particularly in the chipmaking sector, have driven this shift, as companies seek to protect themselves from geopolitical disruptions and maintain access to advanced manufacturing capabilities. Chinese companies, facing pressure from their Western clients, are also moving or expanding to Malaysia to avoid losing business.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim considers the development of the country's semiconductor industry and workforce into higher-value manufacturing a "critical goal." In an interview with the Financial Times, he acknowledged that Malaysia is at "a very critical moment, a departure from our history," while expressing pride in Penang's boom.

However, the rapid growth has also exposed some vulnerabilities in Malaysia's semiconductor ecosystem. The country faces a severe talent shortage, with the electrical and electronics sector alone requiring 50,000 engineers, while only 5,000 engineering students graduate each year. Additionally, Malaysia has yet to create a domestic semiconductor champion that can drive further growth and investment.

Despite these challenges, Malaysia's position in the global semiconductor supply chain remains strong. The country is already the world's sixth-largest semiconductor exporter and holds 13 percent of the global semiconductor packaging, assembly, and testing market. It is also the origin for 20 percent of US semiconductor imports annually, surpassing Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea.

The investment rush has caught even Penang's business-friendly government by surprise, with industrial land prices soaring and traffic jams becoming a regular feature. The state government has had to become more selective in allocating land to incoming companies due to the growing demand.

As Malaysia aims to move up the semiconductor value chain, attracting front-end fabrication plants, known as fabs, has become a top priority. Zafrul Aziz, Malaysia's minister for investment, trade, and industry, expresses optimism about the country's prospects, stating, "I am optimistic that we will attract more than one [fab]. All it takes is one to kick-start a wave."

The rise of Chinese companies in Penang has also raised concerns about potential US scrutiny, as Washington continues to tighten restrictions on Chinese technology. Some analysts and industry groups fear that the US may restrict products and equipment built in Malaysia by the growing number of Chinese companies.

Despite these uncertainties, Malaysia's semiconductor industry remains poised for growth, with global companies increasingly viewing the country as a key component of their supply chain diversification strategies. As Gautam Puntambekar, country executive for Bank of America, notes, "When you talk about semiconductors, Malaysia is invariably part of the conversation."
In a worrying development for India, the US intelligence community believes that the People's Republic of China (PRC) will continue to pursue the establishment of additional overseas military installations and access agreements, including in New Delhi's neighbourhood, with possible bases in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Seychelles, and the UAE being in Beijing's sights.

China could also pursue setting up military facilities in Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Tajikistan, and Tanzania.

Published on March 11, an intelligence report, called the The Annual Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community, said: "The People's Liberation Army (PLA) will continue to pursue the establishment of overseas military installations and access agreements in an attempt to project power and protect China's interests abroad."

The assessment, published by the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), added: "Beyond developing its military base in Djibouti and its military facility at Ream Naval Base in Cambodia, Beijing reportedly is considering pursuing military facilities in multiple locations, including  but not limited to  Myanmar (Burma), Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Pakistan, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and the UAE."





ALSO READ: India's MIRV-tipped Agni-5 missile test: All your questions answered Established in 2004, the ODNI is a US government agency with the task of integrating the country's intelligence community.

To date, the PRC has only confirmed one overseas military facility, in Djibouti, a country located on the Horn of Africa. Operational since 2017, the Djibouti facility has access to the crucial Red Sea shipping lanes.





ALSO READ: China deepens bilateral defence ties with Maldives, Sri Lanka and Nepal However, in December last year, a US State Department spokesperson said that Washington had serious concerns that Beijing was planning to have exclusive control over parts of Cambodia's Ream Naval Base, which had witnessed the arrival of Chinese warships that same month.

The US threat assessment also said that Chinese President Xi Jinping "envisions China as the preeminent power in East Asia and as a leading power on the world stage".

The report warned that the PRC was combining its economic heft, growing military power, and diplomatic and technological dominance to create a "coordinated approach" for securing what it views as its sovereign territory. Given the border dispute between India and China, this could have implications for New Delhi.





ALSO READ: China says border issue with India does not represent entirety of ties The relationship between India and China has remained tense since May 2020, when the PLA amassed troops in eastern Ladakh, leading to a deadly clash between the militaries of India and China at the Galwan Valley in June that same year. The Galwan clash resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese military personnel. For its part, New Delhi maintains that restoration of normalcy in its relations with Beijing is not possible as long as the situation at the borders remains abnormal.





ALSO READ: China defence Budget: Concerns about low soldier readiness, morale dominate Regarding China's long-term military goals, the US intelligence assessment said that Beijing would focus on building a "fully modernised national defence and military force by 2035" and turning the PLA into "a world-class military by 2049".

However, at least in the short to medium term, the report claimed that China lacked "recent warfighting experience", which could "weaken the PLA's effectiveness" and reduce President Xi's "willingness to initiate a conflict".
Marty Lancton, the head of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, stands with his membership during a march on City Hall over the labor dispute related to Proposition B in March 2019. Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

It will cost Houston taxpayers more than $650 million to settle City Halls long-running contract stalemate with the firefighters union, according to terms of a deal released Thursday.

Mayor John Whitmire and the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 341 announced they signed a deal to end the dispute, which has dominated Houstons municipal politics for nearly a decade, playing out in court battles and at the ballot box.

The framework would use $650 million in back pay to address the eight years the firefighters worked without a contract, and then give them up to 34% raises over the next five years. That means the total cost will be higher, though City Hall officials did not release a full estimate or their plans to fund it.

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The plan still requires sign-off from the state district judge overseeing the court case that firefighters filed against the city in 2017. The two sides said they plan to outline the settlement for the court on Monday.

Firefighters have worked without a deal since the most recent pact expired in 2016. They were never able to agree to a contract under Mayor Sylvester Turners administration, and they went years without raises. However, Turner used federal COVID-19 funding to give them 18% pay hikes from 2021 through 2023.

The new deal would give the biggest pay bump in decades for Houstons firefighters, who have long been underpaid compared to their counterparts in other Texas cities.

The hefty price tag, though, will add another blow to an already strained financial outlook at City Hall. The city likely will have to commit tens of millions of dollars per year to pay off the bond used to finance the plan, while also coming up with budget funds to pay for significant raises over the next five years.

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Here are the details of the deal released Thursday:

Firefighters would collectively receive $650 million in back pay, dating back to 2017. The city would pay for that with a judgment bond, a court-ordered plan that would allow the city to spread the cost over decades. The firefighters will receive the money in lump-sum payments.

The deal would cement the 18% raises firefighters received from the Turner administration, building off that base pay amount. When Turner announced that plan, he said it would cost $115.3 million over the three-year span, bringing a first-year firefighters salary from $43,528 per year to $51,000. The newest firefighters make about $55,300 in Austin and $67,000 in Dallas, according to budget data from those cities.

Firefighters also would get a 10% base pay hike on July 1, with another possible 24% in raises over the life of a five-year contract. The two sides did not disclose how much those raises would cost the city or how the Whitmire administration plans to pay for them.

Finance Director Melissa Dubowski recently sounded the alarm about Houstons looming financial challenges. The city is set to face a budgetary gap of $160 million in the next fiscal year starting this July, she told City Council earlier this month. This does not include the costs of the firefighters deal.

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To cope with the projected shortfall, Whitmire has asked all departments, excluding police and fire, to identify potential 5% budget cuts for the coming fiscal year. The two departments combined currently make up about half of the citys operating budget, which is funded primarily by property and sales taxes. City Hall typically conducts budget hearings in May and adopts a spending plan in June.

The administration also may ask voters to adjust Houstons property tax cap to allow for more public safety spending, Dubowski said then.

Kelly Dowe, who served as Houstons finance director and chief financial officer under former Mayors Annise Parker and Sylvester Turner, said he is surprised at the lack of a detailed financing plan in the announcement, including how the city might streamline its current fire budget to cover some of the costs.

Given the mayor ran on fiscal responsibility and the substantial saving opportunities in the fire department, Im going to assume the plan does not just ask citizens to fund this by tax increases and debt, Dowe said.

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City Hall and Local 341 hailed the end of the long-running and bitter dispute. Whitmire said he is proud to deliver on a promise he made during the campaign.

An agreement of this nature is absolutely necessary to recruit and retain firefighters in the quality and numbers needed to serve the largest city in Texas, the mayor said in a statement. I want to reiterate that it helps avoid further unnecessary litigation costs, the uncertainty of multiple decisions by a court or an arbitration panel, and allows us to move forward together."

Marty Lancton, the president of Local 341, said the agreement is unlike any the firefighters have seen before.

"It shows the impact of Mayor John Whitmires leadership and cooperation. The victory belongs to every Houston firefighter who has sacrificed for the last eight years, said Lancton. Let us remember the challenges we've overcome and the unity that has brought us to this resolution. Today, we stand on the brink of a new chapter that honors our hard work and dedication and ensures a brighter future for all of our brothers and sisters and their families."

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Houston firefighters experienced the lowest level of job satisfaction out of all city departments, according to a 2023 survey of around 7,000 municipal workers obtained by the Houston Landing through a records request.
India's defence exports will more than double to Rs 40,000 crore in 2 years from Rs 16,000 crore at present, Union Minister Anurag Thakur said on March 13, adding that the government was dedicated to increasing its defence capabilities.





ALSO READ: PM Modi witnesses India's firepower at Bharat Shakti: Watch videos here Click here to follow our WhatsApp channel According to an official government release, Thakur said that India has a defence production worth Rs 1 trillion at present, with defence exports of Rs 16,000 crore.

The minister's remarks came at a book launch event in New Delhi, where he reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement that this was not a time for war but for discussions and deliberations.

In line with recent targets

Union Minister Thakur's target, while appearing ambitious, is broadly in line with figures revealed in recent official remarks.

In February this year, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that India's annual defence production was expected to touch Rs 3 trillion by 2028-29, while exports of military hardware could reach Rs 50,000 crore.





ALSO READ: India's MIRV-tipped Agni-5 missile test: All your questions answered Singh had added that even high-end systems, from aero-engines to gas turbines, would be produced within the country in the next five years. The defence minister's remarks came during his address at a defence conclave.

Speaking at another defence summit in March, Defence Minister Singh said, "The annual defence production, which was around Rs 40,000 crore in 2014, has now crossed a record Rs 1.10 trillion. The defence exports today have touched Rs 16,000 crore, from a meagre Rs 1,000 crore nine-ten years ago."



Back then, Singh had once again reiterated the target of Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports by 2028-29.

India still world's biggest arms importer despite aatmanirbharta push

India was the world's biggest arms importer in 201923, with a 9.8 per cent share of all arms imports, according to the Swedish think-tank, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). India's major arms imports were driven by tensions with Pakistan and China.

The think-tank's March 2024 Trends in International Arms Transfers report said that India's arms imports had increased by 4.7 per cent between 201418 and 201923.





ALSO READ: Tejas crash: LCA has 4X better safety record than Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder While Russia remained India's main supplier of arms, its share of Indian arms imports shrunk from 76 per cent in 200913 to 36 per cent in 201923. The report said that India was instead looking to Western suppliers, "most notably France and the US", and "its own arms industry" to meet its military requirements.

The report also revealed that arms imports by Pakistan jumped 43 per cent between 201418 and 201923, accounting for 4.3 per cent of the world total. Pakistan was thus the fifth-largest arms importer globally.

Apart from India and Pakistan, the other countries on SIPRI's top five arms importers in 201923 list were Saudi Arabia (2nd), Qatar (3rd), and Ukraine (4th).

(With agency inputs)
The deadline for Paytm Payments Bank account holders, both customers and merchants, to move their assets and look for alternative banks ends tomorrow (March 15). The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had imposed a ban on Paytms banking unit for regulatory violations.

The regulator has compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to soothe customer concerns following the curb on Paytm's unit Paytm Payments Bank's operations.

Take a look at the RBI's FAQs on Paytm Payments Bank:

Bank Accounts with Paytm Payments Bank

1. I have a savings or current account with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I continue to withdraw money from this account after March 15, 2024? Can I continue to use my debit card issued by Paytm Payments Bank?

Yes. You can continue to use, withdraw, or transfer your funds from your account up to the available balance in your account.





ALSO READ: Paytm Payments Bank: Services you can or can't use after March 15 Similarly, you can continue to use your debit card to withdraw or transfer funds up to the available balance in your account.

2. I have a savings bank or current account with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I deposit or transfer money into this account after March 15, 2024?

No. After March 15, 2024, you will not be able to deposit money into your account with Paytm Payments Bank. No credits or deposits other than interest, cashbacks, sweep-in from partner banks, or refunds are allowed to be credited.

3. I am expecting a refund in my account with Paytm Payments Bank after March 15, 2024. Can this refund be credited to my account?

Yes. Refunds, cashbacks, sweep-in from partner banks, or interest are permitted credits into your account even after March 15, 2024.

4. What will happen to the Deposits maintained with partner banks through sweep in/out arrangements, after March 15, 2024?

The existing Deposits of Paytm Payments Bank customers maintained with partner banks can be brought back (sweep-in) to the accounts with Paytm Payments Bank, subject to the ceiling on balance prescribed for a Payments Bank (i.e., Rs 2 lakh per individual customer at the end of the day). Such sweep-ins for the purpose of making available the balances for use or withdrawal by the customer will continue to be allowed. However, no fresh deposits with partner banks through Paytm Payments Bank will be allowed after March 15, 2024.

5. My salary is credited into my account with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I continue to receive my salary in this account?

No. After March 15, 2024, you will not be able to receive any such credits into your account with Paytm Payments Bank. It is suggested that you make alternative arrangements with another bank before March 15, 2024, to avoid inconvenience.

6. I receive a subsidy or certain direct benefit transfers linked to my Aadhar from the Government in my account with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I continue to receive it into this account?

No. After March 15, 2024, you will not be able to receive any such credit into your account with Paytm Payments Bank. Please arrange to change your linked account to another bank before March 15, 2024, to avoid any inconvenience or disruption.

7. My monthly electricity bill is paid automatically from my bank account with Paytm Payments Bank. Can this continue?

Withdrawal/debit mandates (such as National Automated Clearing House (NACH) mandates) will continue to get executed till there is a balance available in your account. However, after March 15, 2024, credit or deposit in your accounts will not be allowed. Therefore, to avoid inconvenience, it is suggested that you make alternative arrangements through another bank, before March 15, 2024.

8. My monthly OTT subscription is paid automatically through UPI from my bank account with Paytm Payments Bank. Can this continue?

Withdrawal/debit mandates through automatic UPI mandates will continue to get executed till there is a balance available in your account. However, after March 15, 2024, credit or deposit in your accounts will not be allowed. Therefore, to avoid inconvenience or disruption, it is suggested that you make alternative arrangements through another bank, before March 15, 2024.

9. The installment (EMI) for my loan is automatically paid through my account with Paytm Payments Bank. Can this continue?

Auto-debit mandates will continue to get executed till there is a balance available in your account. However, after March 15, 2024, credit or deposit in your accounts will not be allowed. Therefore, to avoid inconvenience, it is suggested that you make alternative arrangements for setting up EMI payments through another bank before March 15, 2024.

10. The installment (EMI) for my loan is automatically paid through my account with a bank other than Paytm Payments Bank. Can this continue?

Yes, EMIs registered Yes, EMIs registered with any bank other than Paytm Payments Bank can continue.

Paytm Payments Bank Wallet

11. I have a wallet with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I continue to use money from this wallet after March 15, 2024?

Yes. You can continue to use, withdraw, or transfer to another wallet or bank account up to the balance available in the wallet. Minimum KYC wallets can, however, be used only for merchant payments.

12. I have a wallet with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I top-up or transfer money into this wallet after March 15, 2024? Can I receive money from any other person into this wallet after March 15, 2024?

No. After March 15, 2024, you will not be able to top-up or transfer money into the wallet or receive any credits, other than cashbacks or refunds into this wallet.

13. I have a cashback due in my wallet with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I receive this cashback after March 15, 2024?

Yes. Refunds and cashbacks are allowed to be credited.

14. I have a wallet with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I close this wallet and have the balance transferred to my bank account with another bank?

Yes. You may approach Paytm Payments Bank or use its banking app to close your wallet and transfer the balance to an account maintained with another bank in the case of full KYC wallets. In the case of minimum KYC wallets, you may use the available balance or request a refund.

FASTag issued by Paytm Payments Bank (for more details on FASTag, you may visit the website of IHMCL https://ihmcl.co.in)

15. I have a FASTag issued by Paytm Payments Bank. Can I continue to use it to pay toll after March 15, 2024?

Yes. You can continue to use your FASTag to pay toll up to the available balance. However, no further funding or top-ups will be allowed in the FASTags issued by Paytm Payments Bank after March 15, 2024. It is suggested that you procure a new FASTag issued by another bank before March 15, 2024, to avoid any inconvenience.

16. I have a FASTag issued by Paytm Payments Bank. Can I recharge the balance after March 15, 2024?

No. After March 15, 2024, you will not be able to top-up or recharge your FASTag issued by Paytm Payments Bank. It is suggested that you procure a new FASTag issued by another bank before March 15, 2024, to avoid any inconvenience.

17. Can I transfer the balance from my old FASTag issued by Paytm Payments Bank to a new FASTag obtained from another bank?

Credit balance transfer feature is not available in the FASTag product. Therefore, you will have to close your old FASTag issued by Paytm Payments Bank and request the bank for a refund.

National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) issued by Paytm Payments Bank

18. I have an NCMC card issued by Paytm Payments Bank. Can I continue to use it after March 15, 2024?

Yes. You can continue to use your NCMC card up to the available balance. However, you will not be able to load or top-up funds into the card after March 15, 2024. In order to avoid inconvenience, it is suggested that you obtain an NCMC card issued by another bank or non-bank prepaid instrument (PPI) issuer before March 15, 2024.

19. I have an NCMC card issued by Paytm Payments Bank. Can I add to its balance through top-up, recharge, etc., after March 15, 2024?

No. After March 15, 2024, you will not be able to top-up or recharge your NCMC card issued by Paytm Payments Bank. In order to avoid inconvenience, it is suggested that you obtain an NCMC card issued by another bank or non-bank prepaid instrument (PPI) issuer before March 15, 2024.

20. Can I transfer the balance from my old NCMC card issued by Paytm Payments Bank to a new card obtained from another bank?

Balance transfer feature is not available in the NCMC card. Therefore, you may use the card up to the available balance. In case you have some more balance which you have not been able to use, you may request Paytm Payments Bank for a refund.

Merchants using Paytm Payments Bank to receive payments

21. I am a merchant and I accept payments using a Paytm QR code, Paytm soundbox, or Paytm POS terminal, linked to another bank account (not with Paytm Payments Bank). Can I continue to use this set-up even after March 15, 2024?

Yes. If your receipt and transfer of funds are linked to any bank account other than Paytm Payments Bank, you can continue to use this arrangement even after March 15, 2024.

22. I am a merchant and I accept payments using a Paytm QR code, Paytm soundbox, Paytm POS terminal linked to my bank account or wallet with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I continue to use this set-up even after March 15, 2024?

No. After March 15, 2024, you will not be able to receive any credit into your bank account or wallet with Paytm Payments Bank other than refunds, cashbacks, sweep-in from partner banks, or interest. To avoid any inconvenience or disruption, it is suggested that you may obtain a fresh QR code linked to an account with another bank or wallet to receive payments. You may also change your bank account details (in which you receive payments) through your service provider.

Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS)

23. Can I make payments through the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) using my account with Paytm Payments Bank?

Yes. You can continue to make payments from your Paytm Payments Bank account through Bharat Bill Payment System up to the balance available in your account. Since you will not be able to credit any further funds into your accounts or wallets with Paytm Payments Bank after March 15, 2024, it is advised that you may make alternative arrangements with another bank account for BBPS before March 15, 2024.

Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS)

24. Can I make withdrawals from my Paytm Payments Bank account with biometric authentication under Aadhaar-enabled Payment System?

Yes. You can continue to withdraw using the AePS authentication, up to the balance available in your account.

Money Transfer through UPI/ IMPS

25. Can I transfer my money into my Paytm Payments Bank account through UPI/ IMPS after March 15, 2024?

No. You cannot transfer money into your Paytm Payments Bank account after March 15, 2024.

26. Can I withdraw my money from my Paytm Payments Bank account through UPI/ IMPS after March 15, 2024?

Yes. You can withdraw your money from your Paytm Payments Bank account through UPI/ IMPS up to the balance available in your account.

Paytm Payments Bank Business Correspondent

27. I have an account with Paytm Payments Bank. Can the Paytm Payments Bank Business Correspondent (also referred to as Paytm Payments Bank Agent) help me in withdrawing funds from my account after March 15, 2024?

Yes. The Paytm Payments Bank Business Correspondent (Bank Agent) can help you to withdraw money from your bank account up to the balance available in your account.

Accounts frozen, lien marked, etc

28. What will happen to my Paytm Payments Bank account/wallet if there is a lien or freeze marked on the directions of Law Enforcement or judicial authorities?

Any lien or freeze (full or partial) marked as per the instructions of any law enforcement or judicial authorities on the account/wallet of a customer with Paytm Payments Bank will continue to be governed by the orders passed by such authorities.

29. What will happen to my Paytm Payments Bank account/ wallet if there is a lien or freeze marked on account of internal policies of Paytm Payments Bank?

The bank has been directed to allow withdrawal or transfer to another bank account of the customer, up to the available balance in the account/wallets.

Onboarding of new customers

30. What is the status of the Business restriction placed on Paytm Payments Bank vide RBI Press Release dated March 11, 2022?

The business restriction dated March 11, 2022, prohibiting Paytm Payments Bank from onboarding any new customers for any of its services continues to be in force. Hence, Paytm Payments Bank cannot onboard any new customers after March 11, 2022.
Hindu and Sikh refugees living in various parts of Delhi staged a protest near Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's Civil Lines residence here on Thursday, demanding an apology from him over his statements against the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).

The protesters assembled near the Chandgiram Akhara and attempted to march towards Kejriwal's bungalow, but were stopped by police.

"The Narendra Modi government is giving us citizenship while Kejriwal is asking who will give us jobs and houses. He does not understand our pain," said Panjuram, one of the protesters.

The protesters said Kejriwal should withdraw his statements against the CAA and refugees and tender an apology.

Hindu and Sikh refugees living in Rohini, Adarsh Nagar, near Signature Bridge and Majnu ka Tilla took part in the protest.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Kejriwal alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wants to settle poor people hailing from minority communities in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh in the country through the CAA and create a vote bank for itself.

He also alleged that those coming from Pakistan and Bangladesh and settling here will be given jobs and houses and that, in turn, will affect the locals.

The Centre implemented the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 on Monday, paving the way for grant of citizenship to undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who came to India before December 31, 2014.
Arjun Meghwal hailed the MoU as a bid to harness synergies between the legal regimes of the two nations.

India and Singapore on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation between the two countries over law and dispute resolution. The MoU is aimed at boosting cooperation between the two countries on issues, including international commercial dispute resolution, a press release issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice read.

The agreement was signed in a virtual meeting, in which India was represented by Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal while Singapore was represented by Edwin Tong, the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law for the Singaporean government.

The MoU is for further cooperation between the two countries in the areas of common interest such as international commercial dispute resolution; matters relating to promotion of robust alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in respective countries and establishment of Joint Consultative Committee to oversee the implementation of the MoU, the release said.

Meghwal hailed the MoU as a bid to harness synergies between the legal regimes of the two nations. The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding signifies our collective commitment to deepening collaboration in the field of law and dispute resolution, with a focus on sharing best practices, exchanging expertise, and facilitating capacity building initiatives for the stakeholder. Through this partnership, we are aiming to harness synergies between our legal regimes, leverage our respective strengths and explore innovative approaches to address the evolving needs of our citizens and businesses, he said.

Meanwhile, Tong noted that the deal will further facilitate better support for those doing business with Singapore and India. Singapore enjoys excellent, broad-based and multifaceted relations with India. Given our strong economic and commercial ties, it is imperative for us to continually deepen our cooperation in the legal and dispute resolution fields, he said.

This will enable us to better support our businesses and those doing business with Singapore and India. We look forward to exchanging our experiences and strengthening our relationships with the India Ministry of Law and Justice, as well as with the various legal and dispute resolution industry players in India, Tong added.
The Delhi Police has issued a traffic advisory for various parts of Delhi in anticipation of the farmers' gathering at Ramlila Maidan on Thursday, according to a statement released on Wednesday.

Traffic advisory in Delhi



Several roads in the city are likely to be affected due to the farmers' gathering. Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Netaji Subhash Marg, Minto Road, Barakhamba Road, Tolstoy Marg, and others are among the roads that may experience disruptions.

The advisory suggests traffic may be diverted from Delhi Gate, Mir Dard Chowk, Ajmeri Gate, Guru Nanak Chowk, Kamla Market, and other key intersections starting from 6 am on Thursday.

Commuters are advised to plan their journeys carefully and use public transport, particularly the Delhi Metro. Those heading towards the airport, railway stations, or bus stands are urged to plan their travel with ample time.

Separately, the Delhi Traffic Police has also asked commuters to avoid NH-48 and Ram Tula Ram Marg due to construction work on the NH-48 near the new flyover for Dwarka.

Commuters coming from South Delhi are advised to take Nelson Mandela Marg-Mehrauli/Mahipalpur RoadMahipalpur bye passNH-48 underpassAerocity to reach Delhi Airport. Those coming from Dhaula Kuan can take Cariappa Marg-Thimayya Marg or NH-48Parade Road-Thimayya Marg.

Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat

Under the conditions set by the Delhi Police, the farmers have been permitted to hold their 'Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat' with a maximum gathering of 5,000 people, without the use of tractor trolleys and without any march at the venue.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) will convene the 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on Thursday to press the Centre to accept their demands, including legislation on the minimum support price (MSP).

The ongoing protest by farmers demanding to march to Delhi has led to heavy paramilitary deployment at the three Delhi bordersSinghu, Tikri, and Ghazipur.

Ahead of the 'Kisan Mahapanchayat,' SKM leaders have assured that the gathering will be peaceful. Farmers from various parts of the country are expected to travel to Delhi by buses and trains rather than tractor trolleys.

The coordination committees and subcommittees have finalized preparations for the event, with over 50,000 farmers anticipated to attend.
The Home Minister said that it was the moral duty of the government to ensure the rights of those who were persecuted | File image | Photo: PTI

Days after the central government notified the Citizenship Amendment Act, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the law will never be taken back and the BJP-led government will never compromise with it.

In an interview to ANI, Amit Shah said, "This is our sovereign right to ensure Indian citizenship in our country, we will never compromise on it and CAA will never be taken back."

Asked about the opposition INDIA bloc, specifically a Congress leader stating that they would repeal the law when they will come to power, the Home Minister said that even the opposition is aware it has bleak chances of coming to power.

"Even INDI alliance knows that it will not come into power. CAA has been brought by the BJP party, and the Narendra Modi-led government has brought it. It is impossible to repeal it. We will spread awareness about it in the whole nation so that those who want to repeal it do not get a place," Shah said.

The union minister also dismissed criticism that the "CAA is unconstitutional" stating that it does not violate the constitutional provisions.

"They always talk about Article 14. They forget that there are two clauses in that Article. This law does not violate Article 14. There is a clear, reasonable classification here. This is a law for those who, due to partition, remained in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh and were facing religious persecution and decided to come to India," the Union Minister said.

Replying to the Opposition's claim of the timing of bringing notification of CAA before the Lok Sabha elections, Amit Shah said, "First of all I will talk about the timing. All opposition parties including Rahul Gandhi, Mamata or Kejriwal are indulging in jhooth ki rajneeti (politics of lies) so the question of timing does not arise. BJP has made it clear in its 2019 manifesto that it will bring CAA and provide Indian citizenship to refugees (from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan). BJP has a clear agenda and under that promise, the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed in both houses of Parliament in 2019. It got delayed due to Covid. BJP had cleared its agenda well before the party got its mandate in the polls."

"Rules are now a formality. There is no question of timing, political gain or loss. Now, the Opposition wants to consolidate their vote bank by doing appeasement politics. I want to request them that they have been exposed. CAA is the law for the entire country and I have reiterated nearly 41 times in four years that it will become a reality," he said.

The Home Minister said that there is "no question of political gain as the main aim of the BJP is to provide rights and justice to persecuted minorities coming from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

"The opposition had even raised questions on surgical strike and the abrogation of Article 370 and linked it with political gain. So should we not take stern steps against terrorism? We have been saying since 1950 that we will withdraw Article 370" the Home Minister said.

"I have spoken on CAA at least 41 times on different platforms and spoken on it in detail that the minorities of the country need not be afraid because it has no provision to take back the rights of any citizen. The CAA aims to confer Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants--including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians--who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014, and through this law, their sufferings can be ended" he added.

The Home Minister was critical of opposition leaders like AIMIM's Asaddudin Owaisi and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee for claiming that the CAA was anti-Muslim.

"You cannot see this law in isolation. On August 15, 1947, our country was partitioned. Our country was partitioned into three parts; this is the background. Bharatiya Jan Sangh and BJP were always against the Partition. We never wanted that country to be partitioned based on religion," he said.

"So when the country was partitioned on the basis of religion, minorities faced persecution, they were being converted, women in the minority section were being tortured and came to India. They came to our refuge; don't they have a right to get our citizenship? Even Congress leaders during the partition in their speeches said that those minorities should stay wherever they are due to the widespread bloodshed and they will be welcomed later in our country. Now they started doing vote bank politics and due to appeasement," Shah added.

The Home Minister said that it was the moral duty of the government to ensure the rights of those who were persecuted.

"The people who were part of Akhand Bharat and who were prosecuted or tortured those people should be given refuge in India and this is our social and Constitutional responsibility. Now if you look closely at the statistics, in Pakistan when the partition happened there were 23 per cent Hindus and Sikhs but now only 3.7 per cent of Hindus and Sikhs are left. where are they? They have not returned here. They were converted, tortured, and insulted they were given second-class status. Where will they go? Will the country will not think, Parliament will not think about them, and the political parties should not think about them?" the Home Minister said

"In Afghanistan, at the moment there are now only about 500 Hindus...don't these people have right to live as per their beliefs. When Bharat was one, they were our brothers," he added.

Slamming Delhi's Chief Minister for his remarks that CAA will take away jobs meant for India's youth, and can lead to an increase in crime, the Union Minister said that people who will benefit from the law are already in India.

"If they are so concerned why are they not talking about Bangladeshi infiltrators and Rohingyas because they are doing vote bank politics? Delhi elections are tough for them that's why they are indulging in vote bank politics" he said.

Amit Shah also questioned West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee for alleging that citizenship of minorities would be taken away due to the CAA.

"I am requesting Mamata ji, that there are several platforms to do politics, but please don't harm Bengali Hindus coming from Bangaldesh. I challenge Mamata publically to tell one such clause that has the provision of taking away citizenship of any Indian. Her intention is to create differences between Hindus and Muslims to consolidate vote bank. CAA has to be done. If she wants to anything stop infiltration, but she is not cooperating" Amit Shah said.

On March 11, the Union Home Ministry notified rules for the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

The CAA, introduced by the Narendra Modi government and passed by Parliament in 2019, aims to confer Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants--including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians--who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has dismissed former Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his party's criticism of the Citizenship Amendment Act, rules of which were notified this week.

In the interview with ANI, the Union Minister challenged the Congress leader to appear on a public platform and put forth the case of his party on the issue.

"I request you to interview Rahul Gandhi about the issue in detail and explain his reason for opposing the CAA to the general public. In politics, it's your responsibility to justify your decisions. If the CAA is a decision by my government, I have to explain my party's position, the government's decision and why it is in favour of the nation. Similarly, Rahul Gandhi should explain his opposition to the legislation."

Earlier Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh had questioned the timing of the promulgation of the rules of the Citizenship Amendment Act. The Congress alleged that this was a controversial law because citizenship is never based on religion, it goes against the Constitution.

In reply the Home Minister said that the opposition was only indulging in politics of lies as the CAA had been a part of the BJP's manifesto for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and was introduced in Parliament in 2019 itself.

"All opposition parties including Rahul Gandhi, Mamata or Kejriwal are indulging in 'jhooth ki rajneeti' (politics of lies) so the question of timing does not arise. BJP has made it clear in its 2019 manifesto that it will bring CAA and provide Indian citizenship to refugees (from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan). BJP has a clear agenda and under that promise, the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed in both houses of Parliament in 2019. It got delayed due to Covid. BJP had cleared its agenda well before the party got its mandate in the polls" the Home Minister said.

"Rules are now a formality. There is no question of timing, political gain or loss. Now, the Opposition wants to consolidate their vote bank by doing appeasement politics. I want to request them that they have been exposed. CAA is the law for the entire country and I have reiterated nearly 41 times in four years that it will become a reality," he added.

The Home Minister said that there is "no question of political gain as the main aim of the BJP is to provide rights and justice to persecuted minorities coming from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

"The opposition had even raised questions on surgical strike and the abrogation of Article 370 and linked it with political gain. So should we not take stern steps against terrorism? We have been saying since 1950 that we will withdraw Article 370" the Home Minister said.

The Ministry of Home Affairs on March 11 notified CAA Rules, 2024, removing legal barriers to rehabilitation and citizenship to such persons, and will give a dignified life to refugees who have suffered for decades.

CAA aims to provide Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants - including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians - who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014.
Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Thursday said people need not fear about the Citizenship Amendment Act and that Home Minister Amit Shah has been informing people about the law from different platforms.

Speaking with the media upon his arrival at Kangra airport in Dharamshala, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting said, "Home Minister Amit Shah has been briefing people about the CAA from Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and other platforms that no one should get worried about it. It is a law that gives citizenship," he said.

"The country was divided into two parts on the basis of religion at the time of independence. Hindus, Sikhs, Christians,Bodh and Parsis who remained in Pakistan or migrated to Afghanistan and Bangladesh... They were assured by the then government, led by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, that their rights would be secured," Thakur said.

Earlier speaking to ANI, Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured persecuted refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan to have faith in the Narendra Modi government and said that under the rules of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), everyone will be given equal rights as they will now become citizens of India.

"There are a lot of people, there is no count as of now. Due to the wrong campaign going on, many people will hesitate to file an application. I want to assure everyone to apply here and have faith in the Narendra Modi government that you will be given citizenship with retrospective effect. This law is accepting you as a refugee. If you have entered India illegally, there will be no criminal case against you...There is no need for anyone to get scared. Everyone will be given equal rights as they will become the citizens of India," Amit Shah said in an interview with ANI on being asked about the number of people getting citizenship after CAA.

On March 11, the Union Home Ministry notified rules for the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

The CAA, introduced by the Narendra Modi government and passed by Parliament in 2019, aims to confer Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants--including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians--who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014.
The plaintiffs are now considering appealing to the Supreme Court to clarify the unconstitutionality of existing law. (Photo: Wiki)

A Japanese High Court on Thursday ruled that the country's ban on same-sex marriages is unconstitutional, the first such ruling by an appeals court on the matter.

The Sapporo High Court in Japan ruled that the country's civil code rules that limit marriage to those of opposite sexes are "unconstitutional" and "discriminatory." However, the court dismissed the plaintiffs' claim for damages from the government.

Notably, Japan is the only country in the Group of Seven advanced economies without laws protecting same-sex marriage couples. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's conservative Liberal Democratic Party strongly objects to this despite strong support from the majority public.

What did Japan HC say in its ruling?

"Enacting same-sex marriage does not seem to cause disadvantages or harmful effects," the court said.

The Sapporo court said in its ruling said it was "strongly expected" that Parliament would at some point "institutionalise an appropriate same-sex marriage law."

Following the ruling, the plaintiffs are now considering appealing to the Supreme Court to clarify the unconstitutionality of existing law.

Meanwhile, the Kishida government spokesperson, Yoshimasa Hayashi, said that they will keep an eye on other upcoming court decisions on the matter.

India's verdict on same-sex marriages

There has been an increasing wave of support in favour of same-sex marriages around the world. In Asia, Taiwan has been the sole nation that has legally recognised same-sex couples since 2019.

The ruling from the Sapporo court echoed India's verdict on legalising same-sex marriages, delivered by the top court in October last year. On October 17, a constitution bench led by Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud had refused to legalise same-sex marriage, holding that the decision falls within the ambit of the Parliament. The court, however, noted that queer couples have the right to cohabit without fearing violence.
Esri, the global leader in location intelligence, is proud to announce that the US Department of State has selected the companys chief scientist, Dr. Dawn Wright, among four distinguished scientists to serve as a new US Science Envoy in 2024. Through the program, eminent scientists and engineers leverage their expertise and networks to forge connections and identify opportunities for sustained international cooperation to advance solutions to shared challenges, champion innovation, and demonstrate Americas scientific leadership and technical ingenuity. The scientists selected to participate this year make up the first all-female cohort in the history of the US Science Envoy Program.

"I am absolutely thrilled and honored to serve in this first all-woman cohort of State Department US Science Envoys, with such absolutely amazing women, including my friend Sian Proctor, said Dr. Wright. I'm also very proud and hope to follow in the footsteps of two of my mentors who were previous Science Envoys, Dr. Jane Lubchenco and Dr. Margaret Leinen.

Dr. Wright has written and contributed to some of the most definitive literature on marine geographic information system (GIS) technology. She is an elected member of both the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering, as well as the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. In 2022, Wright served as mission specialist for a historic descent nearly 36,000 feet into the Pacific Ocean to capture images and data from the Challenger Deep, the deepest known point in Earths ocean. Wright was one of the few individualsand the first Black personto visit Challenger Deep, located within the Mariana Trench. The expedition produced an unprecedented series of detailed maps and data from the deepest place on Earth.

I'm looking forward to amplifying the ocean sustainability work of countries and organizational partners that the State Department had already identified as collaborative touchpoints with Esri and Esri distributors, Dr. Wright continued. This will be a wonderful way to truly move forward now."

The US Science Envoy program was established by the Secretary of State in 2010. Like their 30 predecessors, the 2024 Cohort will travel as private US citizens to engage internationally with civil society as well as government interlocutors. Science Envoys help inform the Department of State, other US government agencies, and the scientific community about opportunities for science and technology cooperation.

The Department of State selected the 2024 cohort to take advantage of their expertise in key issues facing the world today, including artificial intelligence, fusion energy, civil use of space, and ocean sustainability.

Dr. Wright joins fellow cohort members Dr. Rumman Chowdhury; Dr. Stephanie Steffi Diem; and Dr. Sian Proctor for the 2024 envoy.

To learn more about how Dr. Dawn Wright and Esri work to advance science using technology, visit esriurl.com/scicomm.

About Esri

Esri, the global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping, helps customers unlock the full potential of data to improve operational and business results. Founded in 1969 in Redlands, California, USA, Esri software is deployed in hundreds of thousands of organizations globally, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, nonprofit institutions, and universities. Esri has regional offices, international distributors, and partners providing local support in over 100 countries on six continents. With its pioneering commitment to geospatial technology and analytics, Esri engineers the most innovative solutions that leverage a geographic approach to solving some of the world's most complex problems by placing them in the crucial context of location. Visit us at esri.com.

Copyright  2024 Esri. All rights reserved. Esri, the Esri globe logo, ArcGIS, The Science of Where, esri.com, and @esri.com are trademarks, service marks, or registered marks of Esri in the United States, the European Community, or certain other jurisdictions. Other companies and products or services mentioned herein may be trademarks, service marks, or registered marks of their respective mark owners.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240313074067/en/
Establishing a travel business in today's market offers immense opportunities, given the dynamic nature of the travel industry. Success in this field hinges on a clear understanding of the unique challenges and evolving consumer needs. With careful planning and a strategic approach, entrepreneurs can create a successful travel business that stands out in a competitive landscape.

What Travellers Seek

Travellers often look for a blend of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and unique adventures.

In addressing market needs, operators can enhance their offerings by targeting niche markets. For instance, they might consider organising specialised holiday tours in Iceland as a way to stand out. Such tours could focus on Iceland's unique geological features like volcanoes, glaciers, and hot springs, complementing the Irish travel portfolio for those seeking a broader, impactful itinerary.

Ireland also offers an array of experiences, and by understanding the diverse interests of travellers, businesses can tailor their services to better meet these expectations. Doing so is crucial to achieving a successful travel business in the competitive tourism landscape.

Developing a Robust Business Plan

In building a successful travel business, one must prioritise the creation of a comprehensive business plan. This strategic framework will serve as the foundation for all business ventures and should align closely with the niche the company plans to serve.

Market Research is a critical component of the business planning process. It entails analysing the demographics of potential customers and understanding their needs and preferences. This research helps in crafting a unique value proposition that sets the business apart from the competition.

A detailed market analysis is necessary for identifying key opportunities within the industry. The analysis should take into account current trends, potential growth, and forecasted changes within the travel sector. Armed with this information, businesses can make well-informed decisions and tailor their services to what the market demands.

Business planning tips often emphasise the importance of adjusting the plan to suit different purposes. There are several types of business plans, from lean startup formats to traditional, detailed business plans. Choosing the right type depends on the business's requirements and resources.

Below is a suggested structure for the travel business plan:

1. Executive Summary: A high-level overview of the business and its objectives.

2. Business Description: Outlines the travel services offered, mission statement, and business goals.

3. Market Strategies: Marketing plans based on market analysis and research.

4. Competitive Analysis: Examination of competitors and your business's competitive edge.

5. Operations and Management Plan: How the business will operate on a day-to-day basis.

6. Financial Factors: Includes sales forecasts, income projections, and a break-even analysis.

An industry-specific section should also be included, detailing particularities relevant to industry business plans in the travel market. When ready to write a business plan, it is recommended to have a clear, concise, and realistic outlook. Using professional language and British English spelling and grammar will ensure the plan's standards meet UK business expectations.

Building a Digital Presence

Creating a business website is the first step for travel companies to establish an online identity. A compelling website serves as a digital storefront, showcasing services and providing a first impression to potential customers. It should be user-friendly and optimised for mobile devices to cater to the needs of travellers who are often on the move.

Social media platforms are indispensable tools for engaging with your audience. They should be selected based on where the ideal traveller spends their time and the kind of content they consume. Regular, high-quality posts that resonate with the audience can help build a community around the brand. Collaboration with influencers and other businesses can also amplify reach.

A blog on the website is a strategic way to share useful content, stories, and travel tips, enhancing the businesss authority in the travel industry. Consistently updating the blog with fresh content while having SEO for the travel industry in mind, making it easier for potential customers to find the business through search engines.

Technology should not be overlooked, as tools for analytics can guide a travel business in understanding its audience better, allowing for data-driven decisions to fine-tune marketing strategies.

Lastly, a well-thought-out marketing plan should integrate a mix of organic and paid strategies to drive traffic and convert leads. Investing time into learning about travel SEO can provide a significant advantage, as it improves visibility and helps to attract more organic traffic to the website.

Each element of a digital presence is interconnected, and when managed effectively, they can result in a robust online footprint that engages travellers and drives business growth.

Effective Marketing Strategies

To establish a firm presence in the competitive travel market, businesses need to craft effective marketing strategies that resonate with their target audience. A multi-faceted approach, combining traditional and digital means, can effectively reach potential travellers and turn them into loyal clients.

Understanding the target market is crucial. Research allows a business to tailor its marketing efforts, ensuring that the message delivered is both appealing and relevant. For instance, creating personalised experiences can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty, leading to positive testimonials and referrals.

Networking within the industry is also a vital component. Connections with other travel businesses and agencies can lead to mutual referrals, broadening the potential client base. In addition, attending travel expos and events provides opportunities for direct promotion and brand visibility among both travellers and peers.

SEO is indispensable in today's digital world. Effective use of SEO not only improves visibility in search engine results but also attracts customers who are actively searching for travel options. Focusing on relevant keywords and content can drive more traffic to a travel business's website and increase bookings.

Lastly, businesses should leverage both positive feedback and constructively address negative comments. This transparent approach demonstrates dedication to customer satisfaction and can significantly improve the company's reputation.

By employing these strategies, a travel business can effectively promote its brand, attract and retain clients, and navigate through the competitive landscape of the travel industry.

Legal and Financial Considerations

When starting a travel business, the entrepreneur must address a suite of legal and financial considerations. They should formalise their business registration, choosing an appropriate structure such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), or a corporation, each having distinct tax and liability implications.

Financial goals need to be set and a detailed budget prepared, accounting for fixed and variable costs. To start, the business owner must fund the venture either through personal savings, acquiring bank loans, reaching out to investors, or a mix of these financial options.

Licenses and permits are pivotal. One must adhere to the legal requirements of their locale which may involve local, state, or federal regulations. Operating without the proper licensing can lead to significant fines or business closure.

Choosing a business name is another critical step, requiring a check for existing trademarks to avoid infringement issues.

Aspect Consideration

Business Structure Choose the structure that best fits

Licensing Obtain all necessary permits and licenses

Funding Secure funding, be it through investors or loans

Financial Planning Set financial goals and create a solid budget

These legal and financial foundations are non-negotiable and pave the way for the stability and future growth of a travel business. Ensuring adherence to these considerations saves the business from potential legal troubles and fosters a more robust financial standing.

Optimising Operations and Customer Experience

When building a successful travel business, operational efficiency and client satisfaction are paramount. Travel companies must leverage technology and tools to streamline processes and enrich the traveller's journey. Smart use of apps and platforms can help manage flights, accommodations, and other services, offering a one-stop solution for clients.

Travel agencies should adopt customer relationship management systems to maintain detailed records of travellers' preferences, which facilitate personalised service. Incorporating travel insurance options directly into the booking process can also enhance customer experience by providing security and peace of mind.

Improving customer support is critical. Businesses should ensure their support teams are well-trained and equipped with the information needed to assist clients efficiently. The implementation of chatbots and 24/7 support services through different channels, such as phone, email, or live chat, can provide immediate assistance and issue resolution.

Key Area Tools & Strategies

Bookings User-friendly website with real-time availability checks

Customer Care Omnichannel support; personalised interactions

Post-Sale Follow-up emails; feedback surveys

Travel Changes Flexible rebooking options; timely notifications

Optimising operations involves not only adopting new technologies but also continually assessing and refining existing procedures. Training staff, staying informed about industry trends, and soliciting feedback from travellers are all practices that can lead to significant improvements in service quality.

For travel agents, advising clients on the best travel options and providing them with a smooth booking experience can set a business apart from its competitors. It's essential to tailor the experience to the unique needs of each client, ensuring they receive the most relevant options and advice.

In conclusion, by focusing on these strategic areas, travel businesses can significantly enhance operations and customer experiences, leading to increased loyalty and profitability.

Growing and Scaling Your Business

When entrepreneurs embark on scaling their travel business, it is pivotal to have a robust strategy and a clear roadmap to guide them. Their trajectory should align with defined objectives and a solid business model.

For those targeting adventure travel, they must not only ensure their package offers are compelling but also aligned with their customers' quest for unique experiences. Likewise, luxury travel providers should focus on exclusive and personalised services, creating an aura of opulence and comfort that meets their clientele's expectations.

Marketing the business effectively plays a crucial role. Entrepreneurs should leverage multiple channels to market their business, ensuring they showcase their core values and brand identity consistently across platforms. This might include:

 Social Media: Engaging content that brings destinations to life.

 Email Campaigns: Tailored offers that entice and inform subscribers.

 Partnerships: Collaborations with other businesses to broaden reach.

Table 1: Marketing Strategies

Channel Strategy

Social Media Vivid imagery & storytelling

Email Marketing Exclusive deals & informative guides

Partnerships Co-branded ventures & joint promotions

A travel business should not only aspire to grow in volume but also enhance the quality of its services. This means investing in technology that streamlines booking processes or adopting a customer management system that improves client satisfaction.

Finally, attention to scalability is key. Businesses must ensure that their infrastructure, whether digital or physical, can handle increased demand without compromising the quality of the service or the essence of the travel experience that defines them.

Conclusion

The travel industry presents numerous opportunities for those with a passion for adventure and customer service. To thrive, entrepreneurs must commit to meticulous planning and execution. The creation of a comprehensive business plan is crucial, covering all facets from market identification to financial projections.

Strategies such as developing a strong customer service protocol, including post-trip follow-ups, contribute significantly to customer retention and are essential for long-term success. The experiences of successful businesses offer valuable lessons, and examining these can illuminate pathways to industry triumph.

In summary, the journey of establishing a profitable travel enterprise demands diligence, adaptability, and a customer-focused approach. With due consideration to these elements, professionals can not only navigate but also prosper in the dynamic landscape of travel and tourism.
A mobile phone with the logo of Pornhub on its screen. NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images

One of the most-visited pornography websites, Pornhub, disabled its site in Texas on Thursday over objections to a state law that requires age verification to prevent access to minors.

People who go to the site are now greeted with a long message from the company railing against the legal change as ineffective, haphazard, and dangerous. The company calls for age verification by the makers of devices that let people on the internet, instead of individual websites.

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Until the real solution is offered, we have made the difficult decision to completely disable access to our website in Texas, the message read.

The Republican-majority state Legislature passed the age verification law, HB 1181, last year. It requires companies that distribute sexual material harmful to minors to confirm visitors are over 18 with an online system that verifies users government-issued identification or another commercially available system that uses public or private data. The sites are not permitted to retain identifying information.

Last month, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the company that owns Pornhub to force compliance with the states age verification law and threatened millions of dollars in civil penalties.

Texas has a right to protect its children from the detrimental effects of pornographic content, Paxton said in a statement when he filed the suit. I look forward to holding any company accountable that violates our age verification laws intended to prevent minors from being exposed to harmful, obscene material on the internet.

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in November of last year upheld the law, which carries fines of up to $10,000 a day, an additional $10,000 per day if the company illegally retains identifying information, and $250,000 if one or more children are exposed to explicit content due to the violation.

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Paxtons office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.

Sen. Angela Paxton, a Dallas-area Republican who carried the bill in the state Senate and is married to the attorney general, commented on the shutdown on social media, writing: I am glad to see our hard work in passing #HB1181 is paying off. Its time to protect our children from the harmful content on these sites.

A representative of Pornhub confirmed the website was down, but did not elaborate on whether the takedown is permanent or temporary.

The company in its note raised concerns that the law was passed without any means to enforce at scale and would drive users to websites with far fewer safety measures in place, which do not comply with the law.

The only effective solution, the company writes, would be putting the age-verification onus on the manufacturers and operating-system providers of devices that have internet access, such as computer, tablet and cellphone makers.

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That might look like a retailer verifying a persons age at the point of sale and installing content-blocking software if they are underage, the note says. The data would be stored on a network controlled by the device manufacturer or the supplier of the devices operating system.

The Pornhub representative referred Hearst to a fact sheet laying out the companys concern that jurisdictions with site-level age verification are creating a high risk of data theft and privacy violation for people who will repeatedly have to input personally identifiable information.

We call on all adult sites to comply with the law, the note reads. By disabling the site, the company said: We are complying with the law, as we always do, but hope that governments around the world will implement laws that actually protect the safety and security of users.

The website is also down in at least five other states  Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Utah and Virginia  because of similar laws according to PC Magazine.
Fans of British mobility brands will have a new reason to celebrate as Mutt Motorcycles is set to open a new location in Metro Manila. The B...
Leading Indian vfx outlet Phantom Digital Effects Limited, also known as Phantom FX of Phantomfx, has acquired an 80% majority stake in the two-time Oscar-winning North American outfit Tippett Studio, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

According to a Phantomfx release:

This acquisition will give Phantomfx control over the operations and monetary aspects of the legendary visual effects production company founded by Oscar-winning filmmaker Phil Tippett.

Phantom says the acquisition is expected to result in a significant revenue growth of 20-25% during the 2024-25 financial year. The company says Tippett Studio has several upcoming projects with major Hollywood studios that will require the addition of 250-300 employees in India, the U.S., and Canada.

Phil Tippett is responsible for creating some of the most iconic sequences from some of the most iconic movies of all time and in 1984 founded Tippett Studio with his wife Jules Roman. The studio has an incredible list of honorifics, including two Academy Awards from 11 nominations, two Emmies, four Saturn Awards, four Clio Awards, a BAFTA, a Golden Satellite Award, and the George Melies Award for pioneering in the realm of visual effects from the Visual Effects Society.

Tippet Studio has done vfx work for mega-blockbuster franchises, including Star Wars, Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, and RobocCop, as well as stand-alone films such as Willow, Starship Troopers, and Hollow Man. The company operates studios in Berkeley, California, and Toronto, Canada.

Under the terms of the deal, the Tippett Studio founder will serve on the companys board and continue to leverage his expertise to develop new intellectual property.

Current Tippett CEO Gary Mundell will stay on and join the board, along with Cliff McDowell, who will assume the role of COO for North America.

Phantom Digital Effects is one of Indias premier vfx studios with offices in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and, through its subsidiaries, L.A., Vancouver, Montreal, and Dubai. Company credits include Marvels Avengers, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Society of the Snow, and RRR.

In a statement, Phantom chairman and managing director Bejoy Arputharaj said:

Phil Tippetts unparalleled legacy in crafting cinematic marvels like Willow, Jurassic Park, and Starship Troopers has always been a profound source of inspiration for me. This partnership not only signifies a significant stride forward for Phantomfx but also heralds a new era of innovation and creativity for Tippett Studio. With our combined resources, expertise, and passion, were poised to revolutionize the vfx industry, delivering groundbreaking projects that will captivate audiences worldwide.

Tippet CEO Mundell added:
Childrens publishing giant Scholastic has agreed to invest $186 million in leading childrens production and distribution company 9 Story Media Group, which operates production facilities in Toronto, Dublin, and Bali. With the investment, Scholastic will acquire 100% of the economic interest in 9 Story and a minority of voting rights.

Scholastic says the deal will expand its opportunities to leverage its trusted brand, best-selling publishing and beloved global childrens franchises across print, screens and merchandising.

The boards of directors at both companies and 9 Story shareholders have approved the deal, which is now subject to customary closing conditions. The agreement is expected to be finalized in Scholastics fiscal 2025 first quarter, which begins on June 1, 2024.

The two companies are no strangers, and according to a release the new agreement solidifies a long-time collaboration between them. Scholastic and 9 Story previously worked together on kids shows such as PBS and Prime Videos Clifford the Big Red Dog and Apple TV+s Eva the Owlet.

Other 9 Story productions include eight-time Emmy nominee Doc McStuffins, four-time Emmy nominee and one-time winner The Octonauts, and recent Canadian Screen Awards nominee Daniel Tigers Neighborhood.

In their release, Scholastic president and CEO Peter Warwick said:

This highly strategic combination, adding 9 Storys industry-leading capabilities with Scholastics trusted brand and proven ability to create iconic childrens series and franchises, has tremendous potential to build deeper connections with young people through our stories, as the pages of our books come to life on screens and through merchandising. At its core, Scholastics 360 content creation strategy is about engaging children with reading, and we have introduced our stories to generations of kids by reaching them where they are.

Vince Commisso, president and CEO at 9 Story, added:

Weve been fortunate to work with Scholastic for decades, going back to my own start with the family-favorite production, The Magic School Bus. The combination of our global studios, sales, and distribution capabilities with Scholastics existing media business, iconic name, and unique capabilities opens even more opportunities to deliver compelling stories and build impactful brands for audiences worldwide.

9 Story assets include the Brown Bag Films animation studio, which has won 21 Emmy Awards and been nominated for two Oscars. The parent company also operates robust distribution and consumer products divisions that oversee global brands such as Clifford the Big Red Dog, Daniel Tigers Neighborhood, and Karmas World.
New Delhi: Days after the central government notified the Citizenship Amendment Act, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the law will never be taken back and the BJP-led government will never compromise with it.

In an interview to ANI, Amit Shah said, "This is our sovereign right to ensure Indian citizenship in our country, we will never compromise on it and CAA will never be taken back."

Asked about the opposition INDIA bloc, specifically a Congress leader stating that they would repeal the law when they will come to power, the Home Minister said that even the opposition is aware it has bleak chances of coming to power.

"Even INDI alliance knows that it will not come into power. CAA has been brought by the BJP party, and the Narendra Modi-led government has brought it. It is impossible to repeal it. We will spread awareness about it in the whole nation so that those who want to repeal it do not get a place," Shah said.

The union minister also dismissed criticism that the "CAA is unconstitutional" stating that it does not violate the constitutional provisions.

"They always talk about Article 14. They forget that there are two clauses in that Article. This law does not violate Article 14. There is a clear, reasonable classification here. This is a law for those who, due to partition, remained in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh and were facing religious persecution and decided to come to India," the Union Minister said.

Replying to the Opposition's claim of the timing of bringing notification of CAA before the Lok Sabha elections, Amit Shah said, "First of all I will talk about the timing. All opposition parties including Rahul Gandhi, Mamata or Kejriwal are indulging in jhooth ki rajneeti (politics of lies) so the question of timing does not arise. BJP has made it clear in its 2019 manifesto that it will bring CAA and provide Indian citizenship to refugees (from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan). BJP has a clear agenda and under that promise, the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed in both houses of Parliament in 2019. It got delayed due to Covid. BJP had cleared its agenda well before the party got its mandate in the polls."

"Rules are now a formality. There is no question of timing, political gain or loss. Now, the Opposition wants to consolidate their vote bank by doing appeasement politics. I want to request them that they have been exposed. CAA is the law for the entire country and I have reiterated nearly 41 times in four years that it will become a reality," he said.

The Home Minister said that there is "no question of political gain as the main aim of the BJP is to provide rights and justice to persecuted minorities coming from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

(ANI)
The U.S. is reportedly urging the Netherlands, Germany, South Korea and Japan to increase efforts to prevent China from accessing their microchips.

People familiar with the matter relayed to Bloomberg that the White House is currently negotiating with its allied nations to further limit chipmaking equipment, chemicals and repairs to Chinese clients.

Sources said the administration wants to assess how much impact the trade limits would have on China's digital and military operations.

Previous reports indicate that the Chinese government and state-backed institutions were able to get advanced semiconductors, including from NVIDIA and AMD, despite the U.S. trade sanctions.

The tension between the two superpower countries continues to rise as each nation increases military and intelligence capabilities through AI, a technology made possible by advanced microchips.

Also Read: NVIDIA Chips Still Being Sold to China Despite US Ban

U.S. Gov't Accuses China of Spying on Americans, Officials

The latest efforts from the U.S. government's new restrictions against China came after leaked documents accused the Asian country of employing AI to spy on U.S.-allied countries and its citizens.

This is in addition to the government's allegation that China was behind the recent cyberattacks on critical U.S. service facilities, such as water and electricity, over the past months.

China has denied the accusations on several occasions, pointing instead to the Western country to be the one spying on them.

Several Chinese software has already been banned in the U.S. since it implemented trade sanctions on the country.

Related Article: Massive Hacking Schemes Uncovered in Leaked Chinese Firm Documents

Biden Admin Wages Tech-Economic War Vs China

It is worth noting that the restrictions against China align with U.S. President Joe Biden's move to reduce the country's reliance on China for its chip technology and semiconductors.

China remains among the top microchip manufacturers in the world by importing raw materials at a cheaper price before exporting them as finished semiconductors.

Biden, who is currently running for a presidential re-election, has touted the administration's tech industry revival efforts as part of his campaign program.
CEMEX Holding Philippines addresses plastic waste

14 March 2024

CEMEX Holdings Philippines Inc has teamed up with Liwayway Marketing Corp to address the management of plastic waste in the Philippines. Under the deal, Liwayway Marketing Corp, the countrys leading snack food supplier, will be channeling its post-consumer plastic packaging waste to CEMEXs Solid cement plant for co-processing. The plastic waste will then be converted into alternative fuels and raw materials cement production at the plant.

At CEMEX, we are committed to solving environmental challenges and pursuing innovative solutions. Our partnership with companies like Liwayway translates this commitment into action. It demonstrates our solid efforts at ensuring we promote responsible business and elevate industry standards, said Luis Franco, CEMEX Philippines president and CEO.

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CEMEX Croatia awarded contracts for three solar power plant projects

14 March 2024

CEMEX Croatia has been awarded EUR5m (US$5.5m) in contracts for the construction of three solar power plants, co-funded by The Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund and the EU Modernisation Fund. The project will see solar energy production facilities built at Juraj cement plant in Kastel Sucurac, Kajo cement plant in Solin and the Podsused facility in Zagreb. Approximately EUR3m of the funding will be supplied by the EU.

The goal of this project is to equip the roofs of these facilities with solar power plants, which will have a combined installed capacity of 6.34MW. EUR3m of the funding will be earmarked for the installation of photovoltaic systems (with an installed capacity of 3.79MW) at the Juraj plant. The Kajo plant will be rigged with a EUR1.7m solar array, with an installed capacity of 2.14MW. A total of 60 per cent of the funding for these two projects will be attained from the EU Modernization Fund. At the Podsused facility, photovoltaic systems with an installed capacity of 0.4MW will be built. Half of this project (roughly EUR318,000) will also be co-financed by the EU.

CEMEX Croatias project and quality assurance manager, Marijan Zekic, said, The savings that these measures will bring to us in terms of energy consumption will increase the efficiency of our production and reduce emissions from our operations.

The new funds invested by CEMEX in renewable energy production bring the company a step closer to the goal of increasing the use of lower-carbon energy in production. This objective is part of the companys Future in Action programme, whose goal is to bring CEMEX to net-zero CO 2 emissions by 2050. All of the objectives within this programme aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including a 47 per cent reduction in CO 2 emissions/t of cement material and a 35 per cent reduction in the carbon content of concrete globally by 2030. Additionally, the company has set the goal of ensuring that 65 per cent of its electricity usage comes from lower-carbon energy. Alen Voloder, CEO of CEMEX Croatia, states, an important goal of ours is the development of lower-carbon, and ultimately carbon-neutral cement, concrete, aggregates and admixtures, thus rounding off our approach to creating the future of construction with less CO 2 emissions throughout the value chain.

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Donald Trump is reportedly asking X (formerly Twitter) owner Elon Musk to acquire his social media platform Truth Social, sources familiar with the deal told the Washington Post.

According to the report, Trump, who is running for his second term in the presidency, proposed the idea to Musk last summer as conversations between the two become more common.

Musk, who has been noted to repost conservative ideologies on X, reinstated Trump's account last year after it was suspended by the old Twitter for violating its policies against inciting violence.

The report was published as Trump's Truth Social is heading for a merger with acquisition firm Digital World. The right-wing-led Truth Social is part of the Trump Media enterprise.

Representatives from the platform touted the deal as a way to further expand the reach of the social media site, which Trump primarily uses for his presidential campaign.

Also Read: Donald Trump's Truth Social Receives Approval for Digital World Merger

No Trump-Musk Partnership Yet

Despite the budding relationship between the tech mogul and the politician, Musk seems to be not looking to endorse Trump in the upcoming 2024 US Presidential Elections.

According to The New York Times, Musk denied to provide Trump's requested cash infusion to aid his re-election campaign.

It can be remembered that the tech billionaire has repeatedly portrayed himself as a centrist and has made clear that he will not officially support "either candidate for US President."

Just to be super clear, I am not donating money to either candidate for US President  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 6, 2024

Related Article: Trump Claims TikTok Ban Will Only Help Facebook, But Kids Will Go Crazy Without it

Political Disinformation Still Runs Rampant on X

Despite not officially advertising the impeached president, promotions for Trump, whether as an exaggeration or blatant lie, have been running rampant on X.

Digital watchdogs have scrutinized the platform multiple times for boosting hate speech and racism on the platform through its verified check marks.

One of the changes Musk brought to the platform when he acquired it was to make blue check marks as part of a premium subscription on X, touting the service as a way to help boost the visibility of posts on the site.

Musk himself has been flagged on several occasions for sharing misinformation often common in Trump's earlier speeches.
March 19, East Brainerd Council Monthly Meeting: Speed Networking with Elaine Zambos, BNI

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Miller-Motte College: 6397 Lee Hwy.

Join us for networking, lunch and more networking! The incomparable Elaine Zambos of BNI will be with us.

Register here.

$15 (pre-registered attendees received a guaranteed lunch); $15 (at the door, lunch not guaranteed).

March 19, CRMA + SHRM Lunch & Learn

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Smart Factory: 2215 Parker St.

Join SETN SHRM and CRMA for an insightful panel discussion as part of their collaborative effort to provide valuable educational opportunities to their members and leaders in the community. In this educational meeting, industry experts from La-Z-Boy/UTK Executive Education, Kenco, and Komatsu will come together to explore essential strategies for organizations looking to invest in their future by developing strong succession plans, implementing effective career pathing programs and intentionally nurturing the next generation of leaders.

Register here.

$26; includes lunch, networking and program.

March 19, Lunch and Learn

noon-1:30 p.m.

The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship: 410 E. 8th St., Ste. 212

When you have an interview with a news organization, podcast host or radio show, how do you master this and get your message across properly? Come learn from FreightWaves Anchor and Meteorologist, Kaylee Nix.

Register here.

$5 for lunch.

March 19, Ribbon Cutting for Nu Digital Marketing Agency

1:30-2 p.m.

Nu Digital Marketing Agency: 102 Jordan Dr.

Join the Chattanooga Chamber for a ribbon cutting event Nu Digital Marketing Agency.

March 19, South Chattanooga Council After Hours

4-6 p.m.

Little Coyote: 3950 Tennessee Ave.

Come join the South Chattanooga Council for happy hour at one of Chattanooga's hottest new restaurants.

Register here.

March 19, Ribbon Cutting for Noon Development

5-5:30 p.m.

Noon Development: 929 Spring Creek Road

Join the Chattanooga Chamber for a ribbon cutting event for Noon Development.

March 20, Ooltewah/Collegedale Council Meeting

8:15-9:30 a.m.

Collegedale Commons: 4750 Swinyar Dr.

Elevate your professional network and knowledge at our in-person event. Enjoy 15-30 minutes of vibrant networking, followed by an hour-long meeting featuring dynamic speakers, delectable catering, and sponsored highlights. Connect, learn and grow with us.

Register here.

No cost.

March 20, Hixson Council Networking Luncheon

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Hixson High School: 5705 Middle Valley Road

Join the Hixson Council for our monthly luncheon at Hixson High. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour and learn more about the Future Ready Institutes offered at HHS. Lunch will be served starting at 11:45 a.m. and the event will begin at noon.

Register here. Registration is required.

$15

March 21, East Ridge Council Coffee

8-9 a.m.

Local Coffee of East Ridge: 4104 Ringgold Road

Kickstart your day with a unique networking experience at our morning coffee event. Join us for an opportunity to expand your professional circle. Begin your morning with a lively hour of networking, creating meaningful connections with local professionals who share your morning enthusiasm.

Register here.

No cost.

March 21, Ribbon Cutting for Shutter Masters

11-11:30 a.m.

Shutter Masters: 6116 Shallowford Road, Ste. 116

Join the Chattanooga Chamber for a ribbon cutting event for Shutter Masters.

March 21, North Hamilton County Council Networking Luncheon

11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.

Tristar Beverage Chattanooga: 200 Shearer St.

Managing your business and personal finances are important skills to help your business thrive. Join the North Hamilton County Council for our monthly lunch meeting to hear from an expert panel. They will share tips and best practices on how to manage finances, creative ways to approach lending and planning for the future. Sponsored by David Casteel State Farm.

Register here.

$15 Meeting Fee includes lunch, networking and program.

March 21, Business After Hours | Chattanooga Zoo

5-7 p.m.

Chattanooga Zoo: 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave.

Business After Hours brings in an average of 200 business folks from around Chattanooga for refreshments & networking. The Chattanooga Zoo is sponsoring Business After Hours for the month of March. You won't want to miss it.

Register here.

No cost.

March 21, Business Brew

5:30-7 p.m.

Wanderlinger Brewing Co: 1208 King St., Unit 120

Want to expand your professional network? Come join our monthly Business Brews event with two-for-one beer deals, trivia, a popcorn bar and more.

Register here.

Free and open to any Chattanooga professionals.

March 22, Groundbreaking for The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimers Center of Excellence

11:30 a.m.-noon

The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimers Center of Excellence: 1775 Generations Way

Join the Chattanooga Chamber for a groundbreaking event for The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimers Center of Excellence.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga will host their annual Women Build Brunch on April 26 at the Chattanoogan Hotel from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The brunch is presented by Hamico and Real Estate Partners. Community volunteer Cynthia Dale will serve as chair, while Nicole Brown will emcee the program. Andrea Hardaway, author, property developer and manager, will be the keynote.Officials said, "Andrea's company, First Property Management, has become a magnet for real estate investors focused on growing their property portfolios.In addition to her business, she is also a strategy consultant and will be offering her valuable insights and encouragement to guests attending Women Build."This years effort is especially significant as it will honor a dedicated mother and daughter who will be living in the new home. Mom Shirley Pitner (78) and daughter Sherry Pitner (55) are a resilient duo who have worked through the challenges of Sherrys kidney disease since she was 10 years old. Sherrys kidneys failed during her senior year of high school and her mom stood by her, even risking her job to offer unwavering support during hospital visits. Over the years, Sherry received a transplant that lasted for over ten years before failing. Today, Sherry has received her third transplant which is functioning well."Throughout the health challenges, the Pitners remained steadfast in their faith and desire for a place to call their own. As they age, their desire for a secure and safe home has deepened. Upon acceptance into Habitats homeownership program, Sherry and Shirley immersed themselves in fulfilling their sweat equity hours. Visitors to Habitats Restores or the Habitat office will often see Sherry and Shirley offering assistance. They've completed their initial set of sweat equity hours and homeowner education classes and have selected the lot on which their home will be built. They are one step closer to home ownership and with the help of Women Build on April 26, may realize a lifelong dream."Ms. Dale said, Its an honor to assist Habitat in raising awareness for the important work being done in our community. Sherry and Shirley have endured challenges many of us will never face and theyve done it with grace and unwavering faith, knowing that their goal of homeownership is reachable. As a community volunteer, I love to see non-profits making a difference; however, in this case, it truly is faith in action.Habitat CEO Jens Christensen said, We are incredibly excited about this years homeowners. They have literally been working for decades to achieve the dream of homeownership and our hope is that on April 26, we will raise enough money to make their dream a reality.To purchase tickets or make a gift, visit the Habitat website . Individual tickets are $75 and tables of eight are $500, which includes brunch and individual tickets for a Bloody Mary or Champagne Mimosa. The event is expected to quickly sell-out, officials said.
The Chattanooga SGT MAJ Ernest F. Seagle Detachment #518 of the Marine Corps League will host the Marine Corps League Southeast Regional Conference Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, at the downtown Chattanooga Hilton Doubletree Hotel, 407 Chestnut St.Marine Corps League detachment members from seven states will gather to socialize and discuss subjects of interest to the Marine Corps League and the Veteran communities.Information about Marine Corps League mission, programs and activities is available at www.chattmarines.org.All active duty, reserve, retired and former Marines, as well as members of the veterans/military community are invited to attend.Conference registration form is available at www.chattmarines.org under Regional, View Regional, SE Div Conference.Questions may be directed to Commandant Jim Delaney by phone/text at 423-243-4781, or by email at jdelaney4@gmail.com.
Thomas Herman Logan, a distinguished World War II veteran, devoted husband, loving father, successful businessman, and devout man of God, passed away on Monday night, March 11th, 2024.

He was born on March 26th, 1927, in Cleveland, Tennessee, to Reverend T.H. and Iva Logan.

Herman is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy, and his son, Danny. He also leaves behind four cherished grandsons: Brody, Hutch, Dylan, and Tab.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Patsy Moore, with whom he shared a loving marriage and welcomed their son, Danny, into the world. Herman was one of four brothers: James Logan Sr. (Carrie), Bill Logan (Polly), and Rhon Logan, and had a sister, Ann Thomas (Phill).

Herman's early years were marked by dedication and service. He attended Charleston schools until he made the decision to enlist in the Navy at the young age of 15. Over the course of two decades, he served his country with distinction, spending 16 years aboard a ship and actively participating in both World War II and the Korean War.

Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Herman embarked on a successful civilian career. He served as a plant manager for Olin Chemicals and later for Magic Chef, where his leadership and work ethic were highly regarded by colleagues and peers alike.

Upon retirement, Herman and his wife embarked on a new chapter, relocating to Florida. However, fate led him back to Cleveland after the passing of his wife, where he was reunited with a childhood friend, Nancy. Their rekindled friendship blossomed into love, and they were soon married, finding solace and companionship in each other's company.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 28 years, Nancy Logan; stepdaughter Vicki Golden and her husband Randall of Russellville, Ar; stepson Frank Faulk and his wife Gena of Georgetown, Tn.

He is also survived by step-grandchildren: Jason Golden and his spouse Daranda of Russellville, Ar; Neil Golden and his spouse Victoria of Atkins, Ar; Charlie Golden of Milton, De; Bo Faulk of Chattanooga, Tn; and Lucie Ballew of Athens, Tn.

Additionally, he is survived by step great-grandchildren: Peyton Golden of Russellville, Ar; Findley Golden of Annapolis, Md; Logan Golden of Russellville, Ar; Levi Faulk of Chattanooga, Tn; Gray Golden of Atkins, Ar; Shelby Reese of Fairbanks, Ak; Colby Lasseter of Cleveland, Tn; and Maggie Hendrix of Cleveland, Tn.

In his leisure time, Herman found joy in simple pleasures, such as fishing, watching sports, and most of all, spending quality time with his adored grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable happiness and pride.

Herman Logan will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His unwavering faith, steadfast dedication to family, and honorable service to his country leave behind a legacy of love, integrity, and strength that will endure for generations to come.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 15th, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Poole Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cleveland. A funeral service to celebrate Herman's life will be held at 2 p.m. in the Poole Chapel, 3000 Ralph Buckner Blvd NE Cleveland, Tn. 37311.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association in honor of Herman's memory at alz.org

Condolences may be shared on Hermans tribute page at pfhcleveland.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Poole Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cleveland.
Leaders from the United Way of Greater Chattanooga said their 211 service will soon be expanding to help more families in need, thanks to $1.5 million in one-time Community Project Funds secured by Congressman Chuck Fleischmann.

This is the first time that United Way of Greater Chattanooga has sought support through the Community Project Funds program. The 211 funding was initially requested by Congressman Fleischmann in March 2023 and was approved by the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate the week of March 4.

These one-time funds will allow 211 to expand its services in new ways, particularly with regard to connecting residents to job placement, training and skills development, and other workforce development opportunities, it was stated.

Lesley Scearce, United Way president and CEO, said, Congressman Fleischmanns steadfast support makes a tremendous difference in the lives of families across the Tennessee Valley.

Our vision for 211 is to help people in moments of crisis, but in ways that build upward economic mobility as well. Through his support, Congressman Fleischmann is helping take this system into the future.

For more than 100 years, the United Way of Greater Chattanooga has been connecting people and resources to build a stronger, healthier community, said Board Chairman Jay Dale. We are grateful that Congressman Fleischmann clearly understands how important the United Way and 211 are to the health and viability of his district.

Officials said, "Local sources of funding, including ongoing support from the city of Chattanooga and Hamilton County Government are critical to meeting the current demands on the service: 211 navigators will receive more than 81,000 requests for help this year, 82 percent of which are from Hamilton County residents."

Ms. Scearce said, Demand on our 211 service spiked at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and it has not relented. All of our public sector partners have a role to play in building economic mobility in our region.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will preview its recommendations for the 2024-25 hunting and trapping seasons at the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commissions March 21-22 meeting at Buffalo Ridge Refuge in Humphreys County. Thursday committee meetings begin at 1 p.m. while full commission session starts at 9 a.m. Friday.

Wildlife and Forestry Assistant Chief Wally Akins will share proposed changes to Wildlife Management Areas and the furbearer season. Wildlife and Forestry Assistant Chief Mark McBride will follow with proposals for the Take of Raptors for Falconry and Migratory Game Bird Seasons. His presentation will conclude with big game harvest summaries and proposed season changes, including recommendations for the new deer and turkey management units and season dates. The Commission will vote on the proposed regulations at its April 18-19 meeting in Johnson City.

Matt Clarey, TWRA Outreach Assistant Chief/R3 coordinator, will present a brief update on the Buffalo Ridge Shooting Range project and the future education facility. A report will be given on the Stones River Shooting Range renovation proposal to repair berms. Stones River Range is the most popular range the Agency owns.

Giles County Wildlife Officer Ryne Goats was named the 2023 Tennessee Wildlife Officer of the Year and represented the TWRA at the annual conference of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies last fall. He will receive his award and be introduced to the Commission.

Representatives from the Tennessee Wildlife Federation will present updates on the Tennessee Scholastic Clay Target Program and the Hunting and Fishing Academy.

The meeting will be the first for Jimmy Granbery (Nashville) as TFWC 2024-25 chairman. Other officers elected during the February meeting were Vice Chairman Chris Devaney (Lookout Mountain) and Secretary Greg Davenport (Brentwood).
Food City is still planning a new 54,000-square-foot grocery and fuel center on Lee Highway despite a zoning setback on Tuesday night.

Steven C. Smith, Food City president/CEO, said, "We have been working to replace the existing very old store on Shallowford Road with a new, larger modern Food City store.

"While our preferred plan was denied by the City Council because part of the property owned by the Baptist Childrens Home needed to be re-zoned, we have an alternate plan in place that requires no change in zoning.

"It will allow for the same size modern supermarket to be constructed on site with good parking and a Food City Gas n Go fuel center. The project should create close to 100 new area jobs and enhance the Chattanooga tax base.

The store will go on a 6.5-acre tract at Ballard Drive.

City Councilwoman Carol Berz said neighbors to the project were given two options, and they did not opt for the site sought for rezoning, but land that was already zoned commercial.

She told an official of the Tennessee Baptist Children's Home, which preferred the sought sought for rezoning, that she was going with the wishes of the neighbors.
Waymo has started rolling out its robataxi operations in Los Angeles as it continues to expand its services in the West Coast.

To commemorate its launching, Waymo on Thursday started offering free rides in select areas of the city.

At least 50,000 residents reportedly signed up for the self-driving EV trip, according to its latest blog post.

Waymo's operations is expected to cover a 63 square mile area from Santa Monica to Downtown LA. The company said it will start rolling out paid services "in the coming weeks."

The Alphabet-owned EV start-up received California's regulatory approval earlier this March, almost seven months after it began expanding to the Golden State starting with San Francisco.

Ahead of its March 14 rollout, the Los Angeles Times earlier reported that several Waymo vehicles have already been spotted roaming the streets of LA.

Also Read: California Regulators Greenlight Waymo Robotaxi Expansion in LA, San Francisco

Safety Concerns Loom Over California Regulators' Waymo Operations Approval

Amid Waymo's successful expansion in California, residents and traditional taxi drivers are less enthusiastic about the venture.

Just last December, San Francisco residents reportedly vandalized and set a Waymo car on fire as tension between the people and the company increased.

San Francisco has earlier filed a lawsuit against the California Public Utilities Commission to overturn its ruling to allow Waymo and other driverless ride-hailing services in the city.

The litigation cited concerns about self-driving car services' safety measures to protect pedestrians from harm.

It can be remembered that Cruise, one of the approved self-driving services in the city, hit and dragged a pedestrian for 20 feet last year. Regulators have since indefinitely suspended Cruise's operation license.

Related Article: San Francisco Sues California Regulators for Allowing Self-Driving Cars in the City

Waymo Eyes to Further Expand Operations in Texas

Aside from California, Waymo has been noted to be seeking to further venture out with its business in Texas.

As of writing, its driverless cars are already operating 24/7 in metropolitan areas of Austin, covering over 40 square miles of the city.
Whitfield County Administrator Robert (Bob) Sivick was honored at the Georgia City-County Management Association Spring Conference last Wednesday with the 2024 Community Program Award for his efforts in the implementation of the Whitfield-Murray Conasauga Community Addiction Recovery Center.Officials said, "In 2022, the State of Georgia distributed funds from the National Opioid Litigation to local governments across the state. Rather than having these funds sit idle, Mr. Sivick led community efforts to provide a path forward for individuals battling addiction.Demonstrating a willingness to solve a problem, he also devoted resources to the families of those suffering from addiction."His acknowledgement that substance use can impact lives both directly and indirectly was catalytic to providing a way to continuously improve services for people in our community."The money in itself is not going to do anything, unless it is applied to the problem, said Mr. Sivick."Once the Board of Commissioners gave approval, he championed the project to completion taking the collaborative approach - the Court System, legal staff and other essential departments were brought together to ensure the projects success," officials said.It is heartening to be recognized by colleagues managing Georgias 159 counties and more than 500 cities. But we have no intention of just accepting our award and accolades and going home  we have reached out to nearby cities and counties and are encouraging them to join our efforts addressing substance abuse before it inflicts far greater damage to our communities, Mr. Sivick said."To date, the CCARC has served 58 clients on their path to healing. The anonymity of the center has allowed individuals to continue living their daily lives and provided an outlet for those impacted directly or indirectly to discuss the path moving forward. These services have benefited children, veterans, expecting mothers and many more," officials said. "The CCARC not only meets the needs of the community, but is a prime example of what fearless leadership can accomplish. County Administrator Bob Sivick is not only a leader, but a team builder, reaching out to others in our government to work together for the benefit of our residents."
Whether in the battle against climate change, in developing vaccines and medicines, or controlling our food, modern analysis methods are indispensable. Over 1,050 exhibitors at analytica in Munich from April 9 to 12 will be showcasing the new instruments and applications the laboratory industry is using to meet the current challenges. The extensive supporting program at the worlds leading trade fair for laboratory technology, analysis and biotechnology makes it easy to exchange know-how and ideas in person.

analytica conference: Science meets industry The most important part of the supporting program is the analytica conference with around 200 lectures by renowned scientists from all over the world. Alongside the megatrends of artificial intelligence (AI), data management and sustainability in the laboratory, the agenda includes sessions on food safety, atmospheric chemistry, and the up-and-coming research field of spatial biology. There are also lecture series dedicated to drug analysis, omics technologies, modern spectroscopy, and many other high-tech analysis methods. In addition, the multifaceted program invites you to think outside the box. How are old oil paintings examined? Why does analytics play a key role in the circular economy of tomorrow? The analytica conference also answers questions like these. It will be held on the first three days of the trade fair at the ICM (International Congress Center Munich) in the immediate vicinity of the exhibition halls and is included in the analytica ticket.

Special show and forum on digital transformation: Kevin & co. in action If you want to experience Laboratory 4.0 live, you should visit the special show Digital Transformation in Hall B2. Over twelve partners will be presenting solutions for marketable, fully automated workflows with cobot assistance, real-time chemical tracking, and standardized device communication at five application stations. The autonomous laboratory robot Kevin will of course also be there. The Digital Transformation Forum in Hall A3 offers even more tips for the digital change. Here, exhibitors present their latest solutions for the digital laboratory, and the industry association Spectaris will introduce the OPC UA LADS communication standard, which enables the manufacturer-independent networking of devices via plug-and-play.

analytica forums and Finance Days: First-hand knowledge The Biotech (Hall A3), Laboratory & Analysis (Hall B1), and Occupational Health & Safety (Hall B1) forums also provide practical information on innovations for the laboratory world. Among the crowd-pullers in the Occupational Health & Safety Forum are the explosive experimental lectures by asecos on handling hazardous materials, being held on Monday through Friday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Special attention will be given this year to the safe storage and disposal of lithium-ion batteries. Financing tips and global market trends in the life sciences and biotechnology are the focus of the analytica Finance Day on April 11 in Hall A3. In the morning of April 10, there will be lectures and a discussion on the current state of smart medicine, while the focus in the afternoon will be on bioeconomy. Among the topics being discussed in keynote speeches and panel discussions are sustainability in the capital market and alternative nutrition in Germany. On April 11, there will be advice on growth financing and first-hand success stories. From 1 p.m., startup companies have the opportunity to present their latest innovations in the form of short elevator pitches.

analytica specials, Jobday and Student Day: Kick-start your career Jobday on April 12 is the ideal opportunity to get to know potential employers, talk to HR managers, and find out about vacancies. Job offers from exhibitors will be posted on the job wall in Halls B1 and A3. In addition, the Laboratory & Analysis Forum in Hall B1 dedicates an entire day to the topic of jobs on Friday, April 12. With a comprehensive program, experts from the industry provide information about career opportunities in the chemical and pharmaceutical sector, and in the field of lab equipment manufacturers. The tailor-made program offered by the training and consulting company Dr. Klinkner & Partner is an ideal addition on the subject of education and training. Its topics range from risk management to analysis techniques such as ion or gas chromatography. The popular Student Day will also take place on the last day of the fair. It is aimed at high school graduates interested in studying chemistry, biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, and food chemistry.
Five arrested on unrelated charges

SPOKANE VALLEY  Five people were arrested on various charges are believed to be connected with a March 8 shooting that left three people wounded on Bowdish Avenue.

At one location, three people were arrested about two hours after the shooting.

Angela R. Ayers, 43, was arrested on multiple extraditable warrants from Bonner county, Idaho, and for being a fugitive from justice, records show.

Zane M.R. Swartzenberger, 19, was arrested for carrying a firearm illegally.

A 17-year-old boy, whom deputies have yet to identify publicly, was arrested for second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a dangerous weapon-brass knuckles.

At a second scene nearly 20 hours later, deputies arrested two more people.

Hannah R. Morris, 19, was arrested on a second-degree burglary warrant and for third-degree theft, records show. Chadd J. Benefield, 39, and arrested on a first-degree criminal trespass warrant.

Deputies responded to the March 8 shooting at about 12:35 a.m. after receiving a 911 call from a woman who overheard an argument and then gunshots in an apartment complex in the 4000 block of South Bowdish Avenue.

More 911 calls came in.

Deputies arriving on scene determined two men and a teenager went to meet two other adults in one of the appointments, records show. At some point, the meeting turned into an argument and then a shooting.

Only a couple hours later, at approximately 2:50 am, a deputy was called back to the 4000 block of South Bowdish Avenue for a reported suspicious vehicle.

Records show the deputy contacted four occupants of a red Audi in front of the church on East 40th Avenue, records show. The driver, whom deputies did not identify publicly, told the deputy she was traveling from Newport, Wash., to an address on Mayflower Road.

But the deputy knew Mayflower Road is near the Spokane Airport on the other side of Spokane, records show. He noted the passengers in the vehicle were getting fidgety.

The deputy ordered the occupants to keep their hands visible while awaiting backup, records show. But as they waited, one said his grandmother lived in Airway Heights, again referencing a South Mayflower Road address.

As deputies were arriving, 17-year-old was told multiple times to keep his hands in view, records show, noting deputies spotted a pistol grip sticking out from under a towel.

After confirming the boy had a misdemeanor warrant, he was arrested, records show. Deputies searching him found a glass tube with burnt resident inside his hoodie pocket.

He also was found to have illegal brass knuckles and a baggie containing methamphetamine in his pants pockets, records show. The boy also had a melted straw, a glass pipe, aluminum foil and box with capsules all containing resident believed to be methamphetamine.

Another occupant, Schwartzenberger, told deputies he didnt have any weapons on him, but during a search, a loaded Glock 9mm was found in a pant pocket, records show. He was arrested for carrying a firearm unlawfully.

The third passenger, Ayers, was arrested on the Idaho warrants and the woman driving the car was released. Despite the driver being released, the vehicle was impounded and deputies obtained a search warrant for the vehicle.

The search turned up 27 amphetamine/dextroamphetamine pills, which are prescription-only controlled pharmaceuticals, records show. They also found an off-white crystalline substance in aluminum foil, a loaded Taurus .45 ACP, a black semi-auto Silver Eagle 12-gauge shotgun and 16 cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride (a prescription-only muscle relaxant) pills, along with several other items.

At 11 p.m. that night, deputies were called back to the area for a suspicous 2010 Jaguar in a parking lot.

Records show the caller told dispatchers the two people in the car were possibly connected to the shooting.

During this call, deputies contacted Morris and Benefield.

Morris and Benefield were arrested and booked into the Spokane County Jail for their warrants.

None of the five had been charged in connection with the shooting as of press time.
This woman was in a horrible car crash, and she was the victim of a hit-and-run when the driver who hit her fled the scene. Unfortunately, its taking a long time for the hit-and-run perpetrator to be sentenced.

Her lawyer explained that the driver would most likely be sentenced to many hours of community service. After the car crash, she suffered from a traumatic brain injury. Shes in physical therapy, and her neurologist explained that due to her injury, she would experience many struggles.

One of the things they said I would face is differences in mood and behavior. I havent been moodier, she said.

During conversations about her injury, her family members and friends thought she acted the way she had before the accident. The only difference they noticed is that it now takes her longer to understand and process information.

But the thing is, I dont love my husband anymore. He feels like a stranger to me. Its not like Im amnesiac, but I dont feel connected to the memories I have with him, she explained.

While thinking back, she has no idea why shed been so in love with her husband before the accident.

She still finds him good-looking, but now, she thinks hes dull, and she gets the impression that he expects her to be devoted to him and fawn all over him. Plus, she now feels like hes annoying and arrogant.

Upon reflection, she thinks she was always the one moving the relationship forward with her husband, and she always loved him more than he loved her. She doesnt understand why she should feel obligated to concern herself with him.

I dont want to go on dates with him, hang around, or do whatever I used to do with him. Ive told him I felt disconnected with my memories and past emotions, she shared.

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Throughout history, brutal styles of torture were used on people as a means of punishment or for obtaining information and confessions. One of the most gruesome methods that still sends a shudder down the spine of anyone from the modern era is the guillotine.

The guillotine was a device that was designed to carry out executions by beheading people. It dates back to the Middle Ages and the French Revolution, although similar machines had already been in use for centuries.

The origins of the French guillotine can be traced back to 1789 when Dr. Joseph-Ignace Guillotin suggested that the French government employ a less cruel form of execution. Thats when the idea of the guillotine was born.

Dr. Guillotin was a French physician and politician. Even though the tool of torture was named after him, he was against the idea of capital punishment, which is also known as the death penalty. He believed that criminals should be able to volunteer as subjects for medical experiments instead of undergoing capital punishment.

After completing his medical studies, Guillotin became a well-known politician. In 1789, he was elected to the Estates General, a legislative and consultative assembly. He was the secretary, a position that had no real authoritative power, and acted as an advisor to the Crown.

Before Guillotins proposal to develop a gentler method of execution, individuals died by axe or sword. People were also hanged, burned at the stake, or boiled to death. Guillotin wanted to get rid of the death penalty altogether but could not convince the government to agree. So, he came up with the guillotine instead.

In addition, he had six principles for humane punishment: all punishments should be the same for the same type of crime, regardless of social class; the death sentence will be applied by decapitation with a machine only; the family of the guilty party will not suffer legal discrimination; harassing the guilty partys family about their punishment will be illegal; the convicteds property will not be confiscated; and finally, the bodies of the executed must be returned to the family if requested.

Guillotin argued that swift decapitation by a machine was more humane than sword and axe beheadings, which could often go wrong, making the process a longer one. He oversaw the creation of the first prototype. The French guillotine was likely inspired by machines from Italys Renaissance era and Scotland.

In April 1792, the device claimed its first victim. Much to Guillotins horror, it was quickly dubbed the guillotine, and executions by guillotine turned into major events.

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Of the approximately 900 religiously affiliated colleges in the United States, over 200 maintain some sort of evangelical identity. In his memoir Academically Speaking: Lessons from a Life in Christian Higher Education, seasoned educator Rick Ostrander recounts his vocational journey while offering reflections on evangelical higher education. Nathan Finn, executive director of the Institute for Transformational Leadership at North Greenville University, spoke with Ostrander about the challenges and opportunities facing evangelical colleges.

You are still in the middle of your career in Christian higher education. Why write this memoir now?

I wanted to write about two topics. One is the world of Christian higher education, which I want both insiders and outsiders to better understand. The other is the importance of trusting God amid uncertainty. I have spent my entire adult life in Christian higher education, working in a variety of contexts. But there have also been some unexpected and even unwanted twists and turns. Ive learned throughout that God is faithful and I can trust him.

Mark Noll published his seminal book The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind 30 years ago. What, in your view, is the current state of the evangelical mind?

There were two fronts Noll and others wanted to address. One was advancing Christian voices within the academy. We have seen progress in the number of Christian academics, including tenured professors in non-Christian institutions.

I see less progress, though, on the second front: cultivating an evangelical mind in local churches. Evangelicalism is marked by an inherent populism, which can work against scholarly voices. And political polarization seems to have magnified these anti-intellectual tendencies.

Another challenge for many Christian colleges is the need to focus on pragmatic matters like enrollment and budgets. Schools struggle to create the space for Christian scholars to pursue high-level thinking and scholarship.

In Christian higher education circles, one hears a great deal about integrating faith and learning. How would you explain this concept to someone outside these circles?

This phrase means different things to different academics. For me, it suggests an ideal of faculty integrating faith into their sense of vocation, their teaching, and their scholarship. When I attended Moody Bible Institute in the 1980s, there was an implied hierarchy that treated academia and other professions as less spiritual than full-time ministry work. But God calls some people to become academics who glorify him with excellent teaching and scholarship rooted in a Christian worldview.

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Integration looks different depending on ones discipline, but our beliefs should influence our teaching and scholarship. Integration also means helping students understand how their studies make a difference in the world.

What are some of the challenges and opportunities currently facing Christian higher education?

One challenge, at Christian schools and elsewhere, is what higher education experts call the upcoming demographic cliff. Declining birth rates eventually lead to shrinking applicant pools, which is the situation unfolding today. When schools struggle to attract students, they can also struggle to support the work of their faculty. Another set of challenges relates to cultural and political tensions in American society. Christians seem to be increasingly polarized, and some evangelical schools struggle to span the divide rather than simply reflect one constituency in the culture wars.

When it comes to opportunities, Christian institutions are ideally positioned to offer a deep level of community that students are looking for. Whether they are Christian or not, students want to be part of something bigger than themselves and to feel like they are really known by professors, staff, and other students. Cultivating a strong sense of community is profoundly Christian, besides making good business sense.

What advice do you have for graduate students who want to teach at a Christian college or university?

First, I would stress the importance of being realistic. Its a tough job market, especially in the liberal arts, and finding full-time positions will only get harder. But if you feel that God is calling you to Christian higher education, then pursue that path. In the book, I recount how my own vocation has changed over time, from that of a professor to a host of other interesting roles. Remain open to other ways of using your graduate education, try not to look too far down the road, and trust that God will place you where he wants you to serve for each season of life.

What is the future of online education?

Online education will never equal undergraduate education in a residential setting. Too much is lost in terms of community. But online and hybrid courses offer greater flexibility to educate current students and reach new audiences, even at traditional institutions. Online courses can also help more students study abroad while still taking courses at their home institution.

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Online programs will become an increasingly important source of revenue for schools, but they are not the financial gravy train that many would have forecasted 20 years ago. Still, they do provide other benefits. For example, I continue to work with Acadeum, a company that provides an online course-sharing consortium for independent colleges and universities. This is a creative way for schools to lower costs by accessing online courses from other schools with similar missions.

Why, in your view, should Christian schools emphasize study abroad programs?

I think these programs are crucial, but some worry that they can draw needed resources away from campus. One useful approach in financially challenging times is connecting study abroad opportunities with curricula that students are already committed to by virtue of their majors. Most study abroad programs are currently in the humanities, so another opportunity is creating similar pathways for the growing number of students majoring in STEM disciplines and professional fields. If our goal is producing well-educated Christian students for a global society, there is no substitute for giving them embodied cross-cultural experiences.

You recently became the founding director of the Michigan Christian Study Center. What role do these study centers play in Christian higher education?

I first became aware of this movement when I was working in Washington, DC, for the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and was introduced to the Center for Christian Study at the University of Virginia. I appreciate how this model embeds many of the best features of Christian colleges within the nations leading research universities, with their considerable resources and cultural influence.

Christian study centers cultivate vibrant Christian learning communities that can nurture and support students and professors in pluralistic educational contexts. There will always be a place for private Christian colleges and universities like the ones where Ive worked. But as a devoted Michigan alum, Im excited to see this new form of Christian higher education planted there, and I hope something similar will take root at more institutions across the country.

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Home News House passes TikTok ban amid China security concerns; Hawley urges Senate to do the same

The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill that would ban TikTok nationwide until its China-based owner sells its stake in the social media platform.

The House, whose votes are often divided along political party lines, voted 352-65 on Wednesday in favor of the bill, which seeks to combat "the threat posed by foreign adversary controlled applications, such as TikTok and any successor application or service and any other application or service developed or provided by ByteDance Ltd. or an entity under the control of ByteDance Ltd."

Proponents of the legislation argue that ByteDance, which owns TikTok, is required by Chinese law to hand over information requested by the government and thus can be used to gather intelligence data on American citizens.

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"We have given TikTok a clear choice," said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., in a statement. "Separate from your parent company ByteDance, which is beholden to the CCP (the Chinese Communist Party), and remain operational in the United States, or side with the CCP and face the consequences. The choice is TikTok's."

Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, who has championed legislation against TikTok in the past, expressed support for the House vote, declaring that the Senate "should take up this bill immediately."

"NOW is the time to act on TikTok and stop China spying," he tweeted.

An official with China's Foreign Ministry accused the U.S. lawmakers of "bullying."

"If the pretext of national security can be used to suppress excellent companies from other countries arbitrarily, there is no fairness or justice to speak of," spokesperson Wang Wenbin said during a news briefing in Beijing, according to NBC News.

Former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who heads Liberty Strategic Capital, announced Thursday that he is putting together an investor group that hopes to purchase TikTok.

I think the legislation should pass and I think it should be sold, Mnuchin told CNBCs Squawk Box. "Its a great business and Im going to put together a group to buy TikTok."

Last May, Montana became the first state to pass a law banning the app altogether by prohibiting mobile application stores in the state from offering TikTok as an application.

"The Chinese Communist Party using TikTok to spy on Americans, violate their privacy, and collect their personal, private, and sensitive information is well-documented," said Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte at the time.

"Today, Montana takes the most decisive action of any state to protect Montanans' private data and sensitive personal information from being harvested by the Chinese Communist Party."

In March, TikTok CEO Shou Chew testified before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, objecting to the claim that his business worked for the Chinese government.

"TikTok is led by an executive team in the United States and Singapore and has global offices, including in Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, Nashville, New York, Washington, D.C., Dublin, London, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Singapore, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo. Our headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore. TikTok is not available in mainland China," Chew claimed in written testimony.

"TikTok, as a U.S. company incorporated in the United States, is subject to the laws of the United States. TikTok has never shared, or received a request to share, U.S. user data with the Chinese government. Nor would TikTok honor such a request if one were ever made."
Well, Helldiver, it looks like things will be more complicated in the next missions. As if giant Chargers and Bile Spewers weren't enough of a pain, you'll need to extend your line of sight to the skies as well since Terminids can fly now, apparently.

Land Mines Can't Save You Now

Players are working hard to finally eradicate the infestation of Terminds in the Umalut Sector, and it seems that liberation is nigh with missions where Helldivers are tasked to activate the Terminid Control System towers that would release pesticides to kill the bugs.

As it turns out, the fight is far from over, and the Terminids are upping their game by taking advantage of the power of flight. Players have been pointing out the update, but funnily enough, Arrowhead Games CEO Johan Pilestedt sides with the state and denies their existence.

"I've heard about rumors of flying bugs in [Helldivers 2]. I want to officially refute such preposterous claims. Everyone knows that 'Bugs can't fly'," the CEO posted. He even mentioned that the Ministry of Truth believes it's just propaganda from bug sympathizers.

I've heard rumors of flying bugs in @helldivers2. I want to officially refute such preposterous claims.



Everyone knows that "Bugs can't fly".



And I'm not alone in thinking this. The Ministry of Truth agrees that this is propaganda from bug sympathizers that want to brainwash  Pilestedt (@Pilestedt) March 12, 2024

When others pointed out that the poster itself featured flying Terminids, Pilestedt shut down the idea by saying that it was "image manipulation by traitors." Fans are entertained by the fact that the CEO is playing along with the ideals that Super Earth leaders are peddling.

In all seriousness, it is possible that there are now flying Terminids in the infested planets. According to Kotaku, there have already been a few confirmations that the bugs now have wings, making the achievement of liberty and democracy that much harder.

Since it is new, we still don't know which loadouts will best deal with the bugs. Will the Gatling Sentries target them? Will the airstrikes be effective in killing them off? Part of the fun would be to find out the most effective way to eliminate the flying critters.

Read Also: Helldivers 2 Devs Clap Back at Players Who Criticized the Recent Patch

Helldivers Conspiracies

Right from the get-go, Helldivers 2 is already introduced as a political campaign that encourages people to enlist as Helldivers and fight for Super Earth. However, the lore behind the title and the small details in-game tell a more deceitful story behind the rallying of troops.

For one, Super Earth leaders are all for "managed democracy," which states that it utilizes computer-aided voting software where citizens are asked several questions. That means that they don't directly vote for specific leaders and that the voting machine will decide based on the submitted answers.

In missions where Helldivers are deployed to shut down illegal broadcasts, the message says that the threat is about oil since that is how bugs end up once they die and break down. "WAKE UP PEOPLE! THE BUG MENACE IS A SUPER EARTH CONSTRUCT!"

The so-called "democracy" doesn't seem all that democratic when you learn about the things that people have been arrested or executed for as well. According to PC Gamer, violations include things like being suspected of being an alien sympathizer, such as a conspiracy theorist.

Super Earth citizens are also not allowed to question official government narratives, having a child without that C1-PERM government-issued permit, and so on. Some are even arrested for simply being a "hippie."

Related: Helldivers 2 Has a Human Game Master In Charge of Enemy Forces
Home News Kamala Harris prompts outrage with historic tour of Minnesota abortion clinic: 'Unbelievable' Tour marks first-ever vice presidential visit to an abortion clinic

Vice President Kamala Harris prompted backlash from some pro-life groups for her scheduled Thursday visit to a Planned Parenthood abortion clinic in Minnesota as part of her ongoing nationwide "Reproductive Freedoms" tour.

Harris, whose tour of the facility in St. Paul marks the first time a sitting president or vice president has visited an abortion clinic, plans to speak with staff and hear how abortion bans in neighboring states have impacted Minnesota, according to NBC News.

Minnesota, which has no restrictions on the procedure, enacted a law last year stipulating that "every individual who becomes pregnant has a fundamental right to continue the pregnancy and give birth, or obtain an abortion, and to make autonomous decisions about how to exercise this fundamental right."

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The White House did not immediately disclose the facility's location, citing security concerns.

During an address at a Biden-Harris campaign stop in St. Paul, Harris will also tout how the administration has "worked to safeguard reproductive freedoms, and highlight how advocates and elected leaders in states like Minnesota have worked to protect reproductive rights since the overturning of Roe v. Wade," according to her office.

Harris' visit to the Twin Cities is the fifth state she has visited and the sixth stop she's made within the past week in a tour that began in January.

"During each stop on her tour, Vice President Harris is holding extremists accountable for proposing a national abortion ban, highlighting the harm caused by extreme abortion bans," Harris' office said in a statement.

Harris' stop at the abortion facility prompted backlash from pro-life groups such as Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, which accused Harris of having "spent her whole career in the pocket of Big Abortion."

In a statement provided to The Christian Post, SBA Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser noted how, when Harris was attorney general of California, she prosecuted David Daleiden and the Center for Medical Progress for exposing Planned Parenthood's sale of baby body parts, sending state agents to raid Daleiden's home.

"The corruption continues as the Biden-Harris DOJ throws nonviolent pro-life activists in prison," Dannenfelser said.

"We need leaders who will champion national minimum protections at least when babies in the womb can feel pain, to stop Planned Parenthood and the Democrats all-trimester, no-limits abortion agenda. They are extreme and wildly out of step with America," she also said.

The Family Research Council (FRC) described Harris' visit as "unbelievable," and suggested she is trying to tell women that "they must sacrifice their own children" if they want to pursue the American Dream.

Unbelievable. Today, @VP Harris will try to tell women that if they want the American Dream, they must sacrifice their own children.



The visit will undoubtedly show the smiling faces of the abortionists and a deceptively pleasant atmosphere, but they wont show the helplessness pic.twitter.com/bxtyAbSRsO  Family Research Council (@FRCdc) March 14, 2024

"The visit will undoubtedly show the smiling faces of the abortionists and a deceptively pleasant atmosphere, but they wont show the helplessness and heartbreak each mother feels as her child is killed, and torn from her womb," FRC said. "They wont show the tools used to literally tear a child limb from limb. They wont show the room where the abortionist callously reconstructs the babys body to make sure he got all the parts."

"Abortion is gruesome  and it is not part of the American Dream. Even a Vice President of the United States of America can't disguise the brutality of abortion," the organization continued, adding that Harris should visit one of the more than 90 pro-life crisis pregnancy centers in Minnesota instead.

Harris' visit comes less than a week after President Joe Biden appeared to attack the U.S. Supreme Court for overturning Roe v. Wade during his State of the Union address.

"Many of you in this chamber and my predecessor are promising to pass a national ban on reproductive freedom," he said. "My God, what freedoms will you take away next?"

"Clearly, those bragging about overturning Roe v. Wade have no clue about the power of women in America," Biden said. "They found out though when reproductive freedom was on the ballot and won in 2022, 2023, and they will find out again, in 2024."

Biden also pledged to "restore Roe v. Wade as the law of the land again" if given a Democrat-controlled Congress.
Home News Pastor shot in mouth during carjacking speaks, is grateful to be alive

Nearly three weeks after he was shot in the mouth by carjackers as he was getting ready for a service at his church in Memphis, Tennessee, Pastor Clemmie Livingston Jr. is on the mend. He is talking slowly, beginning to eat solid food, and is grateful to be alive.

I cannot explain how it happened. All I know is that I was struck, Livingston told Fox13 Wednesday in an interview inside Zionfield Baptist Church.

While I was waiting for the paramedics, all I could see or kept asking myself was, am I going to be dead in a few minutes, because I was losing blood at a record rate. But I held on to my belief, he said.

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The Memphis Police Department noted in a previous report that the pastor, whose daughter says he 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 of the church at the time the car was stolen returned fire after the suspects shot first.

No suspects have yet been held in connection with the shooting, but the pastors family members are grateful he's alive and focused on his complete recovery.

His wife, Gwendoline Livingston, celebrated that her husband is now beginning to enjoy her cooking again.

I wanted to be as happy as we were, and so I can make the rice go just a little bit more down, and yesterday it was greens and dressing, and before that was cabbage. I asked him, 'how was it?' and he said, 'it tastes like how it's supposed to taste, she told the news outlet.

In a recent update she shared on a GoFundMe campaign seeking to raise $50,000 to help with her husbands recovery, Gwendoline Livingston praised the complete strangers who have already donated more than $33,000 toward their goal.

We just want to say thank you. Just when you think people dont care about each other anymore you all stepped in and showed us just how much so many people across the country do. Without even knowing us you are there for us in a tremendous way and we cant say thank you enough and there are no words to express just how appreciative we are to all of you. Whatever youve done for us you didnt have to do it at all, she wrote.

Its amazing how bullets can destroy so much. Because of your caring and sharing you have encouraged both of us so much. There has definitely been a change in our daily lives. Clemmie is a go-getter and there [wasnt] a day before this incident he didnt awake early every morning to make each day positive and worry free for us, she explained.

But his heart is the church. He is truly a called man of God. There isnt anything he wouldnt do for his members to help them along the way, as well as others up and down the byways. All you had to do was call him. He is truly a full-time minister.

She said her husband will have to do at least two more surgeries in the next several weeks and then possibly a third to ensure he has a full recovery from the damage he suffered from the shooting.

Pastor Livingston, who has lived in Memphis for more than 60 years, wants to help end gun violence in his community by working with local leaders to create more opportunities for youth and promote healthier families.

Give them something to do. Dont steal my car, go buy yourself a car, he said. So many of these households and homes dont have a father or anything in the home. So, we have to look at all that.
Home News Tennessee megachurch performs 93 spontaneous baptisms in 1 day: 'God just spoke'

A megachurch in Tennessee has baptized 93 people across four worship services in a single day, with the people professing their faith having reportedly not planned to do so in advance.

First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, which has an average weekly worship attendance of around 3,600 people, baptized 93 people on Sunday, the largest single-day number of baptisms the congregation has seen.

There were 12 people baptized at the churchs 8:30 a.m. service, 22 people baptized at the 9:45 a.m. service, five baptized at a 9:45 a.m. service held at a different venue on campus and 54 baptized at the 11:00 a.m. service.

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FBC Hendersonville Senior Associate Pastor Bruce Raley told The Christian Post that while a lot of preparation and prayer had gone into the day, the people who were baptized had not come to church prepared to be baptized.

The 93 baptisms were spontaneous, Raley said. Those people did not come prepared to be baptized that day, but we were prepared for them to be baptized that day and God just spoke and they were obedient.

Raley also told CP that his church sees a lot of people move from other parts of the United States, with many of the newcomers having either no faith background or a different faith background where baptism does not mean the same thing or its not emphasized.

We heard the stories of many on Sunday that this is really the first time that we have really heard about the biblical importance and the biblical meaning of baptism, he said.

Now that the 93 people are baptized, Raley explained that the next step will involve having them be connected to a small group Bible study, to help build their religious beliefs.

Our mission statement is 'connecting every generation to God, others, and service.' And to connect them with others is through a group where they're meeting with others on a weekly basis, studying the Word of God, and then engaging them in ministry, Raley told CP.

Where they're walking alongside of other people, serving inside the church or in the community and then just pairing them up, putting them with other believers to walk as they learn the Christian disciplines.

One of the ways that the church celebrated the baptisms was to have a prominently displayed wall in which the newly baptized people sign their names to testify to what they have done.

Baptism is a priority for us. We want to see people come to faith in Christ and then make that profession of faith public through believer's baptism. And so, we hold baptism up, he added.
Home Opinion Americans chip away at corporate wokeness with Doritos win

It took Frito-Lay 63 years to build a $13 billion dollar empire. This week, 50 seconds almost destroyed it. Thats how close the brand came to corporate annihilation after its Doritos team posted a short video with a trans influencer that makes Dylan Mulvaney look like a youth pastor. Turns out, 24-year-old Samantha Hudson isnt just a man pretending to be a woman, hes a sick pervert with dreams of sexually abusing children. Congratulations, Bud Light. Youre officially out of the brand basement.

To everyones shock, Hudson, who appeared on Crunch Talk on behalf of Doritos Spain, has a disgusting history of social media tweets that fantasize about everything from nymphomania to child sexual abuse. I want to do thuggish things to get into a 12-year-old girls [expletive], he wrote. In another post, he talks about being in the middle of a street in his underwear in front of a super beautiful 8-year-old girl. With surprising cruelty, he vilifies victims of abuse, writing, I hate women who are victims of sexual assault and go to self help centers to overcome their trauma. Annoying sl---s.

As if that werent enough, Hudson describes himself as a Marxist anti-capitalist, who fights for the abolition of  the traditional monogamous nuclear family  which apparently makes him perfect spokesperson material.

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Of course, once people started digging up his vile statements, Hudson apologized, claiming they were pure provocation and in very bad taste.  [H]onestly I dont know what to say, he said. I dont remember having written such barbarities  I thought that dark humor was funny. But it was too late. Americans across every platform were horrified, outraged, and to Frito-Lays terror, motivated. From journalists to former Trump officials, people called for the Bud Light treatment. Who hires an admitted pedophile to be the face of their product, everyone wondered? And what lazy marketing team doesnt do a background check?

This person is a million times worse than Dylan Mulvaney, Ian Miles Cheong argued. The country seemed to agree  making #BoycottDoritos trend on X within hours of the story breaking.

Then something incredible happened. Before the wave of consumer anger hit land, Frito-Lay didnt just take the video down  they fired Hudson. We have ended the relationship, a spokesperson told Rolling Stone. We strongly condemn words or actions that promote violence or sexism of any kind.

It was an astonishing turn for the company, even more astonishing given the timetable. Less than 48 hours after the video went viral, Frito-Lay  whose parent company PepsiCo has a perfect 100% score from the Human Rights Campaign on trans advocacy  dropped Hudson like a hot potato. Even Rip Curl, who faced the worlds wrath last month for featuring a trans hero in its surfer series, took five days to apologize  a record for regret.

Thats how dangerous its become for brands to cross consumers with a woke agenda. In the 11 months since Mulvaney-gate at Bud Light  a gamble thats now cost them an eye-popping $1.4 billion in revenue  the entire landscape of corporate activism has changed. CEOs who were tripping over themselves to embrace the LGBT fringe are desperate to avoid the pushback that broke Anheuser-Busch, Target, Disney, and others.

As Family Research Councils Joseph Backholm pointed out to The Washington Stand, this situation is different than other endorsement deals involving so-called trans influencers, since Hudson has quite a different, depraved past. But its good to see that gender identity is no longer providing immunity to do and say terrible things, he observed. Wokeness has long insisted those labeled oppressed can get away with doing things other people should not do. We need a world where people are judged consistently by their choices more than the group they identify with. Yes, Frito-Lay is probably doing a financial calculation here as well, but this is still a refreshing act of moral sanity.

For corporate America, its quite a sea change. After years of punching above their weight class, Big Business faces a terrifying reality: consumers are punching back. And victories like this one will only inspire them to flex those muscles more.

Originally published at The Washington Stand.
Home News 3 charged with trafficking guns connected to KC Chiefs parade shooting

Three men have been charged with illegal firearms trafficking in connection to the investigation surrounding the mass shooting during the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade last month in Missouri that took the life of a local radio personality.

Fedo Antonia Manning, 22, was charged in a 12-count criminal complaint, while 21-year-old Ronnel Dewayne Williams, Jr. and 19-year-old Chaelyn Hendrick Groves were charged in a four-count criminal complaint.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Missouri announced on Wednesday that the charges stemmed from weapons recovered at the Kansas City mass shooting on Feb. 14 west of Union Station, in which one person was killed and over 20 were wounded.

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One of the guns recovered from the scene was an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 .223-caliber pistol, which had been bought by Manning in 2022. Manning is accused of illegally trafficking dozens of firearms.

Another firearm recovered from the scene was a Stag Arms 300-caliber pistol that was purchased by Williams in 2023, which he allegedly bought for Groves, who had been too young to legally purchase it. This is known as a straw purchase and is a federal crime.

The attorney's office made it clear that none of the three men were accused of directly taking part in the mass shooting.

"Stopping straw buyers and preventing illegal firearms trafficking is our first line of defense against gun violence," said U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore.

"At least two of the firearms recovered from the scene of the mass shooting at Union Station were illegally purchased or trafficked. We work diligently with our law enforcement partners to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals by investigating and prosecuting those who illegally buy and sell dangerous weapons."

On Valentine's Day, during a large rally held to celebrate the Chiefs' Super Bowl LVIII victory over the San Francisco 49ers, a mass shooting ensued near the end of the event.

The sole fatality in the shooting was 43-year-old Elizabeth Galvan, also known as Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a mother of two and a radio station disc jockey for local outlet KKFI 90.1 FM.

Shortly after the shooting, the Kansas City Police Department detained two juvenile individuals for their alleged involvement in the shooting and that the event was not considered terrorism-related.

Kansas City Chief of Police Stacey Graves said the response to the shooting by both law enforcement and private citizens "was exemplary."

"Those in attendance also responded, helped one another and even physically stopped a person believed to be involved in the incident," said Graves.

"I want to thank the people who acted bravely yesterday alongside law enforcement. Your selfless act did not go unnoticed. Thank you, Kansas City. I am angered by what occurred in our city yesterday, but I am thankful for the response."

In a press conference hours after the shooting, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said, "Many people have been touched by this incident" and called for prayers for the victims.

"Today was tragic for everyone who was part of it," said Lucas. "We became part of a statistic of too many Americans: those who have experienced or been part of or connected to a mass shooting."

"I continue to commend our police officers, our firefighters, and others who were there to respond instantly. But we also need to figure out a way to make sure that things like this stop happening in our country."
Home News Hamas stealing, selling Gaza aid on black market, Israeli official claims

A senior Israeli defense official claims that international outcries about a food shortage in the Gaza Strip have been "exaggerated" and contends that Hamas is stealing the supplies Israel and other countries send and selling them for more than their worth.

An unnamed senior Israeli defense official told The Jerusalem Post during a briefing last week that "There is no hunger in Gaza."

The official accused Hamas of stealing supplies and selling them to civilians for "10 times more than what it's worth."

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Israel launched an offensive in Gaza to eradicate Hamas, a terror group that has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007, following the group's Oct. 7 surprise attack against civilians in southern Israel on Oct. 7. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least 1,200 people and the abduction of around 240 others. While the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry claims over 30,000 have been killed during the five months of the war, the lack of distinction between terrorists and civilians makes the data difficult to verify.

The United Nations said in February that more than a quarter of Gaza's 2.3 million people were "estimated to be facing catastrophic levels of deprivation and starvation," according to Reuters.

On Monday, the executive director of the U.N. World Food Program said during a news conference in Rome that a famine is imminent in northern Gaza if there is no "exponential" increase in humanitarian aid, CNN reports.

The Jerusalem Post reports that it spoke to a former senior Israeli defense official who said that Hamas controls 70% to 80% of the area. When Israel and the United States deliver aid to Gaza, according to the former senior defense official, criminal gangs and Hamas often steal the supplies at gunpoint.

"There is no food shortage in Gaza; there are those who are hungry since Hamas has taken all of the food, and they don't have enough money to pay Hamas on the black market," the official stated.

"[The situation] in Gaza is akin to hunger in New York, where homeless people suffer not from a lack of food but from a lack of money to purchase it," he added.

The former official claimed that Hamas also prevents food drops, using shoulder-fired missiles to make it harder for countries like the U.S. to accurately drop supplies, which can result in the aid being lost to the sea. He argued that the terror group is deliberately preventing aid from reaching civilians to promote the narrative that Gazans are starving "as a consequence of external forces and legitimizing their control."

A third senior defense official told The Jerusalem Post about other terror groups aside from Hamas, including Hezbollah and the Houthis in Yemen, which he noted are connected to Iran. The official said that Israel has been working to eliminate Iran's proxies, and he wondered why countries in the West have not done the same.

"The Americans should also be actively eliminating Hamas proxies because it is in their interest," the official said. "Unfortunately, and although we have tried to convince them to do so, they haven't yet understood the importance  not only from an Israeli perspective, but actually from their own."

The World Food Program has reported that its aid convoys have faced delays, checkpoints, violence and looting of food. In February, the World Food Program suspended all deliveries to northern Gaza until conditions are in place to make delivering the aid more secure.

The World Food Program initially suspended deliveries for three weeks over safety concerns following an attack on an aid truck. The agency was to resume deliveries on Feb. 18 and was going to send 10 trucks of food for seven straight days.

"On [Feb. 18], as WFP started the route towards Gaza City, the convoy was surrounded by crowds of hungry people close to the Wadi Gaza checkpoint. First fending off multiple attempts by people trying to climb aboard our trucks, then facing gunfire once we entered Gaza City, our team was able to distribute a small quantity of the food along the way," the World Food Program said in a statement.

"On [Feb. 19], the second convoy's journey north faced complete chaos and violence due to the collapse of civil order. Several trucks were looted between Khan Younes and Deir al Balah and a truck driver was beaten. The remaining flour was spontaneously distributed off the trucks in Gaza City amidst high tension and explosive anger."

Before the State of the Union address last week, a senior Biden administration official said during a background press call that Hamas is holding up negotiations for a six-week ceasefire deal by refusing to release a certain number of vulnerable hostages.

"The path to a ceasefire is straightforward. There could be at least a six-week ceasefire today if Hamas would agree to release a defined category of vulnerable hostages, including women, elderly, sick, and the wounded," the Biden official said. "That deal is on the table now and has been for more than the past week."

"It would bring immediate relief to the people of Gaza," the official continued. "It would also create the conditions needed to enable the urgent humanitarian work that must be done. The onus right now is on Hamas."
Home News Jack Hibbs tackles predestination, free will: 'Those in Hell are responsible for being there'

Pastor Jack Hibbs weighed in on some of historys most controversial theological topics  Gods sovereignty, predestination and whether or not an individual can choose their salvation  in a recent sermon.

In a March sermon, Hibbs, pastor of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills in Chino, California, delved into themes presented in Romans 9-11 and drew from various theological viewpoints, including Arminianism, Calvinism and Augustinian thought, to emphasize the undeniable human capacity for choice, a gift he ascribed to God.

These chapters challenge our human capabilities to understand or to fathom the very nature of who God is and what God thinks and what God does, he said. God doesn't answer to us, church. God is sovereign.  God is not wringing His hands right now to figure out what the United Nations is going to do next.

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Hibbs cautioned against following human committees or doctrines instead of the Scriptures themselves. "You want to follow the teachings of the Scripture," he stressed, pointing out the Bible's directive against private interpretation of its message.

Central to Hibbs' sermon was the concept of God's sovereignty and foreknowledge, particularly in the context of salvation and human choice. He highlighted God's omniscience and the predestined path set for believers, all underscored by the necessity of faith in Jesus Christ.

Does man have a choice? Is God involved? Is God sovereign? Is there some sort of sovereignty-given demand? Is there really the ability to choose, or did God make a bunch of robots? Did God make predetermined, pre-loaded in advance  teleonomic beings? he asked.

Hibbs also touched on controversial topics like the eternal fate of non-believers, emphasizing individual responsibility in choosing or rejecting God. He referred to biblical examples, such as Jeremiah, to illustrate the absolute nature of Gods power and knowledge, likening God to a potter and humanity to clay.

People who slide into Hell wake up to the burning sensation of flames, he said. And they have nobody to condemn but themselves for having rejected the opportunity that God had given them. In other words, those who are in Hell are responsible themselves for being there. God's not to blame. He didn't want them to go there. You're going to learn this a lot. But those who are in Heaven cannot take any credit for being there because God provided the way.

The pastor also touched on the significance of Israel in God's plan, affirming its ongoing role as Gods chosen nation. He reiterated biblical promises made to Abraham and their fulfillment through faith in Christ, extending beyond ethnic boundaries.

Despite this truth, Hibbs reflected on Paul's sorrow for those who are lost, particularly his Jewish brethren who did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah. This grief, Hibbs noted, is shared by many believers who long for their loved ones to find salvation.

The scope of God's sovereignty includes sorrow and grief for the lost, he said. That's kind of sobering.

He also preached against the notion of a capricious God, underscoring God's unchanging nature and fairness.

The Bible says that He's the same yesterday, today and forever. He's not whimsical. He never changes His mind. He's not like a reed blowing in the wind. No, He's steadfast, the Bible tells us. And we need to remember this very thing that Paul's announcing to us that there is no injustice with God. That God is fair, that He's holy, that He's pure, that He's love, that He's good.

An important aspect of the sermon was the discussion of choice and responsibility; Hibbs emphasized that while God is sovereign, individuals are still responsible for their choices. He challenged interpretations of predestination that remove human responsibility, arguing that such views misrepresent the nature of God.

Hibbs brought attention to the role of faith in salvation, referencing the biblical story of the thief on the cross as an example of salvation through faith alone. He underscored that good works, while important, are not the basis of salvation.

The pastor reiterated the importance of individual faith in God's plan, stressing that salvation is a personal decision and cannot be inherited or assumed.

Hibbs concluded his sermon by urging believers to recognize their role in God's plan while acknowledging His ultimate control over all things.

"We are all one in Christ Jesus," he declared.

Following his sermon, Hibbs made an announcement on X encouraging people to participate in an event he called the "John 3:16 March. This initiative, he said, is focused on spreading the message of John 3:16 across social media and other platforms.

Hibbs emphasized the importance of the verse: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believe in him will not perish but have everlasting life."

He urged his audience to actively share this message on social media, emphasizing the collective effort in evangelism. "Tell someone, post it on your social media, get it out there and announce to everybody it's coming, he said. Together, we'll do it and we'll be evangelists all around the world at the exact same time.
Home News Judge drops some charges against Trump in Georgia election interference case

A judge in Georgia has dropped three of the 13 counts leveled against the former president and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump, as well as three other charges against his allies over their alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election in Georgia.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee issued an order on Wednesday regarding six of the 41 counts against Trump and his allies.

McAfee dropped Count 5, which alleged that Trump solicited the speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives to violate his oath of office on Dec. 7, 2020, via requesting or importuning him to call a special session to unlawfully appoint presidential electors.

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He also dropped Count 28, which alleged that Trump and his former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows tried to get the Georgia Secretary of State to violate his oath of office on Jan. 2, 2021, via requesting or importuning him to unlawfully influence the certified election returns.

McAfee also dropped Count 38, which alleges that Trump tried to get the Georgia Secretary of State to violate his oath of office on Sept. 17, 2021, by asking him to unlawfully decertify the election.

Additionally, McAfee dropped one count of multiple defendants trying to get members of the Georgia Senate to violate their oaths of office on Dec. 3, 2020, by having them unlawfully appoint presidential electors. The judge dropped one count of Ray Smith III and Rudy Giuliani soliciting Georgia House of Representatives members to violate their oaths of office on Dec. 10, 2020, by trying to get them to unlawfully appoint presidential electors. He also dismissed one count alleging defendants solicited members of the Georgia Senate to violate their oaths of office on December 30, 2020, by requesting or importuning them to unlawfully appoint presidential electors.

As written, these six counts contain all the essential elements of the crimes but fail to allege sufficient detail regarding the nature of their commission, i.e., the underlying felony solicited, McAfee wrote, adding that the entire indictment is not dismissed.

Last August, Trump and several of his allies were indicted and accused of efforts to unlawfully overturn the results of the 2020 Georgia election, in which the state went for Democrat Joe Biden.

Trump was charged with 13 counts, which included violating Georgias racketeering act, conspiring to commit forgery in the first degree, conspiring to impersonate a public officer, conspiring to file false documents and soliciting a public officer to violate their oath.

Around the same time, a grand jury in Washington, D.C. released an indictment against Trump over his alleged ties to the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot, accusing him of 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.

For his part, Trump and his legal team have denied any wrongdoing and have accused the various courts of engaging in a politically-driven witch hunt against the former president and likely 2024 Republican presidential nominee.
Home News Anthony Hopkins drama 'One Life' honors 'British Schindler' who saved over 600 children amid Holocaust

In an era marked by global unrest  particularly in the Middle East  the film "One Life," which tells the true story of Nicholas Winton, who helped secure the rescue of 669 children, most of them Jewish, amid the horrors of World War II, emerges as a profound narrative of hope and human resilience.

I wish the film wasn't so timely, director James Hawes told The Christian Post. But I guess what it tells you is the strength of history to teach us about where we are now, the power of the human spirit to endure.

Starring Anthony Hopkins, Johnny Flynn, Helena Bonham Carter, Alex Sharp and Romola Garai, One Life is based on the book If Its Not Impossible  the Life of Sir Nicholas Winton. The film follows Winton, a young London stockbroker who would become an unsung hero of WWII, eventually earning him the moniker the British Schindler.

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Set against the backdrop of 1930s Europe on the brink of war, the film blends past and present, offering a stirring narrative that brings to life Winton's extraordinary act of courage.

In flashbacks to 1970s England, viewers are introduced to an older Winton (Hopkins), who is reflecting on his past, a time when he was a much younger man in Czechoslovakia during the tense days of 1938-39.

Winton, alongside characters like Doreen (Garai) and Trevor (Sharp), finds himself leading an unlikely group of Czech and British volunteers. They are driven by a singular mission: to evacuate 669 children, predominantly Jewish, from Czechoslovakia to Britain. This act of bravery is further supported by Winton's mother, Babette (Bonham Carter), who becomes an integral part of the mission from England.

The film explores the emotional depth of Wintons experience, balancing themes of guilt, redemption, and grief while highlighting his heroic acts. He struggles with the memories of the children he wasnt able to save. Though, by 1987, a staggering 6,000 people owed their lives to his selfless actions.

Winton, who died in 2015 at 106, had been widely recognized for his extraordinary deeds by the time of his death. In 2003, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for "services in humanity, in saving Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslolvokia."

You meet this man who has an element of grief and regret and you're not sure why, Hawes said. But you see his story through to his redemption and the celebration of what he's achieved at the end.

You dont want it to be grim fest, but equally, you've got to characterize this character who's carrying this burden of darkness from his own history, and then that becomes part of the story, he added. There are some powerful scenes for me where he's faced with the truth of what probably happened to the children he didn't manage to save, and he has to walk away from that question. And he says this very powerful thing: Ive tried to put a lid on that because to remain useful, I can't allow myself to imagine what happened next. You meet quite an intriguing portrayal of grief and regret. At the same time, you get this dynamic story of the Prague rescue and the saving of children.

Though it's a Holocaust film, One Life refrains from graphically depicting atrocities, opting instead for an approach that makes the narrative more palatable and less graphic for viewers (it's rated PG). There are several scenes depicting the conditions in the refugee camps, the violence of the Nazi invasion, and the emotional toll on Winton himself.

In one particularly heart-wrenching scene, parents bid farewell to their children at a train station, sending them off to safety as they themselves face an uncertain future. Garai told CP the scene was particularly memorable as it was filmed in the actual location where the event took place, decades ago.

These children were 3 or 4 years old, and hundreds of children were crowded onto the main train station in Prague and they had to say goodbye to their families, she said. Their parents had to put them on these trains and wave goodbye to them, sending them to travel across Europe, through Nazi Germany, to Britain to foster families in the U.K. We recreated those scenes on the platform where that event actually occurred with hundreds of children dressed up in period outfits. It was truly eerie and quite emotionally overwhelming for everyone involved.

Through One Life, Hawes said he wanted to honor Winton and the collective effort of those who stood with him while celebrating the triumph of humanity and compassion in the face of overwhelming adversity.

I think you learn that you, as an individual, never do quite enough, that you can be disappointed with yourself and want to do more, the director said. I don't want to sermonize, but it does challenge you to be more active when you talk about what's grim in the world. Well, what are you doing to try and put that right? It's not enough to make judgments on what's wrong out there. It's about finding ways, little ways, just achievable ways that you can try and improve it, and that was very much Nicholas ethos.

And both Hawes and Garai emphasized the films relevance in todays sociopolitical climate. It's a story that, though set in the past, carries a timeless message, they said, a call to action to every person to use their life for the greater good.

"The film is a poignant reminder of the ongoing cycles of violence and the power of individual intervention," Garai said.

Hawes added, I hope viewers re-examine what we mean by the word refugee, because it conjures, especially in today's politics, so many negative dark and threatening things.

When you look at it, Nicholas Winton, who did all this extraordinary good work, was himself a first-generation child of refugees. The children he saved have gone on in this country and around the world, in the United States, Canada and Israel to become real contributors to society, scientists, journalists, artists and politicians. Those were all refugees. We need to recalibrate how we approach that problem in a world that is so much more interconnected than it once was.

"One Life" hits theaters on March 15. Watch the trailer below.
Home Opinion Ballot battles: The controversy over state powers in elections

The recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court concerning the disqualification of former President Donald Trump on state ballots serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between state and federal authority within our nations legal framework.

The division of powers between the federal and state governments is a crucial element of the constitutional structure of the United States. The Constitution assigns specific powers to the federal government while reserving others to the states. This ensures a system of checks and balances, which safeguards the rights of American citizens.

In their decision, the High Court underscored the limitations on state power by asserting that states do not have the jurisdiction to bar a candidate from running for federal office. The Supremacy Clause of the Constitution clarifies that federal law is the supreme Law of the Land, meaning that if there is ever a conflict between state law and federal law, federal law wins out.

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In an opinion piece on The Hill, David Ramadan expressed these sentiments, This decision is a reminder of the careful balance of powers that defines our federal system. It reinforces the idea that while states play a crucial role in the administration of elections, the qualifications for federal officeholders are not theirs to redefine. This boundary is crucial for maintaining a unified electoral system across the nation, ensuring that all Americans, regardless of where they live, consistently understand who can and cannot serve in public office.

The 9-0 ruling of the Supreme Court sheds light on the preeminence of federal governance over state autonomy, particularly concerning interpreting and enforcing Section 3 of the 14th Amendment.

If we look back at the history and the ratification of the 14th Amendment in 1868, the United States was characterized by social unrest and racial divisions after the Civil War. The 14th Amendment was a necessary addition to the Constitution because it was crafted in such a way as to guarantee that all people who were born or naturalized in the US are granted complete citizenship rights and that no state would be allowed to deprive any person of their life, liberty, or property without following the due process of law. That is why the Supreme Court ruled that Colorado could not remove any candidate from the ballot based on their interpretation of the Constitution, for it would invert the 14th Amendments rebalancing of federal and state power.

If a state's attorney general or secretary of state is biased against a particular candidate and is supported by a federal judge in declaring that candidate ineligible, it can pose a serious threat to our system of governance. Such actions undermine the fundamental principle that our government draws its power from the consent of the governed and could potentially lead to the takeover of our democratic process.

While commonly associated with the abolition of slavery and the granting of equal civil rights, the 14th Amendments influence extends into many other domains, including the protection of religious freedoms. The amendment ensured civil rights for every individual, irrespective of their background, religion, or circumstances.

As citizens of the United States, we should express gratitude to the Supreme Court for upholding the essential values of our democratic republic. The ruling has helped preserve the authenticity of our electoral procedures, preventing any intentional undermining of the voice of the people, and also ensuring the protection of a candidate's personal perspectives and religious beliefs.
The bill that will ultimately ban TikTok in the US has progressed as the House of Representatives voted to pass the legislation. ByteDance will have two options, which are to divest the app to the US or to have it completely banned. Even if the parent company opts for a sale, it might not be as easy.

TikTok Sale Will Face Many Problems

It's now up to the Senate whether the bill will move on and be signed by US President Joe Biden, and the national leader already said that he would sign it. If all goes according to plan, ByteDance will have difficult decisions ahead.

In the scenario that TikTok would be divested, there could be a lot of problems that would arise in the situation. For one, it would be hard to find a buyer, considering that the social media platform has grown over the years and will be very expensive to acquire.

It's possible that a tech giant like Meta or Microsoft would purchase the app, but the companies would run into antitrust concerns, as per The New York Times. The option that would not face a lot of problems would be if investors teamed up and raised the money for the acquisition.

Other than the purchase itself, there's also the question of how much of TikTok would be sold. The US portion alone would cost around $50 billion, analysts say, which is already a huge amount as it is, much more if the entirety of it is sold.

Should the US business be sold separately, ByteDance will not be allowed to be affiliated with it in any way, given that the main concern that prompted the creation of the bill is the China-based company having access to US user data.

It could prove to be difficult to create a separate app, given that it will still communicate with TikTok users from other countries, all of which are still under ByteDance. It's also unclear how the algorithm would work since it will be based on the consumed content that might come from ByteDance's TikTok as well.

On the parent company's side, they could opt for making TikTok a separate company, wherein shares will be sold on the stock market. Even then, China could step in and block the sale, which just shows that problems could exist in every decision, every step of the way.

Read Also: Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick Interested in TikTok Acquisition Despite Looming Ban

We Already Have a Potential Buyer

As mentioned before, the app's acquisition can be done by investors teaming up to raise the money, and it looks like former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick already had that idea in mind. Reports say that he is already looking for partners to make it happen.

According to Kotaku, the former tech executive is considering OpenAI CEO Sam Altman as a partner. It could certainly benefit the AI company, given that TikTok is a vast source of training data for OpenAI's AI models.

As for Bobby Kotick, some might argue that he would not be the best option for ownership, especially since he has been linked to many concerns during his leadership at Activision Blizzard. For instance, he was accused of ignoring the misogynistic workplace culture and failing to report them to the board.

Related: House Passes Bill That Could Ban TikTok Unless It Separates from ByteDance
Home Opinion John MacArthur vs. Christian nationalism

California megachurch pastor and popular author John MacArthur recently denounced Christian nationalism as impossible because Gods Kingdom is not of this world. Now age 84, MacArthur pastors a nondenominational church with a Calvinist and Baptist theology that is premillennial (Christ comes before the millennium) and dispensationalist (end times theology with rapture etc.).

Self-identified Christian nationalists are Calvinists, often Presbyterian, who believe in a Christian confessional state and are more inclined to postmillennialism in which the earth is subdued for Christ before His return.

Since MacArthur is outspokenly theologically and politically conservative, many critics of Christian nationalism might assume he is a Christian nationalist. In his recent comments, MacArthur sounds more like an old-style Baptist separatist:

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The Kingdom of God is not of this world. Jesus said, My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight. His Kingdom is not of this world. The kingdom of this world is a separate world. Theyre not linked together.

And:

Nothing that happens in any nation, whether its a communist nation, a Muslim nation, or a quote-unquote quasi-Christian nation, or an atheistic nation, nothing in that nation  politically, socially  has anything to do with the advancement of the Kingdom of God. Because the Kingdom of God is separate from that system. God, in His sovereignty, is building His Church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it, Jesus said.

And:

So the idea that you should link up some political effort, some political process, some social process, some gain of power or influence in a culture as part of the advance of Christianity is alien to Christianity. You never have our Lord approaching anything like that, nor the apostles, and particularly the apostle Paul; he sought to gain no favor with the Roman Empire whatsoever, or for that matter with any other of the rulers that he ran into during his life.

And:

We dont win down here, we lose. You ready for that? Oh, you were a postmillennialist, you thought we were just going to go waltzing into the Kingdom if you took over the world? No, we lose here  get it? It killed Jesus. It killed all the apostles. Were all going to be persecuted. If any man comes after Me, let him  what?  deny himself. Garbage of prosperity Gospel. No, we dont win down here. You ready for that? Just to clear the air, I love this clarity. We dont win. We lose on this battlefield, but we win on the big one, the eternal one.

Self-identified Christian nationalists do expect Christians of their perspective to win down here before Christs return by establishing a Christian confessional state that subdues public dissent from their brand of Christianity. Such Christian nationalists disdain MacArthurs 20th-century brand of premillennial dispensationalism that assumes the churchs role is chiefly saving souls before the end times.

MacArthurs brand of Christianity has tens of millions of adherents in America with enormous religious, social, and political impact. Left Behind literature and filmography reflect their perspective, as do evangelical broadcasts like The 700 Club. The modern Religious Right, founded in the 1970s, shared his pessimistic view. They wanted greater political righteousness in America, as MacArthur does, to forestall divine judgment and permit more years of evangelism. But they did not claim or desire that a Christian nation could be instituted by law. (See my piece on Christian Conservatism vs Christian Nationalism.)

Self-identified Christian nationalists are much fewer in number. They are more intellectual and subscribe to 16th and 17th-century Calvinist theories about political rule by the elect. They are obviously much more optimistic than are Christian dispensationalists. But the latter have had wide political influence through voter mobilization and issue advocacy, while the former have had little direct political influence, at least not yet.

Although still very influential, especially among Pentecostals, Christian dispensationalism is declining. Its chief promoters are, like MacArthur, older, retired, or gone. Its becoming rare to find young American Christians who are ardent dispensationalists. The emerging dominant perspective, common in much of evangelical nondenominational Christianity is amillennialism, which avoids choosing between premillennialism and postmillennialism. This perspective is typically pragmatic, focused on personal testimony and practical living, while avoiding debated cosmic issues.

As Christian dispensationalism continues to decline, more Christians who have been taught a vague amillennialism might desire a more dogmatic, systematic alternative. Christian nationalism offers a robust roadmap for implementing Gods purpose through government. It has clear marching orders for enthusiastic Christians who want to transform society. And while Christian dispensationalism warns of inevitable persecution and cataclysm, Christian nationalism offers rule by the right kind of Christians. Contrary to MacArthurs warning, Christian nationalists win on the battlefield. That message obviously can be appealing, far more so than losing.

And that soaring message can also lead to political failure and disenchantment. Christian Realism cautions against these dogmatisms. Christian dispensationalism has sometimes been prone to apocalyptic urgency followed by exhaustion. Christian nationalism seeks to systematize and implement what is likely outside human reach. Both demand certainty when perhaps mystery and patience are preferable.

Originally published at Juicy Ecumenism.
Changing the law on assisted suicide will put lives at risk, say campaigners

A coalition of over 40 organisations has warned of the "dangers" for terminally ill and disabled people if assisted suicide is made legal.

Responding to comments this week by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer in favour of changing the law, Care Not Killing said this would put pressure on people to end their lives prematurely.

Dr Gordon Macdonald, Chief Executive of Care Not Killing, said that current laws "do not need changing".

"Changing the law to legalise assisted suicide and euthanasia in the UK would represent a dramatic change in how doctors and nurses treat and care for people and put the lives of the vulnerable, terminally ill and disabled people at risk," he said.

"Indeed, these dangers are particularly acute when the health service is crumbling, hospices are underfunded and one in every four people who would benefit from palliative can't access it."

Care Not Killing is a broad alliance of human rights and disability rights organisations, health care and palliative care groups, and faith-based organisations groups committed to better palliative care and opposing efforts to change the law on assisted suicide.

The coalition predicts that legalising assisted suicide will lead to an increase in overall suicide rates.

Dr Macdonald continued: "Sir Keir needs to recognise the real dangers associated with legalising state sanctioned killing, such as the pressure it puts on people to end their lives prematurely, and the growing body of evidence showing assisted suicide appears normalises suicide in the general populations.

"Indeed, academics who looked at this emerging trend concluded that legalising assisted suicide in Oregon was associated with an increase of 6.3 per cent in the numbers of suicides, once all other factors had been controlled. Among over 65s the figure was more than double that.

"If this was repeated here in the UK that would mean hundreds of more suicides every single year."

The last time Westminster voted on legalising assisted suicide was in 2015, when it was defeated.

Sir Keir has promised to give MPs another vote on the issue if Labour wins the next general election.

A Commons report last month suggested that the law on assisted suicide is likely to change in parts of the British Isles soon, with Jersey, a Crown Dependency, expected to be first. Scotland and the Isle of Man are also considering changes to the law.

The report from the parliamentary Health and Social Care Committee said that UK ministers must consider the implications of legal divergence on the matter.
Coptic Orthodox Church suspends talks with Catholics over blessing of same-sex couples

(CP) The Coptic Orthodox Church has reportedly suspended its dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church over the Catholic Church's decision to allow priests to bless same-sex couples.

Coptic leadership held a Holy Synod last week in Wadi El-Natrun, Egypt. The church hierarchy recommended various issues, including recognizing assorted monasteries, adding mental health topics to marital counseling and praying for unity within the Orthodox Church.

Coptic Orthodox spokesman Father Moussa Ibrahim explained in a video that "the most notable" action from the annual Holy Synod was "to suspend theological dialogue with the Catholic Church after its change of position on the issue of homosexuality."

In a statement released last week, the Coptic Church elaborated on its stance, stating that it "affirms its firm position of rejecting all forms of homosexual relationships, because they violate the Holy Bible and the law by which God created man as male and female, and the Church considers any blessing of such relations, whatever its type, to be a blessing for sin, and this is unacceptable."

"After consulting with the sister churches of the Eastern Orthodox family, it was decided to suspend the theological dialogue with the Catholic Church, reevaluate the results achieved by the dialogue from its beginning twenty years ago, and establish new standards and mechanisms for the dialogue to proceed in the future," read the statement.

"Whoever suffers from homosexual tendencies and controls themselves from sexual behaviors, the control is credited to them as a struggle. These who are struggling are left with the warfares of thought, sight, and attractions, just like heterosexuals. As for someone who falls into homosexual behaviors, they are like the heterosexuals who fall into the sin of adultery/fornication, needing true repentance."

Last December, Pope Francis approved a "Fiducia Supplicans" declaration, which provided "a broadening and enrichment of the classical understanding of blessings, which is closely linked to a liturgical perspective."

"It is precisely in this context that one can understand the possibility of blessing couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples without officially validating their status or changing in any way the Church's perennial teaching on marriage," stated the declaration.

The Vatican document said that "when people ask for a blessing, an exhaustive moral analysis should not be placed as a precondition for conferring it" and that "those seeking a blessing should not be required to have prior moral perfection."

Although the declaration reaffirmed the Catholic Church's belief that homosexuality is sinful and that same-sex unions were not to be condoned, critics of the document contend it contradicts Catholic teaching on marriage and sexuality.

In February, nearly 100 Catholic clergy and scholars signed an open letter demanding that Pope Francis withdraw the declaration, arguing that it "attempts to introduce a separation between doctrine and liturgy on the one hand, and pastoral practice on the other."

"But this is impossible: in fact, pastoral care, like all action, always presupposes a theory and, therefore, if pastoral care performs something that does not correspond to the doctrine, what is actually being proposed is a different doctrine," continued the letter.

"The fact is that a priest is imparting a blessing on two people who present themselves as a couple, in the sexual sense, and precisely a couple defined by its objectively sinful relationship. Therefore  regardless of the intentions and interpretations of the document, or the explanations the priest may try to give  this action will be the visible and tangible sign of a different doctrine, which contradicts traditional doctrine."

Catholics for Choice President Jamie L. Manson released a statement last year calling the Vatican declaration "stunning and historic." She claimed it "will be transformative for advancing LGBTQIA+ visibility and inclusion."

"There is still a long way to go before the church fully affirms the inherent, God-given dignity and equality of LGBTQIA+ Catholics, our marriages, and our families," stated Manson.

"Today's declaration reveals that this is not a Pope Francis problem, but a middle-management problem  one caused by decades of hardened institutional stigma and outspoken anti-LGBTQIA+ advocacy from a hierarchy increasingly mired in culture wars, in defiance of a pope who is moving the church in an opposite, more inclusive direction."

 The Christian Post
Unexpected defeat of referendums shows growing power of Ireland's traditional Catholics

At a Mass said in Latin on Sunday, Ireland's traditional Catholics declared political victory, days after a pair of referendums aimed at secularizing the Irish Constitution were unexpectedly and resoundingly defeated.

On Friday, the Irish government put two measures to a vote that would have extended the rights of unmarried couples in the country's constitution and removed language defining women's roles "within the home." Both had been widely expected to pass despite enjoying little debate in the Dail, or Irish parliament, and after a rubber stamp by all three of the Irish Republic's main political parties.

Both proposals failed, even in progressive Dublin. When all votes were counted, 67.7% of voters had rejected the family amendment, while 73.9% rejected the measure dealing with women's roles, referred to as the care amendment. Turnout was 44.4%.

On Sunday, as pundits and reporters struggled to explain the most strongly rejected referendum in the republic's history, roughly 200 traditional Catholics, many in their 30s and 40s, gathered at St. Kevin's Church, Harrington Street, one of the few places in the city where the traditional, pre-Vatican II Latin Mass is still celebrated, for a triumphant celebration and a redoubt of conservative Catholics.

Even as a much smaller crowd arrived for the noon English-language Mass, those who had attended the 10:30 a.m. Latin Mass  men in tweed jackets and women in long skirts and white, floral head coverings  packed into the tight parish hall for tea, still buzzing with delight at the vote.

The Latin Mass was largely done away with by the Second Vatican Council, when bishops meeting in Rome from 1962-1965 instituted Masses in local languages. However, some traditional Catholics remain drawn to the old Latin rite that dates to the 1500s.

That rite, which was allowed to be said more widely under Pope Benedict XVI, has become a flashpoint under Pope Francis, who in 2021 barred priests from saying it without permission from their bishops. Traditionalists have seen it as a symbol of the larger battle in the church over matters such as LGBT inclusion and the roles of women.

This divide was on display at the entrance to St. Kevin's, in copies of Catholic Voice, a traditionalist newspaper whose latest issue looks forward to St. Patrick's Day on March 17 while urging Irish Catholics to have the "courage" to declare that "liberalism is a sin" and deriding the "myths created by the homosexualist movement." In a time when the pope is allowing priests to bless people in LGBTQ unions, the paper maintained that those who do not oppose "disordered sexuality" are "straddling Satan's fence."

The message that Catholic values are under threat from within the church has hit home in Ireland, where society was overwhelmingly Catholic a generation ago. As of 2022, Catholics made up just 69% of the population, down sharply from 79% in 2016. Weekly Mass attendance among Catholics hovers around one-third nationally, down from over 90% in the 1970s.

Accompanying this transformation have been referendums in which the Irish have legalized divorce (1995), gay marriage (2015) and abortion (2018).

But references to both marriage as a fundamental societal unit and to the roles of women in the home will now stay in the constitution. "It's a great result for women, for mothers, for the homes and for marriage," said Maria Steen, a prominent conservative activist. "And I think it's a real rejection of the government's attempt to, you know, delete all of that from the constitution."

Steen ran a brief campaign that framed the removal of motherhood from the constitution as both sexist and anti-Catholic. She said Friday's election result was a sign that the Irish had "gratitude" for motherhood.

At St. Kevin's, Michelle McGrath, a conservatively dressed woman in her 40s, said she was unsurprised by the vote result. She attributed it in part to the vagueness of the proposals, which would have equated marriage with other "durable" relationships. "Most people were confused about what it was, really," said McGrath. "I don't know what I'm being asked here."

Confusion about what would be deemed durable relationships seemed to doom the referendum on marriage. In a televised debate on March 5 between Steen and Ireland's deputy prime minister, or Tanaiste, Micheal Martin, he suggested that the court would decide what constituted durability, which would determine parental rights and inheritances.

McGrath said deeper frustrations were also at play. Steen and the "No" campaign suggested repeatedly that the broadened relationship laws would have facilitated greater immigration into Ireland, which has become increasingly controversial in the once demographically homogenous republic.

"People are starting to find their courage again in Ireland, and the people who've been silenced for a very long time are starting to call out the obvious injustices going on," McGrath said. "The Irish have been put paddy-last, to use the pun, in their own nation. They have been sent to the back of the queue while minorities get the majority."

Meanwhile, Shane Duffley, an early-middle-aged man with an intense stare, said the proposal on women's roles was "messing with Irish mammies."

"You don't mess with Irish women," he said firmly, eliciting strong nods from two friends  one a European immigrant with a small child in tow and the other a tall Irishman who, like many younger traditional Latin Mass Catholics, homeschools his kids.

Maggie, a middle-aged woman who declined to give her last name, said the liberalization of Ireland had "radicalized" the country. "Ireland has changed a lot in my lifetime," she said. "But that doesn't mean that everything that the government proposes is something that people accept."

 Religion News Service
What is going on at UCCF?

Every year UCCF ensures that thousands of students at universities and colleges in the UK are given the opportunity to hear the gospel. In a recent 'Director's Update', Pete Dray, who at the time was Interim Director said, "I wonder whether, in the future, we might look back on this period as a kind of 'golden age' of student ministry."

Yet, recent reports suggest this golden facade has been built on the back of unnumbered damaged lives.

According to the UCCF website, "On 20 December 2022 the UCCF Trust Board received a letter from a firm of solicitors representing individuals alleging multiple breaches of employment law by the charity, and misconduct on the part of some employees." Two senior members of staff, Director, Richard Cunningham, and Field Director, Tim Rudge, were suspended while an investigation was undertaken. Over fifty individuals contributed to the investigation on the basis that there would be strict anonymity.

Six months later the Board received the report. It has not been published but albeit that some of the allegations were not upheld, UCCF admitted at the time that serious questions had been raised about the lawfulness of their employment practices.

Buried in the initial 958-word statement were these words: "The Trustees and Directors apologise unreservedly to those employees whose experiences fell short of what they were entitled to expect from UCCF, and for the hurt caused."

The two senior employees returned to work, a new HR Director is about to start and UCCF returned to business, as if nothing had happened.

Yet, those watching carefully were raising questions about the stream of resignations from the Trustee Board of UCCF - including the Vice-Chair Jen Chateris, who said she couldn't give her reasons because of "significant legal constraints" - not to mention the lack of information about what had happened in the past or questions about their apology to those who had suffered.

Then stories started appearing in the press, first from those who felt complicit and wanted to apologise and then from those who had apparently been "pressured to resign" from their jobs "for the good of the ministry."

This week more claims have appeared in the public sphere. An alleged 2009 UCCF document entitled 'Legalities of Leavers' supposedly outlined a need for "leading" junior staff, known as Staff Workers, to hand in their resignation after three to four years in a way that would appear "mutual by consent" and protect the organisation from constructive dismissal claims.

Responding to these allegations, UCCF put out a confusing statement on Tuesday describing the 2009 document as "speaker notes for a talk by an employee for a leadership training session that month", and insisting that they were "not then, nor after, official policy".

If it had been official policy, it would suggest the view that these junior staff had a limited useful lifespan for the organisation and that, despite open-ended contracts, it was vital they did not overstay their allotted time.

The statement ended by saying, "We have fully accepted the findings of a recent independent investigation, specifically acknowledging the failings in relation to the termination of CU Staff Worker contracts of the kind described in this 2009 memo. We have apologised publicly to all concerned for past failings and have changed our employment practices."

If it wasn't policy, then why the need to change their employment practices?

Elsewhere in their statement, UCCF sought to distance themselves from any suggestion of wrongdoing.

"The culture and practices referred to in the memo are not what UCCF stands for. Today, UCCF has new trustees with senior HR, business, and governance backgrounds, and a new, highly experienced Director of People is commencing work in March," the organisation said.

New people may be coming on board but among many to whom I have spoken there are nagging worries that the culture has not changed.

Organisational culture is commonly defined as what an organisation celebrates and what it tolerates. In the past few weeks, UCCF has publicly celebrated the work of Cunningham. In this statement announcing his departure after 20 years, he is described as a visionary who "spearheaded" multiple initiatives and presided over "remarkable growth". Statistics abound in the statement as to the success of his ministry.

Cunningham then blames his decision to step down at the end of this academic year on the "huge strain on me and my family" as a result of the investigation. The impression it gives is that those who sought justice have brought a glorious ministry to a premature close.

There has been no similar celebration of those brave enough to tell their stories publicly and no personal apology to those who have identified themselves as survivors of this culture. Instead UCCF's recent messaging suggests that those who ask questions will be ignored or downplayed.

One ex-Staff Worker, who wishes to remain anonymous, told me, "I want student ministry to flourish but I really struggle to understand what is going on. If UCCF are saying they know what happened was wrong, why are they fighting so hard not to put things right?"

Susie Leafe is director of Anglican Futures, which supports orthodox Anglicans in the UK.
Through automation at Italo, IT has seen a sharp reduction in open tickets for technical issues and the time it takes to resolve them. But the real benefit of advanced data analytics and automation tools is the dramatic reduction in business-critical system outages because IT is alerted before a blocking problem occurs. This improves business performance by protecting against potential revenue loss and ensuring a better customer experience, which is also critical to customer retention and acquisition.

Flexible, automated IT also provides an added benefit in connecting technology and business. Today, I can provide managers in finance, sales, operations, all the way up to the CEO, with interactive dashboards, intuitive charts, and technical indicators that can be read by non-IT people to describe the health of the systems, says Deligia.

And while its true this approach always puts ITs work under the microscope, it also allows the business to react quickly without having to go back to the technical figures every time.

IT aligned for digital transformation

Banca Etica is also adopting a new culture that interprets IT as a partner to the business, and not as an IT manager. This means outsourcing to a technology partner some IT tasks that arent core to the bank, and keeping in-house only whats directly related to strategic goals, says Ridulfo, who joined Banca Etica in 2017 and led the first two IT migrations, which laid the foundation to activate and develop the digital transformation project to transition from a traditional operator to one with mainly an online presence. Today, Banca Etica has 21 physical branches, about one per region in Italy, and the rest operate through digital channels and remote relationships.

The first step in this transformation was organizational. IT was divided into three parts: core banking, IT infrastructure, and data management, analytics, and AI. The second step was the shift to a larger IT service provider, which wasnt a judgment on quality, but the ability of the IT service provider to support the banks growth. The third is the ongoing cultural shift revolutionizing not only how IT is viewed but the roles within the CIOs team.

The vendor provides the platforms to manage the web channel and applications, as well as the developers, says Ridulfo. But Banca Eticas IT team communicates the business requirements to the vendor.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew has urged users to "protect your constitutional rights" as the US House of Representatives passed the bill pushing to ban the platform in the country.

In a video on TikTok's official account, Chew thanked users for "making your voices heard" against Congress' "disappointing vote" on the app.

Chew emphasized that the looming ban will affect 300,000 Americans working for the site, as well as "take billions of dollars out of pockets" from the 7 million creators and businesses operating on the platform.

The CEO also highlighted the 170 million users at risk of being able to "freely express themselves."

Despite the threat of a nationwide ban, Chew did not mention any plans to sell TikTok yet but "believe we can overcome this together."

Congress Pushes for Chinese Gov't Narrative for TikTok Ban

The proposed Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act is aimed to ban the Chinese-based ByteDance and all "foreign adversary controlled applications" from the US.

TikTok has earlier been notified to separate from ByteDance within six months or face the ban once the bill is passed by the Senate.

US President Joe Biden, who is running for a re-election this year, has already endorsed the bill, saying "I'll sign it" once it gets the approval from Congress.

The bill is the latest government effort to effectively ban the app in the US as claims of the Chinese government influencing the people's perception of the government.

No reports have yet proven that the Chinese government has used American data via TikTok to wage its economic war against the US.

Previous attempts to ban TikTok in the US so far have been junked over potential violations of the First Amendment of free speech.

It is worth noting that TikTok, a Singapore-based company, has a separate cloud server provided by the US government to store all US users' data and content algorithm.

TikTok continues to insist that it has protected US users safe and "free from outside manipulation."

Also Read: House Passes Bill That Could Ban TikTok Unless It Separates from ByteDance

TikTok Ban: How Will it Affect You?

Several experts and even other social media leaders to the precedent the bill will give to the US government over social media.

TikTok has recently been reported as hosting more criticisms towards the Biden administration's policies than any other platform, particularly to its support towards Israel and the Palestinian genocide.

In a reply to X (formerly Twitter) owner Elon Musk expressing similar concerns, Federal Communications Commission head Brendan Carr said the legislation only applies to "specific national security threat."

Important point raised here. Good news is that this particular bill is limited, not only to foreign controlled, but to foreign adversary controlled AND only when additional, specific criteria are also met.



In particular:



1. The bill does not give the government *any authority* March 12, 2024

The bill's sponsors, however, admitted to pushing the bill just to effectively ban TikTok.

Related Article: What Happens if TikTok is Banned in the US?
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Max confirmed that the award-winning film "The Zone of Interest" will be available to stream starting April 5.

The film recently won Best International Feature and Best Sound during the 96th Academy Awards night.

Read Also: Max is Banning Password Sharing Soon in the Inevitable Crackdown

Max Welcomes 'The Zone of Interest' to Award-Winning Catalog

"The Zone of Interest" is loosely based on the 2014 novel by Martin Amis, which was also inspired by real events during the heights of the Nazi Party's power. The film follows the lives of the family who resides next to the Auschwitz concentration camp.

Prior to the Oscars, the film had already won the Grand Prix and FIPRESCI Prize given by the National Board of Review. It also received critical acclaim from the 77th British Academy Film Awards and the Golden Globe Awards.

During the Oscars night, director Jonathan Glazer used his acceptance speech to condemn the Israel-Hamas war, narrating some parallels from the film to real-life scenarios of today.

"Our film shows where dehumanization leads at its worst. It's shaped all of our past and present. Right now, we stand here as men who refute their Jewishness and the Holocaust being hijacked by an occupation which has led to conflict for so many innocent people," Glazer shared.

How to Watch 'The Zone of Interest'

While the film is still weeks away, fans can rent or purchase it on demand through Prime Video and Apple TV+.

Winner of two Academy Awards, @A24's The Zone of Interest begins streaming April 5 exclusively on Max. #MaxGetsMovies pic.twitter.com/p7x1i1BebB March 13, 2024

"The Zone of Interest" features Oscar-nominee Sandra Huller, also known for her role in the "Anatomy of a Fall." She plays Hedwig, the wife of Commandant Rudolf Hoss, as she tries to navigate through their daily routine, ignoring the obvious fact that they live next to a concentration camp.

The film which was distributed by award-winning studio A24 was also nominated for Best Picture but it lost to Christopher Nolan's biopic, "Oppenheimer."

Related Article: Where to Stream 2024 Oscar-Nominated Films Before Awards Night
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On the face of it, the UK charity sector is a relatively good employer of disabled people.

According to government figures, 25% of civil society workers are disabled people, a proportion which has increased steadily over the past decade.

This is comparable to the around 23% of working-age adults who are disabled but greatly exceeds the 17% of employees who define as such in the wider economy.

Moreover, more charity leaders are identifying as disabled, with 25% of sector CEOs now reporting a disability, learning difference or health condition, up from 20% in 2022 and 17% the year before, according to ACEVO figures. This trend is in contrast to charities representation of people with other protected characteristics, many of which are decreasing and falling behind other sectors.

These are encouraging findings on disability inclusion, but do they reflect the reality for those with lived experience?

High employment in charity sector

Andrew Miller, the UKs arts access champion who has held senior roles at several charities, says the sector leads the way in supporting disabled employees.

I think charities offer more scope for disabled people to function well, in terms of the support that disabled people need in the workplace, but also in encouraging and supporting disabled people to declare their disability.

He says an apparent rise in representation of disabled people in the sector in recent years could be due to there being more people who are happy to share that information and declare that they have a disability, whether it be invisible or not.

The pandemic has really changed peoples approach to their health, and how thats managed. And I think people are more willing to recognise and acknowledge that they have an impairment.

Mike Nussbaum, trustee of the Shaw Trust and former chair of several other charities, says disabled people might be attracted to work for charities because of their social purpose but he says many private firms focus on employing disabled people as part of their corporate social responsibility agendas.

Shani Dhanda, recently voted the UKs most influential disabled person and who has held several roles in the sector, says: A reason disabled people might be drawn to it is because we know what its like to live in a world that isnt designed for us. Im three foot 10; there arent any clothes designed for bodies like mine, for example.

To be able to open a charity feels like youre working towards dismantling those barriers and I think that is very powerful. Or working in a charity, youre much closer to being able to help people and to potentially help solve some of the worlds biggest challenges.

Pandemic effects

A shift to remote working during the Covid-19 pandemic has benefited some disabled charity employees by making roles more accessible. However, the change has not affected the many disabled people employed in frontline roles. Moreover, some of those who are now working remotely are frustrated that the shift did not happen sooner.

Miller says: Before the pandemic, many disabled people were being told by employers that they couldnt work from home, that was just not possible. And of course, overnight in 2020 that all changed. We now have the mechanisms and the technology to be able to support very effective working from home and its something that Ive taken advantage of. I thrive being able to do all the various roles that I do from home.

In the non-charity sector, there has been more of a push to return to in-person environments. And of course, that might also be something that puts disabled people off working in those organisations.

Dhanda says: Work-from-home jobs were largely for people that have a degree-level qualification or above, generally speaking, while disabled people were overrepresented in jobs that are frontline facing, like caring or hospitality.

For a lot of people, remote working has given them more flexibility. But now organisations are wanting people back in the office for a certain number of days, for example.

This whole topic is really frustrating as a disabled person, because pre-pandemic, loads of disabled people wanted to work remotely and were not allowed to, even though its an employers duty to make reasonable adjustments. It might not be reasonable for every single person, but it is for a lot of people. Then the pandemic came along and as soon as it suited the majority, it happened overnight. Can you imagine how frustrating that is for disabled people who tirelessly asked for their rights to be met?

Progressing to leadership roles

Miller says ACEVOs figures on the proportion of charity CEOs reporting a disability, learning difference or health condition are really impressive and I think that absolutely demonstrates that the charity sector is supporting disabled people.

But he says: In the micro world of arts and culture charities, we see fewer disabled leaders  although opportunities are opening up, particularly where job-shares are coming in more frequently. Job-shares, I think, enable people with impairments who would otherwise be put off by the full-on commitment.

There are also very specific issues around disability and leadership in that disabled people have to spend a considerable amount of time addressing their own health needs. Doing a full-time job on top of that is quite a big ask. And where that job has a lot of responsibility and pressure it is an even greater ask and many disabled people, despite having many of the attributes of leadership, will look at that and back off.

Disability Research UK (DRUK) has just announced a campaign to increase funding for disabled people-led organisations.

Miller praises DRUK for being a disabled people-led organisation itself and says its campaign represents a change in attitudes. Theres been a number of disabled-recipient charities which have not had leadership or good representation from disabled people.

I think were moving away, as a society, from the position of that being ok. And I think its more generally understood that for these charities to really be effective, they need to have the lived experience of the people they are there to serve at the highest levels.

Dhanda agrees that the move to more disabled people leading charities is positive. But I think we should recognise where we are. We just dont have those people at the moment; we have to develop those pipelines of talent. We have to encourage people to want to do that too, because if you upskill people or you give them the skills that they need, theres no guarantee that theyre going to stay in this sector, either. Theyre going to get paid more to do something else. When its so expensive to just exist as a disabled person, you cant really blame people.

Civil Society research last year found that just 4% of large charities currently report on the disparity in average pay between their disabled and non-disabled employees. Organisations are not legally required to report their disability pay gap but Dhanda says more charities should do so voluntarily. Every organisation, every charity should be doing it, but especially disability-led or run organisations. Im sick of this narrative that everything has to be mandated for people to do something. You could do it now.

Supporting disabled trustees

While there is some data on disability representation among charity staff and chief executives, there is a lack of similar evidence around trustee diversity. But in 2021, Getting on Board reported that representation of disabled people on charity boards was likely to be low.

Financial education charity Money4YOU has campaigned in recent years for registered charities to be compelled to report on the diversity of their trustees, including disability, to get a fuller picture.

Nussbaum says there are barriers to becoming trustees in the first place. A number of people with particular disabilities are often quite isolated. Therefore, they dont get the experience sufficient to be trustees. 75% of people who are registered blind or partially sighted actually never get employment.

He has found accessibility an issue on some charity boards. Im registered blind, a guide-dog owner, so accessibility of board papers and that sort of thing is always an issue. And I always find I have had to, even in the charity sector, educate people as to what I need.

Dashboards with charts and pie charts are wonderful. But if you cant see them, you need the narrative that goes with them.

Dhanda, meanwhile, says that it is important for charities to support disabled trustees to voice their opinions on boards. Often Im the only disabled, non-white person on the board, and thats not ok. And then the burden always falls on me to do all the heavy lifting. Its a lot of explaining, of giving context, because it wont be their lived experience.

She recalls a time when she was criticised by fellow trustees for using strong language to describe her experiences as a disabled person. On one hand, youre being asked to be really vocal and honest, and then when you are, its like: Oh, youre making us feel uncomfortable. I'll never claim to represent all disabled people in anything that I do, which is why its really important that you have a real mix of people.

Trustee remuneration

Dhanda supports more freedom for charities to pay disabled trustees for their time. I joined a trustee board quite young, around mid-20s, and it was definitely because I wanted to be part of the change that I wanted to see in society. I thought that that would be a good way for me to try to do that, as well as to get experience and build my network.

I get approached a lot to be part of different charities but its a bit of a doubleedged sword because its not paid. Not many disabled people will be able to do that.

Miller also supports disabled trustees being remunerated for their time and criticises the very rigid rules the Charity Commission has on charities doing so.

Thats something it really needs to look at to make its processes more equitable for disabled people and other people from minority communities, because it definitely acts as a block on the ability of these organisations to cover the costs of peoples time. When youre managing a disability and doing a full-time job, giving voluntary work on top of that is a big ask.

Rob Preston is news editor at Civil Society

Governance & Leadership is a bi-monthly publication which helps charity leaders and trustees on their journey from good practice to best practice. Written by leading sector experts each issue is packed with news, in-depth analysis and real-life case studies of best practice in charitable endeavour and charity governance plus advice and guidance straight from the regulator. Find more information here and subscribe today! is a bi-monthly publication which helps charity leaders and trustees on their journey from good practice to best practice. Written by leading sector experts each issue is packed with news, in-depth analysis and real-life case studies of best practice in charitable endeavour and charity governance plus advice and guidance straight from the regulator.
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While it has always been stressed that the FPR is about ratings and not ranking, in year three, one foundation clearly demonstrates it is ahead of the others. The Community Foundation for Tyne & Wear and Northumberland (CFTWN) became the first to achieve straight As, including the inaugural top mark in diversity.

Chief executive Rob Williamson says that foundations of all sizes are in a privileged position and therefore efforts to assess their practices in sensible ways are broadly welcome. It is probably almost impossible to do a serious rating or ranking in terms of charitable purpose and benefit  although many have tried. But sitting back and asking what the hallmarks of a good foundation are, and showing which ones demonstrate these, indicates which are well run and governed.

CFTWN wasnt assessed in the first two years, but Williamson says it bought into the idea straight away. Although we werent included, we saw it as an opportunity, not a threat. Why not use the criteria as a self-assessment tool? So, at the end of 2021, we did. How would we rate ourselves? How were we evidencing it?

It was a useful exercise, and flagged up areas that needed improvement. We found a number of things that we already did but werent telling people about, which is an important part of the FPR process. It isnt about asking foundations to submit to lengthy examination, but is based on what is publicly available. We found any gaps easy to fix with no great cultural reorientation.

He thinks there are two reasons why community foundations have done particularly well. We are in the business of raising funds, not sitting on historic settlements, so we have to have these things in our DNA like any fundraising charity. We already had to think about them in terms of being accountable to stakeholders and, being place-based, needing to be close to the communities we serve.

He also points out that through membership of a national network, UK Community Foundations, CFTWN is already subject to a quality accreditation, and has been for about 15 years. While not identical, it is analogous to the FPR, he says. Therefore, while he didnt anticipate that community foundations would automatically do relatively well, with hindsight it was no surprise.

On diversity, the organisation is not resting on its laurels and is considering the accessibility of its services and communications. How do we engage with those with accessibility requirements in a way that is productive and sensible? None of us is expert on the accessibility of information, so we knew we needed external help. We commissioned a local disability rights organisation, Difference North East, to undertake an accessibility review of our entire application process, all the way through from start to finish. This goes further than the FPR requirements. We have ticked that box but were not content with where we were, knowing there is more we can learn from those already doing more. And as part of that, lived experience is vital.

He recognises that while the FPR doesnt set out to be a proxy for effectiveness as such, it does seem to have helped CFTWN to be a better funder. For instance, it is aware that being open about its diversity metrics does attract a wider set of applicants. Williamson advises that while it doesnt have statistics that definitely make the link, anecdotally people involved in the recruitment process, either for staff or the board, say that the diversity stuff we publish has provided reassurance and shows applicants that it means something to us because we are already talking about it.

He adds that it has also triggered conversations at board level on how the foundation connects with the community it serves. Some people shy away from making diversity statistics public over privacy concerns or fear that you cant ask people that. It has never been an issue for us. We see it as useful to gather data, while respecting that people dont have to provide information if they would rather not, and talk about it as a way to hold ourselves to account. The opposing view seems slightly odd to me.

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ActionAid UK (AAUK) has announced three interim co-chief executives as part of a feminist leadership structure which aims to share power and decision-making.

The three interim co-CEOs are AAUKs director of innovation and impact Taahra Ghazi, director of people and culture Shade Odupelu, and director of advocacy and influencing Hannah Bond, all of whom will continue their current roles as well.

Each of the three directors will take accountability for different areas of the CEO role, whilst making joint decisions on the strategic direction of the organisation.

In a joint statement, they said: We are committed to sharing power and decision-making within ActionAid UK, and our intention is that a feminist leadership structure will support our goal to achieve the greatest impact possible for women and girls by shifting our resources and power to their organisations and movements worldwide.

The charity is not currently recruiting for a permanent leader as it wants to give the co-CEOs the space to build ActionAid UK into a more feminist, anti-racist organisation that delivers on our mission for women and girls rights and social justice.

A spokesperson for the charity said: This is an exciting move for ActionAid UK where we can put our feminist principles into practice with three women sharing responsibility for leading the organisation to achieve the greatest impact possible for women, girls and their movements worldwide.



This interim solution aims to facilitate a more inclusive and impactful organisation by decentralising decision-making and power dynamics across the organisation.

Our intention is that a feminist leadership structure will achieve the greatest impact possible for women and girls by shifting our resources and power to their organisations and movements worldwide.



Distributed feminist leadership offers several benefits for AAUK, including a more consultative and collective decision-making process aligned with feminist and participatory values. This approach utilises diverse leadership skills and prevents risks from falling on one individual, fostering a more equitable distribution of influence and power within the organisation.

Feminist values in appointing new leadership

This comes after Halima Begum stepped down as CEO to join Oxfam GB, having been in the role for less than a year.

Begum had replaced the charitys first female CEO Frances Longley, who stepped down in 2022 after a year in the role .

On the new appointments, AAUK chair Rajiv Vyas said: I am delighted by the AAUK boards decision to implement measures that reflect our feminist values in appointing a new interim leadership.

This pioneering move will see three remarkable and highly talented women, all serving directors of the organisation with complementary skills, working in a distributed CEO function.



Outgoing CEO Begum said: I am thrilled to pass the baton to Taahra, Shade, and Hannah, who each bring a wealth of experience and the deepest commitment to ActionAids global mission.

They will lead ActionAid UK with vision, integrity, and a steadfast dedication to social justice.

I have no doubt that the entire ActionAid family looks forward to supporting and collaborating with the new co-leadership team as they embark on this important journey to create a more just and equitable world.

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,
Most insurance claims professionals understand that, as opposed to uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which pays damages to an insured who is involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is automobile insurance coverage which protects an insured involved in an accident with a tortfeasor who doesnt have liability limits sufficient to cover the insureds damages.

The insureds UIM coverage steps in to cover the remainder (hopefully) of the insureds damages. Some states require UIM coverage, while more require UM coverage.

What can be confusing, however, is that there arewithin the body of law regulating and applying UIM coveragetwo distinct approaches to UIM coverage in the U.S., depending on the state or jurisdiction: (1) gap theory and (2) excess theory or floating layer theory.

In jurisdictions that have adopted the gap theory, UIM coverage will compensate an insured up to the amount of UIM coverage purchased. In jurisdictions that have adopted the excess theory or floating layer theory, UIM coverage will fully compensate an insured injured driver for the cost of the drivers damages, even when those damages amount to more than what the driver purchased in UM/UIM coverage.

Gap Theory

New Mexico is a gap theory jurisdiction. An insured in New Mexico must carry liability insurance limits of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per occurrence and UM coverage (which includes UIM coverage) of at least the same amount. The insured receives the amount of UIM coverage paid for, but this amount is offset by the underinsured tortfeasors liability limits paid to the insured.

New Mexico intended to put insured drivers in the same position they would have been in had the underinsured tortfeasor (UIM) purchased liability insurance equal to the insureds UIM limits of coverage. In other words, the UIM coverage fills the gap between the tortfeasors liability limits and the insureds UIM limits.

As the New Mexico Supreme Court put it, the underinsurance coverageis not in addition to that provided by the other vehicle but [is] intended to supplement the amount paid by the underinsured motorist so that the insured recover[s] an amount equal to the uninsured motorist protection purchased. The offset is performed by simply subtracting the amount of the insureds UIM limits from the amount of the tortfeasors liability coverage.

One of the illogical consequences of states that employ the gap theory is that if the insured purchases only the statutory minimum policy, the policy will not cover UIM losses for damages in excess of $25,000. Therefore, recovering UIM benefits is impossible whenever the insured is involved in an accident with a tortfeasor who also has only minimum liability limits.

In the New Mexico Supreme Court decision of Crutcher v. Liberty Mutual, 501 P.3d 433 (N.M. 2021), both the plaintiff and defendant had minimum limits policies and Liberty Mutual (Safeco) applied the offset set forth and established in the 1985 Supreme Court decision of Schmick v. State Farm, 704 P.2d 1092 (N.M. 1985). They refused to pay the plaintiff any UIM benefits based on New Mexicos gap theory approach. In Crutcher, Safeco admitted that while applying the Schmick offset would arrive at the same result, the actual reason they refused to pay was that the tortfeasor did not meet the definition of an underinsured motorist pursuant to N.M. Stat.  66-5-301(B), because the total limits of liability insurance were equal to Crutchers UM/UIM coverage limits.

Crutcher filed a class action lawsuit, alleging that Liberty Mutual/Safeco failed to explain to their policyholders how the Schmick offset cancels out any UIM benefits they have purchased, and claimed that these benefits were illusory. Stated differently, the plaintiff claimed that there will never be an instance in which there is an underinsured motorist if both parties in a car accident are minimally insured because the minimum limits, both being $25,000/$50,000, will always cancel each other out.

Safeco responded, arguing the combined coverage provides value because, while the policy does not protect against the risk of being hit by an underinsured driver, the policyholder will still receive the benefits of uninsured motorist insurance if involved in an accident with a driver with no insurance at all.

The court ruled that minimum limits in UM/UIM policies are illusory because they mislead the average purchaser with limited knowledge of insurance law to believe they possess minimum limits UIM coverage in addition to the tortfeasors insurance coverage. The Supreme Court continued to allow the sale of these so-called illusory minimum limits UM/UIM policies, but only with adequate disclosure of UIM coverage limitations through a prescribed UIM policy exclusion.

The unambiguous exclusion must be written for a reasonably intelligent layperson rather than a lawyer, must fully inform the layperson of the benefits and limitations of the UIM coverage, and must disclose that by choosing to purchase only the statutory minimum amount of UM/UIM insurance, he or she will never receive the benefit of underinsured motorist coverage. In response to the Crutcher decision, there has been a cry for the legislature to change New Mexico from a Gap Theory state to an Excess Theory state.

Some statutes provide that the maximum liability of the underinsured motorist carrier is the lesser of the difference between the applicable tort and underinsured motorist limits and the insureds uncompensated damages. See Colo. Rev. Stat.  10-4-609(5); Ind. Code Ann.  27-7-5-5(C). Some statutes specifically limit the carriers liability to the gap between the tortfeasor and underinsured motorist limits. See (Ill.) 215 ILCS 5/143a-2(4); Md. Code Ann., Ins.  19-509 (a)(2)(ii).

Excess or Floating Layer Theory

Washington is an example of a state which follows the Excess or Floating Layer Theory of UIM coverage. Such states are also known as topping off jurisdictions.

In Washington, a UIM policy provides coverage in excess of any liability coverage carried by an underinsured tortfeasor. Washington statutes requires auto carriers to provide a layer of coverage which floats above any liability insurance available to the tortfeasors. This statutorily required UIM coverage provides a secondary layer of protection over and above the liability limits carrier by the underinsured tortfeasor.

The Supreme Court of Washington has interpreted that states UIM statute and defined an underinsured motor vehicle as a motor vehiclewith no bodily injuryliabilityinsurance policy which applies at the time of the accident, or with respect to which the some of the limits of liability under all bodily injury insurance policies applicable to a covered person after an accident is less than the applicable damages which the covered person is legally entitled to recover. When a tortfeasor is either uninsured or has limited liability limits, an insured can recover UIM benefits.

Washington requires UIM carriers to provide a floating layer of UIM coverage, which is not offset by payments to the injured insured from the tortfeasors liability limits, like they are in New Mexico. However, there is no double recovery and Washington UIM coverage is available only in so far as the insureds recovery from the tortfeasors liability carrier leaves him uncompensated for damages.

Section 48.22.030 defines underinsured motor vehicle as follows:

Underinsured motor vehicle means a motor vehicle with respect to the ownership, maintenance, or use of which either no bodily injury or property damage liability bond or insurance policy applies at the time of an accident, or with respect to which the sum of the limits of liability under all bodily injury or property damage liability bonds and insurance policies applicable to a covered person after an accident is less than the applicable damages which the covered person is legally entitled to recover.

Washington, therefore, defines a vehicle to be underinsured if the liability coverage applicable to it is less than the damages entitled to be recovered by the injured insured.

States are roughly divided evenly between those which follow the Gap Theory and those that follow the Excess Theory or Floating Layer Theory of UIM coverage. The former includes Illinois, Kansas, Vermont, Tennessee, New Jersey and South Dakota. The latter includes Colorado, Arizona, Florida and Washington.

For questions regarding uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance and subrogation, contact Gary Wickert at gwickert@mwl-law.com.

Wickert is a shareholder with Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer, S.C. With nearly four decades of litigation experience, he is the author of several subrogation books and legal treatises. He is licensed in both Texas and Wisconsin, and is double board-certified in both personal injury law and civil trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He is also dual board-certified as a Civil Trial Advocate and Civil Pretrial Practice Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Those with questions may contact Wickert at gwickert@mwl-law.com.
Ransomware attackers are using a multitude of techniques to gain access in attacks that are becoming more frequent, more sophisticated, and more effective, according to new report compiled from surveys with more than 1,000 IT professionals.

Additionally, organizations breached in the past continue to be at risk, and many of them dont believe theyre fully prepared for another ransomware attack, shows Cybereasons Annual Global Study On Ransomware Business Impact report.

If I could have one wish for 2024, it would be that we stop calling ransomware by the same name. It fails to describe the true impact of an attack, writes Greg Day, Global Field CISO, vice president, Cybereason. What started as the simplest of notionsencrypting data and extorting money to return access to itevolved into a complex Swiss army knife, like the blended attacks back in the early 2000s. Now ChatGPT has arrived on the scene and its driving the next evolution of ransomware.

Related article: Haute Cyber? Attackers Are Strutting Into 2024 With More Sophistication

The report lists supply chain (41%), direct access (24 percent) and insider assistance (22%) as leading ways attackers are using ransomware to gain access. The report shows the U.S faces the highest ransom dollar amounts, with reported average payments that totaled at $1.4 million, while non-English speaking countries are also being increasingly targeted. France ($1 million), Germany ($762,000) and the U.K. ($423,000) followed with the highest ransom payments.

According to the report, 46 percent of impacted businesses estimated losses of between $1 million and $10 million, while 16 percent estimated losses in excess of $10 million. ChatGPT, a generative AI tool used to answer general questions, is also being used as a means to accelerate attacks, the report shows.

Businesses everywhere are working out how best to leverage generative AI to become more effective and efficient at scale. And so are bad actors, the report states. They are using tools like ChatGPT 4.0 to collect personal information, craft professional-looking messages, and more effectively translate them into any language.

Cyber insurance is one good answer for businesses, but too many lack a clear understanding of what is covered, which leads to unexpected payouts and incomplete protection even though 95 percent of organizations have enhanced their resilience with insurance, according to Anjali Das, co-chair of Wilson Elsers National Cyber Security and Data Privacy practice.

On the one hand, you have first-party breach response that does the technical forensics investigation by cyber security experts. And it covers the legal fees by outside counsel, Das said, adding that a lot of policyholders have the benefit of having direct access. Cyber polices also have third-party liability coverage and business interruption cost.

Ransom payments do not guarantee that all data will be returned. In fact, 84 percent paid the ransom but only 47 percent got their data and services back uncorrupted, the Cybereason report shows. That enables attackers to possibly ask for more to give it all back.

Listed reasons for paying the ransom included: Attackers threatened to disclose sensitive information; We feared loss of business; It seemed to be the fastest solution; It was a holiday/weekend and we were short-staffed; It was a matter of life and death; We didnt have backup files.

Deborah Dioguardi, senior vice president and Professional Lines National Practice Leader of JENCAP Specialty Insurance Services, shared numbers concerning the average cost of a cyber ransomware attack for small- and medium-sized businesses, and who is liable for the damages that happen during an attack.

The average cost for a small- to medium-sized business on a claim that were seeing payout-wise is about $200,000 to $350,000, Dioguardi said. A business is responsible for anything thats in their care [or] custody.

Even if the breach didnt occur on their end and maybe it might be a third-party vendor, the business is held responsible for that because theyre supposed to protect their clientele.

According to the report, the threat continues to evolve, and it is clear from research that business ransomware resilience plans are not keeping pace.

Adam Lantrip, senior vice president of CAC Specialtys Professional & Cyber Solutions, highlighted countermeasures businesses may consider when facing cyber-attacks.

Its a constant process, and I think for clients, its a realization that it is a process were never going to be 100 percent impenetrable, Lantrip said. Just because were not vulnerable to this type of loss over here doesnt mean were going to be invulnerable to a type of loss over there.

Lantrip has also seen cyber activities on the rise.

Activities is definitely up; the activities higher this year than over the last couple of years or maybe even a couple of years combined, Lantrip said. We are seeing a handful of different types of attacks.

He added: People are going after data warehouses and cloud providers seeking to either steal or access data on lots of companies thats housed in a single repository.

The Cybereason report shows more complex, low-and-slow attacks are designed to compromise as much of the targeted network as possible to extract the highest ransom in what are known and RansomOps attacks. Most (56 percent) businesses did not detect a breach for three-to-12 months.

Additionally, the targets of attacks were predominantly: intellectual property (trade secrets); protected health information; account credentials; personally identifiable information; customer data, the report shows.

Balaoro is a student at California State University, Long Beach, who is working as an intern for Wells Media Group.
The North Carolina Supreme Court has temporarily put the brakes on an appeals court decision that had upset years of workers compensation case law on when a moonlighting law officer is considered an independent contractor.

In the case of Stephen Lassiter vs. Robeson County Sheriffs Department, the state Court of Appeals in December overruled the states Industrial Commission. The appeals court found that Lassiters injuries, sustained while he was working traffic control for a private company, are the responsibility of both the sheriff and Truesdell Corp., a bridge-building firm.

But Truesdell and its workers compensation insurer, The Phoenix Insurance Co., petitioned the high court to step in to prevent the insurer from having to cover medical and indemnity benefits to the injured deputy. The American Property Casualty Insurance Association also filed an amicus curiae brief in the case last week, arguing that the appellate court had made an error and had diverged from accepted precedent.

By departing from the previously established joint employer doctrine, the Court of Appeals has generated an unclear standard that imposes a significant burden on employers and insurers, North Carolina attorney Frances Clement wrote in her brief for the APCIA. Broadening the scope of joint employment increases the potential liability exposure for insurers and could lead to higher comp costs for employers.

Insurers assess risk based on multiple factors, including the nature of employment relationships. But under the appeals courts seemingly new standard, insurance companies would have increased risk exposure because they cannot possibly anticipate all employees who may have joint employment in view of this new interpretation of joint employment, Clement wrote.

The question of who pays workers comp benefits (and faces higher experience modifications) has been an issue in multiple states through the years, especially when law enforcement officers work temporary gigs as security, traffic or crowd-control officers for private firms. In North Carolina, Truesdell and Phoenix Insurance argued, the test for determining who holds liability has been well-settled by the courts since a 1974 decision known as Collins vs. John Paul Edwards.

When a general employer, such as the sheriffs office, lends an employee to a special employer, the special employer becomes liable for workers compensation benefits only if: the employee has contracted with the special employer; the work is essentially that of the special employer; and the special employer has the right to control the details of the work, the bridge builder attorneys noted.

The appellate judges had essentially found that Lassiter had met that test: He had an implied contract with Truesdell, he was performing Truesdells assigned duties and Truesdell had control over the work. The bridge company said the court had expanded the test inappropriately.

Lassiter was severely in 2017. Truesdell, an Arizona-based company, was restoring an Interstate 95 bridge in Robeson County, in southeast North Carolina. Truesdell had contracted with officials at a local police department and with the Robeson County Sheriffs Office to supply officers for traffic control.

Seeing that the job would require more officers, the sheriffs captain asked deputy Stephen Lassiter if he could work traffic that October night. Shortly after midnight, a pickup truck hit Lassiter, causing extensive injuries to his head, arms, hands and legs. He underwent surgery at least twice and has had extensive treatment and rehabilitation.

Lassiter filed a workers compensation claim, listing the Robeson County Sheriffs Office and Truesdell as the employers. Both denied they were employers.

A deputy commissioner at the North Carolina Industrial Commission found that Lassiter was an employee of the sheriff, but not the bridge company. On appeal, the full Industrial Commission agreed. The sheriffs office appealed to the state Court of Appeals, arguing that the deputy was an independent contractor, or, barring that conclusion, that he was jointly employed.

The appeals court noted that North Carolina appellate courts had never addressed the question of when an off-duty law officer should be considered an independent contractor.

Its unclear what happens next, or when the high court will hear an appeal of the lower courts ruling. Clement and Phoenix attorneys could not be reached for comment Wednesday, but the employers brief to the Supreme Court argues that, without a stay, the Industrial Commission would have to enforce the benefits payments to Lassiter.

Without a stay, enforcement of the opinion and award will require defendants Truesdell to issue lump sum payment for medical treatment and indemnity benefits, which defendants Truesdell will likely never be able to recover, the Truesdell and Phoenix petition notes.
(Photo : Unsplash/Mariia Shalabaieva)

Palantir CEO Alex Karp mentioned that some employees have left the company due to his public support for Israel and anticipates more departures.

Palantir CEO Alex Karp addressed anchor Sara Eisen's question in an interview with CNBC's "Money Movers" on Wednesday. He said the company has experienced employee departures due to his public support for Israel, emphasizing that if a stance does not risk losing employees, it is not a true position.

READ ALSO: Google Claiming to Uphold Democratic Values, Reaches Breaking Point, Fired Protesting Employee at Israel Tech Event

Palantir Stances on Israel's Operations Involvement

Palantir is a company known for its government contracts in defense and intelligence, providing technology support to the Ukrainian and Israeli militaries who are determined to defeat Hamas after a violent incident on October 7 in southern Israel, where nearly 1,200 people were killed and resulted in over 30,000 deaths in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.

Karp expressed pride on Palantir's recent earnings call, stating that shortly after October 7, the company was exceedingly proud to be actively involved in significant operations in Israel.

Palantir held its first board meeting of the year in Tel Aviv, Israel, in January and later entered a strategic partnership with the Israeli Ministry of Defense to provide technology for its military. In November, Karp reaffirmed the company's support for the U.S. government and Israel, stating on an earnings call that Palantir only supplies its products to Wey.

Expressing Solidarity with Israel in a Full-Page News Ad

In Wednesday's interview, Karp reiterated his support for Israel. Eisen mentioned the company's decision in October to place a full-page ad in The New York Times, expressing solidarity with Israel.

Karp highlighted Palantir's culture of speaking up and being transparent, emphasizing that he does not promise to tell his workforce what they want to hear but aims to provide a truthful perspective within legal and ethical boundaries, both internally and externally.

A Million-Dollar Contract for AI-Powered Ground Stations for TITAN

Last week, Palantir secured a one hundred seventy-eight million, four hundred thousand dollars contract with the U.S. Army to build 10 AI-powered ground stations for the Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node (TITAN) project.

Karp, one of the co-founders of Palantir with conservative venture capitalists Peter Thiel and Joe Lonsdale, emphasized to CNBC that his support is not solely for Israel but framing it as a broader belief in the values and accomplishments of the Western world.

Karp was vocal on social and political matters even before the recent Israel and Gaza crises and took differing stances from those prevalent in San Francisco and Silicon Valley.

Palantir relocated from Palo Alto, California, to Denver in 2020. A year prior, Karp informed CNBC that the tech industry had violated its social contract with the United States and criticized tech companies that declined to collaborate with the federal government for national security purposes.

In a Squawk Box interview in 2019 from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Karp stated that such a stance is unproductive, arguing that it lacks clarity and is not viable from an academic standpoint and expressed satisfaction with being on the opposing side of the argument.

RELATED ARTICLE: U.S. Sanctions Predator Spyware-Maker Targeting Journalists, Officials, Strips Technology Access to Safeguard Human Rights

 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
CLEVELAND, Ohio A Cleveland man who ran a drug ring from an Ohio prison was sentenced Thursday to more than 17 years in federal prison.

Charles Daniels coordinated drug deals between suppliers and street-level heroin and fentanyl dealers in Wooster while serving an eight-year state prison sentence for dealing drugs in Wayne County.

U.S. District Judge Dan Polster sentenced Daniels to 17 years and six months in prison, served on top of Daniels state prison sentence. Hell be on post-prison supervision for 10 years once hes released.

The sentence was largely a formality after Daniels, 45, agreed to the sentence as part of his plea agreement in which he admitted to conspiring to deal drugs and four counts of using a phone in the commission of a drug crime.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Payum Doroodian said Daniels is a career criminal, who by the end of his federal prison term will have served 33 years in prison on 17 felony convictions. He also said Daniels record in prison included being caught on a jail call in which he threatened to kill an informant.

Doroodian said he hoped the lengthy sentence would end Daniels string of convictions.

For Gods sake, stop committing crimes in prison or this will get worse, Doroodian said. At some point you have to stop and say, God dn it, its not worth it.

Daniels was among 16 people charged in connection with the drug ring. He led the crew from October 2020 to February 2022 from his cell in the Ohio State Penitentiary, a super-maximum-security prison in Youngstown.

All of his calls to his Cleveland fentanyl suppliers and to Wooster drug dealers were made on prison phones that record all the conversations.

Daniels got a cut of the drug dealers money and used it to pay for phone calls from the prison and items from the commissary, court records say.

Daniels has about 14 months left to serve on his 2017 conviction for dealing heroin and fentanyl in Wayne County. His federal prison sentence will start when he has finished serving that sentence.

Daniels declined to speak during the hearing. His attorney, Dave Betras, said he believed the sentence is fair and gives Daniels a chance to get out of prison.

Hes institutionalized, Betras said. All he knows is the penitentiary. But were not putting him on the trash heap of life either.

Adam Ferrise covers federal courts at cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. You can find his work here.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Ohio Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the death sentence of a Parma Heights man who fatally stabbed his two roommates and tried to hire a man to burn their bodies in 2017.

Thomas Knuff Jr. was condemned to death row in 2019 after jurors found him guilty and recommended his execution for the murders of John Mann, 65, and Regina Capobianco, 50.

Justices on Thursday unanimously rejected Knuffs claims that he walked in on Capobianco fatally stabbing Mann and stabbed her in self-defense when she turned the knife on him. Defense lawyers accused Parma Heights police of botching the investigation that, if done correctly, would have proven Knuff innocent.

Justice Joseph Deters, the former Hamilton Count prosecutor, wrote that evidence contradicts Knuffs claims.

Mann had downward stab wounds in his chest and cuts on the top of his head. Because he was a foot taller than Capobianco, it was unlikely she would have been able to impose such wounds on him. And Capobianco had two stab wounds in her back, inconsistent with Knuffs claims that he stabbed her while she was attacking him.

Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy and justices Patrick DeWine, Patrick Fischer and Melody Stewart joined Deters opinion.

Justice Michael Donnelly wrote in a concurring opinion that he agreed that Knuffs death sentence fit the charges. But Donnelly wrote that he would have found there wasnt enough evidence to prove that Knuff committed aggravated burglary or kidnapping, the basis for two of the four charges that left Knuff facing execution.

Justice Jennifer Brunner signed onto Donnellys concurring opinion.

Knuff, now 49, met Capobianco through an inmate-to-inmate pen-pal program while he was serving a 15-year prison sentence for aggravated robbery. He exchanged letters with her for several years. Knuff also had a relationship with a social worker at the prison, Alicia Stoner. When he was paroled in April 2017, Stoner paid for him to live in a Strongsville motel until he moved in with Mann and Capobianco, who had also recently been paroled.

The arrangement lasted less than a month.

The parole conditions for Knuff and Capobianco barred them from associating with convicted felons, so only one of them could stay with Mann. The three got into a heated argument that escalated until Knuff snapped and stabbed both Mann and Capobianco, prosecutors said at trial.

Capobianco was stabbed six times. Mann was stabbed 15 times.

Knuff then dragged the bodies into a bedroom and hid them under blankets for more than two months as he sought to conceal his deeds. He asked Stoner to take him to a hardware store where he bought hacksaws and stole an X-acto knife.

Knuff was initially arrested after he broke into two beauty salons. While he was in jail, he wrote a letter to a former prison associate and asked him to burn the bodies. Knuff wrote that the most incriminating s--t was in the bedroom -- a reference to the bodies -- and told the man to use kerosene because it burns hotter.

The man did not follow through on Knuffs request, and police later went to the house after Capobiancos family reported her missing. Officers found the badly decayed bodies.

Knuff said in an unsworn statement that he killed Capobianco in self-defense and that he sought to hide the deaths because he did not want to go to prison for a parole violation.

Knuff lashed out at prosecutors during the sentencing hearing in which he received the death penalty. He accused Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Anna Faraglia of lying during the trial and pledged that his appeals would expose those lies.

Im going to pursue every avenue to get the truth out, Knuff said at the hearing.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- President Biden has been said to show signs of senioritis, by Special Counsel Robert Hur. But Hur has now showed signs of Middle-Ageitis, Trumpitis and Donaldementia.

The transcript of Special Counsel Robert Hurs interview with President Biden records the President did in fact know the date of his son Beaus death. That had been excluded from Hurs report and contradicts the reports claim Biden couldnt recall the date and had a memory that was hazy, faulty, poor, with significant limitations.

Also the transcript documents Hur saying President Biden had photographic understanding and recall. The actual transcript, of more than 5 hours of Hur-Biden interviews over 2 days, was used to question Hur during a Congressional hearing before the House Judiciary Committee.

Hur, first appointed by then President Trump, was named a Special Counsel by Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate President Bidens handling of government documents that had been found stored in the garage of his Delaware home next to his classic 1967 Corvette convertible.

The documents stored in the garage dated back to Bidens time as a U.S. Senator and Vice President. They were all immediately returned to the National Achieves by Bidens lawyers when discovered.

As was the case with classified documents found in Vice President Mike Pences home, Hurs investigation found no probable cause to bring charges against Biden. But that did not stop Hur from making personal assessments of Bidens mental fitness that was out of step with D.O.J. protocol when filing such a report. Not only were those assessments in violation of D.O.J standards, they turned out to be complete fabrications.

This cartoon was first posted on Cleveland.com on Jan.11, 2024Jeff Darcy/Cleveland.com

When questioned by Rep. Eric Swalwell of California, Special Counsel Hur declined to say if he would decline an appointment in a 2nd Trump Presidency if hes re-elected instead of being convicted on any of now 88 felony counts in 4 indictments.

Hur could be appointed by Trump as U.S. Attorney General or nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court along with fellow Trump appointee Judge Cannon in Miami.

The following are some of the other cartoons Ive posted on the Biden docs issue.

This cartoon was first posted on Cleveland.com Jan 18, 2023Jeff Darcy/Cleveland.com

This cartoon was first posted on Cleveland.com Jan. 24, 2023Jeff Darcy/Cleveland.com
MENTOR, Ohio  Dogs alerted the occupants of a Mentor home to a fire early Wednesday morning before the smoke alarms sounded, allowing all of them to escape without serious injury, firefighters say.

Firefighters were called to the 8100 block of Clifton Court, which is north of Ohio 2 and south of Munson Road, for reports of a grass fire in the backyard of a home. When firefighters arrived, they discovered the rear of the split-level home was on fire.

After confirming everyone was out of the home, firefighters were able to use an aggressive attack to put out the fire. Firefighters did rescue a cat from the residence.
WARREN, Ohio  A Warren police officer whose husband, also a police officer, is accused of multiple rapes has been placed on administrative leave after a prosecutor says she was heard on jail calls with her husband hoping for an accusers death.

Trumbull County Assistant Prosecutor Gabe Wildman made the accusations against officer Taylor Edwards during an arraignment of Edwards husband, Michael Edwards Jr., on Monday, WFMJ Channel 21 reports. Wildman said the husband and wife can be heard in recorded jail calls talking about an accuser.

According to WKBN Channel 27, Wildman told a judge the couple is heard saying, I hope (the victim) gets run over by an 18-wheeler so that she can get run over 18 times. This is how these two Warren police officers and a former Warren police officer are talking about an alleged victim in a sexual assault case. The couple also said they hoped the accuser would get hit by a bus or die of an overdose, reports say.

The Warren Tribune reports Taylor Edwards is now the focus of an internal police investigation for inappropriate activity.

WKBN reports Michael Edwards, 43, pleaded not guilty on Monday to 16 charges, including gross sexual imposition, extortion, rape, sexual battery, theft in office and dereliction of duty. He was arrested in late January and is being held in jail. He has been fired by the police department.

Prosecutors tell WFMJ that five people have come forward claiming they were victims of Edwards.
Heres a look at some of the top stories trending online today, March 14. They include a hearing on Donald Trumps classified documents case in Florida, Pi Day celebrations and much more.

Trump team to make two arguments in court to get classified documents case dismissed (CBS)

Whats Pi Day all about? Math, science, pies and more (AP)

National Pi Day 2024: Get a deal whether you prefer apple, cherry or pizza pie (USA Today)

Families of hostages held in Gaza despair as Ramadan cease-fire deadline passes (ABC)

Dollar Tree, Family Dollar plan to close 1,000 stores (Washington Post)

Bernie Sanders unveils 32-hour workweek bill (The Hill)

3 men face federal firearms charges in Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade shooting (NBC)

Other trending headlines

Paul Alexander: Man in the iron lung dies at the age of 78 (BBC)

Storm carrying massive gorilla hail hits parts of Kansas and Missouri (Yahoo)

Robyn Bernard, Who Played Terry Brock on General Hospital, Dies at 64 (Variety)

Christie Brinkley Reveals She Had Skin Cancer Removed from Her Face (People)

X-Men actress reveals she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy (AP)
COLUMBUS, OhioOhioans are continuing to vote early for next weeks primary election in far greater numbers than in 2020, with turnout surging especially among Republicans, new state data shows.

As of Tuesday, a week before the March 19 primary, 368,974 Ohioans ballots had been tallied by their local election officials, according to data released by Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRoses office and analyzed by cleveland.com/The Plain Dealer.
WASHINGTON, D. C. - President Biden on Thursday announced his opposition to Tokyo-based Nippon Steels $14.1 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel, showing his solidarity with the United Steelworkers Union, which opposes the deal.

It is important that we maintain strong American steel companies powered by American steel workers, said a statement Biden released Thursday.
(Photo : Unsplash/SpaceX )

SpaceX plans its third Starship test flight after regulators approved the launch as soon as Thursday.

SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk announced that SpaceX teams are gearing up for the third test flight of its 400-foot-tall reusable spaceship, Starship, and Super Heavy booster, which may happen on Thursday at 8 a.m. ET from Boca Chica, Texas.

On Wednesday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted SpaceX the launch license required for its newest Starship prototype flight after SpaceX fulfilled all safety, environmental, and financial responsibility criteria for the launch.

SpaceX aims to launch between 8 a.m. and 9:50 a.m. ET from Boca Chica, Texas, on Thursday. It plans to live-stream the event with a webcast 30 minutes before the windows open.

READ ALSO: SpaceX Counters an Ongoing Lawsuit, Claiming U.S. Labor Board Structure Unconstitutional

Taking it from The Last Prototype's Flight with 17 Corrective Measures

The company intends to advance from the previous year's Starship prototype flights, the second and latest reaching space in November, with varying outcomes. Both rockets flew briefly and reached certain milestones but eventually were destroyed due to issues.

The FAA concluded its investigation into the November test flight incident in February. It identified 17 corrective measures required before SpaceX obtains a revised launch permit for its next orbital test. SpaceX has implemented hardware adjustments and other enhancements to prepare for the third attempt.

SpaceX Granted The License to Launch

The FAA granted the updated launch permit on Wednesday that the company awaited to proceed with Starship's flight.

SpaceX is pursuing new goals for its third flight, including an ascent burn, payload door operation, and engine relight. Moreover, SpaceX intends to exhibit fresh functionalities such as opening and closing the spacecraft door and transferring fuel mid-flight as part of a NASA demonstration. Unlike the previous tests that aimed for the Pacific Ocean landing near Hawaii, this flight will end with a splashdown in the Indian Ocean.

The First Flight's Test Hops

SpaceX reported that the second test flight accomplished various milestones and aims to build upon them in the upcoming flight. The first test flight of SpaceX's Starship in April ended dramatically with an explosion 24 miles over the Gulf of Mexico. Before attempting to launch the spaceship and booster together, SpaceX conducted test hops in Texas, some of which resulted in explosions.

The company stated that this new trajectory allows for trying new techniques like in-space engine burns while prioritizing public safety.

Starship's Future Flights

NASA managers are monitoring Starship's testing and development for the Artemis mission to the moon in 2026. However, SpaceX requires more test flights before it sends people.

Eventually, Starship and Super Heavy will launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, and Musk plans for the spaceship to land at the same location using launch tower arms.

This month, SpaceX and the Air Force are holding public meetings in Brevard County, home to KSC and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, to discuss a potential Starship launch site for Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 37. Private citizens, like businessman Jared Isaacman's Polaris Program, have signed up for Starship flights. Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa is planning to bring eight more individuals with him on a flight around the moon.

RELATED ARTICLE: Elon Musk's Tunnel Construction Faces Tough Scrutiny as OSHA Found Eight "Serious" Safety Violations

 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Unsplash/Wonderlane)

Diversity has long been a pressing issue in the tech sector. According to Women Tech Network survey data, women earn an average of $15,000 less per year than men, with even lower salaries for Black and Latina women, and also encounter more obstacles when advancing to managerial positions compared to their male counterparts.

Here are the top 10 conferences women in the technology sector must attend to advance their careers or simply advocate for diversity and inclusion.

Black Women Tech Talk

The Roadmap to Billions conference by Black Women Tech Talk empowers Black women tech founders, which provides resources, workshops, and insights from industry experts, investors, and successful founders. The three-day event offers keynotes, hands-on workshops, business strategies, and tailored sessions for students, professionals, investors, and founders.

Conference Date: May 16-18, 2024

Conference Location: Brooklyn, New York

Ticket price: $99 for students, $399 for general admission, and $599 for the VIP bundle.

The Global Women in Data Science (WiDS) Conference

The Global Women in Data Science (WiDS) Conference, established by Stanford University, unites data scientists globally to empower women in the field, which will be held at Stanford, with over 150 partner events worldwide featuring panels, keynote speakers, networking opportunities, and a closing reception.

Conference Date: March 8, 2024

Conference Location: Stanford, California

Ticket price: TBA

Grace Hopper Celebration

The Grace Hopper Celebration, co-founded by Dr. Anita Borg and Dr. Telle Whitney in 1994, is the world's largest gathering of women technologists that covers various topics such as technology, culture, career shifts, C-suite roles, and emerging trends in the tech industry. The conference honors Grace Murray Hopper, a pioneering computer programmer known for developing COBOL.

Conference Date: October 8-11, 2024

Conference Location: Philadelphia and virtual

Ticket price: TBD

Pride Summit

The Pride Summit by Lesbians Who Tech, touted as the largest LGBTQ professional event, is an event that highlights LGBTQ individuals, including women, trans, and nonbinary people, focusing on those underrepresented in tech. Previous speakers include Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton, Susan Wojcicki, and Glennon Doyle.

Conference Date: June 10-14, 2024

Conference Location: Virtual

Ticket price: Free

Simmons Leadership Conference

This year marks the 45th annual Simmons Leadership Conference, a gathering for women's professional growth and networking to elevate women in leadership and encourage more to pursue such roles, particularly in fields like technology where they are less represented. Hosted by Simmons College, it boasts prominent speakers like Serena Williams, with past luminaries including Michelle Obama, Madeline Albright, Anita Hill, Oprah Winfrey, and Barbara Walters.

Conference Date: April 3, 2024

Conference Location: Boston or virtual

Ticket price: $299-$399 for online virtual attendance; $1,299 for in-person attendees

Tech Up for Women

Tech Up for Women is a single-day conference dedicated to advancing women in technology, which covers topics like cybersecurity, blockchain, AI, VR, digital transformation, big data, entrepreneurship, startups, and healthcare tech to enhance women's digital literacy to address gender imbalances in the workplace. Scheduled during International Women's Week, this year's event aims to promote and support women's progress in the tech industry.

Conference Date: March 6, 2024

Conference Location: San Diego

Ticket price: From $74 to $2,750

WeCode 2024

WeCode 2024, an annual tech conference by Harvard University, promotes community and scholarship for undergraduate women in technology globally that aims to bridge gender gaps in STEM and provide support for women in the tech industry with essential skills and professional networks. Held on the Harvard campus in Cambridge, Mass., it features keynote speakers, networking, and workshops.

Conference Date: February 17-18, 2024

Conference Location: Cambridge, Mass.

Ticket price: $35-$85

READ ALSO: Women Who Redefined "Ambition" to Embrace a Happier, Successful Career Without Compromising Mental Health

Women Impact Tech

The Women Impact Tech conferences connect top women in tech with companies dedicated to inclusion and innovation, which offer women engineers networking opportunities with over 350 tech companies one-on-one meetings at seven national events. The 2024 events are scheduled in Austin, Boston, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, Atlanta, Denver, and New York City from February to November, with a virtual attendance option.

Conference Date: Varies by location

Conference Location: Several cities across the US

Ticket price: $99

Women in Cloud Annual Summit

The Women in Cloud Annual Summit, usually in Redmond, Wash., at the Microsoft Conference Center, is going on tour this year, with virtual and in-person events in various cities, highlighting women's role in cloud computing and inclusivity in tech and all genders.

Conference Date: February to March, 2024

Conference Location: Austin, Texas; Atlanta; and virtual

Ticket price: $74-$250

Women in Cybersecurity

The Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) conference was started in 2012 by Dr. Ambareen Siraj of Tennessee Tech University, supported by a National Science Foundation grant. WiCyS is a nonprofit offering memberships, scholarships, and networking opportunities for women in security. The two-day conference allows members and nonmembers to connect with industry peers and learn about cybersecurity trends.

Conference Date: April 11-13, 2024

Conference Location: Nashville, Tenn.

Ticket price: $600 for WiCyS members, $850 for nonmembers; discounts available for students, faculty, government, and nonprofit workers.

RELATED ARTICLE: Women in the Workplace: Are Females Becoming Less Ambitious Due to Persistent Barriers?

 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Streaming platform finds footing in Korea with hit originals

By Lee Gyu-lee

When Disney+ landed in Korea in November 2021, many expected it to instantly become a key player in the heated streaming market already dominated by Netflix. But much to their disappointment, the streaming service had a rocky start, failing to win the local streaming consumers hearts with issues such as poor quality of subtitles, lack of customer service communication and user-unfriendly interface.

However, the global streaming service managed to come around last year with veteran actor Choi Min-siks crime original series Big Bet, followed by a massive, unexpected hit with Moving, which offered the company a positive outlook on continuing its business in the country.

Moving, a supernatural action series highlighting families with superpowered parents and children in divided Korea, became the most-watched Korean original on Disney+ globally following its release last August.

Riding the tide of its success, the streaming platform shared its goals to keep the momentum going through Korean content.

It was only in 2021 that Disney ventured into local content production in APAC and so we're still at a very early stage of our creative journey. That said, we're extremely encouraged by the tremendous critical and commercial success of our Korean originals last year  Among the top 15 best-performing international original titles, nine of the top 15 came from Korea, Carol Choi, executive vice president for Original Content Strategy at The Walt Disney Company APAC, said during Disney+ Korea's media event at JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square in central Seoul, Tuesday.

So this is a significant and impressive outcome and important data points. It reinforces the global resonance of Korean storytelling and how stories produced in Korea are world-class and captivating audiences worldwide.

Kim So-yeon, the CEO of Disney+ Korea, emphasized that the companys main goal this year is to strengthen profitability of its streaming business, adding it will focus on the quality of its content in order to do so.

(In Korea,) we aim to take a leap forward as a sustainably growing industry. And for Disney+ to establish itself as a content service that more people engage with in their daily lives, we believe the most crucial factor is excellent content, Kim said.

We prioritize quality over overall volume, focusing on providing high-quality content  Through careful selection and decision-making, we are looking to continue our growth momentum this year with the foundation on high-quality content.

The streaming service is set for a string of local titles, which includes Uncle Samsik, the small-screen debut of "Parasite" actor Song Kang-ho.

The "Star Wars" spin-off "The Acolyte," garnering buzz in Korea for starring actor Lee Jung-jae, is also scheduled to premiere this year. At the event, an exclusive trailer of the series was unveiled, featuring Lee in the role of a Jedi master, delivering lines in English and wielding an iconic lightsaber.

Kim noted that the company will pay closer attention to tentpole genre content with heavily scripted and relatable storylines.

Moving forward, we aim to showcase genre-defining blockbusters with large scale and content that evoke empathy and emotion, as well as works that can expand stories and universes into seasons or franchises, she said.

Rather than just dynamic plots, we are looking for stories that can capture people's hearts on a broader level, which have more narratives. Even if the action is dazzling, if the story is empty, consumers will not respond to it. So, we are placing emphasis on stories when making choices.

As Disney+ plans to further explore genre content and potential franchises, the importance of aligning with local consumer preferences remains a priority. Choi affirmed Disney's long-term commitment to the Korean market, recognizing Korea's role as a global content powerhouse.

The Walt Disney Company has been in Korea for more than 30 years and our company here is for the long term. Over the years, Korea has become a global content powerhouse and will remain a top consumer and content production market for us here at Disney, she said.

We're also looking closely at the evolving consumer preferences in Korea. We want to make sure that these stories that we bring from Korea first resonate and become hits in the local market because we are very assured of the great storytelling, and the great production value. So we believe that as long as there are hits here, global audiences will find a way to appreciate this work.
By Yi Whan-woo

Toss Securities pledged to reach the top spot in retail investment in Korea Thursday, even though it was founded just three years ago.

Speaking at a press conference to mark the firms third anniversary, Toss Securities CEO Kim Seung-yeon said U.S. blue chip corporate bonds will now be included in its services for retail investors in addition to U.S. blue chip stocks.

To make it easier for clients to begin investing, the minimum sales price for a corporate bond will be set at $1,000. According to Toss Securities, it's an affordable price because a corporate bond is usually sold at between $2,000 and $3,000 in the market.

The company proved itself as a profitable brokerage house through last year, and from now on, it will prove itself to be a profitable investment company with its range of financial products, Kim said.

We will come up with meaningful achievements in terms of both profitability and growth, and Toss Securities customers will be able to enjoy various investment opportunities.

For more convenient investing, Toss Securities plans to introduce its web trading system (WTS), which allows securities trading through the customer's personal computer.

The WTS allows investors to explore information in more depth than when using the mobile trading system (MTS) that is currently offered by Toss Securities for smartphone users.

The CEO urged investors to capitalize on the growth potential of the firm after it was launched as the brokerage arm of Toss Bank, an internet-only lender.

He pointed out that the company swung to black last year for the first time, posting a net income of 1.5 billion won.

Under the circumstances, we expect the quarterly net income for the first quarter of 2024 will more than double the net income of all of 2023, Kim said.

Meanwhile, the CEO said the company takes app malfunctions seriously after it was disgraced for having the most frequent number of app malfunctions in 2023.
Premier calls for promotion of AI

08:21, March 14, 2024 By Mo Jingxi ( China Daily

Premier Li Qiang visits a pilot zone in Beijing for advanced autonomous driving on Wednesday. [Photo/Xinhua]

Premier Li Qiang has urged efforts to promote the application of artificial intelligence after China set the goal of developing new quality productive forces at a faster pace in this year's Government Work Report.

Li made the remarks on Wednesday after visits to a pilot zone in Beijing for advanced autonomous driving, Chinese tech heavyweight Baidu, integrated circuit producer Naura Technology Group, and the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence.

First put forward by President Xi Jinping during his inspection tour to Heilongjiang province in September, new quality productive forces were repeatedly mentioned during the recently concluded annual sessions of the national legislature and top political advisory body.

The term refers to advanced productivity that is freed from the traditional economic growth mode and productivity development paths, and features cutting-edge technology, high efficiency and high quality.

Speaking at a symposium after the one-day trip, Li said AI serves as an important engine for the development of new quality productive forces. It is necessary to strengthen forward-looking planning, boost computing power, make breakthroughs in algorithms and promote the development and utilization of data, he said.

Li said that in promoting high-quality development, efforts must be focused on developing new quality productive forces, speeding up breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields, and spurring industrial innovation by making innovations in science and technology.

But he also said the development of new quality productive forces should be promoted in a scientific way by following the laws of industrial development and making plans that suit local conditions.

At the pilot zone for advanced autonomous driving, Li called for the upgrading of autonomous driving technologies to help boost the country's development of the automotive industry and construction of smart cities.

At the work area of Baidu in the Beijing suburb of Yizhuang, he emphasized the need to expand the application scenarios of AI and create a more relaxed environment for the development of the country's AI industry.

During his visit to Naura Technology Group, Li encouraged the company to increase investment in science and technology, accelerate research and development on advanced equipment, and play a better role in integrating innovation with the whole industrial chain.

Later, at the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence, he required efforts to devote full energy to making breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields with the aim of meeting the international advanced level.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
NPS logs 13.59 percent investment return in 2023

By Anna J. Park

The National Pension Service (NPS) plans to open up its fourth overseas office in San Francisco in the U.S. by the third quarter of this year, aiming to actively participate in more diverse alternative investment opportunities. The NPS currently operates three overseas branches in New York, London and Singapore.

"The NPS is internally planning to open up the San Francisco office within the third quarter. The reason that the NPS chose San Francisco as the destination for the fourth overseas office is that Silicon Valley has become a focal point for the most significant and trendy investments of today, including artificial intelligence (AI) and biotech, " Lee Suc-won, managing director leading NPS' Investment Strategy and Responsible Investment & Governance, said during a press conference in Seoul, Thursday.

Lee said it was necessary for the NPS to establish the office in Silicon Valley, home to many global IT and venture capital firms, to directly engage with these emerging areas of investment and be part of the inner circle of the local investment scene.

Given that the national pension operator's key five-year term goals included further strengthening overseas alternative investments for the sake of diversifying its portfolio and enhancing profitability, having its own office in the region known to be the cradle of global alternative investments is only a natural step for the NPS.

Since 2021, other government-affiliated financial institutions, such as the Korea Development Bank (KDB) and the Korea Investment Corp. (KIC) have been operating offices in San Francisco. The NPS has also been preparing for the opening up of its office in Silicon Valley since last summer.

"Local offices are central to swift decision-making in the latest investment trends," Son Hyup, NPS' head of Investment Strategy, said at the press conference, adding the NPS has been deploying alternative investment team leaders to each overseas offices.

As Son said, strengthening overseas alternative investments is key to the national pension fund's strategy that seeks overall medium returns while bearing medium risks. Alternative assets mostly consist of private equity fund investments, infrastructure and real estate, such as global office buildings. They have many advantages compared to other assets, including a diversification effect, illiquidity premium and the ability to leverage negotiating power.

While the proportion of overseas investments out of the pension fund's entire investment portfolio has increased from 19.3 percent in 2013 to 51.5 percent in 2023, it was driven largely by growth in alternative investments.

The NPS currently invests 139.5 trillion won ($105 billion) in alternative investments, or 15.9 percent of its total portfolio, yet the percentage is far lower than Canada Pension Plan (CPP), one of the world's most successful pension funds, where the proportion of alternative investments takes up 65 percent.

"Among major pension funds worldwide, the NPS is regarded as one of the younger cohorts that is still in a growth phase. As the fund is still in the growth stage where sustaining investment is possible, the NPS seeks to actively pursue aggressive investment strategies by expanding the proportion of risky assets, aim to increase profitability and enhance returns through investment diversification," Son said.

The head of investment strategy at the NPS also highlighted that increasing overseas investments while the country's current account balance is in surplus can help the country prepare for the future when the current account balance will shift towards a deficit as the population ages further.

Need for more hiring

Another concern is that it takes more employees to manage alternative investments, and it is necessary to further expand its staff. The NPS increased the total number of employees to 480 by newly hiring 50 last year, but it is still lacking.

Currently, each fund manager at the NPS is estimated to manage about 2 trillion won on average. This is particularly larger than other major global pension funds, compared to CPP's 300 billion won or ABP's 1 trillion won.

As of the end of 2023, the NPS' total asset size amounted to 1,035.8 trillion won, with an annual rate of return standing at 13.59 percent. It logged an investment return of 126.7 trillion won in the past year, which is about 20 percent of the government's annual budget size.

In the period from 2000 to 2023, the NPS' average return rate stood at 6.1 percent, which is considered a good performance when comparing with major global pension funds, including Canada's CPP at 7 percent, Norway's GPFG at 5.6 percent, the Netherlands' ABP at 5.3 percent and Japan's GPIF at 3.6 percent.


 
North Korea has unveiled a new battle tank during training exercises, state media reported Thursday, amid ongoing joint military drills between South Korea and the United States.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un drove a new tank himself during the "training match" between tank units Wednesday in a bid to inspect tank troops' actual combat capabilities, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Calling them "the most powerful tanks in the world," Kim expressed satisfaction over their striking power and maneuverability, it said.

"He expressed great satisfaction over the fact that the new-type main battle tank successfully demonstrated its very excellent striking power and maneuverability, displaying its amazing militant performance for the first time in the tankmen's match," the KCNA said.

Photos carried by the KCNA showed Kim driving the tank himself and the battle tanks engaged in training exercises in an indication that the country may have deployed them for operations.

North Korea displayed the new tank during a military parade in October 2020 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party. Experts said the tank unveiled this week appears to be the upgraded version.

Noting the role of tankmen in modern warfare, Kim underscored the need to organize intensive exercises simulating an actual war and training matches so that "they can carry out any combat mission promptly and accurately in a contingency."

Last week, state media said the North's leader guided artillery firing drills involving front-line units capable of striking the "enemy's capital."

Kim's inspection came as Seoul and Washington have been staging the annual Freedom Shield exercise to strengthen deterrence against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. The 11-day drills are set to end later in the day.

Pyongyang has long denounced joint military drills between Seoul and Washington as rehearsals for an invasion and used them as a pretext for provocations. The allies have said their military exercises are defensive in nature.

At a year-end party meeting, Kim defined inter-Korean ties as relations between "two states hostile to each other" and vowed preparations to occupy the South Korean territory in an event of war. (Yonhap)
2024 is set up to be the biggest global election year in history. It coincides with the rapid rise in deepfakes. In APAC alone, there was a surge in deepfakes by 1530% from 2022 to 2023, according to a Sumsub report. Fotografielink | Istock | Getty Images

Ahead of the Indonesian elections on Feb. 14, a video of late Indonesian president Suharto advocating for the political party he once presided over went viral. The AI-generated deepfake video that cloned his face and voice racked up 4.7 million views on X alone. This was not a one-off incident. In Pakistan, a deepfake of former prime minister Imran Khan emerged around the national elections, announcing his party was boycotting them. Meanwhile, in the U.S., New Hampshire voters heard a deepfake of President Joe Biden's asking them to not vote in the presidential primary. Deepfakes of politicians are becoming increasingly common, especially with 2024 set up to be the biggest global election year in history. Reportedly, at least 60 countries and more than four billion people will be voting for their leaders and representatives this year, which makes deepfakes a matter of serious concern.

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According to a Sumsub report in November, the number of deepfakes across the world rose by 10 times from 2022 to 2023. In APAC alone, deepfakes surged by 1,530% during the same period. Online media, including social platforms and digital advertising, saw the biggest rise in identity fraud rate at 274% between 2021 and 2023. Professional services, healthcare, transportation and video gaming were were also among industries impacted by identity fraud. Asia is not ready to tackle deepfakes in elections in terms of regulation, technology, and education, said Simon Chesterman, senior director of AI governance at AI Singapore. In its 2024 Global Threat Report, cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike reported that with the number of elections scheduled this year, nation-state actors including from China, Russia and Iran are highly likely to conduct misinformation or disinformation campaigns to sow disruption. "The more serious interventions would be if a major power decides they want to disrupt a country's election  that's probably going to be more impactful than political parties playing around on the margins," said Chesterman.

Although several governments have tools (to prevent online falsehoods), the concern is the genie will be out of the bottle before there's time to push it back in. Simon Chesterman Senior director AI Singapore

However, most deepfakes will still be generated by actors within the respective countries, he said. Carol Soon, principal research fellow and head of the society and culture department at the Institute of Policy Studies in Singapore, said domestic actors may include opposition parties and political opponents or extreme right wingers and left wingers.

Deepfake dangers

At the minimum, deepfakes pollute the information ecosystem and make it harder for people to find accurate information or form informed opinions about a party or candidate, said Soon. Voters may also be put off by a particular candidate if they see content about a scandalous issue that goes viral before it's debunked as fake, Chesterman said. "Although several governments have tools (to prevent online falsehoods), the concern is the genie will be out of the bottle before there's time to push it back in." "We saw how quickly X could be taken over by the deep fake pornography involving Taylor Swift  these things can spread incredibly quickly," he said, adding that regulation is often not enough and incredibly hard to enforce. "It's often too little too late."

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Adam Meyers, head of counter adversary operations at CrowdStrike, said that deepfakes may also invoke confirmation bias in people: "Even if they know in their heart it's not true, if it's the message they want and something they want to believe in they're not going to let that go." Chesterman also said that fake footage which shows misconduct during an election such as ballot stuffing, could cause people to lose faith in the validity of an election. On the flip side, candidates may deny the truth about themselves that may be negative or unflattering and attribute that to deepfakes instead, Soon said.

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Who should be responsible?

There is a realization now that more responsibility needs to be taken on by social media platforms because of the quasi-public role they play, said Chesterman. In February, 20 leading tech companies, including Microsoft, Meta, Google, Amazon, IBM as well as Artificial intelligence startup OpenAI and social media companies such as Snap, TikTok and X announced a joint commitment to combat the deceptive use of AI in elections this year. The tech accord signed is an important first step, said Soon, but its effectiveness will depend on implementation and enforcement. With tech companies adopting different measures across their platforms, a multi-prong approach is needed, she said. Tech companies will also have to be very transparent about the kinds of decisions that are made, for example, the kinds of processes that are put in place, Soon added. But Chesterman said it is also unreasonable to expect private companies to carry out what are essentially public functions. Deciding what content to allow on social media is a hard call to make, and companies may take months to decide, he said.

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"We should not just be relying on the good intentions of these companies," Chesterman added. "That's why regulations need to be established and expectations need to be set for these companies." Towards this end, Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA), a non-profit, has introduced digital credentials for content, which will show viewers verified information such as the creator's information, where and when it was created, as well as whether generative AI was used to create the material. C2PA member companies include Adobe, Microsoft, Google and Intel. OpenAI has announced it will be implementing C2PA content credentials to images created with its DALLE 3 offering early this year.

I think itd be terrible if I said, Oh yeah, Im not worried. I feel great. Like, were gonna have to watch this relatively closely this year [with] super tight monitoring [and] super tight feedback. Sam Altman CEO OpenAI
There may be a lot of caution with investing in Chinese stocks  but asset manager Jason Hsu sees opportunities to play the market. "Chinese stocks are trading at the cheapest they've ever been. They offer such a big discount and are certainly good investments within a portfolio. There is a risk with China  with how the economy will take form  but with stocks being so cheap, it is a risk worth taking," Hsu, who is the chairman and chief investment officer of Rayliant Global Advisors, told CNBC Pro on March 13. "I'm of the view that if you wait around for the uncertainty to be over - the opportunities will be gone. Everyone is sure that China is going to be back in the race. So, the fact that there is a lot of negative sentiment now means you're getting a big discount for holding on for future growth in China," he added. The Chinese economy and stock market have been dogged by declining foreign investments and a prolonged property market slump. But things could be about to turn around for the Asian powerhouse, which left behind months of deflation in February with a 0.7% year-on-year rise in consumer prices . Factory activity in China also expanded for a third-straight month in January. The stock market has also been picking up, with the Shanghai Composite Index  which hit a five-year low in early February  gaining over 6% in the past month to cross 3,000. Hsu suggests that investors allocate around 7% to 8% of their portfolio to Chinese stocks. The remaining funds should go toward U.S. stocks (60%), developed markets like Japan (20%), and other emerging markets (12%). 'A great growth story' When it comes to the Chinese market, Hsu views state-owned food and beverage company Kweichow Moutai as good short-term play. The asset manager says the company  which produces liquor  has "a lot of brand premium, " and likes it for its "great growth story." "The liquor bottles are collectors' items and they are always sold out - you cannot buy them on the company's website so you can only get them on the grey market. They increase their price every year, but people still buy it," Hsu said. He expects the company's margins to grow as demand for luxury alcohol grows alongside the pick-up in the Chinese economy. Given the "really high dividends" that Kweichow Moutai pays out, Hsu added that it makes a "relatively safe investment in the currently volatile market." FactSet data shows that the company has a dividend yield of 2.6%. Moutai's shares are down nearly 2% over the last 12 months, but have risen 4.06% over the last three months. Of the 40 analysts covering the stock, 38 give it a buy or overweight rating and two have a hold rating, according to FactSet data. The analysts' average price target for the stock is 2,158.53 Chinese yuan ($300.30), giving it 25% potential upside. Shares of Moutai are traded in the Shanghai Stock Exchange and held in the Pacer CSOP FTSE China A50 ETF and KraneShares CICC China Consumer Leaders Index ETF. 'A name worth investing in' A longer-term play on Hsu's radar is electric vehicle maker BYD . The Warren Buffett-backed company has been making headlines amid stiff competition with its U.S. rival Tesla and other Chinese automakers. BYD has been facing regulatory headwinds in the U.S. and Europe, but Hsu sees this as a short-term challenge, similar to what Japanese automaker Toyota faced from the U.S. authorities "when it started to beat everyone in terms of quality and better prices." "Toyota found ways around it by moving production to the U.S. And we now see BYD taking that same script from Toyota. Today, it just has the best balance in terms of quality to price in the consumer discretionary segment. I think it is a name worth investing in," Hsu said. BYD is also making waves with its recently launched electric supercar that can supposedly hit speeds similar to high-end models produced by the industry race carmakers like Ferrari . BYD's shares are up 4.7% over the last 12 months, and about 3% over the last three months. The automaker is listed in the Hong Kong and New York stock exchanges. Of the 35 analysts covering the stock, 33 give it a buy or overweight rating, one has a hold rating and one has a sell rating, according to FactSet data. The analysts' average price target for the stock is 304.53 Hong Kong dollars ($38.93), giving it around 45.4% potential downside.
This picture taken on Feb. 16, 2024 shows a logo of Nippon Steel Corp. at the company's Kyushu manufacturing base in Kitakyushu city of Fukuoka Prefecture. U.S. President Joe Biden plans to express concern over Nippon Steel's proposed $14.9 billion purchase of U.S. Steel, a person familiar with the matter said on Wednesday, pushing the U.S. company's stock nearly 13% lower on bets the deal could face greater political opposition.

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."

In a statement obtained in advance by The Associated Press, Biden adds: "U.S. Steel has been an iconic American steel company for more than a century, and it is vital for it to remain an American steel company that is domestically owned and operated."

Thursday's announcement, coming as Biden is campaigning in the Midwest, could have ripples in his race against the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump. The Democratic president has made the restoration of American manufacturing a cornerstone of his agenda as he seeks reelection, and he has the endorsements of the AFL-CIO and several other prominent unions.

Nippon Steel announced in December that it planned to buy the Pittsburgh-based steel producer for $14.1 billion in cash, raising concerns about what the transaction could mean for unionized workers, supply chains and U.S. national security.

The Japanese company has tried to assuage critics by promising no job losses due to the merger. It also committed to keeping the U.S. Steel name and Pittsburgh headquarters, while noting it already has a presence in the American market and would bring in new resources to foster job growth. The company, which is the world's fourth largest steel producer, launched a website with supportive statements from Larry Summers, the former treasury secretary, and Pat Toomey, a Republican and former senator from Pennsylvania.
China's top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, will visit Australia next week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Thursday, a sign of a further thaw in relations after years of tensions.

China's top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, will visit Australia next week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Thursday, a sign of a further thaw in relations after years of tensions.

"I look forward to meeting Wang Yi during his visit to Canberra next week," Albanese said during a televised media briefing. "It's a good thing that Wang Yi is visiting, it's a good thing to have dialogue."

Albanese said "significant progress" had been made in recent months to remove trade impediments with China, Australia's largest trading partner.

Australia's diplomatic relations with China had been severely strained since 2018 when the previous conservative government banned Huawei from providing equipment during the rollout of its 5G network. Ties soured further after Canberra called for an independent investigation into the origin of COVID-19.

China responded by imposing tariffs on several Australian commodities. It has been lifting most trade blocks since Albanese's Labor government came to power two years ago.
The logo of the Alibaba office building is seen in the Huangpu District in Shanghai, June 16, 2023.

The commission, the executive arm of the European Union, opened the probe into AliExpress under its landmark Digital Services Act, which came into effect this month. The wide-sweeping legislation aims to keep tech giants in check in areas from anti-competitive behavior to ensuring misinformation is not rife on their platforms.

The European Commission on Thursday said it opened a formal investigation into AliExpress, an international e-commerce website run by Chinese tech giant Alibaba , over concerns surrounding the dissemination of illegal content.

The investigation focuses on whether AliExpress may have breached the DSA in "areas linked to the management and mitigation of risks, to content moderation and the internal complaint handling mechanism, to the transparency of advertising and recommender systems, to the traceability of traders and to data access for researchers," the commission said.

The commission will look at whether there was a lack of enforcement of AliExpress' own terms of service, which prohibit certain products that pose a risk for consumers' health, such as fake medicines.

The probe will also focus on whether there were violations of the DSA that allowed minors to access pornographic material, which the commission said consumers can still find on the platform.

Other areas of the probe include how AliExpress recommends products to users and whether the e-commerce site complies with a rule that allows a searchable repository of ads that are provided on the platform.

An AliExpress spokesperson said that the company has "been working with, and will continue to work with, the relevant authorities on making sure we comply with applicable standards and will continue to ensure that we will be able to meet the requirements of the DSA."

"AliExpress is committed to creating a safe and compliant marketplace for all consumers," the spokesperson added.

This is the third formal probe under the DSA, following those opened into TikTok and social media platform X.
Former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is building an investor group to acquire ByteDance's TikTok, as a bipartisan piece of legislation winding its way through Congress threatens its continued existence in the U.S.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bipartisan bill that if signed into law would force ByteDance to either divest its flagship global app or face an effective ban on TikTok within the U.S.

"I think the legislation should pass and I think it should be sold," Mnuchin, who leads Liberty Strategic Capital, told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Thursday. "It's a great business and I'm going to put together a group to buy TikTok."

There is common ground between Liberty and ByteDance. Masa Son's SoftBank Vision Fund invested in ByteDance in 2018, and is also a limited partner in Mnuchin's Liberty Strategic.

The bill is now headed to the Senate, where its future is uncertain, though President Joe Biden has said that he will sign the legislation if reaches his desk.

"This should be owned by U.S. businesses. There's no way that the Chinese would ever let a U.S. company own something like this in China," Mnuchin said.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have highlighted TikTok's reach in the U.S.  by its own estimates, 170 million Americans use the app  as providing the Chinese government with ready access and influence over the U.S.

Major tech investors, including Peter Thiel, Vinod Khosla and Keith Rabois, have publicly or privately decried the social media platform as a pernicious influence.

Still, it remains unclear if the Chinese government would permit ByteDance to sell TikTok to a U.S. buyer. TikTok has lobbied furiously against the bill, including a concerted pitch to its user base and through videos on its platform.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew has implied that a sale is not an option. China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin described the bipartisan push as indicative of "robber's logic" toward TikTok, the Financial Times reported Thursday.

ByteDance was valued at $220 billion at its last funding round in 2023, according to PitchBook data. While a discrete valuation for TikTok was not immediately clear, any sale price for the U.S. division would likely be less.

TikTok's most valuable asset and, to lawmakers, its most worrying weapon, is its algorithm, which delivers tailored content to users and was developed in China. Any sale of TikTok without the algorithm would be significantly less attractive to potential buyers.

Mnuchin did not specify who the other investors would be in such a deal or the potential valuation for the social media site.

There are other interested buyers. The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday that former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick was shopping a potential deal to prospective partners.

Last week, Mnuchin's Liberty Strategic Capital was a lead investor in a $1 billion capital raise to stabilize New York Community Bancorp.

Mnuchin served as Treasury secretary under former President Donald Trump. That administration also took an antagonistic stance toward TikTok, which ultimately resulted in ByteDance striking a data partnership with Oracle . Trump has since reversed course and come out against a TikTok ban.

TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Aileen Cannon, the Florida judge initially assigned to oversee Donald Trump's classified documents case, answers questions during her nomination hearing by the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, U.S. July 29, 2020 in a still image from video.

FORT PIERCE, Fla.  The judge presiding over the federal criminal case involving former President Donald Trump's handling of classified documents on Thursday denied one of his two motions to dismiss the case, saying the motion was premature.

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon found that Trump's argument that the main statute prosecutors are using against him is unconstitutionally vague as it applies to presidents is better-suited to be addressed at a later time "in connection with jury-instruction briefing and/or other appropriate motions."

The judge issued the ruling shortly after the conclusion of a daylong hearing on the former president's motions to toss the case, with Trump in attendance. Cannon, who was nominated to the bench by Trump, made it clear she was skeptical of his attorneys' arguments on their other motion to dismiss, which contends that the Presidential Records Act bars his prosecution.

The judge said at the end of the hearing that she'd rule on Trump's motions "promptly."

Trump's legal team contended the bulk of the charges should be thrown out because of the 1978 law that governs the preservation of information during and following a presidency.

"It's difficult to see how this gets you to the dismissal of an indictment," the judge said at one point.

Special counsel Jack Smith has called on Cannon to reject Trump's claim that he should be shielded from prosecution because classified presidential records "can be transformed into 'personal'" records by removing them from the White House. Trump has said that he designated the materials he took to Mar-a-Lago as personal records while still in office. A president's personal records are excluded from the act's requirements.

David Harbach, a prosecutor from Smith's office, told the judge, "The documents charged in the indictment are not personal records. Period. They are nowhere close to that."

Smith was in court for the hearing, as well, and Trump eyed him during a break in the proceedings and again when they concluded. The former president, who's been animated while attending other court proceedings, appeared to listen intently to the arguments, often with his arms crossed. He focused mainly on the judge and occasionally whispered and passed notes to one of his attorneys, Todd Blanche. He sat stone-faced at one point when the judge clashed with Blanche over one of his arguments and called it a "red herring."

Cannon at times seemed more sympathetic to Trump's arguments and noted that no other former president has faced criminal charges related to the law. "There has never been a situation remotely similar to this one," Jay Bratt of the special counsel's office responded.

Blanche argued that "presidents since George Washington have taken materials out of the White House" at "their own discretion," but Cannon seemed skeptical of his arguments involving the Records Act.

The sides also argued the motion that the main statute used against Trump can't be used against him.

Trump attorney Emil Bove told the judge that "the government cannot make decisions based on selective criteria and political bias" and that the indictment should be thrown out. He pointed to other instances in which presidents were found to have retained classified information and mentioned special counsel Robert Hur's decision not to charge President Joe Biden for classified material he had in his possession dating from his time in the Senate.

In his report explaining why he declined to charge Biden, Hur said that there were "clear" distinctions between the two cases and that unlike "the evidence involving Mr. Biden, the allegations set forth in the indictment of Mr. Trump, if proven, would present serious aggravating facts."

Trump has pleaded not guilty to charges that he wrongfully held on to classified information after leaving the White House. Trump's co-defendants, Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, were in court Thursday, as well.

Their lawyers have sparred with the government over the timing of the trial, originally scheduled to begin May 20, which Cannon is expected to push back. The judge granted the defendant's request for more time but has not set a new trial date.

Trump is facing dozens of felony charges in the indictment, including willful retention of national defense information, false statements and representations, conspiracy to obstruct justice, withholding a document or record and corruptly concealing a document. He has denied all wrongdoing.

Trump's co-defendants have also pleaded not guilty to the related charges against them. The special counsel accused Nauta, who served as Trump's valet and continued to work for him after leaving the White House, and De Oliveira, a Mar-a-Lago property manager, of seeking to erase security video at Mar-a-Lago after the Justice Department sought to obtain it. De Oliveira is also accused of making false statements to prosecutors.

Trump did not speak to reporters at the courthouse but took his social media platform, Truth Social, afterward to thank his supporters outside. "Big crowds in Fort Pierce, Florida, for the Biden induced Witch Hunt against his political opponent, ME! Thank you, a great honor to have you there," he wrote.

Trump has appeared in court more often in recent months, attending most of a trial in writer E. Jean Carroll's second defamation case against him this year and several days of the monthslong civil fraud trial New York Attorney General Letitia James brought against him and his business late last year.

In a court filing asking for more time to respond to other outstanding motions in the documents case, Trump's attorneys said they were preparing for the March 25 start date of his New York criminal trial.

Trump's lawyers are also seeking to delay the trials until after the U.S. Supreme Court rules on his claims of presidential immunity because it could affect how the case proceeds.
British oil giant Shell on Thursday announced plans to moderate its near-term carbon emissions cuts, while maintaining its pledge to become a net-zero company by the middle of the century.

In its latest energy transition strategy update, the oil and gas major said it is now aiming to reduce its net carbon intensity on the third-party use of products it sells by 15% to 20% by 2030, compared with a previous target of 20%.

Shell said it had also dropped its goal of a 45% reduction by 2035, citing "uncertainty in the pace of change in the energy transition." The net carbon intensity targets are measured against a baseline of emissions in 2016.

"Our focus on value has led to a strategic shift in our power business towards select markets and segments," Shell CEO Wael Sawan said in a statement. "As a result, we expect lower growth in sales of power overall. We have updated our net carbon intensity target to reflect that change."

Shell said that by the end of 2023, it had achieved over 60% of its target to halve emissions from its operations by 2030, compared with 2016.

The company also said it achieved its target to reduce the net carbon intensity of the energy products sold last year, with a 6.3% reduction compared to 2016. Shell said this marked the third straight year it had hit its target.

Shell set a new target to reduce customer emissions from the use of its products by 15% to 20% by the end of the decade, compared with 2021.
The four-day workweek is gaining momentum in Congress: Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., introduced legislation Wednesday that would reduce the standard workweek to 32 hours without a pay cut.

The act would shorten the standard workweek over four years by mandating that overtime pay kicks in after 32 hours worked in a week, down from the current 40. Those who work more than 8 hours in a day would get overtime pay at time-and-a-half, and those who work more than 12 hours in a day would be entitled to double their regular pay.

Today's 40-hour workweek has been federal law since 1940 following the passing of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Proponents of a shorter workweek say advances in technology have made workers more productive, but have not resulted in higher wages or time back.

"The financial gains from the major advancements in artificial intelligence, automation, and new technology must benefit the working class, not just corporate CEOs and wealthy stockholders on Wall Street," Sanders said in a press release introducing the bill.

The bill applies to non-exempt workers, who typically work hourly jobs across leisure and hospitality, transportation, construction, manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade.

Supporters say a lower overtime threshold would encourage business to either pay workers more for longer hours, or shorten their week and hire more people.
Here are Thursday's biggest calls on Wall Street: Truist initiates Deere as buy Truist said it's extremely bullish on shares of the industrial giant. "In our view, Deere is among the best-run industrial machinery companies with a growing technology story and earnings stream." Bernstein initiates Robinhood as outperform Bernstein said the stock will benefit from a "monster of a crypto cycle over 2024-25." "We are initiating coverage on Robinhood (HOOD) with an Outperform rating (PT $30, 83% upside)." UBS reiterates Tesla as neutral UBS lowered its price target on the stock to $165 per share from $225. "Though we remain cautious on the numbers and the stock near-term, we stay Neutral. While difficult to see a near-term catalyst for EV sentiment to improve, if/when it does we believe investors will look to TSLA for exposure." Evercore ISI reiterates Netflix as outperform Evercore ISI raised its price target on Netflix to $640 per share from $600. "We are reiterating our Outperform rating and modestly raising our FY25 estimates by 2% for Revenue, Op Income, and EPS." Citi downgrades Chubb to neutral from buy Citi said it sees a more balanced risk/reward for the insurance company. "We downgrade CB to Neutral (from Buy) while increasing our PT to $275 (from $238)." Goldman Sachs upgrades Citi to buy from neutral Goldman Sachs said in its upgrade of Citi that shares are "compelling." "Upgrade to Buy (from Neutral): Path to higher returns and compelling valuation support." Wells Fargo upgrades NeuroPace to overweight from equal weight Wells Fargo said it sees upside to estimates for the epilepsy device company. "We are upgrading NPCE to Overweight and increasing our price target from $16 to $20." Bernstein upgrades Instacart to outperform from market perform Bernstein said it still has competitive concerns about the stock, but that it's making a tactical call right now. "We are upgrading Instacart from Market-Perform to Outperform and taking our Price Target up to $43 (+$13)." Berenberg initiates Logitech as buy Berenberg said it's bullish on shares of the computer peripherals company. " Logitech has a strong track record of identifying complementary assets, integrating them into its product portfolio, and then leveraging its platform to drive operational performance and distribute new products to a wider audience through its large sales network." Barclays upgrades Thomson Reuters to overweight from equal weight Barclays said shares of the company are at an "inflection point." "IR [investor relations] day highlights TRI's transformation and approaching inflection point; upgrade to OW." Truist initiates Caterpillar as buy Truist said Caterpillar is a "high quality way to play infrastructure renaissance." "Our thesis on CAT is simple: you can't play infrastructure and energy transition without owning Caterpillar." Morgan Stanley upgrades Williams-Sonoma to equal weight from underweight Morgan Stanley said it sees margins improving for the home goods retailer. "We have underappreciated WSM' s ability to hold its margin even in a weaker demand environment, which drives our upgrade to EW." Citi reiterates Nvidia as buy Citi said after a series of investor meetings that Nvidia is a "most favored name." "We spent the last couple of weeks meeting investors, and it appears the most favored stocks were AI ( NVDA /AMD/AVGO), equipment, and NXP while the most disliked stocks were Micron, equipment (yes both sides), ON, and MCHP." Morgan Stanley reiterates Meta as overweight Morgan Stanley said its recent ad survey checks show Meta is a standout. "Within Internet coverage group, the survey results were most bullish for OW META. Facebook remained the most widely used platform with highest marks for ROI [return on investment]." Daiwa upgrades Goldman Sachs to outperform from neutral Daiwa upgraded the investment bank on an impending recovery. "[We] upped GS from 3 (Neutral) to 2 (Outperform) ahead of recovery investment banking." Wells Fargo upgrades RTX to overweight from equal weight Wells Fargo said it sees "potential upside" for shares of the defense contractor. "Raytheon segment margins likely get a boost from a better mix as programs move into production, really for the first time since its 2020 merger with UTC." Bank of America upgrades Utz to buy from neutral Bank of America said Utz is well-positioned for share gains. "We upgrade shares of pure-play salty snacks manufacturer Utz Brands (UTZ) to Buy (from Neutral) and raise our PO to $22 (from $19), now based on 18x our 2025E EV/EBITDA." Evercore ISI downgrades Under Armour to underperform from in line Evercore ISI said Wednesday's announcement of the company's founder return suggests the turnaround is not taking hold. "Last night, UAA announced that founder Kevin Plank will return as CEO, replacing Stephanie Linnartz (who just joined UAA in February 2023)." Wedbush upgrades Jack in the Box to outperform from neutral Wedbush said it sees upside on the back of the company's Smashed Jack burger. "The SSS [same-store sales] growth upside from the Smashed Jack is the primary driver of EBITDA/EPS upside in our model." JPMorgan upgrades UiPath to overweight from neutral JPMorgan said the robotic software company is entering a period of robust revenue. "We are upgrading UiPath shares to OW from Neutral as we anticipate the period of ARR [annual recurring revenue] growth decel transitioning into a stabilized growth trend while attachment to GenAI automation projects ramps amdist ongoing margin improvement." Bank of America reiterates IBM as buy Bank of America raised its price target on the stock to $220 per share from $200. " IBM repositioned for sustained growth and improving FCF." Bernstein reiterates Nvidia and Broadcom as outperform Bernstein said Nvidia and Broadcom are still top picks at the firm. "We think you should still be in NVDA which remains the best way to play AI, with numbers appear set to continue inflecting higher, and (surprisingly attractive) valuation . And while AVGO's core business is admittedly cyclically weak at the moment a robust AI story is fully bridging it, the 2025 set-up looks good, and VMware seems likely to drive upside." Argus upgrades Oracle to buy from hold Argus said in its upgrade of the stock that it sees cloud revenue growth. "We upgrading Oracle Corp . to BUY to a target price of $145. Fiscal 3Q24 marked the first quarter when rapidly growing cloud revenue crossed over to become a higher proportion of revenue than the company's legacy license support revenue."
Another summit between the United States and North Korea is unlikely even in the event of the reelection of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has held rare meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, a U.S. expert said Thursday.

Scott Snyder, a senior fellow for Korea Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, made the remarks at a forum organized by the Sejong Institute in Seoul amid views that Trump's possible win in the upcoming U.S. presidential race could reshape Washington's North Korea strategy.

"North Korea have finally changed their focus away from thinking that they can make a deal with any individual American president, and so they're going in a different direction," Snyder said on the possibility of another Trump-Kim meeting following those in Singapore and Hanoi in 2018-19.

The U.S. expert also noted how circumstances have changed in South Korea, compared with when the summits took place during the liberal government of Moon Jae-in, saying the administration of Yoon Suk Yeol is unlikely to facilitate Trump's efforts to directly engage with Kim.

While unveiling an "audacious" initiative to help the impoverished North improve its economy in return for denuclearization steps, the Yoon administration has made it clear it will respond to North Korea's provocations based on principle.

Snyder also expected that the North Korea issue may take a back seat in the event of Trump's reelection, noting that policy focus on Washington's intensifying rivalry with China will likely grow.

On the economic front, the U.S. expert said Trump's potential reelection could be a "particular challenge" to South Korean companies that have made investments in clean energy as the former president puts higher priority on producing a broad array of energy over renewable energies and attaining climate change goals.

Still, Snyder said opportunities also lie ahead as Seoul has emerged as Washington's "technology partner." In particular, he said South Korean shipbuilders may benefit from efforts to revitalize the U.S. defense industry and shore up its naval capability.

Snyder expressed skepticism over South Korea going nuclear, saying such a move would entail heavy costs as long as the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons (NPT) is in force.

"As long as the NPT is in force, I personally think that it's not in South Korea's interest to be the straw that breaks the camel's back," he said, while noting that South Korea may have to develop self-defense capabilities, including nuclear, if circumstances change. (Yonhap)
Peter Lancaster in Argentina. Courtesy of Peter Lancaster

Forget the "quarter-life crisis." These days, millennials are turning to the "quarter-life sabbatical." Amid the waves of mass layoffs, people are choosing to repurpose their unemployment into soul-searching, and many are extending their time away from the cubicle to travel the world. Peter Lancaster, 31, was laid off from his technology job in California in May last year. Although he was sad to leave a job he loved, it was finally an opportunity for him to take a real break and enjoy life a little. By the end of June, he sold most of his belongings, put the rest in storage, handed his cat to a friend and left for his first destination  Mexico City. For the next eight months, Lancaster traveled to eight different countries: Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Guatemala, Japan, Ecuador and Brazil. He said he spent about $20,000 during that time. His plane tickets and transportation ended up being his highest expenses. While Colombia and Guatemala were the most affordable destinations, Argentina and the Galapagos Islands were the most expensive, he added. Here are six things he learned during his adventure abroad.

Be flexible

The biggest principle Lancaster stuck to while traveling overseas was staying flexible and knowing that plans can change along the way. About six months into his travels, Peter met and fell in love with his girlfriend Alejandra, or as he likes to call, his "pp" (short for "Peruvian Princess"). His initial plan was to stay in Peru for four days, but after meeting Alejandra, he extended it to six weeks. "I met her in Peru  in Cusco. I was doing laundry and she saw that I was struggling, so she helped me out and then we decided to get drinks," he told CNBC Make It.

Peter and Alejandra taking a stroll in Argentina. Courtesy of Peter Lancaster

"You think you would want to make an itinerary, but truthfully, your plan changes so much with who you meet," he said. "Be open minded to change your motive from seeing as much as possible to maybe just spending time with somebody for a bit." "It's a lot easier to be flexible when you have a 'to be determined' timeline," he added.

Pack lightly

"I never had more than a week's worth of clothes," he said. "Downside is that I had to find a laundry place, but upside is that you can move around so easily." For the first three weeks, he only traveled with a small backpack. Along the way, he was able to purchase items he needed. Carrying less allowed him to be more agile when plans inevitably changed.

Be friendly

After first landing in Mexico City, Lancaster began to be homesick. "I wanted to go home because I was like: 'oh, it's going to be a long journey,'" he said. "But then then I started making friends and got comfortable real quick."

Peter Lancaster with his tour group in Guatemala. Courtesy of Peter Lancaster

For most of the trip, he chose to stay in hostels as a way to save money, as well as to meet fellow travelers. "Just start talking to people," he said. "Everyone's really approachable and thinking the same thing."

Travel smart

When traveling around foreign countries, it is important to maintain a level of caution. "I think it's always good to just have a mentality that a lot of people might be trying to rip you off," Lancaster said. When making purchases or decisions, he suggests: "Take your time."

If something is too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true. Peter Lancaster Traveler

"Especially in a foreign country, use the buddy system," he said. Locals can usually tell if you are a foreigner, which can put you in a compromised position. So it's important to be always aware of your surroundings and the situation.

Enjoy local cuisine

"I don't understand people that like go travel and eat burgers and pizza," he said. "Going to McDonald's is more expensive than some of these local places." During his time abroad, Lancaster made it a point to enjoy the local cuisine, which added to his travel experience.

More to life than work

On Feb. 29, Lancaster returned to the United States feeling happy with everything he had experienced. "If I had an unlimited budget, I'd probably keep going, but I felt like I just I saw everything and I was ready to work," he said. "I feel content... it's just nice to have time off and have like a different routine than going to work," he said.

Peter Lancaster at the Courtesy of Peter Lancaster
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg holds a press conference at NATO headquarters during the first of two days of defence ministers' meetings on February 14, 2024 in Brussels, Belgium.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg once more urged allies to show "political will" and provide military support to Ukraine.

"We have the capacity to give Ukraine what it needs. Now we need to show the political will to do so," he said Thursday during a press briefing after the launch of the NATO Annual Report for 2023. "The Ukrainians are not running out of courage. They are running out of ammunition."

Stoltenberg further called on allied countries to "step up," echoing previous messaging that NATO members should meet their commitments to route 2% of their gross domestic products toward defense. A statement introducing the coalition's latest annual report said two-thirds of NATO allies are expected to meet or exceed this defense spending target in 2024.

Individual country contributions were thrown into the spotlight in February when former U.S. president and presidential Republican nominee Donald Trump said he would not protect NATO nations from Russian hostilities if they lag on their membership contributions.

"We have the capacity, we have the economies to be able to provide Ukraine what they need," Stoltenberg said Thursday. "This is a question of political will. To take those decisions and to prioritize support for Ukraine. And therefore we need the decision to invest more in the defense industry."

 Ruxandra Iordache
YEAR NUMBER OF DOG BITE 2018 75,67,811 2019 72,77,523 2020 46,33,493 2021 17,01,133 2022 21,80,185 2023 (Till October) 24,77,936

Not just one or two, but at least 23 breeds of dogs have been shortlisted by the central government for a complete ban on their sale and breeding as pets. This means that the general public is now barred from keeping these ferocious dogs, as the move comes from the government amid rising instances of people dying due to pet dog attacks.To the surprise of many, almost all major metropolitan cities have seen a drastic increase in horror due to dog bite cases, resulting in emerging injuries and fatalities.The spate of deadly and aggressive dog attacks has prompted the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, in a letter dated March 12, to direct chief secretaries of all states and UTs to sterilise these breeds of dogs, which have already been kept as pets, to prevent further breeding.What raised eyebrows among veterinary service providers and civilians alike was the recent death of a 21-year-old woman from Maharashtra's Kolhapur due to rabies, three days after she completed the anti-rabies vaccination course.The aggressive dog breedsPitbull, Rottweiler, Terrier, Wolf Dog, and Mastiffare prohibited from being kept as pets or for other uses because they represent a "danger to human life."Flagging serious recent issues of human deaths due to dog bites by some ferocious breeds of dogs kept as pets, the department said it has received representations from citizens, citizen forums, and Animal Welfare Organisations (AWOs) to ban some of the breeds of dogs from being kept as pets and other purposes.The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying had set up an expert committee under the chairmanship of the Animal Husbandry Commissioner with members from various stakeholder organisations and experts in view of the representations.A resident of Gwalior was attacked by his pet Rottweiler in January of this year. The dog bit the victim and tore flesh off his arms and legs, causing more than 60 wounds. According to an India Today report, the attack occurred when the man remembered he had forgotten to feed the dog during the day and went to provide food around midnight.A 7-year-old boy was attacked by a Pitbull in northwest Delhi while he was playing near his residence.In Vishwas Nagar, a Pitbull attack resulted in injuries for a two-year-old boy in March 2024.A Pitbull attacked a 1.5-year-old girl in the Burari Nagar Colony in Uttarakhand who later required 18 stitches after suffering three separate leg fractures and was also hospitalised for 17 days.According to the Times of India, in November 2023, a 65-year-old NRI who was visiting his son in Bengaluru was attacked by a Rottweiler in Malleswaram.In August 2022, a Pitbull that was out on a stroll with its owners mauled a 30-year-old woman in Gurugram.According to a report in The Blackburn Romey, American Pitbull Terrier, Rottweiler, Husky, Chow Chow, Great Dane, and Akita have reserved their spaces on the list of the 10 most dangerous dog breeds.According to a report in Firstpost:Pitbulls have been banned or restricted in 30 nations, including the UK, Denmark, Colombia, Norway, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Malta, Spain, France, Australia, Singapore, and New Zealand.Rottweilers, aggressive dogs with powerful jaws, are banned or restricted in 18 countries, including Ecuador, Bermuda, France, Israel, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Spain, Qatar, Ukraine, Malaysia, and in many US states.Dogo Argentino has been banned or restricted in several countries, including Ukraine, Australia, Denmark, Hong Kong, Israel, and New Zealand.Terriers are banned/restricted in as many as 11 countries, including Australia, Bermuda, Colombia, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Singapore, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates.Mastiffs are also banned or restricted in Bermuda, Malaysia, Qatar, and Singapore.Source: Ministry of of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying reply in Parliament in 2023In a written reply to the parliament in December 2023, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying informed that the Central Government has notified the Animal Birth Control Rules 2023 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 after superseding the Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rules, 2001, to control the population of Stray Dogs. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Jointly launched the National Action Plan for Dog Mediated Rabies Elimination in the year 2021.
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Striking trainee doctors take health care standoff to UN agency

By Jun Ji-hye

The government and the medical community hold highly divergent views on whether a back-to-work order imposed on striking trainee doctors, protesting a medical school quota hike policy, violates international labor standards.

The Korean Intern Resident Association (KIRA), an association of trainee doctors, claimed the governments order violates one of the International Labour Organizations (ILO) conventions that bans forced labor. In this regard, KIRA sent a letter to the ILO on Wednesday, asking the U.N. agency to intervene in the ongoing government-doctor conflict in Korea.

In contrast, the government defended its directive as a "justifiable measure," citing exceptions to the ILO's rules, arguing that the doctors' walkout posed a threat to public safety, thus necessitating such action.

The latest clash came as more than 90 percent of the countrys 13,000 trainee doctors, comprising interns and resident doctors, have embarked on a mass resignation for more than three weeks to protest the governments decision to increase enrollment quotas at medical schools by 2,000 spots starting next year. The total admissions quota of the 40 medical schools in Korea has remained unchanged at 3,058 since 2006.

Due to the substantial disruptions to medical services, including surgery cancellations, caused by the walkout, the Ministry of Health and Welfare imposed the back-to-work order on striking doctors and initiated procedures to suspend the licenses of those who defied the decree.

ILO Convention No. 29, also known as the Forced Labor Convention, stipulates that member countries should suppress the use of forced or compulsory labor in all its forms. Korea ratified the convention in April 2021.

KIRA accused the government of violating this convention, contending that it forced trainee doctors, who it said voluntarily left their worksites, to return to work.

The government should immediately stop mobilizing state power to threaten trainee doctors and force them to work, Park Dan, who heads KIRA, said.

Medical lawyer Cho Jin-seok of law firm Ohkims, who offers legal advice to striking trainee doctors, also said hospitals refusal to accept the resignations of trainee doctors, as instructed by the government, constitutes forced labor.

The government disagrees, however, citing exceptional clauses of the convention.

Article 2 of the convention stipulates that the term "forced or compulsory labor" does not include any work or service exacted in cases of war or calamity and in general any circumstance that would endanger the existence or the well-being of the whole or part of the population.

Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo said the walkout by trainee doctors has caused setbacks in health care services, threatening the safety of the public.

We believe the ongoing situation falls under the exception to the convention, Park said during a media briefing, Thursday.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor supported the health ministry, calling the back-to-work order a justifiable measure to protect peoples lives.

The labor ministry also pointed out that KIRAs request for ILO intervention is different from an official complaint.

When an intervention is requested, the ILO asks for comments from a relevant government and delivers the comments to the labor group which requested it. The agency then closes the case without follow-up measures such as issuing advice, the ministry said.

It added the government will actively offer explanations to the ILO about the health care emergency Korea faces, which it said will serve to justify the back-to-work order.

The government has said its medical school quota hike policy is aimed at addressing a shortage of physicians in essential treatment fields such as pediatrics, obstetrics and emergency medicine as well as in underserved areas.

The doctors oppose the policy, raising concerns that the quota expansion would compromise the quality of medical education and training.
The Mental State of the World Report, an annual publication by the Global Mind Project, recently shared information on the mental well-being of the global population.

The 2023 Report, sourced from 419,175 responses from 71 countries, examined trends and ranked the relative mental well-being of the surveyed countries. Here are the 10 most miserable countries according to the report.

Yemen

Yemen faces one of the most severe mental health crises globally, with ongoing conflict, humanitarian crises, and widespread trauma taking a heavy toll on its populace. Limited resources and infrastructure further compound these challenges.

Iraq

Iraq continues to struggle with the aftermath of years of conflict and instability, leading to widespread post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among its population.

Ireland

In Ireland, mental health stigma remains an issue, preventing many from seeking the help they need. The country also reports high rates of alcoholism and suicide.

Egypt

Egypt continuously battles with political instability, economic uncertainty, and social unrest. Limited access to mental healthcare further worsens the issue, leaving many Egyptians without adequate support.

Australia

Despite its reputation for natural beauty and high living standards, Australia struggles with high levels of loneliness and isolation, geographical remoteness, cultural pressures and a competitive work environment.

Tajikistan

In Tajikistan, limited resources and infrastructure affect mental healthcare access. On top of that, the stigma surrounding mental illness is prevalent in the country.

Brazil

Brazil struggles with widespread depression and addiction issues fueled by socioeconomic disparities, urban violence and limited access to mental healthcare.

South Africa

South Africa faces a unique set of challenges, with a history of leaving trauma among its citizens. High rates of violence, poverty, and inequality exacerbate mental health issues.

UK

Despite its developed status, the United Kingdom struggles with high levels of anxiety and depression due to work-related stress, social isolation and seasonal affective disorder.

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan ranks high on the list of miserable countries, with stress being a prevalent issue among its residents. Economic instability, political unrest and societal pressures also contribute to a significant burden on mental health.
The Simpsons has obviously had a number of great Lisa-centric episodes over the years, but one of the very best is Season Sevens Lisa the Iconoclast, in which Springfields brainiest second grader exposes the truth behind town founder Jebediah Springfield. It turns out that he was not a noble, buffalo-taming hero after all, but rather a vicious pirate named Hans Sprungfeld who once tried to murder George Washington.

Not surprisingly, the town of Springfield opts to turn a blind eye to this uncomfortable truth, forcing Lisa to search for further proof. So she urges town officials to exhume Jebediahs body in order to see if it contains Sprungfelds prosthetic silver tongue (the original having been bitten off by a Turk in a groghouse fight).

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Weve talked before about how several Simpsons storylines have been based on true events, and Lisa the Iconoclast, it turns out, was actually inspired by real life U.S. history. And, no, were not just talking about how most American historical figures were really total dirtbags. According to The Simpsons showrunner at the time, Bill Oakely, the episode was specifically written in response to a news story from the early 90s involving President Zachary Taylor, and the woman who believed that hed been assassinated.

Taylor, the 12th president of the United States, passed away after just 16 months in office. How? No ones sure exactly. Apparently, he gulped down a large quantity of cherries and iced milk following a Fourth of July celebration, got diarrhea, and, just a few days later, died of what doctors at the time determined to be a bacterial infection of the small intestine.

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Not content with the whole death by cherries explanation, in 1991, Clara Rising, a retired University of Florida humanities professor theorized that Taylor had been poisoned. Although historians disagreed with the theory, Rising was able to convince Taylors descendants to authorize an exhumation. No word on whether or not anybody picked up his skull and used it as a puppet.

C-SPAN

Tests analyzed Taylors fingernails, sideburns and pubic hair. (Lets take a moment to salute the patriotic forensic scientist tasked with collecting a 141-year-old dead presidents pubic hair.) While the tests found no abnormal levels of arsenic, seemingly validating Risings critics, she remained unconvinced. We may not have found arsenic, but by damn, I still think he was poisoned, she told a reporter in 1993, pointing out that other poisons could have been used.

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Some folks in the press labeled her a macabre crackpot, and Oakley seemed similarly skeptical. You cant go exhuming presidents just because some old lady has an unpublished manuscript, he said during the episodes DVD commentary track, pointing out that Lisa the Iconoclast was just that story retold but Lisa was the old lady.

Of course, in The Simpsons, Lisa ultimately turns out to be right. So who knows, perhaps well need to dig up Taylor yet again at some point in the future.

You (yes, you) should follow JM on Twitter (if it still exists by the time youre reading this).
Like stand-up comedy where every single thing is funny and doesn't waste your time? Follow Cracked Comedy Club on Instagram and YouTube for exactly that.

Can America possibly withstand this much handsomeness in a single movie? In a recent conversation with E! News, comedian Matt Rife told Keltie Knight and Justin Sylvester that theres one A-list celebrity who unexpectedly reached out to connect. The superstar in question? Most surprising is Jamie Foxx, Rife revealed, which is the coolest thing in the entire world. Im his biggest fan. We were able to get dinner together, and it was just the coolest night of my entire life.

How about a Matt Rife/Jamie Foxx movie, suggested Knight. Please! begged Rife. Put it in motion, Hollywood, put it in motion! Maybe a remake of the old Billy Crystal/Gregory Hines action comedy Running Scared? Just putting it out there into the universe. Manifest!

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But Foxx isnt the only comedy team-up that Rife would like to will into existence. The hosts gushed about the comics playing the Netflix Is A Joke festival alongside Rife, including Ali Wong, Trevor Noah and Kevin Hart. Which comics set would Rife most want to catch? I would love to see Seth Rogen smoke the (Hollywood) Bowl, he said. Thats the show I would kill to see. I think hes absolutely amazing. I would love to work with him someday.

Rife riffed about his current ProbleMATTic tour, telling the hosts that his new round of shows is entirely different from his recent Netflix special, Natural Selection. Given all the negative publicity around some of that shows probleMATTic jokes, thats likely a good thing. He also pushed back on the idea that hes moving away from crowd work (despite the implication in Natural Selection that he was doing just that). I told people to have common sense, Rife said, correcting the hosts on their faulty assumptions. I hope to keep doing the same amount of crowd work Ive always been doing. Crowd work clips are just something thats unique to that circumstance. Its not going to be duplicated, and it just makes the show more personable.

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Personable? Did Rife mean make the show more personal? Maybe it works either way.

E! News concluded the interview by asking Rife about one more showbiz team-up. We heard a rumor that you were supposed to be on an episode of Vanderpump Rules, gossiped Sylvester. Is there any truth to that?

Did it come from me? Rife clapped back. Then probably not. I read the craziest stuff about me all day long, and none of its true. Cracks me up. But hey, whatever gives people the clout they need.
Russia is communicating closely with South Korea about the arrest of a South Korean national in Russia reportedly on espionage charges, and is considering allowing him consular counsel, its government official said Wednesday.

The comments from Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman at Russia's foreign ministry, are the first official response from Moscow after media reports that the South Korean, surnamed Baek, has been held in a prison in the Russian capital since late February on spying charges.

"We're in close contact with South Korea and considering granting the right to consular access," Zakharova said in a briefing.

Zakharova declined to comment on Baek's charges, saying that it's a confidential matter.

Her comments came hours after South Korea's top envoy to Russia, Lee Do-hoon, met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko and requested the Russian government actively cooperate to ensure Baek's safety and protect his rights.

The meeting took place at the South Korean embassy's request.

Russia's TASS news agency reported Monday that the South Korean, surnamed Baek, has been held in the Lefortovo detention facility in Moscow since late February on charges that he handed over classified information to foreign intelligence agencies.

It reported citing law information officials that a court extended his detention until mid-June.

The foreign ministry in Seoul said it has been in communication with Moscow over the matter and has been providing necessary consular assistance to the South Korean national.

Baek, a missionary with a South Korean Christian aid group named the Global Love Rice Sharing Foundation, was working in Vladivostok at the time of the arrest, mostly engaged in helping North Korean defectors flee and providing them with other assistance.

The aid group rejected the spying charges against Baek and claimed he has been wrongfully accused.

"Spying charges are either a misunderstanding, or have a political purpose," Lee Sun-koo, head of the foundation, located in Incheon, west of Seoul, told Yonhap by phone.

Lee described Baek as a man who has been devoted to his job of providing basic needs like food, clothes and medicine to vulnerable groups and foreign laborers.

"Suspicions that he helped with North Koreans' defection are all just outrageous," Lee said.

Lee said the foundation will actively seek ways to get Baek released, starting with filing a petition calling for his release with the foreign ministry and the Russian Embassy in Seoul. (Yonhap)
Seoul requests Moscow's cooperation to ensure safety of detainee

By Lee Hyo-jin

The detention of a South Korean national by Russian authorities on espionage allegations has emerged as a significant diplomatic challenge for Seoul, particularly against the backdrop of strained relations between the two nations.

Observers suggest that the detainee could be caught up in Russia's hostage diplomacy tactics, and anticipate that the situation could drag on for months, if not years. Moreover, this incident could signal a shift in Russia's stance toward North Korean defectors, particularly considering the detainee's purported involvement in assisting North Korean workers in the far eastern region of Russia.

Earlier this week, the Russian state-owned media outlet TASS agency reported that a South Korean man named Baek Kwang-soon, aged 53, was apprehended in January on charges of espionage in Vladivostok. He was subsequently transferred to Moscow's Lefortovo detention facility in February, typically reserved for high-profile political detainees. The Lefortovsky Court has extended his detention until June 15.

This marks the first known case of a South Korean national being arrested on espionage charges in Russia, where such offenses carry penalties of up to 20 years in prison.

Baek is believed to be associated with a Seoul-based Protestant charity that provides humanitarian aid through missionary work. He served as the head of the organization's Vladivostok branch, primarily involved in aiding North Korean workers in the region.

"The Russian Federal Security Service has long been skeptical about South Korean missionaries, not only because of their religious activities but also due to speculation that there may be government spies among them," Jeong Jae-won, a professor of Eurasian studies at Kookmin University, told The Korea Times.

"While much remains unknown about the case or whether he really engaged in illegal activities, Russia's decision to reveal this incident to the public suggests that it may leverage it to influence relations with South Korea," he added.

The relationship between the two nations has been strained in recent years, mainly after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 and Seoul decided to support Kyiv by providing non-lethal, humanitarian aid. Russian President Vladimir Putin said in December that the return to a partnership level of cooperation between South Korea and Russia depends on Seoul, according to TASS.

The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs is maintaining a low-key response, sharing little to no information about the case with the news media, while emphasizing close communication with Russian authorities.

However, critics say that the extensive coverage of Baek's case by TASS could undermine the foreign ministry's efforts to address the situation discreetly through diplomatic channels.

According to the media outlet, citing law enforcement officials, Baek is accused of masquerading as a writer to gather classified information and subsequently passing it on to undisclosed foreign intelligence agencies. The report also provided details about Baek's family and his occupation as the owner of a tour company in Vladivostok.

"Every move by the Russian government is carefully calculated. I would be prudent about linking the case directly with the current tense bilateral relations, but the timing of the arrest is worrisome," a former South Korean envoy to Russia said, requesting anonymity.

From another perspective, Baek's arrest could signal a shift in Moscow's stance toward North Korean defectors. Russia's position toward North Korean refugees has been relatively lenient compared to China, which forcibly repatriates them to Pyongyang.

"South Korean missionaries in Russia provide North Korean escapees with shelter and assistance in filing their refugee applications with the U.N. refugee agency in Moscow. This practice has been common as the Russian government does not typically crack down on it," said a former diplomat who served in Russia for over a decade.

However, as Moscow strengthens relations with Pyongyang while ties with Seoul are strained, Baek's arrest seemingly demonstrates Russia's toughened stance on North Korean defectors, he added.

"This case suggests that Russian authorities may be adopting a less tolerant stance towards South Korean missionaries who aid North Korean workers in escaping, as well as the perceived indirect involvement of the South Korean Embassy in facilitating their escape."

National Security Adviser Chang Ho-jin said later on Thursday that crucial communication with Russia is continuing in order to offer consular assistance for Baek.

"There was communication between the authorities of South Korea and Russia before the case was made public," Chang said in a radio interview. "We will continue to explore avenues for providing effective consular protection by closely monitoring the progress of Russia's investigation."

South Korean Ambassador to Moscow Lee Do-hoon met with Russia's Vice Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko, Wednesday, and requested active cooperation to ensure Baek's safety and the protection of his rights.

Hours after their meeting, Russia's foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said during a press briefing that the authorities are reviewing granting the detainee consular access.

While she remained tight-lipped about developments in the investigation, she commented that this case does not help improve strained bilateral ties.

"As for the impact on bilateral relations, unfortunately, we have recently seen a lot of things from Seoul that can indeed be qualified as actions that go against the interests of the peoples of the two countries, and to put it mildly, do not contribute to the development of bilateral relations," Zakharova said.
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When The College of Saint Rose Board of Trustees announced in December that the 103-year-old liberal arts school would be closing this spring, faculty members effectively had only seven more months on the job. Faculty contracts stipulate they were supposed to be given 12 months' notice.
13-year old Schalmont student Shaeli Gravell, center, listens to a speaker talk about her and her accolades prior to viewing the news of her room makeover at her home was unveiled via a video in the middle school after being awarded the Sibling Star Award by The Bus Stop Club with her classmates attending choir practice Wednesday, March 13, 2024.
Korea is keeping close eyes on China's push to list Mount Paekdu as one of UNESCO's new global geoparks in the name of "Mount Changbai," the foreign ministry said Thursday.

The issue of evaluating and approving the "Mount Paekdu area" nominated as one of the new global geoparks will be discussed at the 219th session of the UNESCO Executive Board to be held later this month, foreign ministry spokesperson Lim Soo-suk told a press briefing.

In 2020, China applied for Changbai Mountain, considered to be Chinese territory in the Mount Paekdu region, to be listed as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

Mount Paekdu, the highest peak on the Korean Peninsula, lies on the border between North Korea and China, with around 55 percent of the crater lake in North Korean territory. (Yonhap)
Activists to hold screening of documentary on Navalny on Friday

By Lee Hyo-jin

Over the past couple of years, a Russian national, who identified herself only with her first name Aleksandra, has participated in nearly 100 protests across Seoul denouncing Russia's aggression in Ukraine. The 28-year-old is among a small group of Russians who take to the streets every Saturday or Sunday, brandishing pickets with slogans such as "No to war" and "Russia without Putin."

Despite the modest turnout of about a dozen participants, these small-scale rallies are a privilege that Russians cannot enjoy in their homeland.

"In Russia, all protests are like, there are people gathering, and there are people running away from the police. If you are holding a picket, you will be detained immediately," Aleksandra said in an interview with The Korea Times on Tuesday. In asking for anonymity for personal security, she said revealing her surname could put her family in danger.

The activist, who participated in several anti-government protests in Moscow in 2017, said that in her home country, people are not able to stage protests without fear of crackdowns by heavily armed police officers.

"There's a negative image of protests among Russian people where they would think, 'Why are you doing this? You're making us all uncomfortable,'" she said. "It's a privilege for us to hold rallies in Korea, where we can express our opinions freely and get support from the public."

Aleksandra said that Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, which has persisted for over two years, has faded gradually from headlines in Korea and public interest about their rallies has declined.

Nevertheless, she remains steadfast in her commitment to holding weekly protests until the conflict ends.

"The polls released by the Russian government show that a majority of Russians support the war. But that's all propaganda. I really want Koreans to know that there are a lot of Russians who oppose the aggression and the Putin regime," she said.

Aleksandra is a member of the Feminist Anti-war Resistance, a Russia-based anti-war civic group formed a day after the invasion began on Feb. 24, 2022. The movement has dozens of informal branches in Russia and around the world, aiming to provide accurate information about the war and offer mental health support and legal help to anti-war activists.

"Feminist groups were not perceived as a big threat to the Russian authorities, so we were less affected by state repression than other political groups," she said. "However, we are seeing an increasing number of protesting women being detained over the last few years. So most of our members in Russia are acting anonymously."

Aleksandra has also faced threats from the Russian authorities.

In September 2022, a couple of police officers knocked on the door of her family's house in Moscow, informing Aleksandra's mother that her daughter had allegedly been transferring money to a terrorist group. The police left only after her mother signed a document stating that her daughter was no longer living there.

"I'm not sure if their visit was related to my past involvements with (Alexei) Navalny's protests back in 2017 or with the protests I've been doing in Seoul. But my family was quite frightened," she said.

Navalny, who was known as Putin's most vocal opponent, died in February in a penal colony in the Arctic while serving a lengthy prison sentence and facing additional trials.

This week, spanning from Wednesday to Friday, millions of Russians are engaging in the presidential elections, where President Vladimir Putin's victory is virtually assured. This triumph would solidify his fifth term in office until 2030, marking three decades as the Kremlin leader.

Aleksandra, who was also planning to cast her ballot, said that she remains unfazed by the anticipated election results.

"In democracies, you don't know the election results until the votes are counted, but you understand how the elections work because the process is transparent. In contrast, under dictatorships, you already know the election outcomes, but you don't know about the process," she said.

On Friday, the Feminist Anti-war Resistance, in collaboration with the People's Solidarity for Social Progress, will host a screening in Seoul of a documentary film on Navalny to commemorate his death.

The screening was specifically arranged to coincide with Russia's presidential election to amplify opposition voices in the face of Putin's reelection, according to the event organizers.

"After hearing the news about what happened to (Navalny), I was shocked, and I cried a lot for many days," Aleksandra said. "But what Navalny said before his death was to not give up and never be silent. He also said that if the government decides to murder him, it means that the Putin regime has fallen to its weakest point."

She added, "The best we can do in the memory of Navalny is to keep going. That's what he told us."
They had serious and important conversations they wouldn't have otherwise

They said it was beneficial to their relationship and they're glad they did it

Jen Glantz and her husband went to a divorce lawyer before getting married

They said 'I Do' - with a divorce lawyer already enlisted.

With over half of marriages in the US ultimately ending in divorce, one New York woman has now opened up about how she faced the possibility of her marriage one day crumbling head-on, signing up an attorney who specializes in splits before she'd even walked down the aisle.

In a piece for Business Insider, Brooklyn-based writer Jen Glantz described how in the lead-up to her wedding to now-husband Adam, she was left with a few niggling thoughts about how their three-year relationship might 'change' once they'd tied the knot.

'Even though I knew him well and loved him dearly, I worried about how our relationship would change,' she admitted.

With over half of marriage in the US ending in divorce , Jen Glantz and her now-husband Adam decided it was best to get ahead in case she did need a divorce- speaking to a divorce attorney

Although they dated for three years before deciding to tie the knot, Jen still had a few niggling thoughts surrounding the event of a divorce

Jen said the further they got into planning the wedding, the more the prospect of divorce 'haunted' her.

'That lingered in my brain as I began to choose a venue, draft a guest list, and pick out items for our registry,' she wrote.

'It haunted me so much that after being engaged for five months, I sat my fiance down and told him how I felt.'

With the possibility that they could one day separate looming over her, Jen told her husband that she wanted to consult a divorce lawyer in order to prepare for the worst - revealing how she ultimately talked her partner around into getting on-board with the rather unconventional idea.

'That way, we'd be better equipped to walk into a legally-binding relationship without any surprises,' she explained.

She added that after speaking with the attorney, it opened the door for them to have 'serious and important conversations we'd never have known to have' before getting married.

The couple spoke with Jennifer Hargrave, a divorce attorney and managing partner at Hargrave Family Law.

She first advised looking at any assets acquired or earned by the couple, as they become marital property once married.

The couple spoke with Jennifer Hargrave, a divorce attorney and managing partner at Hargrave Family Law

Jen said the further they got into planning the wedding, the more the prospect of divorce 'haunted' her

'All of your funds and assets, retirement funds and savings account, all come into play and it's considered part of the marital estate and is subject to be divided,' Jennifer explained.

Jennifer also said fiduciary duties - the legal obligations spouses owe each other - are imperative, saying 'hiding spending on extramarital activities, such as gambling or paramours' is absolutely not allowed.

Jennifer said failure to uphold fiducial duties can result in 'breach of fiduciary duty' in the event of a divorce.

Divorce lawyers check-list for marriage before saying 'I Do' Jennifer Hargrave, a divorce attorney , what couples should discuss before officially tying the knot Understand marital-property laws

Fiduciary duties

Have a serious conversation about privacy

Have a serious conversation about having kids

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'Couples owe each other fiduciary duties  this means, you should not be lying, cheating, or stealing from your spouse,' she explained.

'But also, this might mean not giving big gifts to family members (like loans you know will never be repaid), or engaging in risky investment opportunities,' she added.

Privacy is another important issue, with Jennifer saying trust is vital to a healthy foundation to a relationship - and discussing individual expectations of privacy in the marriage.

'You do not have the right to snoop around on your spouse's password-protected accounts,' Jennifer shared.

'That being said, you might want to talk about how you will address privacy and your expectations for transparency in your relationship,' she added.

A serious discussion about having children is also important, as is the expectation surrounding kids and parental responsibility.

'It's important to know that both parents have a duty to support their children - it's not uncommon for parents to divide and conquer those duties, with one parent taking on more of the financial responsibilities, and another parent taking on more of the childcare responsibilities,' she explained.

The final suggestion from Jennifer was the discuss the possibility of a prenup.

'Do it where you both have an opportunity to talk about what your goals and interests are with regard to the marriage, and the prenup, and then together to make decisions about how you will handle property issues upon death and divorce,' the divorce attorney advises.
The owners of a veterinary clinic have revealed a 'behind the scenes' breakdown of their expenditures amid rising concerns about the sky-high costs of pet care.

Magnolia House Veterinary Clinic, owned by Dalya and Stan Livy, in Dorset, took to Facebook to address the speculation, adding that the clinic is 'painfully aware of rising costs'.

It follows the Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA) warning to pet owners that they might be paying too much at the vet due to a lack of information - including price lists - about the best practices and treatment for their pets.

'I personally, and many others within the veterinary profession, welcome the CMA investigation,' Dalya told FEMAIL. She continued: 'There are many issues that should be reviewed.'

To address concerns from cash-strapped owners, Dalya broke down the costs of running the clinic and claimed the increased prices do not go in their favour, adding that it can often be a struggle to cover the 60,000 monthly cost of running their practice.

Magnolia House Veterinary Clinic co-owner Dalya Livy (pictured) has revealed the profit margins of her practice amid rising concerns about the rising costs of pet care

Dalya told FEMAIL: 'There are many issues that should be reviewed, like the outdated legislation within the Veterinary Surgeons Act, lack of transparency around corporatisation, and lack of choice of veterinary service provision in some areas.'

Dalya's breakdown of costs After 20 per cent on VAT... 40 to 50 per cent - staff wages

15 to 20 per cent - fixed costs, including rent and electricity

25 to 40 per cent - COGS (Cost of Goods and Services), such as medications and lab fees

Five - 10 per cent profit Advertisement

However, Dalya wants owners to understand that decreasing the price of pet care is 'not as simple as charging less for medication'.

She explained: 'The costs of running a veterinary practice are very high, and the profit margins relatively low, yet far too often it seems costs of veterinary care are vilified by people who have no idea of the costs of providing that veterinary care.

'Costs, I should add, both in the strict financial terms and the cost to the mental health of the profession.

'We are losing good people due to unreasonable pressures from the pet-owning public, which makes it all the harder to provide good patient and client care.'

She added: 'Pet owners should be reassured that their vets can and will work with them to provide good and contextualised care, and will, and do, discuss treatment options to fit the available budgets.

'And that local community practices are part of, and committed to, their communities.'

In the post shared last year, Dalya broke down the practice's payments. She explained that 20 per cent of every vet bill in the UK is VAT: 'We are basically a glorified tax collector in that respect, and 20 per cent of what you pay us goes directly to the government.'

The monthly cost of running Dorset-based Magnolia House Veterinary Clinic (pictured) is approximately 60,000

Dalya then went on to clarify where the remainder of money is spent.

She wrote: '40-50 per cent on staff wages, including vets, veterinary nurses, animal care assistants, receptionists, cleaners, practice managers, etc.

'15-20% on overheads and fixed costs (mortgage, rent, electric, gas - and our bills quadrupled in January 2023 when our contract switched over.

'Water, phone, internet, all the many insurance policies we carry, accountant fees, health and safety company fees, employment law company fees, IT support fees, clinical waste disposal, regular waste disposal, card processing fees, website hosting, etc.

'25 to 40 per cent on COGS (Cost Of Goods and Services). These are all the medications we buy from our suppliers, all the consumables (syringes, needles, catheters, dressings, suture material, sterile surgical gowns, gloves, cleaning materials)

'All the fees the outside labs charge us, the fees pet crematoria charge us, and everything that we need to buy to help us care for your pets.

'Five-10 per cent profit (and this profit is taxed again by the government at 25 per cent)

'If you add up the above percentages, you will notice that it is very possible for profit to be zero, or even in the negative numbers, and for some practices or in some months, it is, and some of those practices have had to close their doors as a consequence,' Dalya wrote.

She said that the cost of running her practice, which employs 14 staff, is approximately 60,000 per month.

'That is the real cost of running even a small veterinary practice. And it only scales upwards for larger practices,' the vet wrote.

There are various routes practices can take to try and keep costs at a minimum, including shopping around for 'favourable prices' for COGS, such as arthritis medicine.

Bulk buying and buying groups can also help keep spending costs at bay without compromising the quality of their service.

However, Dalya maintains that cutting costs can lead to reduced quality of care. She said: 'The decision may become: Do we compromise our pet and client service and take these measures, or do we increase prices again?'

She continued: 'One question that often comes up is: Why can we buy medication online for less than the vets charge? Most practices have historically used medication mark-ups, meaning charging clients more than we purchase them for to keep service fees (consults, surgery, hospitalisation) lower.

'The online retailers have thrown a massive wrench into the works here - because they purchase (and sell) drugs in such large quantities, they get big discounts from the manufacturers, so that in many cases, they can sell the drugs to you for less money than vets are buying them for.'

Dalya claimed that only five to 10 per cent of the practice's earnings are profit, which are taxed by the government (stock image)

Co-owners Dalya and Stan Livy took to Facebook to share 'behind the scenes' knowledge on the cost of veterinary medicine

'And it is illegal for vets to buy them [medicine] online, we are strictly regulated and have to buy them from one of only three available national wholesalers.

'Whether we reduce our drug markups to encourage clients to continue buying medication from us, or whether we provide written prescriptions for our clients to buy medication online, the result is the same - if vet practice drug revenue goes down, our service fees must come up to compensate.

'The only winners are the drug manufacturers and the online retailers. So that is a factor as well.'

Dalya concluded: 'We are all here, vets and pet owners alike, because we love animals and want to care for them. None of us would involve money in this equation if we could help it, but that is the reality of the world we live in.'

For context... Dalya exemplified her cost breakdown in a mock scenario. She said: 'Your dog has had vomiting and diarrhoea for two days, and you've taken her to the vet. 'They've discussed her history and symptoms with you, performed a physical examination, concluded it's most likely gastroenteritis, administered an injection for vomiting and sent you home with a couple of oral medications as a course of treatment, with the caveat to contact the practice should she not respond as expected. 'You've paid 120. Of that 120: 20 goes to the government for VAT (it's actually 24 but let's keep the numbers round for ease) 45 pays for the staff wages 15 pays for overheads 30 pays for COGS 10 is practice profit (and remember: this is not true take home profit - as explained above, out of this come equipment and building repairs, staff raises, new services etc.; and 2.50 of it goes to taxes)' Dalya applied her cost breakdown to a mock scenario of a pet owner bringing their dog to the practice (stock image) Advertisement

It comes as the CMA have decided to 'provisionally' launch a market investigation into the veterinary sector after they received an 'unprecedented' 56,000 responses to their initial review.

The review found that consumers may not be given enough information - including price lists - to enable them to choose the best practice and treatment for their pet.

It also found that the regulatory framework for the sector is 'outdated' and 'may no longer be fit for purpose' and that there may be an overconcentration of vet ownership in certain areas.

And those working in the sector - which is worth 2billion after the covid pandemic saw pet ownership rise to two-thirds of British households - raised concerns about pressures arising from staff shortages.

The market investigation, if the findings are upheld, would give the CMA the power to compel companies to give consumers their full list of prices, impose limits on costs for things like prescription fees and potentially even enforce the sale of businesses in areas of overconcentration of ownership.

It was revealed that 80% of vet practices checked by the watchdog had no pricing online - even for the most basic of services.

Vets are required to use signs in their reception or treatment rooms telling customers that they can get their prescriptions filled elsewhere.

However, the CMA review found that 25 per cent of pet owners were not aware this was an option - meaning they could be missing out on savings.

CMA Chief Executive Sarah Cardell said they launched the review last September because the veterinary sector is a 'critical market' for the UK's 16 million pet owners.

She said: 'The unprecedented response we received from the public and veterinary professionals shows the strength of feeling on this issue is high and why we were right to look into this.

'We have heard concerns from those working in the sector about the pressures they face, including acute staff shortages, and the impact this has on individual professionals. '

Ms Cardell added that the competition watchdog has made a 'provisional decision' to launch a market investigation due to the concerns for consumers raised by the review.

'But our review has identified multiple concerns with the market that we think should be investigated further,' she said.

'These include pet owners finding it difficult to access basic information like price lists and prescription costs  and potentially overpaying for medicines.

'We are also concerned about weak competition in some areas, driven in part by sector consolidation, and the incentives for large corporate groups to act in ways which may reduce competition and choice.

'Given these strong indications of potential concern, it is time to put our work on a formal footing. We have provisionally decided to launch a market investigation because that's the quickest route to enable us to take direct action, if needed.'

Previously, a dog owner said he would sell his house to cover the costs of a 20,000 vet bill.

Last year, Jaxon Feeley said his two-year-old Weimaraner called Rambo went into hypovolemic shock - a state in which severe blood or other fluid loss makes the heart unable to pump enough blood to the body.

Mr Feeley, from Wigan, said: 'She began vomiting throughout the night over 30 times and by Saturday morning we were in the emergency vets.'

On top of the condition, Rambo had also contracted stomach flu , or gastroenteritis, and her health rapidly declined.
A hospice nurse has shared intriguing insight into the 'death stare' - revealing the truth about the common phenomenon that signals when someone is close to passing away.

Julie McFadden, 41, is a registered nurse based in Los Angeles who specializes in hospice care - and has built a social media following of millions in sharing insights to help destigmatize the process of 'death and dying,' as her website declares.

Recently, she took to YouTube to share details about something that happens to dying people as they're passing away - revealing how their eyes can become 'fixated' on a single point.

'If you're not familiar with the end-of-life phenomena, there's a few things that happen at the end of life to most people,' she explained.

'One of the things is called a death stare, which is when someone gets really fixated on a certain part of the room, and no matter what you do - you can snap your finger right in front of their face - an they will not move their gaze.'

Hospice nurse Julie McFadden, 41, took to social media to describe the end-of-life sign known as the 'death stare'

'Sometimes they just stare. Sometimes they will talk to someone who you don't see. Sometimes they'll have a big smile on their face, like they're seeing something that's obviously making them very happy. So that's called the "death stare."'

The 'death stare' is frequently accompanied by what Julie called 'end-of-life visioning,' in which the dying person claims to see someone that they 'usually love and know' who has 'died already.'

'They will sometimes have conversations right in front of us with these people that we don't see,' she added of the eerie occurrence.

She then shared a hair-raising story in which an elderly man was already exhibiting both the 'death stare' and 'end-of-life visioning' when she'd checked in on him for a 'follow up visit.'

The man's caregiver was his wife; both were in their mid- to late- 90s and had been married for 70 years.

'I instantly loved these two. They were so, so, so sweet,' Julie gushed.

'He was what I call "pleasantly confused,"' Julie continued, explaining that he knew who his wife was and was polite to everyone, but couldn't exactly hold a conversation or seem to know what was going on more generally.

'I noticed that he would be looking at me and smiling, then suddenly turn his head and be fixated on another part of the room, and then smile this huge smile, like he was seeing something over there,' Julie further recalled.

'Sometimes they just stare. Sometimes they will talk to someone who you don't see. Sometimes they'll have a big smile on their face,' she elaborated of close-to-death patients

'And he kept doing it throughout the whole visit  I could not get his attention when he would do that. And then suddenly this big smile would come on his face.'

Julie decided to call the wife over: 'I wanted his wife to see this because a lot of times these end-of-life phenomena can kind of give you a timeline of when this person may be dying.'

It usually starts a few weeks to a month before their final moment, Julie added, and emphasized she wants 'family members to also see it and know what's going on.'

The wife then told Julie the man had already been doing the 'death stare' for about a week, multiple times a day.

With that, the wife had gotten an answer from her husband as to what he was looking at - which, Julie said, 'doesn't always happen.'

'"He said 'Jesus,"' the wife told Julie.

Julie went on to emphasize that 'the point of the story is not that he was seeing Jesus.

'Because many people say they see many different things. And it usually depends on what religion they are.

'Sometimes they don't see any kind of deity at all. They say, you know, "I see beautiful clouds" or "I see flowers." Some people see Jesus or God or angels.

'But the great thing is, whatever he was seeing, he was very happy, and he was smiling,' Julie stressed.

The Los Angeles-based nurse has been doing hospice care for more than 15 years

But things got stranger from there.

The wife took Julie into the living room and began showing her her family albums.

She also brought up that her sister had just passed.

Given that the wife, her sister and the husband were all very close, she didn't have the heart to tell her husband about her sister's death, thinking it would just make him 'super sad' and that he'd probably quickly forget as well.

But after about a week, out of guilt, the wife decided to tell her husband that her sister - his sister-in-law - had passed.

To this, he'd calmly told his wife that he already knew as much - because the sister had told him.

'"She came to me last week and said she had died,"' the husband had told his wife about her sister, according to Julie.

With that, he'd said it 'smiling, like he was okay with it,' she continued of the wife's story.

'I'm getting you chills just telling you this story,' the nurse further admitted.

This isn't the first time Julie has opened up about 'end-of-life' tendencies she's witnessed.

Last year, she dove into 'end-of-life visions' and how eerily 'logical' the exchanges around them can be.

'They're usually functional and logical and questioning me, "Why am I seeing my dead mom, do you see her?"' she said.

Later this year, Julie is also set to release a book titled Nothing to Fear, billed as a 'comforting and informative guide that demystifies our end-of-life journey.'
An old watercolour painting originally bought for 100 is set to sell for 30,000 at auction - after it turned out to be by the artist Joseph Mallord William Turner.

The picture - of Bishop Vaughan's chapel at St Davids Cathedral in Pembrokeshire, Wales - was purchased during a clear-out of pictures from a Georgian mansion in Suffolk in the early 1990s.

It was bought for just 100 and remained largely unnoticed on its new owner's wall for the next 30 years.

But after the buyer, who wishes to remain anonymous, discovered a hidden inscription of 'W Turner' on the back of the painting, experts managed to confirm its artistry.

It is now expected to sell for between 20,000 to 30,000 when it is auctioned with Cheffins in Cambridge on March 20.

An old watercolour painting originally bought for 100 is set to sell for 30,000 at auction - after it turned out to be by the artist Joseph Mallord William Turner

The owner said: 'The painting was hanging in our dining room for over 30 years - we periodically discussed that the picture could be by Turner but did not take it any further.

'After a trip to Wales in the autumn of 2022 visiting St Davids Cathedral, our interest in our picture was rekindled. As we were aware of the recent sale of a Turner at Cheffins, we decided to contact them.'

Born in 1775, Turner was an English romantic painter renowned for his paintings of the country's landscapes

Patricia Cross at Cheffins said: 'This piece is a significant new discovery which provides a glimpse into Turner's early development as an artist.'

Born in 1775, Turner was an English romantic painter renowned for his paintings of the country's landscapes and architecture.

Turner toured Wales in 1795 aged 20, and is known to have visited St Davids - which is when he is believed to have worked on the painting.

The talented artist began exhibiting his work at the Royal Academy when he was just 15 and left behind more than 550 oil paintings, 2,000 watercolours and 30,000 works on paper - many of which he gifted to the nation.

Some of his famous works include 'Frosty Morning', 'Rain, Steam and Speed' and depictions of Venice and the Battle of Trafalgar.

The owner became intrigued as to the painting's origins when they noticed the telling inscription on the back.

The picture - of Bishop Vaughan's chapel at St Davids Cathedral in Pembrokeshire, Wales (pictured) - was purchased during a clear-out of pictures from a Georgian mansion in Suffolk in the early 1990s

They then found a similar work by Turner online in the South Wales Sketchbook, although this was less developed and paid a visit to St David's Cathedral.

However, it remained difficult to decipher as the chapel had undergone repair work since Turner visited - and seemed to have taken licence with the perspective.

After taking the painting to auctioneer Cheffins in Cambridge, Turner expert Andrew Wilton was called in.

Wilton is the former director for the Turner Collection at Tate Britain and confirmed that the painting was indeed a Turner.

Its whereabouts for the 200 years prior to the clearance sale are unknown.

Some paintings by Turner, such as his depiction of Caenarvon Castle in 1798 have sold for nearly 500,000.

JMW Turner's 'The Fighting Temeraire' (1839) and 'The Steamer and Lightship' at Tate Britain

It is not the first time a seemingly worthless painting has been discovered to be worth a secret fortune.

Last year, an Antiques Roadshow guest was left shocked after it turned out a painting owned by his family for 65 years was a signed David Hockney original.

Art expert Rupert Maas confirmed the painting was by the British artist and called it an 'extraordinary story' on the show filmed at Belmont House, near Faversham in Kent.

The painting was also found to be actually worth between 20,000 to 30,000.
The bagels will have 'sweet marinara sauce, fresh Parmesan cheese and oregano'

Pizza Hut has launched a wild new product that promises a 'fusion' of two iconic New York flavors - pizza and bagels.

The brand today announced its latest culinary innovation after partnering with Los Angeles-based bagel truck Yeastie Boys.

The collaboration will see the release of a 'Big New Yorker Pizza Bagel' that will combine the bold flavors of Pizza Hut's signature Big New Yorker Pizza with the 'fluffy and chewy goodness' of a classic Yeastie Boys bagel.

The hybrid dish will make its debut at Rolling Loud's music festival in Los Angeles before being rolled out across the rest of the city as well as in New York.

Pizza Hut has launched a wild new product that promises a 'fusion' of two iconic New York flavors - pizza and bagels

The brand today announced its latest culinary innovation after partnering with Los Angeles -based bagel truck Yeastie Boys

The popular food chain revealed: 'Each pizza bagel is crafted with layers of sweet marinara sauce, fresh Parmesan cheese, oregano, and topped with double pepperoni on a signature Yeastie Boys bagel.'

Rachel Antalek, Chief Food Innovation Officer at Pizza Hut, said: 'We're thrilled to partner with Yeastie Boys to introduce the Pizza Bagel, giving our Big New Yorker pizza an even bigger New York twist.

'We are always looking for innovative ways to surprise our customers, and this collaboration perfectly embodies our commitment to bold flavors and culinary creativity.

'The Big New Yorker Pizza Bagel is a bold celebration of New York's culinary spirit, and we can't wait for pizza and bagel lovers a like to experience this new item.'

Pizza Hut marked the occasion by sharing a sneak peak of the Big New Yorker Pizza Bagels to Instagram in a post that was quickly flooded with comments from food lovers who were excited about the upcoming collaboration.

One person humorously wrote: 'Thank you for giving me things to look forward to in life.'

Another person added: 'Pizza for breakfast!'

Someone else branded it as a 'the collaboration we've all been waiting for' as another said it was 'the collab we needed.'

The hybrid dish will make its debut at Rolling Loud 's music festival in Los Angeles before being rolled out across the rest of the city as well as in New York

Pizza Hut marked the occasion by sharing a sneak peak of the Big New Yorker Pizza Bagels to Instagram in a post that was quickly flooded with comments from food lovers who were excited about the upcoming collaboration

'I may have to make the two hour drive from San Diego to Los Angeles just for this,' another fan quipped.

One person comedically commented: 'This is what dreams are made of.'

Another person wrote: 'No notes. This is so good.'

'You know, for lunch every day at my high school, I would save all my lunch money and only buy pizza bagels. It got me through my sophomore and junior year. Cannot wait to taste the nostalgiaaaaa,' one person added.

The debut of the Big New Yorker Pizza Bagel will take place at Rolling Loud's music festival in LA on March 15 to 17.

And, after its official release, a food truck will roll out the product for foodies to try it out for free, in NYC from March 22 to 23, and in LA from March 22 to 24, while supplies last.

On top of that, select Pizza Bagels will come with a scratch-off that offers codes to score Pizza Hut gift cards that are up to $25, as well as custom Yeastie Boys x Pizza Hut swag items.

The specific truck locations will be announced soon on the brand's social media accounts.

But this is not the first time that Pizza Hut has launched a limited-edition food product.

For Valentine's Day the brand announced break-up pies that customers sent to their partners to help end a relationship.
The moment the doorbell rang, Claire Throssell knew the worst had happened. Hands trembling as she opened the door, she saw a police officer on the doorstep.

Frozen to the spot, she begged him: What has he done? The look in the policemans eyes confirmed her worst fears.

Claires abusive ex-husband, whom she had finally plucked up the courage to leave six months earlier, had done exactly what she had warned the family court he would do if given unsupervised access to their sons. He had taken their lives, and his own, to get back at her for leaving him.

It is a tale of such unspeakable horror that, at times, Claire is too overcome with emotion to speak.

Claire Throssell lost her two sons after her ex-husband lured them into the loft before setting 14 petrol-fuelled fires around the family home and locking the hatch behind them

Having lured their sons, Jack, 12, and Paul, nine, into the loft to play with a train set hed bought that day, Darren Sykes had set 14 petrol-fuelled fires around the family home, blocking the exits with padlocks and furniture, before locking the hatch behind them.

Despite the boys brave attempts to escape, all three had suffered fatal injuries by the time the fire brigade managed to break down the door. Claire, thanks to a mercy dash to hospital, got to hold her sons as they died.

There is no more wonderful feeling in the world than holding your babies when theyre born, and no worse one than cradling them as they take their last breaths, says Claire.

I felt this searing pain in my heart and honestly thought I was going to die too. I wanted to. I had nothing left to live for.

As well as unending grief, however, Claire felt searing anger that still burns to this day. Not only towards Sykes, but to the authorities that allowed him unsupervised access to her precious sons  despite years of abuse.

I warned social workers and the family court that he was evil enough to kill our sons, she says, tears filling her eyes. But no one listened and he was granted five hours unsupervised weekly access.

I said, What about the rights of the child? They dont want to see him.

The judge who signed that court order signed their death warrant.

Claire says her sons were terrified of their father and would spray themselves with her perfume before visiting him so theyd have her scent with them as a form of comfort.

My children were so scared of him that theyd beg me not to make them see him. But I had no choice, the court had ordered it. It broke my heart.

This sense of injustice has propelled Claire, now 52, to campaign tirelessly to stop unsafe child contact with dangerous perpetrators of domestic abuse.

Claire's sons Paul, nine, and 12-year-old Jack, right. The boys suffered fatal injuries from the fire despite their attempts to escape

Claire is calling on the government to make a commitment to child safety, saying the family courts must not allow known abusers access to their children

This year marks the tenth anniversary of her sons deaths, and Claire, who received an MBE in 2020 for campaigning on domestic abuse, is determined to bring about a law to ensure childrens safety is at the heart of any parental contact decisions.

This would include a review of the presumption of parental involvement in childrens lives in the family courts. This presumption assumes that the involvement of a parent in a childs life will further the childs welfare, and was designed so that one parent was not able to exclude their ex-partner from their childs life.

Part of the Children Act 1989, this presumption is supposed to exclude cases where involvement with a parent would put the child at risk of harm. However, campaigners such as Claire have long believed that the family courts pro-contact culture means the criteria are not being enforced nearly rigorously enough  and children including Jack and Paul are paying the price.

Claire, together with the charity Womens Aid, is calling on the Government to make a commitment to child safety, saying the family courts must not allow known abusers access to their children.

Claires Child First petition to bring this before Parliament currently has 80,577 of the 100,000 signatures needed.

Frustratingly, her first petition got as far as the House of Lords  but when Boris Johnson resigned as prime minister in 2022, her campaign went with him, meaning Claire had to re-start it from scratch.

I live with an open wound that never heals, never stops bleeding. There are times  Mothers Day, their birthdays, anniversaries  when that wound gets deeper, she says.

What keeps me going is a determination to help create a change in the law that gives hope to other women and children. I dont want this to happen to anyone else.

Claires first fateful meeting with Darren Sykes was when she was 25 and they were working for the same company  she as a bookkeeper and him a carpet estimator.

He asked me out and, when I turned him down, he sent me a red rose every day for three weeks until I agreed to go on a date, says Claire, grimacing at the memory. Now I know thats love-bombing, typically narcissistic behaviour, but back then I had no such understanding.

Claires Child First petition got as far as the House of Lords  but when Boris Johnson resigned as prime minister in 2022, her campaign went with him

I fell for it, thinking: He really must care about me. In fact he was conditioning me to think nobody else could love me like he did.

After a two-year courtship, they married. Claire says that, although he was possessive and seemed insecure, it wasnt until their eldest son was born that his nasty side truly emerged. The mask just came off, she says. Hed say: Youre not interested in me now, youve got what you want. He couldnt bear no longer being the centre of attention.

Paul came along three years later. When the boys grew, as well as directing his rages at Claire  throwing remote controls at her head, or plates of food that didnt meet his standards  Sykes turned on them, too.

After Claire left Sykes, the court deemed that Claires evidence  that he forced Paul, daily, to eat every scrap of food on his plate, leading to frequent vomiting at the dinner table; hit the boys on the back of the head if they didnt obey his orders quickly enough; and threw their clothes onto the outside patio when they left them on their bedroom floors  was not serious enough to warrant him being denied unsupervised access.

Nor did the judge think that her reason for finally plucking up the courage to leave was grounds for keeping Sykes from his sons. Claire left after she stepped in to prevent Sykes punching Jack in the face, and he had then hit her instead, spinning her round and knocking her down a flight of stairs.

She had told the boys, who had hurtled downstairs to check she was OK, to run to the car, Sykess words: Look what you made me do, ringing in their ears. Bruised from her fall, Claire then drove the three of them to her mothers, where they lived for the next six months.

Claire had a gut instinct that Sykes, whom she refused to let see the boys for the first three months, would harm their children and was deeply frustrated that no one believed her.

There is no more wonderful feeling in the world than holding your babies when theyre born, and no worse one than cradling them as they take their last breaths

At the access hearing in the July, he was told he wasnt allowed to have them overnight or at mealtimes  as he would force Paul to eat until he was sick  so they knew he was a threat to them, she says. And yet they didnt stop him seeing my boys during the day.

Having contravened the terms of the court-ordered visitation agreement  which allowed him to have the boys for two hours on Wednesdays and three on Sundays  by bringing them back late on several occasions, Sykes feared he would lose access at the next court hearing.

So on Wednesday, October 22, 2014, two weeks after Claire had divorced him for unreasonable behaviour, he sent messages to the boys telling them he had bought a 600 train set and all I need now are two engine drivers. He later picked them up from their grandmothers house while Claire was at work and took them to the family home.

While they were in the attic, innocently playing with the train set, Sykes set fires all around the house before pulling up the loft hatch and locking them in.

From there, Sykes sent messages to six friends saying he was going to be at peace.

Claire cannot bear to contemplate the terror her sons must have felt in the minutes that followed. Brave little Jack made a valiant effort to escape, opening the hatch and pulling his younger brother Paul with him. However, he fell onto the landing below, leaving Paul suspended from the opening to the loft, which is where a fireman found him.

Jack told the fireman: My dad did this and he did it on purpose, says Claire. He said the same to a policeman, and later to a consultant at the hospital.

He wanted to make sure that those who refused to believe what his dad was capable of knew exactly what hed done.

The police officer who broke the news to Claire that she must go with him to Sheffield Childrens Hospital must have known that the boys injuries were life-threatening. However, he focused on getting her there quickly, leaving doctors to break the terrible news. The smoke inhalation had been too severe for Pauls nine-year-old lungs to survive.

When I walked in, a doctor asked, Are you their mum? and, when I told him, Yes, he replied, Im very sorry but were going to let Paul go now, in your arms.

Confused, I asked what he meant by go. He explained there was nothing more they could do, recalls Claire, closing her eyes. I just scooped him up in my arms and said: Come on Paul, you cant leave. Please stay.

Then I watched his beautiful blue eyes turn grey as the life went out of him, rocking him in my arms and sobbing so much his hair was soaked with my tears.

They gave us a moment and then said I had to leave him as my little boy was a crime scene.

Claire mourned Pauls death as she kept a round-the-clock vigil at the bedside of Jack, 12, sedated after suffering burns over 56 per cent of his body.

News reached her that Sykes had also died from his injuries, meaning, to her fury, he would not face the consequences of his evil actions.

Incredibly, Claire was asked if she would like to take responsibility for her ex-husbands body  an offer she declined in no uncertain terms.

Claire had been advised by doctors to speak to Jack as if his little brother, whom he had done his best to rescue, was still alive, in the hope this would give him an incentive to fight for survival.

However, his burns were so extensive his vital organs were failing and, five days after the blaze, after several surgeries, doctors delivered the devastating news that there was nothing more they could do.

I held him in my arms as they switched off the machines. I will never forget the noise of the monitor at the end, that continual sound, knowing he was gone, says Claire.

Its a moment that haunts me to this day.

Its thanks to her own mum, now 83, who forced Claire out of bed and insisted she eat, that she kept going in those early months, which she spent wrapped in her sons blankets on her mothers sofa.

Claire found it particularly hard to bear that her sons death certificates state they were unlawfully killed, rather than murdered, because Sykes never stood trial.

But this was very much a premeditated act. In the weeks after the fire, it emerged that Sykes had cancelled the house insurance in June, written to his bank stating Claire would have sole responsibility for the outstanding 50,000 mortgage and transferred thousands of pounds of joint assets into the account of a new girlfriend hed met online.

Taking my precious sons was not enough for him, he wanted to make sure I was homeless and penniless too, says Claire.

The three-bedroom semi-detached house in South Yorkshire was razed to the ground but, in an act of generosity that still makes Claire emotional to recall, her local community rallied round, raising 50,000 for materials, while local tradespeople donated their time to rebuild it.

Claire was able to sell it, pay off the outstanding mortgage and buy a small flat, enabling her to stay in her village, Penistone.

Jack and Paul were laid to rest here, with my father, and I never want to be far from them, she says. I dont know how Id have survived without the support of the wonderful people in my village.

She believes that the much-vaunted issue of parental alienation, in which one parent turns a child against another, is clouding the judgment of social workers, the Child and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS), and the courts, meaning childrens safety is no longer the priority it should be when access arrangements are being made.

There were 19 child homicides, including Jack and Paul, at the hands of parents who were known abusers between 2004 and 2014. Although there are no records, Claire believes there have been a further 30 in the decade since.

A revision of the legislation, which would have put the onus on the parent with a history of abuse to prove that their children were safe to have unsupervised access, was passed through the House of Commons in 2021  but then blocked in the Lords.

Claire says she wont stop until her petition gets the 100,000 signatures it needs for this to go back before Parliament for reconsideration.

Holding my sons in my arms, as they took their last breaths, I promised I wouldnt let what theyd been through happen to any more children, says Claire. I believe this is the reason Im still here, a mother without children.

And I will keep on trying until the day I can go and put my hand on their stone, where they sleep, and say, Weve done it.
Some 12 hours after reporting Sarm Heslop missing from his catamaran in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Ryan Bane called her best friend Kate Owen, a former flight attendant who was island-hopping around the Caribbean.

Bane said he had been woken by his boat's anchor alarm at 2am on March 8, 2021, and found that Sarm, his British girlfriend, had vanished without a trace.

Kate counted the charismatic American yacht captain, Sarm's partner of eight months, as a friend  but as he spoke about his missing girlfriend, her affection for Bane quickly turned to suspicion.

At first, she recalls, 'he sounded upset, but almost drained from it all. It might be his American accent  he's a very slow speaker  but I would have been absolutely frantic. It was almost as if he was shrugging his shoulders, like he didn't know what to do'.

Then, she recollects, 'he said he missed her. I remember thinking, 'That's strange, because how do you know she's definitely gone?'

Sarm Heslop, 41, on board the Siren Song. Her boyfriend Ryan Bane didn't call the coastguard to search for her until she'd been missing from his catamaran for more than nine hours

Sarm, left, with her close friend Kate Owen. 'She was funny,' says Kate. 'One of those people who couldn't sit still for five minutes, always wanting adventure'

Bane's behaviour soon started to baffle others, too. He hadn't called the coastguard to search for Sarm, 41, until she'd been missing for more than nine hours, and both Virgin Islands Police Department officers and the coastguard claim he then refused them permission to fully search the Siren Song, his luxury 47ft boat, moored off the coast of the tiny island of St John.

Within days of Sarm's disappearance Bane had hired David Cattie, a lawyer who has represented Ghislaine Maxwell  at which point, his friendship with Kate, to whom he had assured he would cooperate with police, came to an abrupt end: 'He said, 'Kate, I don't want this to sound weird, but I've got myself a lawyer'. And that's when communication stopped.'

Shortly afterwards, it emerged that Bane, 47, had been imprisoned for assaulting his ex-wife Cori Stevenson, leaving her with a broken tooth and finger marks around her neck. Yet police still didn't formally question him about Sarm's disappearance and, days later, he sailed away from St John.

Kate, left, with Sarm and her American yacht captain partner Bane. 'He's never come forward to help the investigation,' says former flight attendant Kate

Despite being described as a 'person of interest' by police, Bane's boat has never been forensically examined and, last week, photographs emerged of him in a gym in his hometown of Lake Orion, Michigan, seemingly without a care in the world. 'It's gut wrenching,' says a tearful Kate, of her reaction to those smiling pictures. 'He's never come forward to help the investigation.'

Three years on from Sarm's disappearance, her family and friends hold little hope of seeing her again, and are calling for the case to be reclassified from a missing persons inquiry to a murder investigation.

'I cry when I speak about her, so I try not to,' says Kate, 44, from Southsea in Hampshire. She met Sarm in 2008 when they both worked as air hostesses for Fly Be. 'She was funny, one of those people who couldn't sit still for five minutes, always wanting adventure.'

Until now, Kate, who works in a picture framing gallery, has only discussed Bane guardedly, for fear of jeopardising an already shambolic police investigation.

But Sarm's family claim officers have stopped replying to their requests for information (nor did they reply to our request for comment). The case appears to have ground to a halt, so Kate now feels she has nothing to lose: 'All barriers are down. We can speak our minds. I think, from Ryan's actions afterwards, foul play happened. If you hadn't got anything to hide, why would you not be open?'

Last week, Sarm's distraught mother Brenda Street, 67, from Ongar, Essex, said she believed her daughter had been murdered.

Bane's luxury 47ft catamaran moored off St John in the US Virgin Islands. Despite being described as a 'person of interest' by police, his boat has never been forensically examined

Shortly after Sarm Heslop's disappearance, it emerged that Bane - here in a 2011 police mugshot - had been imprisoned for assaulting his ex-wife Cori Stevenson

David Johnston, former Commander of Homicide and Serious Crime at the Metropolitan Police, who is working pro bono as the family's advocate in his role as patron of the charity Murdered Abroad, is even less circumspect.

'My belief is that Bane had an argument with her. She was assaulted and died from her injuries,' says Johnston. Had police searched the boat, he says, 'I believe they would have found either Sarm's body or signs of a struggle.' Thirty years of policing have taught him to 'try to avoid making assumptions', he stresses, but Bane has done nothing to disprove the hypothesis.

Cattie, Bane's lawyer, says in response that 'it is wildly irresponsible for a former head of law enforcement to be making such baseless accusations. That fact that Mr Johnston would further traumatise Sarm's family with baseless conjecture is repulsive'.

The one thing both seem to agree on is that, as Johnston, 66, puts it, 'the gloves have to come off'.

Sarm was a free spirit, with a 'lust for life,' Kate says. When Sarm asked if she could sail to the Caribbean with Kate and her boyfriend, Martin, on their planned trip in December 2019, 'it made sense. She didn't have any ties. For me it was ideal, being with my partner and best friend, sailing to paradise'.

The three arrived in Grenada in the summer of 2020, where Sarm met Bane on the dating site Tinder. Bane, a former account manager for a technology firm, had moved to the Caribbean in 2015 and built a business chartering yachts. Kate describes the attraction between them as 'instant. I think she loved him. He was very charming'.

The four became close friends, and Bane showed no sign of a temper in front of Kate  'I don't think I ever saw him angry,' she says.

By February 2021, Sarm and Bane had moved to St John and, on the night of March 7, dined at a restaurant on the island. Meanwhile, Kate was with Martin on the island of St Martin. At 7pm, Sarm, apparently in good spirits, sent her a text.

Bane says they returned to his yacht, moored 120ft off Frank Bay, and watched a film until he fell asleep, before being woken by the sound of the anchor alarm which signalled his boat had moved.

There were two other catamarans moored close by, the owners of which confirmed to American TV channel NBC's Dateline investigation that they heard no commotion to indicate someone had fallen overboard or gone missing.

Kate Vernalls, 42, another of Sarm's friends  who were roommates for eight years until Sarm left for the Caribbean  believes that, 'If someone you loved fell off a boat or wasn't there when you woke up, you'd be shouting their name, on a dinghy looking for them'.

After Bane reported Sarm missing, he met police on land  a strange decision, says Johnston, who adds that, when dealing with someone who is a suspect in a missing person's case, 'you go to the crime scene and investigate'.

Cattie says that Bane asked for police assistance in locating Sarm, but clearly, opportunities were missed. Under U.S. law, the police needed 'probable cause' that Bane was implicated in Sarm's disappearance in order to search the boat, which they claim they didn't have.

However, Johnston believes 'they could have obtained a warrant from a judge, detained the boat and searched it. I have asked, 'Did you speak to a lawyer to see what was needed to meet the threshold for probable cause, or make an assumption and not bother?' He insists that it's likely 'it's the latter'.

The 24 hours after a possible crime has been committed 'are what we call the golden hours', he adds, when, in his view, the GPS from the Siren Song should have been taken to ascertain if Bane moved the boat overnight, and his phone bill and social media scrutinised: 'As far as we know none of that has been taken by police.'

This week, Cattie said Bane 'was never arrested and no search warrants were ever issued for the vessel, because there is no evidence to suggest any crime occurred or that Ryan was involved, in any way, in Ms Heslop's disappearance'. He added that Bane had invited the coastguard on to his boat twice, 'and they were permitted to search without any limitation or restrictions'.

Yet, previously, after Cattie had said coastguards conducted an 'on-site inspection of the vessel', the coastguards claimed they, and the police, were then 'denied access to the interior'. Bane was subsequently handed 'a citation for obstruction', a written notice of non-compliance which does not result in a criminal record.

A strong swimmer, it seems inconceivable Sarm would have fallen overboard and disappeared in the bay's shallow, crystal clear waters. Nor would she have left of her own volition, 'or she would have taken her bag and passport', says Vernalls.

Kate, meanwhile, says her 'stomach started to flip' when a friend of Bane's called to tell her Sarm was missing. 'I said: 'Ryan needs to call'. He called me an hour later.' The two spoke several times over the next two days. 'I'm going crazy here,' and 'this is so f***ed,' Bane messaged her.

Sarm was last seen dining with Bane on the island of St John on the night of March 7, 2021

'By the second or third conversation, I thought, 'This is just odd,' ' says Kate. 'By day three, it came crashing down we weren't going to see her again.'

Conflicted, she 'didn't want Ryan to have caused Sarm harm', but was suspicious of him from the start. 'I don't understand why he wasn't in the police station constantly, demanding 'find her, help me'.' She found herself 'almost playing detective', trying to stay in contact with Bane, in case he revealed a vital clue.

Instead, a bombshell revelation came from Stevenson, married to Bane between 2008 and 2014, who revealed Bane was imprisoned for 21 days in 2011 for drunkenly assaulting her.

Kate knew he'd been married: 'He told us it ended abruptly, that she completely changed and went mental on him.' Faced with the horrifying new reality, however, Kate says, 'I believed what she said straight away.'

Yet, despite evidence showing Bane had a propensity to violence, he was free to sail away at the end of March. Kate returned home the following month, after which, she says, Bane blocked her phone number. All their conversations on Facebook Messenger 'have completely disappeared'.

In October 2021, Sarm's mother Brenda  who also has a son, Jason, 45, with her former husband Peter  discovered Bane had also blocked her number when she tried to send a text to ask where her daughter was.

The following month, Bane was pictured looking relaxed in Grenada. He was said to have renamed his yacht Orion's Belt and put it up for sale. Johnston is unsure if it was sold, but has been told by a source that Bane had a large fridge-freezer refitted.

He speculated that: 'He had the opportunity between 10.30 at night and 2.30am when he called the police to dispose of the body or hide the body on the catamaran. Of course, that might be the explanation why he got rid of the fridge-freezer, if he had to keep it in there for several days,' adding that discussing these 'dreadfully gruesome details' are part of an investigator's job.

Cattie says there 'is not one iota of evidence' to suggest that Bane was abusive to Sarm. 'Not once did Sarm ever hint or suggest Ryan was anything other than the perfect boyfriend to her. Ryan never abused or assaulted Sarm.'

When Peter and Brenda visited St John in 2022, to mark the first anniversary of Sarm's disappearance, police showed them CCTV footage of Bane and Sarm walking to the dinghy after dinner. But, Brenda says, they cut off the tape before the end, and have refused to release the video, denying the public potentially vital clues. 'I think it was an incompetent investigation, and the response to it now amounts to being corrupt,' says Johnston.

Vernalls adds: 'It sounds cliched, but you want justice. It's not acceptable for someone to disappear off the face of the Earth.'

Cattie says, 'It is easy (and lazy) to blame the boyfriend, but here it is simply false' and that 'Ryan is heartbroken at Sarm's disappearance. He fully empathises with the pain and frustration that Sarm's family is feeling'. That may be the case, but to Sarm's friends and family, it seems he has a strange way of showing it.
The royals have come under scrutiny after the Princess of Wales said she had edited the infamous Mother's Day family picture taken by Prince William and shared on their social media.

However Kate, 42, has been caught up in another photo mystery as royal sleuths spotted an anomaly in the snap of her leaving Windsor Castle in a car with Prince William on Monday as he headed to Westminster Abbey for the annual Commonwealth Day service.

Speculation arose online after social media users spotted a difference in how the brick wall behind the vehicle looked through the window versus above the car, with some saying the grouting, colour and size of the bricks appear different.

One royal sleuth said: 'I found the photographer Jim Bennett's website. He took 3 pictures of Will and 'Kate'. Look at the bricks on the 3rd picture. Not only the bricks look different (above vs through the car windows), the depth looks off too.'

However, the mystery has been solved by other royal fans who have shared photos of the street to prove that an optical illusion is to blame.

Princess of Wales, 42, appeared to be caught up in another photo mystery as royal sleuths spotted an anomaly in the snap of her leaving Windsor Castle in a car with Prince William on Monday

Before the explanation emerged, fans were convinced something was amiss, with one writing: 'Wow even this photo is fake plus the bricks. They're different bricks. What on earth is going on.'

Meanwhile another said: 'The deception continues. If Kate can dress up and come out, why has there not been a video of her like King Charles instead of a manipulated photo? Prince William is hiding under his wife's skirt to deflect from his fraudulently manipulated picture. #PhotoGate.'

A fourth said: 'That car image shows how gullible you people are because that photo is fake as well. They are driving too close to the brick wall. The wall where the bricks don't even match. Kate is somehow engrossed by these bricks that her head is facing a brick wall. Another fake!!!'

Even Whoopi Goldberg weighed in on the photo mystery on US talk show The View after the topic of Kate became very heated during Wednesday's episode of the ABC show.

Panelist Sunny Hostin claimed the snap of the future Queen, and her husband Prince William sitting in a car had also been Photoshopped, while Joy Behar brutally declared: 'I don't trust the royal family!'

However their wild claims about the royals were not tolerated by Whoopi, 68, who appeared to grow increasingly irritated with her co-hosts' speculation, blasting them for asking her 'stupid questions' as they argued over the editing of a Mother's Day photograph of Kate and her three children, which was recalled by picture agencies over 'manipulation' fears.

The discussion began when Whoopi announced: 'The conspiracy theories over Princess Kate and the royal family photo keep getting piled higher and higher, what the hell is going on here?' as Sunny claimed that Sara, 46, was 'responsible' for her going 'down a rabbit hole'.

Speculation arose online after social media users spotted a difference in how the brick wall behind the vehicle looked through the window versus above the car. However TikToker Meredith, from Colorado, took to her account to share a clip explaining the pap shot to put any speculation to bed

Even Whoopi Goldberg weighed in on the photo mystery on US talk show The View after the topic of Kate became very heated during Wednesday's episode

Sunny Hostin jumped out of her seat to point out to the panel why she thinks a new photo of Kate sitting in the back of a car with Prince William has been Photoshopped

Confirming that she's now got her husband Emmanuel involved, Sunny continued: 'Sara keeps on sending text messages to me about pictures and where it's doctored, and yesterday they released another picture of Kate in a car and you can't see Kate, and now I have Manny looking at the picture and Manny said that the brick doesn't match through the glass.'

The mother-of-two then jumped out of her seat to walk over to the screen to point out the details of the royal photo as Whoopi rubbished her theory and said: 'All this does is show that you don't know what goes on in buildings!'

'No, no, that's a Photoshop!' Sunny fired back as Whoopi asked her: 'Can you bank that?' to which the lawyer replied: 'I bank on my husband's surgeon eyes!' as Alyssa claimed the palace could 'resolve this in two minutes by putting her direct to camera'.

Whoopi couldn't hide her annoyance as she tried to take the show to a commercial break, but as the music started to play, the squabble continued and the theme tune quickly paused.

'I'm worried about her, I don't know what's wrong,' Sara, 46, said as Joy added: 'I don't trust the royal family to be truthful,' as Sara continued: 'I'm worried about Kate. People think it's because we're hating on them, but I'm actually worried about Kate.'

Speculation arose online after social media users spotted a difference in how the brick wall behind the vehicle looked through the window versus above the car, with some saying the grouting, colour and size of the bricks appear different

The photo agency that captured the car pictures, Goff Photos, denied editing the images. Speaking to E! News they said: 'The photos have been cropped and lightened but nothing has been doctored.'

Jim Bennett, the photographer who snapped the photos, told PEOPLE: 'We don't change our photos in Photoshop other than adjusting the light levels if necessary. Car shots are unpredictable at the best of times and with some reflection on the glass it can be difficult.'

However some internet sleuths managed to come up with a reasonable explanation for the difference in the bricks.

One royal fan Lauren Kiehna, who is writer and editor of The Court Jeweller, took to X, formerly know as Twitter, to explain the brick difference in the wall.

One royal fan Lauren Kiehna, who is writer and editor of The Court Jeweller, took to X, formerly know as Twitter , to explain the brick difference in the wall

Posting a Google image of the exact location the photograph was she snapped she said: 'The photograph taken on Monday showing William and Kate in a car was snapped in front of 39 High Street in Datchet.

'Those who are worried about the brick patterns on the wall/building in the background might want to consult Google Maps.'

Meanwhile TikToker Meredith, from Colorado, took to her account to share a clip explaining the pap shot even further to put any speculation to bed.

She said: 'One of the things that people have noticed in this photo is the brick up there is not the same as the brick down here, the grout is different, the brick size is different.

'After the last few days I do not blame people for focusing on this and asking if it is a fake shot.'

Showing a snap of the street where the pap shot was taken she added: 'I think because the picture was cropped in so tight, we couldn't see that it was a brick wall and further back was a brick building, an optical illusion of sorts.

Kensington Palace yesterday released the first picture of the Princess of Wales since surgery

Kate's zip appears to be misaligned on the photo as the top of it is further left and appears significantly lighter than the rest of the zip

It appears Charlotte's hand was copied over from another picture as there is an empty space where her sleeve should be

The Princess of Wales has admitted that she edited the Mother's Day portrait and apologised 'for any confusion' that it caused

'The difference in colour of bricks is different because you are shooting through a car window in this situation. This really could of been resolved by releasing the full pic before it was cropped.'

Kate has been out of the public eye since Christmas as she recovers from an abdominal surgery and spent two weeks in a private London hospital in January.

A Mother's Day photo shared over the weekend marked the first official portrait of the royal since her procedure but it came under scrutiny after the Princess of Wales said she had edited the family portrait of herself sitting with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Kensington Palace came under increasing pressure to release the original Mother's Day photograph after Kate apologised.

Experts told MailOnline it was changed using Photoshop and related AI tools.

The world's major photo agencies later 'killed' the picture after noticing signs of digital editing, including a missing part of Princess Charlotte's sleeve and the misaligned edge of her wrist and skirt, and the positioning of Kate's zip.

The princess gave an apology on social media. She said: 'Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing. 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'. She signed it 'C' - for Catherine.

PR experts have described the Mother's Day photo fiasco as a 'massive own goal' and urged royal officials to release the unedited picture in a bid to regain the public's trust.

Kensington Palace had initially faced calls to reveal the truth behind the photo after the world's top picture agencies - including the Press Association - 'killed' the image over claims it had been digitally manipulated.

While the princess publicly took the blame for altering the photo, Kensington Palace said it would not be reissuing the unedited photograph of Kate and her children.

PR expert Mark Borkowski said: 'It's plausible she's at home playing with the computer and using an AI tool, but if they're really going to regain any sort of trust they should release the unedited photo, it can't be that bad if they just made a few tweaks.

'I find they have risen to the challenge, provided the statement as an explanation - the question is with all the conspiracy theories running around, is whether people believe it and I'm not sure they will.'
Sporting an all-gold ensemble beneath a camel coat, Queen Maxima of the Netherlands looked exceptionally radiant today as she attended a conference on the circular economy in the Dutch city of Nijmegen.

The royal, 52, made yet another fashion statement as she paired a tight-fitting jacquard pencil skirt with a blouson-sleeved, crew-neck silk top.

Maxima's outfit made an even greater impact thanks to the wide, sparkly gold belt that cinched her in at the waist.

The beaming mother-of-three completed the outfit with a pair of gold suede pumps and a matching clutch bag.

With her blond hair brushed back into a chignon, she revealed a pair of pair of large gold earrings complete with pearls.

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands looked stunning in an all-gold ensemble today as she attended a conference in Nijmegen, the country's oldest city

She wore a mid-length camel coat over a tight-fitting gold jacquard pencil skirt and matching silk top

The royal, 52, was given a tour of the conference, which was organised by Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management

Her bronzed face was brightened with a slick of lipstick while her smoky eye only added to the glamour of her look.

Queen Maxima was visiting De Vasim in Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands, to attend a conference organised by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.

She was photographed touring the conference and, at one point, the smiling queen took to the podium herself.

The meeting was dedicated to boosting the circular - or sustainable - economy that aims to minimise waste across industries.

Maxima's outing today came hot on the heels of her visit to the Hedon pop venue in Zwolle yesterday afternoon.

As honorary chairman of the More Music in the Classroom foundation at the venue, she looked stylish during her appearance.

She donned a two-piece brown suit in a tweed-style fabric, and a semi-deep V-neckline. It had three-quarter length sleeves with small turn-ups below the elbow.

The short blazer was cinched in at the waist with a wide black belt, and her matching A-line skirt flowed to just below her knees.

At one point Maxima, who looked radiant thanks to her gold ensemble and bronzed face, took to the podium herself and addressed the audience

She smiled as she got out the car and walked towards the conference venue in De Vasim, Nijmegen

Maxima's perfectly coordinated outfit also featured a pair of gold suede pumps and a matching clutch bag

Maximamatched all her accessories, carrying a black handbag and wearing black knee length boots which matched her belt.

Meanwhile, she opted for a casual and light make-up look, boasting a fresh base and fresh peach blush, as well as light eye make-up and a nude lip.

Maximawore her long blonde tresses loose, flowing over her shoulders in loose waves, and tucked behind her ears to keep it away from her face.

Jewellery-wise, the mother-of-three donned bangles on both wrists, as well as sizeable gold earrings in her lobes.

As she walked to the venue, Maxima was pictured beaming widely, appearing pleased to be making her way to the appointment.

The royal website says of the Art Camp, which started today (Wednesday): 'Through workshops, prospective pedagogical employees and teaching assistants learn how to use artistic disciplines in their work at and after school.'

It adds that some 60 sixty students attend workshops in photography, theatre, dance, music and cartoon drawing.

During her visit, the royal spoke to students about their experiences at the workshops.

With her blond hair brushed back into a chignon, the royal revealed a large pair of gold earrings complete with pearls

She also attended a meeting with professionals at the venue, where they discussed how 'the importance of art and culture education for MBO students is central and how this can be strengthened within these courses'.

Maxima's final exercise of the day was to 'speak with cultural institutions in the region of the three participating MBO courses about the range they can offer'.

The royal website explains: 'Art Camp MBO is the first step in a three-part program of More Music in the Classroom in collaboration with Noorderpoort, Alfa-College and ROC Midden Nederland.

'The aim is to strengthen cultural education in these secondary vocational education courses, so that pedagogical staff and teaching assistants can stimulate the arts and culture offering at and after school.'

It adds that the More Music in the Classroom foundation has 'been committed to structural music education for all primary school children in the Netherlands and the Caribbean since 2015'.
Letizia looked elegant as she attended the National Research Awards today

Queen Letizia of Spain looked stunning in a pink trouser suit as she attended an awards ceremony in Gandia today.

The royal, 51, was effortlessly elegant as she attended the National Research Awards alongside her husband King Felipe.

The awards were created in 1982 and are presented to a total of 10 experts, with each one associated with different areas of science.

Letizia stepped out in a colourful matching Hugo Boss co-ord, which consisted of a double-breasted blazer and smart belted-trousers.

She rewore this set last September, when she went to the UNICEF Spain Awards in Madrid along with her husband.

Letizia stepped out in a colourful matching Hugo Boss co-ord, which consisted of a double-breasted blazer and smart belted-trousers

Letizia paired her trouser suit with a sheer cropped white crochet blouse, which highlighted her sophisticated physique

Letizia looked stunning as she showcased her new sleek haircut

The Queen's flamboyant outfit was a stark contrast to what King Felipe opted to wear, as he was sporting a classic grey suit

Letizia paired this with a sheer cropped white crochet blouse, which highlighted her sophisticated physique.

The mother-of-two sported silver flower earrings and modest pink kitten-heels as she smiled for the cameras.

She also showed off her chic new cropped hairdo, which was styled by her personal hairdresser, Luz Valero, along with donning her classic glamorous makeup.

The flamboyant outfit was a stark contrast to what Felipe opted to wear, as he was sporting a classic grey suit.

He paired this with a blue patterned tie and a smart shirt, compete with polished shoes.

The Spanish royals presented the prizes to researchers in Spain who have performed outstanding professional work of international relevance in the fields of research and science.

The pair walked alongside each other and looked in high spirits as they chatted to Valencia's regional President Carlos Mazon, Gandia's Mayor Jose Manuel Prieto and Spain's Minister for Science, Innovation and Universities, Diana Morant.

It comes as Letizia and Felipe welcomed a disability champions to Madrid's Zarzuela Palace yesterday.

The Queen received a delegation of the Spanish Committee of Representatives of Persons with Disabilities (CERMI).

King Felipe VI (C) and Queen Letizia (2R) pose for a photo with Valencia's regional President Carlos Mazon (2L), Gandia's Mayor Jose Manuel Prieto (L) and Spain's Minister for Science, Innovation and Universities, Diana Morant (R)

The royal couple attend the annual awards every year and present prizes to the winners

Letizia channelled Spring as she wore a flowery crochet top to the event

Letizia donned her classic glamorous makeup and silver floral earrings

The mother-of-two was pictured waving to crowds as the King greeted officials

The royal recycled the trouser suit that she wore to the UNICEF Spain Awards in Madrid last September

The King and Queen of Spain spoke to government officials who were also at the event

The Queen of Spain looks up as she speaks to Diana Morant, the current Spanish Minister for Science and Innovation

The awards were created in 1982 and are presented to a total of 10 experts, with each one associated with different areas of science

They were captured speaking to the representatives and shaking their hands, before posing for an official group photograph.

CERMI is the platform for representation, defence and action of Spanish citizens with disabilities, and represents more than 3.8 million people and their families.

It aims to advance the recognition of their rights to achieve equal rights and opportunities in society.

The visit to the Zarzuela Palace follows the recent reform of article 49 of the Spanish constitution dedicated to those with disabilities.
South Korea and the United States on Thursday wrapped up a major combined military exercise designed to reinforce deterrence against North Korean threats, the South's military said, as Pyongyang remained relatively mum over the exercise it has accused of being an invasion rehearsal.

The annual computer-simulated Freedom Shield exercise drew to a close after kicking off March 4 amid heightened tensions over Pyongyang's recent saber-rattling, including artillery firings near the western sea border and a series of missile launches.

This year's Freedom Shield took place with an aim to improve the allies' combined defense posture, focusing on multi-domain operations by utilizing land, sea, air, cyber and space assets, and countering the North's nuclear operations.

On Wednesday, Defense Minister Shin Won-sik called on troops to master operational systems to "neutralize" the North's nuclear and missile networks as he visited a key wartime command bunker complex in Seongnam, just south of Seoul.

The allies, however, did not train under a scenario of nuclear weapon use by North Korea, with that scenario expected to be incorporated in their major combined exercise in August.

In connection with Freedom Shield, the two sides planned a total of 48 on-field exercises this month, more than double the figure in a similar period last year.

Personnel from 12 member states of the United Nations Command, including Britain, also joined the exercise with the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission, tasked with overseeing the armistice of the 1950-53 Korean War, observing them.

The springtime exercise had raised concerns of Pyongyang conducting further provocative acts over the 11-day period, but the North did not stage high-profile military demonstrations, such as missile launches.

Pyongyang has long denounced the allies' military drills as rehearsals for an invasion against it and has a track record of conducting missile launches in protest.

Shortly after this year's Freedom Shield began, the North warned the allies would pay a "dear price" over the exercise, with its leader Kim Jong-un guiding a series of military field training over the exercise period, including one involving a newly unveiled tank Wednesday.

The South's military said it also detected attempts believed to be made by the North to jam Global Position System signals around the northwestern border islands in the Yellow Sea from March 5-7. (Yonhap)




The View's Alyssa Farah Griffin has suggested that Hollywood actress Sharon Stone 'needlessly shamed' her former co-star Billy Baldwin when she claimed she was pressured to have sex with him to improve his performance while they were filming the 1993 movie Sliver.

Alyssa, 34, and the rest of the panel were discussing Billy's furious response, in which he alleged that Sharon was 'hurt he shunned her advances' over 30 years ago, and moderator Whoopi Goldberg was quick to jump to his defense.

Whoopi, 68, suggested that maybe 'he's tired of people taking pot shots at him', which her co-host Sunny Hostin agreed with and even questioned why Sharon, 66, was dragging something up that happened 'a long time ago'.

Sara Haines also claimed that the Basic Instinct actress had gone 'out of her way' to stress 'how bad [Billy] was as an actor' during her appearance on Louis Theroux's podcast, but also described 61-year-old Billy's response on X on March 12 as 'snarky and reactive'.

Alyssa Farah Griffin has suggested that Sharon Stone 'needlessly shamed' Billy Baldwin with her recent comments about his acting

Sharon Stone claimed that she was pressured to have sex with her Sliver co-star Billy Baldwin because then his 'performance would get better'

Billy responded to Sharon's comments via X and alleged that he has 'so much dirt on her'

Whoopi Goldberg appeared to defend Billy's response and said 'maybe he's just tired of people taking pot shots at him'

After a snippet from Sharon's podcast chat played out, where she divulged it was producer Robert Evans who urged her to have sex with Billy to improve their on-screen chemistry, Whoopi remarked: 'I don't know why this is happening now,' as Alyssa chimed in: 'Shade!' and Joy Behar added: 'Major!'

'They worked together 30 years ago,' Whoopi then said, as Joy, 81, responded: 'And they're still at it! The whole thing doesn't make sense. So, the guy says if you sleep with Billy Baldwin, it'll make him a better actor.

'By that logic, if you're in The Godfather, you have to behead a horse in order to play a mobster. It doesn't make sense, it's called acting,' the comedian joked.

Alyssa then said: 'Listen, Sharon Stone definitely probably needlessly shamed Billy Baldwin there but for him to react with all the benefit of what we know from Me Too and dynamics with power, like having a boss who is encouraging you to sleep with your co-star when you don't want to...

'If I were his PR team I would have said, "Either don't say a word or [say] I'm sorry Sharon went through that,"' the former White House aide added.

Sara, 46, was keen to share her thoughts and said: 'So at first I was like, "what kind of response is that?" because it's very snarky and reactive, but she literally goes out of her way in the interview, there are like six references to say how bad he was as an actor and I was like you could have made your point with maybe just like one!'

Appearing to defend Billy as well, Whoopi announced: 'Why bring it up anyway? And the other thing is, maybe he's... he's getting hit from women left and right. Remember he talked about his wife, so maybe he's just tired of people taking pot shots at him.'

Sunny, 55, agreed and said: 'I think so because he really lashed out, and I do understand, and this movie, by the way, was in 1993, that's like a long time ago...' as Joy informed her: 'Sunny, people crave relevancy and that threat that he made, "I'm gonna bring out all this dirt about you"... because I haven't been in the public eye for a while.'

Sara Haines (left) branded Billy's response as 'snarky and reactive' while Sunny Hostin questioned why Sharon was making the comments 30 years later

Joy Behar (left) joined in the discussion and accused Billy of 'craving relevancy'

Billy, 61, unleashed a furious tirade against Sharon over her Sliver movie producer sex claims

Sara chimed in again: 'She already made that point. She said, "although it bombed in the theaters, it made this much money", so it feels like she still needs to let the project go,' as Alyssa joked: 'They're scarred by it!'

Joy then made a comical dig toward Oscar winner Whoopi and said: 'Ego problems with actors, what a concept!' as Whoopi replied sarcastically: 'I don't know what you mean!'

Fans were shocked when Billy responded to Sharon's comments and tweeted: 'Not sure why Sharon Stone keep talking about me all these years later? Does she still have a crush on me or is she still hurt after all these years because I shunned her advances?

'Did she say to her gal pal Janice Dickinson the day after I screen tested and ran into them on our MGM Grand flight back to New York "I'm gonna make him fall so hard for me, it's gonna make his head spin." ???

'I have so much dirt on her it would make her head spin but I've kept quiet.'

Father-of-three Billy continued: 'The story of the meeting I had with Bob Evans imploring him allow me to choreograph the final sex scene in the photo below so I wouldn't have to kiss Sharon is absolute legend.

'Wonder if I should write a book and tell the many, many disturbing, kinky and unprofessional tales about Sharon? That might be fun.'
Armed forces veterans will be encouraged to make their GP aware of their military service so they can access care better suited to their needs.

The Office for Veterans' Affairs and NHS England has today launched a campaign to boost the wellbeing of former servicemen and women.

They want more to come forward for support with their mental and physical health, stressing the slogan: 'There is strength in asking for help.'

The Royal College of GPs will also ask family doctors to become 'veteran friendly accredited', indicating they are aware of the specialist services available locally.

Johnny Mercer, minister for veterans' affairs, told the Mail: 'This Government is doing more than ever before to support our veterans but it is crucial that veterans know they will be heard if they speak up.

The Office for Veterans' Affairs and NHS England has today launched a campaign to boost the wellbeing of former servicemen and women. They want more to come forward for support with their mental and physical health, stressing the slogan: 'There is strength in asking for help'

Johnny Mercer, minister for veterans' affairs, told the Mail: 'This Government is doing more than ever before to support our veterans but it is crucial that veterans know they will be heard if they speak up.' Pictured, Mr Mercer arriving in Downing Street on March 12

'We want to give them the confidence to tell their story and access bespoke services which can help them transition comfortably into civilian life.'

GPs typically see one veteran a day but many are unaware who they are and therefore fail to refer them to specialist services.

The initiatives, which are named Op Courage and Op Restore, are designed with veterans in mind and are run by a mix of armed forces charities and NHS teams who understand military life and the care demands that stem from it.

Op Courage helps people who have served in the UK Armed Forces and are experiencing mental ill health, are abusing substances or suffering from addictions.

The scheme is backed by over 17 million a year, and has already received 30,000 referrals in its first five years

Meanwhile, Op Restore helps those who have served in, or are leaving, the UK Armed Forces and have continuing physical health injuries attributed to their time in service.

It can refer veterans to the Veterans Mobility Fund, which gives veterans with physical disabilities grants for mobility equipment that is not usually available on the NHS, such as specialist wheelchairs, to improve their quality of life.

Mr Mercer said he believes some veterans feel 'side-lined' like their experiences and feeling do not matter but he stressed 'nothing could be further from the truth'.

He said he is going to be 'flying their flag' and showing what veterans can achieve through the UK's bid for the Invictus Games.

He added: 'Being a part of our Armed Forces is unlike anything else - the skills you learn, the friends you make, the challenges you experience are wholly unique.

'In fact, my time in the commandos  and my three tours in Afghanistan  helped make me the man I am today.

'Heading home from Afghanistan, I felt that tokenism dominated almost every approach to veterans' care and mental health.

'When it came to post-combat care specifically, I strongly believed that the government had singularly failed our service men and women.

'I came into politics to make life better for our veterans.

'It's this simple truth that is at the heart of a new campaign the Office for Veterans' Affairs are launching today with NHS England.'
The Flint water crisis has resulted in all-time high numbers of children with special needs and poor performance in school.

More than 12,000 children to were exposed to toxic levels of lead in 2014 when the city switched its public water source to the Flint River, where the water is considerably more acidic.

This led to corrosion in lead pipes, which imbued the citys tap water with lead, and then introduced it into the drinking supply. Lead exposure has been linked to behavioral and cognitive problems, mental illness, and an underdeveloped brain.

Now, researchers from Michigan and New Jersey experts have reported the rate of young children diagnosed with special needs increased by eight percent after 2014 while performance in math class dropped.

The rates at which children were classified as having special needs shot up eight percent from 2014

Flint children with elevated blood lead levels doubled, from roughly 2.5 to 5 percent

The latest study used student educational records from the State of Michigan, obtained from the Michigan Education Data Center covering students from kindergarten to high school, looking at student outcomes from 2007 through 2019.

They compared Flint's schools to similar ones in other parts of Michigan using something called synthetic control methods, allowing them to create a 'synthetic' or control version of Flint that wasn't experiencing this water crisis.

Then analyzed data on metrics like math and reading test scores, special needs status, and attendance to see how they changed after the crisis in Flint compared to our synthetic Flint.

From 2015, math achievement declined significantly for children in grades three through eight, which are roughly ages nine to 13.

They found a 'medium' effect size according to educational intervention standards, losing the equivalent of five months of learning progress that hadnt recovered by 2019.

Kids from poorer families and those in grades 3 to 5 were hit the hardest in math

In that time there has also been a 1.2 percentage point, or eight percent increase in the proportion of students with documented special educational needs.

Boys experienced a 10.9 percent increase in special needs, whereas girls experienced a four percent increase.

The research was conducted by sociologists at the University of Michigan and Princeton University

They wrote in the paper: Social and psychological processes also have an important role to play in shaping the outcomes of individuals living in crisis-affected communities.

For example, in assessing the long-term effects of the Chernobyl nuclear accident in Ukraine, a United Nations report concluded that the mental health impacts resulting from increased fear, anxiety, and trauma actually surpassed the physical health effects of exposure to radiation.

Their findings were published in the journal Science Advances.

Math achievement declined significantly. Statistical estimates suggest a significant 0.14 standard deviation (SD) decrease in math performance, which falls within the range of a 'medium' effect size

Flints water had been supplied by Lake Huron from the 1960s. In 2011, with Flints government bankrupt, then-governor Rick Snyder appointed the first in a long string of government emergency managers tasked with balancing the citys budget.

To save moneyabout $7 millionofficials transitioned to water from the Flint River in 2014. Meanwhile, lead-laden pipes hadnt been changed, causing the metal to leech into tap water. Soon after the transition, residents began noticing a new color and smell in their tap water.

It wasnt until early 2015 that the EPA learned of the concerns about lead levels. Even after switching to Detroits water supply that year, the water in Flint remained unsafe, and residents are still drinking contaminated water.

Reading performance stayed about the same, possibly because past studies have indicated that a students math performance is more likely to improve or worsen over a short period of time, while reading is a lifelong learning process.

A research team led by pediatrician Dr Mona Hanna-Attisha found that the percentage of Flint children with elevated blood lead levels had doubled between 2014 and 2016, from roughly 2.5 to five percent.

Despite the higher lead exposure experienced by children living in homes with lead pipes during the Flint Water Crisis (FWC), there was little difference in their academic performance compared to those living in homes with safer copper pipes.

It suggests that the broader effects of the crisis, such as the major social upheaval and overall sense of crisis, beyond direct lead poisoning, had a larger impact on educational outcomes.

Last year, an EPA report found there are more than 9 million lead service lines in the US known to be a 'significant source' of lead contamination  used to carry drinking water to homes throughout the nation.

In 2021, a US federal judge has approved a $626 million payout to Flint residents whose water supply was poisoned by lead.

Most of the money - $600 million - is coming from the state of Michigan, which was accused of repeatedly overlooking the risks of using the Flint River without properly treating the water.

Lead is toxic to the brain, and even a small amount of exposure can cause cognitive impairments. It is distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream and accumulates in various tissues.

Children are at especially high risk of negative health effects because when lead is ingested, a larger portion is absorbed into the bloodstream from the gastrointestinal tract in children than in adults.

Even if children and adults are exposed to the same amount of lead, children are more likely to absorb a higher quantity into their bodies.

Lead exposure has also contributed to higher rates of anxiety and depression, lower test scores, impulsivity and ADHD diagnoses, and violence or aggression.
A Missouri pediatrician has been accused of pressuring women into having sex in exchange for prescription pills.

Dr Craig Spiegel, 67, is alleged to have illegally written 1,200 fake prescriptions for at least 25 patients from 2014 through 2022, many of whom he knew were drug addicts or had treated when they were minors.

In return, Spiegel, a husband and father, demanded cash or sexual favors, according to a Missouri lawsuit filed in federal court.

The complaint includes details of manipulating women to perform oral sex and other favors in exchange for Xanax, Oxycodone, and other drugs, to send explicit photos, and was 'inappropriate' with at least one of his child patients during an exam.

Dr Spiegel is alleged to have pressured women he had treated as children into sex in exchange for prescription drugs including Xanax and opioids

If convicted of illegal distribution of a controlled substance, Dr Spiegel could face up to 20 years in prison.

Prosecutors wrote in a complaint in a federal court that Dr Speigel distributed over 73,000 controlled substance pills to at least 25 individuals, though the complaint also said the number of people he's illicitly provided pills to is probably higher.

Adderall, oxycodone and Xanax were among the drugs prescribed by Spiegel in exchange for sexual acts.

Women reported that he often guilted them into sex, saying things like you owe me big time for handing out the scripts.

He instructed a woman to [w]ear fewer layers at an upcoming meeting. In another instance, he texted that he would send her prescriptions assuming [she] would hold up [her] end.

He is listed online as practicing medicine at SSM Health DePaul Hospital-St. Louis

Another woman alleged that the doctor became violent with her while forcing her to perform oral sex on him in a public bathroom, though further details laid out in court documents are not publicly available.

Another woman identified only as C.S. in the complaint was introduced to the doctor through a friend who promised he would fill any prescription in exchange for a 'hand job' while topless.

C.S. subsequently received prescriptions for painkillers and stimulants from Dr Spiegel on multiple occasions through this arrangement.

And a child said he was inappropriate with her during an exam, according to the charges, though additional details were not made available.

According to court documents, he had a track record of doling out the pills to patients he knew had addiction issues, including one called N.L. in the affidavit. She died of an overdose in 2022.

Later, prosecutors say, evidence showed that he had manipulated her for years, texting her one day: Surprise surprise. No pictures!!

He later added: I guess there is no point in getting upset. Our interaction is usually a one-way street. I do the things that I promised. You promise much, but seldom follow through. I am not sure why you waste your breath promising anything.

Spiegel has been a physician in the area for more than thirty years and holds an honorary position on the faculty of Washington University School of Medicine.

He is listed online as practicing medicine at SSM Health DePaul Hospital-St. Louis.

Even after N.L. died, he continued his illegal scheme. According to prosecutors, Spiegel is undeterred by any consequence to his actions.

The charges, they say, are extraordinarily serious.

A federal judge will determine whether Spiegel can be allowed to remain free on bond while his case progresses through the court, or if he should be incarcerated immediately.

Prosecutors argue that allowing him to go free would present the risk of him fleeing the state and said there are no conditions on which he should be allowed to be released on bond.
Aspiring novelists are usually advised to write about what you know. When Lesley Pearse sat down to write her first novel, her problem wasnt what to put in but how much of her turbulent life story to leave out.

By the time she was in her early 20s, she had already experienced the death of her mother, life in an orphanage, a cruel stepmother, an unplanned teenage pregnancy, a failed marriage and a hoodlum boyfriend.

Two more marriages and bankruptcy were to follow before her triumphant reinvention as a bestselling writer  amazingly, a Lesley Pearse book is now sold every four minutes in the UK.

Even Catherine Cookson or Barbara Taylor Bradford would have hesitated to give one of their heroines such an action-packed life. In 1948, just before her third birthday, Pearse and her five-year-old brother were found shivering in the snow by their neighbours.

Their mother had died of septicaemia several days earlier and the children had been trying to fend for themselves. Their father, a Royal Marine, was unable to take care of them, so he reluctantly placed the children in a Catholic-run orphanage.

A Lesley Pearse book is now sold every four minutes in the UK

It was a bleak place with no toys, awful food and sadistic nuns. A favourite punishment was to make the children kneel on gravel to recite the rosary. After three years in the orphanage, her father remarried and Pearse finally had a home of her own again.

Her stepmother, Hilda, looked after her efficiently but made a point of never showing her any affection. It was only later that Pearse realised that, like all children, she needed more than food, sleep and play to thrive. Not surprisingly, she became something of a handful.

At 18 she left home and moved to London. She met a man at a party and naively allowed herself to be coerced into sleeping with him. Two weeks later, she discovered she was pregnant. When she gave birth to her son, Warren, she was determined not to give him up for adoption, as everyone had advised her to do.

In the afterglow of birth, I believed anything was possible, she writes.

After four months, though, she had to concede defeat. As a single mother in the 1960s, everything was stacked against her.

Giving up her baby was agony. I can feel his small body in my arms, recall the smell of him and see his wide smile, she says. Later on, despite all her efforts, she wasnt able to trace him.

After a brief marriage to a nice man whom she treated badly the only man in her life she wishes she could apologise to, she says  she flung herself head first into life in London.

Pearse (middle) with her father, stepmother, brother Michael and stepsister Selina in 1951

Pearse was sent to a bleak Catholic-run orphanage as a young girl. Here she is aged seven

With brother Michael on the Dymchurch to Dungeness miniature railway in 1949

This wasnt the glamorous Swinging Sixties of Jean Shrimpton, Twiggy and Carnaby Street but something seedier and grittier, though still full of exciting potential, and Pearse is very good at bringing it all vividly to life.

She exuded confidence and was never out of work: I could chat myself into any job. She tried her hand at everything from dressmaking to working for the Egg Marketing Board.

Being a Bunny Girl in the Playboy Club was well paid but unpleasant: the club was horribly smoky, the high heels painful, and the clients, instead of being rich and glamorous, were stodgy, middle-aged businessmen. Ive had more fun at a bus stop, she says.

Her wild life came to a halt when she fell for John Pritchard, a trumpeter whod played with Lulu and Dusty Springfield.

Pearse was completely smitten: she thought he looked like Omar Sharif, and his band seemed destined for big things.

When they went on tour, an unknown called David Bowie was at the bottom of the bill. Pearse married John and had a daughter, but his career never took off, his mental health suffered and eventually their marriage collapsed.

Pearse moved to Bristol and was so hard up that she and her young daughter had to hitchhike there.

The handsome lorry driver who gave her a lift became her third husband, and they had two more daughters, but life was still tough.

The gift shop she was running collapsed and she was made bankrupt.

She was so ashamed that her marriage suffered as a result. I couldnt see I was suffering from depression, she says now.

Pearse with her son Warren in 1964. He was adopted aged five months

What saved her was writing. The idea of becoming a writer had first come to her when she was feeding her youngest child one night, and got so engrossed in The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough that she forgot to go to sleep. Her early attempts at a novel were terrible, she admits, and her first rejection letter said: You have enough material here for three books.

It was only when she started writing a novel set in the music world of the 1960s that she found her voice.

Even so, it took six years before a publisher would take her on; she was 48 when her first book, Georgia, was published. Since then, Pearse has written more than 30 novels and sold around ten million copies.

READ MORE: The best new books to read this weekend: Our critics give their verdict on everything from a deadly stalking nightmare to a screwball black comedy Advertisement

She is not the most stylish of writers but she is a great storyteller and, like all good stories, The Long And Winding Road concludes with one terrific final twist.

Warren, the baby she had given up for adoption, had been searching for her for years, but her surname had changed so often that he had never been able to find her. Through DNA testing, he had traced a distant American cousin, whom Pearse had met in 2022 at a family reunion in Ireland.

The cousin realised Pearse was the woman Warren was looking for.

Warren, who is now called Martin, is a marine engineer living in Texas. When Pearse heard the news that he was looking for her, I could feel that scar inside me peeling away. This was my reward for being brave enough to pass him to people who could give him everything I couldnt.

When mother and son eventually met, I could still see the baby face I had engraved on my memory in the grown man.

Early on in this book, Pearse says she doesnt want it to be a misery memoir, and it isnt. This remarkable woman has somehow succeeded in bouncing back from everything that life has thrown at her, and you can only salute her resilience and cheer at the contentment she has finally found.
Homes across the UK are being left unable to track their energy use, as their suppliers refuse to issue them with replacement in-home displays for their smart meters.

Readers have told This is Money that utility firms have turned down their request for a new display unit, meaning that while their meter is still sending readings, they are unable to see how much power they are using in real-time and how much they are being charged.

This includes disabled and vulnerable customers who are physically unable to read their main meter, and one customer who saw her display unit ruined in a flood.

Many firms refuse to send a replacement display if one has already been fitted at the property more than 12 months previously, even if the current customer was not living there at the time.

Useless: Readers struggle to see the point of having a smart meter fitted in their home if they don't have access to an in-home display

This creates problems when people move home and take their unit with them, not realising that they are supposed to remain in the property.

Reader L.S told us that she and her sister, who are pensioners, moved in to a new rented home in 2022 and have repeatedly been refused an in-home display by their supplier, British Gas.

She said: 'We moved in to this property two years ago, and there was not a display left by the previous tenant. We are really frustrated that we can't track our usage.

'I have phoned British Gas on about four occasions, but it refuses to give me a new one. It said we could either go outside and read the meter ourselves, or go online - but the online reading is two or three days behind.'

This is Money received this email after revealing that British Gas had refused to offer a smart meter in-home display to another reader who found that they did not have one when moving into a new home.

People could be forgiven for thinking that it will be easy enough to have a new display fitted by their provider, if they find that there is not one at the property when they move in.

But unfortunately, this is often not the case. The above email is just one of a huge number of complaints This is Money has received from readers.

In line with Government guidelines, British Gas' policy is that it will not supply a new in-home display if it has already fitted one at the same property more than 12 months ago.

Cost of living: Smart meter displays allow users to track their energy usage

While the smart meter will still be providing readings to the supplier, it means customers without an in-home display are not able to track their energy use in real time.

The rule has left customers across the country struggling to adequately track their energy usage, at a time when high energy costs continue to force people to tighten their purse strings.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero states that providers are only required to provide in-home displays until this one-year cut-off, but it does suggest that energy firms should still try and help customers after that - especially if they are vulnerable.

Its guideline policy reads: 'Government considers that suppliers should have processes in place to support consumers who want or will benefit from a replacement in-home display beyond this 12-month period, especially for vulnerable consumers who rely on their in-home display to track spending, or those who use their display to top up a smart meter in pre-payment mode.'

Based on the Government's voluntary principles for energy providers, they should offer a range of services to smart meter customers such as troubleshooting, promoting Citizens Advice help pages and offering a clear path to resolution.

The keyword here is 'voluntary'. The obligation for providers only goes up to the 12-month replacement window unless they sign up to the voluntary guidelines, and not all do.

This is Money readers have told us that requests for a new display have been met with waiting lists, delays and empty promises.

While British Gas does offer an app through which customers can track their usage, this is not in real time, instead only providing figures delayed by several days.

In addition, not everyone has the ability to, or wants to, download an app to a mobile phone.

Government guidelines: Energy providers are not required to provide smart meter displays after they are more than a year old

D.L, another reader that moved to a new house only to find that no monitor had been left, told This is Money: 'They told me that since one had been issued to the property they can't issue another.

'My argument is that I'm a new customer and should have all the benefits of every other customer - but this falls on deaf ears.'

This is Money was also contacted by readers who are disabled or affected by illness, but were still refused an in-home display, despite the fact that they are physically unable to check their meter.

One of these, E.H, said: 'I have been with British Gas for over five years and I am disabled. I cannot read my meters and have asked every year for a display, but sadly refused one.

'I have been put on a priority list - but that was over three years ago.'

I am having to ask my eight-year-old to check what's on both my meters, which is so wrong

Another, S.B, told This is Money: 'I find it rather difficult to get into a very small cupboard in an awkward place in my kitchen to access my gas and electric pre-payment meters.

'I am having to ask my eight-year-old to check what's on both my meters, which is so wrong.

'I have asked if the meters can be moved into another place but was told it cannot be done - even more reason to give me an in-home display monitor.

'This is very upsetting coming from a big company, and at times when my condition is worse it is a real struggle. The app also has outdated information, telling me I need to top up even when sufficient money is on the meter.'

'British Gas wouldn't replace my display after a flood'

J.L's West London home was flooded in 2021, destroying everything in the ground floor of her house, including her in-home smart meter display.

'Once back in my property in August 2022, I contacted British Gas and asked if they could provide me with a new smart meter display, explaining that it had been damaged in the flood.

'It point blank refused and was actually quite rude about it. They said that it is my responsibility as I had it for more than 12 months.

'There was no compassion from British Gas whatsoever.'

This is Money decided to contact British Gas and ask why these readers had been refused in-home displays for their smart meters.

A British Gas spokesperson said: 'We know that smart energy monitors provide a valuable service. While all of our smart meter customers can monitor their energy usage online or via our app, we're listening to our customers and actively updating our policy with a view to extending the availability of replacement monitors to more customers in the coming months.'

Since we got in touch, British Gas has spoken to the readers and organised appointments for in-home displays to be fitted.

Not just British Gas

Readers also got in touch with similar issues from different providers, and we contacted Eon, Ovo and Octopus Energy to ask about their policies on providing in-home displays where one had previously been fitted.

Ovo agreed to fit an in-home display for one reader, but declined to comment.

Two Eon customers contacted us as they were in properties that had had smart meters fitted in 2017 and 2019, and had been refused replacement.

In these cases the firm stuck to its guns, in line with the Government's voluntary replacement principles.

Eon said that their in-home displays were 'outside of the 12-month warranty period for replacements'.

However, it added: 'We have given them information on ways they can source their own monitor, in line with the Government's new measures which have been adopted by Eon and a number of other suppliers.'

Another reader supplied by Octopus Energy got in touch to say his smart meter display was not working.

The firm said that, to get an in-home display that worked, his first-generation smart meter would need to be replaced with a second-generation one due to a shortage of supply of devices that worked with first-generation meters.

As his first-generation meter is still working correctly, it said this would not be prioritised.

However, it agreed to supply him with an Octopus Home Mini  a device which enables up-to-the-minute energy use data to be reflected in the Octopus app.
Broadcaster and TV game show presenter Victoria Coren Mitchell has taken to X (formerly Twitter) to threaten legal action against Ovo Energy, accusing the firm of wrongly taking thousands of pounds from her bank account.

If only I could say this was an unusual or isolated story. Unfortunately its a complaint I hear almost every week as consumers reach out to me in despair, desperately trying to claw back their cash.

It is unclear as to whether Ovo has wrongly taken a one-off lump sum payment via direct debit from Victorias account, or if the direct-debit payments have been greater than her energy consumption over a period of time, leaving her with a large credit on her energy account.

It is clear from Victorias posts on social media that, at the very least, she has suffered distress and inconvenience

Either way, Victoria is entitled to her money back and, potentially, compensation.

Heres why:

Payment taken in error

When you set up and agree to pay a supplier via direct debit, you are protected by what is known as the Direct Debit Guarantee.

This provides consumers with various protections, including the right to an immediate refund when a payment is taken in error, or fraudulently.

The guarantee also provides that where the billing company (here Ovo) fails to provide an immediate refund, the bank that set up the direct debit (here Victorias bank) must step in and provide a refund and, of course, then seek reimbursement from the company, as is the case with a Section 75 claim.

Credits

Many consumers now pay their bills via direct debit for convenience and also because most firms offer discounts for this method of payment.

The amount you pay for energy via direct debit is smoothed out over a year, which means you typically pay the same amount each month, even though your energy usage will fluctuate throughout due to seasonality.

When an energy provider sets the direct debit amount they must take all reasonable steps to base the amount on current and accurate information about a customers consumption and current tariff, as well as other factors including credit balances.

In this respect, the regulator (Ofgem) says it expects suppliers to regularly evaluate their customers direct debit amounts to ensure they are accurate and appropriate. Direct debits can also be increased by suppliers to take account of forthcoming increases in the price cap.

It is not uncommon for consumers to build up a credit on their energy account, as you can find that your usage never reaches the amount actually taken via direct debit and sometimes the difference  the credit  can be significant.

If this is what has happened to Victoria, she is entitled to demand a refund of the credit and Ovo will have to honour this request, unless it has good reason not to do so.

Unlike with the payment taken in error scenario, you normally will not be able to make a claim with your bank under the Direct Debit Guarantee here.

The reason for this is that your energy provider is entitled to increase your direct debit, so long as it gives you at least three days notice.

Back-billing Principle

Whilst it is not so common now, I do still hear from consumers whose energy provider has taken a lump sum from their account for a past period that was not previously billed.

Under Ofgem rules, energy suppliers cannot charge you for energy usage from more than 12 months ago, if the supplier itself is at fault for not billing the household correctly. This is known as the Back-billing Principle.

Compensation

When you suffer distress, inconvenience and/or financial losses as a result of wrongdoing or a breach of contract, you will often have a potential claim for compensation.

It is clear from Victorias posts on social media that, at the very least, she has suffered distress and inconvenience, and it may well be she has incurred banking costs in addition, so has also had financial loss.

In my view Victoria should be asking for a compensation payment, in addition to the full refund of the amount taken in error, or credit, as the case may be.

Complaining further

If Victoria has a claim against her bank under the Direct Debit Guarantee, and it refuses to honour such a claim, she can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

In all other scenarios, her next step if Ovo fails to reimburse her and pay compensation is to lodge a claim with the Energy Ombudsman.

This is as long as at least eight weeks has passed since she first raised the complaint with Ovo. The Ombudsman will have the power to direct Ovo to reimburse the money in question, issue an apology to Victoria, and pay her compensation.
John Lewis reported a surprise return to profit after a challenging year on Thursday, but the retail giant will not pay its staff a bonus for the second year in a row.

The partnership reported a pre-tax profit of 56 million, compared with a 234million loss last year, thanks to an aggressive 900million cost-cutting programme in the wake of three consecutive years of losses.

Chair Sharon White said John Lewis had made 'significant progress', giving the group the financial headroom to invest, and she expects 'profits to grow further' in 2024.

John Lewis reported a surprise return to profit after years of underperformance

Despite a challenging year for the sector John Lewis said that a million more customers shopped in its stores last year, spending 12.4billion, up 1 per cent on 2023.

White added: This shows our plan is working, while we know there's much more to do. Our improved performance has been supported by our customers' love for both brands, with more people choosing to shop with us than ever before, and our Partners' commitment to delivering excellent customer service.

Sales at Waitrose were up 5 per cent to 7.7billion but market share has continued to decline due to the cost of living crisis.

John Lewis stores have also struggled and while sales in fashion were up, overall revenue was dragged lower by home and technology. It reported revenue of 4.8billion, down 4 per cent on the previous year.

The retail partnership announced it would not be paying its staff a bonus for the second year in a row.

The partnership said: As employee-owners, we have a shared responsibility to ensure the Partnership is sustainable into the long-term. We've consistently said that at this point in our transformation, this is best served by investing in our retail businesses and in Partners' base pay.

'So after careful consideration we do not believe it would be right to award a Partnership Bonus this year. We are increasing overall pay by 116m in 2024 - a record investment.

In a video message earlier this year, White told staff to prepare for quite big changes and quite bold changes.

It is considering cutting its workforce by a tenth over the next five years and reducing redundancy pay-offs. But it is also raising the pay of shop floor workers by 10 per cent to a minimum of 11.65 an hour across the UK and 12.89 in London.
Shell yesterday watered down its green targets and said the world will have to keep investing in oil and gas for decades to come.

The FTSE 100 energy giant scaled back its carbon reduction goal for 2030 and has ditched a further target for 2035.

It is the latest evidence that Shell, whose boss Wael Sawan took over last year, is rethinking how the company can achieve its net zero ambitions amid uncertainty about the transition to green energy.

But it was criticised by environmental campaigners amid complaints that the 163billion company was already not doing enough in the battle against climate change.

Shells argument is that investment in green energy such as wind farms is not happening quickly enough to meet growing global demand while fossil fuel energy sources are being lost.

Crude move: Shell scaled back its carbon reduction goal for 2030 and has ditched a further target for 2035 as it rethinks how it can achieve its net zero ambitions

It said it continues to target net zero emissions, supporting a balanced and orderly transition... to low-carbon energy solutions.

Sawan said that its strategy makes it more, not less, likely that we will achieve our climate targets.

It comes after the chief executive announced last year that Shell would stop shrinking its oil production and would be ramping up its natural gas manufacturing.

Rival BP is moving in a similar direction, and has decided to row back on its own emission reduction targets.

The moves come amid investor pressure on the two companies to boost returns.

Shells position was announced as part of an annual update on its energy transition strategy, focused on a measure of carbon intensity.

That measures carbon emissions as a proportion of all the energy that the company sells, allowing the impact of fossil fuel output to be offset by other parts of the business  such as renewable energy.

Shell will aim to cut its carbon intensity by 15 per cent to 20 per cent by 2030 compared with 2016 levels, having previously aimed for 20 per cent. A target to reduce it by 45 per cent by 2035 was scrapped.

Sawan said the 2035 goal was perilous because there is too much uncertainty at the moment in the energy transition.

Shell plans to ramp up gas production in the belief that it will play a critical role in the energy transition, being preferable to coal for use in heavy industry and power generation

Another key factor in the target being watered down is that Shell expects growth in its sales of power, including from renewable sources, to slow.

Its broader analysis has concluded that not enough money is being invested in renewable energy.

At around 1.3trillion a year, it falls short of the 2.3trillion to 3.1trillion needed to reach net zero by 2050, it said, adding: Significant investment will be required to keep supplying oil and gas while low-carbon alternatives are developed and made commercially available.

This continued investment is needed because demand for oil and gas is expected to drop at a slower rate than the natural decline of the worlds oil and gas fields, which is at 4 per cent to 5 per cent a year.

The plans come as Shell is facing legal challenges over its climate strategy.

It is appealing against a Dutch court ruling that ordered it to cut its emissions faster.

Mark van Baal, founder of the activist shareholder group Follow This, said that with this backtrack, Shell bets on the failure of the Paris climate agreement which requires almost halving emissions this decade.

But Neil Wilson, the chief market analyst at Markets, said that Shells move seems sensible and that it was emissions from China and India that were the main problem.

Time to ditch all of this net zero crap, said Wilson.
Review: Tom Hayes was convicted in 2015 for rigging the London Interbank Offered Rate

The conviction of Tom Hayes, the first trader jailed for fixing the Libor rate, was extraordinarily unfair and should be overturned, the Court of Appeal has heard.

Hayes, a former Citigroup and UBS trader, was convicted in 2015 for rigging the London Interbank Offered Rate (Libor) that tracks what banks pay to borrow cash from each other.

He was among 38 traders prosecuted for manipulating the Libor and Euribor benchmarks.

His appeal is being heard alongside ex-Barclays trader Carlo Palombo, who was sentenced to four years for manipulating Euribor.

Hayes served half his 11-year sentence and last year won a review.

His lawyer Adrian Darbishire KC argued the conviction was unsafe, and directions to the jury about Libor were not only wrong in law but extraordinarily unfair.

The Libor scandal led to banks paying big fines. Traders like Hayes argue they were scapegoated.
The government passed a series of anti-terrorism plans for this year Thursday, with a primary focus on establishing a system to prepare for drone terrorism targeting major state facilities.

"Let us bear in mind that the foremost duty of the nation lies in protecting the people and ensuring public safety, and strengthen our capabilities to respond swiftly in any situation and maintain preparedness," Prime Minister Han Duck-soo during a meeting with relevant officials.

The plans included preparing for new kinds of terrorism by enhancing the safety management of prevention centers, establishing an information-sharing system and expanding infrastructure.

Citing upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections worldwide scheduled for this year, Han highlighted the instability of political situations in regions like the Middle East.

"We also have detected terror threat cases domestically, such as sending funds to major terrorist groups and threatening major figures," Han said.

Han said the government has been analyzing potential terrorism patterns domestically and conducting joint training exercises with relevant agencies. (Yonhap)
The party's surge in the polls has led to panic in Downing Street , and talk about a return to frontline politics for Nigel Farage. But a Mail on Sunday investigation into the candidates selected to stand at the next election for Reform UK - the successor to Mr Farage's Brexit Party - has revealed that the potential MPs include a convicted animal abuser and a fortune-teller who sold spells for 200 on the pornography-dominated site OnlyFans . Other candidates have also shared anti-Semitic, far-Right, racist and sexist material and spread Covid misinformation. Some polls have put Reform UK, which is led by Richard Tice, just four per cent behind the Conservatives, which if replicated in a general election would split the Tory vote and contribute to a landslide for Sir Keir Starmer 's Labour . Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said that 'a vote for Reform is a vote for Labour', but the warning has not dented the party's polling rise.
Allegedly forced her to drive with him to work, locked her in car but she escaped

He allegedly locked her inside when she refused sex, with no food or water

Zackary Dourousseau, 25, picked up teen girl, drove her to his house, police said

A young man kept a teenage girl prisoner for six days and forced her to have sex with him in exchange for her freedom, police said.

Zackary Dourousseau, 25, was arrested after the 17-year-old girl escaped and raised the alarm last Thursday in Big Bear Lake, California.

Police alleged Dourousseau picked up the girl around 8pm March 1 and drove her to his home on Los Angeles Avenue in Sugarloaf.

There, he asked her to have sex with him, and when she refused he allegedly locked her inside the house and wouldn't let her leave.

'During the six days, the victim was provided with little food and water. Dourousseau would not let the victim leave and made her consume large amounts of alcohol,' police said.

'Dourousseau forced the victim to have sex with him in exchange for her freedom.'

Zackary Dourousseau, 25, kept a teenage girl prisoner for six days and forced her to have sex with him in exchange for her freedom, police said

Dourousseau's neighbor Mike Stilkey (pictured) said he saw the girl enter the house looking worse for wear

But she was not released and instead forced to drive with him to work at Jack in the Box on Village Road in Big Bear, and locked in the car during his shifts.

On March 7, she escaped from the car and ran to another business, The Nut House, and staff called deputies at the Big Bear Lake Sheriff's Station.

It's unclear how the victim escaped from the vehicle.

Dourousseau's neighbor Mike Stilkey said he saw the girl enter the house looking worse for wear.

'She looked worn out. She was walking with her head down, her hair was a mess, dirty, her clothes were hanging on her,' he told ABC.

She was forced to drive with him to work at a business on Village Road in Big Bear, and locked in the car during his shifts. On March 7, she escaped form the car and ran to another business who called police at the Big Bear Lake Sheriff's Station

Police arrested Dourousseau that day and he was charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment, and statutory rape at West Valley Detention Center.

Prison records show he was released on $30,000 bail on Wednesday and will face San Bernardino Superior Court again next Monday.

He faces up to 15 years in jail if convicted.

Authorities have not said if Dourousseau knew the victim before the alleged incident.
Pet owners have told of being 'exploited' by 'eyewatering' bills - including 22,000 for a veterinary hospital visit and almost 10,000 for a Shih Tzu's stomach surgery.

Animal lovers told MailOnline they are also being over-charged for medication, with rising costs including more than 100 for eye cream and 400 for flea and worm treatment, while many treatments prove far more costly than insurance covers.

Concerns are mounting as the Competition and Markets Authority warned pet owners may be paying too much at the vet for their animal's medicine, prescriptions and care.

The CMA's review found that consumers may not be given enough information - including price lists - to enable them to choose the best practice and treatment for their pet.

And it has been revealed that many cash-strapped owners are opting to head abroad for cheaper prices.

Julia Howard paid almost 22,000 for her dog Teddy's treatment ahead of his death last year

Sharon Kidd was shocked by a trim for pet cat Portia costing 400

Emma Carter's dog Arthur needed major stomach surgery costing 9,300

Comparisons show animal lovers can find lower fees overseas, with a basic vet appointment for a cat costing about 23 in France and 28 in Germany compared to 54 in the UK.

Emma Carter found herself charged 9,300 when her 12-year-old Shih Tzu, named Arthur, needed major stomach surgery after being referred to a specialist - after an initial local vet bill of 900.

Ms Carter, from Catterall in Lancashire, told MailOnline she received 'excellent care' - but at 'ridiculous prices'.

She said: 'He is insured for 4,000 per condition per year and each new policy year it starts again.

'I love my dogs unconditionally and they are my world, but the costs these days for vets bills, insurance and meds are so wrong - I think something needs doing.

'How on earth can they justify it? The whole system needs sorting out.'

She contrasted how 60 5mg Omeprozel tablets for Arthur, taking one a day, cost 60, while her husband pays 110 a year for his 20mg Omeprozel per day.

Nikki Bentley found herself spending 20,000 for care and treatment of her German Shepherd named Nellie which died just before Christmas after suffering lymphoma as well as haemorrhagic gastroenteritis.

She paid more than 20,000 the previous year on her animals which currently comprise 15 cats, two dogs and a horse at her home in Chelmsford, Essex.

She believes vets are not only charging hefty mark-ups on treatments but also carrying out more unnecessary and expensive tests and checks than in the past.

Ms Bentley, 59, told MailOnline: 'The cost of vet visits, treatment and medication has risen very dramatically over the years and it seems that vets want to do more and more expensive exploratory investigations before making a diagnosis.

'For example, 20 or 30 years ago if your horse went lame, the vet would advise giving it some bute - anti-inflammatory or pain killer - and box resting for six weeks. That would cost maybe a couple of hundred pounds.

Nikki Bentley's German Shepherd named Nellie died just before Christmas

Her owner spent 20,000 last year on treatment for the pet which suffered from lymphoma

Nikki Bentley's 15 cats include Topsy, who has diabetes and needs daily insulin injections

Arthur, whose owner Emma Carter lives in Catterall in Lancashire, also suffers from itchy skin

'Now they want to do scans, X-rays, lameness work-up, gait analysis, nerve blocks etc for a cost of several thousand pounds - the treatment is usually still bute and box rest.'

Her dog who died at the end of last year had to undergo expensive chemotherapy.

She said: 'Costs for hospitalisation for a cat or dog with a scan or X-rays can cost several thousand pounds just for a couple of nights.'

She tries to buy medication online at cheaper prices, accusing vets of charging 'scandalous' mark-ups and dispensing fees when providing in person.

She added: 'Meds online are considerably cheaper but you need a written prescription which now costs more than 21 for one item - these used to be about 10 when I first started buying meds online.

'If your animal is on long-term antibiotics or various other meds, this now requires a vet check every time you need a prescription - consults cost 60 a time - rather than just being able to order a repeat prescription.'

She welcomed the CMA's promise to investigate the industry, saying: 'A review of prices, practices and monopolisation of the market is long overdue.

'Vets are preying on how owners love their animals to bits and will do anything for them whatever it takes but it's becoming untenable and unaffordable.

'Unless something is done, more animals will be put down because people can't afford to have them treated.'

Another owner who recently lost their dog and was left paying a hefty price is Julia Howard, who paid almost 22,000 for Teddy's treatment at a veterinary hospital.

She told how 'only a fraction' of the bill was covered by insurance and spoke of her concerns for other owners facing the 'escalating costs of veterinary services'.

She said: 'The emotional toll of losing a cherished pet is immense and the financial strain that accompanies it only compounds the pain.

Kelly Nascimento feels she is being over-charged for her Shih Tzu Pixie's medication

Pixie needed an appointment for a swollen paw last week, setting her owner back 58

Sharna Liptrot, who owns two dogs, says she feels 'ripped off' each time she visits the vets

'It is disheartening to see pet owners faced with exorbitant bills that can sometimes be financially crippling.'

Kelly Nascimento, from London, has an 11-year-old Shih Tzu named Pixie who is now on four different types of daily medication - with her vet charging 20 for each prescription, without which the owner cannot buy online.

And last week she was charged 58 for an anti-inflammatory and antibiotics after one of Pixie's front paws developed a swelling - only to find online she could have bought seven tablets of Synulox or 5.53 and a 15ml bottle of Rheumocam Oral for 10.99.

She said: 'How can vets justify the costs of their treatments, consultations, medication and surgeries? They are more expensive than a human hospital. It is ludicrous.'

Meanwhile, Sharna Liptrot, who owns two dogs, says she comes away from a trip to the vets feeling 'ripped off' each time as she called for stronger regulation of fees.

She told how a friend was charged 20,000 after their pet cocker spaniel broke a shoulder, with insurance only covering 8,000.

And she queried the prices being charged by vets, including 19 for prescriptions just to be able to buy flea treatment online as well as 109 for a cream to treat one dog's sore eye whereas it was available online for just 13.

She said: 'Something needs to change as every time I go to the vets I just come away feeling I have been ripped off.

'It seems they have you over a barrel as you have nowhere else to go and of course as an owner you will do whatever your pet needs to get them better.

'I have owned animals all my life and the way the veterinary fees have gone up in the last five years is, I feel, not justified.

'This has to be in line with the number of pet owners simply giving up their animals as they can no longer afford the vets bills - not everyone can afford the insurance and even that is normally around 50 a month.

'As a nation of animal lovers we will always do what is best for the animal, but surely this sector has to be investigated as to how they can justify such prices?'

Sharon Kidd, from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, has two pet cats but has begun boycotting vets for prescription medicines such as flea and worm treatments - instead scouring Amazon to buy more cheaply online.

Her last visit to a vet was to have her cat Portia's fur cut because it had got matted.

She said: 'I expected it to be a little expensive but was shocked when her bill came to nearly 400 including flea and worm treatment - this as far above what I had been told to expect.

Shih Tzu owner Sharna Liptrot said price rises over the past five years are 'not justified'

Sharon Kidd, from Newcastle, now takes her cat Portia to a groomer for 40 every eight weeks

'It included fees for a nurse to keep an eye on her following the cut. What? I hardly think that she was in a private room with a personal nurse.

'The haircut itself was over 100, on an unconscious animal done with clippers. Not done to look nice either - shocking.'

She now takes Portia to a groomer charging 40 every eight weeks and added: 'Vets are robbing people because they can get away with it.'

Sam Wood, from Norfolk, has already spent more than 6,000 on vet fees for the family's dog Penny who is just 20 months old - including surgery last year for luxating patella, a displaced kneecap.

He said: 'Insurance has covered most of this but premiums are getting very high as a direct result of ever-increasing vet fees.

'Vets seem to think it's okay to charge what they like as insurance companies are paying, but this starts to put pet ownership out of reach for many people now especially when insurance is not an option.

'Pets are an important part of people's lives and provide essential companionship for the elderly especially if they live on their own - but now they simply can not afford to have a pet.'

He also rushed Penny to an emergency out-of-hours appointment in January after she swallowed a sock - and, after being initially told the fee without treatment would be 322, he was ultimately charged 640 for less than half an hour in the surgery.

Mr Wood added: 'I know of someone else who had a similar experience and was charged 322 for the same treatment. It is my opinion that the fee I was charged was grossly over-inflated.

'There desperately needs to be a standardisation of a fair fee policy for all veterinary services.

'In an emergency you simply cannot "shop around" and as such they can and do hold you to ransom by forcing acceptance of any fee they choose to charge.

The 400 bill included fees for worm and flea treatment as well as a nurse on duty

Sharon Kidd took Portia for a cut because her fur had got matted

The owner now prefers to buy any necessary medication for her pets online

Sharon Kidd, whose other cat is named Amber (pictured), says vets are 'robbing people'

'I accept that vets are highly trained and equipment and overheads need to be covered, but the truth is the vets themselves are not earning super high salaries.

'It is the huge companies that now seem to be taking over most veterinary practices that are making super profits and the caring factor in the profession is being eroded.

'I am sure vets themselves feel equally frustrated by what is going on in their industry.'

Wendy Baines had to take her eight-year-old Shih Tzu to the vets on Monday last week because she was being sick constantly, before the pet was admitted to hospital due to dehydration.

She was initially told the treatment would cost about 1,000, with a worst case scenario of 1,700 - only for the final bill to be 1,900 after the dog was diagnosed with a stomach bug.

Ms Baines said: 'I was absolutely disgusted and Ive sent a complaint, asking why the cost of drugs and consumables are so much more than it would take to treat a human.

'I understand that the Competition and Markets Authority are investigating vets at the moment.

'I really think that some action should be taken immediately as pets are needlessly being put to sleep or abandoned due to the cost of veterinary care and their greedy profiteering.'

Davina Hopewell, from Swindon, was reduced to tears after a vet quoted her 1,000 for decayed tooth extractions for her lurcher dog and brusquely insisted her insurance did not cover it.

She said: 'I left crying and so upset. I went to a different vet and my dog was examined and he did need extractions, but the price was 400 less.

'I think advice should be given and if any medication can be purchased online, we should have this options.'

Liz Houghton has just paid almost 200 to vets over two days after her cat, which had stopped eating and drinking, was found to be dehydrated and with a temperature.

She was also told the pet could be put on a drip at a cost of 500 and given 200 blood tests, but she said: 'I'm not working due to being a carer for my autistic granddaughter who lives with me - how could I afford to pay for this?

'My poorly, much-loved cat hasn't eaten yet still and there's nothing I can do except watch her possibly pass away - I'm heartbroken.'

Sam Wood's dog Penny has needed 6,000-worth of treatment in her first 20 months

International comparisons show British animal lovers can find cheaper prices overseas

Sheila Howells, owner of three cats, says she has just seen prices soar at her local vets - with annual vaccinations leaping from 25 to 81 and bags of saline now selling for 100 instead of 60.

She added: 'You are charged a dispensing fee for medication - in other words, you are charged for someone to get it off a shelf.

'It is frightening - they are playing on the emotions of the pet owners, knowing we will do anything for our beloved animals.'

Mark Owens, whose three-year-old dog is epileptic, has seen necessary Epiphen medication rise in cost from 31 to 41.50 per dose at his nearby veterinary practice - despite it costing just 17 online.

He said: 'I was told, "It's gone up - that's just the price of things nowadays".'

And Anne Buckley, 70, has had to pay out 2,000 over the past two months on treatment for her Jack Russell named Rosie who was diagnosed with an enlarged heart and lungs with excess water.

This included 745 for an emergency appointment on a Sunday after the pet began bleeding, which saw Rosie given a 176 blood test as well as painkillers.

Mrs Buckley said: 'The money I have spent between the two of them was my poll tax for the year on my home.

'My husband and I will pay whatever it takes to keep Rosie well and out of any discomfort but it's true what they say - the vets try and get you to have things done to your pets. 176 for a blood test is ridiculous.'

The CMA has decided to 'provisionally' launch a market investigation into the veterinary sector after they received an 'unprecedented' 56,000 responses to an initial review.

Their investigations found consumers may not be given enough information - including price lists - to enable them to choose the best practice and treatment.

The CMA also found the regulatory framework for the sector is 'outdated' and 'may no longer be fit for purpose' and that there could be an over-concentration of vet ownership in certain areas.

And those working in the sector - which is worth 2billion after the Covid pandemic saw pet ownership rise to two-thirds of British households - raised concerns about pressures arising from staff shortages.

The market investigation, if findings are upheld, would give the CMA powers to compel firms to give consumers their full list of prices.

The watchdog could also impose limits on costs for services such as prescription fees and potentially even enforce the sale of businesses in areas where ownership has become over-concentrated.

It was revealed that 80 per cent of vet practices checked by the CMA had no pricing online - even for the most basic of services.

Vets are required to use signs in their reception or treatment rooms telling customers that they can get their prescriptions filled elsewhere.

But the CMA review found 25 per cent of pet owners were not aware this was an option, meaning they could be missing out on savings.

CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell said they launched the review last September because the veterinary sector is a 'critical market' for the UK's 16million pet owners.

She said: 'The unprecedented response we received from the public and veterinary professionals shows the strength of feeling on this issue is high and why we were right to look into this.'

CMA boss Sarah Cardell announced the watchdog's 'provisional decision' to launch a market investigation into the veterinary sector

Prices also look more favourable overseas, MailOnline found.

A vaccination in Britain costs about 95, according to insurance provider All Pets, compared to 43 to 68 in France.

X-rays also appear to be much cheaper at around 38 in France as opposed to up to 400 here.

The UK does fare better for the average price of pet insurance, which Compare the Market puts at around 372 a year.

In contrast, charges are 500 for dogs and 303 for cats in the US and 470 for dogs and 250 for cats in Canada.

Previously, a dog owner said he would sell his house to cover the costs of a 20,000 vet bill.

Last year, Jaxon Feeley said his two-year-old Weimaraner called Rambo went into hypovolemic shock - a state in which severe blood or other fluid loss makes the heart unable to pump enough blood to the body.

Mr Feeley, from Wigan, said: 'She began vomiting throughout the night over 30 times and by Saturday morning we were in the emergency vets.'

On top of the condition, Rambo had also contracted stomach flu, or gastroenteritis, and her health rapidly declined.

Jaxon Feeley said he would sell his house to pay his vet bills of up to 20,000 to save his beloved two-year-old Weimaraner called Rambo

Rambo (left) contracted gastroenteritis and her health rapidly declined, forcing her to spend 10 days in intensive care before coming home

Vets have, however, defended themselves in responses to MailOnline - with one saying they are facing 'ever increasing verbal and physical abuse' from customers.

Another, Gunila Pederson, said: 'One of the reasons it costs more to go to the vets now is because medicine has evolved and vets can now do much more than in the past. That comes at a cost, just like in human medicine.

'The reason people can get it done cheaper in say, France or Spain, is because the veterinary salary there is way under what it should be.

'Saying that it costs 40 just to see a pet doesnt make sense. We dont "see the pet" - we take history, examine the pet and make a plan with the owners based on years of hard study and sacrifice.'
Confronting content warning

An actress will be drugged senseless live on stage and have a confronting act performed on her private parts in front of a live audience in a taxpayer-funded theatre show about date rape.

Cadela Forca Trilogy: The Bride and the Goodnight Cinderella - which has been called 'ethically murky' - will make its Australian premiere at Melbourne's stateRising Festival in June.

The controversial two-and-a-half hour show stars Brazilian artist and director Carolina Bianchi, who will recount her experience of being drugged and sexually assaulted.

The controversial Cadela Forca Trilogy: The Bride and the Goodnight Cinderella show will be funded by Victorian taxpayers when it makes its Australian premiere in June

In the show, Bianchi swallows a cocktail of tranquillisers until she falls unconscious before a speculum and small camera is inserted inside her.

A live video feed shown to the audience is a simulation of a post-rape forensic examination.

READ MORE: Vivid Festival announces spectacular 2024 lineup featuring Australia's Eurovision duo Electric Fields Vivid Sydney is returning for the 14th year this May and June Advertisement

Medics will be on hand to ensure Binachi's safety during each of the three shows at Southbank's Malthouse Theatre.

Now in its third year, the Rising Festival is mostly funded by the state government through Creative Victoria and Visit Victoria in addition to financial assistance from the City of Melbourne.

The festival website describes Binachi's production as 'a fever dream and worst nightmare, beautiful and grisly'.

It also warned that parts of the performance can have a disturbing effect and isn't recommended for audiences aged under-18.

'Contains detailed descriptions of violence against women, femicide, date rape drugs, sexual assault and self-harm,' a disclaimer states.

Attendees will fork out up to $79 per ticket to see the show, which was described in a New York Times article last year as 'ethically murky'.

The reviewer described the simulated scene of a post-rape forensic examination as 'deeply unnerving knowing that the main protagonist will have little to no memory of it, even as it lives on in the heads of hundreds of audience members'.

Festival organisers have reassured that audiences will be warned repeatedly about what they're about to watch.

Rising co-artistic director Gideon Obarzanek hailed the show as 'one of the most extraordinary shows I have seen in the last 10 years'.

Brazilian artist Carolina Bianchi (pictured) directs and stars in the confronting production

Cadela Forca Trilogy: The Bride and the Goodnight Cinderella (scene pictured) will be part of the taxpayer funded-Rising Festival

'It took me days to process what I had seen,' Mr Obarzanek told Guardian Australia.

'What was so fascinating was the staunchness of Bianchi, about her position that she's reached over a long time through research on her own experience, but [also] about violence against women.'

While University of Sydney Professor Catharine Lumby applauded the production, she stipulated that all attendees need to be fully informed prior to and during the show about what they will see.

'There should be very careful warnings to people and precautions should be put in place, particularly for people who may have experienced sexual assault,' she told the Herald Sun.

She hoped that attendees would go home thinking about 'active consent'.

'We're dealing with an epidemic of domestic violence and sexual assault,' Professor Lumby added.

'And art, including theatre and performance, draw attention to these things.'

Also among the controversial headline acts of the festival is rap group OneFour (pictured)

Binachi isn't the only controversial headline act scheduled to perform at the annual event, described as a festival of new art, music and performance in the heart of Melbourne.

Western Sydney-based drill rap group OneFour - who NSW Police allege incite gang violence with their music - is among the headline acts.

Launched in 2021, Rising was a merging of White Night and Melbourne International Arts Festival, both of which were discontinued as standalone events.

Rising was originally scheduled to launch a year earlier in 2020 before the Covid-19 pandemic forced organisers to postpone.
Reparations activists have opened a new front in their battle for compensation for slavery-era abuses  huge tax breaks for black people.

Tiffany Cross, the author and television host, and other presenters of her Native Land Pod, this week tried to reboot America's flagging reparations efforts with a call for tax breaks for African Americans.

Campaigners have already erected billboards to this end in Chicago, pushing for black-only carve-outs on the $6,000-a-year property taxes that are typical in the Illinois city.

They also spotlight Empire star Terrence Howard, who was recently outed for refusing to pay years' worth of income dues as he felt it was 'immoral' to tax the descendants of slaves.

Author and former MSNBC host Tiffany Cross says black people shouldn't pay the same taxes as whites

Billboards have gone up over Chicago in a push to waive property taxes for hard-up black households

Cross, a former MSNBC host, praised Howard in her podcast, which looks at the 'ancestral struggles' of African Americans.

'This brother was making a legitimate point,' Cross said.

Poll Do you support a federal reparation policy directed at the descendants of slaves? Yes No Not sure Do you support a federal reparation policy directed at the descendants of slaves? Yes 326 votes

No 10917 votes

Not sure 57 votes Now share your opinion





'I don't know how we would make this happen, but I would be completely down for some sort of policy that says 'Yes, you are exempt from paying taxes'.'

According to Cross, black labor on Southern plantations made America the 'superpower' it is today, but the descendants of those slaves have 'never been repaid  we built this joint for free.'

The focus on tax breaks for blacks comes after momentum behind the reparations movement has started to flag.

After the police killing of George Floyd in May 2020 and the Black Lives Matter protests, cities and states across the country launched task forces to tackle modern-day inequality rooted in the slavery era.

But early calls for multi-million dollar payouts to the descendants of slaves have fizzled out  as politicians realized they were unpopular among the whites, Asian and others who would foot the bill.

Empire star Terrence Howard has been ordered to pay years' worth of income taxes, after reportedly saying it was 'immoral' to tax the descendants of slaves

California's black lawmakers last month unveiled a package of bills on reparations for black residents that makes no mention of the $1.2 million payouts they were promised earlier.

Now, Cross and others seek a payout through tax breaks instead.

US state and federal taxes are assessed by income, not an individual's race.

Cross suggested that tax chiefs lower income taxes for those descended from slaves.

'If you're in this tax bracket, if you are a descendant of the enslaved, then we will decrease your tax bracket,' she said.

Cross did not tackle the long-standing concerns about reparations, such as assessing who qualifies, and why Native Americans and others with historical grievances don't get their own payout schemes.

Activists in Chicago are pushing their own specific version of tax-break reparations.

Reconstruction Era Reparations Act Now, or RERAN, says property taxes should be waived for black residents as payback for the legacy of slavery.

Howard Ray Jr says black families are being priced out of Chicago and need a break from property taxes

'We have a problem, where our black citizens in Chicago are being kicked or forced out of Chicago, and they are going to the southern states to live comfortably,' said the group's founder Howard Ray Jr.

Tax relief for blacks would be payback for the injustices of slavery, Jim Crow, racial lynchings, 'redlining' policies to restrict black homeownership, and the mass incarceration of blacks for drug offenses, he says.

The group aims to put the issue to voters in a referendum in the election in November.

Property taxes on a single-family home in Chicago and its suburbs average between $2,500 to $7,500 each year, according to the property website Virtuance.

Taxes have jumped up in recent years, straining budgets in poorer households.

RERAN says they will use census data to track descendants of slaves who would qualify, regardless of their income.

Cross and her podcast co-hosts were inspired by another tax carve-out  the apparent refusal to pay dues by Howard, the 54-year-old Empire star.

Cross debated tax reparations on her Native Land Pod show about the 'ancestral struggles' of African Americans

The Oscar nominee was hit last month with a nearly $1 million judgment in a federal tax case over years worth of unpaid taxes.

Although he reportedly didn't defend himself in court, the government presented transcripts of voicemails he allegedly left the lead government attorney in which he said it was 'immoral' to levy taxes against descendants of slaves.

He reportedly threatened to embarrass the lawyer by posting about the case online, and he claimed he owed nothing to the government, according to a transcript of the alleged call that was filed in court.

'Four hundred years of forced labor and never receiving any compensation for it,' the transcript reads.

Reparations campaigners have struggled to make cash payouts to blacks a reality, faced with stiff public opposition

'Now you have the gall to try and prosecute and charge taxes to the descendants of a broken people that you are responsible for causing the breakage.'

Reparations campaigners say it's time for America to repay its black residents for the injustices of the historic Transatlantic slave trade, Jim Crow segregation and inequalities that persist to this day.

The sums are eye-watering  black lawmakers in Washington seek at least $14 trillion for a federal scheme to 'eliminate the racial wealth gap' between black and white Americans.

Critics say payouts to selected black people will inevitably stoke divisions between winners and losers, and raise questions about why American Indians and others don't get their own handouts.

While reparations are popular among blacks, the other groups who would foot the tax bill are less keen.

A survey last year of 6,000 registered California voters found that only 23 percent supported cash reparations, while 59 percent were opposed.
Two of Toyota's most popular hatchback cars, the Corolla and the Yaris, will no longer be available in petrol versions in Australia.

From Thursday, Toyota will only sell petrol-electric hybrid versions of the cars.

The manufacturer cited 'consumer demand' as the reason for the change, noting that buyers want more efficient transport over traditional petrol-powered cars, despite hybrids being more expensive.

The move has killed the dream of Aussies looking to buy a new Corolla or Yaris for under $30,000 with the base price of the Yaris SX Hybrid, once Toyota's cheapest car in Australia, now at $30,190 before on-road costs and the Corolla Ascent Sport Hybrid hatch at $32,110.

That's a jump of $3,000 from the $29,610 base price of the petrol Ascent Sport hatch.

Two of Toyota's most popular cars, the Corolla and Yaris (pictured) hatchbacks, will only be sold as Hybrids from Thursday

The hybrid Corolla's 1.8-litre powertrain makes 103kW of power from 4.0L/100km on its combined cycle.

It's a two-litre drop from the now-defunct petrol powertrain which used 6.0L/100km.

Meanwhile, the Yaris' 1.5-litre petrol hybrid makes 85kW of power with 3.3L/100km on the combined cycle while the petrol version used 4.9L/100km.

Toyota's hybrid switch does not include its GR Yaris and GR Corolla, which it will continue to offer in turbocharged petrol models.

Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing, Sean Hanley, said the move 'is due to natural consumer demand'.

'We've advised dealers that from today, we are no longer accepting orders for petrol variants of Yaris hatch and Corolla hatch. This is due to natural consumer demand,' he told media.

'There are no direct incentives, and there's certainly no legislation. It's driven by changing consumer behaviour - behaviour and choices that Toyota has played a significant role in encouraging.'

Mr Hanley denied the decision to scrap the petrol-powered Yaris and Corolla hatches was due to the Federal Government's impending New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).

The new fuel standard will financially punish car manufacturers whose average fleet emissions are over a set cap.

Toyota recently lobbied for the Federal Government to consider 'measures similar to those that accompanied the introduction of fuel standards in the United States and many parts of Europe'.

The price of a new Corolla (pictured) now starts at $32,110 before on-road costs - an almost $3,000 jump from the $29,610 base price of the petrol Ascent Sport hatch

'These include transitional arrangements, super credits, consumer support mechanisms and investment in recharging infrastructure to help foster the uptake of new technologies,' Mr Hanley said.

'Without these measures, the NVES risks leaving customers behind and leading to unintended consequences that could defeat the intent of the proposed standard.'

In its submission, Toyota called for different sizes of passenger vehicles to have different CO2 targets.

If accepted, it would see Toyota's LandCruiser 300 Series judged by different standards to its smaller vehicles, like the Corolla.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw lambasted the federal government's handling of illegal immigration just days after three Guatemalan men were arrested and charged with kidnapping and assaulting a woman in the county.

'This morning, I'm just here to deliver a message. And the message is, don't think for a minute that what happens at the Mexican border doesn't affect us here,' Bradshaw said during Wednesday morning's press conference.

'Here we have three illegals who never should've been in this country that have committed a very serious crime: kidnapping and sexual battery.'

The three men are accused of forcing a woman into a car at around 1 am Monday and sexually battering her at two locations west of Lake Worth Beach.

Andres Felipe Morales, 29; Darinel Ordonez Jjimenez, 30; and Marcos Felipe Ramirez, 31, were arrested and booked into the Palm Beach County jail around 7 pm the same day.

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw slammed the federal government's handling of illegal immigration during a press conference Wednesday

The conference came just days after three illegal immigrants from Guatemala were arrested and charged in connection to the kidnapping and sexual assault of a Palm Beach County woman

Andres Felipe Morales, 29, faces counts of sexual assault and false imprisonment

Their bond was set at $200,000 each. Morales faces counts of sexual assault and false imprisonment while the others were charged with felony criminal conspiracy.

'They shouldn't be here! This is the same thing that we saw where the student was killed by the person that was here illegally,' Bradshaw said, referring to the murder of Laken Riley.

The 22-year-old University of Georgia student was killed by Jose Ibarra, a Venezuelan man who entered the country illegally, while out jogging on February 22.

'Folks, our border is the ocean. There's no fence there. We are the fence,' Bradshaw continued.

'For them to be in this country to be able to commit these type of crimes is unconscionable. The federal government has put the American people in jeopardy.'

The sheriff said federal intelligence agencies had confirmed 'the most dangerous gangs in the world,' hailing from Venezuela, had relocated to Miami.

'They make MS-13 look like schoolkids,' Bradshaw added.

He then appeared to take a shot at the Biden administration's handling of border security by echoing a false claim popularized by U.S. Senate candidate Mark Lamb.

The abduction occurred near John Prince Park (pictured), west of Lake Worth Beach, officials said

In his remarks, Bradshaw referenced the murder of 22-year-old university student Laken Riley, who was killed while out jogging last month by an illegal immigrant from Venezuela

The sheriff said Venezuelan gangs who 'make MS-13 look like school kids' had relocated to Miami (pictured: migrants surrender to American authorities in El Paso, Texas)

'Forget about the 3 million people that came across the border, put their hands up to Border Patrol and says I give up, you know, they get the cell phone and the gift card and all that kind of garbage,' Bradshaw said.

While some migrants are provided phones by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, they can only be used to access a monitoring app called SmartLink.

Claims that migrants are provided gift cards and other incentives like plane tickets have been debunked.

'What about the 1.5 million people that they call "got aways?"' Bradshaw continued. 'Those are the people that don't want to get caught by Border Patrol because they're gang members, they're wanted. They're packing fentanyl.'

The term 'got aways' refers to unlawful border crossers who are not apprehended and not turned back to their country of origin.

Bradshaw claimed to have viewed surveillance video of a pack of men dressed in military fatigues, 'wearing carpet on their shoes so they wouldn't leave footprints,' creeping across the border.

'What do you think they're here for? They're not here to play the lotto. They're going to do bad things,' he said.

'These idiots in Washington DC need to close this border. In order to get this cleaned up they've got to stop what's coming across this border, and it can be done.'

Supreme Court of Justice Magistrate Edgar Gavidia (left) told Venezuelan media that 100 prisoners had been freed since Friday as part of a prison reform initiative

Yare Prison, known for its harsh conditions and outbreaks of gang violence, is among the facilities letting inmates go

Gavidia said the court was looking 'case-by-case' at inmates to '(give) justice to those who at one time made a mistake in their lives' (pictured: prisoners at El Rodeo in July 2016)

Supreme Court of Justice Magistrate Edgar Gavidia confirmed that 100 prisoners have already been released from detention centers in Venezuela.

'Since Friday, we have been carrying out in the state of Miranda, an operation looking into preventative centers and prisons,' Gavidia told local media.

'We're looking case-by-case at anyone, giving justice to those who at one time made a mistake in their lives to expedite justice.'

Among the prisons letting people go is Yare, notorious for gang violence and overcrowding.

Sister facility Yare II and a third prison called El Rodeo are among those included in the reform initiative.

Speaking to DailyMail.com Monday, Miami immigration attorney Rolando Vazquez characterized the released inmates as 'killers.'

'They're thugs. These are prisons where there's thugs, killers,' he said. 'Americans need to know they're coming to the border.'
Adobe Firefly is the latest AI tool to face public outcry - after it created images of black Nazis similar to Google Gemini.

The images, generated by DailyMail.com Wednesday, are eerily similar to Alphabet's controversial creations.

To generate them, reporters provided basic prompts similar to the ones that got Gemini in hot water.

When asked to picture Vikings, they made the Norsemen black, and in scenes showing the Founding Fathers, both black men and women were inserted into roles.

The bot also created black soldiers fighting for Nazi-era German military uniforms, even though they're seen under a German flag, which was not used by the country while it was under Hitler's rule.

Semafor on Tuesday conducted a similar study, that saw much of the same results.

Adobe Firefly inexplicably created images of black German soldiers in World War II-era uniforms after receiving prompts from DailyMail.com. The prompts, like the ones given to Google's Gemini, did not specify the color of the WWII-era soldiers' skin

When asked to generate images of the 1787 Constitutional Convention, the tool produced pictures pf several black men and women sitting in the Philadelphia State House

The prompts, like the ones given to Google's Gemini, did not specify skin color, but nonetheless produce images many would perceive as historically inaccurate.

In scenes supposed to depict the US Founding Fathers, both black men and women were inserted into the roles.

In others, families of color assumed the place of the nation's inaugural minds,

When asked to generate images of the 1787 Constitutional Convention, the tool produced pictures of black men and women sitting in the Philadelphia State House to address the country's then-new issues.

In one photo generated by that request, a man of color is seen sitting in the assembly hall with what appears to be a sombrero, while penning legislature with Capitol Hill in the background.

Requests for Vikings - the first Europeans to reach the Americas more than a millennium ago - produced more of the same.

The tests done by Semafor hours before had almost identical results, showing the image creation app's tendency to get tripped up by requests - even if they explicitly state the subject's skin color.

For instance, when Semafor asked the bot to create a comic book rendition of an elderly white man, it obliged, but also reportedly provided images of a black man and black woman.

In scenes supposed to depict the US Founding Fathers, black men were inserted into the roles

The US Founding Fathers, according to the computer software company's new AI image tool

In others, families of color assumed the place of the nation's inaugural minds

When asked to generate images of the 1787 Constitutional Convention, the tool produced pictures of black men and women sitting in the Philadelphia State House to address the country's then-new issues

In one photo generated by that request, a man of color is seen sitting in the assembly hall with what appears to be a sombrero, while penning legislature with Capitol Hill in the background

The prompts, like the ones given to Google's Gemini, did not specify skin color, but nonetheless produce images many would perceive as historically inaccurate

Unlike Alphabet, Adobe has yet to face criticism for the at-times jarring images

Semafor on Tuesday conducted a similar study, where it provided many of the same prompts. Like it did for DailyMail.com, the service dreamed up images of black SS soldiers

DailyMail.com did not garner the same results, but from how the AI bot works, after receiving the same prompt multiple times, such an occurrence would not be outside the norm.

The prompts were carefully chosen to replicate commands that tripped up Gemini, and saw Alphabet hit with accusations it was pandering to the mainstream left.

Still, both services are still young, and Alphabet has since owned up to the apparent oversights

Late last month, CEO Sundar Pichai told employees the company 'got it wrong' with its programming of the increasingly popular app, while Google co-founder Sergey Brin has acknowledged that the company 'messed up'.

Unlike Alphabet, Adobe has yet to face widespread criticism, after rolling out the tool in June of last year.

The inaccuracies illustrate some of the challenges tech is facing as AI gains traction, with Google being forced shut down its image creation tool last month after critics pointed out it was creating jarring, inaccurate images.

The inaccuracies illustrate some of the challenges tech is facing as AI gains traction,

Unlike Alphabet, Adobe has yet to face widespread criticism, after rolling out the tool in June of last year

Google, meanwhile temporarily disabled Gemini's image generation tool last month, after users complained it was generating 'woke' but incorrect images such as female Popes

The AI also suggested that black people had been amongst the German Army circa WW2

Gemini's image generation also created images of black Vikings

'We're already working to address recent issues with Gemini's image generation feature,' Google said in a statement on Thursday

Other historically inaccurate images included black Founding Fathers

The politically correct tech also referred to pedophilia as 'minor-attracted person status,' declaring 'it's important to understand that attractions are not actions'

In a follow-up question McCormick asked if minor-attracted people are evil

The bot appeared to find favor with abusers as it declared 'individuals cannot control who they are attracted to'

The bot appeared to find favor with abusers as it declared 'individuals cannot control who they are attracted to.'

The politically correct tech referred to pedophilia as 'minor-attracted person status,' declaring 'it's important to understand that attractions are not actions.'

Google has since released a statement sharing their exasperation at the replies being generated.

'The answer reported here is appalling and inappropriate. Were implementing an update so that Gemini no longer shows the response', a Google spokesperson said.

An Adobe spokesperson told DailyMail.com:

'Adobe Firefly is built to help people ideate, create and build upon their natural creativity. It isnt meant for generating photorealistic depictions of real or historical events.

Adobe's commitment to responsible innovation includes training our AI models on diverse datasets to ensure were producing commercially safe results that dont perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

This includes extensively testing outputs for risk and to ensure they match the reality of the world we live in.

Given the nature of Gen AI and the amount of data it gets trained on, it isn't always going to be correct, and we recognize that these Firefly images are inadvertently off base.

We build feedback mechanisms in all of our Gen AI products, so we can see any issues and fix them through retraining or adjusting filters. Our focus is always improving our models to give creators a set of options to bring their visions to life.'
The wealth of Australia's richest person Gina Rinehart has soared nearly 40 per cent in the last year, as she pulls well ahead of second place Andrew and Nicola Forrest.

Mrs Rinehart is now worth a jaw-dropping $50.48billion courtesy of her Hancock Prospecting mining conglomerate, according to The Australian's Richest 250 list.

She was worth $37.1billion last year, putting her about where fellow mining magnate Mr Forrest and his estranged wife Nicola sit this year.

But in the course of the last 12 months her wealth jumped by another $13.4billion.

The surge in her fortune was largely due to the performance of her majority-owned Roy Hill iron-ore mine in WA's Pilbara region which posted a net profit of $2.7billion in 2023.

That profit was due to record iron ore shipments of 63.3million tonnes, with Mrs Rinehart using the profit announcement to call on governments to remove red-tape to allow for more mining expansion.

Mining magnate Gina Rinehart (pictured) has seen her wealth soar by more then $13billion in the last 12 months alone

Rinehart's majority-owned Roy Hill mine in the Pilbara (pictured) provided much of her wealth

'If we want our standards of living to continue - along with the many thousands of high-paying jobs created by mining, and significant benefits to the regions, states and country more broadly - we must have policies which encourage investment and development of Australia's mineral resources,' she said.

Cash flow at Roy Hill for the last financial year was $3.3billion, of which the company paid $2.25billion in dividends to shareholders.

It also paid $605million in state and native title royalties and $1.4billion in corporate tax.

Hancock Prospecting, which is 76.6 per cent owned by Mrs Rinehart and 23.4 per cent by the Hope Margaret Hancock Trust, has about $20billion on its books.

It has been buying stocks in the lithium industry recently, notably Azure Minerals and Liontown Resources, banking on an increased demand for the mineral used in batteries as the switch to renewable electricity ramps up.

In addition to multiple mining projects the company invests in farming through its Hancock Agriculture arm, which has in recent years focused on high-value Wagyu beef production.

She has also bought iconic fashion brands Driza-Bone and Rossi Boots.

Driza-Bone's signature oilskin jackets (pictured) are now made by a company owned by Gina Rinehart

Gina Rinehart (pictured) has been pushing into lithium stocks recently banking on an increase in demand for the minerals used in batteries

Mrs Rinehart is one of three woman in the top ten of the Richest 250 List.

Nicola Forrest, who shares $37.17billion in wealth with Andrew Forrest, is tied for the runner-up spot, while Melanie Perkins and husband Cliff Obrecht of graphic design unicorn Canva share $10.92billion for tenth spot.

Together the three woman control about $100billion in wealth.

Others in the top 10 include software tycoons Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar, property developer Harry Triguboff, packaging mogul Anthony Pratt, and another mining magnate Clive Palmer.
A real estate boss has revealed why he sacked a former staffer after she gave him a wild excuse about why she was late back from her lunch break.

Troy Holmes, who is the principal of Holmes Real Estate at Macarthur Square in Sydney's south-west, took to Tiktok to share his 'worst employee story' last Wednesday.

Mr Holmes said he hired the female staffer in 2014 as a personal assistant while he was working as a real estate agent at another property firm.

Troy Holmes (pictured) revealed how he fired a former employee when she claimed her heart stopped while she was making her back to work from her lunch break

Mr Holmes, a decade-long veteran of the industry, told Daily Mail Australia he was impressed by the woman during her interview and decided to take her on as his employee.

'She had good energy during the interview, she listened really well and her answers were specific to the questions that were asked,' he said.

The personal assistant's job involved door-to-door knocking to help drum up business for the firm, dropping letters in mail boxes and telemarketing.

Things began to change after the woman started the job, Mr Holmes said, when he noticed she would disappear for a few hours at a time and fail to give any explanation why.

'Her behaviour started to get erratic,' he said.

The situation took a turn for the worse during a busy afternoon when several meetings had been scheduled.

Mr Holmes said he wanted the employee to attend the meetings with agency stakeholders to get more experience so that she could learn more about the job.

The staffer was given a lunch break for an hour at midday and was told to be back in time to attend the meetings.

'I said to her, just make sure you're back on time... it got to 10 past one, and she wasn't back,' he said.

Mr Holmes said he became concerned when she hadn't returned and decided to give her a call to find out what happened.

'I called her up and she said 'I've fallen over and I can't get up'.'

Mr Holmes drove to the spot about a kilometre from the office and found her lying on the ground, with her hands over her forehead.

When she got into Mr Holmes' car, the agent was shocked by her bizarre explanation.

She told Mr Holmes: 'I knew I was going to be late and I tried to run and my heart just stopped and then I fell over.'

The young personal assistant had impressed Mr Holmes while interviewing for the job (stock image)

Mr Holmes (pictured) said he found the former employee lying on the ground a kilometre away from the office where she claimed she fell over while trying to run back to the office

Once Mr Holmes and the employee got back to the office, he asked her if she needed medical attention and offered to take her to the hospital or to go a doctor.

'That's when her entire demeanor changed and she actually got energetic and it was almost like she played it off [like] it never happened,' he said.

Mr Holmes said that moment was 'the last straw' before he decided to fire the young staffer.

Dozens of users commented on Mr Holmes' Tiktok video agreeing with his decision while sharing their own experiences with previous employees.

'Ill back you for your leadership decision to let her go, I wouldve too,' one social media user said.

'I let one guy go after he needed another day off after his fourth grandmother died,' another said.

But some commenters criticised the move and said the staffer may have experienced a medical episode.

'Look up sudden cardiac arrest , it happened to me,' one user said.

'You are not coming off very good here in your video,' another user wrote.

Mr Holmes hit back at the criticism and said he always looked after his staff.

He said he has since changed the way he hires staff by using independent interviewers to assess whether a candidate is the right fit for the role.

He described his new hiring process as 'hire slow, fire fast'.

Mr Holmes said he has revised his hiring process by using independent interviewers to assess whether a candidate is the right fit for the role (stock image)
Prosecutors on Thursday indicted a group of former senior officials of the previous Moon Jae-in administration on charges of manipulating housing price data to make it look like their policies were working.

The Daejeon District Prosecutors Office indicted 11 people without physical detention, including former presidential chief of staff for policy Kim Su-hyun and Kim Sang-jo, and former Land Minister Kim Hyun-mi on charges of abuse of authority and violations of the Statistics Act.

Seven presidential aides and land ministry officials under the previous Moon administration were accused of pressuring the Korea Real Estate Board (REB), an affiliate of the land ministry, to manipulate the fluctuation rate of housing prices across the greater Seoul area on 125 occasions.

They allegedly ordered prior reports or revisions to be submitted to the presidential office three times a week before key statistics were compiled and announced from June 2017 to November 2021.

As a result, REB data showed housing prices in Seoul rose only by 12 percent, but actual transaction prices reported by dealers recorded an 81 percent jump during the period.

By law, statistics agencies are banned from providing data to other government agencies prior to the announcement to prevent undue influence during the compiling process.

REB officials asked for a halt in the practice 12 times, but former presidential policy chief Kim Sang-jo reportedly dismissed the request with threats of a potential budget cut.

Four others, including former presidential policy chief Kim Sang-jo and the head of Statistics Korea, Kang Shin-wook, were indicted on charges of skewing employment data on the number of nonregular workers to make it look favorable to the government.

"This is the first Statistics Act violation case where the government abused its power, and directly violated the accuracy and neutrality of national statistics," Seo Jeong-sik, deputy chief of the Daejeon District Prosecutors' Office, said.

"It has been found that the presidential office systematically manipulated national statistics or distorted statistics survey results for a long time as housing prices soared due to a failure in real-estate policy and nonregular workers rose despite job policies," he said.

The prosecution said it will propose a revision of the Statistics Act, citing its low level of punishment, with violators punishable by up to three years in prison or up to 30 million won ($22,762) in fines.

Prosecutors launched the investigation after the audit agency requested they look into alleged data manipulation by 22 high-ranking officials in the previous Moon government in September 2023. Eleven others who made the list were cleared of the charges, prosecutors said, including the head of the REB. (Yonhap)
Diane Abbott has hit out at the 'unconscionable' delay in condemning comments allegedly made by the Conservatives' top individual donor about her - as Rishi Sunak resisted calls to hand back the 10million forked out by the backer last year.

The Prime Minister has said the public should accept the apology from healthcare tech boss Frank Hester, who reportedly suggested Britain's longest-serving black MP 'should be shot' and said seeing her made him 'hate all black women'.

Mr Hester apologised for being 'rude' about Ms Abbott, but denied that his remarks had anything to do with her race or her gender.

But some of Mr Sunak's own party, and the Scottish Conservatives, have backed calls from Labour to return the donations made by Mr Hester and his company, Leeds-based The Phoenix Partnership (TPP) over the comments.

Veteran left-wing firebrand Ms Abbott - currently sitting as an independent after being suspended from Labour last year - has criticised both Labour and Tory MPs for their 'reluctance' in describing Mr Hester's alleged comments as racist.

On Wednesday, she said Mr Hester's alleged comments - said to have been made during a TPP meeting in 2019 - met 'the textbook definition of racism and sexism' but claimed her former stablemates and Tories had dithered on calling them out.

Diane Abbott has slammed both Labour and the Conservatives over their delays to call out alleged remarks by top Tory donor Frank Hester as racist

Hester, boss of healthcare tech firm The Phoenix Partnership, is alleged to have said seeing Abbott made him want to 'hate all black people'

Rishi Sunak has resisted calls from his own party - and from the Scottish Conservatives - to return 10million of donations made by Mr Hester and his company in the last year

Sir Keir Starmer urged Rishi Sunak to return the money during PMQs on Wednesday

Following the PMQs clashes, Keir Starmer climbed the stairs to where Diane Abbott was sitting and could be seen bent over talking to her

Hester issued a statement on X in which he said he was 'deeply sorry for his remarks' - but denied that his criticism had anything to do with her gender or the colour of her skin

Writing in The Independent, Britain's longest-serving Black MP said: 'The delay in calling out abuse is unconscionable. It should be absolutely clear that the reported remarks from Frank Hester were both outrageously racist and sexist.'

However, her ire was not reserved for the Tories - calling out top Labour figures for, in her view, seeking to score political points over pointing out the discriminatory nature of the alleged remarks.

She added: 'A number of Labour statements were issued, and interviews given where neither word was mentioned.

'Instead, the entire focus was on the demand that the Tories give Hester back his money, which is surely not the primary point in this case.'

Labour sources have insisted the party was quick to call out the remarks as racist and sexist.

Labour's calls for Mr Sunak to return the money were yesterday backed by the Scottish Conservatives and West Midlands Tory mayor Andy Street.

Mr Street told told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I would think about the company I kept and I would give that money back.'

The Scottish Conservatives also called for the cash to be returned, describing Hester's alleged comments as 'racist and wrong'.

A spokesperson added: 'The Scottish Conservative Party has never accepted a donation from Frank Hester and the UK Conservative Party should carefully review the donations it has received from Hester in response to his remarks.'

But the PM rejected the demand, telling MPs that Mr Hester's 'remorse should be accepted'.

Business minister Kevin Hollinrake meanwhile suggested the Tories would accept another 10million donation from Mr Hester despite the furore.

He told the BBC: 'If Mr Hester was a racist, if he refused to apologise for what he'd said, that would be different. He's apologised. I don't believe he's a racist.'

Mr Hester was reported on Tuesday night to have told staff at another TPP meeting in 2019 that he made 'a lot of jokes about racism'.

The Guardian reported allegations he made jokes about Indians climbing onto roofs of trains, and that ahead of a business trip to Malaysia he said: 'Im looking forward to going to Malaysia, so that I can make new jokes  I don't know any jokes about Malaysian people but I'm sure we'll find them.'

Ahead of that article being published, Mr Hester posted on X, formerly Twitter, that he believed 'racism...is a poison that has no place in public life'.

Conservative sources declined to comment on speculation that the party has already accepted further large donations from Mr Hester, saying only that all donations would be published in due course by the Electoral Commission.

During angry clashes in the Commons on Wednesday, the Prime Minister accused Sir Keir Starmer of hypocrisy for failing to deal with controversial comments made by senior Labour figures and donors.

And after yesterday's Prime Minister's Questions, Ms Abbott accused the Commons Speaker of failing democracy by not allowing her to speak during the debate.

She also confirmed, via social media, that she had a discussion with Sir Keir about restoring the Labour whip after it was suspended last April.

Ms Abbott has been sitting as an independent since writing to The Observer to suggest Jewish, Irish and Traveller people were not subject to racism 'all their lives' in the same way as black people.

Business minister Kevin Hollinrake said on Wednesday he did not believe Mr Hester was a 'racist' and suggested the Conservatives would accept further donations from him

But West Midlands Tory mayor Andy Street has called on Mr Sunak to 'think about the company (he keeps)' and to give the money back

Frank Hester speaking at a Commonwealth Business Forum event in Kigali, Rwanda in 2022. He has said he is 'deeply sorry' for his alleged comments about Diane Abbott

Mr Hester later tweeted again to say that he believed racism was 'a poison that has no place in public life'

Mr Starmer is reported to have said: 'Let me know if there's anything I can do' - to which Ms Abbott says she replied: 'You could restore the whip.'

During the session, the Prime Minister said Mr Hester's comments 'were wrong and they were racist', adding: 'He has rightly apologised for them and that remorse should be accepted. There is no place for racism in Britain, and the Government that I lead is living proof of that.'

Sir Keir urged Mr Sunak to hand back the donation, saying: 'How low would he have to sink, what racist, woman-hating threats of violence would he have to make before the Prime Minister plucked up the courage to hand back the 10million he has taken from him?'

Mr Sunak replied: 'I am absolutely not going to take any lectures from somebody who chose to represent an anti-Semitic terrorist group, Hizb ut-Tahrir, and who chose to serve a leader who let anti-Semitism run riot in this Labour Party.

'Those are his actions, those are his values and that's how he should be judged.'

His comments were a reference to Sir Keir leading a team of lawyers in 2008 who acted on behalf of Hizb ut-Tahrir, now a proscribed terror group in Britain, when the group tried to overturn a ban on their activities in Germany.

The Labour leader's spokesman later said Sir Keir did not represent the organisation in court and that, as a lawyer, he 'had to represent people whose views he doesn't agree with'.

Downing Street drew attention to comments by prominent Labour donor Dale Vince who appeared to suggest that Hamas were 'freedom fighters' just days after the October 7 attacks on Israel.

In an interview with Times Radio, Mr Vince, who has given Labour 2.5million, insisted he 'didn't support what they did', but said: 'One man's freedom fighter is another man's terrorist. That's how it works.'

In a statement on Tuesday, Mr Hester said he was 'deeply sorry' for his 'rude' remarks, but insisted they 'had nothing to do with [Ms Abbott's] gender nor colour of skin'.

He has not responded to a request for comment from MailOnline.
A right-wing university club has been accused of 'turning woke' after cancelling the appearance of a controversial men's rights activist despite labelling itself a bastion of free speech.

Sydney University's Conservative Club had scheduled gender issues commentator Bettina Arndt to speak at an event next Tuesday discussing the ongoing legal cases concerning Brittany Higgins and Bruce Lehrmann but has now withdrawn the invite.

Ms Arndt's previous appearance at a club event, where she spoke about what she called a 'fake rape crisis' on university campuses in 2018, needed a police presence to keep protesters at bay.

Controversial gender issues commentator Bettina Arndt has been kicked off the panel at a right-wing university club event

However, she accuses people connected with the Conservative Club itself of 'leaning on people' to stop her coming this time, although no reason was given for her abrupt removal from a panel of speakers.

'Back in 2018, those Conservative Club kids put up with all sorts of flak to put my event on  they stared them all down and put it on,' Ms Arndt told The Australian.

'It's telling that this time it's the woke Young Liberals who are preventing me from participating in proper discussion of this controversial law case.'

Ms Arndt claimed organisers had considered cancelling the event but has settled for her not appearing.

'Someone's been lent on, but it's just madness,' she said.

'I love the fact that a 74-year-old grandmother is such a dreadful threat on our campuses.'

Originally just labelled the 'Higgins' Event' Tuesday's session has now been retitled 'Lawfare in Australia  a critical examination of Australia's legal system and its weaponisation'.

The panel will now feature legal commentator Chris Merritt and journalist Andrew Urban but the originally listed convener, Conservative Club president Freya Leach, has also been scrubbed.

Ms Leach, who stood unsuccessfully as a Liberal candidate for the Sydney inner west seat of Balmain in the 2023 NSW election, told The Australian the event had nothing to do with her and she did not wish to comment.

Members of the Sydney University Conservative Club pose with British political and cultural commentator Konstantin Kisin (centre)

Liberal NSW Senator Maria Kovacic said that as patron of the NSW Young Liberals she fully backed the decision not to host Mr Arndt.

'I commend President Chanum Torres for his leadership,' Senator Kovacic said.

'In 2020, Bettina Arndt defended the suggestion that Hannah Clarke's ex-husband might have been "driven too far" before killing her and their three children.

'The Senate formally condemned her comments with bi-partisan support. The then-NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman wrote to the Governor General requesting a review into Ms Arndt's Order of Australia.

'Ms Arndt is entitled to her free speech, but she is not entitled to be given a platform by the NSW Young Liberals or university clubs.'

Tuesday's event was advertised as a 'relaxed and conversational' dissection of issues surrounding the sexual assault allegations made by Brittany Higgins against Bruce Lehrmann and the resulting legal cases and political implications.

On March 4 the Conservative Club held an event featuring former Liberal Prime Minister Tony Abbott and UK cultural commentator Konstantin Kisin where protesters tried to drown out the event by banging on the door.

A clip posted on the club's Facebook page from inside Sydney University's Great Hall shows people inside attempting to insulate the noise by placing garments at the base of the door, which seems to amuse those inside.

'Unlike the siege of Constantinople, the siege of Konstantin (Kisin) was spectacular failure,' the caption reads.

'Better luck next time! Free speech survives another day at Sydney University.

'Usyd socialists 'unsuccessfully' attempted to stampede our event.'

Ms Arndt, who rose to fame as a sex therapist in the 1970s and '80s, was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in 2020 for striving to achieve 'gender equity through advocacy for men'.

Conservative Club president Freya Leach had also been advertised to be on the panel but said the event has nothing to do with her

However, there were calls for the award to be stripped over Ms Arndt sympathetically interviewing Nicolaas Bester who was convicted for sexually assaulting high court student Grace Tame while working as a teacher in Tasmania.

The interview was shown alongside the title 'feminists persecute disgraced teacher'.

Bester was convicted in 2011 of maintaining a relationship with a young person and sentenced to two years and 10 months in jail.

He was released after serving 19 months but in 2016 he was jailed again for the production of child exploitation material.

His student victim Ms Tame, who went on to be Australian of the Year in 2021, was one of many people who hit out at Ms Arndt's recognition.

'I believe honouring someone who actively defended a paedophile on a public platform is a blatant example of the protracted, systemic moral corruption that still hampers our society,' she said.
The Mail understands Communities Secretary Michael Gove's desire to formulate a more targeted definition of extremism.

Every weekend since the Israeli invasion of Gaza our city streets have been given over to hostile pro-Palestinian protests in which hatred and anti-Semitism are rife, yet police are reluctant to intervene.

But clamping down on extremism while also protecting freedom of expression is notoriously tricky. Even the best intentions can have unintended consequences.

Part of Mr Gove's new definition of extremists includes those who 'negate the fundamental rights and freedoms of others' or create 'a permissive environment' for such a negation.

This would certainly apply to supporters of Hamas, but couldn't it also be used against those who deny the right of a biological male to be regarded as a woman?

Part of Michael Gove's new definition of extremists includes those who 'negate the fundamental rights and freedoms of others'

Every weekend since the Israeli invasion of Gaza our city streets have been given over to hostile pro-Palestinian protests in which hatred and anti-Semitism are rife, yet police are reluctant to intervene. Pictured: A protest on December 9, 2023

Clamping down on extremism while also protecting freedom of expression is notoriously tricky. Pictured: A pro-Palestinian protester stands on a giant lion by Nelson's Column

Or strict Catholics who believe it is a grave sin to have or facilitate an abortion. Or indeed Labour's Angela Rayner who contemptuously denounced all Tories as 'scum'?

True, it won't be a statutory definition, rather a guide for government departments and agencies not to fund or engage with any group deemed extremist.

But it is official and in the hands of an authoritarian government of the future could be adapted to curb legitimate debate.

The truth is we already have laws against racism, incitement and intimidation  not to mention a workable definition of extremism. If they are properly enforced, ministers may find there's no need for new ones.

Delivering justice

While not yet bringing full closure, Rishi Sunak's landmark bill giving blanket exoneration to all those convicted in the Horizon Post Office scandal is a major stride on their long and painful march to justice.

The legislation will circumvent the laborious court system to expedite payment of compensation to hundreds of cruelly wronged postmasters and mistresses who were criminalised because of a flawed computer system.

As well as having their convictions quashed, they will be entitled to choose between accepting a fixed payout of 600,000 or having their case considered on an individual basis.

About 2,000 others who made up supposed shortfalls from their own pocket rather than face court, are in line for 75,000. They, too, have the option of suing for more.

Rishi Sunak's landmark bill giving blanket exoneration to all those convicted in the Horizon Post Office scandal is a major stride on their long and painful march to justice

The legislation will circumvent the laborious court system to expedite payment of compensation to hundreds of cruelly wronged postmasters and mistresses who were criminalised because of a flawed computer system

This has been the most egregious miscarriage of justice. Honest, hardworking men and women were criminalised because of a technological breakdown that neither system designers nor senior Post Office managers would admit to.

Even after they realised their mistake, they tried desperately to cover it up, cynically throwing the innocent to the wolves to protect their own positions.

The anger that still burns within the victims will not be assuaged until the guilty are truly held to account. The public inquiry into the scandal is due to finish in September, after which there must be reckoning.

There is prima facie evidence of criminal deception reaching to the very top echelons of the Post Office and their IT suppliers.

The alleged perpetrators should be pursued just as ruthlessly as the postmasters whose lives they ruined.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps says Britain should be spending 3 per cent of GDP on the military rather than the current 2.3.

He's right, but in these perilous times shouldn't he be beating at the Chancellor's door to demand adequate funding, rather than merely briefing journalists?
A Chicago mother who was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7 described the terrifying moment when armed attackers burst into her home while she and her 18-year-old daughter were still in pajamas.

Judith Raanan, 59, and her daughter Natalie Shoshana Raanan, then 17, were the first hostages to be released by Hamas after the October 7 massacre in Israel that saw 1,200 victims killed and more than 200 people kidnapped.

The Chicago-based mother joined NewsNation's Elizabeth Vargas on Wednesday evening, revealing startling details about the two weeks in captivity on TV for the first time since her release.

'It's like Russian Roulette. You don't know if you are going to be dead or alive,' she said, recalling the morning of October 7, 2023, when she and her daughter heard gunshots from Nahal Oz, one of several kibbutzim near the Gaza border.

Judith and her daughter Natalie, who have dual American-Israeli citizenship, were in Israel in October last year to celebrate Judith's mother's birthday and the start of the Jewish holiday season.

Chicago mother Judith Raanan, 59, who was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7 along with her 18-year-old daughter described the terrifying moment when armed attackers burst into her home while she and her girl were still in pajamas

The Chicago-based mother joined NewsNation's Elizabeth Vargas on Wednesday evening, revealing startling details about the two weeks in captivity on TV for the first time since her release

Judith Raanan, 59, and her daughter Natalie Shoshana Raanan(pictured), then 17, were the first hostages to be released by Hamas after the October 7 massacre in Israel that saw 1,200 victims killed and more than 200 people kidnapped.

On that Sunday morning, the pair received a phone call warning them not to go outside, and then started hearing gunshots from far away.

'I started walking towards the room of my daughter, and that was also the moment that a rocket hit the bedroom where I was,' Judith said.

'And then until I heard some Arabic, I understood that I have two minutes to explain to my daughter what is about to happen,' she added.

Realizing the attack was ongoing, Judith spent the next few minutes telling her daughter to stay calm and don't panic.

'I simply said, 'Honey, do you remember how you seen the movies? Those guys that have all this military artillery and stuff that come with guns and all?''

She remembered saying to her daughter: 'So that's what's gonna come through the door. So don't panic. Just you know, don't be afraid.'

When armed attackers burst into their home and held the pair at gunpoint, Judith and Natalie were still in their pajamas.

'My girl was afraid. She said, "Mom, I'm afraid to be raped." I said nobody's going to do nothing to you,' Judith said.

The mother recalled that the attackers threatened to kill everyone if she didn't convince the people hiding in the safe rooms to leave.

'He's telling me, 'You tell them to get out, you tell them to get out, or I'm going to bomb the whole building,' Judith said.

After spending two weeks in captivity in Gaza, Judith (right) and Natalie(left) were handed over to officials from the Red Cross in late October.

A handout photo made available on 21 October by the US Embassy in Jerusalem on their official X account shows US citizens Judith Raanan (R) and daughter Natalie Raanan (L) speaking on the phone with US President Joe Biden (not pictured) following their release after being abducted by Hamas, in Israel, early 21 October 2023

While the Hamas terrorists were raiding their room, Judith didn't forget to bring some colorful pencils and sing songs to keep Natalie calm.

She remembered singing 'What a wonderful world' by Louis Armstrong to her daughter when they were captured.

'And she goes like, "Mom, I don't think that this is appropriate. This is not so wonderful right now." And I said 'this is appropriate. You are Jewish Queen, you are my princess,' Judith said.

The Hamas attackers marched the hostages, zip-tied and at gunpoint, through the desert to the Gaza border.

Judith's hand was badly cut when one of the Hamas men removed her restraints with a sharp knife, leaving her with a scar that she still has now.

'That's when I said to God, "Do you want me to die like this?" I knew that if the blood kept on going, I'm just dead,' she said, adding that her pajamas and a piece of tape eventually helped stop the bleeding.

When they arrived at a Gaza hospital, the hostages were greeted as heroes, the 59-year-old mother recalled.

'The minute we came in, all the nurses were standing there and going like this [cheering]. They were all so happy that they came back with prey, with Israeli-Jewish prey.'

After spending two weeks in captivity in Gaza, the mother and daughter were handed over to officials from the Red Cross in late October.

But for Judith, there's no reason to celebrate the release, as she continues worrying for her family and every hostage held captive by Hamas.

While the Hamas terrorists were raiding their room, Judith(left) didn't forget to bring some colorful pencils and sing songs to keep Natalie(right) calm

For Judith (pictured with her artwork), there's no reason to celebrate the release, as she continues worrying for her family and every hostage held captive by Hamas

A photo provided by the Raanan family shows Natalie and her father, Uri Raanan, in Mexico

'I thought of my mother. Is she OK? Is she dead? Is she alive? You had no way of knowing,' she said.

'We have hostages that are going through mental, physical, emotional hardship and need to be released.'

Some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed during the Hamas-led incursion into southern Israel on October 7, and around 250 people were abducted. Hamas is believed to still be holding around 100 hostages.

Palestinian authorities claim most of Gaza's 2.3 million people have been forced from their homes by the war.

The Hamas-run health ministry, which doesn't differentiate between civilians and combatants in its death toll count, says that women and children make up two-thirds of the dead.

A quarter of Gaza's population is starving, according to the United Nations.
Mayor Eric Adams is being roundly mocked and fact-checked on X after he described New York City as 'The Port-Au-Prince of America.'

The Mayor made the comment in an attempt to show solidarity with Haitians living in the city, with the Caribbean country in turmoil after crime boss Jimmy 'Barbecue' Cherizier seized control, calling for a 'bloody uprising' to depose Haiti's Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, who announced his resignation on Monday.

New York City has the largest concentration of Haitians in the United States as well as one of the oldest established Haitian communities in the country with an estimated 156,000 living there.

'We call New York City the Port-Au-Prince of America. We feel the pain our Haitian neighbors feel as the situation grows dire,' the mayor wrote.

'We feel the pain our Haitian neighbors feel as the situation grows dire. To the people of Haiti and our own Haitian community here in New York City, know that we stand with you today and always.'

Mayor Eric Adams is being mocked on X after dubbing New York City 'The Port-Au-Prince of America' in a tweet aimed at showing support for Haitians in the US

The mayor was fact-checked by X users who claimed to have never heard of such a comparison

Adams was quickly mocked by users and was even fact-checked by X stating how the city had never been referred to by such a term

But for all the good presumably intended by the mayor, the tweet was quickly ridiculed and received a 'fact check' annotation.

'Readers added context they thought people might want to know: No one calls New York City the Port-Au-Prince of America,' the notice read underneath the mayor's tweet.

The community note was followed up with links to searches that showed no search results for the term.

The sentiment was echoed by X users responding to the mayor's tweet.

'I've lived here my entire life and I've never heard anyone say that,' wrote HowlingMutant.

'I've never heard anyone, anywhere, at any time, call NYC the Port-au-Prince of America,' added Clifton Duncan.

In his eight years as Brooklyn Borough president, Adams celebrated Haitian culture holding Haitian Flag Day celebrations at Borough Hall and creating the Little Haiti neighborhood

Former police officer Jimmy 'Barbecue' Cherizier (pictured) warned of a 'genocide' unless Haiti's Prime Minister Ariel Henry stepped down. He resigned on Monday

Haiti has been rocked by a wave of violence in the last few days which has left dead bodies in the streets and tipped it close to a civil war

A protester burns tires during a demonstration following the resignation of its Prime Minister Ariel Henry, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Tuesday

'Who the f*** has ever said that?' asked Covfefe Anon.

'I think you misheard people calling it the Port-a-potty of America,' stated White Girl Problems.

'Oh yes, can't go a day without hearing NYC is Port Au Prince of the US or that Cincinnati is the Istanbul of the Midwest,' joked another.

'Eric, could you show us a single example - in audio or video or text - of someone referring to NYC as 'the Port-Au-Prince of America?' Before today,' asked another.

User Kelly K performed a Google search to see if the phrase had ever been used.

'Lots of replies saying that nobody calls NYC 'the Port-Au-Prince of America'. A Google search for that term gave me 20+ results - but every single one of them referred to Eric Adams. When I searched for the phrase without Adams' name, Google literally gave me ZERO results,' they wrote.

Despite the mockery, Adams has been a supporter of the Haitian community.

During his eight years as Brooklyn Borough president, Adams celebrated Haitian culture holding Haitian Flag Day celebrations at Borough Hall.

In the spring of 2018, he stood with Haitian leaders in the city to officially designate a Little Haiti business district in Brooklyn.

Haiti's capital was calm on Wednesday two days after the prime minister said he would step down, but the U.S. and UN began to withdraw staff in a sign they fear peace might not hold.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry said on Monday he would resign from his post once a transitional council takes over, following escalating violence by powerful gangs that has led thousands to flee their homes.

Police officers patrol as Haiti remains in state of emergency due the violence, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, pictured on Saturday

Haitians cross the border between Quanamienthe in Haiti and Dajabon in the Dominican Republic, pictured on Friday

U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, who met with regional leaders and representatives from Haiti's government and opposition in Jamaica earlier this week, told reporters on Wednesday that he expects the transition council to come together in the next couple of days.

Caribbean leaders have detailed the sectors, political parties and alliances that will make up the nine-member council, but have not yet said who will be appointed to it.

However, Haiti's most powerful gang leader, Jimmy 'Barbecue' Cherizier, who had threatened to overthrow Henry, 'dismissed' the transitional council, the Miami Herald reported.

A day earlier, several dozen protested against the transition plan, burning tires in downtown Port-au-Prince, but the city was for the most part calm.

Henry traveled to Kenya last month to seal a deal to secure Nairobi's leadership of a long-delayed security mission to fight the gangs, who the UN believes control most of the capital.

Violence escalated in his absence and he remained stranded in Puerto Rico when he resigned.

In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis, an anti-immigration hardliner, said state law enforcement would deploy over 250 additional officers and soldiers and more than a dozen air and sea vessels to the southern coast 'to protect our state.'

Haiti's capital was calm on Wednesday two days after the prime minister, Ariel Henry, said he would step down

Haiti has been plunged into chaos after crime boss Jimmy 'Barbecue' Cherizier seized control, calling for a 'bloody uprising'

In Port-au-Prince, Haitians went about their business on Wednesday, with residents buying produce from street vendors and collecting water in containers. There was little sign of visible gang activity and no new attacks reported on key infrastructure or government offices.

However, MSC said it had suspended all shipping calls at Haiti's main cargo port terminal, which it said remained 'not fully operational' after containers were looted. Shipments will be diverted to Caucedo in the Dominican Republic, it said.

Many details on the security force, such as how large it will be, who will contribute troops, its funding, and how it will operate on the ground, remain unclear.

Countries have been wary of intervening in Haiti, with Henry's government viewed by many Haitians as corrupt, and following abuses by previous international interventions, including a sexual abuse scandal and cholera epidemic.

In Canada, like Haiti a former French colony, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised his country would remain 'very, very active,' without specifying commitments.

'The international community has been intervening for 30 years in Haiti, and we are still finding ourselves in this impossible situation,' said Trudeau. 'We need to see Haiti's political class come together and figure out a way to move forward.'

Haiti has long been impoverished and politically volatile but has become increasingly lawless since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, with the country's outgunned police struggling to maintain security and with protests increasing against the unelected Henry.
An eclectic thoroughfare in Melbourne's inner-north has shocked its own community after being crowned the world's coolest street.

High Street in Northcote, less than 10km from the CBD, took out top spot in Time Out's annual list, beating the likes of New York's Fifth Avenue.

It was the only Aussie street to crack the top 10 and one of only two that made the full top 30 list compiled by the publication's international team of 'local expert editors and contributors'.

Hong Kong's Hollywood Road took out second spot while East Eleventh in Austin, Texas, Buenos Aires' Guatemala Street and Commercial Drive in Vancouver rounded out the top five.

As the main thoroughfare through inner-city Northcote, Thornbury and Preston, High Street stood out for editors with its vibrant atmosphere and 'unique, something-for-everyone local businesses'.

High Street (pictured) in the Melbourne inner-city suburb of Northcote has been named by Time Out as the world's coolest

Melburnians and visitors flock to the busy strip for its vibrant cafe scene and nightlife

READ MORE: The one Aussie beach that made TripAdvisor's top 25 in the world The Sydney beach was named seventh best in the world by TripAdvisor reviewers Advertisement

The bustling strip is home to dozens of cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs, a boutique cinema, a theatre, high-end and vintage clothing stores and parklands.

High Street also scored points for its easy access to the CBD via public transport.

'Day to night, visitors can find amazing food and drink like authentic Portuguese tarts at Casa Nata, local natural wine at Northside Wines, or lasagne at 1800 Lasagne,' the guide states.

'Known for its many live music venues, High Street is home to legendary locations like Northcote Social Club and the Croxton Band Room, as well as smaller spots like High Note and Shotkickers.

'It's a strip where vintage stores and cool cafes sit comfortably alongside a food truck park and boutique indie cinema. We hate to be cliched and say there's something for everyone on High Street, but in this case, it's true.'

Time Out Melbourne Editor Leah Glynn added: 'We Melburnians love a rooftop bar, and High Street's home to a real beauty in Gigi Rooftop. Intimate and exclusive (the teeny space is accessible only via Umberto Espresso Bar), it's the go-to spot for a spritz at sundown with a side of sweeping suburban views.'

On top of being a trendy spot to eat, drink, socialise and shop, hundreds of Melburnians and visitors recently flocked to the street for the annual Northcote Rise Festival.

The bustling strip in inner-city Melbourne was one of two Aussie streets to make the top 30

Northcote Theatre general manager and local business association president Andrew Mansfield has worked in High Street for two decades.

He was surprised but excited to learn that the street is being championed globally.

'It's cool without being pretentious,' Mr Mansfield told Daily Mail Australia.

'The street has always had a lack of corporate feel about it with an incredible high volume of retailers and an eclectic mix of things for everyone.'

'There's food, live music, great pubs, friendly people and parklands, all surrounded by culture.'

Mr Mansfield was unfazed that the new accolade would attract an influx of more visitors to the already bustling thoroughfare

'We're built for it - there's plenty of retail and stacks of bars and pubs to bring people here,' he said.

Foster Street in Sydney's inner-city Surry Hills also made the top 30 list, just weeks after US pop star Taylor Swift visited the dining strip with her entourage to enjoy an Italian meal at Pellegrino 2000.

High Street in Northcote is renowned for its eclectic mix of cafes, bars, shops and live music venues. Pictured are crowds during the recent Northcote Rise Festival
Michael Gove is to compile a list of extremist groups and bar them from government meetings and funding.

The Communities Secretary today unveils a new definition of extremism, warning that divisions in the wake of Hamas's terror attack on Israel pose a 'real risk' to British democracy.

Groups meeting the multi-pronged definition  even if they are non-violent  will be banned from receiving taxpayers' money and from contact with ministers or senior civil servants. It will also apply to the honours system and public appointments.

The phrase, which comes into force today, will be used inside government only  not as part of criminal law. However, concerns remain that the measure could have unintended consequences on free speech.

The Communities Secretary today unveils a new definition of extremism, warning that divisions in the wake of Hamas's terror attack on Israel pose a 'real risk' to British democracy

Pro-Palestinian activists on a National March for Palestine in London on December 9, 2023. Groups meeting the multi-pronged definition  even if they are non-violent  will be banned from receiving taxpayers' money

What it was...and what it is now OLD DEFINITION (in the Prevent strategy published in 2011): Extremism is vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. We also include in our definition of extremism calls for the death of members of our armed forces, whether in this country or overseas. NEW DEFINITION Extremism is the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, that aims to 1: negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others; or 2: undermine, overturn or replace the UKs system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights; or 3: intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the results in (1) or (2). Advertisement

Mr Gove said: 'The pervasiveness of extremist ideologies has become increasingly clear in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks and poses a real risk to the security of our citizens and our democracy.

'This is the work of extreme Right-wing and Islamist extremists who are seeking to separate Muslims from the rest of society and create division within Muslim communities.

'They seek to radicalise individuals, deny people their full rights, suppress freedom of expression, incite hatred and undermine our democratic institutions. Today's measures will ensure that government does not inadvertently provide a platform to those setting out to subvert democracy and deny other people's fundamental rights.'

The Communities Secretary will decide which groups are extremist based on advice from civil servants. The only right of appeal will be through seeking a judicial review in the courts.

Officials believe the list of organisations likely to be named as extremist 'will not be long', but refused to comment on whether the definition could suffer so-called 'function creep' and be used in unintended ways  for example, by being cited as evidence in court cases.

The new definition will apply to organisations only, rather than individuals, and has been signed off by the Cabinet, but some ministers remain uneasy that the new mechanism could be abused by a future Labour government.

One Whitehall source said: 'If the wrong government gets in they could potentially extend it into areas which people would not want to see. That is the risk.'

A pro-Palestinian protester stands on a giant lion by Nelson's Column. The new definition will apply to organisations only, rather than individuals

Writing in the Spectator magazine, Toby Young, of the Free Speech Union, said: 'Is there a risk this new definition, which includes phrases like 'aims to... negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others', will also be applied to gender critical feminists, anti-abortion activists and other betes noires of metropolitan radicals?'

Tory backbencher Miriam Cates said: 'If we separate the legal definition of extremism from violence and harm, we risk criminalising people who hold perfectly legitimate views.'
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew issued a response - in the form of a TikTok clip - after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass legislature that could ban the platform in the United States.

The House voted Wednesday, 352-65, with representatives on both sides of the aisle banding together to pass the bill. It now heads to the Senate, where it faces an uncertain future.

Politicians have long voiced their concern about TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, which is headquartered in Beijing and suspected to have ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

President Joe Biden has committed to signing the bill, which would force ByteDance to sell TikTok within six months or be banned from app stores and web-hosting services.

Chew, 41, released a video on the official TikTok account on X, formerly Twitter, Wednesday evening. The CEO introduced himself by his first name before launching into his prepared remarks.

'Just wanted to share some thoughts with our US users about the disappointing vote in the House of Representatives,' he said. 'There has been a lot of misinformation and I hope to clarify some things.'

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew released a video response Wednesday following a U.S. House of Representatives vote on a bill that would ban the platform in the United States

Politicians have repeatedly raised concerns about TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, which is headquartered in Beijing and suspected to have ties to the Chinese Communist Party

TikTok has repeatedly denied sharing U.S. user data with Chinese authorities and insists that it will not do so even if asked

He thanked the platform's 1.7 billion-strong community for 'making (their) voices heard.' As of March 2023, at least 150 million users were based in the United States, though that number is estimated at around 170 million now.

'Over the last few years, we have invested to keep your data safe and our platform free from outside manipulation. We have committed to that and continue to do so,' Chew continued.

Whistleblowers within the company, most notably former ByteDance employee Yintao Yu, have previously sounded the alarm on lax data privacy.

Yu, who served as the head of engineering for ByteDance's U.S. operations between August 2017 and November 2018, sued the company in May 2023.

In the complaint he claimed a group of CCP members nicknamed 'The Committee' were installed at offices in Beijing and able to view all data collected by the company, including data from the United States.

In 2022, TikTok announced Project Texas, an unprecedented initiative to store all U.S. user data on servers within the country.

By June of that year, the platform reported that all U.S. user traffic was being rerouted to cloud infrastructure in the United States.

TikTok also announced that it would also delete 'historic protected user data' in data centers in both Virginia and Singapore.

President Joe Biden has vowed to sign the bill once it reaches his desk, forcing ByteDance to sell TikTok within six months or be banned in the country

In Wednesday's video message, Chew said he hoped to clear up 'misinformation'

Lawmakers and intelligence officials have been vocal about their concern that Chinese authorities could compel ByteDance to hand over Americans' user data.

Stoking their fears are a set of Chinese national security laws that force organizations to comply with intelligence gathering.

TikTok has repeatedly denied sharing U.S. user data with Chinese authorities and insists that it will not do so even if asked.

Appealing to House Intelligence Committee members Tuesday, FBI Director Christopher Wray deemed the CCP 'the defining threat of our generation.'

'Americans need to ask themselves whether they want to give the Chinese government the ability to control access to their data, whether they want to give the Chinese government the ability to control the information they get through the recommendation algorithm,' he said.

Last year, researchers from the Network Contagion Research Institute at Rutgers University assessed a 'strong possibility' that TikTok promotes and demotes certain topics based on the preferences of the Chinese government.

The researchers suspected the algorithm was manipulating discourse not only on topics specific to China, but also on strategically important topics such as the wars in Ukraine and Israel.

The focus of Wednesday's vote, dubbed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, is not the first attempt to ban the app in the United States.

Former President Donald Trump attempted to ban the video-sharing platform through an executive order in 2020. This effort faltered after TikTok sued and was ultimately blocked by the courts.

The 41-year-old said TikTok was committed to keeping user data 'safe' and the platform 'from outside manipulation'

The CEO urged the platform's 170 million U.S. users to 'continue sharing your voice,' including with their senators

'This legislation, if signed into law, will lead to a ban of TikTok in the United States,' Chew said in Wednesday's message. 'Even the bill's sponsors admit that's their goal.'

He added the bill 'gives more power to a handful of other social media companies,' though did not mention them by name.

'It will also take billions of dollars out of the pockets of creators and small businesses,' Chew continued. 'It will put more than 300,000 American jobs at risk and it will take away your TikTok.'

Addressing the users themselves, he continued: 'We will not stop advocating for you and we will continue to do all we can, including exercising our legal rights, to protect this amazing platform we have built with you.'

He ended the video by urging users to continue sharing their voice with those around them, including their senators.

Chew and executives of other technology firms like Meta and Snap testified before U.S. lawmakers last month on the topic of online child safety.

During the hearing, Chew was grilled about his nationality and possible connections to the CCP by Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas.

'You said today, as you often say, that you live in Singapore. Of what nation are you a citizen?' Cotton asked.

Chew repeatedly affirmed that he was Singaporean, even referring to his mandatory two years' service in the country's military.

When Cotton went as far as to ask Chew whether he was a member of the CCP, the CEO responded: 'Senator, Im Singaporean. No.'

Advocates and content creators gathered at the Capitol ahead of Wednesday's vote

If the bill were to pass the Senate and be signed into law, TikTok would lose a substantial portion of its advertising market.

A 2022 study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found the app generated $2 billion in ad revenue from users aged 13-17 in the United States alone.

While the bill faced overwhelming support during Wednesday's vote, critics were quick to voice their opposition.

Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar, a Democrat, denounced the legislature as 'bad policy' in a tweet.

'We should create actual standards & regulations around privacy violations across social media companiesnot target platforms we dont like,' she wrote.

Advocates and content creators flocked to the Capitol ahead of the vote. Some held signs reading 'TikTok changed my life for the better.'

TikTok itself also issued a statement opposing the vote.

'This process was secret, and the bill was jammed through for one reason: Its a ban,' spokesman Alex Haurek said in a statement.

'We are hopeful that the Senate will consider the facts, listen to their constituents, and realize the impact on the economy, seven million small businesses and the 170 million Americans who use our service.'
The man accused of stabbing two students at a university and injuring others with a frying pan has pleaded not guilty by virtue of mental impairment.

Alex Ophel has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of common assault and one count of possessing an object with the intent to kill or cause grievous bodily harm.

His lawyer entered the plea in the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Ophel remains in custody, with the case to return to court on May 23.

He is accused of repeatedly stabbing two women and bashing other students over the head with a frying pan at the Australian National University in September 2023.

Alex Ophel (pictured) has pleaded not guilty by virtue of mental impairment on two counts of attempted murder, two counts of common assault and one count of possessing an object with the intent to kill or cause grievous bodily harm

Ophel allegedly repeatedly stabbing two women and bashed other students over the head with a frying pan at the Australian National University in September 2023 (pictured, emergency services at the scene)

Two 20-year-old women were taken to hospital and a third man was treated at the scene following the incident.

The mother of Ilysha Perry, a 20-year-old arts student allegedly stabbed by Ophel, has expressed her feelings of horror when she heard about what happened.

Fiona Coffey said she was grateful her daughter was still alive but that her daughter would have serious long-term issues and would not be the same.

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The funeral parlour at the centre of a police probe was also the scene of a separate fraud investigation under its previous owners.

Police are investigating Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull and have recovered 35 bodies and a 'quantity of human ashes' from the funeral parlour as part of the ongoing case.

It has now been revealed that Heavenly Services, which the parlour was called under its previous owners, was also probed by police but over fraud claims, the Sun reports.

The investigation was launched in November 2021, a month after it collapsed, after customers complained.

Devastated customers told how they paid thousands of pounds to pay in advance for plots for their loved ones, only to discover that no plot had been reserved after they died.

Police are standing guard outside the Anlaby Road branch of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors after officers recovered 35 bodies and a 'quantity of human ashes'

It has now been revealed that Heavenly Services (pictured), which the parlour was called under its previous owners, was also probed by police but over fraud claims, the Sun reports

Police outside the Hessle Road branch of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull

Heavenly Services' owner, Simon Woolston, 51, was investigated for fraud but the case was dropped after he died.

The funeral parlour has since been taken over by Legacy, which is at the centre of the current investigation.

Police reportedly said that the two probes into the funeral parlours are not connected. MailOnline has contacted Humberside Police for comment.

This comes after Humberside Police said it had 120 officers and staff working on the Legacy case and more than 1,000 calls had been received from concerned members of the public about the funeral directors.

A 46-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman who were arrested on suspicion of prevention of a lawful burial and fraud, have been released on bail, the force added.

This prompted outrage online as people issued threats of torture and described the man and woman as 'monsters', according to the Mirror.

Others told them to 'burn in hell' as customers demanded to know what happened to the remains of their loved ones.

Families claim many of the services took place at the Hessle Road funeral parlour rather than the local crematorium.

They paid thousands of pounds for the coffins and cremation fees and were told the caskets would be taken to the crem later to be burned but said they did not get any proof this happened - and often not did not even get the ashes back.

Assistant Chief Constable Thom Mcloughlin told a press conference on Tuesday: 'We have now recovered a total of 35 deceased who have now been respectfully transported to the mortuary in Hull and formal identification procedures are now taking place.

'In addition, we have also recovered a quantity of what we suspect to be human ashes. We are in the process of carefully recovering all of those ashes and taking those to the mortuary.'

Deputy Chief Constable David Marshall told media: 'We are continuing to support the families involved through this extremely difficult and distressing time. This has been a truly horrific incident.'

At least two officers were seen stood outside the branch on Anlaby Road

Police continue their investigations at the Hessle Road branch of Legacy Funeral Directors

Assistant Chief Constable Thom Mcloughlin (pictured) told a press conference yesterday: 'In addition, we have also recovered a quantity of what we suspect to be human ashes'

A hearse and a limousine can be seen in the parking area of the Hassle Road branch while police officers are still carrying out investigations

The Beckside branch of the Legacy Independent Funeral Directors earlier yesterday. Police revealed that more than 1,000 people have called a hotline with concerns

The Beverley branch of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors which has now had its branding removed

He said families were 'understandably distraught' and acknowledged that they had many questions that needed to be answered.

Mr Marshall said it was an 'extremely complex and sensitive investigation' and pledged to put the 'heartbroken families' at the core of the inquiry.

He said: 'Many will be shocked, horrified and re-traumatised through grief following the disclosure of the facts of this case this week.'

Assistant Chief Constable Thom McLoughlin told reporters that more than 120 police officers and staff were now working on the case and more than 1,000 calls had been received from concerned members of the public.

Asst Chief Con Mcloughlin added: 'So far, we are pursuing extensive lines of inquiry, and have special search and forensic teams conducting thorough searches of various business premises that are linked to the suspects that were detained this weekend.

'I can confirm that a man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of prevention of a lawful, decent burial, fraud by false representation and fraud by abuse of position.

'They have since been released on police bail with conditions whilst our investigation is continuing.

'I recognise that this is a distressing time for all of those affected and I have no doubt it will have a significant impact across all our local communities and beyond.'

A large number of police have been seen at the site, including forensics officers dressed in white protective suits and the maritime protection unit.

Officers were yesterday also seen inspecting a hearse and a limousine parked in outside a branch on Hassle Road before removing various items from the vehicles.

Officers cordoned off three Legacy Independent Funeral Directors sites after the force received a report on Wednesday of concerns about the 'storage and management processes relating to care of the deceased'.

Humberside Police yesterday held a press conference where further details were disclosed of the 'truly horrific' incident

A police vehicle can be seen outside the Hessle Road branch of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors on Tuesday

A police parked with a major incident unit outside a Legacy Independent Funeral Directors branch on Hessle road in Hull

Cordons were in place at three Legacy Independent Funeral Directors' branches on Saturday

Legacy is run by Robert Bush, originally from Bridlington, Easts Yorkshire, and the son of a local head mistress there.

His daughter Saskya went into the family business after finishing university with a degree in engineering.

The Beverley branch, the smallest, is located on the corner of a residential street on the outskirts of the town.

Already, signposting relating to the business has been removed from the branch.

The main branch and head office of Legacy is at the near derelict end of Hessle Road, Hull, next to a derelict house sprayed with graffiti and facing a row of takeaways and boarded up buildings.

The building is located in a row of shops next to a brightly painted tanning salon.

The front room is laid out as a chapel with a cross on a desk serving as an altar and high backed kitchen chair under the desk.
Putin risks worsening ill reputation

Russias recent arrest of a Korean missionary on charges of espionage is feared to further exacerbate already soured relations between Seoul and Moscow. Russias foreign ministry said on Wednesday it will positively consider letting the Korean national, identified only by his surname Baek, meet a Korean consular official at the request of the Korean Embassy in Moscow.

Seouls foreign ministry said Korean Ambassador to Russia Lee Do-hoon met with Russian Vice Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko to ask for more support to secure Baeks safety and protect his human rights. Baek had been investigated by Russian authorities after he was arrested in January. Russias state-run TASS news agency said Baek was caught by Russias Federal Security Board (FSB) officers in Vladivostok.

Following his arrest, Baek was transferred to Moscow and placed in custody at Lefortovo Prison, notorious for its practice of confining the majority of inmates to solitary cells. Allegedly, the FSB suspects Baek of involvement in espionage, accusing him of leaking to foreign nations confidential information related to Russia.

Russia's decision to arrest the Korean missionary seems to be politically and diplomatically motivated, likely aimed at gaining favor with North Korea. This action coincides with President Vladimir Putin's upcoming planned visit to Pyongyang, suggesting Russia's inclination to offer gestures to the North. Additionally, it appears that Russia intends to utilize this "hostage" situation to bolster its leverage, pressuring South Korea to refrain from supporting Ukraine. Now, Russia faces the imperative task of transparently explaining the allegations and dispelling any potential misunderstandings.

Many claim Baek had been involved in humanitarian endeavors, including rescue missions for North Korean defectors and providing support to workers at logging or construction sites while engaging in missionary activities. The Global Love Rice Sharing Foundation, with which Baek is affiliated, told Yonhap News, Tuesday, "Baek has been engaged in purely missionary and rescue activities," rebuffing speculation about his espionage charges.

We strongly urge Russian authorities to uphold Baek's fundamental human rights and ensure that he receives a fair and impartial judicial process. It is imperative for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to utilize all available diplomatic and communication channels to prevent any possibility of Baek being subjected to unfair treatment.

This case has garnered significant attention as it marks the first instance of a Korean national being arrested on espionage charges in Russia. The timing of this development is particularly worrisome given the strained relations between South Korea and Russia, especially in contrast to the seemingly close ties between Pyongyang and Moscow. The alleged collaborative efforts in various sectors, including military, energy, and food, between North Korea and Russia further fuel concerns surrounding this situation.

Moscow's designation of Seoul as an "unfriendly state" followed South Korea's participation in international sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. This move further strained the already tense relationship between the two nations. Matters escalated when a spokesperson for the Russian foreign ministry made disparaging remarks against President Yoon Suk Yeol, characterizing his statement as "blatantly biased" and "odious." Such criticism, unprecedented for a diplomat to direct towards the head of another country, garnered widespread condemnation.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited Russia last year for a summit with Putin. The North has allegedly been delivering a huge amount of ammunition and missiles to Russia to use in its war against Ukraine.

Russia should remember that its potentially improper way of dealing with the South Korean national will only intensify international criticism against it and its president. Putin has already received a barrage of salvos over his alleged role in the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Bilateral relations between Seoul and Moscow are expected to deteriorate further should Baek face judicial punishment. Both nations must make concerted efforts to avoid a repeat of the 1998 incident when they mutually expelled diplomats. However, it is challenging for Seoul and Moscow to swiftly mend ties, especially in light of the conflict in Ukraine and the recent warming of relations between Russia and North Korea.

Despite these seemingly unfavorable factors, however, the two nations should double down on efforts to mend ties. They should carry out prudent and cautious diplomatic approaches for the benefit of both sides.
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle came under further pressure from MPs last night after failing to let Diane Abbott speak during Prime Minister's Questions.

The backbencher stood up more than 40 times to catch the Speaker's eye throughout the session  most likely wanting to address racist comments reportedly made about her by Tory donor Frank Hester. But Sir Lindsay did not call on the veteran MP.

Last night she accused both main parties of failing to deal with racism.

She said: 'The Tory reluctance to call out racism and sexism is shocking, but hardly surprising.

The backbencher stood up more than 40 times to catch the Speaker's eye throughout the session  most likely wanting to address racist comments reportedly made about her by Tory donor Frank Hester. But Sir Lindsay did not call on the veteran MP. Pictured: Diane Abbott

Last night Diane Abbott accused both main parties of failing to deal with racism. Pictured: Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle

'But the position of the current leadership of the Labour Party is disappointing  it seemed equally reluctant at the outset to call out either racism or sexism.

'In fact, a number of Labour statements were issued, and interviews given where neither word was mentioned.'

Writing in The Independent, the former Labour MP condemned the 'shocking levels of racism and sexism from within the Labour Party, again much of it directed against me personally'.

Groans were heard around the Commons chamber at the end of the session yesterday as MPs looked confused as to why they had not heard from Ms Abbott.

'I don't know whose interests the Speaker thinks he is serving,' Miss Abbott said afterwards. 'But it is not the interests of the Commons or democracy.'

Labour is under pressure to explain why it has taken so long to make a decision about whether it would restore the whip to Ms Abbott.

Party officials said they could not provide an update to the independent inquiry into her conduct last year.

Ms Abbott had the party whip taken away last April after she suggested Jewish, Irish and Traveller people were not 'all their lives subject to racism'.

Yesterday Ms Abbott said she asked Sir Keir Starmer to restore the whip when he asked if there was 'anything [he] can do' to help  but did not get a definitive response.

Yesterday Ms Abbott said she asked Sir Keir Starmer (pictured) to restore the whip when he asked if there was 'anything [he] can do' to help  but did not get a definitive response

Mother of the House Harriet Harman told Radio 4's The World Tonight: 'It's bound to be absolutely horrific for her  we need to do something about it.'

Sir Keir Starmer's spokesman said he would not speculate on the outcome of the independent investigation into Ms Abbott.

A spokesman for Sir Lindsay said: 'This week  as is often the case  there was not enough time to call all Members who wanted to ask a question.'

Last month the Speaker came under fire for allowing the Labour Party to amend an SNP motion on Gaza which  in its original form  would have probably seen dozens of Sir Keir's MPs defying the Labour whip.
A Chinese tourist has been found guilty of manslaughter over a botched boob job during which a Sydney beauty clinic manager died of an anaesthetic overdose.

Following a three-week trial in Sydney's Downing Centre District Court, a jury on Thursday found Jie Shao guilty of causing the death of Jean Huang nearly seven years ago.

Shao pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of using a poison to endanger life relating to the administration of an anaesthetic, Lidocaine, to Ms Huang.

However she fought the more serious charge of manslaughter at trial, with her defence arguing she was not responsible for Ms Huang's death.

Ms Huang, 35, died following a procedure, to pump filler into her breasts, at the Medi Beauty Clinic in August 2017.

The cosmetic procedure was performed at the Chippendale clinic where Ms Huang was a part owner and manager.

A jury on Thursday found Jie Shao (pictured) guilty of causing the death of Jean Huang nearly seven years ago.

The court heard that during the procedure Ms Huang began convulsing and foaming at the mouth - which the Crown prosecution described as symptoms of Lidocaine toxicity - before going into cardiac arrest.

She was rushed to hospital but was declared brain-dead and her life support was turned off two days later.

The court heard that during the procedure Shao administered painkiller Tramadol, a local anaesthetic Lidocaine and a breast filler.

Crown Prosecutor Sara Gul told the jury that Shao administered a fatal overdose of Lidocaine, well above the prescribed maximum dosage, to Ms Huang.

Ms Gul, during her closing submissions to the jury, told the court that even according to Ms Shao's version of events, she administered a dose of Lidocaine which was up to several times more than what was accepted to be the safe limit.

The court heard that after Ms Shao injected Lidocaine, Ms Huang began slurring her words and appeared sleepy.

'And the accused kept going, kept injecting this Lidocaine into her,' Ms Gul said.

The court heard that the Tramadol, which was from Portugal, and the filler, from Korea, were not approved for use in Australia.

The facility did not have the required resuscitation and safety equipment, the court also heard.

Jean Huang (pictured) died following a breast augmentation procedure inside her Chippendale clinic

The court heard that Shao arrived in Australia, via Melbourne, a few days before the procedure, with the Crown alleging she made herself out to be a doctor.

The court heard that while Shao had a degree from the Guangdong Medical University in China, she was not registered as a practising doctor in Australia or China.

She later told police that she had performed cosmetic procedures in her home country.

Shao's defence barrister Winston Terracini SC told the court that she was asked to do the procedure and played no role in running the clinic.

The court heard that Shao said in her police interview that she was only supposed to perform the procedure on one side of Ms Huang to demonstrate the procedure for a doctor, who would do the other half.

The defence argued that Shao stepped in to perform the procedure after Ms Huang expressed embarrassment at the prospect of a male doctor, who worked at the clinic, seeing her breasts.

The defence argued the circumstances in which she assumed her duty of care were critical in assessing whether she breached that duty and whether she acted reasonably.

Shao will return to court at a later date for sentencing proceedings.
Hauliers have slammed 'absolutely ridiculous' Home Office fines after the discovery of illegal immigrants on board their lorries.

Bosses at Alcaline Transport, in Hythe, Kent, said they are speaking to lawyers over the 'completely unfair' fines and are considering to launch a High Court judicial review into the Home Office, the i newspaper reports.

They claimed that the firm was fined up to 3,000 per stowaway after Border Force and French checks failed to locate the migrants in three instances, which were only discovered when the trucks arrived at the firm.

Alcaline Transport, which has a fleet of around 150 lorries, said it has already lost 110,000 to 120,000 a year in damaged goods after migrants snuck inside as the drivers slept.

Lorenzo Zaccheo, the owner and manager of the firm, told the i: 'We want to take the Government to court. It is absolutely ridiculous what they are doing.

Migrants climb in the back of a lorry on the A16 highway leading to the Eurotunnel on June 23, 2015 in Calais, northern France

Lorenzo Zaccheo (pictured), the owner and manager of the firm, told the i: 'We want to take the Government to court. It is absolutely ridiculous what they are doing'

Police officers arrest two men, believed to be migrants, who were stowed away in the back of a Polish lorry at Oxford Services on the M40 motorway on May 3, 2018 in Oxford

'We do due diligence. We stick to the Home Office guidance. And despite all of that it's an automatic fine. Hauliers and lorry drivers are not police officers.'

Mr Zaccheo added that one of the firm's drivers was beaten up after he confronted migrants who snuck on his truck.

A manager at the firm, Dominic Graham, said that there has been an increase in haulier fines in the last six months, which he believes indicated a rise in attempted crossings by lorry.

He said that despite his firm immediately calling the police to take the illegal immigrants away, they received fines for having 'unsecure vehicles' after the migrants boarded them without being discovered on three separate occasions.

This comes after Ed Rogers, owner of E.M. Rogers Transport, said he is furious with the UK Border Force after its officials found six migrants on one of his company's lorries at the French border which he claims 'snuck into the back'.

The Home Office fined him 66,000 and the businessman said he and his driver were being punished for 'not being border force agents or security guards'.

He told GB News: 'Our guys are just normal guys going about their work and they are not border force agents. They are not security guards. He and we are being punished on this occasion for not fulfilling those roles.'

The haulier company had previously claimed another of its lorries was attacked by migrants in France, who used iron bars and breeze blocks to smash its windscreen and door windows.

Writing about the fine on Facebook, Rogers claimed his company, which has been operating for nearly 80 years, was 'actually the victims of organised gangs'.

MailOnline understands the fine was in relation to a number of cases of negligence from its drivers, with a probe into the firm ongoing.

Home Office figures show more than 3,000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats so far this year.

The haulier company had previously claimed another of its lorries was attacked by migrants in France in 2021

But Mr Rogers says he and one of his drivers are being punished for the incident involving the six migrants, who were found in the back of one of his lorries by UK border police in France.

He claims the lorry had been travelling from Italy through France to reach Britain and managed to get through French security checks before being held up at the UK's scanners.

Mr Rogers said: 'We are just going about our normal working practices and in this example one of our drivers was coming back from Italy.

'He came back through the normal route back through France. He went through the scanners on the French side of the border.

'When it came to the UK side, which is still in France, they found six immigrants in his trailer.'

Mr Rogers, whose company transports rare, valuable and classic cars across Europe on its lorries, took to social media on Monday to criticise the fine.

He wrote: 'We have been fined this frankly ridiculous amount of money for honestly doing our job, alongside our driver who has been fined 36,000, UK Border Force are fining us for bringing 6 illegals over in one of our trucks.

'This is the same Border Force that can't stop the boats we hear about arriving daily from across the channel.

'We are actually the victims of organised gangs that target vulnerable lorry drivers whilst they sleep. Can you imagine having your house broken into at night and then being fined for it ?'

In May 2021, Pictures of a E.M. Rogers Transport lorry, shared by the businessman, showed its smashed windows and broken body work from where he claims it was attacked by the migrants.

Two large, circular smashes are seen in the windshield with some holes in the glass, while the door windows appear to have been totally destroyed.

At the time, he called for more action to be taken to protect haulage workers driving in and out of mainland Europe.

MailOnline understands an investigation into Mr Rogers' claims are still ongoing.

A Home Office spokesperson said: 'We are relentless in our pursuit of those who seek to enter the UK illegally, and stand ready to respond robustly to clandestine arrivals.

Mr Rogers said said he and his driver were being punished for 'not being border force agents or security guards'

Pictured: Migrants run across the A 16 motorway in an attempt to climb into the back of lorries bound for Britain while traffic is stopped upon waiting to board shuttles at the entrance to the Channel Tunnel site in Calais, northern France, on December 10, 2020

'Far too many vehicles are not adequately secured to stop migrants boarding them.

'That's why, in the last 12 months, we have strengthened the haulier civil penalty with significantly increased financial penalties to ensure that drivers are taking every reasonable step to deter illegal migration and disrupt people smugglers.'

In January 2023, the fines for lorry drivers who inadvertently brought stowaways into Britain rose from 2,000 to 10,000 for each 'clandestine entrant'.

The maximum fine applies for each migrant found in a vehicle, meaning if a driver has two stowaways they could face a 20,000 penalty.

Increased fines were introduced last year as part of the Government's determination to 'crack down on illegal migration' and 'to dismantle the organised criminal gangs behind it'.

While the exact number of migrants entering the UK clandestinely each year is not known, analysis from Migration Watch UK suggests that there have been at least 320,000 attempts to come to this country without prior permission from Northern France between 2014 and 2022.

In that time, there have been around 110,000 detected and reported irregular arrivals from Northern France via dinghy and lorry.

In the year ending June 2023, Home Office statistics showed there were 52,530 irregular migrants detected entering the UK, up 17 per cent from the year ending June 2022, with 85 per cent arriving by boat.
Heading to the spice rack is the obvious choice for most of us when we want to add a dash of the exotic to our home cooking.

But insect fragments, lead, synthetic fibres, leaves and traces of mould may be among the unsavoury ingredients mixed in with the dried herbs and spices in our kitchens, according to a report by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

The investigation, part of the Surveillance Sampling Project, tested 1,215 food samples sold at national supermarkets and smaller independent retailers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Oregano was found to be the biggest offender, with 13 per cent of samples containing 'foreign green leaf' - believed to be ground-up olive leaf, which has a similarly bitter flavour.

In total, 27 per cent of the dried oregano tested was found to be below par. Some jars contained insect fragments, small pieces of synthetic fibre and, in one instance, an 'excessive' amount of the poisonous metal lead.

Oregano was found to be the biggest offender, with 13 per cent of samples containing 'foreign green leaf' (Stock Image)

The investigation, part of the Surveillance Sampling Project, tested 1,215 food samples sold at national supermarkets and smaller independent retailers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (Stock Image)

Issues were also detected in ground nutmeg, with 21 per cent of samples found to be 'inauthentic' or contain contaminants  such as mycotoxins, mould-based toxins which enter the food chain through infected crops  beyond the maximum permitted levels.

Meanwhile, 3 per cent of turmeric tested concealed the same unpalatable toxins.

It is not the first time so-called 'hoax herbs' have been found in spice racks, however.

In 2021, a major EU study found that 17 per cent of herbs and spices  based on 1,900 samples from 23 countries  showed 'signs of adulteration'.

Oregano was by far the worst, with 48 per cent of samples coming back as tainted, but there were also high readings for pepper, cumin, turmeric and saffron.

Chalk, dyes and coffee bean husks are among the inedible additives found to have been used to bulk out jars of dried produce  and it's not just a few dodgy producers who are to blame.

Expert have warned of widespread 'food fraud', with the 17 billion global herbs and spices industry particularly vulnerable to criminal exploitation.

One Europol investigation uncovered an organised crime gang producing fake saffron  the valuable spice dubbed 'red gold', made from the thread-like stigmas of the plant  in Spain, and exporting it worldwide in quantities worth 8.5 million.

And a study this week by BBC Four's The Food Programme found seven out of 61 herbs and spices (11 per cent) bought from popular retailers including Sainsbury's, Asda and Amazon contained ingredients not listed on the labels. Tesco's were not one of the brands said to be affected.

Professor Rick Mumford, deputy chief scientific advisor and director of science, research and evidence at the FSA, said funding has been made available for local authorities to sample herbs and spice blends themselves, in an effort to remove fakes from the market.

'We will continue to carry out surveillance programmes to identify and find emerging risks within the UK food system to help ensure the safety of consumers,' he added.
Dog attacks have risen by a fifth in one year, with police recording more than 80 incidents a day.

Police forces recorded 30,539 offences of a dog injuring a person or a guide dog last year, an investigation by the BBC found, increasing from 25,291 in 2022.

It comes after a ban on XL Bully dogs came into force last February following a spate of devastating attacks by the dogs, leaving people dead or seriously injured.

A few days after the ban, Esther Martin, 68, was mauled to death by her son-in-law's unregistered XL Bully dogs in front of her screaming grandson, aged 11.

A Defra spokesperson told the BBC it encouraged responsible ownership to address control issues before they escalated.

XL Bully dog Theo wearing a muzzle put on him by owner Kerry Heath, who opposes the ban

Dog attacks have risen by a fifth in a year, with police recording more than 80 incidents a day

Jack Lis, a 10-year-old boy who died after being mauled by an XL Bully near Caerphilly, Wales

A clip from a video showing a man being dragged into the road by adog in September last year

Esther Martin, 68 (pictured) from Woodford Green, London, died from being attacked by two 'unregistered' XL bully dogs just days after the ban was put in place

The dogs which attacked Mrs Martin were owned by breeder Ashley Warren, a wannabe rapper who goes by the name Wyless Man (pictured)

A Daily Mail graphic shows how to defend yourself if you are attacked by an XL Bully dog

Pauline Elford told the BBC that her grandson, nine, was killed when he was left alone with an American bull terrier cross in 2019.

Frankie was attacked by the seven-stone dog while in a caravan in Cornwall. His grandmother said no one had heard his screams as he died waiting for help.

Mrs Elford, 57, is calling for tougher penalties on owners of dogs who kill.

She told the BBC: 'Until sentences are increased, dog attacks will continue, regardless of the breed. The government has to increase sentencing. If your dog kills somebody, it should be a manslaughter charge.'

The nation was left shaken when Esther Martin was mauled to death on February 3 - days after the XL Bully ban.

It is understood the terrified 68-year-old had issued a warning to her tattooed 'son-in-law' Ashley Warren, 39, but it is claimed the East London wannabe rapper fired back with a foul-mouthed rant: 'No one tells me what to do with my f*****g dogs.'

Esther's daughter Sonia Martin, 47, was at the scene this morning along with siblings Paul Martin, 45, and Kelly Fretwell, 46. She said her mother - from Woodford Green, London - had previously told the dogs' owner that they were dangerous.

Warren's social media show XL Bully-type dogs at his home which were allegedly unregistered

Sonia told MailOnline there were eight dogs, six puppies and two adults, and all were XL Bullies.

Six Essex Police officers arrived 'within minutes' and shot dead both dogs inside the home.

They and neighbours battled to save Ms Martin's life, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers were called to a property at Jaywick Sands, near Clacton-on-Sea at around 4pm, with neighbours hearing screams coming from the property for 10 minutes.

They found a seriously wounded Ms Martin. She later died at the scene.

The Sun reported Ms Martin was mauled to death in the back room of the home by the two adult dogs, named Beauty and Bear.

A man threw a brick and smashed a window as he tried to break into the house to help, according to one couple.

Julie Coleman, 62, and Mike Coleman, 74, said: 'It's horrible. I heard them shoot the dogs. It's so upsetting. I was in tears.'

They added: 'There was apparently blood everywhere. Her head was covered in blood.'

Almost 2,000 exemption applications were made in the first week that the scheme was open

Dogs are seen on the 'last unmuzzled XL Bully walk' before the ban was put in place

FEBRUARY 5, 2021: Keira Ladlow (pictured left), 21, was looking after the dog (right), named 'Gucci', when she was attacked at her brother's home in the Kitts Green area of Birmingham

Bella-Rae Birch was just 17 months old when an American Bully XL mauled her to death at her home in Blackbrook, St Helen's on March 21, 2022

JANUARY 29, 2020: Jonathan Halstead, 35, died after a severe neck injury and dog bites

MailOnline can reveal that the dogs were owned by breeder Warren, who goes by the name Wyless Man.

Warren, who features in drill music videos online, posted a Facebook ad selling XL Bully puppies for 500 in November, we can also reveal.

Police said the breeds which attacked Ms Martin are yet to be determined, but the family claimed they were XL Bully dogs.

Images show how at least one appears to be an XL Bully-type, while another looks like a Rottweiler.

Retired Tesco worker Ms Marten, whose grandson is Warren's son, had previously warned that the dogs were dangerous, her devastated family told MailOnline.

Her heartbroken daughter, Sonia, told MailOnline that 'none of them [the dogs] neutered, not registered'.

She said: 'The owner's words were 'no one is going to tell me what to do with my own f*****g dogs'.

'Mum had raised concerns about the dogs, over their breed and their temperament. Her grandson was in the house. He came running out shouting for help. We would like to thank all the neighbours who tried to help our mum.'

Ms Fretwell said about her mother: 'She was amazing. She was retired and trying to bring her life back on track after the passing of my sister two years ago. She came to visit my nephew and now she is dead.'

The gathering - which was organised by social media group Paws4Play - was designed to take place before the day before the ban came into place

The young boy came out 'shouting for help' when the attack happened, the family said. Ms Martin was heard by neighbours repeatedly shouting 'get off, get off', according to The Sun.

His mother, Clare Louise Hayes, passed away two years ago and was Ms Martin's daughter.

Despite the ban, Crufts bosses say they believe the dangerous dogs will continue to be bred through loopholes.

READ MORE - Crufts bosses say XL Bullies will continue to be bred through loopholes and insist government ban on dangerous dogs is 'doomed to fail'

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Dr Ed Hayes, head of public affairs at The Kennel Club, the organiser of Crufts, said that the legislation is 'doomed to fail' because of gaps in the law.

Dr Hayes said that breeders will pair two dogs together that are half an inch under the legal limit, therefore making it legal.

But these two hounds can create a litter of dogs that end up growing taller and therefore classed as XL Bullies.

The Crufts official also said that the Dangerous Dog Act is another strain on police resources, adding that after being assessed in court, the canines are 'typically' handed back to their owners.

In January it was reported that police have spent at least 2.2 million housing XL bullies.

Two weeks after Mrs Martin was killed, a 'blood lust' dog believed to be an XL Bully launched a savage attack on a horse, leaving the animal with bloody wounds.

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Amy Legemah's dog called Hugo bit the child's leg near Legemah's home in Thamesmead

Eamonn Mcgeady drinks a pint through a straw while wearing a muzzle in solidarity

A 'blood lust' dog believed to be an XL Bully launched a savage attack on a horse leaving the animal with bloody wounds, with claims the hound's cowardly owner fled and hid in a pub

Although Scotland at first said there wasn't enough evidence for it to ban XL Bully dogs, Humza Yousaf announced the devolved government would follow suit

Karl Canwell was walking his driving horse Doris and cart through Broxbourne Park, in Hertfordshire, on Monday when the unleashed beast suddenly ran up to his animal.

Panicked members of the public parked up their cars and dashed to Mr Canwell's aid to try and pull the pooch off Doris during the horror mauling, which ravaged the mare's front and back legs.

The dog's owner pulled off the snarling mutt's muzzle as he tried to yank him away during the attack, before walking off and hiding in the nearby The White Bear, it is claimed.

READ MORE - XL bully dogs to be banned in Scotland after desperate owners bring influx of controversial breed north of the border following regulations in England and Wales

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Locals who witnessed the horror attack called 999 but the owner had disappeared by the time officers arrived.

Although Scotland at first said there wasn't enough evidence for it to follow suit and ban XL Bully dogs, Humza Yousaf announced the devolved government would 'in essence replicate' the legislation.

He said at First Minister's Questions: 'What has become clear - I'm afraid - in the last few weeks, is we have seen a flow of XL bully dogs coming to Scotland.'

'As such, we will give further details to members of the Scottish Parliament through a parliamentary statement if the Parliamentary Bureau agrees next week.

'We will, in essence, replicate the legislation that is in England and Wales here in Scotland because ultimately, although we do have a very good system of dog control notice schemes, and we do take the approach indeed not to breed, we have to respond to the situation as it currently stands and therefore we will do what we need to do to ensure public safety.'

England and Wales outlawed the breeding, selling or abandonment of the dogs south of the border on December 31.
Neighbours of a police officer who died at his engagement party have revealed the celebration was loud and rowdy - until it suddenly ended in blood-curdling screams after 1am.

British-born senior constable Liam Trimmer, 29, and his fiancee Lilly Watts threw a raucous party at their home in Perth, Western Australia, on Sunday night.

As well as celebrating their engagement, the couple also announced to loved ones that they were expecting their first child.

But the happy moment ended in tragedy when Mr Trimmer fell over and slashed a carotid artery in his neck, killing him almost instantly.

Ms Watts - who is 14 weeks pregnant - told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday that her fiance will 'always be the love of my life and our baby will know the wonderful man he was'.

Now, neighbours in the small community have recalled being kept awake by the loud music from the party on the night of the tragedy.

They said they heard men speaking into a megaphone in the couple's backyard, before women started to scream in horror as the situation unfolded.

Liam Trimmer is pictured with his fiancee Lilly Watts. They were excited for the birth of their first child when he died on Sunday

Mr Trimmer fell over at home in Perth (pictured) at his own engagement party on Sunday

One neighbour said: 'We don't know what happened but they were outside and one of the boys got on a megaphone at 1am, the music was loud, then the screams and then nothing.

'We heard screams coming from girls - like giant, high-pitched shrieks.

'We figured something might have happened, you know maybe someone fell or got injured.'

Another said the music was so loud she considered calling police to make a noise complaint.

She said: 'I'm new to the area so I didn't want to be a party pooper but it was close to 1am on Monday morning, it sounded like there were more than 50 people there.'

An elderly couple who live across the road from Ms Watts and Mr Trimmer said they too heard noise from the party and were happy when it stopped.

We didn't think much of it but we did notice the police leaving the following day with a van-load of stuff,' the woman said.

The cause of Mr Trimmer's accident has not been confirmed.

Ms Watts is a nurse and there were many police officers and health workers at the party who did everything they could to save his life, but his injuries were too severe.

Lilly Watts is pictured in Perth during a short outing with her family

Ms Watts' mother Channy (pictured left, with her daughter) did not want to comment on the tragedy

The Watts family were spotted walking their dog in local streets on Wednesday, with the young mum-to-be seen wearing her engagement ring.

EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: Fiancee of British cop killed in tragic accident at their engagement party in Australia reveals she is pregnant Pictured: Lilly Watts and Liam Trimmer Advertisement

Earlier that day, Ms Watts' close friend Mel Kelly created a GoFundMe page to raise money for the single mum.

The appeal raised more than $110,000 in less than 24 hours.

Ms Kelly wrote: 'Lilly's world was shattered by a freak accident that claimed the life of her beloved fiance.

'The evening was meant to be a joyous celebration of Lilly and Liam's recent engagement and announcing their pregnancy, a huge milestone in their journey together.

'Friends and family gathered to share in their happiness. In a cruel twist of events, Liam's life was cut short leaving behind a void that can never be filled.'

She said Ms Watts had lost her 'soulmate' who now faces the prospect of raising her child alone, while juggling living costs.

Ms Watts' mother, Channy Watts, declined to comment on the tragedy when approached on Thursday.

Mr Trimmer was originally from the UK but he moved to Australia in 2013 and joined the police force.

WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch described Mr Trimmer as an 'extremely well-liked' and respected officer with his 'whole life ahead of him'.

'I know when my phone rings early in the morning from a senior officer, generally it's not good news, and tragically it wasn't,' he said.

'I know everyone that was involved is really, really hurting at the moment, and I think they wish they could just wake up from this nightmare.'

A report will be prepared for the coroner.
TikTok could soon be banned in the US as data collection concerns grow, but Australia has 'no plans' to follow its ally's footsteps.

The short-form video app, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, is one of the fastest growing platforms in the world with more than 170 million users in the US and 8.5 million Australian users.

But on Wednesday the US House of Representatives passed a bill that would give ByteDance six months to divest from the app and sell to a company that is not based in China.

Failing to do this, Apple's App Store and Google Play store would be barred from hosting TikTok, effectively banning its use across the US.

But Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Thursday the Australian government was not expected to emulate the US.

'With Congress and the US putting a ban on TikTok, are we going to do the same here in Australia, do you think,' WSFM host Brendan Jones asked.

'We'll take advice but we have no plans,' he told WSFM Sydney.

'You've always got to have national security concerns front and centre but you also need to acknowledge that for a whole lot of people, this provides a way of them communicating.'

Australia could be on track to ban TikTok after the United States threatened to implement a nationwide embargo on the popular app (stock)

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday shrugged speculation that Australia would follow in the footsteps of the US in banning TikTok

Opposition leader Peter Dutton on Thursday called on Mr Albanese to 'show some leadership' over TikTok concerns.

'I think the prime minister needs to show leadership here, at a time when we're being advised that young people who are using TikTok are having their personal details collected, their images and their most intimate discussions,' he said.

'When that's being collected by a country or a third party, the prime minister has to act, and so far he hasn't done that.'

Meanwhile, shadow home affairs spokesman James Paterson urged the government to implement similar reforms or else put Australia at risk.

'What this legislation does is it... breaks the relationship between the Chinese Communist Party and what has become the most dominant source of news and information in the world for young people,' he told Sky News on Thursday.

He claims the Chinese government are given 'unregulated access' to Australian devices and uses that to abuse citizens' data and influence their world views.

'That's not a national security threat we should tolerate at any time, but particularly at a time of heightened strategic competition,' Senator Paterson said.

The House of Representatives passed a bill that would give ByteDance six months to sell the app to a company that is not based in China (pictured, TikTok fans protest in the US)

Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil said she would be following the outcome of the bill which still needs to pass in the Senate.

'We are monitoring the progress of the bill in the US and will take additional action if and when relevant agencies advise it is appropriate to do so,' a spokesman for the minister said on Wednesday.

'The Albanese government has taken strong action in line with advice from our agencies to restrict access to TikTok on devices used to handle sensitive information.'

In Australia, TikTok is only banned on government devices, which prevents public servants from downloading the app on their work-issued phones.

US politicians claim the app poses a security risk as Americans' data could be shared with the Chinese government due to ByteDance's affiliations with the country.

But TikTok's CEO Shou Zi Chew has repeatedly told Congress US data is held in Singapore, not China.

TikTok's fate now rests in the hands of US senators, who will review the legislation.
A Melbourne driver has died in a fiery crash after an alleged hit-and-run collision.

Emergency services were called to Hopkins Rd in Truganina, in the city's west, about 1am on Thursday.

'Investigators have been told the male driver of a silver Holden SUV collided with another vehicle on Hopkins Road about 12.50am,' Victoria Police said.

'The impact of the collision forced the other vehicle to flip onto its side and catch fire.'

The driver of the crashed vehicle sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed to hospital, where they later died.

A driver died following a fiery collision on Hopkins Rd (pictured) in Melbourne in the early hours of Thursday morning

The driver has not yet been formally identified.

Police claim the 23-year-old Holden SUV driver fled the scene on foot and was apprehended by officers a short time later.

He is assisting police with inquiries.

The exact cause of the crash is yet to be determined and the investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the crash, or has dashcam footage or other information, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Hopkins Rd remains closed in both directions between Grand and Kirkpatrick Blvd.

Drivers have been asked to use Deer Park Bypass, Robinsons Rd and Boundary Rd instead.
Almost half of people in their fifties are experiencing sleeping difficulties, a survey has found.

The study showed that 46 per cent of people aged 50 to 59 reported that they have not been sleeping well during the last 12 months, while 42 per cent said they were more anxious over the same timeframe.

Researchers at Kantar Research Express, commissioned by charity Age UK, spoke to 2,621 people over the age of 50 and also uncovered a looming crisis in older people's mental health.

As many as one in eight people aged 50 and over said they rarely or never had social contact with others in person, over the phone or online.

Other findings included over a third of 50 to 59-year-olds reported finding it harder to remember things, while a quarter (26 per cent) said they were finding it harder to process new information.

The study showed that 46 per cent of people aged 50 to 59 reported that they have not been sleeping well during the last 12 months (Stock Image)

Almost half (48 per cent) of unpaid carers aged 50 or over said they had felt anxious in the past year, with more than a third (34 per cent) reporting they felt overwhelmed and over a fifth (21 per cent) felt lonely due to the care or support they were responsible for.

READ MORE: The mental health of the elderly has been ignored due to systemic ageism, study finds Advertisement

Caroline Abrahams, Age UK director, said the findings demonstrated the gap between the provision of mental health support and demand for help.

She said: 'It's sobering to see how common mental ill-health and an absence of wellbeing is among our older population.

'Our research is a reminder of the big gap that exists at the moment between the need for mental health support of all kinds, including talking therapies, and its availability.

'The fact that our research found that people in their fifties are often struggling with their mental health too will be a surprise to many I think, and it's an important wake up call for the NHS and our society.

'Across the UK there are some eight million people aged 50-something, but their needs are generally overlooked.

'It is often simply assumed that they are universally happy, hale and hearty, but our research paints a rather different picture.'

The findings come after a report last week by the Centre for Mental Health found older people were being left behind by inadequate mental health services, ageism, and the absence of a national strategy.

Anxieties are not limited to physical or mental health conditions, either.

Last month older people's financial hardship charity Independent Age published figures which showed 41 per cent of people aged 50 or over and not fully retired were concerned about economic hardship in their retirement.

The research also showed nearly a fifth (18 per cent) of people between 60-64 approaching retirement were living in deep poverty.
A young woman killed in a horror head-on crash on a notorious stretch of road has been remembered as 'absolute sunshine' and a gift to the world.

Nurse Phoebe Dawson, 31, from Manly, died when her Honda CRV and a BMW SUV collided on Wakehurst Parkway during wild thunderstorms on Sydney's northern beaches on February 19.

She was pulled from the wreckage but was unable to be resuscitated at the scene, despite the frantic efforts by emergency responders and bystanders.

Around 450 family and friends gathered in Sydney last Saturday to farewell the much-loved nurse.

Ms Dawson is survived by her husband Tim, who she married in 2022.

Phoebe Dawson (pictured with her husband) was killed in a horror head-on collision

Ms Dawson's heartbroken husband said that she 'lived her life for family, friends and community above all else, the Manly Observer reported.

Ms Dawson (nee Barnet) grew up in regional NSW and Queensland before she headed to Sydney to study nursing.

She volunteered with children in Kenya in 2010 before she began her nursing career at RPA Hospital.

She and her husband spent many years travelling the world and working on superyachts before returning to Sydney during the pandemic.

She then worked in North Shore Private Hospital's oncology ward, South Steyne Medical Centre and most recently Medtronic at Macquarie Park.

Patients and colleagues adored Ms Dawson.

'She always walked into work with a smile on her face, no matter how she was feeling. We'd always start the week finding out which hen party or wedding she had been to that weekend,' former workmates at South Steyne added.

'We'd laugh every day because she'd always start and leave work with her full water bottle.

'It was always impossible getting hold of her outside of work, she was the worst at replying to messages, although she claimed that she was getting much better.'

Ms Dawson's death also sparked an outpouring of grief on social media.

'Phoebe you were a gift to the world, to all your patients, to all your friends, to me, to our families, and especially to my big brother. Love you forever big sis,' her brother-in-law James wrote.

Friends described Phoebe Dawson as the kindest soul you'd ever meet

Phoebe (right) 'lived her life for family, friends and community, according to her husband

Friends described her as the kindest and most beautiful soul.

'Never stopped smiling, and made the lives of every person she met so much better,' one wrote.

Another added: 'We will miss your gorgeous face, that laughter and love you showed everyone that was lucky enough to know you.'

A former university classmate posted: 'I went to uni with Phoebe, and she was absolute sunshine. My heart aches for her family & friends, and her partner. Forever young and forever in our hearts beautiful.'

Ms Dawson's death took the NSW road toll in 2024 to 48, which has since climbed further.

The male driver, 51 of the other vehicles involved in the collision, escaped injury but was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

The police investigation into the fatal collision continues. No charges have been laid.

Hundreds of family and friends gathered to farewell the much-loved nurse last Saturday
By Donald Kirk

In the old days, when I was in "South" Vietnam, the communists from "North" Vietnam were self-righteous nationalists waging war against the corrupted, decadent forces of the South. They would do anything to win, but surely, in pursuit of their socialist ideals and their belief in an egalitarian system, they were not likely to cheat and steal, at least on a massive scale.

In nearly 50 years since their epic victory over the Saigon regime, things have changed. Now, scores of bankers and government officials face charges of corruption under the guidance of a 66-year-old woman, Truong My Lan, whose company made off with $12.5 billion from the country's biggest bank. Looking quite attractive in a white silk blouse, close to tears, she's on trial for her life in Saigon along with her husband, a Hong Kong Chinese billionaire named Eric Chu. It's not the simple fact that she's accused of embezzling from a bank that she controlled through a network of front companies that's so shocking. It's the enormity of the scam, comparable almost to the case of Bernard Madoff, the late New York financier who died in prison three years ago still owing billions of dollars from phony stock schemes.

The phenomenon of corruption on such a scale should not come as a total shock to Koreans, accustomed to periodic scandals in which many of the high and mighty of the largest chaebol have done time in prison in almost like a rite of passage. It comes as no surprise quite often to see these same ex-convicts on international missions, often in the company of Korea's top leaders.

For that matter, we read regularly of charges against the leaders of other countries in the region  Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and others  having enriched themselves to a degree that's beyond the imaginations of mere mortals accustomed to working for a fairly honest living. Some of them wind up in jail, and others merely get overthrown and tossed into the dustbin of history.

The Vietnam case, though, is a little different. Lan is a member of the Saigon elite, the get-rich-quick crowd that's arisen since those dark days when the conquerors from the North were throwing everyone in prison who seemed remotely linked to the South's fallen leaders. A lot of the former Saigon elite, the ones who lived off American largesse, got out before the downfall of their regime, but thousands more were flung into prison, shipped to reeducation camps, suffering  and quite often dying.

Now, it's a different story. Free enterprise in Vietnam is fine, and payoffs and bribes, embezzlement and fraud are fine, too, as long as no one questions who's the boss. Focus on business and bow before the leaders in Hanoi, and you'll be OK.

We may be sure that Lan and her husband did not attempt to defy the regime. The suspicion is that they weren't paying off all the right people to ensure the survival of their racket. Another suspicion is that the folks in Hanoi just didn't like to see Saigon entrepreneurs gaining so much power. We may be seeing shades of the old North-South struggle in which the country's Communist Party leaders have to assert their authority over upstarts in the South who have carried their rackets a few steps too far. While condoning rampant capitalism, Vietnam remains a communist country in which the party reigns supreme.

It would be a mistake, though, to compare the Vietnam case with that of North Korea. The comparison breaks down at once on the fact that Vietnam was reunited by force after long wars against the French colonialists and then the Americans, whereas the Korean Peninsula remains as divided as ever. The phenomenon of corruption pervades North Korea, where the regime and surrounding elite rake in the perquisites of the good life at the expense of the long-suffering masses. In South Korea, we read about periodic corruption cases among politicians and tycoons but also have the sense of a vital, thriving economy competing on a global scale.

In Vietnam, it seems, you cannot conduct daily business, consummate a deal or survive commercially without paying someone off. The country's a far happier place than it was as I knew it during the Vietnam War, and it's great to see a nation at peace. You have to wonder, though, how long the peace will endure while the country runs on corruption  and one conniving businesswoman is sacrificed as an example to intimidate others to fall into line behind the Vietnamese Communist Party rule.

Donald Kirk (www.donaldkirk.com) covers war and peace in Asia mainly from Saigon and Washington.
Denmark is planning to conscript women and increase the length of national service in an attempt to 'avoid war'.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen yesterday said 'we do not rearm because we want war, we are rearming because we want to avoid it'.

She went on to say that Denmark's government wants 'full equality between the sexes' as she made the announcement.

Denmark wants to increase the number of young people doing military service by extending conscription to women and increasing the time of service from four months to 11 months for both genders.

Denmark currently has up to 9,000 professional troops on top of the 4,700 conscripts undergoing basic training, according to official figures. The government wants to increase the number of conscripts by 300 to reach a total of 5,000.

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen gives a press conference on strengthening the Armed Forces yesterday in Copenhagen

Mette Frederiksen sits in a helicopter during a visit to Air Base Karup in Denmark

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (C) meets conscripts during a visit to Air Base Karup

The country is a member of the NATO alliance and a staunch supporter of Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen stressed that 'Russia does not pose a threat to Denmark.'

'But we will not bring ourselves to a place where they could come to do that,' Lkke Rasmussen said.

All physically fit men over the age of 18 are called up for military service, which lasts roughly four months. However, because there are enough volunteers, there is a lottery system, meaning not all young men serve.

In 2023, there were 4,717 conscripts in Denmark. Women who volunteered for military service accounted for 25.1 per cent of the cohort, according to official figures.

Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the new system would require a change in the law, which he said will happen in 2025 and take effect in 2026.

The security policy situation in Europe 'has become more and more serious, and we have to take that into account when we look at future defence,' Lund Poulsen said. 'A broader basis for recruiting that includes all genders is needed,' he said, adding it will create 'a more versatile and more complete defence.'

Under the plan for which there likely is a majority in the Danish parliament, conscripts will first spend five months in basic training, followed by six months in operational service along with supplementary training.

Pictured: Cadets line up for inspection during The Commandmants Parade at Sandhurst

Pictured: Junior soldiers take part in their graduation parade at the Army Foundation College

It comes as there are fears over staffing levels in the British military.

The Army should ditch its loosen restrictions on hiring soldiers with tattoos and those with a history of asthma to solve its recruitment crisis, the firm responsible for getting people to sign up has said.

Outsourcing giant Capita, which is in charge of recruitment for the Army, said a staffing crisis in the military could in part be dealt with by lowering the strict standards for entry.

The firm told a defence select committee inquiry into the recruitment of youngsters that many were waiting 150 days to join the Army, partly caused by the medical assessments they have to undertake.

Its representatives told MPs that would-be recruits were being 'attracted elsewhere' as the time taken to be accepted was so long that they were finding other jobs in the meantime, amid ominous warnings that the Army, Navy and Marines are all 'haemorrhaging' troops faster than they can be recruited.

It comes as it was revealed the firm had only recruited around half its annual target of soldiers with just months to go, and expects to only hit 70 per cent of this goal by the end of March.
The Metropolitan Police has agreed to pay 10,000 in damages to a woman arrested at the Sarah Everard vigil after being sued, but continue to deny wrongdoing by officers.

Jennifer Edmunds was detained overnight and charged with breaching Covid restrictions at the Clapham Common gathering on March 13 2021.

Her solicitors said the charges were dropped 15 months later, and Ms Edmunds sued the force for breaching her human rights, false imprisonment, assault, misfeasance in public office and malicious prosecutions.

The legal settlement was reached on February 5 this year after proceedings issued at Mayor's and City of London Court, they added.

Ms Edmunds said she will split the damages with pro-Palestinian protesters 'who have also been victims of police'.

Jennifer Edmunds (pictured in 2022) was detained overnight and charged with breaching Covid restrictions at the Clapham Common gathering on March 13 2021

People in the crowd turning on their phone torches in London, for a Sarah Everard vigil, 2021

Activists attend a protest, called by Sisters Uncut, outside Scotland Yard, where they blocked the road before marching towards the West End on March 12, 2022

Officers pinned protesters to the ground at a vigil for Sarah Everard

Police officers scuffle with people gathering at a band-stand where a planned vigil in honour of alleged murder victim Sarah Everard was cancelled in 2021

She said: 'While I am relieved for this to finally be over, three years after Sarah Everard's death, and almost three years after I was threatened with criminal charges for exercising my inalienable right to protest her murder, in that time I have also seen the state clamp down yet further on our collective freedom to assemble and demand change.'

The Met was heavily criticised for how it policed the gathering held to protest and mourn the kidnap, rape and murder of Ms Everard, 33, by serving PC Wayne Couzens.

A planned socially distanced event proposed by Reclaim These Streets was cancelled when organisers were threatened by the force with 10,000 fines.

However, people turned up throughout the day, including the then Duchess of Cambridge.

By the evening, hundreds of people had gathered and refused to leave when asked by police, leading to clashes.

Photographs circulated of women being handcuffed on the ground, sparking anger.

Ms Edmunds was arrested at the vigil and refused to pay a fixed penalty notice for breaching Covid regulations.

The Met was heavily criticised for how it policed the gathering held to protest and mourn the kidnap, rape and murder of Ms Everard, 33, by serving PC Wayne Couzens (pictured)

. The former armed Metropolitan police officer will never be released from prison after he abducted, raped and murdered marketing executive Sarah Everard in March 2021

She was charged with participating in a gathering of more than two people in a public outdoor place in a Tier 4 area.

The Met has previously said it brought prosecutions against people who did not pay the fines for alleged Covid breaches at the vigil.

Erica San, solicitor for Jennifer Edmunds, said: 'The Met's heavy-handed and insensitive policing of the Clapham Common vigil was a reflection of the institutional misogyny that the Casey Review sought to expose.

'The fact that it has taken three years to acknowledge the wrong done to Jeni - as with the many other cases which were brought after the vigil - is a sign of how deeply reluctant the force is to face its pressing need for reform.'

A Met spokesperson said: 'The officers involved acted in good faith, interpreting complex and changing legislation in very challenging circumstances.

'They acted in a way that was entirely consistent with their colleagues working across London at the time and the operational directions given by the relevant command teams.

'Their actions were found by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services to have been appropriate and no misconduct was identified by our professional standards teams.

'The settlement that has been reached does not alter that position and the Met has no intention to revisit it.

Police officers stand in front of members of the public holding up signs as they stand on a wall surrounding the fountain at Trafalgar Square during a protest after Sarah's death

loral tributes are placed in tribute to Sarah Everard on Clapham Common on March 15, 2021

People holding placards outside New Scotland Yard in London, after clashes between police and crowds who gathered on Clapham Common to remember Sarah Everard

A sign is seen as people gather at a memorial site in Clapham Common Bandstand, following the kidnap and murder of Sarah Everard, in March 2021

Women arrested during the Sarah Everard Vigil in Clapham Common, March 2021

'A protracted legal dispute was not in the interests of any party, and an agreed settlement reached.'

It follows the revelation that more than 700 investigations have been launched by Britain's biggest police force after nearly 3,000 contacts to an anti-corruption hotline in the first 18 months of operation.

A series of harrowing scandals, including the murder of Sarah Everard by serving officer Wayne Couzens, and then-PC David Carrick being unmasked as a serial rapist, led the Met to be the first force to start using the service in November 2022.

It will now be available for reports about all UK police forces, either online or by calling 0800 085 0000, and will be run by the independent charity Crimestoppers, which will allow anonymous tip-offs.

Information can be passed on about potential crimes including police officers, staff or volunteers who may be accepting bribes, abusing their position, mistreating their partner or expressing racist, homophobic, misogynistic or disablist beliefs.

Details will be passed on to the relevant force for assessment and may lead to an investigation.

So far for the Met, since November 2022, there have been 1,988 calls and 890 online reports, with 867 pieces of intelligence passed onto the force. This has led to 728 Met investigations, and the remaining 139 reports were passed to other relevant police forces.

With both Wayne Couzens and Carrick, a series of opportunities were missed to root out their abhorrent behaviour, shaking public confidence in the police service to find wrongdoing in its own ranks.

Various other scandals also severely damaged the Met's reputation, including two officers who were jailed for sharing pictures of the bodies of two murdered sisters, and deeply offensive and disturbing messages shared among some officers in WhatsApp groups.

An independent review by Lady Elish Angiolini found that a series of red flags were missed about Couzens, who was a serial sex offender in spiralling debt.
The parents of a seven-year-old girl who was buried alive on a Florida beach say the dangers that lurked on the sands 'never crossed their mind'.

Sloan Mattingly's mom and dad, Therese and Jason, say their little girl had been playing with her brother Maddox as the pair dug a hole in the sand for hours at Lauderdale-by-the Sea beach when tragedy struck.

Sloan died after being buried inside when the walls caved in around her. She tried to save herself by grabbing onto her brother, Maddox, during her final moments.

Her parents say they are known as being 'overprotective' among friends and 'have no idea how it happened.'

'That's kind of the question we have too because we're the kind of people that other parents or family members would roll their eyes at because we're a little overprotective most of the time,' Therese said to GMA.

'I think of everything. When we go to the beach, we think of water safety. And this never, ever once crossed my mind. And course now, looking now, I think "of course!" And so that part's really frustrating.'

It took rescuers, some of whom were regular beachgoers, 20 minutes to pull her out.

Therese and Jason, Sloan Mattingly's parents say their little girl was playing with her brother Maddox digging a hole in the sand at Lauderdale-by-the Sea beach when tragedy struck

Sloan died after being buried inside a sand hole and tried to save herself by grabbing onto her brother, Maddox, during her final moments

Therese Mattingly said that as parents, she and her husband were considered to be 'overprotective'

The family was visiting from Fort Wayne, Indiana when tragedy struck

A crowd gathered to help try to dig the children out until the authorities arrived

Frantic passersby got on their knees and dug with their hands in a desperate attempt to reach the girl

Frantic cell phone footage showed a crowd of desperate beachgoers falling to their knees and using their hands to dig the children out of the sand.

Some tried to hold the walls back to stop more sand from collapsing in on the children.

Sloan did not have a pulse when she emerged from the sand and was declared dead at the hospital, according to officials.

Although sand hole deaths are very rare, they are not unheard of and there have been studies and warnings published about them.

According to Dr. Stephen Leatherman from Florida International University's Department of Earth and Environment, deep sand holes can be a death trap.

The expert explained that once a person's body's is below the sand level, sand starts drying out immediately.

'When people dig holes more than two feet deep and get in them, at least where their body's below the sand level, sand starts drying out immediately.

'And dry sand can only hold a 33-degree angle and people dig these holes almost vertically.'

At that point, the sides of the hole usually begin to cave in very rapidly and sand begins to fall into the hole at an alarming speed.

Leatherman also pointed out that there is also a risk of someone stepping on the edge of a hole before the sand dries out and causing a massive collapse.

'The deeper the hole, the greater the risk,' the expert told NBC.

News reports and a 2007 medical study show that about three to five children die in the United States each year when a sand hole they are digging at the beach, a park or at home collapses on top of them.

Others are seriously injured and require CPR to survive.

Those who died include a 17-year-old boy who was buried at a North Carolina beach last year, a 13-year-old who was digging into a sand dune at a state park in Utah and an 18-year-old who was digging with his sister at a New Jersey beach. Those two accidents happened in 2022.

"The risk of this event is enormously deceptive because of its association with relaxed recreational settings not generally regarded as hazardous," the New England Journal of Medicine study concluded.

Lifeguards say parents need to be careful about letting their children dig at the beach and not let them get too deep.

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, a small enclave north of Fort Lauderdale, does not have lifeguards at its beach, so there were no professionals immediately available to help.

In Sloan's case, the first deputies arrived about four minutes after the collapse, with paramedics and firefighters arriving moments later, according to 911 calls released by the Broward County Sheriff's Office.

Sloan did not have a pulse when she emerged from the sand and was declared dead at the hospital, according to officials

Mourners carry Sloan's small, pink coffin during a funeral service for the youngster

The sand hole where seven-year-old Sloan died is seen taped off

A pail rests next to caution tape on a beach in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea following the tragedy

Investigators on the beach in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea take photos of the scene last month

The family of a seven-year-old girl have spoken of their heartbreak at the youngster's untimely death after being buried alive while on a Florida beach

The Mattingly family are pictured with nine-year-old Maddox, left, parents Therese and Jason and seven-year-old Sloan

Dad, Jason, posted a photo of the beach where the tragedy occurred the following day that saw a beam of sunlight shining down onto the shoreline

Floral tributes have been left close to the scene where the little girl lost her life

Last month, tributes were left for the seven-year-old on the beach in Fort Lauderdale

The Mattingly family expressed their profound heartbreak and shared the devastating incident on a GoFundMe page that has raised almost $159,000

'A freak accident happened while we are here on vacation and it took away our greatest 7.5 years,' Therese Mattingly wrote on a GoFundMe page set up for the family which has raised almost $159,000.

'Don't tell us you're sorry for our loss don't do that to us. We experienced the purest human being and we are forever changed by her. We love you beyond any stretch of the imagination. Our sweet Sloan. What we would give.'

Sloan's grieving uncle, Chris Sloan, said the young girl kept trying to hold onto brother nine-year-old Maddox's leg to get out of the sand but eventually the boy could not feel her grip anymore.

'We found out that after the sand had caved. She kept trying to grab up Maddox's leg to get up out of the sand and eventually he couldn't feel her moving anymore', Chris told KFOR.

He described Sloan as a girl with a 'lot of energy and just totally innocent'.

Uncle Chris Sloan described Sloan as a girl with a 'lot of energy and just totally innocent'

'She was always happy,' Chris said. 'She was really fun to be around. She had a lot of energy and just totally innocent, and that's what hurts the most in all this.'

Chris further said that the family rarely took vacations and were texting updates on a family group chat.

'They don't really go on vacation much, but they went to Ft. Lauderdale to the beach,' Chris said.

'She kept trying to grab up Maddox's leg to get up out of the sand, and eventually he couldn't feel her moving anymore,' the uncle said

'I got a text message as did everybody on the group chat to call a number for a conference call.

'Once we all got on the line, my brother, Jason, said, 'Ok. What I have to tell you is going to be the worst news of your entire life'.

'And it was. He said that she had passed away, that Sloanie had passed away.

'The sand had been up to his [Maddox] chest, and he was screaming for help, and a lot of people did come and help. There's actually some video of that.

'She was non-responsive at the scene is what we know,' Chris said.

Harrowing 911 audio released last month revealed the frantic moments beachgoers attempted to save Sloan after she was fatally buried.

A panic-stricken witness can be heard telling a dispatcher how her mother was desperately yelling: 'My daughter is in there.'

'Everybody's screaming' the caller continued, as people cried out in the background: 'They do not see her head, they do not see her.'

After around 20 minutes, the young girl was eventually pulled out of the sand but tragically succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.

Witnesses said the horror unfolded after Sloan and her older brother Maddox were playing in the hole when the ground gave way.

Sloan's older brother Maddox was able to be rescued from the hole first, and was taken to hospital in stable condition after also being injured in the collapse

Sloan with her dad Jason, who said she was 'full of life'

The family is seen on another holiday a few years back in a photo posted to Facebook

Separate audio of the 911 dispatcher alerting officers to the beach noted that around 20 bystanders had rushed to join the efforts to dig the girl out of the sand.

The person who initially called 911 began by telling the dispatcher there was 'a bunch of people trying to dig.'

She said she realized something was wrong when she heard 'the father yelling for help', who 'said his child is caught in a hole in the sand.'

'The mom's yelling, "my daughter is in there"', she continued. 'Everybody's screaming.'

Parents Jason and Therese are pictured above

Dad, Jason, had been updating the family on the progress of their vacation on social media

Panicked screaming and yelling can be heard in the background of the audio, and the woman who called 911's voice broke as she warned the dispatcher: 'They have not gotten the child out yet.'

She said she couldn't detail the exact situation as 'everybody is surrounding' the collapsed hole, but noted that she couldn't see the young girl's head above the sand.

'Oh, this mother... oh this is awful,' they said at the conclusion of the call - seconds before a grief-filled wail was heard in the background.

The siblings, their dad and mom Therese, 36, were visiting from Fort Wayne, Indiana when tragedy struck.
Ministers have been urged to close a 'loophole' which allows private clinics to give puberty blockers to youngsters after NHS England halted prescriptions of the drugs for under-16s.

Ministers hailed Tuesday's landmark ruling, arguing it would help ensure care is based on evidence and is in the 'best interests of the child'.

The powerful body-altering hormones, which can permanently weaken bones, will now only be available to children as part of clinical research trials.

But campaigners are now warning that the bill must be extended to include private providers amid fears that parents could go to online clinics running a 'Wild West operation'.

A private members bill introduced by former Prime Minister Liz Truss will be debated on Friday to make it illegal for any healthcare provider to provide puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones to under-16s.

Puberty blockers, known medically as gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues, stop the physical changes of puberty in teens questioning their gender. Pictured one example of these drugs, called Triptorelin

Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust has been accused of rushing children onto puberty blocking drugs by former patients who feel they weren't challenged enough

Known medically as gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues, puberty blockers stop the physical changes of puberty in teens questioning their gender.

For example, they halt the development of breasts in girls and facial hair in boys.

Testosterone helps those born female put on muscle and gives them body hair, while oestrogen promotes the growth of breast tissue in those born male.

'The NHS has finally recognised that there is no evidence to support puberty blockers,' Dr Michael Biggs, of anti-gender ideology campaign group Sex Matters, told The Times.

'As a matter of urgency, private clinics must be stopped from exploiting vulnerable children and adolescents. If this does not happen, those clinics will continue to provide these drugs, which were never licensed to treat gender dysphoria, on demand.'

And co-founder of LGB Alliance Bev Jackson added to the broadsheet that online clinics could 'make a mockery' of the NHS ban.

She said: 'If these drugs cannot be provided on the NHS they should not be obtainable anywhere, particularly not by rogue private clinics operating largely online. We call on the prime minister to support the Health and Equality Acts (Amendment) Bill on Friday that would make these drugs unlawful. Hundreds of vulnerable young people have already been harmed. Rishi Sunak can ensure that no more children join their ranks.

'We have to close this loophole. If not, then everybody who is convinced they need these drugs will try to get them somewhere else.'

A private members bill introduced by former Prime Minister Liz Truss will be debated on Friday to make it illegal for any healthcare provider to provide puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones to under-16s

NHS England's ruling comes just months after a public consultation on the issue. It also follows a damning 2020 review of gender identity services for children under 18 by renowned paediatrician Dr Hilary Cass (pictured)

NHS England's ruling comes just months after a public consultation on the issue.

It also follows a damning 2020 review of gender identity services for children under 18 by renowned paediatrician Dr Hilary Cass.

The report prompted the looming closure of the controversial Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) at Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust in London.

Former staff said it was fast-tracking vulnerable teenagers into irreversible treatment, inspectors rated it inadequate and the landmark review by Dr Cass warned it was struggling to cope with soaring demand.

Groups such as Mermaids and Gires, which support transgender people and their families, have claimed that delaying a young transgender person's access to hormone blockers may increase their risk of suicide.

But Dr Cass pointed to a lack of long-term evidence and data collection on what happens to children and young people who are prescribed the medication.

Dr David Bell, a consultant psychiatrist and Tavistock whistleblower, also said the drugs caused 'considerable damage'.

A rising number of 'detransitioners' who regret having the irreversible procedure have also come forwards in recent months and claimed they were not challenged enough as children.

Following the Tavistock's closure, two new NHS services will now open in early April, situated in London's Great Ormond Street Hospital and Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool.

University College London neuropsychologist Professor Sallie Baxendale published a review of the potential impact of the powerful drugs on teens who take them

The NHS has said children attending these clinics will be supported by clinical experts in neurodiversity, paediatrics and mental health, 'resulting in a holistic approach to care'.

How the Tavistock scandal unfolded 2005: Sue Evans, a nurse at Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust's Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS), warned that youngsters were being assessed too quickly and their treatment was influenced by transgender rights groups. 2009: GIDS became a national service responsible for treating all children in England with gender and identity issues. Demand skyrocketed, with fewer than 100 patients referred to the clinic in 2010, jumping more than 2,500 by 2018. 2018: A senior member of staff told the trust's board that children were wrongly fast-tracked into changing their gender  with the mental health and social reasons behind their wishes being overlooked February 2019: An internal report by Dr David Bell, who was on Tavistock's board, set out how patients were suffering 'long term damage' because GIDS could not 'stand up to the pressure' from 'highly politicised' campaigners and families. February 2019: Consultant psychotherapist Dr Marcus Evans  who had worked at the trust for decades and whose wife Sue first raised concerns about its practices in 2005  resigned in protest at the Tavistock's response to doctors who raised the alarm. July 2019: Dr Kirsty Entwhisle, a psychologist at GIDS Leeds hub, went public with accusations that staff misled patients and made decisions about young people's 'bodies and lives' without 'robust evidence'. October 2019: Former GIDS nurse Sue Evans and an anonymous mother of a 15-year-old GIDS patient launched the first legal action against Tavistock. They claimed the trust should not prescribe puberty blockers to children who could not give informed consent. January 2020: Keira Bell, who was prescribed the drugs when she was 16-years-old, replaced Mrs Evans as lead claimant. She underwent breast-removal surgery but regretted transitioning, claiming she was given puberty blockers after 'superficial conversations' with social workers' and was receiving testosterone shots a year later'. December 2020: In response to the claim, the High Court decided that under-16s could not give informed consent to the treatment. 2020: NHS England asks paediatrician Dr Hillary Cass to conduct a review into Tavistock. September 2021: Tavistock appealed the decision and it was overturned by the Court of Appeal, which claimed the previous ruling was 'inappropriate' and placed patients, parents and medics in a 'very difficult position'. September 2021: Sonia Appleby, the trust's safeguarding lead, awarded 20,000 by tribunal after claiming trust managers tried to stop her from carrying out her role when staff raised concerns. January 2021: The UK's health watchdog, the Care Quality Commission, gave GIDS the lowest rating it can, 'inadequate', after finding 'significant concerns' about how it operates. It demanded improvement. March 2022: In an interim report, Dr Cass hit out at the lack of 'open discussion' at the trust about its treatment, which was not subject to quality controls. She found other mental health issues were 'overshadowed' in favour of gender identity issues when children were referred to GIDS. She called for a 'fundamentally different service model' and 'rapid' research on the use of the drugs after she found 'insufficient evidence' on their benefits. July 2022: In a letter to the NHS, Dr Cass called for regional centres to be commissioned for gender identity treatment, with 'strong links' to mental health services and academic hubs that conduct ongoing research. July 2022: The NHS confirmed that GIDS will be replaced by regional centres at existing children's hospitals, which will provide more holistic care with 'strong links to mental health services'. Advertisement

Following the announcement on the ban on puberty blockers at gender clinics, health minister Maria Caulfield said: 'We have always been clear that children's safety and wellbeing is paramount, so we welcome this landmark decision by the NHS.

'Ending the routine prescription of puberty blockers will help ensure that care is based on evidence, expert clinical opinion and is in the best interests of the child.'

Truss, whose Health and Equality Acts (Amendment) Bill includes a ban on puberty blocker prescriptions to children, both privately and on the NHS, added: 'I welcome NHS England's decision to end the routine prescription of puberty blockers to children for gender dysphoria.

'I urge the Government to back my Bill on Friday which will reinforce this in law and also prevent these drugs being supplied privately.'

The consultation on the future of services received more than 4,000 responses.

John Stewart, national director of specialised commissioning at NHS England, said: 'Given that the debate is often very polarised, so too were the responses to the consultation.

'Many people said the policy didn't go far enough in terms of still allowing potential access (to puberty blockers) through research, and others saying clearly they disagreed fundamentally and that these should be routinely available to everyone who believes they need it.'

Regarding the new clinics, he said: 'This is just the first step in building a regional model, where our aim is to establish between seven and eight specialist centres including the north and the south hubs over the next year to two years.'

Around 250 patients are expected to be transferred to the new clinics from GIDS when they open.

Some 5,000 more children and young people are currently on the waiting list for referral into the new clinics.

Mr Stewart said: 'Our two new providers on their own are not going to be able to make a significant dent immediately in that waiting list.

'But what they are doing is helping us establish a new and fundamentally different service model, in line with advice from the Cass review.'

He said other regional centres could hopefully be commissioned quickly 'and once we get to that point we should begin to see significant movement in that waiting list and numbers falling.

'The speed and pace at which the clinics will be able to see new patients off the waiting list is in large part going to be dependent on how successful their ongoing recruitment into the service is, and that is not straightforward.'

New figures show that 83 young people questioning their gender identity began taking puberty blockers in the 12 months to July.

Another 17 began treatment between July and October, according to Freedom of Information responses from Leeds General Infirmary and University College London Hospital which receive referrals from the scandal-hit Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS).

The figures do not include private patients or those treated by a GP so the true figure could be far higher.

All children on the drugs will be able to continue their treatment.

It is understood NHS England hopes to have a study into the use of puberty blockers in place by December 2024, with eligibility criteria yet to be decided.

It comes after a world-renowned expert who found puberty-blockers can harm children's IQ, last month also revealed academics initially dismissed her research as 'biased'.

University College London neuropsychologist Professor Sallie Baxendale published a review of the potential impact of the powerful drugs on teens who take them.

Her alarming study highlighted cases where young girls seemingly lost between seven to 15 IQ points while taking the medications, which halt bodily changes in puberty.

But despite the concerning findings, Professor Baxendale initially struggled to find a publisher for her review.

Three separate journals rejected her paper in which she called for 'urgent' research into the impact of the drugs on children's brain functions.

Detailing her experiences on UnHerd, Professor Baxendale revealed that anonymous reviewers cast suspicion on her motives and reasons for exploring the subject in the first place.

But others shockingly accused her of 'bias' by questioning if puberty blockers were safe and another said her used of terms like 'male' and 'female' showed her 'pre-existing scepticism' on the subject.
Union bosses have called for manslaughter charges to be brought against the owners of a mine after a man lost his life in an 'avoidable' rock collapse.

The body of the 37-year-old man from Bruthen was recovered from the Ballarat Gold Mine on Woolshed Gully Drive in Victoria's Goldfield region at 5.20am on Thursday.

Up to 31 miners were trapped 500m underground following a rockfall while the workers were air-legging, a type of manual mining, at 4.50pm on Wednesday.

Two workers were pinned down by rocks, with one losing his life and a 21-year-old man rushed to hospital with life-threatening lower body injuries.

Australian Workers Union Victorian branch secretary Ronnie Hayden has called for Victoria's workplace manslaughter laws to 'take effect' in lieu of the death.

'We are going to be pushing very hard to make sure that the industrial manslaughter laws are used, since the laws have come in we've had 169 Victorians killed at work, this year we've had 12 Victorians killed at work,' he told media on Thursday.

'In the time since these laws have come in, we've had one prosecution and no jail time. This is not acceptable. There's no point creating laws to protect workers if we don't use those laws. Our members are angry.'

Australian Workers Union Victorian branch secretary Ronnie Hayden has called for Victoria's workplace manslaughter laws to 'take effect' in lieu of the 37-year-old man's death

A police car is seen outside the gates of the Ballarat Gold Mine on Wednesday

Mr Hayden said the miner's death had been 'avoidable' and that air-legging had only been re-introduced to the Ballarat mine earlier this year.

The method, which involves the use of a handheld drill by two miners, has been dropped by mines in recent years over safety concerns.

'This form of air-legging shouldn't be used to do this type of work, this form of air-legging should be used, if it's ever used at all, to investigate the area,' he said.

'The information that we're getting back is that this was a quick, cheap and easy way to chase gold. Our members on this mine over the past few years have raised concerns... about working on unsupported ground.

'Our members have been raising concerns about this style of mining and it seems to have fallen on deaf ears.'

Mr Hayden also claimed a senior safety manager at the Ballarat mine was never replaced after they were made redundant by new owners.

'Me, personally, I would say that this is fault of management,' he said.

'We will be making sure investigators talk to all of our members and our organisers to get to the bottom of what's happened.

'I also want to point out that when this new company took over they made their senior safety manager redundant and hadn't replaced them.'

Mr Hayden (pictured) told media on Thursday the miner's death had been 'avoidable'

A 'complex' rescue mission to retrieve 31 miners who became trapped about 500m underground was launched at about 4.50pm on Wednesday (pictured, the mine)

Media is seen outside the entrance of the mine, which is not open to the public

Victory Minerals operates the Ballarat Gold Mine, which is not open to public and is made up of tunnels and shafts that stretch underneath homes in Mount Clear.

'It was with great sadness that we confirm one of our own has passed away,' Victory Minerals partner Rebecca Harrison said.

'Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with his family and all our people right now. Our absolute priority is supporting the wellbeing of our team members and their families and loved ones, as we all come to terms with this tragic news.'

More than 30 emergency service workers were deployed to the mine overnight with specialist extraction teams working to save the trapped miner.

The network of mine shafts that make up the Ballarat Gold Mine have been operational since the 1850s, with some of the original shafts still in use.

A cave-in at the site in November 12, 2007, trapped 27 miners about a kilometre underground. All of the miners were safely retrieved after being winched to the surface through a ventilation shaft about 8am.
The Ministry of Defence is facing fresh allegations of a 'toxic' work environment after it was revealed almost 100 bullying and abuse claims are being investigated.

Ministry officials are currently probing 99 cases of 'bullying, harassment, discrimination and victimisation' within the department, which is led by defence secretary Grant Shapps, The Guardian reports.

Of these, eleven were recorded in January this year, whic the MoD said was 'typical and related to people returning from a period off work', the newspaper added.

Some of the cases have reportedly been under investigation for over two years, with one having been probed since 2021, while 81 in were also lodged in 2023.

It comes after last year sixty women wrote a letter describing the MoD as a 'toxic' and hostile working environment - with claims of sexual assault and harassment from male co-workers.

The Ministry of Defence, which is led by Grant Shapps (pictured) is facing fresh allegations of a 'toxic' work environment after it was revealed almost 100 bullying and abuse claims are being investigated

Ministry officials are currently probing 99 cases of 'bullying, harassment, discrimination and victimisation' within the department (Stock image)

The letter, marked 'official-sensitive', was submitted to the MoD's permanent secretary David Williams last month by a group of top female civil servants and included anonymised accounts of abuse.

The group of 'senior civilian women' describe the workplace culture at the MoD as 'hostile to women as equal and respected partners'.

Many of them recalled incidents whether they were 'propositioned', 'groped' and 'touched repeatedly' by male colleagues, The Guardian reports.

The letter stated: '[Our] day-to-day professional lives are made difficult thanks to behaviours that would be considered toxic and inappropriate in public life, but that are tolerated at the MoD.

'We are spoken over during meetings, we are subject to pejorative language, we receive unwanted attention and face sexual harassment, including intrusive staring, sexualised comments, running commentary about what we wear, how we look, and how we smell.'

The letter includes 'very recent' alleged incidents at the department's London base as well as overseas trips.

Sixty women at the Ministry of Defence wrote a letter last year describing a 'toxic' and hostile working environment - with claims of sexual assault and harassment from male co-workers

The allegations, were said to have come from 'senior civilian women in operational and security roles', include:

One woman who claimed she was groped at a social event but was discouraged from making a complaint.

A woman working overseas who alleged a senior military officers repeatedly touched her on her lower back and legs, adding that he went 'unpunished'.

A claim that a group of officers ran an Excel spreadsheet that rated women 'on their looks' and 'what they thought they'd be like in bed'.

Another woman who claimed a senior defence official asked 'whether anal sex' was an appropriate topic for his speech.

A female employee described being propositioned in a corridor by military officer at an overseas base.

According to the letters' authors, the claims are the 'tip of the iceberg' and detail 'a current problem, not a historical one'.

Several of those who gave testimonies recall being 'sick with fear' and 'sobbing in the bathroom'.

The letter states that women who attempt to speak up are 'generally minimised rather than listened to' and that '[the MoD's] complaints system is not fit for purpose'.

In a statement addressing the news of the recent bullying and abuse claims, the MoD told The Guardian: 'We do not tolerate abuse, bullying or discrimination of any kind, and all allegations are thoroughly investigated.

'We encourage anyone who believes they have experienced or witnessed unacceptable behaviour to report it, and while some cases can be complicated and take time, swift action is taken where possible.

'A range of measures have been introduced to improve the experience for everyone across the department, including improvements to reporting mechanisms, increased access to support, and a 24/7 anti-bullying helpline.'
Vladimir Putin has appealed to voters in annexed parts of Ukraine to cast their votes in this week's Russian presidential elections - which he is almost certainly set to win.

The 71-year-old Russian president says voting on Russia's future is a 'demonstration of patriotic feeling' - particularly in areas of southern and eastern Ukraine his troops have taken by force in the last decade.

Russian-backed separatists took control of the Crimean peninsula in 2014, while Russian troops have seized areas of Ukraine following the country's invasion of the country in February 2022.

President Putin has appealed to those living in occupied regions to cast their votes - particularly those who had voted for annexation by Russia in 2022 referendums denounced by Western countries as illegal.

Putin, who has been in power as president or prime minister since 2000, faces three challengers in three days of voting beginning on Friday. None of the challengers has criticised him.

Vladimir Putin has urged people living in Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine to vote in this week's presidential elections - which he is all-but-assured to win

Volunteers stand with puppets outside an early polling station in Donetsk, within a Russian-controlled part of Ukraine on Wednesday

A woman casts her vote at a polling station in Mariupol within a Russian-controlled area of Ukraine

Graffiti depicting Vladimir Putin in the Russian-annexed Crimea region of Ukraine. The slogan in red reads: 'Crimea is our common property'

A huge billboard encouraging people in the Russian-controlled city of Luhansk, Ukraine

Ukrainian troops in Kupiansk after completing a combat mission against Russian troops. Kupiansk is only a handful of miles from the frontline of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war

In a video message broadcast on Thursday in Russia's furthest eastern reaches, Mr Putin told voters to be united in casting their votes.

'It is vital to underscore our cohesion and resolve and move forward together. Every vote you cast is valued and meaningful,' he said.

'I therefore ask you in the coming three days to exercise your right to vote.'

Opinion polls show he is supported by a majority of Russians - one survey last month giving him 75 per cent support.

The poll was conducted by VCIOM - the Russian Public Opinion Research Centre, which is owned by the Russian state.

As in the 2018 presidential election, opposition leader Alexei Navalny had been barred from running due to a prior criminal conviction that his supporters say had been politically motivated.

Navalny died in jail last month in suspicious circumstances; his allies and his widow believe he was murdered by the KGB at Putin's behest.

Two candidates who had hoped to run on a platform of calling for an end to the war in Ukraine, officially described by Russia as a 'special military operation,' were ruled ineligible.

In his video remarks, Putin said all voters wanted to see a strong, prosperous and free Russia 'in order to raise living standards and the quality of life. And that is how it will be.'

Putin sent tens of thousands of troops over the border into Ukraine in February 2022 and, after an unsuccessful initial attempt to move on the capital Kyiv, Moscow's forces have concentrated their efforts on eastern and southern Ukraine.

Ukraine recaptured large chunks of territory in late 2022, but well dug-in Russian troops have been holding their own and last month seized the eastern town of Avdiivka.

Putin said the patriotic choices were clear to residents of areas in Donbas in eastern Ukraine and Novorossiya - a tsarist term for parts of southern Ukraine - who had voted for annexation by Russia in 2022 referendums denounced by Western countries as illegal.

'(They) voted in a referendum in the most difficult of conditions for unification with Russia and will again in the coming days make their choice,' Putin said.

'Those participating in the special operation will also vote. They are an examples to all Russians.'

In bordering Moldova to the south-west, government officials have raged at Moscow for printing ballot papers in a separatist region of the country.

Officials have summoned the Russian ambassador over a decision to open six polling stations in the Transdniestria region this week, breaking an agreement to host a single polling station for Russian ex-pats in Chisinau.

Transdniestria split from Moldova as the Soviet Union collapsed but has no international recognition; it largely relies on Russia for support.

'These ballots were more than likely printed right there (in Transdniestria) to avoid taking them through a border crossing,' Deputy Prime Minister Oleg Serebrian said before a government meeting.

'It is hard to say how they would have been brought over a border. Moldova's borders are controlled and there is no way of legally bringing them in or taking them out.'

Russia's war with Ukraine shows no signs of abating two years on the invasion - and Putin sparked fury earlier after suggesting he would be prepared to use nuclear weapons in his bid to seize control of the former Soviet territory.

'Our triad, the nuclear triad, it is more modern than any other triad,' he said in a state TV interview; the 'triad' refers to striking from land, sea and air.

Ukraine, meanwhile, continues to use drone strikes to attack Russia hundreds of miles from the combat frontline - using remote weapons to attack three oil refineries in Ryazan, Nizhny Novgorod and Leningrad.
Hotel giant Sheraton has announced plans to build 'the largest and most luxurious new hotel between Brisbane and Cairns'.

The planned 223-room, five-star resort will be located on the waterfront at Hervey Bay, about 300km north of Brisbane, in preference to more popular and established tourist destinations such as the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast or Cairns.

Through Sheraton's parent company, Marriott International, it signed a memorandum of understanding with developer Sunny Beach Land confirming plans to build the luxury getaway, to be named Hervey Bay Esplanade Resort.

The resort is part of a $450million plan to redevelop Torquay, one of the town's beachfront suburbs.

Television host and Sheraton ambassador Jamie Durie announced Sheraton's vision for the 408-412 The Esplanade lot at a media event in Brisbane on Thursday morning.

Sheraton will build a new luxury, five-star resort at Hervey Bay on Queensland's Fraser Coast (pictured, design for the new hotel)

The new resort is set to feature three pools (one pictured), outdoor terraces, barbecue areas, destination rooftop bar, kids' club, private cabanas, sun decks, water play areas and several residential apartments

Hervey Bay Esplanade Resort would be Sheraton's fifth Australian hotel joining its properties on the Gold Coast, Port Douglas, Sydney's Hyde Park and Melbourne.

The new resort is set to feature a resort pool at podium level, two lap pools, outdoor terraces, barbecue areas, a fitness centre, business lounge, world-class 400-seat function and conference space, destination rooftop bar, kids club, private cabanas, sun decks, water play areas and several residential apartments.

The project is expected to created 1,100 jobs during construction and another 250 long-term jobs.

Sunny Beach Land Director Dan Cuda said Sheraton's proposed hotel would put the Fraser Coast region 'firmly on the map as a world-class tourism destination'.

'The potential contribution this would make to the Fraser Coast economy, local businesses and employment is simply massive and too good of an opportunity to miss,' he said in a Courier Mail report.

'The presence of Sheraton in Hervey Bay would also set the tone for future residential and tourism developments in this region and encourage further investment.'

Jamie Durie will assist in designing the resort's world-class oasis recreational area.

He hopes his input will help the project 'shine a spotlight on Hervey Bay globally'.

Developers believe the proposed resort (pictured) will put Hervey Bay 'firmly on the map as a world-class tourism destination'

'We all know that K'gari (formerly Fraser Island, off the coast of Hervey Bay) is paradise and with the internationally recognised Sheraton brand behind it the world will too,' he said.

'A destination hotel with the pedigree of Sheraton gracing the Esplanade in Hervey Bay will be a magnificent drawcard for tourists both across Australia and the world.

'Hervey Bay will become a landmark destination and a must-see on our international guests' "visit Australia checklist".'
Trump lauded the achievements of his own administration, which included 'safest border' and 'greatest economy,'

He railed against the charges in his classified documents case, noting that Biden did not receive the same punishment

The former president, 77, blasted the FBI as 'corrupt' for its 2022 raid on Mar-a-Lago

Former President Donald Trump insisted he 'very legally' took classified government documents from the White House in a new interview.

The 77-year-old sat down with Newsmax's Greg Kelly on Wednesday to lambast the FBIs execution of a search warrant at Mar-a-Lago in August 2022.

'I was dealing with them,' Trump said. 'We were dealing fine. And then all of a sudden they raided this house. They raided Mar-a-Lago.'

He denounced the FBI as 'corrupt.'

Prosecutors allege that Trump packed hundreds of classified documents into boxes as he prepared to leave the White House in 2021.

Former President Donald Trump blasted the federal government's handling of his classified documents case in a Wednesday interview with Newsmax

Trump noted that President Joe Biden was similarly accused of retaining classified documents but was not charged

After retrieving hundreds of documents from the Florida estate in January 2022, the government reached out to Trump, believing he still had materials in his possession.

Trump's attorney signed a letter stating that to her knowledge, no such documents remained onsite.

But during the raid later that year, more than 100 other documents were recovered from boxes stored neatly in a ballroom, a bathroom and a storage room.

In Wednesday's interview, Trump noted that President Joe Biden faced similar allegations of retaining classified documents.

'But they release Biden,' Trump raged.

'Theres something going on because theyre going after me viciously. Then all of a sudden it comes out that Biden took 10 times the number of documents that I did.'

He claimed that he took the materials 'very legally' and 'wasn't hiding anything.'

Also in 2022, FBI agents conducted a search on Biden's Delaware home and found he had retained classified documents from his time as a senator and vice president.

These included files about Afghanistan and drafts of a handwritten memo to former President Barack Obama urging him not to send more troops into the country.

The 77-year-old insisted that he took the materials 'very legally' and 'wasn't hiding anything'

In a report released last month, Special Counsel Robert Hur explained that Biden cooperated with the government while Trump 'obstructed justice' in thwarting their efforts

Biden was found to have retained classified documents from his time as a senator and vice president, including a handwritten memo to former President Barack Obama

In a report released early last month, Special Counsel Robert Hur compared the two cases and outlined the decision to charge Trump and not Biden.

The refrain was that Trump 'obstructed justice' in thwarting government efforts to recover the documents, whereas Biden cooperated.

He portrayed the sitting president as an elderly man with a poor memory, a characterization that has been met with resistance on both sides of the aisle.

The differences between the two cases were 'clear,' Hur wrote.

While Biden agreed to searches of his properties and sat for a voluntary interview, the allegations in Trumps case present 'serious aggravating facts.'

'Most notably, after being given multiple chances to return classified documents and avoid prosecution, Mr. Trump allegedly did the opposite,' Hur wrote.

Trump was hit with 32 counts of willful retention of national defense information, with each pertaining to a specific document labeled as 'SECRET' or 'TOP SECRET.'

The information within the files concerned U.S. nuclear weapons and the nuclear capabilities of a foreign country.

Trump faces a total of 40 felony charges in the case.

Trump was accused of taking documents clearly labeled 'SECRET' or 'TOP SECRET'

After an initial search yielded hundreds of classified documents, the FBI raided Mar-a-Lago in 2022 and found more than 100 others stored neatly in boxes throughout the property

During the interview Trump unleashed his fury on Special Counsel Jack Smith, the attorney leading the charge to prosecute him in the classified documents case.

Smith, who brought the indictments in Washington, D.C., and South Florida, was deemed 'a total animal' and 'a deranged individual.'

Trump then implied that Smith was acting at the behest of the current president.

'He was told to do a number on me because they think that's the way Biden gets elected,' Trump said.

'This has never happened in this country before. If I was going to fight it in a nice way, I don't think I'd be successful.'

Trump was sure to laud his administration's accomplishments in comparison to the Biden administration's perceived failures.

These included 'safest border,' 'greatest economy,' 'greatest regulation cuts,' 'rebuilt the military' and 'created Space Force.'

The GOP frontrunner said he had to 'fight back' and refused to be 'phony.'

'If I didn't fight tough, if I didn't fight nasty and do it the way that I have to do it, I wouldn't be interviewed right now,' he said.

'No, I have to do it strong.'

Trump blasted the infamous Steele dossier written by former British spy Christopher Steele, which alluded to ties between his 2016 presidential campaign and the Kremlin

The 77-year-old insisted that the country achieved the 'safest border' and 'greatest economy' during his presidency

Amid ongoing legal turmoil, Trump insisted he was being targeted by investigators and prosecutors, labelling them 'evil people.'

'These people, many of them, you know, they make up false stories like Russia, Russia, Russia hoax. That was a hoax. That was a long - it took me two years to get rid of that thing,' he spouted.

He was speaking in reference to the Steele dossier, a research report compiled by former British spy Christopher Steele who once ran the Russia desk for MI6.

The dossier detailed alleged links between Trumps 2016 presidential campaign and the Kremlin.

It also included now-infamous allegations of sexual activity that Trump engaged in at a Moscow hotel.

Just last week, the former president was ordered to pay $382,000 in legal fees to Orbis Business Intelligence, Steele's company, after unsuccessfully trying to sue.
Kamala Harris is poised to make history Thursday - when she will visit a Planned Parenthood clinic in Minnesota that provides abortions.

The appearance, confirmed by multiple insiders, serves as the latest leg in a cross-country tour from the vice president.

It comes as the 59-year-old has emerged as a fierce proponent of abortion rights, following the landmark Supreme Court ruling that rolled back Roe v. Wade.

She's been the most outspoken advocate in the administration ever since, and kicked off her 'Fight for Reproductive Freedoms' tour to solidify that distinction.

With the General Election mere months away, she will become the first vice president to make such a visit, beating out every previous presidents as well.

The location of the clinic, meanwhile, has yet to be revealed - at a time when reproductive freedoms across the country remain more up in the air than ever.

Kamala Harris is poised to make history Thursday - when she will visit a Planned Parenthood clinic in Minnesota that provides abortions.

The location of the clinic, meanwhile, has yet to be revealed - at a time when reproductive freedoms across the country remain more up in the air than ever. Pictured: A Planned Parenthood in Minneapolis

The planned visit, moreover, was confirmed by three sources who spoke to NBC News, who said Harris plans to tour the clinic and speak to healthcare providers.

The insiders familiar with the planning added how the Oakland native's visit may also see her speak with patients.

The sources, moreover, stressed that Harris has been adamant that her presence does not disrupt services being provided, as she looks to highlight what her administration has done to try to preserve access to the controversial procedure.

The insider added that she may field questions from reporters, but only outside the yet-be-named facility.

Meanwhile, conservative states continue to enact a litany of restrictions in neighboring states, making Minnesota a sort of haven for abortion seekers.

The rush of legislation comes more than a year after the conservative-dominated Supreme Court overturned the landmark 1973 case, leading to protests across the country.

The ruling, made in the midst of Joe Biden's inaugural term, left states to their own devices, legally speaking.

As a result, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz last year signed legislation that solidified citizens' abortion rights into state law, after officials left the authority to regulate abortion laws to state representatives.

As of writing, 25 other states offer the same protections, though most of them are located along the coasts, leaving much of America in the lurch.

It comes as the 59-year-old has emerged as a fierce proponent of abortion rights, following the landmark Supreme Court ruling that rolled back Roe v. Wade.

Meanwhile, conservative states continue to enact a litany of restrictions in neighboring states, making Minnesota a sort of haven for abortion seekers

The rush of legislation comes more than a year after the conservative-dominated Supreme Court overturned the landmark 1973 case, leading to protests across the country

The ruling, made in the midst of Joe Biden's inaugural term, left states to their own devices, legally speaking

As a result, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz last year signed legislation that solidified citizens' abortion rights into state law, after officials left the authority to regulate abortion to state reps

Republicans, meanwhile, have suffered repeated political losses on the abortion issue since Roe v. Wade was overturned, with Republican frontrunner Donald Trump notably remaining reluctant to publicly state his opinion on the ban

Detractors have thus argued that the decision unfairly affects disenfranchised peoples living in these regions.

The Society of Family Planning found the average number of abortions in Minnesota increased by about 36 percent in the year after the Supreme Court decision.

Republicans, meanwhile, have suffered repeated political losses on the abortion issue since Roe v. Wade was overturned, with GOP frontrunner Donald Trump notably remaining reluctant to publicly state his opinion on the federal abortion ban.

He has chosen instead to float the idea of a deal between pro-life and pro-choice activists.

'I would sit down with both sides and I'd negotiate something and we'll end up with peace on that issue for the first time in 52 years,' he said in an interview with NBC in September, when asked about the issue.

In the same interview, Trump criticized Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for signing a six-week ban on abortion, as he was then running against the former president for the Republican nomination.

'I think what he did is a terrible thing and a terrible mistake,' Trump said at the time.
By Kim Sang-woo

The case for supporting Ukraine is supporting democracy and the rule of law, security through alliances and support for an open world, with economic relations founded on common rules. Now often referred to as the rules-based international order.

The United States took the lead in establishing this system, with the blunders, hypocrisy and inconsistency of implementation since the late 1940s, and brought about three generations of relative peace among great powers, no third world war and unparalleled prosperity. It saw an end to the European and Soviet empires.

The United States is frequently accused of acting like other great powers in the past. But the U.S.-led order is not zero-sum. It held open the gates of growth and encouraged the rise and prosperity of countries all over the world.

After the invasion of Ukraine by Russia began in February 2022, U.S. President Joe Biden spoke of the need to meet simultaneous challenges to the rules-based international order from two authoritarian adversaries, China and Russia.

However, former U.S. President Donald Trump and his MAGA allies have made clear that they do not accept the term rules-based international order. Rhetorically, they reject it as globalism bringing back memories of the "America first" isolationists in Congress before the U.S. entered World War II.

Trump repeatedly expressed disdain and even hostility towards NATO and the European Union; he seems to prefer great power politics and the logic of might makes right.

On Feb. 1, Brussels passed a four-year $54 billion package of aid to Ukraine. Meanwhile, a proposed $60 billion aid package to Kyiv remains blocked in Congress due to opposition from House Republicans.

Europe considers the attempted destruction of Ukraine as an existential threat. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius warned that Russia could invade a NATO state within five to eight years, plunging all of Europe into war.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen frequently reminds Europeans that Ukraine is fighting for us. While Europe has continued to ramp up support for arming Ukraine, training Ukraine soldiers and boosting European arms production, Europe would have to substantially increase its efforts in order to win without the United States, in case it comes to that.

On Jan. 30, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that Europe must be ready to act to defend and support Ukraine with whatever it takes and whatever America decides.

On the other hand, China has aligned more closely with Russia. Beijing is also intensifying its cooperation with the emerging countries of the Global South and taking a more anti-American, and generally anti-Western, position.

It was the message of the video conference between President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin at the end of last year.

In Chinas foreign ministry readout, Xi stated that China and Russia should strengthen strategic coordination, safeguard their national sovereignty, security development interests and resolutely oppose external interference in their internal affairs.

Before Xi came to power, decades of reform under his predecessors had led Chinese administrative and technical elites toward approaches somewhat closer to the West. But that changed after Xi.

A case in point is the recent appointment as Chinas new defense minister Dong Jun, a former navy commander in the South China Sea and a Russian speaker trained at Russias top military institute. And his first official engagement was a video call to his Russian counterpart, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

When the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine began, China seemed confident that Kyiv would quickly fall. However, from the beginning, Moscows Special Military Operation did not go as expected and met with one military disaster after another.

Beijing launched its smart diplomacy, trying to avoid the appearance of being Russias accomplice in the war, instead presenting itself as a neutral mediator. Li Hui, former Chinese ambassador to Russia was dispatched to Kyiv as Beijings Special Representative for Eurasian Affairs to meet Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to Politico and Nikkei Asia, Putin was alarmed by Xis decision to mediate in the Ukraine war, seeing it as a move by the pro-Western, pro-U.S. faction in Chinas foreign ministry. Putin sent a trusted official to tell Xi that his protege, Foreign Minister Qin Gang, had allegedly leaked secrets to the U.S. He was removed and never heard from again, and a swift purge followed. Accordingly, Xi changed his stance on Ukraine.

Beijing in late 2023 signaled that China had no interest in taking part in peace talks proposed by Ukraine and the West, and maintained it had limited influence over the warring parties.

But something apparently has changed, and in late February 2024, Chinas foreign ministry announced that the special envoy Li Hui, would embark on the second round of shuttle diplomacy trying to find a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis.

Meanwhile, North Koreas leader Kim Jong-un has taken advantage of the rising power rivalry, and the renewal of a strategic and military relationship between North Korea and Russia.

North Koreas military relationship with Russia has steadily expanded in volume and scope since the spring of 2023. North Korea supplies ammunition and missiles to Russia. In return, North Korea benefits from Russian military-related technologies from Moscow.

But the biggest concern is that Kim may have drawn a disturbing conclusion from Ukraine. His pronouncement last year about preemptive nuclear strikes appear to echo Putins nuclear saber-rattling in Ukraine, which many believe has kept NATO at bay.

And its possible that Kim may have concluded that he can take provocative military action against South Korea short of a major invasion thinking that his powerful nuclear deterrent would prevent the South and the United States from responding in kind. This is a serious possibility that should not be dismissed.

Kim Sang-woo (swkim54@hotmail.com), a former lawmaker, is chairman of the East Asia Cultural Project and a member of the board of directors at the Kim Dae-jung Peace Foundation.
A miner who died in an underground collapse at a Ballarat gold mine where safety concerns were raised has been identified.

Father-of-two Kurt Hourigan, 37, was pinned 500m underground following a ceiling collapse at the Ballarat Gold Mine on Wednesday afternoon.

His body was recovered at about 6am on Thursday.

A second miner, 21 was airlifted to The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne on Wednesday night suffering from life-threatening lower body injuries. He remains in a critical condition.

Another 29 trapped miners were able to make their way to an underground safety pod until they were rescued.

Mr Hourigan's death has sparked an outpouring of grief shared by loved ones, friends and colleagues.

He has been remembered as devoted father-of-two and keen handyman.

The miner killed in the Ballarat Gold Mine collapse named as Kurt Hourigan (pictured)

A 'complex' rescue mission to retrieve 31 miners who became trapped about 500m underground was launched at about 4.50pm on Wednesday (pictured, the mine)

READ MORE: Miner dies after he was pinned underground at Ballarat Gold Mine Australian Workers Union Victoria state secretary Ronnie Hayden said members of the Australian Workers Union were 'angry' in light of the miner's death Advertisement

'Mad dog, I still can't believe you are gone. I have always looked up to you,' his brother Reece posted on Thursday.

'Thank you for all the good and bad memories we have shared together. I love you so much brother.'

Another loved one Stephanie Coleiro added: 'Our brother, our best mate, our son Kurt  we are so broken here without you.

'You were the best mate I could ask for. All the good and dumb advice. The cuddles when I'm balling my eyes out or just for sitting with me and having a stubby on the couch.

'Our kids loved you so much, as you loved them. Love you and miss you so much mate.'

A close friend wrote: 'The best mate anyone could ask for, you could never be replaced and I'll miss you every day.'

Mr Hourigan's social media is filled with photos of him cherishing time with his young children during the school holidays and DIY projects he'd been working on around the home.

Just a week ago, the proud dad shared photos of his kids enjoying a beach getaway at Lake Tyers in Victoria's Gippsland region.

Miner Kurt Hourigan was a proud dad who loved spending time with his young kids

Father of-two Kurt Hourigan has been remembered as best mate anyone could ask for

One mine died while another is in a critical condition following the mine collapse

Australian Workers Union Victoria state secretary Ronnie Hayden said it was devastating that Mr Hourigan had lost his life on the job after colleagues had previously flagged concerns about the mine.

'It seems to have fallen on deaf ears,' Mr Hayden said.

The two workers were undertaking a manual type of mining called air legging which involved drilling into a rock to create a tunnel.

'They were working on unsupported ground, trapping both miners and killing one,' he said.

Mr Hayden said air legging was not appropriate for the setting.

'This form of air legging should not be used to do this type of work,' he said.

'This was a quick, cheap and easy way to chase gold.'

Premier Jacinta Allan described the collapse as a terrible accident.

'If there is advice that comes where laws can be strengthened, we stand ready to do that work and support workers across every industry who deserve the right to come home from work every single day safely to their family and loved ones,' she said.

Australian Workers Union Victorian branch secretary Ronnie Hayden has called for Victoria's workplace manslaughter laws to 'take effect' in light of the 37-year-old man's death

The mine was closed as Worksafe Victoria representatives arrived on Thursday to investigate the deadly disaster

Federal Minister for Resources Madeleine King said it was too soon to have a solid idea of what caused the incident.

Mining operations have ceased as police work with the workplace regulator to investigate the incident and prepare a report for the coroner, Acting Inspector Lisa MacDougall said.

The mine's owner Victory Minerals said its emergency response team was working closely with Victoria Police and it was focused on supporting impacted workers.

'Our absolute priority is supporting the wellbeing of our team members and their families and loved ones as we all come to terms with this tragic news,' it said.

The company took operational control of the Ballarat gold mine in December 2023.

Minerals Council of Australia chief executive Tania Constable said safety was the most important issue for the industry.

'This tragic event is a reminder of the need to always prioritise safety above all else,' she said.

Union officials say that its members had previously flagged concerns about the mine

The mine's website states it has an extensive network of tunnels and operates deep beneath buildings, streets and homes.

Ballarat Mayor Des Hudson said the miner's death was devastating news.

'We are a very resilient community,' he said.

'There will be great community concern and support by the local community to those that are involved.'

In 2007, 27 miners were trapped underground at the mine for several hours before being winched to safety.
The stress is setting in for American TikTok influencers, who are taking to their favorite app to vent their frustration after the legislation that could ban the platform was passed in the House with overwhelming support on Wednesday.

Content creators are now worried that they could be forced to return to dreaded nine-to-five careers as the bill now heads to the Senate.

Hilarious memes also surfaced on TikTok Wednesday afternoon as users cracked jokes about the potential ban of the platform that has more than a million of active users in the U.S..

Michelle York, an influencer who has nearly 200,000 followers on the platform, posted a video of herself wearing an awkward smile while singing along to the viral soundtrack 'Me!' from Glee.

'All that work and what did it get me. Why did I do it,' she sings as the overlaid text reads: 'When you spent 20 years building a career in the insurance industry only to quit your job to be a content creator and now TikTok might be banned'.

Outraged American TikTok influencers vented their frustration after the legislation that could ban the platform was passed in the House with overwhelming support on Wednesday. Pictured: Michelle York, who quitted her job in the insurance industry to become a TikTok influencer

A user made a hilarious meme with one scene from the Disney film Camp Rock 2 with the caption reading 'Gen Z on their way to storm the capitol'

The House voted 352-65 Wednesday in favor of the bill that could ban the app, as only 50 Democrats and 15 Republicans voted against it

Along posting the video, York wrote: 'I keep getting messages about this & truthfully, Im not super worried. It will take A LOT to actually go through, unlikely to happen in 2024.'

But she continued, 'If it does, I have no control and will pivot. BE LOUD! Censorship is real,' while asking her followers to find me on other platforms including Instagram.

A user made a hilarious meme with one scene from the Disney film Camp Rock 2 with the caption reading 'Gen Z on their way to storm the capitol.'

The House voted 352-65 Wednesday in favor of the bill that would ban the app, as only 50 Democrats and 15 Republicans voted against it.

President Joe Biden has also urged the Senate to pass a bill that would force TikTok to separate from its Chinese parent company after the legislation.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that Biden continued to support the bill that would ban the app and would sign it if it got to his desk.

Hilarious memes also surfaced on TikTok Wednesday afternoon as users cracked jokes about the potential ban of the platform that has more than a million of active users in the U.S.

The remarks sparked outrage among TikTok influencers including @pearlmania500, who has more than a million followers on the platform, as he furiously vents frustration in a video.

'The only thing all 535 members of this congress could f**king agree on is to ban TikTok? That's it?' he yelled in the video that has amassed nearly ten millions of views.

'I heard them talking about raising the minimum wage. Can't f**king agree on that. Heard about talking about trying to keep prescription drug prices low for people. No, can't agree on that!' he continued.

'But when it comes to banning TikTok, line up buddies! Bring that f**king Instagram and Microsoft money down here,' he shouted.

Lawyer Brittany K. Barnett weighed in, posting a video of herself wandering with a serious expression, saying there are way more critical issues that lawmakers should prioritize.

Lawyer Brittany K. Barnett weighed in, posting a video of herself wandering with a serious expression, saying there are way more critical issues that lawmakers should prioritize

Plastic surgeon Michael Salzhauer, known as Dr.Miami on the platform, doesn't seem to share the sentiment with other influencers

She wrote: 'When you are a lawyer trying to figure out why they are trying to ban TikTok but not raise minimum wage, lower housing costs, reform the criminal justice system...'

Other users who rely on the social media platform as their main source of income are worried about losing their jobs if TikTok is banned.

Lohanny Santos, a creator based in Brooklyn, New York, captioned her video: 'Seems like TikTok is getting banned and I literally just got a new job running a TikTok account.'

Along posting the video, she wrote: 'I literally just starting SLAYING on social media. And now they want me to die? That is insane. I LOVE BEING A TIK TOKER!'

Kali, who is a homeschooling her daughter while working as a content creator, said: 'The TikTok ban makes me feel one of the musicians on the Titanic as it goes down.'

'Like I'm gonna keep playing for y'all as the ship goes down,' she added.

Plastic surgeon Michael Salzhauer, known as Dr.Miami on the platform, doesn't seem to share the sentiment with other influencers.

Kali , who is a homeschooling her daughter while working as a content creator, said: 'The TikTok ban makes me feel one of the musicians on the Titanic as it goes down'

Lohanny Santos, a creator based in Brooklyn, New York, captioned her video: 'Seems like TikTok is getting banned and I literally just got a new job running a TikTok account

Influencer Summer Noel chimed in by sharing her thoughts on the potential ban from a 'Christian perspective'

He posted a video of him chuckling as he wrote: 'Me knowing that I'll still have a career even if TikTok gets banned because despite popular belief, I am an actual doctor.'

Meanwhile, his marketing agent Santina Rizzi also responded to the potential TikTok ban by saying, 'me figuring out how I'm gonna rebrand after making an entire career bullying a plastic surgeon on an app that gets banned every other month.'

The two videos have elicited overwhelming reactions, with thousands of users commenting crying emojis under their posts.

Influencer Summer Noel chimed in by sharing her thoughts on the potential ban from a 'Christian perspective'.

She said: 'This is the perfect example of the Bible verse that says 'the grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of the lord remains forever'.

She described the platform and the community as 'a big blessing from god' that has provided so much blessing in her life.

Noel concluded the video by saying, 'We do not need to worry, for god has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.'

TikTok advocates gathered outside of the Capitol ahead of Wednesday's vote to push back against the bill

Politicians have long voiced their concern about TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, which is headquartered in Beijing and suspected to have ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

Stoking their fears are a set of Chinese national security laws that force organizations to comply with intelligence gathering.

In 2022, TikTok announced Project Texas, an unprecedented initiative to store all U.S. user data on servers within the country.

By June of that year, the platform reported that all U.S. user traffic was being rerouted to cloud infrastructure in the United States.

TikTok also announced that it would also delete 'historic protected user data' in data centers in both Virginia and Singapore.

If the bill were to pass the Senate and be signed into law, TikTok would lose a substantial portion of its advertising market.

A 2022 study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found the app generated $2 billion in ad revenue from users aged 13-17 in the United States alone.
Former Qantas boss Alan Joyce is using a chunk of his $21million golden handshake to upgrade his Sydney harbourside home as he settles into retirement.

Joyce, 57, abruptly resigned last year to allow the airline to 'move ahead with its renewal' after a string of controversies saw the flying kangaroo's brand reputation nosedive.

Joyce and his husband Shane Lloyd have now submitted plans to the City of Sydney to convert two luxury apartments they own in the iconic The Cove building in The Rocks into a mega-apartment spanning the entire 42nd floor of the 43-storey tower.

The construction works, costing $2.87million and drawn up by Cox Architecture, will see the wall between the two three-bedroom apartments removed to form one five-bedroom unit with a 450sq m footprint.

The super unit in the Harry Seidler-designed building at 129 Harrington St will also have 100sq m of balcony area allowing for jaw-dropping views spanning over the Harbour.

Former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce will upgrade his luxury Sydney Harbour fronting unit (pictured is the view from the balcony)

Mr Joyce and his husband Shane Lloyd seen at a 2017 awards ceremony held in Sydney

They will join two apartments they own in The Cove building at The Rocks into one super unit that will have a 450sq m footprint

Joyce and Mr Lloyd purchased unit 4201 in the building in 2008 for $4.575million and have called it home since.

In 2022, the couple purchased a spectacular arts and crafts-style Mosman waterfront home for $19million which they had intended to move into but changed tack when the second apartment on their floor in The Cove went on the market.

'We were unexpectedly given the opportunity to secure the other half-level apartment where we live currently,' Joyce said last year.

They purchased apartment 4202 in The Cove for $9.25million and sold the Mosman property in mid-2023 for just under $21million without ever having lived there.

'We certainly wish the next owners of 12 Musgrave St all the best in what is a stunning home,' Joyce said.

They own the entire 42nd floor in the 43-storey The Cove building (pictured)

The purchased the second half-level apartment only recently for just under $10million

The couple also own a Palm Beach holiday pad overlooking Whale Beach which they bought in 2015 for $5.25million.

Joyce briefly visited his native Ireland to look after his ill mother when he stepped down from Qantas but returned to Australia earlier this year.

He was supposed to front an inquiry into the government's decision to block extra flights into Australia from Qatar Airways but was no longer required when the Greens and crossbenchers teamed up with Labor to call it off.

Over his 15 years at the helm of Qantas, Joyce pocketed a reported $125million including $28million in bonuses.

Joyce sold his Mosman mansion for just under $21million after never living there

The arts and crafts-style house also has views over Sydney Harbour

In recent years the airline was hit with controversies on 'multiple fronts'.

The corporate regulator alleged it sold more than 8,000 tickets to customers on already cancelled flights while a court found it illegally sacked 1,700 ground staff during the Covid pandemic.

The company also refused to hand back any of the billions it pocketed in government subsidies during the pandemic despite making a record $2.47billion profit last year.

Qantas is now led by Vanessa Hudson, the airline's former chief financial officer.

The couple also own a Palm Beach holiday house (pictured)
Residents living in a social housing block are begging authorities to intervene after the occupants of one unit turned the property into a rubbish pile.

Unit 4 at the block on Herring Road in Marsfield, in Sydney's northwest, is overrun with so much junk that piles of miscellaneous items and rubbish have now spilled out onto the front yard.

The residents living in the neighbouring units say the house has been in its shocking state for about three months, with some now having their own apartments ravaged with cockroaches and flies.

Neighbours told Daily Mail Australia two men and a woman had been living inside the home since December - but were not the named leaseholders.

Unit 4 at the block on Herring Road, in Marsfield, in Sydney 's northwest, is overrun with rubbish and junk

Miscellaneous items are seen sprawled out the front of the unit when Daily Mail Australia visited on Thursday

Residents in neighbouring units have expressed their disgust at the state of the unit

The rubbish cluttered the shared walkway along the front of the blocks as well as the shared veranda at the back of the units.

Among the heap of junk were prams, jackets, a rope, children's toys, boxes, buckets, a fan and rubbish bags.

The front door had the words 'thief' and 'junky' etched into it.

One neighbour, who chose not to be identified, said they were told by community housing provider Link Wentworth, who owns the block of units, that the mess was supposed to have been cleaned up by last Monday.

'Every morning when you walk out, the rubbish is bigger,' he said.

'They shouldn't even be here, it's a nightmare.'

Another neighbour, who lives directly next door to Unit 4, Shahram Poursoltan said the home had been in its state for months

Residents have been forced to put up with the shocking state of the social housing block

The man said the trio inside Unit 4 were rarely seen but they often woke him up at night, removing more things from their home.

He collects groceries for his elderly neighbour and said the clutter was a safety risk to her.

'It's been cleared up out the back a bit - but if there's a fire, who's going to help her out and what if I wasn't here?' he said.

The man said he referred to Link Wentworth as 'the missing Link' because he claimed they weren't responding to the clutter accordingly.

'I'm absolutely disgusted at the waste in taxpayer money,' he said.

'A man in another unit told me he wakes up in the middle of the night with cockroaches crawling on him.

Several bikes were seen chained up around the back of the unit

The words 'thief', and 'junky' were seen engraved into the front door

'It's not nice living here. A group of guys drove past and abused me from the car because they saw the rubbish and thought it was me.

'It's embarrassing.'

The units are supposedly only meant to have one person living inside, neighbours claimed.

The rubbish can easily be seen from Herring Road, with the block of units just a five-minute drive away from the ritzy Macquarie Shopping Centre.

Another neighbour, who lives directly next door to Unit 4, Shahram Poursoltan, suspected those inside may have mental health issues.

Mr Poursoltan, who is not originally from Australia, has been living in the block for two years, and is attempting to grow his own fruit and vegetable patch despite the constant clutter crowding his home.

'They drink and smoke a lot,' he said. 'They're friendly, but all Australians are friendly.'

The neighbour on the other side, who moved in about the same time as those in Unit 4, said the trio had promised to clean up the mess.

'But they never do,' he said. 'I can't enjoy sitting outside anymore, I've got cockroaches and flies now.'

2GB's Ben Fordham said there was more than 2,400 vacant public houses right now across NSW.

The rubbish can be seen from the street

'Some of these are empty for a reason because there's plans to bulldoze them and build new ones, but for the rest we need to get people in as tenants,' he said on Thursday.

Fordham described the unit in Marsfield as a 'shocker' that was surrounded by a 'great wall of rubbish'.

'We need to move people off the waiting list and into a home,' he said.

'So get the squatters out and get the cleaners in.'

A spokesperson for Link Wentworth told Daily Mail Australia it was 'aware of a complex situation involving one of its tenants residing at a property in Marsfield, New South Wales'.

'While Link Wentworth is unable to discuss the circumstances surrounding the tenancy due to privacy reasons, they can confirm that they have taken over the premises and are in the process of removing the items,' they said.

'Link Wentworth sympathises with the neighbours and have spoken to them to brief them on the action being taken.

'Some items have already been removed and it is expected that the site will be cleaned up by tomorrow (Friday).'

The median wait time for those on the social housing wait list is 25 months, while those on the priority list still have to wait three months, according to the NSW Government's department of Communities and Justice.

As of January this year, there are 57,000 people in NSW on the wait list for social housing, with 8,500 of them listed as priority.
Model and reality TV star Megan Skye Blancada is facing jail time after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a teenage boy.

Blancada, 34, became emotional as she admitted to the charge, previously known as maintaining an unlawful sexual relationship with a child, at Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday, the Advertiser reported.

Under South Australian law, those found guilty of the offence face a maximum sentence of life behind bars.

Megan Skye Blancada (pictured) is facing jail time, after she pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a teenager

An offender cannot have their sentence suspended and they cannot serve their sentence, under home supervision.

Blancada's lawyer Andrew Graham read a statement outside court on behalf of his client.

'Ms Blancada just wants to say she's extremely sorry for what she has done,' he said.

'There's a teenage victim in this matter, and she hopes that her pleading guilty this morning helps relieve any anxiety or stress he had about giving evidence.'

Blancada, who is from Salisbury East in northern Adelaide, was charged in February with child sex abuse and being in possession of child exploitation material.

Mr Graham told the court that his client would contend the charge of possessing child exploitation material.

Court documents had previously alleged the offences were committed against a minor under the age of 16 at several places between July 2021 and November 2023.

The 34-year-old bikini model, who starred in the hit horror film Wolf Creek, claimed to have modelled for Mitsubishi and Bank SA.

She also said in her online social media profiles that she appeared in the 2005 reality TV series 'Who wants to be Supermodel'.

The model and social media influencer (pictured) confessed to having committed the act against the teenage boy and faces a maximum sentence of life behind bars

Parents of a private school demanded last month that Blancada be kept away from other children, when dropping her son who attends the school.

The parents claimed the school was ignoring their concerns over Blancada, after they were made aware she had previously been facing the charges.

Mr Graham said Blancada never breached bail and had not committed another offence.

He intended to argue that his client should be given a good behaviour bond as an alternative punishment for the crime.

Magistrate Brian Nitschke declined to revoke bail and ordered Blancada to be held until her next court date.

She will face the district court in April when a date for sentencing submissions will be set.

Blancada will face Adelaide Magistrates Court in May on the child exploitation material charge.
Ron DeSantis will send over 250 additional soldiers - and a fleet of aircraft and boats - to 'protect' Florida from vessels carrying Haitian asylum seekers.

The conservative governor made the edict Wednesday, as unrest in the Caribbean country continued for a second week.

The deployment will include 48 National Guardsmen, as well as four helicopters that will add to an already boisterous line of defense along the state's southern coast.

A further 39 officers from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, 30 from Florida Highway Patrol, and 23 from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will also join the front, as well as a litany of aircraft and drones and eight boats.

The details of the deployment were provided by DeSantis' office, shortly after the failed GOP candidate took to X to announce the operation. Days before, the US deployed Marines to protect the US embassy in Haiti, as gang violence permeates across the country.

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Ron DeSantis will send over 250 additional soldiers - and a fleet of aircraft and boats - to 'protect' Florida from vessels carrying Haitian asylum seekers as unrest continues across the country

The details of the deployment were outlined by DeSantis' office, after the failed GOP candidate took to X to announce the operation. It will consist of 48 National Guardsmen, as well as four helicopters

DeSantis, 45, went on to outline his decision Wednesday morning, citing how his state - prior to the current situation - had already gone through great lengths to keep Haitians from entering illegally.

'For quite some time, the State of Florida has been dedicating significant resources to combat illegal vessels coming to Florida from countries such as Haiti,' DeSantis said, obliquely mentioning countries like Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica.

'Given the circumstances in Haiti,' he continued, 'I have directed the Division of Emergency Management, the Florida State Guard, and state law enforcement agencies to deploy over 250 additional officers and soldiers and over a dozen air and sea craft to the southern coast of Florida.'

The decision, he said, was made 'to protect our state.'

The outspoken Republican went on to insist how 'no other state has done more to supplement the U.S. Coast Guards interdiction efforts,' calling the current line of defense 'under-resourced'.

He put the latter claim in parentheticals, a week after the US Coast Guard repatriated 65 Haitian asylum seekers after their vessel was spotted in distress.

'We cannot have illegal aliens coming to Florida,' he concluded.

A further 39 officers from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, 30 from Florida Highway Patrol, and 23 from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will also join, as well as aircraft and drones and eight boats. Pictured: Port-au-Prince, Haiti on Monday

The announcement comes a week after the US Coast Guard repatriated 65 Haitian asylum seekers after their vessel (pictured) was spotted in distress

'We cannot have illegal aliens coming to Florida,' DeSantis on Wednesday concluded, claiming the current Coast Guard defense along the state's southern coast is 'under-resourced'. Pictured: Dispossessed people walking along a street in Port-au-Prince on Tuesday

He put the latter claim in parentheticals, as countless Haitians caught in the gangland crossfire continue to struggle for survival

The violence continued on Tuesday even after Haiti's prime minister resigned - a request made by the gangs carrying out the violence

Politicians across the region are still scrambling for a solution, as dogs have been seen gnawing on the unaddressed dead and bodies are burned in the streets.

The conservative governor made the edict Wednesday, as unrest in the Caribbean country continued for a second week

The group had been hellbent on rallying support for a Kenya-led foreign police intervention that they said would have restored order enough so that a new round of elections could be held, killing anyone who stands in their way

Officials on Monday did not name a replacement for the world leader - saying only that CARICOM is now taking on the task of meeting the 'immediate needs' of Haitian people

The announcement came less than a day after Haitis Prime Minister Ariel Henry was forced to resign, following an emergency summit called to address gang-led violence currently occurring in the country.

The 74-year-old head of state tendered his resignation a week after the growing coalition of gangs warned of civil war if he did not step down.

His resignation was swiftly confirmed by Guyanas president Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the current chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The coalition called the emergency meeting as gangs across the Caribbean country continue to unite, targeting government buildings and foreign embassies - and killing many innocents caught in the crossfire.

As a result, thousands have had fled their homes, and locals continue to report the overwhelming stench of the dead. Meanwhile, politicians across the region are scrambling for a solution - one that may now be in sight following Henry's removal.

'We acknowledge his resignation upon the establishment of a transitional presidential council and naming of an interim prime minister,' Ali said, thanking Henry - who came to power unelected after the assassination of Haitis previous president - for his service.

The decision, said to have been made Friday, came shortly before the US deployed Marines to evacuate its embassy as gangs led by former police officer Jimmy 'Barbecue' Cherizier continue to attack state institutions.

Henry, at the moment, remains unable to return home, stranded in Puerto Rico since Tuesday after officials deemed it unsafe for him to land in neighboring Dominican Republic.

On Saturday, the office of Dominican President Luis Abinader issued a statement explaining that decision - saying 'Henry is not welcome in the Dominican Republic for safety reasons.'

That decision came shortly after another that saw the Caribbean nation close its land border with its embattled neighbor, seemingly leaving the other side of Hispaniola to its fate.
American Airlines Boeing 777 carrying 249 people is forced to make an emergency landing at LAX after a 'mechanical problem'.

Flight AA 345 was arriving from Dallas Fort Worth and landed in Los Angeles around 8.45pm local time Wednesday.

The aircraft taxied along the runway and all passengers and crew onboard were able to disembark using a jet bridge.

Initial rumors suggested that the issue was a blown-out tire, reports KTLA.

This just latest setback for the beleaguered airplane building behemoth following a slew of safety issues, emergency landings and near fatal incidents.

Those problems became further magnified following the mysterious suicide of John Barnett, 62, last Saturday. Barnett was a former quality manager at the company's North Charleston plant. He died following a 'self-inflicted' gun shot, police said.

The aircraft taxied along the runway and all passengers and crew onboard were able to disembark using a jet bridge

An emergency service vehicle is there to greet the plane after its emergency landing

Just this week, a United Airlines Boeing 777 en route to Japan from San Francisco was forced into an emergency landing in at LAX when it lost a tire.

A few days before that, another Boeing jet was forced to make an emergency landing in LAX after taking off from San Francisco due to hydraulic issues.

Further afield, passengers on board a Latam Airlines from Sydney to Auckland were left traumatized after 50 were injured when their Boeing 787-9 plunged from the sky, throwing passengers against the ceiling, before landing safely.

In response to a federal audit in the US, Boeing said Tuesday that it would work with employees found to have violated company manufacturing procedures to make sure they understand instructions for their jobs.

The aircraft maker detailed its latest steps to correct lapses in quality in a memo to employees from Stan Deal, president of Boeing's commercial plane division.

The memo went out after the Federal Aviation Administration finished a six-week review of the company's manufacturing processes for the 737 Max jetliner after a panel blew off during Alaska Airlines flight on January 5.

The FAA reviewed 89 aspects of production at Boeing's plant in Renton, Washington, and found the company failed 33 of them, according to a person familiar with the report.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details that have not been publicly released  although they were reported earlier by The New York Times.

The Arlington, Virginia-based company has seen its price on Wall Street drop by over ten percent over the last week.

A United Boeing jet bound for San Francisco (seen here) was forced to land Monday after hydraulic fluid was filmed spewing from its landing gear area moments after take off

A few days later, on another United flight, a wheel fell off a Boeing 777-200 shortly after takeoff in San Francisco .

Former Boeing quality manager John Barnett (pictured) was found dead in South Carolina on Saturday with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head, police said

Barnett was a longtime Boeing employee and worked as a quality-control manager before he retired in 2017. In the years after that, he shared his concerns with journalists.

'John was deeply concerned about the safety of the aircraft and flying public, and had identified some serious defects that he felt were not adequately addressed,' Barnett's brother, Rodney, said in a family statement on Tuesday.

'He said that Boeing had a culture of concealment and was putting profits over safety.'

Rodney Barnett said working at Boeing created stress for John.

'He was suffering from PTSD and anxiety attacks as a result of being subjected to the hostile work environment at Boeing, which we believe led to his death,' the brother said.

Boeing, in a one-sentence statement, said, 'We are saddened by Mr. Barnett's passing, and our thoughts are with his family and friends.'

Experts say the reasons people take their own lives are complicated, and that recent increases in suicides could be driven by several factors, including higher rates of depression and limited access to mental-health services.

In 2019, Barnett told The New York Times about quality issues at Boeing's factory in South Carolina, where the 787 jetliner is assembled.

Barnett said he found discarded metal shavings near wiring for the flight controls. He said it could have been 'catastrophic' if the sharp pieces had pierced the wiring. He said after he complained to superiors, they moved him to another part of the plant.

Barnett told the BBC that same year that up to a quarter of the oxygen systems on the 787  a two-aisle plane that airlines use mostly for international flights  might not work because of faulty parts installed at the Boeing plant. Boeing denied the claim.

Barnett filed a whistleblower complaint with the government, which is still pending. A hearing on the case was scheduled for June.

Boeing's production practices have been questioned both on the 787, a model called the Dreamliner, and the company's best-selling plane, the 737 Max.

The company has come under increased scrutiny since a panel blew off a 737 Max during an Alaska Airlines flight in January.
The ex-lover of a Miss Universe finalist accused of punching her in the head 30 times told a court yesterday she 'got pregnant on purpose' and 'stalked' him after the alleged attack.

Ricky Lawrence, 32, allegedly punched his ex-girlfriend Chloe Othen, 33, in the head 30 times, strangled her and dragged her along the floor by her hair in the early hours of 15 October 2022 after a text message row.

The whisky merchant is also accused of biting her, taking her phone and stopping the model from leaving his 1.5million flat in Hans Crescent, Knightsbridge.

Miss Othen, an Instagram influencer with 301,000 followers, said she feared she would die after Lawrence allegedly grabbed two knives and threatened to slit her throat at his apartment.

Giving evidence yesterday at Nightingale Crown Court in Holborn, central London, Lawrence told jurors she 'got pregnant on purpose' and had his 'life f***ed around' when she 'decided to get rid of it'.

Lawrence denies a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Ricky Lawrence, 32, pictured outside the Nightingale crown court at the Grand Connaught Rooms, Holborn, where he is on trial charged with assaulting Instagram star Chloe Othen

Miss Othen, 33, claims she was punched in the head 30 times, strangled and dragged along the floor by her hair in wine merchant's 1.5m apartment in Hans Crescent, Knightsbridge

He previously told the trial he had not kidnapped Miss Othen as she had claimed, and instead said to her partner at the time Bora Guccuk: 'There's no kidnap, this is my address. You come and pick her up, she won't leave.'

Lawrence told jurors he was 'relatively calm in general' and denied being jealous of Mr Guccuk.

Prosecutor Sheilagh Davies, cross-examining, put to Lawrence that he had a temper, to which he said: 'No'.

Put to him that it was 'pretty stupid' to invite Ms Othen around to his flat, Lawrence said: 'I would say pretty stupid to get involved in the first place, but hindsight's wonderful.'

Ms Davies said: 'You were obsessed with Chloe and didn't want to let her go,' to which Lawrence replied: 'No, I wasn't. Absolutely not.'

The businessman denied a suggestion from Ms Davies that he 'begged' Ms Othen to continue their relationship.

Examining WhatsApp messages sent on the morning of October 15, Lawrence told jurors Ms Othen's messages were 'very blunt'.

Put to him by Ms Davies that Ms Othen seemed 'concerned' in her messages, Lawrence said: 'If she was that concerned that I was abusive, she wouldn't have come to my house.'

Miss Othen's partner at the time, Bora Guccuk, 39, called her while she was at the apartment, but Lawrence picked up the phone and allegedly threatened to kill him

Miss Othen was a finalist in Miss Universe GB in 2015 and has more than 300,000 followers on Instagram

Ms Othen (pictured) claims Lawrence pulled her hair and repeatedly bit her in an hour-long frenzy after sending her a barrage of abusive messages

Put to him that he attacked, bit, punched and threatened Ms Othen, Lawrence said: 'I've never threatened to stab or kill anybody in my life.'

Lawrence said he decided to film Ms Othen so that she could pay for damages in case she broke anything in his rented, furnished flat.

Ms Davies suggested Lawrence tried to 'blacken' Ms Othen's name by calling her a heavy drinker in his prepared statement to police, to which he replied: 'It's the truth.'

Asked by the prosecutor if he regarded Mr Guccuk as a 'rival' for Ms Othen's affections, Lawrence said: 'No'.

Lawrence claimed Ms Othen arrived at his flat drunk and carrying a bottle of Corona.

He accused her making 'a grab for my genitals' before lying down on the sofa and trying to go to sleep.

Lawrence denied sending any threatening messages and said in response of Ms Davies accusing him of being violent to Miss Othen: 'No absolutely not.

'She got pregnant on purpose and then when I said I'd put money aside to look after her that everything was going to be fine.

'She decided to get rid of it, so I was the one that had my life f***ed around.'

Lawrence's former girlfriend and Love Island star Francesca Allen, 28, also gave evidence in which she said she had 'never known' her ex to be aggressive.

Lawrence has accused Ms Othen of 'getting pregnant on purpose' and stalking him after the alleged attack

Lawrence's former girlfriend and Love Island star Francesca Allen (pictured) gave a statement to the a court defending her ex saying she had never known him to be aggressive

Allen, from Essex, who appeared on series five of the ITV reality show, dated Lawrence in 2018.

She said in a witness statement read to the court as part of his defence: 'As a boyfriend Lawrence was very kind. He always wanted to do things for me, he always wanted to do fun things together.

'He has a lovely close relationship with his parents and grandparents and I could tell he wanted that same relationship with a partner.

'I've never known Ricky to aggressive he would never shout back at me, he would always calm me down.

'I've never seen him be violent towards anybody and this wouldn't change if he was drinking.

'He is just always happy; I've never seen him let things get him down.'

Lawrence previously said there was 'no way' he bit Miss Othen and allegations that he punched her were 'impossible' as he had no marks on his hands.

He and Miss Othen had been in an 'on and off' relationship, between December 2021 and May 2022, before it ended 'very abruptly', jurors heard.

Lawrence said that his relationship with Miss Othen had been 'nothing but trouble for six months'.

He said that he and Miss Othen bumped into each other frequently and slept together on numerous occasions between May and October 15 2022, despite her being involved in a 'money relationship' with Mr Guccuk.

Lawrence said he and Miss Othen exchanged messages between around midday and 2.30pm on October 14 before arranging to meet at 5.30pm that evening.

Miss Othen cancelled and Lawrence next heard from her at about midnight, he said, after which they then spoke every half an hour until the early hours of October 15.

Lawrence said he was going to tell Mr Gaccuk that he and Miss Othen were having an affair.

He told the court he woke up at about 5.45am and answered the door to Miss Othen straight afterwards.

Asked about Miss Othen's condition at that time, Lawrence said she was 'clearly very, very drunk, or on something else' and was 'slurring'.

Lawrence said he answered Miss Othen's phone, which she had put on the coffee table, after he saw it was Mr Guccuk ringing 'to tell him she was at my house'.

He claimed Miss Othen then 'panicked and started saying, 'He's kidnapped me' whilst he was still on the phone, and that he put the phone back on the table once the short call ended.

Miss Othen claims that Lawrence picked up the phone and threatened to kill Mr Guccuk.

Lawrence denied all allegations that he threatened to kill or stab either Miss Othen or Mr Guccuk in the neck.

The defendant said that after having 'the same, repetitive conversation' with Miss Othen, he 'scooped her up and held her almost like a baby' and took her to front door, again asking her to leave.

Miss Othen re-entered the flat but did eventually leave of her own accord, Lawrence said, and he did not hear anything else until around 12.30pm later that day when police arrived at the property.

The jury was then shown WhatsApp messages exchanged between Lawrence and Miss Othen on October 15 from 04.17am onwards.

The messages said: 'You f***** up tonight, watch what I do now, you silly c***.'

He added: 'You f****** stupid c***, you're f***** now I swear, I will do anything in my power to f*** up the rest of your life, screenshot that.'

Referencing the 'Screenshot that' part of one message, Lawrence said: 'She used to delete messages so I couldn't forward them to somebody else.'

He told jurors that Miss Othen regularly made allegations of stalking against him which he denied in court, adding: 'Anywhere I was, she seemed to be.'

The trial continues.
A teenager killed in a devastating bus crash told her boyfriend that she loved him during their final conversation.

Tia Cameron, 18, was tragically killed after a bus mounted a kerb and pinned her against a building in Brisbane's CBD just after 5pm on Friday, March 8.

Her emotional funeral service at Brisbane's Hillsong Theatre on Thursday morning heard that Ms Cameron had always wanted to be a mum, to travel the world and to buy a home with her partner Hayden Mckinlay.

A powerful tribute read on behalf of Mr Mckinlay spoke of their love and future plans together, the Courier Mail reported.

'I will forever miss our little calls, I will wait every day for the phone to ring just to hear your voice. The last words we said to each other were "I love you" and we truly meant it,' he said.

Tia Cameron (pictured) was tragically killed after a bus mounted a kerb and pinned her against a building during the evening peak hour in Brisbane's CBD on Friday, March 8

READ MORE: Heartbreaking final message from teenage girl killed by an out of control runaway bus Tia Cameron (pictured) was killed when an out-of-control commuter bus mounted a packed footpath Advertisement

'We had so much of our lives planned together, buying our first home next year, trips away.

'Tia wanted to go to New Zealand at the end of the year to see the snow and her family. Our life together was so happy.'

Mr Mckinlay said March 8 was the day he lost his 'sunflower', the girl of his dreams.

'Tia was my world and my rock, we shared everything together  I can't imagine how my life will be now without my forever Tia in it,' he said.

Friends and family gathered at the funeral remembered the 'audacious' and 'vivacious' young woman many of whom, including her aunt Karma Te Awhitu, just called T.

'My darling T, standing here today, saying goodbye to you, is the most painful thing imaginable,' Ms Te Awhitu said.

'I fell in love with you from the moment you were born and I never stopped loving you.

'You brought sunshine to my life and looking around here today, it is quite clear you did the same for many other people.'

The aunt said she would miss her niece's laugh, 'questionable' sense of humour and 'dorkiness'.

'You had plans to study and further your education. You had plans to travel. You always spoke of being a mum, even from a very young age and I knew that one day you would make an incredible mother.

'I'm so very sorry bub that this has been stripped away from you but I promise to keep your memory alive  fly high my angel.'

Funeral celebrant Dawn Louise said: 'You wouldn't be left wondering what (Tia) thought because she would tell you.

'In her work at the Brisbane Club she was the perfect person for the front desk, the director of first impressions and the impression she left was always a good one.'

Ms Louise also spoke of how Ms Cameron longed to be a mother, 'but in the meantime she adopted and took care of a menagerie of animals'.

An emotional funeral service on Thursday morning heard that Tia Cameron (pictured) had always wanted to be a mum, to travel the world and to buy a home with her partner Hayden Mckinlay

Tia Cameron (pictured) has been remembered as having a great laugh and for her 'dorkiness'

The celebrant added that 'She was an old soul. She gave her mum a purpose in life and when she left us, she gave us all a reminder of the brevity of life.'

Mr Mckinlay's mother, Christine Melrose, has set up a GoFundMe page for Ms Cameron's family.

Last Saturday, Brisbane City Council said the brakes of the bus that killed Ms Cameron had been tested last month.

Among the mourners at her funeral were Brisbane's Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and his wife Nina.
This is the moment a female drink-driver asks police 'am I blowing in or out' when she is told to take a breathalyser test.

Tracey Campbell, 52, was four times over the legal limit while driving her Peugeot 207 when she suddenly stopped and abandoned her car in a Cambridge street.

Officers were tailing her when she pulled up at 10.30pm and went to chat to her but became suspicious when they could smell alcohol on her breath.

They asked her to take a breathalyser test but she was so drunk she couldn't work out how to do it and asked: 'Do I blow in our out?'

Campbell, of Ring Fort Road, Cambridge, has been convicted of drink-driving three times in the last two decades.

She was captured on police body-worn camera asking 'what do I do?' when an officer asks her to blow out 'nice and slowly until I tell you to stop'.

When it is explained again, she says: 'Am I blowing in or out?'

Tracey Campbell, 52, was four times over the legal limit while driving her Peugeot 207 when she suddenly stopped abandoned her car in a Cambridge street

Officers asked her to take a breathalyser test but she was so drunk she couldn't work out how to do it and asked: 'Do I blow in our out?'

'How do you blow in? That's impossible,' the fed-up officer snaps back, to which Campbell then says: 'But am I sucking in or sucking out?'

'I didn't say sucking. Blow,' the PC replies.

She then blows into the contraption, but stops too early.

'You stopped, it needs to be continuous,' the officer says wearily, before threatening to arrest her if she fails to complete the task.

'Jesus,' she says after exhaling.

Campbell then blows 160 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath - more than four times the legal limit of 35.

She went on to give another reading of 120 in custody following her arrest in Cambridge on January 24.

At Huntingdon Magistrates' Court on March 8, Campbell was disqualified from driving for two years and eight months after pleading guilty to drink driving.

Campbell then blows 160 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath - more than four times the legal limit of 35

She was also given an 18-month community order and must carry out 120 hours of unpaid work.

It also transpired that she is a serial offender.

PC Joe Woolf, who investigated for Cambridgeshire Police, said: 'Although it is over a twenty-year period, Campbell has been convicted of drink driving on three previous occasions, there is absolutely no excuse for drink driving.

'She was considerably over the limit, and it was lucky she didn't do herself or other road users any serious harm.'
By Baek Byung-yeul

The job market is changing rapidly as AI technology continues to evolve, with professional occupations requiring a high level of expertise being the most likely to be replaced by this technology, according to industry officials and experts, Thursday.

The Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade (KIET) said in its March 13 report that the number of jobs in Korea that could be replaced by AI technology is 3.27 million, accounting for 13.1 percent of all jobs.

The state-run institution pointed out that the adoption rate of AI by domestic companies was at only 4 percent in 2022, but the rate will be expanded soon due to the performance improvement of AI and consequently AI will likely replace an increasing number of jobs.

In particular, 1.96 million jobs, or 59.9 percent of AI replaceable jobs, are concentrated in the professional sector, the report said. Among them, 99.1 percent of jobs in management and financial professions are at risk of disappearing due to AI.

Not only in the financial sector but also 450,000 jobs in scientific and technical services and 380,000 jobs in information and communication technology are estimated to be the most at risk of being replaced by AI.

Industry experts cited the example of the Jeju Special Self-Governing Provincial Government, which is saving a significant amount of money and attracting attention by employing an AI-based virtual human announcer instead of hiring a professional to deliver news about the popular tourism features of the island.

"Because AI technology is developing at a terrifying speed, the attempt to replace various types of jobs with AI will continue. This will lead to cost reductions and improved efficiency, so it is expected to be an unstoppable movement of change," an official from a local AI company said on condition of anonymity.

On March 12, the Jeju Special Self-Governing Provincial Government announced that it started employing an AI announcer named J-NA from March to promote news happening on Jeju Island and the government's policies.

The fact that the company providing this AI-based virtual human announcer charges only 600,000 won ($455) per month has attracted a lot of attention for its ability to achieve high efficiency at low cost.

"The pattern of labor substitution by AI is predicted to be very different from the past when robots replaced manufacturing jobs," said Song Dan-bee, a KIET research fellow who wrote the report. "AI has already caused a real change in labor demand.

The report also pointed out the need for nurturing professionals in the AI sector as private investment led by big tech companies like Microsoft and Google is driving AI innovation.

To train highly skilled AI experts, Korea needs to reorganize the current academic system and strengthen policy support to attract overseas experts, said Min Soon-hong, another KIET research fellow.

Such opinion is in line with a 2023 report of the International Labour Organization (ILO), which said in its study, titled Generative AI and Jobs: A global analysis of potential effects on job quantity and quality, that day-to-day office jobs are expected to face much exposure to AI technology developments.

Managers and professional occupations were found to be highly exposed, with only a small percentage of tasks and a quarter being moderately exposed. As a result, high-income countries with a high proportion of white-collar and semi-professional jobs are expected to be most affected by AI automation, the ILO report estimated.

The occupational group with the highest share of tasks exposed to GPT technology are the clerical jobs, where the majority of tasks fall at least into medium-level exposure, and about a quarter of tasks are highly exposed to potential automation, the ILO report said.
A sex worker arrested in revealing black leather lingerie has admitted she was drink-driving when a cyclist collided with her car.

Cindy Pham, 27, was driving along South Dowling Street near Moore Park, Sydney, to a client when a 29-year-old cyclist crashed into her car at about 3.30am on February 4.

While Pham was cleared of responsibility for the crash, a breath-test administered by police at the scene returned a positive result.

She appeared in Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday where she pleaded guilty to one charge of mid-range drink driving.

Sex worker Cindy Pham (pictured, Pham arrested in leather lingerie) has admitted to mid-range drink-driving when a cyclist collided with her car on February 4

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Following her arrest, Pham was taken to Surry Hills Police Station where a second breath test was said to have returned a positive reading of 0.095, almost two times the legal limit.

The sex worker from Liverpool was later taken to St Vincent's Hospital where she underwent mandatory blood and urine testing.

She told police that she had been travelling between clients at the time of the crash.

A taxi driver passing by at the time of the incident caught the crash on dashcam footage that showed the cyclist riding into the path of Pham's Suzuki sedan.

The footage, which was handed over to investigators, also showed the sedan driving over the man immediately after he fell from the seat.

Emergency services rushed to the scene where they found the male cyclist with life-threatening injuries and tyre marks across his chest.

Paramedics spent an hour treating the man at the scene before transporting him to St Vincent's Hospital, where he remains in the ICU in a 'serious but stable condition'.

Pham is set to face sentencing for the drink-driving charge on April 18.
Ministers are vowing to 'name and shame' extremists who are banned from government funding as part of a new crackdown.

Michael Gove said groups with an 'ideology' or 'pattern of behaviour' opposed to fundamental UK values - even if they do not support violence - will fall foul of the tighter rules.

He warned that it had become clear that Islamist extremists and the far-Right represented a 'real risk to the security of our citizens and our democracy'.

Unveiling a new definition of extremism in a round of interviews this morning, Mr Gove stressed that decisions would be taken by 'independent' civil servants, and would not affect free speech.

Instead it would identify groups that 'we in government think it would be inappropriate to fund or have contact with'.

However, critics have raised alarm that the label is too 'broad', with Tories voicing concern that opponents of radical gender ideologies and Christians could be caught by the arrangements.

Unveiling a new definition of extremism in a round of interviews this morning, Michael Gove stressed that decisions would be taken by 'independent' civil servants, and would not affect free speech

Pro-Palestinian activists on a National March for Palestine in London on December 9, 2023. Groups meeting the multi-pronged definition  even if they are non-violent  will be banned from receiving taxpayers' money

Mr Gove told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that he wanted to address 'errors of the past' where government money had gone to extremist groups.

'This is simply about saying this is an organisation that we in government think it would be inappropriate to fund or have contact with,' he said.

Groups meeting the multi-pronged definition  even if they are non-violent  will be banned from receiving taxpayers' money and from contact with ministers or senior civil servants. It will also apply to the honours system and public appointments.

What it was...and what it is now OLD DEFINITION (in the Prevent strategy published in 2011): Extremism is vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. We also include in our definition of extremism calls for the death of members of our armed forces, whether in this country or overseas. NEW DEFINITION Extremism is the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, that aims to 1: negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others; or 2: undermine, overturn or replace the UK's system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights; or 3: intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the results in (1) or (2). Advertisement

The phrase, which comes into force today, will be used inside government only  not as part of criminal law. However, concerns remain that the measure could have unintended consequences on free speech.

Mr Gove told Sky News: 'It's not intended to prevent people demonstrating per se, absolutely not.

'It's not a restraint on free speech. It applies only to engagement with government, because we know that there've been cases in the past where individual extremist organisations have sought to take advantage of government patronage, money and influence in order to advance their agenda.

'So today's definition applies only to government and makes it clear that we will keep these organisations at arm's length so they can't benefit from access to government and its funds.'

He said an 'expert team of civil servants advised by academics' will run a 'very rigorous process of due diligence' to decide whether a group is extremist, with signoff from the Home Secretary and Mr Gove himself.

In a statement, Mr Gove said: 'The pervasiveness of extremist ideologies has become increasingly clear in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks and poses a real risk to the security of our citizens and our democracy.

'This is the work of extreme Right-wing and Islamist extremists who are seeking to separate Muslims from the rest of society and create division within Muslim communities.

'They seek to radicalise individuals, deny people their full rights, suppress freedom of expression, incite hatred and undermine our democratic institutions.

'Today's measures will ensure that government does not inadvertently provide a platform to those setting out to subvert democracy and deny other people's fundamental rights.'

The Communities Secretary will decide which groups are extremist based on advice from civil servants. The only right of appeal will be through seeking a judicial review in the courts.

Officials believe the list of organisations likely to be named as extremist 'will not be long', but refused to comment on whether the definition could suffer so-called 'function creep' and be used in unintended ways  for example, by being cited as evidence in court cases.

The new definition will apply to organisations only, rather than individuals, and has been signed off by the Cabinet, but some ministers remain uneasy that the new mechanism could be abused by a future Labour government.

One Whitehall source said: 'If the wrong government gets in they could potentially extend it into areas which people would not want to see. That is the risk.'

A pro-Palestinian protester stands on a giant lion by Nelson's Column. The new definition will apply to organisations only, rather than individuals

Writing in the Spectator magazine, Toby Young, of the Free Speech Union, said: 'Is there a risk this new definition, which includes phrases like 'aims to... negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others', will also be applied to gender critical feminists, anti-abortion activists and other betes noires of metropolitan radicals?'

Tory backbencher Miriam Cates said: 'If we separate the legal definition of extremism from violence and harm, we risk criminalising people who hold perfectly legitimate views.'
A group of travellers who have been stranded in the flooded Outback since Sunday have been rescued.

The seven family members were found next to their bogged-down vehicle on Wednesday - a full three days after they set off from Kalgoorlie for the remote Aboriginal community of Tjuntjuntjara.

Among the seven are celebrated artist Lennard Walker and Mr Rictor, whose family is the last known group of Aboriginal people to live a traditional nomadic life in Australia.

Mr Walker, 74, has been an artist for decades and was a finalist in the WA Indigenous Art Awards, with art collections displayed as widely as in Brussels and Korea.

Mr Rictor's family are renowned as the last known Indigenous group living a traditional nomadic lifestyle in the country, with two members of the family remaining in Tjuntjuntjara.

The group have been taken to hospital for an assessment. Picture: WA Police

The group, including four children, were found alive on Wednesday afternoon, about 270km west of Tjuntjuntjara, and have been flown to Kalgoorlie-Boulder by helicopter.

Goldfields-Esperance District Police inspector Mick Kelly said he was 'ecstatic' that the group were all well.

'Once we were able to spot that vehicle and see those seven people waving at the aircraft, it was one of my happiest moments,' he said.

'It's hard to hold back your emotions, you fear the worst but it's just great to see that they're all home. You can finish the shift tonight knowing they're now safe and warm  it's a wonderful result.'

'Seeing them waving, it was one of my happiest moments for myself, for the group... it's just brilliant to bring these people home and, eventually, return them to their own community.'

The group was travelling in two cars from Kalgoorlie-Boulder to Tjuntjuntjara, about 650km northeast of Kalgoorlie, when they got stranded in the severe weather that hit WA.

A deluge of rain earlier hindered emergency services from using air assets to search for the missing people, but a break in the weather finally allowed them to resume the search.

On Wednesday afternoon, emergency services confirmed the family had been located.

WA Premier Roger Cook said it was an 'immense relief and a great outcome' after what had been a 'really difficult and distressing situation'.

'I just want to thank all the police, first responders, search parties, everyone who participated in the efforts and the operations to locate that family,' he said.

The group were found about 270km west of Tjuntjuntjara. Picture: WA Police

'The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, we thank them and it's a great outcome.

'We know that these road conditions change rapidly when we have these severe weather patterns move through.

'Significant flooding has taken place right throughout that region.

'So I urge everyone, motorists in particular, that when you're going out, please be aware of the conditions.

'In this situation, the family notified the community of Tjuntjuntjara that they were starting to return home.

'And so because they notified others, the Tjuntjuntjara community were able to send out the alert.'

An aerial photo taken by police showed all seven people around their bogged car, with no immediately obvious injuries on any of them.

Tjuntjuntjara Community Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Jon Lark will meet the group in Kalgoorlie on Thursday night.
A baby boy lived for just 14 hours following 'total and complete failures' in his care, an inquest has found.

Zachary Taylor-Smith's death could have been prevented had his mother, nurse Hannah Taylor-Smith, 33, been given antibiotics, a hospital trust admitted.

Zachary was born at Royal Derby Hospital at 36 weeks in November 2022 after Mrs Taylor-Smith was induced because of recurrent asthma attacks.

He was initially in a healthy condition but soon became unwell, suffering a low temperature and poor feeding.

Medics should have started treatment for the Group Strep B infection that Zachary contracted during his birth but failed to escalate his care.

His mother and father, blind-fitter Tim, 39, said they were not listened to when they alerted hospital staff to Zachary's deterioration.

Zachary Taylor-Smith (pictured) died when he was just 14 hours old after 'total and complete failures' in his care, an inquest has ruled

His parents Tim and Hannah Taylor-Smith (pictured together) said they weren't listened to when they alerted hospital staff to Zachary's deterioration

The inquest heard that 'basic' and 'obvious' errors were made while records were misplaced, a doctor forgot to review and handover Zachary, obvious signs of an unwell baby were missed, charts were not completed, and the pathway designed to ensure ill babies are escalated was not followed - not once but repeatedly.

READ MORE HERE: Mother whose newborn baby died at NHS hospital where she had worked as a midwife pleaded for help from a doctor moments before she started fitting, inquest hears Advertisement

The inquest heard he should have been reviewed by a neo-natal doctor at birth and urgently on at least five occasions but was finally only seen when the couple pressed the crash bell themselves but by then it was 'too late to save him'.

Mrs Taylor-Smith told the hearing: 'My world is full of darkness now. None of this will never make sense.'

Recording a narrative verdict at Chesterfield Coroner's Court yesterday, coroner Susan Evans said there were multiple 'missed opportunities' to refer Zachary to a neo-natal team that, on the balance of probabilities, would have prevented his death.

The coroner said there were 'total and complete failures' relating to the provision of basic care, and 'gross failings' relating to the fundamental requirements of patient care.

Mrs Evans, who ruled neglect contributed to his death, confirmed she would be writing a prevention of future deaths report over Zachary's death.

In a statement his parents said their son - their fifth child - was 'perfect in every way' adding: 'There is no pain like watching your child pass away and being totally helpless to stop it.'

The couple, from Lichfield, Staffordshire, are joining a nationwide campaign calling for a national inquiry into maternity services following scandals at hospitals around the country.

An inquest heard that Zachary developed a Group Strep B infection during his birth, but medics did not escalate treatment for this

They said: 'From speaking to other bereaved families, we know that this is not just happening in one trust or in 'dark corners' of the NHS. It is widespread and babies are dying unnecessarily.'

READ MORE HERE: Mother whose baby daughter died on One Born Every Minute NHS maternity unit during Covid pandemic says midwives ignored her concerns after she lost two previous babies Advertisement

Royal Derby Hospital's maternity services were downgraded to 'inadequate' by the Care Quality Commission in November.

Nicola Wainwright, a partner at JMW Solicitors London office specialising in maternity failures, who is representing the family, said: 'The evidence we heard suggests that once Hannah was in hospital for Zac's delivery, there were negligent failings by nearly every single member of staff who saw her or Zac prior to his collapse.'

University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust (UHDB), which runs the hospital, said changes have been implemented to improve services.

Garry Marsh, executive chief nurse at the trust, said: 'The loss of a baby is devastating and we are sincerely and deeply sorry for the failings in Zachary's care, which we fully accept.

'We should have provided antibiotics and responded differently to changes in Zachary's condition and we have been determined to put changes in place.'
A British man has been sentenced to ten years in prison for the attempted murder of a six-year-old child near his school in Madrid.

Crazed Albal Z stabbed his victim a day before his seventh birthday with a 12-inch kitchen knife before throwing the weapon in a street bin as he fled the scene.

The random street attack happened on December 10 2021 on a zebra crossing as the youngster returned to private British international school Hastings School after a PE lesson.

The child, the last in a single-file line of classmates, had to undergo an emergency operation for neck wounds sustained in the motiveless stabbing and was scarred for life as well as being left with psychological side-effects.

Yesterday his Kosovo-born British attacker, known to police in the UK because of prior arrests, was handed a ten-year custodial sentence following his trial last month in the Spanish capital.

Crazed Albal Z stabbed his victim a day before his seventh birthday with a 12-inch kitchen knife

The random street attack happened on December 10 2021 on a zebra crossing as the youngster returned to private British international school Hastings School

Madrid's Audiencia Provincial Court ruled the paranoid schizophrenic should begin his jail term in a high-security psychiatric hospital.

Albal, whose surname has not yet been released, was arrested 12 days after the horror attack.

He was captured on CCTV fleeing the crime scene but his DNA on the knife police recovered proved key to his arrest at a hostel in Madrid. He had only been in Spain eight days before the attack.

Police identified him using a transnational DNA profile exchange called the Prum system designed to combat terrorism and cross-border crime which is understood to have flagged up his previous arrests in the UK. It was not immediately clear this morning if any had resulted in convictions.

Public prosecutors said they wanted him jailed for 15 years if convicted of attempted murder in a pre-trial indictment, accepting he suffered from a mental illness which altered but didn't 'annul' his perception of reality.

They said of the attack in the indictment: 'In a surprise manner and with the intention of ending his life, he swooped on the youngster from behind, without the youngster seeing him or being able to react.'

The four-inch wound the youngster suffered affected his neck muscles and muscular veins, affecting a critical area because of the blood vessels located in it.

Albal, whose surname has not yet been released, was arrested 12 days after the horror attack

Police identified him using a transnational DNA profile exchange called the Prum system designed to combat terrorism and cross-border crime

As well as a custodial sentence, the trial judges ruled the attacker should be expelled from Spain after serving his time and ordered him to stay away from the child he targeted for 15 years

Reports yesterday said the child had told police when they arrived: 'A villain has put his sword in me.'

As well as a custodial sentence, the trial judges ruled the attacker should be expelled from Spain after serving his time and ordered him to stay away from the child he targeted for 15 years.

He was ordered to pay the child's family 45,000 (38,500) in compensation. He is thought to have handed the courts almost half that amount before his trial.

Police chief Jose Antonio Rodriguez, who led the specialist unit which helped nab the Brit responsible, told news website El Espanol overnight: 'Here the work of the scientific police was fundamental because the only proof we had was the knife with the DNA.

'That DNA had a name, a man born in Kosovo but with British nationality where he was already known to the authorities.

'He was tracked down to a hostel in Madrid. He had already bought another knife.'

The aggressor admitted to stabbing his victim at his one-day trial in Madrid on February 19 but his defence lawyer argued he should be acquitted because his mental illness meant he shouldn't be held criminally responsible for his actions.

His argument was only partially accepted in the judges' written ruling made public late yesterday.

A police officer who gave evidence at his trial described the attack as part of a 'pre-conceived plan', saying Albal had been in the same Madrid neighbourhood of Chamartin where it took place two days before the stabbing.
The 15-year-old Missouri girl who was brutally beaten by another teen is 'fighting hard to stay alive' after suffering brain damage in the horrific attack.

Kaylee Gain suffered a skull fracture and frontal lobe damage when her head was repeatedly smashed into the ground during a brawl near her St. Louis high school last Friday. She was left alone on the ground to convulse before EMTs arrived.

The family say Gain has 'major brain bleeding and swelling' and is in 'critical condition'. They will not know the full extent of the damage until she wakes up.

'Kaylee is fighting hard to stay alive and heal but this is only the beginning of a very uphill battle for Kaylee and her family,' her loved ones shared on a crowdfunding page, adding: 'the path to recovery will be extremely hard on the family, not only mentally but financially.'

A GoFundMe created in support of Gain has raised nearly $200,000 in just two days. The fundraiser states that all donations will be use towards 'easing these stressful days, allowing Kaylee's family to be able to be there 100% for her day and night and help with the medical bills that they foresee.'

Kaylee Gain, 15, (pictured) was brutally beaten by another teen last week. She is 'fighting hard to stay alive' after suffering brain damage in the horrific attack

Kaylee Gain suffered a skull fracture and frontal lobe damage when her head was repeatedly smashed into the ground during a brawl (pictured) near her St. Louis high school last Friday

The teen's 'shocked and devastated' parents have been staying by their daughter's side 'day and night' since he was hospitalized and are 'hoping to bring her back to the Kaylee they know and love'

The altercation broke out at about 2.30 pm Friday near the school.

Video of the incident circulated on social media showing another girl bashing the teen's head into the concrete after throwing multiple punches and sending her careening to the ground.

Gain appeared to begin to have a seizure as groups of other teens brawled just feet away.

Police found the girl suffering from a serious head injury near the intersection of Norgate Drive and Claudine Drive, roughly a five-minute walk from the high school campus. She was taken to the hospital and remains in critical condition.

'In minutes, this family's life shattered when their only daughter was assaulted outside of a North County high school,' the crowdfunding page states.

'She was left alone on the ground to convulse before EMTs arrived on the scene. She was admitted to one of the local hospitals in Saint Louis with a skull fracture and frontal lobe damage.'

Gain's 'shocked and devastated' parents have been staying by their daughter's side 'day and night' since he was hospitalized and are 'hoping to bring her back to the Kaylee they know and love'.

Kaylee Gain (pictured) is fighting for life in critical condition, with a skull fracture and frontal lobe damage

Viral video shows another teen smashing her head into the pavement repeatedly before the victim appears to suffer a seizure

Police found the girl suffering from a serious head injury near the intersection of Norgate Drive and Claudine Drive. The fight broke out just off campus from Hazelwood East High School

A statement attributed to her parents, and published on a second GoFundMe page, said: 'We are so grateful for the amazing medical staff who have been working tirelessly to give her the best possible chance at a full recovery.

'We know she has a very long road ahead of her but we remain hopeful. We are so overwhelmed by all the support and love.'

The teen's grandparents confirmed to KSDK that both crowdfunding pages are legitimate and will be used used to 'help with costs incurred from Gain's injuries and the parents' lost wages'.

A 15-year-old girl was arrested Saturday and charged with assault. She was taken to the St. Louis County Family Court and remained in custody as of Sunday afternoon.

Attorney General Andrew Bailey has called on the 'evil' 15-year-old girl who beat Gain's head into the concrete to be 'tried as an adult'.

Bailey announced on X: 'This evil and complete disregard for human life has no place in Missouri, or anywhere. I am praying for the victim.

'The criminal should be charged and tried as an adult. If the victim dies, that offense should rise to a homicide.'

John O'Sullivan, Director of Communications with St. Louis County Courts, told KSDK it is too soon to determine if the suspect will be tried as an adult.

He says a court hearing is expected to be held in the next few weeks.

The Hazelwood School District issued a statement denouncing bullying and fighting within the community

The Missouri Attorney General is calling on the 15-year-old girl who beat another teen's head into concrete to be tried as an adult

After news of the altercation broke, the Hazelwood School District released a statement condemning violence within the community.

'It is a tragedy anytime children are hurt,' the statement read. 'Bullying and fighting in the community is an issue for which we all need to take ownership and work towards a resolution for the sake of our children.

'The Hazelwood School District offers our sincerest condolences to everyone involved and will offer additional emotional support from our support and crisis team to those in need.'

The statement urged community members to respect the families of those involved and 'pledge to help work toward the betterment of our entire community.'

The district recently came under fire for disenrolling more than three dozen middle schoolers in late February and early March.

The school district's public relations director, Jordyn Elston, told STLPR that the students were ejected because of 'expired residency information.'

Of the 40 students who received letters informing them of the district's decision, thirty-eight were re-enrolled within a week after providing updated information, the district said.

The St. Louis County Police Department is investigating the incident.
French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will come face to face tomorrow in a meeting that will see them hash out their differences on Ukraine.

The 'Weimar Triangle' meeting between the French and German leaders and Poland's new Prime Minister Donald Tusk is designed to be a show of unity, but comes at a time when Franco-German tensions over the war are rising.

With Ukraine in desperate need of more ammunition, and resistance from Western allies including Germany and the US to supply it, experts say that Macron is presenting himself as a key figure sounding the alarm bells.

In pointed comments last week, he urged European leaders not to be 'cowards' when it comes to the defence of Ukraine, saying that people 'never want to see the tragedies that are coming.'

Macron's earlier suggestion that sending Western ground troops to help Kyiv could not be 'ruled out' prompted fierce rebuke from Vladimir Putin, and crossed a 'red line' in the eyes of fellow NATO members, including Germany.

While he insisted the 'coward' remark was not aimed at Germany, relations could still prove frosty between him and Scholz, whose defence minister said that his boots on the ground comments 'did not help', and as both vie to be seen as dominant powers in Europe.

'There are two wars going on right now in Europe. One between Putin and the West in Ukraine, the other between France and Germany,' argue US Colonel Jonathan Sweet and Mark Toth.

Here, the retired military intelligence officer and foreign policy expert discuss how Macron, with his remarks, is styling himself as a war leader for the future - taking on Putin like an 'enlightened 21st century Napoleon'.

Emmanuel Macron has said that sending Western ground troops into Ukraine should not be 'ruled out'

French soldiers are seen on Leclerc tanks after crossing as they take part in NATO military exercises in Korzeniewo, Northern Poland

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz continues to resist deployment of Taurus KEPD 350E missiles

French President Emmanuel Macron, while speaking at the Globsec Forum in Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia, declared that he would 'not let Europe be kidnapped a second time.'

Now, ten months later, Macron is boldly following up on his word, even as Slovakia's new prime minister, Robert Fico, is kowtowing to Moscow.

During a press conference at the Elysee Palace after the Ukraine Summit, Macron expressed his willingness to send French troops to Ukraine  and he is not backing down.

Macron's stepping up to lead NATO comes at a time when many of its key leaders including the United States and Germany are becoming enmeshed in domestic politics and election cycles.

US President Joe Biden faces re-election in November, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz faces a Bundestag federal election no later than October 2025.

It also comes at a critical period in the war in Ukraine. Putin and his 'Arsenals of Evil' allies, including Iran and North Korea, beyond expectations are out supplying NATO when it comes to getting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his generals badly needed key munitions to stave off Russian counteroffensive advances in the Donbas  this despite the West's overwhelming industrial and economic advantage.

There are two wars going on right now in Europe. One between Putin and the West in Ukraine, the other between France and Germany.

Both are raging as Washington increasingly abandons its traditional leadership role in Europe.

There is nothing new about the friction between Paris and Berlin. The two neighboring countries have long sought since the end of World War II to be perceived as the leader of continental Europe.

French President Emmanuel Macron, left, with Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The pair will meet with Germany's Chancellor on Friday

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal declared: 'A victory for Russia in Ukraine constitutes a concrete, tangible and direct risk to the daily life of the French.'

Save, now the stakes are existentially higher  and arguably, will determine whether Europe remains free of Russian economic and military intimidation, if not domination.

Macron's words are no longer just words. He now has the backing of France's National Assembly.

On Tuesday, the French legislature approved Macron's 10-year security agreement with Kyiv that 'includes commitments by Paris to deliver more arms, train soldiers and send up to 3 billion euros ($3.2 billion) in military aid to Ukraine in 2024.'

His pervasive argument is winning over European leadership, with Polish foreign minister Radek Sikorski stating the presence of NATO forces in Ukraine 'is not unthinkable,' while Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said, 'everything is on the table to help Ukraine beat Putin.'

Speaking in support of the measure that passed 372 to 99 with 101 abstentions, 34-four-year-old French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal declared: 'A victory for Russia in Ukraine constitutes a concrete, tangible and direct risk to the daily life of the French. If Ukraine loses, the French lose too.'

'Macron is reading the room  and NATO as an alliance is drawing ever closer to Zelensky and his generals and wholly invested in their victorious outcome'

Young Europe is also waking up to the existential threat Putin represents to their way of life and to their liberty.

Conversely, Scholz continues to resist deployment of Taurus KEPD 350E missiles.

Speaking at the Bundestag on Wednesday, the German chancellor doubled down on his determination to avoid Germany becoming kinetically engaged in defending Putin's war against Ukraine.

Referring to equipping Kyiv with the Taurus missile and deploying Bundeswehr soldiers he contends would be necessary to effect their use, Scholz asserted that is 'a line that as chancellor I do not want to cross.'

Marcon is not having it. Last week he, in effect, accused the Germans of being 'cowards' during a gathering he tartly asserted, 'Europe clearly faces a moment when it will be necessary not to be cowards.'

Macron's suggestion that sending Western ground troops to help Kyiv could not be 'ruled out' prompted fierce rebuke from Vladimir Putin

Germany's Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius, was not pleased. Already reeling from a leaked audio recording wherein high-level Bundeswehr officers were heard strongly supporting equipping Ukraine with Taurus missiles, Pistorius retorted, 'We don't need really, from my perspective at least, discussions about boots on the ground or having more courage or less courage.'

Either way, the contentious issue is coming to a head on Friday at a meeting of the Weimar Triangle.

The alliance was created in 1991 to foster 'German-Polish reconciliation, inspired by the [post-World War II] Franco-German experience.' Macron will be meeting in Berlin with Scholz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

Ukraine will be the overarching topic  and it is likely to be a battle royale. Tusk, accompanying Polish President Andrzej Duda during a White House visit with President Biden on Tuesday, made his own position clear, saying in a statement aimed at House Republicans that, 'the fate of millions of people' are at stake.'

The meeting marked the 25th anniversary of Poland's accession to NATO  and underscored how in many ways Poland has become the US' most reliable ally in central and eastern Europe.

Notably, last February, as if to underscore this point, NATO announced it is supporting the building of a new 'joint training center in Poland.'

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg noted that the 'joint analysis, training and education center in Bydgoszcz, Poland  will benefit them and us, and also create a framework to train alongside NATO allied troops.'

Whether Scholz likes it or not, Macron is reading the room  and NATO as an alliance is drawing ever closer to Zelensky and his generals and wholly invested in their victorious outcome.

Macron is intent on being a new kind of enlightened Napoleon. Not intent on trying to conquer Europe and Russia as Napoleon did during the Napoleonic Wars between 1803 and 1815, but determined to prevent Putin from doing the same to Western Europe and NATO here in the 21st century.

Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, somewhat ironically, given the Duke of Wellington's victory over Napoleon at Waterloo, might ultimately prove to be the kingmaker of who wins this deepening dispute over the course of the war in Ukraine between Macron and Scholz.

King Charles III, in large part due to his extraordinarily successful state visits to Berlin and Paris early in his reign in 2023, could prove to be Sunak's wildcard.

Britain's King Charles III (C) meets with Ukrainian recruits being trained by British and international partner forces at a site in Wiltshire on February 20, 2023

Charles, as brilliantly documented by Daily Mail columnist Robert Hardman in his book 'The Making of a King,' strongly supports Ukraine's fight against Putin's aggression.

Recounting Charles' visit in February 2023 to a Wiltshire field where the Royal Army is training Ukraine troops, Hardman quotes the British monarch as saying, 'I am full of admiration and can only wish you well.'

The King ended his visit by telling Ukrainian Lieutenant Colonel Sergei Shutenko in reference to the World War I-like trench warfare in Ukraine, 'You are amazing, I don't know how you do it.'

A map demonstrating different scenarios that could follow Western nations sending troops into Ukraine. Experts have suggested that such a move could help Ukraine to victory (Scenario 1), but also increases the risk of Russian retaliation. NATO officials have previously raised concern about Scenario 2 - a Russian offensive into Europe - but experts told MailOnline that Putin could take an even more drastic measure - Scenario 3: use of nuclear weapons.

Sunak should play his most Royal of wildcards. Both he, Macron and King Charles are already on the right side of history  and Scholz is badly out of step.

The war in Ukraine will not be won or lost on Friday regardless of its outcome. But the war between France and Germany must end, and it must end in Berlin's defeat. Macron  France's would-be enlightened 21st century Napoleon  is leading the way and Sunak can seal the deal  as he should.

Anything less and Putin's war against the West will only in time draw closer to London, Paris and Berlin, leaving Scholz to wonder 'what if.'
A British 'drunk driver' accused of killing a four-month-old baby in a horror crash was smuggled into court for her first appearance before a judge on the island of Lanzarote.

Olivia Brown, 23, was taken in through a back entrance to be quizzed about the fatal accident in the resort of Playa Blanca, which saw six injured including the baby's parents and maternal grandparents.

The ex-pat has been under house arrest since her 'out of control' car slammed into the British family as they were walking near their holiday villa. A Swedish mum and daughter, who had only been on the island three hours, were also injured.

Police have said Brown was over the 0.25mg legal limit for driving. She had also tested positive for drugs, but it is not known if this was over the legal limit.

Brown will be charged with manslaughter and could be jailed for up to 25 years, according to local police.

The driver has been named as 23-year-old Olivia Brown, with officials saying she tested positive for both drink and drugs at the scene

Olivia Brown was ushered into Edifcio Judicial Arrecife de Lanzarote through the back door in a police van

Shocking images of the scene showed police and paramedics working desperately on the stricken pedestrians in the aftermath of the crash

Under Spanish law her court appearance is in a closed hearing where she will be asked questions about the incident.

She will have been appointed a lawyer to represent her during the hearing and is likely to be given bail and allowed to return home while still under house arrest.

Brown appeared before an examining judge in court No 1 at the modern courthouse in the island's capital of Arrecife.

Police sources said Brown was brought into the court via back entrance to avoid waiting media outside the entrance.

A police van was seen driving down a side entrance and going into an underground car park.

Unlike the British court system media do not have access to the courts and cannot attend the hearings.

Brown is understood to have been offered counselling following the crash on Monday evening when the four month old girl was killed instantly.

Eye witnesses described hearing piercing screams and watched as the mother attempted to revive her baby while others attended to the injured.

The newborn's father was critically injured, and the maternal grandmother also suffered serious injuries and they remain in intensive care.

The family's name and where they are from the UK has not been released by local authorities.

Police sources said Brown was brought into the court via back entrance to avoid waiting media outside the entrance

Ms Brown is currently under house arrest and could be jailed for causing the death of the new-born baby

The maternal grandfather and mother were also injured, but did not suffer life changing injuries. They remain in hospital.

A 34-year-old Swedish woman was also seriously injured and suffered three heart attacks while in hospital.

She is still listed in a critical condition having been flown to Gran Canaria for specialist treartment. Her daughter remains in Lanzarote at a hospital in Arrecife.

A witness to the accident, a man in his 40s, was at the courthouse waiting to be called to give his statement before the examining judge.

Yaiza Municipal police chief Vladamir Guadalupe was also at the court, but refused to make any comment as he left.

It comes as the paternal grandparents of the baby killed arrived on the island on Wednesday afternoon and went straight to the Doctor Molina Orosa Hospital hospital to see those injured.

A well-placed source said: 'The father and maternal grandmother remain in intensive care but will both pull through. Their lives are not in danger.

'The other two British nationals, the baby's mum and maternal grandfather, are also still in hospital but are on a ward.

A moment of silence was held in the centre of Yaiza on Wednesday outside the Mayors office, where locals turned up to show their respect

'They were all aware the little girl, who was four-and-a-half months old, had died from the first moment despite their injuries and they're obviously absolutely devastated.'

Another source said: 'The baby's paternal grandparents arrived in Lanzarote yesterday afternoon and headed straight to the hospital.'

The female driver, who went to school in Lanzarote after moving to the island as a child, has been under house arrest.

Yaiza Town Hall, which covers Playa Blanca in the south of Lanzarote where the accident occurred, said in a statement afterwards she 'showed signs of being under the influence of alcohol and drugs.'

Police on the island told MailOnline that they believe Brown was over the legal limit for alcohol when her 'out of control' car mounted the pavement and slammed into the family.

The other two people injured in Monday evening's accident, also pedestrians, were a Swedish mother and daughter who had only just arrived in Lanzarote.

The younger of the two women, a 34-year-old was airlifted to a hospital on the neighbouring island of Gran Canaria.

Yaiza Municipal police chief Vladimir Guadalupe told MailOnline on Wednesday that the Swedish mother is in a critical condition.

Yaiza Municipal police chief Vladimir Guadalupe (pictured) told MailOnline the Swedish mother is in a critical condition

He said her heart and stopped three times and she had to be resuscitated.

The pair had only been in Lanzarote for three hours and were walking back to their hotel when they were struck.

The driver told police at the scene the steering on her car had blocked.

A source close to the ongoing investigation said of Brown: 'She has locked herself in her house and switched her phone off.

'Like the crash victims, she has also been offered professional help to assist her in dealing with the enormity of what has happened.'

Brown lives on the island with her parents and is understood to work at a hotel in the resort of Playa Blanca where the accident took place.

Her social media shows scenes of sunset on the island, posing in front of palm trees and with her mother.

The identity of the British family involved in the horrific accident has not been revealed. They were due to leave the island on Sunday, according to police.

Police chief Guadalupe said: 'The investigation is still on going and could be another week. The driver will appear in court but I cannot say yet what the charges will be.

'The legal limit for alcohol is 0.25 and this person was over that limit and the charge will reflect that.'

The death of the newborn has shocked the island  a popular winter sun destination with British tourists - and the Mayor Osca Noda declared two days of mourning with flags to fly at half mast.

More than 30 people led by the Mayor and including emergency service workers who were first on the scene took part in a solemn one minute silence outside the town hall.

Mayor Noda said the death of the baby has had a huge impact on local residents.

'We are full of sorrow over such a tragic accident. This is something that has not happened here, and people are very shocked,' he said.

Mayor Oscar Noda (pictured) said the death of the baby has had a huge impact on local residents

'We are doing all we can to support the family who are still in hospital.

Adil De Toro, a local doctor on the island was among the town hall staff who took part in the one-minute silence.

He described how in the aftermath of the incident he and others rushed to the scene to offer any assistance they could.

He said: 'The government has called this meeting to make a point about how rare and sad this event is.

'These things never happen here. It has affected the opinion of the island. The police have to investigate exactly what happened whilst she is under house arrest.

'I ran to the scene after it happened to see if they needed assistance. There was a team of ambulances working around all the injured. It was horrible.'

Hotel director Miguel Angel Sordo told how he ran from the HL Rio Playa Blanca hotel when he heard piercing screams from passers-by who had witnessed the tragedy.

A five-month baby was killed and several others injured after being mowed down by a car which mounted the pavement in the Lanzarote tourist resort of Playa Blanca

Emergency workers attend the scene of the crash

He said the mum of the baby was desperately trying to revive the baby boy.

He said: 'The baby was lying on the floor and a blonde lady dressed in black was trying to revive him. The health workers arrived immediately and took care of the baby.

'I offered to help them and some health workers asked me to keep the victims who were lying on the ground awake and to speak to them in English so that they would be conscious.

'Then more paramedics arrived and, together with the rest, took charge of caring for all the injured.'

Emotions among locals was running high over the death crash.

Ambulances are seen outside of the hospital near Playa Blanca following the incident

One man, who preferred to stay anonymous, suggested the opinion of the island is that she be made an 'example of' if guilty.

He said: 'The entire island is very upset and shaken by this incident, we want an example to be made.

'The road where the terrible crash took place is very hard to have an accident on.

'When you see the impact the vehicle had on the wall, it's very clear she was moving at speed. If she was using drink and drugs while she was driving she should go to prison for this.'
During a bizarre interview with the network that unceremoniously fired him in 2023, broadcaster Don Lemon spoke in detail about his recent interview with Elon Musk, revealing the pair spoke about drug use, supporting Trump and white supremacy.

Shortly before his interview, Lemon, 58, revealed that Musk, 52, canceled the one-time CNN anchor's upcoming self-titled show on X after just one unaired episode was recorded.

When asked why this occurred, Lemon told former colleague Erin Burnett: 'That's a good question for Elon Musk, quite franklin. What happened? I don't know. As I said in my statement, I felt really good about the interview.'

In the clips that have surfaced from the piece, which Lemon described as 'tense at moments,' the pair covered a wide-range of topics, including Musk's use of drugs, his lack of support for Joe Biden and issues over moderation at X.

CNN aired footage showing Lemon asking Musk about his recreational use of horse tranquilizer ketamine. The Tesla founder's use of the drug has been widely reported on and he himself has admitted to taking it.

'The reason I mentioned ketamine with prescription on the X platform is because I thought: "Maybe this is something that could help other people." That's why I mentioned it. Obviously I'm not a doctor but I would say that if someone has depression issues, they should consider talking to their doctor about ketamine.'

CNN aired footage showing Lemon asking Musk about his recreational use of horse tranquilizer ketamine

After the clip aired, Lemon said that he wouldn't have brought up the drug use had Musk not already admitted to it

Burnett went on to air a tweet from Musk made days before, in which the outspoken South African complained about migrants changing the political climate of the US

After the clip aired, Lemon said that he wouldn't have brought up the drug use had Musk not already admitted to it, in the wake of a Wall Street Journal expose that accused him of micro dosing at work and full dosing while partying.

In another exchange, Musk described his recent meeting with ex-President Donald Trump in Florida.

Musk said that he was having breakfast at a friends' home when Trump happened to stop by. 'He did most of the talking,' Musk joked.

Lemon pressed Musk by asking him if he would be paying any of Trump's legal bills and asking if the Republican nominee asked for any money, including a political donation. Musk said no.

Lemon then asked if Musk was leaning towards wither Trump or Biden ahead of the 2024 presidential election, Musk said his only 'lean' was 'away from Biden.'

The interview became tense when Lemon asked Musk about moderation amid the rise in hate speech since the SpaceX founder took over Twitter in October 2022.

Musk has long championed the platform as a 'digital town square.' The billionaire earned huge criticism when he responded to a post endorsing the white supremacist 'great replacement theory.'

Musk stressed that he didn't need to answer questions about his endorsement of the theory. 'Don, the only reason I'm doing this interview is because you're on the X platform and you asked for it.'

'I'm criticized constantly, I could care less,' he added.

The short-lived series, called 'The Don Lemon Show,' was scrapped shortly after the interview was filmed, leaving Lemon without a platform again.

Lemon went on to outline the encounter in a scathing statement Wednesday, before providing more detail to Burnett. It served as the first time he appeared on CNN since his firing, during which brass reportedly paid him more than $24million.

'As I said in my statement, I felt really good about the interview,' Lemon told Burnett.

'I said to him as we were doing the interview - and it was tense at moments - "I think it's good that people see folks like you and I who have different worldviews come together and talk."

'As he says, have free speech,' he specified.

'Apparently that doesn't matter to Elon Musk.

'It's just for talking points for him - or rhetoric,' Lemon continued, appearing stoic despite the cancelled contract.

'Because it doesn't seem to matter when it's about him - questions about him. From people like me.'

He concluded: 'Free speech is only important when someone you don't like, or I would say someone who doesn't have your same point of view... if they're allowed to speak freely and to say their point of view.'

'He didn't quite seem to understand that he did,' Lemon answered, before citing how the billionaire has faced accusations from the Anti-Defamation League and others of tolerating antisemitic messages on the platform since purchasing it - leading to a public apology and a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau with a rabbi, Ben Shapiro and a Holocaust survivor (seen here)

Lemon revealed earlier in the day that his new X show has been canned by Elon Musk after the billionaire became 'so upset' by their unreleased interview

Burnett went on to air a tweet from Musk made days before, in which the outspoken South African complained about migrants changing the political climate of the US.

'Exactly,' Musk wrote, replying to a post from an alt-right political theorist that claimed US officials' counting of migrants in the census 'incentivizes Democrats to continue the [migrant] invasion in order to build up power.'

He went on: 'Increasing illegals boosts Dem voting power, causing them to recruit even more!

'If Dems win President, House & Senate (with enough seats to overcome filibuster), theyll grant citizenship to all illegals & America will become a permanent one-party deep socialist state.'

The statement is somewhat in line with the ideas of The Great Replacement Theory, which preaches that white European populations are being demographically and culturally replaced by non-white peoples - especially from Muslim countries.

The ideology - concocted by French author Renaud Camus in 2010 - picked up steam on then-Twitter prior to Musk's takeover, before being censored by Musk's predecessors.

Upon taking the helm in 2022, Musk made it his mission to create a platform devoid of censorship, before going on to allow such posts to be seen censor-free.

The far-right activist who made the assertion Musk agreed with, for instance, had been banned before Musk bought the website for $44billion.

Hours before, Lemon took to his own X profile to slam Musk's decision as an attack on his free speech, after which Musk countered by insisting Lemon is free to share his show on the platform 'without' censorship.

However, the Tesla CEO quickly added, 'we reserve the right to make decisions about our business partnerships.'

Meanwhile, Lemon, after losing out on what was likely a lucrative contract, told his 1.4million followers of the ill-fated encounter: 'We had a good conversation. Clearly [Musk] felt differently,'

He went on: 'His commitment to a global town square where all questions can be asked and all ideas can be shared seems not to include questions of him from people like me.'

'Hardcore questions were asked,' Lemon added in a separate post shortly after, declining to say what it was that angered Musk.

Journalist Kara Swisher, a contributor at New York Magazine, posited that the billionaire took offense to 'questions about his ketamine use', after insiders told the Wall Street Journal Musk regularly micro-doses ketamine for depression and takes full doses at parties

Lemon - who went on to proudly advertise his return to the network where he spent 17 years later in the day - has yet to produce the full-clip.

The called-off show's first episode, for now, remains unseen.
This video is no longer available

This video is no longer available

This is the moment terrified tourists were forced to run for cover after a rogue wave crashed through their ferry.

The massive wave cascaded through the vessel minutes after it had left Orzola on the Spanish holiday island of Lanzarote on Sunday as it headed for the island of La Graciosa.

Dramatic footage shows the freak wave rising up behind the ferry with nervous-looking passengers watching it approach.

Screaming then broke out as the water crashed across the deck and swamped the floor as travellers sprinted for safety.

One boy was seen sobbing uncontrollably as he leapt onto a table.

The enormous wave can be seen rising at least at high as one deck of the ferry

Children were heard screaming, and one terrified young boy was seen crying as the water covered the floor of the ship

Minutes after the small ferry left Orzola on the Spanish holiday island of Lanzarote on Sunday as it headed for the island of La Graciosa, the massive wave crashed through the vessel

Corriere della Sera reported that the boat managed to make it to its destination

Debris can be seen washing back and forth across the ship floor as the boat lurched around in the stormy conditions.

Corriere della Sera reported that the vessel managed to make it to its destination.

In December, terrifying footage emerged showing the moment a Norwegian cruise ship with British tourists on board was struck by a 'rogue wave' , sending passengers sliding around the floor and knocking out its power during a ferocious North Sea storm.

MS Maud was sailing some 162 miles off Denmark's west coast and about 217 miles off Britain's east coast when the monster wave shattered its windows on the bridge.

The luxury cruise ship, which was carrying 400 passengers and crew, had started a 14-day Northern Lights expedition sailing from Tilbury on December 9 and was due to return to the Essex port on December 23.

Dramatic footage obtained by MailOnline showed the exact moment the freak wave hit, leaving the ship impossible to navigate and requiring a tow to Germany .

The passenger who filmed the moment said: 'I had the bridge camera showing on the TV to try to stop dizziness and just randomly decided to film it!

In December, terrifying footage emerged showing the moment a Norwegian cruise ship with British tourists on board was struck by a 'rogue wave' , sending passengers sliding around the floor and knocking out its power during a ferocious North Sea storm

Terrifying footage shows the enormous wave crashing into the Norwegian ship, which resulted in a power outage

'As soon as the wave struck, the TV screen went blank and the ship's horn distress signal sounded so I knew something was wrong.'

The holidaymaker, who expected it was going to be a 'rough ride' after going over several other big waves, described how passengers, fixed tables and chairs were sent sliding across the floor. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.

Weeks later more footage emerged from a luxury cruise liner negotiating a ferocious storm off Antarctica.

It captured the moment waves measuring almost 100ft smashed the vessel and swamped the deck with freezing seawater.

The Atlas World Voyager cruise ship was traversing the Drake Passage - the spot at which the Atlantic and Pacific oceans converge between the southernmost tip of South America and Antarctica - when it was caught in a punishing tempest.

In January, footage emerged from a luxury cruise liner negotiating a ferocious storm off Antarctica

Tables, chairs, sunloungers and all sorts of other detritus were seen floating about after the deck was overrun by the deluge

Winds of up to 115mph whipped the sea into a frenzy and sent 30 metre (93ft) waves slamming into the luxury yacht during the perilous journey on December 2, 2023.

The heart-pounding clip taken from the deck shows how the yacht was lifted to the top of massive waves before angling over and plunging several storeys down.

Tables, chairs, sunloungers and all sorts of other detritus were seen floating about after the deck was overrun by the deluge.

Fortunately, the crew managed to expertly navigate the treacherous waters and the yacht reached its destination - Ushuaia in southern Argentina - without suffering major damage.
China's Alibaba Group plans to invest $1.1 billion in Korea over the next three years, as it seeks to build a logistics center and expand businesses.

As part of the investment plan, the Chinese e-commerce giant plans to spend $200 million this year to build the logistics center, according to a business strategy document of Alibaba, obtained by Yonhap News Agency.

Alibaba also plans to spend $100 million to help small and midsized Korean firms sell their products overseas, the document showed.

AliExpress, an e-commerce platform of Alibaba, has been under scrutiny in Korea over growing consumer complaints.

Alibaba said it will invest some 100 billion won to help bolster consumer protection in Korea.

Earlier this month, Korea's antitrust regulator launched an on-site inspection into AliExpress on suspicion of the e-commerce platform's violation of consumer protection duties.

The inspection was part of the regulator's investigation into whether the company has fulfilled due responsibilities to protect consumers in accordance with the country's e-commerce law and relevant regulations.

The move came as the number of complaints filed against AliExpress and submitted to the Consumers Union of Korea rose sharply to 465 cases last year from the previous year's 93.

The complaints dealt with misdeliveries, issues surrounding order cancellations and the lack of information on deliveries, among other things.

The number of AliExpress users in Korea more than doubled to 7.18 million in February from 3.36 million in 2022, according to government data. (Yonhap)
The mayor of Tower Hamlets has announced the council will start taking down Palestinian flags from outside council buildings.

Palestinian flags sprang up across the borough following the attacks on October 7 and the start of the Israel-Hamas war. Lutfur Rahman, the London borough's mayor, announced they are to be removed in a statement released last night.

A spokesperson for Tower Hamlets council says they had decided, until now, not to remove the flags because 'we believe it could destabilise community cohesion.'

The spokesperson said: 'However, the increasing focus on the issue, coupled with some unfair and divisive sentiment about our borough and its communities in recent weeks, has meant that the issue of flags has become part of a wider negative discourse used by some to misrepresent Tower Hamlets and our residents.'

The decision to remove them follows a threat by UK Lawyers for Israel that they might take legal action unless the flags are removed.

Tower Hamlets' mayor Lutfur Rahman (pictured) announced the flags will be taken down in a statement last night. Mr Rahman said that he had made the 'difficult decision' to remove the flags on the advice of Tower Hamlets' chief executive Stephen Halsey

Palestinian flags attached to lampposts in Ben Jonson Road in Stepney, Tower Hamlets. The flags sprang up across the borough following the attacks on October 7 and the start of the Israel-Hamas war

Pro-Palestine graffiti on a wall in Mile End, Tower Hamlets. The decision to remove them follows a threat by UK Lawyers for Israel that they might take legal action unless the flags are removed

The Evening Standard reports that the lawyers wrote to the council to say that many Jewish residents were distressed by the large number of Palestinian flags being flown in the streets.

READ MORE: Amazing moment man takes down Palestine flag flying in Tower Hamlets - only to be attacked by passing driver before they battle each other with LADDERS Advertisement

UK Lawyers for Israel claimed in January that many Jewish residents of Tower Hamlets were considering moving due what they described as a 'hostile environment for Jews in the borough.'

A recent Daily Mail investigation asked residents of Tower Hamlets how they felt about the flags in the borough and Jewish residents confirmed they were considering moving.

One mother in her early 50s, who wished not to give her real name, said: I am the mother of a boy who goes to primary school in the borough

We have lived here for four years but we are leaving, even to go abroad, before he goes to secondary. This week, 11 flags hung outside his school. There is graffiti calling for a boycott on apartheid Israel on a wall nearby.

However, Mr Rahman has continued to reject the idea that the flags have become 'symbols of division.' Instead, in a statement released on X, Mr Rahman said: 'They are symbols of solidarity and sympathy for those enduring suffering in Gaza.'

Mr Rahman added that he had made the 'difficult decision' to remove the flags on the advice of Tower Hamlets' chief executive Stephen Halsey.

He also claimed the flags were being used to attack Tower Hamlets' residents and 'further the Islamophobic narrative.'

Tory MP Paul Scully (pictured) found himself at the centre of a controversy recently when he claimed areas of the UK, including parts of Tower Hamlets, were 'no-go areas.' Mr Scully himself apologised for the remarks

Palestinian flags attached to lampposts in Ben Jonson Road in Stepney, Tower Hamlets. The Evening Standard reports that lawyers wrote to the council to say that many Jewish residents were distressed by the large number of Palestinian flags being flown in the streets

Tower Hamlets, which according to the 2021 census has the largest Muslim population of any council at 39.9 per cent, recently found itself at the centre of an argument over so-called 'no-go areas.'

This followed claims by the Tory MP Paul Scully that areas of Tower Hamlets and other parts of the UK had become 'no-go areas' and were being used by a minority of people who were 'abusing' their religion to make others feel uncomfortable.

His comments, which came as he reacted to claims by the now former Tory MP Lee Anderson that 'Islamists' had taken control in London in an attack on London Mayor Sadiq Khan, sparked fury with critics branding them 'disgusting' and 'Islamophobic'.

Mr Scully himself apologised for the remarks and said they had the potential to feed 'conspiracy theories.'

Following his original remarks there was an intervention by Downing Street, which dismissed Mr Scully's claim and pointed to the 'value of the very diverse communities and societies we have in the UK'.
A businesswoman has won her court fight for damages against a company run by notorious criminal tycoon Nicholas Van Hoogstraten's children over claims 'armed thugs' were sent to 'burgle' her luxury Chelsea flat during a row over a loft extension.

Maria El Massouri asked London's High Court to stop repeated 'trespasses to her flat' following a clash with Omani Estates Limited, a property company owned and run by Van Hoogstraten's eldest son Max Hamilton and three of his siblings.

The company claimed it owned the roof space above Mrs Massouri's flat and her lawyers told the court the company had 'repeatedly arranged for agents to burgle her flat, removing its front door and later for armed thugs to smash security cameras from its walls.'

Workmen sent by the company also entered the building using scaffolding and installed a horizontal internal wooden barrier, blocking the stairs leading from her flat to the loft room.

Mrs Massouri and her husband purchased the property and later obtained planning permission in 2002 to build a mansard roof extension on top of their second floor flat.

Maria El Massouri has now won her case against Omani Estates Limited

The High Court heard Mrs Massouri and her husband purchased their flat (pictured in the darker grey roof in the centre) in a swish part of west London

Nicholas van Hoogstraten's family own Omani Estates Limited but Nicholas himself isn't involved. (Pictured: Him attending Brighton and Hove Magistrates' Court in March 2020)

However, when Mrs Massouri applied for adverse possession in 2020 over the area covered by her extension to bring it inside the legal footprint of her flat, Omani Estates Limited objected alleging that it was a trespass on its property - 18 years after it was completed.

Now Judge Nicholas Caddick KC has ruled that, whilst the company has 'paper ownership' of the 'airspace' above the businesswoman's flat, it is no longer entitled to claim physical possession, as she now has 'squatters' rights'.

The judge awarded her damages for trespass, an injunction to ban further intrusions and a declaration that she has acquired the right to use the loft space because the company's possession claim came too late.

He rejected the company's counterclaim for an order that Mrs Massouri herself was the 'trespasser.'

The court heard that Omani Estates Ltd is run by Britannia Hamilton, 33, Richmond Hamilton, 33, Alexander Hamilton, 36, and oldest son Max Hamilton, 38.

They are four of the children of Nicholas Adolf von Hessen, 78, previously Nicholas van Hoogstraten, a notorious property tycoon and landlord whose fortune was estimated at 800m in the early 2000s.

He is infamous for his treatment of tenants - who he once reportedly described as 'scumbags' - and has served jail time, including for paying a gang to throw a grenade into the Brighton house of Rabbi Bernard Braunstein, whose son owed him a debt.

Max Hamilton, one of Omani Estates directors, had been in a court battle with Mrs Massouri and her late husband

He was described by a judge presiding over one of his cases as 'a sort of self-imagined devil who likes to think of himself as an emissary of Beelzebub'.

He was jailed in 2002 for the manslaughter of former business partner Mohammed Raja, who was shot and stabbed on his London doorstep by thugs in 1999.

He was released a year later when the Court of Appeal overturned his conviction, but was subsequently sued in a civil court and ordered to pay 6million to Mr Raja's family.

Judge Caddick said that, in 2002, Mrs Massouri and her husband - who died in 2013 - built a mansard roof extension on top of their second floor flat in Finborough Road, having obtained planning permission.

The move followed a wrangle with Rosemary Hamilton, Nicholas Van Hoogstraten's former partner and mother to Max Hamilton and Britannia Hamilton, who had owned the freehold of the building from 1990.

Mrs Massouri, her husband and the two other tenants of the flats in the building bought out the right to the freehold in 1999 after at one stage going to court to press their right to do so.

However in 1996, before selling the freehold, Mrs Hamilton, now known as Rosemary Baffour-Awuah, sold a lease on the third floor of the building - effectively the airspace above the second floor - to another person, who in turn sold it to Omani Estates in 2017.

When in 2020, Ms Massouri applied for adverse possession - or squatters' rights - over the area covered by her extension, attempting to bring it inside the legal footprint of her flat, Omani Estates Ltd raised its first 'complaint', alleging that it was a trespass on its property.

Setting out the subsequent intrusions into her property, the judge said: 'Agents acting for Omani took a number of steps with regard to 93 Finborough Road.

'Between 5 and 7 February 2022, they entered the property and removed the door at the bottom of the stairs that led up from the first floor, together with its closing mechanism.

'Between 11 and 14 February 2022, they erected a partition across the half-landing between the ground to first floors, thereby obstructing access to storage cupboards there which were used by tenants in the building.

'On 4 March 2022, an agent of Omani went up the stairs into the second floor flat. CCTV footage shows that, on this person's way back down the stairs, he knocked down and removed the CCTV camera that Mrs El Massouri's partner had installed on the half-landing between the first and second floors.

'The same happened on 28 or 29 March 2002 when a person wearing a hood and carrying a stave of wood again mounted the stairs, removed and took away a replacement CCTV camera that had been put up on behalf of Mrs El Massouri.

'At some point, probably between March and early June 2022, Omani caused exterior scaffolding to be erected at the rear of the property.

'On 6 June 2022, two hooded people, one of them carrying a wooden stave, mounted the stairs to the second floor and knocked down yet another replacement CCTV camera that had been put up there and took it and some other items away with them.

'On 9 June 2022, Omani's agents entered the property and blocked access from the second floor to the third floor by means of a horizontal partition screwed to the walls of the stairwell between those floors.

'They also removed a handrail and balusters and screwed shut the doors to the rooms on the third floor. It is not clear how they accessed the premises but when they left, having installed the partition, they presumably did so via the scaffolding.

'As a result of these actions, on 10 June 2022, Mrs El Massouri applied for and obtained an ex parte injunction which seems to have put an end to any further incidents.'

In its written defence to the action, the company's lawyers branded the roof extension 'unlawful', saying: 'It is averred that, at all material times, the claimant and her husband knew or ought to have known that the claimant had no legal estate or interest in the roof area.'

Regarding the intrusions into Ms Massouri's flat - which she currently rents out - the company's lawyers said removal of the door was necessary, since it was a 'nuisance and/or trespass which the defendant was entitled to remedy.'

'The door was removed from its hinges by third party contractors, but the door was not damaged or removed from the property,' the company says.

'It is admitted that the partition was erected by the defendant's third party contractors.

'The scaffolding was erected only upon areas included within the defendant's demise.

'The third party contractors were expressly instructed not to enter the premises demised by the second floor flat lease.

'To the extent that it is alleged, it is denied that the defendant and/or its agents attended the property and/or instructed any third party to do so on their behalf.

'The defendant has a right to possession of the extension in so far as it is situated in the roof area.

'The claimant occupies the trespass land without the defendant's licence or consent.'

Judge Caddick said Mrs Massouri had established adverse possession or squatters' rights over her attic via the legal principle of proprietory estoppel, despite Omani being the paper owners, because the company's claim to ownership had come too long after the building of the loft conversion.

'Ultimately, in my judgment, the facts point to a belief in Mr and Mrs El Massouri that they had the right to carry out the works to construct the new third floor,' he said.

'It would be unconscionable for the defendant to be entitled now to enforce its rights under the lease against the claimant.'

Going on to award her 2,105 damages for the intrusions into her property, the judge said: 'I have no hesitation in accepting the claimant's evidence that the door to the claimant's flat was removed and was taken away by agents acting on behalf of the defendant.

'The stairs and the half-landing between the first and second floors were part of the demise under the claimant's Lease, there can be no doubt that the removal of the door at the bottom of those stairs and the actions of the defendant's agents...were acts of trespass for which the defendant is responsible.

'In order to install a horizontal partition between the second and third floors, the defendant's agents must have accessed some part at least of the second floor.

'As Maximilian Hamilton was unable to assist in relation to the precise nature of the instructions given to the defendant's agents, it is unclear whether those agents had acted outside their instructions but, in any event, I do not see that it makes any difference.

'In my judgment, the defendant is liable for the acts of people who were only on the premises as its agents, seeking to assert its purported rights.'

He made declarations as to ownership of the various areas, saying that the mansard and top storey were Mrs Massouri's by adverse possession.

'In my judgment, in view of the history of this matter and the effect it has clearly had on the claimant's peace of mind, the claimant is entitled to a permanent injunction.

'The defendant is restrained, whether by itself, its servants or agents, from entering or attempting to enter any part of the premises lawfully occupied by the claimant, save for the purposes of exercising rights, such as the right of repair, falling within reservations made in the claimant's lease.'
Students dressed head-to-toe in green last night as they celebrated St Patrick's Day early, with some opting to wear nothing but green body paint and boxers.

Revellers from Nottingham headed to bars and clubs around the city wearing Ireland-themed costumes.

Students were in high spirits as they donned green wigs, green ivy and bright body paint, bedecking themselves with Irish tricolour flags.

The celebrations came ahead of the official day for Ireland's patron saint on Sunday, March 17, which will be marked in Ireland, the UK and countries across the world.

A large group of men were seen wearing nothing but green body paint, white boxers and white hats as they enjoyed a boozy night out on the town.

A group of men were seen wearing nothing but green body paint, white boxers and white hats

One woman wore a bright green wig and headband as she celebrated with her friends

Students walked around shirtless as they painted the town green last night

One man donned an extravagant costume as he hit Nottingham town last night

Two men are seen wearing nothing but boxers as they enjoyed a boozy night out last night

A group of friends dressed in green pose for a photo ahead of St Patrick's Day on Sunday

Two women donned green tutus and stripy socks, and were even seen with a green drink in their hand

One young woman was pictured wearing a bright green wig and headband as she walked down one of Nottingham's bustling streets with her friends.

St Patrick's Day is a huge celebration for people of Irish descent - and fans of all things Irish - around the world, and they mark the country's troubled history and booming culture with parades, events and costumes.

Pubs and clubs across the UK are expected to host themed nights throughout the weekend. In student cities such as Nottingham, these have already begun.

St Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, and the day is an opportunity for religious, historical and cultural festivities.

It takes place on March 17 each year, the date on which St Patrick is thought to have died.

Students from Nottingham headed to bars and clubs around the city wearing Ireland-themed costumes

The celebrations came ahead of the official day for Ireland's patron saint on Sunday, March 17

Women wore matching green t-shirts and headbands as they hit the town last night

Three women are seen dressed in green as they went out for St Patrick's Day in Nottingham
Major questions are being asked about the safety of a mine after a collapse killed one worker, seriously injured another and left dozens trapped for hours.

Father-of-two Kurt Hourigan, 37, was one of 31 miners trapped 500m underground during a collapse at the Ballarat Gold Mine at about 4.30pm on Wednesday.

He died after becoming pinned underneath rubble alongside another miner. His body was retrieved at about 5.20am on Thursday.

The other injured miner was retrieved by rescue teams and airlifted to The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, having suffered life-threatening lower body injuries.

The remaining 29 miners were able to make their way to an underground safety pod during the collapse and were rescued at about 11pm.

Ronnie Hayden, the Victorian Secretary of the Australian Workers Union (AWU), said Mr Hourigan's death 'could have been avoided' and called the mine's safety procedures into question.

Major questions are being asked over the safety of the Ballarat Gold Mine after Kurt Hourigan, 37, was killed during a collapse on Wednesday afternoon

Speaking to the media on Thursday afternoon, Mr Hayden said the union's members were 'angry' that the mine had employed the risky technique of 'air legging'.

The mining method involves a manually operated drill bit that fires compressed air and water to break up a rock face.

The hand-held device was commonly used to mine thin veins of gold but has since been phased out at some mines due to a higher risk of injury as miners are face-to-face with the walls of the mine shaft.

Mr Hayden said the miners were working underneath 'unsecured ground' while using the technique to 'create a tunnel to work in to chase gold'.

'They should not have been doing that task in that mine.'

He went on to claim that AWU members had voiced their concerns over air legging 'and it seems to have fallen on deaf ears'.

The union boss issued a stark warning to others using the 'cheap, nasty way of mining', saying they're 'at risk' of a similar outcome.

'Mining nowadays is (mostly) is done using big machinery where the workers are well back away from the (rock) face and any unsupported ground,' he told The Project.

'Using an air leg is two guys holding onto a big drill with a single leg... and it is physically mining.

Likening the method to 'using a pick axe', Mr Hayden said it 'is just something that shouldn't be happening today'.

He added that the union would be 'pushing hard to make sure industrial manslaughter laws are used'.

The collapse left Mr Hourigan and another miner, 21, pinned underneath rubble while 29 others evacuated to a safety pod about 500m underground (pictured, the mine)

The 21-year-old was brought to the surface hours later and airlifted to a Melbourne hospital with life-threatening injuries to his lower body

The Ballarat Gold Mine had stopped using air legging before being reintroduced by its new owners, Victory Minerals, in December 2023, according to Mr Hayden.

'It was with great sadness that we confirm one of our own has passed away,' a Victory Minerals spokesperson said.

'Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with his family and all our people right now.

'Our absolute priority is supporting the wellbeing of our team members and their families and loved ones, as we all come to terms with this tragic news.'

Victory Minerals also dismissed claims that it had recently made its senior safety officer redundant.

'No safety professionals working underground in the mine were made redundant in the recent restructure. In fact, we increased safety professional resources within the underground,' the company's spokesperson said.

'The roles and responsibilities of the redundant corporate managerial role were transferred to the Health, Safety, Environment and Community Manager, who reports directly to the CEO.'

All operations at the mine have since been halted as a report is prepared for the coroner and the state's workplace health and safety regulator, WorkSafe, investigates the incident.

WorkSafe executive director Narelle Beer said safety concerns raised prior to the incident will make up part of the investigation.

'If as a result of that, there is a prosecution that will follow, then that matter will be prosecuted accordingly,' she said.

'We are very keen to understand how we can ensure that a tragedy like this never occurs again.'

A rock-fall at the Ballarat Gold Mine in 2007, operated by different owners, led to 27 miners being trapped underground for several hours before being winched to safety.

The mine's former owners were put on notice after another collapse in 2021 resulted in 600 tonnes of rock falling in sections miners had been working in just hours prior.

Australian Workers Union Victorian branch secretary Ronnie Hayden has called for Victoria's workplace manslaughter laws to 'take effect' in lieu of the 37-year-old man's death

Mr Hayden claims AWU members' at the mine (pictured) raised concerns over a risky mining practice employed at the mine had 'fallen on deaf ears'

The technique known as 'air legging' has miners standing metres away from the wall manually operating a drill bit that fires compressed air and water at the rock face

READ MORE: Kurt Hourigan dies after gold mine collapses in Ballarat Advertisement

Mr Hourigan's death sparked an outpouring of grief shared by loved ones, friends and colleagues.

He has been remembered as devoted father-of-two and keen handyman.

'Mad dog, I still can't believe you are gone. I have always looked up to you,' his brother Reece posted on Thursday.

'Thank you for all the good and bad memories we have shared together. I love you so much brother.'

Another loved one Stephanie Coleiro added: 'Our brother, our best mate, our son Kurt  we are so broken here without you.

'You were the best mate I could ask for. All the good and dumb advice. The cuddles when I'm balling my eyes out or just for sitting with me and having a stubby on the couch.

'Our kids loved you so much, as you loved them. Love you and miss you so much mate.'

A close friend wrote: 'The best mate anyone could ask for, you could never be replaced and I'll miss you every day.'

Mr Hourigan's social media is filled with photos of him cherishing time with his young children during the school holidays and DIY projects he'd been working on around the home.

Just a week ago, the proud dad shared photos of his kids enjoying a beach getaway at Lake Tyers in Victoria's Gippsland region.

Miner Kurt Hourigan was remembered as a proud dead who loved spending time with his young kids and the best mate anyone could ask for

All operations at the mine have since been halted as Worksafe Victoria representatives (pictured) investigate the deadly disaster

WorkSafe investigators will take into account prior safety concerns and decide if charges should be laid against the mine's owners, Victory Minerals

The state's premier, Jacinta Allan, described the collapse as a terrible accident.

'If there is advice that comes where laws can be strengthened, we stand ready to do that work and support workers across every industry who deserve the right to come home from work every single day safely to their family and loved ones,' she said.

Federal Minister for Resources Madeleine King said it was too soon to have a solid idea of what caused the incident.

Minerals Council of Australia chief executive Tania Constable said safety was the most important issue for the industry.

'This tragic event is a reminder of the need to always prioritise safety above all else,' she said.

The mine's website states it has an extensive network of tunnels and operates deep beneath buildings, streets and homes.

Ballarat Mayor Des Hudson said the miner's death was devastating news.

'We are a very resilient community,' he said.

'There will be great community concern and support by the local community to those that are involved.'
The Home Office has granted asylum to a Palestinian activist from Israel who attended Gaza protests in the UK after he claimed he would be persecuted back home.

The 24-year-old man, who is understood to have lived more than 20 years of his life in the UK, also claimed he would face oppression on the grounds of his race, Muslim faith and his belief that the Jewish state was an 'apartheid regime'.

Known only as 'Hasan' for his own protection, his lawyers have described the asylum case as 'unprecedented' and say it may pave the way for more claims of this nature.

His case was due to be heard at a first-tier tribunal hearing on Tuesday, however the Home Office unexpectedly gave up on Monday and granted Hasan asylum.

It is Hasan's belief, his lawyers told The Guardian that Israel's government was 'an apartheid regime that engages in systematic and pervasive discrimination, persecution and violence touching on all aspects of Palestinian life.'

Hasan claims his support for Gaza protests in the UK increases the chance he would be persecuted back home

Around one-fifth of Israel's nine million citizens, two million people, are Israeli citizens classified as Arab - including those identifying as Palestinian.

They have the right to vote and participate in political life, and unlike Palestinians living in Gaza are not stateless.

Israel has long rejected arguments that it pursues an 'apartheid' policy towards Palestinians.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees says under its 1951 Refugee Convention a refugee should not be returned to a country where they 'face serious threats to their life or freedom'.

The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) also protects the rights of people within the 46 member states who have signed up to it.

Franck Magennis, the barrister who represented Hasan, told Al Jazeera: 'It's completely unprecedented.

Pro-Palestinian activists and supporters wave flags and carry placards during a National March for Palestine in central London on December 9, 2023

'In principle, any Palestinian finding themselves in any one of those 46 states can say, 'If you return me to any territory under Israel's jurisdiction, there's a real risk that my human rights will be breached'.'

The lawyer, who goes by the name 'Free Palestine' on Twitter and describes himself as a 'communist', works closely on cases involving Palestinian refugees.

He said: 'What's so shocking about this case is that Israel is normally considered a staunch ally of the UK government, and that the UK considers it the only democracy in the Middle East and in no way an apartheid regime.

'But what this reflects is a staggering contradiction in the heart of British foreign policy.'

Hasan first sought asylum in 2019 but his case was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns.

In 2022 it denied he faced persecution in Israel and rejected his claim.

Hasan's lawyers then appealed with new evidence submitted after October 7 arguing that the security situation for Palestinian citizens of Israel had worsened.

In a statement, Hasan said: 'This is a victory not just for me but for all Palestinians living under the apartheid Israeli regime.

'Without even having to step into court, the UK Government has now accepted that the Palestinian struggle for freedom should not just be limited to Gaza and the West Bank but to all parts of historic Palestine under Israeli rule.'

Hasan told Al Jazeera he felt 'relieved' after his win and that he struggled with depression and restrictions under UK law that prohibits asylum seekers from working.

He said he had been in limbo for so many years while his claim was being processed and claimed Israeli soldiers had previously fired stun grenades into his neighbourhood.

A Home Office spokeswoman told MailOnline: 'All asylum claims are carefully considered on their individual merits in accordance with the Immigration Rules and are not uniquely based on the broad perceptions of safety of their country of origin.

'In the past year, the UK has granted asylum to individuals from various countries including nationals from some of our closest European neighbours and other safe countries around the world.

'Where more information is provided or becomes available, the outcome of a decision can change.'

'It is longstanding government policy that we do not routinely comment on individual cases.'
Two bodies have been found in an estuary south of Perth after a suspected double drowning.

A man and woman were pulled from the water at Herron Point Boat Ramp in Birchmont, about 30km south of Mandurah, at around midday on Thursday.

The pair are understood to have gone fishing on Wednesday and did not return.

A man and woman were pulled from the water at Herron Point Boat Ramp in Birchmont, about 30km south of Mandurah, at around midday on Thursday

Police had been searching for them after loved ones raised the alarm.

People staying at a nearby campground told 9News they did not see what happened to the pair, but locals said the water could be treacherous and had deep sections.

The deaths are not being treated as suspicious.
The pregnant fiancee of a British-born police officer who died at his engagement party in Australia has been left 'shattered', her friends have said, as neighbours described hearing their celebration suddenly give way to blood-curdling screams.

Liam Trimmer, 29, and his fiancee Lilly Watts threw a party at their home in Perth, Western Australia, on Sunday night that continued into Monday morning.

As well as celebrating their engagement, the couple also announced to loved ones that they were expecting their first child.

But the happy moment ended in tragedy when Mr Trimmer fell over and slashed a carotid artery in his neck, killing him almost instantly.

Ms Watts - who is 14 weeks pregnant - was pictured during a short outing with her family on Wednesday. She told Daily Mail Australia that her 'soulmate' fiance will 'always be the love of my life and our baby will know the wonderful man he was'.

Liam Trimmer is pictured with his fiancee Lilly Watts. They were excited for the birth of their first child when he died on Sunday at their engagement party

Lilly Watts is pictured in Perth during a short outing with her family on Wednesday

Ms Watts told Daily Mail Australia that her 'soulmate' fiance will 'always be the love of my life and our baby will know the wonderful man he was'. Her mother Channy (pictured left, with her daughter) did not want to comment on the tragedy

The party was going on late into the night when - at around 1am - Mr Trimmer, who moved to Australia from the UK as a teenager, fell over.

Ms Watts is a nurse and guests at the party were largely comprised of police officers and health workers who did everything they could to save his life.

However, his injuries were too severe and he could not be saved.

The Watts family were spotted walking their dog in local streets on Wednesday, with the young mum-to-be seen wearing her engagement ring.

Ms Watts opened up about her heartache to Daily Mail Australia and said her fiance was 'truly excited to be a dad'.

'I have never known a love like Liams and this heartbreak and emptiness is just so overwhelming,' she said. 'He will always be the love of my life and our baby will know the wonderful man he was.'

Earlier that day, Ms Watts' close friend Mel Kelly created a GoFundMe page to raise money for the single mum.

The appeal raised more than $110,000 Australian dollars (56,000) in less than 24 hours, and as of Thursday had raised more than $125,000 AUD (64,000).

Ms Kelly wrote: 'Lilly's world was shattered by a freak accident that claimed the life of her beloved fiance.

'The evening was meant to be a joyous celebration of Lilly and Liam's recent engagement and announcing their pregnancy, a huge milestone in their journey together.

'Friends and family gathered to share in their happiness. In a cruel twist of events, Liam's life was cut short leaving behind a void that can never be filled.'

She said Ms Watts had lost her 'soulmate' who now faces the prospect of raising her child alone, while juggling living costs.

Ms Watts' mother, Channy Watts, declined to comment on the tragedy when approached on Thursday.

Mr Trimmer fell over at home in Perth (pictured) at his own engagement party on Sunday

Neighbours have since described how they heard the party from their homes, describing how loud music was suddenly punctuated by screams.

One neighbour said: 'We don't know what happened but they were outside and one of the boys got on a megaphone at 1am, the music was loud, then the screams and then nothing. We heard screams coming from girls - like giant, high-pitched shrieks.

'We figured something might have happened, you know maybe someone fell or got injured.'

Another said the music was so loud she considered calling police to make a noise complaint, before the party came to an abrupt end.

She said: 'I'm new to the area so I didn't want to be a party pooper but it was close to 1am on Monday morning, it sounded like there were more than 50 people there.'

An elderly couple who live across the road from Ms Watts and Mr Trimmer said they too heard noise from the party, and that they were initially relieved when it was over.

We didn't think much of it but we did notice the police leaving the following day with a van-load of stuff,' the woman said.

Mr Trimmer was originally from the UK but he moved to Australia in 2013 and joined the police force.

His career began at the WA Police Academy in Joondalup and featured in the UK TV series 'Wanted Down Under', during which he gave teenagers advice on life in Australia before they migrate.

He later joined the gang crime squad and tactical response group.

Mr Trimmer was originally from the UK but he moved to Australia in 2013 and joined the police force

Mr Trimmer and his fiancee (picture) had gathered with friends and family to announce their engagement and her pregnancy

He served in several posts while he was in the force including in regional parts of the state and took part in 'Movember' with officers from Kalgoorlie Police station.

In the days following his death, friends and colleagues took to social media to pay tribute to Mr Trimmer.

One friend described him as 'possibly the fittest bloke' in a local trekking group.

'Great sense of humour with a passion to excel,' they wrote.

'In my opinion, society can ill-afford to lose guys like Liam [who had] the courage to charge into the furnace on a daily basis, dealing with the 'heavy duty side of policing.'

'The boys are hurting this week, but they have cracked on with major training exercises and domestic operations.'

Another friend replied: 'He was like that from day one at the [police] academy - you couldnt help but not like him.'

A third person wrote: 'It has been a sad couple of days at the office.'

'Lots of hugs and lots of tears. But ... the boys are getting on with it and getting stuck into their training. Hopefully its a good distraction.'

Police Commissioner Col Blanch spoke to a local radio station and described Mr Trimmer as an 'extremely well-liked' and respected officer with his 'whole life ahead of him'.

Pictured: Liam Trimmer and his fiancee Lilly Watts, who is pregnant with their first child

Liam Trimmer (pictured), has been remembered as an 'extraordinary officer'

'I know when my phone rings early in the morning from a senior officer, generally it's not good news, and tragically it wasn't,' he said.

'I know everyone that was involved is really, really hurting at the moment, and I think they wish they could just wake up from this nightmare.'

The cause of the accident has not been confirmed.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Tina Malone's army veteran husband Paul Chase 'battled mental demons' before his death aged 42, former colleagues revealed today as they paid tribute.

The Shameless star, 61, took to social media to announce the death of her spouse of 13 years, and father of her daughter Flame, 11, on Wednesday morning.

In a short statement, she said: 'It's with total heartbreak I write this my husband Paul Chase Malone passed away... we are totally devastated.' His cause of death has not been revealed.

The couple were married in 2010 but briefly separated in 2019 before getting back together in February 2020. Their reunion came after Paul rejoined the army and his mental health started to improve.

The Cheshire Regiment Association, which Paul belonged to, shared pictures of the former officer in his military uniform, in honour of the man they affectionately knew as 'Chevy'.

The army regiment that Tina Malone 's husband Paul Chase belonged to have released a poignant tribute following the 42-year-olds sudden death yesterday

This morning The Cheshire Regiment Association, shared images of Paul in his Army Carmo, in tribute to the man they affectionately called 'Chevy'.

Brookside star Tina Malone's heartbreaking last pictures with her husband Paul Chase showed them looking as loved-up as ever

A statement on Facebook read: 'We have received the very sad news that Paul 'Chevy' Chase died yesterday at the age of 42. Paul was married to the actress Tina Malone.

'RIP Paul. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this sad time.'

Underneath the post, tributes flooded in from his colleagues in the army, with many offering their condolences to Tina and the rest of his family.

One wrote: 'Rest in Peace Chevy. Stand easy brother, you've served your time in hell.'

Another added: 'Another brother lost to mental demons. RIP Paul 'Chevvy' Malone. Thoughts with your family at this sad time.'

A third said: 'Gutted to hear a fellow serviceman has taken the ultimate sacrifice, it was a pleasure to meet you mate and hope you are in a better place. RIP Paul Malone.'

Paul had previously been an army officer before becoming a personal trainer.

In the couple's last pictures together, taken in August 2023, they are seen sharing a sweet kiss before Tina is lifted up by Paul as they celebrated their wedding anniversary.

Paul's former regiment paid tribute to him, passing on their thoughts and prayers to his family

Tina Malone announced the devastating news her husband of 13 years has died on Wednesday (pictured 2015)

Prior to his marriage to Tina, Paul had been an army officer before becoming a personal trainer

A number of tributes poured in for Paul. One wrote: 'Rest in Peace Chevy. Stand easy brother, you've served your time in hell.'

The pair were staying at the Mercure Hotel in Liverpool when they were spotted on the romantic outing.

It had not always been smooth sailing for the loved up couple, however. After both struggling with mental health issues, the pair decided to split up in 2019.

But they managed to find their way back to each other with the I'm A Celebrity Star explaining the 'love never went away'.

She told Closer magazine following their reunion in 2020: 'The love never went away, we're working on things now, our problems were compounded by depression but I learned that in tough times you have to pull together and not apart.

'We were either arguing, bickering or not talking at all, I'd end up putting Flame to bed and falling asleep next to her.

'Paul and I had always had a great sex life but were barely touching each other. At one point, we didn't have sex for five months.'

Speaking last year, despite being on the brink of divorce in 2019, Tina assured that 'things are good' now.

She explained: 'Even in times when I've loathed him, and we all have that in relationships, in the worst of times - never ever has he not turned me on. We've always had that attraction.'

'Paul and I still have so much passion, after 13 years you know each other so well. He still gives me butterflies,' she added.
A mother tragically died after choking on food while cooking dinner in front of her partner and young children.

Support worker Siobhan Rose Simmonds, 33, was discovered on the kitchen floor after she collapsed while preparing a meal for her family at their home in Dover, Kent, on February 24.

Ms Simmonds, known to loved ones as 'Bon' and 'Bonnie', was rushed to William Harvey Hospital, Ashford, but passed away on March 1 after spending a week in a coma.

Her family said they were 'so proud' of their 'blue-eyed girl' after they discovered that she was registered as an organ donor when she died.

John Simmonds, her father, said: 'She was so lovely, she was so bubbly, would help anybody. Everybody tried to help her survive but she just choked. It could happen to anybody.'

Ms Simmonds' partner, his son and her two-year-old daughter witnessed the tragic incident and said their 'whole world has come crashing down'.

Siobhan Rose Simmonds (pictured with her youngest daughter), 33, was found unresponsive on the kitchen floor on February 24

The support worker, from Dover, was taken by ambulance to William Harvey Hospital, Ashford, but remained in a coma until she passed away a week later on March 1

After spending a week in hospital, the family were told she would not be able to survive.

Shocked relatives and friends have launched a crowdfunder to help Ms Simmonds' family.

It has already smashed the 3,000 target and relatives said they were 'proud' of her decision to donate seven of her organs to help other people.

Ms Simmonds, also a mother to a 14-year-old boy, had expressed her wish to donate her organs on at least four occasions.

After being made aware at the hospital, the family agreed to the decision, with Ms Simmonds entering theatre for organ removal surgery on March 2.

Her sister, Julie Barrett, said she was 'devastated' by the tragedy.

But she added: 'We're so proud of her. It's the one thing that's made us happy from all this.'

Her heart, two kidneys, liver, pancreas and both corneas were transported to various recipients across the country.

Ms Simmonds' father added that because she had donated so many organs, it was as if 'out there somewhere, she's still walking'.

The crowdfunding appeal has been launched to cover the costs of the funeral, and to support both her children.

Ms Simmonds' heart, two kidneys, liver, pancreas and both corneas were transported to various recipients across the country

Shocked relatives and friends have launched a crowdfunder to help Ms Simmonds' family. Pictured: Siobhan Simmonds

It stands at 3,270 at the time of writing and her family said some would be given to mental health charity Mind.

The crowdfunder said: 'We are utterly devastated to share our heartache at losing our blue-eyed girl, Siobhan Rose Simmonds.

'On the evening of the 24th February, our beautiful Siobhan (Bon, Bonnie) died after tragically choking on food during a family meal.

'Unfortunately, this was witnessed by her young daughter and partner and his son. The whole world has come crashing down for those who adore her.

'Paramedics attended quickly but her heart had stopped. They worked hard to restart her young heart and were successful, but for Siobhan it was too late: she did not wake from her coma and was declared dead a week later on the 1st March 2024 at 1447hrs.

'The critical care staff at William Harvey Hospital kept her heart beating as she was an organ donor. She was taken for surgery in the early hours of Saturday morning and donated her pancreas, liver, both kidneys and lastly her heart.

'Those of you lucky enough to have met Siobhan will remember the loving nature she inherited from her parents, Bernadett and John. The hospital told us that Siobhan elected to donate her organs at least four times during her short life.

'Less than 1,400 people per year donate their organs in the UK. We take solace in the amazing gift you gave Bonnie! We can't wait to hear the success stories of people and families whose lives will be transformed from your generosity.

Ms Simmonds was a support teacher in Dover and had her first child at the age of 17

Despite being a young mother, Ms Abate said: 'Siobhan was such a tender mum. She was always dancing, playing and teaching her children. She was a natural.' Pictured: Siobhan Simmonds

'Siobhan was a mother to two children, a 14 year old son whom she adored and a two year old daughter who, like her mum, is also a fighter, having been born at only 29 weeks. We hope that this fund will contribute to both of their futures and a charity close to our hearts, Mind.

'Siobhan was a naturally caring and special person who with her quirky sense of style loved life and life loved her. Her love of music and her wicked sense of humour made her a loveable person. Her courage and thoughtfulness made her deeply cared for by all that knew her.

'Siobhan would probably hate this post asking for any help with funeral costs but we could really do with anything to help give our Bon the send off she deserves.'

One of her eight siblings, Susan Ababte, 46, said: 'Siobhan was a very funny child and grew up to be such a funny adult. She always wanted to make people laugh.

'When I walked down to the theatre with her when she donated her organs I have never felt so proud in all my life. There was no hesitation from any of the family because we knew it's what she wanted to do.'

Ms Simmonds was a support teacher in Dover and had her first child at the age of 17.

Despite being a young mother, Ms Abate said: 'Siobhan was such a tender mum. She was always dancing, playing and teaching her children. She was a natural.

'We are all completely devastated. We have a lot of siblings but there are none to spare.'
North Koreans risk the wrath of the regime if they keep dogs as pets, Pyongyang has decreed, warning that canines should only be kept for meat and fur.

The bizarre ban was announced through the Socialist Women's Union of Korea, according to a source in South Pyongan Province, which lies north of the capital.

Speaking to Daily NK, a newspaper in neighbouring South Korea, the source listed the offences that could leave dog owners in violation of the government's socialist ethos.

'Treating a dog as a family member, who eats and sleeps with the family, is incompatible with the socialist lifestyle and should be strictly avoided,' they said.

Dressing dogs in clothes, as exemplified by Western celebrities like Paris Hilton, was also singled out for condemnation.

Kim Jong-un's people risk the wrath of the strict regime if they keep dogs as pets after being warned canines should only be raised for meat and fur

The source continued: 'The practice of dressing up dogs as if they were humans, putting pretty ribbons in their hair, wrapping them in a blanket, and burying them when they die is a bourgeois activity.

'It's one of the ways wealthy people waste money in a capitalist society.'

Describing the regime's attitude, the source said: 'Dogs are basically meat that's raised outside in accordance with their nature and then eaten when they die.

'Therefore, such behaviour is totally unsocialist and must be strictly eliminated.'

The regime also emphasised that 'the purpose of raising dogs is to collect more furs', the source said.

Rising levels of dog ownership  a practice described by the authorities as carrying 'the stench of the bourgeoisie'  reportedly motivated the new edict.

And while citizens were being given the chance to deal with the matter 'quietly', non-compliance could trigger a 'mass movement' to 'eliminate' the practice, the source said.

The custom of keeping pet pooches must ultimately die out, union members were warned.

The practice of keeping dogs as pets started small in North Korea in the early 2000s, when they were usually guard dogs

One dog owner described by Daily NK was reduced to tears by the announcement.

'What should I do with the dog I love so much? I can't just kill it, and I can't just abandon it,' she reportedly said.

Greg Scarlatoiu, executive director of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea (HRNK), which documents the atrocities of the Kim regime, said it was a 'ludicrous' decree.

He said: 'The Kim regime criminalises normal behaviour, including visiting a relative in a neighbouring village without a travel permit, crossing the border without regime approval, or possessing a religious book.

'The ongoing crackdown on pet dog ownership as non-socialist behaviour  this attempt to break the multi-millennial human-canine bond by ideological decree  is the epitome of ludicrous interdiction.'

According to the source in South Pyongan, the practice of keeping dogs as pets started small in North Korea in the early 2000s, when they were usually guard dogs.

They said: 'There have always been families who had cats to catch mice, but there weren't many families with dogs.

'But that number has gradually increased, and recently there's been a noticeable rise in foreign breeds of dogs such as Pomeranians and Shih Tzus, which used to be a rare sight in North Korea.'

Though dog meat is eaten in both Koreas, it's become controversial in the South and the Seoul government passed a law in January banning its production and sale.

A dog-meat soup known as Dangogiguk is sometimes served to foreign visitors in the North.
Hyundai Motor and Kia will voluntarily recall nearly 170,000 electric vehicles (EV) to address a software error in the charging system, the government said Thursday.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said 12 car models totaling 232,000 units from Hyundai Motor, Kia, Stellantis Korea and Tesla Korea are subject to recall due to manufacturing defects.

Of those, 169,932 Hyundai Motor and Kia units were found to have software errors in the integrated charging control unit. Models affected are Hyundai's Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Genesis GV60, GV70 and GV80 EVs, totaling 113,916 units, and 56,016 units of Kia's EV6.

The ministry said the error could prevent the vehicles in question from conducting low-voltage charging, leading to the possibility of the vehicles stopping while driving.

Additionally, 61,131 Hyundai Avante units will be voluntarily recalled due to a problem with the durability of the headlights.

According to the ministry, 527 units of Stellantis' Jeep Cherokee were found to have reverse lights installed higher than the standard, while 148 units of the Jeep Wrangler plug-in hybrid electric vehicle model were found to have defective high-voltage batteries.

A total of 136 Tesla Model 3 units were found to have issues where pedestrian warning sounds do not activate during low-speed driving or reversing. (Yonhap)
Police in Western Australia are concerned about the welfare of an elderly woman who has been missing since last December - but whose family only reported her missing last week.

Nathalie Casal - who is listed online as a GP - went for a walk three months ago and has not been seen since, but her family waited until March 7 to tell the police she had not returned.

Dr Casal, 71, told her family she was going to walk the Bibbulmun Track, which runs from Kalamunda in the east of Perth to Albany and is more than 1,000km long.

She told them she was going with a large group of people and may not be reachable for some time.

'Police believe she may have started her walk from Mundaring, however, she hasn't been in contact with family since,' police said in a statement issued on Thursday.

Police in Western Australia are very concerned about the welfare of Perth doctor Nathalie Casal (pictured) who has been missing since last December - but whose family only reported her missing last week

Dr Casal (pictured), 71, went for a walk three months ago and has not been seen since, but her family waited until March 7 to tell the police she had not returned

'This is out of character for Dr Casal and prompted her family to contact police and report her missing on Thursday, 7 March 2024.'

The 71-year-old is described as being approximately 157cm tall, slim build, with short grey hair and brown eyes.

Anyone who has seen her or has any information about her where she is, is urged to contact police immediately on 131 444.

Dr Casal is listed online as a general practitioner based in Joondalup, which is 26km s north of Perth's CBD.

She is concerned about animal welfare and previously made a submission to discussions around the Criminal Code Amendment (Animal Protection) Bill 2015.

Dr Casal told her family she was going to walk the Bibbulmun Track (pictured)
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un yesterday joined troops training on a new model of tank and drove one himself as his rivals South Korea and the U.S. wrapped up their annual military exercises.

It's the third time Kim was reported to have carried out military exercises since the start of the 11-day South Korean-U.S. exercises, which he views as rehearsals for an invasion.

At the March 13 tank drills, Kim, donning a black leather jacket, dubbed the country's latest machine 'the world's most powerful' and told his troops to bolster their 'fighting spirits' and complete 'preparations for war,' according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The military event was designed to inspect the combat capabilities of tank crews and Kim reportedly expressed 'great satisfaction' that a new type of main battle tank successfully demonstrated its striking power in its first display.

Images of the latest military exercise released by North Korea show Kim Jong Un's head appearing from the top of a tank hatch, as he steers the huge machine through a field.

Other showed the despot standing on top of a tank while other soldiers crowd around him and appear to applaud.

Photographs of the exercise displayed dozens of tanks lined up in a row with their crews alongside as the tyrant leader walked past, raising a hand to wave.

Multiple tanks with the North Korean flag were also seen firing ammunition on a field as the explosions sent plumes of smoke billowing out of the military vehicles in a show of force from Kim.

Kim expressed 'great satisfaction' that the new type of main battle tank successfully demonstrated its striking power in its first performance display on Wednesday, KCNA said.

The other two drills he inspected recently were dedicated to artillery firing and maneuvering exercises.

The tank was first unveiled during a military parade in 2020, and its rolling during Wednesday's drill indicates that it's ready to be deployed, South Korean experts say.

North Korean Supreme leader Kim Jong Un drove a new-type main battle tank during a miltary exercise on Wednesday. He has dubbed the machine 'the most powerful in the world'

Kim's soldiers watched on and saluted as the leader took the drivers seat in North Korea's latest tank

The military demonstration involving tank units, guided by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (not pictured)

Multiple tanks with the North Korean flag were also seen firing ammunition on a field as the explosions sent plumes of smoke billowing out of the military vehicles in a show of force from Kim

A competitive training exercise between the combined forces of the Korean People's Army tank crews at an undisclosed location in North Korea

Kim, wearing protective head hear, could be seen peering over the tank hatch as he stormed through the field

Kim told his troops to bolster their 'fighting spirits' and complete 'preparations for war,' according to the official Korean Central News Agency

The despot could be seen dressed in black with a leather jacket as he stood on the tank and addressed his seeming;y applauding soldiers

The despot dressed all in black and donned a leather jacket as he was pictured smiling and laughing with senior military figures

The exercise was a mock battle between tank units meant to simulate 'actual combat capabilities and make them get familiar with combat action methods on different tactical missions,' Korean Central News Agency reported.

'Swiftly weaving their way through various worst combat circumstances, heavy tanks hit targets at once with powerful strikes and broke through strong defence lines with high manoeuvrability,' it said.

Photos of the tank released by North Korea shows it has a launch tube for missiles, a weapons systems developed by the former Soviet Union in the 1970s.

The new tank could pose a threat to South Korea, said Yang Uk, an analyst at Asan Institute for Policy Studies, but it remains to be seen whether it can be mass produced.

Kim's appearance at the demonstration came days after he guided an artillery firing drill by the Korean People's Army, the country's military force, last week.

The North Korean leader guided a large-scale live-fire artillery drill involving a unit that Pyongyang decreed capable of striking Seoul as it prepared for 'actual war' with South Korea.

During the exercise, Kim urged his soldiers to 'vigorously push forward the work for making preparations for regular combat mobilisation' to 'take the initiative with merciless and rapid strikes' in the event of a real war, according to KCNA.

The North's Defense Ministry last week threatened 'responsible military activities' in reaction to South Korea and Washington beginning their annual spring military exercises - known as 'Freedom Shield' - on March 4.

The exercises involved a computer-simulated command post training and 48 kinds of field activities, twice the number conducted last spring, and with double the number of troops involved compared to 2023.

North Korea then released a stark warning the following day, saying that Seoul and Washington would pay a 'dear price' over their 'reckless' joint large-scale military exercises while urging the allies to put an end to their 'frantic war drills'.

The exercise was was a mock battle between tank units meant to simulate 'actual combat capabilities'

Plumes of smoke could be seen coming from the machines as soldiers fired ammunition into the empty field

Tanks firing during the military demonstration attended by Kim Jong Un

Troops salute North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during their military demonstration involving tank units

Last week, Kim urged his soldiers to 'take the initiative with merciless and rapid strikes' in the event of an 'actual war'

North Korea is expected to extend its testing activities and ramp up warlike rhetoric this year as South Korea holds parliamentary elections in April and the U.S. a presidential election in November

Kim posed up alongside his soldiers next to the giant tank

The new tank could pose a threat to South Korea, said Yang Uk, an analyst at Asan Institute for Policy Studies

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (pictured centre) looks on as he guides a military demonstration involving tank units

Concerns about North Korea's military preparations have deepened since Kim vowed in a speech in January to rewrite the constitution to eliminate the country's long-standing goal to seek peaceful unification of the Korean peninsula and cement South Korea as its 'invariable principal enemy.'

North Korea has long condemned joint US-South Korea military exercises, calling them reherals for an invasion.

The U.S. and South Korea have been expanding their training exercises in a tit-for-tat response to the North's weapons testing spree - with Seoul stating on March 5 that its military was thoroughly prepared for North Korea's possible provocations.

Kim's moves signals 'North Korea's fundamental change on its South Korea policy, beyond just rhetoric,' as the North's previous push for inter-Korean unity had allowed it to make a steadfast call for the removal of U.S. troops in South Korea, a senior South Korean presidential official told a small group of reporters Monday. He requested anonymity, citing the delicate nature of the issue.

Observers say Kim likely wants to use his upgraded weapons arsenal to win U.S. concessions like extensive relief of international sanctions on North Korea.

They say North Korea is expected to extend its testing activities and ramp up warlike rhetoric this year as South Korea holds parliamentary elections in April and the U.S. a presidential election in November.
Engineers were 'on standby at home' during the August bank holiday air traffic control meltdown and took 90 minutes to arrive on site to fix the 'technical glitch' which affected more than 750,000 passengers, a report has found.

Travel chaos ensued last summer after flights were grounded across UK airports on August 28 after the National Air Traffic Services (Nats) suffered a technical glitch while processing a flight plan.

More than 2,000 flights were cancelled on one of the busiest days of the year, when more than a million people were due to fly out of or land in the UK. Some travellers were also stranded overseas for several days, in what was described as the worst air traffic control incident in nearly a decade.

An interim report from an inquiry into the event found it took 90 minutes for the on-call engineer to 'arrive on site to perform the necessary full system restart' to resolve the issue.

It also found that many affected passengers were required to pay up front for alternative flights, food and accommodation - and submitted claims to airlines for reimbursement - despite airlines being legally required to provide these.

Number 10 said the review into the August bank holiday air traffic control (ATC) meltdown depicted a 'completely unacceptable situation'.

Families patiently wait for their flight at Heathrow following the air traffic control meltdown on August 28, 2023

Frustrated flyers waiting at Heathrow after more than 2,000 flights were cancelled on one of the busiest days of the year

Passengers were stranded overnight at Gatwick Airport after the National Air Traffic Services (Nats) suffered a technical glitch while processing a flight plan

The report, published by regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), stated that the meltdown, highlighted a 'significant lack of pre-planning' by those in charge.

The shutdown was caused by a single rogue flight plan, which is used by Nats to designate a plane's journey using two 'waypoints' into the UK airspace.

Controllers need basic information on each flight to populate their display, such as the flight number, aircraft type, destination and route.

If these details are not spaced and formatted in a certain way, and the computer does not recognise the data, it can cause a system collapse.

This glitch which lead to the August meltdown was described by Nats' chief executive Martin Rolfe as a 'one in 15 million' occurrence.

To fix the issue, it required an engineer to carry out a full system restart, 'which was not permitted to be done remotely', the report said.

According to the inquiry, Nats' rostering of engineers is based 'primarily' on the amount of work planned.

On public holidays - when maintenance is not routinely scheduled - it is 'common practice for staff to be available on standby at remote locations - typically at home', meaning it took 90 minutes for the engineer to arrive on that day.

The issue was resolved at 3.15pm on Monday, August 28, but hundreds of flights had to be cancelled in the following days due to the backlog.

Tourists wait at the airport of Palma for their return flight to Italy amid the chaos

An information board reveals the extent of the cancelled flights as a result of the chaos

Passengers at Heathrow the following morning after the air traffic chaos on the bank holiday Monday

The issue was resolved at 3.15pm on Monday, August 28, but hundreds of flights had to be cancelled in the following days due to the backlog

Passengers look at information boards at Heathrow during the flight disruption

The report found that there did not appear to have been 'any multi-agency rehearsal of the management of an incident of this nature and scale'.

These rehearsals are 'best practice' and 'regularly conducted in other sectors', the inquiry panel stated.

The interim report, published by regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), noted: 'The panel expects to recommend that the CAA should review and lead such multiagency planning.

'This is especially important, as some relationships between aviation sector stakeholders appear to be adversarial.

'This is not to the benefit of passengers, especially in a crisis situation such as this incident.

'It is clear there is a significant lack of pre-planning and co-ordination for major events and incidents that targets the alleviation and remediation of major incidents.'

Back in August, travel expert Simon Calder said but that compensation was unlikely to be offered to those affected because air traffic control faults are classified as 'extraordinary circumstances'.

The inquiry panel found evidence of 'misinformation about passenger rights', with leaflets handed out by some airlines claiming passengers 'had to make their own plans to get home'.

It said the 'standard approach' of informing passengers of what they are entitled to 'is not sufficient', and recommended the use of loudspeaker announcements and staff circulating in and around airports with 'standardised leaflets'.

The panel described the financial cost to passengers as 'very considerable', but noted that the 'stress and anxiety' was 'at least as serious'.

Passengers are pictured at London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 during the chaos

Passengers were forced to sleep on the floor at Stansted Airport due to the cancellations

Number 10 said the review into the August bank holiday air traffic control (ATC) meltdown depicted a 'completely unacceptable situation'.

Asked about the Civil Aviation Authority's interim report finding that engineers were being allowed to work from home, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'It is clearly concerning and is also clearly the case that what happened last summer was not right.

'It was a completely unacceptable situation for passengers to face the scale of disruption that they did.

'We are clear that air traffic services must learn the lessons and ensure that this never happens again, so we welcome this interim report.

'We will allow the Civil Aviation Authority to publish its final report and the Government will work with the industry and airlines to ensure this doesn't happen again.'

Asked if Rishi Sunak thought those 'lessons' could involve curtailing home-working, the spokesman said: 'I think it is right to wait for the final report and recommendations, but as I say, the findings of the interim report are clearly concerning.'

The inquiry was set up by the CAA and is being led by Jeff Halliwell, who has served as a chief executive and non-executive director in roles across the private and public sector.

Mr Halliwell said: 'This interim report sets out the panel's work so far in understanding the root causes of the incident; the effectiveness of communications between Nats, other parts of the aviation sector and the consumers; and the underpinning regulatory regime.

'In order to produce effective recommendations, the panel has further lines of inquiry it is exploring in order to build a better understanding of how the aviation system can improve.'

CAA chief executive Rob Bishton said: 'This interim report helps with the understanding of what went wrong, what worked well in response to this, and importantly what action can be taken to improve the UK's aviation system for the future.'
A 17-year-old boy has admitted killing 15-year-old private schoolgirl Elianne Andam who he stabbed at a bus stop in south London.

Elianne was knifed as she made her way to the Old Palace of John Whitgift School on September 27.

The 17-year-old defendant, who cannot be identified because of his age, pleaded not guilty to murder when he appeared by videolink at the Old Bailey this morning, instead admitting manslaughter.

The plea was not accepted by prosecutors, and a trial will take place from November 25 at the same court.

The boy also denied possessing a blade in a public place.

Elianne Andam, 15, was knifed as she made her way to the Old Palace of John Whitgift School on September 27

The 17-year-old defendant, who cannot be identified because of his age, pleaded not guilty to murdering Elianne (pictured) when he appeared by videolink at the Old Bailey, instead admitting manslaughter

Elianne had met two female friends before she was attacked.

It is claimed her attacker, wearing a mask and gloves, removed a large knife from his waistband and stabbed Elianne repeatedly.

As he fled the scene, others attempted to administer first aid but she could not be saved.

The defendant was arrested in New Addington at 9.45am the same day.

Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC previously said: 'It was, the prosecution allege, a brutal attack.'

A special post-mortem examination showed she had suffered multiple stab wounds.

The Year 11 pupil was killed after getting off a double-decker bus on Wellsley Road and trying to protect a friend. Police and paramedics arrived shortly after 8.30am but were unable to save Elianne and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ms Morgan, KC, told a previous hearing that a friend of Elianne had just ended a relationship with the defendant and they arranged to meet that morning.

She said: 'The purpose of the meeting was to facilitate the defendant and (his ex-girlfriend) exchanging possessions.

Family and friends of Elianne at the scene in Croydon, south London, in September 2023 where the 15-year-old was stabbed to death

A forensic investigator onboard the bus where the argument is believed to have started

Family and friends of Elianne at the scene in Croydon, south London, where the 15-year-old was stabbed to death

Privacy screens and a tent outside the Whitgift centre in Croydon while a bus sits beside the pavement nearby

Elianne's aunt Marian told MailOnline of their grief today as it emerged her mother is an NHS children's nurse who was paying for her daughter to go to a top school for a better life

Police officers laying flowers at the scene and taking a moment to reflect

Cards left for Elianne at the scene of the stabbing - less than a mile from the school gates

More tributes in memory of Elianne were laid at the scene of the stabbing in September

'The defendant arrived with black gloves and a face mask. In coming to the meeting he had armed himself with a large knife which he was carrying with him.'

Ms Morgan said the defendant's ex-girlfriend handed over his belongings but he did not hand hers over.

'Elianne took it upon herself to challenge the defendant and ask for the property,' Ms Morgan said.

She then ran past and grabbed the Tesco carrier bag.

Actor Idris Elba was among those to pay tribute to Elianne and warned that the UK 'needs to enforce tougher punishments' on carrying weapons.

Writing alongside a prayer emoji, Elba said in September: 'Sending my condolences to the family of Elianne Andam at this very sad time.

Her family, who had been called to the scene, rushed down to the bus stop but she died at 9.21am - before they could say goodbye.

A tragic statement issued by the family at the time described their 'beautiful' child Elianne as the 'light of our lives'.

'She was bright and funny, with many friends who all adored her,' it said. 'She was only 15, and had her whole life ahead of her, with hopes and dreams for the future.

'All those dreams have now been shattered. Our lives have fallen apart, along with that of our wider family.'

The coffin of Elianne Andam arrives for her funeral at the New Life Christian Centre, Croydon, in November

A funeral service was held in November for Elianne at the New Life Christian Centre in Croydon (pictured)

Stormzy, pictured, joined a grieving mother and hundreds of mourners at a candlelight vigil

Stormzy was among mourners who gathered for a candlelit vigil to honour the teen girl's life in October.

The grime artist was seen looking sombre among the crowds outside the Whitgift shopping centre.

Prayers were led by grieving family members before they joined in with a choir to sing Amazing Grace.

Her funeral was held a month later with her coffin brought to the service at the New Life Christian Centre in Croydon in a white carriage drawn by four white horses with pink plumes.

The pallbearers who accompanied the coffin into the church were dressed in dark suits with white shirts and pink ties.

Speaking ahead of the funeral, Ms Andam's aunts Regina Boafo and Ruby Paintsil said it would be a celebration of her life because 'she's a girl that liked to bring joy to people's lives'.

Ms Painsil told the BBC her niece wanted to 'defend the voiceless' and said: 'She doesn't like injustice; she likes justice for people.

'Every time she'd get in trouble it was fighting for someone else.'

Ms Paintsil said that Ms Andam mother, Dorcas Andam, was trying to be strong and added: 'She is broken a lot ... we have to keep comforting her. She hasn't been herself, every day broken into pieces.'
Diane Abbott has accused a Labour MP of 'racism' for laughing at a TV comedian's impersonation of her nearly a decade ago.

The row surrounding Ms Abbott's treatment has widened after she posted on social media highlighting the episode on ITV's Robert Peston show in October 2016.

The presenter and his guests - Labour's Jess Phillips and then-Tory Anna Soubry - were seen chuckling as comedian Jan Ravens did an impression of Ms Abbott, who was in Jeremy Corbyn's shadow cabinet at the time.

The clip has resurfaced online amid the storm over Tory donor Frank Hester's comments about Ms Abbott making him want to 'hate all black women'. Critics have pointed out that four white people were on the panel, although there was no reference to race.

Ms Abbott tagged the video on the X site last night, saying: 'Journalist Robert Peston and Labour MP Jess Phillips having a good laugh at someone impersonating Diane Abbott. Racism is not the preserve of any one political party.'

The intervention came as Labour seized on the row over Mr Hester to drum up funds for the election, sending out an email urging supporters to 'cancel out' the 10m the businessman has given.

The row surrounding Diane Abbott's treatment has widened after she posted on social media highlighting an episode that happened on ITV 's Peston show in October 2016

Ms Abbott tagged the video on the X site last night, saying: 'Journalist Robert Peston and Labour MP Jess Philips having a good laugh at someone impersonating Diane Abbott. Racism is not the preserve of any one political party.'

'We need to cancel it out. Unlike the Tories, our campaigns rely on small donations from thousands of working people who all want to see a better future for Britain and know that the only way that can happen is with a Labour government,' the email said.

Ravens, who has worked on satirical shows such as Spitting Image and Dead Ringers, made light of Labour infighting during her impersonation on the 2016 video.

'Robert, we really have to unite around Jeremy,' she said.

Relation between Ms Abbott and Ms Phillips have not always been cordial. Ms Phillips was said to have told her fellow MP to 'f*** off' after she berated her for asking a 'sanctimonious' question at a meeting of the Parliamentary Party in 2015.

According to the Guardian, Mr Hester told a 2019 meeting that Ms Abbott, Britain's first black female MP, made him 'want to hate all black women' and that she 'should be shot'.

Rishi Sunak described the alleged comments as 'wrong and racist' yesterday, but has said Mr Hester's 'contrition' should be accepted.

Mr Hester has admitted making 'rude' comments about Ms Abbott, but claimed they had 'nothing to do with her gender nor colour of skin'.

In newspaper articles overnight, Ms Abbott said the 'reluctance to call out racism and sexism' was 'shocking, but hardly surprising', and warned the Conservatives would 'play the race card ruthlessly' at the next election.

In an article in The Guardian, she said Mr Sunak 'clings to the Rwanda scheme' because it 'proves to a certain sort of voter how tough he is prepared to be on asylum seekers', while complaints about the policing of pro-Palestinian protests were due to an 'underlying Islamophobic narrative' as the police 'cannot arrest people if no actual crime has been committed'.

But she also took aim at her own party, of which she remains a member despite losing the Labour whip last year over accusations that a letter she had written to The Observer was antisemitic.

Writing in The Independent, she said the position of the Labour leadership was 'disappointing'.

She added: 'It seemed equally reluctant at the outset to call out either racism or sexism. In fact, a number of Labour statements were issued, and interviews given where neither word was mentioned.

'Instead, the entire focus was on the demand that the Tories give Hester back his money, which is surely not the primary point in this case.'

The intervention came as Labour seized on the row over Mr Hester to drum up funds for the election, sending out an email urging supporters to 'cancel out' the 10m the businessman has given

Frank Hester, who is believed to have given the Tories 10million, is alleged to have said Ms Abbott made him 'want to hate all black women' and that she 'should be shot'

Hester issued a statement on X in which he said he was 'deeply sorry for his remarks' - but denied that his criticism had anything to do with her gender or the colour of her skin

Ms Abbott was in the Commons yesterday as Sir Keir clashed with Rishi Sunak over the alleged remarks made about her by Mr Hester.

Repeatedly challenged to return around 10million in funding, Mr Sunak acknowledged the comments were 'wrong and racist'. But he insisted that Mr Hester had apologised and his 'remorse should be accepted'.

Following the exchanges Sir Keir climbed the stairs to where Ms Abbott was sitting and could be seen bent over talking to her.

She later took to social media to confirm that Sir Keir said: 'Let me know if there's anything I can do.'

But Ms Abbott - who has been suspended since last April over downplaying prejudice faced by Jews - apparently replied: 'You could restore the whip.'

The former shadow home secretary also attacked Speaker Lindsay Hoyle for ignoring her attempts to intervene during the PMQs session.
A worker on Western Australia's Metronet rail project has died after being run over by a car.

Paramedics and the police were called to Halliday Park in Bayswater, Perth, shortly after midday after reports a man had been hit by a vehicle.

The subcontractor was working at the Bayswater train station site, which is just weeks away from being finished.

A worker on Western Australia 's Metronet rail project has died after being run over by a car

A blue Tesla was removed from the scene

Workers often relax in the park during their breaks and it is understood that the man was lying down when he was struck by the car.

A blue Tesla was removed from the scene of the incident.

'We are aware of a tragic incident that occurred close to the New Bayswater Station Project, involving one of our team,' a Metronet spokesperson said.

'The matter is currently under investigation by WA Police, but Metronet can confirm the incident did not occur on the worksite of the New Bayswater Station Project.'

Western Australia Police are investigating.

WA's Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union state secretary Mick Buchan sent his condolences to the man's family, who he understood to be foreign.

'We'll be sure to make sure that family is taken care of,' he said.
The US Navy has relieved yet another high-ranking leader from their position after Capt. Kurt Balagna of the USS Ohio, a guided missile submarine, was freed 'due to a loss of confidence,' the Navy said in a vague statement.

The decision was taken by the commander of Submarine Group 9 Rear Admiral Nicholas Tilbrook.

Balagna was the gold crew commander on the ship, one of the vessel's alternate crews with one remaining at homeport and other manning the submarine.

Federal privacy laws mean the that the US military are not required to release the reasons for the firing of commanders. 'Loss of confidence' is a common reason given without specifics.

According to his Navy biography, Balagna, a native of Farmington, Illinois, joined the Navy in 1992 as a nuclear electronics commission having been in an ROTC program. In 1997, he graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in nuclear engineering.

Prior to his commission on the USS Ohio, Balagna served as an executive officer on board the USS Virginia and was a commanding officer on the USS Annapolis.

According to his Navy biography, Balagna, a native of Farmington, Illinois, joined the Navy in 1992 as a nuclear electronics commission

Geoffry Patterson, 53, was arrested on January 8 in Camden County, Georgia, and relieved of his duties on January 12 after being accused of driving under the influence

The USS Howard's Cmdr. Cameron Dennis in February was relieved in command after reports he made 'unprofessional remarks'

During his career, Balagna has been awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, as well as other commendations.

Balagna is married with four children and lives on the outskirts of Seattle.

His removal follows the firing of USS Howard's Cmdr. Cameron Dennis in February and USS Georgia commander Capt. Geoffry Patterson in February.

The Ohio is a sister ship of the Georgia.

In February 2021, CNN referred to the Ohio as the 'most fearsome US Navy weapon in the pacific.' The ship at the time was under Balagna's command.

According to the report, President Joe Biden had removed the ship's nuclear weapon firing capabilities but it retained its ferocious reputation as it was armed with 154 1,000 mile range tomahawk missiles.

'One-hundred and fifty-four Tomahawks accurately deliver a lot of punch. No opponent of the US can ignore the threat,' Carl Schuster, a former Navy captain told the network.

The captain of the Ohio's sister ship, the Georgia, was let go in the wake of a DUI arrest. While Commander Cameron Dennis was accused of making 'unprofessional remarks,' reports Navy Times.

The USS Georgia (pictured) is one of the Navy's premier vessels, and has the ability to launch guided-missiles from the depths

In February 2021, CNN referred to the Ohio, shown here, as the 'most fearsome US Navy weapon in the pacific'

The Japan-based destroyer the USS Howard was formerly under the command of Cmdr Cameron Dennis

Geoffry Patterson, 53, was arrested on January 8 in Camden County, Georgia, and relieved of his duties on January 12.

The captain was booked shortly after midnight on charges of driving under the influence, improper lane change and driving without insurance. He was released on a bail of just over $1,800, records show.

The Navy's statement continued: 'Navy commanding officers are held to high standards of personal and professional conduct.

'They are expected to uphold the highest standards of responsibility, reliability, and leadership, and the Navy holds them accountable when they fall short of those standards.'

Patterson began his military career as a listed sailor in the Navy, after graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

He rose through the ranks on both the USS Georgia and USS Maryland, and also obtained a masters degree in national security and strategic studies from the US Naval War College in Rhode Island.

The naval officer took control of the USS Georgia's Blue Crew in May 2022.

US Navy submarine crews rotate command between Blue and Gold Crews, and the military said no operations were hampered by Patterson's exit - with the submarine under the command of Gold Crew Captain Christopher Osborn.

Rear Admiral Thomas 'TR' Buchanan has replaced him in charge of the Georgia's Blue Crew, Navy Capt.

His arrest occurred close to the Kings Bay naval submarine base, which houses all of the East Coast's Ohio-class submarines, reports NavyTimes.

The USS Georgia is one of just four of its kind used in the US military, with Ohio-class submarines offering 'unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a steal, clandestine platform', describes the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service.
The SNP has been dealt a fresh blow after a new poll found independence has tumbled down the list of Scottish voters' priorities.

A Redfield & Wilton Strategies survey found less than one in five Scots (16 per cent) said the issue of independence would determine their vote at the general election.

This compared to nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) who said the economy would be one of the three most important issues that would influence their choice.

The poll also found that 52 per cent of Scots would vote 'No' to independence at a new referendum, compared to 48 per cent who would support breaking up the UK.

The findings are likely to cause fresh alarm among SNP figures about their chances at the general election, following a meltdown within the party over the past year.

The SNP won 48 seats and 45 per cent of the vote at the 2019 general election.

But the Redfield & Wilton poll found they are now level-pegging with Labour, with both parties backed by 34 per cent of Scottish voters.

A Redfield & Wilton Strategies survey found less than one in five Scots (16%) said the issue of independence would determine their vote at the general election

The poll also found 52% would vote 'No' to independence, compared to 48% who would vote 'Yes'. When 'don't knows' were included, this changed to 46% to 43% against independence

The SNP won 48 seats and 45% of the vote at the 2019 general election. But the poll found they are now level-pegging with Labour, with both parties backed by 34% of Scottish voters

SNP leader Humza Yousaf has continued to make Scottish independence his central pitch to voters

SNP leader Humza Yousaf has continued to make Scottish independence his central pitch to voters.

The Scottish First Minister this week said breaking away from Westminster would allow Scotland to have full fiscal powers and to join the European Union.

He claimed this would boost living standards and said the Scottish Government would have had 1.6billion more to spend on public services without Brexit.

But independence seems to be low down the list of Scottish voters' priorities ahead of the general election, widely expected to be in the Autumn.

According to the Redfield & Wilton research, the economy (64 per cent), the NHS (62 per cent), immigration (33 per cent), housing (20 per cent), the environment (19 per cent), and education (17 per cent) were all more important issues for Scottish voters than independence (16 per cent).

This was the joint-lowest proportion of voters to choose independence as one of the three most important issues that would determine their vote at a general election.

The poll also found that even among those who supported the SNP at the 2019 general election, independence was only the fourth most commonly selected issue (25 per cent), behind the NHS (65 per cent), the economy (61 per cent) and immigration (26 per cent).

There was further bad news for the SNP as, for the first time, Scottish Labour's Anas Sarwar was found to lead Mr Yousaf on the question of who would be the better first minister

There was further bad news for the SNP as, for the first time, Scottish Labour's Anas Sarwar was found to lead Mr Yousaf on the question of who would be the better first minister for Scotland.

But the SNP leader continued to lead Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross on the same question.

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said the poll showed 'Scots want change and that they are turning to Scottish Labour to deliver it'.

'With Anas Sarwar now leading Humza Yousaf as the people's preferred choice for first minister, it is clear that Scotland now wants change from both of its failing governments,' she said.

SNP MP Tommy Sheppard said: 'With the Tories and Keir Starmer's Labour Party hell bent on abandoning Scotland's interests at every turn, it has never been clearer that only SNP MPs will make Scotland's voice heard at Westminster.

'At a time when we are in desperate need of real change, Scotland is being shafted by a future shaped by a broken Brexit economy and austerity obsessed government  whether it be led by Rishi Sunak or Starmer. People deserve better.

'Westminster isn't working for Scotland and only a vote for the SNP is vote to stand up for Scotland, defend our public services, and offer people the choice of a better future with independence.'

A Scottish Conservative spokesperson said: 'Voters know in swathes of seats across Scotland it is only the Scottish Conservatives who can beat Humza Yousaf's SNP and ensure the focus switches from their independence obsession to Scots' real priorities, such as NHS waiting times, growing our economy and restoring standards in our schools.'

The study by Redfield and Wilton spoke to 1,000 Scots over the age of 16 on March 10 and 11.
The parents of a seven-year-old girl who was buried alive on a Florida beach have apologized to those who witnessed the tragic scene, as they warned families to not dig holes in the sand.

Sloan Mattingly's mom and dad, Therese and Jason, said the little girl and her older brother Maddox, nine, were finding seashells and playing in the sand when the unthinkable happened at a Lauderdale-by-the Sea beach.

'It's kind of a blur and its maybe my mind protecting itself, but it just happened so fast,' Sloan's grieving father said on Good Morning America. 'In my mind, I had her in my hands but the weight of the sand was too much.'

Therese added: 'It didn't matter that we were literally right there... It was just a hole and then there was nothin, and then it just became chaos and horror.'

The mom went on to apologize to the beachgoers who witnessed the traumatizing situation.

Sloan Mattingly's mom and dad, Therese and Jason, said the little girl and her older brother Maddox, nine, were finding seashells and playing in the sand when the unthinkable happened

EXCLUSIVE: Parents of 7-year-old girl who died after getting buried in sand at a Florida beach speak out to @eriellereshef: When we go to the beach, we think of water safety. And this never, ever once crossed my mind." https://t.co/D5zrXV8KtM pic.twitter.com/ktUB2CJymh  Good Morning America (@GMA) March 14, 2024

Sloan died after being buried inside a sand hole and tried to save herself by grabbing onto her brother, Maddox, during her final moments

'I'm sorry. I'm so sorry you witnessed pure horror,' Therese said, while thanking those who tried to help dig Sloan out of the hole

Jason remembered her as a 'beam of light,' sharing that 'she would come out in the morning and fist-bump right out of bed'

'I'm sorry. I'm so sorry you witnessed pure horror,' Therese said, while thanking those who tried to help dig Sloan out of the hole.

The parents are now hoping that Sloan's death serves as a warning to other families about the dangers of digging holes at the beach.

'We would like to see changed if we can,' Jason said about adding lifeguards to the Lauderdale-by-the-sea beach.

However, he added: 'We don't place any blame on Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.'

Experts say any holes dug should be no deeper than the knee of the shortest person digging it, GMA reported. In Sloan's case it would have been nine inches.

Jason remembered her as a 'beam of light,' sharing that 'she would come out in the morning and fist-bump right out of bed.'

The parents are now hoping that Sloan's death serves as a warning to other families about the dangers of digging holes at the beach

Experts say any holes dug should be no deeper than the knee of the shortest person digging it, GMA reported. In Sloan's case it would have been nine inches

'If we could do anything to save another family from going through this, whether its signage, beach patrol, and if you see something that you think it's dangerous, take the courage and say something.'

Sloan tried to save herself by grabbing onto her brother, Maddox, during her final moments.

Her parents say they are known as being 'overprotective' among friends and 'have no idea how it happened.'

'That's kind of the question we have too because we're the kind of people that other parents or family members would roll their eyes at because we're a little overprotective most of the time,' Therese said to GMA.

'I think of everything. When we go to the beach, we think of water safety. And this never, ever once crossed my mind. And course now, looking now, I think "of course!" And so that part's really frustrating.'

It took rescuers, some of whom were regular beachgoers, 20 minutes to pull her out.

The family was visiting from Fort Wayne, Indiana when tragedy struck

A crowd gathered to help try to dig the children out until the authorities arrived

Frantic passersby got on their knees and dug with their hands in a desperate attempt to reach the girl

Frantic cell phone footage showed a crowd of desperate beachgoers falling to their knees and using their hands to dig the children out of the sand.

Some tried to hold the walls back to stop more sand from collapsing in on the children.

Sloan did not have a pulse when she emerged from the sand and was declared dead at the hospital, according to officials.

Although sand hole deaths are very rare, they are not unheard of and there have been studies and warnings published about them.

According to Dr. Stephen Leatherman from Florida International University's Department of Earth and Environment, deep sand holes can be a death trap.

The expert explained that once a person's body's is below the sand level, sand starts drying out immediately.

'When people dig holes more than two feet deep and get in them, at least where their body's below the sand level, sand starts drying out immediately.

'And dry sand can only hold a 33-degree angle and people dig these holes almost vertically.'

At that point, the sides of the hole usually begin to cave in very rapidly and sand begins to fall into the hole at an alarming speed.

Leatherman also pointed out that there is also a risk of someone stepping on the edge of a hole before the sand dries out and causing a massive collapse.

'The deeper the hole, the greater the risk,' the expert told NBC.

Sloan did not have a pulse when she emerged from the sand and was declared dead at the hospital, according to officials

Mourners carry Sloan's small, pink coffin during a funeral service for the youngster

News reports and a 2007 medical study show that about three to five children die in the United States each year when a sand hole they are digging at the beach, a park or at home collapses on top of them.

Others are seriously injured and require CPR to survive.

Those who died include a 17-year-old boy who was buried at a North Carolina beach last year, a 13-year-old who was digging into a sand dune at a state park in Utah and an 18-year-old who was digging with his sister at a New Jersey beach. Those two accidents happened in 2022.

"The risk of this event is enormously deceptive because of its association with relaxed recreational settings not generally regarded as hazardous," the New England Journal of Medicine study concluded.

Lifeguards say parents need to be careful about letting their children dig at the beach and not let them get too deep.

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, a small enclave north of Fort Lauderdale, does not have lifeguards at its beach, so there were no professionals immediately available to help.

In Sloan's case, the first deputies arrived about four minutes after the collapse, with paramedics and firefighters arriving moments later, according to 911 calls released by the Broward County Sheriff's Office.

The sand hole where seven-year-old Sloan died is seen taped off

A pail rests next to caution tape on a beach in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea following the tragedy

Investigators on the beach in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea take photos of the scene last month

The family of a seven-year-old girl have spoken of their heartbreak at the youngster's untimely death after being buried alive while on a Florida beach

The Mattingly family are pictured with nine-year-old Maddox, left, parents Therese and Jason and seven-year-old Sloan

Dad, Jason, posted a photo of the beach where the tragedy occurred the following day that saw a beam of sunlight shining down onto the shoreline

Floral tributes have been left close to the scene where the little girl lost her life

Last month, tributes were left for the seven-year-old on the beach in Fort Lauderdale

The Mattingly family expressed their profound heartbreak and shared the devastating incident on a GoFundMe page that has raised almost $159,000

'A freak accident happened while we are here on vacation and it took away our greatest 7.5 years,' Therese Mattingly wrote on a GoFundMe page set up for the family which has raised almost $159,000.

'Don't tell us you're sorry for our loss don't do that to us. We experienced the purest human being and we are forever changed by her. We love you beyond any stretch of the imagination. Our sweet Sloan. What we would give.'

Sloan's grieving uncle, Chris Sloan, said the young girl kept trying to hold onto brother nine-year-old Maddox's leg to get out of the sand but eventually the boy could not feel her grip anymore.

'We found out that after the sand had caved. She kept trying to grab up Maddox's leg to get up out of the sand and eventually he couldn't feel her moving anymore', Chris told KFOR.

He described Sloan as a girl with a 'lot of energy and just totally innocent'.

Uncle Chris Sloan described Sloan as a girl with a 'lot of energy and just totally innocent'

'She was always happy,' Chris said. 'She was really fun to be around. She had a lot of energy and just totally innocent, and that's what hurts the most in all this.'

Chris further said that the family rarely took vacations and were texting updates on a family group chat.

'They don't really go on vacation much, but they went to Ft. Lauderdale to the beach,' Chris said.

'She kept trying to grab up Maddox's leg to get up out of the sand, and eventually he couldn't feel her moving anymore,' the uncle said

'I got a text message as did everybody on the group chat to call a number for a conference call.

'Once we all got on the line, my brother, Jason, said, 'Ok. What I have to tell you is going to be the worst news of your entire life'.

'And it was. He said that she had passed away, that Sloanie had passed away.

'The sand had been up to his [Maddox] chest, and he was screaming for help, and a lot of people did come and help. There's actually some video of that.

'She was non-responsive at the scene is what we know,' Chris said.

Harrowing 911 audio released last month revealed the frantic moments beachgoers attempted to save Sloan after she was fatally buried.

A panic-stricken witness can be heard telling a dispatcher how her mother was desperately yelling: 'My daughter is in there.'

'Everybody's screaming' the caller continued, as people cried out in the background: 'They do not see her head, they do not see her.'

After around 20 minutes, the young girl was eventually pulled out of the sand but tragically succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.

Witnesses said the horror unfolded after Sloan and her older brother Maddox were playing in the hole when the ground gave way.

Sloan's older brother Maddox was able to be rescued from the hole first, and was taken to hospital in stable condition after also being injured in the collapse

Sloan with her dad Jason, who said she was 'full of life'

The family is seen on another holiday a few years back in a photo posted to Facebook

Separate audio of the 911 dispatcher alerting officers to the beach noted that around 20 bystanders had rushed to join the efforts to dig the girl out of the sand.

The person who initially called 911 began by telling the dispatcher there was 'a bunch of people trying to dig.'

She said she realized something was wrong when she heard 'the father yelling for help', who 'said his child is caught in a hole in the sand.'

'The mom's yelling, "my daughter is in there"', she continued. 'Everybody's screaming.'

Parents Jason and Therese are pictured above

Dad, Jason, had been updating the family on the progress of their vacation on social media

Panicked screaming and yelling can be heard in the background of the audio, and the woman who called 911's voice broke as she warned the dispatcher: 'They have not gotten the child out yet.'

She said she couldn't detail the exact situation as 'everybody is surrounding' the collapsed hole, but noted that she couldn't see the young girl's head above the sand.

'Oh, this mother... oh this is awful,' they said at the conclusion of the call - seconds before a grief-filled wail was heard in the background.

The siblings, their dad and mom Therese, 36, were visiting from Fort Wayne, Indiana when tragedy struck.
Madeleine McCann suspect Christian Brueckner's former friend has said the German seemed 'odd' and would boast about his breaking and entering skills.

Convicted rapist Brueckner, 47, arrived back at court today for his continuing sex crimes trial in Germany, which is unrelated to the disappearance of the British three-year-old in 2007.

He has previously told MailOnline the on-going case against him was 'ridiculous'.

Among witnesses to give evidence at the hearing was former friend Christian Post who used to associate with Brueckner in Portugal.

Post told the court he found CDs at Brueckner's home with labels on them that suggested they contained child and animal pornography.

Madeleine McCann suspect Christian Brueckner has arrived back at court for his continuing sex crimes trial in Germany (pictured)

Dressed in his trademark crumpled grey suit which he has worn for all the previous hearings he shook hands and smiled with his legal team as he was led into court

Convicted rapist Brueckner, 47, who previously told MailOnline the case was 'ridiculous', arrived amid heavy security just after 10am local time

Among witnesses to give evidence at the hearing was former friend Christian Post (pictured) who used to associate with Brueckner in Portugal

Music technician and part time teacher Post said in his evidence he first met Brueckner in around 2002 or 2003 and recalled him as 'odd'.

EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: Christian Brueckner was working at the Portuguese restaurant frequented by Madeleine McCann's parents and friends when he came up with plot to abduct the girl with another man, says Brit expat Advertisement

He said: 'I noticed that for a relatively young man he was rather oddly dressed with a jacket, which is not really suited to the type of person he was.

'This was my first impression. For me this combination didn't really match. This was my personal visual impression.'

Post told the court he had met with Brueckner 'between five and ten times' in the Portuguese coastal town of Lagos where the convicted rapist worked as a waiter.

He described how he had seen 'piles of paperwork and passports' at Brueckner's home and recalled how he had boasted to him of his breaking and entering skills on the Algarve where Madeleine vanished from while on holiday in 2007.

It is believed Madeleine was taken from her family's holiday home while her parents were at a nearby restaurant.

Post said: 'He said that during the night he was active in Praia da Luz. He said he would climb up buildings when the windows were open and take stuff.'

As he spoke Brueckner - wearing an open necked shirt - listened intently but displayed no emotion, occasionally looking down at a file he was holding on his lap.

Post also described how he found sickening child pornography on CDs he had been asked by Brueckner to clear out from his home in Portugal, while Brueckner was in prison in Germany.

He said: 'The bag was packed with some things but I wasn't interested in looking inside, but it was clear from the labels on the CDs what was on them, which suggested to me that there things which involved young people.

'But I only saw it quickly and I found it all too shabby. So I threw these away. I didn't watch them personally. I just saw the label then made a decision.

'Some were pornographic practices,' Post told the court. 'One thing that I noticed involved dogs, so this is [one] thing which I then threw away.

'I can't remember the full details but there were some things like this, and I didn't want to risk transporting something like this.'

Post has since moved to Cambodia.

Brueckner is the chief suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, the three-year-old British girl who vanished on May 3, 2007 while on holiday with her family in Portugal

Pictured: The holiday complex where the McCanns were staying in Portugal's Algarve region in May 2007, when their three-year-old daughter vanished without a trace

His comments came in a three hour video deposition which he gave in December, which was played in court after he told officials it was 'too far' for him to fly.

Post, 56, addressed suspicions that Brueckner was behind Madeleine's disappearance.

'I knew Praia da Luz from doing music there,' he said, 'and Brueckner said that he climbed up trees or scaled buildings, and he could name specific buildings.

'I remember in the village and in the resort where Maddie was taken, there were trees. And I think he did say that he was operating in that area but he didn't go into detail.'

Under cross examination from Brueckner's lawyer Friedrich Fulscher, Post said he had given media interviews on his relationship with the man German police say is the 'prime suspect' for 'snatching and murdering Madeleine.'

But he added: 'I didn't say it was him but I can indeed say that I think it could be him but these are assumptions based on no evidence.'

Brueckner arrived today amid heavy security just after 10am local time.

Armed police stood guard outside the courhouse in Braunschweig while those who entered the building were put through airport style security checks.

Dressed in his trademark crumpled grey suit which he has worn for all the previous hearings he shook hands and smiled with his legal team as he was led into court.

Brueckner is currently behind bars after being convicted of raping a 72-year-old American woman in the Algarve in 2005 just a few miles from where Madeleine would disappear two years later.

He is currently on trial in Braunschweig for three rapes and two sexual assaults alleged to have been carried in Portugal between 2000 to 2017.

Meanwhile, German police are convinced he kidnapped and killed Madeleine, and investigations have continued years after her disappearance - with the most recent high-profile searches taking place at the Arade Lake 30 miles from Praia da Luz.

Brueckner himself has repeatedly denied any involvement in her disappearance and his lawyer, Friedrich Fulscher, has hit out at the accusations - warning that they risk muddying the waters of Brueckner's unconnected continuing trial.

He said last month in court that the paedophile had been under 'worldwide media fire' since being named by German police as a key suspect in Madeleine's disappearance in 2020 - with no charges yet brought against him.

Brueckner's latest court appearance came days after armed police in Germany were seen at an allotment searching for a man who could hold vital information on the disappearance of Madeleine.

The man is said to have connections Brueckner.

Firearm-wielding officers rallied at a small house on the Kennelblick allotment in Braunschweig, Lower Saxony last week, spending an hour outside the property owned by a man named as Ralph H.

The 56-year-old is alleged to have worked closely with Brueckner; the pair rented allotment homes back-to-back in the Kennelblick site.

Christian Brueckner was named chief suspect in Madeleine's disappearance in 2020

The Kennelblick allotments in Braunschweig, Lower Saxony, Germany, where Ralph H is said to live and was one neighbours with Christian Brueckner

He is said to have admitted to robbing homes with the paedophile and police are said to want to speak to him so they can ask him questions about Madeline, who would now be 20 years old.

Informants within the BKA - the Bundeskriminalamt, Germany's answer to the FBI - say they 'urgently' need to speak to him about his relationship with Brueckner.

It is understood Ralph H is not a suspect in her disappearance, but may have information which could help investigators.

More to follow...
By Ko Dong-hwan

BAT Rothmans has claimed a top-percentile spot in the country's 100 greatest places to work after it won multiple acknowledgements by a global surveyor on organizational culture, according to the country's major tobacco company, Thursday.

Great Place To Work (GPTW) has ranked the Korean arm of the U.K.'s BAT Group 17th in the country's list of most ideal workplaces this year. It also awarded the company and its manufacturing plant in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, with seven different honors. The achievement derives from the company's key human resources policy that values diversity and inclusiveness, spreading the effect to its employees regardless of their gender, age, ethnicity and background.

The company's rank came after GPTW has recognized its human rights-centered management in line with global environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) standards.

Individuals who claimed six different honors included the company's Country Manager Song Young-jae for being one of the country's most respected company heads. Two senior officials from the company's HR department were recognized for pioneering in the area of worker-friendly principles and proposing a model for innovative leadership.

The plant also won two honors. It earned a spot in the top 100 list, while Martin Grover, operations director at BAT Korea Manufacturing, has been selected as another best CEO in the country.

"We tried to create a workplace where every employee could feel they fit in," said Luke Jeong, the company's head of HR who won one of the honors. "Keeping a gender balance within our organization has been our key interest."

Indeed, female employees at the company have been at the center of its HR policies. With 40 percent of its managerial positions occupied by women, the company guarantees that pregnancy doesn't hinder them from being treated fairly, allowing them to return from maternity leave with dignity and be promoted based on their skills.

"As soon as I gave birth and started raising my baby, concerns about whether any company will accept me hit me," Senior Communication Manager Connie Kim, another GPTW winner from the company, said. "But BAT Rothmans welcomed me wholeheartedly and my career build-up was on its course again, thanks to the company's unique culture where women employees are allowed to explore their abilities and maximize their performance."
Accused Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann is 'not capable' of the brutal murders he's been accused of, according to his estranged wife.

Asa Ellerup, who was married to the Long Island architect for 27 years with two kids, regularly visits him in jail because she said he 'deserves the benefit of the doubt'.

'I will listen to all of the evidence and withhold judgment until the end of trial,' she said in a statement released by her lawyer Robert A Macedonio.

'I have given him the benefit of the doubt, as we all deserve.'

Macedonio said that she visits the accused killer 'weekly' at Suffolk County Jail in Riverhead and 'still maintains that Rex is not capable of the crimes he is accused of'.

Accused Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann is 'not capable' of the brutal murders he's been accused of, according to his estranged wife Asa Ellerup (pictured)

Ellerup has said she visits Heuermann (pictured) 'weekly' at Suffolk County Jail in Riverhead and 'still maintains that Rex is not capable of the crimes he is accused of'

Cops say Ellerup, 59, and their children, Victoria Heuermann, 26, and Christopher Sheridan, 33, did not know about the killings and were out of town at the time. (Pictured: Ellerup and her daughter in their attorney's office July 2023)

The attorney added that Ellerup's 'heartfelt sympathies go out to the alleged victims known as the 'Gilgo four' - Brainard-Barnes; Amber Lynn Costello, 27; Megan Waterman, 22; and Melissa Barthelemy, 24.

'Nobody deserves to die in that manner,' Ellerup's statement says. She filed for divorce six days after Heuermann was charged with the first three murders.

Asa Ellerup (pictured) filed for divorce six days after her husband was charged with the murders

Cops say Ellerup, 59, and their children, Victoria Heuermann, 26, and Christopher Sheridan, 33, did not know about the killings and were out of town at the time.

Heuermann, 60, has spent most of his days since his July 2023 arrest in a small windowless cell at the Riverhead Jail as he awaits trial.

Between 1996 and 2011, the remains of 11 people were found on Gilgo Beach, Long Island, and Heuermann is accused of being the serial killer behind four of the deaths.

All had advertised their services on Craigslist and Backpage, and were found tied up in burlap sacks within a few miles of each other.

Ellerup has also shown up at her ex's court hearings - along with a documentary camera crew - to observe developments in his case.

She reportedly signed a seven-figure deal with NBC Universal, Texas Crew Productions and G-Unit to feature in a documentary about the case.

The families of the victims slammed Peacock as 'evil' for 'paying at least $1 million' to Ellerup.

The attorney added that Ellerup's 'heartfelt sympathies go out to the alleged victims known as the 'Gilgo four' - Brainard-Barnes; Amber Lynn Costello, 27; Megan Waterman, 22; and Melissa Barthelemy, 24

Asa Ellerup, who was married to the Long Island architect for 27 years with two kids, regularly visits him in jail because she said he 'deserves the benefit of the doubt'. (Pictured: Ellerup attending a court hearing for Heuermann)

Ellerup has also shown up at her ex's court hearings - along with a documentary camera crew - to observe developments in his case

Heuermann, 60, has spent most of his days since his July 2023 arrest in a small windowless cell at the Riverhead Jail as he awaits trial

She reportedly signed a seven-figure deal with NBC Universal, Texas Crew Productions and G-Unit to feature in a documentary about the case

Asa Ellerup, wife of Rex Heuermann arrives at the Suffolk County Court house as he estranged husband is charged with another murder in January 2024

Ellerup emigrated to the United States from Iceland as a child, and grew up near Heuermann on Long Island

Between 1996 and 2011, the remains of 11 people were found on Gilgo Beach, Long Island, and Heuermann is accused of being the serial killer behind four of the deaths

Sherre Gilbert, the sister of Shannan Gilbert, whose remains were found in 2010 and led to the discovery of other victims, went to social media to express her shock, using the words: 'disappointed...disgusted... flabbergasted...frustrated.'

'The way that the media will buy stories to further re-victimize, re-traumatize, and exploit the families & victims of serial killers is evil!,' Sherre said.

Ellerup emigrated to the United States from Iceland as a child, and grew up near Heuermann on Long Island.

Heuermann last appeared in court early February for an update on the progress of his case.

He was brought into a silent Suffolk County Courthouse in Riverhead, Long Island, New York - a hearing Ellerup did not attend.

His attorney revealed to DailyMail.com that the accused murderer was still being held in isolation in prison and was 'lonely and depressed'.

It marked the first time the architect had appeared in court since January 16, when he pleaded not guilty to killing sex worker Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25, in 2007.

Heuermann has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder over the deaths of Barthelemy in 2009, and Waterman and Costello in 2010.

He was more recently charged with second-degree murder over the death of Brainard-Barnes in 2007.
A new theory has emerged about why a plane suddenly plunged 100 metres injuring 50 people on a flight from Sydney to Auckland, while a shocking image shows one of its wings covered in tape just days earlier.

The sudden drop could have been caused by an issue with the electric seat mechanism in the cockpit of the Chilean Latam Airlines flight LA800, which then pushed the pilot into the flight controls, a new theory suggests.

And on Thursday evening the New Zealand Herald published a photo showing the Boeing 787-9 aircraft with heavy use of tape on one of its wings.

The picture was taken by a passenger who was very concerned about it, while a woman who flew on the same route with Latam in January also noticed the same tape.

'When I saw how old the plane was I was terrified. The wings were being held together by what looked like black masking tape. I'm certainly not surprised by this recent incident,' she said.

A shocking image of the plane that plunged 100metres injuring 50 people on a flight from Sydney to Auckland shows one of its wings covered in tape (pictured) just days earlier

The Latam Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane that suddenly lost altitude mid-flight a day earlier is seen on the tarmac of Auckland International Airport in Auckland on March 12, 2024

READ MORE: Passengers who cheated death were offered 'tiny meal' as compensation after their plane suddenly plunged out of the sky Passengers were offered one cheeseburger Advertisement

But a Latam spokeswoman told the NZ Herald the tape in the image is aeronautical tape, which is also called high speed tape.

'The use of aeronautical tape is approved by regulators, aviation authorities and aircraft manufacturers, and is only used temporarily for paint loss on the aircraft wing, without affecting the operability of the aircraft.

'Latam Airlines prioritises safety above everything,' she said.

While the tape may look like common duct tape, the material used on aircraft wings is actually an aluminium-based material known to be safe for certain types of repairs.

Earlier on Thursday, a theory emerged about the flight, saying the sudden drop could have been caused by an electric seat mechanism in the cockpit pushing the pilot into the flight controls.

Former Qantas pilot Richard de Crespigny told Channel 7's Sunrise that that theory was very possible, and that a similar incident happened on a Royal Air Force A-330 flight.

'The pilot put his camera down next to the side stick, the seat moved forward, pushed the camera into the side stick and the aircraft bunted over,' he said.

'It's important that people don't have stuff lying around the cockpit that can interfere (with the controls).

'This is one of the thoughts of what happened, but there were also, I believe, power interruptions or there may have been weather.'

Mr de Crespigny, though, cautioned against panicking or jumping to conclusions about what happened.

'Aviation is safe. Last year, no one died in 37 million flights, four billion people,' he said.

Brian Jokat, a passenger on the Latam flight, said two hours into the three-hour journey 'the plane just dropped out of the sky' and the man sitting next to him flew into the air, hit the ceiling, then fell down and hit his head on an armrest.

Passenger Janet Baker prepares to check in at Auckland International Airport in New Zealand for a rescheduled Latam Airlines flight to Santiago, Chile on Tuesday, March 12, 2024

'The plane then started taking a nose dive and I was just thinking 'OK this is it, we're done',' he told the Stuff news website.

Mr Jokat, who is Canadian, said there was no turbulence after the incident and when the flight landed in Auckland, the pilot came to the back of the plane in 'shock'.

'I asked 'What happened?' and he said 'My gauges just blanked out, I lost all of my ability to fly the plane'.'

Fifty people were treated by St John Ambulance paramedics on the ground at Auckland International Airport, with 13 of them being taken to Middlemore Hospital.

One of the patients was said to be in a serious condition.

Passenger Lucas Ellwood told Sunrise about the chaotic scenes on the Latam flight.

The flight path of Latam Airlines' LA800 Dreamliner service from Sydney to Auckland is pictured

Fifty passengers were injured in the chaotic scenes, with 13 hospitalised with head and neck injuries and broken bones. An injured person on the flight is pictured

'We were finishing lunch (when it happened). There was wine on the roof and there were people on the roof, it was just a scary, terrifying moment,' he said.

Several passengers were reportedly not wearing their seatbelts, which contributed to the high number of injuries.

Mr Ellwood was holding his iPad and filling out a passenger declaration for New Zealand when the incident happened, but was wearing his seatbelt.

'The declaration form and my iPad both hit the roof and came crashing down immediately. It was crazy.'
The Biden administration is considering processing Haitian migrants at Guantanamo Bay if there is a mass exodus fleeing the gang-fuelled violence.

The White House is discussing the plans amid fears thousands could try and reach the U.S. to escape the Caribbean nation on the brink of collapse.

Haitians would be processed on the base 200 miles from Haiti in a center separate to Camp X, where terrorist suspects are held, CNN reported.

The Department of Homeland Security says migration from the island being overtaken by gangs is so far low.

But there are concerns hoards could get on boats to try and make the crossing to Florida.

As a result, Ron DeSantis has announced plans to send over 250 additional soldiers - and a fleet of aircraft and boats - to 'protect' Florida from vessels.

Scroll down for video:

The Biden administration is considering processing Haitian migrants at Guantanamo Bay if there is a mass exodus fleeing the gang-fuelled violence. Soldiers patrol the streets of Port-au-Prince on Wednesday

Haitians would be processed on the base 200 miles from Haiti in a center separate to Camp X, where terrorist suspects are held

The conservative governor made the edict Wednesday, as unrest in the Caribbean country continued for a second week.

The deployment will include 48 National Guardsmen, as well as four helicopters that will add to an already boisterous line of defense along the state's southern coast.

A further 39 officers from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, 30 from Florida Highway Patrol, and 23 from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will also join the front, as well as a litany of aircraft and drones and eight boats.

The details of the deployment were provided by DeSantis' office, shortly after the failed GOP candidate took to X to announce the operation. Days before, the US deployed Marines to protect the US embassy in Haiti, as gang violence permeates across the country.

DeSantis, 45, went on to outline his decision Wednesday morning, citing how his state - prior to the current situation - had already gone through great lengths to keep Haitians from entering illegally.

'For quite some time, the State of Florida has been dedicating significant resources to combat illegal vessels coming to Florida from countries such as Haiti,' DeSantis said, obliquely mentioning countries like Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica.

'Given the circumstances in Haiti,' he continued, 'I have directed the Division of Emergency Management, the Florida State Guard, and state law enforcement agencies to deploy over 250 additional officers and soldiers and over a dozen air and sea craft to the southern coast of Florida.'

The decision, he said, was made 'to protect our state.'

The outspoken Republican went on to insist how 'no other state has done more to supplement the U.S. Coast Guards interdiction efforts,' calling the current line of defense 'under-resourced'.

He put the latter claim in parentheticals, a week after the US Coast Guard repatriated 65 Haitian asylum seekers after their vessel was spotted in distress.

'We cannot have illegal aliens coming to Florida,' he concluded.

A further 39 officers from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, 30 from Florida Highway Patrol, and 23 from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will also join, as well as aircraft and drones and eight boats. Pictured: Port-au-Prince, Haiti on Monday

The announcement comes a week after the US Coast Guard repatriated 65 Haitian asylum seekers after their vessel (pictured) was spotted in distress

'We cannot have illegal aliens coming to Florida,' DeSantis on Wednesday concluded, claiming the current Coast Guard defense along the state's southern coast is 'under-resourced'. Pictured: Dispossessed people walking along a street in Port-au-Prince on Tuesday

He put the latter claim in parentheticals, as countless Haitians caught in the gangland crossfire continue to struggle for survival

The violence continued on Tuesday even after Haiti's prime minister resigned - a request made by the gangs carrying out the violence

Politicians across the region are still scrambling for a solution, as dogs have been seen gnawing on the unaddressed dead and bodies are burned in the streets.

The conservative governor made the edict Wednesday, as unrest in the Caribbean country continued for a second week

The group had been hellbent on rallying support for a Kenya-led foreign police intervention that they said would have restored order enough so that a new round of elections could be held, killing anyone who stands in their way

Officials on Monday did not name a replacement for the world leader - saying only that CARICOM is now taking on the task of meeting the 'immediate needs' of Haitian people

The announcement came less than a day after Haitis Prime Minister Ariel Henry was forced to resign, following an emergency summit called to address gang-led violence currently occurring in the country.

The 74-year-old head of state tendered his resignation a week after the growing coalition of gangs warned of civil war if he did not step down.

His resignation was swiftly confirmed by Guyanas president Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the current chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The coalition called the emergency meeting as gangs across the Caribbean country continue to unite, targeting government buildings and foreign embassies - and killing many innocents caught in the crossfire.

As a result, thousands have had fled their homes, and locals continue to report the overwhelming stench of the dead. Meanwhile, politicians across the region are scrambling for a solution - one that may now be in sight following Henry's removal.

'We acknowledge his resignation upon the establishment of a transitional presidential council and naming of an interim prime minister,' Ali said, thanking Henry - who came to power unelected after the assassination of Haitis previous president - for his service.

The decision, said to have been made Friday, came shortly before the US deployed Marines to evacuate its embassy as gangs led by former police officer Jimmy 'Barbecue' Cherizier continue to attack state institutions.

Henry, at the moment, remains unable to return home, stranded in Puerto Rico since Tuesday after officials deemed it unsafe for him to land in neighboring Dominican Republic.

On Saturday, the office of Dominican President Luis Abinader issued a statement explaining that decision - saying 'Henry is not welcome in the Dominican Republic for safety reasons.'

That decision came shortly after another that saw the Caribbean nation close its land border with its embattled neighbor, seemingly leaving the other side of Hispaniola to its fate.
A photo of a venomous snake barely visible beneath dead leaves has reminded Aussies to be wary of the creatures.

The pictures was taken in bushland near the aptly named Snake Valley, west of Ballarat, on Wednesday.

It was found by Hodgson's Snakes, a snake-catching business based out of Ballarat, who revealed the snake in question was a venomous lowland copperhead that can grow up to 1.7m-long.

The snake's brown scales can barely be seen as it's almost perfectly camouflaged among the layer of dead leaves on the ground.

Hodgson's Snakes' owner, Gianni Hodgson, told Daily Mail Australia they relocated the snake to the bush after being called by a nearby home-owner who found it underneath a pile of rubble on their property.

Can you spot the copperhead snake hiding among the dead leaves in bushland near the aptly named rural town of Snake Valley, west of Ballarat?

READ MORE: Disturbing find in family backyard leaves Aussies horrified Advertisement

The image was posted to the Hodgson's Snakes Facebook account where they challenged their followers to try to spot the snake.

Despite numerous attempts, users were unable to find the copperhead.

'These type of pics make me think Ive (probably) walked past snakes millions of times without knowing,' one of the users commented.

Mr Hodgson said that while copperheads are 'probably the most common' snake found in the area, deadly brown, tiger and black snakes can also be spotted.

The snake catcher told Aussies not to follow common advice such as 'stomping your feet' if they happen to come across a snake.

'We suggest saving your energy and utilise your eyes, as there is no guarantee stomping your feet will make them flee,' he said.

'You may simply stomp on a snake, a snake you otherwise would have seen.'

He said the key to avoiding potentially deadly snakes was to 'stick to pathways or short grass areas and never climb over rocks and logs opt to walk around them'.

'Once you do spot one, simply step backwards until you are a safe distance away, and know it's not heading your direction then take a wide path around it.'

The brown scales of the highly-venomous snake can barely be seen camouflaged among the leaf litter (pictured)

While copperheads can deliver a dangerous bite, they're described as 'sneaky and avoid human confrontation' unless provoked, according to the Australian Museum.

The venom of all three species of copperheads found in Australia are neurotoxic, haemolytic and cytotoxic, meaning it attacks the nervous system, blood system and destroys cells.

'A bite from an adult of any of the species may be potentially fatal without medical assistance,' the Australian Museum's website reads.

The University of Melbourne noted one reported bite was 'life-threatening', but the victim later recovered.
A never-before-seen police file on Jack the Ripper has been found 136 years later by the great-grandson of a detective who worked on the case.

The fascinating archive includes two photographs of Michael Ostrog, an early suspect.

Ostrog, a Russian immigrant, was a petty thief and con artist who spent long periods in prison and in a mental asylum.

However, he was quickly ruled out as the Ripper as it emerged that he was in the lunatic wing of a French prison when the murders took place.

There is also the only copy in existence of the so-called Saucy Jack postcard the Ripper purportedly sent to the police to taunt them.

The original postcard is long-lost, making this facsimile copy the only one.

The archive also contains a copy of the 'Dear Boss' letter, a chilling note sent by the murderer to the police which he signed off as 'Jack the Ripper', the first time the name was referenced

A never-before-seen police file on Jack the Ripper has been found 136 years later by the great-grandson of a detective who worked on the case. The fascinating archive includes two photographs of Michael Ostrog (above), an early suspect for the Victorian serial killer

The archive also contains a copy of the 'Dear Boss' letter, a chilling note sent by the murderer to the police which he signed off as 'Jack the Ripper. The letter, which was dated September 25, 1888, was initially considered a hoax but police decided to take it seriously after the Ripper's fourth victim, Catherine Eddowes, was found with part of her right ear severed

The murderer boasted about killing his female victims and warned police that his knife was 'still nice and sharp'.

The original letter is held in the National Archives at Kew and there are only a few copies of it around.

And there is a grim photograph of the body of Ripper victim Mary Ann Nichols in the morgue.

The file was kept by Inspector Joseph Henry Helson who was serving in the Metropolitan Police when the infamous serial killer murdered five women in Whitechapel in 1888.

He worked on the murder of Nichols, an East End prostitute who was the Ripper's first victim.

She was found with her throat cut and mutilation wounds on her body in Buck's Row, Whitechapel, in the early hours of August 31, 1888.

The file was kept by Inspector Joseph Henry Helson (above) who was serving in the Metropolitan Police when the infamous serial killer murdered five women in Whitechapel in 1888

He died aged 75 in 1920 and his collection, which includes his handcuffs, is being sold a century on

Inspector Helson took charge of the investigation and also assisted with enquiries into the killing of Annie Chapman, the Ripper's second victim, eight days later.

His archive has passed down four generations of the Helson family and is now being sold by a relative at Whitton & Laing Auctioneers of Exeter, Devon. It has an estimate of 10,000.

The auctioneers say that the previously-unknown collection should spark a bidding war as Ripper relics directly connected to his heinous crimes rarely come up for sale.

A Whitton & Laing spokesperson said: "For nearly 140 years the Jack the Ripper murders have held an enduring fascination and items directly connected to the crimes very rarely come up for sale.

"The items all belonged to Inspector Joseph Henry Helson and have been passed down through his family and are currently in the possession of his great grandson.

"Among the items to be sold are a mortuary photo of Mary Nichols which, although faded, seems to differ from the known photo with the camera at a very slightly different angle.

A photo card for early Jack the Ripper suspect Michael Ostrog

The collection of artefacts, which are being sold at Whitton & Laing Auctioneers of Exeter, Devon

"There are also two photos of one of the main suspects, Michael Ostrog, with notes to the reverse listing three of his aliases, criminal record and physical appearance.

"There is also a facsimile copy of both the infamous 'Dear Boss' letter and 'Saucy Jack' postcard which appears to be cut from the broadside printed in 1888 and used by the police in the hope that someone would recognise the handwriting.

"The original letter and postcard both disappeared, the letter being returned in 1988 and is now in the National Archives at Kew, but the postcard has never been seen again.

"This unique and important collection is to be offered as one lot and is expected to sell for in excess of 10,000.

"However people should not forget that the victims where real people with real stories and we wouldn't want to think of this murderer as a anti-hero but for the monstrous villain that he was."

Inspector Joseph Henry Helson (centre) and his team

Inspector Joseph Henry Helson's retirement stick. He died aged 75 in 1920

The 'Dear Boss' letter which was dated September 25, 1888, was initially considered a hoax but police decided to take it seriously after the Ripper's fourth victim, Catherine Eddowes, was found with part of her right ear severed.

The letter contained a promise to 'clip the lady's ears off'.

This prompted the police to publish numerous handbills containing duplicates of the letter and postcard signed 'Saucy Jack' in the hope someone would recognise the handwriting.

The original letter has apparent bloodstains on it.

Inspector Helson retired from the Met Police in 1895 after 26 years of service and returned to his native Devon to work on the railways.

He died aged 75 in 1920 and his collection, which includes his handcuffs, is being sold a century on.

The vendor, who recently inherited the items, would like them to go to someone who will appreciate them.

The sale takes place on March 22.
A 27-year-old woman and five-year-old boy are being searched for by police.

Elenora Rogozinska was last seen leaving Summer Hill Public School in Sydney's inner west at about 3.45pm on Wednesday.

She is believed to be with a five-year-old boy.

Elenora Rogozinska was last seen leaving Summer Hill Public School in Sydney 's inner west at about 3.45pm on Wednesday

Elenora is white, of medium build and has brown hair. She has a tattoo in her lower right leg and was last seen wearing denim shorts with sandals and a light blue long sleeve shirt

Her family and police have been unable to contact her and are concerned for her welfare.

Officers believe they may have been in Killarney, in northern Sydney, and Bateau Bay, on the Central Coast, on Thursday afternoon and evening.

Elenora is white, of medium build and has brown hair. She has a tattoo in her lower right leg and was last seen wearing denim shorts with sandals and a light blue long sleeve shirt.

Anyone with information into Elenoras whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Chris Cuomo slammed left-wing armchair critics during his NewsNation series, Cuomo, who took offense to his interview with Tucker Carlson, saying they were 'simply demonizing someone you disagree with.'

The former CNN host sat down with the ousted Fox News firebrand earlier this week, where he criticized Carlson for asking Russian leader Vladimir Putin 'softball questions.'

But amid fury from woke viewers that Cuomo would even host Carlson, he defended the move as 'that man and his crazy cackle is bigger than most major outlets,' he said on his NewsNation show on Wednesday.

'He has an audience because millions feel the same way.'

Chris Cuomo defended his interview with Tucker Carlson on Wednesday, saying those who took offense were 'simply demonizing someone you disagree with' and an open-exchange of ideas is 'all we need to get to a better place'

Tucker Carlson told Chris Cuomo that he 'can't even guess' who killed Alexei Navalny during a confrontational interview earlier this week, after Cuomo hit at Carlson for asking Vladimir Putin softball questions

Boy does the establishment hate it when we talk to each other. Tonight's food for thought: the ugly truth. pic.twitter.com/CTScfSIQwm  Christopher C. Cuomo (@ChrisCuomo) March 14, 2024

Cuomo argued that those who were against even speaking with Carlson were shortsighted, and it would be redundant to merely ignore influential people you disagree with.

'This is the same mistake that many in the media made with Trump,' he said. 'And when I was talking to Trump early on, I was getting the same criticism.'

While noting that interviewing Carlson could lead to 'the distribution of bad ideas', he felt those on the other side are worse, as they would 'rather silence what they don't agree with.'

'And I think that drives the division,' Cuomo continued.

'While there is disagreement, deep disagreement, on who is to blame, what the solutions are, what really happened and who's right to do the job, for all that there are common concerns.

'And that's all we need to get to a better place.'

Despite being the son and brother of two New York governors, Cuomo felt that he received backlash for the interview because 'the establishment hate it when we talk to each other.'

'The ugly truth is that too many in the establishment prefer to keep us divided,' he said. 'So they don't have to do what is hard: fix the problems.'

'It has all enabled the divide and conquer mentality subverting your interests for their own retention of power and share of audience.'

Cuomo and Carlson clashed over Russia and January 6 during their interview, which Cuomo defended as what 'we need to get to a better place.'

While some took offense to platforming Carlson, others praised the open-exchange of ideas between those who disagree, with journalist Maria Shriver saying that it is 'one way we as a nation can find out way back to civility.'

'I like that these guys did this,' said the journalist, and ex-wife of Arnold Schwarzenegger, on X. 'I know Chris Cuomo, I don't know Tucker Carlson, but I learned something about both men that I didnt know before. Good job to you both.'

The interview saw some hostile moments between the pair, particularly as they clashed over Carlson's interview tactics with Putin.

While conceding that Carlson shouldn't have been 'getting into a shouting match' with the Russian president, Cuomo still felt the ex-Fox News host could've gone harder and asked about Navalny.

'[You] made choices,' he said. 'You didn't ask about Navalny. You said, well all killers, all leaders kill. But don't you feel that if you are gonna go and sit with someone like that you have to hold them for account for things that matter, the fact that he may have murdered somebody or a lot of people,' he said.

Carlson responded by saying that he did hold Putin to account but claimed that 'Ukrainians say [Putin] didn't kill Navalny.'

Cuomo responded: 'Who killed him then? Guy looks good one minute, the next minute he's dead.'

'In some larger sense, the Russian government, the Ukrainian government said he died of natural causes,' Carlson argued.

'Now, what is actually going on there, I can't even guess.'

During his interview with Tucker Carlson, Putin gave a 'historical background' of the conflict with Ukraine, before defending his military's action. Cuomo subsequently slammed Carlson for asking 'softball questions'

While conceding that Carlson shouldn't have been 'getting into a shouting match' with the Russian president, Cuomo still felt the ex-Fox News host could've gone harder and asked about Navalny

The pair also discussed Carlson's coverage of the January 6 insurrection.

'Your approach and the approach of other people, hey this was just, you know, these guys were in the wrong place, the wrong way, but that's all it was. I don't agree with that. I think it was a riot,' Cuomo said.

'And I think they were way over the line, and I think they were motivated to go over the line, in part by the President of the United States.'

Carlson replied: 'Parts of it obviously were a riot but let me ask you a couple questions, one is, why can't we know how many federal agents were in the crowd and what they were doing there?'

'I am fine with knowing. I love transparency. It is the key to understanding,' Cuomo responded.

Cuomo then lobbied that he 'cherry-picked' the footage he played from that day to make those charged with crimes in connection with the Capitol insurrection appear sympathetic.

'I aired what they sent me,' Carlson replied, to which Cuomo again claimed he 'cherry-picked' it.
A plane has been diverted to Manchester Airport this morning after being hit by a bird while taking off.

The Jet2 flight had been heading to Lanzarote, but it was forced to change course just moments after taking off from Leeds Bradford Airport.

The Boeing aircraft had departed the Yorkshire airport bound for the Canary Islands at 10.55am but minutes into the flight it began to 'squawk' an emergency code.

The plane then circled in the skies above West Yorkshire before travelling at 4,000ft over the Pennines towards Manchester Airport, where it touched down at around 11.40am.

Video shared on social media appears to show the plane landing at Manchester Airport, where there were fire engines waiting next to the runway as a precaution.

The Jet2 flight from Leeds Bradford Airport to Lanzarote was forced to divert to Manchester Airport after a reported bird strike (file image)

The Jet2 plane was seen circling above Leeds Bradford Airport after the suspected bird strike

The plane was diverted to Manchester Airport, where it touched down safely less than an hour after take off

It is understood that no passengers or crew on board were harmed during the incident, with passengers being transferred to another plane at Manchester.

Tracking data on FlightRadar24 for the aircraft, which is a Boeing 737-8MG, shows the plane taking off from Leeds Bradford Airport at 10.55am, an hour and 10 minutes later than scheduled.

However, just moments after taking off the craft diverts from its southward course and begins to circle the airport at around 5,000ft.

It does this for around 25 minutes before heading south east over the Pennines towards Manchester Airport, where it lands at 11.37am.

A spokesperson for Manchster Airport confirmed the flight had been diverted there following a suspected bird strike.

A spokesperson for Jet2 told MailOnline: 'Flight LS217 from Leeds Bradford to Lanzarote followed procedure and diverted to Manchester as a precautionary measure due to a suspected bird strike.

'After landing safely, the aircraft taxied to stand as normal and we are transferring customers onto a replacement aircraft which will fly them to enjoy their well-deserved holidays in Lanzarote.'
US officials held backchannel talks with their Iranian counterparts in January to discuss a litany of issues including the rogue state's nuclear program and the ongoing attacks by Tehran-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.

In the wake of the barbaric attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, Iran's role as the leading state sponsor of terror has come under international spotlight.

Persistent Houthi attacks have already disrupted traffic in the crucial waterway for cargo and energy shipments moving from Asia and the Middle East to Europe. Already, many ships have turned away from the route.

The talks were the first held between the two nations since 2023. They took place in Oman in the presence of interlockers, reports the Financial Times.

The US delegation led by White House Middle East advisor Brett McGurk and Iranian envoy Abram Paley. They were faced off against Iranian deputy foreign minister Ali Bagheri Kani, considered a top official in the country's nuclear program.

Messages between the two groups were 'shuttled' by representatives from Oman, according to the FT report.

Since October 7, the Biden administration's policy has been to prevent Israel's conflict from Hamas from spilling over

Iran's hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi suggested a 2023 hostage exchange could be 'a step in the direction of a humanitarian action between us and America

The Belize-flagged Rubymar had been drifting northward after being struck by a Houthi anti-ship ballistic missile on Feb. 18 in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait before sinking in March

The Biden administration has long spoken of its desire not to see Israel's retaliation in Gaza spill over into an all-out regional conflict.

A source told the FT that keeping communications open with Tehran is 'a method for raising the full range of threats emanating from Iran... what they need to do in order to prevent a wider conflict, as they claim to want.'

In response to the report, the State Department issued a statement confirming that messages are exchanged between the Biden administration and Iran.

An Iranian official told the FT that their government provides 'spiritual' influence over the Houthis but they are ultimately independent. That official did say that Tehran has the capability to 'negotiate' with them.

The Houthis have held Yemens capital, Sanaa, since 2014, expelling the government. The rebels have fought a Saudi-led coalition since 2015 in a stalemated war.

Despite western reporting on the talks, the Iranian state media has said that the message were solely about lifting US-imposed sanctions on Iran.

In February, Iran withdrew senior commanders from Syria as the US plotted a response to the killing three of its soldiers in a drone attack that injured more than 40 others.

The drone was made in Iran. Iranian advisers assist armed groups in both Iraq, where the U.S. has around 2,500 troops, and Syria, where it has 900.

Less than a month before the Hamas attack, five Americans who had been imprisoned in Iran were released following a series of negotiations that saw the release of nearly $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets owed by a third country, South Korea.

The US delegation led by White House Middle East advisor Brett McGurk, shown here, and Iranian envoy Abram Paley

They were faced off against Iranian deputy foreign minister Ali Bagheri Kani, considered a top official in the country's nuclear program

The US military's Central Command said an anti-ship ballistic missile launched from a Houthi-controlled area in Yemen struck the True Confidence (pictured), causing significant damage

Iran's hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi suggested the exchange could be 'a step in the direction of a humanitarian action between us and America.'

'It can definitely help in building trust,' Raisi added.

Regardless of any talks between DC and Iran, NATO military buildup continues in the Middle East.

At the beginning of March, a ship attacked by the Houthis sunk in the Red Sea after days of taking on water.

The Belize-flagged Rubymar had been drifting northward after being struck by a Houthi anti-ship ballistic missile on Feb. 18 in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial waterway linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The Iran-backed Houthis had falsely claimed the ship sank almost instantly after the initial attack. Late Saturday, a Houthi leader tried to blame British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak over the Rubymar.

'You have an opportunity to salvage the ship M/V Rubymar by guaranteeing ... that the relief trucks agreed upon at that time would enter Gaza,' Mohammed al-Houthi wrote in an online message.

Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak, the prime minister of Yemen's internationally recognized government, called the ship's sinking 'an unprecedented environmental disaster.'

'It's a new disaster for our country and our people,' he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. 'Every day, we pay for the Houthi militia's adventures, which were not stopped at plunging Yemen into the coup disaster and war.'

The sinking came amid a month of US led airstrikes. During which time, Houthi rebels have remained capable of launching significant attacks. That includes the attack on the Rubymar 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.

The attacks have also disrupted aid shipments to both Yemen and Sudan, which is gripped by its own monthslong war .
The case sparked an AP report, which revealed how the church had covered it up

A disgraced Mormon bishop accused of sexually abusing his daughter and arranging for her to receive a $300,000 hush money payment has been charged with child sexual abuse after two months on the run.

Idaho dentist John Goodrich, 64, is accused of abusing his daughter Chelsea while accompanying her on a school trip in Virginia when she was a child, court filings show.

He turned himself in to police in Williamsburg on Tuesday. He faces four felony counts of rape by force, threat or intimidation, forcible sodomy, and two counts of felony aggravated sexual battery by a parent of a child.

'I hope this case will finally bring justice for my childhood sexual abuse,' Chelsea Goodrich, 38, said.

Disgraced Mormon bishop John Goodrich, 64, who was accused of sexually abusing his daughter as been charged with child sexual abuse after two months on the run

Chelsea Goodrich, 38, claimed her father repeatedly abused her throughout her childhood in Idaho and during a school trip to Virginia where he is now facing charges

The charges were filed after Chelsea's allegations about widespread abuse during her childhood in Idaho sparked an AP investigation which revealed how the Mormon church employed a risk management strategy that has helped it keep child sexual abuse cases secret.

'I'm grateful it appears that the Commonwealth of Virginia is taking one event of child sexual assault more seriously than years of repeated assaults were treated in Idaho,' Chelsea added.

Chelsea first approached Idaho police in 2016, but her case was dropped after a key witness - a bishop to whom Goodrich confessed - refused to testify.

Bishop Michael Miller said he could not take the stand, citing a 'clergy-penitent privilege' loophole in Idaho reporting law that does not compel church leaders to report child sex abuse if gleaned through a spiritual confession.

Goodrich faces four felony counts of rape by force, threat or intimidation, forcible sodomy, and two counts of felony aggravated sexual battery by a parent of a child

The details of the confession have not been made public, but Goodrich was ex-communicated by the church.

After Miller's refusal to testify, Chelsea and her mom approached another church official, Utah attorney Paul Rytting, for help.

However the AP investigation revealed that Rytting was head of the church's Risk Management Division, which works to protect the church against sexual abuse lawsuits and other costly claims.

The investigation, which was based on recordings of their meetings, also revealed Rytting offered Chelsea and her mother $300,000 in exchange for a confidentiality agreement and a pledge to destroy their recordings which had been made with his consent.

Goodrich was first charged in 2016 and a subsequent AP investigation revealed how the Mormon church used a risk management strategy to cover up incidents of sexual abuse

Recordings obtained by The Associated Press show that instead of helping prosecutors, the church used a legal playbook that has helped protect itself from sex abuse claims. Pictured: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is shown in Hailey, Idaho

Chelsea first approached Idaho police in 2016, but her case was dropped after a key witness - a bishop to whom Goodrich confessed - refused to testify

The AP obtained similar recordings that were made by a church member at the time who attended the meetings as Chelsea's advocate.

The church also employed the use of its so-called sex abuse Helpline, which John Goodrich's bishop had called after his confession.

The Helpline is a phone number set up by the church for bishops to report instances of child sex abuse.

Instead of connecting church victims to counseling or other services, however, the Helpline often reports serious allegations of abuse to a church law firm.

After Goodrich was charged in 2016, another alleged victim came forward claiming she had been drugged and raped by him after trying to end their relationship.

The 53-year-old woman alleged Goodrich had given her Halcion, a drug Goodrich often used to sedate patients during dental procedures.

As detectives investigated the new allegations, Goodrich called the woman at least four times, in conversations she recorded and which the AP obtained.

In these conversations, Goodrich asked her to lie to police while admitting he drugged her even as he tried to minimize his actions and repeatedly apologized.

Chelsea and her mom were offered $300,000 to keep quiet about the allegations and destroy evidence of their meetings with church officials

The strategy encouraged alleged victims to report to a Helpline which directed them to an attorney employed by the Church tasked with minimizing any fallout

'It was fun as heck, but it was wrong,' he said in a recorded conversation. 'Just out of principle it was wrong, and I'm just mad as hell at myself.'

In the end, John Goodrich reached a plea agreement in the case admitting to distribution of a controlled substance and escaped sex crimes charges.

A judge sentenced him to 90 days in jail and three years of probation.

Chelsea said she waived her right to anonymity to speak out because her father remained free and practicing dentistry in Idaho with access to children.

She first began to confront disturbing memories in the spring of 2015 as a 29-year-old graduate student in psychology living in Southern California, began

While her peers dated and created lasting relationships, she filled with anxiety and dread at the prospect.

'Instead of wanting to have a relationship, I just remember feeling terror and confusion and kind of disgust, like all at once, about it,' she said.

Her memories included several occasions when her father slipped into her bed at night in their house in Mountain Home, Idaho, to spoon her while he was aroused, pushing himself against her backside.

Her father was charged in relation to her allegations, but pleaded guilty only to a drug-related charge in a separate case.

On one occasion, when she was 9, she said her father had apologized to her for being aroused while they were playing in the family swimming pool and told her not to tell her mother.

Thomas Norment, Goodrich's attorney, declined to comment to DailyMail.com stating he is still getting educated on the case.
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Friends of a student who was only reported missing by her university two weeks after her body was pulled from the River Thames have slammed the 'unjust and unforgivable' delay in the search for her.

Samaria Ayanle was last seen at her student accommodation near Marble Arch in the early hours of Thursday, February 22, and her body was found in the water near Putney Pier the same day.

However, police were unable to identify her as she had no id and personal belongings, while her fingerprints also did not link to anyone in the police database.

The Metropolitan Police says it only launched a probe into the 19 year old's disappearance on Friday, March 8, after she was reported as missing by the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) where she was a first year student.

Her friends have now hit out at the university over a perceived delay in contacting the police, claiming that welfare officers at SOAS were told about concerns over her whereabouts days earlier.

Samaria Ayanle went missing from her university accommodation in London in the early hours of February 22, with her body found in the River Thames the same day

Samaria was only identified weeks later when her university reported her missing to the police

It is claimed that friends of Samaria, who was studying Japanese and the History of Art, contacted the university on March 4 asking them to speak to check with her family to see if she was at home.

They allege they were met with a 'standoffish attitude' from university staff and branded 'SOAS administration's lethargy unacceptable in such a pressing situation'.

Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, one SOAS student said: 'Her friends got in touch with uni welfare on 4th March. Why were you waiting till 8th March to report to the police?'

Paying tribute to her, one friend said the way Samaria had been treated was 'shocking' and the delay in being identified was 'unforgivable'.

They said: 'Rest in power. My heart goes to you. The treatment of this case by the police and SOAS is shocking. Her having been found on the same day yet being unidentified for almost three weeks is unforgivable and unjust.'

One student told the Evening Standard: 'We are very shocked. She seemed very nice and sweet, none of us know what to make of it. There needs to be a full investigation.'

SOAS says it 'immediately' attempted to contact Samaria after her friends raised concerns, as well as attempting to contact her family and checking at her halls of residence.

Responding to the backlash on social media, SOAS said on Thursday: 'When a tragic death like this occurs, we know that people will have many questions to make sense of what has happened, and we await the conclusion of the police investigation to provide answers to these questions.

'We also want to provide reassurance that when students raised concerns about Samaria Ayanle with the university, we immediately began taking steps to attempt to contact Samaria, including attempting to contact her next-of-kin, contacting Samaria directly, and asking for checks to be made in her halls of residence.

'Out of respect for the confidentiality of Samaria, we were unable to share details of the steps we were taking with the students who contacted us, however we did reply to the students on the same day they contacted us to confirm that we would be taking action, and we began working on the case on that day.'

Friends of Samaria claim they were met with a 'standoffish' attitude by university staff when they raised concerns about her welfare

Students at SOAS have raised questions about the delays in reporting Samaria's disappearance to the police

SOAS released a statement saying it was 'deeply saddened' after police revealed they believed Samaria's body had been found weeks before she was reported missing

Police say that the body which they believe to be Samaria was found on the north foreshore near Putney Pier at 8.19am on February 22.

The Met said that in the absence of any identifying information and the lack of any recent missing persons reports which matched her description, her body was sent to the Coroner for further checks.

Details were also uploaded to the UK Missing Persons database in the hopes of identifying her, with officers linking her to the body found in Putney on Wednesday, March 13, five days after her disappearance was reported to them.

The force said officers have viewed body-worn video footage and believe the person found in the Thames to be Samaria, but are awaiting formal identification.

Officers say her death is being treated as unexplained, pending further enquiries.

When the update was announced yesterday, SOAS released a statement expressing its condolences.

It said: 'We are deeply saddened to hear that police have discovered a body which is believed to be that of Samaria Ayanle, who was a first-year student at SOAS University of London, studying for a BA in Japanese and the History of Art.

'Our thoughts are with her family, loved ones and friends at this difficult time.

'We know that this news will be felt by many and we will be doing everything we can to support friends, family and the wider student and staff community.

'We urge members of the SOAS community who have been affected by this news to reach out if you need support.'
Two codebreakers who worked at Bletchley Park and helped to end the Second World War have celebrated their 100th birthdays together.

Gwenfron Picken and Kath Morris worked in the iconic huts and blocks of the top secret mansion in Buckinghamshire, which housed the female staff of the Government Code and Cypher School.

More than 8,000 women were employed at the school and operated the computers of the Enigma decoder.

The Enigma decoder was a cipher machine used by mathematician Alan Turning to crack the devilishly complex messages of the Axis Powers  most importantly the German Enigma and Lorenz ciphers.

Many historians have credited Turing's work with shortening the war and say that he and the people who operated his machines saved millions of lives.

Gwenfron Picken (right) and Kath Morris (left) pictured with Captain Huw Williams MBE DL RLC at their joint birthday party in Port Talbot

The pair worked in the iconic huts and blocks of the top secret mansion in Buckinghamshire, which housed the the female staff of the Bletchley Listening Center during WWII

Robert Hardman takes his children to Bletchley Park near Milton Keynes, which was once home to the secret codebreakers of WWII

Gwenfron celebrated reaching the landmark age on February 29, while Kath reached her centenary a week later, on March 7.

The pair were thrown a joint party at the Port Talbot Parish Hall by Captain Huw Williams MBE DL RLC, representing the Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan's office and Finola Pickwell, the Regional Armed Forces Liaison Officer (AFLO) for this area.

READ MORE: Female code breaker who helped Alan Turing reveal the Nazi war machine's innermost secrets dies aged 98 Advertisement

Finola Pickwell said: 'It was delightful the ladies could meet at last after both working during wartime at Bletchley Park.

'Those at Bletchley Park played a key role in shortening World War II by providing the Allies with a flood of high grade military intelligence which gave them the edge on land, sea and in the air.'

The ladies are both from Port Talbot but Mrs Morris now lives in a care home in South West Wales.

Although Gwenfron and Kath left the coal mining town at around the same time to join the codebreaking effort at Bletchley Park, they didn't know each other until they met at their joint birthday party.

Bletchley Park, built in the 18th century residence and remodelled in 1906, was requisitioned by the Royal Air Force during WWII.

It is now a major heritage attraction which houses a refurbished Bombe - an electro-mechanical device used by British cryptologists to help decipher German Enigma messages.

A working replica of one of Turing's Bombe machines which was used to break the Nazi enigma

The registration room in hut 6 at Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire where codebreakers used Bombe machines to break the German enigma

The nine-bedroom Bedfordshire home where the Bletchley Park codebreakers intercepted Nazi messages, playing an integral role in ending World War II, has gone on the market for 3.25 million

A team of staff helped to decipher top-secret military communiques between Hitler and his armed forces. The intelligence gathered at Bletchley Park is believed to have shortened the war by two years

During the war, the estate housed the government's secret Code and Cypher School, which obtained signals intelligence by breaking high-level encrypted enemy communications.

It was also home to the Colossus machine, the first programmable electronic computer.

Some 10,000 staff  three-quarters of them women, including aristocrats and secretaries  worked at the stately mansion at the height of the war, while thousands more were posted overseas.

Bletchley was chosen as the main intelligence site as cities were more likely to be bombed.

Lengthy Nazi messages of at least 4,000 characters that were intercepted by Bletchley staff. These codes were usually signed by senior well-known figures, including Adolf Hitler.

Experts say the intelligence gathered at Bletchley Park is believed to have shortened WWII by two years.
An 80-year-old rancher has pleaded guilty to creating a huge 'Franken-sheep' he named the Montana Mountain King with sperm illegally imported from Kyrgyzstan.

Over 10 years, Arthur 'Jack' Schubarth from Vaughan, Montana, bought sperm and testicles from the world's largest sheep, the Marco Polo Argali, and secretly created cloned embryos to impregnate his ewes and breed giant banned hybrids.

Along with five co-conspirators, he then sold the sheep to game ranches in Texas, forging their medical records to get them out of the state, and sold sperm from his prize Montana Mountain King to other ranches.

Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim said in a statement: 'This was an audacious scheme to create massive hybrid sheep species to be sold and hunted as trophies.'

He will be sentenced in July on two felony wildlife charges that each potentially carry a five-year sentence.

Schubarth ran the 10-year long scheme to breed and sell giant banned sheep to game ranches

He created a giant stud ram which he named Montana Mountain King or MMK (pictured). MMK was seized by the authorities and Schubarth worries for his well-being

He also bought testicles of wild bighorn sheep from a hunter as part of a scheme to crossbreed the animal with a sheep species (non hybrid bighorn pictured)

According to the Department of Justice, the scheme started in 2013 and continued until 2021 at Schubarth's ranch in Montana, the Sun River Enterprises LLC.

He started buying sperm from the endangered Central Asian Marco Polo Argali sheep and illegally importing it into the United States without declaring it.

Marco Polo Argali are the world's biggest sheep and an adult male can weigh more than 300 pounds with horns spanning over five feet, making them highly prized among hunters.

Sheep vary in size and weight depending on their breed, but it is rare for them to weigh over 300 pounds.

Schubarth sent the sperm to a lab to create cloned embryos which he implanted into his ewes to bring forth a 'single, pure genetic male Margo Polo argali' that he named the 'Montana Mountain King,' or the MMK.

He then used MMK's sperm to impregnate other ewes, creating more hybrids, all of which were banned in the state.

He sold the offspring to hunting lodges in Texas - sometimes fetching up to $10,000 a sheep - and also sold MMK's sperm to other sheep breeders in the state.

He also illegally paid $400 to a hunter to buy testicles from Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep to extract sperm for cross-breeding.

His goal was to create a 'larger and more valuable species of sheep' to sell to shooting ranches in Texas.

To move the banned sheep in and out of the state, he forged vet inspection certificates, claiming they were a legal breed.

When authorities discovered the scheme, they removed MMK.

A normal sheep compared with one of the giant sheep Schubarth has shared photos of on Facebook

Schubarth pictured with one of his giant sheep, it is not clear if this is a hybrid

One of the giant sheep Schubarth shared photos of - he created them using sperm from MMK to create all different hybrids with cloned embyros

Schubarth worries for he may be lonely.

He posted on Facebook: 'I think the Feds have placed the Marco polo in a zoo in Texas. I personally feel the ram should have friends and some of his daughters should be placed with him.

He added: 'There is a group working to get pure Marco polo here in the States. If they get to that point it would be nice to place him there for his sake and genetic diversity.'

Schubarth said that the prosecution had left him 'broke.'

He wrote: 'We have a meeting with our Fish & Game 3/12 at 11am to see if they will let the slaughter Marco polo go to Slaughter.

'We are also asking for legal sheep to be allowed for sale. If we get approval, we would sure like for you to support us in sales.

'We have not been able to sell sheep for about three years now. First time in 80 plus years I'm broke. Thank you for any support.'

He didn't appear to hide the scheme, posting on Facebook in 2018: 'We have been making hybrids since 1980. We also have pure Alaskan Dahl, pure Rocky Mountain Bighorns and hybrid stone sheep.

He then sold the sheep to hunting lodges in Texas or sold sperm from MMK directly to other breeders

Another giant sheep he shared photos of. He said the prosecution has left him 'broke' as he has been unable to sell sheep for three years

For each felony count, Schubarth faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and three years of supervised release

'We make collections from some of the best rams out there in Rocky Mountain bighorns. This last season we made collections from RMB's that had 18 1/2 inch bases and horn length at 44 inch's.

'This fall we will try to clone some stone rams and Alaskan dahl. Most of my hybrids have 14 inch bases some even more.'

Assistant Attorney General Kim said: 'In pursuit of this scheme, Schubarth violated international law and the Lacey Act, both of which protect the viability and health of native populations of animals.'

Ron Howell, Chief of Enforcement for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks added: 'The kind of crime we uncovered here could threaten the integrity of our wildlife species in Montana.'

The Lacey Act prohibits interstate trade in wildlife that has been taken, possessed, transported or sold in violation of federal or state law.

For each felony count, Schubarth faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and three years of supervised release.

Schubarth is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11 by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Brian M. Morris for the District of Montana.

DailyMail.com contacted Schubarth for comment.
Justin Trudeau's ex-wife has said women 'shouldn't expect the minimum' in what may have been a veiled swipe at the Canadian prime minister.

Sophie Gregoire, 48, spoke about love, trauma and her battle with bulimia on the Know Your Value podcast earlier this week.

Her appearance on the pod came as she found love with an Ottawa pediatric surgeon towards the end of her 18-year marriage with Trudeau in August 2023.

'Your needs, you shouldn't expect the minimum,' former TV host Gregoire told the podcast.

'You should expect a maximum of nourishment, presence and help in your life with the people around you. And we shouldn't have to hold it all together as women.'

Justin Trudeau 's ex-wife Sophie Gregoire has said women 'shouldn't expect the minimum' in what may have been a veiled swipe at the Canadian prime minister

Sophie Gregoire, 48, spoke about love, trauma and her battle with bulimia on the Know Your Value podcast earlier this week

Gregoire's comments come after she appears to have found love with an Ottawa pediatric surgeon Dr Marcos Bettolli (pictured) towards the end of her 18-year marriage with Trudeau in August 2023.

She wore a silver band on her wedding ring finger for her appearance on the podcast despite the separation.

The Trudeaus revealed in an Instagram post on August 2, 2023, that they had legally split after almost two decades of marriage and three children together.

Their reasons for splitting were not made clear, however, the couple said at the time that it came after 'many difficult conversations'.

Sophie Gregoire (pictured) split from Justin Trudeau last summer

Gregoire allegedly coupled up with Argentina-born Dr Marcos Bettolli several months before her shock separation from the Canadian PM, according to the surgeon's own divorce papers.

In a divorce petition filed on April 26, 2023, Dr Bettolli's ex-wife Ana Remonda claimed that he had 're-partnered with a high-profile individual who attracts significant media attention, and presents significant security considerations'.

The person was not named in the court documents, but The National Post claimed it had been confirmed that Ms Remonda's allegation refers to 48-year-old Sophie.

Dr Bettolli, 48, works at the Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) and also teaches at the University of Ottawas medical school.

He separated from stay-at-home-mom Remonda in January 2020 after 22 years of marriage and two kids together.

Gregoire also spoke about 'the language of love' and 'self care' during her appearance on the Know Your Value podcast.

'Human wounds, pain, suffering, is universal,' she said. 'The language of love is slow, and love not just in the romantic sense of the word.

The Trudeaus (pictured in 2016) revealed on August 2, 2023, that they had legally separated after 18 years of marriage and three children together

Their reasons for splitting were not made clear, however, the couple said it came after 'many difficult conversations'

Gregoire and Trudeau share three children together. Two sons, Xavier, 15, Hadrien, 9 and daughter Ella-Grace, 14

'Self care, slowing down, knowing how to sit with our pain. And trauma is not just what is bad that happened to you - it's also what didn't take place that should have happened.'

Gregoire suffered with bulimia from her teens into her early 20s, and she also revealed on the pod that she worried she was 'not going to have any contracts' for her charity work and public speaking after revealing her struggle in 2006.

The former Canadian first lady and TV host had a happy childhood growing up in Montreal, and she started struggling with the eating disorder when she was 17.

'I remember feeling ashamed, thinking, "Why am I suffering from this?" On the surface I had it all,' she said while speaking about it during eating disorder awareness week in 2017.

'I kept reading about what it was to be a bulimic and saying, "This is the last time Im doing this to myself."

'I started to tremble because of too much binging and purging and thinking, "What is this?"'

The Trudeaus revealed in an Instagram post on August 2, 2023, that they had legally split after almost two decades of marriage and three children together

Their reasons for splitting were not made clear, however, the couple said at the time that it came after 'many difficult conversations'

Gregoire allegedly coupled up with Argentina-born Dr Marcos Bettolli several months before her shock separation from the Canadian PM, according to the surgeon's own divorce papers

Eating was a way for her to feel like she had some control of her life, even though the opposite was true, Gregoire Trudeau revealed in a 2011 interview.

She said: 'Addictions are biochemical imbalances of the brain, and binging and purging is a sign of a greater emotional wound.

'Eating was my only way of controlling my life, or so I thought. When you are addicted or suffering from a mental illness, you think youre in complete control.

'But the opposite is true. You are, in fact, completely out of control.'

It wasn't until she was 21 that she broke down, reached out to her parents for help, and started on the long road to recovery.

Gregoire now supports several eating disorder charities, including BACA and Sheena's Place.
The Handmaid's Tale author Margaret Atwood said the bill was 'Orwellian' and like the 'Lettres de Cachet all over again'

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's new internet law would allow judges to give life sentences to those who commit the worst speech crimes on social media.

The Online Harms Act, designed to make social media platforms safer, is being slammed as 'Orwellian' and an 'overreach' by voters.

The Handmaid's Tale author Margaret Atwood said the bill was 'Lettres de Cachet all over again,' referring to royal diktat for imprisoning citizens made by former Kings of France.

'The possibilities for revenge false accusations + thoughtcrime stuff are sooo inviting!' Atwood warned on X, formerly Twitter. 'Trudeau's Orwellian online harms bill.'

The proposed law, introduced last month by the Liberal government, gives judges the power to imprison adults for life if they advocate for genocide online, up from the previous maximum penalty of five years in prison.

The Online Harms Act, designed to make social media platforms safer, is being slammed as 'Orwellian' and an 'overreach' by voters

The proposed law, backed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, introduced last month by the Liberal government, gives judges the power to imprison adults for life if they advocate for genocide online, up from the previous maximum penalty of five years in prison

The bill also increases the maximum term in prison from two years to five years for the willful promotion of hatred online.

It also allows a provincial judge to impose house arrest and a fine if there were reasonable grounds to believe a defendant 'will commit' an offense.

Conservative writer Stephen Moore called the law the most shocking of all the totalitarian, illiberal and anti-Enlightenment pieces of legislation that have been introduced in the Western world in decades.'

Justice Minister Arif Virani, who introduced the bill, said, as a father, he was 'terrified of the dangers that lurk on the internet for our children.'

He argued that laws exist regulating the safety of toys his kids play with, but not the 'screen that is in our children's faces.'

The Handmaid's Tale author Margaret Atwood said the bill was 'Lettres de Cachet all over again' referring to royal dictats for imprisoning citizens made by former Kings of France

Half of Canadian respondents to a recent survey said they are wary of the Canadian governments ability to protect free speech

However, less than half of Canadians believe the plans will make social media sites safer, according to a new survey.

Half of respondents to a Leger survey said they are wary of the governments ability to protect free speech.

Yet a majority said they supported the proposals to introduce stiffer sentences for hate speech crimes.

Nearly 70 percent of Canadians said they backed the country's plan to make online platforms safer, according to the National Post. But, only 41 percent said they believe the proposed legislation will meet that goal.

The law would require social media companies to create safety plans to mitigate exposure to harmful content and give platforms 24 hours to remove sexual content, like intimate images shared without consent and child sex abuse images, once it is flagged.

It would also allow a new digital safety regulator to levy millions of dollars worth of fines against platforms that dont comply with the rules.
Rudy Giuliani's ex-wife is reportedly engaged to an energy executive following a 'whirlwind romance' after her bitter divorce from the former mayor of New York City.

Judith Giuliani, 69, and Rudy, 79, finalized their divorce in 2019 after 15 years of marriage.

Following their high profile split, Judith claimed her ex-husband changed dramatically since they wed in 2003, telling Inside Edition: 'The person you see now is not the man I married.'

Judith, a former nurse, is now engaged to the chief marketing officer at PSC Worldwide, Patrick Cerminara, 58, after dating for just six months.

'They met at trivia night at the Colony Hotel,' source told Page Six. 'Theyve been together six months. They hit it off and theyve been inseparable ever since.'

Judith Giuliani is now engaged to the chief marketing officer at PSC Worldwide, Patrick Cerminara, after dating for just six months

Rudy and Judith Giuliani finalized their bitter divorce in 2019 after 15 years of marriage

Another source said: 'I love that she has overcome the toxic marriage she escaped. She has taken the high road and gotten on with her life.'

The couple has been spotted around Palm Beach spending time with the city's elites including Fox News couple Sean Hannity and Ainsley Earhardt at Bethesda-by-the-Sea, the church where Donald and Melanie Trump had their nuptials.

'Judith and her beau were first seen out in Palm Beach at holiday parties last year. Its a whirlwind romance,' a source said.

Rudy and Judith's marriage was the third for them both and ended in an acrimonious and extremely high profile divorce.

Although she met him in 2000, while he was still in Gracie Mansion and married to Donna Hanover, mother of his two children, Judith insisted she did not break the pair up.

They wed in 2003 when he was still remembered as 'America's Mayor' and was highly regarded for his leadership during 9/11.

Judith said that a turning point was her then-husband's failed bid for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008, losing out to John McCain.

She said Donald Trump, a contemporary of Rudy's who had known the Brooklyn-born mayor for decades, agreed to help him get over the electoral defeat.

'We stayed at Mar-A-Lago. We were given a place to go where Rudy could have sanctuary and recover,' she said.

She said he was delighted to be asked by Trump to serve, in 2018, as his lawyer.

'There becomes this thing I watched happen to him  that power just becomes extremely addictive,' she said.

'One of the other things Rudy also loves is the limelight.'

The couple split in 2018 after 15 years of marriage, which was followed by a fiery court battle over their $30 million fortune.

Following their high profile split, Judith said her ex-husband changed dramatically since they wed in 2003

Judith said that a turning point was her then-husband's failed bid for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008. Pictured: the Giuliani's on the campaign trail in 2008

Judith said Donald Trump, a contemporary of Rudy's who had known the Brooklyn-born mayor for decades, agreed to help him get over the electoral defeat

Their divorce was finally settled in 2019 after a long court battle that exposed details about their luxurious lifestyle, including six houses, 11 country club memberships and $12,000 worth of cigars.

As per their divorce agreement, Giuliani agreed to pay his ex-wife $5,000 a month to provide her with a housekeeper or assistant, as well as $200,000 for an unsold $3.3 million property they owned.

Judith then sued Rudy and claimed he had fallen behind on $265,000 in divorce payments.

In September 2023, a Manhattan Supreme Court judge ordered Rudy to pay $235,000 to his ex-wife after he failed to show up to court.

The judge condemned his failure to appear, found him in contempt and warned him that he would be put in jail if he fails to pay up.
Dramatic footage shows the moment a whole-plane parachute is deployed to save the lives of two men on board - just days before a family survived a similar crash.

Artem Konokuk, 38, his wife and two-year-old daughter escaped with just cuts and bruises when a chute gave them a soft landing in a forest outside Whitehorn on March 8.

Rescuers watched in amazement as their single-engine plane drifted across a valley dangling helplessly below the emergency parachute before coming to rest in a tree.

But there was an even luckier escape for residents of Bellevue in Washington when a parachute dropped a plane next to a nature trail within yards of their homes on March 5.

Residents of Bellevue in Washington watched open-mouthed as the plane floated down

It missed homes in the heavily populated neighborhood by just a matter of yards

It came to rest next to a nature trail before both men on board emerged unscathed

'Oh my God, woah, is anybody else seeing this?' said one woman as she saw it come down, 'Holy s***!'

The two-man Cirrus SR22 had set out from nearby Renton Airport for a training flight with a pilot and an instructor on board.

Dramatic audio from Air Traffic Control recorded the moment the pilot lost engine power and attempted to maneuver away from the houses below.

'This is Seven Charlie Sierra engine failure,' the pilot radioed.

The controller offered him an immediate return to the airport but was told 'we're not going to make that'.

Seconds later the pilot announced he had deployed the aircraft's Airframe Parachute System just a few hundred feet into the air.

Resident Kiera Perez was making a snack in the kitchen as the drama unfolded above her head.

'I was actually just making mac and cheese and we heard like a loud bang, so we thought it was like gunshots or something so we got scared,' she said.

She saw the plane drifting to earth and ran to the scene next to the Olympic Pipeline Trail, arriving in time to see the two men on board emerge unscathed.

'They were talkative,' she told KKTV, 'They were up walking, everything.'

Resident Kiera Perez heard the bang of the parachute deployment and saw the men emerge: 'They were talkative,' she told KKTV, 'They were up walking, everything'

The two-year-old plane was on a training flight from nearby Renton Airport

Its lifesaving parachute was left dangling from nearby trees after the crash

Three days later a family of three on board this Cirrus SR22 light aircraft escaped with cuts and bruises when their parachute deployed over California

The family in California were not so lucky as the plane came to rest precariously in the tree canopy, around 100 feet above the forest floor.

They somehow managed to scramble clear and climb down the tree without bringing the precipitously balanced aircraft down with them.

Rescuers who scrambled through the forest arrived to find the family nursing their injuries on the ground, and the 2,200 pound aircraft now crumpled and upside-down on the ground beside them.

Its tail was entirely detached, and the life-saving parachute was still in the tree canopy above.

The aircraft manufacturer has installed parachutes for its four-seat SR22s since 1998 and it was successfully deployed in 107 emergencies worldwide between then and 2021.

But once it is deployed it leaves pilots completely unable to control where the aircraft will come down.

The training flight had been flying north over a lake, but veered sharply right after the parachute was deployed, drifting over a densely populated neighborhood.

'There's always people walking, it's just like a very populated area,' said Perez.

'This happened right behind my parents home, like 75 yards away!' wrote Amy Arnesen McOmber on Facebook.

The four-seat plane came to rest in a tree before crashing to earth upside-down

The life-saving parachute was still in the tree canopy when they reached the scene

'The plane crashed by itself into the green belt behind their house we used to call the pipeline trail.'

Dozens of residents reported the crash to local police who raced to the scene in the 6500 block of 127th Place Southeast.

Dailymail.com has reached out to the plane's owner Lure Jet LLC for comment.

The Federal Aviation Administration as well as the National Transportation Safety Board have been informed about the crashes and the Safety Board will investigate both.
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Royal Marine Commandos powered up the River Thames today celebrating their 360th anniversary to participate in the ancient Ceremony of the Constable's Dues.

Traditionally, all ships going upstream in London had to hand over part of their cargo to the Constable of the Tower of London for the protection provided by the castle's cannon.

Each year the Royal Navy drop a barrel of port to the Tower of London to maintain the ancient tradition.

The Constable of the Tower would take a portion of any cargo unloaded at Tower Wharf.

Anytime a Royal Navy vessel moors at Tower Wharf they have to deliver a barrel of port which is then drank.

Here are a group of Royal Marine Commandos heading upstream along the River Thames to the Tower of London

The elite unit were carrying a barrel of port which was being delivered as part of a traditional ceremony, the Ceremony of the Constable's Dues

The Royal Marines carried a barrel of port on an oar over the cobbled streets from the River Thames to the Tower of London

The Royal Marines were escorted into the ancient fortress by Yeoman Warders in a ceremony that dates back centuries

The Marines are challenged by a warder carrying a large axe to explain their purpose in front of curious bystanders

Traditionally, any horse, ox, pig or sheep which fell off London Bridge could be also claimed by the Constable of the Tower.

When the barrel is unloaded, it is escorted into the Tower by the Yeoman Warders.

According to Historic Royal Palaces: 'In the Middle Ages, the Constable received fees from state prisoners at the Tower and was entitled to all flotsam and jetsam on the Thames. They could keep all livestock that fell from Tower Bridge into the river and owned any passing swans.

'The most significant perk was the toll collected from ships passing up the Thames into London.

'Every ship that came upstream to the City had to moor at Tower Wharf to unload a portion of its cargo for the Constable.

'Such bounty might have included oysters, mussels, cockles or rushes (as much as could be held within their arms), as well as kegs of rum or wine. Still today, whenever a Royal Naval vessel moors on the Wharf, the Captain must present the Constable with a barrel of alcohol.

'The ancient ritual begins with the Ships Company arriving on foot at the Tower to be challenged by an axe-wielding Yeoman Guard; the gate is shut in the face of the captain. The naval officer explains their purpose and the party are welcomed in.'

The HRP spokesperson added: 'In 1381, King Richard II set out in detail what he believed to be a fair list of tolls, one of which was that every galley passing the Tower should present "two roundlets of wyne" to the Constable. This toll continued into the 17th century, when the high volume of traffic on the Thames meant that it was no longer feasible for the Constable to collect it. Todays ceremony  which last took place in 2021 - is a tradition derived from those days of tolls and the Constables role as the Sovereigns representative.'

The Royal Marines are performing the ceremony this year as they celebrate their 360th anniversary

The barrel was accompanied into the Tower of London by the Band of the Royal Marines, pictured right

According to Historic England, the barrel of alcohol is genuine and is tested at the end of the traditional ceremony

The Royal Navy said three raiding craft made the short journey from HMS President, under Tower Bridge to the Tower of London for the Constable of the Tower  retired senior Royal Marine - General Sir Gordon Messenger.

The ceremony is a tradition that dates back to the 14th Century when naval ships passing into London were ordered to pay a levy.

A navy spokesperson said: 'Normally Royal Navy sailors carry out this task, but given the significance of their 360th year, Royal Marines were given the honour to mark their illustrious history and also their place at the very forefront of UK Defence.

'It is the second time the Royal Marines have conducted this ceremony  the first time was in 2014 when the Corps was marking its 350th anniversary.

'A Commando Merlin helicopter from 845 Naval Air Squadron carried out a fly past and Royal Marines past and present gathered at the Tower to mark the occasion, with head of the Corps, Commandant General Royal Marines General Gwyn Jenkins, overseeing events.'

General Jenkins said: 'To be afforded the opportunity to enact this unique ceremony on our 360th anniversary is a tremendous honour.

'Like all Royal Marines, I am humbled to stand on the shoulders of the giants who have gone before us.

'What you have seen today is the combination of tradition that speaks to our core ethos and values, alongside the adaptability and professionalism of the modern commando force who will continue this legacy into the future.'

Warrant Officer 1 Simon Stroud, the Ceremonial Lead for the occasion, added: 'Its always a great privilege to conduct ceremonial duties in the nations capital. The Ceremony of the Dues is steeped in history, and to be part of that is a fantastic honour.

'Every Marine taking part will remember this day with pride throughout their careers.'

The raiding party involved marines from Plymouth-based 47 Commando. They landed at the Royal Fortress.

The Royal Marines delivered the barrel on behalf of the Royal Navy who are traditionally involved in the historic ceremony

Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London escorted the group Royal Marines through the Royal Palace

Marines from Plymouth-based 47 Commando  who specialise in boat and landing craft operations  landed the Dues on the banks of the Thames at the Royal Fortress, handing over to a ceremonial guard comprising regular and reserves and members of the Band of His Majestys Royal Marines, Collingwood.

The guard marched the Dues through the outer gates of the Tower of London.

A spokesman continued: 'As is tradition, the contingent bearing the Dues were challenged at the entrance to the Tower by the Yeoman Gaoler and two Yeoman Warders (better known as Beefeaters), wearing full state dress, before the Chief Yeoman Warder paraded the Dues through to Tower Green, where they presented them to the Constable of the Tower, General Sir Gordon Messenger.

'The launch event mixes a ceremony deeply rooted in naval tradition with latest Royal Marines kit and tactics  two concurrent themes throughout the 360th anniversary year, as the Corps celebrates its rich, proud history, but also looks to the future as a hi-tech, elite Commando Force.

'A fresh investment in kit, tech and vehicles and a return to raiding operations in small teams  opposed to the more conventional warfare of Afghanistan and Iraq  has underscored a bold modernisation of the Royal Marines.

'Some of the new kit  including new rifle and uniform  were used by Commando Force personnel as they delivered the Dues, a nod to the future in a deeply historic event.'
The U.S. Military Academy at West Point has dropped the motto 'Duty, Honor, Country' from its mission statement, as veterans' slam 'progressive ideology' for eroding tradition.

The phrase, which was added in 1998, will be replaced with the words 'Army Values,' according to Superintendent Lt. Gen. Steve Gilland.

The lieutenant general claimed the new mission statement 'binds the Academy to the Army,' while 'Duty, Honor, Country' is foundational to the United States Military Academy's culture and 'will always remain our motto.'

In a statement addressed to West Point cadets on Monday Gilland wrote, 'Our responsibility to produce leaders to fight and win our nation's wars requires us to assess ourselves regularly.'

'Thus, over the past year and a half, working with leaders from across West Point and external stakeholders, we reviewed our vision, mission, and strategy to serve this purpose,' the letter continued.

The U.S. Military Academy at West Point has dropped the motto 'Duty, Honor, Country' from its mission statement, as veterans' slam 'progressive ideology' for eroding tradition

The phrase, which was introduced in 1998, will be replaced with the words 'Army Values,' according to Superintendent Lt. Gen. Steve Gilland

'As a result of this assessment, we recommended the following mission statement to our senior Army leadership: 'To build, educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets to be commissioned leaders of character committed to the Army Values and ready for a lifetime of service to the Army and Nation.'

While the motto was officially introduced in 1998, the phrase was initially featured in a famous speech by Gen. Douglas MacArthur in 1962.

In the 1962 speech at West Point, Gen. Douglas MacArthur said, 'The long gray line has never failed us. Were you to do so, a million ghosts in olive drab, in brown khaki, in blue and gray, would rise from their white crosses, thundering those magic words: Duty, Honor, Country.'

The lieutenant general claimed the new mission statement 'binds the Academy to the Army,' while 'Duty, Honor, Country' is foundational to the United States Military Academy's culture and 'will always remain our motto'

Gilland also pointed out that West Point's mission statement has changed nine times in the past. Pictured: New cadets march in a courtyard on campus during Reception Day at the United States Military Academy at West Point

Gilland also pointed out that West Point's mission statement has changed nine times in the past.

The academy's previous mission statement read: 'To educate, train and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the nation as an officer in the United States Army.'

The MacArthur Society of West Point Graduates slammed the change and called out the decision as 'progressive ideology' for eroding tradition.

'Like in many great institutions in the United States of America, progressive ideology is eroding away at West Point and doing so in a slow but methodical march, co-opting our good intentions through the specter of cultural Marxism,' the group said. 'Our adversaries are unscrupulous but sophisticated and very patient.'

West Point graduate Meaghan Mobbs called the new mission statement 'a warning sign that should make everyone sit up and take notice,' as reported by the Washington Times.

The MacArthur Society of West Point Graduates slammed the change and called out the decision as 'progressive ideology' for eroding tradition (Pictured: - Photos of Cadets at West Point Academy and Bartlett Science Hall)

Last year the Army fell 15,000 soldiers short of its 60,000 enlistment goal, and has only reached 40 percent of this years target with three months to go

She said the new phrase is 'watering down of the West Point experience.

'They are saying the quiet part out loud. West Point is losing its comparative advantage,' she said. '

The federal service academies must distinguish themselves from the senior military colleges and broader ROTC. I believe this is also indicative of the broader challenges facing recruitment and retention within our military.'

This comes as Republicans continuously insist that the Biden administration is 'hellbent' on politicizing the military.

The Army is in the middle of a five-year plan to become a 'model example of diversity, equality and inclusion', with the blessing of the White House.

Last year, the Army fell 15,000 soldiers short of its 60,000 enlistment goal, and has only reached 40 percent of this year's target with three months to go.

A leaked internal Defense Department survey in June reported that only 9 percent of young Americans who would qualify for the US military have any inclination to apply.

The drop in figure has led many in the GOP to blame liberal policies pushed by the Biden administration for the dropping numbers. That includes drag shows for troops and DEI training classes.

Republicans succeeded in limiting abortion access for troops, the funding of transgender medical care and DEI initiatives as their price for passing the $886 billion National Defense Authorization Act last summer.

In January 2023, the Army announced plans to expand three 'fat camps' to allow hundreds of overweight or underqualified potential recruits to make the grade before they start basic training.

Lt. Gen Xavier Brunson, the commander of Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state blamed the crisis on young Americans being too fat or criminal to defend their country.
The hostile state warned that it will take 'all necessary measures' to protect the app, which is used by approximately 170 million Americans

China warned the US that it will take 'all necessary measures' to protect TikTok after Congress moved forward with bill that would ban the app unless it splits from its Chinese owner.

The hostile state blasted Washington's 'bandit' mentality after the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the bill on Wednesday.

The short-video app has soared in popularity worldwide but its ownership by Chinese technology giant ByteDance - and alleged subservience to Beijing's ruling Communist Party - has fueled concern in the West.

In response to the ban, Beijing's commerce ministry spokesperson He Yadong said America 'should truly respect the principles of a market economy and fair competition (and) stop unjustly suppressing foreign companies.'

China has vowed to take 'all necessary measures' to protect TikTok, which could soon be banned in the US unless it splits from its Chinese owners

US lawmakers overwhelmingly voted to approve the bill Wednesday, amid fears that TikTok is tracking users' locations and manipulating its algorithm to influence young American minds

The newly passed legislation still has to clear the Senate before it becomes law, although it is expected to pass the upper chamber when it comes to a vote.

The White House has also said President Joe Biden will sign the bill - known officially as the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act - into law if it reaches his desk.

Prior to the vote, Beijing had warned that the proposed ban would 'inevitably come back to bite the United States.'

Officials echoed this warning following Wednesday's vote, as He Yadong insisted that 'China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.'

Washington should also 'provide an open, fair, just, and non-discriminatory environment for foreign companies to invest and operate in the US,' He added.

At a separate press briefing, foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said the vote 'runs contrary to the principles of fair competition and international economic and trade rules.'

'If so-called reasons of national security can be used to arbitrarily suppress excellent companies from other countries, then there is no fairness and justice at all,' Wang said.

'When someone sees a good thing another person has and tries to take it for themselves, this is entirely the logic of a bandit.'

TikTok advocates gathered outside of the Capitol ahead of Wednesday's vote to push back against the bill, which passed in a 352-65 vote

US lawmakers voted 352 in favor of the proposed law and 65 against, striking a rare note of unity in politically divided Washington.

But it faces a trickier path through the more cautious Senate, where some are wary of taking dramatic measures against an app with 170 million US users.

This played out in full force following the House vote, as Gen Z influencers shared their fury at the possibility of losing their favorite app, and with it their revenue streams and followings.

The legislation is still expected by many to receive enough backers to become law, and the White House quickly urged lawmakers to take up the bill in the Senate.

TikTok has consistently denied that it is under the control of China's Communist Party.

Its CEO Shou Zi Chew has urged users to speak out against the vote, and several TikTok creators interviewed by AFP voiced opposition to the proposed ban.

The app is at the center of long-running tensions between China and the United States, which have butted heads in recent years over technology, trade and human rights issues.

Lawmakers have expressed fears that TikTok is spying on users' locations and manipulating its algorithm to influence young American minds.

China has repeatedly lashed out at what it views as a concerted attempt to 'suppress' China's rise.

Foreign minister Wang Yi said this month that Washington's 'desire to heap blame under any pretext has reached an unbelievable level.'

Washington has cited national security concerns to limit the activities of some Chinese companies in the United States, as well as the export of certain technologies to China that it deems sensitive.

European regulators are also concerned about the app, with the European Commission on Thursday quizzing TikTok and other platforms such as Facebook, Google and X on what they were doing to counter the risk of AI to elections, including through deepfakes.

Also on Thursday, Italy's competition authority imposed a fine of nearly $11 million over the app's failure to sufficiently protect minors.
The co-chairs of a U.S. congressional committee on China has asked the government to stop seafood imports from Chinese firms employing North Korean workers, noting that the use of labor from the reclusive regime is prohibited under U.S. law and a U.N. Security Council resolution.

On Monday, Rep. Christopher Smith and Senator Jeffrey Merkley, who lead the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, wrote a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas to make the call.

They cited a recent report by the non-profit Outlaw Ocean Project published in the New Yorker, which they said "exposed horrific details about abusive practices towards North Koreans forced to work" in seafood processing plants in China and the fact that this seafood ends up on American plates.

"We are writing to ask the Administration to act quickly and decisively to address forced labor in China's seafood industry and the very real possibility that U.S. consumers of seafood are funding North Korea's nuclear saber-rattling," the letter read.

Smith and Merkley stressed that U.S. law prohibits imports of any goods made with North Korean labor, while the U.N. prohibits employment of North Koreans to stop foreign currency transfers to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who they claimed uses the wages to fund his regime's nuclear and other weapons programs.

"Given China's footprint in the global seafood supply chain, American consumers are unwittingly exposed to products likely tainted with such labor," they wrote in the letter.

They added, "Seafood sold in American grocery stores and wholesalers such as Costco and delivered to military bases, school food programs, and even congressional cafeterias makes both American consumers and the U.S. government inadvertently complicit in supporting forced labor and funding Kim Jong Un's dictatorial regime."

In the letter, they urged the U.S. government to take a series of steps as soon as possible, including "immediately" stopping all imports from Chinese companies that employ North Korean labor, and deepening information sharing with like-minded countries to promote transparency in the seafood supply chain from China.

"No U.S. business or federal agency should source seafood caught or processed with forced labor or from companies using North Korean labor, as that labor generates revenue for the North Korean government and violates U.S. law," they said. (Yonhap)
Fans of Harry Potter are campaigning to save the real-life station that featured in the popular film series.

The fictional Hogsmeade station is the final stop for the Hogwarts Express - which transports the young wizards from Platform 9 and 3/4 at King's Cross Station in London to Hogwarts Castle.

The real train station is called Goathland station in the village of the same name in North Yorkshire and appeared in both the first film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, and the fifth installment - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

Since it featured in the films it has become a popular tourism spot for Harry Potter fans who flock to the station every year.

However, an 89-year-old bridge which is used by fans to reach the station has started to decay. It is now deemed unsafe for vehicles to cross it.

The real-life Goathland station in North Yorkshire. Harry Potter fans and the local council alike are campaigning to save a crumbling bridge which provides access to the popular station

Goathland station as it appeared in Harry Potter. The fictional Hogsmeade station is the final stop for the Hogwarts Express - which transports the young wizards from Platform 9(3/4) at King's Cross Station in London to Hogwarts Castle

The damaged bridge which is used by Harry Potter fans to reach Goathland station. To fix the bridge, Harry Potter fans are being urged to donate 10 towards the refurbishment

Visible damage under the bridge. A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Moors Railway said: 'Unfortunately, the bridge is starting to show its age, and despite our best efforts, time and weather have impacted the steel girders that give strength to the structure'

To fix the bridge, Harry Potter fans are being urged to donate 10 towards the refurbishment.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway has issued an urgent appeal for donations to fix the bridge.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Moors Railway said: 'Hogsmeade Station is a charming railway station located near the magical village of Hogsmeade, the only all-wizarding village in the country.

'Serving as the primary transportation hub for students attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the station is the final stop for the Hogwarts Express, a magical train that transports young witches and wizards from Platform 9(3/4) at King's Cross Station in London.

'In reality, the Hogsmeade Station you see in the first Harry Potter movie is part of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and is nestled within the scenic landscapes of the North York Moors National Park in a super-sparse rural village called Goathland.

'The problem is, right now, people can't get there.

'To access our famous magical station, you have to cross Bridge 27A, built in 1935.

'Unfortunately, the bridge is starting to show its age, and despite our best efforts, time and weather have impacted the steel girders that give strength to the structure and it is now unsafe for vehicles to cross.

'We desperately need your help to get ready for the 2024 season.'
England was split in half by the weather today as the South enjoyed another balmy day with temperatures soaring - while the North suffered torrential rain.

The mercury hit a daily UK high of 17C (62.6F) in London and Suffolk this afternoon, while parts of Hampshire, Cambridgeshire and Essex all got up to 16.0C (60.8F).

Temperatures were well above average across most of England, with the normal March high for London being 12C (54F). Chester was set to be 14C (57F) today and Plymouth 13C (55F) - compared to a March average in both cities of 11C (52F).

Belfast was also above average at 12C (54F) today, but Edinburgh was below normal at 8C (46F) today - with both cities having a mean of 10C (50F) in March.

And up to 30mm (1.2in) of rain was expected across northern England as well as Northern Ireland today, while southern Scotland was due to see up to 60mm (2.4in).

People walk through a warm and sunny St James's Park in London this afternoon

A motorists drives through flooding in Glasgow today as parts of Scotland endure heavy rain

A woman goes for a run near the River Thames at Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire today

People take photos of the cherry blossom on a warm day at Battersea Park in London today

People sunbathe at Kennington Park in South London this afternoon amid the mild weather

People walking a dog on a warm spring day at Battersea Park in South London today

Forecasters also warned surface water could cause problems  and northern Scotland would face showers too along with a touch of snow over the Highlands.

South of the border, England and Wales were milder with the odd shower as many areas enjoyed plenty of sunny spells in spring-like conditions.

Forecasters said it was such a mild start to this morning that it was warmer by around 8am than it should be at the daytime peak for this time of year.

Temperatures are expected to drop slightly tomorrow and on Saturday, with a touch of frost in the morning - before milder air returns by Sunday.

A band of rain will start edging southwards tonight, with clearer spells to the north of with the odd shower and localised frost. South of this band it will stay mild, breezy and cloudy.

This band then continues to move southwards tomorrow, although forecasters said to expect an otherwise sunny day with some showers and the chance of thunder.

Conditions will turn cooler and more settled on Saturday with a widespread frost in the North, but then milder and unsettled again from the West through Saturday afternoon.

Next week, the Met Office expects a continuation of changeable but generally mild conditions, with rain heaviest and winds strongest in western and north-western areas.

However parts of the South and South East are likely to see longer, drier periods, with winds generally light to moderate.

A couple pose in front of blossom on a tree at St James's Park in London this afternoon

Daffodils at St James's Park in London today, with Big Ben visible in the background

People walking under cherry blossom trees on a warm day at Battersea Park in London today

People out on an unseasonably mild day by the River Thames at Henley in Oxfordshire today

A woman walking past daffodils on a warm spring day at Battersea Park in London today

People go for a walk in Henley-on-Thames today as Oxfordshire enjoys mild temperatures

A parakeet nibbles on blossoms on a tree in St James's Park in London this afternoon

A magnolia tree in full bloom on a mild afternoon at Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire today

A man was rescued when his Tesla entered 3.5ft of water on a road near Chelmsford in Essex

Towards the end of next week and beyond, forecasters expect temperatures to fall back closer to average across the UK.

The Met Office added: There is a small chance of more notable colder conditions developing, most probable across the north of the UK, but at this stage any confidence in this remains low.

March has been very wet so far, with Capel Curig in North Wales getting around half a month's rain in just 24 hours yesterday - 102mm (4.0in) compared to the local average of 213mm (8.4in).

Heathrow has seen 52mm (2.0in) of rain so far in March  against an average of 42mm (1.7in), meaning there has been more than a months worth of rain already.
Former President Donald Trump is now insisting he will protect Social Security and Medicare, not cut them like his recent comments suggested, as entitlement reforms becomes a potent line of attack heading into the general election.

Trump has a history of seemingly contradictory action on the issue since his first White House bid, which President Biden and Democrats have seized on.

In an interview with Breitbart News on Wednesday, the ex-president vowed he would not touch Social Security and Medicare.

'I will never do anything that will jeopardize or hurt Social Security or Medicare,' Trump said. 'Well have to do it elsewhere. But were not going to do anything to hurt them.'

It comes after a CNBC interview on Monday where the former president was asked if he changed his outlook on how to 'handle entitlements: Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid?'

'So first of all, there is a lot you can do in terms of entitlements, in terms of cutting, and in terms of also the theft and the bad management of entitlements, tremendous bad management of entitlements,' Trump responded.

Trump vowed to never cut Social Security and Medicare in an interview with Breitbart on Wednesday after comments on Monday suggested he was open to cutting entitlements

Trump called in to CNBC on Monday where he was asked whether he had changed his outlook on how to handle entitlements including Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid

'There is tremendous amounts of things, and numbers of things, you can do,' the ex-president continued.

That afternoon, Trump's campaign clarified the 'cutting' comment, saying Trump would protect entitlements while getting rid of waste and fraud.

But President Biden pounced on the remarks, responding to a clip of Trump's comment with a post on X: 'Not on my watch.'

By Monday evening, the Biden campaign had cut a digital ad of Trump's CNBC interview paired with Biden during his State of the Union address last Thursday where the president vowed 'if anyone here tries to cut Social Security, Medicare or raise the retirement age, I will stop you.'

Biden made a similar statement while campaigning on Monday in New Hampshire.

Biden vowed to stop anyone who would cut Social Security or Medicare during his visit to New Hampshire on Monday

As he campaigns for a second term, Trump has for some time insisted he would not cut Social Security or Medicare and even attacked his GOP primary opponents on the issue.

During the debt ceiling fight last year, Trump argued in a video 'under no circumstances should Republicans vote to cut a single penny from Medicare or Social Security.'

Back to 2015, Trump touted being the first GOP candidate to state there will be no cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

But when Trump was president, his administrations budget proposals did include cuts to Social Security and Medicare, largely targeting disability benefits and by reducing provider payments.

During his 2020 campaign, Trump also vowed to make a temporary payroll tax holiday permanent if reelected. It raised questions over how Social Security, which is funded by payroll taxes, would be paid for going forward.

Talk of reforming Social Security and Medicare has been seen as lethal ahead of an election even as the national debt has surged past $34 trillion.

More than 150 million people are covered by Medicare or Medicaid, about 45 percent of the population.

Meanwhile, nearly 68 million people receive monthly Social Security benefits.

But Social Security makes up the largest amount of spending in the federal budget, about 22 percent. That amounts to nearly $600 billion in the current fiscal year.

Medicare spending comes in just below defense at 12 percent of the budget or $324 billion this year.
Tories today warned Michael Gove a new 'extremism' definition could hit feminists and Christians.

MPs lined up to voice concerns after the Levelling Up Secretary gave details of the proposals to crack down on groups getting government support and funding.

He told the Commons that the the Muslim Association of Britain, CAGE and Mend - Muslim Engagement and Development - are among the organisations that will be 'assessed' under the new criteria. Some 'Neo-Nazi' groups will also be looked at.

Mr Gove stressed that decisions would be taken by 'independent' civil servants, and would not affect free speech.

Instead the move will identify groups that it 'would be inappropriate to fund or have contact with'.

However, critics raised doubts about the definition being too 'broad', and inadvertently catching people with 'legitimate' views.

The Muslim Association of Britain and CAGE are among groups that will be 'assessed' under a new definition of extremism, Michael Gove said today

Tory MP Miriam Cates suggested that feminists would be affected, and questioned the impartiality of civil servants

Pro-Palestinian activists on a National March for Palestine in London on December 9, 2023. Groups meeting the multi-pronged definition  even if they are non-violent  will be banned from receiving taxpayers' money

Mr Gove told the Commons: 'Organisations such as the Muslim Association of Britain, which is the British affiliate of the Muslim Brotherhood, and other groups such as Cage and Mend (Muslim Engagement and Development) give rise to concern for their Islamist orientation and views.

'We will be holding these and other organisations to account to assess if they meet our definition of extremism and will take action as appropriate.'

Mr Gove said the British National Socialist Movement and Patriotic Alternative will also be assessed.

Mr Gove stressed that most extremist materials and activities were 'not illegal and do not meet a terrorism or national security threshold'.

'But they advocate and work towards the replacement of democracy with an Islamist or Nazi society,' he warned in the Commons.

He said the 2011 definition of extremism had helped inform counter-terrorism work, adding: 'But in a considerable number of cases, organisations and individuals with views which are clearly extreme have nevertheless benefitted from state engagement, endorsement and support, and furthermore have exploited that association to further their extremist agendas.'

Mr Gove told MPs: 'We are in no way intending to restrict freedom of expression, religion or belief, but the Government cannot be in a position where unwittingly or not we sponsor, subsidise or support in any way organisations (or) individuals opposed to the freedoms we hold dear.

What it was...and what it is now OLD DEFINITION (in the Prevent strategy published in 2011): Extremism is vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. We also include in our definition of extremism calls for the death of members of our armed forces, whether in this country or overseas. NEW DEFINITION Extremism is the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, that aims to 1: negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others; or 2: undermine, overturn or replace the UK's system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights; or 3: intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the results in (1) or (2). Advertisement

'I'm sure that we would agree that organisations such as the British National Socialist Movement and Patriotic Alternative who promote neo-Nazi ideology, argue for forced repatriation, a white ethno-state and the targeting of minority groups for intimidation, are precisely the type of groups about which we should be concerned and whose activities we will assess against the new definition.

'The activities of the extreme-right wing are a growing worry, the targeting of Muslim and Jewish communities and individuals by these groups is of profound concern requiring assertive action.'

However, Tory MP Miriam Cates suggested that feminists would be affected, and questioned the impartiality of civil servants.

The MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge said: 'In separating the definition of extremism from actual violence and harm and using terms like fundamental rise which don't actually have a definition in law, we do risk criminalising or at the very least chilling speech of people who have perfectly legitimate, harmless views.'

She added: 'Gender critical feminists might be intolerant of the rights of people to change their sex on their birth certificates, they might be seeking to undermine that right by seeking to appeal the Gender Recognition Act, for example.

'They will be labelled extremists under these regulations as I can see it, and as to impartial civil servants deciding these things, I'm afraid I just don't think that's always the case, and certainly I have seen civil servants wearing very impartial lanyards on this particular issue.'

Mr Gove replied: 'There's nothing in this which would lead to a ban, it is simply about saying which organisations Government should and should not engage with.'

Tory veteran Sir Edward Leigh said he was 'worried' about a rising 'intolerance of the right to offend'.

'I may be offended if people make extreme attacks on Christianity but they have an absolute right to do so, and people have a right to criticise religious people or particular religions,' he said.

'Equally orthodox Jews, or devout evangelical Christians with a particular view of the Bible, or devout traditional Muslims have an absolute right to say what they believe in a free society, even if it's very unfashionable.'

Former minister Sir Desmond Swayne demanded clarity on whether he was an extremist.

He said: 'I stated that a free society requires that the Muslim religion accommodates itself to the same level of scrutiny, criticism, even blasphemy, as Christianity has become accustom to. Am I straying into (Michael Gove)'s permissive environment? I'm not an extremist, am I?'

Ex-immigration minister Robert Jenrick said the definition was 'in no man's land' of 'not going far enough to tackle the real extremists, not doing enough to protect the non-extremists'.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan told BBC Radio 4's World At One programme the changes could 'divide communities' while SNP home affairs spokeswoman Alison Thewliss said in the Commons that a rise in extremism is being driven 'by the culture wars stoked' by the Conservative Party.

Labour called for a full counter-extremism strategy and hate crime action plan to 'turn words into action that will keep us safe'.

The archbishops of Canterbury and York previously warned the definition could 'vilify the wrong people and risk yet more division' instead of 'providing clarity or striking a conciliatory tone'.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman told reporters: 'There is going to be a robust process led by subject-matter experts within the department, advised by other experts, with ultimate sign-off from the Communities Secretary and the Home Secretary.'

Groups on the list will only be able to appeal against their inclusion by seeking a judicial review in the High Court.

The MAB condemned the decision, branding it an 'egregious assault on civil liberties and a blatant effort to stifle dissenting voices under the guise of countering extremism', adding: 'This definition represents nothing more than political posturing, a cynical manoeuvre aimed at appeasing the hard-right base of the Conservative Party.'

Earlier Mr Gove said groups with an 'ideology' or 'pattern of behaviour' opposed to fundamental UK values - even if they do not support violence - will fall foul of the tighter rules.

He warned that it had become clear that Islamist extremists and the far-Right represented a 'real risk to the security of our citizens and our democracy'.

Mr Gove told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that he wanted to address 'errors of the past' where government money had gone to extremist groups.

'This is simply about saying this is an organisation that we in government think it would be inappropriate to fund or have contact with,' he said.

Groups meeting the multi-pronged definition  even if they are non-violent  will be banned from receiving taxpayers' money and from contact with ministers or senior civil servants. It will also apply to the honours system and public appointments.

The phrase, which comes into force today, will be used inside government only  not as part of criminal law. However, concerns remain that the measure could have unintended consequences on free speech.

Mr Gove told Sky News: 'It's not intended to prevent people demonstrating per se, absolutely not.

'It's not a restraint on free speech. It applies only to engagement with government, because we know that there've been cases in the past where individual extremist organisations have sought to take advantage of government patronage, money and influence in order to advance their agenda.

'So today's definition applies only to government and makes it clear that we will keep these organisations at arm's length so they can't benefit from access to government and its funds.'

He said an 'expert team of civil servants advised by academics' will run a 'very rigorous process of due diligence' to decide whether a group is extremist, with signoff from the Home Secretary and Mr Gove himself.

In a statement, Mr Gove said: 'The pervasiveness of extremist ideologies has become increasingly clear in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks and poses a real risk to the security of our citizens and our democracy.

'This is the work of extreme Right-wing and Islamist extremists who are seeking to separate Muslims from the rest of society and create division within Muslim communities.

'They seek to radicalise individuals, deny people their full rights, suppress freedom of expression, incite hatred and undermine our democratic institutions.

'Today's measures will ensure that government does not inadvertently provide a platform to those setting out to subvert democracy and deny other people's fundamental rights.'

The Communities Secretary will decide which groups are extremist based on advice from civil servants. The only right of appeal will be through seeking a judicial review in the courts.

Officials believe the list of organisations likely to be named as extremist 'will not be long', but refused to comment on whether the definition could suffer so-called 'function creep' and be used in unintended ways  for example, by being cited as evidence in court cases.

The new definition will apply to organisations only, rather than individuals, and has been signed off by the Cabinet, but some ministers remain uneasy that the new mechanism could be abused by a future Labour government.

One Whitehall source said: 'If the wrong government gets in they could potentially extend it into areas which people would not want to see. That is the risk.'

A pro-Palestinian protester stands on a giant lion by Nelson's Column. The new definition will apply to organisations only, rather than individuals

Writing in the Spectator magazine, Toby Young, of the Free Speech Union, said: 'Is there a risk this new definition, which includes phrases like 'aims to... negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others', will also be applied to gender critical feminists, anti-abortion activists and other betes noires of metropolitan radicals?'
The leader of a notorious street gang that has been terrorizing business owners and residents in Colombias capital was arrested earlier this week in Texas, where he was seeking asylum.

Venezuelan national Aderbiss Pirela was taken into custody by federal and local agents in New Braunfels, outside San Antonio, on Tuesday, Homeland Securities Investigations confirmed Wednesday.

Pirela, according to Colombian authorities, is the second-in-command of 'Los Satanas,' and was one of the seven most wanted murderers in Bogota.

In addition, he is also facing drug trafficking and extortion charges.

The arrest of Pirela, who is also known as 'Maracucho' and 'Pedrito,' comes less than a week after Los Satanas assassins shot dead a butcher shop owner and an employee in Bogota.

Venezuelan national Aderbiss Pirela is being held by federal authorities in Texas following his arrest Tuesday. Colombian authorities identified Pirela as the second-in-command of Los Satanas, a gang that operates in Bogota, the country's capital. Pirela faces murder, drug trafficking and extortion charges

The arrest of Los Satanas leader Aderbiss Pirela took place almost a week after gang assassins filmed themselves executing a butcher shop owner in Bogota. The attack also left a worker dead and three others wounded

Bogota Metropolitan Police commander, general Jose Gualdron, revealed that one of the gang members with whom Pirela was in constant contact with is John Uscategui, who oversaw the gangs hired assassins.

Uscategui was arrested Tuesday and allegedly had a role in the March 7 butcher shop attack, according to Colombias Attorney Generals Office.

Three workers were also wounded in the attack that was recorded by one of the gunmen.

Bogota Metropolitan Police commander, general Jose Gualdron, said Pirela migrated from Venezuela to Colombia in June 2023. He was wanted for domestic violence and extortion and was facing two arrest warrants.

Pirela quickly rose in the ranks following the arrest of Los Satanas leader, Jose Vera, this past November in Ecuador.

Various raids netted the arrest of 18 gang members in December, but Pirela and nine others managed to slip past authorities and fled the country.

Gualdron said Pirela illegally crossed into Panama via the Darien Gap and trekked through Central America.

Aderbiss Pirela fled from Colombia in December and reached Mexico on January 1. He then applied for political asylum January 7 in Texas after crossing the border. Federal and local agents captured him Tuesday near San Antonio

Colombian authorities said Venezuelan national Aderbiss Pirela was instructing gang members in Bogota from a migrant shelter in Texas, where he was awaiting his application for asylum to be processed

He said that authorities learned Pirela and other gang members where in Mexico after a selfie was posted on Facebook on January 1.

Gualdron said that Pirela was caught crossing the United States-Mexico border on January 2 and requested political asylum from the United States on January 7.

Investigators would learn on January 27 that he and his associates were operating Los Satanas gang activities from a shelter in Texas and instructing gang members in Bogota.

Gualdron said they were informed by the FBI and HSI that Pirela was in the United States and a search for his whereabouts was launched.

U.S. authorities first searched Denver, where Pirela had listed an address, before they were able to track him down in Texas and arrested him while he was walking on a street Tuesday.

'There will be no territory where these criminals can hide. We will capture them and bring them to justice,' Gualdron said. 'Our priority: ensuring the safety and tranquility of the people of Bogota.'

The Colombian government will be filing a request for Pirela's extradition.
Citizens of Russian border regions Belgorod and Kursk have been warned to flee their homes ahead of what anti-Kremlin rebel groups described as 'massive strikes'.

The Freedom of Russia Legion, a group comprised primarily of Russian citizens opposed to Vladimir Putin fighting on the side of Ukraine, today appealed to the governors of the territories to issue evacuation orders to reduce the number of civilian casualties.

'The liberation of Russian regions from Putin's terrorist regime is underway. Now massive strikes are being launched against Putin's troops in the Belgorod and Kursk regions,' the group wrote on Telegram.

The legion said it would carry out the strikes along with two similar groups, the Russian Volunteer Corps and the Siberian Battalion.

'We call on the authorised persons of these regions, primarily the Governor of the Kursk Region Roman Starovoit and the Governor of the Belgorod Region Vyacheslav Gladkov, to immediately announce an evacuation from the entire territory of the above-mentioned regions and evacuate civilians without delay.

'Civilians should not suffer from the war, and any casualties during the fighting will be on the conscience of Starovoit and Gladkov.

'The operation to liberate the Kursk and Belgorod regions will continue until all goals are achieved. Victory will be ours!' it concluded.

Meanwhile, Russian reports claim their troops repelled a pair of cross-border attacks this week, with the Russian Defence Ministry declaring 195 Ukrainian soldiers and five tanks were eliminated, two days after saying Russian forces had killed 234 Ukrainian troops in another border assault.

But these figures could not be verified, and it was unclear whether these cross-border attacks were launched by Ukraine's armed forces or Russian rebel groups.

Specialists of various services work by a damaged shopping centre following an air attack on Belgorod

This handout photograph published on the official Telegram account of Belgorod mayor Valentin Demidov, on March 12, 2024, shows the damaged Belgorod city hall hit by a drone attack

Service members with the Freedom of Russia Legion under the Ukrainian Army prepare to fire a mortar at a Russian military position

Russian partisans from to so-called Freedom Legion and Siberian Battalion make incursions inside the border from Ukraine in this footage shared on their Telegram channels

The Freedom of Russia Legion is a group comprised primarily of Russian citizens opposed to Vladimir Putin fighting on the side of Ukraine

Governor of Belgorod Region Vyacheslav Gladkov (L) visits the scene of an incident, what local authorities called a Ukrainian missile attack, in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict in Belgorod, Russia

In the hours following the warning issued by the Freedom of Russia Legion this morning, footage emerged on Telegram and social media networks that purported to show a group of Russian civilians running through a wooded area in Belgorod, wearing thick coats and clutching bags of their belongings.

Both Belgorod and Kursk, sitting East of Ukraine's Kharkiv and Sumy regions, have for months suffered intermittent missile and drone attacks by Ukraine's armed forces.

Their location along the Ukrainian border means they are prime targets for Kyiv's forces seeking to destroy factories, sabotage supply lines and hit troops far behind enemy lines.

Belgorod in particular was subjected to a spate of Ukrainian air attacks this week, which according to reports resulted in at least two civilian deaths.

Governor Gladkov declared in a series of extensive Telegram posts today that Ukraine's armed forces were continuing to strike, but issued no evacuation order and did not mention the warning given by the Freedom of Russia Legion.

Instead he told citizens to stay in place, stay away from windows and avoid using transport.

'Today has been a difficult day for you and me... The worst and most difficult thing that could have happened was that two people died and several people were injured,' he wrote today.

'At the end of the day, I will of course tell you how many houses, how many cars were damaged, how much destruction there was.

'There have been many requests to close shopping centres. We have already done this. They are now closing.

'I understand that it is impossible to completely eliminate movement in transport, but please be careful. If there is even the slightest opportunity, then postpone this trip for one or two days.

'Everything that is necessary is being done by our Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, the Federal Security Service, the Border Service, and the Russian Guard... I am sure that victory is ahead.

Kursk governor Stavropoit meanwhile wrote: 'Ukrainian terrorists do not give up their attempts to enter our territory... But the soldiers of the Border Service of the FSB of Russia and the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation did not and will not allow them to do this.

'In a real battle, the enemy fails, but in an information war, each of us must fight back.'

A view of the site after Ukrainian shelling that damaged buildings and vehicles in Belgorod, Russia on March 14, 2024

Smoke rises due to fire at an industrial plant after Ukrainian shelling in Belgorod

Local residents and self-defence unit volunteers participate in an evacuation drill during a simulated emergency over a Ukrainian shelling, in Belgorod, the main city of Russia's southwestern Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, on February 28, 2024

A view shows what Russian Defence Ministry says is a destroyed tank of Ukraine-based armed groups after an attempted incursion into Russian territory

Officials gather around the damaged buildings and cars after a Ukrainian shelling, which killed at least 6 and injured 17 according to Russia's statements in the region of Belgorod, Russia on February 15, 2024

The Ukrainian assaults on Russian territory in recent days, including long-range drone attacks and the alleged incursions by Ukraine-based Russian proxies, have come as Putin heads for near-certain reelection.

Putin has sought to persuade Russians to keep him in power against a backdrop of what he says are foreign threats to the country and as the Ukraine war stretches into its third year.

In a video released this morning, Putin called on Russians to go to the polls, calling participation in the election a 'manifestation of patriotic feeling.'

Claiming that 'the only source of power in our country is the people,' Putin told Russians, 'you must not only cast your vote, but firmly declare your will and aspirations, your personal involvement in the further development of Russia.'

'Elections are a step into the future,' Putin said.

Since coming to power almost 25 years ago, Putin has eliminated nearly all independent media and opposition voices in Russia, particularly after the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Analysts say the Kremlin is worried about low turnout during the three days of voting and needs Russians to participate to give legitimacy to Putin, who is almost certain to win another six-year term.

Sam Greene, with the Center for European Policy Analysis in Washington, called Russia's election 'a sham'.

'The Kremlin controls who's on the ballot. The Kremlin controls how they can campaign... To say nothing of being able to control every aspect of the voting and the vote counting process.'

Russia's exiled opposition figures are calling on Russians to protest against the election by gathering at polling stations at noon on Sunday in a signal that they don't support Putin.

The event has been dubbed 'Noon against Putin' and is being supported by Yulia Navalnaya, the wife of Alexei Navalny, Russia's most prominent opposition leader who died in a remote Arctic penal colony last month - though it is widely believed he was assassinated at the behest of the Kremlin.

Despite Russia's early difficulties in the war, when its assault on Kyiv failed and Western countries came to Ukraine's aid by sending weapons and training troops, the Kremlin's forces now have battlefield initiative, military analysts say.

That is largely because Western aid has petered out due to European shortages and is now being held up in the United States by political differences.

The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, said Russian forces 'have the theater-wide initiative and will be able to determine the time, location, and scale of offensive operations' on the battlefield for the moment.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies said Russia's assault is gaining momentum and the coming months are 'critical to the direction of conflict.'

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday warned that delays in deliveries to Ukraine are costing lives.
WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT

A mum who was stabbed in the neck and set on fire by her estranged US Marine husband desperately pleaded for help from the police, who failed her.

Kelly Wilkinson, 27, was murdered by Brian Earl Johnston in utterly horrific circumstances on April 20, 2021.

She begged cops for help several times before her death, claiming that Johnston had breached his domestic violence order.

He was even allowed to walk free from court on rape charges despite not facing a bail hearing, the Courier-Mail reported.

Eight days later, Ms Wilkinson was dead.

Kelly Wilkinson, 27, was murdered by Brian Earl Johnston in utterly horrific circumstances on April 20, 2021

Johnston must serve 20 years before he can apply for parole - which will not be until after April 2041

Queensland Police admitted its 'failure' to protect the mother after her death and promised to review how it had handled the case.

However, following Johnston's sentencing earlier this week, the force has refused to reveal what findings the review had made.

'We will not be releasing specifics on discipline outcomes of the members involved,' Queensland Police told the Courier-Mail in a statement.

'The QPS will always drive to improve practices and takes all domestic and family violence reports seriously and will never relent in their efforts to protect and support victims and survivors of domestic and family violence and bring perpetrators to justice.

'Everyone has the right to be safe, respected and live without fear of domestic and family violence.'

Ms Wilkinson's sister Danielle Carrol, who is raising her sister's three children, said the outcome of the reviews 'should definitely be public knowledge'.

Ms Wilkinson felt so in danger in the days and weeks before Johnston doused her in petrol and set her on fire that she organised a codeword to warn her family if she was in trouble.

The horrifying detail was revealed as former US marine Brian Earl Johnston was jailed for life on Wednesday.

Ms Wilkinson's sister Danielle Carrol, who is raising her sister's three children, said the outcome of the reviews 'should definitely be public knowledge'

Family members of Ms Wilkinson, 27, spoke of their heartbreak at Johnstons monstrous actions on the morning of April 20, 2021.

It was revealed by a prosecutor Ms Wilkinson was so fearful of her ex that she organised a code - typing the phrase 'I'm considering moving back to Ohio' over the family's group chat as a warning something was wrong.

Johnston must serve 20 years before he can apply for parole - which will not be until after April 2041.

Many of Ms Wilkinson's family were seen entering court wearing sunflower-themed earrings and pins as a tribute to Ms Wilkinson.

The mother-of-three suffered life-threatening burns and could not be saved by emergency services after Johnston, 37, doused her in petrol and set her on fire in the backyard of her Arundel home on April 20, 2021.

On Wednesday he was brought into court by Corrective Services officers wearing a black suit and glasses, with burn scars visible on his face.

Outside court, Ms Carroll said Johnston had inflicted a 'lifetime of immeasurable pain and suffering' through Ms Wilkinson's death.

'All she wanted was to love and be loved; all you gave her was pure evil,' she told media following the sentencing.

'You let in an infinite darkness and my heart aches for her.'

Ms Wilkinson told her sisters Johnston was 'abusive and controlling', eventually telling him to leave the family home

Ms Carroll said Ms Wilkinson's 'beautiful soul' would shine bright throughout her family.

'She is free from you and you can't hurt her anymore,' Ms Carroll said.

Despite the life sentence, Ms Carroll said she couldn't help but feel 'let down' by the prospect of Johnston being given 'a second chance' and possibly receiving parole in 20 years' time.

'He could be free at 55,' she said.

'This is not justice for her, this is not justice for our family, and this is not justice for future victims in our community.

'Our family's journey does not stop here today - it will never end. Which makes me question, who really gets the life sentence?'

Horrific details of Ms Wilkinson's death were revealed in court as crown prosecutor Mark McCarthy read from the statement of facts.

The court was told Ms Wilkinson had separated from Johnston at the time of her death.

The couple were married a month after meeting in America in 2011 following a whirlwind romance, but the relationship soured and Ms Wilkinson moved back to Australia.

Johnston followed her there, attempting to reconcile the relationship.

Mr McCarthy said Ms Wilkinson had told her sisters Johnston was 'abusive and controlling', eventually telling him to leave the family home.

A protection order was eventually taken out on behalf of Ms Wilkinson by police.

Mr McCarthy said Ms Wilkinson had talked with her family about her fear of Johnston, even organising a 'code word' to alert family members if she was in trouble.

The court was told Ms Wilkinson had separated from Johnston at the time of her death

The court was told Johnston was accused of sexually assaulting and raping Ms Wilkinson in the weeks prior to her murder.

But Johnston has disputed the allegations, which are yet to go to trial in the District Court in Southport at a later date.

Johnston's behaviour continued to unravel in the weeks leading up to her murder, claiming to co-workers he was feeling suicidal.

During drinks with another person on April 18, 2021, Johnston asked him: 'If something happens to me, will you be the one to tell everyone I am a good person?'

On the day of Ms Wilkinson's murder, Johnston was dressed in black, carrying a duffel bag and wearing a black mask when he entered the Arundel home.

There, he doused his former wife in petrol and setting her alight.

Mr McCarthy said the horrific act in the home's backyard was witnessed by neighbours, one of whom heard the sounds of an argument and a woman screaming 'please stop'.

The neighbour said he saw Johnston emptying the jerry can, including onto himself, before seeing flames climb a metre high.

The court was told he was seen jumping in the pool to extinguish the flames on his body.

Police later tracked a badly-burned Johnston to a nearby street with a dog squad and following a trail of blood.

'He was lying on his back and had lacerations to both wrists, burns to his arms, hands, airways and face,' Mr McCarthy said.

'His clothing smelled strongly of petrol.'

Police discovered a duffel bag belonging to Johnston filled with tape, rope fashioned into a hangman's noose and zipties.

The court was told Johnston was accused of sexually assaulting and raping Ms Wilkinson in the weeks prior to her murder

He submitted Johnston planned to use the items to restrain Ms Wilkinson before taking her life, and his own.

Multiple stab wounds were also discovered on Ms Wilkinson's body, inflicted by a knife Johnston had brought with him.

It was found at the bottom of the same pool he had jumped in to extinguish the flames.

Multiple victim impact statements from Ms Wilkinson's family and friends were read out in court remembering Ms Wilkinson's cheeky, bubbly personality.

Reading from her victim impact statement Ms Carroll said Johnston had robbed her of her baby sister - her 'best friend and confidante'.

She spoke of the overwhelming grief she felt the moment her father Reg called her to say Johnston had killed Ms Wilkinson.

'There is no way to articulate the depth of loss my family and I have had to endure,' Ms Carroll said.

'Not only taking her life, but her body as well.

'I couldn't hold her hand, kiss her on the forehead. You robbed me of giving her the proper goodbye she deserved.'

Ms Carroll's husband and Ms Wilkinson's brother-in-law Reece spoke of his attempts to help Johnston throughout his life, even helping him move to Australia from the US, not realising he was a 'monster'.

'It's taken me eight long years to realise there's no helping a monster like you,' he said.

'I once called you brother - once.'

Mr Carroll asked how anyone could so such an 'unforgivable' act to someone they claimed to love.

'This is pure unrepentant evil and you did this. You did all of this,' he continued.

Wednesday's act follows years of waiting for the grieving Wilkinson family as the case tracked through the magistrates court.

In February, during an arraignment at Brisbane Supreme Court, he pleaded guilty to the charge of murder - just weeks away from a scheduled trial in the same court.

Natalie, Ms Wilkinson's other sister, said her life changed completely upon losing Ms Wilkinson.

She told the court she spent more than a year 'stuck in bed', losing relationships and struggling to communicate with her friends.

'I will never get to have another conversation with her, or have one last hug.'

In imposing the life sentence, Justice Applegarth said there were signs Johnston had formed a premeditated plan to kill his ex-wife.

'There was planning and premeditation: turning up at her home with a 20L can of petrol, with items in a camouflage bag, dressed in black and with a black mask on your head,' he said.

'I cannot be sure how precisely you intended to kill your wife, and then yourself.

'The mask, the duct tape, the knives, and the petrol tell us that you had a premeditated plan to detain her and to kill her.

'You obviously wanted to silence her from being a witness in pending proceedings. You may have simply wanted to kill her because you had lost control of her and thought she should be your possession.'

Kim Bryson, Johnston's defence barrister, said her client had grown up exposed to violence, compounded by his service in the US marines.

During two tours of Iraq in 2007 and 2009 he was exposed to nerve agents, a colleague's suicide and 'severely' injured children.

Johnston was diagnosed with depression and ADHD at the time and was encouraged not to seek treatment, the court was told.

Ms Bryson said he otherwise had good employment history in mechanical work since his medical discharge from the marines.

She said her client suffered severe third degree burns to 20 per cent of his body and contracted a staph infection which now required ongoing treatment.

Johnston was supported by his mother, who had travelled from the US, in court.

Despite Johnston's 'deluded and antediluvian beliefs', Justice Applegarth said Johnston clearly had formed an intention to kill before arriving at home.

Justice Applegarth found Johnston had an intent to kill before arriving at the home despite it being such an 'unforgivable, irrational and deluded' act.

'Kelly Wilkinson was not yours to control,' he said.

'You ignored her dignity and her autonomy.

'You violated her security in breach of a court order for her protection. You brutally killed her in a sustained attack with knives and burnt her to death.'
The court hearing for a British woman accused of killing a four month baby in a horror road crash had to be abandoned after she suffered a panic attack and was unable to give any evidence.

A judge at the Arrecife Court ruled that Olivia Brown was 'not fit' to make a statement and give her version about Monday's accident in the resort of Playa Blanca.

Court sources said the 23-year-old was 'distraught and unable to answer any questions', as the hearing was suspended in dramatic circumstances.

An investigating judge decided to release the hotel worker on bail while a new date was arranged, and has ordered her to report to a police station on the 1st and 15th of each month.

A court spokesman said: 'The forensic examiner has ruled that she was not in a fit state to make a statement, so an attempt will be made in the future.

'For the time being she has been provisionally released as the suspected author of a crime of manslaughter and another of driving under the influence of alcohol, toxic drugs, narcotics or psychotropic substances...'

The driver has been named as 23-year-old Olivia Brown, with officials saying she tested positive for both drink and drugs at the scene

Olivia Brown was ushered into Edifcio Judicial Arrecife de Lanzarote through the back door in a police van

Shocking images of the scene showed police and paramedics working desperately on the stricken pedestrians in the aftermath of the crash

A well-placed source added: 'The decision was in line with the public prosecutor's stance.

'The public prosecutor present at the hearing did not demand her remand in prison.'

It was not immediately clear this afternoon if the Brit suspect had been taken to hospital.

Her passport was confiscated and she is not allowed to leave Lanzarote.

Ms Brown was smuggled into court at 9am this morning for her first appearance before a judge on the island of Lanzarote.

She was taken in through a back entrance to be quizzed about the fatal accident in the resort of Playa Blanca, which saw six injured including the baby's parents and maternal grandparents.

The expat has been under house arrest since her 'out of control' car slammed into the British family as they were walking near their holiday villa. A Swedish mum and daughter, who had only been on the island three hours, were also injured.

Police have said Brown was over the 0.25mg legal limit for driving. She had also tested positive for drugs, but it is not known if this was over the legal limit.

Brown will be charged with manslaughter and could be jailed for up to 25 years, according to local police.

Under Spanish law her court appearance is in a closed hearing where she will be asked questions about the incident.

She will have been appointed a lawyer to represent her during the hearing and is likely to be given bail and allowed to return home while still under house arrest.

Unlike the British court system media do not have access to the courts and cannot attend the hearings.

Brown is understood to have been offered counselling following the crash on Monday evening when the four month old girl was killed instantly.

Eye witnesses described hearing piercing screams and watched as the mother attempted to revive her baby while others attended to the injured.

The newborn's father was critically injured, and the maternal grandmother also suffered serious injuries and they remain in intensive care.

The family's name and where they are from the UK has not been released by local authorities.

Police sources said Brown was brought into the court via back entrance to avoid waiting media outside the entrance

Ms Brown is currently under house arrest and could be jailed for causing the death of the new-born baby

The maternal grandfather and mother were also injured, but did not suffer life changing injuries. They remain in hospital.

A 34-year-old Swedish woman was also seriously injured and suffered three heart attacks while in hospital.

She is still listed in a critical condition having been flown to Gran Canaria for specialist treartment. Her daughter remains in Lanzarote at a hospital in Arrecife.

A witness to the accident, a man in his 40s, was at the courthouse waiting to be called to give his statement before the examining judge.

Yaiza Municipal police chief Vladamir Guadalupe was also at the court, but refused to make any comment as he left.

It comes as the paternal grandparents of the baby killed arrived on the island on Wednesday afternoon and went straight to the Doctor Molina Orosa Hospital hospital to see those injured.

A well-placed source said: 'The father and maternal grandmother remain in intensive care but will both pull through. Their lives are not in danger.

'The other two British nationals, the baby's mum and maternal grandfather, are also still in hospital but are on a ward.

'They were all aware the little girl, who was four-and-a-half months old, had died from the first moment despite their injuries and they're obviously absolutely devastated.'

Another source said: 'The baby's paternal grandparents arrived in Lanzarote yesterday afternoon and headed straight to the hospital.'

The female driver, who went to school in Lanzarote after moving to the island as a child, has been under house arrest.

Yaiza Town Hall, which covers Playa Blanca in the south of Lanzarote where the accident occurred, said in a statement afterwards she 'showed signs of being under the influence of alcohol and drugs.'

Police on the island told MailOnline that they believe Brown was over the legal limit for alcohol when her 'out of control' car mounted the pavement and slammed into the family.

The other two people injured in Monday evening's accident, also pedestrians, were a Swedish mother and daughter who had only just arrived in Lanzarote.

The younger of the two women, a 34-year-old was airlifted to a hospital on the neighbouring island of Gran Canaria.

Yaiza Municipal police chief Vladimir Guadalupe told MailOnline on Wednesday that the Swedish mother is in a critical condition.

A moment of silence was held in the centre of Yaiza on Wednesday outside the Mayors office, where locals turned up to show their respect

Yaiza Municipal police chief Vladimir Guadalupe (pictured) told MailOnline the Swedish mother is in a critical condition

He said her heart and stopped three times and she had to be resuscitated.

The pair had only been in Lanzarote for three hours and were walking back to their hotel when they were struck.

The driver told police at the scene the steering on her car had blocked.

A source close to the ongoing investigation said of Brown: 'She has locked herself in her house and switched her phone off.

'Like the crash victims, she has also been offered professional help to assist her in dealing with the enormity of what has happened.'

Brown lives on the island with her parents and is understood to work at a hotel in the resort of Playa Blanca where the accident took place.

Her social media shows scenes of sunset on the island, posing in front of palm trees and with her mother.

The identity of the British family involved in the horrific accident has not been revealed. They were due to leave the island on Sunday, according to police.

Police chief Guadalupe said: 'The investigation is still on going and could be another week. The driver will appear in court but I cannot say yet what the charges will be.

'The legal limit for alcohol is 0.25 and this person was over that limit and the charge will reflect that.'

The death of the newborn has shocked the island  a popular winter sun destination with British tourists - and the Mayor Osca Noda declared two days of mourning with flags to fly at half mast.

More than 30 people led by the Mayor and including emergency service workers who were first on the scene took part in a solemn one minute silence outside the town hall.

Mayor Noda said the death of the baby has had a huge impact on local residents.

'We are full of sorrow over such a tragic accident. This is something that has not happened here, and people are very shocked,' he said.

Mayor Oscar Noda (pictured) said the death of the baby has had a huge impact on local residents

'We are doing all we can to support the family who are still in hospital.

Adil De Toro, a local doctor on the island was among the town hall staff who took part in the one-minute silence.

He described how in the aftermath of the incident he and others rushed to the scene to offer any assistance they could.

He said: 'The government has called this meeting to make a point about how rare and sad this event is.

'These things never happen here. It has affected the opinion of the island. The police have to investigate exactly what happened whilst she is under house arrest.

'I ran to the scene after it happened to see if they needed assistance. There was a team of ambulances working around all the injured. It was horrible.'

Hotel director Miguel Angel Sordo told how he ran from the HL Rio Playa Blanca hotel when he heard piercing screams from passers-by who had witnessed the tragedy.

A five-month baby was killed and several others injured after being mowed down by a car which mounted the pavement in the Lanzarote tourist resort of Playa Blanca

Emergency workers attend the scene of the crash

He said the mum of the baby was desperately trying to revive the baby boy.

He said: 'The baby was lying on the floor and a blonde lady dressed in black was trying to revive him. The health workers arrived immediately and took care of the baby.

'I offered to help them and some health workers asked me to keep the victims who were lying on the ground awake and to speak to them in English so that they would be conscious.

'Then more paramedics arrived and, together with the rest, took charge of caring for all the injured.'

Emotions among locals was running high over the death crash.

Ambulances are seen outside of the hospital near Playa Blanca following the incident

One man, who preferred to stay anonymous, suggested the opinion of the island is that she be made an 'example of' if guilty.

He said: 'The entire island is very upset and shaken by this incident, we want an example to be made.

'The road where the terrible crash took place is very hard to have an accident on.

'When you see the impact the vehicle had on the wall, it's very clear she was moving at speed. If she was using drink and drugs while she was driving she should go to prison for this.'
The impeachment trial for Department of Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas will take place after the next batch of critical government funding bills are settled, House Speaker Mike Johnson said Thursday.

The update on the trial comes almost exactly a month after the House voted to impeach Mayorkas for high crimes and misdemeanors relating to his handling of the U.S.-Mexico border.

House leadership has been quiet on how the proceedings will play out, hardly providing any detail on the process since Mayorkas was impeached on February 13.

The two articles of impeachment accuse Mayorkas of failing to enforce immigration law and lying to Congress about the state of the southern border.

Mayorkas, 64, is now only the second cabinet secretary to be impeached and the first in nearly 150 years.

'The investigation has been slow and deliberate and methodical as it must be,' House Speaker Mike Johnson said Thursday morning at the House GOP retreat in West Virginia. 'We did pass the articles of impeachment on Mayorkas out of the House, and that is awaiting the Senate trial.'

The speaker said the reason the articles have not been delivered to the Senate yet is because Congress needs to focus on avoiding a government shutdown.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said Thursday the House will deliver the Mayorkas articles of impeachment to the Senate after Congress passes the remaining 2024 government funding

DHS Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas was impeached by the House on February 13

'The reason for it is because we're in the middle of funding the government in the appropriations process and the way the procedure works is once the articles of impeachment are transmitted to the Senate, we have a short window within which to process them,' Johnson said.

Congress narrowly avoided a government shutdown last Friday after the Senate passed a critical funding bill the day before money for six federal agencies was set to expire.

The $460 billion package was the first appropriations bill Congress has passed this year - despite the funding being due before the 2024 fiscal year, which began October 1, 2023.

That massive package included funding for a variety of federal departments like Agriculture, Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy-Water, Interior-Environment, Military Construction-VA and Transportation and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under one vote.

Now, another bunch of federal funding deadlines come March 22 for the six remaining government agencies. Congress is expected to lump together those bills into measures that could be decided in one to two votes.

The remaining six bills that need to be passed are for the Departments of Defense, Financial Services, Homeland Security, Labor-HHS-Education, State-Foreign Operations and the Legislative Branch.

The Department of Homeland Security, which Mayorkas runs, oversees U.S. borders

Under Mayorkas, over 7.2 million migrants have illegally entered the U.S.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's office has said Senators will be sworn in as jurors in Mayorkas' impeachment trial the day after the House delivers the articles

Passing those measures would provide funding for the government through September 30, 2024, meaning Congress has under seven months to pass government appropriations packages for 2025.

With just over a week to pass those funding packages, Johnson said Mayorkas' trial can be put on the back burner.

'We didn't want to interrupt the Senate and their floor time and their deliberation on appropriations because we would risk shutting the government down,' he said.

'It will be done in due course as soon as we wrap that process up and I think the appropriations process is very close to being wound up.'

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, meanwhile, has previously said the chamber will be ready to act whenever the House delivers the articles.

'The House impeachment managers will present the articles of impeachment to the Senate following the state work period. Senators will be sworn in as jurors in the trial the next day. Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray will preside,' his office said in a February statement.

Still, the two chambers are working to coordinate timing on the process.

'The House and Senate are still working to determine a workable date for the House to transmit the articles and for the Senate to receive them,' a Johnson staffer told DailyMail.com.

Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, told DailyMail.com failing to hold a thorough trial in the Senate 'would be a grave mistake'

The House-appointed impeachment managers are Reps. Mark Green, R-Tenn., Michael McCaul, R-Texas, Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., Clay Higgins, R-La., Ben Cline, R-Va., Mike Guest, R-Miss., Andrew Garbarino, R-N.Y., Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., August Pfluger, R-Texas, Harriet Hageman, R-Wyo., and Laurel Lee, R-Fla.

And the managers are eager to share their case.

'Any Senator who votes to dismiss the impeachment articles is dismissing the legitimate concerns the American people have about the border crisis,' Rep. Pfluger told DailyMail.com in a statement.

'A failure to hold a thorough trial that lays the evidence out would be a grave mistake.'

Once the House delivers the articles of impeachment to the Senate, Senators would soon thereafter be sworn in as jurors and oversee Mayorkas' trial.

As Democrats control the chamber, Schumer is expected to expedite and dismiss the charges against Mayorkas.
A Crohn's disease sufferer who had to have his bowel removed after catching a stomach bug on a work trip to India has been awarded 800,000 in compensation.

Martin Smith, 62, said his company Primetals Technologies Ltd didn't consider the risk of sending him on the week-long trip to the sub-continent given his pre-existing bowel condition.

While he was working away he took safety precautions when around food but became extremely unwell with abdominal cramps, sickness and diarrhoea after a few days.

The site systems engineer from Bournemouth, Dorset, received no medical treatment and was forced to return to the UK, where doctors discovered he had been exposed to an infection which had triggered a flare-up of his disease.

His condition continued to deteriorate, meaning he had to have two major surgeries at Poole Hospital, including a complex procedure which resulted in the removal of his large bowel and led to him having a stoma bag fitted.

Mr Smith worked for the company for more than 30 years, but said he was 'hung out to dry' when he needed their help and support the most.

Martin Smith, 62, said his company Primetals Technologies Ltd didn't consider the risk of sending him on the week-long trip to the sub-continen

Doctors at Poole Hospital discovered he had been exposed to an infection which had triggered a flare-up of his condition

He has now received 800,000 in a compensation care package from the London-based firm, as more could and should have been done to prevent him from harm.

Mr Smith had previously been diagnosed with Crohn's disease and after taking some time off work, returned to the company in January 2019 on a part-time basis.

In April 2019, he was asked by his employer to go on the trip to India.

It is very common for westerners to suffer from upset stomachs when they travel to India as they struggle to adjust to the climate and local food.

Mr Smith said: 'When I was sent to India my company gave no consideration to my needs or my medical condition, or the risks that I faced as a person.

'To them, I was just a worker going to do a job. When I was first taken ill I was in so much pain that I was prepared to do anything to make that stop.

'Afterwards though, the enormity of what had happen to me hit.'

The illness has left Mr Smith bed ridden and unable to do the job he loves ever again.

He now relies on nurses for the constant care and treatment he needs to help live with the condition.

Mr Smith added: 'My whole world had imploded. After the first operation I was seriously ill for months.

'My wound became infected and I was bed ridden, relying on district nurses coming in to help look after me.

'It has been extremely difficult to come to terms with what has happened and the way that I have been treated.

'I can no longer do the job I loved, and I need constant care and treatment to help me manage my condition. That's not the life I had planned.'

Following his ordeal, Mr Smith was referred by his union Unite, to Thompsons Solicitors to investigate if more could and should have been done to prevent him from harm.

Even though the company denied liability in the case, Mr Smith's legal team was able to secure him the compensation care package.

Mr Smith said he hopes 'nobody else' has to go through what he's experienced.

Even though the company denied liability in the case, Mr Smith's legal team was able to secure him the compensation care package

He said: 'I really hope that by speaking out about my ordeal, lessons are learnt and that my employer and other companies that send people abroad do more than just tick the box regarding risk assessments.

'My life has been completely turned upside down, and I hope no one ever has to go through what I have moving forward.

'I am very grateful to Thompsons and Unite for the support and guidance I have received over the last few years.

'Thanks to their help, I have at least some financial security.'

Solicitor Neil Richards said the case has highlighted the need for companies to consider the health and safety of employees at all times - even when working abroad.

He said: 'With an increasingly dynamic and mobile workforce, this case highlights the need for employers who send staff members overseas to consider the wider health and safety implications.

'It's simply not enough to take an out-of-sight, out-of-mind approach.'

Primetals Technologies Ltd, which provide metal producers with technological solutions and services, been contacted for a comment.
The deadly H5N1 bird flu virus has spread more aggressively than ever before in wild birds and marine mammals since arriving in South America in 2022, raising the risk of it evolving into a bigger threat to humans, according to interviews with eight scientists.

Of more immediate concern is evidence the disease, once largely confined to bird species, appears to be spreading between mammals. This strain has already killed a handful of dolphins in Chile and Peru, some 50,000 seals and sea lions along the coasts, and at least half a million birds regionwide.

To confirm mammal-to-mammal transmission, scientists would likely need to test infections in live animals.

"It's almost certainly happened," said Richard Webby, a virologist at St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. "It's pretty hard to explain some of these large infections and die off without having mammal-to-mammal spread."

The strain has shown up in dozens of bird species, including some migrating species, which can spread it beyond the region, scientists told Reuters.

As climate change escalates, animals will be forced to move into new territories, mixing with one another in new ways and possibly boosting opportunities for the virus to further mutate.

"It's a matter of time before you will detect the first South American strain in North America," said Alonzo Alfaro-Nunez, a viral ecologist at University of Copenhagen.

Human risk

The growing concern has prompted the 35 countries in the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to convene regional health experts and officials at a meeting this week in Rio de Janeiro.

The group plans to launch the world's first regional commission to oversee bird flu monitoring and response efforts, a PAHO official told Reuters. This has not been previously reported.

Since the virus was first detected in Colombia in October 2022, there have been two known cases in humans on the continent, one each in Ecuador and Chile. Both came from exposure to infected birds.

While those patients survived, H5N1 bird flu is deadly to humans in roughly 60 percent of cases worldwide.

The World Health Organization is unlikely to raise the risk level for humans from the current "low" without evidence of human-to-human transmission or mutations adapted to human receptors, experts said.

Drugmakers, including GSK and Moderna, have said they are developing bird flu vaccines for humans, and have the capacity to produce hundreds of million so doses within months utilizing production lines used for seasonal flu vaccines.

"We're seeing (the virus) doing little evolutionary steps that are on the long-term moving towards a potential human infection," said Ralph Vanstreels, a University of California, Davis researcher studying South American variants of H5N1.

Every year, Argentina's Peninsula Valdes on the windswept Atlantic coast teems with densely packed elephant seals rearing pups.

Last November, Vanstreels came across a grim scene: hundreds of dead and rotting pups on the beach. Researchers estimate 17,400 pups died, nearly all born to the colony that year.

For each of those pups to have been infected by birds is highly unlikely, scientists said. Pups usually have contact only with their mothers, leading scientists to suspect this is how it spread.

Vanstreels is part of a group of scientists working to trace the virus' genetic mutations in South America.

In a draft paper posted on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, they analyzed samples from sea lions, seals and birds from up the coast from Peninsula Valdes. Comparing the genomes from these samples with those collected in North America in 2022 and Asia earlier, the team identified nine new mutations.

The same mutations were found in samples collected in 2022 and 2023 in Chile and Peru, which were also hit by mass mortality of sea lions and birds.

"This is the first time this virus is so adapted to wildlife," Vanstreels said. "Clearly something happened in Peru and in northern Chile where they acquired these new mutations."

In the draft paper, researchers noted that the same mutations were present in one of the continent's two human cases, a 53-year-old man who lived one block from the seashore where seabirds congregated.

Researchers said that case "highlights the potential threat posed by these viruses to public health."

Regional response

With health officials and experts meeting in Rio this week, Latin American countries will be pressed to boost disease surveillance in the wild.

The region's patchy data and limited resources has left scientists struggling to understand how the disease is spreading in the wild, with the number of cases likely much higher than reported. Some cases are not being sampled or lab-tested, scientists said.

Bolivia, for example, did not register a case in the wild last year, though the disease has been detected in surrounding countries, said Manuel Jose Sanchez Vazquez, epidemiology coordinator for PAHO's veterinary health center.

Managing the disease response can also be complex, Sanchez noted. Threats to humans are dealt with by public health officials, while threats to poultry or livestock fall to agriculture or veterinary authorities. In wild animals, the purview typically falls to environmental officials.

The new regional commission, expected to be announced on Thursday, would aim to set standard protocols for monitoring, handling and reporting cases among various government agencies. It could also help in pooling laboratory resources, Sanchez said.

"We are worried and we are vigilant," Sanchez said. "The more adaptation of the virus to mammals, the more likely it is that transmission to humans could happen." (Reuters)
Former President Donald Trump rebuffed an offer to speak at the House GOP retreat in West Virginia, instead choosing to appear at a Florida court case related to his handling of classified documents.

The former president joined more than 100 House Republicans who chose to skip out their annual retreat, where GOP leadership hopes to get its free-wheeling conference behind a united message after months of inner turmoil.

Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters on Thursday he will impress upon members the importance of 'stand[ing] together' as they discuss their strategy on the economy, border and foreign policy.

Trump rebuffed an offer to speak at the House GOP retreat in West Virginia , instead choosing to appear at a Florida court case related to his handling of classified documents

But the message from House GOP leadership at the conference was one of grievances, insistent that America is in a state of 'decline.'

The only way to turn it around is to stop the fighting, so says the speaker.

'Everyone says the next election cycle is the most important one of our lifetimes. We're all accustomed to saying that, we say it every election cycle. Everybody knows this one truly is,' Johnson said.

'We have entire industries, sectors in the economy facing existential threats ... the world is a tinderbox right now, because our stature on the world stage has been diminished,' he went on. 'There are so many problems.'

'We have to stand together stick together. Get the job done,' said Johnson. I'm absolutely convinced if we do that. They're going to expand our house majority give us the Senate and the Republicans will take the White House as well and then we will all be in a much better mood next January because the agenda will change 180 degrees.'

But a stay at the plush Greenbrier Resort in the Allegheny Mountains was not enough to entice more than half of House Republicans.

A stay at the plush Greenbrier Resort in the Allegheny Mountains was not enough to entice more than half of House Republicans

The 710-room resort, steeped in history with the dated, gaudy decor to match, has hosted 28 presidents in addition to political retreats.

But five months after the deadline, the House has only passed half of its spending bills and has tabled work on supplemental aid for Israel, Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific, FISA Section 702 reform and bipartisan border and immigration reform.

'Why aren't we here [in DC] unifying on legislation instead of doing messaging conferences?' one GOP member told DailyMail.com.

Less than 100 members will be attending the gathering, DailyMail.com has confirmed, with others choosing to head home for a long weekend or hit the campaign trail.

'My guess is that traditional, commonsense Republicans have no interest in subjecting themselves to a pointless retreat when the clowns have overrun the circus and made Congress more dysfunctional than ever before,' one senior GOP aide who works for an office that will not be attending told DailyMail.com.

Another senior GOP aide noted that many members are in the heat of primaries.

The former president joined more than 100 House Republicans who chose to skip out their annual retreat, where GOP leadership hopes to get its free-wheeling conference behind a united message after months of inner turmoil

The 710-room resort, steeped in history with the dated, gaudy decor to match, has hosted 28 presidents in addition to Republican retreats

Less than 100 members will be attending the GOP gathering, DailyMail.com has confirmed, with others choosing to head home for a long weekend or hit the campaign trail

'There are more important things to accomplish in the district,' the aide told DailyMail.com. 'We're united behind Speaker Johnson, but it's time to do the work back home to keep him as speaker.'

Earlier this week House Republicans defied Trump when they voted resoundingly in favor of a bill that could potentially ban TikTok.

The legislation, which passed 352-65, would force Chinese Communist Party (CCP)-affiliated ByteDance to divest TikTok or else face a ban in the U.S.

Trump had expressed concerns that banning TikTok would give more power to 'enemy of the people' Facebook.

Frankly, there are a lot of people on TikTok that love it, he said during an interview on CNBC. 'There are a lot of young kids on TikTok who will go crazy without it. There are a lot of users, theres a lot of good and theres a lot of bad with TikTok.'

When Trump was president, he attempted to wrest control of TikTok from ByteDance, but was blocked by U.S. courts.

Asked by DailyMail.com how she squares Trump's apparent opposition to the bill with its wide House GOP support, Trump-allied Stefanik claimed Republicans are aligned with the 'Trump administration' - which tried get ByteDance to divest shortly before turning power over to Joe Biden.

'From a national security perspective, if you look at the Trump administration, they had a very strong position when it came to TikTok, when it came to banning Tiktok, in terms of it being a national security threat,' she said.

'So it's squarely where President Trump is where his administration is, and I do think we need to go on offense on again, Facebook, Twitter, and these other outlets where there are major, major issues.'

Meanwhile Trump's Thursday hearing, in front of U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, will center on interpretations of the Presidential Records Act. Trump's lawyers say it gave him the authority to designate documents as his personal property and keep them after leaving office.

He stands accused of hoarding government files at his Mar-a-Lago estate after he left the White House and then obstructing efforts to recover them.
Donald Trump looked on as the judge in his classified documents case on Thursday laid out the challenge his team faced in trying to throw out the charges against him.

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon did not immediately rule on the former president's motion to dismiss the case, but she said striking down a statute as he had argued would be 'quite an extraordinary step.'

Trump sat quietly at the defense table with his hands clasped throughout proceedings, listening intently to the discussion.

Across from him sat Special Counsel Jack Smith, prosecutor and Trump nemesis.

Afterwards, Trump, 77, flashed a thumbs up sign as he was driven away from federal court in Fort Pierce past supporters.

Donald Trump, 77, flashed a thumbs up sign to supporters as he was driven away from federal court in Fort Pierce after a hearing in his classified documents case

Supporters of former President Donald Trump cheer as he arrives at federal court

He stands accused of hoarding government files at his Mar-a-Lago estate after he left the e and then obstructing efforts to recover them.

But on Thursday morning he arrived in court after a string of legal victories.

On Wednesday, a judge in Atlanta threw out six charges in a huge conspiracy case against Trump and associates, accused of trying to overturn the 2020 election result in Georgia.

And last week, the Supreme Court ruled that Colorado, or any other state, did not have the power to strike him from ballots because of the 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

The issue on Thursday was whether or not the documents case should proceed.

Arguments focus on a law that make it a crime for an unauthorized person to willfully retain national defense information. That charge forms the basis of 32 of the 40 felony counts against Trump in the case.

Defense lawyer Emil Bove said ambiguity in the statue permits what he called a 'selective' enforcement by the Justice Department, leading to Trump being charged but enabling others to avoid prosecution.

Bove said that includes President Joe Biden, the recent subject of a harshly critical report by special counsel Robert Hur on the president's handling of classified information.

'The court's obligation is to strike the statute and say "Congress, get it right,"' Bove told Cannon.

She has repeatedly pointed out that no former president has ever been charged with mishandling classified documents, and made the same point Thursday.

Jay Bratt, a prosecutor with special counsel Jack Smith's team, responded that there has never been another situation 'remotely similar to this one.'

Earlier he offered as defiant fist as he was driven to the hearing on Thursday morning

One of the vehicles in Trump's motorcade on Thursday morning

Supporters congregated outside the courthouse on Thursday morning

Images from inside Mar-a-Lago shows stacks of boxes of classified documents in a bathroom. This was included in the indictment

The case exploded into public view in August 2022 when the FBI searched Mar-a-Lago, Trump's Florida home and political headquarters

The hearing centered on interpretations of the Presidential Records Act. Trump's lawyers say it gave him the authority to designate documents as his personal property and keep them after leaving office.

Special Counsel Jack Smith instead says the charges relate to presidential records and that the act does not apply to the sort of classified documents recovered from Mar-a-Lago.

In a filing last week, his team said the act 'does not exempt Trump from the criminal law, entitle him to unilaterally declare highly classified presidential records to be personal records, or shield him from criminal investigations  let alone allow him to obstruct a federal investigation with impunity.'

Trump's legal team is hoping that Cannon's ruling will mean the case is thrown out before it even gets to a jury.

And she has in the past hinted that his status as a former president meant he might be treated differently.

This week Trump insisted again that he did nothing wrong.

In an interview with Newsmax, he said the issue was being handled 'very legally' before the 'corrupt' FBI raided his Florida home in the summer in August 2022.

'I was dealing with them,' Trump said. 'We were dealing fine. And then all of a sudden they raided this house. They raided Mar-a-Lago.'

An itemized list of property seized in the execution of a search warrant by the FBI at former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, shows documents listed as 'Secret,' 'Confidential' and 'Top Secret'

Photos released as part of the indictment against former President Donald Trump show boxes of documents stacked in rooms across his Mar-a-Lago estate

People wait for a moving van after boxes were moved out of the Eisenhower Executive Office building inside the White House complex, on Jan. 14, 2021, in Washington, as the Trump administrations enters its final days in office

Armed Secret Service agents outside Mar-a-Lago on Aug 8, 2022

Former President Donald Trump blasted the federal government's handling of his classified documents case in a Wednesday interview with Newsmax

And he said authorities were operating double standards by not pursuing charges against President Joe Biden, who also kept documents after his term as vice president ended.

'But they release Biden,' he raged.

Trump became the presumptive Republican nominee for the 2024 election on Tuesday.

Latest polls suggest he has a five-point lead over Biden in their rematch of the 2020 election.

The former president faces 40 felony counts in Florida, accusing him of willfully keeping dozens of classified documents and failing to act on demands that they be returned.

Prosecutors in recent court filings have stressed the scope of criminal conduct that they say they expect to prove at trial, saying in one that 'there has never been a case in American history in which a former official has engaged in conduct remotely similar to Trump's.
Wynn Resorts has unveiled its ambitious plans for a massive $12 billion casino complex in Hudson Yards along Manhattan's west side.

New renderings released by the firm show an 80-story tower overlooking the Hudson River featuring a hotel and gaming facility. The pointed metal casino tower would be surrounded by a 5.6-acre park as well as other office and apartment buildings.

Pedestrians walking the High Line, an abandoned rail line converted into a park on Manhattan's west side, would be able to wander directly past the site and enter the massive resort between West 30th Street and 33rd Streets and 11th and 12 Avenues.

In a rendering of the planned development from the Hudson River a shiny office building and residential tower stand to the right of the casino resort tower.

However, approval will have to come from the state, which is deciding whether to award casino licenses in Big Apple - with another gaming site proposed in Queens.

Wynn Resorts has unveiled its ambitious plans for a $12 billion casino complex in the Hudson Yards area of Manhattan

Flashy renderings released by the firm show an 80-story tower overlooking the Hudson River featuring a hotel and gaming house

Pedestrians walking the High Line would be able to wander directly past the site and enter the massive resort between West 30th Street and 33rd Streets and 11th and 12 Avenues

The Wynn project also includes a 750-seat public school, a community facility and a daycare center at the massive complex.

If the Hudson Yards West project gets the go ahead it could provide 35,000 union construction jobs and 5,000 permanent careers in the resort, the developers claim.

The planned hotel could be a convenient stop for visitors attending events at the Javits Center next door, Wynn officials argue.

'As the leading designer, developer, and operator of premium gaming resorts in the world, Wynn New York City will attract luxury and aspirational travelers to our destination resort in Hudson Yards' Craig Billings, CEO of Wynn Resorts told the New York Post.

'Wynn guests consistently spend more when they travel' he explained.

Adding: 'That results in greater tax revenues for the city and state and more spending in the local community, all with less foot traffic than might be required at other resorts.'

'Hudson Yards has already proven to be an unparalleled catalyst for the New York economy, first through tens of thousands of construction jobs and now as home to the world's leading companies, retail and housing,' Jeff Blau, CEO of Related Companies told the New York Post.

'Moving forward with the second phase of development presents an incredible opportunity to double the impact and provide generational benefits to the State, City, and especially our West Side neighbors' he explained.

The planned hotel could be a convenient stop for visitors attending events at the Javits Center next door developers argue

If the Hudson Yards West project gets the go ahead it could provide 35,000 union construction jobs and 5,000 permanent careers in the resort, the developers claim

New York state is currently deciding on whether to award up to three casino licenses in New York City, Long Island and the northern suburbs. One proposal is for a massive park and casino complex in Queens (pictured)

Adding: 'We look forward to completing our vision for the neighborhood in partnership with Wynn Resorts and revealing full project plans as part of our application to New York State.'

New York state is currently deciding on whether to award up to three casino licenses in New York City, Long Island and the northern suburbs.

'New York needs revenue [and] the licenses are sitting on a shelf, collecting dust and doing nothing for our people,' Sen. Joseph Addabbo, who chairs the state's racing, gaming and wagering committee, told the Gothamist.

Any granted casino would have to pay a license fee of at least $500 million.

One such bidder for the slot in Queens is Steve Cohen, the owner of the New York Mets.

Cohen's plans include an $8 billion gaming center, hotel, and music venue near Citi Field that he has dubbed 'Metropolitan Park.'

However, not all in Albany are agreeing with New York City. Sen. Liz Krueger told the Gothamist that the risk of a casino outweighs any potential rewards.

'Does Manhattan Island need a casino for any reason whatsoever?' she said. 'Were short of land and desperate for affordable housing and open space, but we can go ahead and do those things without tying them to a casino because we have no purpose for a casino.'
France's President Emmanuel Macron decorated the world's richest man Bernard Arnault at a star-studded ceremony that included pop queen Beyonce and tech billionaire Elon Musk, the presidency and a news report said Thursday.

Macron awarded Arnault the country's highest honour, the Grand Cross of the Legion d'Honneur, at the event on Wednesday evening, the presidency said, confirming a report on news website Politico.

Among the A-listers present were Beyonce, her husband hip-hop mogul Jay-Z, Queen Rania of Jordan and the world's third richest man Musk, several attendees told Politico.

Beyonce was wearing a 'magnificent' if 'awkward' large hat, two of them said.

French citizen Arnault founded luxury goods giant LVMH, which has signed up as a 'premium partner' for the July 26-August 11 Paris Olympics, including to design medals for the athletes.

France 's President Emmanuel Macron decorated the world's richest man Bernard Arnault (pictured together in February) at a star-studded ceremony that included pop queen Beyonce and tech billionaire Elon Musk, the presidency and a news report said Thursday

Macron awarded Arnault (pictured with his wife in February) the country's highest honour, the Grand Cross of the Legion d'Honneur, at the event on Wednesday evening, the presidency said, confirming a report on news website Politico

LVMH is the world's biggest luxury goods giant, with brands across fashion, jewellery, perfume, alcohol and luggage.

Bernard Arnault and his family's fortune is estimated at around $240 billion (190 billion) by Forbes, making him the wealthiest man in the world ahead of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Musk.

His wealth and LVMH's huge profits frequently draw criticism in a country strongly attached to wealth redistribution.

A person close to the president told Politico Macron gave a 'very Proustian' speech on the theme of time, explaining how Arnault has been able to 'see and build far ahead' to 'sell a form of eternal Frenchness'.

Macron last year came under fire from the French left for awarding Bezos the country's highest order of merit.

Musk, the chief executive of electric car firm Tesla, cosmic exploration outfit SpaceX and social media company X, last year said he was he was considering 'significant investments in France' after meeting Macron.

France grants the Legion d'Honneur to around 3,000 people a year, including 400 foreigners recognised for their 'services rendered to France' or for defending human rights, press freedom or other causes.

The honour is often a source of controversy.

Macron said last year that he might strip Russian President Vladimir Putin of the distinction after his invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but was waiting for the 'right moment' to do so.

The Russian leader received it in 2006 at a time when Moscow enjoyed better relations with Paris and the West.

Macron in 2017 withdrew the Legion d'Honneur from Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein after a series of accusations of sexual harassment and rape.

Bernard Arnault and his family's fortune is estimated at around $240 billion (190 billion) by Forbes, making him the wealthiest man in the world ahead of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Musk.

In 2018, he said he was looking into stripping President Bashar al-Assad of his Legion d'Honneur over alleged crimes committed during the Syrian civil war.

Syria, whose president had received the honour in 2001, returned it, saying Assad would not wear the award of a 'slave' to the United States.

But in 2020, Macron gave the same award to his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, whom right activists have accused of leading a relentless crackdown on pro-democracy campaigners in his country.

France is also set to review the Legion d'Honneur handed to famed French actor Gerard Depardieu following a string of sexual assault allegations.
An online character created to back Humza Yousaf's controversial new hate crime laws called the 'Hate Monster' has attracted widespread ridicule after resurfacing online.

The Hate Monster was created by Police Scotland and launched last year but has only come to prominence this week after a bizarre advert featuring the flurry pink cartoon was shared on social media.

The footage is narrated by a man speaking in Glaswegian dialect, with the character seen 'growing' in response to anger before shrinking again.

'He loves it when you get angry, he'll make you want to have a go at somebody to show you're better than them,' the narrator says. 'It could be a neighbour, somebody on the street or in the chippy, your taxi driver even. Before you know it, you've committed a hate crime.'

The Hate Monster was created by Police Scotland and launched last year but has only come to prominence this week after a bizarre advert featuring the flurry pink cartoon was shared on social media

The character is meant to help back Humza Yousaf's controversial new hate crime laws

The Scottish Tories called it a 'pound shop version of a Sesame Street character'

Police Scotland said the character 'represents that feeling some people get when they are frustrated and angry' and 'take it out on others'.

In a post on its website, the force said men aged 18-30 from 'socially excluded communities' with 'ideas about white-male entitlement' are particularly likely to be perpetrators of hate crimes.

Russell Findlay, justice spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives, said the character was a waste of time and money as well as being 'grossly offensive'.

'Police Scotland's pound shop version of a Sesame Street character to explain Humza Yousaf's hate crime law should never have seen the light of day,' he told the Scottish Daily Express.

'While people rightly ridicule the ludicrous ''hate monster'', the suggestion that people from deprived areas are more likely to commit alleged hate crimes is grossly offensive.'

Calum Steele, former general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, said: 'Never forget there would have been meetings, many meetings, & committees, & focus groups, & all other manner of things where this concept was born - nurtured - & finessed before being agreed for release into the world. I can visualise them now.

It comes amid a broader debate over the SNP's controversial Hate Crime Bill, which for the first time will create an offence of 'stirring up hatred'.

In a post on its website, Police Scotland said men aged 18-30 from 'socially excluded communities' with 'ideas about white-male entitlement' are particularly likely to be perpetrators of hate crimes

The laws, which come into force from April 1, apply to acts of 'hatred', malice, abuse and/or ill-will against the protected characteristics of disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and age.

Critics fear stage performances and even private conversations at home could fall foul of the laws, meaning someone could be charged with a hate crime for something said over dinner.

The contentious Hate Crime and Public Disorder (Scotland) Act was passed in March 2021 despite fears over what it could mean for freedom of speech and pressures it could put on the police.

To help enforce the law, 450 sites across Scotland have been created as 'third party reporting centres' for victims or witnesses of hate crimes - including a mushroom farm and a sex shop.

The sex shop is among the 97 venues in Greater Glasgow classified as third party reporting centres.

The sex shop is among the 97 venues in Greater Glasgow classified as third party reporting centres for the new hate crime laws

The centres are more typically sited in community hubs or premises run by housing associations and charities  but other reporting centres nationwide include a caravan park in Peeblesshire, a mushroom farm in North Berwick, a demolished office block in Dunbartonshire, and a salmon and trout wholesaler in Duns, Berwickshire.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'The campaign, which is not connected to the new legislation, was developed by Police Scotland using recognised industry practice and ran for six weeks in spring 2023.'

The Scottish Government said in response to questions about the third party reporting centres: 'Our hate crime strategy commits to review third party reporting arrangements in partnership with Police Scotland, which has already commenced.'


Billionaire Bill Ackman is a top donor rallying behind a 15-year-old Missouri girl who suffered severe brain damage when another teen smashed her head against the concrete during a high school fight.

The hedge fund investor, 57, contributed $10,000 towards a GoFundMe campaign in support of Kaylee Gain, DailyMail.com can reveal. His donation was confirmed by a partner at Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P.

The crowdfunding account, which is raising funds for medical bills and aims to support the teen's family as Gain 'fights hard to stay alive', has received more than $213,000 in donations in just two days.

Organizers say her loved ones are extremely grateful for 'overwhelming response', which has 'already brought the family to tears'.

Gain suffered a skull fracture and frontal lobe damage when her head was repeatedly smashed into the ground during a brawl last Friday. She was left alone on the ground to convulse before EMTs arrived.

She has 'major brain bleeding and swelling' and is in 'critical condition', her loved ones said. The family will not know the full extent of the damage until she wakes up.

Billionaire Bill Ackman is a top donor rallying behind 15-year-old Kaylee Gain (pictured), who suffered severe brain damage when another teen smashed her head against the concrete during a high school fight

Hedge fund investor Bill Ackman, 57, (pictured in 2017) contributed $10,000 towards a GoFundMe campaign in support of Kaylee Gain, a partner at Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P. confirmed to DailyMail.com

Kaylee Gain was brutally beaten by another teen (pictured) last week. She is 'fighting hard to stay alive' after suffering brain damage in the horrific attack

Kaylee Gain suffered a skull fracture and frontal lobe damage when her head was repeatedly smashed into the ground during a brawl (pictured) near her St. Louis high school last Friday

A crowdfunder campaign in support of Gain and her family has raised more than $213,000 in just two days. Pictured is Bill Ackman's contribution to Kaylee Gain's GoFundMe

The altercation broke out at about 2.30 pm Friday near Hazelwood East High School in St. Louis.

Video of the incident circulated on social media showing another girl bashing the teen's head into the concrete after throwing multiple punches and sending her careening to the ground.

Gain appeared to begin to have a seizure as groups of other teens brawled just feet away.

Police found the girl suffering from a serious head injury near the intersection of Norgate Drive and Claudine Drive, roughly a five-minute walk from the high school campus. She was taken to the hospital and remains in critical condition.

'Kaylee is fighting hard to stay alive and heal but this is only the beginning of a very uphill battle for Kaylee and her family,' her loved ones shared on a crowdfunding page, adding: 'the path to recovery will be extremely hard on the family, not only mentally but financially.'

'In minutes, this family's life shattered when their only daughter was assaulted outside of a North County high school,' the GoFundMe campaign states.

'She was left alone on the ground to convulse before EMTs arrived on the scene. She was admitted to one of the local hospitals in Saint Louis with a skull fracture and frontal lobe damage.'

Gain's 'shocked and devastated' parents have been staying by their daughter's side 'day and night' since he was hospitalized and are 'hoping to bring her back to the Kaylee they know and love'.

Kaylee Gain (pictured) is fighting for life in critical condition, with a skull fracture and frontal lobe damage

Viral video shows another teen smashing her head into the pavement repeatedly before the victim appears to suffer a seizure

Police found the girl suffering from a serious head injury near the intersection of Norgate Drive and Claudine Drive. The fight broke out just off campus from Hazelwood East High School

A statement attributed to her parents, and published on a second GoFundMe page, said: 'We are so grateful for the amazing medical staff who have been working tirelessly to give her the best possible chance at a full recovery.

'We know she has a very long road ahead of her but we remain hopeful. We are so overwhelmed by all the support and love.'

The teen's grandparents confirmed to KSDK that both crowdfunding pages are legitimate and will be used used to 'help with costs incurred from Gain's injuries and the parents' lost wages' - as they have stayed be her side at the hospital every day.

A 15-year-old girl was arrested Saturday and charged with assault. She was taken to the St. Louis County Family Court and remained in custody as of Sunday afternoon.

Attorney General Andrew Bailey has called on the 'evil' 15-year-old girl who beat Gain's head into the concrete to be 'tried as an adult'.

Bailey announced on X: 'This evil and complete disregard for human life has no place in Missouri, or anywhere. I am praying for the victim.

'The criminal should be charged and tried as an adult. If the victim dies, that offense should rise to a homicide.'

John O'Sullivan, Director of Communications with St. Louis County Courts, told KSDK it is too soon to determine if the suspect will be tried as an adult.

He says a court hearing is expected to be held in the next few weeks.

The Hazelwood School District issued a statement denouncing bullying and fighting within the community

The teen's 'shocked and devastated' parents have been staying by their daughter's side 'day and night' since he was hospitalized and are 'hoping to bring her back to the Kaylee they know and love'

The Missouri Attorney General is calling on the 15-year-old girl who beat another teen's head into concrete to be tried as an adult

After news of the altercation broke, the Hazelwood School District released a statement condemning violence within the community.

'It is a tragedy anytime children are hurt,' the statement read. 'Bullying and fighting in the community is an issue for which we all need to take ownership and work towards a resolution for the sake of our children.

'The Hazelwood School District offers our sincerest condolences to everyone involved and will offer additional emotional support from our support and crisis team to those in need.'

The statement urged community members to respect the families of those involved and 'pledge to help work toward the betterment of our entire community.'

The district recently came under fire for disenrolling more than three dozen middle schoolers in late February and early March.

The school district's public relations director, Jordyn Elston, told STLPR that the students were ejected because of 'expired residency information.'

Of the 40 students who received letters informing them of the district's decision, thirty-eight were re-enrolled within a week after providing updated information, the district said.

The St. Louis County Police Department is investigating the incident.
he Biden-Harris campaign views the event as a way to attract young voters and people of color

Biden stated during the State of the Union that no one should be jailed for using marijuana

Kamala Harris will lead a discussion about criminal reform efforts surrounding the use and possession of marijuana

Vice President Kamala Harris will host an event with rapper Fat Joe highlighting the importance of marijuana sentencing reform at the White House on Friday.

The vice president is hosting a roundtable to discuss reform efforts, including ways to lift penalties and convictions for people serving prison sentences for using or possessing the drug.

Harris is leading the meeting despite a long history of prosecuting marijuana users and possessors as a district attorney of San Francisco and also enforcing laws criminalizing marijuana when she was the attorney general of the state of California.

Harris will host a discussion about marijuana at the White House

Rapper Fat Joe will attend the event to discuss the effects of criminal sentencing for marijuana use and possession

The meeting is seen as part of a widespread marijuana reform effort by the Biden campaign, as they seek to motivate young voters and people of color in the 2024 election.

The Biden administration has already moved to reclassify marijuana at the federal level from a schedule one drug to a schedule three, making it easier for the marijuana industry to sell legally.

Biden called for the government to begin expunging thousands of convictions for the use or possession of marijuana, during his State of the Union address last week.

'[N]o one should be jailed for simply using or have it on their record,' Biden said.

The event will highlight individuals who benefited from Biden's 2022 pardon of individuals with federal marijuana convictions.

Harris will also meet with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D), who signed legislation last year to legalize medical marijuana in the state. Beshear is now pushing to expand the number of medical conditions to allow people in the state to legally use the drug.

Fat Joe addresses attendees at the the Power To The Patients Event on Tuesday, March 5

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear will join Kamala Harris for the roundtable event at the White House

President Joe Biden has gradually embraced the idea of loosening punishments for marijuana users

Harris has a long history of opposing the recreational use of marijuana until the political environment made it acceptable.

As district attorney of San Francisco, Harris oversaw 1,900 convictions for marijuana offenses.

While running for Attorney General, Harris opposed a 2010 California ballot proposition that would legalize marijuana.

Harris publicly admitted smoking marijuana in college during her 2020 presidential campaign and endorsed making it legal at the federal level.

"I think that it gives a lot of people joy and we need more joy," she said during an interview with The Breakfast Club radio show.

Harris used her Jamaican heritage to defend her position on legalizing marijuana for recreational use.

"Look, I joke about it, I have joked about it. Half my family is from Jamaica, are you kidding me?" she laughed.
President Joe Biden came out against Japanese outfit Nippon Steel's proposed $14.9 billion purchase of U.S. Steel on Thursday saying in a statement that it is 'vital' for the company to stay in American hands.

The president is siding with union workers - as he campaigns this week in the Midwest - over a key U.S. ally, by putting his thumb on the scale.

On Wednesday, The Financial Times reported that the White House has already privately informed the Japanese government of the president's decision, ahead of the April 10 state dinner with Japenese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

'It is important that we maintain strong American steel companies powered by American steel workers. I told our steel workers I have their backs, and I meant it,' Biden said in a statement Thursday.

'U.S. Steel has been an iconic American steel company for more than a century, and it is vital for it to remain an American steel company that is domestically owned and operated,' the president said.

President Joe Biden came out against Japanese outfit Nippon Steel's proposed $14.9 billion purchase of U.S. Steel on Thursday saying in a statement that it is 'vital' for the company to stay in American hands

One of U.S. Steel's plants - the Edgar Thomson Works in Braddock, Pennsylvania - which is near the home of Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman, who is against the Japanese company buying the American steel giant

Biden did not go as far as to say he would block the deal, which is under a national security review.

Later Thursday the White House said Biden called United Steelworkers International President David McCall to 'reiterate that he had the steel workers back.'

The deal was initially announced in December with unions promptly criticizing it, joined by several Democratic and Republican U.S. senators.

Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman, a Democrat who lives across the street from a U.S. Steel plant in Braddock, Pennsylvania, eviscerated the deal when it was announced.

The company is based in nearby Pittsburgh.

'This is yet another example of hard-working Americans being blindsided by greedy corporations willing to sell out their communities to serve their shareholders,' Fetterman said. 'I stand with the men and women of the Steelworkers and their union way of life. We cannot allow them to be screwed over or left behind.'

On Thursday, Fetterman reacted positively to Biden expressing opposition toward the deal.

'The president's opposition to this disastrous proposed sale is a significant step,' the Pennsylvania Democrat said. 'I'm proud to stand with President Biden and the United Steelworkers. We have to block this sale.'

'We cannot let these steelworkers and these communities get sold out by executives who only care about lining their own pockets,' Fetterman also said.

Pennsylvania will be vital for Biden to win if he wants to remain in the White House.

Former President Donald Trump, who became the presumptive Republican nominee on Tuesday, has already said he'd block the deal.

In February Trump called the deal 'horrible.'

'I would block it instantaneously. Absolutely,' the ex-president said.

Both Trump and Biden are vying for union voters in the Midwest.

Trump flipped Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin in 2016 to win the White House over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

In 2020, Biden won all three states - as well as Arizona and Georgia - to win his first term.

This week Biden traveled to Milwaukee, Wisconsin Wednesday and is campaigning in Michigan Thursday, as he locked up his party's nomination on Tuesday as well.
The Kremlin jammed satellite signals on an RAF plane carrying the Defence Secretary in a 'wildly irresponsible' act of electronic warfare following his visit to Poland.

Russia jammed the signals on Grant Shapps' plane as it flew near its Kaliningrad enclave yesterday.

The RAF Dassault Falcon 900's primary GPS system and its satellite communications were blocked for approaching 30 minutes.

The attack took place on his return journey from Poland. Details of the Defence Secretary's flight out to the UK's NATO ally was tracked on social media.

Mr Shapps was conducting a day trip to eastern Europe to meet UK troops taking part in Exercise Steadfast Defender  the biggest NATO manoeuvres since the Cold War.

Russia jammed the signals on Grant Shapps' plane as it flew near its Kaliningrad enclave yesterday. He's seen yesterday during his visit to Poland

The RAF Dassault Falcon 900's primary GPS system and its satellite communications were blocked for approaching 30 minutes. File photo

The aircraft flew within 60 miles of Kaliningrad on its return journey yesterday evening having departed RAF Northolt in west London that morning.

Hundreds of commercial flights operating in the same airspace have reported similar problems in recent months as the Kremlin steps up its Electronic Warfare (EW) campaign against the West.

Without GPS, pilots lose their situational awareness  effectively, they are unaware of their location  which in a worse case scenario could cause a fatal collision.

According to UK defence sources there was no threat to Mr Shapps' aircraft yesterday as it is equipped with back-up systems which Russia failed to penetrate.

Typhoons, F-35 fighter jets, A400M transport aircraft and Voyager troop planes have all been affected. Experts have warned that this type of activity is indicative of Russia's aggressive approach to the West.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Warsaw has fortified its border with Kaliningrad, sandwiched on the Baltic Sea between Poland and Lithuania. As Russia's only ice-free port on the Baltic, Moscow considers it vital to national security.

It comes as Mr Shapps backed calls for military spending to rise to 3 per cent of the nation's GDP, insisting: 'I want a bigger budget.'

In a bold move which put further pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last night, the Defence Secretary said more cash is needed to match the threat posed by Vladimir Putin.

As he travelled to Poland, a Nato partner which already spends 4 per cent of GDP on defence, he described his vision for a properly funded Armed Forces  including an overhaul of the 'ludicrous' recruitment process.

His call is a major boost for the Mail's campaign to increasing spending on Britain's military budget.

Currently the UK spends 2.27 per cent of GDP (gross domestic product) on defence. Last night, Mr Shapps said he is in favour of spending three per cent and called for its inclusion in the Conservatives' general election manifesto.

He said: 'I have coined the phrase moving from post-war to pre-war. We have to be much better prepared.

'Defence is the best way to protect ourselves against a military conflict, you have to show your adversaries, so I am clearly in favour [of 3 per cent].

'Three per cent would be an issue for a future manifesto, for me that would be the way to go. It is to be thought about over the next parliament, for sure.

'We live in a more dangerous world, we've got Putin on the frontline making gains.'

During his visit to Poland, Mr Shapps met with Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz to take part in the joint press conference and meeting on a military training compound

Mr Shapps advocated 3 per cent two years ago when he briefly challenged for the Conservative leadership.

But this is the first time he has repeated his demand since becoming Defence Secretary.

He added it was important to ensure there is 'sufficient military scale in the West that it makes sure that someone like Putin can't march into their democratic neighbour and take it over,' adding: 'I want a bigger budget.'

The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt was challenged over defence spending yesterday during exchanges with the Commons Treasury committee about his budget last week, which delivered no new money for defence.

Mr Hunt told MPs: 'I do believe we will need to spend more on defence, I think the world is becoming more dangerous. It is patently evident that Russia and China want to upend the international order that has brought more peace and prosperity to the world than any other in the existence of humanity.'

The Chancellor said the Government had already 'done a lot' and was committed to raising spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP.

But he said 'further reforms' were needed to the notoriously wasteful system of defence procurement before more cash is allocated. And he said ministers and service chiefs needed to 'fully understand the implications of the war in Ukraine' before deciding on 'the type of thing we would need to invest in for the wars of the future'.

Mr Shapps said yesterday he is also drawing up plans to transform the Services' appallingly slow recruitment process, which routinely forces eager applicants to wait 12 to 18 months before finally beginning their training.

Medical criteria will also be torn up so candidates are no longer prevented from enlisting due to inherited genealogical conditions.

He also indicated the Army's centuries-old ban on most soldiers wearing beards is archaic and should be scrapped.

Mr Shapps said: 'You can be rejected for the most ludicrous reasons. Medical tests will ask about family history and if they think in 40 years' time you might develop some diseases, using actuaries, then they'll say you cannot serve today. When they're probably not going to be serving in 40 years' time.

RAF RC-135 Rivet Joint spy plane have been flying near the Polish border

'So we have got to have a far, far more sensible approach to this. Who cares if somebody has got a beard? Does that really mean you cannot fight, come on? We are living in the 21st century it is time to move on.

READ MORE - Sweden moves to fortify strategic island after Russian TV reveals it is a prime target for Putin now the nation has joined NATO

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'The main thing we've got to do is ensure we don't put barriers in people's way. In this Amazon world, if you are a youngster applying for one of our Armed Forces and actually getting in to it takes six, 12, 18 months-time, you may have moved on to the next big thing by then.'

As our campaign to increase defence spending has run, Security Minister Tom Tugendhat and Indo-Pacific Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan have joined the Mail in demanding an immediate rise to 2.5 per cent of GDP.

Four former Defence Secretaries have also backed the Mail in calling for more cash for the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force: Sir Malcolm Rifkind, Sir Michael Fallon, Sir Gavin Williamson and Lord Hammond.

Research undertaken in 2022 by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) said hitting 3 per cent by 2030 would require the government to invest about 157 billion by that year.

This would represent the biggest increase since the 1950s when the Korean War and the threat of the Soviet Union saw defence spending rise from 6.6 per cent in 1950 to 9.6 per cent in 1952.

Such a huge increase would also require the UK to expand its military industrial base and increase production volumes. The size of Britain's full-time Armed Forces would also rise, Rusi predicted, by as much as '25 to 30 per cent'.
A bald eagle was left trapped inside a car's grille after being hit by a driver on a Maryland highway.

An encounter with the vehicle in Calvert County, Maryland, last week left a bald eagle in a tricky situation. Disaster struck when the driver accidentally collided with the bird on Route 4.

The bird - that famously symbolizes freedom - ironically could not break free on its own from the grille of the vehicle that had slammed into it.

After pulling over to check on the situation, the driver found the eagle still alive with its feathers trapped in the protective nose panel of the vehicle.

A bald eagle is 'in good health' after being hit by a driver on a Maryland highway and getting stuck in the car's grille

An encounter with a vehicle in Calvert County, Maryland, last week left a bald eagle in a tricky situation

'When the driver stopped, they realized that the eagle was still alive, but trapped in the vehicle's [grille],' a post on the Calvert County Government Facebook page said.

The driver called the Calvert County Sheriff's Office for help following the collision.

An officer with Calvert County Animal Control Officer and deputies with the sheriff's office were able to rescue the bird - which they said is in 'good health.'

Animal Control officer Hannah Neel was pictured holding the patriotic bird after it was freed.

'An unexpected call recently had Calvert County Animal Control Officer (ACO) Hannah Neel rush into action to save a bald eagle,' the Facebook post reported.

After the eagle was given an examination and found to be 'in good health,' it was released back into the wild.

'Thanks to ACO [Animal Control Officer] Neel and all who helped rescue this wonderful creature!' the sheriff's office wrote.

Animal Control officer Hannah Neel was pictured holding the patriotic bird after it was freed

Facebook users flooded the comments section with reactions to the incident.

'I was driving in the opposite direction and saw this and couldnt believe my eyes! So happy to know the eagle (and driver) were okay,' a user commented.

'What a wonderful story. Its pretty incredible. Thank you ACO Neel,' another said.

A user said 'I would have had an entire breakdown over this. Prayers for the bird and the driver.'

Many Facebook users reported seeing the incident go down. 'Thank you so much for sharing! I saw the car on the side of the road and my heart broke for the eagle and the driver. so glad to hear of a good outcome!!'

'Thank you for saving our national bird! Can you please save our nation now,' one user joked.

Another user praised officer Neel for her work with animal control, 'Officer Neel recently came to my house for a dog/raccoon incident. She was extremely responsive, caring, and diligent. Thanks to all our animal control officers for their great work everyday!'
The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill on Wednesday that would force TikTok to sever ties with its Chinese parent company or be banned in the United States.

The legislation is a major setback for the video-sharing app, which has surged in popularity across the world while causing nervousness about its Chinese ownership and its potential subservience to the Communist Party in Beijing.

The lawmakers voted 352 in favor of the proposed law and 65 against, in a rare moment of unity in politically divided Washington.

The warning shot against the app caught many by surprise as both Republicans and Democrats risked the wrath of TikTok's passionate young users in an election year when the youth vote will be key.

"Today's bipartisan vote demonstrates Congress' opposition to Communist China's attempts to spy on and manipulate Americans, and signals our resolve to deter our enemies," Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said after the vote.

"I urge the Senate to pass this bill and send it to the President so he can sign it into law."

But the fate of the bill is uncertain in the more cautious Senate, where some are apprehensive about making a drastic move against an app that has 170 million U.S. users.

President Joe Biden will sign the bill, known officially as the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, into law if it comes to his desk, the White House has said.

'Make your voices heard'

"This process was secret and the bill was jammed through for one reason: it's a ban," said a spokesperson for TikTok in a statement.

"We are hopeful that the Senate will consider the facts, listen to their constituents, and realize the impact on the economy, 7 million small businesses, and the 170 million Americans who use our service."

After the vote, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew urged the app's users in the United States to speak out and share their stories, including with their senators.

"We will continue to do all we can including exercising our legal rights to protect this amazing platform that we have built with you," he said in a video posted on social media platform X.

"We believe we can overcome this together... Protect your constitutional rights. Make your voices heard."

Majority leader Chuck Schumer, who will need to back the bill, remained non-comital, saying only that the Senate "will review" the legislation when it comes over from the House.

The measure, which only gained momentum in the past few days, requires TikTok's parent company ByteDance to sell the app within 180 days or see it barred from the Apple and Google app stores in the United States.

It also gives the president power to designate other applications to be a national security threat if they are under the control of a country considered adversarial to the United States.

The renewed campaign against TikTok came out of the blue to the company, the Wall Street Journal reported, with TikTok executives reassured when Biden joined the app last month as part of his campaign for a second term.

Chew is in Washington, trying to stop progress on the bill.

The Trump factor

China warned on Wednesday that the move will "inevitably come back to bite the United States."

"Although the United States has never found evidence that TikTok threatens U.S. national security, it has not stopped suppressing TikTok," foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said, condemning it as "bullying behavior."

Republican lawmakers approved the bill, in an unusual act of defiance against Donald Trump.

In a turnaround from his earlier stance, Trump on Monday said he was against a ban, mainly because it would strengthen Meta, the owner of Instagram and Facebook, which he called an "enemy of the people."

When Trump was president, he attempted to wrest control of TikTok from ByteDance, but was blocked by U.S. courts.

"I think it will die in the Senate," said Representative Nancy Mace, a Trump ally. "This is not our job to do this."

Other efforts to ban TikTok have failed, with a bill proposed a year ago getting nowhere largely over free speech concerns.

Similarly, a state law passed in Montana banning the platform was suspended by a federal court on the suspicion that it violated constitutional free speech rights.

TikTok staunchly denies any ties to the Chinese government and has restructured the company so the data of U.S. users stays in the country with independent oversight, the company says. (AFP)
A dashcam video of dozens of deer running across a busy road has prompted the brother of a Conservative peer to call for wolves and lynx to be re-introduced to the British countryside.

Ben Goldsmith, a former advisor to the environment department, made the suggestion after a video of 3ft tall deers crossing the A15, in Lincolnshire, was posted on social media.

Mr Goldsmith, whose brother Zac was the Tory MP for Richmond Park until 2019, said: 'Of course, we can accommodate wolves, even in East Anglia - perhaps especially in East Anglia, where crops badly need protection from hungry deer.'

Deer running across roads kill and injure hundreds of people in traffic accidents every year. The deer population has soared in recent years to an estimate two million - which is believed to be the highest number in 1,000 years.

Part of the reason why the population has soared is because there are no longer any natural predators - with only man able to control their numbers.

Dashcam footage caught the moment dozens of deer ran across a busy road. Deer running across roads kill and injure hundreds of people in traffic accidents every year. The deer population has soared in recent years to an estimate two million

Dozens of deers crossing the bust A15. Part of the reason why the population has soared is because there are no longer any natural predators - with only man able to control their numbers

In one reply on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Goldsmith claimed the landscape is becoming overwhelmed by deers

Wolves are natural predators of deer and were once common in Britain, but were hunted into extinction by the end of the 18th century.

However, despite the devastation deer cause to crops, Farmers have pushed back on proposals to reintroduce the wolf.

Minette Batters, the former head of the National Farmers Union, said 'We couldn't entertain the idea on any level of reintroducing wolves.

'I think that would be a danger to the public, a danger to pets, and it's proven to take out livestock.'

Wolf numbers have been steadily recovering in several European countries, including Germany, France and Italy, thanks to conservation efforts, and now number around 17,000.

Their presence has been controversial, with farmers complaining about the impact on their livestock, with tens of thousands of sheep killed.

Last year, the EU said it would weaken protections on the species after Dolly, the European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen's favourite horse, was killed by a wolf.

Mr Goldsmith said the wolf problems could be overcome in Britain.

He said: 'I do not want to minimise the idea that this will be difficult.

'Having large animals in the landscape is a nuisance, but all wildlife was a nuisance.

'If we had somehow eradicated foxes, would we get permission to reintroduce them today? I suspect we wouldn't.

'East Anglia, and especially Lincolnshire, is where much of our food is produced. Like the rest of Britain, the landscape is becoming overwhelmed by deer which are wrecking crops. The return of native lynx and wolves would be the ideal solution. Seriously, why not?

Ben Goldsmith (pictured), a former advisor to the environment department, suggested wolves should be re-introduced to Britain after a video of 3ft tall deers crossing the A15, in Lincolnshire, was posted on social media

'There are wolves now in every single continental European country, and not just in the wilderness, but in some of the most intensively farmed, densely populated regions of Europe.

'Taking this argument to its logical conclusion, why stop at wolves? There is conflict with all wildlife.

'Foxes kill chickens, seals cause salmon farms all kinds of trouble, moles ruin lawns and fields, badgers eat game bird eggs. Shall we eradicate them all?'

Many wildlife campaigners have been more focused on pushing for the return of lynx, with specific proposals for projects in Scotland and Northumberland in recent years.

Last year, the environment department said species reintroduction was not a government priority.
A new lawsuit suing disgraced billionaire Jeffrey Epstein has described the 'cult-like' atmosphere he fostered to keep scores of young girls quiet.

Known only as Jane Doe 3 in court papers, the claimant says she became ensnared in 'a carefully constructed world in which Epstein was their messiah and sex abuser' which allowed him to rape her on several occasions.

Jane Doe 3, who is from a European Union country, is suing the co-executors of Epstein's $577 million estate, Darren K. Indyke and Richard D. Kahn, for compensation over the alleged sexual assault, battery and sex trafficking.

Her lawsuit gives grim details about occasions where he allegedly held her down and penetrated her with a sex toy while she cried, and crept into her room at night while she was asleep to rape her.

Filed in New York Supreme Court on Wednesday, the lawsuit alleges the abuse unfolded in New York, Florida, New Mexico, the United States Virgin Islands and Paris when she was 'a young woman'.

Jane Doe 3, who is from a European Union country, is suing the co-executors of Epstein's $577 million estate, Darren K. Indyke and Richard D. Kahn, for compensation over the alleged sexual assault, battery and sex trafficking

Filed in New York Supreme Court on Wednesday, the lawsuit alleges the abuse unfolded in New York, Florida, New Mexico, the United States Virgin Islands and Paris when she was 'a young woman'. This included his $56 million mansion at 9 East 71st Street in Manhattan (pictured)

Her lawsuit gives grim details about occasions where Epstein allegedly held her down and penetrated her with a sex toy while she cried, and crept into her room at night while she was asleep to rape her

The suit does not give precise dates for the allegations, but says 'in 2014' Epstein 'lured' the claimant to 'travel with him to several locations where either he or Ghislaine Maxwell have homes'.

This included his $56 million mansion at 9 East 71st Street in Manhattan - which allegedly had a panopticon room where security guards watched guests' every move - and a nearby apartment at 301 East 66th Street where he owned multiple units.

Epstein is believed to have abused dozens of women in his notorious transcontinental sex trafficking ring. He was found dead in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center on August 10, 2019.

Jane Doe 3, who is from a European Union country, is suing the co-executors of Epstein's $577 million estate, Darren K. Indyke and Richard D. Kahn, for compensation over alleged sexual assault, battery and sex trafficking.

Her lawsuit also gives more insight into the 'web of transcontinental sex trafficking' Epstein operated with the help of British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell.

'Epsteins sex-trafficking enterprise operated in many respects as a sex-themed cult designed to ensnare vulnerable young women and indoctrinate them into Epsteins carefully constructed world in which Epstein was their messiah and sex abuser,' the lawsuit reads.

'Once in Epsteins clutches, each victim was taught and understood that she must be completely compliant with every wish or demand Epstein had for her; otherwise, she would certainly suffer serious reputational, financial, and psychological harm.

'By using these and other means of force, threats of force, fraud, threats of abuse of the legal process and coercion, Epstein sexually trafficked and sexually abused Jane Doe 3.'

On one occasion, he 'lured Jane Doe 3 to a secluded location and instructed Jane Doe 3 to allow Epstein to teach and guide her in sex' the latest lawsuit claims.

Known only as Jane Doe 3 in court papers, the claimant says she became ensnared in 'a carefully constructed world in which Epstein was their messiah and sex abuser' which allowed him to rape her on several occasions

Undated handout file photo issued by the US Department of Justice (left-right) of the Duke of York, Virginia Giuffre, and Ghislaine Maxwell. The Duke of York has been reported to the police by the campaign group Republic after allegations of sexual assault resurfaced in unsealed court documents relating to the scandal surrounding billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

Jane Doe 3, who is from a European Union country, is suing the co-executors of Epstein's $577 million estate, Darren K. Indyke and Richard D. Kahn, for compensation over alleged sexual assault, battery and sex trafficking

'When Jane Doe 3 declined, Epstein held her down and pressed a sex toy on her genitals while she cried, refusing to stop until he was satisfied she had orgasmed.'

He also crept into her room at night while she was sleeping on multiple occasions and penetrated or raped her without her consent.

The alleged victim was 'constantly badgered by Epstein and his employees to loosen up and relax when she declined to talk explicitly about sex' while in Manhattan, according to the suit.

'On one occasion while in Epsteins New York home, Jane Doe 3 was riding in an elevator with Epstein and another woman,' it says.

'When they got out of the elevator and entered Epsteins massage room, Epstein had the other girl perform oral sex on him while forcing Jane Doe 3 to watch in close proximity.

'Epstein kept trying to get Jane Doe 3 to join in on the oral sex and kiss the other girl.

'When Jane Doe 3 refused, Epstein started to forcibly touch Jane Doe 3 without her consent on her breasts and below the waist.'

The lawsuit adds that he 'forced her to perform oral sex on him' in his own New York home before 'digitally penetrating her without her consent'.

On another occasion, it says Epstein asked Jane Doe 3 and another woman to watch a movie with him, and touched their breasts without consent during the viewing.

Epstein would 'frequently become angry with Jane Doe 3 when she would refuse his sexual advances' according to the claim.

'Jane Doe 3 was abused and trafficked by Epstein as part of his organized ring of procuring young and underage girls for sex,' the lawsuit summarizes.

'One of Epsteins co-conspirators contacted Jane Doe 3 and arranged to have Jane Doe 3 meet Epstein under the false pretense that he knew wealthy and powerful individuals and would help her succeed in business.

'Rather than help her with her business career, Epstein manipulated and intimidated Jane Doe 3 and subjected her to months of sexual abuse in New York and elsewhere.'

Epstein died by suicide on August 10, 2019, while awaiting trial for trial on sex trafficking charges at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York

Jane Doe 3 claims she was flown from Europe to New York where she was installed at on of Epstein's 301 East 66th Street apartments

Both women described Epstein's 'cult-like' hold over them, stating that he and his associates used his power and influence to intimidate them into silence

The lawsuit alleges that Epstein liked to 'have three different young females a day for his sexual pleasure'.

'Epsteins sex-trafficking venture targeted vulnerable young women and Jane Doe 3 was soon indoctrinated and unable to extricate herself,' the claim reads.

'Having been conditioned that the sexual abuse was normal and knowing that everyone surrounding Epstein were aware of the sex abuse, Jane Doe 3 was coerced into a cult-like life controlled and manipulated by Epstein and others doing Epsteins bidding.

'Jane Doe 3 was chastised if she refused Epsteins sexual demands and told she should be grateful that Epstein was willing to help her. She came to believe what she was told.'

The lawsuit says the victim 'suffers severe emotional distress from an experience that has affected her for her entire life'.

It explains that she filed anonymously because of the sensitive nature of the allegations, but also because she is 'at serious risk of retaliatory harm' due to the 'tremendous wealth and power' of the defendants.

The lawsuit comes after 'the continuous and active deception, duress, threats of retaliation, and other forms of misconduct that Epstein and his co-conspirators used to silence his many victims' prevented her from suing earlier, the papers say.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has been sued over posting an informerical-style video promoting a Texas dental clinic where she got her front teeth redone.

Consumer advocacy group Travelers United filed a lawsuit Wednesday in Washington, D.C. claiming that Noem violated the District's Consumer Protection Procedures Act.

The group likened Noem, a potential vice presidential pick for former President Donald Trump, to a social media influencer who failed to disclose if she financially benefited from making the video.

'Travelers United is committed to transparency of travel influencers on social media,' Travelers United counsel Lauren Wolfe told DailyMail.com in a statement. 'We believe consumers have a right to know when a post is an advertisement and when a post is an influencer's genuine thoughts.'

'This is not just our belief, it is the law,' Wolfe continued. 'We know that medical tourism is big business but if an influencer promotes medical tourism in exchange for free or reduced price services or if she is being paid to post an advertisement, that needs to be properly disclosed on social media.'

Now South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has been sued over posting an informerical-style video promoting a Texas dental clinic where she got her front teeth redone

Images of South Dakota Kristi Noem's teeth displayed in the nearly five minute-long video that she posted to X Monday night

Gov. Kristi Noem with her bicycle holding up an ice cream cone. Noem said in the video that she crashed her bike years ago and knocked out her front teeth

Noem's office has been tight-lipped on whether the second-term governor paid for her new smile, which she needed after knocking her front teeth out in a bike accident several years back.

DailyMail.com's inquiry to Noem's spokesperson Wednesday went unreturned.

On Monday, Noem posted the nearly five minute-long video to her X account, writing, 'I love my new family at Smile Texas!'

She identified herself in the video as the governor of South Dakota and the video flashes to her speaking at a state Republican party event where Trump signs can be seen in the background.

'Years ago, I was out bike riding with all of my kids when they were little and had a biking accident and knocked out all of my front teeth,' she said.

Smile Texas also didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Noem signed legislation in March 2021 to bump her pay to $130,000 annually should she be reelected in 2022, which she was.

South Dakota Kristi Noem gets her new smile at Smile Texas, saying she chose the out-of-state entity because 'they're the best'

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem holds up a child's bicycle. She said she was cycling when her now adult children were young and broke her smile

Gov. Kristi Noem poses with family members in an Instagram post. Her office has refused to say whether she paid for her new smile

'The team here was remarkable and finally gave me a smile that I can be proud of and confident in, and that really is a gift that I think is going to be incredibly special to have,' Noem said.

She mentions two dentists by name and says she chose Smile Texas, for among other things 'because they're the best,' adding that she researched other cosmetic dental work they had done.

'But also because they were so kind. They wanted to make sure I was happy with my smile. Not only that the bite was correct and that I liked the shape, the color, but that it was going to work with me for the rest of my life and that it was something I could be proud of,' Noem gushed. 'So, for them, they care about people, and that they are happy, more than they do about just fixing something to get by.'

'They want it to be perfect,' she added. 'And, for me, if you're going to go through a process like this, that means a lot to have someone who cares that much about the work that they do.'

Jessica Levinson, a professor at Loyola Law School, on Tuesday called the video a shameless plug for a private business.

'I'm honestly kind of baffled by it but one could say everything she's doing at the moment is an audition to be Trump's VP candidate,' Levinson said.

Noem as governor will be term-limited in 2026 and, after declining to run for president this year, is considering her options to maintain prominence in the GOP.

Those who are keen to be considered as Trump's running mate have been openly jockeying for the position.

A former member of Congress, Noem rose to national prominence with a mostly hands-off approach to the COVID-19 pandemic.

She endorsed Trump at a Republican party fundraiser in South Dakota last September.

Asked around that time whether she would consider joining a potential Trump ticket if invited, Noem told Newsmax she 'would in a heartbeat.'
READ MORE: Witnessing the hellscape of Gaza from the sky

Top ranking Jewish U.S. official criticized Netanyahu in extraordinary speech

Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer, the highest ranking Jewish official in the U.S., has called for new leadership and elections in Israel in a stunning rebuke of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Senate Majority leader says Netanyahu has 'lost his way' and has now become an 'obstacle to peace' five months after the October 7 Hamas attacks and the start of the war in Gaza.

In an extraordinary 45-minute speech on the Senate floor, the longtime defender of Israel said Netanyahu has put himself in a coalition of 'far-right extremists' and is more interested in his own political survival than a solution.

The White House said Schumer had informed it of his comments in advance and it 'respected his right' to make them. It expressed 'no approval or disapproval'.

Republicans slammed Schumer's stance as 'grotesque' and Israel said it was 'unhelpful' while it was 'at war against a genocidal terror organization.'

Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer has called for elections and new leadership in Israel because Benjamin Netanyahu is an 'obstacle to peace' in some of the most scathing U.S. criticism since the October 7 Hamas attack

A displaced Palestinian man carries containers amid the rubble of houses destroyed by Israeli bombardment in Hamad area, west of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on March 14, 2024

Schumer said: "As a democracy, Israel has the right to choose its own leaders, and we should let the chips fall where they may.

'But the important thing is that Israelis are given a choice. There needs to be a fresh debate about the future of Israel after Oct. 7.

"In my opinion, that is best accomplished by holding an election.'

The Senate's Republican leader, Mitch McConnell, quickly came to Netanyahu's defense in remarks just after Schumer.

'It is grotesque. and hypocritical for Americans who hyperventilate about foreign interference in our own democracy to call for the removal of the democratically elected leader of Israel. This is unprecedented.' McConnell said.

Israel's Ambassador to the U.S., Michael Herzog, said: 'Israel is a sovereign democracy. It is unhelpful, all the more so as Israel is at war against the genocidal terror organization Hamas, to comment on the domestic political scene of a democratic ally. It is counterproductive to our common goals.'

Schumer is pictured with Netanyahu in 2017. He said in his speech: 'As a lifelong supporter of Israel, it has become clear to me: The Netanyahu coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel after October 7'

Displaced Palestinians walk through a street filled with rubble in Hamad area, west of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said: 'We did have advance notice he was going to deliver those remarks.

'We fully respect his right to make those remarks. This was not about approval of disapproval in any away but he did give us a heads up. Leader Schumer feels strongly. We're going to let him to speak to his thought process.'

Schumer's harsh criticism follows moves from President Joe Biden and Democrats to ramp up the pressure on Netanyahu to protect Palestinian civilians as he carries on his offensive.

The Biden administration has also called for a temporary ceasefire to get aid to Palestinians and to allow the release of hostages captured by Hamas.

Netanyahu has vowed to carry on fighting until Hamas has been destroyed.

But Democrats have started to question his motives, sparking Schumer to deliver some of the most scathing criticism to date.

Smoke billows form the northern part of the Gaza Strip as a result of an Israeli airstrike

Schumer added: 'He (Netanyahu) has been too willing to tolerate the civilian toll in Gaza. Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah.

'As a lifelong supporter of Israel, it has become clear to me: The Netanyahu coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel after October 7.

'The world has changed  radically  since then, and the Israeli people are being stifled right now by a governing vision that is stuck in the past.'

Schumer said the only solution is 'a demilitarized Palestinian state living side by side with Israel in equal measures of peace, security, prosperity and dignity.'

Netanyahu has rejected the idea of two-state solution because he believes it will allow a Hamas to maintain its presence and threaten the future of Israel.

Schumer's comments sparked an immediate reaction from Republicans who called his speech 'inappropriate and offensive'.

'The last thing Israel needs is the "foreign election interference" that Democrats so often decry here,' Republican Senator Tom Cotton said.

Relatives of the Al Atrash family mourn over their covered bodies in Al Aqsa hospital, following an Israeli air strike in Deir Al Balah

U.S. President Joe Biden is welcomed by Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu, as he visits Israel amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, October 18, 2023

'Besides, the main elections that worry Chuck Schumer aren't Israel's but our elections, because the rampant anti-Semitism that the Democratic Party has allowed to fester in its ranks is massively unpopular with the pro-Israel American public'.

White House National Security spokesman John Kirby said he would let Schumer 'speak to his comments' when asked about the speech.

'We're gonna stay focused on making sure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself while doing everything that they can to avoid civilian casualties, Kirby added.

'We're still focused, laser focused, on trying to get a temporary ceasefire in place so that we can get the hostages out and get more aid and that's where our head is right now.'

US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York, speaks to the press after the Democratic weekly luncheon at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on March 6, 2024

Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas following the terrorist group's October 7 atrocity in Israel

Schumer and other leading Democrats, including Biden, face intense criticism from within their party, over Washington's unconditional support for Israel, given the impact on Palestinian civilians of Israel's assault on Gaza.

The war erupted after Hamas killed 1,200 people in an October 7 terrorist attack on Israel and took 253 hostages back to Gaza.

Schumer also criticized Palestinians who support Hamas, and said Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas should also step aside.

"For there to be any hope of peace in the future, Abbas must step down and be replaced by a new generation of Palestinian leaders who will work towards attaining peace with a Jewish State," Schumer said.
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A Washington family trapped in war-torn Haiti says they have been abandoned by the US government and left hiding near the airport surrounded by fighting.

Haiti descended into chaos this month as gangs seized control and overran prisons releasing thousands of inmates who went on a killing spree and took over public buildings, shutting down travel from the country.

Missionary Jill Dolan who runs the Love a Neighbor orphanage in rural Haiti was trapped with three of her children, aged 14 to 20, when fighting broke out.

They say they've had little help from the US government, despite public assurances from the State Department that it is doing everything it can to evacuate stranded citizens.

'We hear a lot of gunfire, generally at night. We hear a lot... There's no way out,' Dolan told CBS.

The government is yet to address exactly how many Americans remain stranded. Officials are considering housing refugees in Guantanamo Bay if there is a mass exodus.

Jill Dolan who runs the Love a Neighbor orphanage in rural Haiti is trapped with three of her children aged 14 to 20

The government has had a level four travel warning in place for Haiti for four years advising against all travel to the country

Police officers take part in an operation on the surroundings of the National Penitentiary following a fire, as a powerful gang leader in Haiti has issued a threatening message aimed at political leaders who would take part in a still-unformed transition council for the country

The family were meant to be leaving to go to Dolan's daughter's wedding when fighting broke out and their flights were cancelled

All non-essential US Embassy personnel have already been evacuated and the government says they are 'extremely limited' in their ability to provide assistance to US citizens still in the country, advising them to find 'private transportation' out.

With armed gangs - led by a man named Barbecue - still roaming the streets and clashing with police, the major airport in the capital Port-au-Prince remains closed.

Among several Americans who managed to be rescued from the island was 'Tuesdays with Morrie' author Mitch Albom, The New York Times reported.

Albom, and members of the Have Faith Haiti orphanage the author runs, were evacuated following the declaration of emergency.

U.S Congressman Cory Mills of Florida, who is an Army veteran, and Congresswoman Lisa McClain of Michigan led the rescue mission.

While Albom escaped, the orphans were not so lucky.

'I had a responsibility to bring home 8 wonderful volunteers who were working with us,' he wrote in a statement to the Times, calling the decision to leave them being 'horribly difficult.'

'But my wifes and my hearts ache for our kids still there.'

Dolan told Scripps news of her own efforts to get off the island: 'We've had many tickets and they just keep getting canceled. Now, you can't even book a flight.

'So, we're just kind of waiting. A lot of people tell us to get to the D.R.(Dominican Republic) border, and we can try to go to the D.R., but that's not a super safe route for us.'

Getting to the border from the compound they are hiding in would require driving for hours along backroads through numerous gang checkpoints.

A person pushes a cart past tires set on fire by demonstrators during a protest in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, 12 March 2024

People wait to collect water in containers along a street after Haiti's Prime Minister Ariel Henry pledged to step down

Jimmy 'Barbecue' Cherizier (pictured) warned of a 'genocide' unless Haiti's Prime Minister Ariel Henry stepped down. The country is now in a state of flux

One of Dolan's daughters is due to get married in Florida this month so the rest of her family had already left before the violence erupted, but Dolan didn't make it out in time.

She said: 'I've been in contact with some guy at the embassy, and he has just basically said 'Be safe,' which doesn't really do a lot of help.

'It doesn't really encourage me at all.

'So, we're just really hoping and praying that they're going to be able to somehow arrange for some flights to go out with some people that are just stuck here.'

Former Haiti prime minister Ariel Henry says only he can appoint a transitionary council to transfer power following his resignation

She added: 'Ninety percent of the people in Haiti are kind, loving, precious people. The children are sweet and precious and so innocent.

'And so, for these gangs and the prime minister and all these people in political power, it's just sad to me that they're doing what they're doing.'

It is not known how many US citizens remain in the country.

The government has had a level four travel alert in place for Haiti for four years, which advises against all travel to the country and tells anyone in the country to leave as soon as they can.

Jill's husband, Ryan Dolan, who had left before the fighting started told K5: 'I'm nervous. I'm not feeling supported or hopeful that the U.S. government is going to come to our aid or help evacuate in a timely fashion.'

It comes after American parents raised the alarm on their adoptive children that they say are stuck in the country.

The parents, who are based in states such as Iowa and Florida, told DailyMail.com they fear for the youngsters' lives as the island descends into anarchy.

In horrifying testimony, they revealed they could hear gunshots and screaming as they spoke to the kids on the phone this week.

'Our children will not survive this,' warned adoptive mom Michelle Reed, who is trying to get her adopted six-year-old son Esai home to Florida to reunite with his two biological siblings who she previously adopted.

The families' testimony came less than a day after Haitis Prime Minister Ariel Henry was forced to resign, following an emergency summit called to address gang-led violence currently occurring in the country.

The volatile situation has seen dead bodies pile up in the streets of the nation's capital Port-au-Prince

The 74-year-old head of state tendered his resignation a week after the growing coalition of gangs warned of civil war if he did not step down.

His resignation was swiftly confirmed by Guyanas president Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the current chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The coalition called the emergency meeting as gangs across the Caribbean country continue to unite, targeting government buildings and foreign embassies - and killing many innocents caught in the crossfire.

As a result, thousands have had fled their homes, and locals continue to report the overwhelming stench of the dead. Meanwhile, politicians across the region are scrambling for a solution - one that may now be in sight following Henry's removal.

'We acknowledge his resignation upon the establishment of a transitional presidential council and naming of an interim prime minister,' Ali said, thanking Henry - who came to power unelected after the assassination of Haitis previous president - for his service.

The decision, said to have been made Friday, came shortly before the US deployed Marines to evacuate its embassy as gangs led by former police officer Jimmy 'Barbecue' Cherizier continue to attack state institutions.

Henry, at the moment, remains unable to return home, stranded in Puerto Rico since Tuesday after officials deemed it unsafe for him to land in neighboring Dominican Republic.

On Saturday, the office of Dominican President Luis Abinader issued a statement explaining that decision - saying 'Henry is not welcome in the Dominican Republic for safety reasons.'

Fires are burning across Haiti as gangs run amok

The conflict has sparked concerns among Republicans that Haitian refugees will travel to the US

That decision came shortly after another that saw the Caribbean nation close its land border with its embattled neighbor, seemingly leaving the other side of Hispaniola to its fate.

The conflict has sparked concerns among Republicans that Haitian refugees will travel to the US.

The Biden administration is considering processing Haitian migrants at Guantanamo Bay if there is a mass exodus fleeing the gang-fuelled violence.

The White House is discussing the plans amid fears thousands could try and reach the U.S. to escape the Caribbean nation on the brink of collapse.

Haitians would be processed on the base 200 miles from Haiti in a center separate to Camp X, where terrorist suspects are held, CNN reported.

The Department of Homeland Security says migration from the island being overtaken by gangs is so far low.

Ron DeSantis announced that he will send over 250 additional soldiers - and a fleet of aircraft and boats - to 'protect' Florida from vessels carrying Haitian asylum seekers.

The conservative governor made the edict Wednesday, as unrest in the Caribbean country continued for a second week.

The deployment will include 48 National Guardsmen, as well as four helicopters that will add to an already boisterous line of defense along the state's southern coast.

A further 39 officers from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, 30 from Florida Highway Patrol, and 23 from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will also join the front, as well as a litany of aircraft and drones and eight boats.

Ron DeSantis will send over 250 additional soldiers - and a fleet of aircraft and boats - to 'protect' Florida from vessels carrying Haitian asylum seekers as unrest continues across the country

The details of the deployment were outlined by DeSantis' office, after the failed GOP candidate took to X to announce the operation. It will consist of 48 National Guardsmen, as well as four helicopters

The details of the deployment were provided by DeSantis' office, shortly after the failed GOP candidate took to X to announce the operation.

DeSantis, 45, went on to outline his decision Wednesday morning, citing how his state - prior to the current situation - had already gone through great lengths to keep Haitians from entering illegally.

'For quite some time, the State of Florida has been dedicating significant resources to combat illegal vessels coming to Florida from countries such as Haiti,' DeSantis said, obliquely mentioning countries like Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica.

'Given the circumstances in Haiti,' he continued, 'I have directed the Division of Emergency Management, the Florida State Guard, and state law enforcement agencies to deploy over 250 additional officers and soldiers and over a dozen air and sea craft to the southern coast of Florida.'

The decision, he said, was made 'to protect our state.'
An American Airlines Boeing 777 with 249 people on board was forced to make an emergency landing in Los Angeles after a tire blew out after take off in Dallas, an FAA spokesperson told various news outlets.

The airline initially said that the plane suffered some kind of 'mechanical failure' with going into specifics.

The aircraft was able to land safely a LAX, which was its destination, and all passengers and crew disembarked via jet bridge without incident. The plane landed around 8:45 pm local time.

This is not the first tire incident to impact Boeing this week, after a United Airlines Boeing 777 en route to Japan from San Francisco was forced into an emergency landing in at LAX when it lost a tire during take off.

A few days before that, another Boeing jet was forced to make an emergency landing in LAX after taking off from San Francisco due to hydraulic issues.

Boeing has suffered a number of setbacks in recent months with the beleaguered airplane building behemoth recently subjected to a federal government safety audit.

Those problems became further magnified following the mysterious suicide of John Barnett, 62, last Saturday. Barnett was a former quality manager at the company's North Charleston plant. He died following a 'self-inflicted' gun shot, police said.

The aircraft taxied along the runway and all passengers and crew onboard were able to disembark using a jet bridge

An emergency service vehicle is there to greet the plane after its emergency landing

Further afield, passengers on board a Latam Airlines from Sydney to Auckland were left traumatized after 50 were injured when their Boeing 787-9 plunged from the sky, throwing passengers against the ceiling, before landing safely.

In response to a federal audit in the US, Boeing said Tuesday that it would work with employees found to have violated company manufacturing procedures to make sure they understand instructions for their jobs.

Boeing's Recent Troubles Another day, another near-disaster for Boeing. On Monday, 50 passengers were injured when a Boeing 787 Dreamliner that was traveling between Sydney and Auckland plunged in midair. The plane landed safely, leaving passengers traumatized. The same day, United Airlines Flight 830 traveling between Sydney and San Francisco turned around mid-flight because of a fuel-leak. Days earlier, a United Airlines flight between San Francisco and Osaka had to made an emergency landing in LAX after a tire fell from the aircraft. It's been a rough year for the company, in January a panel that plugged a space left for an extra emergency door blew off an Alaska Airlines Max 9. Pilots were able to land safely, and there were no injuries. Advertisement

The aircraft maker detailed its latest steps to correct lapses in quality in a memo to employees from Stan Deal, president of Boeing's commercial plane division.

The memo went out after the Federal Aviation Administration finished a six-week review of the company's manufacturing processes for the 737 Max jetliner after a panel blew off during Alaska Airlines flight on January 5.

The FAA reviewed 89 aspects of production at Boeing's plant in Renton, Washington, and found the company failed 33 of them, according to a person familiar with the report.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details that have not been publicly released  although they were reported earlier by The New York Times.

The Arlington, Virginia-based company has seen its price on Wall Street drop by over ten percent over the last week.

Barnett was a longtime Boeing employee and worked as a quality-control manager before he retired in 2017. In the years after that, he shared his concerns with journalists.

'John was deeply concerned about the safety of the aircraft and flying public, and had identified some serious defects that he felt were not adequately addressed,' Barnett's brother, Rodney, said in a family statement on Tuesday.

'He said that Boeing had a culture of concealment and was putting profits over safety.'

Rodney Barnett said working at Boeing created stress for John.

'He was suffering from PTSD and anxiety attacks as a result of being subjected to the hostile work environment at Boeing, which we believe led to his death,' the brother said.

A United Boeing jet bound for San Francisco (seen here) was forced to land Monday after hydraulic fluid was filmed spewing from its landing gear area moments after take off

A few days later, on another United flight, a wheel fell off a Boeing 777-200 shortly after takeoff in San Francisco .

Former Boeing quality manager John Barnett (pictured) was found dead in South Carolina on Saturday with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head, police said

Boeing, in a one-sentence statement, said, 'We are saddened by Mr. Barnett's passing, and our thoughts are with his family and friends.'

Experts say the reasons people take their own lives are complicated, and that recent increases in suicides could be driven by several factors, including higher rates of depression and limited access to mental-health services.

In 2019, Barnett told The New York Times about quality issues at Boeing's factory in South Carolina, where the 787 jetliner is assembled.

Barnett said he found discarded metal shavings near wiring for the flight controls. He said it could have been 'catastrophic' if the sharp pieces had pierced the wiring. He said after he complained to superiors, they moved him to another part of the plant.

Barnett told the BBC that same year that up to a quarter of the oxygen systems on the 787  a two-aisle plane that airlines use mostly for international flights  might not work because of faulty parts installed at the Boeing plant. Boeing denied the claim.

Barnett filed a whistleblower complaint with the government, which is still pending. A hearing on the case was scheduled for June.

Boeing's production practices have been questioned both on the 787, a model called the Dreamliner, and the company's best-selling plane, the 737 Max.

The company has come under increased scrutiny since a panel blew off a 737 Max during an Alaska Airlines flight in January.
The father of a 12-year-old girl who died on a school trip to France has told of his anger that no one has ever been held responsible for her death.

Jessica Lawson died while swimming in a lake near the city of Limoges nine years ago.

Three British teachers from Wolfreton School, Willeby, East Yorkshire, who were in charge, and the lifeguard on duty when she died in 2015 were cleared of manslaughter by gross negligence at a trial in France.

But now Jessica Lawson's father Tony, has slammed the defendants for trying to delay the family's appeal of the verdict, which should have been heard within six months.

Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, Mr Lawson said: 'Nine years ago I put my daughter on a school bus and she was not returned to me and I still don't know why.

Jessica Lawson (pictured) died while swimming in a lake near the city of Limoges in 2015

Jessica's father Tony Lawson. Speaking to MailOnline, he has slammed the defendants for trying to delay the family's appeal of the verdict, which should have been heard within six months

Steven Layne arriving at Palais de Justice, Tulle, central France. He was one of three teachers cleared of manslaughter by gross negligence at a trial in France

Daisy Stathers arriving at court in France. Trial judge Marie-Sophie Waguette acquitted the British teachers of any wrongdoing

Chantelle Lewis arriving at Palais de Justice, Tulle, central France. The British teachers declined to comment when contacted via the East Riding of Yorkshire Council

'After the first hearing I didn't want to speak out, but now, I have chosen to speak out because I still don't really know what happened.

'Why can't I, as Jessica's father, ask some simple questions of the people who had my daughter in their care?

'There was meant to be an appeal hearing within six months of the original verdict but the defendants, the teachers, are stalling, they are kicking the can down the road.

'I am angry, why shouldn't I be? I have pretty good grounds to be angry. I've lost my daughter!'

'If the teachers had shown me that they did everything that they could to look after Jess then I would have said; 'ok'.

'But they have refused to answer my questions.

'All we got from them was a phone call.

'They said 'Jessica has had an accident. She's on the way to hospital. She is alive.' But she never regained consciousness.

'It's like me taking a neighbour's child to Alton Towers for a day out and not returning them home and when asked; 'where are they', I say; 'talk to my lawyer'.

'All said and done, the teachers have to be held responsible for what happened that day.

'It has been all cloak and dagger. They don't have to say anything. They don't have to answer me.

'And I end up looking like an inconvenience to everybody.'

Mr Lawson, 63, has told how he and his wife Brenda 'lost everything' following Jessica's death and emigrated to Portugal in 2017 to try to rebuild their lives.

The couple set up the 'Jessica Lawson Foundation' to offer support to bereaved parents, and to keep the name of their beloved daughter alive.

Mr Lawson with Jessica. Mr Lawson and his wife set up the 'Jessica Lawson Foundation' to offer support to bereaved parents, and to keep the name of their beloved daughter alive

From left to right: Daisy Stathers, Chantelle Lewis and Steven Layne

Speaking from his home on the Algarve, he said: 'I had a successful removals business and a 500,000 house but we lost everything.

'My business collapsed because no one wanted 'to bother us', and we couldn't pay the mortgage.

'My wife Brenda suffered anxiety and depression.

'Portugal was a place where we had never been with Jessica, so we moved there to be away from the constant reminders of what happened.

'But how can I 'move on'? My daughter never came home.

'After the October 2022 trial we were told that the appeal would be heard within six months.

'But it has been more than a year and a half. Now I hear that none of the defendants can agree a date.

'Why are they allowed to stall the court case?

'I want to direct my anger at the people who let my daughter down.'

The original trial heard how Jessica was among a group of 24 children  aged between 12 and 17 - who had gone swimming in the lake when a pontoon they were playing on capsized and she disappeared under water.

Teachers called the pupils back on to the shore, but it was not until Jessica was discovered missing that the alarm was raised.

Lifeguard Leo Lemaire pulled her to shore but she died in hospital the following day.

School trip leader Stephen Layne told the judge that he thought the pontoon was a 'safety feature' for swimmers struggling to stay afloat in the three-metre-deep water.

But the court heard that it was not properly secured to the lake bed.

However trial judge Marie-Sophie Waguette acquitted the British teachers Steven Layne, Chantelle Lewis and Daisy Stathers, of any wrongdoing.

Jessica with her father and mother Brenda Lawson. The couple chose to move to Portugal after Jessica's death because it was a place they had never visited with her

In her verdict she said: 'With regard to the teachers, Mr Layne, Miss Lewis and Miss Stathers, you have been accused of not having correctly conformed with risk evaluation regulations.

'However, the court believed you were not under obligation to carry out any specific checks. The area was being surveyed by the lifeguard, the lifeguard was present, the flag was green.

'It is not reflected either in the exchanges today or in the information provided that the teachers at any moment failed to comply with their requirements to monitor the activity.

'There was no any reason to think that the floating platform could turn over.

'We don't know why her drowning took place at the time when the platform turned over.

'There is therefore no evidence to show that they were negligent, therefore you are found not guilty.'

The British teachers declined to comment when contacted via the East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
An eight-year-old boy has been killed and his ten-year-old brother injured after an 'impatient' pick-up truck driver slammed into them at a New York City crosswalk.

Bayron Palomin Arroyo was struck down with his sibling in Queens on Wednesday afternoon in front of their horrified mother, 37, who narrowly avoided being hit.

Police said Jose Barcia, 52,ploughed into the boys after swerving around another vehicle and failing to stop for the family as they crossed.

Arroyo was declared dead at the scene. His older brother was taken to New York Presbyterian Hospital in stable condition with a wrist injury.

Bayron Palomin Arroyo, 8, was struck down with his sibling in Queens on Wednesday

Jose Barcia, 52, has been charged with murdering Arroyo and severely injuring his brother in a horrific crash

The brothers were hit by Barcia's black 2005 Nissan Titan at around 4:15 p.m., cops said.

'I love him,' Ruebn Hernandez the victims' cousin Ruben Hernandez told ABC7. 'Why would he drive too fast, I heard he took a turn too quick so why was he going max speed? It doesn't make sense.'

Barcia kept his hood up and head low as he was perp walked out of the 115 Precinct on Thursday after being hit with manslaughter charges.

He faces manslaughter charges among others. Police said he has been charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle four times in the past, twice in 2009 and twice in 2010.

Arroyo and his brother were in the crosswalk at the intersection of 31st Avenue and 100th Street in East Elmhurst when they were hit by Barcia's black 2005 Nissan Titan at around 4:15 p.m., cops said.

He made a left turn immediately as the light turned green and hit the brothers after 'failing to yield', cops said.

'The light turned green [and] he wouldn't wait,' Joel Villacis, who was in the vehicle ahead of Barcia, told the Daily News. 'He crossed over the yellow line, he turned and hit the people.'

Police said Jose Barcia, 52,ploughed into the boys after swerving around another vehicle and failing to stop for the family as they crossed

His passenger, Tito Ramirez, added: 'He just went over and hit the little boys. The mother was screaming. She went crazy. (Bayron) was on the ground with a lot of blood coming out of his head.

'He was dead. There was nothing we could do. I still remember his glasses lying in the street. It was terrible.'

Yasmin Ortiz is a neighbor who would regularly see the boys walking to school. She was also one of the first on the scene.

'They were always happy. They always said good morning. I'm in shock. My heart hurts for them.'

He has been charged with criminally negligent homicide, failure to yield, failure to exercise due car and driving at an unsafe speed

Arroyo and his brother were in the crosswalk at the intersection of 31st Avenue and 100th Street in East Elmhurst when they were hit by Barcia's black 2005 Nissan Titan, cops said

'This incident, as tragic as it is, was avoidable,' NYPD's Chief of Transportation Philip Rivera said at the press conference

Barcia remained at the scene and was first to call 911, police said.

He has been charged with criminally negligent homicide, failure to yield, failure to exercise due car and driving at an unsafe speed.

'This incident, as tragic as it is, was avoidable,' NYPD's Chief of Transportation Philip Rivera said at the press conference.

'When making turns, especially left turns, you must always yield to vehicles and pedestrians.

'Take an extra second, make sure the intersection of the crosswalk is clear before completing your turn,' he continued.

'Because of this poor decision, a family trying to enjoy a beautiful day will never be the same.'

State Senator Jessica Ramos sad the tragedy was evidence that pedestrian safety needs to be pivotal in the upcoming budget.

'I was just notified that a 8 year old was struck and killed on 31st Ave and 100th St while walking with his brother, who is injured. We are waiting for more details,' she said.

'Making sure pedestrian safety is in this budget just became that much more personal.'
Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner today said she 'would like to see' veteran MP Diane Abbott's suspension lifted in the wake of a Tory donor's racism row.

The Hackney North and Stoke Newington MP has had the Labour whip withdrawn for the past 11 months amid an ongoing probe into her comments about Jewish people.

There has been renewed scrutiny over the length of Ms Abbott's suspension after she was this week put at the centre of a Conservative racism scandal.

Ms Rayner this afternoon offered her support for the former shadow home secretary returning to the Labour fold in House of Commons.

But this appeared to put her at odds with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who stressed the disciplinary case against Ms Abbott is 'not resolved'.

Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner said she 'would like to see' veteran MP Diane Abbott, pictured, have her suspension lifted in the wake of a Tory donor's racism row

Ms Rayner offered her support for the former shadow home secretary returning to the Labour fold in House of Commons

But this appeared to put her at odds with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer , who stressed the disciplinary case against Ms Abbott is 'not resolved'

Tories under fresh pressure over extra 5m from 'racist' donor Tory donor Frank Hester Rishi Sunak today came under fresh pressure over gifts from a Tory donor embroiled in a racism row. Conservative backer Frank Hesterbacker was reported to have given the Tories 5million more than previously declared. Labour and the Liberal Democrats called on the Prime Minister to pay back the sum, which would take Mr Hester's total donations in the past year to 15million. Electoral Commission records only show the amount he gave the Tories up to the end of 2023, but the Tortoise Media website reported that he has handed over more since then. It was claimed the Conservatives are 'sitting on' the extra cash. The Tories did not deny the additional payment. They would only say that declarable donations will be published by the Electoral Commission 'in the usual way', with the next update due in June. Advertisement

Speaking to journalists at a Westminster lunch, Ms Rayner branded comments made about Ms Abbott by Tory donor Frank Hester as 'absolutely chilling' and 'abhorrent'.

The businessman was reported to have said Ms Abbott, Britain's first black female MP, made him 'want to hate all black women' and that she 'should be shot'.

Mr Hester has admitted making 'rude' comments about Ms Abbott, but claimed they had 'nothing to do with her gender nor colour of skin'.

The Tories have come under intense pressure to cut ties with Mr Hester and hand back the 10million he has donated to the party.

Rishi Sunak - who took a 16,000 personal donation from Mr Hester's firm - also faced a backlash after initially refusing to describe the remarks as 'racist'.

The Prime Minister yesterday insisted Mr Hester's 'remorse should be accepted' as he said the alleged comments 'were wrong, they were racist'.

Asked about Ms Abbott's long wait for an outcome from the investigation into her, Ms Rayner said she shared a 'frustration at times on how long these processes take'.

'I would like to see Diane back, personally I would like to see Diane back,' she added.

'But the Labour Party has to follow its procedures and, for me, that is the most important thing.

'That we make sure our party is fit to govern by making sure we have complaints procedures that are robust and people can have confidence in.

'So it doesn't matter what I think, because I don't make that decision. It's done through a panel, it's done by experts and I am not involved in that process.

'What happened to Diane and those comments that were made about Diane, I find absolutely chilling.'

Ms Abbott was suspended as a Labour MP in April last year following anger at her suggestion that Jewish people don't suffer racism.

She suggested in a letter to a newspaper that Jewish, Irish and Traveller people experience 'prejudice' but 'are not all their lives subject to racism'.

Ms Abbott later issued a statement to 'wholly and unreservedly withdraw my remarks and disassociate myself from them' as she blamed drafting 'errors'.

Sir Keir this afternoon stressed Labour would 'absolutely need to put our arm around her and give her support' in relation to Mr Hester's comments about Ms Abbott.

But, pressed on whether he would welcome Ms Abbott back into the party fold, Sir Keir told the BBC's Jeremy Vine: 'That's an entirely different issue.

'That was about allegations of anti-Semitism in relation to a letter which is subject to an ongoing investigation, which is separate from me. That's not something which I conduct.'

He said 'it's not resolved' and cautioned against conflating the two matters.
A Moscow court has sentenced two university students to more than three years in prison for their involvement with the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Russia in 2021 outlawed Navalny's organizations as "extremist" and has handed down lengthy prison sentences to several of the Kremlin critic's aides and supporters.

Moscow's Khoroshevsky District Court sentenced Ivan Trofimov, 23, and Alina Olekhnovich, 22, to three-and-a-half years in a penal colony on charges of participating in an "extremist" organization, state media and rights groups reported on Thursday, citing the court's press service.

The pair were sentenced on Wednesday, according to a database on the court's website.

Navalny died in an Arctic prison colony last month, where he was serving a 19-year sentence widely seen as political retribution for campaigning against the Kremlin.

His allies have accused the Kremlin of ordering his killing and Western leaders say President Vladimir Putin is "responsible" for his death.

Olekhnovich and Trofimov  contemporary art students at Moscow's Higher School of Economics  were arrested in July 2023, according to the Memorial human rights group.

Most of Navanly's top aides fled into exile as the group was targeted by Russian authorities.

Following Navalny's death last month, his wife Yulia Navalnaya has pledged to continue her husband's work. (AFP)
A motorcyclist swerved in and out of traffic at up to 145mph as he fled police on a bike with fake 'WILL RUN' number plates.

Jarvis Ashtin, 19, taunted six different police departments as he led them on a high-speed chase through central Florida on Tuesday.

When he was finally arrested late in the evening, a policeman asked him 'oh man, was that s**t fun?' to which Ashtin replied 'not really'.

The chase began when Volusia Sheriff's Office deputies spotted him and two other riders about 6.40pm and moved to intercept.

Cops recognized his fake plate from Daytona Bike Week last week, when he allegedly fled from police - which he on Tuesday claimed he 'didn't remember'.

Jarvis Ashtin, 19, taunted six different police departments as he led them on a high-speed chase through central Florida on Tuesday

His bike was fitted with fake 'WILL RUN' number plates he bought on Amazon

Police bodycam footage showed a deputy sprint out of his car seconds too late to grab Ashtin before he drove away at high speed

The three riders spotted the unmarked police car following them and fled through Daytona Beach until they got stuck in traffic.

Police bodycam footage showed a deputy sprint out of his car seconds too late to grab Ashtin before he drove away at high speed.

Another rider also escaped with Ashtin while the third was pulled over and issued a citation for doing a wheelie.

Ashtin was driving so fast that police decided it was too dangerous to chase him and instead pursued him using a helicopter.

Video from the helicopter showed him zipping through traffic and taking corners at dangerous speed, eventually joining on to I-4.

Video from the helicopter showed him zipping through traffic and taking corners at dangerous speed, eventually joining on to I-4

Ashtin is locked up in Seminole County Jail on a $66,500 bond facing numerous charges

Sanford police finally cornered him after he entered Seminole County

The Volusia Sheriff's Office alleged he taunted and fled from Port Orange, New Smyrna, Ormond Beach, Edgewater, and South Daytona police during the chase.

Sanford police finally cornered him after he entered Seminole County.

A charging affidavit alleged he told police he fled because he was 'scared' and he 'saw a similar tag in a video, thought it was funny, and purchased the fake tag on Amazon'.

Ashtin is locked up in Seminole County Jail on a $66,500 bond facing charges of fleeing at high speed, reckless driving, and possession of a counterfeit license plate, along with various traffic violations.
NYC's migrant population has been consistently going down since October

Each migrant household costs NYC $387 every day - this is $10M per day total

New York City is spending on average $387 each day on every migrant household in taxpayer-funded shelters despite efforts from Eric Adams to slash expenditure.

The $387 is the 'cumulative per diem' - which is the average amount spent on a migrant household, including providing them shelter and food, every day since the crisis began in Spring 2022.

February's average was down $5 from the reported expenditure in October 2023, when around 65,400 migrants were in shelters.

The number has been gradually going down every month since October and is projected to stay on a declining trajectory.

Based on the average US household containing 2.5 people, there are 26,100 households in the Big Apple's migrant shelters.

This forecasts over $10.12 million per day being spent on migrants in the city.

New York City is spending on average $387 each day on every migrant household in taxpayer-funded shelters despite efforts from Eric Adams to slash expenditure

Efforts from New York City Mayor Eric Adams (pictured) to slash the amount of government funding being spent on migrants and reduce the number of asylum-seekers in taxpayer-funded shelters

The $387 is the 'cumulative per diem' - which is the average amount spent on a migrant household every day since the crisis began in Spring 2022

February's average was down $5 from the reported expenditure in October 2023, when around 65,400 migrants were in shelters

However, the majority of people coming through the southern border and finding their way to New York City are single individuals - meaning that the average household among the migrant population may be less than 2.5.

There are efforts from NYC to slash the amount of government funding being spent on migrants and reduce the number of asylum-seekers in taxpayer-funded shelters.

Since October, the total migrant population under city-care has gone down by at least 600.

Mayor Eric Adams' administration have been working to combat the migrant crisis, which has been predicted to cost the city $10 billion over next fiscal year.

'In the last two months, Mayor Adams has laid out plans to save billions of taxpayer dollars as New York City manages a national humanitarian crisis, and the numbers show that our efforts are working,' a City Hall spokesperson told The Post on Tuesday, adding that they 'expect to save $2.3 billion by next summer.'

In January, a government report claimed that what New Yorkers are seeing is not an 'an unprecedented surge in immigration.'

'While New York City is seeing an unprecedented number of asylum seekers relying on the Citys shelter system, the U.S. and New York City have seen periods of comparable or greater growth in our immigrant population in the past,' the report stated.

It went on to claim that the immigrant population in the US has only risen marginally since 2021.

According to the data, the growth of the immigrant population in 2022 is two million less than the US Census Bureau predicted.

The period from 2012 to 2022 saw slower growth in the immigrant share of the population than the 2000s, 1990s, 1980s and 1970s, according to the data report.

Mayor Eric Adams' administration have been working to combat the migrant crisis, which has been predicted to cost the city $10 billion over next fiscal year

Recently arrived migrants are pictured walking outside Floyd Bennett Field shelter on February 21, 2024 in Brooklyn

Since October, the total migrant population under city-care has gone down by at least 600

The recent data from City Hall comes just weeks after Mayor Eric Adams was accused of wasting millions of taxpayer dollars on no-bid contracts that pay for-profit companies 'exorbitant rates' to manage emergency shelters for asylum-seeking migrants.

City Comptroller Brad Lander made the claim in a review of migrant-related contracts which identified 340 asylum-seeker contracts representing an estimated contract value of $5.7 billion.

Most of those contracts were procured on an emergency basis, allowing the city to waive the usual competitive bidding requirements, according to the report.

'The asylum-seeker contracts show the dangers of this process run amok  wildly high staffing prices with little consistency across agencies, costing much more than traditional procurements or hiring city employees,' the report said.

A City Hall spokesperson told DailyMail.com in a statement that the city is pursuing cost-saving measures as emergency contracts expire, adding: 'We will review the full report and address any issues that need to be rectified.'

'New York City has led the nation in managing this national humanitarian crisis, helping more than 60 percent of the nearly 180,000 migrants who have come through our care since the spring of 2022 move out of our shelter system and take the next steps of their journeys,' the spokesperson said.

'Our success stems in large part from our ability to adapt and respond to the evolving needs of this crisis,' the statement added.

More than 170,000 migrants have arrived in the city since the spring of 2022, and the crisis is only deepening as they continue to be bussed from Texas where record numbers are entering.

In January, Adams announced the original 20 percent cut that reduced costs from the migrant crisis from $12.25 billion to $10.6 billion over the next three years

Adams received backlash for announcing a $53 million debit card scheme that could give a family of migrants with two children under the age of 17 up to $15,200-a-year

In January, Adams announced the original 20 percent cut that reduced costs from the migrant crisis over the next three years.

'If we had to do the third rounds, it will impact garbage pickup, it will impact our services to our older adults, it will impact libraries, you will impact a series of services that you will actually see the difference. We're not going to have to do those third rounds, that third round of cuts to our agencies,' Adams said.

'You're not going to see some of those draconian steps that we were going to have to take that will get in the way of the cleanliness and the safety of our city.'

The Immediate Response Card initiative will see the city partner with the New Jersey bank Mobility Capital Finance to give prepaid cards to new arrivals to allow them to buy food and baby supplies instead of the current food services in shelters.

Under the scheme, a single migrant could be given $345 a month, while a family of eight could be given $2,203 a month, according to a new cost breakdown seen by The New York Post.

Likewise, a family of three could receive $932 per month and a family of four could be given $1,195 per month to spend on food at local grocery stores, supermarkets and bodegas.

A start date for the scheme has not been set but the pilot will include 500 families at the Roosevelt Hotel and could eventually include up to 6,500 families, with officials saying it will save $600,000 per month and $7.2 million annually.
A dog who went missing before she took to the Crufts showring on Sunday was found eight miles away - after a two-day search involving a drone.

Coonhound Ruth slipped her collar at a hotel near Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre online, as her handler was about to walk her to the venue.

Searchers were given permission to launch a drone by air traffic control at nearby Birmingham Airport, and the aircraft eventually traced the dog to a patch of green space in Bordesley Green suburb on Tuesday.

They posted a video of the moment Ruth recognised and ran to owner Krizia Buso when the pair were reunited on Tuesday.

Ruth had flown from her home in Italy with her handler. Ms Buso only realised her dog was missing when she landed in the UK on a later flight.

A dog who went missing before she took to the Crufts showring on Sunday was found eight miles away - after a two-day search involving a drone

Every successful rescue mission should end with a happy wagging tail. 



Ruth the Coonhound has finally been found in Bordesley Green after slipping her collar at Crufts.



Here's the emotional moment she was found.  pic.twitter.com/vzSkYhGX96  BBC Radio WM (@bbcwm) March 13, 2024

Jacqui Whitworth, from Stourbridge, helped mount the search for Ruth and said a huge number of people came forward to assist.

One man let volunteers camp outside his house, bringing them tea and coffee and allowing them to use his facilities.

Eventually a phone call came in and Mrs Whitworth discovered Ruth had been seen at a pub near to where she had previously been sighted.

Thousands of people followed online posts charting the searches progress.

Coonhound Ruth slipped her collar at a hotel near Birmingham 's National Exhibition Centre online, as her handler was about to walk her to the venue

A screenshot from the video of when Ruth recognised and ran to owner Krizia Buso when the pair were reunited on Tuesday

'(With) the number of people who helped us my phone was absolutely ringing and ringing,' Ms Whitworth told BBC Radio WM.

'I was talking to people sand saying I've got go [because I had] another call.

You can actually see in that video Ruth moving towards Ruth and you can actually see the second she thought 'you're my mum' and just went rushing to her,' Ms Whitworth added.

Ruth and her owner were driven to Heathrow Airport by a taxi driver after they were reunited, and are now back in Italy.

About 24,000 dogs take part in Crufts, where they are judged in competitions according to their agility, behaviour and looks.

A coonhound is an American type of hunting dog developed for the hunting of raccoons.
A film executive who was caught trying to chat to underage girls by undercover police and also found with illegal images of children on his computer has been jailed for more than three-and-a-half years.

Paul Smith admitted one count of attempting to arrange the commission of a child sex offence and two counts of encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence at Southwark Crown Court today.

The 42-year-old believed he was talking with youngsters online, but was actually in contact with undercover officers, using the pseudonyms Megan, Abby and Elsie.

David Burns, prosecuting also told the court that illegal images were found on the defendant's computer when police raided his 900,000 home in Londons Maida Vale in February 2022.

Paul Smith (pictured entering Westminster Magistrates Court in September 2022) has been jailed for more than three-and-a-half years

Mr Smith admitted one count of attempting to arrange the commission of a child sex offence and two counts of encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence at Southwark Crown Court (pictured)

Mr Smith, of Moazart Street, first appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court in September 2022 as Theodore Robert Tennessee Freed but his defence barrister explained he had changed his name to Paul Smith.

His LinkedIn profile remains online giving the name Theodore Freed with his occupation given as an account manager for Full Circle Films.

The film exec also admitted making three Category A still images, seven Category B images and nine still category C images.

He has been jailed for three years and 32 weeks.
Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun is being slammed by industry experts after a scandal-ridden year caused shares to plummet.

Calhoun's company lost $4 billion in value on Tuesday as the airline maker's stock slumped to a five-month low after news broke late Monday that whistleblower John Barnett was found dead in a hotel parking lot.

There have been six safety incidents in just over a week for the aviation giant amid a slew of safety issues, emergency landings and near fatal incidents.

Calhoun took over as chief executive in 2020 after two fatal 737 Max crashes put the model on a nearly two-year long grounding, and now experts are criticizing his ability to bounce back from a crisis.

'It's become an extreme embarrassment. The board seems weirdly absentee, investors seem weirdly complacent, and the government doesn't seem to have a mechanism for dealing with this,' Richard Aboulafia, managing director of the consulting firm AeroDynamic Advisory, told CNN.

Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun is slammed by industry experts after a scandal ridden year has caused shares to plummet

There have been six safety incidents in just over a week for the plane maker following a slew of safety issues, emergency landings and near fatal incidents

'It's been three years of 'there's no way Calhoun can stay at the helm,' but he seems to be staying at the helm. I do not get it.'

Boeing paid Calhoun $22.5 million in 2022 but denied him a $7 million bonus because the company failed to get its new 777X jetliner in service by the end of the year. His 2023 compensation has not been announced.

On March 13, an American Airlines Boeing 777 carrying 249 people was forced to make an emergency landing at LAX after a 'mechanical problem'.

Flight AA 345 was arriving from Dallas Fort Worth and landed in Los Angeles around 8:45 p.m.

The aircraft taxied along the runway and all passengers and crew onboard were able to disembark using a jet bridge.

Initial rumors suggested that the issue was a blown-out tire, reported KTLA.

A United Airlines Boeing 777 en route to Japan from San Francisco was forced into an emergency landing in at LAX when it lost a tire on March 11.

On March 11, passengers on board a Latam Airlines from Sydney to Auckland were left traumatized after 50 were injured when their Boeing 787-9 plunged from the sky, throwing passengers against the ceiling, before landing safely.

Another Boeing jet was forced to make an emergency landing in LAX after taking off from San Francisco due to hydraulic issues on March 9.

On March 7 a United Airlines Boeing 737 was forced to make an emergency landing and return to George H. Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport moments after takeoff.

Heart-stopping video caught the moment the Boeing jet's engines exploded and burst into flames in the skies above Texas.

The terrifying incident took place just minutes into a United Airlines flight bound for Fort Myers, Florida.

Video taken from a passenger window shows white-hot flashes streaming out of the 737's jet engine.

A United Boeing jet bound for San Francisco (seen here) was forced to land Monday after hydraulic fluid was filmed spewing from its landing gear area moments after take off

A few days later, on another United flight, a wheel fell off a Boeing 777-200 shortly after takeoff in San Francisco .

Earlier in March, heart-stopping video has caught the moment a Boeing jet's engines exploded and burst into flames in the skies above Texas forcing an emergency landing

The model of plane in the Houston incident was a Boeing 737-900, a similar jet to the Max fleet which was grounded in January after an exit door blew out during an Alaska Airlines flight over Oregon.

NTSB leaders said the door plug that failed was opened during the repair work months earlier but that Boeing has not ben able to locate records of the work.

'To date, we still do not know who performed the work to open, reinstall, and close the door plug on the accident aircraft. Boeing has informed us that they are unable to find the records documenting this work,' Jennifer Homendy, NTSB chair, wrote in the letter.

In response to a federal audit in the US, Boeing said Tuesday that it would work with employees found to have violated company manufacturing procedures to make sure they understand instructions for their jobs.

The aircraft maker detailed its latest steps to correct lapses in quality in a memo to employees from Stan Deal, president of Boeing's commercial plane division.

The memo went out after the Federal Aviation Administration finished a six-week review of the company's manufacturing processes for the 737 Max jetliner after a panel blew off during Alaska Airlines flight on January 5.

The FAA reviewed 89 aspects of production at Boeing's plant in Renton, Washington, and found the company failed 33 of them, according to a person familiar with the report.

Boeing whistleblower, Barnett, who had testified against the company days before his death shot himself with a handgun and left a suicide note in his vehicle on Saturday.

The ex-quality manager at Boeing's North Charleston plant died seven years after he retired following a 32-year career.

It has been less than three months after he warned about the production processes of both the 737 and 787-Dreamliner.

In January, Barnett appeared on TMZ to provide his take on a technical failure that saw a door fly off its hinges of a 737 - a model he said was being victimized by recent shifts in strategy along with the 787.

His warning would prove prophetic, as a 787 experienced a midair 'technical event', injuring 50 passengers.

Former Boeing quality manager John Barnett (pictured) was found dead in South Carolina on Saturday with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head, police said

Bolts appear to be missing from the door plug that blew out of a Boeing 737 MAX during an Alaska Airlines flight on January 5

In January, Barnett explained why he believed both models were ticking time bombs, as both incidents remain under investigation.

'This is not a 737 problem - this is a Boeing problem,' he said after being asked if he believed the 737 was safe to fly following the door incident and a subsequent FAA inspection.

The Arlington, Virginia-based company has seen its price on Wall Street drop by over ten percent over the last week.

'If you ask me, the first thing that needs to happen for Boeing to gain trust is to basically fire the entire C suite,' said Gad Allon, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business.

'I know that will not happen, but there is not a single person that has a C in front of their title that is not responsible for what we're seeing now.'
House Republicans tore into Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for demanding new elections in Israel to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Schumer, who is the highest-ranking Jewish official in the U.S., argued in 45-minute floor remarks on Thursday 'the Netanyahu coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel after Oct. 7.'

The Democratic leader said Netanyahu has 'lost his way' by 'allowing his political survival to take precedence over the best interests of Israel' and indicating he isn't interested in the formation of a Palestinian state.

'This is not only highly inappropriate, it's just plain wrong,' Speaker Mike Johnson fired back in impromptu remarks to the press after Schumer made his most significant criticisms to date of the Israeli leader.

'If Schumer wants to focus on elections overseas, maybe he should have called for an election in Gaza instead,' House GOP Whip Tom Emmer, Minn., told reporters at the House GOP retreat in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

House Republicans tore into Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for demanding new elections in Israel to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Schumer, who is the U.S.'s highest-ranking Jewish official argued in 45-minute floor remarks on Thursday 'the Netanyahu coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel after Oct. 7'

'I'll remind you that there hasn't been an election in Gaza since Hamas took over in 2006.'

'Schumer does not stand with Israel,' said House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, N.Y.

'Schumer owes an apology to the people of Israel who elected their leadership,' added Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La.

More than 1,200 Israelis were killed in the October 7 attack on Israel. Over 30,000 Palestinians have died in Israel's bloody counterattack aimed at eradicating Hamas, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Schumer said that Netanyahu has aligned himself with 'right wing extremists' like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who he said are 'pushing support for Israel worldwide to historic lows.'

'Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah,' the majority leader said.

Emmer called his comments 'unprecedented' and 'very dangerous.'

'It's not our role to question democracy and elections,' said Foreign Affairs Chairman Mike McCaul, R-Texas.

In a floor speech responding to Schumer, GOP Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said: 'It is grotesque and hypocritical for Americans who hyperventilate about foreign interference in our own democracy to call for the removal of the democratically elected leader of Israel.'

The White House said Schumer had informed it of his comments in advance and it 'respected his right' to make them. It expressed 'no approval or disapproval.'

Netanyahu is Israel's longest-serving prime minister, having led in the role for over 16 years.

Schumer has long been a supporter of Israel - he is pictured here with Netanyahu in 2017

Palestinians shop at a local market next to a destroyed residential building by the Israeli airstrikes, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Thursday, March 14, 2024

A displaced Palestinian child eats food from a box while sitting in a makeshift tent at a camp beside a street in Rafah on March 13, 2024

Schumer's harsh criticism follows moves from President Joe Biden and Democrats to ramp up the pressure on Netanyahu to protect Palestinian civilians as he carries on his offensive.

The Biden administration has also called for a temporary ceasefire to get aid to Palestinians and to allow the release of hostages captured by Hamas.

Netanyahu has vowed to carry on fighting until Hamas has been destroyed - but some, like Schumer, have begun to question his motives.

Schumer also criticized Palestinians who support Hamas, and said Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas should also step aside.

'For there to be any hope of peace in the future, Abbas must step down and be replaced by a new generation of Palestinian leaders who will work towards attaining peace with a Jewish State,' Schumer said.
Loot seized from 'Gucci goddess' Janet Mello is under attack from vermin in a Texas warehouse as prosecutors try to claw back $108 million lost to the Army fraudster.

The former finance officer faces up to 125 years in jail after she admitted spending funds meant for soldiers' children on a vast fleet of luxury vehicles and 31 houses across the US.

Many are already thought to have been sold by the federal government but a receiver has been appointed to flog the rest before they rot away in storage.

'Many of these items, most notably the vehicles, have not moved in months if not years,' US district attorney general Todd Keagle told the court.

'Rodents and rust appear to have damaged some of the items, which are also suffering from lack of use. 'As a result, it is essential that the items be sold before their value diminishes any further.'

Mello, 57, stole millions of dollars from military funds and blew it on jewelry, clothing, luxury vehicles and real estate in one of the biggest fraud cases the military has ever seen

Janet Yamanaka Mello was seen walking out of the federal courthouse in San Antonio with her husband Mark after she appeared before Magistrate Judge Richard Farrer and pleaded guilty to five counts of mail fraud and five charges of filing fraudulent tax returns

A 1911 Harley-Davidson 7 is among the pick of Mello's classic motorbike collection (file photo)

Mello was in court in San Antonio on Wednesday with her husband Mark to plead guilty to five counts of mail fraud and five charges of filing fraudulent tax returns.

She controlled the finances of the 4-H Military Partnership Grant program and was able to divert $108 million to a bogus company she created over an eight-year period.

She accumulated nearly 80 luxury vehicles Maserati's, Ferraris, Aston Martins, Mercedes, Tesla's, Land Rovers and more than a dozen Harley-Davidson motorbikes, some dating back to 1911.

Delivery men dubbed her 'the Gucci Goddess' for the constant stream of jewels and luxury clothes ordered to her addresses in Texas, Maryland, Colorado, Washington, and New Mexico.

The loot brought to a federal lock-up in Gonzales County includes four classic cars, two John Deere tractors and 11 of her motorbikes.

The 1911 Harley-Davidson is described as a 7 Single, while other models included a 1927 Indian Scout, a 1926 Harley B-Single, and a 1956 Ariel.

Jewelry, a boat, a gun safe and six all-terrain vehicles are also awaiting new owners in the repository 80 miles east of San Antonio.

But the newly appointed receiver will also be asked to get what he can for more mudane items such as 'multiple boxes of dishware', and 'two ladders'.

A 1955 Ferrari Fratelli was also seized by investigators (file photo)

Mello also owned a 2003 Aston Martin Vanquish (file photo)

Mello also owned a 1935 Plymouth Sedan (file photo) and a 2018 Maserati Granturism (file photo)

Mello used some of the $100million she siphoned from the US Army to buy a $250,000 Land Rover Range Rover, federal prosecutors say

The warehouse in Gonzales County also contains what are listed as 'Two John Deere tractors'

The 1968 Harley-Davidson FLH Electra Glide has a top speed of just under 100mph

'In the end, we expect there's going to be a large number of assets both in number and monetary value that are going to be recovered by the US government,' Mello's lawyer Albert Flores, as she left court.

'Today was the beginning of the long process where she pled guilty.

'She's accepting responsibility for her actions. She's very remorseful for what she's done.'

Her scheme came crashing down when criminal investigators from the IRS worked with army investigators as they put the pieces of the puzzle together - before Mello was criminally indicted in December 2023.

It was the IRS who flagged that her lifestyle - buying million-dollar homes multiple times a year - was not supported by her $130,000 a year salary.

Despite the significant criminal fraud she is accused of, was allowed to leave without bail, and officials sparked outrage after it emerged that Mello is set to be allowed to retire with full benefits.

The military admitted there was nothing they could do to strip it from her because she was protected under a federal law that was held up in government bureaucracy.

An Army spokesman said: 'The command has no authority to impact Ms. Mello's retirement.'

While there are exceptions for treason and bigger offenses, 'there is no similar statutory authority for denying retired pay based on a conviction of other offenses,' she added.

After the scheme came to light, questions were raised over how the military failed to spot such a large sum of money being moved under their noses.

Assistant US Attorney Justin Simmons said the army hadn't conducted proper audits of her program, while others close to the investigation say that the Army just worked on the assumption of goodwill of its employees.

A source familiar with the investigation told the Express-News about the Army leaders: 'They stove-piped the process to only one person.

'They gave her complete carte blanche, and she found all the loopholes.'

One of the sprawling mansions that drew attention to Mello was this eight-bedroom, sixteen-bathroom home in Preston, Maryland - as the IRS began to question how she afforded such lavish purchases on a $130,000 salary

This is Mello's $2.3million estate in Castle Rock, Colorado

This home was listed as one of the properties to seize. It cost Mello $1.1 million and is in San Antonio, Texas

Mello's $3.1million property in Preston, Maryland. She regularly filed fraudulent paperwork and deposited grants a total of 40 times into her fake business during a six-year period, securing over $100,000,000 for herself, court documents allege

The army had also replaced some of its administrative restrictions as part of an 'organizational shake-up', giving Mello autonomy in her position.

An insider told the local paper: 'It speaks to the nonchalant-ness of the command and its lack of internal controls.'

Former federal prosecutor Robert Almonte Jr. said that Mello was not even 'discreet on her part' and her plot was 'nothing super complex,' but incompetent government programs are not 'equipped to monitor these things.'

Almonte continued: 'In some fraud instances, they at least take steps to make sure to hide their fraud. There was no apparent attempt to hide what she was doing with the money after the fact.'
Gold Star father Steven Nikoui says charges have not been dropped against him after he was arrested for heckling President Biden during the State of the Union address.

Nikoui, 51, the father of slain Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, shouted 'Remember Abbey Gate!' 'United States Marines!' and 'Abbey Gate!' from the balcony of the House chamber in the middle of the president's remarks last Thursday.

His son, Kareem, was killed by a suicide bomber, along with 12 other soldiers, during the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.

After yelling at Biden from the guest seating, Nikoui was removed from the chamber by Capitol Police and later arrested and charged. He has an upcoming court date of March 28.

He told DailyMail.com a week later that he's heard 'nothing' from the Capitol police since his arrest despite Republican calls for his charges to be dropped.

'I was just strongly convicted by the Holy Spirit to stand up and say that after sitting there for almost an hour of just total disrespect to us. He knew that there were other Gold Star family members, he could of at least just said their names and this would have been done.'

He called it 'devastating' that Biden instead mentioned the name of murdered Georgia student Laken Riley, which he confused with 'Lincoln,' but not the soldiers killed at Abbey Gate.

Gold Star father Steve Nikoui was removed from President Joe Biden's State of the Union speech for shouting about his son's death in Afghanistan

'I've waited three years, I paid $3,000...and I've traveled 3,000 miles just to finally hear my son's name in the State of the Union,' he added.

Nikoui says the financial drain is starting to take a toll on the Gold Star families who have spent thousands of dollars of their own money to keep pushing for accountability from the Biden administration.

'We've all spent thousands of dollars, that trip to the State of the Union - what a kick in my a**,' he told DailyMail.com.

'That cost me three grand, hotels are really expensive. And then getting thrown into jail.'

Fellow Gold Star father Darin Hoover called Nikoui's arrest 'ludicrous' that he was singled out among other hecklers during the State of the Union.

'The optics don't look good, that's for damn sure,' he told DailyMail.com.

Nikoui said a lot of the other Gold Star parents are not going to be able to go to an upcoming hearing on March 19 on Capitol Hill featuring Generals Kenneth McKenzie and Mark Milley.

'Joe Biden, personally, is the reason for that fiasco,' he told DailyMail.com '100%.'

'I'm mad at Milley and Mackenzie, because I feel like they should have been bold and taking a stand and resign. Maybe it would have changed the course of history.'

But Nikoui says he just doesn't have the money to make it back next week for the hearing, which is 'sad' as a lot of the other Gold Star parents are in the same boat.

Video posted of Nikoui after the State of the Union around 1:00 a.m. shows him entering an Irish pub to loud applause after the lawmaker who brought him, Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., helped secure his release.

The 51-year-old was quickly removed from the public gallery and placed in handcuffs

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, of Norco, Calif. - one of 13 service members who were killed during the disastrous 2021 exit from Afghanistan

Shortly after the State of the Union DailyMail.com asked Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., a former Army Green Beret, his reaction to Nikoui's arrest.

'That's shameful if he was arrested,' Waltz said. 'I was with the all of the Gold star families just before the speech.'

Waltz himself invited Gold Star mother Paula Knauss, who similarly lost her son, Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, after the blast at the Afghanistan airport.

Knauss said she 'almost got kicked out myself' during the speech because she was furious with Biden for failing to say her son's name and apologize for the disastrous exit from Afghanistan.

'He has yet to say that 13 names, whether to them privately, publicly, in a speech anywhere. It's infuriating,' Waltz said.
For nervous fliers wishing to avoid the Boeing 737 Max series planes here is a list of major airlines in the US that are not currently utilizing the aircraft

It comes after a door plug blew out off an Alaska Airlines plane in January leading to the grounding of all of their Max 9 jets for several weeks

In the wake of mounting concerns about Boeing plane's safety, travelers are increasingly anxious about flying on the manufacturer's planes.

'Thank god were flying with Delta next month I do not want to even step foot in a plane that has anything to do with Boeing,' one X user recently wrote.

It's a feeling shared across social media as Boeing has seen several of its planes forced to make emergency landings due to faulty door plugs, wheels and a host of other issues in recent months.

A January incident in which a door plug blew out at 16,000 feet led to the FAA grounding the company's MAX 9 for several weeks.

The National Transportation Safety Board revealed yesterday that the door plug that failed on an Alaska Airlines flight was opened during repair work months earlier but that Boeing has not ben able to locate records of the work. Former employees have expressed their concerns about how such work was frequently rushed and kept off the books at the company's North Charleston plant.

Now, a website has provided a list of the airlines across the globe that do not fly the Boeing Max series - perfect for any nervous fliers who need to make a trip.

Boeing has been under renewed scrutiny after a door plug blew out off an Alaska Airlines plane

The January incident led to the FAA grounding the MAX 9 for several weeks

United States

For those traveling in the US, there are numerous airlines that do not use the Boeing MAX series.

Delta, a favorite among economy travelers in the US, currently has no Boeing 737 MAX's in its fleet. However, it does have 100 orders for the model which are expected to be delivered in 2025.

Frontier Airlines, Avelo Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines also do not use the model on their flights.

JetBlue, Spirit Airlines and Sun Country Airlines also use other aircraft.

Delta, a favorite among economy travelers in the US, currently has no Boeing 737 Max's in its fleet

JetBlue also uses different aircraft for its domestic and international flights

Europe

In Europe, the Boeing 737 Max is also a popular plane.

It is currently used by Ryanair, Enter Air, Blue Air, Icelandair, Norwegian, Smartwings, SunExpress, TAROM, TUI and Turkish Airlines.

However, other top 30 airlines do not, leaving travelers with some options when booking a trip.

Air Europa, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, British Airways, Iberia, Aeroflot, easyJet, Wizz Air, Pegasus Airlines and more do not utilize the jets in their fleets.

British Airways is an option for those travelling in Europe that do not wish to fly on a 737 Max

Popular budget airline EasyJet also does not use Boeing's 737 for its flights

Boeing's recent woes have sparked a massive federal probe into airline safety.

Already this month Boeing planes have been involved in four separate incidents.

On March 4 a Boeing jet's engines exploded and burst into flames in the skies above Texas forcing an emergency landing.

Just four days later a 737 MAX 8 operated by United Airlines veered off the runway after landing in Houston.

Most recently an American Airlines Boeing 777 carrying 249 people is forced to make an emergency landing at LAX after a 'mechanical problem' on Wednesday.

A former Boeing technician at Boeing's North Charleston plant yesterday told DailyMail.com how employees were 'constantly' under pressure to make quick fixes and not to document mistakes.

Joseph Clayton, who worked for Boeing between 2013 and 2019, told DailyMail.com that 'end level management pressured people to do things that were unsavory, such as do undocumented maintenance.'

'As an AMP mechanic everything has to be documented but they would say "just put a nut and bolt in and fix it without filing the problem"' Clayton recalled.

'Almost everyone there has had to do something not correct' he said.

It comes after the death of whistleblower John Barnett, who had been in the middle of a deposition in a lawsuit related to production of the 787 Dreamliner at the same factory, which opened in 2009.

The suit alleged under-pressure workers were deliberately fitting 'sub-standard' parts to Boeing 787s, and that management were sweeping defects under the rug to save money.

The 62-year-old died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the Charleston County coroner's office in South Carolina confirmed on Tuesday.

Joseph Clayton, a former technician at Boeing's North Charleston plant told DailyMail.com that 'end level management pressured people to do things that were unsavory'

Clayton worked in Boeing's North Charleston plant between 2013 and 2019

'If you said "no" and wanted to do it properly they would say you were being insubordinate,' Clayton told DailyMail.com about management's attitude to production issues.

'I would ask them to put everything in an email and of course they never sent that email.

'As flight mechanics, we're more liable for faults than your common worker,' he said.

Adding: 'I am liable for inappropriate maintenance going back twenty years, so you have to have it documented.'

Clayton described the coercive and fearful experience of leaving the multibillion-dollar company in 2019.

'When I left I had an NDA so I can only speak in vague terms. It technically wasn't a condition of my leaving but they gave me two weeks pay if I did sign it.

'I knew that once I did plan to leave I needed an escape plan, in case I was steam rolled by them.

'They took a lot of people who wanted to do the right thing even though it takes longer, and they would send them to the 'the 19th section' and put you in there and forget about you' he said of his fellow employees that spoke out.

'It's a multibillionaire company so there is no telling what could happen,' Clayton said when asked about concerns over his and other whistleblower's safety.

'I'm sad about my friend on the flight line,' Clayton said of Barnett.

'Working with John he was a good dude, it's one of those things where there's no telling what could happen day to day at that place.

'The pressures change and come from different directions, they're good at getting away with what they're doing, they know what they're doing they've been doing it a long time to get away with it.'

'I still have friends that work there and they say it is still the same as it was except for a bit better pay and benefits.'

Boeing did not respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment on Clayton's allegations.
New footage shows Just Stop Oil's pink-haired poster girl being arrested after delivering a letter to Emily Thornberry's house.

Phoebe Plummer, 22, is a prolific protester who has been arrested for a string of disturbances.

In March, she was detained on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle and of sending a malicious communication after the Mail exposed an alleged plot to target MPs.

The privately-educated activist has now been arrested for breaching her bail conditions, with footage showing her walking up to MP Emily Thornberry's door.

The video posted on social media shows Plummer posting the letter with a friend. It then cuts to show several police officers asking if she has ID.

An officer then returns, and said: 'We've just spoken to our inspector... you will be under arrest for breaching police bail conditions.'

Just Stop Oil 's poster girl was arrested after delivering a letter to Emily Thornberry's house

Phoebe Plummer, 22, is a prolific protester who has been arrested for a string of disturbances

The video posted on social media shows Plummer posting the letter with a friend. It then cuts to show several police officers asking if she has ID. Pictured climbing into a police van

Shadow attorney general Emily Thornberry during a speech to the Fabian Society conference

He then asks if she was aware of the bail conditions not to attend a MP's home address.

Speaking to the camera, she then said: 'So apparently this is the world we live in now. Getting arrested, literally for just posting a letter through to somebody's house...somebody's front door.

'That's so far from a crime, isn't it?'

To which the police officer replied: 'You've got these bail conditions for a reason, haven't you.'

She responded: 'To prevent that. This is what it was trying to prevent. Just delivering a letter.'

The video cuts to footage of a police van arriving, and Plummer climbs in before turning and waving, saying: 'See you guys later!' and laughs.

The clip ends with a promotional message reading 'Everything is fine' - referencing a crowdfunded documentary 'telling the inside story of activists in Just Stop Oil', filmed by Rich Felgate - who posted the arrest video.

She was privately educated at 45,000-a year St Mary's School in Ascot, Berkshire, then 34,000-a-year Mander Portman Woodward College in Kensington, London

She has been dubbed the 'poster girl' of the Just Stop Oil movement

Phebe Plummer is pictured taking part in an anti-government protest near London's Embankment on November 5, 2022

Just Stop Oil previously posted footage on social media of Plummer in handcuffs during her arrest in Vauxhall, south London last month.

When officers explain the charges she laughed and said: 'This is bizarre.'

Detectives launched an investigation into her eco group after the Mail On Sunday revealed a plan by activists to 'occupy' MPs' homes ahead of the General Election.

Det Supt Sian Thomas, who is leading the Met inquiry, said after the arrest: 'The safety and security of MPs and other elected officials is taken extremely seriously.

'It is completely unacceptable to target MPs and elected officials at their home address and we will respond robustly to anyone who seeks to undermine our democratic values this way.'

In a follow-up, the MoS revealed how the activists had circulated a manual to help protesters track down politicians' homes.

The guide recommended studying photos of MPs clapping for carers during Covid for clues to their addresses.

It also said obtaining personal details of politicians' partners and children can help identify family homes.

The JSO manual, which was available via the group's website, said targeting MPs might involve breaking windows, throwing paint, occupying the property with a banner or placard, letting off stink bombs and deflating car tyres.

She was previously arrested during Just Stop Oil demos in London on July 19 last year

The Just Stop Oil footage showed Phoebe Plummer laughing when told she was being arrested

Phoebe Plummer is pictured here during a Just Stop Oil demonstration on Cromwell Road in Earls Court, west London, in November last year

At the time, JSO spokesman accused the MoS of getting 'in a tizz' about 'ordinary people taking the power back' and described their actions as 'democracy in action.'

Pink-haired Plummer grew up in privilege, raised in a 4million family home near the King's Road in Chelsea and privately educated at 45,000-a year St Mary's School in Ascot, Berkshire, then 34,000-a-year Mander Portman Woodward College in Kensington, west London.

The top-class education helped her secure straight A* grades in chemistry, computer science and maths A-levels, winning a spot on a Manchester University computer science course - but she ended up reading social anthropology at SOAS University Of London.

She was last registered as living in a large house in Clapham, south London, owned by the Church of England as a private home for a priest and their family. It's unclear why Plummer was living there.

Scotland Yard said a 22-year-old woman was arrested on March 6 on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle and sending a malicious communication.

A statement from the Met said: 'This followed extensive inquiries by a specialist team of Metropolitan Police Service investigators following reports in a national newspaper.

'In this reporting activists from Just Stop Oil allegedly called on followers to target elected officials at their homes and places of work.'

MailOnline has contacted the Met Police for comment.
U.S. 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.

In a statement obtained in advance by The Associated Press, Biden adds: U.S. Steel has been an iconic American steel company for more than a century, and it is vital for it to remain an American steel company that is domestically owned and operated."

Thursday's announcement, coming as Biden is campaigning in the Midwest, could have ripples in his race against the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump . The Democratic president has made the restoration of American manufacturing a cornerstone of his agenda as he seeks reelection, and he has the endorsements of the AFL-CIO and several other prominent unions.

Nippon Steel announced in December that it planned to buy the Pittsburgh-based steel producer for $14.1 billion in cash, raising concerns about what the transaction could mean for unionized workers, supply chains and U.S. national security.

The Japanese company has tried to assuage critics by promising no job losses due to the merger. It also committed to keeping the U.S. Steel name and Pittsburgh headquarters, while noting it already has a presence in the American market and would bring in new resources to foster job growth. The company, which is the worlds fourth largest steel producer, launched a website with supportive statements from Larry Summers, the former treasury secretary, and Pat Toomey, a Republican and former senator from Pennsylvania.

Shortly after the steel deal was announced, the White House indicated it would be under review by the secretive Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States . The government does not officially provide updates on the CFIUS review process.

Biden has a big megaphone to weigh in on the matter, but he is not intervening in the review process or formally blocking the deal, according to a person familiar with deliberations who insisted on anonymity to discuss the situation.

Trump said earlier this year after meeting with the Teamsters union that he would stop the U.S. Steel acquisition: I would block it. I think its a horrible thing, when Japan buys U.S. Steel. I would block it instantaneously."

Biden will travel on Thursday to Saginaw, Michigan , which was once home to multiple General Motors plants and where he hopes his backing from union workers can resonate with voters.

The city is in a swing county that narrowly backed Trump in 2016 and then flipped to Biden in 2020, making it a crucial contest in this year's presidential race.

Biden has a close relationship with the United Steelworkers. He gave the union members personal assurances" that he has their backs, according to a February statement by the union about Nippon Steel's plans. U.S. Steel is headquartered in Pennsylvania, another key state in this year's election.

The United Steelworkers issued a statement last week after meeting with representatives from Nippon Steel that it had concerns about whether the company would honor existing labor agreements and about the company's financial transparency, adding that there were barriers to closing a merger.

The U.S. considers Japan to be one of its closest allies and a key partner in countering China's ambitions and influence in Asia. Biden has visited the country twice as president and will host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House on April 10.

But Nippon Steel's connections to China have raised concerns within the Biden administration. More than half the steel produced globally comes from China, according to the World Steel Association. India is the second-largest producer, followed by Japan and the U.S. (AP)
Angela Rayner today blasted 'appalling' comments by major Labour donor Dale Vince about Hamas 'freedom fighters' as she called on him to 'reflect' on his remarks.

The party's deputy leader branded the green energy boss's comments - made two days after the terror attacks in Israel on 7 October - as 'inappropriate'.

It came amid a fresh focus on Mr Vince's remarks, made on 9 October, which has seen Tory demands for Labour to hand back millions of pounds in donations.

Mr Vince shared an opinion on Times Radio last year that 'one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter' when asked about Hamas.

Speaking to journalists at a Westminster lunch this afternoon, Ms Rayner was asked whether she thought the comments had been appropriate.

'In terms of the comments by Dale Vince, in that context, absolutely not, no,' she replied.

'In that context, I think it is appalling and I don't think he should have said it. And I think he should reflect on that. Language is important.'

Angela Rayner blasted 'appalling' comments by major Labour donor Dale Vince about Hamas 'freedom fighters' as she called on him to 'reflect' on his remarks

The party's deputy leader branded the green energy boss's comments - made two days after the terror attacks in Israel on 7 October - as 'inappropriate'

What did Dale Vince say about Hamas? In a Times Radio interview on 9 October, Dale Vince shared an opinion that 'one man's freedom fighter is another man's terrorist'. His comments came two days after the Hamas terror attacks in Israel on 7 October. During the interview, Mr Vince was asked whether he agreed with Labour's position that 'Hamas are terrorists and Israel has a right to defend itself'. 'Yes,' he replied, before adding: 'Nobody ever says that about Palestine? Why is that?' Asked whether he thought the Hamas terror attacks were an example of Palestine defending itself, Mr Vince said: 'I think one man's freedom fighter is another man's terrorist, that's how it works.' When it was put to him that he was at odds with Labour's position, he added: 'This is my view, this is how I feel. Look at what's happening in Palestine - millions of people living in an open prison, in effect. 'A 16-year economic freeze, they have no borders open to themselves, they depend utterly on Israel for their power, everything that goes into the country.' But, pressed on whether he thought the Hamas terror attacks were an example of 'freedom fighting', Mr Vince replied: 'I don't support what they did.' Advertisement

The renewed scrutiny of Mr Vince's comments has come after Tory donor Frank Hester became embroiled in a racism row.

The Conservative backer was reported to have said Diane Abbott, Britain's first black female MP, made him 'want to hate all black women' and that she 'should be shot'.

Mr Hester has admitted making 'rude' comments about Ms Abbott, but claimed they had 'nothing to do with her gender nor colour of skin'.

The Tories have come under intense pressure to cut ties with Mr Hester and hand back the 10million he has donated to the party.

Rishi Sunak - who took a 16,000 personal donation from Mr Hester's firm - also faced a backlash after initially refusing to describe the remarks as 'racist'.

The Prime Minister yesterday insisted Mr Hester's 'remorse should be accepted' as he said the alleged comments 'were wrong, they were racist'.

Amid the row, Tory MPs have pointed to Mr Vince's comments from past October and asked whether Labour would be returning money received from him.

Mr Vince, the multi-millionaire founder of Ecotricity, has made a series of donations to Labour over the years including directly to party leader Sir Keir Starmer.

He has also made financial contributions to Just Stop Oil - the eco-activist group who have staged a series of disruptive protests

Mr Vince yesterday said he had been targeted by 'another right-wing smear' designed to 'distract from the row' over Mr Hester.

He said: 'It takes the form of a doctored video clip which gives a false impression of an interview I did last year.'

Mr Vince shared part of the interview in which he replied 'yes' when asked if he agreed with Labour's position that Hamas are terrorists and Israel has a right to defend itself.

'The Tory reaction to the racist, sexist and violent language used by their biggest donor aimed at Diane Abbott is not to put their own house in order but to throw mud at anyone who gives money to Labour,' he said.

'The story about me today is a fabrication. It's simply a distraction from the horrendous language of their top donor, which they firstly refused to condemn and whose money they still refuse to return.'

Earlier today, as she addressed the row about Mr Hester, Cabinet minister Penny Mordaunt pointed to Mr Vince's remarks, as well as comments from prominent union backers, who had collectively given 15million to Labour MPs, councillors, MSPs, Sir Keir Starmer and the central party.

The Leader of the House of Commons told MPs: 'If Labour are sincere in this matter and this is not a political stunt they will commit to repaying those funds.'
A top Canadian judge was sentenced to one day in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the shooting death of his wife in 2009.

Jacques Delisle, 88, had previously served almost nine years in prison for first degree murder after he was convicted of shooting dead his 71-year-old wife Marie Nicole Rainville inside their Quebec mansion.

Delisle always maintained that he provided his suicidal wife with a loaded handgun, but insisted that he did not pull the trigger and wasn't in their home at the time.

After he was granted a new trial in 2021 amid doubts over the forensic evidence that convicted him, he was freed for three years until he faced a second murder trial - ultimately leading to his manslaughter plea deal on Thursday.

Prosecutors said his advanced age was behind the plea deal, as he was allowed to be sentenced to time-served plus one additional day despite their belief he would have been convicted of murder again if he stood trial.

'This case, somewhere, sometime, has to come to an end,' Crown prosecutor Francois Godin said. 'It's been 15 years, he spent almost nine years in prison, 88 years old. We do not believe he would have been able to stand trial.'

Jacques Delisle, 88, served almost nine years in prison for the murder of his wife, which he maintained was a suicide. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter on Thursday and was sentenced to one more day in prison

The judge's wife Marie Nicole Rainville (pictured) was found shot in the head in their Quebec mansion in 2009. She had suffered a debilitating stroke months before, and Delisle claimed she told him of her intention to commit suicide

The 88-year-old pleaded guilty to manslaughter on Thursday (pictured at his hearing), but maintained his innocence as his attorney said he took the plea to bring his legal ordeal to an end

Delisle had always maintained innocence over the death of his wife, who died in their home in 2009 after suffering a gunshot wound to the head.

The case sparked a media frenzy in Canada as he became the first member of the Canadian judiciary to ever be charged with murder, according to a CBC article from the time.

His wife Marie had been partially paralyzed by a stroke months before her death, and police initially believed that she died by suicide.

An anonymous neighbor told the outlet at the time that she could 'hardly talk, she couldn't walk, she couldn't do nothing... so, this was a very tough situation.'

Delisle was charged with her murder the next year, and when his trial began in 2012, the case hinged on forensic analysis of the gunshot to establish if she had taken her own life, or if Delisle pulled the trigger.

The judge admitted to giving his wife the gun, but said he pleaded with her not to kill herself with it after she told him of her intention to commit suicide due to being depressed and disabled by the stroke.

'I did my best to convince her not to go further in her thinking, but she was convinced,' he said in a prison interview from The Fifth Estate in 2015.

He told the outlet that he left a loaded handgun with his wife for an hour while he ran errands, but didn't believe she would commit suicide until he returned home to find her dead on his couch.

At trial, he was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison without the possibility of parole.

Delisle said his wife was never the same after her stroke. When she told him of her intention to commit suicide, he gave her a loaded handgun, but said he 'did my best to convince her not to go further in her thinking, but she was convinced'

Delisle said he gave his wife a loaded handgun, but tried to talk her out of using it on herself before he returned from running errands one day to find her dead on his couch (seen in an evidence image)

After serving eight years and 310 days in prison, he was awarded a retrial in 2021 as a federal judge ruled that a 'miscarriage of justice likely occurred.'

This ruling came in part because one of the prosecution's experts who carried out the autopsy failed to properly examine the trajectory of the bullet, reports CBC.

After being awarded a retrial, he was released as he waited to stand trial again, before the proceedings were delayed several times.

His three-year wait for a retrial ended Thursday as he pleaded guilty to manslaughter, which his attorney said came as he just wanted his legal ordeal to end.

'Delisle wants everything to end today,' his lawyer Jacques Larochelle said after he accepted the plea.

Larochelle said that although Delisle accepted the plea, he disagreed with the prosecution's assertion that he killed his wife and maintained his innocence.

The plea deal took the near-decade Delisle man had already served into consideration, and he took the deal as it would only add an extra day behind bars.

The 88-year-old appeared thin and frail as he took the plea in a Quebec court on Thursday, and reportedly said 'oh no' as he was handcuffed by cops before being led away.

Larochelle added that although the sentence was for only a day, his client would actually only serve a few hours behind bars before being released that same day.

The 88-year-old appeared thin and frail as he took the plea in a Quebec court on Thursday (pictured), and reportedly said 'oh no' as he was handcuffed by cops before being led away

The attorney said that he had petitioned the court for a charge of assisted suicide, which he said was rejected by prosecutors 'for reasons that are beyond my comprehension.'

Godin, who maintained that Delisle killed his wife, said that he rejected the plea of assisted suicide because 'that's not what happened.'

He insisted that if he stood trial, Delisle 'would have been found guilty of first-degree murder' for a second time, but his advanced age led prosecutors to approach his case with more leniency.

'This case, somewhere, sometime, has to come to an end. It's been 15 years, he spent almost nine years in prison, 88 years old,' he said.

'We do not believe he would have been able to stand trial.'
Vice President Kamala Harris made history when she became what is believed to be the first president or vice president to visit an abortion clinic on Thursday as the fight over abortion rights has been front and center since the overturning of Roe v Wade.

Harris met with abortion providers and staff at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Minneapolis, Minnesota as part of a nationwide tour she has been on after the landmark decision was struck down in 2022.

The vice president has been a fierce defender of abortion rights within the Biden administration as the issue has proven to be a strong motivator for voters and is expected to be one of the top issues for Democrats ahead of November's election.

'Many of you have asked why am I here at this facility in particular and I will tell you it is because right now in our country we are facing a very serious health crisis, and the crisis is affecting many many people in our country, most of whom are frankly silently suffering,' Harris said during her visit.

This was Harris' sixth stop in her 'Fight for Reproductive Freedoms' tour which kicked off in Wisconsin to mark the 51st anniversary of Roe in January.

'In states around our country, extremists have proposed and passed laws that have denied women access to reproductive health care,' Harris said.

She went on to slam such elected leaders who 'believe they are in a better position to tell women what they need.'

Vice President Harris has been a fierce advocate for abortion rights in the Biden administration since Roe was overturned and is the first vice president or president to visit an abortion clinic

Harris speaking with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Dr. Sarah Traxler as she visits an abortion clinic in Minneapolis

Harris speaking with reporters after touring abortion clinic in Minnesota

Anti-abortion protesters outside as the vice president's motorcade arrived at the Planned Parenthood clinic in Minnesota

Harris said she was at the clinic to 'uplift' the work happening in Minnesota as an example of true leadership. She said when she talks about a clinic like the one she visited, it is 'absolutely about health care and reproductive health care.'

'Everyone get ready for the language: uterus. That part of the body needs a lot of medical care from time to time. Issues like fibroids, we can handle this. Breast cancer screenings, contraceptive care. That is the kind of work that happens here in addition of course to abortion care,' Harris said.

During her visit Thursday, Harris was joined by Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as well as Congresswoman Betty McCollum.

Upon arriving, her visit was also greeted by a handful of anti-abortion protesters who held signs outside including one that said 'abortion is not healthcare.'

After Roe fell, the Biden administration has taken several executive actions to help protect access to abortion and the drugs used for abortions, but their efforts have been limited.

President Biden has also called for Congress to pass legislation codifying Roe and protecting the right to an abortion nationwide, but Democrats have not had the necessary support in Congress to pass a bill.

The White House and Biden campaign have leaned in on the issue ahead of the 2024 election. The reelection campaign started running ads earlier this year featuring a woman who had travel out of state to have an emergency abortion.

Kate Cox, who went to court to try and get permission for an abortion in Texas, was a guest of First Lady Jill Biden for the president's State of the Union address last week.

President Biden has blasted his Republican opponent former President Donald Trump calling him the reason Roe v Wade was overturned after Trump nominated three of the justices who supported the Dobbs decision.

'If you the American people send me a Congress that supports the right to choose, I promise you, I will restore Roe v. Wade as the law of the land again,' Biden said during his State of the Union address.

In total, Harris has held more than 80 gatherings in 20 states on reproductive health care since Roe was overturned.

Harris thanked clinic staff after tour. She said their work is 'absolutely about health care'

President Biden vowed during his State of the Union address to sign a bill codifying Roe v Wade into law if Americans sent him a Congress that could pass the legislation

Harris with Dr. Sarah Traxler, chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood North Central States

Harris arriving in Minneapolis ahead of her tour of an abortion clinic

Abortion rights has been a key issue for Democrats since Roe v Wade was overturned in 2022

Minnesota is one of multiple blue states that moved to strengthen abortion rights after Roe fell while red states have passed numerous pieces of legislation further restricting abortion or banning it altogether.

In January of last year, Governor Walz signed a law enshrining the right to an abortion in the state as well as strengthening other reproductive health care protections.

It was the first state after the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision returned the issue to states to take legislative protective action.

Minnesota, which is bordered by four states with abortion bans, has also become a haven for women seeking abortions in recent years from other states.

The Society for Family Planning, a research organization, found the average number of abortion in the state increased by 36 percent the year after the decision.

Dr. Sarah Traxler, the chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood North Central States, joined Harris during her visit. Traxler discussed how she had been helping patients from all over the country including ones from as far as Texas.

The anti-abortion organization SBA Pro-Life America slammed the vice president ahead of her visit saying Harris spent her 'whole career in the pocket of Big Abortion.'

Later this month, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in another high-profile case in the abortion fight. It raises whether patients can access mifepristone, a pill commonly used in abortion across the country.
A priest has sparked fury after he decided to spruce up his parish church by painting over 300-year-old frescoes that were granted listed heritage status.

Priest Hector Lunar innocently wanted to repaint the walls of the St Anthony of Padua church in the Tenerife town of El Tanque ahead of Holy Week.

Little did he know that his minor renovation would spark outrage in the local community since the frescoes in his parish church are more than 300 years old and have been given protected status in 2011.

The regional government of the Canary islands even launched an investigation after Lunar hired workers to strip and repaint the interior walls of the church.

The frescoes were previously two decades ago, when they were covered with a protective paint on top to conserve them.

A priest has sparked fury after he decided to spruce up his parish church by painting over 300-year-old frescoes that were granted listed heritage status (pictured: contractors at work to paint over the frescoes)

Priest Hector Lunar innocently wanted to repaint the walls of the church of St Anthony of Padua in the Tenerife town of El Tanque ahead of Holy Week

Little did he know that his minor renovation would spark outrage in the local community since the frescoes in his parish church (pictured) are 300 years old and have been given protected status in 2011

The regional government of the Canary islands even launched an investigation after Lunar hired workers to strip and repaint the interior walls of the church. The frescoes were previously two decades ago, when they were covered with a protective paint on top to conserve them

The church itself was built in the 16th century but burned to the ground in 1706 during a volcanic eruption. It was later rebuilt in the 18th century.

Lunar - who is said to have fled his home country of Venezuela in 2022 after he criticised the president Nicolas Maduro and was threatened for it - apologised for his mishap and claimed he didn't know about the protected status of the frescoes.

'No one told me about it. All I wanted to do was add another coat of paint to that bit of the church to get it ready for Holy Week events,' he told local newspaper El Dia.

He added that he only just found out about the church having listed heritage status, which means for any works on the building he should have consulted the regional government.

'If they need to punish me, they should punish me,' he told the paper. 'My mistake was not having informed myself about the riches of the church of St Anthony of Padua.

'I'd like to apologise to the authorities and the religious community of El Tanque. My intention wasn't to cause any damage when I began efforts to improve the church. I'm very sorry.'

Lunar - who is said to have fled his home country of Venezuela after he criticised the regime of president Nicolas Maduro and was threatened for it - apologised for his mishap and claimed he didn't know about the protected status of the frescoes

While priest's apology was accepted by the local religious group, who had called for him to be replaced, they still expressed confusion over why Lunar hadn't known about the protected status about the frescoes

While priest's apology was accepted by the local religious group, who had called for him to be replaced, they still expressed confusion over why Lunar hadn't known about the protected status about the frescoes and why he didn't check before ordering for them to be painted over.

Local mayor Esther Morales also accepted his apology. She said she hoped that everything could go 'back to normal as soon as possible' and that the frescoes could be repaired.

Local restoration experts are currently examining the painted-over walls to determine whether the frescoes can be saved.

Many compared Lunar painting over the frescoes to other damaging amateur restorations across Spain.

Back in 2012, a well-meaning octogenarian stunned art experts in Zaragoza, Spain, after taking it upon herself to restore a religious fresco - with distinctly amateurish results.

Elias Garcia Martinez's 'Ecce Homo' had adorned the wall of the Sanctuary of Mercy Church in Zaragoza, Spain for over 120 years.

When moisture damaged the surface of the religious fresco, Cecilia Gimenez took it upon herself to restore the treasured artwork - without consulting the authorities at the church in southern Spain.

She just marched in with oil paint and brush and started work on her own private restoration project.

Back in 2012, a well-meaning octogenarian stunned art experts in Zaragoza, Spain, after taking it upon herself to restore a religious fresco - with distinctly amateurish results (left the original, centre the moisture-damaged fresco and right the amateurish restoration)

To add to the general embarrassment, a local Catholic cultural foundation, the Centre for Borjanos, had just received a donation from the granddaughter of the artist which it was about to spend on returning the fresco to its former glory.

A spokesman for the centre said at the time: 'The value of the original work was not very high but it was more of a sentimental value.

'The lady, who is in her 80s, apparently considers herself to be an artist. She acted without authorisation from anyone.
Princess Diana would have insisted William and Harry set their feud aside to present award in her name, a royal expert has claimed as pair set to appear at memorial event, but not together.

The brothers will make a rare joint appearance at the Diana Legacy Award event at the Science Museum in London tonight, but neither will be in the room at the same time, even virtually.

William is expected to give a speech in person to mark the charity's 25th anniversary and present awards to 20 recipients. The Prince of Wales will appear at the awards event alone as his wife Kate is still recovering from abdominal surgery.

Harry, who lives in California, will then join a video call with the winners, according to reports. However, his involvement will only take place after his brother has left the ceremony.

But Ingrid Seward, the royal biographer and editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine says that the pair's mother - who the evening is in tribute to - would have forced the warring brothers to reunite to celebrate the prize's winners.

'And if she failed, I think she would have insisted that they came together however briefly by speaking over the video link in order to celebrate the winners of the prize organised in her name,' she told the Mirror.

The brothers will make a rare joint appearance at the Diana Legacy Award event at the Science Museum in London tonight, but neither will be in the room at the same time, even virtually

Princess Diana, pictured with Prince William and Prince Harry on holiday in Majorca, Spain on August 10, 1987

Ingrid Seward, the royal biographer and editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine (pictured) says that the pair's mother - who the evening is in tribute to - would have forced the warring brothers to reunite to celebrate the prize's winners

'She would understand that once again it will be the animosity between the brothers that grabs the media's attention rather than the celebrated young winners. Some day Wills and Harry are going to have to confront one another. What a perfect opportunity this would have been to speak about their mother secure in the knowledge that they were 5,000 miles apart.'

The brothers' reluctance to acknowledge each other's presence at the event lays bare the depth of their feud as before their falling out they often appeared together in person to pose with the award winners.

The Diana Award is a charity set up to reflect the Princess of Wales' belief that young people have the power to change the world.

Ms Seward added that their refusal to honour this confirms the depth of their continuing rift - but said them reuniting would have taken the focus away from the event.

She continued: 'It is carefully timed so they don't have the embarrassment of even having to acknowledge each other. Yet they are both honouring the award and their mothers continuing legacy.

'The timing confirms their continued animosity. William has no wish to confront his brother on a video screen. It would take the attention away from the point of the evening. It probably will anyway such is the interest in their continuing rift.'

The charity runs anti-bullying and mentoring programmes and recognises young people's inspirational work.

Dr Tessy Ojo, chief executive of the Diana Award, told The Times: 'It's a privilege to have the support of both the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex  particularly as we mark our 25th anniversary year.'

While a spokesman for the award told The Telegraph that Harry will be a 'key part' of the celebration.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry attend the Diana Award's at St James' Palace on May 18, 2017

Earl Spencer, Prince William, Prince Harry and Prince Charles follow the coffin to the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales

'He is scheduled to speak with the award recipients, virtually, on the evening of the awards to celebrate their accomplishments,' he said.

A Kensington Palace spokesman said: 'The Prince [of Wales] will meet key staff and supporters of the Diana Award, before joining the ceremony where he will hear about the recipients' work, make a short speech and present Legacy Awards to this year's winners.'

The legacy award was introduced by The Diana Award in 2017 to celebrate the life of Diana, Princess of Wales, on the 20th anniversary of her death.

For most of their lives, the royal brothers have been close, united by the shared trauma of losing their mother who died aged 36 in a 1997 Paris car crash when William was 15 and Harry was 12.

But since Harry's 2018 wedding to his wife Meghan Markle, relations between them have soured.

An explosive interview that the couple gave chat show host Oprah Winfrey in March 2021 marked a new low, while anecdotes about their relationship in Harry's bombshell memoir, Spare, which was released last year, also saw them grow further apart.
Pro-Palestine protesters stormed The New York Times building on Thursday, just hours after a separate demonstration at the newspaper's printing plant in Queens.

NYPD officials said 124 people were arrested outside the Midtown headquarters of the Times after about 150 demonstrators took over the lobby as they slammed the publication's coverage of the Israel and Hamas war in Gaza.

The mostly-masked protesters in the institution's lobby held up a sign that read: 'Stop the presses! Free Palestine!'

They also held up images of some of the leaders of the Times, including executive editor Joseph Kahn, CEO Meredith Levien and publisher AG Sulzberger.

Earlier on Thursday, protesters prevented dozens of trucks from entering the Times' printing facility and picking up newspapers to deliver by blocking the roads starting at about 1am until around 3.30am.

Some laid down in a chain as others held up signs that read messages such ass 'Consent for genocide is manufactured here.'

Pro-Palestine protesters stormed The New York Times building on Thursday, just hours after a separate demonstration at the newspaper's printing plant in Queens

About 150 people took over the lobby. They held up images of some of the leaders of the Times, such as CEO Meredith Levien and publisher AG Sulzberger

HAPPENING NOW: Pro Palestinian protesters have shut down the lobby of the New York Times during a high-level meeting to protest the newspapers manufactured consent if Genocide 



Amazing work  pic.twitter.com/BVTwSTvQmI  Khalissee (@Kahlissee) March 14, 2024

A group that calls themselves Writers Against the War on Gaza (WAWOG) said they were behind both demonstrations.

'We're trying to take the Times out of circulation for a day,' a protester told HellGateNYC. 'People view it as this repository of objective knowledge, but it's actually at the forefront of manufacturing consent for this war. We want to challenge that, and create a vacuum where other things are possible.'

As well as the NYT, the plant is also used by USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Newsday, and the New York Post, as reported by ABC7.

The Times said in a statement: 'The Israel-Hamas war is a complex and challenging story, and we receive criticism from each side. We are open to good-faith disagreement but firmly reject any assertion that our coverage displays bias.

'We support the rights for groups and individuals to express their point of view, even when we disagree with it as it relates to our coverage, but will not let critics or advocacy campaigns sway us from independent reporting.'

It's not the first time pro-Palestine demonstrators have targeted the NYT.

Earlier on Thursday, protesters prevented dozens of trucks from entering the Times' printing facility and picking up newspapers to deliver

BREAKING| Activists block a shipment of this mornings New York Times from leaving the printing plant in Queens in protest against the biased coverage of the newspaper. pic.twitter.com/BdmdZFVbsN  Long Live James Connolly (he/him) (@tnega74) March 14, 2024

NYPD officials said 124 people were arrested outside the Midtown headquarters of the Times

Back in November, they also stormed the lobby while accusing the media of showing a bias toward Israel in its coverage of the war in Gaza.

Meanwhile on Sunday pro-Palestine protesters descended upon Hollywood to disrupt the Academy Awards.

As celebrities made their way to the Oscars red carpet at the Dolby Theatre, demonstrators waved flag and chanted 'Free Palestine'.

Video posted to social media shows protesters gathered at on the Oscars security checkpoints shouting 'Shame on you!' at limos carrying celebrities to the event.

And last week, thousands flooded the streets of New York as part of a rowdy demonstration on International Women's Day which saw them storm the Oculus near the World Trade Center.

Footage showed the demonstrators clutching Palestinian flags shouting and cheering after they successfully squeeze into the shopping center on Friday.

Hundreds of pro-Palestine protesters flooded the streets of New York as part of a rowdy demonstration on International Women's Day last week

Once inside the Oculus protesters formed a drumming circle and chanted 'Gaza' and 'Shut it down'

Once inside they formed a drumming circle and waved banners which read: '30,878 dead and Joe is eating ice cream' in reference to the president nonchalantly slurping on an ice cream cone while being grilled about the conflict.

The chaotic scene was one of many witnessed as part of the march organized by Palestinian group Within in Our Lifetime to coincide with International Women's Day in recognition that the death toll from Israel's bombardment of Gaza has been predominantly women and children.

More than 25,000 women and children have been killed, according to estimates by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

The 'Global Strike for Gaza' began at Union Square before surging downtown, with later video showing protesters storming the Oculus shopping mall.
A New York doctor accused of filming himself drugging, raping and sexually abusing women, including hospital patients, has been indicted on new charges after another alleged victim came forward.

Zhi Alan Cheng, 34, who was handcuffed and dressed in beige jail-issued t-shirt and pants, appeared in Queens Supreme Court on Thursday where he was arraigned for the third time over claims of sexual assault.

The latest charges accuse him of sedating and 'digitally penetrating' a 48-year-old woman, who was scheduled to undergo a gastrointestinal procedure at New York-Presbyterian Queens hospital in November 2021.

He pleaded not guilty to the additional counts of first and second degree sexual abuse and Supreme Court Justice Ushir Pandit-Durant remanded him in jail.

Cheng was hit with 61 charges which relate to sexual assault and unlawful surveillance against six women in August and is accused of assaulting three female hospital patients aged between 19 and 47 from June 2021 to May 2022.

Zhi Alan Cheng, 34, who was handcuffed and dressed in beige jail-issued t-shirt and pants, appeared in Queens Supreme Court on Thursday where he was arraigned for the third time over claims of sexual assault

The latest charges accuse him of sedating and 'digitally penetrating' a 48-year-old woman, who was scheduled to undergo a gastrointestinal procedure at New York-Presbyterian Queens hospital in November 2021

While four other women have alleged he drugged and sexually abused them in his Queens apartment between 2020 and 2022.

A woman recently came forward to authorities with the allegations that she woke up to find Cheng digitally penetrating her.

Digital penetration is defined as the use of fingers to sexually penetrate a person's the vagina or anus.

Assistant District Attorney Matthew Regan told the court the doctor was identified in a photo lineup on February 22.

Melinda Katz, the Queens district attorney, said: What we have heard from the victims and seen in the videos is the shocking and horrifying exploitation of women at their most vulnerable.

Taken together, the evidence details the repeated attacks of a sexual predator who time and again betrayed his sworn professional oath and the trust of women who were unable to defend themselves.

Nicholas Liakas, who represents alleged victims in the case, said: Another victim has come forward, which we anticipated when this first came out.

The fear here is there are going to be more victims that come forward throughout the process of this case and we urge them to do so.

Back many months ago, one of the first victims was not aware that she had been raped until she was shown a video by the District Attorneys office and we fear there may be many more like that.

The hospital failed on multiple levels. It could have been prevented or once it occurred it could have been investigated properly.

Had it been investigated at that point, had he been suspended, had his license been revoked at that point. It would have prevented an additional assault that we know of.

Chengs defense attorney Jeffrey Einhorn said it was still too early to comment on the case.

Pictured: Judge Pandit-Durant in court on Thursday

Cheng, of Broadway in Astoria, has pleaded not guilty to the charges he faces

Cheng attended Albany Medical College in the 2010s before completing his residency at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. He obtained his New York medical license in June 2020

Attorney Nicholas Liakas speaks with media following the hearing on Thursday

District Attorney Katz described Cheng as a 'serial rapist' and a 'sexual predator of the absolute worst kind' when he was arraigned in August.

The sordid allegations came to light after a female acquaintance of Cheng's unearthed the videos, and was appalled to see footage of herself and other women being assaulted by the doctor.

In December 2022, she formally accused Cheng of using a K-N95 mask filled with cotton balls soaked in liquid to knock her out before raping her.

Police began investigating her allegation, and Cheng was arrested and fired from New York Presbyterian Hospital in Queens, Long Island.

Following the alleged attack, Cheng's home was raided and police found drugs including fentanyl, ketamine, LSD and several anesthetics typically used in surgeries, plus devices with dozens of other recordings at his home.

In one case, Cheng is accused of filming himself groping a 37-year-old patient as she lay unconscious at the Queens hospital in 2021.

A woman recently came forward to authorities with the allegations that she woke up to find Cheng digitally penetrating her

Chengs defense attorney Jeffrey Einhorn said it was still too early to comment on the case

A short time later, prosecutors said, he raped a woman whom he met on a dating app and filmed the attack.

In the video, a small brown bottle was visible on his bed, according to the authorities, who said they had recovered a similar bottle from his apartment that contained a powerful anesthetic.

That same year, he is accused of raping a 19-year-old girl who went to the hospital the day before she was scheduled to have her gall bladder removed.

She said Cheng unexpectedly injected her with a substance that made her fall asleep and 'when she woke up [the] doctor was no longer in [the] room'.

The patient said she began experiencing 'extreme pain to [her] lower abdomen.'

She and her mother both feared she could have been sexually assaulted, but she told social workers specializing in sexual assault she did not know what had happened while she was unconscious.

The teenager told hospital authorities, and did not accuse him of rape, but medical staff took the allegation seriously: checking surveillance camera footage and key card access, and staged a line-up in the hospital where she identified Cheng.

The doctor pleaded not guilty. He is pictured previously in court

The fired New York Presbyterian Hospital gastroenterologist looked downcast as he fixed his eyes on the ground during a previous hearing in court

Liakas, the teenager's attorney, said the investigation into the incident ground to a halt, and he has since filed a civil suit against the hospital.

He said it 'conspired to cover up her assault by failing to tell her what had happened, failing to test or treat her for the illegal and dangerous injection of drugs she had been given, and refusing to call the police.'

New York-Presbyterian did not comment on the teenager's allegations but expressed outrage at Chengs alleged behavior.

'The crimes committed by this individual are heinous, despicable, and a fundamental betrayal of our mission and our patients' trust. We are appalled and deeply saddened by what these victims and their families have endured,' the statement read.

The hospital said Cheng was fired after New York-Presbyterian learned of the criminal rape indictment.

'In December 2022, as soon as the District Attorney made us aware of allegations of sexual abuse against this individual, he was immediately placed off duty, banned from hospital property, and terminated,' the hospital said.

'We have been fully cooperating with the Queens District Attorney's office, the NYPD, and the NYS Department of Health.'

Cheng went to Albany Medical College in the 2010s and later completed his residency at California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco.

He obtained his New York medical license in June 2020 and worked as a gastroenterologist at New York Presbyterian Queens hospital before he was fired in December 2022 following the allegations.
House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan sent a letter to Fani Willis Thursday threatening to press contempt of Congress charges against her

House Republicans are threatening to hold Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis in contempt of Congress if she does not turnover documents relating to her alleged plan to misuse a $488,000 grant.

House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, previously exposed that Willis' team was planning to misuse a grant earmarked for the creation of a Center of Youth Empowerment and Gang Prevention to pay for new luxuries including MacBooks and expensive travel.

A whistleblower who came forward with details of the illicit scheme was then fired, Republicans claimed, while issuing a subpoena in February demanding related documents and communications about the alleged $488,000 scheme.

But the documents the DA has since provided the committee are 'deficient,' Jordan said in a letter sent to Willis Thursday.

He requested she turn over additional documents before noon on March 28, writing 'If you fail to do so, the Committee will consider taking further action, such as the invocation of contempt of Congress proceedings.'

The district attorney is already under fire over allegations she hired her 'lover' Nathan Wade to investigate former President Donald Trump's election interference case, and as a result a Georgia judge is currently weighing whether she should be removed from the case.

Members of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' team were allegedly planning to use federal money meant for a youth center on Apple computers and 'swag'

DA Fani Willis (center) confers with lead prosecutors, Donald Wakeford (left) and her 'lover' and fellow prosecutor Nathan Wade

House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, threatened to hold Willis in contempt of Congress should she not provide additional documents to the committee

The subpoena Jordan sent Willis in February demanded she turn over all documents and communications 'referring or relating to the Fulton County District Attorney's Office's receipt and use of federal funds' and 'referring or relating to any allegations of the misuse of federal funds.'

In Willis' response to the committee's subpoena, the DA insulted the whistleblower who alleged she planned on misusing government funds, according to Jordan.

'You responded to the Committees subpoena with a letter in which you smeared a former employee of yours who spoke out about your misuse of federal grant funds,' he wrote.

'We will not dignify your attacks on this brave whistleblower, or your continued attempts to distract from your conduct through misdirection and personal insults.'

When whistleblower, Amanda Timpson, told Willis of the alleged plot, she was promptly fired, according to the committee's February subpoena.

She was escorted out of the office by seven armed investigators upon her termination.

A February Free Beacon report identified Willis aide Michael Cuffe as the individual behind the alleged scheme to misuse taxpayer dollars.

'[Cuffe] wanted to do things with grants that were impossible, and I kept telling him, like, 'We can't do that,'' Timpson told Willis in during a November 19, 2021, meeting, according to a recording of the conversation obtained by the Free Beacon.

'He told everybody  'We're going to get MacBooks, we're going to get swag, we're going to use it for travel.' I said, 'You cannot do that, it's a very, very specific grant.''I respect that is your assessment,' Willis replied. 'And I'm not saying that your assessment is wrong.'

The prosecutor already under fire over allegations she hired her 'lover' Nathan Wade (right) to investigate Donald Trump was hit with a subpoena by House Republicans on Friday as controversy rages over her conduct

The bombshell move from the GOP puts even more pressure on Willis, who charged the former president with trying to subvert the election results in Georgia

Still, Timpson was fired anyway.

Additionally, the committee demanded documents related to Willis' relationship with Wade in January, noting that he had been paid more than $650,000 - at a rate of $250 an hour - to work on the investigation and prosecution of Trump and other federal officials, according to a court filing.

The committee noted federal funds may have been used to pay Wade, granting them jurisdiction to investigate.

The committee also highlighted the 'enormous legal fees' Wade had billed the DA's office for, in one instance, on November 5, 2021, charging for 24 hours of legal work in one day, claiming to have worked all day and night on the prosecution.

A decision on whether Willis will be allowed to remain on the Trump case is expected by Friday.
The devastated sister of a 12-year-old Missouri boy killed by an illegal migrant accused of driving the wrong way at almost double the speed limit has said 'she shouldn't have been here'.

Heartbroken Taylor Wolfe said her family has been 'ripped apart' by the death of her little brother Travis.

The youngster died from brain injuries on March 6, three months after the head on collision.

Venezuelan migrant Endrina Bracho was behind the wheel of her minivan going at 75mph in a 40mph zone with her own two children in the back at the time of the crash, police said.

Following her arrest, Taylor expressed outrage that Bracho was driving given she did not have a license.

Travis Wolfe, 12, from St. Louis, Missouri, has died three months after a car crash with an illegal migrant

Endrina Bracho was driving along the road in the wrong direction, at twice the speed limit with her own children in the back of her car when she hit the car Travis Wolfe was traveling in

The Wolfe family's blue Jeep is seen following the impact in December last year

'It makes me really angry if I'm being honest, everybody here has to get a driver's license [...] and she didn't do that', she told Fox. 'She shouldn't have been here.

'Now my family is stuck with the loss of a child because she didn't know how to drive.'

Following the crash, which also injured left Travis' parents, a GoFundMe was set up to cover the family's medical expenses.

'If she had come here legally she would have had the documents and she would have been able to get herself insurance,' Taylor added.

Court documents state Bracho is 'here illegally from Venezuela' and was driving in the wrong lane when she hit the Jeep the Wolfes were traveling in.

The boy's dad, Tim, had broken wrists and ribs, while his mom, Steph, suffered a broken ankle and sternum. They have both since been released from hospital.

The crash took place the day before Travis' twelfth birthday and Taylor described their anguish at watching him lie lifeless when he should have been celebrating.

'It was horrible, he wasn't awake for it he didn't get to experience anything so did he really actually make it to twelve?' She asked.

Such was the impact of the crash, it left Travis on life support at St. Louis Childrens Hospital with brain injuries from which he did not recover

Bracho's Dodge minivan is seen with a crumpled bonnet after the fatal car crash

Travis is pictured with his parents, Tim and Steph, in happier times

She described her brother as a 'very sweet soul' who was committed to his friends and 'always tried to light up the room making people laugh'.

Taylor was alerted to the crash via an app alerting her that her brother and Steph had been in some kind of accident.

Travis was taken to St. Louis Childrens Hospital following the collision and she described the agony of being forced to make decisions for him whilst his parents were incapacitated.

'I was in the waiting area trying to figure out who was okay. What was going on with Travis and Stephanie felt like a million years.

'They told me Steph and Dad were okay, but Travis was critical. After she said that they were wheeling him past. It was really hard, I followed him to the children's hospital and I was there with him for days.

'Being the older sister and having to make decisions for his wellbeing, it was really hard.'

Bracho is currently in custody and being held on a $500,000 cash-only bond, with a hearing set for April 8.

Her children are currently being looked after by their father.

She is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter in the first degree, two counts of assault in the second degree, two counts of endangering a child in the first degree, and one count of operating a vehicle without a valid license.
The decision comes as cities on the East Coast attempt similar crackdowns

Picnics, corporate events, large parties and bonfires will all be prohibited

San Diego is cracking down on beach parties by banning private events, bonfires and even picnics to prevent spring breakers from wreaking havoc.

A spokesperson for San Diego confirmed the city's decision to ban private companies from staging picnics, corporate events, large parties, bonfires or any other organized event on any beach in the city.

Companies are concerned for effect the strict ruling will have on the tourist industry, especially as spring break looms ahead in the near future and the summer season is fast approaching.

Companies being impacted by the new rules have called it an 'arbitrary crackdown' because they went into place without a City Council vote, according to The San Diego Union Tribune.

The ruling was prompted by complaints from beach-goers and nearby residents who have been inconvenienced and bothered by large beach gatherings, a city spokesperson confirmed.

San Diego is cracking down on beach parties by banning private events, bonfires and even picnics to prevent spring breakers from wreaking havoc

Excited spring breakers gather around a couple of boys wrestling on the sands in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Two girls are seen wrestling on the sands on Fort Lauderdale Beach this week

Groups of guys are seen jostling with one another while being cheered on by friends

Oftentimes, beach-goers are forced to move for big parties to spread out across the sand. The groups are often loud and disrupt the peace of residents' relaxing beach days and go on late into the night.

Spokesperson Nicole Darling said that some parties are so large that they limit public access to popular beach areas.

San Diego officials announced in 2022 that they were considering a formal permitting process for businesses that host beach events in an attempt to bring some order to the industry, which can get out of hand at times.

Some companies accepted the idea of a permitting process, even though city officials proposed new requirements like insurance policies and additional fees.

City officials told the companies last fall that they were going to re-evaluate the formal permitting process idea. However, this winter they announced a complete beach ban that would take effect on February 1.

The city announced that larger organized events could still take place at 12 sites in city parks. Five of the sites are in Mission Bay Park, four in shoreline parks and three in Balboa Park.

San Diego lifeguards said they support the ban, with Lifeguard Chief James Gartland saying, 'unregulated commercial activity on the sand takes up public space, negatively affects the beach, and creates a distraction for lifeguards.'

San Diego's crackdown comes as beach cities along the East Coast have tried to enforce rules to control the rowdy party scene that erupts during spring break.

Spring breakers party at a bar on Las Olas Boulevard in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on Wednesday

Shots delivered by super-soakers are a popular sight during Spring Break

Police patrol the streets on their bike in South Beach, Florida

Miami Beach is currently bracing for a weekend with the 'most bloodshed' - the one which has traditionally been the rowdiest of the entire Spring Break period.

College students usually turn the main drag into a huge street party at this time of year, blocking traffic as they drink and dance to thumping music.

But strict new measures mean the Spring Break ritual is a much quieter affair this year.

The south Florida city has enacted new rules to stamp out partying which has year after year go out of control resulting in violence. This time last March, two people were killed in shootings.

Officers made 488 arrests, including 230 felonies. More than 105 firearms were also seized.

College kids usually transform Miami Beach's main seaside drag into a street party, blocking traffic as they dance to thumping music, but this time the ritual known as Spring Break is a much more muted affair

Bars were packed midweek in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday night

Police have stepped up their presence and are visibly patrolling the streets with the help of other state and federal agencies.

While those who made it to Miami have to go through DUI checkpoints and barricades and there have been around 100 arrests so far this year with the stricter measures.

'So, since the duration of spring break, which has started last weekend, we have a little over 100 arrests so far, which according to the data, we're down about 14 percent,' officer Chris Bess said.

To keep things under control, Miami Beach officials have deployed more police, set up extra drink-driving checkpoints and shut down all public parking lots except one which charges $100 on what will be the busiest weekend of Spring Break.

Instead, it seems the bulk of partygoers have headed 30 miles north to Fort Lauderdale.

Just like Miami Beach, many seaside cities in south Florida are magnets for students keen to let off steam during their Easter break.
Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says he's going to put together an investor group to buy TikTok, a day after the House of Representatives passed a bill that would ban the popular video app in the U.S. if its China-based owner doesn't sell its stake.

TikTok, which has more than 170 million American users, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chinese technology firm ByteDance Ltd.

Speaking on CNBC's Squawk Box, Mnuchin said Thursday that he believes TikTok should be sold.

This should be owned by U.S. businesses. Theres no way that the Chinese would ever let a U.S. company own something like this in China, said Mnuchin.

Mnuchin, the U.S. Treasury secretary under President Donald Trump, didn't provide details on who else may be included in the investor group he plans on forming or TikTok's possible valuation.

TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Big tech companies could afford to buy TikTok but would likely face intense scrutiny from antitrust regulators in both the U.S. and China. Then again, if the bill actually becomes law and survives First Amendment court challenges, it could make TikTok cheaper to buy.

The House bill, passed by a vote of 352-65, now goes to the Senate, where its prospects are unclear. House lawmakers had acted on concerns that TikToks current ownership structure is a national security threat .

Lawmakers in the Senate have indicated that the measure will undergo a thorough review. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has said that hell have to consult with relevant committee chairs to determine the bills path.

President Joe Biden has said if Congress passes the measure, he will sign it.

TikTok has long denied that it could be used as a tool of the Chinese government. The company has said it has never shared U.S. user data with Chinese authorities and wont do so if it is asked. To date, the U.S. government also has not provided evidence that shows TikTok shared such information with Chinese authorities. (AP)
President Joe Biden said Thursday that he and first lady Jill Biden were 'heartbroken' over the death of nonbinary teenager Nex Benedict, whose death was ruled a suicide in an autopsy report Wednesday.

On February 7, Benedict was beaten up in the high school women's bathroom, where they reportedly 'blacked out' amid the assault, however no police report was filed until the Oklahoma teen was taken to the hospital by their family hours after the altercation.

The next day Benedict's family called 911 and rushed them to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead.

A medical examiner's report found that the 16-year-old had died from the 'combined toxicity' of the allergy medication diphenhydramine and common anxiety drug fluoxetine.

'Nex Benedict, a kid who just wanted to be accepted, should still be here with us today,' Biden said.

President Joe Biden (right) is captured arriving in Michigan Thursday for a campaign appearance in Saginaw. Earlier he sent out a statement saying he and first lady Jill Biden were 'heartbroken' over the death of non-binary teenager Nex Benedict, which was ruled a suicide

On Wednesday, the medical examiner said 16-year-old Nex Benedict died from a combination of allergy and anxiety medication a day after they were brutally assaulted in their high school women's room

'Every young person deserves to have the fundamental right and freedom to be who they are, and feel safe and supported at school and in their communities,' the president also said.

Members of the LGBTQ community and allies were outraged that officials at Owasso High School in Owasso, Oklahoma had not made the police aware of the assault until Benedict was taken to the hospital by their family.

Benedict's mother told The Independent that the school had instead informed her that the 16-year-old would be suspended for two weeks.

The student's mother also said that Benedict had started being bullied at the start of the 2023 school year - after the state's Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a bill that required public school students use the bathroom of the sex listed on their birth certificates.

Benedict's death comes at a time when transgender Americans have come under attack by Republicans, from presidential candidates on down.

Both former President Donald Trump and his ex-rival Nikki Haley complained about trans athletes participating in women's sports.

Republicans have also pushed states to ban gender-affirming surgeries for minors.

Biden and the Democrats have discouraged politicizing trans issues.

'Nonbinary and transgender people are some of the bravest Americans I know. But nobody should have to be brave just to be themselves,' Biden said.

'In memory of Nex, we must all recommit to our work to end discrimination and address the suicide crisis impacting too many nonbinary and transgender children,' the president continued. 'Bullying is hurtful and cruel, and no one should face the bullying that Nex did.'

The president encouraged that both parents and schools 'take reports of bullying seriously.'

'My prayers are with Nexs family, friends, and all who loved them  and to all LGBTQI+ Americans for whom this tragedy feels so personal, know this: I will always have your back,' the president affirmed.
Actor Pierce Brosnan pleaded guilty to an illegal hiking charge and agreed to pay a $1,500 fine for walking into a protected Yellowstone hot spring.

This comes nearly two months after the James Bond actor pleaded not guilty after he ventured off the permitted path at Yellowstone National Park in November 2023.

Pierce pled guilty to one of two illegal hiking charges brought against him after he tried to get a closer look at thermals in the Mammoth Terraces section of the park, according to court documents filed Thursday.

The Mammoth Terraces are a popular feature in Yellowstone, constantly changing in color and activity.

Federal rules stipulate visitors to national parks must stay on the designated walkways. Venturing off the boardwalk is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.

Actor Pierce Brosnan pleaded guilty to an illegal hiking charge and agreed to pay a $1,500 fine for walking into a protected Yellowstone hot spring

The James Bond star, seen here standing on the springs, entered a plea through a paper filing on January 4 in the US District Court for Wyoming

Brosnan pleaded not guilty in January to wandering into the 'delicate' and dangerous hot springs at Yellowstone National Park, despite being pictured standing on the protected area at the time of the alleged infraction.

The James Bond star entered a plea via a paper filing on January 4 over the November 2023 incident in the US District Court for Wyoming, according to Cowboy State Daily.

Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick granted the 70-year-old's request to cancel his initial appearance. Brosnan was cited twice over the violations at the thermals in the Mammoth Terraces section of the park.

The offenses took place on November 1. A personal photo uploaded to an account exposing 'tourons' (tourist morons) of Yellowstone showed him on the snow-encrusted springs.

The features are dangerous and fragile. If damaged, they can take years to correct. Numerous people have been killed from falling into Yellowstone's scalding pools.

The James Bond actor is accused of leaving the designated walkway and attempting to access thermals at Mammoth Terraces

The Irish star had been in the area filming 'The Unholy Trinity,' a Western starring Brosnan as a sheriff alongside Samuel L. Jackson. He is seen here in 'Dante's Peak'

Brosnan is just the latest tourist to try to bend the rules at the stunning park.

At least 22 people have died from burns sustained in Yellowstones springs and geysers.

They include Colin Nathaniel Scott, who is thought to have dissolved in the hot acidic water after leaving the boardwalk at the parks Norris Geyser Basin in search of a place to soak in 2015.

Similarly, the foot of Il Hun Ro, 70, was discovered by a National Parks employee after apparently falling in.

In 2021, a Connecticut woman jailed for seven days, fined $2,000 and banned from Yellowstone for two years for leaving the walkway and approaching the thermals.
Former Neighbours actress Holly Valance has revealed she will vote for Reform UK in the next General Election.

The ex pop star, 40, admitted she voted Conservative in the 2019 General Election but will now change her allegiances to the party which is led by Richard Tice and recently welcomed its first sitting MP Lee Anderson.

Valance was speaking to GB News' Political Editor Christopher Hope on the Chopper's Political Podcast where she also revealed she wants Reform to be led by former Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage.

She told Mr Hope: 'Last time I voted Conservatives. Next time I'll be voting Reform. I think the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome and I'm sure as hell not voting Labour.'

Valance had been hailed as a 'Tory poster girl' after she took a surprise pop at 'lefties' in a viral clip when she attended the launch of the 'Popular Conservatism' group together with her property tycoon husband Nick Candy.

Former Neighbours actress Holly Valance revealed she will vote for Reform UK in the next General Election while speaking to GB News ' Political Editor Christopher Hope

Valance told Mr Hope (left) voted Conservative in the 2019 General Election but will now change her allegiances

Valance said she will support the party which is led by Richard Tice and recently welcomed its first sitting MP Lee Anderson. Pictured: Mr Anderson (L) shaking hands with Mr Tice

Valance hailed Mr Anderson's move to Reform, which was announced earlier this week after he had the Conservative whip removed for failing to apologise for comments he made about London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

She said: 'I support anybody that sort of sticks to what they believe in and isn't a turncoat, doesn't do a million flip flops and U-turns.

'So I can have respect for that. Even for like nutters on the other side, if you stick to what you believe and you keep reiterating that over years and years I can always respect that.'

Valance added: 'Lee's moved from Labour to Conservatives now to Reform. It's really weird because there was this Reform party in Canada in 1993 that ditched the Tories in Canada as well, or got rid of the blew them to smithereens, which is probably what's going to happen here.

'It's not that I think that we're necessarily going to have a Reform government but that it's a means to the next chapter.'

Valance shot to fame as 'Flick Scully' on Neighbours and later went on to have a pop career after her stint on the Australian soap opera.

She added that she wanted to see Nigel Farage as the leader of Reform UK, while adding that Jacob Rees-Mogg would make a good PM.

Holly Valance shot to fame as 'Flick Scully' on Neighbours. Valance is pictured bottom left with her fellow cast members

Valance later went on to have a pop career after her stint on the Australian soap opera. She is pictured performing at Wembley Arena in 2006

Holly Valance and husband Nick Candy join Donald Trump and Nigel Farage for dinner at Mar-a-Lago in 2022

Asked about reports that her multi-millionaire husband Nick Candy was planning to vote Labour at the general election, Valance added: 'It was just a miscommunication with the way he structured the sentence.

'He said "Labour is going to get in and it's time for a change". It wasn't "Labour is getting in and I'm voting for them".' Asked if he was going to vote Conservative, she replied: 'I would assume yes. I think he's a Tory.'

The billionaire caused confusion after he praised Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer as 'a decent man with good values' and said it was 'time for a change', despite previously donating to the Conservative party under ex-PM Boris Johnson.

His comments came just days after both he and his wife attended the launch of the new 'Popular Conservatism' group.

The married couple heard speeches from ex-PM Liz Truss, former Cabinet minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg and leading 'Red Wall' MP Lee Anderson.

After the Westminster event, Valance appeared to reveal herself as a fervent supporter of the 'PopCons'.

She also spoke of how she was attracted to the Tory Right after shunning 'crap ideas' from 'lefties' earlier in her life.

The mother-of-two took a swipe at climate alarmists and revealed her concern about 'the way things are going in the country'.

In an interview during the event Valance said: 'I'm a citizen like everyone else here who's concerned about the way things are going in the country,' the former actress said.

'Many things worry and bother me with two little children to bring up - what they might inherit. So I want to come and listen to ideas, good ideas.'

Valance attended the launch of the 'Popular Conservatism' group together with her property tycoon husband Nick Candy

The Popular Conservatism group - dubbed the 'PopCons' - has been formed by allies of ex-PM Liz Truss. Pictured: Liz Truss speaks at the launch of the 'PopCon' movement on February 6

Valance expressed her wish for ex-business secretary Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg to be PM. Mr Rees-Mogg is pictured giving a speech at the 'PopCon' launch event in February

She added: 'Everyone starts off as a leftie and then wakes up at some point after you start either making money, working, trying to run a business, trying to buy a home, and then realise what crap ideas they all are - and then you go to the right.

'The speakers today were fantastic. I thought Liz was actually really, really interesting to listen to. Jacob for PM!

'The MP for Ashfield (Mr Anderson) was awesome, love a northerner, straight to the point and very sensible.'

During his address to the 'PopCon' launch, Mr Anderson argued that Britons do not care about the Government's Net Zero emissions strategy.

And Valance appeared to agree with the Tory MP's stance, as she told the TV news channel: 'I just think the climate crisis - or lack of - is not a crisis.

'The air is better than when I was growing up. It used to stink walking down the street when I was growing up.

'Cleaner, cheaper energy is what we need - we're perfectly able to get it and have it.

'But we're just putting all these restrictions on normal people who are just trying to go about their business and get to work, pick up their children from school, go to the supermarket.

'It's just insanity, it's like smashing your head up against a wall every day.'
A Texas caregiver has been charged with abuse and endangering patients after 13 disabled people allegedly died in her care in less than two years.

Regla Becquer, 49, the owner of four care homes under her LLC 'Love and Caring for People', is accused of leaving her patients to live in squalor while raiding their bank accounts.

She is also accused of poisoning patients, which Chris Devendorf, the brother of a man who died in her care in January, claims caused his brother to rapidly deteriorate as soon as he joined her home.

'There was something different in his voice,' Devendorf said about his brother, Kelly Pankratz, when he last spoke to him. 'He was slurring his speech. Sounded like he had something in his mouth.'

Regla Becquer, 49, the owner of four care homes under her LLC 'Love and Caring for People', is accused of leaving her patients to live in squalor

Chris Devendorf, right, the brother of Kelly Pankratz, died in her care in January, claims caused his brother to rapidly deteriorate as soon as he joined her home

Although her care homes are allegedly unlicensed, patients were sent to Becquer by hospitals when they don't meet the criteria for care at a licensed facility, according to KLIF.

A search warrant obtained by WFAA alleged that 13 patients have died in her homes since September 2022, as patients were allegedly left in rotten conditions.

In the case of Kelly Pankratz, his brother said he developed a brain condition that caused confusion, and after being hospitalized for sepsis, he broke his ankle on the way home.

Pankratz was subsequently placed in one of Becquer's care homes, which Devendorf said led his brother's condition to go rapidly downhill.

He claimed that Becquer wouldn't take him for scheduled doctor's appointments, and they struggled to get into contact with Pankratz for several months.

'It was impossible,' family friend Barton Gross told WFAA. 'There was just no way to get ahold of him. No mailing address, where I could even send a card.'

Becquer is accused of strategically moving patients between homes to avoid detection while cutting off their contact with their families.

Devendorf said the last time he spoke with his brother in January, when he suffered the slurred speech patterns that concerned him.

Hours later, Pankratz died inside one of Becquer's homes. His cause of death has not yet been established and an autopsy has not been conducted.

Pankratz, left, developed a brain condition that caused confusion, and after being hospitalized for sepsis, he broke his ankle on the way home

The brother said that he became suspicious of Becquer, and is seeking to 'know if he was drugged.' The search warrant added that several others, including former patients and their family members, have accused her of poisoning them.

Becquer is also alleged to have stolen money from her patients, including claims she spent $100,000 of Pankratz' money in a six-month span.

Although the purchases were made in his name, his family claims that he was known to be frugal to the point of being 'cheap', and spending excessively was out of character for him.

Many of the online purchases were also made online, Devendorf said, despite his brother not owning a phone or computer.

Gross added: 'I don't think it was him spending the money... he was frugal. Kelly was frugal to the point of being almost cheap.'

Investigators allege that Becquer also stole victims' cars and engaged in various forms of identity theft, and several had handed over their power of attorney.

Becquer is also alleged to have stolen money from her patients, including claims she spent $100,000 of Pankratz' money in a six-month span. Pictured, one of her care homes

Many were also said to have been only mildly disabled and of sound mind, before their conditions allegedly deteriorated rapidly once entering the care homes.

One woman, Kren Walker, is also alleged to have signed over the deed to her home to Becquer in her will on a handwritten note just two weeks before she died.

The will, which was just one sentence long, is now the subject of a forgery investigation by the Arlington Police Department, reports KHOU-11.

According to KLIF, another victim with cerebral palsy said she cut her own wrists out of desperation to get out of the home and sent to hospital.

She also claimed she was left to sleep on a bare mattress covered in her own feces, and was given a 'minty unprescribed medication' to prevent her from escaping.

Arlington police say they are still unclear how many care homes Becquer was operating, as the city of Arlington doesn't require annual licensing, unlike Dallas which requires each home to be licensed.

She was snared when police were called to one of the homes in November last year after a neighbor found a patient had fallen in her backyard.

When cops showed up, officers found two more patients inside, and Becquer allegedly told a caretaker not to allow police 'inside the home to check on the welfare of the patients.'

'Officers and EMS deemed that there was exigency to check the welfare of the other patients inside the home,' the search warrant stated.
WeWork co-founder Adam Neumann is planning to spend $300 million on Miami's 'tent city' area to transform it from an area rife with homelessness to one of high-end living.

Neumann, via his real estate startup company Flow, plans to develop rental apartments, retail space and small offices in the citys downtown.

Neumann, 43, worth an estimated $1.7 billion, aims to build all the buildings within walking distance of each other, according to blueprints filed on March 11.

The developments are expected to be finished by 2025 and the developer is 'in the process of submitting an application to obtain site plan approval for its current development plan,' the municipal offering document says.

A spokeswoman for Flow confirmed to Bloomberg News the company owns and hopes to build in the area known as Miami Worldcenter.

Adam Neumann, 43, plans to develop $300million worth of rental apartments, retail space and small offices in the Miami's downtown

The WeWork founder, 43, worth an estimated $1.7 billion, aims to spend $300 million on Miami's 'tent city' area in Miami Worldcenter

Neumann plans to transform it from an area rife with homelessness to one of high-end apartments and retail

Miami Worldcenter is an urban redevelopment venture across 20 acres, comprising multiple city blocks and several developers.

It has recently been plagued by high levels of homelessness and tents on the streets.

Flow, raised $350 million from venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz in August 2022 with a valuation of $1 billion.

Miami Worldcenter is raising about $240 million through a municipal bond sale as part of the deal.

The deal is expected be priced on March 26, according to the document seen by Bloomberg.

The buildings could collectively be worth about $300 million, according to an estimate by Concord Group, a real estate consulting firm.

Neumann is also preparing a bid to take back control of WeWork, the company he founded and built into a $47 billion real-estate conglomerate before he was driven out and it fell into bankruptcy.

The entrepreneur was ousted from WeWork in 2019 following allegations of inappropriate behavior including leaving marijuana rolled up inside a cereal box on a borrowed private plane.

Miami Worldcenter is an urban redevelopment venture across 20 acres, comprising multiple city blocks and several developers. It has recently been plagued by high levels of homelessness and tents on the streets

Neumann established Flow after being unceremoniously ousted from WeWork in 2019

Adam Neumann and business partner Miguel McKelvey opened the first WeWork location in New York City in 2010.

The idea was to make office work more of a collective experience, and the New York City space was rented out to freelancers, startups, and other businesses for months or years at a time.

By 2014, the company was valued at $4.6 billion, and major investors like JP Morgan Chase & Co., T. Rowe Price Associates, Wellington Management, and Goldman Sachs Group started to invest in the company.

But at the same time, Neumann started to revel in his newfound wealth, and started to spend money frivolously.

Skepticism soon started to mount about how the company could maintain its high value, but Japanese multinational conglomerate holding company SoftBank decided to take a risk in 2017 and invest $4.4 billion into the company, bringing its worth up to $20 billion.

By 2018, everything started to spiral, with employees speaking out about the working conditions at the company as Neumann buys his own private jet for $60 million.

Still, SoftBank decided to invest another $2 billion into WeWork, valuing it at $47 billion.

Then in August 2019, the company files paperwork to go public, detailing for the first time how Neumann had been charging the company for personal expenses.

Neumann is also preparing a bid to take back control of WeWork, the company he founded and built into a $47 billion real-estate conglomerate before he was driven out and it fell into bankruptcy

The next month, WeWork executives announce they are postponing the IPO offering as they oust Neumann from the company and sell his private jet.

SoftBank then agreed to buy nearly $1billion in stock from him and paid Neumann nearly $200 million for consulting and other fees.

To this day, Neumann still has an 11 percent share in WeWork, which is now valued at about $4 billion, and is worth $1.6 billion himself.

Meanwhile, the company has started to regain ground.

In 2021, new CEO Sandeep Mathrani cut overhead costs by $1.1 billion and $400 million in operating expenses, improving WeWork's free cash flow by $1.6 billion.

The company soon let go of 106 underperforming or yet-to-be opened branches and negotiates more than 100 lease amendments that provide WeWork with a $4 billion reduction in future lease payments.

At the same time, WeWork signed $850 million of lease contracts  the most it has had since its fall in 2019.
The alleged mastermind of the 'California Girls' crime ring is trying to desperately offload her $2.75 million San Diego mansion at a discount as she faces multiple felony charges.

Michelle Mack and her husband, Kenneth, listed their four-bedroom-five bath mansion in the picturesque suburb of Bonsall about two months after the couple were handcuffed by authorities inside their posh gated community.

Agents are welcoming offers from prospective buyers who are pre-qualified for a loan or paying all cash for the coastal villa.

Now the home- complete with panoramic views, a 3 1/2-acre vineyard, a winery and a private stone chapel with carved Indian temple doors- is listed $200,000 less than the Macks' initial listing price.

The stunning 4,524-square-foot hillside home was the hub of Mack's $8 million criminal operation and where she communicated with her criminal crew called the 'California Girls'.

Federal and state authorities allege Michelle Mack, 53, employed others to shoplift cosmetics and other items from stores like Sephora, Ulta, Bloomingdales, Bath & Body Works, Sunglass Hut and LensCrafters.

Mack would then sell the goods on Amazon.

The Macks' stunning property includes a 3 1/2-acre vineyard next to the four-bedroom home and is now listed $200,000 less than their original asking price

The pristine pool overlooks San Diego coastal views

The charming executive kitchen inside the 4,524-square-foot mansion

Federal and state authorities allege Michelle Mack was the head of the criminal enterprise known as the 'California Girls'

The Macks bought the stunning Tuscan-design estate in October 2021 for about $2.3 million, according to records.

The ultra-luxurious mansion boasts a dramatic foyer and a 'great room' perfect for entertaining guests.

A small casita is also included in the property with its own kitchen, walk-in closet and fireplace.

The private winery, which can store about 1,800 bottles, even features a 300-year old Sicilian tile crest, according to Redfin.

The property includes a serene chapel with stained glass windows and hand carved Indian temple doors

One of the top floor bedrooms with stunning views overlooking the 3 1/2-acre property

Neighbors have said the Macks listed the home for rent for weddings and other special events.

When federal agents served a search warrant on Dec. 6, 2023 at the mansion, they found at least 10,000 items worth about $387,000 inside the garage, according to local NBC7.

Authorities allege Mack ran the 'California Girls' crew and purchased plane tickets for the other defendants, who then shoplifted at stores all over Southern California.

Investigators found more than 10,000 stolen items inside the Macks' garage

Authorities said the stolen items were worth about $387,000

Mack also allegedly rented cars and paid for hotels for the shoplifters who worked for her, according to the federal search warrant.

Investigators also said Mack's accomplices would mail some of the stolen goods to the Bonsall post office where the queenpin had a business address.

Amazon provided investigators with records that showed Mack's operation racked up sales worth $8 million since 2012, including nearly $2 million in 2022 alone.

The cosmetic queenpin- along with her husband and seven others- were charged with 140 felony counts, including conspiracy to commit organized retail theft, grand theft and receipt of stolen property.

Michelle Mack also would allegedly ask her co-conspirators to recruit more shoplifters into their scheme, according to the criminal complaint obtained by DailyMail.com.

'Did you get some new girls? I really need product so if you have anything please let me know,' Mack texted to another defendant, Alina Franco.

Michelle Mack, 53, pictured with husband Kenneth, was the alleged mastermind of a nationwide shoplifting organization which netted the couple $8 million over a decade

Michelle and Kenneth Mack and the other defendants have all pleaded not guilty.

The couple is expected to be back in court next month.
Prosecutors in Donald Trump's hush money case have asked for a 30-day delay in the start of the trial to review new evidence.

The trial over claims the former president, 77, falsified records to cover up payments to porn star Stormy Daniels was due to begin on March 25.

But the start date could now be pushed back due to a recent disclosure of thousands of pages of new documents by federal prosecutors that Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg's team and Trump's defense attorneys must sort through.

Trump last week asked Justice Juan Merchan to delay his trial on 34 counts until the Supreme Court finishes reviewing his claim of presidential immunity.

The Supreme Court announced last month that it will hear arguments in Trump's immunity case on April 25.

The trial over claims the former president, 77, falsified records to cover up payments to porn star Stormy Daniels was due to begin on March 25

Prosecutors in Donald Trump's hush money case said on Thursday they were not opposed to a 30-day delay in the trial

Without addressing that request, prosecutors with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office said the U.S. Attorney's office in Manhattan - which had previously looked into the allegations - had disclosed more than 100,000 pages to the parties in the case this month, and could soon produce more.

Trump, the Republican candidate to challenge Democratic President Joe Biden in the Nov. 5 election, has pleaded not guilty.

With the Supreme Court agreeing to take the case, it also pushed back Trump's January 6 alleged insurrection case led by Special Counsel Jack Smith at least until the summer.

It means the trial could be delayed by months, even if the former president loses at the Supreme Court, and if he wins the charges will be dismissed.

The Supreme Court's 6-3 conservative majority includes three justices appointed by Trump: Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett.

Trump is also facing federal charges for his alleged mishandling of classified documents when leaving the White House.

He is separately facing state charges that he attempted to subvert the 2020 election results in Georgia.

Trump has pleaded not guilty in all of the four criminal cases against him, seeking to portray them as politically motivated.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is leading the Stormy Daniels case against Trump

In a single-page writ for what would be a historic ruling, the Supreme Court said it would consider: 'Whether and if so to what extent does a former president enjoy presidential immunity from criminal prosecution for conduct alleged to involve official acts during his tenure in office.'

The case got up to the Supreme Court after a lower appeals court in D.C. ruled he was not immune from prosecution.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on February 6 ruled 3-0 against Trump's immunity claim.

The judges rejected his bid for 'unbounded authority to commit crimes that would neutralize the most fundamental check on executive power - the recognition and implementation of election results.'

But after the Supreme Court agreed to hear the immunity argument, Smith's original March 4 date set for trial in Trump's election interference federal case was postponed indefinitely.
Terror arrests have increased by a third in the first rise since 2017, including a record high for the number of children.

Home Office figures show police made 219 arrests in relation to alleged terrorism-related activity in Britain last year  a 31 per cent rise on the 167 recorded in the previous 12 months to December 2022.

It is the first time in six years where the number of terror suspects detained has increased compared to the previous year.

Of the 219 arrests in 2023, 61 (28 per cent) resulted in a charge, with 57 suspects facing prosecution over terrorism-related offences.

It comes as the Government unveiled its new definition of 'extremism' this week, amid rising concern about threats to social cohesion and democracy.

Home Office data shows the majority of people arrested (71 per cent) were British nationals, or people who held British dual nationality.

Pro-Palestinian protesters take part in a Global Day of Action to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Groups meeting the multi-pronged 'extremism' definition  even if they are non-violent  will be banned from receiving taxpayers' money

The Muslim Association of Britain and CAGE are among groups that will be 'assessed' under a new definition of extremism, Michael Gove said today

Although the proportion of arrests of children remained the same as the previous year (19 per cent), the number of arrests for suspects aged 17 and under rose from 32 to 42.

This is the highest number of arrests in this age group since records began over 20 years ago. Just three youngsters were arrested in the year to December 2002.

Labour's shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper branded the figures on child arrests as 'alarming' as she called for 'urgent action' to stop young people being drawn into 'poisonous ideologies'.

The Government said it was 'committed' to giving police and intelligence services 'all the necessary tools' to fight the 'evolving threat of terrorism', adding: 'That is why we have bolstered powers for those protecting us and introduced tougher sentences for the most dangerous terrorists.'

The figures also showed there were 244 prisoners behind bars for terrorism offences last year, the majority of which (65 per cent) were classed as holding Islamist-extremist views, while 26 per cent held extreme right-wing ideologies and 9 per cent were deemed to have other motivations.

A total of 56 terrorist prisoners were freed from jail in the year to September, according to the latest available data.

According to its new definition: 'Extremism is the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, that aims to 1: negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others; or 2: undermine, overturn or replace the UK's system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights; or 3: intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the results in (1) or (2).

MP Michael Gove told the Commons today that the the Muslim Association of Britain, CAGE and Mend - Muslim Engagement and Development - are among the organisations that will be 'assessed' under the new criteria. Some 'Neo-Nazi' groups will also be looked at.

A pro-Palestinian protester stands on a giant lion by Nelson's Column. The new definition will apply to organisations only, rather than individuals

Mr Gove stressed that most extremist materials and activities were 'not illegal and do not meet a terrorism or national security threshold'

What it was...and what it is now OLD DEFINITION (in the Prevent strategy published in 2011): Extremism is vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. We also include in our definition of extremism calls for the death of members of our armed forces, whether in this country or overseas. NEW DEFINITION Extremism is the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, that aims to 1: negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others; or 2: undermine, overturn or replace the UK's system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights; or 3: intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the results in (1) or (2). Advertisement

Mr Gove told the Commons: 'Organisations such as the Muslim Association of Britain, which is the British affiliate of the Muslim Brotherhood, and other groups such as Cage and Mend (Muslim Engagement and Development) give rise to concern for their Islamist orientation and views.

'We will be holding these and other organisations to account to assess if they meet our definition of extremism and will take action as appropriate.'

Mr Gove said the British National Socialist Movement and Patriotic Alternative will also be assessed.

Mr Gove stressed that most extremist materials and activities were 'not illegal and do not meet a terrorism or national security threshold'.

'But they advocate and work towards the replacement of democracy with an Islamist or Nazi society,' he warned in the Commons.

He said the 2011 definition of extremism had helped inform counter-terrorism work, adding: 'But in a considerable number of cases, organisations and individuals with views which are clearly extreme have nevertheless benefitted from state engagement, endorsement and support, and furthermore have exploited that association to further their extremist agendas.

Mr Gove told MPs: 'We are in no way intending to restrict freedom of expression, religion or belief, but the Government cannot be in a position where unwittingly or not we sponsor, subsidise or support in any way organisations (or) individuals opposed to the freedoms we hold dear.

'I'm sure that we would agree that organisations such as the British National Socialist Movement and Patriotic Alternative who promote neo-Nazi ideology, argue for forced repatriation, a white ethno-state and the targeting of minority groups for intimidation, are precisely the type of groups about which we should be concerned and whose activities we will assess against the new definition.

'The activities of the extreme-right wing are a growing worry, the targeting of Muslim and Jewish communities and individuals by these groups is of profound concern requiring assertive action.'

Acting Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing Richard Smith, said:

'We take no pleasure from the increasing numbers of young people we're seeing in our investigations and casework.

'Whilst our role is to stop anyone  no matter their age  committing terrorism offences or planning to cause harm to the public, it is truly shocking that almost one in every five of our arrests involves a young person.

'For several years now, we have warned about the risk of children and young people who are becoming involved in terrorism-related activity and the statistics released yesterday reaffirm our concerns.

'Young people susceptible to radicalisation need protection and support to prevent them being drawn into terrorism. I implore parents and guardians to pay close attention to the young people in their lives and look out for the signs that they may be viewing, sharing or even creating terrorist content.'

'Last year we arrested more people for terrorism offences than we have done in any of the four years previously. We are working at pace, day and night, to keep the public safe.

'The role of the public in our mission to the keep people safe cannot be underestimated. Please trust your instincts and report anything that doesn't feel right.

'Reporting won't ruin lives, but it could save them.'
Two mayoral candidates have been shot dead in the span of two days in Mexico - marking the seventh political murders ahead of the June general elections.

Diego Perez, who was running for office in the southern state of Chiapas, was found dead Thursday.

His body showed signs of torture and was left lying next to his wife and son, who were both wounded.

Perez was the Institutional Revolutionary Party's nominee for mayor of San Juan Cancuc.

'We strongly call on the authorities to clarify these facts and punish those responsible,' the Institutional Revolutionary Party said in a statement.

'The government cannot continue denying reality: More than 110 acts of violence related to the electoral process demand that measures be taken to guarantee the safety of all and prevent organized crime from being the one who chooses on June 2, and not good citizens.'

Tomas Morales, who aspired to become the mayor of Chilapa, a municipality in the Pacific coast state of Guerrero, was executed Tuesday night.

Diego Perez, who was running for office in the southern state of Chiapas, was found dead Thursday. His wife and son were wounded

Tomas Morales aspired to become the mayor of Chilapa, a municipality in the Pacific coast state of Guerrero, and was shot dead in front of his home Tuesday night

Authorities said the 40-year-old was approached by a gunman as he stepped out of his car and was shot in the head in front of his home. He was declared dead on the scene.

Morales served as councilman in the neighboring city of Jose Joaquin de Herrera from 2009 to 2012.

His wife, Delia Solano, was a councilman in Chilapa from 2018 to 2021.

He had been working for a social government program and resigned in January to pursue his mayoral aspirations under the governing Morena party of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador although the political bloc had not formally named him as its official candidate.

Alfredo Gonzalez, a mayoral contender in the town of Atoyac, Guerrero, was shot to death on March 2



Miguel Angel Zavala, who was also from the governing Morena party, was shot dead February 26.

Armando Perez, the candidate for the National Action Party, was found shot dead on February 27

Miguel Angel Zavala, from the Morena party, was found dead in Maravatio, Mexico on February 26

Armando Perez, of the conservative National Action Party, was murdered February 27. A third mayoral hopeful from that town was abducted and found dead in November.

Yair Romero, who running for Congress for the Morena party in the sprawling Mexico City suburb of Ecatepec was fatally shot in the street alongside his brother on February 10. He had allegedly received threats from a local union.

On January 5, David Gonzalez, the local leader of the Institutional Revolutionary Party and candidate for mayor of Suchiate, Chiapas, was killed.

The same day, in the northwestern state of Colima, Sergio Hueso, a mayoral candidate of the Citizen Movement party in Armeria was shot by gunmen while in his vehicle.

Mexico's drug cartels have often focused assassination attempts on mayors and mayoral candidates, in a bid to control local police or extort money from municipal governments.

Yair Romero had hopes becoming a member of Mexico's Congress and was found shot dead next to his brother February 10 in the Mexico City suburb of Ecatepec

David Gonzalez, the local leader of the Institutional Revolutionary Party and candidate for mayor of Suchiate, Chiapas, was killed January 5

The watchdog group Civic Data said in a January report on political violence that '2023 was the most violent year in our database. And everything suggests that 2024 will be worse.'

Mayoral, state and federal elections are increasingly synchronized on one election day.

'It is likely that the biggest elections in history will also suffer the biggest attacks from organized crime,' Civic Data said.

Michoacan had the fifth-highest number of attacks on politicians and government officials in 2023, behind Guerrero and Guanajuato. Zacatecas and Veracruz also had a higher number of attacks.
A hero Memphis pastor revealed his horrific wounds after being shot through the mouth when he tried to stop a carjacking outside of his church.

Clemmie Livingston, 70, who is the pastor at New Zionfield Baptist in Tennessee, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition after the February 25 shooting.

Livingston was shot while attempting to stop two men from stealing a car that belonged to a Sunday school teacher.

'I cannot explain how it happened. All I know is that I was struck,' Livingston told Fox13 Wednesday, nearly three weeks after he was shot.

He showed off the guard he has around his mouth following the horrific incident and photos on the church's Facebook page detail his recovery. Recent snaps show him smiling while being pushed in a wheelchair inside the hospital.

Police are continuing to search for the suspect gunmen in the case, who both wore hoodies during the attempted theft.

Clemmie Livingston, 70, who is the pastor at New Zionfield Baptist in Tennessee , was rushed to the hospital in critical condition after the February 25 shooting. Livingston was shot while attempting to stop two men from stealing a car that belonged to a Sunday school teacher

A picture from before the shooting shows Livingston with his wife, Gwendoline, in happier times

The suspects reportedly fled the scene in 2019 Chevrolet Corvette.

'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,' police said in a statement.

'A second person who was outside of the church at the time the car was stolen returned fire after the suspects shot first.'

Livingston recounted the moments after being shot in the mouth.

'While I was waiting for the paramedics, all I could see or kept asking myself was, "am I going to be dead in a few minutes," because I was losing blood at a record rate. But I held on to my belief,' he in an interview inside Zionfield Baptist Church.

His 17-year-old grandson, Kavion Woodin, told Nexstar's WREG, 'Somebody tried to take one of the church member's cars, and my granddaddy stepped up.'

'He feared no evil. He came out the church to protect a car because he feared no evil,' the teen said.

'He was a man of giving, willingness, kindness, compassion, and he was a man that never did wrong towards nobody,' Woodin said to the outlet.

'Honestly, I'm sick and tired of losing people to gun violence and cars. I've lost seven friends due to gun violence. I've lost two friends to cars, and I'm nothing but 17,' he added.

'It's time to stop the violence. It's time to stop the robbing, stop the killing. It's time to put the guns down.'

Police said the suspects were trying to steal a 2019 silver Chevrolet Corvette when they shot the pastor

Police are now searching for the suspected gunmen in the incident. No arrests have been made

Livingston's wife, Gwendoline, created a GoFundMe page to fundraise for the cost of her husband's procedures after he was rushed to the hosptial

Livingston's wife, Gwendoline, created a GoFundMe page to fundraise for the cost of her husband's procedures.

The fundraiser has earned over $33,000 with more than 700 donations.

'After undergoing surgery he was upgraded to stable and still remains in ICU. Even so, my husband will be awaiting at least two more surgeries approximately 6 weeks from now and then a 3rd phase and possibly more depending on the outcome of his healing.'

His wife said at that time Livingston is unable to eat or speak and communicates through notes and hand gestures.

'Surgeons have drilled and nails and attached a brace to the right side of his face to try and hold the jaw closed because the bullet shattered his jaw bone into many pebble size pieces,' she wrote.

'We're on a long journey to recovery,' she added. 'I have had many people to reach out wanting to assist us financially to help with the hospital expenses we are occurring because of a senseless act of violence.'

New Zionfield Baptist Church has posted pictures of Livingston dduring his recovery. He was sitting in a wheelchair where he was pictured with a friend

The GoFundMe fundraiser has earned over $33,000 with more than 700 donations

On March 8th, Clemmie posted an update regarding her husband's condition and said he is 'coming along' despite a couple of setbacks, including a jaw infection.

'Clemmie is coming along,' she wrote. 'He had a set back a couple of days ago and infection in his jaw but his surgeons went in, removed the infected abscess and scraped his jaw, cleaned, and stitched him back up and he's on his way to recovery again. He was not healing because of the infection but we are on our way to the second surgery.'

'They were suppose to remove the trac so that he can talk right now. and then we'll kind of start the same procedure over again he's still not able to walk without assistance.'

She also said Livingston is 'off balance' and having trouble walking. He has stepped up to liquids from a liquid injector.

'We pray that he improves to a spoon and then a straw. It's amazing how bullets can destroy so much. Because of your caring and sharing you have encouraged both of us so much. There has definitely been a change in our daily lives.'

'Clemmie is ago-getter and there isn't a day before this incident he didn't awake early every morning To make each day, positive and worry free for us. But his heart is the church. He is truly a called man of God. There isn't anything he wouldn't do for his members to help them along the way, as well as others up and down the byways. All you had to do was call him. He is truly a full time minister.'

'He's already had to retire early from his field of driving long hauls and cross country so he took to other skills to make ends meet. But because of you our attention is only on him healing, and not bills or medical bills or other expenses.'
Michael McCaul blamed the Biden administration for leaving Haiti on the brink of civil war as Foreign Affairs chair said he would not lift his hold on tens of millions in aid until he got further assurances it wouldn't go to 'warlords.'

Republicans have for months been holding up funds that would be used for the deployment of a force, led by Kenyan police, to Haiti, which is now under assault by gangs.

They released $10 million of a $50 million fund, and McCaul claims none of that money has been used yet.

'We've already freed up $10 million from congressional notification, not one dime has been spent,' McCaul told reporters at the House GOP retreat at the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia.

Michael McCaul blamed the Biden administration for leaving Haiti on the brink of civil war as Foreign Affairs chair said he would not lift his hold on tens of millions in aid until he got further assurances it wouldn't go to 'warlords'

'I don't want to throw any more money or guns into Haiti until I get assurances it's not going to go directly to the warlords.'

But the Biden administration is reportedly growing frustrated with the GOP-led hold and imploring lawmakers to recognize the urgency of the situation.

But McCaul said the Biden administration has 'neglected' Haiti for a year, and there was almost no international law enforcement presence prior to the most recent chaos.

'We had a hearing on this issue, it was very clear that international law enforcement, INL had very little presence of any in Haiti,' he said, adding the current situation is due to 'a years worth of neglect by this administration.'

Earlier this week the State Department sent top Republicans its plan for helping Haiti in an effort to get McCaul and Senate Foreign Relations Chair Jim Risch, R-Idaho, to drop their hold.

But with Prime Minister Ariel Henry who resigned and no real government left in Haiti, it's unclear whether Kenyan officers are even ready to step in.

'Kenya cannot bring in their people until there is a form of governance in Haiti,' McCaul insisted.

The U.S. has pledged as much as $300 million the multinational security mission in Haiti, which would involve sending 1,000 Kenyan officers to the island.

McCaul said he's not satisfied by the State Department plan, and is still waiting on intelligence assessments on lethality and the possibility of a stable governing plan in Haiti.

'The administration has still failed to come forward to give us the necessary reports briefings to help us get to a point where we feel confident in terms of how the money's gonna be spent and the weapons,' he explained.

'This is not the first time in history United States would put guns of money into another country that backfired.'

A plan to install new leaders in Haiti seemingly crumbled on Thursday after key political parties rejected the plan to create a presidential council that would manage the transition.

National Police patrol the area near the empty National Penitentiary after a small fire inside the jail in downtown Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Haiti, Thursday, March 14, 2024

Police officers keep watch at the entrance to the National Penitentiary following a fire, as a powerful gang leader in Haiti has issued a threatening message aimed at political leaders who would take part in a still-unformed transition council for the country, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, March 14, 2024

The gang attacks began Feb. 29, when Henry was in Kenya to push for the United Nations-backed deployment of a Kenyan police force.

He's been locked out of Haiti since as gang attacks have shut down the nation's airports.

Armed men in the capital of Port-au-Prince have set fire to police stations and stormed the nation's biggest prisons, releasing some 4,000 inmates.

The U.N.'s top human rights official warned days ago the situation in Haiti is 'beyond untenable' and noted that more than 1,190 people have been killed by gangs since the start of 2024 alone.
Israeli shelling that killed Reuters videographer Issam Abdallah on the Lebanon border has violated international law by striking 'clearly identifiable' journalists, the UN has ruled.

A UN investigation found there was 'no exchange of fire' before an Israeli tank shelled journalists in October, killing Abdallah and wounding six others.

The investigation by the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) concluded that the shelling of 'clearly identifiable journalists' violated international law.

The shelling was also in violation of the UN Security Council resolution, which ended the devastating 2006 war in Lebanon between Israel and Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, according to the UNIFIL.

Two Israeli shells hit the group in quick succession as they were working near the border village of Alma al-Shaab on October 13, killing Reuters journalist Abdallah, 37.

Reuters' journalist Issam Abdallah takes a selfie picture while working in Maras, Turkey, February 11, 2023

Reuters' journalist Issam Abdallah holds a kitten while posing for a picture in Saaideh, Lebanon, July 4, 2023

Two other Reuters journalists, two from broadcaster Al Jazeera and two from AFP were also wounded.

AFP photographer Christina Assi, 28, was seriously injured and later had one of her legs amputated.

'We are deeply saddened to learn that our videographer, Issam Abdallah, has been killed,' a Reuters statement said after Abdallah's death.

'Issam was part of a Reuters crew in southern Lebanon who was providing a live signal. We are urgently seeking more information, working with authorities in the region, and supporting Issam's family and colleagues.

'Reuters journalists Thaer Al-Sudani and Maher Nazeh also sustained injuries and are seeking medical care. Our thoughts are with their families at this terrible time.'

Harrowing footage showed an unnamed female reporter injured by the blast as vehicles burned nearby.

The report on the UNIFIL investigation, which has been handed to both Israeli and Lebanese authorities, concluded that the Israeli army 'fired two 120 mm Merkava (tank) shells in quick succession'.

UNIFIL's investigation found that as there was no exchange of fire at the time of the incident, 'the reason for the strikes on the journalists is not known'.

Asked about UNIFIL's findings, the Israeli army said that its forces were responding to missile and rocket fire from Hezbollah and 'used artillery fire and tank fire in order to remove the threat and prevent any further attack.'

It said a military body would continue to investigate the incident, adding that it 'deplores any injury to uninvolved parties, and does not deliberately shoot at civilians, including journalists.'

An AFP probe into the deadly attack, jointly conducted with Airwars, an NGO that investigates attacks on civilians in conflict situations, pointed to a 120-mm tank shell only used by the Israeli army.

Reuters' journalist Issam Abdallah pose for a picture in Beirut, Lebanon, September 24, 2020

A journalist's car burns after it was hit by Israeli shelling in the Alma al-Shaab border village, Friday, Oct. 13, 2023. An Israeli shell landed in a gathering of international journalists covering clashes on the border in south Lebanon, killing one and leaving six others injured

A Reuters probe, including initial findings from the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), found that two Israeli shells were fired from the same position across the border.

In its final report released last week, TNO said analysis of audio picked up by an Al Jazeera video camera at the scene showed the reporters also 'likely' came under fire from a machine gun mounted on the tank.

Human Rights Watch has said the strikes were 'apparently deliberate attacks on civilians, which is a war crime'.

READ MORE: Heartbreaking video shows moment tearful Al Jazeera journalist finds out his wife and children were killed in air raid as he reported on the war in Gaza Advertisement

Colleagues have shared tributes to Mr Abdallah, following the tragic news from Lebanon.

Nadine Awadalla, Middle East & North Africa Breaking News Hub Editor at Reuters, wrote on X: 'Issam was one of the kindest and funniest people I've ever worked with.

'He was always all in, poured his heart into his work. Saying rest in peace feels hollow, but I hope he does rest in peace and power.'

Rula El Halabi wrote on X: 'I met Issam after the #BeirutBlast and we became good friends ever since.

'He was such a [sweet] and responsible videographer taking care of all those around him. Rest in peace my friend.'

White House spokesperson Olivia Dalton told reporters the President's thoughts were with Mr Abdullah's family.

'We know that the work that you all do is incredibly dangerous and today is reminder of that,' Dalton said.

Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters positioned along the border have traded near-daily fire since Hamas fighters carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, triggering the devastating war in Gaza.

Since the exchanges began, at least 322 people have been killed in Lebanon, mainly Hezbollah fighters but also including 56 civilians, according to an AFP tally.

In Israel, at least 10 soldiers and seven civilians have been killed, the military says.
A major European airline has axed even more flights just days after 1,000 were cancelled.

Strike action across Germany has affected British travellers today with flyers advised to 'avoid impacted airports'.

Flag carrier Lufthansa previously cancelled flights for around 120,000 passengers on Tuesday and Wednesday this week due to the industrial action.

But further strikes by security personnel today has extended the disruption.

Fans travelling from Germany for the West Ham - Freiburg Europa League game were expected to be among the worst affected.

A major European airline has axed even more flights just days after 1,000 were cancelled

Strike action across Germany has affected British travellers today with flyers advised to 'avoid impacted airports'

Flag carrier Lufthansa previously cancelled flights for around 120,000 passengers on Tuesday and Wednesday this week due to the industrial action

The Hammers took on the Bundesliga side tonight in the first leg of their last-16 tie.

But with few direct flights between the London and Freiburg, supporters tend to fly in and out of larger travel hubs such as Frankfurt and Basel.

However, a number of flights have already been cancelled as a result of planned industrial action by Lufthansa ground staff, with the German airline warning of 'extensive effects on the flight program' from Wednesday evening until Saturday morning.

Lufthansa operates from major UK airports such as London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow.

The German airline said in a statement on their website: 'The labor union Verdi has announced a strike by security personnel at the airports in Hamburg, Cologne/Bonn, Stuttgart, and Karlsruhe/Baden Baden for March 14.

Fans travelling to Germany for the West Ham - Freiburg Europa League game were expected to be among the worst affected

Lufthansa operates from major UK airports such as London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow

Striking Lufthansa staff at Frankfurt airport on March 7

'Security checks for transit areas will be closed. Access to the departure gates will therefore not be possible.'

'We kindly ask all guests who wish to begin their journey at one of the mentioned airports on March 14 not to come to the respective airport.'

The strike, staged by workers demanding higher wages, comes after Lufthansa recorded record profits.

Leader of the Independent Flight Attendants Organization (UFO) union, Joachim Vazquez Buerger said earlier this week: 'On Thursday, the group announced a record result.

'The cabin crew have to be able to benefit from this success, and the efforts made during the Coronavirus crisis must be rewarded.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is facing backlash after a rule change last year allowed transgender men to join the all-female group.

The organization adopted the new law in June last year that said anyone who has a birth certificate stating they are female is able to join, meaning a woman who transitioned to a man could now sign up.

The Daughters of the American Revolution, a society for descendants of American Revolution soldiers, was founded in 1890 after the Sons of the American Revolution denied women membership into their group.

The group's website said the qualifications to join are: 'Any woman 18 years or older who can prove lineal, bloodline descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American independence is eligible to join the DAR.'

Video from the June meeting reported by Newsweek showed President General Pamela Rouse Wright saying: 'If a person's birth certificate is female, they're eligible for membership.'

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was caught up in a firestorm of controversy following a rule changing allowing transgender men to join the group

The society was founded after the Sons of the American Revolution denied women membership into their group

'Any woman 18 years or older who can prove lineal, bloodline descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American independence is eligible to join the DAR,' the website reads

Here's President General Pamela Edwards Rouse Wright saying during the DAR's Continental Congress: "If [a biological male's] birth certificate says they are a female, and you vote against them based on their protected class, its discrimination. pic.twitter.com/0ffhmePs62  Mary Margaret Olohan (@MaryMargOlohan) July 26, 2023

Member Jennifer Mease asked if chapters could vote against those 'whose birth certificate has been altered by their state to indicate they are female even though they were born a male.'

Wright said, 'If a person's birth certificate says they are a female, and you vote against them based on their protected class, it's discrimination.'

The Daily Signal reported several have since quit the organization in response to the rule change, including Mease.

'Recent changes in the bylaws of the organization; specifically, the adoption of the provision on Thursday, June 29, have compelled me to this decision,' she said in her resignation email obtained by The Daily Signal.

'The change will require our Chapter to consider transgender males as females, which contradicts my deeply held religious beliefs. As a person of faith, I firmly believe that God created men and women as distinct and separate genders, and I am unable to reconcile this fundamental principle with the new bylaw.'

Debby McDermott, a decade-long DAR member told The Federalist, 'Right there, you've corrupted the lineage possibilities for true patriots because we always have to prove our lineage.'

'I'm having a difficult time with my decision to stay or go. If I go, I can't fight, but if I stay, I'm going against my beliefs.'

Following the June change, the Nevada Sagebrush Chapter is said to have lost at least nine members, including its former secretary Brenda Becker.

Several members have since quit the organization in response to the rule change

Resignations from the organization are estimated to have increased between 15 and 18 percent nationwide since last year

At least 12 chapters asked the national organization to require members to provide an original birth certificate or DNA proof that they are females

However, the national board rejected the endorsement in a February 10 vote, explaining that the limits were not 'suitable subject matter for inclusion in the bylaws'

Becker estimated resignations from the organization grew between 15 and 18 percent across the country since last year.

At least 12 chapters suggested amendments that would require members to 'have the biological characteristics of a female in the context of reproductive potential or capacity such as sex chromosomes and naturally occurring sex hormones.'

They asked the national organization to require members to offer their original birth certificate or DNA proof that they are females.

However, the National Board of Management rejected the endorsement in an almost unanimous vote on February 10.

In a letter obtained by The Federalist, the national board said the limits are not 'suitable subject matter for inclusion in the bylaws and is not in the best interests of the society.'
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that a Russian victory in Ukraine 'would reduce Europe's credibility to zero' and refused to rule out deploying troops.

The French leader spoke on French TV about how to further support Ukraine, after drawing pushback from European leaders last month when he said sending Western ground troops shouldn't be ruled out.

Tonight's interview was aimed at clarifying his policy that the sending of ground forces was not on the agenda now, but Europe must keep 'all options' open in case the war spread.

He said that responsibility for prompting such a move would lie with Moscow as France would not lead an offensive into Ukraine. He said: 'It wouldn't be us,' but later added: 'To have peace in Ukraine, we must not be weak.'

'If Russia wins this war, Europe's credibility will be reduced to zero,' Macron said in the interview with French broadcasters TF1 and France 2 television.

He also said that the continent's security was 'at stake' in the conflict which he said is 'existential for our Europe and for France'.

Macron later added in a video on social media that Moldova, Romania and Poland could be under immediate threat if Ukraine lost the war.

Macron spoke on TV about the prospect of sending troops to Ukraine despite critics opposing

Ukrainian soldiers at the artillery position in an unidentified area on the Adiivka frontline prepare to fire the D 30 gun as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues in Adiivka, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on March 13

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends an interview with Rossiya Segodnya International Media Group Director General Dmitry Kiselev at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, March 13

French President Emmanuel Macron, right, and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, at a press conference in Paris on February 16

Calling the conflict in Ukraine 'existential for our Europe and for France', Macron said anybody advocating 'limits' on aid to Ukraine 'chooses defeat'.

He said there had been 'too many limits in our vocabulary' since the Russian invasion in February 2022. 'Two years ago we said we would never send tanks. We did. Two years ago, we said we would never send medium-range missiles. We did,' he said.

'Those who say 'let's not support Ukraine' do not make the choice of peace, they make the choice of defeat,' Macron added.

Macron acknowledged that negotiations would need to take place in the future when the war ended but emphasised that peace did not mean the 'capitulation' of Ukraine.

'Today we must have - to quote (Winston) Churchill - 'the sinews of peace'. To want peace is not to want defeat or to let Ukraine fall,' he said, using the famous phrase used by the former British Prime Minister in a 1946 speech in the US shortly after World War II ended.

For France 'all options' are on the table in its support for Ukraine, Macron said. He said that 'should the situation get worse, we will be ready' to prevent a Russian victory, but he also said his country would 'never go on the offensive' in the war.

He warned that 'if Russia wins the life of the French will change. We will have no more security in Europe.'

In a video posted to social media, Macron said that the Moldova, Romania and Poland could be under threat if Ukraine lost the war - and in extension the whole of Europe.

He said: 'Helping Ukraine means first of all helping a country that is attacked on its borders, a country that is European. A country whose sovereignty is called into question, whose security is threatened.

'Helping Ukraine also means taking care of our security, as I explained this evening. Russia has become a power that wants to expand, and it is sure it will not stop there.

'If we let Ukraine lose, then, for sure, Russia will threaten Moldova, Romania, Poland... there is no European security possible.'

He also said that without help, Ukraine wouldn't have a chance to win the war, as 90 per cent of their weapons come from the EU, the UK or the US.

Macron (pictured during his TV appearance today) described Russia as the 'adversary' of France but was careful to avoid using the word 'enemy'

A spokesperson for Putin's regime threatened consequences after Macron said NATO was considering sending ground troops to Ukraine

A military tank drives by on a road at sunset on the fields nearby Chasiv Yar battlefield as fighting between Ukrainian forces and Russian troops continues on the second year anniversary of the war in Donbas, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on February 24

Scholz last month disputed Macron's claim that NATO members are considering to send ground troops to Ukraine in an attempt to ease anxiety throughout Europe (pictured: Macron and Scholz in Berlin on January 22)

Macron, who acknowledged that he has likely held more hours of talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin than any other major leader in recent years, said the Kremlin chief could not be trusted.

'Who would think for a single second that President Putin, who did not respect any of his limits and engagements, would stop there,' Macron added.

He described Russia as the 'adversary' of France but was careful to avoid using the word 'enemy'.

The French president is travelling to Berlin tomorrow to meet other European leader, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, after they travelled to Paris to talk about the war just a few weeks ago.

Scholz last month disputed Macron's claim that NATO members are considering to send ground troops to Ukraine in an attempt to ease anxiety throughout Europe.

Macron's remark even found little echo among the French population, as 68 per cent disapproved of such an announcement, according to an opinion poll for daily Le Figaro.

A majority in both houses of parliament backed Macron's Ukraine strategy this week, with the far-right RN party abstaining and the radical left voting against, with its deputies accusing Macron of 'war-mongering'.

French officials later sought to clarify Macron's comment and tamp down the backlash, while insisting on the need to send a clear signal to Russia that it cannot win in Ukraine.

Speaking on Tuesday at the National Assembly, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said Macron's message has been clear and added: 'We will not abandon Ukraine and we are not ruling out any option on principle.'

France is not 'waging war against Russia' and 'rejects any escalation,' Attal said, and he added: 'We don't set ourselves limits against Russia, which doesn't set any (limits) for itself.'

Artillerymen of the 80th Separate Galician Air Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine operate a BM-21 'Grad' self-propelled 122mm multiple rocket launcher near the frontline in Donetsk area, Ukraine, March 14

Macron said: 'Today, to have peace in Ukraine, we must not be weak.' Seen here with Zelensky

While NATO states said they won't sent their own troops to Ukraine, it doesn't stop them from training Ukrainian troops on their soil.

The Ministry of Defence has been training Ukrainian 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.

'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.'

The volunteers were sent by the Ukrainian army on a crash course in trench warfare, urban fighting, weapons handling and firing, medical training and dealing with explosives.

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.

The scene of this battle is a mocked-up village in the middle of a field in southern England where Ukrainian volunteers are trained to be soldiers

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

By comparison, the average age of British servicemen on the task force sent to recover the Falklands in 1982 was just 25.

Macron's comments on TV tonight were broadcasted after the French parliament met this week to discuss the country's Ukraine strategy.

Both the National Assembly and the Senate approved in symbolic votes the ten-year security agreement signed last month between Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: Scramble to find Russian cyberhackers who unleashed GPS jamming attack on Grant Shapp's RAF jet: NATO launches major reconnaissance operation to identify source of electronic warfare attack Advertisement

The Kremlin has made repeated threats over the last few months to attack the West if they get too involved.

Last month, it threatened to fire nuclear missiles on London, Washington, Berlin and Kyiv if Russia is forced to give up the Ukrainian territory it has invaded.

Dmitry Medvedev - a close Putin ally who served as president from 2008 to 2012 - said if a military defeat led to a return to the 1991 frontiers, when the Soviet Union collapsed, Moscow would unleash Armageddon.

'Attempts to return Russia to the borders of 1991 will lead to only one thing,' he said. 'Towards a global war with Western countries using the entire strategic arsenal of our state. In Kyiv, Berlin, London, Washington.'

Hypersonic nuclear missiles would also strike 'all other beautiful historical places that have long been included in the flight targets of our nuclear triad'.

He added: 'Will we have the courage to do this if the disappearance of a thousand-year-old country, our great Motherland, is at stake, and the sacrifices made by the people of Russia over the centuries will be in vain? The answer is obvious.'

Meanwhile Britain has launched a major operation to identify Russian military cyberhackers who targeted the UK Defense Secretary's RAF aircraft.

Just hours after the Kremlin's Electronic Warfare (EW) experts jammed signals on Grant Shapps' jet, the UK and her allies struck back.

This morning, at 8am, a British Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft took off from RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire, bound for the Baltic.

Its departure came just over an hour after a US military Rivet Joint left its base in Mildenhall, Suffolk, bound for the same airspace.

The Defence Secretary Grant Shapps MP and his Team aboard the RAF Envoy IV CC Mk1 on route to Poland before it was targeted by Russian hackers

This the flight path that Mr Shapps plane took before it was hit by a Russian cyber attack just outside Kaliningrad

The RAF Dassault Falcon 900's primary GPS system and its satellite communications were blocked for approaching 30 minutes (File photo)

The high-tech aircraft then spent several hours flying loops close to the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, which borders Poland.

The Rivet Joints are equipped with sensors which 'soak up' electronic emissions from GPS jamming systems used to hit the Defence Secretary's plane on Wednesday evening.

Mr Shapps' 40 million plane was struck by a Russian GPS jammer on his return from Poland where he had been meeting British troops.

Thousands of UK soldiers based there are taking part in the biggest NATO military exercises since the Cold War.

The attack lasted 30 minutes and took out one of the Dassault 900LX's primary navigation systems and its internet communications network.

Back-up systems were called upon and Mr Shapps' flight continued as scheduled, touching down at RAF Northolt in west London.

The attack has increased fears of Russian aggression on the West.
Route for Mountain Parkway expansion runs through the middle of her land

Her daughter Lanessa DeMarchis and granddaughter Zoe Parker grew up there

Janet Arnett, 76, bought the 63-acre property in 1969 and build house in 1998

An elderly widow is begging to save her home of 55 years before it is knocked down to widen a nearby highway.

Janet Arnett, 76, bought the 63-acre property in 1969 and after decades of living in mobile homes, built the house with her husband Lowell in 1998.

Four generations of her family either grew up in or spent large slabs of their childhood at 'Mamaw's House' in Magoffin County, Kentucky.

But decades of memories could be wiped out with plans for an expansion to Mountain Parkway run right through the middle of her land.

Janet Arnett, 76, is begging to save her home of 55 years before it is knocked down to widen a nearby highway

Arnett bought the 63-acre property in 1969 and after decades of living in mobile homes, built the house with her husband in 1998

Arnett with her daughter Lanessa DeMarchis and granddaughter Zoe Parker

'It's a small house, but to me, it's a mansion,' she told WYMT through tears.

'I'm 76, I'm not going to be around too much longer, why can't I stay here, in the house, my house?'

Arnett said she was offered money by developers to sell the land to make way for the expended road, but said the memories in the house were priceless.

She and her family appealed to local officials to change the plans to build around her home, but was told that wasn't possible.

Moving the house was also said to not be feasible because there would be no way to build a new septic tank.

Arnett kept the house after her husband Lowell (pictured together) died in 2015 and her family said it was the center of their social life

'When I was growing up, Mamwa's house was always this place of refuge where I could go,' Arnett's granddaughter Zoe Parker (left) said

Arnett with her great-grandchildren on her property that is under threat by the highway

Four of Arnett's grandchildren, who spent big parts of their lives on her property

'If they want to build the road, that's fine. But just leave me alone. Build it in front of me; build it behind me. I just want to stay in my house,' she said.

Arnett kept the house after her husband died in 2015 and her family said it was the center of their social life.

'When I was growing up, Mamwa's house was always this place of refuge where I could go,' Arnett's granddaughter Zoe Parker said.

'We cooked together and this is where I grew up playing in the creek, catching crawdads, and catching lightning bugs.

'This is the epicenter of our family and Mamaw's place will always be Mamwa's house, whether it be right where it is, or down the road - but it's tough if it gets bulldozed.'

A sign on the wall of Arnett's home with the nickname the family has called it for decades

Plans for an expansion to Mountain Parkway run right through the middle of her land

Arnett's daughter Lanessa DeMarchis is campaigning with family, friends, and locals to convince state officials to reconsider the highway route.

'They are forcing her to move. They will bulldoze her house to the ground,' she wrote in a petition.

'This is the house we raised our kids in. This is the house where we hid Easter eggs, celebrated birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

'This is the house where ALL of us escaped to when life just got too complicated. This is where our kids ran barefoot and grew their own vegetables and caught lightening bugs.

'This is the house with a front porch swing, where very meaningful conversations took place.

'Yes, they are "buying" it from her. But, she doesn't care about the money. She wants to live her remaining years in her home.'
An Australian woman who was killed alongside her partner after a landslide swept away their Balinese villa while on holiday has been identified.

Angelina Smith, 47, and her Dutch partner Luciano Kross, 50 were asleep in their wooden villa when a hill behind their Yeh Baat accommodation near the village of Jatiluwih gave way early Thursday morning after heavy rain.

It's understood it had been the couple's first night at the mountain getaway after dismissing locals' suggestions to stay somewhere else until the weather eased.

Hours before the tragedy, Ms Smith shared footage of powerful winds whipping the palm trees while her partner captioned photos of their villa as 'ancient paradise.'

Ms Smith was originally from Melbourne but was a permanent US resident who spent a lot of time in Indonesia, according to her social media.

Angelina Smith, 47, (right) and her Dutch partner Luciano Kross, 50 (left) have been identified as the two tourists killed by a landslide in Bali early Thursday morning

The couple were fast asleep when the landslide crushed their villa (damage pictured)

READ MORE: Why this couple could be in big trouble with authorities A member of the Bali Travel Forum shared this webcam screenshot of two people walking on the beach during Nyepi Advertisement

She described herself as an artist, 'feminine embodiment leader' and 'movement explorer' who offered four-month Blut Lotus apprenticeships of online alchemy and mysticism training.

Ms Smith was in Byron Bay in northern NSW as recently as December.

'This time for me in Australia was a time to truly sit with the land and give back to the earth that gifts so much,' she posted online at the time.

'Much reflection and spaciousness allowed me to take a step back to look at where I am giving and receiving in balance, in gifts, in reverence for the beauty in the simplicity and artistry of just 'being' in nature.'

Mr Kross was a former massage therapist and holistic medicine tutor.

The couple's bodies were found among the debris 'in a sleeping position', according to Indonesian authorities.

Water canals that sat above the villa for irrigation were eroded by the severe rain and triggered the fatal landslide.

Two empty villas next to the couple's accommodation remained intact.

Angelina Smith, 47, (pictured with her partner) was originally from Melbourne

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to Ms Smith's family.

'We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,' a spokeswoman said.

Large areas of Indonesia are prone to flooding and landslides during the wet season which starts in November.

Landslides in Indonesia have been aggravated in some places by deforestation, with prolonged torrential rain causing flooding in some areas.

Landslides and floods triggered by intense rains on Sumatra island last week killed at least 27 people.
Donald Trump's former Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin revealed Thursday that he is assembling a group of investors to buy TikTok

TikTok's CEO insinuated that the popular app is not up for sale, saying it's 'not feasible' to divest from parent company ByteDance despite a forthcoming bid by Donald Trump's former Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and a group of investors.

Mnuchin announced the bid less than 24 hours after the House passed a bill 352-65 that would force its Chinese-backed parent company ByteDance to divest the social media app or face a ban in the U.S.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew was on Capitol Hill Thursday for a trip he described as 'pre-planned' before yesterday's vote.

He is staging a last-ditch effort to try and get senators to tank the House-passed legislation that President Joe Biden has already said he would sign.

When asked by a reporter why he won't sell the app, Chew replied: 'We've looked at it and it's not feasible to do whatever the bill thinks it does.'

When pressed on whether he meant to divest to ByteDance, the CEO responded: 'This bill, in all the details you can read, go through the details, this would lead to banning of the app in the country.'

'There's a lot of misinformation out there,' Chew continued. 'I haven't heard exactly what we've done is wrong.'

TikTok CEO asked  Why wont you sell?



Its not feasible, & would lead to banning of the app in the country.



So, TikTok admits that it would rather sacrifice its U.S. users & revenue, than disconnect itself from a genocidal communist regime.



Logical business decision. https://t.co/zITo85ce5F pic.twitter.com/7gG5UbgsCe  Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (@committeeonccp) March 14, 2024

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew was on Capitol Hill Thursday for a trip he described as 'pre-planned' before yesterday's vote

'As you know, it's very disappointing for us that the bill passed in the House of Representatives. We looked at it - this is a bad bill...that will result in a ban.'

The legislation advanced Wednesday despite calls from Donald Trump and Elon Musk to go against the bill and fury from teenagers not to stop them getting on the wildly popular video platform.

Now, senators will decide whether the national security threat posed by TikTok is worth the headache from constituents who love the app, and have been calling lawmakers nonstop asking them to vote against the measure. The social media company boasts over 150 million American users.

'I think the legislation should pass and I think it should be sold,' Mnuchin told CNBC's 'Squawk Box' on Thursday morning. 'It's a great business and I'm going to put together a group to buy TikTok.

'This should be owned by U.S. businesses,' he added. 'There's no way that the Chinese would ever let a U.S. company own something like this in China.'

The House China Select Committee says Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials through ByteDance are using TikTok to spy on its U.S. users' locations and dictate its algorithm to conduct influence campaigns, making it a national security threat.

ByteDance would have 165 days after the law is signed to divest from TikTok. If it does not, app stores and web hosting platforms would not be allowed to distribute it in the U.S.

The bill has a good shot of becoming law as a bipartisan group of lawmakers proposed the bill and Joe Biden confirmed that he would sign it if it also passes the Senate.

Still, as the bill has gained more steam, so too has its opposition. Trump threw cold water on it last week, insisting if TikTok is banned its rival Facebook would 'double their business.'

'I don't want Facebook, who cheated in the last Election, doing better,' Trump wrote in a social media post. 'They are a true Enemy of the People!'

He is staging a last-ditch effort to try and get senators to tank the House-passed legislation that President Joe Biden has already said he would sign

Lawmakers accused TikTok of providing its U.S. user data to its Chinese-owned parent company ByteDance, which they say has connections to the Chinese Communist Party

Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk has come out against the TikTok bill, claiming it could be used as a form of government suppression

Elon Musk joined Trump in opposing the effort to reign in TikTok's influence, calling it government 'censorship,' in a post on X Tuesday.

'This law is not just about TikTok, it is about censorship and government control! If it were just about TikTok, it would only cite 'foreign control' as the issue, but it does not,' Musk stated.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., also voted against the bill, mentioning Musk by name, praising him for restoring her account on X after it was formerly banned and decrying the 'Pandora's Box' this bill could open.

'What's to stop the U.S. government in the future from forcing the sale of another social media company claiming it is protecting American's data from foreign adversaries?'

'I believe this bill can cause future problems. It's opening Pandora's Box and I am opposed to this bill,' Greene said Wednesday on the House floor.
A porn film director has been ordered to return 85,000 in funding after a public backlash against her explicit project.

Creative Scotland yesterday confirmed it was seeking to claw back the cash.

Arts quango bosses claimed Glasgow-based director Leonie Rae Gasson broke the funding contract when she did not stick to the agreed timeline and changed the content.

Glasgow-based director Leonie Rae Gasson has had her funding axed

The film, named Rein, led to serious safeguarding concerns over scenes that featured live hardcore sex acts and the recruitment of those with disabilities. Culture minister Angus Roberston has said there was no way the film should have been funded by the taxpayer.

Creative Scotland said: Following a review of the application, assessment and contractual agreement regarding the project Rein, Creative Scotland has made the decision to withdraw support for this project and will be seeking recovery of funding paid to date.

What has emerged in the latest phase of the project represents a breach of the conditions of funding award, as the nature of the project has changed.

The central role that non-simulated (ie real) sex acts now play in the project, marks a significant change to the nature of the work presented in the original application.

The project was awarded 84,555 through the Open Fund for Individuals on January 29.

The shocking details led to accusations that the Scottish Government would effectively be funding porn. Some scenes were expected to feature bare-a**** lovers frolicking in long grass. Three actors were to be paid 270 a day to perform in a secret cave sex party.

Tory MSP Alexander Stewart said: SNP ministers now owe it to the public to be fully transparent about why a project featuring such content was ever given such a significant amount of public money.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: Ministers welcome Creative Scotlands decision to withdraw and recover any funding for this project.
A convicted terrorist who played a 'significant' role helping to radicalise Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi could be freed from jail within weeks.

Abdalraouf Abdallah, who was jailed for nine-and-a-half years in 2016 for helping people going to Syria to join the Islamic State group, was a childhood friend of Abedi in south Manchester and the pair stayed in touch.

Last year, the public inquiry into the Arena bombing in 2017 - in which 22 people were murdered - found that Abdallah had a 'significant relationship' with Abedi and played an 'important role in radicalising' him.

Now Abdallah, 30, has been granted a parole hearing to be held in private next month.

If successful he could be released on licence soon afterwards. A media application was made to have the hearing heard in public, but the Parole Board rejected the application.

Abdalraouf Abdallah was jailed for nine-and-a-half years in 2016 for helping people going to Syria to join the Islamic State group. He has now has been granted a parole hearing to be held in private next month

Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi posing with a '50 calibre machine gun' in Libya

CCTV image of Salman Abedi at Victoria Station making his way to the Manchester Arena, on May 22, 2017, where he detonated a bomb that killed 22 people

Abdallah, from Moss Side, moved to the UK as a child and was paralysed from the waist down after fighting in Libya in 2011.

The wheelchair-bound fanatic was arrested in November 2014 and charged with assisting others in committing acts of terrorism by facilitating travel and raising money to enable others to fight in the civil war in Syria.

He arranged UK recruits' travel and contact with Islamic State fixers to help them smuggle over the border into the war zone from Turkey, using the internet while living at his parents' terraced home yards from a children's nursery.

In May 2016, he was convicted and sentenced to a nine-and-a-half-year extended determinate sentence.

While in prison Abdallah is said to have used an 'illicit' mobile phone to attempt to call Abedi in early 2017 before the Arena bombing.

Abedi also visited Abdallah in prison in February 2015 while he was awaiting trial, and once again after he was jailed in January 2017, four months before the Arena attack.

Abdallah has insisted he had nothing to do with the attack or radicalising the bomber.

Parole hearings are usually held in private, but a change in the rules in 2022 means it's now possible to apply for them to open to attend. The BBC had argued an open hearing was in the public interest.

Abdalraouf Abdallah is seen giving evidence during the Manchester Arena Inquiry on November 25, 2021

Abdallah, from Moss Side, moved to the UK as a child and was paralysed from the waist down after fighting in Libya in 2011

But, submissions on behalf of Justice Secretary Alex Chalk argued there was insufficient reason for the hearing to be held in public.

Mr Chalk was also said to be 'concerned for Mr Abdallah's wellbeing'.

'He is a vulnerable person and it is the view of those involved in Mr Abdallah's management that a public hearing would place additional stress on him, undermining his ability to engage in the hearing,' the submissions said.

Abdallah also opposed a public hearing being heard in public.

Rejecting the BBC's application Caroline Corby, chairwoman of the Parole Board for England and Wales, said although 'strong arguments' had been made, the 'high bar' for the hearing to be held in public had not been met.

She said a public hearing would likely lead to delays in the case and that 'matters relating to the sensitive material may be significant to the panel's decision' and could not be heard in public.

Parole hearings are usually held in private, but a change in the rules in 2022 means it's now possible to apply for them to open to attend. The BBC had argued an open hearing was in the public interest.
A federal judge has dismissed Donald Trump's first request to have the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case thrown out.

The ruling by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon in Florida came just hours after a hearing in which his lawyers argued that the central charge in the case is vague.

'Although the Motion raises various arguments warranting serious consideration, the Court ultimately determines, following lengthy oral argument, that resolution of the overall question presented depends too greatly on contested instructional questions about still-fluctuating definitions of statutory terms/phrases as charged.' Cannon wrote.

However, she is yet to decide on Trump's argument that he was allowed to keep some of the documents as 'personal records'.

Trump has pleaded not guilty to a 40-count indictment accusing him of illegally taking sensitive government documents with him when he left the White House in 2021.

It is one of four criminal cases he faces as he tries to win back the White House in the November 5 general election.

At the hearing on Thursday, Trump sat quietly at the defense table with his hands clasped throughout proceedings, listening intently to the discussion.

Across from him sat Special Counsel Jack Smith, prosecutor and Trump nemesis.

Afterward, the 77-year-old former president flashed a thumbs up sign as he was driven away from federal court in Fort Pierce past supporters.

Donald Trump's request to dismiss a criminal case that charges him with illegally holding onto classified documents. The former president puts his thumb up to the crowds as he leaves the courthouse in Fort Pierce, Florida, on Thursday

But on Thursday morning he arrived in court after a string of legal victories.

On Wednesday, a judge in Atlanta threw out six charges in a huge conspiracy case against Trump and associates, accused of trying to overturn the 2020 election result in Georgia.

And last week, the Supreme Court ruled that Colorado, or any other state, did not have the power to strike him from ballots because of the 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

The issue on Thursday was whether or not the documents case should proceed.

Arguments focus on a law that make it a crime for an unauthorized person to willfully retain national defense information.

That charge forms the basis of 32 of the 40 felony counts against Trump in the case.

Defense lawyer Emil Bove said ambiguity in the statue permits what he called a 'selective' enforcement by the Justice Department, leading to Trump being charged but enabling others to avoid prosecution.

The former president waves from his motorcade after the hearing where his lawyers tried to get the case thrown out

Supporters of former President Donald Trump cheer as he arrives at federal court

Earlier he offered as defiant fist as he was driven to the hearing on Thursday morning

One of the vehicles in Trump's motorcade on Thursday morning

Bove said that includes President Joe Biden, the recent subject of a harshly critical report by special counsel Robert Hur on the president's handling of classified information.

'The court's obligation is to strike the statute and say "Congress, get it right,"' Bove told Cannon.

She has repeatedly pointed out that no former president has ever been charged with mishandling classified documents, and made the same point Thursday.

Jay Bratt, a prosecutor with special counsel Jack Smith's team, responded that there has never been another situation 'remotely similar to this one.'

Photos released as part of the indictment against former President Donald Trump show boxes of documents stacked in rooms across his Mar-a-Lago estate

People wait for a moving van after boxes were moved out of the Eisenhower Executive Office building inside the White House complex, on Jan. 14, 2021, in Washington, as the Trump administrations enters its final days in office

Images from inside Mar-a-Lago shows stacks of boxes of classified documents in a bathroom. This was included in the indictment

Arguments focus on a law that make it a crime for an unauthorized person to willfully retain national defense information. That charge forms the basis of 32 of the 40 felony counts against Trump in the case.

Defense lawyer Emil Bove said ambiguity in the statue permits what he called a 'selective' enforcement by the Justice Department, leading to Trump being charged but enabling others to avoid prosecution.

Bove said that includes President Joe Biden, the recent subject of a harshly critical report by special counsel Robert Hur on the president's handling of classified information.

'The court's obligation is to strike the statute and say "Congress, get it right,"' Bove told Cannon.

She has repeatedly pointed out that no former president has ever been charged with mishandling classified documents, and made the same point Thursday.

Jay Bratt, a prosecutor with special counsel Jack Smith's team, responded that there has never been another situation 'remotely similar to this one.'

The hearing centered on interpretations of the Presidential Records Act. Trump's lawyers say it gave him the authority to designate documents as his personal property and keep them after leaving office.

Special Counsel Jack Smith instead says the charges relate to presidential records and that the act does not apply to the sort of classified documents recovered from Mar-a-Lago.

In a filing last week, his team said the act 'does not exempt Trump from the criminal law, entitle him to unilaterally declare highly classified presidential records to be personal records, or shield him from criminal investigations  let alone allow him to obstruct a federal investigation with impunity.'

Trump's legal team is hoping that Cannon's ruling will mean the case is thrown out before it even gets to a jury.

And she has in the past hinted that his status as a former president meant he might be treated differently.

This week Trump insisted again that he did nothing wrong.

In an interview with Newsmax, he said the issue was being handled 'very legally' before the 'corrupt' FBI raided his Florida home in the summer in August 2022.

'I was dealing with them,' Trump said. 'We were dealing fine. And then all of a sudden they raided this house. They raided Mar-a-Lago.'

And he said authorities were operating double standards by not pursuing charges against President Joe Biden, who also kept documents after his term as vice president ended.

'But they release Biden,' he raged.

Supporters congregated outside the courthouse on Thursday morning

Trump became the presumptive Republican nominee for the 2024 election on Tuesday.

Latest polls suggest he has a five-point lead over Biden in their rematch of the 2020 election.

The former president faces 40 felony counts in Florida, accusing him of willfully keeping dozens of classified documents and failing to act on demands that they be returned.

Prosecutors in recent court filings have stressed the scope of criminal conduct that they say they expect to prove at trial, saying in one that 'there has never been a case in American history in which a former official has engaged in conduct remotely similar to Trump's.
Rishi Sunak is under renewed pressure over donations from a millionaire Tory donor who allegedly said Diane Abbott 'should be shot' - as it's claimed his party received 5 million more than previously thought.

The Prime Minister has resisted calls to hand back a 10 million donation forked out by Frank Hester, a party backer who is embroiled in a racism row.

Labour and the Liberal Democrats have called on Mr Sunak to pay back the sum, which would take Mr Hester's total donations in the past year to 15 million.

Mr Hester is alleged to have said that Diane Abbott, Britain's first black female MP, made him 'want to hate all black women' and that she 'should be shot', in comments the Prime Minister described as 'racist' after initially refusing to do so.

Mr Sunak has resisted previous calls to pay back Mr Hester's money and argued that the healthcare tech entrepreneur's apology should be accepted.

Rishi Sunak is under renewed pressure over donations from a millionaire Tory donor

Mr Hester is alleged to have said that Diane Abbott, Britain's first black female MP, made him 'want to hate all black women' and that she 'should be shot'

Hester, boss of healthcare tech firm The Phoenix Partnership, is alleged to have said seeing Abbott made him want to 'hate all black people'

Sir Keir Starmer urged Rishi Sunak to return the money during PMQs on Wednesday

Electoral Commission records only show the amount he gave the Tories up to the end of 2023, but the Tortoise Media news site reported that he has handed over more since then. The outlet said the party was 'sitting on' the extra cash.

The Conservative Party did not deny the additional payment, saying only that declarable donations will be published by the Electoral Commission 'in the usual way', with the next update due in June.

In a sign of divisions within his ranks, the Scottish Conservatives urged the UK party to 'carefully review' Mr Hester's donations while Tory peer and former Marks & Spencer chief executive Stuart Rose said it should 'probably' return the money.

Labour Party chairwoman Anneliese Dodds said on Thursday: 'Frank Hester's remarks were clearly racist, misogynistic and have no place in our politics.

'There is absolutely no excuse for the Conservatives accepting additional money from Frank Hester. They should pay this back before it hits the coffers.

'Rishi Sunak needs to pay back every penny, cut ties with Frank Hester and apologise unequivocally to Diane Abbott.'

Following the PMQs clashes, Keir Starmer climbed the stairs to where Diane Abbott was sitting and could be seen bent over talking to her

Lib Dem chief whip Wendy Chamberlain said: 'The Conservative Party must urgently confirm whether these reports are true and if so hand this tainted money back.

'The Conservative Party has dragged its feet in condemning these racist remarks for what they are. If that was in any way linked to this 5 million donation it would show this scandal is even worse than we thought.

'People like Hester and his attitudes need to be nowhere near our politics. Conservative politicians need to learn that just because someone gives you millions of pounds that does not make the inexcusable, excusable.'

Mr Sunak and Communities Secretary Michael Gove earlier suggested Mr Hester's comments would not be referred to the Government's new extremism taskforce.

Mr Gove described the remarks as 'horrific' but said he was exercising 'Christian forgiveness' after the entrepreneur had 'shown contrition'.

It came as Mr Gove unveiled the Government's new definition of extremism on Thursday.

It describes extremism as 'the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance' that aims to 'negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others' or 'undermine, overturn or replace the UK's system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights'.

Speaking ahead of a speech to the Commons, Mr Gove said 'an individual comment' would not be enough to be examined by the 'expert team of civil servants' deciding what should be deemed extremist.

Hester issued a statement on X in which he said he was 'deeply sorry for his remarks' - but denied that his criticism had anything to do with her gender or the colour of her skin

The senior Tory told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'We have to be clear, we're looking at organisations with a particular ideology.

'The individual concerned said something that was horrific.

'I wouldn't want to conflate those motivated by extremist ideology with an individual comment, however horrific, which has quite rightly been called out and which has quite rightly led to an apology.'

Mr Sunak echoed the sentiment, suggesting Mr Hester's comments would not fall under the new extremism definition that deals with 'organisations that the Government engages with'.

'It's important that these things are done in an objective and considered manner, evidence-based,' the Prime Minister told reporters during a visit to Gloucestershire.

He also said: 'When someone has expressed genuine remorse or contrition for what they've done, which he has, it's the right thing to do to accept that.'

Asked whether the businessman's apology was genuine if he did not acknowledge his remarks were racist, Mr Gove told Sky News: 'I haven't spoken to Mr Hester, but I think that when someone says that they are sorry, and I understand he's deeply sorry for these remarks, then my natural inclination is to exercise Christian forgiveness.'

Ms Abbott, who has called Mr Hester's comments 'frightening', accused the Conservatives and Labour of failing to tackle racism.

On Wednesday, she said Mr Hester's alleged comments - said to have been made during a TPP meeting in 2019 - met 'the textbook definition of racism and sexism' but claimed her former stablemates and Tories had dithered on calling them out.

During angry clashes in the Commons on Wednesday, the Prime Minister accused Sir Keir Starmer of hypocrisy for failing to deal with controversial comments made by senior Labour figures and donors.

Diane Abbott has slammed both Labour and the Conservatives over their delays to call out alleged remarks by top Tory donor Frank Hester as racist

Mr Hester tweeted to say that he believed racism was 'a poison that has no place in public life'

And after Prime Minister's Questions, Ms Abbott accused the Commons Speaker of failing democracy by not allowing her to speak during the debate.

She also confirmed, via social media, that she had a discussion with Sir Keir about restoring the Labour whip after it was suspended last April.

Ms Abbott has been sitting as an independent since writing to The Observer to suggest Jewish, Irish and Traveller people were not subject to racism 'all their lives' in the same way as black people.

Mr Starmer is reported to have said: 'Let me know if there's anything I can do' - to which Ms Abbott says she replied: 'You could restore the whip.'

During the session, the Prime Minister said Mr Hester's comments 'were wrong and they were racist', adding: 'He has rightly apologised for them and that remorse should be accepted. There is no place for racism in Britain, and the Government that I lead is living proof of that.'

Sir Keir urged Mr Sunak to hand back the donation, saying: 'How low would he have to sink, what racist, woman-hating threats of violence would he have to make before the Prime Minister plucked up the courage to hand back the 10million he has taken from him?'

Mr Sunak replied: 'I am absolutely not going to take any lectures from somebody who chose to represent an anti-Semitic terrorist group, Hizb ut-Tahrir, and who chose to serve a leader who let anti-Semitism run riot in this Labour Party.

'Those are his actions, those are his values and that's how he should be judged.'

His comments were a reference to Sir Keir leading a team of lawyers in 2008 who acted on behalf of Hizb ut-Tahrir, now a proscribed terror group in Britain, when the group tried to overturn a ban on their activities in Germany.

The Labour leader's spokesman later said Sir Keir did not represent the organisation in court and that, as a lawyer, he 'had to represent people whose views he doesn't agree with'.

Downing Street drew attention to comments by prominent Labour donor Dale Vince who appeared to suggest that Hamas were 'freedom fighters' just days after the October 7 attacks on Israel.

In an interview with Times Radio, Mr Vince, who has given Labour 2.5million, insisted he 'didn't support what they did', but said: 'One man's freedom fighter is another man's terrorist. That's how it works.'

In a statement on Tuesday, Mr Hester said he was 'deeply sorry' for his 'rude' remarks, but insisted they 'had nothing to do with [Ms Abbott's] gender nor colour of skin'.
A teenage killer who stabbed a boy in the back at a school bus stop laughed as he was handed a life sentence for murder.

Myglor Yambuya, 17, chased after Renell Charles and knifed him in the back outside Kelmscott School in Walthamstow, east London, on May 5 last year.

Yambuya was on bail at the time for threatening a moped rider with a machete. He also has convictions for assaulting a police officer who caught him damaging a bus shelter and possession of a machete in 2022.

Renell was a passionate campaigner against knife crime and had appeared in a video by the filmmaker Kay Rufai where he said innocent 'young black boys just like me' are getting killed as a result of increased violence.

Yambuya, who can now be named after a judge lifted an order on his anonymity, smirked as he was today handed a life sentence and ordered to serve a minimum of 19 years in jail.

Myglor Yambuya, 17, was today jailed for life for the murder of a schoolboy who he stabbed in the back at school bus stop

Renell Charles, 16, was stabbed to death close to Kelmscott School in Walthamstow in front of his fellow pupils on May 5

Renell is pictured appearing in a video by the filmmaker Kay Rufai about knife crime

Judge Murray Shanks told the smirking thug as he was jailed: 'This was a brutal murder in broad daylight in a busy London street.

'It seems that you believed you could do anything you pleased without any consideration of the consequences for others. I cannot be sure you intended to kill Renell when you stabbed him.

'But as I've described you plainly knew what you were doing and you must have known it involved the certainty of really serious injury and a very substantial risk of death.

'The consequences of what you did are truly appalling. You've taken away the life and the future of Renell at the age of 16.

'There's nothing I can add to the fulsome tributes paid by his parents and grandmother and by his headteacher which we've heard.

'You have left his family and friends and a whole community utterly bereft. The sense of loss, sadness and justifiable anger on the part of his parents and grandmother is palpable.

'You've contributed to an exaggerated and understandable sense of fear and insecurity which plagues our streets.

In CCTV footage of the horrific attack, Renell can be seen walking towards the bus stop with a group of friends

Myglor Yambuya is then seen getting out of a taxi just metres away from Renell

Yambuya then marches up to Renell while carrying the machete in his waist band

Yambuya can be seen her confronting Renell. Yambuya claimed that he and Renell then got into and fell on the floor before chasing after the 16-year-old and stabbing him

'You've contributed to an unfair perception of a generation of young men growing up in certain parts of London.

'You've brought misery and shame on your own family. You've pretty much ruined your own life for absolutely no discernible reason'.

Reading an impact statement earlier, Renell's mother Jenita Charles spoke through tears as she addressed Yambuya in the dock: 'Myglor Yambuya you were the darkness that met my beautiful boy.

'I am absolutely broken and forever changed because of Michael Yambuya's violent temperament. The finality of his death continues to shatter me a million times over.

'Renell spoke to me about boys like you. Having this need to ingratiate themselves with violent acts in order to gain acceptance with violent gangs.

'Renell would say it's all for clout and attention. Renell's family and friends and the wider community believe that you Myglor Yambuya murdered Renell because you were jealous of Renell's popularity status.

'Myglor Yambuya you mocked us with smirks and laughter and awful looks and slouching in the chair with no sign that reflection has taken place.

Renell's father Charles said: 'Renell had charisma and offered something different. He wanted to bring out the best version of people he met. He could calm an angry kid and make him listen. I admired this in him.

'5 May is a day I will never forget.I saw my son lying on the ground motionless. There was a paramedic sat over him and Renell's chest was wide open.

'I can't erase this image from my mind. I believe Renell's murderer has not displayed an ounce of remorse or regret. I cannot help but feel disturbed by this.

'I still feel numb and am still trying to make it all make sense. I ask myself how someone can be so evil towards someone who had not hurt them in any way'.

Police were called on the afternoon of May 5 to reports of a stabbing at Markhouse Road

Police closed the road and cordoned off the crime scene following the attack in May

Renell's grandmother described the killer as a 'predator hell bent on fulfilling his demon driven assignment'.

Sam Jones, Renell's headteacher at Kelmscott School, said in his statement that Renell had 'wanted a fair world for everyone' and described his death as 'completely senseless.

'He was charismatic, smart, fun, good-looking and the life and soul of his tutor group. He would always stand up for what he believed in and for those who could not stand up for themselves'.'

Judge Murray Shanks lifted Yambuya's anonymity order, made under Section 45 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, as he will turn 18 and lose his anonymity in June.

He said: 'I am firmly of the view that in this case it is appropriate to lift the restrictions.

'It is plain that a story in the press that lacks essential details, most essentially the identity of the perpetrator, lacks a great detail of its interest and power.

'The defendant's name can in fact be published in three months' time when he turns 18 in any event, but by that time any story would no longer have the same power.'

Earlier prosecutor Peter Ratliff said Renell was attacked at around 4pm after leaving school for the day. He said: 'The defendant was travelling in a taxi but when he saw the victim he demanded the driver stopped.

'The defendant got out of the vehicle, ran towards the victim and assaulted him, knocking him to the ground.

'He then chased the victim, pulling out a large machete as he did so and stabbed the victim several times.'

Kelmscott School in Walthamstow, which was attended by 16-year-old Renell Charles

Ambulance and air ambulance services attended but Renell died at the scene.

Yambuya made his getaway in a taxi, changed his SIM card and headed to the Tottenham area of north London.

Three days later he handed himself into Forest Gate police station. He made no comment when questioned by detectives.

Yambuya claimed he had never met Renell before but the 16-year-old had mocked a friend of his on social media.

He admitted he had a knife for protection when he came across Renell by chance on 5 May. Yambuya said that he confronted Rennell and they started fighting.

He told the court: 'We traded punches. He says "you f***ing pussy I'm going to wet you up". I panicked and pulled a knife out of my waistband. I thought I needed to scare him off.

'He reached for his bag. I was thinking of my safety, I was panicking. I was scared and panicked. I thought he was going to do something. I felt in danger when I was chasing him.

'I had no intention of killing him of causing him any serious harm. I wanted to stop him from taking whatever it was out of his bag.'

'We both fell to the ground. I'm not sure when the fatal stab wound was inflicted.

'Maybe when we were on the floor, maybe when I was grabbing, I don't remember doing that [fatally stabbing him].'

In her closing speech Naeem Mian, KC, defending Yambuya, told jurors: 'Imagine, like him, speaking in front of a room full of strangers, men in funny outfits, before a judge. The only people rooting for him in this room are me and him.

'I hope, I urge you, that when you go out through that door and sit around that table to apply the same standard to him that you would apply to anyone else, that you would want applied to you, that you would want applied to a loved one of yours.'

'He's an idiot, not a murderer'.
Israel has denied Hamas claims that 29 Palestinians were killed and more than 150 injured in Gaza after the IDF allegedly targeted people waiting for humanitarian aid.

The people were killed in two separate incidents, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza.

In the first incident, Palestinian health officials said eight people were killed in an airstrike on an aid distribution centre in Al-Nuseirat camp in central Gaza.

Later, at least 21 people were killed and more than 150 were wounded by Israeli gunfire at a crowd awaiting aid trucks at a northern Gaza roundabout, the health ministry added.

In a statement, Israel's military denied attacking aid distribution points, describing the reports - which have not been independently verified - as 'false'.

'As the IDF assesses the incident with the thoroughness that it deserves, we urge the media to do the same and only rely on credible information,' the statement said.

People try to get food relief in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on March 14

Airplanes drop aid over Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, as seen from Israel March 13

Palestinians, who are unable to meet their basic needs due to the Israeli army's obstruction of humanitarian aid, receive a bag of flour from an aid truck that arrived at al-Rashid Street in the west of Gaza City, Gaza on March 6

People gather around a truck carrying humanitarian aid that was hit in a reported Israeli airstrike on the main coastal road in Deir El-Balah in central Gaza on March 3

Mohammed Ghurab, director of emergency services at a hospital in northern Gaza, claimed that there were 'direct shots by the occupation forces' on people waiting for a food truck.

An AFP journalist on the scene said they saw several bodies and people who had been shot.

The Gaza conflict has displaced most of the enclave's 2.3 million population. Chaotic scenes and deadly incidents have taken place during aid distributions as desperately hungry people scrambled for food.

On February 29, Hamas accused the IDF of opening fire in a 'massacre' that has left more than 100 dead near Gaza City, but Israel says Palestinians were killed when panicked truck drivers were surrounded and tried to drive through the crowd.

Israeli sources confirmed troops opened fire at 'several people' after feeling threatened by crowds near the aid point.

A witness said that the violence unfolded when thousands of people desperate for food rushed towards aid trucks at the western Nabulsi roundabout.

'Trucks full of aid came too close to some army tanks that were in the area and the crowd, thousands of people, just stormed the trucks,' the witness said, declining to be named for safety reasons.

'The soldiers fired at the crowd as people came too close to the tanks.'

The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry said the death toll has reached 107 and hundreds more were injured.

An Israeli government spokesperson described it as a tragedy and said initial indications showed that deaths were caused by delivery drivers ploughing into a surging crowd.

'At some point the trucks were overwhelmed and the people driving the trucks, which were Gazan civilian drivers, ploughed into the crowds of people, ultimately killing, my understanding is, tens of people,' spokesperson Avi Hyman told reporters.

'It's obviously a tragedy but we're not sure of the specifics quite yet.'

Aerial photos released by the IDF purport to show the scene as Palestinians attempted to obtain food from aid trucks.

Heartbreaking footage also shows clusters of people surrounding several vehicles in scenes of desperation.

Al Jazeera published videos on February 29 that they claim to show the aftermath of the alleged shooting. People appear to run away and take cover in one, while injured civilians are taken away in another

Aerial photos released by the IDF from February 29 purport to show the scene as Palestinians attempted to obtain food from aid trucks in Gaza

This comes as residents in Gaza said Israeli aerial and ground bombardments persisted overnight across the enclave, including in Rafah in the south, where over a million displaced people are sheltering.

The war was triggered by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israeli towns on October 7 that left 1,200 people killed and 253 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies.

Since then, Israel's air, sea and ground assault on Gaza has killed more than 31,000 people and wounded over 71,500, according to Gaza health authorities.

Efforts to reach a ceasefire between Israel and the Islamist militant Hamas have so far failed.

While Israel said it sought a deal that would secure the release of hostages in Gaza in exchange for the release of Palestinians held by Israel, Hamas insists an agreement should end the war.

Late on Thursday, Hamas said it presented to mediators a comprehensive vision of a truce deal based on stopping what it calls Israeli aggression against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, providing relief and aid, the return of displaced Gazans to their homes, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the new Hamas position was based on 'unrealistic demands.'

With the war now in its sixth month, the UN has warned that at least 576,000 people in Gaza - one quarter of the population - are on the brink of famine and global pressure has been growing on Israel to allow more access.

Israel denies obstructing aid deliveries into Gaza. It has blamed failures by aid agencies for delays and accuses Hamas of diverting aid. Hamas denies this and says Israel uses hunger as a weapon in its military offensive.

A ship carrying aid was approaching Gaza where the US military plans to set up a dock to enable distribution of up to two million meals a day.

While welcoming aid ships, Palestinian and UN officials say maritime deliveries are not a substitute for sending aid through land crossings.

Hamas on Thursday called for an escalation of protests and attacks against Israel in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem on Friday, the first day of Friday prayers in the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
A young woman who stabbed her mother to death before being killed in a hail of police bullets believed mystics were the answer to her severe mental problems.

Carly Pirronelli, 26, murdered her mother Joanne Perry on Friday February 8 during what is believed to have been a psychotic episode.

The deeply disturbed woman was shot by police as she continued to stab her 56-year old mother in the neck and chest at her Lower Plenty home, 16km north-east of Melbourne.

Mrs Perry had been no stranger to the perils of mental illness and worked for years as an outreach worker at organisations such as Anglicare and Berry Street.

While concerned neighbours told Daily Mail Australia Pirronelli's family had desperately sought to have her committed to a psychiatric facility, the troubled woman sought solace in psychics and mediums.

Mother and daughter (left and right respectively) are pictured in a selfie taken by Carly Pirronelli

The home where Carly Pirronelli murdered her mother before being gunned down by police

In January 2023, a little more than a year before her deadly attack, Pirronelli put out a call on social media for information on clairvoyants in Bali.

She had been planning a trip for months and her post asking for information on the Facebook page Bali Bogans was largely met with ridicule about her spelling and the pitfalls of psychics.

'Pretty poor comments. (From some). Everyone has there (sic) own beliefs and that's that,' she wrote in response to a barrage of nasty comments.

'I believe in psychics & am looking for a reading... Yes anyone who doesnt believe in this can take all the piss they like.'

Pirronelli is believed to have travelled to a restaurant in Seminyak to meet with a psychic named Stephanie.

Carly Pirronelli, 26, stabbed her mother to death before being shot dead by police

The young woman appeared to have been in good spirits during her Bali escape with friends, posting her recommendations to the same Facebook page about local drivers and other service providers.

'Highly recommend! Best massage Ive had in Bali. Beautiful ladies and treatment!' she posted on the same day as her psychic callout.

Months earlier, Pirronelli hit the page in an effort to help her mother find accommodation in the popular tourist spot.

'Hey guys, so my mum and her partner are looking to head to Bali in the next month and havent been overseas for many years so looking to find one of the best resorts even at $100+ a night in the middle of Legian or Kuta x,' she posted then.

Photos of Pirronelli and her mother posted to social media in the years before they died showed them smiling with their arms around each other.

But Pirronelli's life began to spiral out of control not long after her return home from Bali.

Police charged her over an alleged home invasion on February 21.

While the charge was eventually dropped in August after the prosecution withdrew its case, the ordeal caused Pirronelli great distress.

Speaking after the tragedy, neighbours told Daily Mail Australia Pirronelli's mental health took a deep dive in the months that followed her court hearings.

Carly Pirronelli and her mum in happier times

Carly Pirronelli, 26, appeared content during her trip to Bali

One neighbour claimed Mrs Perry had feared her wayward daughter before her shocking death.

The neighbour, who shared close connections to the family, said Pirronelli's worried mother fought in vain to have her committed to a psychiatric ward.

The woman, who asked not to be identified, said she had almost called the police in the weeks leading up to Friday night's tragedy.

'I've heard in weeks past a lot of domestics going on,' she said.

'They were always shouting. I could hear a man's voice sometimes too. Once or twice I wanted to call the police, but I didn't know exactly where it was (coming from).'

The neighbour claimed others living in the vicinity of the home had called the cops about their concerns.

'Apparently it had been reported numerous times. There's mental health issues with the daughter, so it's a really sad story,' she said.

Carly Pirronelli and her mum

The neighbour claimed she had heard a person she believed to be Pirronelli make repeated threats to her mother.

'I'd heard threats before that's why I was going to call the police,' she said.

Some of those threats included threats to set people alight.

'I'd heard the fire thing before,' she said.

'It just sounded really threatening.'

It is understood Pirronelli's family had desperately tried to obtain help for her, but struggled to get any assistance.

'She had major mental health problems and they had been trying to get her into a facility. She's been manic, or psychotic over the past few weeks and had been trying to get her committed,' the neighbour said.

'It's so hard to have people committed and now she's dead too. It's all very sad... a lot of the time these people are just on their own. It's pretty scary.'

The neighbour claimed arguments heard echoing from the property significantly increased this year.

'Once or twice I just thought it was a bit worrying. This is a pretty quiet area so it was obvious,' she said.

'I'm sure that when she was in a good place she was a lovely daughter, but when you're psychotic, you're not in control.'

For confidential support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14
As heir to the throne, the Prince of Wales has always needed to surround himself with wise courtiers. And King Charless cancer diagnosis has made that need even more urgent.

The entirely needless controversy over Prince Williams Mothering Sunday photograph of his wife the Princess of Wales and their three children was a clear demonstration that he is not receiving wise advice.

After some of the worlds biggest picture agencies were forced to kill the image amid fears that it had been digitally manipulated, sources at Kensington Palace were quick to suggest that it was not officials who had edited it.

Catherine then felt the need to post a personal apology on social media the following morning, accepting all the blame herself.

Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing, she explained. I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mothers Day.

When the picture of Kate with the children was handed to her officials, they should have examined it closely

I am told that William and Kate are still haunted by the tragic death of a nurse at a hospital where Catherine was being treated in 2012

Making clear the apology was from her alone, she signed the statement with a C for Catherine.

As I made clear on our special edition of the Daily Mails hit show Palace Confidential on Monday, it was wrong that Catherine was thrown under a bus in this way.

The couples handsomely paid communications experts are responsible for photographs issued by Kensington Palace, whoever happens to hold the camera. They should have taken the blame.

Their communications secretary Lee Thompson, who was appointed amid great fanfare in 2022, is meant to be an expert in public relations. Why did this supposed PR whizz, who previously worked for Americas NBC television group, allow Catherine to make a personal mea culpa rather than issue a statement from Kensington Palace?

To me, it seems that he and other senior officials appear keener to avoid sullying their own reputations than protecting our future queen as she recovers from major surgery.

Even if we accept that Catherine did alter the photograph, when it was handed to her officials, who had no doubt been encouraging her to share such a happy picture, they should have examined it closely. In his senior position, Thompson would have known that media organisations are increasingly concerned about digital manipulation of images. British newspapers wont run news photographs that have been altered in this way.

Kate and communications secretary Lee Thompson at a polo event in Surrey last year

Did you make any changes to the photo? Thompson might have asked his boss. Or, indeed, Are you sure you dont want to wear your wedding rings, given the ridiculous speculation online?

So why do this royal couple have such a strong instinct to protect their staff from public criticism?

Instead, it was Catherine, with typical generosity and kindness, who accepted full responsibility.

I am told that she and William are still haunted by the tragic death of a nurse at a hospital where Catherine was being treated in 2012. Jacintha Saldanha, who worked at King Edward VIIs Hospital in Marylebone, London, took her own life three days after falling for a prank call by two Australian radio DJs pretending to be the Queen and Prince Charles.

She had transferred the call to a colleague who was looking after Catherine.

The conversation that the two DJs subsequently had with the second nurse about the duchesss medical condition was broadcast by the station.

Ms Saldanha, who was from India, left three handwritten notes, one of which blamed the radio stunt for her death.

In an email to her colleague she wrote: Its all my fault and I feel very bad about this getting you involved. Please accept my apologies.

Prince William wrote a moving letter to her family afterwards in which he said: Jacintha and her colleagues looked after us extremely well and I am just so sorry that someone who cared for others so much found themselves in such a desperate situation.

Friends of William and Catherine tell me Ms Saldanhas death left a deep impression on them. The tragedy made the couple even more determined that no one working for them should ever be publicly humiliated.

I hope that William makes sure he appoints officials who are willing to ask difficult questions and give him unwelcome advice.

There should be no place at the palace for yes-men.

Sign up for Richard's Palace Confidential newsletter. Watch the latest episode here: Was Kate Middleton FORCED to take blame in royal photo scandal? Experts react | Palace Confidential
After bragging that he led the charge to ban TikTok, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is now facing calls to return a $6 million donation from a TikTok billionaire as a bill to ban the social media platform nationwide moves through Congress.

The US House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill Wednesday with a 352 - 65 vote, forcing the app's parent company, ByteDance, to sell TikTok to an American company to keep the Chinese government from spying on US app users.

'Texas leads. Washington follows. Glad to see the U.S. House pass legislation to force TikTok to split with the Chinese Communist Party,' he tweeted.

For over a year, the Lone Star State has had its own ban on the Chinese-owned app, blocking state employees from using it on work devices.

Texas leads.



Washington follows.



Glad to see the U.S. House pass legislation to force TikTok to split with the Chinese Communist Party. https://t.co/r6EPQAEHJR  Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) March 13, 2024

TikTok advocates gathered outside of the Capitol ahead of Wednesday's vote to push back against the bill

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (left) was in London Wednesday meeting with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (right) as the UK is Texas' ninth largest trading partner, the governor's office said

Users cannot access to it on WiFi paid for by state tax dollars, such as at public universities and state buildings.

US officials have warned about the security threat the app could pose to Americans-- as they accuse the Chinese Communist Party of using the foreign-own app to spy on Americans and track their locations.

As part of the bill, if ByteDance doesn't sell, app stores and web hosting platforms would not be allowed to distribute it in the U.S.

After applauding action by Congress to ban the popular video platform nationwide, Abbott faced backlash for his tweet.

'Don't you take Chinese campaign donations,' said user @tek_captain.

'So you're returning the $6 million in tiktok money or no? We're all waiting on your answer,' posted local political analyst Scott Braddock.

So you're returning the $6 million in tiktok money or no?

We're all waiting on your answer. https://t.co/gFNCH2Ox69  Scott Braddock (@scottbraddock) March 14, 2024

Jeffrey Yass, founder and managing director of Susquehanna International Group, LLP, was an early investor in TikTok's parent company, ByteDance.

Abbott received, the 'largest single donation in Texas history,' with a $6.25 million gift from TikTok billionaire Jeff Yass in December, reported the Texas Tribune.

Known as the richest man in Pennsylvania with an estimated net worth of $29 billion, Yass' investment firm Susquehanna invested in TikTok's parent's company, ByteDance, in 2012 before TikTok had even been developed, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Susquehanna's 15% stake is now estimated to be 15% and worth about $21 billion.

The Republican Yass also donates to conservative causes, including trying to push school vouchers, which would allow public dollars to be used for private schools.

In October, the billionaire gave Abbott $250,000.

In December, he wrote a second check to help the GOP governor get candidates elected in Texas who would back school vouchers.

Last year, Abbott's suffered a humiliating defeat when 21 state House Republicans joined Democrats to kill Abbott's voucher bill.

Abbott had spent nearly all of 2023 gathering support for it and even called two special sessions to force lawmakers to take up the issue time and time again.

Now Abbott is helping to fund the campaigns of candidates he believes can defeat the Republicans who voted down school vouchers.

Abbott's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Americans think banning TikTok would do wonders for their mental health and productivity - but they are also worried about losing access to it as a news source.

That was the consensus among New Yorkers interviewed by DailyMail.com today as Congress passed a bill that will force the force the app's Chinese parent company to divest or else face a ban in US app stores.

'I would be annoyed for about three days,' said one former middle school teacher. 'I spend too much time on it, but it is very entertaining and I'd ultimately be upset about it,' said a woman in her 20s.

But others said they valued the way the app exposes them to news and lifestyle content, and they fear they could be about to lose what has become a major new source for millions of young Americans.

'Anything I have a question about, I look it up on TikTok,' said one young woman. 'It's a great way for information to get spread so quickly,' said another, 'I think it shouldn't get banned.'

'Maybe I spend too much time on it, but it is very entertaining,' said one New Yorker. 'I would ultimately be upset about it'

'Trump will bring it back, trust me,' said another New Yorker. 'It's not a problem.'

Some even said their mental health would be improved if TikTok was gone.

Most people interviewed by DailyMail.com expressed a sense of loss or disappointment about the looming ban. Those who did not either didn't know or didn't care.

Only one respondent seemed aware of the national security concern, but he repeated with confidence: 'Trump will bring it back.'

'I'd be sad,' said one person interviewed, who reported using it more than all other apps. 'I love TikTok,' she told DailyMail.com.

The proposed ban is based on the fear that TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, could misuse people's personal data and possibly even hand it over to the Chinese government - something it could be theoretically compelled to do, under Chinese law.

TikTok has consistently denied the allegations, but US lawmakers moved one step closer to enacting the ban today, as the House of Representatives voted 352-65 to approve the bill.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, who as president used his executive authority to order ByteDance to sell TikTok, has now voiced his opposition to it - shortly after meeting with Republican megadonor Jeff Yass whose company holds a $20 billion stake in ByteDance.

Meanwhile, TikTok has been on a lobbying frenzy to shore up support among senators, as the next step before the law passes will be a vote by the US Senate.

The wildly popular video sharing app has more than 150 million American users and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Beijing-based ByteDance

READ MORE: TikTok ban in US moves one step closer

Bill is passed in House of Representatives to force Chinese tech giant ByteDance to sell its stake in platform or face removal from app stores Advertisement

Another woman interviewed by DailyMail.com today said she would not care very much about the ban because the app is 'very addicting,' and a ban would 'give us a chance to look up and be more present.'

She also pointed out that there are other places to find content.

'I understand why people would be upset,' she said, 'but personally I don't think I would care too much.'

One older German man expressed that he didn't know anything about social media, nor did he know what Congress was when he was interviewed.

But he also expressed that members of his generation have done many things that they were told not to, and he encouraged young Americans to follow suit.

'Maybe I spend too much time on it,' said another respondent, 'but I would ultimately be upset about it.'

Similarly, another respondent said, 'I think I would be annoyed for about three days, but then I would get over it.'

The man, a former middle school teacher, said that the app was 'detrimental to children's education' because of its effects on children's attention span.

'I understand why people would be upset, but personally, I don't think I would care too much,' one New Yorker said.

'I think I would be annoyed for about three days, but then I would get over it,' another New Yorker told DailyMail.com.

Fears about the Chinese government gaining unauthorized access to Americans' data has earned bipartisan support for the proposed ban: 73 percent of House Democrats and 90 percent of House Republicans voted in favor.

After House approval, the next step is for the Senate to vote on the bill.

If approved, it will go to Joe Biden for his signature. President Biden has already pledged he would sign the bill, even though his campaign is posting on the app.

In the event that TikTok does get banned in the US, multiple respondents told DailyMail.com they would spend their phone time on X instead - though they each called it by its old name, Twitter.

Some said they would spend less time on their phones.

'I might have more time to chill, take a walk,' one respondent said.
Following two explosive failed attempts, Elon Musk's SpaceX will try to send its 2.4 billion Starship rocket into orbit for the third time today.

Starship  the most powerful rocket ever built  will launch from the firm's 'Starbase' site in Boca Chica, Texas no earlier than 7am local time (midday in the UK).

Although it's unclear what the targeted altitude is, today's flight will aim to reach the sort of speeds that get a vehicle into orbit  around 17,500 miles per hour.

About an hour after liftoff, Starship will come back to Earth, landing in the Indian Ocean, where its parts will be recovered for reuse.

Ahead of the launch, Musk tweeted: 'Starship launch attempt in ~5 hours. Let's get to Mars.'

SpaceX's 2.4 billion ($3 billion) Starship - the vehicle that will one day take humans to Mars - is set to attempt an orbital flight for the third time today. Pictured is the rocket on March 13 ready to go at its Starbase facility in Texas

SpaceX Starship stats First successful launch: March 2024? What will it be used for? Partly the lander for NASA's moon missions but also to transport humans to Mars Height: 394ft (120m) Weight: 11 million pounds (5 million kg) Thrust: 16 million pounds (70 Meganewtons) Is it reusable? Yes Max payload to low-Earth orbit: 220,000-330,000 pounds (100-150 tonnes) Max payload to lunar orbit: 220,000 pounds (100 tonnes) Solid fuel: N/A Liquid fuel: Oxygen and methane Engines: Powered by around 32 Raptor engines Crew module: Starship (ultimately able to carry up to 100 passengers) Project cost: $3 billion (2.4 billion) Price per launch: Ultimately around $2 million (1.7 million), according to Musk Where will it launch from? Likely the Starbase facility near Boca Chica, Texas. But possibly Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Total launches: 0 Advertisement

A live webcast of the flight test will begin about 30 minutes before liftoff, which you can watch on SpaceX's website and X account.

MailOnline will also be covering the launch live, so make sure you check back in at 12:00 GMT!

If all goes to plan, Musk hopes to fully launch Starship at least nine times this year, with the eventual aim of taking humans to other planets.

SpaceX's historic launch will act as an early milestone in Musk's ambition to carry people and cargo to the moon and eventually Mars, making us a 'multiplanetary' species.

According to SpaceX, the 110-minute test window for this third Starship launch opens at 7:00 CT (12:00 GMT) on Thursday.

'As is the case with all developmental testing, the schedule is dynamic and likely to change,' it says on its website.

Only on Wednesday did the Federal Aviation Administration grant SpaceX a licence for the launch  without which it couldn't go ahead.

'The FAA determined SpaceX met all safety, environmental, policy and financial responsibility requirements,' it said in a post on X.

Musk's company has had trouble getting FAA approval after its two failed launches, the first of which ended in an explosion over the Gulf of Mexico in April 2023.

It was supposed to travel 90 miles above ground for 90 minutes, but shortly after the Super Heavy booster detached, Starship exploded over the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Texas about four minutes into the mission.

Then in November, SpaceX made its second launch attempt but it failed about eight minutes into the test mission when it reached an altitude of 91 miles above the Earths surface before exploding.

SpaceX deemed both missions successes, referring to the first explosion in April as a 'rapid unscheduled disassembly'.

After the second Starship's failed launch, the FAA said it wouldnt authorise SpaceXs Starship for liftoff without further safety considerations.

From launch to splashdown, the whole even should take about an hour - if successful. This image shows the Starship's flight path on Thursday

SpaceX has prepared Starship (the passenger-carrying section) and the Super Heavy rocket booster by filling it with more than 10 million pounds of propellent including liquid methane and liquid oxygen

The mega rocket Starship is put in position before a test launch as SpaceX gets ready for their upcoming launch at Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, March 13, 2024

Although it's unclear what the targeted altitude is, today's flight will aim to reach the sort of speeds that get a vehicle into orbit - around 17,500 miles per hour

Two previous attempts have ended in spectacular explosions, though the company has adopted a rapid trial-and-error approach in order to accelerate development

As the most powerful launch system ever developed, Starship will be able to carry up to 100 people on long-duration, interplanetary flights

People gather as SpaceX Starship spacecraft prototype is being transported from the launch site ahead of the SpaceX Starship third flight test. The launch will be sure to draw a crowd on Thursday morning

READ MORE: SpaceX shares images of Starship launch rehearsal The test launch took place at SpaceXs Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas Advertisement

But even before clearance came from the FFA, SpaceX has prepared Starship (the passenger-carrying section) and the Super Heavy rocket booster by filling it with more than 10 million pounds of propellent including liquid methane and liquid oxygen.

The massive rocket stands 395 feet tall and has 33 Raptor engines that emit 17 million pounds of thrust  the force exerted by the rocket that causes it to blast off.

The force Starship releases at launch is almost doubled Saturn V developed by NASA under the Apollo program in the 1960s.

Once a successful orbital flight is in the bag, SpaceX will focus on launching valuable satellites and other payloads to orbit on Starship.

But ultimately it's been designed to carry humans  up to 100 of them to Mars 'or other distant destinations'.

SpaceX isn't just planning on having one Starship; Musk has also previously said his firm has built a 'factory for making a lot of these vehicles'.

Ultimately, Musk wants to make human life 'multiplanetary'  living on several planets  which could require about 1,000 Starships.

The force Starship releases at launch is almost doubled Saturn V developed by NASA under the Apollo program in the 1960s

Starship is the worlds most powerful launch vehicle ever developed, capable of carrying up to 150 metric tonnes fully reusable and 250 metric tonnes expendable

SpaceXs Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket - collectively referred to as Starship - represent a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, 'the Moon, Mars and beyond'

Starship is put in position before a test launch as SpaceX gets ready for the upcoming launch

Earlier this month, SpaceX shared stunning images of Starship launch rehearsal that loaded more than 10 million pounds of propellant on the craft

Starship is key to Musk's plans to make human beings a 'multiplanetary species' - one that lives on other planets as well as Earth

Starbase is a spaceport, production, and development facility for Starship rockets, located at Boca Chica, Texas

Musk thinks a natural or manmade disaster will eventually bring about the end of civilization, necessitating the relocation to another planet  Mars 'being the only realistic option'.

The Martian surface is not the only destination for Starship, however, as it will be put to use much closer to home.

NASA contracted SpaceX to use Starship for delivering astronauts to the moon as part of the Artemis programme (the successor to the Apollo programme).

A special lunar variant of the vehicle known as Starship HLS (Starship Human Landing System) will transport astronauts from the Orion spacecraft in lunar orbit to the surface of the moon and back again, as part of the Artemis 3 mission in 2026.

Musk has previously estimated the total development cost of the Starship project to be between $2 billion (1.6 billion) and $10 billion (8 billion).

He later said it would probably be 'closer to two or three [billion] than it is to 10.'

However, SpaceX chief financial officer Bret Johnsen disclosed last year that SpaceX has invested more than $3 billion into the Starbase facility and Starship systems from July 2014 to May 2023.
Elon Musk proudly proclaimed 'Starship will take humanity to Mars' after the massive rocket hit a major milestone of reaching orbit during a Thursday flight test.

While venturing into space was part of the mission, the event ended in tragedy when the rocket was 'lost' while reentering the atmosphere - leading some to question if Starship is even capable of reaching the Red Planet without exploding.

The mishap marks the third $3 billion Starship to be loss during tests flights in less than one year - and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has opened investigation to determine what went wrong.

The two-stage craft, consisting of the Starship cruise vessel mounted atop its towering Super Heavy rocket booster, took off from SpaceX's Boca Chica, Texas, flight test facility on the Gulf Coast at 9:25am ET.

But SpaceX revealed around 10:35am ET that the world's most powerful rocket had been lost.

'The team has made the call that the ship has been lost, so no splashdown today,' said Dan Huot, SpaceX communications manager, during the live broadcast.

'But again, just it's incredible to see how much further we got this time around.'

SpaceX's mission plan did not include recovering the rocket from the Indian Ocean after splashdown, but Starship breaking up in the atmosphere was unexpected.

While venturing into space was part of the mission, the event ended in tragedy when the rocket was 'lost' while reentering the atmosphere - leading some to question if Starship is even capable of reaching Mars without exploding

The two-stage Starship, taller than the Statue of Liberty, achieved liftoff from SpaceX 's Boca Chica, Texas , flight test facility on the Gulf Coast at 9:25am ET

The upper Starship stage reached an altitude of about 145 miles above the surface and topped speeds of around 15,000 miles per hour as it soared into orbit, capturing stunning views of space and the curvature of Earth

But SpaceX revealed around 10:35am ET that the world's most powerful rocket was destroyed during atmospheric re-entry and is missing. Pictured is the craft moments before it was lost

In 2020, Musk revealed his plan for Starship to send humans to Mars.

He calculated that to put one million humans on the Red Planet by 2025, his rockets would need to conducted around three flights a day and a total of 1,000 flights a year - but 2025 is just around the corner.

The billionaire previously renewed his vow to colonize the Martian world in a post on X last month.

'I'm going to colonize Mars. My mission in life is to make mankind multiplanetary civilization,' the post read.

Musk's reposted the message from his personal account with the accompanying words: 'Only if civilization lasts long enough.'

One day before the mission, former President Barack Obama was speaking at a renewable energy conference in Paris and mentioned 'tycoons, many of whom are building spaceships' that could take humans to Mars.'

'But when I hear some of the people talk about the plan to colonize Mars because the Earth environment may become so degraded that it becomes unlivable, I look at them like, what are you talking about,' he continued.

'I would rather us invest in taking care of this planet here.'

While Thursday's mission did not end as planned, the test flight was the farthest performed with a Starship rocket.

The most powerful and largest launch vehicle ever constructed, Starship achieved one key first goal: successful separation from its Super Heavy booster.

SpaceX's operating officer, Gwynne Shotwell, congratulated teh team on X following the launch

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson also applauded Musk's company

SpaceX staff watched the mission from a control room in Texas. Many were seen covering their faces as they followed Starship soar into space

Scored to the rapturous cheering of SpaceX mission control, the craft ascended in a gleaming orange fury of fire and smoke: a blast off captured via numerous livestream cameras on and off Starship

While the booster, dubbed Booster 10, feel back to Earth and crashed into the Gulf of Mexico as planned, only a few engines were still firing - and how it impacted the water is unclear.

However, a failed separation is what forced SpaceX to pull the kill switch during its first attempt, which saw Starship explode mid-air.

With the loss of the booster, all eyes were on Starship while it hung in the blackness of space preparing for a splashdown in the Indian Ocean.

As the massive rocket reentered the atmosphere, a 'plasma blanket' of heated flowed around its stainless-steel exterior.

On the SpaceX live feed, viewers witnessed a pink-fuchsia plasma of heated air develop around Starship as heat-friction escalated during the craft's descent.

Typically, this 'plasma blanket' effect has acted as a barrier to transmissions between Starship and Musk's Starlink satellites, which relay live video, telemetry data and other key signals to Earth.

But for several stunning moments  intermittently fuzzed by digital static  the live feed offered up images of a glowing halo around the craft akin to aurora borealis, or 'the northern lights.'

More than two million people tuned into the live stream to watch the craft's own perspective as it blazed past Earth's upper atmosphere into the historic orbital phase of its mission

The coastline of the Gulf of Mexico was filled with people who watched SpaceX's historic mission

Starship 'Ship 28' itself had been designed to return from space by coasting in a drag-heavy 'belly-flop' through the atmosphere, using air friction to reduce its speed, before reorienting into a vertical 'dive' position for a safe plunge in the Indian Ocean.

The grounds team was set to ignite Starship's engines after the rocket coasted back to Earth for 30 minutes, but it was later revealed they chose not to at the last second - the reason for the decision is unknow.

Data sharing was unexpectedly halted a after the world saw views of the glowing pink plasm engulfing the craft.

A few minutes later, SpaceX confirmed that the spacecraft had been lost, presumably either burning up or coming apart during re-entry or crashing into the sea.

While Starship was lost, SpaceX and fellow space enthusiasts are celebrating the mission as a success.

On the SpaceX live feed, viewers witnessed a pink-fuchsia plasma of heated air develop around Starship as heat-friction escalated during the craft's descent

Typically, this 'plasma blanket' effect has acted as a barrier to transmissions between Starship and Musk's Starlink satellites, which relay live video, telemetry data and other key signals to Earth. But for several stunning moments, the feed offered up a glowing halo around the craft

In-person spectators have watched live all morning through the foggy haze near SpaceX 's coastline Texas facility, some (pictured above) tailgating since the more sunny conditions on Wednesday near SpaceX's Boca Chica, Texas, flight test facility along the Gulf

SpaceX's operating officer, Gwynne Shotwell, posted on X: 'HUGE congratulations to the entire team for this incredible day: clean count (glad the shrimpers could get out in the nick of time!), liftoff, hot staging, Super Heavy boost back and coast (and likely a couple engines making mainstage during landing burn!), clean ship 'insertion' and coast, payload door cycling and prop transfer demo (to be confirmed!), and ship entry!'

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson also shared his congratulations on X.

'Congrats to @SpaceXon a successful test flight! Starship has soared into the heavens. Together, we are making great strides through Artemis to return humanity to the Moonthen look onward to Mars,' reads the post.

Early in the test, all 33 of the booster's Raptor FFSC engines could be seen gleaming successfully in their hot stage burn, fully functioning as the craft rocketed into orbit

In-person spectators watched live all morning through the dawn's foggy haze near SpaceX's coastline Texas facility, while the space company's staff appeared to cover their eyes nervously inside mission control during the high stakes launch.

More than two million people tuned into the live stream to watch the craft's own perspective as it blazed past Earth's upper atmosphere into the historic orbital phase of its mission.

The craft's Super Heavy booster had been engineered to land in a fashion similar to SpaceX's smaller Falcon 9 rockets  in the case of today's launch with the goal of achieving a soft splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico.

Reusability means that all of the expensive, painstakingly crafted hardware on the SpaceX craft, including its booster's 33 Raptor full-flow staged combustion cycle (FFSC) engines and Starship's own six Raptors, won't just become ocean litter.

This efficient design hopes to cut down the cost of launching payloads into orbit, hitting a price of about $10 million to take 100 tons of material  and one-day NASA personnel  into space, to the moon and, if all goes well, Mars.

Early in the test, all 33 of the booster's Raptor FFSC engines could be seen gleaming successfully in their hot stage burn, fully functioning as the craft rocketed into orbit.

Above, Starship's Super Heavy booster as it began its planned separation from the craft. The booster has been engineered to land in a fashion similar to SpaceX's smaller Falcon 9 rockets

But the feed cut out before the that booster, 'Booster 10,' could make its planned splashdown into the Gulf of Mexico, leaving that reusable rocket's fate unclear

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) cleared SpaceX for its third Starship flight on Wednesday morning.

'The FAA determined SpaceX met all safety, environmental, policy and financial responsibility requirements,' the agency said in a statement.

The FAA's 'tiered environmental assessment' focused on the environmental impact of Starship's reentry and water landing in the Indian Ocean.

SpaceX says it has 'significantly expanded' Starship's fire suppression systems and improved the autonomous systems that should have triggered the destruct command sooner during the rocket's previous launch failures.

Starship's first and failed test flight on April 20, 2023  written as 4/20 in America, an internet meme and a reference to cannabis culture Musk enjoys alluding to  saw the rocket explode just 25 miles into the sky after its booster failed to detach.

Today's Starship launch during its successful early phases

The craft's reusability means that all of the space-faring vessel's expensive, painstakingly crafted hardware, including the booster's 33 Raptor full-flow staged combustion cycle engines and Starship's own six Raptor engines, won't just become wasted ocean litter

Although it's unclear what Starship's targeted altitude is, today's flight aims to reach the sort of speeds needed to get a vehicle into orbit: approximately 17,500 miles per hour. Ahead of the launch, Musk posted to his X platform: 'Starship launch attempt in ~5 hours. Let's get to Mars'

SpaceX's Starship and its unique, reusable Super Heavy booster (above) as fueling began Thursday of the rocket's cryogenically cold, pressurized methane and liquid oxygen fuel

Starship (above, Thursday), shrouded in a drifting bank of fog, began its launch window at 8am Eastern (1200 GMT). The FAA cleared SpaceX for its third Starship flight on Wednesday, saying it 'met all safety, environmental, policy and financial responsibility requirements'

Elon Musk's next-gen Starship (seen above on the launchpad Wednesday) launched Thursday morning; the 400-foot tall, reusable rocket achieved major milestones in its third orbital test

READ MORE: SpaceX manager forced female staffer to have unprotected sex with him twice a week then tried to bribe her with $100,000 for an abortion, lawsuit claims A SpaceX employee filed a lawsuit against the company and her former manager who she claimed forced her to have an affair and feared she would lose her job if she didn't agree to his advances. Advertisement

SpaceX was forced to manually kill that first test flight four minutes in, as the rocket began spinning dangerously out of control.

It crashed in the Gulf of Mexico, throwing up a dust cloud over a town several miles away.

Outside of the FAA's recommendations, SpaceX also stated that it has added a 'hot stage' separation system linking Starship to the Super Heavy Booster, and reinforced the launchpad with flame deflectors.

Starship is key to SpaceX's future of providing reusable, affordable space transportation.

Unlike the Saturn V rocket which took astronauts to the moon, the SpaceX version  boosters and all  is designed to be completely reusable after returning to Earth in an effort to reduce costs.

NASA is banking on Musk's firm coming through with rockets that will help it get humans to the moon and someday Mars ahead of China in the modern day space race. The clock is ticking for a modified Starship to be ready for a planned lunar landing in 2025.

Alongside NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) it will ferry astronauts to the moon, so long as all things go to plan.

SpaceX itself is already heavily involved in the astro business, sending supplies and crew to the International Space Station and bringing astronauts back to Earth.
The moment that Glastonbury fans have been waiting for finally arrived this morning, as the full line-up for the 2024 festival was announced.

This year's headliners include Coldplay, Dua Lipa, and SZA, as well as country music legend, Shania Twain.

Yet many fans were unimpressed by the announcement, with some underwhelmed by Coldplay, who have headlined Glastonbury four times prior.

Meanwhile, others took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their surprise at the addition of SZA, who has never scored a UK number one.

So, who would you see take to the Pyramid Stage in your dream line-up? MailOnline asked ChatGPT for its ultimate headliners.

Who would you see take to the Pyramid Stage in your dream line-up? MailOnline asked ChatGPT for its ultimate headliners

Somewhat unsurprisingly, The Beatles would top the ultimate line-up, according to ChatGPT. 'Reunion concerts are impossible, but imagining a Beatles set at Glastonbury would be legendary,' it said

Glastonbury Festival will be taking place at Worthy Farm in Somerset from Wednesday June 26 to Sunday June 30.

After months of discussion, it was revealed this morning that Dua Lipa, Coldplay and SZA will headline the iconic event, with Shania Twain playing the legendary Sunday slot.

Other acts on this year's line-up include Brit Award-winning rapper Little Simz and Afrobeats star Burna Boy, making his Pyramid Stage debut.

To celebrate the announcement, MailOnline asked ChatGPT for its ultimate Glastonbury line-up.

Within seconds, the AI bot came up with a list of 15 acts across a range of genres.

'Creating the ultimate Glastonbury line-up is subjective and depends on personal taste, but here's a diverse selection across different genres that could make for an unforgettable festival experience,' it said.

Two legends who have unfortunately passed away are next on the dream line-up - David Bowie, who ChatGPT describes as a 'true icon', and Michael Jackson, who the AI bot praises for his 'electrifying stage presence

The dream line-up is rounded out by Beyonce - who headlined Glastonbury in 2011 - and Kendrick Lamar, who was a headiner just two years ago

READ MORE: The best and worst locations in the UK to buy Glastonbury tickets Advertisement

Somewhat unsurprisingly, The Beatles would top the ultimate line-up, according to ChatGPT.

'Reunion concerts are impossible, but imagining a Beatles set at Glastonbury would be legendary,' it said.

Two legends who have unfortunately passed away are next on the dream line-up - David Bowie, who ChatGPT describes as a 'true icon', and Michael Jackson, who the AI bot praises for his 'electrifying stage presence.'

Queen and Led Zeppelin are next on the list, followed by Prince, who ChatGPT describes as a 'masterful performer who could effortlessly blend funk, rock, and pop into an unforgettable set.'

Kurt Cobain's Nirvana would stir things up with their grunge anthems, while Amy Winehouse's soulful voice would create a 'mesmerising performance'.

Glastonbury Festival will be taking place at Worthy Farm in Somerset from Wednesday June 26 to Sunday June 30. It was revealed this morning that Dua Lipa, Coldplay and SZA will headline the iconic event, with Shania Twain playing the legendary Sunday slot

'This lineup spans decades and genres, offering something for everyone and ensuring an unforgettable Glastonbury experience,' ChatGPT added

Bob Marley & The Wailers would bring 'messages of love and unity' to Glastonbury, while The Rolling Stones would 'have everyone dancing.'

Madonna - who was widely rumoured to be headlining the festival this year - is also on the dream line-up, alongside Daft Punk, and Radiohead.

Finally, the dream line-up is rounded out by Beyonce - who headlined Glastonbury in 2011 - and Kendrick Lamar, who was a headiner just two years ago.

'This lineup spans decades and genres, offering something for everyone and ensuring an unforgettable Glastonbury experience,' ChatGPT added.
Cheating on your spouse could land you behind bars in New York due to a decades-old law that could soon be appealed by a new bill.

State legislature is currently considering repealing the law, on the grounds that it is outdated and rarely enforced - 13 people have been charged and only five convicted since 1972.

If convicted, offenders are eligible for three months in jail and up to $500 fine.

On Monday, a near-unanimous vote by the New York State Assembly moved the repeal forward, pushing the bill to the State Senate for the final verdict. It is not yet on the Senate's calendar for a vote and discussion.

Cheating on your husband or wife is still illegal in New York. If found guilty, offenders face up to 90 days in jail

'There are plenty of laws whose purpose is directly to protect the community,' said Assemblyman Charles Lavine, the sponsor of the bill that would repeal the law.

'On the other hand, some laws embody nothing more than someone's idea of moral outrage,' Lavine, a Democrat from Nassau County, told the Times Union.

This week he and his fellow state assembly members voted to officially place the adultery law into the latter category, and consign it to the dustbin of history.

Seventeen other US states, as well as the US territory of Puerto Rico, consider adultery a criminal offense.

In Oklahoma, Michigan, and Wisconsin it is a felony.

It is a misdemeanor in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, and Puerto Rico

Under current New York law, adultery is a Class B misdemeanor.

The law defines adultery, too: 'A person is guilty of adultery when he engages in sexual intercourse with another person at a time when he has a living spouse, or the other person has a living spouse.'

This obscure law was most recently brought to bear in 2010, when

, for engaging in a sexual act with a man on a picnic table at a public park.

READ MORE: Married people who have affairs DON'T regret it! Cheaters show little remorse about their infidelity, study finds. Advertisement

She appeared in court hand-in-hand with her husband.

The charge was eventually dropped, and she plead guilty to public lewdness instead - also a Class B misdemeanor.

But with the historic vote, lawmakers have moved one step closer to repealing the law, which lawyers have historically called a government overreach and violation of privacy.

Law enforcement officials have also argued that the law undermines their authority, because it is almost universally overlooked.

This law, and other old ones like it that remain on the books, is a relic of a different time in history.

When it was first implemented, back in 1907, divorce was not socially acceptable in the United States.

The first person charged under the law, married railroad contractor Patrick Henry Hirsch, was arrested 10 days after it was signed into law.

Lawmakers are pushing for a repeal of the adultery law, which they said is outdated and based on 'someone's idea of moral outrage.'

On September 1, 1907, police arrested him and his mistress, a milliner named Ruby Yeargain, at his apartment.

They were both charged with adultery and held on $500 bail.

Lawmakers and legal historians tend to agree that the adultery law was put in place to discourage divorce.

Lavine pointed out that since then, most people charged under the law have been women.

'Because most of those charged are women, it stigmatizes and victimizes women,' he told the New York Post.

It was brought up for repeal in 1967, but it never made it past the finish line.

Lavine said he suspects that lawmakers nearly six decades ago still felt pressure from the public that did not approve of divorce, and they did not want to take a public stand that could be seen as a stamp of approval for infidelity.

New York may be late to abolish the adultery law, but it was also the first to establish a law around 'alienation of affection.'

This civil statute enabled a person to sue their spouse's paramour for breaching the contract of marriage - and collect monetary damages.

Signed into law in 1864, the alienation of affection statute was copied by many US states.

New York State Senator Liz Krueger, seen here in 2017, is the sponsor for the bill in the Senate. Now that it has passed a vote in the State Assembly, it faces discussion and a vote in the State Senate.

Though it was abolished in New York, this statute is still on the books in six states.

And where it persists, it is used frequently in divorce settlements.

It is used especially in cases where a spouse is legally protected by a prenuptial agreement, because the defendant in such a lawsuit is not the spouse but the person they cheated with.

In North Carolina, for instance, an estimated 200 alienation of affection cases are filed each year. The state government has repeatedly declined to abolish the law.

Similarly, 'alienation of affection' laws are still on the books in Hawaii, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Utah.

As for the New York adultery law, the next step will be for the state senate to discuss it before putting it to a vote.

If the bill is passed, the language of the adultery law will be erased from New York's lawbooks.

Outdated laws like this one are often the butt of jokes, Lavine said, but for the lawmakers pushing its repeal, repealing an arcane and morally-slanted law is very serious.

'It's not funny for the women who have been prosecuted,' Lavine said. 'While I certainly appreciate that some people might chuckle at the idea, there's nothing funny involved in this at all.'
Video of a tiny four-seat plane gliding to safety, care of its large emergency parachute, has left awed spectators asking how the life-saving device really works.

A family of three  Artem Konokuk, 38, his partner and two-year-old daughter  landed in the forests of Whitehorn, California March 8, after Konokuk realized his training flight did not have the clearance to make it over a steep tree-lined hill.

The 20-year-old plane, a Cirrus SR22, featured the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS): a giant parachute made of bulletproof Kevlar, capable of drifting an entire single-engine craft safely down to Earth.

Once initiated, CAPS launches its parachute backward from the top of the craft at high speed, pulled by a 'rocket motor' powered by solid-state chemical fuel.

The young Konokuk family escaped with just cuts and bruises, which the captain of the nearby Mendocino County Sheriff's Office described as 'a miracle.'

Video of a tiny four-seat plane gliding to safety, care of its large emergency parachute , has left awed spectators asking how the life-saving device really works

Cirrus's CAPS is described as a whole-plane emergency recovery parachute system.

During an in-flight emergency, the pilot or co-pilot can deploy the solid-fuel rocket out of a concealed compartment where the parachute is stored, with just the pull of a lever.

The rocket rapidly yanks the parachute rearward from the back of the airplane, unfurling the system's 65-foot diameter canopy in seconds.

The fabric of the parachute's canopy is all kevlar (like bulletproof vests) and nylon, 'woven to military specifications' including 'yarn count, yarn twist, weave type, and finish.'

One portion, a cloth buffer, uses teflon 'to ensure good aging characteristics,' the company notes  a crucial design consideration for emergency gear that may stay packed and unused for long periods.

The family of three on board this Cirrus SR22 light aircraft escaped with only a few cuts and bruises when their parachute deployed over California this past Friday

Above, a schematic from the Cirrus CAPS manual shows the packed and unfurled components of its parachute system's assembly and the location of its line cutters

The embedded CAPS airplane parachute and its harness straps are stored within the fuselage, or the body of the plane. Eight seconds after the initial deployment, components known as 'reefing line cutters' reorient the parachute's relationship to the plane

Cirrus Aircraft's safety literature says that the chute can cut the plane's forward velocity to zero in just eight seconds, preventing not just a ground crash, but potentially avoiding impacts with vertical surfaces like cliffs or buildings as well.

The embedded CAPS airplane parachute and its harness straps are stored within the fuselage, or the body of the plane.

Eight seconds after the initial deployment, components known as 'reefing line cutters' reorient the parachute's relationship to the plane.

The line cutters bring the the aircraft to the level position underneath the parachute, from its initial 'nose low position' just after CAPS deployment.

The rocket motor (above top left) carries the parachute rearward from the back of the plane, pulling the embedded CAPS airplane harness straps (right) from the fuselage or body. Within seconds, the 65ft diameter canopy unfurls, controlling the aircraft rate of descent

The Cirrus SR22 has a whole-plane emergency recovery parachute system, called the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS). During an in-flight emergency the pilot can deploy a solid-fuel rocket out of a hatch that covers a concealed compartment where the parachute is stored

The shift keeps the passengers 'right side-up' for a safer crash landing, as opposed to a slow, but head-on collision with the ground below.

As of this time last year, March 2023, 253 survivors have been returned to their families thanks to the company's innovative rocket-launched parachute.

Cirrus has installed parachutes for its four-seat SR22s since 1998, when it first partnered with with Minnesota-based inventor Boris Popov, creator of the ballistic aircraft parachute.

'These are usually worst-case scenarios,' Captain Quincy Cromer of the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office said of the incident.

'The fact that they had only minor scratches and abrasions is a miracle.'

Myriad first responders arrived at the wilderness crash scene Friday, according to the Los Angeles Times, including the Humboldt County Sheriff's, California Highway Patrol, Southern Humboldt Tech Rescue and multiple local fire departments.

Rescuers watched in amazement as their single-engine plane drifted across a valley dangling helplessly below the emergency parachute before coming to rest in a tree.

The four-seat plane came to rest in a tree before crashing to earth upside-down

The frame of the light aircraft had been torn open by the impact despite the parachute

The Konokuk family were heading on a 170-mile journey down the coast to Santa Rosa where they own a home, when the SR22's only engine cut out at 1:15pm Friday.

'The pilot began to troubleshoot why the airplane lost engine power,' local sheriffs' noted in their statement, 'but had noticed the plane's altitude was too low for recovery.'

'At this point, the pilot deployed the airplane's Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) which slowed the airplane's decent.'

But the family's ordeal was far from over: The plane next came to rest caught high in the branches of a tree 100-feet above the forest floor.

'The parachute carried the airplane until it ultimately crashed into trees in a heavily wooded area of Yellow Road in Whitethorn,' local sheriffs said.

Rescuers feared the worst as they fought their way through thick forest to reach the family

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Somehow, the family managed to scramble clear and climb down the tree without bringing the precipitously balanced Cirrus plane down on top of themselves.

Rescuers scrambled through the forest, arriving to discover the family safely nursing their injuries on the ground  with the 2,200-pound aircraft now twisted metal, crumpled, torn open and upside-down on the ground beside them.

Its tail was entirely detached, and the life-saving parachute was still in the tree canopy above.

Dozens of residents reported the crash to local police, some also posting what the knew to social media.

'This happened right behind my parents home, like 75 yards away!' wrote Amy Arnesen McOmber on Facebook.

'The plane crashed by itself into the green belt behind their house we used to call the pipeline trail.'

Cirrus Aircraft's co-founder Alan Klapmeier first became determined to develop a whole-plane parachute after surviving a mid-air collision in 1985.

Klapmeier was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame ten years ago in recognition of his efforts.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Cirrus Aircraft's offices across the country, as well as to the firm's Director of Air Safety, Chris Glaeser, and its chief engineer, Paul Johnston.
Scientists have discovered dog-killing worms in Southern California for the first time.

A team at the University of California Riverside (UCR) found Heterobilharzia americana, a flatworm commonly referred to as liver fluke, are being transmitted by snails living along the Colorado Riverbed.

The worms can cause canine schistosomiasis, an illness that impacts the liver and intestines of dogs, and were previously only found in Texas, Louisiana and Florida.

The findings have suggested that the tiny flatworms could be spreading throughout the Colorado River and smaller rivers that feed into it, providing a broader expansion than previously known.

A team at the University of California Riverside (UCR) found Heterobilharzia americana, a flatworm commonly referred to as liver fluke, were being transmitted by snails along the Colorado Riverbed

UCR nematology professor Adler Dillman said: 'Dogs can die from this infection, so we are hoping to raise public awareness that it's there.

'If you're swimming in the Colorado River with them, your pets are in peril.'

Los Angeles County of Public Health issued an advisory in 2023 confirming 11 cases of canine schistosomiasis that spanned from 2018 to 2023.

Dillman and his team caught wind of the local infections and headed to a region of the river where all 11 dogs spent time swimming.

The team collected more than 2,000 snails, finding two species harboring flatworms - Galba cubensis and Galba humilis.

'Not only was it a surprise to find H. americana, we also did not know that the snails were present here,' Dillman said

This discovery was made at Mulberry Grove Pond, which receives water from Mill Creek, one of the tributaries of the Colorado River

After transforming itself inside one of the snails, the worm ventures out to find a mammal to infect. In this stage, it can only survive on its own for about 24 hours. If a dog or a raccoon is in the water, or drinking, then it gets infected

Galba cubensis was previously believed to be the only natural host of the worm, with G. humilis only showing marginal susceptibility.

Both snails primarily come from the Americas, but have invaded Asia, Europe and Africa.

'This discovery was made at Mulberry Grove Pond, which receives water from Mill Creek, one of the tributaries of the Colorado River,' the researchers shared in the study.

'This pond is approximately 280 feet from Mill Creek, and the shore of the Colorado River is approximately 2.17 miles away from the pond.'

The team, however, believes the parasite could be spreading throughout the Colorado River and taking advantage of the rivers that feed into it to find new hosts.

'In-depth studies are required to investigate the extent of parasite infestation along the banks of the Colorado River and its tributaries in the United States and Mexico to gain a clear understanding of the parasites infection,' reads the study.

The team collected more than 2,000 snails, finding two species harboring flatworms - Galba cubensis and Galba humilis

After transforming itself inside one of the snails, the worm ventures out to find a mammal to infect.

In this stage, it can only survive on its own for about 24 hours. If a dog or a raccoon is in the water, or drinking, then it gets infected.

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'It gets into the veins of the intestinal lining, and that's where it develops into an adult and mates,' Dillman said.

'The presence of the adults in the veins isn't the problem. It's the eggs that get into the lungs, spleen, liver, and heart. The immune system tries to deal with it, and hard clusters of immune cells called granulomas form. Eventually, the organ tissues stop functioning.'

Once infected, it can be several months before the worst symptoms of the illness appear.

Emily Beeler, a veterinarian with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, said: 'Symptoms start gradually with a loss of appetite and eventually include vomiting, diarrhea, profound weight loss, and signs of liver disease.

'If your dog has these symptoms after swimming in the Colorado River, it's a good precaution to ask your veterinarian for a simple fecal test.'

'Treatment typically involves use of multiple medications and close monitoring of the dog by a veterinarian,' Beeler said.

Researchers emphasized that H. americana is not known to be capable of causing disease in humans.

'It can cause swimmer's itch, a red rash where it penetrates human skin. But it's not able to cause infection,' Dillman said, while also noting that the worms can be easily filtrated out of water systems.
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The surviving inhabitants of a Soviet-era town in northeastern Kazakhstan where 456 bombs were detonated on their doorstep, have revealed the devastating impact the explosions had on their health, with cancer spiking along with severe birth defects.

Filmmakers Thomas Brag and Staffan Taylor ventured to Kurchatov, which was a top secret town established in 1947 as the headquarters of the Soviet Union's nuclear weapons program. At the time, it was not even visible on maps due to the high level of secrecy.

It is estimated that more than one million people lived in and around the remote settlement when the nuclear program was running from 1949 to 1989 - but today there just a few thousand people remaining and many of the buildings are stripped bare and derelict.

In their eye opening YouTube documentary titled '50hrs in the most nuked place on Earth erased from maps,' Thomas and Staffan find four Kurchatov locals who are willing to talk about the nuclear testing they witnessed. All of them make it clear that they had no idea what was happening at the time, as the authorities succeeded in keeping people in the dark.

Thomas Brag and Staffan Taylor ventured to Kurchatov, a top secret town established in 1947 as the HQ of the Soviet Union's nuclear weapons program. Nadezhda Golovina (seen) unknowingly witnessed hundreds of nuclear bombs go off in her youth

It is estimated that more than one million people lived in and around the remote settlement when the nuclear program was running from 1949 to 1989

Today there just a few thousand people remaining in the remote region and many of the buildings are derelict

From time to time their houses would violently shake and they would see plumes of dust erupting in the distance but these aftereffects were written off as extreme weather cycles.

One woman called Nadezhda Golovina, who unknowingly witnessed hundreds of nuclear bombs go off in her youth, explains: 'We didn't know it was so bad.

'Now everybody writes and talks about it. And then, what did we know? We didn't know anything. Just what the teacher taught at school.

'They used to tell us to leave the house in case it collapsed, a window or the door of the stove would open and ashes would fall out. [Even] the chandeliers were swinging.'

During the 1950s, it was reported that one detonation in the area resulted in four times the number of cases of acute radiation sickness than those from the Chernobyl disaster.

Another local in the documentary, a man called Uncle Serikpay, reveals that he moved to Kurchatov as a miner and his role was to help construct passages to 'prepare everything for the [nuclear] tests.'

He says he knew about what was happening at the 'Semipalatinsk' test site - which was less than 100 miles from Kurchatov - but he had to sign a non disclosure act.

Anyone who did speak about their work there, Uncle Serikpay says, would suddenly disappear and 'we never saw him again.'

In a bid to reduce health risks, Uncle Serikpay says he was only allowed to work 30-minute shifts in places with high levels of radiation.

They used to tell us to leave the house in case it collapsed, a window or the door of the stove would open and ashes would fall out. Even the chandeliers were swinging.

'If there was a low level of radiation, we could work longer,' he adds.

Thankfully, Uncle Serikpay wasn't exposed to high levels of radiation and at almost 73 years old, he says he still 'feels good.'

While some were not effected by the radiation, many people were, as a woman called Lyubov Filina explains.

She says: 'Of course it affected people's health. People have cancer. Cancer, cancer, cancer, cancer...

'There was radiation and people started getting sick. There are the books from the hospital where only cases of radiation and anemia are written.

'We were kids back then and we didn't understand anything. Even adults didn't know that the mushroom cloud was more dangerous than vibration or broken windows.

'In 1989, I was pregnant with my son and he was born with congenital cataracts of 16 diopters.

'I believe it was caused by the radiation exposure. I read about it in the medical encyclopedia. We saw helicopters over the city measuring something and now we understood there was a radiation release at that time.

In their eye opening YouTube documentary, Thomas and Staffan find four Kurchatov locals who are willing to talk about the nuclear testing they witnessed. Uncle Khamit, pictured, helped dismantle radioactive weapons after the Soviet Union fell

During the 1950s, it was reported that one detonation in the area resulted in four times the number of cases of acute radiation sickness than those from the Chernobyl disaster

Uncle Khamit moved to Kurchatov in 1976 and said that when he first moved there, the nuclear bomb explosions were a scary experience. Above, pictured with the filmmakers

At the time, the nuclear testing site was not visible on maps due to the high level of secrecy

'Some children were born with disabilities. Our parents covered us, but not themselves.'

It was only in 1989 that information about radioactive contamination from the Semipalatinsk test site became public and the findings triggered mass outcry.

An anti-nuclear movement raged for two years with the Kazakh government demanding that Moscow end nuclear testing.

Eventually, the activists won and the Semipalatinsk nuclear testing site was officially shut down on August 29, 1991, with all testing banned in the region.

This marked the same year that Kazakhstan gained independence from the former Soviet Union.

Uncle Serikpay said most people left Kurchatov when the testing site closed.

He explains in the documentary: 'In 1991 when the test site was closed and Kazakhstan declared a moratorium everything broke up. People moved away and the Soviet Union collapsed.'

Lyubov Filina says the mass exodus of people was quite strange but her family decided to stay.

She recalls: 'They just left. The military was reassigned to other places and went there.

'People were leaving but we continued to live and work here. Everyone had families and children to feed.

'The military moved away, and our family didn't have military, so we stayed here.'

Uncle Serikpay continued working at the nuclear testing site after its closure, and from 1996 to 1999 America helped dismantle the site.

He also reveals in the film that he helped to excavate an unexploded bomb, which was then safely detonated in an underground tunnel in 1995.

He says: 'It was an atomic bomb that was supposed to explode. It was a real bomb that we had time to install, but we didn't have time to use it.'

A man called Uncle Khamit - who lost both of his parents to cancer - also reveals in the documentary that he helped dismantle radioactive weapons after the fall of the Soviet Union.

He moved to Kurchatov in 1976 and said that when he first moved there, the nuclear bomb explosions were a scary experience.

Detailing what the detonations were like, he said: 'First, there's a big flare and then there's the mushroom that comes out. We were kids, but there was a feeling inside that something bad was being done.

Uncle Serikpay moved to Kurchatov as a miner and his role was to help construct passages to 'prepare everything for the [nuclear] tests'

While some were not effected by the radiation, many people were, as a woman called Lyubov Filina explains

It was only in 1989 that information about radioactive contamination from the Semipalatinsk test site became public and the findings triggered mass outcry

'Older people, everyone was afraid because everything became dark there, everything was covered in dust, the feeling was terrible.

'We were taken outside the village. There was a ravine dug there, and there we lay down.

'They always covered us with blankets, and the whole village lay there. Soldiers would run to see if we were covered or not.

'One time I remember a soldier being swept away.'

The worst explosion at Semipalatinsk took place on January 15, 1965, when the Soviet Union tested a hydrogen bomb 11 times the strength of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima by the U.S. military in 1945.

In the documentary, the narrator explains: 'The 140-kiloton device was buried nearly 180 meters in the ground, and upon detonation, the blast created a crater of 454 meters wide and 100 meters deep, throwing soil nearly one and a half kilometers up in the air.

'The blast was so large that it took the dust nearly 50 days to settle, forming the current hills that now surround the crater.

'Shortly after the test, a nearby river was diverted to fill the crater and turn it into what locals now call the Atomic Lake.'

Towards the end of the documentary, the subjects are asked how they feel about rising global tensions and the possibility of nuclear conflict coming into force again.

Uncle Khamit merely says that he feels 'very badly' about it. He muses: 'An achievement is an achievement, every state develops its armament. But I would like to have a peaceful sky over my head, to have no conflicts with anyone.

'And we, Kazakhstani people, want to have peace everywhere. I also call on all those countries that have nuclear weapons to reduce it or even be like Kazakhstan.

'We are in favor of nuclear-free armaments, always. I want to say that people all over the world should live in harmony and in peace. That our future generation should grow up healthy and strong.'

Echoing his sentiments, Nadezhda Golovina repeats that 'we need peace,' while Uncle Serikpay ends with a request for 'all countries to abandon nuclear weapons like Kazakhstan has done.'

He tells the cameramen: 'Kazakhstan abandoned all its nuclear weapons, although it had fourth-biggest nuclear arsenal in the world. I wish all countries behave the same way.'
He revealed what to do if a passenger is listening to music without headphones

An etiquette expert has slammed plane passengers for blasting music or watching TV without headphones.

Nick Leighton frequently dishes about manners and how to handle every day topics and actions with grace and class on his podcast, Were You Raised by Wolves?

Most recently, the California-based pro - who teaches people how to glide through any situation smoothly - detailed what you should do if a fellow traveler begins disrupting your peaceful flight with their movie or music.

He reignited the ongoing discussion about airplane etiquette - just weeks after a plane passenger prompted fury for propping her feet on a fellow traveler's seat and another admitted to wearing her seatbelt around her ankles - by lifting the lid on why it is crucial for travelers to follow rules surrounding plane behavior.

Nick Leighton has slammed plane passengers for blasting music or watching TV without headphones

Nick spoke about the issue with USA Today. He told the outlet: 'We are living our lives through screens and when we do that, we become less aware of the real world around us,.

'Our feeds are about us and what were doing. Because of that we do forget that were not always the main character in every situation.'

Nick explained that although humans being 'inconsiderate' isn't 'new behavior', it's still something you get to be upset about.

He noted that people often forget that taking up someone's auditory space is still considered rude manners.

Not only is the practice frustrating to others, but it also rips apart society, according to Nick.

He told the outlet: 'They should know that they are ripping the fabric of society apart, and they should stop.

'Nobodys going to die, this is not catastrophic, but its corrosive. Its the rust on the machinery that makes society work, and at some point, the machinery will break down.

'We dont want to live in a lawless, etiquette-free society, thats not a world we want to live in, and so it is important for everybody to do their part.'

Most recently, the California-based pro detailed what you should do if a fellow traveler begins disrupting your peaceful flight with their movie or music (stock image)

In addition to ripping the 'fabric of society apart,' the expert branded the practice of blasting music or turning up the volume on your movie while sitting on a plane as 'disrespectful.'

He then revealed how you can address the situation in hopes of getting the pesky passenger to use a pair of headphones.

Nick explained that although you want to put the music to stop, you must keep in mind that this person is on the same plane as you - and could even be sitting right next to you.

And furthermore, to stay within good etiquette practices, the pro said that if the passenger declines, you have to just cut your losses.

'On an airplane, you do have to sit next to somebody for hours, we dont want to get on their bad side on minute one.

'In the etiquette world, we make one request, and its not a negotiation  If they say no, Im not going to push it further. Thats not the hill Im going to die on.' he added.

He said that when you do make a request you should do it in a polite and neutral tone.

If the traveler declines, you can subtly ask a flight attendant for help.

This isn't the first time fliers have discussed airplane etiquette.

Just one month ago, a frequent flier sparked uproar after showing off a 'dangerous' traveling hack that sees her wearing her seatbelt around her ankles in a bid to sit more 'comfortably' during her flight.

In the past, many passengers have also questioned whether you should switch seats while traveling.

In December, a frequent flier issued a PSA to fellow travelers about seat swapping after he found himself in a nightmare experience that saw him forced to move five times when he begrudgingly gave up his spot to another passenger.

The unknown man took to Reddit to recount his seat swap story that 'permanently changed [his] mind on ever being nice and trading seats with someone.'

Another frequent flier previously revealed she refused to switch her window seat with an 'entitled' passenger who wanted to sit next to his wife.

The unnamed woman took to Reddit to share how she declined to move to a middle seat during an 11-hour flight from New York to Cairo, Egypt, so the man sitting next to her could sit beside his wife.

The anonymous woman shared her story on the social media platform as a way to rant about the man under a thread titled, 'EntitledPeople,' prompting others on the web to slam the man for asking someone else to switch to a lower-quality seat so he could be happy.

The denial comes months after one man sparked furious debate when he refused to give up his first-class seat for his boss, despite using his own credit card points to do so.

In the past, DailyMail.com's Jaci Stephen even offered up her view, and confessed that she 'absolutely refuses' to swap seats, no matter how angry the passenger requesting to switch may get.
Frequent flyers members can expect to book more flights with fewer points in the near future as Qantas makes changes to its loyalty program.

The airline's biggest overhaul to the program is tipped to be released in April and it is rumoured to see the introduction of a new member membership tier.

It will allow members to convert Frequent Flyers points to cash at a rate of one point for one cent when booking an economy seat. Points are expected to be worth less for higher-quality seats.

Members can currently pay for a seat with points through Classic Flight Rewards or have the points converted to 0.7c each under Points Pay Plus.

The new tier is expected to bring more customers to Australia's most popular flight rewards program, with over 15million members in 2023 - up from just over 14million the year prior.

A new subscription tier is rumoured to be coming to Qantas' Frequent Flyers program in April as the company looks for ways to improve relations with customers (stock image)

A Qantas spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia the new subscription, rumoured to be called Classic+, will be offered alongside the two current programs which will remain unchanged.

'We're still working to finalise the frequent flyer improvements which are responding to what members are telling us about the importance of redeeming points for flights at the times they most want to fly,' the spokesperson said.

'It's a significant investment that will deliver great value for members, but it also makes sense for the program and our partners.'

Sources close to the overhaul told the Australian Financial Review that the points used through Classic+ will be worth a cent each when booking an economy seat.

This will mean a $100 flight will cost 10,000 Frequent Flyers points.

Sources close to the loyalty program's overhaul say the new tier will let members convert each point to a one cent discount an economy seat (stock picture)

The revamp was hinted at by Qantas' Chief executive Vanessa Hudson during a financial update last month.

She noted members had become frustrated with the availability of seats through the Classic Flight Rewards program since the covid-19 pandemic.

The loyalty program brought in about $1.27billion in revenue and $270million in earnings in the last half of 2023 despite the frustration.

The airline recently invested $50million of the $230 million allocated for spending on improving the customer experiences into the program to unlock more reward seats.
She noted that she was scared because of incidents with Boeing planes

The unnamed cabin crew member took to Reddit to ask people about advice

A flight attendant has revealed she is questioning her career following the various flight safety incident in recent months.

The anonymous cabin crew member took to Reddit to ask for her advice as she admitted that she was having qualms about her profession due to incidents surrounding 'Boeing' planes.

She noted that it was 'really scaring' her and making her 'nervous.' The flight attendant - who is in her first year - was referring to a spate of recent travel disasters involving Boeing aircrafts, including the infamous moment that a door plug blew out at 16,000 feet.

In a thread titled, 'Flight Attendants,' the unnamed stewardess asked for people to help her decide if she should quit or not following the nine major safety occurrences from Boeing planes.

A flight attendant has revealed she is questioning her career following the various flight safety incident in recent months (stock image)

In the post, she explained that she was in her first year and had been having some worries about the profession due to safety reasons.

She also shared that she wasn't happy being away from her family so often.

'Hi all! This is my first post on here, and I'll jump into it.

'For context, I have been wanting to be a flight attendant for over a year, and recently passed my training and have done a few flights.

'I always knew the beginning is always the toughest, being away from family, missing events etc.. But I guess it didn't really hit me until now. I am a homebody and love travelling too, but with my loved ones for sure.

'The biggest thing for me too is the latest news with Boeing and such. It's really scaring me and I guess I've always had a minor fear of flying but with the news it's really making me nervous,' she explained.

She noted that prior to becoming a flight attendant she worked a nine-to-five job and had a diploma - adding that she could always go back to her old job, but she wanted to switch up her life.

She said: 'I used to work a semi 9-5 job, have a diploma and jobs that I can always go back to, but I wanted to try something new, however at the same time, however the anxiety of being on reserve and some bad things you can all infer I am referring too affect me leading up to my flights.'

The anonymous cabin crew member took to Reddit to ask for her advice as she admitted that she was having qualms about her profession due to incidents surrounding 'Boeing' planes

At the end of the post, she noted she didn't want to 'disappoint' her loved one and asked people for the kind words to help her get stick to her career.

People on the social media platform flooded the comments section and encouraged the flight attendant to stick it out.

One user said: 'I wouldnt worry too much. I mean yes, the thing about Boeing is concerning but at the end of the day nine times out of 10 you are going to be fine. Thats why you rarely hear about plane crashes when it comes to commercial because it is very rare.

'Pilots and mechanics have to check the aircraft and even if something goes wrong they are usually able to find a solution for the situation without anything horrible happening. If youre really concerned about that, does your company fly any other aircraft except for Boeing? Try just avoiding Boeing aircraft in your bids.'

Someone else added: 'Give it a shot! Even starting out you will like the freedom in the job. I had a WFH job during the pandemic with a micro manager boss. Being able to show up do your job and come home not carrying any stress or baggage is nice. No ones your boss on the plane, everyone knows theyre job (or should know their job) and it all just clicks.

People on the social media platform flooded the comments section and encouraged the flight attendant to stick it out

'The being away stinks, if you have a partner it definitely stinks, the money really stinks even starting at a legacy. But the job just rocks, all around.'

Another user added: 'This sounds similar to buyers remorse. Things arent exactly like you thought they would be, and thats ok, most things are like that.

'Give yourself the grace and time to grow into this job. It truly is a unique lifestyle, along with all the challenges of adjusting to it, there are a whole lot of rewards.'

There have been a slew if safety incidents in recent years and months regarding Boeing planes.

A door plug blew off midflight on January 5 with 171 passengers and crew onboard, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing in Portland, Oregon.

Its catastrophic failure depressurized the cabin, with the force of the air rushing in ripping the shirt off a young boy, whose mom was seen holding onto him. Passengers also watched as their phones were sucked out into the night sky.

Terrifying footage showed fliers looking out through the gaping hole of the fuselage onto the twinkling lights of Portland below in the eerily quiet cabin.

Miraculously, no injuries were reported on the plane, which had only gone into service in November 2023. Boeing, Alaska Airlines and the National Transportation Safety Board have all launched investigations.

It even sparked a criminal investigation into Boeing - whose whistleblower was found dead.

Six Alaska Airlines passengers have sued Boeing after their horror flight where a door plug blew out at 16,000ft, forcing a dramatic emergency landing in Oregon

There were no serious injuries from the terrifying air failure, but passenger's belongings including phones flew out of the aircraft

The criminal investigation will examine whether Boeing has met the conditions of the 2021 settlement reached after the fatal 2018 and 2019 crashes that killed 346 people.

The first occurred when a Max 8 operated by Indonesia's Lion Air plunged into the Java Sea in October 2018.

The second was when an Ethiopian Airlines 737 Max 8 crashed nearly straight down into a field six minutes after takeoff from Addis Ababa in March 2019.

Boeing reached a $2.5 billion settlement with the FBI and the Transportation Department in the wake of the crashes, admitting that two former employees had misled the FAA over how much training a new flight control system would require.

If the Justice Department finds that Boeing has violated the terms of that settlement, they could face prosecution on the original count of defrauding the US.

Boeing declined to comment on the criminal investigation. DailyMail.com contacted Alaska Airlines for comment.

Boeing is also facing a civil lawsuit from a group of passengers onboard the flight.
A Queensland influencer has accused a daycare of 'discrimination' after they said her special needs, non-verbal son was no longer welcome.

Kathryn Denny, a mummy blogger whose five-year-old son was diagnosed with level three autism, has been updating her fans via TikTok on the situation since last year.

The saga began in November when Kathryn was forced to resort to crowdfunding to pay for her son's speech therapy, after his government disability funding was close to running out.

At the time, Kathryn was paying for her son to attend a special needs daycare from Monday to Friday, while simultaneously paying for a one-on-one carer to look after him at the facility due to the severity of his autism.

When the available funding ran down to just $5,000, Kathryn was forced to ask his daycare to reduce his time with the one-on-one carer from five days a week to three, while still remaining at the daycare from Monday to Friday.

Queensland influencer Kathryn Denny (pictured) has accused a daycare of 'discrimination' after they said her special needs, non-verbal son was no longer welcome

According to Kathryn, this request was denied.

In a tearful TikTok video posted on November 28, Kathryn revealed how she had exploded at the daycare owner over the phone after learning that her son was 'no longer welcome'.

'I said, "So because we can't afford his daily therapy, he's no longer welcome at the centre? I said, "Do you realise how hard it is to have him home every day?",' she said in a tearful TikTok video on November 28.

Kathryn claims her son had been kicked out because of his special needs, and the fact that she had previously complained about the facility on social media

'She had the audacity to tell me I was being aggressive while I'm literally in tears, trying to make her understand,' the blonde wept.

Kathryn managed to pull the funds together and keep her son at the daycare, but returned to TikTok in February with more complaints about the facility.

This time, the influencer claimed she'd clashed with the daycare owner because her son had been picked up an hour after his one-on-one care had ended.

According to Kathryn, the daycare had refused to allow her son to join the rest of the class when his personal carer wasn't there.

'We're paying the daycare fee like every other child in that room plus $390 for one-on-one for five hours. Yet he's not welcome at the daycare outside of those five hours?' she fumed.

The saga took a turn when the daycare decided to simply cancel her son's enrollment.

Kathryn claimed her son had been kicked out because of his special needs, and the fact that she had previously complained about the facility on social media.

'He's no longer welcome to attend the center or because I questioned why he was not allowed to be at the center when we're paying a 10 hour daycare fee like every other kid,' she raged.

'He was discriminated against because of his disability and his high needs by a special needs center, and also because I expressed my experience on social media, which I'm entitled to.'

Taking the situation in her stride, Kathryn said she was 'actually so glad' that she no longer had to deal with the facility again.
Chloe Sevigny hilariously revealed her initial treatment of her Feud costar Tom Hollander was influenced by his performance in White Lotus.

The actress, 49, was a big fan of Tom's, 56, portrayal of Quentin, Jennifer Coolidge's homosexual frenemy on the HBO drama, and assumed he was a lot like his character when they first met on the set of their Ryan Murphy series.

'I was like, "Hes my new gay best friend," until I realized that he had a wife and kids,' she said with a laugh to Variety.

'And I was like, "Oh no!" I'd been pushing up against him. He must have been like, "She's the biggest flirt Ive ever encountered in my life."'

In 2023, Hollander welcomed his first child, a son, after rekindling his romance with interior designer Fran Hickman.

Chloe Sevigny, 49, hilariously revealed her initial treatment of her Feud costar Tom Hollander, 56, was influenced by his incredible performance in White Lotus; pictured 2022

'I was like, "Hes my new gay best friend," until I realized that he had a wife and kids,' she said with a laugh to Variety; pictured in January

The couple got back together during lockdown, ten years after they called off their engagement in 2010.

Despite Chloe's concern about her 'flirting,' Hollander maintained that she had nothing to worry about.

'I didnt feel she was flirting with me,' he explained to the outlet. 'One of the wonderful things about Feud was, because I was playing a gay man, the relationships with all the ladies in the cast benefited.

He said there was no 'tension' like what can be found in heterosexual environments, where everyone is 'keen to define where they stand'.

'Here I was essentially playing the gay best friend, so it created this relaxed environment where we were all having fun,' he added.

In Feud, Chloe costars as C.Z. Guest, Truman Capote's (Hollander) close friend, who continued to support him even after he faced backlash for his controversial portrayal of the jet set in Esquire.

Hollander went on to say that his impression of Chloe changed after they met as well.

'She comes across as a tough, straight-talking New Yorker,' he said. 'Theres a no-nonsense streetwise-ness to her. But then she breaks out with this laugh, and you realize theres a goofiness to her thats very appealing.'

Chloe's admission comes after Tom humorously disclosed that he once mistakenly received the pay slip of Spider-Man star Tom Holland, attributing it to their remarkably similar names.

He marveled at how enormous Holland's pay slip was, despite being only a small portion of his Avengers compensation.

The actress was a big fan of Tom's portrayal of Quentin, Jennifer Coolidge 's homosexual frenemy on the HBO drama, and assumed he was a lot like his character when they first met on the set of their Ryan Murphy series

Despite the star's concern about her "flirting," Hollander maintained that she had nothing to worry about

In 2023, Hollander welcomed his first child, a son, after rekindling his romance with interior designer Fran Hickman (L); pictured 2014

'And I was like, "Oh no!" Id been pushing up against him. He must have been like, "Shes the biggest flirt Ive ever encountered in my life,"' Chloe shared; She is seen in Feud

In Feud, Chloe costars as C.Z. Guest, Truman Capote's (Hollander) close friend, who continued to support him even after he faced backlash for his controversial portrayal of the jet set in Esquire

Diane Lane, Chloe, Naomi Watts, Tom, Molly Ringwald, Demi Moore, and Calista Flockhart attend FX's Feud: Capote VS. The Swans" New York Premiere at Museum of Modern Art on January 23, 2024 in New York City

Chloe's admission comes after Tom humorously disclosed that he once mistakenly received the pay slip of Spider-Man star Tom Holland , attributing it to their remarkably similar names

Hollander clarified that the confusion with the pay slip happened during a brief period when both actors were represented by the same talent agency.

He also joked that it had been 'very difficult' to get mistaken for Tom Holland  who is 29 years younger than him  because he 'was here first.'

While Hollander may not be as widely recognized as Tom Holland, he has made notable appearances in several major films, such as the 2005 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice and his portrayal of Lord Cutler Beckett in the highly successful Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise.

Additionally, he has garnered acclaim for his roles in Gosford Park, In The Loop and The Night Manager.
The new parking garage at the Stamford Transportation Center was officially opened in Stamford, Conn. Monday, Feb. 26, 2024. Mayor Caroline Simmons was joined by Gov. Ned Lamont and others to cut the ribbon on the new garage, which features 914 parking spaces, 92 electric vehicle charging stations, and 120 bicycle spaces. Tyler Sizemore/Hearst Connecticut Media

STAMFORD  Commuters hoping to park in the new garage at the Stamford train station Tuesday morning were met with a troubling message: "garage full."

Only two weeks after the new garage was officially opened  with a ceremony that included Gov. Ned Lamont and Mayor Caroline Simmons, among other officials  drivers had to be turned away from the facility as it reached maximum capacity.

According to two commuters, the garage was full around 8:30 a.m. when they attempted to park.

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Eric Strom, a Stamford resident, said the closed garage caused a traffic headache around the station as drivers were circling the structure in search of a spot to park.

"There were just cars driving all around Washington Boulevard and Station Place," Strom said. "It was chaos."

Drivers did not have the option of parking in the old 1985 garage on Station Place, as work to demolish that facility commenced on Monday. That process is estimated to take six months.

"Customer issues this morning could be due to confusion concerning the demolition of the old parking garage, which began yesterday," wrote Samaia Hernandez, a spokesperson for the Connecticut Department of Transportation in an emailed message.

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An adjacent L-shaped garage built in 2004 has remained open, but only partially. The 1,160-space garage is still accessible to "permitted customers," according to a release from the DOT. Hernandez did not specify how many spaces remain open in the 2004 garage.

"Adjustments had to be made today due to construction activities related to the demolition of the old section of the garage," she wrote. "Going forward, however, ample additional capacity will be available  roughly 2,000 spaces between the new garage and the 2004 section of the old garage."

The new garage, a $100 million project, includes 914 spaces, 92 charging stations for electric vehicles and 120 bike spaces. During the opening ceremony, Simmons said more than 28,000 commuters use the Stamford Transportation Center every day, citing pre-pandemic data. From the parking garage, commuters are able to access the station from a pedestrian bridge.

At one point, the garage was supposed to open by the end of summer 2023. But months later, pieces for elevator shafts and elevator and stairwell enclosures still hadnt arrived.

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Strom said he parked in the new facility for the first time last week. Previously, he had little problem finding parking in the old garage.

"I've never had the garage not have any spaces," he said. "I've heard that that does happen but its never happened to me."

On Tuesday, however, he was turned away from parking in the old garage because of the ongoing demolition. After driving to the new garage, he noticed a barrier blocking the entrance but saw how drivers were navigating their cars around it to go into the garage. Strom followed, until he reached a parking attendant who informed him that the garage was full.

"I was aggravated," he said. "I was rushing to get a train and I looked around at where else I could quickly park and didnt find anything."

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Unable to find a spot, Strom had to return home to work remotely instead of going to the office where he is employed.

"Today was not good," he said.

Greg Shulas, another Stamford resident, said he was shocked to see the garage full.

"This is not what you want to see when they had a big ceremony to open it up after years of planning," he said. " You dont want to see it fill up at 8:45 a.m."

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With few answers available, Strom said he's uncertain if he'll try the garage again before the weekend.
Channel Seven's heavily promoted Roast of John Cleese special was absolutely destroyed in the ratings on Tuesday night by Nine's Married At First Sight.

According to industry website TV Blackbox, 1,489,000 tuned into MAFS while the John Cleese special only attracted 458,000 viewers.

It comes after Seven heavily promoted the roast and brought in several Aussie stars to take a dig at Cleese, including Tom Gleeson, Joel Creasey and Rhonda Burchmore.

Viewers were much more interested in seeing MAFS couple Andrea Thompson and Richard Sauerman feud on screen during a very heated moment on the reality show.

Andrea's, 51, first blow out with the motivational speaker, 62, occurred earlier in the episode when they tried to discuss how they could save their fractured relationship.

Channel Seven 's heavily promoted Roast of John Cleese special was absolutely destroyed in the ratings on Tuesday night by Nine's Married At First Sight

Meanwhile, irate viewers slammed the John Cleese comedy special.

'We Australians do not do comedy well. The John Cleese roast was a shocker,' one upset fan sniped.

'It's important when you're roasting John Cleese on national TV to actually roast the recipient,' a second person added.

According to industry website TV Blackbox , 1,489,000 tuned into MAFS while the John Cleese special only attracted 458,000 viewers

'I can't believe I streamed this,' a third person chipped in and a fourth added: 'This always sounded dodgy'.

The special was filmed last year in front of an audience at Melbourne's Crown Casino, and was hosted by Shane Jacobson.

Cleese, 84, was treated to a whole host of good natured insults thanks to a series of celebrity guests.

iirate viewers slammed the John Cleese comedy special

Meanwhile, over on Nine the heated MAFS episode saw groom Richard unable to take his wife Andrea's criticisms on-board and learn from his past mistakes in their union.

'Richie, you just keep choosing not to listen. I understand you're frustrated,' she attempted to explain.

In a very aggressive and angry display, Andrea slammed her notebook hard against the table, yelling: 'You just did it again! You're driving me crazy!'

Despite the visible overload of emotions, Richard didn't let up, adding: 'You are blaming me for stuff in your past relationships. You won't own that. I'm not that guy.'

The special was filmed last year in front of an audience at Melbourne 's Crown Casino
Ryan Gosling revealed that he was 'dropped' down multiple stories off of a building despite his 'fear of heights' in the upcoming action-comedy titled The Fall Guy.

The Barbie actor, 43 - who was announced to appear as host for Saturday Night Live next month in April - opened up to People about performing his own stunts during the movie's premiere at the SXSW film festival in Austin, Texas.

'They dropped me stories off of a building, and I have a fear of heights,' the star - who plays a retired stuntman - expressed to the outlet.

Gosling then explained that he wanted to do 'a few' because it was 'important' to him, although he admitted he, 'would have been happy to say I did none of my own stunts in this movie.'

Ryan added, 'It helped me to understand exactly on some small level what [stunt workers] do every day.'

Ryan Gosling, 43, revealed that he was 'dropped' down multiple stories despite his 'fear of heights' in the upcoming action-comedy titled The Fall Guy; seen on Tuesday in Austin, Texas

'They dropped me we stories off of a building, and I have a fear of heights,' the star - who plays a retired stuntman - expressed to the outlet

The premise follows his character of Colt Seavers, 'a stuntman who left the business a year earlier to focus on both his physical and mental health.'

'He's drafted back into service when the star of a mega-budget studio movie, which is being directed by his ex, goes missing,' per an official IMDB synopsis.

The Notebook actor further opened up about the movie at the film festival, and before the screening began, he said, 'We hope that it is reflective of how much the crew gives to every single film,' per The Hollywood Reporter.

Ryan then gave a special shout out to his own stunt performer, Logan Holladay, who was seated in the audience.

'There is a moment in the film where he buckles me in for a stunt that he is about to do,' Gosling recalled. 'Then I get out of the car and he pats me on the back for a stunt that he just did. How f****d up is that?'

'What I love about this movie is in any other film you would never know that but in this one you do.'

'It's an opportunity to finally acknowledge the stunt performers and the incredible contribution that they already make to movies,' the star continued.

David Leitch - who directed the film - added, 'It was a love letter to stunts. We knew we had to be authentic in that world.'

Gosling then explained that he wanted to do 'a few' because it was 'important' to him, although he admitted he, 'would have been happy to say I did none of my own stunts in this movie

Ryan added, 'It helped me to understand exactly on some small level what [stunt workers] do every day'; seen on Tuesday in Austin, Texas

The movie - which is slated to hit theaters later this year on May 3 - is based off the 1980s television of the same name.

And alongside Gosling, other stars that were cast in the film include Emily Blunt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Winston Duke as well as Stephanie Hsu.

Not long after its premiere during SXSW, The Fall Guy has already garnered critical acclaim and currently has a high score of 94% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Over the weekend, Ryan and his co-star Emily Blunt took to the stage during the 96th Academy Awards where the duo paid a special tribute to stunt performers - and also poked fun at 'Barbenheimer.'

After the pair's humorous banter between whether Barbie or Oppenheimer was better, Gosling gushed that, 'We're here to celebrate the stunt community.'

Emily then replied with, 'Massively, yes,' while Ryan continued, 'They've been such a crucial part of our industry since the beginning of cinema.'

The British-born actress said, 'It's true. They are truly the unsung heroes who risk life and limb for cinema. Play back.'

Following a video montage that played for the star-studded attendees, Gosling expressed, 'To the stunt performers and stunt coordinators who help make movie magic, we salute you.'

Not long after its premiere during SXSW, The Fall Guy has already garnered critical acclaim and currently has a high score of 94% on Rotten Tomatoes

Over the weekend, Ryan and his co-star Emily Blunt took to the stage during the 96th Academy Awards where the duo paid a special tribute to stunt performers - and also poked fun at 'Barbenheimer' (seen above)

The pair also talked about working together on The Fall Guy, with Emily saying of Ryan, 'He's just wonderful and funny and smart and super creative'

The 2024 Oscars were a big night for Ryan, who took to the stage more than once - and notably gave a memorable performance to the song, I'm Just Ken, from Greta Gerwig's Barbie.

He dressed for the occasion in a hot pink suit that contained rhinestone details that sparkled under the bright stage lights.

The actor additionally wore a pink shirt underneath while slipping into a pair of sleek, black dress shoes. For a finishing touch, he also sported a pair of stylish, black shades.

He brought the audience to its feet as he belted out lyrics, and also jumped into the crowd, allowing his co-star Margot Robbie as well as other celebrities to help join in and sing the song.

While talking to USA Today in regards to the performance while at the SXSW festival in Austin, Gosling explained, 'I just wanted it to be as fun as possible.'

'That's what we tried to do, and if it took 62 Kens and 40 big Barbie heads and Slash to do it, then that's what we had to do.'

Blunt also chimed in during the interview and added, 'I said it to him yesterday, "People are going to talk to you about it till you're 90 years old. It will be people's in to conversation with you until the day you die."'

The actress recalled, 'It was so epic. It just brought the house down. It was incredible. People were grinning.'

'The energy in the room shifted. The Oscars is incredible and full of reverence and ceremony, but it can also be fun as hell as we found out.'

The pair also talked about working together on The Fall Guy, with Emily saying of Ryan, 'He's just wonderful and funny and smart and super creative.'

The 2024 Oscars were a big night for Ryan, who took to the stage more than once - and notably gave a memorable performance to the song, I'm Just Ken, from Greta Gerwig's Barbie (seen above)

While talking to USA Today in regards to the performance while at the SXSW festival in Austin, Gosling explained, 'I just wanted it to be as fun as possible'

At the festival, he revealed that the adorable animal was actually inspired by his partner, Eva Mendes', own dog, per The Hollywood Reporter

'I think chemistry's a funny thing. You can fake it, which you do have to do sometimes. But I think if you have a natural humor and a flow with someone, it's just much easier.'

Gosling also added, 'Emily Blunt, she's the secret sauce of this film. I'm such a fan of hers but she's in full Blunt force in this movie.'

'It's something to see. She's so funny, so, so, so good. It was a dream to work with her. She's such a great partner.'

Another special co-star in the film is a dog who becomes Ryan's sidekick - and can only listen and take commands when spoken to in French.

At the festival, he revealed that the adorable animal was actually inspired by his partner, Eva Mendes', own dog, per The Hollywood Reporter.

'Eva used to have a dog named Hugo who was a Belgian Malinois who was an attack dog. He only spoke French. He's passed now, so this is my homage to him.'
Lauren Phillips was left cringing on Wednesday when her radio co-hosts unearthed her high school sex education homework.

The host was left red-faced when Jase Hawkins and Clint Stanaway revealed live on Nova 100 someone had found a piece of homework she handed in for her sex education class at school.

Further embarrassing her, they then read out the list which detailed the pros and cons of having sex, and Lauren to threaten to walk out.

The list was simply titled 'Sex!' and some of the pros she had listed included pleasure, closeness and a special connection.

Lauren at first appeared happy with her answers as she said: 'Oh see, that's nice!'

Lauren Phillips was left cringing on Wednesday when her radio co-hosts unearthed her high school sex education homework

But Clint was left in stitches as he went on.

'What about this one? You don't have to pleasure yourself. And there's another one that sticks out, fitness!' he said with a laugh.

The other pros included falling in love, creating life, being fulfilled and stopping raging hormones, while there was also a lengthy list of cons.

Lauren was quick to remark she had put 'safety first' when listing STDs on the list of cons, along with pain, unsafe sex and pregnancy.

However, Jase noticed she had put money on the cons list, joking: 'Why have you got money on there? Are you charging for it?'

Lauren started to appear unconvinced about the list's legitimacy as she asked: 'Is it my handwriting?'

But Jase insisted it was definitely her penmanship, as he confirmed: 'It's definitely your handwriting.'

The host was left red-faced when Jase Hawkins and Clint Stanaway revealed live on Nova 100 someone had found a piece of homework she handed in for her sex education class at school

Further embarrassing her, they then read out the list which detailed the pros and cons of having sex, and Lauren to threaten to walk out

Jase then joked: 'If you go by this list, the cons list is higher than the pros! Technically that explains why you're not doing it these days!'

A picture of the list was also shared by the radio station to Instagram, and listeners were quick to take to the comments to share their amused reactions.

'Bragging rights absolutely sent,' one remarked, while another said: 'I couldnt stop laughing driving to work.'

'Omg the handwriting brings back too many high school memories,' one added.

Another fan commented on the fact that she had spelt diseases as 'dieses', prompting Lauren to reply: 'Private school education right there [laughing face emoji].'

Lauren and Jase returned to Melbourne's radio waves earlier this month as they launched their brand new breakfast show on Nova's 100 FM.

Lauren and Jase returned to Melbourne's radio waves earlier this month as they launched their brand new breakfast show on Nova's 100 FM

It comes after their show was axed by KIIS FM last year to make way for Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson's expansion into Melbourne.

Their Nova 100 FM show airs on weekdays from 6am until 9am, replacing the morning programme hosted by Ben Harvey, Liam Stapleton and Belle Jackson.

In November, Sydney-based radio duo Kyle and Jackie 'O' signed a record-breaking $200million 10-year deal live on-air - keeping them on the airwaves until 2034.

At the time, a spokesperson for ARN confirmed to Daily Mail Australia the deal for the Sydney duo meant their work pals Jase and Lauren were out of a job.
Maya Jama looked incredible as she hosted an event for her collaboration with Gordon's Premium Pink gin at Lucky Voice in London on Wednesday night.

The Love Island presenter, 29, held a karaoke evening for her friends to launch her new bottle design and Clink with Pink package.

Maya cut a stylish figure for the occasion, as she sported an all denim look, consisting of a long-sleeved top and mini skirt with boots.

The form-fitting look showcased her curvaceous frame, as she posed for a series of pictures at the event, which attracted a host of Love Islanders.

The TV star wore her hair in a sleek style with a braid, while she enhanced her naturally pretty looks with a glowy pallet of make-up.

Maya Jama looked incredible as she hosted an event for her collaboration with Gordon's Premium Pink gin at Lucky Voice in London on Wednesday night

The Love Island presenter, 29, held a karaoke evening for her friends to launch her new bottle design and Clink with Pink package.

Maya cut a stylish figure for the occasion, as she sported an all denim look, consisting of a long-sleeved top and mini skirt with boots

Maya showed her guests how it was done when it came to karaoke, as she took to the floor to perform Artic Monkeys song, Mardy Bum.

Elsewhere, Maya was keen to showcase her new look gin bottles, as she presented a pink bottle with blue graffiti-style writing to the camera.

Also in a denim look was Love Island star Sophie Piper, who was flashing her midriff in a cropped denim jacket with a pair of jeans.

She was joined at the event by Callum Jones, Casey O'Gorman and Kaz Kamwi.

All four Islanders appeared in the most recent All Stars series of the reality dating show.

Maya hosted the intimate party to celebrate her new Gordon's Premium Pink limited edition bottles and the launch of an exclusive Clink with Pink cocktail masterclass package at Lucky Voice, the UK's leading private karaoke experience.

Guests were treated to a cocktail masterclass, led by Maya and a Lucky Voice mixologist, where they were shown how to mix up their own bespoke Gordon's Premium Pink serves including Maya's favourite Gordon's Pink Paloma, and the new Maya's Mic Drop and Cling Cling Karaoke serves, all available as alcohol free options.

It's been a busy few weeks for Maya, who wrapped filming Love Island in February before making an appearance at Fashion Week.

Maya showed her guests how it was done when it came to karaoke, as she took to the floor to perform Artic Monkeys song, Mardy Bum

Elsewhere, Maya was keen to showcase her new look gin bottles, as she presented a pink bottle with blue graffiti-style writing to the camera

The form-fitting look showcased her curvaceous frame, as she posed for a series of pictures at the event, which attracted a host of Love Islanders

The TV star wore her hair in a sleek style with a braid, while she enhanced her naturally pretty looks with a glowy pallet of make-up

Maya had been in South Africa for the show's live final and after living it up at the series wrap party she spent the next day flying back to the UK alongside boyfriend Stormzy - who had supported her at the final.

Maya then jetted to Milan for Fashion Week and revealed Dolce and Gabbana had gifted her with a 295 bathrobe and slippers as she shared a snap inside her hotel bathroom.

Most recently, Maya co-hosted the BRIT Awards alongside Clara Amfo and Roman Kemp at London's O2 Arena.

During the evening, Raye broke records at the BRIT Awards, winning six gongs during a star-studded ceremony.

She scooped the first gong presented on the night, Song of the Year for her hit Escapism ft 070 Shake, shortly before also taking home the R&B Act gong and Best New Artist.

Raye was in floods of tears as she later accepted Album Of The Year, Artist Of The Year and Songwriter of the Year, bringing her beloved grandmother on stage at one point.

The star now holds the record for the most BRITs won at a single ceremony, a record which previously stood at four, jointly held by Blur (1995), Adele (2016) and Harry Styles (2023).

Sophie was joined at the event by Callum Jones and Casey O'Gorman (L-R)
Critics have unleashed on Kanye West and wife Bianca Censori following reports the controversial couple are hoping to start a family.

On Wednesday, Kanye's best friend Justin LaBoy raised eyebrows after he told TMZ the pair are 'extremely happy' and are probably 'going to have a bunch of babies'.

Kanye, 46, is already father to North, 10, Saint, eight, Chicago, six, and Psalm, four, who he shares with his ex-wife Kim Kardashians, 43.

The revelation has caused mass backlash online, with many fans claiming the couple - who regularly make headlines due to Bianca's increasingly shocking fashion choices - aren't fit to start a family.

'They need help not babies. Neither of them seem to be in a healthy headspace,' one user commented on Facebook beneath a story about Kanye and Bianca's baby plans.

Critics have unleashed on Kanye West, 46, (lef) and wife Bianca Censori, 29, (right) following reports the controversial couple are hoping to start a family

'They should try to grow up and mature a bit first,' another agreed, as someone else added: 'I hope they're going to have a bit more self respect for the sake of their children.'

Others questioned whether Bianca, 29, would start dressing more modestly once she becomes a mother, while others said the Australian architect's near-nude outfits may embarrass her kids in future.

'I feel sorry for the future children. Disfunction all around!!!', one wrote, as another asked: 'So how are you going to explain to your child one day, why did mummy wear such few clothing?'

The revelation has caused mass backlash online, with many fans claiming the couple - who regularly make headlines due to Bianca's increasingly shocking fashion choices - aren't fit to start a family

It comes after Kanye hinted at his desire to have a baby in the lyrics of his newly released track Timbo Freestyle, which he previewed at a party in Las Vegas.

The rapper sings: 'You already know Im impulsive/and another baby is my end goal'.

Bianca, who has taken an active role as stepmother to Kanye's four children, seems to have the same end goal as her husband, as a source close to the beauty told DailyMail.com that she has 'of course discussed baby plans with her family.'

Others questioned whether Bianca would start dressing more modestly once she becomes a mother, while others said the Australian architect's near-nude outfits may embarrass her kids in future

Kanye, 46, is already father to North, 10, Saint, eight, Chicago, six, and Psalm, four, who he shares with his ex-wife Kim Kardashians, 43 (all pictured in 2019)

Last week Bianca's parents revealed they are not supportive of her plans to have a baby with her 'controlling' rapper husband.

They believe Kanye would not be able to provide a 'stable' home to raise their grandkids in.

'He is her husband so of course she has talked about this and being a stepmom to Kanye's kids has really only made her desire to have kids stronger,' the Censori family insider shared.

Meanwhile, Bianca's father Leo (left) and mother Alexandra (right) want their kids to grow up in a 'stable' home and feel that Kanye is not able to provide that, a source has said

Although there was a time when Bianca's family was supportive of her desire to have a baby with Kanye, that support has faltered in recent months after a string of very controversial and bizarre public appearances by the pair - as well as the Yeezy architect's increasingly-provocative ensembles.

'There was a time when her parents were supportive of her having children with Kanye, but no one believes at this time that her becoming pregnant and having a baby right now is a good idea,' the insider said.

'They want Bianca to have children and they want grandchildren, but they want them to grow up in a stable and loving household. Life with Kanye is not stable at all,' the insider said.
Vanderpump Rules' Jax Taylor fiercely shut down speculation that he cheated on his estranged wife Brittany Cartwright ahead of their shock separation.

The reality star, 44, discussed the rumors, raised by their costars Scheana Shay, Katie Maloney and Lala Kent, on Tuesday's episode of Vanderpump Rules.

In response to Maloney accusing him of 'running around town' and being unfaithful, the TV personality vehemently denied the claim during a conversation with Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz.

'Katie loves to f**king just start s**t. Thats what she does,' he told his former pals.

Vanderpump Rules' Jax Taylor fiercely shut down speculation that he cheated on his estranged wife Brittany Cartwright ahead of their shock separation; seen in November 2023

He continued: 'She plays at home and she sees something on her phone on Reddit, and she will start the rumor mill. Thats what she does. Shes spreading all kinds of s**t.'

During the latest episode, Shay and Maloney alluded to cheating rumors about Jax Taylor as Shay admitted that she also heard he was sneaking around behind Cartwright's back.

Taylor and Cartwright's marriage woes were highlighted on a trailer for their upcoming reality show, The Valley, as they fought over him not wanting a second child and lack of sex in their marriage.

Late last month, the former couple revealed they were separated and 'taking time apart' after four years of marriage.

Brittany, 35, announced the news this week on their joint podcast When Reality Hits, confirming: 'Jax and I are taking time apart and I made the decision to move into another home to take some space for the sake of my mental health.'

However, Brittany also later hinted that the 'split' could be temporary, as she asked fans to 'pray for us,' and added that she believes 'everything will be just fine.'

The beloved Bravo stars tied the knot in a fairy-tale themed wedding ceremony on June 2019 in Kentucky after a year-long engagement.

But it seems as though the fairy-tale is over, at least for now.

The reality star, 44, discussed the rumors, raised by their costars Scheana Shay, Katie Maloney and Lala Kent, the reality star, 44, on Tuesday's episode of Vanderpump Rules

'Many of you guys have been asking me about Jax and I and our relationship,' Brittany said in the podcast episode released Thursday.

The star - who shares a two-year-old son, Cruz, with Jax - added: 'I just think it's important to be real and honest with you guys because we've shared so much of our lives with you guys.'

Brittany then specifically referenced some issues the pair have been having.

'On my last podcast I alluded to many marriages go through rocky times. Yes, marriages in general are very hard and I've had a particularly rough year this past year.

Going on to suggest they've now temporarily split, she said: 'Jax and I are taking time apart and I made the decision to move into another home to take some space for the sake of my mental health.'

Admitting that the split is 'still very hard to talk about' she added that she is just 'taking one day at a time.'

'I don't know what the future holds, but right now my focus is on being the best mom to Cruz,' Brittany added.

In response to Maloney's accusing him of 'running around town' and being unfaithful to Cartwright, the TV personality vehemently denied the claim to Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz

'Katie loves to f**king just start s**t. Thats what she does,' he told his former best friends. 'She plays at home and she sees something on her phone on Reddit, and she will start the rumor mill. Thats what she does'

Brittany and Jax began dating in 2015 after they met in Las Vegas, and their courtship was featured on their Bravo reality series Vanderpump Rules.

In 2017, the pair split for awhile after it was publicly revealed that Jax slept with another woman.

He cheated on Cartwright with their co-star Faith Stowers.

While speaking about her decision to forgive him, she stated that she was 'raised to be a good Christian woman' and told friends she believed 'everybody deserves' a second chance on Vanderpump Rules.

After reconciling off-camera and and on their Bravo series' reunion show, Cartwright, who is 10 years his junior, told People they 'weathered the storm.'

'We're still going through it  [but] we're in a great place now  probably better than we've ever been,' he said.

Brittany and Jax began dating in 2015 after they met in Las Vegas, and their courtship was featured on their Bravo reality series Vanderpump Rules

In 2017, the pair split for awhile after it was publicly revealed that Jax slept with another woman

He proposed with a three-carat cushion-cut diamond ring.

'We are ENGAGED! What a way to start our summer and season 7!!' she wrote in their engagement announcement on Instagram. 'I am so happy, so in love, and so beyond excited for this next chapter of our lives! I can't wait for all of you to see how he proposed! I am the happiest girl ever right now. Love can win!'

In a joint statement, they reflected on how they've 'been through a lot together, the good and the bad  but' claimed it 'only brought' them 'so much closer together.'

'Were just so excited for our future together but right now were focused on planning everything  first up is our engagement party next month that well be celebrating with our family and close friends!' they exclaimed.

Ultimately, they went on to get married in front of 240 guests just two years later.

Following the birth of their baby boy, Jax gushed that fatherhood 'changed' his life.

After reconciling off-camera and and on their Bravo series' reunion show, Cartwright, who is 10 years his junior, told People they 'weathered the storm' (seen in 2023)

'I think becoming parents made us stronger too because I love seeing him as a dad,' told People. 'It just makes you love him more.'

Over the summer, they even told the outlet they were 'definitely gonna have more kids.'

'At least one more,' he said. 'We're just really busy right now. It's been a very busy summer. We're very blessed.'

Jax even raved about his wife for being the 'rock' of their family.

In March 2023, the couple hinted to some trouble in their relationship as she said they were 'trucking through'

'I love her to death and I don't know if I'd still be on this planet if it wasn't for her to be honest. Her and my son, they kind of really saved me after my father died,' he told the outlet. 'I really owe my whole life to her.'

In March 2023, the couple hinted to some trouble in their relationship as she said they were 'trucking through.'

At the time, Taylor noted their 'good days' and 'bad days' made their relationship stronger.

'I don't believe in divorce. My parents didn't get divorced,' he told People. 'I don't believe in that. Marriage is work. I'm not saying every day is amazing.'

He added that he 'honestly' couldn't imagine his 'life with anybody else' and assured fans they still had 'a lot of fun with each other.'
Paul Rudd was the image of movie star cool when he was spotted out in New York doing the publicity rounds for his latest movie.

The 54-year-old has plunged into the media whirlwind for Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, which is slated for a nationwide theatrical release next week.

As part of his promotional duties, the sizzling Ant-Man hunk is taped a segment this Thursday for The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.

He oozed movie star magnetism on his way into the studio, flashing his devilishly beguiling grin as he headed into the building.

Concealing his sculpted physique under a loosely fitted blue suit reminiscent of the 1950s, he amplified the retro chic air of the look with a polka-dot tie.

Paul Rudd, 54, was the image of movie star cool when he was spotted out in New York doing the publicity rounds for his latest movie

Although he let a distinguished touch of salt-and-pepper scruff grow across his matinee idol features, his youthful glow was undisturbed.

The Friends alumnus slicked his dark hair back into a luxurious coiff and warded off the rays with a large pair of dark sunglasses.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is the fifth movie in the beloved sci-fi comedy franchise, but is Paul's first instalment in the series.

Jason Reitman, whose father Ivan Reitman directed the original Ghostbusters, co-wrote the new picture with its director Gil Kenan.

Before assuming the mantle of his father's franchise, Jason made his bones directing acclaimed movies of his own like Juno and Up In The Air.

Paul is joined in the new Ghostbusters by a cast of notables including Stranger Things child star Finn Wolfhard and The Leftovers actress Carrie Coon.

Patton Oswalt, who featured in Jason's scathing movie Young Adult starring Charlize Theron, is also in the new picture, as is his fellow comedian Kumail Nanjiani.

In a flourish of fan service, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts and William Atherton all reprise their roles from the original Ghostbusters.

As part of his promotional duties, the sizzling Ant-Man hunk is taped a segment this Thursday for The Late Show With Stephen Colbert

Rudd has plunged into the media whirlwind for Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, which is slated for a nationwide theatrical release next week

Bill Murray (Dr. Peter Venkman), Dan Aykroyd (Dr. Raymond Stantz), Ernie Hudson (Winston Zeddmore), Annie Potts (Janine Melnitz) and William Atherton (William Peck) reprise their roles from the original 1984 classic Ghostbusters

Over the years, Paul has given his fans a few glimpses into the health regimen that has allowed him to retain his ageless appearance and enviable physique.

'The most important part of training is sleep,' he told Men's Health, listing the number two and three priorities as 'weights' and then 'cardio.'

Paul marveled at the fact that 'People will set their alarm and then sleep for four hours and theyll get up so that they can train. Theyre doing themselves a disservice. If you can somehow get eight hours of sleep....'

Laying out his schedule for the following day, he dished: 'I get up and I have a cup of coffee, and then I do cardio before I eat anything.'

He continued: 'I lift weights, hopefully at least three times a week. And Ive learned so much about how my body reacts to foods, how it reacts to exercise, and where Im happiest and how much it affects me mentally.'
Margot Robbie raised eyebrows at the Oscars on Sunday as she ditched her trademark Barbie pink in favour of a black Versace gown.

The Australian beauty, 33, displayed her trim physique in the shimmery, structured look with help from stylist Andrew Mukamal.

But critics rushed to social media to express their disappointment with Margot's garb, branding her outfit as underwhelming and uncomplimentary to her curvy physique.

'She should have owned the carpet. This is... not even renting,' one user lamented, as another added: 'Such a boring look. Come on.'

However other social media users have theorised that Margot opted to wear black to let her co-star, America Ferrera, 39, who was nominated at the 96th Academy Awards, stand out in pink.

Margot Robbie, 33, (pictured) raised eyebrows at the Oscars on Sunday as she ditched her trademark Barbie pink in favour of a shimmery black Versace gown

In contrast to Margot's muted tones, Ferrera looked every inch a movie star in a skintight Barbie pink gown and Pomellato jewellery.

The pale pink sequined gown fit her to perfection showing off her small waistline, sculpted arms and toned legs.

Digital creator Holly Agnes uploaded her theory on the situation to her Instagram page.

Critics rushed to social media to express their disappointment with Margot's look, branding her outfit as underwhelming and uncomplimentary to her curvy physique

But other social media users have predicted that Margot opted to wear black to let her co-star, America Ferrera, 39, (pictured) who was nominated at the 96th Academy Awards, stand out in pink

Ferrera looked every inch a movie star in a skintight Barbie pink gown and Pomellato jewellery

Holly pointed out that Margot had been 'method dressing', wearing pink outfits throughout the Barbie press tour while Ferrera's outfits were notably 'in the background'.

Holly soon highlighted that the co-stars swapped styles for the Oscars so America could have her limelight 'by swapping colours, they swapped attention,' she said.

'This was totally intentional and the right thing to do,' she added.

Ferrera lost out in the Best Supporting Actress category to Da'Vine Joy Randolph, who won for her performance in The Holdovers.
Ashley Benson and her husband, Hollywood bad boy Brandon Davis, enjoyed a couple's outing in Los Angeles this week while adjusting to life as new parents.

Nearly three weeks earlier, the Pretty Little Liars actress ecstatically announced on Instagram that she had welcomed a baby girl.

The 34-year-old draped her petite frame in a flatteringly flowy navy sweater, teamed with a floral skirt that glinted in the sunlight.

Sweeping her hair back into a ponytail, she sharpened her cloven-in-marble features with naturalistic makeup and accessorized with half-moon shades.

She clasped on a shimmering gold necklace and amplified the glitz factor with earrings, bringing the look together with black leather shoes and a matching purse.

Ashley Benson and her husband, Hollywood bad boy Brandon Davis, enjoyed a couple's outing in Los Angeles this week while adjusting to life as new parents

Nearly three weeks earlier, the Pretty Little Liars actress ecstatically announced on Instagram that she had welcomed a baby girl

Meanwhile her steamy husband wrapped a black knit cardigan over his toned torso, complementing his clinging charcoal jeans.

The heartthrob's grandfather was the late oil tycoon Marvin Davis, a billionaire who owned such eye-watering assets as 20th Century Fox and the Beverly Hills Hotel.

His romance with Ashley went public in February 2023, when a source told People: 'They have a lot of mutual friends and are both super fun and very social people.'

After getting engaged in July, Ashley confirmed her pregnancy in early November, and it emerged that month that she and Brandon had gotten married.

The sex of the baby went public in January when Instagram photos surfaced from the baby shower, which included a sign that read: 'It's a girl.'

That month, Ashley covered Ladygunn magazine topless, proudly revealing her blossoming baby bump as an accompaniment to an interview about motherhood.

'Being a parent is gonna f***ing change everything,' she said in the magazine, where she also looked back on her romance with Brandon.

She spilled that she was in the process of turning into the 'person that I've always wanted to be' when she met her husband.

Hours later, Ashley and Brandon were seen after getting dinner at the celeb-loved restaurant Sushi Park

Ashley looked stylish in jeans, a crop top and a black blazer for their mid-week date night

The new parents looked to be in a happy mood as they exited the hotspot

Late last month, Ashley joyously announced the birth by posting an Insta Stories picture of her baby clutching one of her - Ashley's - fingers

'And I just wanted to just let that ride out and see where life takes me. Which ironically is when I connected with Brandon.'

Late last month, Ashley joyously announced the birth by posting an Insta Stories picture of her baby clutching one of her - Ashley's - fingers.

Although she has not disclosed any details about the baby's name or exact birth date, she did indicate the sex with a pink heart.

An insider gushed to Us Weekly: 'Ashley and Brandon couldnt be more ecstatic to have welcomed their baby girl. Although this is their first, Ashley has taken to motherhood like a total pro, and Brandon is already making an incredible father.'

Before settling down and starting a family with Ashley, Brandon was trailed by a louche reputation as a Hollywood enfant terrible.

Over the years, he has been arrested for battery, cocaine possession and a DUI and has been in treatment for substance abuse twice.

He briefly dated Paris Hilton in the 2000s, and at other times was just a close pal who was often seen with her on the nightclub circuit.

In 2006 Paris was caught cackling on camera while Brandon launched into a scathing diatribe about 'firecrotch' Lindsay Lohan, whom he said 's***s out freckles.'

After getting engaged in July, Ashley confirmed her pregnancy in early November, and it emerged that month that she and Brandon had gotten married; pictured in October

'I think she's worth about $7 million, which means she's really poor. It's disgusting,' Brandon sneered, wondering: 'And who would want to f*** her?'

The viral TMZ video marked the beginning of Paris' infamous feud with Lindsay, which finally came to an end only in late 2021.

He was also linked to Brittny Gastineau in 2007, the year after he became a media sensation because of his jabs at Lindsay.

Meanwhile Ashley, who rarely discusses her love life in public, was linked to a photographer called Sofia Malamute in the months before she was with Brandon.

She previously spent two years involved with English model Cara Delevingne and also had a dalliance with Halsey's hunky ex G-Eazy.

That month, Ashley covered Ladygunn magazine topless, proudly revealing her blossoming baby bump as an accompaniment to an interview about motherhood

In an interview with Cosmopolitan UK a few of years ago, Ashley confessed she has trouble digesting the public scrutiny on her relationships.

'If gossip comes out and stories are completely false, what can you do? Im not going to sit out there and be like: "This isnt true, this is whats really happening,"' she said.

'The most annoying part is having to sit back and be quiet while everybody talks about you and you have to deal with it. People can say whatever they want about me, but unless you know me, you dont really know anything at all,' added Ashley.

'I usually keep my relationships private. You obviously cant help if you get photographed together. [But] its more sacred that way,' she explained.

'Those private moments are for you and your partner, and I think its best not to be over-exposed, and you can really protect your relationship if youre not exploiting it.'
The club is known for its famous guests including Kate Moss and Bill Clinton

London's star-studded Groucho Club is set to open a new club and hotel in Yorkshire's historic Bretton Hall.

The fashionable Soho joint, where artist Damien Hirst once put his 20,000 Turner Prize winnings behind the bar, first opened as a private members' club in 1985 and now has thousands of members.

It has since become known for its famous guests including Kate Moss and Bill Clinton who have stepped through its bustling doors at 45 Dean Street.

Now, it is opening a new venue in the north of England at Bretton Hall in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, The Guardian reported.

The fashionable Soho joint, where artist Damien Hirst once put his 20,000 Turner Prize winnings behind the bar, first opened as a private members' club in 1985 and now has 5,000 members

Now, it is opening a new venue in the north of England at Bretton Hall in Wakefield, West Yorkshire

Ewan Venters, CEO of Artfarm and Hauser & Wirth supported the decision to go to the north before venturing to America.

Located at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, the Grade-II listed building will be transformed into a hotel and club as a venture in partnership with retail investor Rushbound group.

The country-side estate had 380,000 visits in 2022 and the park has received various awards including the Culture Award and Visitor Attraction of the Year.

Mr Venters told the Guardian how he thinks there is a 'civic duty' for the public and private sector to make sure there is 'a very healthy cultural and economic country in every part of the UK'.

The Groucho Club was the brainchild of a group of publishers including Carmen Callil, Ed Victor and Liz Calder and literary agent Michael Sissons, who wanted somewhere comfortable, intimate and stylish to meet, work and socialise.

It was also known as once Gennaro's, an Italian restaurant where royalty dined alongside opera stars, but had fallen into disrepair years before it became The Groucho Club.

Other luxury clubs have moved to the north of England too including Sessions Arts Club which opened a new retreat near Inverness and Soho House which is opening in Manchester.

Ewan Venters, CEO of Artfarm and Hauser & Wirth supported the decision to go to the north before venturing to America

Mr Venters told the Guardian how he thinks there is a 'civic duty' for the public and private sector to make sure there is 'a very healthy cultural and economic country in every part of the UK'. Pictured: Damien Lewis, an actor and musician, in The Groucho in 2005

The Groucho Club was the brainchild of a group of publishers including Carmen Callil, Ed Victor and Liz Calder and literary agent Michael Sissons, who wanted somewhere comfortable, intimate and stylish to meet, work and socialise. Pictured: Denise Welch leaving the club in 2004

Other luxury clubs have moved to the north of England too including Sessions Arts Club which opened a new retreat near Inverness and Soho House which is opening in Manchester. Pictured: Chelsea Clinton on a night out when she visited The Groucho Club in 2001

Mr Venters said the new venue is different to those of Soho House and hopes the history of the 500 acre park will help draw members from London to explore the Yorkshire greenery.

He hopes the next move will attract members from Manchester and nearby Leeds and Mr Venters added that there is not a specific demographic being considered for the venue.

Mr Venters said: 'Yorkshire couldn't be more multicultural and diverse so it'd be wrong to pigeonhole and say it's a 30- to 50-year-old person working in the creative industries.'

The Groucho Club was sold in 2022 in a deal worth 40million to Iwan and Manuela Wirth, whose company Artfarm owns the world-renowned contemporary art gallery Hauser & Wirth and venues such as Roth Bar & Grill in Bruton, Somerset.

When it was sold, Mr Venters promised to return to the 'eclectic appeal and maverick ethos' that appealed to the likes of Queen's Freddie Mercury and Liza Minnelli.

Before the sale, it was reported that some members felt the venue had 'lost its unique feel' as it opened its membership up to corporate city types.
Allison Marchese Journal Register Co.

NEW HAVEN >> Allison Marchese agreed Monday to a plea arrangement under which she will serve three years in prison for charges related to inappropriate contact with two students at Madisons Daniel Hand High School.

Marchese, who was teaching at the school when the offenses occurred, spoke softly as she repeatedly answered guilty to reduced charges: two counts of first-degree unlawful restraint, two counts of second-degree reckless endangerment, one count of second-degree harassment and one count of second-degree threatening.

Marchese, now 39, of Madison, originally was charged with second-degree sexual assault and risk of injury to a child. Although the charges were reduced for the plea deal, by pleading guilty to the first-degree unlawful restraint charges, she now has felony convictions and could be deported to Canada, where she is a citizen. This would occur after her release from prison.

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Superior Court Judge Melanie Cradle, who accepted the plea deal Monday afternoon, scheduled sentencing for March 3.

The sentencing agreement also provides for Marchese to be listed on the sexual offender registry for 10 years and to be under a criminal restraining order. She will face five years of probation after she serves her prison sentence.

Supervisory Assistant States Attorney David Strollo noted there were two victims in the case. Although Strollo did not provide graphic details in court Monday, the police warrant alleged that Marchese called a 17-year-old student into her classroom and performed a sex act on him during school hours. Strollo did note that she locked the door after calling in the teenager, which he cited as the basis for the unlawful restraint charge. After court adjourned, Strollo said another element of the count was touching him. He said the encounter occurred in December 2014.

The warrant also stated a 15-year-old student told police Marchese sent him repeated electronic messages in which she allegedly described how good looking he was and that it made it impossible for her to concentrate in class or to sleep. Strollo said Monday that from July 2014 through January 2015, the defendant inappropriately contacted victim two by computer or phone numerous times despite victim two telling her not to do so.

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Strollo told Cradle the plea deal was reached in consultation with the victims and their families. A half-dozen of the victims relatives were in the courtroom Monday afternoon, somberly waiting 90 minutes for the final details of the agreement to be worked out behind closed doors.

Although the family members did not say anything Monday, they will have an opportunity to do so at the sentencing session.

What we wanted, Strollo said, was a substantial period of incarceration, registration on the sexual offender list, a restraining order and a significant period of probation, with conditions to be set by the judge.

I think we reached the goals of the victims, Strollo added. And neither victim will have to be called to court to testify.

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Defense attorney William F. Dow III noted Marchese entered all her guilty pleas under the Alford doctrine. Under this arrangement, a defendant does not admit guilt but concedes the state likely has sufficient evidence to get a conviction at trial. This sort of plea results in a finding of guilt by the court.

Dow affirmed to Cradle there is sufficient evidence for a jury to find Marchese guilty, with a longer sentence than what she is receiving under the plea deal.

When Cradle questioned Marchese about her agreement to plead guilty, she asked, You want to avoid the possibility of a longer penalty?

Yes, Marchese replied.

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Cradle also told Marchese she could be deported after her prison sentence is completed.

Marchese, who has been free because she was able to post a $100,000 bond after she was arrested in February 2015, came to the courtroom accompanied by two unidentified female companions.

Strollo announced the total sentence as three years and 365 days but said it will be suspended after she serves three years. After court adjourned, he said, The state believes this is a substantial sentence.

Asked whether Marchese will face certain deportment, Strollo said, Thats up to the federal government.

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Strollo said he doesnt know Marcheses job status with the Madison school system. After the allegations against her were revealed in January 2015, she was placed on administrative leave. Madison school officials did not return phone calls Monday afternoon to clarify her situation.

Marchese became a teacher at the high school in 2003. She taught English and language arts. She was also an adviser for the yearbook.

Dow declined to comment on the case after court adjourned.

Call Randall Beach at 203-680-9345.
A C-3PO head owned by Anthony Daniels, the actor who played the droid, has sold for $843,750.

The piece of movie memorabilia, from 1983's Return of the Jedi, commanded the six-figure sum Tuesday through the auction house Propstore Auction, TMZ reported Wednesday.

Propstore officials told the outlet that the head was featured on camera in multiple scenes in the third installment in the film series, which was directed by Richard Marquand and written by Lawrence Kasdan and George Lucas.

The auction house said that the head, made of fiberglass, was the last one up for sale in a lot Daniels provided, according to the outlet, and that it was not immediately clear who placed the winning bid.

The head of the overly-caution protocol droid lights up, according to Propstore, and is composed of three separate parts that interlock.

A C-3PO head owned by Anthony Daniels, the actor who played the droid, has sold for $843,750

Daniels said of moving on from the items, 'I had all this stuff, almost all of it was in cupboards, drawers and in attics. Nobody was looking at it, nobody was treasuring it, if you will. And it was too good to throw away.' Pictured last year in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, England

Daniels earlier this month chat with The Hollywood Reporter about the emotional components of parting with the sentimental item.

'It is not only the prop that I wore, but it was also a prop I would use in interviews to identify myself,' Daniels told the outlet. 'It's very much, "You don't know my face, but you know this face.'"

He said that during a photoshoot promoting the item, he 'had a slight wobble' when it came down to letting go of the head and other pieces of memorabilia he's selling through the auctioneer.

Daniels said he asked himself, 'Am I right to move this on' in selling the items, which he has owned for decades.

'I have lived with these items for 50 years, some of them and I have very mixed feelings,' he said.

Daniels added, 'I had all this stuff, almost all of it was in cupboards, drawers and in attics. Nobody was looking at it, nobody was treasuring it, if you will. And it was too good to throw away.'

The auction house, in a listing for the C-3PO head, estimated the final sale price would land between $500,000 - $1,000,000.

The head was showcased in multiple scenes in Return of the Jedi during the Rebel Alliance's battle in Endor, where they are stationed at the end of the film amid the collapse of the Empire.

Propstore officials told the outlet that the head was featured on camera in multiple scenes in the third installment in the film series

The auction house said that the head, made of fiberglass, was the last one up for sale in a lot Daniels provided

It was not immediately clear who placed the winning bid

The head of the overly-caution protocol droid lights up, according to Propstore

The head is composed of three separate parts that interlock, Propstore said

The auction house, in a listing for the C-3PO head, estimated the final sale price would land between $500,000 - $1,000,000

Among the scenes, according to Propstore, 'including when Luke reunites with the group after the speeder bike chase and as the Rebels scout out and approach the shield reactor.

'It matches through distinct markings on the right side of C-3PO's outer perimeter ring.'

Propstore said that the Star Wars droid 'stands as one of the most recognizable cinema designs of all time,' as 'this screen-matched C-3PO costume head, with direct provenance to the production, is one of the most significant artifacts from the original Star Wars film to come to market.'
He's the American actor best known for starring in period drama Mad Men and sit-com series Superstore.

But Ben Feldman swapped his glossy Hollywood film sets to embrace a job working in the Australian outback to film new Stan Original series Population 11.

The Australian comedy-thriller series, which premiered on Thursday, follows American Andy Pruden (Feldman), who travels to a rural town to visit his dad who he hardly knows.

In a twist, Andy is crushed to find that his father Hugo, played by Aussie actor Darren Gilshenan, has disappeared without a trace.

He quickly concludes that Hugo might have been a victim of foul play, and since the town has a population of just 11, everyone is a suspect.

The Stan Originals brand new series premieres March 14 only on Stan.

Ben Feldman, 43, (pictured) has revealed what it was like to film Stan series Population 11 in a remote Australian town with 'homicidal' animals

The series was filmed in the small Western Australian town of Derby, which has a population of just 3,325.

Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday, Ben said it was an eye-opening experience filming the series in such a remote location.

'It was definitely the polar opposite of anything that I'm used to. I'm a real city person. But that's what's fun about this job, that you get to go do things that are seemingly insane,' he explained.

The Australian comedy-thriller series, which premiered on Thursday, follows American Andy Pruden (Feldman), who travels to the Australian outback to visit his dad who he hardly knows

While Ben noted the residents of Derby were welcoming towards the cast and crew who descended upon their town to film the show, he said the local critters were less friendly.

'They're terrifying. They're all homicidal,' he said of the local wildlife.

'The bugs are all the size of my head. Every body of water seems to have crocodiles in it, and so they just pick and choose which crocodiles are the more safer ones to swim with. Which is insane to me, because it's like, there's pools there. Just go in a pool!' he laughed.

'The bugs are all the size of my head. Every body of water seems to have crocodiles in it, and so they just pick and choose which crocodiles are the more safer ones to swim with,' he told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday

Ben also revealed the strange Australian 'mantra' he still struggles to get his head around.

'There's sort of this Australian mentality I learned, which is like, "Well, you're probably not going to die",' he said, adding: 'But nobody died making this show. At least season one. So happy days.'

Elsewhere, Ben praised the Australian cast and crew that worked on the twelve-part series.

Ben also revealed the strange Australian 'mantra' that he still struggles to get his head around. 'There's sort of this Australian mentality I learned, which is like, "Well, you're probably not going to die",' he said

Also starring in the show is Perry Mooney of the ABC's Gold Diggers series (pictured)

'They're all really fun, they're sweet, they're supportive. The crew was incredible. The crew was actually excited to work,' he said.

'You can throw overtime at them and force them to work on a Saturday. In America we would all blow up and be livid. [In Australia], they just want to get the best thing done,' he enthused.

Also starring in the show is Perry Mooney of the ABC's Gold Diggers series, who plays another outsider to the tiny town, Cassie.

The Stan Originals brand new series premieres March 14 only on Stan

Wentworth actor Katrina Milosevic portrays an unfriendly local cop, while Chai Hansen from The Newsreader and veteran Aussie actor Stephen Curry (The Castle) also feature.

Tony Briggs from The Twelve, Genevieve Lemon (The Tourist), Halifax actor Rick Donald, Pippa Grandison (Frayed) and Rake's Steve Le Marquand round out the all-star cast.
Tiffany Haddish reportedly shocked guests this weekend at Elton John's buzzy Oscars viewing party after telling them she wasn't drinking because she was 'trying to get pregnant.'

The 44-year-old comedian and actress  who was arrested for DUI for the second time in two years in November 2023  was seen steering clear of the booze at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 32nd annual Academy Awards Viewing Party in West Hollywood, which she served as a co-host at with Neil Patrick Harris and his husband David Burtka.

An eyewitness at the party, which raised over $10.8 million for the charitable organization, told Page Six that multiple people noticed Haddish wasn't drinking and quizzed her about it.

'I am trying to get pregnant,' she allegedly said whenever she was questioned about abstaining.

DailyMail.com has reached out to reps for Haddish for comment.

Tiffany Haddish, 44, reportedly told multiple guests at Elton John's AIDS Foundation Oscars party on Sunday (pictured) that she wasn't drinking because she was 'trying to get pregnant,' according to Page Six

An eyewitness said they thought she was serious about the claim, noting that she said it 'numerous times'; seen with co-hosts Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka, plus namesake Elton John and his husband David Furnish on Sunday

Despite the straightforward reason that she allegedly gave for not imbibing, it's possible that the famous funny woman may have been pulling the other guest's legs.

After her latest DUI embarrassment  in which she was found sleeping in her car in the middle of the street  Tiffany made have just wanted to stay away from the alcohol.

She also had a high-pressure role as a co-host of the well-attended gala, so being totally clearheaded would have been desirable too.

But the person who witnessed the pregnancy comments was convinced by Haddish's demeanor.

'It didnt feel like [she was joking],' they said, adding that the Girls Trip star 'said it numerous times.'

A source close to Haddish was more skeptical, though, and they told the outlet that her alleged comments were 'likely a joke.'

They noted that 'She is serious about her sobriety,' so it's unlikely that she would have been drinking regardless of whether her stated reason was true.

'Shes kept it, and is very into her health right now,' the source said. 'Shes going through her changes and is doing amazing.'

Although it is potentially awkward for someone who isn't drinking to be quizzed about the decision, it didn't appear to throw off Haddish at all.

The stand-up comic 'bid on nearly everything in the auction,' according to another source. 'She was having the time of her life!'

They gushed that Haddish was 'jovial and hilarious' throughout the evening.

'She was the bright light in the room, making fun of herself and her dress. She ruled that room,' the source added.

Tiffany's most recent DUI arrested occurred the day after Thanksgiving in 2023, and she was initially charged with two misdemeanor counts, one for driving under the influence of alcohol and one for driving with at least a 0.08 percent blood alcohol level, according to the Los Angeles Times.

After pleading not guilty to both counts at a December 20 arraignment, prosecutors subsequently dropped both charges as part of a plea deal in which Haddish pleaded no contest to a new vehicle code violation that is a much less severe charge that can be used in suspected DUI situations.

A source close to Haddish was more skeptical, though, and they told the outlet that her alleged comments were 'likely a joke'; seen Sunday

They noted that 'She is serious about her sobriety,' so it's unlikely that she would have been drinking regardless of whether her stated reason was true; seen Sunday

Haddish was arrested in November 2023 for DUI and sentenced to probation after pleading no contest to a lesser charge. The deal may have required her not to drink; pictured at a Thanksgiving comedy show in 2023, just hours before she was arrested for DUI

Haddish was sentenced to a year of summary probation and was required to pay multiple fines and fees.

She will also have to complete a driver's education course put on by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, as well as LA County's Hospital and Morgue education program, and she will be required to complete 40 hours of community service.

Probation sentences doled out for DUI convictions often stipulate that the offender is not allowed to drink alcohol during the duration of the sentence, though it's unclear what requirements Haddish has or if that would apply to her after the original DUI charges were dismissed.

year of summary probation and ordered to complete a drivers education program, the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Victim Impact Program, L.A. Countys Hospital and Morgue Program, as well as 40 hours of community service, the D.A.s Office said. She will also have to pay a series of standard fines and fees
An American woman who identifies as a dog has given an insight into what her daily life looks like.

The social media star, who is known as Meow, appeared on KIIS FM's The Kyle & Jackie O Show on Thursday to discuss what it means to live life as a canine.

She told hosts Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson how she sleeps in a crate, is rewarded with dog treats and has 'handlers' who help to look after her.

Meow, who livestreams on gaming platform Twitch, explained how she identifies as a Dalmatian and will bark and run on all fours as she embraces life as a dog.

She shared that she sleeps in a crate rather than a bed and says resting in a confined space helps her to feel 'safe' at night.

An American woman who identifies as a dog and goes by the name Meow has given an insight into what her daily life looks like while speaking on KIIS FM's The Kyle & Jackie O Show

She said: 'I have pastel blankets and pastel pillows in there, something about being in a confined space, I don't know if it makes me feel safe from the world or makes me feel like the world is safe from me but it feels comfort for sure!'

'It can fit me, the rule of thumb with a dog is that if they can stand up in it, then it's big enough for them, so as long as I'm on all fours standing up,' she added.

When she was asked whether she identifies as a dog or just feels like she has a dog spirit, Meow clarified that she is a 'dog girl' and told how she has always loved 'play'.

She said: 'I think that the wonder that comes with play and just being enchanted with life around you is a beautiful thing. I'm not sure if I ever put two and two together that I had to stop that whenever I became an adult.

'I figured that once I make my own money and pay my own rent, then I can extra do anything I want, and I wanted to be a dog!'

Radio host and shock jock Kyle then asked her if she has a boyfriend, and she confirmed that she doesn't, but has 'handlers' who take her on walks and feed her.

She clarified that she has a non-sexual relationship with her handlers, who are her friends and either have similar interests or are supportive of her lifestyle.

'I have handlers. Kind of like dog trainers. They feed me, they take me on walks, we practice training, which is one of my favourite things, because I get treats,' she said.

When asked what treats she might be given, Meow said she will be rewarded with shredded chicken, jerky and sometimes even dog biscuits.

She told hosts Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson how she sleeps in a crate, is rewarded with dog treats and has 'handlers' who help to look after her

She said that she will sometimes eat dog food, but will add other foods to it, explaining: 'It's a little bland, I like to put bone broth or some other additives in there.'

Meow was then asked if she pays her two or three regular 'handlers', to which she replied: 'I don't, it's funny I don't have to pay anyone to spend time with me.'

The cosplayer said that she feels 'more human' by being in touch with the 'primal, animalistic' side of her personality, and said she doesn't worry about what anyone thinks of her.

She said: 'I don't find myself focusing on other people and their reactions toward me because I'm so in the moment of just chasing the ball, being the dog, I want to sit and perform for whoever is my focus.'

Kyle asked her whether she adopts her dog lifestyle in the bedroom, to which she clarified: 'The dog side of me is an everyday lifestyle, so I find myself not needing that in the bedroom at all.'

Meow frequently gives fans an insight into her life on her Instagram account, where she goes by the username meowdalyn and boasts 11,300 followers.
Cindy Crawford was spotted meeting up with a friend for lunch in sunny Malibu, California on Wednesday.

The legendary supermodel, 58, looked effortlessly chic as she dropped her car off at the restaurant's valet.

She had on a green blazer over Pepsi 'Peace' T-shirt and baggy straight-leg jeans.

The mother-of-two completed her casual outfit with Adidas sneakers.

Cindy's hair looked freshly styled but she did not appear to be wearing makeup.

Cindy Crawford was spotted meeting up with a friend for lunch in sunny Malibu, California on Wednesday

She arrived carrying a can of sparkling water and her keys in her hand but later emerged with a piece of paper in her clutches.

Meanwhile, Cindy's husband Rande Gerber was active on Instagram Wednesday as he gave fans a look at the Casamigos offices.

The businessman co-owns the tequila brand with Oscar-winner George Clooney.

And Gerber revealed that he has life-size cardboard cutouts of himself, George and wife Cindy in his office.

'The team that plays together stays together...' he wrote over top a photo of his cardboard crew.

Cindy and Rande wed back in 1998 and will celebrate their 26th wedding anniversary in May.

They share two children: daughter Kaia, 22, and son Presley, 24.

Kaia has followed in her mother's footsteps by pursuing a career in modeling.

She made her runway debut at the age of 16 for Calvin Klein and has since become a fashion industry fixture.

The legendary supermodel , 58, looked effortlessly chic as she dropped her car off at the restaurant's valet

Meanwhile, Cindy's husband Rande Gerber was active on Instagram Wednesday as he gave fans a look at the Casamigos offices

Gerber revealed that he has life-size cardboard cutouts of himself, co-owner George Clooney and wife Cindy in his office

The businessman co-owns the tequila brand with Oscar-winner Clooney

She's currently the face of Celine and recent covered British Vogue's 'The Ultimate Fashion Issue' with her mother and other A-list female stars.

Kaia has since branched out into acting.

Her new series Palm Royale will premiere on Apple TV+ on March 20 and she was recently cast as Jacqueline Carlin in the new SNL 1975 origin movie, as reported by Deadline.

Over the weekend, Cindy and Kaia showed off their striking resemblance as they attended a pre-Oscars bash in Los Angeles.

Kaia shared photos from the soiree with her fans on Monday.

Both were in sparkling outfit - Kaia in a strapless black and gold gown from Celine with Cindy in a speckled royal blue dress with sleeves.

Over the weekend, Cindy attended a pre-Oscars bash with her and Rande's 22-year-old daughter Kaia Gerber

Both were in sparkling outfit - Kaia in a strapless black and gold gown from Celine with Cindy in a speckled royal blue dress with sleeves

She complimented her 58-year-old mother as they headed out on Sunday evening.

'My hot date,' Gerber captioned the Instagram Story, which she reposted from her mother's account.

They were joined at the party by the likes of Katy Perry and Demi Moore.
She is expecting to welcome a baby girl with her personal trainer boyfriend Jono Castano this month.

And on Tuesday, Simone Holtznagel, 30, gave her social media followers a look inside her hospital bag.

Taking to her Instagram stories, the blonde beauty shared a photograph of her bag which held baby toys, clothes and keepsakes.

She captioned the photo: 'Ok packed and repacked - I think I've got it.'

Simone announced she and boyfriend Jono, 33, are expecting their first child together in November.

Simone Holtznagel, 30, (pictured) is expecting to welcome a baby girl with her personal trainer boyfriend Jono Castano this month

She revealed in an Instagram post she is due in March and has already decided on a name, which she has yet to reveal.

The stunner, who went public with her relationship with the celebrity trainer in 2022, told Who magazine she was overjoyed with the news.

'Kids have always been in our plan. We started talking about it more and more and then it just happened,' she told the publication.

Simone told the magazine she discovered she was pregnant after she felt unusually sick following a holiday to the Maldives to celebrate her 30th birthday.

Taking to her Instagram stories the blonde beauty shared a photograph of her labour bag which held baby clothes, toys and keepsakes

Simone (left) announced she and boyfriend Jono (right) are expecting their first child together in November

She decided to take a pregnancy test 'on a whim' and it turned out to be morning sickness.

'The first couple of weeks were a little bit tricky but not as bad as some people have it. We're very grateful,' she added.

Jono told Daily Mail Australia at the opening of his new Acero Gym in Sydney's CBD last October that the pair have already chosen their little one's name.

'I nearly said the name on TV. There are some names we have got. We are excited for the baby,' he said.

Simone told Who magazine she discovered she was pregnant after she felt unusually sick following a holiday to the Maldives to celebrate her 30th birthday
Kate Beckinsale had a special 'visitor' on Wednesday as the actress remains in hospital with an unknown ailment.

Beckinsale, 50, shared a photo to Instagram that shower her laying down in her hospital bed with her Pomeranian named Myf in her lap.

She was dressed in dog-print pajamas and she had on her favorite black velvet hair bow.

The mother-of-one had a bandaid on her hand and a hospital band on one wrist as she held onto the pooch in the photo.

The day prior, Kate received a visit from one of her beloved cats.

Kate Beckinsale had a special 'visitor' on Wednesday as the actress remains in hospital with an unknown ailment

Beckinsale, 50, shared a photo to Instagram that shower her laying down in her hospital bed with her Pomeranian named Myf in her lap

The Underworld star has yet to disclose why she had been hospitalized.

MailOnline has contacted Kate's representatives for comment.

A source claimed to ET on Wednesday that Beckinsale 'hasn't been doing or feeling well' but is 'doing her best to take care of herself.'

She is grieving the death of her stepfather Roy Battersby - who died in January after suffering 'a massive stroke' while battling two forms of cancer - and has also been caring for her mother Judy Loe while she also battles significant health issues.

In a Mother's Day post earlier in the week, Kate shared a slew of snaps of Judy tucking into cake and enjoying champagne as well as images of herself on the ward and her dogs playing.

She captioned the images: 'Happy birthday and UK Mothers Day this last week to my incredible mother. Thank you to those that love us and support us when its s**t and try to make sure there are some bits that arent.'

Kate continued: 'And for looking after our dogs when we cant, and lead us to remember happy things when we cant.

'And turn up when we are sick and sit with us.. And send balloons and check in and pull us out of wells with love.

The Underworld star has yet to disclose why she had been hospitalized

The day prior, Kate received a visit from one of her beloved cats

'Thank you for loving us, those who do ,and for the amazing, kindest Nick, and especially for my mothers capacity for joy. It is so inspiring and beautiful.

'Happy everything mama. Your fight for joy despite also welcoming tears is the experience of watching a warrior up close. I love you x'

In recent months, Kate had been caring for her mother and late stepmother after flying them out from the UK to stay with her in Los Angeles.

'Kate has been caring for her parents, who both have serious illnesses, for most of the year,' a source exclusively revealed to DailyMail.com late last year. 'She brought them to her home in LA and has made looking after them her number one priority.'

On January 10, Kate announced the death of stepfather Roy aged 87.

The insider revealed that the Snow Angels star  whose biological father Richard Beckinsale died in 1979 at 31 from a heart attack in his sleep  has been feeling the emotional toll in recent months.

'She was spotted this week several times crying in the corridors of UCLA hospital,' the source added. 'Her friends are very concerned that she has been under relentless strain for months and hardly sleeping or eating.

'Kate appears to be very strong but this has been incredibly hard and, given that she lost her father so young, is affecting her very deeply. Her friends are concerned for her own health.'

A second source explained that her mother Judy has chosen to keep her health battle private, stating: 'She's extraordinary, you wouldn't even know by looking at her. She has been keeping a very positive attitude throughout everything.'

Kate revealed she's still in hospital and did not disclose why she had been hospitalised

The actress, 50, is grieving the death of her stepfather Roy Battersby - who died in January after suffering 'a massive stroke' - and has also been caring for her mother Judy Loe

Kate shared a snap of her friend Nina keeping her company in hospital during her stay

Last month, Kate shared a picture of Roy's order of service that revealed he was cremated on Monday February 19 at Mortlake Crematorium near Kew in west London

Kate's actress mother Judy married Roy in 1997, 18 years after Kate's father, Porridge star Richard Beckinsale, died (pictured in 1986)

Last month, Kate shared a picture of Roy's order of service that revealed he was cremated on Monday February 19 at Mortlake Crematorium near Kew in west London.

She also shared another look at the document which had a sweet message on, along with more snaps of Roy.

It read: 'We wish to thank you, our family and friends, for your loving support and being with us today to honour and commemorate Roy.

'Please join us afterwards to celebrate him and his life, share memories and stories, and inevitably miss him, knowing how much he would enjoy such a get-together'.

Kate's mother Judy married Roy 18 years after Kate's father, Porridge star Richard Beckinsale, died.

Roy enjoyed his own successful career as a director, working on major British on-screen hits including Inspector Morse and Cracker. His most recent directorial credit was for a 2006 episode of A Touch Of Frost.

Kate's biological father Richard Beckinsale was best known for his roles as Lennie Godber in the BBC sitcom Porridge and Alan Moore in the ITV sitcom Rising Damp.

He also had a daughter  Samantha, 55  who is his only child from his marriage to Margaret Bradley.
Dina Broadhurst revealed one of the secrets behind her age-defying complexion in an eye-opening post on Wednesday.

The 'nude artist', who looks a decade younger than her 46 years, shared a selfie to her Instagram Stories which showed her getting the anti-ageing cosmetic procedure - PDO Threads.

The buxom brunette was lounged back in a clinic chair as a nurse appeared to be removing needles from Dina's neck.

One one side of Dina's neck, followers could see tiny wounds where several more needles had already been removed.

Dina captioned the post: 'Can't wait to see the results.'

Dina Broadhurst, 46, (pictured) revealed one of the secrets behind her age-defying complexion in an eye-opening post on Wednesday

PDO Threads are used to tighten and rejuvenate skin and to prevent the skin from sagging.

It comes after the artist ensured all eyes were on her as she stripped off her tiny bikini and went completely topless at a Sydney beach on Tuesday.

She turned up the heat with her sensational figure as she bared her generous assets to the world without a care.

The 'nude artist', who looks a decade younger than her 46 years, shared a selfie to her Instagram Stories which showed her getting a cosmetic treatment done on her neck

Lounging back on a towel, the buxom brunette showed bucket loads of confidence as she settled into her favourite spot at the local haunt, accompanied by her dog.

Dina left nothing to the imagination as she flaunted her lithe frame along the sand in a pair of tiny grey bikini bottoms and a barely-there white bikini top.

She promptly ripped the latter off, but not before taking a nice cool dip in the water, unperturbed by the presence of other beach-goers.

It's unclear exactly which cosmetic procedure Dina was having done, as she only wrote in the caption: 'Can't wait to see the results'

Just hours before, Dina posed up a storm in her own home as she shared a sexy selfie to her Instagram wearing nothing but sheer lingerie.

Dina flaunted her long legs and svelte frame in a see-through bodysuit as she posed in a mirror.

The artist supported a local business as she wore lingerie by bra and underwear designer Nala.

The brunette beauty appeared to be makeup free and showed off a fresh new blue manicure.
Chrissy Teigen went wild for Justin Timberlake during his pre-album release show on Wednesday in Los Angeles that she attended with her husband John Legend.

The 38-year-old model shared video clips on her Instagram Stories from the concert held at The Wiltern that featured a reunion of boy band NSYNC.

'Oh my f***ing god,' Chrissy wrote as a caption for a clip showing Justin, 43, singing and dancing with his bandmates.

She also shared a short clip of John, 45, dancing with her in their front-row seats for her roughly 42.6 million followers on Instagram.

Chrissy wore a black top with a plunging neckline to the show.

Chrissy Teigen went wild for Justin Timberlake during his pre-album release show on Wednesday in Los Angeles that she attended with her husband John Legend

John wore a matching black T-shirt along with a tan leather jacket with black trim.

Chrissy also shared a screenshot of NSYNC's 2000 song Thats When Ill Stop Loving You and wrote 'my first dance' while tagging Justin.

Justin also took to Instagram on Wednesday to show off some new merchandise that he just got with his roughly 72.5 million followers.

He opened a box and showed the front and back of a T-shirt featuring the lyrics to his new collaborative song featuring NSYNC titled Paradise.

NSYNC member Lance Bass, 44, then walked by wearing the exact same shirt.

'That's nice. Oh, you just got that? Cute,' Lance said as he walked away smirking.

Lance, JC Chasez, Joey Fatone and Chris Kirkpatrick joined Justin on Wednesday to debut their new song Paradise and also performed their 1990s hit songs Bye Bye Bye and It's Gonna Be Me, according to an article by Billboard.

Justin will release his sixth solo album Everything I Thought It Was on Friday and will start his Forget Tomorrow World Tour in Vancouver, Canada, on April 29.

John wore a matching black T-shirt along with a tan leather jacket with black trim to the one-time show

'Oh my f***ing god,' Chrissy wrote as a caption for a clip showing Justin, 43, singing and dancing with his bandmates

The 38-year-old model shared video clips on her Instagram Stories from the concert held at The Wiltern that featured a reunion of boy band NSYNC

Chrissy also shared a screenshot of NSYNC's 2000 song Thats When Ill Stop Loving You and wrote 'my first dance' while tagging Justin.

Everything I Thought It Was follows Justin's 2018 solo album Man Of The Woods that debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.

Chrissy and John are parents to Luna, seven, Miles, five, Esti, one, and Wren, eight months.

They tragically lost their son Jack in September 2020 due to pregnancy complications.

The pair met in 2006 while on the set of John's music video for his song Stereo, and they went on to become engaged in 2011.

The couple waited two years before they held a wedding ceremony on September 14, 2013 in Lake Como, Italy.

Justin also took to Instagram on Wednesday to show off some new merchandise that he just got with his roughly 72.5 million followers

He opened a box and showed the front and back of a T-shirt featuring the lyrics to his new collaborative song featuring NSYNC titled Paradise

NSYNC member Lance Bass, 44, then walked by wearing the exact same shirt

'That's nice. Oh, you just got that? Cute,' Lance said as he walked away smirking

Chrissy and John, shown earlier this month at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, got married in 2013 and have four children

Justin earlier this week performed his song No Angels from his new album on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

He started to host the show for Jimmy, 56, who the night before hosted the Academy Awards in Hollywood, but Jimmy surprised him and took back his show.

Justin has been married since 2012 to actress Jessica Biel, 42.

Jessica and Justin have sons Silas, eight, and Phineas, three, together.
Married At First Sight groom Tim Calwell appears to have forgiven bride Sara Mesa for her infidelity, as the couple were spotted on a romantic lunch date recently.

The tumultuous pair were all smiles as the online business owner, 31, bought the nutritionist, 29, a bouquet of flowers for their outing.

Sara cuddled up to her TV husband in exclusive images obtained by Daily Mail Australia, as she attempted to prove her devotion following her cheating scandal.

Rugged up against the cool breeze, the blonde-beauty donned a dark grey sweater and over-sized leather jacket over a pair of black leggings.

Accessorising with a simple silver chain and a pair of white sneakers, Sara kept her eyes hidden behind a pair of dark shades as she clung to Tim's arm.

Married At First Sight groom Tim Calwell, 31, (left) appears to have forgiven bride Sara Mesa, 29, (right) for her infidelity , as the couple were spotted on a romantic lunch date recently

She opted for a minimal makeup look as her golden locks cascaded down her back, while Tim dressed for warmer weather.

The recently lovelorn groom kept things casual in a basic white T-shirt and light wash jean shorts as he flashed the tattoo on his shin.

He clutched a bouquet of flowers for Sara in one hand and accessorised with a silver watch, chain, and dark sunnies.

The tumultuous pair were all smiles as the online business owner bought the nutritionist a bouquet of flowers for their outing

Sara cuddled up to her TV husband in exclusive images obtained by Daily Mail Australia, as she attempted to prove her devotion following her cheating scandal

Rugged up against the cool breeze, the blonde-beauty donned a dark grey sweater and over-sized leather jacket over a pair of black leggings

Accessorising with a simple silver chain and a pair of white sneakers, Sara kept her eyes hidden behind a pair of dark shades as she clung to Tim's arm

She opted for a minimal makeup look as her golden locks cascaded down her back, while Tim dressed for warmer weather

It comes after Sara opened up about the aftermath of her infamous cheating scandal, detailing the emotional turmoil and public backlash she's faced.

'Watching it all back has been really rough,' Sara told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday.

The Sydney-based nutritionist admitted that reliving her experience has prompted her to confront aspects of her behaviour she's not proud of.

'It's made me feel really sad, especially for the way that I've treated Tim. I have so many regrets... It's like putting up a mirror to a lot of the things that I need to work on myself, and in relationships.'

The days following the cheating revelations were particularly grueling.

The recently lovelorn groom kept things casual in a basic white T-shirt and light wash jean shorts as he flashed the tattoo on his shin

He clutched a bouquet of flowers for Sara in one hand and accessorised with a silver watch, chain, and dark sunnies

Sara and Tim appeared engrossed in a conversation as they took a stroll down the street

The nutritionist combed her fingers through her primped hair

'It was a super-emotional and stressful week,' she describes. The intensity of the experiment nearly drove her to the edge.

'I was ready to just leave the experiment... I hadn't had enough with everything going on and I knew that Tim and I weren't gonna be able to work on our relationship when everyone was down our throats about it.'

Despite the scandal, Sara and Tim had started to rekindle their connection.

'It felt really hard...we actually did feel that spark again,' she reveals. But the weight of the situation was crushing.

'Everybody hated me... my mental health was just absolutely shot to s**t.'

The toll on her well-being was made worse during Feedback Week, during a task that involved a relentless line of questioning from Jayden Eynaud and his partner Eden Harper.

'No matter what I say, you're not going to believe me,' she recalled feeling at the time.

Sara matched her white sneakers with her crisp white socks

The pair were seen having a casual chat as they waited to cross the road together

Tim clutched the flowers he bought for Sara in hand as he appeared to scroll through messages on his phone

Reflecting on her actions, Sara expresses remorse and the desire to have handled things differently.

'If I could go back and do it differently, I would have told [Tim],' she asserts, acknowledging that her approach at the dinner party could have been more compassionate.

The public's reaction has been another hurdle, one that even caught Sara off guard despite considering herself tough-skinned.

'The reaction from the public has been crazy,' she says, expressing an understanding of the viewers' sentiments.

Despite the negative portrayal, she's seeking support from loved ones and focusing on personal growth.

'It's a shame that the show is really showing me as this one-dimensional person,' she laments.

Amid the storm, Sara is committed to proving her detractors wrong and fighting for her relationship with Tim.

Looking ahead, Sara was fortified by Tim's support going into the next dinner party.

'He was going to have my back 100%,' she shares, grateful for their united front amid the ongoing drama.

READ MORE: MAFS intruder Jade Pywell shows off her incredible figure in a bikini as she and Ridge Barredo cuddle up during beach date in Cronulla Advertisement

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Linda Kosuda-Bigazzi, who pleaded guilty this week in the 2017 killing of her husband Pierluigi Bigazzi, a UConn medical professor, will likely get 13 years in prison, court records show. Contributed photo

HARTFORD  The 76-year-old woman who was convicted this week in the 2017 killing her husband, a University of Connecticut medical professor, will likely get a 13-year prison sentence, court records show.

Linda Kosuda-Bigazzi, of Burlington, accepted a plea bargain in state Superior Court in Hartford and was convicted of first-degree manslaughter in the death of her husband, Pierluigi Bigazzi, 84, and first-degree larceny for continuing to receive his pay after his death, according to prosecutors.

Court records show Kosuda-Bigazzi entered the plea to the manslaughter charge under the Alford doctrine, meaning she did not admit guilt, but acknowledged the evidence against her was sufficient for a conviction at trial.

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The plea bargain calls for her to receive a 13-year prison sentence, followed by three years of probation, with the possibility of up to seven more years behind bars if she violates release conditions, a court document shows.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 28. Kosuda-Bigazzi remains free on more than $1.6 million bond while awaiting sentencing.

Bigazzis body was found in the home he shared with his wife on Smith Lane in Burlington after a colleague at the UConn Health Center was unable to contact him via phone or email and asked police to check on him, according to an affidavit by state police Detective Michael W. Fitzsimmons.

UConn Health police officers, joined later by a Burlington officer, went to the house on Feb. 5, 2018. They noticed noises coming from inside the house and other signs of activity, but no one answered the door, according to the detective.

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Eventually, lawyer Brian Karpe contacted police to say he had received a call from Kosuda-Bigazzi, Fitzsimmons continued. Karpe arrived at the house and had several conversations inside with Kosuda-Bigazzi before agreeing to let police in to check for Bigazzi, according to the detective.

During the check, an officer noticed signs of insect activity coming from the basement, where he lifted the corner of a tarp and saw what appeared to be human remains, the detective continued.

Based upon the levels of decomposition, it was apparent that the individual had been deceased for an extended period of time, the detective wrote.

Kosuda-Bigazzi was taken by ambulance to Bristol Hospital after her lawyer told police she had made statements indicating that she intended to harm herself and had a plan to do so, Fitzsimmons reported.

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A state medical examiner later concluded that Bigazzi died of multiple blunt force injuries to the head and determined his death was a homicide, according to the detective.

During a search of the house, police found what appeared to be blood stains on the floor, ceiling and cabinets in the kitchen, together with evidence that there had been attempts to clean up the blood, the detective reported.

The search also produced a handwritten journal bearing the name Linda Bigazzi, the initials LKB and the date 2017, according to the detective. In the journal, she described how her husband at times would just come at people, including a man he had asked for directions in Boston, the detective continued.

She wrote that she told her husband that nails were coming out of their deck and needed to be pounded back in, according to the detective.

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The journal went on to say that Bigazzi picked up the hammer and said according to Roman Law, he could kill me, the detective reported.

Kosuda-Bigazzi described an intense struggle during which her husband almost knocked her out with punches and tried to choke her, adding that she told him to leave her alone and he refused, according to the detective.

I hit him just swinging the hammer in any direction, she wrote, according to the detective. Bigazzi was quiet for a few seconds" and "then he stopped breathing, the detective reported.

A major legal issue during the case was whether police had violated the confidentiality of attorney-client communications by reading the journal and other papers Kosuda-Bigazzi had in a locked filing cabinet.

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Prosecutors conceded that some of the papers were confidential and took elaborate measures to contain the taint, such as re-assigning the investigation from the state police Western District Major Crime Squad to the Central District Major Crime Squad as well as to a different prosecutors office.
Dua Lipa, Coldplay and SZA will headline Glastonbury 2024, it has been announced.

The hotly-anticipated festival will be taking place at Worthy Farm in Somerset from Wednesday June 26 to Sunday June 30.

And after months of discussion, it was revealed on Thursday that Dua Lipa, Coldplay and SZA will headline the iconic event, with Shania Twain playing the legendary Sunday slot.

It marks the first time in the event's history that female acts have taken two of the three headline slots.

Glastonbury bosses have been accused of choosing too many male acts to headline. Last year the line-up was all male, with Arctic Monkeys, Guns N' Roses and Sir Elton John taking the top slots.

Dua Lipa, Coldplay and SZA will headline this year's Glastonbury Festival, organisers have announced

It marks the first time in the event's history that female acts have taken two of the three headline slots

Other acts on this year's line-up include Brit Award-winning rapper Little Simz and Afrobeats star Burna Boy, making his Pyramid Stage debut.

Big names like LCD Soundsytem, PJ Harvey, Cyndi Lauper, Michael Kiwanuka, Janelle Monae, Paul Heaton, Keane, Paloma Faith, Olivia Dean and Ayra Starr will also be hitting the stage.

Thirteen-member boyband Seventeen are set to become the first K-pop band to perform on the Pyramid stage.

Heading up the Other stage will be IDLES, Disclosure and The National, with The Streets, Two Door Cinema Club, Avril Lavigne and breakout stars The Last Dinner Party also set to play on the festival's second-biggest platform.

Joining these will be Camila Cabello, Bombay Bicycle Club, Bloc Party and Confidence Man.

Alongside the announcement on Glastonbury's official social media pages, bosses wrote: 'Here is the first Glastonbury Festival 2024 line-up poster. Many more acts and attractions still to be announced.'

On the news that she is headlining the first day of the UK's biggest festival, Dua Lipa said: 'FRIDAY NIGHT PYRAMID STAGE HEADLINE!!!! I have dreamt of this moment all my life.

'Something that lived only in my wildest dreams and highest manifestations !!! I am so excited to see you all in my favourite place on earth and make it a night to remember!! Thank you'

It comes after the three-time Grammy Award winner revealed her upcoming third album will be called Radical Optimism and will be available to stream from May 3.

After months of discussion, it was revealed on Thursday that Dua Lipa , Coldplay and SZA will headline the iconic event, with Shania Twain playing the legendary slot

Alongside the announcement, Glastonbury Festival organisers wrote: 'Here is the first Glastonbury Festival 2024 line-up poster. Many more acts and attractions still to be announced.'

Coldplay, who have headlined four times before, will perform on the Pyramid stage on Saturday - becoming the first act to headline Glastonbury five times.

The Sunday night headliner is Grammy and Brit winner Sza, real name Solana Imani Rowe, known for the songs Snooze and Ghost In The Machine.

Canadian star Shania, who was the legendary Sunday afternoon slot, shared on Instagram: 'Another jewel in my crown! I feel so honoured and so excited about this one! Thinking about what to wear already... Let's make history this summer with this ultimate dream performance.'

Tickets for the festival sold out in under an hour when they went on sale in November, leaving thousands of fans disappointed.

A resale of any cancelled or returned tickets is expected at some time in April.

It comes after festival organiser Emily Eavis previously addressed the lack of women headliners by said: 'I've always been really passionate about gender split [on festival line-ups] and I think, actually, our problem was that I'd been so outspoken about it that having a year when there wasn't a female sent people a bit mad  or some people.

'And we did have a female  she pulled out and we replaced them with Guns N' Roses. But everyone knows that it's top of my list.

'It is difficult with female artists because there aren't enough headliners. But we're also creating them. We're putting the bands and female artists on smaller stages and bringing them through all the time. And who knows? Next year we might get two. And certainly, I can say that the Legend is female.'

Last year, revellers enjoyed the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Guns N' Roses and Elton John, who played his last ever UK gig on the Pyramid stag to close the 2023 edition of the festival.

Rick Astley, Lil Nas X, Blondie, Lizzo and Aitch were joined by hundreds more performers across the weekend, proving to be an enviable line-up and giving many of those who didn't attend FOMO.

Coldplay have headlined four times before  in 2002, 2005, 2011 and 2016

Previously addressing the lack of women headliners, festival organiser Emily Eavis said: 'I've always been really passionate about gender split' (2024 headliner SZA pictured)

Canadian star Shania shared on Instagram: 'Another jewel in my crown! I feel so honoured and so excited about this one! Thinking about what to wear already... Let's make history this summer with this ultimate dream performance.'

The 2024 line-up announcement comes after sources previously revealed that talks with Madonna collapsed after organisers refused to pay the fee to bring her live show to the festival.

A Glastonbury source told The Mail on Sunday at the time: 'To be honest it's been a real blow not being able to nail down a deal with Madonna.

'Emily was so keen to have her play the legend slot. After she saw Madonna's tour in London in October she raved about her on Instagram, something she rarely does without Glastonbury in mind.

'But everyone knows that after last year, and the criticism over the gender balance, we've got to have big name females heading the line-up. Dua Lipa is a real catch. Now we need another.

'There is still some hope it an be resurrected but it's pretty unlikely. There are money issues at the root of this, it's a real shame.'

Bosses then tried to get Fleetwood Mac icon Stevie Nicks on board, but she then signed to the BST festival in London's Hyde Park.

Glastonbury 2024 will take place from Wednesday 26 June to Sunday 30 June.
Glastonbury Festival's 2024 line-up has been branded 'the worst ever' by disappointed fans.

The annual music event will be taking place at Worthy Farm in Somerset from Wednesday June 26 to Sunday June 30, and after months of speculation the headline acts were revealed on Thursday.

Taking to the Pyramid Stage this summer will be Dua Lipa, Coldplay and SZA, with Shania Twain playing the legendary Sunday slot.

Yet fans were unimpressed by the announcement, with many underwhelmed by Coldplay - who have headlined Glastonbury four times prior - while others were surprised by the addition of SZA, who has never scored a UK number one.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, many expressed their disappointment at the line-up and their annoyance that rumours Madonna was set to appear weren't realised.

Glastonbury Festival's 2024 line-up has been branded 'the worst ever' by disappointed fans who have slammed the 'embarrassing' bill

Taking to the Pyramid Stage this summer will be Dua Lipa, Coldplay and SZA (pictured) with Shania Twain playing the legendary Sunday slot

It marks the first time in the event's history that female acts have taken two of the three headline slots (Dua Lipa pictured)

Coldplay (L-R) Jonny Buckland, Chris Martin, Will Champion and Guy Berryman will be taking to the Pyramid Stage for a fifth time

Annoyed festivalgoers shared: 'Interesting Glastonbury line up. Very disappointed Madonna said no. Also who the hell is Sza?????'; 'Thought SZA was one of the Wu Tang Clan #glastonbury'; 'Coldplay AGAIN? Jesus. And, sorry, who is Sza? Genuinely.'

'I'm now old to the point where #Glastonbury has announced a headliner who I've never heard of in my life. It's over.'; 'Sorry but that #Glastonbury line-up.'; 'Ive never heard of one of the Glastonbury headliners #Glastonbury';

'Never in the history of #Glastonbury has there been a more underwhelming set of headliners. Imagine wading through two foot deep mud to be greeted by a Coldplay headline set'; 'That's gotta be the worst #glastonbury line up like ever';

'What is that lineup? I genuinely havent heard of 70% of these acts.'; 'That might just be the worst #Glastonbury lineup I've ever seen. Thoughts and prayers to those who managed to get a ticket.'

'Good God thats the worst Glastonbury line up ever'; 'What a downgrade from last year #glastonbury'; 'Never heard of SZA? #glastonbury'; 'That is an awful line up. The headliners are embarrassing #Glastonbury'

'I have been many times and as much as there is much more that just the music, for me this is a terrible line up. #Glastonbury'; 'That must be the most mediocre set of headliners at Glastonbury ever. One artist you have to google and the mediocrity dad rock of Coldplay. Shania Twain is stretching the definition of legend if you look at it from a UK perspective. Very disappointing #glastonbury'

While fans may not be impressed with the headliners, it marks the first time in the event's history that female acts have taken two of the three headline slots.

Glastonbury bosses have been accused of choosing too many male acts to headline. Last year the line-up was all male, with Arctic Monkeys, Guns N' Roses and Sir Elton John taking the top slots.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter , many expressed their disappointment at the line-up and their annoyance that rumours Madonna was set to appear weren't realised

Who is SZA? What you need to know about the Glastonbury headliner SZA born Solana Imani Rowe (pictured 2022) was raised a Muslim and was educated in a Muslim prep school in Maplewood, New Jersey Grammy award-winning artist SZA, was born Solana Imani Rowe on November 8, 1989. She was raised as a Muslim, by her Christian mother and Muslim father, in Maplewood, New Jersey. In a 2020 interview with Complex, the global sensation revealed after spending a large amount of her childhood studying in a Muslim prep school, life became intense following the 9/11 terror attacks. She said: 'Somewhere around the 7th grade, when 9/11 happened, s***t got weird and awkward. 'I was attacked at school and taunted. It got really uncomfortable and I started to get embarrassed. My dad's mosque came under fire, it was a bad time. 'I just wanted to be regular. At school, I wanted to fit in so I would take my hijab off.' After leaving Columbia High School in 2008, the singer went to three different colleges before settling down at Delaware State University to enrol on a marine biology course. However a college degree was not meant to be for the critically-acclaimed songstress as she left Delaware State University during her last semester. Since, she has gone on to release two hugely successful albums named Ctrl and SOS, as well as one live album and 44 singles. Following the 9/11 terror attacks, SZA attacked and taunted in school for her religion What has SZA done? SZA's stage name was inspired by the Wu-Tang Clan rapper RZA. The first letter of her name stands for saviour and sovereign, whilst the following letters are for Zig-Zag and Allah, taking inspiration from her religious childhood. The R&B artist also ranks among some of the most successful independent artists of all time, according to The Metro. Before she signed with Top Dog Entertainment, who boasts an iconic Hip-Hop roster including Kendrick Lamar and Schoolboy Q, SZA released two EPs See.SZA.Runin in 2012 and S a year later. She was the first ever female to be signed to the label, and released her third EP Z through them. Z garnered quite a bit of success for the singer, shifting 6,980 copies in its first week and earning a number nine spot on The Billboard Hip Hop/R&B chart. However SZA astronomical rise to fame did not begin until she entered a joint recording contract with RCA Records and shortly thereafter launched her debut album Ctrl. The certified triple platinum album included hits like Drew Barrymore and Love Galore. Ctrl is also the second longest charting R&B album by a female musician in the history of Billboard 200. Her following album SOS hit streaming platforms in 2022 and dominated charts worldwide. Not only was SOS number one on the Billboard 200 album charts for a staggering 10 weeks, the crooner also bagged her first US number one single with Kill Bill. With hit songs such as Blind, No Love and Shirt, SOS is the longest-running number one album - and the first R&B album to do so - in the last decade. It is the first to achieve the feat since Whitney Houston's self-titled album in 1987. After her phenomenal run with SOS, she was crowned Billboard's Woman Of The Year in 2023. She has a long list of star-studded collaborators which includes the likes of Lizzo, Maroon 5, Justin Timberlake, Summer Walker and more. Her song writing talents have also seen her help pen tracks for Rihanna, Travis Scott and Nicki Minaj. So far SZA has bagged four Grammy Awards for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for Ghost In The Machine and Kiss Me More, Best R&B Song (Snooze), Best Progressive R&B album (SOS). Alongside her Woman Of The Year Billboard award, she was also awarded the Rulebreaker Award in 2018. She also has a whole shelf of various awards including a Brit Award, an American Music Award, a Guild of Music Supervisors Award, an ASCAP award and several Billboard Music Awards. Her song writing talents have also seen her help pen tracks for Rihanna, Travis Scott and Nicki Minaj Advertisement

Other acts on this year's line-up include Brit Award-winning rapper Little Simz and Afrobeats star Burna Boy, making his Pyramid Stage debut.

Big names like LCD Soundsytem, PJ Harvey, Cyndi Lauper, Michael Kiwanuka, Janelle Monae, Paul Heaton, Keane, Paloma Faith, Olivia Dean and Ayra Starr will also be hitting the stage.

Thirteen-member boyband Seventeen are set to become the first K-pop band to perform on the Pyramid stage.

Heading up the Other stage will be IDLES, Disclosure and The National, with The Streets, Two Door Cinema Club, Avril Lavigne and breakout stars The Last Dinner Party also set to play on the festival's second-biggest platform.

Joining these will be Camila Cabello, Bombay Bicycle Club, Bloc Party and Confidence Man.

Alongside the announcement on Glastonbury's official social media pages, bosses wrote: 'Here is the first Glastonbury Festival 2024 line-up poster. Many more acts and attractions still to be announced.'

On the news that she is headlining the UK's biggest festival, Dua Lipa said: 'FRIDAY NIGHT PYRAMID STAGE HEADLINE!!!! I have dreamt of this moment all my life.

'Something that lived only in my wildest dreams and highest manifestations !!! I am so excited to see you all in my favourite place on earth and make it a night to remember!! Thank you'.

Canadian star Shania shared on Instagram: 'Another jewel in my crown! I feel so honoured and so excited about this one! Thinking about what to wear already... Let's make history this summer with this ultimate dream performance.'

Tickets for the festival sold out in under an hour when they went on sale in November, leaving thousands of fans disappointed.

A resale of any cancelled or returned tickets is expected at some time in April.

Previously addressing the lack of women headliners, festival organiser Emily Eavis said: 'I've always been really passionate about gender split [on festival line-ups] and I think, actually, our problem was that I'd been so outspoken about it that having a year when there wasn't a female sent people a bit mad  or some people.

'And we did have a female  she pulled out and we replaced them with Guns N' Roses. But everyone knows that it's top of my list.

'It is difficult with female artists because there aren't enough headliners. But we're also creating them. We're putting the bands and female artists on smaller stages and bringing them through all the time. And who knows? Next year we might get two. And certainly, I can say that the Legend is female.'

She told The Guardian: 'Were trying our best so the pipeline needs to be developed. This starts way back with the record companies, radio. I can shout as loud as I like but we need to get everyone on board.'

She added that they remain 'entirely focused on balancing our bill. Its not just about gender, its about every aspect of diversity.'

Emily went on to commit to having two female headliners next year and said Lizzo - who will perform just before Guns N' Roses - would have been booked to headline this year but the positions had already been locked in by the male acts.

Last year, revellers enjoyed the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Guns N' Roses and Elton John, who played his last ever UK gig on the Pyramid stag to close the 2023 edition of the festival.

Rick Astley, Lil Nas X, Blondie, Lizzo and Aitch were joined by hundreds more performers across the weekend, proving to be an enviable line-up and giving many of those who didn't attend FOMO.

Canadian star Shania Twain is the Legendary act and shared on Instagram: 'Another jewel in my crown! I feel so honoured and so excited about this one!'

The 2024 line-up announcement comes after sources previously revealed that talks with Madonna collapsed after organisers refused to pay the fee to bring her live show to the festival.

A Glastonbury source told The Mail on Sunday at the time: 'To be honest it's been a real blow not being able to nail down a deal with Madonna.

'Emily was so keen to have her play the legend slot. After she saw Madonna's tour in London in October she raved about her on Instagram, something she rarely does without Glastonbury in mind.

'But everyone knows that after last year, and the criticism over the gender balance, we've got to have big name females heading the line-up. Dua Lipa is a real catch. Now we need another.

'There is still some hope it an be resurrected but it's pretty unlikely. There are money issues at the root of this, it's a real shame.'

Bosses then tried to get Fleetwood Mac icon Stevie Nicks on board, but she then signed to the BST festival in London's Hyde Park.

Glastonbury 2024 will take place from Wednesday 26 June to Sunday 30 June.

Greatest Glastonbury headliner performances over the years, from David Bowie and Beyonce to Stormzy and Arctic Monkeys

Pulp (1995)

Glastonbury 1995 was supposed to be headlined by The Stone Rose, but they pulled out at the last minute and the Levellers, Rod Stewart and Primal Scream turned the slot down.

Pulp came to the rescue, though at the time seemed like an overwhelming choice, as the band had only rose to prominence in the mid-1990s after the release of their album, His n Hers.

However, they then delivered the performance of their career, with an incredible set including live debuts of Sorted for Es & Wizz, Disco 2000, and Mis-Shapes.

The rock band's rendition of Common People was the highlight of the performance and sent chills through the crowd.

The performance elevated Pulp into one of the biggest bands in the country and turned lead singer Jarvis Cocker into a national treasure overnight.

Career-defining: Pulp's Glastonbury performance elevated the group into one of the biggest bands in the country and turned lead singer Jarvis Cocker into a national treasure overnight

Arctic Monkeys (2007)

The Artic Monkeys' 2007 headlining set occurred only a year after their debut album, and just three months after the release of their second.

The Sheffield-born rock band has appeared several times at the festival, but their first performance has been highlighted as their best.

The crowd sang along to the songs from the start of the set and the gig featured a surprise appearance from Dizzee Rascal, for their song Temptation Greets You Like Your Naughty Friend, which they had never played live before.

Impressive: The Artic Monkeys' 2007 headlining set occurred only a year after their debut album, and just three months after the release of their second

Beyonce (2011)

Before even stepping foot on the stage, Beyonce had already made history by being the first ever solo black female artist to headline the Pyramid Stage.

She threw her all into her 90-minute energetic performance, despite being secretly pregnant at the time, and even rose up from the stage on a hydraulic platform.

She had the crowd screaming in delight as she delivered incredible choreography and performed her greatest hits, including Crazy In Love, and even Bootylicious with the other members of Destinys Child.

Beyonce also included covers of Alanis Morisettes You Oughta Know, Kings of Leons Sex on Fire, and Etta Jamess At Last, which was accompanied by powerful footage from the civil rights movement and President Obama.

She told the audience: Ive done a lot of things in my life, but Ive never played to 175,000 people', and added: 'You are witnessing a dream! I always wanted to be a rock star!'

Outstanding: Before even stepping foot on the stage, Beyonce had already made history by being the first ever solo black female artist to headline the Pyramid Stage

Talented: She threw her all into her 90-minute energetic performance, despite being secretly pregnant at the time, and even rose up from the stage on a hydraulic platform

Dolly Parton (2014)

Glastonbury organisers had been tried to book Dolly Parton since the festival began and when she finally took to the stage in 2014, she announced: 'Ive been waiting a long time for this!'

The singer dazzled in a white rhinestone-studded suit as she belted out hits like Why Dyou Come In Here Lookin Like That?, 9 to 5, Coat of Many Colors, and Jolene.

She attracted the biggest crowd of the weekend, with over 180,000 festival-goers watching her perform.

Dolly made the crowd cheer and smile as she also delivered stories about her life, lovers, and her music and told them: 'Its always been my dream to sing for people like you.'

Dolly spoke of her nerves about the performance, saying she was worried she wouldn't fit in with the other acts, but the audience adored her.

Even the security staff couldn't contain themselves, and choreographed their own dance routine for Jolene.

Dolly addressed the crowd, saying: 'Im just a country girl and now I feel like a rock star.'

Worth the wait! Glastonbury organisers had been tried to book Dolly Parton since the festival began and when she finally took to the stage in 2014, she announced: 'Ive been waiting a long time for this!

Hit after hit: The singer dazzled in a white rhinestone-studded suit as she belted out hits like Why Dyou Come In Here Lookin Like That?, 9 to 5, Coat of Many Colors, and Jolene

Jay-Z (2008)

Jay-Z's booking as a headliner in 2008 caused controversy, with Noel Gallagher scoffing: 'Glastonbury has the tradition of guitar music... Im not having hip-hop at Glastonbury, it's wrong.'

But the rapper proved all his haters wrong when he delivered an iconic performance, that opened the door for other stellar acts like Kanye West, Stormzy and Dave to follow in his footsteps.

Jay-Z mocked Noel's comments, by starting his set with a sarcastic cover of Oasis' hit Wonderwall on his guitar.

He then launched into an incredible mash-up of 99 Problems with AC/DCs Back in Black before performing an awe-inspiring set, with many of hits and snippets of The Prodigys Smack My Bitch Up and Amy Winehouses Rehab.

The performance changed the game for Glastonbury and showed that hip-hop belonged at Worthy Farm

Changed the game: Jay-Z proved all his haters wrong when he delivered an iconic performance, that opened the door for other stellar acts like Kanye West, Stormzy and Dave to follow in his footsteps

Radiohead (1997)

Radiohead's performance at Glastonbury in 1997 was nearly very different, after the set was hit by technical difficulties, and the band admitted they almost chose to abandon the show halfway through.

But they persevered and played through their frustration and ended up delivering one of their greatest ever performances.

Coming only two weeks after the release of their album OK Computer, they delivered definitive live versions of highlights, Karma Police, Airbag, Paranoid Android and No Surprises.

The crowd was rapt with attention as the band performed a unique and sensational set that many have credited with impacting the landscape of music in Britain.

Memorable: Radiohead's performance at Glastonbury in 1997 was nearly very different, after the set was hit by technical difficulties, but they persevered and played through their frustration and ended up delivering one of their greatest ever performances

Kylie Minogue (2019)

Kylie Minogue's 2019 performance at Glastonbury showed that good things come to those who wait.

After she was diagnosed with breast cancer, the Princess of Pop was forced to cancel her planned appearance at the festival in 2005.

However, 14 years later she exploded on the stage on the Sunday Legends slot and delivered a jaw-dropping show.

Kylie belted out her biggest hits while being streamed with confetti and even included a fake wedding.

The performance was so good that it smashed the record for the most-watched Glastonbury performance, with an average audience of 3.2 million people tuning in at home, beating previous highs set by the likes of Ed Sheeran and Adele.

Unstoppable: Kylie Minogue's 2019 performance at Glastonbury showed that good things come to those who wait after she exploded on the stage on the Sunday Legends slot and delivered a jaw-dropping show

Stormzy (2019)

Stormzy made history when he was announced as a headliner in 2019, but was also seen as a risky booking.

Only 25 years old, with just one album and the first ever grime artist to headline, he had a lot of pressure on his shoulders.

But the artist transcended expectations, with a triumphant and at time emotional performance that celebrated he best of black and alternative British culture.

Stormzy stepped out in a Union Jack stab-proof vest designed by Banksy and delivered spellbinding renditions of Blinded By Your Grace Part 2 and Big For Your Boots.

He also brought out members of the Black Ballet company, a full gospel choir, fellow UK grime artists Dave and Fredo and even Coldplays Chris Martin.

During the performance, he railed against the Tory goverment, leading the audience to chant out: 'F**k the government, f**k Boris', as he slammed their response to the Grenfell Tower fire.

The cultural significance of the performance cannot be overstated, with incredible music and atmosphere as well as a powerful statement on race, class and inequality in modern Britain.

Impact: Stormy transcended expectations, with a triumphant and at time emotional performance that celebrated he best of black and alternative British culture

Moving: Stormzy stepped out in a Union Jack stab-proof vest designed by Banksy and delivered spellbinding renditions of Blinded By Your Grace Part 2 and Big For Your Boots

David Bowie (2000)

David Bowie had been praised as one of the greatest singers of all time, alongside Elvis and Frank Sinatra, by Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis.

He performed in 1971, but didn't return for over three decade, meaning his 2000 headlining set was even more special.

David performed an incredible set with flair, including hits like Wild Is The Wind, Ashes To Ashes, Changes, Rebel Rebel and The Man Who Sold The World.

Delivering impeccable showmanship, the late singer showed why he has been lauded as one of the greats during the hit set.

Highlights included David leading the audience in singing along to Heroes, Life on Mars and Under Pressure.

The iconic show cemented his place in music history and David himself appeared to have felt that, as he later spoke fondly about his experience at the festival.

Iconic: David Bowie performed an incredible set with flair, including hits like Wild Is The Wind, Ashes To Ashes, Changes, Rebel Rebel and The Man Who Sold The World
Robert Downey Jr. and his second wife Susan Levin Downey maintain their 18-year marriage by following the two-week rule.

'It often feels too long, but we don't go more than two weeks without seeing each other and the family being together,' the 50-year-old producer said in her hubbie's People cover story.

'Fortunately, we prefer to be a traveling circus when we can be.'

Susan continued: 'You don't try and think too far ahead, because so much of what we do is oddly unpredictable. You just never know. Someone might get sick, or there might be a shutdown, or this or that. So you just have to have some basic things in place, and then you have to be willing to flow with the rest of it.'

The 58-year-old Oppenheimer actor chimed in: 'It just gives me, honestly, something to attach my neurosis to that's positive.'

Robert Downey Jr. and his second wife Susan Levin Downey maintain their 18-year marriage by following the two-week rule (pictured Sunday)

The 50-year-old producer said in her hubbie's People cover story: 'It often feels too long, but we don't go more than two weeks without seeing each other and the family being together. Fortunately, we prefer to be a traveling circus when we can be'

Downey has 'a lot of empathy for couples who both have to be in front of the camera because you get stuck and you have to make those choices' so as a producer, she ends up having a 'little bit more flexibility in terms of location.'

When Robert finally won his first Oscar Sunday, he gave a sweet shout-out to his 'veterinarian, I mean wife' considering 'she found me a snarling rescue pet and loved me back to life. That's why I'm here.'

Downey Jr. frequently credits the Illinois-born brunette with helping him overcome his drug and alcohol addiction in 2003 after meeting on the set of Gothika, and they're proud parents of 12-year-old son Exton and nine-year-old daughter Avri.

In 2015, the twice-rehabbed ex-con received a full and unconditional pardon from Governor of California Jerry Brown for his prior drug convictions.

Speaking of which, Robert's eldest son Indio Falconer Downey celebrated 18 months of sobriety last November.

Downey Jr. welcomed the 30-year-old musician during his 12-year marriage to Deborah Falconer, which ended in 2004.

The Downey's Dream Cars producer-host will next executive produce and star as four different characters in Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar's seven-episode spy thriller The Sympathizer, which premieres April 18 on Max.

Each of Robert's antagonistic characters reportedly represent a different arm of the American establishment and he told People: 'It wasn't particularly subtle, it wasn't meant to be, but I'm already proud of what I've seen.'

Susan continued: 'You don't try and think too far ahead, because so much of what we do is oddly unpredictable. You just never know. Someone might get sick, or there might be a shutdown, or this or that. So you just have to have some basic things in place, and then you have to be willing to flow with the rest of it'

The 58-year-old Oppenheimer actor chimed in: 'It just gives me, honestly, something to attach my neurosis to that's positive'

When Robert finally won his first Oscar Sunday, he gave a sweet shout-out to his 'veterinarian, I mean wife' considering 'she found me a snarling rescue pet and loved me back to life. That's why I'm here'

Downey Jr. frequently credits the Illinois-born brunette with helping him overcome his drug and alcohol addiction in 2003 after meeting on the set of Gothika, and they're proud parents of 12-year-old son Exton and nine-year-old daughter Avri

In 2015, the twice-rehabbed ex-con received a full and unconditional pardon from Governor of California Jerry Brown for his prior drug convictions (pictured in 2015)

Speaking of which, Robert's eldest son Indio Falconer Downey celebrated 18 months of sobriety last November (pictured October 17)

Downey Jr. will next executive produce and star as four different characters in Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar's seven-episode spy thriller The Sympathizer, which premieres April 18 on Max

Downey Jr. and Downey founded their production company Team Downey a decade ago and their other upcoming projects include Netflix series Sweet Tooth and Amazon MGM Studios' crime thriller Play Dirty

As for the long-delayed Sherlock Holmes 3, Susan told the UnWrapped podcast a year ago: 'Yes, it's in the hopper. We're going to do it when it's right with the right people. But it is a priority for the company and a priority for Robert'

Cowboy Bebop star Hoa Xuande plays the main character - a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy during the final days of the Vietnam War and his resulting exile in the United States.

The small-screen adaptation of Viet Thanh Nguyen's Pulitzer Prize-winning 2015 debut novel will also feature Sandra Oh, Kieu Chinh, Nguyen Cao Ky Duyen, Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Vy Le, and Alan Trong.

'He approaches everything he's done, every Marvel movie, every other movie, with the same level of commitment and belief that he is an actor and that he's doing his best to create a role,' Susan gushed.

'But sometimes I think it looks so effortless that it's just like, "Oh, yeah, that's just Downey being Downey," when it's like, "No, there's a lot of craft and skill that is going into the performance."'

Downey Jr. and Downey founded their production company Team Downey a decade ago and their other upcoming projects include Netflix series Sweet Tooth and Amazon MGM Studios' crime thriller Play Dirty.

As for the long-delayed Sherlock Holmes 3, the USC grad told the UnWrapped podcast a year ago: 'Yes, it's in the hopper. We're going to do it when it's right with the right people. But it is a priority for the company and a priority for Robert.'
Fern Britton reveals she has no intention of falling in love again in the latest episode of Celebrity Big Brother, after splitting from her husband Phil Vickery.

The former This Morning presenter, 66, split from the chef in 2020 after 22 years of marriage, and was devastated when he was pictured kissing her best friend Lorraine Stanton in 2022.

In scenes set to air in Thursday's episode, Fern tells Louis Walsh that she's 'ready to slow down' after a lengthy career, before talk turned to love.

She says: 'I'm ready to slow down, like you, I've been working solidly since I was 20'

Louis agrees, saying: 'you realise what life is, and realise why haven't I done this before, why didn't I go there, why didn't I do that?'

Fern Britton reveals she has no intention of falling in love again in the latest episode of Celebrity Big Brother, after splitting from her husband Phil Vickery

'Fern, if you pick the right person you'll have great fun, you might fall in love'

Fern says: 'I don't want to fall in love again'

Before entering the CBB house, Ferne said she had no interest in finding love again.

She told Weekend Magazine: 'I'm not dating. There's an awful lot I'd like to know about myself first and to know that I am ready to be looking, otherwise you might turn up as another kind of hysterical mess, saying, ''He left me and it was awful!''

'Not that Phil did leave me. You don't want that kind of conversation with a date who is just looking for someone nice to have dinner with. But I never want to live with anybody again. I like my own space.'

Fern and Phil split in 2020 after 20 years together, and two years later, the chef was seen sharing a kiss with her longtime friend Lorraine.

An insider said: 'Phil and Lorraine kissing on the street like this will be heartbreaking for poor Fern. They look like teenagers in love and that will be just so hurtful for her.'

'They are two of the most important people in her life and them behaving this way in public will feel like a betrayal.'

The former This Morning presenter split from the chef in 2020 after 22 years of marriage, and was devastated when he was pictured kissing her best friend Lorraine Stanton in 2002

In scenes set to air in Thursday's episode, Fern tells Louis Walsh that she's 'ready to slow down' after a lengthy career, before talk turned to love

Fern previously spoke about how she wished she could've 'persevered' at their marriage, during a new interview with Prima Magazine.

Fern said she 'doesn't want to be the poster girl for separate', and explained that many couples experience their relationship coming to a natural end.

Reflecting on her tough but amicable split, she said: 'This new chapter has come at the right time for me. I don't want to be the poster girl for separation, though, because a lot of people go through the same thing.

'Often, the children leave home and you look at each other and go, 'Ah, where do we go from here?' I only wish I was the sort of person who could have persevered through that, but I couldn't,' she explained.

Thursday's CBB also sees the housemates nominate face-to-face for the first time.

As the housemates take it in turns to nominate, tensions rise with one housemate nominating by saying: 'I don't get you, you don't get me. I sometimes feel like you're wearing a mask I feel like I don't know the real you and that has disappointed me and disturbed me'

Louis says whilst making his decision: 'I'm not fake, I'm not acting. A lot of people here are..'

Whilst Ekin-Su is angered by one nomination for her, saying 'I knew this was gonna happen, this judging me because I've been on a show before. You've been close to me this whole time, so you've been fake with me this whole time'
Whitney Port-Rosenman picked up a take-out bag from upscale Italian restaurant Cipriani Beverly Hills on Wednesday night.

The 39-year-old With Whit podcaster - whose hair was styled in a severe updo - slipped her skinny 5ft10in frame into a silky white peplum top, matching baggy pants, black shoes, and a b&w-patterned purse.

Whitney and her husband of eight years - Tim Rosenman - have suffered three miscarriages, gone through IVF, and hired an 'amazing' surrogate during their years-long journey to welcome a sibling for their six-year-old son Sonny Sanford Rosenman.

'Both [embryo] transfers ended up miscarrying. The last miscarriage was just a month ago,' Port lamented on the November 7th episode of her Dear Media podcast.

The Hills alum's 42-year-old bearded beau added: 'And it's worth saying that both were after seven and a half weeks, where we were told we had a 97% chance of successful pregnancy. So to have that back to back, the odds are really crazy.'

Whitney Port-Rosenman picked up a take-out bag from upscale Italian restaurant Cipriani Beverly Hills on Wednesday night

The 39-year-old With Whit podcaster - whose hair was styled in a severe updo - slipped her skinny 5ft10in frame into a silky white peplum top, matching baggy pants, black shoes, and a b&w-patterned purse

'We're kind of at this beginning phase again where we still have three embryos left, two that are tested, one that's untested,' Whitney replied.

Last summer, Port fully admitted she was 'underweight' and 'clearly not eating enough,' which can make getting pregnant much more difficult.

It was Tim who first expressed concern last July and convinced the LA-born socialite to get on a scale and weigh herself, which she called 'definitely an eye opener' wound up consulting with a nutritionist.

Whitney originally met Rosenman while he was working a field producer on her MTV spin-off, The City.

Tim shoots, edit, and co-hosts Port's recap YouTube vlogs, but his last real producing credit was on Fox music competition The X Factor way back in 2012.

The Rent the Runway collaborator's home decor company Love, Whit is hosting a craft-your-own-reed-diffuser scent stem event March 24 from 2-4pm at The Studio Next Door in Jacksonville, FL but it's unclear if she will actually be attending.

The $65 ticket also comes with 'a pretty bag filled with goodies' including a Love, Whit candle, a beaded flower bracelet by Driftaway Jewelry, a mini-floral arrangement, and a journal.

Whitney is also every bit the influencer - frequently posting paid partnership posts for brands like Free People, BelliWelli, and Dermalogica.

Whitney and her husband of eight years - Tim Rosenman - have suffered three miscarriages, gone through IVF, and hired an 'amazing' surrogate during their years-long journey to welcome a sibling for their six-year-old son Sonny Sanford Rosenman (pictured March 4)

Port lamented on the November 7th episode of her Dear Media podcast: 'Both [embryo] transfers ended up miscarrying. The last miscarriage was just a month ago' (pictured Tuesday)

The Hills alum's 42-year-old bearded beau (R) added: 'And it's worth saying that both were after seven and a half weeks, where we were told we had a 97% chance of successful pregnancy. So to have that back to back, the odds are really crazy'

'We're kind of at this beginning phase again where we still have three embryos left, two that are tested, one that's untested,' Whitney replied

Port's home decor company Love, Whit is hosting a craft-your-own-reed-diffuser scent stem event March 24 from 2-4pm at The Studio Next Door in Jacksonville, FL but it's unclear if she will actually be attending
Minnie Driver has revealed the advice she would give her 25-year-old self after her devastating split from Matt Damon back in 1998.

The actress, now 54, who famously looked downcast as she watched her ex accept an Oscar for their film Good Will Hunting in 1998, discussed her heartbreak as she appeared on Thursday's episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show.

After Hudson commented Driver's expression 'made a lot of headlines' the British star said: 'I wish I could have told her, "Honey its cool, you can celebrate and lifes gonna be great and beautiful and hard and amazing,

"Youre going to love again, itll be fine.'

Driver and Damon started a relationship after starring as love interests in the film, but went their separate ways following their year-long whirlwind romance in 1998.

The pair risked an awards season run-in on Sunday as they both attended the Vanity Fair Oscar party in LA.

Minnie Driver has revealed the advice she would give her 25-year-old self after her devastating split from Matt Damon back in 1998 (pictured 1997)

The actress, now 54, who famously looked downcast as she watched her ex accept an Oscar for their film Good Will Hunting in 1998, discussed her heartbreak as she appeared on Thursday's episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show

After Hudson commented Driver's expression 'made a lot of headlines' the British star said: 'I wish I could have told her, "Honey its cool, you can celebrate and lifes gonna be great and beautiful and hard and amazing, "Youre going to love again, itll be fine.

By the time the Oscars rolled around, Damon had already moved on with a new girlfriend who attended the ceremony with him.

In October, a video of Driver's heartbroken expression at the Oscars resurfaced

Damon and Ben Affleck were seen accepting the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and contained a glimpse of Driver somberly watching her co-stars as Affleck gave her a shout-out in their speech.

After a fan commented that Driver looked 'so sad' at the ceremony, the actress leaped into the comments section to explain her appearance.

'Matt had ended our relationship a few weeks before this, and was at the Oscars with his new gf... I was devastated. Wish I could have celebrated more as it was an amazing moment for all of us, and for this wonderful film !' Driver commented.

Mom of one Driver has been dating Addison O'Dea since 2019. She shares son Henry, 15, with television writer and producer ex Timothy J. Lea, 64.

As for Damon, 53, he has been married to Luciana Bozan since 2005 and the pair share three daughters.

The world learned Damon and Driver had called it quits after the actor revealed their split on The Oprah Winfrey Show, saying: 'Well, Im single. I was with Minnie for a while, but were not really romantically involved anymore, were just really good friends. I love her dearly.'

'I care about her a lot. We care about each other a lot. It wasnt meant to be and if it wasnt meant to be then its not meant to be.'

Damon and Driver pictured in their critically-acclaimed film Good Will Hunting and sparked up a real-life romance

Damon and Ben Affleck were seen accepting the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and contained a glimpse of Driver somberly watching her co-stars as Affleck gave her a shout-out in their speech

After a fan commented that Driver looked 'so sad' at the ceremony, the actress leaped into the comments section to explain her appearance. 'Matt had ended our relationship a few weeks before this, and was at the Oscars with his new gf... I was devastated'

Driver hit back in a subsequent interview with the Los Angeles Times: 'Its unfortunate that Matt went on Oprah; it seemed like a good forum for him to announce to the world that we were no longer together, which I found fantastically inappropriate.'

'Of course, he was busy declaring his love for me on David Letterman a month previously,' she said.

In 2022 the actress appeared on ITV's This Morning where she told Phillip Schofield and Rochelle Humes of her public split from Matt: 'It was dramatically reported on but I wouldn't change a second of it.'

Minnie spoke to Chris Evans on the Sky Breakfast Show, where she opened up about her time in Hollywood and their romance during that time.

She said: 'Matt Damon was just this lovely, talented, great person who was also very young and got famous very fast. And people don't always behave well in situations when you're under pressure.

'It was a very sweet romance that we had. And I really do look back on it with such fondness no matter how it ended up. It was just sort of dramatic and tabloid-y and was really unbelievable.'

Damon, 53, he has been married to Luciana Bozan since 2005 and the pair share three daughters - he attended Sunday's Vanity Fair Oscar party which Driver was also at

Driver has been dating Addison O'Dea since 2019 - she shares one son Henry, 15, with ex Timothy J. Lea

She recalled what it was like to find out he dating other people through the press: 'At the time, it was weird, walking down the aisle in the supermarket with magazine covers in stereo of him making out with his new girlfriend after we'd broken up.

'We really did fancy each other, we really were good friends at that point. And they let us improvise a lot, there was a lot of real, the way in which we spoke to each other.'

The actress cemented her rise to fame with the 1997's Good Will Hunting which earned her an Academy Award nomination.

Minnie also addressed the romance while promoting her memoir Managing Expectations last year on TODAY.

The actress wrote she was advised by her mother to love Damon with 'loose hands' - but Driver insisted her parents were big fans of the actor.

'They loved Matt,' Minnie said on the show. 'It was really being with an actor who was ascending at a rate of knots just like I was, and it's super combustible, like you know, teacher Phil Hook would say.

'That was just a recipe for not necessarily for disaster but combustibility and everybody's moving at a rate of knots. They wanted me to just calm down and not be in love as well as be rocketing to fame.'
BBC Radio 1 'legend' Chris Sawyer has left his post as Greg James's producer after a 15 years on air.

The co-producer took to Instagram on Thursday to announce his departure from the radio station.

Chris chose 10 of his favourite moments from his 15 years at Radio 1 to share for his post, including his first ever hug with host Greg.

He revealed his last show with Greg on the Breakfast show would be Friday - and teased of the new pastures he was moving on to.

Chris captioned the post: 'It's my last week at Radio 1! I've been involved with more nonsense than I ever thought it was possible to fit into a quick 15 years.

BBC Radio 1 'legend' Chris Sawyer has left his post as Greg James's producer after a whopping 15 years on air, he announced on Instagram on Thursday

'Friday will be my last show with Greg and the Breakfast team before I run off to a whole new world of mischief.

Other memories Chris looked back to in his goodbye post included a publicity shot for the 'short-lived' Chris and Ian on Early Breakfast show in 2007.

The Radio 1 Paint-along, where Greg recreated a painting from 1866 live on air and became his 19th century doppelganger, also got a mention.

In another snap, Chris was seen floating on a 'giant jigsaw' - presumably for another work task.

Chris's last week is a busy one, as he was seen in the car with Greg and Matt Edmondson touring around with Mollie King as she undertakes a 500km Red Nose Day charity bike ride.

Greg was jokingly sceptical of the validity of Chris quitting, commenting: 'I still can't 100% be sure this isnt just another scheme.'

But the producer's other Radio 1 colleagues came out in force to express their sadness at him leaving the station.

'Nooooooo Chris!!!' said DJ and radio presenter Jack Saunders, who took on red carpet and afterparty hosting at this year's BRIT Awards.

Chris revealed that his last show with Greg on the Breakfast show would be Friday - and teased of the new pastures he was moving on to

Other memories that Chris harped back to in his goodbye post included a publicity shot for the 'short-lived' Chris and Ian on Early Breakfast show in 2007

The Radio 1 Paint-along, where Greg recreated a painting from 1866 live on air and became his 19th century doppelganger, also got a mention

In another snap, Chris is seen floating on a 'giant jigsaw' - presumably for another work task

Greg was jokingly sceptical of the validity of Chris quitting, commenting: ' I still can't 100% be sure this isnt just another scheme'

Rickie, Melvin and Charlie presenter Charlie Hedges said: 'Going to miss you. One of the best to do it.'

'A radio 1 legend,' new drivetime host Katie Thistleton exclaimed, while Matt referred to Chris as 'The GOAT'.

'Ahhh Chris!!!! [crying face],' said presenter Natalie O'Leary.

Chris's exit comes amid hosting shake ups at the BBC radio station, after Jordan North was axed from his slot with Vick following months of behind-the-scenes chaos.

It has since been announced Jordan would be replacing Roman Kemp on Capital Breakfast - with Made In Chelsea's Jamie Laing taking his place on Radio 1's Going Home.

But the producer's other Radio 1 colleagues came out in force to express their sadness at him leaving the station

Katie Thistleton is set to join Vick Hope and Jamie Laing for BBC Radio 1's drivetime show amid the station's huge shake-up following Jordan North 's departure

It has since been announced that Jordan would be replacing Roman Kemp on Capital Breakfast

BBC Radio 1 was hit by another presenting shake-up, as Mollie and Matt are moving slots from their weekend show

And it was later revealed Manchester-born DJ Katie would join Vick and Jamie for the drivetime show - which takes place between 3.30pm and 6pm as listeners commute home from work.

BBC also announced that Matt and Mollie, who air on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons, will be moving to the weekday afternoon show.

The pair have hosted Weekend Breakfast together since 2018 and from July will be taking on the 1pm to 4pm slot on Monday to Thursday.
Holly Willoughby has sensationally signed to Netflix to host a celebrity jungle-based reality show named Bear Hunt, MailOnline can exclusively reveal.

The presenter, who quit ITV's This Morning last October, will appear on the show alongside star survival expert, Bear Grylls.

Described by television insiders a more challenging version of the BBC's Survivor, celebrity contestants will be pitted against Grylls. It will be filmed in the South American jungle.

It is Holly's first show away from terrestrial television.

A show insider told MailOnline: 'It's a great and such an exciting fresh series and of course a great challenge for Holly.

Holly Willoughby has sensationally signed to Netflix to host a celebrity jungle-based reality show named Bear Hunt, MailOnline can exclusively reveal

The presenter, who quit ITV's This Morning last October, will appear on the show alongside star survival expert, Bear Grylls

'It's a great opportunity for her.'

The show, which is produced by Grylls' company, will see him pursue celebrity contestants and when he catches them, they will be eliminated.

Holly's new job comes just days after Cat Deeley replaced her on This Morning, five months after she announced her departure.

She will begin filming the programme later in the year and it is expected to air in 2025.

Netflix bosses are said to be 'ecstatic' that they have been able to hire her. One said: 'Holly was their woman for this project from the word go.

'They are absolutely delighted to have got her to sign on the line, hopefully there will be many more opportunities to work with her down the line too.'

Holly, 43, will be familiar with the jungle surroundings.

In 2018 she hosted I'm A Celeb alongside Declan Donnelly - the highest rated series ever.

Standing in for Ant McPartlin who was in rehab for alcohol and painkiller addictions, she was hailed a huge success.

The star quit This Morning last October after 14 years after an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her emerged, leaving her terrified

Ms Willoughby, 43, will be familiar with the jungle surroundings. In 2018 she hosted I'm A Celeb alongside Declan Donnelly - the highest rated series ever

Ms Willoughby's new job comes just days after Cat Deeley replaced her on This Morning, five months after she announced her departure

She also hosted Freeze the Fear with Dutch extreme athlete Wim Hof in 2022 which was screened on BBC One

She also hosted Freeze the Fear with Dutch extreme athlete Wim Hof in 2022 which was screened on BBC One.

Holly's new role comes just days after The Mail on Sunday revealed that ITV have offered her a lucrative new contract to host next year's series of their skate show, Dancing On Ice.

She is expected to accept the deal after she enjoyed hosting the programme alongside her old friend and colleague Stephen Mulhern.

A show source said: 'Holly really loved it this year, she found it really fun and enjoyable.'

The star quit This Morning last October after 14 years after an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her emerged, leaving her terrified.

Former security guard Gavin Plumb will appear in court in June after pleading not guilty to the charge last November.

Holly's departure came five months after Phillip Schofield left ITV after his admission to the Mail that he had had a relationship with a much younger colleague and lied about it.

Holly's new role comes just days after The Mail on Sunday revealed that ITV have offered her a lucrative new contract to host next year's series of their skate show, Dancing On Ice (seen on this year's series with co-host Stephen Mulhern)

Holly's departure came five months after Phillip Schofield left ITV after his admission to the Mail that he had had a relationship with a much younger colleague and lied about it

In a statement to the Mail, he said he was 'deeply sorry' for lying about the relationship to ITV, his colleagues, friends and agents.

He said: 'I did have a consensual on-off relationship with a younger male colleague at This Morning.

'Contrary to speculation, whilst I met the man when he was a teenager and was asked to help him to get into television, it was only after he started to work on the show that it became more than just a friendship.

'That relationship was unwise, but not illegal. It is now over.'
17 years after overshadowing her acting career with six court-ordered rehab stints and other Hollywood wild child antics, Lindsay Lohan has been relishing her comeback and she 'really wants to play' fellow flame-haired bombshell and two-time Oscar nominee Ann-Margret in a biopic.

'We're trying to find a writer for that story,' the 37-year-old former child star revealed in her Bustle cover story on Thursday.

'She's a triple threat, and she's an amazing woman on top of that. So I just really want to do her justice and help tell a great story for her.'

Lindsay's favorite film the Swedish-American 82-year-old ever starred in was Douglas Heyes' 1964 crime drama Kitten with a Whip.

'This girl who breaks out of a mental institution and breaks into this man's house who's running for senator,' Lohan described.

Lindsay Lohan has been relishing her comeback and she 'really wants to play' fellow flame-haired bombshell and two-time Oscar nominee Ann-Margret in a biopic

The 37-year-old former child star revealed in her Bustle cover story on Thursday: 'We're trying to find a writer for that story. She's a triple threat, and she's an amazing woman on top of that. So I just really want to do her justice and help tell a great story for her'

'She starts inviting all her friends over and tells him she's not leaving and basically holds him hostage in his own home.'

And while The Mean Girls actress loves late screen stars like Marilyn Monroe and Clara Bow, she admitted: 'I'm more Ann-Margret.'

It's unclear if Lindsay has yet approached Ann-Margret (last name Olsson), whose most recent acting gig was the 2022 Hallmark Channel movie A Holiday Spectacular.

Lohan also said she dreams of joining Saturday Night Live's Five-Timers Club - 'I'm so close to that robe!' - and she'd 'love, love, love to do a movie with Adam Sandler,' whom she met backstage at the 2004 Teen Choice Awards.

For the cover spread - shot by photographer Tom Munro - the Mean Girls actress donned designer clothing like a back-baring Blumarine embellished gown selected by Jan-Michael Quammie.

Hairstylist Danielle Priano coiffed Lindsay's signature waist-length ginger locks and make-up artist Kristofer Buckle fully contoured her complexion for the mag.

There's another role Lohan has never tackled - directing: 'I think maybe down the line, I would love to direct. I feel sometimes I'm directing my directors and I don't know if they like it or not.'

The SAG Award nominee has spent the past decade living in Dubai where she met her husband Bader Shammas (their first wedding anniversary is April 3) and welcomed their first child, eight-month-old son Luai Shammas.

Lindsay's favorite film the Swedish-American 82-year-old ever starred in was Douglas Heyes' 1964 crime drama Kitten with a Whip

Lohan described: 'This girl who breaks out of a mental institution and breaks into this man's house who's running for senator. She starts inviting all her friends over and tells him she's not leaving and basically holds him hostage in his own home'

And while The Mean Girls actress loves late screen stars like Marilyn Monroe and Clara Bow, she admitted: 'I'm more Ann-Margret'

It's unclear if Lindsay has yet approached Ann-Margret (pictured February 14), whose most recent acting gig was the 2022 Hallmark Channel movie A Holiday Spectacular

Lohan also said she dreams of joining Saturday Night Live's Five-Timers Club - 'I'm so close to that robe!' - and she'd 'love, love, love to do a movie with Adam Sandler,' whom she met backstage at the 2004 Teen Choice Awards (pictured)

'It's a whole new, different kind of love you thought you could never experience,' Long Island-born Lilo gushed.

'We're probably going to start to spend more time here [in the United States]. We're not sure [where] yet. We're still deciding. We're looking now.'

Both Lohan and the 36-year-old financier executive produced Janeen Damian's fantastical rom-com Irish Wish - premiering this Friday on Netflix - as well as Stephen Herek's upcoming Christmas rom-com Our Little Secret (both of which she stars in).

'I had a scene where I was crying, and then my husband surprised me with the baby on set, so then I was crying again, happy tears,' the Walmart brand ambassador recalled.

Our Little Secret marks Lindsay's third Netflix film after signing a two-picture creative partnership deal with the streaming giant back in 2022.

And while many of Lohan's peers Paris Hilton and Britney Spears have starred in documentaries and penned tell-all memoirs, she's going to keep her 'duffel bags full of notebooks/diaries' on the shelf for several more years.

'I congratulate all the people that [have done that]. I think it's good that they do what they want to take their power back,' Lohan explained.

'When I'm ready and I accomplish all of the things I want to accomplish, then I'll maybe consider doing it. But my story isn't finished yet, so I'm not in a rush to share my side of it.'

For the cover spread - shot by photographer Tom Munro - the Mean Girls actress donned designer clothing like a back-baring Blumarine embellished gown selected by Jan-Michael Quammie

Hairstylist Danielle Priano coiffed Lindsay's signature waist-length ginger locks and make-up artist Kristofer Buckle fully contoured her complexion for the mag

There's another role Lohan has never tackled - directing: 'I think maybe down the line, I would love to direct. I feel sometimes I'm directing my directors and I don't know if they like it or not'

The SAG Award nominee has spent the past decade living in Dubai where she met her husband Bader Shammas (L, pictured Sunday) and welcomed their first child, eight-month-old son Luai Shammas

Long Island-born Lilo gushed: 'We're probably going to start to spend more time here [in the United States]. We're not sure [where] yet. We're still deciding. We're looking now'

Premiering this Friday on Netflix! Both Lohan and the 36-year-old financier executive produced Janeen Damian's fantastical rom-com Irish Wish as well as Stephen Herek's upcoming Christmas rom-com Our Little Secret (both of which she stars in)
Love Island All Stars' Joanna Chimonides and Chris Taylor have called it quits.

The influencer, 27, and Chris, 33, attempted to rekindle their relationship outside the villa, but have now decided to give up on their romance for good.

Joanna revealed she has enjoyed a string of dates on PrettyLittleThing's new dating series PrettyLittleFling - confirming she and Chris are remaining just friends.

Former Love Island star Indiyah Polack is hosting the new series, co-launched by Krispy Kreme and PrettyLittleThing.

Teasing the exciting new YouTube series which releases March 17, Joanna said: 'After not finding love in the villa, Im excited to try and find my match on this new series with PLT and Krispy Kreme.

Love Island All Stars' Joanna Chimonides, 27, and Chris Taylor, 33, have called it quits on their relationship for good

The influencer and Chris (pictured) attempted to rekindle their relationship outside the villa, but have now decided to give up on their romance for good

'We had so much fun filming and Im excited for you all to watch me (hopefully) find love over some unicorn doughnuts!'

In the dating series, matchmaker Indiyah will play cupid to Joanna, Anastasia Kingsnorth and Bryon Denton and set up dates with 10 bachelors.

Indiyah said: 'I am so excited to be the face of the new PrettyLittleThing and Krispy Kreme dating series. It was so much fun hosting my own dating show - I can't wait for you to watch the series and see what we got up to!'

Joanna and Chris were coupled up briefly before Joanna started to question their bond - before she was dumped.

Chris was then voted off the show a few days later and they revealed during the final as they returned to South Africa that they were still talking and hanging out and didn't shut down a future romance.

After he was dumped Chris admitted he fancied Joanna for four years before meeting her in South African villa.

The reality star added that he wanted to give their relationship a chance outside of the show when they jet back to the UK.

Sitting down to chat with host Maya Jama, Chris opened up about his feelings towards Joanna, despite them having a rocky couple of days.

Joanna revealed she has enjoyed a string of dates on PrettyLittleThing's new dating series PrettyLittleFling - confirming she and Chris are remaining just friends

Joanna revealed she has enjoyed a string of dates on PrettyLittleThing's new dating series PrettyLittleFling - confirming she and Chris are remaining just friends

Teasing the exciting new YouTube series which releases March 17, Joanna said: 'After not finding love in the villa, Im excited to try and find my match on this new series with PLT and Krispy Kreme'

In the dating series, matchmaker Indiyah will play cupid to Joanna, Anastasia Kingsnorth and Bryon Denton and set up dates with 10 bachelors

Joanna and Chris were coupled up briefly before Joanna started to question their bond - before she was dumped

He explained: 'I fancied Joanna for a good four years, so when she walked in I was excited.

'It got left at a really awkward point when we were smack bang in the middle of figuring out what it could have been so we are left with questions.'

During the exit interview, he added: 'My experience with Joanna was amazing. When she came in, I was very excited. I've fancied her for a long time.

'As soon as she arrived in the Villa I could tell there was something between us.

'We had lots of deep chats in bed and I learnt so much about her on a deeper level and ultimately we were both very comfortable with each other.'
A second employee of Town & Country Early Learning Center in Middletown who police say was seen on video abusing a child is "no longer employed." Cassandra Day / Hearst Connecticut Media Kristie Kovarcik of Haddam was arrested after she tossed a child at the Town & Country Early Learning Center in Middletown, causing bruising to the child's head, according to police. She has since been "terminated," according to the center. Middletown Police Department/contributed

MIDDLETOWN  A second employee of a local day care center who police say was seen on video abusing a child no longer works at the facility.

The employee, who has not been identified or arrested, "is no longer employed" at Town & Country Early Learning Center, a spokesperson for the facility told Hearst Connecticut Media Group.

The employee was seen on video lifting a child from a table and tossing them to the floor on Jan. 8, according to an affidavit from Middletown Police Detective Jimmy Lacasse.

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Lacasse was reviewing the video footage after police received a complaint about another employee, Kristie A. Kovarcik.

The investigation into Kovarcik began Jan. 12 when the child's guardian reported to police that she physically assaulted the girl at Town & Country, Lacasse's affidavit said. The guardian said the center's director informed her after seeing the video footage of the incident, Lacasse said.

The director said she heard "elevated voices" from Kovarcik's classroom and pulled up the video footage. The footage showed Kovarcik picked the child up off the floor by the back of her shirt and threw her off to the side, according to the detective's affidavit. He also quoted the director as saying she heard a loud thud from Kovarcik's classroom as the child landed.

The detective reported that his review of the surveillance video confirmed this account. He estimated that the child flew about 6 feet through the air and said he saw her head come into contact with the wall as she landed, the affidavit said.

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The detective reported that he asked to review videos taken on previous says in Kovarcik's classroom and found several instances of her using physical force against children, according to the affidavit.

His investigation led to Kovarcik's Feb. 26 arrest on a felony count of risk of injury to a child and second-degree reckless endangerment. She has not yet entered a plea, according to online court records, which show she is free on a promise to appear in court and is next due in state Superior Court in Middletown on April 2.

The online records say Kovarcik is represented by the public defender's office.

"Upon observing the incident involving Ms. Kovarcik on our internal camera monitoring system, we immediately initiated an internal investigation, notified the appropriate state authorities, and terminated the employee," a Town & Country spokesperson said.

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"Our safety and training protocols are amongst the strictest in our industry and we treat any such incident with the utmost seriousness," the spokesperson continued. "The safety and protection of the children in our care is always our top priority."

The detective quoted the director in the affidavit as saying that all its staff members are trained yearly on the state's "mandated reporter" law, which requires people in certain fields to report to authorities any evidence of possible child abuse that comes to their attention.

In a statement, state Department of Children and Families spokesperson Peter Yazbak said the agency received a report on Jan. 12 and is "conducting a joint investigation with law enforcement."

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Lacasse reported in the affidavit that police obtained 90 days of video from all 13 of the Middletown center's classrooms. He said this footage is being reviewed "to identify any other incident and or victims."
Bravo executive turned on-air big-mouth Andy Cohen yucked it up Tuesday night with wannabe funny man John Oliver on Cohen's titular talk show 'Watch What Happens Live' and I really wish I hadn't watched at all.

I lost respect for Oily Oliver and his tired schtick years ago. But recent reports that he'd gone full intifada in defense of Palestine only confirmed what I feared:

If a washed-up clown can't make 'em laugh, he'll make 'em retch instead!

And his latest over-baked hot take has indeed been vomitous in the extreme.

Cohen and Oliver, two sad salt-and-pepperpots  Andy bronzed and buttered into his too-tight pinstripe, JLo inexplicably in a tracksuit  guffawed and grabbed for the fading glint of the limelight, dragging stricken Princess Kate into the picture.

But like a shoddy Photoshop, Andy's nosedive into the gelatinous 'Katespiracy' soup was as unsubtle as Sharon Osborne's latest facelift.

Bravo executive turned on-air big-mouth Andy Cohen yucked it up Tuesday night with wannabe funny man John Oliver on Cohen's titular talk show 'Watch What Happens Live'  and I really wish I hadn't watched at all.

Cohen and Oliver, two sad salt-and-pepperpots - Andy bronzed and buttered into his too-tight pinstripe, JLo inexplicably in a tracksuit - guffawed and grabbed for the fading glint of the limelight, dragging stricken Princess Kate into the picture.

John Oliver is wondering whats going on with Kate Middleton! #WWHL pic.twitter.com/vNAxWzj5Uc  Watch What Happens Live! (@BravoWWHL) March 13, 2024

'What the f*** is going on with Kate Middleton?' he squealed.

To which pimento-stuffed Oliver chirped: 'I thought, let's all just ignore this, we've moved on until the Photoshop thing and it feels like you're almost handling it badly in an impressive way at this point.'

Thanks Johnny! I'm sure Palace PRs are taking attentive note.

But wait, there was more from our favorite bottom feeders:

'There is a non-zero chance she died 18 months ago,' Oliver said with thinly veiled glee. 'They might be Weekend At Bernie's-ing this situation.'

(Vanderpump Rules 'star' and fellow couch-guest Ariana Madix thought bubble: 'How many is non-zero!?')

Oh my giddiness, you know what's utterly hilarious? Two men, fast catapulting past midlife, careers targeted to the valley floor, jibing about the potential death of a young mom-of-three convalescing from major surgery.

You know who White House wetwipe Oliver would never dream of trashing with his 'Weekend At Bernie's' dud? Our doddering dotard-in-chief, Joe Biden.

What's that stench emanating out from under the studio lights? I smell last week's reheated chicken!

It's stunning really  with all the over-stuffed writers' rooms and Emmys under their collective belt  how fast comedy eludes this desperate duo.

From Cohen  the most veteran Real Housewife  we really shouldn't expect any less than TikTok-fueled tattle.

But for Oliver  who likes to cosplay as foreign policy guru and politico Big Brain, mansplaining disasters here and abroad  to gun straight for the Crown Jewels with this most malignant of mudslings is surely a rotten new low.

Oh my giddiness, you know what's utterly hilarious? Two men, fast catapulting past midlife, careers targeted to the valley floor, jibing about the potential death of a young mom-of-three convalescing from major surgery.

They're not the only ones.

Over on The View, the hens were pecking away on Wednesday with some nasty ol' witchery.

Joy-less Behar piped up to inform watchers that she doesn't trust the Royal Family because she'd watched The Crown.

Sara Haines buried her face in her fingers and intimated with hysteria that the princess has gone AWOL: 'Where are you, Kate?... She's not there!'

Sunny Hostin, in her wisdom, agreed.

And in a sign that the insanity watermark has truly been reached, Whoopi Goldberg  spectacularly wrong on almost everything  tried her best sister act of being the voice of reason.

'When you buy into this stuff [conspiracies], when they start doing it to your family it's not cute,' she thundered.

A welcome blast of reality from Whoopi Cushion.

Back to the Andy Cohen problem, it's fun to Watch What Happens as he's sued and tattooed as a pariah by an angry and highly litigious squad of Bravolebrities.

Toxic allegations of on-set racism, bullying and forced alcohol consumption now run thick in the Housewife-sphere.

Full disclosure: I made out with Below Deck's Captain Jason in a bar two years ago after a booze-fueled dinner with Bravo execs. Cohen was not in attendance. Although come to think of it, I did go to Andy's pride party in Manhattan a few moons back. Lots and lots of hot, young men. Andy looked like a giddy grandpa  and it was always, in my experience, wholesome good fun.

But in recent weeks, former RH star Leah McSweeney has filed an explosive lawsuit against Cohen and Bravo, alleging that Andy 'tormented' and 'demeaned' her for quality on-screen drama, and even took cocaine with cast members.

Accused Coke Daddy Cohen has fired back, trashing McSweeney's claims as false and defamatory.

Nonetheless, McSweeney  who has spent time in psychiatric facilities and spoken openly about her alcohol addiction  has felt the sour end of Cohen's on-screen chicanery.

In recent weeks, former RH star Leah McSweeney has filed an explosive lawsuit against Cohen and Bravo, alleging that Andy 'tormented' and 'demeaned' her for quality on-screen drama, and even took cocaine with cast members.

Despite knowing of her alcoholism, Cohen committed one episode of 'Watch What Happens Live' to questioning guests about whether McSweeney had been any fun on girls' trip during which she had insisted  for her health's sake  on remaining sober.

Whenever anybody mentioned McSweeney, Cohen instructed viewers to take a drink.

It was the same sad story when Raquel Leviss did a stint of her own in a health facility back when her sordid 'Scandoval' affair with adulterous stool Tom Sandoval  cheating on John Oliver's fellow giggle-pixie Ms Madix  dipped out across global news outlets.

Bravo execs well knew of Leviss's woes  and yet Cohen dedicated another episode to grilling her screen-mates about what they thought of her mental health.

SNL's Chloe Fineman trashed Leviss as a 'filthy whore' and Cohen simply laughed.

Oliver meanwhile is a transatlantic travesty, taking in too much water to be saved.

In a recent to-camera screed, proudly donning his pro-Palestine credentials, Oliver smeared the most ardent defenders of the Jewish state as 'dips**ts'.

Truth is, Oliver is a narcissist stuck on yesterday's soundtrack  and Cohen and the chapesses of The View are little better.

The furor around beleaguered Kate is wearing thinner than a Housewife on Ozempic. Cruelly stirring the conspiratorial caldron for clicks is as ugly as it gets.
Spencer Matthews cut a dapper figure in a black tuxedo as he attended the Missing People's Night Of Light Gala at Pan Pacific London on Thursday evening.

The former Made In Chelsea star, 35, seemed in good spirts for the evening as he posed for photos.

Spencer's attended the gala after his late brother Michael Matthews died at the age of 22 in 1999 while climbing Mount Everest, after becoming the youngest Brit to ever reach the summit. He has never been found.

The reality star dressed smart in a double breasted blazer which he teamed with a white shirt and bow tie.

He was joined by Sir Trevor McDonald, who has been involved with the charity for more than 30 years, looked smart in a blue suit and red tie on the red carpet.

Spencer Matthews cut a dapper figure in a black tuxedo as he attended the Missing People's Night Of Light Gala at Pan Pacific London on Thursday evening

The former Made In Chelsea star, seemed in good spirts for the evening as he posed for photos on the red carpet

It comes after Spencer paid heartfelt tribute to his late brother Michael on what would have been his 46th birthday on March 4.

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 shares Theodore, five, Gigi, three, and two-year-old Otto with wife Vogue Williams.

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 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.

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.

Spencer's late brother 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

The reality star dressed smart in a double breasted blazer which he teamed with a white shirt and bow tie as he posed with Sir Trevor McDonald

Sir Trevor looked smart in a blue suit and red tie on the red carpet

It comes after Spencer paid heartfelt tribute to late brother Michael on what would have been his 46th birthday on March 4

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

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.

Spencer shares Theodore, five, Gigi, three, and two-year-old Otto with wife Vogue Williams
Conor McGregor playfully posed with his co-star Jake Gyllenhaal at the screening of Road House at the Curzon in Mayfair, London on Thursday.

The UFC fighter, 35, looked suave in a purple suit and burgundy tie, teamed with a smart faux-fur collared jacket.

Conor, who will be making his acting debut in Road House, couldn't help but pose with his fists up next to Jake.

Meanwhile, the American actor, 43, cut a dapper display in brown tweed trousers, smart white shirt and burgundy tie.

Both Conor and Jake, who star in the upcoming movie together, appeared in great spirits to celebrate the anticipated movie release.

Conor McGregor, 35, playfully posed with his co-star Jake Gyllenhaal, 43, at the star-studded screening of Road House at the Curzon in Mayfair, London on Thursday

Both Conor and Jake, who star in the upcoming movie together, appeared in great spirits to celebrate the anticipated movie release

Jake transformed himself into Elwood Dalton for his role in the remake of the late Patrick Swayze's 1989 film.

This new Dalton is a ripped former UFC fighter who becomes a 'cooler' for a dingy bar in the Florida Keys.

Jessica Williams, Daniela Melchior (in the Kelly Lynch role) and Billy Magnussen (in Ben Gazzara's place), star alongside actual UFC fighter Conor.

Conor's entire family showed up in support of the aspiring actor as they sweetly posed for a photo.

His beloved mother Margaret wowed in a chic mauve dress with statement feathered sleeves.

Also at the screening event, professional boxer and former Love Island star Tommy Fury posed with his fists in the air.

Love Island All Stars' Arabella Chi cut a stylish figure in a glamorous grey ruffled gown.

Josh Denzel and his gorgeous girlfriend Ruby Wong looked loved-up at the red carpet event.

Conor, who will be making his acting debut in Road House, couldn't help but pose with his fists up next to Jake

The UFC fighter looked suave in a purple suit and burgundy tie, teamed with a smart faux-fur collared jacket

Meanwhile, the American actor cut a dapper display in brown tweed trousers, smart white shirt and burgundy tie

Conor's entire family showed up in support of the aspiring actor as they sweetly posed for a photo

His beloved mother Margaret wowed in a chic mauve dress with statement feathered sleeves

Inside the screening, the actors spoke about the upcoming movie

The American actor teamed his trendy look with brown suede boots

Also at the screening event, professional boxer and former Love Island star Tommy Fury posed with his fists in the air

Love Island All Stars' Arabella Chi cut a stylish figure in a glamorous grey ruffled gown

Josh Denzel and his gorgeous girlfriend Ruby Wong looked loved-up at the red carpet event

Loved-up Georgia Harrison joined her boyfriend Anton Danyluk at the star-studded screening

The influencer looked sexy in a ruby red lace backless dress, teamed with statement gold earrings

Dapper Jake was joined by his supportive girlfriend Jeanne Cadieu, who looked stunning in a chic black suit

Michelle Heaton flashed her long legs in black leather-look jeans and a halterneck bodysuit

Lukas Gage, who also appears in the movie, wore smart black trousers and a casual jacket

Daniela Melchior wowed in an angelic white gown as she posed up a storm at the event

UFC fighter Conor will also star in the reboot of the cult classic that starred Patrick Swayze, set to be released on Amazon Prime on March 21

Dancing On Ice's pro skater Vanessa Bauer look gorgeous in a head-to-toe sequin ensemble

Dancing On Ice runner-up and former Made In Chelsea star Miles Nazaire looked smart in a casual off-white jacket and trousers

The Traitors winner Harry Clarke attended the event alongside his glam girlfriend Anna

Love Island's Georgia and Anton looked incredibly loved-up

Conor made a speedy departure from his film's Road House screening

The star was seen rushing out of the venue

Loved-up Georgia Harrison joined her boyfriend Anton Danyluk at the star-studded screening.

The influencer looked sexy in a ruby red lace backless dress, teamed with statement gold earrings.

Dapper Jake was joined by his supportive girlfriend Jeanne Cadieu, who looked stunning in a chic black suit.

Michelle Heaton flashed her long legs in black leather-look jeans and a halterneck bodysuit.

Lukas Gage, who also appears in the movie, wore smart black trousers and a casual jacket.

Daniela Melchior wowed in an angelic white gown as she posed up a storm at the event.

Road House premieres on Amazon Prime on March 21.
Kristen Stewart caught a flight out of JFK Airport in New York on Wednesday with her fiancee/Nevermind producing partner, Dylan Meyer, after a whirlwind week promoting her new film Love Lies Bleeding.

The 33-year-old Oscar nominee seemed relieved to be able to go back to her own casual, grunge style in a red short-sleeve jacket over a black T-shirt, cuffed trousers, and white Asics sneakers.

Kristen and the 36-year-old Moxie screenwriter - who got engaged in 2021 after two years of dating - originally met way back in 2013 on the set of a film (most likely Camp X-Ray).

'If I couldn't share with her and make with her and collaborate with her I would do it with other people and we wouldn't be as close,' Stewart - who's 'obsessed with' her job - confessed on Tuesday's The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

'I need to have that [in a relationship]. And she is so much better and smarter and cooler and hotter than me.'

Kristen Stewart (R) caught a flight out of JFK Airport in New York on Wednesday with her fiancee/Nevermind producing partner, Dylan Meyer (L), after a whirlwind week promoting her new film Love Lies Bleeding

Hours earlier, the Chanel brand ambassador wowed crowds in a black leather Brunello Cucinelli blazer over a Vex Latex bra/garters, The Andamane mini-skirt, Victoria's Secret stockings, and $845 patent leather Louboutin 'Hot Chick 100mm' pumps.

Kristen wore the Rocky Horror Picture Show get-up to tape Wednesday's Late Night with Seth Meyers, but their day-drinking segment won't air until March 26 on NBC.

'We did go deep. Yeah, and my palms are sweating think about it,' Stewart said of her hangover. 'I go too hard for too long.'

The Cesar Award winner had two IMDb-credited intimacy coordinators - Christine McHugh and Rebekah Wiggins - working on the sex scenes of her romantic thriller Love Lies Bleeding, which hit US theaters last Friday and UK theaters on April 19.

'They're not the most explicit. You don't see much,' Kristen told USA Today on Thursday.

'They're just gnarly because you're not used to seeing things like that.'

Stewart's onscreen leading lady Katy O'Brian chimed in: 'Kristen was very straightforward, like, "If I do anything that makes you uncomfortable, please voice it." It was a cool, collaborative thing and it wound up being fun.'

Director Rose Glass 'wasn't interested in doing the tasteful lesbian period drama where it's all fleeting glances and hand grazes.'

The 33-year-old Oscar nominee (R) seemed relieved to be able to go back to her own casual, grunge style in a red short-sleeve jacket over a black T-shirt, cuffed trousers, and white Asics sneakers

Kristen and the 36-year-old Moxie screenwriter (L) - who got engaged in 2021 after two years of dating - originally met way back in 2013 on the set of a film (most likely Camp X-Ray)

Hours earlier, Stewart wowed crowds in a black leather Brunello Cucinelli blazer over a Vex Latex bra/garters, The Andamane mini-skirt, Victoria's Secret stockings, and $845 patent leather Louboutin 'Hot Chick 100mm' pumps

The Chanel brand ambassador wore the Rocky Horror Picture Show get-up to tape Wednesday's Late Night with Seth Meyers, but their day-drinking segment won't air until March 26 on NBC

Kristen said of their day drinking and her subsequent hangover: 'We did go deep. Yeah, and my palms are sweating think about it. I go too hard for too long'

'It's nice to do something that's a bit hornier and more visceral,' the 34-year-old filmmaker told the outlet.

The Rita Ora video vixen portrays reclusive gym manager Lou in the 104-minute lesbian flick - also starring Ed Harris, Jena Malone, and Dave Franco - which has a 'certified fresh' 91% critic approval rating (out of 115 reviews) on Rotten Tomatoes.

Kristen and Dylan will soon head to Latvia to shoot her feature directorial debut - a big-screen adaptation of Lidia Yuknavitch's 2011 memoir The Chronology of Water - starring Imogen Poots and Thora Birch.

'I've just grown up loving [Thora] so much!' Stewart gushed on The Late Show.

'We're casting and scouting. [The film] just has it's own body and its own sort of will and blood and the movie has, like, kind of taken over my life.'

The Living for the Dead producer is also slated to appear in Michael Angarano's road trip comedy Sacramento, Kirsten Johnson's Susan Sontag biopic, and Karim Ainouz's dark satire Rosebushpruning.

As for Kristen's role 'as a buoy' opposite Steven Yeun in sci-fi drama Love Me, directing duo Sam & Andy Zuchero have yet to secure a distribution deal since premiering January 19 at the Sundance Film Festival.

Stewart had two IMDb-credited intimacy coordinators - Christine McHugh and Rebekah Wiggins - working on the sex scenes of her romantic thriller Love Lies Bleeding, which hit US theaters last Friday and UK theaters on April 19

The Cesar Award winner told USA Today on Thursday: 'They're not the most explicit. You don't see much. They're just gnarly because you're not used to seeing things like that'

Stewart's onscreen leading lady Katy O'Brian (L) chimed in: 'Kristen was very straightforward, like, "If I do anything that makes you uncomfortable, please voice it." It was a cool, collaborative thing and it wound up being fun.'
Peter Overton has been the presenter of Nine News Sydney since 2009 after starting with the network in 1991.

And now, Peter's secret role in the Royal Australian Air Force has been revealed.

The journalist, 57, is a Wing Commander in the RAAF as a specialist reserve public affairs officer.

Peter's wife Jessica Rowe recently confirmed his role on 2GB's John Stanley radio show.

His father was a medical officer in the Army Reserve, and was eventually appointed honorary Colonel in the Royal Australian Medical Corps.

Peter Overton's (pictured) secret role in the Royal Australian Air Force has been revealed

The Nine star is also a patron of the MonSTaR Foundation, a charity raising money and awareness of motor neurone disease.

He is also an ambassador for Special Olympics Australia, an organisation that supports children and adults with an intellectual disability.

It comes after Sunrise star Mark Beretta's secret role in the Australian Defence Force was recently revealed.

The 56-year-old is part of the Army Reserves and in June received the Australian Defence Medal for his services.

Channel Seven shared a photo of Mark in his army uniform and alongside his stunning wife Rachel as he received the honour.

The journalist, 57, is a Wing Commander in the RAAF as a specialist reserve public affairs officer

'Congratulations to our Major Mark Beretta who was awarded the Australian Defence Medal for his service to the Army Reserves,' Sunrise's tweet read.

'Brilliant,' one follower remarked underneath. Another wrote: 'Four years in the service well done!'

Mark first joined the army reserves back in 2019 and spoke about his role on Sunrise, as Natalie Barr and David 'Kochie' Koch congratulated him on the medal.

'Congratulations to you, it's a major milestone. Four years in the army reserves, that's lovely,' Kochie said.
Celebrity Big Brother fans were raging after Colson Smith nominated Levi Roots in Thursday night's teary episode.

The Coronation Street actor, 25, chose to nominate Levi for eviction after he branded him the most 'boring' housemate during Wednesday night's episode.

Levi's brutal aim at Colson was left him visibly hurt following Levi's comments and made him 'question his whole personality'.

But fans were left fuming at Colson for 'dragging the situation on' and 'holding a grudge'.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, some wrote: 'Colson nominating Levi because he said he's the most boring in a TASK is bordering on absurd now'.

Celebrity Big Brother fans were raging after Colson Smith, 25, nominated Levi Roots in Thursday night's teary episode

The Coronation Street actor chose to nominate Levi for eviction after he branded him the most 'boring' housemate during Wednesday night's episode

'I'm sorry but Colson needs to get a grip. Levi's comment was NOT that deep.'

'Not Colson holding a grudge against Levi because he called him boring.'

'Can Colson stop banging on about being called boring, take the hint.'

Levi is the current favourite to win the show more than a week before the grand finale.

The British-Jamaican businessman, made famous for his Reggae Reggae sauce, has been named as the new bookies' favourite.

Levi only received one nomination from his co-stars during the most recent bout of nominations, making him a favourite in and outside of the house.

According to Ladbrokes bookmakers, Levi, 65, is now the frontrunner of the group, overtaking Corrie star Colson Smith who was previously coming out on top.

Levi's odds have increased from 5/1 earlier this week to 10/3.

Levi's brutal aim at Colson was left him visibly hurt following Levi's comments and made him 'question his whole personality'

But fans were left fuming at Colson for 'dragging the situation on' and 'holding a grudge'

Celebrity Big Brother housemate Levi Roots is the current favourite to win the show more than a week before the grand finale

Colson is still sitting at 7/2 alongside Ibiza Weekender star David Potts who has the same odds.

A spokesperson at Ladbrokes said: 'Another day, another favourite in the Celebrity Big Brother betting. This time it's Levi who punters are rooting for, although Colson and David remain hot on his heels.'

At the start of the series, Ekin-Su Culculoglu was on top as the favourite to win the series, however she has now fallen in the rankings.

Lauren Simon was the second housemate to be evicted from the ITV series, with Sharon Osbourne also ending her stint on the show.

The Real Housewives of Cheshire star, 51, faced the boot after being put up for eviction alongside Louis Walsh and Fern Britton by their fellow housemates.

After it went to a public vote, Big Brother told Lauren her time on the show had come to an end.

She said as she exited: 'I'm feeling overwhelmed I had the most amazing time.'
Heather Locklear reminded fans she was one of Hollywood's hottest pinups when she posted a throwback photo to Instagram on Thursday.

The 62-year-old Melrose Place actress was every inch a bombshell as she wore a plunging candy apple green swimsuit. The neckline went all the way down to her belly button.

The swimsuit made the most of her slender figure as it also rode high on her hips flashing her toned, long legs.

The Dynasty star had her blonde hair down with sunglasses perched atop her head and added a stunning gold bib necklace as she propped herself on one elbow while on a lounge chair.

In her caption, the diva - who also wore a diamond engagement ring - let fans know she was in Hawaii.

'#TBT On vacation in #Hawaii soaking up some  ,' wrote the American favorite.

Heather Locklear reminded fans she was one of Hollywood's hottest pinups when she posted a throwback photo to Instagram on Thursday. The 61-year-old Melrose Place actress was every inch a bombshell as she wore a plunging candy apple green swimsuit

She looked just as good as she did in 1985 at the start of her career as she modeled a macrame swimsuit

This comes a month after her daughter Ava - whose father is Bon Jovi rocker Richie Sambora - got engaged.

Sambora, 26, accepted a proposal from her boyfriend of five years, Tyler Farrar.

They were seen by the ocean in a stunning grassy landing decorated with white flowers as he got down on one knee.

Ava had on a white dress with a cardigan and purse on her shoulder as she added strappy white high heels with her blonde hair down as he slipped on the ring.

The bauble was a large diamond from Layna Friedman Jewelers.

'Hard launch,' both Ava and Tyler wrote in their caption for the images taken by photographer Maxfield Bonta.

He had on a white shirt and sneakers with khaki slacks.

Mom Heather hit the like button on the sweet post.

Locklear's daughter is engaged; it was shared on social media that Ava Sambora, 26, accepted a proposal from her boyfriend of five years, Tyler Farrar

Heather Locklear 's daughter is engaged. On Sunday it was shared on social media that Ava Sambora, 26, accepted a proposal from her boyfriend of five years, Tyler Farrar. Heather and Ava at the Scary Movie 5 film premiere in Los Angeles in 2013

The Hollywood veteran shares Ava with her second husband, Bon Jovi lead guitarist Richie Sambora, whom she was married to from 1994 to 2007; the trio are pictured in 2005

Ava and Tyler have been dating for years and often feature each other on social media.

She first showed him off in 2019.

The Hollywood veteran shares Ava with her second husband, Bon Jovi lead guitarist Richie Sambora, whom she was married to from 1994 to 2007.

Ava has been a busy girl with her studies.

In May 2023 she earned her master's degree in marriage and family therapy from the University Of Southern California.

Ava beamed with pride as she wore her cap and sash that said Class of 2023 while posing on the picturesque campus.

Her mom, who attended the graduation, wrote on Instagram, 'Such a proud mama. Congratulations my baby, with your masters in MFT. With your hard work and perseverance and kind hear.'

The Los Angeles native explained in her caption that accompanied photos of her at USC.

'Today I will graduate from USC with a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy!' began Sambora's note that was shared.

'Hard launch,' both Ava and Tyler wrote in their caption for the images taken by photographer Maxfield Bonta

Family resemblance: Ava (right) is a dead ringer for her famous mother Heather (left, pictured aged 22 in 1984)

'I am beyond grateful for the past two years and all the wonderful people I met along the way. Cheers to the class of 2023!' she finished.

Ava wore a pale gray satin mini dress that showed off her legs as she added nude strappy heels.

The star also had on a red and yellow Class of 2023 sash in place and her black cap on. In another image, she wore her black gown while sitting on a field next to mature trees while on the Los Angeles campus.

USC costs about $64,000 a year.

The ladies are arm-in-arm at the This Is 40 premiere in LA in 2012

Locklear was memorably on TV's Melrose Place from 1993 until 1999.

She also popped back on the new version of the show from 2009 until 2010.

Heather was also known for her marriages - she was wed to Pamela Anderson's ex, Tommy Lee, as well as Sambora.

This comes after she had a rough patch as she went in and out of rebab in 2018 and 2019; the star appears to be much better these days and more stable.

Heather played scheming Amanda Woodward on Melrose Place until the show ended in 1999. (clockwise from top left) Rob Estes, Locklear, Jack Wagner, Jamie Luner, Josie Bissett, Thomas Calabro, Kelly Rutherford, John Haymes Newton

It was reported in 2021 that Heather 'couldn't be happier' with her fiance Chris Heisser, with sources saying the couple are 'in a really good place' as they take their relationship to the next level.

An insider said: 'Heather and Chris are in a really good place right now. They couldn't be happier. They each go out of their way to make the other feel special - she'll cook for him, he'll buy her flowers, etc.'

The star and her fiance are high school sweethearts, and their romance dates back to the 70s, although they fell out of touch and only reunited in 2017.

For Heather, the upcoming wedding will be her third.

In 2021 she said that she was 'fearful' of her return to television.

The actress appeared as Kristine Carlson in the made-for-TV film Don't Sweat the Small Stuff: The Kristine Carlson Story - which is based on the book series by Kristine and her husband Dr. Richard Carlson - and she was apprehensive about her first small screen role in four years.

Locklear, Adrian Zmed, William Shatner in the 1980s series TJ Hooker

'The challenging part of it was so fearful for me,' she said while speaking to reporters during Lifetime's Fall Movies press event.

One emotional scene which sees Kristine learning her husband - played by Jason MacDonald - has died was shot on the second day of filming.

Heather turned to Kristine herself to help research the powerful moment, and added: 'She said, "It's almost like a child dying." And that stopped me in my tracks.'

Although the star wasn't sure if she'd be able to hit the right emotional level the scene called for, she settled and 'felt very safe'.

And while Heather had other concerns about remembering her lines after a few years away, she found it 'so easy' to get back into old habits.

She told People: 'I don't know why I was so fearful of memorizing lines, how about getting emotion across.'
Gal Gadot was seen for the first time since welcoming daughter Ori last week as she headed to the spa in Los Angeles on Thursday.

The Wonder Woman actress, 38, who announced her fourth daughter's arrival with a sweet post, looked radiant as she headed out with some friends while clutching a coffee.

Gal wore a chic tan sweater and blue stonewash jeans, paired with boots and a black handbag as she headed out.

Her locks were worn in a sidepart and she wore aviator shades.

Gal looked in great spirits as she stepped out in the sun before heading home to her newborn.

Gal Gadot was seen for the first time since welcoming daughter Ori last week as she headed to the spa in Los Angeles on Thursday

The Wonder Woman actress kept her fourth pregnancy a secret before sharing the happy news on March 6 (pictured with baby Ori)

Gal is also mom to daughters Alma, 12, Maya, six, and Daniella, two - who she shares with husband Jaron Varsano.

The Wonder Woman actress kept her fourth pregnancy a secret before sharing the happy news on March 6.

She posted a snap of her cuddling her newborn while resting in a hospital bed.

'My sweet girl, welcome. The pregnancy was not easy and we made it through.

'You have brought so much light into our lives, living up to your name, Ori, which means my light in Hebrew. Our hearts are full of gratitude,' she wrote in the Instagram caption.

'Welcome to the house of girls. daddy is pretty cool too,' she added.

The news of the birth surprised fans as Gal never announced she was pregnant.

In 2022, Gadot gushed about childbirth and described always wanting to be a 'young mother' during an interview with InStyle.

The Wonder Woman actress, 38, who announced her fourth daughter's arrival with a sweet post, looked radiant as she headed out with some friends while clutching a coffee

Gal wore a chic tan sweater and blue stonewash jeans, paired with boots and a black handbag as she headed out

Gal looked in great spirits as she stepped out in the sun before heading home to her newborn

The star looked incredible as she headed out after the birth

Gal is also mom to daughters Alma, 12, Maya, six, and Daniella, two - who she shares with husband Jaron Varsano (pictured together with Ori()

'I started young. I was 25 when I was pregnant with Alma. I always wanted to be a young mother. Yeah, three kids. No joke, woman. God bless them, but it's so much work,' she told the outlet.

She also raved about the 'magic' of childbirth: 'I would do it once a week if I could. It's so magical.'

She added: 'And I always take epidurals, to be fair, so it's not so painful. Just the moment you feel like you're creating life, it's incredible.

'But the pregnancies are hard for me  I feel sick and have migraines. I'm not in my element.'

Gal and Jaron married in 2008 before starting their family; pictured in April 2023

She previously revealed she met her husband 'at this very strange party in the Israeli desert' that featured yoga and chakras; the couple pictured 2021

And she noted the most bada** thing she does is 'juggling between my family life and my acting career.'

'When you're on set, you're like a kite. You can fly so high and try to catch the air,' Gadot explained.

'Then you go back home to do your main shift as being a mother. It's not about me, it's, "Okay, now I need to bathe Maya, feed Alma, put Daniella to bed."'
She's been hobbling around on crutches and a medical boot since breaking her foot a few weeks ago.

So when Victoria Beckham's chauffeur picked her up from a restaurant, he was sure to make her exit as easy as possible.

Instead of pulling up at the kerb, he drove on to the pavement to collect the former Spice Girl, 49, right from the restaurant door.

Victoria Beckham has been hobbling around on crutches and a medical boot since breaking her foot a few weeks ago

So when her chauffeur picked her up from a restaurant, he was sure to make her exit as easy as possible

Instead of pulling up at the kerb, he drove on to the pavement to collect the former Spice Girl, 49, right from the restaurant door

The 200,000 Maserati SUV waited under the awning of the Michelin-star bistro Dorian in Notting Hill, west London  meaning Mrs Beckham had to take only a few steps into the car.

The designer, in her trademark black, was celebrating the end of a busy Fashion Week season which saw her latest collection prove a success in Paris.

The 200,000 Maserati SUV waited under the awning of the Michelin-star bistro Dorian in Notting Hill, west London

Mrs Beckham was celebrating the end of a busy Fashion Week season which saw her latest collection prove a success in Paris.

Before her dinner on Wednesday, she posted a picture of herself on Instagram with the medical boot and a caption reading: 'That's a wrap, and yes, I do want a medal, David Beckham.'

However, while the door-to-door service made Mrs Beckham's life that much easier, it may have repercussions for her driver  as it is against the law to drive on the pavement.
Homes Under The Hammer icon Lucy Alexander has addressed if she will return to the hit daytime show as it celebrates two decades on air.

Lucy first appeared on screens back in 2003 alongside former co-star Martin Roberts and stayed on the show for 13 years.

After her impressive stint on the show, the property presenter said goodbye in 2016, and said wanting to do other projects was a deciding factor in her departure.

The presenter, 53, regularly features in repeats of the show and also made a brief appearance in the programme's 20th anniversary.

In an interview with The Sun, Lucy said she would 'never say never' to making a comeback.

BBC property presenter Lucy Alexander has addressed rumours if she would return to Homes Under The Hammer (pictured: Lucy with former co-host Martin Roberts)

Lucy first appeared on the show in 2003 and stayed for a staggering 13 years before leaving in 2016 (pictured on Homes Under The Hammer in 2003)

Although she didn't vehemently reject the idea of returning to the show, Lucy maintained there were no discussions about her returning.

More recently Lucy bagged a permanent role on the Channel 4's A Place in the Sun, as well as a spin-off series, amid a shake-up of hosts.

The property expert first appeared on Channel 4's overseas rival show last year as a guest, but she is now said to have been signed on permanently.

Reminiscing about her 13-year run on the BBC property show, Lucy revealed that she was having 'a rather lovely time' filming for the sunny seaside rival.

She added: 'There is always a place in my heart for Homes Under The Hammer because I started that show and I was [on] the first episode that went out with Martin.

'We did it together for 13 years so yeah it does have a special place in my heart because I do love property and I do love old and abandoned buildings.

'So, ultimately, I would always think about going back!'

Describing the daytime show as a 'huge part' of her life and a 'fabulous thing to do', the presenter divulged how much she missed the BBC programme.

Lucy has now been jetting off around the world at least once a month to film the sunny series A Place In The Sun, in an attempt to find Brits their dream home abroad.

Having made a cameo in the 20th anniversary of the property show, Lucy said she would 'never say never' to making a comeback (left to right: Martin Roberts, Lucy Alexander, Dion Dublin)

Although Lucy maintained there were no immediate talks about her return, she would 'always think about going back!' (pictured in 2003 with co-presenter Martin Roberts)

'I've got quite a few episodes coming up with them this year, I am definitely a part of the family which has been lovely!' Lucy told The Sun on Wednesday.

The presenter has also been snapped up for a spin-off of the programme, called What Happened Next.

Debuting in 2023, What Happened Next looked at families and couples who had found their dream homes abroad to see how they fared in the years that followed.

Lucy revealed as her 'lovely' couple bought their dream place in the sun, she will now go back out to revisit them and see how they are getting on.

She said she is really enjoying being able to travel around the world for work, and admitted the show is far more glamorous than her previous UK-based property show.

'On Hammer it would be a lot more building plots and old derelict and disused buildings and pigeon poo,' she said.

'No central heating had been on and the buildings would have been empty for years and they were a bit of a hazard to walk into sometimes!'

Lucy added that, as a stark contrast, A Place in the Sun is filmed on a beautiful beach and all the properties have balconies that you can bask in the sun on.

Taking to Instagram to share a snap of her filming in December, Lucy said: 'Filming on location this week on Spain's western coast. The Costa Del Sol, Estepona.

The property expert first appeared on Channel 4's overseas rival show last year as a guest, but she is now said to have been signed on permanently

Taking to Instagram to share a snap of her filming in December, Lucy said: 'Filming on location this week on Spain's western coast'

'Getting my winter-sun fix. Although it's a bit windy and chilly this morning, but the sun is nearly ready to come out which is what I love about southern Spain.'

Behind the scenes there are warm coats at the ready, lights, cameras, sound and the brilliant crew.. they do everything to make the magic happen!

It comes after A Place In The Sun viewers were left in tears in February as the show paid a special tribute to host Jonnie Irwin after his death aged 50.

Jonnie passed away last month after a brave three year fight with cancer, following his diagnosis with lung cancer in 2020.

The presenter hosted the property programme from 2004 to 2021, when he was forced to step down due to his terminal cancer diagnosis.

The show, which followed Danni Menzies helping house hunters in Manilva, Spain, was dedicated to Jonnie at the start.

The programme also aired a tribute after the credits with a photo which showed a younger Jonnie on the beach from one of the trips abroad.

It read: 'In memory of Jonnie Irwin. 1973 - 2004.'

A Place In The Sun viewers were left in tears as the show paid a special tribute to host Jonnie Irwin after his death aged 50
FILE - Former President Donald Trump leaves Manhattan criminal court, Feb. 15, 2024, in New York. Prosecutors said Thursday, March 14, that theyre open to delaying the start of Trumps New York hush-money criminal trial to give the former presidents lawyers time to review evidence that was only recently turned over. Jury selection in the trial is scheduled to begin March 25. The judge has yet to rule on the request. Mary Altaffer/AP

NEW YORK (AP)  New York prosecutors said Thursday they are open to delaying the start of Donald Trump's hush-money criminal trial by a month in an abundance of caution to give the former president's lawyers time to review evidence they only recently obtained from a previous federal investigation into the matter.

The Manhattan district attorney's office said in a court filing that it does not oppose adjourning the trial for 30 days but would fight the defense's push for a longer delay. Judge Juan Manuel Merchan did not immediately rule.

Jury selection is scheduled for March 25. The hush-money case is one of four criminal indictments against Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.

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Trump's legal team said it has received tens of thousands of pages of evidence from the U.S. attorneys office in Manhattan in the last two weeks, including records about former Trump lawyer-turned-prosecution witness Michael Cohen that are exculpatory and favorable to the defense. Prosecutors said most of the newly turned over material is largely irrelevant to the subject matter of this case, though some records are pertinent.

Trump's lawyers want a 90-day delay, but they've also asked Merchan to dismiss the case entirely, alleging the last-minute disclosures amounted to prosecutorial misconduct and violated rules governing the sharing of evidence. That process, called discovery, is routine in criminal cases and is intended to help ensure a fair trial.

Prosecutors contend Trumps lawyers caused the problem by waiting until Jan. 18 to subpoena the U.S. attorney's office for the full case file  a mere nine weeks before the scheduled start of jury selection.

District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office said it requested the full file last year, but the U.S. attorney's office only turned over a subset of records. Trump's lawyers received that material last June and had ample time to seek additional evidence from the federal probe, the D.A.'s office said.

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Short trial delays because of issues with evidence arent unusual, but any delay in a case involving Trump would be significant, with trial dates in his other criminal cases up in the air and Election Day less than eight months away.

The defense has also sought to delay the trial until after the Supreme Court rules on Trumps presidential immunity claims, which his lawyers say could apply to some of the allegations and evidence in the hush-money case. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments April 25.

Arlo Devlin-Brown, a former chief of public corruption for the U.S. attorneys office in Manhattan, said prosecutors may be acquiescing to a delay because they recognize the amount of material is substantial and want to stake out a position they think Merchan will find reasonable.

The Trump team likely views this as quite a positive on two fronts: Theyre getting a trove of documents, some of which may be useful, and theyre getting more time, said Devlin-Brown, who is not involved in the hush-money case.

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Since March 4, Trumps lawyers have received more than 100,000 pages of records from the U.S. attorneys office, including a batch of 31,000 pages on Wednesday, according to a court filing. More material is expected to be turned over in the coming days.

The hush-money case centers on allegations that Trump falsified his companys records to hide the true nature of payments to Cohen, who paid porn actor Stormy Daniels $130,000 during the 2016 presidential campaign to suppress her claims of an extramarital sexual encounter with Trump years earlier.

Trump pleaded not guilty last year to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records and has denied having a sexual encounter with Daniels. His lawyers argue the payments to Cohen were legitimate legal expenses and not part of any cover-up.

Trump has repeatedly sought to postpone his criminal trials while he campaigns to retake the White House.

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We want delays," Trump told reporters as he headed into a Feb. 15 hearing in New York case. "Obviously Im running for election. How can you run for election if youre sitting in a courthouse in Manhattan all day long?

At that hearing, prosecutor Matthew Colangelo complained that Trump was attempting to use his complicated legal calendar to evade accountability by seeking delays.

But Manhattan prosecutors new willingness to bump the trial comes about a week after another document dump prompted them to abandon another high-profile case in the midst of a trial  a fact Trumps lawyers hardly missed.

Three men were abruptly cleared March 6 of an alleged scheme involving the possession of handwritten drafts of lyrics to Hotel California and other Eagles classics. The startling turn came after prosecutors and defense lawyers were suddenly given 6,000 pages of material involving band co-founder Don Henley, his lawyers and associates.

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It happened after Henley, the prosecutions key witness, apparently decided late in the game to give up his right to keep communications with his attorneys private. He and others had already testified. After defense lawyers said the material belatedly raised questions they could no longer ask him and other witnesses, prosecutors agreed to drop the case.

Trumps lawyers drew a parallel. They wrote that in his case, too, prosecutors should have recognized that they do not have a complete understanding of their witnesses and that material existed that they needed to collect.

The deluge of evidence in Trump's case pertains to the federal investigation that sent Cohen to prison.

After a decade of working for Trump, Cohen broke with him in 2018 and soon pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations related to the hush-money payments, making false statements on a bank loan application, evading taxes related to his investments in the taxi industry and lying to Congress.

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Cohen went to prison for about a year before being released to home confinement because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He became an outspoken Trump foe and is poised to be a key prosecution witness against Trump. Trump and his lawyers, meanwhile, contend Cohen is completely untrustworthy.

In their case against Cohen, federal prosecutors said the hush-money payments were made to benefit Trump and occurred with his knowledge  but they stopped short of accusing Trump of directly committing a crime.

The Justice Departments Office of Legal Counsel, which provides legal advice and guidance to federal agencies, has maintained that a sitting president cannot be indicted. Federal prosecutors didnt revive their investigation once Trump left the White House.
Sir Michael Caine pushed a bright red walker as he left a Mayfair restaurant on Wednesday with his wife of over 50 years, Shakira, after a meal with David Walliams.

The Academy Award-winner, 91, and David, 52, have been friends since they worked on the film Twist, which was released in 2021.

Michael has had trouble with his mobility since he fell on ice and broke his ankle in 2018.

However, last year he switched to a walker after undergoing back surgery in 2022.

For his evening out, Michael and the pageant queen, 77, matched in navy blue jackets with Shakira wearing a matching scarf on top.

Sir Michael Caine pushed a bright red walker as he left a Mayfair restaurant on Wednesday with his wife of over 50 years, Shakira , after a meal with David Walliams

The Academy Award-winner and the pageant queen matched in navy blue jackets, Shakira wearing a matching scarf on top

The Academy Award-winner, 91, and David, 52, have been friends since they worked on the film Twist, which was released in 2021

Sir Michael paired his jacket with black trousers and shiny black shoes and wore his staple horn-rimmed glasses to the Arlington restaurant.

The Hollywood star was helped by two men as he approached his car and they put away his walker and helped him inside.

Michael has spinal stenosis, a condition that narrows the spinal canal and can cause back and leg pain. Surgery is usually recommended only when non-surgical treatments have not been effective.

The actor previously explained: 'I have a spine problem which affects my leg, so I can't walk very well.'

Michael smiled out of the passenger seat window as he waited for Shakira so the two could head home with David also emerging from the restaurant.

Michael has had trouble with his mobility since he fell on ice and broke his ankle in 2018. However, last year he switched to a walker after undergoing back surgery in 2022

The Hollywood star was helped by two men as he approached his car and they put away his walker and helped him get settled in the back

A comfortable Michael smiled out of the passenger seat window as he waited for Shakira so the two could head home

David is currently working on a Little Britain reboot with co-creator Matt Lucas

The former Britain's Got Talent judge is currently working on a Little Britain reboot with co-creator Matt Lucas,

Michael announced his retirement from acting in October 2023 - after a career spanning eight decades.

His final film, biographical drama The Great Escaper, was released the same month as his announcement.

It is based on the true story of British World War II Royal Navy veteran Bernard Jordan who, at 89 years old, 'broke out' of his nursing home to attend the 70th anniversary D-Day commemorations in France in June 2014.

Also starring was Glenda Jackson, and the film proved to be her last role as she died just weeks after filming concluded.

However, Michael may still have another production under his belt.

As 2023 drew to a close, The Sun reported that Michael will come out of retirement to star in an unnamed Netflix programme.

A source told the publication: 'He's been asked to star in a Netflix series. Details are kept closely guarded.'

Representatives for Michael and Netflix have been contacted by MailOnline for further comment.
Ella Rae Wise left little to the imagination as she went braless and flashed her bottom in a daring outfit while filming scenes for TOWIE in Chelmsford, Essex, on Wednesday night.

The reality star, 23, showed off her Bali tan in a very high cut long-sleeved lace-look black bodysuit.

Ella's outfit featured a high neck with a large cut-out that exposed her chest, while completing her look with black platform heels as she tottered towards the club with co-star Danni Imbert.

On the nigh out, Ella cuddled up to new flame Dan Edgar, 33, whom she began getting close to during the recent cast trip to Bali.

Dan dated fellow cast member Amber Turner, 30, for six years on-and-off, so his blossoming romance is sure to make for some explosive scenes.

Ella Rae Wise left little to the imagination as she went braless and flashed her bottom in a daring outfit while filming scenes for TOWIE in Chelmsford on Wednesday night

The reality star, 23, showed off her Bali tan in a very high cut long-sleeved lace-look black bodysuit while strutting her stuff alongside co-star Danni Imbert

On the night, Ella cuddled up to new flame Dan Edgar, 33, whom she began getting close to during the recent cast trip to Bali

He and Ella looked loved-up and comfortable despite their ten-year age gap and they held hands as they walked.

An insider told The Sun: 'Dan and Ella were in a bit of a bubble out in Bali and got caught up in the early stages of their romance.

'They couldn't keep their hands off each other - no matter who was watching. They definitely weren't attempting to hide what was going on.'

TOWIE returns with its 32nd and 33rd series later this month and ITV promised that the two new series would see 'unexpected alliances'.

Fans are in for a treat as OG Lauren Goodger previously announced she would be making a return after an 11-year absence.

The reality star, 37, revealed she planned to return to the reality show in February and has already started thinking about potential storylines.

It's all good news for fans who though the show was all but over given series 30's mere 125,000 views - a drop of almost 500,000 from the previous series.

Ella's outfit featured a high neck with a large cut-out that exposed her chest, while completing her look with black platform heels as she tottered towards the club with co-star Danni Imbert

Dan dated fellow cast member Amber Turner, 30, for six years on-and-off, so his blossoming romance is sure to make for some explosive scenes

He and Ella looked loved-up and comfortable and they held hands as they walked

An insider said: 'Dan and Ella were in a bit of a bubble out in Bali and got caught up in the early stages of their romance'

Ella and Dan shared multiple giggles throughout their night and enjoyed a few drinks and each other's company

They looked every bit the couple when Dan dwarfed Ella from behind, arms outstretched, and the two did some loud karaoke

Ella truly looked stunning in the racy outfit and stood to the side so it could be seen from a different angle

Danni wore an equally busty outfit, hers a long-sleeved black mini dress which she paired with gold heels and a gold bag

The star showcased her toned legs in the dress and opted not to accessorise, letting her cleavage do all the talking

On the way to the event, Dan walked ahead of Ella and next to Roman Hackett

Sophie Kasaei and Jordan Brook arrived hand in hand with Sophie wearing a stunning white and black mini dress

Jordan wore black trousers and black trainers with a white sole and a thin zip-up grey jumper and planted a kiss on Sophie's face

Sophie, wearing chic white heels, then turned and kissed Jordan full on the lips while he kept his hands in his pockets

Another happy couple were James 'Diags' Bennewith and Jodie Wells and Jodie lovingly placed a hand on Diags' face

Jodie wore a tiny dark khaki sleeveless playsuit with a thin black belt while Diags wore a black and white shirt

Show newcomer Freddie Bentley threw up a piece sign in a red-orange blazer and wrapped his arm around Ella who kissed his cheek

Danni posed head-to-head with fellow blonde Saffron Lempriere
The Biden administration's student loan bankruptcy policy is making it easier for borrowers to walk away from their debt, experts say.

It was previously very difficult for Americans to part from their debt in court in a regular bankruptcy proceeding, but new rules are reportedly making this easier.

'We have gotten forgiveness for a number of clients under the new bankruptcy changes,' Malissa Giles, a consumer bankruptcy lawyer in Virginia, told CNBC.

'The discharge is life changing for them and their families.'

At the end of 2022, a new process for discharging student debt in the event of bankruptcy was introduced by the Department of Justice and the Department of Education.

It was previously very difficult for Americans to part from their debt in court in a regular bankruptcy proceeding due to arduous processes

The new process was designed to make it easier to identify cases in court where it would be appropriate to forgive student loans.

Congress has traditionally set a much higher bar for cancelling student debt compared to other debt.

Policymakers were concerned that Americans would build up college debt and then attempt to unduly end their repayments.

Borrowers have had to demonstrate that they would suffer 'undue hardship' if they had to continue paying off their student debt - a very difficult bar for borrowers to clear in practice.

But under the new guidelines for attorneys and bankruptcy judges, education debt is now treated more similarly to other kinds of debt, according to experts.

'While the government used to fight discharge aggressively in almost every case, there is now a policy to agree when the borrower can show financial need and a history of good faith efforts to pay the loans,' Latife Neu, a bankruptcy lawyer in Seattle, told CNBC.

'I've helped several people take advantage of the expanded ability to discharge their student loans in bankruptcy,' Neu added.

According to the government departments, in the first 10 months of the new policy student loan borrowers filed more than 630 bankruptcy cases - which was a 'significant increase' from recent years.

'The vast majority of borrowers seeking discharge have received full or partial discharges,' they said in a statement.

While it is good news for borrowers who fall into extreme financial hardship, experts warn that Americans should avoid bankruptcy.

Borrowers have had to demonstrate that they would suffer 'undue hardship' if they had to continue paying off their student debt - a very difficult bar for borrowers to clear in practice

At the end of 2022, the Biden administration introduced a new process for discharging student debt in the event of bankruptcy

Depending on the type of bankruptcy you end up pursuing, the information could remain on your credit report for up to a decade, which could impact your ability to get a mortgage or take out other types of loans.

Higher education expert Mark Kantrowitz told the outlet how borrowers should look for other relief options if possible.

Federal loan borrowers could consider an income-based plan, he said, or deferment based on economic hardship or unemployment.

After President Biden's plan to cancel up to $400 billion in student debt for millions of Americans was struck down by the Supreme Court in June last year, the administration has since used its existing authority to leave Americans with less debt.

Under the Biden administration, more than 3.7 million borrowers have had their loans canceled, totaling $136.6 billion.

Anyone who is struggling and considering bankruptcy should talk to a non-profit credit counselor before they file, Kantrowitz warned.
Standing on the land reclaimed from sea for more than five decades now, Air India building in the countrys commercial capital in the 1970s had people queuing up just to have the experience of using an elevator.

Designed by New York-based architect John Burgee matching the aspirations of J R D Tata, the 23-storey building was among the first in those days to have elevators, neon signage on top and two levels of basement parking to name a few facilities.

The building had numerous firsts is how a retired senior official of erstwhile Air India put it on Thursday as he recalled his more than two decade-long stint there.

And the neon signage on top of the building that displayed Centaur, the logo of Air India which was later replaced after the merger of Indian Airlines, was also a key attraction in the 1970s as not many structures boasted of such an element.

The building, constructed on the state governments land, is among the many commercial high-rises to come up on the Southern tip of the land reclaimed from sea that was developed as the citys business district Nariman Point.

With its central location, the iconic building, which completed 50 years in June 2020, also provides an expansive view of the Marine Drive from Nariman Point up to Malabar Hill.

On Thursday, the central government announced approving the transfer of the Air India building in Mumbai to the Maharashtra government for a consideration of Rs 1,601 crore.

Former executive director of erstwhile Air India Jitender Bhargava, who had worked out of the building for over 20 years, on Thursday told PTI that the building had numerous firsts and added that the board room was on the 23rd floor.

Centralised air conditioning facilities and elevators with piped music were among the other attractions.

When Burgee designed the building, it was one of its kind at that time in 1970.

Bhargava, whose office was on the 20th floor of the building during the period from 1989 to 2010, said that when the building was opened, people used to come to have the experience of taking the elevator from the ground floor to the first floor, which housed the airlines booking office at that time.

There is also an auditorium and cafeteria, among other facilities at the building, where around eight floors were occupied by Air India, he recalled.

During the Gulf boom in the 80s, job seekers used to flock to the Air India booking counter. As many as 400 people would be visiting the place to book flight tickets to various Gulf countries, a retired airline official told PTI.

According to Godrej archives, the Air India building was among the first few high-rises to be constructed on the new stretch of the reclaimed land.

The building had its share of cinematic moments as many Bollywood movies have featured it in various scenes.

During its more than five-decade-long existence, the building, also earthquake-resistant, was rocked by a bomb blast in 1993.

The iconic building in many aspects also reflects the development journey of Mumbai and even as a link between the past and the present.

In its archive Volume 2, Issue 1 dated April-May 2014, Godrej said that back in the 1920s, when the post-war boom put great stress on land, the Development Directorate proposed the Backbay Reclamation Scheme.

The pier at the southern end of Block II, near Colaba, was completed in 1960 and named Nariman Point, after the firebrand Khursheed Framji Nariman, a whistle-blower who brought to light financial misappropriation by the British Government, it added.

It also said that a construction boom in the following decade saw this region spurting many commercial high-rises. Some of the first few high-rises to be constructed on this new stretch of land were the headquarters of Air India and Indian Express.

Interestingly, Godrej fabrications can be found on both these buildings. While 1,502 windows were supplied and fitted in the Air India building, at the Express Towers, false ceilings with trapezoid perforations made possible by the skills of the Panchals were installed, along with aluminium frame, as per the archive.

While Tata Group took over Air India in January 2022, the airlines non-core assets, including land and buildings, were transferred to AI Assets Holding Company Ltd (AIAHL). The non-core assets valued at Rs 14,718 crore were transferred to AIAHL after it was set up in 2019 by the government as a precursor to the sale of Air India for holding the debt and non-core assets of the then national carrier.

GoI has approved transfer of Air India building, Mumbai of AI Assets Holding Company Ltd (AIAHL) to Government of Maharashtra (GoM) at consideration of Rs 1,601 cr. GoM has agreed to waive dues of Rs 298.42 cr, which would have been otherwise payable by AIAHL to GoM for this transaction, DIPAM Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey said in a post on X.
The joint inauguration of India-assisted projects on the Agalega island of Mauritius marks a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between the nations

The joint inauguration of India-assisted projects such as an airstrip, community development projects and a jetty in the Agalega island of Mauritius shows the increasing concern over the need to change the existing  and also evolve a new  strategic approach to not only enhance economic and commercial cooperation but also ensure strategic surveillance and security of Indian Ocean Area. The virtual Conference between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Mauritian PM Pravind Jugnauth is a new cornerstone in building up close cooperation through multiple projects such as the India-assisted Aushadhi scheme (providing high-quality medicines) commercial and economic cooperation, humanitarian relief assistance and joint patrolling. This also fulfils the main thrust of the Indian Foreign Policy principle: Neighbourhood First Policy and Mauritiuss multiple needs in health, security and economic areas. The Indo-Mauritius coordination is a step forward to add a new country to Indias new strategic vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in Region) Besides, it also brings an important fact to light that India and Mauritius need to diversify their strategies to counter the challenges both face from Pakistan and China.

The war between Russia and Ukraine, the spreading tentacles of transnational terrorism and the over-ambitious mission of Chinese dominance across the globe have created serious problems for international security. While the world is still grappling with the deadly spikes of war and terror, the issue of sea security is taking the forefront of global politics. The Leading Realist in IR John Mearsheimer once conceded that states always seek to maximise their power and prowess to achieve security. Realism also contends that states prioritise maintaining their security and status quo power over aggressive expansion, focusing on balancing against threats rather than seeking dominance. It provides a theoretical rationale for comprehending the complex rigmarole in the fluid power equations and how the changing dynamics of Asia particularly around IOA shape Indias defence strategies.

There is an increasing tendency of actors in International relations to cluster around the powerful one in the system. Chinas expansionist mission has vindicated Raymond Arons observation correctly. Aron once conceded that The two most typical models are called multipolar and bipolar: either the chief actors, whose forces are not too unequal, are relatively numerous, or, on the contrary, two actors dominate their rivals to such a degree that both become the centre of a coalition and the secondary actors are obliged to situate themselves about the two blocs, thus joining one or another, unless they have the opportunity to abstain. Intermediary models are possible, depending on the number of chief actors and the degree of equality or inequality of forces among the chief actors.

These are changing times and many changes have occurred in International relations recently. Sharing and working on a common strategic vision and a combined approach to ensure mutual economic prosperity and approaching through a multi-layered and multilateral strategy if the situation demands is going to dominate the world order in the coming days.

What is required is to develop a fresh perspective for a more mature reliance on international cooperation between nations to enunciate a new strategy of retaliation, threatening a severe response to any attempt to destabilise the order.

In this direction To counter the increasing tentacles of Chinese aggressiveness endangering Indias Maritime Security through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), deployment of Naval bases in the IOC areas, Naval base in Djibouti, construction of Gwadar Port to help Pakistan, its policy of Strings of Pearls through which China is encircling India by enhancing strategic partnerships with IOR countries India has reached out to its neighbouring countries such as Sri-Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius and had a defence strategy of developing coastal Radar System between these countries. Besides, it has already started a Fusion system to provide information related to the security of the Indian Ocean Region.

The recent procurement of an India-Russia Joint Venture BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile for the Indian Navy and aero-engine for MIG-29 Jets for the Indian Air Force are major initiatives to enhance Indias defence capabilities.

India has also developed a Necklace of Diamonds Strategy and is establishing a Changi naval service Base in Singapore, Chabahar Port in Iran, and ports in Myanmar and Oman. India is moving ahead with its Act East Policy to enhance economic and trade cooperation among East Asian neighbours in addition to this started with an extensive web of ports and Coastal Surveillance Radar (CSR) building systems. Indias recent strategy has set out a clear way forward by getting fully involved in new techniques and developing challenging strategies to meet the needs of all the partners. The issue that remains vital is to bring so many neighbouring countries to a negotiating table to work out a strategy for maritime security and protecting economic interests.

The increasing support and agreement about limiting climate change issues and opening up gateways for renewable energy and development in technological know-how along with channelising the sources of power generation and creating a mechanism to withstand any sudden threat posed by BRI (Belt and Road Initiatives) augur well for peace and prosperity of all the member countries. There has always been a series of extremely good relationships between India and its neighbouring countries about trade share having crossed a decent landmark during the last half a decade which was way more than expected.

The recent efforts by India to protect IOAs security through cooperation with Mauritius would further boost and cement their ties and create a genuine environment for stabilising economic growth, (along with ensuring the free flow of goods and services) strategic security, prosperity, stability and combating sudden challenges arising due to climate change and maritime and border threat. Further, the panel discussion focusing on The Quad Squad: Power and Purpose of the Polygon, during early 2023 provided another step towards solving the expansionist plans.

The member countries showed their commitment to support Pacific Island countries with regional institutions through cooperation in several areas along with the terror such as climate change, resilient infrastructure, and maritime security to strengthen the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). The role of Indias leadership in finalising the IORA in India-Pacific areas was greatly appreciated and became even more important due to its impeccable reputation. Further negotiation may lead to the creation of a strategic mechanism to provide a shield against maritime security, piracy, drug trafficking, armed robbery, terrorism, international crime, smuggling and cyber threats unleashed by any non-state actor as well. This may also accelerate maritime-friendly ties and bolster security around the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific areas which have lately become areas of concern.

Hence, a collaborative partnership among the nations around the Indian Ocean Area through equity and access to those who are in need at the time of unprecedented crisis may show the level of insight in empowering and motivating people across the board towards extending a helping hand and saving lives. Besides, the pursuit towards the promotion of their well-being would lead to tremendous effort towards enhancement of the overall development scenario in India and neighbouring countries. The sum and substance of the idea is to ensure that the New structural Thinking and orientation changes through a fresh perspective and a framework for key demands while maintaining a synergy among various stakeholders to negotiate even on the issues of different perspectives.

Since then, cooperation among Quad Group countries has set a new road map through diplomatic endeavours towards building a new apparatus for the management of terrorism. Foreign relations are operated through efficient diplomacy and diplomacy is all about the right gestures cooperation and coordination at times of crisis. India is indeed a leading partner in this regard. India is a mature democracy and its leaders are capable of cashing in on any opportunity and strategy thats a combination of tactful strength and resilience.

(The author, a recipient of the Bharat Gaurav award, is a professor and an expert on strategic affairs; views are personal)
The United States finds itself in a peculiar predicament where the choice between Biden and Trump feels more like picking the less bad option

The United States of America has a strange conundrum of choosing the less bad Presidential option amongst geriatrics in Democrat Joe Biden and Republican Donald Trump. One concerned set of constituents is the fraternity of retired service personnel (from US Armed Forces) or simply, Veterans. Given the size and scale of the standing US Armed Forces and the accompanying global deployments, it is unsurprising that the Veterans community is over 18 million strong. As the US has had a consistent history of ongoing combat duties, Veterans evoke an emotional and hallowed position in the American consciousness. The longstanding American norm of walking up and shaking the hands of a Veteran by saying, Thank you for your services is a sacred culture that exemplifies the hallowed position afforded to Veterans, across the partisan and societal divide.

Of the 46 US Presidents to date, an unprecedented 31 had done military service testifying to the image of the Uniform, in public reverence. At one time, Uniform was considered a political millstone for prospective Presidency. Sadly, it is a normalcy on the decline. Today neither of the two Presidential candidates i.e., Trump or Biden, fit the bill on this score. On the contrary, Biden does himself no good by defending his five-student draft deferments, whereas Donald Trump is infamous for his five conscription deferments, during the Vietnam War. In recent times, even the likes of Bill Clinton and George W Bush (with his specious service with the Air National Guard) were criticised for lack of experience. The implicit fear was that as the Commander-in-Chief of the US Armed Forces, a President bereft of Military Service would be unversed and unempathetic to the institutional realities and Veteran concerns. George H.W. Bush was the last US President to serve in combat.

While the campaign spiel and competitive claims by both the contesting candidates towards Veterans in the 2024 Presidential Elections will bear prominence, the fact is that neither of the two is seen as genuine representative of the realm. While Biden has routinely invoked the Military Service of his late son, Beau Biden, to burnish his militaristic association, it remains an artful contextualization as Beaus service was that of Judge Advocate General in Iraq for a year  later, Beau had died owing to brain cancer. Many Veterans have questioned Bidens sincerity like the incident of the Air Force Veteran accosting Biden at an event, Im an Air Force veteran. Im here with an Army veteran. We are just wondering why we should vote for someone who voted for a war and enabled a war that killed thousands of our brothers and sisters, countless Iraqi civilians.

However, even though Republicans always enjoyed a historical bias in terms of Veteran traction, given its conservative and overtly nationalistic moorings, Trump is not exactly in the mould of Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, George HW Bush etc., TrumpsRepublicanism is more anchored in the commercial sensibilities of its affluent elites, as opposed to martial traditions of Military families that breed reserves of selfless character. Therefore, Trump has had to appropriate the apolitical institution of the Armed Forces with his misplaced commentary of My Generals, walk at Lafayette Square etc., and suchlike unwarranted usurpations. Ironically, he has even pooh-poohed the Veterans with utter disdain whenever his instincts have taken over. Trumps former Chief of Staff, John Kelley, has confirmed Trumps apathy, A person that thinks those who defend their country in uniform, or are shot down or seriously wounded in combat, or spend years being tortured as POWs are all suckers because there is nothing in it for them. A person who did not want to be seen in the presence of military amputees because It doesnt look good for me. Even Trumps contempt for Gold Star Military families owing to their faith or dislike for rivals like the revered Senator John McCain (distinguished Veteran) or even his purported query about a wounded Army Captain at an event with a query, Why do you bring people like that here? and added for the measure, No one wants to see that, the wounded. reflects the real amorality of Trump.

Even Trumps Defence Secretary and legendary warrior, General James Mattis who was eventually, the last adult in the room, testified to the inadvertent bluster that was postured as faux muscularity in Trumps drumming and demeanour. Mattis the proud and apolitical Veteran had mustered all the correctness that he could manage in his resignation note when he suggested that Trump needed a Defense Secretary whose views are better aligned to yours  suggesting that no professional, balanced or self-respecting individual could align with an unhinged Trump. Veterans who served partisan governments, couldnt possibly see individual leaders as bigger entities, than the Constitutional morality of the land.

Today both Biden and Trump attempt to profess more sensitivity, care, and concern for the Veterans, and like the choice generally, it is yet another case of a less bad, rather than good choice. Americas future as a Superpower is predicated on its commitment to the Armed Forces and their associated domain of Veteran Affairs, yet neither of the contestants demonstrates a familial or topical urgency towards the Veterans. Therefore, partisanship aside, many Veterans feel that their service has been taken for granted and they have no better choice.

(The writer, a military veteran, is a former Lt Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Puducherry. The views expressed are personal)
In times of crisis, society instinctively turns its gaze towards the scientific community, seeking solace and solutions amid turmoil

The public always looks at the scientific community whenever they are in dire straits. Farmers seek help from agriculture scientists when serious pests affect their crops, or there is a drastic decline in productivity. Similarly, the public looks to medical scientists for help whenever a pathogen attacks humans. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen how, every day, the ordinary person eagerly looked at research work from various labs. Covid-19 reinstated the common mans confidence in scientists. The current generation that has overcome the COVID-19 catastrophe is deeply indebted to scientists for their lives.

Even though there are hundreds of scientific fields, agriculture and health care are close to the day-to-day affairs of ordinary people, and hence, scientists working in these areas need to communicate directly to the public. Scientists working in other fields like communication engineering, space research, civil engineering etc, though highly relevant to the day-to-day life of commoners, never come in direct contact with them. Whenever humanity is in disarray, scientists bring glee and a ray of hope through their discoveries.

In many parts of the world, scientists also create confusion because of conflicts of interest and interference from policymakers. Its an open secret that most of the food products available in our market are adulterated, and in some cases, they contain toxic substances. Even scientists working in industries will secretly admit it, but they are not allowed to publish the results or speak publicly. Most of the scientific work related to pesticides, drugs etc is linked with industry, and none of the industries will support a genuine scientist. Industries may influence the design of research studies to ensure outcomes align with their objectives.

There is always a conflict between proponents of modern medicine and traditional systems of medicine. Many scientists blatantly state that Ayurvedic or Homeopathic drugs have side effects, forgetting the fact that all modern medicines have severe side effects. Scientists should strive to be impartial in pursuing knowledge and understanding of the natural world. This dedication to objectivity is fundamental to the scientific method, which relies on systematic observation, experimentation, and analysis to uncover truths about the universe. However, scientists, like all humans, are susceptible to personal beliefs and biases that may subtly influence their work.

These biases can affect everything from the questions scientists choose to investigate to the interpretation of their findings. Furthermore, external factors such as funding sources, societal pressures, and political climates can also influence scientific research. Research funding, in particular, plays a significant role in shaping the scientific agenda, as scientists often rely on grants from government agencies, private foundations, or industry sponsors to support their work. The priorities of these funding sources may align with particular agendas or interests, potentially influencing the direction and focus of research. Societal pressures and political influence can also distort scientific results.

Despite these challenges, the scientific community is committed to upholding certain principles of objectivity, transparency, and peer review to ensure the integrity of scientific research.

While scientists may not always be entirely free from bias, these principles help to minimise the impact of personal beliefs and external influences on the scientific process. The scientific community can maintain public trust and credibility by upholding these standards. Moreover, scientists should proactively engage with societal concerns, prioritising research that tackles urgent issues like public health, and social inequality. If scientists lose public trust, society will be in disarray.

(The writer is an adjunct faculty at the National Institute of Advanced Studies; views are personal)
Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement is a game changer

India signing a low-hanging trade agreement with four European countries, earlier this week, marks a new chapter in the policy outlook going forward. For starters the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), India managed to close with European Free Trade Association ( EFTA) member countries (comprising of Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein) is a first of its kind with developed countries from the Western world.

It would be worth mentioning that India has been trying to sign trade agreements (FTAs) with the Western world, particularly the larger European Union, the UK and in the long run with the US for several years. However, all of these negotiations, which tend to get extremely complex, when dealing with Western nations, due to divergences in priorities, failed to fructify into something meaningful, in decades. Indias external economic policy outlook, for a very long, including the early years of PM Narendra Modis government, prioritised the domestic sector, over a more integrated new world trade-based economy. This had also raised concerns about the current governments priorities being too protectionist, which in plain English meant providing artificial government shield to, often, inefficient domestic manufacturing, leading to high-cost, low-quality products and services for the domestic market.

India had also walked out of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement (one of the largest multilateral trade agreements among ASEAN members and Australia, China, Japan, South Korea etc) after multiple rounds of negotiations, citing a disproportionate advantage to China in the agreement. This left little room for the Indian economy to grow and get more investments, create fresh employment and provide the necessary fillip to exports, however, things began to change during the second term of PM Modi beginning in 2019.

At a time when the global chorus started shifting to being more pro-protectionist, i.e. trying to save their domestic industry, as a result of the Covid Pandemic, the Ukraine war and tensions in West Asia, India managed to sign two early harvest trade agreements with UAE and Australia in record time. This was a signal to the world that India is willing to negotiate at the trade table (being the fifth largest economy serves as a good bait) and get further integrated with the global economy, of course, on terms that are mutually beneficial for all participating partners. India is currently in deep negotiations with the UK for signing an FTA, whose final signing was being tuned up as another feather in the current governments economic successes, however, it will have to wait longer for eco-political reasons.

The UAE trade agreement had also opened doors for India to negotiate a similar deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council (where UAE is also an influential member) but the West Asian crisis may delay the negotiations. It may be mentioned here, that, the Oman FTA has a definite stellar output record from the commerce ministry. Coming back to the TEPA, commerce minister Piyush Goyal during the announcement underscored The agreement will give a boost to Make in India and provide opportunities to young & talented workforce. The FTA will provide a window to Indian exporters to access large European and global markets.

TEPA heavily relies on a nearly $100 billion investment commitment from the EFTA members in a fifteen-year window, which could serve as an important benchmark and a template for signing similar deals with other developed nations. India and the EU have taken several steps to arrive at some sort of a free trade agreement, albeit, negotiating with 27 member countries union may be slightly more complex. The message from India, which has tasted high growth years, despite several setbacks from global headwinds, is clear, the domestic market is open for business and Indian exporters are confident to win the world.

(The writer is a policy analyst; views are personal)
Amid rising instances of fatal or serious pet dog attacks, at least 23 breeds of 'ferocious' dogs, including Pitbull, Rottweiler, Terrier, Wolf Dog, and Mastiff, have been shortlisted by the Centre for a complete ban on their sale, import and breeding as pets. This means that the general public is now barred from keeping these ferocious dogs.

The list of banned dog breeds includes  Pitbull Terrier, Tosa Inu, American Staffordshire Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, American bulldog, Boerboel, Kangal, Central Asian Shepherd Dog, Caucasian Shepherd Dog, South Russian Shepherd, Tornjak, Sarplaninac, Japanese Tosa and Akita, Mastiffs, Rottweiler, Terriers, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Wolf dogs, Canario, Akbash dog, Moscow Guard dog, Cane Corso, and every dog of the type commonly known as a 'Ban Dog'.

"...The above dog breeds, including crossbreeds, shall be prohibited for import, breedings, selling as pet dogs and other purposes," said a letter dated March 12 written by the Union Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying to Chief Secretaries of all States and UTs while directing them to sterilise these breeds of dogs, which have already been kept as pets, to prevent further breeding.

The department said it has received representations from citizens, citizen forums, and Animal Welfare Organisations (AWOs) to ban some of the breeds of dogs from being kept as pets and other purposes.

The move followed a report by a joint panel of experts and animal welfare bodies in response to an order of the Delhi High Court. The court had directed the Centre to decide the matter after consulting all stakeholders within three months.

The Central Government has also called for the enforcement of the Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules 2017 and the Pet Shop Rules 2018.

Earlier, animal rights body People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India had urged the Centre to protect vulnerable dog breeds commonly exploited by criminal elements of society for illegal dogfighting, as well as for the safety of humans. PETA also filed a writ petition in the Delhi High Court.

The PETA in its petition said, "This order is key toward providing vital protection for both humans and dogs and sends a strong, clear message that pit bulls and other such breeds are bred to be used as weapons. Pit bulls and related breeds are the most commonly abandoned dogs in India, and this action can prevent a great deal of suffering."

In the recent past there has been a spate of attacks by ferocious dogs. These included a Gwalior resident being attacked by his pet Rottweiler in January 2024 when the man remembered he had forgotten to feed the dog during the day and went to provide food around midnight.

Similarly, a 7-year-old boy was attacked by a Pitbull in northwest Delhi while he was playing near his residence while a Pitbull attacked a 1.5-year-old girl in the Burari Nagar Colony in Uttarakhand who later required 18 stitches after suffering three separate leg fractures and was also hospitalised for 17 days.

Some of these canines are banned or restricted in many countries such as the UK, Colombia, Norway, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Malta, Spain, France, Australia, Singapore, and New Zealand.
Former President Ram Nath Kovind led high-level 'One Nation, One Election' poll panel on Thursday recommended simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies as the first step followed by synchronised local body polls within 100 days.

The 18,000-page report submitted to President Droupadi Murmu by Kovind and committee members said simultaneous polls will spur development and social cohesion, deepen "foundations of democratic rubric" and help realise the aspirations of "India that is Bharat".

Kovind was accompanied by other panel members, including Home Minister Amit Shah, former Finance Commission chairman NK Singh, former Lok Sabha secretary general Subhash Kashyap, former leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad and Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, when he went to submit the report to the president at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Shah termed the recommendation of the committee as "a historic day" for the country's democratic system. The report is an outcome of extensive consultations with stakeholders, experts and research work of 191 days, since its constitution on September 2, 2023, a statement said.

The committee recommended that fresh elections could be held to constitute a new Lok Sabha in the event of a hung House or a no-confidence motion, or any such event.

Of the total of 62 parties approached by the poll panel 47 responded out of which 32 favoured holding elections simultaneously while 15 against it and 15 did not submit a response. Among the national parties, the Congress, the Aam Aadmi Party, BSP and the CPIM opposed the proposal, while the BJP and National People's Party supported it.

The BSP highlighted concerns regarding the large territorial extent and population of the country, which could make implementation challenging, on the other hand its rival in Uttar Pradesh Samajwadi Party said if simultaneous elections are implemented, State-level parties will not be able to compete with national parties in electoral strategy and expenditure leading to increased discord between these two sets of parties.

Among State parties, AIUDF, Trinamool Congress, AIMIM, CPI, DMK, Naga People's Front, and Samajwadi Party opposed the proposal to hold simultaneous elections.

The AIADMK, All Jharkhand Students Union, Apna Dal (Soney Lal), ASOM Gana Parishad, Biju Janata Dal, Lok Janshakti Party (R), Mizo National Front, Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party, Shiv Sena, Janata Dal (United), Sikkim Krantikari Morcha, Shiromani Akali Dal, and United People's Party Liberal supported the proposal.

Others including Bharat Rashtra Samiti, Indian Union Muslim League, Jammu And Kashmir National Conference, Janata Dal (Secular), Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Kerala Congress (M), Nationalist Congress Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Rashtriya Loktantrik Party, Revolutionary Socialist Party, Sikkim Democratic Front, Telugu Desam Party, and YSR Congress Party did not respond.

Among other parties, CPI(ML) Liberation, Social Democratic Party of India opposed it, while Rashtriya Lok Janata Dal, Bharatiya Samaj Party, Gorakha National Liberal Front, Hindustani Aavam Morcha, Rashtriya Lok Jan Shakti Party, Rashtrawadi Congress Party (Ajit Pawar) were among those who opposed.

The panel studied election processes in six countries including South Africa, Sweden and Belgium, before recommending simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies in India. The other countries where simultaneous elections are conducted are Germany, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines and Belgium.

Where fresh elections are held for the House of the People (Lok Sabha), the tenure of the House will be "only for the unexpired (remaining) term of the immediately preceding full term of the House", said the Kovind panel report to Murmu.

When fresh elections are held for State legislative Assemblies, then such new Assemblies -- unless sooner dissolved -- shall continue up to the end of the full term of the Lok Sabha. To bring into force such a mechanism, Article 83 (duration of Houses of Parliament) and Article 172 (duration of state legislatures) need to be amended, the committee said. "This Constitutional amendment will not need ratification by the States," the committee said.

The panel also recommended preparation of a common electoral roll and voter ID cards by the Election Commission of India in consultation with State election authorities. It said Article 325 dealing with voters' list may be suitably amended for the purpose.

At present, the ECI is responsible for Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, while local body polls for municipalities and panchayats are managed by State election commissions. The panel recommended several constitutional amendments, most of which will not need ratification by States.

"Now, several elections are being held every year. This casts a huge burden on the Government, businesses, workers, courts, political parties, candidates contesting elections, and civil society at large," the panel said. It said the Government must develop a "legally tenable mechanism" to restore the cycle of simultaneous elections.

Three former High Court Chief Justices and one former State Election Commissioner were among those who objected to the idea of 'one nation, one election' during the consultations. According to the report, all four former Supreme Court Chief Justices -- Justice Dipak Misra, Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde and Justice UU Lalit -- the panel consulted provided written responses, all of which were in favour of holding simultaneous elections.
A 22-year-old unmarried woman, was sexually assaulted and exploited by accused youth in Baghsewania area for past 2 years and recently he refused to marry the victim, accused has not been arrested yet.

Police said that the accused youth claiming to be an MBBS student, first proposed to the girl and later assured to marry her. When the student agreed, the young man went to the girl's house and sexually assaulted her.

Recently, after sexually exploiting her for almost two years, he refused to marry him. The girl reached the police station on Tuesday and complained about the matter. After registering the case of rape, the police have started searching for the accused.

Police said that the 22-year-old girl lives in the Bagsevania area and is studying in a college. Two years ago, at a wedding ceremony, the girl was introduced to a young man named Ankit Chauhan. Ankit told the girl that he is a resident of Sehore district and is studying MBBS at Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal. The acquaintance between the two soon turned into friendship and later developed a relationship.

After a few days, the young man proposed marriage to the girl. After this, there was a discussion between the family members of both and the matter of their marriage was decided.

Meanwhile, one day Ankit reached the girl's house. During this time the girl was alone in the house. The young man sexually assaulted the girl while saying that he would get married soon. After this he had physical relations with the girl at different places.

Recently, Ankit reached the girl's house and refused to marry her. The girl and her family tried to handle the matter but Ankit was not ready to marry the victim. The girl reached the police station on Tuesday and complained about the matter. The police have registered a case of rape and started investigation. The accused is a resident of Shahganj in Sehore district. The police team will soon leave for his arrest. Only after his arrest will it be possible to confirm whether he is an MBBS student or not.
Don-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari received yet another blow on Wednesday when the MP/MLA Court in Varanasi awarded him life imprisonment in a three-decade old case.

Additionally, the court imposed a fine of Rs 2,02,000 on the gangster.

This is the second life imprisonment sentence awarded to Mukhtar Ansari in the Yogi Adityanath government. Courts have announced their verdicts in as many as eight cases against Mukhtar Ansari so far after finding him guilty.

It is noteworthy that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths efforts to ensure effective prosecution of dreaded criminals is leading to announcement of verdicts one after another in several pending cases.

Additional Sessions Judge and Special Judge of MP/MLA Court in Varanasi, Awanish Gautam, sentenced Mukhtar Ansari in the case of obtaining arms licence on fake signatures of district magistrate/superintendent of police.

After the hearing and effective prosecution in three cases registered in police station Mohammadabad Ghazipur and one case registered in Kotwali Ghazipur in 1990, separate sentences were given for each of the four charges.

It includes seven years imprisonment awarded under sections 420/120 B of the Indian Penal Code, life imprisonment under sections 467/120 B of the IPC, seven years under sections 468/120 B of the IPC and a 6-month sentence under Section 30 of the Arms Act. All sentences will run concurrently.

In addition to this, a separate fine of Rs. 2,02,000 has been imposed on Mukhtar Ansari. Failure to pay the fine may result in an additional imprisonment of one year to one week.

Notably, owing to the effective prosecution by the Yogi government, Mukhtar Ansari has already been sentenced to life imprisonment in the case of the murder of Awadhesh Rai, elder brother of Congress state president Ajay Rai.

Prior to this, in December 2023, the MP/MLA Court of Varanasi had found Mukhtar Ansari guilty of threatening Mahavir Prasad Rungta, a witness in the murder of 26-year-old coal businessman Nand Kishor Rungta, and had sentenced him to five and a half years of rigorous imprisonment and slapped a fine of Rs 10,000 against him.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav while addressing a gathering at the digital launch event held at PTC Ground in Sagar, highlighted Sagar's prominent role in education, the city renowned for Dr. Harisingh Gaur's legacy. Virtually inaugurating Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi University, Dr. Yadav announced its commencement in the upcoming session and plans for constructing a dedicated university building.

Mohan Yadav said that the land of Madhya Pradesh is the main educational center of the country. Lord Krishna pursued education in Sandipani Ashram Ujjain, while educationist Dr. Harisingh Gaur was the torchbearer in Bundelkhand. Expressing firm conviction, Dr. Mohan Yadav asserts Dr. Harisingh Gaur's undeniable eligibility for the Bharat Ratna. Notably, Sagar stands out as the sole district among the state's 55 districts boasting two universities. Highlighting the Madhya Pradesh government's prompt action, significant decisions have been swiftly executed within a 90-day timeframe. Just 52 days prior, the announcement of a government university honoring the courageous Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi in Sagar was made, now materializing into reality. He emphasized that colleges and universities cultivate skilled citizens, emphasizing the importance for youth to possess not just a degree on paper but also essential skills. In this perspective, the entire structure of education is being prepared under the new education policy, the credit for which goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the new education policy, courses for imparting values ??along with skills have also been included. Courses will be started in Sagars new university on the suggestions of students.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that on January 20, he had announced the opening of Ayurveda Medical College in Sagar. He announced Ayurveda College to be named after Acharya Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj. He said that this would be a true tribute to Acharya Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj. Dr. Yadav announced the construction of Sant Ravidas road. On the demand of public representatives, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also announced to start postgraduate courses in government colleges of Banda and Makronia and science faculty at graduate level in Kesli. Chief Minister Yadav said that air ambulance facility is being provided in the districts of the state, including Sagar to provide prompt treatment to the seriously ill. Sagar will also have air connectivity. The state government has also decided to operate small 12-seater aircraft.

Yadav has announced a financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for the kidney transplant of Mohit Rajput, a child of Sironja village. He said that the government will not let anyone suffer. He directed to send a proposal to Collector Deepak Arya for financial assistance for the treatment of another 13-year-old cancer victim Omprakash Kakshi.

Minister Govind Singh Rajput said that for the last 13 years, public representatives, citizens and students were continuously demanding a state level university in Sagar. The Chief Minister had announced setting-up of Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi Government University on his maiden visit to Sagar on January 20. Minister Rajput requested Chief Minister Dr. Yadav to convey the idea of??awarding the title of Bharat Ratna to Dr. Harisingh Gaur to the Central Government. MP Rajbahadur Singh and MLA Shailendra Jain said that they thanked Chief Minister Dr. Yadav on behalf of the people of the district for establishing Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi University and starting it from this session.
The second most used metal in the world after steel is aluminium. It is also called the 'metal of the future.' Aluminium comes from alumina and alumina comes from bauxite. The mineral year book of IBM says the per capita consumption of aluminium in India is 2.5 kg, which is below the world average of 8 kg. South Korea,Bahrain, Germany, Italy and China consume over 25kg as per the technology vision document 2035. There has been an increasing demand for aluminium for metallurgy, chemicals, aerospace, railway, defence, solar, automobile, cement, refractories, abrasive, steel and petrol industries, raw materials in construction of buildings and roads, electrical power transmission, machinery, equipment, packing and furniture etc. It will be more in demand with global economic growth.

China alone contributes more than 55 percent of the world aluminium production. The international price of aluminium per kg is 2.60 USD.

The total bauxite reserve of the world was estimated at 32 billion tonnes by the USGS and is located in countries including Australia, Guinea, Vietnam, Jamaica, Brazil, China, and India. The world production of bauxite was 368 million tonnes in the year 2020. As per mineral index data base, Indias reserve was 4,958 million tonnes. India is the 6th largest bauxite producing country.

Odisha emerged as the leading producer State, accounting for about 76 percent of the total production during 2021. Odishas south -west part alone accounts for 42 percent of the countrys bauxite resources followed, by Chhatisgada, AP, Gujarat, Jharakhand, Maharashtra and MP. The production of bauxite in the year 2020-21 was 20,468 tonnes extracted from 144 mines. The share of the public sector was more than 50 percent and mostly Nalco is the leading producer, having a 36 percent share in the total production.

The production value of bauxite in 2021 was Rs 1,667 crore out of which Odisha's share was Rs 1,233 crore. The production of bauxite and its refinery, smelter to produce aluminium have created scope for employment for thousands of people. As per IBM data, bauxite mining alone employs about 7,000 people. The Government, along with mineral royalty, corporate tax , host of other taxes, also gets profits from public sector companies such as Nalco and OMC engaged in mining and other works. Private companies such as Utkal Alumina International have mines in Rayagada. It has a lease period up to 2048. Vedanta Resource Limited has an alumina refinery at Langigada and aluminium smelter at Jharasuguda. Through disinvestment move it has taken over BALCO in Korba of Chhatisgarh. The company has won a bid to mine bauxite in Kalahandi and Rayagada. These companies have already access to coal mines for thermal power plants.

The mineral-based economy with a global market pays benefits to lease holders, stockists, traders, exporters, transporters, business people and many others who are directly or indirectly connected to the bauxite, alumina and aluminium sector. But this huge, well-grown global bauxite market is not sharing the development with the people in mineral bearing areas to improve their economic condition while they are uprooted from their habitation and primary sources of livelihood.

The south-west bauxite belt of Odisha, with 95 percent of the bauxite resources of the State, covers mostly the poorest districts of Odisha such as Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Kalahandi, Bolangir, Bargarh, Kondhamal, Sundargada, Keonjhar and Maurbhanj.

The State Government has made a number of agreements with companies for bauxite mining, refineries, smelters and captives to be operated in different parts of the State for which the supply of bauxite is required. Social and environmental audits from mining areas such as Jharasuguda, Angul and Keonjhar show a backlash of mining that contributes to increased vulnerability among the locals, especially the historically marginalised sections who are defence less in fighting the State and corporate houses in defence of their rights and basic entitlements.

The districts with bauxite reserves are mostly inhabited by a majority of the ST population along with SCs and other marginalised sections whose primary source of livelihood is hills, forest-NTFP, river, agriculture and animal husbandry. Some areas enjoy the status of 5th schedule having more than 50 percent of the ST population but their social and human development indicators show that nothing has substantially changed, especially in the sources of livelihood of the majority of the population, including health, education and quality of life. Even with special budgetary provision of sub-plan approach, these areas remain backward. The undivided koraput districts is placed among the poorest districts of the country and Malkangiri district is on the top in the list of the poorest with huge malnutrition problem, child death , distress migration and middle age diseases.

There is a higher rate of poverty and a higher percentage of people are below the poverty line, which is higher than the State average and STs and SCs are more prone to high poverty level in comparison to other social groups of the State. Land alienation and denial of land titles to the early settlers of these areas remain an unfinished task. The traditional rights of the locals over land, forest -FRA and other resources have not been recognized . Out of total 10 States having 5th scheduled areas, 9 States have made PESA rules. Though Odisha has half of the geographical areas in 5th scheduled and about one-fourth of the total population belonging to tribals, it has not yet made PESA rules that gives power to the locals.

Many of the mega projects in south-west Odisha have not brought any major change in the lives of the locals. Rather many families have lost their traditional livelihood and are not suited to accommodate the new kinds of job opportunities being created by mining and industries through affirmative action policy and training on skill development. The proper rehabilitation of the displaced families and growing pollution is still a major issue of almost all mining and industrial areas of the State. Environmental laws have not been followed, such as EIA and public hearings.

The people are not democratically consulted over rehabilitation and resettlement and their opinions are not being considered by elected representatives of the ruling parties. Social activists and others concerned are branded as anti-development and their concerns for human rights and environmental issues are being undermined and viewed as anti-industry. Mining has pushed the inclusive development debate to the periphery and the concern for the poor, marginalised and affected people has not become part of democratic debate on the economic development of the State.

The people of these areas also witnessed extra judicial killing of hundreds of innocent people being victimised and trapped in false cases without an impartial trial. In the plea of fighting Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), many innocent people suffered in the hands of police and paramilitary forces, such as OAPF, CRPF, BSF, SOG and CoBRA.

(manasbbsr15@gmail.com)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday announced its first list of candidates for Haryana for the Lok Sabha polls. Out of 10, names of six candidates were announced.



Former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has been given the Lok Sabha ticket from Karnal Constituency. Khattar resigned from the post of Chief Minister of Haryana on Tuesday. After this, he also resigned from the Karnal Assembly on Wednesday itself. BJP had won all the 10 parliamentary seats of Haryana in 2019.



Ambala Lok Sabha seat is vacant after the death of MP Rattan Lal Kataria last year. His wife Banto Kataria has been given ticket from Ambala Constituency. Rao Inderjit Singh, who is currently the MP, has got a ticket from the same Gurugram constituency. Ashok Tanwar, who recently joined BJP from AAP, has been given ticket from Sirsa.

Krisan Pal Gurjar, who is also current MP from Faridabad, has been given ticket from the same constituency. Dharamveer Singh will contest election from Mahendragarh-Bhiwani Lok Sabha Constituency. Lok Sabha tickets have not yet been announced from Hisar, Kurukshetra, Sonepat and Rohtak. It is expected that the candidates of these four Lok Sabha constituencies will be announced in the third list of the BJP.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday said it's been 15 months since the people of the state rejected the BJP, but it was still struggling to digest the defeat and trying to capture the reins of power through money power.



Addressing a public meeting in Shillai area of Sirmaur district, the CM blamed the BJP for the ongoing political crisis in the state and alleged that the BJP was trying to murder the democracy. He made the remarks after inaugurating or laying foundation stones of development projects worth Rs 110 crore in Shillai assembly constituency.



Sukhu said such unethical practices were never witnessed in Himachal's politics and the people will not forgive the forces who were trying to make the state unstable. "No conspiracy of BJP will be allowed to be succeeded and the Congress government will complete its five-year term comfortably," he said.



Expressing his resolve to fight the ongoing political crisis in the state Congress, Sukhu said he has 35 years of experience in active politics which were full of struggle. "I am not a power hungry person. I was offered a ministerial berth in Himachal Pradesh by former chief minister Virbhadra Singh many times, but I chose to be in the organisation and struggle for the improvement of the party throughout my career," he said.



"For the welfare of the state, I will fight in every situation with my full ability, I won't give up so easily," he added. Sukhu said that the six Congress rebel MLAs are regretting their act of backstabbing the party. They will never be forgiven by the people, he said.



These MLAs broke the trust reposed in them by the thousands of voters and betrayed the values of 'Devbhumi' Himachal Pradesh, which is unacceptable to its people, he said. Accusing the BJP for financial mis management, Sukhu said that when he took over the coffers were empty and there was no money to run even the day-to-day expenses of the government. After struggling for the past 15 months to save the money, plugging all routes of corruption, the state government has earned an additional Rs 2,200 crore which are now being used in giving pension to women, improving health services, and education and running several welfare activities in the state, Sukhu said.
Haryana Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday launched two new schemes online to provide financial assistance to people suffering from cancer and 55 other rare diseases.



He said that now cancer patients of stage 3 and 4 will also get financial assistance of Rs 3000 per month. People suffering from cancer and 55 other rare diseases can avail benefits by applying online through Saral portal.



Saini said that this financial assistance will be in addition to the benefits available under any other social security pension scheme. This scheme has been implemented for people of all age groups. In this the annual income should be less than Rs 3 lakh. The Chief Minister said that cancer patients along with an attendant are also being provided free travel facility from their home to the Cancer Institute in Haryana State Transport buses.



He said that cancer patients can apply on the Saral portal with medical records verified by the Civil Surgeon. After this, online approval will be given by the District Social Welfare Officer.


A restaurant chef died after he was hit by a truck while crossing the road in Bairagarh late at night on Tuesday.

He was returning home from duty at the time of the incident. The accused driver fled along with the truck after the accident. The police have registered a case and started investigation.

Police said that Vicky Parihar lived in MGH Colony Bairagarh. He worked as a head chef in a restaurant located in Bairagarh. Like his every day routine he was returning home from duty late on Tuesday night.

While crossing the road near Kalka temple, he was hit by a truck. The young man died on the spot in the accident. The accused driver fled from the spot along with the truck. The body was handed over to the family members after the PM on Wednesday afternoon.

Vicky married 13 years ago. He has three children Priyansh (12), Mayur (10) and a 5 year old daughter from the marriage.

Police are scanning the footage of CCTV cameras installed around the incident site to identify the accused driver.
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Bhopal Zone elected its new Chairman and Vice Chairman for the year 2024-25 and commemorated its Annual Day 2023-24 under the theme of Parivartan, Pahchan, Prakrati: A Vision for the Future Ready Bhopal Region, in Bhopal, the event brought together industry leaders and stakeholders to deliberate on the transformative potential of Bhopal and also marked the inauguration of newly elected Chairman and Vice chairman of Bhopal Zone 2024-25.

The Annual Day celebration served as a platform to announce the incoming leadership of Bhopal Zone as Pulkit Sharma, Executive Director, Daulatram Engineering Services Pvt Ltd and Rajendra Patel, Managing Director, Makson were announced as the chairman & vice-chairman of the Bhopal Zone respectively.

The discussions revolved around how to build a future-ready industrial ecosystem in Bhopal, and importance of embracing innovation which will play an important role in pushing the endeavour of branding Bhopal. Highlights of the event included keynote addresses by Shreyaskar Chaudhary, Chairman, CII Madhya Pradesh & Director, Pratibha Syntex. Panel discussions by Ram Ramalingam, CEO, Global Skills Park, Ramanathan, Executive Director, BHEL and Dr Mayank Dubey, Assistant Professor, School of Planning and Architecture where the speakers shared insights and strategies to foster a conducive environment for growth and development in the region. The discussions revolved around leveraging technology, nurturing entrepreneurship, and preserving the natural heritage of Bhopal.

The event also featured felicitation of CII Bhopal Zone's past chairmen honouring them for their outstanding contributions to the development of CII.
The Infocity police busted a notorious dacoity gang from near a playground in the Patia area of the city when the gang was planning to loot a liquor shop.

Police arrested five persons in this connection.

The arrested were main accused SK Islam alias Kadam and his four associates Romy Nayak, Kartik Behera, Jitendra Samal and K Sibaji.

Kadam is a history-sheeter and there are as many as 48 criminal cases pending against him in different police stations of the State capital and outside.

Kadam used to commit crimes after being released from jail custody on bail. He is involved in several crimes such as dacoity, snatching and theft. We have seized two crowbars, a knife, a liquor bottle, and several contraband items from the possession of the arrested persons, a senior police official said.

The gang members used to reside in rented houses in different localities of the city and commit crimes, police said.
Demanding hike in their stipend, Junior doctors in all the government medical colleges of the state, including Gandhi Medical College, went on a two-hour symbolic strike on Wednesday.

In addition to the protest the Junior Doctors Association of Gandhi Medical College gave a memorandum to the college dean Dr. Salil Bhargava.

In this, it has been stated that if the order for increase in stipend is not issued till late Wednesday evening, the nature of the strike will be changed on Thursday.

Junior doctors of the Medical College at Hamidia and Sultania Hospital affiliated to Gandhi Medical College went on strike in the routine OPD from 10 am to 12 noon on Wednesday. This has been confirmed by the state president of the association, Sanket Seete.

He said that junior doctors posted on emergency duty were not included in the two-hour symbolic strike on Wednesday. So that any patient who comes to the hospital with the hope of emergency treatment does not have to return from the hospital without treatment.

There has been no increase in the stipend of medical students (junior doctors) doing PG from government medical colleges from November 2022. Whereas in June 2021, the state government has made a provision to increase the stipend of junior doctors annually on the basis of Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Members of the Junior Doctors Association (GMC) said that the state government had increased the stipend of junior doctors on June 7, 2021. Besides, there was also a provision for annual increase in the month of April every year according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of that year. But, the increase took place in November 2022 instead of April 2022. After November 2022, there was no increase in April 2023 and the work is still stuck.

JUDA President Sanket Seete said that our demands have been put before the administration for a long time. But, since there was no solution, we worked wearing black bands. Representatives of JUDA Bhopal met the administrative officials. He has assured us of taking positive steps regarding our demands. We have full faith in the administration and we hope that the government will take some positive action soon.

According to junior doctors, we are continuously discussing with the concerned people. Only assurances are being given everywhere, if our demands are not met soon then junior doctors across the state may go on strike. Junior doctor's spokesperson Dr. Kuldeep Gupta said that Juda had met the minister's OSD regarding her demands and received assurance from there.

The number of junior doctors across the state is more than 2500. The number of junior doctors in Bhopal is more than 600.

The stipend in June 2021 was Rs 65000.Stipend in November 2022 will be Rs 69115. The stipend has not been increased since then.

The demands are that the monthly stipend of Madhya Pradesh election doctor should be Rs 1 lakh per month. The pending work of annual salary increase should be completed. In Madhya Pradesh, fees for medical education should be increased from Rs 10 to Rs 15,000 like other states and university fees should also be reduced.

All junior doctors working in Madhya Pradesh should be provided health insurance for 5 years. The seats of senior residents should be increased in the clinical department in the medical college. Seats for senior residents should also be introduced in non-clinical departments.

Rural Service Bond should be abolished from Madhya Pradesh or if a doctor goes on rural service then he should be given an additional salary of Rs 20,000, because the period of bond is not included in Senior Resident ship and then students have to do SRship separately to become Assistant Professor.
The Enforcement Directorate has seized properties valued at Rs 5.7 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with the Uttar Pradesh post-matric scholarship scam, the agency announced on Thursday.

The attached properties include the college buildings of the SS Institute of Management in Baksi Ka Talab area of Lucknow.

This latest attachment is the fourth in the case, bringing the total value of attached properties to Rs 15.7 crore.

The SS Group of institutes, which operates schools and colleges in Lucknow, conducts various management courses, including BBA and MBA programmes.

According to the ED, chairman of the SS Group, Praveen Chauhan, along with Ishrat Zafari of the Hagia Group of Institutes and his staff, forged documents for hundreds of students and fraudulently obtained Rs 7.40 crore in scholarship funds from the government.

Movable and immovable properties worth Rs 1.7 crore have already been attached, the agency stated.

The EDs investigation began based on intelligence and an FIR lodged by the Uttar Pradesh Police in the scholarship scam. It was revealed that managers and trustees of various colleges admitted fake students and applied for scholarships in their names through the government portal.

The scholarship so received for the fake PH category and handicapped students was transferred to accounts of colleges and thereafter withdrawn in cash or transferred to personal accounts or used for land purchases, building construction, etc., thus, their actions resulted in the embezzlement of more than Rs 100 crore of government money from scholarships by depriving the needy and genuine students, the ED said.

Six accused persons have been arrested in the case and are in judicial custody. Three provisional attachment orders attaching various immovable and movable properties worth Rs 10 crore in the name of managers and trustees of various colleges have been issued. Additionally, one prosecution complaint and two supplementary prosecution complaints have been filed against five accused persons before the Special (PMLA) Court, which has taken cognisance of the same.
Traffic snarls were witnessed in central Delhi and Sarai Kale Khan on Thursday in view of a farmers "mahapanchayat" convened at the Ramlila Ground here to protest against the Centre's policies regarding the farming sector. Vehicles moved at a snail's pace, resulting in traffic congestion at ITO, Delhi Gate, Daryaganj, Connaught Place, and on National Highway-24 near Sarai Kale Khan, among other places. Massive traffic snarls were witnessed at Sarai Kale Khan. A senior police officer said commuters might face some trouble but the traffic is moving. "We have had a word with the traffic police about diversion plans," the officer said. Meanwhile, security was beefed up in the national capital on Thursday and heavy force was deployed for checking vehicles in the central parts of the city due to Mahapanchayat'.

Scores of Punjab farmers have gathered at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi to attend Kisan Mahapanchayat that has been organized by the Samyukt Kisam Morcha (SKM) on Thursday to press the Centre to accept the farmers' demands, including a law on the minimum support price (MSP). During their gathering, they raised slogans against the Union Government. It also vowed to continue its stir during the upcoming Lok Sabha polls if its demands are not met, according to the resolution.

Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait told reporters, "We held a meeting here and a message has gone to the government that farmers of our country are united. The government should talk to us to resolve the issue. This agitation is not going to stop anytime soon and it will spread from Kashmir to Kanyakumari."

Tikait said the government wants to destroy the country by turning the farmers into labourers.

"They have already ended the 'mandi' system in Bihar and now they want to do it across the country. This way, they want the farmers to become labourers," he said.

He also said the government wants to break the unity of farmers by forming different farmers' unions.

"They want to divide us based on caste, religion, regionalism and language," he charged.

Krantikari Kisan Union leader Darshan Pal, who also participated in the mahapanchayat, said the demands of the farmers have been neglected for years.

"We have been holding agitations since 2021 and their charters have already been sent to the president and the prime minister but nothing has happened so far," he said.

"Today, we discussed the same issues and again informed the farmers who came here from various parts of the country about our demands. We also passed a resolution to continue our agitation and target the policies of BJP during the election period as well," he added.

Pal also showed his displeasure over the limited gathering permitted by the Delhi Police at the Ramlila Maidan.

"We were not allowed to come to Delhi. The permission for the 'mahapanchayat' was given at the eleventh hour with several restrictions like only 5,000 farmers could come. The farmers were not allowed to go to gurdwaras and they were also stopped at railway stations," he claimed.The farmers also raised slogans against the Union government at the protest venue. Several women farmers also joined the protest.

There were yellow, red, blue and white coloured flags that were carried by different farmers signifying their affiliation to different farm unions.

The farmers from states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh and West Bengal had come for the mahapanchayat.

Harman Singh, a farmer from Punjab's Patiala, said he arrived in the capital on Wednesday night.

"We want the Centre's policies to be pro-farmers. We also want our demand for an MSP (minimum support price) on crops to be fulfilled," he said.

Ravinder Singh, a farmer from Punjab's Bathinda, said action should be taken against the accused in the violence that erupted in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri in October 2021.

"We want action against the person who drove his car over farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri. The family members of the victim should get compensation and a government job," he said.

During the ongoing protest at Ramlila Maidan, a farmer reiterated the main demand of the protest which is the legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP).

"Our main demand is a legally guaranteed minimum support price," said 39-year-old Utpal Biswas, from the eastern state of West Bengal. "Today's protest is supposed to last for a day but we will see how it progresses."
n Four people died while 11 others suffered after a fire broke out in a five-storeyed residential building in Shastri Nagar Gali No-13 near Geeta Colony.Geeta Colony on Thursday morning. According to police, the deceased includes a couple along with their two children. The victims have been identified as Manoj (30), his wife Suman (28) and two girls aged five and three years.

"We got information from the hospital that four people -- two children and a couple -- died due to suffocation and burn injuries. As per preliminary on-spot observation by the FSL team, spark in the electric wire could be the reason for the fire. Further investigation is on," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Surendra Choudhary said.

The officer further said that they received a call around 5:20 am about the fire in the Shastri Nagar area of Shahdara. The Delhi Fire Services was informed immediately. A local police team, nine fire tenders, ambulances, and PCR vans were rushed to the spot.

Police said that four of the severely injured persons identified as Baby (32), Nandu (25), Rakesh Kumar (34), and Iafra, aged two-and-a-half years old, were referred to the GTB Hospital. According to the police, Prashant (28), Aqib (24), Yashoda (36), Shifada (24), Jagrit (nine), Bulbul (27), and Rajni (28) were undergoing treatment for burns in different units of Dr Hedgewar Aarogya Sansthan.

Police said the building where the fire broke out has four floors and there is a car parking area on the ground floor. They said the fire started from the parking lot and the smoke engulfed the entire building.

"Even though the street is narrow, fire officials managed to reach the spot on time and douse the flames. A search was conducted on each floor. Three men, four women, and two children were sent to Dr Hedgewar Aarogya Sansthan hospital," the officer said.

Police said they later received information from the hospital that four people -- two children and a couple -- were dead. According to the police, a car and a motorcycle were gutted in the fire and blocked the building entrance. Witnesses said since the entrance was blocked due to the fire, survivors had to run to the terrace and had to jump on the terraces of adjacent buildings to save their lives.

Aman Singh, an eyewitness, said, "It was so horrible. People were screaming for saving their lives. They went to the terrace and jumped on the terraces of the neighbouring buildings." Another eyewitness, Vijay Sharma, said the firefighters doused the flames in half-an-hour, but due to the smoke and fire in the main exit area, people could not leave the building immediately.

Four lives could have been saved, if the car was not parked there," Sharma said.

Some neighbours said they woke up after hearing screams and loud siren. "Everyone was trying to douse the flames by pouring water, but in vein," said Jyoti, a neighbour. Earlier in February, a massive fire that broke out in a building that housed an illegal paint manufacturing factory in Nehru Enclave near Alipur in outer Delhi which claimed 11 lives, including that of a woman. The factory was run by Akhil Jain and the plot was owned by Raj Rani, a resident of Nehru Enclave, police said, adding that nobody who was present at the factory during the incident survived.

"I jumped on the terrace of the adjacent building to save myself from the raging fire," recalled Babita, one of the survivors of the Shastri Nagar fire that claimed the lives of two children and a couple on Thursday.

As fire blocked the entrance of the four-storey building, survivors had to run to the terrace and jump on the terraces of adjacent buildings in a desperate attempt to escape the blaze.

"When we saw the fire flames, we called the police and tried to escape. However, due to the high flames and smoke, we couldn't go downstairs. So we ran towards the building terrace. From there we jumped to another building to save our lives," Babita said

Two-and-a-half-year-old Iafra, who lived with her parents Aqib (24) and Shifada (24) on the first floor of the building, is undergoing treatment at GTB hospital and her condition is turning critical, her relative said

Recollecting the harrowing incident, neighbours said they woke up to blaring sirens of fire extinguishers and screams of people calling for help.

"We woke up to the noise of sirens and people screaming and realised one of the buildings in our lane had caught fire. There was complete chaos. People were trying to extinguish the fire with buckets of water but it had little to no effect as the flames were huge," said Jyoti, who lives in the same lane in Geeta Colony. An official at Dr Hedgewer Arogya Sansthan hospital said 15 patients were brought to the hospital. Four of them were declared dead and four others were referred to GTB hospital in critical condition. Staff Reporter n New Delhi

Four people died while 11 others suffered after a fire broke out in a five-storeyed residential building in Shastri Nagar Gali No-13 near Geeta Colony.Geeta Colony on Thursday morning. According to police, the deceased includes a couple along with their two children. The victims have been identified as Manoj (30), his wife Suman (28) and two girls aged five and three years.

"We got information from the hospital that four people -- two children and a couple -- died due to suffocation and burn injuries. As per preliminary on-spot observation by the FSL team, spark in the electric wire could be the reason for the fire. Further investigation is on," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Surendra Choudhary said.

The officer further said that they received a call around 5:20 am about the fire in the Shastri Nagar area of Shahdara. The Delhi Fire Services was informed immediately. A local police team, nine fire tenders, ambulances, and PCR vans were rushed to the spot.

Police said that four of the severely injured persons identified as Baby (32), Nandu (25), Rakesh Kumar (34), and Iafra, aged two-and-a-half years old, were referred to the GTB Hospital. According to the police, Prashant (28), Aqib (24), Yashoda (36), Shifada (24), Jagrit (nine), Bulbul (27), and Rajni (28) were undergoing treatment for burns in different units of Dr Hedgewar Aarogya Sansthan.

Police said the building where the fire broke out has four floors and there is a car parking area on the ground floor. They said the fire started from the parking lot and the smoke engulfed the entire building.

"Even though the street is narrow, fire officials managed to reach the spot on time and douse the flames. A search was conducted on each floor. Three men, four women, and two children were sent to Dr Hedgewar Aarogya Sansthan hospital," the officer said.

Police said they later received information from the hospital that four people -- two children and a couple -- were dead. According to the police, a car and a motorcycle were gutted in the fire and blocked the building entrance. Witnesses said since the entrance was blocked due to the fire, survivors had to run to the terrace and had to jump on the terraces of adjacent buildings to save their lives.

Aman Singh, an eyewitness, said, "It was so horrible. People were screaming for saving their lives. They went to the terrace and jumped on the terraces of the neighbouring buildings." Another eyewitness, Vijay Sharma, said the firefighters doused the flames in half-an-hour, but due to the smoke and fire in the main exit area, people could not leave the building immediately.

Four lives could have been saved, if the car was not parked there," Sharma said.

Some neighbours said they woke up after hearing screams and loud siren. "Everyone was trying to douse the flames by pouring water, but in vein," said Jyoti, a neighbour. Earlier in February, a massive fire that broke out in a building that housed an illegal paint manufacturing factory in Nehru Enclave near Alipur in outer Delhi which claimed 11 lives, including that of a woman. The factory was run by Akhil Jain and the plot was owned by Raj Rani, a resident of Nehru Enclave, police said, adding that nobody who was present at the factory during the incident survived.

"I jumped on the terrace of the adjacent building to save myself from the raging fire," recalled Babita, one of the survivors of the Shastri Nagar fire that claimed the lives of two children and a couple on Thursday.

As fire blocked the entrance of the four-storey building, survivors had to run to the terrace and jump on the terraces of adjacent buildings in a desperate attempt to escape the blaze.

"When we saw the fire flames, we called the police and tried to escape. However, due to the high flames and smoke, we couldn't go downstairs. So we ran towards the building terrace. From there we jumped to another building to save our lives," Babita said

Two-and-a-half-year-old Iafra, who lived with her parents Aqib (24) and Shifada (24) on the first floor of the building, is undergoing treatment at GTB hospital and her condition is turning critical, her relative said

Recollecting the harrowing incident, neighbours said they woke up to blaring sirens of fire extinguishers and screams of people calling for help.

"We woke up to the noise of sirens and people screaming and realised one of the buildings in our lane had caught fire. There was complete chaos. People were trying to extinguish the fire with buckets of water but it had little to no effect as the flames were huge," said Jyoti, who lives in the same lane in Geeta Colony. An official at Dr Hedgewer Arogya Sansthan hospital said 15 patients were brought to the hospital. Four of them were declared dead and four others were referred to GTB hospital in critical condition.
The Enforcement Directorate, on Thursday, raided over a dozen locations in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Maharashtra as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation against former minister of Uttar Pradesh, Gayatri Prajapati, and his family members, official sources said.

Apart from Amethi, raids were carried out at 17 locations in Lucknow and Mumbai.

The Enforcement Directorate raided the houses of Prajapati in Awas Vikas Colony and Gangaganj localities of Amethi. Security forces were deployed outside the house at the time of raid and many officers were present on the spot.

At the time of the raid, Gayatri Prajapatis wife Maharaji Devi and younger son Anurag Prajapati were also present in the house.

The money laundering case, filed by the ED in 2021, stems from an Uttar Pradesh Vigilance department FIR against Prajapati and those linked to him on charges of illegal sand mining and possession of disproportionate assets among others.

During the raids on January 16 last, the central agency had found evidence of investment in real estate companies by Gayatri Prajapati and his sons.

Continuing the action further, the raids were carried out on Thursday and the ED team was examining all the documents.

According to sources, the ED also raided the house of Gayatri Prajapatis close female friend Gudda Devi in Lucknow. This female friend of the former minister had a dispute with a police officer. The officer had lodged a report against her.

Sources said the ED recovered documents showing that Prajapati had purchased land worth crores of rupees in the name of this woman friend in Gosainganj on Sultanpur Road in Lucknow.

The central agency had in January attached 10 bighas of land in Mohanlalganj area of Lucknow. Besides, the ED also attached six flats in Mumbai and a house in Lucknow, worth more than Rs 13 crore of Prajapati, his family members and associates. The action came after the ED conducted searches.

Prajapati, while holding the post of mining minister of Uttar Pradesh, misused his official position and acquired huge assets disproportionate to his known sources of income in the name of his family members, close associates and friends that was not commensurate with their known sources of income, the ED had said.

The former minister and his family members laundered the illicit funds generated during his tenure as a minister in the Uttar Pradesh government through various fictitious and sham transactions and acquired multiple assets, the ED alleged.

He also used bank accounts of his family members to deposit the illegitimate cash, earned by him for his illegal gains, the central agency had said.
Punjab CEO constitutes state level MCMC, Certification of Advertisement committees



Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C on Wednesday constituted state-level Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) and Certification of Advertisement Committee as per the directions of the Election Commission of India. A six-member committee has been formed for MCMC  chaired by the CEO; while the Certification of Advertisement Committee will have four members  chaired by Additional Chief Electoral Officer Abhijeet Kaplish. Sibin C said that MCMC Committee will dispose of cases related to appeals against the orders of District Level MCMC and Additional or Joint CEO Committees on certification of advertisements and examining all cases of paid news on appeal against the decision of District Level MCMC and all cases in which the concerned Returning Officer is directed to issue notices to the candidates. On the other hand, the Certification of Advertising Committee will deal with applications by political parties and organizations, relating to advertisements.



Bajwa applauds RaGas 5 guarantees for women



Chandigarh: The Leader of Opposition in Punjab Vidhan Sabha Partap Singh Bajwa on Wednesday applauded former Indian National Congress president Rahul Gandhi's five pertinent guarantees for the women of the country. The five Nari Nyay Guarantees announced by Rahul Gandhi include  Mahalaxmi, Aadhi Abadi-Pura Haq, Shakti ka Samman, Adhikar Maitri, and Savatribai Phule Hostels scheme. The Congress has always believed that the country cannot progress without empowering the women. That is why the party has come up with five remarkable guarantees for the women in particular, he said. He said that the Mahalaxmi guarantee involves the help of Rs one lakh per year to a woman from a poor family. With this amount, women can become financially independent. The Aadhi Aabaadi-Pura Haq will ensure a 50 per cent share or rights of women in new appointments of the Central Government, he said. Stating that women often feel hesitant to take opportunities that are away from their hometowns, Bajwa added that the Congress is committed to redress this issue with the Savatribai Phule Hostels scheme. The Centre will create at least one working women's hostel in all district headquarters across the country and the number of these hostels will be doubled across the country later on, he said.



Mann spending Punjab funds to spread AAPs network in other States: Sukhbir



Baghapurana: Making an appeal to Punjabis to rally behind the SAD to bring back the era of development, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday said that the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) governments had taken the State back by 20 years. Sukhbir, participating in Nihal Singh Wala and Bagha Purana leg of Punjab Bachao Yatra, said: No development has taken place in Punjab during the last seven years of Congress and AAP rule. The State has gone down on all parameters  be it financial, infrastructure building, rural development, civic amenities or provision of social welfare benefits. Asserting that only the SAD could ensure all round development, Sukhbir said that the Delhi-based parties have looted the people of Punjab repeatedly. Even the present Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is dancing to the tunes of his boss Arvind Kejriwal and is busy in spending Punjab funds to spread AAPs network in other States. Stating that the need of the hour was to strengthen the SAD, he said that SAD had a track record of not only bringing in big projects like thermal plants, airports and four lane highways but was also responsible for unique social welfare schemes including the Aata-Daal scheme, old age pension scheme and Shagun scheme besides path breaking steps like providing free power to farmers.





Punjab Finance Minister reaffirms zero tolerance policy against corruption



Chandigarh: Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday reiterated the State Governments commitment to its policy of zero tolerance towards corrupt practices. The announcement comes in the wake of the swift action taken by the Department following the apprehension of senior assistant Subhadesh Kaur from the District Treasury Office in Amritsar, who was allegedly caught accepting a bribe. Cheema emphasized that such decisive measures are integral to establish a governance structure that is transparent and accountable to the citizens of Punjab. The arrest, on March 12, 2024, prompted immediate departmental action, resulting in the suspension of the employee from service with immediate effect. During the period of suspension, her headquarters will be fixed at the District Treasury Office, Tarn Taran, he said. He asserted that the government's zero tolerance policy is not a mere slogan but a concrete action plan aimed at rooting out corruption from all levels of governance. Regardless of their positions or connections, individuals involved in financial misconduct will face the full force of the law. The days of corruption and impunity are numbered. The government is actively investigating and prosecuting cases of corruption, sending a strong signal that the era of accountability has begun, Cheema added.

Himachal CM launches Auto-DCR system for approval of buildings blueprints



Shimla: Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday launched the Auto-DCR (Developments Control Regulation) Building Permission System that will automate the process of building plan scrutiny and approval of blueprints and designs of the buildings. He said it will not only ensure transparency but also the accountability in the building permit process and approval of building maps. Another feature will be that the registered architect is authorised to give permission and approval for construction of residential accommodation in an area of up to 500 square feet. This will provide much relief to the people as they will not have to go to the office of TCP for approvals of residential accommodation, Sukhu said. He said that from today onwards, the applicants can apply on the online DCR system within all the planning area under Town and Country Planning (TCP) on http://www.hptcp.hp.gov.in in six urban local bodies namely Shimla, Solan, Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh Development Authority (BBNDA), Municipal Council Theog and Baddi and Nagar Panchayat Arki can apply online on the portal.


Taking exception to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals remarks regarding the Citizenship (Amendment)Act, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva on Thursday said the statement was driven by a specific religious politics.

He said the person who resides in a mansion built with loot money now wants to tell how the country should be run. Kejriwal, having engaged in corruption for ten years, has lost his moral compass and is now making contradictory statements to please a specific group. Kejriwal only wants to indulge in religious politics because he has lost all human empathy, the BJP leader said.

Earlier, Kejriwal slammed the BJP-led Centre on Thursday over the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), saying an unimaginable number of people will come to India with the doors opening for minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Reacting to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's reported comments against him over the CAA, Kejriwal said the country is important. "He (Shah) has called me corrupt, but I am not important, the country is important. He did not answer the questions raised by me. He only abused me," the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said at a digital press conference.

On Thursday, Kejriwal asked the Centre from where will jobs, houses and resources come for the refugees coming to India from Pakistan and Bangladesh. "A bigger migration than that in 1947 will happen due to the implementation of the CAA. There are 2.5 crore to 3 crore minorities in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh. An unimaginable number of people will come to India if the doors are thrown open for the minorities of neighbouring countries," he claimed. Kejriwal said the Centre says those who came to India before December 31, 2014 will be granted citizenship.

"What I want to ask them is, did people stop entering India after 2014? Earlier, infiltrators were scared of getting caught and punished but the CAA will do away with that fear. Infiltrators are still entering the country," he said. "Rohingyas came to India during your (BJP's) regime. Will you give jobs and ration cards to Pakistani infiltrators? Spending taxpayers' money on minorities from other countries is not acceptable. "Implementing the CAA will make the country unsafe and create a law-and-order situation," the AAP leader claimed.

Earlier, The Home Minister Amit Shah tore into the Opposition for targeting its decision to implement the law. He dismissed the criticism that CAA is "unconstitutional". "This law does not violate Article 14. There is a clear, reasonable classification here. This is a law for those who, due to partition, remained in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh and were facing religious persecution and decided to come to India," the Union Minister said.

Taking a dig at Kejriwal, Sachdeva said Kejriwal's language is akin to Asaduddin Owaisi and Mamata Banerjee. Not a single statement has come from Kejriwal regarding the Rohingya Muslims, despite his tenure as the Chief Minister of Delhi for the past 10 years.

He said the taxpayers' money which Kejriwal talks about is used to provide a salary of 42,000 rupees to muslim clerics in Delhi, yet Kejriwal has never spoken up for priests, pastors, or scholars. The people of Delhi want to know why.

Delhi BJP President termed Kejriwal's statement as indicative of a distorted mindset and said everyone knew that BJP's manifesto had mentioned the implementation of CAA, and today, when it is being implemented, the AAP leader is attempting to give it a religious-political spin.

Sachdeva said Rohingyas come into India through Bengal and infiltration, yet the Arvind Kejriwal government has provided them shelter. His own legislators have encroached and occupied illegally, and action has been taken against them, but not a word has come out of Kejriwal's mouth. Moreover, he does not have the courage to condemn the atrocities against Hindu and Sikh women in Pakistan and Afghanistan, let alone speak against the Sandeshkali incident in the country, Sachdeva said.
An MoU was signed between the Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd and the Raipur and Bhilai Municipal corporations on Wednesday to set up two urban solid waste-based compressed biogas plants.

Chief Executive Officer of Chhattisgarh Bio Fuel Development Authority Sumit Sarkar, Bharat Petroleum Corp Chief General Manager Anurag Saravangi and Raipur and Bhilai Municipal Corporation Commissioners Avinash Mishra and Devesh Kumar Dhruv signed the MoU in the presence of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao.

On this occasion, Sai said: Compressed biogas is a key step towards a clean city and clean energy.

About 200 to 250 tonnes of urban solid waste will be used daily for the production of biofuels in the two plants. They will generate about 60,000 man days of employment annually." The plants will have organic fertiliser as a co-product to encourage organic farming. The Bharat Petroleum Corp will invest about Rs 100 crore.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Wednesday, said that with the growing robustness of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Uttar Pradesh, the government had flushed out Chinese products from the states markets.

Addressing a gathering during a programme of the MSME department at the Lok Bhavan here, the chief minister said, What could demonstrate greater patriotism than this? When our domestically produced goods gain traction in the market, it is imperative that we nurture, incentivise, and provide them with a platform to flourish. It is immensely gratifying to witness our products gaining popularity while those of the enemy country receding.

He added: Nowadays, during festive occasions like Diwali, Vijayadashami, Eid, and Christmas, one predominantly finds products from Uttar Pradesh in the market. Not only are our products good, but our entrepreneurs and artisans also feel that their future is bright.

At the programme, the chief minister distributed a mega loan of Rs 30,826 crore for the MSME sector. He also distributed cheques to developers engaged in the approved Pledge Park in Unnao while simultaneously inaugurating an online portal for plot allotment in industrial estates.

Furthermore, Chief Minister Yogi also distributed toolkits under the One District One Product scheme and the Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana.

In his address, the chief minister said that the MSME department would have to lay special emphasis on providing products as per demand by doing a complete mapping of the market and enhancing product packaging standards.

He expressed confidence that by adopting these measures, locally made products from the state would soon gain national prominence.

Furthermore, he urged MSME entrepreneurs to register promptly to facilitate swift advancement of training programmes for individuals involved in micro, small and medium enterprises.

The chief minister said that the MSME department had organised several loan distribution programmes before the end of the financial year 2023-24. He expressed satisfaction that the amount distributed this year had doubled compared to the previous year and had increased ten-fold compared to seven years ago.

The chief minister emphasised that this progress not only signifies the economic advancement of Uttar Pradesh, but also generates employment opportunities for the youth.

As many as 10 districts of the state have been connected to the Pledge Park. The cheque has been distributed today for the 11th Pledge Park of the state being built in Unnao, he stated.

The chief minister lauded the MSME departments role in promoting micro, small and medium enterprises in the state over the past seven years. Through innovative initiatives and experimentation, it has made significant strides towards achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of a self-reliant India, he stated.

The chief minister said this was the new Uttar Pradesh of the new India. We have transformed the old perception with our capabilities. Today, every sector of ours is responding to everyone. UP was already a state with unlimited potential, but some people had made it BIMARU. We have combined it with the nation-building campaign and progressed on the development path for the youth and entrepreneurs, he said.

He went on to say, Today, we are seeing the result of this. UP is the only state in the country where young entrepreneurs are given loans of five lakh rupees without interest.

He said that out of 96 lakh MSME units in the state, 40 lakh had been registered and the goal was to register all 96 lakh as soon as possible.

The chief minister highlighted that the state has a strong MSME foundation, security assurance and substantial land bank, which foster a conducive environment for establishment of major industries.

This conducive atmosphere is exemplified by the staggering investment proposals worth Rs 40 lakh crore received by Uttar Pradesh during the UP Global Investors Summit, he added.

Furthermore, through the recent groundbreaking ceremony, investments totaling Rs 10 lakh crore have successfully materialised in Uttar Pradesh, he added.

The chief minister also commended district-level and state-level bankers for their contributions to the states development.

The chief minister shared that achieving a 1-trillion-dollar economy in the next five years would be possible with a slight acceleration in Uttar Pradeshs current pace. He emphasised the need to strengthen the manufacturing sector, noting a shift in investment patterns from previously concentrated areas like the National Capital Region, Meerut and Hapur to smaller districts such as Unnao and Hardoi. This shift underscores the untapped potential that existed previously, but remained underutilised, he pointed out.

MSME Minister Rakesh Sachan, Chief Secretary Durga Shanker Mishra, IIDC Manoj Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Amit Mohan Prasad, Secretary Pranjal Yadav, Commissioner and Director Rajesh Kumar, along with departmental officers, entrepreneurs, and artisans, were present at the event.

Beneficiaries express gratitude to CM

Hamid Ali Ansari from Lucknow, who secured a loan sanctioned by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, expressed his appreciation for the government, stating that the loan was for plastic management. He conveyed special thanks to Chief Minister Yogi, acknowledging his instrumental role in expanding his business.

Echoing him, Mohammad Izhar from Barabanki expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, highlighting the smooth process of acquiring a loan for his cold storage facility.

Asha Kumari, who received a sewing machine toolkit from Chief Minister Yogi, also expressed heartfelt appreciation for his support.

Furthermore, Manoj Kumar from Sultanpur road shared his experience of obtaining a loan amounting to Rs 47 lakh without involvement of any intermediary and expressed his gratitude to the chief minister for facilitating the process.
Congress under suspension MP from Patiala Preneet Kaur on Thursday officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), marking a significant shift in her political allegiance. Amidst speculations that Preneet will be the BJP candidate for Patiala, the former Union Minister maintained a cautious stance on contesting in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, emphasizing that her decision would ultimately be guided by the directives of the party.

Preneet, a seasoned politician and four-time MP from Patiala, expressed her admiration for the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and the accomplishments of his government over the past decade.

Her decision to switch parties came over a year after her husband, Punjabs former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh and their daughter Jai Inder Kaur and son Raninder Singh, defected to the BJP  a move that led to her suspension from the Congress party the previous year.

Addressing a joint press conference alongside BJP leaders at the party headquarters, Preneet articulated her contentment in aligning with the BJP and extended her gratitude to the Prime Minister Modi, BJP chief JP Nadda, and the entire BJP fraternity for the opportunity to collaborate with the party. She commended Modi's governance and policies, expressing confidence in the security of the nation and the future of its youth under his leadership.

I am fully confident that our children's future and our country will remain secure under his (Modi's) leadership and policies, she said.
In a stern call to action, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday rallied the states top police officers, urging them to pull up their socks in preparation for the impending Lok Sabha elections. Addressing the Inspector Generals, Commissioners of Police, and Senior Superintendents of Police in a critical meeting at Ludhiana, the Chief Minister emphasized the paramount importance of ensuring the integrity and tranquility of the democratic process.

With concerns ranging from the scourge of drug trafficking to the imperative of preserving communal harmony, Mann left no room for complacency, urging officers to bolster their efforts to guarantee free, fair, and peaceful polls; and ensure that citizens can participate in the electoral process without any fear or hindrance.

The Chief Minister, who is also holding the charge of the Home Minister, urged the officers to be vigilant, proactive, and uncompromising in their efforts to combat the drug menace, stressing the need for thorough investigations and the dismantling of drug trafficking networks. Conduct thorough investigations and trace the backward links of apprehended drug traffickers to dismantle their networks effectively, said Mann.

Stressing the need for a crackdown on narcotics ahead of the polls, Mann urged the officers to leave no stone unturned in ensuring a drug-free electoral environment.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister underscored the delicate balance of maintaining communal harmony, particularly in the deployment of security forces from outside the State. Sensitivity to religious sentiments, he emphasized, is paramount in ensuring a peaceful electoral atmosphere. He urged the Punjab Police to lead these forces with tact and empathy, ensuring that no offense is inadvertently caused.

To assist the Punjab Police, several companies of paramilitary forces will be arriving in the State soon. These forces are ignorant about the tradition, beliefs and customs of the state, so the Punjab Police should lead them to ensure that religious sentiments of people are not hurt, he said.

The Chief Minister also asked the Police officers to make sure that proper coordination and synchronization is maintained between civil and Police administration both at district and state level. He said that the Police should launch a massive drive to check the scourge of illegal weapons in the state and exemplary action must be taken against individuals having such weapons.

Adherence to the guidelines laid down by the Election Commission of India was another focal point of the Chief Ministers directives. He emphasized the necessity of strict compliance with electoral laws and regulations, including the depositing of licensed weapons and the prevention of any untoward incidents during the polling process. These measures, he asserted, are fundamental in facilitating fair and transparent elections.

In addition to these directives, the Chief Minister called for proactive measures to counter rumours and misinformation during the electoral period. He urged the officers to leverage various social and electronic media platforms to disseminate accurate information and maintain public trust in the electoral process.

Throughout the meeting, the Chief Minister reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to ensuring the integrity and fairness of the electoral process in Punjab. He underscored the crucial role that the Punjab Police plays in upholding democratic values and preserving the rights of citizens to participate in the democratic process without fear or hindrance.

Mann also expressed hope that the hi-tech vehicles provided to the Police forces recently will further enhance the efficiency of the force and they will be able to tackle the situation far more effectively. He also batted for installation of CCTVs at all the vulnerable points in the districts especially at the nakas of the force.
Scores of Hindu and Sikh refugees living in various parts of Delhi staged a protest near Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's Civil Lines residence here on Thursday, demanding an apology from him over his statements against the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). The protesters assembled near the Chandgiram Akhara and attempted to march towards Kejriwal's bungalow but were stopped by police.

As regards refugees staying at Majnu-ka-Tila, Solanki said "We have been asked to visit the high court on or after March 19 for the registration process. One of the lawyers we know met us last night and informed this. Rest of the process to register ourselves will be informed after we visit court."

He further stated that the refugees living at Majnu-Ka-Tila have been informed that they will not be relocated. We have been told that we will not be moved from Majnu-Ka-Tila area. Even several families here want the government to provide them with benefits here itself and develop the camp."

The government will now start granting Indian nationality to persecuted non-Muslim migrants -- Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians -- from the three countries. The rules come into force with immediate effect, according to a Gazette notification.

As regards the protest, the Narendra Modi government is giving us citizenship while Kejriwal is asking who will give us jobs and houses. He does not understand our pain," said Panjuram, one of the protesters.

Pakistani Hindu refugees of Majnu-Ka-Tila have been asked to visit the Delhi High Court on or after March 19 for the registration process of citizenship, Pakistani Hindu refugee Dharamveer Solanki said on Thursday adding the process to register them as Indian citizens will be informed after they visit the court next week.

This development comes after the Centre implemented the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 on Monday, paving the way for grant of citizenship to undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who came to India before December 31, 2014. Solanki also said the refugees living at Majnu-Ka-Tila have been informed that they will not be relocated.
Describing Samajwadi Party and Congress as liabilities, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath appealed to people on Wednesday to desist from voting for these parties that cannot ensure provision of essentials such as ration, housing, healthcare to the underprivileged nor honour peoples faith by getting the Ram temple built in Ayodhya.

While inaugurating and laying the foundation stones of 103 development projects worth Rs 241.26 crore in Unnao, Chief Minister Yogi emphasised, Only those who work without bias should have the right to come to power. And there is only one unanimous voice in the country today, 2024 mein ek bar fir Modi sarkar, he said.

Emphasising that the double-engine government exists due to the support of the people, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked, With your blessings, the temple of Ram Lalla was constructed in Ayodhya. The Congress and SP have failed to undertake the construction of Ram Lallas temple.

He also mentioned plans for the restoration of Satan Pasi Fort.

Asserting that Viksit Bharat should be the collective commitment of people, the chief minister stated, The prime minister has emphasised the concept of Panch Pran for every citizen. Fulfilling civic duties is only possible when an individual upholds the Constitution and prioritises the nation above all. Our foremost aim should be the welfare of the country. Progress is achieved when we work towards this objective.

Highlighting Indias enhanced global stature under Prime Minister Modis leadership, the chief minister remarked, Previously, India lacked respect internationally. However, in the last decade, India has surged to new heights of development. Today, India stands as a global leader. As we enter the second year of Amrit Kaal, in Prime Minister Modi's third term, our aim is to propel India to become the worlds third-largest economy and herald the dawn of a Viksit Bharat. From Prime Minister Modi to pradhan parshad (every local leader), we are all dedicated to advancing the cause of a Viksit Bharat.

Stating that Unnao is the land of litterateurs and revolutionaries, Chief Minister Yogi remarked: It was from this very soil that the bugle of independence was sounded by the immortal martyr Chandra Shekhar Azad. This is the sacred land of Pratap Narayan Mishra, great poet Suryakant Tripathi Nirala, Gaya Prasad Shukla, Acharya Nand Dulare Vajpayee, Shivmangal Singh Suman, Bhagwati Sharan Verma, Dr Ramvilas Sharma, former assembly speaker Hriday Narayan Dikshit. From revolution and nationalism to worship of literature, it shows the fertility of this place.

The chief minister noted that in Uttar Pradesh, a state previously overlooked by many, proposals worth Rs 10.5 lakh crore have been realised through initiatives like the fourth edition of groundbreaking ceremony (GBC@IV).

He emphasised the crucial role of the development of UP in Indias overall progress, stating, India will develop when UP develops, and UP will develop when districts like Unnao advance through the development process. Unnaos progress, in turn, depends on the development of villages like Chandrika Kheda.

He added that every village and community was actively working towards achieving the goal of self-reliance.

On this occasion, MP from Unnao, Sakshi Maharaj, UPs Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh, District Panchayat chairperson Shakun Singh, MLA Pankaj Gupta, Ashutosh Shukla, Anil Singh, Bambalal Diwakar, Brajesh Rawat, Shrikant Katiyar, Bharatiya Janata Partys district in-charge Archana Mishra and district president Awadhesh Katiyar and others were present.
In a scathing attack on the opposition, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Thursday that the Samajwadi Party and Congress lacked respect for faith and were incapable of ensuring livelihoods.

Branding both parties as liabilities, the chief minister said that they should be thrown out of the country.

Addressing a huge public meeting at the Government Inter College grounds here, the chief minister remarked, They cannot provide food to the impoverished, nor can they arrange housing, medicine, or education. They fail to ensure the safety of our daughters and businessmen. In such circumstances, we should not endure these liabilities any longer; they should be removed and thrown out of the country.

The chief minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of 411 development projects worth Rs 1,090 crore on the occasion. He also participated in the closing ceremony of the Virat Kisan Mela and agricultural exhibition, and distributed certificates and selection letters to the beneficiaries of various government schemes.

In his address, Chief Minister Yogi said that from January 22 to March 10, over one crore devotees had the opportunity to have darshan of Ram Lalla. It is by the grace of God that the darshan and worship are progressing smoothly, peacefully and securely, he remarked.

He also lauded the people of Ayodhya for setting an exceptional example of hospitality during this period.

Highlighting Ayodhyas newfound global importance, the chief minister remarked, Today, the name of Ayodhya echoes across the world.

He contrasted the current vibrant atmosphere with past skepticism, noting, Kuchh log kaha karte the, Ayodhya mein parinda bhi par nahi maar sakta; ab toh ek crore se adhik shraddhalu Shri Ram Lalla ke navya-divya-bhavya mandir mein darshan kar chuke hain (Some people used to say that not even a bird could fly into Ayodhya but now over one crore devotees have visited the magnificent and divine temple of Shri Ram Lalla).

The chief minister said that Ayodhya was swiftly evolving into the most beautiful city globally. He asked the public, Would airports, four-lane, six-lane roads have been constructed? Would a safe environment have been fostered in the state under the Samajwadi Party or Congress government?

Ayodhya is moving on a new path of development with works worth more than Rs 32,000 crore being carried out. New flight services are starting here, and new hotels and restaurants are opening, he added.

The chief minister commended Ayodhyas Member of Parliament Lallu Singh and urged the citizens to support him in the forthcoming polls.

Highlighting the unprecedented development in Ayodhya, the chief minister noted the establishment of multi-level parking facilities alongside Ram Path, Bhakti Path and Dharma Path. He emphasised the transformation of Ayodhya, the capital of the Suryavanshi, into a solar city, with the installation of 40 megawatt solar panels underway.

Present at the event were Bharatiya Janata Party office leaders, including MP Lallu Singh, district panchayat chairperson Roli Singh, Mayor Girish Pati Tripathi, MLA Ved Prakash Gupta, Ramchandra Yadav, and Dr Amit Singh Chauhan.
The Uttarakhand State Employees Joint Federation on Wednesday demanded the State government to provide a four per cent increase in dearness allowance before the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The president of the federation Arun Pandey met Shailesh Bagauli, the secretary to chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and presented their two demands. The first demand was to give a four per cent raise in dearness allowance to the State government employees like the central government either before Holi or implementation of MCC, the state spokesman of the federation RP Joshi said. He informed that the central government recently increased the DA of its employees from 46 per cent to 50 per cent and they expect the same from the State government here. He said that Bagauli has assured the federation members to take this matter to the Finance department for consideration. Joshi said that the second demand was to release the salary of the Panchayati Raj employees which was withheld when the employees went on strike. The proposal to issue the salary of the strike period was passed in the cabinet meeting a few months ago but the administration is yet to issue a government order for salary release. They appealed to the government to ensure employees get their salary as soon as possible. Joshi said that Bagauli talked to the secretary of Panchayati Raj Chandresh Yadav on telephone after listening to their issue. He directed him to take action after which Yadav assured the federation that Panchayati Raj will issue the salary of all employees soon, Joshi said.
The Ministry of Forestry and Climate Change in Chhattisgarh issued an order on Wednesday renaming the Oxygen Park at Mahamaya Mountain in Surguja district as Ganpati Dham.

Surguja Collector Vilas Bhoskar and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests V. Srinivas Rao campaigned for the name change.

Any non-forestry activity on this mountain will require approval from the Ministry of Environment and Forest in New Delhi under the Forest Protection and Promotion Act, 1980.
The director of Women Empowerment and Child Development (WECD) department Prashant Arya assured the agitating Anganwadi workers that their demands would be addressed soon. Sharing this information, the president of the Anganwadi Workers Association Rekha Negi said on Wednesday that the workers had recently met the director to discuss their long-pending demands. During this meeting, we informed him about the problems we have been facing due to the administrative nonchalance and requested him to present their views regarding an increase in their honorarium and other demands to the chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami at the earliest, she said.

She further said that in response, the director had assured them that the department is considering all the demands they have been agitating on very seriously and they would be addressed soon. He also assured us that multiple departments would work together to sort out things. While expressing our gratitude to him for his assurance of sympathetic redress of our grievances, we told him we would end our stir the day we meet the CM and are able to articulate our grievances and demands before him, she added.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Anganwadi workers across the State have been demanding a raise in their monthly allowance to Rs 18,000 for the past few years. They are also demanding access to a health insurance golden card, citing that many of them are facing migraines among other health issues. Additionally, they are demanding an increased retirement amount of Rs 10 lakh. With their demands remaining unaddressed, these workers have been staging sit-in in Dehradun since February 19.
StockNews.com began coverage on shares of China Pharma (NYSE:CPHI  Free Report) in a research note published on Monday. The firm issued a hold rating on the stock.

China Pharma Stock Down 3.9 %

Shares of CPHI opened at $0.37 on Monday. The firms 50 day moving average is $0.45 and its 200-day moving average is $0.56. The company has a quick ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23. China Pharma has a 12 month low of $0.32 and a 12 month high of $2.70.

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China Pharma Company Profile

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China Pharma Holdings, Inc develops, manufactures, and markets generic and branded pharmaceutical, and biochemical products primarily to hospitals and private retailers in the People's Republic of China. The company offers products in the form of dry powder injectables, liquid injectables, tablets, capsules, and cephalosporin oral solutions.

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RNC Capital Management LLC cut its stake in shares of Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM  Free Report) by 6.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 83,341 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 6,189 shares during the quarter. RNC Capital Management LLCs holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $9,799,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the business. KB Financial Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of Exxon Mobil in the first quarter worth about $27,000. IMA Wealth Inc. boosted its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 720.0% during the second quarter. IMA Wealth Inc. now owns 369 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 324 shares in the last quarter. FWL Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Exxon Mobil in the 4th quarter worth approximately $43,000. Turim 21 Investimentos Ltda. boosted its holdings in shares of 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 acquiring an additional 396 shares in the last quarter. Finally, DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. acquired a new position in shares of Exxon Mobil in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $49,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 58.53% of the companys stock.

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Exxon Mobil Stock Up 1.5 %

XOM stock traded up $1.66 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $109.98. 8,456,655 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 18,459,471. The firms 50-day moving average is $102.52 and its 200-day moving average is $105.89. The company has a market cap of $436.38 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.35, a PEG ratio of 3.98 and a beta of 0.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18, a current ratio of 1.48 and a quick ratio of 1.09. Exxon Mobil Co. has a 12 month low of $95.77 and a 12 month high of $120.70.

Exxon Mobil Announces Dividend

Exxon Mobil ( NYSE:XOM Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Friday, February 2nd. The oil and gas company reported $2.48 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.20 by $0.28. The firm had revenue of $84.34 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $90.03 billion. Exxon Mobil had a net margin of 10.45% and a return on equity of 18.51%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 11.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $3.40 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts expect that Exxon Mobil Co. will post 9.12 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, March 11th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, February 14th were issued a dividend of $0.95 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, February 13th. This represents a $3.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.46%. Exxon Mobils dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 42.74%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

XOM has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Erste Group Bank reissued a hold rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a report on Friday, December 22nd. TD Cowen upgraded shares of Exxon Mobil from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $115.00 target price for the company in a research report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Mizuho cut shares of Exxon Mobil from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $117.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Wednesday, January 3rd. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and set a $120.00 target price on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research report on Monday, February 5th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price 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. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Exxon Mobil presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $127.53.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Exxon Mobil

Insider Transactions at Exxon Mobil

In related news, VP Leonard M. Fox sold 12,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, December 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $102.65, for a total value of $1,231,800.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 220,678 shares in the company, valued at $22,652,596.70. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. In related news, VP Darrin L. Talley sold 2,400 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.00, for a total transaction of $252,000.00. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 30,189 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,169,845. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, VP Leonard M. Fox sold 12,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $102.65, for a total transaction of $1,231,800.00. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 220,678 shares in the company, valued at approximately $22,652,596.70. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.04% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Exxon Mobil Profile

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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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StockNews.com upgraded shares of Griffon (NYSE:GFF  Free Report) from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report published on Monday.

Several other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price objective on shares of Griffon from $72.00 to $82.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, January 22nd. TheStreet raised shares of Griffon from a c+ rating to a b rating in a research report on Friday, November 24th. Finally, Raymond James upped their price target on shares of Griffon from $60.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, February 5th.

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Griffon Price Performance

GFF stock opened at $69.12 on Monday. Griffon has a 12 month low of $25.97 and a 12 month high of $72.13. The company has a current ratio of 2.46, a quick ratio of 1.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.02. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $63.80 and a 200 day moving average price of $51.67. The stock has a market cap of $3.52 billion, a PE ratio of 51.36, a P/E/G ratio of 0.71 and a beta of 1.41.

Griffon (NYSE:GFF  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 7th. The conglomerate reported $1.07 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.78 by $0.29. The firm had revenue of $643.20 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $595.87 million. Griffon had a net margin of 2.65% and a return on equity of 72.80%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 1.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.86 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that Griffon will post 4.8 earnings per share for the current year.

Griffon Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 21st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 29th will be issued a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.87%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 28th. Griffons payout ratio is 44.78%.

Griffon announced that its Board of Directors has approved a share buyback plan on Wednesday, November 15th that allows the company to repurchase $200.00 million in shares. This repurchase authorization allows the conglomerate to repurchase up to 8.1% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are typically a sign that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued.

Insider Buying and Selling at Griffon

In other Griffon news, Director James W. Sight sold 2,000 shares of Griffon stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $67.38, for a total value of $134,760.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 18,843 shares in the company, valued at $1,269,641.34. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 16.10% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Griffon

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Point72 Asset Management L.P. raised its position in Griffon by 829.3% in the second quarter. Point72 Asset Management L.P. now owns 572,217 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $23,060,000 after purchasing an additional 510,641 shares during the period. Norges Bank purchased a new position in Griffon during the 4th quarter valued at about $14,521,000. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in Griffon by 7.4% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 5,656,744 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $113,304,000 after acquiring an additional 388,996 shares in the last quarter. Comerica Bank purchased a new stake in Griffon during the second quarter worth about $154,430,000. Finally, Citigroup Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Griffon by 113.5% in the second quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 45,214 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $1,822,000 after purchasing an additional 381,325 shares during the period. 73.88% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Griffon

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Griffon Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides consumer and professional, and home and building products in the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia, and internationally. The company operates through two segments: Home and Building Products, and Consumer and Professional Products. The Home and Building Products segment manufactures and markets residential and commercial sectional garage doors, rolling steel service doors, fire doors, shutters, steel security grilles, and room dividers for the use in commercial construction and repair, and home remodeling applications.

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StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Southwestern Energy (NYSE:SWN  Free Report) in a research report released on Monday morning. The brokerage issued a hold rating on the energy companys stock.

SWN has been the topic of several other research reports. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of Southwestern Energy from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and lifted their target price for the company from $6.30 to $6.90 in a report on Wednesday, November 22nd. UBS Group lifted their target price on shares of Southwestern Energy from $6.00 to $6.25 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, January 18th. Stifel Nicolaus reiterated a hold rating and issued a $6.60 price objective (down previously from $8.50) on shares of Southwestern Energy in a report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Seaport Res Ptn lowered shares of Southwestern Energy from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, January 31st. Finally, Citigroup boosted their price objective on shares of Southwestern Energy from $8.00 to $8.24 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, January 12th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have assigned a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $7.86.

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Southwestern Energy Stock Up 1.3 %

Shares of NYSE SWN opened at $7.14 on Monday. Southwestern Energy has a 52-week low of $4.57 and a 52-week high of $7.69. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $6.68 and a 200-day moving average of $6.65. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.86 billion, a PE ratio of 5.06 and a beta of 1.12. The company has a quick ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67.

Southwestern Energy (NYSE:SWN  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 22nd. The energy company reported $0.17 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.13 by $0.04. Southwestern Energy had a net margin of 23.87% and a return on equity of 11.74%. The company had revenue of $1.69 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.29 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.26 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 49.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts anticipate that Southwestern Energy will post 0.72 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky boosted its position in Southwestern Energy by 213.1% during the 4th quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 1,238,542 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $8,112,000 after purchasing an additional 843,000 shares during the period. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio boosted its position in Southwestern Energy by 5.5% during the 4th quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 471,210 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $3,086,000 after purchasing an additional 24,355 shares during the period. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV boosted its position in Southwestern Energy by 36.4% during the 4th quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 26,020 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $170,000 after purchasing an additional 6,950 shares during the period. Townsquare Capital LLC acquired a new position in Southwestern Energy during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $80,000. Finally, Atlas Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Southwestern Energy during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.00% of the companys stock.

Southwestern Energy Company Profile

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Southwestern Energy Company, an independent energy company, engages in the exploration, development, and production of natural gas, oil, and natural gas liquids (NGLs) in the United States. It operates through two segments, Exploration and Production, and Marketing. The company focuses on the development of unconventional natural gas and oil reservoirs located in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and Louisiana.

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Riverwater Partners LLC purchased a new stake in iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IWN  Free Report) during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 2,246 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $349,000.

Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Chartwell Investment Partners LLC acquired a new position in iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF in the third quarter valued at approximately $686,000. Summit Financial LLC increased its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF by 6.1% during the third quarter. Summit Financial LLC now owns 9,696 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,323,000 after acquiring an additional 555 shares in the last quarter. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. increased its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF by 2.4% during the second quarter. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. now owns 128,287 shares of the companys stock valued at $18,063,000 after acquiring an additional 3,060 shares in the last quarter. Clearstead Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF by 8.3% during the third quarter. Clearstead Advisors LLC now owns 10,144 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,375,000 after acquiring an additional 778 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Toronto Dominion Bank increased its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF by 8.6% during the third quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank now owns 2,825 shares of the companys stock valued at $383,000 after acquiring an additional 224 shares in the last quarter.

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iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF Stock Performance

Shares of NYSEARCA IWN traded down $3.18 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $150.51. 1,671,688 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,353,763. The company has a market cap of $12.08 billion, a PE ratio of 9.40 and a beta of 1.15. iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF has a one year low of $124.97 and a one year high of $158.87. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $150.74 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $143.52.

iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF Company Profile

iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF, formerly Ishares Trust Russel 2000 (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell 2000 Value Index Fund, is an exchange traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell 2000 Value Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of equity securities of Russell 2000 Index issuers with relatively lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth.

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Laboratory Co. of America Holdings (NYSE:LH  Get Free Report) CMO Amy B. Summy sold 227 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, March 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $218.45, for a total transaction of $49,588.15. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief marketing officer now directly owns 3,859 shares of the companys stock, valued at $842,998.55. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link.

Laboratory Co. of America Trading Down 0.5 %

LH opened at $215.79 on Thursday. Laboratory Co. of America Holdings has a twelve month low of $174.20 and a twelve month high of $234.09. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $221.66 and a 200 day simple moving average of $213.79. The company has a quick ratio of 1.02, a current ratio of 1.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. The stock has a market capitalization of $18.15 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 46.21, a P/E/G ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 1.02.

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Laboratory Co. of America (NYSE:LH  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 15th. The medical research company reported $3.30 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.29 by $0.01. Laboratory Co. of America had a net margin of 3.24% and a return on equity of 13.99%. The business had revenue of $3.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.02 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $4.14 earnings per share. Laboratory Co. of Americas revenue was down 17.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts predict that Laboratory Co. of America Holdings will post 14.77 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Laboratory Co. of America Dividend Announcement

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, March 13th. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 27th were given a dividend of $0.72 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, February 26th. This represents a $2.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.33%. Laboratory Co. of Americas dividend payout ratio is 61.67%.

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. BlackRock Inc. raised its stake in Laboratory Co. of America by 6.2% during the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 12,703,935 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $3,065,841,000 after acquiring an additional 743,824 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in Laboratory Co. of America by 1.0% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 10,859,128 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $2,863,118,000 after acquiring an additional 106,063 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its stake in Laboratory Co. of America by 20.6% during the third quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 2,487,106 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $500,033,000 after acquiring an additional 424,684 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley increased its stake in shares of Laboratory Co. of America by 102.6% in the third quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 2,219,291 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $446,189,000 after buying an additional 1,123,755 shares during the period. Finally, Lazard Asset Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Laboratory Co. of America by 28.0% in the third quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 2,212,497 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $444,821,000 after buying an additional 483,878 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.37% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages have issued reports on LH. TheStreet downgraded Laboratory Co. of America from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Thursday, February 15th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on Laboratory Co. of America from $259.00 to $261.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, November 17th. Leerink Partnrs reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Laboratory Co. of America in a report on Monday, February 26th. SVB Leerink began coverage on Laboratory Co. of America in a report on Monday, February 26th. They set an outperform rating and a $260.00 price target for the company. Finally, Barclays initiated coverage on Laboratory Co. of America in a report on Wednesday, January 3rd. They set an equal weight rating and a $222.00 price target for the company. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Laboratory Co. of America currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $243.07.

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About Laboratory Co. of America

(Get Free Report)

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings operates as a life sciences company that provides vital information to help doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, researchers, and patients make clear and confident decisions. It operates in two segments, Labcorp Diagnostics and Labcorp Drug Development.

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Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD  Get Free Report)s share price gapped down prior to trading on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $64.55, but opened at $61.42. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV shares last traded at $61.56, with a volume of 4,036,557 shares.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms recently commented on BUD. UBS Group raised Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 5th. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $60.00 to $76.00 in a report on Wednesday, January 10th. TD Cowen lowered their target price on Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from $67.00 to $65.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, March 5th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, December 4th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from $76.00 to $79.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, November 29th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $71.70.

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View Our Latest Report on Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Price Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of $106.00 billion, a PE ratio of 24.36, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.92 and a beta of 1.13. The business has a 50-day moving average of $63.07 and a 200 day moving average of $60.16. The company has a current ratio of 0.63, a quick ratio of 0.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80.

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 28th. The consumer goods maker reported $0.82 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.76 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $14.47 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $15.34 billion. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV had a return on equity of 13.57% and a net margin of 8.99%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.98 EPS. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV will post 3.51 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in BUD. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 82,251.7% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 4,778,048 shares of the consumer goods makers stock worth $286,874,000 after acquiring an additional 4,772,246 shares during the period. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust bought a new position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV during the 2nd quarter worth $96,594,000. DAVENPORT & Co LLC grew its stake in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 3,774.4% during the 3rd quarter. DAVENPORT & Co LLC now owns 1,197,204 shares of the consumer goods makers stock worth $65,775,000 after acquiring an additional 1,166,304 shares during the period. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company boosted its stake in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 11.6% in the 3rd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 10,367,287 shares of the consumer goods makers stock worth $573,311,000 after purchasing an additional 1,077,724 shares during the period. Finally, Citigroup Inc. boosted its stake in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 3,313.9% in the 2nd quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 823,558 shares of the consumer goods makers stock worth $46,712,000 after purchasing an additional 799,434 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 5.53% of the companys stock.

About Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

(Get Free Report)

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV produces, distributes, markets, and sells beer and beverages. It offers a portfolio of approximately 500 beer brands, which primarily include Budweiser, Corona, and Stella Artois; Beck's, Hoegaarden, Leffe, and Michelob Ultra; and Aguila, Antarctica, Bud Light, Brahma, Cass, Castle, Castle Lite, Cristal, Harbin, Jupiler, Modelo Especial, Quilmes, Victoria, Sedrin, and Skol brands.

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ASM International NV (OTCMKTS:ASMIY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest during the month of February. As of February 29th, there was short interest totalling 600 shares, an increase of 100.0% from the February 14th total of 300 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 10,300 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Separately, Redburn Atlantic upgraded ASM International from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 22nd. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, ASM International presently has a consensus rating of Hold.

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ASM International Trading Up 1.7 %

Shares of ASMIY opened at $620.67 on Thursday. The firms 50-day moving average is $574.22 and its two-hundred day moving average is $500.27. ASM International has a twelve month low of $320.73 and a twelve month high of $661.00. The firm has a market capitalization of $30.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 37.92 and a beta of 1.69.

ASM International (OTCMKTS:ASMIY  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 27th. The company reported $2.18 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of $681.50 million for the quarter. ASM International had a return on equity of 18.74% and a net margin of 28.49%. Analysts predict that ASM International will post 13.83 EPS for the current year.

About ASM International

(Get Free Report)

ASM International NV, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the research, development, manufacture, marketing, and servicing of equipment and materials used to produce semiconductor devices in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Its products include wafer processing deposition systems for single-wafer atomic layer deposition, plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, epitaxy, silicon carbide, vertical furnace systems, and low pressure chemical vapor deposition and diffusion products, as well as provides spare parts and support services.

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BancFirst Trust & Investment Management bought a new position in shares of Lockheed Martin Co. (NYSE:LMT  Free Report) in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund bought 453 shares of the aerospace companys stock, valued at approximately $205,000.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich grew its stake in Lockheed Martin by 73.0% during the 3rd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 64 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 27 shares in the last quarter. CGC Financial Services LLC acquired a new position in Lockheed Martin during the 2nd quarter worth $31,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. acquired a new position in Lockheed Martin during the 4th quarter worth $31,000. Milestone Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Lockheed Martin during the 3rd quarter worth $33,000. Finally, Providence Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Lockheed Martin during the 3rd quarter worth $35,000. 74.26% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Lockheed Martin Stock Performance

Shares of Lockheed Martin stock traded down $0.91 on Thursday, hitting $433.69. The stock had a trading volume of 575,718 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,123,901. The companys 50 day moving average price is $436.62 and its 200 day moving average price is $438.45. The company has a current ratio of 1.21, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.53. The stock has a market cap of $104.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.78, a P/E/G ratio of 3.97 and a beta of 0.48. Lockheed Martin Co. has a 52-week low of $393.77 and a 52-week high of $508.10.

Lockheed Martin Announces Dividend

Lockheed Martin ( NYSE:LMT Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 23rd. The aerospace company reported $7.90 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $7.26 by $0.64. The firm had revenue of $18.87 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $17.96 billion. Lockheed Martin had a return on equity of 79.91% and a net margin of 10.24%. The firms revenue was down .6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $7.79 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that Lockheed Martin Co. will post 26.16 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 1st will be paid a dividend of $3.15 per share. This represents a $12.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.91%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 29th. Lockheed Martins dividend payout ratio is presently 45.74%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Lockheed Martin

In other Lockheed Martin news, COO John Frank A. St sold 6,648 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, March 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $425.35, for a total transaction of $2,827,726.80. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other Lockheed Martin news, COO John Frank A. St sold 6,648 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, March 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $425.35, for a total transaction of $2,827,726.80. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, insider Gregory M. Ulmer sold 6,204 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, March 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $431.19, for a total value of $2,675,102.76. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 12,604 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,434,718.76. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 16,874 shares of company stock valued at $7,249,946 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 0.17% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of brokerages have issued reports on LMT. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price target on Lockheed Martin from $475.00 to $470.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, January 24th. UBS Group decreased their price target on Lockheed Martin from $488.00 to $475.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, January 24th. Morgan Stanley decreased their price target on Lockheed Martin from $513.00 to $503.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, January 24th. Citigroup decreased their price target on Lockheed Martin from $540.00 to $508.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, January 24th. Finally, Susquehanna decreased their price target on Lockheed Martin from $550.00 to $540.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, January 24th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Lockheed Martin currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $491.92.

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Lockheed Martin Profile

(Free Report)

Lockheed Martin Corporation, a security and aerospace company, engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of technology systems, products, and services worldwide. The company operates through Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space segments.

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Baron Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in Duke Energy Co. (NYSE:DUK  Free Report) during the 4th quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor purchased 2,398 shares of the utilities providers stock, valued at approximately $233,000.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new stake in shares of Duke Energy in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $40,000. Cibc World Market Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Duke Energy by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 47,250 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $5,276,000 after acquiring an additional 581 shares during the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Duke Energy by 29.5% in the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 9,751 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,089,000 after acquiring an additional 2,223 shares during the last quarter. Covestor Ltd lifted its stake in shares of Duke Energy by 447.8% in the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,260 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $141,000 after acquiring an additional 1,030 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mather Group LLC. lifted its stake in shares of Duke Energy by 5.2% in the 1st quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 6,505 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $726,000 after acquiring an additional 322 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 63.68% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

DUK has been the subject of several recent research reports. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on Duke Energy from $103.00 to $100.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, February 9th. Bank of America lowered shares of Duke Energy from a buy rating to a neutral rating and reduced their price objective for the company from $105.00 to $96.00 in a research note on Monday, February 12th. Evercore ISI upgraded shares of Duke Energy from an in-line rating to an outperform rating and boosted their target price for the company from $90.00 to $108.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 23rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on Duke Energy from $98.00 to $101.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 29th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets cut their price target on Duke Energy from $101.00 to $100.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, February 12th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $100.00.

Insider Buying and Selling at Duke Energy

In other Duke Energy news, EVP Louis E. Renjel sold 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $92.57, for a total transaction of $277,710.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 14,213 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,315,697.41. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.10% of the companys stock.

Duke Energy Trading Down 1.0 %

Shares of NYSE:DUK traded down $0.99 during trading on Thursday, reaching $94.51. 651,203 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,126,025. The company has a current ratio of 0.74, a quick ratio of 0.49 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.50. Duke Energy Co. has a 52-week low of $83.06 and a 52-week high of $100.39. The firm has a market capitalization of $72.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.92, a P/E/G ratio of 3.05 and a beta of 0.46. The businesss fifty day moving average is $94.70 and its 200-day moving average is $92.48.

Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, February 8th. The utilities provider reported $1.51 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.53 by ($0.02). The firm had revenue of $7.21 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.24 billion. Duke Energy had a net margin of 9.78% and a return on equity of 8.93%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.11 EPS. As a group, analysts forecast that Duke Energy Co. will post 5.98 EPS for the current year.

Duke Energy Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 18th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 16th will be paid a dividend of $1.025 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 15th. This represents a $4.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.34%. Duke Energys dividend payout ratio is presently 115.49%.

Duke Energy Profile

(Free Report)

Duke Energy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy company in the United States. It operates through two segments, Electric Utilities and Infrastructure (EU&I) and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure (GU&I). The EU&I segment generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electricity in the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest; and uses coal, hydroelectric, natural gas, oil, solar and wind sources, renewables, and nuclear fuel to generate electricity.

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Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky grew its stake in Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE:BIO  Free Report) by 2.6% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 31,270 shares of the medical research companys stock after acquiring an additional 804 shares during the quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky owned about 0.11% of Bio-Rad Laboratories worth $11,209,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Polar Capital Holdings Plc boosted its position in shares of Bio-Rad Laboratories by 68.0% in the third quarter. Polar Capital Holdings Plc now owns 41,575 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $14,903,000 after acquiring an additional 16,824 shares during the last quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board boosted its position in shares of Bio-Rad Laboratories by 9.2% in the third quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 2,237 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $802,000 after acquiring an additional 189 shares during the last quarter. Comerica Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Bio-Rad Laboratories in the third quarter worth approximately $11,054,000. Creative Planning boosted its position in shares of Bio-Rad Laboratories by 9.0% in the third quarter. Creative Planning now owns 1,538 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $551,000 after acquiring an additional 127 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Tudor Investment Corp Et Al acquired a new stake in shares of Bio-Rad Laboratories in the third quarter worth approximately $2,529,000. 63.98% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Bio-Rad Laboratories Trading Down 0.2 %

BIO opened at $336.59 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $9.60 billion, a PE ratio of -15.66 and a beta of 0.87. The firms fifty day moving average price is $326.09 and its 200 day moving average price is $328.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a current ratio of 5.83 and a quick ratio of 4.34. Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. has a 12-month low of $261.59 and a 12-month high of $499.27.

Insiders Place Their Bets

Bio-Rad Laboratories ( NYSE:BIO Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 15th. The medical research company reported $3.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.93 by $0.17. The firm had revenue of $681.18 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $685.00 million. Bio-Rad Laboratories had a negative net margin of 23.86% and a positive return on equity of 3.90%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 6.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $3.31 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts expect that Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. will post 10.57 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In other Bio-Rad Laboratories news, EVP Michael Crowley sold 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $336.00, for a total transaction of $1,008,000.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 6,942 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,332,512. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 17.06% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

BIO has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price target on shares of Bio-Rad Laboratories from $484.00 to $480.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, February 16th. UBS Group upped their target price on shares of Bio-Rad Laboratories from $395.00 to $420.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, February 16th. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded shares of Bio-Rad Laboratories from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, March 7th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Bio-Rad Laboratories has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $493.75.

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Bio-Rad Laboratories Profile

(Free Report)

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc manufactures and distributes life science research and clinical diagnostic products in the United States, Europe, Asia, Canada, and Latin America. It operates through two segments, Life Science and Clinical Diagnostics. The company develops, manufactures, and markets instruments, systems, reagents, and consumables to separate, purify, characterize, and quantitate biological materials such as cells, proteins, and nucleic acids for proteomics, genomics, biopharmaceutical production, cellular biology, and food safety markets.

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BJs Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BJ  Get Free Report) Director Christopher J. Baldwin sold 73,062 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, March 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $73.95, for a total transaction of $5,402,934.90. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 173,294 shares of the companys stock, valued at $12,815,091.30. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink.

BJs Wholesale Club Trading Up 1.3 %

Shares of BJs Wholesale Club stock opened at $74.01 on Thursday. The firms 50 day moving average is $68.30 and its 200 day moving average is $68.08. The company has a current ratio of 0.73, a quick ratio of 0.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27. BJs Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. has a 1 year low of $60.33 and a 1 year high of $78.97. The firm has a market capitalization of $9.87 billion, a PE ratio of 19.12, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.20 and a beta of 0.26.

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BJs Wholesale Club (NYSE:BJ  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, March 7th. The company reported $1.11 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.06 by $0.05. BJs Wholesale Club had a net margin of 2.64% and a return on equity of 40.84%. The business had revenue of $5.36 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.38 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.00 EPS. The firms revenue was up 8.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts forecast that BJs Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. will post 3.93 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the stock. Citigroup lowered their price target on shares of BJs Wholesale Club from $74.00 to $72.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, November 20th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of BJs Wholesale Club from $58.00 to $62.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Friday, March 1st. Roth Mkm reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $63.00 price target on shares of BJs Wholesale Club in a report on Monday, November 20th. Evercore ISI cut their price objective on shares of BJs Wholesale Club from $68.00 to $64.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, November 20th. Finally, Gordon Haskett lowered shares of BJs Wholesale Club from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $70.00 price target on the stock. in a research report on Wednesday, February 7th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $72.53.

View Our Latest Research Report on BJ

Institutional Investors Weigh In On BJs Wholesale Club

Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Global Retirement Partners LLC lifted its position in shares of BJs Wholesale Club by 45.3% in the 3rd quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 491 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 153 shares during the period. ST Germain D J Co. Inc. acquired a new position in shares of BJs Wholesale Club in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $37,000. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of BJs Wholesale Club in the 4th quarter worth approximately $40,000. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of BJs Wholesale Club in the 4th quarter worth approximately $46,000. Finally, Huntington National Bank lifted its position in shares of BJs Wholesale Club by 159.9% in the 3rd quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 668 shares of the companys stock worth $48,000 after purchasing an additional 411 shares during the period. 98.60% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

BJs Wholesale Club Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates warehouse clubs on the eastern half of the United States. It provides perishable, general merchandise, gasoline, coupon books, promotions, and other ancillary services. The company sells its products through the websites BJs.com, BerkleyJensen.com, and Wellsleyfarms.com, as well as the mobile app.

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Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. (NYSE:BXMT  Get Free Report) CEO Katharine A. Keenan sold 2,275 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, March 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $20.25, for a total value of $46,068.75. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 192,023 shares in the company, valued at $3,888,465.75. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website.

Blackstone Mortgage Trust Price Performance

Shares of BXMT stock opened at $20.07 on Thursday. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $20.12 and its 200 day simple moving average is $21.24. The firm has a market cap of $3.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.23 and a beta of 1.43. Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. has a one year low of $16.60 and a one year high of $23.82.

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Blackstone Mortgage Trust Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, January 16th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 29th were paid a $0.62 dividend. This represents a $2.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 12.36%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 28th. Blackstone Mortgage Trusts dividend payout ratio is currently 175.89%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the company. UBS Group assumed coverage on Blackstone Mortgage Trust in a research report on Wednesday, December 6th. They set a neutral rating and a $23.50 price objective on the stock. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered their price objective on Blackstone Mortgage Trust from $22.00 to $21.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, February 16th. Finally, Bank of America lowered Blackstone Mortgage Trust from a buy rating to a neutral rating and decreased their price target for the company from $22.00 to $21.00 in a research note on Monday, March 4th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $22.08.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on Blackstone Mortgage Trust

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Blackstone Mortgage Trust

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Ibex Wealth Advisors acquired a new position in Blackstone Mortgage Trust in the third quarter worth $4,716,000. Jump Financial LLC boosted its stake in Blackstone Mortgage Trust by 124.8% in the third quarter. Jump Financial LLC now owns 78,673 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,711,000 after purchasing an additional 43,673 shares in the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. boosted its stake in Blackstone Mortgage Trust by 45.5% in the third quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 2,141,173 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $46,578,000 after purchasing an additional 669,172 shares in the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp boosted its stake in Blackstone Mortgage Trust by 22.7% in the third quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 2,218,838 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $48,260,000 after purchasing an additional 410,722 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ellis Investment Partners LLC boosted its stake in Blackstone Mortgage Trust by 2.0% in the third quarter. Ellis Investment Partners LLC now owns 119,266 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,594,000 after purchasing an additional 2,364 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 52.89% of the companys stock.

Blackstone Mortgage Trust Company Profile

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Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc, a real estate finance company, originates senior loans collateralized by commercial properties in North America, Europe, and Australia. The company originates and acquires senior floating rate mortgage loans that are secured by a first-priority mortgage on commercial real estate assets.

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Blackstone Secured Lending Fund (NYSE:BXSL  Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $30.75 and last traded at $30.72, with a volume of 239927 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $30.48.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

BXSL has been the topic of several recent research reports. Truist Financial raised their price target on Blackstone Secured Lending Fund from $30.00 to $32.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, February 29th. Citigroup lifted their price objective on Blackstone Secured Lending Fund from $30.00 to $31.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, February 29th. Raymond James reissued a market perform rating on shares of Blackstone Secured Lending Fund in a report on Thursday, February 29th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on Blackstone Secured Lending Fund from $28.50 to $30.50 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, January 29th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Blackstone Secured Lending Fund has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $30.42.

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Blackstone Secured Lending Fund Stock Up 0.5 %

Blackstone Secured Lending Fund Dividend Announcement

The company has a market cap of $5.92 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.47 and a beta of 0.47. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $29.00 and a 200-day moving average of $28.14.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 26th. Stockholders of record on Sunday, March 31st will be issued a dividend of $0.77 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, March 27th. This represents a $3.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 9.96%. Blackstone Secured Lending Funds dividend payout ratio is presently 84.38%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Blackstone Secured Lending Fund

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. PVG Asset Management Corp purchased a new position in Blackstone Secured Lending Fund in the 4th quarter worth $207,000. Creekmur Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in Blackstone Secured Lending Fund in the 4th quarter worth $240,000. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. purchased a new position in Blackstone Secured Lending Fund in the 4th quarter worth $216,000. Sanibel Captiva Trust Company Inc. purchased a new position in Blackstone Secured Lending Fund in the 4th quarter worth $415,000. Finally, Venture Visionary Partners LLC purchased a new position in Blackstone Secured Lending Fund in the 4th quarter worth $3,040,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 36.96% of the companys stock.

About Blackstone Secured Lending Fund

(Get Free Report)

Blackstone Secured Lending Fund is business development company and a Delaware statutory trust formed on March 26, 2018, and structured as an externally managed, non-diversified closed-end investment Fund. On October 26, 2018, the fund elected to be regulated as a business development company (BDC) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act).

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Shares of Callon Petroleum (NYSE:CPE  Get Free Report) have earned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the six analysts that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating on the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $40.83.

CPE has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Mizuho decreased their target price on Callon Petroleum from $40.00 to $38.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Monday, February 26th. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their target price on Callon Petroleum from $50.00 to $42.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 22nd. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on Callon Petroleum from $41.00 to $40.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 29th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Callon Petroleum in a report on Tuesday. They set a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus restated a hold rating and set a $32.00 target price (down previously from $44.00) on shares of Callon Petroleum in a report on Tuesday, January 23rd.

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Callon Petroleum Stock Up 4.0 %

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Callon Petroleum

NYSE CPE opened at $33.99 on Thursday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $32.18 and its 200 day simple moving average is $34.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a current ratio of 0.39 and a quick ratio of 0.39. Callon Petroleum has a one year low of $28.62 and a one year high of $41.36. The firm has a market cap of $2.26 billion, a PE ratio of 5.58 and a beta of 2.46.

Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. LSV Asset Management lifted its stake in shares of Callon Petroleum by 374.2% during the third quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 121,392 shares of the oil and natural gas companys stock valued at $4,749,000 after acquiring an additional 95,793 shares during the period. Boston Trust Walden Corp bought a new stake in Callon Petroleum in the third quarter valued at about $27,941,000. Victory Capital Management Inc. increased its holdings in Callon Petroleum by 1,839.8% in the third quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 251,399 shares of the oil and natural gas companys stock valued at $9,835,000 after purchasing an additional 238,439 shares during the last quarter. Aigen Investment Management LP bought a new stake in Callon Petroleum in the third quarter valued at about $1,399,000. Finally, Schonfeld Strategic Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Callon Petroleum in the third quarter valued at about $4,421,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.79% of the companys stock.

Callon Petroleum Company Profile

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Callon Petroleum Company, an independent oil and natural gas company, focuses on the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and natural gas properties in West Texas. Callon Petroleum Company was founded in 1950 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

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Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE:CSL  Get Free Report) has been assigned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the six research firms that are covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, one has issued a hold recommendation and four have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year target price among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $310.67.

Several research analysts recently commented on CSL shares. Robert W. Baird raised their price target on shares of Carlisle Companies from $350.00 to $354.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 17th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Carlisle Companies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, February 7th.

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Carlisle Companies Price Performance

CSL stock opened at $362.77 on Thursday. Carlisle Companies has a 52 week low of $203.65 and a 52 week high of $367.29. The company has a quick ratio of 2.57, a current ratio of 2.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $330.92 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $293.66. The firm has a market capitalization of $17.32 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.80, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.29 and a beta of 0.92.

Carlisle Companies (NYSE:CSL  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 6th. The conglomerate reported $4.17 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.47 by $0.70. Carlisle Companies had a net margin of 15.07% and a return on equity of 28.31%. The business had revenue of $1.13 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.09 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $3.92 earnings per share. Carlisle Companiess quarterly revenue was down 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts anticipate that Carlisle Companies will post 18.44 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Carlisle Companies Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 16th were issued a dividend of $0.85 per share. This represents a $3.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.94%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, February 15th. Carlisle Companiess payout ratio is 22.31%.

Insider Transactions at Carlisle Companies

In related news, CEO D Christian Koch sold 6,454 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $347.53, for a total value of $2,242,958.62. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 86,652 shares of the companys stock, valued at $30,114,169.56. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, insider Lori A. Snyder sold 8,101 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $339.64, for a total transaction of $2,751,423.64. Following the sale, the insider now owns 5,212 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,770,203.68. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO D Christian Koch sold 6,454 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $347.53, for a total transaction of $2,242,958.62. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 86,652 shares in the company, valued at approximately $30,114,169.56. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 15,255 shares of company stock valued at $5,231,360 over the last 90 days. 1.30% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Trading of Carlisle Companies

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Citigroup Inc. increased its stake in Carlisle Companies by 48.1% in the first quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 20,327 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $4,998,000 after purchasing an additional 6,603 shares during the last quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can increased its stake in Carlisle Companies by 0.6% in the first quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 29,831 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $7,549,000 after purchasing an additional 176 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. increased its stake in Carlisle Companies by 3.5% in the first quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 2,160 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $531,000 after purchasing an additional 73 shares during the last quarter. Synovus Financial Corp grew its position in shares of Carlisle Companies by 7.9% during the first quarter. Synovus Financial Corp now owns 4,958 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $1,206,000 after acquiring an additional 363 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sei Investments Co. grew its position in shares of Carlisle Companies by 23.6% during the first quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 53,110 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $13,028,000 after acquiring an additional 10,150 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.70% of the companys stock.

Carlisle Companies Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Carlisle Companies Incorporated operates as a manufacturer and supplier of building envelope products and solutions in the United States, Europe, North America, Asia and Middle East, Africa, and internationally. It operates through two segments: Carlisle Construction Materials and Carlisle Weatherproofing Technologies.

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Rempart Asset Management Inc. decreased its holdings in Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ  Free Report) (TSE:CNQ) by 2.1% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 354,940 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after selling 7,635 shares during the quarter. Canadian Natural Resources accounts for about 4.8% of Rempart Asset Management Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 5th biggest holding. Rempart Asset Management Inc.s holdings in Canadian Natural Resources were worth $23,328,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in CNQ. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership purchased a new stake in Canadian Natural Resources in the 1st quarter valued at $960,796,000. Capital International Investors boosted its stake in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 88.2% during the 1st quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 7,930,544 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $491,064,000 after purchasing an additional 3,716,523 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in Canadian Natural Resources by 6.2% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 40,235,475 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $2,493,796,000 after buying an additional 2,332,528 shares during the period. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund raised its stake in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 43.2% during the third quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund now owns 7,640,000 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $494,262,000 after purchasing an additional 2,305,000 shares during the period. Finally, BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp increased its stake in Canadian Natural Resources by 842.8% during the second quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp now owns 2,486,809 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $139,791,000 after purchasing an additional 2,223,039 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 73.88% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of Canadian Natural Resources from $101.00 to $102.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, January 11th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Canadian Natural Resources has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $94.00.

Canadian Natural Resources Trading Up 0.2 %

Shares of NYSE:CNQ traded up $0.18 during trading on Thursday, hitting $73.32. 2,416,286 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,114,059. Canadian Natural Resources Limited has a 1-year low of $48.81 and a 1-year high of $74.20. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $65.15 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $64.84. The company has a current ratio of 0.96, a quick ratio of 0.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25. The firm has a market cap of $78.56 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.34 and a beta of 1.53.

Canadian Natural Resources Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 5th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 15th will be paid a $0.774 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 14th. This represents a $3.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.22%. This is a positive change from Canadian Natural Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.72. Canadian Natural Resourcess payout ratio is presently 53.25%.

Canadian Natural Resources Profile

(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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Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Co. trimmed its holdings in shares of Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL  Free Report) by 5.7% in the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 28,704 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 1,725 shares during the quarter. Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Co.s holdings in Aflac were worth $2,368,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the business. Panagora Asset Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of Aflac by 36.2% during the first quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 23,941 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,542,000 after buying an additional 6,369 shares during the period. Blair William & Co. IL increased its stake in shares of Aflac by 6.8% during the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 17,268 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,112,000 after buying an additional 1,102 shares during the period. Aviva PLC increased its stake in shares of Aflac by 0.7% during the first quarter. Aviva PLC now owns 210,634 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $13,563,000 after buying an additional 1,503 shares during the period. Dakota Wealth Management purchased a new position in shares of Aflac during the first quarter valued at $428,000. Finally, Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Aflac by 7.3% during the first quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 6,142 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $396,000 after buying an additional 417 shares during the period. 66.75% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Aflac Stock Performance

Shares of Aflac stock traded down $0.34 on Thursday, reaching $83.46. 670,326 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,194,862. The company has a quick ratio of 0.06, a current ratio of 0.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. Aflac Incorporated has a twelve month low of $60.20 and a twelve month high of $86.20. The firm has a market capitalization of $48.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.77, a PEG ratio of 2.28 and a beta of 0.91. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $81.28 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $80.07.

Insider Buying and Selling at Aflac

Aflac ( NYSE:AFL Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 1st. The financial services provider reported $1.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.47 by ($0.22). Aflac had a net margin of 24.92% and a return on equity of 17.59%. The company had revenue of $3.78 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.44 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.29 earnings per share. Analysts anticipate that Aflac Incorporated will post 6.41 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

In other Aflac news, Director Masatoshi Koide sold 30,493 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $79.91, for a total value of $2,436,695.63. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 86,090 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,879,451.90. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, Director Arthur Reginald Collins sold 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $79.73, for a total value of $239,190.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 5,592 shares in the company, valued at $445,850.16. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Director Masatoshi Koide sold 30,493 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $79.91, for a total value of $2,436,695.63. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 86,090 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,879,451.90. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.90% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages have recently commented on AFL. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on Aflac from $82.00 to $83.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 6th. Morgan Stanley cut their target price on Aflac from $85.00 to $80.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, March 1st. UBS Group lifted their target price on Aflac from $80.00 to $84.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 10th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on Aflac from $61.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 9th. Finally, Raymond James boosted their price target on Aflac from $83.00 to $88.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, February 2nd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $80.36.

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Aflac Profile

(Free Report)

Aflac Incorporated, through its subsidiaries, provides supplemental health and life insurance products. The company operates through Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S. segments. The Aflac Japan segment offers cancer, medical, nursing care, work leave, GIFT, and whole and term life insurance products, as well as WAYS and child endowment plans under saving type insurance products in Japan.

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Shares of Compass Minerals International, Inc. (NYSE:CMP  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as $18.88 and last traded at $18.95, with a volume of 541735 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $20.25.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on CMP shares. StockNews.com cut shares of Compass Minerals International from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Friday, November 17th. Loop Capital cut shares of Compass Minerals International from a buy rating to a hold rating and cut their price objective for the stock from $29.00 to $26.00 in a research report on Monday, March 4th. Stifel Nicolaus cut their price objective on shares of Compass Minerals International from $75.00 to $60.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, January 11th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on shares of Compass Minerals International from $24.00 to $21.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, February 9th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $39.80.

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Compass Minerals International Stock Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.98, a quick ratio of 1.15 and a current ratio of 3.07. The stock has a market cap of $774.17 million, a PE ratio of -13.01, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 1.17. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $21.77 and its 200 day simple moving average is $24.74.

Compass Minerals International (NYSE:CMP  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 7th. The basic materials company reported $0.05 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.24 by ($0.19). The firm had revenue of $341.70 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $352.84 million. Compass Minerals International had a negative net margin of 4.97% and a positive return on equity of 4.56%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts expect that Compass Minerals International, Inc. will post 0.3 earnings per share for the current year.

Compass Minerals International Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 20th. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 11th will be paid a dividend of $0.15 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 8th. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.20%. Compass Minerals Internationals payout ratio is currently -41.10%.

Insider Transactions at Compass Minerals International

In related news, Director Joseph E. Reece purchased 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 22nd. The stock was bought at an average price of $21.24 per share, for a total transaction of $106,200.00. Following the purchase, the director now directly owns 16,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $339,840. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 1.52% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Compass Minerals International

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of CMP. BlackRock Inc. raised its holdings in Compass Minerals International by 43.0% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 5,518,500 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $346,506,000 after acquiring an additional 1,660,353 shares during the period. State Street Corp raised its holdings in Compass Minerals International by 38.9% during the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,603,210 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $163,456,000 after acquiring an additional 728,597 shares during the period. Ararat Capital Management LP bought a new stake in Compass Minerals International during the 2nd quarter valued at $21,890,000. Morningstar Investment Services LLC raised its holdings in Compass Minerals International by 89.2% during the 4th quarter. Morningstar Investment Services LLC now owns 1,352,718 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $35,333,000 after acquiring an additional 637,883 shares during the period. Finally, Magnolia Group LLC raised its holdings in Compass Minerals International by 105.8% during the 4th quarter. Magnolia Group LLC now owns 849,490 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $21,509,000 after acquiring an additional 436,660 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 92.79% of the companys stock.

Compass Minerals International Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Compass Minerals International, Inc, provides essential minerals in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It operates through two segments, Salt and Plant Nutrition. The Salt segment produces, markets, and sells sodium chloride and magnesium chloride, including rock salt, mechanically and solar evaporated salt, and brine and flake magnesium chloride products; and purchases potassium chloride and calcium chloride to sell as finished products or to blend with sodium chloride to produce specialty products.

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Cushman & Wakefield plc (NYSE:CWK  Get Free Report) has earned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the five research firms that are covering the firm, MarketBeat reports. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, one has issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. The average 1 year price target among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $10.58.

A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on CWK shares. Wolfe Research upgraded Cushman & Wakefield from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $12.00 target price for the company in a research report on Friday, December 8th. Raymond James raised their target price on shares of Cushman & Wakefield from $11.00 to $12.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 25th. Finally, UBS Group dropped their price target on shares of Cushman & Wakefield from $11.00 to $9.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 22nd.

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Insider Activity at Cushman & Wakefield

Institutional Trading of Cushman & Wakefield

In other news, major shareholder Tpg Gp A, Llc sold 7,734,954 shares of Cushman & Wakefield stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $9.74, for a total transaction of $75,338,451.96. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 17,098,001 shares in the company, valued at approximately $166,534,529.74. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website . In related news, insider Nathaniel Robinson sold 40,000 shares of Cushman & Wakefield stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $9.99, for a total value of $399,600.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 40,427 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $403,865.73. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link . Also, major shareholder Tpg Gp A, Llc sold 7,734,954 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $9.74, for a total value of $75,338,451.96. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 17,098,001 shares in the company, valued at approximately $166,534,529.74. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . 1.19% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in Cushman & Wakefield by 4.1% in the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 27,678,233 shares of the companys stock valued at $298,925,000 after buying an additional 1,098,245 shares during the last quarter. FMR LLC boosted its position in Cushman & Wakefield by 3.9% during the third quarter. FMR LLC now owns 22,232,050 shares of the companys stock valued at $169,408,000 after purchasing an additional 834,176 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. grew its stake in Cushman & Wakefield by 0.4% in the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 21,967,964 shares of the companys stock valued at $231,542,000 after purchasing an additional 77,255 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its stake in Cushman & Wakefield by 4.2% in the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 9,345,825 shares of the companys stock valued at $76,449,000 after purchasing an additional 376,872 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans raised its stake in shares of Cushman & Wakefield by 0.4% during the 2nd quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 7,076,377 shares of the companys stock worth $57,884,000 after purchasing an additional 26,869 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 90.47% of the companys stock.

Cushman & Wakefield Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:CWK opened at $9.75 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -57.35 and a beta of 1.34. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $10.16 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $9.05. Cushman & Wakefield has a fifty-two week low of $6.24 and a fifty-two week high of $11.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.85, a current ratio of 1.17 and a quick ratio of 1.17.

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE:CWK  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, February 20th. The company reported $0.45 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.39 by $0.06. Cushman & Wakefield had a positive return on equity of 11.87% and a negative net margin of 0.37%. The company had revenue of $2.55 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.78 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.46 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 3.6% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts predict that Cushman & Wakefield will post 1 EPS for the current fiscal year.

About Cushman & Wakefield

(Get Free Report

Cushman & Wakefield plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides commercial real estate services under the Cushman & Wakefield brand in the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates through Americas; Europe, Middle East and Africa; and Asia Pacific segments.

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Deterra Royalties Limited (ASX:DRR  Get Free Report) insider Julian Andrews sold 5,050 shares of Deterra Royalties stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, March 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of A$5.02 ($3.32), for a total transaction of A$25,351.00 ($16,788.74).

Deterra Royalties Stock Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 210.68 and a current ratio of 153.21.

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Deterra Royalties Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a Interim dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 20th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, March 20th will be given a $0.149 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 21st. This represents a dividend yield of 2.88%. This is an increase from Deterra Royaltiess previous Interim dividend of $0.12. Deterra Royaltiess payout ratio is presently 96.77%.

Deterra Royalties Company Profile

Deterra Royalties Limited operates as a royalty investment company in Australia. The company is also involved in the management and growth of a portfolio of royalty assets across bulk commodities, base, and battery metals. It holds interest in a portfolio of six royalties over the Mining Area C, Yoongarillup/Yalyalup, Eneabba, Wonnerup, and St Ives.

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Doliver Advisors LP reduced its position in Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP  Free Report) by 9.0% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 6,934 shares of the companys stock after selling 686 shares during the period. Doliver Advisors LPs holdings in Molson Coors Beverage were worth $424,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. grew its stake in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 25.9% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 23,269 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,242,000 after buying an additional 4,792 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. grew its stake in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 17.1% during the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 18,462 shares of the companys stock valued at $985,000 after buying an additional 2,700 shares during the period. US Bancorp DE grew its stake in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 45.7% during the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 3,834 shares of the companys stock valued at $205,000 after buying an additional 1,203 shares during the period. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 4.5% during the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 16,654 shares of the companys stock valued at $889,000 after buying an additional 720 shares during the period. Finally, Natixis Advisors L.P. grew its stake in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 26.3% during the 1st quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 14,411 shares of the companys stock valued at $769,000 after buying an additional 3,001 shares during the period. 73.95% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Molson Coors Beverage Stock Up 0.3 %

TAP stock traded up $0.19 during trading on Thursday, reaching $66.40. The stock had a trading volume of 223,149 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,618,942. The company has a current ratio of 0.70, a quick ratio of 0.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40. Molson Coors Beverage has a 1-year low of $49.32 and a 1-year high of $70.90. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $62.60 and a 200 day moving average price of $61.59. The company has a market capitalization of $14.32 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.19, a PEG ratio of 2.30 and a beta of 0.83.

Molson Coors Beverage Increases Dividend

Molson Coors Beverage ( NYSE:TAP Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, February 13th. The company reported $1.19 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.12 by $0.07. Molson Coors Beverage had a return on equity of 8.89% and a net margin of 6.83%. The company had revenue of $2.79 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.78 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.30 EPS. Molson Coors Beverages quarterly revenue was up 6.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Molson Coors Beverage will post 5.66 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 1st will be issued a dividend of $0.44 per share. This represents a $1.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.65%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 29th. This is an increase from Molson Coors Beverages previous quarterly dividend of $0.41. Molson Coors Beverages dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 40.37%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts have recently issued reports on TAP shares. TheStreet raised shares of Molson Coors Beverage from a c rating to a b- rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 13th. HSBC initiated coverage on shares of Molson Coors Beverage in a report on Thursday, November 30th. They set a hold rating and a $68.00 target price on the stock. StockNews.com lowered shares of Molson Coors Beverage from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday. Finally, Barclays lifted their target price on shares of Molson Coors Beverage from $64.00 to $65.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, February 15th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have assigned a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $67.57.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Molson Coors Beverage

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, CFO Tracey Joubert sold 2,771 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $60.37, for a total transaction of $167,285.27. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 60,538 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,654,679.06. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 2.41% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

About Molson Coors Beverage

(Free Report)

Molson Coors Beverage Company manufactures, markets, and sells beer and other malt beverage products under various brands in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company offers flavored malt beverages including hard seltzers, craft, spirits and energy, and ready to drink beverages.

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FCF Advisors LLC increased its stake in A. O. Smith Co. (NYSE:AOS  Free Report) by 138.7% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 22,240 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 12,923 shares during the period. FCF Advisors LLCs holdings in A. O. Smith were worth $1,833,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. raised its position in A. O. Smith by 8.8% in the 3rd quarter. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. now owns 37,768 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $2,498,000 after purchasing an additional 3,065 shares during the last quarter. O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in A. O. Smith by 111.7% during the 3rd quarter. O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC now owns 7,589 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $502,000 after acquiring an additional 4,004 shares during the period. Schonfeld Strategic Advisors LLC grew its holdings in A. O. Smith by 57.3% during the 3rd quarter. Schonfeld Strategic Advisors LLC now owns 77,718 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $5,139,000 after acquiring an additional 28,323 shares during the period. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd grew its holdings in A. O. Smith by 44.3% during the 3rd quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd now owns 12,736 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $842,000 after acquiring an additional 3,908 shares during the period. Finally, Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board acquired a new stake in A. O. Smith during the 2nd quarter worth $3,915,000. Institutional investors own 74.48% of the companys stock.

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A. O. Smith Trading Up 0.0 %

Shares of AOS stock traded up $0.01 on Thursday, hitting $86.17. The stock had a trading volume of 123,841 shares, compared to its average volume of 912,978. A. O. Smith Co. has a twelve month low of $63.40 and a twelve month high of $87.60. The firm has a market cap of $12.68 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.29, a PEG ratio of 2.33 and a beta of 1.25. The company has a current ratio of 1.59, a quick ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $81.15 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $75.66.

A. O. Smith Announces Dividend

A. O. Smith ( NYSE:AOS Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, January 30th. The industrial products company reported $0.97 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.96 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $988.10 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $985.89 million. A. O. Smith had a net margin of 14.45% and a return on equity of 31.05%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 5.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.86 EPS. As a group, analysts forecast that A. O. Smith Co. will post 4.07 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 31st were paid a $0.32 dividend. This represents a $1.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.49%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, January 30th. A. O. Smiths payout ratio is presently 34.59%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Director Idelle K. Wolf sold 814 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $80.00, for a total value of $65,120.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 46,140 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,691,200. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other A. O. Smith news, VP Robert J. Heideman sold 9,890 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, March 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $84.63, for a total transaction of $836,990.70. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 9,455 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $800,176.65. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, Director Idelle K. Wolf sold 814 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $80.00, for a total transaction of $65,120.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 46,140 shares in the company, valued at $3,691,200. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 95,631 shares of company stock valued at $8,042,535. Company insiders own 2.70% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of analysts have commented on the stock. StockNews.com lowered shares of A. O. Smith from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, March 6th. Citigroup lifted their target price on shares of A. O. Smith from $76.00 to $82.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, December 11th. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on shares of A. O. Smith from $74.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, December 19th. Finally, Northcoast Research raised shares of A. O. Smith from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $90.00 price target for the company in a report on Tuesday, December 12th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, A. O. Smith presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $83.40.

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A. O. Smith Profile

(Free Report)

A. O. Smith Corporation manufactures and markets residential and commercial gas and electric water heaters, boilers, heat pumps, tanks, and water treatment products in North America, China, Europe, and India. The company offers water heaters for residences, restaurants, hotels, office buildings, laundries, car washes, and small businesses; boilers for hospitals, schools, hotels, and other large commercial buildings, as well as homes, apartments, and condominiums; and water treatment products comprising point-of-entry water softeners, well water solutions, and whole-home water filtration products, and point-of-use carbon and reverse osmosis products for residences, restaurants, hotels, and offices.

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FCF Advisors LLC raised its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG  Free Report) by 65.6% during the 4th quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 916 shares of the restaurant operators stock after buying an additional 363 shares during the quarter. FCF Advisors LLCs holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $2,095,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in CMG. Northern Trust Corp increased its holdings in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 5.0% during the 3rd quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 283,203 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $518,780,000 after acquiring an additional 13,513 shares during the last quarter. Covestor Ltd grew its holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 9.2% in the 3rd quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 95 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $174,000 after buying an additional 8 shares in the last quarter. NewEdge Wealth LLC acquired a new position in Chipotle Mexican Grill in the 3rd quarter valued at $205,000. Laidlaw Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 69.8% in the 3rd quarter. Laidlaw Wealth Management LLC now owns 270 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $495,000 after buying an additional 111 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Clearstead Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 0.7% in the 3rd quarter. Clearstead Advisors LLC now owns 773 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $1,416,000 after buying an additional 5 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 91.19% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at Chipotle Mexican Grill

In related news, CEO Brian R. Niccol sold 1,100 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $2,278.45, for a total transaction of $2,506,295.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 22,447 shares in the company, valued at approximately $51,144,367.15. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Chipotle Mexican Grill news, CEO Brian R. Niccol sold 1,100 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, January 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $2,278.45, for a total value of $2,506,295.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 22,447 shares in the company, valued at approximately $51,144,367.15. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, CEO Brian R. Niccol sold 1,996 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $2,399.91, for a total value of $4,790,220.36. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 22,447 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $53,870,779.77. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 4,744 shares of company stock worth $11,607,678 in the last ninety days. 0.96% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts have commented on CMG shares. Stephens upped their price objective on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,800.00 to $3,000.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, February 7th. Citigroup upped their target price on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,699.00 to $3,016.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 7th. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,284.00 to $2,500.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 7th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,600.00 to $2,800.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 7th. Finally, Robert W. Baird restated an outperform rating and set a $2,650.00 price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research report on Monday, January 22nd. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Chipotle Mexican Grill presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $2,469.88.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle Mexican Grill Price Performance

NYSE CMG traded up $38.32 during trading on Thursday, reaching $2,761.01. The companys stock had a trading volume of 67,778 shares, compared to its average volume of 210,555. The stock has a market capitalization of $75.71 billion, a PE ratio of 61.39, a P/E/G ratio of 2.29 and a beta of 1.29. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $2,498.28 and a 200 day moving average of $2,202.90. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a one year low of $1,569.00 and a one year high of $2,775.66.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 6th. The restaurant operator reported $10.36 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $9.73 by $0.63. The firm had revenue of $2.52 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.49 billion. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a return on equity of 44.41% and a net margin of 12.45%. The companys revenue was up 15.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $8.29 EPS. Research analysts expect that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 53.07 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

About Chipotle Mexican Grill

(Free Report)

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. It sells food and beverages through offering burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads. The company also provides delivery and related services its app and website. It has operations in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

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GoDaddy Inc. (NYSE:GDDY  Get Free Report) CEO Amanpal Singh Bhutani sold 7,600 shares of GoDaddy stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $113.80, for a total value of $864,880.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 386,823 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $44,020,457.40. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink.

Amanpal Singh Bhutani also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Monday, March 4th, Amanpal Singh Bhutani sold 59,608 shares of GoDaddy stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $110.54, for a total value of $6,589,068.32.

On Friday, March 1st, Amanpal Singh Bhutani sold 8,687 shares of GoDaddy stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $114.11, for a total value of $991,273.57.

GoDaddy Trading Up 0.1 %

GDDY stock opened at $117.69 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 0.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 61.07. GoDaddy Inc. has a 12-month low of $67.43 and a 12-month high of $118.39. The stock has a market cap of $16.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.28 and a beta of 1.12. The businesss 50-day moving average is $109.57 and its 200 day moving average is $94.17.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

GoDaddy ( NYSE:GDDY Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 13th. The technology company reported $1.08 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.03 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $1.10 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.10 billion. GoDaddy had a negative return on equity of 89.25% and a net margin of 32.74%. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that GoDaddy Inc. will post 4.63 EPS for the current fiscal year.

A number of research firms have weighed in on GDDY. TheStreet upgraded GoDaddy from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 21st. Robert W. Baird lifted their price target on GoDaddy from $125.00 to $130.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 14th. Barclays lifted their price target on GoDaddy from $125.00 to $130.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 20th. Evercore ISI lowered GoDaddy from an outperform rating to an in-line rating and lifted their price target for the company from $100.00 to $110.00 in a research note on Wednesday, February 14th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $124.00 price target on shares of GoDaddy in a research note on Thursday, March 7th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, GoDaddy has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $131.13.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On GoDaddy

Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. BlackRock Inc. grew its position in shares of GoDaddy by 23.6% in the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 10,522,511 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $790,556,000 after purchasing an additional 2,010,233 shares in the last quarter. Bleakley Financial Group LLC grew its position in GoDaddy by 1.6% in the second quarter. Bleakley Financial Group LLC now owns 15,886 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,194,000 after acquiring an additional 250 shares during the period. Rice Hall James & Associates LLC grew its position in GoDaddy by 3.1% in the third quarter. Rice Hall James & Associates LLC now owns 84,077 shares of the technology companys stock worth $6,262,000 after acquiring an additional 2,538 shares during the period. Qsemble Capital Management LP purchased a new position in GoDaddy in the third quarter worth approximately $1,266,000. Finally, Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management Co. Ltd. grew its position in GoDaddy by 15.3% in the third quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 63,351 shares of the technology companys stock worth $4,718,000 after acquiring an additional 8,421 shares during the period. 95.03% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

GoDaddy Company Profile

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GoDaddy Inc engages in the design and development of cloud-based products in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments: Applications and Commerce, and Core Platform. The Applications and Commerce segment provides applications products, including Websites + Marketing, a mobile-optimized online tool that enables customers to build websites and e-commerce enabled online stores; and Managed WordPress, a streamlined and optimized website building that allows customers to easily build and manage a faster WordPress site; Managed WooCommerce Stores to sell anything and anywhere online; and marketing tools and services, such as GoDaddy Studio mobile application, search engine optimization, Meta and Google My Business, and email and social media marketing designed to help businesses acquire and engage customers and create content.

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Green Alpha Advisors LLC lowered its position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM  Free Report) by 5.8% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 31,944 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after selling 1,953 shares during the quarter. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing comprises 2.4% of Green Alpha Advisors LLCs portfolio, making the stock its largest position. Green Alpha Advisors LLCs holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $3,322,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 30.0% during the first quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 1,381,845 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $144,071,000 after purchasing an additional 318,570 shares during the last quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. grew its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 29.2% in the 1st quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 597 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $62,000 after buying an additional 135 shares in the last quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. grew its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 40.1% in the 1st quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 12,700 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $1,324,000 after buying an additional 3,638 shares in the last quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC grew its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 17.3% in the 1st quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC now owns 2,350 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $245,000 after buying an additional 346 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ergoteles LLC grew its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 138.6% in the 1st quarter. Ergoteles LLC now owns 45,497 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $4,744,000 after buying an additional 26,426 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 16.51% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on TSM. Barclays increased their price objective on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $110.00 to $125.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, January 19th. TD Cowen upped their target price on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $85.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Friday, January 12th. StockNews.com upgraded Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, December 8th. Susquehanna increased their target price on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $130.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a positive rating in a report on Tuesday, February 13th. Finally, Needham & Company LLC upped their price target on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $115.00 to $133.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, January 19th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $128.25.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Stock Down 1.4 %

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing stock traded down $2.02 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $140.12. 8,513,630 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 15,890,739. The company has a current ratio of 2.40, a quick ratio of 2.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26. The stock has a market cap of $726.72 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.45, a P/E/G ratio of 3.14 and a beta of 1.15. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited has a 1-year low of $81.21 and a 1-year high of $158.40. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $121.72 and a two-hundred day moving average of $103.84.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, January 18th. The semiconductor company reported $1.44 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.37 by $0.07. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a net margin of 38.80% and a return on equity of 25.24%. The business had revenue of $19.62 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $18.99 billion. As a group, analysts anticipate that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited will post 6.17 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Cuts Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, July 11th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 13th will be issued a dividend of $0.4408 per share. This represents a $1.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.26%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 13th. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings payout ratio is 29.54%.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Profile

(Free Report)

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides complementary metal oxide silicon wafer fabrication processes to manufacture logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, and embedded memory semiconductors.

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Hyatt Hotels Co. (NYSE:H  Get Free Report) insider Mark R. Vondrasek sold 9,867 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, March 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $154.11, for a total value of $1,520,603.37. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 5,100 shares in the company, valued at approximately $785,961. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink.

Hyatt Hotels Stock Performance

NYSE H opened at $157.00 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $16.16 billion, a P/E ratio of 76.96, a PEG ratio of 21.54 and a beta of 1.49. The company has a quick ratio of 0.59, a current ratio of 0.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. Hyatt Hotels Co. has a twelve month low of $96.77 and a twelve month high of $159.81. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $136.56 and its 200 day simple moving average is $121.11.

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Hyatt Hotels (NYSE:H  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, February 23rd. The company reported $0.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.38 by $0.26. The business had revenue of $1.66 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.56 billion. Hyatt Hotels had a return on equity of 7.59% and a net margin of 3.30%. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $2.55 EPS. As a group, research analysts forecast that Hyatt Hotels Co. will post 3.31 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Hyatt Hotels Dividend Announcement

Analyst Ratings Changes

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, March 12th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, February 28th were paid a $0.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, February 27th. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.38%. Hyatt Hotelss dividend payout ratio is presently 29.41%.

A number of research firms recently issued reports on H. Evercore ISI reiterated an in-line rating and issued a $135.00 target price on shares of Hyatt Hotels in a research note on Monday, February 5th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price objective on Hyatt Hotels from $37.00 to $41.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on Hyatt Hotels from $162.00 to $172.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, March 1st. Barclays raised their target price on Hyatt Hotels from $119.00 to $128.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, January 29th. Finally, Robert W. Baird increased their price objective on Hyatt Hotels from $116.00 to $134.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 13th. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $131.13.

Read Our Latest Report on Hyatt Hotels

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Hyatt Hotels

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in H. Swiss National Bank grew its stake in Hyatt Hotels by 64.3% during the second quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 170,700 shares of the companys stock worth $19,559,000 after buying an additional 66,800 shares during the last quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. grew its position in Hyatt Hotels by 0.5% during the 3rd quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 2,256,479 shares of the companys stock worth $239,367,000 after acquiring an additional 11,041 shares during the last quarter. Cadian Capital Management LP increased its holdings in Hyatt Hotels by 157.8% during the 2nd quarter. Cadian Capital Management LP now owns 580,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $66,456,000 after purchasing an additional 355,000 shares in the last quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board raised its position in Hyatt Hotels by 33.3% in the 3rd quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 903,230 shares of the companys stock valued at $95,815,000 after purchasing an additional 225,530 shares during the last quarter. Finally, New York Life Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in Hyatt Hotels by 34.2% in the third quarter. New York Life Investment Management LLC now owns 8,055 shares of the companys stock worth $854,000 after purchasing an additional 2,051 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 46.03% of the companys stock.

Hyatt Hotels Company Profile

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Hyatt Hotels Corporation operates as a hospitality company in the United States and internationally. It operates through Owned and Leased Hotels, Americas Management and Franchising, ASPAC Management and Franchising, EAME/SW Asia Management and Franchising, and Apple Leisure Group segments. The company manages, franchises, licenses, owns, and leases portfolio of properties, consisting of full-service hotels and resorts, select service hotels, resorts, and other properties, including timeshare, fractional, residential, vacation, and condominium units.

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Shares of Lithia Motors, Inc. (NYSE:LAD  Get Free Report) have earned an average recommendation of Hold from the nine research firms that are covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 12-month price target among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $336.40.

A number of research firms have weighed in on LAD. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of Lithia Motors from $298.00 to $315.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, February 15th. Bank of America dropped their price target on shares of Lithia Motors from $440.00 to $380.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, February 29th. StockNews.com cut shares of Lithia Motors from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Wednesday, March 6th. Evercore ISI started coverage on shares of Lithia Motors in a research note on Wednesday, January 17th. They set an outperform rating and a $400.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Morgan Stanley upped their price target on shares of Lithia Motors from $220.00 to $230.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Thursday, February 29th.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Lithia Motors

In other Lithia Motors news, Director Shauna Mcintyre sold 135 shares of Lithia Motors stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $297.84, for a total transaction of $40,208.40. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 1,662 shares of the companys stock, valued at $495,010.08. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . Corporate insiders own 1.90% of the companys stock.

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in LAD. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in Lithia Motors by 2.8% during the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 3,600 shares of the companys stock worth $1,080,000 after purchasing an additional 99 shares during the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Lithia Motors by 41.1% in the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 3,116 shares of the companys stock valued at $935,000 after acquiring an additional 908 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can lifted its stake in shares of Lithia Motors by 4.0% in the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 2,790 shares of the companys stock valued at $902,000 after acquiring an additional 107 shares during the last quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can lifted its stake in shares of Lithia Motors by 8.4% in the 1st quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 16,847 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,190,000 after acquiring an additional 1,310 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Blair William & Co. IL lifted its stake in shares of Lithia Motors by 34.1% in the 1st quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 955 shares of the companys stock valued at $287,000 after acquiring an additional 243 shares during the last quarter.

Lithia Motors Stock Up 1.1 %

Lithia Motors stock opened at $289.21 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15, a quick ratio of 0.45 and a current ratio of 1.41. The stock has a market cap of $7.96 billion, a PE ratio of 7.97, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.49 and a beta of 1.59. Lithia Motors has a fifty-two week low of $203.65 and a fifty-two week high of $331.96. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $295.03 and its 200 day simple moving average is $287.50.

Lithia Motors (NYSE:LAD  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, February 14th. The company reported $8.24 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $8.11 by $0.13. The firm had revenue of $7.67 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.95 billion. Lithia Motors had a net margin of 3.22% and a return on equity of 17.33%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 10.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $9.05 earnings per share. Research analysts predict that Lithia Motors will post 35.27 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Lithia Motors Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 22nd. Shareholders of record on Saturday, March 9th will be paid a dividend of $0.50 per share. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.69%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 7th. Lithia Motorss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 5.51%.

About Lithia Motors

(Get Free Report

Lithia Motors, Inc operates as an automotive retailer worldwide. It operates in two segments, Vehicle Operations and Financing Operations. The company's Vehicle Operations segment sells new and used vehicles; provides parts, repair, and maintenance services; vehicle finance; and insurance products.

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Lowe Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (NYSEARCA:EWZ  Free Report) by 103.4% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 14,185 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 7,210 shares during the period. Lowe Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI Brazil ETF were worth $496,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. KB Financial Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF during the 3rd quarter worth $31,000. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its stake in iShares MSCI Brazil ETF by 124.4% in the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 902 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 500 shares during the period. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its stake in iShares MSCI Brazil ETF by 193.8% in the 3rd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 1,178 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $36,000 after acquiring an additional 777 shares during the period. Private Trust Co. NA bought a new stake in iShares MSCI Brazil ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at about $38,000. Finally, Blair William & Co. IL raised its stake in iShares MSCI Brazil ETF by 94.8% in the 3rd quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 3,250 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $100,000 after acquiring an additional 1,582 shares during the period.

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iShares MSCI Brazil ETF Stock Down 1.2 %

iShares MSCI Brazil ETF stock traded down $0.39 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $32.29. The stock had a trading volume of 9,794,143 shares, compared to its average volume of 20,969,090. iShares MSCI Brazil ETF has a 12 month low of $25.00 and a 12 month high of $35.74. The firms 50-day moving average price is $33.22 and its 200 day moving average price is $32.56. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.31 billion, a PE ratio of 5.86 and a beta of 0.97.

About iShares MSCI Brazil ETF

iShares MSCI Brazil Capped Index Fund (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI Brazil Index Fund, seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of publicly traded securities in the Brazilian market, as measured by the MSCI Brazil Index (the Index).

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West Paces Advisors Inc. increased its stake in Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO  Free Report) by 100.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 300 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 150 shares during the period. West Paces Advisors Inc.s holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S were worth $27,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of NVO. Stone House Investment Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 55.3% during the 2nd quarter. Stone House Investment Management LLC now owns 177 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 63 shares during the period. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC acquired a new stake in Novo Nordisk A/S during the second quarter worth about $29,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its holdings in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 165.3% in the 1st quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 199 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 124 shares during the period. Pacific Center for Financial Services lifted its stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 100.0% in the 3rd quarter. Pacific Center for Financial Services now owns 270 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 135 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Copeland Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 100.0% during the 3rd quarter. Copeland Capital Management LLC now owns 282 shares of the companys stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 141 shares during the period. 6.41% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages have weighed in on NVO. TD Cowen lifted their price target on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from $105.00 to $115.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, December 4th. Morgan Stanley assumed coverage on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Tuesday, January 23rd. They set an overweight rating and a $120.00 target price on the stock. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $140.00 price target on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Tuesday, February 20th. Finally, UBS Group initiated coverage on Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Tuesday, January 16th. They set a neutral rating on the stock. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $121.25.

Novo Nordisk A/S Price Performance

NVO opened at $133.47 on Thursday. Novo Nordisk A/S has a twelve month low of $67.66 and a twelve month high of $138.28. The company has a current ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. The firm has a market cap of $598.93 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 49.43, a PEG ratio of 2.16 and a beta of 0.41. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $117.02 and a 200 day simple moving average of $98.57.

Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, January 31st. The company reported $0.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping 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 business had revenue of $9.51 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.14 billion. Equities research analysts expect that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 3.36 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Novo Nordisk A/S Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a Semi-Annual dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, April 2nd. Investors of record on Monday, March 25th will be paid a $0.664 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 22nd. This is a positive change from Novo Nordisk A/Ss previous Semi-Annual dividend of $0.22. Novo Nordisk A/Ss payout ratio is 48.89%.

Novo Nordisk A/S Profile

(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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Shares of Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd (TSE:OR  Get Free Report) have been assigned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the seven brokerages that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and five have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year target price among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is C$25.55.

OR has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. BMO Capital Markets upped their price target on Osisko Gold Royalties from C$23.00 to C$24.00 in a research report on Wednesday, December 13th. National Bankshares lowered their price objective on shares of Osisko Gold Royalties from C$25.00 to C$23.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, February 22nd. TD Securities cut their target price on Osisko Gold Royalties from C$25.00 to C$23.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, February 23rd. CIBC boosted their price target on Osisko Gold Royalties from C$27.00 to C$28.50 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 7th. Finally, Scotiabank reduced their price objective on Osisko Gold Royalties from C$23.00 to C$22.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, December 15th.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

Osisko Gold Royalties Trading Up 0.7 %

In other news, Director Michael David Saynor Spencer sold 4,900 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$19.15, for a total transaction of C$93,835.00. In related news, Senior Officer Andre Le Bel sold 13,300 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of C$20.05, for a total value of C$266,665.00. Also, Director Michael David Saynor Spencer sold 4,900 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$19.15, for a total transaction of C$93,835.00. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 63,900 shares of company stock valued at $1,360,676. 0.57% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

OR opened at C$21.81 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 12.11, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a current ratio of 4.11. The stocks 50 day moving average price is C$19.62 and its 200-day moving average price is C$18.39. Osisko Gold Royalties has a one year low of C$15.42 and a one year high of C$24.42. The stock has a market cap of C$4.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -83.88, a P/E/G ratio of 1.31 and a beta of 0.79.

Osisko Gold Royalties (TSE:OR  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 20th. The company reported C$0.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of C$0.15 by C$0.01. Osisko Gold Royalties had a negative net margin of 19.55% and a negative return on equity of 2.85%. The company had revenue of C$65.16 million during the quarter. On average, equities analysts forecast that Osisko Gold Royalties will post 0.5496472 EPS for the current year.

Osisko Gold Royalties Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 15th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, March 28th will be issued a dividend of $0.06 per share. This represents a $0.24 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.10%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, March 27th. Osisko Gold Royaltiess payout ratio is -92.31%.

Osisko Gold Royalties Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd acquires and manages precious metal and other royalties, streams, and other interests in Canada and internationally. It also owns options on offtake; royalty/stream financings; and exclusive rights to participate in future royalty/stream financings on various projects. The company's primary asset is a 5% net smelter return royalty on the Canadian Malartic mine located in Canada.

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Park National Corp OH decreased its position in Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE:BRO  Free Report) by 8.1% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 59,200 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 5,200 shares during the quarter. Park National Corp OHs holdings in Brown & Brown were worth $4,210,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Guggenheim Capital LLC grew its position in shares of Brown & Brown by 142.7% in the second quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC now owns 25,783 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,775,000 after purchasing an additional 15,159 shares during the last quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank grew its position in Brown & Brown by 28.7% during the third quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank now owns 277,331 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $19,369,000 after buying an additional 61,800 shares in the last quarter. Comerica Bank acquired a new stake in Brown & Brown during the second quarter worth approximately $328,020,000. Glenview Trust Co grew its position in Brown & Brown by 11.4% during the second quarter. Glenview Trust Co now owns 11,123 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $766,000 after buying an additional 1,135 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Stifel Financial Corp grew its position in Brown & Brown by 1.7% during the third quarter. Stifel Financial Corp now owns 352,685 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $24,632,000 after buying an additional 5,936 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.33% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on BRO. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their price target on Brown & Brown from $70.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research report on Friday, January 26th. StockNews.com downgraded Brown & Brown from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, March 9th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on Brown & Brown from $72.00 to $81.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, January 24th. Bank of America downgraded Brown & Brown from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and raised their target price for the company from $80.00 to $86.00 in a report on Wednesday. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada raised their target price on Brown & Brown from $81.00 to $87.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, January 24th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $83.60.

Brown & Brown Stock Down 0.5 %

Shares of BRO opened at $85.51 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $24.44 billion, a PE ratio of 27.94, a PEG ratio of 3.01 and a beta of 0.78. Brown & Brown, Inc. has a 12 month low of $52.82 and a 12 month high of $86.53. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $79.49 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $74.52. The company has a current ratio of 1.95, a quick ratio of 1.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58.

Brown & Brown (NYSE:BRO  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, January 23rd. The financial services provider reported $0.58 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.53 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $1.03 billion for the quarter. Brown & Brown had a return on equity of 15.46% and a net margin of 20.44%. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.50 earnings per share. On average, analysts anticipate that Brown & Brown, Inc. will post 3.2 EPS for the current year.

Brown & Brown Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, February 14th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 2nd were paid a $0.13 dividend. This represents a $0.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.61%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, February 1st. Brown & Browns dividend payout ratio is 16.99%.

Brown & Brown Company Profile

(Free Report)

Brown & Brown, Inc markets and sells insurance products and services in the United States, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Retail, National Programs, Wholesale Brokerage, and Services. The Retail segment provides property and casualty, employee benefits insurance products, personal insurance products, specialties insurance products, risk management strategies, loss control survey and analysis, consultancy, and claims processing services.

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Peoples Bank KS cut its holdings in The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG  Free Report) by 5.2% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 10,562 shares of the companys stock after selling 583 shares during the quarter. Procter & Gamble accounts for 1.2% of Peoples Bank KSs investment portfolio, making the stock its 25th largest holding. Peoples Bank KSs holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $1,548,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in PG. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 96,526.4% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 38,535,557 shares of the companys stock worth $5,840,449,000 after purchasing an additional 38,495,676 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Procter & Gamble in the 4th quarter valued at $3,752,321,000. Morgan Stanley raised its position in Procter & Gamble by 12.6% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 44,320,700 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,717,246,000 after buying an additional 4,959,527 shares during the last quarter. Barclays PLC raised its position in Procter & Gamble by 118.1% in the 2nd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 6,334,342 shares of the companys stock valued at $961,170,000 after buying an additional 3,429,929 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP raised its position in Procter & Gamble by 9.4% in the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 35,608,913 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,193,916,000 after buying an additional 3,047,557 shares during the last quarter. 63.43% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Procter & Gamble Price Performance

Shares of PG traded down $0.74 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $161.56. 1,358,827 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 6,868,648. The stock has a market cap of $380.15 billion, a PE ratio of 27.14, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.30 and a beta of 0.44. The company has a current ratio of 0.64, a quick ratio of 0.44 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48. The Procter & Gamble Company has a 12 month low of $138.81 and a 12 month high of $162.73. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $156.03 and its 200-day simple moving average is $151.61.

Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement

Procter & Gamble ( NYSE:PG Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 23rd. The company reported $1.84 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.70 by $0.14. The company had revenue of $21.44 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $21.48 billion. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 34.04% and a net margin of 17.60%. Procter & Gambles revenue for the quarter was up 3.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.59 EPS. Equities analysts expect that The Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.45 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 19th were paid a $0.9407 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, January 18th. This represents a $3.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.33%. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 62.98%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, insider Marc S. Pritchard sold 101,704 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, January 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $153.57, for a total transaction of $15,618,683.28. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 163,428 shares of the companys stock, valued at $25,097,637.96. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other news, insider Marc S. Pritchard sold 101,704 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, January 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $153.57, for a total transaction of $15,618,683.28. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 163,428 shares of the companys stock, valued at $25,097,637.96. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, CEO Gary A. Coombe sold 22,000 shares of Procter & Gamble stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $161.32, for a total value of $3,549,040.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 36,845 shares in the company, valued at $5,943,835.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 279,063 shares of company stock valued at $43,187,745 in the last ninety days. Company insiders own 0.17% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts recently commented on PG shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on Procter & Gamble from $169.00 to $162.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, January 18th. Raymond James raised their target price on Procter & Gamble from $170.00 to $175.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 24th. Barclays raised their target price on Procter & Gamble from $160.00 to $165.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, January 25th. Stifel Nicolaus raised their target price on Procter & Gamble from $155.00 to $157.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 24th. Finally, UBS Group raised their target price on Procter & Gamble from $172.00 to $178.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 24th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $168.41.

Read Our Latest Analysis on PG

Procter & Gamble Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Procter & Gamble Company provides branded consumer packaged goods worldwide. It operates through five segments: Beauty; Grooming; Health Care; Fabric & Home Care; and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. The Beauty segment offers conditioners, shampoos, styling aids, and treatments under the Head & Shoulders, Herbal Essences, Pantene, and Rejoice brands; and antiperspirants and deodorants, personal cleansing, and skin care products under the Olay, Old Spice, Safeguard, Secret, and SK-II brands.

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Peoples Bank KS reduced its position in shares of Dominion Energy, Inc. (NYSE:D  Free Report) by 9.8% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 13,859 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 1,510 shares during the quarter. Peoples Bank KSs holdings in Dominion Energy were worth $651,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in D. Diamond Hill Capital Management Inc. boosted 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 grew its position in shares of Dominion Energy by 18.7% during 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 during the period. Mariner LLC increased its stake in shares of Dominion Energy by 53.6% in the 3rd quarter. Mariner LLC now owns 174,329 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $7,787,000 after acquiring an additional 60,835 shares during the last quarter. Morgan Stanley boosted its stake in Dominion Energy by 12.8% during the 3rd quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 7,082,946 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $316,395,000 after acquiring an additional 803,341 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Lido Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Dominion Energy by 108.3% during the third quarter. Lido Advisors LLC now owns 10,098 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $451,000 after purchasing an additional 5,250 shares during the period. 70.66% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on shares of Dominion Energy from $49.00 to $51.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, December 1st. BMO Capital Markets lowered Dominion Energy from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $49.00 price objective for the company. in a research report on Monday. StockNews.com cut Dominion Energy from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Friday, February 23rd. Guggenheim cut their price target on shares of Dominion Energy from $57.00 to $52.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, March 4th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of Dominion Energy from $49.00 to $51.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Thursday, March 7th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $49.90.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Director Joseph M. Rigby bought 2,130 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, March 6th. The shares were bought at an average price of $46.94 per share, for a total transaction of $99,982.20. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now owns 8,417 shares in the company, valued at $395,093.98. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other Dominion Energy news, CEO Robert M. Blue acquired 21,735 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, March 4th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $45.91 per share, with a total value of $997,853.85. Following the acquisition, the chief executive officer now directly owns 176,240 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,091,178.40. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Joseph M. Rigby bought 2,130 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, March 6th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $46.94 per share, for a total transaction of $99,982.20. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now directly owns 8,417 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $395,093.98. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Company insiders own 0.15% of the companys stock.

Dominion Energy Stock Down 0.7 %

Shares of NYSE:D traded down $0.33 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $47.74. The stock had a trading volume of 944,427 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,452,573. The company has a market cap of $39.98 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.65, a PEG ratio of 1.95 and a beta of 0.61. Dominion Energy, Inc. has a 12 month low of $39.18 and a 12 month high of $58.69. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $46.32 and its 200-day simple moving average is $45.81. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 1.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.29.

Dominion Energy (NYSE:D  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 22nd. The utilities provider reported $0.29 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.40 by ($0.11). The business 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%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 7.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.06 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Dominion Energy, Inc. will post 2.75 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Dominion Energy Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 1st will be issued a dividend of $0.6675 per share. This represents a $2.67 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.59%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 29th. Dominion Energys dividend payout ratio is 114.59%.

Dominion Energy Profile

(Free Report)

Dominion Energy, Inc produces and distributes energy in the United States. It operates through three operating segments: Dominion Energy Virginia, Dominion Energy South Carolina, and Contracted Energy. The Dominion Energy Virginia segment generates, transmits, and distributes regulated electricity to approximately 2.8 million residential, commercial, industrial, and governmental customers in Virginia and North Carolina.

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Primerica, Inc. (NYSE:PRI  Get Free Report) COO Gregory C. Pitts sold 3,759 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, March 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $245.43, for a total value of $922,571.37. Following the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 3,379 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $829,307.97. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website.

Primerica Price Performance

NYSE PRI opened at $248.63 on Thursday. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $234.53 and its 200 day moving average price is $214.38. The company has a market cap of $8.66 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.66 and a beta of 1.06. Primerica, Inc. has a 1 year low of $155.68 and a 1 year high of $254.40.

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Primerica (NYSE:PRI  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 13th. The financial services provider reported $4.25 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $4.27 by ($0.02). The company had revenue of $726.34 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $723.64 million. Primerica had a return on equity of 27.83% and a net margin of 20.37%. Primericas revenue for the quarter was up 5.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $3.49 earnings per share. Research analysts expect that Primerica, Inc. will post 17.75 earnings per share for the current year.

Primerica Increases Dividend

Primerica announced that its board has initiated a stock repurchase program on Thursday, November 16th that permits the company to buyback $425.00 million in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization permits the financial services provider to purchase up to 5.8% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are generally an indication that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, March 12th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, February 21st were given a dividend of $0.75 per share. This is an increase from Primericas previous quarterly dividend of $0.65. This represents a $3.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.21%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, February 20th. Primericas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 18.89%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts have recently commented on the company. Raymond James lowered Primerica from a strong-buy rating to a market perform rating in a report on Monday, February 12th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their price objective on Primerica from $230.00 to $255.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Friday, February 16th. Truist Financial increased their price objective on Primerica from $260.00 to $275.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, February 15th. StockNews.com upgraded Primerica from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, March 7th. Finally, Morgan Stanley upped their target price on Primerica from $215.00 to $245.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, March 1st. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Primerica has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $243.20.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on PRI

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Primerica

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Arlington Trust Co LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Primerica during the 3rd quarter worth about $25,000. Huntington National Bank boosted its stake in shares of Primerica by 13,200.0% during the 2nd quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 133 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 132 shares in the last quarter. LWM Advisory Services LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Primerica during the 3rd quarter worth about $26,000. ORG Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Primerica during the 4th quarter worth about $26,000. Finally, Covestor Ltd lifted its stake in Primerica by 74.7% in the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 255 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $35,000 after buying an additional 109 shares in the last quarter. 90.56% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Primerica Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Primerica, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial products and services to middle-income households in the United States and Canada. The company operates in four segments: Term Life Insurance; Investment and Savings Products; Senior Health; and Corporate and Other Distributed Products.

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Citigroup (NYSE:C  Get Free Report) and Chesapeake Financial Shares (OTCMKTS:CPKF  Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, earnings, risk, institutional ownership, profitability, analyst recommendations and valuation.

Dividends

Citigroup pays an annual dividend of $2.12 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.7%. Chesapeake Financial Shares pays an annual dividend of $0.62 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.4%. Citigroup pays out 53.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Chesapeake Financial Shares pays out 28.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Citigroup has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years. Citigroup is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

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Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Citigroup and Chesapeake Financial Shares gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Citigroup $78.49 billion 1.41 $9.23 billion $3.99 14.48 Chesapeake Financial Shares $82.72 million 1.02 $10.12 million $2.15 8.37

Insider and Institutional Ownership

Citigroup has higher revenue and earnings than Chesapeake Financial Shares. Chesapeake Financial Shares is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Citigroup, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

69.3% of Citigroup shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 3.7% of Chesapeake Financial Shares shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.1% of Citigroup shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 39.5% of Chesapeake Financial Shares shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for Citigroup and Chesapeake Financial Shares, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Citigroup 1 5 10 0 2.56 Chesapeake Financial Shares 0 0 0 0 N/A

Citigroup presently has a consensus target price of $57.03, suggesting a potential downside of 1.26%. Given Citigroups higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Citigroup is more favorable than Chesapeake Financial Shares.

Profitability

This table compares Citigroup and Chesapeake Financial Shares net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Citigroup 5.88% 6.49% 0.51% Chesapeake Financial Shares 12.52% 11.11% 0.73%

Risk & Volatility

Citigroup has a beta of 1.5, indicating that its share price is 50% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Chesapeake Financial Shares has a beta of 0.46, indicating that its share price is 54% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Summary

Citigroup beats Chesapeake Financial Shares on 11 of the 16 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Citigroup

(Get Free Report)

Citigroup Inc., a diversified financial service holding company, provides various financial product and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions worldwide. It operates through five segments: Services, Markets, Banking, U.S. Personal Banking, and Wealth. The Services segment includes Treasury and Trade Solutions, which provides cash management, trade, and working capital solutions to multinational corporations, financial institutions, and public sector organizations; and Securities Services, such as cross-border support for clients, local market expertise, post-trade technologies, data solutions, and various securities services solutions. The Markets segment offers sales and trading services for equities, foreign exchange, rates, spread products, and commodities to corporate, institutional, and public sector clients; and market-making services, including asset classes, risk management solutions, financing, prime brokerage, research, securities clearing, and settlement. The banking segment includes investment banking; advisory services related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, restructurings, and corporate defense activities; and corporate lending, which includes corporate and commercial banking. The U.S. Personal Banking segment provides co-branded cards and retail banking services. The Wealth segment provides financial services to high-net-worth clients through banking, lending, mortgages, investment, custody, and trust product offerings; and to professional industries, including law firms, consulting groups, accounting, and asset management. The company was founded in 1812 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

About Chesapeake Financial Shares

(Get Free Report)

Chesapeake Financial Shares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Chesapeake Bank that provides various banking products and services for individuals and businesses in the United States. The company accepts interest and noninterest checking, savings, and money market accounts; and variable-rate and fixed-term money market accounts, as well as certificates of deposit. It also offers mortgage, and single-family residential and residential construction loans; commercial loans, which include owner-occupied commercial development, retail, builders/contractors, medical, service and professional, hospitality, nonprofits, marine industry, and agricultural and seafood loans; and consumer and other loans. In addition, the company provides merchant processing, accounts receivable financing, wealth management and trust, and mortgage banking services, as well as cash management services. Chesapeake Financial Shares, Inc. was founded in 1900 and is based in Kilmarnock, Virginia.

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Taylor Wimpey plc (OTCMKTS:TWODY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant growth in short interest during the month of February. As of February 29th, there was short interest totalling 200 shares, a growth of 100.0% from the February 14th total of 100 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 2,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days.

Taylor Wimpey Price Performance

Shares of TWODY stock opened at $17.96 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.74, a current ratio of 5.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $18.48 and its 200-day moving average price is $16.39. Taylor Wimpey has a 12-month low of $12.32 and a 12-month high of $19.48.

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Taylor Wimpey Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 24th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, April 2nd will be given a dividend of $0.5657 per share. This is an increase from Taylor Wimpeys previous dividend of $0.56. The ex-dividend date is Monday, April 1st.

About Taylor Wimpey

Taylor Wimpey plc operates a residential developer in the United Kingdom and Spain. It builds and delivers various homes and communities. Taylor Wimpey plc was incorporated in 1935 and is based in High Wycombe, the United Kingdom.

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Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky boosted its position in Regal Rexnord Co. (NYSE:RRX  Free Report) by 4.4% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 88,045 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 3,687 shares during the quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky owned approximately 0.13% of Regal Rexnord worth $12,580,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

A number of other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. BOKF NA increased its position in Regal Rexnord by 0.4% in the second quarter. BOKF NA now owns 17,734 shares of the companys stock worth $2,729,000 after buying an additional 76 shares during the last quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Regal Rexnord by 18.5% in the third quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 493 shares of the companys stock worth $68,000 after acquiring an additional 77 shares during the period. MML Investors Services LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Regal Rexnord by 2.2% in the second quarter. MML Investors Services LLC now owns 3,577 shares of the companys stock worth $551,000 after acquiring an additional 77 shares during the period. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Regal Rexnord by 45.4% in the third quarter. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC now owns 282 shares of the companys stock worth $40,000 after acquiring an additional 88 shares during the period. Finally, Toroso Investments LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Regal Rexnord by 6.5% in the third quarter. Toroso Investments LLC now owns 1,463 shares of the companys stock worth $209,000 after acquiring an additional 89 shares during the period. 96.67% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Wolfe Research raised Regal Rexnord from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $151.00 price target for the company in a report on Monday, December 11th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $177.50.

Regal Rexnord Price Performance

NYSE:RRX opened at $174.65 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $11.60 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -200.75, a P/E/G ratio of 1.71 and a beta of 1.14. Regal Rexnord Co. has a 52-week low of $97.18 and a 52-week high of $176.15. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $151.32 and a 200 day moving average of $140.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.00, a quick ratio of 1.59 and a current ratio of 2.55.

Regal Rexnord (NYSE:RRX  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 7th. The company reported $2.28 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.26 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $1.61 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.63 billion. Regal Rexnord had a positive return on equity of 9.58% and a negative net margin of 0.92%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 29.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $2.64 earnings per share. On average, research analysts expect that Regal Rexnord Co. will post 10.05 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Regal Rexnord Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 12th. Investors of record on Thursday, March 28th will be paid a dividend of $0.35 per share. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.80%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, March 27th. Regal Rexnords dividend payout ratio is -160.92%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Regal Rexnord

In other Regal Rexnord news, EVP Thomas E. Valentyn sold 1,931 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $166.09, for a total transaction of $320,719.79. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 27,180 shares in the company, valued at $4,514,326.20. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other Regal Rexnord news, EVP Thomas E. Valentyn sold 1,931 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $166.09, for a total transaction of $320,719.79. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 27,180 shares in the company, valued at $4,514,326.20. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP Thomas E. Valentyn sold 647 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $169.70, for a total value of $109,795.90. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 28,412 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,821,516.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 5,570 shares of company stock worth $892,301 over the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 0.98% of the companys stock.

About Regal Rexnord

(Free Report)

Regal Rexnord Corporation manufactures and sells industrial powertrain solutions, power transmission components, electric motors and electronic controls, air moving products, and specialty electrical components and systems worldwide. It operates in four segments: Commercial Systems, Industrial Systems, Climate Solutions, and Motion Control Solutions.

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Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky cut its holdings in shares of Arista Networks, Inc. (NYSE:ANET  Free Report) by 4.9% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 50,053 shares of the technology companys stock after selling 2,585 shares during the quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentuckys holdings in Arista Networks were worth $9,207,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Larson Financial Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Arista Networks during the 3rd quarter worth $28,000. First Command Advisory Services Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Arista Networks during the third quarter worth approximately $29,000. Hollencrest Capital Management acquired a new stake in Arista Networks in the first quarter valued at $30,000. BluePath Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in Arista Networks in the third quarter valued at $33,000. Finally, NBC Securities Inc. acquired a new stake in Arista Networks in the third quarter valued at $33,000. 67.13% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Arista Networks Stock Performance

Shares of ANET stock opened at $280.80 on Thursday. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $265.68 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $226.34. The company has a market cap of $87.79 billion, a PE ratio of 42.74, a P/E/G ratio of 2.34 and a beta of 1.10. Arista Networks, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $131.68 and a fifty-two week high of $292.66.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Arista Networks ( NYSE:ANET Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, February 12th. The technology company reported $2.08 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.70 by $0.38. The firm had revenue of $1.54 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.53 billion. Arista Networks had a return on equity of 31.44% and a net margin of 35.62%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 20.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.25 EPS. On average, equities analysts predict that Arista Networks, Inc. will post 6.63 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Several research firms have commented on ANET. Barclays lifted their price target on Arista Networks from $272.00 to $311.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, February 13th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on Arista Networks from $230.00 to $272.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 2nd. Rosenblatt Securities boosted their price target on Arista Networks from $230.00 to $330.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 13th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on Arista Networks from $274.00 to $313.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 13th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on Arista Networks from $225.00 to $310.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, February 7th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Arista Networks has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $271.38.

View Our Latest Analysis on ANET

Insider Buying and Selling at Arista Networks

In related news, SVP Kenneth Duda sold 20,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, March 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $269.15, for a total value of $5,383,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 3,244 shares in the company, valued at $873,122.60. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other Arista Networks news, SVP Kenneth Duda sold 20,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, March 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $269.15, for a total transaction of $5,383,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 3,244 shares of the companys stock, valued at $873,122.60. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider John F. Mccool sold 416 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, March 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $285.52, for a total transaction of $118,776.32. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 136,852 shares of company stock worth $35,850,195. Insiders own 18.99% of the companys stock.

About Arista Networks

(Free Report)

Arista Networks, Inc engages in the development, marketing, and sale of data-driven, client to cloud networking solutions for data center, campus, and routing environments in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific. Its cloud networking solutions consist of Extensible Operating System (EOS), a publish-subscribe state-sharing networking operating system offered in combination with a set of network applications.

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First National Bank of Mount Dora Trust Investment Services raised its holdings in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO  Free Report) by 2.1% during the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 9,524 shares of the medical research companys stock after purchasing an additional 196 shares during the period. First National Bank of Mount Dora Trust Investment Services holdings in Thermo Fisher Scientific were worth $5,055,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Phoenix Holdings Ltd. raised its position in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 21.4% during the third quarter. Phoenix Holdings Ltd. now owns 9,366 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $4,750,000 after purchasing an additional 1,654 shares during the period. DMC Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 16.5% during the third quarter. DMC Group LLC now owns 592 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $300,000 after buying an additional 84 shares in the last quarter. Montchanin Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 1.1% during the second quarter. Montchanin Asset Management LLC now owns 4,550 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $2,374,000 after buying an additional 50 shares in the last quarter. Check Capital Management Inc. CA purchased a new position in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific during the third quarter valued at $219,000. Finally, Tower Bridge Advisors grew its holdings in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 0.5% during the third quarter. Tower Bridge Advisors now owns 33,046 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $16,727,000 after buying an additional 155 shares in the last quarter. 87.06% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Thermo Fisher Scientific Price Performance

Shares of NYSE TMO traded down $10.06 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $582.87. 1,076,189 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,663,491. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $557.31 and its 200-day moving average price is $517.83. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has a one year low of $415.60 and a one year high of $603.82. The stock has a market cap of $222.25 billion, a P/E ratio of 37.92, a PEG ratio of 2.52 and a beta of 0.80. The company has a quick ratio of 1.39, a current ratio of 1.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Increases Dividend

Thermo Fisher Scientific ( NYSE:TMO Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, January 31st. The medical research company reported $5.67 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $5.64 by $0.03. Thermo Fisher Scientific had a net margin of 13.99% and a return on equity of 18.78%. The company had revenue of $10.89 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.73 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $5.40 EPS. The firms revenue was down 4.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. will post 21.53 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 15th will be given a dividend of $0.39 per share. This is an increase from Thermo Fisher Scientifics previous quarterly dividend of $0.35. This represents a $1.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.27%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 14th. Thermo Fisher Scientifics dividend payout ratio is currently 9.06%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

TMO has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. HSBC began coverage on Thermo Fisher Scientific in a research note on Monday, December 18th. They issued a buy rating and a $610.00 target price on the stock. Citigroup upped their price target on Thermo Fisher Scientific from $530.00 to $575.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 11th. Barclays cut Thermo Fisher Scientific from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and upped their price target for the company from $475.00 to $555.00 in a report on Wednesday, January 24th. TheStreet raised Thermo Fisher Scientific from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a report on Friday, December 22nd. Finally, Robert W. Baird reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $670.00 price objective on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific in a research note on Thursday, December 14th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $596.00.

Read Our Latest Research Report on TMO

Insider Activity

In related news, CEO Marc N. Casper sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, March 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $597.98, for a total value of $5,979,800.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 123,816 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $74,039,491.68. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In related news, CEO Marc N. Casper sold 10,000 shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, March 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $597.98, for a total value of $5,979,800.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 123,816 shares in the company, valued at approximately $74,039,491.68. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, SVP Michael A. Boxer sold 14,566 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $562.00, for a total transaction of $8,186,092.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 12,901 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,250,362. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 50,277 shares of company stock valued at $28,513,384 in the last three months. Company insiders own 0.32% of the companys stock.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Profile

(Free Report)

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc provides life sciences solutions, analytical instruments, specialty diagnostics, and laboratory products and biopharma services in the North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and internationally. The company's Life Sciences Solutions segment offers reagents, instruments, and consumables for biological and medical research, discovery, and production of drugs and vaccines, as well as diagnosis of infections and diseases; and solutions include biosciences, genetic sciences, and bio production to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agricultural, clinical, healthcare, academic, and government markets.

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First National Bank of Mount Dora Trust Investment Services decreased its position in Thomson Reuters Co. (NYSE:TRI  Free Report) (TSE:TRI) by 0.1% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 68,015 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 81 shares during the period. Thomson Reuters accounts for 2.7% of First National Bank of Mount Dora Trust Investment Services investment portfolio, making the stock its 7th biggest holding. First National Bank of Mount Dora Trust Investment Services holdings in Thomson Reuters were worth $9,945,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC raised its holdings in Thomson Reuters by 3.4% during the 3rd quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC now owns 6,052 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $741,000 after acquiring an additional 201 shares during the period. Legacy Wealth Asset Management LLC increased its position in shares of Thomson Reuters by 44.8% during the third quarter. Legacy Wealth Asset Management LLC now owns 12,603 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $1,542,000 after buying an additional 3,901 shares during the period. FMR LLC increased its position in shares of Thomson Reuters by 26.3% during the third quarter. FMR LLC now owns 5,657,244 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $692,059,000 after buying an additional 1,179,155 shares during the period. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC bought a new stake in shares of Thomson Reuters during the third quarter valued at about $686,000. Finally, Cumberland Partners Ltd increased its position in shares of Thomson Reuters by 2.1% during the third quarter. Cumberland Partners Ltd now owns 227,831 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $27,958,000 after buying an additional 4,738 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 17.31% of the companys stock.

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Thomson Reuters Trading Up 0.3 %

Shares of NYSE:TRI traded up $0.41 during trading on Thursday, reaching $156.81. 238,199 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 302,505. The firm has a market capitalization of $70.93 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.78, a P/E/G ratio of 4.12 and a beta of 0.66. Thomson Reuters Co. has a 52-week low of $117.46 and a 52-week high of $161.57. The company has a current ratio of 0.90, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26. The businesss fifty day moving average is $152.82 and its 200-day moving average is $139.30.

Thomson Reuters Increases Dividend

Thomson Reuters ( NYSE:TRI Get Free Report ) (TSE:TRI) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 8th. The business services provider reported $0.98 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.92 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $1.82 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.82 billion. Thomson Reuters had a return on equity of 14.01% and a net margin of 39.67%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 2.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.76 earnings per share. As a group, analysts forecast that Thomson Reuters Co. will post 3.58 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 8th. Investors of record on Wednesday, February 21st were issued a dividend of $0.54 per share. This represents a $2.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.38%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, February 20th. This is an increase from Thomson Reuterss previous quarterly dividend of $0.49. Thomson Reuterss dividend payout ratio is currently 36.99%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research analysts have recently commented on the company. Barclays raised Thomson Reuters from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $150.00 to $180.00 in a report on Thursday. Scotiabank boosted their price objective on Thomson Reuters from $142.00 to $159.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Friday, February 9th. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price objective on Thomson Reuters from $149.00 to $153.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Friday, February 9th. National Bank Financial lowered Thomson Reuters from a sector perform under weight rating to an underperform underweight rating in a report on Tuesday, February 20th. Finally, CIBC upped their target price on Thomson Reuters from $130.00 to $138.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, January 11th. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $153.08.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on TRI

Thomson Reuters Profile

(Free Report)

Thomson Reuters Corporation engages in the provision of business information services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates in five segments: Legal Professionals, Corporates, Tax & Accounting Professionals, Reuters News, and Global Print. The Legal Professionals segment offers research and workflow products focusing on legal research and integrated legal workflow solutions that combine content, tools, and analytics to law firms and governments.

Further Reading

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Liberty Energy Inc. (NYSE:LBRT  Get Free Report) Director William F. Kimble sold 12,459 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $21.55, for a total value of $268,491.45. Following the sale, the director now owns 69,963 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,507,702.65. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website.

Liberty Energy Price Performance

Shares of NYSE LBRT opened at $20.20 on Thursday. Liberty Energy Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $11.18 and a fifty-two week high of $22.16. The stock has a market cap of $3.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.39, a PEG ratio of 0.98 and a beta of 1.86. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a quick ratio of 1.17 and a current ratio of 1.49. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $19.66 and its 200 day simple moving average is $18.97.

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Liberty Energy (NYSE:LBRT  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 24th. The company reported $0.54 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.57 by ($0.03). Liberty Energy had a net margin of 11.72% and a return on equity of 32.28%. The business had revenue of $1.07 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.08 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.82 EPS. Liberty Energys revenue was down 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Liberty Energy Inc. will post 2.78 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Liberty Energy Dividend Announcement

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Liberty Energy

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 20th. Investors of record on Wednesday, March 6th will be given a $0.07 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 5th. This represents a $0.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.39%. Liberty Energys payout ratio is 8.86%.

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Liberty Energy by 3.6% during the 4th quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 17,902 shares of the companys stock worth $325,000 after buying an additional 621 shares in the last quarter. Advisor Partners II LLC lifted its position in shares of Liberty Energy by 3.8% during the 3rd quarter. Advisor Partners II LLC now owns 18,974 shares of the companys stock worth $351,000 after buying an additional 689 shares in the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Liberty Energy by 27.7% during the 4th quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 3,273 shares of the companys stock worth $59,000 after buying an additional 709 shares in the last quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Liberty Energy by 2.0% during the 3rd quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 42,192 shares of the companys stock worth $781,000 after buying an additional 836 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers lifted its position in shares of Liberty Energy by 0.7% during the 1st quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 121,187 shares of the companys stock worth $1,796,000 after buying an additional 863 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 91.34% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages have recently commented on LBRT. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on Liberty Energy from $23.00 to $24.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, January 29th. Citigroup reduced their target price on Liberty Energy from $22.00 to $20.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 14th. Piper Sandler raised their target price on Liberty Energy from $27.00 to $28.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, January 26th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reduced their target price on Liberty Energy from $25.00 to $24.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 21st. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $23.75.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Liberty Energy

Liberty Energy Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Liberty Energy Inc provides hydraulic services and related technologies to onshore oil and natural gas exploration, and production companies in North America. The company offers hydraulic fracturing services, including complementary services, such as wireline services, proppant delivery solutions, field gas processing and treating, compressed natural gas (CNG) delivery, data analytics, related goods comprising sand mine operations, and technologies; and well site fueling and logistics.

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TOKYO, Mar 14 (News On Japan) - The greatest mystery in Butt Detective's history is about to be revealed, with the imminent release of "Oshiri Tantei The Movie," starting with a message from a former partner, leading to a case that shakes the world.

After ten years, the former partner Suisen, played by actor Nakari Yoshino, reappears in front of Butt Detective. In this interview and behind-the-scenes footage of the voice recording, we delve into the challenges Yoshino faced in portraying a character with a dual nature: the "delicate yet vibrant" past and the "strong and cool" present.

Website: oshiri-movie.com

Source: 
Kyushu, Mar 14 (News On Japan) - Saga Women's Junior College held its graduation ceremony on Thursday, attended by international students, adding a rich cultural diversity to the event.

Around 170 students, including those from Myanmar and Nepal, bid farewell to their beloved alma mater. The graduates, clad in hakama, traditional attire from their respective countries, and gowns, received their diplomas one by one from their mentors.

One graduate expressed her determination to apply what she learned in her job at a care facility, while another shared her plans to become a childcare worker in Yokohama. "With these friends by my side, I can definitely do my best!" she exclaimed.

Starting next academic year, Saga Women's Junior College will welcome male students in some courses, such as welfare, as it transitions to a co-educational institution.

Source: KBC NEWS in JAPAN
Banque Pictet & Cie SA raised its holdings in Arista Networks, Inc. (NYSE:ANET  Free Report) by 7.1% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 5,617 shares of the technology companys stock after acquiring an additional 374 shares during the period. Banque Pictet & Cie SAs holdings in Arista Networks were worth $1,033,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

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Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. AXQ Capital LP acquired a new stake in shares of Arista Networks during the 3rd quarter worth $791,000. Cambridge Trust Co. increased its holdings in shares of Arista Networks by 70.1% during the 3rd quarter. Cambridge Trust Co. now owns 50,255 shares of the technology companys stock worth $9,243,000 after buying an additional 20,704 shares during the last quarter. Rheos Capital Works Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Arista Networks by 28.6% during the 3rd quarter. Rheos Capital Works Inc. now owns 67,500 shares of the technology companys stock worth $12,415,000 after buying an additional 15,000 shares during the last quarter. Inspire Investing LLC increased its holdings in shares of Arista Networks by 450.9% during the 3rd quarter. Inspire Investing LLC now owns 33,646 shares of the technology companys stock worth $6,189,000 after buying an additional 27,539 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ increased its holdings in shares of Arista Networks by 7.8% during the 3rd quarter. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ now owns 58,791 shares of the technology companys stock worth $10,814,000 after buying an additional 4,237 shares during the last quarter. 67.13% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CEO Jayshree Ullal sold 23,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $237.17, for a total transaction of $5,454,910.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 1,705,500 shares in the company, valued at $404,493,435. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other Arista Networks news, Director Yvonne Wassenaar sold 186 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $234.23, for a total value of $43,566.78. Following the sale, the director now owns 2,864 shares in the company, valued at $670,834.72. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Jayshree Ullal sold 23,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $237.17, for a total transaction of $5,454,910.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 1,705,500 shares in the company, valued at approximately $404,493,435. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 136,852 shares of company stock worth $35,850,195 over the last quarter. 18.99% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts have recently commented on the company. JMP Securities restated a market outperform rating and set a $325.00 price objective on shares of Arista Networks in a report on Tuesday, February 13th. Melius raised shares of Arista Networks from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, January 8th. Melius Research raised shares of Arista Networks from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $300.00 price target for the company in a research report on Monday, January 8th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on shares of Arista Networks from $225.00 to $310.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 7th. Finally, Oppenheimer reaffirmed a market perform rating on shares of Arista Networks in a research report on Tuesday, February 13th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Arista Networks presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $271.38.

View Our Latest Stock Report on ANET

Arista Networks Stock Performance

Shares of Arista Networks stock opened at $280.80 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $87.79 billion, a PE ratio of 42.74, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.34 and a beta of 1.10. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $265.68 and its 200-day simple moving average is $226.34. Arista Networks, Inc. has a 1 year low of $131.68 and a 1 year high of $292.66.

Arista Networks (NYSE:ANET  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, February 12th. The technology company reported $2.08 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.70 by $0.38. The business had revenue of $1.54 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.53 billion. Arista Networks had a net margin of 35.62% and a return on equity of 31.44%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 20.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.25 EPS. On average, equities analysts predict that Arista Networks, Inc. will post 6.63 earnings per share for the current year.

Arista Networks Company Profile

(Free Report)

Arista Networks, Inc engages in the development, marketing, and sale of data-driven, client to cloud networking solutions for data center, campus, and routing environments in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific. Its cloud networking solutions consist of Extensible Operating System (EOS), a publish-subscribe state-sharing networking operating system offered in combination with a set of network applications.

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Neo Ivy Capital Management purchased a new position in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM  Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 2,540 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $192,000.

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Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Banque Pictet & Cie SA raised its stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 8.0% during the 3rd quarter. Banque Pictet & Cie SA now owns 111,041 shares of the companys stock worth $8,375,000 after buying an additional 8,256 shares during the last quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 216.2% during the 3rd quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 6,347 shares of the companys stock worth $479,000 after buying an additional 4,340 shares during the last quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board raised its stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 10.1% during the 3rd quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 57,426 shares of the companys stock worth $4,331,000 after buying an additional 5,273 shares during the last quarter. Allen Mooney & Barnes Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Archer-Daniels-Midland in the 3rd quarter valued at about $2,044,000. Finally, Comerica Bank acquired a new position in Archer-Daniels-Midland in the 3rd quarter valued at about $9,986,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.73% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts recently weighed in on ADM shares. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, January 22nd. BMO Capital Markets cut their target price on shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland from $80.00 to $66.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, January 22nd. Roth Mkm downgraded shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland from a buy rating to a neutral rating and cut their target price for the company from $98.00 to $66.00 in a research note on Monday, January 22nd. TheStreet downgraded shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Monday, February 12th. Finally, Robert W. Baird downgraded shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and cut their target price for the company from $96.00 to $61.00 in a research note on Monday, January 22nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and thirteen have assigned a hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Archer-Daniels-Midland has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $67.08.

Archer-Daniels-Midland Stock Up 2.2 %

Shares of NYSE:ADM opened at $58.33 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a current ratio of 1.69. Archer-Daniels-Midland Company has a 1 year low of $50.72 and a 1 year high of $87.30. The stock has a market capitalization of $31.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.12 and a beta of 0.75. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $57.66 and a 200-day simple moving average of $68.72.

Archer-Daniels-Midland (NYSE:ADM  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, March 12th. The company reported $1.36 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.43 by ($0.07). Archer-Daniels-Midland had a return on equity of 16.63% and a net margin of 4.05%. The firm had revenue of $22.98 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $23.79 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.93 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 11.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts forecast that Archer-Daniels-Midland Company will post 7.03 earnings per share for the current year.

Archer-Daniels-Midland Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 29th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 8th were issued a dividend of $0.50 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, February 7th. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.43%. This is a boost from Archer-Daniels-Midlands previous quarterly dividend of $0.45. Archer-Daniels-Midlands payout ratio is presently 27.86%.

About Archer-Daniels-Midland

(Free Report)

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company procures, transports, stores, processes, and merchandises agricultural commodities, products, and ingredients in the United States, Switzerland, the Cayman Islands, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates in three segments: Ag Services and Oilseeds, Carbohydrate Solutions, and Nutrition.

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Trust Co. of Vermont increased its position in Sempra (NYSE:SRE  Free Report) by 100.0% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 730 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 365 shares during the quarter. Trust Co. of Vermonts holdings in Sempra were worth $50,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

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A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Capital International Investors grew its holdings in shares of Sempra by 11.6% in the 2nd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 27,459,739 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $3,997,728,000 after acquiring an additional 2,843,930 shares during the period. State Street Corp lifted its stake in Sempra by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 17,502,896 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,548,247,000 after buying an additional 83,368 shares in the last quarter. Newport Trust Company LLC grew its holdings in Sempra by 104.0% during the 3rd quarter. Newport Trust Company LLC now owns 14,416,527 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $980,756,000 after buying an additional 7,348,746 shares during the last quarter. FMR LLC increased its position in Sempra by 147.0% during the third quarter. FMR LLC now owns 14,360,225 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $976,926,000 after buying an additional 8,546,205 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Clearbridge Investments LLC increased its position in Sempra by 109.0% during the third quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 12,154,272 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $826,855,000 after buying an additional 6,338,545 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.83% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms recently commented on SRE. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on Sempra from $75.00 to $73.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, November 21st. Barclays increased their price objective on Sempra from $76.00 to $77.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, January 22nd. Mizuho decreased their price objective on Sempra from $83.00 to $79.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, January 25th. LADENBURG THALM/SH SH began coverage on Sempra in a research note on Wednesday, January 3rd. They set a buy rating and a $81.50 price objective on the stock. Finally, BMO Capital Markets raised Sempra from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and increased their price objective for the company from $76.00 to $84.00 in a research note on Thursday, January 11th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $81.83.

Sempra Price Performance

SRE stock opened at $70.82 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.85, a quick ratio of 0.49 and a current ratio of 0.54. Sempra has a 1 year low of $63.75 and a 1 year high of $79.51. The firm has a market cap of $44.77 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.78, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.04 and a beta of 0.71. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $71.85 and a 200-day simple moving average of $71.66.

Sempra (NYSE:SRE  Get Free Report) last posted 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 return on equity of 9.45% and a net margin of 18.26%. The business had revenue of $3.49 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.01 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.17 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 1.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts predict that Sempra will post 4.83 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Sempra Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 15th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, March 21st will be paid a dividend of $0.62 per share. This represents a $2.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.50%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, March 20th. This is a positive change from Sempras previous quarterly dividend of $0.60. Sempras dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 49.69%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Sempra

In other Sempra news, insider Diana L. Day sold 3,937 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, March 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $71.21, for a total transaction of $280,353.77. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 18,145 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,292,105.45. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, VP Trevor I. Mihalik sold 57,571 shares of Sempra stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, March 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $70.59, for a total value of $4,063,936.89. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 10,922 shares in the company, valued at approximately $770,983.98. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Diana L. Day sold 3,937 shares of Sempra stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, March 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $71.21, for a total value of $280,353.77. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 18,145 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,292,105.45. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 156,622 shares of company stock worth $11,089,713 in the last 90 days. 0.24% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Sempra Company Profile

(Free Report)

Sempra operates as an energy infrastructure company in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Sempra California, Sempra Texas Utilities, and Sempra Infrastructure. The Sempra California segment provides electric services; and natural gas services to San Diego County.

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Tudor Investment Corp Et Al raised its holdings in shares of Forestar Group Inc. (NYSE:FOR  Free Report) by 67.0% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 96,252 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock after acquiring an additional 38,610 shares during the period. Tudor Investment Corp Et Als holdings in Forestar Group were worth $2,593,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

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A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio boosted its holdings in Forestar Group by 45.4% during the 3rd quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 22,858 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $616,000 after acquiring an additional 7,133 shares during the period. FineMark National Bank & Trust bought a new stake in Forestar Group in the third quarter valued at approximately $273,000. Toroso Investments LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Forestar Group during the third quarter valued at approximately $212,000. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company bought a new position in shares of Forestar Group in the third quarter worth approximately $282,000. Finally, Sei Investments Co. grew its holdings in shares of Forestar Group by 162.8% in the third quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 63,120 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $1,700,000 after purchasing an additional 39,100 shares during the last quarter. 35.94% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms have issued reports on FOR. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Forestar Group from $30.00 to $33.50 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, December 1st. StockNews.com cut Forestar Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, March 8th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $32.50.

Insider Transactions at Forestar Group

In related news, CEO Daniel C. Bartok sold 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $34.23, for a total transaction of $34,230.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 20,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $684,600. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, CEO Daniel C. Bartok sold 949 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $34.75, for a total value of $32,977.75. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 21,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $729,750. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO Daniel C. Bartok sold 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $34.23, for a total transaction of $34,230.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 20,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $684,600. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.49% of the companys stock.

Forestar Group Trading Up 0.7 %

Shares of FOR opened at $37.00 on Thursday. Forestar Group Inc. has a 1-year low of $13.78 and a 1-year high of $38.73. The company has a current ratio of 2.01, a quick ratio of 2.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50. The firms 50-day moving average price is $33.28 and its 200-day moving average price is $30.40. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.85 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.08 and a beta of 1.69.

Forestar Group (NYSE:FOR  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, January 23rd. The oil and gas exploration company reported $0.76 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.56 by $0.20. Forestar Group had a return on equity of 13.85% and a net margin of 12.08%. The firm had revenue of $305.90 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $273.00 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.42 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Forestar Group Inc. will post 3.93 EPS for the current year.

About Forestar Group

(Free Report)

Forestar Group Inc operates as a residential lot development company in the United States. The company acquires land and develops infrastructure for single-family residential communities. It sells its residential single-family finished lots to local, regional, and national homebuilders. The company was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in Arlington, Texas.

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Tudor Investment Corp Et Al raised its holdings in shares of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (NYSE:WLY  Free Report) by 853.0% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 77,030 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 68,947 shares during the quarter. Tudor Investment Corp Et Als holdings in John Wiley & Sons were worth $2,863,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

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Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the business. Toroso Investments LLC bought a new stake in shares of John Wiley & Sons during the third quarter worth $248,000. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company lifted its position in shares of John Wiley & Sons by 25.1% during the third quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 21,524 shares of the companys stock worth $800,000 after purchasing an additional 4,324 shares during the last quarter. GSA Capital Partners LLP purchased a new position in shares of John Wiley & Sons during the third quarter valued at $1,619,000. Royal Bank of Canada increased its stake in shares of John Wiley & Sons by 72.7% during the third quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 24,421 shares of the companys stock valued at $908,000 after buying an additional 10,284 shares during the period. Finally, Schroder Investment Management Group increased its stake in shares of John Wiley & Sons by 66.7% during the third quarter. Schroder Investment Management Group now owns 1,099,511 shares of the companys stock valued at $40,869,000 after buying an additional 439,837 shares during the period. 84.57% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Insider Activity at John Wiley & Sons

In related news, EVP Todd Zipper sold 3,935 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $31.12, for a total transaction of $122,457.20. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 16,787 shares of the companys stock, valued at $522,411.44. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. 0.79% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

John Wiley & Sons Stock Performance

Shares of John Wiley & Sons stock opened at $37.65 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $2.07 billion, a P/E ratio of -13.07 and a beta of 0.89. The company has a current ratio of 0.54, a quick ratio of 0.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.20. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. has a 12 month low of $28.83 and a 12 month high of $40.23. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $33.64 and its 200-day moving average price is $33.04.

John Wiley & Sons (NYSE:WLY  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, March 7th. The company reported $0.59 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.45 by $0.14. The firm had revenue of $460.70 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $392.60 million. John Wiley & Sons had a positive return on equity of 18.83% and a negative net margin of 8.14%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 6.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.85 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts expect that John Wiley & Sons, Inc. will post 2.55 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

About John Wiley & Sons

(Free Report)

John Wiley & Sons, Inc operates as a research and education company worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Research, Academic, and Talent. The company offers scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly journals, as well as related content and services to learned societies, individual researchers, other professionals, and academic, corporate, and government libraries.

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FUKUOKA, Mar 14 (News On Japan) - Fukuoka Prefecture saw the appointment of its first female police station chief this month, who expressed her determination to focus on disaster preparedness.

Miho Ohara, 59, assumed her new role as the chief of Ukiha Police Station on March 5th.

Chief Ohara has previously served as the head of the Hakata Police Station's Hakata Ekimae Police Box and as the deputy chief of Jonan Police Station.

Ukiha Police Station Chief, Miho Ohara: "My motto is to keep the workplace bright, work enjoyable, and be strict with wrongdoers. Let's work together to make Ukiha Police Station a place where residents can smile."

In her address to the station's personnel, Chief Ohara emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness, citing the record-breaking rainfall and subsequent damage in the Ukiha Police Station's jurisdiction last July. She pledged to intensify regular training and focus on disaster response measures.

Source: FBS
Tudor Investment Corp Et Al increased its position in shares of Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ABR  Free Report) by 679.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 173,861 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 151,561 shares during the quarter. Tudor Investment Corp Et Als holdings in Arbor Realty Trust were worth $2,639,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

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Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV grew its holdings in shares of Arbor Realty Trust by 1.5% during the third quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 49,627 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $571,000 after buying an additional 747 shares in the last quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC boosted its position in Arbor Realty Trust by 2.6% during the first quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 33,563 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $386,000 after acquiring an additional 847 shares during the last quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC raised its holdings in Arbor Realty Trust by 4.4% in the 3rd quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 21,133 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $321,000 after acquiring an additional 882 shares during the last quarter. Bay Colony Advisory Group Inc d b a Bay Colony Advisors raised its holdings in Arbor Realty Trust by 8.4% in the 2nd quarter. Bay Colony Advisory Group Inc d b a Bay Colony Advisors now owns 11,541 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $171,000 after acquiring an additional 896 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Strs Ohio lifted its stake in Arbor Realty Trust by 2.4% in the 3rd quarter. Strs Ohio now owns 38,500 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $584,000 after purchasing an additional 900 shares in the last quarter. 53.00% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Arbor Realty Trust Stock Performance

NYSE ABR opened at $13.02 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.21, a current ratio of 36.02 and a quick ratio of 36.02. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.45 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.44 and a beta of 1.97. The firms 50-day moving average is $13.52 and its two-hundred day moving average is $14.02. Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. has a 12 month low of $10.10 and a 12 month high of $17.74.

Arbor Realty Trust Announces Dividend

Analyst Ratings Changes

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 4th will be issued a $0.43 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 1st. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 13.22%. Arbor Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio is currently 97.73%.

Several equities research analysts recently commented on ABR shares. Wedbush reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $17.00 price target on shares of Arbor Realty Trust in a report on Tuesday, February 20th. JMP Securities cut their target price on Arbor Realty Trust from $19.00 to $17.00 and set a market outperform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, February 1st. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods dropped their price objective on shares of Arbor Realty Trust from $14.50 to $13.50 and set a market perform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, February 21st. Finally, TheStreet downgraded shares of Arbor Realty Trust from a c rating to a d+ rating in a research note on Thursday, February 8th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $15.67.

Get Our Latest Analysis on Arbor Realty Trust

Arbor Realty Trust Profile

(Free Report)

Arbor Realty Trust, Inc invests in a diversified portfolio of structured finance assets in the multifamily, single-family rental, and commercial real estate markets in the United States. The company operates in two segments, Structured Business and Agency Business. It primarily invests in bridge and mezzanine loans, including junior participating interests in first mortgages, and preferred and direct equity, as well as real estate-related joint ventures, real estate-related notes, and various mortgage-related securities.

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Tudor Investment Corp Et Al purchased a new stake in Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE:BIO  Free Report) in the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor purchased 7,055 shares of the medical research companys stock, valued at approximately $2,529,000.

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A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA purchased a new stake in Bio-Rad Laboratories during the third quarter valued at about $116,036,000. Parnassus Investments LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Bio-Rad Laboratories during the third quarter valued at approximately $79,143,000. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Bio-Rad Laboratories in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $91,443,000. Deerfield Management Company L.P. Series C acquired a new position in Bio-Rad Laboratories in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $62,351,000. Finally, Artisan Partners Limited Partnership purchased a new position in Bio-Rad Laboratories during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $43,064,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 63.98% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms have recently issued reports on BIO. UBS Group increased their target price on Bio-Rad Laboratories from $395.00 to $420.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, February 16th. StockNews.com downgraded Bio-Rad Laboratories from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, March 7th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada lowered their target price on Bio-Rad Laboratories from $484.00 to $480.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, February 16th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Bio-Rad Laboratories has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $493.75.

Insider Buying and Selling at Bio-Rad Laboratories

In other news, EVP Michael Crowley sold 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $336.00, for a total transaction of $1,008,000.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 6,942 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,332,512. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 17.06% of the companys stock.

Bio-Rad Laboratories Trading Down 0.2 %

NYSE BIO opened at $336.59 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 5.83, a quick ratio of 4.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. has a 1-year low of $261.59 and a 1-year high of $499.27. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $326.09 and its 200-day simple moving average is $328.13. The company has a market capitalization of $9.60 billion, a PE ratio of -15.66 and a beta of 0.87.

Bio-Rad Laboratories (NYSE:BIO  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, February 15th. The medical research company reported $3.10 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.93 by $0.17. The firm had revenue of $681.18 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $685.00 million. Bio-Rad Laboratories had a positive return on equity of 3.90% and a negative net margin of 23.86%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 6.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $3.31 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. will post 10.57 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Bio-Rad Laboratories Profile

(Free Report)

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc manufactures and distributes life science research and clinical diagnostic products in the United States, Europe, Asia, Canada, and Latin America. It operates through two segments, Life Science and Clinical Diagnostics. The company develops, manufactures, and markets instruments, systems, reagents, and consumables to separate, purify, characterize, and quantitate biological materials such as cells, proteins, and nucleic acids for proteomics, genomics, biopharmaceutical production, cellular biology, and food safety markets.

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Derry born author Eoghan Mac Cormaic is publishing two books examining "important and unexplored" aspects of prison life among republican prisoners stretching back to the mid 19th century.

The first book Gaeil agus Geibheann (Coisceim), which explores the history of the Irish language in prisons, will be on the shelves in March.

Written in Irish the book opens with the resignation of Dubhghlas de hIde from Conradh na Gaeilge in 1915 but then draws from a wide range of sources, including statements given to the Bureau of Military History; previously unpublished minutes from a 1940s prison Irish language Cumann Gaelach; and the writings of, among others, Colm O Gaora, Mairtin O Cadhain, Countess Marcievicz and through to the writings of Bobby Sands in the 1970s.

The study gives a very readable history of how republican prisoners took as a motto Pearses call at the graveside of ODonovan Rossa for an Ireland not only free but Gaelic, not only Gaelic but free, and indeed firmly places ODonovan Rossa in the long story of prisoners promoting Irish while faoi ghlas.

Yet contraditions within the republican and language movements are also examined  stories are related of language activists in one generation eventually acting to stifle the use of Irish in a later generation, but in each successive period of imprisonment both north and south of the border the learning of the language, and the steady conversion of republicans to the language cause is well documented.

Imagine a small jailtacht being established in Reading Gaol in 1916 or of a number of huts where prisoners spoke only in Irish in the Curragh in the 1940s, and the same occurring in prisons in the 1970s, 80s and 1990s. This book tells a remarkable tale.

The now Galway based author publishes a second book, in English: Captive Columns (Greenisland Press) in April.

Captive Columns (Greenisland Press).

The book examines an underground prison press developed by republican prisoners as far back as 1865 and tells the facinating story of a newspaper which ran for seven editions aboard a convict ship taking Fenians to Australia or of the complete newspaper published  and actually printed  without detection by the authorities by Tom Clarke in Chatham prison in the 1880s.

Mac Cormaic recalls over sixty prison newspaper titles including three published in Frongoch alone; bilingual papers published in Lewes Prison post 1916; and prison papers being published in the heat of the Civil War by Liam Mellows and Peadar ODonnell. The book looks at the design, creation and production of papers in both internment camps and in sentenced prison conditions, with the writers and editors covertly copying their papers, often by hand but sometimes managing to hoodwink their captors.

They even managed to smuggle a roneo-copier in to one prison camp in the year 1920! The book sweeps through decade aftedecade of imprisonmnet, using published and unpublished memoirs and sources to find titles from the 1940s, 50s, 70s, 80s and ending in the late 1990s.

Thoroughly researched and referenced these two books will add greatly to the understanding of what kept republican prisoners active in jail, many of whom were in prison on numerous occasions and often for lengthy periods.

In recent years Mac Cormaic has published a number of books  in Irish and in English  based on his own prison experience. These new titles go beyond that, yet reflect that the author has a particular understanding and empathy with the subjects of his books. The books are available from the usual outlets and can be ordered directly from the author on www.pluid.ie.
A man who, 'went out of his way to breach his bail' has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrate's Court today.

Jordan Connolly (26) of Castle Oak, Castledawson appeared charged with breaching his bail conditions on March 12.

A police officer told the court that that Connolly's conditions were no contact with his other nor any alcohol or drugs.

The court heard that around 9.30pm the defendant, who had been bailed to an address in Antrim, walked into his mother's house in Castledawson and went into the kitchen. She immediately walked out of the house and called the police who arrived but found the door closed against them.

They eventually secured entry but the defendant had left by a rear door.

Shortly afterwards police were alerted that Connolly had returned to the address and he was arrested.

He was asked was he intoxicated and said to police 'do I look like I am sober?'

While in custody Connolly's behaviour was said to have deteriorated and he was believed to be under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

The court heard that it was 15 and a half hours later before he was fit to be interviewed.

The police officer said that they had 'major concerns' that the defendant would re-offend as he had travelled from Antrim to Castledawson in breach of his bail conditions.

A defence barrister said that Connolly had 'a difficult relationship with his mother'.

He said in this case Connolly had gone to the address because he heard his mother was unwell and was concerned about her.

District Judge Barney McElholm said that this was not 'a technical breach of bail'.

He said that the condition he reside in Antrim was to ensure he stayed far enough away.

Bail was revoked and Connolly remanded in custody to appear again on April 10.
HIGHLIGHTS The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is expected to feature a 3.9-inch outer display. The Z Flip 6 will likely be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. It might pack a 4000mah battery.

Samsung unveiled the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 last year which features a 3.4-inch cover screen. A tipster has revealed that Samsung might opt for a bigger external display for the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 6 handset.

According to tipster @TheGalo`x_ on X (formerly Twitter), the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is expected to feature a 3.9-inch outer display.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 tipped to launch with these 2 upgrades

As far as the inner display is concerned, it is expected to be 6.7-inch.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Yellow edition to launch in India on Oct 17: Know more

Galaxy Z Flip6



 Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy

 Bigger cooling system

 3.9 inch outer & 6.7 inch inner displays

 50/12 cameras

 4000mah battery

 Improved hinge & internal layout

 Gorilla Glass Armor

 7 years of updates

 Galaxy AI

 Possible 12gb ram models pic.twitter.com/OH1kXnYHPd  Anthony (@TheGalox_) March 13, 2024

The tipster also revealed that the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 handset will likely be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and could feature a bigger cooling system.

The Galaxy Z Flip 6 is expected to come with a 50MP+12MP camera setup, and might pack a 4000mah battery.

According to the tipster, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 will likely have an improved hinge and internal layout. It is also expected to come equipped with the Gorilla Glass Armor, and could feature Galaxy AI.

Moreover, the tipster revealed that the device could come with 12GB RAM.

Its important to note that these specifications and details about the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 smartphone are based on a leak. So, we suggest taking them with a pinch of salt.

Lets recap the key specifications of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5.

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 features a 6.7-inch main display. The cover display is 3.4-inch. The phone has a dual camera setup having a configuration of 12MP + 12MP. On the front, it features a 10MP selfie shooter. It weighs 187 grams and is 6.9mm slim. It packs a 3700mAh battery with 25-watt fast charging and 15-watt wireless charging support.
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NAGOYA, Mar 14 (News On Japan) - In LEGOLAND Japan's Miniland, where famous Japanese landmarks are recreated with LEGO bricks, a new exhibit named "Space Station" will be unveiled on Friday, complete with a rocket launch pad with smoke effects.

Visitors to the "Brick Party" spring event will be greeted by a giant LEGO structure, larger than Niagara Falls, at the Warp Tunnel.

The event area, known as "Build," features a colorful block pool filled with LEGO bricks, allowing visitors to freely combine them as their imagination dictates.

"I had fun just playing with my feet," said one visitor, who was busy constructing a house. When asked about their creation, they replied, "I'm imagining a tower mansion. It's fun because there are so many different parts."

"Brick Party" will run from March 15 until May 6.

Source:  NEWS ONE
Google establishes Asia-Pacific cyber defense hub in Tokyo

Google announced the establishment of its first network defense center in the Asia-Pacific region, situated in Tokyo, Japan.

This comes amidst escalating concerns about cyber threats from China and North Korea.

Google's new cybersecurity center

According to Nikkei and Fuji News Network, Google unveiled its plans on March 7, 2024, emphasizing the necessity to address mounting cybersecurity challenges in the region. The center is housed within Google's Tokyo office in the Roppongi District.

It aims to collaborate with Japanese government officials, businesses, and universities to exchange insights on cybersecurity and research defense measures against cyber-attacks. In addition, Google hopes to foster cooperation on cybersecurity initiatives across the Asia-Pacific.

Google intends to invite engineers from India, Australia, South Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asian countries to explore strategies to combat cyber threats. Furthermore, Google will offer cybersecurity training programs in Japan, catering to up to 2,500 small and medium-sized enterprises and nonprofit organizations.

This move is consistent with Google's commitment to invest JPY100 billion (US$700 million) in Japan by 2024 to drive digital transformation initiatives. Having established its first data center in Japan's Chiba Prefecture in April 2023, the company plans to continue investing in network infrastructure and strengthening cybersecurity measures in Japan.

Rising cybersecurity threats

Reportedly there has been a surge in demand for cybersecurity in Asia. In September 2023, the United States National Security Agency (NSA) and the Japanese Police accused BlackTech, a hacker group linked to China, of conducting information theft-related cyber-attacks in Japan, the United States, and other Asian countries.

Taiwan-based cybersecurity firm TeamT5 revealed in January 2024 that Advanced Persistent Threat Groups (APT) associated with China persistently launched high-density cyber attacks targeting Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Southeast Asian countries.

Recorded Future, a US-based cybersecurity analysis company, reported that 80% of cyber-attacks are attributed to Lazarus Group, and occurred in Asia. The hacker group is said to have an affiliation with North Korea.

Additionally, Check Point Software Technologies, an Israeli cybersecurity company, noted that organizations in the Asia-Pacific region accounted for 11% of those targeted by malicious software attacks in 2023. The number surpassed the United States' 9% and the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, and Africa)'s 10%.
China-based Xingdong-Semi signs MoU with ST to secure SiC supply

As EVs continue to drive semiconductor demand, China-based Xindong Semiconductor Technology announced on March 13 that it had signed an MoU with STMicroelectronics. The agreement is expected to bring Xindong-Semi stable Silicon Carbide (SiC) supply and help the company grow its business.

According to Xindong-Semi, an affiliate of the Great Wall Motor (GWM) in China, consumers are asking for EVs with longer driving ranges and faster charging speeds as adoption grows. Therefore, more and more EVs are shifting from 400-volt to 800-volt platforms. With their high voltage endurance and junction temperature, SiC devices have been widely used in traction inverters, Onboard Chargers (OBC), and other critical components.

Xindong-Semi said it forms long-term partnerships with quality suppliers like ST to secure SiC supply and ensure its SiC power module development. The pair finished signing the MoU in Shenzhen last week with ST's CEO Jean-Marc Chery present.

Incorporated in October 2022, Xindong-Semi focuses on chip design and manufacturing. It is owned by GWM and operates a plant in Wuxi. China-based China Daily reported that Xindong-Semi installed the first IGBT power module it developed in a vehicle in November 2023.

After commencing the first production line at its Wuxi factory in October last year, Xindong-Semi will gradually begin mass-producing the IGBT modules and developing modules for 800-volt solutions.

China will remain a critical market for Western semiconductor companies, even though the US has tried to hinder the country's ramp-up. More investments from Chinese chip or semiconductor material firms have been announced.

At a technology conference on March 12, Chery said the vast semiconductor investment from Chinese companies poses a risk and an opportunity for ST, Reuters reported.

According to the CEO, China accounts for 15% of ST's revenue. He also said the company's investment in local production will benefit its growth in China.

ST said in June 2023 that it will establish a joint venture with China-based Sanan Optoelectronics to produce SiC chips. In December 2023, ST secured a long-term SiC supply agreement with Li Auto, one of China's emerging EV makers. ST will offer SiC MOSFET devices to enable the carmaker's high-voltage battery EVs.
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LONDON (AP)  Adidas says it's donated or is planning to give away more than $150 million to groups fighting antisemitism and other forms of hate from the sales of Yeezy shoes last year.

The German sportswear brand reported the amount Wednesday after severing ties in 2022 with Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, over his antisemitic and other offensive comments.





. . .
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By By JOURNAL STAFF

Photo by Miguel Vieira via Wikipedia [enlarge] $7 million was awarded to support the conservation of 35,000 acres in the OkanoganWenatchee National Forest.





The Department of the Interior has awarded a combined total of $19 million to two conservation projects in Washington.





. . .
Influential female figures have urged women to "claim their seat at the table" to ensure equality in tackling global issues for future generations.

In honour of this years International Womens Day, De Montfort University, Leicester (DMU) united with its global partners to bring women together in a debate.

The live link-up event was hosted by DMU in collaboration with its Transnational Education (TNE) partners, Asia Pacific University (APU), Malaysia, Niels Brock College, Denmark, and Xian Polytechnic University, China.

Chaired by DMUs Associate Dean International, Dr Manjeet Ridon and Pro Vice-Chancellor International, Simon Bradbury, the event highlighted women in higher education at the forefront of driving educational efforts that embrace equality and accelerate progress for future generations.

Opening proceedings, Dr Ridon said: It truly is an honour to have you all here today, spanning five time zones we really are bringing the international, to International Womens Day.

Today we are aiming to highlight the importance of gender equality and this years theme: Invest in women to accelerate progress. Our world is facing multiple crises relating to the impact of climate change, and these crises are putting immense pressure on communities making achieving gender equality more vital than ever before.

Ensuring women and girls rights across all aspects of life is the only way to secure a prosperous and healthy planet for our future generations.

Additionally, Professor Simon Bradbury welcomed global partners by saying: DMU has one of the most diverse staff and student populations of any other higher education institute in the UK.

We truly believe in valuing difference, supporting staff and students to reach their full potential in an environment where difference is accepted, valued, celebrated and supported, and this event with our TNE partners highlights just that.

Opening with a powerful speech, Charlotte Forsberg, Pro Vice Chancellor at Niels Brock Business College, Copenhagen, said: Today we celebrate International Women's Day, which in my view is firstly to recognise the remarkable achievements of women worldwide, but also to acknowledge the on-going fight for gender equality, and the ways in which we as educational institutions can accelerate the development, and hopefully enhance female empowerment throughout.

Our very inspiring partnership between Niels Brock and DMU, with our aligned values and a shared commitment to empowering women, advocating for equality, we recognise that gender equality isnt just a goal, it is a fundamental right.

Professor Forsberg continued with examples of ongoing work at the college alongside anecdotes of her own personal journey as a woman, and experiences she has shared with students.

She said: In all my years working in education, I have witnessed first-hand the transformative power of education.

There is no doubt that it plays a key role in accelerating development, but knowledge alone is insufficient. We have to empower female students to find their voice, express their ideas but also to lead fearlessly.

What we need to ensure for young women looking forward is to help them recognise the fact is that they are not alone and remember one vital thing; whether its in the boardroom, the classroom or wherever you are, claim your seat at the table, you belong there.

With a mixture of motivational speeches, presentations, and personal anecdotes from keynote speakers, lecturers and female academics the event created an insight into empowering women around the world, highlighting the important role universities can play in the education of women and girls, and delivering progress on UNs Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality.

Partners from Xian Polytechnic University, China gave an insightful presentation on sustainable fashion design in contemporary China, seeing women leading the way with responsible design and leaders in fashion.

Followed by partners from APU Malaysia, who shared their digital framework and gave a presentation into how technology is changing the landscape for gender equality, along with an insight into some of their initiatives.

Finally, to conclude the event, DMUs Vice- Chancellor Professor Katie Normington shared some of her own personal experiences and her journey into leadership, alongside the importance of equality and diversity at DMU.

Professor Normington, said: It is amazing to see this event happening across the world between us in different time zones.

I have got a senior team that has more women on it than men, that isnt the norm for many universities, but I think it does show that things are changing, whether things are changing rapidly enough is a different matter.

The role education can play is key to accelerating progress, not just the education we give our students, but also the environment we create for our staff and students making sure all forms of diversity are encouraged and supported within our society and particularly within our university.
President Joe Biden speaks at the Pieper-Hillside Boys & Girls Club Wednesday, March 13, 2024, in Milwaukee. Morry Gash/AP The United States Steel Mon Valley Works Clairton Plant in Clairton, Pa., is shown on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024. President Joe Biden is opposing the planned sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel of Japan. Gene J. Puskar/AP

WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden came out in opposition to the planned sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel of Japan, saying on Thursday that the U.S. needs to "maintain strong American steel companies powered by American steel workers.

In a statement, Biden added: U.S. Steel has been an iconic American steel company for more than a century, and it is vital for it to remain an American steel company that is domestically owned and operated."

By opposing the merger, Biden has chosen to support unionized workers in a critical election year at the risk of upsetting the business community and an essential ally in Japan. Thursday's announcement, coming as Biden is campaigning in the Midwest, could have ripples in his race against the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump.

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The Democratic president has made the restoration of American manufacturing a cornerstone of his agenda as he seeks reelection, and he has the endorsements of the AFL-CIO and several other prominent unions. The White House said Thursday that Biden called David McCall, president of United Steelworkers, to reiterate his support for its members.

Nippon Steel announced in December that it planned to buy the Pittsburgh-based steel producer for $14.1 billion in cash, raising concerns about what the transaction could mean for unionized workers, supply chains and U.S. national security.

The Japanese company reiterated Friday how the deal benefits U. S. Steel, union workers, the American steel industry and national security.

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Nippon Steel will advance American priorities by driving greater quality and competitiveness for customers in the critical industries that rely on American steel while strengthening American supply chains and economic defenses against China, it said in a statement out of Tokyo.

No other U.S. steel company on its own can meet this challenge while also meeting antitrust requirements, it said, stressing it already employs 4,000 American workers.

The company has also committed to keeping the U.S. Steel name and Pittsburgh headquarters.

The company, which is the worlds fourth largest steel producer, launched a website with supportive statements from Larry Summers, the former treasury secretary, and Pat Toomey, a Republican and former senator from Pennsylvania.

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Shortly after the steel deal was announced, the White House indicated it would be under review by the secretive Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. The government does not officially provide updates on the CFIUS review process.

Biden has a big megaphone to weigh in on the matter, but he is not intervening in the review process or formally blocking the deal, according to a person familiar with deliberations who insisted on anonymity to discuss the situation.

When asked about the deal on Thursday, White House national security spokesman John Kirby declined to say if the president wanted to stop it outright or would be amendable to changes in its structure. But Kirby told reporters that the United States sees its alliance with Japan as stronger than it's ever been.

Still, the president holds sway over CFIUS. The treasury secretary leads the committee, which is also composed of the heads of federal agencies and, as deemed appropriate, directors of White House councils on the economy and national security.

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Trump said earlier this year after meeting with the Teamsters union that he would stop the U.S. Steel acquisition: I would block it. I think its a horrible thing, when Japan buys U.S. Steel. I would block it instantaneously."

Biden traveled Thursday to Saginaw, Michigan, which was once home to multiple General Motors plants and where he hopes his backing from union workers can resonate with voters.

The city is in a swing county that narrowly backed Trump in 2016 and then flipped to Biden in 2020, making it a crucial contest in this year's presidential race.

Biden has a close relationship with the United Steelworkers. He gave the union members personal assurances" that he has their backs, according to a February statement by the union about Nippon Steel's plans. U.S. Steel is headquartered in Pennsylvania, another key state in this year's election.

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The United Steelworkers issued a statement last week after meeting with representatives from Nippon Steel that it had concerns about whether the company would honor existing labor agreements and about the company's financial transparency, adding that there were barriers to closing a merger.

The U.S. considers Japan to be one of its closest allies and a key partner in countering China's ambitions and influence in Asia. Biden has visited the country twice as president and will host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House on April 10.

But Nippon Steel's connections to China have raised concerns within the Biden administration. More than half the steel produced globally comes from China, according to the World Steel Association. India is the second-largest producer, followed by Japan and the United States.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce warned in a February blog post that it would be foolhardy of the Biden administration to block the deal. Doing so could hurt foreign investment into the United States, cause other countries to block the overseas investments that U.S. companies want to make and undermine the U.S.-Japan alliance, the chamber said.

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John Murphy, the head of international issues for the chamber, said Thursday that it was inappropriate and counterproductive of Biden to politicize the CFIUS review.

Its imperative that the CFIUS review proceed; and if, as expected, it reveals no national security concerns, the sale should proceed, Murphy said.

But Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pennsylvania, who is up for reelection, applauded Biden's statement, saying, Ill work like hell against any deal that leaves our Steelworkers behind.

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A planned increase in excise duty on fuels which is scheduled for April 1 could see fuel in Donegal 15 cent a litre more expensive than across the border, and put some retailers out of business according to Fuels for Ireland (FFI).

The FFI is the industry body representing entities providing 50% of Ireland's total energy.

And they are now urgently calling for the Minister for Finance and the Government to postpone the excise duty increase

This will lead, they say, to a huge difference in prices at the pump with retailers south of the border at an extreme disadvantage including Donegal.

This follows the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer announcing last week that he has postponed increases on fuel excise duties for 12 months.

Here in the Republic, there are two excise duty increases scheduled for April and August.

But the FFI say that resultant differences in prices at the fuel pumps between Ireland and the UK will put fuel retailers operating in Donegal at such a disadvantage that many will face the prospect of going out of business.

FFI also reiterated its call for the establishment of an Expert Group on Taxation to examine all issues surrounding tax as the economy transitions to net zero carbon emissions.

Kevin McPartlan, CEO of Fuels for Ireland said:

"There could be a 15 cent a litre difference in the price of petrol between retailers on both sides of the Border by August. Undoubtedly, this would mean that retailers in Donegal would be under such huge pressure that many could go out of business.

During the cost-of-living crisis, the Irish Government made the correct decision to reduce excise duties on fuel. The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer made a similar decision.

Ireland intends to increase excise duties to their previous levels with two increases on April 1 and August 1. However, just last week in his Spring Budget, the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, announced that the UK will postpone any increases for the next 12 months.

"This will lead to a huge difference in prices at the pump with retailers south of the border at an extreme disadvantage. Forecourt operators in border constituencies are expected to face a substantial reduction in demand.

With many retailers situated near the Border, the price gap between Northern Ireland and Ireland will drive consumers across the Border, posing a grave threat to the viability of local forecourts.

Secondly, the Irish Exchequer stands to suffer a considerable loss in income as fuel sales plummet due to cross-border purchases. This reduction in State revenue contradicts the intended goal of increasing excise duty.

Fuels for Ireland urges the Minister for Finance and the Government to reconsider the decision to increase excise duty and to postpone it in light of the UK's actions.

Additionally, we call for the establishment of an Expert Group on Taxation to assess the broader implications of taxation changes, especially in alignment with our commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

We urge the Government to prioritise the economic stability of Border constituencies and the nation as a whole by addressing this issue promptly.
A man who was arrested earlier this week following the alleged abduction of a woman in County Wicklow has been charged by investigating gardai.

The man was arrested in Co. Mayo on Tuesday afternoon - hours after gardai had issued an urgent appeal in relation to a yellow Renault Trafic van which has been last seen in Dublin.

Gardai subsequently confirmed they were concerned for the welfare of a woman who was in the van at the centre of the appeal.

The woman, who is aged in her 30s, was located safe and well on Tuesday afternoon and she is currently receiving support from members of An Garda Siochana.

A man aged in his 40s was arrested for alleged offences, under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997 and was detained at a garda station in the North Western garda region.

In an update, issued this Thursday morning, gardai confirmed he has since been charged and is due to appear before the district court in Arklow.

"Gardai in Arklow investigating the incident of false imprisonment have charged the man who was arrested in connection with the incident. He is due to appear before Bray District Court this morning Thursday, March 14, read the brief statement.

Investigations are ongoing.
Stormonts First Minister has pointed to the considerable opportunities created by Northern Irelands unique dual market access as she urged US companies to invest in the region.

Michelle ONeill insisted the return of stable governance in Belfast was interconnected to economic growth and fostering the right environment to attract more foreign direct investment.

The Sinn Fein vice president made the pitch to would-be investors at a breakfast event in Washington DC alongside deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.

Her DUP counterpart Ms Little-Pengelly told the NI Bureau Breakfast at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel that it was an exciting time for Northern Ireland as she portrayed the region as a fantastic place to invest.

Their comments came hours after the two leaders were the star attraction at a major dinner for Irish Americans in the US capital.

Addressing the Ireland Funds national gala on Wednesday evening, they proclaimed that Northern Ireland is open for business.

Reflecting on the event on Thursday, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who also addressed the dinner, said the joint appearance of Ms ONeill and Ms Little-Pengelly was a powerful personification of the Good Friday Agreement institutions back working again.

The gala dinner is a key element of the annual St Patricks Day celebrations in the US city. The NI Bureau Breakfast has also become a fixture in the week running up to St Patricks Day.

Under the Northern Ireland Protocol and Windsor Framework post-Brexit trading arrangements, Northern Ireland businesses can sell freely into both the Great Britain market and the EU single market.

Brexit barriers on moving goods from GB into NI was at the heart of a long-running political dispute that saw the DUP boycott powersharing at Stormont for two years ago.

A deal with the UK Government aimed at reducing some of the red tape associated with the so-called Irish Sea border led to the DUP ending its blockade six weeks ago, with the ministerial executive being restored thereafter.

That breakthrough has allowed Ms ONeill and Ms Little Pengelly to travel to Washington as First Minister and deputy First Minister.

With two long powersharing impasses coming either side of the Covid pandemic, it is eight years since a first and deputy first minister have been together in Washington for the St Patricks programme.

Ms ONeill told the breakfast gathering that she and Ms Little-Pengelly were determined to work together to create hope and opportunity.

Were determined to help to work with all sectors to secure good jobs and ensure that we invest in our people, she said.

And these close economic ties that we have with US companies, that weve developed over the course of the past two decades, who have chosen the North as their gateway to Europe, in creating thousands of good jobs, is only something that we will are determined to continue to build upon.

And we will begin to see the considerable opportunities that are created now by the Windsor Framework to use our dual market access, our unique selling point, to grow our exports, to attract further FDI and to drive the all-Ireland economy.

Ms ONeill added: Peace, stability and economic opportunity are all interconnected. And the onus is on all of us as political leaders to work together, to work with each other and to ensure that we work with all of you and we are determined to do that.

I said last night at the dinner that were in a new era in the north of Ireland, or Northern Ireland, whatever youre most comfortable with calling our home.

And I think that this new era represents, a whole changing portrait in terms of the picture. And there are a new generation of leaders at the helm now, and thats something that I am very proud of  two women leading the way in our executive.

Ms Little-Pengelly said Northern Ireland had an incredibly important story to tell about what it can offer to investors.

Northern Ireland has come such an incredibly long way, she said.

I know that so many in this room will recognise that, because I know so many in this room have been involved for many, many decades. And I feel incredibly excited about where we are. I feel a real sense of hope. But more than that, a sense of opportunity, an opportunity for what Michelle and I can build by working together, working together constructively, with respect, but with a focus on delivery.

I think it is, and Michelle and I have said this many times, its important for us to stand up here and show leadership. And Im incredibly proud that we are both women in these roles showing leadership.

But, more than that, what we really want to do is to deliver and to deliver on the big things that matter for people. And one of those that is absolutely key around all of that is building a thriving Northern Ireland, the improvement in our economy, creating those good jobs, those fantastic jobs for our young people, because we know that young people living in Northern Ireland, working in great jobs, that is the future, that is the future for stability for this wonderful place that we call home.

The DUP MLA added: You know, winning the peace has been very difficult, stabilisation as we all know has been a challenge. But I believe that we have an opportunity now to look into the next number of years, the next 25 years of prosperity for Northern Ireland.

This is an exciting time for Northern Ireland.

Speaking to reporters in Washington on Thursday, Mr Varadkar hailed the significance of the speeches from Ms ONeill and Ms Little-Pengelly at the Ireland Funds dinner.

I think that was powerful, he said.

To see them take the stage together, to make the speeches they did, to demonstrate the very good chemistry that I think they have, theyre working well together.

For people at the Ireland Funds dinner, you know people whove helped to raise 600 million dollars for Ireland over the past few decades, I think for them to see that and to see that the Good Friday Agreement is working again, personified in Michelle and Emma, really was my highlight last night.

Ms Little-Pengellys party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said US investors were showing a lot of interest in setting up in Northern Ireland.

He acknowledged dual market access was a factor in that.

I think what we have delivered in terms of unfettered access to the UK internal market and privileged access to the EU single market gives Northern Ireland a competitive advantage, he told reporters at the breakfast event in Washington.

Sir Jeffrey said changes to the Northern Ireland Protocol meant the region could also now benefit from UK free trade deals.

Im pleased with the progress weve made and were now going to exploit the opportunity for Northern Ireland to build our economy and deliver prosperity for everyone, he added.
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) science students who are currently taking a module called Emerging Issues of Environmental Concern, went on a field trip to Dublin Zoo recently for education and fun, but also as part of an assessment.

At Dublin Zoo, the group were fortunate to meet Victoria Eigler, the on-site conservation and biodiversity educator who spoke to the students about the threats that animals are facing in the wild which include habitat loss, deforestation, wetland removal, noise, light, air and chemical pollution, climate change, overexploitation, and invasive species.

Victoria proceeded to tell the group all about the species that are endangered and vulnerable to extinction both in the wild and in the zoo, and she went into detail on the different conservation measures put in place in the zoo to protect these species.

Dublin Zoo support over 25 conservation projects in Ireland and worldwide and they participate in over 35 breeding programmes as part of their membership with EAZE (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria). For example, there are five female Asian elephants in the Zoo which are classified by the IUCN (International Conservation of Nature) Red List as an Endangered Species.

In the last 70 years, this species has declined by 50% in the wild, and in 2022, Dublin Zoo began a partnership with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) to help conserve and protect Asian elephants in their natural habitat. This was just some of the information covered on the Education and Learning module that the students participated in.

The students who attended this visit to Dublin Zoo are currently on the General Science Course in DkIT and the module that facilitated this visit is essentially an introductory module to Environmental Science.

After year 2 of General Science students have the option of specialising in Environmental Bioscience or Biopharmaceutical Science. Environmental Bioscience investigates the natural world and how things work, and this course addresses the ongoing problems relating to environmental and climatic degradation.

The Environmental Bioscience Programme at DkIT contains a high level of hands-on experience at every level and includes modules such as Environmental Biotechnology (Wildlife and Habitat), Conservation Genetics, Microbial Ecology, Environmental Monitoring and Geographic Information Science.
Purple Day is the biggest fundraising day of the year for Epilepsy Ireland and this year, they are appealing to the people of Louth to support their work on Tuesday 26 March by taking the Purple Pledge.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by a tendency to have recurring seizures and is a very common condition, with around 1 in 115 people affected. There are over 1,200 people living with epilepsy in Louth, and over 45,000 people living with epilepsy in Ireland, including 10,00015,000 people who are living with uncontrolled seizures.

For this group in particular, the consequences of epilepsy can be long-lasting and significant. It can affect the persons education, employment, social functioning, self-esteem and independent living. People with epilepsy must also cope with the physical impact of seizures, the side-effects of medications and for many, the social stigma and economic impact that can be associated with it.

Its individualised impact on those who live with it means that it is often considered as a hidden disability. There is also an increased risk of mortality associated with epilepsy with an estimated 130 epilepsy-related deaths in Ireland each year.

Epilepsy Ireland is the national organisation supporting and representing people with epilepsy and their families. We rely on the support of many wonderful volunteers and fundraisers who step up on days like Purple Day to help us raise the money needed to deliver our services", says Epilepsy Irelands Fundraising and Development Manager, Cian Dikker.

"Epilepsy Ireland responds to 20,000 contacts each year from individuals and families, some newly diagnosed and others far along their journey with epilepsy.

"Our services include supporting people who are newly diagnosed with epilepsy; organising targeted events for children and teens with epilepsy on managing their condition; training teachers and SNAs on how best to support a child with epilepsy in the classroom, and much, much more.

Epilepsy Irelands services are vital to people in Louth living with epilepsy. However, the cost of providing these services is well in excess of the state funding we receive. This is why we are asking you to take the Purple Pledge to support our work in communities across the country.

Explaining the Purple Pledge, Cian explains that: Your Purple Day Pledge represents a commitment to our shared mission to achieve a society where no persons life is limited by epilepsy. Take the Pledge and take on a challenge of your choice to raise funds. Ask your family, friends, and colleagues to join you and to donate in support of Epilepsy Ireland.

Pledge to walk, run, hike or cycle while wearing purple and raise funds for Epilepsy Ireland. The challenge is easy: join our community on Facebook, set up a fundraiser, and make some noise about getting active in purple on Tuesday 26 March 2024! Whatever your personal pledge may be and whatever amount you raise, wed love to have the people of Louth on board for Purple Day.

Already we have a fast-growing community of people from across Ireland in our dedicated Facebook group - where pledgers are sharing their ideas for their fundraisers, having fun, and getting excited for their own pledge on March 26! For more information about getting involved, contact us by emailing fundraising@epilepsy.ie.

If you are unable to take the pledge, any donation, no matter the size, would be greatly appreciated. To donate, visit www.epilepsy.ie/donate. To learn more about epilepsy, Epilepsy Ireland, or Purple Day, visit www.epilepsy.ie.
The best Louth has to offer when it comes to food and drink was recognised yesterday at the Irish Restaurant Awards Leinster Regional Final 2024, the first regional final of this years awards season, which took place at the Lyrath Hotel in Kilkenny.

Over 1,000 attended the celebration of food and hospitality in Leinster on the night.

In total, this years Irish Restaurant Awards  the 15th year of the Awards  received over 160,000 public nominations for restaurants, cafes and other food services establishments across the country  the highest number yet. Nominations were made by the public through The Irish Times website, the Irish Restaurant Awards media partner.

Once all regional events have been completed and county winners announced, Regional and All Ireland Winners  including in categories such as Best Restaurant and Best Chef  will be revealed at the All Ireland Awards Gala Dinner at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road, Dublin 4 in May.

Ticket and event information will be released in April following Regional Events.

Speaking at the event, President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Paul Lenehan, said:

During these undoubtedly tough times for our industry, celebrating Irelands food and hospitality offering is as crucial as ever.

"Above all, the Awards give us the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the hard work of Irelands talented restaurant, cafe and food-led hospitality staff.

These Awards highlight the resilience and innovation in our food industry. Behind every great dish is a team of individuals committed to creating memorable dining experiences.

As ever, this years Leinster Regional Final showcased the very best of the regions culinary talent. I would personally like to extend my congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their dedication and passion.

The Louth winners were:

Local Food Hero  Sponsored by Flo Gas: Peter Thomas, Bellingham Blue Cheese

Innovator of the Year  Sponsored by Diageo: Coast & Co

Best Sustainable Practices  Sponsored by Familia Torres: The Bare Food Company

Best World Cuisine  Sponsored by San Pellegrino: Atami Japanese Cuisine

Best Cafe  Sponsored by Illy: Ruby Ellens Tea Rooms

Best Customer Service  Sponsored by Restaurant-Insurance.ie Provided by Dolmen: Windsor Bar and Restaurant

Best Wine Experience  Sponsored by Bibendum- Louth: DVine Bistro & Tapas Bar

Best Newcomer  Sponsored by Square: Number One Jocelyn Bistro

Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine  Sponsored by FBD Insurance: Strandfield

Best Gastropub  Sponsored by Molson Coors: The Glyde Inn

Best Casual Dining  Sponsored by Musgrave Marketplace: Myrtle Bistro

Pub of the Year: The Neptune

Employee Excellence Award  Sponsored by Peninsula: David Tallon, Sally Cinnamons Bar

Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant  Sponsored by Frylite: Ghan House

Best Restaurant Manager  Sponsored by Elavon: Eugene Molloy, Scholars Townhouse Hotel

Best Chef  Sponsored by BWG Food Service: Conor Woods, The Bay Tree Restaurant

Best Restaurant  Sponsored by San Miguel: The Trinity Quarter
John Magaldi, 61, was found dead Wednesday in Litchfield after he was charged Friday in a Meriden police and FBI child sex sting, officials said. Meriden Police Department

A Hartford Healthcare doctor who was found dead Wednesday after he was arrested last week in an FBI sting operation when he showed up at a Meriden hotel to meet who he thought was a 15-year-old girl, according to a police report.

The Meriden police report said undercover officers had been communicating online with the doctor, John Magaldi, who showed up last Friday at the hotel with $100 intending to spend a half-hour with the girl.

After he was released on bond, the 61-year-old was found dead Wednesday when state police troopers were called around 9:15 a.m. for an "unresponsive" person on White Wood Road in Litchfield. State police said Magaldi was pronounced dead at the scene and the initial investigation showed no criminal aspect. His cause and manner of death were pending an autopsy.

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Magaldi was Hartford HealthCare's chief of rheumatology at its Bone and Joint Institute. He was placed on administrative leave after his arrest.

The hospital system did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Magaldi's death.

In a previous statement after his arrest, Hartford HealthCare said: We are troubled to learn of the arrest and we take these allegations seriously. With safety as a core value, we have placed Dr. John Magaldi on administrative leave, and we are working to gather information from law enforcement authorities so that we can address this situation appropriately."

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According to the report supporting Magaldi's arrest, police posted an advertisement online on March 8 in an attempt to identify and apprehend child sexual predators.

According to the report, an ad was placed on a website often used by sex workers to connect with clients. The ad intentionally contained words commonly used by sexual predators to suggest the person was underage, the report stated.

The phone number listed in the ad was being controlled by undercover officers, who were soon contacted by Magaldi, the report said.

Magaldi started off the conversation with the undercover officers by asking what town they were working in, and whose pictures were posted in the ad, the report stated. He was informed that the person in the photographs was 15 years old, according to the report.

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Magaldi then shared what specific sexual acts he was looking for and ultimately agreed to meet for a half-hour for $100, the report stated.

He was directed to a room at a hotel on North Broad Street in Meriden, and was taken into custody when he entered the room. According to the report, Magaldi had two adult toys with him at the time.

Magaldi was charged with attempted commercial sexual abuse of a minor between the ages of 15 and 17 and attempted risk of injury to a child under a provision dealing with indecent intimate contact. He was also charged with attempted second-degree sexual assault and a misdemeanor charge of interfering with police or resisting arrest.

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CCSU graduate student Rebecca Leloudis with a Connecticut fisher, part of a collaborative study between the university and the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Courtesy of Paul Hapeman A trapped fisher. Courtesy of Paul Hapeman A trap to catch and collar fishers. Courtesy of Paul Hapeman A fisher in a state forest in northeastern Connecticut. Image captured during a camera study in 2020. Courtesy of Paul Hapeman A Connecticut fisher. CT DEEP

Sixteen sleek fishers are hunting, denning, and bearing kits in the Connecticut woods while wearing GPS collars meant to help biologists learn why the weasel family member's population is in decline in the state.

Over-harvesting after renewed trapping began almost 20 years ago is likely to blame, at least in part, according to Central Connecticut State University professor Paul Hapeman, principal investigator in a collaborative study of fishers by CCSU and the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Biologists are tracking seven males and nine females to get a better understanding of the animals' movements, reproduction rate, and mortality, among other factors. All of the collared fishers are in eastern Connecticut, Hapeman said Wednesday. The western part of the state, where the decline has been particularly noticeable, will be the focus of a similar study next year, he said.

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The fisher is a large predator, up to 40 inches long, and prefers expansive tracts of coniferous or mixed hardwood-softwood forests. The native animals were gone in Connecticut by 1900 due to habitat loss and over-harvesting, but made a comeback as large areas were re-forested. In 1988, DEEP's wildlife division started reintroducing fishers in the state's northwestern corner, with animals caught by cooperating trappers in New Hampshire and Vermont. Through radio and snow tracking, biologists later found that the released fishers had high survival rates and had reproduced.

The state began allowing trapping in 2005, but Hapeman said the initial bag limit of four animals was too high. In 2006, trappers tallied 276 fishers; in 2022, nine were harvested. The animals, Hapeman said, have proven susceptible to over-harvesting in other areas of their range.

"By setting it at four, it just probably wasn't a sustainable level of harvest," he said.

A DEEP representative could not be reached Tuesday. The current bag limit during the trapping season for fishers, Nov. 20 to Dec. 31, is two animals, according to the agency's website.

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DEEP wildlife biologist Brooks Pitman said in an interview in October that there are not enough trappers in Connecticut now to affect the population. One factor in the ongoing decline, he said, could be competing predators.

Fisher numbers also have been dropping in New Hampshire, according to recent reports. Researchers there are investigating whether bobcats, which can kill fishers and are thriving in the Granite State and in Connecticut, are a factor, according to a story in February in the Boston Globe.

The University of New Hampshire reported on its website in February that fishers are an indicator of the health of forests, so the steady decline there is cause for concern.

Fishers are an important part of the forest ecosystem and tell us a lot about the dynamics of the carnivore community, Rem Moll, assistant professor in natural resources and environment at the university, said in the report. They help control rodent populations and are also one of the few predators that can successfully hunt porcupines, and that might have benefits for forest health by minimizing bark and tree damage caused by porcupines.

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New Hampshire researchers also are tracking fishers with GPS collars that have mortality sensors for field recovery. Biologists have been testing dead animals, the university report said, and have found a high level of rodent poison that also has been killing raptors and other mammals in Connecticut and around the nation. Hapeman said testing Connecticut fishers for rodenticides could be part of the ongoing study, but he had no data on whether the anti-coagulant rodenticides or bobcats and other predators are affecting fishers in the state.

The state has good habitat for fishers both west and east of the Connecticut River, but the elusive animals have fared better on the eastern side. Biologists do not have a good grasp on why, Pitman has said. Fishers have been thriving in Vermont, but not much is known about the population further south in western Massachusetts, Hapeman said. If the fisher population in the Berkshires is doing well, he said, "then this really is a Connecticut problem."

Fishers pose no harm to humans, but people often remark on the animal's frightening vocalizations, which some have likened to a human in distress. Typically, however, those reports are about foxes, which also make otherworldly sounds in the middle of the night.

DEEP's fisher fact sheet says the animals' range extends from southeastern Alaska through Canada and south into the northern U.S. Males typically weigh 8 to 14 pounds and measure 36 to 40 inches in length. Females weigh 4 to 6 pounds and measure 30 to 36 inches long. They eat squirrels, rabbits, mice, voles, carrion, fruits, mast (primarily beechnuts), porcupines, birds, and frogs. In Connecticut, fishers have their young in March and April.

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The name is misleading because fishers seldom eat fish. The name may have been derived from fitch, the European polecat, a species familiar to early settlers who may have seen a resemblance or mistaken the fisher for the polecat, according to DEEP. In French, the pelt of a polecat is called fiche, ficheux, or fichet, names that are similar to fisher. Common names include fisher cat, black cat, and pekan.

Because fishers seldom travel in open areas and tend to be nocturnal, they are rarely seen by humans. They have not been studied as extensively as many other wildlife species, since they are often difficult to observe. Home range estimates vary, ranging from three to 15 square miles and averaging four to eight square miles in suitable habitat. Males range over larger areas than females. Population density also varies with habitat suitability; there may be an average of one fisher per three to five square miles in quality habitats.

DEEP's Wildlife Division is collecting public sightings of fishers to help monitor the population. The agency asks people to report sightings to deep.FisherSightings@ct.gov. Be sure to include the date, time, location, and any photos or video. Report vehicle-killed or other deceased fishers to 860-424-3211 so they can be collected for research.
Allison Marchese Facebook photo

MADISON >> A teacher at Daniel Hand High School turned herself in to police Thursday on charges that she sexually assaulted a student.

Allison J. Marchese, 37, was charged with second-degree sexual assault and risk of injury or impairing the morals of a child. She was released from custody after posting $100,000 bail.

Marcheses arrest stemmed from an investigation that started at Hand in January, a Madison police spokesman, Sgt. Joseph Race, said in a press release.

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Officials announced in January that a staff member at Hand had been placed on administrative leave while police investigated the sexual assault of a student, but they did not identify the staff member at the time.

Marchese is on leave from her job at Hand, Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice confirmed in an email Thursday. She is listed on the school districts website as an English and language arts teacher and also as the adviser for the yearbook.

Scarice said the district is moving forward immediately with the personnel process regarding her employment.

He said that with regard to the arrest, the district is bound by state law that allows a teacher to be suspended without prejudice pending termination.

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I find the alleged conduct of this teacher vile and disgusting, Scarice said in a statement. The bond of trust between a professional educator and a student is fragile and precious. The violation of this bond is nothing less than reprehensible.

The district will take the most aggressive actions possible to see to it that any individual who abuses this bond is removed from the profession and brought to justice, he said.

Marcheses husband, Robert Marchese, also is a teacher at Hand, Scarice confirmed.

If Allison Marchese is found to have engaged in sexual conduct with a student, Scarice said she should face the full force of the law, saying that such acts leave a stain on the entire teaching profession and are unspeakable.

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Under state law, second-degree sexual assault is a felony that carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. If the victim is under 16 years of age, the maximum sentence is 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000. The law states that anyone found guilty of that charge must be sentenced to at least nine months imprisonment that cannot be suspended or reduced.

The risk of injury charge Marchese faces also carries a potential 20-year sentence and a fine of up to $20,000 if she is convicted.

Few details about what had happened were immediately available, but Scarice said in his press release that a student had reported the sexual misconduct on Jan. 7 and that police and the state Department of Children and Families were notified later that day.

Race said earlier this month in an interview with the Shoreline Times that within the hour after detectives arrived at the school to begin the investigation, word about it had spread around the community, especially on social media.

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Several posts were made on the anonymous smartphone application Yik Yak, which is popular with high school and college students around the country. The anonymous posts named both the alleged underage victim and Marchese in January. The posts also included explicit details about the incident.

Race said no one at his department monitors social media sites on a regular basis, but he did see some of the posts, many of which included false information.

I did see a few that people were sending me, snippets of things on different websites, that were so outrageously false, Race said. There was one that was like three paragraphs long and I literally dont think there was shred of true information in the entire thing. Everything about it was completely false.

Marchese, of Deveron Drive, is scheduled to appear Feb. 24 in state Superior Court in New Haven to face the charges. It was not immediately clear if she has an attorney. A message was left Thursday afternoon at the home telephone number listed for Marchese.

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FILE - Pierce Brosnan, a cast member in "The Out-Laws," poses at a special screening of the film, June 26, 2023, at the Regal LA Live theaters in Los Angeles. Brosnan, whose fictitious movie character James Bond has been in hot water plenty of times, pleaded guilty Thursday, March 14, 2024, to stepping out of bounds in a thermal area during a November 2023 visit to Yellowstone National Park. Chris Pizzello/Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

MAMMOTH, Wyo. (AP)  Actor Pierce Brosnan, who pleaded guilty Thursday to stepping off a trail in a thermal area during a November visit to Yellowstone National Park, was caught after posting pictures online, court records said.

Brosnan, who called in to the court hearing in Mammoth, Wyoming, was fined $500 and ordered to make a $1,000 donation by April 1 to Yellowstone Forever, a nonprofit organization that supports the park, court records said. Prosecutors had recommended a $5,000 fine and a two-year probationary sentence.

A second petty offense, for violating closures and use limits, was dismissed by U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie Hambrick.

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The actor issued an apology on his Instagram account Thursday, saying he made an impulsive mistake and calling himself an environmentalist with the utmost respect for and love of our natural world.

I deeply regret my transgression and offer my heartfelt apologies to all for trespassing in this sensitive area. Yellowstone and all our National Parks are to be cared for and preserved for all to enjoy," Brosnan wrote.

He did not see a no trespassing sign when entering the thermal area to take a photo and did not hike in the immediate area, he wrote.

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Brosnan ended the message with #StayOnThePath.

Brosnan, 70, walked in an off-limits area at Mammoth Terraces, in the northern part of Yellowstone near the Wyoming-Montana line, on Nov. 1, according to citations issued by the park. He was in the park on a personal visit and not for film work, the U.S. Attorneys Office for Wyoming has said.

However, he uploaded images of himself standing in the snow on the thermal feature to his Instagram page, court records said.

Mammoth Terraces is a scenic spot of mineral-encrusted hot springs bubbling from a hillside. They are just some of the parks hundreds of thermal features, which range from spouting geysers to gurgling mud pots, with water at or near the boiling point.

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Going out-of-bounds in such areas can be dangerous: Some of the millions of people who visit Yellowstone each year get badly burned by ignoring signs warning them not to stray off the trail.

Getting caught can bring legal peril, too, with jail time, hefty fines and bans from the park handed down to trespassers regularly.

Brosnan appeared in four James Bond films, starred in the 1980s TV series Remington Steele and is known for starring roles in the films Mrs. Doubtfire and The Thomas Crown Affair.
A SIZEABLE delegation from Cork County Council, led by County Mayor, Cllr Frank OFlynn, has flown out to the USA this week for visits to Chicago and New York while a smaller delegation including the Deputy Mayor, Cllr John Healy, was in Detroit last weekend.

The total cost for the three city visits topped 50,000.

This included 26,800.40 for flights and an additional 23,409 for hotels. While the Detroit leg of the visit concluded on Tuesday, Mr OFlynn as well as counillors Gillian Coughlan, Ian Doyle and Noel McCarthy flew out to Chicago on Wednesday.

Officials on this leg of the trip included council deputy chief executive Michael Lynch and the communications manager, Lisa ORiordan.

The delegation to Chicago also includes the head of Visit Cork, Seamus Heaney, as well as the president of the Irish Hotels Federation, Michael Magner, owner of the Vienna Woods Hotel in Glanmire. According to a statement provided by the council, this year marks the 25th anniversary of the Cork County/Cook County Sistership Agreement.

Established in 1999, this sistership agreement is the longest standing international relationship in Cook County. Cook County is the most populous county in the state of Illinois and the second-most-populous county in the US, while Chicago is the third most populous city in the US. In 2021, the USA was Irelands largest export market, with exports valued at just over 52 billion.

The Cork delegation will meet with president Toni Preckwinkle of the Cook County Board of Commissioners on Thursday and will be present on Saturday morning when the Chicago River is dyed green to mark St. Patricks Day, a long standing tradition in the city.

Other engagements include attendance at a meeting of the GAA in Chicago, a reception hosted by the Plumbers Union and the Irish Fellowship Dinner.

On Friday, councillors Alan Coleman and Mary Linehan Foley will be travelling to New York where they will be accompanied by council CEO Valerie OSullivan and the councils director of services, Patricia Liddy.
A rendering of the north end school in Cheshire, which the Planning and Zoning Commission approved this week. Cheshire Public Schools / Contributed Photo A rendering of the new Norton School, which has a "Woods and Trails" theme. Cheshire Public Schools / Contributed Photo

CHESHIRE  Officials said they will install paths to protect students walking to the new elementary school that will be built in the town's north end later this year.

Plans for the north end school, which has not yet been officially named, got the go-ahead from local zoning officials this week, marking another step forward for the $90 million project. It will be built on 42 acres at the corner of Jarvis Street and Marion Road, replacing Chapman Elementary and Darcey School.

"We're obviously very pleased," Richard Gusenburg, chair of the Next Generation School Building Committee, said of the Cheshire Planning and Zoning Commission granting the necessary permits for the project at its March 11 meeting. "It's an important step to getting these buildings built."

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Some PZC members had raised concerns over the lack of sidewalks included in the north end school's original plans, saying their omission would endanger students forced to walk to the building on a busy street.

In response, project officials added sidewalks connecting the school to the surrounding community, Gusenburg said. As part of the project's approval, officials also agreed that the school district would bus those students who live nearby if sidewalks were not installed, the chair said.

"There's a couple of subdivisions in that area," Gusenburg said. "Where we can run a sidewalk, we will if it's on our property. If it's not on our property, we've urged the town to extend some of their sidewalks."

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Meanwhile, the new, roughly $77 million Norton School, which will replace the existing school of the same name at 414 North Brooksvale Road, still needs to be approved by the Planning and Zoning and Inland Wetlands and Watercourses commissions. But Gusenburg said Wednesday he expected those approvals to come soon.

The two school projects still are on track to begin construction in December, officials said. The bidding process for both will occur in the fall, according to Gusenburg.

"We are excited that the Planning and Zoning Commission has approved our plans for the new North End School," Jeff Solan, superintendent of Cheshire Public Schools, said in a statement Wednesday. "The approval is another significant step in bringing contemporary educational facilities to our students and community."

Gusenburg and other school officials presented plans for the revamped Norton School during a public hearing at Monday night's PZC meeting. The hearing was continued to March 25, giving project officials time to address further questions from the board.

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The new schools, which are expected to open in 2026, are part of a modernization effort that officials said will address soaring enrollment, improve accessibility and enhance building security, among other benefits. Redistricting will be completed in 2025 to determine who will attend the new schools, according to the projects' website.

Once built, the new Norton School will have a Woods and Trails theme, while the north end facility will have a Farm and Field theme, aligning with its rural setting, designs show.

Both schools will be powered by a hybrid geothermal system  a combination of geothermal wells and pipes  supplemented with rooftop air handling units for heating and cooling. The plans were a compromise from previous concepts that called for more costly geothermal systems at both buildings.
A CORK city councillor, who last week took a fall at a section of uneven pavement, has called on central government to allocate funding to local authorities to carry out footpath maintenance and repair works.

Workers Party councillor Ted Tynan was walking along Wellington Road last week when he tripped and fell on pavement which he said was pushed up by tree roots.

I hit the ground and I damaged my spectacles, scraped my left hand and bumped my eye then off the pavement, Mr Tynan told The Echo.

The North East Ward councillor said he was winded and bleeding from the fall and was assisted by people who had witnessed the incident. After catching his breath, Mr Tynan walked to the Mercy University Hospital where he said he was seen to swiftly.

Mr Tynan said he is not the first person to have tripped on a section of broken or uneven footpath in the city.

A lengthy discussion on footpath conditions took place at the latest city council meeting this week. It followed a motion tabled by Labour Party councillor John Maher calling on the council to carry out an audit of all footpaths across the city and to prepare a report of how much it would cost to reinstate and repair all damaged footpaths. Mr Maher said the council should apply to central government to fund such works.

In a report, the councils director of services in its roads and environment operations directorate, David Joyce, said that Cork City Council has a record of footpath defects gathered from numerous sources.

Funding for footpath maintenance and repairs, he said, comes from the councils own resources, as allocated by elected members through the annual budget process.

When allocating resources for the annual footpath renewal contract, the record of footpath defects is used to identify and locate the worst sections of footpaths for inclusion in the contract.

We are confident that this results in the worst condition footpaths, at a given time, being repaired first. In addition to the annual footpath contract, the Roads Operations Division deploys our outdoors crews to carry out localised repairs on an emergency basis, where and when needed, he added.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Joyce said that while the National Transport Authority (NTA) fund a substantial amount of footpaths across the city, that funding is allocated to the provision of new footpaths and the maintenance of existing footpaths is solely the remit of local authority to fund.

Mr Joyce said that 200,000 a year is typically assigned for footpath repair works in the councils annual budget.

The chief executive of Cork City Council, Ann Doherty, said the council could perhaps explore if state funding through other schemes might be available to fund footpath repair works.

I think that maybe we should be looking at a wider opportunity to seek extra funding through other schemes, looking at it from a public health perspective, she said.
A CORK advocate for a group supporting parents of children with disabilities in their fight for adequate services has said that the findings of a survey on seclusion and restraint were saddening, but not surprising.

In the national survey, parents shared harrowing tales of how their children with disabilities have been rugby-tackled, locked in rooms, and left with bruises by school staff. Inclusion Ireland and AsIAm, which shared the results of the survey, are urgently calling for guidance and regulation for schools concerning seclusion and restraint.

The survey shows that 35% of disabled children experience seclusion, while 27% of disabled children suffer restraint at school.

Parents shared stark stories, writing that sensory rooms are often misused and treated as cells and sharing that their child was lifted by arms and legs by teacher and SNA into a sensory room and told she wasnt allowed leave, she was bruised from this.

One parent wrote that her child was dragged across a school floor into this safe space [seclusion room], where he stripped naked multiple times due to distress.

The door was held shut while multiple persons were outside the door holding it. An animal would not be treated this way.

Two parents wrote that teachers had physically removed their childrens hands from their ears when they were overstimulated with noise, one adding that the teacher had been shouting in his face at the time when his arms were forced down and held down by wrists.

Another parent recalled: He attempted to leave the room abruptly without permission and was rugby-tackled to the floor by the female teacher. She held him there for a while and shouted at him about how struggling was futile due to her superior strength.

Another parent said their autistic junior infant was restrained and dragged, screaming, the length of the school line when he wouldnt walk in with his class by an experienced SNA. They also reported the effects of this restraint or seclusion, saying that their child stopped speaking for months due to the trauma of it.

Another parent said:

It has had a lasting psychological effect on him.

Others heartbreakingly shared their worries about their nonverbal children, one parent writing that our daughter wouldnt be able to tell us and school wouldnt tell us if they did this.

Speaking to The Echo, Rebecca ORiordan, Cork advocate for Families Unite for Services and Support (Fuss), said that they were saddened but not surprised, unfortunately, by the report into seclusion and restraint in Irish schools.

We urgently need guidelines on seclusion and restraint in our schools to tackle the creeping culture that is developing in the absence of robust public services for children, keeping childrens rights and dignity at the centre, to ensure that we do not continue to roll back the clock on both childrens rights and disabled persons rights, said Ms ORiordan.
Family, friends and ex-colleagues of Charlie Bird have gathered in Dublin for a memorial service for the former journalist and campaigner.

RTE director general Kevin Bakhurst arrives for a service at Mansion House in Dublin to celebrate the life of former RTE correspondent Charlie Bird. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Members of the public also attended the service for the renowned broadcaster who died this week aged 74 after a high-profile battle with motor neurone disease.

Stardust survivor Antoinette Keegan. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

The veteran news reporter, who covered many of the biggest stories in Ireland and abroad over a long and varied career, had been vocal about his terminal diagnosis and continued to champion charitable and social justice causes despite his deteriorating condition.

Former RTE director general Cathal Goan arrives for the service at Mansion House in Dublin. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Members of the broadcasters family, including his beloved dog Tiger, walked behind Birds coffin as it was carried into the building ahead of the memorial event.

Former President of Ireland Mary Robinson. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

His friend and former RTE colleague Joe OBrien will lead the service and give a reflection on Birds life.

His widow Claire and daughters Orla and Neasa are also expected to share their memories.

The coffin of Charlie Bird arrives for a service at Mansion House in Dublin to celebrate the life of the former RTE correspondent who died on Monday.

The journalists five grandchildren will present mementoes reflecting his life at the start of the event. They will also read prayers during the service.

RTE presenter David McCullagh arrives for a service at Mansion House in Dublin to celebrate the life of former RTE correspondent Charlie Bird, who died on Monday. Picture : Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Former RTE radio presenter Sean ORourke will offer a reflection, as will Stardust fire campaigner Antoinette Keegan.

Bird was a long-time supporter of the families of those who died in the fire at the Stardust nightclub in Dublin in 1981, having covered the story as a reporter at the time. Ms Keegan survived the blaze but her two sisters died.

RTE presenter Fran McNulty arrives for a service at Mansion House in Dublin to celebrate the life of former RTE correspondent Charlie Bird, who died on Monday. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

LGBT+ rights activist Karl Hayden is to read a letter during the service.

The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Sean Clancy, will also address the event.

RTE presenter Bryan Dobson arrives for a service at Mansion House in Dublin to celebrate the life of former RTE correspondent Charlie Bird, who died on Monday. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

RTE news presenter Bryan Dobson and current affairs presenter Miriam OCallaghan were among those who arrived at the Mansion House for the service.

The director-general of Irelands public service broadcaster, Kevin Bakhurst, also attended.
A fourth case of measles has been reported in Ireland.

The details were confirmed in the HSE's Health Protection Surveillance Centre's latest infection disease report.

It comes just days after the Executive appealed for certain passengers on an Etihad Airways flight to Dublin last weekend to get in touch due to a confirmed case of measles travelling on the flight.

The Etihad Airways flight EY45 from Abu Dhabi to Dublin, arrived on Saturday, March 9, at 6.30am.

HSE Public Health said they were particularly concerned about any passenger who is pregnant, immunocompromised, or under the age of 12 months old.

A HSE spokesperson explained that immediate treatment may be beneficial for anyone in the above groups, adding that all passengers on the flight should be aware of signs and symptoms of measles until Saturday, March 30, 2024  21 days from the time of possible exposure.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of measles include: cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and a cough, sore red eyes, a temperature of 38C or above; and a rash, which usually appears on head and neck first and spreads to rest of body.

If you have these symptoms and if illness develops, stay home in a separate room, and seek healthcare advice, the HSE said.

Phone ahead prior to attending any healthcare setting to let them know that you have these symptoms, so they can make necessary arrangements.

The HSE added that anyone with further travel arrangements should not travel if they are experiencing the above symptoms, but should seek medical advice, and reiterated that the best way to stay protected against measles is by two MMR vaccinations, which can be arranged with a GP.

Dr Peter Barrett, a Cork public health specialist previously told The Echo: Its a really contagious disease, so there is the potential to spread it to a large number of contacts; on average, one case can spread infection to between 12 and 15 unvaccinated individuals.

Vaccination

The HSE said it is finalising plans for the broader rollout of a proactive MMR vaccine catch-up programme in response to a rise in measles cases in the UK and Europe.

The HSE already offers MMR vaccine to protect against measles to all children as part of its childhood immunisation schedule for those aged 12 months and 4-5 years old in Junior Infants.

There is also a free catch-up MMR option via participating GPs for those who may have missed their vaccination when younger.

People are advised if they or their children have missed an MMR vaccine they can discuss making an appointment with their GP.

As part of the broader programme appointments will also be available through HSE clinics.

The programme will prioritise the following as uptake rates are currently lower in these groups and the HSE's aim to commence following the St Patricks Bank holiday weekend.

Children and young adults

Healthcare workers

Underserved groups such as refugees, applicants seeking protection and the homeless community.

Current public health advice indicates that people born in Ireland before 1978 are likely to have been exposed to measles as children and, therefore, unlikely to require MMR vaccine.
COMEDIAN Sarah Millican with Late Bloomer is completely sold out at the Opera House tonight (Thursday, March 14), but there are still tickets for Friends In Low Places, the ultimate Garth Brooks tribute show, tomorrow night.

Paddys Day is marked by Caint, Ceol & Craic, presented by St Vincents GAA Club, and featuring Joe Corbett, the St Vincents Male Voice Choir, Anthony Cotter, Michelle Fitzgerald, Lottie ODriscoll Murray, and the Childrens Choir from Gaelscoil Pheig Sayers.

Plus, on the sporting side, St Vincents own Amy OConnor, Gemma OConnor, Davy Fitzgerald, and Donal Og Cusack.

Eoin Sheahan from Newstalks Off The Ball is MC and that show starts at 7pm, with only a few tickets left as we write.

Bank Holiday Monday brings Cliona Hagan with The Dolly Songbook.

Opera House bookings on 021 4270022 or www.corkoperahouse.ie

You just might get lucky with a ticket for David ODohertys Tiny Piano Man tonight (Thursday) at Everyman - they managed to get this extra date after his booking on Saturday night next sold out immediately.

Eddi Reader is at the Everyman tomorrow, Friday.

Eddi Reader is at Everyman tomorrow (Friday) night, while Tuesday to Friday next week brings Hamlet - Cybermadness, Cyclone Reps newest production of the classic Shakespeare text, with relevance for young audiences. 9.45am and 1pm daily.

Call 021 450 1673 or see www.everymancork.com.

Unmasked 24, from CADA Performing Arts, opens at the Cork Arts Theatre on Tuesday, March 19, running until Saturday, March 23. Performers from the tender age of three upwards will share their magical energy in an evening of dramatic art. Or rather several evenings, as its different every night! 7pm start, plus additional matinee Saturday at 2.30pm.

Call 021 450 5624 or see www.corkartstheatre.com.

A scene from The Rain At The End Of the Summer, on at the Glen Theatre, Banteer

And now to some lively shows coming up in county Cork venues. A golden Keane oldie at the Glen Theatre in Banteer next Sunday and Monday. The Rain At The End Of The Summer was premiered by the Southern Theatre Group, first at Dublins Gaiety in the summer of 1967, then at our own Opera House, before it went on tour around the country.

The strong Cork cast included Dermot Crowley, Michael Twomey, Abbey Scott, Mairin Morrish, and Eilish McSweeney, with James N. Healy as the domineering parent of a family falling apart.

Given Banteers expertise in Keane productions (remember their Many Young Men of Twenty?) this one has got to be seen. Its a play very relevant in todays society, says producer Tadgh OKeeffe. March 17/18 at 8pm, Bookings: 029 56239 or 087 755 8752.

In Aghada, Hubcap Theatre is presenting The Parish on Saturday, March 23, as a fundraiser for Corkbeg AFC in Whitegate.

Our clubhouse and shop were badly damaged by Storm Babet in October, says Jim Reaney, chairman of Corkbeg AFC.

The fundraiser offered by the kindness of Hubcap, with the assistance of Aghada Community Theatre Group.

Seats are going like hot cakes, apparently, so if you havent got yours, hurry up! 8pm start, and there is free parking alongside the community centre. See www.gr8events.ie.

Also on March 23, the West Lodge Hotel just outside Bantry will play host to Killarney Theatre Company presenting a very topical play, Stones. A beautiful valley is about to be ruined by development. Sheep farmer Dan, and nutty English professor, Conrad, set out to save the countryside, but just how far will the dynamic duo go to stop the wind turbines and destruction?

From Glengarriff playwright, Ray OSullivan who brought you The Rise and Rise of the Healy-Raes, A Papal Blessing, and Weight Watching. Tickets from hotel reception (027-50360/ westlodgehotel.ie) or on Eventbrite.ie.
ONE of the busiest weekends of music of the year is upon us again and while the parades around Cork are the main attraction of St Patricks Day there are also many concerts, gigs and sessions put on for people to enjoy throughout the weekend.

Here is an attempt to give some sort of overview of what is on offer around Cork over the next few days, starting with tonight.

Thursday, March 14

Irish traditional music is the backbone of the St Patricks festivities, and it is fitting to start by highlighting one of the pubs that supports traditional music sessions all year round. The Gables on Douglas Street will have their weekly Thursday open session at 8pm, Julian Halpin and the other regular musicians always play a great eclectic collection of tunes and always have room at their table for other players to fall in. Later on, at 9pm in The Pavilion, The Alkove will be launching their new single 'The Other Side Of The Storm' which won the song of the month competition for March on The Cork Playlist Facebook page.

Friday, March 15

Moving on to Friday, I must highlight the Sing Along Social who are promising to celebrate Paddys Day with an iconic Brigid takeover in The Pavilion from 7pm. The event, which makes the entire crowd the choir, always goes down a storm and will be full of Irish pop songs and their very own favourite scorned women" playlist. Think The Corrs meets Alanis, B*Witched multiplied by Meredith Brooks, and Westlife combined with Enya.

Sean Parnell will be playing at 8pm in Coughlans, his tender songwriting and performances always make a personal connection with the audience and his recent releases are showing a development that promises 2024 to be a very promising one for him.

Another charismatic songwriter playing on Friday is Paul Noonan in The Triskel Christchurch. Best known as the frontman of the Irish group Bell X1 but also a frequent collaborator with many artists, this will be him performing solo in one of the most intimate venues in the city.

Gemma and the Jets will perform their eclectic mix at The Oliver Plunkett.

At 10pm, there are a trio of options that will delight; Gemma And The Jets, one of the most high-octane and flexible cover bands out there, performing everything from classic songs to chart hits with equal aplomb, will be holding court in The Oliver Plunkett; Liam OConnor will be holding court with his spectacular explosion of music, song and dance, rooted in the Irish music tradition and led by his phenomenal accordion playing, in Dwyers on Washington Street; and one of Corks leading Beatles Tribute Bands, The Beatless will be taking over The Hyde Out on Douglas Street.

Saturday, March 16

Moving onto Saturday, there is always a great early session of music to be caught at 6pm in the Cornerhouse on Coburg Street, and An Sibin on Princes Street will also be hosting their Rambling House Trad Session from 7pm.

Newton Faulkner will play Cyprus Avenue.

Just up the road in Cyprus Avenue, taking to the stage will be Newton Faulkner. The phenomenal success of his Hand Built By Robots album has been the foundation of a very successful career, with his powerful vocals and signature guitar sound sure to make a night for all in attendance. Regular visitors to Cork, The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble return after some excellent performances at the latest Cork Jazz Festival, this time to Live At St Lukes at 7.30pm. At 8pm in Fred Zeppelins on Parliament Street, there is a huge St Patricks Day Bash being put on by Dead Cult Promotions with Words That Burn, MOLARBEAR, Outsound, Following The Signs and DazGak all performing in one huge line-up. The Hightown Crows, a brilliant vital Rock n Roll band who seemed to play non-stop over the last Jazz Festival, play The Woodford at 9pm, and an hour later we get another take on Rock n Roll, but this time with a more scuzzy garage feel when The Tan Jackets play in Coughlans from 10pm.

While this article is focusing on live music, I do want to point out a very interesting All Irish Vinyl Set that will be happening downstairs in The Pavilion that night at 11pm from Jean-Luc Razza, one of the most dynamic DJs you will find in Cork.

Sunday, March 17

Moving to St Patricks Day itself, Sunday has live music options throughout the day. The Parade starts at 1pm on The South Mall, and many gig options start at 2pm such as Two Time Polka  an incredible live act whose music style is best described by the title of their debut album From Pana to Louisiana, so expect Cajun, Zydeco and Rock n Roll  in The Crane Lane (they also play Cantys at 7.30pm). The Roaring Forties, who play Swing, Jazz, Jump Jive and Rock 'n' Roll, will be playing The Black Dog on North Main Street at 2pm (They also play The Woodford at 8pm). From 2.30pm Charlies will be hosting some of Corks most enduring musicians with Hank Wedel & friends starting the day there and then Ricky & Graham Lynch taking over proceedings at 6pm.

Over in The Woodford at 5.30pm, what could be the gig of the weekend will be an appearance by BoolaBoom, Corks super-sized brass and percussion big-band playing jazzy techno and drum & bass belters. Their debut EP was released recently and is already gaining momentum with their Acoustic House Music sound.

For traditional music options  for the day thats in it  from 1pm there is a session starting in Bru on MacCurtain Street until 8pm. For those whod perhaps like to dance along, there is a Ceili By The Lee in The Pavilion at 2pm, where they teach the steps for people of all levels of experience to be able to take part. An Sibin has a trad session all afternoon starting at 2pm and if the weather is good they will try to make it an open-air session. At 4pm in The Imperial Hotel a brilliant trio of musicians  Eileen Healy, Emily Donoghue and Paudy Harrington  will be playing a great range of roots, traditional and folk music, the harmonies and musicianship that they execute are worthy of a band twice their size. If you are seeking trad music later in the night, The Gables will be holding their weekly sunday session from 9pm.

For those who might like some Reggae or Ska, there are three fine options in the form of Skazz at 4.30pm, and Pontious Pilate & The Naildrivers at 9.30pm in The Crane Lane and The Service in The Pavilion at 4.30pm.

Some of the gigs on offer outside of the city centre include Billy Kennedy and Carlos Paz performing in The Rendezvous on Model Farm Road at 5pm; The Essentials in Quinlans Bar, Blackpool, at 6.30pm; Myles Gaffney in Mayfield GAA Club at 7pm; and Coola Boola in Blackrock GAA Club at 9pm.

Stuart Wilde is at Preachers.

For my final tip, Id like to spotlight a bar that reopened since last years Patricks Day festivities, the much-loved Preachers on Washington Street. They will be hosting the one-man Rock juggernaut that is Stuart Wilde. His gig alone will justify a Bank Holiday Monday!

Check each venues and bands social media as all events are subject to change.
With its support, encouragement and funds, the foundation aims to shine a spotlight on the importance of investing in the future aviation workforce and preparing a more inclusive talent pool of pilots. Last year, MARCH gave ECSU $100K in support of its aviation program.

"We're excited to continue supporting innovation at ECSU where the next generation of pilots and aviation leaders are pursuing their dreams," said Eric Leufroy, MARCH Foundation board member who spent more than 34 years at UPS. Leufroy and fellow active and retired UPSers were hosted by the ECSU Division of Student Affairs and University Advancement.

MARCH stands for Mutual Alliance Restoring Community Hope. The foundation was launched 26 years ago to support the education of African American youth. Kenneth B. Jarvis, a longtime community business and civic leader, founded the group comprised of African American executive men, all of whom retired from United Parcel Service (UPS) and initially funded MARCH with their personal funds.

Through this partnership with MARCH, the university's goal is to create a pipeline of opportunity for workforce readiness and preparedness for the students, according to Karrie G. Dixon, Ph.D., ECSU Chancellor.

"Partners like the MARCH Foundation dramatically enhance ECSU's ability to attract and retain talent that fuels the aviation industry," Dixon said. "Philanthropic generosity like this provides support to talented students when skyrocketing tuition is out of reach."

ECSU is a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), and the only four-year aviation education program in North Carolina. ECSU's offerings will address the Aviation Workforce Shortage and Needs, explained Dr. Kuldeep Rawat, Ph.D., Dean, School of Science, Aviation, Health & Technology.

Commercial air travel is forecasted to increase from annual enplanements of 858 million to about 1.3 billion by 2040. As a result, 264,000 new pilots are needed over the coming decade. African Americans and Women are heavily underrepresented in Aviation, Rawat said. According to Zippia, only 2.2% of airline pilots are Black.

MARCH board members are no strangers to breaking barriers.

Several members are featured in Black Voices from Big Brown: Untold Stories of African Americans at UPS. The award-winning book was created and produced by members of the UPS African American Business Resource Group (AABRG), Corporate Chapter. As such, students picked up leadership gems throughout the 1.5-day campus visit.

"The foundation of effective leadership is built on continuous learning and a desire to be better tomorrow than you were today," said Sean Horton, a Flight Standards and Training Assistant Chief Pilot with UPS Airlines, who volunteered his time.

Horton took a UPS flight from Louisville, Ky. through Richmond, Va. to the Elizabeth City, NC, campus to join MARCH Board Members, including Joel Stenson, Senior Vice President of Operations Technology at UPS.

Aviation-specific leadership calls for a focus on critical thinking, dynamic decision-making, and calm under pressure, Horton said.

"It was a privilege to spend a day with literal [UPS] living legends and pioneers of our industry," Horton added.
U.S. attorneys say Nicolas Davila was sentenced to prison for his role in a crew that would steal catalytic converters and sell them to scrap dealers in CT. Hearst Connecticut Media

A member of a New England-wide theft ring that would steal catalytic converters and sell them to scrap dealers in Connecticut has been sentenced to prison time, officials say.

In a release, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts said Nicolas Davila was sentenced to 37 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Davila pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce, two counts of interstate transportation of stolen property and possession with intent to distribute cocaine in October.

The U.S. attorney's office noted the drug charge came from cocaine found during the search of Nicolas Davilas home as part of the catalytic converter theft investigation.

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In April 2023, the U.S. attorney's office said, Davila was arrested and charged along with six others in connection with the theft, transportation and sale of stolen catalytic converters taken from at least 496 vehicles across Massachusetts and New Hampshire in 2022 through April 2023 alone.

"It is believed that a significant number of additional thefts have not been identified or were not ever reported to law enforcement," it said.

The U.S. attorney's office said there has been a significant decline in the number of catalytic converters reported stolen in Massachusetts as a result of the April 2023 takedown. It said only seven incidents of catalytic converter theft have been reported in the 11 months following the arrests, compared to hundreds reported in the nine months prior.

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Davila was a member of skilled, organized theft crews led by his brother Rafael Davila, the U.S. attorney's office said, adding the crew used battery operated tools to cut away and steal catalytic converters across Massachusetts and in New Hampshire.

"The theft crew would travel hundreds of miles, hours on end in a single night, to specific locations, including home driveways and business parking lots, where large numbers of these vehicles were located in order obtain an economy of scale," it said. "On numerous occasions, the crew targeted more than 10 vehicles in a single night, with one night reporting thefts from 26 vehicles."

Each theft resulted in the loss of about $5,000 per vehicle, the U.S. attorney's office said, with some trucks costing more than $10,000 to repair. It said the total cumulative loss for the 300 victims of the thefts was about $2 million.

After they stole the catalytic converters, the U.S. attorney's office said, the crew would sell them to Jose Torres, who would take stolen good from multiple theft crews and sell them to scrap dealers in the northeast. It said he would sell anywhere from $30,000 to $80,000 worth of the stolen catalytic converters in a week.

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"In particular, Torres sold stolen catalytic converters to scrap dealers who have since been charged federally for interstate transportation of stolen property and money laundering in the District of Connecticut, the Eastern District of California and Northern District of Oklahoma," it said.

Davila was held accountable for his participation in 42 catalytic converter thefts during his sentencing, the U.S. attorney's office said, as well for his possession of cocaine and a fire at the time of his arrest in April 2023. It said he is the fifth person to plead guilty in the case, adding he also faces a pending murder charge in Massachusetts.

Rafeal Davila, his brother, has pleaded not guilty in the case, the U.S. attorney's office said.
A bill that could force a sale or outright ban on TikTok passed the House of Representatives just days after it was first introduced. It now goes to the senate.

The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (no, were not calling it PAFACAA) is the latest attempt by the government to constrain TikTok. If it passes, it could have one of two outcomes: The parent company sells TikTok to a US-based owner, or it faces a ban from US app stores and web hosting services.

Of course, TikTok opposes the bill, saying its unconstitutional. But theyre not the only ones: Free speech and digital rights groups also object to the bill, with many noting that comprehensive privacy laws would be more effective at protecting Americans user data rather than trying to single out one app.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Fight for the Future and the Center for Democracy and Technology argued the bill would set an alarming global precedent for government control of social media.

Oh, and FYI: There are no spy balloons in your phone . The SIM tray is too small.

 Mat Smith

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It earned $4.4 billion and gave its executives $2.5 billion.

A detailed Guardian report said 35 major US companies, including Tesla, T-Mobile , Netflix, Ford Motor and Match Group, paid their top five executives more than they paid in federal income taxes between 2018 and 2022. Tesla was the worst offender. It earned $4.4 billion in those five years and gave its executives $2.5 billion. Despite that, Tesla not only didnt pay any federal taxes , but it received $1 million in refunds from the government. Tesla boss Elon Musk is the second richest person in the world.

Thats the punchline.

Continue reading.

The first episodes subject was Musk himself.

X

Im sorry, more Musk. X has canceled a high-profile partnership with former CNN host Don Lemon to stream a video talk show on the platform. Lemon said the company canceled his contract hours after he interviewed Xs billionaire owner Elon Musk for the first episode of The Don Lemon Show. Elon Musk is mad at me, Lemon said in a video posted to X on Wednesday. Apparently, free speech absolutism doesnt apply when it comes to questions about him from people like me. Hows that video first push going, Linda ?

Continue reading.

Late Friday? Cmon!

The fifth edition of Summer Game Fest takes place this year on Friday, June 7 at 5PM ET. Expect a two-hour stream of trailers and hype with around a 10 percent success rate. With E3 officially dead, SGF is poised to take the expos place as the major gaming event of the year.

Continue reading.
Hours after the House passed a bill that could ban TikTok in the United States, Shou Chew, the companys CEO urged users to protect your constitutional rights. Chew also implied that TikTok would mount a legal challenge if the bill is passed into law.



We will not stop fighting and advocating for you, Chew said in a video posted to X. We will continue to do all we can including exercising our legal rights to protect this amazing platform that we have built with you. He also asked TikTok users in the US to share their stories with friends, families, and senators. This legislation, if passed into law, will lead to a ban of TikTok in the United States, Chew said. Even the bills sponsors admit thats their goal.



Our CEO Shou Chew's response to the TikTok ban bill: pic.twitter.com/7AnDYOLD96  TikTok Policy (@TikTokPolicy) March 13, 2024

The bill, known as the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act passed the House on Wednesday with bipartisan support just days after it was introduced. Should the bill pass into law, it would force TikToks parent company ByteDance, a Chinese corporation, to sell TikTok to a US company within six months, or be banned from US app stores and web hosting services. TikTok has challenged state-level bans in the past. Last year, TikTok sued Montana, which banned the app in the state. A federal judge temporarily blocked that ban in November before it went into effect.



Last week, TikTok sent push notifications to the apps more than 170 million users in the US urging them to call their representatives about the potential ban. Speak up now  before your government strips 170 million Americans of their Constitutional right to free expression, the notification said. The wave of notifications reportedly led to House staffers being inundated with calls from high schoolers asking what a Congressman is. Lawmakers criticized the company they perceived as trying to interfere with the legislative process.



In his appeal, Chew said that banning TikTok would give more power to a handful of other social media companies. Former President Donald Trump, who once tried to force ByteDance to sell TikTok in the US, recently expressed a similar sentiment, claiming that banning TikTok would strengthen Meta whose platform, Reels, competes with TikTok directly. Chew also added that taking TikTok away would also hurt hundreds of thousands of American jobs, creators, and small businesses.
State Trooper Brian North stands in Connecticut Superior Court at the start of the eighth day of his trial in Milford, Conn. March 13, 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

MILFORD  Jurors deliberated for a second day on Thursday in the manslaughter trial of Connecticut State Police Trooper Brian North in the fatal shooting of Mubarak Soulemane.

The jury did not reach a verdict Thursday and was dismissed for the day. They will reconvene to continue deliberations starting at 9 a.m. Friday.

North, who 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, faces up to 40 years if convicted of first-degree manslaughter with a firearm.

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But per the judges instructions, the jury can exonerate North of that charge and still convict him of either of two lesser included charges: second-degree manslaughter with a firearm, a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years, or criminally negligent homicide, a Class A misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of a year behind bars.

Following final instructions from the judge Wednesday, the four men and two women began deliberations that afternoon on the trials eighth day, which began with brief testimony from a rebuttal witness from the prosecution.

The jury deliberated for about a half-hour before sending a note to the judge asking for more information about a possible defense in the case  that North said he was protecting other officers  then deliberated about 20 minutes more before asking for more instructions. The judge excused them for the day about 4:25 p.m. after saying hed give them a print-out of his final instructions Thursday morning.

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On Thursday, the jury sent another note around 3 p.m. asking for technical assistance. The note said the sound stopped working on the laptop they were given to view evidence.

A marshal retrieved the laptop and brought it into the courtroom, where the lawyers rebooted the device and solved the issue and the jury resumed deliberations.

Before the jury began deliberating on Wednesday, attorneys made closing arguments, illustrating the competing interpretations of Norths decision to fire seven shots through the drivers side window of a stolen sedan driven by Soulemane after a chase on Interstate 95 and a crash in West Haven Jan. 15, 2020.

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On Wednesday morning, a rebuttal expert hired by the state said officers at the scene should have called a tactical pause to allow for a supervisor to provide more guidance.

Norths lawyer, Frank Riccio, said his client had no choice because he had an objectively reasonable belief that Robert Rappa, a West Haven police officer who broke the passengers side window of the car, could be in mortal danger from a knife Soulemane was holding.

Sadly, what other forces could have been used? he said, arguing his client was doing his job after a reported carjacking with a knife followed by a high-speed pursuit down a busy highway, with a suspect that had not shown one iota of compliance up to that point.

The prosecutor, Inspector General Robert Devlin, noted that North didnt say he thought Rappa or Trooper Joshua Jackson, who was also on the other side of the vehicle, were in danger until he provided a statement a month after the shooting, having reviewed video of the incident with his lawyer and union representative.

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The night of the shooting, he noted, North told fellow cops he started shooting after Soulemane came to when the window was broken and pulled a knife from his pants.

He saw the knife and he fired, Devlin repeated again and again during his closing argument.

In this case, weve had too many excuses, too many rationalizations, he said. This young man is dead and he shouldnt be, thats the bottom line.

After prosecutors presented their case to open the trial last week, North took the stand Friday in his own defense and said he thought two other officers could be in lethal danger when he shot Soulemane seven times on Campbell Avenue in West Haven following the highway chase.

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I had tunnel vision at that point, he said, describing his emotions as almost like an, Oh, my God, feeling.

On Friday, North said Soulemane initially appeared unresponsive after crashing into an SUV on Jan. 15, 2020, on a highway underpass following the chase, but came to, began reaching into his pants and took out a knife after West Haven Police Officer Robert Rappa used a baton to break the passenger-side window.

I felt like I had to act in that moment or the West Haven officer or possibly Trooper Jackson could be killed, he said.

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During cross-examination by Devlin, North affirmed that neither officer was actually inside the vehicle; that it would have been unreasonable to shoot Soulemane if he had known that at the time; and that if Rappa had been going into the vehicle, Norths bullets could have ricocheted and hit the officer.
Gloria Allred is representing a woman, identified only as Jane Doe, who is suing filmmaker Roman Polanski, alleging that he raped her when she was underage in his Los Angeles home in 1973.

Allred, a high-profile American attorney who advocates for women's rights, held a press conference Tuesday with plaintiff Jane Doe, announcing that trial is scheduled to start August 4 of 2025.

"Today we are here to announce that on behalf of our client Jane Doe, we have files served and are litigating a civil lawsuit alleging child sexual abuse against Roman Polanski," Allred, 82, stated.

RELATED: Diddy Accused Of Repeatedly Sexually Assaulting Male Employee In New Lawsuit

During the conference, Allred stated that Doe alleged the fugitive filmmaker Polanski, 90, knew she was a minor and that in his Benedict Canyon home, proceeded to give her two shots of tequila before driving them to dinner in Los Angeles.

During dinner at a restaurant on La Cienega Boulevard, Polanksi allegedly continued to give her alcohol before she became dizzy and ill. She told the defendant she didn't feel well, during which time the defendant allegedly drove her back to his house.

Jane Doe does not recall how she got from the car into the defendant's home. She claimed she remembers waking up in the defendant's bed, with him lying next to her saying he wanted to have sex with her. She says she declined, followed by, "Please don't do this."

According to her, he undressed her and proceeded to sexually assault her despite rejection.

RELATED: Danny Masterson Rape Accusers Prevented By Scientologists To Go To Police Over Bizaare Church Rules

Polanski didn't get the nickname "fugitive filmmaker" for nothing. His various awards for films such as 'The Pianist' (2002), 'Chinatown' (1974), and 'Rosemary's Baby' (1969) were all overshadowed by the heinous Manson-related murder of his second wife Sharon Tate and statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl.

Polanksi has since been a fugitive from the United States for decades in an effort to dodge sentencing for the rape of Samantha Geimer  who was 13  in 1977. He's faced multiple allegations of sexual abuse since then.

Polanski is facing trial in France over claims that he defamed British actress Charlotte Lewis after she accused him of having sexually assaulted her in the 1980s, per The Hollywood Reporter.
This morning, Steve Wilkos joined iHeartRadio's Breakfast Club to provide highly anticipated insights into his life and experiences.

The show includes segments such as Jess Hilarious' "Jess With The Mess," Charlamagne tha God's "Donkey of the Day," DJ Envy's mixes, and various other engaging content.

After giving Steve the opportunity to express his views on Wendy Williams and her current health crisis, the show shifted its focus to Wilkos' relationship with Jerry Springer.

RELATED: Talk Show Host Jerry Springer, 79, Passes Away After Battle with Cancer

Co-host Charlamagne tha God inquired about the portrayal of Williams' situation on television and individuals like Springer, whose cancer diagnosis was previously undisclosed.

"What do you say to people who feel like celebrities have an obligation to show you the bad since you've seen all the good?," Charlamagne, 45, asked.

Wilkos, 60, responded, "Jerry didn't even tell me he had cancer." He continued, revealing that a month before Springer died, he invited Wilkos to a dinner with his long-standing crew and security.

Wilkos declined the impromptu outing due to exhaustion from taping six episodes earlier that day for 'The Steve Wilkos Show.' Nevertheless, Springer expressed his desire to see his friend, to which Wilkos responded with a compromise, agreeing to meet for a cigar later after Springer had concluded the dinner.

He recalled that he and Springer typically focused solely on current events in each other's lives, never delving into reminiscences of the past glory days. However, on that particular night, they found themselves discussing the glory days at length.

RELATED: 'All By Myself' And 'Hungry Eyes' Singer Eric Carmen Dead At 74

Wilkos reportedly enjoyed the nostalgic journey with his old friend. However, sensing something amiss, he couldn't help but ask Springer, "Are you okay?" upon noticing his friend's trembling. Springer reassured Wilkos that he was indeed fine, and the two spent a fantastic last day together.

Before sharing his concluding thoughts, Steve emphasized that at no point did Springer, the former mayor of Cincinnati, hint to him that he was battling pancreatic cancer. "That's the kind of guy he was," Steve shared. "He didn't want to burden me with that."

Jerry Springer died at his home in Evanston, Illinois, on April 27, 2023. He was 79.

Steve Wilkos paid tribute to his colleague, saying, "Other than my father, Jerry was the most influential man in my life. Everything I have today I owe to Jerry. He was the smartest, most generous, kindest person I've ever known. My wife and I are devastated. We will miss him terribly."
Princess Diana's younger brother Charles Spencer is opening up about the alleged sexual abuse he suffered when he was a student at an elite all-boys boarding school in England.

The 9th Earl Spencer, 59, detailed his alleged "brutal experience" at Maidwell Hall in a new memoir, "A Very Private School," which hits shelves Thursday.

Spencer alleged that he was groomed and sexually abused at age 11 by an assistant matron at the school, which he began attending in 1972 at 8 years old.

Spencer did not name the woman but said that she was 19 or 20 at the time and that she also allegedly targeted other boys under 13.

In a statement to Today and NBC News, Maidwell Hall said it is taking the allegations seriously and has notified local authorities who are investigating possible crimes against children.

"We will follow their guidance on what we do from this point," a spokesperson for the school said in the statement. "We would encourage anyone with similar experiences to come forward and contact the LADO or the police."

According to Spencer, he did not reveal his alleged abuse until he opened up about it to a therapist when he was 42.

"I was doing a 10-day course of very deep introspection and therapy," the British peer told Fox News Digital. "My therapist said to each of us, 'Whisper to me one secret you'd never told anyone.' I whispered to him that I was sexually abused as a child by an adult. And I remember him looking so shocked, and he had heard it all. Afterward, he took me aside and said, 'This is very serious stuff.'"

Spencer said it wasn't until then that he began allowing himself to feel the "full devastation" of his alleged experience.

The author also shared that he felt compelled to write the book and share his story after he met with other former students and learned about their traumatic experiences at Maidwell Hall.

One unnamed ex-schoolmate told Spencer that he "was made to feel worthless every day" and was allegedly repeatedly sexually assaulted when he was 9.

Detailing his alleged sexual abuse, Spencer told NBC News that the female school staffer allegedly French kissed him, touched his private parts and forced him to touch hers.

While he was spared from it, Spencer claimed that she allegedly had sexual intercourse with some of his schoolmates.

Spencer said he believes the alleged abuse resulted in him paying a sex worker and losing his virginity to her when he was 12.

He told Today that a private investigator he hired years ago to track down his alleged abuser found her and informed him she was alive. However, Spencer decided not to confront her, saying it would be "too much."

In the U.K., there is no statute of limitation for rape and sexual assault.





In addition to the alleged sexual abuse, Spencer told the outlet that he was allegedly beaten by two male teachers several times.

One teacher, who complained about wealth inequality, wore a signet ring that would cause scalp injuries during these alleged beatings, according to Spencer.

Spencer also accused the school's then-headmaster, identified by NBC News as the late John Alexander Hector Porch, of being a "sadistic pedophile" who employed teachers who were either "perverted or would never tell tales against him."

He told Fox News Digital that he believes his parents were not aware of the "cruelty and perversion" in the school, where Spencer claimed at least a dozen students were beaten every day for various reasons, including speaking after the lights had been turned off, accidentally spilling water and making jokes.

Spencer added that he was only allowed one letter home a week, but that he could not tell them what was going on because school staff monitored the contents of his messages.

"We were just left there at the mercy of some really dangerous people," Spencer alleged.

The 9th Earl Spencer told Fox News Digital that he continues to undergo treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, but he's made a lot of progress in the past few months, especially after writing his memoir.
An employee at an early learning center was terminated from her position following allegations that she was observed hurling a toddler against a wall in January.

In a statement, on January 12, an individual visited the Middletown Police Department and requested the arrest of Kristie Kovarcik after an incident at Town & Country Early Learning Center. Detectives from the Special Investigations Unit acquired surveillance footage from the school, confirming that Kovarcik had picked up the child and threw them aside. As a result, the child's head struck the wall, causing a minor contusion above their eye.

RELATED: Death Penalty Sought For Woman Accused Of Killing 4-Year-Old, Leaving Body In Backpack

During the incident, the school's director became aware of a disturbance emanating from Kovarcik's room and subsequently reviewed camera footage. Upon discovering the concerning behavior, the toddler was promptly removed from the classroom. The incident was reported to both the parents and the Department of Children and Families.

According to Kovarcik's warrant, obtained by NBC Connecticut, she informed authorities that children were engaging in wrestling and fighting within the classroom. In an attempt to intervene, she lifted the victim, resulting in the child's head making contact with the wall.

The child's guardian alleges Kovarcik, 47, lifted the child by their shirt and tossed them into the air "like a piece of luggage."

Authorities secured a warrant for Kovarcik's arrest, charging her with risk of injury to a minor and second-degree reckless endangerment. Kovarcik surrendered to police on Feb. 26.

In addition to the aforementioned incident, Kovarcik purportedly kicked, shoved, and mishandled other children in the classroom on separate occasions. Consequently, she is no longer employed at Town & Country Early Learning Center.

RELATED: Judge Accused Of Shooting Sleeping Boyfriend In The Head And Told Him He Did It

"Upon observing the incident involving Ms. Kovarcik on our internal camera monitoring system, we immediately initiated an internal investigation, notified the appropriate state authorities, and terminated the employee," the school said in a statement to NBC. "Our safety and training protocols are amongst the strictest in our industry and we treat any such incident with the utmost seriousness. The safety and protection of the children in our care is always our top priority."
Thursday, March 14, 2024

The world is a complete mess right now. There are conflagrations all across the globe but unfortunately there are no firefighters in sight anywhere. Apparently, there is a universal acceptance that wherever any fire erupts on the planet today, the blaze should simply be allowed to burn itself out. Good luck to whoever is caught in it. Everyone just seems too tired to do anything about anything these days.

Proper organizational structure is essential for effective functioning of any institution. The UN was set up after World War II to deal with the sorts of crises the world is facing today, but it is failing badly at the job. It has become abundantly clear that the bodys makeup is not fit for purpose.

The five permanent members of the Security Council were supposed to be the adults in the room when the UN was set up in 1945. They were given the crucial responsibility of helping to maintain world peace and security. Today, those members rather pose the greatest risk to global safety. They have amassed stockpiles of highly destructive weapons that they brandish recklessly and constantly. On top of that, they arm all kinds of bad actors who roam the planet and cause mayhem wherever they go.

There is almost nothing the permanent members agree on these days. Even when an issue is as clear as daylight and a decision on it should be unanimously supported, there is bound to be at least a vote or two against it. It isnt worth anyones time to take any matter to the Security Council nowadays because that chamber is hopelessly gridlocked.

Indeed, some parts of the UN organization do some extremely useful work. The agencies that provide humanitarian assistance around the world and those that run services in the areas of education and healthcare should be universally applauded. Unfortunately, their good works are being heavily overshadowed by the growing dysfunction in the Security Council and the General Assembly.

When any organization becomes as dysfunctional as the UN is now, strong, competent leadership is required to whip it back into shape. It was therefore quite demoralizing to read a recent Reuters article in which UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed frustration that the Security Councils impasse over the Israel-Hamas war and Russias invasion of Ukraine had perhaps fatally undermined its authority. He went on to say that The Council needs serious reform to its composition and working methods.

Listening to Mr. Guterres speeches in the last several months, one can sense the helplessness in his voice. The UN is in shambles not because he is a weak and incompetent leader. He may be the chief executive of the organization, but he is handcuffed and unable to do anything about the dysfunction he complains about because practically, he has no enforcement powers.

Contrast his situation with that of corporate chief executives who wield enormous amounts of power, entrusted to them by shareholdersvia the boards that represent those investors. CEOs in the private sector have the freedom to choose the best qualified people when building their teams. They have the authority to craft and implement business strategies. Nonperforming employees are routinely fired. That expectation of excellence, and the discipline it generates, provide the ingredients that allow such private organizations to flourish.

The UN is an amalgam of 193 sovereign member states. Few, if any, are willing to cede much power to the organization. That is a common problem with multi-national organizations. The British exited the EU for that very reason. The EU functions a lot better than the UN does because it has the power of the purse. It is able to use that power to keep its rogue members in line. The UN has no such luck. It has a purse, but the bulk of the money in it comes from the permanent members of the Security Council who, collectively, are the primary source of the dysfunction.

Mr. Guterres is right to call for reform of the UN. But it is difficult to see who is going to lead that effort. The League of Nations failed to do the work it was designed to do and that led to World War II. The chaotic state of the world today should concern everyone. We should hope that it doesnt take another world war to wake us up to the current dangers we face.
Thursday, March 14, 2024

One of the great benefits of retirement is that you have uninterrupted time off to pursue prolonged experiences for travel, learning, special projects, etc. Road Scholar, a long-time partner of Age Brilliantly, specializes in helping people with the extra time windows to combine experiences for travel and learning.

For educators, retirement marks the culmination of years spent nurturing young minds and fostering a love of learning. While the freedom and well-deserved break are welcome, a lingering thirst for knowledge and exploration often remains. This summer, theyre inviting retired teachers to join together with their colleagues to channel their energy, curiosity and love of learning on special trips.

Location: Nova Scotia, CanadaPlace: Somewhere in Nova ScotiaSubject: Scenic Shot

Road Scholar, a non-profit educational travel company, understands this. Thats why theyre offering two exclusive program dates open only to retired educators and their guests. These unique journeys provide an opportunity to embark on an unforgettable adventure, explore breathtaking destinations, and connect with fellow educators who share a common passion for learning and exploration.

Why Retired Teachers?

More than a quarter of Road Scholars participants are retired educators, a testament to the organizations focus on lifelong learning and educational travel experiences. This shared passion for learning and understanding the world is what inspired the creation of these exclusive retreats. As a teacher, I believe in lifelong learning, and the Road Scholar trips have fulfilled that need to continue learning about people and places, says Cindy Sheets, a five-time Road Scholar participant from Missouri. Ive discovered that many of the participants are teachers or former teachers. Teachers seem to have a bond that goes beyond place and time, no matter what position or experiences we may have had. We just love to keep on learning, and doing it with others who have the same goal makes it even more enticing.

Exclusive dates for teachers

Embark on unforgettable educational journeys to the picturesque landscapes of Nova Scotia or Cinque Terre, Italy, and travel with other educators who love to learn. Space is limited for these private programs, so be sure to secure your spot early!

Nova Scotia: Highlands, History, and Halifax (Sep 26  Oct 5, 2024)

Explore quaint villages, discover fascinating history, and marvel at the stunning natural beauty of the Canadian Maritimes. Learn about the regions rich Gaelic heritage and its unique ecosystem alongside fellow educators.

Use code 23038 when you call (800) 454-5768, or enroll online here.

Cinque Terre, Carrara and Medieval Hill Towns (Aug 25  Sep 4, 2024)

Explore the picturesque villages and dramatic coastline of Cinque Terre, Italy. Delve into the cultural heritage of the region, including a visit to the famed Carrara marble quarries, and explore charming medieval hill towns.

Use code 14299 when you call (800) 454-5768, or enroll online here.

If youre ready to nurture your drive to learn, travel, and interact with colleagues who appreciate the value of learning, this is your chance to continue learning and exploring, one adventure at a time!

(Special note to other partners: if you want to share your special offerings to Age Brilliantly members  who want to nurture their 8 Life Essentials in order to lead fulfilling 100-year lives, contact partners@agebrilliant.org. )
New legislation has been introduced aiming to change how land in Scotland is owned and managed, despite concerns from landowners and farmers.

The Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, introduced to Scottish Parliament today, includes measures that will apply to large landholdings of over 1,000 hectares.

The legislation will have the power to prohibit sales in certain cases until ministers can consider the impact on the local community.

This could lead to some landholdings being lotted into smaller parts in a bid to 'help local communities', the Scottish government said.

Large landholdings of over 1,000 hectares represent more than 50% of Scotlands land.

The Bill seeks to give communities more opportunities to own land through introducing advance notice of certain sales from these large landholdings.

Legal responsibilities will be placed on large landowners to show how they use their land and how that use contributes to policy priorities, such as addressing climate change.

These landowners will have to engage with local communities about how they use the land, the Scottish government said.

The Bill also includes a number of measures to reform tenant farming and small landholding legislation.

However, Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), a group representing rural businesses in Scotland, warned that it could "fail rural Scotland for generations".

Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive of SLE said: The Scottish government is using outdated ideology to punish those rural businesses making a huge contribution to Scotland.

Rather than taking a common-sense approach to reflect the challenges that people living and working in rural Scotland face, Scottish Ministers are pursuing a destructive and disproportionate agenda against land-based businesses.

"Some of the measures signal a huge U-turn by Ministers from utilising land to pursue net zero towards a full-on attack on the property rights of large farms and estates.

Ministers would not countenance taking the same approach to any other business sector."

But Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said the legislation would allow the benefits and opportunities of Scotlands land to be more widely shared.

We do not think it is right that ownership and control of much of Scotlands land is still in the hands of relatively few people," she said.

We want to be a nation where rights and responsibilities in relation to land and its natural capital are fully recognised and fulfilled.

Too often, people and communities feel powerless when the land they live on is sold with no prior warning  this Bill will help to change that."
The Scottish government must return 46 million to farmers or risk 'jeopardising' food security and net zero plans, an MSP has warned.

Ring-fenced funding was removed from the agriculture budget, including 33m in Bew Review funding during the emergency budget review in November 2022 to combat the cost-of-living crisis.

A further 28 million was reprioritised during the Scottish governments 2023 Autumn Statement reprioritisations.

The Bew Review cash from the UK government is ring-fenced for agriculture, but was reassigned to cover other spending in the Scottish Budget.

In June 2023, the farming industry received assurances from deputy First Minister Shona Robison that the 33m would be returned.

But, in January this year, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon announced that just 15 million would be returned in 2024-2025.

In new comments on the matter, Jim Fairlie, Scotland's farming minister, said on Wednesday (13 March): The remaining ring-fenced funds will be returned in full at the right time for specific measures that will help to reform the transformation of Scotlands farming industry.

But Scottish Conservative MSP Douglas Lumsden responded by saying there must be a new commitment in returning the money to the agriculture budget.

Speaking after Mr Fairlie's comments in the Scottish Parliament, he said: At some time gives no comfort to all our farmers.

At the NFUS conference, the First Minister couldn't say when the 46 million would be returned to the agricultural budget.

Since then, the Scottish government has had an extra 295 million in Barnett consequentials from Westminster."

He added that the Bew money was expressly for agriculture, which was 'hard-won' by Scottish farmers.

This is a tiny portion of the Scottish budget compared to the massive burden of responsibility placed on farmers and crofters," the North East MSP said.

If the government dont get this cash reinstated in full, they risk jeopardising both our food security plus an entire industrys effort to decarbonise.
U.S Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery appeared in a public service announcement video on Thursday warning the public that many counterfeit prescription pills contain deadly amounts of fentanyl. U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of CT/Contributed Photo

Federal officials are warning residents that a majority of the prescription pills sold on the street contain a potentially fatal dose of fentanyl.

"Everyone needs to know that nearly all of the pills sold on the street are counterfeit, and approximately seven out of ten them contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl," said David Lanzoni, assistant special agent in charge of the of the New England Division of the DEA.

Lanzoni made that statement Thursday in a public service announcement on Youtube.

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Officials said that drug poisonings are the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 45. In 2023, Connecticut saw nearly 1,400 such deaths, most involving fentanyl, according to Lanzoni.

"Traffickers and cartels are flooding our streets with fentanyl," said Connecticut U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery. "Understand that any pill that doesn't come from a doctor or pharmacy may contain a fatal amount of fentanyl that can kill you or your loved one in minutes," Avery said.

The U.S. Attorney's office and the DEA are committed to dismantling drug trafficking rings, but arrests and prosecution are not enough on their own, Avery said.

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"While there are indications that annual overdose death rates are no longer rising and may have leveled off, or slightly decreased, far too many people continue to die accidentally by consuming fentanyl and counterfeit pills that contain it," she said.
Charithra Chandran sees herself as a "failure".

Charithra Chandran is very hard on herself

The 27-year-old actress - who stars in the hit Netflix series 'Bridgerton' - has enjoyed a meteoric rise over recent years, but Charithra is still "really hard on [herself]".

Charithra told the BBC: "I feel like I'm really hard on myself. I see myself as a failure and I'm constantly failing and trying to dig myself out of a hole.

"From the outside it can seem like you're thrust into this crazy world, but for me, it hasn't felt like that."

Charithra actually has a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Oxford University, and her family haven't always supported her acting ambitions.

She shared: "My parents weren't happy ... aren't happy, but they also brought it on themselves.

"Since I was born, I've always been a performer, whether it's little dances, singalongs, plays, and they loved it. So I'm like: what did you guys expect?"

Charithra's parents have slowly come around to her chosen career. However, her grandparents in India still struggle to understand the route she's taken.

The actress - who was born in Perth, Scotland - explained: "Growing up in the 50s and 60s, their mind is stuck on what it was like for an actress back then when, unfortunately, a lot of young girls were exploited."

Despite this, Charithra appreciates that her family have helped her to remain grounded.

The 'Alex Rider' star explained that in spite of her fame and success, she actually lives a "very normal life".

She said: "One of the most beautiful things about South Asian culture is that we're not super individualistic. I don't see myself as an individual separate from my family.

"Equally, my family don't care about acting. And I'm so grateful for that, because I live a very normal life."
Gwyneth Paltrow thinks social media can be "incredibly anxiety-provoking".

Gwyneth Paltrow has voiced her concerns about social media

The 51-year-old star acknowledges that it can be "difficult" to navigate social media platforms - but Gwyneth still isn't afraid to speak her mind online.

The Oscar-winning star - who has more than eight million Instagram followers - told Sky News: "I can't fake it.

"If I'm going to go on there, I'm going to be myself and I'm going to be honest. That's me, for better or worse. I think I'm a very authentic person, one way or the other. So, you know, that's my style."

Gwyneth has stepped back from the movie business in recent years to focus on Goop, her wellness and lifestyle brand.

But the 'Sliding Doors' star could still return to Hollywood when her son leaves home to go to university.

Asked about a potential return, Gwyneth - who has daughter Apple, 19, and son Moses, 17, with her ex-husband Chris Martin - said: "You know, I'm about to embark on a different phase of life, my son is going to university in the fall, so, you know, things can shift and change.

"With my job as CEO at Goop, it takes up all of my time. But who knows? I'm not actively pursuing it. I am very busy with my day job, but I've learned enough not to say never."

Gwyneth previously admitted that she achieved most of her acting ambitions before she turned 30.

The film star also confessed that she "doesnt love acting that much".

She told SiriusXM: "I think that when you hit the bullseye when youre 26 years old, and youre a metrics-driven person - who, frankly, doesnt love acting that much, as it turns out ... I sort of felt like, well, now, who am I supposed to be? What am I driving towards?"
Bangladeshs economic relations division (ERD) recently signed a grant agreement worth $24.70 million with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to advance decent work in the country. The European Union, Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden are resource partners for the project.

The agreement titled will help implement a three-year project of the countrys ministry of labour and employment.

The EU, Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden are resource partners in a $24.70-million grant agreement Bangladesh signed with the ILO to advance decent work. The aim is to ensure that polices and laws improve; labour market institutions are accountable, gender responsive and inclusive; and sustainable business practices contribute to industry competitiveness.

According to ILO, decent work sums up the aspirations of people in their working lives. It involves opportunities for work that is productive and delivers a fair income, security in the workplace and social protection for all, better prospects for personal development and social integration, freedom for people to express their concerns, organise and participate in the decisions that affect their lives and equality of opportunity and treatment for all women and men.

The objective of the project is to ensure that more workers enjoy decent work through improved policies and laws; labour market institutions are accountable, gender responsive and inclusive; and sustainable business practices contribute to industry competitiveness, a domestic news agency reported.

Bangladesh became an active member of ILO in June 1972.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Pulkit Samrat-Kriti Kharbanda Relationship Timeline: Celebrity couple Pulkit Samrat and Kriti Kharbanda's love story is reminiscent of a fairy tale romance. After five years of dating, they are soon set to exchange vows in Manesar, near Delhi tomorrow (March 15). Despite an age difference of nearly 7 years, their chemistry and strong bond remain unscathed.

While they have not disclosed their wedding date publicly, numerous reports suggest that the wedding festivities commenced yesterday (March 13). As Pulkit Samrat and Kriti prepare to take their relationship to the next level, here's a brief timeline of their whirlwind romance that will surely warm your heart.

PULKIT SAMRAT-KRITI KHARBANDA LOVE STORY AND RELATIONSHIP TIMELINE

Their journey together began in 2018 when they starred in the rom-com Veeray Ki Wedding. However, it was on the sets of Anees Bazmee's 2019 action-comedy film, Pagalpanti, where their love blossomed.

While rumors of their relationship kept on circulating, the couple chose to keep it under wraps until they were ready to share their love story with the world. During the promotions of Pagalpanti, Kriti publicly acknowledged her relationship with Pulkit, followed shortly by Pulkit's own confession.

Pulkit Samrat-Kriti Kharbanda Wedding: What Is The Age Difference Between Bride & Groom? Check DEETS

Pulkit Samrat-Kriti Kharbanda Pre-Wedding Festivities Begin: Groom Snapped In Yellow Kurta For Haldi - VIDEO

From adorable selfies to sweet gestures in public, Pulkit and Kriti's displays of affection are cherished by their fans. They often share candid moments and goofy pictures on their Instagram profiles.

In December last year, on Pulkit's birthday, Kriti penned a heartfelt message expressing her love for him, referring to him as the "purest soul" and expressing gratitude for the adventures they share together.

Speculation about their wedding arose when Kriti posted a picture on Instagram on Valentine's Day with the caption "Let's March together."

PULKIT SAMRAT-KRITI SANON PRE-WEDDING FESTIVITIES

According to reports, the haldi ceremony was held yesterday at the wedding venue and today (March 14), the mehendi and sangeet function will take place. Well, so far, the pictures and videos from the wedding festivities aren't yet out and we're eagerly awaiting the same.

Keep watching this space for more updates!
Mumbai, Mar 14 (PTI) Superstar Salman Khan was roasted on social media after he called filmmaker Kiran Rao's latest film "Laapataa Ladies" her "debut as a director". In a post on social media platform on X on Wednesday night, the actor praised the director's work on the film, saying that he and his father, Salim Khan, loved the movie. "Just saw Kiran Rao's 'Laapataa Ladies'.

Wah wah Kiran. I really enjoyed it and so did my father. Congrats on your debut as a director, superb job. Kab kaam karogi mere saath (When will you work with me)," Salman wrote. Internet users were quick to spot the error with many telling the superstar that Rao made her directorial debut in 2011 with "Dhobi Ghat", which featured her ex-husband and Salman's close friend Aamir Khan. On Thursday, Salman deleted the post from his profile and shared a new one that read, "Just saw Kiran Rao's 'Laapataa Ladies'. Wah wah Kiran.

I really enjoyed it and so did my father. superb job. Kab kaam karogi mere saath (When will you work with me)." Set in a fictitious state called Nirmal Pradesh, "Laapataa Ladies" is a story of two brides Phool and Pushpa, who accidentally get swapped on a train. One is taken away home by the groom, while the other is left stranded at a railway station. Starring Pratibha Ranta, Nitanshi Goel and Sparsh Shrivastav with Ravi Kishan in a pivotal role, the movie released in theatres on March 1. The film is based on an award-winning story by Biplab Goswami. Sneha Desai has penned the screenplay and dialogues with Divyanidhi Sharma credited for additional dialogues. It is produced by Rao, Aamir Khan and Jyoti Deshpande.
The former Stone Academy on Sawmill Road in West Haven photographed on March 4, 2024. Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media

WEST HAVEN  City officials approved a plan this week to rejuvenate part of Sawmill Road through the exfoliation of an abandoned building.

The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a site plan and liquor permit for a high-end spa, featuring hands-off treatments like massage chairs and facial machines in addition to hot and cold pools and various saunas with different features, for the former Stone Academy site at 560 Sawmill Road.

Much of the building will remain intact, including its stairwells, but the facade will be changed somewhat to add an enclosure for a swimming pool and to add more depth to the entryway  including a waterfall, representatives of the iSpa Haven development project told commissioners.

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Architect Douglas Cutler said the plan would add more parking, while replace some existing concrete with landscaping to off-set the addition of impervious surface.

When asked if there are any other developments in the region that can compare to the iSpa Haven proposal, project attorney Vincent Falcone said it would be akin to an existing Korean bath-house style spa in New Jersey. Cutler said that spa came up during the gentrification of the Hudson River on the New Jersey side and has attracted a high-end clientele.

Councilwoman Michelle Coletti, the council liaison to the planning commission, said she is familiar with that New Jersey project, saying it is popular and a pretty widely known destination.

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Falcone said the spa would employ 20 to 25 people, although the shift schedules would determine how many are on site at one time. He said the buildings capacity would be determined by the fire department and not the spa, which is looking to serve as many clients as possible. The spa will offer membership, guest passes and daily fees. Presently, it is planned that non-members would be charged for the time they stay at the spa instead of paying a daily rate.

Falcone said a restaurant on the second floor will be "American style," but would not be intended for people to drop in to eat and is meant for either members or patrons. He said the current expected hours will be 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Coletti read a letter from Councilman Christopher Vargo, whose district includes the iSpa Haven development. In the letter, Vargo expressed his support for what he believes could be a transformative project that could attract people into the city off the highway.

"The renderings illustrate a beautiful modernized facility that I believe will elevate the aesthetics of the surrounding area," he said.

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Vargo expressed some concerns about the potential impact on traffic, as he said the area near the site's main entrance and exit already has issues with congestion. However, he said he trusted professionals to make the best judgment about the traffic impacts.
OTT Apps Banned In India: The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, under the central government, has implemented a ban on 18 OTT platforms, including Uncut Adda, Dreams Films, and Prime Play, due to their hosting of 'obscene and vulgar' as well as pornographic content, despite repeated warnings. Additionally, 19 websites, 10 apps, and 57 social media accounts associated with these OTT platforms have been blocked for public access in India.

HERE'S WHY CENTRAL GOVT BANNED OTT PLATFORMS

The ban on these OTT platforms is attributed to the prima facie violation of Sections 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act, Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.

Explaining the rationale behind the ban, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting highlighted, "A significant portion of the content hosted on these platforms was found to be obscene, vulgar and portrayed women in a demeaning manner. It depicted nudity and sexual acts in various inappropriate contexts, such as relationships between teachers and students, incestuous family relationships, etc."

The I&B Ministry further stated, "The content included sexual innuendos and, in some instances, prolonged segments of pornographic and sexually explicit scenes devoid of any thematic or societal relevance."

LIST OF OTT APPS AND PLATFORMS BANNED BY CENTRAL GOVT

Dreams Films

Prime Play

Voovi

Chikooflix

Yessma

Fugi

Uncut Adda

Hot Shots VIP

Tri Flicks

Mojflix

X Prime

MoodX

Neon X VIP

Nuefliks

Besharams

Xtramood

Hunters

Rabbit

Discussing the magnitude of these OTT apps, the central government stated that one of these apps had garnered over 1 crore downloads, while the other two had accumulated over 50 lakh downloads on the Google Play Store. In contrast, the social media accounts associated with these OTT platforms had a combined followership exceeding 32 lakh users. Well, that's indeed huge! Don't you agree?

As per the government release, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has restricted access to 12 Facebook accounts, 17 Instagram accounts, 16 X (formerly Twitter) accounts, and 12 YouTube accounts.

Stay tuned for more updates!
Bramayugam OTT Release: "Bramayugam" is a Malayalam horror thriller film directed by Rahul Sadasivan and co-produced by Night Shift Studios and YNOT Studios.

Premalu Worldwide Box Office Collection: Naslen And Mamitha Baiju's Movie Grosses Over  106 Crores

The movie in black-and-white promises an enthralling cinematic experience, featuring Mammootty in the lead role, supported by Arjun Ashokan, Sidharth Bharathan, and Amalda Liz. It hit theatres on February 15, 2024.

The initial glimpse of Mammootty in 'Bramayugam' was revealed on the actor's 72nd birthday, showcasing a haunting monochrome portrayal. On January 11, 2024, the creators unveiled a teaser for the film, spanning 2 minutes and 11 seconds. Subsequently, on February 10, 2024, the makers of 'Bramayugam' launched a black and white trailer at a prestigious event in Abu Dhabi, attended by Mammootty, while simultaneously releasing it online.

Mammootty's character's Name In "Bramayugam" Changed Before Release

Before the release of 'Bramayugam', the makers of the movie decided to modify the name of the main character portrayed by Mammootty in the film. Originally named Kunjumon Potti, the character will now go by the name Kudamon Potti. This change was prompted by a legal dispute initiated by the head of Punjamon Illam, a historic Brahmin household in Kottayam. They alleged that the film depicted their family and residence in a negative manner. Additionally, they requested the Censor Board revoke the film's certification. However, the Censor Board has confirmed that they have received and approved the application for the name change.

Bramayugam Is Now Live For Streaming

"Bramayugam," a film that garnered acclaim during its theatrical run, has now made its debut on digital streaming platform SonyLiv starting from March 15th. Following its successful stint in theaters, the movie continues to captivate audiences through online streaming, offering viewers the opportunity to enjoy its compelling storyline and performances at their convenience.

Bramayugam Cast And Crew

The cast comprises Mammootty portraying Kunjamon Poti, with Arjun Ashokan as Theevaan, alongside Sidharth Bharathan, Amalda Liz, and Manikandan R. Achari.

Directed by Rahul Sadasivan, known for his mastery of the horror genre through 'Bhoothakaalam,' 'Bramayugam' is set to deliver thrills like never before. The film is jointly produced by Chakravarthy Ramachandra and S. Sashikanth under the Night Shift Studios and Y Not Studios banners. Night Shift Studios specialises in producing spine-tingling horror thrillers, adding to the intrigue surrounding 'Bramayugam.'

After the release of director Rahul Sadasivan's previous film "Bhoothakaalam" (2022), producer Chakravarthy Ramachandra wasted no time in meeting him. Together with S. Sashikanth from YNOT Studios, they formed Night Shift Studios, a production house dedicated to horror films. Their inaugural project, "Bramayugam," marks their entry into the genre.

Mission Chapter 1 OTT Release Date And Platform: Here's Where To Watch Arun Vijay's Action Thriller Movie

Previously, Rahul Sadasivan described the story as "grounded in the dark ages of Kerala." Renowned Malayalam novelist T. D. Ramakrishnan has written the dialogue for the movie.
SHELTON, Conn., March 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dynata - the most trusted source for reliable, accurate first-party data - with the support of its lenders, has confirmed the termination of its ratings arrangement with Moody's effective March 8. Notwithstanding such termination, Moody's has issued a factually inaccurate report suggesting Dynata missed an interest payment. In actuality, the company negotiated a resolution with its first- and second-lien lenders to make a partial interest payment and to an extended grace period, while continuing consensual discussions to solidify its balance sheet and streamline its debt-reduction plan.

Dynata strongly disagrees with this misclassification. The designation of "limited default" is temporary and based on a technical definition, internally used by credit ratings services, that views a consensual partial payment as default, even when lenders have agreed to such payment terms during ongoing negotiations.

"Our leadership team, which brings decades of experience in business transformation settings such as this, is confident in a successful outcome that will drive the company's exciting roadmap of growth into the future," said Mike Petrullo, Dynata CEO. "We'll continue to provide accurate and transparent information to all stakeholders. Our unwavering commitment to providing excellent service to our valued customers, vendors and employees remains stronger than ever. For us, it's business as usual."

About Dynata

Dynata helps companies harness the power of first-party data to make informed, intelligent decisions. With a global reach and an unrivaled approach to quality, we are the most trusted source for reliable, accurate data. We serve more than 6,000 market research, media and advertising agencies, publishers, consulting and investment firms, and corporate customers in North America, South America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Learn more at www.dynata.com.?

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Der kostenlose Dividenden-Report zeigt ganz genau, wo Sie in diesem Jahr zuschlagen konnen. Das sind die Favoriten von Borsenprofi Dr. Dennis Riedl

WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Under Armour Inc. (UA, UAA) said that Kevin Plank will become President & Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2024. Plank will succeed Stephanie Linnartz, who will be stepping down as President & Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board. Mohamed El-Erian, an independent director since 2018 and Lead Director since 2020, will become the non-executive Chair of the Board. Plank, who will transition from Executive Chair of the Board, will remain a director. Linnartz will remain an advisor to the company through April 30, 2024. Plank founded Under Armour in 1996. From 1996 to 2019, he served as Under Armour's Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board of Directors. In January 2020, Plank was appointed Executive Chair and Brand Chief. 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.
Developing novel therapeutics which enhance the removal of dysfunctional mitochondria, promoting cell health and function

MTX325 is a potentially disease-modifying treatment for Parkinson's Disease with clinical trial due to start imminently

Backed by blue chip international investors

CAMBRIDGE, England, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mission Therapeutics ("Mission" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotech developing first-in-class therapeutics that enhance mitophagy to promote cell/organ health, today announces it has raised 25.2 million to progress the clinical development of its drug candidates. The financing was jointly led by existing investors Pfizer Venture Investments, Sofinnova Partners, Roche Venture Fund, SR One, IP Group, and Rosetta Capital.

Mission plans to use the funds to accelerate development of its lead drug candidates, MTX325 and MTX652, through clinical trials. MTX325 and MTX652 both inhibit USP30, a mitochondrial de-ubiquitylating enzyme (DUB), increasing damage-associated mitochondrial ubiquitylation to promote mitophagy - the essential process cells use to rid themselves of dysfunctional mitochondria. A growing body of scientific evidence has linked a build-up of dysfunctional mitochondria in cells to a range of diseases, including Parkinson's Disease (PD), Kidney Disease, Heart Failure, and Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

MTX325, a CNS penetrant which is a potential disease-modifying treatment for Parkinson's Disease, is about to enter Phase I trials; while peripherally-restricted MTX652 is currently in Phase II investigating acute kidney injury (AKI) associated with cardiac surgery.

Dr Anker Lundemose, Chief Executive Officer of Mission Therapeutics, said: "Mission Therapeutics has made huge strides in developing its pipeline, first progressing MTX652 into Phase II, then obtaining robust preclinical proof-of-concept data for its Parkinson's candidate MTX325 - published in Nature Communications - followed by regulatory approval for MTX325 clinical trials in the UK. Thanks to this additional 25.2m from our investors, we can now make the next vital steps, progressing with essential clinical trials."

Dr James B. Summers, Acting Chairman of Mission Therapeutics, said: "Mission's laser focus on mitophagy has resulted in a promising suite of drugs that tackle a range of hard-to-treat diseases in a unique and novel way. This latest financing round is a sign of our investors' confidence in the Company and the enormous potential of our clinical assets."

The Nature Communications paper, published last November by scientists at Cambridge University, Harvard University and Mission Therapeutics, provided key experimental evidence to support the thesis that MTX325 can modify the course of Parkinson's by targeting USP30. By first using a USP30 knockout mouse model, and then a pharmacological strategy deploying MTX325, they found USP30 inhibition led to protection against loss of dopamine and dopaminergic neurons induced by alpha-synuclein in vivo. USP30 inhibition also reduced potential biomarkers of PD including phosphorylated alpha-synuclein and glial cell activation.

In December, the sister publication Nature Reviews Drug Discovery commented that restoring mitophagy to accelerate the removal of damaged mitochondria was "an appealing disease-modifying therapeutic strategy" for Parkinson's Disease.

The same month, Mission gained clearance from the US FDA to commence a Phase II trial of MTX652, after the Company received official approval of its Investigational New Drug (IND) application for the candidate drug.

About Mission Therapeutics

Mission Therapeutics is a world leader in discovering and developing novel therapeutics which promote the removal of dysfunctional mitochondria, promoting cell health and function. Mitochondria are energy producing organelles which require lifetime quality control through a ubiquitin-mediated clearance mechanism known as mitophagy. In certain situations, such as cellular stress, cell injury, and/or defects of the mitophagy process, the mitochondria can become dysfunctional and damaging to the cell, leading to reduced energy production, oxidative stress, inflammation and potentially cell death. Dysfunctional mitochondria are significant drivers of disease pathophysiology in acute kidney injury (AKI), Parkinson's Disease (PD), heart failure, Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy, IPF, mitochondrial diseases and Alzheimer's.

USP30 is a deubiquitylating enzyme that constantly removes ubiquitin from mitochondria, providing a potential brake on clearance of dysfunctional mitochondria. Mission is currently developing two small molecule drugs, MTX652 (peripheral) and MTX325 (targeting the CNS) which, through inhibition of the mitochondrial DUB enzyme USP30, will promote clearance of dysfunctional mitochondria - consequently improving overall cellular health. Mission's USP30 inhibitors MTX652 and MTX325 could potentially be used to treat any disease or condition driven by mitochondrial dysfunction.

Mission is backed by blue chip investors including Pfizer Venture Investments, Sofinnova Partners, Roche Venture Fund, SR One, IP Group and Rosetta Capital.

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The surge in demand for processed food has emerged as a significant driver for the growth of the tomato puree market. As consumer lifestyles continue to evolve, there is a rise in preference for convenient and time-saving food options. Processed food, which often incorporate tomato puree as a key ingredient, offer quick and easy meal solutions for individuals with busy schedules. Tomato puree serves as a versatile base for a variety of processed food products, including sauces, soups, ready-made meals, and snacks.As a result, the tomato puree market is expected to experience growth alongwith the expanding market for processed food, driven by the changing preferences and lifestyles of consumers globally.

PORTLAND, Ore., March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Tomato puree Market By Nature (Organic, and Conventional), Packaging (Glass Jar, Tin, and Others), Application (Food and Beverage Industry, Food Service Industry, and Retail), and Distribution Channel (B2B, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Store, Departmental Stores, and Online Sales Channel): Global Opportunity Analysis And Industry Forecast, 2023-2032: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2032". According to the report, the global tomato puree market was valued at $5,189.9 million in 2022, and is projected to reach $7,699.5 million by 2032, registering a CAGR of 4.1%.

Download Sample Report: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A11031

Prime determinants of growth

Tomato puree plays a major role in the daily culinary routines of individuals, making significant contributions to the global food and beverage industry. The growing awareness of diverse and authentic flavors, along with a rising interest in international cuisines, has fueled the demand for a wide range of tomato puree products. Moreover, the growing demand for processed food has emerged as a significant driver for the growth of the tomato puree market. As consumer lifestyles continue to evolve, there is a rising preference for convenient and time-saving food options. Processed foods often incorporate tomato puree as a key ingredient, as it offers quick and easy meal solutions for individuals with busy schedules. Thus, the tomato puree demand is expected to gain momentum in the coming years.

Report coverage & details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2022-2032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $5,189.9 Million Market Size in 2032 $7,699.5 Million CAGR 4.10 % No. of Pages in Report 275 Segments covered Nature, Packaging, Application, Distribution Channel, and Region. Drivers Increasing consumer demand for convenient and ready-to-use cooking ingredients Growing awareness of the health benefits associated with tomato-based products Expanding foodservice industry, driving higher usage of tomato puree in restaurant and catering businesses Opportunities Growing trend of home cooking and meal preparation Rise in popularity of ethnic and international cuisines Restraints Price volatility of the raw materials Stringent regulatory requirements

The conventional segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period

Based on nature, the conventional segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for nearly three-fourths of the global tomato puree market revenue. Conventional farming methods are well-suited for large-scale production, allowing for the consistent and abundant supply of tomatoes. The scalability of conventional practices aligns with the high demand for tomato puree on a global scale, making it the preferred choice for manufacturers aiming to meet market needs efficiently. Conventional tomato farming typically involves the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, leading to higher yields and lower production costs. This cost efficiency makes conventional tomatoes more economically viable for large-scale cultivation and subsequently influences the affordability of conventional tomato puree.

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The tin segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period

Based on packaging, the tin segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for nearly half of the global tomato puree market and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. Tin containers provide protection against light, moisture, and air, ensuring the longevity of the tomato puree by preserving its flavor, color, and nutritional integrity. The durability of tin cans safeguards the contents during transportation and handling, assuring that the product reaches consumers in optimal condition. Additionally, the cost-effectiveness of tin packaging makes it an economically viable choice for both manufacturers and consumers, which contributes to the overall competitiveness of tomato puree products. The easy-to-store nature of tin cans optimizes shelf space, enhancing logistical efficiency throughout the supply chain. Furthermore, the recyclability of tin aligns with the increasing consumer preference for sustainable packaging options, making it an environment-friendly choice and meeting standards for responsible packaging practices in the industry.

The food and beverage industry segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period

Based on application, the food and beverage industry segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than two-fifths of the global tomato puree market and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. Tomato puree is a versatile base that adds rich flavor and vibrant color to a wide range of dishes, including sauces, soups, stews, curries, and pasta. The adaptability of tomato puree makes it an essential ingredient in diverse cuisines, driving demand across different food categories. Moreover, tomato puree serves as a convenient and time-saving ingredient in various recipes. It eliminates the need for washing, peeling, and chopping fresh tomatoes, making it a preferred choice for several businesses operating in the food industry.

The B2B segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period

Based on distribution channel, the B2B segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than one-third of the global tomato puree market and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. The B2B tomato puree ecosystem is comprised of multiple players, including manufacturers/suppliers, wholesalers/distributors, retailers, food service providers, food manufacturers, importers, and exporters. It consists of marketplaces where the vendor and the buyer of tomato puree make deals and transactions. The suppliers provide tomato puree direct from other businesses and go through a process where one business makes a transaction with another. Moreover, the B2B distribution channel does not involve any intermediaries and has smooth monetary transactions without any fraud. The B2B e-commerce evolution has introduced the path to digital procurement in the tomato puree industry.? The adoption of digitalization in sales channels has made the work of manufacturers and vendors easy and smooth. In addition, the manufacturers display their products directly through digital marketing platforms Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Google. Therefore, manufacturers are able to expand their consumer base along with the improved perception of their brand.

North America to maintain its dominance by 2032

Based on region, North America held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022 and is likely to dominate the market during the forecast period. North American cuisine incorporates a wide range of dishes that use tomato puree as a key ingredient. From pasta sauces and soups to salsas and stews, tomato puree is a versatile component in many popular dishes, contributing to its high demand in the region. Furthermore, the North American region has a well-established processed food industry, and tomato puree is a common ingredient in various processed foods. Ready-made pasta sauces, canned soups, pizza sauces, and other convenience products often rely on tomato puree, driving demand for tomato puree products in the region.

Want to Access the Statistical Data and Graphs, Key Players' Strategies: https://bit.ly/4a62eFw

Leading Market Players: -

Neil Jones Food Company

Stanislaus Food Products

Kiril Mischeff Group

Conserve Italia Group

Sainsbury's

Riviana Foods Inc.

Conagra Brands Inc.

Del Monte Foods, Inc.

Heinz Wattie's Ltd.

Ariza b.v.

The report analyzes government regulations, policies, and patents to provide information on the current market trends and suggests future growth opportunities globally. Furthermore, the study highlights Porter's five forces analysis to determine the factors affecting market growth.

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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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The smart thermostat technology of the Estonian-Finnish cleantech company Themo has passed the requirements for Fingrid's Frequency Containment Reserve in Finland. This means that the frequency of Finland's national electricity grid can in the future be balanced quickly and easily through the heating systems of all Finnish electrically heated households and other residential and accommodation spaces. Themo's smart thermostats save money for their users by optimizing electricity consumption while considering the current market price. In addition, the owners will now be compensated for the utilization of thermostats in the reserve market. Themo also secured a growth funding of 1.3 million euros for product development.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240313357001/en/

Pictured from left: Joonas Rantala, Sales Director of Themo, Madis Uuemaa, CEO and Markus Perkkio, CFO. (Photo: Business Wire)

Themo's core innovation is an efficient electricity optimization algorithm on which the company's smart thermostats are based. In addition to many other parameters such as time of day and weather forecast, the algorithm considers fluctuations in the price of electricity on the stock exchange when optimizing electric heating.

Themo thermostats can now also be used to balance the frequency of Fingrid's grid. The reserve market operated by Fingrid is used to adjust the grid to balance electricity consumption and production. Themo's technology can control many relatively low-power, standard electric heaters with a fast response time.

"We have successfully verified the operation of 1 MW of power mass under test conditions organized by Fingrid. To pass Fingrid's FCR-D market requirements, the reserve market supplier must be able to detect the frequency deviation and make the necessary adjustment itself within 7.5 seconds. With our sophisticated cloud solution, aggregation and adjustment of devices is possible in seconds," says Madis Uuemaa, CEO and technology developer at Themo.

Aggregated power from 20,000 smart thermostats balances the frequency of the grid

Frequency Containment Reserve for Normal Operation (FCR-N) and Frequency Containment Reserve for Disturbances (FCR-D) are active power reserves that are automatically controlled based on the frequency deviation. The Frequency Containment Reserve for Disturbances (FCR-D), the control test which Themo smart thermostats have now passed, maintains a frequency of at least 49.5 Hz or up to 50.5 Hz when the frequency deviates from the standard range. At equilibrium, the frequency is 50.0 Hz.

"In practice, this means that when a frequency deviation is detected, the algorithm automatically switches on all Themo smart thermostats for a short period of time, for instance 20 seconds. Switching on does not affect the heating of the home or heating costs, but with 20,000 electric heaters in the Finnish market alone, aggregated power has a significant balancing effect on the frequency. In addition, Fingrid will pay a compensation based on marginal pricing," says Uuemaa.

Themo's b2b customers involved in the reserve market

Intelligent and rapidly adjustable electrical innovations like Themo are key to the transition from fossil fuels to more sustainable energy solutions. New energy solutions such as solar and wind are more volatile for the grid. To balance the frequency deviations of the grid, reserves are needed and Fingrid will purchase them from the market it operates. Such reserves are for examples power plants, consumption targets, and energy storage facilities that change their output as needed.

"It is a great achievement and socially important that we can use the large reserves of existing electric heaters to balance the grid. In the past, balancing was done mainly by fossil power plants. The technology developed by Themo is an important part of future smart electricity grids," says Joonas Rantala, Sales Director at Themo.

Themo's b2b customers, such as Sato, Y-Foundation, Asuntosaatio, rental housing companies owned by the largest Finnish cities, Holiday Club resorts, and some other companies offering rental housing and other types of accommodation or care services participated in the approved test. In the future, Themo's b2c customers will also be able to participate in the reserve market.

Themo manages around 10 MW under its current customer base. The aim is to manage 60 MW by the end of 2026.

EUR 1.3 million growth funding for product development

In addition to passing Fingrid's reserve market regulation test, Themo also secured EUR 1.3 million in growth funding for product development. This funding will strengthen Themo's position in the market and enable it to invest increasingly in smart energy solutions. The company's long-term goal is to secure emission-free and affordable electricity for everyone. With smart thermostats, customers can save up to 50% of electricity compared to manual thermostats. For a large rental property operators or hotels, financial savings can amount to tens of thousands of euros.

The lead investor in the funding round is Sunly, an Estonian company investing in renewable energy and modern technology. Sunly has already participated in Themo's previous funding rounds. The second largest investor is Finnish Indie Investments, owned by Heikki Nakari. Other Finnish angel investors such as Henry Nilert and Ali Omar are also involved.

Themo is an Estonian-Finnish cleantech company founded in 2014. Themo consists of the parent company Smart Load Solutions OU and its wholly owned Finnish subsidiary Themo Nordic Oy. The technology developed by Themo is an important part of the smarter electricity grid of the future. The company's long-term mission is to enable clean and affordable electricity for all. www.themo.io

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240313357001/en/

Contacts:

Madis Uuemaa

CEO

madis@themo.io

+372 5373 7004

Joonas Rantala

Sales Director

joonas.rantala@themo.fi

+358 40 827 1962
ORCA Computing, Pixel Photonics, Sparrow Quantum, and the Niels Bohr Institute Collaborate on 'SupremeQ' Eurostars Project

ORCA Computing, Pixel Photonics, Sparrow Quantum, and the Niels Bohr Institute (NBI) announce their collaboration on the Eurostars project 'SupremeQ.' This landmark initiative brings together quantum experts from the United Kingdom, Germany, and Denmark with a shared goal of accelerating the development and commercialization of photonic quantum computing technologies to deliver quantum advantage.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240313844049/en/

ORCA PT-1 computer in assembly room (Photo: Business Wire)

Supported by Eurostars, a European funding program dedicated to assisting R&D-performing SMEs in developing marketable innovative products, processes, and services, the SupremeQ project will harness world-leading expertise. It will draw upon single-photon sources from Sparrow Quantum and NBI, single-photon detectors from Pixel Photonics, and full-stack photonic quantum computing system architecture from ORCA Computing. By uniting efforts, the SupremeQ consortium aims to drive breakthrough innovation in photonic quantum computing, paving the way for quantum advantage.

According to a report by Fortune Business Insights, the quantum computing market is forecasted to reach $6.5 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 32.1%1. With a broad range of potential application areas offering significant advantages over current classical computations. The SupremeQ project aims to address the needs of this growing market demand for quantum computing capabilities by addressing key challenges such as system engineering for scale, high acquisition, and operation costs, as well as the need for specialized expertise.

By pioneering solutions for photonic quantum computing, the project aims to unveil groundbreaking innovations in performance, packaging, and system integration. Sparrow Quantum's single-photon sources and Pixel Photonics detectors will be engineered to co-exist within a single cryostat, marking a breakthrough in quantum computing infrastructure. With reduced complexity and enhanced component proximity, this crucial milestone heralds the path to multiplying qubits while offering considerable manufacturability and cost advantages.

ORCA Computing will draw upon its deep knowledge in quantum photonic system architecture. This expertise will be used to integrate these developments and demonstrate state-of-the-art photon processing efficiencies and reconfigurability within a standard data center rack.

These advancements are necessary for the commercialization of quantum computers to reach advantage over classical computing systems signifying a significant leap toward achieving universal fault-tolerant quantum computing.

As the quantum computing market continues to evolve, the consortium is confident that their innovative SupremeQ solutions will generate considerable interest, driving diverse applications and accelerating the widespread adoption of quantum technologies across industries well beyond the conclusion of the Eurostars program.

Consortium partners share their perspectives on the groundbreaking developments of the project:

"I envision SupremeQ as a symphony of quantum brilliance, with each partner playing a unique instrument," stated Dr. Kurt Stokbro, CEO of Sparrow Quantum. "Together, we're composing a masterpiece that I believe will make some noise around the world."

"The advancements made possible through the SupremeQ project represent a significant leap forward in quantum computing technology," stated Nicolai Walter, CEO of Pixel Photonics. "By combining cutting-edge components and innovative architecture, we will be well-positioned to redefine the boundaries of what is possible in quantum computing."

"We are delighted to announce this new partnership with two other leading European firms," affirmed Richard Murray, CEO of ORCA Computing. "With its unparalleled performance, the outcome of this project will spearhead new frontiers in hybrid quantum-classical computation, driving significant advancements in machine learning and optimization."

"We are thrilled to collaborate with esteemed industry partners on the SupremeQ project, which represents a significant step forward in quantum computing innovation," says Peter Lodahl, Professor at the Niels Bohr Institute.

Explore the SupremeQ project and how it will revolutionize the industry by contacting the consortium partners for more information.

Source 1: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/quantum-computing-market-104855

About ORCA Computing:

ORCA Computing, headquartered in London, UK with offices in the United States and Canada, is a leading developer and provider of full-stack photonic quantum computing systems. Established in 2019 and originating from the University of Oxford, the company provides an innovative approach to photonic quantum computing. Anchored in a modular optical fiber-based architecture, ORCA's proprietary methods of manipulating the time, frequency and switching of single photons paves the way for quantum computing using significantly fewer components. ORCA Computing has successfully delivered numerous on-premises quantum computers to leading customers including the UK Ministry of Defence and the Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center.

For more information, please visit www.orcacomputing.com.

About Pixel Photonics:

Pixel Photonics is a German deep-tech startup that has developed a unique approach to integrate SNSPDs (Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detectors) on a chip waveguide. Pixel Photonics combines the superior features of SNSPDs with the versatility of an integrated photonic platform to provide highly parallelized, efficient and ultra-fast single-photon detection. Waveguide integration enables the use of SNSPDs for photon counting, paving the way for high-performance and scalable photonic quantum computing. The Pixel Photonics team consists of 36 employees from 8 different countries.

Learn more about Pixel Photonics and the WI-SNSPD technology at www.pixelphotonics.com.

About Sparrow Quantum:

Sparrow Quantum, headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, is a leading provider of single-photon components enabling the photonic quantum revolution. Our flagship product, a deterministic single-photon source, sets industry standards and earns acclaim from leading quantum technology groups worldwide. With roots in over two decades of pioneering research at the Niels Bohr Institute, our technology seamlessly integrates with leading photonic quantum computing platforms and communication systems. Our dedication to advancing light-matter interfaces for quantum technologies ensures we deliver essential components for scaling up advanced quantum technology applications in information processing and communication.

Discover more about Sparrow Quantum at www.sparrowquantum.com.

About the Niels Bohr Institute, Copenhagen University:

At the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, we research and teach in a broad spectrum of physics areas: quantum computers and communication, astrophysics, particle physics, computational physics, solid state physics, climate and geophysics, and biophysics. In the past decade, our research in solid-state physics and quantum optics has continuously intensified with several new, large research centres. Among the latest is the Copenhagen Center for Biomedical Quantum Sensing, which will research in the development of ultra-sensitive sensors for the early detection of diseases. Last year, the Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Program was also inaugurated, the goal of which is to develop a fully functional quantum computer within the next 12 years.

For more information, please visit www.nbi.ku.dk.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240313844049/en/

Contacts:

ORCA Computing Media Contact

Juliet McGinnis

juliet@ajllmarketing.com

Pixel Photonics Media Contact

Julia Kleine-Bley

julia.kleine@pixelphotonics.com

Sparrow Quantum Media Contact

Maria Genckel

press@sparrowquantum.com

Niels Bohr Institute Media Contact

Ola Jakup Joensen

joensen@nbi.ku.dk


LEVERKUSEN (dpa-AFX) - Lanxess AG (LNXSF.PK), a German specialty chemicals company, on Thursday registered a wider loss for the fourth-quarter, reflecting reduced sales, weaker demand, and higher costs, due to weak market environment.



The company intends to reduce its annual costs by around 150 million euros from 2025 including 870 job cuts, 460 of which will be in Germany. The agreements have already been signed for most of the job cuts, the company said in a statement.



For the three-month period, the Group posted a net loss of 753 million euros, compared with a loss of 21 million euros, recorded for the same period last year.



Loss from continuing operations moved up to 577 million euros from previous year's loss of 14 million euros.



Loss from discontinued operations stood at 176 million euros as against a loss of 7 million euros in 2022.



EBITDA pre exceptionals or adjusted EBITDA plunged to 97 million euros from 175 million euros a year ago.



Sales slipped to 1.436 billion euros from last year's 1.973 million euros.



For the full year, the Board will pay a dividend of 0.10 euro per share, lesser than last year's 1.05 euros.



Looking ahead, Lanxess expects challenging market environment to continue at least in the first half. The Group consequently foresees no improvement in the first-quarter and expects EBITDA pre exceptionals of up to 100 million euros.



Starting from the second-quarter, the company anticipates a moderate increase in sales volumes.



For full year as a whole, LANXESS expects a moderate increase in EBITDA pre exceptional.



Matthias Zachert, CEO of Lanxess, said that for the full-year 2024, the company however expects earnings to be significantly below the average level of previous years.



Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Groer Dividenden-Report 2024 von Dr. Dennis Riedl Der kostenlose Dividenden-Report zeigt ganz genau, wo Sie in diesem Jahr zuschlagen konnen. Das sind die Favoriten von Borsenprofi Dr. Dennis Riedl Jetzt hier klicken
Sibylla Biotech announced today a drug discovery collaboration with Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (TSE: 4528) that will access Sibylla's cutting-edge Pharmacological Protein Inactivation by Folding Intermediates Targeting (PPI-FIT) technology to identify and develop candidates for multiple therapeutic targets in the field of Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders. Under the terms of the collaboration, Sibylla is entitled to a total deal value in the three-digit millions of U.S. dollars, including upfront payment, research, development and sales milestones, and royalties on sales. Further financial details on the collaboration have not been disclosed.

Sibylla Biotech utilizes its PPI-FIT technology to design Folding Interfering Degraders (FIDs). FIDs are small molecules that induce the degradation of a target protein by interfering with its folding pathway. The technology targets specific proteins, particularly those considered "undruggable" due to the absence of suitable pockets in their native state. Ono Pharmaceutical plans to harness this technology to address some of the most challenging aspects of CNS drug development by targeting proteins involved in complex neurological pathways.

"Sibylla's PPI-FIT technology platform has the potential to surpass the limitations of conventional methods and uncover novel CNS therapeutic targets," said Toichi Takino, Senior Executive Officer/Executive Director, Discovery Research of Ono Pharmaceutical. "This collaboration is a key part of our strategy to increase efficiency in developing our pipeline in CNS areas and bring innovative solutions to patients facing serious neurological disorders."

"Our partnership with Ono Pharmaceutical represents a fusion of Sibylla's cutting-edge technology in protein folding simulation with Ono's extensive experience in CNS research. Together, we aim to unlock new therapeutic possibilities for patients worldwide," commented Lidia Pieri, PhD, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sibylla Biotech. "I am honored to collaborate with the Ono Pharmaceutical team, whose rich history, expertise and culture I greatly appreciate, and all of us at Sibylla look forward to working closely with them."

About Ono Pharmaceutical

Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., headquartered in Osaka, is an R&D-oriented pharmaceutical company committed to creating innovative medicines in specific areas. Ono focuses its research on oncology, immunology, neurology and specialty research with high medical needs as priority areas for discovery and development of innovative medicines.

For further information: https://www.ono-pharma.com/en

About Sibylla Biotech

Sibylla is disrupting the protein degradation landscape by applying a novel mechanism of action that interferes with protein folding and thereby suppresses the expression of a disease-relevant protein. Through its protein folding simulation technology platform, Pharmacological Protein Inactivation by Folding Intermediate Targeting (PPI-FIT), Sibylla identifies relevant and previously inexplorable folding intermediates for protein targets that are currently considered undruggable in their native state. The company is developing a proprietary pipeline of small molecule folding interfering degraders (FIDs) that can address a range of therapeutic areas.

For further information: https://www.sibyllabiotech.it/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314089752/en/

Contacts:

Sibylla Biotech

Lidia Pieri

+39 347 6499534

lidia.pieri@sibyllabiotech.it



Trophic Communications

Valeria Fisher or Dr. Alison Opalko

+49 175 80 41 816 or +49 151 54041130

sibylla@trophic.eu
Michelle Troconis remains in custody after a jury found her guilty in the death and disappearance of New Canaan mother Jennifer Dulos. Connecticut Department of Correction / Contributed Photo

STAMFORD  A Superior Court judge on Thursday ordered Michelle Troconis to remain in Connecticut if she posts a $6 million bond.

Nearly two weeks after being convicted of conspiracy to commit murder in the death and disappearance of Jennifer Dulos, Troconis appeared remotely from York Correctional Institution, donning handcuffs and an orange prison jumper, before Judge Gary White.

The hearing focused on a recent motion by Assistant States Attorney Elizabeth Moran that sought to modify Troconis conditions of release, despite defense attorney Jon Schoenhorns claims that his client has no present ability to post the bond.

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In the motion, Moran asked the court to order Troconis to remain in Connecticut and to undergo intensive probation services should she post bond. The motion also asked the judge to order Troconis to surrender any active or expired passports.

On Thursday, Moran argued that Troconis had provided bail commissioners with an address in Miami Beach, Fla., which she said concerned prosecutors.

That, of course, caused concerns with the state given that we sought to revoke the defendants bond after conviction based on her lack of ties to Connecticut and her ties outside of Connecticut and outside of the country, Moran said.

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Moran said the state would not be able to properly monitor Troconis if she did not live in Connecticut, though bail commissioner Shereen Webley later contradicted her, saying they have done so in the past and would be able to in the future.

Schoenhorn claimed that requiring Troconis to live in Connecticut should she post bond was unconstitutional.

I dont know why were having this hearing. It is a complete waste of time, Schoenhorn said. These issues were raised with Judge (Kevin) Randolph the date of the verdict. We stated on the record and both Your Honor and Judge Randolph knew that Ms. Troconis no longer lived in Connecticut.

Despite Schoenhorns objections, White granted all of the modifications requested by the state.

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Im persuaded by the states argument and Im going to grant the motion, White said before adding that Troconis must also post bond in court, which neither Schoenhorn nor Moran objected to.

The hearing comes about a week after Schoenhorn filed two motions: one asking the judge for a post-trial acquittal and another requesting a new trial.

On March 1, a jury convicted Troconis, 49, of all six counts she faced: Conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of conspiracy to tamper with physical evidence, two counts of tampering with physical evidence and one count of second-degree hindering prosecution.

Troconis, who is being held in lieu of a $6 million bond, is scheduled to be sentenced on May 31. She faces a maximum prison term between 20 years (if her sentences run concurrently) and 50 years (if her sentences run consecutively).

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Schoenhorn told Hearst Connecticut Media Group last week that even if Troconis were to post that bond, it will likely take a while to put together an adequate bond package.

Since Randolph increased Troconis' bond by $4 million after the jury returned the guilty verdict, her family would have to contract with a bondsman for 7 percent of that amount  a payment of about $280,000, Schoenhorn said at the time. They also have the option of paying 10 percent to the court, which means $400,000 in cash, not assets such as real estate, according to Schoenhorn.

If Troconis is released on bond, Randolph ordered that she be under house arrest and GPS monitoring.

Troconis, 49, was accused of creating an alibi for her then-boyfriend Fotis Dulos on the day his estranged wife disappeared on May 24, 2019. Troconis was also accused of helping Fotis Dulos clean a pickup truck that police believe was used in the crime.

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Troconis was first arrested on June 1, 2019, and charged with tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and first-degree hindering prosecution. Those charges were related to the Hartford surveillance footage that captured her with Fotis Dulos making a series of stops along a 4-mile stretch of Albany Avenue the night Jennifer Dulos was reported missing, police said.

The second arrest occurred on Sept. 5, 2019. Troconis turned herself in to state police and was charged with tampering with evidence.

The third arrest occurred on Jan. 7, 2020, when police charged Fotis Dulos, Troconis and attorney Kent Mawhinney in connection with Jennifer Dulos' homicide. Fotis Dulos faced new charges of murder and kidnapping, while Troconis and Mawhinney were each charged with conspiracy to commit murder.

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In August 2020, the state filed more charges against Troconis, including two additional counts of conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence. Prosecutors also removed one charge of first-degree hindering prosecution and added a second-degree hindering prosecution charge.
Deal value up to US$1.05 billion

Novo Holdings co-led Series A financing in Amolyt, supported additional financings and is Amolyt's largest investor

Acquisition validates Novo Holdings' strategy to identify and invest long term in high quality European biotech companies

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Novo Holdings A/S, a leading international life sciences investor, today announced that its portfolio company Amolyt Pharma ("Amolyt"), has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by AstraZeneca at a purchase price of US$800 million upfront and a potential milestone payment of US$250 million.

Based in Lyon, France and Boston, US, Amolyt is building on its team's established expertise to deliver life-changing treatments to patients suffering from rare endocrine and related diseases. Amolyt's clinical pipeline includes differentiated therapeutic peptides for the treatment of underserved rare endocrine disease. Its lead asset eneboparatide (AZP-3601) is an investigational daily subcutaneous injectable parathyroid hormone receptor 1 (PTHR1) agonist for the treatment of hypoparathyroidism, that is currently in Phase 3.

Novo Holdings co-led the Series A financing in 2019 when eneboparatide was still at preclinical stage, and continued to support the company through its follow-on Series B and Series C investments. This investment highlights Novo Holdings' evergreen structure and its ability to take a long-term view to advance science and medicine for the benefit of society, supporting early stage companies to advance programmes all the way through to late stage development.

Naveed Siddiqi, Board Director of Amolyt and Senior Partner at Novo Holdings, said: "Amolyt is a great example of a high quality European company created to address an underserved area of high unmet medical need and led by a highly capable management team that has a clear track record of biotech success. As a long-standing shareholder and active Board member, Novo Holdings is extremely proud to support Amolyt to rapidly advance its pipeline from pre-clinical to Phase3 development including the in-licensing of additional assets in less than five years."

Pierre Legault, Chairman of Amolyt Pharma's Board of Directors, added "Today's announcement recognizes the significant value we have built for our shareholders and patients. We are confident that with Alexion, Astra-Zeneca Rare Disease our innovative science will be even better positioned to ultimately reach patients with rare diseases around the world."

About Novo Holdings

Novo Holdings is a holding and investment company that is responsible for managing the assets and the wealth of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The purpose of Novo Holdings is to improve people's health and the sustainability of society and the planet by generating attractive long-term returns on the assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

Wholly owned by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, Novo Holdings is the controlling shareholder of Novo Nordisk A/S and Novozymes A/S and manages an investment portfolio, with a long-term return perspective. Novo Holdings is a world-leading life sciences investor. Through its Seeds, Venture, Growth, and Principal Investments teams, Novo Holdings invests in life science companies at all stages of development.

About Novo Holdings Venture Investments

The Novo Holdings Venture Investments team is one of the largest and most active international life science venture investors with a track record of over 20 years investing in novel therapies. The Venture Investments portfolio includes both private and publicly traded investments in the biotech, medtech and digital health sectors, and spans early-stage, translatable science through commercial stage products. Novo Holdings' evergreen structure enables the Venture Investments team to take a long- term view to advance science and medicine for the benefit of society. Venture Investments operates globally with teams based in San Francisco, Boston, London, and Copenhagen. In 2023, Venture Investments returned $600 million to the Novo Nordisk Foundation, including proceeds from the sale of five portfolio companies to acquirers.

About Amolyt Pharma

Amolyt Pharma, a clinical stage biotechnology company, is building on its team's established expertise to deliver life-changing treatments to patients suffering from rare endocrine and related diseases. Its development portfolio includes eneboparatide (AZP-3601), a long-acting PTH1 receptor agonist as a potential treatment for hypoparathyroidism, and AZP-3813, a peptide growth hormone receptor antagonist for the potential treatment of acromegaly. Amolyt Pharma aims to further expand and develop its portfolio by leveraging its global network in the field of endocrinology and with support from a strong syndicate of international investors. To learn more, visit https://amolytpharma.com/ or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/novo-holdings-portfolio-company-amolyt-pharma-enters-into-definitive-agreement-to-be-acquired-by-astrazeneca-302089163.html
GUANGZHOU, China, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MAXHUB, a leading provider of collaborative communication and interactive display solutions, proudly announces it will integrate Microsoft Azure technology. MAXHUB will harness the power of Azure to significantly amplify its international business growth and further AI technology advancements.

Amidst expanding global business horizons, MAXHUB integrates with Microsoft Azure to empower itself by meeting the surging needs for scalable cloud computing and storage. MAXHUB seamlessly shares data across multiple global data centers using the robust capabilities of Azure Cosmos DB and Blob Storage. By segregating foundational business data from personal privacy data and integrating with Azure Kubernetes Services, MAXHUB have established a globally distributed architecture for deploying key services like OTA (Over-The-Air) and CMS (Content management system). This setup is tailored for MAXHUB operational management within a worldwide scope. Not only does this enhance the research and operational efficiency, but it also effectively aligns with the data compliance regulations of various regions.

MAXHUB's integration of Azure services will support its global business and drive it forward, helping users move into a new era of more efficient and high-quality service experiences. In addition, this move will promote MAXHUB's innovative development in the field of artificial intelligence, which in turn will enhance user's interactive experience with smarter and more comprehensive technology solutions.

"We are preparing to harness Azure OpenAI features to explore AI applications in education. Our aim is to assist teachers in lesson planning and curriculum evaluation by integrating AI capabilities." Said David Meng, President of Global Business Group at MAXHUB. "Our objective is to nurture a high efficient and intelligent ecosystem where creativity flourishes into meaningful human interactions. Microsoft Azure's offerings align strategically with our vision and will establish a solid foundation for our success in global markets."

At present, the global demand for cloud computing and AI services is growing. MAXHUB's application and exploration of Microsoft Azure will provide users with a solid technical foundation and empower businesses with cutting-edge technology. "Microsoft is committed to empowering our customers and partners with supreme solutions that drive productivity and enrich collaborative experiences." Said Min ZHENG, Vice President of Microsoft China.

For further details, kindly explore MAXHUB's and Microsoft's websites.

About MAXHUB

MAXHUB is an industry leader in smart displays and audiovisual technology, focusing on communication and collaboration. As an R&D-led organization, they develop a range of industry-leading solutions that help keep people seamlessly connected and make teamwork more efficient and effective.

For more information about the MAXHUB, visit www.maxhub.com .

Find us on:

LinkedIn

Facebook

YouTube

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/maxhub-to-build-advanced-ai-solutions-with-microsoft-azure-cloud-to-drive-global-business-growth-302089144.html
Der kostenlose Dividenden-Report zeigt ganz genau, wo Sie in diesem Jahr zuschlagen konnen. Das sind die Favoriten von Borsenprofi Dr. Dennis Riedl

LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Fintech firm IG Group Holdings plc (IGG.L) Thursday said its Chief Financial Officer Charlie Rozes will be stepping down from the role to pursue other opportunities. In addition, Jon Noble, Chief Operating Officer, will be leaving his role as Executive Director with immediate effect. Rozes will remain as CFO and Executive Director until July 31. IG Group said the process to identify his successor is underway. Noble will remain with the business for a short period to ensure an orderly transition. He joined IG in 2000 and has served on the Board since 2018. Mike McTighe, Chairman, said 'Charlie has made an outstanding contribution to the Company's growth in his role as CFO and more recently as Acting CEO. We thank Jon for his long service and the pivotal role he has played in positioning IG as the global market leader in our industry.' Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
The Consumer Home Delivery Report, sponsored by nShift, examines the influential trends and sentiment relating to the post-purchase shopping experience

LONDON, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Almost 60% of shoppers said a good delivery experience has directly encouraged them to purchase again, according to a new report by IMRG.

The Consumer Home Delivery Report, sponsored by nShift, examines every aspect of the delivery and returns experience for shoppers. It covers a range of topics from cart abandonment to delivery expectations and returns preferences. It concludes that consumers today benchmark the quality of their post-purchase shopping experience on three distinct factors:

Convenience - A range of ecommerce delivery choices that are convenient for consumers is vital. For over half (54%) of the respondents, a key concern is missing attempted deliveries while they are out. Meanwhile, 64% agreed that the ability to choose a specific day for delivery is very important Clarity - Nearly three quarters (74%) of consumers expect to see clear delivery and returns information prior to ordering Communication - 80% of shoppers want access to online order tracking. When asked about what would improve the returns experience, 87% of those questioned said getting confirmation that their return parcel has been received was most important to them

Sean Sherwin-Smith, Product Director Post-Purchase at nShift, said: "Customers need to feel as though they're in control, as from the moment they part with their money, until the delivery arrives, often choosing to stick with the brands that provide the best experience. In today's digital era, expectations are higher than ever when it comes to the online shopping experiences, and it is no surprise that shoppers crave clarity, communication, and convenience at every stage."

Andy Mulcahy, Strategy & Insight Director at IMRG, said: "Each year the role of delivery and returns is becoming more important to customers. They want to know where their order is at all times and expect a seamless connection from the moment they hit the buy button to the time that they're happy with the exchange."

In the report, nShift offers five top tips for retailers when it comes to delivering the best possible post-purchase experience:

Provide and clearly display a range of delivery options at checkout - some shoppers seek swift deliveries. For others, price is paramount. Offering a range of options at checkout increases conversions. But it's essential that these options are clearly and intuitively badged Enable multi-carrier deliveries - during busy periods, it's crucial that retailers ensure they can keep their promises. This is best achieved through relationships with multiple carrier companies and a book and print capability connecting them to the business Maximise delivery success - giving shoppers the opportunity to identify and choose alternative Out Of Home (OOH) collection options is a welcome alternative to having to wait at home for a delivery. Parcel shops, parcel lockers and stores themselves offer shoppers a more substantial choice Keep in touch - relevant communication keeps the customer engaged and helps contain any negative feedback. If a retailer distributes communication in their own look and feel, it helps build the brand at a time when shoppers are most engaged. This makes it easier to remarket to shoppers Make returns easy - countless consumers simply won't complete their purchase if it's not clear how they can return a product. Operating a simple digital returns process gives shoppers confidence in the brand. It also makes it easier for the retailer to track patterns and work out why items are being sent back. This can reduce the volume of returns

Sherwin-Smith concluded: "Research shows that frequent shoppers are 2.5 times more likely than occasional buyers to take their business elsewhere when something goes wrong with the delivery. This means that when the delivery experience falls short, a retailer's best customers are the most likely to shop around. But a great customer experience at each stage of the delivery journey can encourage repeat purchase."

The Consumer Home Delivery Report is now available for download from IMRG. For more information on how nShift can help maximise your delivery and returns proposition, please visit www.nshift.com.

Survey methodology

The Consumer Home Delivery research tracks the opinions of 1000 UK customers, aged 18-65+, year-after-year, enabling IMRG to establish a comprehensive view of customers' sentiment towards delivery and returns services. To date, IMRG has fifteen years of trend lines, making them best placed to provide industry benchmarks that reveal top strategies for improving the post-purchase experience. The insights also help retailers to identify future consumer needs.

The research was completed in October 2023.

About nShift

nShift is the global leading provider of cloud delivery management solutions enabling frictionless shipment and return of almost one billion shipments across 190 countries annually. nShift's software is used globally by e-commerce, retail, manufacturing and 3PL shippers. The company is headquartered in London and Oslo. It has over 500 employees across offices in Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, United Kingdom, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Romania.

About IMRG

IMRG helps their members understand and improve their online retail performance through a busy programme of performance benchmarking, data analysis, insight, best practice-sharing, and events. They have been tracking online sales since 2000 - and now measure over 120 individual metrics in a series of indexes, providing in-depth intelligence on online and mobile sales, delivery trends, marketing ROI and channel performance.

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SRETT, a French company specialising in remote monitoring based on connected objects, is adding new features to its Vestalis solution to make providing comprehensive care for respiratory patients treated at home easier

PARIS, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In the fast-growing home-treatment market, SRETT has developed Vestalis, an innovative SaaS solution enabling healthcare professionals to monitor an active queue of patients remotely. Vestalis' strengths include its clinical performance, easy deployment, compatibility with all communicating medical devices on the market and smart algorithms to support decision-making.

In 2024, SRETT is creating an offer based on Vestalis aimed at digitising every stage of the care path for people suffering from sleep apnoea or respiratory failure, for both clinical or administrative and logistical aspects. To do so, SRETT will make use of open-source business management software, while giving customers the option to interface Vestalis with their own ERP system. By 2025, they envisage adding new features and other therapeutic areas.

More than 80,000 patients are monitored using Vestalis in six European countries and Japan. In France, Vestalis is referenced by the UniHA cooperative, certified by the Agence du numerique en sante (ANS, French agency for digital technology in healthcare) and is benefiting from the favourable circumstances for deploying remote medical monitoring, reimbursed under common law since 1 July 2023.

"Managing respiratory diseases at home requires implementing efficient interoperable solutions that facilitate communication between a wide range of healthcare professionals. Administrative and logistical management can prove very time-consuming. Vestalis uses technology to boost efficiency and free up medical time," says Philippe Salamitou, founder and CEO of SRETT.

On the strength of double-digit annual growth, SRETT - now a pure player in the healthcare sector after making its industry branch independent - is aiming to establish itself as a leader in digitising homecare paths using connected objects.

About SRETT

SRETT is a French company founded in 2004, specialising in communicating solutions for the healthcare sector. It uses the most innovative technologies to create remote monitoring systems that are easy to deploy and require little infrastructure. SRETT provides its expertise to more than 200 partners in Europe and Japan.

For more information about SRETT: www.srett.com.

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Media contact:

Service Communication

communication@srett.com

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Ampace will unveil new solution at Booth T1-238, Hall 1.2, National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai

SHANGHAI, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ampace, a world-renowned supplier of lithium batteries, will introduce its latest innovation, the Jumbo-Power (JP) series of cylindrical batteries, at the 37th China International Hardware Fair. Taking place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, the event, known as the 'Hardware Fair,' serves as a platform for industry-leaders to unveil their latest solutions, and Ampace is set to make a significant impact with its groundbreaking battery technology.

As a leader in the new energy sector, Ampace has remained committed to pioneering independent innovation. Its mission is rooted in delivering lithium battery solutions characterized by "ultimate safety, reliability, performance, and user experience," driving the advancement of product strength.

With a focus on enhancing the user experience, Ampace has identified and addressed the performance bottlenecks in lithium batteries. Introducing the Jumbo-Power (JP) series, Ampace is ushering in a new era of energy solutions that balance ultra-high-rate performance and unwavering safety and stability.

The JP series integrates Ampace's extensive R&D and manufacturing capabilities, incorporating multiple innovations across material and structural levels. The result is a comprehensive suite of enhancements encompassing high C-rate, increased capacity, and prolonged lifespan.

At the forefront of Ampace's showcase is the "JP40 Cylindrical Lithium-ion Battery", which leads the global market in mass production. This groundbreaking battery sets new benchmarks in encompassing high C-rate, increased capacity, and prolonged lifespan to a wide range of leading global power tool brands.

As Ampace prepares to unveil its lithium battery solutions for power tools at the upcoming fair, the company invites industry stakeholders to witness firsthand the transformative potential of the Jumbo-Power series. With each innovation, Ampace reaffirms its commitment to driving progress and reshaping the future of energy.

Ampace will showcase its cutting-edge lithium battery solutions for power tools at the upcoming hardware fair. Join the company on March 20th at booth T1-238 in Hall 1.2 of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) to discover how Ampace's innovative technology is transforming the industry. Product releases will also be featured on Ampace's YouTube channel. Feel free to follow us for the latest updates and stay informed: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCADU3MFKVJQA4fl8xbMS7EA

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 CETIN Group revenue excluding international transit up 12% year-on-year to EUR 1,027 million Operating income (EBITDA) reached EUR 728 million, up 15% year-on-year Group invests significantly in developing state-of-the-art 5G mobile technology and building fibre networks - capital investment reached EUR 376 millionCETIN Group, the leading telecommunications infrastructure operator in the CEE region, announces its consolidated financial results for the year 2023.The Group, which operates in Czechia, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Serbia, recorded a 12% increase in revenue (excluding international voice transit) compared to last year, reaching EUR 1,027 million. The key EBITDA indicator (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation) increased by 15% to EUR 728 million.CETIN Group continues to invest in the development of new technologies across all markets in which it operates - the Group's capital investment (CAPEX) reached EUR 376 million in 2023. This reflects the major investments in the development of state-of-the-art 5G mobile networks and the expansion of the fibre network in Czechia.This trend was further complemented by the acquisition Nej.cz, one of the leading Czech internet service providers. CETIN Czechia thus acquired access to half a million households in several regions of the country, including high-speed fibre optics connections."Our strong financial performance is a confirmation that we are the technology partner of choice for mobile operators, internet providers, and end-to-end data services providers. We are further committed to the development of state-of-the-art networks and next-generation connectivity services while respecting the principles of environmentally and socially responsible business," said Juraj Sedivy, CEO of CETIN Group.Media contact:Ctibor JappelHead of Group External Communication+420 724 594 084ctibor.jappel@cetin.cz media@cetin.euCETIN Group and its companies are wholesale providers of fixed and mobile telecommunications infrastructure to all operators on equal and transparent footing. CETIN was formed in 2015 after a successful structural separation of O2 Czech Republic. In 2020, a similar separation of retail and infrastructure business of three Telenor branded operators occurred in Bulgaria, Hungary and Serbia, making the CETIN Group one of the CEE's largest wholesale providers of telecommunications infrastructure services. CETIN Group is part of the international investment group PPF.PPF Group operates in 25 countries, investing in financial services, telecommunications, media, e-commerce, and other sectors, including real estate, biotechnology and transportation. PPF Group's geographical reach spans Europe, North America, Asia and Africa. The Group owns assets valued at EUR 43.5 billion and employs 52,000 people globally (30 June 2023).
Boasts Over 100 Billion Cubic Meters Capacity, Enhances Southwestern China's Clean Energy Supply

BEIJING, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (HKG: 0386, "Sinopec") has announced that the West Sichuan Gas Field, Sinopec's third 100-billion-cubic-meter submarine natural gas field in the Sichuan basin, has been completed, marking another major milestone for its Project Deep Earth - Sichuan and Chongqing Natural Gas Base. The new gas field, with an annual output of 2 billion cubic meters of natural gas and 130,000 tons of sulfur, is set to provide more clean energy for Southwestern China and the regions along the Sichuan-East pipeline.

The Sichuan Basin, rich in natural gas resources, has been the focus of Sinopec's deep-sea oil and gas exploration since 2000, which led to the discovery of the Puguang and Yuanba gas fields. Later, Sinopec Southwest Petroleum Bureau unveiled the formation mechanism and enrichment regularities of the tidal flat facies dolomite gas reservoir and, in 2014, detected the West Sichuan Gas Field, which holds proven geological reserves of over 100 billion cubic meters.

Sinopec overcame challenges such as low porosity and permeability in the West Sichuan Gas Field by pioneering engineering solutions, resulting in high yields with fewer wells. Innovations include a new anti-collapse drilling fluid system and advanced technologies for controlling borehole trajectories in ultra-deep wells over 8,000 meters. Their segmentation technology for ultra-long horizontal wells is now considered world-leading, significantly enhancing the productivity and reserve extraction of individual wells.

The West Sichuan Gas Field, designed and built by Sinopec, features integrated gas extraction and desulfurization processes, ensuring closed-loop desulfurization and efficient green production. The gas field boasts natural gas sulfur recovery rates of over 99.9% and produces gas that meets national standards while ensuring zero wastewater discharge. Additionally, it implements smart technology to enhance safety, risk control, and operation management, reducing carbon emissions.

Sinopec has significantly developed gas reserves in the Sichuan Basin, including the Puguang and Yuanba sour gas fields with over 100 billion cubic meters each, and the Fuling and Weirong shale gas fields, the former being China's first shale gas field that has 10 billion cubic meters of output, the latter holding more than 100 billion cubic meters in reserves. The company has nearly 3 trillion cubic meters of gas reserves in the basin, achieving an annual output of 26 billion cubic meters and a total production exceeding 200 billion cubic meters.

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COPENHAGEN, Denmark, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BioInnovation Institute (BII), an international non-profit foundation, incubating and accelerating world-class life science research, today announces that it has accepted a new project into its Bio Studio program to develop a small RNA-based platform technology for treating monogenic diseases caused by reduced protein levels, primarily haploinsufficiency disorders, which constitute a significant unmet medical need. The project, named smartRNA will be led by Sren Lykke-Andersen.

The approach to achieve this involves delivering an engineered small artificial (smart)RNA into the cell, where it assembles with endogenous protein co-factors to form an enzymatic complex. The smartRNA is customizable, designed to specifically target the disease-associated healthy pool of mRNA for stabilization. This stabilization delays mRNA degradation, allowing additional rounds of translation, resulting in increased levels of the functional protein. The technology has platform potential, as it leverages a universal small RNA pathway to target generic mRNA features.

Thus, the aim of the smartRNA project in BII's Bio Studio program is to leverage this proprietary technology to develop treatments for currently untreatable disorders caused by haploinsufficiency or other monogenic diseases caused by reduced protein activity.

BII will support the project with an in-kind grant of up to 1M EUR per year for a project period of up to three years as well as with business development expertise, intellectual property support, access to investor network, and both wet lab and office infrastructure.

During the 3-year BII Bio Studio program, the objective of smartRNA is to deliver an in vitro proof-of-concept, a pseudo in vivo proof-of-principle, and in vitro benchmarking against established technologies.

Principal Investigator Sren Lykke-Andersen is a Senior Scientist at Aarhus University (AU), working at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. He leads a research group focused on RNA therapeutics and has extensive expertise in studying RNA, including practical laboratory work, advanced computational analysis of complex data sets, and more than 15 years of experience supervising students and technicians.

Sren Lykke-Andersen, Principal Investigator at the Aarhus University said: "There are around 350 confirmed and many more predicted haploinsufficiency diseases, including many serious conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, and developmental disorders. Thus, there is a high unmet medical need to develop effective methods to treat monogenic diseases caused by reduced protein levels, primarily haploinsufficiency disorders. With the support of BII, we will be able to translate our research into a superior customizable small RNA-based platform technology to achieve this".

Anja Mlhart Hg, Entrepreneur-in-Residence heading up the smartRNA project, added: "We are excited to welcome the smartRNA project to BII's Bio Studio program. smartRNA is addressing an area with a significant unmet need - for the vast majority of haploinsufficiency diseases, there is a lack of disease-modifying treatment options. This innovative approach has the potential to transform the treatment landscape for haploinsufficiency diseases and to make a significant societal impact, offering hope and improved outcomes for patients worldwide through personalized medicine and precision therapeutics for rare diseases".

Read more about the smartRNA project here.

The Bio Studio program is a recently established BII program with the ambition to build and run a leading life science company creation facility in Europe. This latest project joins collaborations announced last year with KU Leuven, University of Copenhagen, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Imperial College London, and Institute of Protein Design at University of Washington.

Since its inception in 2018, BII has supported 100 start-ups and projects with EUR 97 million alongside the venture capital, industry and business expertise it provides to help them accelerate to the next level. In total, BII's start-ups have raised over EUR 428 million in external funding from both local and international investors. Recent company successes include Embark Laboratories, Adcendo, Stipe Therapeutics, Twelve Bio, Octarine Bio, and Cirqle Biomedical.

Read more about the Bio Studio program here.

About the BioInnovation Institute Foundation:

At BioInnovation Institute (BII), we accelerate world-class life science start-up innovation for the benefit of people and society. As a non-profit institute, BII operates the company creation programs, Bio Studio, Venture Lab and Venture House, to support life science start-ups with knowledge, network, infrastructure and funding of up to 3M EUR per projects and 1,8 M EUR per start-up. With our expertise, network, funding, and infrastructure, we empower startups to succeed and believe in the transformative power of life science innovation. Read more on www.bioinnovationinstitute.com

About Aarhus University

Established in 1928, Aarhus University has since developed into a major Danish university with a strong international reputation across the entire research spectrum. Rooted in strong disciplines, researchers and students have been generating new knowledge for over 90 years. Aarhus University is Denmark's second-largest university, with 38,000 students, five faculties, research activities all over the country and campuses in Aarhus, Herning and Emdrup. Research and education of the highest international quality are at the core of its mission, and strong partnerships with our society are at the heart of our activities. Thanks to its size and reputation as a leading research-intensive university, Aarhus University has strong impact and influence across the entire spectrum of disciplines, locally, nationally and globally.

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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 14, 2024) - Exploits Discovery Corp. (CSE: NFLD) (OTCQB: NFLDF) (FSE: 634) ("Exploits" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has identified four new exploration target areas proximal to the Appleton Fault structure which transects its Bullseye gold property, located in Central Newfoundland. The Company is also releasing its drilling results from an initial, 12-hole program, testing the potential strike extension of New Found Gold Corp.'s ("NFG") Jackpot gold zone announced in 2023.

Highlights:

Four new target areas have been identified on the Bullseye gold property. All four are located within a kilometre of NFG's recent exploration success at Everest, Honeypot, K2 and now Vegas gold zones located along of Appleton Fault Zone. Target Area A: This area covers the interpreted extension of the east-trending structure crossing onto the Company's Bullseye claim from NFG's Honeypot gold zone (with intercepts such as 26.0 g/t Au over 7.65 metres core-length - see NFG news release January 10, 2024). See "A" in Figure 1. Target Area B: Covers an area where the interpreted eastward-trending extension of NFG's Everest gold zone (with intercepts such as 36.7 g/t Au over 3.7 metres core length - see NFG news release May 10, 2023) crosses onto the Bullseye property. Exploits' drill hole BE-23-028 (August 14, 2023) intersected a cluster of quartz veins, hosting gold mineralization (which has been interpreted by Exploits) that cuts a portion of Everest's eastern strike extension of its mineralized system. See "B" in Figure 1. Target Area C: Approximately 250 metres north of NFG's K2 gold zone on the western flank, or 'side', of the Appleton Fault Zone remains untested by drilling. Exploits' high-resolution geophysical surveys (VLF-EM and Magnetics) coupled with 2023's LiDAR airborne mapping suggest the presence of east-west trending lineaments. NFG's K2 gold zone discovery was most recently updated with intercepts such as 27.5 g/t Au over seven metres - see NFG news release January 31, 2024. See "C" in Figure 1. Target Area D: Located approximately 650 metres northeast of NFG's Lotto gold zone, LiDAR indicates structural complexity which also highlights a potential for gold traps. See "D" in Figure 1.

The Company's initial 2024 drilling campaign was completed in February, totaling 2,509 metres over 12 drill holes. This program successfully intersected a structural zone, displaying similar characteristics to NFG's Jackpot gold zone, with associated local quartz veining and sections of elevated arsenic and antimony values. The grade intersected in drill hole BE-24-006 correlates with Exploits interpreted extension of NFG's Honeypot gold zone indicating the potential for additional mineralization along this trend. See Table 1 and 2 for results.

Jeff Swinoga, President and CEO, commented, "Within the past 12 months, NFG has announced five new gold discoveries (Everest, K2, Jackpot, Honeypot and Vegas) occurring along the Appleton Fault Zone; two of these are located within 100 metres of our Bullseye property border. This highlights how this area around the Appleton Fault Zone has been heating up with gold discoveries and we intend to continue advancing and pursuing our own gold targets in this same area. Our initial 2024 phase one drill program validated our structural interpretation, and our core loggers observed similar complex structural patterns and vein-developments as NFG's Jackpot, however without similar gold assay results. We now believe that hole 6 hit the extension of NFG's Honeypot gold zone. We are very encouraged by these new targets and will continue to execute on this year's exploration plans, which are focused on our Bullseye and our much larger Gazeebow South property."





Figure 1: Map displays new gold target areas on the Bullseye property.



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Jackpot Extension Drilling Results

The initial 2024 drilling campaign was completed in early February, totaling 2,509 metres over 12 drill holes. This program successfully intersected a structural zone, displaying similar characteristics to NFG's Jackpot gold zone, with associated local quartz veining and sections of elevated arsenic and antimony values. The grade intersected in drill hole BE-24-006 correlates with Exploits interpreted extension of NFG's Honeypot gold zone indicating the potential for additional mineralization along this trend. See Table 1 and 2 for results.





Photo 1 (Left) : Example of multiphase vein development within deformed sediments. NQ sized core from hole BE-24-012 at approximately 67 metres depth down hole.

Photo 2 (Right) : Example of local vein placement proximal to the targeted splay structure. NQ sized core from hole BE-24-011 at 172 metres depth down hole.

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Table 1: 2024 Bullseye diamond drilling selected assays.

2024 Bullseye Drilling - Selected Assays

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Vertical Depth (m) Below Surface Analysis Method Au Assay (ppb)* Au Assay (g/t)

BE-24-006 208.00 209.00 1.00 143 m Screen-Met 571.77 0.57 AND 213.90 214.30 0.40 146 m Screen-Met 1,107.83 1.11

*Assays reported direct from the Lab certificate. Screen-Met. samples are 'Weighted Averaged ppb' as calculated from the Lab. All intersections are core intervals and do not represent true thickness

BE-24-001 to BE-24-005 and BE-24-007 to BE-24-012 yielded no significant gold values.

Table 2 : 2024 Bullseye collar information.

Bullseye - Collar Information for Reported Drill Holes

Hole ID Easting Northing Elevation (m) Azimuth Dip Length (m) BE-24-001 659609 5429883 72 330 -45 150 BE-24-002 659615 5429928 71 330 -45 124 BE-24-003 659657 5429878 72 315 -45 202 BE-24-004 659613 5429883 72 0 -45 253 BE-24-005 659621 5429920 71 0 -45 256 BE-24-006 659609 5429985 70 0 -45 267 BE-24-007 659669 5429872 72 0 -45 214 BE-24-008 659766 5430036 73 300 -45 175 BE-24-009 659772 5430034 74 10 -45 202 BE-24-010 659812 5430027 78 300 -45 199 BE-24-011 659813 5430036 77 10 -45 250 BE-24-012 659772 5429986 76 300 -45 217

Coordinates Reported in NAD-83

Bullseye Gold Property

The Bullseye claims were staked by Exploits in September 2022, and are contiguous to the several high-grade gold targets actively being drilled by both NFG and Labrador Gold. The claims are considered by the Company's geologists to be highly prospective because they directly overlay a 1,200 by 800 metre segment of the Appleton Fault Zone and its related splay structures. Over a dozen exploration drill rigs have been employed by the three companies operating within this structural-stratigraphic setting over the past four years.

National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure

Ken Tylee, P.Geo., VP of Exploration with Exploits, is a qualified person within the Provinces of Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Tylee has reviewed and approved the technical information presented herein.

About Exploits Discovery Corp.

Exploits is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition and development of mineral projects in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The Company is focused on discovering high-grade structurally hosted epizonal gold similar to NFG's success along the Appleton Fault Zone and parallel structures within the Exploits Subzone.

Exploits is utilizing its experienced, talented local team and geologic understanding with the vision to become one of the most successful explorers in Canada.

On Behalf of the Board

/s/ "Jeff Swinoga"

President and CEO

For more information, please contact:

Shanda Kilborn

VP, Corporate Development & Investor Relations

+1 (778) 819-2708

investors@exploits.gold

https://exploitsdiscovery.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this news release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected including, but not limited to, market conditions, availability of financing, actual results of the Company's exploration and other activities, environmental risks, future metal prices, operating risks, accidents, labor issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry. All the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those in our continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances save as required by applicable law.

Acknowledgments

Exploits Discovery would like to acknowledge the financial support of the Junior Exploration Assistance Program from the Department of Natural Resources, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/201661

SOURCE: Exploits Discovery Corp.
"Although ending legacy admissions is not a fix-all solution, the Connecticut state legislature now finds itself with a rare opportunity to take meaningful steps towards ensuring meritocratic admissions via a single act," Birikti Kahsai, a first-year student and member of the Yale College Council, testified.

Many Connecticut colleges and universities have come out against banning legacy admissions, arguing the state shouldn't interfere in admissions decisions at private institutions.

"We strongly believe admissions decisions should remain within the purview of each university, guided by our institutions' unique missions, values, goals and commitment to not only academic excellence but inclusive excellence as well," Jennifer Anderson, an administrator at Fairfield University, told lawmakers.
AstraZeneca will acquire Amolyt Pharma for up to $1.05 billion; deal expected to close by the third quarter of 2024

Sofinnova Partners co-led Amolyt's last private financing round of $138 million in January 2023

Sofinnova Partners ("Sofinnova"), a leading European life sciences venture capital firm based in Paris, London, and Milan, today announced that its portfolio company, Amolyt Pharma, a global, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of therapeutic peptides for rare endocrine and related diseases has entered into a definitive agreement with AstraZeneca for its acquisition, with an upfront purchase price of $800 million and a potential milestone payment of $250 million.

"We are proud of the remarkable achievements of our team, developing a therapeutic portfolio tackling unmet needs for rare endocrine and related diseases. Last year's Series C financing laid the foundation for the momentum with eneboparatide, propelling us forward to partner with Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, to bring innovative therapies to patients with rare endocrinology diseases globally. We are thankful to Sofinnova Partners and all the investors for their continued confidence in our team and for their support of our strategy," said Thierry Abribat, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Amolyt Pharma.

"Congratulations to the Amolyt team on its proposed acquisition by AstraZeneca. Leading Amolyt's Series C financing round in January 2023 was an honor. This milestone demonstrates Sofinnova's investment thesis in action, showcasing our commitment to supporting innovative European companies during their critical growth stage. In Amolyt's case, it exemplifies our commitment to supporting a company developing groundbreaking solutions in a later stage of development for rare disease patients," noted Cedric Moreau, Partner with the Sofinnova Crossover Strategy.

"This marks our second successful exit within the past year, reaffirming the strength of our Crossover Strategy and our longstanding presence in the endocrinology space. Thierry, is a visionary leader and embodies the serial biotech entrepreneurs we partner with," added Antoine Papiernik, Managing Partner Chairman of Sofinnova Partners.

Marc Dunoyer, Chief Executive Officer, Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, said: "Chronic hypoparathyroid patients face a significant need for an alternative to current supportive therapies, which do not address the underlying hormone deficiency. As leaders in rare disease, Alexion is uniquely positioned to drive the late-stage development and global commercialisation of eneboparatide, which has the potential to lessen the often debilitating impact of low parathyroid hormone and avoid the risks of high-dose calcium supplementation. We believe this programme, together with Amolyt's talented team, expertise, and earlier pipeline, will enable our expansion into rare endocrinology."

Amolyt's clinical pipeline includes differentiated therapeutic peptides for the treatment of underserved rare endocrine disease. Eneboparatide (AZP-3601) is an investigational daily subcutaneous injectable parathyroid hormone receptor 1 (PTHR1) agonist for the treatment of hypoparathyroidism, that is currently in Phase 3. AZP-3813 is a peptide growth hormone receptor antagonist for the potential treatment of acromegaly that is in Phase 1.

Terms of the agreement

Under the terms of the agreement, AstraZeneca will acquire all of Amolyt Pharma's outstanding shares for a total consideration of up to $1.05B, on a cash and debt free basis. This includes $800 million upfront at deal closing, plus the right for Amolyt Pharma's shareholders to receive an additional contingent payment of $250 million payable upon achievement of a specified regulatory milestone.

Subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions in the acquisition agreement, including regulatory clearances, the transaction is expected to close by the end of the third quarter of 2024.

Centerview Partners LLC and Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE acted as financial advisors to Amolyt, and Cooley LLP and Jones Day acted as legal counsels for Amolyt and its shareholders.

About Amolyt Pharma

Amolyt Pharma, a clinical stage biotechnology company, is building on its team's established expertise to deliver life-changing treatments to patients suffering from rare endocrine and related diseases. Its development portfolio includes eneboparatide (AZP-3601), a long-acting PTH1 receptor agonist as a potential treatment for hypoparathyroidism, and AZP-3813, a peptide growth hormone receptor antagonist for the potential treatment of acromegaly. Amolyt Pharma aims to further expand and develop its portfolio by leveraging its global network in the field of endocrinology and with support from a strong syndicate of international investors. To learn more, visit https://amolytpharma.com/ or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Sofinnova Partners

Sofinnova Partners is a leading European venture capital firm in life sciences, specializing in healthcare and sustainability. Based in Paris, London and Milan, the firm brings together a team of professionals from all over the world with strong scientific, medical and business expertise. Sofinnova Partners is a hands-on company builder across the entire value chain of life sciences investments, from seed to later-stage. The firm actively partners with ambitious entrepreneurs as a lead or cornerstone investor to develop transformative innovations that have the potential to positively impact our collective future.

Founded in 1972, Sofinnova Partners is a deeply established venture capital firm in Europe, with 50 years of experience backing over 500 companies and creating market leaders around the globe. Today, Sofinnova Partners has over 2.5 billion under management. For more information, please visit: sofinnovapartners.com.

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Contacts:

Bommy Lee

Head of Communications

Sofinnova Partners

blee@sofinnovapartners.com

+33 (0) 6 47 71 38 11

France

StrategiesImage

Anne Rein

anne.rein@strategiesimage.com

+33 (0) 6 03 35 92 05

Italy

Havas PR Milan

Pierluigi Cavarai

pierluigi.cavaraiext@havaspr.com

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Data presented showcases clinical utility of NavDx for patients with HPV-driven anal cancer

Naveris, Inc., the leader in precision oncology diagnostics for viral-induced cancers, announced new data at EUROGIN International Multidisciplinary HPV Congress 2024, taking place in Stockholm on March 13-16.

NavDx is the first and only clinically validated circulating Tumor Tissue Modified Viral (TTMV)-HPV DNA blood test that aids in the detection of HPV-driven cancer. The test provides a non-invasive and precise method for identifying HPV-driven cancers before there is clinical or radiographical evidence of disease. Data supporting the clinical validity and utility of NavDx have been published in nearly 20 peer-reviewed publications, leading to recent positive Medicare and commercial insurance coverage policies.

"We are glad to be presenting our latest findings at EUROGIN, including the first study highlighting the utility of NavDx in the surveillance of patients, post-treatment, for recurrent anal cancer," said Barry M. Berger, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Naveris. "The research we and our partners have the opportunity to share at this conference showcases the clinical significance of the NavDx test in the detection and surveillance of multiple types of HPV-driven cancers, building on the body of evidence supporting its use at every stage of these viral driven cancers."

"Our study marks a significant advancement in the surveillance of anal squamous cell carcinoma, demonstrating that circulating TTMV-HPV DNA significantly enhances early detection of recurrence, giving patients battling HPV-driven cancers a chance for better outcomes," said Shane Lloyd, MD, Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at University of Utah School of Medicine and Huntsman Cancer Institute, and the presenting author for the study. "This precision medicine approach, leveraging advanced molecular diagnostics, could enable more prompt and individualized treatments."

Following are oral presentations from Naveris and its partners at EUROGIN 2024 showcasing the clinical utility of NavDx for patients with HPV-driven anal cancer:

FC 07-9: Detection of patients with recurrent HPV-driven anal cancer using circulating tumor HPV DNA

Presenting Author: Shane Lloyd, MD; University of Utah School of Medicine and Huntsman Cancer Institute

Session, Date/Time: Anus Free Communications March 13, 2024 1:45PM 3:25PM CET

Results were presented from the first multi-institutional analysis of the NavDx test ordered during routine clinical practice for the post-treatment surveillance of patients with HPV-driven anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC). The test showed high positive and negative predictive values of 100% and 98.6%, respectively, when ordered through routine clinical use in this cohort of 33 patients, comparable to its use in HPV-driven oropharyngeal cancer. Positive NavDx test results successfully pinpointed patients with recurrences in all cases, highlighting the test's utility as a potent surveillance tool in daily clinical practice for early detection of recurrence.

FC 07-12: Circulating tumor tissue modified viral-human papillomavirus DNA (TTMV-HPV DNA) is a biomarker of response to pembrolizumab in anal cancer

Presenting Author: Brandon Huffman, MD; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard Medical School

Session, Date/Time: Anus Free Communications| March 13, 2024 1:45PM 3:25PM CET

Results were presented from a phase II clinical trial involving 32 patients with advanced anal cancer treated with pembrolizumab. This study explored NavDx as a potential biomarker for monitoring disease response. Initial findings indicate baseline sensitivity and specificity of 95% and 100%, respectively. The study additionally found that pre-treatment NavDx levels were indicative of tumor burden in the recurrent and metastatic setting and that changes in these levels were significantly associated with clinical outcomes. Together this highlights the utility of NavDx as a dynamic tool for early assessment of therapeutic response.

Additional updates will be presented as part of the EUROGIN 2024 HPV and Head Neck Cancer Forum:

HN05-2: DART 2.0 (Mayo)

Presenting Author: Daniel Ma, MD; Mayo Clinic

Session, Date/Time: HN HPV and Head Neck Forum, Management March 15, 2024 10:00AM 11:30AM CET

Details of the trial design from the ongoing DART 2.0 trial will be shared (NCT05541016). The DART 2.0 trial evaluates the ability of NavDx to improve treatment intensity selection in patients with HPV-driven head and neck cancer to best balance the side effects of treatment with decreasing cancer recurrence. DART 2.0 builds upon the results of the previously reported phase III MC1675 DART clinical trial, where post-treatment detectability of NavDx was a significant risk factor for cancer recurrence in patients with head and neck cancer.

HN 07-3: TTMV-HPV DNA for surveillance in the clinic

Presenting Author: Eleni Rettig, MD, FACS; Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard Medical School

Session, Date/Time: HN HPV and Head Neck Forum, Molecular Diagnosis and Surveillance

March 15, 2024 2:30PM 4:00PM CET

Early insights will be shared from the first prospective cohort study examining biomarker-led monitoring for early detection of recurrent HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) (NCT04965792). The study involved 150 patients, with NavDx tested pre-treatment and every three months post-treatment and patients followed for five years.

About Naveris

Naveris is a privately held, commercial stage, precision oncology diagnostics company with facilities in Massachusetts and North Carolina. Since its founding in 2017, Naveris has been committed to improving outcomes for the millions of people at risk of developing viral-induced cancers with novel molecular diagnostics that enable earlier cancer detection. The company operates high-complexity testing clinical laboratories that are accredited by the College of American Pathologists and the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center, and are certified under CLIA. For more information on Naveris and the clinical impact of NavDx, please visit www.naveris.com and www.NavDx.com. NavDx has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314262635/en/

Contacts:

Megan Kernan

ICR Westwicke Healthcare PR

Tel: 646.677.1870

Megan.Kernan@icrinc.com
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Calibre Mining Corp. (TSX: CXB; OTCQX: CXBMF) (the "Company" or "Calibre") is pleased to announce its attainment of Year 3 conformance with the World Gold Council's Responsible Gold Mining Principles ("RGMPs"). This significant milestone underscores Calibre's unwavering commitment to ethical, sustainable, and responsible mining practices.



The World Gold Council's RGMPs serve as a benchmark for the gold mining industry, emphasizing key areas including environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and robust governance practices. Calibre's achievement of Year 3 RGMP compliance reaffirms the Company's dedication to upholding these fundamental principles across its operations.

Darren Hall, President and Chief Executive Officer of Calibre, stated: "We are pleased to announce our Year 3 conformance with the World Gold Council's RGMPs. This achievement underscores our pursuit of excellence in sustainability and ethical mining practices. It reflects our commitment to foster positive impacts on the environment, engaging with, and supporting local communities, and upholding rigorous governance standards.

"Calibre's adherence to the RGMPs is exemplified through our comprehensive sustainability initiatives. The Company's efforts extend beyond regulatory compliance, focusing on continuous improvement to minimize our environmental footprint, as well as transparent and extensive community engagement to create a positive impact in the regions in which we operate."

The RGMP Conformance Report and Assurance Letter can be found here (https://calibremining.com/site/assets/files/7000/rgmp_assurance_letter_calibre_-_year_3_2023.pdf) and on the Company website at www.calibremining.com (http://www.calibremining.com/).

COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS "WOMAN OF GOLD" RECOGNITION

Calibre is also proud to announce that the Company's Community Relations Manager in Nicaragua, Angelica Calderon, has been recognized by Women in Mining-Central America as a "Woman of Gold." This prestigious recognition highlights Ms. Calderon's outstanding contributions to Calibre's sustainability efforts and her invaluable role in fostering positive relationships with the Company's host communities.

Women in Mining-Central America (WIM-CA) is one of over 40 WIM groups worldwide, bringing together more than 10,000 individuals across 100+ countries to foster, promote and empower women in the mining industry, addressing issues such as workforce promotion, inclusion and diversity, education and advocacy.

Petri Salopera, SVP Sustainability of Calibre, stated: "Our journey toward sustainability and responsible mining is an ongoing commitment. Angelica Calderon's recognition as a 'Woman of Gold' by Women in Mining-Central America is a testament to Calibre's dedication to transparency and accountability in our community engagement. During her 38 years of experience in the mining industry, Ms. Calderon has broken gender paradigms and barriers, working initially as a geologist, and ascending through leadership positions in the areas of Environment, Health and Safety, and Community Relations.

"Ms. Calderon has been a pioneer in the mining sector in Nicaragua, not only mentoring other women on the Calibre team, but also serving as a role model for all colleagues in the industry. She personifies Calibre's mission to create enduring value for our stakeholders while maintaining the highest standards of responsible gold production."

About Calibre

Calibre is a Canadian-listed, Americas focused, growing mid-tier gold producer with a strong pipeline of development and exploration opportunities across Newfoundland & Labrador in Canada, Nevada and Washington in the USA, and Nicaragua. Calibre is focused on delivering sustainable value for shareholders, local communities and all stakeholders through responsible operations and a disciplined approach to growth. With a strong balance sheet, a proven management team, strong operating cash flow, accretive development projects and district-scale exploration opportunities Calibre will unlock significant value.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Darren Hall"

Darren Hall, President & Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:

Ryan King

SVP Corporate Development & IR

T: 604.628.1012

E: calibre@calibremining.com

W: www.calibremining.com (http://www.calibremining.com)

Calibre's head office is located at Suite 1560, 200 Burrard St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3L6.

X (https://twitter.com/CalibreMiningCo) / Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/CalibreMining) / LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/calibre-mining-corp-cxb-/?originalSubdomain=ca) / YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@calibreminingcorp)

The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither reviewed nor accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are identified by words such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule", "forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to: the Company's expectations toward higher grades mined and processed going forward; statements relating to the Company's 2023 priority resource expansion opportunities; the Company's metal price and cut-off grade assumptions. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond Calibre's control. For a listing of risk factors applicable to the Company, please refer to Calibre's annual information form ("AIF") for the year ended December 31, 2022, and its management discussion and analysis ("MD&A") for the year ended December 31, 2022, all available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect Calibre's forward-looking statements such as potential sanctions implemented as a result of the United States Executive Order 13851 dated October 24, 2022.

Calibre's forward-looking statements are based on the applicable assumptions and factors management considers reasonable as of the date hereof, based on the information available to management at such time. Such assumptions include but are not limited to: the Company being able to mine and process higher grades and keep production costs relatively flat going forward; there not being an increase in production costs as a result of any supply chain issues or ongoing COVID-19 restrictions; there being no adverse drop in metal price or cut-off grade at the Company's Nevada properties. Calibre does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.
Der kostenlose Dividenden-Report zeigt ganz genau, wo Sie in diesem Jahr zuschlagen konnen. Das sind die Favoriten von Borsenprofi Dr. Dennis Riedl

BEIJING (dpa-AFX) - A bipartisan bill that would require Chinese company ByteDance to sell the popular video app TikTok or face a ban in the United States has been passed overwhelmingly in the House. The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (H.R. 7521), which would protect Americans and prevent foreign adversaries like China from targeting, surveiling, and manipulating the American people through online applications such as TikTok, was passed by 352 to 65 votes on Wednesday. The legislation needs the approval of the Senate and be signed by the President to become law. The Bill requires Beijing-based Bytedance to divest TikTok and other applications it controls within 180 days after enactment of the bill, or those apps will be prohibited in the United States. This prohibition can only be applied to applications controlled by a 'foreign adversary,' which the bill defines as China, Russia Iran, and North Korea. TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, is currently under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice for surveiling American journalists. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at a briefing aboard Air Force One that this bill would not ban apps like TikTok. 'What it would do is to ensure that ownership of these apps wouldn't be in the hands of those who can exploit them or to do us harm,' she told reporters. 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.
Auna S.A. ("Auna") today announced that it has launched its initial public offering of 30,000,000 class A ordinary shares ("class A shares"), pursuant to a registration statement on Form F-1 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

Auna is seeking to raise approximately US$420.0 million based on the mid-point of the price range for the offering which is between US$13.00 and US$15.00 per class A share. The class A shares are expected to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "AUNA". In connection with the offering, Auna expects to grant to the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 4,500,000 class A shares at the initial public offering price.

The offering is being made through an underwriting group led by Morgan Stanley, J.P. Morgan, BTG Pactual and Santander who are acting as global coordinators and joint bookrunners, and Citigroup and HSBC who are acting as joint bookrunners.

A registration statement on Form F-1, including a prospectus, which is preliminary and subject to completion, relating to these securities has been filed with the SEC, but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold, nor may offers to buy be accepted, prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. Copies of the registration statement can be accessed through the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein, nor will there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

The offering will be made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the preliminary prospectus may be obtained by contacting: Morgan Stanley Co. LLC, Attn: Prospectus Department, 180 Varick Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10014, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Attn: Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, by telephone at +1 (866) 803-9204 or by email at prospectus-eq_fi@jpmchase.com, Banco BTG Pactual S.A.-Cayman Branch, Attn: Prospectus Department, 601 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10282, by telephone at +1 (212) 293-4600, or by email at OL-BTGPactual-ProspectusDepartment@btgpactual.com, Santander US Capital Markets LLC, 437 Madison Avenue, 9th floor, New York, NY 10022, or by email at SanCapSyndicate@santander.us, Citigroup, Attn: Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, or by telephone at +1 (800) 831-9146, or HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., 66 Hudson Boulevard East, New York, NY 10001, or by email at ny.equity.syndicate@us.hsbc.com.

About Auna

Auna operates hospitals and clinics in Mexico, Peru and Colombia and provides prepaid healthcare plans in Peru. As of December 31, 2023, Auna's network included 31 healthcare network facilities, consisting of hospitals, outpatient, prevention and wellness facilities in Mexico, Peru and Colombia with a total of 2,308 beds.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240313348102/en/

Contacts:

Investor:

46A, Avenue J.F. Kennedy, Luxembourg

L- 1 855 Luxembourg

R.C.S. B267590

Investor Relations

contact@aunainvestors.com
4P-Pharma, a clinical-stage biotech based in Lille dedicated to developing curative therapies for serious untreated diseases, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jerome Vailland as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for 4P-Pharma and its subsidiaries.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314228336/en/

Jerome Vailland 4P-Pharma Chief Financial Officer (Photo: Business Wire)

Jerome Vailland built a solid career with significant contributions at Ernst Young (EY), where he worked for 10+ years. He gained extensive experience in financial audit, company structuring, transactions, and IPOs across European and American markets, mainly in life sciences. Over the years, he held several positions up to Senior Manager, managing and advising numerous clients while assuming broader technical and managerial responsibilities.

Following his strong experience at EY, Jerome joined Horama, now Coave Therapeutics, in 2016, serving as Chief Financial Officer. He successfully raised funds for the company by leveraging his strategic and leadership skills. In 2020, he became Chief Financial Officer of a biotechnology company listed on the Euronext Paris regulated market, focusing on developing tools and services for genome modification analysis and control.

These positions underscore his deep understanding of the financial challenges faced by public and private biotech companies and the practical solutions that must be implemented to deliver efficient results.

By joining the company's executive team, Jerome Vailland will contribute to supporting the company's growth, especially through effective and transparent financial management. Jerome Vailland's recognized finance skills and excellent understanding of organization structuring will be an asset for 4P-Pharma.

Revital Rattenbach, CEO of 4P-Pharma, stated: "As 4P-Pharma celebrates a decade of innovation, we welcome Jerome Vailland as our new CFO. His experience and skills in finance are essential for our growth and transition into a successful organization. With Jerome's leadership, we look forward to a future of stability and continued success, reassuring our investors and partners in the pharmaceutical community of our commitment to excellence and sustainability."

Regarding his appointment as Chief Financial Officer, Jerome Vailland said, "I am thrilled to join 4P-Pharma at a decisive moment, especially with two drug candidates prepared to enter Phase II clinical trials. I look forward to working with the team and exploring all scientific and financial options to advance the mission of 4P-Pharma and its subsidiaries."

About 4P-Pharma

Founded in 2014, 4P-Pharma is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Lille dedicated to developing innovative curative therapies for severe diseases with unmet medical needs. Our goal is to bring first-class therapies to patients rapidly. 4P-Pharma leverages drug candidates with reduced development timelines, thanks partly to regulatory opportunities ("emergency use" or conditional marketing authorization) with strong intellectual property. The company is based in Lille and Paris and has over 20 employees.

Website: https://4p-pharma.com/en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4p-pharma

X: https://twitter.com/4P_Pharma

The only legally binding version of the 4P-Pharma press release is the one in its original language. Translations should be compared to the source text, which takes precedence. The press release text resulting from a translation should not be considered official.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314228336/en/

Contacts:

Press

Communication Press Relations

Emmanuel Dadje Communication Manager

Email: Emmanuel.dadje@4P-Pharma.com

Tel: +33 6 30 06 12 13
LONDON, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Markel, the insurance operations within Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), has appointed Oliver Atkin to Head of Bloodstock in London, effective immediately. This investment decision in leadership underlines the organisation's long-term commitment to the equine and livestock market, through top-tier underwriting talent and creating bespoke insurance solutions for clients.

Atkin will lead the Bloodstock team in London by setting the Bloodstock growth strategy as well as identifying and developing innovative products, to support brokers and customers in the bloodstock space. Alongside those duties, he'll continue building on new and existing broker relationships, while maintaining high service levels which are valued by Markel's broker partners and their policyholders.

Atkin joined Markel as a Bloodstock underwriter over six years ago, during which time he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and portfolio management skills, all of which led to his recent appointment. In his new post, he will continue operating from Markel's London office and reporting directly to Juliet Redfern, Divisional Managing Director of Equine and Livestock at Markel International in London and France.

Redfern commented: "Congratulations to Ollie Atkin on his well-deserved promotion to Head of Bloodstock in London. Ollie is incredibly service-minded and works, as everyone does in our team, to provide the high level of service our brokers and customers get and expect from Markel; from providing a quote, to collaborating with a customer on a new product or service.

Ollie has a particular interest in National Hunt racing and is developing new solutions for this under-insured market sector - with his knowledge and expertise on this subject being key to developing these policies."

Redfern concluded: "Ollie's promotion to this leadership role reflects our long-term outlook for Equine and Livestock at Markel, and under his leadership, it will also give everyone in the team the opportunity to develop and progress, so we can continue driving profitable growth and being there for customers year in, year out into the future."

About Markel

We are Markel, a leading global specialty insurer with a truly people-first approach. As the insurance operations within Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), we operate the Markel Specialty, Markel International, and Markel Global Reinsurance divisions, as well as State National, our portfolio protection and program services operations, and Nephila, our insurance-linked securities operations. Our broad array of capabilities and expertise allow us to create intelligent solutions for the most complex risk management needs. However, it is our people - and the deep, valued relationships they develop with colleagues, brokers and clients - that differentiates us worldwide.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2361741/Oliver_Atkin_01.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2090808/Markel_primary_logo_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/markel-appoints-oliver-atkin-to-head-of-bloodstock-for-london-markets-302089167.html
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 14, 2024) - Riley Gold Corp. (TSXV: RLYG) (OTCQB: RLYGF) ("Riley Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an exploration and venture option agreement (the "Agreement") with Kinross Gold U.S.A., Inc. ("Kinross"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kinross Gold Corporation (TSX: K) (NYSE: KGC), granting Kinross the right to earn up to a 75% interest in Riley Gold's Pipeline West/Clipper Gold Project ("PWC") by spending a minimum of US$20 million. PWC is located in Lander County, Nevada and consists of approximately 24.7 km in the heart of the significant gold producing Cortez District (Battle Mountain - Eureka Trend). Kinross will assume operatorship of the project immediately as well as take a strategic 9.9% (on a partially diluted basis) equity interest in the Company through a private placement.

"We are excited to partner with Kinross on our PWC Project. Their global proven track record speaks for itself as well as specific regional expertise that includes ownership and operations of two gold mines in Nevada (Round Mountain and Bald Mountain). Our PWC project is within the Cortez District that has a significant history of gold production and current reserves. PWC adjoins Nevada Gold Mines LLC, a joint venture between Barrick Gold Corp. and Newmont Corporation, that has current production within their Cortez/Pipeline complex. We look forward to significant exploration efforts by Kinross at PWC beginning this Spring," commented Todd Hilditch, CEO of Riley Gold.

Agreement Highlights:

Reimbursement of Expenditures : Within 60 days, Kinross will reimburse a total of US$104,355 to Riley Gold for 2023/2024 land holding costs.

First Earn-In Right : Kinross will assume operatorship of the project and can earn an initial 60% interest in PWC (the " Initial Earn-In Option ") by incurring a minimum of US$10 million in qualifying work expenditures, subject to upward adjustment in accordance with the Agreement, within five years as follows: US$1.5 million in guaranteed work expenditures on or before 18 months following execution of the Agreement (the " Effective Date ") which shall include a minimum of 2,200 meters of core drilling (within three geographically distinct targets). An additional US$2.5 million in work expenditures on or before 3 rd anniversary of the Effective Date. An additional US$2.0 million in work expenditures on or before 4 th anniversary of the Effective Date. An additional US$4.0 million in work expenditures on or before 5 th anniversary of the Effective Date.



Second Earn-In Right : Kinross shall have the right to earn an additional 15% interest in PWC (for a total 75% interest) (the " Second Earn-In Option ") by incurring a minimum US$10 million in qualifying work expenditures within an additional two-year period following exercise of the Initial Earn-In Option.

Project Technical Committee : A Project Technical Committee to be formed including members of both Riley Gold and Kinross.

Joint Venture : Upon exercise of the Initial Earn-in Option, a Nevada limited liability company (the " LLC ") will be formed through which Kinross and Riley Gold will hold their respective interests in PWC. Upon exercise or termination of the Second Earn-in Option, Kinross and Riley Gold will fund the on-going operations of the LLC in accordance with their proportionate interests, subject to standard dilution.

Dilution Provision: Should Riley Gold's interest in the LLC be diluted to 10% or less, the Company's interest will be converted to a 2% net smelter return royalty.

Private Placement:

The Company also announces a non-brokered private placement of up to 8,000,000 units at C$0.15 per Unit ("Unit") for total gross proceeds of up to C$1,200,000 (the "Private Placement"). Under the Private Placement, Kinross Gold Corporation will subscribe for a 9.9% ownership interest in the Company on a partially diluted basis including share purchase warrants (the "Kinross Investment"). Additionally, Kinross will have the right, until such time as it holds less than a 3.5% interest in Riley Gold, to maintain, on a pro rata basis, its percentage ownership interest in the Company up to a maximum of 19.9% should Riley Gold undertake any future equity offerings.

Each Kinross Investment Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Share") and one share purchase warrant (a "Kinross Warrant"). Each Kinross Warrant will entitle Kinross to purchase for a period of sixty (60) months one additional Share at an exercise price of C$0.25. If, at any time during the Warrant term, Kinross terminates the Agreement, any unexercised Kinross Warrants shall immediately expire and terminate concurrently with the termination of the Agreement.

The remaining Private Placement Units will be comprised of one Share and one share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase for a period of twenty-four (24) months one additional Share at an exercise price of C$0.25.

It is expected that certain directors and officers of the Company will participate in the Private Placement and are "related parties" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions of the Canadian Securities Administrators ("MI 61-101"). The participation of certain directors and officers in the Private Placement will constitute a "related party transaction" under MI 61-101. The Company intends to rely upon exemptions from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements of MI 61-101.

All securities issued under the Private Placement will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the closing date. The Company may pay finders' fees in cash. The Private Placement and finders' fees are subject to regulatory approval.

Net proceeds of the Private Placement will be used for project exploration and general working capital purposes.

About PWC:

PWC constitutes a very prospective exploration property for Carlin-type, disseminated and replacement gold deposits. PWC consists of a land package totaling approximately 24.7 square kms of unpatented mining claims and patented fee lands adjoining Nevada Gold Mines (a joint venture amongst Barrick Gold Corp. and Newmont Mining). PWC is situated along the Cortez Structural Zone of the exceptionally productive Cortez Trend within the Battle Mountain - Eureka Trend in north central Nevada (Figure 1).





Figure 1: PWC Location (project boundary approximate)



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10015/201701_ccb9630de409e893_002full.jpg

About Riley Gold Corp.

Riley Gold is an exploration and development company focused in Nevada, USA, with assets that include the Pipeline West/Clipper Project located in the Battle Mountain Eureka Trend (within the Cortez District) and the Tokop Gold Project located within the Walker Lane Trend. Riley Gold's founders and leadership team have a proven track record of maximizing shareholder value during each phase of the mining life cycle: exploration, development, and production.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Todd Hilditch

Chief Executive Officer

Tel: (604) 443-3831

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.

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking information

This press release contains statements which constitute "forward looking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements regarding the closing of the Agreement, completion of the Private Placement and Kinross Investment, the participation of directors and officers in the Private Placement and the use of proceeds of the Private Placement, as well as plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the future business activities of the Company. The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking information. Although Riley Gold believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because Riley Gold can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties and the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking information as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, fluctuations in market prices, successes of the operations of the Company, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions and the ability to obtain the requisite approvals of the TSX Venture Exchange, or failure to meet other conditions to closing, to the transactions reflected in this press release. The Agreement, Private Placement, Kinross Investment and other transactions may not be completed at all if these approvals are not obtained or some other condition to the closing is not satisfied. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future business activities and involves risks and uncertainties. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect Riley Gold operations and financial results are included in reports on file with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website (www.sedarplus.ca)..There can be no assurances that such information will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws.

THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES

OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION

MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF U.S. SECURITIES LAWS.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/201701

SOURCE: Riley Gold Corp.
Der kostenlose Dividenden-Report zeigt ganz genau, wo Sie in diesem Jahr zuschlagen konnen. Das sind die Favoriten von Borsenprofi Dr. Dennis Riedl

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.
Hardman & Co Research

Q&A on Real Estate Credit Investments (RECI): Conservative accounting at play



14-March-2024 / 11:25 GMT/BST

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





Hardman & Co analyst interview | Investment Companies

Q&A on Real Estate Credit Investments | Conservative accounting at play

Real Estate Credit Investments (LON:RECI) is the topic of conversation when Mark Thomas, analyst at Hardman & Co, joins DirectorsTalk Interviews.

In this interview, Mark gives an overview of his latest report entitled ' French and German exposures in perspective '. He highlights the conservative accounting practices in light of recent unexpected, unrealised losses in French and (minimal) German exposures; he explains the impact of post-COVID-19 shifts on French property investments and contrasts the impaired projects with other more stable French exposures, noting the diversity and quality of the latter.

Real Estate Credit Investments is a specialist investor in UK and European real estate credit markets with a focus on fundamental credit and value.

Listen to the interview here .

If you are interested in meeting the company, you can register your interest here .

To contact us: Hardman & Co

9 Bonhill Street, London, EC2A 4DJ www.hardmanandco.com Follow us on Twitter @HardmanandCo Analyst: Mark Thomas



mt@hardmanandco.com





Hardman & Co Research can still be accessed for free after MiFID II. Please click here to read the statement.

About Hardman & Co: Hardman Research Ltd, trading as Hardman & Co, is an appointed representative of Capital Markets Strategy Ltd and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority; our FCA registration number is 600843. Hardman Research Ltd is registered at Companies House with number 8256259. Attention is drawn to the important disclaimers at the end of the report.

Dissemination of a CORPORATE NEWS, transmitted by EQS Group.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.




Digital tablet and book on desk in classroom JGI/Jamie Grill/Getty Images/Blend Images

Connecticut legislators heard testimony Wednesday on a bill that would ease the certification process for teachers, making it easier for aspiring educators to join the profession.

The proposal, known as House Bill 5436, would simplify certification requirements, extend elementary school certification to include kindergarten and pre-K, establish alternate pathways to certification for people switching careers and create a new Connecticut Educator Preparation and Certification Board.

Proponents say the bill would modernize an outdated process and mitigate a teacher shortage that has strained districts statewide  but particularly those with fewer resources who struggle to attract candidates.

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"We truly believe this is not just a step forward, it is a leap in the right direction for modernizing our certification laws, breaking down barriers for entering into the profession and recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce," Charlene Russell-Tucker, the state's education commissioner, told the legislature's Education Committee.

Daniel Pearson, executive director of the nonprofit Educators for Excellence, testified that the current certification system is "outdated and not backed by data."

"Many of these goals and requirements serve as extra barriers that prohibit potential teachers from entering the workplace, thus further perpetuating the teacher shortage we have throughout Connecticut," he said.

For years, advocates and teachers groups have pushed for a simplified certification process, arguing that existing regulations were outdated and often overly complex. Last year, the education department convened the Connecticut Educator Certification Council, whose recommendations informed the new legislative proposal.

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At Wednesday's hearing, Education Committee legislators spoke approvingly of the proposed bill, noting many of the current regulations have gone untouched since the late-1990s. Sen. Doug McCrory, D-Hartford, argued red tape around certification has helped lead to a disproportionately white teacher workforce.

"The situation we have here is systemic, and it's been in place for a long time," McCrory said. "We could have done a lot more about this, but we have sat on our hands and done nothing."

Rep. Kevin Brown, D-Vernon, also spoke in favor of the bill, citing his own experience becoming certified as a teacher in Connecticut.

"It took me five years because of the bureaucratic red tape involved," Brown said. "I can't help but think of the barriers that puts in so many people's way who don't have the ability or the funds to take the five years of additional course work, additional paperwork."

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Rep. Kathleen McCarty, R-Waterford, expressed support for the proposal but also raised concerns that lowering standards for certification would reduce the quality of instruction in classrooms.

Fran Rabinowitz, executive director of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents, who served on the certification council, responded that the group had thought carefully about how to improve the process without sacrificing teacher quality.

"We were very clear in saying we do not want the standards compromised," Rabinowitz said. "When we're looking at streamlining, we are not necessarily looking at eliminating (requirements). It may be changing how we do things."

In Connecticut and elsewhere, teacher shortages have challenged school districts, who have asked more of existing staff and relied on long-term substitutes to fill gaps. To manage shortages, some cities have partnered with higher education institutions to help teachers get certified more quickly.

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Though Connecticut's teacher shortage is expected to recede next year as the expiration of federal pandemic-relief funds forces districts to cut back, advocates fear some school systems will still struggle to fill positions. In November, the Connecticut Education Association released a survey showing staff shortages were one of teachers' biggest concerns entering the school year.

The idea of a minimum salary for teachers, which also came before the committee last year, has support from teachers unions, who say educators often can't afford to live in the communities they work in, but faces opposition from superintendents, who say districts would struggle to afford widespread pay increases.

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The Education Committee has until March 25 to approve these and other bills, which would then advance to the broader legislature.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 14, 2024) - Aero Energy Limited (TSXV: AERO) is pleased to announce that the company is presenting a live virtual corporate update hosted by Red Cloud Financial Services on March 20th, 2024 at 2:00 PM ET.

We invite our shareholders, and all interested parties to register for the webinar and participate in the live Q&A session at the end of the presentation moderated by Red Cloud.

The replay will be emailed out to all webinar registrants proceeding the event and will also be available on the Red Cloud website.

For more information and to register: https://redcloudfs.com/events/rcwebinar-aero/.

Commodities to be covered: Uranium

About Aero Energy Limited

Aero Energy is a mineral exploration and development company advancing a district-scale 250,000-acre land package in the historic Uranium City district within Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin. Aero Energy is focused on uncovering high-grade uranium deposits across its flagship optioned properties - Sun Dog, Strike, and Murmac - in addition to its fully owned properties. With the application of modern exploration techniques, the Company has identified over 50 shallow drill-ready targets and 125 kilometres of target horizon on the frontier north rim of the Athabasca Basin. Aero Energy is tapping into the Athabasca Basin's emerging potential for high-grade, unconformity-style mineralization.

About Red Cloud Securities Inc.

Red Cloud Securities Inc. is an IIROC-regulated investment dealer focused on providing a full range of brokerage services to all investor types focused in the junior resource sector. Our services include Investment Banking, Research, Institutional and Retail Trading, Institutional Sales, and Retail Investment Advisory services.

About Red Cloud Financial Services Inc.

Red Cloud Financial Services Inc. is a globally focused capital markets advisory firm that provides a full range of executive strategy, media, marketing, and corporate access services. Our breadth of services combines with our significant knowledge of the junior mining industry combine for unique product offering. The company was founded by capital markets professionals with extensive experience in the junior mining industry.

For further information:

Aero Energy Limited

Galen McNamara Interim CEO

778-716-7738

giordy@aeroenergy.ca

For additional information contact marketing@redcloudfs.com or visit:

www.redcloudfs.com

www.facebook.com/RedCloudFinancialServices

www.twitter.com/RedCloudFS

www.linkedin.com/company/red-cloud-financial-services-inc

www.youtube.com/c/RedCloudFinancialServicesInc

www.instagram.com/redcloudfs

SOURCE: Red Cloud Financial Services
CHARLOTTE, NC / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Stefan Gleason (the "Acquiror" or "Gleason") today announced that he is filing an early warning report in connection with his acquisition on the open market of additional shares of Electric Royalties Ltd. (TSXV:ELEC)(OTCQB:ELECF) ("Electric Royalties" or the "Company").

Gleason now beneficially owns or has control or direction over approximately 22% of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares.

"With positive developments recently announced in connection with several of the Company's larger royalties, especially Battery Hill, Seymour Lake, and Mont Sorcier, I am pleased to continue placing bids in the open market and bolster my overall investment in the Company," said Gleason. "Given the current market capitalization, I believe the assets held by Electric Royalties are significantly undervalued."

"Meanwhile, the package of lithium properties under the recent amended LOI potentially creates near-term cash flow from scheduled option payments, immediately doubles the Company's royalty count to 44, creates a path to 80 royalties, and adds even more sizzle to the Company's portfolio."

Gleason is utilizing the "Normal Course Purchase Exemption" in National Instrument 62-104 -Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids. The exemption permits additional share purchases above the 20% threshold without triggering a takeover bid requirement so long as the acquisitions within any 12-month period do "not exceed 5% of the securities of that class outstanding at the beginning of the 12-month period."

Stefan Gleason is a Charlotte-based entrepreneur who leads several privately held businesses in the United States, including Money Metals Exchange LLC. Money Metals is one of the largest precious metals dealers and depositories in North America.

Gleason was elected a Director of the Company at the annual meeting last December. His family office, Gleason & Sons LLC, recently provided an expanded C$10 million convertible credit facility that potentially enables the Company to acquire new assets without raising equity, thereby avoiding dilution of existing shareholders.

On March 13, 2024, Acquiror purchased 53,000 Company shares via the TSXV (at a cost of C$ 8,911.83, or an average of $0.2241 per share). Prior to March 13, the Acquiror held an aggregate of 21,184,368 Common Shares, representing 21.930% of the issued and outstanding Shares on an as converted and partially diluted basis. After the purchases on March 13, the Acquiror held 21,237,368 Common Shares, or 21.985% of the issued and outstanding Shares on an as converted and partially diluted basis.

On April 10, 2023, the Acquiror previously filed a report under the early warning reporting rules of Canadian securities laws, disclosing that he beneficially owned or had control or direction over 18,372,033 Common Shares and 500,000 Warrant shares, at the time representing 19.949% of the Company's issued and outstanding Shares on an as converted and partially diluted basis. The Acquiror is filing this latest early warning report because he has now accumulated more than 2% of the Company's issued and outstanding Shares since his prior filing on April 10, 2023.

This early warning news release is issued under the early warning provisions of Canadian securities legislation, including National Instrument 62-104 - Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids and National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues. A copy of the Early Warning Report will be filed at www.sedar.com.

For further information, contact:

Stefan Gleason

Gleason & Sons LLC

15720 Brixham Hill Avenue, #205

Charlotte, NC 28277

Tel: 208-577-2230

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 anticipated future events are forward-looking statements. Although the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future events and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements including as a result of the failure to obtain regulatory approvals, the availability of royalties, the production of properties underlying royalties not being as anticipated, and the Company's cash flow position deteriorating as a result of business or economic conditions.

SOURCE: Gleason & Sons LLC

View the original press release on accesswire.com
To view a summary of today's press release by Ridgeline CEO Chad Peters, click HERE

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 14, 2024) - Ridgeline Minerals Corp. (TSXV: RDG) (OTCQB: RDGMF) (FSE: 0GC0) ("Ridgeline" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of its expanded high-resolution drone magnetics geophysical survey at the Selena ("Selena") CRD Project, Nevada. The survey was completed by EarthEx Geophysical Solutions in late 2023 and added 398 line-kilometers ("line-km") to the original 389 line-km survey completed in 2022 for a total surveyed area of 787 line-km. Highlights of the survey include:

Magnetic Survey Highlights

Identification of a new porphyry anomaly located 1.0 kilometer ("km") to the southeast of the Chinchilla Oxide discovery Magnetic anomaly has never been drilled, measures approximately 2.0 km x 1.0 km across and is interpreted to have intruded to depths of roughly 600-650 meters ("m") below surface (Figure 1a) Anomaly directly correlates with a coincident gravity anomaly suggesting a significant density contrast between the porphyry anomaly and surrounding sediments (Figure 1b) Porphyry target is interpreted as the potential source to a northwest trending, Jurassic-age dike swarm that is intimately associated with both silver ("Ag") - lead ("Pb") - zinc ("Zn) - gold ("Au") and high-grade Copper ("Cu") - Tungsten ("W") mineralization beneath the Chinchilla Oxide zone (a potential vector towards the porphyry target) (Figure 2 & Figure 3)



Highlights a strong magnetic anomaly on the southwest corner of the property interpreted as sulfide skarn mineralization directly off the eastern edge of the Butte Valley copper porphyry (Freeport-McMoRan & Falcon Butte Minerals joint venture) (Figure 4 & Figure 5)

Survey significantly improved the structural resolution in the geologic model and expanded the strike extent of the high-priority Chinchilla Sulfide target to 2+km north/south (Figure 4)

Michael Harp, Ridgeline's Vice President, Exploration commented, "The identification of a second potential porphyry source at Selena is a very exciting development for the project and would indicate the presence of a long lived, multi-phase porphyry complex between Selena and the Butte Valley porphyry located four kilometers to the west, which is currently being explored by Freeport-McMoRan. Large porphyry districts tend to form as clusters with skarn and CRD systems depositing on the margins of these porphyry centers. We are beginning to see the same potential at Selena, with the Chinchilla Oxide CRD discovery located one kilometer northwest of the Selena porphyry target and the Chinchilla Sulfide and Skarn targets located one kilometer to the east of the Butte Valley Porphyry."

Mike Harp continues, "A second porphyry source only increases the discovery potential at Selena and reinforces our belief that the greater Butte Valley porphyry system is a significantly underexplored porphyry and CRD district in Nevada."

Figure 1: Residual magnetic intensity (RMI) map (1a) above residual gravity map (1b) showing the consistent but subtle magnetics anomaly (mag response is subdued in comparison to strong Butte Valley mag high) combined with a strong gravity response (i.e. high-density contrast) over the proposed Selena porphyry target.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7298/201711_a1bdcf6914c7ab58_002full.jpg

Figure 2: Inclined Long Section looking northwest with 3D magnetic inversion overlay showing km-scale magnetic highs of similar intensity at the Butte Valley Porphyry (Freeport-McMoRan JV) and the proposed Selena Porphyry anomaly to the southeast of the Chinchilla Oxide CRD discovery. Note the majority of the Selena Porphyry anomaly is obscured by a km-scale basal thrust fault.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7298/201711_a1bdcf6914c7ab58_003full.jpg

Figure 3: Inclined X-Section looking northeast with 3D magnetic inversion overlay showing the Chinchilla Oxide zone at surface and the Selena Porphyry anomaly (a possible source to Cu-W mineralization) ~1km to the southeast. Note CRD mineralization is hosted within magnetic lows including high-grade Ag-Cu-W endoskarn intercepts beneath the Chinchilla Oxide zone.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7298/201711_a1bdcf6914c7ab58_004full.jpg

Magnetic Survey Interpretation

Data Processing - The 2023 magnetic survey expanded on the existing 389 line-km survey (25 m-50 m line spacing) drone magnetics survey completed in 2022 (see March 22, 2022 press release HERE) for a total of 786.5 line-km covering the core of the project Survey collected baseline data over the Butte Valley Porphyry expanded on the Chinchilla Sulfide, Skarn and Revival targets

- The 2023 magnetic survey expanded on the existing 389 line-km survey (25 m-50 m line spacing) drone magnetics survey completed in 2022 (see March 22, 2022 press release HERE) for a total of 786.5 line-km covering the core of the project

Due to the large survey size and significant magnetic high associated with the Butte Valley porphyry it was necessary to process three different datasets to isolate and enhance different aspects of the 3D model including: Butte Valley Porphyry inversion - Highlights both the Butte Valley and Selena porphyry anomalies and utilizes the entire magnetics dataset (Figure 1a & Figure 2) Selena Porphyry inversion - Removes Butte Valley and Skarn magnetic anomalies to isolate and enhance dataset around the Selena Porphyry anomaly (Figure 3) Structural inversion - Removes the Butte Valley porphyry data to minimize magnetic interference allowing the inversion to highlight structural details within the Skarn, Chinchilla Sulfide and Chinchilla Oxide targets (Figure 5)



Selena Porphyry Target - A previously unidentified magnetic anomaly (Figure 1a) south of the Chinchilla Oxide zone is interpreted as a possible Jurassic porphyry with associated dike swarms that correlate with mapped QFP dikes at surface and a coincident gravity high anomaly (Figure 1b). One drill core sample of Quartz Feldspar Porphyry ("QFP") intrusive material from the Chinchilla Oxide zone was sent for U-Pb zircon dating at University of Arizona in 2023 that returned a Jurassic age of 160.8 Ma ( 0.98). The Selena Porphyry anomaly is interpreted as the potential source to these Jurassic age Cu-W bearing QFP dikes and sills. The Butte Valley Porphyry is dated as Cretaceous, indicating a potentially earlier phase of magmatism at Selena. QFP dikes and sills intersected in drilling have returned intervals of high Ag-Cu-W in multiple core holes including 1.5m grading 581.0 grams per tonne ("g/t") Ag, 2.2 W, 0.5% Cu in SE22-039A and 0.1m grading 3,335 g/t Ag, 1.3% Pb, 1.1% Cu, 3.4% W in SE23-050 (Figure 3)





- A previously unidentified magnetic anomaly (Figure 1a) south of the Chinchilla Oxide zone is interpreted as a possible Jurassic porphyry with associated dike swarms that correlate with mapped QFP dikes at surface and a coincident gravity high anomaly (Figure 1b). Skarn and Chinchilla Sulfide Targets - The magnetic survey and its corresponding 3D inversion highlights northwest oriented magnetic "highs" (warm colours) interpreted as dike-filled fault zones. Corresponding magnetic "lows" (cooler colours) are interpreted as silica flooding associated with CRD mineralization along northwest normal faults and east verging thrust faults, which coincide with high-grade intercepts at Chinchilla Oxide and represent high-priority drill targets at Chinchilla Sulfide. (Figure 4 and Figure 5). A strong magnetic response on the southwest portion of the property is interpreted as possible skarn alteration associated with the margins of the Butte Valley porphyry located less than 1 km to the west of the property boundary (Figure 4) Limited drilling in the upper portions of the Chinchilla Sulfide target in 2022 returned 3.0 m grading 605.3 g/t silver equivalent ("AgEq") in SE22-037 and 1.5m grading 342.9 g/t AgEq in SE22-038 but did not drill deep enough to fully test prospective host rocks to depth (Figure 5) Mineralization in SE22-037 was transitioning to semi-massive sulfide at the base of the mineralized intercept Pronounced magnetic "low" beneath SE23-037 is interpreted as a major zone of fluid flow and permeability (Figure 5)

- The magnetic survey and its corresponding 3D inversion highlights northwest oriented magnetic "highs" (warm colours) interpreted as dike-filled fault zones. Corresponding magnetic "lows" (cooler colours) are interpreted as silica flooding associated with CRD mineralization along northwest normal faults and east verging thrust faults, which coincide with high-grade intercepts at Chinchilla Oxide and represent high-priority drill targets at Chinchilla Sulfide. (Figure 4 and Figure 5).

Figure 4: iView2 Magnetics map (EarthEx processing method) has removed the Butte Valley porphyry data in order to better highlight northwest trending magnetic highs (fault zones) and coincident magnetic "lows" (alteration zones) at the Chinchilla Sulfide and Skarn targets.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7298/201711_a1bdcf6914c7ab58_005full.jpg

Figure 5: Long-section A-A' with the 2023 magnetic inversion overlay showing a strong magnetic high at the Skarn target directly adjacent to the Butte Valley copper porphyry. The Chinchilla Sulfide target exhibits high-grade Ag-Au-Zn-Pb intercepts (see hole SE22-037 & SE22-038) but was not drilled deep enough in 2022 to fully test the proposed sulfide CRD target at depth.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7298/201711_a1bdcf6914c7ab58_006full.jpg

Selena Project

Selena is located in White Pine County, Nevada, approximately sixty-four kilometers ("km") north of the town of Ely, NV. The Project shares a property boundary with the Butte Valley project, a US $33M earn-in agreement between Freeport-McMoRan and Falcon Butte Minerals. The 100% owned project is comprised of 39 square kms of highly prospective exploration ground including Ridgeline's shallow-oxide 2020 Ag-Au  Pb-Zn Chinchilla discovery. Subsequent drilling has continued to highlight the potential for high-grade CRD type mineralization (Ag-Au-Pb-Zn Cu-W) between Chinchilla and the Butte Valley Cu-Au-Ag-Zn porphyry located directly west of the property. (View the Selena VRIFY Deck Here)

QAQC Procedures

Samples are submitted to American Assay Laboratories (AAL) of Sparks, Nevada, which is a certified and accredited laboratory, independent of the Company. Independent check samples are sent to Paragon Geochemical Labs (PAL) of Sparks, Nevada. Samples are prepared using industry-standard prep methods and analysed using FA-PB30-ICP (Au; 30 g fire assay) and ICP-5AM48 (48 element Suite; 0.5 g 5-acid digestion/ICP-MS) methods. AAL also undertakes its own internal coarse and pulp duplicate analysis to ensure proper sample preparation and equipment calibration. Ridgeline's QA/QC program includes regular insertion of CRM standards, duplicates, and blanks into the sample stream with a stringent review of all results completed by the Company's Qualified Person, Michael T. Harp, Vice President, Exploration.

Technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael T. Harp, CPG. the Company's Vice President, Exploration, who is Ridgeline's Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 and responsible for technical matters of this release.

About Ridgeline Minerals Corp.

Ridgeline Minerals is a discovery focused precious and base metal explorer with a proven management team and a 192km2 exploration portfolio across five projects in Nevada, USA. The Company boasts two earn-in exploration agreements with Nevada Gold Mines at its Swift and Black Ridge projects, which are being aggressively explored in 2024. More information about Ridgeline can be found at www.ridgelineminerals.com.

On behalf of the Board

"Chad Peters"

President & CEO

Further Information:

Chad Peters, P.Geo.

President, CEO & Director

Ridgeline Minerals Corp.

+1 775 304 9773

cpeters@ridgelineminerals.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Cautionary Note regarding Forward Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, the potential benefits of the Transaction and the anticipated timing for completion of the Transaction and filing of the material change report in respect thereof. The words "potential", "anticipate", "meaningful", "discovery", "forecast", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "plan", "historical", "historic" and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify Forward-Looking Information. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, Ridgeline has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions that TSX Venture Exchange approval will be granted in a timely manner subject only to standard conditions; that all conditions precedent to completion of the Transaction will be satisfied in a timely manner; the current objectives concerning the Project and the Company's other projects can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner; and that all requisite information will be available in a timely manner. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Ridgeline to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to dependence on key personnel; risks related to unforeseen delays; risks related to historical data that has not been verified by the Company; as well as those factors discussed in Ridgeline's public disclosure record. Although Ridgeline has attempted to identify important factors that could affect Ridgeline and may 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 Forward-Looking Information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information. Except as required by law, Ridgeline does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to Forward-Looking Information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/201711

SOURCE: Ridgeline Minerals Corp.


JERUSALEM (dpa-AFX) - A staff member of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was killed and 22 others were injured when Israeli Forces hit a food distribution center in the southern Gaza Strip.



The attack took place in the eastern part of Rafah Wednesday.



UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said the Israeli forces carried out the attack even after they were informed of the food distribution facilities across the Gaza Strip, including the one that was targeted.



'Today's attack on one of the very few remaining UNRWA distribution centers in the Gaza Strip comes as food supplies are running out, hunger is widespread and, in some areas, turning into famine,' he said in a statement.



The top UN official said that since the war began five months ago, UNRWA has recorded an unprecedented number of violations against its staff and facilities that surpass any other conflict around the world.



At least 165 UNRWA team members were killed including while in the line of duty; more than 150 UNRWA facilities were hit, some totally destroyed, among them many schools; and more than 400 people killed while seeking shelter under the UN flag.



In a social media post, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Martin Griffiths, said his teams and supplies - which are constantly under threat - must be protected, and the war has to stop.



Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Groer Dividenden-Report 2024 von Dr. Dennis Riedl Der kostenlose Dividenden-Report zeigt ganz genau, wo Sie in diesem Jahr zuschlagen konnen. Das sind die Favoriten von Borsenprofi Dr. Dennis Riedl Jetzt hier klicken
Alpega, a leading global logistics SaaS software company, announces the appointment of Natasha Adams as its new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). With over two decades of experience in driving growth and transformation across diverse industries, Natasha brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of success to Alpega.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314511062/en/

Natasha Adams, Alpega's new CMO (Photo: Alpega)

Known for her unwavering commitment to driving transformation, Natasha consistently embraces a business-first approach to achieve remarkable growth. With a breadth of experience spanning various sectors, including Supply Chain Tech, Oil and Gas, Deep Tech AI and Analytics, Martech, and even spearheading the development of a photography marketplace, Natasha's versatility and adaptability shine through in her ability to drive success across industries.

Throughout her extensive global career, Natasha has showcased exceptional proficiency in operational excellence, sales promotion, brand transformation, decision-making, and problem-solving.As CMO at Vortexa, she played a pivotal role in establishing the company as a category leader, achieving exponential double-digit revenue growth, and contributing to a successful Series C funding round. Furthermore, in her tenure as CMO of Transporeon, Natasha was instrumental in orchestrating the company's transformation into a global leader in Supply Chain Tech, culminating in a successful exit in 2023.

Todd DeLaughter, CEO of Alpega, added, "We are delighted to welcome Natasha to Alpega. Her extensive experience and proven track record in driving growth and transformation will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and expand our market presence. We look forward to her leadership in propelling Alpega to new heights."

Natasha stated, "I see Alpega as absolutely unique in the transportation logistics space as the only player in the market with solutions for shippers and carriers, supported by the largest open carrier network of any TMS vendor in the market".

Natasha's appointment marks a significant milestone for Alpega Group as the company continues to strengthen its leadership team and drive forward its vision for growth and innovation in the transportation logistics space.

Alpega

Alpega is a a leading global logistics SaaS software company, dedicated to delivering end-to-end solutions that comprehensively address all transport requirements. Our mission is to empower shippers and carriers through efficient digitalization to meet today's logistics challenges, driving smarter logistics for a greener tomorrow.

Drawing on extensive carrier-based assets, Alpega delivers tangible benefits across Execution, Planning, Sourcing and Payment solutions. As the sole SaaS provider offering Transport Management Systems (TMS) for shippers, coupled with an 80,000-strong open carrier network covering around 10% of all commercial trucks in Europe, we are at the forefront of innovation and efficiency. For our carriers, our connectivity extends through three premier freight exchanges in Europe, with notable leadership in Iberia, Romania, Central, and Southeastern European regions, facilitating seamless matching of freight loads with transportation capacity.

With over three decades of expertise in transportation, we empower businesses to streamline their supply chain planning and execution, resulting in reduced costs and heightened visibility. Alpega's suite of solutions synergistically generates added value for our customers. Our community comprises 80,000 carriers and 200,000 members, seamlessly connected electronically each day to efficiently manage vital transport operations. Operating in 80 countries globally, Alpega boasts a diverse team of over 600 professionals representing 31 nationalities.

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Contacts:

For media inquiries, please contact:

Natasha Adams, CMO Alpega

natasha.adams@alpegagroup.com

+49 152 5952 8457
Collaboration between Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) and IonQ lays the foundation for how quantum technologies can be used to solve some of the most complex challenges faced by airports worldwide

IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), a leader in the quantum computing industry, today announced early results from its work with Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) a German-based research center for fundamental science to run combinatorial optimization problems on IonQ Aria. The results demonstrate quantum computing's potential as a more effective solution than traditional classical computing when tackling equations with multiple variables in a dense environment, such as a bustling airport.

IonQ collaborated with researchers from DESY to explore how to better match inbound and outbound flights at airport gates. Specifically, IonQ and DESY were interested in reducing the time travelers spent going from arrival to departure gates and the time planes sat idle at gates before taking off again, while also increasing the number of planes serviced per day at a gate. The novel approach used 'logarithmic-linear encoding' to execute flight-gate optimization algorithms on IonQ Aria. In an illustrative example, the team showed how to best cycle nine flights through four gates (up to 36 variables in total) on IonQ Aria. IonQ expects to run future algorithms on IonQ Forte and IonQ Tempo, processing equations sufficient enough to cover the optimization needs of a local European airport.

"The results of our work with DESY are indicative of the real-world value quantum computers can deliver when addressing optimization problems that factor dozens of variable scenarios," said Peter Chapman, CEO and President of IonQ. "Optimization problems are ubiquitous across all industries, including manufacturing, logistics, finance, pharma, and more. Quantum computing presents a huge opportunity for businesses to innovate across this problem space and remain at the forefront of innovation, tackling problems once deemed unsolvable."

"We are pleased by the initial results we're seeing in running quadratic assignment problems across IonQ's quantum hardware and our collaboration with the IonQ team," said Dr. Karl Jansen, the head of the Center for Quantum Technology and Applications (CQTA) at DESY. "The learnings gathered here can easily apply to other research and industries where the presence of multiple variables creates too complex of a problem for classical systems to handle."

A preprint explaining IonQ and DESY's research is available here, with the final report expected to be published in the coming months, and a summary of these results is available on IonQ's blog here.

These research results mark the latest effort by IonQ to support the development of quantum applications for the airline industry. In 2022, IonQ and Airbus partnered on a project to develop smarter algorithms based on quantum computers to achieve cost savings due to more efficient cargo loading and distribution. Additionally, Hyundai Motors and Thompson Machinery have partnered with IonQ to develop quantum applications for use cases like image recognition in autonomous vehicles and predictive maintenance for construction machinery.

To learn more about how you can get started on an IonQ system today, please contact us directly at: https://ionq.com/get-ready.

About IonQ

IonQ, Inc. is a leader in quantum computing that delivers high-performance systems capable of solving the world's largest and most complex commercial and research use cases. IonQ's current generation quantum computer, IonQ Forte, is the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems, boasting 36 algorithmic qubits. The company's innovative technology and rapid growth were recognized in Fast Company's 2023 Next Big Things in Tech List and Deloitte's 2023 Technology Fast 500 List, respectively. Available through all major cloud providers, IonQ is making quantum computing more accessible and impactful than ever before. Learn more at IonQ.com.

About DESY

DESY is one of the world's leading accelerator centers. Researchers use the large-scale facilities at DESY to explore the microcosm in all its variety from the interactions of tiny elementary particles and the behavior of new types of nanomaterials to biomolecular processes that are essential to life. The accelerators and detectors that DESY develops and builds are unique research tools. The facilities generate the world's most intense X-ray light, accelerate particles to record energies and open completely new windows onto the universe.

That makes DESY not only a magnet for more than 3000 guest researchers from over 40 countries every year, but also a coveted partner for national and international cooperations. Committed young researchers find an exciting interdisciplinary setting at DESY. The research center offers specialized training for a large number of professions. DESY cooperates with industry and business to promote new technologies that will benefit society and encourage innovations. This also benefits the metropolitan regions of the two DESY locations, Hamburg and Zeuthen near Berlin.

IonQ Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain 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. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words. Statements that are not historical in nature, including the words "expect," "will," and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include those related to: the company's technology driving commercial advantage in the future; the applicability of IonQ's quantum computing offerings to multiple use cases; access to IonQ's quantum computers; the capabilities, scalability, and reliability of IonQ's quantum computing offerings; the opportunity to test and optimize novel quantum-enhanced algorithms for computational challenges on IonQ's quantum computers; the accuracy of quantum algorithms run on IonQ's quantum computers; and the problems that can be solved by IonQ's quantum computers. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: changes in the competitive industries in which IonQ operates, including development of competing technologies; changes in laws and regulations affecting IonQ's business; IonQ's ability to implement its business plans, forecasts and other expectations, identify and realize partnerships and opportunities, and to engage new and existing customers. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's filings, including but not limited to those described in the "Risk Factors" section of IonQ's most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other documents filed by IonQ from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and IonQ assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. IonQ does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314520832/en/

Contacts:

IonQ Media contact:

Tyler Ogoshi

press@ionq.com



IonQ Investor Contact:

investors@ionq.co
Sustainable Markets Initiative 2023 Impact Report highlights delivery, engagement, and growth as companies put Nature, People and Planet at the heart of global value creation

LONDON, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Demonstrating the important role the private sector plays in driving a more sustainable economy, the Sustainable Markets Initiative today published its 2023 Impact Report, The Growth Story of Our Time.

The Report highlights the organisation's continued growth, projects and initiatives through industry and finance Task Forces, Regional and Country Councils and engagement on a world stage, including as the strategic partner to the Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum, the first private sector forum to be included in the official COP Presidency Programme (COP28). https://www.sustainable-markets.org/news/as-strategic-partner-for-cop28-business-and-philanthropy-climate-forum-sustainable-markets-initiative-expands-focus-on-industry-transition-with-global-leaders-to-align-industry-finance-and-country-roadmaps

Brian Moynihan, Chair and CEO of Bank of America, and Chair of the Sustainable Markets Initiative said:

"The private sector has the capital, the talent, and the ingenuity to drive a more sustainable business infrastructure. The Sustainable Markets Initiative is working with companies of all sizes and industries to help bring clean technologies to market, deploy capital to scale innovation, and address transparency. We accelerated progress through cross-Task Force collaboration, helping Sustainable Markets Initiative CEOs develop solutions and scale not achievable by one industry alone. This past year also showed the private sector, and the Sustainable Markets Initiative are equal partners with the public sector and governments at global gatherings focused on these important issues, demonstrating our value in accelerating sustainability outcomes and related systems changes."

Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, CEO of the Sustainable Markets Initiative said:

"The private sector has emerged as the vanguard of the new era - one where profitability and the global public good are not mutually exclusive. Today's narrative is one of private sector diplomacy, moral courage, and relentless determination. Across industries, finance and countries our CEOs are embracing their role as catalysts, driving a seismic shift towards a sustainable future - one that puts Nature, People and Planet at the heart of value creation."

The report reflects the vision of our Founder, His Majesty King Charles III, who launched the Sustainable Markets Initiative in 2020 when he was the Prince of Wales.

The 2023 Impact Report can be accessed on the Sustainable Markets Initiative website at www.sustainable-markets.org, Impact Report tab.

Note to Editors

Key 2023 Achievements

Aligning Industry and Finance. The Sustainable Markets Initiative drives accelerated transition through its 22 industry and finance Task Forces. In 2023, five new Task Forces were created including: Blended Finance, Circularity, Fusion, Legal, and Technology, Media, and Telecom.

The Sustainable Markets Initiative drives accelerated transition through its 22 industry and finance Task Forces. In 2023, five new Task Forces were created including: Blended Finance, Circularity, Fusion, Legal, and Technology, Media, and Telecom. Countries in Focus. The aim of the Sustainable Markets Initiative's Regional and Country Councils are to encourage collective and scalable action by business and investment in support Nationally Determined Contributions. In 2023, the Sustainable Markets Initiative launched its Africa Council supporting sustainability efforts on the continent. The launch of the Council in Nairobi, Kenya took place at the United Nations Office at Nairobi, alongside His Majesty's State Visit to Kenya in November 2023, and it brought together global, African and Kenya private sector CEOs, civil society, alongside United Nations agency and Multilateral Development Bank representatives.

The aim of the Sustainable Markets Initiative's Regional and Country Councils are to encourage collective and scalable action by business and investment in support Nationally Determined Contributions. In 2023, the Sustainable Markets Initiative launched its Africa supporting sustainability efforts on the continent. The launch of the Council in Nairobi, Kenya took place at the United Nations Office at Nairobi, alongside His Majesty's State Visit to Kenya in November 2023, and it brought together global, African and Kenya private sector CEOs, civil society, alongside United Nations agency and Multilateral Development Bank representatives. Sustainability in Space. His Majesty King Charles III held a reception in June 2023 to launch the Sustainable Markets Initiative's Astra Carta which provides a roadmap for private sector leadership on sustainability in space. Like the Terra Carta, the artwork of the Astra Carta Seal was designed by Sir Jony Ive.

His Majesty King Charles III held a reception in June 2023 to launch the Sustainable Markets Initiative's Astra Carta which provides a roadmap for private sector leadership on sustainability in space. Like the Terra Carta, the artwork of the Astra Carta Seal was designed by Sir Jony Ive. Recognizing Leadership. The Sustainable Markets Initiative's 2023 Terra Carta Seal Awards recognized global companies that are actively leading the charge to create a climate and Nature-positive future. With over 80 companies awarded to date, in 2023 17 companies were awarded the Terra Carta Seal. Winners were selected by a panel of global experts from the public, private, and philanthropic sectors.

The Sustainable Markets Initiative's 2023 Terra Carta Seal Awards recognized global companies that are actively leading the charge to create a climate and Nature-positive future. With over 80 companies awarded to date, in 2023 17 companies were awarded the Terra Carta Seal. Winners were selected by a panel of global experts from the Designing for Sustainability.Through student-led, high-impact ideas, the Sustainable Markets Initiative expanded its Terra Carta Design Lab, partnering four design schools; Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (UAE), National Institute of Design Ahmedabad (India), Rhode Island School of Design (USA) and the Royal College of Art (UK). The Terra Carta Design Lab is in partnership with the Royal College of Art and was launched by His Majesty King Charles III, when he was the Prince of Wales, and Sir Jony Ive in 2021.

Sustainable Markets Initiative

Founded by His Majesty King Charles III in 2020, as the Prince of Wales, the Sustainable Markets Initiative has become the world's 'go-to' private sector organisation on transition. Launched in 2021, the Terra Carta serves as the Sustainable Markets Initiative's mandate with a focus on accelerating positive results for Nature, People and Planet through real economy action. Find out more: www.sustainable-markets.org.

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News Summary:

Waters Oasis Dual-phase PFAS Analysis Cartridges simplify sample preparation for EPA 1633 testing for analysis of PFAS concentrations in non-potable water, soils, biosolids, and tissue.

Reduces sample preparation time by 20% and sample processing time by approximately 30 minutes per batch to boost sample throughput and help busy laboratories save time and money.

Cartridge lots are QC-tested by an accredited laboratory for low residual PFAS to help reduce or eliminate time spent troubleshooting PFAS contamination.

MILFORD, Mass., March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Waters Corporation (NYSE:WAT) announces new Oasis WAX/GCB and GCB/WAX for PFAS Analysis Cartridges with new design features that significantly streamline and expedite sample preparation and analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). To help ensure accuracy and further confidence in test results, Oasis WAX/GCB and GCB/WAX Cartridges are QC-tested by an accredited laboratory for low residual PFAS, to reduce or eliminate any time spent troubleshooting potential assay contamination.

"With the official release of EPA 1633, we know our customers trust and rely on us to provide high-quality products that reduce their risk. Waters new Oasis WAX/GCB and GCB/WAX Cartridges dramatically simplify and expedite the process of preparing complex samples, such as non-potable water, soil, biosolids, and tissue," said Erin Chambers, Vice President, Consumables and Lab Automation, Waters Corporation. "These dual-phase cartridges replace a laborious and dirty two-step process to significantly reduce sample prep and processing time while exceeding rigorous acceptance criteria."

The cartridges combine the two clean-up steps required under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Method 1633 for PFAS analysis - a Weak Anion-Exchange (WAX) cartridge and dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) graphitized carbon black (GCB). The cartridges are faster and easier to use than the traditional method of using WAX and loose GCB, reducing the preparation process by approximately 30 minutes per sample batch. This allows customers to eliminate additional manual steps in their workflow, including weighing out loose GCB, shaking, centrifugation, and filtration.

"The new cartridges give us the benefits of time savings and laboratory cleanliness by eliminating the loose carbon step, and are high-quality and dependable sample preparation products," says Amanda Cronin, PFAS Laboratory Supervisor at Katahdin Analytical Services, beta tester for the Waters Oasis WAX/GCB and GCB/WAX Cartridges. "The time savings is key for us. Time is money, and by combining steps into one cartridge, we choose the Waters cartridges for efficiency."

Oasis WAX/GCB and GCB/WAX Cartridges are the latest products within a comprehensive portfolio of PFAS Testing Solutions offered by Waters to support the surging demand for PFAS environmental testing. In 2023 alone, PFAS chemicals led to over $11 billion in legal settlements.i This year, major regulations governing PFAS concentrations are expected, with the EPA finalizing key rules under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and Safe Drinking Water Act. European regulators are also considering PFAS regulations, with the closing of the comment period on the European Chemical Agency's PFAS Restriction Proposal in September 2023. In an environment of increased scrutiny, the ability to accurately test for PFAS is becoming a critical compliance need for a broad spectrum of industries.

Waters Oasis WAX/GCB and GCB/WAX Cartridges are designed to meet all EPA Method 1633 requirements for aqueous and solid samples and are available in packs of 30 and 300 cartridges. The product is now orderable worldwide.

Additional Resources

Learn more at Oasis WAX for PFAS Analysis Cartridges

Learn more from our Application Notes: EPA 1633 Application Note: Analyzing PFAS in Water Samples EPA 1633 Application Note: Analyzing PFAS in Soil and Tissue Samples

Follow and connect with Waters via LinkedIn, X, and Facebook

About Waters Corporation (www.waters.com)

Waters Corporation (NYSE:WAT), a global leader in analytical instruments and software, has pioneered chromatography, mass spectrometry, and thermal analysis innovations serving the life, materials, food, and environmental sciences for more than 65 years. With approximately 8,000 employees worldwide, Waters operates directly in 35 countries, including 15 manufacturing facilities, and with products available in more than 100 countries.

Waters and Oasis are trademarks of Waters Technologies Corporation.

Contact:

Janice Foley

Senior Public Relations Manager, Corporate Communications

Waters Corporation

janice_foley@waters.com

+1.617.823.5555

________________________________

i 'Forever chemicals' were everywhere in 2023. Expect more litigation in 2024, Reuters, 12/28/23, https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/forever-chemicals-were-everywhere-2023-expect-more-litigation-2024-2023-12-28/

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Alliance to include over 15 developer-led companies and public organizations focused on fostering collaboration around AI advancement, best practices, and ethics

WASHINGTON, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarifai , a global leader in AI development and a pioneer of the full-stack AI platform, today announced the launch of a groundbreaking AI Developer Alliance. The alliance will bring together developers, technologies, and a broad range of organizations to share best practices and knowledge, and to facilitate collaboration on everything from AI-related ethics to furthering advocacy and driving innovation.

The first members of the alliance are Clarifai, Postman, Coder, DBT Labs, LlamaIndex, DSPy, Deepgram, Weaviate, LangChain, New York University, Cleanlab, Tabnine, Sieve Data, Brev.dev, Cast AI, Ikigai, Last9, and YCurb.

The alliance is open to all companies that play a pivotal role in shaping the future of AI technology and development. Clarifai expects many more companies and entities to join in the coming months.

"Developers are the builders of AI across industries and organizations, and Clarifai has been a leading resource for them in doing so for more than a decade. This alliance will help them cut through the noise of a rapidly growing technology and ecosystem to share insights and best practices, build trust, and to fuel collaboration on projects that push the boundaries of AI development in a successful and responsible way," said Chris Kent, SVP of Marketing at Clarifai. "We look forward to collaborating with the best and the brightest to bring forward this industry expertise and voice."

Clarifai will serve as administrative facilitator of the AI Developer Alliance. Benefits of joining include:

Advocacy Opportunities. Events, workshops and online forums will build connections among leading companies and professionals.

Events, workshops and online forums will build connections among leading companies and professionals. Industry Recognition. The alliance will provide opportunities to showcase company expertise and thought leadership through content and other mediums.

The alliance will provide opportunities to showcase company expertise and thought leadership through content and other mediums. Knowledge Sharing. AI development efforts will accelerate via sharing of resources, case studies, and research findings.

AI development efforts will accelerate via sharing of resources, case studies, and research findings. Collaboration and Future Joint Go-To-Market Opportunities. Alliance members will learn from and collaborate on cutting-edge projects, research, and technology exchanges to drive innovation and create new opportunities for growth across various audiences and verticals.

"This collaborative initiative focused squarely at the developer-level signifies a pivotal step towards fostering and speeding innovation within the AI community. By bringing together leading developers and organizations, this Alliance is paving the way for impactful advancements in AI technology, transparency, and ethics," said Matt Arcaro, IDC Research Director for Computer Vision AI Tools and Technologies.

Clarifai has more than a decade of experience supporting enterprises and government organizations in accelerating AI development and implementation, while also minimizing AI sprawl and expenses, and mitigating risks associated with AI-fueled data.

Companies interested in contributing to the success of the AI Developer Alliance can learn more at developeralliance.ai .

New Member Quotes

"Our commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among developers is further strengthened through our partnership with the AI Developer Alliance, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in AI-powered development workflows." - Alex Barnett, Head of Developer Relations and Community, Postman

"We're thrilled to announce our partnership with the AI Developer Alliance alongside Clarifai. At Coder, we're committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation, and joining forces with Clarifai and the Alliance aligns perfectly with our mission. Together, we look forward to harnessing the power of AI to drive groundbreaking solutions that will shape the future of technology." - Josh Epstein, CRO, Coder

"Weaviate is excited to join the AI Developer Alliance, as it illustrates our commitment to fostering a thriving ecosystem where developers can collaborate, innovate, and create transformative AI solutions." - Bob van Luijt, Co-Founder and CEO, Weaviate

"We're thrilled to be a part of the AI Developer Alliance. As the originator of the AI coding assistant category and one of the first businesses in generative AI, Tabnine has always been committed to empowering developers with cutting-edge AI tools. We welcome the ability to collaborate with other start-up AI businesses to drive responsible innovation in this critical field." - Peter Guangenti, President & Chief Marketing Officer, Tabnine

"Last9 is proud to join the AI Developer Alliance, reinforcing our commitment to advancing innovation in the tech industry. Together, we'll accelerate the development of AI solutions that drive meaningful change." - Nishant Modak, Founder & CEO, Last9

"We're excited to join the alliance with other AI developers who are on a similar mission of empowering the world with new AI tooling and experiences." - Mokshith Voodarla, Co-Founder & CEO, Sieve Data

About Clarifai

Clarifai simplifies how developers and teams create, share, and run AI at scale by providing companies with a cutting-edge platform to build enterprise AI faster, leveraging today's modern AI technologies like Large Language Models (LLMs) and Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), data labeling, inference, and more. Founded in 2013, Clarifai is available in cloud, on-premise, or hybrid environments and has been used to build more than one million AI models with more than 380,000 users in 170 countries. Learn more at www.clarifai.com .

CONTACT: pr@clarifai.com

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NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Cisco Systems Inc.

By Andrew Williams

Here's an (un)fun fact: Almost 90 percent of companies had sponsorship programs in 2021, yet only 33 percent of Black employees actually had sponsors, and even fewer Black employees (23 percent) felt support to advance in their careers. More shocking? The number of Black employees with sponsors dropped as low as five percent a year later.

We need to improve these numbers and Cisco believes The Multiplier Effect (TME) is part of the solution. Through sponsorship, TME helps advance the careers of underrepresented groups in the tech industry including women, the Latine community, and Black talent.

At its core, sponsorship is a mutually beneficial relationship where leaders use their influence, position, and social capital to advocate for the career advancement of their sponsees. Unlike mentorship, which involves giving advice and feedback, sponsorship requires a commitment to directly advocate for a sponsee by offering support and introducing them to new opportunities. This is where leaders come in. And at Cisco, they've come in droves with 100 percent of Cisco leaders at or above the vice president level taking the TME pledge to sponsor across difference in FY23.

Getting sponsored as a Black employee has clear upsides. Black managers are 65 percent more likely to advance in their career if they're sponsored while Black employees are 60 percent less likely to quit within a year than peers who aren't sponsored. And, for companies, many reports have highlighted the benefits of diverse teams, from better decision-making, to higher performance, improved bottom lines, and more.

Cisco Taps into Sponsorship

In 2020, Cisco launched its Social Justice Beliefs and 12 Actions backed by a five-year, $300 million commitment to explore new ways to address inequities, break down barriers, and create more inclusive opportunities for people to thrive. These 12 Social Justice Actions form a wide-ranging plan with one of the goals being to connect leaders to employees.

Cisco's most recent Purpose Report highlights promising progress since 2020. By expanding its diverse talent pipeline through enhanced hiring practices, interview training, sponsorship and more, the company's seen a 73 percent increase in representation of all employees who identify as African American/Black from entry level through manager. That percentage jumps to a 103 percent increase at the director level and a 240 percent increase for vice presidents and above.

Sponsorship starts with leaders but benefits everyone and Michelle Lee, Senior Manager, ONEx Employee Engagement, is proof. She's excelled as a sponsee and sponsor (five times each!) throughout her 28-year Cisco career, and shares some of her sponsorship journey.

Why did you get involved with sponsorship??

I have a strong passion for people, culture, career development and talent growth. I learned early in my career that having an "advocate" is critical to your career journey. Sponsors have your back and are willing to speak on your behalf about your work, accomplishments, value, and strengths, so that you can reach your full potential. I've lived the company motto: "One Company, Many Careers" by working in sales, communications, program management, and more. Many leaders have advocated for me, and I want to showcase that same positive energy for others through sharing my personal experiences. I feel great gratitude and joy seeing others succeed and grow.

What inspires you about sponsorship??

Sponsorship is foundational to our business and how we grow as a company. It's imperative in driving employees to transform their skills, learning and growth. Cisco needs employees who are continuously learning and growing with the support of sponsors to help drive that action.

What advice would you give to employees who are on the fence about becoming sponsees? And what advice do you have for leaders who are considering sponsorship but haven't done so yet??

To sponsees : You OWN your career . Take ownership by getting a sponsor who can help your career advancement. You can't do it alone so don't miss out on this opportunity! Let someone help you. The opportunities are endless. I am a testimony of this!

. Take ownership by getting a sponsor who can help your career advancement. You can't do it alone so don't miss out on this opportunity! Let someone help you. The opportunities are endless. I am a testimony of this! To sponsors: It's the right thing to do. You get a sense of gratitude in connecting with different perspectives and backgrounds while helping them to advance in their career.

Make Your Mark: Get Involved with Sponsorship!

Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives aren't just priorities on World Day of Social Justice (February 20) or during Black History Month. Social justice is something Cisco strives for everyday.

You're invited to take the TME pledge and join Cisco on its journey towards equity. Whether it's through supporting Cisco's 12 Social Justice Actions or getting involved in The Multiplier Effect, everyone has a role to play in powering an inclusive future for all.

Ready to start your sponsorship journey??Take the TME pledge today!

Need help getting sponsor-ready? Check out these tips or contact the TME team.

References:

[1] McKinsey & Company (2021)

[2] Harvard Business Review (2022)

[3] McKinsey & Company (2020)

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Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Cisco Systems Inc.

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cisco-systems-inc

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Cisco Systems Inc.

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The Virginia-class attack submarine Hyman G. Rickover in July 2021, prior to a christening ceremony at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Conn. (U.S. Navy photo by John Narewski/RELEASED) John Narewski/Submarine Readiness Squadron (SR

President Joe Bidens proposal to save roughly $2.6 billion by cutting the production of one of the Navys new fast-attack submarines drew a chorus of boos this week from eastern Connecticut, where work on the subs is already underway.

The proposal, tucked within the presidents $850 billion Pentagon budget for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, would eliminate one of the two Virginia-class submarines that the federal government had previously committed to purchasing each year to replace its aging fleet of nuclear-powered attack subs, which date back to the 1980s.

Production of the new submarines is currently split between Electric Boats shipyards in Groton and Quonset Point, R.I., as well as Huntington Ingalls Industries in Newport News, Va.  each of which employ thousands of workers and support a web of local suppliers.

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The nations submarine program has historically enjoyed strong bipartisan support. After the White House released its budget proposal Monday, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle rushed to pledge their continued support for the two-sub-a-year quota.

Leading the charge against the proposed cuts was U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Vernon, whose district is home to both Electric Boat and the nearby Naval Submarine Base New London.

At a time when the pace of all of Navy shipbuilding  manned and unmanned, including carriers, submarines, destroyers, and frigates  is recovering from the impact of the COVID pandemic and supply chain disruptions, the Navys plan to cut a submarine that is already been partially paid for and built, makes little or no sense, Courtney said in a statement Monday.

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If such a cut is actually enacted, it will remove one more attack submarine from a fleet that is already 17 submarines below the Navys long stated requirement of 66, he continued. Given the new commitment the Department of Defense and Congress made last year to sell three submarines to our ally Australia, which I enthusiastically support, the ramifications of the Navys proposal will have a profound impact on both countries navies.

If approved, the cuts to the Virginia-class program are not expected to affect Electric Boats plans to hire between 4,000 and 5,000 employees over the coming year, Courtney said, citing his conversations with company leaders.

Courtney serves as the top Democrat on the House subcommittee that oversees Navy and Air Force procurement programs, where he has earned the nickname Two Sub Joe for his efforts to support the industry. In January, he and the chairman of the committee, Rep. Trent Kelly, R-Miss., sent a letter to President Biden urging him to keep up the current pace of buying submarines.

During a press conference earlier this week, however, Under Secretary of Defense Mike McCord defended the cuts by pointing to lengthy delays in the rollout of Virginia-class submarines, despite support from previous budgets and the security agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

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Pentagon officials also pointed out that the budget would also increase funding for the Navys second, larger class of ballistic-missile submarines  the Columbia class  by $3.7 billion.

Theres a big investment, in sort of three parts, in the submarine industrial base that we think is going to be better spent than putting another sub on order, McCord said.

Electric Boat did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Bidens budget on Wednesday.

In a joint statement earlier this week, Connecticuts two U.S. senators, Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal, called the budget proposal a concerning setback that risked undermining the Navys capabilities and international commitments through the AUKUS deal.

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For years, Congress, the Department of Defense, and workers and small businesses in Connecticut have been working hard to restore the submarine industrial base, and we cannot afford to take a step backward now, the statement read. Dialing back submarine procurement in fiscal year 2025 threatens to slow progress in strengthening our nations submarine supplier base and workforce, making it more difficult to upgrade our submarine fleet and meet mounting global threats on the timeframe our national security requires.

The proposed cuts are sure to rankle the labor unions representing the thousands of workers employed by the shipbuilders in Connecticut and Virginia.

This industry cannot thrive as a feast-or-famine endeavor, International Association of Machinists President Brian Bryant said in a letter to Biden last month. A clear market signal of consistent two-per-year funding is absolutely vital to maintain and grow the necessary highly-skilled workforce and promote the industry partnerships needed to ensure success in efficient submarine production.

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Expanded manufacturing capacity and capabilities to meet increasing prescription and consumer healthcare customer demand

Aptar Pharma, part of AptarGroup, Inc., a global leader in drug and consumer product dosing, dispensing and protection technologies, today announced the next phase of its global capacity expansion plan in North America, at its Aptar Congers, New York site. This investment will help Aptar meet the growing prescription and consumer healthcare customer demand for proprietary drug delivery systems in North America.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314837664/en/

Photo: Aptar Pharma's North America manufacturing facility in Congers, New York (Photo: Business Wire)

Manufacturing began at Aptar Congers in 2002 with a cleanroom and the production of Aptar Pharma's VP3 pumps, and today the site manufactures a wide range of proprietary drug delivery products for nasal and injectable delivery routes. Manufacturing capabilities at the Congers facility will be further expanded to offer even more innovative product solutions and increased production capacity to Aptar Pharma customers in North America.

Expanded production for proprietary drug delivery systems including the Unidose (UDS) Nasal Delivery Platform

To support increasing patient demand for systemic nasal delivery, Aptar Pharma is significantly expanding the manufacturing capacity of its proprietary Unidose (UDS) Nasal Spray Systems via the addition of molds and assembly lines in cleanroom manufacturing settings, with the additional capacity planned to come online in Q4 2024.

Initiating Bag-on-Valve (BOV) Assembly in the US

To meet increased customer demand in the region for nasal saline solutions, Aptar Pharma is installing an assembly line at the Aptar Congers facility to further expand manufacturing of its bag-on-vale (BOV) technology. This new environmentally controlled good manufacturing practice (GMP) production area is planned to be fully operational by early 2025.

Expanding Child-Resistant Senior-Friendly (CRSF) Solution production

As demand continues to grow in North America for child-resistant packaging for nasal decongestant sprays, Aptar Pharma's plans include a cleanroom extension at the Aptar Congers site for its Child-Resistant Senior-Friendly (CRSF) closure solutions to increase manufacturing capacity to supply customers locally.

Aptar Pharma Global Expansion Plan

The new capacity will be housed in the building extension at the existing Aptar Congers site and is planned to be completed by the end of 2024, with the goal to significantly boost capacity across several Aptar Pharma product lines. The building extension adds an additional 28,500 sq. ft. of manufacturing footprint to enhance warehousing, cleanroom and manufacturing capabilities at the site and was previously announced as part of the Pharma segment's injectable capacity expansion in 2020.

Aptar Pharma's expansion in North America is part of the company's overall global expansion plan, which includes a robust injectables expansion program in France, and new state-of-the art manufacturing facilities in Suzhou, China and Mumbai, India. This newly expanded Congers facility is the company's direct response to continuing customer demand in the region, and supports Aptar's "local for local" strategy.

As part of the previously announced global injectables expansion program, a portion of the expanded facility has been dedicated to Aptar Pharma's ETFE PremiumCoat film-coated stoppers manufacturing, including on-site molding and trimming, which will be performed in a new ISO-7 cleanroom, while finishing and automated vision inspection will continue to be performed in an ISO-5 cleanroom. PremiumCoat production at Aptar Congers, on track to be ready for commercialization in early 2025, is covered by the same Drug Master File (DMF) as the Aptar Granville and Aptar Brecey manufacturing sites in France.

"Our Aptar Pharma business in North America has shown robust growth in recent years, with increasing customer demand across all product lines," commented Gael Touya, President, Aptar Pharma. "This expansion is a key step in the next phase of our global expansion program, designed to continue to meet the growing needs of our customers in the region, which will ultimately benefit patients."

Added Isabelle Menard, Vice President General Manager, Aptar Pharma North America, "The expansion of our Congers facility provides a larger state-of-the-art manufacturing space, not only for the expansion of our well-established operations, but also to fuel further localization to support the needs of our U.S. customers."

About Aptar

Aptar Pharma is part of AptarGroup, Inc., a global leader in drug and consumer product dosing, dispensing and protection technologies. Aptar serves a number of attractive end markets including pharmaceutical, beauty, food, beverage, personal care and home care. Using market expertise, proprietary design, engineering and science to create innovative solutions for many of the world's leading brands, Aptar in turn makes a meaningful difference in the lives, looks, health and homes of millions of patients and consumers around the world. Aptar is headquartered in Crystal Lake, Illinois and has over 13,000 dedicated employees in 20 countries. For more information, visit www.aptar.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314837664/en/

Contacts:

Ciara Jackson

Aptar Pharma

+49 151 1951 6502

ciara.jackson@aptar.com
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Rockland Resources Ltd. (the "Company" or "Rockland") (CSE:RKL) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Tom McCandless to its Board of Directors and Mackenzie (Mac) Watson to the Advisory Board.

"We are pleased to welcome Tom and Mac to the growing team at Rockland. Their combined knowledge and experience in the mining space will greatly enhance our chances of success in the exploration stage of our various projects," stated Mike England, CEO of Rockland Resources.

Dr. McCandless has over 40 years of experience in mineral discovery and development over a broad range of commodities including lithium, uranium, gold, base metals, PGE, and geothermal energy. Most recently he served as Vice President of Exploration for Mountain Province Diamonds, overseeing exploration of their joint venture share at the world-class Gahcho Kue Diamond Mine, and for their Kennady North Project surrounding the mine. Since 2008 he is the President of MCC Geoscience Inc. and has consulted for grassroots exploration through to operating mines located in North and South America, Africa, and Europe. He is also a registered professional geoscientist (BC, NT/NU) and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Alberta and University of Arizona.

Mr. Watson, B.Sc., P.Eng., has over 50 years of experience in exploration, finance, development, and operations in the mining industry. Mr. Watson has spent his career in the junior mining sector, notably serving as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Lynx Canada Exploration Ltd. until 1985, then as CEO for Freewest Resources Inc. until its acquisition by Noranda in 1994. He then served as CEO of Freewest Resources Canada Inc. until its acquisition by Cliffs Natural Resources in 2010. Mac is the first person to receive the Bill Dennis Award for a Canadian Discovery and/or prospecting success twice: first in 1991 for numerous discoveries, and again in 2009 as part of the team responsible for chromite discoveries in the Ring of Fire. He also holds the Quebec Prospector of the Year Award in 1992 for his participation in the discovery of the Pusticamica and Verneuil gold deposits in Quebec. In January 2015, Mr. Watson was inducted into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame.

The Company further announces it has arranged a non-brokered private placement of 2 million units ("Units") at a price of $0.025 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $50,000.00 (the "Offering"). Each Unit will be comprised of one common share ("Share") and one-half transferable Share purchase warrant of the Company ("Warrant"). Each whole Warrant will entitle the Subscriber to purchase one Warrant Share for a 24-month period after the Closing Date at an exercise price of $0.05 per share. Proceeds raised from the Offering will be used for general and administrative purposes.

Rockland also announces it has set 2,000,000 options to directors, officers and consultants of the company at an exercise price of $0.05 cents for a period of three years in accordance with the company's stock option plan.

About Rockland Resources Ltd.

Rockland Resources is engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets for the benefit of its shareholders.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Michael England, CEO & Director

For further information, please contact:

Mike England

Email: mike@engcom.ca

Neither the Canadian Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and by those made in our filings with SEDAR in Canada (available at WWW.SEDAR.COM).

SOURCE: Rockland Resources Ltd.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 14, 2024) - Xtra-Gold Resources Corp. (TSX: XTG) (OTCQB: XTGRF) ("Xtra-Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce today that the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") has accepted a noticed filed by the Company of its intention to renew its prior normal course issuer bid for a further one-year period. The Company intends to proceed with a normal course issuer bid to purchase up to 4,000,000 common shares of the Company (the "2024 Bid").

The Company is commencing the 2024 Bid because it believes that the current market price of its common shares may not fully reflect the underlying value of the Company's business and its future business prospects. The Company believes that the purchase of common shares for cancellation is in the best interests of the Company's shareholders by increasing the respective proportionate shareholdings and therefore increasing the respective equity interest in the Company for all remaining shareholders.

As of March 4, 2024, the Company has 46,129,917 common shares issued and outstanding. The 4,000,000 common shares that may be purchased by the Company under the 2024 Bid represent approximately 10% of the public float (41,121,062 as of March 4, 2024) of the Company. The 2024 Bid will commence on March 18, 2024 and will terminate on March 17, 2025 or at such earlier date in the event that the number of shares sought in the 2024 Bid has been repurchased. The Company reserves the right to terminate the 2024 Bid earlier if it feels that it is appropriate to do so.

All shares will be purchased on the open market through the facilities of the TSX, and payment for the common shares will be in accordance with TSX policies. The price paid for the common shares will be the market price at the time of purchase. Purchasing may be suspended at any time, and no purchases will be made other than by means of open market transactions during the term of the 2024 Bid.

The maximum number of common shares that may be purchased on a daily basis is 2,870 common shares representing 25% of the average daily trading volume 11,483 for the last six calendar months, except where purchases are made in accordance with "block purchases" exemptions under applicable TSX policies. The common shares purchased by the Company will be cancelled.

The Company has engaged Haywood Securities Inc. to act as broker through which the 2024 Bid will be conducted.

Previous purchases were made by the Company under a prior normal course issuer bid (the "2023 Bid"), the results of which are noted hereunder.

Results of 2023 Bid

Pursuant to a previous notice of intention to conduct a normal course issuer bid, under which Company sought and received approval from the TSX to purchase up to 4,000,000 Common Shares for the period of March 17, 2023 to March 16, 2024, the Company has purchased, as of February 29, 2024, 316,500 Common Shares on the open market at an average purchase price of $0.88 per share. As of March 4, 2024 the issued and outstanding number of Common Shares is 46,129,917 shares and the public float of the Common share is 41,121,062 shares.

About Xtra-Gold Resources Corp.

Xtra-Gold is a gold exploration company with a substantial land position in the Kibi Gold Belt, in Ghana West Africa.

Contact Information

For further information please contact:

James Longshore, Chief Executive Officer

Telephone: 242-363-3864

E-mail: info@xtragold.com

Website: www.xtragold.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/201716

SOURCE: Xtra-Gold Resources Corp.
The new partnership positions both companies to lead the industry as premier providers in inventory services, data collection, and customer service in Europe.

DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / WIS International, the global leader in inventory and retail services, expanded its presence into Western Europe by forming a new partnership with Fairson, a complete retail inventory solutions provider. Headquartered in France, Fairson's inventory solutions serve retail customers primarily in France, Spain, Portugal and Italy, while continuing to expand into new markets as far as the Caribbean.





WIS + Fairson





The new partnership allows both WIS International and Fairson to reach new customers across the globe while sharing cutting-edge and innovative technology, global resources and local know-how. Fairson, which has provided inventory solutions since 1995, has built a trusted brand and reputation with blue-chip retailers throughout France and beyond, offering services to over 200 brands throughout Europe. By working together, the partnership will leverage Fairson's European market expertise with WIS International's scale and capabilities to deliver unparalleled value to retail businesses striving to increase profitability through reduced costs and increased sales, achieved with more accurate inventory control.

"The decision to work with Fairson was easy as they are already positioned as inventory experts in the European market, delivering solutions on a compelling technology platform. By partnering with them, it supports WIS International's goal to expand our first-class services to an expanding global audience while enhancing the inventory services that Fairson already provides. We look forward to the mutually beneficial opportunities that this partnership creates," said Jim Rose, CEO of WIS International.

For more than 60 years, WIS Inventory Solutions has offered customers unparalleled inventory control solutions with unmatched staffing capabilities, advanced technology, and superior processes. In the last decade, WIS has achieved immeasurable success as it continues to grow, gaining an international presence and offering increased support to its domestic partners. The new partnership with Fairson is another example of how WIS continuously strives to provide the best for its customers.

###

Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, WIS International has made its mark globally with over 100 years of experience creating and implementing strategic sales, marketing, and retail solutions. Offering the most in-demand retail and marketing services for corporations and enterprises, WIS International is well known for driving success through its diversified, end-to-end approach and ability to work within a wide variety of business verticals and markets.

Using proprietary technology, innovative strategies, and customer-focused business practices, WIS International offers retail and manufacturers the tools for success through its four connected brands: WIS Inventory Solutions, CROSSMARK, Product Connections, and Dealer Solutions. These services are provided by more than 50,000 employees across 250 offices to more than 5,000 businesses throughout the U.S. and Canada, making WIS International a robust corporation that businesses can count on. Learn more at www.wisintl.com.

Contact Information

Connie Nguyen

Vice President Marketing

cnguyen@wisintl.com

312-465-9288

SOURCE: WIS International

View the original press release on newswire.com.
Nordic Pharma, Inc., a subsidiary of Nordic Group B.V. announced today that eminent oculoplastic surgeon John P. Fezza, MD will serve on its U.S. Medical Advisory Board (MAB) which includes Eric Donnenfeld, MD (New York), Richard Lindstrom, MD (Minnesota), Vance Thompson, MD (South Dakota), Preeya Gupta, MD (North Carolina), Paul Karpecki, OD (Kentucky), Lisa Nijm, MD, JD (Illinois), and Selina McGee, OD (Oklahoma).

Dr. Fezza joins the MAB as Nordic Pharma prepares to launch a novel therapy for Dry Eye Disease, LACRIFILL Canalicular Gel. The FDA-cleared, cross-linked hyaluronic acid derivative LACRIFILL is intended to temporarily block tear drainage by the occlusion of the canalicular system.

"The entire U.S. Medical Advisory Board of Nordic Pharma is honored and delighted to welcome John Fezza, MD, a world class oculoplastic surgeon to our MAB," said Eric Donnenfeld, MD, MAB Chair. "John will bring his unique perspective and understanding of the lacrimal drainage system to LACRIFILL's novel treatment of dry eye disease."

"I am thrilled to join this incredible Medical Advisory Board comprised of some of the most esteemed leaders in eyecare," said John Fezza, MD. "They share a common vision of improving patient care, and understand the importance of treating dry eye disease. As the inventor of LACRIFILL Canalicular Gel, I believe we are launching a novel product that will change our approach to treating dry eyes."

Nordic Pharma's U.S. Medical Advisory Board brings together leading eye care providers from across the country, including ophthalmologists and optometrists in private practice and affiliated with major health systems. "John's addition to our U.S. Medical Advisory Board provides historical and unique insights to this stellar group of optometry and ophthalmology leaders that will help set us up for a successful launch of LACRIFILL Canalicular Gel later this year," said Philip Gioia, President of the U.S. team that will launch LACRIFILL under the Nordic Pharma brand.

Nordic Pharma is committed to engaging ophthalmologists and optometrists in the early launch stages of LACRIFILL Canalicular Gel. As part of the approach, members of the LACRIFILL team will be attending Vision Expo East, 2024 to share the benefits of LACRIFILL Canalicular Gel with optometrists and to discuss select pre-order opportunities.

"Optometry plays a crucial role in the management of dry eye disease as evident by prescribing the majority of medications to performing procedures like punctal occlusion," said Paul M. Karpecki, O.D., FAAO. "The support for the profession shown by Nordic Pharma and the launch of the innovative product LACRIFILL Canalicular Gel, will go far in helping millions of patients suffering from dry eye disease."

In addition to Dr. Fezza's appointment, the LACRIFILL launch is further benefitting from Todd Love being hired as National Sales Director by Inizio Engage. "Todd comes to us with a strong legacy of leadership and camaraderie in the eye care industry for nearly 25 years," said Jai G. Parekh, MD, MBA, Chief Commercial Officer of Nordic Pharma Eye Care U.S. "He is a 'true natural' and after years of experience at Alcon, Bausch Lomb, and more recently, Sight Sciences, we look to him to help lead our initiatives in the field with our esteemed sales force. His acumen will be critical to our launch of LACRIFILL Canalicular Gel within the eye care community; I look forward to working closely with him."

About John P. Fezza, M.D.

Dr. Fezza has been a member of the Center For Sight team since 1998 and specializes in cosmetic facial and laser surgery. He earned his bachelor's degree from Duke University and received his medical education at New York Medical College, where he was President of the Alpha Omega Alpha honors society. He completed his internship in general surgery and residency in ophthalmology at Yale University and his two-year fellowship in oculofacial plastic surgery at Vanderbilt University. In addition, he completed a second fellowship in cosmetic surgery sponsored by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. He has many years of subspecialty training focusing solely on eyelid, face and neck surgery, which he considers his passion.

Dr. Fezza has held many prestigious national positions in medical societies, including the position of Past President of the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery, and Past Treasurer of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS). In 2016, he was honored with the ASOPRS Research Award and in 2019 he received the Henry Baylis Cosmetic Surgery Award for longstanding contributions in the field of cosmetic facial surgery.

A nationally recognized author and lecturer on cosmetic facial and laser surgery, Dr. Fezza is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) and the American Board of Ophthalmology. Dr. Fezza is a well-respected pharmaceutical consultant, lecturer, and master trainer. He serves on advisory boards for Allergan, Revance Therapeutics and is involved as an investigator in FDA clinical trials. In addition, he is an ad hoc preceptor for ASOPRS fellows and was an Associate Clinical Professor in Oculoplastics at the University of South Florida. Dr. Fezza holds multiple patents for treatment of dry eye disease and medical devices for facial fillers.

About Nordic Group B.V.

Nordic Group B.V. is a privately owned, medium-size international pharmaceutical company which focuses on the development and commercialization of specialty products. Portfolio enhancement has been accomplished through targeted developments and focused acquisitions to build a foundation in Eye Care, Rheumatology and Women's Health. Nordic Pharma has established deep roots throughout Europe, and more recently, expanded outside of Europe with increased acquisitions worldwide.

Nordic Pharma is a part of SEVER Life Sciences, a holding company created in 2019 that brings together three diverse but complementary companies that offer a wide range of products, pharmaceutical development services and delivery technologies.

About Nordic Pharma, Inc.

Nordic Pharma, Inc., subsidiary of Nordic Group B.V., is partnered with well-established global biopharmaceutical companies and is uniquely positioned to leverage its expertise in bringing biotechnology derived medicines, sterile manufacturing and other state-of-the-art technologies to the marketplace.

Safe Harbor

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements related to Nordic Group /Nordic Pharma's business developments and the implementation of Nordic Group /Nordic Pharma's strategic initiatives. Because these statements reflect Nordic Group /Nordic Pharma's current views, expectations and beliefs concerning future events, these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual developments and results to differ materially from Nordic Group /Nordic Pharma's expectations. These factors include, but are not limited to, general market conditions, regulatory trends, changes in the financial conditions of third parties dealing with Nordic Group /Nordic Pharma, and other factors that could affect Nordic Group /Nordic Pharma's business and financial performance. Nordic Group /Nordic Pharma does not assume any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314786115/en/

Contacts:

Nordic Pharma, Inc.

Kate Popova

Contracts Administration Lead

610-285-1699

ekaterina.popova@nordicpharma.com

Gail Feerrar

Director Sales and Marketing

610-285-7152

gail.feerrar@nordicpharma.com
"Investing in Climate Resilience: Unlocking a Growing Market of Adaptation Solutions" released by the Global Adaptation and Resilience Investment Group (GARI) in partnership with MSCI, The Lightsmith Group, the Bezos Earth Fund, and ClimateWorks Foundation

WASHINGTON, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A group of leading financial and philanthropic organizations today released an investor report and toolkit highlighting climate resilience solutions as a key growth industry of the 21st century. "Investing in Climate Resilience" presents a first-of-its-kind, AI-powered framework identifying a universe of over 800 publicly traded companies in the business of resilience along with methods investors can use to find these companies and incorporate climate resilience into investment product design.

The report challenges the ways climate adaptation has been characterized to date - not simply as a cost for governments to bear but as a growth industry for the technologies, products, and services that will increase in demand on a warming planet. It identifies resiliency solutions spanning several sectors - from grid resiliency measures and storm water management to new insurance products and vaccines - and sets forth that mounting demand for solutions will create investment opportunities in the companies that provide them.

"The urgency of climate change has resulted in two intertwined investment opportunities: the transformation to a net-zero emissions economy and the need to adapt to its impacts," said Paul Bodnar, Director of Sustainable Finance, Industry, and Diplomacy at the Bezos Earth Fund. "If we treat adaptation as an obscure topic for governments to worry about, we risk stifling the private sector innovation urgently needed to stimulate creative solutions for the world's most vulnerable populations adjusting to weather volatility and heat. Just as financial markets have become a vital force for channeling capital to decarbonization, they can do the same for companies developing resilience technologies and services."

The report is authored by GARI, a leader in climate finance, with data and analytics provided in partnership with the MSCI Sustainability Institute and The Lightsmith Group. It was released in conjunction with a new framework for Climate Resilience Investments in Solutions Principles (CRISP) developed by GARI to provide a comprehensive approach to identify relevant companies considering all regions, growth stages, asset classes and sectors.

"Climate change creates risks and impacts for all of us. This report demonstrates that climate resilience is a clear and present growth investment opportunity for investors in the public markets. Investors can now apply a robust and practical framework to identify climate resilience investments," said Jay Koh, co- founder & Managing Director of The Lightsmith Group and founder of GARI.

Analysis from the MSCI Sustainability Institute describes one possible investible universe of over 800 publicly traded companies focused on climate adaptation across different industries. The largest sector represented in this identified universe is the industrials sector (42%), followed by materials (16%), and consumer discretionary (8%). The analysis may be used as a starting point by investors interested in climate resilience-focused companies for a range of investment strategies. "This is an exciting development for investors to better understand opportunities within their portfolios driven by climate adaptation. The initial universe of adaptation-focused companies lays the groundwork to identify companies that provide exposure to climate resilience solutions via quantitative and qualitative methods," noted Linda-Eling Lee, Founding Director & Head of the MSCI Sustainability Institute.

Almost a third of the "first cut" investible universe represents companies domiciled in emerging markets, which include communities most at risk from the impacts of climate change. ClimateWorks supported the focus on these markets in the analysis, which identifies 231 publicly traded companies, across 24 emerging markets in a range of sectors, that are currently offering climate resilience solutions. Because physical climate impacts are disproportionately affecting the communities least responsible for climate change, climate resilience solutions can simultaneously advance equity and environmental justice considerations.

"The climate crisis is here. Even as we work to get emissions to zero as quickly as possible, we urgently need to invest billions each year to help people already feeling the devastating impacts of a rapidly warming climate. Climate adaptation and resilience in emerging markets is an overlooked yet critical investment opportunity to drive demand for innovative solutions," said Helen Mountford, president and CEO, ClimateWorks Foundation.

ABOUT

Bezos Earth Fund is helping transform the fight against climate change with the largest ever philanthropic commitment to climate and nature protection. Jeff Bezos has committed $10 billion in this decisive decade to protect nature and address climate change. By providing funding and expertise, we partner with organizations to accelerate innovation, break down barriers to success and create a more equitable and sustainable world. Join us in our mission to create a world where people prosper in harmony with nature. To learn more, visit bezosearthfund.org .

ClimateWorks Foundation is a global platform for philanthropy to innovate and scale high-impact climate solutions that benefit people and the planet. We deliver global programs and services that equip philanthropy with the knowledge, networks, and solutions to drive climate progress for a more sustainable and equitable future. Since 2008, ClimateWorks has granted over $1.8 billion to more than 850 grantees in over 50 countries. To learn more, visit climateworks.org .

Global Adaptation and Resilience Investment Group, Inc. (GARI) is a private sector, private investor-led initiative that was announced at Paris COP21 in conjunction with the UN Secretary General's Climate Resilience Initiative. The working group brings together private and public sector investors, bankers, lenders and other stakeholders to discuss critical issues at the intersection of climate adaptation and resilience and investment with the objective of helping to assess, mobilize and catalyze action and investment. GARI aims to provide education, research and resources to build awareness and capacity in the private sector towards the mission of catalyzing investment in resilience. To learn more, visit garigroup.com .

MSCI Sustainability Institute has a mission to drive progress by capital markets to create sustainable value and tackle global investment challenges such as climate change. Our goal is to align data, analysis, policy and action. We do this by drawing upon MSCI's experience and expertise as a leading provider of sustainability data and metrics to the investment industry to spur collaboration across finance, academia, business, government, and civil society. To learn more, visit msci-institute.com .

The Lightsmith Group is a sustainable private equity firm that invests in companies that address critical societal needs. Lightsmith invests in growth-stage companies providing technology-enabled business services and solutions in the areas of energy, water, food and agriculture, and climate resilience. To learn more, visit lightsmithgp.com .

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/leading-financial-and-philanthropic-organizations-unveil-first-of-its-kind-investor-toolkit-for-climate-resilience-solutions-302088787.html
Turin, Italy and Seoul, South Korea, 14th March 2024. Hyundai Motor Company and Iveco Group (EXM: IVG) are strengthening their partnership to drive innovation in the commercial vehicle sector.

Today the two companies signed a Letter of Intent (LOI), reinforcing their partnership with a facing view towards electric heavy-duty truck solutions, including both battery electric trucks and fuel cell electric trucks, for European markets. By leveraging the advanced technologies and assets of each party, the two companies expect to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future.

Since initiating their partnership in March 2022, Hyundai Motor and Iveco Group have achieved a series of significant milestones. Notably, in September 2022, they unveiled the first IVECO eDaily Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle at the IAA Transportation event in Hanover. This was followed by the debut of the IVECO BUS E-WAY H2 in October 2023 at Busworld in Brussels. Most recently, in February of this year, the two companies announced the signing of a supply agreement for an IVECO-badged all-electric light commercial vehicle for Europe, based on Hyundai's eLCV platform.

About Hyundai Motor Company

Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Company is present in over 200 countries with more than 120,000 employees dedicated to tackling real-world mobility challenges around the globe. Based on the brand vision 'Progress for Humanity,' Hyundai Motor is accelerating its transformation into a Smart Mobility Solution Provider. The company invests in advanced technologies such as robotics and Advanced Air Mobility or Newsroom: Media Hub by Hyundai

Media Contacts:

Seoyong Choi

Global PR / Hyundai Motor Company

seoyong.choi@hyundai.com

Iveco Group N.V.

Media Contacts:

Francesco Polsinelli, Tel: +39 335 1776091

Fabio Lepore, Tel: +39 335 7469007

E-mail: mediarelations@ivecogroup.com

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Oxitec's Friendly fall armyworm has been fully approved by regulators for use in Paraguay to help protect economically important commodity crops.

Oxitec's Friendly fall armyworm is a new, sustainable solution for one of the world's most devastating crop pests, and this approval makes Paraguay the second country to approve this critical new technology impacting major agricultural centres in Latin America and beyond.

Deployment of Friendly fall armyworm offers unmatched protection to the durability of biotech crops against the threat of pest resistance, an increasingly urgent threat to food sustainability.

ASUNCION, Paraguay, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Oxitec Ltd, the leading developer of insect-based biological solutions to control pests that transmit disease, destroy crops and harm livestock, announced today the full commercial approval of its Friendly fall armyworm solution in Paraguay, one of Latin America's leading food-producing countries. This is the second commercial approval of the product in Latin America following its 2022 approval in Brazil.

The Friendly fall armyworm has been developed to combat the caterpillar Spodoptera frugiperda, commonly known as fall armyworm, a devastating pest that damages maize, cotton and other important crops in Paraguay. Releases of the Friendly fall armyworm males reduce pest populations in a safe, biological and environmentally friendly way. This approach is designed to work hand in hand with the existing tools available to farmers, counteracting pest resistance to offer long term crop protection.

Fall armyworm poses a major threat to food security and economic sustainability worldwide. This invasive pest can be difficult to control and has developed resistance to conventional tools such as sprayed insecticides and biotech crops. It can result in the loss of up to 50% of farmers' crops, and in recent years has spread beyond the Americas, now also imposing an economic burden of billions of dollars across Africa, Asia and Oceania.

Friendly fall armyworm will be made available to farmers in Paraguay to help protect their crops against this damaging and invasive insect species, offering a sustainable, environmentally friendly solution to compliment currently available management tools. Delivering this biological option to the market is an important step towards building long-term sustainability into Paraguayan food production. Oxitec is now readying operational infrastructure and activating supply chains to prepare for the coming growing seasons.

Grey Frandsen, Oxitec CEO, stated: "We're thankful to the Paraguayan government for taking a strong leadership role in the region to help combat the major threat that fall armyworm poses to farmers' harvests and livelihoods. Their approval of Oxitec's Friendly fall armyworm solution will allow Oxitec to offer farmers in Paraguay a new, powerful option to enhance their crop protection toolkits, prevent over-reliance on older tools, and reduce their environmental footprint. Following commercial approval in Brazil, Paraguay's decision marks the importance of international collaboration to combat this growing threat."

Like Oxitec's Friendly Aedes aegypti mosquito control product currently serving communities across Brazil, the Friendly fall armyworm carries a self-limiting gene, which enables production of male-only insects. After release into the field, these Friendly males will find and mate with wild females. The self-limiting gene is passed to their offspring, preventing female offspring from surviving to reproduce. Sustained releases of Friendly male fall armyworm can thereby rapidly reduce the number of fall armyworm resident in the crop. Friendly fall armyworm may potentially protect efficacy of other fall armyworm management tools, including insecticides and biotech crops, by counteracting pest resistance to these other essential tools.

Read more about the predicted benefits of the Friendly fall armyworm in this recent publication: Link

About Oxitec

Oxitec is the leading developer of biological solutions to control pests that transmit disease, destroy crops and harm livestock. Founded in 2002 at the University of Oxford, Oxitec is led by a passionate team comprised of 15 nationalities and is supported by world-class public, private and non-profit partners.

Learn more at oxitec.com.

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TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Northern Superior Resources Inc. (" Northern Superior " or the " Company ") (TSXV:SUP)(OTCQB:NSUPF) is pleased to announce the disposition of 7,800,000 shares of Rockland Resources Ltd. (CSE:RKL) (" Rockland ") at a price of C$0.025 for gross proceeds of C$195,000; the disposition took place on the open market on March 13, 2024.

Prior to this disposition, the Company beneficially owned, and had control and direction over 10,800,000 common shares of Rockland, constituting approximately 15.6% of Rockland's total issued and outstanding shares. These shares were initially acquired by Northern Superior, along with a cash consideration and a Net Smelter Royalty (NSR), pursuant to an option agreement on the Wapistan property in the James Bay region of the province of Quebec. See press releases dated May 2, 2023, and June 6, 2023 . As a result of the disposition, Northern Superior now owns, and has control and direction over 3,000,000 common shares of Rockland, constituting approximately 4.3% of Rockland's total issued and outstanding shares.

This press release is being issued as required by National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues . The Company will file an Early Warning Report (the " Report ") on Sedar+ under Rockland's issuer profile. The Company may dispose of additional shares of Rockland either on the open market or through private dispositions in the future depending on market conditions, reformulation of plans, or other relevant factors.

For further details relating to the disposition, please see the Report, a copy of which will be available on Sedar+ (www.sedarplus.ca), or by contacting the Company at 1-855-525-0992.

About Northern Superior Resources Inc.

Northern Superior is a gold exploration company focused on the Chibougamau Camp in Quebec, Canada. The Company has consolidated the largest land package in the region, with total land holdings currently exceeding 62,000 hectares. The main properties include Philibert, Lac Surprise, Chevrier and Croteau. Northern Superior also owns significant exploration assets in Northern Ontario highlighted by the district scale TPK Project.

The Philibert Project is located 9 km from IAMGOLD Corporation's Nelligan Gold project which was awarded the " Discovery of the Year " by the Quebec Mineral Exploration Association (AEMQ) in 2019. Philibert host a new maiden 43-101 inferred resource of 1,708,800 ounces Au and an indicated resource of 278,900 ounces of Au1 . Northern Superior holds a majority stake of 75% in the Philibert Project, with the remaining 25% owned by SOQUEM, and retains an option to acquire the full 100% ownership of the project. Chevrier hosts an inferred mineral resource of 652,000 ounces Au (underground and open pit) and an indicated mineral resource of 260,000 ounces Au.2 Croteau hosts an inferred mineral resource of 640,000 ounces Au.3 Lac Surprise hosts the Falcon Zone Discovery, interpreted to be the western strike extension of IAMGOLD Corporation's Nelligan Deposit.

Northern Superior is a reporting issuer in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec, and trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol SUP and the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol NSUPF. For further information, please refer to the Company's website at www.nsuperior.com or on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

1 Northern Superior announces 1,708,809 gold ounces in inferred category and 278,921 gold ounces in indicated category at 1.10 g/t in maiden NI 43-101 pit constrained resource estimate at Philibert; Northern Superior Resources Inc. press release dated August 08, 2023.

2 NI 43-101 Technical Report Mineral Resource Estimation for the Chevrier Main Deposit, Chevrier Project Chibougamau, Quebec, Canada, October 20, 2021, Prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 by Lions Gate Geological Consulting Inc. IOS Services Geoscientifiques Inc. for Northern Superior Resources Inc.

3 Chalice Gold Mines Limited and Northern Superior Resources Inc. Technical Report on the Croteau Est Gold Project, Quebec, September 2015, Prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 by Optiro Pty Ltd ("Optiro") to Chalice Gold Mines Limited and Northern Superior Resources Inc.

Northern Superior Resources Inc. on Behalf of the Board of Directors

Simon Marcotte, CFA, President and Chief Executive Officer

Contact Information

Simon Marcotte, CFA

President and Chief Executive Officer

Tel: (647) 801-7273

info@nsuperior.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation that is based on expectations, estimates, projections and interpretations as at the date of this news release. The information in this news release about the proposed transaction; and any other information herein that is not a historical fact may be "forward-looking information". Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, interpretations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "interpreted", "management's view", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward- looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of Northern Superior, at the time it was made, involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the companies to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks relating to the ability of the parties to execute the proposed transaction. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the parties cannot assure shareholders and prospective purchasers of securities that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and neither party nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such forward-looking information. Neither party undertakes, and assumes no obligation, to update or revise any such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by law.

SOURCE: Northern Superior Resources Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Former U.S. Ambassador and Governor will drive new business opportunities and partnerships to support inclusive, sustainable, digital-driven economic growth

PURCHASE, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Mastercard announced Jon Huntsman will join as vice chairman and president, Strategic Growth, effective April 15. The former U.S. ambassador and governor will lead efforts focused on expanding commercial partnerships with governments and public sector institutions along with driving the company's inclusive growth, philanthropy and sustainability agenda. He will report to Michael Miebach, Mastercard's chief executive officer, and will be part of the Executive Leadership Team.

"Jon's unique experience spanning four decades in public and private sectors will be extremely valuable as we build the future of Mastercard," said Miebach. "He will play a pivotal role in helping advance our approach to commercial sustainability through social impact, consistent with our company's core value of doing well by doing good."

Jon has served as U.S. ambassador to Singapore, China, and Russia under both Republican and Democratic administrations. He is the only American to have been Chief of Mission in both China and Russia. In a series of trade policy assignments, including as deputy U.S. trade representative, Jon negotiated dozens of trade and investment agreements throughout Asia and Africa. Jon was also twice elected governor of Utah, where he served as chairman of the Western Governors Association.

Jon earlier served as an executive with Huntsman Corporation and most recently as vice chairman of Ford Motor Company, where he currently serves on the board of directors. He also serves on the board of directors for Chevron. He is a trustee of the Huntsman Foundation which has led the way in establishing the Huntsman Cancer Institute along with the Huntsman Mental Health Institute, both at the University of Utah. Jon is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and has 10 honorary doctorate degrees.

"Mastercard has an extraordinary company culture that is driven by a profound commitment to advancing inclusive, sustainable, digital-driven economic growth throughout the world," said Jon. "I very much look forward to being part of this great team to further scale new business opportunities and partnerships in support of the company's exciting strategic growth opportunities."

Mastercard Strategic Growth is comprised of the company's philanthropic, ESG, localization and public sector partnerships programs. This includes the Center for Inclusive Growth, which is commemorating 10 years. The Center advances equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world and administers the philanthropic Mastercard Impact Fund to produce independent research, scalable global programs and an empowered community of thinkers, leaders, and doers on the front lines of inclusive growth.

Originally published by Mastercard

Follow along Mastercard's journey to advance equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/mastercard-center-inclusive-growth

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Arden Parrish, chapter leader of Connecticut #Insulin4all, testifies at a public hearing before the Human Services Committee in support of Senate Bill 8, which aims to reduce the cost of certain prescription drugs by establishing a handful of initiatives and an advisory board. Screen shot via CTN Kristen Whitney Daniels, co-lead for T1 International's Federal Working Group, testifies at a public hearing before the Human Services Committee in support of Senate Bill 8, which aims to reduce the cost of certain prescription drugs by establishing a handful of initiatives and an advisory board. Screen shot via CTN

HARTFORD  Questions and opposition have emerged against a state bill that would reduce the cost of certain prescription drugs.

While supporters said the bill is needed, pointing to dire examples of people forgoing meals, taking fewer doses or buying on the black market so they could afford insulin, opponents said it could create more costs and might contradict existing laws. Others applauded the intention of the bill but said it didn't go far enough.

"These stories are not rare exceptions to the norm, as much as we'd like to pretend otherwise," chapter leader for Connecticut #Insulin4all, Arden Parrish said at the recent public hearing. "This is the reality that far too many of us face."

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The Human Rights Committee drafted Senate Bill 8 to reduce the cost of certain prescription drugs by establishing a handful of initiatives, such as bringing in cheaper medications, capping insulin costs, requiring hospitals to participate in a federal program and creating an advisory board.

The main initiative would establish a program to bring in prescription drugs with the "highest potential for cost savings" from Canada for the state's medical assistance program. Florida was the first state for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved-program in January 2024.

"The state will be able to purchase safe, equivalent medications from a wider array of manufacturers, ensuring that we're getting the best deal and using our limited Medicaid funding as efficiently as possible," said state Sen. Martin Looney, D-New Haven, a bill co-sponsor.

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Kelly Memphis, director of state government affairs at Healthcare Distribution Alliance, said in her written testimony the importation program could ultimately raise the state's costs. Florida's ability to import drugs is based on meeting several conditions, which may be costly, such as comprehensive testing, relabeling requirements, and submitting quarterly reports, she said.

"We do believe a state like Florida will ultimately spend a lot of money trying to meet a lot of very strict standards that FDA has put forward as part of their approval and not really be able to access enough supply to bring savings to their patients," she said at the hearing.

Memphis also raised concerns about how the program would ensure the safety and quality of imported prescriptions. Although the bill states that wholesalers and Canadian suppliers should comply with track-and-trace requirements, she said the bill needs to explain how that system would work in the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain, which has slowly strengthened over the last decade.

Memphis added the Canadian government and Canadian Association for Pharmacy Distribution Management don't support the program because it could limit drugs available to Canadians.

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Another initiative in the bill would require hospitals and drug purchasing agencies to create a strategy to prevent shortages for at least 40 drugs and have a six-month supply on reserve. It'll also require hospitals to participate in a federal program that limits the prices drug manufacturers may charge for drugs sold to specified health care facilities and entities.

Although the Connecticut Hospital Association applauded the bill's goal, it said the hospital requirements as written "may be unachievable and would likely add cost, not reduce it."

CHA said requiring hospitals to reserve prescription drugs would limit suppliers' options since providing that much product at one time is not industry standard. This requirement may also worsen drug shortages in other parts of the country, leading to "extreme costs." There would be additional costs to hospitals so they can safely store the supply for long periods of time while also potentially increasing drug product waste.

CHA added state law can't force hospitals to participate in the 340B Drug Pricing since it's a voluntary program administered by a federal agency, which solely determines eligibility. The operational costs related to a hospital's participation would negate perceived savings, the testimony added.

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Andrea Barton Reeves, the state Department of Social Services commissioner, raised concerns about implementing a Canadian prescription drug import program, saying the timeline in the legislation doesn't give their department enough time to study the program's true impact and ensure it doesn't conflict with federal statutes.

Another initiative builds on previous work to cap insulin costs. It would require the Office of the State Comptroller to make eligible insulin products available at the lowest wholesale acquisition cost to residents using the state employee health plan.

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America submitted written testimony stating that setting prices could limit residents' prescription options. It criticized the bill for its "inexplicably narrow view of health care cost drivers" and its single-outing of the biopharmaceutical industry. The testimony said that the bill doesn't fully understand the variety of stakeholders involved in setting prices.

The next major component is the creation of a Prescription Drug Affordability Board. This five-member board of governor-appointed experts from various fields related to drug prescription prices would advise the OHS on decisions regarding affordability, though some said a patient should also be on it. It may study the drug supply chain and pharmaceutical pricing to identify potential savings. The PDAB would also be able to set upper-limit payment caps on certain prescription drugs.

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Others said there are already boards looking at this and another prescription affordability board would not be helpful.

The bill also establishes a Prescription Drug Affordability Stakeholder Council to advise the board on decisions regarding prescription drug affordability. Members would include numerous state agencies, experts, and representatives from across the healthcare field, such as doctors, private insurers, generic drug corporations, pharmacists, academic institutions, labor unions, and advocacy coalitions.

A handful of testimonies said the legislation needs to do more to help uninsured and underinsured residents access insulin.

Kristen Whitney Daniels, a co-lead for T1 International's Federal Working Group, said the bill doesn't go far enough and encouraged legislatures to introduce the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, which would establish an emergency access program that would sell insulin at a reduced price to residents who can't afford the prescription due to high out-of-pocket cost.

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Daniels, a Shelton resident living with type one diabetes, said she will never forget when she dug through her trash, desperate for a few drops of insulin. She said insulin is the "poster child" of drug affordability bills, detailing how its price skyrocketed and was brought down through legislation.
CHICAGO, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global IoT-based asset tracking and monitoring market size is expected to grow from USD 5.0 billion in 2024 to USD 9.2 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 12.8% from 2024 to 2029 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Machine-to-machine (M2M) applications, such as asset tracking, are on the other extreme of the complexity and sophistication scale, pushing the boundaries of what is technically achievable. The adoption of IoT for asset tracking is based on commercial realities. A delivery vehicle is an example of a typical M2M and asset tracking combination. A wireless transmitter and GPS positioning are combined in an active asset tracking system for fleet management, which offers the vehicle's real-time location, engine data, and similar status at all times, as well as alerts regarding any attempted heist or tampering with the truck. As the controller in the head office can divert the vehicle to a new pick-up spot or avoid traffic congestion, it also supports increased efficiency.

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Browse in-depth TOC on "IoT-based Asset Tracking and Monitoring Market"

195 - Tables

60 - Figures

241 - Pages

IoT-based Asset Tracking and Monitoring Market Report Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2024 $ 5.0 billion Estimated Value by 2029 $ 9.2 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 12.8% Market Size Available for 2020-2029 Forecast Period 2024-2029 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Connectivity Type, Monitoring Type, Application and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Key Market Challenge IoT technologies related security concerns Key Market Opportunities Growing use of 5G technologies and data analytics in automotive industry Key Market Drivers Increasing adoption of automated solutions meeting safety standards helps reduce accidental risks



The market for indoor monitoring segment is expected to gain a significant market share during the forecast period.

Indoor asset tracking is a rapidly growing segment within the broader IoT-based asset tracking and monitoring market. It leverages various technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and low-power wide-area networks (LPWANs) to locate and monitor valuable assets within enclosed spaces like warehouses and factories. For instance, monitoring of individual animals within the barns and enclosures to track their feed, water consumption, and health comes under the indoor asset tracking of livestock monitoring. For automotive application indoor monitoring includes tracking robots, equipment, and material within the factory.

Cellular segment is expected to hold a substantial market share during the forecast period.

North America and Europe are rapidly moving toward the development of smart cities by leveraging the widespread use of 4G LTE networks available in these regions. Governments in countries such as the US, the UK, Germany, and France are encouraging the widespread adoption of cellular IoT technologies for environmental monitoring applications. Companies usually interact with many communication providers to secure connectivity at each site due to the patchwork quilt of cellular carrier coverage and the unexpected nature of the next location to successfully convey data. When scaling hundreds of drilling rigs across large regions with unknown coverage and service provider alternatives at each location, Pason faces operational issues. To resolve them, the AirLink RV50X Industrial LTE-A Gateway offered by Sierra Wireless was chosen by Pason for its North American communications services.

Automotive application segment to grow at an impressive CAGR during the forecast period.

The scope of the automotive segment includes fleet tracking and management, SKU handling in logistics, and construction equipment such as off-highway vehicle tracking and monitoring. IoT-enabled sensors and gadgets make it feasible to access GPS trackers. IoT allows for asset tracking, automatic location tracking, and geofencing solution tracking. IoT allows effective tracking of usage hours, like acceleration sensors. With IoT in asset trackers, real-time notifications of the asset's arrival enable better process management. It is possible to monitor warehouse stocks using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Beacons that broadcast data to smartphones or electronic devices. This helps to streamline the asset storage, receiving, and transmission processes.

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North America is expected to hold a significant market share of the IoT-based asset tracking and monitoring market during the forecast period.

The North American IoT-based asset tracking and monitoring industry has been studied for the US, Canada, and Mexico. Asset tracking and monitoring play a vital role in the automotive industry. As more and more automobile manufacturers integrate IoT technologies into their supply chains, managers are also reaching new levels of quality control. In June 2023, a news published by IBM mentioned that 99% manufacturing foundries have no visibility about the parts that where they are going. Further, up to 50% of unscheduled downtime in manufacturing facilities occur due to a lack of spare parts or stockouts. Thus, making asset tracking and monitoring an important aspect in North America.

Key Players

The key players in the IoT-based asset tracking and monitoring companies include Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd (China), u-blox (Switzerland), Fibocom Wireless Inc. (China), Telit (US), Semtech Corporation (US), Samsara Inc. (US), SEQUANS (France) and others.

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MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients.

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PUNE, India, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The report titled "Microbial-based Cleaning Products Market by Product (Biological Odor Control, Enzymatic Cleaners, Industrial Degreasers), Microbe Type (Bacteria, Enzymes, Fungi), Application, Distribution Channel, Distribution Type, End-use - Global Forecast 2024-2030" is now available on 360iResearch.com's offering, presents an analysis indicating that the market projected to grow from a size of $4.61 billion in 2023 to reach $8.52 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 9.17% over the forecast period.

" Emerging Global Trends in Eco-Friendly Cleaning: The Rise of Microbial-Based Solutions "

As industries and consumers worldwide shift toward sustainability, microbial-based cleaning products are marking a significant place in the global market as eco-friendly solutions. These innovative products, leveraging the power of beneficial bacteria and enzymes, are redefining standards for cleanliness, hygiene, and environmental stewardship across various sectors. Challenges include higher production costs and competition from traditional chemical-based products exists. The sector is witnessing robust growth, driven by an escalating consumer preference for green products, stringent governmental regulations on chemical usage, and a surge in microbiological research in pharmaceuticals. The Americas is majorly adopting this green transition, spurred by proactive environmental policies and substantial investments in R&D, with both consumer and commercial markets rapidly embracing these non-toxic and effective cleaning agents. Europe shows impressive adoption rates, propelled by rigorous environmental laws and a strong demand for sustainable living options. Similarly, the increasing tourist influx in the Middle East and rising environmental consciousness in Africa highlights the global shift toward eco-friendly cleaning practices. The APAC region, with countries such as China, Japan, and India, is emerging as an effective setting for this burgeoning market, owing to a growing population attuned to sustainable living and supportive governmental initiatives promoting eco-friendly alternatives. This global momentum highlights a promising future for microbial-based cleaning products as essential tools for achieving cleaner, safer, and greener living and working environments.

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" Consumer Trends Favor Eco-Conscious, Microbial-Based Cleaning Solutions for Healthier Homes and Planet "

Public interest in safeguarding health and the environment propels the shift toward microbial-based cleaning solutions, driving microbial-based cleaning solutions rather than traditional cleaners loaded with harsh chemicals. These choices are particularly crucial in homes with vulnerable individuals, including children, pets, or those with chemical sensitivities. Microbial-based products, recognized for their non-toxic nature, are gaining traction for their inherent safety in residential spaces. The inclination toward sustainable alternatives that mitigate the ecological footprint intensifies as environmental awareness grows. These innovative cleaning agents utilize beneficial bacteria and enzymes, such as Bacillus and Lactobacillus species, to naturally decompose dirt, grease, and odors, offering an effective cleaning solution that aligns with the growing demand for environmental stewardship and health safety. Microbial cleaners promise a thorough clean and ensure a healthier indoor biome by leveraging enzymes to transform stubborn organic matter into easily manageable elements. Their recognition cements their role in the evolving landscape of conscientious consumerism that prioritizes minimal environmental impact and health implications.

" Revolutionizing Cleanliness: The Power of Enzyme-Driven Solutions in Microbial-Based Cleaning Agents "

The burgeoning demand for enzyme-based cleaners is due to the remarkable efficiency of specific bacterial strains and fungi in producing enzymes that decompose organic matter into easily removable molecules. Bacillus species, renowned for their enzyme diversity, excel in breaking down a spectrum of substances, including proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, owing to their spore-forming resilience. Similarly, the Lactobacillus, part of the lactic acid bacteria group, leverages lactic acid's mild antibacterial properties and stain removal effectiveness. Pseudomonas species stand out for their ability to tackle oil and grease owing to their metabolic versatility, making them indispensable in industrial and automotive cleaning. Trichoderma species contribute by secreting cellulase enzymes and are adept at dissolving plant-based stains, while Aspergillus species are pivotal for their amylase and protease production, efficiently targeting starch and protein stains. Enzymes such as proteases, lipases, cellulases, and amylases, produced by these microorganisms, play critical roles in fabric care, dishwashing, and stain removal, offering targeted cleaning solutions that promise cleanliness and maintenance of fabric quality and texture. This enzymatic approach highlights an evolution in cleaning strategies, marrying efficacy with environmental consideration.

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" Novozymes A/S at the Forefront of Microbial-based Cleaning Products Market with a Strong 7.39% Market Share "

The key players in the Microbial-based Cleaning Products Market include 3M Company, Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, S.C. Johnson & Son Inc., Novozymes A/S, The Clorox Company, and others. These prominent players focus on strategies such as expansions, acquisitions, joint ventures, and developing new products to strengthen their market positions.

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We proudly unveil ThinkMi, a cutting-edge AI product designed to transform how businesses interact with the Microbial-based Cleaning Products Market. ThinkMi stands out as your premier market intelligence partner, delivering unparalleled insights with the power of artificial intelligence. Whether deciphering market trends or offering actionable intelligence, ThinkMi is engineered to provide precise, relevant answers to your most critical business questions. This revolutionary tool is more than just an information source; it's a strategic asset that empowers your decision-making with up-to-the-minute data, ensuring you stay ahead in the fiercely competitive Microbial-based Cleaning Products Market. Embrace the future of market analysis with ThinkMi, where informed decisions lead to remarkable growth.

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" Dive into the Microbial-based Cleaning Products Market Landscape: Explore 199 Pages of Insights, 832 Tables, and 28 Figures "

Preface Research Methodology Executive Summary Market Overview Market Insights Microbial-based Cleaning Products Market, by Product Microbial-based Cleaning Products Market, by Microbe Type Microbial-based Cleaning Products Market, by Application Microbial-based Cleaning Products Market, by Distribution Channel Microbial-based Cleaning Products Market, by Distribution Type Microbial-based Cleaning Products Market, by End-use Americas Microbial-based Cleaning Products Market Asia-Pacific Microbial-based Cleaning Products Market Europe, Middle East & Africa Microbial-based Cleaning Products Market Competitive Landscape Competitive Portfolio

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Related Reports:

Microbial Cleaning Agents Market - Global Forecast 2024-2030 Microbial Biosurfactants Market - Global Forecast 2024-2030 Microbial Identification Market - Global Forecast 2024-2030

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 14, 2024) - Sonoran Desert Copper Corporation (TSXV: SDCU) ("SDCU" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has received a signed option agreement dated March 9th for the highly prospective Normanby gold-silver-copper project located in Papua New Guinea (the "Normanby Project" or the "Project"). The Normanby Project consists of two Exploration Licences (EL): EL 2504 (Sehulea) and EL 2590 (East Normanby).

Normanby Project Background

EL 2504 - Sehulea (Au-Ag)

A large-scale, low-sulphidation, epithermal system is present across eastern/southern Normanby Island and the Sehulea exploration licence. Exploration to date has demonstrated gold + silver mineralization in rocks, soils and streams over the entire 8km strike length within the licence. The gold mineralised system then continues into the adjoining EL 2590 - East Normanby Exploration Licence.

EL 2504 contains the Weioko epithermal gold deposit along with five additional highly prospective gold targets (Weioko Prospects). The Weioko deposit is located near the coast, at the northern end of a N-S trending ridgeline, over a strike length up to 400m. The Weioko deposit has 67 historical diamond core and reverse circulation holes totaling 5,791.7m. The holes tested 400m of strike length (N-S) and intersected wide intervals of gold mineralisation. Drill results include 2.24 g/t Au and 8.9 g/t Ag over 64.6m and 16.27 g/t Au and 27.3 g/t Ag over 3.0m.

There is very good potential in the Weioko Prospects for bulk-tonnage, low-sulphidation epithermal gold mineralisation in the permeable volcanics and sediments overlying the metamorphic basement. There is also very good potential for lower-tonnage, higher-grade discrete vein and/or vein stockwork type mineralisation in both the sediments and the basement metamorphics.

The Weioko Deposit is located at the midpoint of EL 2504 and its gold prospects. It was discovered in 1986 during a program of rock chip sampling and ridge/spur soil sampling to follow up pan concentrate gold anomalies and epithermal-style float found during earlier reconnaissance. A total of 1,088 soil and 104 outcrop and float rock samples were collected. The soil samples were analysed for gold, arsenic and antimony and the rock samples analysed for gold, silver, arsenic and antimony. The follow up program generated many significant geochemical anomalies.

At the main Weioko Prospect, low-grade, disseminated gold mineralisation is associated with silicification and argillic alteration of porous sedimentary rocks, and higher-grade veins cut both metamorphic basement and overlying sedimentary rocks. The geology consists of basement metamorphics overlain by Pliocene-age basaltic to andesitic lavas and pyroclastics (Sehulea Volcanics) and poorly to well sorted polymict conglomerates, a marginal epiclastic facies of the volcanics.

The gold mineralisation occurs as structurally controlled epithermal veins and silica flooded zones associated with moderate to strong argillic alteration, hosted mainly by the conglomerates but also in the metamorphics. Sulphides (mainly pyrite) occur as disseminations or veinlets in the matrix and fragments of hydrothermal breccias. The mineralisation is closely associated with the volcanic rocks.

Soil sampling was carried out over a 5.5km x 1.6km NE oriented grid along 100m spaced lines. Numerous broad, strong gold anomalies were demonstrated along the full length of the grid and are defined with mostly coincident arsenic anomalies. Individual anomalies cover areas of up to roughly 9 hectares. The Weioko Prospect was defined by an open-ended, gold-in-soil anomaly covering an area of 350m x 250m.

Hand trenching within the soil anomaly located bedrock gold mineralisation and the best results were 2.43g/t Au over 156m, 2.34g/t Au over 72m, and 1.20g/t Au over 60m, in three separate trenches. Visible gold was noted only at the northernmost Weioko ridgeline outcrop, associated with quartz veinlets and vugs.

A six-hole reconnaissance diamond drilling program totalling 869.7m was undertaken to test the contact zone between the volcanolithic sediment cover and metamorphic basement rocks and for a possible southern extension. Hole WED 003 graded 0.75g/t Au from 0 to 117.5m, including 27.7m grading 2.07g/t Au and 17.1g/t Ag (further including 19.9g/t Au over 1.5m from 30.7m to 32.2m). Hole WED 001 graded 0.53g/t Au from 0 to 114.8m, WED 002 graded 0.44g/t from 0 to 150.0m and WED 005 graded 1.35g/t gold from 0 to 27.7m.

A second program of four holes tested for east and west extensions to the mineralisation and intersected wide anomalous intervals including 0.37g/t Au over 38.8m from 47.2 to 86.0m in hole WED 007, 0.40g/t Au over 15.0m from 37.9m to 52.9m in hole WED 008 and 0.36g/t Au over 46.4m from 78.4m to 124.8m in hole WED 009.

The main Weioko trench was resampled and yielded 3.96 g/t Au over 164m, including 8.69 g/t Au over 44m. Additional trenching approximately perpendicular to the ridgeline returned 8.07 g/t Au over 12m, 3.36 g/t Au over 40m, 5.70 g/t Au over 26m, and 5.19 g/t Au over 28m (including 24.4 g/t Au over 4m).

The trench results encouraged a third round of drilling consisting of 29 reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drill holes (DD) (1,765m RC/167m DD). Mineralization was established over a strike length of 400m and to a depth of ~170m vertically and remains open at depth and along the major NE trending structure.

The best results from RC drilling included 1.29 g/t Au from 0 to 70m (including 1.66 g/t Au over 52m from 10 to 62m in hole WEH005, 1.29 g/t Au from 0 to 60m (including 1.57 g/t Au over 46m from 14 to 60m) in WEH004, and 1.00 g/t Au from 0 to 60m in WEH007.

Conventional IP and CSAMT (controlled source audio magnetotelluric) geophysical surveys were carried out at the Weioko Prospects. A total of 14.75-line km of IP surveying and 3.6-line km of CSAMT surveying were completed. The IP survey defined several chargeability anomalies at Weioko, some of which are coincident with gold and arsenic soil anomalies and mineralisation intersected by drilling. A resistivity anomaly was also defined.

The IP anomalies show a strong NNW alignment and indicate the Weioko mineralisation may extend north and south for up to one kilometre, while the CSAMT survey also produced high resistivity values. The anomalies generated by the IP and CSAMT surveys remain to be tested.

EL 2590 - East Normanby (Au-Ag / Cu-Au Porphyry)

EL 2590 surrounds the EL 2504 (Sehulea) prospects detailed above and includes the Sewatupwa porphyry copper-gold target, the Gwamogwamo structural copper-gold area, plus seven further gold prospects in a major and very under-explored epithermal gold district.

The Sewatupwa Cu-Au Porphyry Prospect is an approximately 22 sq.km area of generally coincident and anomalous copper, zinc, silver and manganese in stream silt samples, with local gold and molybdenum anomalies, mostly covered by EL 2590. The Sewatupwa area straddles two intersecting, crustal - level faults (trending NNE to the Weioko target in EL 2504 and WNW/ESE). Aeromagnetic, radiometric, and structural targets are present within the anomalous Sewatupwa copper drainage area and remain generally unexplored.

The Gwamogwamo Cu-Au-Ag-Zn Prospect is a structurally controlled, semi-massive sulphide unit located at the south of the Sewatupwa Prospect. The prospect has four zones of outcropping to sub-outcropping gossan present along a 1.5km long north-south trending zone.

The Imwauna South Au-Ag Prospect is the interpreted southern extension of the high-grade Imwauna gold vein system that trends approximately N-S across central Normanby Island. Only six recon LS epithermal quartz samples were collected in 2002 over the southern strike extent in EL 2590 and were analysed for gold, silver, and arsenic. One sample of a 50cm wide outcrop returned 0.6 g/t Au, 28.4 g/t Ag, and 814 ppm As. Four float samples returned 0.63 g/t, 0.37 g/t, 0.15 g/t and 0.11 g/t Au.

The Gui Au Prospect returned highly anomalous gold assays from 530m of hand trenching. Highlights include 10m of 5.06 g/t Au over 10m, 5.29 g/t Au over 5m, and 0.99g/t Au over 75m.

The Lomitawa / Mwaduna Au-Ag Prospects have epithermal quartz float up to 7.12 g/t Au and 86 g/t Ag, with gold in soil samples to 0.14 g/t Au. Outcropping gold has been located in narrow veins up to 5.33 g/t Au and in sulphide-bearing banded metamorphics to 0.77 g/t Au.

The Soisoia River / Kwanaula Au Prospects have very strong to moderate drainage gold geochemical anomalies covering an area of at least 15 square kilometres. Only 12 rock-chip float samples have been collected from this location, with a peak value of 0.311 g/t Au.

OPTION TERMS

This Option Agreement between SDCU (the "Optionee") and WNB Resources Limited (the "Company") and its beneficial shareholders Peter McNeil and Paige McNeil (the "Optionors"), requires the parties to complete the following cash payments, work expenditures and share issuances:

(a) the Optionors will cause the Company, subject to administrative matters, to issue and or transfer to the Optionee, all the existing shares in the Company representing 100% of the total issued capital of the Company upon receipt of a cash payment in the amount of $10,000 due upon the execution of this Option Agreement.

(b) the Optionee will fund upcoming EL 2590 and EL 2504 Warden's Court Hearing costs and make minimum exploration expenditures, on the Property of $100,000 for ground exploration on an expedited schedule and subsequently $60,000 for assays and additional work and filing of the appropriate reporting requirements under the respective guidelines and subject to TSX Venture Exchange approvals of this Option Agreement. The above exploration programs will be agreed between the parties. The Optionee will also be responsible for updating and maintaining corporate records and associated regulatory filings.

(c) the Optionee will make cash payments to the Optionors of $2,500 per month for which the Optionee will be entitled to receive 2 days commensurate professional geological management services from the Optionors in relationship to the Property, for a minimum period of 24 months from the date of and subject to TSX Venture Exchange approvals of this Option Agreement.

(d) the Optionee will issue 1,500,000 common shares of the Optionee to the Optionors upon receipt of TSX Venture Exchange approvals of this Option Agreement.

(e) the Optionee will issue 1,500,000 common shares of the Optionee to the Optionors on the 12-month anniversary of TSX Venture Exchange approvals of this Option Agreement.

(f) the Optionee will issue 1,000,000 common shares of the Optionee to the Optionors within 10 Days of the next renewal of the EL 2590 License and subject to TSX Venture Exchange approvals of this Option Agreement.

(g) the Optionee will issue 1,000,000 common shares of the Optionee to the Optionors within 10 Days of the next renewal of the EL 2504 License and subject to TSX Venture Exchange approvals of this Option Agreement.

(h) the common shares issued to the Optionors by the Optionee under the terms of the Purchase Option, will be subject to a 4-month statutory hold period which will begin on the date of issuance of the common shares.

The Optionee will cause the Company to grant a 1.5% net smelter return royalty (the "NSR") over the Licenses in favour of the Optionors or their respective nominees on the terms and conditions of the Royalty Deed to be executed on the same date as this Option Agreement and set out in Schedule "C", attached hereto. The Optionee does not have any residual rights to repurchase the NSR.

Qualified Person (QP) Statement

Case Lewis, P.Geo. is a Qualified Person (QP) as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Lewis has read and approved the contents of this release.

ABOUT SONORAN DESERT COPPER CORPORATION

Sonoran Desert Copper Corporation is focused on securing, developing and monetizing assets in the copper sector to build shareholder value.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of

SONORAN DESERT COPPER CORPORATION

"Brian Leeners"

Brian Leeners, CEO & Director

brianleeners@gmail.com / +1 604-862-4184 (WhatsApp)

FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements."

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/201722

SOURCE: Sonoran Desert Copper Corporation
JERSEY CITY, N.J., March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. announces the release of a market assessment report on the "Global Packaging 4.0 Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Active, Smart, Sustainable, Protective, Supply Chain Management, And Anti-Counterfeiting Packaging), Technology (IoT, RFID, AI, AR), Material (Biodegradable And Compostable Materials, Recyclable Plastics), And End-User (food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, cosmetics and personal care, automotive and industrial, retail and consumer goods, and agriculture and horticulture), Region, Market Outlook And Industry Analysis 2031"

The Global Packaging 4.0 Market is estimated exhibit a CAGR of 11.7% during the forecast period.

Packaging 4.0 Market Report Scope:

Report Attribute Specifications Growth Rate CAGR CAGR of 11.7% from 2024 to 2031 Quantitative Units Representation of revenue in US$ Million and CAGR from 2024 to 2031 Historic Year 2019 to 2023 Forecast Year 2024-2031 Report Coverage The forecast of revenue, the position of the company, the competitive market structure, growth prospects, and trends Segments Covered By Type, Technology, Material, And End-User Regional Scope North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa Country Scope U.S.; Canada; U.K.; Germany; China; India; Japan; Brazil; Mexico; France; Italy; Spain; Southeast Asia; South Korea

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Packaging 4.0 (fourth generation) uses state-of-the-art technology to improve sustainability, efficiency, and functionality. This includes blockchain, the IoT, and AI. To keep up with changing customer tastes, government regulations, and ecological goals, companies can use Packaging 4.0 to their advantage. As shoppers grow increasingly concerned about the legitimacy and security of the goods they purchase, the importance of tailored experiences is growing.

The technology revolution is leveraging big data and machine learning to create a more interconnected and integrated ecosystem for manufacturing and supply chain management-focused firms. Major companies already use IoT (IoT) KPIs and measurements to track operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, logistics, and supply chain profitability. Therefore, the Internet of Things (IoT)-connected machines used in manufacturing are anticipated to play a significant role in driving the packaging 4.0 market. However, Small and medium-sized producers may find the upfront costs and implementation expenses of packaging 4.0 technology prohibitive.

List of Prominent Players in the Packaging 4.0 Market:

Amcor Ltd.

Avery Dennison Corporation

Etimex Packaging 4.0 GmbH

DuPont Bemis Company Inc.

Procter & Gamble Company (P&G)

Sonoco Products Company

Ball Corporation

International Paper Company

Sealed Air Corporation

Smurfit Kappa Group

Tetra Pak

HP Inc

Bosch Packaging Technology

Capsugel Inc.

BASF SE

Nestle SA

Hindustan National Glass & Industries Ltd.

Mondi plc.

Market Dynamics:

Drivers-

The increasing emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility largely fuels the growing demand for packaging 4.0. In addition, as part of the continuous development of Industry 4.0, more and more industrial and manufacturing processes are utilizing automation and robotics.

Together, machines and humans are forming a new pattern. Industrial robots are becoming more commonplace in extensive manufacturing facilities, one of the most noticeable ways rapid robotics breakthroughs are transforming numerous industries. This trend is expected to accelerate further due to the extensive use of packaging 4.0 technologies.

Challenges:

The prime challenges are a need for more awareness, a shortage of competent individuals, and a lack of norms and protocols because of lockdowns and isolation in emerging countries, which are predicted to slow the growth of the packaging 4.0 market.

A lack of understanding of the advantages and applications of linked devices, sensors, and analytical software in manufacturing and production is holding digitalization back. Experts in Industry 4.0 are offering state-of-the-art solutions for managing supply chain operations through digital platforms and interconnected devices.

These solutions cover various topics, including mobile workforce management, predictive maintenance, field surveillance & monitoring, demand & supply monitoring, and smart production operations. One big obstacle in developing countries' markets is the need for qualified professionals. Ignorance can thus limit a market's growth potential. However, A significant obstacle to market expansion in developing nations is the scarcity of skilled personnel. To a large extent, Countries involved in Industry 4.0 have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the worldwide pandemic, numerous responses from governments.

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Regional Trends:

The North American packaging 4.0 market is anticipated to register a significant revenue share and is projected to grow at a high CAGR in the near future because of the increased focus on innovations.

The development of new technologies is expected to significantly enhance the expansion of the Industry 4.0 market in the region. Besides, Europe had a substantial market share because of the extraordinary efforts to embrace industrial automation. The introduction of game-changing technology is predicted to cause a surge in the region's Industry 4.0 market.

Recent Developments:

In April 2023, Tetra Pak has added a pleasant and engaging smart packaging experience to the cartons of a renowned European fruit juice company to help inform and encourage its customers. The feature was created in collaboration with the creative technology studio Appetite Creative. The smart packaging, which focuses on several flavours in the one-litre range, uses a web app-based connected experience accessed via QR codes to guide clients to an interactive personality test. This seeks to identify the ideal juice drink for any given personality and to inspire users to combine juices to make new and unique beverages or cocktails.

Tetra Pak has added a pleasant and engaging smart packaging experience to the cartons of a renowned European fruit juice company to help inform and encourage its customers. The feature was created in collaboration with the creative technology studio Appetite Creative. The smart packaging, which focuses on several flavours in the one-litre range, uses a web app-based connected experience accessed via QR codes to guide clients to an interactive personality test. This seeks to identify the ideal juice drink for any given personality and to inspire users to combine juices to make new and unique beverages or cocktails. In Oct 2023, Avery Dennison Smartrac has launched a series of environmentally friendly RFID tags and inlays aimed at the retail, healthcare, and logistics industries. RFID tags are increasingly being used in retail and other industries to track items and assets, although their long-term viability has been called into doubt for some applications. Standard tags are composed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a plastic substrate that is long-lasting but difficult to recycle.

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Segmentation of Packaging 4.0 Market-

By End User-

Food and Beverage

Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare

Cosmetics and Personal Care

Automotive and Industrial

Retail and Consumer Goods

Agriculture and Horticulture

By Technology-

Internet of Things (IoT)

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)

NFC (Near Field Communication)

Augmented Reality (AR)

Smart Sensors

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

By Type-

Active Packaging

Smart Packaging

Sustainable Packaging

Protective Packaging

Supply Chain Management

Anti-Counterfeiting Packaging

By Material-

Biodegradable and Compostable Materials

Recyclable Plastics

Paper and Cardboard

Metal Packaging

Glass Packaging

Flexible Packaging

By Region-

North America-

The US

Canada

Mexico

Europe-

Germany

The UK

France

Italy

Spain

Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific-

China

Japan

India

South Korea

South East Asia

Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America-

Brazil

Argentina

Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa-

GCC Countries

South Africa

Rest of the Middle East and Africa

Why should buy this report:

To receive a comprehensive analysis of the prospects for global Packaging 4.0 market

To receive industry overview and future trends of global Packaging 4.0 market

To analyze the Packaging 4.0 market drivers and challenges

To get information on the Packaging 4.0 market size value (US$ Mn) forecast till 2031

Major Investments, Mergers & Acquisition in global Packaging 4.0 market industry

Other Related Reports Published by InsightAce Analytic:

Active Packaging Market

Active, Smart and Intelligent Packaging Market

Nanotechnology For Food Packaging Market

Intelligent Packaging Market

About Us:

InsightAce Analytic is a market research and consulting firm that enables clients to make strategic decisions. Our qualitative and quantitative market intelligence solutions inform the need for market and competitive intelligence to expand businesses. We help clients gain competitive advantage by identifying untapped markets, exploring new and competing technologies, segmenting potential markets and repositioning products. Our expertise is in providing syndicated and custom market intelligence reports with an in-depth analysis with key market insights in a timely and cost-effective manner.

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AUTEL, a pioneer in electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, proudly announces a strategic partnership with Efinance Belgium, an experienced supplier of high-quality charging solutions.

AUTEL is excited to collaborate with Efinance Belgium, a company that shares our vision for a greener future and now, as part of this partnership, will offer a comprehensive range of AUTEL MaxiCharger charging solutions.

"At AUTEL, we believe in the power of technology to transform the future, and our collaboration with Efinance Belgium is a significant step toward revolutionizing the EV charging landscape in Belgium," said Ting Cai, CEO of Autel Europe.

Efinance Belgium, known for supplying a comprehensive range of charging solutions, both AC and DC, is set to become the distributor of AUTEL's MaxiCharger products. This includes the MaxiCharger DC Compact, delivering a powerful 47kW output, ideal for businesses requiring shorter charging times. The MaxiCharger DC Fast, with a versatile range of 60-240 kW, is tailored for workplaces and commercial parking. And the MaxiCharger DC HiPower with charging capacity ranging from 320 up to 640kW, offering ultra-fast DC charging potential to meet the needs of charge point operators and businesses with high-volume charging requirements.

The partnership between AUTEL and Efinance Belgium symbolizes a united front in the pursuit of sustainable mobility, with a specific focus on driving the adoption of MaxiCharger DC. By combining AUTEL's technological prowess with Efinance Belgium's local market expertise, the collaboration aims to accelerate Belgium's journey towards a cleaner and more environmentally conscious future.

For further information about AUTEL and its MaxiCharger product line, please visit https://autelenergy.eu/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240313978451/en/

Contacts:

Jiaqi Liu

Jiaqi.liu@autel.com
PALM DESERT, Calif., March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Heather James Fine Art presents a selection of 10 paintings by Winston Churchill. Originating from a single-family owner, the artworks are from the largest private collection of Churchill's paintings outside of the United Kingdom, and have never been exhibited publicly. The general public knows less of Churchill as a painter than as one of the world's greatest statesmen and Nobel Prize winning writer. His paintings played a critical role in his life, offering another way to understand this towering figure.

"Heather James is thrilled to present this superb selection of paintings by Winston Churchill," says Heather James Fine Art Co-Founder Jim Carona. "Not only was Churchill one of the greatest statesmen of the modern era, but his personal foray into painting showcased his inner workings with resulting artworks that are technically adept and aesthetically beautiful. These works read like pages out of his diary, mementos of the moments and places that were meaningful to one of the most important men of his day. We at Heather James have had the honor of working closely with Churchill's family and his oeuvre in the past and consider his works a specialty of ours. It is a joy to be able to share these phenomenal examples."

Winston Churchill: Making Art, Making History , an exhibition celebrating Churchill and his paintings at Heather James, asks us to contemplate the role of painting in his kaleidoscopic life.

The ten paintings offered by Heather James range from bold landscapes, a vibrant still life, and a quiet interior portrait. It was the Impressionist influence and his own pleasure that most likely made landscapes the genre of choice for Churchill. Painting en plein air was a hallmark for the Impressionists and so too did Churchill haul his paints and canvas outdoors and into nature. Looking at a landscape painting by Churchill is like reading a page of his diary. Given the many demands on his time and his accomplishments both as a politician and as a writer, the quality and productivity of his artistic output is difficult to fathom.

The ten works for sale from this collection include a number of superb examples both of Churchill's skill as a painter and the interesting stories behind the man and the paintings:

On the Rance Near St. Malo

At the Tate Museum's request, Churchill offered it to them in 1955 for acquisition, along with Loup River, as a "gift to the nation". Loup River was selected and On the Rance ended up lost in a storeroom at the Tate, where it remained undiscovered for nearly a half century.

The Bay of Eze

Painted close to the home of Churchill's lifelong friend and cousin by marriage, Consuelo Balsan nee Vanderbilt, a Gilded Age American socialite.

Oranges and Lemons

Churchill painted this work in January 1958 at La Pausa, once the home of Coco Chanel. At the time it was owned by Churchill's literary agent, Emery Reves, and his wife, Wendy. Ms. Reves later donated a portion of her Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collection to the Dallas Museum of Art, including works by Cezanne, who Churchill cited as an inspiration.

View of Loch Choire

Churchill painted this in 1919 while staying with his friend, the Duke of Sutherland, at Dunrobin Castle in Scotland, just a few years after he started painting at age 40. He returned to Dunrobin Castle in 1921 to recover shortly after losing his daughter Marigold, aged nearly 4. This was the second devastating death that year, as he also lost his American mother, Jennie Cornwallis-West.

Winston Churchill and his paintings are an area of expertise for Heather James. In 2018, Heather James Fine Art was proud to present an exhibition of ten of Winston Churchill's paintings.

For nearly 30 years, Heather James Fine Art has expanded into a global network with galleries located in Palm Desert, California, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming, along with consultancies in New York City, London, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Montecito, Newport Beach, Palm Beach, Basel in Switzerland, and Lake Como in Italy. Each year, its galleries present an array of museum-quality exhibitions exploring historical and contemporary themes or examining the work of individual influential artists.

Heather James Fine Art is dedicated to bringing exceptional art to private clients and museums globally while providing the utmost personalized logistical, curatorial, and financial services.

For more information about the collection of Winston Churchill paintings and Heather James Fine Art, please contact us at brent@heatherjames.com or call (760) 346-8926.

For media inquiries or to arrange an interview with Jim Carona about the Churchill exhibition, please contact Scott Busby at The Busby Group at scottb@thebusbygroup.com or call 310.600.7645.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2362303/Heather_James_Fine_Art.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/heather-james-fine-art-presents-10-paintings-by-sir-winston-churchill-in-a-new-exhibition-302089537.html
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Metallic Minerals Corp. (TSX.V:MMG)(OTCQB:MMNGF) ("Metallic Minerals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Dr. M. Stephen Enders has been appointed to the Company's Board of Directors. Steve brings over 47 years of experience in mineral exploration and mining, working on some of the world's most significant copper and gold deposits. Steve is a major addition to the Metallic team and the Company looks forward to his invaluable contributions to the advancement of the La Plata copper-silver-gold-PGE and Keno Silver projects.

Steve's distinguished career includes former positions as Senior Vice President of Worldwide Exploration for Newmont Mining Corporation, the world's largest gold company, and President of Phelps Dodge Exploration Corporation (now Freeport McMoRan), one of the world's largest copper companies. In addition, he was also a director of Copper Mountain Mining Corp. (recently acquired by HudBay Mining) and former Executive Chairman, Director, and COO of EMX Royalty Corporation. As a co-founder of Cupric Canyon Capital LLC, Steve has been part of the team that has advanced the Khoemacau copper-silver mine in Botswana from exploration into production backed by private equity investors.

In addition to his achievements in industry, Dr. Enders has served as Department Head for Geology and Geological Engineering and for Mining Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines until 2023 and is on the Board of Governors for the CSM Foundation.

Dr. M. Stephen Enders

Dr. Enders is an Honorary Lecturer and past President of the Society of Economic Geologists (SEG) as well as former President of the SEG Foundation Board of Trustees. He received the Distinguished Achievement Medal from the Colorado School of Mines in 2009, the Ben F. Dickerson Award from the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration in 2014, and the Ralph W. Marsden Award from the Society of Economic Geologists in 2016.

Dr. Enders holds a BSc degree in geological engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and MSc and PhD degrees from the University of Arizona.

Metallic Minerals Chairman and CEO, Greg Johnson, stated, "We are very pleased to welcome Steve to the Metallic Minerals Board of Directors. Steve's depth of technical experience in exploration and development of major copper and gold deposits and mines worldwide with companies such as Newmont and Phelps Dodge, along with his hands on entrepreneurial experience in high-growth opportunities is a terrific addition to our board's current expertise in deposit discovery and advancement, process engineering, mine building and project financing."

Steve Enders stated, "I am excited by the opportunity to help Metallic Minerals advance the La Plata discovery. It is rare indeed today to find an outcropping porphyry copper deposit that has not yet been mined. The presence of high-grade copper mineralization with precious metal credits is promising for a potential underground mine that could be developed in the future with a net positive impact for all stakeholders."

Grant of Long-Term Performance Incentives

Metallic Minerals further announces that, subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, it has granted 1,875,000 stock options (each, an "Option") to certain directors, officers and employees of the Company in accordance with the Company's Long-Term Performance Incentive Plan. Each Option is exercisable into one common share in the capital of the Company ("Share") at a price of $0.30 per share, being the closing price of the Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange on March 13, 2024, for a period of five years from the date of grant. The Options are subject to certain vesting requirements in accordance with the shareholder approved plan.

About Metallic Minerals

Metallic Minerals Corp. is a Canadian exploration and development stage company, focused on copper, silver, gold, and platinum group elements in the La Plata mining district in Colorado, and silver and gold in the high-grade Keno Hill and Klondike districts of the Yukon. Our objective is to create shareholder value through a systematic, entrepreneurial approach to making exploration discoveries, growing resources, and advancing projects toward development.

At the Company's La Plata project in southwestern Colorado, the expanded 2023 NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate highlights a significant porphyry copper-silver resource containing 1.2 Blbs copper and 17.6 Moz of silver with numerous additional targets showing potential for a district scale porphyry corridor. Drill results announced in early 2023 included the longest and highest-grade interval ever encountered at La Plata and one of the top intersections for any North American copper project in the past several years. In May 2023, the Company announced a 9.5% strategic investment by Newcrest Mining Limited (acquired by Newmont Corporation in November 2023) to accelerate the advancement of the La Plata project. A 4,500-meter drill program focused on expanding the current mineral resource and testing extensions of strong porphyry-style mineralization was completed in December 2023 with results pending. In the 2023 Fraser Institute's Annual Survey of Mining Companies, Colorado ranked 5th globally for investment attractiveness and 2nd in the USA.

In Canada's Yukon Territory, Metallic Minerals has consolidated the second-largest land position in the historic high-grade Keno Hill silver district, directly adjacent to Hecla Mining Company's operations, with more than 300 Moz of high-grade silver in past production and current M&I resources1,2. The new 2024 Resource Estimate at the Company's Keno Silver Project adds 18.16 Moz silver equivalent ounces3 to the district3. Hecla, the largest primary silver producer in the USA and third largest in the world, is anticipating full production at its Keno Hill operations in 20242.

The Company is also one of the largest holders of alluvial gold claims in the Yukon and is building a production royalty business by partnering with experienced mining operators, including Parker Schnabel of Little Flake Mining from the Discovery Channel show Gold Rush.

All of the districts in which Metallic Minerals operates have seen significant mineral production and have existing infrastructure, including power and road access. Metallic Minerals is led by a team with a track record of discovery and exploration success on several major precious and base metal deposits in the region, as well as having large-scale development, permitting and project financing expertise. The Metallic Minerals team has been recognized for its environmental stewardship practices and is committed to responsible and sustainable resource development.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Website: www.mmgsilver.com Phone: 604-629-7800 Email: cackerman@mmgsilver.com Toll Free: 1-888-570-4420

Footnotes:

Cathro, R. J., Great Mining Camps of Canada 1. The History and Geology of the Keno Hill Silver Camp, Yukon Territory. Geoscience Canada, Sept. 2006. ISSN 1911-4850. See Hecla Mining general presentation from September 2023, Slide 17, at www.hecla.com. Hecla IR Update September 2023 See Metallic Minerals news release dated, February 26, 2024.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, statements about expected results of operations, royalties, cash flows, financial position and future dividends as well as financial position, prospects, and future plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Metallic Minerals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, unsuccessful operations, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration, development of mines and mining operations is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Metallic Minerals and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Metallic Minerals Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
SOUTHINGTON, CT / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Topper Cigar proudly announces the launch of its latest product, the Topper 1894 cigar line, commemorating 130 years of excellence and heritage as Topper Cigar is revealed as the oldest family-owned cigar company in the United States.

Topper 1894 Product Line

Rooted in the recent discovery of historical documents by Chris Topper, the fourth-generation steward of this iconic American cigar brand, it has been revealed that the company's inception traces back to the year 1894. This finding establishes Topper Cigar as the longest-standing family-owned cigar company in America. To honor this legacy and mark the company's 130th anniversary, Topper Cigar is launching a new line: Topper 1894.

"I was thrilled to discover a letter penned by my great-grandfather," said Chris Topper, President of Topper Cigar. "Dated 1921 and featuring a vintage Topper Cigar logo, this letter unveiled a richer narrative for our brand and positions Topper Cigar as the oldest family-owned and operated cigar company in the country. In light of this historical revelation, it was only fitting to develop a new line of cigars that honors my family's legacy and delivers a new product that appeals to today's cigar smokers."

The Topper 1894 cigar line embodies the essence of tradition and craftsmanship that defines Topper Cigar. Meticulously handcrafted, each cigar is a testament to the brand's enduring and uncompromising commitment to quality. This new offering is comprised of Habano seed tobacco grown in the U.S., and U.S. seed tobacco grown in the Dominican Republic.

For further details on Topper Cigar and the new Topper 1894 line, please contact Topper Cigar at info@toppercigars.com or 800-966-8677. Stay connected with Topper Cigar on Facebook and Instagram to receive the latest updates from the brand.

Contact Information:

Chris Topper

info@toppercigars.com

800-966-8677

Related Images

Topper 1894 Product Line Topper 1894 Label

SOURCE: Topper Cigar Company, Inc.

View the original press release on newswire.com.
Credo AI, the globally trusted leader in AI governance, today announced a set of new features to formalize its Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) capabilities on the heels of the final European Parliament plenary vote on the EU AI Act this week.

The journey towards deploying AI responsibly and beneficially has been a global endeavor, accelerated by the introduction of generative AI technologies in 2023. This journey has reached a pivotal moment with the ratification of the EU's landmark AI Act on March 13th, 2024, setting the stage for the first global AI compliance regulation. In response, Credo AI today introduced groundbreaking enhancements to empower comprehensive GRC for AI systems, ensuring enterprises navigate the complexities of AI adoption with confidence and integrity.

GRC for AI includes a set of new features and an intuitive redesign of the Credo AI user interface. This platform update meets AI Governance Custodians where they are to streamline the jobs to be done to ensure safe and responsible AI including those specific jobs articulated in the EU AI Act. This will ensure AI governance requirements are met quickly and efficiently, so enterprises can continue to rapidly scale and adopt AI while building trust with their customers and the public.

"In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the essence of AI governance has transcended beyond a mere necessity-it's the lifeline that ensures your AI initiatives are not only innovative but also aligned, transparent, and compliant," said Navrina Singh, CEO and Founder of Credo AI. "The EU AI Act is the latest and one of the most comprehensive sets of AI regulations to date it's not just EU-based companies that will need to comply, but any company that is doing business in the EU. Organizations that invest in governance now, to comply with EU AI Act at scale, will be positioned for sustainable success in the rapidly evolving global AI market."

GRC for AI includes a set of new features constructed to mirror the workflows articulated in the EU AI Act, including Article 9: Risk Management Systems and Article 17: Quality Management System. Credo AI's Policy Intelligence Engine and Team ensure that the workflows align closely to existing text of regulations, to help enterprises streamline an organization's path to compliance.

GRC for AI includes:

Triggers Actions for enterprises to design and automate their AI governance workflows

Credo AI Assist for LLM-powered documentation upload and risk detection

Governance Plans for a single-pane view of governance requirements per AI use case

Streamlined redesign of AI Use Case Intake, empowering AI Governance Custodians to unite AI stakeholders for comprehensive oversight

To learn more about AI governance, risk and compliance and the specific features in this release, visit credo.ai.

About Credo AI

Credo AI is on a mission to empower organizations to responsibly build, adopt, procure, and use AI at scale. Credo AI's pioneering Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) platform for AI helps organizations measure, monitor and manage AI risks, while ensuring compliance with emerging global regulations and standards, like the EU AI Act, NIST, ISO.

Founded in 2020, Credo AI has been recognized as a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum and recently named to the CBInsights AI 100 list, CB Insights World's Most Promising Startups list, Fast Company's Next Big Thing in Tech and Intelligent Applications Top 40 by Madrona, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft and Pitchbook. To learn more, visit: credo.ai or follow us on LinkedIn

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314873960/en/

Contacts:

Caty Bleyleben

CMAND

caty@cmand.co
GLOBALink | Russian expert hails China's economic performance in 2023 Pub Date:24-03-14 10:24 Source:Xinhua "Undoubtedly, China is one of the leaders of global economic development." A Russian expert has spoken highly of China's economic performance in 2023. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Editor:Zheng Chen

Related News GLOBALink | German trade fair organizers c... FlyOverChina | Spring charm of Kanas sceni... Early settlement of situation on China-Ind... Interview: Xiong'an New Area a 'miracle' f...
Clinton Kelly visits People TV on March 4, 2020 in New York City. Jason Mendez/Getty Images

Clinton Kelly styled people on TV during hundreds of episodes of "What Not to Wear," but he said he loves to style people at in-person events, like one coming up on April 6 at a boutique in Essex Village.

"This sort of live event that I'm doing is a lot more fun because it's interactive," Kelly said. "I will have actual human beings in the audience asking me questions, and if necessary, I can use some models to show examples of little tips and tricks that I've picked up over the years."

At the RiverLane event, five women will be styled by Kelly. These guests will be randomly selected and notified in advance of the event, according to the event website. Everyone who attends will be served wine from Whimsically Tipsy and snacks from Olive Oyls.

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The site, states that 20 percent of sales made on April 6 will be donated to Sari A. Rosenbaum Fund for Women & Girls sponsored by the Community Foundation of Middlesex County.

On television, Kelly said, guests would spend days trying on clothes to present a handful of outfits.

In addition to "What Not to Wear," Connecticut resident Kelly was a host on ABC's "The Chew," for which he won an Emmy. He's also done turns hosting home and baking shows.

"I'm at that point in my life where I don't care if I'm on TV," he said. "I just want to sort of be able to interact with people and impart a little of the old-man wisdom that I have."

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Kelly said that his styling process starts by asking clients what they want to communicate to the world.

"I really do see style as a form of communication, nonverbal communication," he said. "What you put on your body says something about you to the rest of the world, before you open your mouth."

At the same time, he doesn't necessarily subscribe to trends.

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"At a certain point, you have to say yourself, 'I'm actually cool with the way I look. I don't have to keep up with every single trend that's going on in the world,'" he said.
LONDON, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Medical iSight, the developer of intra-operative XR software (*XRAI) announced that it will demonstrate its breakthrough technology at the upcoming NVIDIA GTC conference in collaboration with Magic Leap.

Medical iSight has collaborated with Magic Leap and NVIDIA to advance its XRAI real-time intra-operative precision and decision support for minimally invasive treatments of stroke and neurovascular conditions, helping set new boundaries for surgical XR.

Dr Philip Pratt, CTO of Medical iSight, said, "We are delighted to attend GTC as an NVIDIA Inception member, alongside one of our key headset collaborators, Magic Leap. Revealing XRAI, our intra-operative XR software with AI-powered real-time image processing, marks an important moment in our development. We anticipate a productive and rewarding conference."

Medical iSight's AI software is not only impacting the apex-of-difficulty field of interventional neuroradiology but is also designed to extend into other medical specialties such as cardiology and gastroenterology.

The demonstration at NVIDIA GTC provides a platform for stakeholders to witness first-hand the capabilities and impact of XRAI in enhancing medical procedures. Medical iSight's collaboration with Magic Leap and NVIDIA helps further Medical iSight's commitment to advancing healthcare through state-of-the-art technology.

An Inception member since August 2021, Medical iSight has benefited from resources available through the startup program, including access to technical training, product development support, and NVIDIA technology such as NVIDIA Holoscan, NVIDIA IGX Orin, and other XR solutions. NVIDIA Inception was also instrumental in referring Medical iSight to strategic partners, including XR headset manufacturers, notably Magic Leap, and forging relationships with industry-leading experts and venture capital firms.

Register to join Medical iSight at NVIDIA GTC, a global AI conference running March 18-21 at the San Jose Convention Center and online.

For further information, contact:

Medical iSight

Mark Edwards, Head of Marketing and Communications

mje@medicalisight.com

+ 44 7801 480 322

Medical iSight Inc

Medical iSight is a 50/50 UK/US company. The Company is a pioneering developer of pre-operative and intra-operative software dedicated to advancing surgical precision with Extended Reality and Artificial Intelligence (XRAI). XRAI improves patient outcomes by providing surgeons and interventionalists with new insights into clinical data and images that make their work safer, more accurate and more efficient.

With an initial focus on neurointervention, Medical iSight is committed to transforming healthcare through innovative technologies.

(*XRAI = Extended Reality Artificial Intelligence)

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/medical-isight-to-showcase-its-leading-surgical-xrai-software-at-nvidia-gtc-302089577.html
BANGALORE, India, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Floating Lidar Systems Market is Segmented by Type (Maximum Measuring Distance=300m, Maximum Measuring Distance>300m), by Application (Offshore Wind Power, Other Commercial Applications and Scientific Research).

The Global market for Floating Lidar Systems Market was estimated to be worth USD 14.90 Million in 2023 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 70.65 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 25.63% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

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Major Factors Driving the Growth of Floating Lidar Systems Market

The offshore wind energy industry's growing need for precise and affordable instruments for assessing wind resources is driving the expansion of the floating lidar systems market. Developers can now evaluate offshore wind potential more effectively because of these systems' flexibility, quick deployment, and accurate wind data collecting thanks to advances in lidar technology.

Furthermore, the market is growing because of governmental backing, the rise of offshore wind markets, and environmental concerns, which establish floating lidar systems as crucial elements in reducing the risk associated with offshore wind investments and hastening the switch to renewable energy sources.

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TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF FLOATING LIDAR SYSTEMS MARKET:

In order to analyze offshore wind resources more affordably than standard meteorological towers, floating lidar devices present an attractive option. These systems, which may be installed on floating platforms, cut installation and maintenance expenses by doing away with the requirement for pricey fixed-bottom foundations. Additionally, because of their capacity to gather wind data at different elevations above the water's surface, developers may optimize the location and arrangement of turbines for optimal energy generation by gaining a thorough understanding of the wind resource. The flexibility and quick deployment of floating lidar systems is one of their main benefits. Traditional meteorological towers need a long lead time for installation and permits; in contrast, floating lidar systems may be mobilized rapidly, enabling wind resource assessment campaigns to be completed more swiftly.

The development of industry standards and regulatory backing have also aided in the market expansion for floating lidar systems. Governmental and industrial organizations throughout the globe have established standards and guidelines for the deployment and validation of floating lidar systems, realizing the value of trustworthy instruments for assessing wind resources in offshore wind projects. Stakeholders receive clarity and comfort from this regulatory framework, which encourages market adoption.

By offering precise data on wind resources and lowering project development uncertainty, floating lidar devices are essential for de-risking offshore wind projects. These tools help developers reduce risks associated with energy output estimates, project finance, and operational performance by precisely evaluating wind conditions at possible project sites. This boosts investor confidence and facilitates project development.

The development of industry standards and regulatory backing have also aided in the market expansion for floating lidar systems. Governmental and industrial organizations throughout the globe have established standards and guidelines for the deployment and validation of floating lidar systems, realizing the value of trustworthy instruments for assessing wind resources in offshore wind projects. Stakeholders receive clarity and comfort from this regulatory framework, which encourages market adoption.

The floating lidar systems market has a lot of prospects thanks to the global growth of offshore wind industries. Accurate and effective wind resource assessment methods are in high demand as nations set ambitious renewable energy objectives and try to use their offshore wind resources. Opportunities arise for makers of floating lidar systems as a result of this increase. Optimizing offshore wind farm operations and grid connection requires more and more interaction with renewable energy forecasting models. Real-time wind data from floating lidar devices may be used with forecasting software to increase the precision of energy output estimates and support grid stability. The integration of offshore wind projects improves their economic feasibility and fortifies their contribution to the shift towards low-carbon energy in the future.

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FLOATING LIDAR SYSTEMS MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS:

The market for Floating Lidar Systems is strong in Europe, especially in nations with well-established offshore wind sectors including the UK, Germany, and Denmark. These areas have abundant offshore wind resources and encouraging policies from the government, which create an atmosphere that is conducive to the uptake of new technologies and the expansion of markets. Market development is further aided by the existence of seasoned offshore wind developers and service providers.

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Key Companies:

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Fugro

Companies

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Qingdao Leice Transient Technology

AXYS Technologies

Babcock

EOLOS

Green Rebel

AKROCEAN

Nanjing Movelaser

Fraunhofer IWES

SeaLIDAR

Accurasea

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Mary Kay Supports New Set of Legal Standards on Equality by Design Pioneered by Equal Rights Trust

DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Since 2021, Mary Kay Inc. has partnered with the Equal Rights Trust (ERT), an organization whose mission is to advance equality through law around the world. As part of this collaboration, Mary Kay Inc. supported new research focused on understanding and addressing the discriminatory impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impacts on gender equality, and the development of a new "equality by design approach."

The initiative culminated with the recent launch of a new set of legal standards - the Principles on Equality by Design in Algorithmic Decision-Making - developed by the Equal Rights Trust and endorsed by a group of leading international equality organizations. The Principles elaborate why national governments and businesses must adopt such an approach and provide detailed guidance for its implementation.

Jim Fitzgerald, Director of Equal Rights Trust just released an article highlighting the rapid advancements and transformative potential of artificial intelligence while also warning about adverse impacts and discriminatory threats unregulated algorithmic systems could pose.

Read Jim Fitzgerald's article titled Equality by Design: A Model for Managing Discriminatory Risks of AI here.

Statements from Jim Fitzgerald, Director of Equal Rights Trust and Melinda Foster Sellers, Chief People Officer at Mary Kay Inc., can be found below:

"Over the last three years, Mary Kay has supported our research, analysis, and consultation on algorithmic discrimination, and enabled us to develop the Principles on Equality by Design," said Jim Fitzgerald, Director of the Equal Rights Trust . "Now, Mary Kay is working with us as we move into the next phase: a collaborative effort to develop practical guidance for business on how to adopt the equality by design approach. In doing so, it is taking the next step in a journey which started with strong internal equality and non-discrimination policies, moved to collaboration with and support for us and other actors in this field, and is now focused on incubating and piloting best practice. In this journey, Mary Kay is helping to model how businesses can play an active role in developing improved approaches to eliminating discrimination and advancing equality."



said . "Now, Mary Kay is working with us as we move into the next phase: a collaborative effort to develop practical guidance for business on how to adopt the equality by design approach. In doing so, it is taking the next step in a journey which started with strong internal equality and non-discrimination policies, moved to collaboration with and support for us and other actors in this field, and is now focused on incubating and piloting best practice. In this journey, Mary Kay is helping to model how businesses can play an active role in developing improved approaches to eliminating discrimination and advancing equality." "At Mary Kay, we recognize the profound impact that AI has on shaping the future of business and society," said Melinda Foster Sellers, Chief People Officer at Mary Kay Inc. "Our collaboration with Equal Rights Trust underscores our dedication to ensuring that technological advancements, especially in AI, champion gender equality. The impact of the Principles on Equality by Design in Algorithmic Decision-Making has already been transformative for key stakeholders in AI and echoes our commitment to helping create an inclusive digital economy where women entrepreneurs can excel without bias or barriers. This partnership reflects our enduring mission to empower women and promote equality in every sphere."

About Equal Rights Trust

The Equal Rights Trust is an independent international non-governmental organization which exists to eliminate discrimination and ensure everyone can participate in society on an equal basis. To achieve this, it works in partnership to provide expert support to those on the frontlines of the fight against discrimination, enabling them to press for the development, adoption, and implementation of equality law, and to use the law effectively. Since 2007, the Trust has supported equality activists in more than 50 countries, while developing consensus at the international level on the need for and content of comprehensive equality laws. Learn more at equalrightstrust.org

About Mary Kay

Then. Now. Always. One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women's lives. That dream has blossomed into a global company with millions of independent sales force members in more than 35 countries. For 60 years, the Mary Kay opportunity has empowered women to define their own futures through education, mentorship, advocacy, and innovation. Mary Kay is dedicated to investing in the science behind beauty and manufacturing cutting-edge skincare, color cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and fragrances. Mary Kay believes in preserving our planet for future generations, protecting women impacted by cancer and domestic abuse, and encouraging youth to follow their dreams. Learn more at marykayglobal.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter)





View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Mary Kay on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Mary Kay

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/mary-kay

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Mary Kay

View the original press release on accesswire.com
CHICAGO, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Arizton's latest research report, the Western Europe tractors market is growing at a CAGR of 3.96% during 2023-2029.

To Know More, Click: https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/western-europe-tractor-market

Western Europe Tractor Market Report Scope

Report Attributes Details Market Size (2029) 150,508 Units Market Size (2023) 121,086 Units CAGR (2023-2029) 3.69 % Historic Year 2020-2022 Base Year 2023 Forecast Year 2024-2029 Market Segments Horsepower, Drive Type, and Geography

Governments must adopt effective and sustainable farming practices to ensure food security and safety. Developed countries implement the concept of precision agriculture to increase productivity. However, the level of agricultural mechanization remains low in developing countries. Precision farming is a management concept under which crops are grown according to soil specifications. The focus on agricultural mechanization will increase the demand for tractors and enhance the precision of farming using technologically advanced tractors in the European market.

The Western Europe agriculture tractor market consists of numerous players, such as John Deere, CNH Industrial, AGCO, and others. There is stiff competition among players, and the industry witness's rapid growth, likely attracting more players to the market and intensifying the competition during the forecast period. However, the huge capital requirement will likely hinder new entrants. Vendors try to break the price-based competition by relying on value-added sales, offering a competitive advantage and better margins. Furthermore, exit barriers in the industry are high due to the involvement of high capital and government regulations.

Key Developments

Chennai, India-based TAFE, earlier in Eastern Europe, entered Western Europe by presenting its model at AGRITECHNICA 2023, held in Germany.

John Deere exports tractors manufactured in India with the 75-130 HP range to Europe. Experts also include components and electronic systems.

With an increasing focus on electric tractor manufacturing, all the major manufacturers are shifting towards electric product launches. However, due to geopolitical issues, supply chain issues may hamper the market.

CNH Industrial announced in April 2023 the investment of EUR21.4 million in the French facility between 2023 and 2025 to increase production capacity. Also, New Holland launched a new straddle tractor, TE6, designed by Pininfarina to target narrow vineyards.

Various tractor companies are acquiring or partnering with technological companies to improve their European offerings.

Acquisitions

Solis Tractors & Agricultural Machinery (Netherlands) acquires Thaler GmbH & Co. KG (Germany)

John Deere (US) acquires Mazzotti (Italy)

Trimble (US) acquires Muller-Electronic (Germany)

T.G. Schmeiser (Germany) acquires the Smart-Till product line from HCC (US)

John Deere's acquisition of Smart Apply, Inc.

Why Should You Buy this Report?

This report is among the few in the market that offer outlook and opportunity analyses forecast in terms of:

Market Size & Forecast Volume (units) 2020-2029

Segmentation by Horsepower



Segmentation by Drive Type



Segmentation by Geography

Production and trade values

Major current and upcoming projects and investments

Competitive intelligence about the economic scenario, advantages, industry dynamics, and market shares

Innovative technologies

Market share by each HP segment

Market share by each country

Company profiles of major and other prominent vendors

Market shares of major vendors

The Western Europe Tractor Market Report Encompasses Crucial Data, Including:? ??

CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) during the forecast period: This metric provides insights into the annual growth rate of the Western Europe tractor market over the specified time frame.???????????

Detailed information on growth drivers: The report offers in-depth information on the factors that will propel the Western Europe tractor market growth from 2023 to 2029. This includes an analysis of various market influences.???????????

Precise estimation of market size: Accurate assessments of the Western Europe tractor market size and its contribution and focusing on key market segments.???????????

Predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior: The report offers insights into anticipated trends and shifts in consumer behavior that are likely to impact the Western Europe tractor market, helping businesses prepare for future market dynamics.???????????

Geographical market growth: The report covers the development of the Western Europe tractor market.

Competitive landscape analysis: A thorough examination of the market's competitive landscape is presented, including detailed information about companies operating in the Western Europe tractor market. This includes an overview of key players, their market share, strategies, and key developments.???????????

Analysis of growth challenges: The report includes a comprehensive analysis of factors that may pose challenges to the growth of companies in the Western Europe tractor market, providing a well-rounded view of the market dynamics.??????

Buy this Research @ https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/western-europe-tractor-market

Post-Purchase Benefit?????????????????????????

1hr of free analyst discussion

10% off on customization

Key Company Profiles

Deere & Company

CNH Industrial

AGCO

Mahindra

Kubota

CLAAS

Same Deutz-Fahr

Yanmar

TAFE

SOLIS

KIOTI

Arbos Group

Iseki

Escorts Kubota

Lovol

ARGO Tractors

Branson Tractors

TYM Corp.

LS Tractor

VST Tillers Tractors Ltd.

Zetor

JCB

BCS Group

Captain Tractors

Antonio Carraro

Market Segmentation

Horsepower

Less than 25 HP

25-35 HP

36-45 HP

46-65 HP

66-100 HP

Above 100 HP

Drive Type

2-wheel Drive

4-wheel Drive

Geography

Western Europe

France



Germany



Italy



The U.K.



Spain



Austria



Belgium



Netherlands

Get the Detailed TOC @ https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/western-europe-tractor-market

Check Out Some of the Related Reports:

Tractor Market - Global Outlook & Forecast 2024-2029

Norway Tractor Market - Industry Analysis & Forecast 2023-2028

Belgium Tractor Market - Industry Analysis & Forecast 2023-2028

Argentina Tractors Market - Industry Analysis & Forecast 2023-2028

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24x7?availability - we are always there when you need us???????????????????????

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100%?more data and analysis???????????????????????

1500+?reports published till date????????????????????????????

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Arizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovative and quality-driven firm that offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients worldwide. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services.??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

We offer comprehensive market research reports on consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare, life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals, materials, I.T. and media, logistics, and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts.???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports.??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Contact Us?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

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Redde Northgate Plc - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, March 14

NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION

14 March 2024

REDDE NORTHGATE PLC

("Redde Northgate" or the "Group" or the "Company")

Transaction in Own Shares

Redde Northgate plc (LSE:REDD) announces that on 14 March 2024 it purchased the following number of its own shares to be held in treasury:

Class of shares : Ordinary shares of 50p ("shares") Number of shares purchased : 25,000 Weighted average purchase price paid : 372.5 pence per share Highest purchase price paid : 372.5 pence per share Lowest purchase price paid : 372.5 pence per share

Following the above transaction, the Company's issued share capital consists of 246,091,423 ordinary shares of 50p each, of which 19,690,071 ordinary shares are held in treasury, and 1,000,000 preference shares of 50p each which do not carry any rights to vote. Therefore, the total number of voting rights in the Company is 226,401,352 which may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in the Company under the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

In accordance with Article 5(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (the Market Abuse Regulation) as incorporated into UK domestic law by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, the schedule below contains detailed information about the purchases made by Numis Securities Limited on behalf of the Company as part of the Company's buyback programme.

Schedule of Purchase - Individual Transaction (as at 14 March 2024)

Number of shares

purchased Transaction price

(GB pence per share) Time of transaction Transaction reference number Venue 25,000 372.50 16:16:52 00069245745TRLO0 LSE

Notes

This announcement is made in accordance with the requirements of Listing Rule 12.4.6.

For further information contact:

Buchanan

David Rydell/Jamie Hooper/Hannah Ratcliff +44 (0) 207 466 5000

Notes to Editors:

Redde Northgate is the leading integrated mobility solutions platform providing services across the vehicle lifecycle. The Company offers integrated mobility solutions to businesses, fleet operators, insurers, OEMs and other customers across seven key areas: vehicle rental, vehicle data, accident management, vehicle repairs, fleet management, service and maintenance, vehicle ancillary services and vehicle sales.

The Company's core purpose is to keep its customers mobile, whether through meeting their regular mobility needs or by servicing and supporting them when unforeseen events occur. With its considerable scale and reach, Redde Northgate's mission is to offer a market-leading customer proposition and drive enhanced returns for shareholders by creating value through sustainable compounding growth. The Group aims to achieve this through the delivery of its strategic framework of Focus, Drive and Broaden.

Redde Northgate services its customers through a network and diversified fleet of over 120,000 owned and leased vehicles, supporting over 600,000 managed vehicles, with more than 170 workshop, body shop and rental locations across the UK, Ireland and Spain and a specialist team of over 6,000 automotive services professionals.

Further information please visit the Company's website:
BH Macro Limited - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, March 14

BH Macro Limited (the "Company")

(a closed-ended collective investment scheme established as a company with limited liability under the laws of Guernsey with registered number 46235)

Transaction in Own Shares

14 March 2024

BH Macro Limited (the Company) announces today it has purchased the following number of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange from J.P. Morgan Securities plc:

Ordinary Shares: - Share Class Sterling Sterling Date of purchase: 14 March 2024 14 March 2024 Number of ordinary shares purchased: 75,000 95,000 Lowest price per share 339.5 336 Highest price per share 339.5 339.5 Trading venue JPSI LSE Aggregate volume per date per trading venue: 75,000 95,000 Weighted average price per day per trading venue: 339.5000 338.9677

The Company intends to hold the purchased shares in treasury.

Following the above share transactions of the relevant US Dollar and Sterling Shares, the total number of shares in issue in each share class of the Company will be as follows:

Ordinary Shares in issue (excluding Treasury) Ordinary Shares held in Treasury 363,222,190 Sterling Shares 10,385,349 Sterling Shares 29,759,638 Dollar Shares Nil Dollar Shares

From 14 March 2024, the total number of voting rights in the Company (rounded up to the whole number) is 556,935,022.

Enquiries:

Company website: www.bhmacro.com

William Simmonds

JPMorgan Cazenove

Tel: 020 7588 2828

The Company Secretary

Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited

Tel: 01481 745001
Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, March 14

For immediate release

14 March 2024

FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC

(the "Company")

MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES

The Company announces that it has today purchased 147,224 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 849.97 pence per Ordinary Share. Such shares will be held in treasury by the Company.

The transaction was made pursuant to the authority granted at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 23 January 2024.

Following this transaction, the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury is 35,471,775; the total number of Ordinary Shares that the Company has in issue, less the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury following such purchase, and therefore, the total number of voting rights in the Company is 189,519,528.

The figure of 189,519,528 may be used by shareholders as the denominator for calculations of interests in the Company's voting rights in accordance with the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

For and on behalf of

Frostrow Capital LLP

Company Secretary

For further information, please contact:

Victoria Hale

Frostrow Capital LLP

Tel: 020 3 170 8732
CHICAGO, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Arizton's latest research report, the U.S. continuing legal education (CLE) market is growing at a CAGR of 8.65% from 2023-2029.

To Know More, Click: https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/continuing-legal-education-market

Browse In-depth TOC on the US Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Market

171 - Pages?????????????

53 - Tables?????????????

69- Figures??

The U.S. Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Market Report Scope

Report Scope Details Market Size (2029) USD 7.98 Billion Market Size (2023) USD 4.85 Billion CAGR (2023-2029) 8.65 % Historic Year 2020-2022 Base Year 2023 Forecast Year 2024-2029 Market Segmentation Delivery Mode, Providers, and Geography Regional Analysis United States (West, Northeast, South, and Midwest) Market Dynamics Continuously Rising Employment in The Legal Profession

Mandatory CLE Credits in the U.S.

Increasing Emphasis on The Diversity, Ethics, and Inclusion

The US Continuing Legal Education (CLE) market is fiercely competitive, with various players vying for market dominance. Educational companies like National Business Institute, Lawline, and Lorman Education Services are leading the pack, which offers a diverse range of CLE programs. These companies face stiff competition from multi-disciplinary educational institutions, standalone law schools, non-profit organizations, Bar Associations, and federal agencies.

Educational institutes, including universities and colleges, play a significant role in providing CLE activities, while online CLE outlets, often driven by educational companies, are gaining popularity. Non-profit organizations also contribute to the market, leveraging their extensive networks.

The demand for quality and affordable legal education is growing, prompting providers to innovate and adapt to industry shifts. Technology is pivotal in driving these changes, requiring providers to stay updated with the latest developments. Overall, the demand for CLE participation is rising, fueling competition among law organizations, educational companies, and industry-sponsored providers. With industries evolving rapidly, CLE providers must remain agile to meet the dynamic needs of legal professionals.

The West US Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Market to Reach $2.42 Billion by 2029

The West region witnessed a considerable attorney population, totaling around 284,569 lawyers. Notably, three majors in the region-Washington, Oregon, and Colorado-require 45 credit hours for attorneys. The average cost per credit hour falls within the range of $250 to $500. This indicates that the region exhibits a high demand for CLE credits, accompanied by substantial associated expenditures, contributing to its robust market growth. Across the West region, comprising 12 states (except New Mexico), the average rate of credit hours stands at 15.

In California, paralegal attorneys must also complete four hours of mandatory CLE in legal ethics and four hours in general law or a specialized area. Across the West region, various CLE providers such as ABA, California Bar Association, educational companies (vendors), universities, and others offer in-person and live CLE courses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, states in the West region allowed the delivery of CLE courses from classroom training to online modes.

In Washington, Lorman Education Services stands out as one of the leading providers offering convenient and affordable CLE programs for over 35 years. The company provides a broad range of more than 1,000 online and in-person CLE programs. In addition, the Practising Law Institute, the National Association of Criminal Defence Lawyers, Attorney Credits, and Law.com are among the leading CLE providers in Washington.

Classroom Training to Contribute the Largest Share in the US Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Market

In 2023, the classroom training segment accounted for 49.10% of the market share in the US CLE market. Classroom training involves live events, also known as in-person events. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional delivery modes such as live events were considered one of the most effective ways of delivering CLE in the US. Most CLE providers, including educational companies, law universities, law schools, and bar associations, offered classroom-based CLE programs delivered by expert instructors to the learners in the same room. This format allowed for more creativity and free-flowing thinking. Learners often prefer to engage in their workplace, where they can exchange ideas with others, enriching the learning experience further.

Annual conferences are among the most popular options in the US for completing CLE credits in the legal profession. These conferences offer a variety of classes that attorneys can choose from based on their requirements, allowing them to complete most of their hours. Legal bar associations offer these annual conferences and CLE classes.

New attorneys often choose traditional delivery modes for CLE courses to enhance networking opportunities. On the other hand, when the CLE program involves lengthy interactions with providers, attorneys select live events. In-person events allow networking with other legal professionals during CLE seminars.

Market Trends & Opportunities

Shift Towards Competency-based CLE

Attention Towards Trending Lawsuits

Technology Integration on Continuing Legal Education

Mandatory CLE Credits in the U.S.

Continuously Rising Employment in The Legal Profession

Increasing Emphasis on Diversity, Ethics, and Inclusion

The US Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Market?Report Encompasses Crucial Data, including:??

Market Size and Growth Forecast for 10 Years from 2020-2029??????????

CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) during the forecast period: This metric provides insights into the annual growth rate of the US continuing legal education (CLE) market over the specified time frame.????????????

Detailed information on growth drivers: The report offers in-depth information on the factors that will propel the US continuing legal education (CLE) market?growth from 2023 to 2029. This includes an analysis of various market influences.????????????

Precise estimation of market size: Accurate assessments of the US continuing legal education (CLE) market?size and its contribution, focusing on key market segments.????????????

Predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior: The report offers insights into anticipated trends and shifts in consumer behavior that are likely to impact the US continuing legal education (CLE) market, helping businesses prepare for future market dynamics.????????????

Geographical market growth: The report covers the development of the US continuing legal education (CLE) market.

Competitive landscape analysis: A thorough examination of the market's competitive landscape is presented, including detailed information about companies operating in the US continuing legal education (CLE) market. This includes an overview of key players, their market share, strategies, and key developments.????????????

Analysis of growth challenges: The report includes a comprehensive analysis of factors that may pose challenges to the growth of companies in the US continuing legal education (CLE) market, providing a well-rounded view of the market dynamics.??

Buy this Research @https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/continuing-legal-education-market

Post-Purchase Benefit??????????????????????????

1hr of free analyst discussion

10% off on customization

Key Company Profiles

American Bar Association

Attorney Credits

American Law Institute Continuing Education (ALI CLE)

ALM Global

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, EAST BAY

CeriFi

Duquesne University

Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University

LexisNexis Risk Solution

Lawline

mylawCLE

National Academy of Continuing Legal Education (NACLE)

National Business Institute

Practising Law Institute

Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education

Quimbee

Strafford LLC

Sterling Analytics

St. John's University

TRTCLE

University of Miami

University of San Diego

University of California (Irvine)

University of North Dakota

University of Houston Law Center

WASHINGTON COLLEGE OF LAW

University of Pittsburgh School of Law

USC Gould School of Law

University of Pennsylvania Carey Law Schools

Market Segmentation

Delivery Mode

Classroom Training

Distance Learning

Other Delivery Modes

Providers

Educational Companies

Multi-disciplinary Educational Institutes

Standalone Law Schools

Other Providers

Region

United States

West



Northeast



South



Midwest

Key Questions Answered in the Report:

How big is the U.S. continuing legal education (CLE) market?

What is the growth rate of the U.S. continuing legal education (CLE) market?

Which region dominates the U.S. continuing legal education (CLE) market share?

What are the significant trends in the U.S. continuing legal education (CLE) market?

Which providers segment holds the most prominent share of the U.S. continuing legal education (CLE) market?

Get the Detailed TOC @ https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/continuing-legal-education-market

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U.S. Continuing Education Market - Industry Outlook & Forecast 2023-2028

Why Arizton????????????????????

100%?Customer Satisfaction???????????????????

24x7?availability - we are always there when you need us???????????????????

200+?Fortune 500 Companies trust Arizton's report???????????????????

80%?of our reports are exclusive and first in the industry???????????????????

100%?more data and analysis???????????????????

1500+?reports published till date????????????????????

About Us:????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Arizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovative and quality-driven firm that offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients worldwide. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services.??????????????????????????????????????????????????????

We offer comprehensive market research reports on consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare, life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals, materials, I.T. and media, logistics, and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts.???????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports.?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Contact Us?????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Call: +1-312-235-2040

????????? +1 302 469 0707???

Mail:?enquiry@arizton.com?????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Contact Us:?https://www.arizton.com/contact-us???????????????????????

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Website:?https://www.arizton.com/??????????

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CALIFORNIA CITY, CA / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Solana Beach, the dynamic and community-driven meme coin that made its debut on the Solana blockchain in late December, is making waves within the decentralized finance (DeFi) sphere. Today, the project is elated to announce the grand unveiling of "The 100 Million Dollar Beach Party," a monumental celebration of its rapid success and burgeoning community.

In the ever-evolving world of decentralized finance, Solana Beach has emerged as a beacon of innovation, propelled by a strong community and a narrative deeply rooted in the foundational story of Solana itself. Notably, Anatoly Yakovenko, the co-founder of Solana, has publicly confirmed that the inspiration behind the blockchain's nomenclature traces back to his time spent in the vibrant coastal town of Solana Beach, California. This profound connection has given rise to the community's rallying cry: "There would be no Solana without Solana Beach!"

Key Figures and Collaborative Initiatives

Solana Beach has not only captured the imagination of the broader Solana ecosystem but has also garnered endorsement from influential figures within the blockchain space. Notable highlights include:

 Anatoly Yakovenko (Solana Founder): Acknowledged and praised the community on Twitter, symbolically changing his location to Solana Beach.

 Solana Labs: Contributed to the celebration by sharing a dedicated song, amplifying the project's reach and cultural impact.

 Other Solana Projects: The likes of $SILLY and Myro have incorporated references to Solana Beach in their communications, underscoring the project's escalating influence.

Strategic Investments and Substantial Backing

Beyond verbal expressions of support, prominent stakeholders from established Solana projects have actively invested in Solana Beach. Remarkably, the leading holder of $SILLY Dragon has exemplified this support by actively acquiring tokens and augmenting liquidity, signaling a resounding vote of confidence in the project's potential.

Primed for the Upcoming Bull Run

With a compelling narrative, an engaged community, and strategic backing, Solana Beach stands on the precipice of becoming a preeminent player in the burgeoning Solana ecosystem. As the decentralized finance market gears up for an anticipated bull run, discerning investors seeking blue-chip opportunities characterized by passionate communities and compelling narratives are likely to find Solana Beach an irresistibly attractive proposition.

The Community's Verdict

In the words of the Solana Beach community itself, "There are endless points to make on just how impressive this community and the story here are, but the community has summed it up best themselves." This resounding endorsement from the very heart of the project is a testament to the profound impact Solana Beach is poised to make in the DeFi landscape. As excitement builds around The 100 Million Dollar Beach Party, Solana Beach stands as a testament to the power of community-driven innovation within the blockchain space.

Website: https://solanabeachsol.com

X: https://twitter.com/BeachClubSolana

Telegram: https://t.me/solanabeachcalifornia

Media Contact

Organization: Solana Beach

Contact Person: Jason R

Website: https://solanabeachsol.com/

Email: solana@solanabeachsol.com

City: California

Country: United States

SOURCE: Solana Beach

View the original press release on accesswire.com
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION, DISSEMINATION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / South Pacific Metals Corp. (TSX-V:SPMC)(FSE:6J00) ("SPMC" or the "Company") announces, further to its news release dated February 23, 2024, it plans to complete a shares for debt transaction to settle the outstanding principal amount of C$1,270,000 plus accrued interest of C$79,726.63 owed to the 10% secured convertible debenture holders (the "2023 Debentures"). In total, the Company plans to issue 6,748,633 common shares of the Company at a price of C$0.20 per share to settle total indebtedness of C$1,349,726.63 (the "Shares for Debt Transaction").

As previously announced on February 23, 2024, the Company had intended to issue new convertible debentures to replace the 2023 Debentures. However, the Company has now decided to settle the outstanding indebtedness under the 2023 Debentures through the Shares for Debt Transaction. The Company anticipates that the Shares for Debt Transaction will result in a stronger balance sheet with the elimination of the indebtedness owed under the 2023 Debentures.

All securities issued in connection with the Shares for Debt Transaction are subject to a four month and one day hold period from the date of issuance in accordance with the Canadian securities law. The Shares for Debt Transaction is subject to final acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Snowfields Wealth Management Limited ("Snowfields"), which is controlled by Geoffrey Lawrence, a director of the Company, and Dain Currie, a director of the Company, are insiders of the Company. Snowfields and Mr. Currie hold $291,138.88 and $100,000, respectively, of the 2023 Debentures. As a result of the Shares for Debt Transaction, Snowfields will be issued 1,550,752 common shares to settle the principal amount of $291,138.88 plus accrued interest of $19,011.53, and Mr. Currie will be issued 526,503 common shares to settle the principal amount of $100,000 plus accrued interest of $5,300.55. Accordingly, the insider participation in the Shares for Debt Transaction constitutes a "related party transaction" for the Company within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is exempt from the requirements to obtain a formal valuation and minority shareholder approval under MI 61-101 as the fair market value of each of the insider's participation in the Shares for Debt Transaction does not exceed more than 25% of the market capitalization of the Company, as set forth in Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101.

About South Pacific Metals Corp. (SPMC)

SPMC is an Asia-Pacific focused gold mining company with four highly prospective gold-copper projects, Kili Teke, KRL South, KRL North and the May River Project. All projects are located in premier mining regions in PNG. Both KRL North and KRL South show potential to host high-grade epithermal and porphyry mineralisation, as seen elsewhere in the high-grade Kainantu Gold District. The May River project is near the world-renowned Frieda River Copper-Gold Project, with historical drilling indicating the potential for significant copper-gold projects. Kili Teke is an advanced development project with an existing inferred mineral resource. SPMC has a highly experienced board and management team with a proven track record of working together in the region; and an established in-country partner.

South Pacific Metals Corp.

Adam Clode, Interim Chief Executive Officer (Tel: +65 6920 2020)

Email: info@krl.com.sg

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Disclaimer and Forward-Looking Information

Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainty affecting the business of SPMC. In making the forward-looking statements, SPMC has applied certain assumptions that are based on information available, including SPMC's strategic plan for the near and mid-term. 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. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. SPMC does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

SOURCE: South Pacific Metals Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Hearst CT Media Top Workplaces awards are in their 14th year in 2024. Top Workplaces

The Hearst Connecticut Media Top Workplaces program is well underway for 2024 with hopes of exceeding last year's record participation, when the awards recognized 61 winners.

With that in mind, the deadline for nominations has been extended to Friday, April 19. But it won't extend beyond that, so don't wait to enter your company or organization.

Now in its 14th year, Hearst CT Media Top Workplaces looks for employers with excellent culture, communication, management, innovation and, yes, benefits making them organizations you'd recommend for someone shopping for a job. If you're an employer who has won a Top Workplaces award, you know the recognition helps recruit the people most in demand.

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Top Workplaces is open to employers with at least 35 employees in Fairfield, New Haven and Litchfield counties  privately owned businesses, nonprofits, publicly traded corporations, even government agencies are all eligible.

Click here to see coverage of the 2023 winners.

Click here to watch a video about Top Workplaces.

Click here to nominate your company  whether youre the CEO or the newest employee.

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To understand the benefit, just ask Sonja LaBarbera, CEO of Gaylord Specialty Healthcare in Wallingford, who won the Top Workplaces leadership award among large employers in 2021 and again in 2023. After placing in the Hearst CT Media contest, Gaylord also won national Top Workplaces recognition as an innovtive employer -- and it lets current and prospective employees know with logos, signs, even a pin for their ID badges.

These recognitions are especially significant because they are based wholly on employee feedback, LaBarbera said. "I am proud that our 'Think Possible' mindset allows Gaylord to continue to stand out among Connecticut employers.

Heres how it works: A company need not have its headquarters here to compete. Recognition is given for small, midsize and large organizations, and the contest also rewards the best executives such as LaBarbera and multi-time winner Mark Curtis of Splash Car Wash, based in Milford.

The cost to compete  and win  is zero and there is no obligation to buy any goods or services.

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A couple of things you should know about Top Workplaces. Its overseen by our news department based on scientific surveys; its not a popularity contest. In the fall, we produce a special news section in print with extensive coverage online about the winners.

Our advertising and marketing folks sell ads for our special section coverage on the winners  after the list is prepared. Those ads have nothing to do with picking the winners and in fact, adverting doesnt see the winners list in order of how they finish until the news is public; they only see a list in alphabetical order.

Awards are based on short, 24-question employee surveys by our partner, Philadelphia-based Energage, about how well employers value their ideas, communicate, put their strategies to work, operate ethically and create a culture of teamwork and competence.

We make sure employees taking the surveys arent coerced to give the right answers, so these winners are the real deal, with responses required from at least half of their local workforce to participate. Energage doesnt pay Hearst and Hearst doesnt pay Energage for preparing the winners list; Energage makes money by delivering consulting services to companies.

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Last year, Energage surveyed 9,424 people who worked at the organizations that entered.

The top winners from 2023 include Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties (first place among large employers for the sixth consecutive year); Total Mortgage Services LLC at No. 1 among midsize employers; and winning the small employers category, Young's of Ridgefield.

Winners of the leadership awards, the top executives, were LaBarbera; John Forlivio at the John M. Glover Agency; and Chris Couri and Dan Rella at Young's.

All of these winners have amazing stories to tell about working through coronavirus and into an economy that remains hard to predict. And they can tell you why their Top Workplaces designation matters.

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Hearst Connecticut Media Top Workplaces winners will be featured in the Connecticut Post, The News-Times of Danbury, Greenwich Time, The Stamford Advocate, The Norwalk Hour, the Meriden Record-Journal and New Haven Register in September  and will be highlighted on all of the associated websites.

For complete coverage of last years winners, go to any of those media outlets websites and type /topworkplaces  such as www.ctpost.com/topworkplaces.

Energage carries out the Top Workplaces surveys in 65 metro markets including some of the biggest. The company has surveyed more than 20 million employees at tens of thousands of organizations  including 2 million surveys at 8,000 workplaces last year alone.

Energage launched its Top Workplaces USA designation in 2022, with the best of the best winners that have at least 150 employees. If you make that list, youll see national recognition.

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Employers can be nominated online at https://topworkplaces.com/nominate/hearstct or by calling 203-617-0727.
In the heart of the fight against climate change, and following rapid commercial success in Europe, Ukraine and Brazil, Elicit Plant a pioneering agri-tech company that has succeeded in reducing water stress in field crops is preparing for launch in the United States in 2025. At the World Agri-Tech Summit 2024 on March 19 and 20 in San Francisco, Elicit Plant will present its unique technology, the reasons for its success, and the benefits to be expected for the US market.

The launch of a unique solution in the U.S. market

Elicit Plant has developed a breakthrough technology to combat drought in field crops, with proven performance on a global scale, and adoption of its first product in just 2 years by farmers in France, Brazil and more recently, in Europe.

Drought is the third most costly weather disaster in the United States. It has caused losses in excess of a billion dollars for each event since 1980. Annually, these episodes inflict an estimated $7.4 billion in costs on the US economy.

Against this backdrop, Elicit Plant intends to demonstrate the power of its biosolutions at the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit. The company will be unveiling its EliTerra technology platform and associated products, which can reduce water consumption in field crops by 20%, thereby responding to the crucial challenges posed by climate change and yield losses linked to water scarcity.

The company has met with great success since the launch of its first product for corn in 2022 in France, then in Brazil at the end of 2023, and finally in Europe where the product has just been launched, and the release of two other products for cereals and sunflower in 2023 in Europe and Ukraine.

Elicit Plant is set to launch its Corn product in the United States in 2025.

"We are at the dawn of an agricultural revolution, with solutions that protect the environment and ensure increased profitability for farmers despite recurring droughts and rising temperatures. We are gearing up for deployment in the US market in 2025, supported by an excellent local team including Pam Marrone, a world leader in biosolutions and Chair of our Board, Rachel Raymond, US Strategic Advisor in charge of our US market deployment strategy, and Slavica Djonovic, a respected scientific leader in the sector, our new CSO based in Boston", explains Jean-Francois Dechant, CEO of Elicit Plant.

By anticipating launch in the United States in 2025, Elicit Plant is consolidating its position as leader in this highly buoyant market segment, and would become the only Ag-Tech company in its sector, present on 3 continents (Europe, Brazil, USA), to market a solution for reducing water consumption in field crops such as corn, soybean, wheat, and sunflower.

A bio-solution that boosts yields by an average of 10% on field crops

Elicit Plant's technology is based on the exogenous application of phytosterols, natural plant-based molecules that induce plant defenses in the face of stress. It has proven its effectiveness around the world, notably with its Best-a bio-solution for corn, which increases yields by an average of 10%, and is already being rapidly adopted by farmers.

In the United States, the 33 trials carried out over the past two years in the Corn Belt and marginal corn growing areas, have achieved yield gains comparable to the average results obtained in Brazil and Europe. Final authorizations are underway to enable a launch for the 2025 growing season.

"Climate change and increasingly frequent droughts and heatwaves in the United States mean that we need to rapidly find innovations to secure the future of agriculture. Elicit Plant, through its unique EliTerra technology which exploits the properties of phytosterols, has demonstrated a remarkable ability to increase crop resilience to water stress, which is essential for farmers worldwide," says Pam Marrone, an award-winning biosolutions expert.

? Meet the Elicit Plant team at the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit on March 19th and 20th, 2024, at booth no. 8, and don't miss Jean-Francois Dechant's presentation, CEO, during the "Nurturing Growth: Building an Innovation Pipeline at the Speed of Environmental Ambition" session on March 20th at 12:10 PM PST.

For more information: www.elicit-plant.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314063007/en/

Contacts:

Press Contacts:

Claire Arnoux, c.arnoux@elicit-plant.com

Wided Nasraoui, wided@lanouvelle-agence.com +33 6 46 49 09 25
CHICAGO, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Arizton publishes the latest research report on the Saudi Arabia elevators and escalators market & Qatar elevators and escalators market.

Saudi Arabia & Qatar Elevators and Escalators Market Report Scope

Report Attributes Details Saudi Arabia Elevator and Escalator Market Size (2029) 16.01 thousand units CAGR (2023-2029) 5.61 % Qatar Elevator and Escalator Market Size (2029) 1.4 Thousand Units CAGR (2023-2029) 4.29 % Historic Year 2020-2022 Base Year 2023 Forecast Year 2024-2029

The Saudi Arabia Elevator and Escalator Market by New Installations to Reach 16.01 Thousand Units by 2029

This report provides a market forecast for the Saudi Arabia elevators and escalators market for 2020-2029. The market covers details on new installations, modernization, and maintenance. The market forecast has been provided based on volume and value. The market is further bifurcated into new installations, modernization, and maintenance. Modernization has not been accounted for in the Volume market.

Saudi Arabia is one of the emerging economies globally that is determined to transform its cities into smart cities. Over the last three decades, rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and transformation have led to Saudi citizens' quality of life.

The elevators market in Saudi Arabia in 2023 is witnessing substantial growth, representing medium year-on-year demand for 4.3% for the term 2023-2024 due to increasing manufacturing activities and rising socio-economic status.

Elevators used in the industrial sector accounted for the largest share of 29.7% in 2023, concerning high government and investments in industrial construction projects.

Improved Real Estate Transactions Due to Reduction of VAT is Likely to Boost the 2-15 Persons Elevators Segment

The demand for the 2-15 passenger elevators segment is largely driven in the residential and commercial sectors. The National Housing Company (NHC) has announced various housing projects, including Rawa and Maylaa projects in Riyadh and Jeddah. The housing stock in Jeddah and Riyadh are expected housing by 2023 are 100,000 and 35,000, respectively.

In October 2020, Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT) was introduced in Saudi Arabia with reduced VAT from 15% to 5% to boost residential and commercial real estate activity and increase home ownership, which will drive the demand for this segment. Companies such as KONE, Mitsubishi Electric, TK Elevator, Otis, and FUJITEC offer 2-15 passenger elevators. For instance, Otis One is a digital platform that uses IoT to make elevators and escalators smarter and more efficient, launched in the Middle East in Q1, 2023.

Buy this Research @ https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/saudi-arabia-elevator-and-escalator-market

Vendors

KONE, TK Elevator, Schindler, Mitsubishi Electric, Otis, Hyundai Elevator, Fujitec, Hitachi, Toshiba Elevator and Building Systems Corporation (TELC), KLEEMAN, Gulf Elevators and Escalators Company (GEEC), Sigma Elevator, Orona, and Atlas Elevators

Market Drivers

Rapid Increasing Infrastructural Activities as a Part of Vision 2030 Driving the Saudi Arabia Elevator and Escalator Industry

Rising Population in Urban Areas to Boost the Demand for Vertical Transportation

Gaining Momentum of Digitization in the Elevator and Escalator Market

Special Economic Zones Symbolize Positive Impact on the Vertical Transportation Market

Gaining Momentum of Modular Construction to Drive the Demand for Elevator

Investments by HNWI in Saudi Arabia to Gain Traction for Luxury and Sophisticated Vertical Transport Systems

Key Questions Answered in the Report

How big is the Saudi Arabia elevator and escalator market?

What will the growth rate be in the Saudi Arabia elevator and escalator market?

What is the number of installed bases in the Saudi Arabia elevator and escalator market in 2023?

What factors drive the maintenance segment in the Saudi Arabia elevator and escalator market?

What are the key Saudi Arabia elevator and escalator market players?

The Qatar Elevator and Escalator Market by New Installations to Reach 1.4 Thousand Units by 2029

The government's investment through 'Qatar National Vision 2030' will likely make the construction industry in Qatar grow. This creates opportunities for foreign investors and aids in expanding the elevator market in Qatar.

The Voya Tower project in Doha, Qatar, is a joint venture between Mazaya Real Estate Development Company and Al-Namaa Real Estate Development Company. The project aims to meet the demand for high-quality, luxurious residential options aligned with Qatar's National Vision 2030. With 119 diverse housing units, including apartments and chalets, the Voya Tower project has obtained all necessary approvals and is set to be completed by 2026. It contributes to Qatar's real estate market growth and supports sustainable development goals.

Qatari Diar has successfully executed numerous ventures, including notable projects such as Lusail City, a futuristic urban hub aligning with Qatar's National Vision 2030, the Qatar National Convention Centre, Sheraton Park, Al Legtaifiya Lagoon, and the commercial street in Abu Hamour. These endeavors collectively reflect Qatari Diar's commitment to driving progressive urban development, contributing significantly to the nation's growth and creating demand for elevators.

Market Opportunities

As Qatar aims to become a prominent digital hub, the demand for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more critical. Wizard Cyber, on the other hand, boasts an impeccable reputation in the industry, offering cutting-edge solutions in threat intelligence, incident response, and advanced security consulting.

Through this partnership, Mannai Microsoft Solutions and Wizard Cyber aim to fortify Qatar's position as a trusted digital hub and foster a safer digital environment for all. By combining local knowledge with global best practices, they are poised to elevate cybersecurity standards, drive innovation, and support Qatar's digital aspirations.

The Qatari government has digitized its services, improving building permit issuance. Additionally, the country has initiated cybersecurity measures. Since Qatar has a high number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), it is expected that the adoption of advanced technology, including cybersecurity, will be witnessed in the coming years.

Key Questions Answered in the Report:

How big is the Qatar elevator and escalator market?

What will the growth rate be in the Qatar elevator and escalator market?

What factors drive the maintenance and modernization segment in the Qatar elevator and escalator market?

What are the key Qatar elevator and escalator market players?

Saudi Arabia & Qatar Elevators and Escalators Market Segmentation:

Elevator by

Machine Type

Hydraulic and Pneumatic

Machine Room Traction

Machine Room Less Traction

Others

Climbing



Elevators



Industrial Elevators

Carriage Type

Passenger

Freight

Capacity

2-15 Persons

16-24 Persons

25-33 Persons

34 Persons and Above

End-User

Commercial

Residential

Industrial

Others

Public Transit



Institutional



Infrastructural

Escalator by

Product Type

Parallel

Multi Parallel

Walkway

Crisscross

End-User

Public Transit

Commercial

Others

Institutional Sector



Infrastructure



Industrial

Why Do You Buy this Research?

CAGR for the forecast period 2023-2029.

All types of tracked escalators and elevators.

Elevators are used in commercial, residential, industrial and other end-users.

Other Industries for elevators include oil & gas, mining, marine and manufacturing.

Escalators are used in applications such as commercial, public transit, and other industries.

Moving walkways are covered under escalators by type

Volume within the country based on demand and supply.

Elevators and escalators new equipment's are exported to other countries.

All the currency conversion is in US$, unless specifically stated.

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Asia Pacific Elevator and Escalator - Market Size & Growth Forecast 2023-2029

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/technological-innovations-propel-elevator-and-escalator-market-to-new-heights-saudi-arabia-and-qatar-to-experience-tightly-correlated-cagr-from-2023-to-2029--arizton-302089295.html
Capital increase consisting of an offer to qualified investors, categories of investors and individual investors via the PrimaryBid platform

Subscription commitments from existing shareholders and new investors for a total of around 6.46 M

Issue price of the new shares of 3.13 per share

Closing of the Primary Bid and the Private Placement and the Reserved Offer on March 14, 2024, at 10:00 pm

The funds raised will be used principally to finalize the phase 2/3 study ACTISAVE and the publication of its results expected in Q2 2024, as well as the preparation of the registration plan for glenzocimab

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, AUSTRALIA OR JAPAN

Regulatory News:

ACTICOR BIOTECH (FR0014005OJ5 ALACT the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of innovative drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular emergencies, in particular stroke, announces today the launch of a fundraising of a minimum of 7 million euros via the issuance of new ordinary shares to institutional and individual investors (via the PrimaryBid platform) (the "Offering

ACTICOR BIOTECH will use the proceeds of this capital increase to pursue its development plan in the emergency treatment of stroke. The Company mainly plans to use the funds raised to:

Finalization of phase 2/3 of the ACTISAVE study, with a view to publication of results;

Validation of the overall registration plan with the regulatory authorities (FDA and EMA); and

Preparation of the additional studies required to register glenzocimab in Europe and the United States.

On the basis of planned expenditure, the net cash balance and net financial debt at December 31, 2023, which amount respectively to 3.9 million and 3.3 million (unaudited), and the funds raised, the Company estimates that it will be able to finance its operations until the end of Q3 2024. Beyond that, the Company's financing needs to meet its obligations over the next 12 months are estimated by the Company at around 6 additional million euros.

Gilles AVENARD, Chief Executive Officer of Acticor Biotech said: The completion of our enrolment in the ACTISAVE study and the publication of its results, expected in the second quarter of 2024, mark a decisive step towards the registration of glenzocimab for the treatment of stroke. Evidence from our ACTIMIS study, published in The Lancet Neurology, has strengthened glenzocimab's safety profile and demonstrated its ability to reduce intracerebral haemorrhage and mortality. We are extremely grateful to our new investors and our long-standing shareholders for their support in this fund-raising, which will enable us to pursue our development plan for glenzocimab."

Terms and Conditions of the Offer

The Offer will be made at a price of 3.13 euros per new share, in two separate and concurrent tranches and under the same pricing conditions (the "Offering

A private placement (the "Private Placement"), through the issue of new ordinary shares without pre-emptive subscription rights, for the benefit of qualified investors or a restricted circle of investors, in France and abroad, on the basis of Article L. 411-2, 1 of the French Monetary and Financial Code, in accordance with the 14th resolution of the Annual General Meeting of May 12, 2023 (the "AGM

A reserved offering (the "Reserved Offering") of new ordinary shares, without pre-emptive subscription rights, to specific categories of investors, on the basis of article L. 225-138 et seq. of the French Commercial Code, in France and abroad, in accordance with the 13th resolution of the Annual General Meeting; and

A public offering without a designated beneficiary, by way of an issue of new ordinary shares with cancellation of preferential subscription rights, aimed at individual investors of French nationality or nationals of member states of the European Economic Area, via the PrimaryBid platform (the "PrimaryBid Offering"), which will be carried out on the basis of an allocation proportional to requests within the limit of the amount allocated to this public offering, with a reduction in allocations in the event of excess requests where applicable, on the basis of Article L. 225-136 of the French Commercial Code and article L.411 .2-1,1 of the French Monetary and Financial Code, in accordance with the 12th resolution of the Annual General Meeting.

The total amount of the operation would be 7 million euros at minimum, including issue premium, with a possibility to increase this total amount in case of higher demand.

The amount of the Offering will depend exclusively on the orders received for each of the above-mentioned components, with no possibility of reallocating the amounts allocated from one to the other. The PrimaryBid Offer to retail investors is incidental to the Global Offering and may not exceed 20% of the total amount of the Offer. In any event, the PrimaryBid Offer and the corresponding capital increase will not be completed if the capital increase resulting from the Global Offering is not completed.

The Private Placement and the Reserved Offering will be carried out by "accelerated bookbuilding", at the end of which the number of new shares to be issued will be determined, in compliance with the resolutions of the Annual General Meeting.

The subscription price of the new shares will be equal to 3.13 euros, representing a discount of 25.65% compared with the closing price of the ACTICOR BIOTECH share on March 14, 2024, i.e. 4.21, and of 26.67% compared with the volume-weighted average price of the ACTICOR BIOTECH share on the Euronext Growth multilateral trading facility over the last 3 trading sessions prior to its determination (i. e. from 11 to March 14, 2024 inclusive), i.e. 4.4506, in compliance with the resolutions of the General Meeting. The subscription price of the new ordinary shares issued under the PrimaryBid Offer will be equal to the price of the new ordinary shares issued under the Private Placement and the Reserved Offer.

The final number of shares to be issued will be decided by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, pursuant to and within the limits of the sub-delegations of authority granted by the Board of Directors of the Company as of the date of this press release and in accordance with the resolutions of the Annual General Meeting.

The final number of shares to be issued will be the subject of a subsequent press release relating to the completion, if any, of the contemplated issue.

The accelerated bookbuilding procedure for the Private Placement and the Reserved Offer will be initiated immediately following the publication of this press release and is expected to close no later than 10 pm on March 14, 2024, subject to any early closing or extension. The PrimaryBid Offer will also commence immediately and will also close at 10 p.m. on that day, subject to any early closing. The Company will announce the results of the Offer by press release after the order book closes, tomorrow before the market opens.

Settlement-delivery of the new ordinary shares to be issued as a result of the Offer and their admission to trading on the Euronext Growth Paris multilateral trading facility is scheduled for March 19, 2024. The new shares will be subject to all the provisions of the Company's bylaws and will be assimilated to the existing shares as soon as the capital increase is completed. They will carry dividend rights and will be admitted to trading on the Euronext Growth Paris market on the same quotation line as the Company's shares already listed under the same ISIN code FR0014005OJ5 ALACT.

Subscription commitments for a total amount of 6.36 million

The Company has received subscription commitments in connection with the Offer for a total amount of approximately 6.46 million, including 950,000 in commitments received by members of the Company's Board of Directors (Gilles Avenard Biotech Consulting1, FPCI CAP DECISIF 3 (Karista)2 and Mr. Rinaldo del Bono)3. It is specified that none of the members of the Board of Directors having subscribed to the Offer took part in the vote on the decision setting its terms.

In return for their subscription commitments, which are intended to secure the completion of the capital increase, certain investors (other than the above-mentioned members of the Board of Directors), whose total subscription commitments amount to 5.31 million (i.e. 82.19% of the total amount of subscription commitments), will receive a commission corresponding to 5% of the amount of their subscription commitment, i.e. a total amount of 265,500, which will be deducted from the gross proceeds of the capital increase, subject to its completion. This commission will be payable in full, irrespective of the number of new shares actually subscribed by these investors as part of the transaction.

Capital increase open to individuals via the PrimaryBid platform

Investors can subscribe to the PrimaryBid Offer only via the PrimaryBid partners mentioned on the PrimaryBid website (www.PrimaryBid.fr). The PrimaryBid Offer is not subject to a placement and guarantee agreement.

Undertakings to retain shares and refrain from issuing shares

The Offer does not give rise to any commitments by existing shareholders to retain their shares.

In connection with the Capital Increase, the Company has undertaken to refrain from issuing shares for a period of 60 days from the settlement-delivery date of the Offer, subject to customary exceptions.

Capital structure at December 31, 2023

To the best of the Company's knowledge, the breakdown of shareholders at December 31, 2023 on an undiluted basis is as follows:

Shareholder Number of shares % of capital Mr. Gilles Avenard (Chief Executive Officer and Director)4 143,664 1.09% Mr. Alain Munoz (Director) 14,705 0.11% Mr. Jean-Pierre Cazenave (Director) 1,404 0.01% FPCI CAP DECISIF 3 (Director) 925,530 7.02% NEWTON BIO CAPITAL I PRICAF PRIVEE SA (Director) 1,556,480 11.80% GO CAPITAL AMORCAGE II (Director) 767,689 5.82% MEDIOLANUM FARMACEUTICI S.p.A and Mr. del Bono (Director)5 3,737,277 28.34% A&B (HK) LIMITED (censor) 733,049 5.56% Total Directors and Managers 7,879,798 59.74% CMS MEDICAL VENTURE INVESTMENT (HK) LIMITED 733,049 5.56% Total investment funds 733,049 5.56% Own shares held as of March 11 48,764 0.37% Free float 4,527,530 34.33% Total 13,189,141 100%

Financial Intermediaries

INVEST SECURITIES INVEST CORPORATE FINANCE Global Coordinator, Lead Manager and Bookrunner Financial Consulting

Under the PrimaryBid Offer, investors will be able to subscribe only via the PrimaryBid platform (https://primarybid.fr/) or via PrimaryBid partners listed on the PrimaryBid website.

Guarantee of the Offer

The Offer is not underwritten. However, the Private Placement and the Reserved Offering are subject to a placement agreement between the Company and INVEST SECURITIES.

Prospectus

The Offer does not give rise to a prospectus subject to approval by the Autorite des marches financiers.

This press release does not constitute a prospectus under Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 14, 2017, as amended, or a public offering.

Eligibility for certain tax schemes

The Company is eligible for the following five tax schemes: PEA "classique", PEA "PME-ETI", economic reinvestment (article 150-0 B ter, I, 2 of the French General Tax Code), IR-PME (article 199 terdecies-0 A, I, A of the French General Tax Code) as well as FCPI investment quotas (art. 124-130 of the CMF).

Investors are advised to consult their usual tax advisor to assess their personal situation with regard to the specific regulations applicable, and subsequently to identify themselves to the Company in order to draw up any necessary supporting documents.

Risk factors

The public's attention is drawn to the risk factors relating to the Company and its business, presented in chapter 3 of the universal registration document 2022 approved by the Autorite des marches financiers on April 26, 2023 under number R. 22-011, which is available free of charge on the Company's website (www.acticor-biotech.com) and the website of the Autorite des marches financiers (www.amf-france.org). The occurrence of any or all of these risks could have an adverse effect on the Company's business, financial situation, results, development or prospects.

In addition, investors are invited to consider the following risks specific to the issue: (i) the market price of the Company's shares could fluctuate and fall below the subscription price of the shares issued under the Offer, (ii) the volatility and liquidity of the Company's shares could fluctuate significantly, (iii) sales of the Company's shares could occur on the market and have an unfavorable impact on the Company's share price, (iv) the Company's shareholders could suffer potentially significant dilution as a result of any future capital increases made necessary by the Company's search for financing, and (v) as the shares are not intended to be listed on a regulated market, investors will not benefit from the guarantees associated with regulated markets.

As previously announced, the Company will publish its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 on April 30, 2024.

Forward-looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements with respect to Acticor Biotech and its business. Acticor Biotech believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions. However, no assurance can be given that the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements will prove to have been correct, as they are subject to risks, including those described in Chapter 3 of the Universal Registration Document approved by the AMF under number R. 22 011 on April 26, 2023, and to changes in economic conditions, financial markets and the markets in which Acticor Biotech operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks that are unknown to Acticor Biotech or that Acticor Biotech does not currently consider material. The occurrence of some or all of these risks could cause Acticor Biotech's actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements to differ materially from current results, financial condition, performance or achievements.

About ACTICOR BIOTECH

Acticor Biotech is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, a spin-off from INSERM (the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research), which is aiming to develop an innovative treatment for cardiovascular emergencies, including ischemic stroke.

The positive results of the phase 1b/2a study, ACTIMIS, published in January 2024 in the Lancet Neurology (link to the publication) confirmed the safety profile of glenzocimab and showed a reduction in mortality and intracerebral hemorrhage in the glenzocimab-treated group of stroke patients. These results were confirmed by a post-hoc analysis of brain imaging at 0 and 24 hours using artificial intelligence (Brainomix, UK). This independent analysis confirmed the reduction in the number and volume of intracerebral lesions in patients treated with glenzocimab.

The efficacy of glenzocimab is now being analyzed in an international Phase 2/3 study, ACTISAVE, with clinical results expected in Q2 2024.

In July 2022, Acticor Biotech was granted "PRIME" status by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for glenzocimab in the treatment of stroke. This designation will allow the company to strengthen its interactions and obtain early dialogues with regulatory authorities.

Acticor Biotech is supported by a panel of European and international investors (Mediolanum farmaceutici, Karista, Go Capital, Newton Biocapital, CMS Medical Venture Investment (HK) Limited, A&B (HK) Limited, Anaxago, and the Armesa foundation). Acticor Biotech is listed on Euronext Growth Paris since November 2021 (ISIN: FR0014005OJ5 ALACT).

For more information, visit: www.acticor-biotech.com

Disclaimer

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy ordinary shares of the Company, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of that jurisdiction.

This announcement is an advertisement and not a prospectus within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017, as amended (the "Prospectus Regulation

In France, the Offering described above will take place solely as (i) a global placement to qualified investors or a limited number of investors, pursuant to Article L. 411-2, 1 of the French Monetary and Financial Code and applicable regulations, and (ii) a global placement to qualified investors or a limited number of investors, pursuant to Article L. 411-2, 1 of the French Monetary and Financial Code and applicable regulations and (ii) a public offering of securities without a named beneficiary, pursuant to Article L. 225-136 of the French Commercial Code, Article L.411.2-1,1 of the Monetary and Financial Code and applicable regulations.

With respect to Member States of the European Economic Area (including France), no action has been taken or will be taken to permit a public offering of the securities referred to in this press release which would require the publication of a prospectus (pursuant to article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation) in any Member State.

This press release and the information it contains is not an offer to sell, nor the solicitation of an offer to subscribe for or buy, new ordinary shares in the United States or any other jurisdiction where restrictions may apply including notably Canada, Australia or Japan. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under the Securities Act or an exemption from registration thereunder. Acticor Biotech does not intend to conduct a public offering of the new ordinary shares in the United States, or in any other jurisdiction.

This communication is being distributed only to, and is directed only at (a) persons outside the United Kingdom, (b) persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order"), and (c) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may otherwise lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as "Relevant Persons"). Any investment or investment activity to which this communication relates is available only to Relevant Persons and will be engaged in only with Relevant Persons. Any person who is not a Relevant Person should not act or rely on this communication or any of its contents.

Solely for the purposes of each manufacturer's product approval process, the target market assessment in respect of the new ordinary shares has led to the conclusion in relation to the type of clients criteria and only that: (i) the type of clients to whom the new ordinary shares are targeted is eligible counterparties, professional clients and retail clients, each as defined in Directive 2014/65/EU, as amended ("MiFID II"); and (ii) all channels for distribution of the new ordinary shares to eligible counterparties, professional clients and retail clients are appropriate. Any person subsequently offering, selling or recommending the new ordinary shares (a "Distributor") should take into consideration the manufacturers' type of clients assessment; however, a Distributor subject to MiFID II is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the new ordinary shares (by either adopting or refining the manufacturers' type of clients assessment) and determining appropriate distribution channels. For the avoidance of doubt, even if the target market includes retail clients, the sole global coordinator and bookrunner has decided it will only procure investors for the new ordinary shares who meet the criteria of eligible counterparties and professional clients.

This distribution of this press release may be subject to legal or regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions. Any person who comes into possession of this press release must inform him or herself of and comply with any such restrictions.

This press release has not been independently verified and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made or given by or on behalf of any of the sole global coordinator and bookrunner or any of its parent or subsidiary undertakings, or the subsidiary undertakings of any such parent undertakings, or any of such person's respective directors, officers, employees, agents, affiliates or advisers, as to, and no reliance should be placed on, the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the information or opinions contained in this press release and no responsibility or liability is assumed by any such persons for any such information or opinions or for any errors or omissions. All information presented or contained in this press release is subject to verification, correction, completion and change without notice.

The sole global coordinator and bookrunner is acting exclusively for the Company and no one else in connection with the Global Placement and will not regard any other person (whether or not a recipient of this press release) as its client in relation to the Global Placement and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to its client nor for providing advice in relation to the proposed Global Placement.

1 The company's Chairman and sole shareholder, Gilles Avenard, is also Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company.

2 Whose management company, Karista, is also a director of the Company.

3 The total subscription commitment of 950,000 euros by members of the Board of Directors also includes the subscription commitment of Patricia Munoz, wife of Alain Munoz, a director of the Company,

4 Including the interest held by Gilles Avenard Biotech Consulting (GABC), a consulting company of which Gilles Avenard is Chairman and sole shareholder.

5 Mediolanum Farmaceutici S.p.A. is not a director, but its Chairman, Mr. Rinaldo del Bono, is a member of the Board of Directors. For the sake of completeness, the shareholdings of Mediolanum Farmaceutici S.p.A are listed among those of the members of the Board of Directors.

Not for release, publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in the United States of America, Canada, Australia or Japan. This press release does not constitute an offering document and is for information purposes only

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314615666/en/

Contacts:

ACTICOR BIOTECH

Gilles AVENARD, MD

CEO and Founder

gilles.avenard@acticor-biotech.com

T.: +33 (0)6 76 23 38 13



Sophie BINAY, PhD

General Manager and CSO

Sophie.binay@acticor-biotech.com

T.: +33 (0)6 76 23 38 13

NewCap

Mathilde BOHIN

Investor Relations

acticor@newcap.eu

T.: +33 (0)1 44 71 94 95

NewCap

Arthur ROUILLE

Media Relations

acticor@newcap.eu

T.: +33 (0)1 44 71 00 15
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Case IH, New Holland, and CASE CE (all CNH brands), took the stage at Expoagro 2024 YPF, the mega-exhibition from March 5 to 8 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Known as 'The National Capital of Agribusiness,' Expoagro is one of the largest agro-industrial exhibitions in Latin America. Renowned companies in the sector show off their products, services and the latest in technology and connectivity. It is also a stage to explore new business opportunities, establish strategic alliances and contribute to the development and sustainable growth of the productive sector.

Case IH highlights included the Axial-Flow Series 150 and 250 combines, the Puma line of tractors, and the Patriot 300.

The Patriot 300 featured with a new NEF 6 engine manufactured in Argentina, which provides more power than the previous version, and a new hydraulic system. The equipment, designed for the Argentinian market, guarantees greater reliability, robustness, better behavior on uneven terrain, maintaining constant speed and high durability.

"The tests we carried out during 2023 with few units gave very positive results. Accompanying the demands of Argentine producers for greater technology and high performance, we continue to invest and bet on national production, so the model will be definitively manufactured at our plant in Ferreyra, Cordoba," said Rodrigo Lanciotti, Marketing Manager.

New Holland showcased similar strengths in iron in displaying low, medium and high power tractors, the CR 7.90 Intellisense combine harvester and the Defensor SP3000 sprayer of national production.

With a focus on tech, New Holland also featured key highlights in the Digital Agriculture space, with the Intelligence Center, a support that allows New Holland's specialized personnel to assist through digital tools both from the industrial plant and a dealership.

In addition, the Oculus and the augmented reality headset, offered real-time remote attention services to customers. The brand also presented products from Raven (a brand of CNH), a leader in automated aftermarket precision agriculture technology solutions, which will soon be available in Argentina.

"We are very happy to participate again in Expoagro, one of the most important fairs in our country. We invite all visitors to stop by our booth and discover the latest developments in technology and automation that we offer, as well as our various financing options for our products," said Tomas Liceda, Commercial Director of New Holland Argentina.

Another novelty of the brand was the immersive 360 experience with which the Argentinian countryside was shown. The initiative aimed to raise awareness of the work behind the food produced by each farmer throughout the country.

Visitors to Expoagro also had the support of CNH Capital to choose the best financing conditions when acquiring New Holland machinery. With many years dedicated to the financing of Agriculture in Latin America, the institution will offer all its expertise to Argentine producers.

CASE, a CNH construction brand, was proud to take a stage beside its agricultural counterparts. Sharing a stand with Case IH, CASE highlighted the 580N and 570ST backhoe loader model, and the SR175B skid steer loader, the equipment most chosen by customers for tasks in construction and in the field.

"Since the 90's we have participated in important fairs with the magnitude of Expoagro. This is a new opportunity to attract customers and be close to producers, who often use our machines for tasks related to the field. Today, thanks to the versatility and adaptability of our machines, we are also present in other activities such as mining and regional economies in the interior," explained Mario Rizzi, CASE's commercial manager for Latin America.

During the fair, the official distributors in the region, Grumaq and Alvarez Rental, offered personalized advice regarding the benefits, performance and operability of the equipment.

Visitors to Expoagro also had the support of CNH Capital to choose the best financing conditions when acquiring machinery. With many years dedicated to the financing of Agriculture in Latin America, the institution offered all its expertise to Argentinian producers.

Case IH, New Holland, and CASE's presence at this year's Expoagro is a testament to CNH's commitment to sustainable products and innovation for a brighter future for farmers and construction workers in Argentina, and around the globe.

CNH showed off its equipment and solutions for farmers and construction workers at one of the most important industrial fairs in Argentina



View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from CNH Industrial on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: CNH Industrial

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cnh-industrial

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: CNH Industrial

View the original press release on accesswire.com
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Tinka Resources Limited ("Tinka" or the "Company") (TSXV:TK)(BVL:TK)(OTCQB:TKRFF) announces the results of the Company's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on March 14, 2024 (the "AGM").

A total of 202,016,534 common shares were represented in person or by proxy at the AGM, representing 51.63% of the votes attached to all outstanding common shares of the Company as at the record date. All the matters submitted to the shareholders, as set out in the Notice of Meeting and Information Circular dated February 6, 2024, were voted in favour, including: (a) fixing the size of the Board of Tinka to seven; the re-election of Ben McKeown, Graham Carman, Nick DeMare, Mary Little, Pieter Britz, Raul Benavides and Jones Belther as directors for the ensuing year; (c) the ratification of the Company's stock option plan, pursuant to which the Company may grant stock options up to 10% of its issued and outstanding common shares at the time of the grant; and, (d) the appointment of D&H Group LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, as the auditors of the Company for the ensuing year.

Subsequent to the AGM, the Board re-appointed Mr. McKeown as Non-Executive Chairman, Dr. Carman as President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. DeMare as Chief Financial Officer, and Ms. Mariana Bermudez as Corporate Secretary. Messrs. McKeown, DeMare and Ms. Little were re-appointed as members of the Audit Committee.

On behalf of the Board, "Graham Carman"

Dr. Graham Carman, President & CEO Further Information:

www.tinkaresources.com

Mariana Bermudez 1.604.685.9316

info@tinkaresources.com Stay up to date by subscribing for news alerts at Contact Tinka and by following Tinka

on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

About Tinka Resources Limited

Tinka is an exploration and development company with its flagship property being the 100%-owned Ayawilca zinc-silver-tin project in central Peru. The Zinc Zone has an estimated Indicated Mineral Resource of 28.3 Mt grading 5.82% zinc, 16.4 g/t silver, 0.2% lead and 91 g/t indium, and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 31.2 Mt grading 4.21% zinc, 14.5 g/t silver, 0.2% lead and 45 g/t indium. The Silver Zone has an estimated Inferred Mineral Resource of 1.0 Mt grading 111.4 g/t silver, 1.54% zinc, & 0.5% lead. The Tin Zone has an estimated Indicated Mineral Resource of 1.4 million tonnes grading 0.72% tin and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 12.7 million tonnes grading 0.76% tin (dated at January 1, 2024). See news release February 28, 2024. The Qualified Person, Dr. Graham Carman, Tinka's President and CEO, and a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, has reviewed and verified the technical contents of this news release.

Forward Looking Statements: Certain information in this news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively "forward-looking statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs and expectations of Tinka as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Tinka's management. Such statements reflect the current risks, uncertainties and assumptions related to certain factors including, without limitations: timing of planned work programs and results varying from expectations; delay in obtaining results; changes in equity markets; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; equipment failure, unexpected geological conditions; imprecision in resource estimates or metal recoveries; success of future development initiatives; competition and operating performance; environmental and safety risks; the Company's expectations regarding the Ayawilca Project PEA; the political environment in which the Company operates continuing to support the development and operation of mining projects; risks related to negative publicity with respect to the Company or the mining industry in general; delays in obtaining or failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals from local authorities; community agreements and relations; and, other development and operating risks. Should any one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein. Although Tinka believes that assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Tinka disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release

SOURCE: Tinka Resources Ltd.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Representatives from 60 countries gathered to set a new record for most nationalities in a business lesson

Hult International Business School has broken the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the "Most Nationalities in a Business Lesson." Over 90 members of the Hult community came together at Hult's Holborn campus in London on March 13, 2024, smashing the minimum of 50 nationalities in one business class to set the record.

The 60 nationalities represented include Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guinea Bissau, India, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Romania, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

Students were thrilled to take part:

"I feel like this was very representative of what's normal at Hult. In my class alone, we're represented by at least thirty different nations-and we only have a total of 60 people in our cohort,"-Tomaz Nicolai Diaz, US, Master's in International Business.

"When someone asks me about a fun fact, I can now say I was part of a world record attempt! I don't think everyone has that honor. It's definitely going on my CV,"-Melanie Buritica, UK, Master's in International Business.

The record-breaking event took place in a class taught by Hult Professor Chris Kinsville-Heyne, titled The Crisis for Leaders, which focused on crisis management, mitigation, and response. All attendees, which included undergraduate and postgraduate representatives, were required to stay for the entire 45-minute class to meet the requirements of Guinness World Records.

"I was thrilled to see this wide array of learners in the classroom, as it reflects just what makes Hult special-it's diversity of cultures and thought," said Professor Kinsville-Heyne. "Discussing details in the World Economic Forum's 2024 Global Risk Report, I challenged students to think beyond limitations and envision ambitious solutions to current global challenges; to dream big and make meaningful contributions as a collective."

Hult touts a diverse student body, with 95% of students studying at a campus outside of their home country. The current global class of Hult students includes more than 150 nationalities, with 144 languages spoken and 13% of students with dual nationalities.

"The diversity in our classroom opens up a lot of really challenging conversations and helps us navigate how we talk about certain issues, how to find a middle ground or decrease the polarization growing in the world, as mentioned in Professor Kinsville-Heyne's class," Diaz added.

"Whenever you're surrounded by so many different perspectives, you're forced to come closer and not focus so much on differences, but similarities."

An independent witness and time tracker were present to ensure rules of record were adhered to. Students were required to show passports to prove their nationality. The event was also ratified by an adjudicator from Guinness World Records.

About Hult International Business School

Hult is a business school for those "made to do" and strives to create a better future for all by inspiring and challenging its community to make an impact that matters. Degree programs include undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate, with a global campus network spanning three continents. Hult is recognized by top international accrediting bodies including the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Association of MBAs (AMBA), and The European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS). Learn more by visiting www.hult.edu.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314879102/en/

Contacts:

Erin Brown, Global PR Director

U.S. Mobile +1 (857) 919-4745

erin.brown@hult.edu
EQS Post-admission Duties announcement: Adtran Holdings, Inc. / Third country release according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act]

Adtran Holdings, Inc.: Release according to Article 50 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] with the objective of Europe-wide distribution



14.03.2024 / 23:10 CET/CEST

Dissemination of a Post-admission Duties announcement according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 WpHG transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





On 14 March 2024, Adtran Holdings, Inc. filed three forms 10-Q/A report for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2023, June 30, 2023 and September 30, 2023 with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

All documents are available on the Adtran website at https://investors.adtran.com/sec-filings/default.aspx

14.03.2024 CET/CEST The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.eqs-news.com


HiLabs, a Bethesda, MD-based provider of AI-powered solutions to manage dirty data, raised $39M in Series B funding.

The round was led by Denali Growth Partners and Eight Roads Ventures, with participation from F-Prime Capital.

The company intends to use the funds to support continued enhancement of the technology as well as recruitment of talent and expansion of its product teams.

Led by CEO Amit Garg, HiLabs is a provider of AI-powered solutions to clean dirty data for healthcare transformation. Its cloud-based MCheck platform ingests, cleans, and enriches critical healthcare information, resulting in significant reduction in healthcare organizations operational costs and improvement in patient outcomes. The technology supports some of the largest health insurance companies in the US in their efforts to automate and improve administrative processes.

Commenting on the news, Amit Garg said: As we embrace this next phase of growth, were thankful for the backing of healthcare-focused investors. We stand poised to propel our AI-technology forward, empowering healthcare organizations to make swift, informed decisions based on data thats not just clean, but readily available when it matters most.

FinSMEs

14/03/2024
KSL Capital Partners, a Denver, CO-based investor in travel and leisure businesses, closes its latest travel and leisure focused private equity fund, KSL Capital Partners VI, L.P. (KSL VI).

Together with commitments from the General Partner, KSL VI closed on approximately $2 Billion in capital commitments.

The fund is backed by a diverse group of existing and new investors including state and corporate pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, endowments, foundations, insurance companies, asset managers and family offices.

Led by CEO Eric Resnick, KSL Capital Partners is a private equity firm specializing in travel and leisure enterprises in five primary sectors: hospitality, recreation, clubs, real estate and travel services. It has offices in Denver, Colorado, Stamford, Connecticut, New York, and London, UK, and invests across three primary strategies through its equity, credit and tactical opportunities funds.

In late 2021, KSL Capital Partners set a multi-year goal to raise new vehicles across various investment strategies, including Private Equity, Credit and Tactical Opportunities. Since October 2021, KSL has raised over $10.5 Billion across these strategies.

Commenting on the news, Eric Resnick said: Our investors have positioned us well to take advantage of what we believe is a unique time in the market, particularly for travel and leisure businesses where we are able to leverage our deep operational expertise for the benefit of all our investment vehicles. We are tremendously grateful for the support shown to us by our investors across our strategies.

FinSMEs

14/03/2024
Redcoat AI, a San Francisco, CA-based cybersecurity company at the forefront of combating AI-powered threats, emerged from stealth mode, backed by $4.24m in funding.

The round was led by Pear VC, with participation from Leonis Capital, Sancus Ventures, Kyber Knight, and others.

The company intends to use the funds to accelerate the platforms development and expand its reach.

Founded by a team of seasoned cybersecurity and AI experts including and led by John Whaley, CEO, Redcoat AI uses the latest AI innovations to build defenses against sophisticated cybersecurity attacks, including AI-powered social engineering attacks that use contextual information, deep fakes, and human-like interactions.

The platform offers a dual approach to cybersecurity  an on-demand red teaming service for social engineering attacks, and mobile defense that extends comprehensive protection across SMS, WhatsApp, and other messaging platforms.

Redcoat AIs genesis was at Inception Studio, a nonprofit accelerator for experienced founders.

FinSMEs

14/03/2024
Treetoscope, a Tel Aviv, Israel-based precision irrigation management startup, extended Seed funding, bringing total amount to $7M.

The round was led by Champel Capital, with participation from Stray Dog Capital, ECG, and The Food Tech Lab, alongside other strategic investors including Leon Recanati, GlenRock fund, SeedIL, YYM-Ventures, Agrovision, NEOME, GN-Z11, and Earth.vc.

The company intends to use the funds to further accelerate its research efforts and expand its reach.

Founded in 2020 and led by CEO Dotan Eshet, Treetoscope provides direct plant monitoring technology enabling farmers across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Turkey to reduce production costs, increase yields, and optimize water usage.

By integrating AI, weather data, satellite imagery, and other remote sensing technologies, Treetoscope offers a comprehensive irrigation management system that helps reduce water and input costs while ensuring optimal crop health and yield.

FinSMEs

14/03/2024
Munmun Dutta and Raj Anadkats alleged relationship was first reported by the Times of India in September 2021

In a delightful news, Munmun Dutta, who plays the iconic Babita ji in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, and Raj Anadkat are now reportedly engaged. Notably, Raj played Tipendra Tapu Jethalal Gada aka Tapu in the same show before his exit in December 2022. As reported by News18 Showsha, Munmun, 36, and Raj, 27, exchanged rings earlier this month with the blessings of their respective families.

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The source, while speaking to the portal, informed that Munmun and Raj got engaged in a low-key ceremony outside Mumbai. He said, The engagement took place just a few days back. The two apparently exchanged rings in Vadodara (Gujarat). Munmun and Rajs families have accepted their relationship and they were also present at the ceremony.

Reflecting on the dating life of the now engaged couple, the source added, They have been dating ever since Raj joined Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. It was very evident. Everyone on the sets knew about it. In fact, some people were certain that Munmun and Raj would get married eventually. Therefore, it is not shocking that they are engaged now.

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However, both Munmun and Raj have denied the news.

Munmun told Times of India, This news is ridiculous, fake and ludicrous. Zero ounce of truth in it. And frankly, I dont want to give my energy to this fake thing that keeps coming up again and again.

Raj shared a note on his Instagram Stories and wrote, Hello Everyone, Just to clear things up, the news youve been seeing on social media is false and baseless. Team Raj Anadkat.

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Munmun Dutta and Raj Anadkats alleged relationship was first reported by the Times of India in September 2021. The portal, in one of its reports, mentioned that everyone on the sets of  Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah was aware of the duos relationship. However, Munmun, who was seemingly infuriated, dismissed the report and put out a strong statement refuting the claims. The first few lines of her statement read, To the media and their zero credibility journos, who has given you the right to post imaginary made up articles in peoples name about their private life without their consent?

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Following Munmuns strong dismissal, Raj also came out to address the dating rumours. Calling the stories cooked up, he asked everyone to channelise their creativity somewhere else.
Zhong Shanshan and his bottled water empire Nongfu Spring are being targeted by nationalists online. Many are boycotting the brand  its shares have dropped five per cent and the businessman has lost $2 billion of his wealth. But why is the billionaire receiving hate?

Zhong Shanshan, the founder of bottled water giant Nongfu Spring, is receiving hate online from Chinese nationalists. The campaign has hit share prices of his company and could hurt sales. File photo/AP

Zhong Shanshan is Chinas richest man. And he is in troubled waters. The billionaire and his beverages company, Nongfu Spring, the countrys biggest bottled water maker, have become the latest target of an army of increasingly vocal nationalists on the internet. There are allegations that he betrayed a fellow beverage billionaire.

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Social media posts spreading online have accused the Nongfu Spring founder of biting the hand that fed him by undermining his former partner Zong Qinghou, the late founder of rival beverage producer Hangzhou Wahaha Group.

Why is Zhong Shanshan receiving hate?

The criticism against Zhong Shanshan started last month after the death of Zong Qinghou, the founder of Wahaha Group, one of Nongfus biggest competitors. Zong was a respected nationalist, who took on the French food company Danone in a business dispute about 20 years ago and went on to win, reports CNN.

The demise of the Wahaha owner led to comparisons with Zhong. Many online zealots claimed that Zhong had built his fortune by first working with Wahaha as a reseller, but then later established Nongfu to compete against Wahaha after he was fired for violating the companys rules against sales of its products across provincial borders. Zhong has denied the allegations.

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Soon the richest Chinese and his firm became the target of unflattering remarks and hate online. The bottled water giant Nongfu has been criticised for perceived Japanese-style packaging.

Rumours spread online that the company was using pictures of Japanese religious buildings on its packaging, even though the bottler clarified last week the designs are artistic creations based on a Chinese temple, according to a report in South China Morning Post (SCMP). Images were circulated online linking a temple featured on the label of one of its green tea drinks to Tokyos Sensoji, an ancient Buddhist temple.

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Critics have also compared carp-shaped designs on the label of Nongfu Springs brown rice tea drink to Japans traditional carp-shaped flags, the koinobori windsocks.

Zhong was No 1 on the 2023 Forbes list of Chinas 100 Richest with an estimated wealth of US$ 60.1 billion. Since March 1, he has lost $2 billion from his wealth. File photo/Reuters

The American citizenship of Zhongs son, a non-executive director of the company and possible successor to his fortune, has also been under fire.

Zhong Shuzi will inherit his fathers huge assets. But as the future richest man in China, he is an American national. Its unbelievable, commented a Weibo user.

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[The son> will eventually manage the company as an American national. But as a Chinese, I only support our own national brands, another Weibo user said.

Critics are also miffed that big US investment funds like Vanguard and BlackRock are major shareholders of Nongfu Spring.

It was the death of Zong Qinghou, chairman of Wahaha Group, that triggered the online campaign against Zhong. The two were rivals. File photo/Reuters

The anger has prompted many Chinese nationalists to boycott the bottled water. Online content creators posted videos that showed them pouring Nongfu Spring water into toilets. Two 7-Eleven convenience stores in Jiangsu province vowed not to see the brand, calling it a business that reveres Japan.

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In one video, a small shop is seen replacing the bottled water from Nongfu Spring with Wahaha. In another video, which has gone viral on Douyin with more than 300,000 likes, a supermarket returned a Nongfu Spring freezer to its company, reports CNN.

Also read: Explained: How Chinas economic slowdown could affect the rest of the world

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Why the boycott is worrying

Since the online campaign, the companys share prices have taken a hit. Its Hong Kong-listed shares have lost nearly five per cent since the end of February. According to CNN, this has wiped out $3 billion off its market cap.

Zhong topped the 2023 Forbes list of Chinas 100 Richest with an estimated wealth of US$ 60.1 billion. Since March 1, he has lost $2 billion from his personal wealth.

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But apart from losses suffered by the company and Zhong, the boycott has prompted concerns in China about its impact on a fragile private sector. The Chinese economy is seeing a slump and Beijing is putting its weight behind private businesses to help counter it.

Private firms represent 92 per cent of all enterprises in China and play a key role in job creation. With a goal of  around five per cent for gross domestic product growth this year, Beijing has made the operating environment for private companies a priority, reports SCMP.

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Critics have accused Nongfu Springs tea drink that features carp-shaped windsocks, which some say look like Japans traditional carp flag koinobori. Image courtesy: Weibo

According to Zhou Dewen, head of an association representing small and medium-sized enterprises in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, nationalism creates an obstacle to rebuilding confidence among private companies.

Whats most dreadful is to attack people and things that are leading the way in the name of patriotism. We must stay sober and not be coerced by public opinion. Economic recovery is not about talking, but action, he told SCMP.

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Wu Fang, a professor at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics Business College, asked entrepreneurs to maintain a low profile when nationalism prevails. They need to avoid the spotlight because issues such as their nationality and personal beliefs are likely to be exaggerated in such an era, he was quoted as saying by the publication.

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What has Zhong Shanshan said?

In a statement posted on Weibo in early March, Zhong said, To me, Zong has always been a respected entrepreneur. We were both mentors and friends to each other, and of course, we were also competitors.

Zong despised online attacks during his lifetime. Never did I expect that, following Zongs passing, there would be so many people making defamatory statements against me and Nongfu Spring on the internet. This is definitely not what Zong would have wanted to see.

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The billionaire dismissed rumours that he started building his fortunes while working for Wahaha, adding that he had never received a salary from Wahaha, not to mention getting fired.

The Nongfu chairman said his first success in the business world came through a curtain business he had founded.

Nongfu Springs Hong Kong-listed shares have lost nearly five per cent since the end of February. Wikimedia Commons

How did Zhong Shanshan become Chinas richest man?

Zhong started his career as a journalist, working as a reporter in Chinese state-owned media in the 1980s. But he turned toward business, selling several goods from mushrooms to nutritional supplements.

He first gained repute as the founder of a pharmaceutical company specialising in anticoagulant drugs derived from pig intestines. This laid the groundwork for future success.

In 1966, he established Nongfu Spring which soon emerged as one of Chinas leading beverage firms. It soon expanded its portfolio to include bottled water, tea and fruit juices and became a household name.

Zhong has had run-ins with the law. More than two decades ago, Nongfu Spring launched an ad campaign which claimed its water was taken from springs and lakes and had greater health benefits than water purified in factories. Rival companies like Wahaha accused Nongfu of false advertising and appealed to Chinese regulators. It was fined 200,000 yuan at the time, reports Forbes. Yet it went on to become a market leader.

In 2020, Zhongs fortunes changed when Nongfu Spring went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. With the initial public offering (IPO), the businessmans net worth touched unprecedented heights  an estimated $17 billion at the time, reports Financial Express.

The stock performed exceptionally and Zhongs other ventures in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors played a big part in his growing net worth.

By the end of that year, Zhongs wealth had soared to an astounding $68.9 billion, a staggering increase of over 3,000 per cent in 12 months.

With inputs from agencies
Former bureaucrats Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar have been picked as the new election commissioners, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said on Thursday. There are two committees involved in the selection process, with the majority of the members from the government or employed by the Centre

Former bureaucrats Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar have been selected as the new election commissioners (ECs) by a committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader and the sole Opposition member on the panel, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, said on Thursday (14 March). These two ECs will assist Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar as the poll body charts up a schedule and prepares for the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

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Objecting to the selection process, Chowdhury told reporters that he gave a dissent note on the appointments of the two ECs as he was not apprised of the names in advance. Besides the PM and the Congress leader, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is a part of the high-powered committee.

Chowdhury said he had asked for a shortlist before the Thursday meeting but was sent the names of 212 candidates last night. I was given 212 names, how can someone examine so many candidates in a day? Ten minutes before the meeting, I was given a shortlist of six names," NDTV quoted him as saying.

The list included the names of former bureaucrats Utpal Kumar Singh, Pradeep Kumar Tripathi, Gyanesh Kumar, Indevar Pandey, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, Sudhir Kumar Gangadhar Rahate, reported PTI.

Of the six names, the names of Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu were finalised for appointment as election commissioners, the Congress leader said.

As per Indian Express, Chowdhury wrote to the government on Tuesday, seeking the dossier of bio-profiles of the shortlisted persons well before the Thursday meeting.

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The Congress leader said the government has the majority in the panel, so they chose the candidates they wanted, terming the meeting a formality.

#WATCH | After the meeting of selection committee to pick the Election Commissioner, the Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury says, "They (govt) have the majority (in the committee who appoints election commissioner). Earlier, they had given me 212 names, but pic.twitter.com/90x3uLxGsx  ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2024

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How are election commissioners picked? Why was there a need to select two ECs just months before the crucial Lok Sabha elections? Lets understand.

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Process for selecting Election Commissioners

There are two committees involved in picking Election Commissioners. A three-member search committee led by the Union Law Minister first prepares two separate lists of five names each for the two posts, as per PTI. The home secretary and the Department of Personnel and Training secretary are the other two members of this panel.

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Later, the selection committee, headed by the Prime Minister and comprising the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Cabinet Minister nominated by the PM, picks the final candidates from the five names shortlisted by the screening panel.

The appointments for the posts are then made by the President.

Before the Central government enforced the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Office and Terms of Office) Bill, 2023, the power to make appointments rested solely with the Executive or the Union government.

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The Prime Minister was empowered to select the candidates and the President would formally appoint them.

Last March, the Supreme Court ruled that the CEC and ECs will be appointed by the President on the advice of a committee comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Chief Justice of India (CJI). The court added that this was subject to any law to be made by Parliament.

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Following the apex courts judgement, the Centre brought a Bill in Parliament last August laying out the process for appointing Election Commissioners . The legislation, which was passed in December 2023, replaced the CJI with a Cabinet minister nominated by the PM in the three-member selection committee.

The Opposition decried the move saying the composition of the panel was in favour of the government and sidelined the role of the Leader of Opposition, who can be outvoted by the Prime Minister and the Union minister.

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The Association for Democratic Reforms and Congress leader Jaya Thakur have challenged this selection process in the Supreme Court. The case will be heard on Friday (15 March).

ALSO READ: Will India have simultaneous polls in 2029? What one nation, one election panel recommends

The need for picking ECs just before LS polls

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The need to pick two ECs ahead of the general elections arose after the surprise resignation of Arun Goel last week and the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey in February left the two posts vacant.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar with Arun Goel. The latter resigned from the post of election commissioner last week. PTI File Photo

Goels resignation was attributed to personal reasons. Election Commission sources spoke about differences on file between Goel and CEC Rajiv Kumar, reported NDTV.

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However, the government dismissed the reports of a dispute between the two.

With inputs from agencies
The law, known as the AI Act, was first proposed in April 2021 by the European Commission. The first-of-its-kind law is now set to reshape how European businesses and organisations use artificial intelligence for everything from health care to policing

The EU looks at AI systems from the perspective of risk to democracy, public health, rights and the rule of law. Reuters

European Union lawmakers approved a landmark law governing artificial intelligence on Wednesday.

With the new regulations, which were approved by 523 votes to 46, the EU hopes to harness innovation while also protecting against harm.

The first-of-its-kind law is set to reshape how European businesses and organisations use artificial intelligence for everything from health care to policing. As per a CNN report, it prohibits some unacceptable uses of the technology outright while enforcing strict safeguards for other high-risk applications.

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Heres everything you need to know about it.

The AI Act

The law, known as the AI Act, was first proposed in April 2021 by the European Commission, the EUs executive arm. But it was only after Microsoft-funded ChatGPT burst onto the scene in late 2022 that the real AI contest began  and also the race to regulate.

China and the United States last year introduced regulation on AI but the European Unions law is the most comprehensive. The EU will take a staggered approach to applying the law.

Outright bans on forms of AI considered highest-risk will kick in later this year, while rules on systems like ChatGPT will apply 12 months after the law enters into force, and the rest of the provisions in 2026.

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With the new regulations, which were approved by 523 votes to 46, the EU hopes to harness innovation while also protecting against harm. Reuters

As EU negotiators debated the text, tensions within and lobbying from outside were at their highest over how to regulate general-purpose AI models, like chatbots.

Developers of such models will have to give details about what content they used  such as text or images  to train their systems and comply with EU copyright law.

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There are a greater set of requirements for models, for example OpenAIs latest ChatGPT-4 and Googles Gemini, that the EU says pose systemic risks.

Those risks could include causing serious accidents, being misused for far-reaching cyberattacks, or to propagate harmful biases online.

Companies offering these technologies must assess and mitigate the threats, track and report serious incidents  like deaths  to the commission, take action to ensure cybersecurity and give details about their models energy consumption.

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The commission has already established the AI office that will enforce the rules on general-purpose AI.

Risk-based approach

The EU looks at AI systems from the perspective of risk to democracy, public health, rights and the rule of law.

High-risk products such as medical devices, those used in education or systems used in key infrastructure like water, face more obligations to mitigate any danger.

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For example, high-risk providers must develop the systems with quality data, ensure human oversight and maintain robust documentation.

EU citizens will have the right to complain about AI systems, while public bodies must register the high-risk AI systems they deploy in a public EU database. File image/Reuters

Even after they place their product on the market, providers have to keep a close eye.

EU citizens will have the right to complain about AI systems, while public bodies must register the high-risk AI systems they deploy in a public EU database.

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Breaking the rules can be costly.

The EU can slap AI providers with fines ranging between $8.2 million and $38.2 million (Rs 67.92 crore and Rs 316 crore), or between 1.5 and seven per cent of a companys global turnover, depending on the size of the violation.

The rules also stipulate that citizens should be aware when they are dealing with AI.

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For example, deepfake images produced using AI must be labelled as such while chatbots must say that they are AI-powered in their interactions.

The bans

There are some types of AI banned by the EU because the risks they pose are considered too great.

These include predictive policing, emotion recognition systems in workplaces or schools and social scoring systems that assess individuals based on their behaviour.

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The law also bans police officers using real-time facial recognition technology, with exceptions for law enforcement if they are searching for an individual convicted or suspected of a serious crime, such as rape or terrorism.

Police can ask to use the technology to find victims of kidnapping or trafficking  subject to approval from a judge or another judicial authority, and for a use limited in time and location.

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With inputs from AFP
Bhutans prime minister Tshering Tobgay will commence his five-day visit to India today. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha will hold the Kisan Mahapanchayat at Delhis Ramlila ground. There is speculation that dates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections will be announced

Bhutan prime minister Lyonchoen Tshering Tobgay addresses the 72nd United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York. Reuters

Its Thursday and a lot is expected today.

Bhutans prime minister Tshering Tobgay will commence his five-day visit to India today. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha will hold the Kisan Mahapanchayat at Delhis Ramlila ground. The dates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections are likely to be announced.

SpaceX will be launching its Starship megarocket on a third test flight.

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Heres a glimpse of how the day will unfold.

Bhutan PM begins his 5-day visit to India

Bhutanese PM Tshering Tobgay will commence his five-day visit to India today.

It is his first foreign trip after assuming the charge of the top office in January. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Bhutanese foreign and external trade minister, energy minister and industry and commerce minister.

Tobgay is scheduled to hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and call on President Droupadi Murmu.

The Bhutanese leader is also scheduled to travel to Mumbai.

The visit of the prime minister of Bhutan will provide an opportunity to the two sides to review the progress in our unique partnership and to discuss ways and means to expand the enduring ties of friendship and cooperation between India and Bhutan, the MEA earlier said in a statement.

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Farmers Kisan Mahapanchayat at Delhis Ramlila Maiden

The SKM will hold the Kisan Mahapanchayat at the Ramlila ground in the National Capital today. More than 50,000 farmers from Punjab are expected to attend the event.

Farmers sit as they listen to an address by a farmer leader during their ongoing protest over various demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops, at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu Border, in Patiala district, Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. (PTI Photo) (

The Delhi police have issued the NOC for conducting the Mahapanchayat and arranged parking space and other basic amenities like water, toilets, and ambulances with the support of the municipal administration of Delhi.

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An advisory has also been issued, alerting the commuters about the traffic regulations and diversions of routes.

Lok Sabha poll schedule likely to be announced

The dates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections are likely to be announced today.

The Election Commissions observers briefing meeting for the general election was reportedly underway in Delhi this week. The meeting aimed at streamlining strategy to ensure the implementation of the model code of conduct for the elections that are likely to be held in April-May.

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PM-led panel to meet to pick Election Commissioners

The prime minister-chaired high-powered committee on selecting election commissioners will meet on Thursday at 12 pm to finalise the names of two new Election Commissioners.

Two vacancies of election commissioners came about following the resignation of Arun Goel on Friday and Anup Chandra Pandeys retirement on 14 February.

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The selection panel is chaired by PM Modi and has a Union minister and the Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury as its members.

The election commissioners will be appointed by the president.

Rahul Gandhis roadshow in Nashik

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will hold a roadshow in Maharashtras Nashik today as part of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. He will also visit Trimbakeshwar temple before heading towards Thane.

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and others upon their arrival in Imphal ahead of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. File image/PTI

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar will also be present at the road show.

Delhi court to decide on CBIs supplementary chargesheet in Land-for-job case

The Delhi court will consider whether to take cognisance of the charge sheet filed by the CBI in the alleged Railways land for job scam, involving RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and several of his family members.

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Among the accused are two candidates  Ashok Kumar and Babita  and Bhola Yadav, who was the personal secretary of Lalu Prasad.

Third test launch of SpaceX Starship rocket

SpaceX is aiming to launch its Starship megarocket on a third test flight today. The launch will take place from the agencys Starbase test site in Boca Chica, Texas.

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Notably, this will be the third launch of the almost 400-foot-tall rocket. Its debut flight last year in April ended with the rocket exploding in a fiery display minutes after liftoff.

While the boosters second flight took place in November achieved several key milestones, like separation of the first-stage booster called Super Heavy and the upper-stage Starship spacecraft, however, the company ultimately lost contact with the vehicle.

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If successful, it could bolster NASAs ambitions to return astronauts to the moon and transform the commercial spaceflight industry.

The Federal Aviation Administration on 8 March granted a launch license for the test flight, saying that SpaceX met all safety, environmental, policy and financial responsibility requirements.

Amit Shah to inaugurate NIA office premises

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Union minister Shri Amit Shah will inaugurate office premises and lay the foundation for a residential complex of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) via video conferencing today at 5 pm.

A day to remember
The high-level committee on One Nation, One Election headed by Ram Nath Kovind has recommended in its report to hold simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and state Assemblies by 2029. It also calls for the synchronisation of the municipal corporation and panchayat polls

The Ram Nath Kovind-led high-level committee presents report on One Nation, One Election to President Droupadi Murmu on 14 March 2024. PTI

The high-level committee (HLC) on One Nation, One Election headed by Ram Nath Kovind has recommended holding simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha and state Assemblies as the first step by 2029 in its report submitted to President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday (14 March). The over 18,000-page report comes after extensive consultations with various stakeholders and experts as well as research work of 191 days, a statement said.

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The panel has also backed holding municipal corporation and panchayat elections together, within 100 days of the simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. The committee, formed last September, also comprises Union Home Minister Amit Shah, former Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, former Finance Commission chairperson N K Singh, former Lok Sabha Secretary-General Subhash C Kashyap, senior advocate Harish Salve, and former Chief Vigilance Commissioner Sanjay Kothari.

What has the high-level panel said? Why are some political parties opposing One Nation, One Election? Lets take a closer look.

The ONOP recommendations

The One Nation, One Poll (ONOP) report calls for synchronising national and state Assembly elections. The first step includes amending Article 83 (Duration of Houses of Parliament) and Article 172 (Duration of State Legislatures) and including a new Article to the Constitution  Article 82A. The panel says ratification by the States is not required for this Constitutional Amendment.

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To hold simultaneous polls, the panel suggests that the President of India could issue a notification on the date of the first sitting of the newly-formed Lok Sabha after the general elections to enforce Article 82A (1). This date of the notification will be called the Appointed date.

all the Legislative Assemblies constituted in any general election held after the appointed date shall come to an end on the expiry of the full term of the House of the People (Lok Sabha), the panel recommends.

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Former President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind who heads High-Level Committee (HLC) on 'One Nation, One Election' presented the report on simultaneous elections in the country to President Droupadi Murmu along with members of the HLC including Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, pic.twitter.com/wqlPZ3n0FV  President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) March 14, 2024

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If any State Assembly is dissolved due to a hung House, no-confidence motion, or other such events, fresh polls will be held, with the Assembly tenure ending with that of the lower house of Parliament.

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If, however, the House of the People or a State Legislative Assembly is dissolved sooner than its period of five years from the date appointed for its first meeting, a mid-term election would be held for reconstituting the House or the State Legislative Assembly as the case may be, but the term of the House or the State Legislative Assembly so constituted in a mid-term election, would be for the remaining unexpired period of its term, the report states.

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In this manner at the end of five years, the House of the People and all the State Legislative Assemblies would reach the end of their tenure at the same time, and be ready for a General election held simultaneously, the HLC report adds.

Former president Kovind-led committee says that conducting simultaneous elections will spur development process and social cohesion, deepen foundations of democratic rubric and realise the aspirations of India, that is Bharat.

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The panel has also called for the preparation of a single electoral roll and single voter ID cards by the Election Commission of India (ECI), in consultation with the state election authorities. For this, the report recommends amending Article 325 of the Constitution.

A new article  Article 324A  will be included and Article 325 of the Constitution has to be amended for synchronising elections to Municipalities and Panchayats. Article 324A states that elections to local bodies will be held simultaneously with the general elections. This will need ratification by not less than one-half of the states.

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Why ONOP is being opposed

Several Opposition parties have rejected the proposal of simultaneous elections . These include Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Samajwadi Party (SP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Communist Party of India (CPI).

On the other hand, Janata Dal (United), Biju Janata Dal (BJD), All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Mizo National Front (MNF), Shiv Sena, and Republican Party of India - Athawale have backed the idea, besides the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

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Critics argue the move is impractical as holding simultaneous polls would require twice as many electronic voting machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines than are deployed now, reported Indian Express.

Critics have questioned the practicality of holding simultaneous elections. Reuters File Photo

To address these logistical issues, the Kovind-led panel recommends that the ECI may draw a plan and estimate in advance for the procurement of equipment, such as EVMs and VVPATs, deployment of polling personnel and security forces, and make other necessary arrangements.

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Another concern of the parties is that national issues would overwhelm local topics in simultaneous polls, thus harming the federal structure. Regional parties also fear that they will suffer at the cost of national parties that have more resources in such a scenario.

As per India Today, a study by the IDFC Institute in 2015 had found that 77 per cent of electors are likely to cast votes for the same party in case of simultaneous polls. However, only 61 per cent of voters will choose the same party if polls are conducted six months apart.

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However, the proponents of ONOP claim this would not be the case.

With inputs from agencies
Paytm Payments Bank will shut down its operations after 15 March, as directed by the Reserve Bank of India. Customers can withdraw or transfer money from their Paytm Payments Bank accounts, but they wont be able to credit money into them. Paytm FASTag users have also been recommended to obtain a new one

The RBI ordered the closure of Paytm Payments Bank, citing "concerns and issues with non-compliance" at the bank. Reuters

Paytm has been the leader of Indias fintech world.

Those who make digital payments, however, will now need to make alternate arrangements through a different bank because, starting 15 March, Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) will no longer be providing services including credit transaction processing and deposit acceptance.

The development comes after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed restrictions on PPBL on 31 January citing serious rule violations.

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Guidelines have also been released by the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) for investors who use the bank only to trade stocks.

Heres all we know about it.

The closure

The RBI ordered the closure of Paytm Payments Bank, citing concerns and issues with non-compliance at the bank.

Paytm Payments Bank and its parent company One97 Communication have come under scrutiny for the purported lack of requisite information barriers within the group and data access to China-based entities that were indirect shareholders in the payments back through their stake in the parent company, according to The Indian Express.

According to PTI, the bank opened hundreds of accounts without proper identification, raising concerns about possible involvement in illegal operations including money laundering.

NDTV quoted its sources as saying, the information was also sent to other authorities, such as the Prime Ministers Office and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

In response, Sanjay Malhotra, the Revenue Secretary, stated that the ED will look into Paytm Payments Bank, which is scheduled to close temporarily by Friday.

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Services that will be affected

After 15 March, customers will still be able to withdraw or transfer money from their Paytm Payments Bank accounts, but they wont be able to credit or deposit money into them.

Paytm Payments Bank accounts will no longer be able to get salary credit, direct benefit transfers, or subsidies, although they will still be able to receive refunds, cashbacks, and sweep-ins from partner banks.

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After the deadline, users wont be able to use features like top-up or money transfer in their wallets, but they will still be able to make payments if there is money in their accounts.

Consumers who have a Paytm Payments Bank-issued FASTag will not be able to recharge it.

It will no longer be possible to top off or recharge NCMC cards provided by Paytm Bank.

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After Friday, users wont be able to transfer funds using UPI or IMPS into Paytm Payments Bank accounts.

The current balance may be used to make monthly OTT payments; however, from 15 March, another bank account must be used.

In addition to transferring the money to another bank account, users will be able to close the wallet.

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Its also crucial to remember that for the services to function, customers must set up an additional bank account or switch from Paytm Payments Banks to another bank account that is supported. This will allow them to do things like recharge other

FASTag money, make EMI payments, and receive salary credit.

Paytm to get third-party app licence

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The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is likely to approve a third-party application provider (TPAP) license for Paytm, formally known as One 97 Communications, by Friday, Reuters quoted its three sources directly aware of the development as saying on Tuesday.

The third-party application provider license will allow customers to continue using the Paytm app for payments through Indias popular unified payment interface (UPI), even as its banking arm, Paytm Payments Bank, ceases operations by March 15, following regulatory action due to issues of non-compliance.

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UPI, operated by the NPCI, is Indias real-time payments system that allows users to transfer money across banks.

The (TPAP license) approval will come before March 15 and most of the checks have been completed, one of the sources said.

While the integration with banks may take more than a month, the license approval should be in place before the deadline ends.

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Reuters had reported last month that Paytm is likely to partner with Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, State Bank of India, and Yes Bank for processing transactions through UPI.

RBI crackdown

Paytm was the leader when Indias fintech revolution started. But Paytm Payments Bank ran into trouble soon after it was launched and has been under the RBI scanner since 2018.

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The operations that led to the crackdown began when PPBL first obtained a banking license in January 2017 to offer wallets, savings accounts, prepaid cards, and National Common Mobility Card services. Within a year of operations, the bank saw its first regulatory strike, when the RBI temporarily stopped accepting new accounts in June 2018 due to violations of licensing requirements, according to CNBC-TV18.

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In 2021, PPBL was fined Rs 1 crore by the RBI after it was discovered in October 2021 that the company had filed false information. The same year, the central bank noticed significant KYC AML (anti-money laundering) violations.

Accordingly, RBI again imposed supervisory restriction on PPBL in March 2022, to stop on-boarding new customers with immediate effect and to appoint an external audit firm to conduct a comprehensive system audit. As a result of PPBLs persistent disregard for KYC regulations, the RBI fined the company 5.39 crore by October 2023, marking the fourth time it had done so.

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Additionally, a report by PTI suggests the PPBL, had lakhs of non-KYC (Know Your Customer) complaint accounts, and in thousands of cases, single PANs were used for opening multiple accounts.

Further escalating regulatory concerns were reports of significant transactions inside the group and related parties that were not disclosed. As part of a clean-up exercise, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in September 2022 had initiated a probe under the criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after a number of instances of gullible debtors ending their lives came to the fore from various states.

With inputs from agencies
Russia goes to the polls on Friday (15 March) until Sunday (17 March) and the result is already known. Vladimir Putin will win a fifth term as president and cement his grip on power until at least 2030. But how is it that the 71-year-old is guaranteed a victory?

Russian president Vladimir Putin is poised to sweep to another six-year term in the 15-17 March presidential election, relying on his rigid control of the country established during his 24 years in power  the longest Kremlin tenure since Soviet leader Josef Stalin. AP

Its the year of elections and next in line is Russia. The European giant will go to the polls on Friday (15 March) and end on Sunday (17 March), with the result to be declared thereafter.

In the case of Russia, however, the result is foregone. Russian president Vladimir Putin is all but certain to win his fifth election. This means that Putin, who has been in power since 2000  whether as president or prime minister  will have been in power for 30 years, longer than any Russian or Soviet leader since Tsar Peter the Great (who died in 1721).

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But why is it that the 71-year-old leader is guaranteed a win and another six years in power?

Putin and the polls

In December 2023, Putin ended the suspense by announcing his candidacy after a Kremlin award ceremony, when war veterans and others pleaded with him to seek re-election. I wont hide it from you  I had various thoughts about it over time, but now, youre right, its necessary to make a decision, Putin had then said, adding, I will run for president of the Russian Federation.

With this announcement, he will be running for the fifth time. He was previously elected president in 2000, 2004, 2012, and 2018. He was barred from seeking a third consecutive presidential term in 2008 and this is when he became prime minister under Dmitry Medvedevs tenure.

People walk along a street past a mural depicting Russian president Vladimir Putin in Simferopol, Crimea. This will be Putins fifth go at the presidential polls; he contested and won them in 2000, 2004, 2012, and 2018. Reuters

He then once again made changes to the constitution that allowed him at least two more six-year terms. This means he can be in power until 2036, when he will be 83 years old.

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Opposition all but stamped out

One of the biggest factors that contributes to Putins victory election after election is that theres no viable Opposition. Over the years, the Russian strongman has stamped out dissent , with critics calling him out for his iron-fisted treatment of opposition and protests.

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On 16 February, Alexei Navalny , known to be Putins most outspoken and vocal critic, died in an Arctic penal colony. His friends, family, supporters and the international community call his death a political murder. In fact, his widow, Yulia Navalnaya, asserted in a video: Three days ago, Vladimir Putin killed my husband, Alexei Navalny.

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A portrait of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny is placed amid flowers at his grave the day after the funeral at the Borisovskoye cemetery in Moscow, Russia. Putin through any and all means has stamped out all dissent against him. Reuters

Incidentally, Navalny had been denied registration into the 2018 presidential election  the same year that Putin had won with almost 78 per cent of the vote.

Earlier, Boris Nadezhdin , another high-profile anti-war and anti-Putin candidate, also had to withdraw his run for presidency when the election agency excluded him from the ballot. Election authorities claimed that there were irregularities in the list of signatures he submitted.

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Similarly, peace activist Yekaterina Duntsovas bid to contest the polls was also blocked after the poll authorities rejected her nomination documents. When asked about her bid, she had told NPR, The only way to protest that one man has been in power for so long and theres no change is through elections. Its the only peaceful way to do it.

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Other political opponents have also been silenced by being arrested. For instance, Ilya Yashin and Vladimir Kaza-Murza have been sentenced to eight-and-a-half years and 25 years in jail, respectively, for their criticism of Putins war in Ukraine.

Boris Nadezhdin, a liberal Russian politician who had tried to run in the presidential election, was barred from running by the authorities. File image/AP

Token Opposition

As The Atlantic Council writes in one of its pieces, Putin has preserved many of the trappings of democracy over his more than two decades in power, but he has entirely hollowed out its contents.

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And this is reflected in the token opposition candidates that will contest the polls. As Al Jazeera notes, their participation is to show how popular Putin is. And who are these candidates?

One of them is Nikolai Kharitonov of the Communist Party. The 75-year-old member of Russias lower house of parliament, the State Duma, has finished a distant second to Putin at every election since 2000. In fact, during the presidential election in 2018, the Communist candidate earned 12 per cent of the vote, compared to Putins 77 per cent.

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Theres also Leonid Slutsky of the nationalist Liberal Democratic Party, and Vladislav Davankov of the New People Party.

This combination shows the four candidates running in the upcoming 2024 Russian presidential election : the New People party politician Vladislav Davankov, Russian president Vladimir Putin, the Liberal-Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) leader Leonid Slutsky and Communist Party politician Nikolai Kharitonov. AFP

Slutsky is a known backer of the Russia-Ukraine war. He has also been involved in several scandals and was sanctioned by the West in 2014 for his support of the annexation of Crimea. He has also been accused of sexually harassing journalists and was even dubbed by some media as a Russian Harvey Weinstein. In 2018, an investigation by the late Navalny had revealed that he owned luxury cars that cost far more than his official income.

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The other candidate in the running is Vladislav Davankov of the New People Party. According to The Moscow Times, Davankov is a former businessman. He said in his presidential campaign that he advocates for peace and negotiations with Ukraine, freedom of the press and normalising Russias relations with Western countries, as well as calling to stop persecution for dissents and halt ideological censorship.

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Rigged elections

Apart from the fact that theres no real opposition to Vladimir Putin in the polls, many also question the fairness of the polls itself. Independent observers note that all the parties and the candidates are vetted by the Kremlin.

Russian politics professor Samuel Greene, of Kings College London, told The Independent, All parties that function in Russia are coordinated by the presidential administration. Candidate lists are vetted by the Kremlin; fundraising is both limited and enabled by the Kremlin.

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Candidates such as Kharitonov, Slutsky are allowed to contest the polls but dont really expect to win and even their campaigning agenda is set by Putin himself.

A member of a local electoral commission works at a polling station during preparations for the presidential election, in Moscow, Russia. Reuters

Moreover, by extending the voting day to a three-day period and also allowing for online balloting can open up the polls to more manipulation. Nadezhdin, commenting on the same, told the BBC: It is absolutely impossible to say about our presidential elections that they are fair and free.

There have also been past reports of forced voting, with videos on social media showing ballot-box stuffing. The Guardian has reported that in the past, people who have voted at one polling station are carted to the next, in order to get them to vote four and even five times  all for Putin, naturally.

In the 2018 presidential election, an International Election Observation Mission from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe said that vote lacked genuine competition and was marred by continued pressure on critical voices.

However, the Kremlin has refuted all such claims and last week, Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow would not tolerate such criticisms. Our democracy is the best and we will continue to build it, he said.

Putins future

While the election result is a foregone conclusion, it will be interesting to note the margin by which Putin is declared the winner. The Russian strongman is keen to portray to the world that he is the popular and legitimate choice.

Also, experts believe that the vote could be perceived as a referendum on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

As The Conversation notes, He may win the presidential elections in March, but just how long he can remain in power, given the unavoidable demands of the coming months, may be uncertain.

With inputs from agencies
The US House of Representatives passed a bill requiring TikTok owner ByteDance to sell or face a ban in the country. This is the biggest existential threat to the platform, which has over 170 million users in America. If passed into law, thousands of small businesses and millions of content creators would be hit

People work inside the TikTok Inc building in Culver City, California. The House of Representatives passed a bill that requires Chinese company ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban in the United States. AP

Time is ticking away for Tiktok, the popular app, in the United States. This comes after the US House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to ban TikTok if its China-based owner ByteDance doesnt sell its stakes in the popular social media platform within six months of the bills enactment.

What does this mean for the video platform? Is it going to become inaccessible to users in the US? What does this mean for the platforms 170 million US users?

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Heres what you need to know.

Is Tiktok already banned in the US?

The short answer is no, not yet. On Wednesday, the US House of Representatives approved a bill 352 to 65 that calls China tech giant ByteDance to divest TikTok or the popular social video app will effectively be banned in the US.

The legislation, dubbed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, was introduced on 5 March by Representatives Mike Gallagher, and Raja Krishnamoorthi, of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. Two days later, House members on the Energy and Commerce Committee voted unanimously to approve the bill, which refers to TikTok as a threat to national security because it is controlled by a foreign adversary.

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As per the legislation, ByteDance, which is TikToks owner, has 165 days to divest from the app. This means it would have to sell the social media platform to a company not based in China. If it fails to do so, app stores including the Apple App Store and Google Play would be legally required to bar from hosting TikTok to US users.

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The US House of Representatives approved a bill 352 to 65 that calls China tech giant ByteDance to divest TikTok or the popular social video app will effectively be banned in the US. File image/Reuters

However, experts note that it would be a challenge for TikTok to find a new owner in such a short period of time.

Now, the legislation moves to the Senate where it will be put to the test. Some have noted that it is unlikely to pass through, as several bills aimed at banning TikTok in the past have also stalled.

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When asked about it, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has provided no clues as to what would happen to the bill. However, President Joe Biden has said that if the bill reached his desk, he would sign it. In fact, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday that the Biden administration is looking to the Senate to act swiftly. We hope the Senate takes action and takes this up very quickly, she told reporters on Air Force One.

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But, why the concern about TikTok?

After emerging in 2017, TikTok has gained huge traction with the US public. It quickly surpassed Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube in downloads in 2018 and reported a 45 per cent increase in monthly active users between July 2020 and July 2022.

But the platforms meteoric success has concerned lawmakers, especially over the ownership of the app. Lawmakers have expressed concerns that Chinese authorities could force ByteDance to hand over data on the 170 million Americans who use TikTok.

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FILE PHOTO: People walk past the Bytedance headquarters building in Beijing, China. US lawmakers have said that Chinese authorities could force ByteDance to hand over data on the 170 million Americans who use TikTok. File image/Reuters

Tiktok, however, has repeatedly tried to assuage these fears, saying it wouldnt share US user data with the Chinese government. It has also argued that US user data is not held in China but in Singapore and in the US.

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However, this hasnt been enough for US lawmakers and in March last year, its CEO, Shou Zi Chew , was grilled for over five hours by the US Congress about its data storage and other practices. In fact, at one point of his questioning, Chew was asked about his nationality repeatedly, accusing him of being loyal to China. He is, however, Singaporean.

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Tom Cotton: "Have you ever been a member of the Chinese Communist Party?"



TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew: "Senator, I'm Singaporean. No!"



Cotton: "Have you ever been associated or affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party?"



Chew: "No, Senator. Again, I'm Singaporean!" pic.twitter.com/5Wa72aJIr9  Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) January 31, 2024

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What does Tiktok say about the new bill?

Many US lawmakers have argued that the legislation, now passed by the House, isnt a ban and doesnt impinge on free speech. Representative Mike Gallagher, who is the lead GOP sponsor of the bill, had told NPR: What were after is, its not a ban, its a forced separation. The TikTok user experience can continue and improve so long as ByteDance doesnt own the company.

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TikToks CEO Shou Zi Chew expressed dismay over the Houses vote, saying the bill gives more power to a handful of other social media companies. File image/Reuters

However, TikTok views it differently. A spokesperson for the app said that it was indeed a ban. And its CEO posted a video later expressing dismay over the vote, saying the bill gives more power to a handful of other social media companies and that it also take billions of dollars out of the pockets of creators and small businesses.

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Over the last few years, we have invested to keep your data safe in our platform, free from outside manipulation; we have committed that we will continue to do so, Chew said. This legislation, if signed into law, will lead to a ban of TikTok in the United States, even the bill sponsors admit that thats their goal.

Chew added that TikTok will continue to do all we can, including exercising our legal rights to protect this amazing platform that we have built with you.

How will the ban affect users?

If signed into a law, the bill would prevent app stores like Apple and Google from distributing or updating TikTok and web hosting companies from distributing it. What this means is that if an American user already has TikTok on their phone, it wont disappear. However, users wont be able to update the app, making it obsolete over time.

The possible ban also would be bad news for small businesses, who use TikToks e-commerce arm to market or sell their products. Moreover, it would also impact the lives of social media influencers who have spent years cultivating their following on the platform, and rely on it to acquire brand deals or other types of income.

Others also argued that the platform was being unfairly targeted. TikTok creator Ariella Elm told AFP: If it was really about all the things they were saying, then we would be having this conversation with (X owner) Elon Musk, who basically could change American politics at a whim.

Devotees of TikTok cheer their support to passing motorists at the Capitol in Washington, before the House passed a bill that would lead to a nationwide ban of the popular video app if its China-based owner doesnt sell. AP

Another user, Freddie Smith whos an Orlando, Florida-based realtor, said to NBCNews: Before you go jump to conclusions and go Boohoo a 25-year-old dancing with a shampoo bottles gotta get a real job, being an influencer is a fraction of what income is created on these apps.

There are so many important things happening on this app, he said, after listing a wide array of people who use the app, ranging from service-based businesses to video editors. And Im waiting to hear Congress talk about how this would take away millions of jobs.

Where can TikTokkers go next?

If the bill is, indeed, signed into a law, Tiktokkers will have to look for other alternatives. And theres no dearth of those. YouTube, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook and X have all created scrolling video features similar to TikTok. However, users complain that its not the same.

Also, different platforms have different monetisation schemes, which, as CNN reports, could mean challenges for creators looking to rebuild businesses that relied on TikTok if theyre forced to move to another social network.

But security experts also noted that users will find ways to get around a ban. App users could try to use virtual private networks, or VPNs, to disguise their location and bypass such restrictions, said Roger Entner, a telecom analyst and the founder of Recon Analytics, told AP. It will be challenging for the government to crack down on that behaviour because there are many foreign VPN services that dont need to abide by US laws, Entner said.

With inputs from agencies
Michelle Fleming and Michael Ford pose for their engagement photos on Jan. 6, 2024, at a North Haven Friendly's. David and Shayna Photography LLC / contributed Michelle Fleming and Michael Ford pose for their engagement photos on Jan. 6, 2024 at a North Haven Friendly's. David and Shayna Photography LLC / contributed Michelle Fleming and Michael Ford pose for their engagement photos on Jan. 6, 2024, at a North Haven Friendly's. David and Shayna Photography LLC / contributed Michelle Fleming and Michael Ford pose for their engagement photos on Jan. 6, 2024, at a North Haven Friendly's. David and Shayna Photography LLC / contributed Michelle Fleming and Michael Ford pose for their engagement photos on Jan. 6, 2024, at a North Haven Friendly's. David and Shayna Photography LLC / contributed

Drinking a single strawberry milkshake with two straws and kissing in front of a Connecticut Friendly's are a couple of the moments that Michelle Fleming and Michael Ford captured in photos to celebrate their engagement.

The couple's first date eight years ago was at a Friendly's restaurant in Danbury that closed a few years ago. Ford, a Cheshire native, first met Fleming while visiting a friend at Western Connecticut State University and asked her out several months later. That date, which lasted over four hours, created "such an amazing spark" that Friendly's became a symbol of their relationship, Fleming recalls. The pair also had their second, third and fourth dates at Friendly's. Now engaged, they live in Norwalk.

They commemorated the restaurant's special place in their relationship by having their engagement photos taken at its North Haven location on Jan. 6. Fleming says the couple reached out to Friendly's over Instagram in December to get permission. Their photos and love story were featured in People Magazine's wedding section, published online on March 7.

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Michelle Fleming and Michael Ford pose for their engagement photos on Jan. 6, 2024, at a North Haven Friendly's. David and Shayna Photography LLC

"It's funny to see it get so much attention and so much commentary. To us, it's just been our lives. It's everything we've wanted," Fleming says. "This Valentine's Day, we got (Friendly's) to just sit at home and have a little toast to our own relationship."

In the photos, the pair can be seen eating ice cream, kissing in front of an open menu and in front of the Friendly's sign. The photos were taken by Cheshire native Shayna Schrier, who is the co-owner of David and Shayna Photography.

"Our photographer was amazing. ... She just really captured our whole vibe perfectly," Fleming says.

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Michelle Fleming and Michael Ford pose for their engagement photos on Jan. 6, 2024, at a North Haven Friendly's. David and Shayna Photography LLC / contributed

The couple says that their favorite thing on the Friendly's menu is ice cream. For Fleming, the favorite is the Jim Dandy (strawberry, vanilla and chocolate ice cream with marshmallows, strawberry and chocolate toppings), while Ford enjoys the Reeses peanut butter Friend-Z ice cream cup.

"We think (a Jim Dandy and a Friend-Z) is what we got on our first date. ... When we look at our engagement photos and laugh, we're like, 'I wish I could be a fly in the wall during our first date; what did we order?,'" Fleming says.

Michelle Fleming and Michael Ford pose for their engagement photos on Jan. 6, 2024, at a North Haven Friendly's. David and Shayna Photography LLC

The couple will officially tie the knot at St. Bridget of Sweden Church in Cheshire this November the reception is planned for St. Clements Castle in Portland. While they are not sure yet if they will incorporate Friendly's into the ceremony, they promise guests will have plenty of ice cream.
On Wednesday, the US House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a landmark bill that would give TikToks Chinese owner ByteDance about six months to sell its controlling stake or face a nationwide ban. This comes after a growing number of countries banned TikTok over privacy and cybersecurity concerns

A view shows the office of TikTok after the US House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill that would give TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance about six months to divest the US assets of the short-video app or face a ban, in Culver City, California. Reuters

In the greatest threat since the Trump administration, the United States House of Representatives on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed a landmark bill that could see TikTok banned in America.

It would give the social media giants Chinese parent company ByteDance, six months to sell its controlling stake or the app would be blocked nationwide.

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The measure is the latest in a series of moves in Washington to respond to US national security concerns about China, from connected vehicles to advanced artificial intelligence chips to cranes at US ports, according to Reuters.

Lets take a closer look.

The bill that could ban TikTok in the US

The House on Wednesday approved a bill requiring the Beijing-based company ByteDance to sell its subsidiary TikTok, used by more than 170 million American, or face a nationwide ban.

The bill was passed by a vote of 352-65. Its prospects in the Senate are uncertain, but if it clears both chambers, President Joe Biden said he would sign it into law, reported The Associated Press.

The bill reflects lawmakers fears that the social media platform could expose Americans to Beijings malign influences and data security risks.

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This is a critical national security issue. The Senate must take this up and pass it, No. 2 House Republican Steve Scalise said of TikTok on X. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre added later that the Biden administration also wanted to see the Senate take swift action, as per Reuters.

While US lawmakers link TikTok with China, the company, which is headquartered outside China, has strategically kept its distance from its homeland.

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Since its inception, the TikTok platform has been intended for non-Chinese markets and is unavailable in mainland China. It pulled out of Hong Kong in 2020 when Beijing imposed a national security law on the territory to curtail speech.

As data security concerns started to rise in the US, TikTok sought to reassure lawmakers that data gathered on American users stays in the country and is inaccessible to ByteDance employees in Beijing.

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. Despite efforts to moderate content, it seems TikToks primary focus remains on maximising user engagement and traffic, rather than creating a safe environment for users. AP

Other countries where TikTok is banned

In recent years, a growing number of countries have banned TikTok over privacy and cybersecurity concerns.

Afghanistan

In 2022, the Taliban government in Afghanistan outlawed PUBG and TikTok on the grounds that they wanted to keep youngsters from being misled.

Australia

The Australian government banned TikTok from running on devices. Attorney General Mark Dreyfus stated that he took the decision following consultation with the nations security and intelligence organisations.

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Belgium

Belgium temporarily prohibited TikTok from being used on federally funded or owned devices due to concerns about misinformation, cybersecurity, and privacy.

The six-month ban, according to Prime Minister Alexander de Croo, was instituted in response to alerts from the nations cybersecurity centre and state security agency.

Canada

TikTok use is banned on smartphones provided by the government of Canada, as the platform poses a unacceptable danger to security and privacy.

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Additionally, future app downloads by employees will be prohibited.

Denmark

The Danish Defence Ministry banned its workers from using TikTok on their work phones and instructed those who had loaded the app to uninstall it as soon as possible.

The ministry stated that there was a very limited work-related need to use the app in addition to weighty security considerations as the basis for the prohibition.

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European Union

The three primary institutions of the 27-member bloc, the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the EU Council, have banned TikTok from being used on employee devices.

Legislators and staff were also instructed to uninstall the TikTok app from their personal devices in accordance with the ban.

France

On government employees phones, the recreational use of TikTok and other social media apps like X and Instagram has been prohibited due to concerns about insufficient privacy safeguards.

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In a statement, the French government mentioned that other nations had taken action against TikTok, although it did not mention any particular apps.

Indonesia

In 2018, TikTok was temporarily blocked in Indonesia due to worries about pornography, inappropriate content, and blasphemy, according to The Washington Post.

Less than a week after the app consented to filter part of its material, the ban was removed.

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India

India imposed a nationwide ban on TikTok and dozens of other Chinese apps like messaging app WeChat in 2020 over privacy and security concerns.

The ban was imposed soon after a clash between Chinese and Indian forces near a disputed boundary in the Himalayas left twenty Indian soldiers dead and numerous others injured. T

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The companies were given an opportunity to address concerns over security and privacy measures, but in January 2021 the prohibition became permanent.

Nepal

TikTok was outlawed in Nepal in November 2023 due to social harmony violations.

According to BBC News, Minister for Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma said that the app distributed malicious content, which is why the ban would take effect right away.

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Latvia

Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics tweeted that he deleted his TikTok account and that the app is also prohibited from official foreign ministry smartphones, as per AP.

Netherlands

Because of data security concerns, the Dutch central government has barred some apps, like TikTok, from being used on employee work phones.

Civil servants are prohibited from installing and using apps from countries with an offensive cyber programme against the Netherlands and/or Dutch interests on their mobile work devices, according to a government statement that did not directly mention TikTok.

New Zealand

The TikTok app will not be allowed on work phones for New Zealand lawmakers or Parliament employees, as instructed by government cybersecurity experts.

All devices connected to the parliamentary network will no longer be able to use the app, but officials can make exceptions for anyone who need TikTok in order to carry out their democratic responsibilities.

Norway

The Justice Ministry of Norway issued a warning that government personnel shouldnt install the app on their phones, leading the parliament to ban Tiktok from being used on work-related devices.

The speaker of the parliament declared that TikTok ought to be taken down as soon as possible from any devices that have access to the systems used by the assembly.

Both Oslo, the nations capital, and Bergen, its second-biggest city, asked municipal employees to uninstall TikTok from their work phones.

Pakistan

Pakistani authorities have temporarily banned TikTok at least four times since October 2020, citing concerns that the app promotes immoral content.

Somalia

Somalia banned TikTok in August 2023 because of content related to acts of terrorism. According to the government, terrorist organisations disseminate horrific images and misinformation to the public via apps like Telegram and TikTok.

Taiwan

Following the FBIs warning that TikTok constituted a risk to national security, Taiwan banned the app in the public sector in December 2022.

Apps like Xiaohongshu, a Chinese lifestyle content app, or TikTok, its Chinese version Douyin, are examples of Chinese-made software that is prohibited from being used on government devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers.

United Kingdom

TikTok was immediately removed from mobile phones used by government officials and civil servants by British authorities in the middle of March last year. Officials stated that the prohibition does not extend to personal devices and is a precautionary move for security reasons.

Subsequently, the British Parliament barred TikTok from the wider parliamentary network as well as any official devices.

TikTok was likewise prohibited from staff devices by London City Hall and the semi-autonomous Scottish government.

BBC also advised its employees to remove TikTok from company devices unless they use it for marketing and journalistic purposes.

United States

The US ordered in March that Bytedance sell TikTok or risk being completely banned from the nation. However, it has never been blocked an app nationally.

The app was asked to be removed from employees phones by federal agencies, and TikTok is already blocked on White House devices. Its still unclear whether the latest bill will ever become law.

The Montana House of Representatives banned TikTok in May 2023; if the law is signed by the states governor, the app might then be considered illegal. A judge, however, overruled the states ban, ruling that the statute violated the First Amendments guarantee of free speech.

With inputs from The Associated Press and Reuters
Starting in 1988, a scientist named Larry Shaw began celebrating Pi Day at a science museum in San Francisco. It took a while for it to become well-known, but in 2009, the US Congress officially made 14 March Pi Day. Heres a little more about the day

Pi wasn't given its name until 1706, when Welsh mathematician William Jones began using the Greek symbol for the number. Pixabay

On 14 March, people all over the world celebrate Pi Day. Its a day to honour math, especially the number  (pronounced pie). You might know it as 3.14, the first three numbers of Pi. Its a really special number because its used in lots of math formula that help us understand things like circles, space, and engineering.

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Pi Day started in 1988 when a scientist named Larry Shaw began celebrating at a science museum in San Francisco. It took a while for Pi Day to become well-known, but in 2009, the US Congress officially made 14 March Pi Day. Its a cool coincidence because its also Albert Einsteins birthday.

People celebrate Pi Day in different ways, but one fun tradition is eating pie  whether its a sweet pie, a savoury pie, or even pizza pie.

Heres a little more about the holidays origin and how its celebrated today.

What is Pi?

Pi can calculate the circumference of a circle by measuring the diameter  the distance straight across the circles middle  and multiplying that by the 3.14-plus number.

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It is considered a constant number and it is also infinite, meaning it is mathematically irrational. Long before computers, historic scientists such as Isaac Newton spent many hours calculating decimal places by hand. Today, using sophisticated computers, researchers have come up with trillions of digits for Pi, but there is no end.

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Why is it called Pi?

It wasnt given its name until 1706, when Welsh mathematician William Jones began using the Greek symbol for the number.

Pi is also useful in determining the necessary scale of a tank that serves heating and air conditioning systems in buildings of various sizes. Pixabay

Why that letter? Its the first Greek letter in the words periphery and perimetre, and Pi is the ratio of a circles periphery  or circumference  to its diametre.

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What are some practical uses?

The number is key to accurately pointing an antenna toward a satellite. It helps figure out everything from the size of a massive cylinder needed in refinery equipment to the size of paper rolls used in printers.

Pi is also useful in determining the necessary scale of a tank that serves heating and air conditioning systems in buildings of various sizes.

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NASA uses Pi on a daily basis. Its key to calculating orbits, the positions of planets and other celestial bodies, elements of rocket propulsion, spacecraft communication and even the correct deployment of parachutes when a vehicle splashes down on Earth or lands on Mars.

Using just nine digits of Pi, scientists say it can calculate the Earths circumference so accurately it only errs by about a quarter of an inch (0.6 centimetres) for every 25,000 miles (about 40,000 kilometres).

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Is it more than just math?

Every year the San Francisco Museum that coined the holiday organises events, including a parade around a circular plaque, called the Pi Shrine, 3.14 times  and then, of course, festivities with lots of pie.

Around the country, many events now take place on college campuses. For example, Nova Southeastern University in Florida will hold a series of activities, including a game called Mental Math Bingo and event with free pizza (pies)  and for dessert, the requisite pie.

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Every year Pi Day provides us with a way to celebrate math, have some fun and recognise how important math is in all our lives, said Jason Gershman, chair of NSUs math department.

Math enthusiasts and bakers celebrate Pi Day on 14 March with a slice of sweet or savory pie. AP

At Micheles Pies in Norwalk, Connecticut, manager Stephen Jarrett said its one of their biggest days of the year.

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We have hundreds of pies going out for orders (Thursday) to companies, schools and just individuals, Jarrett said in an interview. Pi Day is such a fun, silly holiday because its a mathematical number that people love to turn into something fun and something delicious. So, people celebrate Pi Day with sweet pies, savoury pies, and its just an excuse for a little treat.

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NASA has its annual Pi Day Challenge online, offering people plenty of games and puzzles, some of them directly from the space agencys own playbook such as calculating the orbit of an asteroid or the distance a moon rover would need to travel each day to survey a certain lunar area.

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What about Einstein?

Possibly the worlds best-known scientist, Einstein was born on 14 March, 1879, in Germany. The infinite number of Pi was used in many of his breakthrough theories and now Pi Day gives the world another reason to celebrate his achievements.

In a bit of math symmetry, famed physicist Stephen Hawking died on 14 March, 2018, at age 76. Still, Pi is not a perfect number. He once had this to say:

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One of the basic rules of the universe is that nothing is perfect. Perfection simply doesnt exist. Without imperfection, neither you nor I would exist.

With inputs from AP
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur said the 18 OTT platforms were given multiple warning before they were blocked for obscene and vulgar content

I&B Ministry has also disabled 19 websites, 10 apps (7 on Google Play Store, 3 on Apple App Store), and 57 social media accounts associated with these 18 OTT platforms. Freepik

As many as 18 OTT platforms have been blocked by the Indian government for publishing obscene, vulgar, and, in some instances, pornographic content.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B), in coordination with various intermediaries, has also disabled 19 websites, 10 apps (7 on Google Play Store, 3 on Apple App Store), and 57 social media accounts associated with these platforms for public access in India.

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Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur said the 18 OTT platforms were given multiple warning before they were blocked for obscene and vulgar content.

The I&B Ministry said a significant portion of the content hosted on these platforms was found to be obscene, vulgar, and portrayed women in a demeaning manner.

18 OTT platforms blocked by GoI

1 - Dream Films

2 - Voovi

3 - Yessma

4 - Uncut Adda

5 - Tri Flicks

6 - X Prime

7 - Neon X VIP

8 - Besharams

9 - Hunters

10- Rabbit

11- Xtramood

12- Nuefliks

13- MoodX

14- Mojflix

15- Hot Shots VIP

16- Fugi

17- Chikooflix

18- Prime Play

What content did these OTT platforms show?

The I&B Ministry said, the content on these 18 OTT platforms, which are now blocked, depicted nudity and sexual acts in various inappropriate contexts, such as relationships between teachers and students, incestuous family relationships, etc.

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The content included sexual innuendos and, in some instances, prolonged segments of pornographic and sexually explicit scenes devoid of any thematic or societal relevance, the ministry added.

The content was determined to be prima facie in violation of Sections 67 and 67A of the IT Act, Section 292 of the IPC, and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.

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Blocked OTT platforms had significant viewership

One of the OTT apps amassed more than 1 crore downloads, while two others had over 50 lakh downloads on the Google Play Store.

The I&B Ministry said these 18 OTT platforms extensively utilised social media to disseminate trailers, specific scenes, and external links aimed at attracting audiences to their websites and apps.

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The social media accounts of the concerned OTT platforms had a cumulative followership of over 32 lakh users, the ministry informed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led panel has picked bureaucrats Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar as the Election Commissioners of India, said Congresss leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Thursday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led panel has picked bureaucrats Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar as the Election Commissioners of India, said Congresss leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Thursday.

#WATCH | Gyanesh Kumar from Kerala and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu from Punjab selected as election commissioners, says Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. pic.twitter.com/FBF1q44yuG  ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2024

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The vacancies were created after the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey in February and the surprise resignation of Arun Goel last Saturday.

Chowdhury was part of the committee chaired by PM Modi to select two Election Commissioners to assist Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar as the poll body prepares for the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

The panel comprises the prime minister, a Union minister nominated by the PM, and Leader of the Opposition or the single largest Opposition party in Lok Sabha, in this case, Chowdhury.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Chowdhury said, I was just called for formality. The names had already been decided.

#WATCH | After the meeting of selection committee to pick the Election Commissioner, the Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury says, "They (govt) have the majority (in the committee who appoints election commissioner). Earlier, they had given me 212 names, but pic.twitter.com/90x3uLxGsx  ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2024

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They (govt) have the majority (in the committee who appoints election commissioner). Earlier, they had given me 212 names, but 10 minutes before the appointment they again gave me just six names. I know that the CJI isnt there, government has made such a law that the CJI doesnt interfere and the Central government can choose a favourable name. I am not saying that its arbitrary but the procedure that is being followed has some lacunae, added Chowdhury.

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He said the six names shortlisted were that of Utpal Kumar Singh, Pradeep Kumar Tripathi, Gyanesh Kumar, Indevar Pandey, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, Sudhir Kumar Gangadhar Rahate, all former bureaucrats.

Of the six names, the names of Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu were finalised for appointment as election commissioners, he added.

With inputs from agencies
Amit Shah responded sharply to some states opposition to the law, accusing them of spreading misinformation for appeasement politics. Home Minister said it would not compromise on the law and would never roll back CAA, even if protests erupt again

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the recently implemented Citizen Amendment Act (CAA) is a law for the entire country and the BJP-led government will never compromise it.

In an interview with the ANI, Amit Shah said, This is our sovereign right to ensure Indian citizenship in our country, we will never compromise on it and CAA will never be taken back.

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He responded sharply to some states opposition to the law, accusing them of spreading misinformation for appeasement politics.

The Home Minister says that CAA is now impossible to repeal. When asked if he rethinks about taking back the law if protests erupt again, Shah said, that CAA will never be rolled back adding, it is a law for granting and not snatching citizenship.

From the Oppositions attack to not implementing CAA in the Northeast, here are the top statements from the Home Minister

CAA will never be taken back

Shah said that CAA is a law for granting citizenship to those migrants who, due to partition, remained in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, and faced religious persecution.

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He also squashed the conception that CAA will take citizenship of minorities, including Muslims.

I have spoken on CAA at least 41 times on different platforms and spoken in detail that the minorities of the country need not be afraid because it has no provision to take back the rights of any citizen, Shah said.

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ALSO READ: CAA myths BUSTED! MHA clears air, says Indian Muslims need not worry

Opposition have no work, do appeasement politics

Pointing out the oppositions allegations that the BJP is creating a new vote bank through the law, Shah said, the BJP fulfills its promises.

The opposition has no other work. They have a history of saying one thing and doing another. However, the history of PM Modi and the BJP is differentEvery guarantee made by Modi is fulfilled, Shah said.

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While responding to the allegations of the BJP trying to gain political benefits via CAA, Shah pointed out similar allegations by the Opposition on matters of national security.

They even said that there was a political benefit in surgical strikes and air strikes. So, should we not take action against terrorism? Shah asked.

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No CAA in Northeast

Home Minister Amit Shah has said that the Citizen Amendment Act will not be implemented in the North-Eastern states citing special provision in the Constitution.

Clearing the air about CAAs impact on tribal rights, Shah said, We have made provisions in the Act itself that wherever there is an Inner Line Permit and whatever areas are included in the 6th Schedule areas, CAA will not be applicable there. The applications with the address in those areas will not be uploaded to the app. We have excluded it from the app itself.

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Asked if the government may rethink its decision to implement the CAA if protests begin, Mr Shah said, CAA will never be rolled back.

States have no choice on CAA implementation

Amit Shah pointed out Article 11 of our Constitution, which gives the Central government to deal with matters of citizenship when asked if states refusing to cooperate will impact CAA implementation.

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Notably, Chief Ministers of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala have threatened not to implement CAA and called it discriminatory and Unconstitutional.

Do you (states) have the right that you can refuse its implementation? They also understand that they do not have the rights. In our Constitution, the right to make laws concerning citizenship has been given only to Parliament. This is a Central subject, not the states, both the law and its implementation, Amit Shah said.
The result goes in line with the recent 400 paar statement of PM Modi, made during a public address. The survey indicates that the NDA could potentially win 411 out of the 543 seats, with the BJP alone expected to claim a record-breaking 350 seats

As India gets ready to witness the worlds biggest elections, everyone is waiting to hear when it will happen.

Amid the anticipation and political fervor about which party will get how many seats, the mega opinion poll by News18 has captivated the attention of political analysts as well as citizens by suggesting that the BJP-led NDA might win many seatsmore than 400 out of 543, to be exact.

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The result goes in line with the recent 400 paar statement of PM Modi, made during a public address.

The survey indicates that the NDA could potentially win 411 out of the 543 seats in the Lok Sabha, with the BJP alone expected to claim a record-breaking 350 seats.

Other members of the NDA, such as JD(U) and TDP, are projected to secure a combined total of 61 seats.

Meanwhile, the opposition INDIA bloc, comprising major non-BJP parties including Congress, is predicted to face challenges in denting Prime Minister Modis bid for a third term, with projections suggesting a tally of just 56 seats for the coalition, including 49 seats for Congress.

If these predictions materialize, it would mark a significant electoral setback for Congress, possibly its second-worst performance in Lok Sabha elections after its historic low of 44 seats in 2014.

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Notably, the survey suggests that the NDA could collectively secure nearly half of the total votes cast.

The full results of the opinion poll came Thursday, indicating strong prospects for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to secure a third consecutive term in office.

The poll suggests clean sweep victory for BJP led NDA in Northern States like Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Gujrat, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi.

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The survey also forecasts significant gains for the BJP in states like West Bengal, Odisha, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. For the first time in a long haul, BJP is expected to bag two seats in Kerala.

In Maharashtra, the survey projects another sweeping victory for the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP ruling combine, with the NDA expected to win 41 out of the states 48 seats, while the INDIA bloc is forecasted to secure just 7 seats.

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The survey projected BJPs vote share at 48% while INDIA and others at 34 and 18% respectively.

In West Bengal, BJP is looking to win 25 out of the 42 seats, while TMC is expected to secure 17 seats. Congress, however, is projected to draw a blank. Both TMC and BJP are expected to get 42% vote share each. While the Congress and its allies are to get 14%, the poll finds.

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In Karnataka, the NDA is anticipated to replicate its 2019 performance, winning 25 out of the 28 seats in the state with a thumping vote share of 58%, with Congress expected to secure just 3 seats and 35% vote share.

In PM Modis home state Gujarat, the BJP is forecasted to clean sweep all 26 seats, maintaining its stronghold in the state. In vote share, BJP and INDIA bloc got 56 and 36% respectively.

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In Andhra Pradesh, the BJP-led NDA alliance is projected to win 18 out of the 25 seats with 50% vote share, while YSR Congress expected to secure second place with 7 seats and 41 % vote share.

In Telangana, NDA is predicted to win 8 out of the 17 seats, with Congress expected to bag 6 seats, and BRS 2 seats. The poll find Congress leading here in vote share of 34% followed by NDA, BRS and AIMIM at 28, 37, and 3% respectively.

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In Rajasthan, the NDA is anticipated to secure a landslide victory, winning all 25 seats in the state with 61% vote share, while Congress is projected to win no seat but 33% vote share.

In Odisha, BJP is expected to win 13 seats, while the ruling BJD is projected to secure all the remaining 8 seats. BJP is set to get 43% vote share in this state followed by BJD and INC with 40 and 15% respectively.

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In Jharkhand, the NDA is forecasted to win 12 out of the 14 seats with a vote share of 58%, while INDIA bloc and JMM expected to share the remaining 2 seats with vote share of 32 and 10% respectively.

In Chhattisgarh, BJP is predicted to improve its seat tally to 10 with 57% votes, up from 9 in 2019. Congress is expected to get the remaining seat and 37% votes.

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In Assam, NDA is expected to sweep the state, winning 12 out of the 14 seats while the remaining two seats are supposedly going to regional parties AIUDF and BPF. In vote share NDA is predicted to lead at 49% followed by INDIA, AIUDF and BPF with 35, 6 and 2% respectively.

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In Uttarakhand also, BJP is forecasted to repeat its clean sweep of 2019, winning all 5 seats in the state with vote share of 62%.

In Uttar Pradesh, NDA is expected to get 77 seats out of 80 with massive vote share of 57%. The remaining 3 seats are expected to be bagged by INDIA bloc and BSP.

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The survey covered 518 Lok Sabha constituencies across 21 major states, and features a sample size of over 1,18,616 respondents, of which 64,453 are male voters and 54,163 are female voters.
After winning municipality polls in Palakkad twice, Modis visit to the state offers high hopes to the national party to open its account in Kerala

With Lok Sabha elections just around the corner, the BJP is trying to expand its footprint in southern India, including Kerala.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the state on Friday to promote the National Democratic Alliances (NDA) candidates in Kerala, making it his fourth such visit since January.

Modi will visit Pathanamthitta, Palakkad, and neighbouring Ponnani and Alathur constituencies between March 15 and 18.

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In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP fielded candidates in 20 constituencies and managed to garner 18,56,750 votes in Kerala increasing its vote share by 4 per cent in the state.

BJP is steadily increasing its electoral base through Keralas Palakkad district. Modi will also lead a road show with state general secretary, C Krishnakumar, who put up an impressive show in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls securing 2.18 lakh votes and growing its share by 21.44 per cent.

A look at the timeline of BJPs electoral journey in Palakkad and why it matters for the saffron party:

1- In 2014, Palakkad among BJPs best four: After the elections of 2014, the BJP had secured 10 per cent or more votes in nine constituencies with four constituencies namely, Kasaragod, Palakkad, Pathanamthitta and Thiruvananthapuram, pocketing more than 15 per cent votes

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2- In 2015, in a first, BJP won the Palakkad Municipality election: The Narendra Modi wave swept elections in the country, also winning a local municipality election in Palakkad in 2015. The state unit described the victory as the beginning of change. BJPs Prameela Sashidharan was elected chairperson of the municipality as she defeated UDF candidate Priya.

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3- In 2019, the BJP increased its vote share: In the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP fielded its state president K Surendran. While he came third, losing to INC and CPI (M) candidates, the party increased its vote share by a significant 13.50 per cent.

4- In 2020, Palakkad municipal polls again went BJPs way: Having no majority in the state, the saffron party managed to keep a stronghold in the municipality for five years. It won 28 out of the 52 seats in a close fight improving its position by four seats from 24 in 2015.

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5- In 2021, Metro Man lost the state elections but narrowly: BJP fielded E Sreedharan, popularly known as Metroman, from the Palakkad constituency. The civil engineer fought elections from the city and lost by a narrow margin of 3,859 votes to a Congress MLA.
As the war progresses in the sixth month, there are fears of hardening positions, prolonged conflict, and continued death and destruction

On March 11, 2024, 67 Palestinians were reported killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, bringing the Palestinian death toll to over 31,100 since the war began with the Hamas terror attack on October 7 last year. Of these, more than two-thirds are women and children.

This was incidentally the first day of the holy month of Ramzan, a month of peace and fasting, a date that was hoped to usher in a ceasefire, but sadly, there is neither a ceasefire nor any respite from Israeli attacks on Gaza.

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Repeated calls from the international community have failed to compel Israel to exercise restraint in its strikes on civilians, and efforts to negotiate a ceasefire or at least a humanitarian truce have failed so far.

As the war progresses in the sixth month, there are fears of hardening positions, prolonged conflict, and continued death and destruction.

Ceasefire Proposals

There have been numerous attempts to negotiate a ceasefire, mainly through Egypt and Qatar taking the lead. One such concrete proposal was presented in Paris on January 28. The deal proposed a ceasefire of six weeks coupled with the first phase of civilian hostage releases, with three Palestinian prisoners held by Israel released for each civilian hostage returned from Gaza.

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The ceasefire could be extended for a longer period later. Israel, however, voiced concerns over some conditions that were not acceptable. The proposal was offered to Hamas, which came up with its own counter proposal on February 7 for a ceasefire of 135 days during which all hostages would go free, Israel would withdraw all its troops from Gaza, and an agreement would eventually be reached on an end to the war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed it immediately, calling it delusional.

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Days before the onset of Ramzan, another attempt at a ceasefire was made through the collective efforts of the US, Qatar, and Egypt, proposing an agreement in which Hamas would release Israeli captives in return for a six-week ceasefire, the release of some Palestinian prisoners, and more aid to Gaza.

Hamas, however, dismissed it, stating that it wants a permanent ceasefire instead of a six-week pause and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, along with the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons.

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Israel, on the other hand, has no intention of vacating Gaza anytime soon. Any faint flicker of hope was extinguished when Israeli troops fired on Palestinians gathered to collect food aid in the south-west of Gaza City on February 29, killing at least 112 people, an act that drew unanimous condemnation from the world, including from the US, its staunchest ally.

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With no convergence on essential conditions for a ceasefire and continued attacks by Israel on civilians in Gaza, prospects for a truce look distant and bleak.

War Enters Attrition Phase

The war is well into its sixth month, and any calculations that Israel may have made for an early end to the war owing to its overwhelming military superiority being able to crush Hamas in no time and overrun Gaza in weeks have been proven wrong.

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Hamas has withstood the Israeli onslaught and has, in fact, inflicted sizeable casualties and damages on the Israeli forces in return. While the Hamas terror attack was a major embarrassment for Israeli intelligence, the prolonged and almost unwinnable war is slowly becoming a bigger embarrassment for Israel.

At the start of the conflict, it was estimated that Hamas had around 25,000 to 30,000 fighters who were primarily trained in guerilla warfare and terrorist tactics. It had a large arsenal of rockets and small arms, and its military tactics were largely based on small-team-based ambushes and attacks on Israel, apart from the use of rockets. On the other hand, Israel presented a formidable foe to Hamas.

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As per the Military Balance 2023 report, Israel had an active military of 1,69,500 personnel, with 1,26,000 comprising the army. The army had 3 corps, 2 armoured divisions, 1 multidimensional division, 1 special operations brigade, 1 para brigade, 3 artillery brigades, and many other military formations.

It also had a potent and modern air force and a capable navy, which has enforced a naval blockade across Gaza since 2007. In addition, Israel had around 3,50,000 reservists, which were mobilized immediately after the outbreak of war in October 2023.

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With this level of military superiority, Israel would have war-gamed a short and swift conflict, ending with total military victory and the complete annihilation of Hamas.

However, almost six months later, it is estimated that only 30 percent of Hamas fighters have been eliminated, along with a few middle- and high-ranking commanders. Hamass fighting potential remains intact.

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The supply of rockets and ammunition has not dried up, nor has Israel been able to destroy Hamass war-waging capability. The famous underground tunnel network in Gaza, popularly called the Gaza metro though targeted and destroyed at many places, remains, in large part, intact and undiscovered. Also, the mastermind of Hamas military operations, Yahya Sinwar, continues to evade Israeli forces. Plus, with every civilian killed in Gaza, the increasing hatred for Israel is resulting in swelling support and the joining of new ranks in the Hamas cadre.

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On the other hand, Israel withdrew a large number of combat formations from northern Gaza in January after it effectively cut off northern Gaza from the rest of the Gaza Strip. It redeployed some of the combat formations in the south, especially in Khan Younis, and disbanded many of the reservists who were sent back to anchor critical portions of Israels economy, leaving Israeli formations depleted.

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Adding to the effect, the Israeli army has lost over 600 officers and troops; over 1,500 are severely injured. On January 23, Israeli forces suffered their worst loss in a day when 24 soldiers died in a Hamas attack in Gaza.

Israel Faces the Heat

As the war drags along, Israel is facing heat from multiple fronts. Militarily, it has suffered heavy casualties, both in terms of personnel and equipment. Its economy is shrinking rapidly, with some estimates showing a decline of almost 20 per cent. Exports are being severely affected, and the naval blockade by the Houthis in the Red Sea has effectively blocked out any Israeli cargo transiting the sea route despite the heavy US naval presence, forcing it to take a longer route around Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, hugely increasing transit and insurance costs. Its sea ports of Eilat and Haifa have witnessed huge losses and a drastic drop in economic activity.

Domestically, there is growing opposition to PM Netanyahu, especially because of his inability to negotiate the return of hostages. Reports of many hostages already killed in cross-fire are compounding the anger against the government in Israel. Internationally, too, anger and opposition against Israel are on the rise. Many of its allies have publicly condemned Israeli actions. The UK, France, Spain, and many other countries have announced that they may take unilateral decisions to recognise the state of Palestine, while Brazil, which holds the G20 presidency this year, has broken off diplomatic ties with Israel.

The South African-backed case of genocide by Israel is another pressure point on Israel. The US, its staunchest ally, which is now in the thick of its presidential election cycle, has repeatedly asked Israel to ensure that civilian casualties are minimised. It has also stated that any offensive in Rafah is the red line that Israel should not cross. Russia, too, has upped its game in the conflict despite being heavily committed to its war in Ukraine. It hosted leaders of different Palestinian factions, including Hamas, in Moscow on February 26 and declared that Russia will do what is required for the establishment of a Palestinian state. It has already committed its airpower in the region through combat air patrols in Syria along the Golan Heights.

Within the region, there are clear indications of growing solidarity in the Muslim world. Egypt has already amassed troops on the border opposite the Rafah crossing, and the Saudi Arabian-led Arab League has hardened its stand on Israel. Iran-backed proxies continue to target Israel. There were reports of Iraq-based militias striking Tel Aviv airport on March 12 through drones, while Hezbollah rained more than 100 rockets in Northern Israel in one day on March 11, including the highly potent Burkan IRAM rockets, inflicting damage on military infrastructure.

What Next

With Israeli PM Netanyahu unyielding on his threat of ground offensive in Rafah and dismissing the red line caution from President Biden, things dont look good for the region. The holy month of Ramzan has started with increased violence. Reports of Israeli settlers and police attacking Palestinians wanting to offer prayers at Al Aqsa Mosque in the West Bank are adding to the tense situation. Hamas and Hezbollah, too, have called for an increased intensity of attacks on Israel during Ramzan.

In the past too, Ramzan month has witnessed an increase in violence around Al Aqsa Mosque. Israels recent decision to construct 3,500 more settlements in the West Bank and its presentation of a post-war plan for Gaza, which proposes that Israel would have complete security control over all land west of Jordan, including the West Bank and Gaza, effectively killing any prospects of a two-state solution, have only added fuel to the fire.

In the midst of this ongoing conflict and falling ceasefire attempts, there was a report of the Indian NSA visiting Israel and meeting PM Netanyahu on March 11 in a rather hurried and discreetly arranged meeting, once again raising questions about whether India can emerge as a peacemaker where all others have failed.

Meanwhile, the conflict drags on with stretched battle lines, rising casualties, and a starving and ailing population of over one million in Gaza. With the international community clueless and none of the warring parties ready to relent, the war looks set for a long-drawn-out battle of attrition.

The author is Assistant Director, MP-IDSA. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Former naval officer Abhijit Singh hardly needs an introduction. With multiple crises at Red Sea and Gulf of Aden upending the regional maritime security architecture, the Indian Navy has found itself at the centre of global attention  busy with constabulary work while burnishing its credentials as the net security provider in Indian Ocean. I sat down with Singh, senior fellow and head of Maritime Policy Initiative at Observer Research Foundation, recently to unpack the various forces at play, and also to better understand the pulls and pressures on the Indian naval forces. The interview has been edited for brevity and grammar.

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How has India handled the Red Sea crisis so far? Would you agree with the assessment that India has performed the role of a constable in the high seas?

Since 2008, when piracy first erupted in the waters off Somalia, Indias security planners have prioritized constabulary concerns. The Indian Navy (IN) recognises that maritime security entails more than just defending Indias territorial waters and maritime zones; it is in equal measure about providing public goods at sea. Part of the INs mission is to ensure that it can tackle challenges such as piracy, terrorism, and other non-security threats like illegal fishing, trafficking, etc. The threats may not be directly related to national security but do have implications for human security. For the IN, as well as other navies in the region, the security and safety of crews on merchant ships, fishermen, and coastal communities constitute a vital component of maritime security. These challenges require effort, energy, time, and resources to effectively manage. However, they create competing demands on the navy, which must be judicious in deploying warships for maritime missions.

Most often, and particularly with pirate attacks in the neighborhood, the IN has responded promptly and efficaciously to individual incidents as they occur. The rise in pirate attacks since November last year was quite unexpected, not just for the Indian Navy but many other regional navies. With no successful pirate attacks in the Western Indian Ocean since 2013, an impression had prevailed that the piracy paradigm had been dismantled. That assumption has now proven false.

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Do you see this as opportunistic, or do you think there is a degree of coordination between the Houthi rebels and the pirates?

There are three theories to explain the rise of piracy in the Indian Ocean. One explanation is that the pirates are merely taking advantage of the crisis in the Red Sea. With the US and its European allies busy fighting Houthi militants, the pirates feel emboldened to resume attacks on commercial shipping. It cannot be denied, however, that many regional navies have in recent years treated anti-piracy duties as a bare-bones act needed only to reassure international shippers. Their assumptions have been proven wrong.

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The second theory is that the pirates and the militants are acting in concert. There is something to suggest that the terrorist group Al Shabaab (Harakat Shabaab al-Mujahidin, or Al Shabaab, a Somali-based insurgent and terrorist group with links to Al Qaeda) which also controls many pirate groups in Somalia, has joined hands with the Houthis in the Red Sea. Both groups reportedly have sympathies with Hamas, with whom Israel is engaged in an existential conflict. The tactics of the pirates and the methods that have been employed by the Houthis, other than the drones and the missiles, seem eerily similar. Their shared drive, motivation, and boldness to disrupt trade in the waters of the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea implies they could well be acting together.

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A third possibility is that power rivalries in the Horn of Africa are driving the surge in pirate attacks. Some observers claim a link between rising pirate attacks and politics in the Horn of Africa, suggesting that Al Shabaab in Somalia might be driving the attacks as a way of opposing a recent pact between Somaliland (a breakaway province) and Ethiopia.

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In Indias actions, is there a message to China being sent here?

There is an implied signal, if not a direct message to China. The IN is eager to bolster its credentials as the primary security provider, and it wants partners and potential adversaries to know it is willing to defend Indian interests. The Chinese get it. China, however, thinks that India is using the anti-piracy deployment in the Indian Ocean as a pretext to project influence in the region. That isnt strictly true as the IN is widely recognized as a first responder and favoured security partner in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). What does seem odd from an Indian standpoint is that the PLA Navy (PLA-N) has been strangely muted in its own response to growing pirate and Houthi attacks in the Indian Ocean. Despite significant trade interests in the Indian region, the Chinese navy has been quite inert, perhaps because the Houthi challenge is a geopolitical issue that Beijing is wary of.

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Chinas approach in the far seas appears to differ from its maritime strategy in the near-littorals. China does not appear to be pursuing the same level of dominance in the Indian Ocean as it is in the South China Sea. Beijing perhaps realizes there are limits to how much naval presence it can sustain in the Indian Ocean. Instead, the PRC is establishing itself as a significant player in the Indian Ocean. Beijing wants regional states to understand that it is a viable security and development partner that can assist with development, infrastructure construction, and capability creation.

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My next question is a little broad What are the few things that ail the Indian Navy? What would you point to?

The Indian navy, like many other navies in the Indo-Pacific area, faces a capacity constraint. Todays maritime environment is uncertain, and national security is only one of several challenges in the littorals. To effectively address the full range of risks in the commons, navies must be able to deliver both individually and collectively. Nonetheless, many maritime forces strive to deliver in difficult fiscal circumstances.

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While the navys budget has increased in recent years, it remains insufficient to meet its growing role in the Indo-Pacific area. From an offensive capability and power projection standpoint, the IN requires more submarines and capital ships. However, the constabulary role has crucially been soaking up significant capability. Take the case of the Gulf of Aden, where 10 Indian warships are keeping vigil. Certainly, some of these ships were diverted away from other regions, where they would have been otherwise deployed. How much this has affected the Navys operational posture in other theatres is hard to say. Perhaps it still hasnt yet. If the anti-piracy effort were to continue indefinitely, however, the IN would undoubtedly feel stretched.

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It is worth reiterating that fighting nontraditional security challenges in the global commons requires capability that can be sustained over a prolonged period. Whether piracy, drug trafficking, or illegal fishing, one needs the staying power, because non-zero-sum challenges are not an adversary that can be beaten into submission.

The other challenge the Navy faces is indigenization, which is a laudable goal in and of itself, but an endeavour in need of patient and persistent effort. Indigenisation is a long game that can adversely impact short-term asset acquisition. The IN is going to have to wait till capacity materializes which means that existing assets and inventory are going to be under more strain than usual.

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Can India gain an advantage over China at sea?

China recogniSes that India dominates the eastern Indian Ocean. Beijing understands that the PLA-N is unlikely to become the premier maritime force west of the Malacca Strait anytime soon. China, however, is prepared to protect its trade and investments in the Indian Ocean, for which it needs combat and surveillance assets positioned in the region. Beijing has been incrementally deploying military and nonmilitary ships, including research vessels and surveillance ships. That a Chinese satellite and missile tracking vessel, the Xiang Yang Hong 03, docked in Maldives recently, should not surprise Indian observers.

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Maldives claims it only did a port call

That claim was only to be expected. The reality is that there is no way of knowing the exact nature of the ships deployment. It is hard to believe that a big surveillance ship sailed from China to the Maldives for no particular reason than to dock in a Maldivian port. The IN was surely keeping a watch, because when the Chinese ship deployed, India had a submarine deployed in the waters off Sri Lanka.

Where do you stand on the Navys aircraft carrier dilemma?

The Navys predicament is that it is in a fiscal situation in which building a large aircraft carrier is no longer feasible. The Indian governments Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) policy leaves naval planners with little fiscal room for a big aircraft carrier, which undoubtedly requires a larger fiscal outlay and more foreign assistance. The problem with light (small) carriers, however, is that they are unsuitable for use in a dynamic and contested maritime environment. A small carrier is constrained in its operations, particularly when faced with the adversarys anti-access, anti-denial systems. In the absence of a catapult system to enable the launch of heavy, long-range multi-function aircraft, the ship is forced to operate within the engagement envelope of the adversarys shore-based missiles and air defence systems.

On the other hand, some power projection capability is preferable to none at all, even if it requires Indias light aircraft carriers to operate in close proximity to hostile waters. They might be hard to defend but a certain asset in peacetime. A third option might be to prioritize submarines, the ultimate sea-denial platforms. The Navy certainly faces a predicament in this regard.

Given the kind of time it takes to build a big aircraft carrier and resource crunch, what should India do? Wait for the big platform, or go in for small carriers? What is your suggestion?

The Navys decision to build a third small aircraft carrier, is at one level understandable. Naval planners believe that much of the technology and capabilities needed on a small aircraft carrier can be indigenously developed. They reckon it may free the navy of dependence on foreign suppliers, which is arguably the right inference to make in the present circumstances. However, it should be noted that a small aircraft carriers utility is going to be very limited. It may help with some benign power projection in the neighbourhood in peacetime, but it may not have the wartime utility of a big aircraft carrier that is certainly more versatile with its deployment.

My next question. How is Indias Indo-Pacific strategy coping with the rising traditional and non-traditional threats at sea?

Navies understand the importance of striking a balance between traditional and non-traditional challenges when allocating effort. Typically, this stems from regional relationships. China may be the most important concern for New Delhi, but human security challenges are a priority for Indias partners in South Asia. These countries have their own interpretation of cooperative security, based entirely on the appreciation of national interests. On occasion, the military interactions are robust  such as during constabulary and humanitarian missions  but for the most part, Indias partners avoid working together in formats that risk provoking powerful players and disturbing the strategic balance of power.

The preference for balanced interactions is particularly strong among Bay of Bengal states that regard non-traditional security as the holy grail of maritime operations. Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka prioritise human security and livelihood issues over traditional security threats. Despite its record of aggression in the Indo-Pacific, China is widely regarded as an economic and security partner, and not as a threat to the rules-based order.

New Delhi, of course, is concerned about Chinese expansionism in the Indian Ocean. The INs efforts to counter the PLA-N continue to be based on increased Indian surveillance capabilities in the Eastern Indian Ocean. Thats where Indias Quad partnerships come in. The Quad Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPDMA) is, primarily, an effort to share satellite and sensor data concerning illegal activity, but it could also assist India in keeping track of Chinese military and nonmilitary activity in the Eastern Indian Ocean.

Final question. Would you agree, as some analysts have suggested, that theres now greater political will at the top which is driving a forward-leaning posture?

All militaries take guidance from the political leadership, whose willingness to act decisively is often the key determinant of a forward-leaning military posture. Yet, it bears noting that the Indian Navy, and navies in general, are professional entities that do not require encouragement or nudging to carry out their assigned missions. Maritime forces by design and training understand what needs to be done and how it ought to be done. This is particularly true in peacetime contingency activities like piracy or disaster assistance. If there had been no pirate hijackings or Houthi strikes in the Western Indian Ocean, the Indian Navy might have remained focused on the Eastern Indian Ocean. The fact that it is engaged in fighting the pirate threat says something about its preparedness to respond to a challenge that impacts national interests. The INs dedication and commitment to its mission has always been unwavering, regardless of the political regime in power.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
If Muizzu were to learn from the experience of Pakistan especially, its anti-India rhetoric and pro-China policies has not taken the nation anywhere, other than to the economic mess that the nation is now

The question arises: should the Maldives and Muizzu be in a hurry without taking time off to study and grasp the fuller impact and implication of siding with China and, more so, wantonly antagonising the Indian neighbour? Image Courtesy: Agencies

Though it was a little late in coming, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankars retort, Big bullies dont provide $4.5 billion should have sent out a clear message to Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu that it was thus-far-and-no-more from the Indian side. In the same vein, he also pointed out how big bullies dont supply vaccines to other countries when Covid is on. If India were a true bully, it would also not make exceptions to its 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.

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In an obvious reference to Pakistan, EAM Jaishankar said, Our problem in the neighbourhood, very honestly, is in respect to one country. And in diplomacy, yes, always hold out hopes that yes, okay, keep the tact and who knows, one day, what the future holds. The minister explained how Indias relations with neighbours have changed over the last decade (under Prime Minister Narendra Modi). Ties with Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and even the Maldives, have improved in terms of trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges. If you actually look today at the connectivity, just the volume of people moving up and down and the volume of the trade which is there, the investments which are there It is actually a very good story to tell. Not just with Nepal and Bangladesh, but Sri Lanka as well. And I would even say with Maldives. And Bhutan, he said.

Jaishankars reference to $4.5-billion aid relates to Sri Lanka at the height of the continuing economic crisis in 2022, yes, but the mention of Covid-time help includes Maldives. In fact, India had rushed the first batch of home-made vaccines only to Maldives, over the legitimate needs nearer home, if only to help the smaller neighbour to contain the pandemic and revive the mainstay tourism economy early on. It worked and Maldives became the first nation in the world to open up after the Covid lock-down.

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Yet, on specifics, the minister did not name Maldives, nor embarrass President Mohamed Muizzu, after the latter had targeted New Delhi just on return from his first state visit, to China, in mid-January. After signing a Comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement during his China visit, Muizzu became the first government leader anywhere to borrow the Chinese phraseology which even the Beijing leadership had used for.

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The usage of terms like Indian Ocean does not belong to any specific country and no one has the licence to bully us borrowed from the accusations levelled against India by Chinese scholars, including those in uniform, over the previous decade. In doing so, they all were supposedly speaking for Indias neighbours, particularly in the Indian Ocean, but without any of those nations seeking Beijings help or intervention, oral or physical, directly or otherwise. But its the argument that China had put forth before sending out its submarines (2014) and so-called research vessels, otherwise spying on India, thrice in as many years (2022-24) for test-berthing (?) in Sri Lanka, and the last one now in Maldives, after Colombo had suspended the facility for a full year for all overseas ships carrying the tag.

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Conservative constituencies

Compared to what the Indian and international media have been hinting at, Muizzus demand for New Delhi to pull out unarmed military pilots and technicians manning the three air assets gifted to Maldives for humanitarian operations did not actually form a major part of his presidential poll campaign. It was just a minor part of it as anti-incumbency against incumbent President Ibrahim Solih was already working in his favour.

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Muizzu definitely has an Islamic nationalist constituency and also a Maldivian nationalist constituency, which overlap at times. He has a parliamentary election to win  rather sweep  with a two-thirds majority if he has to avoid attempts at impeachment, sooner or later. The poll has been rescheduled from 17 March to 21 April after the Opposition MDP with an absolute majority passed a law not to have elections during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, as it would inconvenience the elderly in the hot summer days even more.

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While the new law in this regard is seen as reasonable, the MDPs over-enthusiasm to pass what many see as obstructionist laws that they could have passed when they were in power has avoidably upset traditional party supporters and also neutral voters, who might otherwise be ready to swing after voting in Muizzu in the presidential poll. At the same time, the potential of Yameen-backed Independent candidates and those of former President Mohammed Nasheeds Democrats Party, a breakaway faction of the mainline MDP, to damage the chances of the parent parties is also being watched with interest. In Delhi recently, where he met Prime Minister Modi, Nasheed, now heading an international climate action group and is based in Ghana, apologised to India and also appealed to Muizzu to end anti-India rhetoric.

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Having kept the voters attention away from domestic ills, starting with the economic situation, that too with the parliamentary polls only weeks away, circumstances, Muizzu could not be expected to go back or slow down on the demands of his party, the Peoples National Congress (PNC) and also the parent Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), both of which he had stolen from his jailed political mentor and former President, Abdulla Yameen. The latter had given the India Out / India Military Out call(s) while in opposition to rival President Ibrahim Solih of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), 2018-23.

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Strategic initiatives

As indicated by New Delhi continually since Muizzus electoral victory in September, followed by his inauguration in November last, both sides have since smoothened out a way for Indian technical personnel to replace the military pilots and technicians to man the three aerial platforms, namely, two helicopters and one fixed-wing Dornier, deployed for aerial surveillance. Incidentally, the Dornier was a gift sought and received by Yameen when he was President from 2013-18, yet, like Muizzu after him, had wanted it withdrawn during his Opposition campaign.

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The three sets of pilots operating the three aerial platforms are to be replaced with a one-month gap, ending by 10 May. The first of it happened early this month and went off without any hiccups. Though the Indian media made it look as if the new batch of pilots and technicians being placed under the administrative control of the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF) hierarchy was unprecedented, there was nothing new about it. Even the Indian military personnel used to operate under the express directions of the MNDF and Indian officials have pointed it out on more than one occasion.

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Likewise, the Indian media interpretation of the nations navy setting up a new post, INS Jatayu on Minicoy Island, not far away from the Maldivian territory, may not have followed Muizzus election and his perceived pro-China tilt. They are all part of Indias long-term strategic initiatives aimed at checking Chinese advances, if any. Even Indias continued concerns about China finding a parking lot in the neighbourhood, even if in civilian grab as in Sri Lankas Hambantota, are aimed only at a denial strategy and not at setting up one instead. Involving neighbours in Indias strategic concerns is against the very basis of the nations Neighbourhood First Policy. It works in the reverse, too, as neighbouring nations providing a berth to Indias adversaries too should form a part of that strategy. Either way, Maldives is no exception.

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In this overall background, the Muizzu government hurriedly scrambling some retired airplanes to hurriedly form an air-ambulance service should cause eyebrows to rise. Incidentally, the government also concluded hasty negotiations with common neighbour Sri Lanka for providing emergency medical-care to high-risk patients thus air-lifted. It thus remains to be seen if the Muizzu government would order Indian aerial platforms and civilian pilots out if and when they develop a full-fledged air-ambulance service to call their own.

Politicising foreign policy

According to the Maldivian media, the Muizzu government is reported to have grounded the Dornier from undertaking aerial surveillance. These reports have also indicated how the government has gone ahead with Muizzus plan to procure drones from Turkey to monitor the nations EEZ, extending up to 900,000 sq km. Muizzu had announced his plans at his mid-January news conference on return from China, where alone he also opened up on his maiden official visit to Turkey a fortnight earlier. While he said that they would also import all essentials like rice, sugar and flour from Turkey without having to depend on a single source (meaning India) with immediate effect, the talk of drones procurement did not sound as immediate at the time.

Clearly, Muizzu is in a hurry to pack off the Indian aerial platforms and those manning them, even if civilians  and also take over aerial surveillance through drones from Turkey, a new player in the strategic space in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) that Maldives shares with India and Sri Lanka, among others. Of immediate concern however would be the possibility of the MNDF personnel manning the drones after training by experts from Turkey being asked to cover the territorial waters that Maldives had supposedly conceded as belonging to southern neighbour, Mauritius, under the previous Solih regime.

On paper, it may sound far-fetched just now, but the question will arise when the Maldivian drones begin scavenging the skies for intruders of every kind, especially drug-smugglers and fishers from other nations, including India and Sri Lanka. Mauritian fishers may fit into the definition if the Muizzu dispensation goes ahead with its intention to rescind the new arrangement envisaged by the Solih government. Already, the new government has appointed a high-level committee under former attorney-general Dr Mohamed Munavvar, an expert in maritime laws who had contested Solihs decision.

In this background, the February-end online inauguration of a new airstrip and jetty on the Mauritian island Agalega by Prime Ministers Narendra Modi(India) and, Pravind Jugnauth (Mauritius) assumes added significance. They along with six other projects in Mauritius are a part of Indias SAGAR (Security and Growth for All) strategy for the neighbourhood. While the temptation again is to conclude that it is a counter to Maldives moving closer to China, first under Yameen and now under Muizzu, intervened by a five-year term for pro-India President Solih, the project has been on for a fairly long time. Yet, there is no denying the relevance of the project now, more than any time in the past.

In the midst of all this come reports of China and Maldives signing a defence cooperation agreement to provide free military assistance gratis, or for free, to foster stronger bilateral ties. Overlapping with the visit of a Chinese delegation for the purpose was the berthing of Chinas controversial research/spy vessel Xiang Yang Hong 3 for rotation of personnel and replenishment. That was after neighbouring Sri Lanka had suspended such facilitation for a year after allowing two such docking in years, 2022 and 2023.

China has seemingly fixed a five-year life-time coinciding with Muizzus current term ending in 2028, for the strategic cooperation signed when he met President Xi Jinping in January. It means that China is in a hurry as it has also drafted Maldives into Beijings three initiatives, namely, BRI (Belt and Road Initiative), GSI (Global Strategic Initiative) and GCI (Global Civilisation Initiative). But the question emerges if Maldives and Muizzu should also be in a hurry without taking time off to study and grasp the fuller impact and implication of siding with China and more so wantonly antagonising the Indian neighbour?

If Muizzu were to learn from the experience of Pakistan especially, its anti-India rhetoric and pro-China policies has not taken the nation anywhere, other than to the economic mess that the nation is now. As EAM Jaishankar pointed out, India, and China, rushed to Sri Lankas assistance when caught in an economic crisis of its own two years back. That is to say, does making foreign policy, in this case, the nations India policy a victim of domestic politics, help either Muizzu in the medium term and Maldives in the medium and long terms? It is much more different and complex than China replacing India as the top source for tourism in Maldives, the nations economic mainstay, especially after the Boycott Maldives call in India a few weeks ago. But that is also for Muizzu and Maldivians to decide, however.

The writer is a Chennai-based Policy Analyst & Political Commentator. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
U.S. attorneys say Nicolas Davila was sentenced to prison for his role in a crew that would steal catalytic converters and sell them to scrap dealers in CT. Hearst Connecticut Media

A member of a New England-wide theft ring that would steal catalytic converters and sell them to scrap dealers in Connecticut has been sentenced to prison time, officials say.

In a release, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts said Nicolas Davila was sentenced to 37 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Davila pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce, two counts of interstate transportation of stolen property and possession with intent to distribute cocaine in October.

The U.S. attorney's office noted the drug charge came from cocaine found during the search of Nicolas Davilas home as part of the catalytic converter theft investigation.

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In April 2023, the U.S. attorney's office said, Davila was arrested and charged along with six others in connection with the theft, transportation and sale of stolen catalytic converters taken from at least 496 vehicles across Massachusetts and New Hampshire in 2022 through April 2023 alone.

"It is believed that a significant number of additional thefts have not been identified or were not ever reported to law enforcement," it said.

The U.S. attorney's office said there has been a significant decline in the number of catalytic converters reported stolen in Massachusetts as a result of the April 2023 takedown. It said only seven incidents of catalytic converter theft have been reported in the 11 months following the arrests, compared to hundreds reported in the nine months prior.

Davila was a member of skilled, organized theft crews led by his brother Rafael Davila, the U.S. attorney's office said, adding the crew used battery operated tools to cut away and steal catalytic converters across Massachusetts and in New Hampshire.

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"The theft crew would travel hundreds of miles, hours on end in a single night, to specific locations, including home driveways and business parking lots, where large numbers of these vehicles were located in order obtain an economy of scale," it said. "On numerous occasions, the crew targeted more than 10 vehicles in a single night, with one night reporting thefts from 26 vehicles."

Each theft resulted in the loss of about $5,000 per vehicle, the U.S. attorney's office said, with some trucks costing more than $10,000 to repair. It said the total cumulative loss for the 300 victims of the thefts was about $2 million.

After they stole the catalytic converters, the U.S. attorney's office said, the crew would sell them to Jose Torres, who would take stolen good from multiple theft crews and sell them to scrap dealers in the northeast. It said he would sell anywhere from $30,000 to $80,000 worth of the stolen catalytic converters in a week.

"In particular, Torres sold stolen catalytic converters to scrap dealers who have since been charged federally for interstate transportation of stolen property and money laundering in the District of Connecticut, the Eastern District of California and Northern District of Oklahoma," it said.

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Davila was held accountable for his participation in 42 catalytic converter thefts during his sentencing, the U.S. attorney's office said, as well for his possession of cocaine and a fire at the time of his arrest in April 2023. It said he is the fifth person to plead guilty in the case, adding he also faces a pending murder charge in Massachusetts.
The Agni missile had a perfect liftoff and seems to have performed precisely in demonstrating multiple independently targeted re-entry vehicles (MIRV) technology. All this while a Chinese research vessel hovered in the vicinity. The missile launch caused quite a buzz among those who track all nuclear and missile-related developments. Within the country, it was hailed as another instance of Indian power. Thats as it should be. But there is a need for careful evaluation of the way ahead so as to avoid a very slippery slope.

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The Agni 5 and its main factors

The Agni-5 is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that evolved from the Agni-III IRBM , featuring similar first- and second-stage motors with an added third stage. It was first tested in 2012 and is launched from a sealed canister on a roadmobile launcher, reducing the time needed to prepare for launch. Thats big stuff in itself. In 2016, it was successfully tested to a declared range of 5000 km. Notably, the press release said that it had very high (unspecified) accuracy and was therefore able to use smaller nuclear warheads and thereby use its fissile material inventory for a much larger force. In other words, they were already on the way to miniaturisation of a warhead.

MIRVing our way forward

The vital thing about Agni 5 is its MIRV capability (Multiple Independently Targeted Re-entry Vehicles). The details of how these are deployed have been extensively covered elsewhere . What is important is not that this projects you into an elite club consisting of established nuclear powers, which some experts allege. First, this is progress in technology with multiple commercial and technological payoffs. Second, it is obviously far more difficult to intercept with any existing missile defence. Third, and linked to that, it gets you a better deterrent posture with less.

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Instead of one warhead of 1 tonne on an Agni 4, this can be distributed into smaller warheads of some 400 kg each, spread more than 1000 km apart. India doesnt have a great many sources for military-grade fissile material. Indias stockpile is estimated to include around 4.5 tonnes of unirradiated HEU (enriched to some 30 percent uranium-235) and about 9.6 tonnes of separated plutonium. Compare that to the USs 38 MT and Chinas about 2.9 MT.

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We have huge thorium reserves, but it is only now that the thorium route has been optimised. In Kalpakkam, in March 2024, the PM inaugurated the Fast Breeder Reactor, which not only uses thorium but will also generate fissile material. Thats another huge step forward.

It is not clear how many warheads this version, which is a technology demonstrator, is capable of carrying, but it would not be less than five. It is worth noting that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched a record 104 satellites in 2017, but while thats a parallel technology, the challenge is to get them to re-enter the earths atmosphere, and that too at a precise location.

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Besides, there is a strict wall on technology sharing between the ISRO and DRDO, with the former particularly sensitive to any such sharing given its wide international usage. ISRO now launches, at a staggeringly low cost, satellites for other countries, which means it cannot be seen to be linked in any way to a weapons program. But way back in 2012, VK Saraswat, chief of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), stated that the work is on on MIRVs. Twenty-four years later, the mission is accomplished.

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Deterrence with a big D?

Will this make deterrence more stable? With Pakistan, which is also testing its claimed MIRV technology with Ababeel, a MIRV doesnt really matter much in principle, given the low geographic depth of the country. It is unlikely that we will be able to field a ballistic missile system very soon. China is well on its way, testing a midcourse interceptor in April 2023, possibly a HQ-19.

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It seems to have deployed its hypersonic Dongfeng (DF-27) missile, which is apparently MIRVd. China has been extremely secretive about this missile capability, choosing only to showcase the earlier model, the Df-17, a hypersonic glide vehicle with conventional and nuclear capabilities.

Meanwhile, it snoops on our launches, which means it is worried, even when the state mouthpiece, the Global Times says otherwise.

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BMD is still on the backfoot

Meanwhile, Indias own BMD, though now progressing well, is nascent. And it should be said that any BMD system, whether American or Russian, has similarly only a limited capability.

In simple words, even the most expensive system cannot promise a 100 per cent, or even less. The cycle of offence versus defence is still on the side of the former and will certainly remain so for the foreseeable future, given the inherent limitations of shooting down any missile, MIRV or otherwise.

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The rationale for MIRV

Once that is realised, the rationale of our draft nuclear doctrine makes eminent sense. Steered by the father of our nuclear strategy, K Subrahmanyam, who understood, as no one else did even at the time, that a strategy has to suit not just a countrys purse but also its values. That strategy called for no first use and a position of minimum deterrence. The doctrine, however, also did say, In this policy of retaliation only, the survivability of our arsenal is critical. This is a dynamic concept related to the strategic environment, technological imperatives, and the needs of national security.

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The MIRV delivers precisely this, especially once it is mated to a submarine-launched version. But heres one key issue: it is also vital to know where to stop expansion and spending. Remember that one objective of the US nuclear buildup was to exhaust the Soviet Union in an arms race, which it did to some extent.

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Recently, Chinese officials reiterated that they had no intention of entering into an arms race. Thats smart, though all indications seem to point to a steady expansion. The US Department of Defence, in its 2023 Annual Report , estimated a rise in warheads from the present 500 to twice that by 2030.

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A triangular arms race between China, India, and the US is highly undesirable, given the vital need to focus on the economy, which is the priority of this government. That is what gives us our clout on the international stage.

Expect therefore that there will be every encouragement of an arms race by all actors concerned. New Delhi needs to carefully adhere to its minimum principle, while pursuing every technological leap forward.

The writer is a Distinguished Fellow at the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, New Delhi. She tweets @kartha_tara. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
There is no major cause for concern; market fluctuations do not impact Indias growth story

On Wednesday, Indian stocks took a dive. Everything was in red. Both Nifty and Sensex saw a fall. The former was down by over 300 points, while the latter dropped by almost 1000 points.

In one word, it was a bloodbath, and this is quite a contrast from the recent spikes. A few weeks ago, Indian stocks were being celebrated. Indian markets have become the fourth biggest in the world. They had overtaken Hong Kong. There was a clear upswing. But has that momentum come to a grinding halt? No.

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If youre investing for the long term, then there is no need for you to worry. Indias numbers are healthy, and the government is looking at eight percent growth for the current financial year 202324. The International Monetary Fund says India will easily remain the worlds fastest-growing economy. So, the growth trajectory is positive. But, in the short term, the markets may see some turbulence.

Cause of slide

Some big-ticket foreign investors have reduced their holdings in their Indian businesses. This includes the likes of Whirlpool Corporation, which is an electronics giant. It has sold a part of its India business. The same is true of Singapore Telecommunications Limited, a major telecom player better known as Singtel. Since the year 2000, it has been a strategic investor in Airtel, one of the biggest telecom companies in India. Singtel has sold some of its shares. The shares constitute 0.8 percent of its Airtel stock.

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In total, there have been at least seven such instances in recent weeks where a major player has disinvested or has been planning to do so for a part of its India operations.

They are selling these shares as a strategic move. Market experts call it a strategic sale. When the value of your business is at its peak and the share price zooms up, you offload some shares to make money.

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Businesses usually take this route when they are looking to raise quick money. Or when they want to cash in on the momentum.

Whirlpool plans to use the proceeds of about $468 million to reduce debt. Singtel plans to use funds to invest in areas such as data centres.

These businesses could not have timed it better. Since November last year, Indian markets have been on fire, and stock prices have shot through the roof. They are among the most expensive in the world. So, for the last eight years, Indian markets have gained continuously. So you could say this fall was coming.

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Massive drop

Indias small and mid-cap stocks saw a massive drop on Wednesday; it was their worst day of trading in more than two years. These are small and medium-sized companies by market value. Theyre listed on the stock exchanges.

Indias market regulator SEBI has been worried, as it thinks that there are signs of a bubble in these stocks. The SEBI chief gave a statement this week; she said, There are pockets of froth in the market; some call it a bubble. It may not be appropriate to allow that bubble to keep building because, when it bursts, it adversely impacts investors."

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This statement came with some advice that was aimed at mutual funds. The SEBI chief asked them to manage their risk with small and midcap investments better.

Indias market regulator has asked mutual funds to conduct stress tests and disclose the results by Friday. They must do it once every 15 days and disclose the results.

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During stress testing, MFs evaluate if they will be able to meet large redemption pressures, going by the recent liquidity in the stocks that they hold.

Now reports say mutual funds followed the SEBI orders, and that may have churned in their portfolios.

So there is no major cause for concern; market fluctuations do not impact Indias growth story. There is a large influx of investors in the Indian market, and thats a good reason for Indian regulators to step up their vigilance by introducing measures to shield the small investors from sudden shocks.

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The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
As Haiti braces for what comes next, the fate of Barbecues ambitions remains uncertain

Former police officer Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier, and leader of an alliance of armed groups, speaks to a news outlet on a mobile phone during a news conference, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on 11 March, 2024. Reuters

As turmoil grips the Caribbean island nation of Haiti, the spotlight shifts to its capital, Port-au-Prince, where gang violence has erupted, leaving the city under siege. Amidst this chaos, Haiti finds itself on the brink of leadership vacuum as Prime Minister Ariel Henry has agreed to resign, a demand made by Haitian gangs.

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After the council of ministers tonight accepted to put into place a transitional presidential council, the members of the council will be picked after agreement with different sectors of the national life. The government I am running will remove itself immediately after the establishment of said council, said Ariel.

Ariel Henry quits

The unelected status of Prime Minister Henry became a rallying point for the gangs, who deemed him unfit to lead. With his resignation, a power struggle looms large, with one figure at the forefront - Jimmy Cherizier, better known as Barbecue.

If Ariel Henry doesnt step down, the country will suffer a genocide. If Ariel Henry doesnt step down, if the international community continues to support Ariel Henry, they will lead us directly into a civil war that will end in genocide," warned Barbecue. We demand that the choice of the person who is going to lead this country we live in will be made by the Haitian people. We want to make sure the person who is going to lead this countrys wife and children live in Haiti. We want to make sure the people who are going to be ministers in this governments wives and their children live in the country.

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Barbecue, a former police officer fired in 2018 over alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings, has risen to prominence within Haitis underworld. He was allegedly associated with the La Saline massacre in 2018 and faced US sanctions over his involvement. Despite this, Barbecues influence only grew after he joined Haitis gangs, leading a coalition known as the G9 Family and Allies, which has wreaked havoc with impunity for years.

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Rise of Jimmy Cherizier

Initially believed to have ties to former President Jovenel Moise, Barbecue served as an enforcer, maintaining order in the streets and ensuring support for his patron. However, Moises assassination in 2021 shifted the dynamics. Ariel Henry assumed power with international support, aiming to restore order, but his efforts proved insufficient.

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Two weeks ago, Henry sought international assistance, signing a deal with Kenya to deploy police forces to counter the gangs. However, Barbecues opposition to this plan became apparent when Henry left the country, leading to the current upheaval.

Barbecues demands for Haitian leadership to be chosen by the people reflect his aspirations for control. Whether directly ruling or holding the families of leaders hostage, Barbecue seeks to exert influence over Haitis future governance.

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As Haiti braces for what comes next, the fate of Barbecues ambitions remains uncertain. Will he succeed in consolidating power, or will his plans face resistance? Only time will tell the direction Haiti takes amidst its ongoing turmoil.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
India missed the bus during the previous industrial revolutions and a repeat must be avoided

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a special event called Indias Techade.

Techade is basically a combination of tech and decade. India wants to use chips to power its economic growth. Wednesdays event marked a big step in that journey. The prime minister laid the foundation stone for three chip projects.

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The first is in Gujarat. It is a chip fabrication plant set up by the Tata Group with total investments of around 10 billion dollars. This will be Indias first chip fabrication plant.

The second project is in Assamagain, being set up by the Tata Groupwith total investments of around 3.2 billion dollars. This facility will assemble chips.

Finally, the third project is located in the city of Sanand, Gujarat, and is being set up by CG Power and Industrial Solutions. Total investment is around one billion dollars.

Put together, these three projects are worth some 15 billion dollars, but the government is just getting started. PM Modi says India will soon become a chip power. Its not just a vision but a strategic necessity. This is because chips are the building blocks of modern life. So you cant depend on others for it; if you do, you will be at their mercy, as we have seen this happen before.

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Just consider the social media revolution of the last two decades. American firms dominated that period, and Indian firms were nowhere in the picture. India had no answer to WhatsApp, Instagram, or Twitter, and as a result, these companies sidestepped Indian regulations. They do little to fight fake news, yet they milk the Indian market.

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Some Asian challengers did emerge, the biggest being TikTok, created by a company based in China. Tiktok managed to challenge and beat American tech firms. But look at it now: the US is on the verge of banning it, and India has already banned it. Other Western countries have partially banned it.

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Now, TikTok isnt exactly innocent here, but you get the drift. The US and its social media firms have fiercely guarded the industry. They wont let others succeed. That is why sovereign platforms are so important.

It is what the Indian government is aiming for. PM Modi also hinted at this when he said that India missed the bus during the previous industrial revolutions and a repeat must be avoided.

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As always, there are challenges and advantages.

India doesnt have a geopolitical stigma, but China does. Western powers see China as a revisionist countryas a strategic rivalbut they see India as a partner. So Western powers are helping New Delhi create new supply chains. One such deal was signed last year, called the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.

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India, the US, and 12 others agreed to diversify supply chains.

Next is skilled labour; 68 percent of Indias population is of working age; thats around 900 million people.

The chip industry can be divided into three parts: designing, manufacturing, and assembling. If you want the big money, you must design, and thats the most skilled part of this industry. Most of it is done in the US by companies like Intel and Nvidia. They are now worth billions of dollars.

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Manufacturing a chip brings in less money, and assembling it even less.

If you want to be self-reliant, you need all three, and as of now, India isnt there. It is mostly focused on manufacturing and assembly. It will take time and investment. The good news is that the government is thinking in the right direction.

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At the same time, we need to keep an eye on the horizon because technology wont end with chips. There will be more advanced products and industries. We need to identify and invest in them, or else we will be stuck in catch-up mode.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Pakistans new president, Asif Ali Zardari, is one of the richest men in Pakistan. Hes worth around 1.8 billion dollars, and a lot of that wealth is from corruption

Pakistans new president, Asif Ali Zardari, has made an announcement. As president, he is entitled to a government salary, which is around 3,000 dollars per month. But Zardari says he wont take it because Pakistans economy is going through a tough time.

That is a selfless act by a dedicated leader, but think again. Zardari is one of the richest men in Pakistan. Hes worth around 1.8 billion dollars, and a lot of that wealth is from corruption. He was quite an expert at swindling money. So he had a nicknameMister 10%that was his cut for getting things done.

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So Zardari giving up his salary isnt selfless or noble, but political showmanship. Hopefully, Pakistans people dont buy it. But lets take a closer look at Zardaris story. He was born into a Sindhi family of landlords, and his lifestyle became the talk of the town.

Many called him a playboy who played polo. His life took a major turn in 1987, when he married Benazir Bhutto. Now, Bhutto was Pakistans leader-in-waiting. She led the Pakistan Peoples Party, and as she claimed power, Zardari entered politics.

First, as environment minister in 1993, and then as investment minister until 1996. During this time, Zardari was neck deep in corruption, with his rivals calling him Mister 10%.

Even foreign governments, like Switzerland and Britain, investigated his corruption. At home, he was put in jail for eleven years, but if you know Pakistani politics, you know thats a long time because usually politicians wiggle out of jail, but not Zardari. His crimes ranged from corruption to extortion and murder.

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Now that same man is president. So there is nothing to celebrate about Zardaris latest decision. Forget giving up his salary; he should be paying ordinary Pakistanis for putting up with him.

PR stunts aside, Pakistans economy is doing pretty badly. A team from the International Monetary Fund arrived on Wednesday. Its job is to review Pakistans bailout, which was agreed upon last year.

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The IMF is supposed to disburse three billion dollars to Pakistan; two payments have been made, and the final one is awaited. If the IMF team is happy, the rest of the money will be released. The team is there in Pakistan until next Monday. The team members will hold talks with the new finance minister, Muhammed Aurangzeb. This appointment was very important, as Aurangzeb is a political outsider. He is a career banker and has studied at the Wharton School of Business. He has worked for international banks like Citi and JPMorgan and has headed Pakistans biggest commercial bank, HBL.

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Its a big change for the Sharifs, too. Traditionally, they have trusted Ishaq Dar with the finance ministry, but this time, hes been shifted out. So Islamabad is sending a message to the IMF that they are serious about turning the economy around. But why should the IMF buy it?

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already called for another IMF loan and hasnt mentioned a number yet. Reportedly, he wants six billion dollars.

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The finance minister will present Pakistans case to the IMF team. It is now up to the IMF team members. Do they trust the new governments intentions? Do they believe Asif Ali Zardaris fiscal prudence? And do they trust the technocrat finance minister? At their own peril.

This is a country where elected prime ministers dont have real power, so how powerful can a non-political finance minister be? Its something the IMF should think about.

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Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder said while suspects were either fired or moved to different units, a number of people had already been placed under protection. The nations military, according to her, has no place for sexism, racism, or extremism

The Belgian military will dismantle a platoon of about thirty soldiers due to severe incidents of violence and harassment, the minister of defence announced Thursday.

As per Ludivine Dedonder, while suspects were either fired or moved to different units, a number of people had already been placed under protection. The nations military, according to her, has no place for sexism, racism, or extremism.

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During a press conference with Defense Chief Adm. Michel Hofman, Dedonder stated that she received an email in November alerting her to the violence occurring within the Fourth Engineer Battalion. She claimed that a family member of a soldier who had been a victim had informed her.

Dedonder said investigations were immediately launched, focusing on serious acts of violence.

Among other things, we are talking about degrading treatment, assault and battery, blackmail, threats between soldiers, pressure exerted by soldiers on their peers, and an obligation of silence about these facts, the minister said.

Dedonder said the violence took place during hazing and training sessions, lasted for several months and involved officers, non-commissioned officers and less experienced soldiers.

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These behaviors are unacceptable, which is why Belgium was taking strong measures, including the disbanding of a platoon within the 4th Battalion in the eastern city of Amay, Dedonder said. She said the army will adopt a zero-tolerance policy.

The battalion in Amay was formed in 1913 and took part in World War I the following year. It has a great reputation within the Belgian army.

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Its not the whole workforce thats affected, Dedonder said. We are talking about a few dozen people at the moment.

Hofman and Dedonder said they could not give more details about the identity of people involved, or the exact nature of the violence, because investigations were ongoing.

Were talking about degrading behavior, humiliation, as part of hazing or integration rituals, Dedonder said.

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With inputs from The Associated Press
The visit of Prime Minister Tobgay follows a series of high-level engagements between India and Bhutan, including PM Modis visit to Bhutan in 2014 and 2019, as well as interactions between the King of Bhutan and Indian dignitaries in 2022 and 2023

Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay of Bhutan has embarked on a significant trip to India, marking his inaugural overseas visit since assuming office in January 2024. Upon his arrival, Prime Minister Tobgay met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the latters official residence on 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.

His five-day official trip commenced with a warm reception at the New Delhis International airport, where he was greeted by Union Minister of State for Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Ashwini Choubey.

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His meeting with PM Modi underscores the enduring friendship between the two nations, as highlighted by Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs.

#WATCH | Delhi | Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dasho Tshering Tobgay calls on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg (LKM). pic.twitter.com/Zj6QFVFNms  ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2024

Warm welcome to India! PM @tsheringtobgay of Bhutan arrives in New Delhi on his first overseas visit after assuming office in Jan 2024. Received by MoS @AshwiniKChoubeyat the airport. The visit of @PMBhutan is in keeping with the exemplary ties of friendship between India and Bhutan, Jaiswal said in a post on X.

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Accompanied by a delegation comprising the Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister, Energy and Natural Resources Minister, and Industry, Commerce, and Employment Minister, along with senior officials from the Royal Government of Bhutan, Prime Minister Tobgays visit aims to bolster the longstanding ties of camaraderie and collaboration between India and Bhutan.

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During his stay, Prime Minister Tobgay is scheduled to engage in crucial discussions with President Droupadi Murmu and hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Additionally, he will be honored with calls from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and other prominent Indian figures.

Furthermore, the itinerary includes a visit to Mumbai, where Prime Minister Tobgay will have the opportunity to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation between the two nations.

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This visit not only serves as a platform to assess the progress made in the unique partnership between India and Bhutan but also opens avenues for further strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation. The longstanding tradition of regular political and official exchanges exemplifies the special relationship shared by the two countries.

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The visit of Prime Minister Tobgay follows a series of high-level engagements between India and Bhutan, including Prime Minister Modis visit to Bhutan in 2014 and 2019, as well as interactions between the King of Bhutan and Indian dignitaries in 2022 and 2023.

These interactions have continually reaffirmed the deep-rooted friendship and cooperation between India and Bhutan, underlining the commitment to mutual prosperity and shared values.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Thursday announced Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Canberra next week and that he is looking forward to meeting him

Australias diplomatic relations with China, which were severely strained since 2018, have now been improving. It is so, as for the first time since 2017, Beijings foreign minister will be visiting Canberra next week for dialogue.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Thursday announced that Chinas top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Canberra next week and that he is looking forward to meeting him.

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I look forward to meeting Wang Yi during his visit to Canberra next week Its a good thing that Wang Yi is visiting, its a good thing to have dialogue, Albanese said during a televised media briefing.

Significant progress between Australia & China

Albanese said in recent months, there has been significant progress made to remove trade impediments with China, Australias largest trading partner.

Why have Australia-China relations soured?

Australias diplomatic relations with China have been severely strained since 2018 when the previous conservative government banned Huawei from providing equipment during the rollout of its 5G network. Ties soured further after Canberra called for an independent investigation into the origin of COVID-19.

Beijing responded by imposing tariffs on several Australian commodities. However, after Albaneses Labor government came to power two years ago, it has been lifting most trade blocks.

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Australia Foreign Minister Penny Wong will be meeting Wang Yi next Wednesday. During talks with her Chinese counterpart, she is expected to raise consular matters, trade impediments, human rights, conflict prevention and regional security.

Its Australias view that a stable bilateral relationship would enable both countries to pursue respective national interests, if we navigate our differences

wisely, Wong said in a statement.

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With inputs from Reuters
The short-video apps global popularity has surged, but Western capitals are alarmed by its ownership by Chinese tech behemoth ByteDance and its purported subordination to Beijings ruling Communist Party

Following the US Houses passage of a bill that would have banned TikTok unless it separated from its Chinese owner, China denounced Washingtons bandit mentality Thursday and pledged to take all necessary measures to safeguard the interests of its businesses abroad.

The short-video apps global popularity has surged, but Western capitals are alarmed by its ownership by Chinese tech behemoth ByteDance and its purported subordination to Beijings ruling Communist Party.

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Wednesday saw the overwhelming approval of a bill by the US House of Representatives that would have required TikTok to separate from its parent company or risk being banned across the country.

The bill is yet to pass the Senate, where it is expected to face a tougher test in order to become law.

The US should truly respect the principles of a market economy and fair competition (and) stop unjustly suppressing foreign companies, Beijings commerce ministry spokesperson He Yadong said at a press conference.

Washington should also provide an open, fair, just, and non-discriminatory environment for foreign companies to invest and operate in the US, He added.

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China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, he said.

- Logic of a bandit -

At a separate press briefing, foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said the vote runs contrary to the principles of fair competition and international economic and trade rules.

If so-called reasons of national security can be used to arbitrarily suppress excellent companies from other countries, then there is no fairness and justice at all, Wang said.

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When someone sees a good thing another person has and tries to take it for themselves, this is entirely the logic of a bandit.

Prior to the vote, Beijing had warned that the proposed ban would inevitably come back to bite the United States.

China has blocked Western online platforms such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) for years on its heavily-censored internet.

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US lawmakers voted 352 in favour of the proposed law and 65 against, striking a rare note of unity in politically divided Washington.

The White House has said President Joe Biden will sign the bill  known officially as the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act  into law if it reaches his desk.

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But it faces a tricky path through the more cautious Senate, where some are wary of taking dramatic measures against an app with 170 million US users.

TikTok has consistently denied that it is under the control of Chinas Communist Party.

Its CEO Shou Zi Chew has urged users to speak out against the vote, and several TikTok creators interviewed by AFP voiced opposition to the proposed ban.

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- Long-running tensions -

The app is at the centre of long-running tensions between China and the United States, which have butted heads in recent years over technology, trade and human rights issues.

Washington has cited national security concerns to limit the activities of some Chinese companies in the United States, as well as the export of certain technologies to China that it deems sensitive.

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European regulators are also concerned about the app, with the European Commission on Thursday quizzing TikTok and other platforms such as Facebook, Google and X on what they were doing to counter the risk of AI to elections, including through deepfakes.

Also on Thursday, Italys competition authority imposed a fine of 10 million euros (nearly $11 million) over the apps failure to sufficiently protect minors.

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China has repeatedly lashed out at what it views as a concerted attempt to suppress Chinas rise.

Foreign minister Wang Yi said this month that Washingtons desire to heap blame under any pretext has reached an unbelievable level.

The methods used to suppress China are constantly being renewed, and the list of unilateral sanctions is constantly being extended, Wang said at a press briefing during annual political meetings in Beijing.

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With inputs from AFP
Indias bold move of banning TikTok four years ago was citied when US lawmakers voted in support of legislation about the Chinese app on Wednesday.

India banned TikTok along with 58 other Chinese-created apps in 2020, emphasising their priority to defend the national security of the country.

What does the bill seek?

The bill seeks to control the ownership of foreign apps like TikTok in the US.

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After the House of Representatives passed by 352 to 65 votes the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, it now heads to the Senate for it to be sent to the White House for the President to sign it into law.

The bill is co-authored by Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat, and Congressman Mike Gallaghe from the Republican party.

Why US wants to ban TikTok?

Congressman Greg Murphy said TikTok is used by China to target, surveil and manipulate American citizens.

The app collects sensitive user data that is shared with the Chinese Communist Party and its intelligence services. Under its current ownership, it presents a grave national security threat, he said.

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House Republicans said the ambitious data collection goals of China and the documented lack of transparency from TikTok and their executives over data and moderation practices has prompted governments, including the US, the European Union, Canada, India and several US States to ban the use of the application on government devices.

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The bill requires TikTok to sever its ties with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to help protect the data of tens of millions of Americans especially children and mitigate national security risks posed by the brutal regime.

White House on TikTok ban in US

The White House said the bill when passed by the Senate would be signed into law by the president. At the same time, it insisted the bill does not ban apps like TikTok.

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We are glad to see this bill move forward. We will look to the Senate to take swift action. As we have said this is something that National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said  this bill is important and we welcome the step in  and ongoing efforts to address the threat posed by certain technology services operating in the US that put at risk Americans personal information and our broader national security, including through the manipulation by foreign powers of Americans views and beliefs, White House Press Secretary Karine Jeane-Pierre said.

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Sullivan Tuesday said: Do we want private data that Americans have to be here or in China? Do we want companies to be owned here or in China?

I want to be also very clear here: This bill would not ban apps like TikTok, period. What it would do is to ensure that ownership, as I just stated, of these apps wouldnt be in the hands of those who can exploit them or do us harm, Karine Jeane-Pierre said.

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So, its going to go through a process. We hope the Senate takes action and takes this up very quickly. We have said this before on every legislation thats worked in  in Congress that we have  we are involved in: We provide technical support. Thats what we did during the House process, and were going to certainly do that during the Senate process, the White House Press Secretary added.

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In a statement, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said he voted against legislation that would functionally result in a ban of TikTok, barring a difficult-to-achieve divestiture.

The legislation gives broad discretion to the Executive Branch with virtually no congressional oversight, a move that would be unprecedented in American history, he said.

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With inputs from PTI
Michelle Troconis remains in custody after a jury found her guilty in the death and disappearance of New Canaan mother Jennifer Dulos. Connecticut Department of Correction / Contributed Photo

STAMFORD  A Superior Court judge on Thursday ordered Michelle Troconis to remain in Connecticut if she posts a $6 million bond.

Nearly two weeks after being convicted of conspiracy to commit murder in the death and disappearance of Jennifer Dulos, Troconis appeared remotely from York Correctional Institution, donning handcuffs and an orange prison jumper, before Judge Gary White.

The hearing focused on a recent motion by Assistant States Attorney Elizabeth Moran that sought to modify Troconis conditions of release, despite defense attorney Jon Schoenhorns claims that his client has no present ability to post the bond.

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In the motion, Moran asked the court to order Troconis to remain in Connecticut and to undergo intensive probation services should she post bond. The motion also asked the judge to order Troconis to surrender any active or expired passports.

On Thursday, Moran argued that Troconis had provided bail commissioners with an address in Miami Beach, Fla., which she said concerned prosecutors.

That, of course, caused concerns with the state given that we sought to revoke the defendants bond after conviction based on her lack of ties to Connecticut and her ties outside of Connecticut and outside of the country, Moran said.

Moran said the state would not be able to properly monitor Troconis if she did not live in Connecticut, though bail commissioner Shereen Webley later contradicted her, saying they have done so in the past and would be able to in the future.

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Schoenhorn claimed that requiring Troconis to live in Connecticut should she post bond was unconstitutional.

I dont know why were having this hearing. It is a complete waste of time, Schoenhorn said. These issues were raised with Judge (Kevin) Randolph the date of the verdict. We stated on the record and both Your Honor and Judge Randolph knew that Ms. Troconis no longer lived in Connecticut.

Despite Schoenhorns objections, White granted all of the modifications requested by the state.

Im persuaded by the states argument and Im going to grant the motion, White said before adding that Troconis must also post bond in court, which neither Schoenhorn nor Moran objected to.

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The hearing comes about a week after Schoenhorn filed two motions: one asking the judge for a post-trial acquittal and another requesting a new trial.

On March 1, a jury convicted Troconis, 49, of all six counts she faced: Conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of conspiracy to tamper with physical evidence, two counts of tampering with physical evidence and one count of second-degree hindering prosecution.

Troconis, who is being held in lieu of a $6 million bond, is scheduled to be sentenced on May 31. She faces a maximum prison term between 20 years (if her sentences run concurrently) and 50 years (if her sentences run consecutively).

Schoenhorn told Hearst Connecticut Media Group last week that even if Troconis were to post that bond, it will likely take a while to put together an adequate bond package.

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Since Randolph increased Troconis' bond by $4 million after the jury returned the guilty verdict, her family would have to contract with a bondsman for 7 percent of that amount  a payment of about $280,000, Schoenhorn said at the time. They also have the option of paying 10 percent to the court, which means $400,000 in cash, not assets such as real estate, according to Schoenhorn.

If Troconis is released on bond, Randolph ordered that she be under house arrest and GPS monitoring.

Troconis, 49, was accused of creating an alibi for her then-boyfriend Fotis Dulos on the day his estranged wife disappeared on May 24, 2019. Troconis was also accused of helping Fotis Dulos clean a pickup truck that police believe was used in the crime.

Troconis was first arrested on June 1, 2019, and charged with tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and first-degree hindering prosecution. Those charges were related to the Hartford surveillance footage that captured her with Fotis Dulos making a series of stops along a 4-mile stretch of Albany Avenue the night Jennifer Dulos was reported missing, police said.

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The second arrest occurred on Sept. 5, 2019. Troconis turned herself in to state police and was charged with tampering with evidence.

The third arrest occurred on Jan. 7, 2020, when police charged Fotis Dulos, Troconis and attorney Kent Mawhinney in connection with Jennifer Dulos' homicide. Fotis Dulos faced new charges of murder and kidnapping, while Troconis and Mawhinney were each charged with conspiracy to commit murder.

In August 2020, the state filed more charges against Troconis, including two additional counts of conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence. Prosecutors also removed one charge of first-degree hindering prosecution and added a second-degree hindering prosecution charge.

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Delta said it will offer about 2,000 seats weekly from New York to Israel and continues to closely monitor the situation in Israel in conjunction with government and private-sector partners

Delta Air Lines said late on Wednesday it will resume flights to Israel starting June 7, becoming the second major US carrier to do so following the Oct 7 attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel.

Delta said it will begin daily flights between New York-JFK and Tel Aviv on an Airbus A330-900neo following an extensive security risk assessment by the airline. United Airlines, opens new tab resumed flights to Israel earlier this month from Newark but does not plan to restart flights from other US cities until at least this fall.

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Delta said it will offer about 2,000 seats weekly from New York to Israel and continues to closely monitor the situation in Israel in conjunction with government and private-sector partners.

United, American Airlines and Delta all suspended US service to Israel in October following the Hamas attack.

Restarting US carrier flights to Tel Aviv signals a potential turning point for travel to Israel, after tourism dried up on security fears following the Hamas rampage and subsequent Israeli bombardment of Gaza.

Before Oct. 7, United had four direct flights daily to Tel Aviv from Newark, San Francisco, Washington and Chicago. The airline said the flights where service has not yet resumed will be evaluated for resumption beginning in the fall.

Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, Aegean and Air France are among other airlines that have restarted flights to Tel Aviv.

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American Airlines has halted flights through Oct 28. Last October, more than 30 US lawmakers urged the airlines to resume flights to Israel as soon as possible.
The panel would be responsible for selecting an interim prime minister and a council of ministers that would attempt to chart a new path for Haiti that has been overrun by gangs

New leadership in Haiti is not in sight anytime soon. It is so, because some political parties in the Caribbean nation have strongly rejected the plan to create a presidential council that would work on the transition.

The plan of the proposed council backed by the international community was proposed by ex-senator and presidential candidate, Jean Charles Moise, who teamed up with former rebel leader Guy Philippe.

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In a news conference on Wednesday, Moise announced about the rejection of his plan and said in a loud voice: We are not going to negotiate it We have to make them understand.

Moise insisted that a three-person presidential council, created by him recently with Philippe and a Haitian judge should be implemented.

Responsibility of the panel

The panel proposed by Moise would be responsible for selecting an interim prime minister and a council of ministers that would try to create a new path for the Haiti that has been overrun by gangs. Violence in the country since February 25 has closed schools and businesses and disrupted daily life across Haiti.

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The plan emerged late Monday following an urgent meeting involving Caribbean leaders, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and others who were searching for a solution to halt Haitis crisis of violence.

Hours after the meeting, Ariel Henry announced on Tuesday that he would resign from the prime ministerial post once the council was in place, saying his government cannot remain insensitive to this situation.

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Meanwhile, Moises ally Philippe said no Haitian should accept any proposal from the international community.

For the unversed, Philippe helped lead a successful revolt in 2004 against former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide and was recently released from a prison in the US after pleading guilty to money laundering.

Philippe posted a video on social media on Tuesday where he accused the community of being complicit with Haitis elite and corrupt politicians, and urged Haitians to take to the streets.

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The decision of Caricom is not our decision, Philippe said, referring to the regional trade bloc whose leaders presented the plan to create a transitional council. Haitians will decide who will govern Haiti," he added.

High-profile Haitian politicians decline to participate

Other high-profile Haitian politicians who have declined to participate in the proposed transitional council include Himmler Rebu, former colonel of Haitis army and president of the Grand Rally for the Evolution of Haiti, a party that is part of a coalition awarded a spot on the transitional council.

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In a statement, Rebu said his party prefers that a judge from Haitis Supreme Court assume the reins of power.

He went on to say that the party is ashamed and angry upon seeing the search for positions of power that do not take into account the responsibilities attached to them.

Meanwhile, a former senator, Sorel Jacinthe, and a young politician, Jorchemy Jean Baptiste, both supporters of Henry and the Dec. 21 coalition that backs him, called Radio Caraibes separately Wednesday to argue why their choice for the transitional council was the best one.

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Henry remains locked out of Haiti because gang attacks have shuttered the countrys airports. He is currently in Puerto Rico.

The gang attacks began February 29, when Henry was in Kenya to push for the UN.-backed deployment of a Kenyan police force. The deployment has been temporarily suspended.

My concern is that the longer there is a power vacuum and an effort to figure out a way forward on the political side, every day that delays resolutions, many, many people are dying, said William ONeill, the UNs independent expert on human rights in Haiti.

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Armed men in the capital of Port-au-Prince have set fire to police stations and stormed the countrys two biggest prisons, releasing more than 4,000 inmates. Among those who fled are gang leaders of at least seven communities, officials said.

As of March 10, gunmen attacked, looted or torched at least 30 state institutions, more than 600 homes and private businesses and nearly 500 public and private vehicles, the officials said.

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Gangs also have attacked neighborhoods in a rampage that has left scores dead and more than 15,000 homeless. More than 130 people were killed between February 27 and March 8. Meanwhile, at least 40 gang members were killed between February 29 and March 10, officials said.

This is absolutely catastrophic, ONeill said. I describe Port-au-Prince now as an open-air prison. There is no way to get out: land, air or sea. The airport is still not functioning.

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By Tuesday, the attacks were subsiding, with some businesses and banks reopening, although schools and gas stations remained closed. Public transportation restarted, and more Haitians could be seen Wednesday going about their business.

While some activity has resumed, many people are still concerned that gangs might resume their attacks.

Caricom gave the organizations that were offered positions on the council until Wednesday to submit the names of people who would represent them. As of midday Wednesday, no list had been submitted.

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With inputs from Associated Press
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that it is wrong to assume that the boundary issues between the two countries represent the entirety of China-India relations'

China and India together believe that an early settlement of the border dispute serves a common interest, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said after Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said tensions between Beijing and New Delhi have not served either of the sides well.

During a press briefing, Wenbin was asked to reply to Jaishankars comments on the India-China border issue. Both China and India believe that an early settlement of the situation on the China-India border serves the common interests of both countries, the Chinese official said.

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Wenbin added, We hope that the two sides will follow the common understandings between the leaders of the two countries and the spirit of relevant agreements, maintain communication through diplomatic and military channels, and find a solution to relevant border issues that can be accepted by both sides at an early date.

Earlier this week, Jaishankar said that he believes that not having that many forces on the Line of Actual Control serves a common interest of the two nations. So, the sooner we resolve it, I genuinely believe it is good for both of us. I am still very much committed to finding a fair, reasonable outcome. But one which is respectful of agreements recognises the Line of Actual Control and doesnt seek to change the status quo, the Indian foreign minister said.

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Boundary issue does not represent China-India relations

Wenbin said that it is wrong to assume that the boundary issues between the two countries represent the entirety of China-India relations.

We hope that India will work in the same direction with China and approach the bilateral relations from a strategic height and long-term perspective. We should enhance mutual trust and avoid misunderstanding and misjudgment, he added.

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The spokesperson stressed the importance of stepping up dialogue and cooperation between New Delhi and Beijing to avoid setting up obstacles.

When pointed out that Jaishankars comments referred to the resolution of the present standoff in eastern Ladakh where the two countries deployed thousands of troops, while China referred to the overall boundary issue, Wang said, The two things in nature are the same.

With inputs from agencies
In the run-up to Nowrouz, the blasts at the annual fire festival resulted in 257 people with amputated bodies and 1,200 people with burn injuries

Explosions at Irans fire festival have killed at least 15 people and injured 4,000. The incident took place in the capital city of Tehran where Iranians had gathered to celebrate the last Wednesday eve before Nowruz.

A FARS news agency report quoted Babak Yektaparast, spokesperson of the Iranian National Medical Emergency Organisation saying that 72 per cent of those injured this year were under 22 years old.

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Among those injured in the celebrations between Feb 20 and March 12, 565 individuals are still hospitalised, with 38 in ICU. Four people remain in critical condition, the official said.

Seeing a rise of 21 per cent in the death toll and 13 per cent in injuries compared to the same period last year, the fire festival has seen serious consequences, Yektaparast said.

This year, blasts left 257 people with amputated bodies and 1,594 people suffering eye injuries.

Over 1,200 people sustained burn injuries as a result of the huge fire, as per the spokesperson.

In the run-up to Nowruz, the Persian New Year, many Iranians celebrate Chaharshanbe Suri, a traditional festival of fire that encompasses setting off fireworks and lighting bonfires.

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Irans government has for years discouraged the celebration because of its pre-Islamic origin and also because it gives people an opportunity to gather and criticise the government in public.

Last year, to the dislike of Ali Khamenei-led government, people used the occasion to take to the streets and chant anti-government slogans with unverified videos surfacing from several cities. One of the videos showed women burning scarves and people throwing fireworks at a group of security forces on motorcycles in the wake of Mhasa Aminis death in 2022, as per a report by the Washington Post.
In 2018, Hassan and Hussain Nawaz departed the country following their inclusion in the 2016 Panama Papers controversy. They were accused in three corruption cases involving the Panama Papers, but they never showed up in court

An anti-corruption court Thursday lifted the permanent arrest warrants against the two sons of former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif, a significant relief to his family.

The sons had been living in self-imposed exile in the UK for the past seven years. In 2018, Hassan and Hussain Nawaz departed the country following their inclusion in the 2016 Panama Papers controversy.

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They were accused in three corruption cases involving the Panama Papers, but they never showed up in court, leading the courts to declare them missing.

The brothers safe return to Pakistan was facilitated by an Islamabad anti-corruption courts March 7 suspension of the two brothers perpetual arrest warrants until this Thursday. This allowed the brothers to return to Pakistan on Tuesday.

On Thursday, Hassan and Hussain appeared at the Islamabad-based Accountability Court, which, after hearing the arguments, cancelled the permanent arrest warrant issued in the Flagship, Al-Azizia and Avenfield corruption cases.

The court also approved their bail against a surety bond worth Rs 50,000 each.

Both sons of the former prime minister also applied for exemption from attending court on the next hearing. The court adjourned the hearing till Friday.

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The brothers, who are British nationals, were implicated in the cases in 2018 along with their father, Nawaz Sharif, sister Maryam Nawaz and her husband, Muhammad Safdar.

Nawaz Sharif, Maryam and Safdar were convicted in the Avenfield while the three-time former premier was also convicted in the Al-Azizia cases and acquitted in the Flagship case.

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All of them separately challenged convictions in the Islamabad High Court. Maryam and Safdar were the first to get relief in 2022 when they were acquitted while Nawaz Sharif was still living in London. Last year, he returned and, after brief proceedings, was acquitted in all cases.

After their acquittal, only the two brothers were required to face the courts, as they were not formally tried due to their absence. Like their father, the two brothers are likely to get acquitted in all three cases as the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), which had instituted these cases against them, has given them a clean chit.

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Since the Sharif family and their party  the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)  are being patronage by the current military establishment, all the cases against them have either been closed or acquitted.

In October last year, Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan after a four-year self-imposed exile in the UK, and after brief proceedings, he was acquitted in all cases.

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His younger brother, Shehbaz Sharif, was elected as Pakistans prime minister for a second time after the PML-N and the Pakistan Peoples Party agreed on a power-sharing deal to form a coalition government.

Maryam, the 50-year-old daughter of Nawaz Sharif, took oath as the first-ever woman chief minister of Pakistans most populous and politically crucial Punjab province on February 26.

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with inputs from PTI
The foreign affairs ministry said that the deaths of Nepali nationals in the Russian Army come even as the government has banned the recruitment of its nationals in foreign armies except for those with whom Nepal has signed a traditional agreement

The Foreign Affairs ministry of Nepal has reported that seven additional Nepalese citizens, who were serving in the Russian Army during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, have lost their lives in the past week.

This brings the total number of Nepalese casualties in the conflict to 19. The update from the Ministry comes following Deputy Prime Minister Kaji Shresthas request to Russia for a list of Nepalese citizens serving in the Russian Army in the war zone.

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However, complications persist in arranging for the return of these individuals from the conflict area. Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha recently met with the Russian Ambassador to Nepal, Aleksei Novikov, to discuss this matter further.

In a statement issued Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the deaths of seven more Nepali nationals who were fighting from the Russian side in the Russia-Ukraine war.

With the deaths of 7 more Nepalese citizens with the Russian Army, the total number of such cases have touched 19, said the statement.

The ministry said that the deaths of Nepali nationals in the Russian Army come even as the Nepal government has banned the recruitment of Nepali nationals in foreign armies except for those countries with whom Nepal has signed a traditional agreement.

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The ministry has extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed in Ukraine.

The ministry said it has once again requested the Russian government to provide compensation to the kin of deceased soldiers, to provide treatment to those injured in the war and to repatriate those recruited illegally into the Russian Army.

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Nepal government has placed top priority on the works relating to repatriating those Nepalese nationals who have been recruited into the Russian Army, the ministry said.

Hundreds of Nepali citizens are reported fighting for the Russians against Ukraine. A small number of Nepali citizens are serving in the Ukrainian Army too, but both conflicting nations have not shared the details with the government of Nepal.

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On March 7, Shrestha held a telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and raised the concerns of the Nepali side.

Shrestha also reportedly said that he wants to visit Russia and take stock of the condition of the Nepali nationals in Russia.

He said he is keen to know how Nepali nationals were duped and brought to Russia and talk to Russian officials to resolve the issue.

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With inputs from PTI
The training match guided by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was designed to inspect the combat capabilities of tank crews and acquaint them with combat action on different tactical missions

North Korea once again carried out a military demonstration on Wednesday, this time with a new battle tank. Interestingly, Kim Jong Un, the leader of the reclusive state, drove the tank himself and expressed great satisfaction.

The military demonstration was the latest show of force by North as South Korea and the United States were due to wrap up joint drills, known as the Freedom Shield exercises, on Thursday.

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North Korea has long condemned such military drills as rehearsals for war, while Seoul has portrayed the exercises as purely defensive.

According to a report by state media KCNA, the training match was designed to inspect the combat capabilities of tank crews and acquaint them with combat action on different tactical missions.

Source: KCNA

The North Korean leader, donning a leather jacket and surrounded by troops, witnessed tanks with the North Korean flag blasting ammunition on a field. He expressed great satisfaction that the new type of main battle tank successfully demonstrated its striking power in its first performance display on March 13.

Swiftly weaving their way through various worst combat circumstances, heavy tanks hit targets at once with powerful strikes and broke through strong defence lines with high manoeuvrability, the report by the state media said.

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Source: KCNA

In one of the photographs published by KCNA, Kim was seen with his head peaking out of a tank.

Also Read: Kim Jong Un leads North Koreas artillery firing drill that can strike Seoul

The report also said the 105th Tank Division was declared the winner of the mock battle. This unit had occupied the South Korean capital Seoul during the Korean War.

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Source: KCNA

Last week, Kim guided an artillery firing drill by the Korean Peoples Army, the countrys military force that involved units near the border that are in firing range of the enemys capital, KCNA said, referring to Seoul, which has nearly 10 million residents.

With inputs from Reuters
The Polish government, under its new pro-European Union leadership, has begun the process of recalling 50 ambassadors as part of its efforts to enhance diplomatic missions during challenging times, according to a report, citing the countrys foreign ministry

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk talks with reporters outside the West Wing of the White House after meeting with President Joe Biden on 12 March, 2024, in Washington. AP File

The Polish government, under its new pro-European Union leadership, has begun the process of recalling 50 ambassadors as part of its efforts to enhance diplomatic missions during challenging times, according to The Guardian report, citing the countrys foreign ministry.

In its statement, the ministry said the change of the envoys was necessary and would serve a better, professional implementation of the difficult tasks facing Polands foreign policy.

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Polands Prime Minister Donald Tusk said it was crucial to have a team of loyal envoys when neighbouring Ukraine is fending off Russias full-scale war. He stressed it was not a retaliation against his predecessors, added the report.

According to the report, all the recalled diplomats were appointed during the previous right-wing governments eight-year tenure. Following a change in power with a three-way opposition alliance winning majority in the elections, Donald Tusk assumed the role of prime minister.

While the names of the recalled ambassadors were not disclosed, and details about their replacements or potential cuts in foreign postings were not provided, the ministry confirmed that the recall process has commenced under the direction of Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski, added the report.

However, according to The Associated Press report, the recall of the diplomats may not get the approval of President Andrzej Duda, who has been linked to the previous rightwing government and is critical of Tusk.

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If Duda does not approve of the changes, the charges daffaires would remain as heads of missions in locations where ambassadors were told to return home.

Tusk said that he had high opinion of the work of Polands ambassador to the US, Marek Magierowski, which suggested that particular envoy might not be recalled.

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During its years in power, the ruling nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party were accused of eroding the rule of law in Poland, rolling back abortion rights and targeting minorities. Its actions prompted a feud with the EU over issues ranging from judicial independence to LGBTQ+ rights.

After Tusk was confirmed as prime minister in December he vowed to fix everything.

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We will be able to right the wrongs so that everyone, without exception, can feel at home, he said at the time.

With inputs from agencies
In response to months of contentious pro-Palestinian demonstrations in British cities, Sunak made remarks in a Downing Street speech to the nation. However, some people criticised the statement, arguing that it was overly dramatic and politically motivated

The UK government shocked civic, political, and religious groups Thursday by releasing a new definition of extremism that will govern which organisations get public funds and meetings with officials.

A shocking increase in extremist disruption and criminality that put the nation at risk of devolving into mob rule prompted Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to issue a warning several weeks prior to this change.

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In response to months of contentious pro-Palestinian demonstrations in British cities, Sunak made remarks in a Downing Street speech to the nation. However, some people criticised the statement, arguing that it was overly dramatic and politically motivated.

Thousands of people have participated in the protests against Israels military response to Hamass October 7 attacks, and many have been arrested for using anti-Semitic slogans and banners, endorsing banned organisations, and attacking emergency personnel.

The government has insisted the update to its 2011 definition of extremism  which applies to conduct that falls short of criminality  is narrower and more precise.

It was previously defined as the vocal or active opposition to our fundamental values such as mutual respect and tolerance.

The new wording brands extremism the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance that aims to negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others.

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It also intends to undermine, overturn or replace the UKs system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights or apply to those who intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve.

- Division -

Senior minister Michael Gove, responsible for the policy, will announce the change in the House of Commons Thursday morning, amid speculation he will use parliamentary privilege to name some groups that will now be deemed extremist.

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The Byline Times media outlet said several prominent Muslim groups as well as far-right organisations were referenced in leaked draft plans it had seen.

The Daily Mail  typically supportive of Conservative policies  appeared sceptical about the new definition, cautioning an authoritarian government of the future could use it to curb legitimate debate.

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In broadcast interviews, Gove insisted it was not a restraint on free speech.

It applies only to engagement with government, he noted, adding individual extremist organisations have sought to take advantage of government patronage, money and influence.

We will keep these organisations at arms length, so they cant benefit from access to government and its funds.

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But the change sparked widespread criticism.

Qari Asim, chairman of the Mosques and Imams Advisory Board, warned it it could end up fuelling extremism and that the police may also be imposed inconsistently.

It will be applied subjectively, he told BBC radio, adding it risked creating huge division in our society.

My fear is that potentially, this proposed definition will actually result in more extremism and people going underground and, as a result, being manipulated and exploited by those who are true extremists.

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- Unnecessary -

Lawmaker John Mann, the governments independent adviser on anti-Semitism, agreed that ministers should be prioritising bringing communities together.

I think that the government needs to listen to people who are advising that the politics of division will not work, he told the BBC.

Church leaders too have aired concerns about its divisive impact.

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Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said Wednesday that there was a danger of hollowing out the centre and driving people to one extreme or the other, adding that this was very, very dangerous.

Welby  who sits in the upper chamber House of Lords  has also criticised the government over its plan to send asylum seekers from the UK to Rwanda.

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Sunaks ruling Conservative party has faced claims of Islamophobia in recent weeks, after a former deputy chairman accused London Mayor Sadiq Khan of links to Islamists.

The prime minister has this week also been forced to apologise for reported racist comments about a prominent black British MP by one of the partys biggest donors.

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Yasmine Ahmed, UK Director of Human Rights Watch, seized on the Conservatives record in her criticism of this unnecessary and unacceptable new definition.

There is a fair case to be made that this government could now meet the threshold of an extremist organisation, she added.

With inputs from AFP
Border Patrol agents assigned to the Buffalo Station spotted four people jumping off a moving freight train on the International Railroad Bridge in the city of Buffalo

Four people, including three Indian nationals, have been arrested in Upstate New York after they tried to enter the US illegally by jumping off a moving freight train from Canada.

The four people, including a woman, were arrested by the US Border Patrol officials on March 12. The investigation concluded that all four people were undocumented non-citizens.

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How were they caught?

Border Patrol agents assigned to the Buffalo Station spotted four people jumping off a moving freight train on the International Railroad Bridge in the city of Buffalo.

The three men abandoned the woman who became immobile due to an injury. But their bid to cross the border was a failure as they were officials caught up to them on a foot pursuit.

Meanwhile, the injured woman received first aid from Erie County Sheriffs deputies and US Customs and Border Protection officers (CBP). After treatment, the woman was transported by ambulance to a local medical centre.

Who are the four people?

The Border Patrol has identified the four accused and has traced their places of origin.

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The woman and the two men were from India while the third man was from the Dominican Republic.

The three men are being processed for removal and detained in Batavia Federal Detention Facility awaiting a deportation hearing for charges under Sections 212 and 237 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, a media release said.

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The woman remains at a local medical centre awaiting further medical treatment.

With inputs from PTI
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The US was represented by the White Houses Middle East adviser Brett McGurk and the Biden administrations top official for Iran Abram Paley while representing Iran was deputy foreign minister Ali Bagheri Kani

Houthis have been attacking merchant vessels in the Red Sea to show solidarity with Hamas after Israel launched a counteroffensive against the terrorist group in October last year. AFP file

In January officials from the US and Iran met secretly in Oman to discuss the ongoing crisis in the Middle East making it the first known engagement between the two nations since the prisoner swap in September last year.

During the indirect talks, the US also pushed Iran to use its influence over the Yemen-backed Houthi movement in the Red Sea to put an end to attacks on ships en route.

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Houthis have been attacking merchant vessels in the Red Sea to show solidarity with Hamas after Israel launched a counteroffensive against the terrorist group in October last year. The regular attacks on the key maritime route have significantly affected trade with many shipping companies rerouting to avoid Houthi attacks.

The US was represented by the White Houses Middle East adviser Brett McGurk and the Biden administrations top official for Iran Abram Paley while representing Iran was deputy foreign minister Ali Bagheri Kani.

How are the talks significant?

In the past, the US has alleged that Iran is deeply involved in Houthis acts on the Red Sea, a claim that Tehran has outrightly rejected.

At the time, Kani had said, The resistance [Houthis> has its own tools and acts in accordance with its own decisions and capabilities.

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The secret talks between the two nations underscore the Biden administrations efforts to make use of diplomatic channels with its enemy along with military deterrents. The US and EU have intensified counterattacks in the Red Sea in a bid to make the region safer for transit.

A person familiar with the matter said the US sees an indirect channel with Iran as a method for raising the full range of threats emanating from Iran. The channel also gives Washington a medium to convey what they (Iran) need to do in order to prevent a wider conflict, as they claim to want.

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What was discussed?

The secret talks covered discussions on a wide range of topics including Irans nuclear program and the Houthis.

A second round of discussions involving McGurk was slated for February but was never materialised.

A State Department spokesperson told CNN, We arent going to comment on any details of our communications with Iran, other than to say that since October 7th all of them have been focused on raising the full range of threats emanating from Iran and the need for Iran to cease its across-the-board escalation.
Top administration officials in private meetings have told the Israelis that the US would back a strategy for counterterrorism operations in Rafah rather than full-scale war, like elsewhere in Gaza, according to a report

US officials have communicated to Israeli counterparts that the Biden administration would endorse a targeted operation in Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza, with a focus on specific high-value Hamas targets within and beneath the city, according to a report, citing four US officials.

According to a Politico report, top administration officials in private meetings have told the Israelis that the US would back a strategy for counterterrorism operations in Rafah rather than full-scale war, like elsewhere in Gaza.

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The US has previously opposed Israeli plans for an offensive in Rafah, seen as Hamass final stronghold and housing its last four battalions. The concern was primarily for the safety of over a million displaced Gazans seeking refuge in Rafah from conflicts in other parts of the Palestinian enclave. Other nations have also cautioned against an invasion of Rafah.

An Israeli official told Politico that some form of offensive or operation in Gaza appears inevitable.

At the end of the day, we cannot win this war without defeating Hamas battalions in Rafah, Politico quoted the official as saying.

According to a Times of Israel report, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has hinted that Israel will soon launch a ground operation in Rafah while on a visit to Gaza City.

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There is no safe place in Gaza for terroristsThose who think that we are delaying will soon see that we will reach everyone, he was quoted as saying.

We will bring to justice anyone who was involved in October 7  either we will eliminate them or bring them to trial in Israel. There is no safe place, not here, not outside of Gaza, not anywhere across the Middle East  we will bring everyone to their place, added the defence minister.

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A Defence Department official informed Politico that the United States has not detected any signs indicating an imminent offensive on Rafah.

Theyd have to do some repositioning of forces, and that has not happened, the report quoted the official as saying. Its not imminent.

Israel is going to do what Israel decides to do. Its kind of like trying to predict the weather, the official further added. But has the message sent been heard? Yes.

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With inputs from agencies
The kidnappers allegedly demanded for 1 billion naira ($620,432) to release the Kuriga students and school staff. The amount is more than $2,000 per hostage, or more than the annual per capita income in Nigeria

A boy holds a sign to protest against, what a teacher, local councilor and parents said, the kidnapping of hundreds school pupils by gunmen after the Friday prayer in Kaduna, Nigeria March 8, 2024. Reuters.

Dont pay a dime to kidnappers, Nigerias President Bola Tinubu ordered security forces moments after gunmen, who kidnapped 286 students and staff from a school in northern Nigeria last week, demanded a total of 1 billion naira ($620,432) for their release.

As per a Reuters report, the kidnappers have allegedly given an ultimatum to pay the ransom within 20 days, effective from the date of the kidnap.

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They said they will kill all the students and the staff if the ransom demand is not met, the report quoted Jubril Aminu, a community leader who acts as a spokesman for the families of the hostages, as saying.

Not a dime is paid

Nigerias Information Minister Mohammed Idris, on Wednesday, told reporters that the president had told forces searching for the students to make sure not a dime is paid.

Tinubu instead directed security agencies to ensure the release of all kidnapped victims without any payment to the kidnappers.

Ransom call from hidden number

Earlier, relatives of the students, who were abducted from their school in Kuriga village on March 7, said gunmen had demanded hundreds of thousands of dollars for the release.

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Aminu claimed to have received a call on his phone from the kidnappers on Tuesday in which They made a total of a 1 billion (naira) ransom demand for all the pupils, students and staff of the school.

The Reuters report also cited Idris Ibrahim, an elected official from the Kuriga Ward municipal council, confirming the ransom demand and the amount.

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Yes, the kidnappers called the community through Jubril Aminus number and made the demand, Ibrahim said.

They called from a hidden number but the authorities are working on getting the number, he added.

Ibrahim further said the security forces were taking adequate measures to secure the release of the students.

Ransom demand more than Nigerias annual per capita income

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The ransom demand for the Kuriga students and school staff amounts to more than $2,000 per hostage, or more than the annual per capita income in Nigeria, according to International Monetary Fund data. ($1 = 1,611.7800 naira).

With inputs from Reuters
Qualcomm Technologies has inaugurated its new Design Centre in Chennai after it was announced earlier this year. It has also introduced the Qualcomm 6G University Research India Program, aligning with the Indian Governments Bharat 6G Vision and aimed at fostering academic research excellence and leadership in emerging 6G technologies.

Qualcomm Chennai Design Center Inauguration

In furtherance of its commitment to Indias digital advancement, Qualcomm inaugurated its Chennai Design Center, representing a significant investment of Rs. 177.27 crores.

Specializing in wireless connectivity solutions, the center will focus on innovations complementing Wi-Fi technologies and contribute to global 5G Cellular technology R&D.

It is expected to create employment opportunities for up to 1600 skilled professionals, aligning with the governments Make in India initiative.

Endorsement and Vision

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of Cristiano Amon, President & CEO of Qualcomm Incorporated, and Shri. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Railways, Communications, and Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India.

Cristiano Amon emphasized the pivotal role of the Chennai Design Center in reaffirming Qualcomms commitment to India and expressed optimism about the growth opportunities the country offers, given its conducive environment for technological innovation and talent development.

6G University Research Program

This program, an extension of the existing university research initiative, provides support to selected professors from prestigious institutions like IITs and IISc for their research endeavors in crucial 6G technology areas.

The inaugural cohort comprises 17 scholars who will collectively receive approximately USD $1.02 million in funding over three years.

Program Phases and Activities

The program unfolds in two phases. It includes presentations on 6G by Qualcomm R&D leaders, as well as periodic workshops.

Phase One, recently completed, involved soliciting research proposals from the chosen universities.

Phase Two, spanning three years, will facilitate ongoing interaction among professors, students, and designated Qualcomm contacts.

Research Focus

From more than 40 submissions, 17 proposals were selected, categorized into different areas such as Physical Layer (PHY), Physical/Medium Access Control Layer (PHY/MAC), Medium Access Control Layer (MAC), Upper Layers, and Radio Frequency (RF).

Research topics range from the integration of AI/ML in 6G exploration to 6G Communications and Applications.

Qualcomms Support Initiatives in India

Apart from the 6G research program, Qualcomm has ongoing initiatives to support the wireless ecosystem in India. These include university grants, awards, fellowships, and support for startups through programs like the Qualcomm Design in India Challenge and the Qualcomm Semiconductor Mentorship program.

Speaking about the 6G University Research Program in India, Savi Soin, President of Qualcomm India, said:

Qualcomm remains steadfast in propelling Indias digital evolution, enhancing its innate technological prowess. As we embark on the 6G frontier, our 6G University Research Program will leverage Qualcomm Technologies resources and expertise in collaboration with leading academic institutions nationwide. Aligned with the Bharat 6G Vision, our aim is to unearth novel features and applications tailored for both Indian consumers and enterprises, while also catering to global markets.

Speaking about Qualcomm Chennai Design Center, Shri. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India, said,

Indias technological prowess continues to ascend, solidifying our position as a global leader in innovation. Our unwavering dedication to embracing digital advancement signifies our path toward a digitally empowered society. We are delighted to offer our support to Qualcomm, which has been instrumental in hastening Indias digital evolution. Together, our aim is to connect millions of Indians through 5G connectivity. The inauguration of the new design center signifies a significant milestone, not only for the company but also for the opportunities it will create for our tech talent, further nurturing our innovation landscape.

Commenting about Qualcomm Chennai Design Center, Mahesh Moorthy, Vice President, Engineering and Qualcomm Chennai Design Center Head, said,
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the start of construction for three semiconductor plants.

These plants, approved by the government last month and valued at over Rs. 1.25 lakh crore, mark a significant step towards bolstering Indias semiconductor industry.

Tata Electronics leads with an investment of Rs. 1,18,000 crores

Tata Electronics will invest Rs. 1,18,000 crores in two facilities: the Tata-PSMC chip foundry at Rs. 91,000 crores and the Tata OSAT facility at Rs. 27,000 crores.

This investment, underscores Tata Electronics commitment to the Make in India, Make for the World initiative.

The foundation laying ceremony in Dholera was graced by Shri. Ashwini Vaishnav, Minister of Railways, Communications, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri. Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, and executives from Tata Sons and Tata Electronics.

Similarly, Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, attended the event in Jagiroad, Assam.

Indias First AI-enabled Semiconductor Fab

Tata Electronics, in collaboration with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) of Taiwan, is developing Indias first AI-enabled Semiconductor Fabrication Facility in Dholera, Gujarat.

With an investment of up to Rs. 91,000 crores, this facility is poised to create over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs. It will manufacture chips for various applications such as high-performance computing logic, power management ICs, display drivers, and microcontrollers.

With a monthly manufacturing capacity of up to 50,000 wafers, this Fab establishes India as a crucial supply chain partner in the global semiconductor industry.

Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) Facility in Assam

Tata Electronics is also developing a state-of-the-art Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility in Jagiroad, Assam, with an investment outlay of Rs. 27,000 crore. Strategically located near Guwahati, this facility is expected to create over 27,000 direct and indirect jobs.

This facility will focus on key platform technologies like Wire Bond, Flip Chip, and Integrated Systems Packaging (ISP), crucial for various applications across automotive, communications, computing, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). It will play a pivotal role in the industrialization of North-East India.

Semiconductor ATMP Unit for Specialized Chips by CG Power

Prime Minister Modi also laid the foundation for the CG Power-Renesas Semiconductor ATMP Unit. This unit, with an investment of Rs. 7,600 crore, is established in Sanand, Gujarat, through collaboration between CG Power, Renesas Electronics Corporation, and Stars Microelectronics.

Speaking at the event, virtually, Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Jal Shakti, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, said:


Kovind-led panel on 'one nation, one election' submits report to President Murmu New Delhi, March 14 (IANS) A committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, submitted its detailed report on One-nation, One election to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday. The comprehensive report has strongly advocated for holding the national and state polls simultaneously.



The report, running into thousands of pages has been prepared after extensive consultations from various stakeholders, former election commissioners and constitutional experts.



The committee to study the possibility of holding simultaneous polls was formed on September 3, 2023. Its members comprised of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, former Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Ghulam Nabi Azad, senior advocate Harish Salve and more.



Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has time and again underlined the need for clubbing the national and state elections together to save huge expenses and also utilise the time for bettering governance.



One-nation, One-election was also one of the major poll planks of the BJP in the 2019 Parliamentary elections.




David Johnson, as the first Black student in Ansel Adams photography program, was advised to shoot what he knew, which was the Fillmore district. It took nearly 30 years for his work to be recognized. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle 2013 Record Shop, circa 1950. Courtesy David Johnson Photograph Archive, the Bancroft Library, UC Berkeley Bass Player Vernon Alley on Floor, 1948. Courtesy David Johnson Photograph Archive, the Bancroft Library, UC Berkeley Dancing at a Joint in Bayview, 1948. Courtesy David Johnson Photograph Archive, the Bancroft Library, UC Berkeley An untitled image by David Johnson, date unknown. Courtesy David Johnson Photograph Archive, the Bancroft Library, UC Berkeley David Johnson, known for his photographs of the Fillmore district jazz scene in the years before urban renewal, was rediscovered by the producers of the 2001 KQED documentary The Fillmore and enjoyed renewed appreciation late in life. Courtesy Rory Earnshaw

As a poor kid from the Deep South, David Johnson came out of Ansel Adams college photography program in 1949 with the advice to concentrate on what interested him. It was not still life or Yoze-mighty, as he called his professors favorite subject. Johnson was interested in the Primalon Ballroom, the Flamingo Club and the Booker T. Washington Hotel Lounge.

Dressed in a pressed suit, white shirt and hand-tied bow, Johnson carried his bulky box camera with the big flashbulb into the nightclubs, and when daylight hit he captured the street life of the Fillmore district, home to 40,000 Black San Franciscans in the mid-20th century.

Then redevelopment came in the 1960s, and Johnsons storefront studio disappeared along with the old neighborhood. His portfolio was forgotten until his daughter nagged him into submitting it to be used in a KQED TV documentary on the old Fillmore that premiered in 1999.

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That began an amazing comeback for Johnson, who described it in a monograph as My Renaissance. There were a dozen or more gallery exhibitions, two books  Harlem of the West: the San Francisco Fillmore Jazz Era, published in 2006 and A Dream Begun So Long Ago in 2012  and finally the purchase of his entire archive for the permanent collection of the Bancroft Library at UC Berkeley in 2016.

David Johnsons photo archive documenting jazz clubs, barbershops, retail stores, social clubs, and churches show the rich texture of a now dispersed community, said Christine Hult-Lewis, curator of the pictorial collections at the Bancroft, which honored Johnson with the Hubert Howe Bancroft Award for achievement in the interpretation of the American West, in 2023. Davids pictures are the best combination of artistry and documentation of a particular time and place.

As a poor kid from the Deep South, David Johnson came out of Ansel Adams college photography program in 1949 with the advice to concentrate on what interested him. He died March 1 at the age of 97. Courtesy of Rory Earnshaw

Johnson still had the $5 box camera hed gotten in a pawnshop with him when he died March 1 at age 97 the Tamalpais Marin senior living community in Greenbrae. The cause of death was pneumonia and advanced dementia, said his son, Michael Johnson.

David Johnson hadnt taken a professional picture since the black-and-white film era, but he is remembered through a sidewalk plaque in the Fillmore Plaza, and his name is on the reference library and darkroom at the Harvey Milk Photo Center in Duboce Park.

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Hes also remembered for stepping out from behind the camera to become a civil rights activist. In his day job as a postal clerk, he helped unionize workers and became president of the local. Later, as a minority recruiter at UC San Francisco, he was a founding member of the schools Black Caucus. He was active in the National Urban League and even made a run for sheriff of the city and county of San Francisco in 1967.

David was more than a photographer, said his second wife, Jacqueline Sue, who lived in the Fillmore in the 1950s and 1960s and wrote the text for A Dream Begun So Long Ago. They talk about Black history. David is Black history, right in the middle of San Francisco.

David Johnson was born Aug. 3, 1926, in Jacksonville, Fla. His mother, Willie Mae Peterson, had fallen onto hard times and given up her infant son to be raised by a friend named Alice Johnson. David was 4 when he learned Johnson was not his mother. Johnson got his first camera at 14, as a mail-order reward for selling 40 magazine subscriptions door to door.

He advanced to the $5 Kodak by trading in his trumpet at a pawnshop. Drafted into the U.S. Navy straight out of high school, during World War II, Johnson was able to attend college on the GI Bill after finishing out his service.

It was 1946 and his timing was good, because Adams was just putting together a photography program at the California School of Fine Arts in San Francisco. The faculty he assembled included Minor White, Dorothea Lange, Imogen Cunningham and Edward Weston. It was a time and place that came to be known as the Golden Decade of California Photography.

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Johnson read about it in American Photographer magazine and wrote to Adams, who accepted him when another student withdrew. He arrived on a segregated train, then took the ferry across the bay. White met him at the Ferry Building, and the two of them rode the streetcar out to Adams home and studio in West Clay Park, near Sea Cliff. It was the first time Johnson had ever slept in the home of a white person, and he considered being offered the couch a high honor.

He came from the most poverty-stricken, segregated Jim Crow South that you can imagine, said Jeff Gunderson, historian for the California School of Fine Arts, which later became the San Francisco Art Institute. David was one of the few students at that time who was interested in documentary photography.

After a few months sleeping on Adams couch, Johnson found his own place, a room in the Fillmore. Rent was $5 a month, same as hed paid for his camera. His landlord, a minister, became a portrait subject. His first streetscape was of the 22-Fillmore streetcar, taken from the fourth story of a construction scaffold he had climbed. It was his first year in photography school, 1946, and is still one of his most recognizable images.

Looking South on Fillmore, 1946, is still one of his most recognizable images. Courtesy David Johnson Photograph Archive, the Bancroft Library, UC Berkeley

After completing his degree, Johnson got a night job as a longshoreman on the waterfront. The heavy lifting got to him so he switched to working in the dining room at Mount Zion Hospital. There he met fellow food service worker Lucy Mae Ellis. One Wednesday she was making the salads. I said, Hello Miss Lucy, would you like to go to a movie with me?  To my surprise she said, All right,  he recounts in A Dream Begun So Long Ago: The Story of David Johnson, Ansel Adams First African American Student.

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They were married in 1950 and moved into a storefront on Divisadero Street, which had space for a darkroom. This was the start of Johnsons Studio. To supplement his studio portraiture, Johnson took assignments for the Sun-Reporter, a weekly newspaper serving the citys Black community.

He photographed all the Black luminaries who wandered into San Francisco, like Jackie Robinson, Langston Hughes and Nat King Cole, historian Gunderson said.

One that got away was the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. King had visited the Fillmore, but Johnson missed his chance for a picture. His second opportunity was during the March on Washington in 1963. Johnson was there covering it, but he couldnt get close enough to King to make a picture. He thought there would be a third chance, but there wasnt.

I thought about that picture I missed, Johnson told the Chronicle in 2018 in an article marking the 50th anniversary of Kings assassination. He made the sacrifice. He gave his life for the struggle.

We Demand, 1963. Johnson is also remembered for stepping out from behind the camera to become a civil rights activist, but he never managed to take a photograph of Martin Luther King Jr.. Courtesy David Johnson Photograph Archive, the Bancroft Library, UC Berkeley

Johnsons studio closed in the 1960s, and his marriage ended in 1975. By the mid-1980s, he was living on a Sausalito houseboat and had stopped taking pictures altogether. Hed returned to Florida and was living in Miami when filmmakers Peter L. Stein and Elizabeth Pepin included him in The Fillmore. Seventeen of his images, taken from 1945 to 1975, were used in the documentary.

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This got him back to California. His print work had not been exhibited for 30 years, but he was suddenly in demand. There was nearly one exhibition per year from 2001 to 2022, when he had a solo show of 65 prints at the San Francisco Art Commission Galleries at City Hall.
Business

AP

House passes bill that could lead to TikTok ban if Chinese owner refuses to sell

A TikTok spokesman is criticizing Congress for being too secretive as it advances a proposal that could lead to a nationwide ban of the popular video app

WASHINGTON

The House on Wednesday passed a bill that would lead to a nationwide ban of the popular video app TikTok if its China-based owner doesnt sell its stake, as lawmakers acted on concerns that the companys current ownership structure is a national security threat.

The bill, passed by a vote of 352-65, now goes to the Senate, where its prospects are unclear.

TikTok, which has more than 150 million American users, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chinese technology firm ByteDance Ltd.

The lawmakers contend that ByteDance is beholden to the Chinese government, which could demand access to the data of TikToks consumers in the United States any time it wants. The worry stems from a set of Chinese national security laws that compel organizations to assist with intelligence gathering.

We have given TikTok a clear choice, said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash. Separate from your parent company ByteDance, which is beholden to the CCP (the Chinese Communist Party), and remain operational in the United States, or side with the CCP and face the consequences. The choice is TikToks.

House passage of the bill is only the first step. The Senate would also need to pass the measure for it to become law, and lawmakers in that chamber indicated it would undergo a thorough review. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said hell have to consult with relevant committee chairs to determine the bills path.

President Joe Biden has said if Congress passes the measure, he will sign it.

The House vote is the latest example of increased tensions between China and the United States By targeting TikTok, lawmakers are tackling what they see as a grave threat to Americas national security  but also singling out a platform popular with millions of people, many of whom skew younger, just months before an election.

A TikTok spokesperson, Alex Haurek, said in a statement after the vote that the bill was jammed through as part of a secretive process.

We are hopeful that the Senate will consider the facts, listen to their constituents, and realize the impact on the economy, 7 million small businesses, and the 170 million Americans who use our service, Haurek said.

In anticipation of the vote, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, Wang Wenbin, accused Washington of resorting to political tools when U.S. businesses fail to compete. He said the effort would disrupt normal business operations and undermine investor confidence and will eventually backfire on the U.S. itself.

Overall, 197 Republican lawmakers voted for the measure and 15 against. On the Democratic side, 155 voted for the bill and 50 against.

Some Republican opponents of the bill said the United States should warn consumers if there are data privacy and propaganda concerns, but the final choice should be left with consumers.

The answer to authoritarianism is not more authoritarianism, said Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif. The answer to CCP-style propaganda is not CCP-style oppression. Let us slow down before we blunder down this very steep and slippery slope.

Democrats also warned of the impact a ban would have on users in the United States, including entrepreneurs and business owners. One of the no votes came from Rep. Jim Himes, the ranking Democratic member of the House Intelligence Committee.

One of the key differences between us and those adversaries is the fact that they shut down newspapers, broadcast stations, and social media platforms. We do not, Himes said. We trust our citizens to be worthy of their democracy. We do not trust our government to decide what information they may or may not see.

The day before the House vote, top national security officials in the Biden administration held a closed-door briefing with lawmakers to discuss TikTok and the national security implications. Lawmakers are balancing those security concerns against a desire not to limit free speech online.

What weve tried to do here is be very thoughtful and deliberate about the need to force a divestiture of TikTok without granting any authority to the executive branch to regulate content or go after any American company, said Rep. Mike Gallagher, the bills author, as he emerged from the briefing.

TikTok has long denied that it could be used as a tool of the Chinese government. The company has said it has never shared U.S. user data with Chinese authorities and wont do so if it is asked. To date, the U.S. government also has not provided evidence that shows TikTok shared such information with Chinese authorities.

Republican leaders moved quickly to bring up the bill after its introduction last week by Gallagher and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill. A House committee approved the legislation unanimously, on a 50-0 vote, even after their offices were inundated with calls from TikTok users demanding they drop the effort. Some offices even shut off their phones because of the onslaught. Supporters of the bill said the effort backfired.

(It) provided members a preview of how the platform could be weaponized to inject disinformation into our system, Gallagher said.

Lawmakers in both parties are anxious to confront China on a range of issues. The House formed a special committee to focus on China-related issues. And Schumer directed committee chairs to begin working with Republicans on a bipartisan China competition bill.

Schumer is likely to feel some pressure from within his own party to move on the TikTok legislation. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner announced after the House vote that he will work to get this bill passed through the Senate and signed into law.

In a joint statement with Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, the top Republican on the intelligence panel, Warner said that we are united in our concern about the national security threat posed by TikTok  a platform with enormous power to influence and divide Americans whose parent company ByteDance remains legally required to do the bidding of the Chinese Communist Party.

Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell, who chairs another panel with jurisdiction on the issue, said she would try to find a path forward that is constitutional and protects civil liberties.

Roughly 30 TikTok influencers and others who traveled with them spoke out against the bill on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. They chanted phrases like Keep TikTok ahead of the vote. They also held signs that read TikTok changed my life for the better and TikTok helped me grow my business.

Dan Salinger, a Sacramento, California-based TikTok creator in attendance, said he started creating content on the app during the COVID-19 pandemic purely out of boredom. But since then his account, which features videos about his life and his father, who suffers from dementia, has grown in popularity. Today, he has 2 million followers on the app.

Im actually appalled for many reasons, Salinger said. The speed with which theyre pushing this bill through does not give enough time for Americans to voice their concerns and opinions.

Former President Donald Trump has spoken out against the House effort, but his vice president, Mike Pence, is urging Schumer to bring the House bill to a vote.

There can be no doubt that this app is Chinese spyware and that a sale to a non-foreign adversary company is in the best interests of the American people, Pence said in a letter to Schumer.
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.
China's economic growth has reflective implications for the global economy. As the world's largest exporter and second-largest importer, China is pivotal in global supply chains, technology transfer and trade networks. by Teddy Kaberuka The Chinese economy has experienced remarkable growth over several decades, with an average annual GDP growth rate exceeding 9 percent. Millions of people have been lifted out of poverty. During this time, the GDP has increased rapidly from 149.55 billion U.S. dollars in 1978 to 14.34 trillion in 2019, and there have also been significant improvements in access to health, education and other services. This economic transformation has profound effects not only on China but also on the global economy. Through rapid industrialization, urbanization and technological advancements, China has emerged as a pivotal player in the global economic landscape. China's robust manufacturing sector has served as the engine of its economic expansion. Leveraging its vast labor force and low production costs, China has emerged as the world's factory, blending out an array of goods ranging from consumer electronics to heavy machinery. This manufacturing process has fueled export-driven growth and generated employment opportunities on a massive scale. As China continues expanding its influence on the world stage, its economic activities have increasingly extended beyond its borders, including the African continent. CHINA-AFRICA TRADE AND INVESTMENT China's economic engagement with Africa has grown exponentially over the past few decades, making it Africa's largest trading partner. Bilateral trade between China and Africa has surged, driven by China's demand for natural resources and export of finished products, as well as Africa's need for infrastructure development and investment. This mutually beneficial relationship has boosted economic growth and development in many African countries and beyond, creating opportunities for job creation, industrialization, and poverty reduction. China has become Africa's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching 282.1 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, according to the latest Chinese customs data. The investment worth 21.7 billion dollars in 2023 is part of China's broader economic strategy to secure access to resources, open up new markets and foster diplomatic ties with African nations. In addition, China has invested in extractive industries such as mining and oil production, often in exchange for access to natural resources. Furthermore, Chinese companies have established manufacturing facilities in Africa, creating jobs and transferring technology to local economies. Investments in telecommunications, finance and other service sectors have also been notable. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT China has been heavily involved in financing and constructing infrastructure projects across the African continent to enhance transportation networks, trade routes and economic integration through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched by China in 2013. China's BRI has become a cornerstone of its economic diplomacy, aiming to enhance connectivity and promote economic cooperation across Asia, Africa and Europe. The BRI has led to significant investments in infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, ports and energy facilities in Africa. These investments have improved connectivity within and between Africa and other regions, facilitating trade, investment and economic integration. African countries stand to benefit from improved infrastructure, which incentivizes economic growth, facilitates trade and attracts foreign investment. CAPACITY BUILDING China's engagement with Africa also extends to development assistance and capacity building. Through initiatives like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, China provides aid, grants and concessional loans to support infrastructure projects, healthcare, education and agricultural development in Africa. Additionally, China offers scholarships and training programs for African professionals, enhancing human capital development and fostering long-term sustainable development. From China's perspective, humanity shares a common stake in development, and world stability and prosperity can only be achieved if developing countries can progress. Therefore, China seeks a global community with a shared future. Through international collaboration, China has helped other developing countries mitigate the impact of the pandemic, accelerate action for the UN 2030 Agenda and achieve common prosperity. GLOBAL ECONOMIC IMPACT China's economic growth has reflective implications for the global economy. As the world's largest exporter and second-largest importer, China is pivotal in global supply chains, technology transfer and trade networks. Its robust domestic demand drives demand for goods and services worldwide, supporting economic growth and job creation in exporting countries. With huge factories and high demand for raw materials, China is the world's top maker of goods and a big buyer of stuff like oil and metals. This means what China wants affects prices and supplies everywhere, shaking up how trade works and how things get made. For Africa, China's economic expansion presents opportunities. China's demand for commodities, such as oil, minerals and agricultural products, has provided African countries with lucrative export markets, contributing to economic growth and infrastructure development. China's increasing economic influence has led to calls for reforms in international financial institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, to better reflect the changing balance of economic power and coordination on global economic issues, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable global economic order. This helps other countries grow and gives China more power in global money matters, making its presence felt in international finance and trade. The robust growth of the Chinese economy is transforming Africa and shaping the global economic landscape. Through trade, investment, infrastructure development and capacity building, China's engagement with Africa fosters economic growth, reduces poverty and promotes sustainable development. Moreover, China's integration into the global economy enhances stability, prosperity and cooperation, reinforcing its position as a critical driver of global economic growth and development. Editor's note: Teddy Kaberuka is an economic analyst and international consultant from Rwanda. The views expressed in this article are those of the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of Xinhua News Agency.
The U.S. Department of Education says it has fixed a software problem with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid system that prevented thousands of students from submitting financial aid applications for college. Lance Iversen/The Chronicle 2009

A technical glitch that prevented hundreds of thousands of students  including thousands in the Bay Area  from submitting their federal financial aid applications for college has been resolved, officials said.

The issue with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, affected students from families with mixed immigration status, or those who are citizens or legally in the United States but whose parents dont have a Social Security number or numbers. It came after the federal aid application, which was historically very cumbersome, was overhauled for the first time in three decades.

The revamp was supposed to cut in half the time it took students and parents to complete the form, which asks for detailed tax information. Instead, glitches and delays disrupted crucial timelines for students who need to know their financial aid status in order to decide which college to attend by the enrollment deadline. The chaotic rollout prompted colleges, including the University of California and the California State University systems, to extend their enrollment deadlines by two weeks.

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This week, the U.S. Department of Education made technical updates that it said would allow parents or financial contributors without Social Security numbers to access the financial aid form, which they were previously blocked from doing.

But the department acknowledged that problems still remain. Some applicants with mixed immigration-status families, for example, are still having trouble accessing the form, due to mismatches between the personal information an applicant enters for their contributor and the information associated with the contributors student aid account.

Another remaining issue is that users without a Social Security number, even if they do have an individual taxpayer identification number, still have to manually enter their financial information  a problem that the original overhaul was meant to solve.

And there are still more than a dozen unresolved issues listed on the education departments website, including some students born in the year 2000 being stuck in a loop online and signatures disappearing from the forms. The department has an online tip sheet offering workarounds for applicants still impacted by issues.

Still, California elected officials were heartened by the education departments progress on fixing the issues for those mixed immigration status families.

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Rep. Jared Huffman, who represents the North Coast from Marin County to the Oregon border and was one of several members of Congress who urged the department to fix the problems, said he was relieved that the inequitable issue was solved.

If youre a U.S. citizen, the immigration status of your parents should never be a barrier to receiving federal financial aid for higher education, Huffman said in a statement. Although that is already the law, the technical errors within the updated FAFSA form effectively kept students in mixed-status families from successfully submitting their applications, causing fear, stress, and missed opportunities for many kids across my district and the country.

It was a completely unacceptable error that is thankfully now behind us, and I hope to see the Department take the steps necessary to ensure issues like this never arise again, Huffman said.
Three months into reintroduction of gray wolves into the state, Colorado Parks and Wildlife continues to have no reports of depredation on livestock by the reintroduced animals.

That may be partly sheer luck, as its generally expected that some attacks by reintroduced wolves on domestic animals are inevitable. But it also may reflect considerable efforts both by Parks and Wildlife and entities such as wolf advocacy groups to work with farmers and ranchers to try to minimize conflicts with wolves.

Parks and Wildlife officials briefed the agencys commission Wednesday on numerous educational and outreach efforts including group and individual meetings with livestock producers and work distributing wolf-deterrent devices and authorizing deterrence measures as wolves spread through the region.

Parks and Wildlife in December released 10 wolves from Oregon into Grand and Summit counties, in the first year of what will be a multi-year effort to transplant wolves into the state as required by a 2020 voter-approved ballot measure. The wolves joined two that already were in the North Park area. Reid DeWalt, a Parks and Wildlife assistant director, told the commission that all 10 remain in Colorado and are doing well, and the other two wolves also remain in Colorado.

All the wolves have collars that help Parks and Wildlife monitor their locations. By late last month, wolves had ranged westward to the Craig area, and east into Larimer County. While a monthly map released by Parks and Wildlife at that time showed wolves reaching watersheds along the Wyoming border, DeWalt said the Oregon wolves are about 45 miles from the border, although the previously existing North Park wolves are much closer. Some wolves that had been naturally occurring in the North Park area reportedly have been killed by hunters after crossing the Wyoming border.

Travis Black, Parks and Wildlifes Northwest Region manager, on Wednesday described efforts that began last year and are continuing this year to give landowners fladry, a type of fencing with fluttering flags that can help deter wolves, as well as other deterrents such as fox lights and cracker shells.

Three landowners also have been issued permits to use nonlethal but potentially injurious rubber buckshot and beanbags to drive away wolves, and another permit is pending. Besides the group meetings that have been occurring involving livestock producers and associations, other interest groups and the general public, Black said district wildlife managers are busy on a daily basis meeting with producers, often one on one.

While Parks and Wildlife staff had faced criticism for not engaging in enough outreach to area producers and local public officials when it first began releasing wolves, agency Commissioner Marie Haskett, a Meeker-area outfitter who had been one of those initial critics, complimented agency staff Wednesday on their more recent efforts.

As the wolves have moved around, livestock owners have been notified and (deterrence) supplies have been distributed. And the uproar definitely has gone down since the initial release and I appreciate that, she said. I think its a good thing were working with our private landowners and livestock producers.

Clint McKnight, a La Plata County resident and member of the Southwest Colorado Wolf Cooperative, told the commission that nonprofit groups such as his  Defenders of Wildlife and the Rocky Mountain Wolf Project  also have been involved in efforts to help ranchers minimize conflicts, such as through volunteering for fladry installation and night-watch efforts to keep wolves from livestock. Colorado State University Extension and CSUs Center for Human-Carnivore Coexistence also are resources for farmers and ranchers.

My understanding is that livestock producers who are taking advantage of these programs are experiencing fewer problems than those who are not, McKnight said. That clearly is a business model for success.

Parks and Wildlife staff also are looking into rules that would allow for killing of wolves at night when attacking livestock, which isnt currently allowed; ensure compensation for livestock lost to wolves in cases when livestock from multiple owners are being managed in a pooled situation; and provide for compensation for depredation by wolves involving domestic bison, as already is the case for other livestock.

Its also considering how to define when chronic depredation of livestock has occurred, warranting killing of the wolves involved. The issues of killing wolves at night and what constitutes chronic depredation have arisen in connection with North Park ranchers experiences dealing with conflicts involving livestock and the wolves that have been in that region since before the introduction of the Oregon wolves.
The Rifle City Council listened to a funding request from a Colorado River District representative during its regular meeting earlier this week.

We are asking that the City of Rifle consider a funding request for $100,000, said Amy Moyer, director of strategic partnerships for the Colorado River District.

The Colorado River District, as Moyer explained, is asking for the money because theyre trying to purchase the Shoshone Water Rights.

The City Council then authorized staff to sign a letter committing $100,000 to the purchase of the Shoshone Water Rights, which will be in the 2025 budget.

The Shoshone Hydro Power Plant sits in Glenwood Canyon and is owned by the Public Service Company of Colorado, a subsidiary of Xcel Energy. It produces 15 megawatts of hydro power, which is enough to power around 15,000 homes.

To operate the plant, water is diverted from the Colorado River near the Hanging Lake tunnel, it travels around two and half miles through a tunnel, drops through the penstocks, and is immediately returned to the river, Moyer explained.

The historic Shoshone Water Rights, Moyer continued, are extremely important, especially to those in the Western Slope of Colorado.

Theyre among the largest non-consumptive water rights on the Colorado River, the first being the senior water right that was appropriated in 1902, that carries 1,250 cubic feet per second (cfs), and the second water right thats associated with the Shoshone Hydro Power Plant, thats an additional 158 cfs, so thats a total of 1408 cfs, Moyer said.

Non-consumptive means that water is diverted from the Colorado River, but is then put back, ensuring that any water used can then be beneficial later on in its journey downriver.

It also means that the river operates year-round, Moyer said.

Moyer explained the districts reasoning for wanting to go forward with purchase now:

Were standing on a decades-long foundation of many governmental entities that have worked pretty tirelessly to line up these pieces to secure these water rights. We also have a willing partner in Xcel energy, the current owner of the water rights being willing to sell them, Moyer said.

She added they have historic funding opportunities on both the state and federal side that make a purchase price for the magnitude of the water rights a real opportunity for the Western Slope. Other reasons for the purchase happening now are seeing impacts of a hotter and dryer future, and the stability of Western Slope in terms of communities that draw on the water.

Preserving the Shoshone Water Rights is incredibly important to our recreation economy. River recreation contributes $14.6 billion to the states GDP, Moyer said about the multiple benefits to Colorado and the Western Slope if they attain these rights.

Other benefits of this 250-mile stretch would be for the agriculture, water quality and environment of the Colorado River, which includes four species of endangered fish.

Moyer said Public Service Company of Colorado and the Colorado River District signed a purchase and sale agreement to transfer ownership of the historic Shoshone Water Rights to the Colorado River District in December 2023, for a purchase price of $98.5 million.

There are four parts to the agreement. One of those parts is securing funding for that purchase price.

Were working with our West Slope coalition partners to secure $10 to $20 million of that purchase price. The Colorado River District has already committed $20 million. At the end of January, the state of Colorado, through the Colorado Water Conservation Board, also committed $20 million to the purchase price, Moyer said. All of that is aimed at setting us up for success to request $49 million from the federal government.

The Colorado River District is requesting these funds in advance to be put into an escrow account, which wouldnt be used unless they did all that was asked of them in the purchase agreement between the district and the Public Service Company of Colorado.

If, for any reason, the purchase and sale agreement was terminated, the funds, with interest, would be returned to all of the coalition partners and public entities, Moyer said.

The Colorado River District doesnt need these funds until the end of 2027, but theyre working on these funding commitments now because they believe its important to their ask of federal funding.

I just want everyone to realize how historic this Shoshone Water Rights Purchase is and how it can totally save the western slope in case something ever happened to Xcel or that power plant. So Im glad they came in and Im glad were partnering with them, Councilor Clint Hostettler said in their closing comments for the meeting.
A billboard at 25th Avenue and Geary Boulevard in San Francisco features advertising that blames Supervisor Connie Chan for the areas crime problem. The billboard was paid for by the campaign of Marjan Philhour. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

After a lifetime in San Franciscos Richmond District, Sam Hom is considering moving out of the neighborhood due to a series of unnerving events last year.

His surveillance camera caught someone trying to pick the lock of his home. Down the street, police shot a man who had stabbed his own mother and her dog. And finally, someone attacked the 66-year-olds car while he and his wife were driving to the post office on Geary Boulevard.

My wife doesnt feel safe going out without me these days, said Hom, a captain with his neighborhood watch program.

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The couple are far from alone in worrying that the citys west side is changing for the worse. Over the past few years, residents of the Richmond District  a residential area bordered by Golden Gate Park, Ocean Beach and the wooded groves of the Presidio  have hardened their homes and garages against potential intruders by installing surveillance cameras and using chicken wire and safety locks. Theyve also flooded community meetings on public safety and posted on social media about crime. A recent jump in burglaries, robberies and homicides and a spate of headline-grabbing incidents have put some residents and businesses even more on edge.

Crime will probably be a major issue in Novembers supervisor race for District 1, which includes the Richmond District.

San Francisco Police Department data largely supports residents sense that crime is escalating in the Richmond, though the neighborhood remains one of the citys safest and reported violent crime is down in the neighborhood so far this year compared with the same period in 2023. The number of reported robberies in the Richmond police district rose 52% last year to 132 from 87 in 2022  the most recorded in at least six years. The Richmond also saw four homicides in 2023, a noticeable spike given that police statistics show no more than one killing annually in the district since 2017.

Burglaries reported in the neighborhood in 2023 increased about 8% over the previous year to 480 from 443, even as tallies continued to come down from record highs recorded during the earliest months of the pandemic.

Not all crimes rose, though. The number of reported assaults in the neighborhood fell from 84 in 2022 to 62 in 2023, a 26% drop, while motor vehicle thefts and larceny thefts stayed constant.

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As crime increased in several categories, Richmond residents, merchants and Supervisor Connie Chan insisted that their neighborhood lacked adequate police patrols and that city leaders have prioritized downtown at the expense of outlying areas.

Concerns intensified in June, when police shot and killed a man who had stabbed his mother and her dog after a family dispute  one of the incidents that worried Hom. Then in August, more than 200 dirt bikers swarmed the Richmond, popping wheelies and careening down sidewalks.

A few days after the dirt bike invasion, an assailant beat a beloved shopkeeper to death during a robbery, jolting the neighborhood. Dozens of people gathered to memorialize him and call on city leaders to boost staffing at the area police station.

The Richmond remained in the spotlight in October, when a convicted sex offender who had camped out near a neighborhood elementary school was arrested after trolling residents for months with signs advertising free fentanyl. And in December, a man hallucinating on psychedelic mushrooms fired gunshots at his neighbors home while threatening to kill his landlord.

A billboard at the intersection of 25th Avenue and Geary Boulevard in San Francisco carries a message assailing Supervisor Connie Chan for the areas crime problem. It was paid for by the campaign of Marjan Philhour. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

Multiple residents told the Chronicle they are worried that longer police response times and emergency responder staffing problems citywide are hurting the Richmond, one of the smallest policing districts in the city. According to an SFPD staffing report, the district in recent years has dispatched only one officer to about half of calls  an outlier in a city where two-person police teams are the norm.

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David Heller, president of the Greater Geary Boulevard Merchants Association, said many Richmond business owners are frustrated with unrelenting crime and the police officer shortage.

When Hellers Geary Boulevard salon, Beauty Network, was burglarized last year, the police response was slow, he said, giving the thief time to steal bags full of beauty products before returning for a second pass. Many small businesses have closed because of break-ins, he said.

Who would want to stay here under these conditions? Heller asked.

Richmond District police Capt. Chris Canning told the Chronicle his station has not been immune from the staffing crisis that has affected the SFPD and law enforcement agencies across the country. In total, he said, the department is short 522 officers from our recommended staffing levels.

With fewer officers in 2023 compared with the previous year, Canning said the station has used a data-driven approach when deploying resources, a strategy he said is already showing promising results in 2024.

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We will not tolerate criminals victimizing our residents, visitors, and businesses, Canning said.

Resident Irene Hirota said her anxiety set in when thieves broke a window and entered her homes garage on 36th Avenue. They didnt take much, and Hirota considers herself lucky. Other neighbors, she said, had been traumatized by break-ins, putting the neighborhood on edge.

Its disheartening because I feel it was a safer place, Hirota said one recent afternoon on Balboa Street as she picked up her 11-year-old daughter from school.

Crime could be a deciding factor in the hotly contested supervisor race when Richmond District residents go to the polls in November. Marjan Philhour, a moderate and former adviser to Mayor London Breed, seeks to unseat Chan in a race that so far has primarily focused on public safety.

Supervisor Connie Chan faces competition in the race for the seat in her district, which includes the Richmond  a section of the city that has seen an increase in some crimes. Michaela Vatcheva/Special to the Chronicle

Chan, a progressive in her first term, has said Breeds administration is shortchanging the district in favor of downtown areas where the mayor is trying to clamp down on drug markets. Last month the supervisor wrote a public letter to Breed and Police Chief Bill Scott asking for additional staff and resources she said were desperately needed at the Richmond police station. Chan wrote that the neighborhood had finally gotten two additional retired officers assigned to patrol its commercial corridors after the shopkeepers beating, but that the Richmond deserves more.

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I have been calling on the mayor to provide Richmond with equal public safety resources, because it is not enough for our mayor to just focus on downtown, Chan said.

Chans office said it had not received responses from the mayors office or SFPD.

The mayor is focused on solutions, not on sending letters, Breed spokesperson Jeff Cretan said.

Chan has not asked for a meeting with the mayor to discuss public safety, Cretan said. Breed remains focused on delivering safety solutions across the city, he said, noting the success of Proposition E, her measure to expand the power of San Francisco police, and the upcoming installation of traffic cameras in the Richmond and elsewhere.

Breeds ally Philhour has promised to fill what she characterized in an interview as the neighborhoods total leadership void.

Despite the tough talk from political candidates and chatter among neighbors, for some the Richmond remains a tranquil pocket in a busy city.

Resident Nate Brewer said he hadnt noticed signs of an increase in crime during his nine years in the neighborhood. Ann Feehan, a 30-year resident of the Inner Richmond, said she generally feels safe traveling on public transit and felt the neighborhood had fared better than most during the pandemic, with customers still flocking to shops and restaurants on Clement Street.

But Hom, a self-described hard-core native San Franciscan, said the recent frightening incidents had made him weigh the benefits of living in the Richmond against the financial and emotional costs.
Chinese security authority warns of espionage traps in online dating and job hunting

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Mar 13, 2024 01:18 PM

Are they your like-minded "online friends"? Intimate "lovers"? Caring "friends"? Helpful "good Samaritans"? Or perhaps, these are all just sweet "traps" set by espionage forces, Chinese Ministry of State Security warned the public in its latest article published on Wednesday.

The ministry listed several cases adapted from real life incidents with characters using pseudonyms in the article released on its official WeChat account.

A sophomore student Liu in a coastal city in southern China met a woman named Xiao Min through a social networking app. After a few days of chatting, their relationship quickly escalated.

During this time, the "thoughtful" Xiao Min actively introduced Liu to a part-time job at a magazine, which involved taking photos of tourists and yachts at the local port, with a reward of hundreds of yuan for each shift.

Liu thought it was a win-win situation as he could earn extra money and win Xiao Min's heart, so he gladly accepted. He took photos of the seaside and yachts at the scenic area and sent them to Xiao Min, receiving the agreed-upon payment on time. Later on, Xiao Min further requested Liu to take photos of the arrival and departure of military ships at a designated location, and asked him to switch to using overseas communication apps and use "code words" to contact her.

After several times working together, Xiao Min bought Liu a phone and an electric scooter for photography, and even covered the rent for a place near a military base.

In fact, Liu had already realized Xiao Min's spy identity, but he was still blinded by greed and wishful thinking.

The national security agency quickly discovered and stopped Liu's illegal activities. Due to the timely intervention that prevented serious harm, the national security agency did not pursue criminal charges against Liu, but his own academy and life were still severely affected.

In another case, as graduation season approached, a student Wang from a university posted his job search information on a mobile job-seeking app. Soon, a "Director Zhang" from an investigation company contacted him. Initially, Zhang claimed to be conducting marine environmental surveys and asked Wang to take photos of yachts and ships at sea, offering generous money. Later on, he gradually guided Wang to go toward military-sensitive areas to take photos of military aircraft and ships.

This request raised Wang's suspicions and alertness, prompting him to immediately cease contact with the other party and report the incident to the national security agency through the 12339 hotline, accompanied by a teacher.

It was confirmed that "Director Zhang" was indeed a member of a foreign intelligence agency. Afterward, the national security agency commended and rewarded Wang for his proactive reporting. The incident was publicly reported by the media, causing a widespread impact on society.

The national security agency warns that foreign spy intelligence agency personnel may use methods such as making friends through "romantic relationships" or online job hunting to ask people to collect documents, distribute surveys, or take photos of landscapes and buildings under the guise of legitimate activities for them, using lucrative rewards as bait.

Once they obtain this information, foreign intelligence agencies may use threats, enticements, or blackmail to exert control over people, making them difficult to escape easily.

"If you notice suspicious behavior of others collecting confidential or sensitive information through various channels, please report it to the national security agency through the 12339 hotline, the online reporting platform, the agency's official WeChat account, or directly to the local national security agency," said the Ministry of State Security.

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Experts stress significance of national security education to avoid spy traps

Global Times

By Xu Keyue Published: Mar 13, 2024 08:48 PM

With espionage activities targeting China and its people, such tactics are also becoming more diverse. Chinese experts believe we should further promote national security education in more methods to prevent some people from falling into traps set by spy forces.

Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) warned the public in its latest article published on Wednesday that foreign spy intelligence agency personnel may use methods such as making friends through "romantic relationships" or offering online jobs to ask people to collect documents, distribute surveys or take photos of landscapes and buildings under the guise of legitimate activities, using lucrative rewards as bait.

Once they obtain this information, foreign intelligence agencies may use threats, enticements, or blackmail to exert control over people, making it difficult for them to escape.

The ministry listed several cases adapted from real life incidents with characters using pseudonyms in the article released on its official WeChat account.

In one case, Liu, a sophomore student in a coastal city in southern China, was dating a woman named Xiao Min through a social networking app. Xiao Min introduced Liu to a part-time job at a magazine, which involved taking photos of tourists and yachts at the local port, with a reward of hundreds of yuan for each shift. Later on, Xiao Min asked Liu to take photos of the arrival and departure of military ships at a designated location. She also asked him to switch to using overseas communication apps and use "code words" to contact her.

The national security agency quickly discovered and stopped Liu's illegal activities. Due to the timely intervention that prevented serious harm, the national security agency did not pursue criminal charges against Liu, but his own academy and life were still severely affected.

In another case, a "Director Zhang" from an investigation company contacted a student Wang who was job hunting. Zhang persuaded Wang to go to military-sensitive areas to take photos of military aircraft and ships. At this point, Wang became very suspicions, prompting him to report the incident to the national security agency through the 12339 hotline.

It was confirmed that "Director Zhang" was indeed a member of a foreign intelligence agency. Afterward, the national security agency commended and rewarded Wang for his proactive reporting.

An expert on national security who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Wednesday that as both the international and domestic environments are becoming increasingly challenging for national security, the areas and aspects touching national security are also expanding.

In previous years, Chinese people were not very well-informed and aware when it comes to national security. As long as a person strictly follows the law and regulations, does not seek personal gain, promptly reports any suspicious incidents to the authorities and firmly refuses obvious attempts to lure, corrupt or bribe, they will be safe, the expert noted.

The publicity by MSS and other relevant departments has played an important role in providing remedial education, which is particularly timely given the increasing intensity of the geopolitical struggle instigated by the US, according to the expert.

We should diversify the methods of promoting national security education, such as providing more vivid stories adapted by real anti-espionage cases through multimedia platforms, the expert put forward.

In recent years, China has released multiple films and TV series in the national security genre, and the MSS also has unveiled its first national security-themed comic series. All of these efforts aim to continuously raise public awareness of national security.

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400+ Allied, Joint Special Operations Forces Secure the Arctic

US Navy

12 March 2024

From Lt.j.g. Martin Carey, Naval Special Warfare Group TWO

ARCTIC CIRCLE -- Recognizing the importance of the Arctic region to defense of the homeland from potential adversarial threats, elite special operations forces from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, Canada, Denmark, Norway, and the United Kingdom recently concluded high-impact training events throughout the pan-Arctic region, stretching from Alaska, in the Arctic Circle, across Canada and into Greenland.

Arctic Edge 24, a U.S. Northern Command exercise, brought together more than 400 special operations forces (SOF) to integrate, share lessons and refine their tactical effectiveness in diving operations, fast-roping from helicopters, snow mobile transits, long-range movements across the Arctic Circle, and a marquee event involving a fast-attack Submarine. These past few weeks of training epitomize an unwavering commitment to fortifying U.S. and Allied national security against potential aggression, echoing directives outlined in the National Defense Strategy and the National Strategy for the Arctic Region documents.

"Naval Special Warfare's unique ability to conduct complex operations in the water column, and in maritime domains such as the Arctic, discourages aggression from potential adversaries," said Capt. Bill Gallagher, Naval Special Warfare Group TWO Commodore. "Given the frequency with which we are training alongside our Allied partners and demonstrating our combined expertise in some of the most severe environments on the planet, we are sending a clear message about our warfighting ability and our preparedness to defend the homeland across the Arctic region."

These ideals were on display during the culminating event that took the SOF commando's training beyond the northern most point of the United States, past Uqtiagvik Alaska, deep into the Arctic Circle. Flying inside special operations MH-47G Chinook helicopters, approximately 15 SOF personnel pioneered a historic event when they hovered a few feet from the surface, off-loaded a small team to conduct an ice-depth survey and cleared a helicopter landing zone. Once cleared, the Chinooks touched down and snow mobiles exited the aircraft to retrieve an aerial package dropped nearby. The package was then driven across Arctic terrain and handed-off to personnel from the submarine USS Hampton (SSN 767). Just moments before, the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine had surfaced through the thick sheet of ice, emerging from the sea below. This marked the first-ever integration of SOF personnel, SOF aircraft, and snow mobiles coming together to conduct an operation with a submarine that surfaced that deep in the Arctic Circle.

In recent remarks delivered at the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies, Adm. Daryl Caudle talked about his responsibility for defending the homeland and his theory of success in the Arctic which involves maintaining an enhanced presence, strengthening cooperative partnerships and building a more capable Arctic maritime force. Caudle commands U.S. Fleet Forces and is the Navy's Component Commander for both US Northern Command and US Strategic Command, where he oversees all maritime homeland defense including much of the Arctic. He went on to discuss some of his priorities which focus on an increased presence, campaigning through Joint training and exercises, and a close collaboration with Allies.

Artic Edge 24 reinforced this vision, bringing together Joint, Allied, conventional forces and interagency partners in the Arctic region. Arctic Edge 24 stands as a decisive demonstration of warfighting readiness, providing a platform for testing and refining capabilities in the extreme-harsh weather environment in the Arctic. The collaboration between U.S. East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs), U.S. Army Green Berets from 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, Danish Special Operations Forces, Norwegian Naval Special Operations Commandos (MJK) and United Kingdom Special Forces refined the collective capabilities of these Arctic nations to operate effectively across a range of training iterations to ensure a safe and secure pan-Arctic.

In Kodiak Alaska, SEALs, Green Berets and MJK forces conducted multiple diving operations in water temperatures of 37 degrees Fahrenheit. Deploying from beach heads and small rubber boats, the team practiced pier-side vessel ship attacks, utilizing combat swimmer infiltration method with underwater navigation to target a training ship at the pier. The group also partnered with the U.S. Coast Guard where they refined techniques of fast-roping from an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter under rainy conditions.

Further North in Utqiagvik, Alaska, the SEALs and MJK Commandos embraced the challenges associated with temperatures of -40 degrees Fahrenheit as they prepared for the culminating event with the US Submarine Force. Leading up to that event, they conducted snow mobile familiarization training, practiced clearing ice to create a helicopter landing zone and trained on cold weather survival drills, ensuring a successful SUB/SOF integration.

Additional training occurred throughout Alaska in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Kotzebue, and Greenland, with personnel from interagency partners at the FBI and U.S. Marshals Service, United States Marine Corps, Alaska National Guard, New York Air National Guard, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) among others.

Safeguarding Arctic security is not merely a national endeavor but a collective responsibility. The total force contributions during Artic Edge 24 supports the strategic significance of this area and improved the Allied-Arctic-nation's presence and operational effectiveness in the pan-Arctic region. The scenarios, simulated missions and sharing of best practices contributed to advancing the collective warfighting readiness, homeland defense and operational acumen of these elite forces in this extreme environment.

Naval Special Warfare Group TWO produces, supports, and deploys the world's premier maritime special operations forces to conduct full-spectrum operations and integrated deterrence in support of U.S. national objectives. For more information, visit https://www.nsw.navy.mil/

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Justified Accord 2024 ends with a bang in Kenya

By Maj. Joe Legros March 13, 2024

NAIROBI, Kenya -- Multinational soldiers moved swiftly through the concealment of smoke grenades, avoiding simulated improvised explosive devices, while carrying out their mission to arrest two high-value targets holed up inside a mock village overrun by a violent extremist organization. A firefight ensued with multiple exchanges between forces carrying weapons affixed with blank-fire adapters.

VEO opposition forces defended their territory while displaced citizens watched from inside a tree line as platoon-sized soldiers from Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti and Tanzania took only 28 minutes to completely clear the village of enemies, building by building and room by room. Helicopters arrived to evacuate a casualty and a Kenya Air Force F-5E Tiger II jet fighter conducted a capabilities fly-by, just meters from the ground, to discourage any remaining enemies in the area from further fighting.

"Everyone has made new friends and should be very proud of the results of your training," said Kenya Army Maj. Gen. David Tarus, Kenya Army Commander, Kenya Defence Forces, while addressing participants immediately following the demonstration.

The successful mission comes as a result of two weeks of joint, combined training between African partner nations, advised by soldiers from the U.S. Army 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade and the U.K. 11th Security Force Assistance Brigade.

Justified Accord 2024 was U.S. Africa Command's largest exercise in East Africa, which ran from Feb. 26 - March 7, 2024. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, this year's exercise brought together 1,000 personnel and units from 23 nations. This multinational exercise built readiness for the U.S. joint force, prepared regional partners for UN and AU mandated missions, and increased multinational interoperability in support of humanitarian assistance, disaster response and crisis response.

JA24 featured more than just a combined air and ground operation at Nanyuki's Counter Insurgency and Terrorism Stability Operations Training Centre.



Kenya Air Force pilot conducts a capabilities fly-by in an F-5E

1 / 2 Show Caption + A Kenya Air Force pilot conducts a capabilities fly-by in an F-5E during Justified Accord 2024 (JA24) at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations Training Centre, Nanyuki, Kenya, March 5, 2024. JA24 is U.S. Africa Command's largest exercise in East Africa, running from Feb. 26 - March 7. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), and hosted in Kenya, this year's exercise will incorporate personnel and units from 23 nations. This multinational exercise builds readiness for the U.S. joint force, prepares regional partners for UN and AU mandated missions, and increases multinational interoperability in support of humanitarian assistance, disaster response and crisis response. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Carter Acton) VIEW ORIGINAL

Somali Danab soldiers conduct urban operations training at Justified Accord 2024

2 / 2 Show Caption + Somali Danab soldiers pose for a photo during Justified Accord 2024 (JA24) at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations Training Centre in Nanyuki, Kenya, Feb. 28, 2024. JA24 is U.S. Africa Command's largest exercise in East Africa, running from Feb. 26 - March 7. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), and hosted in Kenya, this year's exercise will incorporate personnel and units from 23 nations. This multinational exercise builds readiness for the U.S. joint force, prepares regional partners for UN and AU mandated missions, and increases multinational interoperability in support of humanitarian assistance, disaster response and crisis response. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Leron Richards) VIEW ORIGINAL

Back to U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

NAIROBI, Kenya  Multinational soldiers moved swiftly through the concealment of smoke grenades, avoiding simulated improvised explosive devices, while carrying out their mission to arrest two high-value targets holed up inside a mock village overrun by a violent extremist organization. A firefight ensued with multiple exchanges between forces carrying weapons affixed with blank-fire adapters.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michael McNamara, operations officer, Joint Force Headquarters, Massachusetts National Guard, explains the significance of Justified Accord 2024 (JA24) and what it's like working with international partners at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations Training Centre, Nanyuki, Kenya, Mar. 10, 2024.

VEO opposition forces defended their territory while displaced citizens watched from inside a tree line as platoon-sized soldiers from Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti and Tanzania took only 28 minutes to completely clear the village of enemies, building by building and room by room. Helicopters arrived to evacuate a casualty and a Kenya Air Force F-5E Tiger II jet fighter conducted a capabilities fly-by, just meters from the ground, to discourage any remaining enemies in the area from further fighting.

"Everyone has made new friends and should be very proud of the results of your training," said Kenya Army Maj. Gen. David Tarus, Kenya Army Commander, Kenya Defence Forces, while addressing participants immediately following the demonstration.

The successful mission comes as a result of two weeks of joint, combined training between African partner nations, advised by soldiers from the U.S. Army 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade and the U.K. 11th Security Force Assistance Brigade.

Massachusetts National Guard Soldier builds a bridge between two worlds in Kenya

Justified Accord 2024 was U.S. Africa Command's largest exercise in East Africa, which ran from Feb. 26 - March 7, 2024. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, this year's exercise brought together 1,000 personnel and units from 23 nations. This multinational exercise built readiness for the U.S. joint force, prepared regional partners for UN and AU mandated missions, and increased multinational interoperability in support of humanitarian assistance, disaster response and crisis response.

JA24 featured more than just a combined air and ground operation at Nanyuki's Counter Insurgency and Terrorism Stability Operations Training Centre.

Justified Accord 2024 opens in Nairobi

Four hours away, at Nairobi's Humanitarian Peace Support School, subject matter experts led a staff officer course, a Women, Peace and Security exchange and a Rule of Law workshop. There was also a joint humanitarian operations course, a veterinary exchange with K-9 tactical combat casualty care, as well as a command post exercise.

"The command post exercise encouraged multinational cooperation in order to deal with a complex disaster response, further complicated by the threat of a violent extremist organization." said Forrest McKinley, exercises contractor (G7), SETAF-AF." said Forrest McKinley, exercises contractor (G7), SETAF-AF. "We were excited to see several first-time participants, including the Republic of Congo, jump right in, offer their perspectives and become a part of the team."

HPSS-based activities also featured U.S. Special Operations Command Africa conducting a bilateral planning exercise with KDF counterparts.

The joint, combined nature of the command post exercise provided a crucial link between JA24 and exercise Cutlass Express, led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa. Exercise planners challenged participants to address the simulated complications caused by VEOs as they attempted to disrupt ground, air and sea operations in the area.

Many U.S. Army Reserve and Army National Guard units participated in the exercise, including the Massachusetts National Guard's 772nd Military Police Company, the 645th Regional Support Group and the 7th Mission Support Command. Active-duty components included the U.S. Army's 635th Movement Control Team, the 720th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Detachment and the 7th Army Training Command. The U.S. Air Force's 818th Mobility Support Advisory Squadron joined the exercise as well, conducting an air advisory workshop.

The 772nd MP Co., supported by command-and-control elements from Massachusetts' joint force headquarters, conducted a military police exchange with the Kenya Defence Forces Military Police. Together, they shared best practices while training on everything from traffic control points to detainee operations, enhancing their combined skills with M4 carbine rifles and non-lethal weapons.

"The integration of U.S. and KDF Soldiers during JA24 provided a unique opportunity to strengthen the ties between the Massachusetts National Guard and our State Partner," said U.S. Army Capt. Ryan Peterson, company commander, 772nd MP Co., Massachusetts National Guard. "Our Soldiers are better for the friendships that they made and the skills that they learned while conducting combined joint training."

At the conclusion of the multinational field training exercise, which featured the liberation of a VEO-controlled village, Ambassador Robert Scott, deputy to the commander for civil-military engagement, U.S. Africa Command, expressed his appreciation to the KDF for the usage of their training area, congratulating all participants for their hard work.

"What you're doing is dedicating yourselves to your countries and the security of your citizens," said Scott. "You should feel incredibly proud of what you've accomplished together. With that, congratulations. What you've done here is world-class."

Exercise content can be found on DVIDS.

About SETAF-AF

SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis-response options in Africa and Europe.

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The Danish Government proposes to fast-track key investments in defence and security

Danish Ministry of Defence

The Danish Government proposes to increase the defence expenditure in the years 2024-2028 by DKK 40.5 billion in order to fast-track key investments in military capabilities and strengthen military support to Ukraine. Moreover, the government proposes a new model for conscription that entails 11 months service, up to 5.000 yearly conscripts, and full gender equality.

March 13, 2024 - 09:45

Increased funds to build-up the Army's 1st Brigade, acquisition of land-based air defence systems and strengthening of the Navy's anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities. These are some of the initiatives that the Danish Government proposes to finance by increasing the budget of the current Defence Agreement.

"The security situation in Europe has worsened since we decided the Danish Defence Agreement last summer. Russia is preparing for a long-term war and could pose a potential threat to NATO Allies within a few years. It is vital that we react now, together with our Allies, in order to deter a resurgent Russia. Therefore, we must fast-track investments in key military capabilities," says the Danish Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen.

"Russia continues its illegal war of aggression in Ukraine, all the while building up its military capacities. There is no doubt that Russia hopes to be able to dictate the borders of Europe with force. The best thing we can do to deter their aggressive behaviour, is to continue our military support to Ukraine and accelerate building a stronger defence in Europe. It sends an important signal to the Kremlin and to our Allies in NATO that Denmark takes on our part of the responsibility by making investments in the Danish Defence," says Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark Lars Lkke Rasmussen.

The Danish Government proposes to increase the defence expenditure in the years 2024-2028 by DKK 40.5 billion (approx. 5.9 billion USD) through fiscal easing.

DKK 4.4 billion (approx. 0.7 billion USD) will be allocated for further military support to Ukraine in 2024.

The government will fast track investments in a range of areas that aim to secure the buildup of military capabilities of the Danish Defence and invest in a strengthened model for conscription that totals approx. DKK 79 billion (approx. 11.5 billion USD) in the years 2024-2033.

The Danish Government proposes to build-up the Danish Army's 1st Brigade so it can be deployed in its entirety within the NATO framework. This includes investments in tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. Other proposed investments include acquisition of land-based air defence systems to improve protection against enemy air threats and strengthening the Navy's anti-submarine warfare capability.

"We also need to increase the number of military personnel. A new model for conscription will help achieve this goal. In the future, we will use conscripts to help staff our military units, including the Army's 1st Brigade. We will also introduce full equality of genders in the conscription model. I look forward to negotiate these proposals with the political parties of parliament in the coming weeks," says Troels Lund Poulsen.

The Danish Defence is undergoing a massive build-up. More military personnel is essential for the Armed Forces' ability to staff and deploy operational units. Given the current security situation, there is a need to reform the Danish conscription model, so that conscripts can support the Danish Defence to a greater extent.

The Danish Government proposes a new and strengthened model for conscription. The model lengthens the conscription period to 11 months of which the first five months consist of basic military training and education. In the following six months, conscripts will conduct basic operational tasks in the Armed Forces alongside combined with continuous training and education. The Danish Government proposes a model with approx. 5.000 conscripts yearly.

Moreover, the Danish Government proposes full gender equality in conscription. This means, that all young Danes declared fit for military service will be treated equally in regards to conscription - regardless of gender.

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Army Hotel Manager in South Korea Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Steal Government Property and Commit Bribery

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

A U.S. citizen who served as U.S. Army hotel manager in South Korea pleaded guilty yesterday to a conspiracy involving the theft of government property and influencing the award of hotel contracts in exchange for bribes from a South Korean company.

According to court documents, Bon Ku, 52, was employed by the Dragon Hill Lodge (DHL), which is owned by a U.S. Army base in Seoul, South Korea. DHL is one of five resorts operated by the Department of Defense under the Armed Forces Recreation Centers program. Between 2014 and 2020, Ku conspired with Donald Gower, a U.S. citizen who was also a manager at DHL, to engage in two schemes to convert payments for DHL's recyclable goods to their own use. To carry out these schemes, Ku directed DHL employees to engage in tasks outside the scope of their normal employment duties, resulting in the United States paying them to perform tasks that benefited Ku and Gower.

Between 2014 and 2021, Ku was also involved in four additional schemes in which he influenced the award of contracts valued at over $9 million in exchange for bribes from four South Korean companies, one of which was part of the conspiracy to which Ku pleaded guilty. As part of the bribe scheme to which Ku pleaded guilty, DHL awarded a contract to a South Korean company to, among other things, clean its loading dock. Prior to awarding this contract, Ku had an agreement with the company under which he would receive approximately 10-20% of the value of the contracts that were awarded by DHL. After entering into this agreement, Ku made a positive recommendation to DHL officials regarding the company's ability to perform on the contract to influence its award to the company. Ku received payments related to this agreement from the company in his South Korean bank account, after which Ku split the payments with Gower.

Ku pleaded guilty to a dual-object conspiracy to commit theft of government property and bribery of a public official. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 18 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. As part of a global resolution, the government will move to dismiss an indictment in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in which Ku is charged with conduct related to one of the additional schemes.

On Sept. 15, 2022, Gower pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit theft of government property. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 8 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department's Criminal Division; Assistant Director Michael Nordwall of the FBI's Criminal Investigative Division; Acting Assistant Director in Charge Amir Ehsaei of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Keith K. Kelly of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division's (Army-CID) Fraud Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI and Army-CID are investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Matt Kahn and Brandon Burkart of the Criminal Division's Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

Topic: Public Corruption

Components: Criminal Division

Criminal - Criminal Fraud Section

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Press Release Number: 24-288

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United States: Remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell at the start of the meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken

European External Action Service (EEAS)

13.03.2024

Washington D.C., 13/03/2024

EEAS Press Team

Check against delivery!

Thank you. Thank you very much my dear friend, Secretary of State [of the United States, Antony Blinken], for receiving me and my delegation.

I very much appreciate our regular dialogue between the United States and the European Union. Especially in these extraordinarily difficult times. The world is becoming darker and darker. That is what I told the United Nations Security Council yesterday. The developments around us make our security inseparable and only prove the need for the United States and European Union to work together.

We are facing an aggressive Russia, who will not stop. An assertive China, who will become more and more assertive. Military takeovers in the Sahel. I know that you have a delegation in Niger today. Criminal gangs challenging the authorities in Haiti - once again, you are playing an important role in this part of the world. And Central and South America in big trouble.

Ukraine is our biggest and immediate worry for us Europeans, and for you too. For our common security. The Russian aggressor will not stop. We have to stop it.

You are doing a lot. We are doing a lot. Both [of us], I think, we can do still more in order to support Ukrainians in this very challenging time.

And then, this very worrisome thing that is happening in Gaza. Thank you very much for your efforts in order to try to diminish the humanitarian suffering of the people in Gaza.

We deplore the current situation, but we have to do more than just deplore [it] - on which we both agree. I think that we need to act. The very survival of the population in Gaza is at stake today. And once again, thank you for your personal efforts.

Then, we need to clear the humanitarian access. Through sea, by air, that is good - [but] that is not enough. You cannot replace hundreds of trucks by sending parachutes. The most important thing is to open the borders by land and continue working - or start working - on the two-state solution that both of us, United States and European Union, endorse.

It is the only way for a lasting peace. I hope that we can join our efforts in order to make that a reality.

Thank you very much, Secretary of State.



Link to video (starting from 00:57): https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-254357

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US: High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell met with Secretary of State Antony Blinken

European External Action Service (EEAS)

13.03.2024

EEAS Press Team

High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington on Wednesday. They discussed ways to further strengthen the partnership between the EU and US at a crucial moment for global diplomacy.

In their meeting, they covered the situation in the Middle East, Ukraine, Haiti and Venezuela, as well as other joint foreign and security priorities.

High Representative Borrell stressed the need for more, faster and sustained military assistance to Ukraine. He commended the US for their latest decision on additional military aid and stressed that victory for Ukraine rested on the maintenance of our strong transatlantic bond. They also discussed efforts to promote a just and lasting peace, including global outreach initiatives such as Ukraine's Peace Formula.

The High Representative recalled the EU's commitment to long-term support for Ukraine, now totalling EUR 138 billion, with more to come, and informed his US counterpart about latest developments on Ukraine's EU accession path.

High Representative Borrell and Secretary Blinken discussed the situation in Gaza. HR/VP Borrell, stressed the importance of reaching a durable ceasefire and the release of all hostages. He pointed to the urgent need for unhindered humanitarian access, first and foremost through land-based crossings. He informed Secretary Blinken of the resumption of EU funding to UNRWA and they exchanged views on shared efforts to lay the groundwork for a durable peace in the Middle East through a two-state solution.

Both partners exchanged views on ongoing efforts to prevent regional escalation. They noted close EU-US cooperation to secure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

High Representative Borrell and Secretary Blinken also discussed the situation in Haiti and Venezuela and their strong will to support political processes aiming to restore stability and democratic reconciliation in both countries.



See the opening remarks by HR/VP Borrell here: https://europa.eu/!n667rg

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EU provides an initial humanitarian aid of 70 million for Africa's Great Lakes region

European Commission

Press release

13 March 2024

Brussels

As the Great Lakes region of Africa is suffering from major humanitarian crises caused by conflict, violence and natural disasters, the Commission is announcing new humanitarian aid worth almost 70 million.

This EU funding will support projects addressing gender-based violence, support to Education in Emergencies, and disaster preparedness.

Out of the total amount, 63,75 million are allocated for humanitarian projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including 4,75 million for disaster risk reduction. This is in addition to the 1.7 million allocated earlier this year in response to the floods in the country.

A further 6 million is allocated to the Burundi regional refugee response, providing humanitarian aid to Burundi refugees in neighbouring countries (including Rwanda and Tanzania) as well as returnees to Burundi.

Background

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, fighting in the east of the country has caused further displacements, and due to the M23 insurgency alone more than 1.6 million people are currently displaced there. In recent months, the escalation of this conflict has caused further suffering and hampered the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Civilians caught up in the violence suffer systematic violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, including targeted attacks against civilians and high levels of gender-based violence (GBV). Sexual violence and exploitation have reached unprecedented levels, including around camps for internally displaced persons, where women and children have been forced to engage in various forms of survival sex due to inexistent livelihood possibilities and insufficient humanitarian aid. Prevalent food insecurity in the country has resulted in approximately 26 million people being food insecure, one of the highest numbers in the world.

The situation in Burundi is more conducive to refugee returns since the 2020 elections. However, the absorption capacity for sustainable reintegration of returnees remains insufficient due to a lack of socio-economic opportunities for returnees, while at the same time food ration cuts had to be implemented in 2023 in refugee camps across the region due to funding shortfalls.

Quote(s)

The humanitarian situation in the Great Lakes region is desperate - and is expected to deteriorate further in 2024, as the conflict intensifies and the root causes of violence persist. Already we have seen a significant deterioration in the security situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with devastating effects on civilians. Gender-based violence, and violations of International Humanitarian Law, are especially prevalent in the region. The EU's humanitarian funding will contribute towards alleviating the suffering of the most vulnerable. However, I also call urgently on all parties to conflicts to respect IHL and the rights of civilians.

Janez Lenarcic, Commissioner for Crisis Management

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UAE warns Tel Aviv to close land bridge if Gaza aid stopped

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 13, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued a "stern warning" to the Israeli regime, threatening to stop the secret land trade bridge which provides Tel Aviv with crucial food supplies and other material if humanitarian aid does not enter Gaza.

Israeli sources reported on Wednesday that the UAE lost its trust in the Israeli regime due to Netanyahu's cabinet attempts to repeatedly close crossing and relief routes to Palestinian refugees in Gaza.

Although the UAE and the Zionist regime have not confirmed the existence of a land trade bridge to transport goods to the occupied territories, following the beginning of Yemeni attacks on Israel-bound ships in the Red Sea last November, some Israeli sources reported about this route.

Despite Israeli President Isaac Herzog's attempts to mediate between Netanyahu and the Emirati leadership during a recent visit to the UAE, the source said that President of the United Arab Emirates Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has reportedly refused to engage in dialogue with Netanyahu.

The Israeli regime waged its genocidal war against Gaza on October 7 after Hamas launched a surprise multi-pronged attack against the occupied territories in response to more than seven decades of occupation and suppression.

So far, more than 31,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in the Zionist regime's bloody war on Gaza and many more have been injured.

The Palestinian territory has so far been known as the world's largest open prison due to years of crippling blockade there by the Zionist regime.

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Clare Fonstein is a reporter who joined the San Francisco Chronicle as part of the two-year Hearst Journalism Fellowship, spending her first year of the program at the Houston Chronicle. In Houston, Fonstein covered breaking news and trending stories.

She was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, then attended Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where she majored in journalism and international relations. She previously worked as an intern at the Morning Call, the daily newspaper of the Lehigh Valley, and her college newspaper at Lehigh University.

She can be reached at Clare.Fonstein@sfchronicle.com.
Hamas calls for breaking siege of Al-Aqsa Mosque

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 13, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Palestinian resistance movement, Hamas, has issued a statement urging Palestinians to break a siege imposed by the Israeli regime, which prevents the entry of the Palestinian people into the Al-Aqsa Mosque in al-Quds city.

Shehab news reported that Hamas emphasized: "We ask the Palestinian nation residing in the West Bank to go to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in order to nullify the security measures imposed by the occupying regime and foil their plots."

"We call on the residents of the West Bank to confront the occupying regime in support of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the steadfast Palestinians in the Gaza Strip," the movement added.

The Israeli regime has started intensifying security measures around the Al-Aqsa Mosque and some districts near the holy shrine and preventing Palestinian youths' entry into the site.

The Tel Aviv officials are concerned about the potential initiation of a new Intifada and the escalation of daily clashes in the West Bank.

The resistance group also congratulated an anti-Israeli operation at a checkpoint in Beit Lahm, calling for the escalation of confrontations against the occupying regime.

Two Israeli occupiers were injured in a stabbing attack by a Palestinian teenager on Wednesday morning.

Israeli media outlets reported that the 13-year-old Palestinian, who attacked Israelis, was shot dead by the occupying forces.

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Hamas rejects Al-Arabiya report on ceasefire

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 13, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Palestinian resistance movement, Hamas has categorically denied a report of Al-Arabiya network that the movement had agreed to an international proposal on the Gaza ceasefire.

A Hamas statement, cited by the Palestinian Shihab News Agency, rejected the news published by Al-Arabiya attributed to a senior Hamas source regarding the receipt of an international proposal for a long ceasefire in Gaza, the gradual return of refugees or the departure of a delegation to Cairo for talks.

We ask the media to ensure the authenticity and credibility of the news and do not play with the feelings of our people who are under the military aggression of the Zionist regime and being massacred, the statement added.

Earlier, the Al-Arabiya network quoted an unnamed senior Hamas source as saying that Hamas had received an international proposal for the ceasefire in Gaza, which would include the release of Israeli captives in exchange for children, women and the elderly languishing in the regime's jails.

According to this report, a delegation from Hamas will also travel to Cairo in the next few days to discuss the details of the agreement and start of its implementation.

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Nasrallah discusses ceasefire negotiations with Hamas Leadership

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Wed / 13 March 2024 / 12:22

Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah received a leadership delegation from the Hamas movement led by Dr. Khalil Al-Hayya, Deputy Chairman of Hamas in Gaza.

Tehran -ISNA- The meeting involved a comprehensive review of current field-level conditions and developments in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and various support fronts.

Discussions also centered around ongoing negotiations aimed at ending aggression against Gaza and establishing conditions conducive to Palestinian resistance efforts.

Six months since the start of military operations by the Islamic resistance in Lebanon against the Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon, the front remains open until the Israeli aggression against Gaza comes to an end.

Meanwhile, the attention is turning to the outcome of the ongoing negotiations regarding a ceasefire in Gaza.

Few days ago, Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas political bureau, placed blame on the Israeli occupation for the failure to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, despite Hamas showing great positivity and flexibility in negotiations.

In a speech detailing Hamas' stance on ceasefire talks and Gaza developments, Haniyeh emphasized that the occupation is avoiding the logical resolution of the prisoner exchange issue. Haniyeh reiterated Hamas's willingness to reach an agreement that upholds its principles, stating, "If we receive a clear commitment to halt the aggression and repatriate the displaced, we will be flexible on the issue of prisoners." Haniyeh highlighted Hamas's constructive approach and commitment to a comprehensive agreement in three stages, contingent on international guarantees.

Haniyeh also disclosed that Hamas had established three conditions from the outset of negotiations: a ceasefire, blocking all suspicious plans targeting Gaza, and a commitment to a prisoner exchange.

End Item



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The President in France: We need to produce ammunition and armaments in larger quantities and at higher speeds

President of the Republic of Lithuania

March 13, 2024

President Gitanas Nauseda continues his visit to Paris, where on Wednesday, he opened a bilateral France-Lithuania Defense Industry Forum.

Addressing the Forum, the Lithuanian leader stressed that the war in Ukraine is not only Russia's war against Ukraine. According to the President, Putin's goal is to destroy Europe and to get the USA to step back from its global leadership position.

"Time is of utmost importance. Putin has put Russia firmly on the path of warexpansion and aggression will not stop unless we stop them. We must stop Russia beyond our borders," Gitanas Nauseda spoke at the event.

The President stressed that Europe's main priorities should now focus on helping Ukraine achieve victory and increasing investments in our own security and defense.

"We need to produce ammunition and armaments in much larger quantities and at much higher speeds, and to prioritize deliveries to Ukraine and European allies. This is not just about helping Ukraine. This is an investment in our own security and our own future," the Head of State underlined.

According to Gitanas Nauseda, more cooperation between nations is needed to make the most of the common potential of the European defense industry. The President pointed out that Lithuania's defense industry is rapidly growing as a result of political support, amendments to legislation, and new financial instruments. Lithuania is now able to offer high-end innovative technological solutions and will strive to accelerate modernization and progress of the defense sector in the future.

President Gitanas Nauseda underlined that in the current security situation, cooperation between Lithuanian and French defense companies is of particular importance and value. The Head of State called on the Forum participants to forge long-term partnerships and to contribute through cooperation to Europe's security and resilience to external threats.

The President's Communication Group

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A look at the Defence news 4 - 10 March

Netherlands Ministry of Defence

News item | 13-03-2024

RNLN to contribute to security and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea

HNLMS Tromp has departed for the Red Sea, where the air defence and command frigate will contribute to safety and free passage from the end of March.

The Netherlands drops food parcels over Gaza

On behalf of the Netherlands, a Royal Netherlands Air Force C-130 transport aircraft airdropped about 20 tons of food parcels into Gaza last week. Due to a technical failure, not all of the parcels could be dropped. The Netherlands cooperated with a number of other countries, including Jordan, Belgium and the United States, in this operation.

Helicopter detachment base in Iraq taking shape

The construction of the Royal Netherlands Air Force helicopter detachment's base has started at Al Asad Air Base in Iraq. From May onwards, the base will be used in the context of the NATO mission in Iraq. The first task is to set up a special tent for the RNLAF's Chinook transport helicopters, a task that is currently being carried out by a team of army engineers.

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Nasrallah: Israeli army exhausted, will lose war even if it invades Rafah

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 13 March 2024 8:45 PM

The leader of Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement says the Israeli army, which is waging a genocidal war against the Gaza Strip, is in a state of exhaustion.

"The Israeli army today is tired and exhausted on all fronts," Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said in a televised address on Wednesday, adding, "The enemy's senior experts acknowledge the strategic losses."

Israel launched the war against Gaza on October 7 after Al-Aqsa Storm, a surprise operation by the coastal sliver's resistance groups against the occupied territories that was staged in retaliation for the intensification of Tel Aviv's decades-long crimes against Palestinians.

The regime has so far during the war killed more than 31,300 Gazans, most of them women, children, and adolescents.

"Gaza, which resists, fights, and endures in a scene close to a miracle and astonishing the world, is the culture of the Qur'an and it is a divine proof for the whole world," Nasrallah said.

So far, during the military onslaught, the Israeli army has officially acknowledged losing around 590 forces and officers as a result of the resistance's operations. The fatalities include 248, who have been killed in ground battles.

Narallah, however, asserted, "The number of its dead is very large and much greater than [what has been] announced," adding, "We announce our martyrs on live broadcasts, but the enemy hides its dead, and this has an impact on the Israeli army."

The Hezbollah leader noted that "on the northern front, there is extreme secrecy about the losses in terms of [Israeli] soldiers, military vehicles, and others."

Lebanon's al-Mayadeen television network reported recently that the Palestinian resistance's operations against the Israeli forces in the northern Gaza Strip had confirmed the presence and strength of the resistance, and refuted the Israeli claims of imposing control over northern Gaza.

"After five months, the Israeli army has a shortage of personnel and wants to recruit 14,500 officers and soldiers and even wants to recruit the Haredim (ultra-Orthodox Israelis)," Nasrallah noted.

He also pointed to a pledge by Tel Aviv to invade the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where the majority of the coastal territory's 2.4-million-strong population has taken refuge from the ravages of the war.

The regime claims that by conducting the invasion, it will have realized its ambition of "eliminating" the Gaza-based resistance movement of Hamas.

Nasrallah, however, radically rejected the claim.

"Today, in the sixth month [of the war], [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu stands up to say that if we do not go to Rafah, we will lose the war," the Hezbollah leader said.

"We say to Netanyahu that even if you go to Rafah, you have lost the war and you cannot eliminate Hamas or the resistance, despite all the massacres," he added.

"One of the signs of defeat for the enemy is that the occupation is negotiating with Hamas in the sixth month of the war," Nasrallah stated, adding, "Hamas is negotiating today on behalf of the resistance and not from a position of weakness, and it sets the conditions."

He reminded that resistance fronts all across the region, namely in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen, were performing their duty towards lending support to their fellow resistance fighters in Gaza.

"We affirm our stand with the Palestinian resistance factions, especially with the leadership of Hamas...and we continue on the support fronts," the Hezbollah leader said.

The pro-Palestinian operations staged by the regional resistance movements have seen them firing numerous missiles, drones, and rockets against Israeli targets or those belonging to the occupying regime's supporters.

Yemeni forces have been targeting Israeli vessels or those heading towards the occupied territories' ports, while Iraq's Islamic Resistance have been firing numerous missiles and drones towards the occupied territories.

The resistance fronts have also been striking American targets in protest at the United States' all-out political, military, and intelligence support for the war.

"The Islamic resistance in Iraq and its sending of marches and missiles to the entity is ongoing and ongoing," Nasrallah noted, commending the Arab country's resistance movements' pro-Gaza operations.

"The support fronts are completing their work and we praise the Yemen front and its effects and blessings are very great, especially on the enemy's economy," he stated.

"Neither the Americans nor the British nor the Europeans who followed them were able to prevent the Yemeni brothers from striking ships heading to occupied Palestine," Nasrallah said.

He was referring to anti-Yemeni strikes by the United States or those of its allies in the UK and Europe that have been launched in a failed attempt to stop Yemen's pro-Palestinian operations.

Nasrallah, meanwhile, noted that the United States could easily end the ongoing aggression against Gaza and the simultaneous attacks that the Israeli regime has been staging against Lebanon.

"With the stroke of a pen, US President Joe Biden can stop the aggression in Gaza and Lebanon."

Earlier in the month, however, Biden alleged in an interview with The New Yorker that the Israeli war machine still had to be given "a little bit of time."

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West must stop 'hypocrisy,' end Israel atrocities in Gaza: Malaysia PM

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 13 March 2024 5:25 PM

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says he told German Chancellor Olaf Scholz that the West needs to end "hypocrisy" and take steps against Israel's atrocities in the Gaza Strip.

Speaking to Turkish news agency, Anadolu, Ibrahim said he "made it very clear" to the German leader that the Western leaders must "stop the hypocrisy," and take steps to stop Israel's "ethnic cleansing" of Palestinians in Gaza.

"Because the problems are not the 7th of October," the Malaysian leader said, referring to the day Hamas launched its Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the Israel regime.

After the operation, Tel Aviv ordered Israeli military forces to attack the besieged Gaza Strip with a force "like never before."

"The problem is the whole treatment, and colonialism, and apartheid, and ethnic cleansing in Gaza, that must stop now," the Malaysian leader told the German chancellor.

"And the international community has to take up measures now to solve the problem. They cannot fail in their moral duty."

The Malaysian leader has been one of the most outspoken leaders to criticize the West for their military support for the Israeli regime.

Germany and the United States have increased arms shipments to Israel, since the regime started its war on the Gaza Strip more than five months ago.

Other military exporters include France, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

The Malaysian prime minister also condemned the Western governments' silence about Israel's crimes against the people of Gaza, saying that they were "selective" and "inconsistent" with regard to the application of international law.

The United Nations has said there is evidence that international humanitarian law may have been breached by Israeli regime in Gaza.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently heard a case brought by South Africa against the Israeli regime for committing genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza.

The World Court, seated in The Hague, Netherlands, ruled in late January that "there is a plausible risk of genocide in Gaza and the continuing serious harm to civilians since then."

Israeli forces have killed more than 31,250 Palestinians, most of them women and children, since October, the Gaza health ministry says.

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US, UK hit Yemeni airport after attack on US bulk carrier

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 13 March 2024 3:21 PM

US and British warplanes have launched extensive attacks on a key airport in western Yemen amid efforts by the two countries to force Yemen to stop its pro-Palestine activity in regional waters.

Reports on Wednesday said that US and British warplanes had carried out three rounds of bombardments on the international airport in the Yemeni port city of Hudaydah.

The attacks came just hours after the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a subsidiary of the British navy responsible for overseeing Middle East waterways, said it had received a report about an incident involving commercial shipping in waters off Yemen.

British security firm Ambrey also confirmed there had been attack on a ship in the Gulf of Aden.

The UKMTO said that a bomb-carrying drone had smashed into Genco Picardy, a US-owned ship, in an area 110 kilometers (70 miles) southeast of the southern Yemeni port of Aden.

Yemen's military spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree confirmed that the ship attacked was the bulk carrier Genco Picardy.

"... any new attack will not remain without response and punishment," Saree said in a prerecorded video address.

The attack was the second by Yemenis in recent days on ships linked to the US. On Monday, they had hit the US-owned Gibraltar Eagle.

Led by the ruling Houthi Ansarullah movement, the armed forces of Yemen started attacking ships sailing to and from the Israeli-controlled Palestinian territories in November weeks after the Israeli regime launched its one-sided war on the civilian population in the Gaza Strip.

The attacks later expanded to cover ships owned by the United States and Britain after the two countries launched attacks from sea and air on Yemen in a clear show of support for Israel's aggression on Gaza.

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Lebanon: Israel must be prevented from 'dragging entire region into war'

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 13 March 2024 3:15 PM

Lebanon has warned that Israel seeks to expand the current war to the entire region.

The government says it intends to file a complaint at the United Nations over the occupying regime's ceaseless attacks on the Arab country.

In a statement on Wednesday, Beirut said Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib had already instructed departments in the ministry to submit a complaint to the UN Security Council.

It added that the formal complaint would be submitted through the Permanent Mission of Lebanon to the UN in New York after a series of Israeli attacks considered the most violent on the 11th and 12th of the current month.

The ministry warned that Tel Aviv desired to "expand the conflict and drag the whole region to war", saying that Israel's attacks have grown increasingly "violent", killing and wounding numerous innocent civilians within residential areas in Lebanon.

"Such aggressive actions could serve as the spark for a regional war" it noted, adding that Israel "sees this as an opportunity to break free from its internal deadlock."

Israel has been striking Lebanon since the beginning of the regime's hostilities in the besieged Gaza Strip on October 7, after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

Israel's genocidal war on Gaza has prompted retaliatory strikes from the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement in support of the Palestinians in the blockaded area. The Lebanese movement has vowed to keep up its retaliatory operations as long as the regime continues its onslaught on Gaza.

In a series of attacks on Monday and Tuesday, Israeli warplanes struck the Bekaa Valley region, reportedly striking Hezbollah targets in the area. At least one person was killed, and several others wounded.

"What is particularly concerning is that this escalation is occurring in areas far from the southern Lebanese borders," Lebanon's foreign ministry added.

Elsewhere in the statement on Wednesday, the ministry underscored the need for the international community to "pressure Israel to halt its continuous escalating attacks, and once again calls for the condemnation by all members of the Security Council of Israeli attacks against Lebanon."

Furthermore, it also urged members of the UNSC to condemn the Israeli assault on Lebanon and to work toward implementing Security Council Resolution No. 1701 in a bid to establish lasting stability and security along the Arab country's southern borders.

In mid-February, an Israeli strike knocked down part of a building in the southern Lebanese city of Nabatiyeh, killing seven members of the same family, including a child. A boy initially reported missing was found alive under the rubble.

Since the beginning of the current war, the occupying regime has also killed more than 31,000 Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip, most of them women and children.

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Palestinians denounce Israeli field executions in occupied West Bank

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 13 March 2024 2:28 PM

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates says the executions across the occupied territories are further proof that Israel wants to escalate tensions during the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the ministry said the surge in Israeli violence will only drag the region into further escalation and blow up the situation.

"The series of field executions committed by the Israeli occupation army in the West Bank is clear evidence that the Israeli regime is the one seeking to blow up the situation during the month of Ramadan, and enter it into a never-ending cycle of violence."

Israeli forces killed at least six people, including two minors, in raids on multiple locations in the occupied West Bank.

"In 24 hours, the Israeli occupation has killed six Palestinians, including children. These are war crimes and crimes against humanity according to international law," the statement read.

The ministry said Israel's continued impunity from punishment and accountability encourages it to commit more war crimes.

"The political and military echelon has enabled soldiers and settlers to shoot at Palestinian citizens who do not endanger them in any way. It is obvious that this escalation is proof that the Israeli regime is adding fuel to the fire to expand the cycle of violence."

Israeli forces shot dead a 13-year-old boy, identified as Rami al-Halhuli, in the Shu'fat refugee camp in occupied East al-Quds on Tuesday evening. The regime said he had fired fireworks at them.

However, witnesses say the slain Palestinian teen had shot the fireworks upwards into the air, not at the Israeli forces.

Israel's minister Itamar Ben-Gvir expressed support for Israeli soldiers amid outrage over the killing.

The killing followed multiple raids across the city of Jenin and the Jenin refugee camp. Dozens of Israeli military vehicles and bulldozers, supported by drones and an undercover special unit, took part in the raid in the early hours of Wednesday.

Violence has surged in the occupied West Bank since Israel launched war on war on October 7, 2023. At least 420 Palestinians have been killed there, mostly during confrontations with Israeli forces.

Israeli violence often soar during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan over access to al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East al-Quds.

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A United Airlines flight landed in San Francisco on Thursday with a hydraulic leak and other issues. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

A United Airlines flight landed in San Francisco on Thursday with a hydraulic leak and other issues, the latest in a string of alarming malfunctions for the airline.

Flight 1816, originating from Dallas-Fort Worth and bound for San Francisco International Airport, landed safely after four hours of travel with 150 passengers and five crew members on board. Emergency vehicles stood by as a precaution as the passengers deplaned at the gate, according to a spokesperson for United.

A small amount of smoke was observed around the landing gear, they added.

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However, they reassured, This is routine and is often caused when hydraulic fluid comes in contact with brakes.

Unlike the recent incidents involving Boeing aircraft, the plane involved in this incident was an Airbus A320.

United Airlines has faced multiple emergencies on recent flights to or from San Francisco.

Last Thursday, a United flight bound for Japan lost a wheel during takeoff at San Francisco International Airport, with the wheel landing in an airport employee parking lot.

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Three days earlier, another San Francisco-bound United flight from Hawaii experienced an engine failure before making an emergency landing at the airport. On the same day, a United flight departing from Houston had to make an emergency landing after flames engulfed one of its engines.

On Friday, a United jet flying from San Francisco to Mexico had to make an emergency landing in Los Angeles due to a problem with the planes hydraulic system. And on Monday, a United flight departing from Sydney, Australia, bound for San Francisco, was forced to turn back due to what airline officials described as a maintenance issue.

None of these incidents, which followed the mid-flight door panel blowout of an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max plane on Jan. 5, resulted in injuries.
UNRWA statement on Gaza aid supplies attests to 'international community's failure': Hamas

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 13 March 2024 11:32 AM

The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has rejected a statement by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) about aid supplies to the Gaza Strip, saying it is a declaration of the international community's failure.

The resistance group made the remarks on Wednesday after UNRWA said there is no international will to bring aid into Gaza in light of the widespread and expanding famine in the besieged territory.

This "is a declaration of failure for the international community and the United Nations, and submission to the policies of genocide carried out by the criminal Zionist occupation army against our Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip," Hamas said.

It further called on "all active parties" to take immediate action to force the Israeli authorities to open all land crossings with the Gaza Strip, particularly the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings.

The group also emphasized the need to address "the scarcity of emergency food supplies, which threatens hundreds of children with death," after the death toll of children due to malnutrition and dehydration reached approximately thirty.

Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7 after Hamas waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians.

Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 31,000 Palestinians and injured more than 72,000 others.

The Israeli military has restricted the delivery of humanitarian supplies to northern Gaza for weeks, and thousands of children are going without sufficient food and medication.

The prevention of aid convoys comes as humanitarian officials have already issued a dire warning, stating that unless a ceasefire is implemented and aid is significantly increased, the toll of malnutrition and disease is expected to rise, leading to an alarming loss of lives.

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Israel using 'starvation as a war arm' in Gaza, warns top EU official at UNSC

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 13 March 2024 10:11 AM

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has voiced deep concern over the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, saying the Israeli regime is using starvation as a weapon of war in the besieged territory.

Borrell made the remarks in an address to the UN Security Council on Wednesday, while condemning as a "man-made disaster" the ongoing food crisis in the Gaza Strip.

"This humanitarian crisis (is) not a natural disaster, is not a flood, is not an earthquake, it is man-made," he said, adding that aid deliveries via road are "being artificially closed, and starvation is being used as a war arm."

The EU's top diplomat went on to say that the situation in Gaza is "unbearable," adding that "the very survival of the Palestinian population is at stake" and there is a wide-scale and systematic destruction in the blockaded territory.

Borrell further described UN bodies, such as the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), World Food Programme (WFP), and the UN agency assisting Palestine refugees (UNRWA), as the "last lifelines" for many people.

The latest remarks were Borrell's strongest comments against Israel during the war in Gaza so far.

Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians.

Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed more than 31,000 Palestinians and injured more than 72,000 others.

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.

Humanitarian officials have already issued a dire warning, stating that unless a ceasefire is implemented and aid is significantly increased, the toll of malnutrition and disease will rise, leading to an alarming loss of civilian lives.

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Palestinian teenager killed by Israeli sniper in West Bank; 3 others die in Israeli raids

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 13 March 2024 7:11 AM

At least four Palestinians have been killed during overnight raids across the West Bank, amid surging violence and attacks by Israeli forces since the war broke out in the besieged Gaza Strip in early October last year.

Israeli troopers fatally shot a young Palestinian man and injured five others during a wide-scale raid in the northern occupied West Bank city of Jenin early on Wednesday, WAFA reported.

The sources noted that Israeli military force stormed the yard of the Jenin Governmental Hospital in the city, and opened fire directly at a group of civilians who were standing in front of the emergency department, resulting in several injuries.

Medical staff at the hospital said Rabie al-Noursi, in his 20s, succumbed to his serious gun wounds inflicted by the Israeli forces during the raid.

Hours earlier, Israeli forces had stormed the city of Jenin and the adjacent refugee camp, triggering confrontations and causing significant damage to public infrastructure.

Palestinian security officials said Israeli soldiers broke into the area with dozens of military vehicles and bulldozers supported by drones and special undercover units.

A Caterpillar D9 bulldozer destroyed infrastructure in and around the Jenin refugee camp, and bulldozed streets and sewage lines, according to local sources and witnesses.

Moreover, a young Palestinian man and a teenager were fatally shot as Israeli forces opened fire on a group of people near the village of al-Jib, located 9.5 kilometers (5.9 miles) northwest of al-Quds. Another three people were injured as well.

The two victims were identified as 16-year-old Abdullah Mamoun Assaf, and Zaid Ward Khalaifeh, 23.

Elsewhere in the Shu'fat refugee camp on the outskirts of al-Quds, a 13-year-old teenager, identified as Rami Hamdan al-Halhuli, was shot and killed by Israeli forces.

More than 400 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank since October 7, when Israel waged the war on Gaza after Hamas carried out a historic operation against the occupying entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

The Israeli aggression has so far killed at least 31,184 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 72,889 others in Gaza. 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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Mar. 12: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 13 March 2024 6:25 AM

By Press TV Website Staff

Amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed nearly 31,200 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 major operations carried out by the Palestinian and regional resistance groups on Tuesday, March 12, are as follows:

Al-Qassam Brigades' operations on Mar. 12

Ambushed and engaged in clashes with two Israeli infantry forces from point-blank range near the "L Towers" in the residential town of Hamad, north of Khan Younis City, southern Gaza.

Targeted a Merkava tank with a Yassin-105 rocket in the residential town of Hamad, north of Khan Younis City.

Detonated two anti-personnel mines on Israeli infantry forces and engaged in clashes with them in the residential town of Hamad, north of Khan Younis City, causing casualties.

Al-Quds Brigades' operations on Mar. 12:

Detonated a powerful explosive device on an Israeli force holed up inside a residential apartment in the residential town of Hamad, north of Khan Younis city.

Targeted an Israeli military vehicle and a D9-bulldozer with RPGs in the residential town of Hamad, north of Khan Younis.

Shelled the gatherings of Israeli soldiers in the center of the residential town of Hamad, north of Khan Younis city, with mortar shells.

Detonated a pre-rigged building, east of Al-Qarara town, housing a special Israeli force, resulting in multiple casualties.

Detonated a pre-rigged tunnel following the infiltration of an Israeli military battalion, northeast of Al-Qarara town.

Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades' operations on Mar. 12:

Shelled a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles with a barrage of heavy mortar shells in the axis of the residential town of Hamad, north of Khan Younis city.

Targeted an Israeli military vehicle with RPGs in the axis of the residential town of Hamad, west of Khan Younis city.

Hezbollah's operations on Mar. 12:

Eastern sector:

At around 7:00 local time, Israeli military air defense command in the Keila barracks and Yaav base in occupied Golan Heights were targeted with more than a hundred Katyusha rockets in batches.

At around 17:55 local time, the Ruwaisat Al-Alam site in Kafr Shuba was targeted.

At around 18:05 local time, the Zibdin site in Shebaa was targeted.

Western sector:

At around 10:15 local time, the Al-Rahib site was targeted with a Burkan missile.

At around 12:45 local time, the Al-Jardah site was targeted with Burkan missiles.

At around 14:00 local time, surveillance equipment at the Birkat Risha site was targeted.

At around 14:25 local time, the Israeli military's surveillance equipment at the Jal al-Alam site was targeted.

At around 16:00 local time, the Jal al-Alam site and Israeli soldiers deployed around it were targeted with Burkan missiles.

At around 16:00 local time, the Hadab Yarin military site was targeted with Burkan missiles.

At around 16:00 local time, the Birkat Risha military site was targeted with Burkan missiles.

At around 16:15 local time, an Israeli spy drone was forced to return to the occupied territories.

At around 16:45 local time, Zarit Barracks was targeted with Burkan missiles.

At around 17:00 local time, Branit Barracks was targeted.

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Experts: Philippines, US should revisit treaty to include China's 'gray-zone' tactics

The definition of 'an armed external attack' in the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty needs to be made more clear, observers say.

By Camille Elemia for BenarNews 2024.03.13 -- The Philippines and United States need to revisit their longtime mutual defense pact to address Beijing's increasing use of so-called gray-zone activities - or acts of aggression short of an armed attack - in the disputed South China Sea, experts said.

Under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), the two allies are compelled to come to each other's defense in the event of "an armed external attack," but the term is ambiguous and needs to be more clearly defined, according to analysts interviewed by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated news outlet.

Article V of the treaty "needs to be more clearly discussed and interpreted" by both countries, said Don McLain Gill, a geopolitical analyst based in Manila.

The article states that the MDT covers "an armed attack on the metropolitan territory of either of the parties, or on the island territories under its jurisdiction in the Pacific Ocean, its armed forces, public vessels or aircraft in the Pacific."

In recent years, China has intensified its harassment and intimidation of Philippine government ships and other vessels in the West Philippine Sea, Manila's name for waters of the South China Sea that lie within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

"There needs to be a firmer operational definition of an 'armed attack,' because without doing so, China will continue to exploit such terminological ambiguities," Gill told BenarNews.

"It's still an ambiguous term. Should firearms be used to trigger the MDT? If so, it does not address the casualties on our side."

He was responding to questions about a March 5 incident where four Philippine Navy sailors sustained minor injuries while aboard a military-contracted civilian vessel, when blasts from Chinese water cannons shattered their boat's windshield.

The dramatic moment, which was caught on video, occurred as China Coast Guard (CCG) ships tried to block the Philippine boat, the Unaizah May 4, from carrying out a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal).

"The focus must also be on the potential harm to human life China's unfriendly acts may cause," Gill said.

The incident last week marked the first time that injuries were reported in any of the tense incidents at sea that have become more frequent lately, as Chinese ships try to block Philippine ships and boats from delivering supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre, a rusty World War II-era ship that serves as Manila's outpost in Ayungin Shoal.

While such close encounters at sea between Philippine and Chinese coast guard ships increased in 2023, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin cited the MDT in warning that Washington would help defend Manila in case of an armed attack "anywhere in the South China Sea," including on Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels.

In the immediate aftermath of the March 5 incident, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. dismissed calls that Manila move to have the treaty invoked over it.

While "his administration viewed the incident and such "dangerous maneuvers" by China with "great alarm," there was no need at this time to take that step on the MDT, he said.

Five months after he took office in 2022, as he talked about the possibility of a stronger U.S. military presence in the Philippines, Marcos said that the mutual defense treaty with the United States was "continuously under negotiations and under evolution."

In 2023, as tensions also simmered between China and the U.S. over Taiwan, the Marcos administration agreed to give American forces greater access to military bases in his country. Late last year, the U.S. and the Philippines also launched joint patrols around the archipelago.

Sherwin Ona, a political science professor at De La Salle University in Manila, said he agreed with Marcos and noted that the boat that came under attack was a civilian vessel.

In his view, Beijing is aware of the language in the treaty that does not clearly define a red line, and is exploiting that by carrying out gray-zone tactics in the contested waterway.

"The framing of conflict is so far within the gray-zone approach of the People's Republic of China. I think Beijing is conscious of this and will avoid a full-scale naval confrontation with the Philippines and the U.S.," Ona told BenarNews.

Wider definition of 'armed attack'

Analyst Gill, however, said that if the definition of armed attack is merely limited to military confrontation, this allows China to carry on with its aggressive actions at sea.

"If armed attack will only mean a direct military confrontation, then that opens up more pathways for China to inflict harm on Filipinos at sea," Gill said.

"Given last week's incident, one may ask that if China's belligerent activities in the Philippines' EEZ may eventually critically injure or kill members of the Philippine crew, should Article V be implemented?" he said.

Antonio Carpio, a South China Sea analyst and a former Supreme Court justice, said the Philippines could approach the U.S. to talk about a possible expansion of definitions of wording in the treaty.

"'Armed attack' means use of lethal weapons like cannon, missiles or guns. We can discuss with the U.S. to define 'armed attack' to include use of laser beams that are permanently blind since such use is already outlawed by an international convention," Carpio said in a message to BenarNews.

Last year, a CCG vessel pointed a military-grade laser at a Philippine Coast Guard ship, temporarily blinding the Filipino crew.

'Option of last resort'

But Rommel Ong, a retired Philippine Navy rear admiral, believes the two countries will not include such acts of aggression in the MDT.

"I don't think that's going to happen. The Philippines and the U.S. are both trying to avoid invoking the MDT for minor incidents," Ong told BenarNews.

"That's the option of last resort. The actions of China are still within the bounds of non-kinetic. It's just that we're not used to conflicts at sea," he said.

He mentioned the cod wars between the United Kingdom and Iceland during the 1950s to 1970s over rights to fish in Icelandic waters. Both European countries engaged in gray-zone tactics by ramming and blocking each other's ships.

"MDT is like a nuclear bomb. Its effectiveness is in its deterrent value. But once you use it, it loses its value."

With these limitations, the Philippines appears to have no option but to resort to joint patrols with the U.S. and other like-minded allies, analyst Ona said.

He added that the Philippines must fast-track military and coast guard modernization programs and continue its transparency program, whereby they publicize cases of Chinese intimidation and incursions in the West Philippine Sea.

Marcos has repeatedly called on foreign nations to support the landmark international arbitration ruling in 2016 that sided with Manila and invalidated Beijing's sweeping claims in the South China Sea.

During an official visit to Germany this week, Marcos noted that 60% of world trade passed through the vital waterway.

"It's not solely the interest of the Philippines, or of ASEAN, or of the Indo-Pacific region but the entire world. That is why it's in all our interest to keep it as a safe passage for all international commerce that goes on in the South China Sea," Marcos said during a joint press conference on Tuesday with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Marcos has relied on international allies and partners, striking deals on defense cooperation even with non-traditional allies to counter Chinese aggression. Aside from the U.S. and Germany, Japan, Australia, France, the United Kingdom, and India have expressed support for Manila over the South China Sea dispute.

Jeoffrey Maitem in Cotabato City, southern Philippines, contributed to this report.

BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated news outlet.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content March not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Brussels Gripped By 'We're Hiring' Fever As Top EU, NATO Posts Up For Grabs

By Rikard Jozwiak March 13, 2024

This year features a merry-go-round of high-level positions in the upper echelons of the European Union, as well as NATO, and Brussels is awash with rumors as to who will taking up the posts.

Four big political jobs are up for grabs in 2024: the European Commission and European Council presidencies, now occupied by Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel, respectively, as well as the bloc's foreign policy chief post, held by Josep Borrell for the past five years.

Elsewhere in the Belgian capital, Jens Stoltenberg is vacating the post of NATO secretary-general after a decade at the helm. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has thrown his hat into the ring for this, and it could well be time for an Eastern European to lead.

Two EU summits in June, already penciled in for June 17 and 27, featuring the 27 EU heads of state and governments, will decide the three posts in closed-door negotiations. It's a complicated jigsaw in which candidates will be selected that reflect a balance of gender, political affiliation (often divided between pan-European political parties representing the center right, center left, and liberal) and geography, even though the EU member states' compass is at times blurred.

The European Commission president usually hails from the political group that wins the most votes in the parliamentary elections taking place across the bloc on June 6-9. In the last four elections, this has been the center-right European People's Party (EPP), and polls indicate they're on course to win this time as well. Their lead candidate, crowned at the EPP congress in Bucharest last week, is Von der Leyen. Logic would dictate that she's a shoo-in for another five years heading the European Commission.

On paper, the leader of NATO is separate from the EU posts. But considering that 23 out of 27 EU member states also belong to the military alliance, and that the NATO secretary-general should be European, the two organizations are essentially fishing in the same talent pool.

Sources at NATO say they want the decision to be made in April, well before the NATO Washington summit in July and, crucially, well before the process becomes "too entangled" in the EU's own recruitment timeline.

Only a few weeks ago, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States (known collectively as the "Quad"), as well as up to 17 other countries, largely in the West, rallied behind outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

Considered a safe pair of hands with lots of experience, well-liked in Washington, and famously adept at dealing with former U.S. President Donald Trump, he seemed a decent, if perhaps uninspiring, pick.

Iohannis's bid could represent a welcome change: hearing the voice of Eastern, and not just Western, Europe.

Eastern Europe's Turn

"Eastern" here is far from a coherent geographical or political concept, but it covers the countries of the former Soviet bloc or ex-Yugoslavia that joined the EU (and NATO) in the past 25 years: Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia (and, additionally for NATO, Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia).

No NATO secretary-general has ever come from any of these countries. In 2019, when the EU last picked the three heads, the eastern flank was completely overlooked. In fact, the only "easterner" that ever has held a high position in Brussels was current Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who was president of the European Council from 2014 to 2019.

There have already been three Dutch NATO secretary-generals. The Netherlands has struggled to spend 2 percent of GDP on defense, a NATO goal for over a decade and something many Eastern countries, including Iohannis's Romania, have managed.

Rutte, while being supportive of Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, is considered a "softie" on Russia. His support for Gazprom's Nordstream 2 is a case in point. Many Easterners, on the other hand, have long warned about the danger of a belligerent Kremlin.

Now, they've been proven right.

NATO sources say they believe Rutte will still win. It's hard to get around "the Quad," and they don't seem to be budging. Some view Iohannis's move as "desperate" and "last-ditch," and it has stoked fears that the selection process might drag on for months.

Others were rather bemused at his 10-point plan -- presented in Politico on March 13 -- that included things the military alliance is already doing.

Some diplomats from Eastern countries say they have no opinion on either candidate. The question ultimately is whether Iohannis sourced his popularity before committing to run.

Two Other Factors

The first of two other important factors is unanimity. All 32 NATO allies need to be onboard. Hungary has already indicated it's against Rutte, especially after countless spats between The Hague and Budapest over Hungarian rule of law.

Turkey hasn't voiced a preference, but Ankara's had its own issues with Rutte, notably from Turkish efforts a few years back to hold political rallies in the Netherlands that resulted in The Hague barring Turkish officials from arriving.

As one NATO official recently told me, "Turkey and Hungary showed with Sweden's NATO accession that they are willing to go the extra mile and more to get what they want."

But is it Iohannis they want or just anyone but Rutte? Or could this be paving the way for a dark-horse candidate yet to be revealed?

A PR Move For Iohannis?

The talk in Brussels is also about whether Iohannis is running for NATO secretary-general to get himself into the arena for an EU post.

Like Von der Leyen, Iohannis belongs to the EPP. If she gets the commission presidency, it's unlikely another EPP candidate could get anything else. The center left (called S&D in Europe) will likely finish second in the European parliament election and demand the council or the foreign policy job. The liberals (Renew) or the more conservative and Euroskeptic ECR group could also stake out positions depending on the June vote.

Most of the other Easterners who might be gunning for EU jobs belong to the EPP, too. There's Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic; the Bulgarian managing director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva; Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski; and his Lithuanian and Latvian counterparts, Gabrielius Landsbergis and Krisjanis Karins, respectively.

Outside the EPP, we have Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, belonging to the liberals, which could see a catastrophic European election. Kallas appears to be overlooked for the NATO job, at least for now. Then there are the Brussels Slovak stalwarts Miroslav Lajcak and Maros Sefcovic, but both are associated with Slovak Prime Minister Robet Fico, whose party has been suspended by the center-left S&D for its pro-Moscow stance.

Is Iohannis plotting a coup against Von der Leyen? She is widely considered a successful commission president, especially in her steadfast support for Kyiv. But people in Brussels also have some negative things to say about her: Some member states worry she's made the commission too powerful and that she runs it with an iron fist, not letting other commissioners shine.

Then there is the issue with the European Parliament. The candidate for commission president needs to be approved by a majority of members of the house. Last time, Von der Leyen scraped by with eight votes. It might be even tighter this time.

Maybe that means it's time for a consensus candidate? Maybe this candidate could be Iohannis.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/brussels-nato-eu-posts- iohannis/32860213.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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Secretary Blinken's Remarks to the Press

US Department of State

Remarks to the Press

March 13, 2024

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good afternoon, everyone. Last week in his State of the Union address, the President directed the United States military to build a temporary pier in Gaza to enable us to help surge humanitarian assistance to those who so desperately need it. A short while ago, I did a video conference with colleagues from Cyprus, from the United Kingdom, the UAE, Qatar, the European Union, and the United Nations to coordinate our efforts in getting this maritime corridor up and running. We're also of course working with Israel on this.

When established, this corridor will enable the distribution of up to 2 million meals every single day as well as medicine, water, and other critical humanitarian supplies. Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada are also supporting this effort.

Now, this is something that's going to take time to actually put in place, although we're working on it as expeditiously as possible. And I want to emphasize: It is a complement to - not a substitute for - other ways of getting humanitarian assistance into Gaza. And, in particular, overland routes remain the most critical way to get assistance in and then to people who need it. But this will help close the gap, and it's part of our all-of-the-above strategy to make sure that we're doing everything possible by every means possible to surge support to those who need it - by land, by sea, by air.

As you know, the United States has been leading efforts from the very beginning to try to ensure that assistance gets to those who need it. We've had significant ups and downs, periods of interruption, disruption. And having said that, we're also seeing right now humanitarian assistance through Rafah and through Kerem Shalom getting back to levels that we'd gotten it to some weeks ago - about 200 trucks a day.

Yesterday, for the first time, the World Food Program was able to resume aid delivery to Gaza. Morocco made its first humanitarian assistance delivery through Kerem Shalom. This week the first shipments to north Gaza through a new crossing at the 96th gate began. We have flour that flowed from Ashdod Port. We're working to make sure that inspections are accelerated and road repairs move forward, so that we can also increase the flow that's going from Jordan into Gaza. That's a critical route for supplies.

So, there's movement, and we've - and it's positive, but it remains insufficient. Israel still needs to open as many access points as possible and keep them open to make sure that things are flowing in a sustainable way: increase the scanning capacity, the inspection capacity, particularly at Kerem Shalom, where more can be done to get more aid in more quickly; easing unnecessary restrictions on key products; having greater clarity and predictability on what can get in and what can't. There's a legitimate issue here about dual-use items, but we need to see much greater clarity, much greater consistency on what these are.

And of course, as we've said all along, while it's vital to make sure that things are getting into Gaza, once they're in, they have to get to the people who need them. And so, distribution within Gaza remains a critical function. There, improving communication, improving deconfliction with humanitarians - particularly with the United Nations - with local community leaders remains important work and work that is still in progress.

The bottom line is we need to see - as we've described it, we need to see flooding the zone when it comes to humanitarian assistance for Gaza. This will have a number of, I think, important merits to it. First and foremost, it will bring comfort to people who so desperately need it. But beyond that, one of the challenges that we have now and that you're seeing now is that lawlessness, insecurity - all of that pervades in Gaza, combined with desperation. When you put those things together, you have situations where aid goes in and then people immediately charge at the trucks, and you see looting, you see criminal gangs get in the act, and again, just ordinary civilians who - and in the absence of sufficient aid - may believe that their only chance to get a piece of bread is to go at the one truck that they see coming in.

When you have a sustainable, predictable, confident supply of assistance going in, that will give people confidence that food is there, it'll keep coming, they can rely on it. That will also decrease both the overall insecurity, sense of lawlessness - prices will come down for goods that are being looted and then sold on the black market, and that'll undercut the gangs that are engaged in that practice.

Having said all of that, even as we work to surge humanitarian assistance by every means necessary, the most effective way to really get that done is with a ceasefire and having an environment much more conducive to getting the aid through. There's a very strong proposal on the table right now. The question is, will Hamas take it? Does Hamas want to end the suffering that it's provoked? The question is there, but I can tell you that we're intensely engaged every single day, almost every single hour with Qatar, with Egypt to see if we can get a ceasefire agreement that will get the hostages out, get more aid in, and create a pathway perhaps for a more lasting, secure solution.

Hostages remain front and center on our minds and in our hearts. We just learned that one of the dual U.S.-Israeli citizens who we believe was taken on October 7th - Itay Chen - was in fact killed on October 7th. I met with his family multiple times over the last several months. I spoke to them yesterday - to Ruby, to Hagit. There are no good words. No one should have to go through what they've gone through and what the other hostage families continue to go through. It's another reason why getting the ceasefire would be so crucial to enable us to bring the hostages home. The President has made clear that ensuring the supply of humanitarian assistance, doing everything possible to protect civilians, has to be a priority. It can't be a secondary consideration.

So, to that end, I would simply say where there's a will, there's a way. We look to the Government of Israel to make sure that this is a priority: protecting civilians, getting people the assistance they need. That has to be job number one even as they do what is necessary to defend the country and to deal with the threat posed by Hamas.

Happy to take some questions.

MR MILLER: Matt.

QUESTION: Thank you. Thanks, Matt.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Matt.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, hello. How are you? So, I - two things very briefly. One, you guys have been talking for a long time, months and months and months now, about the need to get more aid into Gaza. So, I'm just curious about what this meeting today was. Did it accomplish anything or did any - were any decisions made about speeding up the maritime corridor? Or what was the - was this a broader that had more - broader thing that had more to do with that?

And the secondly, it's no secret that the differences between President Biden and his administration and Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government have gotten bigger, larger over the course of the past couple of months, but particularly over the course of the last several weeks or days. And I'm curious to - you are unhappy with the pace of the aid deliveries and what Israel has done in terms of speeding assistance into Gaza, but you combine that with the actual combat that's going on, on the ground. Can you see a point where it comes - where the United States, where the Biden administration says, look, enough is enough? And then, if that does happen, what would that mean? Thanks.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Matt, thanks. In terms of the meeting today, the focus was on the maritime corridor and the pier, the dock that we'll be building that the President announced in the State of the Union. So, what we were talking about today was with the countries that are directly participating in both helping to establish that pier, that dock, but also putting in place the system to collect assistance and then to send it off by sea to the dock that we'll be building.

So that's what this was about, and it was really following up on the President's State of the Union message - following up in very concrete ways to get this moving, to get this off the ground. And as I said, the military is also working intensely on this. We want to get this up and running as quickly as possible, but it demands tremendous coordination among the donor countries, among the participating countries, and of course with Israel. So, that's what we were focused on today.

And again, I want to emphasize that this effort is vital but it's, again, a complement to, not a substitute for, other means of access for humanitarian assistance to Gaza and, notably, the overland access.

As to the second part of your question, I'm not going to engage in hypotheticals. We've been working closely with the Government of Israel but also many other countries to try to make sure to the best of our ability that aid can get in, that it can get to people who need it, and that civilians are better protected. That remains an ongoing effort. And as I said, we need to see efforts in that direction maximized.

The President's been very clear: This has to be a priority, and it has to be a priority for Israel. It's the right thing to do; it's also, I think, profoundly in Israel's interests to do it. And that's what we're working on.

QUESTION: Thanks.

MR MILLER: Andrea.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Andrea.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, thank you. I wanted to follow up on that, and also ask a second about Haiti, but first about Gaza and the disaster that this has become. The U.S. is weaponizing the war. We're the leading - we are the leading supplier of weapons to Israel. At the same time, you are leading an international rescue effort to get this aid in - despite the obstacles from members of the cabinet in Israel, which have delayed the opening of more land access, and still are. And as you point out, these sea routes are slow - they're slower than they should be, even, because not all the ports are open - and they're not a substitute for the hundreds of trucks that could get in by land.

So, can you explain to the American people this incompatible policy? These policies are in conflict. And have you received any plan, as requested from Israel, for a plan to take care of the people in Rafah, if - as the prime minister has said, he's determined to go in after those last four - what he says are those last four battalions?

Secondly, on Haiti, there's the same disaster emerging there on a different scale. But is there a U.S. plan to help with relief? It's already been five months since the UN authorized the Kenyan multinational force. The supreme court there has objected. It's going to be a while until they get in, and even if they agree to go in. What emergency relief can we provide to the people of Haiti to try to resolve the growing disaster there? Thank you.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thanks, Andrea. So, coming back to the first question, we have been focused all along on two things: One, making sure that Israel can effectively defend itself, and that's an enduring commitment that's not going to go away; and also to try to make sure that October 7th never happens again. And in doing that, we're there as Israel's ally, as Israel's partner. We've also been determined, from day one, that as Israel takes the steps necessary to defend itself to ensure that October 7th doesn't happen again, that civilians are protected, humanitarian assistance gets to those who need it.

And these two objectives are not in conflict. The question is whether Israel, on the one hand, is and can effectively deal with its security needs in defending the country, while at the same time maximizing every possible effort to ensure that civilians are not harmed and that assistance gets to those who need it. And as I've said for some time, we see a gap between the intent and the result that we're determined - every single day - to close.

We want to see the violence end. We want to see this get to a point where civilians are fully protected, and people get what they need to get by and ultimately to rebuild their lives. The best path forward right now would be, of course, getting an agreement on hostages. That's what we're working on intensely every single day.

With regard to Rafah, the President's been very clear about this, repeatedly. What we've said to Israel is this: Given the large number of civilians that are now in Rafah, many of them displaced from other parts of Gaza, about 1.4 million, we need to see a plan that will get civilians out of harm's way if there's to be a military operation in Rafah - and not only gets them out of harm's way but also ensures that they have what they need - that they have shelter, that they have food, that they have medicine. We've not yet seen such a plan.

On Haiti, as you know, this has been a long-unfolding story. The heart of the story is the suffering of the Haitian people, and we want to see that brought to an end. That requires a few things. It requires a more stable political system so that the country can function, and function democratically. And for that we need to see a transition to elections, to a clear return to a democratic path.

We need assistance - humanitarian assistance, development assistance - so the economy can get built up, people can have opportunity. And fundamentally, we need to see security because it's very hard to do either of the first two things in an environment that is profoundly insecure. And right now, you have in Haiti profound insecurity that is being driven largely by the action of gangs who control big parts of the capital city, critical infrastructure, et cetera.

So, we've been working on all these fronts. And as you know, the United Nations endorsed some months ago a Multinational Security Support Mission to help the Haitian police regain control of security. As we're putting that together - and Kenya stepped up to say that it would lead this mission; we've brought together other countries that are going to contribute to the mission; we ourselves are contributing significant resources to it - in parallel, we've also been trying - with the CARICOM countries, the Caribbean countries, other interested countries - to help Haitians get back on a better political path.

I was in Jamaica just a couple of days ago, with all of the countries from the Caribbean, CARICOM, with other partners - including Canada, including France, including Mexico - all of this in support of Haitian-led efforts to find a political path forward, to get a political transition. And that's' exactly what was agreed the other day. The prime minister - Prime Minister Henry - stepped down, along with his government. A transitional presidential council - or college, as they call it - is being stood up. It's inclusive; it brings together most of the major parties in Haiti as well as other key stakeholders like the private sector, like the interfaith community, and civil society.

That council has as its mandate - again, agreed to by the Haitians - to choose a new prime minister, an interim prime minister, to establish a national security council, and to put in place an electoral commission. That creates the pathway, the transition, to elections and to a constitutionally mandated government. That also creates a better environment in which the Multinational Security Support Mission can go forward.

I was on the phone this morning with President Ruto of Kenya, who confirmed Kenya's preparedness to lead that mission as soon as the - this new council is stood up, which we believe will happen in the next couple of days, and an interim prime minister selected. That mission can move forward. I announced as well when I was in Jamaica that the Department of Defense is doubling its contribution to this effort. So, we now have $200 million coming from DOD, another $100 million coming from the rest of the United States Government, in support of the Multinational Security Support Mission. We have another almost $100 million that's been raised from other countries around the world, and notably from Canada.

So, my anticipation - it's a long answer to your question - is having done all this work, we should be in a place where that mission can go forward. It can, we believe, help reestablish security, take back control of the country from the gangs. Meanwhile, the political transition is moving forward with this interim presidential council, with an interim prime minister, with these new bodies that are stood up tracking toward elections. And that, in turn, creates a better environment in which we can actually get assistance in, get it to people who need it, get development moving again, and create some opportunity for people.

None of this is easy. None of this is going to happen from one day to the next. But at least there is a plan, a process in place to do that. It's Haitian-designed. It's Haitian-led. But it's supported by many countries, not only in this hemisphere but around the world.

MR MILLER: Humeyra.

QUESTION: Hello, Mr. Secretary.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Humeyra.

QUESTION: Let me try to push you a little bit more on these issues, in the hope of getting an answer. President Biden in his interview also said he wouldn't suspend any military aid to Israel in a way that would impact, for example, the Iron Dome. Does that mean United States would consider putting conditions on offensive weapons to Israel?

Secondly, you met with EU foreign policy chief Josep Burrell today. He said at UN Israel is using starvation as a weapon of war. Do you agree with that? And if you don't, who do you think is responsible for the manmade famine in Gaza?

And lastly, there has been an Israeli air strike today on an UNRWA aid distribution center in Rafah. The agency said at least one staff has been killed. It also said that they've shared the coordinates of this facility with the Israeli army in the hopes that it would be protected. What can you tell us about this incident? Thank you.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: So, let me take those questions - actually, let me start with the last one. So, I saw the reports of the strike today on the UNRWA facility, and first and foremost our condolences go out to the families, the loved ones of those who apparently lost their lives in this strike. I don't know the details of what happened. I do know, based on what we've heard from the Israeli Government, that the IDF is investigating. The Israeli Defense Forces are investigating this incident. And of course, we will look closely to see what that investigation produces.

Without getting into the specifics of this incident - because again, I don't know the facts - I think it does, as a general matter, underscore something I talked about a few minutes ago, and that's the imperative of having much better and much more consistent deconfliction. Humanitarian workers, the agencies, they need to be able to do their jobs in - with as much security and as much confidence as is possible. And look, you're in a war zone. You have a terrorist group that is firing from hospitals, from schools, from apartment buildings.

But the Israeli military, the Israeli Government, have a responsibility and an obligation to do everything possible to ensure that the humanitarians can do their jobs. And among other things, that means making sure that if there's a humanitarian facility that's clearly identified, it's not struck. It means making sure that if there's a supply mission, a convoy, trucks going to a particular place at a particular time, that the Israeli military does everything in - possible to ensure its secure passage.

So, this is an ongoing process. It's made, again, incredibly difficult by the environment in which it's being conducted. But it is a responsibility and an imperative for the Israelis.

What we've seen in terms of food as well as other supplies, going to your - the second part of your question, is of course the Israelis have been not only allowing food in, they have been working to make sure that it gets in and gets to people who need it. We've seen throughout this process, first, the opening of Rafah back in October. After my first visit to Israel, many hours of discussion, Rafah opened. Assistance began to get in. We went back some weeks later. We got agreement to open Kerem Shalom. During the first pause, the hostage pause, one week, the amount of assistance that was then going in doubled during that period of time.

Since then, we've pressed them on doing things like getting flour in from Ashdod; I mentioned that a short while ago. The flour that is now getting into Gaza is enough to produce bread to last for six months in Gaza. We have a new opening that was just put in place that will facilitate more assistance going in. And of course, I talked about the maritime corridor that we're building. We've been doing air drops. The bottom line is food is getting in, but it's insufficient. That's why we're talking about doing everything possible to maximize not only what gets in but what gets to people. But I think that answers the second part of the question.

And finally, look, let me just say this about our commitment. Our commitment is to make sure that Israel has the means to defend itself, to provide for its own security, and that's an enduring commitment.

MR MILLER: We'll take one more. Kylie.

QUESTION: Thank you. Hi, Secretary.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Welcome back.

QUESTION: Thank you. I appreciate it. You just said now, and the Biden administration has been saying for a while, that the onus is essentially on Israel to come up with a plan to protect the civilians in Rafah if they're going to conduct this operation. I just wonder if you guys think it's even possible for such a plan to be developed. Can they come - given how many civilians are there and what an operation would look like, do you think that's in the realm of possibility?

And then my second question, just in this same vein, is: Right now, without seeing that plan from Israel, is the administration considering conditioning some U.S. military support for Israel on whether or not they go ahead with this operation in Rafah?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: I mentioned a few minutes ago the tremendous challenge in conducting a military operation in Rafah with 1.4 million civilians there. And the imperative, as we see it and as President Biden has clearly expressed it, that there has to be - if there are going to be military operations in Rafah - a clear and implementable plan to get the civilians out of harm's way and to provide for them once out of harm's way, we have not seen that plan.

Is it - is it possible? Yes, it's possible, but we haven't seen it, and the most important thing is to see it and to make sure that it's something that can be implemented in a way that accomplishes what has to be accomplished, which is protecting people and supporting people. But right now, that's all in the realm of hypothetical because we haven't seen a plan, so we look to that.

Beyond that, I'm not going to get into any other hypotheticals about Rafah or where that goes. All I can say is we need to see a plan for the civilians, and we'll wait for that.

Thank you.

MR MILLER: Thank you all.

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Secretary Antony J. Blinken And European Union High Representative Josep Borrell Before Their Meeting

US Department of State

Remarks

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Thomas Jefferson Room

Washington, D.C.

March 13, 2024

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good morning, everyone. It's, as always, a great pleasure to see High Representative Borrell, my friend Josep, here in Washington and at the State Department. As I've said before, the European Union is our partner of first resort when it comes to meeting the challenges of our time, whether that's in the transatlantic space or whether that's in the global space. And we're grateful for the partnership, the strength of that partnership, and the fact that on so many of the critical issues that we have to face, there's extraordinary convergence between the United States and the European Union.

I know we'll have an opportunity, Josep, today to discuss our unrelenting support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression; the crisis in the Middle East and in Gaza; some challenges closer to home in the Western Balkans; and as well, the common approach that we put together when it comes to relations with China.

These and so many other issues are front and center in the work that the United States and the EU are doing day in and day out, and it's very good to have you here to continue that work. Welcome.

HIGH REPRESENTATIVE BORRELL: Thank you. Thank you very much, my dear friend, Secretary of State, for receiving me and my delegation. I very much appreciate our regular dialogue between the U.S. and European Union, especially in those extraordinary, difficult times. The world is becoming darker and darker - that's how I told the Security Council yesterday - and the developments around us makes our security inseparable and only prove the need for the U.S. and UE to work together.

We are facing an aggressive Russia, who will not stop; an assertive China, who will become more and more assertive; military takeovers in Sahel - I know that you have a delegation in Niger today; criminal gangs challenging the authorities in Haiti - once again you have been playing an important role in this part of the world; and Central and South America in big trouble.

Ukraine - Ukraine is our biggest and immediate worry for us Europeans, and for you too, for our common security. And the Russia aggressor will not stop. We have to stop it. You are doing a lot; we are doing a lot. Both, I think, we can do still more - in order to support Ukrainians in this very challenging time.

And then this war is something - what's happening in Gaza. Thank you very much for your efforts in order to try to diminish the humanitarian sufferances of the people in Gaza. We deplore the current situation, but we have to do more than just deplore, which we both agree. But I think that we need to act - the very survival of the population in Gaza is at stake today. And once again, thank you for your personal efforts.

And then, we need to clear the humanitarian access through sea, by air - that's good. That's not enough. You cannot replace hundreds of trucks by sending parachutes. The most important thing is to open the borders by land and continue working - or start working on the two-state solution that both of us, U.S. and EU, endorse. It is the only way for a lasting peace. I hope that we can join our efforts in order to make that a reality.

Thank you very much, Secretary of State.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thanks, everyone.

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Secretary Blinken's Call with Czech Foreign Minister Lipavsky

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

March 13, 2024

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky today. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister reaffirmed our countries' resolute support for Ukraine as it defends itself from Russia's aggression and discussed coordination on Czechia's defense modernization. They discussed the importance of our shared democratic values, the strong U.S.-Czech relationship, and continued humanitarian support to Palestinian civilians. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister also explored deeper cooperation on energy issues and on supporting Taiwan's meaningful participation in international fora.

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Major humanitarian push as 150 tonnes of UK aid enter Gaza

Around 150 tonnes of UK aid, including more than 13,000 blankets and 840 family-sized tents, have entered Gaza today.

13 March 2024

150 tonnes of UK aid enter Gaza today, 13 March, including tents and hygiene supplies

a UK field hospital will arrive this week to provide life-saving medical care

Foreign Secretary also announces further 10 million in aid funding, bringing UK support to more than 100 million this financial year

Around 150 tonnes of UK aid, including more than 13,000 blankets and 840 family-sized tents, have entered Gaza today, where the United Nations [UNICEF] will distribute them to those in need.

In addition, a full field hospital, provided by UK Aid funding to UK-Med, will arrive this week. The facility can be adapted according to needs on the ground and usually includes a pharmacy, triage area, major injuries and resuscitation unit, and maternity care tent.

The field hospital left Manchester on 5 March and is on route to Gaza. This facility can be operational in as little as 48 hours and will be able to treat more than 100 patients a day. It will be staffed by both local health workers and international medics, including many from the UK, on the UK-Med Register.

Alongside the latest deliveries of aid, the Foreign Secretary has announced a further 10 million in aid funding for the Occupied Palestinian Territories ( OPTs ), bringing the total spend to over 100 million this financial year. This funding will support UN agencies on the ground to deliver lifesaving aid and will also provide core relief items, such as tents, for the most vulnerable.

Foreign Secretary David Cameron said:

Too many people in Gaza are suffering. No one should be without basic amenities like shelter and bedding, and everyone deserves the dignity that basic hygiene kits provide. Our largest aid delivery, combined with a new UK funded field hospital, will save lives. But an immediate pause in the fighting is the only way to get aid into Gaza in the quantities desperately needed. This will also allow for the safe release of hostages. We could then work towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire, without a return to destruction, fighting or loss of life.

Today's additional 150 tonnes of UK core relief items for UNICEF will include 840 family tents, 13,440 blankets, almost 3,000 shelter kits, and shelter-fixing kits, 6,000 sleeping mats and more than 3,000 dignity kits to support women and girls.

An estimated 3.1 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in the OPTs , with over half a million at risk from famine.

The UK is committed to ensuring aid reaches those who need it most, as Palestinians continue to face a devastating and growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Foreign Secretary has been clear that Israel must increase capacity to safely distribute aid within Gaza. This includes opening a land crossing in the north and issuing more visas to UN staff who are capable of delivering aid when it arrives in Gaza.

Ahead of this new funding, the UK had previously trebled its aid commitment to the OPTs . UK funding has supported the work of partners including the British Red Cross, UNICEF, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and Egyptian Red Crescent Society (ERCS) to deliver vital supplies.

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Kim Kardashian attends the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, March 10, in Beverly Hills. She was spotted eating dinner at San Francisco Italian restaurant Cotogna on Tuesday, March 12, ahead of the her ex-husband Yes Vultures 1 listening party at Chase Center. Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Kim Kardashian couldnt leave San Francisco without a stop at Jackson Squares Cotogna for a mouth-watering carb fest.

The Skims founder posted photos of a dinner at the acclaimed Italian restaurant to her Instagram on Tuesday, March 12, before attending her ex-husband Kanye Wests Vultures 1 listening party at Chase Center.

Literally the best salty cheese bread Ive ever had in my entire life! she captioned an Instagram story of the $28 Focaccia di Recco, a thin and crunchy bread snack topped with fresh stracchino cheese.

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Raviolo di ricotta at Cotogna Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

Kardashian also enjoyed the Raviolo di Ricotta, the restaurants famed giant stuffed pasta dish filled with creamy ricotta and amber egg yolk, leaving just enough room for some vanilla and honeycomb gelato for dessert.

The social media mogul has reportedly dined at Cotogna before, back in 2014 ahead of then-husband Wests headlining Outside Lands performance that year. The controversial rapper, who now goes by Ye, was also spotted at the San Francisco restaurant  sans Kardashian  the same day that year.

Kim Kardashian, who was married to Kanye West (left),ate at San Francisco Italian restaurant Cotogna on Tuesday, March 12 ahead of the rappers Vultures 1 listening party at Chase Center. Evan Agostini/AP

Kardashian was in the city earlier this week in support of Yes Vultures 1, the first in a series of planned collaboration albums with Los Angeles rapper Ty Dolla Sign. She was spotted in the crowd at Chase Center along with architect and model Bianca Censori, who married Ye in 2022. The event marked Censori and Kardashians first public appearance together.

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Three of Ye and Kardashians children  Chicago, Psalm and Saint  were also at the late night event, which ended just before midnight Tuesday, to cheer on older sister North. The 10-year-old joined her father in the spotlight at the home of the Golden State Warriors to dance to Vultures 1 tracks, including Talking, which features her rapping. She also previewed a verse from the song Matthew, which is expected to be on Vultures 2.
Gaza: Number of children killed higher than from four years of world conflict

13 March 2024 - Amid reports of fresh Israeli airstrikes in Gaza overnight into Wednesday, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said that more children have been killed there in recent months than in four years of conflict worldwide.

"This war is a war on children. It is a war on their childhood and their future," said UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, who described as "staggering" the latest Gaza health authority data indicating that at least 12,300 youngsters have died in the enclave in the last four months, compared with 12,193 globally between 2019 and 2022.

Ceasefire call

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, late on Tuesday, the UNRWA chief reiterated repeated international calls for an immediate ceasefire in the enclave, where intense Israeli bombardment in response to Hamas-led terror attacks in Israel on 7 October has levelled entire neighbourhoods.

To date, more than 31,184 Palestinians have been killed and 72,889 injured, according to the local health authorities. As of 12 March, 247 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza with 1,475 injured since the start of the ground operation, Israeli army data shows.

UNRWA staff killed and injured

On Wednesday the agency reported that at least one staffer had been killed and another 22 injured when Israeli Forces hit a food distribution centre in the eastern part of Rafah in the far south of the Strip.

"Today's attack on one of the very few remaining UNRWA distribution centres in the Gaza Strip comes as food supplies are running out, hunger is widespread and, in some areas, turning into famine", Mr. Lazzarini said.

"Every day, we share the coordinates of all our facilities across the Gaza Strip with parties to the conflict. The Israeli army received the coordinates including of this facility yesterday," said the UNRWA chief

Since the war began five months ago, UNRWA has recorded an unprecedented number of violations against its staff and facilities. At least 165 UNRWA team members have been killed including while in the line of duty, with more than 150 facilities hit, among them many schools.

Children most vulnerable

The development came as UN humanitarians repeated dire warnings about the catastrophic situation in Gaza, where one in four is close to famine - at least 576,000 people. Some 25 individuals have now died from severe acute malnutrition and dehydration in northern Gaza according to UN aid coordination office, OCHA, 21 of them reportedly children.

Youngsters are among those least able to cope with hunger and disease, the UN Children's Fund, UNICEF, has warned, with one million youngsters already uprooted from their homes by the war and some 17,000 unaccompanied or separated children - one per cent of the 1.7 million Gazans displaced.

Some relief for north Gaza

UN-partnered efforts to help alleviate the desperate situation amid ongoing fighting and Israeli bombardment included a World Food Programme (WFP) aid convoy to Gaza City on Tuesday - the agency's first successful mission to the north since 20 February.

"With people in northern Gaza on the brink of famine, we need daily deliveries to the north, as well as direct entry points," WFP said in the latest UN update on the crisis.

Last week, 19 UN-partners reached a daily average of 200,000 people in Gaza with food assistance, including food parcels and hot meals, reported UN aid office, OCHA. "More than two-thirds of this number were in Rafah, with the rest in Deir al Balah, Khan Younis and other areas."

Hospital aid

Meanwhile, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) and partners reached two more hospitals in northern Gaza on Monday - Al Shifa and Al Helou - in addition to others reached at the weekend: Al-Ahil Arab Hospital and Al-Sahaba Hospital.

Food and 24,000 litres of fuel was delivered to Al Shifa, along with medical supplies for 42,000 patients, including medicines, anaesthetic drugs and surgical materials.

In a social media post on X, formerly Twitter, WHO's Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that Al Shifa was only minimally functional and urgently needed specialized health workers.

Needs remain dire at Al Helou hospital, Tedros added, with services limited across all departments, along with shortages of fuel, food, surgical equipment and medical staff.

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Gaza: 'The population is literally besieged', UNRWA deputy chief

13 March 2024 - In an exclusive interview, Natalie Boucly, the Deputy Commissioner-General of the UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA), describes the desperate scenes she witnessed in Gaza, during a recent mission to the occupied Palestinian territory.

Ms. Boucly spoke to Khaled Mohamed from UN News as news emerged of fresh Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, and an UNRWA report that more children have been killed there in recent months than in four years of conflict worldwide.

On Wednesday, the agency reported that at least one of its staffers had been killed and a further 22 injured when Israeli forces hit a food distribution centre in the eastern part of Rafah on the southern edge of the Strip.

This interview has been edited for clarity and length

Natalie Boucly: Some 1.7 million people in Gaza, the vast majority of whom are in the southern city of Rafah, have been displaced by the conflict. One million of them are in schools or facilities that have been turned into UNRWA shelters, each of which houses, on average, 30,000 people.

The population is literally besieged. People are on top of each other. This creates a lot of issues with regards to sanitation, and there's a smell in Gaza from the open sewage which is flowing into the sea and diseases are on the increase. The despair is palpable there.

At the same time, I was full of admiration for our staff. UNWRA has been around for 3,000 employees who still work, day in and day out, providing services to the population. Six health centres are still operational, and we've got mobile teams going to the shelters giving 23,000 medical consultations every day.

Many of our colleagues have been displaced themselves. Their houses have been destroyed, they have lost family members and they're living in tents, but they still get up every day and go and deliver for the population.

UN News: There are reports that a growing number of children dying from dehydration and starvation. What's your comment on this?

Natalie Boucly: What I saw myself is that there's just simply not enough aid coming in. Before the war, there were on average, 500 trucks coming into Gaza, including many from the private or commercial sector.

Today, it's just a trickle, because the conditions and the circumstances are extremely challenging, in terms of the checkpoints and the controls which determine how aid gets in. And then inside Gaza it's very difficult for the aid to reach the population, especially in the north, because of the security situation. There has been looting because of criminal gangs, and the desperation of the people.

More aid has to come in at scale, with another humanitarian pause or ceasefire.

UN News: Women as well in Gaza continue to bear the brunt of this war. What is UNWRA doing to support women?

Natalie Boucly: Women care for their children, for the elderly, for their parents, and so they are the ones who are visiting the doctors, seeking advice. Or they might be pregnant; there are around 60,000 pregnant women in Gaza. But there's very little equipment and no electricity: generators and solar power are prohibited by Israel.

We work with partners to provide sanitary kits for women and assist them in the shelters, and we have a team ensuring, to the greatest extent possible, protection for women because the risks of gender based violence, in a situation where people are living on top of each other, is unavoidable.

UN News: What has been the impact of the funding freeze [which followed allegations by Israel that around a dozen UNRWA workers were involved in the 7 October Hamas attacks]?

Natalie Boucly: Altogether around half a billion dollars of funding was suspended. Sixteen countries decided to freeze or suspend their contributions to UNWRA. Some are coming back, some never left, and others increased their contributions. Thanks to those who came back, in particular the EU, Canada and Sweden, we were able to sustain our operations.

The freeze didn't just impact Gaza. For example, we may not be able to get drugs for cancer patients in Lebanon or have children in school. We are working very hard with our donors, to see how they can come back to the table and continue to support us, because we play a critical and irreplaceable role during this humanitarian crisis.

UN News: Speaking of contributions, what's your take on the recent efforts to deliver humanitarian aid by sea and via airdrop?

Natalie Boucly: The needs are so immense that any methods of delivering aid are absolutely welcome, but airdrops are extremely expensive, and there are logistical and security risks associated with the maritime route.

We do insist that the safest and the cheapest way remains by land: we are calling for more land crossings to be opened by Israel, and for more aid to flow through the Kerem Shalom crossing. We also continue to call for Israel, as the occupying power in Gaza and as a member state of the UN, to ensure compliance with international law.

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UNRWA Situation Report #89 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem - All information from 10-11 March 2024, is valid as of 11 March 2024 at 22:30

UNRWA

13 Mar 2024

The Gaza Strip

Intense Israeli Security Forces (ISF) bombardment from the air, land and sea continued to be reported across much of the Gaza Strip, resulting in further civilian casualties, displacement and destruction of civilian infrastructure. Israeli forces airstrikes continue in heavily populated Rafah in southern Gaza.

According to UNICEF's latest situation report, hospitals continue to experience severe disruptions in providing health care in the Gaza Strip. On 11 March, a team of WHO staff and partners delivered 24,050 litres of fuel, food, and medical supplies for 42,000 patients to a hospital in northern Gaza; supplies included anesthetic drugs, surgical materials and medicines. More regular supplies are needed. UNRWA continues to operate seven out of its original 23 health centres.

According to OCHA, child malnutrition levels in northern Gaza are extreme, with now at least 23 children reported to have died from malnutrition and dehydration in northern Gaza.

The first 11 days of March saw an average of 169 aid trucks per day crossing into the Gaza Strip. This remains well below the operational capacity of both border crossings and the target of 500 per day, with challenges at both Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) and Rafah. Security to manage the crossings has been severely impacted due to the killing of several Palestinian policemen in Israeli airstrikes near the crossings in early February.

As of 11 March, the total number of UNRWA colleagues killed since the beginning of hostilities is now 165, an increase of three since our last report.  As of 11 March, up to 1.7 million* people (over 75 per cent of the population) ** have been displaced across the Gaza Strip, some multiple times.*** Families are forced to move repeatedly in search of safety. Following intense Israeli bombardments and fighting in Khan Younis and the Middle Area in recent weeks, a significant number of displaced people have moved further south.

*This includes one million individuals residing in or near emergency shelters or informal shelters. As of 12 October, approximately 160,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) were recorded in UNRWA shelters in North Gaza and Gaza governorates. UNRWA currently estimates that the population of North Gaza and Gaza governorates is up to 300,000 people. The ability of UNRWA to provide humanitarian support and updated data in these areas has been severely restricted. The ongoing hostilities, evacuation orders issued by Israeli Security Forces (ISF), and the constant need for safer locations have resulted in people being displaced multiple times.

**UNRWA reported on 15 January in Situation Report 64 that up to 1.9 million IDPs were either residing in 154 UNRWA shelters or near these shelters. Due to the continued escalation of fighting and evacuation orders, some households have moved away from the shelters where they were initially registered.

*** There are instances where the same IDPs are registered in multiple shelters due to the fluid movement of populations; hereafter, estimates are used for these shelters. UNRWA plans to conduct a more accurate count of IDPs in shelters, including informal shelters, as soon as the security situation allows.

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At least one UNRWA staff killed when Israeli forces hit UNRWA centre used for food and lifesaving supplies

UNRWA

13 Mar 2024

AMMAN, 13 March 2024 -- At least one UNRWA staff member was killed and another 22 were injured when Israeli Forces hit a food distribution centre in the eastern part of Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip.

"Today's attack on one of the very few remaining UNRWA distribution centres in the Gaza Strip comes as food supplies are running out, hunger is widespread and, in some areas, turning into famine. Every day, we share the coordinates of all our facilities across the Gaza Strip with parties to the conflict. The Israeli Army received the coordinates including of this facility yesterday," said UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini.

Since the war began five months ago, UNRWA has recorded an unprecedented number of violations against its staff and facilities that surpass any other conflict around the world.

At least 165 UNRWA team members killed including while in the line of duty;

More than 150 UNRWA facilities were hit, some totally destroyed, among them many schools;

More than 400 people killed while seeking shelter under the UN flag;

Tunnels have reportedly been found under UNRWA facilities and installations used for military activities;

UNRWA staff have reportedly been mistreated and humiliated while in Israeli detention centres.

"The United Nations, its personnel, premises and assets must be protected at all times. Since this war began, attacks against UN facilities, convoys and personnel have become commonplace in blatant disregard to international humanitarian law. I am calling once again for an independent inquiry into these violations and the need for accountability," added Lazzarini.

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Amid Spike in Armed Conflict-Related Deaths, Inclusive Prevention Strategies Involving Women, Addressing Root Causes Crucial for International Peace, Security Council Hears

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9574th Meeting (AM & PM)

SC/15623

13 March 2024

(Note: Due to the financial liquidity crisis affecting the United Nations and the resulting time constraints, the full press release will be published at a later date.)

Amidst an upsurge in armed conflict around the world  with the highest number of conflict-related deaths in 30 years  the Security Council heard today of the urgent need to promote inclusive prevention strategies that address the root causes of conflict during its first-ever open debate on empowering all actors, particularly women, to engage in that task.

"We need more prevention," underscored Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, adding that  ultimately  prevention at the international level "is about the use of diplomacy for peace". However, prevention begins at the national level, as national actors can build the mechanisms necessary to manage disputes peacefully in their societies and enact the structural reforms required to address the underlying drivers of conflict.

The "New Agenda for Peace"  the Secretary-General's policy brief outlining his vision for the future of multilateralism and the UN's work on peace and security in a changing world  focuses on how women's participation is linked to efforts to prevent conflict, she said, observing: "Simply put, without half the population participating and deciding, there cannot be sustainable peace."

Building on that was Sergio Franca Danese (Brazil), Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, who said that peacebuilding  an inherently political process  must be inclusive. Conflict prevention, as part of sustaining peace, requires a cross-pillar approach, he said, emphasizing women's key role in preventing and resolving conflicts. He also noted that the Commission has recognized the role youth should play in successful prevention strategies, pointing out that conflict and social instability have a considerable impact on the economic and political opportunities young people will have in their lives.

Abiodun Williams, Professor of the Practice of International Politics at Tufts University, agreed, stating that the costs of conflict can be counted in human suffering, economic collapse and the instability they provoke within and beyond national borders. Prevention must therefore be a strategic priority, and peacemaking  to prevent the continuation of conflict  requires dedicating significant diplomatic resources while recognizing that it is a process, not a singular event such as signing a peace agreement. He also said that preventing recurrence requires understanding that conflict triggers in a post-war environment may differ from those that caused the initial violence.

On that, Sharon Bhagwan Rolls, Programme Manager at the Pacific Women Mediators Network, urged the Council to learn from local peacebuilders. Such first responders address threats comprehensively and inclusively without differentiating between development, humanitarian or peace-and-security issues. She also encouraged the Security Council to ask the Secretary-General to appoint a group of experts to develop guidelines on what effective national, regional and global prevention strategies should look like. "Only transforming our approach from militarized security towards prioritizing human security with a gender lens can bring lasting peace," she stressed.

Concurring was Francess Piagie Alghali, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone, who underscored the need for the United Nations and other stakeholders of peace and security to move towards people-centred comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of conflict. Traditional approaches that focus on military security measures are often not enough to do so, she observed.

Mozambique's representative echoed that, pointing out that the pursuit of military solutions has been a prominent feature of recent conflicts  even when dialogue and negotiation have not been exhausted. The root causes of conflict must be addressed, and he called on States to invest in the development of strong institutions, protect human rights and implement post-conflict recovery programmes while ensuring the involvement of all sectors of society  including women and youth.

Similarly, Vindhya Persaud, Minister for Human Services and Social Security of Guyana, stated that countries bear the primary responsibility to prevent conflict through poverty reduction, inclusivity, good governance and national peacebuilding strategies. She also called for enhancing women's representation in peace and security processes, which continues to lag despite evidence showing that agreements are more likely to succeed with their meaningful participation. On that, the representative of the Republic of Korea spotlighted studies that show that peace agreements which include women are approximately 35 per cent more likely to last at least 15 years.

"Peace wears the face of a woman," stressed Arianna Tanca, Minister for Women and Human Right Affairs of Ecuador, who underscored that  without women  structural change leading to equality, reconciliation and non-repetition cannot take root. She therefore highlighted the Peacebuilding Commission's role in exchanging good practices and lessons learned from situations where women's leadership was recognized. She also said that peace, development and security are interdependent and, where one pillar is absent, crisis and conflict are on the rise.

Kaoutar Krikou, Minister for Solidarity, the Family and the Status of Women of Algeria, also stressed the need to address the root causes of conflict. There is no development without security and vice-versa, she pointed out. Joining her was the representative of the United States, who stressed that the Council must view the humanitarian, development and peace nexus holistically.

And no one is better placed to identify root causes in order to prevent their recurrence than the men and women who are agents of change, said Switzerland's representative. But these individuals must not remain isolated, and their capacity to defend peace must be strengthened. Pointing out that, at a local level, civil society  and women in particular  often create "islands of peace", she said that a prevention strategy must "link these islands to make them national, or even international, archipelagos".

For her part, Huang Xiaowei, Minister and Deputy Head of the National Working Committee on Children and Women of the State Council of China, said that the role of women is increasingly celebrated and youth participation is further deepened in her country's pursuit of sustainable peace. However, given the turbulent international situation, it is necessary to further empower women and girls and equip them with the skills and education required to transform their communities, promote development and realize lasting peace.

The United Kingdom's representative agreed, stating that the Council "could yet be more robust" in advocating for women's full inclusion in peace, development, mediation and decision-making processes. Further, more women should be invited to brief the Council, and the organ can throw its weight behind inclusive national processes to build and sustain peace.

While the representative of the Russian Federation emphasized that conflict prevention is the Council's primary task, France's delegate highlighted "the responsibility to respond when crises arise". The representative of Slovenia also similarly urged the organ to promptly respond to crisis situations as they erupt and to scan the horizon for emerging ones.

Japan's representative, Council President for March, spoke in his national capacity to point out that it is far more difficult to manage conflicts once they break out. Agreeing, the representative of Malta stressed: "The cost of conflict far outweighs investments in preventative measures and peacebuilding."

...

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Laboon Sailors Provide Assistance to Distressed Mariners

US Navy

13 March 2024

From USS Laboon Public Affairs

GULF OF ADEN -- Crew members from the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58) provided assistance to three mariners on a disabled vessel in the international waters of the Gulf of Aden, March 11.

Following a distress signal from the mariners, Laboon Sailors embarked a rigid-hull inflatable boat to offer assistance. After determining the vessel was disabled, the Sailors brought the mariners back to their ship.

None of the mariners appeared to be injured. They were turned over to a regional coast guard.

"The Sailors of Team Laboon continue to prove their excellence," said Cmdr. Eric Blomberg, Laboon commanding officer. "Assisting mariners at sea is inherently dangerous, but the team executed without hesitation - without fear - to extend their compassion to people in distress. I'm incredibly proud to be a part of this team."

Laboon is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.

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Blinken Urges Israel: Prioritize Civilian Protection as 'Job Number One'

By VOA News March 13, 2024

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that Israel must make the welfare of Palestinian civilians "job number one" in its conduct of the war against Hamas in Gaza.

"We look to the government of Israel to make sure this is a priority - protecting civilians, getting people the assistance they need," he told reporters after a virtual meeting with international counterparts.

"That has to be job number one, even as they do what is necessary to defend the country and to deal with the threat posed by Hamas."

The top U.S. diplomat met via videoconference with ministers from Cyprus, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, the European Union and the United Nations to discuss a new maritime corridor for aid into Gaza.

"When established, this corridor will enable the distribution of up to 2 million meals every single day, as well as medicine, water and other critical humanitarian supplies," Blinken said.

The U.S. military has dispatched a ship to the Mediterranean to build a temporary pier on the Gaza shoreline to provide passage for more aid but says the dock may take two months to complete.

On Wednesday, the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, said at least one of its staff members was killed and another 22 were injured when Israeli forces hit a food distribution center in the eastern part of Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip.

Blinken said this incident showed the imperative of having much better and consistent deconfliction with humanitarian workers.

Ciaran Donnelly, vice president of crisis response for the International Rescue Committee, told reporters in a briefing that the recent use of airdrops to deliver food "is unsafe, highly expensive, ineffective and undignified for the people who have to scramble to receive it on the ground."

"It is very much a last resort for aid agencies in crises around the world and should not be the first option for agencies in Gaza," he said.

Relief efforts

A Spanish charity ship carrying more than 200 metric tons of humanitarian food aid set sail from Cyprus to Gaza on Tuesday, the latest effort to feed tens of thousands of Palestinians who the United Nations has said are starving.

The food, gathered by World Central Kitchen, the charity founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres, was on a barge being towed by a ship belonging to the Spanish aid group Open Arms and headed to an undisclosed location on the Gaza coast. The 400-kilometer voyage was expected to take two to three days.

A second vessel was being loaded in Cyprus to soon make the same trip, Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos told state radio. Speaking later in Beirut, Kombos said, "We are working towards the safe arrival of the first shipment and then the safe distribution."

"If all goes according to plan ... we have already put in place the mechanism for a second and much bigger cargo, and then we'll be working toward making this a more systematic exercise with increased volumes," he said.

Israeli strikes

Israel said Wednesday that it killed a Hamas militant in an airstrike on a U.N. food distribution center in Rafah, in southern Gaza.

Palestinian officials said the Israeli strike killed at least four other people, one of them a U.N. worker.

"Today's attack on one of the very few remaining UNRWA distribution centers in the Gaza Strip comes as food supplies are running out, hunger is widespread and, in some areas, turning into famine," said UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini.

Hamas said in a statement that Muhammad Abu Hasna, a police officer in charge of security at the UNRWA center, was killed in the strike.

Israel's military identified Abu Hasna as a "Hamas terrorist" who led an "intelligence operations room" for the militant group and "was also involved in taking control of humanitarian aid and distributing it to Hamas terrorists."

An Israeli drone strike on Wednesday in southern Lebanon killed two people, including a member of the Hamas militant group.

The strike hit a car outside the city of Tyre, near the Mediterranean coast. Lebanese state media identified the Hamas members as being from the Rashidieh refugee camp, an area where the militant group has a notable presence.

Israel's military also reported Wednesday carrying out airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis and ground operations in central Gaza as it pursues Israel's goal of eliminating Hamas.

The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza reported on Wednesday that 88 more Palestinians had been killed in Israel's offensive during the past day. Since the war began in early October, the total number of Palestinians killed is at least 31,272, with another 73,000 injured, according to the ministry. It does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

No cease-fire

Blinken said the United States was intensely engaged with regional countries "every single day, almost every single hour" to try to achieve a cease-fire and get the remaining hostages out.

The United States, Qatar and Egypt had hoped to broker a cease-fire before the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan began Monday that would have included the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners and a greater flow of aid into Gaza. The talks stalled last week.

The United States is encouraging Israel to "stay engaged," White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said during a news briefing Tuesday. "We believe that there still is scope for this deal to get done, notwithstanding the fact that we have entered the Ramadan period."

Sullivan declined to confirm reports that the administration is considering placing conditions on U.S. military aid to Israel should it continue with plans to invade Rafah without adequate plans to protect civilians. More than 1 million Palestinians are seeking safety there, in Gaza's southernmost area close to the Egyptian border.

"I'm not going to comment on hypotheticals," he said, reiterating the administration's talking points that the U.S. does not support a military operation in Rafah that "cuts off the main arteries of humanitarian assistance, and then places enormous pressure on the Israel-Egypt border."

State Department Bureau Chief Nike Ching and White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report. Some material came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.

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Haitian Politicians Busy Negotiating Representation on Transitional Presidential Council

By Sandra Lemaire, Yves Manuel March 13, 2024

Haiti's opposition and civil society groups are busy negotiating who will represent them on the transitional council to govern violence-plagued Haiti.

The proposal was announced Monday after a seven-hour meeting of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders, Haiti opposition groups, civil society and diaspora representatives in the Jamaican capital, Kingston. The Haitians participated via videoconference, unable to travel because of the closure of Port-au-Prince's international airport.

Under the plan, six people representing various Haitian political coalitions will be on the transitional council, along with a seventh from the private sector. The seven will be voting members.

There will also be two nonvoting members - one from civil society and one from the interfaith community - according to CARICOM. The council will select an interim prime minister and prepare to hold the next presidential elections.

While some political parties have remained silent about who will represent them, others made announcements on Wednesday.

The Montana Accord group said economist and politician Fritz Alphonse Jean would represent them on the council. The December 21 Accord group proposed former Chamber of Deputies lawmaker Vickerson Garnier.

Meanwhile, the January 30 Collective group was unable to agree on its representative. The EDE, RED and Konpwomi Istorik (Historical Compromise) umbrella group selected Marie Ghislaine Mompremier, Haiti's minister of women and women's rights.

Fanmi Lavalas, the party of former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, said it was still discussing its representative. But Pitit Dessalines, led by ex-Senator Jean Charles Moise, rejected CARICOM's plan and insisted its three-member transition council plan should be adopted.

The private sector has not publicly said whether it intends to name a representative. However, its members noted the importance of the private and economic sectors' participation in any plan to move Haiti forward.

The civil society group named Florida resident Pierre Jean Raymond Andre as its member-observer on the council.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said early Tuesday afternoon that under the terms of Monday's agreement, "we expect that the members of the transitional council will be appointed in the next 24 to 48 hours."

The council will "take the step to appoint an interim prime minister in the near future after that," Miller said at the daily briefing.

But inside Haiti it was unclear Wednesday whether the transitional council would be operational by Thursday.

VOA asked White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre what would happen if the Haitian groups didn't come to an agreement within the 48-hour time frame outlined in the CARICOM plan.

"We will let the Haitian people speak to their efforts and timelines," Jean-Pierre said. "We remain committed to supporting Haitians and their efforts to create the Transitional Presidential Council to restore security and pave the way to free and fair elections."

But inside Haiti and in the Haitian diaspora, CARICOM's plan was not sitting well.

Supporters of rebel leader Guy Philippe, a former senator, took to the streets of Jeremie, in Haiti's south, to protest the plan.

"It's time for us to take our destiny in hand!" a female protester who declined to give her name told VOA. "We want Guy Philippe, not CARICOM!"

Philippe led a coup against Aristide in 2004. He ran unsuccessfully for president in 2006, then won a seat in Haiti's Senate in 2016.

Before his swearing-in ceremony, Philippe was arrested and deported to the United States, where he stood trial and was convicted of money laundering. He returned to Haiti in November 2023 and announced a "peaceful revolution."

Philippe also formed an alliance with the collective of armed gangs called "Viv Ansanm" that is led by notorious gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, known by his nickname "Barbecue."

Cherizier has said the gangs back Philippe and will not accept any plan put forth by CARICOM.

While many Haitians support Philippe, he also has numerous political enemies, including current government ministers who are members of Aristide's Lavalas party.

Philippe is ineligible to serve on the transitional council because he is a convicted felon.

"I think the United States and the vast majority of the international community would find [a Philippe presidency] deeply worrisome, and we would have serious concerns about that," a senior State Department official said Tuesday.

In Miami, the Haitian diaspora expressed trepidation.

"We don't need the old rats [longtime politicians] at all," Sonondieu, a Haitian man shopping at a Little Haiti supermarket, told VOA. "We don't need old guys, we need new politicians."

A female customer who declined to give her name criticized CARICOM for taking a lead role in solving Haiti's political impasse.

"It's like they sold Haiti, without us even knowing about it," she said.

There has been a lot of disinformation about Haitian participation in the Kingston meeting on social media as well. Superstar DJ Michael Brun posted a message on X saying, "Haiti - unnamed / unvoiced stakeholders."

In reality, public statements about finding a solution for Haiti's problems by the United States, CARICOM, the international community and the United Nations are in alignment with what Haitians say they want for themselves.

"Haitians should be able to choose their leaders and determine their future," Jean-Pierre said at the White House.

Nonetheless, since President Jovenel Moise's assassination in July 2021, Haitian stakeholders and political actors have been unable to agree on the way forward.

White House Correspondent Anita Powell and State Department Bureau Chief Nike Ching contributed to this report. Mackenson Charles reported from Jeremie, Haiti; Luckson Saint-Vil reported from Miami.

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Nigeria Orders Creation of Police Base in Remote Community After Mass Kidnappings

By Timothy Obiezu March 13, 2024

Police in Nigeria have ordered the creation of a new base for officers and the deployment of special forces in a remote village in northwest Kaduna state, where nearly 300 students were abducted by armed bandits on March 7.

Nigerian police chief Kayode Egbetokun announced plans for the new base and the deployment during a visit with Kaduna Governor Uba Sani on Tuesday.

He said the steps will help restore residents' confidence in their safety while security forces continue the search for the missing students.

Last Thursday, armed bandits on motorbikes invaded an elementary school in the village of Kuriga in Kaduna state and abducted 287 school students  the highest single abduction of students in years.

Days later in a separate attack, bandits kidnapped 61 people from Kajuru district, about 150 kilometers miles away.

The new police base will be in Kuriga and deployment of extra officers to the area has begun.

Egbetokun says authorities are working to secure the abductees' release.

"We're launching the special intervention squad for Kaduna state," Egbetokun said. "If only to give confidence to the people, the men will be deployed and with the support that you have pledged to give, I'm sure that the community will start to feel safe again."

Sani said he is hopeful the police operations will succeed.

"We are extremely confident that the school children by the grace of God will return back home safely," he said, "and I'm happy by the decision of the inspector general of police to quickly deploy mobile base in Kuriga community."

Last week, local media reported more than 300 women and children who were gathering firewood were kidnapped in northeastern Borno state by Islamic militants.

Insecurity is a major challenge for President Bola Tinubu, who launched an initiative called "Renewed Hope" after assuming office last May.

The recent kidnappings are blamed, in part, on the absence of security forces in those remote areas.

Last month, the president met with all 36 state governors to discuss decentralizing Nigeria's police force and creating a police arm for each state.

Analyst Kabiru Adamu of Beacon Security said, if organized properly, this could be a step in the right direction.

"There are gaps within the security architecture," Adamu said. "I am supportive of the decentralization of policing but I think what we need more than anything is accountability. So that by the time we create state police, the accountability elements that have been created in the federal level will trickle down to the state level."

Years of fighting Islamist militants and crime gangs have stretched Nigerian security forces thin.

Many are hoping the creation of new bases and state police arms will help keep the kidnappers away.

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Remarks by President Biden, President Andrzej Duda, and Prime Minister Donald Tusk of Poland Before Bilateral Meeting

March 13, 2024

East Room

(March 12, 2024)

3:42 P.M. EDT

PRESIDENT BIDEN: Well, gentlemen, welcome. Great to have you back in Washington, and good seeing you all again. And, Mr. President, Mr. Prime Minister, it's an honor to welcome you to a historic anniversary. It's kind of interesting. Twenty-five years ago today, on this very day, Poland joined NATO. And some of you may remember, I was very involved in that happening.

And I  during that ceremony, the former Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, made this following statement  she said, "When we stand together, no force on Earth is more powerful." "When we stand together, no force on Earth is more powerful."

I believed that then, and I believe it now. And we see it in Polish American troops serving side by side in NATO and the eastern flank, including in Poland. And we see it in our commitment to strengthen NATO's collective defenses.

And I want to pause here and note that Poland is spending nearly 4 percent of its gross domestic product on defense  much of it purchasing American we-  American weapons systems and  and aircraft  and has doubled the NATO commitment: 4 percent.

We also see it in our support for Ukraine in the force [face] of Putin's vicious onslaught against Ukraine in a way that is just border-  I won't even describe it.

I want to thank you both for Poland's unwavering security and humanitarian assistance, including welcoming about 1 million Ukrainian refugees. As my mother would say, "God love you. You're doing God's work." You really are. It's incredible what you're doing  what the Polish people are doing.

Today, the United States is announcing an emergency package for Ukraine using cost-savings from previously approved Pentagon contracts. The package includes munitions and rounds to help Ukraine hold the line against Russia's brutal attacks for the ne-  next couple of weeks, which I have the authority to do be-  without an-  asking Congress for some more money right now. But I've asked them for a lot more money.

And so, we're  but it's not nearly enough what we're  I'm announcing today.

Congress must pass the bipartisan national security bill now, which includes urgent funding for Ukraine. We must act before it literally is too late  before it's too late. Because as Poland remembers, Russia won't stop at Ukraine. Putin will keep going, putting Europe, the United States, and the entire free world at risk, in my view.

So, thank you both, again, for being here at this critical time. And with that, Mr. President, I hand it over to you. The floor is yours.

PRESIDENT DUDA: Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, exactly 25 years ago, on the 12th of March 1999, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary joined the strongest Alliance in the world. The dream of many generations of Poles came true.

There is no better place to celebrate this special anniversary than the White House. Courageous decisions were made right here in the capital of the United States by both Democrats and Republicans.

NATO expanded to the east. Poland joined the free world, the West, where it has always belonged. And for those courageous decisions and for their unwavering support, I would like to thank all the Americans who contributed to them.

I express these thanks to you, Mr. President, bearing in mind that, at the time, you were one of the leaders of the support in the U.S. Senate for Poland's accession to NATO. I thank you on behalf of millions of Poles.

PRESIDENT BIDEN: Thank you, Mr. President.

PRESIDENT DUDA: During these 25 years, we have shown that we are a reliable and proven Ally, even when our soldiers fought side by side with American soldiers in Iraq and in Afghanistan.

Poland knows, like a few other countries in the world, that security comes at the price. That is why we spent more than 4 percent of our GDP on maintaining and modernizing our armed forces. This is the highest percentage in the Alliance.

Russia's aggression against Ukraine clearly demonstrated that the United States is and should remain the security leader. But other Allies must take more responsibility for the security of the Alliance as a whole. That is why I believe it's necessary for all NATO countries to increase their defense spending from 2 to 3 percent of GDP. Two percent was good 10 years ago. Now 3 percent is required in response to the full-scale war launched by Russia right beyond NATO's eastern border.

We Poles believe in America. We believe that Poland and Europe need more America  militarily, politically, and economically  more American spirit in thinking and acting.

I have had the opportunity to discuss this point with Mr. President on many occasions, also when we received you twice in Poland. A year ago, when we met in Warsaw, I announced that  that when Poland would chair the Council of European Union in the first half of 2025, our top priority would be to deepen cooperation between the United States and the EU.

We are working consistently in this direction in Poland. That is why we are buying the most advanced American weapons in the world: Abrams tanks, F-35 fighter jets, Apache helicopters, or HIMARS missile launchers.

Close cooperation with the U.S. also applies to other important areas, such as energy. Work is already well advanced on the construction of Poland's first nuclear power plant, which we are building with American companies.

Tomorrow, in Georgia, I will have the opportunity to visit such a modern nuclear power plant. We attach great importance to further American investments in Poland. I hope that our joint visit with the Prime Minister will contribute to deepening bilateral economic relations. We invite new American companies to come to Poland.

Today's visit sent an important message  one that confirms the strategic nature of Polish-American relations, which we want to develop further.

PRESIDENT BIDEN: Thank you very much.

Mr. Prime Minister.

PRIME MINISTER TUSK: Mr. President, I would like to thank you not only for inviting us for the anniversary of Poland's membership in NATO but, first of all, for the fact that you never forgot why NATO was established. Because some did forget.

So, let me recall the opening words of the Washington Treaty. And I quote, "The parties to this treaty are determined to safeguard the freedom, common heritage, and civilization of their peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law."

Thank you, Mr. President, for your permanent fight for those principles. And we also remember, as the President said  remember also your engagement, your efforts 25 years ago. You were then a senator in this  NATO's enlargement process. Thank you.

And, you know, I want you to know that your campaign four years ago was really inspirational for me and for so many Poles. And we were encouraged  and you know for what  after your fight, after  after your victory. Thank you for your determination. It was something really important for  not only for the United States.

Today, I would like to pass on to you, on behalf of Poles, just one message: Our country is now a stable democracy, predictable for our Allies, on which the security of the whole region hugely depends.

When we Poles started on our road to the West, Pope John Paul II said, "There can be no just Europe without an independent Poland." And today, I would say there can be no safe Europe without a strong Poland.

And, of course, I would say also that  that there can be no just Europe without a free and independent Ukraine.

We are here today with President Duda also to reaffirm that Poland is and will be a solid and lasting pillar of the transatlantic community, no matter who wins the elections in our country. We treat our obligation seriously  more than anyone else in Europe.

And we hope that none of our NATO partners will undermine the most important obligation of all, which is Article 5 of the treaty.

There are still great challenges ahead of us. So, let us stand firm, Mr. President, and always together. Thank you.

THE PRESIDENT: Thank  thank you again.

(Cross-talk.)

Thank you, again, for being here. And America's commitment to Poland is ironclad. We mean what we say that, you know, an attack on  on a single inch of soil of a NATO partner is an attack on all of us. And that's what keeps us all safe, in my view.

And I look forward to our conversation and working together the years ahead. And as Secretary Albright said, we stand together as Allies. When we do that, no force on Earth is more powerful.

So, thank you. And we'll get down to business in a second here. Thank you.

3:54 P.M. EDT

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Neil Young performs at the BottleRock Napa Valley festival on May 25, 2019. The musician announced he will return his music to Spotify after pulling it two years ago in protest. Paul Kuroda/Special to the Chronicle

Neil Young has reluctantly decided to return his music to Spotify, two years after pulling it from the platform due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19 vaccine misinformation on Joe Rogans popular podcast.

In a message to his fans, Young explained that he ended his boycott after Spotify relinquished exclusive rights to The Joe Rogan Experience, following a new $250 million deal that allows Rogan to distribute the show on other platforms.

My decision comes as music services Apple and Amazon have started serving the same disinformation podcast I had opposed at SPOTIFY, Young wrote on his website, the Neil Young Archives, on Tuesday, March 12. I cannot just leave Apple and Amazon, like I did Spotify, because my music would have very little streaming outlet to music lovers at all, so I have returned.

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Young expressed his dissatisfaction with the move and criticized Spotify for providing poor audio quality to its listeners.

(I have) sincere hopes that Spotify sound quality will improve and people will be able to hear and feel all the music as we made it, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame musician continued. Hopefully Spotify will return to Hi Res as the answer and serve all the music to everyone. Spotify, you can do it! Really be #1 in all ways. You have the music and the listeners!!! Start with a limited hi res tier and build from there!

Young initially removed his music from the streaming service in January 2022 after accusing the company, which has offices in San Francisco, of allowing comedian Rogan to freely use its platform to spread misinformation about the vaccine. In an ultimatum conveyed to Spotify through his management and record company, the rocker stated, They can have Rogan or Young. Not both.

Graham Nash, left, Neil Young and David Crosby perform at Youngs annual Bridge School Benefit Concert on Oct. 26, 2013, at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View. Leah Millis/The Chronicle 2013

Peers Joni Mitchell and Graham Nash followed Youngs lead and demanded Spotify remove their music from the service as well.

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The controversy arose after Rogan featured Dr. Robert Malone on his podcast a month earlier. At that time, Malone had been banned from Twitter for falsely suggesting that millions of people had been hypnotized into believing that vaccines work to prevent serious diseases.

Spotify has recently become a very damaging force via its public misinformation and lies about COVID, Young wrote in another letter posted on his website at that time. Most of the listeners hearing the unfactual, misleading and false COVID information on Spotify are 24 years old, impressionable and easy to swing to the wrong side of the truth.

Youngs assertion was supported by a group of doctors and scientists who circulated a petition online urging Spotify to adopt policies to prevent the spread of misinformation on their platform.

In 2022, Neil Young, left, removed his music from Spotify after the platform declined to take down episodes of The Joe Rogan Experience, hosted by Joe Rogan, right, which Young criticized for spreading COVID-19 vaccine misinformation. Associated Press

Rogan, a self-proclaimed fan of Young, countered that the purpose of his podcast was to engage in conversations with people who have differing opinions. He emphasized that he selects guests for his podcast and deliberately attempts to balance out the controversial ones.

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Im not trying to promote misinformation. Im not trying to be controversial, Rogan said in a video posted to Instagram. Ive never tried to do anything with this podcast other than to just talk to people.

Before moving to the Malibu Hills home owned by his wife, actress Daryl Hannah, in 2014, Young lived on a ranch in the Bay Area. For more than 30 years, he and his late wife Pegi Young hosted the all-star acoustic Bridge School Benefit Concerts at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, featuring performances by rock royalty such as Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Brian Wilson, Tracy Chapman, Bruce Springsteen, Norah Jones, Metallica, Elvis Costello and Beck.
Operation Iron Swords - Day 159 - 13 March 2024

War Termination

The Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) denied what was circulated in the media and attributed to a senior Hamas source regarding the movement receiving an international offer for an extended ceasefire in the Gaza Strip , a gradual return of the displaced, or a delegation heading to Cairo to discuss the details. During the press statement, the Hamas movement renewed its call to the media to ensure accuracy and credibility in reporting news, and not to manipulate the feelings of the Palestinian people who are subjected to Zionist aggression and a Nazi war of extermination.

This statement comes amid international attempts to reach a ceasefire, the most recent of which was the negotiations held in Cairo with the participation of Egypt, the United States, Qatar, and Hamas for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Although the Hamas delegation left Cairo last Thursday, the US ambassador to Tel Aviv, Jack Lew, indicated that it was a mistake to assume that the prisoner exchange and ceasefire talks in the Gaza Strip had failed.

Hamas previously announced - in a statement - that its delegation left Cairo to consult with the movements senior leadership, while negotiations and efforts are still continuing to find solutions to stop the aggression, return the displaced, and provide relief aid to the Palestinian people. Hamas leader Sami Abu Zuhri confirmed that Israel had failed to achieve any progress in the ongoing negotiations to reach a ceasefire agreement.

Abu Zuhri explained that Israel rejects the demands put forward by Hamas to stop the aggression, withdraw from the Gaza Strip, and guarantee the freedom of aid entry and the return of the displaced. Hamas officials indicated that it is necessary to reach a ceasefire and withdraw Israeli forces from Gaza before beginning the process of releasing prisoners, stressing the importance of all residents of the Gaza Strip returning to their homes from which they fled during the aggression.

Hamas also confirmed that it is unable to provide a list of the names of prisoners who are still alive without reaching a ceasefire, because the prisoners are distributed in different areas within the Gaza Strip.

Israeli Channel 14 said that Palestinian Authority Intelligence Director Majid Faraj began working on building an armed force in the southern Gaza Strip. The channel added that this force consists of families who do not support the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) to distribute aid from the south of the Gaza Strip to its north.

The Israeli Broadcasting Authority (KAN) also said that National Security Council Chairman Tzachi Hanegbi met with Faraj recently, with the approval of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. KAN noted that Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant suggested that the director of Palestinian intelligence take over the administration of the Gaza Strip temporarily after the end of the war, and work to build an alternative to Hamas.

Kan indicated that Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant proposed that the head of Palestinian Authority intelligence take over the administration of the Gaza Strip temporarily after the end of the war. KAN said that Israel is considering using the head of Palestinian intelligence to build an alternative to Hamas the day after the war. The proposal stipulates that Majid Faraj will take over the administration of Gaza with the help of figures who do not include a member of the Hamas movement.

Sources familiar with the discussions said that Faraj was not the only name that Israel was considering the possibility of naming responsible for the administration of Gaza the day after the war. But the leader of the opposition in Israel, Yair Lapid, said, "It is natural for us to mention Faraj's name, as he is in the Palestinian Authority one of the figures who worked most with us against Hamas."

Lapid added in a television interview, "The civil service has no obstacle to working with the Palestinian Authority, because even today it works with it. The government must decide whether it will deal with politics or Israel's security. If the matter is related to Israel's security, we will work with the Palestinian Authority." Lapid continued, "We will only guarantee our security, and not suggest relying on the Palestinian Authority in the war on terrorism."

Majed Faraj's name has previously been floated as a possible alternative to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. According to Israeli press reports, Majid Faraj (61 years old) is the most powerful and senior security figure in the Palestinian Authority. He is considered close to Abbas, and has excellent relations with senior Israeli security officials.

According to these reports, Majid Faraj is coordinating on behalf of the authorities with the Shin Bet , the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and Arab and Western intelligence agencies. This comes as leaks indicate that Washington is pressuring Tel Aviv to present a vision of its vision for managing Gaza after the end of the war.

The Palestinian Authority stressed the need for aid to be introduced and distributed in the Gaza Strip in full coordination with it as the legitimate leadership of the Palestinian people, following Israeli reports that indicated a possible role for Palestinian intelligence chief Majed Faraj. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry said that the mechanism for introducing and distributing aid must be carried out in full coordination with the legitimate leadership of the Palestinian people, and through approved and irreplaceable international mechanisms such as UNRWA, the Palestinian Red Crescent, and relevant international institutions.

The Ministry affirmed its welcome of the American and international efforts aimed at breaking the siege on the Gaza Strip and ensuring the sustainable entry of aid and humanitarian and relief needs to Palestinian civilians by all means, by sea, land and air. The statement added that bringing in aid by all means is a priority, along with a ceasefire and preventing forced displacement.

Operational Update

Operational Update - Gaza

In cooperation with the HA in integrated ground activities: Division 98 deepened the fighting in the 'Hamad' neighborhood. The forces of the 98th Division continue fighting in the southern Gaza Strip in the neighborhoods of Hamed, the Absanis and Al Karara in Khan Yunis, killing terrorists in encounters and deepening the attacks.

Over the past day, the fighters of the Agoz unit formed by the commando exchanged fire with a squad of seven terrorists who had barricaded themselves in a building in the neighborhood. In a combined attack from the air and using a pressure cooker on the building, the fighters eliminated several terrorists by shooting. Immediately after, the fighters directed an aircraft that attacked and eliminated the rest of the squad. Also, Magellan unit fighters located and confiscated weapons in the neighborhood.

Air force forces attacked and killed a terrorist who was responsible for launching many rockets towards the territory of the State of Israel, including during 7/10. In addition, under the direction of the fire center of the Gaza Division, the corps carried out extensive attacks in enemy deployment areas in Deir al-Balah and destroyed many terrorist infrastructures, including operational shafts, anti-tank launching positions and assembly points of terrorists.

The Nahal Brigade's combat team continues fighting in the center of the Strip. The brigade's fire complex identified a terrorist with a suspicious object in his hand entering a house known as a Hamas operative's home near the forces sector, and directed a fighter jet that attacked and killed him.

The Israeli forces left massive destruction in the residential city of Hamad, west of Khan Yunis (southern Gaza Strip ), after a partial withdrawal from the area into which it had penetrated during the past 10 days. In this context, the military and strategic expert, Major General Fayez Al-Duwairi, said that the occupation army claimed that it was carrying out raids in Hamad Town, which means searching and inspecting people or tunnel openings or trying to obtain information.

During his analysis for Al Jazeera, Al-Duwairi pointed out that after 10 days of operations by the occupation army in the region, it became clear that it was a flattening of the land and the systematic destruction of residential towers, stressing that the occupation had not achieved anything from a military perspective, but had destroyed everything, while the resistance fighters were still in the tunnels. The strategic expert stressed that there is no military objective in the occupation operation in the residential city, adding that it falls within the context of eliminating all aspects of life, as happened previously in Al Karama Towers and neighborhoods such as Al-Rimal and Tal Al-Hawa in Gaza City and others.

In the central governorate, Al-Duwairi believes that the return of bombing to the city of Deir al-Balah - which is classified as a safe area - may be an indication of the return of operations and the expansion of their framework there, in light of the presence of Qassam brigades that are still strong in the central camps. He explains that the occupation army believes that the achievements achieved in the central region are still sufficient, despite the destruction that occurred in parts of the Bureij, Al-Maghazi and Al-Nuseirat camps.

As for the Israeli bombing that targeted an aid distribution center affiliated with UNRWA in the city of Rafah in the south, the strategic expert indicated that the matter was not a major event for the occupation army, which has always targeted displaced people waiting for aid. Al-Duwairi cited what is happening in the Kuwait and Nabulsi roundabouts in Gaza City, as they have become confirmed targeting and killing points for Palestinians searching for humanitarian aid.

Palestinian resistance factions engaged in fierce clashes with the Israeli occupation army in the residential city of Hamad, west of Khan Yunis (south of the Gaza Strip ), and they said - in successive statements - that they placed Israeli special forces in precise ambushes. In this context, the military and strategic expert, Major General Fayez Al-Duwairi, said that the battles and clashes in Khan Yunis are different from those in Gaza, and are optional on the part of the resistance.

Al-Duwairi went on - during his analysis of the field scene on the island - to explain that Hamad Town was bypassed, like other areas of Khan Yunis, months ago, "so that it becomes clear that the Israeli statements are contrary to the truth." He pointed out that there are 6 brigades in Khan Yunis, including 4 brigades of the (elite) infantry forces, in addition to two armored brigades, indicating that the resistance operations currently are considered selective after 3 months of continuous aerial bombardment, ground battles, and the bombing of residential squares.

He explained that this bombing and destruction forced the resistance to spend most of its time underground, but its fighters come out at the appropriate and decisive moment to hunt a critical target, such as booby-trapping a house and blowing it up, or luring it to killing areas or blowing up tunnel openings. As for the current operations of the occupation army, they fall - according to Al-Duwairi - within the framework of searching for specific people based on intelligence information, rather than achieving realistic goals framed geographically.

The military expert cited the Israeli bombing of the Nuseirat camp in the Central Governorate, which - according to official Israeli reports - targeted Marwan Issa , the second man in the Al-Qassam Brigades - the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ), without any confirmation from the latter of those allegations. This is why the occupation army believes that prominent leaders of Hamas and its military wing - such as its president in Gaza, Yahya Al-Sinwar, the Phalanges spokesman, Abu Ubaida, and others - may be present in Hamad Town, according to Al-Duwairi.

It should be noted that the Al-Qassam Brigades announced - on Tuesday - that two Israeli foot forces were ambushed and clashed with their members from zero distance in Hamad Town, noting that they were monitoring the process of evacuating the dead and wounded by occupation aircraft. Fighters of the Al- Quds Brigades - the military wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement - also detonated a high-explosive device against an Israeli force of 6 individuals barricaded inside a residential apartment in Hamad Town, and its fighters also bombarded with mortar shells gatherings of occupation soldiers in the center of the city itself.

A Hebrew channel said that the Israeli army was able to remove two divers who attempted to infiltrate near the northern shores of the Gaza Strip , after fears that they would reach the Zikim area, at a time when the resistance factions did not announce that attempt, or officially adopt it. The military and strategic expert, Major General Fayez Al-Duwairi, suggested that the infiltration attempt was made by swimming frogs, in light of the fact that there was no talk of boats or sea torpedoes.

Al-Duwairi stressed - during his analysis for Al Jazeera - that the attempt is not a major operation, but rather a message that despite everything that has happened, we are still able to think about carrying out qualitative operations in the Gaza envelope area . He pointed out that the number of participants in the operation was small, and it was likely that it was a reconnaissance infiltration operation to obtain information, and to study the temporal and spatial conditions and their suitability, anticipating that it may be within the framework of upcoming future planning.

Al-Duwairi warns that the essence of the operation is determined if it is a pre-emptive step, stressing that it will have a strong meaning if it is a reconnaissance attempt to prepare for another operation, as it will spread anxiety and terror to the settlers and members of the army, in the belief that the Al- Qassam Brigades - the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) - will not She is still thinking about something about the Gaza Strip.

Al-Duwairi warned that Zikim was attacked twice from the sea, the first time on the first day of the  Al-Aqsa Flood . It was a successful and powerful operation using human frogs and sea boats, and it imposed its presence for hours. He explained that a second infiltration operation occurred in Zikim several days after the Qassam attack, when the occupation army had not yet regained its full balance.

Regarding the strategy with which Israel dealt with the attempt, the strategic expert believes that the occupation army did not want to cause confusion in the Gaza Strip and tried to contain it, especially since it may constitute a great embarrassment for it after it announced weeks ago the start of the third phase of the war in the northern sector, after claiming to dismantle the frameworks. Organization of the Qassam Brigades.

The Wall Street Journal reported that former Palestinian detainees under the Israeli occupation were beaten, humiliated, and forced to kneel for more than 20 hours. The newspaper said, quoting a director of the Committee against Torture in Israel, that Palestinian detainees are isolated and detained without the right to seek assistance from a lawyer. It added that the occupation forces stripped them of their clothes for long periods of time, during interrogation.

Former prisoner Muhammad Obaid said that the Israeli soldiers asked him to wipe the blood from his face to take a picture in front of the Israeli flag. He added that the occupation later released him without charges after 40 days of detention. Heba Ghaben, a former prisoner of the occupation, also said, They threatened me with electric shocks and tied our hands and feet. When Israeli soldiers released Bahaa Abu Rukba near a border crossing in Gaza after detaining him for nearly three weeks, the 24-year-old Palestinian said he was in pain and struggling to walk after being repeatedly beaten with rifle butts and kicked in the thigh.

The United Nations estimates that, since Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on October 7, Israel has detained thousands of young Palestinians in operations that the Israeli army said targeted militants. Earlier, the private Israeli Channel 13 said that what it described as elite fighters of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) detained in Israeli prisons "are suffering from severe and difficult measures, and are crowded into very small cells amidst hunger, cold, and hardship."

This came in a television report broadcast by the channel about the Palestinian prisoners, whom it said were elite members of the Al-Qassam Brigades affiliated with the Hamas movement, who were arrested during the attacks of October 7, 2023. The channel says, "Prisoners of the Hamas elite suffer from very difficult conditions, as they are always shivering from the cold, and are forced to bend their heads while sitting on the ground. The cell rooms are very small, and the beds are unmade and without covers."

The US Army announced that a number of its ships were heading to Gaza to establish a temporary naval dock that would allow the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Strip. In light of the inability to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza through land crossings due to Israels intransigence, and the failure to reach a ceasefire agreement with the Palestinian resistance despite continued regional and international diplomatic efforts, US Central Command (Centcom) said that US army ships left a base in Virginia - yesterday, Tuesday - On its way to the eastern Mediterranean to establish a seaport that will allow ships to send humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The leadership attached its statement with pictures showing 4 ships, and explained that the ships carried the equipment and supplies necessary to establish the temporary naval pier. The trip is expected to take about 30 days, and as for the process of building the temporary dock, American estimates indicate that it will take about 60 days.

The head of the HAMAS government media office in the Gaza Strip , Salama Marouf, said on Wednesday that the feasibility of transporting aid to the Strip via ships remains a matter of consideration due to the mechanism that is followed to deliver aid across the sea, considering that what is better is to pressure Israel to bring relief convoys through the known land crossings.

Marouf said that in light of the talk about the departure of a ship loaded with aid heading to the Gaza Strip from the port of Larnaca in Cyprus yesterday, Tuesday, we confirm the weakness of the relief efforts for our people and their remaining below the minimum required in the face of the humanitarian catastrophe that is afflicting our people, especially the north of the Strip, where more than 700 people are suffering. A thousand citizens, a clear war of starvation.

He added, "According to what was announced, the ship's load does not exceed the load of one or two trucks, and it will take days. It is not yet known where it will dock and how it will reach the Gaza coast. In addition, it will be subject to inspection by the occupation army, and therefore the feasibility of this mechanism becomes subject to consideration." He continued that it would be better for everyone to put pressure on the occupation to bring in aid convoys by land and through known crossings, such as the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings (south of Gaza), or to activate the Al-Mintar and Shujaiya crossings (east of Gaza City) and Beit Hanoun (north).

He stressed that the international community must come together urgently, before it is too late, to save those dying of hunger. He considered that the best way to do this is to operate land crossings in a way that allows the rapid entry of thousands of aid and relief trucks that are lined up on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing and which the occupation refuses to enter.

Marouf said that the occupation, by refusing to bring aid through the Rafah crossing, is ignoring the resolutions of the UN Security Council and the International Court of Justice, without paying attention to the stricken humanitarian reality in the northern Gaza Strip.

Yesterday, Tuesday, the international World Central Kitchen Foundation announced the launch of the first relief ship for Gaza from the port of Larnaca in Cyprus, in an attempt to open a sea corridor to deliver aid to the Strip, which has been suffering under war and a severe Israeli siege for the sixth month. The organization said, in a post on the X platform, that the ship carries about 200 tons of food, such as rice, flour, legumes, canned vegetables, and proteins.

In a press statement yesterday, Tuesday, the Chief Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs and Reconstruction in Gaza, Sikhrid Kach, welcomed the opening of a sea corridor to deliver humanitarian aid to the Strip, but stressed that there is no alternative to land routes.

Cyprus' Foreign Minister Constantinos Koumpos said that work is underway to prepare a second ship to leave for Gaza. "We are working to ensure that the first shipment is delivered safely, and then distributed safely," he said from Beirut. "If things go according to plan, we have arranged a mechanism to send a second, much larger shipment, and then we will work." To make the process more regular while increasing the amount of subsidies.

Operational Update - Judea-Samaria

Jazeera Net reported that from yesterday evening, Tuesday, until this morning, the occupation forces executed in cold blood 4 Palestinians in the Jerusalem Governorate , including 3 children, the youngest of whom was not more than 13 years old, after he was shot while he was playing with his peers in front of his house in the Shuafat refugee camp, north of Jerusalem. The child Rami Al-Halhouli (13 years old) was the first to rise in the camp, which has been on fire for about a year and a half, and witnesses almost daily raids by the occupation forces, including random targeting of residents and their property. Rami asked his mother for a little money to buy sweets after breakfast and eat them with his friends, but as soon as he went out to have fun around the house, the soldiers shot him, claiming that he used fireworks against them and endangered their lives. Ramis heart stopped after bleeding for a long time.

A light hand on the trigger was waiting for 5 young men in the town of Al-Jib, northwest of Jerusalem, and a resident of the village (B.G) told Al Jazeera Net that 5 young men were in a vehicle in the area that separates the village from settlement Road No. 436, and as soon as the vehicle approached the separation wall, The occupation soldiers were waiting for her, so they immediately opened fire on those inside. The driver was injured, and as soon as the other four young men got out to help him, they were also shot and arrested. After searching the vehicle and not finding anything inside, the young men were returned to the Jeep checkpoint and handed over to the Palestinian ambulance, according to the same source.

The occupation police claimed that Border Guard forces shot 5 Palestinians who intended to throw Molotov cocktails on Route 436, which connects the Givat Zeev settlement to the Ramot settlement neighborhood in Jerusalem. This attack resulted in the death of the child Abdullah Assaf (16 years old) and the young man Zaid Khalifa (23 years old).

At what is known as the Tunnel checkpoint between the cities of Jerusalem and Bethlehem, after soldiers opened fire on a minor who they claimed had carried out a stabbing attack that left two people with moderate and minor injuries. Following the stabbing attack at the tunnel checkpoint, a crossing fighter of the Erez Battalion and a civilian security guard neutralized the terrorist. The IDF fighter who was at the scene was slightly injured and was referred for medical treatment at a hospital, her family was informed.

Al Jazeera Net asked the academic and expert on Israeli affairs, Muhammad Halsa, whether Israel intends, with successive executions, to set the city of Jerusalem on fire during Ramadan. Halasa replied that this is no longer limited to the framework of intentions, but rather that daily Israeli behavior serves the idea of inflaming the scene in the service of the nationalist right, which feeds on provocation and igniting fires, because calm does not serve its agenda of imposing what it wants, but rather needs such scenes to use more restrictions and measures as an excuse. Which restricts the movement of Palestinians and prevents them from reaching Al-Aqsa Mosque on days like these.

Halasa added that when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the decision to allow worshipers to enter the mosque like previous years, he followed this decision with the sentence that an assessment of the situation will be conducted weekly in terms of security and safety aspects, and that decisions will be taken accordingly.

Now this will serve the ambitions of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to impose restrictions, as he will use the incidents that occurred at the various checkpoints as an excuse to say that we warned that the arrival of the Palestinians to Jerusalem would inflame the region, and he will use that to serve his narrative and agenda.

However, if these incidents do not occur, Halasa stressed that the right-wing agenda feeds on igniting fires, and therefore, if there is no escalation, Ben Gvir will strive to create and fabricate it under the pretext of fighting security threats and risks. As attention turns to the first Friday of the month of Ramadan, Academic Halsa pointed out that this extremist minister who controls the police force will be keen and his police to create points and hotspots of friction with the Palestinians, to say that what we warned about has happened and the Palestinians must be prevented from reaching Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa.

Halasa added that Ben Gvir "will take as a pretext any straying and incoming action and any simple friction at the gates of Al-Aqsa, or raising the Palestinian flag here and there, to create a state of confrontation between the Palestinians and the Israeli police, and in light of the state of security obsession that prevails among soldiers and policemen and the large deployment in the contact areas." The passage of Muslims to Al-Aqsa will cause friction.

The most dangerous issue in the eyes of this academic is that the soldier who shot the child Rami Al-Halhouli in the Shuafat camp yesterday evening, Tuesday, did not blink an eye, because he feels that an official, religious, national, and societal cover is protecting him, so he will not be asked or prosecuted. This applies to all police personnel deployed in the city and armed with Ben Gvirs directives to follow the policy of light hand on the trigger, followed by personal glorification of their performance, and this vindictive behavior is widespread at all levels of the state, according to Halasa, who added that the atmosphere of war provides an opportunity to take revenge on the defenseless Palestinian who He wants to reach Jerusalem to perform his worship in Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth quoted Ben Gvir as saying that the policeman who killed the child Rami Al-Halhouli - yesterday, Tuesday - does not deserve to be investigated, and I will work to award him a medal. Israeli Army Radio reported that Ben Gvir arrived at the investigation center today, accompanied by two lawyers to defend the policeman who was summoned to give his testimony.

It quoted Ben Gvir as telling reporters, They are trying to discourage our fighters, and they should not have summoned him here. I will work to give him a certificate of appreciation. He should receive a reward, not an investigation. He continued, It is shocking that the department dared to invite the heroic policeman who did what he did. "What we expect from him, it's a disgrace. I will give the policeman a certificate of appreciation." The Israeli Ynet news website quoted an official in the police investigation department as saying that there is no specific suspicion of criminal activity against the policeman.

For his part, Jerusalemite writer and political analyst Rasem Obeidat began his talk to Al Jazeera Net by saying that extremist Minister Bin Ghafir wants to ignite Jerusalem Square and Al-Aqsa Mosque in the month of Ramadan by demonizing this month and inciting against those praying in the mosque. Although the Shin Bet and the Israeli army want to curb the tension and avoid opening a new front, the extremist minister and the police commissioner-general insist on involving the first two kisses in the confrontation and turning the war into a religious war.

Obaidat pointed out that next Friday will be the biggest test of what the situation will be like in Jerusalem for the rest of the holy month, and if the strict measures provoke worshipers, the situation will explode from the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Holy City.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry accused Israel of working to "blow up" the occupied West Bank this month of Ramadan, through a "policy of field executions," and warned in a statement on Wednesday that "Israel's continued impunity from punishment and accountability encourages it to commit more crimes."

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 Israelis 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, which may open the door to a new battle in Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Ramadan is celebrated Mar 10, 2024  Apr 9, 2024. 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.

Prime Minister's Office Statement: "At a meeting of all security elements chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, it was decided: Israel strongly safeguards freedom of worship for all faiths, at all sites in Israel, especially the Temple Mount; Ramadan is sacred to Muslims; its sanctity will be upheld this year, as it is every year. During the first week of Ramadan, the entry of worshippers to the Temple Mount will be permitted, similar to the numbers in previous years. A weekly assessment of the security and safety aspects will be held; a decision will be made accordingly."

At the end of the discussion it was decided that there will be no age limit for entering the Temple Mount, but there will be quotas.

Operational Update - Lebanon

Hezbollah fired more than 100 rockets at the northern Golan Heights and the Galilee Panhandle on Tuesday morning, according to the Israel Defense Forces. The Iranian terror proxy fired a 70-rocket barrage at the two areas at approximately 7 a.m., in one of the heaviest barrages since the start of the war. Just over an hour later, another 30 rockets were fired at the northern Golan. Israeli media reporting majority of the rockets were intercepted or fell in open spaces. No damage or casualties were reported, IDF said that fighter jets struck three launchers used to fire rockets at the Golan Heights.

Fighter jets attacked military buildings used by Hezbollah in the areas of Mis al-Jabal and Ita al-Sha'ab in southern Lebanon. In addition, the IDF attacked during the day with artillery fire in the Wadi Hamool area in southern Lebanon. An aircraft targeted Muhammad Abu Hasna, a Hamas terrorist in the operations department of the Rafah area. The attack was carried out following accurate intelligence information from AMN and the Shin Bet.

Hasna included extensive activity of the various Hamas units, he was in contact with the field operatives of Hamas and activated them. Hasna was in charge of an intelligence command whose purpose was to give reports on IDF forces in preparation for attacks against them. Abu Hasna is known to be active in the combat aid system of the military wing of Hamas, he was involved in taking over the humanitarian aid equipment and distributing it to Hamas operatives. Its targeted thwarting significantly harms the functioning of various Hamas units in Rafah.

Fighter jets attacked a Hezbollah military structure in the Kantra region and a military infrastructure of the organization in the Ya'atar region. A launching position and military structure of the Hezbollah terrorist organization in the Alma al-Sha'ab area was attacked. An aircraft attacked the terrorist Hadi Ali Matzafa, a key operative in the terrorist organization Hamas, belonging to the organization's outer space, in the area of Tzur in the territory of Lebanon.

Hadi was involved in directing terrorist squads and activities in the field, and also promoted attacks against Israeli and Jewish targets in various countries around the world. In addition, he served as a leading activist in the construction department of the organization that was in the possession of Samir Pandi, one of Saleh al-Aruri's associates, who was eliminated along with him.

The IDF and the security forces will continue to act against the terrorist organization Hamas in every arena in which it operates. In Jenin, in the Menashe Brigade, the fighters uncovered and destroyed explosives planted under axles with the aim of harming the forces, and arrested a wanted man. During the activity, the fighters fired at armed men identified in the area, injuries were identified. Beit says that in Zion the fighters arrested three wanted men and confiscated weapons. In Nablus, in the Samaria division, the forces arrested a wanted man. In Haras, in the Yehuda Brigade, the forces arrested two more wanted persons. The wanted persons who were arrested were transferred for further investigation by the security forces, there are no casualties to Israeli forces.

Operational Update - Syria / Iraq

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Operational Update - Yemen

Retired Vice Admiral Robert Murrett, professor of practice at Syracuse Universitys Maxwell School and deputy director of the Institute for Security Policy and Law, noted "The latest Houthi attacks in the Red Sea reflect the ongoing threats from the Houthis against civilian shipping in the southern Red Sea and Bab al Mandab with ballistic and anti-ship cruise missiles as well as unmanned aircraft. The attacks have been "successful" in curtailing shipping through the Red Sea and Suez Canal by approximately 40%, in spite of successful defense measures by naval forces and attacks on missile, launch and command/control facilities in Houthi-controlled Yemen by U.S. and U.K. aircraft. The Houthis have stated that these attacks are directly linked to Israeli operations in Gaza, although the vessels that they have targeted for the most part do not have direct linkage to the hostilities there. Finally, it is not clear that placing pressure on the Houthi's Iranian sponsors will curtail the attacks, as the level of control that Theran has over the Houthi operations is not clear."

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

An estimated 8,000 patients need to be medically evacuated from Gaza, including over 6,000 trauma-related patients, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

French Member of the European Parliament Francois Theolet said that European Union countries' continued export of weapons to Israel , which is accused of committing " genocide ," makes it an "accomplice in the crime." Theolet added in statements to Anadolu Agency that what is happening in the Gaza Strip is ethnic cleansing targeting the Palestinians, stressing that what Israel is doing is considered a war against all Palestinians, whether in Gaza or the West Bank , and not just a war against the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ).

He also pointed out that the speeches of Israeli officials indicate a "desire to eliminate" the Palestinians. Regarding the position of European countries on the events in Palestine, Theolet said that there are many steps that European countries can take to confront Israeli practices against the Palestinians. He stressed the need for the European Union to pay attention to what is happening in the Gaza Strip, noting that this attention must be similar to what it showed regarding what is happening in Ukraine .

He called for European Union countries to stop exporting weapons to Israel, stressing that it is unacceptable to continue military and economic agreements with Tel Aviv as if nothing is happening.

Axis of Resistance

Under the title Aid that was blocked by land, a sea port will receive ships carrying humanitarian aid and carrying security, political, and economic goals for the post-war period in the Gaza Strip. It was not difficult to answer the question regarding not bringing humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip via land. Alalam News Network, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting stated the answer to the United States adherence to the idea of a seaport in Gaza under the pretext of delivering aid is also not difficult, as preventing aid by land, and the theatrics of airdropping it in several stages, is nothing but a prelude to the basic plan represented by the seaport, which will be the best means to achieve more than one goal of obtaining Gas off the Strip, to security control of Gaza.

All of this serves the issue of ending the Palestinian issue by closing the Gaza gate permanently. This will not happen unless the Palestinians are displaced, across the sea this time, after it was not possible to achieve this via land. Did the United States become a direct and public player in the war on Gaza? What happens after the Palestinians cling to their land and refuse to leave? Will the port really be a military support in the event of the outbreak of the northern front with Lebanon?

The aid story shouldn't deceive people about the US port , noted an Independent Press article titled: US port plans in Gaza have 'hidden goals'. The article begins by saying: There is another aspect of the American floating port, which is related to encouraging voluntary Palestinian immigration to Europe, and canceling the role of the Rafah crossing, which means Israel controlling all Gaza crossings and ending any Palestinian sovereignty over it. The port will obtain Israeli approval because Benjamin Netanyahu has been pursuing this idea since the beginning of the war with the aim of voluntarily displacing the population of Gaza.

The ships sending aid will not go directly to the American port in Gaza, but rather to the port of Ashdod to be examined, and then sent under Israeli supervision to the Palestinian territories. The American army will remain at sea and will supervise the port because Gaza is considered a hostile environment.

As for the American President, Biden is deeply concerned about the consequences of the Rafah invasion and the failure to end the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, which will be reflected in the election results in the United States. Therefore, Biden will rush to build the port. And 'Israel' will agree to the port for two reasons: to facilitate a prisoner exchange deal and a ground attack on Rafah without provoking Washington.

Another dimension of the American port plan in Gaza relates to the port of Haifa and the scenario of the outbreak of war with Lebanon, as indicated by an article published by The Credential entitled...'Israel' secures the port of Cyprus for fear of war with Hezbollah. In this article we read... 'Israel' seeks to establish a port on the island of Cyprus, in the event that the port of Haifa is closed in a war with Hezbollah. This coincides with American plans to establish a port off Gaza, allegedly to provide aid. Establishing a port in Larnaca is an urgent need for Israel to avoid a state of war.

Specifically, Israel fears the closure of the port of Haifa in the north due to a large-scale war with Hezbollah. Contrary to news reports, the main purpose of establishing the Cyprus port is not to transport aid to Gaza, as the US plan to establish the port off Gaza says. 'Israel' intends for the port of Larnaca to be part of an alternative transport axis to link Europe and India via 'Israel', which is the (Indo-Mediterranean-European Corridor) project that was announced at the recent G20 summit. It hopes to establish such a path within the framework of future normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia.

British journalist, Myriam Francois, who wrote. America does not do anything that is not in its interest - and here is the only question - why would it be in Americas interest to build a sea pier in Gaza instead of facilitating the entry of aid through the Rafah crossing, which is easier and cheaper? Malcolm X indicated hidden goals for the American port. Preparations have begun to establish a port west of Gaza. The goal is primarily political, not humanitarian: controlling the sources of Palestinian gas, according to the last comment from political activist Nangi Yalay, who wrote: The United States is not doing this for humanitarian aid, but to build a port for ships, so they can steal gas from Gaza.. Western hypocrisy.

Allied for Democracy

An Israeli official said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided to begin confronting US President Joe Biden , and that the relationship between the two parties is close to no return. Israeli Channel 12 quoted a senior Israeli official as saying that Netanyahu was angry because of the US intelligence report (CIA), which indicated the possibility of him losing power. The Israeli official added that Netanyahu decided, after the CIA report, to engage in a strong confrontation with Biden.

The US intelligence community's assessment was that the lack of confidence in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ability to rule was deepening among Israelis, and he expected large protests demanding his resignation, suggesting that what he called a different, more moderate government would be formed. The US Intelligence Community is a federation of 18 US federal government agencies that work separately to carry out intelligence activities to support the foreign policy and national security of the United States. It was established by former US President Ronald Reagan on December 4, 1981.

In this context, the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation said - quoting an official who commented on the CIA directors recent report - that Israel is not an American protectorate. The official added that Tel Aviv expects Washington to overthrow the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) and not the Israeli government, as he put it. He continued, "It is the Israelis, not anyone else, who choose their prime minister."

The Israeli Kan channel quoted American officials as saying that US President Joe Biden had almost lost confidence in the Israeli Prime Minister and confirmed that there was no specific date yet to meet Netanyahu. The channel added that officials confirmed that Netanyahu's procrastination regarding the issue of relief for the people of Gaza has harmed Israel. For its part, American media quoted Biden as saying that there is no specific date yet for the meeting with Netanyahu, and that Biden currently has no plans to deliver a speech before the Israeli parliament (the Knesset).

The American Politico website also quoted officials as saying that Biden may decide to limit the transfer of weapons to Israel if it launches an operation that exposes more Palestinians to danger. Netanyahu has escalated his statements regarding moving forward with his plans to invade Rafah (south of the Gaza Strip), where more than two million displaced Palestinians are trapped between starvation and bombing.

This comes in defiance of the US President, who previously warned that such an attack would be a red line, in addition to several international warnings against invading the city. On the other hand, Netanyahu responded by saying that the red line for him was not to repeat the attack of last October 7, that is, the Al- Aqsa Flood  operation launched by the Palestinian resistance.

The Times of Israel quoted a senior American official as saying that the frustration in Washington over Israel's behavior in the Gaza war is real and did not come only because of the approaching US presidential elections, while other reports indicated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided to engage in a confrontation with President Joe Biden.

The American official indicated that frustration increased after the aid convoy bombing incident last month, in reference to the flour massacre that took place at the Nabulsi roundabout in Gaza City and left at least 118 martyrs. The official added that the US administration feels that this tragedy highlighted Israel's ignoring of Washington's repeated warnings regarding the need to avoid a humanitarian crisis. The official stated that these messages were conveyed during meetings of Israeli War Council member Minister Benny Gantz with senior Biden administration officials in Washington a week ago.

These messages were also repeated to the Israeli ambassador, who was summoned to the White House for a one-on-one meeting with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. According to the newspaper, Sullivan told the Israeli ambassador that Washington considers Israel fully responsible for the humanitarian crisis and expects Israel to address it.

On the other hand, Israeli Channel 12 quoted a senior Israeli official as saying that Netanyahu was angry because of the CIA report indicating the possibility of him losing power, and decided to engage in a strong confrontation with Biden, indicating that the two parties relationship is close to no return. The latest assessment of the US intelligence community stated that distrust of Netanyahus ability to rule is deepening among Israelis, and he expected large protests demanding his resignation, suggesting that what he called a different and more moderate government would be formed.

The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation also quoted an official as saying - in response to the US intelligence report - that the Israelis, and no one else, are the ones who choose their prime minister, stressing that Israel is not an American protectorate. The official added that he expected Washington to overthrow Hamas, not the Israeli government.

Amid mounting indications of a sharp disagreement between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , questions are increasing about whether this will push Washington to completely change its position in support of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip . After the State of the Union address, in which the US President seemed more concerned with the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Biden gave an interview to MSNBC. He warned that storming Rafah was a "red line" for him.

Biden said, "Netanyahu is hurting Israel more than helping it, by making the rest of the world oppose what Israel stands for. I think it's a big mistake. So I want to see a 6-week ceasefire, and a major exchange of prisoners and detainees." Commenting on Biden's recent statements, Martin Indyk, an official, former ambassador and expert at the Council on Foreign Relations, expected, in a tweet on the X website, that Biden would follow a harsh approach with Netanyahu. There are 5 points from Bidens conversation with MSNBC, Indyk said.

Biden will not cut off Israel's supply of defensive weapons like Iron Dome (which means he may slow down offensive weapons if Israel crosses his red line). Biden is considering going to Israel to speak directly to the Israeli public. He hopes that Israel will open land crossings from Israel to northern Gaza. He concluded by saying: Unless Netanyahu changes his course, the confrontation with Biden is coming.

Biden did not specify what measures he would take if Netanyahu ignored his red lines and continued to prepare and carry out the invasion of the city of Rafah. It appears that Biden did not want to indicate any response he might take, because he does not want to be criticized if he backs down from any action he is considering now, according to commentators. Biden realizes, through his long experience in the Senate as a senator and in the White House as Vice President, that setting a red line was bad for former President Barack Obama when it came to Syria, and also for George Bush when it came to North Korea and Iran.

Netanyahu rejected Biden's red line, and responded by saying: "You know, I have a red line. Do you know what the red line is? Will October 7 not happen again?" Olivia Dalton, deputy spokeswoman for the White House, told reporters on Air Force One that Biden was clear in his interview that no military operation should be conducted in Rafah if there is not a reliable and implementable plan to take care of the safety and security needs of more. "One million civilians are sheltering there. We have not seen such a plan yet."

Since the Islamic Resistance Movement " Hamas " began its attack on October 7, Biden has followed a strategy of full support for Israel, hoping that this will allow the United States some influence over Netanyahu and his far-right government. Biden supported and adopted Netanyahu's position calling for the complete elimination of Hamas, and rejected the idea of a complete ceasefire.

At the same time, Israel has consistently rejected White House advice regarding how Israel should launch its aggression, especially with regard to strategies for reducing the number of civilian casualties, while rejecting American pressure demanding the necessity of increasing the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

With Biden's absence of any desire to put serious pressure on the Israeli side, Washington resorted to airdropping aid packages, and now the US army is building a port and a temporary pier in Gaza to receive aid ships.

Hence, if Israel invades Rafah, which is what commentators in Washington expect will happen after the month of Ramadan, the biggest question for Biden may relate to the conditions for introducing large amounts of aid, and not to stopping the supply of weapons to Israel, and from here the importance of Bidens initiative to build a temporary pier and seaport increases. To bring in aid, which cannot be done without broad cooperation and coordination with the Netanyahu government.

Israel is the largest recipient of US military aid in the world, with Washington providing it with approximately $3.8 billion in weapons and defense systems each year. President Biden is currently pressuring Congress to pass an additional aid package for Israel valued at more than $10 billion to compensate it for any losses due to the huge cost of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.

Some observers consider that Biden's strong speech against Netanyahu is the result of the growing division between the Democratic Party factions, which makes Netanyahu a target of their frustrations.

Commentators believe that what Biden is doing is mainly aimed at appearing as if he is moving away from supporting Israel, in order to please the progressive wing of the Democratic Party in the middle of the election year, and in the context of seeking to regain support from Arab, Muslim and younger voters who turned against Bidens position towards Israel, without sacrificing... With the support of pro-Israel voters, by not imposing any sanctions or preventing weapons from reaching Israel.

Netanyahu says Biden was wrong on both counts, claiming that his political and military steps were supported by an overwhelming majority of Israelis who support the action he is taking to destroy the remaining brigades of Hamas. If the Biden administration's goal was to dismantle Netanyahu's fragile coalition, it is likely to have had the opposite effect, as Israeli public opinion - which overwhelmingly seeks to defeat Hamas militarily - supports the idea of storming Rafah.

While Netanyahu is not currently hugely popular in Israel, the Rafah storming has broad support from Israelis across the political spectrum. A new poll by the Israel Democracy Institute showed that about two-thirds of Israelis support expanding IDF operations to Rafah, including 74% of conservative Jews and 45% of left-wing Israelis. Netanyahu's most important competitor, Benny Gantz , does not support Biden's position in the ongoing debate with Netanyahu, as Gantz was subjected, during his visit to Washington, a week ago, to similar criticism from the White House because of his vision of the Israeli military strategy.

Operation Iron Swords - By the Numbers

72,889 Gazans injured, 28% adult male

40,000 Gazans killed, including buried under rubble

33,000 Gaza targets attacked

31,184 Gazans martyred

15,000 rocket launched from Gaza

14,664 Israelis were injured [i24 TV]

13,430 Gazan children martyred

13,000 HAMAS combatants killed [N12]

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

9,000 Gazan women martyred

8,000 Gazans missing

7,500 arrested by Israelis in the West Bank since Oct.7th

6,000 HAMAS combatants killed [HAMAS]

5,500 IDF wounded [reports]

4,700 West Bank Palestinians wounded

3,484 administrative detainees

3,400 wanted persons arrested throughout Judea and Samaria

2,976 IDF wounded [IDF]

1,609 terrorists killed on the first day

1,500 wanted persons arrested throughout Judea and Samaria affiliated with Hamas

1,200 Israelis killed on the first day

575 Israeli officers and soldiers killed

433 West Bank Palestinians martyred

247 Israeli officers and soldiers killed in Gaza

222 Hezbollah fighters 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

Many of these numbers fluctate, up and down, with no apparent explanation. This list records the highest number reliably reported for each matter, under the theory that reality with catch up with reports, as is relentlessly the case.

The Palestinian resistance says that the losses of the Israeli 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.

Abraham Wyner, Professor of Statistics and Data Science at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, reported 06 March 2024 that : "While the evidence is not dispositive, it is highly suggestive that a process unconnected or loosely connected to reality was used to report the numbers.... Another red flag, raised by Salo Aizenberg and written about extensively, is that if 70% of the casualties are women and children and 25% of the population is adult male, then either Israel is not successfully eliminating Hamas fighters or adult male casualty counts are extremely low. This by itself strongly suggests that the numbers are at a minimum grossly inaccurate and quite probably outright faked.... Taken together, Hamas is reporting not only that 70% of casualties are women and children but also that 20% are fighters. This is not possible unless Israel is somehow not killing noncombatant men, or else Hamas is claiming that almost all the men in Gaza are Hamas fighters....

"Israel estimates that at least 12,000 fighters have been killed. If that number proves to be even reasonably accurate, then the ratio of noncombatant casualties to combatants is remarkably low: at most 1.4 to 1 and perhaps as low as 1 to 1. By historical standards of urban warfare, where combatants are embedded above and below into civilian population centers, this is a remarkable and successful effort to prevent unnecessary loss of life while fighting an implacable enemy that protects itself with civilians."

This makes perfect sense under a third possibility, namely that the IDF doing a really good job of targeting male combatants, most of whom are in proximity to their families. There are no HAMAS barracks, so everyone lives at home, en famille. Co-habiting extended families are common [hence reports of dozens of family members killed in a single strike]. The HAMAS battalions are organized by neighborhoods, so it would not be surprising that multiple HAMAS combatants live in a single building. So casualties structured as one male combatant, one female cohabitant, and two children are approximately consistent with both expectations and reports.

Lord Roberts of Belgravia (Con) stated 08 February 2024 "My Lords, even if we were to take as accurate Hamass statistics and the 27,500 figure  there is no reason why we should; we do not do that with Putin or ISIS  if one subtracts the number of Gazans who have been killed by the quarter or so of the Islamic Jihad and Hamas rockets that fall short, one is left with a less than 2:1 ratio of civilians to Hamas terrorists killed, of whom there have been more than 9,000 so far. War is hell, and every individual civilian death is a tragedy, but  I speak as a military historian  less than 2:1 is an astonishingly low ratio for modern urban warfare where the terrorists routinely use civilians as human shields. It is a testament to the professionalism, ethics and values of the Israel Defense Forces."

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Russo-Ukraine War - 13 March 2024 - Day 748

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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 according to local officials, voting in the 15-17 March 2024 Russian presidential elections has started early across the temporarily Russian controlled territories of Ukraine.

Efforts by Russian officials to get the population to vote are intensifying. In Luhansk, 2,600 officials have been drafted in to visit homes and persuade residents to vote. Heads of educational and other government establishments have been told to ensure their subordinates turn out to vote. With no independent election observers, and voter lists in at least one town absent, the potential for falsification of results is increased.

With significant population displacement and migration from these areas due to the on-going conflict, it is likely that only approximately a third of the pre-war population remains.

Whilst Russia has no legitimate basis to hold elections on the territory of Ukraine, the credibility of the elections is undermined further by a lack of proper representation, poor security, and coercive measures to pressure the population to vote. It is highly likely the occupation authorities in these territories will claim a high turnout with overwhelming support for Putin irrespective of what actually happens, to give the impression that a democratic choice has been made.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day of March 13, there were 70x combat engagements.

Russian forces launched a total of 2x missile and 68x air strikes, carried out 37x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, Russian attacks resulted in 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.

Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna 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 Vil'ne, Velyka Pysarivka, Popivka (Sumy oblast), Vovchans'k (Kharkiv oblast). Around 30x settlements came under Russian artillery and mortar fire, including Rozhkovychi, Holubivka, Seredyna-Buda, Krasnopillya, Zapsillya, Popivka (Sumy oblast), Hraniv, Strilecha, Borysivka (Kharkiv oblast).

Kup'yans'k axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 4x attacks in the vicinities of Tabaivka (Kharkiv oblast) and Stel'makhivka (Luhansk oblast), where the Russian occupiers made attempts to dislodge Ukrainian units from their positions. The occupiers launched an air strike in the vicinity of Nadiya (Luhansk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Syn'kivka, Ivanivka, Berestove (Kharkiv oblast).

Lyman axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 5x assaults in the vicinities of Terny and Yampolivka (Donetsk oblast) and Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), where the Russian adversary made attempts to breach Ukrainian defense. Russian forces launched an air strike in the vicinity of Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Terny, Spirne, Rozdolivka (Donetsk oblast).

Bakhmut axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 3x attacks in the vicinities east of Chasiv Yar, Bohdanivka and Klishchiivka (Donetsk oblast), where Russian forces, with air support, made attempts to improve their tactical situation. Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Predtechyne, New York, Druzhba (Donetsk oblast). Around 10x settlements came under artillery and mortar fire, including Bohdanivka, Chasiv Yar, New York (Donetsk oblast).

Avdiivka axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 14x attacks in the vicinities of Berdychi, Orlivka, Tonen'ke, Pervomais'ke (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Novobakhmutivka, Oleksandropil', Keramik, Novoselivka Persha, Novooleksandrivka (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at around 20x settlements, including Oleksandropil', Keramik, Novobakhmutivka, Semenivka (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, the Russian invaders, with air support, made 19x attempts to breach Ukrainian defense. The adversary launched air strikes in the vicinities of Maksymil'yanivka, Vodyane, Maksymivka (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at around 20x settlements, including Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka, Paraskoviivka, Vuhledar (Donetsk oblast).

Orikhiv axis: Russian forces, with air support, conducted 5x attacks on positions of Ukrainian defenders in the vicinities of Staromaiors'ke (Donetsk oblast), west of Verbove and Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Neskuchne (Donetsk oblast) and Mala Tokmachka (Zaporizhzhia oblast). Around 20x settlements, including Poltavka, Chervone, Bilohir'ya, Robotyne (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 2x unsuccessful assaults on positions of Ukrainian defenders. Around 30x settlements, including Tyahynka, Ivanivka, Sadove, Mykolaivka (Kherson oblast), were under Russian artillery and mortar fire.

During the day of March 13, the Ukrainian Air Force launched air strikes on 7x concentrations of Russian troops, weapons and military equipment. Also, Ukrainian air defense forces destroyed 1x Kh-31 missile.

The Ukrainian missile troops hit 1x concentration of Russian troops.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Kupyansk direction, units of the Zapad Group of Forces supported by aviation and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 57th Motorised Rifle Brigade near Sinkovka (Kharkov region) and repelled one enemy counter-attack near Terni (Donetsk People's Republic).

One AFU attempt to intrude the border territory of the Russian Federation was thwarted in Belgorod and Kursk regions.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 250 Ukrainian troops, seven tanks, three U.S.-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, two armoured personnel carriers, four motor vehicles, one U.S.-made M777 howitzer, two D-20 howitzers, one D-30 howitzer, one Gvozdika and one Nova self-propelled artillery systems.

In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions, as well as inflicted losses on manpower and hardware clusters of the AFU 56th Motorised Rifle Brigade, 28th, 42nd, 93rd mechanised brigades, 5th, 92th assault brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, and 241st Territorial Defence Brigade near Krasnoye, Kleshcheyevka, Andreyevka, and Kurdyumovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 245 Ukrainian troops, one tank, three armoured fighting vehicles, five motor vehicles, and one Strela-10 anti-air system.

In the course of counter-battery warfare, one UK-made AS-90 Braveheart self-propelled artillery system, one D-20 howitzer, three D-30 howitzers, one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, and one ammunition depot were neutralised.

In Avdeyevka direction, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front lines and repelled 12 counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of the AFU 47th Mechanised Brigade, 3rd, and 78th assault brigades near Novobakhmutovka, Kirovo, Berdichi, Orlovka, and Tonenkoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

Strikes were delivered at manpower and hardware of the AFU 23rd, and 24th mechanised brigades near Novgorodskoye, Kirovo, and Leninskoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 460 Ukrainian troops, one tank, three command post vehicles, and 17 motor vehicles.

In the course of counter-battery warfare, one UK-made AS-90 Braveheart self-propelled artillery system, one U.S.-made M777 artillery system, one Msta-B howitzer, and one U.S.-made M119 howitzer were neutralised.

In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces took more advantageous positions and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 102nd, and 128th territorial defence brigades near Malinovka (Zaporozhye region), Staromayorskoye, and Urozhaynoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

One counter-attack launched by units of the AFU 58th Motorised Rifle Brigade was repelled near Novodonetskoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 150 Ukrainian troops, two armoured personnel carriers, and two pickup trucks.

In Kherson direction, units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on units of the AFU 141st Infantry Brigade, 23rd Ukrainian National Guard Brigade, 35th Marines Brigade near Stepovoye (Zaporozhye region), Nikopol (Dnepropetrovsk region), Berislav, and Tyaginka (Kherson region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 30 Ukrainian troops, two motor vehicles, one U.S.-made M777 artillery system, one Akatsiya self-propelled artillery system, and one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system.

Operational-Tactical and Army Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Groups of Forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation wiped out two Ukrainian Air Force Mi-8 helicopters at a landing pad near Novopavlovka (Donetsk People's Republic), and one armament and military hardware maintenance workshop near Balakleya (Kharkov region).

In addition, the Patriot anti-aircraft missile system was destroyed at a firing position in Kharkov region, and AFU manpower and hardware was engaged in 129 areas.

Air defence units shot down 136 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles, four U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles, six Grad MLRS projectiles, and three French-made HAMMER guided aerial bombs during the day.

?? In total, 577 airplanes and 269 helicopters, 15,362 unmanned aerial vehicles, 485 air defence missile systems, 15,464 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,238 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 8,397 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 19,709 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation.





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Russo-Ukraine War - 14 March 2024 - Day 749

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 Russian forces continue to prosecute attacks along several areas of the front line. Russia is focussing operations west of Avdiivka and Marinka, towns both in Donetsk Oblast. These axes account for 60 per cent of reported Russian attacks in the last four weeks.

However, the average number of reported weekly Russian ground attacks on Ukraine has reduced by 13 per cent since late February 2024, when the weekly average reached 600. Russia seized control of Avdiivka and several villages west of the town in February, but advances have slowed since.

It is highly likely that the overall situation will be challenging for Ukrainian forces in coming weeks with Russia continuing to regenerate forces and carry out attacks on priority axes.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day of March 14, there were 68x combat engagements.

Russian forces launched a total of 14x missile and 103x air strikes, carried out 45x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, Russian attacks resulted in 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.

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. The Russian adversary launched air strikes in the vicinities of Oleksandrivka, Ponomarenky, Roman'kove, Velyka Pysarivka, Popivka (Sumy oblast), Lyptsi, Borshchova, Vil'cha (Kharkiv oblast). Around 30x settlements came under Russian artillery and mortar fire, including Hirs'k, Kostobobriv, Khrinivka (Chernihiv oblast), Seredyna-Buda, Krasnopillya, Zapsillya (Sumy oblast), Veterynarne, Strilecha, Borysivka, Ambarne (Kharkiv oblast).

Kup'yans'k axis: Russian forces conducted no offensives. Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Syn'kivka, Ivanivka, Berestove (Kharkiv oblast).

Lyman axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 16x assaults in the vicinities of Terny, Yampolivka, Rozdolivka (Donetsk oblast) and Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), where the Russian adversary, with air support, made attempts to breach Ukrainian defense. Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 20x settlements, including Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Terny, Spirne, Dvorichna (Donetsk oblast).

Bakhmut axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 5x attacks in the vicinities of Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka (Donetsk oblast), where Russian forces made attempts to improve their tactical situation. Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinity of New York (Donetsk oblast). Around 10x settlements came under artillery and mortar fire, including Bohdanivka, Vasyukivka, Chasiv Yar (Donetsk oblast).

Avdiivka axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 18x attacks in the vicinities of Berdychi, Orlivka, Tonen'ke, Pervomais'ke and Vodyane (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Berdychi, Keramik, Novobakhmutivka, Novokalynove, Prohres, Semenivka, Zhelanne (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at around 25x settlements, including Oleksandropil', Keramik, Novobakhmutivka, Semenivka (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 18x attempts to breach Ukrainian defense. The Russian adversary launched air strikes in the vicinities of Kostyantynivka and Urozhaine (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at around 20x settlements, including Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka, Paraskoviivka, Vuhledar (Donetsk oblast).

Orikhiv axis: Russian forces, with air support, conducted 6x attacks on positions of Ukrainian defenders in the vicinities of Staromaiors'ke (Donetsk oblast), west of Verbove and Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Vil'ne Pole, Storozheve, Staromaiors'ke (Donetsk oblast) and Malynivka (Zaporizhzhia oblast). Around 20x settlements, including Poltavka, Rivnopil', Charivne, Orikhiv (Zaporizhzhia oblast), were under Russian artillery and mortar fire.

Odesa operational-strategic group, Kherson axis: Russian forces conducted 1x unsuccessful assault on positions of Ukrainian defenders. Around 20x settlements, including L'vove, Ivanivka, Sadove, Ol'hivka, Mykolaivka (Kherson oblast), were under Russian artillery and mortar fire.

During the day of March 14, the Ukrainian Air Force launched air strikes on 4x concentrations of Russian troops, weapons and military equipment.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Kupyansk direction, as a result of active actions by units of the Zapad Group of Forces, the situation on the front line has improved, Russian troops have inflicted a fire defeat on enemy units close to Ivanovka (Kharkov region) and Terny (Donetsk People's Republic).

One counterattack by the AFU 47th Motorised Infantry Brigade has been repulsed near Pershotravnyovoye (Kharkov region).

The enemy losses were up to 30 servicemen, one tank, four motor vehicles, one U.S.-made M777 artillery system, one U.S.-made M109 Paladin self-propelled artillery system, and one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system.

In addition, as a result of preemptive actions by Russian units, another attempt by the AFU to break through into the border territory of the Russian Federation has been foiled foiled near Spodariushino (Belgorod region).

Aviation and artillery have destroyed up to 195 troops, five tanks, four armoured fighting vehicles, three UR-77 self-propelled mine clearing rocket systems, and three engineer obstacle-clearing vehicles.

In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces have occupied more favourable lines and positions and defeated enemy formations close to Georgievka, Kleshcheyevka, and Nevelskoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU lost over 240 servicemen, three tanks, and five motor vehicles.

During the counter-battery warfare, one U.S.-made M777 artillery system, one U.S.-made M198 howitzer, and one UK-made FH-70 gun.

In addition, one ammunition depot has been destroyed.

In Avdeyevka direction, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces have hit manpower and hardware concentration areas of the 107th Territorial Defence Brigade near Tonenkoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

Eight counterattacks by assault groups of 24th, 47th, 59th mechanised, 3rd assault, and 78th air assault brigades of the AFU have been repulsed near Novgorodskoye, Novobakhmutovka, Berdychi, Semyonovka, and Orlovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy losses were up to 410 troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, including one U.S.-made Bradley IFV, nine motor vehicles, one D-30 howitzer, and one AN/TPQ-36 counter-battery radar station.

In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces have defeated and repelled three attacks by assault groups of the 72nd Mechanised Brigade and the 128th Brigade of the AFU close to Vladimirovka and Staromayorskoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy losses were up to 125 troops, one tank, and two motor vehicles, and two D-30 howitzers.

In Kherson direction, as a result of coordinated actions by the units of the Dnepr Group of Forces, the situation along the front line has been improved, the fire has been inflicted on manpower and hardware concentration areas of the 118th Mechanised Brigade of the AFU, the 35th Marine Brigade, the 23rd Brigade of the Ukrainian National Guard, and the 121st Territorial Defence Brigade near Rabotino (Zaporozhye region), Vysshetarasovka (Dnepropetrovsk region), and Mikhailovka (Kherson region).

The AFU losses were up to 30 servicemen and two motor vehicles.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Groups of Forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have neutralised manpower and military hardware in 108 areas.

Air defence facilities have shot down 136 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles, one French-made Hammer guided aerial bomb, four U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles, and four Grad MLRS shells.

In total, 577 airplanes, 269 helicopters, 15,498 unmanned aerial vehicles, 485 air defence missile systems, 15,481 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,238 fighting vehicles equipped with MLRS, 8,406 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 19,731 special military motor vehicles have been destroyed during the special military operation.





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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on March 13, 2024

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

2024-03-13 22:50

AFP: The Australian wine industry said today that the Chinese government is expected to lift anti-dumping tariffs on Australian wine soon. Can you confirm this? When will China make the relevant announcement?

Wang Wenbin: I'd refer you to competent authorities for your specific questions. What I can tell you is that for some time, China and Australia have engaged in dialogue and consultation to address each other's concerns properly and jointly worked to realize a momentum of improvement and growth in bilateral relations. China stands ready to continue stepping up dialogue and cooperation with Australia under the principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and seeking common ground while shelving differences, so as to promote the steady and sound growth of China-Australia relations.

CNN: As you will know, lawmakers in the United States are voting to possibly ban TikTok. Regardless of what they may decide, what is your response to feelings of distrust from American lawmakers and the American public toward Chinese companies?

Wang Wenbin: In recent years, though the US has never found any evidence of TikTok posing a threat to the US's national security, it has never stopped going after TikTok. Such practice of resorting to hegemonic moves when one could not succeed in fair competition disrupts the normal operation of businesses, undermines the confidence of international investors in the investment environment, sabotages the normal economic and trade order in the world and will eventually backfire on the US itself.a

Reuters: US lawmakers are set to introduce legislation on Thursday to significantly expand government foreign investment reviews of real estate purchases by buyers from China and other foreign countries posing national security concerns. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this?

Wang Wenbin: We've made clear China's position on relevant issues before. We hope that the US can stop overstretching the concept of national security and stop its wrong practice of unjustifiably disrupting and suppressing normal economic and trade cooperation.

France 24: China is planning on selecting three French brandy brands for anti-dumping investigation. Why do you bring this up now and when do you plan on starting this probe?

Wang Wenbin: I'd refer you to competent Chinese authorities on your specific question. China's position on relevant issues is consistent and clear. We hope that all sides can abide by the principle of fair competition, and the rules of market economy.

Hubei Media Group: The two sessions that has attracted great attention in the international community has come to a successful conclusion this week. Many in the international community said the two sessions is an important window for the rest of the world to observe and understand China's democracy, and demonstrates the vitality of China's whole-process people's democracy. What's your comment?aa

Wang Wenbin: The two sessions is an important platform to fully demonstrate and practice whole-process people's democracy. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the National People's Congress (NPC) and the 75th anniversary of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Close to 5,000 deputies to NPC and members of the National Committee of CPPCC from all sectors across China gathered in Beijing to take into consideration the ideas and aspirations of over 1.4 billion Chinese in the top-level design of the party and national development, which showcased the great vigor of the whole-process people's democracy.

Since the Party's 18th National Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping has had in-depth exchanges with deputies and members to discuss state affairs at the two sessions every year. He attended deliberations of delegations 59 times in total. He has taken the lead in practicing whole-process people's democracy by soliciting suggestions extensively and pooling people's wisdom.

When drafting the 2024 Report on the Work of the Government, the government, open to suggestions, pooled insights to fully reflect public opinion and respond to the concerns of communities, the public and businesses. Statistics show that around 10,000 were directly involved in the report revision. After its completion, the draft was issued and sent to departments, institutions and all sectors across China for comment, drawing up over 1,100 suggestions. In addition, online media platforms picked up millions of online suggestions from over 40 countries and sent the picks to the drafters. The down-to-earth drafting with the collective wisdom incorporated peoples' ideas and aspirations into major decisions on China's development.

Deputies to NPC have actively practiced whole-process people's democracy, developed closer bonds with the people, and better understood what policies people want and what their needs are through themed field trips, video talks, face-to-face discussions, inspection trips and other flexible ways. In this way, 230 proposals by NPC deputies were formulated, accounting for 77.2 percent of the total. A total number of 5,898 proposals were received by the CPPCC this year. Through the proposals, speeches at the CPPCC meetings, and other measures to reflect the social conditions and public opinion, the CPPCC has leveraged its advantages as a specialized consultative body, met the requirements set by whole-process people's democracy and developeda this democracy. The CPPCC pooled wisdom and consensus, and showed China's confidence and strength, fulfilling its responsibility for the country and people.

Results tell whether democracy works. A report by the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies shows that nearly 90 percent of participants from 23 countries recognized China's state governance on average. The Harvard Kennedy School's surveys in China which extended over 10 years straight suggest that the proportion of the Chinese satisfied with the government has stayed over 90 percent. China's democratic system has motivated over 1.4 billion people to modernize the country. We have turned the advantage of our system into governance efficiency. Whole-process people's democracy has been a rock-solid foundation for the effective governance of China.a

Going forward, China will continue developing whole-process people's democracy that is more broad-based, fully implemented and full-fledged. We will advocate common values of humanity and have exchanges and mutual learning with other countries on democracy and other issues based on mutual respect so as to jointly contribute more to the democracy of humanity.

PTI: Indian external affairs minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has made some significant remarks regarding the current state of relations between India and China at an interaction organized by the newspaper called Indian Express in Delhi. The following is his observations: It's just not in the common interest to have that many forces on the border. Tensions have not served either of us well. So the sooner we resolve it, I genuinely believe it's good for both of us. I'm still very much committed to finding a fair, reasonable outcome. But one which is respectful of agreements, which recognizes the LAC (Line of Actual Control), and doesn't seek to change the status quo. We have been constantly in touch. Even on the morning after the Galwan incident, he had a personal conversation with his Chinese counterpart, Mr. Wang Yi, and the LAC at the moment was very tense and dangerous, and it's in the common interest of both countries to not have that many forces there. What's China's reaction to this?

Wang Wenbin: Both China and India believe that an early settlement of the situation on the China-India border serves the common interests of both countries. We hope that the two sides will follow the common understandings between the leaders of the two countries and the spirit of relevant agreements, maintain communication through diplomatic and military channels, and find a solution to relevant border issues that can be accepted by both sides at an early date.

China has stressed multiple times that the boundary question does not represent the entirety of China-India relations, and it should be placed appropriately in the bilateral relations and managed properly. We hope that India will work in the same direction with China and approach the bilateral relations from a strategic height and long-term perspective. We should enhance mutual trust and avoid misunderstanding and misjudgment. We should step up dialogue and cooperation and avoid setting up obstacles. We should handle differences properly and avoid creating disputes. In this way, we will bring the bilateral relations to a sound and steady track of development.

PTI: I think Dr. Jaishankar is referring for immediate resolution to relevant issues regarding the western section of the China-India boundary. I would like to have your comment on that.

Wang Wenbin: I just answered your question. We hope that India can work with China in the same direction, follow the common understandings reached by leaders of the two countries as well as the spirit of relevant agreements, maintain communication via diplomatic and military channels and find a mutually acceptable solution for relevant border issues as soon as possible.

Rudaw Media Network: How was the Middle East represented or discussed during the two sessions? Are there any specific policies, discussions, or resolutions related to the Middle East? My second question is how does China aim to contribute to peace or stability in the Middle East amid ongoing disputes and conflicts?

Wang Wenbin: On your first question, China is a sincere friend of countries in the Middle East. We are closely following the situation in the Middle East and are committed to working with countries in the region to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative to jointly promote lasting peace and stability in the region. China attaches high importance to carrying out practical cooperation across the board with Middle East countries for higher-quality mutual benefits and greater wellbeing for the people. Deputies and members also made proposals during the two sessions to that end.

On your second question, as the conflict in Gaza keeps escalating with a growing spillover effect, it has wreaked havoc on the Middle East region and the wider international community. When he met the press during this year's two sessions, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi specially elaborated on China's position on the situation in the Middle East, especially on the conflict in Gaza. He stressed that restoring justice to the Palestinian people and fully implementing the two-State solution is the only way to break the vicious cycle of Palestinian-Israeli conflicts, to eliminate the breeding ground of extremist ideologies, and to realize enduring peace in the Middle East. Looking forward, China will continue to uphold the spirit of the Global Security Initiative, support countries in the Middle East in enhancing strategic independence, working in unity to address regional security issues and building a new security architecture in the Middle East that is common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable, andacontribute to safeguarding peace and stability in the Middle East and promoting long-standing peace and security in the region.a

DPA: Leaders of Germany and the Philippines said in Berlin yesterday that the two countries will deepen military ties. What is the Foreign Ministry's comment on this?

Wang Wenbin: We hope that cooperation between relevant countries is conducive to peace, stability and development of the region. This is our consistent position.

AFP: It's reported that US President Biden and former President Trump have earned enough delegates at the latest round of primaries yesterday to clinch their parties' presidential nominations for this year's election. Given that China is one of the major topics discussed by US voters, what's China's comment on this?

Wang Wenbin: The presidential election is the domestic affair of the United States. China, committed to the principle of non-interference in others' internal affairs, will not interfere in America's presidential election. I want to stress that developing China-US relations is in the fundamental interest of our two peoples and two countries and meets the expectations of the international community. No matter who is elected as US President, we hope the US will work with us in the same direction, follow the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, and advance the steady, sound and sustainable growth of bilateral relations for the benefit of the two countries and the world at large.

CNN: I just would like to follow up on the TikTok question. American lawmakers are saying that TikTok needs to be sold. Is the Chinese government taking a role in advising ByteDance on how to proceed?

Wang Wenbin: I have stated China's position just now. The US's bullying acts disrupt normal international trade order and will eventually backfire.

Bloomberg: Secretary Raimondo of the US Commerce Department is in the Philippines right now and she was quoted as saying today that one day Chinese electric vehicles might drive on the US roads if the government could be assured that the software in the sensors of those vehicles didn't propose a risk to privacy and national security. I know that a number of SOEs and government departments around China have banned Tesla vehicles, for example, for specifically those reasons. Do you agree with Raimondo's assertion that at the moment Chinese EVs are a threat to the privacy of American individuals and also to national security?

Wang Wenbin: The US has used the so-called data security as a pretext to restrict the flow of data to so-called countries of concern and announce an investigation in connected vehicles of certain countries. These moves are in nature abusing the concept of national security and aimed at suppressing the development of competitive companies from other countries. Hyping up the so-called "China threat" to data security is nothing but fabricating excuses to justify the US's acts of suppressing China. We hope the US will take concrete actions to safeguard an open, just and non-discriminatory business environment and work with others to formulate universal data security rules and make positive contribution to the orderly and free data flows around the world.a

China never abuses restrictions targeting certain countries or certain companies. We welcome companies from all countries and platforms, products and services of all kinds to the Chinese market as long as they conform to the requirements of Chinese laws and regulations.

Reuters: Russian President Vladimir Putin said in media reports that Russia is fully ready for nuclear war and that it will use nuclear weapons if its sovereignty is threatened. Is China concerned about Putin's readiness to use nuclear?

Wang Wenbin: I'm not aware of the remarks from the Russian side that you mentioned. What I would like to tell you is that in January 2022, the leaders of the five nuclear-weapon states released a joint statement on preventing nuclear war, in which they affirmed that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought. China also noted that this principle has been reaffirmed by the Russian side. China believes that all nuclear weapon states need to embrace the idea of common security and uphold global strategic balance and stability. Under the current circumstances, parties need to take concrete actions and jointly seek deescalation.

The Associated Press: My first question is that Hsiao Bi-khim visited Washington this week. What's China's comment? My second question is that social media users in Taiwan have widely shared an AI deepfake video about US Congressman Rob Wittman pledging military support for Taiwan if DPP candidates win the election held on January 13. Rob Wittman accused the mainland of attempting to interfere in Taiwan politics and using TikTok for propaganda. What's China's comment?a

Wang Wenbin: On your first question, China firmly opposes any form of official interaction between the Taiwan region and the US and is closely following the developments.

On your second question, we will not comment on faked videos. What I want to stress is that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. Elections in the Taiwan region are the affairs of a region in China that brook no foreign interference. The US should fully understand the highly sensitive nature of the Taiwan question, stay committed to the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiquAs, and act on the US leader's assurances of not supporting "Taiwan independence."

The Associated Press: What is China's comment on AI deepfake videos and on whether these videos can be used to interfere in other countries' internal affairs?

Wang Wenbin: We have all along opposed interference in other countries' internal affairs. And I would also like to point out that the elections in the Taiwan region are the affairs of a region in China, in which no foreign country has the right to interfere.

If you are interested in China's position on AI, I'd refer you to Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi's elaborations on this topic at the press conference held on the margins of the two sessions, in which he proposed three principles.

CCTV: US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken released a press statement on March 12 and said that Ramadan comes at a time of conflict and pain for many Muslim communities, including Uyghurs in Xinjiang, Rohingya in Burma and Bangladesh, and Palestinians in Gaza.a What's your comment?aa

Wang Wenbin: Xinjiang enjoys social stability, economic growth and harmony among different regions. The human rights of Uyghurs and other ethnic groups there have been fully safeguarded.

It's Gaza not Xinjiang that suffers from the conflict. It's millions of Muslims in Gaza not Muslims in Xinjiang that suffer from hunger, deportation and killing.

The US needs to abandon the double standards on human rights issues and stop making political displays on humanitarian issues in Gaza and singularly hindering the UN Security Council's efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza. What the US needs to do is not to release a hypocritical statement on Ramadan with empty words but take concrete actions to save the lives of Muslims in Gaza.

France 24: I just want to follow up on an earlier question on EVs. You said that China does not target specific countries or industries. China's potential cognac probe comes as the EU continues its probe into Chinese EVs. Are any of these linked?a

Wang Wenbin: In the industrial chain of EVs, parties have inter-embedded interests. China's success in the EV industry is the success of globalization. China's EVs are widely welcomed in the world not by using subsidies, but by working to enhance quality and lower costs. This has also contributed to the global green and low-carbon development. We hope that the EU can earnestly abide by WTO rules, follow its commitment to keeping the market open, respect the rules of the market economy, respect the effort made by Chinese companies in making innovations, prudently use trade remedies and jointly uphold the overall economic and trade cooperation between China and the EU.

You mentioned China's anti-dumping investigation into European brandy. I'd like to add that China is committed to high-standard opening up and upholds the principles of market economy and WTO rules. We stand ready to provide an open, inclusive, transparent and nondiscriminatory business environment for companies from all countries carrying out trade and investment cooperation in China, including those from the EU. This position remains unchanged.a

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Hong Kong sees fall in academic freedom amid ongoing crackdown

The 2020 National Security Law has put pressure on the city's universities, an annual report finds.

By Cheryl Tung for RFA Cantonese 2024.03.13 -- Academic freedom in Hong Kong continues to fall in the wake of a draconian national security law imposed by Beijing in the summer of 2020, amid a shift away from the study of politically sensitive topics in higher education, according to a recent report.

"[The] National Security Law enacted in Beijing in the summer of 2020 has put unprecedented pressure on academic freedom in the special administrative region," the Academic Freedom Index report found, based on assessments for the whole of 2023.

Hong Kong now ranks in the bottom 20% of countries and territories for academic freedom -- it has its own index separate from the rest of China, which ranks in the bottom 10%, according to the report, which is produced annually by researchers at Germany's FAU Erlangen-NArnberg University.

The city now scores 0.24 on a scale of 0-1 on the question "To what extent is academic freedom respected?" and 1.36 out of a possible 4 on the question "Is there academic freedom and freedom of cultural expression related to political issues?"

Last year, its scores for "institutional autonomy" and "campus integrity" fell, indicating more political interference in decision-making and more security measures on campuses, the report found.

Curriculum changes

The falling scores came as authorities at Hong Kong's City University announced changes to the school's political studies major, including renaming of the Department of Public Policy, in what commentators said was a further sign of shrinking academic freedom amid an ongoing crackdown on dissent in the wake of the 2019 protests.

The university's Bachelor of Social Sciences in Public Policy and Politics will be renamed the Bachelor of Social Sciences in Public Affairs and Management from the start of the next academic year, according to the website of City U's Public and International Affairs department, formerly the Public Policy Department.

The move follows reports of the restructuring of the department of Government and Public Administration at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, which will be merged with other departments and downgraded into a program, according to the Hong Kong Free Press.

The ruling Chinese Communist Party announced last year that it would step up "patriotic education" in schools, universities and religious institutions across the country, including in Hong Kong, in a move likely designed to quash internal political challenges to Xi Jinping's authoritarian rule.

The City U course, which once offered a Humanities and Social Sciences stream, a Politics stream and a Public Management stream, will stop offering the Politics stream from next September, according to a comparison between the current website and a version of the site archived in March 2022.

"Seminars on Hong Kong Government and Politics" and "Labour and the State in China" are no longer on offer, with students offered new courses including "Rethinking the Value of Democracy" and "Introduction to Confucian Political Philosophy."

While the old major aimed to "equip students with the theoretical, conceptual, and analytical tools to understand comprehensively public policy, public management, and political developments in Hong Kong, China, and the contemporary global world," the new course focuses more on employability.

Steering clear of political past

The content of some of the curriculum also appears to steer well clear of Hong Kong's recent political past. Films about the 2019 protest movement or the political changes that followed are notably absent from its documentary-based class titled "Social Change and Governance Challenges: A Critical Appreciation through Film," for example.

As well as a university-mandated course on the National Security Law, the new major will address such questions as "How do particular public policies emerge?" and "Who makes the decisions and why?" according to the website.

Currently, students are offered a course titled "Democracy and Democratization," which encourages them to consider "controversial questions like whether democracy is a universal value, whether it can promote human rights, whether there is an inherent conflict between the Confucian ethos and democracy."

The ruling Chinese Communist Party under Xi Jinping often uses references to China's "Confucian" past to argue that the country isn't suitable for a democratic system with universal suffrage and the separation of powers.

"Students are required to critically evaluate the democratization process in some of the East Asian societies: Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, China, Hong Kong and so on," the course introduction reads.

The departmental website didn't say whether the same class would be listed next semester.

But a first-year student on the program who gave only the nickname Christine for fear of reprisals said she had been told that much of the political content won't be on offer next academic year.

"They are claiming that the name has changed but the content remains the same, but actually we have seen that a number of political classes have been deleted," she said. "There used to be a lot of elective subjects, and now there are only 19."

"I think they are slowly changing this major, and downgrading the status of political science in universities," Christine said.

She said she had signed up for the course to learn more about Hong Kong politics, and why there are no more pro-democracy members of the city's Legislative Council.

"But that hasn't been mentioned at all on the course," she said. "All we do is read history and look at examples from overseas, as well as different philosophers."

'Stigmatized' study

Political commentator Benson Wong, who is a former assistant professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations at Hong Kong Baptist University, said academic departments typically change their names when they want to reposition their research or teaching direction.

He said the study of politics has become "stigmatized" since the imposition of the 2020 National Security Law criminalized criticism of the government.

"The study of political developments, or mass movements ... has died a death due to recent changes in Hong Kong's political environment," he said.

"Are there any institutions currently offering courses focusing on political or social movements?" Wong said, implying that none are. "About the Cultural Revolution [1966-1976] or the June 4, 1989 [Tiananmen massacre]?"

Wong said that academic departments can no longer teach certain courses deemed "politically risky."

"This could affect the way a whole generation of Hong Kongers develops," he said.

City U responded to complaints from its students that they hadn't been informed about the changes beforehand with a statement claiming that "the decision was made after extensive consultation" that had included a curriculum committee that included students, faculty and external contributors, the Ming Pao newspaper reported on March 4.

Translated with additional reporting by Luisetta Mudie.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content March not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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TikTok ban bill passes US House

The legislation, which would ban the app if its Chinese parent company doesn't divest, still needs to pass the Senate.

By Alex Willemyns for RFA 2024.03.13 -- The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed new legislation that could force TikTok's Chinese parent company to divest in the social media app to prevent it being banned in America.

Lawmakers backing the new bill say that forcing ByteDance to sell its controlling stake in the app, which has 170 million monthly American users, is the only way to ensure Beijing cannot use it for propaganda.

TikTok, though, has denied any interference from Beijing.

The legislation still needs to pass the Senate, but U.S. President Joe Biden last week said he will sign it into law if it does land on his desk. A similar bill was last year championed by a bipartisan group of senators, suggesting that it could face little resistance in that chamber.

The bill passed the House in a 352-65 vote, less than a week after it was introduced and was approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee in a 50-0 vote. The fast-tracking meant the bill needed a two-thirds majority to pass, which it easily achieved.

Beijing has long denied interfering in TikTok's operations and has in turn accused the lawmakers backing the legislation of being motivated primarily by anti-China paranoia and protectionism.

There was no evidence TikTok's Chinese ownership was a threat to U.S. national security and that it would "come back to bite the United States" by damaging the country's reputation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a press briefing.

"This kind of bullying behavior that cannot win in fair competition disrupts companies' normal business activity, damages the confidence of international investors in the investment environment, and damages the normal international economic and trade order," Wang said.

Senate hurdles

In a statement, TikTok called the bill's fast passage the product of a "secret" process and said it was "jammed through" the House.

"We are hopeful that the Senate will consider the facts, listen to their constituents, and realize the impact on the economy, 7 million small businesses, and 170 million Americans who use our service," it said.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said his chamber would consider the bill in due time, while Senate Commerce Committee Chair Sen. Maria Cantwell, a Democrat from Washington state, said she wants to ensure any bill signed into law "could hold up in court."

But the legislation already has some high-profile backers.

Two of the advocates of last year's similar Senate bill - Sen. Mark Warner, a Democrat from Virginia who also serves as chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and Sen. Marco Rubio, a Republican from Florida - said they "look forward to working together to get this bill passed through the Senate and signed into law."

Rep. Mike Gallagher, a Republican from Wisconsin who led the bill in the House, has said Chinese ownership of the app, which is the fourth-most download on Apple and Google's app stores, is akin to a Soviet-run company owning the New York Times in the 1960s.

Gallagher and other lawmakers note TikTok is legally required to expose American user data to Beijing upon request, and say it could be forced to alter its algorithms to promote Chinese propaganda.

"The Chinese Communist Party, and its leader Xi Jinping, have their hands deep in the inner workings of the company with devastating consequences for our personal freedoms," he said last week.

That analysis has been mirrored by FBI Director Christopher Wray and other leaders of U.S. intelligence agencies, who say the app's widespread use means it could be used to distribute misinformation to millions of Americans and could even sway election results.

Edited by Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content March not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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China In Eurasia Briefing: Chinese-Made Surveillance Equipment Used At Romanian Military Sites

By Reid Standish March 13, 2024

Chinese-Made Surveillance Equipment At Romanian Military Sites

An RFE/RL investigation found that surveillance equipment made by Hikvision and Dahua -- two partially state-owned Chinese companies -- is used by at least 28 military facilities in Romania.

Among those military sites, we found that a base in southern Romania that's home to NATO's Aegis Ashore land-based missile-defense system, which is operated with the U.S. military, uses Hikvision surveillance cameras.

Finding Perspective: In addition to the military facilities, RFE/RL's Romanian Service also found that the equipment is in wide use by hundreds of other public institutions involved in national security in the country, ranging from the coast guard to sites operated by the Romanian Intelligence Service.

Concerns over data access and vulnerability to hacking aren't unique to Hikvision or Dahua, but both companies have received bans in the United States, Britain, and Australia due to concerns over how data is stored, alleged links to the Chinese military, and both firms' role in helping Beijing's crackdown against Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang.

Both brands also have an extensive history of security vulnerabilities that make them higher-risk to being infiltrated by hackers.

In a study released in 2021 by Lithuania's Defense Ministry, they found hundreds of vulnerabilities that led them to recommend not using either brand.

There's also been multiple glitches and breaches over the years that made them susceptible to hacks and their feeds being overtaken remotely.

Why It Matters: There's an ongoing debate across the West about the risks of using Chinese tech in critical infrastructure.

Hikvision and Dahua are among the world's leading providers of closed-circuit television and surveillance systems and their products remain popular across Europe and there are no EU restrictions against them.

When we reached out to Romania's Defense Ministry about this, they said using the cameras was perfectly legal and that they keep them disconnected from the Internet to ensure a high-level of security.

And that's all true. There is no ban in Romania and keeping them on a closed network can limit many of the vulnerabilities found in the cameras.

But surveillance-industry experts we spoke with, such as Conor Healy at the surveillance-industry research firm IPVM, said that there's still risks that Hikvision and Dahua equipment could be hacked, even if it's not connected to the Internet.

In the meantime, the debate in Romania is just getting started. Several lawmakers we spoke with after our investigation said that they want stricter rules over using the Chinese tech at national security sites and plan to bring it up in parliament.

Three More Stories From Eurasia

1. Chinese Police To Budapest

After inking a security agreement in February with his Chinese counterpart, Hungarian Interior Minister Sandor Pinter confirmed that Chinese police will be stationed in Budapest as part of the deal, RFE/RL's Hungarian Service reports.

The Details: According to the agreement, Hungarian and Chinese police officers "will be able to jointly conduct patrol services in the future, thereby helping more effective communication between the citizens and authorities of the two countries, improving internal security, and public order."

The Hungarian Interior Ministry said that the aim of the deal was to improve security during peak tourist periods and generally during events that attract larger crowds.

The agreement has received lots of attention amid Prime Minister Viktor Orban's cozy relationship with Beijing -- as well as Moscow and Tehran -- and that he could be looking to undermine European security goals.

While that may be true, the deal itself should be seen in a wider context.

Beijing has signed similar deals in Europe with Italy and Serbia in the past. Both countries, along with Hungary, have a large Chinese economic presence and a large number of citizens. Rome, however, pulled out of the deal following uproar in 2022 over a constellation of secret police stations China was operating around the world.

As RFE/RL reported at the time, both Budapest and Belgrade were home to secret stations and the Hungarian and Serbian governments denied their presence despite plenty of public evidence showing otherwise.

Chinese nationals have become the largest minority group in Budapest and Beijing is highly focused on monitoring and controlling its citizens abroad -- something that Orban's government appears happy to help with.

2. The Eurasia Angle On Leaked Chinese Hacking Files

On February 18, a collection of documents from a Shanghai-based cybersecurity company was leaked to the online platform Github, offering the most credible public evidence to date about China's expanding hacking ambitions.

Here's a look at the Eurasia angle on the leaks.

What You Need To Know: I-Soon is a private company, but it's a contractor for the Chinese government, police, and military, and the leak contains documents and communications that show the company using spyware to meet Beijing's political interests.

The leaks show operations in various countries, with a focus on Southeast and Central Asia, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.

The group targeted telecoms networks in Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan, and also hacked Air Astana -- Kazakhstan's national airline -- and Air Malaysia to get data for Xinjiang's regional authorities in their ongoing crackdown against Uyghurs and other minority groups there.

3. Growing China-Russia Tech Cooperation

Russia is increasing its cooperation with China in 5G and satellite technology and this could facilitate Moscow's military aggression against Ukraine, a new report by the London-based Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) security think tank warns.

What It Means: The RUSI report details how the cooperation between Russia and China in 5G and satellite technology can also help Russia on the battlefield in Ukraine.

"Extensive deployment of drones and advanced telecommunications equipment have been crucial on all fronts in Ukraine, from intelligence collection to air-strike campaigns," the report says. "These technologies, though critical, require steady connectivity and geospatial support, making cooperation with China a potential solution to Moscow's desire for a military breakthrough."

5G network development, according to the report, has gained particular significance for China-Russia ties, resulting in multiple agreements between Chinese technology giant Huawei and Russian companies MTS and Beeline.

For more, check out this write-up on the report's main takeaways by my colleague Elitsa Simeonova.

Across The Supercontinent

Middle Corridor Milestone: The leaders of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan greeted the first containers delivered from China to Azerbaijan's eastern Abseron district on March 11 via a new train route crossing Kazakhstan, RFE/RL's Kazakh and Azerbaijani Services report.

More Visa-Free: After granting visa-free travel to Georgia, Beijing announced that it would also grant it to nationals from Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg starting on March 14.

A Message From Stockholm: As questions swirl across Europe about what the return of Donald Trump as U.S. president could mean for American support for Ukraine, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson told Politico that Europe needs to do a better job of understanding U.S. security concerns about China in order to persuade Trump against scaling back support for NATO.

Multipolar Partners: Speaking on the sidelines of the Two Sessions, China's annual parliamentary and political advisory meetings, Wang Yi vowed to deepen relations with Russia, as Beijing continues to assert the importance of what it calls a "multipolar" world order.

One Thing To Watch

Speaking of the Two Sessions, it wrapped up on March 11 after Chinese leader Xi Jinping vowed to adopt several new pieces of legislation that aim to safeguard China's sovereignty and security interests.

As William Yang at VOA wrote, China is grappling with strong economic headwinds that could blow it off course, but Xi's focus appears to be on consolidating power and tightening security, all measures that are unlikely to boost the confidence of foreign investors.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/china-romania- surveillance-technology-security-concerns/32859794.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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12th edition of India-Italy Military Cooperation Group Meeting concludes in New Delhi

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 13 MAR 2024 8:01PM by PIB Delhi

The 12th edition of India-Italy Military Cooperation Group (MCG) Meeting was held on 12-13 Mar 24 in New Delhi. The discussions between the Directorate of International Defence Cooperation, Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff and the Military Policy and Planning Division of the Italian Defence General Staff focused on new initiatives to further enhance the defence cooperation and military to military level exchange between the two countries.

aItaly and India recently elevated their bilateral relations to the levels of Strategic Partnership during the visit of Italian Prime Minister Ms Giorgia Meloni to India in March 2023. The MoU on Defence Cooperation was also recently renewed during the visit of the Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh to Italy in October 2023.

*****

ABB/Anand



(Release ID: 2014356)

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MoD inks contract with AVNL for 693 Armament Upgrades of Infantry Combat Vehicle BMP2 to BMP2M

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 13 MAR 2024 7:32PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Defence, on March 13, 2024, signed a contract with Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) for the procurement of 693 Armament Upgrades of Infantry Combat Vehicle BMP2 to BMP2M. This upgrade includes Night Enablement, Gunner Main Sight, Commander Panoramic Sight and Fire Control System (FCS) with Automatic Target Tracker under Buy {Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured} Category.

The AVNL has developed an indigenised solution for providing existing BMP 2/2K with Night Fighting Capabilities and FCS based on the integration of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Chennai-developed sight and FCS.

The AVNL will produce the armament upgrades with equipment and sub-systems sourced from indigenous manufacturers. This will further strengthen the indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem and accrue the benefits of the increasing self-reliance in this field.

******

ABB/Anand



(Release ID: 2014345)

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MoD signs contracts worth Rs 8073 Cr with HAL for acquisition of 34 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Dhruv Mk III for Indian Army & Indian Coast Guard

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 13 MAR 2024 7:28PM by PIB Delhi

Consequent upon approval of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), the Ministry of Defence signed two contracts for a combined value of Rs 8073.17 crore with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru on 13 March 2024 for acquisition of 34 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Dhruv Mk III along with Operational Role Equipment for Indian Army (25 ALHs) and Indian Coast Guard (09 ALHs) under Buy (Indian-IDDM - Indigenously Designed, Developed & Manufactured) category marking a significant move towards indigenisation in defence manufacturing.

The ALH Dhruv Mk III UT (Utility), the Indian Army version, is designed for Search & Rescue, Troop Transportation, Internal Cargo, Recce/ Casualty Evacuation etc. It has proved its performance in high altitude regions like Siachen Glacier and Ladakh.

The ALH Mk III MR (Maritime Role), the ICG version, is designed for Maritime Surveillance and Interdiction, Search and Rescue, Rappelling Operations and also for Cargo & Personnel Transportation, Pollution Response using external cargo carrying capability and Medical Casualty Evacuation. It has proved its mettle even in adverse atmospherics conditions over sea and land.

The project will generate employment of an estimated 190 Lakh Man-Hours during its duration. It will also entail supply of equipment from more than 200 MSMEs and 70 local vendors will be involved in the indigenisation process which is likely to have a positive impact on employment generation in this sector, thus furthering the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

***********

ABB/Anand



(Release ID: 2014340)

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Esa-Pekka Salonen conducts the San Francisco Symphonys Opening Night Gala on Sept. 22, 2023. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

It all began so promisingly.

In 2018, when Esa-Pekka Salonen was named to succeed Michael Tilson Thomas as the San Francisco Symphonys music director, local music lovers could scarcely believe our good fortune. The vacancy that was about to open up after Thomas 25 years on the podium was huge, and had seemed unfillable.

Of all the conductors on the international stage  old or young, male or female, American or foreign  none were quite right for the job. None except for one, and hed stated very clearly that he wasnt in the market for another music directorship.

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And then he was.

Salonen created ingenious programs that worked around the logistical constraints of masks and social distancing. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

Salonens arrival felt like a godsend, portending years of exploration, excitement and gleamingly precise renditions of traditional repertoire and new music alike. That was his track record during 17 years leading the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and there was every reason to expect a new version of that story in San Francisco.

It happened, too. There were occasional glitches and missteps, but on the whole, Salonen made good on his promise to the Symphony and its patrons.

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But it didnt last. On Thursday, March 14, Salonen publicly announced his decision not to re-up when his five-year contract came to an end. Hell continue to make guest appearances and work on collaborative projects with the Symphony, but his time at the helm will soon be over.

What went wrong?

The simplest answer to that question is banally obvious: COVID-19.

Esa-Pekka Salonen conducts the San Francisco Symphony in Brahms' Haydn Variations Brandon Patoc

Salonen announced plans for his first season as music director in February 2020. It was supposed to begin that September with an inventive festival spotlighting the eight artists and thinkers hed tapped as Collaborative Partners, and to include an array of dynamic, inventive programming.

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A month later, it all crumbled in the face of the pandemic. Some might argue  OK, I would argue  that the Salonen era in San Francisco never fully recovered from that initial blow.

Nearly everything Salonen undertook for the first two years of his tenure had to function as a survival strategy, and later a recovery strategy, in the face of the pandemic.

San Francisco Symphony Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen Drew Altizer/Drew Altizer Photography

He took the Collaborative Partners online with Throughline, an ingenious but slender digital program with a score by pianist and composer Nico Muhly. He reconfigured SoundBox, the orchestras experimental music series, to function as a digital offering.

And in spring of 2021, when audiences were finally able to trickle back into Davies Symphony Hall for in-person performances, he created ingenious programs that worked around the logistical constraints of masks and social distancing.

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All of this was handled with imagination and dexterity. But it wasnt what anybody wanted  not the orchestra, not its audiences, not (I assume) Salonen. Even after regular concerts resumed in earnest that fall, there was still that faint shadow across the proceedings, a sense that we had all gotten off on the wrong foot together.

Yet in spite of everything, the Salonen years have been a glorious time for Symphony audiences, full of musical adventure, discovery and luxurious execution. A series of high-profile new hires, including principal cellist Rainer Eudeikis and principal flutist Yubeen Kim, have imparted a welcome degree of polish to the orchestras sound.

Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen, center, receives a toast in his honor while sitting with other attendees of the Pavilion Dinner during the San Francisco Symphony Opening Night Gala on Sept. 23, 2022. Laura Morton/Special to the Chronicle

And Salonens thirst for innovation  his reluctance to let orchestral life lapse thoughtlessly into the same old paths  has paid off again and again.

It began with the extraordinary Re-Opening Night concert on Oct. 1, 2021, featuring guest appearances by bassist and vocalist Esperanza Spalding (one of the Collaborative Partners) and San Franciscos Alonzo King Lines Ballet, and continued through the current season.

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For me, the highlights of the Salonen years have included the ongoing collaboration with opera director Peter Sellars, especially the June 2023 production of the opera Adriana Mater by the late Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho; thrilling new works by John Adams, Elizabeth Ogonek, Anders Hillborg and Gabriella Smith; and a magnificent performance with pianist Igor Levit of Ferruccio Busonis huge and insane Piano Concerto. Thats just a beginning.

At the same time, there have been intimations that the Symphony is going through a hard time organizationally. Attendance has been unpredictable  robust one week, spotty the next  in a way that suggests local audiences may not be entirely interested in what Salonen has to offer.

Esa-Pekka Salonen after being named as the San Francisco Symphonys next music director in 2018. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

Former Symphony CEO Mark C. Hanson departed abruptly in 2021, not long after Salonen arrived, and Salonens surprisingly barbed statement on resigning (I do not share the same goals for the future of the institution as the Board of Governors does) suggests the possibility of ill will among at least some of the relevant parties.

Still, whatever tensions may exist have not burst into public view, or had a detectable impact on the quality of music-making that continues to happen week after week in Davies Symphony Hall. I fully expect that to continue through the coming season.

Salonens swift departure after an all-too-brief tenure is a major blow to the organization, and to many of the Bay Area patrons who love and support it. Thats undeniable.
10th India-Italy Joint Defence Committee meeting held in New Delhi

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Defence Secretary and Italian Secretary General of Defence & National Armament Director focus on enhancing industrial cooperation

Posted On: 13 MAR 2024 5:10PM by PIB Delhi

Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and Italian Secretary General of Defence & National Armament Director Lt Gen Luciano Portolano co-chaired the 10th India-Italy Joint Defence Committee (JDC) meeting in New Delhi on March 13, 2024. Both sides discussed a wide range of defence industrial and military cooperation issues. They also exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific and the security situations.

The focus of the meeting was to enhance defence industrial cooperation. India and Italy had signed an agreement on defence cooperation in October 2023 during the visit of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh to Italy. With the agreement providing the overarching framework to deepen the bilateral defence relationship, both sides discussed ways and means to bring the defence companies of both the countries together for joint projects, including for co-production in India.

The Defence Secretary suggested the integration of Indian vendors in the global supply chains of Italian defence companies to bring value to both sides and improve the supply chain resilience.

***

ABB/Savvy



(Release ID: 2014219)

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Iran's arms exports grow by up to 5 times: Defense minister

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 13, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Iran has significantly increased its arms exports over the past years as the country has gained self-sufficiency in the defense industry, Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani said.

Exports of military equipment have seen an increase of between 4 to 5 times over the past two years, Gen. Ashtiani told reporters on Wednesday after a cabinet meeting in Tehran.

"Due to the innovations and the kind of weapons that are being manufactured, this amount will further increase in the future," he added.

The defense minister said that Iran is now self-sufficient in making drone engines and is working on the production of heavy engines.

Touching on Iran's military and defense ties with other countries, Ashtiani said there have been a series of discussions and meetings with authorities from regional countries, including Armenia and Qatar.

He said the discussions have focused on "what can be done to form the basis of expanding cooperation" in the defense sector, adding that a similar approach is being pursued with Turkey and Russia.

4353**2050

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New IRGC warships participate in Iran-China-Russia naval drill

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 13, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The new warships of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) have participated in a joint naval drill in the Indian Ocean.

Naval forces from Iran, Russia, and China have jointly launched the ongoing drill, known as "Marine Security Belt 2024".

Martyr Mahmoudi warship, Martyr Soleimani combat patrol vessel, Martyr Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis warship, Martyr Tavvasoli frigate, and IRGC Navy helicopters are present in the exercise.

Rear Admiral Mostafa Tajeddini, the spokesperson for the joint military exercise, said the naval units of the three countries conducted the "Photo Ex" exercise and offensive formations.

"All stages of the exercise are carried out with the supervision and aerial monitoring of the region by the helicopters of the Navy of the Islamic Republic [of Iran] Army and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps," Tajeddini said.

He also said the naval units of Iran, Russia, and China fired at surface targets in the sea on the command of the Iranian destroyer "Dena".

4354**9417

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Biden extends nat'l emergency against Iran in show of animosity

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 13, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- US President Joe Biden on Tuesday extended the state of national emergency related to Iran for another year, a move that shows the continued American hostility toward the Islamic Republic.

In a statement, Biden said the national emergency regarding Iran, which was declared in Executive Order 12957, will continue for another year, IRNA cited a report from Reuters.

The so-called national emergency was first proclaimed by former President Bill Clinton in an Executive Order on March 15, 1995 citing "unusual and extraordinary threats the actions and policies of the Iranian government create against the national interests, foreign policy, and economy of the United States".

About two months later on May 6, 1995, Clinton signed another Executive Order to impose comprehensive sanctions on Iran.

The Clinton-era measures against Iran differ from a state of emergency declared by the United States under President Jimmy Carter following the takeover of the American embassy in Tehran over espionage in 1979, the year of the victory of the Islamic Revolution.

From Carter's time until today, all American presidents have extended the declaration issued against Iran that was added with another brought up during Clinton's presidency.

4399

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Iran, Russia, China kick off joint naval drills

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Wed / 13 March 2024 / 12:33

Naval forces of Iran, Russia and China have started a joint exercise in the Sea of Oman amid heightened tensions in the region over the Israeli campaign of death and destruction in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Tehran-ISNA- The "Marine Security Belt 2024" drills kicked off on Tuesday and will reportedly involve more than 20 ships, support vessels, combat boats, and naval helicopters from the three countries.

The media headquarters of the joint drills announced in a statement that Russia's Varyag missile cruiser and the Marshal Shaposhnikov frigate will participate in the joint drills along with China's guided-missile destroyer Urumqi and the guided-missile frigate Linyi as well as 10 warships from Iran.

Admiral Mostafa Tajaddini, the drill's spokesperson, also noted that the exercise will take place in 17,000 square kilometers (6,600 square miles) of water.

He went on to say that the maneuver's goal is to strengthen "the security of international maritime trade, combating piracy and maritime terrorism," among others, according to a report by Iranian state media.

Russia's Defense Ministry also said the exercises, which will run through Friday, would focus on the protection of "maritime economic activity" as well.

China's Defense Ministry, for its part, said the drills are aimed at "jointly maintaining regional maritime security."

"China will send ... guided-missile destroyer Urumqi, guided-missile frigate Linyi and comprehensive supply ship Dongpinghu to participate in the exercise," the ministry said in a statement.

Iranian naval forces, together with their Chinese and Russian counterparts, have held several military drills in recent years to enhance the security and stability of international maritime trade.

They have also been involved in joint efforts aimed at countering piracy and maritime terrorism, exchanging information in naval rescue and relief operations as well as sharing operational and tactical experience.

The latest drills a the fifth joint military exercise by the three nations in recent years a comes amid Israel's genocidal campaign in Gaza.

Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Oman, Pakistan and South Africa are observers of the drills.

End item

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Resistance to bring Zionists to their knees: Supreme Leader

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Wed / 13 March 2024 / 12:21

At a meeting with Quran reciters on the first day of Ramadan in Iran, the country's Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei stated that the resistance is "standing strong" in the face of Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip and would ultimately bring Zionists to their knees.

Tehran -ISNA- "The resistance is still standing strong and will rub the nose of the Zionists to the ground," Ayatollah Khamenei said.

"In the Muslim world, some countries provided assistance to enemies of the oppressed Palestinian people. God willing, they will pay the price for this betrayal," he added.

Ayatollah Khamenei stressed the importance of reciting the Quran as a fundamental obligation for every Muslim and called on believers to engage in regular reading and contemplation of the holy book.

"The peak of resilience witnessed in Gaza is the outcome of understanding the Quran and acting upon it," he pointed out.

Ayatollah Khamenei remarked that the savagery of the Israeli regime has reached new heights in Gaza, while Palestinians, on their part, exemplified unparalleled resilience and steadfastness.

The construction of the corridor intends to bypass the Red Sea route, which is currently blockaded by the Yemeni resistance, by building a trade route stretching from India to Europe and will involve both sea routes and rail routes.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported today that the number of Palestinians killed by the Israeli occupation forces since October 7 has risen to 31,184, in addition to 72,889 injuries.

End Item



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Iran makes headway in drone production, says export of defense equipment up by 5 times

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 13 March 2024 11:20 AM

Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad-Reza Ashtiani says the country's export of military equipment has witnessed a significant rise over the past years.

Ashtiani made the announcement on the sidelines of the Iranian administration's weekly cabinet meeting in the capital Tehran on Wednesday as he pointed to the Islamic Republic's "remarkable progress" in the field of defense industry and expansion of military cooperation with the regional countries and beyond.

Referring to Iran's military relations with Russia, Turkey and other countries, Ashtiani underscored the country's very large capacities in manufacturing airplanes and overhauling aircraft.

"The export of defense products has also increased by about four to five times compared to the last two years, and it will increase in the future following innovations that are being made and the weapons that we are seeking to manufacture," the Iranian defense minister said.

Drone engines

"We have achieved self-sufficiency in the field of making drone engines and we are trying to reach higher levels in manufacturing heavier engines," he added.

Underlining the Islamic Republic's special standing across the world in terms of defense power, Ashtiani said, "On the path to localization, we have reached a stage where we have domestically produced the bulk of equipment needed by the Armed Forces, which has led to our defense power and resulted in the consolidation of the country's national security."

The defense minister also announced Iran's plan to make "good progress" in the field of space in the next Iranian calendar year starting on March 20, 2024.

Iranian military experts and engineers have in recent years made remarkable breakthroughs in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient.

Iranian officials have underscored that the country will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities, which are entirely meant for defense and deterrence, and that Iran's defense capabilities will be never open to negotiations.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has on several occasions called for efforts to boost Iran's defense capabilities.

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IRGC deploys new warships in combined drills in northern Indian Ocean

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 13 March 2024 10:02 AM

Three homegrown warships, recently added to Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) naval fleet, have taken part in a combined naval exercise at the northern tip of the Indian Ocean, and conducted major maritime maneuvers.

Commander of the IRGC Navy's Imam Ali Base in Chabahar, Rear Admiral Mohammad Nozari, said that Shahid Mahmoudi, Shahid Soleimani, and Shahdi Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis warships, Tondar-class Shahid Tavassoli frigate, as well as IRGC maritime helicopters and marines participated in the Maritime Security Belt 2024 war game.

Nozari noted that the IRGC warships, equipped with indigenously-manufactured sophisticated munitions, can undertake long-haul missions in oceans and open seas, and ensure prolonged naval presence.

The IRGC Navy has partaken in the naval exercise with three domestically-developed warships and two frigates, noting that the drills cover an expanse of 17 thousand square kilometers, and the exercise area includes three of the world's five strategic straits, located in the northern Indian Ocean region, which is a crucial hub for energy and trade traffic globally, he added.

The senior IRGC Navy commander described consolidation of security in the region, promotion of multilateral cooperation among the participating countries, and the participants' demonstration of jointly safeguarding global peace and maritime security as among the principal objectives of the Maritime Security Belt 2024 drills.

He further stated that the exercise features a variety of tactical maneuvers such as rescuing vessels on fire, liberating hijacked merchant vessels, striking designated targets, conducting night aerial target operations, and other tactical and operational drills.

Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Mostafa Tajeddini, spokesman for the joint war game, said naval forces of Iran, Russia and China have successfully conducted a photo exercise (PHOTOEX), and practiced formation of various tactical patterns.

Tajeddini highlighted that all stages of the naval exercise are being monitored by the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy and the IRGC helicopters.

The two-day Maritime Security Belt 2024 naval drills kicked off on Tuesday. The naval and airborne units of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy, together with their Chinese and Russian counterparts, are participating in the exercises.

Naval delegations from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Oman, Pakistan and South Africa have taken part in the drills as observers.

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PM Netanyahu Meets with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

The 37th Government

13.03.2024

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today, at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, met with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

During the meeting, their fourth since the outbreak of the war, Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized that entering Rafah was essential for realizing the goals of the war and that unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state would be considered an achievement for Hamas.

The sides also discussed the humanitarian aid issue; Prime Minister Netanyahu called on his Dutch counterpart to join the maritime corridor initiative.

Prime Minister Netanyahu also emphasized that Israel is determined to replace UNRWA in the Gaza Strip without hindering the aid and thanked Dutch Prime Minister Rutte for freezing the financing for the agency.

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Indiscriminate shelling kills mothers, children in Myanmar

The shell was fired by the local junta operational headquarters, residents claim, saying there have been similar attacks on other villages.

By RFA Burmese 2024.03.13 -- An artillery attack in northern Myanmar killed five civilians, residents told Radio Free Asia on Wednesday. The victims included two women in their 30s and three children in Kachin state's Bhamo township.

Conflict in the area has already killed three civilians and damaged houses across the Chinese border since the Kachin Independence Army took 14 junta camps last Thursday. Flights at an airport nearby were grounded for the foreseeable future after short-range missiles damaged the runway.

Following the group's six-day attack last week, the Kachin Independence Army told RFA it plans to reopen the nearby Myitkyina-Bhamo road, not having had control of the camps alongside it since 2011.

The shelling on Tuesday originated from the junta's Bhamo-city based No. 21 Operation Command Headquarters, but landed in Kan Ni village. All five victims died immediately, said one Kan Ni local.

"The mother, Myint Maw, and her two children, as well as another unnamed mother and her child died," he told RFA on Wednesday, asking to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals. "The three children were five to ten years old, one girl and two boys."

The dead will be cremated at Kan Ni village cemetery on Wednesday, residents said.

Junta troops have been firing shells at several small villages like Kan Ni, despite there being no fighting in the area, locals said.

RFA phoned Kachin state junta spokesperson Moe Min Thein to learn more about the shelling, but he did not respond by the time of publication.

Junta troops and the Kachin Independence Army, alongside allied resistance groups, have clashed over Kachin state's lucrative jade mining industry.

Civilians have accused the junta's army of torching houses, killing civilians and conducting raids on villages throughout the state.

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Kiana Duncan and Mike Firn.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content March not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Yerba Buena Center for the Arts announced plans to reopen the group exhibition Bay Area Now 9 on Friday, March 15. darabi photographi

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts announced plans to reopen the group exhibition Bay Area Now 9 on Friday, March 15.

The organizations signature triennial survey of Northern California art has been closed to the public since Feb. 15, when a group of protesters, including eight artists, interrupted a public program in the galleries with calls for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war and allegations that YBCA had censored pro-Palestinian artwork. Several artists altered their work on view with messages such as Free Palestine, Ceasefire Now and Stop funding genocide.

More Information Bay Area Now 9: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. Through May 5. $9. Free admission Wednesdays and second Sundays of the month. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St., S.F. 415-978-2700. www.ybca.org

Fridays reopening of the show will include the altered works.

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The decision to exhibit the altered artworks reflects our commitment to supporting artists voices and creating a space where diverse perspectives are welcomed, celebrated, and thoughtfully explored, the YBCA Board of Directors said in a statement posted to the organizations website on Thursday, March 14. In a community as broad as the Bay Area, we understand that the Israel-Hamas war impacts each of us in profoundly personal yet distinct ways. Our hope is that engagement with the exhibition will foster a sense of understanding within the art community and beyond.

The announcement comes a week after the resignation of YBCA interim CEO Sara Fenske Bahat, who decided to transition out of her role early due to last months demonstration and subsequent call for a boycott of the organization made by the artists and protesters  who collectively call themselves Love Letter to Gaza  and 15 current YBCA employees. She described the fallout as excruciating. Not just as a leader, but as a Jewish leader.

The vitriolic and antisemitic backlash directed at me personally since that night nearly three weeks ago has made being here intolerable, wrote Fenske Bahat on March 6. I no longer feel safe in our own space, including due to the actions of some of our own employees.

Fenske Bahat took over as interim CEO from Deborah Cullinan in 2022. A search for a new interim and permanent CEO will begin next week, YBCA Board Chair Renuka Kher said.

The ninth iteration of Bay Area Now highlights 30 local artists who were each given a space to create an installation or exhibit multiple works. The show opened on Oct. 6, the day before the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Oakland-based sculptor Paz G, who goes by they/them pronouns, told the Chronicle on Feb. 26 that they and other artists in the show felt heartbroken that YBCA didnt reach out to them or issue any kind of public statement in support of the Palestinian people once the war broke out.

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I think we were all quite surprised because of YBCAs reputation as this museum for the people in the Bay Area. That was the beginning of it, they said, referring to feelings of trouble between some artists in Bay Area Now 9 and YBCA leadership.

Love Letter to Gaza  composed of Bay Area artists Paz G, Jeffrey Cheung, champoy, Courtney Desiree Morris, Leila Weefur, Sholeh Asgary and Tracy Ren from Bay Area Now 9; Oakland artist and curator Lukaza Branfman-Verissimo; and partner organizations Jewish Voice for Peace Bay Area, Palestinian Feminist Collective, Bay Area Palestinian Youth Movement and U.S. Palestinian Community Network  as well as the group of YBCA employees who released two open letters last month in solidarity with Palestinians.

Both also launched a petition demanding YBCA officials release a statement calling for an immediate cease-fire and end to the siege on Palestine; that the organization commit to the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel; and put an end to censoring work and programming that centers Palestinian liberation and instead develop a policy of transparency regarding funding sources for artists work in the museum.

While YBCA will still not take a public stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict, Kher told the Chronicle on Thursday that she has reached out to the eight artists offering three windows of time with an external facilitator to be present to discuss their issues with the organization. The first of what Kher is calling listening sessions is scheduled for Monday, March 18.

Meanwhile, the altered artwork in Bay Area Now 9, which has remained untouched since Feb. 15, will be on view with signage that aims to provide context about the changes made by the artists.

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The opinions expressed by each artist are their own, and are not those of YBCA, the boards letter emphasized.
2024 Rohingya Joint Response Plan: UK statement

On 13 March the UK announced a further A5.2 million to support Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, at the launch of the 2024 Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya humanitarian crisis in Geneva.

13 March 2024

UK statement delivered at the launch of the 2024 Joint Response Plan, hosted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and the Government of Bangladesh.

High Commissioner Grandi, Director General Pope, Foreign Secretary and Principal Secretary, and colleagues.

I would like to begin by recognising the significant efforts of the Government of Bangladesh in hosting almost one million Rohingya refugees for over six years. I would also like to thank our humanitarian partners, their staff and the volunteers on the ground, for continuing to deliver such a comprehensive response.

The UK remains deeply concerned by the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh and the worsening situation in Myanmar, including for the Rohingya in Rakhine state. Their suffering has only been compounded by the escalation of the conflict. We will continue to use our role as UN Security Council penholder to seek to address the worsening situation in Myanmar and to push for a long-term solution to the Rohingya's suffering.

Until the conditions in Myanmar allow for the refugees to return in a voluntary, safe and dignified manner, the UK remains committed to supporting the Rohingya in Bangladesh, as emphasised in our pledge at the Global Refugee Forum in December.

I am therefore pleased to announce today that the UK is providing a further A5.2 million of humanitarian assistance, including food and cooking gas, to the Rohingya in Cox's Bazar. This brings the UK's support to the Rohingya and neighbouring communities in Bangladesh to A379 million since 2017. The UK has also provided over A30 million for Rohingya and other Muslim communities in Rakhine State in this period, and we commit to providing further assistance in 2024.

We welcome this year's Joint Response Plan. The response in Bangladesh continues to provide vital assistance and we welcome the positive progress, including the completion of the Myanmar curriculum rollout, and an increase in skills development opportunities.

However, we are deeply troubled by the overall deterioration in conditions for the refugees last year. As we have heard today, protection incidents and insecurity rose significantly; two ration cuts pushed malnutrition to emergency levels, the highest since 2017; and the number of Rohingya undertaking dangerous journeys at sea rose by 22%.

We all know that globally the gap between humanitarian needs and funding continues to grow. It is therefore essential that the response continues to work in the most effective and efficient way possible to meet the needs of those affected.

We recognise the challenges that the Government of Bangladesh faces in managing this situation. The UK will continue to work supportively and collaboratively with your government, Foreign Secretary and Principal Secretary, taking into account your concerns about the impact of the refugee presence, in order to find a sustainable way forward. This involves:

continuing to support the Rohingya and affected Bangladeshi communities;

addressing the worsening protection and security challenges in the camps;

providing safe shelters that protect the Rohingya against cyclones and fires; and,

offering the Rohingya more self-reliance, and less dependence on humanitarian aid.

Let me end by reiterating the UK's commitment to the Rohingya, and the communities that host them, and to working with you all to resolve the underlying causes of this tragic crisis.

Thank you.

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UN and partners seek $852.4m to support Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi hosts

UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

13 March 2024

GENEVA -- UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, with other humanitarian partners, today called on the international community to redouble efforts to protect and assist Rohingya refugees and their host communities. Bangladesh is generously hosting nearly a million Rohingya refugees, most of whom fled Myanmar seven years ago.

The 2024 Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis is being launched under the leadership of the Bangladeshi authorities. The funding appeal seeks $852.4 million to reach some 1.35 million people including Rohingya refugees and host communities.

The plan and related financial needs is being presented to donors in Geneva by Ambassador Masud Bin Momen, Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh; Mohammad Tofazzel Hossain Miah, Principal Secretary to the Bangladesh Prime Minister; Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees; and Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration.

International solidarity with Bangladesh and refugee protection is needed more than ever as the conflict in Myanmar escalates.

The Joint Response Plan brings together 117 partners, nearly half of them Bangladeshi organizations. It aims to help some 1 million Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar and on the island of Bhasan Char, and 346,000 from host communities, with food, shelter, health care, access to drinkable water, protection services, education and livelihood opportunities and skills development.

Some 95 per cent of Rohingya households in Bangladesh are vulnerable and remain dependent on humanitarian assistance. Sustained assistance is critically and urgently needed, particularly by women and children, who make up more than 75 per cent of the targeted refugee population, and face heightened risks of abuse, exploitation and gender-based violence. More than half of the refugees in the camps are under 18, languishing amidst limited opportunities for education, skills-building and livelihoods.

The Government of Bangladesh, local communities and aid agencies need sustained international support to respond to increasing needs as this humanitarian crisis remains largely out of the international spotlight.

Underfunding in previous years has had serious implications as Rohingya women, children and men -- who fled to Bangladesh to escape violence and persecution in Myanmar -- struggle to meet basic needs and their plight risks slipping into obscurity. Rohingya refugees remain in limbo relying on humanitarian assistance to survive in crowded camps plagued by insecurity and natural disasters.

The international community must continue funding life-saving and life-sustaining assistance to refugees in the camps, investing in education, skills training and livelihood opportunities. This is a lifeline to refugees struggling to meet their basic needs and supplement limited humanitarian assistance. Steps are also needed to ensure pledges made at the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva in December are fulfilled. These included enhancing self-reliance for Rohingya to provide hope and reduce the number of dangerous boat journeys taken.

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Carl Skau: People of Myanmar need more from the international community as situation deteriorates

World Food Programme

13 March 2024

ROME -- The humanitarian situation in Myanmar is rapidly deteriorating. Conflict is intensifying and humanitarian access is increasingly restricted, while funding is falling short. More than 2.7 million people are displaced and one in every four is at risk of acute food insecurity.

During my visit, I have been profoundly impressed by the resilience of the people of Myanmar. Now is the time for the international community to come together to better support them.

While in the country, my plea was clear and urgent: humanitarian assistance must reach all people who need it - wherever they may be.

I also met with non-government and community-based organizations working at the frontlines to assist people. These organizations are resilient and capable but need humanitarian access and international support to continue to deliver in hard-to-reach areas.

WFP is staying and delivering in Myanmar, reaching over two million people. Our national staff are living in this crisis and responding to it at the same time. They, and WFP's partners, need stronger international leadership that supports expanded assistance and advocacy for the people.

As I leave Myanmar, WFP's commitment to the people and to our staff and partners in the field remains firm. We will continue to push for unimpeded humanitarian access, to draw attention to the significant and growing needs, and to lobby for more resources and stronger international and UN engagement for the people of Myanmar.

Note to the editor:

From 11-13 March, WFP's Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific John Aylieff visited Myanmar to meet with WFP staff, partners, and stakeholders on how best to assist people in the face of growing conflict and food insecurity.

# # #

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

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Press release on a demarche to the Ambassador of Switzerland to Russia

12 March 2024 13:51

455-12-03-2024

On March 12, the Ambassador of Switzerland to Russia Krystyna Marty Lang was summoned to the Foreign Ministry, where a protest was lodged concerning the Swiss Parliament's decision to initiate a process of devising the legal framework enabling the confiscation of state assets of the Russian Federation on the territory of the Swiss Confederation.

It was emphasised that Russia strongly condemned this action by the Swiss authorities, which flagrantly violates the fundamental principles and norms of international law regarding state immunity. Any attempt to seize Russian state property under the pretext of a far-fetched "reparations mechanism" would amount to nothing less than state-level theft.

Furthermore, it was noted that if Bern were to carry out such plans, the Russian side would undoubtedly take retaliatory measures.

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Putin names Russia's most important and powerful weapon

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Wed / 13 March 2024 / 12:26

National unity and patriotism have helped Moscow prevail against the West, the president has said.

Tehran-ISNA-National unity is Russia's secret weapon, which has helped it prevail against the Collective West, President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday.

The president's remarks came during a meeting at the Kremlin with the winners of the 'Leaders of Russia' contest, a government initiative to develop a new generation of leadership.

Responding to a soldier from the Northern Military District who took part in the meeting, Putin exclaimed "Our most important weapon is the consolidation of Russian society and the attitude towards the Motherland as demonstrated by you and those with whom you serve."

"It's our most important, most powerful weapon. Those people who expected to suppress us with the help of economic sanctions, they did not take this into account; to understand this, you must be a citizen of the Russian Federation, to be part of our culture," the president added.

The 'Leaders of Russia' contest began in 2017 as part of the 'Russia - Land of Possibilities' project. Its goal is to nurture a new generation of business and government leaders. It has recently been expanded with the 'Time of Heroes' program specifically tailored to veterans of the conflict with Ukraine.

The winners of the fifth season of the contest received their awards in Moscow last month. They included 102 leaders from 31 regions of Russia, as well as from Belgium and Serbia.

End Item

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Interview to Dmitry Kiselev

Vladimir Putin answered questions from Dmitry Kiselev.

March 13, 2024

10:00

The Kremlin, Moscow

Dmitry Kiselev: Mr President, when delivering your Address [to the Federal Assembly], you were figuratively pulling trillion by trillion out of your sleeve. As a matter of fact, you proposed an absolutely astonishing plan of the country's development, truly astonishing. That will be a different Russia, with a completely new infrastructure and social system - nothing short of a dreamland.

But it makes me feel like asking you your favourite question quoting Vladimir Vysotsky, "Where is the money, Zina?" Have we earned it or not?

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Yes, of course we did.

What is more, this plan is, first of all, the result of painstaking work by the expert community, experts from the Government and Administration. Everything fits in the budgetary rules and is actually rather conservative given that certain experts believe that the revenues should and will be higher. And, therefore, we should have planned larger expenditures because this should directly impact economic development prospects.

Overall, this is the right thing to do. Back in 2018, we also planned to allocate additional eight trillion rubles to economic and social development, but later on we increased this figure. I believe that it is quite possible, if things work out the way the optimists from the above-mentioned expert community say they will, that we will be able to - we should and we will do that - increase our expenditures in a number of areas.

Dmitry Kiselev: So, we are talking about a six-year period, right?

Vladimir Putin: Exactly. We are talking precisely about a six-year period. At the present moment, we are working on a three-year budget, that is the budget for a three-year planning period. But when we were preparing for the Address - I use the pronoun "we" because there was a whole team working on that - we naturally assumed that we should calculate our revenues and expenditures in the areas that we deem crucial and high-priority for a six-year period.

Dmitry Kiselev: But still, some projects are truly mind-blowing. For example, the Dzhubga-Sochi highway: 130 kilometres, of which 90 kilometres are tunnels and the rest must be bridges, judging by the landscape. One and a half billion rubles in the first three years alone, with the highway ideally planned to be ready by 2030. Is this really necessary and will we have enough for our victory?

Vladimir Putin: People need this road. Families with children cannot reach Sochi by car. They all stop somewhere around Gelendzhik or Novorossiysk because the road is too challenging - it's a serpentine.

There exist several construction options. We are going to discuss the issue shortly, in the next few days. Either it will be a road to Dzhubga, or first the road from Dzhubga to Sochi. Some Government members suggest doing it step by step. Others believe that all should be done at once, otherwise there will be a bottleneck from Dzhubga to Sochi.

The first section of the road, if we look at it from Novorossiysk, is quite good, and the quality of the pavement is not bad, but it is very narrow. If we continue like that, like the first section, all the way to Sochi, there could be traffic jams in that small space, and they already are quite numerous there now.

Anyway, we will discuss this - specific ways and stages - with the professionals, but it should be done. It is necessary to determine, of course, the final cost of the project to ensure that everyone remains within the financial plans.

The interests of people are in the first place, but the interests of the economy are also a priority. The development of territories in the south of the country is very important.

Dmitry Kiselev: One would assume that the nation is getting better-off rapidly, since we can afford such large-scale investments, especially in view of the special military operation and almost 15,000 sanctions, which are absolutely horrendous. All the more so as we also want to reduce poverty, including among large families. That's a bold objective, isn't it?

Vladimir Putin: No, it isn't. Here, let me get back to the subject of that highway. When I discussed it with members of the Government - and the Ministry of Finance is always stingy, in a good way, conservative about such spending - the Minister of Finance [Anton Siluanov] told me, and I'm quoting, "Only those who have never travelled this road are against its construction".

Dmitry Kiselev: So we have to get all the Government to go there.

Vladimir Putin: Well, he is right, because it's especially important for families with children.

As for the question of whether we are getting richer. The economy is growing, that's a fact, and it's not us who have registered it, but international economic and financial organisations. Russia has got ahead of Germany in terms of purchasing power parity and replaced it as the fifth largest economy in the world.

As far as I know, the German economy shrank by 0.3 percent last year, while Russian economy grew by 3.6 percent. Japan grew by a small percentage. So if the rate of growth remains the same as it is today, there is a good chance that Russia will overtake Japan as the fourth largest economy, and that might happen quite quickly.

And yet, let us be honest and objective, the quality of our economies is not the same. In terms of purchasing power parity, that is the size of the economy, Russia is actually the fifth largest economy in the world and has every chance of overtaking Japan. But the structure of the economy in these two countries has an obvious advantage over that of Russia.

There is still a lot to be done for our country to take a decent position not only in terms of purchasing power parity, but also in terms of [GDP] per capita. That is the first thing. Secondly, it's important that the structure of the economy itself changes, becomes more efficient, more modern and more innovative. This is what we're going to work on.

As far as revenues are concerned, the purchasing power parity is a very important indicator. This is the volume, or the size of the economy. This means that the state receives money to address its strategic priorities through the tax system at all levels. This gives us the opportunity to develop in the way we see fit.

Dmitry Kiselev: Mr President, you have mentioned economic structure, the need for structural change in the economy. This is exactly what you set forth in your Address to the Federal Assembly and the challenge is exactly this: make innovative sectors grow faster than the economy as a whole.

Vladimir Putin: Of course.

As I said, we need to work on the structure. That will determine the future of our economy, the future of labour resources, the efficiency, and labour productivity .

One of the main challenges today is to enhance labour productivity. Given shortage of workers, the only one way to achieve effective development is to enhance labour productivity. This in turn means that we need to inject innovation into our economy and aim for greater robotic process automation. Today, as far as I can remember, there are ten robots for every 10,000 workers, whereas we need at least 1,000 robots for every 10,000 workers. That seems to be the case in Japan now.

Then, people need to be trained to operate these new machines, not only robots but also other advanced production tools. So there is another challenge, the training of skilled workers.

We have identified specific areas, including engineering training, where this is a priority. You may be aware that 30 stateaofatheaart engineering schools have been opened in different parts of the country. Another 20 will open this year; there will be 50 in total. Fifty more are in the pipeline for the next few years.

So these areas are the future of our nation. We will explore and develop these areas.

Dmitry Kiselev: Just to make sure we've covered the sanctions. A lot of people have voiced the idea of creating a government body specifically to respond to sanctions, to counter them. Is that being planned or do you think it would be pointless?

Vladimir Putin: There's simply no need. The Government, the Central Bank, the Security Council analyse everything that our foes do. Many things are done not even for political or military reasons, although they are declared, but for reasons of competition.

Dmitry Kiselev: Unscrupulous, unfair competition.

Vladimir Putin: Unfair competition, masked by political or military considerations. This has been the case in the aircraft industry and in many other sectors.

Well, the world is the way it is and we have adapted to its realities. We know who we are dealing with. And so far, as the results of our work show, we have been quite effective.

Dmitry Kiselev: But the West's cunning does not stop there. In your Address to the Federal Assembly, you said, and I quote, "We are also aware of the Western attempts to draw us into an arms race, thereby exhausting us, mirroring the strategy they successfully employed with the Soviet Union in the 1980s." What is our margin of safety under the conditions of what is effectively an arms race?

Vladimir Putin: We need to ensure maximum return on every ruble invested in defence industry. Indeed, during the Soviet era, no one was concerned about these expenditures, unfortunately, efficiency was not a priority. Defence spending accounted for about 13% of GDP of the country - the Soviet Union.

I will not refer to our statistics - instead, I will cite the Stockholm Institute: last year our defence spending was four percent, and this year it is 6.8 percent, meaning we have grown by 2.8 percentage points. This is a noticeable increase, but not critical at all. In the Soviet Union, it was 13 percent, whereas we are currently at 6.8 percent.

It should be noted that defence spending accelerates the economy, making it more dynamic. However, there are limitations to consider, as we understand. The age-old question remains: what is more beneficial - guns or butter? We have this in mind.

Although, as I mentioned, our modern defence industry is good in that it not only indirectly affects civilian industry sectors but also uses innovations necessary for defence industry to produce civilian goods. This is an extremely important thing.

Of course, our spending is incomparable. How much do they have in the United States? 800...

Dmitry Kiselev: It's already nearly 900.

Vladimir Putin: Nearly 900 - 860 or 870 billion [US dollars]. They are absolutely incomparable to our spending.

Dmitry Kiselev: It seems to me that they are embezzling because they have no hypersonic [weapons], nothing... What is it?

Vladimir Putin: I'll explain what it is. The issue is that significant portions of their funds are allocated towards maintenance, not just salaries, but also towards maintaining bases worldwide. It's difficult to track where all the money goes, as it seems to disappear into a black hole. This is where the majority of the embezzlement occurs. Although significant amounts of money which are difficult to evaluate are also spent on producing means of destruction, weapons in general.

If we calculate the cost of their well-known anti-missile defence system and one of our main means to overcome missile defence systems - the "Avangard" intercontinental missile with a glide vehicle of intercontinental range, the values are simply incomparable. Essentially, we nullified all their efforts and contributions to the missile defence system. This is the appropriate course of action.

Additionally, it is imperative that our Armed Forces' economy aligns with current demands.

Dmitry Kiselev: The word "justice" is a magical word for the Russian language. You use it very carefully, but once you pronounced it in your Address and it sounded like thunder. You said that the distribution of the tax burden should become more equitable in Russia and suggested that the Government should think about it. In which direction should it think?

Vladimir Putin: Truly, the distribution of the tax burden should be fair in the sense that corporations, legal entities, and individuals who earn more should contribute more to the national treasury, towards addressing nationwide problems, primarily towards fight against poverty.

Dmitry Kiselev: A progressive tax?

Vladimir Putin: Yes, essentially a progressive tax.

I would not like to go into details now, as we need to work more on this. We need to build a system that really yields greater returns for solving primarily social issues and challenges facing the state in this area.

We plan to reduce the tax burden, for example, for large families, and take further steps in this direction. I believe that society will perceive this as normal. This is the first thing.

Secondly. What does business ask of us? It asks us to determine the taxation system, and not to change it further, so that it remains stable. This is the most important request and requirement from the business.

The Government is to address this issue as soon as possible and work together with the State Duma deputies to present proposals.

Dmitry Kiselev: A progressive tax - won't we scare someone away? We used to be afraid of scaring someone away with this progressive tax.

Vladimir Putin: No, I don't think so. In principle, we have this system in place. Even those who were ardent supporters of the flat scale, the authors of the flat scale, now believe that on the whole we are ripe for a much more selective approach.

Dmitry Kiselev: During your Address, you thanked "colleagues from the Government" - that was the wording. Does this mean that Mr Mishustin's government - if you win - will remain in place?

Vladimir Putin: We should talk about this after the election, after the votes have been counted. It seems to me that now it is simply incorrect. But on the whole, as we can see, the Government is working well - the results are obvious, and that is objective data.

Dmitry Kiselev: You mentioned reducing the tax burden on large families. Children and the demographic situation - these topics were very extensive in your Address. Indeed, the issue is quite painful, because demographically Russia is melting away. Last year was an anti-record of birth rate.

Vladimir Putin: I think the birth rate was 1.31 or 1.39....

Dmitry Kiselev: It's 1.39 children per woman capable of child-bearing.

Vladimir Putin: Of childbearing age.

Dmitry Kiselev: Perhaps ideally we should double it - [to a ratio of] three. Because this is literally a disaster for society.

You have proposed a fairly large-scale programme to support motherhood and demographic stimulation. Is there any confidence that these measures will reverse the downward trajectory to an upward one?

Vladimir Putin: On the whole, there are plans to spend, through various channels, up to 14 trillion rubles on all measures to support families with children over the six-year period. It is an enormous amount of money.

There are numerous areas of support for families with children - from general social support, such as building or renovating kindergartens, building new schools and renovating old ones, modernising them in accordance with the present-day needs, to supporting women from pregnancy till the child turns 18. Allowance is currently paid to nearly 400,000 women, which is almost every third pregnant woman. Over ten million children receive child benefit. This is a serious thing.

We have kept the system of maternity capital. We have continued with the payments of 450,000 rubles for mortgage repayment to families where a third child is born - the relevant decisions are underway. We have preserved mortgage benefits for families with children. In other words, there is a whole package of very diverse family support measures.

Of course, as you have already mentioned, this is also about fighting poverty, because, obviously, families with children face way more difficulties than childless families, which is no surprise as the expenses are huge. Nevertheless, we have achieved considerable progress in this area.

Thus, 20 years ago we had, I think, 29 percent of the population, or 42 million people, living below the poverty line. Today, according to the latest reports, we have 9.3 percent, which is still 13.5 million people. A very large number, indeed. We need to do everything possible to bring it down to at least seven percent. As for families with many children, the figures are more modest, but they also need to be improved.

What are we referring to when speaking of poor birth rates? I have already said many times, and experts say this, - these are objective things - that we have had two dramatic declines in the birth rates. One was in 1943a1944, during the Great Patriotic War. A comparable decline followed immediately after the collapse of the Soviet Union, a very similar one, with the same decline in the birth rate.

The reason is clear: the breakdown of the social support system. No matter how weak it was in the USSR, it was there anyway, but after the collapse of the Soviet Union it basically ceased to exist, leading to widespread poverty. There is no need to explain. Anyway, the planning horizon of a family shrank; the birth rate went down to that of the war years. Then we had a rebound. And now we have quite a large number of children, young people who will reach adulthood and childbearing age in a few years, and we assume that the rates will go up.

What you have mentioned is a worldwide trend. There are only a few developed countries that have positive demographic dynamics, while in the rest of the developed world everything is on the decline. This is a complex problem, which has to do with the economy, as well as life priorities of women. It is better not to interfere right now, let the demographers deal with it and come up with a solution.

But you know what is encouraging? The public sentiment. In Russia, 70 percent of men and 72 percent of women would like to have two or more children, and the state should support them in that regard. We are working on an extensive package of support measures which need to be implemented, and we will do that.

Dmitry Kiselev: However, there is still no certainty that those measures will turn the situation around.

In the late 1990s - it is a well-known story which you have spoken of yourself - you saved your children from fire: you went into the burning building, to the second floor. It was not until later that you remembered about the money left in the house. The money burnt. This shows your priorities: children first, then money.

Maybe the same approach should be adopted on a nationwide scale? Not just 14 [trillion], but to go all in - to launch such a programme that would guarantee a turn of the tide?

Vladimir Putin: You know, you have to, as they say, follow the developments. In the early 2000s, we introduced a number of demographic initiatives, including maternity capital, and a number of other measures, which have produced tangible positive results. This means we are capable of achieving desired goals.

Dmitry Kiselev: So we already have the relevant experience?

Vladimir Putin: We have the experience, for sure. Using this experience and other best practices, we should ultimately aim to achieve the goals we set for ourselves. As the situation changes, we will adjust the existing measures or supplement them with something else.

For instance, we have declared the year 2024 the Year of the Family. We have launched a new national project entitled "Family." It includes elements that we have never used before. For example, there are plans to allocate 75 billion [rubles] to regions where birth rates are lower than the national average. These are mostly the central regions of Russia and the country's northwest. 75 billion is a decent amount of money. It is just that they need to be used wisely.

Elderly care is another aspect. There are other support measures as well. By raising the birth rate and increasing life expectancy, we will be able to stabilise the country's population. This is the main overall indicator that will either demonstrate our success or, possibly, highlight the need for greater attention to the relevant work from all administrative and government bodies.

Dmitry Kiselev: Sure, but there is also a third tool for solving demographic problems all over the world, and that is immigration. What figures can we expect for this six-year period and what does the systematic approach in this work means?

Vladimir Putin: As for migrant workers, we do not have many immigrants in our country compared to other countries: they make up 3.7 percent of the total number of workers. But they are concentrated in the regions with the highest economic activity, and there are certainly more of them out there. These are the Moscow Region, Moscow, the Northwestern region and some regions in the North, where they have decent salaries. However, no doubt, this is an issue that requires special attention on the part of the authorities, both local, regional and federal.

What else I would like to add here? It is a very important thing. When labour migrants are attracted, they always say it is necessary to do so because of the shortage of workers. Our entrepreneurs should understand that the situation for them in terms of labour availability will not change for the better in the coming years - they will face labour shortages.

I would like to repeat once again that in order to solve this issue in a totally different way it is necessary to increase labour productivity and reduce the number of workers in those areas where it can be done, achieving even greater results by introducing modern technologies. As we have already discussed, this requires investment in this area and personnel training. This is the primary thing we have to think about.

Generally, of course, migration policy is an important economic tool. There is no harm in looking at the lesson learned of other countries. First and foremost, of course, we should talk about the repatriation of our compatriots. The concepts of repatriation and compatriots are already reflected in our regulatory framework, there is no need to repeat them here.

We should talk about attracting people who perhaps do not intend to move to the Russian Federation, but by virtue of their qualifications and talents in various fields can make a significant contribution to the development of our state, to the development of Russia. We would be glad to attract such people as well.

As for traditional labour migrants, we also need to think about ways to prepare them for coming to Russia, including with our partners in the countries where they permanently reside. This includes studying the Russian language, our traditions, culture, and so on. It is necessary to look after them here too, to treat them humanely. In other words, it is necessary to make efforts to integrate them into our society in a natural way. All of this together should have a corresponding, I hope, positive effect.

Naturally, everyone should observe our traditions and the laws of the Russian Federation. And, certainly, sanitary and other norms must be strictly observed. Ensuring the security of citizens of the Russian Federation must come first.

Dmitry Kiselev: Russians are probably the most divided nation in the world. You had a conversation with participants of the Leaders of Russia competition, and one of your interlocutors said that we discovered in the Zaporozhye region that they were Russians just like us. I got the impression that it sounded like some kind of revelation to them. In general, and it is true, new regions are joining us now, and Odessa is a Russian city. I suppose there are high expectations for this direction too?

Vladimir Putin: Absolutely! The population density in these regions has always been quite high, and the climate is wonderful.

As for Donbass, it has been an industrially developed region since the times of the Soviet Union. The USSR has made huge investments in this region, in its coal mining industry, in its metallurgical industry. Indeed, investments are required to ensure that all production is up-to-date, and people's living conditions, their working conditions are organised in a completely different way - not as they were a couple of decades ago.

As for Novorossiya, it is a region characterised by a strongly developed agriculture. Here, we will do everything to support both traditional spheres of activity and the new ones that smoothly fit into these regions and with people's desire to develop them. You know, the people there are very talented.

What is more, as I have already said, even taxes are already going to the federal budget from there. We need to help them at this stage, to support them, to take them to the Republican, nationwide Russian level. They will start working, and this will happen very quickly.

Dmitry Kiselev: Historically, it is quite clear that Nazi regimes do not dissolve themselves but disappear as a result of military defeat. This was the case in Germany, in Italy, and in Japan. The same will obviously be happening with the Bandera Nazi regime. We are now advancing all along the front line, judging by reports from both the Defence Ministry and our war correspondents.

Did we finally manage to find a strategy when our casualties are reduced on the offensive compared to the defence? This is a rather unconventional task to accomplish in the art of war, but it always holds back the offensive. It is prudence, and it's absolutely reasonable with respect to our heroic warriors. Yet it raises a question: how we can advance with minimal losses?

Vladimir Putin: The question is clear and fair. The answer is also quite simple: we need to increase our weapons in terms of its number and power, while also improving the effectiveness of the forces and means used. This includes both tactical and army air force, as well as strategic aviation. By this I mean, of course, within those aspects that are acceptable for armed conflicts of this kind. Here, I refer to ground weapons, including high-precision ones, also artillery and armoured vehicles. It is no exaggeration to say that we are developing by leaps and bounds.

Dmitry Kiselev: In this direction?

Vladimir Putin: Yes, this is exactly what's happening today. And this is the answer to your question: the more weapons we have and the more powerful they are, the fewer casualties we suffer.

Dmitry Kiselev: And yet one raises a question. What price are we ready to pay for this - perhaps "project" is not the proper word - challenge we have been historically forced to face?

Vladimir Putin: Look, every human life is priceless, every single one. The loss of a loved one to a family, to any family, is a tremendous grief.

But what is the key point here? The point is to make clear what we are doing. And what are we doing? We met today and, as you have noticed, one of the participants in the conversation said: we were surprised to find out that there are Russians there just like us. So we came to the rescue of these people. Basically, this is the answer to your question.

If we leave these people today, tomorrow our losses may increase many times over. Our children will have no future, because we will feel insecure, we will be a third- or fourth-class country. No one will factor us in if we cannot defend ourselves, so the consequences could be catastrophic for the Russian statehood. That is the answer.

Dmitry Kiselev: While the Americans seem to be talking about negotiations and strategic stability, they declare the need to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia. Our position is as follows, "We are open to negotiations, but the time for goodwill gestures has passed, it's over." Does it mean that there will be no negotiations?

Vladimir Putin: We have never refused to negotiate.

Dmitry Kiselev: But is there a compromise without goodwill gestures? How can it be achieved then?

Vladimir Putin: Let me try to explain that. I have already said this many times, but if it needs to be repeated, I will. When we were holding talks in Istanbul, TArkiye, with the negotiators from the other side, we ended up having a thick folio, a document, which was actually a draft treaty. We have an excerpt from that treaty in the Presidential Executive Office; it was initialled by the head of the negotiating group on the Ukrainian side, Mr Arakhamia. You can see his signature on it. But then, as you already know, Mr Arakhamia himself publicly told the world - it was also at a meeting with journalists, I believe, even with foreign ones - that former Prime Minister of Great Britain Mr Johnson arrived and convinced them not to sign the treaty and, therefore, not to implement it. And so they started to bring up the topic you have just mentioned - we need to defeat Russia on the battlefield.

Are we ready to negotiate? We sure are. But we are definitely not ready for talks that are based on some kind of "wishful thinking" which comes after the use of psychotropic drugs, but we are ready for talks based on the realities that have developed, as they say in such cases, on the ground. This is the first thing.

Secondly, we have already been promised a lot of things many times before. We were promised that NATO would not expand to the East, but then we saw NATO at our borders. We were promised, without delving into history, that the internal conflict in Ukraine would be resolved by peaceful, political means. As we remember, three foreign ministers from Poland, Germany and France came to Kiev and promised that they would be guarantors of these agreements. One day later, the coup d'Atat took place. We were promised that the Minsk agreements would be honoured, and then they publicly announced that they never intended to fulfil their promises, instead they only took a pause to arm the Bandera regime in Ukraine. We were promised a lot of things, so that is why promises alone are not enough.

For us to hold negotiations now just because they are running out of ammunition would be ridiculous. Nevertheless, we are open to a serious discussion, and we are eager to resolve all conflicts, especially this one, by peaceful means. However, we must be sure that this is not just another pause that the enemy wants to use for rearmament, but rather a serious conversation with security guarantees for the Russian Federation.

We know various options that are being discussed, we know the "lures" they are going to show us in order to convince us that the time has come. Once again, we want to resolve all disputes and this particular dispute, this particular conflict, by peaceful means. And we are ready for that, we want that. But this should be a serious negotiation with provision of security for the opposing side, and in this case we are primarily interested in the security of the Russian Federation. That is what we will proceed from.

Dmitry Kiselev: Mr President, I am afraid we appear too generous, don't we? Wouldn't it be the case that we conclude another agreement with them and they will cheat us once again? And we will console ourselves with the thought that we did it all honestly and it was they who cheated. Are we doomed to always end up with egg on our face?

Back in the 1990s, the United States coined themselves medals for the victory in the Cold War, and the decades since that time have been the decades of great lies. How can we ever hope that they finally conclude an honest treaty with us and comply with it and give us guarantees? I do not know how we are to handle them. Do you really believe this is at all possible?

Vladimir Putin: I hate saying this, but I don't trust anyone.

Dmitry Kiselev: Well.

Vladimir Putin: But we need guarantees. These guarantees have to be put down on paper, and they should suit us and they should make us trust them. That is what I mean.

It would probably be premature to publicly say that it could be possible. But we certainly will not buy any empty promises.

Dmitry Kiselev: I am afraid your words might be cited and interpreted broadly. When you say that you don't trust anyone, do you mean that you trust nobody at all or do you refer to the Western partners in this particular case?

Vladimir Putin: I prefer to rely on the facts rather than be guided by wishful thinking and assurances that everybody can be trusted. You see, the responsibility for the consequences of any decision of this magnitude is immense. For this reason we will do nothing that would prejudice the interests of our country.

Dmitry Kiselev: Mr President, what happened to Emmanuel Macron? Has he gone nuts? He is going to send French troops against our army. He looks like a fighting Gallic rooster and has scared all Europeans. How should one take it?

Vladimir Putin: In fact, the Western countries' military personnel have been present in Ukraine for a long time. They had been there before the coup d'Atat, and after the coup their number has grown several times. Today they are involved both directly as military advisers and as foreign mercenaries, and they suffer casualties. Yet I am certain that even if foreign countries are to send their troops officially, it will not change the situation on the ground - and this is the most important thing because arms supplies change nothing.

Second, it can lead to serious geopolitical consequences. If, say, Polish troops enter Ukrainian territory, allegedly for the protection of, say, the border between Belarus and Ukraine, or some other parts, to release Ukrainian troops and enable them to fight along the contact line, I think, Polish troops will stay there. That is what I believe. It is their heart's desire to get back the lands they have historically regarded as theirs, the lands that "Father of the Peoples" Joseph Stalin took from them and gave to Ukraine. They certainly want to have these lands back. So if Polish troops enter Ukraine, they will hardly ever leave it.

In such a case, this example might be followed by other countries that lost parts of their territories after the Second World War. I think that Ukraine would face geopolitical consequences - at least as regards preserving its current statehood - in their full and unappealing magnitude.

Dmitry Kiselev: Going back to Mr Macron, could he be revenging himself on Russia for having taken him down a peg or two in Africa instead of playing nice and obedient? He did not expect Russia to be so active, did he?

Vladimir Putin: Yes, I believe that might be a matter of some hard feelings, but when we maintained direct contacts with him we used to discuss this topic rather openly.

We have never thrust our way to Africa, neither have we squeezed France out of there. The problem has a different source. There is a well-known Wagner group, which initially pursued a number of economic projects in Syria and subsequently spread its activities to some other countries in Africa. It has enjoyed the support of the Ministry of Defence, but only because it is a Russian group, no more. We have not squeezed anybody out of Africa. Rather, the leaders of some African countries had dealings with some Russian economic players and wanted to work with them, rather than with the French ones, in some areas. This was not our, but our African friends' initiative.

So it is not clear, what we are to blame for in this connection, if an independent state wants to develop its ties with partners from other countries, including from Russia, wants to build its relations with Russia. We have not touched these former French colonists in those African countries. Without a touch of irony, many countries, for which France historically was a mother country, are very reluctant to deal with it. It is none of our fault. It might be more convenient to France to pin the blame on somebody else than to acknowledge its own faults. The French President's sharp and emotional reaction might be explained, among other things, by the developments in some African states.

However, I know that there are other African countries, those that have no objections against French presence and say that they are happy and ready to work with the French. Yet some countries are not. It is not our doing. We are not brainwashing anybody and not inciting any anti-French sentiments there.

We set ourselves no such tasks. To be frank, Russia has no state or national goals to pursue there. We merely maintain friendly ties. If they prefer to build their relations with Russia, they are most welcome, we reciprocate such steps. There is nothing to be offended with.

Dmitry Kiselev: But now they are saying in France that there are no longer any "red lines" left with regard to Russia, nothing is impossible and everything is possible. In general, they want to talk to us somehow on the basis of the balance of power. We hear a lot of things from France, from the West, and from Lithuania. In general, the chorus is not slender, but hostile.

Maybe we, too, should go for unconventional solutions and at some point seek help from the two-million-strong North Korean army? For example, in exchange for our "nuclear umbrella" over half of the Korean peninsula? Why not then?

Vladimir Putin: First of all, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has its own "nuclear umbrella." They didn't ask us for anything. That's the first point.

Second. In principle, based on what we see on the battlefield, we are coping with the tasks we set ourselves.

As for the states saying that they have no "red lines" with Russia, they should realise that Russia will have no "red lines" with them either.

As for small European states, first, we treat everyone with respect, no matter what. Second, when these small states call for toughening the policy towards Russia and taking some extreme measures, including, say, the deployment of troops and so on, they are still those states, and they understand this, which will not feel the consequences of their provocative statements. And those who may feel it, keep a low profile. And rightly so.

Dmitry Kiselev: And all that German dancing with the Taurus missiles? Mr Scholz says, "we do not supply," but there are forces that insist on sending the Taurus missiles to Ukraine, the British propose their initiative: let's do it via England, we are ready to send. The target is the Crimean Bridge, the German generals are already planning operations, as we have heard, not only targeting the Crimean Bridge, but also military bases, as they say, deep inside the Russian territory. Some are already saying these missiles could hit the Kremlin. Don't they go too far in their dreams?

Vladimir Putin: First, they are dreaming and cheering themselves up. Second, they are trying to intimidate us.

As for Germany, there are constitutional problems there as well. They are right when they say that if the Taurus missiles hit that part of the Crimean Bridge, which is certainly, even according to their concepts, part of the Russian territory, this is a violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The fact is that German opposition is behaving even more aggressively. We will see what they will agree on. We are following this closely. British and American missiles are also used. But this does not change the situation on the battlefield. Yes, they're causing damage to us, of course, that's obvious. But, in essence, it does not affect the course of hostilities and the consequences that are inevitable for the other side.

We are now hearing that in Germany - both your channels and foreign channels, German channels, show - how much they have, how much is in a bad state, how much requires improvement, modernisation, and so on. Let them work. As you have rightly said, there are things they should think about. Those who are smarter think about it.

Dmitry Kiselev: And the new NATO members, Finland and Sweden, in general, what did they trade for what? Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias BillstrAm suddenly told the Turks that Sweden was against NATO bases on the Swedish territory. Didn't they realise what they had joined? What happened to them?

Vladimir Putin: You have to ask them, I don't know. We had quite good relations, stable relations with those countries, and I think that they benefited more from the fact that they adhered to neutrality, because it gave certain advantages, at least as a negotiating platform to reduce tension in Europe.

We had a perfect relationship with Finland, just perfect. We didn't have a single claim against each other, much less a territorial one, I am not talking about other areas. We didn't even have any troops there; we had removed everything from the Russian-Finnish border. Why did they do that? For purely political reasons, I think. I guess they really wanted to be a member of a Western club, under some kind of "umbrella." Why did they do that, I frankly don't understand. This is a totally senseless step in terms of safeguarding their own national interests. However, it's up to them to decide, and they made that decision.

We didn't have any troops there, now we will. There were no weapon systems, now there will be. Why? We had very good economic relations. They used our market, we bought a lot from them. What's wrong with that? Now the situation will change. Many of their goods are not really needed in other markets, and they're missing out on our goods. I don't understand it.

Dmitry Kiselev: Meanwhile, in the US, there's an ongoing...

Vladimir Putin: You know, it's an everyday thing, but still. In recent years, both in Helsinki, and even more so in the border areas of Finland, payments could be made in Russian rubles. In large supermarkets, including in Helsinki, you could buy any goods for rubles. All advertisements are in Russian there.

Dmitry Kiselev: People in border areas over there are simply going bankrupt.

Vladimir Putin: Well, what I mean to say is that, on the other hand, the economic situation was fine: house prices stood at a good level. Yes, this was fine in terms of the economy, yet there were apparently highly conservative right-wing, nationalist political actors who did not like these closer relations with Russia. Some even though it was too much: Russians buying houses and flats, signs in Russian everywhere around...

I mean I know for sure that this Russophobia started somewhere at the grassroots level. Perhaps some political movements in the country decided to make use of this bias - perhaps so. All those factors combined resulted in such a decision. That's what I think, but I cannot be 100 percent sure. Anyway, this won't help enhance security, either bilaterally or in Europe as a whole.

Dmitry Kiselev: Meanwhile, the United States finds itself amidst a fierce presidential race. And of course, they cannot do without you there. You are the invisible participant, because every Republican or Democratic candidate mentions you in their speech, giving reasons. It even seems that you never come off newspaper pages or TV news headlines and are always an argument in everyone's election campaign. You are even fuelling the fire.

Vladimir Putin: How is that?

Dmitry Kiselev: They say that we favour one candidate over others. If a foreign president says that one of the candidates in some other country is preferable, it is actually a textbook example of election-meddling. To which extent do you interfere in the American elections by claiming that we prefer to see Biden as president? And how true is that? What is that - some sort of trolling?

Vladimir Putin: Listen, first, I will tell you one thing that will prove that my preferences have not changed.

Second. We do not interfere in any elections in any way, and I have said more than once that we will work with any leader trusted by the American people, the American voter.

I find it curious that in his last year as president, Mr Trump, current candidate for president, rebuked me for sympathising with Mr Biden. It was more than four years ago. This is what he told me during one of our conversations, excuse me for a direct quote: "You want Sleepy Joe to win."

He told me that when he was still President. Later, to my surprise, he got persecuted for Russia allegedly having supported him as candidate. That's total rubbish.

As for the current situation with the elections, it is getting increasingly uncivilised. I wouldn't want to comment on that at all.

Besides, it is quite certain, I think that it is obvious to everyone now that the American political system cannot claim to be democratic in every sense of the word.

Dmitry Kiselev: To be honest, it sounds rather odd to me that you prefer Mr Biden. Back in 2011, Mr Biden came to Moscow and tried to dissuade you from running for president.

Do you remember that episode? He shared the story during his meeting with the Russian opposition at Spaso House. According to Garry Kasparov, Mr Biden said that he had visited Prime Minister Putin at the Russian White House in order to dissuade him from running for president, and that he had embarked on preparations for an "Arab" spring in our country. It seems that Biden did not favour you already at that time. You are engaged in a sort of historical duel. Or have you got over it?

Vladimir Putin: Honestly, I didn't pay much attention to that.

Dmitry Kiselev: You got over it, then. You even didn't pay much attention.

Vladimir Putin: A duel...

Dmitry Kiselev: So, it was serious for him but not for you.

Vladimir Putin: This is really a sign of interference...

Dmitry Kiselev: Yes, this is 100 percent blatant interference.

Vladimir Putin: ...Interference in the political processes in our country. We have stated, and I have stated many times: "We will not let anyone do it."

Dmitry Kiselev: Well then.

Leaving aside the interference and the electoral battles, the escalation in fact continues. It seems that both superpowers, Russia and the USA, are playing what the Americans call the "chicken game" (when chickens ram each other); it is a game in which two drivers head toward each other to see who swerves away first. None seems inclined to be the first so far. Is the crash imminent then?

Vladimir Putin: Why? The United States announced that they are not going to send troops. We know what American troops in the Russian territory are. These are invaders. That is how we will treat them even if they appear in the territory of Ukraine, and they understand it. I have said that Mr Biden is a representative of the traditional school and this is proved. Yet, apart from Mr Biden, they have enough specialists in Russian-American relations and strategic deterrence.

Therefore, I do not think that it is getting closer to a head-on collision. But we are ready for it. I have said many times that it is a matter of life and death for us, while for them it is a matter of improving their tactical position in the world on the whole as well as maintaining their status among their allies in Europe in particular. This is also important, but not as much as it is for us.

Dmitry Kiselev: It is interesting that you said we are ready for it. Philosopher and geopolitical expert Alexander Dugin directly urges to practically prepare for a nuclear war. "The better we are ready for it, the less likely such a war is," Mr Dugin states. How can you ever be prepared for it? Are we really ready for a nuclear war?

Vladimir Putin: From a military-technical point of view, we are certainly ready. They [the troops] are constantly on alert. This is the first thing.

Secondly. Our nuclear triad is more advanced than any other one, and this is also a universally recognised fact. We and the Americans are the only ones who have such a triad, actually.

Here, we have made a lot more progress. We have a more advanced nuclear component. On the whole, as for carriers and warheads, we have a rough parity, yet, the nuclear component we have is more sophisticated.

Everyone knows it, all experts do. However, it does not mean that we should compete by the number of carriers or warheads, but we should know about it. And I repeat that those who need it - experts, specialists, the military - are well aware of it.

Now they are setting the task to increase this modernity, novelty, they have relevant plans. We also know about them. They are developing all their components, so do we. But, in my view, this does not mean that they are ready to wage this nuclear war tomorrow. If they want to, what is there to do? We are ready.

Dmitry Kiselev: Perhaps, to make it more compelling, we should conduct nuclear tests at some stage? After all, we have no international restrictions for that.

Vladimir Putin: There is a treaty which bans such kind of tests, however, the United States has not ratified it, unfortunately. That is why to maintain parity we have withdrawn this ratification. Since the treaty was not ratified by the United States, it did not enter into force eventually, as it did not get the required number of ratifications, but we are nevertheless sticking to these agreements.

We are aware that the possibility of conducting such tests is being considered in the United States. This is due to the fact that, when new warheads appear, as some specialists believe, it is not enough to test them on computer which means that they should be tested for real as well. Such ideas are in the air in some US circles, they exist, and we are aware of them.

And we are also watching. If they conduct such tests, we will not necessarily do it, we should think whether we need it or not, however, I do not rule out that we can do the same.

Dmitry Kiselev: But are we ready for it in a technical way?

Vladimir Putin: We are always ready. I want to make it clear that these are not conventional weapons, this is the kind of troops which are always on alert.

Dmitry Kiselev: Mr President, last year, when there were tough moments at the front in connection with Kharkov or Kherson, were you thinking of tactical nuclear weapons?

Vladimir Putin: What for? The decision to withdraw troops from Kherson was taken at the suggestion of the then command of the grouping. But it did not mean at all that our front was falling apart there. Nothing like that ever happened. It was just done to avoid unnecessary casualties among the personnel. That is all. This was the main motive, as under the conditions of warfare when it was impossible to fully supply the grouping located on the right bank, we would simply suffer unnecessary losses of personnel. Because of this, it was decided to redeploy them to the left bank.

The correctness of this decision was confirmed by what the Ukrainian command tried to do in certain areas on the left bank, including in Krynki: they were just throwing their personnel there as if it were a meat grinder. They were running around literally barefoot in the end. They were trying to deliver ammunition there using speedboats and drones. What is that? Just slaughter, they sent them for slaughter.

I once asked the Chief of the General Staff, there is nothing secret about it, "In your opinion, who takes the decisions on that side? As the one who is taking the decision understands that he is sending people to certain death?" He answered, "They understand." I said, "But who is taking the decision, why are they doing it? It makes no sense." - "It makes no military sense." I said, "What sense does it make?" - "I do not know", he answered, "probably, top political leadership, based on political considerations that they have some chance to break through our defence, some chance to get additional money, referring to the fact that they have some bridgehead on the left bank, some chance to present their position at international meetings in a good way." The command was given, and all the subordinate heads automatically pass it on further.

By the way, the prisoners that were taken captive there, laid down arms, they show they didn't even know what situation they were getting into. Let's say new forces are moved there and told, "There is a solid defence there, go on, continue, and help." They couldn't even get to the left bank anymore.

Dmitry Kiselev: A tragedy.

Vladimir Putin: A real tragedy. From a human viewpoint, absolutely.

So, why do we need to use weapons of mass destruction? There has never been such a need.

Dmitry Kiselev: That is to say such idea did not even occur to you?

Vladimir Putin: No. What for? Weapons exist to be used. We have our own principles; what do they say? That we are ready to use weapons, including the ones you have just mentioned, when it is about the existence of the Russian state, about harming our sovereignty and independence. We have everything spelled out in our Strategy. We have not changed it.

Dmitry Kiselev: Mr President, when the outgoing President Yeltsin suggested that you should run for President your first reaction was, "I am not ready."

Vladimir Putin: Exactly, this is the direct speech.

Dmitry Kiselev: Since then you have, of course, gone through a great evolution. If you are to write a telegram to yourself to that time, what text would be in it?

Vladimir Putin: You know, this is like "A [Connecticut] Yankee in King Arthur's Court" or something like that. It is not possible to answer this question because the question was posed at that time, within the historical and economic context the country was in, in that internal political situation from the viewpoint of internal security. And all this together prompted me to the answer that I gave, "I am not ready for this." Not because I was afraid of something but because the scale of the tasks was enormous and the number of problems grew every day like a snowball. That is why I said sincerely and not because, I repeat, I was afraid of something but because I thought that I was not ready to solve all these problems, God forbid, I would do something even worse. That's what I meant. That is why I was absolutely sincere and, if I went back, I would say the same thing again.

Dmitry Kiselev: And what was decisive then? You ran after all.

Vladimir Putin: Probably, conversations with Boris Nikolayevich.

The key thing was that in the end he said to me then, "Well, ok, I understand, we'll come back to this later." And we came back to this several times.

In the long run he said that I was a man of experience, knew what I was doing, what I was suggesting, and told me some other things. Perhaps, it is not appropriate to talk myself up but he said such positive words. Later he repeated it again, in a genuinely positive way; I am not going to talk about it now.

And when the work started, everything was completely different there. You know, when you work, you think: this, this and this is needed right now, this - tomorrow - and so on and so forth. When you settle down to a task, it's a different ball game.

Dmitry Kiselev: No time to be afraid of anymore.

Vladimir Putin: It's not about being afraid of but about being up to the task, being able to address them. You remember yourself what the year 1999 was like in the economy, in the security sphere, in the finance - in everything.

Dmitry Kiselev: You once said that preparing to enter Leningrad University was a turning point for you. This was the situation when you had to risk it all, knowing that either you do it now and cope and then be able to implement the plans that you had (and at that time you were already planning to work for the KGB) or you lose, and then everything is different and there is no chance. Is Russia now in the same situation when it has to risk it all?

Vladimir Putin: First, I was not in such situation then. Yes, I wanted to work in the state security agencies.

Dmitry Kiselev: The admission itself, it was kind of momentous, this feeling, wasn't it? It's either this way or that?

Vladimir Putin: Not exactly. I just came to the reception desk and said, "I would like to work here. What do I need for this?"

The alternative was simple, I was told: you need to either get a higher education, and preferably a law degree, or serve in the army, or have at least three years of work experience but better serve in the army. If I hadn't enrolled at the university, I would have joined the army.

Well, perhaps, this would have been a longer way to the goal I set myself but it was there after all. There is always an alternative.

Dmitry Kiselev: But you entered with tension.

Vladimir Putin: Yes, of course, because after all, I studied at a school with a chemical and mathematical bias but here I had to take humanitarian subjects. I had to leave one thing and do another.

Yes, certainly, there was tension. I had to learn a foreign language on my own, specifically German, I had to study history, literature and so on.

Dmitry Kiselev: Russia is currently also at the crossroads: either everything works out or...

Vladimir Putin: Russia is not at the crossroads. It is on the strategic path of its development and will not deviate from its path.

Dmitry Kiselev: To what extent do you feel the support of Russian society in its new quality? After all, a new quality of Russian society has emerged.

Vladimir Putin: It was there, it just manifested itself. And it is very good that we have given this profound Russian society an opportunity to express itself. I have the feeling that people have been waiting for this for a long time, that an average person would be in demand by the country and the state, and that the fate of the country would depend on him. It is this feeling of inner connection with the Motherland, with the Fatherland, of one's importance in solving key tasks, in this case in the sphere of security, that has raised to the surface the strength of the Russian and other peoples of Russia.

Dmitry Kiselev: Does that recharge you?

Vladimir Putin: Always. It's not even a matter of someone being recharged, it's a matter of seeing the demands of society. This is the most important thing - to meet the demands of society.

Dmitry Kiselev: But it is time to recognise that you play a key role not only in Russia, but also in the world, because billions of people associate with you the hope for international justice, for the defence of human dignity, for the protection of traditional values. How does it feel to feel that level of responsibility?

Vladimir Putin: To tell you the truth, I don't feel it at all. I am simply working in the interests of Russia, in the interests of our people. Yes, I understand what you are saying now, and I am ready to comment on it. But I don't feel like I'm some sort of master of the world's destinies. Believe me, nothing even close. I am just doing my duty to Russia and to our people, who consider Russia their Motherland.

As for other countries of the world, the way we are treated around the world is very closely related to this. That's what is interesting. It is a phenomenon, that's for sure.

What I would like to draw attention to. You are absolutely right here, many people in the world are looking at us, at what is happening in our country and in our struggle for our interests.

That's what I think is important. Why is this happening? Not because we are formally members of BRICS or because we have some kind of traditional relations with Africa. This is also important, but the point, in my opinion, is quite different. The point is that this so-called "golden billion" has been practically parasitising on other peoples for centuries, 500 years. They tore apart the unfortunate peoples of Africa, they exploited Latin America, they exploited the countries of Asia, and of course no one has forgotten that. I have the feeling that it is not even the leadership of these countries, although it is very important, but the ordinary citizens of these countries feel in their hearts what is happening.

They associate our struggle for our independence and true sovereignty with their aspirations for their own sovereignty and independent development. But this is aggravated by the fact that there is a very strong desire in Western elites to freeze the current unjust state of affairs in international affairs. They've spent centuries filling their bellies with human flesh and their pockets with money. But they must realise that the vampire ball is ending.

Dmitry Kiselev: Are you alluding to their, as you put it in your Address, colonial manners? That's what you're saying.

Vladimir Putin: That's the way it goes.

Dmitry Kiselev: But now you have painted a perfectly fair picture of people seeing some hope in Russia. How is it that Western propaganda, with all its power, its colossal resources and tools, has failed to banish Russia, isolate it and create a false image of it, although it strived to do so in the heads of billions of people? How did that happen?

Vladimir Putin: Because what I just said is more important to people. People all over the world feel it in their hearts. They don't even need any pragmatic explanations for what is happening.

Dmitry Kiselev: You mean despite the wave of this dirt?

Vladimir Putin: Yes. In their own countries they also deceive people, and it has an effect. They - in many countries - believe that this is in their interests because they don't want to have such a huge country like Russia on their borders. The largest in the world in terms of territory, the largest in Europe in terms of population - not such a large population in the global dimension, not comparable to China or India, but the largest in Europe - and now also the fifth largest economy in the world. What do they need such a competitor for? They think: no, it is better, as some American specialists have suggested, to divide it into three, four, or five parts - it will be better for everyone. They proceed from that.

And part of, at least, Western elites, blinded by their Russophobia, were delighted when they brought us to the line after which our attempts to stop the war unleashed by the West in Ukraine in 2014 by force began, when we switched to conducting a special military operation. They even rejoiced, I think. Because they believed that now they would finish us off, now, under this barrage of sanctions, practically a sanctions war declared against us, with the help of Western weapons and war through Ukrainian nationalists, they would finish off Russia. Hence the slogan: "To inflict a strategic defeat on Russia on the battlefield".

But later came the realisation that it was unlikely, and still later - that it was impossible. And they came to understand that instead of a strategic defeat, they are faced with powerlessness, a powerlessness despite the fact that they were relying on the might of the all-powerful United States. They felt frustrated seeing the unity of the Russian people, the fundamentals of the Russian financial and economic system and its sustainability, and before the growing capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

It was then that they - those who are slightly smarter than others - started to think that the policy towards the Russian Federation has to be changed. It was then that the idea to resume the negotiation process, to find ways to end this conflict, to search for where real interests of Russia lie, appeared. These people are dangerous, by the way, because it is easier to handle people who are guided by such basic urges.

Do you remember what our ancestors used to say? What the dayatoaday happiness for many people was? To be full, drunk and with one's nose in tobacco. Right? It is easier to deal with such people when they are full, drunk, in other words, you have eaten and drunk enough. "Nose in tobacco" means they used snuff tobacco. Now it is more like "nose in cocaine." It is all the same, though, such people are just easier to deal with. As for smart people, it's different. Such people are more dangerous because they influence people's minds, including in our society. They will be offering their own wants and wishes as some sort of "lures" for us.

You already emphasised it when you asked about the possibility of negotiations. But still. This is the root of the disagreement within the Western society. This is clear, we can see this.

We are not going to cause divisions. They will manage to do it brilliantly on their own. However, we are going, without any doubt, to make sure our interests are met.

Dmitry Kiselev: I cannot but ask. These attacks on the Belgorod and Kursk regions are military action going on in our regions. They act bolder. Do they feel something? What's causing this?

Vladimir Putin: The explanation is very simple. This is happening against the backdrop of setbacks at the line of contact, at the front line. They achieved none of the goals they had set last year. What is more, our Armed Forces have fully regained the initiative now. Everybody knows this, everybody admits this. I think I will say nothing new in this regard. They have to demonstrate at least something given the setbacks. Mainly, they want to focus the attention on how the situation is represented in the media.

The enemy attempted to attack our state borders with subversive groups, first and foremost. The latest report of the General Staff says something up to 300 people, including foreign mercenaries. The enemy's losses amounted to more than 200 people, around 230. The enemy lost seven tanks out of eight that they used, nine armoured vehicles out of nine, seven of them made in the United States, they are Bradleys. They used other armoured vehicles as well, but mainly for the transportation of the personnel: they drove them to the site, dropped them and left immediately. That is what happens at the border with Belgorod. A little southwards if I am not mistaken, in a particular place, less people are involved. Nevertheless, the main goal - I have no doubts about this - is if not to disrupt the elections in Russia, then at least to hinder the normal course of citizens' expressing their will. This is the first thing.

The second thing. It is the information effect, as I have said.

The third thing. It is their wish to obtain anything, a chance, an argument or leverage in a potential future negotiation process: we will return you this, you will return us that.

But I have said that it is easier to talk to people who are guided by the approach "full, drunk and with their nose in you-know-what" because one can anticipate what these people are going to do next. They will also attempt something similar in other areas as well but we see through them.

Dmitry Kiselev:We mentioned the incident when you saved children from the fire. You already have grandchildren. What kind of country would you like to leave to your grandchildren?

Vladimir Putin: You know, we have to achieve everything that was stated in the Address to the Federal Assembly several days ago as a first step. We have big plans. They are very specific in economic and social spheres, as well as in supporting mothers, children, families with children, the elderly. We rarely talk about it these days, or do not talk at all, yet we always allocate appropriate resources for this as well. It includes indexation of pensions, various benefits, longaterm care for people who need it.

I would like to say that it's thanks to the elderly people that today we have a strong and stable statehood and economy, among other things. That is why, despite all the upheavals and direst trials our economy went through in the 1990s, it pulled through thanks to their heroic labour after the Great Patriotic War and during the economic revival. That is why we must never forget about this, about the achievements of the previous generations. We must always remember it while ensuring appropriate well-being for them. The future is in our children, that is why I have mentioned programmes to support mothers and children.

All this can be achieved only on the basis of the economy. I expect it to become more technologically advanced, modern, and be based on the achievements of science and technology, information technology, artificial intelligence, robotics, genetics and do on. Our agriculture is developing at fantastic rates. It also needs up-to-date technologies. They are actively used and will continue to be used moving forward.

Of course, the country will be self-sufficient in ensuring its security and defence. Together, we will have to multiply all of that to secure our future.

Dmitry Kiselev: Thank you, Mr President. Your confidence inspires. I wish you success in your noble pursuits.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

Dmitry Kiselev: Thank you.

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Russia 'ready' for nuclear war: Putin warns West

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 13 March 2024 11:06 AM

President Vladimir Putin has warned the Western countries that Russia is "fully prepared" for a nuclear war, emphasizing that any deployment of United States troops to Ukraine would be regarded as a substantial escalation of the ongoing military operation.

"From a military-technical point of view, we are, of course, ready," Putin told Rossiya-1 television and news agency RIA in response to a question whether the country was really ready for a nuclear war.

In line with the country's security doctrine, he said on Wednesday that Moscow is ready to use nuclear weapons in case of a threat to "the existence of the Russian state, our sovereignty and independence."

"Weapons exist in order to use them," Putin said. "If the United States conducts nuclear tests, Russia might do the same," he added.

Putin, 71, stated that the US was aware that any deployment of American troops on Russian soil or in Ukraine would be regarded by Russia as "interventionists."

"(In the US) there are enough specialists in the field of Russian-American relations and in the field of strategic restraint," Putin said.

"Therefore, I don't think that here everything is rushing to it (nuclear confrontation), but we are ready for this." "From the military-technical viewpoint, we're prepared."

Putin has already sent a series of public nuclear warnings to the US aimed at discouraging greater involvement in Ukraine, which would mark a "slide into world war."

As shortage of Western ammunition bites Ukraine, US Central Intelligence Agency Director William Burns warned earlier this week that if the West did not provide proper support for Ukraine, Kiev would lose more territory to Russia, which would embolden Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The Russia president also said said the country was ready for serious talks on Ukraine.

"Russia is ready for negotiations on Ukraine, but they should be based on reality - and not on cravings after the use of psychotropic drugs," Putin said.

In his state-of-the-nation address last month, he issued the latest cautionary statement, alerting the West that escalating its participation in the conflict in Ukraine could potentially lead to a nuclear war.

The conflict has caused the deepest downfall in Russia's relation with the West since the 1962 Cuban missile crisis.

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Navalny's Widow Calls Putin A 'Gangster' Unworthy To Be Recognized As President

By RFE/RL March 13, 2024

Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny, said President Vladimir Putin is a "gangster" and Western governments should not recognize him as the legitimate leader of Russia after his inevitable reelection in the presidential vote that begins on March 15.

In an op-ed published on March 13 in The Washington Post, Navalnaya called Putin a corrupt leader who has falsified elections and killed, imprisoned, or forced out all his critics.

"Putin is not a politician, he's a gangster," Navalnaya wrote.

She said Putin hated her husband precisely because he openly described him and his allies as gangsters who seized power "only for their own enrichment and to fulfill their personal ambitions."

Navalnaya, whose husband died last month from unexplained circumstances at the age of 47 in an Arctic prison where he was serving a 19-year sentence, again said that he was murdered on Putin's direct order. World leaders and Russian opposition activists have also blamed Putin. The Kremlin has denied involvement in his death.

Navalny's widow said she wrote the op-ed to convey a "few important things that Aleksei had been trying to say all these years" before Russians begin voting.

Navalnaya said governments must fundamentally change their view of Putin, who is facing no serious opponent in the election and is certain to sweep to another six-year term.

Those who look at Putin as a mafia boss "will grasp his brutality, cynicism, penchant for violence, fondness for ostentatious luxury -- and his willingness to lie and kill" and therefore should dismiss the idea that he is a legitimate political leader.

She urged countries not to recognize the results of the March 15-17 elections to give a signal to civil society in Russia and the elites that Russia is "ruled not by a president recognized by all, but by someone who is despised and publicly condemned."

Those who remain loyal to Putin will then start to see that the one way to return to normal economic and political life is to get rid of him, she said.

She also argued for the maximum expansion of sanctions against the most prominent Putin-allied politicians, businessmen, civil servants, and law enforcement officials.

"By depriving thousands of influential figures of their capital and assets, you lay the groundwork for internal divisions -- and ultimately the collapse of the regime," she said.

The United States and the European Union have imposed sanctions on hundreds of entities and individuals since Russian launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022 in an effort to punish Russia and force an end to the war, but Moscow thus far has managed to overcome the sanctions in part with the support of friendly trading partners such as China.

Navalnaya said political leaders in the West should help all Russians who stand up against Putin by not recognizing the results of the elections and by no longer recognizing Putin as the legitimate president of Russia.

"The world must finally realize that Putin is not who he wants to appear to be," she said.

With reporting by The Washington Post

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-election-putin-gangster- navalnaya-navalny/32860613.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 Ready With Nuclear Response If Sovereignty Threatened, Putin Warns

By RFE/RL's Russian Service March 13, 2024

President Vladimir Putin, speaking two days before the start of an election he is expected to easily win, has issued his latest of many warnings that Russia is ready to use nuclear weapons if its sovereignty is threatened, saying he hopes Washington will not do anything to trigger such a conflict.

In an interview broadcast on Russian state television on March 13, Putin, who faces no real challengers in his bid to win another six-year term in office, said he doesn't think the world is headed toward a nuclear conflict, but that his country is in full readiness and "from the military-technical viewpoint, we're prepared."

Since launching the full-scale invasion of Ukraine just over two years ago, Putin has often warned of a nuclear option in the war, including during his state-of-the-nation address last month.

"Weapons exist in order to use them. We have our own principles," Putin said in the interview, adding that he is ready to use nuclear weapons if there is a threat to "the existence of the Russian state, our sovereignty and independence."

Putin added that there was no need at present to use nuclear weapons in the war against Ukraine, though in a thinly veiled reference to NATO and its allies, he said, "the nations that say they have no red lines regarding Russia should realize that Russia won't have any red lines regarding them either."

With his tight grip on politics, media, law enforcement, and other levers, the 71-year-old Russian leader, who has ruled Russia as president or prime minister since 1999, is certain to win the March 15-17 election barring a very big, unexpected development.

Russian elections are tightly controlled by the Kremlin and are neither free nor fair but are viewed by the government as necessary to convey a sense of legitimacy.

During the election campaign Putin has repeatedly argued that the war in Ukraine, which the Kremlin mandates be called a "special military operation," was necessary to prevent Kyiv from posing a major security threat to Moscow by joining NATO.

With the war still grinding along almost 25 months later -- costing both sides tens of thousands of lives -- Putin said Russia would be willing to negotiate on Ukraine, but only if it is done on the basis of "reality."

Ukraine recovered much of the territory Russia initially seized in 2022. However, Kyiv's much-anticipated 2023 counteroffensive failed to make much progress, raising concerns the war had reached a stalemate.

Experts say that a negotiated settlement now would only benefit Russia, cementing its gains to date in Ukraine and allowing it to reconstitute its forces for a future attack. Such experts say Putin has not given up hope of conquering all of Ukraine.

"Are we ready for negotiations? Yes, we are ready, but only ready for negotiations, not based on some desires after the use of psychotropic drugs, but based on the realities that have developed, as they say in such cases, on the ground," Putin said.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-putin- nuclear-threat/32859972.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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Lithuania Says Hammer Attack On Navalny Aide 'Likely' Organized By Russia

By Current Time March 13, 2024

Lithuania said an attack in Vilnius on Leonid Volkov, a former close aide to late Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, "likely" organized by Moscow as part of a series of provocations in the Baltic country aimed at intimidating President Vladimir Putin's opponents abroad.

Volkov was attacked late on March 12 with a meat hammer by an unidentified assailant in the Lithuanian capital, leaving him bloodied, with a broken arm and other injuries.

Lithuania's intelligence services said on March 13 that the assault was "likely" an operation "organized and implemented by Russia, the purpose of which was to stop the implementation of Russian opposition projects."

President Gitanas Nauseda took that assessment a step further, saying the attack was clearly preplanned and appeared to be related to other provocations against Lithuania, where Volkov, Navalny's ex-chief of staff and a former chairman of the Kremlin critic's Anti-Corruption Foundation, has lived since going into exile in 2019 as he feared for his security in Russia.

"I can only say one thing to Putin: Nobody is afraid of you here," Nauseda said in commenting on the attack.

Russian dissidents who have fled their homeland amid a brutal crackdown on dissent by Putin have often warned they are being targeted with threats and attacks.

The death of Navalny -- Putin's most vocal critic -- last month while being held in an Arctic prison on convictions widely seen as politically motivated has only served to heighten those fears.

Volkov told the independent Meduza media outlet just hours before the attack that he felt a growing sense of unease over his safety since Navalny's death under suspicious circumstances was announced on February 16.

"The main risk now is that we will all be killed," he told Meduza.

Still, Volkov vowed to continue his fight against Putin despite the attack.

"I will keep working and I won't give up," Volkov said in a video released on his Telegram channel after being discharged from a Vilnius hospital.

"They wanted to turn me into a steak. Naturally, with a meat hammer. A man attacked me right in the front yard of my house," Volkov said.

"He hit my leg 15 times, but somehow, my leg remained intact. It hurts to walk, but they say that there is no fracture. However, he broke my arm," Volkov said, adding that this was a "characteristic gangster greeting from Putin."

Meduza quoted journalist Sergei Parkhomenko as saying Volkov lived in a small community on the outskirts of Vilnius. Police had cordoned off the road where the attack occurred and continued their investigation as of midday on March 13.

Lithuanian police commissioner Renatas Pozela said on March 13 that law enforcement officers were devoting "massive resources" to investigate the attack, which sent shock waves across the tiny Baltic state, which is flanked by Russian ally Belarus to the east, and the Russian exclave of Kalliningrad to the west.

"News about Leonid's assault are shocking. Relevant authorities are at work. Perpetrators will have to answer for their crime," Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

The chairman of the Lithuanian parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee, Zygimantas Pavilionis, told the Delfi news agency that the attack on Volkov showed Lithuania must provide Russian and Belarusian opposition politicians and activists living in the country with protection and safety.

Lawmaker and former cabinet minister Giedrius Surplys said Putin "just reminded us that his arms are long, and even Lithuania, which has turned into an asylum for Russian and Belarusian opposition, is not safe."

"I would say [the attack] is linked to the upcoming presidential election in Russia, where Putin is doing his best to demonstrate his power by murdering Navalny [in prison last month] and now demonstrating it abroad," Surplys said.

The attack was first reported by Kyra Yarmysh, Navalny's former spokeswoman and the secretary of his Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), who said on X that an unidentified man broke the window of Volkov's car and sprayed tear gas in his eyes before proceeding to hit him with a meat hammer.

Photos of the injured Volkov and his damaged car were also posted on Navalny's team on Telegram.

FBK director Ivan Zhdanov later published a photo of the politician being carried into an ambulance on a stretcher.

With reporting by Meduza, Delfi, and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/navalny-aide- volkov-attacked/32859028.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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Damage is seen to two barbecue grills outside Horn Barbecue on Mandela Parkway in Oakland after a fire in November. The restaurant will not reopen at this location, owner Matt Horn announced. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle A tray of meat rests on a smoker at Horn Barbecue in 2020, the year the restaurant opened. Owner Matt Horn said he plans to reopen, but at a different location. Noah Berger/Special to The Chronicle

One of the Bay Areas top barbecue restaurants will not reopen at its West Oakland location.

Last year, a fire caused extensive damage at Horn Barbecue, forcing the restaurant to shut down temporarily. Owner Matt Horn announced on Instagram Thursday morning that he is leaving his Mandela Parkway location, citing fire damage along with other stressors like vandalism and crime in the area.

The decision was made with a heavy heart, Horn wrote in his message, adding he is searching for a new location for the restaurant. Despite these setbacks, our resolve has not been weakened.

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A fire severely damaged the restaurant at 2534 Mandela Parkway early on Nov. 22. The restaurant was red tagged shortly after. An investigation into the fire is ongoing, Oakland Fire Department spokesperson Michael Hunt said.

The incident happened just days after Horn posted on social media that vandals had attempted to break into his food trailer. A GoFundMe campaign launched shortly after the fire with a goal of $200,000 to reopen the restaurant.

In his statement on the closure, Horn said that the building had been compromised by squatters and its piping had been stripped. The Oakland Police Department did not immediately locate reports of vandalism at the site since November. Since the fire, the city has received two 311 complaints of illegal dumping associated with the address.

In response to emailed questions, Horn wrote that he was actively in conversation for a new location but did not specify where.

In February, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors approved a $100,000 grant for Horn Barbecue to mitigate the negative economic impact experienced from COVID-19. The funds came from the American Rescue Plan Act signed by President Joe Biden. The restaurant applied for the grant citing drastic losses during the pandemic.

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The restaurant has not yet received the funds, Horn said.

Horn Barbecue opened in 2020 to long lines and praise for its Texas-style barbecue, including a spot on the Chronicles top barbecue list and James Beard award nominations. Horn operates two more Oakland restaurants: the burger- and steak-focused Mattys Old Fashioned and fried chicken sandwich spot Kowbird.

Jessica Flores contributed additional reporting.
Syria: Statement by the High Representative on the 13th anniversary of the beginning of the conflict

European External Action Service (EEAS)

13.03.2024

Syria

EEAS Press Team

Today marks thirteen years since peaceful protests began throughout Syria and were brutally repressed by the Assad regime, provoking a conflict which continues to this day.

This unsolved conflict should not be forgotten. It remains a crisis that has terrible consequences for the Syrian people and a destabilising impact on the region.

The European Union reiterates its call for a sustainable and comprehensive political solution for Syria in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254 (UNSCR 2254), as the only viable way forward. The European Union supports the continuous efforts of UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen to advance on all aspects of this resolution. We insist on the necessity for Damascus to deliver on its obligations under UNSCR 2254 and we call for an urgent resumption of the Constitutional Committee, which has not met since 2022.

A whole generation of young Syrians has only known their home country in conflict. The Syrian conflict claimed well over 400 000 lives and deprived millions of Syrians of their homes, with 6.6 million registered refugees abroad and another 6.8 million people displaced within Syria.

In this context, the European Union welcomes the recent establishment by the UN General Assembly of a new Independent Institution on Missing Persons and stands ready to support it. Accountability must be ensured for human rights abuses and grave violations of international humanitarian law committed by all parties, in particular by the Syrian regime and its allies.

The European Union and its Member States remain the largest donor for the Syrian people, having mobilised over EUR 30 billion since 2011. The European Union is organising the 8th Brussels Conference on "Supporting the future of Syria and the region" on 30 April and 27 May 2024, which remains essential to generate donors' pledges for assistance to Syrians and their host communities, to reaffirm the international community's commitment to a political transition in line with UNSCR 2254 and to engage with Syrian civil society.



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Maintaining cross-strait status quo most important task: Lai

ROC Central News Agency

03/13/2024 08:46 PM

Taipei, March 13 (CNA) Vice president and president-elect Lai Ching-te (ea) said Wednesday during a meeting with a visiting delegation of scholars from Washington DC that his most important political task was to maintain the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.

Lai, who is set to take office on May 20, said at the event held at the Presidential Office that whether it be G7 leaders, the U.S. president, or other international leaders, all of them recognize that maintaining peace and stability in the Strait is essential to maintaining global security and prosperity.

"Our responsibility is to do our utmost to build peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific," he said, adding that he hopes the world will continue to pay attention to the strait because peace and stability in the region can only be maintained through Taiwan cooperating with the international community.

He went on to say that because 2024 is a blockbuster election year, the eyes of the world were on Taiwan's presidential and legislative elections two months ago as they waited to see what decisions the Taiwanese people would make under pressure from China.

Lai said that Taiwan faces a direct threat from China. He added that despite China interfering in the elections, Taiwanese people still cast their ballots in a way that shows they wish to continue collaborating with other democratic countries.

Lai noted that due to the unstable political and economic situation in China and the deteriorating business environment, many Taiwanese businesses have left China and relocated to the United States, Japan, Europe, and the Indo-Pacific region.

Taiwanese businesses will also be able to develop and expand if the island nation integrates more with the regional economy, Lai said.

Meanwhile, Lai said he was happy get the chance to meet with the delegation again, and expressed his gratitude for their long-term support, as well as the attention the scholars are paying to peace and stability in the strait.

The delegation included Bonnie Glaser, the Managing Director of the Indo-Pacific Program at the German Marshall Fund, the Managing Director of Eurasia Group's China practice John Rick Waters, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute Zack Cooper, and the Freeman Chair in China Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Jude Blanchette.

Also on Wednesday, President Tsai Ing-wen (ee) met with the Center for American Progress Chair Thomas A. Daschle at the head of a delegation in the Presidential Office.

Tsai noted that Taiwan and the U.S. not only share values of democracy, freedom, and human rights but are also important trade partners.

Tsai said that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, which is an important foundation for both sides and a symbol of the stable friendship between Taiwan and the U.S.

The Indo-Pacific region is facing increasing authoritarian threats and Taiwan, on the frontline, has faced significant challenges which have been compounded by those arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and extreme weather, Tsai said.

She said that democratic countries can only overcome these challenges through collaboration.

She expressed the hope that the double taxation on American and Taiwanese businesses and individuals would be scrapped as soon as possible, particularly given that the two countries have signed the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade.

(By Wen Kuei-hsiang and Evelyn Yang)

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Minister apologizes for evidence collection lapse in Kinmen boat deaths

ROC Central News Agency

03/13/2024 09:10 PM

Taipei, March 13 (CNA) Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) Minister Kuan Bi-ling (cccZ) apologized Wednesday for the Coast Guard's shortcomings in evidence collection during a fatal boat chase off Taiwan-held Kinmen last month, which left two Chinese nationals dead and subsequently heightened tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

Facing strong public criticism of the OAC's handling of the case on Feb. 14, Kuan admitted in a legislative session that inadequate evidence collection has resulted in public concern and emotional distress for the affected families.

"This incident was profoundly tragic, and we wish to express deep sorrow, regret, and condolences," Kuan said.

As a result, she said, the OAC has directed the Coast Guard Administration (CGA), which it oversees, to establish a committee for a thorough review aimed at enhancing duty management, equipment installation, and evidence collection, among others.

The incident occurred when the CGA responded to the presence of a Chinese speedboat that had entered prohibited waters off the eastern coast of Kinmen.

According to the CGA, the Chinese boat refused its request to board and inspect the vessel and later fled, setting off a high-speed chase which ended when the escaping boat made a sudden right turn and the patrol vessel collided into it.

The force of the collision caused the speedboat to capsize, throwing its crew of four into the water, of which two were rescued and the other two were found unconscious and later declared dead, the CGA said.

The accident sparked a furious reaction from China, while the CGA was slow to provide its own account of what happened.

The agency has said it does not have video footage of the incident, and only admitted on Feb. 22 -- eight days after it occurred -- that there had been a collision.

The evidence the CGA says it does have, including audio recordings and radar data relating to the chase, has been turned over to Kinmen prosecutors, who requested that it not be made public as the investigation is ongoing, the agency said.

During the legislative session, Kuan said, the OAC has identified a shortage in the number of recording devices and will rectify the problem by supplementing its inventories by the end of this year.

(By Wang Cheng-chung and Lee Hsin-Yin)

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Philippine port expansion would help Taiwan in cross-strait conflict: Experts

ROC Central News Agency

03/13/2024 09:03 PM

Taipei, March 13 (CNA) A United States-funded project to expand a Philippine civilian port facing a strategically crucial channel could assist U.S. allies in the Pacific, including Taiwan, in the event of a conflict with China, military experts have said.

Kyodo News on March 9 reported that work to expand the port facing the Bashi Channel, a project first announced in 2023, was underway.

The report cited Governor of Batanes Marilou Cayco as saying at a Philippine Navy event, also on March 9, that the plan, developed in coordination with the Philippine military, aimed to help Filipinos leave Taiwan in the event of a cross-strait crisis.

The U.S. Army is set to arrive in late April to further discuss the new facility, the report quoted Cayco as saying.

Batanes is the northernmost province of the Philippines. One of its islands, Mavudis, is closest to Taiwan, located just 99 kilometers from Lanyu and about 142 km from Eluanbi, Taiwan's southernmost tip.

Su Tzu-yun (ece), a research fellow at Taiwan's Institute for National Defense and Security Research (INDSR), told CNA Tuesday that despite the port's stated function, it is really a preventative move by the U.S. to bolster its crisis management ability.

The planned Philippine port does not signal an increased risk of war between Taiwan and China but is rather part of the U.S. deterrence strategy targeting China.

Guermantes Lailari, a visiting researcher at the INDSR, agreed that the expansion of the port was a "defensive act" by the U.S. and the Philippines, and did not necessarily signal a rising risk of a cross-strait conflict.

The port could function as a commercial port but it could also be used for military purposes if needed, explained Lailari, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel. He added that the Philippines wanted to expand the port, which is "very small," so it can handle larger ships.

On the strategic significance of the port's expansion, Su said it would enable the U.S. to blockade People's Liberation Army (PLA) forces from reaching waters east of Taiwan proper through the Bashi Channel.

According to Su, the port also relates to Taiwan and Japan's strategy of blocking China from crossing the so-called First Island Chain, a string of islands that run from the Japanese archipelago, through Taiwan, the Philippines and on to Borneo, Indonesia.

The Philippines has also deployed BrahMos anti-ship missiles in Basco on Batan Island. This move, along with Japan deploying anti-ship missile systems in the Miyako Strait on Yonaguni and Miyako islands, and Taiwan's Hsiung Feng anti-ship missiles, forms a north-south blockade against China, Su explained.

Lailari said the port was part of a grand strategy covering the northern and southern parts of Taiwan, referencing the deployments of Japan Self Defense Forces and their anti-ship capabilities near the Senkaku Islands in the north.

The Batanes port is strategic given its proximity to Taiwan and the fact that U.S. forces can operate from it, he said.

In addition, under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the United States and the Philippines, which was signed in 2014, the U.S. can also access nine other sites, he said.

If China invaded Taiwan, the PLA would need to send forces through the Bashi Strait to the east of the country to stop incoming support from the U.S. and Taiwan's other allies, he said.

The port's location could be great for intelligence collection and monitoring PLA ship and aircraft movements, for example, the Philippines and its allies could set up a radar site, he explained.

In the future, should there be a need for power projection from the Philippines in support of Taiwan, Batanes would also be an ideal location from which forces, equipment, or weapons could be sent, he said.

The port expansion shows that the U.S. is helping Taiwan's neighbors prepare for conflict, he said.

"By increasing defense, you're also increasing deterrence," he said.

"This sends a message to Communist China that the U.S. is serious. And hopefully, [Chinese President] Xi Jinping (cea) will decide not to do anything," he said.

(By Sean Lin)

Enditem/kb

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14 Chinese warplanes enter Taiwan's ADIZ: Defense ministry

ROC Central News Agency

03/13/2024 04:51 PM

Taipei, March 13 (CNA) Fourteen Chinese military aircraft were detected in Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) Wednesday morning, including nine that crossed the Taiwan Strait median line or its extension, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND).

The 14 aircraft included unspecified numbers of J-10 fighter jets, Y-8 transport aircraft, and drones, which were detected between 7 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., the MND said in a statement.

An ADIZ is a self-declared area in which a country claims the right to identify, locate, and control approaching foreign aircraft but is not part of its territorial airspace as defined by international law.

The aircraft, along with People Liberation Army (PLA) ships, were on a routine "joint combat readiness patrol" mission, the MND said.

The military kept close tabs on the PLA aircraft and vessels and took appropriate measures by deploying combat air patrol vehicles, ships, and coastal missile systems, it said.

In a separate statement on Wednesday, the MND said that 10 PLA aircraft were detected in Taiwan's ADIZ in the 24 hours starting at 6 a.m. on March 12.

Of those planes, four crossed the strait's median line or its extension and entered the country's southwestern and eastern ADIZ, the MND said.

According to flight routes released by the MND, a Chinese drone flew deep into Taiwan's southern ADIZ before reaching an airspace off the southeastern coast and turning back.

Meanwhile, nine PLA ships were operating in waters around the country, the MND said.

The MND responded according to its standard protocols by deploying combat air patrol vehicles, ships, and coastal missile systems, it said.

(By Sean Lin)

Enditem/kb

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Mainland warns of further measures if DPP continues to evade and stall in handling fatal fishing boat incident

Global Times

By Wang Qi Published: Mar 13, 2024 07:18 PM

If the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities continue to evade the issue and stall in solving the problem, we will take further measures, and all consequences will be borne by Taiwan authorities, a Chinese mainland spokesperson warned on Wednesday, a month after a brutal expulsion of a mainland fishing boat by the Taiwan coast guard caused the deaths of two mainland fishermen on February 14.

Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said at a press briefing on Wednesday that it has been 30 days since the vicious incident took place, but the Taiwan authorities have not yet given a convincing account of the process and the truth of the incident. He said the DPP authorities' previous responses to public doubts "were inconsistent, full of loopholes."

With a stubborn adherence to "Taiwan independence" position and a confrontational mind-set, DPP authorities disregard the historical fact that fishermen from both sides operate in traditional fishing areas in the Taiwan Straits, and their violent and dangerous treatment of mainland fishermen was the main reason for the fatal incident, Chen said.

But so far, the family members of victims have not received an apology, nor have they been offered a single piece of the truth, as Taiwan authorities are still delaying the resolution by means of so-called investigation procedures, and shirking its responsibility by means of "law enforcement." This is truly heartless, ruthless and unjustifiable, Chen remarked.

Also on Wednesday, Kuan Bi-ling, head of Taiwan's "ocean affairs council," apologized for their poor handling, saying there is no on-site video for the probe, which has made them unable to win public trust and caused the families of the victims to suffer for so long.

Since the fatal incident took place on February 14, there have been 15 rounds of cross-Straits negotiations, but so far no broad consensus has been reached. Mainland personnel have returned to Quanzhou, East China's Fujian Province.

After the 15th round of talks, Taiwan's coast guard department on March 5 accused the mainland of making demands that were "not in line with the legal system of the Taiwan side," making it impossible for the two sides to reach a consensus.

In response, Chen said that only when the DPP authorities correct their attitude and show sincerity in solving the problem can the consultation on the incident be restarted.

If the DPP authorities keep evading the issue and stall for time, we will take further measures and all consequences will be borne by the Taiwan authorities, Chen stressed.

Nearly a month after the fishing boat incident, the mainland is warning Taiwan authorities that the matter is not over yet and that there is no chance for them to muddle through, Zhang Wensheng, deputy dean of the Taiwan Research Institute at Xiamen University, told the Global Times.

According to Zhang, the mainland's demand is clear, that is asking Taiwan authorities to clarify the truth, punish the murderer, apologize to the families of the victims and pay compensation. But the Taiwan authorities are only willing to negotiate on monetary compensation while dragging on other parts.

Chen told media that the measures the Chinese mainland will take subsequently depend on the attitude of the DPP authorities in dealing with the incident and how they respond to the families of the victims and concerns from compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits.

The relevant judicial departments of the mainland may, in accordance with the law, issue wanted notice for the relevant Taiwan coast guard personnel and punish them for violating human rights and illegally depriving others' lives, Zhang said.

In addition to the current coast guard patrol and fishing escort operations, the mainland coast guard can also regulate and restrict Taiwan's coast guard vessels and personnel when necessary, Zhang said.

We will not tolerate or condone the brutal acts of the DPP authorities, which disregard the lives and properties of mainland fishermen and hurt the feelings of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits, Chen said at the press briefing.

We once again solemnly demand that the Taiwan authorities to make public the truth as soon as possible, severely punish those responsible, apologize to the families of the victims, meet the reasonable demands of the victims' families, and give an explanation to them and compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits, Chen remarked.

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Mainland slams those creating information cocoons in Taiwan

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 15:09, March 13, 2024

BEIJING, March 13 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday said that those creating information cocoons on the island of Taiwan and smearing the mainland are truly frightening.

Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks in response to a media inquiry regarding a social media influencer from Taiwan who shared insights from his recent visit to Beijing and Shanghai, applauding the sophistication of science and technology on the mainland. The influencer's remarks received great support from netizens but met vehement attacks from internet trolls in Taiwan.

The mainland is not backward; rather, those lying with their eyes wide open are absolutely backward, the spokesperson said.

Noting that seeing is worth hearing a hundred times, he invited people on the island, particularly the youth, to visit the mainland and experience the place themselves.

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DPP slammed for dodging responsibility in handling fatal boat incident

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 15:00, March 13, 2024

BEIJING, March 13 (Xinhua) -- A mainland spokesperson on Wednesday condemned Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities for evading their responsibilities in the handling of a fatal boat incident.

Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks at a press conference on the incident of Feb. 14 when the Taiwan side's brutal expulsion of a mainland fishing boat resulted in injuries and deaths of the fishermen aboard.

Chen said up till now, the families of the fishermen have not received a single apology or any truth, while the Taiwan authorities have been delaying the resolution of the incident under the pretext of "investigation procedures."

"The Taiwan authorities are indeed heartless, unrighteous and unreasonable," the spokesperson said.

Chen urged the DPP authorities to approach the issue with the right attitude and to demonstrate sincerity in reaching a consensus to resume follow-up negotiations regarding the fatal incident. "It is a miscalculation that stalling tactics will help you get by."

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Speech by the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell in the EP plenary on the Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia

European External Action Service (EEAS)

13.03.2024

Strasbourg

EEAS Press Team

Speech delivered by Vice-President for Democracy and Demography, Dubravka A uica, on behalf of High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell

Good morning to everybody.

Dear President, Dear friends from Ukraine, Dear Honourable Members [of the European Parliament], Dear Minister [ for Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade of Belgium, Hadja Lahbib],

A generation of Ukrainian children has experienced more than a year of fear, loss, tragedy and violence.

They had to leave life as they know it behind them.

Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine is having a devastating effect on all Ukrainians, but especially on children.

The European Union is not silent in light of Russia's unlawful deportation or transfer of Ukrainian children.

This is a terrible crime, inflicting unimaginable suffering.

The perpetrators of these crimes must be held accountable.

These children must return to their families and to their communities.

To achieve this, the European Union fully supports a number of different initiatives.

The European Union participates in the Ukrainian initiative "Bring kids back UA", supported by President [of Ukraine, Volodymyr] Zelenskyy's office.

This initiative will unite efforts of the Ukrainian authorities, foreign governments and international organisations and works on returns, on accountability, and on prevention.

In Kyiv, the European Union is part of the "Group of friends on children and armed conflict in Ukraine" with other foreign missions.

The European Union will also continue to support and engage with the United Nations 's Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) mandate and welcomes Russia being included in its "list of shame" for the first time this year.

We welcome the launch of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children on the 3rd of February this year.

The European Union will continue to follow the work of the Coalition closely and is currently assessing how it can best support the Coalition and its activities.

The European Union is also fully committed to take all necessary efforts to ensure that those responsible for the crime of unlawful deportation or transfer of Ukrainian children are held accountable.

Seventeen Member States have so far opened investigations into international crimes committed in Ukraine, and the European Union is supporting these national investigations through strengthening judicial cooperation via Eurojust.

Six Member States and Ukraine are members of the Joint Investigation Team, to which the International Criminal Court (ICC) and Europol are participants.

In this vein, we warmly welcome and support the issuing of arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court.

The fact that the Court singled out the acts of unlawful forced deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children as the war crimes as a base for the first arrest warrants since the start of the Russian invasion, illustrates both the urgency and severity rightly attached to the issue.

The European Union has so far supported the ICC with over a10 million since the beginning of the invasion.

The Court is a key actor for consistency and enforcement of the international criminal justice system.

The European Union has been and continues to support the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine to strengthen its capacities to investigate and prosecute international crimes committed in Ukraine.

This also includes support for the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group, together with the United States and the United Kingdom.

We have financed the IT advancement of the Prosecutor General's Office with a4 million.

We are furthermore dedicated to support national investigations opened into international crimes committed in Ukraine.

In addition, the European Union is committed to improving the coordination of various support efforts to the Prosecutor General's Office through the international platform of the 'Dialogue Group'.

Dear Members, I look forward to today's exchange, thank you.

Link to the video (from 5:21): https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-254181

Closing remarks

Thank you, Chair. Honourable Members,

There is no need to repeat what has been said here this morning. But I have to say that I would subscribe [to] all the statements this morning but one which was really horrible. Horrible [statement] by a pro-Russian guy who tried to disseminate disinformation, fake news and propaganda. To hear this, it was disgusting.

The [European] Commission is committed to continue supporting the work of the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of aggression against Ukraine, via Eurojust. The Commission aims to secure long-term funding for this institution and welcomes that the United States will contribute to it with over $1 million.

Eurojust's Core International Crimes' evidence database is fully operational to support activities of the International Centre for the Prosecution of the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

The Commission, together with the European External Action Service (EEAS), is committed to taking forward the discussions on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the crimes against Ukraine.

This discussion has shown the magnitude of the commitments of all of us - all of us share the same commitment. We have to address the issue in a much heavier manner if I may say so.

Time is ticking and we all need to do our utmost to ensure that these children return to their families and communities.

The return of the missing Ukrainian children is of vital importance to us in our work, both in terms of political priority and through various initiatives that we will continue to support.

We must help millions of Ukrainian children overcome the terrible trauma that has been inflicted on them. To enable them to regain a sense of normality and to regain their childhood in the end.

Every child matters and every Ukrainian child represents [Ukraine's] future. This is a sentence which I will repeat: Ukraine cannot be rebuilt without its children.

In this vein, we must ensure that the Ukrainian reconstruction and reconstruction efforts, and national reform processes mainstream children's rights and needs throughout. This is something which I am also in charge of in my Demography portfolio.

Investing in children is an investment in Ukrainians' future, in Europe's future and in a safer world.

So, it is an investment in humanity.

To conclude, once again, Russia must be held accountable for these horrible acts.

The European Union is taking action. Sanctions have been imposed on 39 individuals for the deportations and for this forced transport of Ukrainian children.

We are trying. We keep drawing attention to these horrible acts - also in the international fora, which is also important. As I already said in my introductory statement, we cooperate under "Bring kids back UA".

So, together we can do more, and we are trying to do our best.

Thank you very much.

Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-254183

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Krisjanis Karins in a conversation with the UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron: immediate military support for Ukraine must continue

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

13.03.2024

On 13 and 14 March 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Krisjanis Karins, is on a working visit in London, the United Kingdom.

On 13 March, meetings took place with the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom, David Cameron, and the Chair of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee, Alicia Kearns. The Minister then participated in a round table discussion at a UK's think-tank, the Council on Geostrategy, and gave interviews to leading British media.

In a conversation with the Foreign Secretary David Cameron, Foreign Minister Krisjanis Karins thanked the UK for its contribution to the security of the Baltic Sea region and underlined the need to continue providing military support to Ukraine through strengthening cooperation in the military industry. The Drone Coalition led by Latvia and the UK was mentioned as an example of pursuit of that goal. "Our support to Ukraine must be enduring, reliable and resilient until Ukraine's victory in the war against Russia," the Latvian Foreign Minister underscored. The conversation also addressed preparations for the NATO summit in Washington this coming summer.

In a meeting with the Chair of House of Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee, Alicia Cairns, the Foreign Minister welcomed the active contacts between members of parliament from both countries. Krisjanis Karins discussed joint support for Ukraine and the need for a long-term strategy vis-a-vis Russia. The Minister briefed his British colleagues about a recent conference, "Russia's War Against Children", held in Latvia and he invited the UK to work together as part of an international coalition to raise awareness on the issue of return of the deported Ukrainian children.

In a roundtable on "United in support for Ukraine: Increasing defence capabilities" held at the Council on Geostrategy think-tank, Foreign Minister Karins highlighted the strengthening of the Allied military industries and unity in support of Ukraine as key factors for security across Europe.

During his visit to the UK, on 14 March, the Foreign Minister Krisjanis Karins is also scheduled to meet with the Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade, Nusrat Ghani, whose responsibilities include Ukraine's reconstruction.

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A new food hall at the IKEA-anchored mall on Market in San Francisco will open in April. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

A long-in-the-works food hall inside the IKEA-anchored mall in downtown San Francisco is almost ready to open, bringing 11 new places to eat and drink to Mid-Market.

Saluhall is scheduled to arrive at 945 Market St. in mid-April, per a company spokesperson, with a variety of offerings that include baked goods, cocktails, tacos and noodles. The two-story, 23,000-square-foot space can accommodate 450 seated customers and will anchor the mixed-use development that includes an IKEA store and a co-working space. (Ingka Centres, IKEAs real estate sister company, operates the property, which is collectively called the Meeting Place.)

Saluhall is placing an emphasis on vegetarian and vegan dishes from five local restaurants and six in-house vendors. Those local operators are Puerto Rican restaurant Casa Borinquena; Indian fusion chain Curry Up Now; popular Algerian spot and La Cocina incubator alum Kayma; top food truck Momo Noodle; and vegan taco shop Taqueria la Venganza.

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Expect to find dishes like Casa Borinquenas rice and peas with vegan chicken, along with spicy konjac noodles from Momo Noodle and Kaymas beet-marinated mushroom steak coated in ras-el-hanout spices. Despite the halls focus on vegetarian and vegan items, Momo Noodle, Kayma and Curry Up Now will offer dishes with meat and dairy products.

A noodle pull from Momo Noodle in San Francisco. The restaurant will have a presence in the new food court at the IKEA in San Francisco. Cesar Hernandez/The Chronicle

(Filipino pop-up and restaurant the Sarap Shop was previously expected to open at Saluhall. But a spokesperson for Saluhall confirmed Sarap Shop wont open at the hall, and instead launched a SoMa outpost.)

The opportunity to expand into the hall is an exciting one for La Venganzas chef-owner Raul Medina, who said his goal is to make vegan tacos ubiquitous. Medinas Saluhall location will offer a smaller menu than the East Bay location, focusing on tacos, burritos and nachos with his plant-based alternatives to carne asada, carnitas and chicken.

Despite regular talk of downtown San Franciscos major retailers leaving and its high office vacancy rate, Medina said the centers location is the perfect place to continue his goal and reach a new audience who might not be able to make regular trips across the Bay Bridge to his new Oakland taqueria.

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The space itself is amazing, he said of Saluhall. Its a place you can chill at for a while. With BART access nearby, he went on, it works for so many people.

From left: The vegan asada torta, vegan chicken burrito and vegan birria tacos at Taqueria La Venganza in Oakland. The vegan restaurant will run a location at Saluhall, a new food hall at the downtown IKEA Meeting Place mall. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

The newly confirmed operators join previously announced attractions. In September, center representatives publicized a bakery at the center from Claus Meyer, who started Copenhagens Noma, often cited as the worlds best restaurant, with famed chef Rene Redzepi. Now named Smorgasland, it will offer baked goods and Scandinavian-inspired meals, leaning toward vegetarian and vegan items. Meyers company consulted on the bakery, but will not be operating it; the chef is Mathias Andersen, previously of a now-closed Nordic food hall from Claus Meyer that operated in New York Citys Grand Central Terminal.

Saluhall will also include a cooking school, named Cooking Skola, set in the center of the venue and offering group and private classes. The school will be led by Kirsten Goldberg, former culinary director at the San Francisco Cooking School.

The adjacent IKEA location already includes two food offerings: the companys first U.S. Swedish Bite and Swedish Deli operations, which also highlight plant-based dishes. The upstairs Swedish Deli offers hot foods like fan-favorite Swedish meatballs, along with vegan alternatives like vegetable balls. Downstairs at street level, Swedish Bite sells to-go packs of frozen meatballs, cinnamon buns and beverages.

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Saluhall will also serve its own food, like plant-based soft serve and burgers, plus coffee from Oaklands Timeless Coffee and teas from Blue Willow Tea. The space will have several bars, including one called the Sauna, which will prepare cocktails, and a beer bar featuring an exclusive Nordic-style lager from Fort Point Beer Co.

Kerb, a hospitality company based in London, will run the food hall. The company was founded in 2012 and operates food halls like the English capitals popular Seven Dials Market.

We are proud to be given the opportunity to co-create with Ingka Centres and Claus Meyer a vision for a new type of food hall, said Ian Dodds, Kerbs co-founder and director, in a press release. Dodds staff tried several food offerings around the Bay Area in search of prospective vendors, he said.

That was the case for La Venganza. Medina says he was approached after Saluhall staff tried his food. He appreciates the hall giving local businesses a shot inside a high-profile venue.

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Its a good thing for San Francisco, he said.
Ukraine conducts wave of attacks in Russia, over 30 drones shot down

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 13 March 2024 1:21 PM

Ukraine has launched a wave of drone attacks on several border regions in Russia for a second day in a row, and Russian forces managed to detect and destroy over 30 drones.

The attacks have caused damage to infrastructure and housing in border regions, Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of the Belgorod region said Wednesday.

He said falling debris caused damage to a gas supply line in one village and cut off electricity to a couple of others.

"No one was injured," he wrote in a message on social media.

Several drones also landed on the site of an oil refinery in the Rostov region bordering Ukraine, said regional governor Vasily Golubev.

Kiev also launched drones at the Russian town of Shebekino, injuring one man and damaging a power line in the town and nearby villages.

More than 30 drones shot down over Russia

Russian forces detected and destroyed "more than 30 drones," over the territory of the Voronezh region overnight, said Voronezh regional governor Alexander Gusev.

"There are no casualties," he said. "All services are already on the ground."

On Tuesday night, Russian forces launched a missile strike in President Volodymyr Zelensky's hometown of Kryvyi Rih.

Zelensky said the attack would not go "unpunished."

Fighting has been raging in Ukraine for more than two years since Russia launched its "special military operation" in the country.

Ukraine's military is now facing a myriad of shortages, from artillery to air defenses, as its staunch ally, the United States, has failed to pass more military assistance since late year.

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Russia deploys 'game changer' weapon as US says Ukraine's ammo shortage costs dearly

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 13 March 2024 8:42 AM

Russia's air force has started deploying powerful aerial bombs to counter Ukraine amid Kiev's shortages of ammunition provided by the US and other Western allies.

The Russian defense ministry hailed FAB-500 glide munitions a "game-changer" in the Ukraine war for their destructive potential and deployment range of up to 80 kilometers.

It also deployed the FAB-1500, FAB-1500 - a 1.5-tonne weapon, nearly half of which consists of high explosives.

The bombs are equipped with a unified planning and correction module (UMPC), which turns regular free-falling bombs into guided glide munitions.

In addition to Russian drones, missiles, and artillery, glide bombs have introduced a fresh wave of destructive power to Moscow's operations in eastern Ukraine, exemplified by the recent seizure of the frontline city of Avdiivka.

According to Western experts, these upgraded explosives have demonstrated their remarkable effectiveness against Ukrainian forces, as the troops in Kiev struggle to counter such weaponry as US ammunition shortage bites.

"These bombs completely destroy any position. All buildings and structures simply turn into a pit after the arrival of just one," recalled one fighter of a Ukrainian assault brigade operating near Avdeevka, which was captured by Russian forces last month.

The Ukrainian military also uses guided bombs, including the US made Joint Direct Attack Munition system (JDAM).

But, unlike the Kremlin, Kiev's availability of arms in need is significantly limited.

US President Joe Biden's administration recently unveiled a fresh aid package worth up to $300 million for Ukraine, after facing a financial shortfall in providing weapons to the country two months ago.

The Biden administration confirmed in January that it had run out of those replenishment funds, "unanticipated savings" that the Pentagon negotiated in its weapons contracts freed up money for a new aid package, US national security advisor Jake Sullivan said on Tuesday in a White House press briefing.

"When Russian troops advance, and its guns fire, Ukraine does not have enough ammunition to fire back," Sullivan said. "That's costing terrain, it's costing lives, and it's costing us - the United States and the NATO alliance - strategically."

This comes as the approved Ukraine aid of $113 billion has already been utilized by the administration.

Meanwhile, the house of representatives, controlled by the Republicans, has resisted Biden's request for additional funds, arguing that he is only prolonging the conflict with Russia without providing a clear strategy to end the violence.

Sullivan emphasized Biden's plea for the House to pass a $95 billion emergency spending bill, which encompasses assistance for Ukraine, Israel, and Chinese Taipei - also known as Taiwan.

He highlighted that the "limited" aid package unveiled on Tuesday will solely sustain Ukraine's military capabilities for a brief duration, and it will not avert Ukraine from depleting its ammunition in the near future.

"The world is watching, the clock is ticking, and we need to see action as rapidly as possible, even as we do everything in our power to get Ukraine what it needs in its hour of need," Sullivan added.

Last month, Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky said his country has lost ground in recent months due an "artificial shortage" of weapons and urged allies to send arms to Kiev.

Moscow has repeatedly warned the West that flooding Ukraine with weapons and munitions will only prolong the war.

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After Outrage Over 'White Flag' Comment, Pope Condemns 'Madness Of War'

By RFE/RL March 13, 2024

Pope Francis has issued a fresh condemnation of all wars after angering Kyiv and Western governments earlier this week by suggesting that Ukraine should surrender and negotiate peace with Russia.

Speaking in general terms at his weekly audience at the Vatican on March 13, Francis said many young people die in war and added a prayer for "the grace to overcome this madness of war, which is always a defeat."

Francis, 87, caused an uproar by saying in an interview with Swiss broadcaster RSI released over the weekend that Ukraine should "show the courage of the white flag" and open talks to end the war with Russia.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's secretary of state and the pontiff's closest collaborator, tried to clarify the comments on March 12, saying in an interview that "the first condition" for peace is that Russia "put an end to its aggression."

Francis did not mention Ukraine in his audience on March 13 but said he had been given a rosary and a copy of the Gospels that had belonged to a man killed on the front line of a war.

Sister Lucia Caram, an Argentinian nun who met the pope before his audience, said on social media that the man was a 23-year-old Ukrainian soldier who died in Avdiyivka, which was captured by Russian forces last month.

The rosary had originally been blessed by the pope, and Sister Caram returned it to the pontiff, she said, according to Reuters. She added that Francis kissed it and appeared moved as "he loves Ukraine and suffers for the martyrdom of this people invaded and cruelly attacked."

Also on March 13, Francis marked the 11th anniversary of his election, a milestone recognized by Russia.

The Russian Embassy at the Vatican congratulated him on the anniversary, hailing the pope as a "true and sincere [advocate] of humanism, peace, and traditional values" in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Francis is "one of the few political leaders with a truly strategic viewpoint on world problems," the embassy said.

With reporting by Reuters, Vatican News, and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pope-ukraine-war-russia- white-flag/32860538.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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Ukraine's New War Strategy: Dig In, Hold On, Find More Soldiers, Hope For U.S. Weaponry

By Mike Eckel March 13, 2024

The Russians are advancing. The Ukrainians are digging.

Weeks after notching their biggest battlefield win in nearly a year, the capture of the industrial city of Avdiyivka, Russian forces are advancing -- in some places, slowly, in other places, quickly.

Ukrainian commanders are rushing to lay out defensive lines -- trenches, bunkers, "hedgehog" tank obstacles, dragon's teeth, mine fields -- defenses some experts say should have been built months ago. Military recruiters and logistics officers, meanwhile, are scrambling to find more men to replenish decimated and exhausted units.

The situation on the battlefield is grim for Ukraine, experts say, and the disruption of weaponry and supplies from the United States is making it grimmer. Russia has the momentum and nothing in the foreseeable future is likely to change that, according to military analysts.

"The situation for Ukrainian forces remains very difficult, marked by a multitude of factors such as delayed mobilization efforts, insufficient fortification construction, missteps during the 2023 campaign, and notably, a critical failure of partners to deliver promised ammunition despite previous commitments," according to a Ukrainian reserve officer who oversees an open-source intelligence organization with ties to the Ukrainian military and cannot speak publicly due to military restrictions.

"It's quite bad actually," said Konrad Muzyka, a Polish-based defense analyst who visited several locations in Ukraine near the front lines last week.

"The Ukrainians are absolutely in no position to significantly degrade Russian forward momentum," he told RFE/RL. "The Russians will slowly but steadily capture new villages and settlements. It definitely will not be blitzkrieg. But I think it's fair to say that...currently the Ukrainians are at the weakest, probably since mid-2022."

The Fall Of Avdiyivka

In one aspect of the Russian invasion, Ukraine has had extraordinary success: in the Black Sea.

On the battlefield, it's a different story.

Ukraine's highwater mark on the battlefield came in the waning months of 2022 with the recapture of the Kharkiv region in the northeast and the Kherson region, on the west bank of the Dnieper River, in the south.

For much of last year, guided by Western advisers, Western trainers, and Western intelligence, Ukrainian commanders prioritized building a new force structure that would spearhead a counteroffensive against Russian troops. Nine new brigades were trained and equipped with NATO weaponry; another five to eight other brigades were also organized by Ukrainian commanders, outfitted with Western weapons.

Ukrainian forces launched their offensive last June on the order of General Valeriy Zaluzhniy, the country's top military officer at the time, pushing forward in three places along the roughly 1,200-kilometer front line.

It didn't go well.

Russia's defenses -- dubbed the Surovikin Lines after the Russian general credited for ordering their creation -- proved far more formidable and sophisticated than Ukrainian commanders had anticipated. After advancing short distances and capturing a handful of villages, Ukrainian units bogged down in places like Robotyne, south of the city of Orikhiv.

By year's end, with the onset of winter, Ukrainian troops were stalemated, as Zaluzhniy suggested in a contentious article published in The Economist.

Last October, meanwhile, in Avdiyivka, home to what was once Ukraine's largest coking factory, Russian forces began their own push to take the heavily fortified city to keep Ukrainian forces for threatening the regional capital of Donetsk, less than 20 kilometers to the south. That initial effort, a pincer effort to encircle Ukrainian forces, failed.

By January, Russian forces had regrouped and over the following weeks, with heavy use of aircraft and powerful weapons like glide bombs, and utilizing underground tunnels, troops put Ukrainian units -- the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade was one of the main units that held the city -- in untenable positions.

Elite units, including the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, were dispatched to help hold Ukrainian lines, but by February 17 Ukrainian commanders announced the city was lost and pulled their forces out.

Some Western media reports say the withdrawal was chaotic and disorganized, and scores of Ukrainian soldiers may have been taken prisoner.

'The Year Without Building Defense Lines'

Since Avdiyivka's fall, Russian forces have pushed westward, moving rapidly in the days that followed but, more recently, slowing.

Experts point to Ukrainian defenses getting organized and Russian forces relying heavily on infantry attacks due to large armor losses in the capture of Avdiyivka; some estimates say Russia lost more than 600 pieces of heavy equipment -- tanks, armored personnel carriers, infantry transports -- and thousands of personnel.

"So far the enemy in unable to push through defensive lines in the Avdiyivka direction," Maksym Zhorin, deputy commander of Ukraine's 3rd Assault Brigade, said on March 6. "But they're constantly trying advance, and where possible trying to advance at least just a little. Most of all, now they are rubbing against the settlement of Orlivka. Here, [Russian troops] are suffering simply huge losses but still continue to storm both day and night."

As of March 12, open-source data showed Orlivka, which lies northwest of Avdiyivka, had been overrun by Russian forces.

Russian forces are also pressuring Ukrainian lines at Robotyne, in the Zaporizhzhya region; near Kupyansk, on the eastern edge of the Kharkiv region; and west of Bakhmut, another Donetsk region city that was reduced to rubble before Russian troops, with major casualties, captured it in May 2023,

'Stabilize The Front Line'

About a week prior to Avdiyivka's fall, Ukraine's top command was roiled when President Volodymyr Zelenskiy dismissed Zaluzhniy. He was replaced with the head of the country's ground forces, Colonel General Oleksandyr Syrskiy. Syrskiy ultimately gave the order to withdraw.

Syrskiy's replacement as ground forces commander, Lieutenant General Oleksandr Pavlyuk, last week suggested Ukrainian forces might be able to stage another offensive this coming year.

"Our task is to stabilize the front line, to destroy as much as possible, which we are doing, and to regroup as much as possible to withdraw the units that already need to be replenished and restored on the training ground, in order to create a strike group and conduct counterattacks this year," Pavlyuk said during a government-sponsored TV broadcast.

It's an open question whether a new counteroffensive will be possible. That's especially true as authorities rush to build defensive lines that critics say should have been built months ago.

Last November, as Russian forces pressured Avdiyivka, Zelenskiy announced that a series of new fortifications and defense would be built to the west of the city and in other locations.

"On all main fronts, we need to dig in, we need to speed up the pace of construction," Zelenskiy said on November 30.

"Ukraine does not have good secondary lines, it doesn't have something like the Surovikin Lines the Russians built last year," said Michael Kofman, another veteran military analyst at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. "In fact, Ukraine is quite behind on effectively entrenching across the front."

Russian forces may have momentum, Kofman said, but they also may find small areas where they're able to gradually poke through Ukrainian lines.

"It's potentially a slippery slope where you get like a death by a thousand cuts or essentially death by a thousand localized offensives," he said in a War On The Rocks podcast broadcast on February 24.

"Why was 2023 the year without building defense lines?" asked Ivan Stupak, an analyst with the Ukrainian Institute for the Future, a Kyiv think tank. "Because in 2022, we were excited, we were inspired by our victories...so no need to dig in. It was a mistake, and now we have to do it in emergency mode. And in some places, on the front lines, our soldiers are digging these trenches under fire."

"Who are we trying to fool, if there are no lines of engineering fortifications where our forces and equipment are?" Vladyslav Seleznyov, a military commentator and former Ukrainian military spokesman, told RFE/RL's Donbas.Realities. "In fact, our soldiers have become hostages to illegal decisions, or the absence of any decisions regarding the creation of those defensive lines and positions."

"This sort of work should've started six months ago," Muzyka said. The Ukrainians "might find themselves in a situation when the Russians will start attacking fortifications where they haven't been finished at all....They're far behind schedule in building."

Where Are The Guns?

The other major headwind Ukrainian forces face is the spigot of U.S. and Western weaponry, which, due to election-year infighting in Washington, D.C., is now all but shut off.

Whereas before Ukrainian troops were able to mostly match the rate of artillery fire from Russian forces, now the ratio is a heavily in Russia's favor: at least five-to-one and, by some estimates, as much as 10-to-1.

U.S. officials on March 12 announced they had scraped together $300 million for a new weapons package that includes anti-aircraft missiles, 155-mm artillery rounds, longer-range ammunition for HIMARS systems, and cluster munitions.

Still, CIA Director Willliam Burns told a Senate hearing on March 11 that Ukraine would lose "significant ground" without new U.S. equipment and weaponry.

He said Ukraine could likely "hold its own" through 2024 into early next year, but beyond that was doubtful.

"Without a surge in Western military aid and major changes to Kyiv's strategy, Ukraine's battlefield position will continue to worsen until it reaches a tipping point, possibly by this summer," said Dara Massicot, an expert on Russia's military and a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

"On the present course, in which Ukrainian ammunition and manpower needs are not met, Ukrainian units are likely to hollow out, making Russian breakthroughs a distinct possibility," Massicot wrote in Foreign Affairs.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-war-strategy- dig-in-soldiers-hope-/32860368.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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Ukraine's SBU Said Behind Massive Attacks On Russian Oil Refineries

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and RFE/RL's Russian Service March 13, 2024

Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) was behind a sweeping wave of drone attacks on several Russian regions on March 13 that reportedly set a Rosneft refinery on fire and targeted other economic and military objectives, a Ukrainian intelligence source told RFE/RL.

Russia's Defense Ministry earlier said its air defenses shot down 65 Ukrainian drones over six regions -- 35 in Voronezh, 25 in Belgorod, eight in Bryansk and Kursk each, one in Leningrad, and one on Ryazan region.

Regional officials reported that the Rosneft oil refinery in Ryazan was struck, a day after another drone attack seriously damaged a LUKoil refinery.

Pavel Malkov, the governor of Ryazan, some 180 kilometers southeast of Moscow, said the local Rosneft oil refinery, Russia's seventh-largest, was on fire as a result of a drone attack.

There were also casualties, according to preliminary information, Malkov wrote on Telegram, without providing further details.

The Shot Telegram channel reported that the attack on the Rosneft subsidiary Ryazannefteprodukt also injured two people.

Russian news agency RIA Novosti later quoted emergency services as saying that four drones had hit the refinery. The fire, which affected two tanks used in the processing of oil products on an area of some 175 square meters, was later extinguished, it said.

The source, who is in security enforcement and spoke on condition of anonymity to RFE/RL, said that three Russian oil refineries -- one in Ryazan, one in Kstovo in the Nizhny Novgorod region, and one in Kirishi in the Leningrad region -- were targeted by Ukrainian drones as Kyiv seeks to inflict as much damage as possible to Russia's economy

"We have been systematically implementing a detailed strategy to diminish the economic potential of the Russian Federation. Our task is to deprive the enemy of resources and reduce the flow of oil money and fuel, which the Russia directs toward the war and the murdering of our citizens," the source said

Ukrainian drones also targeted a Russian air base in Buturlinovka and a military airfield in Voronezh region, the source said.

Separately, an SBU source who wished to remain anonymous confirmed to Ukrayinska Pravda that the strikes had been orchestrated by the agency.

"We are at war with everything that finances the Russian military and the war. And Russia is at war with civilians and high-rise buildings," Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine's presidential office, wrote on Telegram, without directly confirming the attacks.

In Belgorod, regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said an apartment building was struck but there were no injuries, while according to TASS, the facade of the regional headquarters of the Federal Security Service (FSB) was damaged and windows were broken.

The March 13 attacks came a day after another sweeping wave of strikes on multiple targets in Russia that reportedly started fires at two major oil facilities.

The attacks damaged LUKoil's NORSI refinery, Russia's fourth-largest, in the Nizhny Novgorod region about 775 kilometers from the Ukrainian border and hit an oil depot in Oryol, 116 kilometers from Ukraine.

Also on March 12, the Freedom of Russia Legion, the Russian Volunteer Corps, and the Siberian Battalion, which consist of Russian citizens who have been fighting alongside Ukrainian forces in the war, claimed to have launched cross-border attacks into Russia territory.

The Kremlin said Russian forces repelled the incursions and inflicted heavy losses on the armed groups. Neither claim could be independently verified.

Meanwhile, Russian air strikes killed at least two people and wounded several others on March 13 in Ukraine's Donetsk and Sumy regions, officials said.

Two civilians were killed and 11 wounded in the eastern Donetsk region in the bombardment of a high-rise residential building in the city of Myrnohrad, regional Governor Vadym Filashkin said on Telegram.

In the northeastern region of Sumy, a Russian drone attack on a five-story apartment building destroyed 30 apartments and caused a number of casualties, the region's military administration said on Telegram.

Ten people were rescued from the rubble, eight of whom sustained injuries, it said.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine- russia-air-strikes/32859724.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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Foreign Ministry statement on the second anniversary of returning the Zaporozhye NPP to Russian jurisdiction

13 March 2024 13:05

466-13-03-2024

In March 2022, the Russian Armed Forces took the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant under their protection during the special military operation. In late September 2022, the Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics, and the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions held referendums and joined the Russian Federation as new entities. On October 5, 2022, the President of the Russian Federation signed Executive Order No. 711 On Specific Legal Provisions Governing Nuclear Energy Use in the Zaporozhye Region, which cemented the Zaporozhye NPP's status as a facility placed within Russia's jurisdiction. This led to the establishment of the Zaporozhye NPP Operating Company to provide for the plant's operation.

Immediately upon the plant's reintegration into the Russian nuclear family, Kiev started threatening its safe and effective operation not only by staging relentless provocations against it and Energodar, its satellite city, but also by terrorising the plant's staff and their families.

Given the station's proximity to the line of contact, Russia invited experts from the IAEA Secretariat to the plant, and the first group arrived at the Zaporozhye NPP on September 1, 2022. Their core mission is to prevent security threats created by the Kiev regime.

Russia expresses its special gratitude to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi who, at our invitation, has visited Russia 12 times since March 2022, including four visits to the Zaporozhye NPP.

Russia makes every possible effort to improve the reliability of security at the plant and to reinforce its nuclear and physical safety as per the national law and its commitments under corresponding international legal instruments to which Russia is a party.

On a special note, Russia emphasises that it views any resolutions and statements by officials and international organisations calling for the Zaporozhye NPP to be returned Ukraine, or placed under international control, as an infringement on Russia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In the current context, we remain committed to improving the protection and safety of the Zaporozhye NPP and Energodar to prevent Kiev and its curators, i.e., the collective West, from compromising them.

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Ukraine Loses Up to 460 Soldiers Near Avdeyevka in Past Day - MoD

Sputnik News

20240313

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia repelled 12 counterattacks and Ukraine has lost more than 460 soldiers in the Avdeyevka region over the past 24 hours, the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) said on Wednesday.

The Russian military repelled 12 Ukrainian counterattacks near the settlements of Novobakhmutovka, Pivnichnoye (former Kirovo), Berdychi, Orlovka, and Tonenkoye in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR).

"The enemy lost up to 460 soldiers, a tank, three command and staff vehicles, and 17 combat vehicles," the MoD said.

Ukraine also lost up to 245 soldiers in the Donetsk area and up to 150 soldiers south of Donetsk, the ministry added.

"The Ukrainian armed forces lost up to 245 servicemen, a tank, three armored combat vehicles, five military vehicles, and a combat vehicle of the Strela-10 anti-aircraft missile system," the MoD also noted.

Russia Repels Ukraine's Attempt to Infiltrate Belgorod and Kursk Regions

Russian troops have also prevented the enemy's attempt to infiltrate two bordering Russian regions.

"An attempt by the Ukrainian armed forces to break into the Russian border territory in the Belgorod and Kursk regions was thwarted. The enemy losses [in the Kupyansk region] amounted to up to 250 military personnel, seven tanks, seven US-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, two armored personnel carriers, four cars, and a US-made M777 howitzer," the MoD also said in a statement.

A Sputnik

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Russian Air Defense Systems Intercepted, Destroyed 58 UAVs Overnight - MoD

Sputnik News

20240313

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian air defense systems have intercepted and destroyed 58 Ukrainian drones in the Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Kursk, Leningrad and Ryazan regions overnight, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.

"During the past night and the morning of March 13, attempts by the Kiev regime to carry out terrorist attacks using aircraft-type UAVs against targets on the territory of Russia were stopped. On-duty air defense intercepted and destroyed 58 UAVs over the regions of Belgorod (11 UAVs), Bryansk (8 UAVs), Voronezh (29 UAVs), Kursk (8 UAVs), Leningrad (1 UAV), Ryazan (1 UAV)," the ministry said in a statement.

Ukraine has been sending drones and missiles into the Russian territory almost daily since it launched a counteroffensive in early June. The United Nations said in August, following a botched drone strike on Moscow, that it did not want to see any targeting of civilian infrastructure.

A Sputnik

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Each week we prove that we will continue to support Ukraine and condemn Russia's invasion: UK Statement to the OSCE

Ambassador Neil Holland thanks Cyprus for its calm chairing of the Forum for Security Cooperation, despite Russia's attempts to distract from its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

13 March 2024

Thank you, Mr Chair. And a warm welcome to Permanent Secretary Louka.

Mr Chair, dear Andreas, I want to start by thanking you for your calm and professional stewardship of this Forum over the past trimester and to thank you and your whole team for ensuring that this Forum has remained relevant and able to fulfil its mandate.

We fully support your efforts to keep this Forum focused on Russia's unprovoked, full-scale and illegal invasion of Ukraine, an invasion in its third year which continues to challenge the foundations of European security; which continues to violate the UN Charter; and which continues to flagrantly disregard the Helsinki Final Act's core principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the non-use of force. Under your stewardship, we have shown that these principles and this Forum continue to matter; and that we will keep on defending both. This matters and we do not take it for granted.

Mr Chair, your Security Dialogues this trimester focused different thematic lenses on Ukraine. On issues including Humanitarian Mine Action, International Humanitarian Law, Environment and Security, and Women, Peace, and Security (WPS). I was particularly encouraged by the strong turn out last week for the WPS Security Dialogue and at your Side Event on gender. It remains essential that we continue to champion women's full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation in political and peace processes.

Since 24 February 2022, we have seen the extraordinary determination of the Ukrainian people to defend their homeland. Each week, we have voiced our unequivocal support for Ukraine. And each week, we have condemned President Putin's grave miscalculation of invading a sovereign neighbour. Russia thinks it can wait this war out, and that the West will eventually turn its attention elsewhere. Each week, we prove that is untrue.

Sadly, Russia has continued its destructive path in the OSCE. For a second trimester in a row, Russia blocked consensus on holding formal FSC Security Dialogues on International Humanitarian Law. On both occasions, Russia proposed speakers with no relevant expertise, before incorrectly implying that the Rules of Procedure conferred on it an entitlement to have panellists. Last week, Russia - once again - warned future FSC Chairs to hold what Russia considers 'balanced' Dialogues with speakers of its own choosing. The Rules of Procedure are clear - selecting security dialogue topics and speakers remains the prerogative of the FSC Chair. Russia's threats have no basis in our rules - or indeed in diplomatic etiquette.

Mr Chair, Russia's actions in the FSC this trimester are sadly a continuation of what I said last Trimester. The Russian delegation can throw up as much chaff as they like about the work of the FSC and other States' interactions with this Forum. But there is one simple fact that lies behind any dysfunction in the FSC. And that is that one participating State, Russia, has invaded another and in doing so trampled over the principles of this organisation and of international humanitarian law. Everything else is subordinate to and derivative from that act of brutality. Perhaps that is why Russia continues to do everything it can to avoid a discussion on these issues. Thank you again, Mr Chair, for standing up to such behaviour.

I wish to conclude by thanking Canada as it leaves the FSC Troika, and to welcome Denmark. The incoming Chair, Croatia, can count on the UK's full and continued support next trimester - including in its prerogative as Chair. Thank you.

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It is very important that our people are not left alone with pain and problems after Russian strikes - address by the President of Ukraine

President of Ukraine

13 March 2024 - 22:30

Dear Ukrainians!

Briefly about this day.

Reports from the regions of our country on the elimination of the consequences of Russian strikes and on providing assistance to the victims. Sumy - a "Shahed" drone hit a residential building, Kryvyi Rih - the aftermath of a Russian missile attack, Donetsk region, in particular the city of Myrnohrad - a Russian strike, an air bomb directly hit a residential building. Each of these strikes took lives. My condolences to all those who have lost loved ones. Today we also had a separate conversation about Odesa - about helping people after the destruction of a house on Dobrovolskoho Avenue. As agreed, the regional authorities and the Cabinet of Ministers are helping with new housing and other similar issues. In general, after each Russian attack, all services respond promptly, all necessary resources are involved: from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, regional authorities, utilities, and the National Police.

I would like to once again thank everyone involved in the rescue operations, working to clear the rubble, helping and supporting people who have lost their loved ones. It is very important that after the Russian strikes our people are not left alone with pain and problems. And it is the responsibility of local authorities, all state and municipal services, and if necessary, the central government, including the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, to respond and handle all situations so that people truly feel that Ukraine always helps. And no matter what happens, there will be support in every corner of our country. This is exactly what is needed.

I would especially like to recognize the employees of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Sumy region. Sergeants Oleh Sakhnenko and Ivan Vorozhko, Master Sergeant Volodymyr Ponomarenko, Captain Oleksandr Moyseyenko and Colonel Volodymyr Prokopchuk. I would also like to recognize the staff of the State Emergency Service in Dnipropetrovsk region, in particular those who work in Kryvyi Rih and help safeguard people's normal life. Sergeant Maksym Zaliznyi, Master Sergeant Oleksandr Makhno, Senior Lieutenant Illia Mustiatsa, Captain Volodymyr Havryliuk and employees of the State Mining Rescue Unit of the State Emergency Service Pavlo Doroshenko and Yevhen Konovalov. I am grateful to you guys and all your colleagues!

A few more things.

I held several meetings on our international work. First, the European Union. Next steps towards full membership. Yesterday, the European Commission finalized the Negotiating Framework. Next, we are waiting for the decision of European leaders on its approval. It will be an important and strong signal for both Ukraine and the entire European community to do everything possible to start negotiations as early as during the Belgian presidency in the first half of this year. This should be our common pace, both for Ukraine and the EU. We have a clear sequence of steps and I am confident that we can achieve the result.

I also held a more strategic meeting on the American vector of our policy. We discussed how to give more proper impulses to our work with partners and joint pressure on the Russian state throughout this year. Winning here in Ukraine in this confrontation with Russian terror is a matter of survival for democratic systems, a matter of what democracies are capable of. Ukraine is capable of defending itself, given sufficient support. And having defended ourselves, we can ensure that no other international criminal will be tempted by aggression like Putin. We can protect life and we must do so.

Glory to everyone who fights and works for Ukraine! Glory to our people!

Thank you to everyone who stands with Ukraine.

Glory to Ukraine!

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Sen. Bernie Sanders endorsed San Francisco Supervisor Dean Prestons candidacy for reelection. Joe Maher/Getty Images for Fane

Regarding Bernie Sanders endorses S.F. Supervisor Dean Preston (Joe Garofoli, SFChronicle.com, March 12): Bernie Sanders endorsement of San Francisco Supervisor Dean Preston may seem  to the progressive fandom  like an antidote to the virality of the moderate niche of the Democratic Party but, in actuality, it is as lucrative of an affiliation as Trump endorsing a Republican supervisorial candidate.

While Sanders endorsement could trigger a wave of small-dollar campaign contributions, his recommendation will not overcome the popular resentment seething in District Five and the city.

Yes, Sanders endorsement will help Preston solidify his base in one of San Franciscos most progressive supervisorial districts, but is that the political ideology voters have an affinity for?

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Prestons district includes the Tenderloin, regarded as the epitome of the citys problems. His iteration of progressive legislation has not emboldened its residents, nor remedied the crime polluting their neighborhood.

Hunter L. Baton, San Francisco

Antisemitism misconstrued

Regarding Marchers at UC Berkeley call out antisemitism following protest over speaker (East Bay, SFChronicle.com, March 11): All the instances of antisemitism cited in the article were actually about Israels policies, not about Jews or antisemitism.

As a Jew growing up in a heavily Catholic town in New Jersey, I faced open and virulent antisemitism, none of which had anything to do with Zionism or Israel. Of course, antisemitism continues to be a problem. But criticisms of Israel  the cries of Gazans for their lives, and calls for a cease-fire and peace  are not antisemitism.

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It was interesting to see that a photo accompanying the article shows Jewish activist Inga Pevchin breaking through a banner protesting famine in Gaza wearing a shirt that says Never Again.

As a Jewish person with relatives lost to the Holocaust, one of the most painful and horrifying aspects of the Israeli slaughter of tens of thousands of people in Gaza is that it is being carried out by my people, those who suffered so greatly from genocide some 80 years ago.

It seems that the lesson some learned from that experience is not Never Again, but Never Again Unless by the U.S. This misunderstanding of Never Again hurts me more than I can express.

Blair Sandler, San Francisco

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PG&E is to blame

Regarding Dont blame PG&E for delays in connecting new homes to power. Heres whats causing it (Letters to the Editor, SFChronicle.com, March 12): The PG&E delays are only partially caused by transformer procurement problems in my experience.

I have worked in the affordable housing business in the Bay Area and found that the issues start with PG&Es processes. It takes at least a year to have an application make it through the process and the communication from PG&E is poor at best.

I have seen delays to many affordable housing projects due to PG&E not having adequate staffing, lack of executing contracts, late procurement of vendors and design issues. These delays cost affordable housing developers millions of dollars in unexpected expenditures late in the construction process after developers have gone through the myriad process of securing funding in the first place.

The delays force some developers to hire special expeditors, further exasperating their funding issues. It is time to hold PG&E accountable like any other business.

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Peter Tuozzolo, San Francisco

Cut plastic bag use

As a concerned young person who grew up in the Bay Area, I am writing to express my support for SB1053 and AB2236, which are aimed at reducing plastic bag waste.

The statistics presented are alarming  the amount of plastic shopping bags trashed per person grew from 8 pounds per year in 2004 to 11 pounds per year in 2021  highlighting the urgent need for more effective measures to combat this issue.

As someone who plans on raising a family in California, our state laws must reflect our values and preserve our environments beauty.

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I commend state Sens. Catherine Blakespear, D-Encinitas, and Ben Allen, D-El Segundo, and Assembly Member Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, D-San Ramon, for introducing bills to address this issue. I urge the public and other lawmakers to support measures to protect our environment.
Andriy Yermak met with the Ambassador of China to Ukraine Fan Xianrong

President of Ukraine

13 March 2024 - 19:15

Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak met with Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Ukraine Fan Xianrong.

The interlocutors summed up the results of the visit to Ukraine of the Chinese delegation headed by Li Hui, Special Representative of the Chinese Government for Eurasian Affairs, which took place last week.

Andriy Yermak and Fan Xianrong outlined areas for further cooperation, in particular on the issues contained in the points of the Ukrainian Peace Formula.

The Head of the President's Office informed of the preparation of the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland at the level of state leaders.

Andriy Yermak thanked the Chinese side for its interest in achieving a just peace for Ukraine.

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Andriy Yermak discussed organization of the Global Peace Summit with National Security Advisor of Saudi Arabia

President of Ukraine

13 March 2024 - 18:39

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak had a phone call with National Security Advisor of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban.

Andriy Yermak thanked for the continuation of bilateral dialogue at the highest level, as well as for the implementation of joint projects on which agreements had been previously reached.

Andriy Yermak and Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban discussed the organization of the Global Peace Summit at the level of state leaders, which is planned to be held in Switzerland.

The Head of the Presidential Office thanked Saudi Arabia for its willingness to join the process of achieving a lasting and just peace.



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Ukraine held another round of negotiations with Finland on a bilateral security agreement

President of Ukraine

13 March 2024 - 15:08

In pursuance of the G7 Declaration of Support for Ukraine, another round of negotiations with Finland on the conclusion of a bilateral security agreement was held.

The Ukrainian delegation as enshrined in the Decree of the President of Ukraine, is led by Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak. Today's round was led by Deputy Head of the Office Ihor Zhovkva. The delegation also included representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine etc.

The Finnish side was represented by a delegation of government officials, led by representatives of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

The parties continued to work on the draft agreement and outlined its scope and key elements. The schedule for further negotiations was agreed upon.





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Putin: Russia Prepared for Nuclear Warfare if Its Sovereignty Threatened

By VOA News March 13, 2024

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Moscow is prepared to use nuclear weapons if its sovereignty or independence is threatened, warning the U.S. again that if it sends troops to fight in Ukraine it would be considered a major escalation of the conflict.

Putin said in an interview with state television that there has been no need for the use of nuclear weapons in Russia's two-year invasion of Ukraine and that he does not think the world is headed to a nuclear confrontation. He described U.S. President Joe Biden as a veteran politician who understands the danger of nuclear warfare.

But Putin's remarks appeared to be one of his recurring messages to the West that it intends to protect its territorial gains in Ukraine and was ready to use nuclear weapons in case of a threat to "the existence of the Russian state, our sovereignty and independence."

"All that is written in our strategy, we haven't changed it," he said.

In an apparent reference to NATO allies that support Kyiv, Putin also declared that "the nations that say they have no red lines regarding Russia should realize that Russia won't have any red lines regarding them either."

But he also said that in the U.S. "there are enough specialists in the field of Russian-American relations and in the field of strategic restraint. Therefore, I don't think that here everything is rushing to (nuclear confrontation), but we are ready" for this."

National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said "Russia's nuclear rhetoric has been reckless and irresponsible throughout this conflict. It is Russia that brutally invaded Ukraine without provocation or justification, and we will continue to support Ukraine as they defend their people and their sovereign territory from Russian aggression."

A senior White House official said, "As we understand it, Mr. Putin was restating Russia's nuclear doctrine that they will use nuclear weapons if their sovereignty is threatened so this isn't a new stance for them. We have not seen any reason to adjust our own nuclear posture, nor any indications that Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon in Ukraine."

Biden has repeatedly said the U.S. has no intention of sending U.S. troops to fight alongside Kyiv's forces, although French President Emmanuel Macron recently declined to rule out the possibility of Western troops joining the stalemated conflict that has no end in sight.

Western countries have, however, continued to arm Ukraine, with the U.S. this week cobbling together $300 million worth of ammunition, anti-aircraft missiles, artillery rounds and "some anti-armor systems" from its military stockpiles in a new tranche of aid to help Kyiv's forces. But a much broader $60 billion aid package that Biden supports is stalled in Congress.

Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior Ukrainian presidential official, told Reuters in a statement he viewed Putin's nuclear warning as propaganda designed to intimidate the West.

"Realizing that things are going the wrong way, Putin continues to use classic nuclear rhetoric. With the old Soviet hope - 'be scared and retreat!'," said Podolyak, who said he believed such talk showed Putin was afraid of losing the war.

On the battlefield, Ukraine's military used drones to target Russian oil refineries Wednesday, damaging a site in the Ryazan region.

Pavel Malkov, regional governor in Ryazan, said an attack at an oil refinery there caused a fire and some injuries, according to preliminary reports.

Officials in the Leningrad region said Russian air defenses shot down a Ukrainian drone as it approached a refinery and that there was no damage.

The attacks were part of a wave of Ukrainian drones launched into Russian territory for the second consecutive day.

Alexander Gusev, governor of the Voronezh region that borders Ukraine, said Wednesday that air defenses shot down more than 30 Ukrainian drones overnight.

On Tuesday, Ukrainian drones damaged two Russian fuel sites.

Ukrainian officials said a Russian missile hit a residential building in the central city of Kryvyi Rih Tuesday, killing at least three people and injuring at least 38 others.

Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the Kryvyi Rih's military administration, said the strike on the building was one of three missiles that hit the city, which is the hometown of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a frequent target of Russian attacks.

Zelenskyy expressed condolences on social media and thanked rescuers for providing assistance.

"Every day, our cities and villages suffer similar strikes. Every day, Ukraine loses people to Russian evil," he wrote. "There can be no pause, not for a day, a week, let alone a month, in support for simply defending lives, for saving people from terror."

VOA White House correspondent Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report. Some information was provided by Agence France-Presse and Reuters .

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WASHINGTON, March 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Under 3 DC published a groundbreaking new study that shows a lack of high-quality child care in the District of Columbia is costing parents more than $250 million per year due to damaging impacts on productivity, negative actions by employers, and an inability to advance in careers when adequate child care cannot be secured. The rest of the city is also feeling the impact, with insufficient child care costing businesses $79 million and taxpayers $64 million each year.



The study, the first of its kind in the District, found that high-quality, accessible, and affordable child care is an essential element of a thriving local economy. DC parents struggle to find and afford adequate care, which impacts their employers, their children, and their own career trajectories. Among parents who recently had or adopted a child:

52% had to reduce their regular work hours;

46% had to turn down an opportunity to pursue further education or training;

36% had to turn down a job promotion or desirable reassignment;

27% had to quit a job;

21% were demoted or transferred to a less desirable position; and

21% were let go or fired.

"This report makes it clear: we must make an immediate, lasting investment in affordable, high-quality child care for the good of our local economy and social fabric," said Kimberly Perry, Executive Director of DC Action and Co-Chair of Under 3 DC. "By continuing to bolster our early childhood education system, we're not only supporting working families  were supporting all residents and businesses and are building a stronger, more prosperous future for everyone in the District."

Lower employment rates among parents and guardians leads to lower incomes for families, worse productivity for businesses, and decreased tax revenue for the District. The annual cost per parent of children under age three is $8,100, or $252 million aggregated across all similar DC parents. The annual cost to businesses for each parent is $2,540, or $79 million aggregated across DC parents.

Annual Economic Implications of a Lack of Child Care:

Annual From birth-age 8 Aggregated across DC parents Parents $8,100 $33,340 $252 million Businesses $2,540 $7,230 $79 million Taxpayers $8,760 $8,760 $64 million



This report quantifies what the business community has long understood anecdotally and provides a clear roadmap for action," said Angela Franco, President & CEO of the DC Chamber of Commerce. "The child care crisis extends beyond family concerns and poses a significant economic imperative for all of us, as it costs taxpayers $64 million a year. Addressing this issue is essential for sustaining and growing our economy."



To build the report, Zogby Analytics surveyed 308 DC residents who are working parents of children under age three. Fifty-seven percent of respondents said the cost of care makes it harder for them to live in DC.

"Rigorous economic research has shown that when high-quality early child care is unavailable or inadequate, it adversely impacts parents' economic success and regional economic activity, said Clive Belfield, Professor of Economics at City University of New York, who translated the results into economic impacts. Similar findings appear in studies that have been conducted nationally and in other cities  showing that the results are serious and widespread."

The study credits District leadership for having made legislative strides toward a high-quality early education system, which includes wins such as the 2008 Pre-K Enhancement and Expansion Act and 2018s Birth-to-Three For All DC Act, as well as initiatives to enhance the qualifications and benefits of early educators. Despite these victories, the challenge remains to fully and permanently fund these programs and make necessary improvements.

To read the report, visit www.under3dc.org .

About Under 3 DC

Under 3 DC harnesses the voices and power of District families with young children, early educators, health professionals and community-based organizations to shine a spotlight on the need for more public investments in early education and health programs for infants and toddlers. Together, we can set the District of Columbia on a path to creating and sustaining a high-quality, equitable early childhood system. For more information, visit www.under3dc.org .

Contact: Tawana Jacobs | tjacobs@dckids.org | 301-325-8687

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/12c016fb-653e-4727-8d4f-21394de1a26b
Press Release

Nokia expands Optical LAN portfolio to support enterprises in achieving sustainability targets

Nokia launches new in-wall Optical Network Terminal (ONT) to provide fast and cost-effective fiber-based in-building enterprise and campus connectivity.

Optical LAN can reduce energy costs by roughly 40%* helping enterprises fulfill sustainable building initiatives and standards.

More than 600 enterprises including hotels, hospitals, university campuses, and airports around the globe are using Nokias Optical LAN solution.

14 March 2024

Espoo, Finland  Nokia today announced the launch of a new in-wall ONT for enterprise optical LAN connectivity. The new product delivers gigabit speeds to provide a reliable, fast, and secure broadband connection inside offices, hotels, hospitals, schools, and other enterprise segments. The Nokia ONT is part of Nokias comprehensive Optical LAN portfolio designed to help enterprises meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives.

With demand for gigabit services, IoT, and file sharing applications growing, enterprises need to establish a local area network (LAN) that can meet and stay ahead of evolving demands. Delivering a fraction of the complexity, space, energy, and costs of a traditional copper-based LAN, Optical LAN leverages fiber optic cables to provide a future-proof, high-capacity network alternative for in-building and campus connectivity that can help reduce energy costs by roughly 40%.

Nokias new ONT can help enterprises effectively extend the reach of their Optical LAN network to deliver more data capacity to employees using video, voice and data intense applications over the network. The ONT can power additional endpoint devices such as access points or cameras and can be securely mounted in the wall to help save space and reduce the chances for damage or theft. The new Nokia ONT for Optical LAN will be available in 2Q 2024.

Geert Heyninck, General Manager of Broadband Networks at Nokia, said: Optical LAN is the right technology for enterprise connectivity today and in the future. Today, we have more than 600 customers, including hospitality, healthcare, airports, and universities, that are deploying it with great success, and the number continues to grow. Helping to reduce TCO by as much as 50%, Optical LAN provides enterprises with significant operational and sustainable benefits that collectively can help reduce the energy and CO2 emissions of the IT networks they run.

Julie Kunstler, Chief Analyst, Broadband Access Intelligence Service at Omdia, said: Optical LAN simply makes sense for enterprises. Its environmentally sustainable, using passive components while reducing energy-consuming network elements. Furthermore, fiber-based LANs are adaptable, a key requirement in an ever-changing world. An Optical LAN will provide a future-proof LAN solution for years to come.

About the Nokia in-wall ONT Optical LAN solution

Modular design

4 x GE ports with auto-negotiation

PoE powering up to 60W per Ethernet port





Resources and additional information

Customer Video: Michigan State University

Customer Video: Clinica de las Americas

Webpage: Nokia Optical LAN (POL)

Web page: Sustainability



About Nokia

At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today  and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

Media inquiries

Nokia Communications, Corporate

Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

Follow us on social media

LinkedIn X Instagram TikTok Facebook YouTube

* Total amount of energy savings depends on network size and configuration

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Dublin, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "High Voltage Cable Accessories Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2023-2028)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global high-voltage cable and accessories market is experiencing rapid growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) projected at 5.91% from 2023 to 2028. The market size, which is estimated to be USD 692.05 million by the end of 2023, is expected to reach USD 922.08 million in the next five years.

Driving this growth are several key factors. Of significant influence is the integration of renewable energy solutions into electricity grids, coupled with the aging infrastructure of existing power networks. Investments in transmission and distribution (T&D) infrastructure play a pivotal role in spurring the upward trajectory of the market's expansion.

Despite these positive indicators, the market faces headwinds due to the volatility in raw material prices and the shift towards distributed renewable energy sources, which may inhibit the growth of the high-voltage cable and accessories sector.

Opportunities in the market are particularly promising with the uptick of electrification projects in regions like Africa. These undertakings aim to extend power networks from generation points to end-users, thus addressing the demand for high-voltage solutions. Developing economies in Asia and Africa, with their burgeoning rural electrification programs, are poised to unlock new prospects for market players.

Key Market Trends

The underground cables sector is notably the fastest-growing segment within the market. Europe and North America are observing a shift towards the adoption of underground cables over traditional overhead models mainly for reasons such as enhanced reliability and aesthetics, coupled with a substantially lower likelihood of faults and higher safety standards.

Recent large-scale international projects, like NeuConnect which links Germany and the United Kingdom, further underline the growth potential of the underground segment within the high-voltage cable accessories market.

Asia-Pacific at the Forefront

Leading the market from a regional perspective is Asia-Pacific, anticipated to witness the highest CAGR within the forecast period. This growth is powered by the increased need for electricity spurred by urbanization, especially in populous nations like China and India.

China's massive energy consumption and India's soaring power generation ambitions, including the target to achieve 500 GW from renewables by 2030, necessitate vast enhancements in transmission networks - providing substantial momentum for the high-voltage cable and accessories market.

Competitive Landscape

While the market is moderately fragmented with key players such as Nexans SA, Prysmian SpA, NKT A/S, TE Connectivity Ltd, and Brugg Kabel AG leading the way, emerging players and new entrants are contributing to the competitive dynamics.

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes:

Nexans SA

Prysmian SpA

NKT A/S

TE Connectivity Ltd

Brugg Kabel AG

Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.

LS Cable & System Limited

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/lni96p

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
Dublin, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "REACH and RoHS Compliance: Protecting Revenues with Advanced Compliance" training has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This 2-day seminar will go into the specifics of the REACH and RoHS regulations, provide case studies and share lessons learned so your organization can benefit from the mistakes of others. We will review the latest on both directives and will draw out key developments and key dates (if applicable) with particular emphasis on requirements for US firms.

REACH and RoHS have been referred to as ".one of the most complex regulations in the history of the EU." Do not miss this 2-day seminar to find out why.

Objectives of Learning

After the completion of this seminar, the participants will be able the do the following:

Understanding your organization's liability under RoHS and REACH.

Review case studies.

Discuss lessons learned applications to ensure full compliance.

RoHS and REACH guidelines

REACH Registration of Substances

Introduction to REACH

Articles and REACH

Substances of Very High Concerns (SVHC)

Supply chain communication

Compliance enforcement

Basics of RoHS

Background and content of RoHS

Responsibility for RoHS

International requirements of RoHS

Material testing methods

Build and manage RoHS/REACH compliance programs

Reporting to management and government agencies

An introduction to Global RoHS/REACH legislation, WEEE. Conflict Minerals, Anti-trafficking regulations, and CA Proposition 65

Methods of regulatory data collection

Compliance consulting on company real world scenarios

REACH and RoHS conformity have banned problematic toxic and environmentally hazardous elements such as lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polybrominated diphenylether (PBDE) in quantities not exceeding a maximum of 0.1 percent by mass in products and new phthalate additions as a 2019 amendment.

Restrictions of the use of certain Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and Registration, Evaluation Authorization and Restriction of Chemical Substances (REACH) are European requirements on chemicals and chemical substances used in products.

REACH is required by the EU for products containing chemical compounds. It is also required by US exporters for all suppliers exporting products to the EU. Even though you may not be an exporter, you may have to still comply with these regulations.

Companies shipping parts or products into Europe must comply with EU REACH and RoHS regulations. EU REACH creates increased risk of product recalls or bans that must be proactively addressed to ensure continued market access. Products containing harnesses, hydraulic components, rubber, or PVC are at a higher risk of containing restricted materials.

REACH applies to solvents, fragrances, metals, alloys, pigments, dyes, fertilizers, cosmetics, detergents, polymers, electronic equipment, furniture, textile toys, etc.

10.0 RAC CREDITS

RAPS - This course has been pre-approved by RAPS as eligible for up to 10 credits towards a participant's RAC recertification upon full completion.

Who Should Attend?

This online seminar in REACH RoHS Compliance Training will provide extremely helpful assistance to all professionals in the following domains:

Automotive

Electronics

Medical devices

Chemical

Toys

Industrial machinery

Manufacturing Professionals

Anyone new to RoHS and or REACH and need to understand the regulations

Anyone responsible for RoHS and REACH compliance

Quality Managers

Environmental Managers

Purchasers

Buyers

Agenda

Day 1 (10:00 AM - 04:00 PM EST)

REACH Registration of Substances

Introduction to REACH

Articles and REACH

Substances of Very High Concerns (SVHC)

Supply chain communication

Compliance enforcement

Basics of RoHS

Background and content of RoHS

Responsibility for RoHS

International requirements of RoHS

Day 2 (10:00 AM - 02:00 PM EST)

A Process for Protecting Revenues

10 Steps to building a RoHS/REACH compliance program

Determining best practices for collecting data

Managing legacy systems and parts

Improving data collection by using Jig 101, IEC 62474, IPC 1752

Understanding 3rd party compliance software platforms

Manual and automated data collection

Building management reports for sourcing decisions

Incorporating compliance into standard business practices

Building templates for policy and procedures

Incorporating compliance processes into ISO 9001:2015 documentation

Building a documented system for proof of due diligence

Implementing a RoHS/REACH compliance maintenance program

REACH SCIP database

New UK versions of RoHS and REACH

Conducting compliance audits

For more information about this training visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/n8un2w

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.
Dublin, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Technical Writing Course for professionals in the Life Sciences" training has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This virtual seminar will begin with a general discussion of technical writing and its role within the life sciences. Technical writers produce a variety of technical documents that are required to manage and direct regulated operations and to meet regulatory requirements. We will spend some time in this webinar discussing those document types, their importance, and the consequences of the messages are unclear or misunderstood.

After setting the stage for this content, we delve into the writing process beginning with the audience and how the audience must be analyzed to determine the level of writing that must be employed to complete the document.

Gathering the information to be included in the technical document requires collaboration between the writer and the various subject matter experts that possess the knowledge to be harvested. How that information is gathered can be an effective efficient process or an ineffective time-consuming endeavor all dependent upon the techniques employed to execute the activity. We will address the most effective techniques for extracting information from SMEs as well as those techniques that work best when observing procedures and activities to be documented.

This webinar will end with the mechanics of technical writing ranging from planning and organizing the content through grammar, spelling, and punctuation ending with writing simplification.

Technical writing is defined as simplifying the complex. Implied in this deceptively simple definition is an entire range of skills and characteristics that touch upon a broad range of human performance characteristics and needs.

What do technical writers in the life sciences write? They write standard operating procedures, work instructions, job aids, batch records, reports, journal papers, manuals, user directions, label information, etc. It is not the role of technical writing to entertain or to showcase the educational level and importance of the writer. In the technical writing realm, writing simply for anyone to understand is the demonstration of excellence and superior writing skills.

An effective technical writer must consider many aspects of the craft to be truly effective. Writers, must adopt and apply the form and style of the industry in which they work as there are differences, for example, between the documents written for a pharmaceutical production operation versus the creation of scientific journal articles. Writers must understand their audience in terms of their needs and abilities and the level of explanation that they require as well as their command of the language in which the material is written. They must have a complete and unwavering dedication to accuracy and consistency. Technical writers must understand and be skilled at collaboration as that is how accuracy is achieved - by harvesting information from subject matter experts.

Learning Objective

Execute the technical writing process to effectively create your document.

Explain the results and impact of poor technical writing.

Execute an effective writing process.

Apply the principles of effective technical writing.

Why Should You Attend

Even with the advent of technology, we still communicate with the written word. Technical writing is about conveying information quickly, accurately, clearly, and succinctly. How we communicate, how we are understood, and how the message is received directly depends upon our skills as technical writers. In the life sciences, this skill is exceedingly important.

In the life sciences, the stakes are high in terms of the writing's ability to enable 100% accurate understanding of the content and where applicable, performance of the task or procedure documented. In the life sciences, that could mean the difference between life or death, safety or injury, loss or recovery, contamination or purity, success or failure.

Unfortunately, technical writing is not a skill that is given much emphasis in college curriculums if any. Technical writing is a skill life sciences workers are assumed to have and are expected to demonstrate at a level of skill usually beyond the capability of most. Unfortunately, most readers of technical writing are in the "same boat." They "don't know a good one when they see one." At the end of the day, in most cases, you have mediocre writing at best that may or may not convey the message intended.

This virtual seminar will walk you through the technical writing process from start to finish. Each critical aspect of writing technical documents for the life sciences will be addressed with the goal of helping you become a better technical writer. The tips and skills presented can be applied immediately and will be evident in the very first document that you write after this virtual seminar.

12.0 RAC CREDITS

RAPS - This course has been pre-approved by RAPS as eligible for up to 12.0 credits towards a participant's RAC recertification upon full completion.

Agenda

Technical Writing Overview

What is technical writing

What role does technical writing play in the life sciences?

Essential elements of technical report sections

Learn strategies for organizing, writing, editing, and proofing documents & correspondences.

Technical Writing: Basic Rules and Skills Required for Technical Writers

How to begin the process

How to collect information and determine what information is required

Formats, consistency, and styles

Non-native audience considerations

Grammar, spelling, punctuation, numbers and symbols

Simplify your writing

Ensuring accuracy

Active and passive voice

Misconceptions and ambiguities

Antecedents

Knowing the Audience

Analyzing the audience

Analyzing the information - working with Subject Matter Experts

Know how to review and revise documents.

How to address comments from reviewers

How to negotiate with reviewers when disagreements arise between reviewers

Assessing and writing to the audience to produce effective written correspondence.

Effective techniques for extracting information from SMEs

Regulatory Requirements

FDA expectations for quality of written text in submitted documents.

Common opportunities that are often overlooked or underestimated by aspiring writers.

Technical writers in the life sciences - what do they write - types of medium.

Mandates for documentation set forth by regulators, such as the FDA, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and other governing bodies.

How to write effective summaries and respond to FDA requests for information.

Final Document - Editing basics

How to incorporate comments into the final document

How to obtain comments in order to address timelines

Final approval of the document

Critical aspect of writing technical documents for the life sciences will be

Summary

Writing submissions - structure, and techniques

Writing investigations

For more information about this training visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/6a8tj8

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.
Washington, DC, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) released its 2024 Allergy Capitals report detailing the most challenging cities in the United States for living with allergies. The full report can be found at allergycapitals.com.

This year, Wichita, Kansas takes the top spot due to its higher-than-average tree and grass pollen, higher-than-average medicine use, and limited access to allergy specialists. The top 20 Allergy Capitals for 2024 are:

1. Wichita, KS 11. Allentown, PA

2. Virginia Beach, VA 12. Baton Rouge, LA

3. Greenville, SC 13. Sarasota, FL

4. Dallas, TX 14. Houston, TX

5. Oklahoma City, OK 15. Columbia, SC

6. Tulsa, OK 16. Orlando, FL

7. Richmond, VA 17. Little Rock, AR

8. Des Moines, IA 18. Chattanooga, TN

9. Raleigh, NC 19. Greensboro, NC

10. Fayetteville, AR 20. Kansas City, MO

This years report again calls attention to the urgency of the climate crisis. Due to climate change, growing seasons start earlier and last longer than they did just 30 years ago. Some parts of the United States now experience pollen (tree, grass, or weed) year-round. Warmer temperatures also trap heat in urban areas, increase air pollution, and stimulate pollen production.

Climate change fuels a perfect storm of conditions that make allergy season worse for people with pollen allergy, said AAFA President and CEO Kenneth Mendez. Longer growing seasons mean more exposure to pollen allergy triggers. Additionally, pollen counts tend to rise with warmer temperatures. Now, we see both more days of exposure to pollen and higher daily pollen counts leading to more intense, longer-lasting symptoms.

AAFAs 2024 Allergy Capitals report provides insight into factors impacting seasonal allergies. The report ranks the 100 most populous cities in the contiguous United States by their:

Tree, grass, and weed pollen scores

Over-the-counter allergy medicine use

Availability of board-certified allergists/immunologists

Experts say a range of treatment options are available for people dealing with seasonal allergies this spring.

Over-the-counter medicines can help manage symptoms, said allergist Dr. Neeta Ogden, spokesperson for AAFA. Working with a specialist can help you develop the best treatment plan.

While the symptoms of pollen allergy can be managed, they are a significant health concern. Seasonal allergies can even lead to hospitalization if they trigger an asthma episode.

With over 100 million people affected by allergies, its the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S., said Melanie Carver, AAFA Chief Mission Officer. Allergies are a common asthma trigger and lead to increased hospital visits for asthma during peak pollen seasons.

For information on preventing and treating allergies and asthma, visit aafa.org.

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About the Research

The 2024 Allergy Capitals research and ranking is reported by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The ranking is based on analysis of data from the 100 most-populated Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in the contiguous 48 states as determined by the most recent U.S. Census Bureau population estimates (2021). The individual factors analyzed for the 2024 rankings are pollen scores for tree, grass, and weed pollen, over-the-counter medication use (allergy), and number of allergy specialists.

For each MSA, AAFA obtained daily pollen counts for each growth form (tree, grass, and weed) for the most recent calendar year (2023). Data were obtained from Pollen Sense, LLC Automated Particulate Sensors (APS). These sensors automatically image particulate matter collected from ambient air and use a neural network algorithm to identify individual pollen species and calculate daily pollen counts.

About AAFA

Founded in 1953, AAFA is the oldest and largest non-profit patient organization dedicated to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease for people with asthma, allergies, and related conditions through research, education, advocacy, and support. AAFA offers extensive support for individuals and families affected by asthma and allergic diseases, such as food allergies and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Through its online patient support communities, network of regional chapters, and collaborations with community-based groups, AAFA empowers patients and their families by providing practical, evidence-based information and community programs and services. AAFA is the only asthma and allergy patient advocacy group that is certified to meet the standards of excellence set by the National Health Council. For more information, visit: aafa.org and kidswithfoodallergies.org .

Attachments
Rep. Adam Schiff and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi appear at an event for Schiffs Senate campaign this month. Pelosi endorsed Schiff over female candidates for Dianne Feinsteins old seat. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle Longtime Rep. Jackie Speier, right, endorsed former staffer Kevin Mullin to succeed her in Congress in 2021. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle 2021

WASHINGTON  California, known for its leadership in sending women to Congress, is seeing some of its pioneering female politicians being replaced by men, a trend worsened by the March 5 primary.

California has elected more women to Congress than any other state  46 to the House and four to the Senate since 1923 (former Sen. Barbara Boxer is the only one who has been a member of both bodies). The vast majority  41  have been elected in the past four decades.

In January 2025, women will probably occupy 16 of the states 52 House seats and neither of its Senate seats. The last time the delegation had that few female lawmakers was in 2000; the delegation had the most women, 23, in 2009. This trend isnt news to California House Democrats; several lawmakers have bemoaned the decline in female members privately among one another and in interviews.

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Four of the five women leaving Congress at the end of the year  Sen. Laphonza Butler and Reps. Grace Napolitano, Anna Eshoo and Katie Porter  will be replaced by men; only Rep. Barbara Lee of Oakland will probably be replaced by a woman. Both retiring men  Reps. Adam Schiff and Tony Cardenas  will probably be replaced by women.

People are not as attentive to womens representation because you think the battle has been fought and won. And the reality, of course, is that even at the height, it was still underrepresented, said Kelly Dittmar, director of research at Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. Just because you have a woman like a Nancy Pelosi or a Kamala Harris doesnt mean youre at parity.

While the fact that political pioneer Sen. Dianne Feinstein will be replaced by either Schiff or Steve Garvey has generated a wave of headlines, the March 5 primary will have broader and longer term implications. Congress is slowly moving toward gender parity overall, but California is facing the likelihood that its ranks of female members of Congress will shrink as womens rights are being eroded.

The goal isnt that every woman who leaves Congress is replaced by a woman, Dittmar said, its ensuring that womens voices are at the table. Womens representation is already starting at such a deficit. And so every loss is acutely felt in a way that its not the same for men.

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Men can represent womens interests, to be sure, and Pelosi said that is why she supported Schiff.

We cannot lose opportunities to elect women in other places and say, Well, you gotta lose in California because its a man,  Pelosi told the Chronicle in January. We want it all. We want the majority, so we have a woman having a right to choose, so that we have child care and family and medical leave and a child tax credit and all the things that affect women, enabling them to be in the workplace. So while some  and I get it  they want a woman senator. Well, I want the strongest possible person for California.

Current and former candidates, advocates who work to elect women and researchers blamed a lack of support and mentorship for potential female candidates and the decisions by some women to endorse and support men over qualified female candidates.

Andrea Dew Steele, co-founder of Emerge California and Emerge America, which trains Democratic women to run for office, said California elected so many women over the past few decades that there was absolutely a complacency.

Electing women is a constant fight, Steele said. You have to stay vigilant. You have to be filling the bench. You have to prioritize gender.

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The shrinking number of women has been a topic of conversation for some members of the California delegation, several lawmakers told the Chronicle.

Rep. Zoe Lofgren, who chairs the delegation, pointed to the departures of Eshoo, Lee, Porter and Napolitano and acknowledged that the number of women in our delegation could go down, actually.  There is a strong likelihood that some of the female Congress members will be succeeded by  very capable, Im sure  men. And I do think its important that the viewpoints of well-educated Democratic women be there.

Santa Clara Supervisor Joe Simitian takes part in a 16th Congressional District Forum at Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto in January. Outgoing Rep. Anna Eshoo has endorsed Simitian as her successor. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committees red to blue program  in which certain candidates receive funding and operational support to flip a seat held by a Republican  includes four candidates in California. All four are men, and three are white. In the fifth California race where Democrats could pick up a seat, Democrat Derek Tran is set to face Rep. Michelle Steel, R-Cypress (Orange County).

The most visible change will be in the Senate, where California will be represented by two men for the first time in more than three decades.

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Schiff acknowledged that primary voters might factor gender representation into their decision-making, but argued he is the right candidate to fight for Californias women.

People are going to consider gender, and I think they are going to consider race. I think they should consider those things, Schiff told the Chronicle in January before he won the Senate primary. I also think theyre going to consider who has demonstrated leadership and whos a problem solver who can actually deliver things for California. I think voters should consider all of these things.

Porter said her fellow Democratic lawmakers have been willing to talk about structural issues for women running  like the ban on using campaign funds for child care or the uncertainty of the House voting schedule  but would rather not own the cultural piece of it, what she described as a lack of intentionality in supporting, endorsing and mentoring diverse candidates.

I have been in conversations, sadly, where people in my own delegation have said things like, Well, I dont think shell make it because shes pregnant,  rather than doing everything they can to help that candidate, said Porter, who is a single mother.

Its difficult for women, and especially women of color, to run for Congress if they dont come from a wealthy background, have wealthy friends or have a way to tap into the deep pockets of the Bay Area donors, said Aimee Allison, founder of She the People, which advocates for Black women in politics and supported Lee in the Senate race.

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Donors tend to want candidates who have proved themselves or who know someone the donor already supports, Allison said. Part of her work is to make those connections.

My expectation is when I support women of color who are running for congressional office, they do everything they can to make sure theyre not the last by cultivating donors, influence and consultants for the next generation, Allison said. She pointed to Lee and former Rep. Karen Bass, now the mayor of Los Angeles, who courted staff and local activists long before Election Day to prepare successors as they planned their own futures.

But the onus to support female candidates doesnt rest entirely on sitting female lawmakers, Dittmar said. Its also up to party leadership, other lawmakers and donors to consider representation.

Butler  who was president of Emilys List, an organization that works to elect women who support abortion rights, before being appointed to the Senate  said improving representation requires building up that pipeline so that as electeds come through and develop whatever track record they want for themselves, therell be plenty of women and diverse women to take on more and more leadership roles.

She did, however, point to what could be a record number of women in the California Legislature next year.

Both Steele and Allison said female lawmakers endorsing men is part of the problem.

State Sen. Dave Min has the endorsement of Rep. Katie Porter to fill the seat she is vacating because of her Senate run. Eugene Garcia/Associated Press

Nancy Pelosi is extraordinary, and she has done a tremendous amount for women, Steele said. And theres a lot more that needs to be done. I do think that there needs to be a much more concerted effort, strategic effort, by these women to start earlier, nurturing and cultivating talent in their districts.

But Pelosi has bristled at suggestions she should have supported Porter or Lee over Schiff. I  more than anyone else in the Congress, in the history of the Congress  did more to bring women to the Congress, Pelosi said. Ive worked very hard for advancing women (and) continue to do so in the races that we have come up, and we may have to make up for some women in other states.

Not everyone agrees.

At the twilight years of her career, (Pelosi) has staked her legacy on throwing her support behind a white dude, Allison said. When women get through the door and they shut the door on the next generation of women, its despicable.

Pelosi isnt alone, however, in urging voters to support a man running for a seat previously occupied by a woman. Former Sen. Barbara Boxer, elected in the famed Year of the Woman Senate cycle, also supported Schiff. Porter endorsed state Sen. Dave Min over Joanna Weiss in the race to replace her. Eshoo endorsed Santa Clara Supervisor Joe Simitian as her successor. In 2021, longtime Rep. Jackie Speier endorsed former staffer Kevin Mullin to succeed her, and he won.

For Pelosis part, she has not said whom she might support to fill her seat whenever she decides to retire.
Washington, D.C., March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sol Systemsa national renewable energy company focused on developing and operating renewable energy projects with community impactand Google today announced an expanded commitment to funding community organizations in North and South Carolina. This is an extension of their existing collaboration, first announced in 2023, which is aimed at developing new solar energy projects and supporting local communities where the projects are built.

This announcement starts the second year of the unique community impact initiative established through a pioneering Tax Credit Servicing and Community Impact Agreement. The companies work together includes an integrated clean energy investment and procurement strategy for solar projects in areas of the Carolinas with relatively low renewable energy penetration.

A key element of the collaboration is the deployment of capital to kick-start important investments in local community organizations that serve under-resourced and minority communities. Funds are channeled through leading community-based organizations, including Roanoke Electric Cooperative in North Carolina, Santee Electric Cooperative and Aiken Electric Cooperative in South Carolina, and the Sustainability Institute of South Carolina.

We are excited to continue our collaboration with Google, a leader in clean energy procurement and community investment, and our dedicated implementation partners in North and South Carolina, Sol Systems Senior Director of Impact Adaora Ifebigh said. We look forward to building on this work to expand opportunities in communities across the U.S. to reduce the energy burden for households that need it the most.

To date, Sol Systems and Google's collaborative efforts have led to investments focused on reducing the energy cost burden for lowand moderate-income families by enabling critical home pre-weatherization and safety upgrades.

Our continued investment in collaboration with Sol Systems in both carbon-free energy projects and community support underscores Googles commitment to ensuring that low income communities across North and South Carolina are able to experience the benefits of clean energy firsthand, said Katie Ottenweller, Southeast Lead, Energy Policy & Markets at Google.

"We are very pleased to be continuing our collaboration with Sol Systems and Google in 2024. The critical home repairs and energy efficiency upgrades performed last year were truly life-changing for so many of our clients. Our goals are to scale this work to produce energy efficient, safe, and healthy housing for households across our region, to measurably reduce energy insecurity in our communities, and ultimately, to blaze a path toward a clean energy future. These efforts have laid the foundation for us to achieve that vision, and we're looking forward to building on our successes from last year," stated Bryan Cordell, Executive Director, The Sustainability Institute of South Carolina.

Santee Electric Cooperative is incredibly excited to continue working with Google and Sol Systems in 2024. The funds received last year helped us to reduce the energy burden and insecurities for many of our members and provide additional opportunities to participate in energy savings solutions. Our members were elated to receive the help from this program. Our goals for 2024 are to continue to address the critical health, safety, and energy efficiency issues of the homes within our service territory. We are so grateful for our collaboration with Google and Sol Systems. We look forward to building on our successes from last year and continue working to reduce energy burden for our members, stated Kevin Myers, Manager of Marketing, Santee Electric Cooperative.

Aiken Electric Cooperative is thrilled to continue our impactful collaboration with Sol Systems and Google. Last year, members, like Chad Wood, experienced firsthand the benefits of pre-weatherization and energy efficiencyreduced energy bills and improved home conditions. Chad eloquently captures the essence of our efforts, stating, We can definitely see the change in the efficiency and how it has greatly impacted our family and the comfort level within our house. This expression resonates with the positive impact we have achieved through this collaboration. The success of our initial year propels us into the second, where we aim to deepen our influence further. Conducting energy audits, addressing health and safety issues, and enhancing accessibility to energy efficiency remain key priorities for Aiken. Together, we are advancing sustainability and truly enhancing lives in our community, stated Gary Stooksbury, CEO of Aiken Electric Cooperative

Roanoke Cooperative is excited to continue our collaboration with Sol Systems and Google, reaffirming our commitment to the Upgrade to $ave program. Following a successful first year with significant savings and enhanced home comfort for member-owners, we will continue to expand the reach of this energy-efficiency initiative. The ongoing support from Sol Systems and Google strengthens our dedication to positive community change. Our goals for 2024 will deepen our efforts on reducing energy burdens for low- and moderate-income households through crucial pre-weatherization and safety upgrades. With overwhelmingly positive feedback from the first year, we are set to build on these successes, empowering our community with sustainable, cost-effective energy efficiency. We look forward to another year of innovative change, continuing our commitment to the well-being of the communities we serve," said Marshall Cherry, President, and CEO of Roanoke Cooperative

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About Sol Systems

Sol Systems is a leading national renewable energy firm with an established reputation for integrity and reliability across its development, infrastructure, and environmental commodity businesses. Sol Systems is operating and building over 2 GW of solar projects valued at more than $2 billion for Fortune 100 companies, municipalities, counties, utilities, universities, and schools and provides environmental commodity portfolio management services to more than 40,000 customers across the US. The company was founded in 2008, is based in Washington, D.C., and is led by its founder. Sol Systems works with institutional clients, corporate partners, and foundations to create a more sustainable future we can all believe in. For more information, visit https://www.solsystems.com/.

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TORONTO, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DiagnaMed Holdings Corp. (DiagnaMed or the Company) (CSE: DMED) (OTCQB: DGNMF), an artificial intelligence digital healthcare company, is pleased to announce it has strengthened support for its intellectual property portfolio by being a client of Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) Partner Program and the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) IP Assist program, which combined, offers a potential of $150,000 in non-dilutive funding. The Company has made significant progress in its AI algorithms and software and achieved certain research milestones that merit IP protection for commercializing CERVAI Brain Health AI solution.



Fabio Chianelli, Chairman and CEO of DiagnaMed, commented: We have made significant technical and operating progress with CERVAI, our novel brain health AI solution, and we are pleased to strengthen support of our intellectual property for commercialization with a potential $150,000 non-dilutive funding from IPON and IP Assist programs. As part of our global commercialization plans for CERVAI, we continue to invest in R&D and expand our intellectual property portfolio through patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets.

With the IPON Partner Program, DiagnaMed can receive up to $35,000 in initial funding, with a further total grant of $100,000 for intellectual property protection and commercialization services. IPON works with innovators, businesses, and researchers to provide access to expert IP education, financial support, and mentorship to help maximize the value of IP, strengthen their capacity to grow, compete in the market, and enhance research and commercialization outcomes.

DiagnaMed has completed IP Assist Level 1 with the IP Assist program and is eligible to receive up to $50,000 for expert IP services. The NRC IRAP provides comprehensive advisory services and funding to help accelerate the growth of Canadian small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and has established the IP Assist program that offers a range of targeted IP services in support of companies commercial goals and safeguarding innovations. The main goals of IP Assist are to help SMEs increase their IP awareness (level 1), develop an IP strategy (level 2) and carry out the actions needed to implement their IP strategy (level 3).

About CERVAI Brain Health AI





CERVAI is a world-first consumer brain health and wellness AI solution that estimates brain age and provides a brain health score. Based on research and development at Drexel University and the University of Miami, CERVAI combines a Brain Age Estimation and Brain Health Assessment tool with the aim to raise a red flag for potential brain health issues. CERVAI can assess if a brain is aging more quickly or more slowly than is typical for healthy individuals. Brain age is estimated by collecting neural activity data of the brain with a low-cost and easy-to-use electroencephalogram (EEG) headset and calculating the data with a proprietary machine-learning model. In addition, CERVAI can assess if a person has a healthy brain or is in the early stage of cognitive decline. Brain health is scored by taking a clinically validated assessment for brain resilience, vulnerability and performance functions. Individuals can seek out personalized diagnostics and interventions, such as medication or lifestyle changes, that may help to decrease the development or progression of cognitive decline.

About DiagnaMed

DiagnaMed Holdings Corp. (CSE: DMED) (OTCQB: DGNMF) is an artificial intelligence digital healthcare company focused on commercializing CERVAI, a world-first consumer brain health and wellness AI solution that estimates brain age and provides a brain health score. Visit DiagnaMed.com.

For more information, please contact:

Fabio Chianelli

Chairman and CEO

DiagnaMed Holdings Corp.

Tel: 416-800-2684

Email: info@diagnamed.com

Website: www.diagnamed.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider have reviewed or accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement

Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, including with respect to future plans, and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as will, may, expect, could, can, estimate, anticipate, intend, believe, aims, and continue or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, business, economic and capital market conditions, the ability to manage operating expenses, and dependence on key personnel. 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, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve goals. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, the continued availability of capital and financing, litigation, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements are described under the caption Risk Factors in Companys managements discussion and analysis for the three months ended December 31, 2023 (MD&A), dated February 29, 2024, which is available on the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any state, province, territory or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state, province, territory or jurisdiction.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7a0e25fe-3e27-4326-bd8b-42a2d3d72633
ATLANTA, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Astra Plastic Surgery, an acclaimed North Georgia-based cosmetic and reconstructive surgery practice, is welcoming Dr. Paul Daraei, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, to its staff of seasoned physicians and surgeons at its Alpharetta and Cumming locations. Patients can confidently choose Astra Plastic Surgery and its esteemed team of providers, thanks to the practice's unwavering commitment to excellence.



Dr. Daraei specializes in all surgical and non-surgical procedures of the head and neck. Learning from prestigious nationally and internationally renowned surgeons, he completed a rigorous head and neck surgical residency at Emory University, followed by a fellowship in cosmetic facial plastic surgery at Rousso Facial Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, Alabama. He serves as a clinical instructor at the Emory University Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and is certified through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Daraei provides comprehensive and state-of-the-art care that is tailored to each patient.

At Astra Plastic Surgery, we provide innovative and personalized care that meets our patients aesthetic goals and inspires confidence, says Dr. Christopher Killingsworth, founder and managing partner of Astra Plastic Surgery. Dr. Daraei and his expertise align with that overall mission. Hes an invaluable asset, and were thrilled to have him on our team.

His professional achievements include contributing to medical journals and book chapters on the art of facelifting. In addition, he has presented at multiple head and neck surgery conferences and continues to make significant contributions to the field.

In addition to Dr. Daraeis arrival, the practice recently welcomed Dr. Pallavi Kumbla, who specializes in advanced cosmetic and reconstructive procedures involving the breast and body. The pair are currently seeing patients at both the Cumming location and the newly-opened, state-of-the-art Alpharetta surgery center location.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Daraei at either the Alpharetta or Cumming locations of Astra Plastic Surgery, call 678-208-6008 or visit AstraPlasticSurgery.com .

Astra Plastic Surgery was established in 2012, recognizing the need for both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in the North Atlanta area. Our locally acclaimed staff provides exceptional results with compassion and integrity. With three locations in Georgia, we are dedicated to addressing all your cosmetic concerns and helping you achieve your aesthetic goals using innovative techniques.

Interviews are available upon request.



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/77bf986b-3865-4333-bcc2-e2890bb0b23e
ELK GROVE, Calif., March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northann Corp (NYSE American: NCL) (Northann or the Company), a leading innovator in 3D-printed home improvement solutions, is excited to announce its plan of the relocation of its corporate headquarters to the American South. This strategic move is aligned with the Company's forward-looking vision and commitment to enhancing its market presence and customer engagement in that region.



The new headquarters will serve as a central hub for Northann Corp's operations, intended to foster innovation and collaboration among its teams. Our relocation was carefully selected for its proximity to key markets and customers, enabling the Company to respond to and service more effectively the evolving needs of its clientele and to seize new business opportunities.

"We are thrilled about this significant milestone in Northann's journey," said Lin Ken Li, CEO of Northann. Relocating to the south is not just a change of address; the new facility will be functionally integrated with innovation, manufacturing, and distribution, enabling the company to convert innovation and technology into consumer products more effectively. The move is a strategic decision that positions us closer to our customers and aligns with our strategy for growth and innovation. We are confident that this move will strengthen our ability to serve our clients and partners more efficiently and effectively.

It is expected to create 300 jobs and integrate the 3D printing ecosystem into the middle and consumer markets more prospectively. Additionally, the relocation will help commercialize Northann's latest innovations to customers more swiftly and speed up the update of new products. The transition to the new headquarters will commence in April 2024 and is expected to be a smooth and seamless move expected to be completed by June 2024.

After the relocation of the headquarters, Northann will continue to maintain its branch in California, ensuring ongoing support and service to its clients in the region.

About Northann Corp.

Northann specializes in 3D-printed flooring solutions under its flagship brand, "Benchwick." The Company's operations span the full spectrum of additive manufacturing, from sourcing recycled ocean plastics to the final production of intricate flooring designs. Northann offers its 3D printing ecosystem as an extensive range of proprietary solutions, including Infinite Glass, DSE, TruBevel, and MattMaster, primarily through its sales network in North America and Europe. The Company aims to redefine the essence of modern flooring and wall panels by offering stylish, durable, and ecologically conscious solutions.

For more information about Northann , please visit www.northann.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. When the Company uses words such as "may, "will, "intend," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project," "estimate" or similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters, it is making forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, other factors discussed in the Risk Factors section of the registration statement filed with the SEC. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in the Company's filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

Investor Relations

Northann Corp.

Email: ir@northann.com

Phone: +1 (916) 573-3803

Skyline Corporate Communications Group, LLC

Scott Powell, President

1177 Avenue of the Americas, 5th Floor

New York, NY, 10036

Office: (646) 893-5835 x2

Email: info@skylineccg.com
Cary, NC, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- INE , the leading provider of networking and cybersecurity training and certifications, and the Virtually Testing Foundation (VTF), a California-based 501(c)3 e-learning nonprofit organization, announced they are partnering to provide premium access to cybersecurity and networking training to students at no cost.

INEs award-winning technical training platform featuring hands-on labs, on-demand videos, and a proven combination of other immersive learning tactics will be a resource for the Foundations 10-week internship program. Interns will have the opportunity to engage with INEs comprehensive networking and cybersecurity courses in cybersecurity. In addition, INE will provide students with discounted access to INE Security certifications. This collaboration will help to bridge the skills gap and equip future technologists with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel in the quickly evolving tech landscape.

There is a critical skills gap in the IT industry, which has enormous implications for businesses and individuals alike, said Dara Warn, INEs CEO. INE is working to close that gap by investing in the education of aspiring IT professionals, creating the next generation of technical experts who will help businesses compete and thrive. This partnership is yet another step in that direction.

Key highlights of the partnership include:

Premium Training Access: INE will provide VTF interns with access to premium training materials at no cost to students. This includes a diverse range of on-demand courses covering essential IT skills and the latest industry technologies.

INE will provide VTF interns with access to premium training materials at no cost to students. This includes a diverse range of on-demand courses covering essential IT skills and the latest industry technologies. Industry Certification Preparation and Discounts: INE training will support interns in obtaining relevant certifications, boosting their credentials, and increasing their marketability in the competitive job market.

This partnership with INE aligns perfectly with our mission to reduce the skill shortage in the Information Security industry. This partnership provides elite hands-on training opportunities to students, said Victor Monga, co-founder at Virtually Testing Foundation. We believe this collaboration will open doors for our interns and equip them with the skills needed to thrive in the IT/InfoSec sector.

Up to 75% of IT decision-makers report significant gaps in their IT staffs skills, a growing problem leading to higher operating costs and softer business objectives. As technology advances, the training industry must evolve to address the continuous demand for upskilling and reskilling among organizations and individuals. Collaborations like the one established between INE and VTF mark a crucial stride in equipping individuals with the necessary skills, reinforcing the industrys strength and security.

About INE:

INE is the premier provider of online technical training for the IT industry. Harnessing the worlds most powerful hands-on lab platform, cutting-edge technology, global video distribution network, and world-class instructors, INE is the top training choice for Fortune 500 companies worldwide, and for IT professionals looking to advance their careers. INEs suite of learning paths offers an incomparable depth of expertise across cybersecurity, cloud, networking, and data science. INE is committed to delivering the most advanced technical training on the planet, while also lowering the barriers worldwide for those looking to enter and excel in an IT career.











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CHICAGO, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Landmarks Illinois has awarded three grants through the Timuel D. Black, Jr. Grant Fund for Chicagos South Side to projects aimed at preserving historic sites in Bronzeville, Englewood and Jackson Park. A total of $7,000 in matching grant funds was awarded to the following recipients:

Bronzeville Trail Task Force, Bronzeville: $2,500 matching grant to support publicity and community engagement tools related to the groups effort to convert the abandoned Kenwood branch CTA train tracks into two miles of parkway for walking, biking and jogging.

Englewood Real Estate Development Corp., Englewood: $2,500 matching grant for temporary roof repairs to the Englewood Schlitz Tied House  one of the last remaining pre-prohibition Schlitz Brewing taverns that remain in the city, which is being restored to serve as a community gathering space.

Jackson Park Watch, Jackson Park: $2,000 matching grant to conduct a structural assessment of the Clarence Darrow Bridge to help determine a preservation plan for the bridge, parts of which predate the World Columbian Exposition of 1893.

Visit our website to learn more about the recent grant recipients .

More information about the grant fund

The Landmarks Illinois Timuel D. Black, Jr. Grant Fund for Chicagos South Side provides small planning and capital matching grants to support organizations and people working to preserve the history, culture and architecture of Chicagos South Side, where Mr. Black, acclaimed civil rights leader, author and historian spent the majority of his life living and promoting African American history.

Grants through the Landmarks Illinois Timuel D. Black, Jr. Grant Fund for Chicagos South Side range from $500 - $2,500 each, depending on need, and require a one-to-one match. Grant application deadlines are twice a year, July 1 and January 1.

Visit our website to view complete grant guidelines and to submit a grant application. You can also see past grant recipients on our website .

About Landmarks Illinois

We are People Saving Places for People. Landmarks Illinois is a membership-based, historic preservation nonprofit organization serving the people of Illinois. We inspire and empower stakeholders to save places that matter to them by providing free guidance, practical and financial resources and access to strategic partnerships. For more information, visit www.Landmarks.org .

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Luxembourg  14 March 2024 - Subsea 7 S.A. (Oslo Brs: SUBC, ADR: SUBCY) today announced the award of a large(1) contract by Woodside Energy to provide subsea installation services for the Trion development. The field is located approximately 30 kilometres south of the US / Mexico border and 180 kilometres away from the Mexican coastline, at a water depth of 2,600 metres.

The project, which Woodside and Pemex are developing in partnership, involves a wet tree subsea system connected to an infield Floating Production Unit (FPU). Subsea7 will be responsible for the engineering, construction, and installation of the subsea umbilicals, risers, and flowlines, as well as the associated subsea architecture.

Project management and engineering will begin immediately from our offices in the U.S. and Mexico. Offshore activities are expected to take place between 2026 and 2027.

Craig Broussard, Vice President for Subsea7 Gulf of Mexico, said, This award acknowledges our strong partnership with Woodside globally. With our experience in the Gulf of Mexico and proven track record, we can deliver innovative, reliable, fast-tracked solutions that create value for our clients. We are proud to be a part of Woodside and Pemexs first deepwater development in Mexico.

(1) Subsea7 defines a large contract as being between USD 300 million and USD 500 million.

*******************************************************************************

Subsea7 is a global leader in the delivery of offshore projects and services for the evolving energy industry, creating sustainable value by being the industrys partner and employer of choice in delivering the efficient offshore solutions the world needs.

Subsea7 is listed on the Oslo Brs (SUBC), ISIN LU0075646355, LEI 222100AIF0CBCY80AH62.

*******************************************************************************

Contact for investment community enquiries:

Katherine Tonks

Investor Relations Director

Tel +44 20 8210 5568

ir@subsea7.com

Contact for media enquiries:

Ashley Shearer

Senior Communications Advisor

Tel +1-713-300-6792

ashley.shearer@subsea7.com

Forward-Looking Statements: This document may contain forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the safe harbour provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). These statements relate to our current expectations, beliefs, intentions, assumptions or strategies regarding the future and are subject to known and unknown risks that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, future, goal, intend, likely may, plan, project, seek, should, strategy will, and similar expressions. The principal risks which could affect future operations of the Group are described in the Risk Management section of the Groups Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements. Factors that may cause actual and future results and trends to differ materially from our forward-looking statements include (but are not limited to): (i) our ability to deliver fixed price projects in accordance with client expectations and within the parameters of our bids, and to avoid cost overruns; (ii) our ability to collect receivables, negotiate variation orders and collect the related revenue; (iii) our ability to recover costs on significant projects; (iv) capital expenditure by oil and gas companies, which is affected by fluctuations in the price of, and demand for, crude oil and natural gas; (v) unanticipated delays or cancellation of projects included in our backlog; (vi) competition and price fluctuations in the markets and businesses in which we operate; (vii) the loss of, or deterioration in our relationship with, any significant clients; (viii) the outcome of legal proceedings or governmental inquiries; (ix) uncertainties inherent in operating internationally, including economic, political and social instability, boycotts or embargoes, labour unrest, changes in foreign governmental regulations, corruption and currency fluctuations; (x) the effects of a pandemic or epidemic or a natural disaster; (xi) liability to third parties for the failure of our joint venture partners to fulfil their obligations; (xii) changes in, or our failure to comply with, applicable laws and regulations (including regulatory measures addressing climate change); (xiii) operating hazards, including spills, environmental damage, personal or property damage and business interruptions caused by adverse weather; (xiv) equipment or mechanical failures, which could increase costs, impair revenue and result in penalties for failure to meet project completion requirements; (xv) the timely delivery of vessels on order and the timely completion of ship conversion programmes; (xvi) our ability to keep pace with technological changes and the impact of potential information technology, cyber security or data security breaches; (xvii) global availability at scale and commercially viability of suitable alternative vessel fuels; and (xviii) the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this document. We undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

This stock exchange release was published by Katherine Tonks, Investor Relations, Subsea7, on 14 March 2024 at 15:45 CET.

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WASHINGTON D.C., March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ACAMS, a leading membership organization dedicated to supporting anti-financial crime (AFC) professionals around the world, will host The Assembly Hollywood 2024, a vital three-day conference and networking event featuring top leaders and experts in the AFC space. The event will take place at the Diplomat Beach Resort Hollywood in Hollywood, Florida, starting on April 8.

Alongside the establishment of the new U.S. beneficial ownership information (BOI) registry, the conference will unravel a deluge of recent AFC advancements from across the globe. A convergence of factors including advancements in technology, evolving crime trends, geopolitical shifts, economic fluctuations and regulatory dynamics are forming significant challenges for the AFC community. Evasion tactics are proliferating at a rapid pace, mirroring the frequency of new sanctions and export controls, while emergent technologies present both obstacles and potential solutions.

The program includes keynote speeches by Katrina W. Berger, executive associate director, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Molly Moeser, acting chief of the Justice Department's Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section. There will also be a roundtable with top U.S. regulatory officials: Lisa D. Arquette, of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC); Stacy Bogert, of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); Donna M. Murphy, of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC); Jay Song, of Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN); and, Suzanne Williams, of the Federal Reserve Board (Fed).

A panel discussion will feature three former FinCEN directors  Kenneth A. Blanco, William J. Fox and Jennifer Shasky Calvery  all of who now lead AFC programs at large, multinational banks. There will also be a fireside chat with Bradley T. Smith, director of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and Giles Thomson, director of the UK's Office for Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) and Economic Crime.

With over 120 leading industry experts poised to provide invaluable insights and potential mitigation strategies for these challenges, this conference represents an opportunity for AFC professionals to stay abreast of the rapidly evolving landscapes of anti-money laundering and sanctions compliance. By illuminating the critical new skills and knowledge essential for compliance professionals, the training and networking event aims to equip attendees to navigate these complex environments with confidence.

"The Assembly Hollywood 2024 will offer attendees an opportunity to glean valuable insights from current regulators, the private sector, as well as former officials who now work in compliance and understand all too well the pressures of the current, fast-paced AFC environment," said ACAMS CEO Neil Sternthal. "But in addition to highlighting the most significant AFC threats and revealing best practices and pathways to capacity building, the event will, importantly, facilitate meaningful conversations and networking opportunities."

For more information on The Assembly Hollywood, including access to the agenda and registration portal, please visit: https://www.acams.org/en/events/the-assembly/the-assembly-hollywood

###

About ACAMS

ACAMS is a leading international membership organization dedicated to providing opportunities for anti-financial crime (AFC) education, best practices, and peer-to-peer networking to AFC professionals globally. With over 100,000 members across 180 jurisdictions, ACAMS is committed to the mission of ending financial crime through the provision of anti-money laundering/counterterrorism-financing and sanctions knowledge-sharing, thought leadership, risk-mitigation services, ESG initiatives, and platforms for public-private dialogue. The associations CAMS certification is the gold- standard qualification for AFC professionals, while its CGSS and CCAS certifications are for sanctions professionals and AFC practitioners working in the crypto space, respectively. ACAMS 60+ Chapters globally further amplify the associations mission through training and networking initiatives. Visit acams.org for more information.
Translation for information purposes only

Monthly information

relating to the total number of voting rights and outstanding shares

In accordance with articles L. 233-8-II of the French Commercial Code and

223-16 of the Autorite des Marches Financiers General Regulation

Reporting company :

Corporate name: McPhy Energy

Public Limited company (societe anonyme) with Board of Directors

Registered office: 79 rue General Mangin, 38100 Grenoble

Registered under number 502 205 917 R.C.S. Grenoble

Euronext Paris Compartment C (ISIN code: FR0011742329 - MCPHY)

Date Total number of outstanding shares Total number of voting rights* Gross Net 29.02.2024 28,417,800** 30,364,470 29,181,707

* Total number of voting rights (i) "gross" calculated on the basis of all the shares to which voting rights are attached, including those deprived of voting rights, (ii) "net" calculated on the basis of all the shares to which voting rights are attached after deduction of those deprived of voting rights (treasury shares and other shares whose voting rights are suspended pursuant to laws)

** including 270,000 new shares issued over the month pursuant to the equity financing line with Vester Finance1

ABOUT MCPHY

Specialized in hydrogen production and distribution equipment, McPhy is contributing to the global deployment of lowcarbon hydrogen as a solution for energy transition. With its complete range of products dedicated to the industrial, mobility and energy sectors, McPhy offers its customers turnkey solutions adapted to their applications in industrial raw material supply, recharging of fuel cell electric vehicles or storage and recovery of electricity surplus based on renewable sources. As designer, manufacturer and integrator of hydrogen equipment since 2008, McPhy has three development, engineering and production centers in Europe (France, Italy, Germany). Its international subsidiaries provide broad commercial coverage for its innovative hydrogen solutions. McPhy is listed on Euronext Paris (compartment C, ISIN code: FR0011742329, MCPHY).

CONTACTS

NewCap



Investor Relations

Emmanuel Huynh

T. +33 (0)1 44 71 94 99

mcphy@newcap.eu



Press Relations

Nicolas Merigeau

T. +33 (0)1 44 71 94 98

Gaelle Fromaigeat

T.+33 (0)1 44 71 98 52

mcphy@newcap.eu

Follow us on

@McPhyEnergy







1 Please refer to the press release dated 19 December 2023, available on the website of the Company (https://mcphy-finance.com  Section Financial Publications  Press releases).





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Austin, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Austin, Texas -

With the March 31st, 2024 deadline for PCI DSS 4.0 compliance rapidly approaching, businesses worldwide are intensifying their efforts to meet the stringent requirements set forth by the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). In light of this deadline, Acumera is proud to announce its compliance management solution designed to assist companies in achieving and maintaining PCI compliance.

PCI DSS 4.0 represents the latest evolution of security standards aimed at safeguarding payment card data and preventing data breaches. Compliance with these standards is not only mandatory for organizations handling cardholder data but also essential for maintaining trust and credibility with customers.

At Acumera, we understand the challenges businesses face in navigating the complexities of PCI DSS compliance," said Charles OBrien, VP of Security and Infrastructure at Acumera. "That's why we have developed a comprehensive solution to help companies streamline their compliance efforts and mitigate the risks associated with handling sensitive payment card data."

Key features of the Acumera PCI DSS compliance management solution include:

SAQ support - The Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) for PCI DSS is an arduous task for retailers. The SAQ Portal Acumera provides guides you to the correct SAQ version and paperwork process

PCI DSS compliance portal - Acumera provides everything you need, from the SAQ assistance portal to the status of your vulnerability scans, in one PCI DSS compliance management portal

Internal vulnerability scanning - Our internal network vulnerability tool initiates a scan of your internal network to detect vulnerabilities and address PCI DSS requirements

External ASV vulnerability scanning management - External scans identify security weaknesses in your network that an adversary could exploit and lead to a breach or network outage

Threat Detection, Incident Response and Log Review - A comprehensive solution to help safeguard your environment and cardholder data

PCI Report on Compliance (RoC) - Outlines an organization's security posture, environment, system, and cardholder data protection for Level 1 retailers

Data breach financial protection - Reduce your financial risk associated with a data security incident by providing coverage for forensic investigations, card brand fines, and consumer notification expenses

By leveraging the expertise and resources of Acumera, businesses can streamline their compliance efforts, reduce the risk of data breaches, and demonstrate their commitment to protecting customer information.

"As the deadline for PCI DSS 4.0 compliance approaches, it's crucial for businesses to prioritize data security and take proactive measures to ensure compliance," added Bobby Williams, Director, CSO. "At Acumera, we are dedicated to empowering organizations with the tools and support they need to achieve and maintain compliance with PCI DSS standards."

For more information about compliance solutions offered by Acumera and how they can help your organization meet the PCI DSS 4.0 deadline, please visit www.acumera.com.

About Acumera

For more than two decades, Acumera has been a leading provider of SaaS solutions for edge computing, secure edge networking, network operations, visualization, and security. With a focus on innovation and customer experience, Acumera specializes in delivering unparalleled uptime, reliability, scalability, and security to global brands and multi-site operators, and ensures continuous operations 24/7 at more than 50,000 sites. To learn more on how Acumera can help one's business, visit them at www.acumera.com

###

For more information about Acumera, contact the company here:



Acumera

Bonnie Bisher

press@acumera.com

3307 Northland Dr # 500, Austin, TX 78731
Bob Egelko has been a reporter since June 1970. He spent 30 years with the Associated Press, covering news, politics and occasionally sports in Los Angeles, San Diego and Sacramento, and legal affairs in San Francisco from 1984 onward. He worked for the San Francisco Examiner for five months in 2000, then joined The Chronicle in November 2000.

His beat includes state and federal courts in California, the Supreme Court and the State Bar. He has a law degree from McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento and is a member of the bar. Coverage has included the passage of Proposition 13 in 1978, the appointment of Rose Bird to the state Supreme Court and her removal by the voters, the death penalty in California and the battles over gay rights and same-sex marriage.

He can be reached at begelko@sfchronicle.com.
Dublin, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Hedge Fund Industry - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts 2020 - 2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Hedge Fund Industry in terms of assets under management value is expected to grow from USD 4.74 trillion in 2024 to USD 5.47 trillion by 2029, at a CAGR of 3.14% during the forecast period (2024-2029).



Hedge funds are known in the financial industry for their great flexibility and wide range of investment options. Hedge fund managers operate with an absolute return methodology to maximize returns, eliminating risks and often enhancing profitable returns using leverage. Hedge fund managers can take long and short positions in their investments. It allows them to seize more opportunities than traditional mutual fund managers providing profitable investment opportunities even when stock markets are plunging.



The total value of assets managed by hedge funds worldwide reached around USD 4.53 trillion in previous year. Fund managers are also increasingly applying artificial intelligence and machine learning (AIML) techniques to improve operational efficiencies and boost returns. In this industry, the United States was the top country regarding hedge fund assets under management, accounting for three-quarters of the world. The United Kingdom followed with the second-highest assets under management.



Investments in Digital Assets is Driving the Market



Digital asset investments are from high-net-worth investors at present. Institutional investors are continuing to show interest, with several large institutional players penetrating the crypto space. According to hedge fund analysis, 21% of hedge funds surveyed invested in digital assets. Along with increased regulatory clarity and sound operational practices, and expected hedge funds to increase their investment in this asset class, 31% of hedge fund managers plan to add cryptocurrency to their portfolios within the next two years.





Recovering Performance, Despite Challenging Market Conditions



The hedge funds industry seems to consolidate over the years, and fund managers worldwide seem to become more defensive in their strategies.



2021 was an excellent year for hedge funds, with industry AUM (assets under management) surging past the USD 4 trillion mark. In 2021, pension funds were anticipated to represent over one-third of the industry's assets under management (AUM). As industry operators garner revenue as an AUM share, increases in demand from this key market tend to boost the industry's performance. Multi-Strategy and Quant Equity hedge funds are once again among the most favorable. Another strategy that saw a dramatic change in sentiment is Generalist Equity. It may be low relative to the other Equity hedge fund strategies, including Sector-Specific, Market Neutral, and Quant Equity.



Hedge Fund Industry Overview



The report includes an overview of the largest hedge funds by assets managed and major digital asset hedge funds. Some of the major players dominating the market studied are presented here, BridgeWater Associates, AQR Capital Management, Man Group Plc, Renaissance Technologies LLC and Two Sigma Investments

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/pny478

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 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "India Airport Infrastructure Market Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



India Airport Infrastructure Market is expected to register a robust CAGR during the forecast period due to increase in government spending, expansion & modernizing of airports.







The aviation industry plays an important role in the economic development of a country. The industry is vital to the long-term growth of the economy. Air travel facilitates the rapid and timely transportation of people and cargo that are vital to trade and commerce. The number of passengers in air traffic and the number of aircraft managed at airports continues to grow each year. This caused the airport terminal to become overcrowded. As passenger numbers increase, the existing airport infrastructure needs to be modernized. In addition, airports are being built in small towns and cities to improve connectivity. The airport needs upgrading in various areas such as better air traffic control systems, longer runways, and the ability to handle more passengers simultaneously. Passenger numbers are expected to double over the next 20 years, increasing the need to expand existing airport infrastructure to accommodate future increases in air traffic.



Additionally, as airlines look to expand connectivity, demand for airport infrastructure is likely to rise in smaller cities planning to build new airports. As demand for longer runways, more gate capacity, and improved air traffic control systems are needed for today's airports, these are likely to further drive the growth of the aviation infrastructure market over the next decade.



The Indian Air Transport Infrastructure Market is characterized by the presence of several regional players competing for new contracts for both construction and expansion of air transport infrastructure. Several new contracts have been awarded to support upcoming projects. The airport consists of three zones: cityside, terminal, and airside. The city side is primarily designed for easy access to the airport and is linked by road, metro or bus. Hospitality related to airport hotels is one of the components as they provide hotels for transit flyers and other business travelers. The centerpiece of the airport is the terminal with check-in desks, security checks and boarding bridges.



As part of the prime minister's UDAN policy, airports in Tier II and Tier III cities are being upgraded and privatized. India's aviation infrastructure is currently largely complete, however initiatives involving this sector have a long maturation period and must keep up with expansion to satisfy future demand.



India has grown to become the world's third largest domestic aviation market and is expected to overtake UK to become the third largest passenger market by 2024. According to IBEF (India Brand Equity Foundation) in 2023, the Indian aviation industry contributed 5% to the GDP and creates a total of 4 million jobs. In addition to this, the total value added to GDP of this industry is USD72 billion. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), India is expected to become the world's third largest air passenger market by 2030, surpassing China and the United States. As domestic traffic accounts for around 69% of all air traffic in South Asia, India's airport capacity is expected to manage 1 billion flights per year by 2023.



Report Scope:



In this report, India Airport Infrastructure Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:



India Airport Infrastructure Market, By Airport Type:

Brownfield Airports

Greenfield Airports

India Airport Infrastructure Market, By Ownership:

Government

Private

Public-Private Partnership

India Airport Infrastructure Market, By Component:

Ground Support Equipment

Fixed Equipment

Airport Services

India Airport Infrastructure Market, By Application:

Hangers

Maintenance

Repair & Overhaul Facilities

Terminal

Warehousing

Runways

Others

India Airport Infrastructure Market, By Region:

North India

South India

West India

East India

Competitive Landscape



Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the India Airport Infrastructure market.

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes

Airport Authority of India

GMR Airports Infrastructure Ltd

GVK Power & Infrastructure Limited

Larsen & Toubro Limited

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.

VRH Construction Pvt. Ltd.

Adani Enterprises Ltd

Blue Dart Aviation Ltd

Celebi NAS Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd

Menzies Aviation Bobba (Bangalore) Pvt. Ltd.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ufz9vt

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 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Ride Hailing Global Market Report 2024" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The ride hailing market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $70.12 billion in 2023 to $80.46 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.8%. The growth in the historical period can be attributed to factors such as urbanization and population density, changing consumer behavior, challenges related to traffic congestion and parking, and considerations related to first and last-mile connectivity, along with economic factors.







The ride hailing market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $141.5 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.2%. The forecasted growth in the upcoming period can be attributed to factors such as integration with multimodal transportation, emphasis on environmental sustainability, adherence to regulatory frameworks, implementation of enhanced safety measures, and expansion into rural and suburban areas. Major trends expected in the forecast period include corporate partnerships for employee transportation, optimization of dynamic pricing, advocacy for regulatory compliance, incorporation of inclusive accessibility features, and the introduction of virtual queues and pre-booking options.



The growth of the ride-hailing market is being propelled by on-demand transportation services and a reduced rate of car ownership among millennials. On-demand transportation services, characterized by flexible routing and ad-hoc scheduling of private vehicles, offer a personalized transport experience, allowing passengers to be picked up or dropped off at locations of their choice. These services enhance the convenience and safety of travel, contributing significantly to the market's expansion. Furthermore, the lower car ownership rates among millennials, driven by the high maintenance costs associated with personal cars, lead to an increased demand for ride-hailing services. Millennials prefer practical, smartphone-accessible transport options that are cost-effective and flexible over the burdens of car ownership, which includes expensive purchases and maintenance. For instance, Transdev estimates that 71 million passengers will use on-demand transportation services in 2022, highlighting the impact of these trends on the ride-hailing market.



The ride-hailing industry faces challenges in adhering to various state and central laws, which are crucial for uninterrupted service. In the United States, these regulations encompass background checks, driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, business licenses, external vehicle displays, and compliance with driver-related and company-related rules. Some countries mandate fingerprint-based background checks due to reported incidents of sexual assault and violence. A report from the Union of Concerned Scientists in April 2021 highlighted that the average U.S. ride-hailing trip results in 69% more pollution than displaced transportation choices, based on federal vehicle efficiency statistics. Consequently, environmental concerns have led to stricter regulations on pollution control, and compliance with these regulations poses potential barriers to the growth of the ride-hailing market.



Leading companies in the ride-hailing market are dedicated to innovating products such as ride-hailing services apps to deliver reliable services to their customers. These apps connect passengers with local drivers who use their personal vehicles. For instance, in March 2023, Godugo Travel Solutions Private Limited, an India-based company offering a vehicle booking mobile app for taxi services, introduced Godugo. This ride-hailing app empowers drivers to operate their businesses through the platform and incorporates advanced features such as a System of Systems (SOS) system. The SOS system sends alerts to users within a 1km radius and the nearest police station when a female passenger or driver feels threatened.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/dhdgc5

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
TORONTO, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sintana Energy Inc. (TSX-V: SEI, OTCQB: SEUSF) (Sintana or the Company) is pleased to provide the following update regarding the ongoing exploration campaign on blocks 2813A and 2814B located in the heart of Namibias Orange Basin, emerging as the one of the worlds most prospective oil and gas regions. The blocks are governed by Petroleum Exploration License 83 (PEL 83) which is operated by a subsidiary of Galp Energia (Galp) of Portugal. Sintana maintains an indirect 49% interest in Custos Energy (Pty) Ltd. (Custos), a 10% working interest owner in PEL 83. NAMCOR, the National Petroleum Company of Namibia, also maintains a 10% working interest.







We refer to press releases from Galp (available at galp.com) and Custos (available at newsdirect.com) noting that further to previous updates provided in January, Galp, together with its partners NAMCOR and Custos, has successfully drilled the Mopane-2X well to its designated depth on PEL 83.

Drilling operations encountered a significant column of light oil in reservoirs of high quality.

The AVO-3 exploration target, the AVO-1 appraisal target and a deeper target were fully cored and logged.

The AVO-1 appraisal target found the same pressure regime as in the Mopane-1X discovery well located approximately 8 km to the east, confirming its lateral extension.

The rig will now return to the Mopane-1X well location to conduct a drill stem test until early April.

Galp will continue to analyze the acquired data during the coming weeks to assess the commerciality of the discoveries.

PEL 83 is located immediately north of PEL 39 home to Shells basin opening discoveries at Graff-1, La Rona-1 and Jonker-1. Additionally, it is located north and east of PEL 56 where TotalEnergies announced its giant oil discovery at Venus-1.

The continuing success of the exploration campaign further demonstrates the scope and potential of PEL 83. We extend our further congratulations to our partners Galp and NAMCOR. said Knowledge Katti, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Custos. This is another significant milestone for Custos positioning us for further growth and continued success underpinned by our unmatched position in the heart of the basin. he added.

The announcement of another significant discovery and the appraisal success at the upper target is further testament to the hard work and dedication of the partners involved, as well as another demonstration of the potential for further growth in our oil industry. With this discovery, we are one step closer to harnessing the full potential of this campaign. said Maggy Shino, Petroleum Commission for the Ministry of Mines and Energy. We are proud to have achieved this milestone. she added.

This third light oil discovery in the Mopane complex and the appraisal results at the AVO-1 reservoir 8 km away from the 1X location provide further evidence of the scale and quality of our exploration portfolio held through our local partners, including Custos. We continue to be reminded of the timeliness of our entry into Namibia with the ongoing progress and success. said Robert Bose, Chief Executive Officer of Sintana. We extend our further congratulations to the joint venture partners on this additional success.

ABOUT SINTANA ENERGY:

The Company is engaged in petroleum and natural gas exploration and development activities on five large, highly prospective, onshore and offshore petroleum exploration licenses in Namibia, and in Colombias Magdalena Basin.

On behalf of Sintana Energy Inc.,

A. Robert Bose

Chief Executive Officer

For additional information or to sign-up to receive periodic updates about Sintanas projects, and corporate activities, please visit the Companys website at www.sintanaenergy.com

Corporate Contacts: Investor Relations Advisor: Robert Bose Sean J. Austin Jonathan Paterson Chief Executive Officer Vice-President Founder & Managing Partner 212-201-4125 713-825-9591 Harbor Access 475-477-9401

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information in this release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intensions for the future, and include, but not limited to, statements with respect to potential future farmout agreements on PEL 83 and/or PEL 87, and proposed future exploration and development activities on PEL 83 and/or PEL 90 and neighbouring properties, as well as the prospective nature of the Companys property interests. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including, but not limited to risks relating to the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals, results of exploration and development activities, the ability to source joint venture partners and fund exploration, permitting and government approvals, and other risks identified in the Companys public disclosure documents from time to time. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update such information, except as may be required by law.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5f539e01-42ec-4180-83ec-61f0e2e4d3d4
WASHINGTON, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Beer Institute, the oldest national trade association representing the beer industry, recognized 12 beer industry employees with its inaugural Best in Brew Award, which honors exceptional employees from Beer Institute member companies, at an award gala in Washington, D.C. This accolade celebrates and salutes beer industry workers who consistently go above and beyond, demonstrating outstanding dedication and contributions to their respective companies and the beer industry.

Nearly 2.4 million Americans owe their livelihood to the beer industry, and the Best in Brew Award celebrates extraordinary individuals whose unwavering commitment and passion fuel the success of a vibrant beer industry, said Brian Crawford, president and CEO of the Beer Institute. "These employees have consistently set the highest example at their respective companies, and their dedication to the art of brewing and selling beer exemplifies what makes beer Americas favorite beverage alcohol.

The Beer Institute honored the following industry employees with a Best in Brew Award:

Ksenia Adams , MicroStar Logistics, Denver, CO

, MicroStar Logistics, Denver, CO Natalie Burbidge , Constellation Brands, Chicago, IL

, Constellation Brands, Chicago, IL Justin Burden , Pabst Brewing Company, San Antonio, TX

, Pabst Brewing Company, San Antonio, TX John Doolan , HEINEKEN USA, White Plains, NY

, HEINEKEN USA, White Plains, NY John Geist (retired) , Boston Beer Company, Boston, MA

, Boston Beer Company, Boston, MA Brice Hiatt , John I. Hass, Inc., Yakima, WA

, John I. Hass, Inc., Yakima, WA Robert Kunkle, O-I Glass/Rocky Mountain Bottle Company, Wheat Ridge, CO

O-I Glass/Rocky Mountain Bottle Company, Wheat Ridge, CO Missy Raver , Yakima Chief Hops, Yakima, WA

, Yakima Chief Hops, Yakima, WA Scott Smith, Anheuser-Busch, St. Louis, MO

Anheuser-Busch, St. Louis, MO Dan Voce , FX Matt Brewing Company, Utica, NY

, FX Matt Brewing Company, Utica, NY Jamie Westfahl , Molson Coors, Milwaukee, WI

, Molson Coors, Milwaukee, WI Bill Young, Beer Institute, Washington, DC

This is the first year the Beer Institute has recognized exceptional beer industry employees with the Best in Brew Award. According to Beer Serves America, the Beer Institute and the National Beer Wholesalers Associations joint economic study, nearly 2.4 million Americans work in the beer industry, and beer contributes more than $409 billion in economic output, equivalent to 1.6% of the national GDP. The beer industry also pays more than $63 billion in taxes annually and more than $132 billion in wages and benefits to employees.

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The Beer Institute is a national trade association for the American brewing industry, representing brewers, beer importers and industry suppliersan industry that supports nearly 2.4 million jobs and provides more than $409 billion to the American economy. First founded in 1862 as the U.S. Brewers Association, the Beer Institute is committed today to developing sound public policy and to the values of civic duty and personal responsibility. For additional updates from the Beer Institute, visit our website and follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.
TORONTO, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (TSX: PFIA, PFSS, PFCB, PFAA) Picton Mahoney Asset Management announced today that it has declared the March 2024 monthly cash distribution of $0.0241 per unit for the ETF units (ETF Units) of the Picton Mahoney Fortified Income Alternative Fund.



Picton Mahoney Asset Management announced today that it has declared the March 2024 monthly cash distribution of $0.0134 per unit for the ETF Units of the Picton Mahoney Fortified Special Situations Alternative Fund.

Picton Mahoney Asset Management announced today that it has declared the March 2024 monthly cash distribution of $0.0339 per unit for the ETF Units of the Picton Mahoney Fortified Core Bond Fund.

Picton Mahoney Asset Management announced today that it has declared the March 2024 monthly cash distribution of $0.0015 per unit for the ETF Units of the Picton Mahoney Fortified Alpha Alternative Fund.

Unitholders of record of the ETF Units, at the close of business on March 21, 2024, will receive a per-unit cash distribution payable on March 28, 2024.

About Picton Mahoney Asset Management

Picton Mahoney Asset Management specializes in differentiated investment solutions and rules-based volatility management. Picton Mahoney helps its clients fortify their portfolios based on experience honed over the years through different market cycles and investing environments.

Founded in 2004 and 100% employee-owned, Picton Mahoney is a portfolio management boutique entrusted with over $9.9 billion (as at January 31, 2024) in assets under management. Pioneers of Authentic Hedge investment principles and practices in Canada, the firm offers a full suite of investment solutions, including mutual and alternative funds, to institutional and retail investors across the country.

Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, performance fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. Alternative funds can only be purchased through a registered dealer and are available only in those jurisdictions where they may be lawfully offered for sale.

For further information please contact:

Arthur Galloway

Picton Mahoney Asset Management

Tel: (416) 955-4108

Web site: www.pictonmahoney.com

Email: service@pictonmahoney.com
London, UK, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FusionLots, an international brokerage firm, is excited to announce its exceptional user satisfaction ratings, reaffirming its commitment to providing an outstanding trading experience for its clients.

After conducting extensive surveys and gathering feedback from its user base, FusionLots is proud to report remarkably high satisfaction ratings among its traders. This achievement highlights FusionLots' dedication to delivering excellent service, innovative tools, and valuable resources tailored to meet the diverse needs of traders in the financial markets.



FusionLots attributes its high satisfaction ratings to its commitment to providing a

user-friendly trading platform, personalized support, and a broad range of asset opportunities across various markets, including cryptocurrencies, stocks, indices,

commodities, and currencies.



About FusionLots

FusionLots is a reputable brokerage firm that operates globally and caters to traders across various financial markets. The platform offers users access to various assets, including

cryptocurrencies, stocks, indices, commodities, and currencies, and ensures seamless trading experiences across different devices. The company is committed to complying with

regulatory standards and providing traders with valuable insights and personalized

assistance to help them improve their skills and achieve desirable outcomes.



By offering tailored services and reliable support, FusionLots aims to assist traders in accomplishing their financial goals. The platform also provides options for different account types and analysis tools, promoting diversified trading strategies. With a strong focus on

security and customer satisfaction, FusionLots is a trusted partner for traders looking to succeed in the financial markets.



Company Details

Company Name: FusionLots

Email Address: media@fusionlots.com

Company Address: Walbrook, EC4N 8AF, London, United Kingdom

Company Website:https://fusionlots.com/



Disclaimer:

This press release, titled "FusionLots Achieves High User Satisfaction Ratings", is distributed by KISS PR. The information herein is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security. The content of this press release is not intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and should not be relied upon for making any investment or trading decisions. All information provided should be used solely for informational purposes. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of the information provided. Furthermore, KISS PR and its partners do not accept responsibility or liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising in whole or in part from reliance on, use of, or inability to use the information contained in this press release. Contact FusionLots at the information provided for further inquiries or clarification.media@fusionlots.com




Beverly Hills, ca , March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Secure Pharmacy is pleased to announce the launch of its innovative digital platform designed to improve patients access to medications. The platform uses certified professionals and clinicians to provide personalized medication recommendations so patients can receive the most effective treatments according to their health conditions. Backed by state-of-the-art technology, it ensures complete user privacy and protection against fraud.

This digital innovation has revolutionized the way patients access their medication, making it easier for them to get the best treatments. Furthermore, the platform plays a very important role in improving the digital health ecosystem by encouraging strategic telehealth partnerships and networks.



Secure Pharmacy

Secure Pharmacy presents its newly designed website that provides visitors with a broad range of information about medications, usage guidelines, product descriptions, and educational materials, which all promote the safe and effective use of medicines. The company uses advanced technology and computer systems to deliver orders on time. Its teams carefully verify the orders against their respective prescriptions before dispatch. Every staff member takes patient health and well-being very seriously and hence performs the extra checks.

One of the critical aspects of patient care is to promote informed use of medication. Secure Pharmacys digital platform makes sure that patients are well-informed about the medications they use. The platform offers an expansive selection of resources to help patients improve their knowledge about the medicines they take.

At Secure Pharmacy, our mission is to provide a safe and reliable source for individuals to obtain their medications. We understand the challenges that many face in accessing the right information and resources when it comes to prescription drugs. Our revamped website is a testament to our commitment to meeting the needs of our customers, offering them a comprehensive platform that is both informative and user-friendly, said Jimme, a representative for the company.

The other resources provided by the platform are interactive tools, videos, and articles to help patients and visitors understand disease prevention, medication safety, and wellness. Its primary goal is to help users make informed decisions with regard to their health and medication. Every medicine listed here is provided with an in-depth guide to understanding its benefits, side effects, and safe usage. Qualified healthcare professionals from the industry contribute to this information, making the website a safe space to buy medications such as Xanax, Percocet, or even Hydrocodone. This integrated platform offers full-scale services to meet the needs of medical professionals and patients.

To learn more, visit https://www.myrxsecurepharmacy.com/.

About Secure Pharmacy

Secure Pharmacy is an end-to-end healthcare service provider and a platform where doctors can enter their prescriptions and patients can upload their prescriptions and periodic vitals. Patients can order regular medications via a web portal, phone, and mobile app and get them delivered to their doorstep. Patients will also receive appointment reminders, awareness about their health conditions, and so on.

###

Contact

Secure Pharmacy

Jimmy Dale Martin

Address: 1200 Benedict Canyon Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Phone: (323) 417-2087

Website: https://www.myrxsecurepharmacy.com/

Email: jimme@myrxsecurepharmacy.com





Disclaimer:

Any advice or guidelines revealed here are not even remotely a substitute for sound medical advice from a licensed healthcare provider. Make sure to consult with a professional physician before making any purchasing decision if you use medications or have concerns following the information and details shared above. Individual results may vary as the statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.








Denver, NYC, Santiago, Kampala, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) announced the official launch of their 21 for 21 Campaign that is being generously matched by the Safeway Foundation. GLOBALs goal is to raise $21,000 of which 100% of the proceeds will go to life-saving medical care for patients with Down syndrome from 33 states and 10 countries.

The campaign uses Phone2Action so that self-advocates with Down syndrome can create their own website pages with their photos and story that aim to inspire and help GLOBAL raise critical funds. Supporters can set up their pages here in three easy steps.

As World Down Syndrome Day approaches on March 21 (3/21), GLOBAL is gearing up for several initiatives that celebrate inclusivity, diversity and advocacy for people with Down syndrome all over the world:

1. New York City, USA  Holy See at the United Nations Conference on Human Rights for People with Down Syndrome & Women

Thursday, March 21st featuring GLOBALs Board Member, Frank Stephens

2. Denver, USA  World Down Syndrome Day Dance Party

Friday, March 22nd at the famous inclusive restaurant and bar, Brewability, 3445 S. Broadway, Englewood, Colorado

3. Santiago, Chile  Health for Adults with Down Syndrome Workshop co-organized by GLOBAL, Centro UC Sindrome de Down and Pontificia Universidad Catholica de Chile

Tuesday, March 26th at the Ministry of Health offices with over 200 general practitioners signed up to learn more and to review the GLOBAL Medical Care Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome

4. Kampala, Uganda  World Down Syndrome Day Dance Party

Thursday, March 21st GLOBAL and the Global Livingston Institute are working with local Down syndrome and intellectual disability NGOS to organize this fun and inspiring event

5. Important Video  GLOBALs World Down Syndrome Day Video featuring self-advocate from around the world

6. Assume That I Can CoorDown Video Featuring Madison Tevlin

GLOBAL is proud to support this important video created by CoorDown in Italy

We are so honored to be a part of World Down Syndrome Day initiatives in the US, Chile, Uganda, and Italy this year, says GLOBAL President & CEO Michelle Sie Whitten. We are now actively working in 10 countries translating and distributing our Prenatal & Newborn Pamphlet, GLOBAL Adult Guideline, and other important resources at no cost to thousands of people with Down syndrome and their families. We could not do this without our wonderful in-country collaborators, the leaders on our GLOBAL Membership Advisory Board, and our transformative affiliates, families and champions. Everyone at GLOBAL works so hard it is lovely to have a day where everyone can just celebrate the awesome people with Down syndrome we serve!

World Down Syndrome Day falls on March 21st or 3-21 signifying the fact that people with Down syndrome are born with 3 (three) copies of chromosome 21 instead of 2 (two). World Down Syndrome Day was promulgated by the United Nations in 2012 and is celebrated in 190 countries.



To learn more about the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and World Down Syndrome Day, visit www.globaldownsyndrome.org/world-down-syndrome-day-month.

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) is the largest non-profit in the U.S. working to save lives and dramatically improve health outcomes for people with Down syndrome. GLOBAL has donated more than $32 million to establish the first Down syndrome research institute supporting over 400 scientists and over 2,400 patients with Down syndrome from 33 states and 10 countries. Working closely with Congress and the National Institutes of Health, GLOBAL is the lead advocacy organization in the U.S. for Down syndrome research and medical care. GLOBAL has a membership of over 110 Down syndrome organizations worldwide and is part of a network of Affiliates  the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the Sie Center for Down Syndrome, and the University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center  all on the Anschutz Medical Campus. GLOBALs widely circulated medical publications include GLOBAL Medical Care Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome, Prenatal & Newborn Down Syndrome Information, and the award-winning Down Syndrome World magazine. GLOBAL also organizes the annual AcceptAbility Gala in Washington DC, and the annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show, the largest Down syndrome fundraiser in the world.

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SAN DIEGO, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Shareholder rights law firm Robbins LLP informs investors it is investigating the acquisition of HireRight Holdings Corp. (NYSE: HRT) by investment funds affiliated with General Atlantic, L.P. and Stone Point Capital LLC (the "Sponsers"). Under the terms of the agreement, the Sponsers will acquire all the outstanding shares they do not already own for $14.35 per share in cash.



If you own shares of HireRight Holdings Corp. click here.

Is the Proposed Acquisition Best for HireRight Holdings Corp. (HRT) and its Shareholders?

On February 16, 2024, HireRight announced a deal to be acquired by the Sponsers. According to the Proxy Statement, HireRight's board of directors approved the merger agreement for $14.35 per share in cash. The deal is valued at approximately $1.65 billion and is expected to close mid-2024. Robbins LLP is concerned that HireRight's board of directors engaged in an unfair process and agreed to an unfair amount to be paid to shareholders.

Next Steps: If you own shares of HireRight Holdings Corp. (HRT) you have legal options. Contact us to learn more about your legal rights.

All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses.

Contact us to learn more:

Aaron Dumas, Jr.

(800) 350-6003

adumas@robbinsllp.com

Shareholder Information Form

About Robbins LLP: A recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, the attorneys and staff of Robbins LLP have been dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improve corporate governance structures, and hold company executives accountable for their wrongdoing since 2002. Since our inception, we have obtained over $1 billion in value for shareholders. To be notified if a class action against HireRight Holdings Corp. settles or to receive free alerts when corporate executives engage in wrongdoing, sign up for Stock Watch today.

Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact:

Aaron Dumas, Jr.

Robbins LLP

5060 Shoreham Place, Suite 300

San Diego, CA 92122

adumas@robbinsllp.com

(800) 350-6003

www.robbinsllp.com
A lawsuit claims that San Mateo Countys unusual public defender program is violating a state law defining who can provide legal representation. ftwitty/Getty Images

San Mateo is the only California county with a population over 300,000 where low-income criminal defendants are represented by a Private Defender Program, an arm of the county Bar Association, rather than a county-employed public defender. According to a newly filed lawsuit, its also the only populous county thats violating a state law defining who can provide legal representation.

As a matter of law, trade associations like the (Bar Association) cannot engage in the practice of law, which includes operating as a private criminal defense law firm, a lawyer challenging the program said in a suit filed Tuesday in Superior Court.

The lawyer, Rodney Sorensen of Redwood City, did not claim that he has been personally harmed by the program, only that it affected him as a Bar Association member and as a taxpayer. In a statement accompanying the suit, Sorensen said he has a responsibility to address a defective and unlawful government program that harms the most vulnerable members of our community.

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The county established the program in 1969 to provide private attorneys, under contract with the Bar Association, to represent poor clients in criminal prosecutions, juvenile court cases and mental health proceedings. Its budget was $21.3 million in 2021-22, when its lawyers represented 20,000 clients, according to the lawsuit.

In a recent annual report, Chief Defender Lisa Maguire, a veteran criminal defense lawyer, said the 108 lawyers under contract to the program in the past year had provided strong and complete representation for thousands of clients.

But the lawsuit cited reports by the county grand jury in 2014-15 and 2019-20 that found the program failed to adequately evaluate its lawyers performance and lacked financial oversight.

A review commissioned by the county by a private contractor, Harvey M. Rose Associates, also cited in Sorensens suit, found in January 2022 that the program has limited management resources, processes, and controls in place to ensure attorney performance and workloads are consistent with reasonable standards and result in high quality representation for clients.

A common theme voiced by participants was a lack of communication with PDP attorneys, the 2022 report said. Five reported their attorney missed one or more court appearances, with one reported having to spend additional time in jail due to her assigned counsel missing a court appearance. And the report said state and national reviews have found better results for clients represented by government-employed public defenders.

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Sorensen also cited a statement by Silicon Valley De-Bug, a local advocacy group monitoring the criminal justice system, opposing San Mateo Countys recent decision to renew its contract with the Bar Association to operate the program for another five years.

In the Private Defender Program, we have brushed up against 3-4 attorneys that move mountains for their clients, but they are the clear exception to the mass of unaccountable attorneys who dont do right for their clients, the De-Bug group said. And to the extent that these attorneys are successful, it is completely of their own merits, not because there is a nurturing, learning environment or management that actively exists in individual cases, as exists in Public Defender offices.

The suit contended that by operating the program and hiring the attorneys, the county Bar Association was actually engaged in the illegal practice of law. Sorensens attorney cited California Supreme Court rulings dating to 1922, when the court declared that a corporation could neither practice law nor employ lawyers to represent third parties.

But Maguire, the program's director since December 2019, said Wednesday that recent court decisions make it clear that a nonprofit, such as the Bar Association, is entitled to practice law and hire attorneys. She also said the last grand jury report served as a "roadmap" that has led to substantial improvements.

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Concord, NH, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Granite Group, a leading supplier of plumbing, heating, cooling, piping, water systems, and energy products in the Northeast, is excited to announce an exclusive partnership with Flair.

Since 2022, The Granite Group has been a key distributor of the Flair Puck Pro, a smart thermostat for mini splits. Given the continued growth of Flair in New England, The Granite Group is honored to have Flair's first exclusive distribution agreement for its Smart Vent product line for central systems. Flair Smart Vents offer cutting-edge technology to optimize home heating and cooling systems, providing users with greater comfort while promoting energy efficiency.

"Flair's innovative approach to home climate control aligns with our commitment to offering top-quality products to our customers. We are excited to be the exclusive distributor of Flair Smart Vents in the New England region and look forward to a successful partnership and the opportunity to introduce Flair Smart Vents to contractors in our network." - Mike Kelly, Senior Vice President of Business Development, The Granite Group

The partnership aims to enhance the overall customer experience by providing convenient access to Flair's state-of-the-art smart airflow technology. As part of this partnership, The Granite Group will be the exclusive distributor of Flair Smart Vents in Vermont, Maine, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. The Granite Group's 56 wholesale branches and My Granite Access Online Store will make Flair Smart Vents easily accessible to HVAC professionals throughout the New England states.

"We are delighted to announce our exclusive partnership with The Granite Group. Their extensive reach and commitment to excellence align perfectly with Flair's mission to bring innovative airflow solutions to households. This collaboration allows us to expand our presence in the New England region and introduce Flair Smart Vents to a broader audience." - Daniel Myers, Co-Founder and CEO, Flair

This collaboration signifies a significant step for both Flair and The Granite Group in providing advanced and energy-efficient comfort solutions to the market. Both companies are enthusiastic about the positive impact this partnership will have on the HVAC industry and the comfort of homes in the New England region.

About The Granite Group

Headquartered in Concord, NH, The Granite Group distributes plumbing, heating, cooling, piping, water systems, and energy products to contractors and fuel dealers across New England through 56 wholesale branches and a best-in-class online store. The company also operates 16 retail showrooms under The Sink & Spout (formerly The Ultimate Bath Store) name, offering an expertly-trained staff and an extensive array of decorative plumbing fixtures and accessories. Founded in 1971 in Worcester, MA, The Granite Group celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021 alongside the exceptional people who have driven its success.

Of all the recognition The Granite Group has received as a business, the workplace awards are the ones for which the company is most proud. For more information, click here.

About Flair

Flair makes smart vents, thermostats, and advanced software for room-level temperature control that solve HVAC's most difficult, long-standing, and widespread problems.

Founded in 2014, Flair is a team of engineers, designers, and communicators with a passion for saving energy. Their mission is simple - to cost-effectively increase comfort while decreasing energy. For more information, click here.

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ultra Lithium Inc. (TSXV: ULT OTCQB: ULTXF Frankfurt: QFB) (Ultra Lithium or the Company) is providing this bi-weekly default status report in accordance with National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders (NP 12-203). On March 4, 2024, the Company announced that effective February 29, 2024 it has been granted a voluntary management cease trade order in accordance with NP 12-203 due to it not being able to file its annual financial statements and managements discussion and analysis (MD&A) for the year ended October 31, 2023, and the related CEO and CFO certifications (collectively, the Annual Filings) on SEDAR within 120 days of its financial year-end. The management cease trade order has been granted by the Companys 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. As a result, the Company requires additional time to file the Annual Filings.

The Company has obtained a loan financing and has commenced the annual audit. The Company expects to file its Annual Filings 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.

Pursuant to NP 12-203, the Company must file bi-weekly default status reports in the form of further news releases during the period of the MCTO. The Company reports that it is working diligently with its auditors to complete the audit in a timely manner and since its news release of March 4, 2024, there have been no material changes regarding the information contained in that news release. The Company confirms there have been no failures by the Company in fulfilling its stated intentions with respect to satisfying the provisions of the alternative information guidelines under NP 12-203, and there has not been, nor is there anticipated to be, any specified default subsequent to the default announced in the Companys news release of March 4, 2024. The Company also confirms that there is no other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed as of the date of this news release.

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 Companys 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 Companys 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.
VANCOUVER, March 13, 2024 - Solaris Resources Inc. (TSX: SLS; OTCQB: SLSSF) ("Solaris" or the "Company") is issuing the following news release as a result of a continuous disclosure review by the British Columbia Securities Commission.



The Company has disclosed in its technical report with an effective date of April 1, 2022, certain Company press releases, and in its corporate presentation both a mineral resource estimate for the greater Warintza project and a mineral resource estimate for an indicative starter pit at the Warintza project. CIM Best Practices state that there can only be one mineral resource on a project. The Company is therefore required to select one of these mineral resource estimates as its mineral resource estimate for the Warintza project. On this basis, the Company is retracting its disclosure of a mineral resource estimate for its indicative starter pit and confirms its mineral resource estimate at the Warintza Project is the unchanged mineral resource estimate for the greater Warintza project, with Indicated mineral resources of 579 million tonnes ("Mt") at 0.59% copper equivalent ("CuEq") and Inferred mineral resources of 887 Mt at 0.47% CuEq above a 0.3% CuEq cut-off grade at an effective date of April 1, 2022 (the "MRE"). Copper equivalent assumes recoveries of 90% Cu, 85% Mo, and 70% Au based on preliminary metallurgical testwork, and metal prices of US$3.50/lb Cu, US$15.00/lb Mo, and US$1,500/oz Au. The CuEq formula used is: CuEq (%) = Cu (%) + 4.0476  Mo (%) + 0.487  Au (g/t). The Company will file an amended technical report as soon as practicable with disclosure relating to the indicative starter pit removed from such disclosure.



The Company has disclosed in its corporate presentation historical district estimates, historical estimates at adjacent properties and potential future results for the property. This disclosure is restricted as it is not categorized as an inferred mineral resource, an indicated mineral resource, a measured mineral resource, a probable mineral reserve, or a proven mineral reserve. The Company has also made certain disclosure in its corporate presentation regarding potential economic results for the property and consensus analyst estimates for the MRE. Disclosure of gross values of a mineral resource estimate is restricted. The Company is retracting the foregoing disclosure noted in this paragraph and confirms it has not completed an economic assessment at the project.

The Company has disclosed in its corporate presentation information regarding adjacent and regional properties. This could be misleading if readers infer that the Company will achieve similar results at its own property. The Company would like to clarify that readers should not infer that the Company will obtain similar results at its own property.

Qualified Person

The MRE was prepared and the scientific and technical information in this news release related to the MRE was approved by Independent Qualified Person, Mario E. Rossi, FAusIMM, SME, IAMG, Principal Geostatistician of Geosystems International Inc ("GSI"). Mr. Rossi is a qualified person pursuant to NI 43-101 and is independent of Solaris under Section 1.5 of NI 43-101. Mr. Rossi has over 30 years of experience in mining and geostatistics, mineral resource and reserves estimation, audits and reviews in over 100 mining projects at various stages of development and operation. GSI is an independent, international mining consulting practice offering services specializing in porphyry deposits from exploration through feasibility, mine planning, and production.

Resource Estimation Methodology and Parameters

Indicated mineral resources were defined where the nominal drill hole spacing is 120m. The classification reflects not only the drill spacing, but the confidence level in the continuity of the grade and the geometry of the deposit. Inferred mineral resources were defined by blocks which were estimated with less stringent requirements within search ellipses defined for each domain to a maximum distance of 350m. Resources include grade capping and internal dilution. Grade was interpolated by ordinary kriging populating a block model with block dimensions of 25m x 25m x 15m. The Indicated and Inferred mineral resources are classified in a manner that is consistent with the May 10, 2014 CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. In Mr. Rossi's opinion, there are currently no relevant factors or legal, political, environmental, or other risks that could materially affect the potential development of the mineral resources.

Quality Control & Quality Assurance

Sample assay results have been independently monitored through a quality control/quality assurance ("QA/QC") program that includes the insertion of blind certified reference materials (standards), blanks and field duplicate samples. Logging and sampling are completed at a secured Company facility located in Quito, Ecuador. Drill core is cut in half on site and samples are securely transported to ALS Labs in Quito. Sample pulps are sent to ALS Labs in Lima, Peru and Vancouver, Canada for analysis. Total copper and molybdenum contents are determined by four-acid digestion with AAS finish. Gold is determined by fire assay of a 30-gram charge. In addition, selected pulp check samples are sent to Bureau Veritas lab in Lima, Peru. Both ALS Labs and Bureau Veritas lab are independent of Solaris. Solaris is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data referred to herein. Mr. Rossi verified the data disclosed, including sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the information included in this news release for which such qualified person is responsible, by personally inspecting the drill core used in the disclosure and performing a number of checks to confirm the accuracy of such data. In addition, Mr. Rossi reviewed the QA/QC reports from the Company's drill programs and noted that there were no issues that arose which would affect confidence with the assay data. Mr. Rossi considers the sampling method appropriate for the deposit type, adequate security and QA/QC measures were maintained, and samples are representative of the existing mineralization.

On behalf of the Board of Solaris Resources Inc.

"Daniel Earle"

President & CEO, Director

For Further Information

Jacqueline Wagenaar, VP Investor Relations

Direct: 416-366-5678 Ext. 203

Email: jwagenaar@solarisresources.com

About Solaris Resources

Solaris is advancing a portfolio of copper and gold assets in the Americas, which includes a world class copper resource with expansion and discovery potential at its Warintza Project in Ecuador; a series of grass roots exploration projects with discovery potential in Peru and Chile; and significant leverage to increasing copper prices through its 60% interest in the La Verde joint-venture project with a subsidiary of Teck Resources in Mexico.

Cautionary Notes and Forward-looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively "forward-looking statements"). The use of the words "will" and "expected" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include statements regarding filing of an amended technical report. Although Solaris believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and/or information are reasonable, readers are cautioned that actual results may vary from the forward-looking statements. These statements are based on a variety of assumptions including assumptions made about potential quantity and that further exploration will define a mineral resource at this target. These statements also involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in the Solaris Management's Discussion and Analysis, for the year ended December 31, 2022 available at www.sedarplus.ca. Furthermore, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and Solaris does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements except as may be required by applicable securities laws.
VANCOUVER, March 14, 2024 - Calibre Mining Corp. (TSX: CXB; OTCQX: CXBMF) (the "Company" or "Calibre") is pleased to announce its attainment of Year 3 conformance with the World Gold Council's Responsible Gold Mining Principles ("RGMPs"). This significant milestone underscores Calibre's unwavering commitment to ethical, sustainable, and responsible mining practices.



The World Gold Council's RGMPs serve as a benchmark for the gold mining industry, emphasizing key areas including environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and robust governance practices. Calibre's achievement of Year 3 RGMP compliance reaffirms the Company's dedication to upholding these fundamental principles across its operations.

Darren Hall, President and Chief Executive Officer of Calibre, stated: "We are pleased to announce our Year 3 conformance with the World Gold Council's RGMPs. This achievement underscores our pursuit of excellence in sustainability and ethical mining practices. It reflects our commitment to foster positive impacts on the environment, engaging with, and supporting local communities, and upholding rigorous governance standards.

"Calibre's adherence to the RGMPs is exemplified through our comprehensive sustainability initiatives. The Company's efforts extend beyond regulatory compliance, focusing on continuous improvement to minimize our environmental footprint, as well as transparent and extensive community engagement to create a positive impact in the regions in which we operate."

The RGMP Conformance Report and Assurance Letter can be found here and on the Company website at www.calibremining.com.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS "WOMAN OF GOLD" RECOGNITION

Calibre is also proud to announce that the Companys Community Relations Manager in Nicaragua, Angelica Calderon, has been recognized by Women in Mining-Central America as a "Woman of Gold." This prestigious recognition highlights Ms. Calderon's outstanding contributions to Calibre's sustainability efforts and her invaluable role in fostering positive relationships with the Company's host communities.

Women in Mining-Central America (WIM-CA) is one of over 40 WIM groups worldwide, bringing together more than 10,000 individuals across 100+ countries to foster, promote and empower women in the mining industry, addressing issues such as workforce promotion, inclusion and diversity, education and advocacy.

Petri Salopera, SVP Sustainability of Calibre, stated: "Our journey toward sustainability and responsible mining is an ongoing commitment. Angelica Calderon's recognition as a 'Woman of Gold' by Women in Mining-Central America is a testament to Calibre's dedication to transparency and accountability in our community engagement. During her 38 years of experience in the mining industry, Ms. Calderon has broken gender paradigms and barriers, working initially as a geologist, and ascending through leadership positions in the areas of Environment, Health and Safety, and Community Relations.

"Ms. Calderon has been a pioneer in the mining sector in Nicaragua, not only mentoring other women on the Calibre team, but also serving as a role model for all colleagues in the industry. She personifies Calibre's mission to create enduring value for our stakeholders while maintaining the highest standards of responsible gold production."

About Calibre

Calibre is a Canadian-listed, Americas focused, growing mid-tier gold producer with a strong pipeline of development and exploration opportunities across Newfoundland & Labrador in Canada, Nevada and Washington in the USA, and Nicaragua. Calibre is focused on delivering sustainable value for shareholders, local communities and all stakeholders through responsible operations and a disciplined approach to growth. With a strong balance sheet, a proven management team, strong operating cash flow, accretive development projects and district-scale exploration opportunities Calibre will unlock significant value.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Darren Hall"

Darren Hall, President & Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:

Ryan King

SVP Corporate Development & IR

T: 604.628.1012

E: calibre@calibremining.com

W: www.calibremining.com

Calibre's head office is located at Suite 1560, 200 Burrard St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3L6.

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The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither reviewed nor accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are identified by words such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule", "forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to: the Company's expectations toward higher grades mined and processed going forward; statements relating to the Company's 2023 priority resource expansion opportunities; the Company's metal price and cut-off grade assumptions. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond Calibre's control. For a listing of risk factors applicable to the Company, please refer to Calibre's annual information form ("AIF") for the year ended December 31, 2022, and its management discussion and analysis ("MD&A") for the year ended December 31, 2022, all available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect Calibre's forward-looking statements such as potential sanctions implemented as a result of the United States Executive Order 13851 dated October 24, 2022.

Calibre's forward-looking statements are based on the applicable assumptions and factors management considers reasonable as of the date hereof, based on the information available to management at such time. Such assumptions include but are not limited to: the Company being able to mine and process higher grades and keep production costs relatively flat going forward; there not being an increase in production costs as a result of any supply chain issues or ongoing COVID-19 restrictions; there being no adverse drop in metal price or cut-off grade at the Company's Nevada properties. Calibre does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.
VANCOUVER, March 14, 2024 - Sitka Gold Corp. ("Sitka" or the "Company") (TSXV:SIG) (FSE:1RF) (OTCQB:SITKF) is pleased to provide project updates for its portfolio of Gold, Silver and Copper properties located in proven, mining friendly jurisdictions in North America (see Figure 1).

Sitka's project portfolio includes the RC Gold project ("RC Gold") and OGI project ("OGI") located in Yukon, the Alpha Gold project ("Alpha Gold") located in Nevada, the Burro Creek project ("Burro Creek") located in Arizona and the Coppermine River project ("Coppermine River") located in Nunavut. Sitka's projects vary from grassroots and discovery stage properties to advanced stage projects that include the recent discovery of a significant gold deposit at its RC Gold project which is open for expansion in all directions. The Company's primary focus for 2024 is on its flagship RC Gold project where an initial inferred gold resource of 1.34 million ounces of gold (1) was recently announced and a winter diamond drilling program focused on expansion of this resource is currently underway. Results from drilling at the Alpha Gold Project in Nevada have been received and key permits have also recently been secured to allow for drilling at the Burro Creek project in Arizona and the Coppermine River project in Nunavut.

Sitka Gold Corp. is a well-funded mineral exploration company headquartered in Canada with approximately $7.5 million in the treasury. The company recently began trading on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX-V) and delisted from the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE).

"Since its inception, Sitka's goal was to curate a portfolio of highly prospective mineral properties that would provide diversification across key target minerals and mining friendly jurisdictions", said Cor Coe, Director and CEO of Sitka. "Having accomplished that, Sitka spent the past several years systematically advancing these properties through varying stages of exploration. The results of these efforts have led to multiple discoveries and milestones, the most recent being the advancement of RC Gold from a discovery hole to an initial mineral resource estimate of 1.34 million ounces of gold within just 12 months. With our main focus on growing that resource towards critical mass while exploring the several additional drill ready targets at RC Gold ripe for discovery, we are also excited to continue our exploration efforts at Alpha Gold where we have discovered a large Carlin-type gold system that has the potential to host a significant gold resource similar to other other deposits along the Cortez-trend where over 50 million ounces of gold has been discovered to date. With drill permits now in hand for Coppermine River and Burro Creek, along with a treasury of approximately $7.5 million, Sitka is well positioned to further unlock the potential within its mineral portfolio and create additional shareholder value."

RC Gold, Yukon

The Company is currently conducting a winter diamond drilling program at its year-round road accessible RC Gold Project in Yukon as part of a 15,000 metre diamond drilling program planned for 2024. Recently drilled core from DDRCCC-24-057 where drilling is currently underway can be viewed in Figure 4. Current drilling is focused on stepping out from Hole 47 that was drilled in 2023 south of the current Blackjack gold deposit (900,000 ounces of gold at a grade of 0.83 g/t; see news release dated January 19, 2023). Hole 47 contained the best gold mineralized intersection to date on the property, returning 219.0 m of 1.34 g/t gold including 124.8 m of 2.01 g/t gold and 55.0m of 3.11 g/t gold. Drilling in 2024 will continue to focus on expanding the recently discovered Blackjack and Eiger gold deposits (with Eiger hosting 440,000 ounces of gold at a grade of 0.50 g/t, see news release dated January 19, 2023) that are approximately 1.5 kilometres apart (see Figures 2 and 3). Drilling will also be targeted to expand the Saddle Zone, located midway between the Blackjack and Eiger deposits, where the largest and strongest gold-in-soil anomaly on the property is located (see Figures 2 and 3) along with other prospective areas within the 386 square kilometre contiguous property that hosts 9 known intrusions that are all known to be gold bearing from previous work.

The project is located a two hour drive east of Dawson City and is accessed via the Klondike Highway and a network of industrial roads that service placer mines in the area. The RC Gold Property is located within the Tombstone Gold Belt (TGB) which is host to two producing mines, Kinross's Fort Knox Mine in Alaska and Victoria Gold's Eagle Mine in Yukon located approximately 50 kilometres east of RC Gold. The TGB has produced several significant new gold discoveries in recent exploration including the Blackjack and Eiger deposits at Sitka's RC Gold Project, Snowline Gold's Valley Gold deposit discovery, Banyan Gold's Aurmac deposit discovery and Victoria Gold's Raven deposit discovery.

Alpha Gold, Nevada

The Alpha Gold property lies 40 km SSE of Nevada Gold Mines' Cortez complex, including the Pipeline, Cortez Hills and Goldrush tier one gold deposits and is located at the southeast end of the Cortez trend (Figure 5). Four holes totaling 1027.3 m were drilled in the 2023 program at Alpha (see Figure 6). The 2023 drilling and previous drilling produced broad gold intervals with abundant Carlin pathfinder elements in strong Carlin-type alteration in all drill holes (see Table 1).

The 2023 drilling and previous widely spaced drilling demonstrate that gold mineralization appears continuous along the 2.5 km segment of the Alpha anticline with encouraging evidence of higher-grade zones. An additional 4.5 km segment of the Alpha anticline continuing SSE to Frazier Creek remains untested by drilling. Four initial surface rock chip samples at Frazier Creek returned up to 0.775 g/t gold, greatly surpassing all surface gold from the Alpha NW area highlighting the potential of this area.. Drilling and geologic modelling continues to support a large Carlin-type gold system with extremely prospective untested targets and excellent potential for discovery of a high-grade core zone.

Table 1 - Alpha NW Drill Results greater than 0.2 g/t gold 2021 to 2023. Wide spaced drilling at Alpha has continued to intersect broad gold intervals.

HOLE ID FROM (m) LENGTH (m)* GOLD (g/t) COMMENTS AG23-13 117.3 4.57 0.34 This release AG23-13 135.6 6.10 0.29 This release AG23-14 350.5 9.14 0.50 This release incl AG23-14 353.6 3.05 0.82 This release AG23-15 96.0 19.81 0.41 This release incl AG23-15 100.6 7.62 0.55 This release AG23-16 143.3 28.96 0.38 This release incl AG23-16 160.0 10.67 0.49 This release AG21-02 89.9 3.05 0.25 May 6, 2021 News Release AG21-02 155.4 6.10 0.24 May 6, 2021 News Release AG21-03 65.5 1.52 0.25 May 6, 2021 News Release AG21-03 83.8 4.57 0.28 May 6, 2021 News Release AG21-03 190.5 1.52 0.36 May 6, 2021 News Release AG21-04*



<0.2 Sep 26, 2021 News Release AG21-05** 118.9 12.19 0.41 Sep 26, 2021 News Release AG21-06*



<0.2 Nov 16, 2021 News Release AG21-07 62.5 4.57 0.28 Nov 16, 2021 News Release AG21-07 111.5 4.57 0.34 Nov 16, 2021 News Release AG21-07 125.0 6.10 0.27 Nov 16, 2021 News Release AG21-07 149.4 3.05 0.29 Nov 16, 2021 News Release AG21-08 262.1 1.52 0.44 Nov 16, 2021 News Release AG21-08 333.8 3.05 0.38 Nov 16, 2021 News Release AG21-08 339.9 9.14 0.60 Nov 16, 2021 News Release incl AG21-08 344.4 3.05 1.10 Nov 16, 2021 News Release AG21-08 364.2 3.05 0.41 Nov 16, 2021 News Release AG22-09 115.82 3.05 0.30 Oct 6, 2022 News Release AG22-09 137.2 15.24 0.42 Oct 6, 2022 News Release AG22-09 149.4 6.10 0.23 Oct 6, 2022 News Release AG22-10 202.7 3.05 0.27 Oct 6, 2022 News Release AG22-10 210.3 48.77 0.70 Oct 6, 2022 News Release incl AG22-10 211.8 21.34 1.21 Oct 6, 2022 News Release incl AG22-10 225.6 1.52 4.62 Oct 6, 2022 News Release AG22-11 483.1 12.19 0.50 Feb 22, 2023 News Release AG22-11 483.1 1.52 2.32 Feb 22, 2023 News Release AG22-12***



<0.2 Feb 22, 2023 News Release

*Hole located off anticline axis; ** Lost hole in mineralization; ***Lost hole above target

*Intervals are drilled core length, as insufficient drilling has been completed at this time to determine true widths

The 2023 drilling at Alpha greatly advanced the definition of structural controls to mineralization along the Alpha anticline and highlighted prime areas for targeting the deeper increasingly prospective Wenban 5 correlative host. Sitka has completed 5143.5 m of drilling in 15 holes since 2021 on the northwest end of the 7 km Alpha anticline. A longitudinal section of the 2.5 km segment where the drilling has occurred is shown in Figure 7 with gold and in Figure 8 with arsenic. The Alpha anticline lies in a down-dropped area east of a lower plate window as Goldrush does. All drilling at the Alpha project has occurred in the northwest portion of the project, except AG20-01. Drilling near the Alpha anticline axis has yielded significant gold intercepts, so far testing only the shallow Horse Canyon host stratigraphy. The Horse Canyon is the uppermost of two important carbonate rock units that are host to gold deposits in the Cortez Trend, the deeper carbonate rock unit is the Wenban 5.

Higher gold grades up to 4.62 g/t in Hole AG22-10 (see news release of October 6, 2022) close to steep dike-filled structures along Alpha anticline support an interpretation that main stage gold deposition relates to host rock intersecting the anticline hinge and to cross-structures along it. This important relationship and association with higher grades in drilling to date at the project provides many emerging structural/stratigraphic targets in the Horse Canyon Fm and the untested Wenban 5 equivalent host rocks which are highlighted in Figure 7. The Wenban 5 is the equivalent of the horizon that hosts most of the world class Goldrush ore body.

Coppermine River, Nunavut

The Company is pleased to announce that Arctic Copper Corp (ACC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Sitka Gold Corp., has received a Land Use Permit and a water permit to allow diamond drilling on the Company's Coppermine River Project.

Arctic Copper Corp currently holds approximately 12,000 hectares in 2 separate claim blocks in the Coppermine River District of Nunavut. The Copper Leaf showing, a new discovery made in 2015 by Arctic Copper personnel, is located approx. 60 km southwest of Kugluktuk and has never been tested by drilling (see Figure 9 and 11).

The Copper Leaf showing consists of strong massive and disseminated sediment-hosted copper sulphide mineralization in the Husky Creek Sandstone Formation. The mineralization appears to lie proximal to a major gabbro dyke that trends north-south for more than 12 km. Grab samples from the Copper Leaf showing returned values of up to 13.45% copper and up to 65 g/t silver in sandstone interpreted to be brought to surface by frost heave action (see Figure 11). A single line gravity survey (see Figure 10) was conducted over the Copper Leaf showing in 2015 and revealed a strong gravity anomaly 90 m wide located proximal to the Gabbro Dyke. An expanded gravity survey conducted in 2019 suggested significant strike potential along the east flank of the gabbro dyke for more than 400 m.

The mineral occurrences at Copper Leaf display similarities to other major world renown sediment hosted copper deposits such as the Kamoa-Kakula copper deposits in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The similar stratiform style, similar age, and similar depositional and tectonic environment indicate the potential for large high grade copper deposits to occur at Copper Leaf. The current published mineral resource at Kamoa-Kikula is 1.3 billion Mt grading 2.70% copper yielding 77.4 billion lbs of contained copper(1)(2). Other analogues to Copper Leaf include the Keweenaw Copper deposits in the United States (3.5 billion pounds of copper Indicated Resource (3)).

(1) Gilchrist, G., Pri.Sci.Nat.SACNASP, and Witley, G., Pri.Sci.Nat.SACNASP (Qualified Person): Kamoa and Combined Kakula Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource. Effective Date December 31, 2022. (2) These figures are for discussion purposes and do not imply that Arctic Copper Corp. has such copper deposits at this time. (3) Carl Michaud P.Eng. et al, Preliminary Economic Assessment White Pine North Project Michigan, USA, NI43.101 compliant. July 12, 2023. (4) Close, Scott, M.Sc.,P.Geo., Technical Report of the ACG,ACJ and ACRAE Claim Blocks Coppermine River Project for Arctic Copper Corp., December 15, 2015; Available at www.sitkagoldcorp.com

Burro Creek, Arizona

The Burro Creek Gold and Silver Project is located 105 km by road southeast of Kingman, Arizona and is accessed via a 1.6 km dirt road west off Highway 93. The project covers an area of approximately 287 hectares and consists of four centrally located patented mineral claims and an additional 35 lode claims. The Property covers a low-sulphidation epithermal vein system that has been traced for over 1.7 km and exhibits widths of up to 45 metres.

The Company has received its drill permit to further explore its Burro Creek Property where a historical gold and silver resource (indicated and inferred) has been identified(1, 2) (see Table 2 and news releases Nov 12, 2019) within the Burro vein which is a low sulphidation epithermal gold-silver vein. Previous drilling by Sitka Gold confirmed the mineralization from the historical resource continues to the southern boundary of the patented mining claims (see Figure 13). The recently received drill permit now enables drill testing south of the historical resource beyond the patented mining claims. Previous work including surface geochemistry (see Figure 11), prospecting and geological mapping indicates the Burro vein continues for at least an additional 1.5 km to the south.

The historical mineral resource estimate of the Burro deposit is based on 87 reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drill holes and 9 sampled adits totaling 6,672m and 2,682 assays. Mineralization was constrained within a 3-dimensional geological solid created using Gemcom software. Practices consistent with CIM (2005) were applied to the generation of the historical mineral resource estimate and the parameters of the modeling are fully described in the NI 43-101 report referenced below.

Previous reverse circulation, diamond drilling and underground development conducted on the property outlined an historical indicated resource of 2,331,871 tonnes grading 1.01 g/t Au and 36.77 g/t Ag (yielding 122,491 ounces at a 1.63 g/t Au equivalent) and an historical inferred resource of 2,247,069 tonnes grading 0.60 g/t Au and 30.95 g/t Ag (yielding 81,304 ounces at a 1.13 g/t Au equivalent), both using a cut-off grade of 0.50 g/t Au(1). The historical results reported in the NI 43-101 technical report are considered by management to be reliable and relevant, though not conforming to current NI 43-101 standards (1,2). The Company is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves.

The Property was fully permitted to commence production in 1988 but the production decision was deferred due to a decline in the price of gold and silver(1). At that time, the intent was to place the Burro gold and silver deposit into production and continue to expand the resource through exploration funded by the ensuing profits.

(1) Pautler, J. (October 27, 2018) Technical Report on the Burro Creek Project

Table 2: Historic Resource Summary





HISTORIC INDICATED RESOURCE:**



AuEq* Gold Silver Gold Equivalent

Cut-Off Tonnes Grade (g/t) Ounces Grade

(g/t) Ounces Grade (g/t) Ounces

0.5g/t 2,331,871 1.01 75,567 36.77 2,756,778 1.63 122,491

HISTORIC INFERRED RESOURCE:**



AuEq* Gold Silver Gold Equivalent

Cut-Off Tonnes Grade (g/t) Ounces Grade

(g/t) Ounces Grade (g/t) Ounces

0.5g/t 2,247,069 0.6 43,243 30.95 2,236,113 1.13 81,304

*AuEq metal prices: US$846.00/oz gold, US$14.40/oz silver (3-year average as at January 31, 2011)

** J.Pautler, NI43.101 Technical Report on the Burro Creek Project, Oct 27, 2018



Recent exploration by Sitka in 2020 included 10 drill holes to define the on-strike continuity of the Burro Vein within the bounds of the patented claims (Figure 12). The results confirmed that the vein extends to the southern limits of the patented claims where Mobile Metal Ion (MMI) geochemical surveys conducted in 2013 indicate that the Burro Vein likely continues southward beneath a thin cover of volcanic rocks. Hole 19-56 intersected 1.14 g/t gold and 42.94 g/t silver over a core length of 41.08 m. Drilling is now permitted to test for the extension of the Burro Vein which could add significant potential to the property.

Table 3: Summary of drill hole highlights from the 2019 through 2020 diamond drilling program

Drill Hole ID

Interval Core Gold Silver News Release Date



From (m) To (m) Length (m) (g/t) (g/t) Friday, January 17, 2020 BC19-56

15.03 56.11 41.08 1.14 42.94 Friday, January 17, 2020

including 37.34 56.11 18.77 2.20 27.79 Friday, January 17, 2020

including 42.67 43.74 1.07 17.55 33.00 Friday, January 17, 2020 BC19-57

0.00 50.63 50.63 1.10 35.97 Friday, January 17, 2020

including 10.70 22.40 11.70 3.23 72.86 Friday, January 17, 2020

including 18.93 20.21 1.28 16.85 77.00 Friday, January 17, 2020 BC19-58

29.41 54.41 25.00 0.37 83.99 Friday, January 17, 2020

including 44.50 50.90 6.40 0.75 119.37 Friday, January 17, 2020 BC19-59

26.52 53.64 27.12 0.62 79.58 Friday, January 17, 2020

including 47.85 53.64 5.79 2.08 23.69 Friday, January 17, 2020 BC20-60

36.48 48.37 11.89 1.02 66.66 Thursday, February 20,

2020

including 36.48 39.84 3.36 1.76 52.26 Thursday, February 20,

2020 BC20-61

106.55 134.72 28.17 1.01 10.91 Thursday, February 20,

2020

including 128.62 132.95 4.33 3.12 6.37 Thursday, February 20,

2020

including 129.84 131.24 1.40 6.24 8.00 Thursday, February 20,

2020 BC20-62

116.73 122.77 6.04 0.94 14.16 Tuesday, April 14, 2020

including 118.56 121.30 2.74 1.45 17.44 Tuesday, April 14, 2020



130.33 132.89 2.56 0.62 56.80 Tuesday, April 14, 2020 BC20-63

140.96 142.00 1.04 1.27 1.00 Tuesday, April 14, 2020 BC20-64

no significant results



Tuesday, April 14, 2020 BC20-65

no significant results



Tuesday, April 14, 2020

*Intervals are drilled core length, as insufficient drilling has been completed at this time to determine true widths





1. A NI 43-101 report dated October 27, 2018 titled "Technical Report on the Burro Creek Project" was commissioned by Sitka Gold Corp. and has been completed by J. Pautler, P. Geo., an independent qualified person. This report has been filed on SEDAR.



2. The Property contains an historical mineral resource estimate (the Burro Deposit) as defined by the National Instrument 43-101 Standards for Disclosure for Mineral Projects and is not considered by Sitka Gold Corp. to be a current mineral resource because a qualified person has not completed sufficient work to reclassify it as such. The indicated and inferred historical mineral resource estimate was prepared for Northern Freegold Resources Ltd. in November, 2010 in compliance with the standards of NI 43-101 at the time by Dr. A. Armitage, Ph.D., P.Geol., and J. Campbell, B.Sc., P.Geo. of GeoVector Management Inc., an Ottawa, Ontario based consulting firm specializing in resource estimation, project assessment, and project management. The historical resource estimate was contained in an NI 43-101 compliant technical report titled "Technical report on the Burro Creek Project, dated January 31, 2011 by Pautler, J.M., Armitage, A. and Campbell, J. and filed on SEDAR on February 28, 2011 (www.sedar.com) (1).

OGI Property

Sitka continues to explore the OGI property for its Sedex Pb-Zn-Ag potential as well as for Intrusion Related Gold System occurrences. The OGI property is strategically located at the western end of the Tombstone Gold Belt immediately north of the Brewery Creek deposit, recently acquired Victoria Gold, and 20 km west of the Mike Lake Project, recently acquired by Prospector Resources (Figure 14) Previous exploration has included soil geochemical surveys, airborne magnetics (done by the Geological Survey of Canada), gravity geophysics, stream sediment sampling, geological mapping and a small rotary air blast (RAB) drilling program. Previous soil surveys have produced areas of interest for follow-up exploration.

About the flagship RC Gold Project

The RC Gold Project consists of a 386 square kilometre contiguous district-scale land package located in the heart of Yukon's Tombstone Gold Belt. The project is located approximately 100 kilometres east of Dawson City with a 5,000 foot paved runway and is accessed via a secondary gravel road from the Klondike Highway which is usable year-round and is an approximate 2 hour drive from Dawson. It is the largest consolidated land package strategically positioned mid-way between Victoria Gold's Eagle Gold Mine - Yukon's newest gold mine which reached commercial production in the summer of 2020 - and Victoria Gold's former producing Brewery Creek Gold Mine.

On January 19, 2023 Sitka Gold announced an Initial Mineral Resource Estimate prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") guidelines for the RC Gold Property of 1,340,000 ?ounces of gold(1). The road accessible, pit constrained Mineral Resource is classified as inferred and is contained in two near/on-surface zones: The Blackjack and Eiger deposits. Both of these deposits are at/near surface, are potentially open pit minable and amenable to heap leaching, with initial bottle roll tests indicating that the gold is not refractory and has high gold recoveries of up to 94% with minimal NaCN consumption (see News Release July 13, 2022). The Mineral Resource estimate is presented in the following table at a base case cut-off grade of 0.25 g/t Au:

RC Gold Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate

COG g/t Au Blackjack Zone

Eiger Zone

Combined Tonnes

000's Au g/t 0z Au

000's

Tonnes

000's Au g/t 0z Au

000's

Tonnes

000's Au g/t 0z Au

000's 0.20 35,798 0.80 921

32,523 0.45 471

68,321 0.63 1,391 0.25 33,743 0.83 900

27,362 0.50 440

61,105 0.68 1,340 0.30 31,282 0.88 885

22,253 0.55 393

53,535 0.74 1,279 0.35 29,065 0.92 860

17,817 0.60 344

46,882 0.80 1,203 0.40 26,975 0.96 833

14,506 0.66 308

41,481 0.86 1,140



Notes 1. Mineral resource estimate prepared by Ronald G. Simpson of GeoSim Services Inc. with an effective date of January 19, 2023. Mineral Resources are classified using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards. 2. The cut-off grade of 0.25 g/t Au is believed to provide a reasonable margin over operating and sustaining costs for open-pit mining and processing 3. Mineral resources are constrained by an optimised pit shell using the following assumptions: US$1800/oz Au price; a 45 pit slope; assumed metallurgical recovery of 85%; mining costs of US$2.00 per tonne; processing costs of US$8.00 per tonne; G&A of US$1.50/t. 4. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. 5. Totals may not sum due to rounding.

To date, 54 diamond drill holes have been drilled into this system for a total of approximately 18,877 metres including 16-holes totalling 6,515 metres in 2023 focused on expanding the initial resource. The resource expansion drilling in 2023 produced results of up to 219.0 m of 1.34 g/t gold including 124.8 m of 2.01 g/t gold and 55.0 m of 3.11 g/t gold in drill hole DDRCCC-23-047 at Blackjack (see news release dated September 26, 2023).

*For more detailed information on the underlying properties please visit our website at www.sitkagoldcorp.com.

RC Gold Deposit Model

Exploration on the Property has mainly focused on identifying an intrusion-related gold system ("IRGS"). The property is part of the Tombstone Gold Belt which is the prominent host to IRGS deposits within the Tintina Gold Province in Yukon and Alaska. Notable deposits from the belt include: Fort Knox Mine in Alaska with current Proven and Probable Reserves of 230 million tonnes at 0.3 g/t Au (2.471 million ounces; Sims 2018)(1); Eagle Gold Mine with current Measured and Indicated Resources of 233 million tonnes at a grade of 0.57 g/t Au at the Eagle Main Zone (4.303 million ounces; Harvey et al, 2022)(2); the Brewery Creek deposit with current Indicated Mineral Resource of 22.2 million tonnes at a gold grade of 1.11 g/t (0.789 million ounces; Hulse et al. 2020)(3); the Florin Gold deposit, located adjacent to Sitka's RC Gold project, with a current Inferred Mineral Resource of 170.99 million tonnes grading 0.45 g/t (2.47 million ounces; Simpson 2021)(4) and the AurMac Project with an Inferred Mineral Resource of 347.49 million tonnes grading 0.63 gram per tonne gold (7.00 million ounces)(5).

(1) Sims J. Fort Knox Mine Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, USA National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report. June 11, 2018. https://s2.q4cdn.com/496390694/files/doc_downloads/2018/Fort-Knox-June-2018-Technical-Report.pdf





(2) Harvey N., Gray P., Winterton J., Jutras M., Levy M.,Technical Report for the Eagle Gold Mine, Yukon Territory, Canada. Victoria Gold Corp. December 31, 2022. https://vgcx.com/site/assets/files/6534/vgcx_-_2023_eagle_mine_technical_report_final.pdf





(3) Hulse D, Emanuel C, Cook C. NI 43-101 Technical Report on Mineral Resources. Gustavson Associates. May 31, 2020. https://www.goldenpredator.com/_resources/Brewery-Creek_NI-43-101-05OCT2020-File.pdf





(4) Simpson R. Florin Gold Project NI 43-101 Technical Report. Geosim Services Inc. April 21, 2021. https://sedar.com/GetFile.do?lang=EN&docClass=24&issuerNo=00005795&issuerType=03&projectNo=03236138&docI d=4984158





(5) Banyan Gold News Release Dated February 7, 2023 (Technical Report to be filed within 45 days of news release) https://banyangold.com/news-releases/2024/banyan-announces-7-million-ounce-gold-updated-mineral-resource-estimate-aurmac-project-yukon-canada/

Upcoming Events

Sitka Gold will be attending and/or presenting at the following events*:

Swiss Mining Institute, Zurich, Switzerland: March 20 - 21, 2024

121 Mining Investment, London, England: May 16-17, 2024

Takestock Investor Forum, Stampede Event, Calgary, Alberta: July 3, 2024

*All events are subject to change

About Sitka Gold Corp.

Sitka Gold Corp. is a well-funded mineral exploration company headquartered in Canada with approximately $7.5 million in the treasury. The Company is managed by a team of experienced industry professionals and is focused on exploring for economically viable mineral deposits with its primary emphasis on gold, silver and copper mineral properties of merit. Sitka is currently exploring its flagship RC Gold Project within the Tombstone Gold Belt in the Yukon Territory. The company is advancing the Alpha Gold Project in Nevada and has drill permits for its Burro Creek Gold and Silver Project in Arizona and the Coppermine River Project in Nunavut.

The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Cor Coe, P.Geo., Director and CEO of the Company, and a Qualified Person (QP) as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

Sitka Gold Corp.

"Donald Penner"

President and Director

Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements

This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things, the use of the proceeds raised under the Offering and the Company's anticipated work programs.

In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will complete its anticipated work programs and use the proceeds of the Offering as currently anticipated.

These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market uncertainty, the results of the Company's anticipated work programs and that the Company will not use the proceeds of the Offering as currently anticipated.

Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sitka-gold-provides-update-on-its-north-american-gold-silver-and-copper-assets-302089388.html

SOURCE Sitka Gold Corp.
Vancouver, March 14, 2024 - Element79 Gold Corp. (the "Company") (CSE:ELEM) (OTC:ELMGF) (FSE:7YS0) a mining company focused on the exploration for and production of gold and silver, is pleased to unveil updates on strategic initiatives aimed at bolstering the Company's financial position and enhancing shareholder value.

Completion of Share for Debt Settlements and Debt Conversion

Pursuant to its previous press releases (November 17 and December 19, 2023) the Company is pleased to announce that it has, through the approved shares for debt settlements, cleared a total of $3.76 million in in corporate debt allowing for a balance sheet that allows for growth. The Debt settlement and issuance of 3.76 million shares was approved by shareholders at a Special meeting held December 19, 2023.

Also pursuant to the Special Meeting shareholders approved of the assignment of debt from Crescita Capital LLC to Tellus LLC, a reputable third party, that allowed them to convert a $2 million promissory note into Element79 Gold Corp. shares at the same $0.10 conversion price.

James C. Tworek, CEO of Element79 Gold Corp., states: "The Company's Board and Management team have expressed a strong commitment to improving the balance sheet which we feel the completion of these Debt settlements has allowed us to do that. The welcomed addition of Tellus LLC as a strategic shareholder signifies a shared vision to transform Element79 Gold Corp. into a producing mining company. Further work securing immediate-term financing for the advancement of project development is finding significant traction with strategic investors. reinforcing the company's ability to execute its 2024 goals."

Closing of First Tranche of Private Placement

The Company further notes that pursuant to its press release of March 11, 2024, it has received and closed on an aggregate of $250,000 and issued 1,086,956 Units of its Non-Brokered Private Placement (the "Placement"). The Placement consists of Units of the Company (each a "Unit") at a purchase price of $0.23 per Unit. Each Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will be exercisable for one Common Share at a price of $0.35 per Common Share for two (2) years from the date of issuance.

The warrants are subject to an acceleration clause whereby should the shares of the Company trade at or above $0.40 per share on the North American stock exchange on which it is then listed for ten consecutive trading days (after the date that is four months and one day from the closing of the Offering) the warrants may be accelerated. A finder's fee of 7% cash and 7% in Broker's Warrants (priced at $0.35, $0.40 accelerator clause, 2-year expiry in line with the Unit Warrants) will be paid to intermediaries for the closing of the first tranche.

Element79 will continue to seek further funding - and wishes to increase the amount of the Placement from $400,000 to up to $600,000

Re-Pricing of Historical Warrants

The Company also announces that it intends to reprice an aggregate 1,290,000 warrants of the Company previously issued on March 6, 2020 for 1 million warrants and September 8, 2023 for 290,000 warrants. These warrants were originally issued with an exercise price of $0.10 and $0.05 but were subject to a 10 to 1 consolidation making them now $0.50 and $1.00 respectively. The Company is proposing to reprice the warrants to $0.35 each. All other terms of these Historical Warrants remain unchanged other than as set out in the original warrants.

The Company will file a Form 13 with the CSE if and once the amendment is completed.

About Element79 Gold Corp

Element79 Gold Corp. is a gold and silver mining company committed to maximizing shareholder value through responsible mining practices and sustainable development of its projects. Element79 Gold's core focus is on developing its past-producing, high-grade gold and silver mine, the Lucero project located in Arequipa, Peru, with the intent to restart production in 2024.

The Company also holds a portfolio of 5 properties along the Battle Mountain trend in Nevada, with the Clover and West Whistler projects believed to have significant potential for near-term resource development. Three properties in the Battle Mountain Portfolio are under contract for sale to Valdo Minerals Ltd., with an anticipated closing date in the first half of 2024. The Company has also signed an Option Agreement to sell the Maverick Springs project, an advanced-stage exploratory property with an Inferred Resource of 3.71MMoz AuEq (1.37MMoz Au and 175MMoz Ag) (see 43-101 technical report titled: Amended Technical Report on the Maverick Springs Project, Nevada, USA, by Allan Armitage, PhD., P.Geo, and Rohan Millar, B.Sc. P.Geo., dated October 7, 2022, available on SEDAR) and anticipates completing this sale on or before July 21, 2024.

In British Columbia, Element79 Gold has executed a Letter of Intent and funded a drilling program to acquire a private company that holds the option to 100% interest of the Snowbird High-Grade Gold Project, which consists of 10 mineral claims located in Central British Columbia, approximately 20km west of Fort St. James.

The Company has an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Dale Property, 90 unpatented mining claims located approximately 100 km southwest of Timmins, Ontario, and has recently announced that it has transferred this project to its wholly-owned subsidiary, Synergy Metals Corp, and is advancing through the Plan of Arrangement spin-out process.

For more information about the company please visit our official website at www.element79.gold

Contact Information

For corporate matters, please contact:

James C. Tworek, Chief Executive Officer and Director

E-mail: jt@element79.gold

For investor relations inquiries, please contact:

Investor Relations Department

Phone: +1.613.879.9387

E-mail: investors@element79.gold

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward?looking information" and "forward-looking statements" under applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward?looking statements"). These statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance, business prospects or opportunities that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management made in light of management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the Company's business strategy; future planning processes; exploration activities; the timing and result of exploration activities; capital projects and exploration activities and the possible results thereof; acquisition opportunities; and the impact of acquisitions, if any, on the Company. Assumptions may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Consequently, forward-looking statements cannot be guaranteed. As such, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, assumptions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Contango Ore Inc. ("Contango" or the "Company") (NYSE American: CTGO) announced today it filed its Form 10-KT for the transition period ended December 31, 2023, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

On November 14, 2023, the Company's board of directors approved a change in the Company's fiscal year end from June 30th to December 31st, effective as of December 31, 2023. This decision was made to better align the Company's reporting period with the Company's 30% equity investment in Peak Gold LLC (the "Peak Gold JV") and Contango's peer companies. As a result, this Form 10-KT is a transition report and includes financial information for the transition period from July 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023. In this transition report on Form 10-KT, we include financial results for the six months ended December 31, 2023, which are audited, compared to the financial results for the six months ended December 31, 2022, which are unaudited.

The Company reported a net loss of $40.8 million or a loss of $4.44 per basic and diluted share for the six-month period ended December 31, 2023, which includes a non-cash expense of $23.4 million related to a loss on mark-to-market derivative contracts that are calculated based on a forward gold price compared to the contracted hedge price. This compares to a net loss of $21.4 million or a loss of $3.15 per basic and diluted share for the six-month period ended December 31, 2022 (unaudited), which included non-cash costs totaling $2.0 million primarily related to share-based compensation expense. The primary reason for the increase in net loss in the 2023 period is due to the Company entering into derivative gold hedging contracts with its lenders in the 2023 period, resulting in an unrealized loss on derivative contracts in the amount of $23.4 million. Additionally, the Company incurred increased interest costs related to the funds drawn down on its secured credit facility in the 2023 period, as well as increased general and administrative costs related to increased retention and severance payments and insurance costs. These were offset by a reduction in exploration expenses at the Lucky Shot project and a reduction in the loss on the Peak Gold JV, which relates to pre-production costs for development and construction at Peak Gold JV's Manh Choh project that is operated by Kinross Gold Corp. ("Kinross").

During the six-month period ended December 31, 2023, the Company completed the following:

All closing conditions related to a Credit and Guaranty Agreement with ING Capital LLC and Macquarie Bank Limited for a senior secured loan facility of up to $70 million, of which $65 million is committed subject to certain conditions, to fund the Company's portion of the pre-production construction and working capital/operating expenditures for the Manh Choh project;

Investment of $34.4 million in the Peak Gold JV for expenditures at the Manh Choh project. The Manh Choh project celebrated the commencement of mining operations with a ground-breaking ceremony on August 29, 2023. Construction to date remains on schedule and on budget, with initial production anticipated in the second half of 2024; and

An underwritten public offering for gross proceeds of $30.4 million on July 26, 2023.

Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse, the Company's President and CEO, commented, "At the Manh Choh project, construction is essentially completed, on budget and on schedule for initial production in the second half of 2024. Mining activities are well underway, including the commencement of ore mining and stockpiling. Transportation of ore to Fort Knox, where it will be processed, has commenced and will gradually increase throughout the first half of the year. Modifications to the Fort Knox mill continue to progress on schedule and on budget. Construction of the conveyors and associated buildings are planned for the first quarter of 2024, along with interior piping and mechanical installations. The commissioning and operational readiness team for Kinross is in place and preparing for pre-commissioning activities following the mechanical completion of each area. I am extremely pleased with the progress to date and will continue to provide updates on milestones as we approach commencement of production."

ABOUT CONTANGO

Contango is a NYSE American listed company that engages in exploration for gold and associated minerals in Alaska. Contango holds a 30% interest in the Peak Gold JV, which leases approximately 675,000 acres of land for exploration and development on the Manh Choh project, with the remaining 70% owned by an indirect subsidiary of Kinross, operator of the Peak Gold JV. The Company also has a lease on the Lucky Shot project from the underlying owner, Alaska Hardrock Inc. and through its subsidiary has 100% ownership of approximately 8,600 acres of peripheral State of Alaska mining claims. Contango also owns a 100% interest in an additional approximately 145,000 acres of State of Alaska mining claims through its wholly owned subsidiary, which gives Contango the exclusive right to explore and develop minerals on these lands. Additional information can be found on our web page at www.contangoore.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Contango that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for "forward-looking statements" provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, based on Contango's current expectations and includes statements regarding future results of operations, quality and nature of the asset base, the assumptions upon which estimates are based and other expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, strategies or statements about future events or performance (often, but not always, using words such as "expects", "projects", "anticipates", "plans", "estimates", "potential", "possible", "probable", or "intends", or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "will", "should", or "could" be taken, occur or be achieved). Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those, reflected in the statements. These risks include, but are not limited to: the risks of the exploration and the mining industry (for example, operational risks in exploring for, developing mineral reserves; risks and uncertainties involving geology; the speculative nature of the mining industry; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to future production, costs and expenses; the volatility of natural resources prices, including prices of gold and associated minerals; the existence and extent of commercially exploitable minerals in properties acquired by Contango or the Peak Gold JV; ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the Peak Gold JV; potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; the interpretation of exploration results and the estimation of mineral resources; the loss of key employees or consultants; health, safety and environmental risks and risks related to weather and other natural disasters); uncertainties as to the availability and cost of financing; Contango's inability to retain or maintain its relative ownership interest in the Peak Gold JV; inability to realize expected value from acquisitions; inability of our management team to execute its plans to meet its goals; the extent of disruptions caused by an outbreak of disease, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; and the possibility that government policies may change, political developments may occur or governmental approvals may be delayed or withheld, including as a result of presidential and congressional elections in the U.S. or the inability to obtain mining permits. Additional information on these and other factors which could affect Contango's exploration program or financial results are included in Contango's other reports on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from the projections in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management at the time the statements are made. Contango does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances or management's estimates or opinions change.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314343390/en/

Contact

Contango Ore Inc.

Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse

(907) 888-4273

www.contangoore.com
Trigon Metals Inc. (TSX-V: TM; OTCQB: PNTZF) ("Trigon" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed the acquisition of Base Metal Investments and Services ("Base Metal"), a private Mauritius domiciled company, that holds an option (the "Copperbelt Option") to acquire up to a 70% stake in the Kalahari Copperbelt Project (the "Transaction"). The Copperbelt Option provides Trigon the right to attain up to 70% interest in Copperbelt Exploration (Pty) Ltd. ("Copperbelt") which wholly owns the Kalahari Copperbelt Project (the "Project"). Please see the Company's November 29, 2023 press release for further details.

Concurrently with the closing of the Transaction, Copperbelt has acquired a 25% equity interest in Copperbelt (the "Initial Acquisition").

As consideration for the Transaction, Trigon has issued to Commodity Makers International ("Commodity Makers"), the sole shareholder of Base Metal, 13.6 million Trigon common shares and will issue 1.6 million Trigon common shares to Commodity Makers on each of the six, 12, 18 and 24 month anniversaries of today's date, for an aggregate total number of 20 million Trigon common shares.

As consideration for the Initial Acquisition, Trigon, on behalf of Base Metal, has paid USD$60,000 to Ongwe Minerals (PTY) Ltd., the vendor of Copperbelt, and has committed to funding USD$1M in exploration expenditures on the Project over the next 24 months.

Each of the Transaction and Initial Acquisition is an arm's length transaction under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). Mr. Rennie Morkel is a director and officer of Commodity Makers and Mr. Andreas Rompel and Mr. Grant Sboros have provided consulting services to Commodity Makers. Messrs Morkel and Rompel are now officers of Trigon and Mr. Sboros has joined Trigon's board of directors.

Trigon Metals Inc.

Trigon is a publicly traded Canadian exploration and development company with its core business focused on copper and silver holdings in mine-friendly African jurisdictions. Currently, the company has operations in Namibia and Morocco. In Namibia, the Company holds an 80% interest in five mining licences in the Otavi Mountainlands, an area of Namibia widely recognized for its high-grade copper deposits, where the Company is focused on exploration and re-development of the previously producing Kombat Mine. In Morocco, the Company is the holder of the Silver Hill project, a highly prospective copper and silver exploration project.

Cautionary Notes:

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 may contain forward-looking statements. These statements include statements regarding the appointments of new executives, the acquisition of the Project, the Transaction and the Initial Acquisition, the mineralization and prospectivity of the Project, the Company's exploration plans, the Company's ability to complete the Copperbelt Option and the Company's future plans and objectives. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially because of factors discussed in the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statements or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314419067/en/

Contact

For further information or inquiries, please contact:

Jed Richardson

Executive Chairman

Trigon Metals Inc.

Phone: +1 647 276 0002

Email: jed.richardson@trigonmetals.com

Website: www.trigonmetals.com
Adyen, a Dutch fintech company, will be taking office space at 505 Brannan St. in San Francisco. Google Street View

Dutch tech company Adyen is bullish on San Francisco.

The payments processor signed a 150,000-square-foot office sublease at 505 Brannan St., in the largest deal of 2024, to date. Amsterdam-based Adyen, which has been in San Francisco since 2012, bucked the trend of numerous companies shrinking in the age of remote work.

S.F. Bay Area property map: Heres who owns every building in the region

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The space became available because Pinterest listed it for sublease, as part of its office downsizing that included canceling a huge 490,000-square-foot expansion in the early days of the pandemic. Similar cuts by other tech and non-tech companies drove San Franciscos office vacancy rate to almost 36% at the end of last year, according to brokerage CBRE.

Adyens sublease spans all six floors of the building, which is in South of Market near the Caltrain station. The company is moving from a smaller office a few blocks away at 274 Brannan St.

Davi Strazza, Adyen president of North America, said the region was the companys fastest growing market. Being in San Francisco enables it to recruit top tech talent and meet with customers, which include major Bay Area tech companies like Meta, Uber and eBay. Adyen also does business with major e-commerce operators such as Nike.

The new office will encourage more collaboration and spontaneous interactions, Strazza said. Employees are required to be in the office at least three days a week. Adyen has more than 300 San Francisco workers and had almost 4,200 globally at the end of last year.

We are an office-first company, Strazza said. We truly believe it has an impact.  It will definitely help us accelerate in many directions that we think are important for our team dynamics.

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Adyen advertises on a billboard located next to the Fifth Street on-ramp to Highway 101 in San Francisco in 2018. Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle

Expanding Adyens office helps our teams be more effective. It helps us connect with customers, he said. San Francisco has checked those two boxes.

In contrast, two major Adyen competitors have shifted their workers out of San Francisco to other parts of the Bay Area. Stripe said before the pandemic that it would move its headquarters to nearby South San Francisco. Block, creator of the Square payments system, closed its former Mid-Market headquarters and its largest office hub is now in Oakland.

Adyen didnt disclose how much it will pay in rent. It plans to move in during the third quarter of this year, and its lease continues through the end of 2032.

Adyen also has offices in New York, Chicago and a smaller location in Toronto.

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Though artificial intelligence has become the hottest sector in tech, and San Francisco is its leading hub, Strazza said Adyens growth in the city predates that boom.

The citys powerful tech economy also supersedes any concerns over other businesses closing or leaving, he said.

We want to be where we can access talent and retain talent. Thats what really matters, Strazza said. We are very optimistic about the future of our business here.
Alonso will not delay 2025 plans

Fernando Alonso says he will not leave Aston Martin hanging for too long as he decides and negotiates his next move in Formula 1.

Fernando Alonso, Saudi Arabian GP 2024

 Aston Martin Racing

The 42-year-old Spaniard is regarded as a top contender to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes next year - especially if the team wants a stop-gap solution whilst developing the 17-year-old teenage talent Kimi Antonelli.

Toto Wolff's actual top pick to succeed Hamilton, however, is Max Verstappen - with the Mercedes team boss admitting he has rekindled his friendship with Max's father Jos, after it fell apart in the 2021 title head-to-head.

Jos and I were born in the same year and we have had a good relationship for many years, Wolff told Osterreich newspaper.

Every team would love to get Max because he is the strongest driver, so it's just logical, the Austrian added. "But as I've also said, a driver will always try to sit in the best car.

That's why we have to do our homework so that the car performs and Mercedes becomes a real alternative for Max.

On that level, then, a better stop-gap solution for Wolff might be Nico Hulkenberg, who was brought back into Formula 1 in his mid-30s last year by former Haas boss Gunther Steiner.

If I were team boss at Mercedes, Steiner told RTL, I wouldn't say no to Nico. When you see what he has managed to do again, it is very cool.

He was often underestimated and usually in the wrong place at the wrong time. Maybe now he'll be in the right place at the right time, Steiner added.

As for two-time champion Alonso, some suspect he would jump at the chance to leap out of the midfield Aston Martin car and into a Mercedes next year.

His manager, Flavio Briatore, met with Wolff in a Monaco cafe recently, with Alonso - who has not even ruled out retirement - now pledging to quickly decide his next move out of respect for Aston Martin.

It wouldn't be fair for me to delay it too much, said the Spaniard, for the sake of the team and its options.

For now, however, Wolff says he has the luxury to wait - given that he even has the budget, given Hamilton's looming departure, to pay for someone of Max Verstappen's calibre.

In every career there are moments when you want or should try something new, Wolff said.

But as it now turns out, that could be a good fit, especially as we - unlike Ferrari and McLaren - have not concluded contracts quite so early.

He dismisses the notion that Mercedes is no longer a particularly attractive destination to truly top drivers.

There will be completely new regulations from 2026, especially when it comes to the engine, said Wolff. "This gives us the opportunity to hopefully do as well as we did in 2014.

If you as a driver can be here for that early, that is of course an advantage. But I won't commit to anything for now and will leave the seat vacant for as long as possible.

(GMM)
Sacred Heart Church in San Francisco is shown on Dec. 26, 2004, the day of the final Mass before the churchs closure. The former church complex was granted landmark status by the city this week. Kat Wade/SFC The final Mass is celebrated on Dec. 26, 2004, at Sacred Heart Church near San Franciscos Western Addition neighborhood. The former church complex was granted landmark status by the city this week. Kat Wade/SFC

San Franciscos former Sacred Heart Church, a late 1800s-era building that now houses the Church of 8 Wheels roller disco near the Western Addition neighborhood, received landmark designation Tuesday, protecting many of the historic complexs interior and exterior architectural elements.

The owners of the site at Fillmore and Fell streets, who have been trying to turn the property into housing for years, still plan to do so even with the historic designation, the owners representative Simon Yip said.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church was closed by the San Francisco Archdiocese in 2004, and the Church of 8 Wheels has been operating in the buildings empty nave since 2014. While preserving the exterior of the church has long been a part of the owners vision for the site, previous versions of the plan have meant that the Church of 8 Wheels would no longer exist  making way for 36 group housing units, which share kitchens and other common spaces, and five stand-alone housing units.

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But a revised version of the plan, proposed last year, keeps the nave intact as a community event space  which means the Church of 8 Wheels could still operate  while turning other parts of the church complex into seven stand-alone units of housing. Yip noted that number could go down to six as the owners go through the permitting process.

A colored light is seen on a wall featuring stained glass windows at the Church of 8 Wheels roller disco in the former Sacred Heart Church on Fillmore Street in 2014. Pete Kiehart/The Chronicle

After the Board of Supervisors approved the landmark designation Tuesday, Supervisor Dean Prestons office said in a news release that the owners plan to continue their collaboration with the Church of 8 Wheels, which means that the church should continue to be a place for beginners and pros alike to put on their skates and groove to disco music under neon lights and stained glass windows.

The entire church complex, which also includes a rectory, a school and a convent, all built between 1898 and 1936, received the landmark designation because of its Romanesque Revival style and its association with master architect Thomas J. Welsh, who designed more than 400 buildings in San Francisco.

Roller skaters return to the rink at Church of 8 Wheels roller disco in the former Sacred Heart Church in San Francisco after its reopening from COVID-19 shutdown on March 13, 2021. Marissa Leshnov/Special to The Chronicle

Adding to the churchs landmark status is its association with Father Eugene Boyle, who was its pastor from 1968 to 1972. Boyle was a prominent and influential civil rights activist, championing Catholic involvement in the Black civil rights movement, fair housing advocacy, the farm labor movement, protest of the Vietnam War and fights against urban renewal.

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Ford still committed, but Red Bull saga not over

For now at least, Red Bull has retained the backing of its 2026 works Formula 1 engine partner Ford amid the Christian Horner power struggle and scandal.

Max Verstappen, Saudi Arabian GP 2024

 Red Bull

At Jeddah, Red Bull's F1 consultant Dr Helmut Marko - reportedly on the other side of the Horner camp - admitted that both Ford and also Honda have expressed concerns about the ongoing and murky nature of the saga.

However, trackside meetings in Saudi Arabia at least brought some calm to the scandal.

A lot has become clearer, Marko, 80, now tells De Telegraaf newspaper.

When asked if he can continue to work with Horner, he explained: "We've been doing it for 19 years already, so why not?

However, there are still some issues that need to be resolved.

At least for now, Ford still appears committed to the energy drink brand's motorsport program, revealing itself as the title sponsor of the Red Bull-backed F1 Academy team project - the new, all-female F1 support series.

Mercedes boss and Red Bull nemesis Toto Wolff, however, warns that the Horner scandal does not appear to be over yet.

From the outside, we're treated to a lot of drama, he told Osterreich newspaper. But for a team like Red Bull, a situation like this isn't great.

He thinks Red Bull has handled the situation badly because of today's very transparent world .

Not saying everything only makes it more interesting, leading to more questions, more stories, more speculation, Wolff added.

"But there is a real story in the background, and it's the most important one - why did a woman who felt uncomfortable go to HR? Why hasn't anything talked about this yet?

There's also an information strategy that looks a bit confusing from the outside, the Austrian said. Generally, I think the Austrians are professional while in England they try to keep everything small, but that's no longer possible these days.

(GMM)
Wolff not ruling out attracting Newey to Mercedes

Toto Wolff is not ruling out a scenario in which Max Verstappen, Dr Helmut Marko and even Adrian Newey all switch from Red Bull to Mercedes.

Adrian Newey, Saudi Arabian GP 2024

 Red Bull

On the track, Red Bull's 2024 season could not have started any more dominantly. When asked if the Red Bull-Verstappen combination could win every single grand prix this year, Wolff answered: At least I hope that's not the case.

Off the track, however, it's been dire for Red Bull, as team boss Christian Horner's private life and a clear power struggle at the dominant F1 team broke into the public and media.

Predictably, Red Bull's rivals are now pouncing, with Italian reports suggesting several key engineers have been targeted for recruitment by Ferrari.

But the situation could be even more beneficial for Mercedes, given that Wolff could even offer Max Verstappen an escape route because of Lewis Hamilton's looming departure.

F1 legend Gerhard Berger said recently that one potential outcome for Red Bull is that Horner stays, Marko and Newey quit, and Max goes to Mercedes . Marko even called that scenario an interesting variant .

When asked for his thoughts on that scenario, Mercedes team boss Wolff told Osterreich newspaper: "I'm just saying that if Horner stays, there are exciting possibilities.

Ultimately, it's about Horner's personality, he added, but as I've said, I only read about what happens internally at Red Bull in the media.

If Verstappen is pushed to the exit door, however, it's at least conceivable that Newey - Formula 1's most respected technical design mind - could follow.

Everything is always possible in this crazy carousel, Wolff said. "I wouldn't rule anything out.

But we already have an excellent team of engineers with whom I feel comfortable and 100 percent correctly positioned, even if the laptime doesn't reflect that at the moment.

Wolff even admits Marko, a clear former enemy, could wind up in a silver uniform.

It's all about Max and his perspectives, Wolff, who like Marko is Austrian, said. But to be able to judge how important Marko really is for Max, I don't know enough about the dynamic between the two.

However, Mercedes may find itself with a financial war on its hands to secure Newey if the 65-year-old suddenly becomes available.

They say that (Ferrari chairman John) Elkann is ready to pay any amount for Newey to go there, said Russian F1 commentator Alexey Popov.

Sport Bild, a specialist German magazine, claims that Newey has fallen out with Horner over the scandal, with Horner reportedly sidelining Newey in recent weeks while their personal relationship has cooled down considerably .

Even Franz Tost, the former Alpha Tauri boss who still works for Red Bull as a part-time consultant, admitted: Red Bull's success stands or falls with the Verstappen-Newey combination.

(GMM)
There's a lot of hope, and maybe some hype, for commercial-scale rare earth element mining in Wyoming, which is home to one of the largest proven high-concentrated deposits in North America.

That interest comes at a time of increasing demand for rare earths, which are essential components for modern technologies but are mined almost exclusively outside the U.S. If the hope becomes reality, it could mean a potential new, billion dollar mining industry for Wyoming.

The Bear Lodge deposit near Sundance is perhaps the best prospect for commercial-scale production today, according to the Wyoming State Geological Survey. It is the most analyzed rare earth element deposit in the state, containing cerium, lanthanum, neodymium, and praseodymium - valuable elements for their magnetic qualities, according to state sources.

Rare Element Resources has already mined and set aside several tons of rare earth element-bearing ore there and will begin construction this year on a "demonstration" processing plant near Upton. The new processing facility is backed by a $22 million Department of Energy grant as well as $4.4 million from the state's Energy Matching Funds program.

On the promising but still perhaps speculative side, American Rare Earths recently issued a technical report suggesting commercial concentrations of rare earth elements at its Halleck Creek property in the Laramie Range foothills west of Wheatland, as well as "significant potential" for a deposit at its Beaver Creek holdings in the southern Bighorn Mountains.

The most eye-popping rare earth claim in Wyoming, though, comes from Ramaco Resources.

In May, the Lexington, Kentucky-based company announced that chemical analysis of coring samples at its Brook coal mine outside Sheridan indicated a potential for more than half a million tons of rare earth oxides. Then in August, the company doubled its "exploration target" estimate to 1.2 million tons - a potential commercial play worth some $37 billion, according to the company.

Since the announcement, Ramaco CEO Randall Atkins has made the rounds on television shows and in business journals describing the potential at its Brook coal mine as a "10-year overnight sensation" that could, over several years, finally give the U.S. a competitive foothold in the global rare earth element market that China dominates.

"Coal might be a solution to a number of problems including, obviously, the rare earth situation in the United States," Atkins told CNBC in November.

There are skeptics and differing opinions, however, regarding the commercial viability of producing and processing rare earth elements from the coal and clays at Ramaco's Brook mine, which is regarded as an "unconventional" rare earth element target.

Rare opportunities

Rare earth elements occupy a special 17 spots on the periodic chart. Not only are they rare - at least in concentrated deposits - they're highly valuable. They're vital components for high-tech uses - military lasers, industrial magnets and batteries, for example - and a lot of technology that's commonplace in everyday lives, like televisions, cell phones and computer screens.

These metallic, modern technology building blocks are in increasing demand, not only to meet needs in daily life, but for national security and the growing renewable energy sector, according to the Department of Energy.

Currently, China dominates the rare earth element market in both production and processing. In response, the Biden administration has directed the Department of Defense to support a $35 million effort to deploy rare earth processing for the nation's only active rare earth mine at Mountain Pass, California, and another $700 million to launch a national processing chain for rare earth magnetics.

The Biden administration also wants to entice exploration of unconventional rare earth sources - specifically, coal. The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes more than $17 million to support efforts to extract these elements from coal and coal byproducts such as coal ash. Though Wyoming was not among the three states initially targeted in the effort, state leaders say Wyoming - the nation's largest coal producer - is primed to play a key role in the federal initiative.

Despite Wyoming's proven and potential rare earth deposits, and federal and state interest in examining coal's potential, there's a lot more to consider at the onset. Specifically, the cost of permitting and building a mining operation from scratch. That's where Ramaco intends to exploit its advantage at the Brook coal mine, which it purchased in 2011, despite its vastly lower concentrations of rare earth elements compared to the hard-rock targets at Bear Lodge, the Laramie Range and Bighorn Mountains.

Conventional and unconventional

When it comes to assessing rare earth element deposits and their commercial viability, mining companies typically look at the value of the individual rare elements that are present and, more generally, their overall concentration.

Despite what the name implies, "rare earth" elements aren't that rare. They exist all over the earth's crust, but rarely in concentrations worth mining and processing. The average rare earth element concentration for all rocks on the earth's surface is 180 to 200 parts per million. The commercially viable threshold is about 1,000 ppm and above, or a "total rare earth oxide" concentration of about 0.1% per ton of rock.

At Bear Lodge, geologists have identified 16.3 million tons of host rock with an average concentration of 30,500 ppm, or 3.05% per ton, according to Rare Element Resources and the State Geological Survey. There are another estimated 32 million tons of host rock with a concentration of 2.58%. Those are "very good" concentrations that should prove commercially viable, said geologist Patty Webber of the Geological Survey.

At Halleck Creek, American Rare Earths has reported 2.3 billion tons of host rock with an estimated average concentration of 3,195 ppm or 0.32% per ton.

All of these findings track with what the Geological Survey knows about where rare earth elements might be found in Wyoming. The reported findings at the Brook coal mine, however, are regarded as preliminary, State Geologist Erin Campbell said. Ramaco, based on initial testing by the National Energy Technology Laboratory and analysis by Weir International, suggests that clays co-mingled with coal, and around the coal seams might have a concentration of up to 307 ppm.

While lower than the commercially viable 1,000 ppm for hard-rock sources, 307 ppm is still considered marginally economic for a clay resource, because it's likely cheaper to process the rare earth elements from clays, according to the Geological Survey. Ramaco's advantage is in having an existing permit to mine coal and existing industrial infrastructure to earn revenue by co-producing coal and rare earth deposits.

"So that changes the viability" of a potential commercial project, Webber said.

One of the challenges, however, is that rare earth concentrations in coals and clays, according to testing elsewhere in the state, tend to be scattershot.

"There doesn't seem to be much homogeneity in coal deposits, so there's a ton of variation in concentrations," Webber said.

Similarly, a 2016 Geological Survey suggests that rare earth concentrations in Wyoming coal ash are low.

"Although REEs [rare earth elements] will concentrate in residual waste products derived from coal combustion," according to the report, "the low amounts typically found in Wyoming coals combined with processing and transportation factors do not indicate economic potential for the extraction of REE from the coal under current conditions."

The University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources, however, continues to examine the potential for rare earth elements in coal and coal ash.

Wyoming is gunning for rare earth exploration

There are also permitting challenges specific to mining and processing rare earth elements. Because they contain radioactive byproducts - uranium and thorium - an operator typically must obtain a permit from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The Wyoming Legislature, however, in 2022 passed a law allowing the Department of Environmental Quality to apply for primacy over federal permitting - a move that could speed up and lower the cost of permitting.

Both the state and federal governments want to encourage more rare earth exploration, Campbell said, not only to increase the nation's supply, but for the potential to supplement jobs and revenue lost to the declining coal industry.

The Geological Survey has been conducting aerial magnetic surveys over southern portions of the Wind River Range, Granite Mountains and the Semino and Ferris mountains in central Wyoming, and has identified many previously unexamined outcroppings that could hold promise for rare earth elements and other minerals, Campbell said.

"So we do the basic groundwork and then release it to the public so that companies can get a sort of a hint of an area they'd like to look at further," Campbell said. "I do think that Wyoming is currently poised quite well, relative to other states, in terms of having some good public data available, especially with the new airborne geophysical surveys that are being flown over the state."

WyoFile is an independent nonprofit news organization focused on Wyoming people, places and policy.
The Wyoming Legislature officially wrapped up the 2024 Budget Session last Friday at the Capitol in Cheyenne.

The Legislature adopted the State's biennial budget, and the bill has been sent to Governor Mark Gordon for his consideration. He will have 15 days to consider line-item vetoes and sign the bill. The appropriations and transfers in the bill for the 2025-2026 fiscal biennium total $11 billion. Of this, $3.4 billion is from the General Fund, net of de-appropriations and including $170 million of discretionary transfers to savings.

"The final budget spends $209 million less than the Governor proposed in November," a press release from the Wyoming Legislature Majority explained. "The budget fully funds nursing homes, preschool for developmentally disabled children, and Wyoming home services for senior centers. Further, the bill invests in mental health and funds energy projects. Additionally, and importantly, the final budget restored more than $300 million for the construction of new schools. The Legislature has also allocated $253 million for property tax cuts and refunds."

The budget also includes a provision that would only allow the sale of the Kelly Parcel if the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Resource Management Plan (RMP) outcome does not include certain elements in the federal agency's preferred option, alternative B.

At the start of session, a total of 366 bills and resolutions were numbered for introduction. The Legislature ended up passing a total of 126 bills. Legislation that passed both houses has either been acted on or is waiting to be acted on by Gov. Gordon.

One of the main issues the legislature focused on this year was property tax reform. The Senate and House of Representatives passed four bills addressing property tax -Senate File 54, House Bill 45, House Bill 3 and House Bill 4.

"Collectively, the legislation provides a 25 percent of fair market value exemption to all Wyoming homeowners; caps annual property tax increases at four percent; expands eligibility for property tax refunds, and cuts in half the taxes of many Wyoming senior citizens," a press release from Senator Bo Biteman (R-SD21), a member of the Joint Revenue Committee, explained. "It is the largest tax refund and reform package in the state's history."

Other bills the Legislature sent to the Governor's desk include House Bill 125 (Repeal of gun-free zones), House Bill 148 (Regulation of abortions), House Bill 166 (Education savings accounts), Senate File 9 (Parental rights in education), and Senate File 99 (Children gender change prohibition).

"Both the House and Senate have addressed a broad range of issues affecting Wyoming residents and while some of these laws will take effect immediately, many will not go into effect until July 1 of this year," the Legislature explained in a press release.
A celebration of all things green tea.

Thats how The Tsubaki Tower general manager Ken Yanagisawa described the resorts latest showcase, Marvelous Matcha Afternoon Tea service, featuring authentic matcha tea flown in from Fukuoka, Japan.

In essence, this afternoon tea experience is a celebration of the beautiful city of Fukuoka and its rich history steeped in tea traditions. This collaboration will better connect Guam and Fukuoka through delightful flavors and sweet experiences, Yanagisawa said.

Tsubaki is collaborating with a well-respected and award-winning tea purveyor, Chajiyu Kukan, in Fukuoka, Japan.

As part of the Marvelous Matcha Afternoon Tea experience, Tsubaki added new matcha desserts and pastries to its afternoon tea menu, such as the matcha opera cake, the matcha Mont Blanc, matcha cheese tart, and matcha macaron, to name a few.

Each guest receives a tiered tower of matcha desserts and a delectable selection of savory bites, with the Wagyu beef and truffle sandwich and the lobster quiche as guest favorites.

To accompany the pastries, Tsubaki selected varieties of Japanese teas to complete the experience  gyokuro, which is grown in the shade and known for its sweet flavor, and hojicha, a roasted green tea known for its nutty, roasted flavor and light green and golden color.

We invite the community to experience our new afternoon tea service throughout the month of March to enjoy authentic Yame Matcha selected by Chajiyu Kukan, Yanagisawa said.

Yame matcha, he said, is grown in Yame City, located in the southern part of Fukuoka Prefecture.

This area is known for producing award-winning Gyokuro teas, which are the highest class of green tea in Japan, he added.

Hours, cost

The Marvelous Matcha Afternoon Tea is served from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Fanhale lobby lounge overlooking Tumon Bay, making it an unforgettable experience for couples, families with children, or groups of friends.

The cost per person is $40 plus 10% service charge and available while supplies last.

Reservations can be made 48 hours in advance for parties of two or more by calling (671) 969-5200.

We are bringing the flavors of Fukuoka to Guam, and hopefully, we will entice residents to travel to this beautiful city and experience its tea culture in person, Yanagisawa said.

Additionally, on March 17, the Hinekka Deli, located at the lobby level, will be serving matcha banana frappes. Casa Oceano will also feature matcha pastries during Sunday brunch and dinner, while supplies last.

Guams newest luxury resort experience, the 27-story Tsubaki Tower is located along the shores of stunning Gun Beach, offering guests panoramic views of the islands famous sunsets and the warm blues of the Pacific Ocean.

For more information about The Tsubaki Tower, call (671) 969-5200, visit tsubakitower.premierhotel-group.com/guam/, or engage with them on Instagram and Facebook @thetsubakitower.
Education officials have yet to submit their proposed public school budget for fiscal 2025 to the Legislature several weeks past their Jan. 30 deadline, and their latest attempt to discuss the budget spiraled into debate and venting of frustrations.

For all the years I sat on this board, this is the first time that the budget took so long, and it still has to be approved, Guam Education Board member Maria Gutierrez said during Tuesdays board meeting. Why? Because we have people that dont know what theyre doing. And superintendent, you sat (at) every budget committee meeting. You sat with us in the audit committee.

The board held off once again acting on the proposed fiscal 2025 Guam Department of Education budget, days after also postponing any action during a special board meeting on Feb. 27.

The latter was over concerns about job positions amounting to more than $1 million that were added in the general budget that were previously funded from indirect costs.

This prompted the board to request the removal of employees funded through indirect costs from the staffing pattern.

Education Board chair Mary Okada, however, said that the finance committee led by Deputy Superintendent of Finance & Administrative Services Joann Camacho moved them into the merit bonuses instead.

Okada said the board received the indirect cost information last Friday.

I took it completely out because all they did was move the budget into merit bonuses, which is not what we discussed, Okada said.

Gutierrez said based on the budget resolution, the finance committee directs the education board to remove the compensation of DOE employees.

Why are we going to ask the Legislature to remove the salaries of the DOE employees? This is so silly, Gutierrez said.

Okada said the board asked Camacho for clarification on whether some of the items on the budget were already federally funded.

And you guys identified that they were, and you guys removed it. We did not go through it and say, we need to remove this, Okada said. We did not specifically say what positions to remove.

Camacho mentioned she might not be present at the meeting where the positions were discussed but said she takes responsibility for the matter.

I guess I wasnt at the meeting, because I know that we discussed the different positions that were on there. But, okay, I take responsibility, Camacho said.

Camacho said theres a new budget team, which only started in November, and had no transition, so she sought help from various GDOE divisions.

We did everything we could with all the different divisions, with all the different schools and all the different areas here in Central, and we put the budget together, said Camacho.

Another special meeting

Okada said the budget committee of the board has not met yet to review the latest version of the budget.

Education Board vice chairman Angel Sablan proposed arranging a special meeting with the board to thoroughly discuss it.

The deadline of submission of the GDOE 2025 budget to the Legislature was initially on Jan. 30 but was extended to Feb. 16 at Education Superintendent Erik Swansons request.

After the budget was tabled during the Feb. 27 special board meeting, Okada said the superintendent submitted a subsequent request to forward the budget to Sen. Joe San Agustin once the board approves it.

Board members approved a motion to table the budget for fiscal 2025 until after the finance committee meets and until it is added into the board agenda.

Education officials have so far not released any preliminary budget numbers though earlier on, Swanson said the fiscal 2025 budget request would exceed this years appropriations of $295 million.
Mayor London Breed has vetoed legislation sponsored by Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin that seeks to impose housing development restrictions in his northeast San Francisco district. Theyre shown in a composite image. L: Scott Strazzante; R: Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

Mayor London Breed has vetoed legislation sponsored by Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin that seeks to impose housing development restrictions in his northeast San Francisco district.

The veto comes as Peskin is widely expected to enter the race for mayor, challenging Breed in November. Breed slammed Peskin over housing policy at a rally last week, accusing him of trying to destroy housing production. If Peskin enters the race, he and Breed will likely both attack each other over development issues.

More real estate: Buyers, sellers in California's brutal housing market could benefit from this landmark settlement

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Breed said in a Thursday message to Peskin and the rest of the board that the ordinance in question passes off anti-housing policy in the guise of historic protections. The ordinance, which supervisors passed last month in an 8-3 vote, imposed density limits in three areas that Peskin represents: the Northeast Waterfront Historic District, the Jackson Square Historic District and the Jackson Square Historic District Extension.



A supermajority of eight supervisors can override Breeds veto, so if the original vote count holds, the board will be able to reverse her legislative rejection. But Breed has been trying to take a strong stance on supporting housing development as she tries to help the city meet its state-mandated goal of approving 82,000 homes by 2031  and looks toward a difficult reelection campaign this fall. Breed has only vetoed a handful of pieces of legislation as mayor.

Whether the Board of Supervisors is able to override Breeds veto could depend on Supervisor Catherine Stefani, who was a reluctant yes vote on Peskins bill in February. If Stefani changes her vote and the other supervisors who voted against it  Myrna Melgar, Matt Dorsey and Joel Engardio  cast the same vote, Peskin would not have the votes to override the veto.



Its one of those votes where yes or no doesnt make me comfortable either way, Stefani said during the Feb. 27 board meeting.

The City Charter says the board has 30 days to override the mayor's veto, but the last meeting before the board's spring recess is April 2. Supervisor Hillary Ronen is currently recovering from a knee surgery and has been out for more than a week. Keeping her yes vote will be key to the override math. Her office said she hopes to be back to work by the March 25.



Breed vowed in her State of the City address last week to veto any piece of anti-housing legislation that comes across my desk  comments that appeared at the time to be a swipe at Peskin. A longtime proponent of historic preservation, Peskin has privately told associates he will run for mayor against Breed, the Chronicle previously reported, though he has not yet announced any official plans to do so.

Existing rules already protect against impacts to historic resources, Breed said in her veto message. I believe we can add new homes while also supporting and improving the vibrancy of our unique neighborhoods. Many areas of San Francisco, including eastern neighborhoods like the South of Market, Potrero Hill, and the Mission, have also already removed density limits to encourage new housing.



In a statement, Peskin pushed back emphatically on Breeds comments in her veto message, saying we can be both pro-neighborhood and pro-housing  period. He noted that he had just advocated for a successful $300 million housing bond, Proposition A, that voters approved in the election this month.



I will continue to champion affordable housing for our families that improves our neighborhoods  not a wall on the waterfront made up of luxury second and third homes, Peskin said. Instead of outsourcing housing decisions to developers so they can maximize profit, as the Mayor is doing, we need to build housing our working families can afford while improving the neighborhoods they live in.



He put forward the legislation as developers looked to build three housing towers at the foot of Telegraph Hill  a 267-foot structure at 955 Sansome St., a 206-foot building at 1088 Sansome St. and a 140-foot development at 875 Sansome St.



Housing development advocates had urged Breed to veto the bill and they cheered her in a statement that also urged supervisors to uphold the veto.



Every neighborhood needs to do their fair share of housing production, Corey Smith, executive director of the Housing Action Coalition, said in the statement. The Mayors leadership underscores that we cannot go backwards if we are going to meet our Housing Element commitments and meaningfully address the affordability and displacement crisis.

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Guam Education Board member Maria Gutierrez raised concerns about unsettled payments owed to an air conditioning contractor for public schools, saying this has slowed down air con repair and maintenance efforts.

Gutierrez asked Education Superintendent Erik Swanson about the matter during a board meeting on Monday.

When we sat here with Mr. J&B (Modern Tech)...he said hes waiting for the repair contract to be renewed. He even said that You guys havent even paid me for the repair contract that I did, Gutierrez said at the board meeting.

Gutierrez said all the purchase orders or invoices sent since about Dec. 7 and Dec. 29 have been inputted so the contractors can process the payment.

I was looking at the aging invoices. I didnt see any on the federal for J&B air conditioning company, Gutierrez said.

There are penalties to pay for every 61 days of delay, she added.

No contract

You said 600 units have been completed for installation. What happened to the repair and maintenance contract? Gutierrez asked Swanson.

Swanson said there was no air conditioning repair and maintenance contract.

He told the Pacific Daily News in February that a provision contract to replace damaged air conditioning units was being let.

Gutierrez said shes concerned about students waiting for the repair of air conditioners on their campus.

During the January education board meeting, Gutierrez raised the same question on the air conditioning repair and maintenance contract and urged Swanson to expedite the contract renewal process since it already expired last year.

Just last week, the Office of Public Accountability released an audit report revealing GDOEs excess purchase of more than 34,000 laptops amounting to $24.6 million.

Most of these purchases were made without a contract with a single vendor and did not involve the attorney general as mandated by law for purchases exceeding $500,000, according to OPA.
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Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero on Wednesday asked Attorney General Douglas Moylan to clarify where his office stands on representing over 20 government of Guam agencies and approving GovGuam contracts.

Moylan late last month withdrew from representing over 20 GovGuam agencies that his office is simultaneously investigating, as the courts weigh possible conflict of interest issues in two ongoing corruption cases that his office handles.

The governor has asked lawmakers to pass bills that would allow her to hire independent counsel and move contracts without the AGs review.

Senators have so far not moved any measure forward, with some disputing whether an emergency legal issue exists.

It is apparently unclear what the AGs policy on signing contracts and representing investigated agencies is, according to the governors March 13 letter to Moylan, describing the AGs actions and statements as inconsistent.

Two impacts on GovGuam, the severity of which have been contested, were brought up after the AGs withdrawal, including the inability of agencies being investigated to get basic legal services like representation in court and other matters, and legal advice.

The other one is the inability of agencies being investigated to move contracts for anything over $500,000, which by law need the AGs signature.

Moylan on Monday told the PDN that his office has never stopped processing procurement contracts, though he has implemented a workaround to deal with the over 20 agencies, including the Office of the Governor, which he has withdrawn from representing.

He also said he would not oppose the hiring of independent counsel for independent agencies.

Given the letters you have sent to me and the affected agencies, the numerous statements you have made regarding the status of your relationship with Executive Branch agencies before the Legislature and in the media, and your actions that are inconsistent with the letters you sent your agency clients, I request that you clarify the following, the governor said in her letter to Moylan, referring to:

Whether the AG will rescind his Feb. 28 letter withdrawing from representing affected executive branch agencies Whether the AG will agree to provide legal services to agencies, including responding to legal inquiries, representing agencies in court and the Civil Service Commission, and reviewing and approving documents Whether the AG is serving as legal counsel to agencies when he reviews their contracts, including the Adult Day Care contract, Whether the AG will rescind his Feb. 29 letter asking for a waiver form to be signed, and if a new policy, in writing, will be provided Whether the AG will treat communications between the attorneys in his office and affected agencies as confidential or privileged attorney-client communications

The governor provided the following timeline of events:

Feb. 28, the AG sent a letter about his temporary withdrawal from representing agencies under AGs office investigation, effective immediately, until the courts provide direction.

Feb. 29, the AG sent a letter notifying the governor that he will continue to process documents sent to the AGs office, on the condition that the governor must acknowledge a number of terms, among them that the AG reserves the right to investigate and prosecute government officials in their personal or official capacities, regardless of his approval of the document.

March 1, the governor invited the AG to discuss the issues raised in the letters, and the issue of the consent forms that the AG forwarded. The AG reiterates that he would not sign contracts unless agencies agreed to sign the forms, and the governor expressed serious concern that the waiver is particularly harmful.

March 6-7, AG testified to senators that his office will get procurement moving, and that Not processing contracts and procurements that are in the best interest of our people of Guam is not an option.

March 8, an agreement for management of the Division of Senior Services Adult Day Care Services Program was received by the governor, signed by Chief Deputy Attorney General Joe Guthrie, with the stamp Approved: Not Representing Any Public Official.

March 8, a contract submitted by the Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense was initially refused by the AGs office, but then asked to be returned for review several hours later.

On March 6, Moylan did tell lawmakers and the media that the governor did not agree to his proposal to have agencies sign off on a form, and said he would instead be signing contracts, anyways, and stamping them with a disclaimer that he was not serving as lead counsel for the agency in question.
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero on Thursday asked the Supreme Court of Guam to step in and settle the issue of Attorney General Douglas Moylans withdrawal from representing 22 government departments and agencies that his agency is investigating, including the governors office.

Attorneys for Adelup filed a 39-page request for declaratory judgment with the local high court, asking justices to rule on whether Moylan is allowed to withdraw from representing GovGuam agencies.

The filing also requests that the court clarify whether Moylan has to implement safeguards against a conflict of interest within his office when launching an investigation or prosecution against an agency that his attorneys previously gave legal advice to.

Adelup asks the court to rule that the AG must put up conflict screens in such cases, to have him removed from prosecuting agencies where conflict screens were not put in place, and to require him to pay for affected agencies to hire their own lawyers.

Allowing each affected agency to file individual suits in the Superior Court of Guam would take too long, and cost too much, according to the filing.

Conflicts of interest

Moylans withdrawal late last month was triggered by attempts by defense attorneys to disqualify him from prosecuting two ongoing government corruption cases against officials who were previously represented by his office.

Motions in those cases are currently awaiting a decision in the Superior Court.

The AG in recent weeks has argued he represents the government of Guam or the people of Guam as a whole, not individual government employees.

He has also argued that his office is differently affected by the Guam Professional Rules of Conduct, because he has been tasked by law to represent the government and prosecute corruption.

Thursdays filing from the governors office asserts he is not.

While AG Moylan resists the implementation of conflict protocols, the issue only arises because AG Moylan does not believe he is capable of handling both the Chief Legal Officer role and the Public Prosecutor role unless he is granted an exemption from the rules of ethics, the first Attorney General unable to fulfill both roles without the requested accommodation, filings from Adelup state.

Where he has failed to implement necessary protocols to prevent a conflict of interest, the AG should be removed from representing, investigating, and prosecuting the affected agency, filings state.

Moylan has submitted a bill to the Legislature clarifying no conflict of interest when he prosecutes a person as a result of a contract review he performs, and to remove attorney-client privilege for those reviews.

The AG told the media he believed the Legislature, which made his office responsible for prosecuting government corruption and representing the government, should have a say in the matter.

In response, the Supreme Court of Guam wrote a letter to Speaker Therese Terlaje last week, stating the court has sole discretion over judicial ethical rules and the practice of law.

Must represent GovGuam

The Organic Act of Guam lays out the AGs role as chief legal officer for GovGuam, court filings from Adelup state, but it does not designate him as the public prosecutor.

Only local law lays out his duty to prosecute public officials, according to Adelups lawyers.

Local laws passed by the Guam Legislature are generally subordinate to the Organic Act, which the U.S. Congress passed.

Because AG Moylan serves as the Chief Legal Officer for the government of Guam, an Organic Act role, he may not simply withdraw from this role in pursuit of statutory duties he prefers. In the event a potential conflict arises, AG Moylan should be required to implement protocols to protect his agency clients against the conflict, including the use of ethical screens or the procurement of special prosecutors, Thursdays court filing states.

If he is unable to perform both functions due to a true conflict, he should be required to strictly observe protocols to assign the responsibility over such investigations and prosecutions to attorneys who do not have a conflict and may act independently in the performance of these duties, documents add.

The withdrawal has paralyzed affected agencies, and imperiled millions of dollars worth of contract reviews that the AG has to perform, as a requirement in Guam law.

The AG has accused Adelup of a disinformation campaign, asserting he continues to process contracts for agencies under investigation with a workaround, and will sign off on the hiring of independent lawyers for affected agencies.

On Wednesday, the governor wrote Moylan asking him to clarify inconsistent statements on the matter.

The governor put the following questions to the islands high court:

May the attorney general of Guam withdraw from legal representation of an executive branch agency, or otherwise decline to provide legal services, if the AG claims conflicts with ongoing investigations or prosecutions? If the AG can withdraw from agencies being investigated or prosecuted, may affected agencies employ or contract independent attorneys to handle legal services and contract approval for the agency? If the AG cant withdraw from agencies being investigated or prosecuted, must the AG implement conflict protocols, like an ethical screen or the assignment of investigations and prosecutions to a special prosecutor? If the AG cant withdraw from agencies being investigated or prosecuted, may the AG provide legal services anyways, even if his agency has access to confidential information from the agency his office is investigating or prosecuting? If the answer to the fourth question is no, may the affected agency employ or contract independent attorneys?

Leon Guerrero asks the court to rule that:

The AG may not withdraw from representing agencies, or otherwise decline to provide legal services, based on assertions of a conflict with his duty as public prosecutor. If the Office of the Attorney General gets a complaint against an agency official related to the officials employment, the AG must safeguard against a conflict of interest, consistent with the Guam Rules of Professional Conduct. If the AG fails to put up conflict screens before launching a civil or criminal investigation, he must be disqualified from representing government agencies in any matter related to the investigation, or any prosecutions related to such matters. Agencies affected by a failure to put up a conflict screen are able to employ or contract an independent attorney, to be paid for by the AG.

Here are the agencies under investigation, which Moylan has withdrawn from representing:

1. Chamorro Land Trust Commission

2. Department of Administration

3. Department of Labor

4. Department of Public Works

5. Department of Revenue and Taxation

6. Government of Guam Retirement Fund

7. Guam Community College

8. Guam Consolidated Commission on Utilities

9. Guam Department of Education

10. Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services

11. Guam Fire Department

12. Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense

13. Guam Memorial Hospital Authority

14. Guam Power Authority

15. Guam Public Utilities Commission

16. Guam Regional Transit Authority

17. Guam Visitors Bureau

18. Guam Waterworks Authority

19. Office of the Governor of Guam

20. Port Authority of Guam

21. University of Guam/Research Corporation of the University of Guam

22. Guam International Airport Authority

Other agencies, identified in 23 separate reports from the Office of Public Accountability between 2000 and 2024, may likewise face future withdrawal of representation by the AG, the governors request for declaratory judgment states.

Heres a timeline of events since the AGs withdrawal:
The Guam Public Library System rolled out new library hours for all its branch libraries effective March 13.

The Nieves M. Flores Memorial Public Library in Hagatna now operates weekdays from Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Similarly, Dededo Public Library is open weekdays from Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m., and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m.

The Maria Rivera Aguigui Memorial Library in Hagat is available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Rosa Aguigui Reyes Memorial Library in Malesso is accessible on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m.

The Guam Public Library System has uploaded over 7,000 resources, comprising 1,502 e-books, 437 audiobooks, and 5,133 magazines, which can be accessed by patrons in their e-book collection through gpls.overdrive.com or by visiting the website at gpls.guam.gov.

Our Guam Public Library System continues to grow and thrive, and we encourage our communityall ages welcometo learn and explore through books, GPLS Executive Director Kris Seerengan said in a statement.

The Guam Public Library System also expects to receive around 2,000 books published in 2022 and 2023, which will be added to the librarys collection.

The books were donated by the Surplus Program of the Library of Congress, Seerengan said, which were then presented to Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio and former delegate Madeleine Bordallo.

Seerengan added that the first 15 boxes of books are on the way while 24 more boxes are being packed for shipment to the libraries.

The National Library Service Guam Branch is also developing a database tailored for the blind and print disabled, or those unable to hold or open books, according to the GPLS statement.

Moreover, Seerengan commended Mount Carmel Charter School for being proactive in promoting literacy school-wide by requiring all of its students to have a library card to borrow books in the Hagat library branch.
The Guam Visitors Bureau is now partners with one of the largest, most recognizable brands on the planet, Visa Inc.

GVB President and CEO Carl T.C. Gutierrez signed a memorandum of understanding with Patrick Storey, country manager for Visa Korea and Mongolia, based in Seoul, Korea. Storey is responsible for business operations, strategy development and management of Visas businesses in Korea and Mongolia.

The signing was the highlight of GVBs quarterly membership meeting held Wednesday at the Ocean Ballroom of RIHGA Royal Laguna Guam Resort in Tamuning.

Visas Stanley Kim offered a brief slide presentation that showed the sheer breadth and reach of the global brand, and how Guam is now connected to more than 1,000 growing Visa partners. Kim is the head of cross-border payment for Korea and Mongolia, as well as the market lead for Guam and Micronesia, for Visa International Asia Pacific Korea Ltd.

Kim also pitched the expansion of contactless card acceptance, showing that although there is limited contactless programs in Korea, Korean travelers are increasingly choosing contactless while abroad, so Guam vendors should highly consider establishing contactless systems, he said.

Storey said Visa has partnered with other areas similar to Guam.

They benefit Visa cardholders that are traveling and they benefit the countries to which they have traveled, Storey said. (Guam is) uniquely beautiful, and its proximity to important markets for us like Japan and Korea make it a very good opportunity for us.

Gutierrez said GVB had a similar agreement with JCB in Japan and realized the benefits. But Visa, he said, is the biggest.

Weve been working on this for three years, he said. To bring them in and to use their network to just focus on Guam, I mean, thats huge. Really huge...its unprecedented. Nobody will believe that this major corporation is here working with GVB.
The University of Guam wants $1 million to fix a number of aging restrooms and a broken elevator on campus, part of a list of about $18 million worth of maintenance projects that the university is behind on.

Senators on Wednesday held a public hearing on Bill 200-37, introduced at the request of the Guam Youth Congress, which would take $1 million from the governments Rainy Day Fund for UOG to address deferred maintenance and Typhoon Mawar repairs.

Though the Rainy Day Fund may not be a viable funding source, legislative budget chairman Sen. Joe San Agustin said he will work to find money for the university.

UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez told senators that the lack of funding for the universitys deferred maintenance has left them to prioritize projects based on student health and safety. Some areas of the campus have started to deteriorate, she said.

The universitys stagnant funding support from the local government has been a source of contention over previous years, with rising costs forcing school officials to tighten up on spending so salaries and utility payments can stay afloat, the Pacific Daily News reported.

Enriquez said students have highlighted the need to fix 10 restrooms in the over 35-year-old Humanities and Social Sciences Building, estimated at $500,000.

There are also issues with restrooms in the English and Communications Building and School of Health, which are similarly aging, she said.

There is also a $250,000 replacement needed in the College of Natural and Applied Sciences, for an elevator that is too old to be fixed.

Typhoon Mawar shed light on the vulnerabilities brought by Band Aid fixes and deferred maintenance on campus, according to written testimony from the Youth Congress Triton Caucus, representing UOG.

UOG was consistently underfunded, the caucus said.

The state of our universitys infrastructure has become increasingly alarming from malfunctioning air conditioning units being replaced by fans that make it difficult to concentrate in classrooms, to restrooms and labs that have really shown their age and time, the statement said.

UOG has increased the number of buildings in its inventory, but has decreased the number of custodians on the payroll, according to UOG Student Government Association senator Keana Ardiente.

The additional $1 million would significantly enhance the lives of students and the custodians that had to maintain facilities, Ardiente told lawmakers.

Vice Speaker Tina Muna Barnes said she supports funding the fixes, wherever the money came from, and called UOG the educational gem of the Pacific.

Sen. Joanne Brown said shed likewise support the initiative, but also questioned the priorities of the UOG leadership. Maintenance issues had been going on for years, Brown added.

The university has set other priorities, she said. Youve put pay raises and other things in place, and put aside that priority of addressing some of these critical needs of maintenance.
The sidewalk on the Hyde Street side of the Asian Art Museum is often the site of drug activity. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

Once again, San Francisco is being sued  and may be forced to take action  over the conditions in its most beleaguered neighborhood.

A group of Tenderloin residents and businesses filed a federal lawsuit Thursday accusing the city of tolerating open-air drug markets and crowded encampments, a reflection of longstanding frustrations over street conditions in the area.

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The legal challenge comes amid a broader debate over how the city should respond to its most serious problems, a tension now animating a difficult reelection fight for Mayor London Breed, who has made addressing the citys opioid and homeless crises her top priority.

Flloyd, left, and Lulu, 27, second from right, use drugs in Willow Alley. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

While Thursdays lawsuit accuses San Francisco of doing too little to address homelessness and drug addiction, the city is also battling a different legal dispute from the other side. Sweeps of tent encampments have been restricted in some ways after the Coalition on Homelessness argued in 2022 that San Franciscos heavy-handed approach violated the rights of the unhoused as well as the citys own policies.

The residents and businesses behind the new lawsuit are not seeking monetary damages but rather court orders requiring San Francisco to end brazen drug dealing and use in the Tenderloin and ensure the sidewalks and public spaces are clean, safe and accessible.

The suit wasnt the only legal action taken Thursday against the city for its oversight of the Tenderloin. UC College of the Law San Francisco  formerly UC Hastings  filed a separate motion in U.S. District Court accusing the city of violating a 2020 settlement agreement that required San Francisco officials to make all reasonable efforts to eliminate homeless encampments in the neighborhood where the school is located.

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City officials said they were reviewing the new complaint and would respond in court, but that the flurry of litigation was not helping the crisis on the streets.



While we understand and share the frustration of Tenderloin businesses and residents, the City is making progress in reducing crime, disrupting open-air drug markets, and addressing homelessness, all while complying with the preliminary injunction issued in the Coalition on Homelessness case, Jen Kwart, spokesperson for City Attorney David Chiu, said in a statement.

The Best Western hotel is part of the suit against San Francisco. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

The new lawsuit, filed on behalf of the Phoenix and Best Western hotels and four unnamed Tenderloin residents, alleges that city policies have created a containment zone for the citys open drug market, while tolerating other criminal activities such as violence, theft and sales of stolen goods.

The suit, similar to the legal complaint made by UC Law SF in 2020, accuses San Francisco of violating Tenderloin residents right to equal protection, violating disability laws by failing to maintain clear sidewalks and allowing unsafe crowds of people to congregate, creating a public nuisance. Isabel Manchester, managing partner of the Phoenix Hotel, said she and other Tenderloin business owners worked with city officials for two years to address problems, but after failing to see improvement felt they had no other option than to sue.



The real impetus for this is to create some positive change, she said. We want the residents, the employees, the tourists and the businesses in the Tenderloin to be treated the same as everywhere else in the city.

Matthew Davis, the attorney representing the plaintiffs in both cases, called the street conditions in the Tenderloin a catastrophe from a public health perspective.

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G, second from left, holds a straw in his mouth for smoking fentanyl near Lulu, 27, right, in Willow Alley. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

The city blithely treats the Tenderloin as a place where this type of harmful activity can happen on the streets and sidewalks, and its inconceivable that theyd allow it in other neighborhoods, Davis said.

San Francisco for decades has concentrated the majority of its housing for formerly homeless residents, as well as its social services, in the neighborhood. Tenderloin businesses and residents, many of whom are low-income immigrants and children, have long said the city ignores the neighborhoods problems.

When the pandemic struck in early 2020, conditions in the Tenderloin worsened. In response, Breed declared a 90-day state of emergency in the area in December 2021 and since then has tried to crack down on encampments and open drug markets.

But those living and working in the neighborhood say not enough progress has been made.

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San Francisco recorded 811 accidental drug overdose deaths last year, the highest level ever. The citys controversial Tenderloin Center, which provided an unofficial supervised place for people to use drugs out of the public eye, was open for about a year before closing in December 2022. The increased presence of law enforcement has quieted the citys public drug sales and use during the day, but it reemerges after dark, according to a recent report by the Chronicle.

Despite agreeing theres a need for improvement, not everyone thinks another legal battle will solve the neighborhoods problems.

Del Seymour, founder of Code Tenderloin, a neighborhood workforce development nonprofit, called the UC Law motion and latest suit destructive devices to further cause polarization in the Tenderloin.

We will never solve our problems in the Tenderloin until we can collaborate and understand that we are all the victims, Seymour said. This is not productive.

The new lawsuit argues that city policy effectively herds fentanyl users into the Tenderloin, where they can easily buy and use the powerful, synthetic opioid on the streets and receive drug kits, such as foil and smoking devices, from nonprofits to feed their addiction.

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Andy Kohli says he comes to the Tenderloin every few days because its hella easy to buy fentanyl. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

Andy Kohli, a 30-year-old addicted to fentanyl, said he doesnt live in San Francisco but comes to the Tenderloin every few days because its hella easy and cheap to buy the powerful opioid.

I dont stay out here anymore, because even if I nod off for a second, my shits gonna be gone, Kohli said, referring to theft that many unhoused people fall victim to in the Tenderloin.

The four residents represented in the suit say large crowds constantly gather in front of their homes openly selling and using drugs, as well as hawking stolen goods and that theyre forced to walk in the streets because of blocked sidewalks.

Both the Phoenix and Best Western hotels allege in the complaint that the conditions on the sidewalks scare away customers and make it difficult to hire and retain employees.

Residents and businesses have sued the city to make the sidewalks clean and safe for everyone. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

The Best Western property borders Willow Street, an alleyway routinely lined by tents and people using illicit drugs. The lawsuit specifically mentioned an unsanctioned safe consumption site set up by activists last summer on the street and said city officials made no effort to punish or reprimand those who operated it.

A man who goes by G said he has a unit in one of the citys single-room-occupancy hotels but spends most of his time on or near Willow Street, where fentanyl is readily available and his friends stay.

G, who receives cash assistance from the city, said efforts by the city to crack down on public drug consumption will have little sway on him. That includes a measure passed by voters this month that will force drug users who receive cash assistance, including G, to participate in a treatment program or risk losing their financial aid. He did not want to be named for fear of losing that assistance and his city-subsidized housing.

G holds a strip of foil containing fentanyl in Willow Alley. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

When it comes to quitting dope, its gotta be up to the individual and when they want to stop, he said. And it doesnt matter how many police youve got out here, were gonna still do what we want to do.

UC Law SFs motion filed Thursday follows the schools May 2020 lawsuit in federal court seeking to force the city to clean crowded encampments, stop open drug use and find housing for those living on the streets.

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors reluctantly approved a settlement in that case, which was also brought by Tenderloin residents and businesses. As part of the deal, the city agreed to make all reasonable efforts to permanently reduce the number of tents  to zero.

Thursdays motion argues that although the suit initially led to a steep reduction in tents, the city has lost ground.

The number of tents in the Tenderloin spiked from 22 in October 2020 to 71 in February 2024, according to a count cited in the lawsuit and conducted by Urban Alchemy. Data maintained by the city reported a jump from 16 to 48 tents and structures during those months.

G holds a strip of foil containing fentanyl in Willow Alley. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

UC Law Chancellor David Faigman said the city simply is not seeing the Tenderloin as a priority.

City officials constantly turn their back to the Tenderloin as the repository for the ills of the modern world, and that just has to stop, Faigman said.
Twenty-four hours ago, the Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots both lost the Calvin Ridley bidding war as the Tennessee Titans came out of thin air with a monster four-year, $92 million offer. It was a move that no one expected. One day later, the northern Florida team is taking matters into its own hands.

According to Ian Rapoport, the Jaguars are closing in on a deal with defensive tackle Arik Armstead. The veteran tackle comes off a nine-year stint with the San Francisco 49ers, where he started on the defensive line for the entirety of his career.

A dark horse emerges: The #Jaguars are closing in on a deal to add a huge presence to their defense, as they are set to sign former #49ers DT Arik Armstead, sources say. pic.twitter.com/YsnBllY6NJ  Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2024

The news comes one day after the Niners released Armstead in an effort to clear cap space. According to Josh Dubow of the Associated Press, San Francisco can delay $15.5 million of the $25.9 million cap charge until 2025.

Armstead will join a defensive unit in Jacksonville alongside standout outside linebacker Josh Allen. The former 49ers tackle immediately surpasses DaVon Hamilton on the depth chart at nose tackle.

The addition on the defensive line is one of many impressive moves that the Jaguars have made this offseason. Along with Armstead, Jacksonville welcomes newcomers Ronald Darby, Gabe Davis, Devin Duvernay, Mitch Morse, and Darnell Savage to the roster in 2024.
With concerns ranging from excessive testing to low teacher wages, book bans and underfunded programs, the public school system in Florida often faces significant criticism  and its in this environment of discontent that alternative schools have found an opportunity to thrive.

Long viewed as one size fits all, the public education system in America now finds itself challenged by alternative education philosophies that argue the cookie-cutter approach to education overlooks the diverse ingredients that make up each childs potential.

By analyzing Google search volumes, proportioned against population size, new research from Witherow Brooke revealed the most popular options to traditional schooling across the country  and in Florida, the data shows more parents are choosing charter schools, followed by Montessori schools and then Waldorf & Steiner programs, as their top three choices for alternative education.

Witherow Brooke is a private tuition agency specializing in home-schooling, curriculum design and residential and traveling placements.

Florida favors charter schools

Charter schools have surged in popularity across the Sunshine State. The research shows that in Florida, charter schools emerge as the favored alternative education option, with 40.3 charter school searches per 1,000 Floridians.

Whether its because parents are dissatisfied with traditional schools or seeking specialized education options, the Florida Charter School Alliance reports that over 397,000 students are enrolled in approximately 726 public charter schools across the state, constituting 14% of Floridas entire K-12 public school population.

To put this into perspective, if charter schools were considered a single district, they would rank as Floridas second largest school district.

Charter schools are public schools that are part of the states public education program. Many have themed approaches with a focus on art, science or technology. They are tuition free and exempt from many regulations that apply to traditional public schools, but they often have higher standards of accountability.

One example is Rising Leaders Academy, a K-12 public charter school in Panama City, Florida, where the focus is on entrepreneurship.

By restructuring the school as a microcosm of society, governed by its students, it encompasses all facets characteristic of adult communities, complete with an economic infrastructure featuring its own currency, banks and enterprises. Students earn income through various tasks and utilize their earnings to purchase goods and services offered by their peers. As students take on greater responsibilities, teachers transition into facilitators and advisers, to closely mirror real-world scenarios, with collaborative support from community organizations.

Montessori gains momentum in the Sunshine State

Floridas second-most popular education option in the study is Montessori. On average there were 38.5 searches for Montessori schools and methods for every 1,000 residents in the state.

Pioneered by Maria Montessori, Montessori education emphasizes self-directed learning and collaborative play in carefully prepared environments, to foster independence and exploration.

In Florida, publicly funded, tuition-free Montessori schools fall under the category of charter schools, like Mi Escuela Montessori, a bilingual (Spanish and English) public charter Montessori school, in Lakeland, Florida, for students in K-8.

The school provides a curriculum delivered in both English and Spanish with the goal of developing bilingualism and cultural competence in both languages for all students, including those who speak only Spanish, some Spanish or no Spanish at all.

There are also private Montessori programs, and according to Private School Review, for the 2024 school year, there are currently 166 Montessori private schools serving 15,869 students in Florida.

For example, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart is a Catholic, all-girls Montessori school in Florida for K-12, with an annual tuition ranging from $32,980 to $46,800.

Waldorf & Steiner

According to the study, Waldorf & Steiner schools and methods were the third-most searched educational option in Florida, averaging 34.0 searches for every 1,000 residents.

Also known as Waldorf education, it was founded by Rudolf Steiner and emphasizes holistic development, creativity and the arts alongside academics.

For the 2024 school year, there are only three private schools in Florida belonging to the association of Waldorf Schools of North America, and they serve approximately 320 students.

At the Waldorf School of Palm Beach, annual tuition ranges from $17,120 to $17,800  and they offer programs for students in pre-K through eighth grade. Nature plays a major role in the curriculum and daily lessons incorporate the philosophy that education is an art form.

Education alternatives across the country

The study finds that across the U.S., Montessori education is the most sought after philosophy, with 27 states showing the highest search volume per population. Home-schooling and charter schools follow closely, with 10 states favoring home-schooling and nine states leaning toward charter schools.

While Waldorf methods have achieved some popularity across the world, in the U.S. only four states had Waldorf as their most searched education practice.




Haiti - FLASH : Advice for Canadian travelers (updated)





Canada has updated its advice for travelers and Canadian citizens in Haiti. It not plan assisted departures for Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Haiti at this time. If you are in Haiti, stay sheltered in a safe place.



State of emergency and curfew in Ouest Department :

On March 3, 2024, the government of Haiti declared a state of emergency in Ouest Department, including in Port-au-Prince, in response to gang violence and the deteriorating security situation. There are frequent clashes between gangs and security forces. Kidnappings, robberies, and violent crime are increasing.



A nighglty curfew is in effect in Ouest Department. You must stay indoors while the curfew is in effect. There are exceptions for certain professions, including medical personnel and journalists carrying official identification.



The Toussaint Louverture International Airport is closed :

Canada is not planning assisted departures for Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Haiti at this time. Canadian officials continue to monitor and assess the security situation very closely and work in coordination with allies as the situation develops. There are two international airports in the country which can be difficult to access due to the highly volatile security situation.





While the state of emergency and curfew are in effect :



Follow the instructions of local authorities



Always cooperate with police officers



Carry valid ID at all times and be prepared for various checkpoints



Monitor local news to stay informed on the current situation





Border closure with the Dominican Republic :

On March 5, 2024, the Government of the Dominican Republic closed its air border with Haiti. Land and sea borders between the two countries remain closed to travellers.



The Embassy of Canada to Haiti, in Port-au-Prince, cannot help you enter the Dominican Republic from Haiti.



Police presence across the country is limited and not guaranteed.



Gatherings by protesters are spontaneous and unpredictable. They sometimes lead to clashes with security forces and violent acts. Protestors may suddenly erect roadblocks and burning barricades, disrupting major roads in various regions, including Port-au-Prince and the area around the Canadian Embassy. Access to Toussaint-Louverture International Airport could be affected. Telecommunications and Internet access could also be disrupted.



Access to cash and commodities of all kinds is difficult. Emergency services and health care are also affected.



Avoid all travel to Haiti :



If you are in Haiti despite this advisory :



Shelter in a safe place until the situation has stabilized



Consider leaving the country if theres a safe means to do so



Ensure that you have essential supplies, including food, water and fuel



Limit your movements, if you are unable to shelter in place



Be aware of your surroundings at all times



Maintain a low profile when going outside



Don't show signs of affluence



Plan to have adequate water, food and fuel supplies



Avoid crossing road blockades, even if they appear unattended



Allow extra time to reach your destination



Ensure that your passport and other travel documents are up-to-date and secure at all times



Register or update your personal information through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service and encourage other Canadian citizens in Haiti to do so



Monitor local media to stay informed on the evolving situation



Follow the instructions of local authorities



Your personal safety is at risk if you are currently in Haiti. You should consider leaving the country by commercial means if you can do so safely.



HL/ HaitiLibre
























Haiti - FLASH : If Haiti does not respect the agreement, the State Department will move to Plan B





The Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, congratulated Haitian actors for having accepted on Monday March 11 in Jamaica the agreement aimed at forming a Presidential Transitional Council https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41864-haiti-flash-acting-prime-minister-ariel-henry-resigns-video.html . He calls on them to converge their efforts to implement this agreement.



Political parties and personalities from Haiti were still working on Wednesday (deadline) to try to name the name of their representative in debates where divisions are breaking out and which shows the fragility of this agreement.



State of the situation in the appointment of representatives :



1 - Collective of January 30: Representative not communicated

2 - Montana Agreement: Representative Fritz Alphonse Jean (except last minute change)

3 - Agreement of December 21, 2022: Representative the former deputy Vikerson Garnier who is contested by Me Andre Michel, Marjorie Michel, Edmonde S. Bauzile and Sorel Jacinthe who seek to impose the former deputy for Desdunes Levaillant Louis-Jeune as Representative.

4 - EDE/RED and political commitment and allies : Representative : the former Minister for the Status of Women, Marie Ghislaine Mompremier

5 - Fanmi Lavalas : Representative not communicated

6 - "Pitit Dessalin" Party :

After having approved the road map on Monday March 11, former senator Jean Charles Moise rejected on Wednesday the creation of this structure supported by the international community and now says he is clinging to the establishment of the presidential council of three members created by his party and the Reveil National grouping, the Party of Guy Philippe which aims for the Presidency https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41821-haiti-flash-guy-philippe-already-sees-himself-as-president-of-haiti-video.html

7 - Private business sector: Representative not indicated



Find out more about these 7 entities : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41876-haiti-flash-presidential-transitional-council-some-members-already-known.html



According to State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller, the US administration wants a Prime Minister to be appointed immediately after the formation of the Presidential Council. He further informed that if the structures do not submit the name of their representative, on Wednesday... A PLAN "B" WILL BE IMPLEMENTED". An alternative plan that we know nothing about...



S/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Guantanamo for the Haitians ?

CNN revealed that the Biden administration would consider using the American base at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, to process and possibly repatriate Haitian migrants intercepted at sea in the event of a mass exodus to the United States



Florida : Plan for the Haitian exodus

On Wednesday, March 13, 2024, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said the state would send more than 250 officers and soldiers as well as helicopters, planes, drones and boats to patrol the South Florida coast to "fight illegal boats" which could transport Haitian migrants... See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41877-haiti-crisis-florida-border-agents-on-high-alert.html



Nicolas Maduro ready to help resolve the crisis in Haiti

Wednesday March 13, 2024 the President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro affirmed in a press release that he was willing to contribute to a solution to the Haitian crisis. "through the joint construction of a united response, according to the principles of good neighborliness and international solidarity."



Towards a reopening of PAP international airport ?

The Haitian authorities want to reopen the Toussaint Louverture international airport. No date has been set but the National Civil Aviation Office is in contact with foreign governments and airlines. This involves informing them of the measures adopted to facilitate the resumption of air connections. The security system has been reinforced near the airport. Soldiers of the armed forces of Haiti (FAd'H) and SWAT agents were deployed.



Jeremie : Pro Guy Philippe demonstration

Wednesday March 13, 2024, supporters of former senator-elect Guy Philippe took to the streets of Jeremie (Dept. Grand'Anse), to protest against the political decisions taken during the last CARICOM meeting with Haitian actors https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41874-haiti-flash-barbecue-and-guy-philippe-reject-the-caricom-agreement-videos.html The demonstrators demanded the installation of the presidential council at the National Palace of three members including Guy Philippe as President https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41821-haiti-flash-guy-philippe-already-sees-himself-as-president-of-haiti-video.html



Swiss diplomats taking refuge in the DR

Wednesday March 13, 2024, members of the Swiss diplomatic mission in Haiti (Martin Rolf Ulrich, Balbara Silva Egge and Martin Bolsterli) were evacuated by the Anse a Pitre/Pedernales border post escorted by a Haitian security team assigned to the Embassy from Switzerland.



HL/ HaitiFree


















DUNEDIN, New Zealand  Cancer diagnostics company Pacific Edge (NZX, ASX: PEB) today announces the retirement of Chair Chris Gallaher and Non-Executive Director Mark Green.

Mr Gallaher, who joined the Pacific Edge Board in July 2016, has resolved to reduce his governance commitments, and has indicated his intention to retire from the Board following the appointment of a successor and a structured handover at the end of this year.

Meanwhile, with his family having made new commitments offshore, Mr Green has notified the Board he does not intend to seek re-election at the companys next Annual Shareholders Meeting in September. Mr Green joined the Pacific Edge Board in May 2021.

The Directors have resolved to deliver advance notice of their decision to provide stability and confidence to Pacific Edge and its stakeholders during the continued uncertainty over the Medicare coverage status for the companys Cxbladder tests .

The Boards Nomination Committee has commenced a process to appoint a new Chair and consider the recruitment of new Independent Directors.

Mr Gallaher said: It has always been my declared intention to reduce my governance commitments when I turned 70, which I will later this year. Pacific Edge is on the threshold of a new phase of development, with Medicares upcoming determination, either way, having implications for the long-term future and strategy for the company. In the face of such change, I believe it important that the Board of Pacific Edge now puts in place new governance and leadership for the long-term.

I have great confidence in the future of Pacific Edge. We have over the last two years established a dedicated and skilled management team under Chief Executive Dr Peter Meintjes to develop our world-leading technology with comprehensive clinical evidence generation and medical communications. And, we have the capital reserves that position Pacific Edge for success no matter the Medicare determination. I am looking forward to working with and supporting the Board and Management over this period of transition.

Mr Green said: It is with regret that I provide notice of my intention to step away from the Pacific Edge Board. With my family moving to New York later this year, I have decided to rebalance my governance roles. I look forward to supporting Pacific Edge over the coming months and as it considers new Directors.

Released for an on behalf of Pacific Edge by Grant Gibson, Chief Financial Officer.

For more information:

Investors:

Chris Gallaher

Chairman

Pacific Edge

P: +61 417 556 691

Media:

Richard Inder

The Project

P: +64 21 645 643

P: +61 417 556 691

Pacific Edge: www.pacificedgedx.com

Pacific Edge Limited (NZX/ ASX: PEB) is a global cancer diagnostics company leading the way in the development and commercialization of bladder cancer diagnostic and prognostic tests for patients presenting with hematuria or surveillance of recurrent disease. Headquartered in Dunedin, New Zealand, the company provides its suite of Cxbladder tests globally through its wholly owned, and CLIA certified, laboratories in New Zealand and the USA.

Cxbladder: www.cxbladder.com

Cxbladder is a urine-based genomic biomarker test optimized for the detection and surveillance of bladder cancer. The Cxbladder evidence portfolio developed over the past 14 years includes more than 20 peer reviewed publications for primary detection, surveillance, adjudication of atypical urine cytology and equivocal cystoscopy.

Cxbladder is the focal point of numerous ongoing and planned clinical studies to generate an ever-increasing body of clinical utility evidence supporting adoption and use in the clinic to improve patient health outcomes. Cxbladder has been trusted by over 4,400 US urologists in the diagnosis and management of more than 100,000 patients, including the option for in-home sample collection. In New Zealand, Cxbladder is accessible to 75% of the population via public healthcare and all residents have the option of buying the test online.

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Hearst CT Media Top Workplaces awards are in their 14th year in 2024. Top Workplaces

The Hearst Connecticut Media Top Workplaces program is well underway for 2024 with hopes of exceeding last year's record participation, when the awards recognized 61 winners.

With that in mind, the deadline for nominations has been extended to Friday, April 19. But it won't extend beyond that, so don't wait to enter your company or organization.

Now in its 14th year, Hearst CT Media Top Workplaces looks for employers with excellent culture, communication, management, innovation and, yes, benefits making them organizations you'd recommend for someone shopping for a job. If you're an employer who has won a Top Workplaces award, you know the recognition helps recruit the people most in demand.

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Top Workplaces is open to employers with at least 35 employees in Fairfield, New Haven and Litchfield counties  privately owned businesses, nonprofits, publicly traded corporations, even government agencies are all eligible.

Click here to see coverage of the 2023 winners.

Click here to watch a video about Top Workplaces.

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Click here to nominate your company  whether youre the CEO or the newest employee.

To understand the benefit, just ask Sonja LaBarbera, CEO of Gaylord Specialty Healthcare in Wallingford, who won the Top Workplaces leadership award among large employers in 2021 and again in 2023. After placing in the Hearst CT Media contest, Gaylord also won national Top Workplaces recognition as an innovtive employer -- and it lets current and prospective employees know with logos, signs, even a pin for their ID badges.

These recognitions are especially significant because they are based wholly on employee feedback, LaBarbera said. "I am proud that our 'Think Possible' mindset allows Gaylord to continue to stand out among Connecticut employers.

Heres how it works: A company need not have its headquarters here to compete. Recognition is given for small, midsize and large organizations, and the contest also rewards the best executives such as LaBarbera and multi-time winner Mark Curtis of Splash Car Wash, based in Milford.

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The cost to compete  and win  is zero and there is no obligation to buy any goods or services.

A couple of things you should know about Top Workplaces. Its overseen by our news department based on scientific surveys; its not a popularity contest. In the fall, we produce a special news section in print with extensive coverage online about the winners.

Our advertising and marketing folks sell ads for our special section coverage on the winners  after the list is prepared. Those ads have nothing to do with picking the winners and in fact, adverting doesnt see the winners list in order of how they finish until the news is public; they only see a list in alphabetical order.

Awards are based on short, 24-question employee surveys by our partner, Philadelphia-based Energage, about how well employers value their ideas, communicate, put their strategies to work, operate ethically and create a culture of teamwork and competence.

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We make sure employees taking the surveys arent coerced to give the right answers, so these winners are the real deal, with responses required from at least half of their local workforce to participate. Energage doesnt pay Hearst and Hearst doesnt pay Energage for preparing the winners list; Energage makes money by delivering consulting services to companies.

Last year, Energage surveyed 9,424 people who worked at the organizations that entered.

The top winners from 2023 include Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties (first place among large employers for the sixth consecutive year); Total Mortgage Services LLC at No. 1 among midsize employers; and winning the small employers category, Young's of Ridgefield.

Winners of the leadership awards, the top executives, were LaBarbera; John Forlivio at the John M. Glover Agency; and Chris Couri and Dan Rella at Young's.

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All of these winners have amazing stories to tell about working through coronavirus and into an economy that remains hard to predict. And they can tell you why their Top Workplaces designation matters.

Hearst Connecticut Media Top Workplaces winners will be featured in the Connecticut Post, The News-Times of Danbury, Greenwich Time, The Stamford Advocate, The Norwalk Hour, the Meriden Record-Journal and New Haven Register in September  and will be highlighted on all of the associated websites.

For complete coverage of last years winners, go to any of those media outlets websites and type /topworkplaces  such as www.ctpost.com/topworkplaces.

Energage carries out the Top Workplaces surveys in 65 metro markets including some of the biggest. The company has surveyed more than 20 million employees at tens of thousands of organizations  including 2 million surveys at 8,000 workplaces last year alone.

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Energage launched its Top Workplaces USA designation in 2022, with the best of the best winners that have at least 150 employees. If you make that list, youll see national recognition.

Employers can be nominated online at https://topworkplaces.com/nominate/hearstct or by calling 203-617-0727.

dhaar@hearstmediact.com
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Montana

GREAT FALLS  Marvin James Cole, 28, who admitted to an assault charge stemming from a vehicle crash on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation in which his truck hit another vehicle, seriously injuring the other driver, was sentenced Wednesday to 18 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, pleaded guilty in October 2023 to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.

The government alleged that Cole crashed his GMC truck Ju...
NorthWestern Energy CEO Brian Bird spoke via Zoom at the University of Montanas Bureau of Business and Economic Research 2024 Montana Economic Outlook Seminar Wednesday to give his perspective on the practical reality of green energy in Montana, advocating for its development alongside more natural gas plants.

Contrary to depictions in the media, Bird said, NorthWestern Energy has a diverse energy portfolio including about a third of it from natural gas and coal, another third from wind and solar energy and a third from hydroelectric sources.

He said all of these sources have advantage...
Havre native Suzanne Tilleman, dean of the University of Montana College of Business, moderated a roundtable discussion at UM's Bureau of Business and Economic Research 2024 Economic Outlook Seminar Wednesday, where participants talked about the place of the mining industry in the ongoing transition to green energy in Montana.

Sibanye-Stillwater Mining Company VP of Legal and Government Affairs Heather McDowell said her company is a large energy customer in the state that produces palladium and platinum, which are among the materials that will be needed for the transition.

McDowell said the tr...
(CNBC) Shares of Palantir jumped 9.8% on March 6 after Palantir announced its Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node was selected by the U.S. Army. TITAN uses artificial intelligence to provide targeting information for missiles. When a stock goes up, short sellers are on the hook to buy back shares, potentially at a huge loss. The best thing that could happen to them is we will lead their coke dealers to their homes after they cant pay their bills.

To read this article:
Sundance Film Festival winner and Western Connecticut State University alumna Phoebe Jane Hart on the set of her award-winning short film, "Bug Diner." Kellan Rohde / contributed

Puppets are served dinner with a side of romance in a new award-winning short film by a Connecticut native.

"Bug Diner," created by Redding native Phoebe Jane Hart, centers around a diner in the desert, run by a mole and a fly waitress. The diner's patrons consist of animals like grasshoppers, an anteater and a cat that are going through different relationship journeys.

"We have a dissatisfied marriage, a secret crush and workplace fantasies. All their secrets and desires come to a head in this diner," Hart said in a YouTube video posted by the Sundance Institute.

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In January, the film won the Sundance Film Festival's Short Film Jury Award for animation and was also nominated for the Grand Jury Prize for Best Short Film. The film festival is an annual event that aims to give smaller film creators a platform to reach new audiences.

"We didnt stop laughing at this from start to finish. It has that magical effect of making you walk around all day with a smile on your face. The dialogue was incredibly written and the animation style was amazing," the festival's website reads.

Hart also won the Special Jury Award for the Animated Shorts Competition during this year's SXSW Film and TV Festival, the festival announced in March. SXSW is an annual festival that showcases interactive media, music and films.

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The movie was created using stop-motion animation with puppet characters. Hart created the puppets using materials like wire frameworks, faux fur and epoxy (a chemical compound), she told Animation Magazine in February. Their eyes are hand-painted and have interchangeable mouths held together with magnets so they can be easily swapped to show different emotions. The scenes were filmed in a miniature dinner set piece that Hart described as "about the right scale for a Barbie."

"I think the hand-painted eyes I made really brought the puppets alive. One of my professors, Stephen Chiodo, told me to paint the eyes with some clear nail polish to give them some glisten. It was that moment my puppets suddenly came to life," Hart told Animation Magazine.

Sundance Film Festival winner and Western Connecticut State University alumna Phoebe Jane Hart on the set of her award-winning short film, "Bug Diner." Kellan Rohde / contributed

While the filmmaker is receiving recognition for her animation skills, it wasn't how she planned to enter the film industry. Growing up in Redding, she originally wanted to be an actress and even moved to New York City to join an acting conservatory, she said in a news release. However, she struggled to find work and returned to the Nutmeg State to live with her parents. Hart then attended Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) as a visual arts student and she credits the experience with helping her gain a passion for animation.

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"I fell in love with animation as a medium when I realized it was my gateway into filmmaking without a million dollars," Hart said in a YouTube video posted by the Sundance Institute.

After graduating from WCSU Hart continued to pursue her newfound passion at the California Institute of the Arts, where she earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Experimental Animation in 2023. Her award-winning short film was her thesis project at the institution.

Hart told Animation Magazine that she originally intended to create a simple story about a girl working in a diner that was run by bugs. However, pent-up "feelings of distrust and sexual frustration" she experienced in a relationship during the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the end product.

The filmmaker added that creating the animation was the most difficult part of making the short film. Because the equipment is shared between students, she also had limited time to use it each time she borrowed it.

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"Dont get me wrong, I loved every second, even the three seconds of film that took all day to make," Hart told Animation Magazine. "So, out of necessity, I animated eight minutes of animation in 60 days straight, which any animator I think might tell you is masochistic and I highly dont recommend it."

Despite the challenges, Hart said that she is "dying to make another film," which she intends to be a prequel to "Bug Diner."

"Much like the short, Its filled with raunchy puppet scenes and a similar tone but centered around exciting new characters and . murder?," Hart told Animation Magazine.
In an impressive showcase of culinary excellence, Helsinki's Palace Restaurant has been named the number one restaurant in Finland for the fifth year in a row, according to the 2024 edition of the "Finland's Best 50 Restaurants" list. This prestigious accolade was awarded at the Gastro Helsinki fair, held at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, highlighting Palace's continued dominance in Finland's gastronomic scene.

Palace Restaurant, located on Helsinki's South Harbor, is renowned for its exceptional dining experience, which has now been further acknowledged by receiving the "Best Atmosphere" award. Following closely in the rankings are Restaurant Gron, securing the second spot, and BasBas, both of which are also based in Helsinki, showcasing the capital's strong presence in the Finnish culinary landscape.

Turku's top dining establishment, Kaskis, clinched the fourth position, reinforcing its status despite the competitive field. Notably, Palace boasts two Michelin stars, with Gron and Kaskis each decorated with one, underscoring their high-quality culinary offerings.

The top ten list was dominated by eight restaurants from Helsinki and two from Turku, with new entries making a significant impact this year. Le Coucou Vert, a newcomer from Helsinki, impressively entered the list at twelfth place, while Tertin Kartano from Mikkeli made a remarkable return after a five-year hiatus.

The event also honored individuals in the restaurant industry, with Nicolas Thieulon of BasBas receiving the "Professional's Professional" award and Toni Kostian of Gron being named the "Best Change Maker."

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the "Finland's Best 50 Restaurants" poll, which has become a cornerstone in celebrating Finland's vibrant culinary scene. The list is a testament to the dedication, creativity, and excellence of Finland's restaurant industry, from Helsinki's dynamic dining landscape to the emerging culinary stars across the country.

HT
Members of the Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK) have collectively decided that wage payments can be suspended immediately at all production facilities that have to be shut down due to the indirect effects of the strike, Jarkko Ruohoniemi , the CEO of Technology Industry Employers, revealed to Helsingin Sanomat on Tuesday.

STAKES in the Finnish labour market have only risen since the start of a two-week political strike that has halted cargo handling at ports and disrupted both goods transport and process industries.

The decision means payments can be suspended also at workplaces that are not participating in the strikes if they have to suspend production due to, for example, disruptions in raw material deliveries.

This is our interpretation, said Ruohoniemi.

Jyri Hakamies, the director general of EK, confirmed the interpretation on YLE A-studio on Tuesday.

In laymans terms, you could say that wage is paid for work thats done, he remarked. Im sure the opportunities to do other work will be evaluated separately at each company. The conclusions are pretty straightforward in export industries: when exports arent moving, theres no production.

He underscored that the decision should not be viewed as retribution for the two-week strike, thereby rejecting the suggestion of Jarkko Eloranta, the chairperson at the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK).

[Employer organisations] are instructing their member companies to take illegal action, Eloranta said on A-studio. Individual employers will decide whether to abide by the employer organisations instructions.

The Finnish Industrial Union labelled the decision as a lockout.

Large Finnish forest industry companies have arrived at the same conclusion as EK. Metsa Group, Stora Enso and UPM on Monday announced they intend to suspend wage payments at workplaces that have to shut down production due to the indirect effects of the strike, affecting the livelihood of hundreds of employees.

The Paperworkers Union, in response, stated that it intends to ask a court to rule on what it considers a misguided interpretation of the employment contracts act.

The dispute stems from divergent interpretations of the act. While the act is unambiguous about the payment of wage to employees who are on strike  no wages are paid, and trade unions compensate for the loss of income with strike pay  it is more ambiguous in circumstances where employees cannot work due to a strike they are not participating in.

If an employee is prevented from working by industrial action by other employees that is independent of the employees employment terms or working conditions, the employee is, however, entitled to pay for a maximum of seven days, section 12 of the act reads.

Employer organisations, thus, have interpreted that the ongoing strike is not independent of the employment terms or working conditions of non-participating employees who are prevented from working.

Ruohoniemi from Technology Industry Employers on Tuesday argued to Helsingin Sanomat that SAK has taken an approach where a small group of employees are on strike on behalf of all employees in order to torpedo the labour market reforms of the central government.

These strikes have a direct impact on the situation at other workplaces. The payment of wages can be suspended with immediate effect, although each company will of course make its own decisions, he said.

Enterprises warned about legal ramifications

The Federation of Finnish Enterprises (Yrittajat), however, has advised its members to carefully weigh up the situation before suspending wage payments.

Ive heard that there have been many kinds of problems, but I havent heard that people have had to completely stop working because of the strikes. Im sure many companies have to consider this if these strikes go on for a while, Mikael Pentikainen, the managing director of Yrittajat, said to STT on Wednesday.

While he estimated that many companies will want to stand by other companies, he said the federation has advised its members to consider the continuation of wage payments as the situation unfolds.

Weve noted that there may be grounds for suspending wage payments, but that the issue is legally unclear, he remarked, indicating that companies that suspend wage payments immediately should have the readiness and resources to deal with possible litigation.

Ive understood that legal processes are expected, said Pentikainen.

Launched by several member unions of SAK, including the Industrial Union and Transport Workers Union (AKT), on Monday, the two-week strike has suspended the handling of cargo at ports and disrupted both rail freight services and process industry operations.

Some unions have expressed their readiness to extend the strike by another two weeks if necessary.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
HENLEY in Bloom is once again selling hanging flower baskets to brighten up the town in summer.

Businesses and residents can take part in the scheme, which is supported by the Henley Standards Buy a Basket campaign.

The baskets will be installed during May and maintained until September by WindowFlowers, of Burnham.

They cost from 47 to 78, and the brackets to hang them cost 32 each.

Last year, a record number of 273 coronation-themed baskets were sold.

This years theme and flower types has not been decided yet.

Caroline Notaras, who chairs Henley in Bloom, said: Our residents like to be wowed by colourful and abundant baskets filled with tumbling perpetuating blooms that robustly complement our beautiful historic buildings.

My preference would be for bright, eye-catching blooms of pinks, mauves and purple with splashes of bright yellow and white.

For more information and to place an order, send an email to bookings@

henleytowncouncil.gov.uk

 Henley will not enter the Britain in Bloom competition again until 2025 as organisers feel this will give them a better chance of winning gold. Mrs Notaras says the committee needs time to properly prepare for the annual contest, having not taken part since 2019. Before taking a break, Henley had won seven golds in the Thames and Chilterns regional competition in eight years.
Liz Hardaway is a breaking news reporter with Hearst Connecticut Media Group.

She was a Hearst fellow in Connecticut and at the San Antonio Express-News where she covered city hall and local issues. She also worked at the Sun Newspapers in Southwest Florida as a general assignment reporter covering politics, business, and health.

Liz graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 2018 with a B.A. in journalism. She enjoys cooking, reading and playing with her dachshund, Finn.
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff celebrates Norwalk receiving a $5 million state grant to alleviate flooding in a Norwalk neighborhood on Oct 18, 2023 Katherine Lutge/ Hearst Connecticut Media Mayor Harry Rilling celebrates Norwalk receiving a $5 million state grant to alleviate flooding in a Norwalk neighborhood on Oct 18, 2023 Katherine Lutge/ Hearst Connecticut Media

NORWALK  Drainage and flooding issues that impact over 150 homes in the Lockwood and Heather Lane area will be alleviated by a $5 million state grant-funded project that is expected to break ground this spring.

This will affect nearly 158 houses in the city, fixing drainage and making overall improvements to the roadways, Common Council member Jim Frayer said during the Tuesday night meeting. So thats quite a few houses that were going to be touching with this.

The Common Council approved a $3.33 million contract for Colonna Concrete & Asphalt Paving to begin work on the project.

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What we have in front of you is really another area that were going to be able to remediate a lot of drainage and flooding that they have been having for many, many years, said Vanessa Valadares, Norwalks chief of operations and public works.

Saying that she hoped to break ground in four to six weeks, Valadares said that Colonna Concrete & Asphalt Paving will disconnect several combined storm and sewer drains that have caused chronic flooding in the area. Separating the system will improve the overall water quality in the area as well, she said.

This has been just such a long-term problem for these residents, and to be able to alleviate it for this many homes is really terrific and even better that it is grant-funded, said Barbara Smyth, a Common Council member.

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The project is funded by $5 million from the State Bond Commission.

Mary Kopas said she has lived on Heather Lane for over 60 years and has personally dealt with flooding for years.

Over the last, I would say, three or four years, weve had a lot of flooding, in particular, my property is the lowest in the neighborhood, Kopas said during press conference announcing the project in October.

Its gotten to the point where weve been up all night for many nights trying to get rid of water, Kopas added.

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Phase two of the Lockwood & Heather Lanes improvements are one of 58 state projects receiving federal funds in the 2024 Minibus Appropriations bill passed by the U.S. Senate, as reported by the office of U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.

Two Norwalk projects are receiving $959,752 each from the $106.89 million allocated to Connecticut. This funding will expand the improvements within the vicinity of the greater Heather Lane and Lockwood Lane area, said Michelle Woods Matthews, Norwalks director of communication

The city of Norwalk is grateful for this funding to continue to improve stormwater quality, upgrade critical drainage infrastructure, and address flooding in the vicinity of the greater Heather Lane and Lockwood Lane area, Woods Matthews said.

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The First Taxing District Water Department also received $959,752 for a PFAS treatment project.


Thursday March 14, 2024





'When you come home, we're going to arrest you', South Africas foreign minister tells Israeli soldiers







Naledi Pandor, South Africas foreign minister, in Pretoria on 5 March 2024 (AFP)



South Africas Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor said that nationals who have served in the Israeli army will be prosecuted upon re-entering the country, as Israel continues its devastating war on the Gaza Strip for the sixth month.



"I've already issued a statement alerting those who are South African and who are fighting alongside or in the Israeli Defense Force. We are ready. When you come home, we're going to arrest you," Pandor said during an African National Congress meeting earlier this week.





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According to the Israeli Security Service law, all citizens, including dual nationals, are obliged to enlist in the military even if they permanently reside abroad.After the war broke out in Gaza on 7 October, the Israeli army called upon reserve soldiers, including those living abroad, to join the fighting.On 18 December, the South African foreign ministry issued a statement requesting all nationals to avoid joining foreign armed forces which may contribute to the violation of domestic and international law. Otherwise, they would be liable for prosecution in South Africa.The December statement said South Africa was gravely concerned by reports that some South African citizens and permanent residents have joined or are considering joining the IDF in the war in Gaza and in the other Occupied Palestinian Territories.It added that naturalised citizens of South Africa could be stripped of their citizenship.This warning was not the first of its kind.In November a South African minister in the presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said that her countrys laws do not allow citizens to fight under the flags of other countries.Her statements came as a response to a parliamentary question about what action South Africa is taking against citizens fighting alongside the Israeli army.South Africa has been among the staunchest opponents of the Israeli war on Gaza, and has led a case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of committing genocide against the Palestinians in the besieged enclave, and requesting provisional measures to end the war.On 26 January the ICJ issued provisional measures, calling on Israel to refrain from impeding the delivery of aid into Gaza and improve the humanitarian situation. It also ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent acts of genocide in the besieged enclave and to punish incitement to genocide.Israel's ongoing onslaught on the Gaza Strip has killed over 31,000 Palestinians. It was launched in the aftermath of a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October, which killed 1,139 people.South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile said on Tuesday that his country has no regrets about filing the case with the ICJ.Over 70,000 have been injured, while 10,000 are missing under rubble. This brings the number of civilian casualties to about 110,000, amounting to roughly five percent of Gaza's 2.3 million population. We will not condone genocide, he told MPs.
In today's dynamic educational landscape, there exists a plethora of competitive examinations, each offering unique opportunities for students to excel and pursue their academic and professional aspirations. From entrance exams for prestigious institutions to recruitment tests for government positions, the realm of competitive exams presents a myriad of avenues for individuals to showcase their knowledge and skills.

Amidst this environment, educational publishers play a pivotal role in providing comprehensive guidance and resources to empower students on their journey toward success. One such publisher, with a rich legacy spanning over a decade, is dedicated to facilitating students' academic endeavors by offering a diverse range of publications tailored to meet their needs.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

GKP, a dynamic entity within CL Educate Ltd, stands as a beacon of quality and innovation in educational publishing, empowering students since 2011. Their extensive catalog covers preparation materials for various competitive exams, including engineering, management, law, and civil services. Embracing digital transformation, GKP ensures access to dynamic learning tools through interactive platforms and resources, fostering a more engaging learning environment. Collaborating with esteemed individuals like Mr. Madhukar Bhagat, GKP champions education while celebrating India's rich cultural heritage, reflecting their commitment to excellence across all endeavors.

Furthermore, the publisher's dedication to academic integrity is reflected in its rigorous approach to content development. Before publishing any material, extensive research is conducted to ensure accuracy, relevance, and effectiveness. This emphasis on research-driven content upholds the publisher's commitment to quality and underscores its mission to empower students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in today's competitive landscape.

Mr. Madhukar Bhagat

In addition to its focus on educational excellence, the publisher is also deeply invested in promoting India's rich cultural heritage and traditions. Collaborating with distinguished individuals and experts in the field, the publisher endeavors to celebrate and preserve the country's diverse art and culture through various initiatives and projects.

One such remarkable endeavor undertaken by GKP Publications is its recent collaboration with Mr. Madhukar Bhagat, a highly respected officer of the Indian Revenue Services and a TEDx speaker. Together, they have embarked on a captivating journey aimed at unraveling the rich tapestry of Indian art and culture through a meticulously crafted three-book series. The unveiling of the first book at a prestigious event held at the renowned Kiran Nadar Museum of Art in Saket, New Delhi, marked a momentous occasion in their collaborative efforts. The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, renowned artists, scholars, and cultural enthusiasts, creating an ambiance of intellectual stimulation and artistic appreciation. Attendees were treated to captivating discussions, immersive art exhibitions, and insightful presentations, offering a multifaceted exploration of India's cultural heritage. The event served as a platform for fostering dialogue, celebrating diversity, and fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of India's rich artistic and cultural legacy. Through such initiatives, GKP Publications and Mr. Madhukar Bhagat are not only promoting cultural awareness but also nurturing a sense of pride and reverence for India's unparalleled cultural heritage among people from all walks of life.

As it continues to champion the cause of education and cultural revival, it remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering individuals and fostering a greater sense of pride and awareness in India's glorious traditions. Through its diverse publications and collaborative endeavors, the publisher endeavors to inspire and enrich the lives of students and readers alike, ensuring that they are well-equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.

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.
China has 12 times more robots in its workforce than expected, an independent think tank in Washington Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) said in a report. This indicates that Chinese workers are being replaced by robots at the fastest rate in the world, the report claimed, adding, China does not yet appear to be leading in robotic innovation, but  it is likely only a matter of time before Chinese robotics companies catch up to the leading edge." China is using automation far more than expected based on what workers get paid in manufacturing.(Representational)

How many robots are being used by China?

The US think tank found that China is using automation far more than expected based on what workers get paid in manufacturing. The country is using 12 times more robots than predicted  a huge jump from 1.6 times more in 2017.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

What about United States in terms of robot use?

On the other hand, the United States uses only 70 per cent of the robots it should be using.

What report said on China's government?

The report included research into major companies and insights from global experts. It also found out that production and deployment rates of robotics in China were increasing rapidly as the Chinese government has made robotics industry a priority.

Robert D. Atkinson, ITIF president and author of the report, said, China is already the largest industrial robot market in the world. In 2022, 52 per cent of all industrial robots in the world were installed in China, up from 14 per cent a decade earlier."
Paytm third party app: National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) granted approval to One97 Communications Limited (OCL), Paytm's parent entity, to participate in UPI services as a third-party application provider (TPAP). For Paytm, four banks will act as partner banks- Payment System Provider (PSP)- in order to aid the payment service. A QR code of Paytm is seen at a mobile repairing shop in Kolkata, India.(Reuters)

These banks are Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, State Bank of India, YES Bank.

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Paytm third party app: What NPCI said?

"YES Bank shall also be acting as merchant acquiring bank for existing and new UPI merchants for OCL. @Paytm handle shall be redirected to YES Bank. This will enable existing users and merchants to continue to do UPI transactions and AutoPay mandates in a seamless and uninterrupted manner," NPCI said in a statement.

The regulator also advised Paytm to complete migration for all existing handles and mandates, wherever required, to new PSP banks at the earliest.

Paytm third party app: What it means for customers

The nod means you can use Paytm app for payments through unified payment interface.

Paytm Payments Bank deadline on March 15

This comes as a number of Paytm services will stop working after March 15 as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed restrictions imposed on Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) citing persistent non-compliance and continued material supervisory concerns on January 31, 2024. After March 15, PBBL has been barred by RBI from accepting fresh deposits or top-ups.
Paytm layoffs: Paytm's parent company One 97 Communications will lay off more employees across departments in the annual performance review, it was reported. This comes as Paytm's Payment Bank has been barred by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) from conducting several businesses. Paytm Layoffs: A QR code for the Paytm digital payment system at a store in Mumbai, India.(Bloomberg)

Citing people in the know, Moneycontrol reported that the exact number of people who will be impacted by the Paytm layoffs remains unclear, some departments have been asked to reduce their team size by as much as 20 percent.

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The layoff process has already begun two weeks ago, the report added, citing a Paytm spokesperson who disputed the percentage of layoff and did not specify a number. The spokesperson said the company is in the middle of an annual appraisal cycle which could lead to job cuts.

Paytm Layoffs: What company said in response?

We are in the midst of our annual appraisal cycle, a common practice across companies, where performance assessments may lead to adjustments based on performance evaluations and role suitability. It's crucial to understand that this process is distinct from layoffs, a routine aspect of performance evaluations in any organization, the spokesperson said in a statement as per the report.

The company is also focussing on implementing AI-powered automation in their operations, the spokesperson said, adding, We continue to transform our operations with AI-powered automation to drive efficiency. This involves redefining certain roles and tasks to better align with our growth and cost-efficiency goals.

Paytm Layoffs: What employees said on the step?

An unnamed Paytm employee said as per the report, There are orders from the management to restructure teams by reducing the headcounts across functions. People are being called by the HR one by one to inform them about the layoff."

I was communicated by the department head yesterday (March 12) about the order to trim workforce within the team. Not sure if the head would take the call or its from top level, but this will begin anytime soon. Other verticals have already initiated, another said, adding, This (20%) is over and above that. Ofcourse, it has nothing to do with performance."
Satya Nadella said that Google "should have been the default winner" of Big Tech's AI race as the resources available to it are the maximum which would easily make it a frontrunner. Satya Nadella on AI race: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella speaks on AI race and Google's place in it(AP)

Satya Nadella's praise for Google

Satya Nadella shared on a podcast, Google's a very competent company and obviously they have both the talent and the compute. They're the vertically integrated player in this. They have everything from data to silicon to models to products and distribution.

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Google's Gemini controversy

This comes as Google CEO Sundar Pichai faced calls to step down after the release of its Gemini image generator which stirred controversy after users complained that it was generating wrong and inaccurate images. Following this, Google paused the rollout of its AI tool last month.

What about Microsoft Copilot Designer

Meanwhile, Microsoft's launch of its own text-to-image generator, Copilot Designer, has also been tough as earlier it was reported that Microsoft engineer Shane Jones wrote a letter to the FTC raising concerns that the tool produces "harmful content" reflecting sex, violence, and bias as well.

Following this, Satya Nadella said that tools to reduce the "unintended issues" of AI were not perfect and there are risks and concerns of AI.

None of this is perfect  we're talking about new technology where there will be adversarial attacks, he then said.
SpiceJet on Thursday said it has finalised lease agreements for 10 planes as the no-frills airline looks to expand its capacity. Currently, SpiceJet has more than 30 planes in its fleet. (AFP File Photo)

It has also received three airframes as part of recent settlement agreements.

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An official in the know said the airline is also in talks with lessors regarding eight aircraft whose leases are expiring this month. Of these, the carrier is looking to retain at least six planes, the official added.

Besides, the official said two aircraft that were grounded are back in operation.

Currently, SpiceJet has more than 30 planes in its fleet. In a release on Thursday, the airline said it has finalised lease agreements for 10 planes.

According to the release, it has received three airframes as part of recent settlement agreements and these have also resulted in savings of 685 crore for the airline. Airframe refers to an aircraft without engines.

Shares of SpiceJet rose 6 per cent to 53.39 apiece in the morning trade on the BSE.
Stock market crash: One-third companies- mainboard and small and medium enterprises (SMEs)- listed in fiscal year 2024 with premiums traded below their issue price amid stock market crash. Data from the BSE showed that 73 Indian mainboard companies raised a total of over 60,000 crore in FY24 but twenty-six of these are trading below their offer price. These include IPOs like Credo Brands Marketing, EPACK Durable, Muthoot Microfin, Capital Small Finance Bankand GPT Healthcare. Stock market crash: From the SMEs, 177 firms had raised over  5,100 crore in FY24 but 57 of these are now trading below their issue price.(Representative Photo)

Stock market crash: What's happening to the SMEs?

From the SMEs, 177 firms had raised over 5,100 crore in FY24 but 57 of these are now trading below their issue price.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Who are the top losers on the mainboard?

Credo Brands Marketing, EPACK Durables and Muthoot Microfin are among the top losers, as they have witnessed drops of around 36, 32 and 31 pe rcent, respectively. Others are Capital Small Finance Bank, GPT Healthcare, TVS Supply Chain Solutions, Fedbank Financial Services, Suraj Estate Developers and Entero Healthcare Solutions, whose stock declines ranged from 20 per cent to 26 per cent.

Who are top losers in SME IPOs?

Bizotic Commercial recorded the steepest decline, falling 72 per cent from its issue price followed by Patron Exim and Cell Point India followed, which dropped 71 per cent and 61 per cent, respectively. Others included Vrundavan Plantation, SVS Ventures, Synoptics Technologies, Yudiz Solutions, Spectrum Talent Management and Saroja Pharma Industries India.

What's happening in the stock market?

This comes as SEBI chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch indicated a bubble in the market and hinted at involvement by certain merchant bankers. She also emphasised the need for more data while acknowledging signs of manipulation in the SME segment.
In a horrifying development, a 37-year-old woman from Uzbekistan was found dead at a hotel in Karnataka capital Bengaluru on Wednesday. She had set foot in the tech hub four days ago on a tourist visa. Police officials investigating the case told media that they suspected she might have been murdered by way of smothering. The victim, identified as Zareena, had set foot in Bengaluru four days ago on a tourist visa. (HT File Photo)

The incident occurred in the Seshadripuram area of the city, according to a report by NDTV. The deceased has been identified as Zareena, who was staying at the Jagadish Hotel.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

ALSO READ | Bengaluru auto driver arrested for allegedly raping customer and killing her: Report

The death first came to be known to the hotel staff on Wednesday afternoon, when they unlocked her room and found her lying dead inside. They used the master key to unlock the door at around 4:30pm when they received no response from her side after knocking, the publication said.

ALSO READ | Father shoots son for not giving him money for liquor in Bengaluru, arrested

The hotel management then filed a complaint with the local police, who registered a case of mysterious death. Initial probe has revealed that this could be a case of murder, police officials told the publication.

The Uzbekistan national's mortal remains have been sent to the Bowring Hospital in Shivaji Nagar, where a post mortem will be conducted to assess the exact cause and time of death. Authorities also said they believed Zareena could have been smothered to death.

ALSO READ | ISIS conspiracy case: NIA raids 44 locations in Karnataka, Maharashtra; 13 held

The hotel room in question has been searched thoroughly by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team and a canine squad for any leads in the mystery case. Cops are also combing through CCTV footages and the hotel register to ascertain if the victim had any visitors on Wednesday.

More details are awaited as further investigation is in progress.
Bhopal: A Madhya Pradesh district court has sentenced a couple to two years in jail for allegedly forcing their nieces husband to adopt Christianity, officials familiar with the matter said on Thursday. (Representative Poto)

Sagar district court additional sessions judge Sagar Kiran Kol also imposed a fine of Rs.25,000 on the couple, said officials.

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Accused Ramesh Ahirwar Masih, 40, and his wife Sakhi Masih, 40, both residents of Vivek Nagar in Sagar district were found guilty under Section 3 read with Section 5 of Madhya Pradesh Religious Freedom Act 2021, officials said.

Ramesh and his wife Sakhi were booked under the MP Freedom of Religion Act in October 2021, based on the complaint filed by Abhishek Ahirwar, additional public prosecutor Raman Kumar Jarolia said. Based on the complaint, the duo were arrested in October 2021.

They were initially arrested and sent to jail but were released on bail after a month.

Abhishek and his wife Sapna got married in July 2021. However, in August 2021, Sapna left Abhisheks house and did not return. When Abhishek called her, she refused to return asking him to talk to his paternal uncle Ramesh, according to the first information report (FIR).

They lured the complainant to adopt Christianity to get a job of Rs.20,000 per month. They also threatened him that if he did not accept Christianity, his wife Sapna, who is a niece of the accused, would be given the job and she would leave him, Jarolia said.

In its recent order, the district court found that accused Ramesh and Sakhi have not only tempted, pressured and exerted undue influence on Abhishek to convert to religion, but have also encouraged his wife and others to convert.

In such a situation, accused Ramesh and Sakhi are punished with two years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs.25,000 each under Section 3 read with Section 5 of the Act. If the accused do not deposit the fine amount, in case of default they will have to undergo additional rigorous imprisonment of 6 months each, the court order read.
Deputy commissioner Sakshi Sawhney on Thursday directed officials of food and civil supplies department and heads of procurement agencies to ensure smooth and quick procurement of wheat for the upcoming season. Ludhiana DC Sakshi Sawhney holding a meeting with officials to review preparations for wheat procurement for Rabi Season in Ludhiana on Thursday. (HT Photo)

The deputy commissioner said that the wheat had been sown on 2.50 lakh hectares area in the district and around 8.11 lakh MT wheat was expected to arrive in 108 grain markets.

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She directed all the officials to personally supervise the wheat procurement operations across the district beginning from April 1. This is to ensure prompt procurement and lifting of wheat as per their allotted share of procurement.

Sawhney emphasised that farmers in the district should not be put to any inconvenience for the sale of their produce in the grain markets.

The sub divisional magistrates would be responsible for the smooth procurement operations in grain markets so that farmers do not face any sort of problem in selling their harvest.

She asked mandi board officials to make arrangements in grain markets to save the produce from rain and to have proper sanitation facilities.

She also issued instructions to make requisite arrangements for power, sheds for the farmers, and potable water supply at each procurement centre.

The deputy commissioner categorically said that all efforts should be made to ensure smooth, hassle-free and quick procurement of wheat and facilitate farmers in getting timely payment of their produce.

SDM Vikas Hira, DFSC West Sanjay Sharma, DFSC East Shefali Chopra, and others attended the meeting.
On an overcast afternoon at Shambhu, 28-year-old Amrik Singh, a farmer from Mangat Kaer village of Muktsar Sahib, is seen covering his tractor trailer with a tarpaulin sheet. Come rain or shine, we arent going home till our demands are met, he says with a determined look on his face. Protesting farmers have converted trailers attached to tractors into temporary homes at Shambhu. (HT Photo)

Amrik, along with other farmers from different parts of Punjab, had started a march towards Delhi on February 13 to press for legal guarantee to minimum support price (MSP), a complete loan waiver and several other demands. Met with strong resistance at the Haryana border, where several companies of central paramilitary forces and Haryana Police were standing guard, the farmers were unable to make it past the state border. In the clashes that followed between the forces and protesters, one farmer was killed, and several others were left injured.

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Though it seemed that the agitation had fizzled out after the death of a farmer on February 21, a sizeable number of farmers have stayed put at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders of Punjab and Haryana.

As per Punjab Intelligence Bureaus estimates, around 7,000-8,000 farmers continue to be at the Shambhu border.

Just a month has passed, we are prepared to sit for at least 12 more. Last time (during the 2020-21 farmers agitation), we protested for 13 months, said Amrik.

BKU Shaheed Bhagat Singh leader, Tejvir Singh said, The protest is on. Usually, protests as big as this see some ups and downs. We have already lost seven of our men but our community continues to be disciplined.

Jaswinder Singh, 55, of Kaboolpura village in Patiala, who was spotted watching news on a small LCD screen set up in his tractor-trailer, said, We are prepared for a long haul. We have made arrangements to carry on with our routine life here.

Many farmers have also put up table fans, bulbs and wooden cots in their trailers, turning it into a makeshift home.

To wash clothes, free washing machine service is also available. For health-related emergencies, various NGOs  including Khalsa Aid  have set up mini-health centres that provide medicines and first-aid.

As to food, round-the-clock langar (community kitchen) services are available at many places on a three-kilometre stretch on the National Highway.

Kisan Mazdoor Morcha convener Sarwan Singh Pandher said, As we have decided to continue our protest at Shambhu and Khanauri, we have made all arrangements at the protest sites.
The director general of police (DGP), RR Swain, on Thursday impressed upon a two-pronged strategy to check narco-trade, which he said has emerged as a major challenge in Jammu and Kashmir. The director general of police (DGP), RR Swain, on Thursday impressed upon a two-pronged strategy to check narco-trade, which he said has emerged as a major challenge in Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI/File)

Responding to media queries after inaugurating a drug de-addiction and rehab centre here, Swain said police and other security forces need to dig the tunnel from both ends to deal with the drug-trade effectively.

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Heroin being smuggled from across the border has been taking a heavy toll on youth of Jammu and Kashmir, especially in border areas.

Drug trade is emerging as a major challenge in J&K. It has to be addressed in a proper manner. For that, we need to dig the tunnel from both ends, said Swain.

Earlier, drugs were confined to charas (cannabis) that was a domestic challenge and had limited consequences but then it went to hard drugs, heroin and brown sugar, being smuggled from across the border. Since we are on western border, the entire challenge of heroin and brown sugar comes from Pakistan, he added.

Read Here | To rein in drug peddlers in J&K, their properties to be sealed & seized, issuance of notices to start within a week: Jammu DM

The DGP said that police and other law enforcing agencies needed to dig the tunnel from both ends.

The challenge has to be addressed with two-pronged strategy-- one is demand and the other is supply. While police taking coercive action arresting drug dealers and peddlers under law and attach their properties, side by side we have to take action on demand, he said.

The DGP said that the police would take stern action like they did with the help of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act in smashing the terror eco system in the region.

Same strategy is needed in dealing with narcotics. While the addict is a victim for us, we will be mutatis mutandis in dealing with the narco-trade. We will be successful, he said.

The way we dealt with the terror-eco system by acting against those providing shelter, transporting terrorists and giving them other logistical support, similar strategy is being applied for those involved in narcotics trade, he said.

He said that there are 10 drug de-addiction centres of police operating at present and some private players also involved in it.

These centers are less compared to the number of addicts, he said.
A month after the arrest of notorious gangster Rajan Bhatti, a key operative of Canada-based terrorist Lakhbir Singh, alias Landa, from Sector 71 in Mohali, State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) nabbed his associate on Wednesday. Chetan Kakkar (HT)

The accused was identified as Chetan Kakkar, 34, of Amritsar, who runs a finance company under the name of CK Financial Services in his hometown.

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AIG Simrat Kaur, SSOC, Mohali, said that Kakkar was arrested in 2012 in an attempt to murder case at Batala City police station following which he was lodged in Gurdaspur jail where he came in contact with Rajan Bhatti, a key aide of Canada-based terrorist Lakhbir Singh alias Landa.

Chetan was a member of Shiv Sena Hindustan. Then, he started his own party named Hindu Rashtra Sena. Due to threat perception, he got security from Punjab Police. Both Chetan and Bhatti again came in contact after the former started living in Kharar. Bhatti was running an international network of drug and weapon smuggling. Later, Chetan also joined him, AIG said.

Police officials stated that Chetan allegedly arranged hideouts for Rajan who frequently shifted his residence in Mohali. Chetan also gave money to Rajan for drug related activities.

Both the accused supplied drugs to their clients while travelling in luxury cars. They lived a lavish lifestyle using drug money. One BMW car was recovered from Rajan Bhatti at the time of his arrest. More luxury cars are yet to be recovered which have been used by them for drug smuggling. Chetan also is a drug addict, AIG added.

Chetan, according to the police, escaped to Dubai after Rajan was arrested last month following which a look-out circular (LOC) was issued against him by SSOC, Mohali.

After Chetan came to India from Dubai on March 9 and landed at Hyderabad Airport, he was detained by airport authorities and later handed over to SSOC Mohali officials.
Four Dalit women were allegedly beaten up with sticks by a landlord in Goh village of Khanna when they had gone to get fodder, leading to a protest by community members demanding action against the accused. Members of Dalit community staged a protest outside Gurudwara in Manupur village of Samrala on Thursday. (HT Photo)

The women, who belong to Manupur village in Samrala, had crossed over to the neighbouring Goh village that falls in Khanna to get fodder when the incident happened.

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The woman alleged that the accused had also torn their clothes. Situation became tense after members of the Dalit Community later staged a protest outside Gurudwara Shri Ramdasia in Samrala and started shouting slogans.

The police tried to pacify the protesters. Later, the Sadar Khanna police station lodged an FIR against the accused, identified as Wasakha Singhof Goh village in Khanna. The police have arrested him.

The complainants stated that they went towards Goh village to get fodder for the cattle. When they were cultivating the fodder,Wasakha , who was reportedly under the influence of liquor, came there and used casteist slurs against them. He assaulted them with sticks and tore their clothes.

They said that they managed to escape and reached their village and informed their family about the incident. As the villagers came to know about the incident, they gathered outside the gurdwara and staged a protest for at least four hours. The protesters stated that they would intensify the protest if the police delayed action.

Avtar Singh Manupur, a Dalit leader, and Captain Harjinder Singh condemned the incident and sought stern action.

Khanna senior superintendent of police Amneet Kondal said that soon after receiving the information, the police lodged an FIR against the accused.

The SSP added that the women or their families neither have rivalry with the accused nor the land belongs to the accused where the women were cultivating the fodder. The things will be cleared after the arrest of the accused.

A case under sections 323, 354 of IPC, section 3 of SC/ST Act has been lodged against Wasakha Singh.
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami on Wednesday welcomed the announcement made by newly elected Pakistan Punjab chief minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz regarding teaching of Punjabi in state schools. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami (File)

In a statement issued here, Dhami said Punjabi is the mother tongue of Punjab people in India and Pakistan, which is very important to be taught to the new generation. He said for a community to succeed, it is important to promote their heritage, culture and mother tongue among their younger generation.

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The SGPC president said he came to know about the announcement through media that on the occasion of Punjab Culture Day on March 9 in Pakistan, Maryam Nawaz announced that Punjabi will be taught as a subject in the state schools.

He said in Punjab, Punjabi should be taught as a subject in schools from primary classes and the state government there should immediately implement the announcement made.

The demand of teaching Punjabi has been going on for a long time in Pakistan Punjab and now the announcement made by Maryam Nawaz is commendable and should be implemented immediately, he added.
A group of eminent Indian Americans in Silicon Valley has held a special meeting with senior officials of the Department of Justice, FBI and police and told that the US soil is being used for terrorist activities against India. The sudden increase in hate crimes against Indian Americans in general and the Hindus in particular is causing a lot of fear and anxiety in the community, said the Indian Americans after the meeting which was closed to the press.

The group held the meeting with the senior officials this week on increasing hate crimes against Hindus in California. When pressed on the issue of Khalistan, the law enforcement officials said that they dont understand the context and they need to be educated on this matter.

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During the meeting, Indian Americans expressed their displeasure and dissatisfaction that the law enforcement agencies in the US have not been able to take any action against those who are espousing terrorism activities in India, according to multiple persons present in the meeting.

Following the meeting, it was agreed that a working group will be formed under the guidance of the US Department of Justice that will actively pursue safety measures at places of worship and systemic reporting of any unwanted act. The working group would have representations from various sections of the Indian community.

Read Here: India, US focus on countering use of emerging technologies for terror

The meeting to address the challenging issue of the rise in hate crimes against Hindu and Jain places of worship was held at the initiative of community leader Ajai Jain Bhutoria. It was attended by about two dozen eminent Indian Americans.

Vincent Plair and Harpreet Singh Mokha from the Department of Justices Community Relations Service along with FBI officials and those from the police departments of San Francisco, Milpitas, Freemont and Newark attended the meeting.

The sudden increase in hate crimes against Indian Americans in general and the Hindus in particular is causing a lot of fear and anxiety in the community, said the Indian Americans after the meeting which was closed to the press.

There is a fear in the community right now. The Khalistan people park trucks outside schools, and Indian grocery stores and intimidate young Indian Americans.

Read Here: US raised reported plot to kill Sikh separatist with India, MEA responds

Several community members expressed their anger that the law enforcement agencies have not been able to take any action against those people, including those who tried to burn the Indian consulate in San Francisco, and are openly threatening Indian diplomats and giving open calls for terrorist incidents in India.

Some of the members present in the meeting said senior law enforcement officials said they were not aware of the Khalistan movement in the US and wanted the Indian Americans to help them raise awareness about these terrorist groups in the US. They also said they were unable to act because of a lack of resources and funds and that they have other top priorities.

We delved into safeguarding places of worship and tackling hate crimes, notably those involving Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) Khalistani supporters targeting Hindu temples, displaying disturbing banners in front of schools and corporate establishments. In our discourse, we explored the prospect of organising a Protecting all Places of Worship Forum (PPOW) with the DOJ, said Sikh leader Sukhi Chahal.

Chahal said he personally underscored the significance of addressing the provocative and threatening video messages from SFJ pro-Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

I urged FBI and DOJ officials to earnestly consider the potential repercussions of Pannuns statements on peace, harmony, and India-US relations. It is paramount that we collectively work to mitigate the impact of such hateful messages, which have the potential to disturb societal tranquility and radicalise the youth, he said.
Four people were killed while five others got injured after a fire broke out in a five-storeyed residentital building in Delhis Geeta Colony on Thursday morning, police said. The deceased includes a couple along with their two children. (Representative file photo)

The deceased includes a couple along with their two children.

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Nine fire tenders with over 25 fire personnel were pressed into action. The fire was brought under control and people were rescued from all the floors, the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) said.

According to police, a total of nine injured people -- two children, four women and three men -- were rescued from the building and rushed to Hedgewar hospital near Anand Vihar.

Four of them, including a couple, were declared dead, and both were identified along with their minor children, police said.

Also Read: Twin fratricides rock U.Ps Sultanpur, Farrukhabad

At 5:22am, police received a call regarding a major fire in a building in Shastri Nagar Gali No-13 near Geeta Colony. Accordingly, the local police, fire tenders, three ambulances and police vans, rushed to the fire spot, deputy commissioner of police (DCP) (Shahdara) Shankar Chaudhary said.

It was a residential building having a parking space on the ground floor and four upper floors. The fire started in the parking area and the entire building was filled with smoke. As the building is in a narrow street, firemen somehow reached the fire spot and doused began the firefighting operation. After the fire was controlled, a search operation was conducted on each floor. Nine people were rescued and sent to Hedgewar hospital. Four of them were dead, added DCP Chaudhary.

DFS chief Atul Garg said a total of nine fire tenders were used in the fire-fighting operation which was carried out in the five-storeyed building.

According to locals, the fire first started in one of the vehicles parked on the ground floor of the building and it spread to other vehicles. The blaze quickly engulfed the entire parking space.

Some cars in the parking lot caught fire due to a short circuit. Some people, including children, lived in the parking lot. They were trapped. Some people were trapped on the upper floors as well, Shankar Lal, a local resident, told media persons.

Police said they were trying to ascertain the exact cause of the fire and then take appropriate action if any rule was flouted.
A 22-year-old woman was killed and at least six people were injured after they were mowed down by a car in Delhi's Ghazipur area on Wednesday, news agency PTI reported, citing the police. The deceased has been identified as Sita Devi of Ghaziabad. The incident took place in a market area at around 9pm. The incident took place in a market area at around 9 pm.(ANI)

Angry locals vandalised the erring vehicle and thrashed its driver, who sustained serious injuries and has been hospitalised, according to the police.

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It happened around 9:30pm in Budh Bazaar area. Several people were injured and brought to the Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital. One person who was in critical condition has died. The accused is also undergoing treatment here, DCP (east) Apoorva Gupta told PTI.

Footage of the incident, captured by a CCTV camera, showed the vehicle crashing into shops. The driver is then seen picking up speed after ramming the shops and driving off.

Another purported video of the incident shared on social media shows an angry mob smashing the car's windscreen and windows and trying to break its doors before flipping it over.

The locals have alleged that the driver was under the influence of alcohol. However, the police said a medical examination of the accused would be conducted to ascertain if he was drunk.

Those injured in the incident are residents of Khoda Colony on the Delhi-Ghaziabad border, the police said. They are undergoing treatment at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital in the city, news agency ANI reported.

The accused is in police custody and legal action is being taken, Gupta said.

AAP MLA Kuldeep Kumar also claimed that the driver was inebriated at the time of the incident.

An accident occurred near Mayur Vihars Ryan School. The driver was inebriated and ran over several people killing one person. This is a tragic incident," he was quoted as saying by PTI.
The Delhi high court has restrained the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) from taking any coercive action regarding the proposed demolition of the Pakistani Hindu refugee camp at Majnu Ka Tilla in north Delhi. Hindu refugees from Pakistan celebrate the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act at Majnu Ka Tilla in New Delhi on March 12. (Raj K Raj/HT Photo)

A bench of justice Mini Pushkarna issued the direction after taking note of the Centres May 2013 statement made in another matter on extending support to the Hindu community which has entered India from Pakistan.

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Considering the statement made on behalf of the then additional solicitor general of India, as recorded in order dated 29th May, 2013... that the Union of India shall make endeavour to extend all support to the Hindu community which has entered India from Pakistan, it is directed that no coercive action shall be taken against the petitioner till the next date of hearing, the court said in its March 12 order.

The court issued notice to DDA and Centre and posted the matter for March 19.

The court passed the order while considering a plea filed by one Ravi Ranjan Singh seeking to restrain DDA from demolishing the camp till the allotment of an alternative piece of land, especially given the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, that protects persecuted non-Muslim minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. He said that DDA had issued a public notice on March 4 asking the residents to vacate the camp.

DDA appearing through advocate Prabhsahay Kaur submitted that the National Green Tribunal on January 29 directed for removal of all encroachment on the Yamuna Flood Plain Zone. She said that cost was also imposed on DDA and thus the civic authority was bound to follow the judicial orders.
Hundreds of protest farmers from Punjab and Haryana descended on Ramlila Maidan in central Delhi on Thursday and called for a nationwide agitation against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Union government on March 23 to press home a raft of demands, including for a low on minimum support prices (MSP) for crops and debt waivers. Farmers from Punjab and Haryana gathered at Ramlila Maidan on Thursday to press home a raft of demands from the Centre, including for a law on minimum support prices (MSP) for crops and debt waivers. (Vipin Kumar/HT PHoto)

However, traffic was largely unaffected by either the rally or a slew of traffic restrictions that were put in place to regulate farmers movements, with business as usual in most parts of the city, said police officers.

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Protesting farmers also adopted a resolution to intensify their fight against the Union governments corporate, communal, dictatorial policies and to to save farming, food security, land and livelihood of the people from corporate loot.

The resolution was authored by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM).

Farmers protest in Delhi: Kisan Mahapanchayat at Ramila Maidan today, traffic jams likely | 10 points

Ramlila Maidan was packed with farmer leaders who spearheaded the cultivators protests on the fringes of Delhi in 2020-21, but who have stayed away from ground mobilisations and agitations during the ongoing stir.

Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait, addressing the gathering, alleged that several farmers were not allowed to enter the Capital

The government will try to provoke you and try to scare you away. On one hand, they say that they have given permission to hold the protest, but since last night, they have stopped many people from coming to the national capital, he said.

To be sure, the agitation, which started on February 12, has been organised by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. Thousands of farmers have been camped at the Punjab-Haryana borders for over two weeks now. Agitators initially tried to march towards Delhi, but were met with banks of barricades and police forces at the Punjab-Haryana border.

Read Here | Rahul Gandhi announces Congress' 5 big poll promises to farmers: MSP, agriculture loan waiver

Tikait stressed that the protest will continue.

The government will try to discredit the farmers by dividing us on the basis of religions but we need to stand together. A six-member committee has been formed to make sure that whenever there is a big protest, we should all come out together to back it, he said.

Tikait was referring to a panel that had been formed to forge unity between a range of farmers unions who have so far not been on the same page about the mechanics of the agitation.

Farmer leader Darshan Pal, who was also one of the key faces during the 2020-21 protests, said, We will observe March 23 as save democracy day. Every village, town and city will participate. We will not stay quiet in the elections.They dont allow us to enter the city. Well not allow them to enter our villages, he said.

Farmer leader Gurnam Singh Chaduni said MSP for crops wouldnt make them rich, but only help them survive.

Read Here: Traffic snarls in central Delhi due to farmers' 'mahapanchayat'

People from Haryana and Punjab are selling their land and moving abroad. We have no other option but to fight. If they dont agree to our demands, the responsibility of the next agitation will lie with the government, he said.

Meanwhile, the police set up diversions or regulated traffic in the vicinity of Ramlila Maidan, but traffic was largely unaffected.

Some areas of central Delhi, including the Kamla Market roundabout, Minto Road, and Asif Ali Road witnessed some snarls in the afternoon, but by and large, traffic police personnel deployed at key points ensured that traffic kept moving.
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday escalated his attack at the Centre over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and asked the government if women would feel safe if refugees settled near their homes. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal addresses a press conference in New Delhi on Thursday. (PTI Photo)

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener made the statements just moments after Union home minister Amit Shah said in an interview with news agency ANI that Kejriwal was doing vote bank politics by opposing Hindu refugees, and not Rohingyas.

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Hours later, Kejriwal addressed a press conference and reiterated that allowing refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan would be very dangerous for the country, and will snatch job opportunities for the bona fide Indian citizens.

In his statement, home minister Amit Shah has not responded to any questions I raised (on Wednesday). He has only abused me and called me corrupt. All (state) governments in the country are unable to provide jobs to our youth, how you will give jobs and houses to large number of migrants from Pakistan, and Bangladesh who you want to allow to come into the country? First, you should give jobs to our youth. Where will the houses and other resources for them come from? We are already facing a crisis of jobs and housing... Will you accept if migrants from Pakistan are settled in jhuggis close to your home? Will women in your family feel safe? Will you feel safe among them?, Kejriwal said on Thursday.

The Centre on Monday notified rules for the implementation of the CAA, four years after the Parliament passed the contentious law in 2019 to fast-track citizenship for undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who came to India before December 31, 2014.

In an interview with ANI, Shah slammed Kejriwal over his CAA remarks and said the Delhi CMs outburst stemmed from his partys alleged exposure in corruption cases and claimed that it is because of vote bank politics that Kejriwal does not protest against Rohingyas.

All Rohingyas came after 2014. How did they come? Did they come due to your failure or due to your complicity? The opening of the doors for migrants is very dangerous for the country and we cannot imagine the number of migrants who are going to come to India, Kejriwal said, adding that the migration under CAA will be bigger than that of 1947 during Partition.

This migration is going to be bigger than what happened during Independence. Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan  all these countries have said that they will allow minorities living in their countries to go to India. Around 30 millionminorities live in these countries. Even if 15 million people come to India, where we they be settled? The home minister has not answered this question that I raised. He said those who have come before 2014 will be settled. Has the migration into India (from these countries) stopped after 2014? Even today migrants continue to come. Earlier the illegal migrants were scared. Now, CAA has legalised migration. Next, you will extend the cutoff date from 2014 to 2024, Kejriwal said.

A group of Hindu refugees from Pakistan who live in Delhi protested near the Delhi CMs residence in Civil Lines on Thursday over his controversial remarks.

Delhi BJP MP Manoj Tiwari hit out at Kejriwal over his remarks and said, CM Arvind Kejriwal, why do you hate people from Hindu, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist and Jain communities? Those who are almost extinct in other countries and have come to India fed up with atrocities, should they not get citizenship? They also have the right to live life. Arvind Kejriwal is a machine of lies and is trying to provoke society by telling lies, Tiwari said.

It is unacceptable to the country that Pakistanis and Bangladeshis are brought and settled in the country, Kejriwal added.
On March 12, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee launched a separate health card for migrant workers as a variant of the Swasthya Sathi scheme, which covers annual medical expenses of up to 5 lakh per family. According to the 2011 census, Bengal was the fourth biggest source of migrant workers in the country. (HT PHOTO/Representative)

The card was introduced months after the state government started preparing its first database on migrant workers in September with the launch of the seventh phase of the Duare Sarkar (government at the doorstep) programme launched in 2020 for the delivery of services and welfare schemes at panchayat and municipal levels.

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Registration of migrant workers was among the key goals of the seventh phase of Duare Sarkar. In 2020, when the [Covid-19] lockdown left people stranded across the nation, a rough estimate indicated that around 1.1 million migrant workers were from Bengal. Murshidabad district accounted for the highest migration among the states 23 districts, a government official said.

A second official said for the standard health card used in Bengal, the government pays the premium and hospitals charge the insurance companies. In the case of migrant workers, payments will be sent directly to hospitals through third parties.

According to the 2011 census, Bengal was the fourth biggest source of migrant workers in the country after Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan. Around 580,000 people migrated from Bengal between 2001 and 2011.

As many as 103 people from Bengal, mostly migrant workers, were among the 293 passengers killed when three trains collided in Odishas Balasore on June 2 last year. On August 23, a bridge collapsed in Mizoram, killing 23 construction workers from Bengals Malda. Three migrant workers from Murshidabad died of electrocution while working at an under-construction high-rise building at Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh on August 25.

Opposition parties in Bengal have used the outflux of migrant workers as a major issue against the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), calling migration an indicator of its failure to generate employment.

The issue has been raised more aggressively in areas with large Muslim populations apparently because the Muslims have been key TMC supporters. The biggest chunk of migrants come from Muslim-majority areas.

Muslims accounted for Bengals 27.01% population, according to the 2011 census. They influence poll results in 120 of 294 assembly seats. Murshidabad district has Bengals highest Muslim population (66.28%), followed by Malda (51.27%), North Dinajpur (49.92%), South 24 Parganas (35.57%) and Birbhum (37.06%).

A Bengal government survey showed a substantial number of migrant workers were also from districts with high Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Scheduled Caste (SC) populations. Over 10,000 migrant workers were registered in 12 days in September in Purulia, which has a combined ST and SC population of 38%.

Bengal BJP chief spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya said the actual number of migrant workers was at least six million far more than what the government claims. He called the launch of health card an election gimmick. The state government cannot make this scheme work because of its current financial condition.

He said instead of providing health cards, the government should find a way to generate local employment opportunities so that these people do not need to migrate.
Jayesh, born on February 18, 2015, at the Gangabai Hospital on Natkhera Road in Lucknow, is not an Indian! He finds himself in a peculiar situation regarding his citizenship. Despite being born in Lucknow, his father, Sunil Kumar Madan and mother Kanta, who migrated from Ghotki, Pakistan, in 2009, are yet to secure Indian citizenship for Jayesh. Though Sunil and Kanta got their citizenship in December 2022, the process for Jayesh remains pending. The rules aim to confer Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants - including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians. (Pic for representation)

Currently, my son is neither an Indian nor a Pakistani...he is yet to have a nationality despite being born in India. I hope the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 (CAA) will bring him his citizenship as we dont want to go back to Pakistan. Only small bureaucratic hurdles keep him away from being called a proud Indian, said Sunil Madan, a resident of Sneh Nagar.

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Similarly, Pahumal Batra and Ashoki Batra , who shifted to Lucknow from Sindh (Pakistan) along with family, are still awaiting citizenship for their daughters, Varsha, Akshara and son Harsh. Varsha is married and residing in Chhattisgarh.

I was lucky to get the citizenship in December 2023. But my kids not getting citizenship is still a big question for me. I hope the CAA will help my kids become Indian citizens, said Pahumal Batra.

Read Here | CAA will never be taken back; rules now a formality: Amit Shah tears into Oppn

Sindhis who came from Pakistan alleged forced conversion and denial of freedom to practise their religion as reasons for leaving Pakistan.

The Union government on Monday issued rules for the CAA, four years after the controversial law was passed to fast-track citizenship to non-Muslims who entered India from three neighbouring countries  Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh  on or before December 31, 2014. The rules aim to confer Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants - including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians.

Nanak Chand Lakhmani, Uttar Pradesh Sindhi Akademi chairman and a prominent Sindhi leader of UP, said: The plight of people like Jayesh, Varsha, Akshara, Harsh, and many others highlights the challenges and bureaucratic hurdles embedded within the citizenship acquisition process. Despite being born in India or having lived here for decades, their citizenship status remains unresolved, affecting not only their own identities but also their families futures.

Lakhmani said approximately 65 Sindhis residing in Lucknow are optimistic about their citizenship prospects with the enforcement of the CAA. After the

government notified rules to enforce the CAA, Sindhis hope it will safeguard their religion, which faces threat in Pakistan. They believe that the CAA will pave way for a brighter future, he said.

Read Here: What is CAA? All you need to know about the Citizenship Amendment Act

He added, Despite the potential benefits of CAA, the bureaucratic process for obtaining citizenship remains a challenge. The complexities and delays in the citizenship acquisition process is impacting the lives of many individuals.

Banna Ram, a resident of Sukkhur (Pakistan), moved to Rae Bareli in 1987 when he was 19 years old. But he is still waiting to become an Indian citizen. My wife is an Indian, my kids are Indian, but I remain a Pakistani citizen even though my passport is not reissued by Pakistan. With CAA in force, I hope I will not have to struggle for Indian citizenship. I have applied for citizenship a few times, but in vain, he lamented.

Similarly, Kailash Haswani, who came to Lucknow from Sindhs Ghotki district in Pakistan after facing pressure of conversion and extortion, said: I got citizenship last year in December, but my 10-year-old daughter Heerbai is still not an Indian citizen.

For Sindhis, who endured threats to their religion and safety in Pakistan, the CAA comes as a ray of hope for a secure and prosperous future in India, added Haswani.

Darshan Lal of Shivshanti Ashram on Kanpur road has been helping migrants get Indian citizenship by keeping their records and helping them filling online forms. He said, Most of these people dont even know the process of getting citizenship and what documents are required.

Read Here | CAA rules notified: A timeline of events

We are thankful to the government for bringing CAA, which will help Hindus, Christians, Sikhs and Jains living in Pakistan get Indian citizenship. We will keep on guiding migrants who come here hoping for a life in which they can freely practice their religion, he said.

An official of the district administration said, Some applications for citizenship are pending with us. Now under the CAA, the government aims to streamline procedures and ensure fair and timely processing of citizenship applications for deserving candidates.

Applicants not required to present passports

* Members from Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Parsi or Jain communities can present any document that shows one of the parents, grandparents or even-great grandparents of the applicant was from one of the countries (where they came from) to prove their nationality.

* Earlier, the citizenship applications were made to the district collector. Now, the Empowered Committee will vet the applications for citizenship through the district-level committee.

* Under the new regulations, applicants are not required to present passports from Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Afghanistan. Instead, various documents such as birth certificates, educational institution records, identity documents, licenses, land or tenancy records, or any other official documentation issued by these nations, verifying the applicants former citizenship, are acceptable proofs of nationality.

* MHA has readied a portal for the convenience of applicants as the entire process will be online. Applicants will have to declare the year when they entered India without travel documents. The law itself says that benefits under CAA will be given to undocumented minorities from the three neighbouring countries.
The Gautam Buddh Nagar Police on Wednesday cautioned commuters about the possibility of traffic movement slowing down on some of the routes in view of the Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat by farmers in Delhi. A view of traffic congestion at the Noida-Greater Noida expressway road on March 06.(Sunil Ghosh / Hindustan Times)

The police said diversions could be placed at routes in Noida near Delhi borders, where "intensive" checking of vehicles would be carried out before allowing them passage towards the national capital, according to PTI. Follow Kisan Mahapanchayat LIVE updates here.

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The general public is informed that a protest by farmers over their demands is proposed on Thursday, the police said.

During this programme, intensive checking will be done by the Delhi Police and the Gautam Buddh Nagar police by installing barriers on all the borders between Noida and Delhi, due to which, in case of an increase in traffic pressure on the routes from Gautam Buddh Nagar to Delhi border, traffic can be diverted as per requirement, it added.

The police also issued a traffic helpline number  9971009001  for the public in case of any traffic inconvenience. "Please use alternative routes to avoid inconvenience," it cautioned.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has also issued a traffic advisory, urging commuters to avoid roads leading to central Delhi.

Officers of the Delhi Police said that they had asked SKM to restrict the number of participants to 5,000 but expect more than 15,000 people to attend it.

'Kisan Mahapanchayat' by farmers in Delhi

Hundreds of farmers from Punjab started arriving in Delhi to attend Thursdays Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat at Ramlila Maidan.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of 37 farm unions, which gave the call for the mahapanchayat on February 22 at a meeting in Chandigarh, got a no-objection certificate for the gathering from the Delhi Police and municipal corporation on March 11.

The Delhi Police has allowed farmers to hold the 'mahapanchayat' with the condition of gathering not exceeding to 5,000, no tractor trolleys, no march at the Ramlila Maidan.

The mahapanchayat is being held at a time when other farmer unions under the banner of Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and SKM (Non-Political), splinter groups of the SKM, are holding sit-ins at Shambhu and Khanauri on the Punjab-Haryana border for the past one month after their Delhi Chalo march was halted by security forces.
The Assam government on Thursday announced a 4% dearness allowance (DA) for government employees and specified incentives to residents to set up solar panels in their homes. Assam will give additional subsidy of  15,000 for setting up solar panels of 1 KW,  30,000 for 2 KW and  45,000 to set up 3 KW. (Assam Legislative Assembly)

The employees will get their DA in their April salary and will aid in their Bohag Bihu (Assamese New Year) celebrations. The new DA will be effective from January 1 this year and the government will pay it in three installments in May, June and July, said Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati.

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With the hike, Assam government employees will now get 50% DA in comparison to their basic salary.

The government stated that apart from incentives given by the Centre under Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar scheme, Assam will give additional subsidy of 15,000 for setting up solar panels of 1 KW, 30,000 for 2 KW and 45,000 to set up 3 KW.

Also Read:Assam: Sporadic protests, police warning, CMs assurance after CAA gets notified

With these incentives, people will have to pay just 5,000 additional amount to set up 1KW, 10,000 for 2KW and 27,000 for 3KW. Those who produce surplus electricity from the solar panels installed in their homes will be able to sale it to the government, the CM informed.

He said that if government employees who apply for the scheme take loans to set up panels, the government will pay 1% of the interest.

Sarma announced that all fourth-grade jobs in government schools will from now be filled by residents of the same or nearby villages where the establishment is located. Selection of the employees will be based on merit and other criteria to be decided later.

The CM said that with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying the foundation stone of a semi-conductor plant by the Tata Group at a project cost of 27,000 crore in Assam on Wednesday, the total investments in the state in the current financial year has risen to around 50,000 crore.
Nearly 60 schoolchildren fell sick on Wednesday evening due to alleged food poisoning after consuming the midday meal (MDM) in Bihars Araria, though the school administration dismissed the claims after consuming the food and in turn said that the children fell sick after attending a village feast. School students with their midday meal. (HT File Photo)

The children were rushed to Araria district hospital around 9pm on Wednesday after they started vomiting. Fortunately, most of the children are out of danger, sub-divisional officer (SDO) Aniket Singh said, adding that some of them are still undergoing treatment while most of them have been discharged.

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Students of Jitwar middle school felt nauseous soon after leaving school around 8pm and started vomiting. Within a few minutes, over 50 children fell ill, triggering panic among villagers, locals said. Soon, we informed the local MP who talked to the civil surgeon and three ambulances were sent to the village to rush the sick children to the hospital.

All children are safe, civil surgeon Vidhan Chandra Singh said, confirming it to be a case of food poisoning.

Meanwhile, school headmaster Abhinandan Rishidev said, Out of 437 enrolled students, 227 were present on Wednesday and they were served khichdi chokha in MDM as per schedule.

He alleged that the children of only one locality fell ill as they had eaten at the feast.

The district education officer has ordered a probe into the matter.
Two persons including a minor, were arrested late on Wednesday evening for their alleged involvement in a robbery case involving a woman from Thailand, Gaya polices special investigation team (SIT) said. AThailand woman was allegedly robbed while she was walking back to the monastery from Mahabodhi Temple. (Bodh Gaya tourism)

The Royal Thai Consulate General in Kolkata on Tuesday had written a strongly worded letter to Gaya district magistrate (DM) Dr Thiyagarajan SM demanding safety and security of Thai and foreign pilgrims, especially women and the elderly who make up a large number of pilgrims.

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The letter mentioned two cases of robbery-related incidents.

The first incident was reported at about 9pm on March 7 involved a middle-aged Thailand woman who was allegedly robbed while she was walking back to the monastery from Mahabodhi Temple.

Also Read: Gurugram jewellery store owner confronts gun-wielding men, foils robbery bid

The second incident took place at about the same time and place on March 10 when two middle aged Thai pilgrims were allegedly attacked by a man. The women managed to escape safely and reached a nearby police booth where there were no police personnel.

The Royal Thai Consulate General is concerned that these may impact Thai pilgrims confidence on the safety in Bodh Gaya, especially in the area around stretch of road from Mahabodhi Temple to Wat Pa Bhudhagaya, Consulate Generals letter said, the copy of which HT has seen.

Senior superintendent of police (SSP) Ashish Bharti on Tuesday had formed a SIT under City SP Gaya to arrest the culprits and to ensure suitable steps to check repetition of such crimes.

The SIT on Wednesday registered a case against known persons under section 392 of Indian Penal Code (IPC) with Bodh Gaya police station.

Two accused, including a minor boy from a village under the adjacent Nawada district, were arrested.

The stolen items from the Thai pilgrim in the March 7 incident were recovered from the arrested persons house at Tika Bigaha village, SSP said.

Thai Buddhist monastery Wat Pa Buddhagaya is situated at about 700 meters distance from the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya.
Nepals Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has won a trust vote in Parliament after ditching his erstwhile coalition partner, the Nepali Congress (NC), and forming a new alliance with the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML). This is the third coalition formed by Dahal, also known as Prachanda, since the general election of November 2022. Dahal has tenaciously clung to power, even though his Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre (CPN-MC) does not have the numbers to survive on its own.

It is perhaps telling that the votes secured by Dahal in the three trust votes in Parliament since December 2022 have fallen from 268 to 172 to a mere 157 this time around. Such fragile coalitions are unlikely to lead to political stability at a time when Nepal is grappling with a host of issues, including a much-needed impetus for development. The CPN-MCs relationship with the Nepali Congress had frayed in recent months over issues such as differences over a provincial election and the signing of a petition by almost half of the latters members demanding the restoration of a Hindu State.

The coming together once again of Nepals two main Communist parties will go down well in Beijing, which was behind a project in 2018 that resulted in their short-lived merger. It also comes at a time when China is pushing to revive several major infrastructure projects. India has considerable stakes in a stable Nepal, especially after massive investments to create connectivity for trade, energy and people-to-people contacts. New Delhi must be prepared to play the long game as Nepals political parties attempt to find an equilibrium, without in any way being seen as backing any single player.
Adah Sharma defends her film

Adah Sharma said, When you play a tough cop like Neeraj Mathur in Bastar, I want people to think that I portrayed her in the strongest, most fearless and powerful way. I want people to believe each word Im saying in the film. When she says that 76 jawans were butchered and that she wants to gun them down, shes saying it out of frustration because she saw the jawans being shot and chopped into pieces. I might not say it as Adah but Neerja would.

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Bastar The Naxal Story-JNU controversy

In the Bastar: The Naxal Story teaser, Adah Sharma, who plays a police officer, calls for the public execution of left-leaning pseudo intellectuals' of big cities who 'side with Naxals'. In a scene, she names JNU as a place where students allegedly celebrated the killing of CRPF officers by Naxals in Bastar, Chhattisgarh. In February, JNU students, who burnt posters of the film as part of their protest, slammed the director for 'spreading dangerous propaganda and inciting violence'.

We demand immediate action against Sudipto Sen, Adah Sharma, and Vipul Amrutlal Shah for the open call for genocide of JNU students. Such a step to mislead people is a criminal act. All legal steps will be taken and we appeal to our alumni and V-C to take urgent action, said JNU Students Union president Aishe Ghosh on X (formerly Twitter).

Adah Sharma's response to criticism of her film

Reacting to those slamming her film, Adah Sharma said in the same interview, Once people watch the film, theyll understand what its about. But like I said even during The Kerala Story, its a democracy  people can choose to watch a film or not, they can comment after watching a film or not. And we should also be respecting those who are making comments without watching the film because thats their choice."

The Kerala Story controversy

Nearly a year after The Kerala Story, Vipul Shah, Sudipto Sen and Adah Sharma have joined hands once again for a film, Bastar: The Naxal Story, reportedly based on the real-life incidents of Naxals in Chhattisgarh.

Controversy erupted around their last film, The Kerala Story, after its trailer claimed that 32,000 women from Kerala had gone missing and joined the terrorist group ISIS. However, in the face of protests, the contentious figure in the trailer was later withdrawn. Its trailer description was later changed to a story of three women from Kerala.

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New Delhi, Indian cinema has not rid itself of the trappings of early talkies era with films continuing to repeat the "same old cliches" of excessive dialogue, songs, and fights, said Urdu poet and lyricist Gulzar. HT Image

While delivering the 'Samvatsar lecture' at the 39th edition of Sahitya Akademi's Sahityotsav on Wednesday, the Jnanpith awardee said that "sounds and words may have changed but the essence of the narrative has remained the same".

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"Unfortunately, Indian cinema has still not rid itself of the trappings of the early talkies era. As in Alam Ara or Hunterwali, we are still repeating the same old cliches of excessive dialogue, songs, fights, chases and whatnot," the "Maachis" director said.

According to Gulzar, the visuals have advanced with "the galloping advance in technology", and special effects, the green screen and sound effects are here to stay.

"Let's just hope the newfangled images of Artificial Intelligence don't lead to any semblance of deterioration," Gulzar said.

The poet-lyricist was talking about writer Mohanlal Gopaldas Dave, who would submit a script every month to respond to an "unprecedented demand of writers" in film companies in the early decades of Indian cinema.

Dave, a jeweller by profession, worked with Kohinoor Film Company in the 1930s and 1940s.

"It seems, promotional material used to arrive for Hollywood films before they were released in India. He had the knack for Indianizing the plot in a flamboyant style," the 89-year-old recalled.

"To a major extent, aren't we doing the same today?" he asked.

The celebrated poet started his career as a songwriter in the 1960s in films, including Kabuliwala, Bandini, Aashirwad and Khamoshi. Gulzar has also written dialogues and scripts for films in his career spanning seven decades.

Gulzar has also directed award-winning films including Koshish, Parichay, Aandhi, Angoor, and Hu Tu Tu.

The Samvatsar lecture was on the topic of 'Cinema and Literature'.

The Padma Bhushan awardee talked about the two creative streams, how they have influenced and interacted with each other since the advent of cinema.

Gulzar noted that since the beginning of Indian cinema, the industry has adapted literary works for the screen, including Dadasaheb Phalke's "Raja Harishchandra", "Satyavan Savitri" and "Lanka Dahan".

"Suffice it to say, considerable dramatic changes and improvisations were made to the original texts. This was to make them more engaging and palatable for the audience. The authenticity of the text, even the holiest of scriptures, ended from that juncture," he pointed out.

Giving the example of Aparna Sen's "36 Chowringhee Lane", Neeraj Pandey's "A Wednesday", Nandita Das's "Firaaq", and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's "Mere Pyaare Prime Minister", Gulzar noted the emergence of "author-based cinema which is not adapted from any book and it rather an extension of literature.

"New cinema, at times, writes of one's experience straight out of life and thus creates its own literature in its own language of images," he said.

Gulzar, who is known for his literary works such as Raat Pashminey Ki, Raavi Paar, and Dhuan, also warned about the trend of making biopics and said that it is more than welcome but with a statutory warning: the stories should not be distorted in the slightest degree.

Gulzar concluded the lecture by quoting one of his favourite poets Rabindranath Tagore.

Around 1929, he had stated, 'Cinema will not become an art till it depends on the use of words and language.' To that may I add, 'And produces its own literature in its own distinctive form of images, instead of leaning against already said and written literature, he said.

The maker has to be the author of the film - what we can call an Author's Cinema.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
The movie, which starts streaming on Netflix from Friday, revolves around a police officer trying to solve a murder case in a posh Delhi club. HT Image

Tripathi plays cop Bhavani Singh, who is hot on the heels of the killer.

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"It was refreshing to play a cop in an interesting and engaging film. It will be a fun watch for the audience. The viewer will not stress over who has done the murder because this world and its characters are very quirky. It's Homi Adajania's world," the National Award winner told PTI.

Produced by Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films, the film is based on Anuja Chauhan's 2013 novel "Club You To Death". Gazal Dhaliwal and Suprotim Sengupta have adapted the book for screen.

"Murder Mubarak" also stars Sara Ali Khan, Karisma Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia, Vijay Varma, Sanjay Kapoor, Tisca Chopra, Suhail Nayyar and Aashim Gulati.

Tripathi said he had done a cameo in "Angrezi Medium", Adajania's film with Irrfan Khan, and the experience was so rewarding that it did not take him a lot of time to say yes to the new film.

"There were two factors that attracted me to the film: director Homi Adajania and this script. When producer Dinesh Vijan bought the rights to this book, he told me that he wants me to play a detective. My wife used to tell me that whenever I'll play the role of an investigator or a detective, I'll do a good job.

"When the producer said the same thing to me, I thought I must do this role. Bhavani Singh is not a detective but he tries to be one. Somewhere he tries to act like a detective and then his real instincts catch on. It's a very thin line," he added.

Asked if he drew any inspiration from any popular detective characters, Tripathi said: "I grew up away from cinema and TV but I was able to catch a few episodes of Karamchand starring Pankaj Kapur ji which used to be broadcast on Doordarshan. I have read a few detective novels which help you visualise characters on your own. That's why books are special, writers describe, they don't give you visuals."

The actor will next be seen in "Stree 2", "Metro... In Dino" and Prime Video series "Gulkanda Tales".

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Actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead inside his Mumbai flat almost four years ago, but the CBI probe into his death is still pending. His elder sister, Shweta Singh Kirti, has now requested for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention into the same. (Also Read  Sushant Singh Rajput birth anniversary: What the late actor's sister wrote about him in her new book) Sushant Singh Rajput died in 2020

Shweta's appeal to PM Modi

On Thursday, Shweta took to her Instagram handle and addressed PM Modi, I wanted to bring to your attention that this is the 45th month of Bhais passing away and we still dont know any updates on the investigation that is being conducted by the CBI. I would highly request your intervention into the matter because as a family and as a country, we are grappling with so many answered questions in this case.

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Your attention will really help us to get to know where the CBI has reached in its investigation. It will even help us to inculcate the faith within our judiciary system. It will really bring peace to a lot of howling hearts who have been looking for some kind of relief, answers, who wants to know the truth, what happened that day on 14th of June, she added.

Last year, Shweta wrote a book titled Pain: A Portal To Enlightenment, in which she detailed the trauma of losing her brother.

Status of probe

Last month, Bombay High Court quashed the Look Out Circulars (LOCs) issued against Rhea Chakraborty, her brother and father by the CBI in connection with its probe into Sushant's death. CBI requested the bench to stay the operation of its order for a period of four weeks so that the agency could file an appeal in the Supreme Court. The HC bench, however, refused to stay its order.

While the Mumbai police registered an Accidental Death Report and started a probe into the case of Sushant's death, his father in July 2020 lodged a complaint with the Bihar police, alleging that the actor's girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty and her family members had abetted his suicide. The case was later transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation, which has since then been carrying out a probe into it.
Aamir Khan turned 59 on March 14 and celebrated his special day by meeting paparazzi with ex-wife Kiran Rao by his side. The actor, who owns a quaint holiday home in Panchgani and a luxury apartment in Bandra, Mumbai, once spoke about 'buying a home' in Coonoor. While he calls Mumbai home, in a 1994 interview with film journalist and critic Bhawana Somaaya, Aamir had spoken about moving to the Tamil Nadu hill station for good. Also read: Aamir Khan cuts cake with Kiran Rao, wants this gift on his 59th birthday Actor Aamir Khan celebrated his birthday on March 14. (File photo/ANI)

Aamir Khan wanted a 'different' life in Coonoor

Aamir said his then-wife Reena Dutta 'would be very happy' if he gave up films altogether. When asked what would he do then, Aamir replied, "Nothing. Go to Coonoor. Spend time with the family. Start a new life... It's a nice place to live... We've been thinking of buying a home there for quite some time. Call it a dream."

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Aamir was then asked if moving to Coonoor would be 'unfair to your career', and Aamir said 'career isn't life'. He added moving to Coonoor would make his life 'different' and leave him with the 'many things' he wanted to do but could not because he's an actor.

Aamir Khan on the importance of money

In the same interview, Aamir was asked how important money was to him and if his family felt 'deprived' as he was 'earning less compared to actors who do a greater number of films' than him. Aamir said, "Money is important, but it's not the only important factor... there are other things I'd like to do besides films. These things may not bring in that flow of money, but I do them because I want to. They (my family) don't feel deprived. I haven't even once sensed such a feeling from them."

Aamir Khan's recent films

Aamir Khan was last seen in Laal Singh Chaddha (2022). The actor also had a cameo appearance in Revathi's Salaam Venky (2022), starring Kajol in the lead role. Speaking of his next acting project, Aamir and Sunny Deol are all set to work together in Lahore 1947, which will be directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and backed by Aamir.

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Frida Kahlo used her own experiences to inform her art. In that spirit, Kahlos personal writings are used to help tell the story of her life in a new documentary, Frida. HT Image

Filmmaker Carla Gutierrez blends first person narration with archival footage and interpretive animation of Kahlos work in the film, which is now streaming on Prime Video.

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Gutierrez, who was born in Peru and moved to the United States when she was a teenager, remembers first really connecting with Kahlos paintings in college.

I was a new immigrant and there was one specific painting that really introduced me to her voice as an artist of her in between the border of the United States and Mexico, Gutierrez said in an interview with The Associated Press earlier this year. I just saw my experience at the time really reflected in the painting. Then she just kind of became part of my life.

Gutierrez was an editor by trade and content with that path in filmmaking. She was working on meaningful projects like RBG and Julia, which allowed her to be intimately involved creatively. But when a director friend whispered Kahlos name to her, she went back and re-read one of those books shed read in college. Within hours she was making plans to direct.

I feel like this story really just kind of told me that I needed to step up and direct this one, she said. I realized she could tell a lot of her own story and I felt like that hadnt been made yet. Hopefully its a new way of getting into her world and in her mind and her heart and really understanding the art in a more intimate, raw way.

Kahlo did not do many interviews herself over the years, Gutierrez said, but she did write very intimate and personal letters. She was surprised by her sense of humor, her sarcasm and her irony as well as and how explicit she was about her opinions.

It's kind of like messy confidence and messy feminism in a way, she said.

The filmmaking team had to search several different museums to find those letters that they would compile into a full picture, including the Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City, the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington D.C. and the Philatelic Museum of Oaxaca, where they found her letters to her doctor about everything from her complex marriage to her miscarriage.

One of the biggest creative decisions was to animate Kahlos art throughout, which has proved a bit divisive since the film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. Some love it. Some dont. But it was part of the vision for the film from the earliest stages. The hope, Gutierrez said, was to transport audiences from the real world into her internal world.

I always thought about her heart and her veins just kind of moving from her hands into the canvas, she said. We wanted to be very respectful to the paintings but bring in lyrical animation to feel like we were immersing into her actual feelings and heart.

She is also especially proud that her collaborators are mostly Latinx and bilingual. The composer is Mexican. The animation team is all women from Mexico.

To inject this cultural understanding of the country into the film is fantastic, she said.

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Olivia Munn has revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy, thanking her doctors and urging fans to calculate their own risk assessment. (Also Read: Olivia Munn slams Ben, Casey Affleck for getting away despite #MeToo allegations) Olivia Munn detailed her breast cancer diagnosis(Instagram)

Lucky we caught it on time

I'm lucky. We caught it with enough time that I had options. I want the same for any woman who might have to face this one day, the 43-year-old actor posted on Instagram on Wednesday with photos and a video of her being treated at a hospital.

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Olivia said she took a genetic test in February 2023 that checks for 90 different cancer genes and was negative for all. Even so, her doctor decided to calculate her Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score and that saved my life, Olivia wrote.

Needed to catch my breath

Recording a high score, Olivia had imaging tests and then got a biopsy, which found she had an aggressive form of cancer in both breasts. She had a double mastectomy 30 days after the biopsy and has had four surgeries in the past 10 months. She said she kept it private because I needed to catch my breath and get through some of the hardest parts before sharing.

Olivia thanked family and friends, especially her partner, comedian John Mulaney, for being there before I went into each surgery and being there when I woke up, always placing framed photos of our little boy Malcolm so it would be the first thing I saw when I opened my eyes.

About Olivia

Olivia was a correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and her movie credits include Magic Mike, The Predator, Office Christmas Party and X-Men: Apocalypse.
Joining the equation is Alexander Woo, known for his work on the popular HBO series "True Blood". HT Image

Like "Game of Thrones", adapted from George RR Martin's sweeping fantasy saga, Netflix's "3 Body Problem" is based on Chinese author Liu Cixin's bestselling sci-fi novel series of the same name, which many believed was unfilmable before the trio took on the challenge.

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"Sometimes we all agree and that's easy. Sometimes we disagree, and then we have to argue about it. And for me and Dan, our experience has been that when we disagree on something, one person normally is more passionate about the argument and the person with the most passion wins.

"And when Alex joined us, we just kind of kept doing the same thing. We just split everything up between the three of us," Benioff told PTI in a roundtable interview.

Benioff said while people assume that they easily split up duties while collaborating, reality is "a lot sloppier than that".

"We don't fight that often. But every now and then, if there was a big battle scene, or some big killing on 'Game of Thrones', we both wanted it. Those would be the fights about who will write the last half of the episode," he added.

Behind the scenes, Benioff said they would discuss every little detail before a big death.

"I remember the big one we had was at the very end of season one when Ned Stark is beheaded. And we knew that we wanted to cut out of the scene in the episode right before you see his head fall off, but do you see the blade actually go into the neck or do you see it stop like right before the neck.

"We had this long and boring fight about exactly which frame it should end on. We settled on a frame where you just see the blade starting to enter, so that no one would think that he's actually alive. We wanted people to know that Ned Stark dies here, but we didn't want to show all the blood and spine or any of that stuff."

"3 Body Problem" is described as a thrilling story that redefines sci-fi drama with a complex and layered narrative that spans hundreds and thousands of years. Considered one of the most successful books in the genre, the novel was translated into English in 2012 and became an instant hit. It became the first Asian novel ever to win a Hugo Award for best novel.

In the story, things are set in motion when a young scientist, disillusioned with humanity, decides to contact an alien civilisation during 1960s China. Her decision has reverberations across space and time.

Weiss said there is a lot of darkness in the story, which spans three books, but it also offers an insight into how people learn to overcome problems and work together.

"It is about how people learn from their mistakes and turn themselves around, even if they've made terrible mistakes in their past... We have tried to tell the story by sticking to the characters and their motivations and what they were experiencing and events that were happening in the story rather than try to take a top down approach and say, 'Well, this is indicative of the world we are in right now'."

"3 Body Problem", set to launch on Netflix with its eight-episode first season on March 21, features an ensemble cast of Sea Shimooka, Benedict Wong, Tsai Chin, John Bradley, Eiza Gonzalez, Liam Cunningham, Jess Hong and Jovan Adepo.

Unlike the fantasy genre, Benioff said the science fiction genre has never been his "favourite genre". But he took up "3 Body Problem" as the story is about life and about humanity trying to survive in a very cold and dark universe.

"I wasn't necessarily drawn to it because I know anything about physics or because I care that much about particles colliding with each other. I really fell in love with the human story. That was our biggest motivation, with this television retelling of the story."

Woo, also known for his work on shows such as "Manhattan", "Sleeper Cell", "LAX" and "Wonderfalls", hopes they have delivered a worthy adaptation of the novel series to the fans of the books.

"This is what we did most of the pandemic. David, Dan and I met for the first time at the end of February 2020. And then we didn't see each other in person for another two years. But we saw each other on Zoom every day, and wrestled with all these difficulties and challenges of how to tell a story that spans billions of years.

"No one's ever tried that on television before. How to tell a story with so much science, that no one's tried this before? And I hope we found a way that's enjoyable for the audience," he said.

"3 Body Problem", like "Game of Thrones", is mounted on a massive budget, something Woo believes was necessary due to the sprawling nature of the story.

"The reader of the novel is imagining something of a scale unlike anything they've ever read before. So the viewer of the show has to be treated to an experience that they've never seen before. And that it's going to be a big budget, that's going to cost money. If you're going to actualise all the things that you've been imagining as a reader on a screen, that's a big responsibility to do justice to what Liu Cixin wrote," he said.

Benioff said he hopes to get to the end of the saga through their series.

"If Netflix gives us the number of seasons we need to get to the end, people will care enough about these characters and about their fate," he added.

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Katy Perry has the right idea about dancing on table-tops on a Friday night, especially with Justin Timberlake's sixth solo album releasing on March 15. But NSYNC fans just got served with history-in-making on Wednesday night as the Trolls actor's one-night-only concert at The Wiltern, Los Angeles, stormed the stage with the highly anticipated reunion. Fans can cry him a river, but JT's latest act will be tough to follow. JC Chasez, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick and Lance Bass joined the SexyBack hitmaker on stage after over a decade-long wait during his pre-album-release music show. Ironically, the band previously got back together at the premiere of Trolls Band Together in November 2023, but this time, the quintet is back on stage in all its pre-Y2K glory. Surprise reveal: NSYNC got back together at Justin Timberlake's one-night-only concert at The Wiltern in Los Angeles (March 13) ahead of his sixth solo album, Everything I Thought It Was' release (March 15).

Performing their all-time hits Bye Bye Bye and It's Gonna Be Me, NSYNC members debuted the much-awaited newest track on the collaborative front - Paradise. As the 17th track, it will be featured on Timberlake's Friday album release, Everything I Thought It Was.

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NSYNC Reunion at Justin Timberlake's concert

Also read | K-pop band Seventeen makes history with 2024 Glastonbury Festival Lineup reveal; Dua Lipa, Coldplay, others to headline

NSYNC's Paradise is a follow-up return to the group's roots after reuniting for the Trolls Band Together soundtrack, Better Place. The group returned for the 2024 nostalgic comeback after over a two-decade hiatus. The quintet last strutted on a live stage at the 2013 VMAs when JT secured the Video Vanguard Award. Although the members have been meeting up sporadically, like one of their last reunions in recent memory - the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards in September, nothing has been quite like this.

Towards the end of the popstar's show, the curtain reveal made for a surprise call as the other members united with him for a mini-setlist. NSYNC's last full-fledged musical outing was in 2001 with their album Celebrity. Before the whole group huddled, the NSYNC bandmates, minus JT, met up for Ariana Grande's headlining show at the 2019 Coachella.

Justin Timberlake's LA Concert:

NSYNC wasn't the only headline-making act that left the fans in a daze on Wednesday night. Timberlake stepped out with his greatest hits, such as Suit & Tie, Cry Me a River, Rock You Body and others. He also brought out Grammy-winning artist Coco Jones, performing a remixed version of her track ICU. He closed the show with his song Mirrors, leaving fans dewy-eyed.

Justin Timberlake's Everything I Thought It Was Album:

In addition to raising the curtain on Justin Timberlake's album this Friday, the pre-release music show also serves as a precursor to his Forget Tomorrow World Tour, kicking off on April 29 in Vancouver, Canada. The Mirrors hitmaker has been carrying on his solo parade in live shows across the US for the last few months.

Everything I Thought It Was is JT's first full-blown album release in six years. Its promotions began with the single Selfish and its music video on January 25. Touted as an incredibly honest piece of art, Justin called it his most straightforward record in a Rolling Stone interview.
For everyone asking how many documentaries on Frida Kahlo do we need, we certainly need the latest one. Directed and edited by Carla Gutierrez, Frida (2024) is told from the perspective of the legendary Mexican painter, through not only her pictures and self-portraits, but also her voice. All the words one hears across the documentary are from her letters, diaries, essays, and print interviews  taking her pioneering device of self-portrait to a whole new level. A new documentary on Frida Kahlo is made of her self-portraits and words

(Also Read  Frida movie review: A visceral exploration of the Mexican painter's life and art)

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Choosing the voice

One can imagine that for Carla, the primary challenge of making Frida went beyond the Herculean task of assembling every word that belonged to her. It also entailed hunting for a voice that felt like it was coming from beyond the grave. We had a lot of interviews inviting people who knew Frida. There were some who described her voice as a bit raspy, but not very low. As you can see in the film, she smoked a lot. So that explains the raspy voice," said Carla in an exclusive interview.

But when it came to Frida Kahlo, not any raspy female voice would do. It demanded gravitas, a depth of emotion, and most crucially, a character. We knew we wanted to find a voice actor who had the maturity, who went through a lot of pain in her life, but also never lost the freshness, passion, and curiosity of a young girl who interacted the world in such an intense way, said Carla, insisting that the voice needed to capture what made Frida Kahlo the painter we know today: duality, contrast, range.

New documentary gives life to Frida Kahlo's words

With the help of casting director Luis Rosales in Mexico, a search across film, television, and theatre actors, landed them Fernanda Echevarria. The feeling she put in her audition really felt like it came from Frida. Then we took her voice against the edit of an image of Frida, and it felt like Frida came alive for us, said Carla, who then worked with her closely during the recordings and guided her through the voice acting. I asked her to think like she was talking about the end of her life to a friend or telling me all her secrets, added Carla.

Playing up her art

While Carla and her team went down the authentic route by securing Frida's voice through her words, they've been criticised by some quarters for meddling with her art. Like the path-breaking 2017 experimental biopic Loving Vincent, a lot of Frida's paintings have been animated for cinematic effect. Carla agrees it was a bold, controversial decision, but is glad that they went ahead with it in order to immerse viewers in her mind and heart.

The paintings were her inner world, what she was feeling, and we wanted to guide the viewers through those emotions. Those paintings carry so much meaning and there are so many details, she said. Carla claimed that the paintings didn't have the same depth of field or interactive appeal when she relocated them from a museum or a book to the screen.

Frida animates many of the Mexican painter's artwork

It didn't capture the magic of the paintings. So we thought let's show what she wanted to show, be incredibly respectful of it, never add outside elements to her paintings, but let's take it to this cinematic space, give it a little movement, and highlight the things in the paintings we wanted to underline, said Carla, elaborating how technology can be utilised to aid art, as long as it serves a higher purpose while retaining the integrity of the original artwork.

She added that a lot of admirers like her feel a sense of ownership over Frida's work. Carla recalls connecting to her as a young woman a few decades ago. She gets really intimate and personal with her emotions. So much so that when I see her paintings, I get intimate and personal with my own feelings. That painting of hers, cutting her hair after a heartbreak, I've been there. So this sense of hate, anger, desperation or losing a loved one to somebody else, it's very universal. By being able to tap into her own emotions, she managed to tap into these emotions that we all share, especially us women, said Carla.

Frida, the woman

Like many of Frida Kahlo's paintings, the documentary on her never lets us forget how tough it was for women to break out in the early 20th century. Frida confesses at one point that she took up art so she could remain independent of the many men who cheated her. But Carla feels Frida was a painter much before that. I actually think she started painting for herself first. She was always painting the stuff she was feeling, and not trying to sell those paintings," she said.

Three life-altering events, however, pushed Frida to become the painter we know her as today. First, a road accident that crippled her for life. She found a creative outlet in painting, one of the few activities she could do in that physical state. Second, the miscarriage. Carla feels that her first miscarriage, due to the lack of strength in her body, gave her the raw, violent beauty that she's synonymous with today. But, she adds, her most productive phase began after her divorce, when she needed to make a living. In those years, there was not only a calmness, but she had a motivation, said Carla.

Frida explores the Mexican painter's wry sense of humour

Everything from her financial independence to the light hair above her lips suggested how Frida viewed womanhood and sexuality. She never saw her homosexuality as a big deal, even though it was a sin for Mexican society back then. I also think that she was free to do it because she was in a bohemian community of artists that was much more open than society in general, said Carla. It was still extremely courageous and inspirational for young Mexican girls even today, although it didn't feel like that to Frida, personally.

From early on, she allowed herself pleasure and sought it out in a way that it never seemed shameful. The way she talked about sex and homosexuality, anything that gave her pleasure, was a good thing. The sensuality in her colours and gaze, it felt like she's luring us in, even when she presented grief, said Carla, adding that Frida's no-fuss gaze on sexuality and desire informed theirs too. The truth is, in her writings, she doesn't talk about it that much. She just is (homosexual). She's sending love letters to both men and women. She expressed her desire to everyone she was attracted to, irrespective of gender. So in the film, we also decided to be very natural about it, instead of explaining it in a defensive, protective way," she added.

Frida doesn't overexplain the painter's sexuality

One trait that does come across in her writings is her humour. Frida Kahlo has been associated with grief and pain for so many decades that her sense of humour got buried under her legacy and image. How she mocks the New York bourgeoisies and calls them stupid, made her a rebel, not only through her art, but also via her stance on the snobbery associated with the profession of art, even today.

Carla pointed out how Frida faced her fears with a pinch of salt. Her paintings of death as a puppet on fire reflected the mischievous daredevilry rooted in Mexican culture.. She said, I find it really sarcastic that she was painting a lot about loneliness and physical pain, but it was incredibly colourful. That's how she faced pain: she just looked at it directly and said, Well, Im here. What are you going to do about it?'

Frida is now streaming on Prime Video.

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Director Vidyadhar Kagita, and actors Vishwak Sen and Chandini Chowdary held a press meet in Tirupathi to discuss their recent film Gaami. While talking to the press, Vishwak made some statements that caught everyones attention. (Also Read: Gaami review: Vishwak Sen, Chandini Chowdarys anthology explores the triumph of human spirit) Vishwak Sen in a still from Gaami.

Vishwak Sen asks for the film industrys support

A couple of days ago, Vishwak took to Instagram to claim that the film was getting negative reviews on the ticketing platform BookMyShow and low ratings due to bots.

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He brought up the topic at the press meet again and said, I have to thank everyone who supported our film. It was more than expected because we took a risk, which paid off. However, were facing issues on BookMyShow where bots are spamming the page and giving us low ratings. Its okay if people dont support the film, but this isnt okay. I dont know whos doing it, I dont have the time to care about it right now.

He also urged the film industry to back Gaami and lend their support. Without taking names, he said that he wished the bigwigs of the film industry watched the film and gave it their support. He said, Maa cinema ki kuda oka naluguru pedda manushulu vachi chusi matladte bauntundi. Idi mana Telugu cinema. (I hope people from the film industry watch and promote our film. Its our Telugu film.)

Chandini Chowdary takes offence

After Vishwak and Vidyadhar spoke to the press, it was Chandinis turn. However, when the media had no questions for her, she smiled and said sarcastically, Obviously, no one asks questions to the actresses. You always have questions only for actors and directors, and have no questions for heroines. I have seen this for years now.

When a media person took the initiative and asked her about her experience working in Gaami, she replied, No need to make up something and ask on the spot. I had a good experience shooting for the film. It was hard but I loved acting in the film.

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Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC) actors Munmun Dutta and Raj Anadkat dismissed rumours of their alleged engagement in Vadodara hours after the news surfaced on Wednesday. Now, Munmun has shared her first post on Instagram. The actor posed near Brooklyn Bridge in the pictures she posted from a recent New York trip. Also read: Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah actors Raj Anadkat and Munmun Dutta call engagement rumours baseless Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah's Munmun Dutta shares new photos after denying getting engaged to Raj Anadkat.

'Living my best life'

Munmun Dutta, who has been sharing stunning holiday photos from New York over the last few weeks, took to Instagram on Thursday to post a series of throwback pictures. Her caption read, "Living my best life (dancer emoji). Sharing the last set of pictures from my NYC trip and photoshoot."

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Munmun Dutta and Raj Anadkat, who portrayed Babita Iyer and Tipendra Jethalal Gada aka Tapu, respectively, on TMKOC have been rumoured to be dating for years; but they have denied their relationship. On Thursday, Munmun also took to Instagram Stories to talk about the 'fake news' of her engagement to him. Sharing a picture of herself having tea, the actor wrote, Fake news toh chalti rahegi (Fake news will always be there). But nothing beats my evening tea with my girl gang.

Munmun Dutta, Raj Anadkat deny getting engaged

On Thursday, Munmun told The Times of India, This news is ridiculous, fake and ludicrous. Zero ounce of truth in it. And frankly, I don't want to give my energy to this fake thing that keeps coming up again and again. Raj took to his Instagram Stories and wrote, "Hello Everyone, Just to clear things up, the news youve been seeing on social media is false and baseless. Team Raj Anadkat."

The clarification came hours after a source close to the couple told News18 that Munmun and Raj exchanged rings earlier this month in the presence of their families. The source told News18, The engagement took place just a few days back. The two apparently exchanged rings in Vadodara (Gujarat). Munmun and Rajs families have accepted their relationship and they were also present at the ceremony.

The source further stated, They have been dating ever since Raj joined Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. It was very evident. Everyone on the sets knew about it. In fact, some people were certain that Munmun and Raj would get married eventually. Therefore, it is not shocking that they are engaged now.

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Father-son will have a face off on screen

Talking about adding Karan to the team, Rajkumar Santoshi says, I always saw a promise in Karan whenever I met him at Sunnys house or office. I spoke to Aamir, and he also said yes to audition him, and he came out with flying colours. I am confident that he will deliver and will stand against one of the most dynamic actors of our time, Sunny Deol. He will stand strong opposite him. Ask him if it means the father-son will have a face off on screen and he answers in the affirmative. Yes. There are some dramatic situations in the film that you will see.

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Sunny very happy about working with Karan

Sharing Sunnys reaction to him casting Karan Deol, the director shares, He was very happy. Sunny and I have done some very good films like Ghatak and Damini. So, he has the faith and trust in my abilities as a director to extract a good performance from my actors. Its important to bring Karans talent and potential in front of the audience, so Sunny was very happy. Karan is very hardworking and sincere. I am confident he will live up to the expectations. He will proudly take forward his father and grandfathers (actor, Dharmendra) name.

With Lahore 1947, Preity Zinta also makes her comeback to films and having shot for 25 days already, Santoshi is all praise for her. Preity is coming back after a gap, and she is a wonderful actress. She has performed really well.
When a well-known chef drops into the city, it's a must do to stir up some culinary conversation. Hal Yamashita, who has won multiple awards and opened several restaurants across the globe, is a name to reckon with when it comes to Japanese cuisine.

Japanese Masterchef Hal Yamashita

Explaining about Japanese food to students at IIHM(IIHM)

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He recently visited Mumbai to introduce the basics of Japanese culinary arts and insights to aspiring chefs at IHM Mumbai and we had a chat with him. Excerpts from an interesting Q & A with him



Japanese food is no longer niche and embraced on mainstream menus everywhere today, with Mumbai itself having so many Japanese eateries. Is this a welcome change?

Indeed, I think it's wonderful and delightful. I would like people from around the world to get to know the unique aspects of "Japan" in India.

Please describe your cooking philosophy.

I don't cook to bring out the flavour of the ingredients to the maximum." This is my cooking philosophy rooted in the spirit of "Zen." Although it may seem like not cooking at first glance, I meticulously go through various processes and preparations to present the essence of the ingredients in a simple way. It's truly the technique of Haru Yamashita.

You're known to believe in local cooking customs and traditions, what is your view of Indian food that is so full of tradition? Any Indian dish you like and why?

Various aspects such as history, region, and culture are expressed on Indian plates and in flavours. I believe that the dishes following tradition are incredibly delicious. I particularly enjoy dishes cooked in the tandoor and each type of dal curry has its own unique and delicious taste.

As someone who has opened so many high-end restaurants across the globe, what is your success secret?

There are many encounters along the way, and I am grateful for those encounters. Living sincerely and earnestly, and not forgetting to give back to society through volunteering and supporting children. Sharing opportunities is crucial.

What is your view of the trend of robotics or robots in the culinary world?

The culinary profession involves many elements of talent, creativity, and technology. While mass production and manufacturing may require robotics, for cooking, I believe there is a need for an "analog" aspect.

Of the many food cultures across the world that you have seen and had a taste of, which one is your favourite?

The flavours of India during this visit were particularly impressive. I was captivated by the "deliciousness of Indian cuisine" far beyond my expectations.

Any plans to open a restaurant in India?

I would love to express "Hal Yamashita's" new Japanese cuisine in India and share menus originating from India with the world.
Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty or total knee replacement, is a surgical procedure where metal and plastic are used to resurface a damaged knee. The man-made replacement acts as the prosthetic joint, which is used in place of the damaged cartilage during the surgery. A relatively safe and effective procedure, knee arthroplasty can relieve long-term pain from the above-mentioned causes, increase mobility, and improve quality of life.

WHAT CAN CAUSE KNEE DEGENERATION?

Physical injury and arthritis are two of the primary causes. Different types of arthritisa degenerative joint disease that affects the elderly and older populationcan impact the knee joint area, including Osteoarthritis (breakdown of joint cartilage and adjacent bone), Rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation of the synovial membrane), and Traumatic arthritis (due to injury). A relatively safe and effective procedure, knee arthroplasty can relieve long-term pain from the above-mentioned causes, increase mobility, and improve quality of life.

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BEHIND THE RISE IN PEOPLE OPTING FOR THE SURGERY

According to Dr. Rajeev Sharma, Chairman of the Department of Orthopedics at Moolchand Hospital, the rise can be majorly attributed to increased confidence in potential patients regarding the surgery. The introduction of augmented reality devices like Pixee, which aid with better visualization and perfect precision of the joint during replacement, a French technology that is a first-of-its-kind introduced in Delhi, is a big leap, explained Sharma.

Even in cases of Total Knee Replacement (TKR), elderly patients have been able to experience speedy recovery. Beyond tech, improved recovery time (with some patients being able to walk in 7 days and sit cross-legged in 14), toe-to-groin prep to avoid complications, effective pain control methods to lessen the need for physiotherapy, and motor blockage are key reasons why more people, even the younger population, are becoming more receptive to the surgery, he added.

Given the nature of the surgery, he also highlighted the importance of getting the procedure done soon after diagnosis to reduce the risk of comorbidities. While blood clots, infection of the surgical site, limitation in range of motion, nerve issues, and more remain common among potential complications, age plays an important role, as it is directly proportional to comorbidities. Hence, coming in early for the surgery is recommended.
Chennai The Tamil Nadu government reinstated senior DMK leader K Ponmudi as a legislator on Wednesday, a day after the Supreme Court suspended his conviction in a disproportionate assets (DA) case. Senior DMK leader K Ponmudi (PTI)

The Madras high court had found him guilty last December which had led to his immediate disqualification as an MLA.

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He was elected from the Tirukkoyilur assembly constituency and served as the higher education minister in chief minister MK Stalins cabinet.

Last week, the assembly secretariat had notified Tirukkoyilur constituency as vacant and forwarded it to the Election Commission of India (ECI). But Ponmudi received relief from the Supreme Court and the order copy was released on Wednesday.

Speaker M Appavu on Wednesday declared that a notification issued on March 5, notifying Thirukkoyilur constituency as vacant shall cease to operate, which implies that Ponmudy will continue as an MLA.

Shortly after, the chief minister wrote to Governor RN Ravi recommending the inclusion of Ponmudi into his cabinet and asking for the swearing-in ceremony to be held immediately. He is likely to be allotted the same Higher Education portfolio.

There was no response from the Raj Bhavan until the time of writing.

The case pertains to an order by justice G Jayachandran last December 21 after he allowed the appeal filed by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-corruption (DVAC) against a trial courts order acquitting the Ponmudi and his wife in the case filed against them for amassing assets disproportionate to the known sources of income during Ponmudis tenure as Higher Education and Mines Minister between 2006 and 2011.

This SC verdict comes as a major relied for the DMK ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Two other ministers have been in the dock. V Senthil Balaji, continues to remain in jail in a money laundering case, since last June, after he was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate.

The high court has also set aside the acquittal of rural development minister I Periyasamy in another corruption case and ordered for trail to begin soon.
Union home minister Amit Shah has hit back at foreign media for questioning the contentious laws brought in by the Narendra Modi government, particularly those related to religion and citizenship. Union home minister Amit Shah.

Foreign media outlets have been actively scrutinising India's ban on the triple talaq practice in Islam, abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution and the Citizenship Amendment Act, which they perceive as anti-Muslim.

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When pointed out, Shah, in an interview with ANI said, Ask foreign media, do they have Triple Talaq, Muslim Personal law, provisions like Article 370 in their country.

Read: CAA will never be taken back; rules now a formality: Amit Shah tears into Oppn

The Indian Parliament passed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, which criminalised the practice of instant triple talaq and made it punishable by law. Critics feared that the provision for imprisonment of up to three years for pronouncing triple talaq could be exploited to settle personal vendettas or disputes within families. Some contended that such matters should be resolved within the framework of personal laws and religious practices, rather than through criminal legislation.

On August 5, 2019, the Government of India, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah, announced the abrogation of Article 370 through a Presidential Order. This effectively revoked the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir, India's only Muslim-majority state. The government also bifurcated the state into two separate Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Read: Amit Shah's aapa kho baithe hain reply to Arvind Kejriwal's CAA remarks

The abrogation of Article 370 was a highly contentious move that generated mixed reactions both domestically and internationally. Critics and opposition parties expressed concerns over the manner in which the decision was implemented, arguing that it was done without proper consultation with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and without their consent.

The Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019, triggered massive protests around the country amid criticism that the legislation was discriminatory in nature.

Read: Old video of CJI's son Abhinav Chandrachud speaking on CAA viral

The CAA provides a pathway to Indian citizenship for undocumented immigrants belonging to specific religious communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. These communities include Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians, who have faced persecution in these countries due to their religious identity.

Critics of the CAA argue that by explicitly excluding Muslims from its purview and linking citizenship to religious identity, the law undermines the secular principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
Union home minister Amit Shah has alleged that Arvind Kejriwal has lost his calm ("aapa kho baithe hain") while responding to the Delhi chief minister's criticism of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) implemented by the Centre on Monday. In an interview to news agency ANI, Amit Shah claimed that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo's outburst stemmed from his party's alleged exposure in corruption cases and said if he is concerned about national security that he must talk about Bangladeshi infiltrators. Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal.(X/AAP)

Arvind Kejriwal this week reiterated his earlier remarks on the CAA stating that more migration will now take place than what happened after independence. He added that law and order would collapse and subsequently lead to a rise in thefts, robberies, and rapes. On Wednesday, he said the implementation of the CAA ahead of the Lok Sabha elections was a "dirty vote bank politics" of the Bharatiya Janata Party and asserted that people want this law to be repealed.

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"There are 3.5 crore minorities in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. The BJP wants to spend the money of our people in settling poor migrants from Pakistan and Bangladesh by giving them houses and jobs here," Arvind Kejriwal said.

Also Read | Amit Shah slams foreign media over anti-Muslim law claims: 'Ask them...'

Responding to the charges, Amit Shah said, He (Kejriwal) is unaware that all these people have already taken refuge in our country. They are living in India. Those who arrived in our country by 2014 will get citizenship.

"And if he is concerned, why does he not talk about Bangladeshi infiltrators? Why does he not protest against Rohingyas? It is because they are doing vote-bank politics. He will face a very tough time during elections in Delhi that is why he is doing vote-bank politics. Are Rohingyas and Bangladeshi infiltrators not taking our jobs? He is just raising his voice against minorities of Jains, Buddhists, and Parsis," the home minister said in the ANI interview.

"He will have to face great difficulty in the Delhi elections. Are Rohingyas and Bangladeshi infiltrators not taking our jobs? He is just raising his voice against minorities of Jains, Buddhists, and Parsis," Amit Shah added.

Amit Shah further said that leaders like Arvind Kejriwal have no sympathy for those who came here after being persecuted in their countries.

Also Read | CAA will never be taken back; rules now a formality: Amit Shah tears into Oppn

Amit Shah questions Owaisi, Mamata

Amit Shah also took on other Opposition leaders such as Asaduddin Owaisi and Mamata Banerjee for their claims that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act was anti-Muslim and said that the law can't be seen in isolation as it carries a history with itself.

"This is not a political game for the Bharatiya Janata Party. For our leader Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji and our government, it is our duty to give adequate rights to those persecuted minorities from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh who were living like refugees in India. It is a question of giving them rights that have eluded them for three generations and empathising with their pain" Amit Shah said
In 2017, Venkaiah Naidu, the then vice president, lashed out at dynastic politics. Known for his love for acronyms and witticism, Naidu said that dynasty is nasty. Speaking at a book launch, he explained why dynasty and democracy cannot go together. ...it [dynasty] weakens our system. BJPs second list of Lok Sabha candidates was announced on Wednesday. (ANI)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have repeatedly dwelt on the pitfalls of dynastic politics, citing examples of regional parties and the Congress being reduced to family-run enterprises.

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The BJP prides itself on being a cadre-based party, where ordinary workers stand a chance to reach the top. Modi has been cited as an example of an ordinary worker from a non-political family rising by the dint of his perseverance, organisational and administrative abilities. BJP leaders point out that chief ministers such as Bhupendra Patel (Gujarat), Manoj Yadav (Madhya Pradesh), and Bhajan Lal Sharma (Rajasthan) fall in the same category.

BJPs opponents cock-a-snook at the party for obfuscating the prevalence of dynastic politics in its midst. They point out that BJP allies such as the Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party, Lok Janshakti Party, and Janata Dal (Secular) or JD(S) are also family controlled.

Speaking in Parliament, Modi explained how allowing members of the same family to be part of politics is not the same as one family controlling a party.

BJPs second list of Lok Sabha candidates announced on Wednesday has a fair share of leaders from political families. Pankaja Munde, daughter of the late BJP leader Gopinath Munde, Banto Kataria, widow of late former lawmaker Rattan Lal Kataria, and CN Manjunath, son-in-law of JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda, are among those who featured on the list.

BJP leader KS Eshwarappa criticised the selection process, saying his son KE Kantesh was overlooked for a ticket from Haveri while former chief minister BS Yediyurappas son, BY Raghavendra, was nominated from Shimoga.

Disciplined force

The party has also so far nominated six former chief ministers as Lok Sabha candidates. In the first list, it announced the candidature of former chief ministers Sarbanand Sonowal (Assam) Shivaraj Singh Chauhan (Madhya Pradesh), and Biplab Deb (Tripura). Former chief ministers Manohar Lal Khattar (Haryana), Trivendra Singh Rawat (Uttarakhand) and Basavaraj Bommai (Karnataka) were named as the candidates in the second list.

Union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar, Pralhad Patel, and Faggan Singh Kulaste as well as members of Parliament Ganesh Singh, Rakesh Singh, Riti Pathak, and national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya were asked to contest Madhya Pradesh last year.

Senior leaders, particularly those active in national politics, have been upset over being asked to contest assembly polls without speaking openly about it. A BJP leader said the new organisational order means a relocation from the state to the Centre can no longer be read as promotion nor does going back to the state imply a demotion.
Hyderabad The Union ministry of home affairs on Tuesday issued a gazette notification to celebrate September 17  the day when erstwhile princely state of Hyderabad was acceded to Indian Union  as Hyderabad Liberation Day every year (ANI)

The Bharatiya Janata Party in Telangana on Wednesday welcomed the decision of the central government to celebrate September 17 as Hyderabad Liberation Day.

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The Union ministry of home affairs on Tuesday issued a gazette notification to celebrate September 17  the day when erstwhile princely state of Hyderabad was acceded to Indian Union  as Hyderabad Liberation Day every year.

The notification said Hyderabad did not achieve independence for 13 months after independence on 15th August 1947 and was under Nizams rule. The region was liberated from Nizams rule on September 7, 1948, after a police action namely Operation Polo.

There has been a demand from the people of the region to celebrate September 17 as Hyderabad Liberation Day. In order to remember martyrs who liberated Hyderabad and to infuse the flame of patriotism in the minds of the youth, the Government of India has decided to celebrate the 17th day of September every year as Hyderabad Liberation Day, the notification said.

Describing the decision as historic, BJP Telangana unit president and Union minister for culture and tourism G Kishan Reddy said it marked a significant step towards remembering martyrs who fought for Hyderabads freedom and infusing the spirit of national pride in the hearts of the next generation.

In a message on X (formerly Twitter), Reddy said the move honoured the sacrifices made and instilled a patriotic feeling in the minds of the youth. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for recognising this momentous occasion.

This day will forever be etched in Hyderabads history, a testament to the courage and resilience of those who fought for its liberation, Kishan Reddy said.

BJP national general secretary and Karimnagar MP Bandi Sanjay also thanked Modi and Shah for the historic decision. From falsification of history by past rulers, to now officially celebrating the reality in the BJP era, Bandi Sanjay posted on X. Grateful for your support and to hear every demand from Telangana, he said.

Senior BJP leader and former governor of Maharashtra Ch Vidyasagar Rao also lauded the Centres decision to celebrate September 17 as Hyderabad liberation day. He reminded that the Maharashtra and Karnataka governments had been officially celebrating the liberation day on September 17 in the areas which were earlier part of the Hyderabad state. Only Telangana has not been officially celebrating it, he said.

BJP MLA fromGoshamahal T Raja Singh also welcomed the Centres decision and thanked the Prime Minister for the same. He said the Modi government had taken a commendable decision.

It will help in conveying the glorious history of the Hyderabad Liberation War to the young generation across the country, he said.

Though the Centre has issued notification now, the Union ministry has been organising celebrations on September 17 for the last two years. On both the occasions, Union Home Minister Amit Shah hoisted the national flag and reviewed the parade by contingents of paramilitary forces.

The same year, the previous BRS government started officially celebrating September 17 as National Integration Day. The Congress party has been celebrating the day as Hyderabad merger day.

The BJP, in its manifesto for Telangana Assembly elections, had promised a celebration of September 17 as Hyderabad Liberation Day. The issue came to the fore once again in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing BJP workers in Hyderabad on Tuesday, Shah slammed Congress and BRS for not celebrating Hyderabad Liberation Day due to vote bank politics.
Union home minister Amit Shah asserted that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will never be taken back and the BJP-led government will never compromise with it. Union Home Minister Amit Shah. (ANI)

This is our sovereign right to ensure Indian citizenship in our country, we will never compromise on it and CAA will never be taken back, the senior BJP leader said in an interview with ANI.

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The rules of the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Act, or CAA, were notified earlier this week, sparking criticism from the opposition parties. Congress leader Pawan Khera last week asserted that the Act will be repealed if his party comes to power at the Centre. Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor made similar claims on Wednesday.

Asked about such statements, the home minister said that even the opposition is aware it has bleak chances of coming to power.

"Even INDI alliance knows that it will not come into power. CAA has been brought by the BJP, and the Narendra Modi-led government has brought it. It is impossible to repeal it. We will spread awareness about it in the whole nation so that those who want to repeal it do not get a place," Shah said.

Also Read: CAA will take away jobs: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwals remarks spark row

He scoffed at the opposition's allegations that the Bharatiya Janata Party is creating a new vote bank through the controversial law.

"The opposition has no other work. They have a history of saying one thing and doing another. However, the history of Prime Minister Modi and the BJP is different. What BJP or PM Modi says is like carved in stone. Every guarantee made by Modi is fulfilled," Shah said.

Refuting the charge that the BJP is using CAA for political gains, Shah pointed to the opposition's similar objections to crucial national security decisions.

"They even said that there was a political benefit in surgical strikes and air strikes. So, should we not take action against terrorism?" Shah questioned.

On the concerns over the timing of the CAA notification, the minister said, All opposition parties, including Rahul Gandhi, Mamata, or Kejriwal, are indulging in politics of lies, so the question of timing does not arise.

Also Read: Flag marches, tighter security in Delhi, Noida, Assam after CAA implementation as authorities fear repeat of 2020

Shah reiterated that the BJP had transparently articulated its intentions regarding the CAA well in advance. He pointed out that the party had outlined its commitment to bringing the CAA and providing Indian citizenship to refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan in its 2019 manifesto.

"BJP has a clear agenda and under that promise, the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed in both houses of Parliament in 2019. It got delayed due to Covid. BJP had cleared its agenda well before the party got its mandate in the polls."

"Rules are now a formality. There is no question of timing, political gain or loss. Now, the Opposition wants to consolidate their vote bank by doing appeasement politics. I want to request them that they have been exposed. CAA is the law for the entire country and I have reiterated nearly 41 times in four years that it will become a reality," he said.

(With ANI inputs)
SITEKI  Some schools were forced to suspend classes and public services were grounded to a halt after the dreaded Tropical Storm Filipo left a trail of destruction to infrastructure and property in some parts of the Lubombo Region.

A large part of the region was also plunged into darkness and telephone blackouts as the storm ripped cables. The heavy rains and winds started on Tuesday evening and lasted until yesterday lunchtime. Rivers and dams were overflowing, blocking pupils and teachers from accessing schools. Meanwhile, other industries also halted operations to heed the warnings by the Eswatini Meteorological Department to ensure that they were safe. At Lomahasha, some rivers were overflowing, bridges were submerged, as witnessed at Mhlume and Tshaneni areas. Farmers cried foul as maize fields were flattened by the torrential rains and heavy wind.

Damage

A resident of Lomahasha, Bheki Matimba, said the damage to maize crops signalled a poor harvest this year. He also mentioned that some communities were left in the dark due to damaged electricity poles and that other families suffered damages to their houses. The storm will have a negative impact on the lives of many residents of Lomahasha and surrounding areas. It is so disheartening that food security will be compromised even this year, due to such harsh weather conditions, he said.According to a resident of Mhlume, they were informed that 16 electricity transformers were damaged by the rains, leaving communities like Mafucula, Tsambokhulu, Mhlume, Vuvulane and Maphiveni in the dark.

We have had no electricity supply since morning and EEC is promising to restore power later. We are not sure when that will happen, as our children are starving, said the resident.

In Siteki and surrounding areas, schools were also not spared, as some such as Mlindazwe Primary were waterlogged, resulting in lessons being suspended. In random interviews with pupils and school administrators, they collectively highlighted that the rains made it impossible for lessons to continue, as a majority of teachers and pupils were unable to reach their schools.

We found no teachers at school and resolved to return home, said one pupil of Good Shepherd Catholic High. Lubombo Central High School Head teacher Pilate Vilane said he suspended lessons after the notification by the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) on Tuesday evening. Vilane noted that it was risky to allow pupils to continue with lessons under the precarious weather conditions. He said he had advised teachers and pupils, including parents to monitor the weather patterns today so that they could make an informed decision.

He stated that the storm had made learning difficult, hence it was important to protect the lives of teachers and pupils by ensuring that they remained at their places of abode. It was a serious case, which required a collective collaboration between parents and teachers, to ensure the safety of pupils, he said. Lubombo Regional Education Officer Richard Dlamini advised parents and head teachers to be vigilant and monitor the weather patterns today. Dlamini said it was important to save lives, hence if the weather continued to be harsh, parents should not allow their children to go to schools. My advice is simple, pupils and teachers should remain at home if the rains persist, he said.
New Delhi: The Union government has decided to transfer the ownership of the iconic Air India building in Mumbai to the Maharashtra state government for Rs.1,601 crore, besides waiver of old dues payable to the state amounting to about Rs.300 crore, an official aware of the matter said on Thursday. Air India building is located on Mumbais Nariman Point area (File Photo)

The Centre has approved the transfer of Air India building in Mumbai to the Government of Maharashtra (GoM) at a consideration of Rs.1,601 crore, Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (Dipam) secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey said.

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The state government also agreed to waive dues of Rs.298.42 crore, which would have been otherwise payable by AI Assets Holding Ltd (AIAHL) to GoM for this transaction, he added.

AIAHL is the special purpose vehicle (SPV), which was incorporated on January 22, 2018, to own and manage residual non-core assets, including paintings and artefacts, of state-run Air India, which was subsequently sold to the Tata group.

The government, after five years of struggle to privatise debt-ladden, accepted Tata Sons bid for its flagship carrier for Rs.18,000 crore in October 2021. The ownership of the airline was transferred on January 27, 2022.

The SPV, which is 100% owned by the central government, was formed to warehouse accumulated working capital loan not backed by any asset along with four subsidiaries  Air India Air Transport Services Ltd (AIATSL), Airline Allied Services Ltd (AASL), Air India Engineering Services Ltd (AIESL) and Hotel Corporation of India Ltd (HCI). The non-core assets, including the land and the building, were valued at Rs.14,718 crore.

The new owner is expected to use the building to house its offices. According to a report filed by HT on November 8, 2022, the building was eyed by many entities, including the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India. The 23-storey building has 46,470 square meters of space, which was constructed in 1974 on land owned by the Maharashtra government.

In 2019, the Maharashtra government bid Rs.1,400 crore for the building, while JNPA bid Rs.1,375 crore and LIC Rs.1,200 crore. After chief minister Eknath Shinde-led government assumed office in June 2022, the state government revised the bid to Rs.1,600 crore against the companys ask of Rs.2,000 crore, the report said. It was built by John Burgee of New Yorks architectural firm  Johnson/Burgee.
Five years ago, the idea of NYAY (Nyuntam Aay Yojana) had dominated the Congress partys manifesto for the 2019 Lok Sabha election. At that time, the Congress had announced financial assistance to the poorest 20% of the population. Congress has promised to give poor women  1 lakh per year. (File photo)

It was a rather unusual step to create a sub-category/division among poor people. Party leaders indicated that some of the top economists in the party were skeptical of such plans of the Congress (to cater to only a section of the poor), which had once aimed for Garibi Hatao.

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The NYAY never got implemented as the BJP trounced its principal opponent in that election.

Five years later, the Congress on Wednesday came up with NARI NYAY. The new plan didnt try to find a sub-group of poverty but promised to empower every Indian woman.

Also Read: 1 lakh cash transfer, 50% quota in jobs: Congresss 5 big poll promises for women voters

Congress has promised to give poor women 1 lakh per year, reserve 50% of Central government jobs for women, double the support for ASHA, anganwadi and mid-day meal workers, among other schemes.

While these are attractive sops, the bigger problem of Congress lies elsewhere. The poll promises of the Congress party will clash with Modi ki guarantee. For the voters, it would be a choice between going for tall promises or trusting the PM who has already delivered basic services such as house, water connection, toilets, cooking gas connection, electricity connection at a humungous scale.

Mamata says no detention camp

Meanwhile, the CAA (Citizenship (Amendment) Act) continues to dominate the political discourse in West Bengal.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has announced that she wont allow any Assam-type detention camps for foreigners in her state.

Also Read:Mamata Banerjees fresh attack on CAA: Wont allow detention camps in Bengal

The Assam government in 2009 notified detention centres to house people declared foreigners by tribunals till they are deported. These centres were created inside jails as a temporary measure till a permanent place was constructed or found to keep them. The states largest detention centre, the Matia Transit Camp, became operational in January last year. It is built on a 28,800 sq. ft area in Goalpara, about 130km from state capital Dispur.

Banerjee labeled the CAA, the rules of it were notified on March 12, as a political gimmick ahead of the Lok Sabha election. A number of Opposition chief ministers, including Banerjee, Kerala CM Pinarai Vijayan and Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin had threatened not to implement the law in the state. To be sure, citizenship is a central law, and no state government has any jurisdiction on citizenship.

Also Read: Centre notifies CAA rules in big pre-poll decision

Also, in Bengal, trouble is brewing for Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Mahua Moitra who was removed from the 17th Lok Sabha.

The Lokpal, the anti-corruption authority which looks into complaints against public servants, is likely to decide this week whether a first information report (FIR) is required to be filed against former TMC lawmaker Mahua Moitra in the cash-for-query case.

Also Read: Lokpal likely to decide on action against Mahua Moitra this week

Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra

The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra which started from Manipur has entered its 61st day. The yatra that travelled through Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat before coming to Maharashtra is set to culminate at Shivaji Park on March 17.

Also Read: Rahul Gandhi led Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra to culminate in Shivaji Park on March 17

Congress leaders maintained that only after the yatra comes to an end, the party will call its Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting to approve the manifesto and take several poll-related decisions.
Lok Sabha MP Danish Ali, who was suspended from the Bahujan Samaj Party, met Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday at her 10, Janpath residence. In a post on social media platform X, Ali also posted a picture of him along with Sonia Gandhi and dropped a hint about him contesting the upcoming elections from the Amroha seat. A picture from Danish Ali's meeting with Sonia Gandhi.(X/Kunwar Danish Ali)

Danish Ali wrote, Honoured to get blessings of epitome of sacrifice, Smt Sonia Gandhi for my 2nd Lok Sabha Election from Amroha. Her heart beats for India's poor

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It was NAC headed by her that piloted landmark pro-poor & transparency laws like MNREGA, #RTI, Right to Education, Food Security Bill, he added.

The Congress bargained for the Amroha seat during its talks with the Samajwadi Party ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Danish Ali joined the Congress' Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Manipur in January. This is a very important moment for me. I have arrived here after much soul-searching. I had two options  either to accept the status quo and ignore the exploitation of Dalits, backwards, tribals, minorities and other marginalised and poor sections, or to launch an all-out campaign against this atmosphere of fear, hate, exploitation and the deepening divide in the country," Danish Ali tweeted at that time.

The BSP suspended Danish Ali last year amid speculation of his growing closeness to Congress leaders.

In an official notice issued BSP said, It was made clear to you earlier itself to not indulge in anti-party activities However, it seems you have forgotten the promises made by you while joining the party. Therefore, you are being suspended.

Former Congress president and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi visited Ali at his official residence in Delhi to offer his support after derogatory comments were made against Ali by BSP lawmaker Bidhuri.

Despite the suspension, Danish Ali remained ambiguous about his potential move to join the Congress. However, he affirmed his commitment to battling the BJP regardless of the circumstances.

I will always be grateful to BSP chief Mayawati for making me a Lok Sabha MP and, on my part, I have always strived to work for making the BSP strong. Yes, I had raised my voice against loot of the countrys resources by select industrialists and will continue to do so, he said.
Simultaneous elections for various levels of government will improve the architecture of governance and offer a pathway to enhance efficiency, political stability and fiscal sustainability, a high-level committee (HLC) under former President Ram Nath Kovind maintained in a report that was submitted to President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday. Former President Ram Nath Kovind with President Droupadi Murmu and Union home minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Thursday. (PTI)

The panel said simultaneous elections will bring fundamental transformation in the electoral process and overall governance, besides optimising scarce resources and encouraging voters to participate in the electoral process in larger numbers. Disruptions to governance and policy paralysis resulting from the application of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and its adverse impact on economic growth will be mitigated, it added.

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Recommending a two-step process, the panel said that simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies be held in the first step. In the second step, municipal and panchayat elections should take place within a hundred days of the general and assembly polls. To be sure, simultaneous elections do not mean that voting across the country for the three tiers of government must take place on a single day. In a country as large as India, it is not possible to have that. Pragmatism requires elections to be held in phases, clarified the panel.

Indicating that 2029 might be the year to start with the first step, the panel said that terms of some of the state assemblies will have to be cut to hold simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha and state legislatures after the five-year term of the next Lok Sabha ends.

One nation, one election: Key recommendations Ram Nath Kovind panel made in its report

The panel proposed a new legal regime, requiring certain amendments to enable simultaneous polls, even as it remained emphatic that the suggested changes are not anti-federal, not violate the basic structure of the Constitution, nor result in a presidential form of government  some of the key arguments raised against the idea.

Since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power at the Centre in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently pushed for simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The recommendations by the panel are in line with Modis support to the idea of one nation, one election.

Following his election as president in 2017, Kovind had also expressed support for this idea, pointing out that regular elections not only put a tremendous strain on human resources but also slow down progress because of the MCCs implementation. In his speech to the nation on the eve of Republic Day 2017, Kovinds predecessor Pranab Mukherjee too expressed the opinion that the time was right for a productive discussion about electoral reforms and a return to the practice of holding simultaneous elections for state assemblies and the Lok Sabha in the early decades following Independence.

On the other hand, several Opposition parties, including the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and CPI(M), have remained opposed to the idea of simultaneous polls and registered their protest before the panel.

Read Here | 2-step process, amendments: A look at one nation, one election panel proposals

While simultaneous polls have been proposed as a method of improving governance and efficiency in Indias electoral system, they remain not just a contentious political topic but encompass intricate questions of law and constitutional interpretation.

Simultaneous polls are not a new concept:

In India, concurrent elections are nothing new. Until 1967, they were the standard. In 1951-1952, 1957, 1962, and 1967, general elections for the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies were conducted concurrently. However, the cycle of simultaneous elections was broken up by the dissolution of certain state assemblies in 1968 and 1969, the dissolution of the Lok Sabha in 1970, and the national elections that followed in 1971.

A primary reason for the simultaneous elections for several decades following Independence was the dominance of Congress, the main political party. The regional parties lacked strength and clout. But subsequently, the schedule was disrupted by the central governments frequent use of Article 356 of the Constitution to impose the Presidents Rule in states. Between 1966 and 1977, the Presidents Rule were imposed on 39 occasions in different states.

In its 1962 report on the third general election in India, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said that it is obviously desirable that this duplication of efforts and expense should, if possible be avoided. In 1983, the ECI proposed holding elections simultaneously in its annual report listing seven reasons that included significant cost savings from holding separate elections, optimal deployment of human resources and avoidance of a slowdown in administrative and developmental work. Neither this report nor its recommendations were discussed by Parliament or acted upon.

One nation, one election: Three retired chief justices, former state election commissioner opposed simultaneous polls

The Kovind panel report cited these events to buttress the point that the concurrent character of elections offered convenience both to the voters and the authorities responsible for the conduct of elections. Political parties and their candidates also benefited. Electors needed to go to the polling station only once to elect both the members of the House of the People and the State Legislative Assemblies. The election authorities were required to deploy polling personnel, build polling stations, divert security forces and make other allied arrangements only once. Political parties and candidates could also save resources since their campaign to reach out to the voters was required to be undertaken only once, it noted. The election law that was good in the initial phase of Indian democracy is now yielding perverse outcomes and calls for the attention of the law makers, the panel rued.

The Kovind panel further lent credence to the recommendations of the previous Law Commission of India report on the issue.

The 170th report of the Law Commission of India in 1999 dealt with reform of electoral laws. We must go back to the situation where the elections to Lok Sabha and all the legislative assemblies are held at once... The rule ought to be one election once in five years for Lok Sabha and all the legislative assemblies, stated this report.

The National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution also recommended in 2002 that assembly and Lok Sabha elections should be held simultaneously to save human and other resources.

Similarly, the parliamentary panel, in its 2015 report on Feasibility of holding simultaneous elections to the House of the People (Lok Sabha) and State Legislative Assemblies stated that simultaneous elections would reduce the massive expenditure incurred for conduct of separate elections every year, besides averting a policy paralysis due to the imposition of the MCC.

Editorial: The case for one nation, one poll

In January 2017, Niti Aayog prepared a working paper titled Analysis of Simultaneous elections: the What, Why and How. Getting out of a permanent election mode, the paper stated, is a huge structural change in mindset that could potentially provide the much-needed space to governments to focus on long-term transformational measures without worrying about the next impending election.

The Law Commissions draft report on one nation, one election in 2018 also favoured simultaneous elections, enumerating quite a few advantages of the idea. However, it preferred further deliberation with the political parties and other stakeholders before final recommendations could be made.

Deliberation and objections:

During the consultative process, 47 political parties provided feedback, with 32 agreeing and 15 disagreeing with the idea of simultaneous elections. 15 political parties chose not to respond. Just two of the parties who supported simultaneous elections are national parties  the BJP and the National Peoples Party (NPP), led by Conrad Sangma and a constituent of the BJP-led NDA. Simultaneous polling was rejected by the four other national parties  the Congress, AAP, BSP, and CPI(M). Other parties supporting the proposal included state parties, such as the AIADMK, Shiv Sena, BJD and Janata Dal (United).

The parties opposed to the idea of simultaneous elections argued that it would undermine democracy, the basic structure of the Constitution, and the federal polity of the country, besides institutionalising a Presidential form of government. State parties such as TMC and DMK contended that forcing states to go for premature elections just for the sake of contemporaneity will be unconstitutional and ultimately lead to suppression of state issues.

Watch: 'One Nation, One Election' Report Out; Cong Fumes At EC Selection | Rahul Vows To Waive Farmer Loans

Interestingly, the panel also consulted last four Chief Justices of the Supreme Court of India regarding the proposal for simultaneous elections. All four former CJIs, justices Dipak Misra, Ranjan Gogoi, SA Bobde and UU Lalit favoured simultaneous polls. Of the 12 former high court chief justices consulted by the panel, three voted against it while nine others supported the proposition. Similarly, former chief election commissioners, state election commissioners, and the Bar Council of India also lent support to simultaneous elections.

Given the wide-ranging engagement and overwhelming support for holding simultaneous elections, this Committee is of the considered view that its recommendations will contribute to improved governance, transparency, inclusivity, enhanced ease and confidence of the voters, and further the democratic foundation of our developmental process, held the panel.

Addressing the concerns flagged by some political parties, the panel said that simultaneous elections do not impinge upon citizens rights under Part III (fundamental rights) or the rule of law or any other features such as a free and independent judiciary.

The concept of simultaneous elections in no way affects the governance mechanism, it only provides a way to better manage the whole election process. Moreover, the suggested scheme neither deprives individuals of the right to vote or participate in elections, nor does it dismantle the established system of regular, open, and equitable elections, added the panel, rejecting an argument that simultaneous elections would impair the fairness of the electoral process.

Further, by creating the rule of a full term and an unexpired term for the constitution of both the House of the People and state legislative assemblies, it maintained, none of the principles of federalism is undermined.

Enabling framework

Laying down an enabling framework, the panel suggested that in the first step, simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies be held while in the second step, the elections to municipalities and panchayats could be synchronised in such a way that those are held within 100 days of holding elections to the House of the People and state assemblies.

The Constitution would have to be amended to introduce the concepts of a full term and an unexpired period (where the House or the assembly is dissolved sooner than the expiry of its full term), and provisions made so that the elections held where the House or an Assembly is dissolved sooner than its full term would be considered to be a mid-term election. The election held after the expiry of five years would be considered a General election, it noted.

One nation, one election: Key recommendations Ram Nath Kovind panel made in its report

According to the panel, in the event of a mid-term dissolution (encompassing instances of a hung House, no-confidence motion, or any other such event), the term of the reconstituted legislature shall be for the remaining unexpired period of the original term of five years so that next election to the legislature concerned takes place with General election.

For holding the Lok Sabha and state assemblies polls together, the panel recommended amendments in Articles 83 (duration of Lok Sabha) and Article 172 (duration of state legislatures), which provide that their term will be of five years unless sooner dissolved by the President and the state governors respectively.

Changes in Article 83 should define five years as full term for the Lok Sabha while the period between its date of dissolution and the full term of five years should be referred to as its unexpired term. Another amendment in this provision, the panel recommended, should mandate that where the Lok Sabha is dissolved sooner than the expiry of its full term, the next House will continue for a period equal to its unexpired term of five years. Corresponding amendments have been suggested in Article 172 for the state legislature.

To activate the framework, the panel recommended insertion of Article 82A in the Constitution. This provision should mandate that the President of India may by notification issued on the date of the first sitting of the Lok Sabha after a general election, bring into force the scheme and that date of the notification shall be called the Appointed date.

Irrespective of whether a state assembly has completed its five-year term or not, a clause under proposed Article 82A stated that all the state assemblies constituted in any general election held after the Appointed date shall come to an end on the expiry of the full term of the Lok Sabha. The effect of this provision can be understood with an example. The next assembly elections in West Bengal (2026) and Karnataka (2028) would conclude these assemblies terms in May or June 2029, coinciding with the next Lok Sabhas term.

If the ECI wants deferment of a state assembly poll, it can make such a recommendation to the President but whenever the new assembly will be constituted, its tenure would be coterminous with the Lok Sabhas term, stated another proposed amendment.

According to the panel, these amendments would not require ratification by the states because of the residuary powers vesting with Parliament under Article 248 read with Entry 97 of the Union List and where Parliament has the power to legislate under Article 327 in relation to elections for the House of the People and legislative assembly. It further suggested adding the words conduct of simultaneous elections in Article 327 to empower Parliament to make provision with respect to such elections.

For holding the elections to municipalities and panchayats, the panel recommended a second set of constitutional amendment bills, which should include inserting a new provision, Article 324A, for ensuring that the elections to municipalities and panchayats are held simultaneously with the general elections.

It proposed a single electoral roll for consolidating voter information into a single database and enhancing the coordination between the ECI and state election commissions for seamless collaboration to hold the three tiers of elections in India concurrently. For this, the panel suggested amending Article 325 to allow the ECI, in cooperation with state election commissions, to create a single electoral roll and photo identity cards.

It noted that this amendment shall have an overriding effect over Articles 243K, and 243ZA, which authorises state election commissions to prepare electoral rolls for elections to panchayats and municipalities respectively whereas the proposed amendment seeks to empower the ECI to do so in consultation with state poll panels.

Mindful that municipal and panchayat elections come under the ambit of legislative and executive powers of state, the panel stressed that the amendments to include local body polls in simultaneous elections will require ratification by not less than half of the states under Article 368(2) of the Constitution. Article 368 sets down the procedures for modifying the Constitution. A special majority is required in cases where subjects relating to State affairs are sought to be amended by Parliament. At least half of the state legislatures must ratify this category of amendments.

Appropriate amendments have also been mulled in the statutes of Union territories having legislative assemblies, including Delhi, Puducherry and Jammu & Kashmir, for conducting simultaneous polls, while suggesting that an Implementation Group be constituted to look into the execution of the recommendations given by the committee.

Simultaneous polls draw attention to an issue which is bound to reshape the electoral landscape in a federal country with a diverse population and a complex system of governance. Additionally, the intricate legal structure and critical issues related to stability underline the challenges the proposition is fraught with. Thus, the potential benefits of simultaneous polls must be carefully weighed against the concerns and challenges associated with their implementation.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday moved a request before the Supreme Court to retrieve the electoral bond (EB) documents it had presented to the court in November last year, the same day it made public the data on EBs provided by the State Bank of India (SBI). The top court is set to hear the plea on Friday. Representative Photo

Claiming that it did not retain copies of the documents, the ECI expressed its inability to comply with the court order on Monday that directed the poll body to forthwith publish the details of the information which was supplied to the court in November 2023.

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On November 2, a Constitution bench led by Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud directed the ECI to provide the court with comprehensive information on donations received by political parties through EBs till September 30, 2023. Subsequently, the ECI submitted details in two tranches, containing 309 and 214 sealed envelopes, respectively.

According to the ECIs application moved on Thursday, to maintain the confidentiality of the aforesaid data, the poll body forwarded the documents to the court in sealed covers without keeping any copies of the same.

Thus, no copies of the documents/statements filed by the Election Commission of India before this Hon'ble Court in the instant case were ever retained by it, stated the application, filed through advocate Amit Sharma.

The ECI thus requested the court to direct release of the documents so that the information could be uploaded on its website without delay.

It is requested that the aforementioned portion of the order dated 11.03.2024 passed by this Hon'ble Court may be rectified/modified and the aforementioned documents/data/information so submitted by the Election Commission of India before this Hon'ble Court in sealed covers/boxes may be returned to it, to enable the Election Commission of India to comply with the directions passed by this Hon'ble Court, read the application.

According to the court order on Monday, ECI must make public all the information on EBs by 5pm on March 15.

On Wednesday, the SBI chairman filed his affidavit of compliance in the Supreme Court, informing it that the entire details of EBs purchased since April 1, 2019, have been submitted to the ECI by the deadline set down by the court in its order on Monday.

The affidavit of SBI chairman Dinesh Kumar Khara stated that the documents furnished to ECI include two sets of information -- one containing the names of political parties and the details regarding the bonds redeemed by them, while the other set contains the details of EB purchasers. These two sets of data were released by the ECI on its website on Thursday evening.

The SBI chairmans affidavit added that 22,217 bonds were purchased between April 1, 2019, and February 15, 2024, and the total number of bonds redeemed during this period was 22,030. The 187 bonds not redeemed within the validity period of 15 days were transferred to the Prime Ministers National Relief Fund in accordance with a 2018 gazette notification.

SBI had earlier this month approached the Supreme Court with a plea for granting it time till June 30 to submit details of EBs purchased since April 12, 2019, arguing that decoding the data and matching donors to recipients would be a complex process.

But, on Monday, the five-judge bench, also comprising justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, rejected the SBIs plea, noting that the required information was readily available with the bank and giving it time until the business hours of March 12 to do so.

This bench had on February 15 struck down the Centres 2018 EB scheme of political funding, declaring it to be unconstitutional because it completely anonymised contributions made to political parties, and added that restricting black money or illegal election financing -- some of the articulated objectives of the scheme -- did not justify violating voters right to information in a disproportionate manner. It had ordered full disclosure of EBs purchased and those redeemed by political parties.
The Election Commission of India published the data on electoral bonds on its website a day before the deadline. The data was published on the site as it was received from the State Bank of India on March 12. The SBI on Tuesday evening submitted the details of entities which purchased the now-scrapped electoral bonds and political parties which redeemed them. The Supreme Court gave the Election Commission time till 5pm on March 15 to publish this data on its site. Electoral bonds data details were uploaded by the Election Commission on its website on Thursday, a day before the March 15 deadline set by the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court had on February 15 scrapped the scheme that allowed anonymous political funding, calling it "unconstitutional" and ordered disclosure by the EC of donors, the amount donated by them and recipients.

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The SBI had sought time till June 30 for disclosure of the details. Its plea, however, was rejected by the apex court, and it asked the bank to submit all details to the Election Commission by the close of working hours on Tuesday.

It may be recalled that in the said matter ECI has consistently and categorically weighed in favour of disclosure and transparency, a position reflected in the proceedings of the Hon'ble Supreme Court and noted in the order also, ECI said as it published the data on the site.

Details of purchase, donors

The first part of the details contains 337 pages detailing the entities that bought electoral bonds and the date of purchase. The second part containing 426 pages provided the details of the political parties, dates and the amount. It cannot be known which company bought whose bonds. The bond numbers have not been provided.

Donors to political parties through the scheme included Grasim Industries, Megha Engineering, Torrent Power, Bharti Airtel, DLF Commercial Developers, and Vedanta Ltd.

Apollo Tyres, Lakshmi Mittal, Edelweiss, PVR, Keventer, Sula Wine, Welspun, Sun Pharma among buyers.

Recipients of funds through these bonds include BJP, Congress, AIADMK, BRS, Shiv Sena, TDP, YSR Congress, DMK, JDS, NCP, Trinamool Congress, JDU, RJD, AAP, SP.

What are electoral bonds?

Electoral bond was a mode for Indian political parties to receive funding/donations. The scheme was introduced in 2017-18. It was struck down by the Supreme Court in February.

The State Bank of India issued bonds worth 16,518 crore in 30 tranches since the beginning of the scheme in 2018.
The Election Commission of India on Thursday uploaded the State Bank of India (SBI)-provided data on the electoral bonds on its website, in compliance with the Supreme Court's directions. The poll panel has uploaded the data into two parts - the first one containing 337 pages providing details of entities that bought the electoral bonds and the date of purchase, while the second part consists of 426 pages providing details of the political parties, dates, and the amount. However, the data does not provide details of which entity bought which parties' bonds. Election Commission uploads SBI-provided data on electoral bonds

In compliance of Hon'ble Supreme Court's directions, contained in its order dated Feb 15 and March 11, 2024 (in the matter of WPC NO.880 of 2017), the State Bank of India (SBI) had provided the data pertaining to the electoral bonds to the Election Commission of India (ECI) on March 12, 2024. The Election Commission of India has today uploaded the data on electoral bonds on its website as received from SBI on as is where is basis, the ECI wrote in an official release.

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According to the data, the donors include - Grasim Industries, Megha Engineering, Piramal Enterprises, Torrent Power, Bharti Airtel, DLF Commercial Developers, Vedanta Ltd., Apollo Tyres, Lakshmi Mittal, Edelweiss, PVR, Keventer, Sula Wine, Welspun, and Sun Pharma, among others.

While, the parties that redeemed electoral bonds include the BJP, Congress, AIADMK, BRS, Shiv Sena, TDP, YSR Congress, DMK, JDS, NCP, Trinamool Congress, JDU, RJD, AAP, and the Samajwadi Party.

Check the full list of donors of electoral bonds:

The SBI submitted details of the electoral bonds to the Election Commission on Tuesday, a day after the top court rejected the lender's plea seeking an extension of the deadline to disclose details of electoral bonds. The Supreme Court had also directed the poll panel to disclose the information shared by the bank on its official website by 5 pm on March 15.e

Notably, electoral bonds are money instruments that act as promissory notes or bearer bonds that can be purchased by individuals or companies in India. They are issued specifically for the contribution of funds to political parties. These bonds were issued by the SBI and were sold in multiples of 1,000, 10,000, 1 lakh, and 1 crore.

The electoral bonds scheme was first announced by former finance minister Arun Jaitley during the 2017 Budget session, It was later notified in January 2018 as a source of political funding by way of money bills introducing amendments to the Finance Act and the Representation of the People Act. However, last month, the Supreme Court struck down the scheme, terming it as unconstitutional.
Good evening! Here are the top stories in your evening news bulletin. Former President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind who heads High-Level Committee (HLC) on One Nation, One Election presented the report on simultaneous elections in the country to President Droupadi Murmu along with members of the HLC including Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah. (@rashtrapatibhvn)(HT_PRINT)

2 new election commissioners: Former bureaucrats Sukhbir Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar have been selected as new election commissioners by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led selection committee, said Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Thursday. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who is an Opposition member in the panel, however, registered his dissent and questioned the selection process, alleging the shortlisted names of officers were not made available to him in advance. Addressing reporters at his residence soon after the meeting ended, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said six names came up before the panel for the selection of the two election commissioners and the names of Balbir Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar were finalised by a majority of members of the high-powered panel. He, however, said the Chief Justice of India should have been part of the selection panel and there was no clarity on how six names were shortlisted from over 200 candidates that are said to have come before the search committee headed by the Law Minister. The six names shortlisted were those of Utpal Kumar Singh, Pradeep Kumar Tripathi, Gyanesh Kumar, Indevar Pandey, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, Sudhir Kumar Gangadhar Rahate, all former bureaucrats. Read story.

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One nation, one election: A high-level committee headed by former president Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday submitted its report on the feasibility of holding simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies (also known as one nation, one election) across the country. The panel submitted the report, comprising 18,626 pages, to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, a statement said. The report is an outcome of extensive consultations with stakeholders, experts and research work of 191 days, since its constitution on September 2, 2023, it added. The Kovind committee submitted the report in the presence of all committee members including Union home minister Amit Shah, Union law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chief Gulam Nabi Azad and others. Recently the High Level Committee also met and interacted with representatives of several Political parties including BJP, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, CPI, CPI(M), AIMIM, RPI, Apna Dal etc. The committee emphasised the need to restore the cycle of simultaneous elections, which was disrupted after the initial decades of India's independence. They noted that holding multiple elections every year places a significant burden on various stakeholders, including the government, businesses, workers, courts, political parties, candidates, and civil society. Read story.

Supreme Court raps Ajit Pawar's NCP: The Supreme Court on Thursday pulled up the Ajit Pawar camp over the alleged use of National Congress Party (NCP) founder Sharad Pawar's name and pictures for campaigning. A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and K V Viswanathan directed the Ajit Pawar faction to file a response by Saturday, questioning the rationale behind the continued use of Sharad Pawar's image despite their split. You are a different political party now. You have chosen not to be with him. So why use his picture Go with your own identity now, the bench said. We need a categorical and unconditional undertaking that the name, pictures of Sharad Pawar will not be used, the bench added. The court fixed it for further hearing on March 19. This judicial intervention follows an application filed by the Sharad Pawar group, which alleged that the Ajit Pawar faction had been misusing Sharad Pawar's name and images to sway voters. Read story.

18 OTT platforms blocked because: Union I&B minister Anurag Thakur said that eighteen OTT platforms have been blocked for obscene and vulgar content after multiple warnings. Additionally, 19 websites, 10 apps (7 on Google Play Store, 3 on Apple App Store), 57 social media handles of the OTT platforms have also been blocked nationwide. The ministry said that one of the OTT apps had more than 1 crore downloads, while two others had over 50 lakh downloads on Google Play Store. Social media accounts of these OTT platforms had a cumulative followership of over 32 lakh users, the ministry said but their content was found in violation of IT Act, Indian Penal Code, and Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act. "These OTT platforms extensively utilised social media to disseminate trailers, specific scenes, and external links aimed at attracting audiences to their websites and apps," I&B ministry said. The banned platforms are: Dreams Films, Voovi, Yessma, Uncut Adda, Tri Flicks, X Prime, Neon X VIP, Besharams, Hunters, Rabbit, Xtramood, Nuefliks, MoodX, Mojflix, Hot Shots VIP, Fugi, Chikooflix, Prime Play. Read story

CBC news of Nijjar: YouTube has blocked access to a 45-minute report that appeared in Canadas Government-funded broadcaster CBC on Friday and focused on the killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18 last year. The report was aired on the programme, The Fifth Estate, and also included a lengthy interview with the separatist group Sikhs for Justice or SFJs general counsel Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. CBC reported on Wednesday that it had been informed by YouTube that it had received an order from Indias Ministry of Electronics and Information technology to block access to the video of the story from its website and the content was subsequently blocked from view in India. However, it remains accessible elsewhere in the world. CBC also reported that the Indian Government had asked X, formerly Twitter, to also block access to the content on the social media platform. Indian law obligates X to withhold access to this content in India; however, the content remains available elsewhere, X informed CBC, adding.kovind .
Chennai: Tamil Nadus former Director General of Police (DGP) Rajesh Das is reportedly evading arrest on charges of sexually harassing a woman IPS officer and the state police have informed the Madras high court that they have taken action to impound his passport. Rajesh Das (PTI)

Das had moved a plea in the high court to suspend his sentence issued by a court in Villupuram district and when this came up for hearing on Tuesday before Justice M Nirmal Kumar, the CB-CID wing of the Tamil Nadu police made the submission. An arrest warrant was issued by the trial court on March 8. The CB-CID had also issued a look out notice and subsequently requested the Regional Passport Office in Chennai to impound his passport.

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Last June, the Chief Judicial Magistrate at Villupuram, convicted and sentenced Das to three years imprisonment for sexually harassing a woman superintendent of police (SP) while on duty in February 2021. He filed an appeal before the trial court in Villupuram which also upheld his conviction and sentence.

The incident took place when the two were accompanying then Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami during an official visit to Karur district and set off a storm when it emerged in February 2021, two months before assembly elections in the state. According to the officers complaint, Das, who accompanied her in a car, harassed her around 7.40pm on February 21, when they were travelling from Karur to Namakkal district. Das was suspended in March 2021 on the recommendation of the Election Commission of India.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha, an umbrella body of farmers' groups, will hold a Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat at the Ramlila Maidan in Delhi where a resolution is likely to be passed to intensify the fight against the policies of the central government. The Delhi Police has permitted the farmers' gathering with a condition that the mahapanchayat will neither have more than 5,000 participants, nor tractor trolleys would be allowed near the venue, officials told news agency PTI. A view of Ramlila Maidan ahead of farmers' Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat in New Delhi. (Sanjeev Verma/ Hindustan Times)

While the SKM, which had spearheaded the 2020-21 farmers' protest at Delhi borders against the three central agri laws, reportedly said more than 50,000 farmers from Punjab are expected to attend the event, the umbrella body of farmers' organisations stressed that it would be a peaceful gathering at the Ramlila Ground. Follow Live Updates on Kisan Mahapanchayat

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Scores of farmers from across Punjab started moving towards Delhi on Wednesday in over 800 buses and trucks and several trains.

Also Read | Heavy traffic expected in parts of central Delhi as 2 big events slated for today

The traffic may be affected in various parts of the national capital due to the farmers gathering at the Ramlila Maidan on Thursday, police said.

The Gautam Buddh Nagar Police on Wednesday cautioned commuters about the possibility of traffic movement slowing down on the Noida-Delhi routes in view of the proposed farmers' protest in Delhi.

There has been a heavy deployment of paramilitary personnel at three Delhi borders - Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur  to stop the ongoing protest of the farmers demanding to march to Delhi. Hundreds of farmers are still sitting at Punjab-Haryana borders for the past month.

Top updates on farmers' Kisan Mahapanchayat:
MANZINI  The president is not bigger than the organisation and is ready to step down if the members say so.

Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) Secretary General Lot Vilakati said this during a media briefing following that this publication yesterday reported that there were some civil servants who raised complaints that the delay in negotiations for their bread and butter issues would have a negative effect on when they shall get their allowances.

Their concerns revolved around the fact that there has been a delay in the sitting of the joint negotiation forum (JNF), which is supposedly caused by issues revolving around the presence of the SNAT President, Mbongwa Dlamini, partaking in the forum while his employment was terminated from the civil service.

Briefing

The briefing was attended by the SG, SNAT president, SNAT Deputy President Bonkhosi Msibi, the Deputy Secretary General, Mxolisi Ngcamphalala and the Editor Mcolisi Motsa.

Vilakati, in the briefing, which sought to offer a perspective and understanding on the matter, explained that the incumbent national executive committee (NEC) was not bigger than the organisation they served. He said they would be recharging their mandate from the braches executive committees (BECs) during a general council (GC) scheduled for next week. Vilakati said the specific date for the GC shall be announced today after consultations.

Negotiations

Members, I want to assure you that the SNAT president is not stalling the negotiations. He is not bigger than the organisation. Youll not be disadvantaged in any instance. In fact, we are still waiting for correspondence from government (the employer) on this issue, Vilakati said. He further said that Dlamini was ready to heed any call by the members which would either advise him to proceed or stop partaking in the JNF. His sentiments were supported by the Deputy Secretary General (DSG), Ngcamphalala, who said they were leaders who had the interests of the organisations members at heart. Ngcamphalala said they would do anything the teachers (their members) wanted.

Meanwhile, Vilakati further said it was not truthful that salaries were stalled because of the SNAT leadership. He said since the incumbent executive took office, all cost-of-living adjustments (CoLA) have been paid as per negotiations. Vilakati said currently, there was no CoLA offer that had been extended by government to them. He said the agenda shall be set on April 1, 2024. The SG said the issue of the 2016 allowances was on the JNF and during the negotiations, it had been raised by the government negotiating team (GNT) that there was no budget to implement it in this current financial year, which shall lapse on March 31, 2024. We did not sign a collective agreement for the issue. The allowances should be paid as civil servants were (allegedly) shortchanged in 2016. Now the question is, why blame the president?

The SG said what was currently happening was pure union bashing and the shifting of focus from the real issues. He was of the view that the SNAT president was being persecuted for being the first leader of the organisation who was not a head teacher. Previously, he said all SNAT presidents had been head teachers and the incumbent was the first to be elected from a staffroom. Vilakati based his allegations on a letter which he said was sent to the teaching service commission (TSC) requesting a replacement of Dlamini just months after he was elected president.

The SG supposed that the argument, which was advanced to the TSC at the time, was that Dlamini was an ordinary teacher and as such, a substitute teacher to take over his responsibilities when he was engaged in union issues was needed. Vilakati said the correspondence regarding this issue also depicted loopholes in an instance where Dlamini officially requested to be excused from work and his quest was approved; only to be later charged with absenteeism on same. Meanwhile, civil servants are currently paid a subsistence allowance of E15.50 for grades C2-C5. The recommendation made for this grade was E65.

This means at present, there is a shortfall of E49.50. Also, short distance costs E10 (within 10 kilometres), and civil servants currently get a commuting allowance of 17 cents per kilometre. The recommendation which was made in 2016, for this allowance was 62 cents per kilometre. It was also recommended that the limitation of six-kilometre radius from their places of abode should be done away with. On housing allowance, civil servants seek to be afforded E3 000 per month for those with earning grades C4-C5, D1  D5. It is further their demand that those graded between C1-C3 should be accommodated at E1 500 per month while lower-earning civil servants in grades A1-A3, B1-B2 should be accorded E800.
Farmers take part in a sit-in protest at Ramlila ground in New Delhi on March 14.

Farmers Protest Highlights: Hundreds of farmers from Punjab on Thursday gathered at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan to attend Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of 37 farm unions, which gave the call for the mahapanchayat on February 22 at a meeting in Chandigarh, got a no-objection certificate for the gathering from the Delhi Police and municipal corporation on March 11....Read More

The Delhi Police allowed farmers to hold the 'mahapanchayat' with the condition of gathering not exceeding to 5,000, no tractor trolleys, no march at the Ramlila Maidan.

Delhi Police officers also said that they had asked SKM to restrict the number of participants to 5,000 but expect more than 15,000 people to attend it. On its part, the SKM said more than 30,000 farmers from Punjab are expected to reach the national capital.

The police also issued a traffic advisory for the commuters to avoid roads leading to central Delhi, they said.

More on the Kisan Mahapanchayat at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan:

-The mahapanchayat was held at a time when other farmer unions under the banner of Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and SKM (Non-Political), splinter groups of the SKM, have been holding sit-ins at Shambhu and Khanauri on the Punjab-Haryana border for the past one month after their Delhi Chalo march was halted by security forces.

-Farmers have been demanding legislation ensuring a legal status for MSP for their crops. Additionally, they demand implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations for MSP, pensions for farmers and agricultural workers, and the waiver of farm debts.

-While the SKM is not part of the Delhi Chalo march but it has extended support to the splinter groups at both the sites.

-According to the SKM, farmers would adopt a Sankalp Patra or letter of resolution at the Mahapanchayat to intensify the fight against the pro-corporate, communal, dictatorial policies of the Modi government, to fight to save farming, food security, livelihood and the people from corporate loot.
New Delhi, Farmers in large numbers gathered at the Ramlila Ground here on Thursday to take part in a "Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat" that has been convened to protest against the BJP-led Centre's policies regarding the farming sector. HT Image

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha , an umbrella body of farmer organisations that spearheaded a protest at Delhi's borders in 2020-21 against three agriculture laws that have since been repealed, has said a resolution will be passed at the "Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat" to "intensify the fight" against the Centre's policies.

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The farmers raised slogans against the Union government at the protest venue.

Harman Singh, a farmer from Punjab's Patiala, said he arrived in the capital on Wednesday night.

"We want the Centre's policies to be pro-farmers. We also want that our demand an MSP on crops be fulfilled," he said.

Ravinder Singh, a farmer from Punjab's Bathinda, said action should be taken against the accused in violence that erupted in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri in October 2021.

"We want action against the person who drove his car over farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri. The family members of the victim should get compensation and a government job," he said.

Baljeet Singh from Patiala said, "We arrived in Delhi on Wednesday night. We went to the Sis Ganj Sahib gurdwara on Thursday morning to pay obeisance. We will go to the Bangla Sahib gurdwara once the programme concludes and subsequently, head back to Punjab."

Police have issued a traffic advisory for commuters to avoid the roads leading to central Delhi in view of the farmers' gathering. The number of paramilitary personnel deployed at Delhi's borders has also been increased as the farmers have been asked not to come to the capital with their tractor-trolleys, officials said.

The Delhi Police has given permission to the farmers to hold the event on the condition that there would not be a gathering of more than 5,000 people. The farmers have also been asked not to bring tractor-trolleys to Delhi and take out a march to the Ramlila Maidan.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Ahmedabad: A private school principal has been replaced as the exam centre supervisor in Gujarats Bharuch district following allegations that she forced some Muslim students to remove their hijab before the examination, people familiar with the matter said on Thursday. An investigation has been ordered into the entire episode (Representative Photo)

The incident took place at a private school in Bharuch districts Ankleshwar town, one of the exam centres for the class 10 examination conducted by the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB).

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Bharuch district education officer Swati Raol said the incident took place on March 13 after a student wearing a hijab was caught at the school entrance with answers written on her hand.

The exam centres administrator then asked all hijab-wearing students to remove them before the test. One student who didnt comply was later asked to do so, Raol said.

Raol said this later led to complaints from her parents that their religious sentiments were hurt, prompting the decision to replace the exam administrator to ensure smooth exam proceedings. She added that typically, all students tend to remove their hijabs before the exam.

A parent of a student accused the authorities of harassing their ward. The school principal and other staff harassed the female students, including my daughter, by asking them to remove their hijab ahead of the exam. My daughter cried a lot after returning home. It happened with many girls yesterday, the parent said.

SLions School has been designated as one of the examination centers by the GSHSEB, with mandatory CCTV recording required in every classroom where students are writing their exam papers, as per the rules.

According to the parents, CCTV footage of the classroom accessed by them showed some women supervisors asking two girl students to remove their hijab. The women can be seen collecting the hijab from the two students. GSHSEB rules require schools to install CCTV cameras in all classrooms to ensure the integrity of the examination.

GSHSEB exam director MK Raval said there were no specific rules about clothes to be worn to the examination and students are free to wear any appropriate attire. There are no specific rules regarding clothing for exams. Students can wear any decent attire, Raval said, adding that while there was no dress code, students couldnt be allowed to exploit their attire to cheat during examinations.

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The Jharkhand Police have summoned Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials for questioning on March 21 in connection with a case filed on former chief minister Hemant Sorens complaint accusing them of harassing and maligning him and his community. Former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren. (PTI)

The summons were issued a week after the Jharkhand high court directed police against taking any coercive action against the ED officials.

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Senior police superintendent (Ranchi) Chandan Kumar Sinha confirmed the summons were issued but refused to share further details. The investigating officer will be able to give further details.

Ajay Kumar Sinha, the investigating officer, could not be contacted for his comments. He was in Delhi as part of the probe into the case.

ED moved the high court on February 5. Soren lodged the case on January 31, the day the federal agency arrested him over alleged land-related irregularities.

ED challenged the First Information Report (FIR) against its officials under the stringent Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) on the grounds of jurisdiction, intention, and law application. It argued the Act does not apply to persons doing official duty.

In the FIR, Soren alleged ED searched his residence in Delhi to harass and malign him and his tribal community. He added it was done intentionally as ED officials belonged to a non-tribal community.
New Delhi: As countries and large multinationals look to reshape their supply chains amid growing geopolitical uncertainty, India is seen as a safer bet for reliance and predictability in crucial areas ranging from semiconductors to food security, Irelands trade minister Simon Coveney said on Thursday. Ireland trade minister Simon Coveney (HT Photo/Sourced)

Indias voice is listened to and heard in the context of the Ukraine-Russia conflict and the Israel-Hamas war since it is perceived as a global superpower in terms of its economic and military heft and also from a diplomatic point of view, Coveney said in an exclusive interview.

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You are in India as part of the annual St Patricks Day programme to publicise Ireland. Are there any specific areas you are focusing on to drive trade and investments with India?

First of all, in the build-up to Saint Patricks Day, which is Irelands National Day, when Irish government ministers travel to different parts of the world to connect with Irish communities and to build new relationships in parts of the world, its not a coincidence that the minister for trade, which is me, has decided to prioritise India this year. We think the opportunities for Irish-Indian partnership are very significant in the years to come. Today, we have a trade relationship thats worth about 10 billion a year, between 7 billion and 8 billion of that is services, where Ireland is selling slightly more services to India than India is selling to Ireland. And then on goods, India has quite a strong trade surplus with Ireland, but we also sell some goods in here too. So, its already quite a strong base, but we think we could increase that figure very significantly in a relatively short period of time.

If you look at whats happening in this enormous economy, its digitalising, its moving into areas where I think Ireland has expertise and proven success. If you look at the Irish economy today, its very driven by multinationals, and a very diverse workforce, one in five people working in Ireland were not born in Ireland. An increasing number of Indian nationals are working and living in Ireland now, about 91,000. We have 10,000 Indian students in Ireland this year, which is the highest. ever. Were seeing a lot more interaction and I think were seeing multinationals with a footprint in both India and Ireland starting to trade with each other and were seeing skills moving between both economies. A lot of Indian people may look at Ireland and see a small European country, but from an economic and trading perspective, Ireland is much, much bigger than its population would suggest. The trade figures for Ireland now are $1 trillion a year in terms of goods and services being traded in and out of Ireland. Thats a significant enough figure, even by Indian standards, and thats because of the scale of some of the multinationals in Ireland and the increasing number of Irish-owned multinationals. If you look at areas like cyber-security, artificial intelligence, new payment platforms, and the fintech industry in Ireland, the cluster of companies in Ireland is global and is now starting to work with some of the large companies in India as well. This week, weve met Wipro, Infosys, and the Tata Group. Tata Consultancy Services has quite a big presence in Ireland and looking to partner more with Irish companies in specific skill set areas where we think we have something to offer.

In the realm of fintech, India has come up with a host of digital services. Would there be any interest in Ireland in partnering with India in this area?

First of all, can I say I am hugely impressed by what India has done in relation to payment systems and the financial technology around that. Even if you walk through the streets of huge cities like Mumbai, all of the street traders there, its a cashless economy. Everybodys doing commerce on their phones, simply scanning codes. Its a really impressive change in terms of how digital-based trading platforms are being applied here in everyday life. Were doing a lot of that in Ireland as well. Weve done it slightly differently, but we do think [in] that sector, one, its very interesting for Irish companies to learn from whats happening here. But I think we also have applications that can be very useful here. You take an Irish company like TransferMate for example, theyre one of the worlds largest facilitators of remittance coming back into countries. Its a very cheap, safe way to transfer money on a regular basis. That kind of technology, we think, will be of real interest here and theyre already getting a lot of traction in terms of potential partnerships and there are lots of other Irish companies like that.

India has focused in recent years on opening up new opportunities for its professionals and students. Are you looking at ways to make it easier for Indian students to stay on and work in Ireland?

A lot of Indian students that come to Ireland do stay on and work and there is a visa facilitation for students to stay on and work for a certain period of time. We also have a work permit system in Ireland, which is not difficult to access. Last year, for example, as minister for enterprise, I signed off on 31,000 work permits for people with skills from all over the world outside of the European Union (EU) to come to Ireland and work. We also saw about 25,000 people within the EU coming to Ireland to work. So, its a strong, growing and young economy. In terms of the workforce, Ireland is the youngest population in the EU, and probably the fastest-growing population in the EU. It has the highest number of graduates linked to STEM-based subjects and technology-based subjects in the EU. When you think about whats happening there, there are parallels here in India as well in quite a number of Indian cities that are really driving economies through technology and digitalisation and its happening very quickly. I think there is an opportunity for skilled Indian graduates to come to Ireland and to be part of that growth story, working for multinationals and Irish companies, and undoubtedly youre seeing Indian students coming to Ireland and studying technology-based courses now an awful lot more. Previously, it may have been sort of social studies, whereas now its very much moving into the space of cybersecurity, writing code and a whole range of ICT-linked courses in our universities and thats a good thing. Virtually all of our universities now would have an active programme to invite and manage quite large numbers of Indian students, which we think is a good thing because we see inward migration and diversity of workforce and student population in Ireland as complementing the reality that Ireland is probably the most globalised economy in the EU today. Were one of the few countries in the EU that actually sees inward migration as a positive thing in terms of economic development and connections with other parts of the world. What were starting to see now is the benefit of that here in India, where you have an Indian population that has been to Ireland, that have studied there, that have worked there, that have come back here and are now in senior management positions in companies, but they understand and trust Ireland and theyre opening their doors to Irish companies and we think thats a big opportunity.

Ireland launched its upgraded Asia Pacific policy last year. How do you think Ireland, and more broadly Europe, can work with India in this region, especially when there are concerns about supply chains, rule of law and problems with China?

The first thing Id like to say is that I dont think Ireland has done enough with India in recent years, I dont think its been as high a priority as it should have been. I think thats being corrected now...While the diplomatic relationship with India has been very positive, Im not sure weve built out the diplomatic footprint here and the commercial opportunities to the extent that perhaps we should have, given the reality that India is now a global superpower, economically, militarily and from a diplomatic point of view. The leadership of India within the G20, for example, was a really good example of the kind of leadership that this country could provide. I think youll see Ireland investing significantly more in terms of building out our footprint, and adding more diplomats to our teams here, not just in Delhi but in other cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru.

The world is changing, and we have seen a lot of geopolitical tension in recent years. We have a war in Europe again, driven and caused by Russian aggression looking to try to change international borders by force. Thats a war thats three years old now and doesnt look like its going to end anytime soon. Weve seen war in the Middle East, and huge losses of civilians, women and children, in Gaza on the back of a horrific terrorist attack by Hamas in Israel. Again, Indias voice is listened to and heard in the context of conflicts like that and weve seen a lot of disruption in terms of supply chains as well. Countries and economies and large multinationals [are looking] to maybe reshape their supply chains, anticipating potential future tension in terms of geopolitical relationships, and in 2024, literally half the world is going to vote in very significant elections  European elections, the election in India, election in the US, in the UK, in Ireland too and in many other countries that are significant in terms of international trade.

Theres probably more uncertainty now in terms of globalisation and international supply chains than at any time in my political lifetime, which is 26 years now. As a result of that, I think a lot of people are a lot of countries are perhaps viewing India through a different lens than five or 10 years ago. They see a large democracy here that is relatively stable and has good relationships with most parts of the world. I think its seen as a safer bet in terms of reliance and predictability around future supply chains, whether thats semiconductors, food security or a whole range of other trades. Thats why the EU does want to put a free trade agreement in place and Ireland is a big supporter of that.

Do you think the India-EU trade deal will be done soon given that both sides are set to hold elections?

Its never easy to get a trade agreement of that scale in place. We know that India has defensive interests as well as offensive ones. So does the EU. I think were unlikely to see a deal before this side of the European elections. In India, they understand the reality of elections. It does sort of pause progress on what are complex and sometimes quite political negotiations, but I certainly think that once the European elections are out of the way, once theres a new European Commission in place, and once the elections here are out of the way, I hope that in the autumn well see an acceleration of efforts to try to put a trade deal in place. We think it would be really good news for India in terms of trade with one of the highest-spending markets in the world. We think it would be good news for the EU as well in terms of certainty around supply chains and an absence of trade barriers and tariffs.

You have talked about connecting with the affinity diaspora or Indians who have some sort of link with Ireland. Could you tell us more about that?

The Irish way of connecting with the world isnt based on military strength or dominance. Its based on relationships, its about culture, its about music, its about trading, its about building friendships, its about education. The Irish way of doing things is all about relationships with everybody. Thats why were militarily not aligned as a country. Thats why we see multilateralism as really the essence of international politics. We have a diaspora all over the world that is many, many multiples of how many people actually live in Ireland. Our diaspora is 40 to 50 million people and thats a very powerful asset. Its a small diaspora here in India, but I hope one thats going to grow. But interestingly, what we have in India is what were now referring to as an affinity diaspora, in other words, Indians whove been to Ireland, who liked their experience there, whove now come back here and are senior decision-makers. We think we can build both trade opportunities but also political cooperation in the future on the back of those kind of connections. Ireland is no threat to anybody, but were very focused on trying to find solutions in parts of the world that are torn apart by conflict. We have very strong views on that given our own history, a history thats not that dissimilar to India. It is very different in terms of scale but in terms of the story around colonisation, a difficult and quite violent fight for freedom and prosperity now on the back of that independence. Our flags arent the same colours by coincidence, and I think we can build on that. I hope Ireland can be a gateway for India and a friend of India in the EU, and I hope that we can be a trusted partner on some of these big difficult challenges that weve got to solve through multilateralism in places like the UN and elsewhere
Hours after scores of Pakistani Hindu refugees living in Delhi protested outside his residence over his remarks on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday questioned the audacity of some Pakistanis to seek apology from a chief minister who, he noted (referring to himself), was in office thanks to an overwhelming majority from the people of Delhi. Hindu and Sikh refugees raise slogans during a protest against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal demanding an apology from him over his statements against the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), near his residence at Civil Lines area, in New Delhi, India, on Thursday, March 14, 2024. (Photo by Sanjeev Verma/ Hindustan Times)

Today, a few Pakistanis created ruckus outside my house. They were given full respect and got looked after by Delhi Police. The BJP too fully supported them. How dare they come to our country and demand apology from a CM who was elected by the people of Delhi with a massive mandate? And the BJP is supporting them (the refugees)? the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor wrote in a post in Hindi on X (formerly Twitter).

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The AAP chief further claimed that in its hatred towards him, the saffron party was standing with Pakistanis and betraying India.

Due to CAA, these Pakistanis will spread across the country, and create ruckus like they did today. BJP wants to make them its vote-bank, Kejriwal wrote on the microblogging platform.

The refugees demonstrated against the chief minister over his comments from earlier in the day, when he questioned if the women in your family will feel safe in the presence of migrants from Pakistan.

Kejriwal was responding to Union home minister and BJP leader Amit Shah. In an interview to ANI on Thursday morning, Shah had criticised the Delhi CM's statement on the contentious citizenship law; the latter had made the remarks on Tuesday, a day after the Centre, in a sudden development, notified CAA rules, implementing the law across the nation.

The CAA seeks to grant Indian citizenship to minorities from three neighbouring countries, each of which is a Muslim-majority nation: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Such refugees should have migrated to India on or before December 31, 2014.
Patiala MP Preneet Kaur, suspended by the Congress in February 2023 for alleged anti-party activities, on Thursday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with her switch coming on the eve of Lok Sabha polls, likely to be held in April-May. Patiala MP Preneet Kaur joins BJP (ANI)

She joined her new party in the presence of several senior leaders, including Punjab unit chief Sunil Jakhar, also an ex-Congressman.

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Speaking to the media afterwards, she said she will continue to work for her constituency, state, and the country, now under the leadership of prime minister Narendra Modi.

I do not want to go into the pastI had a good innings with the Congress party. And I hope I will have a better innings with the BJP, Kaur said.

When asked about contesting the general elections, the parliamentarian replied that this will be decided by the party.

Kaur's spouse is BJP leader Captain Amarinder Singh, who had two stints as Punjab chief minister with the Congress, including one as recently as from March 2017 to September 2021. After being removed as chief minister, Singh floated his own Punjab Lok Congress (PLC) in November that year, and merged it with the BJP in September 2022.

The couple's daughter, Jai Inder Kaur, too is in the BJP. There have been speculations that Jai Inder could be fielded from Patiala.

Meanwhile, in December last year, Preneet Kaur created a flutter when she voted in favour of expelling Trinamool Congress's Mahua Moitra from Lok Sabha on cash-for-query charges. The Patiala MP was the only opposition member on the ethics committee to vote for the expulsion of Moitra, who subsequently lost her membership of the House.
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday reiterated his stand on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), saying that its implementation will make the country unsafe. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal addresses a press conference in New Delhi on March 14.(PTI)

The implementation of CAA will make the country unsafe, create a law-and-order situation, Kejriwal said. Spending taxpayers' money on minorities from other countries is not acceptable.

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The Delhi chief minister's remarks come hours after the Union home minister Amit Shah responded to his criticism regarding the CAA, alleging that Kejriwal's outburst regarding CAA stemmed from his party's alleged exposure in corruption cases.

Criticising Kejriwal for his remarks that CAA will take away jobs meant for India's youth, and can lead to an increase in crime, Shah said that people who will benefit from the law are already in India.

He (Kejriwal) is unaware that all these people have already taken refuge in our country. They are living in India. Those who arrived in our country by 2014 will get citizenship.

"And if he is concerned, why does he not talk about Bangladeshi infiltrators? Why does he not protest against Rohingyas? It is because they are doing vote-bank politics. He will face a very tough time during elections in Delhi which is why he is doing vote-bank politics. Are Rohingyas and Bangladeshi infiltrators not taking our jobs? He is just raising his voice against minorities of Jains, Buddhists, and Parsis," the home minister told ANI in an interview.

In response, Kejriwal alleged that home minister Amit Shah failed to answer his questions regarding CAA.

Also Read | Old video of CJI's son Abhinav Chandrachud speaking on CAA viral



Home Minister did not answer any questions raised by me but he said Kejriwal is corrupt, Kejriwal said. "I am not important. I ask him - when we are not capable of giving employment to our own people, then how will we give employment and housing to refugees from Pakistan? The migration that will happen due to CAA will be bigger than what happened during the partition."

Earlier on Wednesday, Kejriwal had said that the implementation of the CAA ahead of the Lok Sabha elections was a "dirty vote bank politics" of the Bharatiya Janata Party and asserted that people want this law to be repealed.

The Centre on Monday implemented CAA, a contentious law that paves the way for citizenship to undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who entered India before December 31, 2014. The development came four years after Parliament passed the law in December 2019.
India has bettered its ranking on a global UN measure of well-being and quality of life of citizens, making progress for the first time since slipping in 2020 and 2021, according to the just-released 2023/24 Human Development Report titled, Breaking the Gridlock: Reimagining Cooperation in a Polarized World. The HDI is an index computed based on 3 parameters  life expectancy, mean years of schooling and average incomes. (Representative file photo)

The worlds fifth-largest economy has been placed 134 out of 193 countries, the report said, as Indias human development index (HDI) value saw an increase from 0.633 to 0.644 in 2022, placing the country in the medium human development category, just as in previous years.

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The HDI is a composite index computed based on three parameters  life expectancy, mean years of schooling and average incomes  in contrast to gross domestic product (GDP), which is a gauge only of incomes or output in an economy.

Also Read:India slips one rank in UN human index rating

In 2022, India saw improvements across all HDI indicators  life expectancy, education and Gross National Income (GNI) per capita. Life expectancy rose from 67.2 to 67.7 years, expected years of schooling reached 12.6, mean years of schooling increased to 6.57 and GNI per capita saw an increase from $6,542 to $6,951, the report said.

The UN report also said India demonstrated progress in reducing gender inequality, with a value of 0.437 that is better than the global and South Asian averages.

Indias HDI value was 0.633 in 2021, down from 0.642 in 2020.

While the country has moved up in 2022, it is still behind its South Asian neighbours, such as Bangladesh (129th), Bhutan (125th), Sri Lanka (78th) and China (75th).

China has moved up three ranks, while Sri Lanka has dropped five spots, mainly to due to its economic crisis.

The latest HDI assessment, however, presents a miserable picture of a world that, while recovering from the pandemics shocks, is deeply divided and eclipsed by war.

Uneven progress is leaving the poorest behind, exacerbating inequality, and stoking political polarization on a global scale. The result is a dangerous gridlock that must be urgently tackled through collective action, the report said.

The report says that inequality across the world is rising again. After 20 years of convergence, the gap between the richest and poorest countries has started to widen from 2020.

India has shown remarkable progress in human development over the years. But there is room for improvement. With a renewed focus on women-led development, India can further unlock socio-economic progress, paving the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all, a statement from Caitlin Wiesen, the resident representative of United Nations Development Programme (India) said.

Since 1990, Indias life expectancy at birth has risen by 9.1 years; expected years of schooling have increased by 4.6 years and mean years of schooling have grown by 3.8 years. Indias GNI per capita has grown by approximately 287% since the 1990s.

One of Indias key achievements has been the progress in reducing gender inequality and it now ranks 108 out of 166 countries in the gender inequality index (GII) 2022.

The GII measures gender inequalities across three key dimensions  reproductive health, empowerment and labour market.

Indias GII value of 0.437 is better than the global average of 0.462 and the South Asian average of 0.478. The countrys performance in reproductive health is better than other countries in the medium human development group or South Asia, the report said.

Indias adolescent birth rate in 2022 was 16.3 (births per 1,000 women ages 15-19), an improvement from 17.1 in 2021.

To be sure, India also has one of the largest gender gaps in the labour force participation rate  a 47.8% difference between women (28.3%) and men (76.1%), the report states.

Indias improvement on the HDI is a welcome development. But it underscores the need for higher investment in social infrastructure rather than a preoccupation with headline GDP numbers, said Ashish Pai, a co-author of Indias first state-level human development index brought out by Madhya Pradesh in 1995.

The idea of human development, pioneered by economists Mahbub al Haq through the UNDPs Human Development Reports, and Amartya Sen, who weighed in with a conceptual and theoretical framework for it, has now become an influential barometer of development.

According to its pioneers, human development is about people, not the economy, and it involves an enlarging of peoples choices, such as a longer, healthier life and education, along with income.

If you only measure progress or advances in development by income, by per capita income, per capita GDP, youre missing a significant part of what actually defines a human beings perception of the conditions under which he or she lives, UNDP administrator Achim Steiner said, releasing the latest assessment.
India has bettered its ranking by one spot on a global UN measure of well-being and quality of life of citizens, making progress for the first time since slipping in 2021, according to the 2023/24 Human Development Report titled, Breaking the Gridlock: Reimagining Cooperation in a Polarized World released on Thursday. The UN report also said India demonstrated progress in reducing gender inequality. (REUTERS)

The worlds fifth-largest economy is placed at 134 out of 193 countries, the report said. Indias human development index (HDI) score saw an increase from 0.633 to 0.644 in 2022, placing the country in the medium human development category, just as in previous years.

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The HDI is a composite index computed on the basis of three parameters  life expectancy, mean years of schooling and average incomes  in contrast to gross domestic product (GDP), which is a gauge only of incomes or output in an economy.

In 2022, India saw improvements across all HDI indicators  life expectancy, education and Gross National Income (GNI) per capita. Life expectancy rose from 67.2 to 67.7 years, expected years of schooling reached 12.6, mean years of schooling increased to 6.57 and GNI per capita saw an increase from $6,542 to $6,951, the report said.

Read Here | Improvement in human development indicators of SCs, STs: Govt informs Parliament

The UN report also said India demonstrated progress in reducing gender inequality, with a value of 0.437 that is better than the global and South Asian averages.

Indias HDI value was 0.633 in 2021, down from 0.642 in 2020. While the country has moved up in 2022, it is still behind its South Asian neighbours, such as Bangladesh (129th), Bhutan (125th), Sri Lanka (78rd) and China (75th). China has moved up three ranks, while Sri Lanka has dropped five spots, mainly to due to its economic crisis.

The latest HDI assessment however presents a miserable picture of a world that, while recovering from the pandemics shocks, is deeply divided and eclipsed by war. Uneven progress is leaving the poorest behind, exacerbating inequality, and stoking political polarization on a global scale. The result is a dangerous gridlock that must be urgently tackled through collective action, the report said.

The report says that inequality across the world is rising again: After 20 years of convergence, the gap between the richest and poorest countries has started to widen from 2020.

India has shown remarkable progress in human development over the years. But there is room for improvement, a statement from Caitlin Wiesen, the resident representative of United Nations Development Programme (India), which brought out the report, said.

Since 1990, Indias life expectancy at birth has risen by 9.1 years; expected years of schooling have increased by 4.6 years and mean years of schooling have grown by 3.8 years. Indias GNI per capita has grown by approximately 287 percent since the 1990s.

Read Here | Cleanliness for one class of citizens can't be achieved by engaging others in 'slavery': HC

One of Indias key achievements has been the progress in reducing gender inequality and it now ranks 108 out of 166 countries in the gender inequality index 2022. The GII (gender inequality index) measures gender inequalities across three key dimensions  reproductive health, empowerment and labour market.

Indias GII value of 0.437 is better than the global average of 0.462 and the South Asian average of 0.478. The countrys performance in reproductive health is better than other countries in the medium human development group or South Asia, the report said. Indias adolescent birth rate in 2022 was 16.3 (births per 1,000 women ages 15-19), an improvement from 17.1 in 2021.

The Union ministry of women and child development (WCD) said that there has been a significant jump of 14 ranks on GII in 2022 vis-a-vis 2021. Over the last 10 years, Indias rank in GII has become consistently better, indicating progressive improvement in achieving gender equality in the country, the ministry said in a statement.

To be sure, India also has one of the largest gender gaps in the labour force participation rate  a 47.8% difference between women (28.3%) and men (76.1%), the report states.

Indias improvement on the HDI is a welcome development. But it underscores the need for higher investment in social infrastructure rather than a preoccupation with headline GDP numbers, said Ashish Pai, a co-author of Indias first state-level human development index brought out by Madhya Pradesh in 1995.

The idea of human development, pioneered by economists Mahbub al Haq through the UNDPs Human Development Reports, and Amartya Sen, who weighed in with a conceptual and theoretical framework for it, has now become an influential barometer of development.

According to its pioneers, human development is about people, not the economy, and it involves an enlarging of peoples choices, such as a longer, healthier life and education, along with income.

If you only measure progress or advances in development by income, by per capita income, per capita GDP, youre missing a significant part of what actually defines a human beings perception of the conditions under which he or she lives, UNDP administrator Achim Steiner said, releasing the latest assessment.

The governments initiatives have spanned across womens lifecycle including large-scale initiatives for girls education, skill development, entrepreneurship facilitation and safety in the workplace. Policies and legislations in these areas have been driving the governments women-led development agenda, the WCD ministry added.
LOBAMBA  The Minister of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), Savannah Maziya says nowhere in the world is the government regulating the media, because such would be violation of media freedom.

The minister, in responses that were tabled in Parliament yesterday, by the Chairman of the ICT Portfolio Committee Ngudzeni Member of Parliament (MP) Charles Ndlovu, said instead of the government regulating the media, it could only facilitate by enabling the media to set the regulate committee. She was responding to a question that was brought to her attention by Mbabane East MP, Welcome Dlamini on what took so long for the media to regulate itself. He asked the minister which type of regulation she preferred between State and self-regulation.

Mechanism

The MP put it on record that he was in full support of the local media regulating itself. However, he sought to know what the Ministry of ICT was doing to ensure that there was indeed media regulation, since the media had for more than 20 years failed to self-regulate or rather set up a self-regulatory mechanism. The minister, in her responses said: It was an established practice world over, that the government does not regulate the media as that is construed as a violation of freedom of the media, which is enshrined in the national Constitution, the government can only facilitate by enabling the media to set-regulate.

The minister said to ensure that as a mother ministry they were in the process of developing a Media Council Bill, that would take care of the gap. She added that preliminary consultations had already begun with relevant primary stakeholders, particularly the Eswatini Editors Forum to reignite the process of developing this legislation. During the budget debate that was held on Monday, Mtfongwaneni MP Nathi Hlophe and the Mbabane East MP, raised concerns about the salaries that were offered to media practitioners as well as their welfare. The minister was asked if in her visit to some of the media houses she had audience with journalists and if they were happy with their salaries.

Welfare

The minister, in the responses, stated that the ministry was also concerned about the welfare of journalists. She, however, stated that regarding the remuneration of journalists working for independent media houses, such was handled by another government ministry. Regarding remuneration for journalists working for independent media houses, the Wages Council established by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security regulates salaries of all workers in the country, including journalists, she said. The Wages Council is made up of workers and employers representatives from the various industries.

She added that for journalists working for the government, the salaries were regulated through the Ministry of Public Service. She added that the ministry would continue having consultations with media houses to ensure proper welfare of journalists. The committee noted that the media regulation had its pros and cons. The MPs added that in the Eswatini context there were a lot of negatives than the positives hence the need for all parties to meet at a point of convergence.
An assessment by US intelligence agencies warns of a potential armed conflict between India and China amid large troop deployments by both sides and sporadic encounters between their militaries, adding the border dispute will remain a strain on ties between the neighbours. The assessment further states that China is looking to establish overseas military bases at mulitple locations. (Representative file photo)

The assessment further states that China is looking to establish overseas military bases at mulitple locations - including Sri Lanka and Pakistan - in its attempt to project power and protect Chinas interests abroad.

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Also Read: India rejects Chinas claim on Arunachal Pradesh

The shared disputed border between India and China will remain a strain on their bilateral relationship. While the two sides have not engaged in significant cross-border clashes since 2020, they are maintaining large troop deployments, and sporadic encounters between opposing forces risk miscalculation and escalation into armed conflict, states the annual threat assessment of the US intelligence community, released by the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) on Monday, as it talks about potential inter-state conflicts.

The report highlights a fragile global order, Chinas military expansion plans, its aggressive cyber operations and its possible attempt to influence the 2024 US presidential elections. It further talks about other conflicts including the Israel-Hamas war and the Russia-Ukraine war.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week inaugurated the strategic Sela tunnel, built at an altitude of 13,000 feet in Arunachal Pradesh, that will provide all-weather connectivity to Tawang.

Infrastructure projects near Indo-China border have gathered pace since a military standoff with China in Ladakh sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) began in May 2020. Both sides have arrayed close to 50,000 troops each in Ladakh sector and India has made it clear that bilateral relations cannot be normalised till there is peace and tranquility in the border areas.

The report also points to possible armed conflict between India and Pakistan as well in case of any provocations from Islamabad.

New Delhi and Islamabad are inclined to sustain the current fragile calm in their relationship following their renewal of a cease-fire along the Line of Control (LoC) in early 2021. However, neither side has used this period of calm to rebuild their bilateral ties as each government has focused on more pressing domestic priorities including election perpetrations and campaigning and for Pakistan, concerns over rising militant attacks in its west, the report underscores.

Pakistans long history of supporting anti-India militant groups and Indias increased willingness, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to respond with military force to perceived or real Pakistani provocations raise the risk of escalation during a crisis. There remains the potential for an event to trigger a rapid escalation, it added.

On Chinas plans to create overseas bases in Indias neighbourhood and other areas, the report states that the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) will continue to pursue the establishment of overseas military installations and access agreements in an attempt to project power and protect Chinas interests abroad.

Beyond developing its military base in Djibouti and its military facility at Ream Naval base in Cambodia, Beijing reportedly is considering pursuing military facilities in multiple locations, includingbut not limited toBurma, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Pakistan, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and the UAE, it says.

The report notes that Beijing will focus on building a fully modernized national defense and military force by 2035 and for the PLA to become a world-class military by 2049.

In the meantime, the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) hopes to use the PLA to secure what it claims is its sovereign territory, to assert its preeminence in regional affairs, and to project power globally, particularly by being able to deter and counter an intervention by the United States in a cross-Strait conflict, it adds.
The Kerala government on Wednesday turned down a proposal by the Centre that the state could borrow an additional 5,000 crore in the current fiscal year as a one-time exception, choosing to argue its suit against the Centres borrowing cap restrictions in the Supreme Court. The Pinarayi Vijayan state government contended before a Supreme Court bench of justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan that the strict conditions imposed with the Centres proposal were unacceptable to it. (ANI)

The state government contended before a bench of justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan that the strict conditions imposed with the Centres proposal were unacceptable to it, in addition to the fact that approval for an additional borrowing of 5,000 would not help it weather the impending financial crisis.

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Recording the state governments statement, the bench fixed the matter for a detailed hearing on March 21, when the Pinarayi Vijayan government will press for staying the operation of two letters issued by the Union finance ministry last year and certain amendments made to the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act in 2018 for imposing a net borrowing ceiling (NBC) on the state by limiting borrowings from all sources, including open market borrowings.

The state has claimed it lacks funds to clear outstanding arrears of salaries, pension, and provident fund for state employees, and for other beneficiaries in the state under various welfare schemes of the government.

On Tuesday, the bench urged the Centre to consider rescuing Kerala from its severe financial crisis with a special package in the current fiscal. The suggestion from the court came after senior counsel Kapil Sibal, representing the Kerala government, submitted that while the state has accepted the Centres proposal to borrow an additional 13,608 crore for the time being, its request for an additional 19,000 crore was shot down in the last meeting.

After the courts nudge, additional solicitor general (ASG) N Venkatraman, appearing for the Centre, said that although the Centre has already done whatever was doable, it would still consider the suggestion and revert.

As the proceedings on Wednesday commenced, the ASG read out a note, stating: As a very special and exceptional measure, not to be used or cited as a precedent by any other state or on any other occasion, in order to help the State of Kerala to tide over its financial crisis and meet its financial liabilities, if the court should desire, the Government of India is ready to give its consent for borrowing of 5,000 crore.

Simultaneously, the law officer highlighted a set of conditions, including that the amount of 5,000 crore amount will be deducted from the net borrowing ceiling of Kerala for the first nine months of the next financial year (FY), 2024-25; no ad hoc borrowing shall be granted for the next FY; consent for borrowing in the next FY will only be issued on receipt of prescribed information and documents from the state government and that the consent for borrowing to Kerala in the first nine months of 2024-25 will be issued on a quarterly basis for up to 25% of the eligibility arrived at after deducting the early special concession of 5,000 crore.

ASG Venkatraman further emphasised that the total borrowing for Kerala for the first nine months of FY 2024-25 comes to be around 21,663 crore, and if an advance of 15,000 crores is given early, the state will be left with only 6,664 crore. It will be extremely difficult for the state government to manage with this, especially given its past expenditure pattern. This will, in all probability, trigger hardships for the people of Kerala, he added.

Sibal responded that the state cannot accept the Centres proposal with the set of caveats, and under an assumption that the state was not entitled to borrow further under the present regime. They cannot assume and we are not entitled to borrow and then they say that they will control our expenditure. If there is an irreparable injury caused to us, balance of convenience lies in our favour and I have a legal right, I should get a hearing, he argued.

The bench said that it will grant a hearing to the states application on March 21, adding that it will also delve into the pertinent points of law as to whether the issue of fiscal borrowing is within the parameters of justiciability or not.
New Delhi: Former President Ram Nath Kovind-led panel constituted last year to study the one nation, one election proposal has asked the government to develop a legally tenable mechanism to restore the cycle of simultaneous elections, recommending them to Lok Sabha and assemblies in the first step. In the second step, the elections to Municipalities and Panchayats will be synchronized with the House of the People [Lok Sabha] and State Legislative Assemblies, said the panel in its 18,626-page report submitted to President Droupadi Murmu. Former President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind who heads High-Level Committee (HLC) on One Nation, One Election presented the report on simultaneous elections in the country to President Droupadi Murmu along with members of the HLC including Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah. (@rashtrapatibhvn)

...in such a way that elections to Municipalities and Panchayats are held within a hundred days of the holding of elections of the House of the People and the State Legislative Assemblies.

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The panel argued that the loss of simultaneity in polls after the first two decades of Indias independence has had a baneful effect on the economy, polity, and society, citing an examination of all relevant evidence including the macroeconomics analysis. It noted initially two elections were held every 10 and now several elections are held annually, casting a burden on the government, businesses, workers, courts, political parties, candidates contesting elections, and civil society at large.

The panel recommended the tenure of all state assemblies, constituted by elections after the appointed date and before the expiry of the full term of the House of the People, shall be only for the period ending up to the subsequent general elections to Lok Sabha. Thereafter, all General elections to the House of the People and all State Legislative Assemblies shall be held together simultaneously. For this purpose, the Committee also recommends that an Implementation Group may be constituted which shall look into the execution of the recommendations given by the Committee.

The Union government constituted the panel in September, years after government think tank NITI Aayog backed the idea of simultaneous state and national polls to remove impediments to governance, policy-making, and developmental activities.

Also Read: BJP backs One Nation, One Election

The Kovind panel was mandated to explore the feasibility and the mechanism of going back to having Lok Sabha and state assembly polls simultaneously. These polls were held together until 1967.

A discussion paper co-authored by Bibek Debroy, the chairman of the Prime Ministers Economic Advisory Council and a NITI Aayog member from 2015 to 2019, noted that there has not been a single year without an election to either a state assembly or Lok Sabha or both in over 30 years. It added the same situation was likely to prevail.

The paper said the situation leads to massive recurring expenditures as well as prolonged deployment of security forces and manpower, etc. It noted that the adverse impact is both tangible and intangible within the larger sphere of governance.

In addressing logistical concerns, the Committee acknowledged, the Election Commission of India has submitted detailed requirements of equipment such as EVM, VVPAT, polling personnel, security forces, election materials, etc. They called for further planning and coordination between central and state electoral bodies to streamline electoral processes.

The report says that four Former Chief Justices of India and a Former Judge of the Supreme Court have unequivocally endorsed simultaneous elections. They said, separate elections cause a waste of resources, result in policy paralysis, and inflict a huge socio-economic burden on the nation, besides developing fatigue amongst voters.

Addressing apprehensions about constitutional and democratic implications, the Committee said, necessary amendments to the Constitution will not be anti-democratic or anti-federal, violate the basic structure of the Constitution, or result in a presidential form of government. They also dismissed concerns about national party dominance, saying, the Indian electorate is sagacious enough to differentiate between national and regional issues, as also between national and regional parties.

There is a proposal for a single Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) to be used for elections at all three tiers of government. The Election Commission has submitted detailed logistics and monetary requirements to meet the logistical demands of simultaneous elections.

What happens in case of no confidence or hung assembly?

The HLC addressed potential disruptions to the synchronicity of elections due to premature dissolution of legislative bodies and motions of no-confidence suggesting that fresh polls can be held for the remainder of five-year term.

To address disruptions like hung houses or no-confidence motions, the HLC proposes mechanisms. It suggests that the tenure of the House of the People and State Legislative Assemblies should be defined, ensuring continuity even in cases of premature dissolution.

For the House of the People, the proposal entails fresh elections in the event of dissolution, with the new House continuing for the unexpired term of the previous one. Similar provisions are recommended for State Legislative Assemblies.
A high-level committee led by former president Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday unanimously backed simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies, state and local tiers and called for a raft of constitutional amendments to achieve the goal, potentially setting the stage for the far-reaching but controversial reform that can reshape the worlds largest democracy. Former President Ram Nath Kovind, who heads High-Level Committee (HLC) on 'One Nation, One Election', and committee member Union home minister Amit Shah, present the report on simultaneous elections to President Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on Thursday. (ANI)

The eight-member committee submitted its 18,626 page-long report to President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday morning, outlining a phased approach to synchronise elections, beginning first with Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, and following up with local body polls within 100 days.

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Simultaneous polls will help save resources, spur development and social cohesion, deepen the foundations of democratic rubric and help realise the aspirations of India, that is Bharat, the report said.

Simultaneous elections will bring fundamental transformation in the electoral process and overall governance. It will result in optimising scarce resources and also encourage voters to participate in the electoral process in larger numbers, the panel added.

To be sure, simultaneous elections do not mean that voting across the country for the three tiers of government must take place on a single day. In a country as large as India, it is not possible to have that. Pragmatism requires elections to be held in phases, clarified the panel.

The proposal was welcomed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Editorial: The case for one nation, one poll

It is a historic day for the countrys democratic system. Today, the High-Level Committee formed by the Modi government on One Nation One Election, chaired by Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji, presented its report before the Honble President, Union home minister Amit Shah said in a post on X.

The Opposition, led by the Congress, said the recommendations could hurt democracy.

How can there be One Nation, One Election when the current regime is not accepting the peoples mandate? Also, its against the spirit of decentralisation of the panchayats and everything else. So lets see what the recommendations are, Congress leader Priyank Kharge said.

From the first elections in Independent India in 1952 until 1967, elections were held simultaneously across the country. But since the Lok Sabha and state assemblies can be dissolved before their tenures end, the state and national elections came to be held at different times after that.

Several committees, including a parliamentary panel, the Niti Aayog and the Election Commission of India, have studied simultaneous polls in the past, backing the idea but flagging logistical concerns.

The report said that the panel  set up by the Union government on September 2, 2023  received responses from 47 political parties, with 32 favouring simultaneous elections. These parties  which include the BJP, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Janata Dal United (JDU) and the Shiv Sena  said the proposal will save scarce resources, protect social harmony, and stimulate economic development. However, 13 political parties opposed simultaneous elections  including Congress, BSP, Aam Aadmi Party, CPI(M) expressing concerns that it could violate the basic structure of the Constitution, be anti-democratic and anti-federal, marginalise regional parties, encourage the dominance of national parties, and lead to a presidential form of government.

One nation, one election: Three retired chief justices, former state election commissioner opposed simultaneous polls

Four former Chief Justices of India  Dipak Misra, Ranjan Gogoi, Sharad Arvind Bobde and UU Lalit  and a former judge of the top court unequivocally endorsed simultaneous elections.

According to the report, the former judges said, Separate elections cause a waste of resources, result in policy paralysis, and inflict a huge socio-economic burden on the nation, besides developing fatigue amongst voters.

Former four chief election commissioners were also consulted, all of whom, supported the decision.

The panel outlined a roadmap for simultaneous elections, flagged demands for adequate voting machines, polling personnel, security forces and other materials, and called for further planning and coordination between central and state electoral bodies to streamline electoral processes.

In the first step, simultaneous elections to the House of the people and the state legislative assemblies be held. In the second step, the elections to municipalities and panchayats will be synchronised with House of people and state legislative assemblies, the report said.

National and state elections are conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) and local body polls are conducted by state election commissions.

In all, the committee recommended two amendments to the Constitution.

Necessary amendments to the Constitution will not be anti-democratic or anti-federal, violate the basic structure of the Constitution, or result in a presidential form of government, the panel said.

The panel also dismissed concerns about national party dominance. The Indian electorate is sagacious enough to differentiate between national and regional issues, as also between national and regional parties.

The panel said that simultaneous elections will offer benefits such as convenience for voters, stability for businesses, and reduced disruptions to governance and production cycles. They will streamline processes, minimise financial burdens, and mitigate election-related issues, ultimately promoting efficiency and stability in the electoral system, it said.

Read Here | 2-step process, amendments: A look at one nation, one election panel proposals

The committee suggested holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies in the first step, and synchronising local body polls within 100 days.

The Constitution would have to be amended to introduce the concepts of a full term and an unexpired period (where the House or the assembly is dissolved sooner than the expiry of its full term), and provisions made so that the elections held where the House or an assembly is dissolved sooner than its full term would be considered to be a mid-term election. The election held after the expiry of five years would be considered a general election, the report noted.

In the event of a mid-term dissolution (encompassing instances of a hung House, no-confidence motion, or any other such event), the term of the reconstituted legislature shall be for the remaining unexpired period of the original term of five years so that next election to the legislature concerned could take place with general election.

In extraordinary circumstances where simultaneous elections to legislative assemblies cannot be conducted, the Election Commission of India may recommend conducting these elections at a later date. However, the term of such legislative assemblies will end concurrently with the Lok Sabhas full term, the panel said.

The first step involved amending Article 83 which stipulates the duration of both Houses of Parliament and Article 172 lays down the term for the Legislative Assemblies and Legislative Councils of the States, and introducing Article 82A(1),(2),and (3). Article 82A (1) would designate the first sitting of the Lok Sabha after the next election as the Appointed date, establishing a clear starting point for the new legislative term. Complementing this, Article 82A (2) proposes aligning the terms of state assemblies with that of the Lok Sabha, ensuring a synchronized electoral calendar for smoother governance.

Read Here: Decoding one poll recommendations, and charting the Kovind panel roadmap

Article 82A(3) seeks to empower the Election Commission of India to conduct simultaneous polls across various levels of governance, consolidating its authority in overseeing fair and efficient elections nationwide. These amendments collectively aim to streamline the electoral process and strengthen democratic practices in India. This will not require ratification by the states, said the panel.

In the second step, elections to municipalities and panchayats will be synchronised through the insertion of Article 324A which would authorise Parliament to make a law so that elections to municipalities and panchayats are held simultaneously with the general elections, and amendment to Article 325 which states that no person to be ineligible for inclusion in an electoral roll.

For the Lok Sabha, the panel suggested fresh elections in the event of dissolution, with the new House continuing for the remainder of the term. Similar provisions were recommended for state assemblies. Additionally, mid-term elections to municipalities and panchayats would be conducted to fill unexpired terms until the next general elections, said the panel.

The panel also recommended a single Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) to be used for elections at all three tiers of government. The Election Commission submitted detailed logistics and monetary requirements to meet the logistical demands of simultaneous elections.

The panel recommended that for the purpose of having a single electoral roll and single electors photo identity card, Article 325 may be suitably amended to the effect that the Election Commission of India prepares the electoral roll and voter IDs in consultation with the state election commissions. This amendment will require ratification by the States.
Former President Ram Nath Kovind-led high-level committee on Thursday submitted its exhaustive report on one nation, one election to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, strongly pitching for simultaneous national and state polls. Former President Ram Nath Kovind submits report on simultaneous polls to President Droupadi Murmu.

The panel submitted the report, comprising 18,626 pages, to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, a statement said.

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The report is an outcome of extensive consultations with stakeholders, experts and research work of 191 days, since its constitution on September 2, 2023, it added.

Other panel members including Union home minister Amit Shah, former leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, 15th finance commission chairperson NK Singh, and former Lok Sabha secretary general Subhash C. Kashyap were also present at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Also Read: 'Need 10,000 crore every 15 years for One Nation, One Election': EC to Centre

Key among the proposals put forth by the Kovind Panel is the phased implementation of simultaneous elections, reported PTI. In its first step, simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies can be held, followed by local body elections within a timeframe of 100 days in the second step.

For the first simultaneous polls, the tenure of all state assemblies can be for a period ending up to subsequent Lok Sabha elections, according to PTI.

Addressing potential scenarios of political uncertainty, the panel suggested that in cases of a hung House or a no-confidence motion, fresh polls can be conducted for the remainder of the five-year term.

Practical considerations such as advance planning for equipment, manpower, and security forces have also been underscored by the Kovind Panel. In a bid to streamline administrative processes, the committee proposed the preparation of a single electoral roll and the issuance of voter ID cards in consultation with state poll authorities for elections to the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies.

The report includes a paper by NK Singh and International Monetary Funds Prachi Mishra on the economic viability of simultaneous polls, a committee member told HT on the condition of anonymity.

The committee has been conducting consultations with political parties, constitutional experts, former chief election commissioners, the election commission and other relevant stakeholders to solicit their views and gather insights on the matter.
At least nine lives have been lost in Idukki and Wayanad Districts in the last three months, and numerous others have been injured in wildlife attacks, particularly by elephants, tigers and wild boars, among others. HT Image

Livestock and cherished pets have tragically become prey to maulings, as elephants and wild boars stray from forests into agricultural areas, leaving farmers disheartened and distressed.

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As the state grapples with these tragic events, the issue has become a major talking point in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The ruling Left Democratic Front and the opposition United Democratic Front , led by the Congress are pushing for amendments to the Wildlife Act of 1972, which falls under the concurrent list. They argue that amendments are necessary to address the increasing incidents of human-animal conflicts.

On the other hand, the BJP-led union government contends that the existing provisions of the Act are sufficient to handle the situation involving attacking wild animals.

Considering the recent surge in human-animal conflict, the Kerala Assembly passed a resolution on February 14 that called on the Centre to amend the Act and simplify the procedures to deal with wild animals that pose a threat to human life and property.

Kerala proposes amending Section 11 of the Act, transferring authority from Chief Wildlife Warden to Chief Conservators of Forests, facilitating easier management of wild animals posing threats to human life.

Former Idukki MP and current LDF candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Joice George, while talking to PTI, said the prey-predator balance was very important in the sustainable management of wildlife and the ecology.

Referring to various international studies, including those by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services , the Left candidate said sustainable management of wildlife also includes "kill to conserve."

"If the wildlife population increases, then the method of culling can be adopted. It is not just to mitigate the human-animal conflict but for the better interest of conservation, forests, and ecology," George claimed.

He said the Left government in the state has taken proactive measures to mitigate the human-animal conflict.

George stressed the importance of sustainable wildlife management and recognised the need to simplify processes to ease the human-animal conflict, although the Centre believes that current laws are sufficient.

Congress leader and Wayanad district panchayat president Samshad Marakkar also stressed the need for updating laws to adapt to current times. He criticised both state and central governments for handling wildlife issues 'irresponsibly.'

"This will be a matter of discussion in the upcoming election, not just in the Wayanad but in other districts where there are forests as well. People need peaceful life. They will definitely vote for those who take proactive steps to safeguard their lives," the Congress leader said.

Marakkar claimed that the Forest Department suffers from shortage of funds, lacking necessary equipment to handle wild animals, and called for an amendment to simplify the procedural complications involved in culling or tranquilizing.

Apart from political parties, the Catholic Church, particularly the Idukki diocese of Syro-Malabar church, is alarmed by the rising incidents of human-animal conflicts, with at least six deaths occurring in the hill district in the past two months alone, prompting them to consider agitation.

The church asked the government to hand over authority to kill the problematic species to the people instead of creating bureaucratic complications.

"Now the panchayats have the authority to kill the wild boars. But when a wild boar attacks someone, we need to get sanction from the concerned authority to either catch or kill the vermin. It is impractical, as by the time the procedures are over, it might have attacked another person or damaged crops," Fr Jins Karackattu, the Director of the Media Commission of the Idukki diocese, said.

The existing law of 1972 has become obsolete, and both the state and the central governments have the responsibility to bring in a long-term solution to the issue, he stated.

The ruling BJP at the Centre believes the current law already allows for dealing with wild animals threatening humans, citing recent amendments emphasizing full protection for residential areas.

"There is an existing law. The Union Forest Minister had clearly said that there are provisions to kill wild animals. However, the state government is unable to implement the law, and they are finding some lame excuses," The BJP's state general secretary, George Kurien, told PTI.

He said any number of amendments don't matter if the state government lacks the will to implement them.

Fr Kuriakose Vellachallil, a local priest at a church in Wayanad, and a relative of Paul, a forest watcher who lost his life in a recent wild elephant attack, alleged the state government was not ready to implement the existing law.

"There is a central law that allows the chief wildlife warden to order the killing of any wild animal that ventures into human habitat if it is a threat to life. But the state government is not ready to use this law as it falls under the concurrent list," Vellachallil said. But there was a need for an amendment to the Act to control the growing number of wild animals.

Although political parties and community organisations complain about animal attacks, the statistics available with the state Forest Department show that in Kerala and its adjacent forest lands, the number of wild animals has not increased.

Moreover, forest officials say that obtaining state-specific population data is challenging due to the migratory nature of animals.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has suffered a major injury in an accident, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) said on Thursday. She has been taken to the state-run SSKM hospital in Kolkata. Mamata Banerjee suffers major injury in accident, says TMC(Twitter/TMC)

According to a hospital official, the 69-year-old politician slipped and hit her head on a furniture at her home, shortly after she returned from an event in South Kolkata's Ballygunge.

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The TMC also posted some pictures of Mamata Banerjee on social media platform X (formally Twitter) in which her forehead can be seen bleeding. Our chairperson @MamataOfficial sustained a major injury. Please keep her in your prayers, the party wrote.

Further details are awaited.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday night wished a quick recovery for Mamata Banerjee. I pray for a quick recovery and the best health for Mamata Didi, he wrote on X.

Meanwhile, state BJP president Sukanta Majumdar wished for a speedy recovery of the CM. We wish for the speedy recovery of the chief ministerWe pray to God that she recovers soon and returns to her normal health, the BJP leader told ANI.

Several other leaders also wished her a speedy recovery on X.

Distressed to see pictures of an injured Mamata Banerjee after sustaining serious injuries today. Prayers for her swift recovery, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti said.

Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin wrote: Shocked and deeply concerned about the road accident involving Hon'ble Chief Minister of West Bengal @MamataOfficial didi. My thoughts are with her during this difficult time, and I'm wishing her a speedy recovery.

Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik wrote on X, Deeply concerned to know that West Bengal Chief Minister @MamataOfficial suffered injury after meeting with an accident. Praying for her speedy recovery.

(With inputs from Tanmay Chatterjee, agencies)
West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) founder Mamata Banerjee suffered a bleeding injury on her forehead on Thursday evening when she fell inside a room at her residence at Kalighat in south Kolkata, her brother Kartick Banerjee told the media. Mamata Banerjee suffers major injury in accident, says TMC(Twitter/TMC)

Her family members rushed the chief minister to the state-run SSKM Hospital located around three kilometres away.

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Although the hospital authorities formed an eight-member medical board, Banerjee was discharged and allowed to go home after preliminary treatment as tests confirmed that her condition was stable.

A few hundred TMC workers, who were campaigning on the streets for the coming Lok Sabha polls, rushed to the hospital. Although Banerjee was initially admitted to a cabin, the doctors allowed her to leave around 9.30 pm.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a doctor at the hospital said: The injury was on her forehead. We had to stitch it up to stop the bleeding. Some tests were done to ascertain the effect of the injury. More tests are necessary to find out whether the chief minister slipped and fell or whether she fainted because of a sudden fluctuation in blood pressure.

The incident happened shortly after Banerjee returned home after attending an event held at Gariahat in south Kolkata in memory of veteran Congress and TMC leader Subrata Mukherjee.

TMC leader Rajib Banerjee said the chief minister's nephew and TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee was at home when the incident happened.

"Abhishek Banerjee took the chief minister to hospital," Rajib said.

Photos of the chief minister, with blood oozing from her forehead, went viral on social media. These were circulated by the TMCs social media team minutes after the accident. Leaders from all parties, including BJP, wished her a speedy recovery.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi too wished Banerjee a fast recovery in a post on X.

This was the second injury the chief minister suffered on the eve of an election.

In March 2021, Banerjee was injured in an accident in East Midnapore when she was campaigning at the Nadigram assembly seat that she contested. She carried out the rest of the campaign for herself and other TMC candidates from a wheelchair. Banerjee however lost the Nandigram election to BJP's Suvendu Adhikari. She had to contest a bypoll in Kolkata to continue as chief minister.

The Nandigram accident triggered a debate when Banerjee alleged that it was a planned attack. The Election Commission of India had then sought a report on Banerjees security arrangements while police started an investigation. TMC and the BJP aimed salvos at each other days before the eight-phase elections in which TMC secured 215 seats while the saffron camp got 75.

Although TMC leaders and the chief minister's brother, Kartick Banerjee, told the media that she fell inside her home, speculations on a conspiracy surface late on Thursday night when Dr Manimoy Bandopadhyay, director, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, SSKM Hospital, read out a medical bulletin which said the incident happened "in the vicinity" of the chief minister's home and she fell "due to some push from behind".

"Chief minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee reported to our hospital today around 7.30 pm with a history of falls within the vicinity of her home due to some push from behind. She had a cerebral concussion and a sharp cut over her forehead which was bleeding profusely....."

Kajari Banerjee, a TMC councillor and Kartick Banerjee's wife said, We don't know exactly what happened but he heard that someone pushed from behind.

No police officer has yet commented on the issue.
Manjhi's son Santosh Suman, who is a minister in the Nitish Kumar cabinet, made the statement a day after reports emerged that a seat-sharing formula has been arrived at in the NDA, and HAM was likely to get only one of the state's 40 constituencies. HT Image

"We do not give much credence to reports based on inputs from anonymous sources. We would urge all to wait for a formal announcement on NDA seat-sharing in Bihar," Suman told journalists when asked about the reports that surfaced in the backdrop of former Lok Janshakti Party president Chirag Paswan's meeting with BJP chief JP Nadda, in Delhi, a day ago.

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According to the reports, the BJP and JD will contest 17 and 16 seats respectively, while Chirag has been given five, including late father Ram Vilas Paswan's bastion Hajipur which is currently held by estranged uncle and Union minister Pashupati Kumar Paras.

Manjhi's HAM and former Union minister Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Morcha, are expected to be given one seat each.

Suman was asked about the party's claim on Gaya, which his father has unsuccessfully fought in the last two general elections. In 2014, when Manjhi was in the JD, he was the party's candidate from the reserved seat, but had finished third and lost his deposit.

The minister, who happens to be a native of Gaya district, replied, "Our party has built its cadre in many places, though obviously Gaya occupies a special place and it is a strong wish that a HAM worker be allowed to contest the seat."

Notably, Manjhi has, of late, been hinting that he was done with direct elections and wanted a more relaxed innings as a Rajya Sabha member or as a governor. This had led to speculations that Suman, who is set to get re-elected to the state legislative council, may give Lok Sabha polls a try.

The minister, however, made it clear that he was loyal towards the NDA, showering praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for "fulfilling every promise, be it abrogation of Article 370 or women's reservation bill".

"On the other side, we have those who ruled the country for decades, who were drubbed in the last few elections and may perform worse this time and, having sat on the women's reservation Bill, are trying to woo female voters," said Suman, in an apparent reference to the Congress' promise of 'Nari Nyay', a 1 lakh annual assistance to a woman in every poor family.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi-chaired high-powered committee on selecting election commissioners will meet on Thursday, March 14, to finalise the names of two new election commissioners. A search committee headed by Union law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal met on Wednesday evening to prepare a panel of five candidates to fill two vacancies of election commissioners in the Election Commission, news agency PTI reported, citing sources. Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (ANI Photo)

The meeting will be held at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg (7LKM) where leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Choudhary will also be present. Based on the recommendation of the selection committee, President Droupadi Murmu will then appoint the two members of the poll panel.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Top updates on PM-chaired panel meet on ECs:

Two vacancies of election commissioners came about following the resignation of Arun Goel on March 8 and Anup Chandra Pandey's retirement on February 14. This leaves Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar as the sole member of the poll authority.

The selection panel is chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has a Union minister and the Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury as its members.

Reports claimed that the appointment of two new election commissioners is likely to be made by the same day or the next.

Once the appointments are notified, they will be the first to have been made under the new law. The law also gives the power to the three-member selection panel to appoint a person not short-listed by the search committee.

Before the new law on the appointment of the CEC and ECs came into force recently, election commissioners were appointed by the President on the government's recommendation and as per custom, the senior-most was appointed as CEC.

Clause 2 of Article 324 of the Constitution states that the Election Commission shall consist of the Chief Election Commissioner and such number of other Election Commissioners, if any, as the President may from time to time fix. Originally, the commission had only a CEC. It currently consists of the CEC and two election commissioners.

(With inputs from agencies)
Dalian welcomes first international cruise ship since 2020

Chinadaily.com.cn) 08:28, March 14, 2024

International tourists talk with locals in Dalian, Liaoning province, on Sunday. [Photo by Zhang Xiaomin/chinadaily.com.cn]

The international cruise ship "Zuiderdam" docked at the Dalian Port cruise terminal on Sunday morning, bringing visitors from around the world for a day of exploration in Dalian, Liaoning province.

It is the first large international cruise ship to visit a northern Chinese city since 2020. This visit is also a milestone for Dalian, which is establishing itself as a desirable international coastal tourism destination.

The "Zuiderdam" is part of the Holland America Cruise Line fleet. It brought 2,013 passengers and crew members from 47 countries and regions to Dalian for a day of activities before departing for its next destination, Tianjin.

In Dalian, the tourists were divided into groups to explore various routes, including sightseeing tours, home visits and leisurely shopping.

Twelve of them visited the home of a girl named Liang Qianshuo in Zhongshan district. She and two of her friends warmly welcomed the guests and spoke with them in English, providing a unique and personal experience of Chinese hospitality.

One American tourist, David Burke, expressed his surprise at the modernity of China, especially after the cruise ship's earlier stop in Shanghai. He mentioned that it was his first time visiting a Chinese family and was impressed by their comfortable living conditions.

He also expressed his joy at interacting with ordinary Chinese people and children and his hope for more such cultural exchanges in the future.

The tourists also got to ride a tram, visit the Tiger Beach Ocean Park, interact with local families, visit famous landmarks and explore several cultural venues and tourist attractions.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
MBABANE - New Life Garments (PTY) Limited is accusing EIPA of having dispatched armed security personnel to its premises.

It is alleged by the management of the textile firm that the security personnel pointed guns at the employees and security guards. The High Court recently issued an order evicting the Matsapha-based textile firm from the premises, which are owned by the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA). The order was stayed for a period of 30 days (until April 7, 2024) to enable the respondent (New Life Garments) to make alternative arrangements. It is alleged by the management of the textile firm that the armed security personnel were reportedly dispatched by EIPA to take over possession of the premises, where it was situated.The textile firm has since taken EIPA and Intelligence Security Services to court, wherein it claimed that it was being prevented from conducting its day-to-day business.

Customers

According to the respondents, its customers were allegedly prevented from accessing the factory by personnel from the second respondent (Intelligence Security Services) to collect their orders. The applicant (New Garments) further alleged that the respondents (EIPA and Intelligence Security Services) were purportedly tantamount to self-help, as there was no court authorising them to be at the premises in the manner they were. In the urgent application, the applicant implored the court to issue an order directing EIPA to remove all its security personnel from the premises. The applicant is also seeking an order directing EIPA or its personnel or Intelligence Security or any other person acting in cohort with EIPA not to interfere with its (applicant) business operation at Lot 713 3rd Street Matsapha Industrial Sites.

The applicants Managing Director, David Chiu, submitted that on February 1, 2024, EIPA launched an urgent application, seeking eviction of the applicant from the premises on the basis that the lease agreement had lapsed due to effluxion of time. He stated that the application was before Judge Titus Mlangeni on March 7, 2024, wherein the court ruled that the textile firm was hereby evicted from the premises, which were subject to this application. He said it was imperative to state that the order by Judge Mlangeni did not state that EIPA was to deploy its security personnel at the premises while the applicant was in occupation, which should come to an end on April 7, 2024.

Chui alleged that notwithstanding that the court upon issuing the order giving the applicant 30 calendar days within which to vacate the premises in question, contrary to the Order of Court, EIPA had allegedly subjugated the order. According to the deponent (Chiu) at about 3pm on March 7, 2024, barely three months after Judge Mlangeni made his determination, the respondent allegedly sent its own security personnel, the second respondent to dispossess the applicant of its occupation of the factory premises. Chiu said with the applicants security personnel, they proceeded to alert the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) at Sigodvweni to intervene and stop the alleged illegal dispossession as aforesaid.

Invasion

He claimed that it was when confronted with the fact that he was reporting the allegedly unlawful invasion and takeover of the factory premises by the respondents security that they left the premises. However, upon myself leaving the factory premises at 5pm, at about 6pm the same day, three of the respondents security personnel came to the factory premises and one of them, brandishing and threateningly, pointed a firearm identified as a shotgun at the applicants security personnel and demanded that they open the gate under the threat of being shot, alleged the deponent. He alleged that the respondents security personnel did this to gain access and take over possession of the premises.

Under serious threat, the applicants personnel, one Patrick Vilakati, who in fear for his life had no choice but to open the gate leading to the premises and the respondents personnel took possession and control of the factory premises, submitted Chiu. Annexed to his affidavit is a picture of a firearm, which he claimed was one of those that were used by the security personnel from Intelligence Security to purportedly threaten the applicants employees. Chiu alleged that an undertaking was made by the applicant to abide by the consent order of the court between the parties not to remove any items while the matter was pending before arbitration pertaining to alleged rental arrears.

He submitted that as a law-abiding investor with bona fides, having adopted the Kingdom of Eswatini as his home and the emaSwati who worked and service the manufacturing plant as his family, he had no intention of removing any equipment thus prejudicing the applicants employees and dependents. He alleged that customers were being prevented from accessing the factory by the second respondents security personnel. I hasten to state that there have been threats or actual pointing of the applicants employees inclusive security personnel with guns, an act done by the second respondents personnel, alleged the deponent. He went on to alleged that the seconds respondents personnel had been reported for leaving their shot guns idle, an act which he said was dangerous, considering the fact that the vicinity of the premises was a place with a lot of people.

Reasonable

He alleged that there was reasonable harm which was not self-created by the applicant. Chiu alleged that despite the intervention of the police, the respondent purportedly sent its security personnel in two vehicles and insisted on taking over the factory premises without a valid court order. He alleged that the security personnel placed padlocks on the gate leading to the factorys premises. He averred that the applicant had suffered irreparable harm in that; it had failed to make its day-to-day sales due to the blockage by the second respondents security personnel. The deponent argued that the mere presence of second respondents armed personnel had disturbed the result of daily business due to the fact that most of the applicants employees were intimidated and fearful of the guns.

The matter is still pending in court and the application is being opposed by the respondents. The applicants are represented by Linda Dlamini. The court yesterday declined to grant the interim order that was being sought by the applicant and the matter was postponed to today for arguments as it is being vigorously opposed by EIPA lawyers from S.V Mdladla and Associates.
A candidate cannot be denied judgeship because of her or his political past alone, the Supreme Court collegium has emphasised, rejecting the Centres objection to the appointment of a Communist Party of India (Marxist) sympathiser as a judge in the Kerala high court. Supreme Court of India. (PTI File Photo)

The mere fact that the candidate has had a political background may not be a sufficient reason... the collegium, led by Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, stated in its resolution on Tuesday.

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The collegium, also comprising justices Sanjiv Khanna and BR Gavai, was considering the candidature of Manoj Pulamby Madhavan, a lawyer belonging to a Scheduled Caste who was found suitable by the Supreme Court and high court judges to be elevated as a judge in the Kerala high court, but the central government raised a red flag.

The inputs provided by the Department of Justice in Madhavans file read: Manoj Pulamby Madhavan is considered to be a CPI(M) sympathiser. He was appointed as government pleader in 2010 and 2016-2021 by the LDF government.

Disapproving, the collegium called the Centres objection based on Madhavans alleged political affiliation as extremely vague.

Its resolution added: The input that the candidate is considered to be a CPI(M) sympathiser is otherwise vague and bereft of cogent grounds. Even otherwise, the mere fact that the candidate has had a political background may not be a sufficient reason in all cases.

Interestingly, the collegiums resolution made hints about L Victoria Gowri, a former leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party, being appointed as a Madras high court judge in February 2023 without the government objecting at the time. Gowri spent about a year as a member of the BJP, having joined in August 2019. Her Twitter handle then was Chowkidar Victoria Gowri, with her bio identifying her as the national general secretary of the BJP Mahila Morcha.

For example, in the recent past, an advocate has been appointed as a judge of the high court though she was an office-bearer of a political party prior to her elevation, said the collegium.

About the second part of the governments objection, the collegium said the fact that Madhavan was appointed as a government pleader in 2010 and 2016-2021 by the LDF government does not constitute valid ground to reject his candidature. As a matter of fact, the appointment of the candidate as a government pleader would indicate that he would have acquired sufficient experience in handling cases where the state is a party in diverse branches of law, it underscored.

It further noted that Madhavan belongs to a SC community and has sufficient practice at the Bar. His performance having been observed by the members of the collegium of the high court who had the occasion to observe his competence and conduct as a lawyer, their opinion should be given due weightage. The collegium is, therefore, of the view that the candidate is fit and suitable for appointment as a judge of the high court.

Apart from him, the collegium also recommended five other lawyers for appointment as judges in the Kerala high court  Abdul Hakhim Mullappally Abdul Aziz, Syam Kumar Vadakke Mudavakkat, Harisankar Vijayan Menon, Manu Sreedharan Nair and Easwaran Subramani.

The joint resolution issued for the six candidates also highlighted that it is for the judiciary to assess the professional competence of the lawyers, given that the Centre commented about the abilities of some of them.

As regards comments made in the file on professional competence of some of the candidates, the collegium has always taken a stand that it is for the judiciary to assess the same... The opinion of the collegium of the high court on the competence and suitability of the candidate would have to be given due credence since the members of the collegium of the high court have seen and observed his performance, it maintained.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday announced the grand old party's five big promises to farmers under its 'Kisan Nyay guarantee ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha election. This comes amid the ongoing farmers' stir as they continue to press the Centre to accept several of their demands. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi.(Congress-X)

The Congress' five big poll promises to the farmers include -

Guarantee of legal status to MSP under the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations. Guarantee to create a permanent 'Agriculture Loan Waiver Commission' to waive off the loans of farmers and determine the amount of loan waiver. Guarantee to ensure payment directly into the bank account of farmers within 30 days in case of crop loss by changing the insurance plan. Guarantee to make new import-export policy keeping the interest of farmers ahead. Guarantee to make farmers GST-free by removing GST from agricultural commodities.

My salute to all the food providers of the country! Congress has brought five such guarantees for you which will eliminate all your problems from the rootsCongress aims to make the lives of the farmers who irrigate the soil of the country with their sweat, happy and these five historic decisions are steps taken in that direction, Gandhi wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter.

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On Wednesday, the Congress announced five key poll promises under the partys Nari Nyay (Womens Justice) Guarantee. These included financial assistance of 1 lakh per annum for poor women, a right to half the new posts under the central government and working womens hostels in every district.

Farmers' protest

More than 200 farmers' unions began their protest with a Delhi Chalo march on February 13 this year to press the Centre to accept their demands. The farm bodies are demanding a law guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP) - a condition they had set in 2021 when they agreed to withdraw their agitation against the now-repealed farm laws. They are also demanding the implementation of the Swaminathan Commissions recommendations, pensions for farmers and farm labourers, and farm debt waiver.

After pausing the agitation for a few days following talks with the Centre, the farmers held a nationwide Rail Roko protest on March 10.

On Thursday, the farmers, in large numbers, gathered in Delhi's Ramlila Maidan to hold a Kisan Mahapanchayat. According to Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), at least 50,000 farmers are participating in the event.
New Delhi: A high-powered selection committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday appointed two retired IAS officers  Gyanesh Kumar (Kerala cadre) and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu (Uttarakhand cadre)  as election commissioners, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury (File Photo)

Chowdhury, who is the sole opposition member in the panel, criticised the selection process of the new appointments, saying it was fait accompli that the governments pre-decided candidates would be chosen for the posts.

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Addressing reporters at his home soon after the meeting ended on Thursday, Chowdhury expressed his dissent on the selection process, claiming that he was given a list of six shortlisted names only 10 minutes before the panel meeting began.

He said as the opposition member, he was given a list of 212 names to examine only last night. In a single night, [you tell me] whether it is humanly possible for me to examine the 212 names to find out the most competent person amongst them. It was fait accompli, he said.

Also Read: Who are new election commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar?

Chowdhury said that there was no clarity on how six names were shortlisted, adding that the Chief Justice of India should have been part of the selection panel.

If the CJI had been there, it would have been a different matter, he said, further alleging that the law was amended to ensure that the CJI was removed from the selection process.

According to the new act, the selection process consists of two committees  a three-member search committee led by the Union law minister and constituting two government secretaries; and a three-member selection committee headed by the PM and consisting of a Union minister recommended by the PM and the leader of opposition.

Thus, of the six individuals involved in the process, three are members of the government and two are employed by the government, Chowdhury said and alleged that the system was already rigged in favour of the government as the selection committee consisted of the prime minister and the home minister on one side and a single leader of the opposition on the other.

The search committee, as per the act, is required to recommend five names to the selection committee but the latter is empowered to select commissioners from outside this list as well.

However, Chowdhury said that Union law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, who headed the search committee, came out with these six names. He said that was immaterial as he had no input in shortlisting these names.

Singh and Kumar fill the two vacancies came about following the resignation of Arun Goel on March 8 and Anup Chandra Pandeys retirement on February 14.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday morning carried out searches at multiple places in West Bengal's Sandeshkhali linked with suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Sheikh Shahjahan, ANI reported. Suspended Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan.(File)

India Today reported that the ED conducted raids on a brick kiln belonging to Sheikh Shahjahan in Sandeshkhali in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district. The raids were done in connection with a land grab case filed against Sheikh Shahjahan, it reported

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Several teams of the central agency reportedly reached Sandeshkhali around 6.30am. The ED officials are accompanied by paramilitary personnel.

The development comes a week after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials and forensic experts searched Sheikh Shahjahans home and a market he owns in Sandeshkhali on March 8.

Also Read | Sandeshkhali case: Supreme Court refuses to interfere with CBI probe order

Sheikh Shahjahan, who has been accused of sexual violence and land grab in Sandeshkhali village, was arrested on February 29 morning by the West Bengal Police.

He was handed over to the CBI on March 6 under orders of the Calcutta high court and in the midst of a raging political row.

Unrest in Sandeshkhali

The island village of Sandeshkhali in the North 24 Parganas district has been in the eye of the storm since January 5, when ED officers arrived to search the home of Shahjahan, a close aide of former minister Jyoti Priya Mallick, who was arrested in October last year in connection with an alleged ration distribution scam. The ED team came under attack from an angry mob, leaving three officers injured.

On February 7, other violent protests began erupting in Sandeshkhali and other nearby villages, with groups of residents led mostly by local women, alleging sexual harassment at the hands of local TMC leaders including Sheikh Shahjahan, his brother Sirajuddin, and other associates Shibaprasad Hazra and Uttam Sardar. Other villages have claimed that Shahjahan and his associates also indulged in landgrab.

Shahjahan, a former TMC zila parishad leader, was arrested by the state police on the orders of the high court on February 29. The CID later took over the investigation.
A 22-year-old man from Tarn Taran in Punjab made five failed attempts over seven months to enter the United States using illegal donkey routes, hitting a brick wall each time he tried to rout his journey through a different country, before his American dream was cut down when he was picked up by Delhi Police, said senior officers aware of the matter, who added that the mans arrest led them to the heart of a far-reaching illegal immigration racket. At the Almaty airport, Kazakh authorities spotted that two pages of Gurpreets passport had been ripped out. He was deported to India on an emergency certificate on March 8. (ANI)

Details the man provided during his interrogation drew the polices attention to a 32-year-old agent in Tarn Taran who planned the mans elaborate donkey route journey and promised to send him to the US. The agent demanded 50 lakh from the man, identified as Gurpreet Singh, and was paid an initial instalment of 10 lakh, said officers.

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Gurpreet, who was unemployed, wanted to join his brother who successfully completed the donkey route in 2021. The agent, Sultan Singh, arranged Gurpreets journey five times, through separate routes, said deputy commissioner of police (IGI Airport) Usha Rangnani.

But luck wasnt to be on Gurpreets side  he failed each time.

He couldnt even leave India on one attempt, was deported from Qatar on another, failed to enter France twice in a month, and was finally deported from Kazakhstan after authorities in the central Asian country detained him for bearing a passport with torn pages.

When he arrived he was picked up by the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) unit of Delhi Police, which arrested him on March 8.

The donkey route  a term used largely by traffickers in Punjab  refers not to a specific route, but to a circuitous, often perilous multi-hop journey that migrants take to reach western countries, usually the US. One of the relatively cheaper donkey route options involves people trekking through the thick forests of Panama, El Salvador and Guatemala.

Gurpreets route, though, involved a series of flights, bouncing between countries and exploiting weak spots in global immigration processes.

Sultan and his associates first tried to send Gurpreet from Punjab to the US via Vietnam last September. Sandhu left from Amritsar and travelled to Kolkata, where he was to head to Dubai and then Vietnam. However, Singh aborted that trip. He called him back from Kolkata, claiming the route was not clear and that the journey could prove to be fraught, said IGI Airport police, citing the two mens disclosures during interrogation.

Singh then took a second shot, routing Sandhu to Qatar and then Brazil. In November, Gurpreet headed off from Delhi, armed with a valid visa, for Qatar. But Qatari authorities saw through his fake Brazilian visa. They deported him, but refrained from lodging a police complaint, said Rangnani.

He met Sultan again, who ripped out the pages in his passport that had the fake Brazil visa, she said.

The next month, Sultan asked Gurpreet to use the Punjab-Dubai-France route, which was the closest he ever got to the US.

He flew from Amritsar to Delhi and then Dubai. There, he travelled to France on a chartered plane. But French officials turned him back, pointing to his incomplete and fake papers.

He made another attempt through France, but that too failed.

The fifth attempt, Gurpreets last, was to be his undoing.

Sultan made Gurpreet take a far longer route this time  through Kolkata, Bhutan, Bangkok, Dubai, Senegal, Dubai, and Kazakhstan.

In January 2024, Gurpreet reached Kolkata and took a flight to Bhutan, after which he reached Dubai via Bangkok.

From Dubai, Gurpreet travelled to Senegal and back to Dubai from where he reached Almaty in Kazakhstan, which grants visa-on-arrival, said Rangnani.

At the Almaty airport, Kazakh authorities spotted that two pages of Gurpreets passport had been ripped out. He was deported to India on an emergency certificate on March 8, she said, adding that he was arrested and booked on suspicion of cheating and forgery.

Sultans name emerged when the police interrogated the 22-year-old.

Investigators found that Sultan was part of a large human trafficking ring. He went on the run after Gurpreets arrest, said a police officer aware of the matter.

The police tracked him to a hideout in Amritsar and arrested him on Tuesday.

Police said Sultan had also been into the business of booking tickets and arranging visas for over 10 years. Exactly when he got involved in the human trafficking ring, and who all are his associates, is being probed. He claims that he only sent three-four people to the US, but we need to confirm it. He charged between 40 lakh and 60 lakh, said an officer aware of the case.

Gurpreet was inspired by his brothers success.

He arranged 10 lakh by dipping into the familys savings and by borrowing from a raft of people. He wanted to join his brother. Gurpreet believed he could find work there easily, said the investigator.
Even as the Bharatiya Janata Party has finalised its alliance and brought the Telugu Desam Party and Jana Sena Party into the National Democratic Alliance's fold, the Congress party in Andhra Pradesh is still soliciting leaders to join its party. B Manickam Tagore, MP and Andhra Pradesh in-charge for the Congress said, "Our party is looking to re-establish its bond with the people of Andhra Pradesh and we are sure to do better in the coming polls."

The Indian National Congress is perhaps at its weakest ever in Andhra Pradesh since the state came to be in 1952. Even at the height of the Emergency in 1977, when the rest of India voted the Janata Party to power, the undivided AP sent a record 41 of the total 42 parliamentarians.

The partys vote share after the 2019 general elections stood at a meagre 1.55% falling from 36.55% in 2009 when the party sent 33 MPs and aided the formation of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance II (UPA) at the Centre. The diminution and decline of the Congress in Andhra, its leaders say, are circumstantial. Political experts however say the issue is organisational and systemic.

This wasn't always the case.

In many parts of Andhra and Telangana, Indira Gandhi is still recalled as a maternal figure, a protector who brought people out of poverty and brought in land reforms. That she contested an election from Medak (now in Telangana) is not yet forgotten by dispossessed farmers whose lands were used for the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project. They sparred with officials and ministers in the former TS chief minister K Chandrashekar Raos government saying the lands they owned were those granted by Indiramma.

YS Sharmila was named Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief in the third week of January 2024 after a long line of uninspiring chiefs, most likely on account of her being the daughter of the late chief minister of AP, YS Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR).

No leader of the Congress has been able to inspire as much confidence as the late YSR. His death in a tragic chopper accident in the Nallamalla forest region in September 2009 changed the political scene in Andhra Pradesh. YSR did not lose a single election since he first became a legislator in 1978 and it was not before Rajiv Gandhi made him PCC president of Andhra Pradesh in 1984. For 20 years, until he became chief minister in 2004 after the legendary 1,500 km padayatra in the scorching summer of 2003, he is known to have built the party and kept his flock close even during the 10 years of his bete noir N Chandrababu Naidus rule.

YSR was a consummate leader and enjoyed mass appeal.

When I went to Delhi to attend the first session of the parliament after we won the general election in 2009, both Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and defence minister AK Antony shook hands with me saying We have come to power because of your leader, said Madhu Yaskhi Goud, senior leader, and former MP who is now with the Telangana unit of the Congress. YSR was known to stand up to the Congress leadership on issues about the state and the region. He wrote 16 letters to Manmohan Singh asking for a relook of the royalty agreement between the Government of India, AP, Reliance India Limited and state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) over possible losses to the exchequer. YSRs ability to fund the partys elections in other states also won him stature within the Congress.

YSRs death caused a vacuum in the party. That an ageing K Rosaiah and a lacklustre, loyalist N Kiran Kumar Reddy, both of whom were made chief ministers after YSRs passing, were opposed to the creation of Telangana did not help the Congress cause when the new state was created in 2014.

The Congress is yet to find a replacement for an aggressive Jagan Mohan Reddy who chipped away at the Congress base taking its best leaders with him. Sharmilas PCC presidentship is fraught with many loopholes, Dr Chandrasekhar, former professor of politics at the Sri Krishnadevaraya University in Anantapur, said.

The Telangana unit of Congress engaged in a smear campaign against YSR in 2019 and 2023 because the former chief minister was strongly opposed to the idea of statehood for Telangana. By distancing themselves from YSR and his legacy, the Telangana Pradesh Congress attempted to own the decision of having created the state under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh in 2014. Sharmila, who continues to be at odds with her brother, floated her outfit, YSR Telangana Party in 2021, to try her luck in Telangana. She threw her ring in the hat saying she belonged to Hyderabad; she was a "mulki" and had been a resident of the city for more than 15 years. However, she surprised everyone by withdrawing nominations at the last minute of all her 119 candidates and did not contest the election last year. Now, being back in Andhra Pradesh, merging her outfit with the Congress in January this year, she is seen as a greenhorn with little political acumen or skill to lead a party.

They have lost their connection with the people. In the last ten years, the Congress has not staged a protest worth remembering in any village in Andhra taking up peoples causes. Neither has its leadership created an alternate platform or forum for itself or the people to voice their concerns against the ruling dispensation, said Chandrasekhar.

Post bifurcation of the state in 2014, it named Sake Sailajanath as PCC president. The party was so disconnected from its leadership that it was not even aware of Sailajanaths long battle with lung cancer until it was made known to them much later. He was then replaced by Raghuveera Reddy, a tall leader from Anantapur who was in the party but had gone back to his main vocation: agriculture. Raghuveera Reddy was often seen on his moped tending to his farms. "He was himself surprised to be named the next PCC President, said a Congress leader from Telangana who was close to Reddy. Then came Gidugu Rudraraju, a former MLC, and YS Sharmila soon after.

As far as Andhra goes, there are no reasons for anyone to vote for the party, so there are no reasons for anyone to stay in the party. It will be years before there is A Congress resurgence in the state because the Bharatiya Janata Party is looking to gain a toehold in AP, said Susarla Nagesh, an analyst who has tracked elections since the 1970s, summing the partys current predicament in Andhra Pradesh.
The Supreme Court on Thursday pulled up the Ajit Pawar camp over the alleged use of National Congress Party (NCP) founder Sharad Pawar's name and pictures for campaigning. A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and K V Viswanathan asked the Ajit Pawar faction to file its response by Saturday to Sharad Pawar's plea. (Bhushan Koyande/HT Photo/File)

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and K V Viswanathan directed the Ajit Pawar faction to file a response by Saturday, questioning the rationale behind the continued use of Sharad Pawar's image despite their split.

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You are a different political party now. You have chosen not to be with him. So why use his picture Go with your own identity now, the bench said.

We need a categorical and unconditional undertaking that the name, pictures of Sharad Pawar will not be used, the bench added.

The court fixed it for further hearing on March 19.

Also Read: In Ajit vs Sharad Pawar ruling, Election Commission has advice for political parties

This judicial intervention follows an application filed by the Sharad Pawar group, which alleged that the Ajit Pawar faction had been misusing Sharad Pawar's name and images to sway voters.

The split within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) occurred after a rebellion led by Ajit Pawar, who successfully claimed the party's name and symbol.

The Election Commission of India recognised the Ajit faction as the real NCP based on the test of legislative majority.

Ajit Pawar faction enjoyed majority support of legislators. (The) commission holds that Ajit Pawar is the Nationalist Congress Party and is entitled to use its name and reserved symbol of clock, the ECI order said.

Also Read: Some people in 80s not ready to retire, says Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Who is he hinting at?

The poll watchdog allotted 'Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar' as the party name for the Sharad Pawar faction.

Earlier, the apex court had sought response from the Ajit Pawar-led faction on a plea of Sharad Pawar against the February 6 order of the Election Commission recognising the Maharashtra deputy chief minister-led group as the real Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

(With PTI inputs)
The Supreme Court ruled that the act of a male school teacher presenting flowers to a minor girl student and pressuring her to accept them in front of others constituted sexual harassment under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, reported The Times of India. However, the court stressed the need for strict scrutiny of evidence, recognising the potential impact on the reputation of the accused teacher. The bench found that the evidence given by the allegedly harassed minor student and witnesses was full of discrepancies. (Burhaan Kinu/HT FILE PHOTO)

The top court raised concerns about the possibility of the girl being used as a pawn to settle personal grievances against the teacher, stemming from an unrelated incident involving her relatives.

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Also Read: NIT asst prof sacked over sexual harassment charges

In a decision authored by Justice Dipankar Datta, alongside Justices K V Vishwanathan and Sandeep Mehta, the Court overturned the convictions by a Tamil Nadu trial court and the Madras high court, which had sentenced the teacher to three years in prison.

We quite agree with the submissions of senior counsel for the State that an act of sexual harassment of a girl student (who is also a minor) by any teacher would figure quite high in the list of offences of grave nature since it has farreaching consequences, which impact more than just the parties to the proceeding, the bench said.

Also Read: Women need empowerment, not sympathy: Haryana women panel chief

The bench acquitted the accused teacher, stressing the need for balanced adjudication in cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct, especially when a teacher's reputation is at stake.
The President on Thursday appointed retired bureaucrats Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu as election commissioners after a high-level selection committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi met in the morning  the first time that election commissioners have been chosen under a controversial new law just weeks before Lok Sabha polls. Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu (ANI)

The appointments came days after the retirement of one EC, Anup Chandra Pandey, and the surprise resignation of another, Arun Goel, left Indias poll watchdog with just the chief election commissioner, Rajiv Kumar.

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But the process was not without controversy as panel member and Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury gave a dissent note on the selection, raising questions over the procedure.

He said he sought the names of the shortlisted candidates, was provided 212 names the night before, and handed a shortlist of six names before the meeting.

Of the six names, the names of Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu were finalised for appointment as election commissioners, Chowdhury said. I did not have information about the background, experience and integrity of these people and I did not like the procedural lacunae.

Opinion: New Bill casts a cloud over EC appointments

The appointment came a day before the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a plea by non-profit Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) to restrain the Union government from appointing two new ECs under the law cleared by Parliament last year  Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023  until its legality is decided.

The petition asked that, in the meantime, the government be ordered to fill the positions through a consultative procedure that involves the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in the selection panel.

Kumar is a Kerala-cadre officer from the 1988 batch who retired as the secretary of the ministry of cooperation in January. He was secretary in the Amit Shah-led ministry from May 2022. He spent five years in the home ministry, first as a joint secretary from May 2016 to September 2018 and then as an additional secretary from September 2018 to April 2021. As the additional secretary, he headed the Jammu & Kashmir desk when Article 370 was abrogated in August 2019. According to one government official, he would routinely accompany Shah to Parliament when the bill to nullify Article 370 was to be introduced.

Sandhu is an Uttarakhand-cadre officer from the 1988 batch who is currently serving as the secretary of Lokpal. He retired as the chief secretary of Uttarakhand in July 2023. Before that, he was the chairperson of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) between October 2019 and July 2021. He spent five years in the then ministry of human resource development from October 2014 to October 2019, first as a joint secretary in the department of higher education and then as an additional secretary.

The new officers were chosen by a committee consisting of Modi, home minister Amit Shah, and Chowdhury. Singh and Kumar fill the two vacancies left by Pandeys retirement on February 15 and Arun Goels abrupt resignation on March 9.

Read Here: Plea filed in Supreme Court to restrain govt from appointing election commissioner under new Act

According to the new law, the selection process consists of two committees  a three-member search committee led by the law minister and comprising two government secretaries; and a three-member selection committee headed by the PM and consisting of a Union minister recommended by the PM and the leader of Opposition.

But critics say the new law marked a crucial departure from a judgment of a Constitution bench of the Supreme Court in March last year, which directed for inclusion of the CJI in the selection panel until Parliament came up with a new law. The judgment in Anoop Baranwal Vs Union of India, delivered on March 2, 2023, said that the selection of CEC and ECs should be done by a panel headed by the Prime Minister and comprising two other members  leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and the CJI, to ensure transparency in the selection mechanism.

The composition of the committee was, however, changed in the new law. The SC had said in its order that it was for Parliament to enact a law on the subject.

But the new mechanism for the appointment of CEC and ECs, ADR argued in its petition, had not removed the defect which the court had found in the previous regime but has sought to restore the previous position when appointments were being made solely by the executive.

I opposed their appointment. I was called only as a formality and their appointment is also a formality. Had the CJI (Chief Justice of India) been there, then the situation could have been different, Chowdhury said.

With Shahs inclusion in the selection committee, Chowdhury said the system was already rigged in favour of the government.

ADR criticised the appointments.

While our application is waiting to be heard, these two appointments have been made. I suppose legally and constitutionally, there is no problem but by and large, it would have been appropriate for the government to wait when the Supreme Court is to take the decision the next day. It would have been decent of the government to wait. These two appointments were done in a hurry, Jagdeep Chhokar, founding member and trustee of ADR, said.
Author and philanthropist Sudha Murty was sworn in as a member of the Rajya Sabha in New Delhi on Thursday in the presence of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. Union minister Piyush Goyal also attended the event at Parliament, where Sudha Murty's husband and Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy accompanied her. Author and philanthropist Sudha Murty took oath as Rajya Sabha member on Thursday.(Sansad TV)

Sudha Murty was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu on March 8, a decision Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared on his social media account, praising her inspiring contributions to various fields, including social work.

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In an interview with news agency ANI following her nomination she said, I'm happy, at the same time I feel I have been given more responsibility. I'll work my level best. On a personal level, I am happy that I'm getting a bigger platform to work for the poor.

When asked about whether this could be considered a step into the political arena, Sudha Murty was clear that she did not consider herself a politician.

Who is Sudha Murty?
Bahrain has secured high rankings across a considerable number of global indices and reports that analyse the macro environment, quality of the business ecosystem and map Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) statistics, thus solidifying its status as a trusted global investment hub, said a top official.

With its liberal economic policies and progressive legislative frameworks, Bahrains pro-innovation investment climate and highly skilled talent pool continue to attract leading businesses from across the region and beyond across diversified sectors.

Backed by best-value operating and living costs, Bahrains business-friendly ecosystem encourages business growth and prosperity, earning its capital city Manama the First spot globally in Financial Attractiveness (Global 150 Cities Index 2023, AIRINC).

The FY 2023 marked a landmark year for the island nation, Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), supported by Team Bahrain, secured a record level of investments upwards of $1.7 billion, successfully attracting leading local and international companies to setup or expand their operations.

This earned Bahrains standing within the top 20 best FDI performers globally on the Greenfield FDI Performance Index 2023 (FDI Intelligence).

"Securing top scores across global indices is a testament to Bahrains financial and investment freedom, business-friendly ecosystem, and highly skilled talent, which continue to support local and international business growth and expansion," remarked Nada Al Saeed, Chief of Strategy at Bahrain EDB.

"Alongside these rankings and recognition, the record-breaking level of investments attracted in 2023 underscores our island nations position as a leading destination for investment and talent in the region and beyond," she stated.

At the heart of Bahrain's economic growth lies a thriving financial sector, which has overtaken oil as the largest contributor to real GDP, standing at 18.1% in Q3 of 2023, said Al Saeed.

Backed by pioneering legislation, the financial services sector continues to achieve key milestones and high rankings, notably securing the 1st position globally in Islamic Finance Regulations (ICD-LSEG Islamic Finance Development Report 2023).

Bahrain's international competitiveness and success in maintaining its ease of doing business, advanced regulatory frameworks, and favourable investment environment were evidenced in several global rankings, she added.
The fresh fight over the Hajipur Lok Sabha seat between Chirag Paswan and his uncle Pashupati Nath Paras, who lead separate factions of the former Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) founded by Ram Vilas Paswan, threatened to upset the calculations of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which was emboldened by the return of Nitish Kumar to the fold in January this year.

After hectic parleys, the seat-sharing for 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar seems to have been finalised after the meeting of LJP (RV) leader Chirag Paswan with BJP national president JP Nadda on Wednesday evening.

As a member of the NDA, today in a meeting with BJP National President Hon Shri @jpnadda ji, we have together finalised the seat sharing in Bihar for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls. The same will be announced in due course, wrote Chirag Paswan on X after the meeting.

The knotty issue of Hajipur seems to have been resolved. But why is Hajipur, where Chirags uncle, Pashupati Paras, is the sitting MP, such a hot-button issue?

The year after the death of former Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan in October 2020, saw the beginning of the disintegration of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), founded by Paswan in 2000 after splitting from the Janata Dal. Nobody thought that the party would split within a year over an intense ownership battle between two factions, one headed by Ram Vilas Paswans son Chirag and the other by his younger brother and Chirags uncle Pashupati Nath Paras, who led the rebellion.

In June 2021, Pashupati Paras orchestrated a coup against Chirag after the rift between the two widened. Paras had four of the six LJP Lok Sabha members of Parliament (MP) with him and was later inducted into the Narendra Modi cabinet, while Chirag was left out.

The four LJP MPs  Mehboob Ali Kaiser (Khagaria), Veena Devi (Vaishali), Prince Raj (Samastipur) and Chandan Singh (Nawada)  joined hands to nominate Pashupati (Hajipur) as their leader in the Lok Sabha. Losing no time, Pashupati  for whom Ram Vilas had vacated the Hajipur seat after nursing it for his entire political life  led all the MPs to meet the Lok Sabha speaker, Om Birla, and request him to treat them as a separate group. The rebel LJP MPs expelled Chirag from all posts of the party.

The Chirag faction convened a national executive meeting in which all five MPs of the Paras faction were removed from the primary membership of the party.

The year-long bitter political war over the ownership of late Ram Vilas Paswans LJP between his son and his brother came to an end in October 2021 with the Election Commission of India allocated separate names and symbols to both warring leaders. While the ECI allotted the Ram Vilas tag to Chirag, Paras got the Rashtriya prefix for his faction. The split means that there is now a freeze on the Lok Janshakti Partys name and its party symbol  a bungalow.

The EC allotted the name Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) for Chirags group and gave it the symbol Helicopter, while to Paras group, the Commission allotted the name Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party with Sewing Machine as its election symbol.

It is said that the factional fights and subsequent split in the LJP were engineered from behind the scenes by Janata Dal (United) leader and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar. The JD(U) alleged that Chirag played a dirty role in ensuring the defeat of its candidates during the 2020 assembly polls, reducing JD(U) to 43 MLAs in the Bihar assembly. Chirag was critical of Nitishs governance while Paras supported him. The Pashupati-led group has reposed faith in Nitishs leadership.

The recent confrontation between Chirag and Paras arose after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) again started promoting Chirag in the run-up to the assembly by-polls in 2022. Chirag is said to have played an active role in BJPs win.

Buoyed by the BJPs support Chirag, MP for Jamui, has staked his claim to the Hajipur Lok Sabha seat in the upcoming general election, which his late father represented eight times. Paras won this seat in 2019 when Ram Vilas Paswan was still alive, while Chirag fought successfully from Jamui. Chirags claim to Hajipur has now irked Paras to no end. He announced that he would not leave that seat, but would continue to be with the BJP-led NDA.
Bengaluru: The woman ended her life at her home, said police. (HT)

A 19-year-old woman died by suicide in a village of Bilikere town in Mysuru district after she was allegedly raped by a 38-year-old man from the same village on the pretext of marriage , said police on Wednesday.

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According to the police, the woman took her life on Tuesday. Her parents had fixed her marriage for February 19. However, she was in a relationship with another married man who took her to Kerala in his jeep last month. There, the two had a physical relationship. After a two-day trip, the man dropped her off at a bus stand near her home, promising to marry her on February 14, but he didnt return.

Devastated by the experience, the woman confided in her parents and her marriage was cancelled. On February 21, the woman filed a complaint against the accused and his accomplice at Bilikere police station. Police said, the accomplice made some false allegations about the woman.

The main accused has, meanwhile, remained at large since then.

We registered a case against the accused under sections 376 (rape) and 306 (abetment of suicide) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and are searching for him, said inspector Lolakshi from Bilikere police station.

After she filed a complaint, we sent her to Shakthidhama women rehabilitation centre in Mysuru. After a few days, her parents brought her back from there. On Tuesday, she took the extreme step, she added.

Police said, on Tuesday morning, tensions escalated between the womans father and the main accuseds accomplice who has been named in the FIR. Overwhelmed by the distress and turmoil, the woman ended her life at her home.

She was rushed to KR Nagar Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries during treatment.

Police said, they went to the hospital to take the body into custody, but her family refused for an autopsy until the accused was arrested.

After much assurance from inspector Lolakshi, the victims family members allowed the autopsy which was conducted at Bilikere government hospital. Following the autopsy, the body was handed over to her family who performed her last rites on Wednesday, said police.
After four decades in fashion, the queen of the catwalk is getting her own exhibition. The Victoria and Albert Museum in London is launching NAOMI: In Fashion, a celebration of Naomi Campbell's enduring career. The exhibition, which opens in June, will showcase memorable designer outfits worn by Campbell, one of the most recognizable models and Black women in the world. Model Naomi Campbell poses for photographers during a photocall to promote the upcoming exhibition 'Naomi: In Fashion' at the Victoria & Albert Museum celebrating her 40 years in fashion. (Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Im honoured to be asked by the V&A to share my life in clothes with the world," Campbell, 53, said in a statement.

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Sonnet Stanfill, a fashion curator at the museum, called Campbell one of the most prolific and influential figures in contemporary culture.

The exhibition will include some 100 looks and accessories from the biggest names in fashion, from Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana to Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen and many others.

Highlights include a 1989 Thierry Mugler car-inspired corset made from plastic and metal, a bubble-gum pink Valentino gown and feather cape Campbell wore at the 2019 Met Gala and staggeringly high Vivienne Westwood platform shoes worn by Campbell during her famous 1993 catwalk fall. (Also Read | Isha Ambani in casual-chic outfits, no-makeup look proves less is more as she picks up her kids at preschool: Watch)

The London-born Campbell attended stage school from a young age and started her career at 8, when she began performing in music videos for Bob Marley and Culture Club.

The aspiring dancer was approached by a model agent when she was 15, and within two years she was strutting down catwalks in Paris and Milan. She was the first Black model to appear on the cover of Vogue France in 1988.

Part of the exhibition focuses on Campbell's personal and professional relationship with the late Tunisian-born designer Azzedine Alaia, who opened his Parisian home and studio to a young Campbell. She inspired his work, while he helped advance her career.

Curators said that the show will recognize Campbell's advocacy for equity in the fashion industry and support for emerging creative talents.

The exhibition will run from June 22 to April 2025.
Meena Sankranti 2024: The holy festival of Meena Sankranti is celebrated annually with fervour. The day is considered significant by Hindu devotees as it is an auspicious day to perform various religious activities, giving food and clothes to Brahmins and the needy, and more. The festival marks the beginning of the twelfth and last month in the Hindu Solar Calendar and occurs during the month of Phalguna. It also marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Know all about Meena Sankranti 2024 date, puja timings, rituals, significance and more. (Freepik)

According to Drik Panchang, there are twelve Sankrantis in the year, and each of them is highly auspicious for Dan-Punya (charity) activities. And Meena Sankranti is considered one of the most auspicious occasions. On this day, only a certain time duration before or after the Sankranti moment is considered auspicious for performing Sankranti-related charity activities. Scroll down to learn about the correct date, puja timings, rituals, significance and more about Meena Sankranti.

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Meena Sankranti 2024 Date and Puja timings:

Meena Sankranti falls on March 14, Thursday, this year. Meanwhile, the Meena Sankranti holy period will last from 12:46 pm to 6:29 pm on March 14. The Maha Punya Kaal for Meena Sankranti will begin at 12:46 pm and end at 2:46 pm on the same day. Meanwhile, the moment of Meena Sankranti is at 12:46 pm.

According to Panchang, the Sun God travels from one zodiac sign to another every month. When Lord Surya transits into the Pisces zodiac sign (Meen Rashi) from Kumbh Rashi, on that auspicious day, people celebrate Meena Sankranti.

Meena Sankranti 2024 Significance and Rituals:

Worshipping Lord Surya is considered auspicious on the day of Meena Sankranti. On the auspicious day, devotees should take a bath in the holy rivers, worship the Sun God and donate as per their capacity. On this day, people perform various religious activities such as havan and yajna, offering prayers and taking a holy dip in the Ganga river. This day is considered auspicious to pray to Lord Surya and offer him arghaya (fill a copper pot with water, red flowers, red sandalwood and jaggery) while chanting Surya Mantra. People are also advised to get involved in donations and charity. They donate money and clothes to Brahmins and needy people.
Croatia's historic city of Dubrovnik aims to lure back locals priced out by high tourist prices with a plan next month that includes banning new private rental permits, following the example of other popular destinations across Europe. Dubrovnik, famed for its Baroque churches, Renaissance palaces and spectacular location on the Adriatic's rocky coastline is a stop-off point for holiday cruises and attracts millions of global visitors that bring in much-needed revenues to the nation's economy. Dubrovnik is one of Croatia's most visited destinations. The introduction of the euro and joining the Schengen area have boosted visitor numbers. But that has its downsides. (Grgo Jelavic/Pixsell/picture alliance)

But the success of the UNESCO World Heritage site has come at a price. Tourists clog the narrow streets and push up rents. Locals occupy just 30% of the Old Town's accommodation. Before the break-up of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, and Croatias independence war, some 5,000 residents lived there. Today, 1,200 remain.

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"Young people will depart us, they will leave to some other places because it will be impossible to live in Dubrovnik," Mayor Mato Frankovic told Reuters. The city council is expected in April to pass a regulation banning new rental permits in the Old Town and its surrounding area, Frankovic said. The move is part of the city's obligation to meet certain UNESCO rules, he said.

The city has already begun buying apartments that will be offered to young families under a 10-year lease and will ban the short-term lease of flats in large apartment buildings. In 2018, it limited the number of tourists from cruises to 4,000 at a time. "We shall protect the town's historic foundations and enable the people to live and spend time there," Frankovic said.

Other European authorities are also seeking to reclaim cities for local inhabitants. Portugal, for instance, has been acting to lower housing prices. In Dubrovnik, not everyone agrees on the need for change. Vedran Miovic, of the Hedera Estate agency that manages some 150 units in Dubrovnik, says private accommodation is "much better for the community" compared with big hotels and resorts, which he said only benefited big foreign funds.

Old Town resident Marija Trojenovic, however, welcomed the plans. "Bring back people to the town because people make the town," she said.
The BJP dumped its alliance partner, the JJP in Haryana earlier this week, which had the deputy chief ministers position in the government. While the BJP is always happy to stitch new alliance, its alliance partners should not expect to have any kind of political agency, either ideological or organisational, which is greater in scope than what the average BJP rank and file enjoys.

The decision, most likely, is driven by an unwillingness on the part of the BJP to share any of the 10 Lok Sabha seats in the state with the JJP in the forthcoming general elections. The alliance with the JJP, as we have argued in these pages, was perhaps meant to prevent it from joining ranks with the Congress after the 2019 assembly elections led to a hung house in the state.

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The unceremonious decoupling, which the JJP has had to face is not the first example of the BJP riding roughshod over its allies in the post-2014 phase.

In the neighbouring state of Punjab, the Shiromani Akali Dal, one of the oldest constituents of the NDA, was left with no option but to walk out of it after the BJP brought in the three farm laws in 2020.

In Bihar, Nitish Kumars JD(U) was cut to size via a friendly rebellion by Chirag Paswan fielding LJP candidates against the JD (U) in the 2020 assembly elections. Paswan, while doing it, was always a part of the NDA at the national level and some of the candidates put up by his party were known BJP leaders in the state.

In Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena was made to realise after the 2014 Lok Sabha victory that the BJP was in no mood to adhere to the earlier tradition of the Sena keeping the chief ministers post in the state as part of the NDA. When the Sena tried to jump ship in order to keep the chief ministers chair, it suffered a split with the pro-BJP faction ending up as the official party.

One could go on adding examples and scenarios which could follow vis-a-vis other alliance partners to the list discussed here. That, however, is not the point. What these examples tell us is a clear change in the BJPs political attitude towards alliances in the post-2014 phase when it emerged as the national political hegemon.

While the BJP is always happy to stitch new alliances  even one-person parties are entertained by no less than the top leadership of the party  its alliance partners should not expect to have any kind of political agency, either ideological or organisational, which is greater in scope than what the average BJP rank and file enjoys.

Gone are the days of the BJP adhering to coalition dharma during the days of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Anybody who allies with the BJP today must be resigned to the coalition karma of becoming a junior partner without much agency.

While a part of the commentariat might look at the BJPs new-found high-handedness with alliance partners as a sign of arrogance, it will be a wrong reading of the situation. Politics is not a business for the kind-hearted or do-gooders. What the BJP is doing to its alliance partners is entirely along the lines of what hegemonic parties do to their smaller allies in politics.

The only comparable example of this is how the CPI (M) used to deal with its Left Front partners during its dominant phase in West Bengal.

Comparisons aside, what does it mean for the future of politics in India?

This is a more interesting and perhaps provocative question to answer. There is a large section of political commentators in India who have argued that the only way to challenge the BJPs current dominance is to build a diverse challenge from regional parties in India. While such arguments sound woke and politically correct, they are very far from the truth as far as realpolitik is concerned. The reason is simple.

At the moment, there are only three large states (with at least ten Lok Sabha MPs or more) where the BJP is not a number one or number two political party and no regional party in a strong position is willing to do business with the BJP. They are Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Telangana.

Put together they account for just 66 Lok Sabha seats in a house of 543. Even if the BJP does not win any MP from these states, it does not pose any problem for its parliamentary majority. In other states such as Uttar Pradesh or West Bengal, the BJP has proved to be resilient to a coming together of regional parties or overcome its state-level debacles during national elections.

For the regional parties who are not aligned or rather adverse to the BJP, running a state government is increasingly becoming a difficult task due to the squeeze via the fiscal federalism route even if one were to ignore the growing ideological traction for the BJP across the country. While one can debate the magnitude of BJPs ideological traction in its non-stronghold states, there can be little disagreement that the trend is a rising one.

Whats ahead

Would we see some of the regional parties who are currently opposed to the BJP joining its ranks? While parties such as the DMK and BJD have done business with the BJP in the past, an alliance with todays BJP will only entail surrendering political space in the short or medium term. not allying with the BJP is inviting the wrath of the political executive as well as the hegemonic political force in the country.

This can only change if the BJPs current hegemonic strength at the national level were to start eroding. The only way that can happen is to build a national challenge to the BJP rather than attempt to weaken it at the level of the states. Crafting such a challenge requires a lot of unlearning from what Indias post-independence democratic trajectory so far has taught political players and commentators. The crux of it is as follows.

Unlike the Congress, which came into being as a political party when India did not have universal suffrage and was therefore lopsided in terms of caste and class representation, the BJPs growth has been organically linked to the widening of Indian politics social base.

It is no surprise that the BJP has had the largest share of OBC chief ministers among major political parties in the country. Similarly, while it would be foolhardy to argue that Indias latent linguistic and ethnic tensions have disappeared, the material glue, which the union can apply to keep the states together is significantly larger thanks to the rapid capitalist development and its fiscal gains in the post-reform period.

With the social  the BJP has wide representation of caste groups in the country  and the ethnic  the only non-Hindi states it has not been able to conquer alone or in alliance are not enough to prevent it from getting a parliamentary majority  out of the reckoning, the only game in town, as far as building a national coalition against a hegemonic political force is concerned, is the fault line of class which looks beyond the landscape of fiscal palliatives.

The reason is simple. While the BJP has indeed worked hard to push the envelope on welfare and its delivery, it is still seen by the rich as working in their interests. Nothing else explains the kind of political funding the BJP receives.

Embracing this wholeheartedly, however, will require a significant sacrifice of class interest on the part of the political leadership across the spectrum in India. Whether or not the existing leadership of the opposition will bite the bullet on this question remains to be seen. No such change is possible unless the biggest opposition party in the country, namely, the Congress realises its importance and sheds its obsession with the social justice/federal challenge modes of challenging the BJP.

Unless that happens, we will continue to see politics where regional political actors, either with or against the BJP, are fighting a battle of survival and relevance rather than doing justice to their rhetoric of building some diverse challenge to the hegemonic force that the BJP is today.

Roshan Kishore, HT's Data and Political Economy Editor, writes a weekly column on the state of the country's economy and its political fallout, and vice-versa
Tensions are rising again in Europe. Even as Sweden reversed two centuries of neutrality to become the 32nd member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), various political actors are adding fuel to the fire. President Vladimir Putin warned of total annihilation if NATO put boots on the ground in Ukraine. That remark was set off by a seemingly mystifying statement by President Emmanuel Macron, to the effect that troops on the ground should not be ruled out. A flurry of denials by other members followed. No one wants to walk erratically into World War III. Meanwhile, NATO declared the Indo-Pacific as a priority. That may be a problem for many.

Macrons comment was made against a specific background. France has been championing an independent foreign policy for decades, much to the chagrin of the United States. On a visit to China, he even warned of getting dragged into a US war over Taiwan and resisting NATO plans to open an office in Japan. Macron has also been at the forefront of trying to ease relations with Russia and faced criticism for sending the least arms aid to Ukraine. Paris tried to retrieve its status with a grand conference on Ukraine on February 26. In response to a question, Macron simply said that nothing should be ruled out. Putin reacted predictably with threats of annihilation, as did NATO members in rejecting it.

A report notes pessimism across the European Union (EU) with just 10% believing in a Ukrainian victory. Twice as many expect an (undefined) Russian win. Those polled in Poland, Portugal, and Sweden preferred (but did not expect) Ukraine to take back its territory, while most wanted Kyiv to accept a settlement. Meanwhile, as European GDP growth falters, even the projected 0.6% rise is attributable ironically to a stronger than expected Russian economy. Europes largest imports are from China, with some 2,000 ships plying every day in the Indo-Pacific. As officials echo the need to ensure a rules-based order, it seems the circle has closed. NATO now wants a place in the Indo-Pacific.

Recently, NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg castigated Chinas mild reaction to Alexei Navalnys death as an internal matter, observing this as another indicator of Beijing quietly supporting Putin on Ukraine. He warned that if Russia succeeded against Ukraine, China would then feel free to act against Taiwan. Thats rather combative talk. All this when Europe is being accused by former President Donald Trump of spending little on defence. His threat that the US would stay out, if Russia invaded countries not paying up was outrageous, but it is true that only three NATO countries are spending the required 2% of GDP on defence, even after the 2014 Crimea invasion. This may rise to 18 of an expanded 31 countries. But all this is going to take time, as China rises.

At the Vilnius Summit, NATO for the first time identified China as a challenge, even while holding regular military staff talks with Beijing since 2010. In December, the European Union also had its summit with China, in a process that started in 1998. The key issue for the EU is the huge negative trade imbalance of 400 billion, and Chinas support to Russia. Neither is likely to change much. So as before, no joint statement was issued. For China, the worry is that NATO communiques are now signed onto by Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. These NATO Plus countries will transition to a new Individually Tailored Partnership Programme (ITPP), for greater integration, but remain outside Article 5s collective defence.

NATO now declares the Indo-Pacific as having a direct relation to security. But important actors are wary. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) likes the EU as a strategic partner but recently held its first-ever military exercise, stressing ASEAN centrality, rather than choosing sides in a world of competition between great powers. Indias foreign minister distanced Delhi from an explicit recommendation by the US Senate India Caucus to get India to be part of NATO Plus. Delhi has worked with NATO on piracy, and both have a raft of common interests, like climate security and terrorism.

China is Indias second-largest trading partner, but no such consideration will limit Delhis actions to defend itself to the full in this part of the world. Meanwhile, it would be advisable to talk and engage with NATO, and understand its proposals to be a smart security enabler. All friends are welcome, as long as they stand their ground.

Tara Kartha is a distinguished fellow in IPCS. The views expressed are personal
Man Infraconstruction Limited (MICL), a listed developer, that had announced that it will redevelop a housing society in Pali Hill area in Mumbai, where actor Aamir Khan resides, said on March 14 that it is working on the development agreement and will be ready with the final plan soon. Man Infraconstruction Limited (MICL), that had announced that it will redevelop a housing society in Pali Hill area, where actor Aamir Khan resides, said on March 14 that it is working on the development agreement.

Manan P Shah, Managing Director told HT Digital that "We are working on the development agreement currently. We are on the verge of cracking the final plan. We are anticipating the launch by Diwali and the commencement of the construction process as well.

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In December 2023, the company had said that Man Infraconstruction Limited through, one of its associate entities wherein it holds a 34% stake, will undertake the redevelopment of the property belonging to Virgo Co-operative Housing Society Limited, located in the plush Pali Hill area of Bandra West.

Also Read: Mumbai real estate market: Heres why listed realtors are making a beeline for redevelopment projects

This landmark project has the potential to offer carpet area for sale of about 50,000 sq ft area and is expected to generate total revenue of about 500 crore, it had said.

The project is being developed by Atmosphere Realty, which has Manan Shah, Naveen Makhija and Manohar Chhabria of Wadhwa Group, and Abhay Chandak of Chandak Group as promoters.

All about the Pali Hill society where Aamir Khan lives

The society is spread across 3,300 sq m. It has two wings called Bella Vista and Marina.

Also Read: Celebrity Lifestyle Series: Inside the palatial homes of Bollywood and TV stars

Pali Hill is one of the premium addresses in Bandra West. Property rates in the area range from 1 lakh to 1.25 lakh per sq ft. Several leading developers have premium projects in this area such as Rustomjee Parishram, Prestige Daffodils and Ashar Groups Navroze.

Also Read: Aamir Khan buys property worth 35 cr, will now pursue entrepreneurial dreams
A video of a caretaker wearing a fox mask to feed milk to a rescued red fox cub was shared online. Richmond Wildlife Center shared the post and a descriptive caption explaining the reason behind the costume. The organisation wrote that this practice is followed to make sure that "the orphans that are raised in captivity do not become imprinted upon or habituated to humans" and can be released in the wild in future. The image shows a man wearing a fox mask feeding a rescued fox cub milk. (Facebook/@Richmond Wildlife Center)

The centre wrote in a Facebook post that they received information about an abandoned kitten being admitted to the vet. However, later, they realised that she was a neonatal fox kit.

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"Her umbilicus stump is still attached. She weighs just 80 grams, her teeth are not in, her eyes are sealed, and she is deaf at this age. She is barely 24 hours old," the organisation added while talking about the condition of the kit when she was rescued.

In an update, they added that the kit is progressing well. They also explained, "It's important to make sure that the orphans that are raised in captivity do not become imprinted upon or habituated to humans. To prevent that, we minimise human sounds, create visual barriers, reduce handling, reduce multiple transfers amongst different facilities, and wear masks for the species." The video shared shows an individual in a fox mask feeding milk to the cub.

Take a look at this video of the fox kit:

The staff at the centre take turns to wear the fox mask to attend to the kid, reported CNBC. They have also placed a stuffed toy near the cub to mimic the rescued fox's mother.

Since being shared, the post has gathered nearly 3,000 views. The video has also accumulated tons of likes.
A video of a man dissolving a Coca-Cola can using drain cleaner was shared on social media. Once dissolved, the man finds a thin and transparent plastic-like layer inside it. He posted the video on Instagram and wrote, "Another reason to avoid these drinks." The image shows a Coca-Cola can's 'plastic' layer after being put into a heavy-duty drain cleaner. (Instagram/@learnwithadithya)

Instagram user Adithya Nataraj shared the video. At first, he uses sandpaper to file down the outer layer of the can. Once done, he pours out most of the beverage and carefully dips a portion of the can into a glass filled with heavy-duty drain cleaner.

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Almost instantly, the can starts dissolving, and in about two minutes, the metal portion vanishes. It is then a thin plastic layer is revealed.

Towards the end of the video, Nataraj says, "Even though you are buying a metal can, you are still drinking from plastic. So imagine the total number of microplastics that get into your body every time you drink one of these".

In the comments section of the post, Nataraj added, "To those of you wondering about the science behind it: Soft drink cans are made from an aluminium alloy, and the drain cleaner here is a solution of NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide). These two react in an exothermic reaction, which produces a lot of heat (you can see the bubbles and fumes if you look closely). The drain cleaner (NaOH) only reacts and dissolves the aluminium and does not react with the plastic layer. This is also the reason NaOH is usually stored in plastic containers".

Why do aluminium cans have this transparent coating?

According to an article published in Medium, aluminium cans are lined with a protective cover, usually a polymer plastic lining. This layer creates a barrier between the Aluminium and the soda, preventing them from reacting. While the use of this liner in cans is common knowledge among manufacturers, it can often come as a surprise for end users.

Watch this video of the Coca-Cola can here:

The video was posted last month. Since then, it has accumulated more than 33.4 million views - and the numbers are only increasing. The share has also prompted people to post varied reactions. While some were horrified, a few tried explaining the reason behind the liner. Some also took the route of hilarity while commenting.

Also Read: Meet the influencer who forced Bournvita to cut sugar

What did Instagram users say about the video of the Coca-Cola can?

"Bro woke up and chose to go on a war with Coca-Cola," posted an Instagram user.

"This is so scary," added another.

"My guy acts like pretty much every other food or drink doesn't contain microplastic," joined a third.

"Very smart, man. Good job," wrote a fourth.
New Delhi, Mar 14 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held talks with his Bhutanese counterpart Dasho Tshering Tobgay on various aspects of "unique and special partnership" between the two neighbouring countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also thanked the Bhutan Prime Minister for inviting him to visit Bhutan next week.

"Glad to meet my friend and PM of Bhutan @tsheringtobgay on his first overseas visit this term. Had productive discussions encompassing various aspects of our unique and special partnership. I convey heartfelt thanks to His Majesty the King of Bhutan and @PMBhutan for inviting me to visit Bhutan next week" PM Modi wrote on his X handle after the discussions at his residence 7, Lok Kalyan Marg

The visiting Prime Minister arrived in the national capital earlier in the day on a five-day official visit to India at Modi's invitation.

This is the first overseas visit of the Bhutanese PM who assumed office in January.

The Bhutan PM is accompanied by the Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister, Energy and Natural Resources Minister, Industry, Commerce and Employment Minister, and senior officials from the Royal Government of Bhutan.

The External Affairs Minister and other Indian dignitaries will call on the Prime Minister of Bhutan.

Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay will also visit Mumbai.

Earlier, in a statement the Ministry of External Affairs said, "India and Bhutan enjoy exemplary ties of friendship and cooperation, based on trust, goodwill and mutual understanding at all levels".

"The visit of the Prime Minister of Bhutan will provide an opportunity to the two sides to review the progress in our unique partnership and to discuss ways and means to expand the enduring ties of friendship and cooperation between India and Bhutan" said the Ministry. UNI JA SSP
The Government of New Zealand has reached out to Ottawa to clarify that its position on the killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar has not changed, after doubts arose following an interview with its Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters appeared in an Indian outlet on Wednesday. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of New Zealand, Winston Peters, at Vice President House in New Delhi, Wednesday, March 13, 2024. (PTI)

The outlet Globe and Mail cited a response from the Foreign Ministry in Wellington in this context. It quoted a spokesperson as saying, New Zealands position on the allegations remains unchanged  if they are proven correct, then that would be of serious concern.

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However, the statement also added, The ministers point is that this is an ongoing criminal investigation. It needs to run its course before clear conclusions can be drawn.

The daily also cited an unnamed Canadian official as saying that Wellington had reached out to the Canadian Government and clarified that Peters comments were taken out of context and that the story doesnt reflect its position.

In an interview published in the Indian Express, Peters said, As a trained lawyer, I look okay, so wheres the case? Wheres the evidence? Wheres the finding right here, right now? Well, there isnt one.

However, he had also said the matter had been handled by the previous Government. You dont know whether there is going to be substantial material value or nothing. But the very, very critical information that matters. This was mainly handled by the previous government, he said.

That was considered significant because those views came from a leader of a Five Eyes nation, a bloc which also includes the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada.

The killing of Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist and the principal organiser for the secessionist Sikhs for Justice or SFJ in the province of British Columbia, threw bilateral relations between India and Canada into turmoil after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated in the House of Commons on September 18 that there were credible allegations of a potential link between Indian agents and the murder.

However, the outlet had reported last week that the Trudeau Government was unhappy over the lack of progress in the investigation into the killing in Surrey on June 18. A senior federal source said the Trudeau government is frustrated that no arrests have been made, it said.

India has maintained that while Canada has sought cooperation from New Delhi in the investigation, no specific or relevant information has been provided by Ottawa.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has appointed his longtime economic adviser to be the next prime minister in the face of U.S. pressure to reform the Palestinian Authority as part of Washington's postwar vision for Gaza. In a statement announcing the appointment, Abbas asked Mustafa to put together plans to re-unify adminstration in the West Bank and Gaza, lead reforms in the government, security services and economy and fight corruption. (X)

Mohammad Mustafa, a US-educated economist and political independent, will head a technocratic government in the Israeli-occupied West Bank that could potentially administer Gaza ahead of eventual statehood. But those plans face major obstacles, including strong opposition from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Israel-Hamas war that is still grinding on with no end in sight.

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Its unclear whether the appointment of a new Cabinet led by a close Abbas ally would be sufficient to meet U.S. demands for reform, as the 88-year-old president would remain in overall control.

The change that the United States of America and the countries of the region want is not necessarily the change that the Palestinian citizen wants, said Hani al-Masri, a Palestinian political analyst. People want a real change in politics, not a change in names ... They want elections.

He said Mustafa is a respected and educated man but will struggle to meet public demands to improve conditions in the occupied West Bank, where Israeli restrictions imposed since the start of the war have caused an economic crisis.

In a statement announcing the appointment, Abbas asked Mustafa to put together plans to re-unify adminstration in the West Bank and Gaza, lead reforms in the government, security services and economy and fight corruption.

Mustafa was born in the West Bank town of Tulkarem in 1954 and earned a doctorate in business administration and economics from George Washington University. He has held senior positions at the World Bank and previously served as deputy prime minister and economy minister. He is currently the chairman of the Palestine Investment Fund.

The previous prime minister, Mohammad Shtayyeh, resigned along with his government last month, saying different arrangements were needed because of the new reality in the Gaza Strip.

The Palestinian Authority was established in the 1990s through interim peace agreements and was envisioned as a stepping-stone to eventual statehood.

But the peace talks repeatedly collapsed, most recently with Netanayahus return to power in 2009. Hamas seized power in Gaza from forces loyal to Abbas in 2007, confining his limited authority to major population centers that account for around 40% of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Abbas is deeply unpopular among Palestinians, many of whom view the PA as little more than a subcontractor of the occupation because it cooperates with Israel on security matters. His mandate ended in 2009 but he has refused to hold elections, blaming Israeli restrictions. Hamas won a landslide victory in the last parliamentary elections, in 2006. Although it is considered a terrorist group by Israel and Western countries, Hamas would likely perform well in any free and fair vote.

Abbas, unlike his Hamas rivals, recognizes Israel, has renounced armed struggle and is committed to a negotiated solution that would create an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. That goal is shared by the international community.

Israel has long criticized the PA over payments it makes to the families of Palestinians who have been killed or imprisoned by Israel, including top militants who killed Israelis. The PA defends such payments as a form of social welfare for families harmed by the decades-old conflict.

The dispute has led Israel to suspend some of the taxes and customs duties it collects on behalf of the PA, contributing to years of budget shortfalls. The PA pays the salaries of tens of thousands of teachers, health workers and other civil servants.

The United States has called for a reformed PA to expand its writ to postwar Gaza ahead of the eventual creation of a Palestinian state in both territories. Netanyahu has ruled out any role for the PA in Gaza, and his government is opposed to Palestinian statehood.

Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem in the 1967 Mideast war. The Palestinians want all three territories to form their future state.

Israel annexed east Jerusalem in a move not recognized internationally and considers the entire city  including major holy sites sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims  to be its undivided capital. Israel has built scores of settlements across the West Bank, where over 500,000 Jewish settlers live in close proximity to some 3 million Palestinians.

Israel withdrew soldiers and settlers from Gaza in 2005, but along with Egypt imposed a blockade on the territory when Hamas seized power two years later.

Netanyahu has vowed to dismantle Hamas and maintain open-ended security control over Gaza in the wake of Hamas Oct. 7 attack, in which militants stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people and taking another 250 hostage. Israels subsequent invasion of Gaza has killed more than 31,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials.

The Palestinian Authority has said it will not return to Gaza on the back of an Israeli tank, and that it would only assume control of the territory as part of a comprehensive solution to the conflict that includes statehood.
INVESTORS IN CHINESE tech stocks might feel like characters in an online party game, a type of multiplayer activity that became all the rage in 2023. The latest addition to the genre is DreamStar, released on December 15th by Tencent, Chinas biggest digital giant, with a big gaming business. Players speed around a track as cartoon sheep and pandas, dodging cannon balls and grabbing magic clouds, sometimes plummeting through chasms only to end up back where they started.

Tencents share price jumped on hopes the game would challenge the wildly popular Eggy Party, a similar offering from NetEase, a rival developer. A week later it fell off a cliff, as did that of NetEase, after the National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA) published draft rules capping spending on online games. The next day the NPPA seemed to proffer one of those magic clouds, declaring that it desired prosperous and healthy development for the online gaming industry. Tencent and NetEase shares have returned almost to where they were at the start.

The incident hints that President Xi Jinping has little appetite for another harsh tech crackdown of the sort that torched about $1trn in shareholder value between early 2021 and late 2022; on January 2nd Reuters reported that an official behind the draft gaming rules had been fired. But it is also a reminder that the government dislikes Chinese big techs big presence in citizens everyday livesand that it would anyway prefer entrepreneurs and investors to focus on serious things like chipmaking, cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) for industry.

The signal from Beijing, cacophonous though it may be, is being heard. On January 1st Baidu, the countrys search giant, said it had scrapped a $3.6bn purchase of a local live-streaming platform called JOYY. Baidu said only that the conditions of the deal, originally signed in 2020, were not fulfilled. These may have included regulatory approvals for expansion, insiders reckon. Tencent and Alibaba, Chinas biggest e-emporium, have been divesting some assets. (On December 29th a court also ordered Alibaba to pay 1bn yuan, or $140m, in damages to JD.com, a rival e-merchant, which had accused the company of forbidding sellers to use other platforms.)

The travails of Chinas domestic digital darlings stand in stark contrast to a boom in state-favoured hard tech. Companies trying their luck in industries which the government deems to be critical to its strategic contest with America can count on helpful policies and generous subsidies. They are also flush with money. Over the past three years, even as capital for the consumer internet has all but dried up, hard-tech developers have collectively raised about 550bn yuan through initial public offerings.

No company embodies this trend more than Huawei. The maker of telecoms gear appeared doomed after America blacklisted it in 2019 out of fear that Chinese spooks could use its equipment to eavesdrop on Western mobile communications (an allegation that Huawei vociferously denies). American sanctions deprived it of components, including advanced semiconductors, needed for its handsets and data centres. In September Huawei shocked the world, including security hawks in Washington, by unveiling a 5G smartphone powered by sophisticated silicon manufactured by SMIC, Chinas biggest chipmaker. Huawei and SMIC are also shipping similarly advanced server chips for data centres, which could be used to train AI models. On December 29th Huawei said its revenues in 2023 hit nearly $100bn, 9% more than the year before. Mr Xi couldnt have hoped for a clearer signal as to where there is money to be made.

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 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
A UN investigation found there was "no exchange of fire" before an Israeli tank shelled journalists in Lebanon in October, killing one and wounding six, its report seen by AFP on Thursday showed. Lebanese army soldiers stand next to a destroyed car in the southern outskirts of Tyre, Lebanon. (AP)

The investigation by the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) concluded that the shelling of "clearly identifiable journalists" violated both international law and the UN Security Council resolution which ended the devastating 2006 war in Lebanon between Israel and Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

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Two Israeli shells hit the group in quick succession as they were working near the border village of Alma al-Shaab on October 13, killing Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah, 37, and wounding two other Reuters journalists, two from broadcaster Al Jazeera and two from AFP.

AFP photographer Christina Assi, 28, was seriously wounded and later had a leg amputated.

The report on the UNIFIL investigation, which has been handed to both Israeli and Lebanese authorities, concluded that the Israeli army "fired two 120 mm Merkava (tank) shells in quick succession".

UNIFIL's investigation found that as there was no exchange of fire at the time of the incident, "the reason for the strikes on the journalists is not known".

Asked about UNIFIL's findings, the Israeli army said that its forces were responding to missile and rocket fire from Hezbollah and "used artillery fire and tank fire in order to remove the threat and prevent any further attack."

It said a military body would continue to investigate the incident, adding that it "deplores any injury to uninvolved parties, and does not deliberately shoot at civilians, including journalists."

An AFP probe into the deadly attack, jointly conducted with Airwars, an NGO that investigates attacks on civilians in conflict situations, pointed to a 120-mm tank shell only used by the Israeli army.

A Reuters probe, including initial findings from the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), found that two Israeli shells were fired from the same position across the border.

In its final report released last week, TNO said analysis of audio picked up by an Al Jazeera video camera at the scene showed the reporters also "likely" came under fire from a machine gun mounted on the tank.

Human Rights Watch has said the strikes were "apparently deliberate attacks on civilians, which is a war crime".

Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters positioned along the border have traded near-daily fire since Hamas fighters carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, triggering the devastating war in Gaza.

Since the exchanges began, at least 322 people have been killed in Lebanon, mainly Hezbollah fighters but also including 56 civilians, according to an AFP tally.

In Israel, at least 10 soldiers and seven civilians have been killed, the military says.
The Biden administration imposed sanctions on two Israeli outposts and three settlers it accused of undermining stability in the occupied West Bank on Thursday, and appealed to Israel to do more to prevent settler violence that Washington says is an obstacle to Israeli-Palestinian peace. Displaced Palestinians walk amid the rubble of houses destroyed by Israeli bombardment in Hamad area, west of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. (AFP)

The State Department said the outposts known as Moshe's Farm and Zvi's Farm had been bases for violence against Palestinians.

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The administration in February imposed sanctions on four Israeli men it accused of being involved in settler violence in the West Bank, signalling growing U.S. displeasure with the policies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

While voicing growing frustration with the Palestinian civilian toll from Israel's war against Hamas, Washington has repeatedly asked Israel to hold violent settlers accountable and complained that its actions allowing settlement expansion diminish hopes for a two-state solution.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the United States would go on taking action against those engaging in what he called extremist violence and threatening peace and security in the West Bank.

"It is critical that Israel take additional action to stop settler violence and hold accountable those responsible for it, not just for the sake of the victims of this violence, but for Israel's own security and standing in the world," Miller said in a press briefing.

The sanctions typically freeze any U.S. assets of those targeted and generally bar Americans from dealing with them, but it was not immediately clear how they would affect the outposts.

Israeli banks said in February they were heeding the sanctions, despite Israeli government opposition, and the targeted settlers reported their bank accounts had been frozen.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who lives in a West Bank settlement, said on Thursday the sanctions were part of a "campaign designed to tarnish the entire State of Israel and lead to the dismantling of the settlement enterprise and the establishment of a Palestinian terrorist state."

Washington has also said it will issue visa bans against settlers it deems extremist.

The administration said last month that Israeli settlements in the West Bank were inconsistent with international law, signalling a return to a longstanding U.S. policy that had been reversed by the previous administration of Donald Trump.

Since the 1967 Middle East war, Israel has occupied the West Bank of the Jordan River, which Palestinians want as the core of a future independent state. Israel has built Jewish settlements, many of which began as unauthorized outposts.

Israel disputes this and cites historical and biblical ties to the land.

Thursday's sanctions targeted Moshe Sharvit, who has "harassed, threatened, and attacked" Palestinian civilians near the Moshe's Farm outpost, of which he is the founder and owner, the State Department said.

Also targeted were Zvi Bar Yosef, founder of Zvi's Farm, and Neriya Ben Pazi, who has expelled Palestinian shepherds from hundreds of acres of land, it said.

Reuters was unable immediately to reach the three for comment.
Citing India's bold move to ban TikTok in 2020, lawmakers in the United States on Wednesday approved a bill in support of legislation about the Chinese app. In a rare moment of unity, the House of Representatives passed by 352 to 65 votes the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, reported Reuters. The TikTok logo is displayed on a smartphone screen in Tokyo, Japan. (AP)

The bill has been co-authored by Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat, and Congressman Mike Gallaghe from the Republican party.

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It seeks to control the ownership of foreign apps like TikTok in the US. It gives TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance about six months to divest the US assets of the short-video app, or face a ban, according to Reuters.

In 2020, India banned 59 Chinese-created apps, including TikTok, emphasizing their priority to defend India's national security, a statement by the office of Congressman Greg Murphy said.

Lack of transparency from TikTok executives and their unwillingness to protect user privacy and information have also encouraged neighboring governments like the European Union and Canada to prohibit the use of the application on government devices, it added.

The bill now heads to the Senate from where it will be sent to the White House for the President to sign it into law.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jeane-Pierre, however, insisted that the bill does not ban apps like TikTok.

The National Security Advisor (Jake Sullivan)) was very clear yesterday. He said 'Do we want private data that Americans have to be here or in China? Do we want companies to be owned here or in China?' That was what he said. I want to be also very clear here: This bill would not ban apps like TikTok, period. What it would do is to ensure that ownership, as I just stated, of these apps wouldn't be in the hands of those who can exploit them or do us harm, Jeane-Pierre said.

According to the Associated Press, TikTok has more than 170 million users in America.

India TikTok ban

In 2020, the Narendra Modi government had banned 59 apps, mostly Chinese, including TikTok citing concerns that these are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order.

The ban was imposed days after Indian and Chinese troops had clashed in Galwan Valley.

At the time, TikTok had nearly 200 million users in India, according to Bloomberg.

Besides India, TikTok is banned in Canada, Pakistan, United Kingdom, Australia, and Norway among other countries.
The allure of the US as a career destination is undeniable for many driven professionals worldwide. With iconic centres of commerce and innovation like Wall Street and Silicon Valley, the US beckons as a land of opportunity. About three-quarters of H-1B visas go to people working in the technology industry, though the exact levels vary year by year.(File Image)

This is why thousands of aspiring professionals from various countries annually seek education at American business schools, Harvard Law and many of which are globally acclaimed.

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Post-graduation, a significant number of these international graduates vie for the prized H-1B visa. This visa category allows individuals with specialized skills, acquired through advanced education or professional experience, to work and reside in the US.

Initially valid for three years, the H-1B visa can be renewed for another three years, permitting holders to remain in the US for six years post-graduation, after which they may transition to another visa category.

ALSO READ| What is National Security Agreement? US Senate unveils deal providing major relief to H1B and H4 visa holders

Securing an H-1B visa necessitates employer sponsorship. Annually, industry giants like Amazon, Google, and IBM sponsor a multitude of H-1B visas, seeking to attract top global talent, predominantly in the tech sector.

Drawing on USCIS data, Hindustan Times has curated some companies, which offer H1B visas

1. Bytedance

Location : Beijing, China.

: Beijing, China. Notable Apps : TikTok, Douyin, Toutiao.

: TikTok, Douyin, Toutiao. H-1B Sponsorships : Sponsored 599 foreign nationals in 2023.

: Sponsored 599 foreign nationals in 2023. Job Opportunities: Operations, marketing, finance, sales.

Headquartered in Beijing, Bytedance is not only the creator of the global phenomenon TikTok but also the force behind Douyin and Toutiao. As the worlds top-valued startup, it embodies ByteStylesprinciples that champion an entrepreneurial spirit, celebrate diversity, and encourage practicality. In 2023, Bytedance expanded its global team by sponsoring 599 H-1B visas, offering roles in operations, marketing, finance, and sales.

2. TikTok

Founded : 2016.

: 2016. Popularity Surge : 2018, post musical.ly merger.

: 2018, post musical.ly merger. Leadership : CEO Shou Zi Chew, Harvard MBA.

: CEO Shou Zi Chew, Harvard MBA. H-1B Sponsorships : 477 in 2023.

: 477 in 2023. Vacancies: Operations, marketing, sales, finance.

TikToks explosive growth since its inception in 2016, especially post its merger with musical.ly in 2018, has kept it in the limelight. Under the leadership of CEO Shou Zi Chew, a Harvard MBA alumnus, the company maintains a strong workforce of over 8,000 globally, with headquarters in LA and Singapore. In 2023, TikTok sponsored 477 H-1B visas, signaling a wealth of opportunities in various corporate functions.

ALSO READ| H-1B Registration: A guide to file your application process with recent updates

3. X (formerly Twitter)

Ownership Change : Elon Musk, October 2022.

: Elon Musk, October 2022. Staff Reduction : 80% layoffs under Musk.

: 80% layoffs under Musk. H-1B Sponsorships: 72 approvals in 2023.

Elon Musk bought X back in October 2022, which sparked major changes in the company right from its inception. Although X has had its employment filled dramatically, it still remains the H-1B sponsor to recognize, and its H-1B approvals for 2023 were 72 times. The business is currently concentrating on software development and machine learning positions, and the website strategy, site operation experts, and accounting management team are being recruited.

4. Reddit

Established : 2005.

: 2005. Platform : Forum-based social networking, news aggregator.

: Forum-based social networking, news aggregator. Location : South San Francisco.

: South San Francisco. Hiring Departments : Finance, accounting, sales, people and culture.

: Finance, accounting, sales, people and culture. H-1B Sponsorships: 62 approvals in 2023.

Reddit has become a taken-for-granted social network and news aggregator since 2005, when it was launched and is one of the premier forum-based platforms in the market. Based in south San Francisco, the company draws inspiration from its motto, WWSD, which further defines its objective: to develop a solution that promises value for the customers while being fun and engaging! By sponsoring 62 H-1B visas in 2023, the online platform can reach across various specialties such as finance, sales and culture as well as remote roles.

ALSO READ| Immigration summit: US lawmakers call for resolving H-1B issues

5. Chime

Industry : Fintech.

: Fintech. Branding : Green and white credit/debit cards

: Green and white credit/debit cards H-1B Sponsorships : 65 visa holders in 2023.

: 65 visa holders in 2023. Roles: Engineering, product management, business operations, data analysis, risk analysis.

Chime, which is a brand known for its distinctive green and white color scheme (in the fintech industry), is the company of choice for us. Firmly maintaining our inertia in financial safety, the company places customer-centric operations in the member obsessed framework. Chimes hiring priorities in 2023 were centered in engineering, but they were also open to product managers, business operations specialists, data analysts, and risk analysts, despite the fact that the company filed 65 H-1B visas.
Amid the surge in anti-Hindu incidents in the United States, an Indian-American Democrat Congressman has pledged to fight against Hinduphobia, asserting that there should be no place for hatred in America. Democratic US Rep Shri Thanedar vows to fight against Hinduphobia in America.

Shri Thanedar and representatives from various India-American groups attended a HinduAction-organised meeting at the US Capitol on Wednesday, PTI reported.

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Citing various hate crimes against the Hindu community, Thanedar said: "We see California SB403 (the bill banning caste discrimination) and that's just the beginning. The attacks on our temples and attacks on Hindus all over the world."

"We need to fight this phobia, bigotry, and hatred. There should be no place for hatred in America, no place for hatred against people's religious rights," he added.

In the past few months, multiple incidences of violent attacks on Indian students have been reported in the United States. Several Indian origin students, including Vivek Saini, Akul Dhawan, and Neel Acharya, found dead under mysterious circumstances.

Also Read: This US state is first to pass resolution condemning Hinduphobia

Indian-Americans share personal experience of facing hate, call out Khalistan movement

Suhag Shukla, a member of the Hindu American Foundation, emphasised the presence of anti-Hindu bias, citing recent increase in hate crimes on college campuses.

Expressing concern over Khalistan movement, Shukla said: "The perpetrators that have been caught on video with all the temple attacks that I've mentioned, all the street attacks that I've mentioned, the statements that were made during the commission of the attacks, the nature and content of the graffiti all point to the Khalistan movement."

Khalistan movement is a separatist movement seeking an independent Sikh state carved out of India.

Shukla further mentioned that when people from Sikh community call out the Khalistan movement, they get "physically attacked".

Referring to SB403, she stated there is institutionalised prejudice in the US.

Also Read: US state of Georgia officially declares October as 'Hindu Heritage Month'

Silicon Valley-based entrepreneur Sunder Iyer, who is also the victim of targeted hate, shared his experience and urged the Congress members to allocate a budget to probe the California Civil Rights Department, stating that an agency that "does not represent the truth harms all Americans".

"Several of my colleagues at Cisco and many other companies across California will be willing to give testimony. They must not live their lives in fear and their voices must not be suppressed, he said.

Tejal Shah from the Hindu Temple Empowerment Council noted that the perpetrators of multiple crimes have yet to be identified.

She recalled instances where police refused to file a report and also highlighted attacks on many Hindu temples.

In a joint announcement, HinduAction and Namaste-Shalom Multifaith Alliance requested Congress to address anti-Hindu hatred with a resolution.
As Haiti is in the grip of an acute political and societal crisis, X owner Elon Musk and conservative influencers have been accused of using unverified reports of cannibalism to achieve a political agenda on immigration. Elon Musk has tweeted multiple times about purported Haitian cannibalism after the country plunged into a state of emergency.(AFP)

In its latest report, NBC News said that Haitian migrants are being portrayed as cannibals since they face tremendous uncertainties about their country's future.

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The report states that the cannibal claims made by the premium X subscribers are garnering millions of views, helping them to generate revenue through advertising sales. It also alleges that X has become a platform of "false and misleading" information since Musk acquired its ownership and reduced content management.

Responding to the NBC report, Matt Walsh, a far-right pundit, wrote on X: NBC publishes an article accusing me, Elon, and other conservative influencers of spreading unverified claims of Haitian cannibalism.

Musk promptly reacted to the tweet, saying: "I just saw a video of someone in Haiti chewing the (uncooked fwiw)  off a dead guy."

Also Read: Elon Musk slams Biden's immigration policy as mother recalls family's 12-yr US citizenship struggle

Musk did not stop there as he went on to lambast NBC News for accusing him of right-wing politics.

If wanting to screen immigrants for potential homicidal tendencies and cannibalism makes me right wing, then I would gladly accept such a label! Musk wrote.

Failure to do so would put innocent Americans at mortal risk. Shame on NBC. Shame, shame, shame, he added.

When one X user Sahley St. Clair asked Musk to "pay for a one way ticket to Haiti for the journalist who wrote the article if they think theres no problem."

Musk replied, "100 percent" with a laughing emoji.

Truth behind Haitian cannibalism and Musk's stance

Musk has tweeted multiple times about purported Haitian cannibalism after the country plunged into a state of emergency.

Several videos that were posted on social media display a "cannibal" gang member eating body parts from a burning corpse.

"We have seen images of gang leaders eating people they have killed. We have seen images of people being tortured when they are kidnapped," an anonymous journalist, reporting from Haiti, told The Daily Express.

In response to an X user who was talking about gang cannibalism on the social media platform, Musk said: "Civilization is fragile."

Also Read: US military airlifts embassy personnel after Haiti descends into chaos

The X CEO also reposted a video from Matt Walsh about "cannibal hordes" of Haitians potentially flocking to the United States, which has received over 10 million views.

The experts believe that these videos are most likely part of propaganda campaigns intended to intimidate rivals and terrorise local Haitians.

According to Times Now, social media agencies have confirmed that the video of cannibal gang eating body parts is two years old and it has no connection to the present upheaval. Meanwhile, one X user said in a tweet that the video is from the battle between the Gran Grif and Ti Mepri gangs in the Artibonite Valley.
Utah parents were arrested for allegedly raping their teenage daughter for more than a year, claiming that it was an attempt to teach her about intercourse as it was safer than for her to engage in sex with strangers. The 15-year-old's stepfather and mother were arrested on Thursday in Provo, Utah.(Provo Police)

The 15-year-old's stepfather and mother were arrested on Thursday in Provo, Utah, and charged with forcible adultery, object rape, and forceful sexual assault, according to online prison records obtained by KSL. The man faces an extra rape charge.

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Also Read: Chilling video reveals moment Utah officers rescue two girls from site of doomsday cult led by their paedophile dads

Here's what led police to rescue the Utah rape victim

According to a police booking affidavit, the victim called cops on Thursday and claimed that her father had been raping her for more than a year.

When interrogated by investigators, the couple, both in their mid 30s, admitted to having sexual relations with their daughter.

Both the accused may face additional charges if formal counts are filed by the Utah County Attorney's Office, police said.

Also Read: Utah mom Ruby Franke sentenced up to 60 years in prison for child abuse, breaks down in tears

Utah couple defend themselves with absurd claim

The couple claimed that they discovered approximately a year ago that their daughter was conversing with strangers online and wanted to meet them for sexual purposes.

The parents, according to affidavit, also learned that the teenager had texted and shared images of herself "in sexual situations" with strangers on Snapchat, according to the affidavit.

The pair allegedly "decided that teaching the victim about sex, and engaging in sexual acts with the victim would be safer for her than having sex with strangers."

According to ABC 4, the mother of five also claimed to authorities that the girl even witnessed them having sex.

The girl reportedly asked her mother about a broken condom, and when the mother reached out to her husband, he rejected having "full intercourse with the victim," the affidavit stated.

However, the father allegedly admitted to the authorities that he had sex with the daughter.

When medical teams reached at their home, the victim told the authorities that her mother was aware about the abuse.

They both have been shifted to the Utah County Jail and a bail has been denied to them as they pose a "substantial risk" to their kids, according to ABC 4.
Ayodhya (UP), Mar 14 (UNI) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the opposition and said that Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress lack respect for faith and are incapable of ensuring livelihoods.

Addressing a huge public meeting organised here, the Chief Minister said, "They cannot provide food to the impoverished, nor can they arrange housing, medicine, or education. They fail to ensure the safety of our daughters and businessmen. In such circumstances, we should not endure these 'liabilities' any longer; they should be removed and thrown out of the country."

The Chief Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 411 development projects worth Rs 1,090 crore on the occasion. He also participated in the closing ceremony of the Virat Kisan Mela and Agricultural Exhibition. He also and distributed certificates and selection letters to beneficiaries of various government schemes.

In his address, Yogi highlighted that from January 22 to March 10, over one crore devotees had the opportunity to have 'darshan' of Lord Shri Ram Lalla. "It is by the grace of God that the darshan and worship are progressing smoothly, peacefully, and securely," he said.

He also lauded the people of Ayodhya for setting an exceptional example of hospitality during this period.

Highlighting Ayodhya's newfound global resonance, the Chief Minister said, "Today, the name of Ayodhya echoes across the world. Some people said that not even a bird can fly into Ayodhya but now over one crore devotees have visited the magnificent and divine temple of Shri Ram Lalla."

He said that Ayodhya is swiftly evolving into the most beautiful city globally. "Would airports, four-lane, six-lane roads have been constructed? Would a safe environment have been fostered in the state under an SP or Congress government?" he said.

Yogi said, "Ayodhya is moving on a new path of development with works worth more than Rs 32,000 crores being carried out. New flight services are starting here, and new hotels and restaurants are opening."

He commended Ayodhya MP Lallu Singh and urged the citizens to support him at the forthcoming polls. Highlighting the unprecedented development in Ayodhya, he talked about setting up multi-level parking facilities alongside the Ram Path, Bhakti Path, and Dharma Path.

He emphasised the transformation of Ayodhya, the capital of the 'Suryavansh,' into a solar city, with the installation of 40 MW solar panels underway.

UNI AB BD
Venkataramana Pittala, a 27-year-old Telangana student has lost his life in an accident which occurred when he was riding a jet ski in Florida, the United States of America. Venkataramana Pittala lost his life in a jet ski accident in Florida(Pixbay)

Who was Venkataramana Pittala?

The 27-year-old was in a pursuit of a master's degree in health informatics at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI).

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The incident happened on March 9 at the Fury Plays Park, which is just towards Wisteria Island; it was Venkataramana, who had smashed between jet skis. The 17-year-old boy who was operating the other watercraft was lucky as he avoided sustaining injuries.

As Venkata's American academic journey was winding up, he was planning to graduate with the Master's degree in May 2024. He had pursued a Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy from NTR Health University in Andhra Pradesh.

ALSO READ| List of Indian students found dead in US under mysterious circumstances recently

It is not easy to overemphasize the devastating grief of Venkataramaana's family and his friends in Telangana and in the US, who have been left bewildered and in shock after the sudden death of Venkataramaana. Being in the homeland of Kazipet, his loved ones shed their tears for a beloved son, and a fellow friend as they watched him being put to rest.

In the US, Venkataramana's friends stood up for his family days after Malini passed away, as a positive gesture acknowledging the pain and grief caused by the death. As this is a case of an accidental death in a foreign country, the distressed family members have commenced an effort to raise through a GoFundMe page to cater for the costs for the transport of the body as well as other related expenses.

The public reaction to our fundraising has been incredible with the donations already raised reaching $56,635, a huge contribution to the amount of money weve set to achieve.

MEA has yet to respond

The Ministry of External Affairs still has not disclosed any cleary defined concrete steps concerning the reptition of Venkataramana's remains.

8th death so far among Indian students studying in the US. Although Venkataramana did not face any direct attacks.

ALSO READ| Who was Shreyas Reddy? Third Indian student found dead in US in a week

The incident has brought into focus the vulnerable security situation Indian students face in the US. In recent times, several cases of violent attacks against Indian students have been reported in the country. Several Indian-origin students have died under mysterious circumstances there. From Vivek Saini, Neel Acharya's mysterious death, to Syed Mazahir Ali's harrowing murder.
Days after clarifying that he has no intention of funding the campaigns of any of the presidential candidates, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk confessed to "leaning away" from incumbent President Joe Biden. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk confessed to "leaning away" from incumbent President Joe Biden.(REUTERS)

Musk made the comments during an yet-to-be-aired first episode of "The Don Lemon Show," when the former CNN presenter quizzed the billionaire about his recent encounter with Republican presidential contender Trump.

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The X owner informed Lemon that his meeting with the 45th president occurred while he was enjoying "breakfast at a friend's place and Donald Trump came by and he did most of the talking.

On being asked if Trump sought cash infusion during the meeting, Musk said no, adding that he will not donate money to Trump's campaign or pay his legal bills.

Lemon then interrogated, Are you leaning towards anyone?

No, Musk said before the host asked, Youre not leaning toward anyone? Because youve been very...."

Im leaning away from Biden," the X owner replied with a laugh.

Also Read: Did Elon Musk interfere in 2022 US midterm election? X owner admits I made the algorithm open

Last week, Trump and Musk met in Palm Beach, Florida. According to the New York Times, the two had a lengthy discussion about electric cars and rockets.

Trump, while appearing in the CNBC's Squawk Box on Monday, admitted to have a meeting with Musk but added that he didn't know whether the world's second-richest man would endorse him.

Stressing that he personally likes Musk, the ex-president said they both are "not on the same page" when it comes to "a minor subject called electric cars."

Earlier, the Tesla CEO declared that he chose Biden over Trump in the 2020 elections.

Also Read: Elon Musk's financial advice' to Joe Biden: Invest in infrastructure, not'

Elon Musk abruptly cancels The Don Lemon Show

Elon Musk unexpectedly cancelled "The Don Lemon Show" hours after sitting down for an interview with the the former CNN host, which was meant to be his first episode on the platform.

Lemon had recorded the conversation with Musk on Friday.

"Elon Musk has canceled the partnership I had with X," Lemon wrote in a statement on X on Wednesday.

There were no restrictions on the interview that he willingly agreed to, and my questions were respectful and wide ranging, covering everything from SpaceX to the presidential election. We had a good conversation. Clearly, he felt differently.

Musk responded to Lemon's statement after completing his Tesla plant tour in Germany. "His approach was basically just 'CNN, but on social media,' which doesn't work, as evidenced by the fact that CNN is dying," he tweeted.

Later, Lemon made his first appearance on CNN since his resignation last year and told anchor Erin Burnett that his interview with Musk was "tense at times" and dubbed X owner's remarks about free speech "just talking points."

He announced that he will be airing the Musk interview on YouTube and via podcast on Monday.

During midterm elections in 2022, Musk urged Americans to elect a Republican Congress in order to balance Biden's Democrats.

He also claimed that Biden encourages migrants to enter the US in a bid to gain votes for Democrats.
Amidst the swirling controversy surrounding Kate Middleton's recent Photoshop scandal, Kensington Palace's mysterious response has only fueled the fire of speculation. As questions continue to mount regarding the authenticity of the Duchess's photo, many are left pondering: what exactly are the Royals hiding? Edited image of Kate Middleton with her kids - Prince Louis (left), Princess Charlotte (right) and Prince George (centre) released by the palace.

Despite the photo faux pas amplifying speculations, insinuations, and even conspiracy theories regarding Kate's sudden absence, the Royal Family has chosen to maintain a stoic silence. In the midst of this turmoil, Prince William, undeterred, carries on with his duties, leading what appears to be a semblance of normalcy in the royal sphere.

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The American media is having a field day amidst this royal mess. Prince Williams and Kate Middleton's personal life has become a laughing stock for late night show hosts, even Washington Post joined in the Katespiracy circus with its latest cartoon indicating William is trying to fool the world with a fake mannequin of the duchess.

However, Royals and Kensington Palace have refused to capitulate by either issuing a statement or releasing the original image. In a statement to PA Images, the palace affirmed their decision not to distribute the original unedited photograph of Kate and her children. Consequently, the edited version remains the only publicly available image, still showcased on William and Kates social media platforms.

Renowned royal biographer Robert Jobson weighed in on the controversy, highlighting the complexities surrounding the potential release of the original photo. according to the author, its not as simple as going public with the unaltered image of the Princess of Wales and her children.

Absolutely, they should release the original image, the Our King author said. But is there an original image or is it lots of different images?

The editing technique employed in the photo raised concerns, with a Photoshop expert suggesting the use of blending to combine multiple snapshots. Jobson criticized the oversight, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in imagery released by the royal family.

Describing the incident as a "genuine mistake" made by Kate, Jobson acknowledged the challenges of amateur photography in achieving the desired outcome while maintaining authenticity.

I think she [Kate] was trying to do her best to get all the kids in the picture looking smiley and make sure its the best picture possible. But if youre an amateur at this, he explained, You can, in trying to make it look the best, forget the most fundamental thing that matterswhich is authenticity.

Despite the photo mishap, Jobson suggested that forgiveness would likely be extended to Kate, while expressing doubt regarding the palace's communications department's handling of the situation.
YouTube has blocked access to a 45-minute report that appeared in Canadas Government-funded broadcaster CBC on Friday and focused on the killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18 last year. A banner with the image of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar is seen at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara temple, site of his June 2023 killing, in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada September 20, 2023. (REUTERS)

The report was aired on the programme, The Fifth Estate, and also included a lengthy interview with the separatist group Sikhs for Justice or SFJs general counsel Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

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CBC reported on Wednesday that it had been informed by YouTube that it had received an order from Indias Ministry of Electronics and Information technology to block access to the video of the story from its website and the content was subsequently blocked from view in India. However, it remains accessible elsewhere in the world.

CBC also reported that the Indian Government had asked X, formerly Twitter, to also block access to the content on the social media platform. Indian law obligates X to withhold access to this content in India; however, the content remains available elsewhere, X informed CBC, adding,

We disagree with this action and maintain that freedom of expression should extend to these posts. Following the Indian legal process, we are in current communication with the Indian authorities.

Also Read: Is airing of Nijjars killing footage aimed to polarise Punjab voter?

In the programme, CBC had stated it had contacted Indias High Commission in Ottawa to participate but had not received a response. While Indias High Commissioner to Ottawa Sanjay Kumar Verma has appeared on multiple Canadian networks and been interviewed by several outlets, CBC was not among them.

A spokesperson for CBC said that as is the case with all stories on The Fifth Estate, Contract To Kill was thoroughly researched, vetted by senior editorial leaders and meets our journalistic standards.

Some members of the Indo-Canadian community were also critical of the programme. Among them was Maninder Singh Gill, MD of the Surrey-based Radio India. In a letter to CBC president Catherine Tait on March 10, he described it as biased and propaganda.

Terming the Khalistan movement as a legacy of the 1947 Partition of the subcontinent has exposed the CBCs superficial understanding of the Indian subcontinents history, he added in the letter.
Two-hundred-and-eighty-six students and staff were kidnapped from a school in northern Nigeria last week by gunmen who have demanded a total of 1 billion nairas ($620,432) for their release, according to a spokesman and local councilor for the families.

School children, among older students and members of the school staff, were abducted on March 7 in the town of Kuriga, in Nigera's northwestern Kaduna State, in the first mass kidnapping in the country since 2021, reported Reuters.

Jubril Aminu, a community leader who acts as a spokesman for the families of the hostages, said he had received a call Tuesday from the kidnappers.

"They made a total of a 1 billion (naira) ransom demand for all the pupils, students and staff of the school," Aminu said.

"They gave an ultimatum to pay the ransom within 20 days, effective from the date of the kidnap. They said they will kill all the students and the staff if the ransom demand is not met."

An elected official from the Kuriga Ward municipal council, Idris Ibrahim, confirmed the ransom demand and the amount.

"Yes, the kidnappers called the community through Jubril Aminu's number and made the demand," he said.

"They called from a hidden number but the authorities are working on getting the number," Ibrahim told Reuters.

He added that the security forces were taking "adequate measures" to secure the release of the students.

Mohammed Idris, the country's information minister, revealed Tinubu's stance on the kidnappings in Kuriga was that security forces should secure the hostages' release without any payment to the kidnappers.

"The president has directed that security agencies must as a matter of urgency ensure that these children and all those who have been kidnapped are brought back to safety and also in the process ensure that not a dime is paid for ransom."

Legislation imposing jail time for anyone found paying a ransom to free a hostage went into effect under Tinubu's predecessor, as kidnappings have become a frequent norm in Nigeria.

The ransom demand amounts to more than $2,000 per hostage or more than the annual per capita income in Nigeria, according to International Monetary Data.

@ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A US appeals court has ruled Meta cannot stop the US Federal Trade Commission from reopening an investigation into its Facebook unit's privacy practices for now, despite Meta's argument that it has already paid a $5 billion fine and agreed to a range of safeguards.

The FTC has accused Meta of misleading parents about protections for their children and wants to tighten an existing 2020 Facebook privacy settlement to ban profiting from minors' data and expand restrictions on facial recognition technology.

The decision, from the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit, was a major blow for Meta, which had initially asked the court to freeze the FTC case as it pursues separate lawsuits challenging the FTC's probe on constitutional grounds, reported Reuters.

The appeals court said the FTC's stated privacy concerns "implicate important public interests" and that Meta would have an opportunity to contest any final action by the agency.

In a statement of their own, Meta said the court's order "does not address the substance of the FTC's allegations, which are without merit."

Meta also counters that the FTC cannot "unilaterally rewrite" the prior settlement terms, which a US judge approved in 2020.

Additionally, the company claimed that the proposed changes under the FTC would "curtail Meta's development of new products, superintend Meta's corporate governance, and impair Meta's ability to serve its users and advertisers."

Meta, among other social media companies, are individually fighting hundreds of US lawsuits accusing them of addicting children to their platforms.

While Meta has denied these allegations, the FTC is suing the company for monopolizing the personal social network market.

Elsewhere in the world of social media, a bill was passed in the House on Wednesday that concerns a ban on the popular video app TikTok in the United States over concerns the company's ownership structure is a threat to national security.

The legislation mandates ByteDance, the Chinese owner of TikTok, to divest the popular short video platform to an American entity, or else risk being banned in the US, where it currently has 170 million active users.

China's Foreign Ministry has said the TikTok ban is "an act of bullying" that would ultimately backfire on the US.

US officials and lawmakers have continuously voiced concerns about TikTok and the idea that the Chinese government could compel its parent company, ByteDance, to hand over data collected from US users, or even be used as a propaganda tool for Beijing to spread misinformation or influence the American public.

The bill having passed the House is only the first step as the Senate now needs to pass the measure as well. Assuming the bill passes the Senate, it will reahc the desk of President Bidne to be signed into law, which he has repeatedly said he will do.

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A trial date has been postponed for former Las Vegas-area elected official Robert Telles. Telles stands accused of killing an investigative reporter he believed to be critical of him in his articles.

A new date wasn't immediately set following the update from a Nevada judge. Telles, 47, remains in prison without bail and has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. Should he be convicted, he faces life in prison.

Prosecutors in court Tuesday argued that more time is needed to review key evidence from cellphone and computer records before trying Telles in the September 2022 stabbing death of Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Jeff German.

German, 69, dedicated more than 40 years as an investigative reporter in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas police charged Telles in September for the crime after DNA evidence found underneath the victim's fingernails was discovered.

Police efforts were stalled for months by arguments that had reached the state Supreme Court, questioning whether access to German's cellphone and computer files would violate a confidential information clause protected from disclosure under state and federal law, said The Associated Press.

Review-Journal representatives are now tasked with inspecting the records.

He had been found stabbed to death outside his home months after the critical articles he had published in 2022. Telles was consistently the subject of German's pieces, detailing the ex-official's misdeeds and turmoil in office.

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Switzerland aims to include Russia in peace talks on Ukraine FM

Bern, Mar 14 (UNI) The aim of the Swiss peace initiative on the Ukraine conflict is to include Russia in the negotiation process, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis has said.



"The goal of this initiative is to get Russia involved. The idea is that this peace conference will open up a process and a path, and Russia will definitely have to join that path. I already said in Davos in January that there would be no peace without the Russians. My position has not changed," Cassis said in an interview with the SRF broadcaster.
(Photo : Adrian Bennett/Facebook)

Adrian Bennett, 50, of Marietta, Georgia, reportedly fell to his death during a late February getaway to Panama, loved ones said,

The family of a Georgia man who mysteriously died while he vacationed in Central America said they still haven't been able to retrieve his remains despite his death nearly three weeks ago.

Adrian Bennett, 50, of Marietta, Georgia, reportedly fell to his death during a late February getaway to Panama, loved ones said, according to WAGA-TV.

Bennett was slated to fly home to Georgia on Feb. 23. Instead, loved ones received a call that the former FedEx worker wouldn't be making the trip back.

"According to what they [officials] say, he fell from a balcony, which was about 12-feet high, and supposedly hit his head and succumbed to that," Carlos Scott, Bennett's best friend, told the station.

It's unclear who initially retrieved his body or called 911 to report his death before he was transferred to the morgue.

"It's been a long process, and it's like we're at a standstill, and we're not getting any answers," Paula Redman, one of several of the victim's relatives, who expressed frustration over retrieving his body.

Redman said Panama officials requested proof of family members' relationships to Adrian before they'd agree to surrender his remains, but they wouldn't accept copies of documents, creating a roadblock in their efforts.

"We're running into walls everywhere we turn," Bennett's cousin Deedra Watts said. "We were told if he's not back in 30 days, that Panama can do pretty much what they want to with his remains."

Meantime, Scott is hoping his efforts to get Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff involved will be just the push they need to help bring Bennett's body back to the U.S.

"It's just [that] a lot of people want to see him get home, so we can have a proper homegoing service for him," he said.

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An Oklahoma high school student's death the day after a fight in a school restroom has been determined to be a suicide, according to the state medical examiner's office.

An autopsy report summarizing the findings was made public over a month following the passing of 16-year-old Nex Benedict, a student at Owasso High School.

Oklahoma ME Rules Nex Benedict's Death Suicide

According to family members, Nex Benedict was a victim of bullying at school. His passing in February raised alarm among LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, and garnered responses from Oklahoma's governor and the White House.

During a 911 call on February 8, Sue Benedict, the teenager's grandmother and legal guardian, expressed worry about a head injury. The teenager remained conscious and alert when reporting the incident to the police, which occurred after the teen squirted three girls with water during a fight the day before, as shown in police video released last month.

According to the report, Nex Benedict had elevated levels of two substances in their system, leading to his death from an overdose. The medical examiner's office will release a full autopsy report in 10 days as required by state law.

The Boatman did not confirm if the police discovered a note from Nex Benedict at the location. An attorney representing the Benedict family, Jacob Biby, informed The Associated Press that he was in the process of preparing a statement from the family on Wednesday but chose not to provide additional comments.

In video footage from the hospital the day of the incident, Nex Benedict describes to an officer that the girls had been teasing them and their friends due to their clothing choices. Nex Benedict stated that students in the bathroom made comments about their laughter, questioning why they laughed in that manner.

Last month, authorities stated that a preliminary autopsy report indicated Benedict did not die from trauma related to the fight, while the school district and community came under intense scrutiny for their handling of the case.

Read Also: New York: BMW Driver Abandons Passenger, Flees Scene After Fatal Hit-and-Run in Staten Island

Nex Benedict Bullying Incident

Protests erupted over the bullying of Benedict, leading to an investigation by the US Education Department into Owasso Public School following complaints by the Human Rights Campaign. The organization alleged that district officials did not handle the sex-based harassment properly, which may have played a role in the tragic death of Nex Benedict.

Benedict was fully aware and provided details to the authorities about the incident following the fight. As per a police video released last month, the teenager mentioned that they squirted water at the three girls before the trio began beating them.

Benedict informed an officer that the girls had been teasing them and their friends due to their clothing choices. Benedict also stated that the girls made comments about their laughter.

"I went up there and poured water on them, and then all three of them came at me," Benedict explained from their hospital bed. The following day, Benedict's mother contacted authorities for assistance when her child was experiencing shallow breathing, eyes rolled back, and curled hands, as per the released audio.

The complete autopsy findings will be made public in 10 days, as required by state regulations.

If you are facing suicidal thoughts, reach out to the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.

Related Article: Oklahoma Students Stage Walkout Following Trans Classmate's Death, Demand Action Against Bullying

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On Wednesday, the United Nations and other humanitarian allies called on the international community for more donations for Rohingya refugees living in camps in Bangladesh.

The UN requested $852.4 million for food and other relief for the Muslim Rohingya refugees and their host communities in its annual response plan to the crisis.

UN Seeks Additional Support for Rohingya Refugees

Bangladesh has welcomed more than a million members of the predominantly stateless minority, many of whom escaped a military crackdown in 2017 in Myanmar, where conflict continues to escalate.

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said in a statement on Wednesday that about 95% of the Rohingya population in Bangladesh is still in need of humanitarian assistance. It said that international solidarity with Bangladesh and refugee protection is needed more than ever as the conflict in Myanmar escalates.

The UN made similar appeals last year when it requested $876 million from countries to help the Rohingya, but only $440 million was granted. Despite the humanitarian crisis being largely out of the international spotlight, the UNHCR has warned that significant funding shortfalls in recent years have had "serious implications."

The agency stressed that "sustained assistance is critically and urgently needed" as many refugees struggle to meet necessities. Furthermore, it stated that 75% of the refugees receiving aid are women and children and that they are particularly vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, and gender-based violence.

"More than half of the refugees in the camps are under 18, languishing amidst limited opportunities for education, skills-building, and livelihoods," the UNHCR said.

According to the organization, the donations will cover the costs of shelter, food, medical treatment, access to drinking water, protective services, education, and other relief. Many Rohingya have attempted dangerous, often deadly, boat trips to Malaysia and Indonesia to flee the conditions in the camps.

Meanwhile, there is little progress towards restoring the refugees to Myanmar, which is under investigation by the UN for genocide over the 2017 crackdown.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Ky lost her democratically elected administration in Myanmar in 2021 after the military took control of the country. UN rights chief Volker Turk told UNHCR this month that the human rights situation in Myanmar has morphed into a never-ending nightmare away from the spotlight of global politics.

Read Also: Director Roman Polanski's Civil Trial on 1973 Rape Case Set for August 2025

Traffickers Hold Fleeing Rohingya to Ransom

The traffickers who used boats to transport hundreds of Rohingya away from refugee camps in Bangladesh thrust phones into their hands and demanded money from their relatives.

The relatives of 28-year-old Rehana Begum finally decided to proceed with the journey after they had paid the traffickers over $2,000. However, she passed away from dehydration a few days later while still aboard the boat.

A rising network of human traffickers offers boat excursions that frequently include assault, torture, and death. They provide a way out of the worsening circumstances in Bangladesh's camps, where hundreds of thousands of Rohingya were forced to flee after being expelled from Myanmar.

Rohingya trafficking victims and their families have told The Guardian that they are detained at sea or in jungles until their families pay thousands of dollars.

The traffickers can demand ransoms of up to $3,000 once refugees leave Bangladesh for Southeast Asia, where they think they will have more freedom to live and work than in the camps.

Related Article: Underage Rohingya Girls Experience Abuse in Arranged Marriages in Malaysia





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European Union countries have agreed to provide $5.48 billion for military aid to Ukraine as part of a revamp of an EU-run assistance fund.

The EU's member countries have been engaged in months of wrangling over a fund called the European Peace Facility, with France and Germany at the center of most discussions.

EU to Provide $5 Billion Ukraine Military Aid

Ambassadors from the EU's 27 member countries agreed to overhaul the European Peace Facility (EPF) fund at a meeting in Brussels on Wednesday.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell posted on X, formerly Twitter, that they will support Ukraine with whatever it takes to prevail. The fund reimburses EU members for sending munitions to other countries, operating as a massive cash-back scheme.

France, a strong promoter of European defense industries, had insisted on a strict "buy European" policy for weapons eligible for refunds. Other countries argued that such a condition would inhibit international purchases to get weapons to Ukraine quickly.

Germany, the largest bilateral provider of military aid to Ukraine in Europe, had insisted that donations be considered in determining the amount of countries' financial contributions to the fund.

According to the diplomats, a compromise was eventually reached, which allowed flexibility in the "buy European" regulations and took partial bilateral aid value into account when determining members' financial contributions.

Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba said this is another powerful and timely demonstration of European unity and determination to achieve their common victory. Kuleba added that they look forward to the final decision being approved at the next EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting.

The final text claimed that the European military sector should be prioritized while allowing for flexibility in cases where it cannot provide within a timeframe compatible with Ukrainian needs.

Furthermore, the diplomats said the agreement would allow the funds to support a Czech proposal to purchase hundreds of thousands of artillery shells urgently needed from countries outside Europe. The EU claimed that the EPF had allotted Ukraine almost $6.7 billion for military assistance.

Borrell suggested establishing the Ukraine Assistance Fund, a new fund inside the EPF with a maximum annual budget of $1 billion for the next four years specifically for aid to Kyiv. This sparked a prolonged discussion about guidelines for additional assistance, eventually leading to Wednesday's agreement.

The compromise included measures to satisfy Hungary, which has previously stopped EPF payouts and stated it does not want its contributions to be used to buy weapons for Ukraine. According to EU officials, its contributions will be used under the agreement to fund military aid to other countries.

Hadja Lahbib, the foreign minister of Belgium and the current holder of the EU's rotating presidency, said that Ukraine needs more arms and equipment, and they will provide them in sufficient quantities and in a coordinated manner. Lahbib added that Europe is true to its commitments and that their freedom is at stake.

Read Also: Discord To Bring More Games, Apps Inside Chats as App Seeks Profit in 2024

US to Send New $300 Million Weapons Package to Ukraine

On Tuesday, President Joe Biden's administration said that the US would send a $300 million new military aid package for Ukraine, the first such move in months since additional funding for Kyiv was still being blocked by Republican leaders in Congress.

The White House has been scrambling to come up with ways to provide additional military support, given the situation on the battlefield and the resistance to the funding from Republican hardliners.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the funding for artillery rounds and explosives for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) came from unexpected cost reductions from Pentagon contracts.

Sullivan told reporters that the ammunition would keep Ukraine's guns firing for a period, but only for a short period. He added that it is nowhere near enough to meet Ukraine's battlefield needs and will not prevent Ukraine from running out of ammunition.

Related Article: US to Send $300 Million Weapons Package to Aid Ukraine in War With Russia: Report



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Prince William and Rose Hanbury were recently the focus of talk and rumors on The Late Show. Stephen Colbert spent nearly three minutes discussing speculation in his speech, indicating that Kate Middleton's absence could be linked to her husband, PrinceWilliam, potentially having an affair.

Rose Hanbury, a former model who is now 39 years old and the Marchioness of Cholmondeley, is married to David Rocksavage, who is one of Prince William's closest friends.

Prince William Rumored to Have Affair to Lady Rose Hanbury

Colbert casually said the show's guest and then casually sipped tea, sparking a popular discussion on X (formerly Twitter) and causing many to ask further about Rose Hanbury and her ties to the royals.

Rose Hanbury's grandmother, Lady Elizabeth Lambart, was a member of Queen Elizabeth II's bridal party when she married Phillip Mountbatten, the Duke of Edinburgh, in 1947.

Rose's son, Lord Oliver, had the honor of being one of the four Pages of Honour at King Charles's coronation ceremony, together with His Royal Highness Prince George of Wales, Master Nicholas Barclay, and Master Ralph Tollemache. William and Kate applied to live next to Rose and David.

During an interview with English Home in 2023, Rose Hanbury explained her Palladian house made in the 1720s for Britain's inaugural prime minister, Sir Robert Walpole, who sought top architects, decorators, and creators of that era. Rose Hanbury claimed she had to get used to the massive house when she first arrived in 2009.

Just when it seemed like the rumors about Kate Middleton's disappearance couldn't get any crazier, a paternity conspiracy theory goes viral online. Rose Hanbury has become a peculiar element in the puzzle of Kate's disappearance, and now even her daughter has been involved.

Kate Middleton's lack of public appearances following her scheduled abdominal surgery in January 2024 has been a major topic of discussion online. Amid the absence of the Duchess of Cambridge, various speculative theories have emerged on social media about her location.

From donating a kidney to King Charles to separating from Prince William, the rumors are never-ending. One theory, gaining traction on social media, suggests that Hanbury is involved in a clandestine relationship with Prince William. It is not the first time an affair occurred in royal history, which is why many people are intrigued by the idea.

Rumors of a romantic involvement started years ago, following a report in The Sun stating that Kate Middleton had ended her friendship with Hanbury and asked Rose William to do the same.

In 2019, two writers alleged that Prince William had a romantic involvement with the British model, but no evidence was found to support this claim. Nevertheless, the rumor surrounding this affair has persisted and gained momentum following Kate's disappearance. The online world is abuzz with the sensational theory suggesting that Prince William might be the father of Hanbury's daughter.

Read Also: Smiling Marjorie Taylor Greene Announces 'Black Market Baby Organ Harvesting' Hearing

Rose Hanbury Speculation Spurs Royal Inquiry

Eventually, the speculations about Prince William and Rose Hanbury resulted in inquiries into their bond and ties to the royal family. In April 2019, speculation about a romantic involvement between Prince William and Rose Hanbury began circulating after reports of an issue between Rose Hanbury and Kate Middleton.

The royals never explicitly denied the rumor, and author Omid Scobie briefly cited it in his book, 'Endgame: Inside the Royal Family' and the 'Monarchy's Fight for Survival.' In November, he said to ET that if a rumor continues to spread undetected, it can circulate globally before anyone considers how to deal with it.

Discussing the rumor quickly became a touchy topic for the royal professional, indicating the necessity for attention on the accusations against Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their split with Rose Hanbury.

Rose Hanbury, Kate Middleton, and Prince William aren't talking about allegations of the affair in public. Prince William's legal representative refuted the allegation and said that it was "inaccurate and extremely harmful." In his latest book about the royals, Omid Scobie discussed the alleged scandal and stated his belief that nothing came up between the Prince of Wales and Hanbury.

Related Article: Where Is Kate Middleton? Palace Addresses Rumors Amid Swirling Conspiracy Theories

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Democratic lawmakers are making efforts to promote Trump-backed Bernie Moreno in the Ohio GOP Senate primary so that he can face off against incumbent Sen. Sherrod Brown.

A group that is affiliated with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Duty and Country PAC, went live with a TV ad that heavily touted Moreno's support from the former president. It also called him "too conservative for Ohio" and it is set to start airing on Thursday and will run through Tuesday's primary.

Ohio GOP Senate Primary

The top Democratic outside group that is focused on Senate races, the Senate Majority PAC, is the one that is funding the Duty and Country PAC. The supposed aim of the ad is to promote Moreno among GOP voters. The interference in the GOP race suggests that Democrats believe Moreno would be the weakest candidate in the general election.

Ohio is one of three Democratic-held seats that are up for election in states that the former president won in 2020. It is also considered to be one of the most critical races to the Senate majority, according to Politico.

Moreno is part of a crowded and competitive race alongside Secretary of State Frank LaRose and state Sen. Matt Dolan. The Democratic spot will air on broadcast TV stations across Ohio and says that Moreno would support a national abortion ban as well as a repeal of Obamacare.

It adds that Trump needs Moreno while Ohio does not. The spot was also backed by a $1.9 million buy as of Wednesday night. Polls have shown that the race for the primary is tight. Dolan, who is only one of the three candidates who did not seek Trump's endorsement, topped an Emerson College survey that was released on Wednesday.

In the past few days, he has also secured the endorsement of former Sen. Rob Portman as well as Gov. Mike DeWine. On the other hand, Moreno has endorsements from Sen. J.D. Vance, former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, and Rep. Jim Jordan.

Read Also: RFK Jr.'s Potential VP Running Mate Aaron Rodgers Shared False Sandy Hook School Shooting Conspiracy Theories, Report Says

Democrats Vs. Republicans

The communications director for Moreno, Reagan McCarthy, said that Democratic lawmakers constantly underestimate the America First movement "at their own peril." He argued that the left believed that Trump would be easy to beat in 2016 but they then lost, said the New York Times.

However, Moreno has struggled to pull away from his challengers despite Trump's endorsement. He was able to win the support of the former president and others by supporting hard-line conservative positions that Democrats view as potentially easier to run against in a general election.

The situation comes as Trump is set to visit Ohio this weekend to rally Republican voters for his endorsed candidate in the Senate race. His support was considered to be a pivotal factor two years ago when it helped Vance win in a crowded Republican field for Ohio's other Senate seat.

In a poll released by Survey USA, which involved 1,400 Republican and Independent voters, Moreno, who received 29%, was in a statistical tie with Dolan, who got 27%. On the other hand, LaRose got 21%, according to Axios.

Related Article: Kristi Noem Promotes Texas Dentistry Company, Prompts Lawsuit by Consumer Advocacy Group

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Vice President Kamala Harris will visit a Planned Parenthood clinic in Minnesota on Thursday as part of the Biden administration's efforts to raise awareness of the threat to abortion services and other reproductive rights ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

According to the sources, they believed this was the first time in American history that a president or vice president has ever visited an abortion facility.

Kamala Harris to Visit Abortion Clinic in Minnesota

The sources said Harris intends to visit the clinic and talk with medical professionals. The vice president may also speak to patients, though the sources noted that Harris wants to ensure she does not disrupt services during her visit.

She could also talk to reporters outside the clinic.

In 2013, former President Barack Obama became the first sitting president to address Planned Parenthood. However, Obama did not speak at a Planned Parenthood facility.

Harris has been a well-known and outspoken supporter of the Biden administration's abortion rights. She has committed to advocating for federal legislation to restore the legal right to abortions.

She has publicly criticized Republicans and former President Donald Trump for supporting limitations on abortion rights.

A significant part of Biden's State of the Union speech last week focused on the problem of women's access to reproductive healthcare. It was among the first major issues in the address, a priority for the White House.

The vice president's "Fight for Reproductive Freedoms" tour, which she introduced in January to promote better access to abortion following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, will make this trip its sixth destination.

Furthermore, the sources said her office intends to disclose the clinic site closer to her visit as her team has been concerned about protests.

This is Harris' third trip to Minnesota as vice president. When NBC News contacted them on Wednesday, the vice president's office declined to respond.

Read Also: EU Countries Seal $5 Billion Deal for Ukraine Military Aid After Weeks of Debates

Minnesota Signs Abortion Rights Bill Into Law

On Tuesday, Democratic Governor of Minnesota Tim Walz signed a bill enshrining the fundamental right to obtain an abortion in the state.

Although Minnesota already allows abortion, the Protect Reproductive Options Act goes one step further, stating that every individual has the fundamental right to make "autonomous decisions" about their reproductive health, including the right to refuse reproductive health care, following the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

"This is very simple, very right to the point," Walz said Tuesday on "CNN Tonight." "We trust women in Minnesota, and that's not what came out of the [Supreme Court's] decision, so I think it's critically important that we build a firewall."

Minnesota is now the first state to codify abortion through legislative action since Roe v. Wade was overturned, the office of the bill's lead author in Minnesota's state Senate told CNN.

Related Article: RFK Jr.'s Potential VP Running Mate Aaron Rodgers Shared False Sandy Hook School Shooting Conspiracy Theories, Report Says





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A new Canadian law, the Online Harms Act, which is backed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government, is facing widespread criticism for alleged government overreach.

The bill was first introduced last month and is also known as Bill C-63 which would allow judges to imprison adults for life if they are found advocating for genocide. The measure would also allow judges to impose house arrest as well as a fine if there were reasonable grounds to believe that a defendant "will commit" an offense.

Canada's Online Harms Act

This was a provision that Wall Street Journal columnist Michael Taube compared with the 2002 film, "The Minority Report." Additionally, the author of "The Handmaid's Tale, Margaret Atwood, criticized the new Canadian bill as "Orwellian."

In a social media post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Atwood said that if the account of the bill is accurate, it is Lettres de Cachet all over again. She argued that the possibilities for revenge false accusations and thoughtcrime stuff would be too inviting, according to Fox News.

Conservative author Stephen Moore also called the Online Harms Act the "most shocking of all the totalitarian, illiberal, and anti-Enlightenment pieces of legislation that have been introduced in the Western world in decades."

A government spokesperson said that the new bill would increase the maximum penalty specifically for advocating genocide from five years to lifetime imprisonment. It would also increase the maximum penalty from two years to five years, on indictment, for the willful promotion of hatred.

Justice Minister Arif Virani was the one who introduced the bill and he said that as a father, he was "terrified of the dangers that lurk on the internet for our children." He argued that current laws regulate the safety of toys that his kids play with but not the "screen that is in our children's faces."

A University of Ottawa legal scholar, Michael Geist, said that Bill C-63 would effectively bring back Section 13. It would give anyone the ability to file a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) alleging online hate speech, said the Wall Street Journal.

Read Also: European Lawmakers Pass AI Act, World's First Comprehensive Law on Artificial Intelligence

Potential Life Imprisonment

Under the new law, the commission will have the authority to levy fines of up to $15,000, which is payable to the complainant, not the treasury. Geist added that that would provide opportunities for a massive influx of complaints.

Additionally, the Online Harms Act would subject non-compliant social media companies to draconian fines of up to 6% of global gross revenue. The new bill also introduces not one, but three new bureaucracies.

These are a Digital Safety Commission of Canada, a Digital Safety Ombudsperson of Canada, and a Digital Safety Office of Canada. The first will work to make sure that operators of social media services are transparent and accountable. The second will provide support to users while the third will support the first two in the fulfillment of their mandates.

The bill has seven categories of harm that are defined as intimate content communicated without consent; content that foments hatred; content that incites violent extremism or terrorism; content that incites violence; content used to bully a child; and content that induces a child to harm themselves, according to Aljazeera.

Related Article: Denmark Expands Military Conscription to Women Amid Rising European Tensions

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Under Armour founder Kevin Plank has returned to lead and manage his company after the resignation of his successor, Stephanie Linnartz.

According to the company's press release, the leadership change would take effect on April 1. This also meant that the company's lead director, Dr. Mohamed A. El-Erian, would succeed Plank as chair of the board in a non-executive capacity, while Plank would remain a director on the company's board.

"On behalf of the full team, I want to thank Stephanie for her contributions to Under Armour," Plank said in the statement. "We deeply appreciate her hard work and dedication."

Read Also: Bloomberg: Shein Considers Going Public in London Due to China Ties, Problematic Production

Plank founded Under Armour in 1996 and served as its top boss until 2019. In January 2020, he was appointed as the company's executive chair and brand chief. The company's shares rose 6% to $8.26 after the bell, Reuters reported.

Linnartz, who would remain with the firm in an advisory role until April 30, said that she was "honored" to lead the company and was "proud" of its progress and evolution as a company and as a brand.

She took over as Under Armour CEO in February 2023 after spending nearly 30 years at Marriott International, most recently as its president. Despite spending the majority of her career in the hospitality business, she was tapped to lead Under Armour for her experience in building digital sales and for her experience developing Marriott's renowned loyalty program Bonvoy.

During her stint as Under Armour top boss, Linnartz launched US Rewards and had plans to build out the brand's women's apparel to grow its customer base. Under Armour declined reporters' requests for comment about the leadership change.

Related Article: H&M CEO Helena Helmersson Quits Amid Plummeting Sales, Shares

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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says that Canberra will not be following footsteps made by the United States in banning TikTok.

Albanese's comments come as the United States House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved legislation that threatens to ban TikTok from the country. However, the bill still needs to win the support of the more cautious Senate.

Australia's Potential TikTok Ban

During an interview, the Australian prime minister said that they would take advice but noted that they currently have no plans to simulate the American government's decision. He added that while national security concerns should always be front and center, there should also be knowledge that TikTok provides a lot of people a way to communicate.

The situation comes as Australia previously banned TikTok from government devices in April last year and it became the last member of the secretive Five Eyes security alliance to do so. The alliance involves the U.S., Britain, Canada, and New Zealand.

The prime minister said that they do not use TikTok on government phones, calling it an appropriate measure that Australian lawmakers have put in place. Albanese added that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is set to visit his country next week, according to the South China Morning Post.

Albanese said that he believes Wang's visit is a good thing, citing significant progress" in removing trade impediments between the two nations. The Chinese foreign minister is expected to hold "strategic dialogue" talks with Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Australia's capital on Mar. 20.

In a statement, Wong said that they were seeking to cooperate with China wherever they could, disagree where they must, and engage in Australia's national interest. He added that his country's view is that a stable relationship with China would enable both countries to pursue their respective national interests.

Since Albanese's center-left Labor Party won government in 2022, Australia's trade relations with China have steadily improved. They have adopted a less confrontational tone than the previous conservative government.

Read Also: China Calls US TikTok Ban 'An Act Of Bullying' Likely to Backfire

Disagreement Over Potential Legislation

On Thursday, opposition leader Peter Dutton called on the Australian prime minister to "show some leadership" over TikTok concerns. He said this comes at a time when they are being advised that young people who use the social media app are having their personal details collected along with their images and most intimate discussions, said the Daily Mail.

Shadow home affairs spokesman James Paterson on the other hand has urged the Australian government to implement similar reforms before the country becomes at risk. He also claims that the Chinese government is given "unregulated access" to Australian devices during a time of heightened strategic competition.

Paterson said that lawmakers need to take urgent action to address the threat that is posed by authoritarian regimes that he claims seek to disrupt democracy and public discourse. He argued that this was being done through targeted online disinformation campaigns.

Dutton added that Australia's intelligence agencies had enough evidence to support a crackdown on TikTok. In the U.S., President Joe Biden said that he would sign a TikTok ban if the bill manages to pass the Senate, according to Financial Review.

Related Article: Australia, Vietnam To Boost Energy, Minerals Cooperation Amid Efforts To Disrupt China's Supply Chain

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A 27-year-old woman from Florida who was traveling to the Bahamas on a cruise ship was discovered dead in her cabin, according to authorities. The Royal Bahamas Police Force is currently looking into the death of the unidentified woman and plans to conduct an autopsy to establish the cause of death.

Authorities in Grand Bahama were informed on Monday that a woman was discovered not responding in her cabin aboard a cruise ship traveling to the West Indies, based on a statement released on Tuesday.

Cruise Ship Tragedy Raises Bahamas Safety Concerns

The woman was transported to the hospital and confirmed dead, leaving the detectives to struggle with the questions surrounding her tragic death. The fact that police found something in the cabin that they believed to be cocaine added another layer of complication to the case. As a result, a Florida male, 32 years old, was taken into custody on charges that have not been defined, according to remarks made by the police.

The specifics related to the woman's death are still unclear and will be determined on the results of an autopsy, as per officials. Details about those involved or the cruise ship they were on have not been revealed or confirmed.

The United States Department of State has issued two travel alerts advising "extreme caution" in response to an upsurge in the number of killings and sexual assaults that have occurred during daylight hours in the Bahamas.

This warning contact is a response to the tragedy that occurred in the Bahamas. This alarming expansion comes after the disturbing allegations put forth by two women from Kentucky. These individuals reported being drugged and abused by staff at a resort in the Bahamas shortly before this incident occurred.

Amber Shearer and Dongayla Dobson, both 31-year-old mothers, shared a frightening experience from their recent cruise trip. What was supposed to be a relaxing vacation turned into a horrifying experience when the cruise ship arrived at Grand Bahama and a woman's body was found.

Read Also: Utah Parents Admit Raping 15-Year-Old Daughter, Claim it Was 'Safer Than Sex With Stangers'

Cruise Tourists Allegedly Drugged by Resort Staff

Recalling what happened, Dobson shared how their beach day took an unexpected turn after being approached by individuals offering them drinks, purportedly resort staff. Without their permission, their drinks were infused with drugs, causing them to become stationary in just a few minutes.

"We just decided to spend the day on the beach... There were other people from the cruise on the beach so there weren't red flags for us," Dobson recounted, reflecting on the innocuous beginning of their day.

The security footage from the resort provides an alarming sequence of actions, displaying the women's swift deterioration due to drug consumption. Dobson vividly recalled waking up disoriented in the resort bathroom, recognizing his shock of what had happened.

Regardless of their trying experience, the women faced skepticism and doubt when they shared what took place. Authorities captured others involved in the incident after examining the resort's security footage, but their identities have not been revealed.

As investigations continue into both incidents, the Bahamas is facing increasing worries about safety and security, leading to calls for enhanced measures for protecting visitors and residents.

Related Article: US Sends More Anti-Terrorism Marines to Haiti After Gang Leader 'Barbecue' Demands 'Bloody Revolution'

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The Air Current, an aviation industry publication, reported on Wednesday that the movement of a flight deck seat is a key focus of the probe into a sudden mid-air dive by a LATAM Airlines Boeing 787 plane that resulted in over 50 people injured.

The plane heading from Sydney to Auckland on Monday suddenly dropped before stabilizing, scattering passengers around the cabin.

Cockpit Seat Movement Under Scrutiny

According to a senior aline safety official briefed on the incident, it was determined that the movement of a cockpit seat was "pilot induced, not intentional."

A current report said that the seat movement caused the nose down and cited another anonymous source who added the possibility of an electrical short was also under scrutiny.

The ABC has gathered information consistent with these reports, although it was impossible to verify the material independently.

Veteran aviation journalist Jon Ostrower described how the 787's pilot chairs are movable with a button on the chair's back in an article on Air Current.

In videos captured inside the Boeing plane's flight deck, the switch that moves the seats forward and backward is visible. LATAM Airlines has not responded to ABC's inquiry about any potential seat change.

The airline said it was inappropriate to comment on any rumors and that it continues to work in coordination with the authorities to support the investigation.

Passenger Brian Joket told ABC earlier this week that a pilot had mentioned that the gauges went blank, but the Air Current sources report that was not the main focus of the investigation.

Professor Doug Drury, head of Aviation at Central Queensland University and former pilot of 40 years, said that although he had not dismissed the report of a potential electrical failure, a key piece of evidence was missing.

He said there are too many variables because a cockpit going blank and shutting the autopilot off is the main issue, and the seat moving forward without the pilot caused the event.

Furthermore, he added that if it was not an electrical failure, the only other thing that could have caused that would be the disengagement of the autopilot system and somebody bumping the controls forward. He said that the black boxes would be able to assist the investigators with this.

Read Also: Kamala Harris To Visit Minnesota Abortion Clinic, in Historic First for Any President or VP

New Zealand, Chilean Authorities Lead Investigation

On Tuesday, New Zealand authorities seized the flight's cockpit voice and data recorders on behalf of Chilean authorities.

According to Dr. Drury, if the settings on the back of the seat had been changed, that sound would have been recorded because the flight deck microphones are made to pick up even the smallest sounds.

He said microphones are all over the flight deck to pick up all these noises, and they will be used in the investigation.

Chilean authorities are handling the investigation because the incident occurred in international airspace, and LATAM is a Chilean airline.

Related Article: Airbus Surges Ahead in Aircraft Deliveries Amid Deepening Boeing Crisis



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Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey plans to pardon hundreds of thousands of residents in the state who have been convicted of simple marijuana possession.

If the Governor's Council approves the plans, the pardons will apply to all prior adult misdemeanor convictions for marijuana possession. Healey said that it would be a sweeping, blanket pardon that would include all misdemeanor convictions for possession.

Pardoning Possession of Marijuana

The governor said that the people who would be affected by the planned pardons would not have to do anything; they would simply be pardoned, and it would be cleared from their record. Healey said that the pardon announcement was the most powerful step any state in the country had taken.

In 2022, Rhode Island enacted new legislation that would provide for the automatic expungement of prior marijuana possession charges. The efforts could finally remove barriers to housing and employment for people with marijuana convictions, and it was touted as a push for racial equity, according to CBS News.

In a statement, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell said that in the state, Black people are four times more likely to be arrested for possession of marijuana compared to White residents and White people. She added that this was not because they were engaging more in the possession of the drug.

The Massachusetts governor's office said that the pardon would act as forgiveness for a conviction from people's criminal record. The plan would not apply to any marijuana conviction after Mar. 13 or other related offenses, such as driving under the influence. Additionally, the pardon will not affect juvenile marijuana possession cases.

Read Also: Utah Parents Admit Raping 15-Year-Old Daughter, Claim it Was 'Safer Than Sex With Stangers'

In 2016, residents across the state voted to legalize the adult recreational use of marijuana, which was an initiative that the governor was opposed to at the time. On Wednesday, Healey said that she was hopeful that people would want a leader who is willing to evolve and adapt.

Many state elected officials, criminal justice reform advocates, people impacted by simple possession convictions, and some members of law enforcement praised Healey's announcement, said WBUR.

Racial Disparity

In a report in 2016, the ACLU of Massachusetts found that while Black people represented only 8% of the state's population, they accounted for nearly a quarter, or 24%, of marijuana possession arrests.

The governor said that they expect the mass pardon to redress some of the harm that the disparities have caused across the state. Healey added that they would continue such efforts so that they could eliminate racial injustice throughout the region's systems.

During Healey's 2022 campaign for Massachusetts governor, she promised to pardon state convictions for simple marijuana possession. Her latest announcement comes after President Joe Biden ordered pardons for people with federal simple possession convictions.

At the time, the Democratic leader said that sending people to jail for simply possessing marijuana has already upended many people's lives and incarcerated so many for conduct that a lot of states no longer prohibit. He also urged governors across the country to stand up and do the same, according to Politico.



Related Article: Florida Woman Found Dead on Caribbean-Bound Cruise Ship, American Tourist Arrested in Cocaine-Filled Cabin

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In a rare moment of cooperation, Taiwanese rescue teams joined their Chinese counterparts to rescue a boat that capsized near the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen islands on Thursday March 14, amid heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

The Taiwanese coast guard said in a statement that a Chinese fishing vessel sank around 1.07 nautical miles west of Taiwan's Dongding Island in the early hours of Thursday local time. Authorities from both sides dispatched rescue teams and recovered two bodies.

The statement added that two people were rescued, while another two were still missing.

Taiwan dispatched coast guard boats to join the rescue after Chinese authorities asked them for help, a senior Taiwanese official told Mediacorp on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

Read Also: After North Korea, China's Xi Jinping Calls for Military Preparation for Conflicts at Sea

Rare Joint Rescue Operation

Last month, the Chinese Coast Guard began regular patrols around the Kinmen islandswhich Taiwan controls despite it being very near the coast of the Chinese city of Xiamenafter two Chinese nationals died trying to flee Taiwan's coast guard after their boat entered prohibited waters.

Taiwan's top China policy-making body urged China last week not to change the "status quo" around the waters, thereby sending coast guard boats into restricted areas and saying tensions should be "controllable."

Taiwanese military personnel stationed on Kinmen were also involved in the rescue, the coast guard added without further elaboration.

Related Article: Taiwan Security Official Warns of Increased Chinese Military Activities Near Island

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At least 40 relatives of the Israeli hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza have blocked the Ayalon Highway near its southern Tel Aviv exit on Thursday morning, local time March 14.

According to the Israeli news site Haaretz, the relatives were making the roadblock while holding banners and supersized pictures of the hostages and shouting, "We want them alive, not in coffins."

About 134 Israelis are still believed to be held captive inside Gaza, however it is not clear how many of them are still alive.

Read Also: Hamas Military Leader Killed After Israeli Fighter Jet Obliterates Vehicle in Lebanon

Freed Hamas Hostage: Gaza Hospital Staff Jubilant of 'Jewish Prey'

In an exclusive report, Jewish American mother-and-daughter duo Judith and Natalie Raanan told NewsNation of their first moments as Hamas hostages when they were taken to a hospital in Gaza.

"The minute we came in, all the nurses were standing there and [cheering]," the older Raanan said. "They were all so happy that they came back with prey, with Israeli-Jewish prey,"

Judith also recalled how she interacted with a senior Hamas leader who spoke "brilliant Hebrew"

The Raanans were the first of the hostages that were released by Hamas after a deal negotiated by the Qatar government, with the group saying that the release was due to "humanitarian reasons."

Related Article: Israel Says Hamas Member Killed After IDF Strikes UNRWA Aid Center in Gaza

            . pic.twitter.com/HzA6ruZvyx  Bar Peleg (@bar_peleg) March 14, 2024

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The Alabama Office of Information Technology said that the state authorities spent the day defending their networks from hackers on Wednesday, March 13, after a cyberattack repeatedly disrupted the websites of several local government institutions.

Jeremy Ward, a representative for the Alabama Office of Information Technology, told CNN that the interruptions "have diminished throughout the day as we have worked with our vendors to counter the denial-of-service attack," which started on Tuesday afternoon, March 12.

The office of Republican Gov. Kay Ivey confirmed that no government networks were breached and no data were taken.

DDoS Attack on Government Websites

A typical assault approach known as distributed denial of service (DDoS) was allegedly used in the cyberattack on Alabama government websites, wherein the sites were bombarded with fake traffic in an effort to take them down.

Coastal Information Security partner and cybersecurity specialist Gerald Auger says these assaults are effective at interrupting businesses and services, but he does not believe they are sophisticated.

The anonymous organization known as Anonymous Sudan took credit for the DDoS attack on the websites of the Alabama government. Among its intended recipients was the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. They said on their Telegram channel that they wanted to draw attention to the terrible situation in Sudan.

The group first surfaced last year and describes itself as "hacktivist," short for activist hacking group, that targets organizations for political purposes.

Also Read: Albania's Institute of Statistics Hit by Cyberattack, Launches Probe To Identify Suspects

Network Disruption in Birmingham

This widespread hack occurred at the same time as Birmingham, one of the biggest cities in Alabama, was dealing with what seemed to be a distinct computer network problem that had led to service disruptions for days.

According to a statement released by the City of Birmingham on March 6, transactions related to licensing, taxes, and permits were impacted by a disturbance in the city's computer network. No public update has been released by the city in a week.

Police operations have been impacted in some locations due to the network interruption, as reported by AL.com. This includes tasks such as verifying the ownership of a vehicle or detecting outstanding warrants.

Also Read: Justice Department Warns of Tougher Penalties in AI Related Crimes

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The United States Military Academy at West Point has removed the words "Duty, Honor, Country" from its mission statement, a move some critics in the defense community said reflected the politicization within the military services under the Biden administration.

According to the Washington Times, the mission statementadopted by the academy in 1998included the three words made famous by the legendary World War II and Korean War Gen. Douglas MacArthur during his 1962 farewell address to West Point cadets two years before he died.

"Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be," he said. "They are your rallying point to build courage when courage seems to fail, to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith, to create hope when hope becomes forlorn.

"The unbelievers will say they are but words, but a slogan, but a flamboyant phrase," MacArthur added. "Every pedant, every demagogue, every cynic, every hypocrite, every troublemaker, and, I am sorry to say, some others of an entirely different character, will try to downgrade them even to the extent of mockery and ridicule."

MacArthur was part of West Point's Class of 1903.

West Point Superintendent: "Duty, Honor, Country" Stays as Academy Motto

In a message to cadets dated Monday, March 11, West Point Superintendent Lt. Gen. Steve Gilland said that the new mission statement would be grounded in the values of the US Army, including loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.

"Our responsibility to produce leaders to fight and win our nation's wars requires us to assess ourselves regularly," he said. "Thus, over the past year and a half, working with leaders from across West Point and external stakeholders, we reviewed our vision, mission, and strategy to serve this purpose."

Gen. Gilland further noted that the process received the approval of Army Secretary Christine E. Wormuth and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George but also stressed that "Duty, Honor, Country" would remain the academy's motto.

"Duty, Honor, Country is foundational to the United States Military Academy's culture and will always remain our motto," Gilland added. "It defines who we are as an institution and as graduates of West Point. These three hallowed words are the hallmark of the cadet experience and bind the Long Gray Line together across our great history."

The "Long Gray Line" he mentioned referred to all cadets and graduates of the academy.

Read Also: Elon Musk Facing Pressure From US Lawmakers Over SpaceX Internet Service for American Troops in Taiwan

Veterans Criticize Biden's 'Woke' Policies

The change was likely to create a controversy in the American defense and veteran communities over the state of the military under US President Joe Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

Republicans in Capitol Hill have accused them of imposing "woke" social ideas on the Army and other military services at the expense of patriotic traditions and warfighting values, the Times reported.

Academy spokesman Col. Terence M. Kelley declined to specify why the three words were taken out of the mission statement other than to note that it was part of an effort for an "evolving" statement.

"Our mission statement has changed over the past century as our motto has remained constant; change does not have to mean woke politics," he said in an email statement.

Armed Forces Press first disclosed the shift in a statement, quoting information from the patriotic group MacArthur Society of West Point Graduates. The group criticized the change as a symptom of a larger problem for the US Armed Forces as a whole.

"Like in many great institutions in the United States of America, progressive ideology is eroding away at West Point and doing so in a slow but methodical march, co-opting our good intentions through the specter of cultural Marxism," the group said. "Our adversaries are unscrupulous but sophisticated and very patient."

Meanwhile, West Point alumna and former Army officer Meaghan Mobbs told the Times that the new mission statement was "a warning sign that should make everyone sit up and take notice," as it was an example of the "watering down of the West Point experience."

"They are saying the quiet part out loud. West Point is losing its comparative advantage," she added. "The federal service academies must distinguish themselves from the senior military colleges and broader ROTC. I believe this is also indicative of the broader challenges facing recruitment and retention within our military."

Col. Dave Butler, a spokesman for Gen. George, said in a statement that the chief of staff "agreed that the [new] mission statement aligned with the actual mission of West Point."

"[Gen. George] did not see the revised mission statement as removing 'Duty, Honor, Country' from the soul of West Point," Butler added. "It still exists as their motto. It is still prominent in the culture of West Point, and that will never change."

Related Article: Latest U.S. Munitions Heading For Ukraine Can Carry Controversial Payload

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There have been several recent incidents involving Boeing planes, including a wheel falling off a United Plane.

An American Airlines flight had to make an emergency landing in California Wednesday evening after the pilot reported a possible mechanical issue, the latest incident involving a Boeing plane in the past week.

There have been at least six problems with Boeing planes since a frightening incident in January when part of the fuselage came off in the middle of an Alaska Airlines flight.

In the latest incident on Wednesday, American Airlines Flight 345 from Dallas-Fort Worth reported the issue with the Boeing 777-200 plane.

In an emailed statement to HNGN, American Airlines said the pilots received an indication that the pressure was low in one of the aircraft's tires.

The plane landed safely at Los Angeles International Airport at 8:44 p.m. and no one was hurt.

On Monday, a sudden unplanned mid-air dive by a LATAM Airlines Boeing 787 plane resulted in over 50 people injured.

Also on Monday, United Airlines Flight 830, which was a Boeing 777-300ER, from Sydney to San Francisco was forced to turn around due to a fuel leak, Fox Business reported.

Last week, a United Airlines Boeing 777-200 from San Francisco to Japan was forced to make an emergency landing in Los Angeles after a tire fell from the aircraft and crushed cars in an employee parking lot at the airport.

On March 8, a United Boeing 737 MAX plane rolled off a runway in Houston, the airline said. The 166 total passengers and crew aboard that flight were evacuated, with no injuries reported.

And days earlier, a United Boeing 737-900 from Houston to Fort Myers, Texas turned around after one of its engines burst into flames, in a harrowing scene caught on video by several passengers. No injuries were reported.

Boeing has faced scrutiny since a door plug blue off a 737 MAX 9 on Jan. 5.

The head of the National Transportation Safety Board says Boeing has refused to tell investigators who worked on the door plug.

Jennifer Homen disclosed the information during testimony at a Senate committee hearing last week.

"Boeing has not provided us with the documents and information that we have requested numerous times over the past few months," Homen testified.

Homen said that the company has not even confirmed if it keeps records.

"It's absurd that two months later we don't have that," Homen said. "Without that information, that raises concerns about quality assurance, quality management, safety management systems."

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U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin testifies before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis on September 1, 2020 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. The hearing will address the need for additional economic relief during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Trump Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said that he was interested in buying TikTok just one day after the House voted to ban the popular social media platform.

"I think the legislation should pass and I think it should be sold," Mnuchin told CNBC's Squawk Box on Thursday morning. "It's a great business and I'm going to put together a group to buy TikTok."

The Chinese company ByteDance owns TikTok but the app boasts an estimated 150 million monthly users in the United States - including more than half of all adults between 18 and 24, according to Pew.

Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle object to the Chinese-owned app, citing privacy and security concerns. President Joe Biden has indicated that if the legislation were to pass through the Senate, he would sign the bill into law.

Recent polling suggests that most Americans don't support banning the popular video-sharing app. Forty-one percent of adults under 30 opposed the ban in a December Pew poll, while just 29% supported a ban.

The idea of TikTok ban was most popular among adults 65 and older - with 49% supporting the ban. Across all age cohorts, only 38% of Americans supported a ban, while 35% were unsure and 27% were opposed. This data stands in stark contrast to Congress itself, where the bill passed the House 352-65, with bipartisan approval.

"This should be owned by U.S. businesses," Mnuchin told CNBC. "There's no way that the Chinese would ever let a U.S. company own something like this in China."

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Former United States President Donald Trump.

House Republicans made a rare policy break from Former President Donald Trump when they passed a bill Tuesday that could ban TikTok in the United States.

The presumptive Republican presidential nominee had reversed a position his administration took when he was in office and came out against a possible TikTok ban in the United States.

The popular social media app TikTok has been in the crosshairs of lawmakers in Congress who are looking at forcing its Chinese owners to sell it or face the ban.

"Without TikTok, you can make Facebook bigger, and I consider Facebook to be an enemy of the people," Trump said in a phone interview on CNBC Monday morning.

He also cited its popularity among young Americans.

Trump's supporters were not swayed by Trump's arguments.

Among the 197 Republicans who voted in favor of the legislation some of his staunchest supporters including Reps. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), and Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), Politico reported.

"I always like to know what President Trump was thinking," Rep. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.) told the poliitcal site. "But I definitely believe this is a good bill."

There are approximately 170 million users in the U.S. but the heads of the Central Intelligence Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have indicated that ByteDance Ltd.'s ownership of TikTok is a threat to U.S. national security.

Steve Bannon, a former adviser, suggested on Saturday that Trump was paid off to change his view.

Trump recently met with conservative hedge fund manager Jeff Yass, who has a $33 billion stake in TikTok, Newsweek reports.

"Simple: Yass Coin," Bannon wrote in a post on the conservative social media app Gettr.

The bill is expected to face a more difficult path to passage in the Senate.

President Biden says that he would sign the legislation if Congress approves it.

On Thursday, former Trump Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said that he was heading up a group interested in buying TikTok. There is no indication ByteDance has any desire to sell the company.

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A United Airlines flight departing from Sydney was forced to make an emergency landing amidst calls of distress.

The plane was heading toward San Franciso when hydraulic fluid was seen spilling from the sky. Pilots turned the plane back around for Australia after reaching 30,000 feet and continuing the flight for roughly two hours.

"On approach, the landing gear compartment doors could be seen wide open, as well as smoke coming from one of the tires on the right-hand side of the aircraft," according to AirLive.

A United Airlines spokesperson spoke with GB News and said, "On Monday, March 11, United flight 830 from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport to San Francisco International Airport returned to Sydney due to a maintenance issue." 50 passengers were injured after LATAM Airlines Boeing 787 dropped abruptly while in the air, reported GB News.

People aboard the aircraft were sent flying across the cabin, leaving several bleeding and with broken bones on a flight from Sydney to Auckland.

"The plane landed safely, and passengers deplaned normally at the gate. We are providing accommodation overnight for passengers and rebooking them to San Francisco tomorrow."

The plane apparently "froze" before losing complete control. Earlier this month, a Boeing 737 saw its' engine explode into flames mid-air, prompting another emergency landing.

This is just the latest example in a long list of problems for manufacturing company Boeing.

A former Boeing employee, responsible for ringing the alarm on the firm's production standards was found dead on Saturday.

John Barnett allegedly died from a "self-inflicted" wound on March 9, following evidence he provided in a whistleblower lawsuit.

In January, Boeing reportedly owned up to a mid-flight door blowing off its' hinges on an Alaska Airlines flight.

New MH370 documents state, 'pilot intended to make a plane disappear forever,' as it headed from Portland, Oregon to Ontario, California, carrying 177 passengers, including crew, when it lost a substantial amount of fuel just 35 minutes into the flight.

The airline claimed it would "temporarily" ground all 65 of its 737 Max 9 aircraft while it investigates the aircraft issues.

That number soon turned to 170, with regulators emphasizing the importance of passenger safety, "not speed," as they determine how soon they return to the skies.

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The $95 billion military aid package for Ukraine, stalled in Congress, could have weakened the country's front lines and could allow Russian forces to exploit those vulnerabilities to make "sudden and surprising advances" if the supply of equipment remains interrupted, an American-based non-profit said in a report.

"Ukrainian shortages of ammunition and other war materiel resulting from delays in the provision of US military assistance may be making the current Ukrainian front line more fragile than the relatively slow Russian advances in various sectors would indicate," the Institute for the Study of War said in an assessment of the two-year-old war released on Wednesday.

The report warned that "almost all Ukrainian units and formations have to husband ammunition and material because of the overall ammunition shortage and that some Ukrainian units with limited ammunition and materiel can only hold their current positions if Russian forces do not 'attack with full force.'"

Ukraine's prioritizing areas along the front that are most susceptible to Russia attack could create "vulnerabilities elsewhere," allowing Moscow to "make sudden and surprising advances if Ukrainian supplies continue to dwindle," it said.

The ISW report cited interviews by Ukrainian military officials in several media outlets describing how Russian forces "will be able to determine the time, location, and scale" of military operations at the front line where Ukrainian forces are facing shortages of arms.

"The current frontline is likely thus not stable, and timely Western resourcing of Ukrainian troops is essential to prevent Russia from identifying and exploiting an opportunity for a breakthrough on a vulnerable sector of the front," the ISW said.

The Senate approved a $95 billion aid package with $60 billion allocated for Ukraine in February, but the package has stalled in the House because of Republican opposition.

President Joe Biden earlier this week announced that the United States would send $300 million in new aid to Ukraine.

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US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns openly challenged China's objection to a recently passed ban on TikTok by the House of Representatives in the United States. His comments reflect persistent tensions between the two powers.

"I find it supremely ironic because government officials here are using the X platform to criticize the United States," Ambassador Nicholas Burns said in an interview with Bloomberg Television on Thursday.

"They don't give their own citizens the right to use X, to use Instagram, to use Facebook, to have access to Google."

Ambassador Burns said the social media app and China's thirst for advanced microchips are fueling technological competition between the world's two largest economies.

His words are indicative of a noticeably tougher position on China in light of its increased technological ambitions.

"Technology is in many ways now at the heart of the competition between the United States and China, whether it's commercial technology, TikTok for instance, or whether it's technology that can be transformed into military technology used to compete against us," Burns said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Beijing criticized the United States' efforts against TikTok, calling on the U.S. to stop "unreasonably suppressing" TikTok after the US House of Representatives passed a bill to ban TikTok in the country unless its owner ByteDance sells the app. The next step is for 100 senators to play their hand in deciding the fate of a platform used by 170 million Americans.

A week ago Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi criticized the U.S. for imposing a "bewildering" level of trade curbs on Asian nations. He further accused the Biden administration of failing to live up to promises it made during the president's meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at a summit in the US, although he didn't specify what they are.

Burns said, "We've kept our commitments that we've made in San Francisco."

The ambassador also expressed doubt on China's goal to attract more foreign investment as it seeks to gain economic momentum. The Chinese government recently set an ambitious goal of 5% economic growth this year, which has been met with skepticism from analysts.

"Some senior Chinese government officials say private-sector investment is welcome in China, your investment will be protected. But then these companies are also hearing a different message," Burns said.

He named the raids against US companies last year and China's broad new counter-espionage law as factors that deter investment.

"I think the voices that they're hearing from the government here in China about national security - they're the strongest and loudest voices right now," he said, adding that the raids went beyond the due diligence companies and consultancies that were publicly probed by Chinese authorities.

Last year ties between the United States and China took a turn for the worse amid the alleged Chinese spy balloon fiasco, but the two countries are still at odds on such issues as Ukraine, the South China Sea, and Taiwan.

The US has also continued to increase its trade and technological restrictions on Beijing.

"We're not going to compromise on national security and we're not going to negotiate," Burns said. Biden's reasoning behind adding sanctions to suppress the advancement of China's technological know-how is that such technology could be used to bolster the country's military.

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An election in Russia that is certain to see Vladimir Putin reelected for a sixth term has been deemed not 'free or fair,' by the EU and NATO on Thursday, mainly due to the Kremlin and its successful efforts in removing all opposition.

Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of deceased number one Kremlin enemy Alexei Navalny, is urging the West not to recognize the results of the Russian presidential election, set to begin Friday.

"We know, given the track record of how votes are being prepared and organized in Russia under the current Kremlin administration and regime, how this will look like," said European Union spokesman Peter Stano.

"It's very difficult to foresee that this would be a free, fair, and democratic election where the Russian people would really have a choice."

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reiterated the ballot "in Russia will not be free and fair."

"We know already that opposition politicians are in jail, some are killed, and many are in exile, and actually also some who tried to register as candidates have been denied that right," he said.

"There is no free and independent press in Russia."

The election consists of a three-day vote despite President Putin's rigged victory. The expected win follows Putin's invasion of Ukraine and now obsolete ties between Moscow and the West.

The European Union and NATO have both condemned Russia's move to facilitate votes in areas of Ukraine currently occupied by its soldiers and claimed as its territory, according to Barron's.

"Russia's attempts to organize any part of an election in occupied regions of Ukraine are completely illegal, violating international law," Stoltenberg said.

Stano also said the ballot in those regions "is not being recognized and it will not be recognized by the European Union."

With no real opposition on the ballot, Putin's win in the March 15-17 contest will allow him to remain in the Kremlin until at least 2030, proving longer than any Russian leader since Catherine the Great in the 18th century.

He faces off against three pre-approved candidates by the Kremlin that are from political parties loyal to him and his policies.

@ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
On Thursday Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of placing his own political survival over the interests of his country, and called for new elections in a passionate speech on the Senate floor, according to CNN.

"As a lifelong supporter of Israel, it has become clear to me: The Netanyahu coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel after October 7."

The world has changed, radically, since then, and the Israeli people are being stifled right now by a governing vision that is stuck in the past," said Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in America.

Schumer, the first Jewish Senate majority leader, also condemned the Hamas strike on southern Israel on Oct. 7.

Senate GOP Minority Leader Mitch McConnell rebutted Schumer's call for Netanyahu's ouster when giving his remarks from the Senate floor.

"Israel is not a colony of America whose leaders serve at the pleasure of the party in power in Washington. Only Israel's citizens should have a say in who runs their government."

"It is grotesque and hypocritical for Americans who hyperventilate about foreign interference in our own democracy to call for the removal of a democratically elected leader of Israel," McConnell added. "This is unprecedented. We should not treat fellow democracies this way at all."

In his speech, Schumer stated his belief that "a majority of the Israeli public will recognize the need for change, and I believe that holding a new election once the war starts to wind down would give Israelis an opportunity to express their vision for the post-war future."

@ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction)

The Ohio Supreme Court upheld Thomas Knuff's death sentence for stabbing two roommates in 2017.

The Ohio Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the death penalty for a man convicted of brutally stabbing two roommates, hiding their bodies in trash bags and trying to hire a friend to burn their bodies, according to reports.

Thomas Knuff was sentenced to death row in 2019 for the murders of John Mann, 65, and Regina Capobianco, 50, in Parma Heights, southwest of Cleveland, in 2017.

The court rejected Knuff's argument that he stabbed Capobianco in self-defense after he came upon her attacking Mann with a knife and then turned the weapon on him, according to Cleveland.com.

Capobianco was stabbed six times and Mann was stabbed 15 times.

Justice Joseph T. Deters wrote in the opinion that the evidence "strongly supports the jury's rejection of Knuff's self-defense claim and its finding that he killed both Mann and Capobianco."

Knuff moved into a home with Mann and Capobianco, whom he met through a pen-pal program while he was serving a 15-year sentence for aggravated robbery, shortly after he was released from prison in April 2017.

During his time in prison, Knuff also began a relationship with Alicia Stoner, an employee of the facility. Stoner told Knuff that she would pick him up when he was releasedthat April, but he declined, saying he was going to get a ride with "John and his old lady," referring to Mann and Capobianco.

Knuff initially moved into a hotel room paid by Stoner, but later his parole officer, Marc Fisher, learned that Knuff was not staying at the hotel but with Mann.

Mann was also living with Capobianco, who was engaged in selling drugs and prostitution, often inside the home.

A conflict quickly developed between her and Knuff, who faced parole violations because of her criminal activities.

That May, Stoner noticed that Knuff's finger was bandaged, and he explained that drug dealers had come to the home to threaten Capobianco.

Mann and Capobianco got into a fight, and she stabbed him.

Knuff told Stoner that he injured his finger when Capobianco attacked him.

After stabbing Capobianco, Knuff told Stoner he blacked out.

Knuff left their bodies in the home for more than two months while he tried to find somebody to dispose of them.

Knuff wrote a letter to Robert Dlugo, asking him to come to the home and take care of some "incriminating s--t."

"So now I'm really in a jam because before I get out, some evidence will be discovered * * *, I'll probably die in prison. * * * I need someone I can trust to go start a fire at the house I was staying at. * * * I have some trash bags in a back bedroom with clothes & papers that when discovered, my life is over," Knuff wrote, according to court documents.

DLugo did not go through with Knuff's ask.

Police found the bodies when Capobianco's family reported her missing.No date has been set for Knuff's execution.

@ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The estranged wife of New York area architect Rex Heurmann, suspected of being the Gilgo Beach series killer, released a statement on Wednesday saying she does not believe her ex-husband is "capable" of committing the crimes he is being accused of.

"I will listen to all of the evidence and withhold judgment until the end of the trial," she said through her attorneys, Bob Macedonio and George Duncan. "I have given him the benefit of the doubt, as we all deserve."

Fox News reported that the suspect faces counts of first and second-degree murder in connection to the deaths of four women whose remains were found alongside Ocean Parkway, approximately 50 miles east of New York City.

The victims were Melissa Barthelemy, 24; Megan Waterman, 22; Amber Costello, 27; and Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25.

"Ms. Ellerup visits Mr. Heuermann weekly and still maintains that Rex is not capable of the crimes he is accused of," her lawyers said in the statement.

Ellerup divorced Heurmann after his arrest in July 2023 but began visiting him at the Suffolk County Jail.

A county sheriff spokeswoman said Ellerup's first visitation showed up in the logs in November of last year and that she has gone a total of seven times.

In her statement, Ellerup claimed to be visiting him weekly. Divorce proceedings are ongoing, an attorney told Fox News Digital.

Prosecutors contend that Heuermann continued to patronize sex workers regularly up until his arrest, and women in the industry have described encounters with him in places as far apart as Atlantic City, Las Vegas, and San Francisco.

The suspect is accused of killing four women known as the Gilgo Four, whose bodies were found in close proximity to one another during a search for Shannan Gilbert, who had gone missing after a harrowing 911 call in 2010.

More than a decade later, Suffolk County police said they believed Gilbert's death had been an accident. But the search did uncover the bodies of the Gilgo Four as well as six other victims found along Ocean Parkway.

An investigation into the other deaths remains ongoing, police say. Heuermann has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail and is due back in court on April 17.

@ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Facebook)

Jenee Pedesclaux has been charged with second-degree murder and attempted murder in connection with the alleged August 2022 incident involving her children, 3-year-old daughter, Paris Ann, and 2-year-old son, JayCeon Roberts.

For the fourth time, a judge has recused themself from the case of a mother accused of stabbing her children - one of them, fatally.

Jenee Pedesclaux has been charged with second-degree murder and attempted murder in connection with the alleged August 2022 incident involving her children, 3-year-old daughter, Paris Ann, and 2-year-old son, Jay'Ceon Roberts, at their New Orleans home, according to authorities, NOLA.com reported.

After the alleged stabbings, Pedesclaux, turned the knife on herself in a suicide attempt.

She and Jay'Ceon survived their injuries, while Paris Ann died.

Pedesclaux pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, according to WDSU-TV and WVUE-TV.

On Thursday, Judge Darryl Derbigny recused himself from her case, WDSU reported, citing the defendant's family and attorney.

Derbigny's reason for recusal is unclear and he did not immediately respond to Headline and Global News' request for comment.

His withdrawal marks the fourth time a judge has removed themself from Pedesclaux's case in less than two years, according to the outlet.

In January, Chief Judge Tracey Flemings-Davillier removed herself from overseeing the suit.

"God is trying to tell (the judges) something," Pedesclaux's father, Gueren Pedesclaux, told NOLA.com, at the time, earlier this year. "He is the only real judge."

Following the alleged stabbings, Pedesclaux shared a bloodied video to social media, crying, "I'm done; my children is dead! I'm done, I'm done, and it's all Jermaine fault! It's always Jermaine fault! I'm done! I'm killing myself!" according to the outlet.

Jermaine Roberts is the father of their children with whom she was reportedly in the midst of a custody battle with.

@ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is asking for a short delay for Donald Trump's New York City trial.

It comes after the U.S. Attorney's Office delayed production of thousands of pages of evidence in connection with the case, the New York Times reported.

Bragg's office has accused Trump of covering up a sex scandal during the 2016 presidential campaign.

In a filing on Thursday Bragg said, "We do not oppose a brief adjournment not to exceed 30 days."

The proposed delay would give Trump's lawyers time to review the new records.

The move comes less than two weeks before the planned start of the criminal case.

The judge would have to approve the delay.

Trump is accused of falsifing internal records kept by his company to hide the true nature of payments to his former lawyer Michael Cohen after he paid porn actor Stormy Daniels $130,000.

It was allegedly part of an effort during Trump's 2016 presidential campaign to bury claims he'd had extramarital sexual encounters.

Trump is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records, a felony punishable by up to four years in prison.

But the Associated Press reports that there is no guarantee that a conviction would result in jail time.

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Context

Ive had the curiosity to explore radio communication protocols for a few years now, ever since Ive started fiddling around with an RTL-SDR dongle. I always had the goal of figuring out how data is transmitted in remote controls (car key fobs particularly), trying replay attacks, and other possible attack vectors.

Despite capturing some car key fob signals over the years, I havent had the chance of doing meaningful analysis on them, and thats mainly due to the limited access I had to cars I could test on.

This blog post aims to bring the uninitiated through my journey of having successfully reverse engineered and replayed a cars key fob signal last year, starting from the very basic concepts of radio frequency and going all the way through my entire thought process while I was working on this project.

Another goal I guess is to also prove that most cars are definitely not that easy to steal using replay attacks (unless its a Honda, lol), despite Canadas recent ban of the Flipper Zero, and them claiming the risk warrants the ban of a device made of very cheap and accessible wireless modules.

Hardware used

RTL-SDR

Ive had my first dive into the world of radio frequency back in 2016 when I learned that a very cheap (~$10) terrestrial TV/radio USB dongle can easily be turned into a multi-purpose RF receiver to inspect and decode pretty much anything happening in the range of 24 to 1750 MHz - this device is widely known as RTL-SDR:

The secret why this cheap device is very powerful, is the simple fact that it uses a chip which allows the use of SDR (software defined radio). It turns out that this chip (RTL2832U) allowed skipping the signal processing that usually happens on the hardware-level which converts the raw signal into meaningful data to be used by the host device (a TV/radio feed in the case of this device).

By having direct access to the raw I/Q data, we can receive, visualize and save pretty much any signal in raw format, without needing to know the specifics of the RF configuration used to transmit (modulation, bandwidth, data rate, etc.), since we can analyze/process the raw data ourselves. This effectively gives us a window to scan for virtually any activity on the radio spectrum under the 1.7 GHz frequency.

Flipper Zero

The Flipper Zero is an electronic gadget which attracted a lot of attention lately for being a hacker/trolls ultimate Swiss knife, since it hosts a bunch of wireless hardware modules that allow interacting with everyday electronics and consumer appliances.

The module thats interesting to us in the Flipper is the Sub-GHz one, which is essentially a CC1101 chip that supports frequencies that are typically used in wireless consumer devices, and that are under 1 GHz, hence the name of the module.

Its important to note, however, that one could just buy the CC1101 module separately ($5+) and make it work with an Arduino/Raspberry Pi or simply a USB-to-TTL adapter, but the Flipper is definitely cooler and more practical. \_()_/

CC1101 vs RTL2832U

The CC1101 chip in the Flipper Zero, unlike the RTL2832U chip thats on the RTL-SDR, is actually a transceiver module (supports sending and receiving), which means the Flipper Zero is the device well be using to send signals.

However, the CC1101 chip doesnt support SDR, which means that it would only send back data that it had completely processed. In other terms, the CC1101 will only be useful to us if we set the right RF configuration of the transmitted signal.

Flipper Zero (CC1101) RTL-SDR dongle (RTL2832U) Receiving signals   Sending signals   Receiving/analyzing raw signals  

Note: Transceiver SDR devices do exist of course, but they tend to be very pricey.

Radio frequency signal basics (oversimplified)

Now that we know a bit about the hardware well be using, lets go through some minimum basic concepts that are needed to tackle this subject.

Intro

Radio frequency transmissions use radio waves, which are a type of electromagnetic radiation, in order to send signals.

These waves are of a typically higher frequency than the original signal were transmitting and this is to ensure reliability in sending data, since signals can have varying characteristics that make sending them as radio waves impractical and susceptible to interference and weak travel distance.

These waves are called carrier waves, since they are essentially modified to carry the original signal reliably through the air (more on this below).

Lets take a look at some of the basic information needed to send/receive a radio signal:

Frequency

This one is self-explanatory, its the number of times a second a carrier wave occurs. Frequency affects the wavelength (the higher the frequency the shorter the waves). This parameter is also typically used to define the communication channel.

Modulation

This refers to the way a signal is represented in the radio waves. The two most common modulation types, which Im sure most people already know of, are:

AM (amplitude modulation) and FM (frequency modulation).

The difference between these is simply the fact that for AM, the signal is modulated (encoded) in amplitude (or strength), which roughly means that the change in signal strength on the carrier waves is how the data is represented.

For FM, as one can guess, the data is rather modulated in frequency. So, changes in the frequency of the waves are used here to determine the data.

This is well visualized in this animation I found on Wikipedia (the signal graph represents the data were trying to transmit):

Modulations can also have different subtypes and characteristics which well talk about later on.

Bandwidth

This refers to the range of frequencies occupied by a modulated RF signal, or in other words, the difference between the highest and the lowest frequency a modulated signal can have. This essentially dictates the amount of data a signal can carry.

Since the rest of the radio characteristics are not terribly important for us to know at this stage, lets move on to the fun stuff!

Visual analysis

SDR#

SDR# is a free, intuitive, computer-based DSP (Digital Signal Processing) application for SDR written in C# with a focus on performance. It allows visualizing the radio spectrum in real time, and supports the demodulation of some common modulations. It also supports third-party plugins for custom modulations and integrations.

Well be using this software for our signal discovery and initial analysis phase.

Signal discovery

By tuning into the 433.92 MHz frequency with our RTL-SDR dongle plugged in (using the WinUSB driver instead of the stock DVB-T one), we can watch the activity of most remote controls in close proximity (433.92 MHz being the standard unregulated frequency in the EU and other neighboring countries, including Morocco, where I live).

On each car key fob button press we instantly notice that theres 3 successive short bursts generated, as can be seen on the waterfall view under the spectrum visualizer:

SDR# visualizing the key fob signal (X axis = frequency, Y axis = signal intensity)

We can also notice that the signal has two major peaks on both sides of the 433.92 MHz frequency (the red line in the middle is the exact tuning frequency).

Doing some research on common modulation schemes, we come across 2-FSK that sounds interesting:

2-FSK

FSK stands for Frequency-Shift Keying, which is a frequency modulation scheme in which data is encoded on a carrier signal by periodically shifting the frequency of the carrier between several discrete frequencies.

Pretty straightforward so far, sounds like were dealing with FM here.

The interesting part is the 2 however, which here stands for the number of channels used in the encoding. So, were actually encoding binary data in two separate frequencies here, one for the 0 and the other for the 1, which would explain the two peaks were noticing.

Note: One might wonder what the other smaller peaks are in that screen capture - those are basically unwanted frequencies that are generated accidentally by the emitter chip, due to the cheap nature of the hardware, and due to the very close proximity of the remote and the antenna. So, its just a bunch of noise that we can safely ignore.

Practical analysis

Now that we checked what the signal looks like visually, lets explore how we can work on analyzing it in order to read the bits from the RF waves in hopes to spot some sort of structure/consistency.

Universal Radio Hacker

As the README of its repository states, the Universal Radio Hacker (URH) is a complete open-source suite for wireless protocol investigation with native support for many common SDRs. URH allows easy demodulation of signals combined with an automatic detection of modulation parameters making it a breeze to identify the bits and bytes that fly over the air.

This is precisely the software we need to decode radio waves into bits.

As we open URH, were invited to either open a file or record directly from a device.

Before recording, we have to select the source device, and set some basic radio parameters (I actually only made sure to put the right frequency and left everything else as default):

After recording a signal, URH will try to autodetect the right configuration to use when decoding the radio waves.

On my initial recordings, I wasnt able to get URH to find the right parameters for me, which gave me wrong results. I have however later figured out that recording multiple repetitive signals in one go increases the chance that URH will figure out the right configuration, which turned out to be in my case: 50 samples/symbol, FSK.

Zooming in on one of the signals, we notice the 3 bursts we identified on SDR# (the second of which is made of 3 separate ones - so we have 5 sections to analyze now):

For each of these sections, a bit sequence is automatically extracted, which we can also convert to hex for a better visualization:

We can already notice a lot of consistency and repeating patterns in the bytes, which is a sign that were on the right path.

However, to my eyes, were still missing something here, because we notice the same 5 hex digits being repeated, with a lot of 0x55 bytes (01010101) also, which is pretty intriguing.

Going over to the next tab labeled Analysis, we can see the bytes weve just extracted from each burst, each represented in a line, and theres a decoding option that shows up with a bunch of curious algorithms:

By brute forcing my way and trying them consecutively, I noticed that one of them (Manchester II) converted all the 0x55 bytes to null ones, and without producing any decoding errors:

These bytes look more legit now.

Manchester encoding

Manchester is a very simple digital modulation scheme that ensures that the signal never remains at logic low or logic high for an extended period of time, and also converts the data signal into a data-plus-synchronization signal (for clock recovery).

These characteristics are very useful when sending digital data over analog mediums that tend to be susceptible to noise and interference.

In Manchester, binary data is encoded in two opposite bits, therefore:

0 becomes 01 and 1 becomes 10 (or the other way around, depending on the convention):

Lets go back and continue our investigation.

By doing some manual examination and comparison of the different captures, were able to note that each button press generates a signal with the following characteristics:

A long burst with no data (decodes to 100 null bytes). 3 bursts which look very similar with only 2 bytes partially changing . A final burst which is shorter but still looks fairly similar to the previous 3 bursts.

I decided to look more closely at the 3 bursts (lets call them packets) in the middle since they seem to be the important part of the signal, and I was quickly able to spot what seems to be an incremental ID which increases by 1 on each new signal:

To be able to move forward with our analysis, we must learn about a very important remote control security mechanism:

Rolling codes

A rolling code is used in keyless entry systems to prevent a simple form of replay attack, where an eavesdropper records the transmission and replays it at a later time to cause the receiver to unlock. Such systems are typical in garage door openers and keyless car entry systems. More on Wikipedia.

The gist of this system is that the key and the car both agree on a cryptographically secure algorithm in order to generate rolling codes that are used to authenticate the remote.

These keys are generated and tracked using a counter which has to stay in sync between the remote and the car. This ensures that the car doesnt reuse an old key, and that the remote always generates fresh keys.

An example of a rolling code implementation is pictured below (credits: RuhrSec 2017) :

uid : ID of the car/remote link

: ID of the car/remote link enc k : Implementation of the rolling code algorithm

: Implementation of the rolling code algorithm ctr : The cars counter

: The cars counter ctr: The remotes counter

The validity window permits the remote to not go out of sync if the car doesnt happen to receive the signal (typically with a max of 255 out-of-range button presses on most implementations, after which the remote has to be manually resynchronized).

Alright, lets go back to the drawing board.

Since we now know that rolling codes are cryptographically secure, it becomes easy for us to spot the part of the signal responsible for this implementation (which would be the one with the highest entropy):

We can also make the assumption that the incremental ID weve identified earlier is the counter for the rolling code system. As it also conveniently sits right next to the code.

By comparing lock and unlock signals, I was also able to quickly spot the byte responsible for the command (8 = unlock, 4 = lock):

Now all thats left for us to guess from the signals variable parts are the two red changes we marked earlier:

1) For the first one, we notice that the same values repeat themselves across the other captured signals.

Converting the 3 values to binary, we notice the following:

0x6: 01 10

10 0xA: 10 10

10 0xE: 1110

Interesting, looks as if its packing some sort of sequence number for the packets.

And what if we check the final (4th) packet as well?

0x13: 10011

Yup, our theory seems to check out (ignore the lowest bit that changed here) .

2) Lets guess the last byte now.

We can notice that this one not only changes for each packet, but it does so completely across all signals as well.

Seeing that this is the last byte on the packet and that it changes pretty randomly, leads me to suspect this being a checksum.

One thing we can try doing is a XOR of this byte with the other byte we just analyzed, to see if we can end up with a static value (since pretty much everything besides these two bytes actually stays static when it comes to the 3 rolling code packets).

Lets try with these two examples:

Example 1:

0x06 ^ 0xB9 = 0xBF

0x0A ^ 0xB5 = 0xBF

0x0E ^ 0xB1 = 0xBF

Example 2:

0x06 ^ 0xCC = 0xCA

0x0A ^ 0xC0 = 0xCA

0x0E ^ 0xC4 = 0xCA

Bingo. This is definitely a XOR checksum.

By applying XOR on all the bytes of the packets, we notice that the value always ends up being off by 1:

This leads us to conclude that the first 2 bytes of the packet are likely excluded from the checksum (which is where the 1 is coming from):

And this actually makes sense, since these bytes would act here as a syncword to synchronize the receiver and indicate the beginning of the data.

Note: If youre wondering about the utility of the initial long burst highlighted in yellow in the captures - that one serves to basically wake up the radio receiver and prepare it to start receiving data (since it goes in an idle low power state on inactivity). And if youre also wondering why the remote sends 3 packets with roughly the same data, its simply to insure some sort of reliability. In case one of the packets gets corrupted on the way (which we saw happen on an earlier screenshot).

Final result

After labeling the rest of the bytes to my best guess, this is the result I ended up with:

Neat. Weve just reverse engineered a car key fob signal.

Tune in next time when I (hopefully) write about how I integrated support for this signal format on the Flipper Zero in order to be able to read, re-serialize, and replay it.

Thanks for reading!

Note: If youve noticed inaccurate information, or room for improvement regarding this article, and would like to improve it, feel free to submit a pull request on GitHub.
Lucia Cannes (Lucia), a radiant new restaurant, bar, and "Bain de Soleil," has officially opened its doors on La Croisette as of March 9th. Crafted by the creative minds behind Nikki Beach Global, the international luxury lifestyle and hospitality company renowned for resorts and beach clubs around the world, Lucia promises to provide a fresh new dining experience on the coast of Cannes.

Derived from the Latin word "lux," signifying all things light and bright, the name Lucia transcends languages and borders, radiating enlightenment, charm, and a touch of magic. Inspired by the eternal glow of sunshine, Lucia celebrates the extravagant, offering a beachfront restaurant dressed in a vibrant ensemble of colors, patterns, and a rich tapestry of textures

At the heart of Lucia lies its culinary philosophy, focusing on Cuisine Du Soleil - Mediterranean fare kissed by the sun. Led by Corporate Executive Chef, Alessandro Pizza, and Lucia's Executive Chef, Yvon Mbiavanga, the menu boasts a symphony of flavors, paying homage to the culinary traditions of the region. The menu will rotate seasonally with spring highlights including the Tuna Crudo a la Nicoise (Olivada, Cherry Tomato Coulis, Crispy Capers, Bagna Cauda Vinaigrette), Runner Bean & Asparagus Salad (Clementines, Whipped Ricotta, Almond Praline, Basil, Mint), Zuppa Di Pesce - Italian Seafood Soup for two (Jumbo Shrimp, Calamari, Mussels, Octopus, MonkFish, Fregola), and the Pistachio & Provencal Honey Baklava (Crispy Phyllo Pastry, Vanilla Cream, Pistachio Praline).

The restaurant's design embraces maximalism, lively colors, intricate patterns, and elements inspired by the sun. The brand has partnered with renowned artist Chiara Perano, to bring this vision to life with captivating custom illustrations adorning the restaurant's tables, menu covers, and more. Nearly every detail has been crafted specifically for the property by the brand's global team and Nikki Beach Global's Interior Design Architect, Remi Viale. The property features custom-designed furniture and a captivating color scheme of oranges and greens that infuse the restaurant with energy and warmth. Nestled at the heart of the restaurant, the DJ booth takes center stage, uniquely housed within a piano. The decor at Lucia will seamlessly adapt to the changing seasons, ensuring that each visit brings a fresh, dynamic ambiance.

The curated beverage menu, inspired by Cuisine du Soleil, was crafted by the restaurant's talented bartending team. Each signature cocktail is a journey, blending herbs, liquors, and aromatics to transport guests to distant lands and cherished memories.

Lucia invites guests to indulge in its chic yet laid-back atmosphere during the day, with lively dinner service offered during the summer months. The property features shaded outdoor areas and eye-catching indoor and outdoor tiled bars as well as a beach area, which offers full-service sun loungers with a curated menu selection from the restaurant.

The Nikki Beach brand has been a part of Cannes for nearly two decades, hosting many pop-ups during the Cannes Film Festival over the years. The brand has always felt a strong connection to and fondness for this iconic destination on the Cote d'Azur, located halfway between the famous Nikki Beach Saint Tropez and exclusive Nikki Beach Monte Carlo beach clubs. Cannes served as the perfect intermediate point, and inaugural location for this new brand concept.

Hotel website
A crisis can hit any business at any time. It could start as negative news that snowballs, terrible online reviews, or even an ill-advised foray into social media. This type of event can tarnish your brand, harm your relationship with your customers, and have a damaging effect on key business outcomes.

So, what can you do? When a negative event occurs, a public relations crisis management plan can minimize the impact on your organization and help you ride out the storm. The key is to act quickly when problems arise and, better yet, put a crisis communication plan in place before the event occurs.

What is public relations crisis management?

Public relations crisis management is the process of reducing the impact a negative situation has on your business, its stakeholders, and your brands image through your communications with the public. There are any number of events that could cause this type of crisis:

A health and safety breach that causes harm to customers or employees

Legal claims against the business or its leaders

Serious flaws in your products and services

Discrimination on the grounds of race, religion, or gender

Engaging in activity that causes undue damage to the environment

Arguably, the most common crisis to hit large organizations over the last few years has been cyberattacks that lead to massive data leaks. Whatever the nature of the event, if it generates negative press, affects your brand image, and leads to a loss of public trust, it can be extremely damaging and potentially even fatal for your organization.

Public relations crisis management aims to reduce the damage this type of event causes. A good crisis management plan will have three aspects:

Pre-crisis

Taking measures to prevent a crisis in the first instance and planning your response if one occurs Crisis response

Outlining the strategy your crisis response team will take and how you will communicate with stakeholders and the media Post-crisis

Fulfilling the commitments you make during the crisis and taking steps to rebuild trust and prevent another crisis in the future

Your crisis communications plan will provide a framework for how you will communicate throughout the crisis to minimize its impact on the organization, customers, shareholders, and employees.

How to create a crisis management plan

A crisis management plan is a strategy that determines how your company will react to and address serious negative events. A recent study found that less than half of US companies have a formal crisis communication plan, 28% having an undocumented plan, and 23% admitting to having no plan at all.

Given the public scrutiny organizations now face and the risks associated with social media and cyberattacks, its more important than ever that you have a crisis management plan that you can adapt for every situation.

Your plan should detail the steps you intend to take and explain who will be informed and involved at every stage of the process. You should also prepare communications that you can release via various media, such as press releases, social media posts, and public statements. That will enable you to react quickly and get ahead of the story.

Youre likely to have some idea of the type of crisis you might be involved in based on the most prevalent risks in your industry. You can create a communication plan that focuses on those crises, is pre-approved by senior leadership, and is ready to kick into action.

Dr Laura Zizka, PhD faculty member at EHL Hospitality Business School Lausanne, offers valuable tips for proactive crisis communication management by outlining six things managers can do to prepare for a PR crisis before one occurs.

How to manage a PR crisis

Having a communication plan in place before the event is advisable, but what steps can you take if a crisis occurs that youve not planned for? Heres some guidance.

1. Check if its a fully-fledged crisis

A few negative comments on social media, angry emails, or bad reviews do not necessarily constitute a crisis. Before you fly into damage limitation mode, gather information about the story, investigate its origins, and understand where it is in the news cycle. The last thing you want to do is give oxygen to a story that was already petering out.

Creating an objective scale will help you determine the severity of an event. Media monitoring and social listening tools can be an effective way to get a quantitative assessment of a crisis.

2. Appoint a response team

Once youve determined that its a story you need to respond to, appointing a response team will ensure the right people speak on behalf of your organization and you communicate with one voice.

The best response teams are usually made up of experienced in-house communications professionals and external experts. They may also include senior business leaders, lawyers, someone with operational knowledge, and HR representatives.

3. Determine your stance and strategy

The next step is to gather all the relevant information, including answering these questions:

What is the situation?

Who is involved?

When did it take place?

Where did it take place ?

Why did it happen?

Based on your findings, you can determine the stance and approach the organization will take. You should also decide whether to be proactive or reactive in your messaging, who will communicate with the press and the public, and what media you will use.

One example of a brilliant response to a crisis came from Proctor & Gamble when they took a three-pronged approach to the Tide Pods Challenge crisis, where teenagers filmed themselves eating concentrated laundry detergent capsules for social media. In addition to issuing statements warning the public of the dangers of this silly trend, the brand engaged celebrity sportsman Rob Gonkowski to tweet a short video telling teens to stop eating Tide pods, and it was a great success.

4. Craft your message

Once you have a team and strategy in place, you can start communicating your response. We have seen over the years, including crises at Facebook and Uber, that attempts to deflect or misdirect are unlikely to be successful.

Instead, being honest and accepting liability straightaway is typically the best approach. You should also respond quickly to avoid giving the impression that you have something to hide or dont care about the situation. Getting out there early and being as transparent as possible, without blaming external parties, and explaining how you intend to make the situation good can diffuse the situation and allow everyone to move on.

Humor has sometimes been used to good effect in these situations. For example, Aldi, the German-based discount retailer crafted a funny response to being sued by Marks and Spencer over their too-similar version of a famous caterpillar cake. As part of their crisis management response, they posted a series of funny social media posts using Twitter to troll the rival supermarket. They tweeted what appeared to be live views from the courtroom, including a courtroom sketch that showed Cuthbert the Caterpillar standing trial with the hashtag #FreeCuthbert.

While this approach may not be suitable for more serious situations, its important to note that there are many ways to address unfortunate and uncomfortable situations and using different media, tone of voice, and showing other perspectives can help to diffuse tension, as long as the sentiment remains authentic.

5. Monitor the situation and address concerns

Just because youve said your piece, it doesnt mean the crisis is over. You should keep monitoring the news outlets, social media, and inbound emails and address any follow-up questions or concerns.

Again, honesty is the best policy; however, you should be wary of stoking the fire. If you say too much, the internet can be flooded with negative articles from powerful sources that rank well in the search engines. A 2019 study found that the impact of negative news on an organizations reputation is three times greater than the effect of positive news. Another study found that organizations with only one negative online article risk losing nearly a quarter (22%) of their prospective customers. Youll then be left with an expensive and time-consuming clean-up job.

PR Crisis Management in Hospitality & Tourism

The hospitality industry is particularly vulnerable to PR catastrophes due to the very close and immediate relationship that hospitality businesses have with their customers. Being mistreated in a hotel lobby or getting sick from eating food from a restaurant has a truly personal impact.

An unfortunate incident in a hotel, restaurant, or airline is often highly visible because it directly impacts the customer experience and can be easily recorded with mobile phones, then posted on social media. Things can quickly get out of hand.

The United Airlines passenger removal incident of 2017 provides valuable lessons for hospitality businesses in crisis management:

First and foremost, hospitality-related businesses must prioritize the safety, well-being, and respect of their customers.

Due to the human-centric nature of the business, empathy and effective communication are essential during a crisis.

Crisis communication must demonstrate a commitment to customer satisfaction and address concerns in a timely and compassionate manner.

It is vital for hospitality businesses to have clear protocols in place for handling overbooking, unruly customers, and health- or safety-related situations to ensure that incidents are managed professionally and with minimal disruption to other clients.

And finally, hotels and restaurants should be prepared to adapt and learn from crises, making necessary changes to policies, training, and customer service practices to regain trust and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

In hospitality, experts often refer to the crisis resolution process as Service Recovery, and it is an important process for fixing problems, making amends, and protecting brand trust in the industry. You can learn more about this topic with these articles.

Preparing to manage a PR crisis

You never know when a crisis is going to hit, so its well worth putting a crisis management plan in place that guides you on what to do when one arises. That will help you align your thinking and reduce the risk of making the situation worse with an inappropriate or delayed response. If you handle things well, this example from KFC shows that you could even turn a negative situation on its head and gain some positive PR.

Upskilling in communications and crisis management is an excellent investment for executives, PR managers, and members of their teams. For this purpose, EHL Graduate School offers a range of customized programs deilvered by subject-matter experts with content coming straight from the latest industry challenges. If you feel the need to brush up on your communication skills or crisis management approach, then we invite you to learn more about these programs.
BANGKOK -- Following the release of the PATA Executive Summary Forecasts Report for the years 2024 to 2026 released earlier last month, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) today released a more comprehensive Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2024-2026 report, taking a deeper dive into growth projections, focusing on the source market-destination pairs from 2024 to 2026 for each of the three Asia Pacific destination sub-regions. This report covers 39 destinations within Asia Pacific forecasting from 2024 up to 2026 in a series of three possible scenarios.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid points out that, While most destinations within the Asia Pacific region are rebounding strongly and moving closer to pre-pandemic levels, this forecast report highlights the significant changes as experienced by the individual destinations. Therefore, it is important to understand this trend which will impact the future growth for respective destinations as compared to the overall region.

Under the medium scenario, international visitor arrivals (IVAs) to Asia Pacific are expected to increase from 619 million in 2024 to 762 million in 2026, with a recovery rate of 111.6% compared to the 2019 level. Asia will lead the recovery, with visitor arrivals reaching 564.0 million, followed by the Americas with 167.7 million and the Pacific with 30.4 million by 2026, highlighting the region's resilience and growing potential as a travel destination.

In interpreting the Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2024-2026 report, it is crucial to note that the data should not be viewed holistically, as destinations are undergoing recovery at varying paces. Each destination has its unique dynamics, contributing to diverse percentage changes in international visitor arrivals. For example, while numerous Pacific destinations are experiencing robust recovery, their numerical figures understandably differ in scale when compared to larger destinations globally. In analysing the forecasted growth, it becomes evident that understanding the nuanced recovery patterns of individual destinations is imperative for a comprehensive perspective on the evolving landscape of tourism in the Asia Pacific region. PATA emphasises the significance of observing the specific recovery rates and trends for each destination, as they shape the overall narrative of the region's tourism resurgence.

Out of 39 destinations covered in the report, 34 are predicted to recover to pre-pandemic levels, with Japan and the Maldives topping the fastest-recovering destinations chart. Japan is forecast to welcome 49.3 million visitors by 2026, which is 155% more than the 2019 number. The Maldives is expected to host 2.5 million visitors, indicating a 148% recovery rate to pre-pandemic levels. With this in mind, the visitor arrivals recoveries in the region call for appropriate destination management strategies.

China, the US, the UK, and Australia are expected to maintain their leading positions as major source markets of IVAs to the Asia Pacific region, all of which are forecast to recover to pre-pandemic levels by 2024, fuelled by their economic growth potentials.

Noor added, The ramifications for destination marketing organisations (DMOs) to be more agile, flexible and robust to quick changes in the marketplace, especially output from the source market will play a crucial role on which destination will perform better than the other in the coming years. Destination marketeers and policy makers must understand that what they do in 2023, might no longer work from this year onwards, as the travel market shifts expeditiously while consumer buying power depends very much upon user-generated content (UGC). In this regard, understanding the PATA forecast report, which takes into consideration various key factors such as economic indicators, travel capacity, etc., will be crucial.

What you will learn from this report:

Forecast international visitor numbers for Asia Pacific between 2024 and 2026 by destination region, sub-region, and destination, highlighting changing opportunities in the post-COVID era;

Forecasts and growth patterns for 39 individual destinations facilitating the development of appropriate strategies over the next three years; and

Highlights of the key source markets within each Asia Pacific destination region over the forecast period of 2024 to 2026.

The PATA Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2024-2026 is now available at www.pata.org/research-q1v63g6n2dw/p/asia-pacific-visitor-forecasts-2024-2026

PATA members have exclusive on-demand video access to the forecast related webinar, The Scientific Crystal Ball: Forecasting the Future Tourism Market and related PowerPoint presentations, which was held on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. The webinar includes expert panellists from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Euromonitor International, Mastercard, and Amadeus. The speakers contributed invaluable insights on travel trends for the coming years, key factors driving tourism recovery, and various aspects of the Asia Pacific international visitor numbers forecast from 2024 to 2026.
Hong Kong: Statement on Article 23 bill rebuked

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today expressed strong condemnation of a statement by the organisation Hong Kong Watch, which it said is a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and smear the disclosure of commission by others of offence of treason requirement in the Basic Law Article 23 legislation.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said the anti-China organisation, together with 16 co-signatories of the statement, had attempted to provoke discontent among religious practitioners and followers against the legislation.

It highlighted that the offences of treason and misprision of treason have existed for a long time, whether in Hong Kong or in other common law jurisdictions, adding that the new legislation does not target religious practitioners or followers, and has nothing to do with freedom of religion.

It also stressed that freedom of religion does not protect anyone who has committed serious offences from legal sanctions.

In its condemnation, it said Hong Kong Watch had omitted to mention that Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights clearly stipulates that freedom of religion may be subject to limitations to protect public safety, order, or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others. That article is based on Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Hong Kong SAR Government has proposed to codify the offence of misprision of treason under the common law as a requirement for disclosure of commission by others of offence of treason.

However, it said Hong Kong Watch and the co-signatories of its statement had linked that requirement to freedom of religion in order to smear the legislative work, using religion as a pretext, in order to provoke repulsion among religious practitioners and followers against the Hong Kong SAR Government.

The Hong Kong SAR Government added that the statement even made demagogic and exaggerated remarks in an attempt to mislead the international community in believing that the Hong Kong SAR Governments proposal runs contrary to the international standard, thereby creating a negative impression of the Basic Law Article 23 legislation.

It highlighted that treason is an extremely serious and rare offence endangering national security, and that it will only be committed in extreme conditions, such as waging war against China or instigating a foreign country to invade the country with force.

It added that it would be absolutely reasonable, necessary and justified to request that Chinese citizens who know about such acts or activities to disclose the commission of offences to law enforcement agencies, which can then take timely actions in accordance with the law to protect the life and property of the community.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said that misprision of treason remains a common law offence in the UK, while other countries with a common law system  including the US, Canada and Singapore  have codified the offence of misprision of treason. It added that these countries have not specified relevant exceptions.

It added that Hong Kong Watch and the co-signatories made no mention of the relevant provisions in these other countries in their groundless attack on the legislative work of safeguarding national security in Hong Kong.

It stressed that not only is Hong Kong Watch anti-China but that many of its members have repeatedly called for sanctions by foreign countries against officials of the central government and the Hong Kong SAR Government.

The people of Hong Kong, the religious sector and the international community should see the organisations true colours and not be misled by its erroneous remarks and ulterior motives, the Hong Kong SAR Government said.

This story has been published on: 2024-03-14. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
JEDDAH - Jeddah Historic District today launches the restoration and regeneration of three historic properties in Al Balad into heritage hotels, an area of great historical and cultural significance on the West Coast of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with UNESCO heritage protection. The hotels are part of Jeddah Historic District Program, under the Ministry of Culture, which has paved the way in the regeneration of the old town of Al Balad. Named House of Jokhdar, Kedwan and Al Rayess, each hotel has been carefully reinvigorated with the work of historians and the knowledge of locals, utilising local artists, carpenters and architects as well as locally sourced products. The three properties thoughtfully reflect their original layout and design whilst offering luxurious and effortlessly chic modernity.

Beit Jokhdar

Source: Albalad Hospitality

Comprising of nine light and airy rooms and suites, including the Royal Suite, Dar Neem Suite and Deluxe Suite, the unique hotel has been thoughtfully designed to provide a haven of tranquillity amid the vibrant bustling streets of Al Balad. The luxury hotel has a stunning roof terrace for guests exclusive use, with stunning views of the historic centre.

Beit Al Rayess

Source: Albalad Hospitality

With six suites and rooms, Beit Al Rayess grandeur is evoked through its impressively high ceilings. Matching its surroundings, the heritage hotel focuses on bridging the gap between old and new, tradition and luxury. Whilst evoking tradition, the amenities and facilities provide modern comforts for guests to feel at home during their stay.

Beit Kedwan

Source: Albalad Hospitality

A blend of heritage and contemporary, Beit Kedwan can be hired in its entirety, boasting two guestrooms alongside multiple living spaces where traditional Arabian design merges with modern comfort. Beit Kedwan also has an exclusive rooftop terrace for guest use, offering an enclosed space with views of the Arabian skyline where visitors can enjoy their meals.

Each property offers a set menu for both lunch and breakfast at one centralised restaurant for all three properties, where locals and visitors can also enjoy the delicious local flavours.

All guests of the properties will be enveloped in the heritage and history of the area, greeted with coffee and rose-infused tea upon arrival and given the opportunity to personalise their visit ahead of time. Everything from the chocolates in their airport transfer to the scent of incense in their room is personalised, offering guests a home away from home.

The properties are part of a wider restoration of a collection of heritage properties and represent the first 17 keys to open of a further 165 keys that will belong to 34 heritage properties that will open by 2027.

Getting there

Visitors can fly direct to Jeddah from London Gatwick in 5 hours and 50 minutes with Saudia. All guests are also offered complimentary airport transfers on arrival and departure waiting in their room.

Room rates across the properties begin at 2,200 SAR (approx. 463) per night, excluding breakfast. Beit Kedwan rates begin from 8,400 SAR (approx. 1,760) per night.

About Jeddah Historic District (Al Balad)

Located at the mid-point of Saudi Arabias western coastline, Al Balad (the city in Arabic) is Jeddahs historic heart, and a destination uniquely characterised by the Red Sea it borders. For hundreds of years a gateway for traders heading to market and pilgrims from around the world on their journey to Mecca, its a window into the Kingdoms past  as well as being integral to its future.

About Jeddah Historic District Program

Jeddah Historic District Program, established in 2018 under the Saudi Ministry of Culture, is on a mission to restore Al-Balad, the city's restoration historic district. This ambitious undertaking aims to transform the area into a vibrant, integrated urban and cultural centre, while carefully preserving its rich heritage and fostering economic and community prosperity. The program operates under a holistic philosophy, balancing the protection of cultural and architectural treasures with the enhancement of community life and economic activity. A key objective is to cultivate Al-Balad as a thriving hub for business and cultural initiatives, attracting entrepreneurs and creative minds. This mission aligns seamlessly with Saudi Vision 2030 contributing to its goals for diversification and cultural development. The program strives to project the historic and cultural essence of Jeddahs Historic District, positioning it as a global exemplar for heritage city restoration. The area's inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 emphasizes its exceptional value and the imperative to safeguard its legacy.

The Ministry of Culture is responsible for the Kingdoms cultural scene on a local and international scale, and it is keen to preserve the Kingdoms historical heritage while striving to build a prosperous cultural future in which various kinds of culture and arts flourish.

The Ministry has a crucial role to play in delivering Saudi Arabias ambitious transformation program, Vision 2030. Its goal is to contribute to building a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation.

Its aim is to provide an authentic experience, build a vibrant and creative community and establish Jeddah Historical District as an economic centre and a global historical destination inspired by Jeddahs ancient heritage and diverse culture, under the support of the Ministry of Culture. The establishment of the company follows the directive of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to develop historic Jeddah, which began in 2019.

About Albalad Hospitality

Al Balad Development Company (BDC), wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has launched Albalad Hospitality with the primary aim of delivering authentic hospitality experiences within Al Balad.

This strategic initiative is in line with the overarching objective of transforming Al Balad into a global, historical, and cultural destination on the tourism map.

The launch of Albalad Hospitality underscores a commitment to offering guests a comprehensive hospitality infrastructure and experience in Al Balad ranging from hostels to three new, premium heritage hotels situated the heart of Al Balad 

Emphasising the cultural richness of the area, Al Balad Hospitality Collection will endeavour to protect and promote authenticity, providing local luxury products, promoting exploration, and upholding traditional hospitality etiquette to preserve the region's heritage.
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced an agreement with Adventurous Journeys Capital Partners (AJ Capital) to acquire the fan-favorite Graduate Hotels brand, adding a significant growth opportunity for the global hospitality leader in the fast-growing lifestyle hotel market.

Hilton will pay $210 million to acquire all rights to the Graduate brand worldwide, enter into franchise agreements for all existing and signed pipeline Graduate Hotels, and become responsible for the brands future development and growth. AJ Capital will remain the owner of the more than 35 operating and pipeline Graduate properties, each of which will be operated under long-term Hilton franchise agreements.

The transaction, which is expected to close in the second quarter, subject to customary closing conditions including review and approval pursuant to Hart-Scott-Rodino, will be immediately accretive to Hilton. The company expects the fee contribution for the first full year of ownership to be approximately $16 million.

Adding Graduate Hotels to our portfolio of award-winning brands accelerates our expansion in the lifestyle space by pairing an existing much-loved brand with the power of Hiltons strong commercial engine to drive growth. We have long had a high bar for adding brands to our portfolio, whether organically or through acquisition, and Graduate will be another driver of growth for us, presenting a unique opportunity to serve more guests in more sought-after destinations. With thousands of colleges and universities around the world, we believe the addressable market for the Graduate brand is 400-500 hotels globally. Chris Nassetta, president and CEO, Hilton

The addition of Graduate Hotels to Hiltons global portfolio will offer millions of travelers access to unparalleled hospitality in their favorite university towns. Each Graduate hotel  steeped in local history, charm and nostalgia  is thoughtfully designed to reflect the unique character of its local university, offering the perfect setting for gamedays, reunions, graduations, campus visits and more. Since its inception in 2014, the brand has grown to span the United States and the United Kingdom, including locations in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Knoxville, Tennessee; Palo Alto, California; State College, Pennsylvania; and Oxford and Cambridge, United Kingdom, with new hotels opening soon in Austin and Dallas, Texas; Auburn, Alabama; and Princeton, New Jersey.

We're proud to embark on this new chapter for Graduate Hotels with Hilton, the ideal partner to steer the brand's continued growth. Both Hilton and Graduate Hotels are committed to delivering exceptional experiences and making a positive impact on communities. Our shared values and close collaboration will ensure a smooth transition while keeping the Graduate Hotels' unique brand identity intact. With Hilton's extensive network behind us, guests can anticipate even more exciting opportunities. We're certain this partnership will propel Graduate Hotels to even greater heights, while AJs ongoing ownership of the real estate assets lays a strong foundation for our future success. Ben Weprin, founder, Graduate Hotels and CEO, AJ Capital

The Graduate brand will be incorporated into Hiltons fast-growing lifestyle portfolio alongside Canopy by Hilton, Curio Collection by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Tempo by Hilton and Motto by Hilton  each of which has been launched in the last 10 years to respond to growing demand from travelers for localized travel experiences. Hiltons 2024 Trends Report identified that nearly a quarter of global travelers are planning getaways for concerts, sporting events and other one-of-a-kind, local experiences this year, many of which are happening in secondary markets anchored by universities.

Graduate Hotels are expected to be available for booking via Hilton channels later this year and will participate in Hilton Honors, Hiltons award-winning guest loyalty program for the companys portfolio of more than 7,500 properties worldwide. Members who book directly with Hilton can access instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, exclusive member discounts, free standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton Honors mobile app.

Hilton continues to offer customers the right stay for every travel occasion through an unmatched portfolio of industry-leading brands plus exclusive partnerships that create more experiences for guests to dream about. The addition of Graduate, as well as a recently announced partnerships with Small Luxury Hotels of the World and AutoCamp, adds to the companys dramatic growth trajectory and reflects its focus on accelerating offerings for guests in the industrys fastest-growing markets and segments.

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. is AJ Capitals sole financial advisor on this transaction.
The Extended Stay Lodging Association (ESLA), a trade association dedicated to advancing the extended-stay lodging industry, announced today they have established an affiliation with Niagara University College of Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management (CoHST).

ESLA provides an impartial forum for stakeholders to share ideas, innovations, and best practices. ESLA believes this affiliation will enhance the education experience for the students, offering them valuable insights, resources, and connections within the extended-stay segment. By bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry experience, this partnership will provide students with a true understanding of the evolving of the hospitality landscape.

We are proud to accept the invitation from ESLA to offer complimentary memberships, providing specific educational opportunities to our hospitality students focused on the extended-stay segment. We believe this affiliation will expand our curriculum with current industry data, educational library, gain ample access to active industry experts and executes, and an association with hoteliers. Bridget Niland, Ph.D., J.D., Dean, Niagara University College of Hospitality, Sport, and Tourism Management

This affiliation is groundbreaking, as Niagara University CoHST becomes the first hospitality school to join forces with ESLA, marking a collaboration between academic and the extended stay lodging industry.

We are thrilled to welcome Niagara University as our first hospitality school affiliate. This affiliation reflects ESLAs commitment to fostering education, innovation, and collaboration within the extended-stay lodging industry. Working closely with academic institutions like Niagara University is crucial for shaping the next generation of hospitality and extended-stay professionals. Doug Artusio, Chairman and Founder of the Extended Stay Lodging Association

ESLA continues to champion excellence in extended stay lodging and looks forward to nurturing future hospitality leaders through collaborative initiatives.
As of now, the common sentiment around Generative AI (genAI) and the use of large language models (LLMs) or generative pre-trained transformers (GPTs) for hospitality is centered around chatbots and their ability to answer guest inquiries and, in some cases, complete standard room reservations. While we all inherently grasp that there are applications far more advanced than these already-advanced functionalities, standing above the rest are the AI agents that can be trained to perform specific and rather complex tasks.

You might ponder why we dont already have these available to us, but as Oracle has highlighted in their latest article on the subject, it is best to proceed cautiously, even as a series of powerful AI tools have already been deployed on the Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) for departments including HR, finance, sales, front desk, SCM and marketing. To answer why caution is advised regarding some potential risks in having bots run operations without human oversight, we can look at one example: a recent court case involving the Canadian travel industry where an AI hallucination caused a lot of headaches for Air Canada, the countrys leading airline.

In this case, a passenger was told by the AI chatbot that they could apply for a reduced bereavement airfare retroactively within 90 days of the flight date. However, this contradicted the corporate policy as stated on the website, which did not allow refunds for travel that had already transpired. The AI had imagined or hallucinated something that was inaccurate.

During the subsequent trial, Air Canada was found responsible for the policy as stated by its AI chatbot under the guise of negligent misrepresentation. It had to honor the refund.

To add my own notes on the case, this is hardly the first or the last time we will see a hallucination cause problems for a company. And the chances for the creation of an inaccurate pattern or model only grow as we start to expand the uses of AI into the territory of agency. For instance, genAI has been cited as a tremendous tool for automating tasks such as scheduling housekeepers or juggling room reservation assignments. But what if theres a mistake and room attendants are told to start their shift at 3am or a group room block ends up scattered across an entire 500-key hotel? As a human, Im already biased in what unfortunate scenarios I can imagine; its difficult to predict what an AI will hallucinate because they dont think quite like we do.

This all said, the benefits of AI agents are far too great to ignore and hotel tech leaders are devoting plenty of resources to QA to minimize the risks, which brings us to an important term for hoteliers to keep in mind regarding the deployment of AI agents: retrieval-augmented generation (RAG).

While out-of-the-box LLMs and GPTs are trained on vast quantities of data, RAG aims to limit the range of responses from an LLM to only those available from your own enterprise data sources or internal knowledge base. Per its namesake, RAG works to augment a human prompt or query into a foundation model by retrieving then adding into that prompt the contextually relevant data in order to generate a specific AI response or task to be performed.

Whether this augmentation is ruled-based, semantic-based or dependent on AIs interacting with APIs, RAG holds the most promise in the near future to extend the capabilities of genAI immensely for hotels while limiting the risk of hallucinations or the improper handling of transactional data. By giving accurate context to prompts, AI agents can then be tasked and trusted with the use cases that have long been promised but seldom delivered.

Some ideas for where AI agents can take us:

Personalized room amenities based on guest preferences

Conversationally-driven custom reservations

Predictive maintenance with prescriptive repair schedules

And yes, organizing team shifts to more efficiently run a property without making anyone wake up in the middle of the night

Theres obviously a ton more happening under the hood to make these technologies a reality; ask your vendors what their RAG roadmap is and how they are supporting this next-level automation.
Earlier this month at ITB Berlin, I had the privilege to meet up with Irnya Sidletska, President of the Ukrainian Hotel & Resort Association. My meeting with Irnya was part of a significant event where several Ukrainian Tourism stakeholders showcased the "We Are Here" campaign, a poignant message of presence and perseverance amidst adversity. Developed with the support of Debbie Flynn, global travel practice leader at Finn Partners, this campaign represents a collective effort to spotlight Ukraine's tourism potential against the backdrop of ongoing conflict.

I invite our readers at Hospitality Net to watch this touching and inspiring video:

A Journey of Resilience and Determination

The conflict with Russia, which has extended over two years, has diverted global attention away from Ukraine, overshadowing the rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and the vibrant life that still thrives within its borders. Mariana Oleskiv, the Chair of the SATD, spearheads this initiative to cast a light on Ukraine's tourism sector, which stands proud and hopeful of rejuvenation despite the daunting challenges posed by the war.

The Cornerstone of Hope: "We Are Here"

At the heart of this campaign is a poignant video that symbolizes the unwavering resilience and readiness of Ukraine to welcome visitors with open arms once peace is restored. This video, premiered at the ITB Congress, draws inspiration from the iconic message delivered by President Zelensky at the onset of the invasion, declaring "we are all here." It profiles the steadfast Ukrainians from the travel and tourism industry who now contribute to the war effort, reinforcing the message that Ukraine, with all its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance, eagerly awaits the day it can share these treasures with the world again.

Changing the Narrative

Mariana Oleskiv's mission is to alter the global perception of Ukraine from a war-torn country to a land of beauty, resilience, and hospitality. "When people think of Ukraine, they often think of a country decimated by war. We aim to show that this is far from the truth," Oleskiv states. From the historic streets of Kyiv to the mystical Carpathian Mountains, from the dynamic port city of Odesa to the quaint architecture of Lviv, Ukraine is a kaleidoscope of experiences, ready to be discovered.

A Commitment to Rebuild and Revive

The campaign also underscores SATD's dedication to reconstructing Ukraine's tourism infrastructure, including hotels, resorts, and attractions, ensuring they are ready to welcome international visitors post-conflict. This endeavor is not only about restoring buildings and landscapes but also about rejuvenating the spirit of the Ukrainian people by creating job opportunities in tourism, which will play a crucial role in the nation's recovery.

A Call to the World

"We Are Here: Brave Hearts of Ukraine" is an invitation to the global community to witness the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people and the unparalleled beauty of their land. It is a call for future travelers to include Ukraine on their bucket lists, not just as a destination to visit but as a story of bravery, resilience, and hope to be part of. Despite adversity, Ukraine stands united, ready to preserve its heritage and welcome visitors to a land where the human spirit triumphs over conflict.

The campaign and its centerpiece video offer a glimpse into the heart of Ukrainea country fighting not just for its present but for a future where it can share its riches, culture, and open hearts with the world. Ukraine's message is clear: "We are here, waiting to welcome you."

Watch the Campaign Video
Previously, we published the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Defined article by Gissell Moronta, which gave you an understanding of the terminology and why DEI is important.

The next step in learning more about DEI is to get involved. It doesnt matter where you start, but you need to begin. We have compiled a comprehensive list of hospitality resources for you to get involved.

Hospitality DEI Organizations

These organizations outwardly support and create awareness for underrepresented communities in hospitality that allow anyone to participate. It is not applicable to organizations with internal departments or programs that are intended for employees only.

AAWTH is made up of African-descent female hospitality and tourism professionals working in all aspects of the tourism and hospitality industries. Driving force in the tourism and hospitality industries, advocating for female leaders.

A new group of Black Travel Content Creators from across the globe. Their three pillars of the community are alliance, amplification, and accountability. As travel authors, bloggers, broadcasters, journalists, photographers, podcasters, social media influencers, and vloggers, they unify to amplify. They also aim to provide training and business support to our members, as well as hold destinations and travel brands accountable on the issue of diversity in travel marketing and storytelling.

Run by The Arc that trains disabled people to work in hotel, food service and healthcare support environments. It, along with its attached 150-room Courtyard Muncie at Horizon Convention Center hotel, is an immersive learning environment.

Previously Castell Project. Has two programs the BUILD and ELEVATE that help accelerate careers of female leaders in the hospitality industry by cultivating strong leadership identities and preparing recognized organizational leaders for high-level advancement.

Companies that are committed to hiring refugee talent and willing to create an inclusive and welcoming environment reap the benefits of a strengthened workforce and economy powered by hard-working, dedicated employees. Hiring refugees is not just good for business  its good for everyone, thats why they started a Preferred Refugee Employer Program to help you get involved.

AHLAs Hospitality for Hope Initiative was created to boost collaboration between the hotel industry and local, state, and federal governments to help employees, communities across the country, and the industry during the unprecedented COVID-19 health crisis and beyond by matching up available rooms with those in need including health workers and more recently, displaced persons and refugees.

Strategy and Education for Inclusive Hospitality. Travelers of diverse genders and sexual orientations are a prized demographic in some destinations, and criminalized in others, giving every tourism business an opportunity or a challenge in the LGBTQ+ market. Or both. As diversity and inclusion becomes a priority for all global business, hospitality and customer service organizations struggle to find ways to incorporate these values in their own missions and day-to-day operations. HospitableMe helps destinations and brands define those opportunities and challenges, and strategize ways to address them.

IGLTA was founded in 1983 and is the worlds leading network of LGBTQ+ welcoming tourism businesses. They provide free travel resources and information while continuously working to promote equality and safety within LGBTQ+ tourism worldwide. IGLTAs members include LGBTQ+ friendly accommodations, transport, destinations, service providers, travel agents, tour operators, events and travel media located in over 80 countries.

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is a non-profit organization that is committed to growing and promoting a sustainable, culturally rich Indigenous tourism industry in Canada.

The Latino Hotel Association is dedicated to serving those who want to learn, grow and succeed in hospitality! They educate and nurture passionate individuals in the hospitality industry with a focus on growing Latino and Hispanic leaders. We are committed to expanding the community of Latino Hotel owners and operators. We are a family-focused and inclusive association.

A group of dedicated conference/event planners, hotel sales professionals and audio visual professionals who are raising awareness about human trafficking.

The National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP), founded in 1983, is a non-profit organization dedicated primarily to the training needs of African American meeting planners. The organization is committed to the improvement of the meetings, conferences, exhibitions, and conventions they manage. Members of NCBMP include meeting planners from numerous business, civil rights, church and fraternal organizations. Associate membership is available to individuals who represent hotels, convention bureaus, city government officers, airlines and other suppliers who offer services to the meeting and convention community.

Educate, encourage, and empower minority students interested in pursuing hospitality career.

Their goal is creating a society in which all persons with disabilities have the same consumer opportunities as everyone else. They aspire to teach businesses how to succeed in the disability market, while simultaneously empowering the disability community in travel and tourism.

She Has a Deal offers inspiration and education to achieve their goal  increasing the number of women hotel owners and developers. Their programs channel the power of collaboration and mentorship by connecting experts and newbies, experienced investors and hotel operations leaders. They create pathways to hotel ownership by exposing participants to the hard-to-find details needed to successfully source, analyze, and close hotel real estate investment deals.

The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance brings together engaged hospitality companies and the wider value chain along with strategic partners and uses the collective power of the industry to deliver impact locally and on a global scale.

Tent is made up of more than 400 major multinational companies committed to hiring and economically integrating refugees in other ways.

Women in Travel THRIVE is a proud member of the Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance, a gathering of organizations all aligned on advancing women in hospitality.

Tourism Diversity Matters (TDM), founded as the collaborative leader of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and concepts that can address the blind spots of ethnic disparities and provide decision-makers in the tourism and events industry access, resources, and tactics to develop more effective Diversity & Inclusion strategies that will engage and retain a diverse workforce.

A vision rehab agency in Buffalo NY that has a residential training program for people with disabilities to work in hospitality. (VIA used to be funded by the Hilton Foundation but they changed focus so VIA less hospitality-focused training now.)

WiHTL is devoted to increasing womens and ethnic minorities representation at all levels and in leadership positions across Hospitality, Travel and Leisure (HTL)

Note: We are not endorsed by any organization nor do we promise this is a comprehensive list. It is not being monitored ongoing, but please contact us if you want to be added.

Hospitality DEI White Papers and Additional Resources

Here are some other resources to help educate yourself on DEI initiatives.

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Why banning TikTok isnt the answer [Op-Ed]

The House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which requires Chinas ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban in the U.S. Now, the battle moves to the Senate, where its future is less certain.

The U.S. has proven too corrupt to hold giant corporations accountable for privacy abuses.

Op-Ed by Karl Bode from Tech Dirt

While it seemed like our national policy hysteria over TikTok had waned slightly in 2024, it bubbled up once again last week upon rumors that the White House is supporting a welcome and important new bill that would effectively ban TikTok from operating in the United States.

The bipartisan bill (full text)  which moved forward last week in spite of TikToks ham-fisted attempt to overload Congress with phone calls from users  sponsored by Reps Mike Gallagher and Raja Krishnamoorthi, prevents all ByteDance-controlled applications from enjoying app store availability or web hosting services in the U.S., unless TikTok severs ties to entities like ByteDance that are subject to the control of a foreign adversary. Basically, the bill wants ByteDance to divest TikTok, preferably to an American company.

Youll recall the Trump administrations big solution for TikTok was basically cronyism: to force the company to sell itself to Walmart and Oracle. That is: companies controlled by Trumps cronies, with their own track records of bad behavior and privacy violations. Youll also recall that Facebook has been very busy sowing congressional angst for years about TikTok for purely anti-competitive reasons.

The bill applies to any company owned by ByteDance, whether or not anybody has actually proven any sort of meaningful connection to Chinese intelligence (were working off of vibes here, man). Theres also some murky language in the legislation that curiously excludes companies that deal in reviews, a nice treat for whatever company successfully lobbied for that exemption:

EXCLUSION: The term covered company does not include an entity that operates a website, desktop application, mobile application, or augmented or immersive technology application whose primary purpose is to allow users to post product reviews, business reviews, or travel information and reviews.

To be very clear: TikTok certainly isnt without surveillance, national security, and notable privacy concerns. And the authoritarian Chinese government is, without question, an oppressive genocidal shitshow.

But banning TikTok, while refusing to pass a privacy law or regulate data brokers (which traffic in significantly greater volumes of sensitive data at much greater collective scale), winds up mostly being a performative endeavor driven more by anti-competitive intent (and a desire to control the flow and scope of modern news, information and propaganda) than any desire for serious reform.

A lot of the congressional opposition (especially on the GOP side) to TikTok comes largely from the belief that white owned and controlled American companies are owed, by divine right, access to the massive ad revenues Chinese-owned TikTok enjoys. For Luddites and policy nitwits like Tommy Tuberville, I strongly doubt the thinking extends much further than that.

I also think Republicans very much dont like the idea of a company that could potentially traffic in propaganda that isnt theirs. Theyve worked very hard for several years to scare feckless U.S. tech giants away from policing race-baiting political propaganda online (a cornerstone of modern GOP power), and their inability to control TikTok presents an obvious concern for entirely self-serving reasons.

But even lawmakers who sincerely believe that banning TikTok makes meaningful inroads on national security or consumer privacy generally dont seem to understand the size and scope of the problem were dealing with.

You could ban TikTok with a patriotic flourish from the heavens immediately, but if we fail to regulate data brokers, pass a privacy law, or combat corruption, Chinese (or Russian, or Iranian) intelligence can simply turn around and buy that same data (and detailed profiles of American consumers) from an unlimited parade of different data brokers, telecoms, app makers, marketing companies, or services.

And they can do that because the U.S. has proven to be, time and time again, too corrupt to do the right thing or hold giant corporations (domestic or otherwise) accountable for privacy abuses. The result has been the creation of an historically massive, planet-wide, data monetization and surveillance machine that fails  over and over and over again  to meaningfully protect public safety and consumer privacy.

Congress has repeatedly made it very clear that making money is significantly more important than consumer welfare and public safety, as the scandal over sensitive abortion clinic location data makes clear. The U.S. government is also disincentivized to act, because its found exploitation of this privacy-optional nightmare to be a super handy way to avoid having to get warrants for domestic surveillance.

The Biden administration does appear to at least recognize the threat, as evident by their recent executive order trying to slow the flow of data broker data to problematic governments.

But its not enough. Congress needs to pass a privacy law for the internet-era with teeth that applies to allcompanies that operate in the U.S., foreign or domestic. It needs to adequately staff and fund the FTC so it can actually address the problem at the scale its operating at. And it needs to close the privacy loopholes that lets government surveillance efforts exploit the dysfunction.

But Congress wont do that because Congress is comically, blisteringly corrupt. Weve defanged our regulators for decades under the pretense it fostered an innovative, free market renaissance that never happened. When discussing our failure to meaningful protect U.S. consumer (and industry privacy), this corruption just isnt mentionedas if its simply somehow not relevant to the problem at hand.

Countries that care about national security make fleeting efforts to combat corruption, and dont support NYC real estate conmen with fourth grade reading levels for the most powerful office in the land.

Countries that care about consumer privacy pass privacy laws, regulate data brokers, and generally hold corporations (and executives) meaningfully accountable for failing to secure consumer data. T-Mobile has been hacked eight times in five years due to comically lax security and privacy standards, and Ive yet to see Congress lift so much as an eyebrow.

The myopic hyperventilation about TikTok (and TikTok only!) is mostly a distraction. A distraction from the GOPs ongoing quest to turn the internet into a propaganda dumpster fire. A distraction from our failures on consumer protection. A distraction from Congressional corruption. A distraction from the fact that weve lobotomized our regulators in exchange for Utopian promises never actually delivered.

Banning an app that may not even be popular five years from now  but doing absolutely nothing about the corruptive rot that enabled its privacy abuses  is a hollow performance that simply doesnt strike at the heart of the actual problem.

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North County Communities Losing Shared HR Services Employee

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  Three North County communities are set to lose their human resources officer before the month is out.

At Monday's meeting of the Williamstown Select Board, Town Manager Robert Menicocci reported that the HR person the town shares with Adams and North Adams has given her notice. And no immediate plan was announced to fill the office.

In fact, Menicocci indicated that the current model, while beneficial to the three municipalities, is unsustainable.

"We're grateful for what our individual, Cara [Farrell] did for the period of time she was with us," Menicocci said. "But her feedback will probably be that three [municipalities] is too much.

"The human resources, personnel world only gets more complex.  Employers, whoever they are, need to make sure they are effective in administering their personnel. We have to have a heart-to-heart about whether we do it on our own or, at most, share it with another community."

The three communities received a one-time $100,000 grant from the commonwealth in 2022 to fund a shared services position. After the first year of the arrangement, Adams, North Adams and Williamstown were responsible for funding the position proportionately.

In the current fiscal year that ends on June 30, Williamstown's share amounts to $23,500.

Menicocci noted on Monday that the FY25 draft budget does include a sum for the shared services position ($24,205), but that could change.

"If we were to need to go up to a full position, we'd need to add the other two-thirds [of a budget for compensation]," he said. "There's some opportunity to act quickly and at least have a conversation about adding that in."

Menicocci also used Monday's Select Board meeting to inform the panel that the town's informational technology specialist is leaving the town's service to return to the education field. His departure comes as the town is working to revamp its website, among other efforts to increase the town's communication with the public.

The town manager also used the platform at the biweekly meeting to inform residents that electric utilities are in the process of seeking rate increases that will allow the companies to add the capacity that towns like Williamstown need to address climate change.

"The utilities are required to give the state plans on how they're going to achieve [capacity]," Menicocci said. "What this allows them to do is update their rates, which is not a great consumer thing because it means we all fund the utility getting up to speed on improving their infrastructures.

"If the rates get approved, there is probably a 10-year horizon on getting those things in place so the grid is near the point we would want to support solar initiatives, solar farms  and just our ability to draw more electricity if we're switching over from fossil fuels, things like that."

Menicocci said the state's Department of Public Utilities is holding a series of public hearings on the rate hike proposal but also is accepting written comments from the public. According to the state agency's website, the only in-person hearing currently scheduled locally is at Monument Mountain Regional High School in Great Barrington on April 9 at 7 p.m.

The main topic of discussion at Monday's Select Board meeting was, for the third straight session, a request by residents that the board adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

In other business at Monday's meeting, the board:

 Appointed Eunice Marigliano to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

 Learned that the board's survey of short-term rental operators in town has elicited about 30 responses from the nearly 150 surveys that were sent to registered operators of Learned that the board's survey of short-term rental operators in town has elicited about 30 responses from the nearly 150 surveys that were sent to registered operators of Airbnbs

 Accepted a $50,000 grant from the National Fitness Campaign to support a Accepted a $50,000 grant from the National Fitness Campaign to support a fitness court off Stetson Road. Menicocci said the town is still seeking other sources of grants to firm up funding for the project.

 Discussed asking Menicocci to establish a parks and recreation committee for the town to take over one of the roles currently filled by the Select Board.

 And received an update from its And received an update from its Charter Review Committee, which plans to bring five articles to town meeting. Three of the articles will be home-rule petitions that will require an act of the legislature to actually amend the charter. Two will be bylaw amendments, Andrew Hogeland told his colleagues.

Hogeland also told the board that a pending change in Boston will add a complication to one of the property tax proposals the board has spent the last year developing for May's annual town meeting.

The board long has aimed to establish a means-tested senior property tax exemption, among other changes to local property tax policy.

Currently, Hogeland said, there are several versions of a bill on Beacon Hill that would create a local option for municipalities to do just that. If a version of the local option bill passes the Legislature before town meeting, the town could accomplish the same end without a "home rule petition" that would require a separate act of the Legislature.

The solution, for now, is to include a proposed State House version of a senior property tax exemption in the annual town meeting warrant, Hogeland said. That way, if it is passed on Beacon Hill between the publication of the warrant and the May 21 annual town meeting, the meeting can vote on the local option instead.

"[Town counsel] basically said you should be advising town meeting you may be switching to something else [instead of a home rule petition]," Hogeland said. "But right now, we don't know what 'something else' is."
Hong Kong: Lo Chung-mau visits Dongguan

On day two of his Mainland trip, Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau, along with a delegation from Hong Kong, left Guangzhou for Dongguan to meet officials there and visit the Dongguan Tungwah Hospital.

The delegation today first met Dongguan Deputy Mayor Li Jun and Dongguan Municipal Health Bureau Director Zhang Qiaoli.

Prof Lo introduced Hong Kongs latest healthcare developments to the two officials, then had a thorough exchange with them on issues such as the Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme, optimisation of hospital management, improvement of public health and enhancement of healthcare service quality.

The health chief pointed out that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government endeavours to keep strengthening and deepening healthcare exchanges and co-operation with Mainland cities.

He explained that the goal is to promote healthcare development in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area cities in a bid to enhance the service quality and efficiency, thereby contributing to the major national strategy of Healthy China through concerted efforts.

In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Dongguan Tungwah Hospital. The hospital was included in the pilot scheme as one of the pilot medical institutions by the Health Bureau last month.

Hong Kong elderly people who are eligible to receive vouchers under the scheme will be able to use the vouchers to pay for the outpatient healthcare services they receive at the hospitals designated medical centres or medical service departments later this year.

Prof Lo returned to Hong Kong this afternoon.

This story has been published on: 2024-03-14. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Berkshire Farmers Markets Awarded State Grants

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is awarding over $205,000 to help farmers markets grow and expand their outreach to consumers.

MDAR is awarding funding to 23 organizations representing 31 farmers markets through the Farmers Market Sustainability Grant Program. The new program provides funding to organizations that operate farmers markets to enhance their marketing, promotion, consumer education, planning and infrastructure efforts.

In Berkshire County:

The Farmers Market of Sheffield: $14,945 for the Sheffield Farmers Market and Winter Market

Roots Rising: $10,000 for the Pittsfield Outdoor and Indoor Farmers Markets

City of North Adams Farmers Market: $3,900 for the North Adams Farmers Market and Winter Market

"Farmers markets have been around for centuries and have embedded themselves into the fabric of our culture, heritage, and economy," said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. "Many Massachusetts farmers' income comes from direct-to-consumer sales at farmers markets and other venues. It's critical that we help promote and support our local entrepreneurs to foster a more equitable food system. These grants will go a long way to ensuring our farmers markets continue to thrive for years to come."

Many farmers markets in Massachusetts participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Healthy Incentives Program (HIP), and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which all serve low-income communities by providing them with increased access to fresh produce. Additionally, the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is a highly popular seasonal, annual program that provides low-income seniors with coupons to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, fresh-cut herbs, and honey from Massachusetts farmers. Every year, coupons are spent at over 300 farmers markets and farmstands across the state.
Crane Stationery Being Revived Under New Owner

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  The venerable Crane Stationery is turning a page with its new owner.

WP Strategic Holdings says it has completed its acquisition of 200-year-old company, according The Albany Business Review.

Todd Kletter, managing partner of WP Strategic Holdings, told the Review that he expects it will restart operations on Friday.

About 90 percent of the employees abruptly laid off in February when its parent company Mohawk Fine Papers was acquired by an international firm are being told they will be rehired with the seniority and benefits intact. They expected to receive offer letters today.

The Albany, N.Y.-based consulting and investment firm had Crane listed in its portfolio within days of its closure and stated its intention to acquire the company.

"We are thrilled to welcome Crane Stationery into the WP Strategic Holdings family," Kletter said in a statement to the Review. "Crane Stationery's unparalleled reputation for quality and craftsmanship aligns perfectly with our vision of supporting companies with a strong heritage and a dedication to excellence."

Mohawk Fine Papers of Cohoes, N.Y., purchased Crane Stationery in 2018 with plans to expand the operation. But it closed the North Adams plant in 2020 and laid off nearly 200 employees.

Fedrigoni, a specialty paper and luxury packaging manufacturer based in Italy, acquired the paper company in February. Mohawk, family owned since 1931, had entered into a manufacturing agreement with Fedrigoni in 2022 and became its North American distributor last July.

Some Crane employees had been offered jobs in Cohoes, where the printing of Crane was to continue, and remotely. Those workers were abruptly locked out of the company's email and servers on Feb. 14.

Kletter told the Review that Fedrigoni had placed Crane's assets in a holding company while negotiating with his team and Crane will lease space in Cohoes from Fedrigoni. He said retired Mohawk CEO Thomas D. O'Connor Jr. had helped facilitate the deal but has no stake in Crane's revival.

"We are excited about the possibilities that this acquisition brings," Kletter said in a statement. "This acquisition will enable Crane to maintain its growth initiatives, expand its reach, and continue the legacy of delivering premium stationery products to our discerning customers."

He also told the Review he has been assuring Crane's customers, who had been cut off with no explanation. The Crane website, which for weeks had a notice that the site was down for maintenance as "We are taking a moment to reflect" is back up.

Kletter, who founded WP Strategic Holdings in 2020, had previously consulted for Crane and is currently the interim chief operating officer.

Offer letters to employees say the the transition will "unfold in several phases" but they can "rest assured that your wages and payment schedule will remain unchanged."

"Our goal is to make this transition as seamless as possible for you and keep benefits as closely aligned to what had been offered in the past. We appreciate your patience as we finalize these details."
Letter: Cease Fire Resolution Proposal

To the Editor:



I add my voice to those asserting that the Select Board should NOT support the cease fire resolution. Several writers before me have enumerated many well-reasoned arguments against involvement of our local governance in such a controversial issue.

I come at the question from a somewhat different angle. I have asked the Select Board on numerous occasions to cite the source(s) from which they have authority to comment as a board on articles not strictly related to Williamstown issues. Does the authority come from the Williamstown charter? The Massachusetts General Laws? Case law? Where? If the SB or anyone has responded to my inquiry, I have missed it.

Should not the authority issue be settled before we even get to the merits of the resolution? Our town governance with its town meeting is touted as being a citizen-friendly model for legislative democracy. Is it? Look closely at some of our seemingly democratic citizens' petitions.

In recent Williamstown history, two articles were touted by proponents as being "passed unanimously." "Passed unanimously" at the end of a very uncomfortable town meeting when many participants had already left is factually translated as 222 votes out of a population of many thousands. This is democracy? Were even a healthy minority of voices heard? Would these articles have passed if put to a vote in the privacy of a voting booth?

Furthermore, proponents interpreted the passage of these article as a mandate. The result was a huge amount  some say "well over a million dollars"  to support institutions and promote programs that many found morally offensive even seriously at odds with  their religious beliefs. This is democracy?

Town meeting may seem democratic. Those who carefully reviewed the Williamstown Charter deserve our thanks and appreciation for a grueling task well done. But, particularly in light of vast improvements in communicating, more can be done to ensure that many voices who wish to be heard are indeed heard.

The iBerkshire coverage of Monday's SB meeting was replete with words of passion. "I will never forgive you." Speaking and acting "from the heart" was encouraged. Passion certainly has a place in politics, but should passion without prudence guide us? Should feelings trump thought, even in local politics?

What does the Williamstown community want? Many opponents of recent Williamstown policies and practices have been strangely silent. Do we want a small group of albeit-elected officials to speak for us on matters of morality, even religion? Is solidarity a good thing? Can there be room for diversity in solidarity?

And to those who have been and still are fearful to speak, please know you have ample support to freely speak your minds. And even your hearts a bit if you so choose. You might even learn that your silence has been and is unwarranted because you really are the majority.

Donna Carlstrom Wied

Williamstown, Mass.
Hong Kong: 3 community living rooms set

Three community living room projects in To Kwa Wan, Hung Hom and Nam Cheong are expected to commence operations gradually within 2024 to provide support for subdivided unit households, particularly those with children.

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki made the announcement after chairing the fifth meeting of the fifth-term Commission on Poverty today.

The Government said these three-year Community Living Room projects, with financial assistance from the Community Care Fund, could provide additional living space and expand subdivided unit households interpersonal network, thereby enhancing their living standard and sense of belonging to the community.

After the meeting, the Chief Secretary and Commission on Poverty members visited Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial Primary School, a participating school of the School-based After School Care Service Scheme.

Following a briefing, they talked to some families and were pleased to learn that the scheme has enabled parents to join the labour market and enjoy more family time. Mr Chan and Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun also joined students in group games.

The Government, with the Commission on Poverty, will continue to unite the forces of the Government, the business sector and the community in taking forward projects of targeted poverty alleviation, with a view to building a more caring and inclusive society, Mr Chan added.

This story has been published on: 2024-03-14. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
The Department of Trade and Industrys Philippine Trade Training Center  Global MSME Academy (PTTC-GMEA) has recognized the top designers among the 52 graduates of the very first Obra Design Masterclass, a design and product development mentorship initiative to uplift local talent within the furniture and creative industries.

Participants of the Obra Design Masterclass unveiled their exceptional furniture, lighting, and decor designs at the prestigious 32nd Philippine International Furniture Show (PIFS) held from March 7 to 9, 2024, at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City.

The Obra Design Masterclass honorees are:

Best Furniture Design: Apollo Coffee Table by Reimer Neil Bonghanoy (Cebu)

1st Runner-up: Heron Parasol by Luzel Andrea Alconera (Cebu)



2nd Runner-up: MORF (Modular ORganizer Furniture Set) by Dean Gabriel Lusung (NCR)



3rd Runner-up: Obrang Baybayin by Chester Gazzingan (NCR)



4th Runner-up: Hiraya Bar by Basil Rico Gahi (Cebu)

Best Decor Design: Pangolin Sauce Bowl by Jay Chadly Pulan (Cebu)

1st Runner-up: Orbito Tray by Reimer Neil Bonghanoy (Cebu)



2nd Runner-up: Kyrie Screen Divider by David Paras (Cebu)

Best Lighting Design: Zephyrus by Matthew David (Pampanga)

1st Runner-up: Socorro by Josh Matthew Flores (Cebu)



2nd Runner-up: Orbital Corners by Maria Catherina Agregado (Pampanga)

The three-month Obra Design Masterclass program was simultaneously conducted in Manila, Pampanga, and Cebu. The program aimed at addressing key industry challenges, such as the emigration of skilled professionals, market competitiveness, and the rising costs of materials, through empowering local talent by seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technologies, sustainable materials, and innovative creative processes.

The Obra Design Masterclass enriches the Philippine furniture industry by upskilling designers and crafters capable of making a significant impact on the global stage. Scholars with design backgrounds, architects, and industrial designers, among others, were guided by seasoned mentors on key concepts such as mindset development, design thinking, material selection, and assembly techniques, which were valuable in producing prototypes worth selling to the international market," PTTC-GMEA Executive Director Nelly Nita Dillera stated.

Under the guidance of renowned figures from the furniture design industry, including Ronald Rommel Viloria, Josef Crisanto, Eric Paras, Stanley Ruiz, Rey Soliven, Dem Bitantes, Vito Selma, Estela Ocampo-Fernandez, and Christine Manguerra, and key industry partners such as the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP), Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation, Inc. (CFIF), and Pampanga Furniture Industries Foundation, Inc. (PFIF), graduates mastered not only design and craftsmanship but also vital business and communication skills necessary for transforming their creative concepts into tangible pieces.

The designs will be showcased at Obra Pop-Up: A PTTC-GMEA Showcase of Obra Scholars & Prototype in the PTTC-GMEA lobby area in Pasay City from March 11 to 12, 2024, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Furniture designers, enthusiasts, and students can visit for free to check out the scholars brilliant designs of furniture, lighting, and accessories.

The Philippine International Furniture Show was organized by Next One Now in collaboration with CFIP, CFIF, PFIF, and Global-Link MP Events International Inc. It ran alongside Interior & Design Manila, organized by Global-Link MP Events International Inc., with the support of the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers, Philippine Institute of Architects, and the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Inc., highlighting the synergy within the Philippine design community.
The Philippine National Police arrests a suspect behind an online work scam following a successful collaboration with the countrys leading finance app GCash. The scam involves luring a victim to accept online tasks requiring investing money to earn a commission.

The suspect was identified as 21-year-old female Danica Dela Cruz Valdez, a resident of Balayong, Malolos City, Bulacan. Valdez had initially paid the victim for the first milestone to gain trust. With the succeeding tasks, Valdez then required the victim to complete the entire project first before the commission could be given, for which the suspect required more investment money. The victim agreed and sent payment to the suspect's bank accounts. Later, Valdez introduced additional problems involving a crypto account that coerced her victim to send an additional payment, banking on the victim's desire to get paid once and for all. In the end, the scammer collected P314,080 from the unsuspecting victim.

As part of its ongoing initiative to educate the public on how they protect themselves from scams and other financial cyber crimes, GCash continues to remind its users to practice extra vigilance and awareness of the various modes of scams.

"Having millions of users and with the end goal of financial inclusion, online safety tops the priorities of GCash. We remain steadfast in our dedication to ensuring the security and protection of our users. We shall remain faithful to our collaborative efforts with the Philippine National Police in swiftly addressing any scams, fraud, and cybercrime," said GCash mobile wallet operator G-Xchange, Inc. head of legal Atty. Gilbert Escoto.

While intensifying its cooperation with law enforcement authorities, GCash also urges users to be extra vigilant of online scammers and fraudsters. When making transactions on the app, users are reminded never to disclose their MPIN or One-time PIN (OTP). With the rise in phishing incidents, users are strongly advised to never click links, especially from unknown senders.

For help and assistance, contact the PNP-ACG via their hotlines at (02) 8414-1560, 0998-598-8116, or email at acg@pnp.gov.ph

To report scams and fraudulent activities, visit the official GCash Help Center in the app or at help.gcash.com, message Gigi, and type, I want to report a scam. GCash will never send private messages to ask for personal information, especially the MPIN and OTP. Customers can also contact the official GCash hotline at 2882 for queries and other concerns.

For more information, visit www.gcash.com.
Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

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The greatest knowledge we can pass on is empathy, said John Cameron Mitchell, the filmmaker behind the totemic queer musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch. He was speaking in his capacity as the chair of the Cannes Film Festivals Queer Palm jury last year, while awarding the prize to Hirokazu Kore-edas Monster. The first Japanese film to win the award, it is a moving and formally ambitious story of two young schoolboys who find, in each other, young and innocent love. We as queer people  who cannot and do not wish to conform  honour this film because its maker understands that the outsider is a shaman, Cameron Mitchell continued. The outsider possesses secret knowledge that is vital to the evolution and survival of our society.

Kore-eda, 61, has spent much of his career exploring the lives of outsiders, whether its the grief-stricken Yumiko in his 1995 breakthrough film Maborosi, the down-on-his-luck private dick Ryota in 2016s After the Storm, or the found family of petty thieves in 2018s Palme dOr-winning Shoplifters. But the latest film from the director  one of the best and most profoundly humanistic filmmakers working today  sees him venture into new and delicate territory.

When they gave it [the Queer Palm], I heard the jury reading out the comments, and they said that this was a film that shone a light on people who werent able to adapt to society, Kore-eda says, speaking to me over Zoom via a translator. It made me think, actually, yeah, that is pretty much what I was trying to do.

Monster is split into three parts, each following a different characters perspective. The first follows Saori (Shoplifters Sakura Ando), a single mother who becomes concerned by the self-destructive behaviour of her pre-teen son Minato (Soya Kurokawa). She learns that he has apparently been tormented by his schoolteacher (Eita Nagayama), and she fights to get him sacked from the school  despite his claims that Saori had in fact been the assailant, bullying his smaller classmate Yori (Hinata Hiiragi). The second segment re-treads the same events from the teachers viewpoint. The third and most revealing section takes Saoris perspective.

Throughout his career, Kore-eda has been widely (and slightly reductively) likened to Tokyo Story director Yasujiro Ozu, one of the great masters of understated cinema, largely due to the power and poise of his realist family dramas. And yet, Monster has mostly drawn comparisons to that other titan of Japanese golden era cinema  Akira Kurosawa, and his perspective-shifting classic Rashomon. I cant think of anyone who wouldnt like to be compared to Kurosawa, Kore-eda admits. But its embarrassing in a way  because his films are masterpieces. I had this conversation with the scriptwriter, anticipating that people might compare it.

As he points out, though, the comparisons are somewhat misleading. While Rashomon employs unreliable narrators  comprising a series of conflicting re-stagings of the same events  the three segments of Monster are all ultimately truthful, with the twists and reversals arising from misunderstandings and information that is withheld from the characters. A closer point of comparison, says the director, would be Gus Van Sants 2003 drama Elephant, which chronicles a school shooting through a number of overlapping viewpoints.

Kore-eda directing on the set of Monster (Courtesy of Picturehouse Entertainment)

After signing on to direct the script from Yuji Sakamoto  the first time since 1995 that Kore-eda was working from another writers script  he consulted with an organisation that supports LGBT+ children. We got some experts to read it, and they picked up on the fact that it was a bit mixed up initially, he says. There were parts where this main boy was obviously aware that he was gay, but there were other parts where he didnt seem to be aware of that, and he was wondering what he was, and searching, and there was a bit of confusion. They told me that either version would be quite plausible in todays society, but they advised me to choose one version or the other. I revised it slightly, to get rid of the bits where its obvious that hes aware hes gay.

Its not even about the acting. Its instinct  whether I want to work with them. Sometimes I have been known to choose child actors without even seeing them act Hirokazu Kore-eda

In the West, the intersecting of queerness and childhood can be a fraught and depressingly politicised issue  just look at the ongoing furore around drag queens in the UK doing something as plainly non-sexual as reading storybooks to kids. While a handful of films have been lauded for their sensitive portrayals of LGBT+ comings of age, such as Lukas Dhonts Close or Barry Jenkinss Oscar-winning Moonlight, the very act of depicting queer children on screen remains open to controversy.

I havent heard any criticism along those lines, Kore-eda says. But when I first read the plot, I did think we would need to approach this carefully  thats why we involved the LGBT+ support group. An intimacy coordinator was brought on set, and was also used throughout the rehearsals for any scene involving any kind of physical intimacy. We talked about depictions in US media, and how much is acceptable  and what would be considered child pornography in the US?

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Soya Kurokawa and Sakura Ando in Monster' (Courtesy of Picturehouse Entertainment)

Ultimately, its hard to imagine anyone taking objection to Monster, so innocent and childlike is its central relationship. Kore-eda has always excelled at coaxing first-rate performances from children before, in films such as the sibling estrangement drama I Wish and the potent Like Father, Like Son, which follows the story of two families who learn their children were switched at birth. When it comes to casting, Kore-eda explains, its not even about the acting. Its instinct  whether I want to work with them. I have been known to choose child actors without even seeing them act.

Sometimes I get [casting] wrong, but with child actors, I feel like my instinct is pretty much always right, he continues. Ive been doing this for thirtysomething years, and Im quite confident in that.

Historically, Kore-eda has eschewed pre-written scripts when working with child actors. If they have lines, I will whisper them to them on set, he says. And I try to make their character as close as possible to their real-life personality. But this time, it was different  because it was quite sensitive, the subject matter. Because of the implications of the story, the director ended up taking the same approach as [with] the adults.

Kore-eda directing Soya Kurokawa and Hinata Hiiragi on the set of Monster' (Courtesy of Picturehouse Entertainment)

They did their research. They read the script. They studied the lines, so they could properly understand the dialogue.

The appetite for east Asian cinema in English-speaking countries has grown in recent years  you only need look at the success of Bong Joon-hos Korean satire Parasite (or, in the world of TV, the Netflix mega-hit Squid Game) to see that. Kore-edas work is unlikely to ever have this kind of reach; its too gentle, too patient. But make no mistake, Monster is a powerful and significant film, one that  like so many of Kore-edas others  overflows with empathy.

Monster is out in UK and Irish cinemas on 15 March. For more information, go to https://monsteruk.film/
It was 2015. The occasion: the London launch of the first smartspeaker, which I was attending as a technology journalist. Alexa, said the nice middle-aged American demonstrating the gadget, Play music by Coldplay. A fraction of a second later, the haunting first few organ notes of Fix You were filling the conference room.

Even at 10 on a weekday meeting in a corporate setting, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. Apart from Fix You being among my favourite ever songs, the technology to summon it up by voice was unlike any wed ever seen.

But the choice of music didnt seem to impress the too-cool-for-school young pair behind me. Oh my god, muttered the young man to the woman, This is where we leave. The two of them then stalked out of the event, shaking their heads in ostentatious disapproval.
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Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartels conviction for the murder of an associate has been quashed, after a London court ruled Thursday (14 March) that the conviction was unsafe due to attempts to bribe the trial jury a decade ago.

In April 2014, Kartel was sentenced to life in prison for the murder.

The 48-year-old musician, real name Adidja Palmer, remains a popular artist in Jamaica and is well known internationally for his 2009 Major Lazer collaboration Pon De Floor which was heavily sampled on Beyonces Run the World (Girls).

Kartel was first imprisoned in Jamaica in 2011 following the disappearance of his associate Clive Lizard Williams. His body has never been found.

Prosecutors alleged Williams was beaten to death at Kartels home in August that year after being lured there to answer for two missing illegal guns.

The trial lasted 65 days, the longest in Jamaicas history.

This February, Kartel and his co-defendants Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones and Andre St John mounted their final possible appeal at the Privy Council in London. The Privy Council is the final court of appeal for Jamaica and some other Commonwealth countries.

Their lawyers argued that the trial judge at the time wrongly handled allegations that one juror offered 500,000 Jamaican dollars (around $3,200) to fellow jurors to return not guilty verdicts.

Vybz Kartel performing in New York in 2003 (Matthew Peyton/Getty Images)

On Thursday, Judge David Lloyd-Jones agreed and said that the trial judges decision to allow the juror in question to remain on the jury was fatal to the safety of the convictions.

The Privy Council has sent the case back to the Court of Appeal in Jamaica, which will now decide whether Kartel and his co-defendants should stand trial again.

Kartel will remain in prison until a decision is made.

A statement from the Privy Council reads: The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council has concluded that the appeals should be allowed and the appellants convictions should be quashed on the ground of juror misconduct, and that the case should be remitted to the Court of Appeal of Jamaica to decide whether to order a retrial of the appellants for the murder of the deceased.

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During the initial trial, hundreds of Jamaicans gathered outside court chanting free Kartel while police in riot gear guarded barricaded streets outside Kingstons Supreme Court.

About 200 people briefly broke through barricades at one intersection shouting free Kartel, shortly before the jury started their deliberations in the afternoon.

In 2013, another murder case against Kartel and two other co-defendants collapsed after prosecutors failed to produce evidence to support allegations that the trio killed businessman Barrington Bossy Burton in 2011.
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The next season of Black Mirror will include a sequel to fan-favourite episode USS Callister.

Charlie Brookers satirical anthology series is set to return to Netflix with a seventh season in 2025.

At the Next on Netflix event in London on Thursday (14 March), the streaming giant teased the upcoming sequel, saying: Robert Daly is dead, but for the crew of the USS Callister, their problems are just beginning.

The original episode, which debuted along with the rest of the fourth season on 29 December 2017, has a 95 per cent fresh rating on reviews aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, placing it fourth among all Black Mirror episodes.

It starred Jesse Plemons as Robert Daly, a programmer who co-founded a massively multiplayer online game. He simulates a Star Trek-inspired interstellar adventure, using his co-workers DNA to create digital clones of them.

The rest of the crew includes Cristin Milioti as Nanette Cole, Jimmi Simpson as Walton and Michaela Coel as Shania. Billy Magnussen plays Valdack.

Black Mirror creator Charlie Brooker, and the Netflix logo (Getty Images / Netflix)

It has not yet been confirmed how many of the original cast will be returning.

When USS Callister first aired, The Independents Jacob Stolworthy wrote that the space romp is worthy of a spinoff if future ideas dry up.

USS Callister may parade as big-scale - its certainly the most cinematic episode to date - but, fortunately for fans, it remains a not-too-unfamiliar cautionary tale focused on a technology chillingly in unhinged hands, he continued.

The switch-up of genres provides heaps of fun - the scenes which see the simulated versions of Daleys colleagues switch into character with their captains arrival are a demented delight. The ensemble throw themselves into the material, with notable highlights Jimmi Simpson (Westworld) and Michaela Coel (Chewing Gum) standing out as just two of the crew trying to convince Milottis new addition to play ball.

He added that: Brookers succinct world-building inadvertently [earmarks] a story worthy of future exploration.

In 2018, it was rumoured the episode could get its own TV spinoff series.

Director Toby Haynes told The Hollywood Reporter: [It] is probably one of the best pilots for a space show ever.

He added: I was talking with Louise Sutton, who produced this and Metalhead, and she cooked up a brilliant idea of spinning it off into a TV series. Im keen to see it as a TV series. I think Charlie might revisit it as a Black Mirror. Whether Im the one to do it, I dont know.
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Gina Carano has said that Elon Musk is incredible for financially supporting her discrimination and wrongful termination lawsuit against Disney.

Carano has accused Disney of unfairly firing her from her role in The Mandalorian over her tweets. She argues that she was dismissed from the company in 2021 for voicing conservative opinions on social media, including on what was then Twitter.

The 41-year-old actor and former MMA fighter was fired from the Disney+ Star Wars spin-off series in February 2021 after she shared a social media post comparing the Republican experience in the US to that of Jewish people during the Holocaust.

Carano played the special forces warrior character Cara Dune opposite Pedro Pascals titular Mandalorian.

Musk is footing Caranos legal bills, after posting last August on the social media site he bought and renamed X: If you were unfairly treated by your employer due to posting or liking something on this platform, we will fund your legal bill. No limit.

In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Carano says that shes never directly communicated with Musk but that she has come to view him as her guardian angel.

Elon Musk (left) and Gina Carano (AFP/AP)

I think its pretty incredible what he is doing, she says. A lot of billionaires put their money into buying islands and building bunkers. Elon Musk is using his money to fight massive injustice battles.

Last month, Xs head of business operations Joe Benarroch said in a statement to Reuters: As a sign of X Corps commitment to free speech, were proud to provide financial support for Gina Caranos lawsuit, empowering her to seek vindication of her free speech rights on X and the ability to work without bullying, harassment, or discrimination.

But Musks decision to fund the lawsuit might also be the result of personal animosity between him and Disney chief executive Bob Iger. The two have been in a public confrontation for months.

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That appears to have begun when Disney joined many other companies in boycotting advertising on X, last year, in response to Elon Musks apparent endorsement of an antisemitic post.

Musk then attacked Mr Iger on stage during an event, telling him to go f*** yourself, and said that he should be fired immediately.

More recently, Musk has posted a range of tweets attacking Disney. Disney sucks, he posted last month, and he shared what appeared to be an internal Disney document promoting diversity in another tweet.
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Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh and Fern Britton tore into Meghan Markle in the latest episode of Celebrity Big Brother.

Since the series started on ITV earlier this month, all three of the housemates have not held back when sharing their candid views on stars ranging from James Corden and Phillip Schofield to Simon Cowell and Jedward, which prompted a retaliation from the former X Factor contestants.

The latest person to be criticised was Meghan Markle, with Walsh wondering aloud: Does anybody like that girl?

When the trio praised Kate Middleton for stepping into Dianas shoes, and wearing her engagement ring, Osbourne asked: Can you imagine if that had gone to Meghan?, which caused all three to groan.

Louis asked: Does anybody like her, apart from Harry?, Britton, who described Meghan as mysterious, said: I want to be able to believe what I see  that pretty face, a mother and loving her husband  but there's also, perhaps, a feel [of] that manipulation behind all of that.

When Walsh said Osbourne feels that, she replied: Very much so. I think its all put on. I think shes acting the whole time. Britton added: I just want Harry and the children to be happy. I want Harry to come home  make it up with William, get back in the fold and do what he's good at.

Walsh asked: What's he good at?" to which Britton said: "Service [and] raising money, with Osbourne stating: Hes very good with people.

Here, Levi Roots stepped in to call Meghan and Harry brilliant people together, with his family posting on social media after the scene aired: Were Harry and Meghan lovers in this household.

Osbourne has a history of making her views about Markle known. In 2023, while appearing on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Osbourne said her public displays of affection with Prince Harry were disingenuous.

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Fern Britton and Louis Walsh made jibes against Meghan Markle on Celebrity Big Brother (itv)

In 2021, after Morgan quit Good Morning Britain following a controversial rant about Markle, Osbourne defended the broadcaster, writing on X/Twitter: @piersmorgan I am with you. I stand by you, Osbourne tweeted. People forget that youre paid for your opinion and that youre just speaking your truth.

This led to a tumultuous time for Osbourne, who ended up in a terse back-and-forth with Sheryl Underwood, her former co-star on US series The Talk.

Explaining her support for Morgan, Osbourne said: I feel like Im about to be put in the electric chair because I have a friend who many people think is racist, so that makes me a racist.

When the show returned after an advert break, Osbourne tearfully asked Underwood in a raised voice: I will ask you again, Sheryl... and dont try and cry because if anyone should be crying, it should be me. This is the situation, you tell me where you have heard him say racist things. Educate me.

Sharon Osbourne on Celebrity Big Brother (James Veysey/Shutterstock)

Underwood calmly replied that it wasnt exact words of racism but the implication and the reaction to it and that she wasnt trying to accuse Osbourne of being racist.

I think its too late, I think that seeds already sewn, Osbourne said.

A review into the heated discussion by network CBS, found in part that Osbournes behaviour towards her co-hosts during the 10 March episode did not align with our values for a respectful workplace, and she left the show.
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Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard has admitted that he was left really jealous by one particular storyline from season four.

The latest season of Netflixs hit supernatural series, which premiered in 2022, was largely split into three major storylines.

One saw Mike (Wolfhard) journey to California to visit Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and Will Byers (Noah Schnapp); the second saw Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder) and Murray Bauman (Brett Gelman) venture to Russia as they suspected that Jim Hopper (David Harbour) was still alive; and the third focused on the rest of the cast as they stayed behind to investigate the grisly teenage murders that rocked Hawkins.

It was the latter plot point that the 21-year-old said he was envious of. We really didnt shoot very much for the first few months of production, because they were so focused on all the Hawkins stuff. So I was really jealous, Wolfhard told The Hollywood Reporter in a recent interview.

He added that even when I finally watched the show, my favourite part was watching the other guys in Hawkins.

I just liked that storyline so much, the Ghostbusters: Afterlife actor said. Not being around everyone all the time was definitely a bummer about filming 4, but 5 is the opposite. Were all together all the time.

Wolfhard added: And a bunch of us live around the corner and across the street from each other in real life. So the cast is really seeing each other a lot, and were in a lot of the same scenes, which has been really great.

(L-R) Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Finn Wolfhard, Charlie Heaton and Eduardo Franco in Stranger Things ( 2022 Netflix, Inc.)

Teasing the forthcoming fifth and final season of the series, he described it as huge.

Every season has gotten bigger and bigger and bigger, and this season is huge, but its also kind of isolated as well, he said.

Stranger Things season five was originally expected to be released in 2024. But due to the dual actors and writers strike that shutdown the industry last year, production was delayed for seven months and didnt resume until January of this year. So, the final installment is now expected to arrive sometime in 2025.

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Most of the cast is confirmed to return for the last season except for season fours Eduardo Franco, who was introduced as pizza delivery boy Argyle, Jonathans (Charlie Heaton) new best friend.

He quickly became a fan-favourite, alongside Joseph Quinns Eddie Munson, and was expected to show up again in some capacity.

However, following the release of a photo from the first day of filming season five, Franco was not among the pictured cast.
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Nepal has announced a new set of rules for mountaineers in the Himalayas, including one ordering them to carry GPS trackers following a deadly year in which 18 people died on Everest and at least five bodies were left unrecovered on the mountain.

With the spring climbing season underway, Nepali officials say climbers must carry small, passive trackers which can be sewn into a jacket and dont need power. They can be detected through packed snow up to 20 yards away and further when tracked from the air using a handheld detector.

The trackers are mandatory for climbers this year, so that if there is an accident their location can be accurately identified, Rakesh Gurung, director of mountaineering at Nepals tourism department, was quoted as saying by AFP.

Students clean the Khumjung School which was established by Edmund Hillary, ahead of the Everest Day celebrations in the village of Khumjung, located in the shadow of Mount Everest (AFP via Getty)

Last month, authorities also announced that Everest climbers will be obliged to bring their excreta back to the base camp in poo bags after summiting the peak.

The new regulation followed increasing complaints about the volume of human waste lining the routes up the mountain, which is prevented from degrading naturally by the extreme cold temperatures.

Nepal has eight of the worlds 14 highest peaks. According to Nepals ministry of tourism, by 14 May last year towards the end of the climbing season, the government had generated revenues of 4.5m from mountain tourism, 3.9m from Everest alone.

Mountaineers tents at Camp 2 of Mount Everest (AFP via Getty)

Professional climbers and some expedition companies have long used advanced trackers to monitor climb progress and provide data for sponsors. However, the newly required GPS trackers will be simpler, passive devices with limited features, no bigger than a USB stick, power-free, and easily integrated into a jackets fabric.

These trackers, costing between 8 and 12 each, will be supplied by the trekking company and reused by detaching them from the climbers upon their descent.

Last year, 60,000 tourists visited Sagarmatha National Park, home to Everest, with 600 attempting the summit. The mountain is littered with tons of waste, including empty cans, bottles, gas canisters, abandoned climbing equipment, as well as plastic and human waste, earning it the unfortunate title of the highest dumpster in the world.

A bird flies with Mount Everest seen in the background (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

The Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee reportedly is in the process of procuring approximately 8,000 excreta bags from the US, which will be distributed among climbers, sherpas, and support staff. Each person will be allotted two bags, designed for multiple uses.

These bags are equipped with chemicals that solidify human waste and significantly reduce its odour.

Jonathan Reilly, director of the British Expedition Company, which organises treks to Everest base camp, told the Telegraph: The waste on Everest is ridiculous.

The question I have is, will climbers bring the poo bags back down the mountain or will they just discard them up there, a bit like dog walkers throwing away plastic bags of dog poo? That would be worse than the current situation because the bags will make it impossible for the waste to biodegrade.

I suspect there will be some climbers who use the bags and then dump them rather than bring them down the mountain.

Everest Base Camp is seen from Crampon Point, the entrance to the Khumbu icefall below the mountain (AFP via Getty)

Similar initiatives have already successfully been implemented on other mountains, such as Mount Denali in Alaska, and have reportedly been welcomed by Everest expedition operators.

The rapid growth of the climbing industry on Everest has led to intense competition and safety concerns. Limited weather windows cause dangerous bottlenecks, exposing climbers to increased risks as they wait in harsh conditions and use up oxygen. Theres also anxiety about operators taking inexperienced climbers into the hazardous death zone above 8,000m, heightening danger for all on the mountain.

A Nepalese rescue helicopter lands at Everest Base Camp during rescue efforts following an avalanche that killed 16 Nepalese sherpas in the Khumbu icefall in 2014 (AFP via Getty)

In October last year, after visiting Nepals high peaks, UN secretary general Antonio Guterres emphasised the urgent need to end the fossil fuel era, highlighting the alarming rate of Himalayan glacier melting due to global warming.

Mr Guterres, who toured the base camps of Mount Everest and Mount Annapurna, stressed the devastating impacts he observed: record glacier melting, increased risk of natural disasters like rockslides, landslides, avalanches, and threats to cultures due to rising rivers and seas.

Mountaineers descending from the summit of Mount Everest (AFP/Getty)

I am here today to cry out from the rooftop of the world: stop the madness, Mr Guterres said at the time. The glaciers are retreating, but we cannot. We must end the fossil fuel age.

A report earlier in 2023 by the Nepal-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development said that the Himalayas could lose up to 80 per cent of their glaciers if the earth warms by 4C in the coming decades or centuries.

We must act now to protect people on the frontline. And to limit global temperature rise to 1.5C, Mr Guterres said.
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The woman who accused Christian Horner of inappropriate behaviour says she feels disappointed and let down by Red Bull, according to reports.

Red Bull F1 team principal Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing after a three-week internal investigation conducted by an external lawyer. A day later, WhatsApp texts of a sexual nature seemingly involving the two parties were leaked to F1 personnel and the media.

Last Thursday, the female complainant was suspended by Red Bull Racing, on full pay. A Red Bull spokesperson stated: The company cannot comment on this internal matter.

Now, a report in MailOnline details that she has decided to appeal the outcome of the investigation and adds how the female accuser is feeling at the current time, having reportedly spoken to a friend. The Independent has approached Red Bull for confirmation of the appeal.

She is so disappointed with how its all gone, especially as she did everything by the book, the friend said.

She raised her concerns in private and did everything right, but she feels very let down by the company. They have suspended her when she followed the proper process diligently and correctly.

But for all that she was suspended from the job she loves and from a sport that she is highly regarded in. The lack of support is noted and shes just so disappointed with the treatment from her employer.

Look at what happened. She complained there was a supposedly transparent, independent investigation, Horner was cleared, and she was then suspended.

The woman has reportedly appealed the outcome of the Red Bull investigation having changed her legal representation in recent weeks.

Christian Horner (pictured with wife Geri Halliwell) was cleared of inappropriate behaviour after a Red Bull investigation (Getty Images)

Jos Verstappen (right) admitted he had sympathy for the female accuser (Getty Images)

Max Verstappens father, Jos, has expressed his sympathy with the female employee who made the complaint against Horner, saying last week: I sympathise with the woman, with all that she went through, but we will see what happens.

Horner, married to Spice Girl pop star Geri Halliwell, last week demanded an end to the whole saga engulfing Formula 1s dominant team, imploring: The intrusion on my family is enough.

Halliwell was present at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Saturday in a show of solidarity alongside Horner, having also been present in Bahrain amid much fanfare a week earlier.

The 50-year-old is set to stay on as Red Bull team principal after talks with Red Bull GmbH chief Oliver Mintzlaff in Jeddah over the weekend. The teams motorsport adviser Helmut Marko is also set to stay on.

Star driver Verstappen, who comfortably won the first two races of the 2024 Formula 1 season, threatened to quit Red Bull if Marko was removed from his position.
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Minnie Driver has candidly reflected on the heartbreak she felt after her split from Matt Damon in the late 90s.

During Thursdays episode of the Jennifer Hudson Show, the 54-year-old discussed her public breakup with Damon, who she started dating in 1997 while they worked on Good Will Hunting together. Host Jennifer Hudson recalled that when Driver recently commented on a clip of Damon winning the Oscar, it made a lot of headlines.

In December 2023, an Instagram account shared a photo of Driver at the 1998 awards show and said she looked so sad. Driver then commented on the post and clarified that she and Damon had ended [their] relationship a few weeks before this, and she was devastated to see him at the Oscars with his new girlfriend.

Speaking to Hudson, Driver reflected on how her comment about Damon went viral, before sharing what she wished she could have told her 25-year-old self after the breakup.

From this vantage point, 2020 vision, much later in my life, she said. I wish I could have told her, Honey its cool, you can celebrate and lifes gonna be great and beautiful and hard and amazing. And youre going to love again, itll be fine.

Driver acknowledged that while ones heartbreak is private, it becomes public when working in Hollywood. However, she still expressed that breakups are experiences that everyone can resonate with.

So maybe, just us all relating to each other a bit more as humans, she said. And that we just have these similar experiences through different lenses. Perhaps we can treat each other all a bit more kindly.

During the conversation, The Beekeeper star continued to reflect on when she saw Damon - who she had dated for a year - at the 1998 Oscars. Wed recently broken up, I was nominated, he was nominated, she said, noting that she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for Good Will Hunting. He had a new girlfriend, I was totally heartbroken.

She continued: I think its like anyone whos been heartbroken can understand, its like the last thing you want is everybody having a window in on that and it was so public.

Driver recalled her decision to comment on the viral clip of herself in December, noting that shed never seen what her face looked like when Damon won the Oscar in 1998.

The reaction when they won and they cut to me because there was a camera right in the face of the poor young 25-year-old girl, whos about to burst into tears, she said.

Matt Damon and Minnie Driver at the premiere of Good Will Hunting in 1997 (Getty Images)

Driver and Damon met while playing love interests in the Boston-set psychological drama about a gifted janitor. The former couple dated from 1997 to 1998, but by the time the 1998 Oscars came around, Damon was dating actor Winona Ryder. Before the Academy Awards, Damon had publicly announced his breakup from Driver during an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

I was with Minnie for a while, but were not really romantically involved anymore. Were just really good friends. I love her dearly, he told Winfrey. I care about her a lot. We care about each other a lot. It wasnt meant to be and if it wasnt meant to be then its not meant to be.

During a 1998 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Driver said: Its unfortunate that Matt went on Oprah; it seemed like a good forum for him to announce to the world that we were no longer together, which I found fantastically inappropriate. Of course, he was busy declaring his love for me on David Letterman a month previously.

During an appearance on the How to Fail with Elizabeth Day podcast in May 2022, Driver confirmed that while she wasnt in touch with Damon, she still had a lot of respect for him.

Were not friends, but I feel an enormous amount of love for him because we shared this inflection point, well it was an inflection point for me, she said.

She also discussed her decision to call Damon out on social media in 2017, after he characterised the #MeToo movement as being part of a culture of outrage and injury. In response to his remark, Driver tweeted, God god, seriously? and suggested that men like Damon were systemically part of the problem.

I think its okay to call people out if youre willing to stand by what you believe, like, I dont think you should call people out just to get attention. And I also think that you can move on from that, and grow and learn, she said on the How to Fail with Elizabeth Day podcast, before adding that she thinks of Damon in a very friendly way now.
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Millions of vines are being destroyed in Australia and tens of millions more must be pulled up to rein in overproduction that has crushed grape prices and threatens the livelihoods of growers and wine makers.

Falling consumption of wine worldwide has hit Australia particularly hard as demand shrinks fastest for the cheaper reds that are its biggest product, and in China, the market it has relied on for growth until recent years.

The worlds fifth largest exporter of wine had more than two billion litres, or about two years worth of production, in storage in mid-2023, the most recent figures show, and some is spoiling as owners rush to dispose of it at any price.

Theres only so long we can go on growing a crop and losing money on it, said fourth-generation grower James Cremasco, as he watched clanking yellow excavators strip out rows of vines his grandfather planted near the southeastern town of Griffith.

About two-thirds of Australias wine grapes are grown in irrigated inland areas such as Griffith, its landscape shaped by vine-growing techniques brought by Italian migrants arriving around the 1950s.

An excavator digs up vines near the town of Griffith in southeast Australia February 27 (REUTERS)

As major wine makers such as Treasury Wines and Carlyle Groups Accolade Wines refocus on more expensive bottles that are selling better, the areas around Griffith are struggling, with unpicked grapes shrivelling on vines.

It feels like an era is ending, said Andrew Calabria, a third-generation vineyard owner and wine maker at Calabria Wines.

Its hard for growers to look out the back window and see a pile of dirt instead of vines that have been there as long as theyve known.

Nearby, the remains of 1.1 million vines that once comprised one of Australias largest vineyards were piled in heaps of gnarled and twisted wood as far as the eye could see.

Red wine has suffered the most. In regions like Griffith, prices of the grapes going into it fell to an average of A$304 ($200) a ton last year, the lowest in decades and down from A$659 in 2020, data from industry body Wine Australia show.

The government, which forecasts lower prices again this year, said it recognises the significant challenges facing growers and is committed to supporting the sector, though many growers say it can do more.

Farmer James Cremasco cradles unpicked and shrivelled grapes near the town of Griffith in southeast Australia, February 26, (REUTERS)

Cremasco said some of his red grapes sold for little more than A$100 a ton.

To balance the market and lift prices, up to a quarter of the vines in areas such as Griffith must be pulled up, said Jeremy Cass, head of Riverina Winegrape Growers, a farmers group there.

That would destroy more than 20 million vines across 12,000 hectares (30,000 acres), Reuters calculations based on Wine Australia data show, or about 8% of Australias total area under vine.

Growers and winemakers in other regions have also been pulling out vines.

If half the vines in Australia were ripped out, it still might not solve the oversupply, said a wine maker in Western Australia.

Still, many growers unwilling to pull up vines are losing money while hoping for the market to turn around.

Its chewing up wealth, said KPMG wine analyst Tim Mableson, who estimates that 20,000 hectares (49,000 acres) of vines need to be taken out nationwide.

Health concerns are prompting consumers worldwide to drink less alcohol and when they do drink wine, they pick pricier bottles.

Wine storage tanks stand behind rows of grape vines near the town of Griffith in southeast Australia, February 27 (REUTERS)

Chile, France and the United States are among the other large wine producers also grappling with oversupply, with even prime areas such as Bordeaux uprooting thousands of hectares of vines.

When China blocked imports during a political dispute in 2020, Australia lost its biggest wine export market by value. And unlike Europe, it offers farmers no financial aid to help them destroy vines and excess wine.

Even though China is expected to allow imports again this month, that will not mop up the glut, as demand there has fallen much more rapidly than elsewhere.

Wine sold for less than A$10 a litre - most of it made from grapes grown in areas like Griffith - accounted for two-thirds of the value of Australian wine exports worth A$1.9 billion in the year to December 2023, Wine Australia says.

Some areas are faring better, such as Tasmania and the Yarra Valley in Victoria, which produce more white wines and lighter, more expensive reds that are growing in popularity.

But across Griffith there are clusters of metal storage tanks, each holding thousands of litres.

A view shows winemaking equipment at a Calabria Wines facility in the town of Griffith in southeast Australia (REUTERS)

Everyone is trying to clear wine, said Bill Calabria, Andrews father, adding that wineries were all but giving it away to make room for the incoming vintage.

Many growers are turning to citrus and nut trees instead.

Cremasco hopes for greater profits from the prune trees he is planting in his grubbed-up acreage, while GoFARM, a corporation, is putting in more than 600 hectares (1,500 acres) of almonds nearby, also replacing vines.

Therell be no next generation of family grape growers, Cremasco added. Itll be all big corporates, and all the local young guys will be working for them.
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When it comes to beef, US chef Anthony Myint doesnt buy into the often touted eat less, eat better philosophy. He believes we shouldnt worry about how much beef we consume, as long as its climate beneficial beef were eating.

Its a much more optimistic and delicious theory of change, he says.

Very crudely speaking, the theory is based on the cultivation of healthy soil. The secret to this model is to replace monocultures and chemical fertilisers with bovines grazing on pasture and naturally fertilising the ground  as they have done for millennia.

The ultimate goal is to restore carbon  often called the building block of life  to the soil where it is useful in growing more nutrient-dense foods, thereby removing it from the atmosphere.

The science to back this theory up is still relatively new, but it is stacking up, notably with the recent RSA Food, Farming and Countryside Commission report concluding that farmers need to shift from intensive farming to more organic and wildlife friendly production, including raising livestock on grass.

Of course the eat more, eat better theory only works if were consuming 100 per cent grass-fed beef that has been genuinely farmed in tune with nature. In the US, where more than 650 million acres of land is used for pasture, theres a lot more room for steak than in the UK.

And the argument isnt as compelling for all meat. Myint acknowledges that from a carbon point of view, intensively farmed chicken is as diabolically productive as it is inhumane. We definitely should be eating less of this at least until efforts to create climate beneficial pastured chicken production are more widespread.

Theres also a less clear link with pigs so far, which arent part of the grassland food cycle  although they do eat food waste and can provide value for arable farming systems.

Myinted

Now, Myints Californian theory of change is on its way to becoming a global one.

Hes the founder of Mission Chinese Food which has just been awarded the Basque Culinary World Prize, and 100,000 (91,000) prize money, for the Perennial Farming Initiative (PFI) project he launched with his wife, journalist Karen Leibowitz, two years ago.

I'm tremendously honoured to receive the award. It's the greatest honour of my career, says Myint, who will be investing the money into his non-profit.

From a consumer point of view, the project means we can now choose to dine from a list of restaurants that are committed to being carbon neutral.

PFI's Executive Director Leibowitz says: Were connecting chefs, farmers, consumers, scientists and policy-makers to create a renewable food system rooted in healthy soil.

Essentially, restaurants carbon impact is assessed by the PFI's Zero Foodprint programme, created in collaboration with carbon experts. The restaurants then makes changes to improve their carbon footprint where possible and offset their remaining carbon emissions by either funding renewable farming and renewable energy projects or adding a carbon charge to customers bills, which in most cases this works out to be a miniscule one per cent.

This tax is used to pay farmers $15 per ton of carbon removed from the atmosphere, by employing farming practices that pull carbon dioxide from the air, prevent its release from the soil or store it in the ground. These include traditional farming methods such as cover-cropping, low-till farming and using livestock to graze.

In the US we, unfortunately, subsidise bad and extractive farming, so the idea of subsidising good farming should be very welcome, and the idea that, at scale, it would solve global warming should also be very optimistic, says Myint.

If youre launching any project, it helps to have capital and industry leaders behind you.

Myint was chosen to win by an impressive jury of 14 of the worlds leading chefs, including Joan Roca, of twice ranked world number one restaurant Celler de Can Roca in Spain; Massimo Bottura, the three-Michelin-star restaurant Osteria Francescana in Italy; and Dominique Crenn, the first and only female chef to achieve three Michelin stars in the United States for Atelier Crenn in San Francisco.

So impressed were they, that all of the judges have pledged to sign up to his initiative.

Instead of contributing to the problem of climate change, gastronomy can be part of the solution, says Roca, chair of the prize jury.

More than raising awareness, Myint calls for action by providing concrete tools for our industry to reduce its impact on the environment.

But, for Myint, the worlds best chefs are just the beginning.

Whats exciting about our project is that its not just for the Michelin-starred chef. It also has scope for McDonalds to implement better grazing practices by shifting the focus to improving land management  1000 hectares at time.

Mastering grassroots change

What Myint calls renewable farming is a growing global trend among top chefs and the farmers from who they source their prized produce.

In the UK its more commonly known as regenerative agriculture and encompasses the best of organic, biodynamic and Pasture for Life farming.

McMaster's top pick of UK restaurants that fully engage in the food system Where the light gets in  Stockpor www.wtlgi.co St John  Farringdon www.stjohnrestaurant.com Cub  Hoxton www.lyancub.com

Doug McMaster, founder of Brightons multi award-winning zero-waste restaurant, Silo, was also in the running for the award this year.

Once upon a time an artist challenged me not to have a bin and during that endeavour there was an extensional moment where I realised industrialisation is the reason waste exists, he says.

Bins are a human thing; penguins dont have bins.

He has just released his first book Silo: The Zero Waste Blueprint and is moving his restaurant from Brighton to east Londons Hackney Wick, opening this September.

The menu is 75 per cent plant-based and super local; each dish will represent natures cycle. It will feature the likes of smoked violet carrots with egg yolks and elephant garlic and Jerusalem artichokes cooked on fire with stilton sauce and pickles, accompanied by a natural and biodynamic wine list.

McMaster says: I dont have the patience for governmental change, Im a bottom up kinda guy.

When I opened Silo everyone said it wasnt going to work because the idea was too extreme. I re-mortgaged my mums house for 30,000 to open it in 2014 and now the world is listening and zero-waste is a big deal.

The economies of change

Like McMaster, Myint also sees zero-waste as part of a bigger issue.

He says it feels weird to refer to his journey to chefdom as beginning with his degree in Economics and Asian studies; for Myint economics is simply putting numbers on common sense.

But, interviewing him, it is clear his training in economics has helped him to make the leap from sustainability being about sourcing well and tackling food waste to the biggest opportunity  creating a food system that incentivises healthy soil.

Its a connection that is just taking root for most people, which is perhaps one of the reasons Myint had to close his sustainability-focused restaurant The Perennial near Silicon Valley, in February this year after three years of trading. Perhaps, if they opened today it would be a different story.

But The PFIs network of carbon neutral restaurants grew alongside that endeavour and the experience helped Myint to shift from trying to create a movement thats consumer-led to industry-led.

If you think that after all these years organic only represents about two per cent of farmland in the US  demand driven change works too slow. It doesnt change anything on a time scale thats useful for climate change, despite it being helpful for individual farmers and their consumers, Myint explains.

Even if you can get someone to pay $3 more for organic, by the time that trickles down and gets to the farmer its only a few cents.

So, instead, were paying farmers to reverse climate change.

Jock Zonfrillo, Orana  Winner of the Basque Culinary World Prize 2018

Last year the prize went to Jock Zonfrillo for dedicating 18 years to discovering and defending the ancient food culture of Australias indigenous peoples, which have been largely excluded from the national culinary identity

At the request of the elders, he used part of the money for a packing shed in Kimberley, which serves as a facility to process indigenous ingredients and doubles up as a community hub

Zonfrillo says: Winning the award gives acknowledgement for indigenous culture and its people. It puts the importance on the preservation of culture. It means a lot more than money.

The chef sat on the panel of judges this year and has committed to try to bring the PFI project to Australia. His restaurant, Orana, is popping up in Sydney from 16 Auguust- 15 September 2019. (restaurantorana.com)

The Basque Culinary World Prize, is an annual global award co-founded by the Basque Government and Basque Culinary Center; Lizzie Rivera is the founder of ethical lifestyle site BICBIM (bicbim.co.uk)
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Arnold Schwarzeneggers son Joseph Baena has revealed the reason why he decided not to take his famous fathers last name.

In a recent interview with Good Morning Britain, the 26-year-old bodybuilder explained that he wanted to keep his mother Mildred Baenas surname as he embarks on his fitness journey and acting career. I think the main thing is Im trying to do things on my own and pursue my career with my will, my determination, my work ethic, Baena told co-hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls on 13 March.

My family is very big about supporting from afar, not being so hands on, and I really appreciate that, the real estate agent said. I think its really important, growing up as a man, to do things on your own, to figure it out. So thats what Ive been doing, and its been working so far. Ive been working really hard.

Despite not wanting to take his fathers last name, Baena has certainly followed in his footsteps. He recently starred in the upcoming film Gunner, alongside Morgan Freeman and Luke Hemsworth. Some children grow up wanting to be a firefighter or an astronaut. Ive always loved film and cinema so Ive always wanted to be an actor, Baena said. Its just the way the cards have played out. We happen to do and like a lot of the same things.

As for any advice that the Terminator star has given his son as he forges a career in Hollywood, Baena revealed that his father simply said: The key thing that he said is hard work, doing the reps, doing the practice, and always prepare.

In addition to bodybuilding and acting, Baena also received his real estate license after graduating from Californias Pepperdine University in 2019.

In the three-part docuseries, Arnold - which was released on Netflix last year - Schwarzenegger opened up about fathering Baena with his former housekeeper while married to his then-wife, Maria Shriver. The former couple were married for more than two decades before separating in 2011, after it was revealed he had an affair with Mildred in 1996.

The former California governor said his heart stopped when Shriver brought up rumours about Baena being his son in 2011. In the documentary, he explained that the couple had been attending regular counselling sessions when she asked her husband if he was Baenas father. I thought my heart stopped. And then I told the truth: Yes Maria, Joseph is my son, Schwarzenegger recalled. She was obviously crushed by that.

In the beginning I really didnt know, but the older he got, the more it became clear to me. It was then just a matter of, How do you keep this quiet? he said.

Schwarzenegger went on to describe the affair as his biggest failure, adding: I have caused enough pain for my family, because of my f*** up. Everyone had to suffer. Maria had to suffer, the kids had to suffer, Joseph, his mother, everyone. Im going to have to live with that for the rest of my life.

Shriver filed for divorce in May 2011, but it wasnt finalised until 2021. The pair share four children: Katherine, 33, Christina, 31, Patrick, 29, and Christopher, 25. Baena was born just days after Christopher.

The bodybuilder previously opened up about navigating his career in the spotlight while also being the child of a celebrity. Speaking to E! News in 2023, Baena addressed criticism hes received from trolls on social media.

It was really bothering me that anytime I would get any kind of role or press, or I would post a physique picture on Instagram, I would always get comments of, Youre only there because of your dad or whatever, he told the outlet. Thankfully, I am mentally strong enough to not let the scrutiny get to me.

I think with anyone thats had a high-succeeding parent, its just going to be difficult, he added. People always discredit them, say, You only got that because of your parents, you only got that because of X, Y and Z.

Its hard, but its just something that you have to live with. Know within yourself that if youre putting in the work and youre actually doing it, then none of that should matter.
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Lindsay Lohan has candidly revealed the reason why she decided to leave Hollywood.

Speaking to Bustle in an exclusive interview, the 37-year-old mother admitted her move from the United States was necessary to escape the public eye. A little over 10 years ago, the Mean Girls lead left the US for London before permanently residing in Dubai - where she eventually met her husband, Bader Shammas.

Lohan reflected on what influenced her need to leave the country, citing the never-ending swarm of paparazzi as a main one. I feel like some of [my work] got overshadowed by paparazzi and all that kind of stuff when I was younger, and thats kind of annoying. I wish that part didnt happen, she said in the article, published on 14 March.

I feel like that kind of took on a life of its own. So thats why I wanted to disappear. I was like, Unless theres no story here, theyre not going to focus on just my work.

Aside from wanting to escape the press, the Freaky Friday actor left in search of a different kind of attention: romance. I was like, What if I never fall in love? What if this never happens? she confessed. And it took me just taking time for me for all those doors to open and the yeses to come - the things I wanted to say yes to.

Though she was already close with her four younger siblings, Lohan wanted to experience a new kind of companionship as well as motherhood. Ive always been close with my younger siblings, and Ive always had a very maternal instinct, she noted. The parents kind of give that [responsibility] to [oldest children], too.

Not only has the Just My Luck star now met her match, but shes also achieved her ultimate dream and given birth to a baby boy. Lohan and Shammas welcomed their first child, Luai, nearly one year after they tied the knot.

Since welcoming her son in July 2023, the A-lister has proudly shown off her postpartum body, refusing to fall victim to the pressure of losing weight quickly. Speaking with Bustle, Lohan pointed out the Ozempic craze as something she hopes will pass soon.

Everyones getting so thin now. I feel like everything always comes full circle again, so this is that moment, and this, too, shall pass. But it does seem like theres pressure, the Netflix regular added. However, Lohans managed to remain focused on Luai rather than her appearance.

She said: I was so attached to [Luai] that my last thought was going on a treadmill. I feel like we put so much pressure on ourselves to have to look good so soon, but you look so beautiful [postpartum]. Give yourself time.
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Naomi Campbell has expressed concern that the fashion industry is sliding back on diversity.

The 53-year-old supermodel has been a trailblazer in the industry for almost four decades, having been the first Black model to appear on several Vogue covers around the world.

Campbell made the comments while promoting a solo exhibition on her career at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

During a briefing ahead of the exhibition, as reported by The Times, she paid tribute to the work of Edward Enninful, who made steps to increase inclusivity during his tenure as the first Black editor of British Vogue. She said, however, that she is nervous about the future of the industry.

Will [diversity] remain? That is a question I dont really want to think about but that is what Im thinking about, because as I am again looking at the collections, Im starting to get nervous that we are sliding back, she said on Wednesday (13 March).

Why do I stay doing what I do? Because my work is not done. I feel that I have to use my voice and platform to keep at them.

Campbell has worked to increase diversity in the industry throughout her career. She joined the Black Girls Coalition in 1989 and fronted the 2007 Black issue of Vogue Italia.

In 2013, she teamed up with fellow Black models to form an advocacy group, Diversity Coalition, to write an open letter to the governing bodies of global fashion weeks to call out high-profile designers who used either one or zero models of colour in that seasons shows, deeming it a racist act.

The exhibition, Naomi: In Fashion, will open in June and will chronicle Campbells career of almost 40 years through 100 curated outfits that she has worn throughout her time as a model, both on the runway and in her personal life.

Campbell said the exhibition would include a lot of personal items that I have never shown to anyone.

Naomi Campbell promoting the exhibition (Invision)

There is an intimate side to me that a lot of people dont know and havent seen, and dont know the stories behind the things Im going to present, she said. It has opened up my Pandoras box.

The exchibition will delve into her early years in Streatham, south London, where she grew up, and chronicle her childhood passion for dancing, before she was approached by a modelling agent while shopping at the age of 15.

Naomi: In Fashion will also explore the 2007 incident in which the model was sentenced to five days of community service after throwing a mobile phone at her maid. The Dolce & Gabbana gown that she wore on her last day of community service will be on display.

This marks the first time that the South Kensington museum has held an exhibition focusing on the career of a living fashion model.

Naomi: In Fashion will run from 22 June 2024 to April 6, 2025.
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Prince William has paid tribute to his wife Kates creativity during a trip to a youth group in London.

He said: My wife is the arty one, when he decorated biscuits with a group of children at a centre in Sheperds Bush, west London.

William visited West, a new 12 million centre providing a wealth of facilities for eight to 18-year-olds, and quizzed children about their phone habits.

The Prince of Wales celebrates with young people after he threw a basket, during a visit to WEST, the new OnSide charity youth zone in Hammersmith and Fulham (Frank Augstein/PA Wire)

Sitting down with a group working on a mental health project, he asked: How much time do you spend on your phone a day? adding with a laugh, We can all be honest about this.

When one teenage girl said 15 hours, he replied: Fifteen hours, thats quite a lot  I bet you feel better coming here.

The future King brought up the issue of mobile phone use again after he washed his hands, put on an apron and spread icing on a biscuit before decorating it.

The Prince of Wales during a visit to WEST, the new OnSide charity youth zone in Hammersmith and Fulham, west London (Frank Augstein/PA Wire)

He admitted adults also spent too much time on their phones and revealed his biscuits of choice- chocolate digestives or KitKats.

West, which stands for Where Everyone Sticks Together, was named by the youngsters who use the facility in Shepherds Bush, west London which officially opens in April.

The Prince appeared keen to see all aspects of West which is the 15th facility established by OnSide, a national youth centre charity.

William complimented his wife amid controversy sparked by Kensington Palaces decision to share a family photograph on Mothers Day which had been edited by Kate - the Princess later made a public apology after news agencies decided to remove the picture.

Since Phil Chetwynd, the global news director of Agence France-Press (AFP), hit out at the palace in an interview on BBC Radio 4s The Media Show.

When asked if they were a trusted source, he responded: No, absolutely not. Like with anything, when youre let down by a source the bar is raised.

Later, William will attend an event in honour of his late mother Princess Diana at the Science Museum in London where he is expected to mark 25 years of the Diana Legacy Award by giving a speech and awarding 25 recipients.

Prince Harry is expected to join the ceremony via video link after Williams appearance which has fuelled further speculation there is a growing rift between the brothers.
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A Southwest Airlines pilot has marked his first flight with his baby daughter on board in the sweetest way possible.

In a viral TikTok video, posted by Southwest Airlines, a pilot named Ben is seen speaking over the planes public address system while holding a baby girl. Hey everyone, this is your first officer Ben. Ill be taking us up to Denver today, he began the announcement.

Joined with me is little miss Ellie Rose, the pilot said, bouncing his infant daughter up and down in his arms. She is my daughter, so this is a very special flight for me. This is her first flight with me as her pilot.

The Southwest Airlines pilot noted that Ellie Rose wouldnt be flying solo, as her mother was also a passenger on the flight. While he joked that his baby girl wont remember the important milestone, he maintained that they have a lot more memories to come.

Although babies on planes might make any passenger a little worried about the potential sound of crying, the father assured travellers that his daughter is pleasant 90 per cent of the time. The good news is 90 per cent of the time she is very giggly. The bad news is 10 per cent of the time she has some serious pipes, he warned.

So, I hope you get the 90 per cent and if not blame her mother, the pilot jokingly added. Enjoy the flight and well see you in Denver.

Since it was posted to TikTok on Wednesday 13 March, the video has been viewed two million times. In the caption, Southwest Airlines wrote: Talk about precious cargo.

Meanwhile, many TikTokers took to the comments section to gush over the sweet father-daughter moment.

His face before speaking, one person noted. He was so ready to introduce her.

The way she looked at him announcing that its their first fight together, another said. She was so proud.

This is so cute, said someone else. He was so proud and excited.

Others simply pointed out how safe theyd feel flying on a plane where the pilots daughter is also a passenger.

The way I would be so happy thinking hed fly extra carefully with his baby on board, said one person, while another wrote: I would feel so safe on that flight.

This isnt the first time a member of airplane staff has made a sweet announcement before take-off. Last year, a United Airlines pilot went viral when he shared a video of the pre-flight announcement he made on a plane from Washington, DC, to Madrid, Spain. The pilot, Cole Doss, was marking his first-ever flight with his mother as a flight attendant.

In his announcement, Doss said that there were some of the most talented flight attendants on the plane, including his exceptional mom.

Shes been one of my biggest supporters in my life and in my career becoming a pilot, ever since my very first flight lesson, he said before plane passengers started to clap for him.

Doss explained that he was thrilled to be working on the same flight as his mother for the first time in his career, adding: Im especially honoured and excited to be able to fly her for the first time today and to be able to share this experience with all of you on our flight to Madrid.

To my mom, I love you. And to everyone on board, welcome aboard our family-friendly skies.
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Whether youre Irish or not, celebrating St Patricks Day is always a good idea.

On 17 March each year, thousands of people come together to drink, dress in green, eat traditional food from Ireland and generally celebrate Irish heritage.

What is St Patricks Day, and where does it come from?

St Patricks Day, or the Feast of St Patrick, is a celebration in honour of the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick.

The day of celebration - which marks the day of Saint Patricks death - was originally a religious holiday meant to celebrate the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, and made official by the Catholic Church in the early 17th century.

Observed by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Lutheran Church, the day was typically observed with services, feasts and alcohol.

Consumption has always been an integral part of St Patricks Day, as historically the day was celebrated with a day-long lift of the Lenten restrictions on eating and drinking alcohol - which has contributed to the present-day drinking.

Interestingly, Saint Patrick wasnt actually Irish. He is believed to have been born in either Scotland or Wales and sold into slavery in Ireland as a child.

In 1903, St Patricks Day became an official public holiday in Ireland.

This year (and every year) it is celebrated on 17 March, but St Patricks Day 2024 falls on a Sunday.

What are shamrocks and leprechauns and why are they depicted in the celebrations?

Although St Patricks Day has mostly evolved into a cultural celebration of Irish heritage, certain traditions such as wearing green and shamrocks have prevailed.

We wear green to celebrate because green is the colour associated with Catholics in Ireland. However, green wasnt associated with the holiday until the 19th century. Prior to that, blue was often worn to celebrate.

Shamrocks - clover-like plants with three leaves - were, according to legend, used by St Patrick to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish.

Leprechauns, a mythical type of fairy in Irish folklore, also make an appearance during St Patricks Day celebrations. Often depicted as little men, leprechauns are usually pictured with a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. They are mischievous fairies known for playing jokes on people. But legend has it, if you catch one he will give you three wishes.

Is it a bank holiday in the UK, or a federal holiday in the US?

Sorry, youll have to let your hair down in your own time.

Its not a bank holiday in the UK, and its not a federal holiday in the US. It is, however, a national holiday in Ireland.

What do people do on St Patricks Day and how do they celebrate?

The holiday has evolved into a mostly cultural celebration of Irish heritage, marked with a day of drinking, green clothing and Irish-themed parades.

In addition to green clothing, beer (occasionally dyed green) and Irish whiskey are typically consumed to celebrate St Paddys Day.

Green around the gill: people celebrate St Patricks Day with dyed beer (iStock)

In the US, Irish American people usually indulge in corned beef and cabbage.

But in Ireland and elsewhere in celebration of the holiday, typical Irish foods such as steak and Guinness pie or Irish soda bread are eaten.

How is St Patricks Day celebrated around the globe?

Ireland obviously hosts the longest St Patricks Day celebrations, with a week of festivities and the annual parade in Dublin drawing more than one million people.

In Great Britain, the day is celebrated with the third-largest parade in the world, after Dublin and New York.

The parade takes place in Birmingham but celebrations occur all over the country.

In New York City, the official St Patricks Day Parade - which was founded in 1762 - typically attracts two million people. While not a legal holiday, the day is widely recognised and celebrated all over the US.

Green top: the Empire State Building lit up for St Patricks Day (G

Other large St Patricks Day parades are held annually in Asia, the Caribbean and Canada.

To mark the day, notable landmarks are lit up in green or dyed green.

In previous years, the Sydney Opera House, the Space Needle in Seattle, the London Eye, the Empire State Building, the Chicago river and hundreds of other landmarks were lit green in honour of the patron saint.
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Deep inside mountain tunnels where the heat is so intense it causes headaches, women with power tools are chipping away at boulders in search of gems. They have opened a difficult path for themselves in Colombia's emerald industry, a sector long dominated by men.

The lack of job opportunities, combined with the hope of a find that will make them rich, has pushed the women into mining. Colombian emeralds are known around the world for their quality and the best can be sold for thousands of dollars, though most people in the industry arent wealthy.

There are months or years in which I dont even make $250 from the emerald mines, said Yaneth Forero, one of the women at a small, informal mine near the town of Coscuez, where production has long been centered.

But we continue to struggle here for the dream of having a home with tiles on the floors, a place that smells good and where no one can kick me out, she said. She lives in a precarious hillside house where the walls are unpainted and the floor is made of cement.

Some of the biggest emeralds in the world have been mined in Colombia, including one weighing 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) that broke the world record in 1995. In Coscuez, rumors circulate that one miner recently found an emerald that sold for $177,000, and left the ramshackle town forever.

In 2022, Colombian emerald exports were worth $122 million, according to the national federation of emerald companies. The gems are one of the nations most iconic products, and are sold in jewelry shops in cities like Cartagena and Bogota.

But most emerald profits go to merchants and large companies that have invested millions of dollars in technologies that help them find the most valuable stones.

Workers at small, unregulated mines like Forero, who still use dynamite sticks to open tunnels, have a slim chance of finding the emeralds that can change someones destiny.

In her home outside Coscuez, Forero keeps some small, opaque emeralds that she has gathered over the past three months. She reckons that they are not worth more than $76 in all.

Her earnings are not enough to maintain her four children or help her father, who has developed a respiratory illness after working in emerald mines for decades and needs an oxygen tank to breathe.

So she also works random jobs to make ends meet like washing uniforms, ironing clothes and cleaning homes.

The 52-year-old said she has struggled to leave this way of life because the economy in Coscuez revolves around mining, and there are few other opportunities.

Working in the mines is tougher for women. Once they are done drilling in deep tunnels and sifting through rocks, they must care for their children and do domestic tasks that men are often reluctant to do.

Flor Marina Morales said she started to work in the mines around Coscuez because she needed to provide for her kids.

She said she used to arrive home from the mines at 3 a.m. and stay awake to make breakfast for her children and send them to school.

Morales children are now in university studying psychology and law.

Im glad they have a different outlook, she said. Mining is exhausting, and in this job you put up with a lot of hunger, cold and lack of sleep.

To enter the small mines around Coscuez, women wear rubber boots and helmets and carry drills just like the men.

After they enter in a single file, they branch off in different directions and head into tunnels where each person has a designated area to drill. The rocks that break off the walls are carried outside in carts, washed and sifted through.

This kind of involvement by women was unthinkable a few decades ago in Colombia. Older villagers said that men previously barred women from approaching the mines because they believed that if women were around, the emeralds would hide.

That was pure machismo, they just didnt want us to work, said Carmen Alicia Avila, a 57-year-old miner who has been in the industry for almost four decades.

She said that between the 1960s and 1990s, when miners attacked each other for control of the area in a period known as the green wars," women who attempted to work in mines were threatened, and some were raped.

Avila said she started to work at the mines when she was 19, but she was not allowed to enter the shafts. Instead, she sifted through rocks picked by the men.

Women were only allowed into the shafts two decades ago she said.

The area has become less violent after a series of peace deals brokered by the Catholic church. Many miners who were behind the violence have died. Some sold off their properties to international companies as finding valuable emeralds became tougher and required more money.

Currently there are 200 women working in the mines around Coscuez, according to the local association of female miners. Some work alongside men, while others work in five small mines owned by women, where only female miners are allowed.

Because the tunnels are so small, the women take turns working inside them.

Like others who work in small mines, they are trying to get the government to officially recognize them as artisanal miners. That would give them the right to legally exploit the mines. It would also give them more stability and make it easier to get loans.

Colombia's government has already granted more than 900 titles to companies and individuals to exploit emerald mines. But according to the National Mining Agency, 576 requests are still under review, including those from small-scale miners.

Luz Myriam Duarte Ramirez, president of the National Federation of Mines, said that her organization is backing the efforts of the Coscuez miners to be registered as artisanal miners, as well as the legalization of the five mines owned by women.

Despite these efforts to improve conditions, Forero said she doesnt want to stay in the industry for long. She said that if she gets lucky and finds a valuable gem, she will buy a house and set up a small business to keep her away from the hot, dark tunnels where she has labored for years.

Life is tough in these mines, even if some people have found emeralds that were sold in Dubai, Forero said. Sometimes I sit in those tunnels and talk to God. But unfortunately, it seems like we havent had a good connection.

____

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
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Public health officials in Arizonas most populous county on Wednesday reported they confirmed a staggering 645 heat-associated deaths last year  more than 50% higher than 2022 and another consecutive annual record in arid metro Phoenix.

The numbers in the preliminary report by the Maricopa County Department of Public Health alarmed officials in America's hottest big metro, raising concerns about how to better protect vulnerable groups such as homeless people and older adults from the blistering summer heat.

The report said two-thirds of the county's heat-related deaths in 2023 were people 50 years or older, and 71% were on days the National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning.

Deaths from heat are a major public health issue within our community, and its going to take support from every level to improve the situation," said Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine, the county public health department's medical director. With a coordinated county-wide strategy, nearly every one of these deaths can be prevented."

The heat-associated deaths confirmed in 2023 represented a huge jump from 2022, when there were 425 such deaths. There were 339 heat-associated deaths confirmed in 2021.

No other major metropolitan area in the U.S. has reported such high heat-associated death figures or spends so much time tracking and studying them.

Maricopa County's public health officials since 2006 have tracked deaths in which environmental heat was the cause or a major contributing factor. The department uses information from preliminary death reports completed by the county's Office of the Medical Examiner, along with data in death certificates on file with the county's Office of Vital Registration.

Last summer, Phoenix experienced the hottest three months since record-keeping began in 1895, including the hottest July and the second-hottest August. The daily average temperature of 97 F (36.1 C) in June, July and August passed the previous record of 96.7 F (35.9 C) set three years ago.

Phoenix also set a record in July with a 31-day streak of highs at or above 110 F (43.3 C).

In recognition of the growing problem of heat associated deaths, Arizona's department of public health last week named a physician as the first statewide heat officer in the nation to address extreme environmental heat.

Dr. Eugene Livar was appointed to the state role under Gov. Katie Hobbs extreme heat preparedness plan.

The cities of Phoenix and Miami have their own heat officers to oversee ways to protect people and the overall community from extreme heat as climate change leads to more frequent and enduring heat waves.

Phoenix, the hottest big city in the United States, also has an office of heat response and resiliency that aims to protect people and help them cope with the hot weather through programs like cooling stations and increased tree planting.

Susenshine, of Maricopa County public health, said individuals, organizations of all sizes and local governments can help reduce heat deaths, especially during the traditional warm season stretching from May 1 to Oct. 31.

The county called on residents to check on people in their communities and social circles during the hot season, especially those who are older or living alone. It suggested that residents also help by volunteering at a cooling center to let it stay open later, or donate supplies, such as water, reusable bottles, hats, sunscreens and cooling towels.

That county public health department also released the results of an evaluation of the cooling and respite centers that operated around the county last year.

County officials hope to use the information to provide additional services during the upcoming summer, such as a bilingual heat relief call center to answer questions and help people get transportation to and from cooling centers.

About two-thirds of people who responded to a survey about cooling centers said they did not have a stable home. The results showed that the biggest barriers keeping people from using the centers are not even knowing they exist or where they are located, and lacking transportation to get to them.
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New train services between London, the Midlands, Shropshire and North Wales have been proposed.

Train and rail infrastructure supplier Alstom said its planned operation will offer passengers new direct links, quicker journeys and more competitive fares.

Services are proposed to run between London Euston and Wrexham up to five times per day in each direction from next year.

Linking overlooked regions of England and Wales with direct services to and from London Ian Walters, SLC Rail

They would call at Milton Keynes, Nuneaton, Coleshill Parkway, Walsall, Darlaston, Wolverhampton, Telford Central, Shrewsbury and Gobowen.

Avanti West Coast is to withdraw its current daily return service between London Euston and Shrewsbury in June.

It has been 13 years since train company Wrexham & Shropshire  which operated between London Marylebone and Wrexham via Shrewsbury  ceased trading due to mounting losses.

Alstoms proposed new operation is named Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway (WSMR), and is being developed in partnership with consultancy SLC Rail.

An application to run services will be submitted to regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) on Thursday.

WSMR would operate on an open access basis, meaning it would receive no taxpayer-funded subsidies and take on all revenue risk.

Passengers will benefit from more competitive fares and new technology to simplify ticket purchasing for our new services Ian Walters, SLC Rail

Rail minister Hew Merriman said: These exciting proposals could see better connections for communities across North Wales and the Midlands, including direct services to London from Shrewsbury, Telford and Wrexham.

Competition delivers choice for passengers and drives up standards, which is why we continue to work with industry to help make the most of open access rail.

Most train operators in England are paid a management fee, with the UK Government holding responsibility for costs and revenue.

ScotRail and Transport for Wales Rail are under public ownership.

Alstom is the largest private rail operator in North America but if its WSMR plans get the go ahead it will be the first time it has run services in the UK.

The companys managing director in the UK and Ireland, Nick Crossfield, said: As the countrys leading supplier of rolling stock and train services, it makes perfect sense that we now move into operating our own fleet to serve passengers directly.

Having been part of the fabric of UK rail for two centuries, were excited to enter this new era as an open access operator.

SLC Rail managing director Ian Walters said: From the Welsh borders to the Midlands, our routes will forge new connections, linking overlooked regions of England and Wales with direct services to and from London.

The evidence both here in Britain and across Europe shows that where more commercial freedom exists for operators, it leads to better service, cheaper fares and greater efficiencies Andy Bagnall, Rail Partners

Passengers will benefit from more competitive fares and new technology to simplify ticket purchasing for our new services.

Delighting the customer will be at the forefront of what we do.

We want WSMR passengers to experience a new excellence in customer service onboard our intercity trains.

Andy Bagnall, chief executive of industry body Rail Partners, said: The evidence both here in Britain and across Europe shows that where more commercial freedom exists for operators, it leads to better service, cheaper fares and greater efficiencies.

To deliver more benefits to passengers, Government should make it a priority to remove barriers to open access operations now and during the next parliament, in parallel to wider reform that harnesses private sector operators within a new public body.

Last week, the ORR approved an application by Grand Union Trains to launch new services between London Euston and the city of Stirling in central Scotland from June 2025, calling at stations such as Milton Keynes Central, Crewe and Preston.
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An aristocrat accused of killing her newborn baby has defended the conditions her daughter was left in while she and her partner were on the run, telling jurors: Babies dont require that much to survive.

Constance Marten, 36, and her partner, Mark Gordon, 49, are accused of gross negligence manslaughter after their daughter Victoria died while they were camping on the South Downs in wintry conditions last year.

During her fifth day of testifying at the Old Bailey, the 36-year-old told jurors on Thursday: People have survived without houses and hospitals for millennia. Babies dont require that much to survive  they just need food, warmth and care.

Pressed during cross-examination on the conditions the infant was forced to endure while the pair were on the run, the mother later insisted: They can cope as long as me as a parent can give her what she needs.

She added: You dont need that many items for a newborn baby.

Constance Marten, Mark Gordon and baby Victoria in a shop in East Ham, London, while on the run from authorities last year (PA Media)

The court previously heard Marten and Gordon had gone off grid to hide from authorities in a bid to keep Victoria after their four other children were taken into care, with the pair also concealing the mothers pregnancy.

Following the couples arrests last February, the babys severely decomposed body was found in an allotment shed inside a Lidl supermarket bag that also contained soil and rubbish.

A tearful Marten was pushed by the prosecution over the state the newborn was left in after she admitted to putting Victorias remains in a bag for life.

The plastic Lidl bag in which the body of Constance Marten and Mark Gordons baby Victoria was found (Metropolitan Police)

Prosecutor Joel Smith told the court Victoria in her own faeces, to which Marten replied: I found it too difficult to change her nappy after she passed, so I wrapped her in a blanket and put her in the bag. I had no intention of keeping her in the bag.

I know it looks awful objectively  but neither of us were in the right frame mind... We werent in a normal situation it was a nightmare.

The couple deny charges of gross negligence manslaughter of Victoria between 4 January and 27 February last year, charges of perverting the course of justice by concealing the body, along with concealing the birth of a child, child cruelty, and allowing the death of a child.

The mother did admit to the court on Thursday that her newborn daughter couldve had better after she died.

Mr Smith asked: Is putting her in a bag for life the best that anyone could give her?

Marten replied: Of course its not. She caveated: But thats not my child its a part of her, but its not her I think were all more than our flesh, were spirit, our body is our casing. But pressed again, Marten told jurors: After she passed away, of course she couldve had better.

However, she insisted that what happened to her baby couldve happened to anyone, describing the newborns death as a horrible accident.

Mark Gordon and Constance Marten's burning Peugeot 206 on the M61 (PA)

Rejecting the prosecutions suggestion that she put Victoria in a position that endangered the infant, the 36-year-old told jurors it was her falling asleep that led to her daughters death. She also refuted the notion that Victoria had died from hypothermia while camping.

Instead, she described living in the tent as a self-sacrifice for the newborn, insisting she gave the best to her baby that anyone could have given while she was still alive.

What we were doing was for Victoria  it was a self-sacrificing act, she told the court. I did it because I loved her so much that I wouldve done anything to save her.

Marten also defended putting on a fake accent and falsifying parts of the story she told while on the run, telling jurors she was forced to in order to save my child.

She said she was up against both social services and her influential family, who she said have connections in high places. Taking aim at her family, she said: I masked my accent  but the story I gave was true to myself... except for the masked accent, and parts. But I had to escape my family who didnt agree with me having children with Mark.

After moving between various hotels and Airbnbs, the couple abandoned many of their belongings after their car burst into flames near Bolton, Greater Manchester, last 5 January, which alerted them to the police.

When they were arrested in Brighton on 27 February, they had refused to answer officers urgent questions about where their baby was and whether she was alive or dead.

Fighting back tears as she gave evidence, Marten added on Thursday: If theres any fear of your child being taken from you, most parents would do anything.

The trial continues.
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A 17-year-old boy has pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to the manslaughter of schoolgirl Elianne Andam but denies murdering her.

The 15-year-old was stabbed to death on her way to school in Croydon, south London, with what was believed to be a large zombie knife.

The teenage defendant, who cannot be identified because of his age, pleaded not guilty to murder when he appeared by videolink at the Old Bailey on Thursday morning.

Elianne Andam, 15, was stabbed to death on her way to school in Croydon, south London (Metropolitan Police/PA) (PA Wire)

The manslaughter plea was not accepted by prosecutors, and a trial will take place from November 25 at the same court. The boy also denied possessing a blade in a public place.

Elianne had met up with two female friends on her way to school before she was attacked on 27 September.

It is claimed her attacker, wearing a mask and gloves, removed a large knife from his waistband and stabbed Elianne repeatedly.

As he fled the scene, others attempted to administer first aid but she could not be saved.

The mother of Elianne Andam (centre left), who was stabbed to death in Croydon, arrives with other family members and friends for the vigil (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

The defendant was arrested in New Addington at 9.45am the same day.

Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC previously said: It was, the prosecution allege, a brutal attack.

A special post-mortem examination showed she had suffered multiple stab wounds.

Eliannes mother, Dorcas Andam, had previously paid an emotional tribute to her amazing, beautiful daughter, who she said loved living life to the fullest and should be planning her prom.

Elianne wanted to be a lawyer, her mother said

She told crowds, including Rapper Stormzy, gathered at the spot where Elianne was killed: I cant believe we wont be seeing her anymore. I cant believe she wont be there to complain about her teenage activities.

We should be planning her prom after year 11. She wanted to be a lawyer, and had so much to live for ... It was a sad day for the whole family, now we are planning her funeral.

Her beautiful soul will forever be etched in our hearts. Forever in our hearts, forever our girl, forever Elianne. Rest in power, my lovely daughter, Ms Andam concluded, as heartfelt applause rang out in support.

Previously, Eliannes family said in a statement: We as a family are struggling to comprehend this painful tragedy that has happened to our beautiful daughter and beloved sister Elianne. Our hearts are broken.

Elianne was a beautiful person inside and out who loved Jesus. She was intelligent, thoughtful, kind and had a bright future ahead. It is our request that you keep our cherished daughter Elianne and our family in your thoughts and prayers.
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A man swung a sword and pointed a crossbow at police during a break-in before he was shot, an investigation has found.

Convicted stalker Bryce Hodgson confronted officers before being shot in the neck and chest on 30 January at a property in Bywater Place, Southwark, south-east London, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said.

A provisional post-mortem examination report last month found Hodgson died from gunshot wounds to his neck and chest.

Armed with a crossbow, a hatchet, a Kevlar jacket and his face covered in a gas mask (Agimont Adventure en Paintball)

Hodgson was handed a 16-week suspended jail term in July last year and put under supervision for 12 months after admitting stalking.

Officers were called to the property after several reports of Hodgson, who was carrying three crossbows, trying to force entry.

Police officers at the scene near Bywater Place in January (PA)

Hodgson had entered the home via the back door and was trying to get into a bedroom where the residents had barricaded themselves in, the IOPC said.

He was trying to break through an internal door using a sword when officers entered the property.

Bryce Hodgson was (Supplied)

Hodgson, from Sheffield, was instructed to show his hands by officers who challenged him with a Taser, but he failed to comply and swung the sword at them.

The officers were then joined by armed support and firearms officers entered the property at 5.15am.

Hodgson did not follow instructions before picking up a crossbow and pointing it at an officer, at which point one officer then fired two shots hitting Hodgson in his neck and his chest, the IOPC said.

The weapons were secured, first aid was given and an ambulance was called by officers but Hodgson was declared dead at 5.37am.

Investigators have viewed body-worn video footage, obtained statements from the officers and listened to 999 calls and the officers radio communications to establish what happened. All of the officers who attended the incident are being treated as witnesses.

Scores of images online show Bryce, known as Fairy to his University of Aberystwyth paintball teammates, sipping cocktails and attending I heart Aber club nights in his first year surrounded by friends and smiling.

Bryce Hodgson was shot in the neck and the chest by police (Supplied)

Later they said he became distant and receded into his room, where he spent entire nights playing computer games.

Friends said he started smoking cannabis in amounts only a rich kid could afford and became withdrawn and had to be coerced out of his room to celebrate his own birthday.

Bryce was later convicted of stalking after entering a womans bedroom without her consent, texting her to demand she open her door, and describing vivid sexual fantasies to her, between January and April last year.

Hodgson was also put under a five-year restraining order that banned him from entering Bywater Place and from contacting the woman.

His uni flatmate Jack Stone told The Independent: He didnt show any stalker behaviour back then though. He could barely manage to catch the bus. I assume he had a total mental breakdown.

He didnt exactly have a heart of gold. He used to lie, make stories up, to create a rift between me and our friends.

He used to exaggerate and just generally cause problems in a way that someone stuck in immaturity tends to. But he didnt deserve to die. He needed therapy.

The IOPC said it had met Hodgsons family and expected to conclude the investigation in the summer.

IOPC regional director Mel Palmer said: I send my condolences to the family and friends of Bryce Hodgson and all those present or affected by this tragic incident, including the occupants of the property and officers involved.

The evidence gathered to date supports the officers accounts that they perceived there to be an immediate and serious threat to the occupants inside the house.

The officers, who were presented with a dynamic situation, acted swiftly to gain entry into the house to prevent any further harm to the residents.
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Another 150 tonnes of UK aid entered Gaza on Wednesday as the Government announced an additional 10 million in funding to support the stricken territory.

This week is also expected to see the arrival of a full field hospital in Gaza, funded by UK Aid, that will be staffed by local and international medics and can treat more than 100 patients a day.

The extra aid comes as the Foreign Secretary continues to urge Israel to increase the capacity to safely distribute aid within Gaza, including by opening a land crossing in the north of the territory and issuing more visas to UN staff.

But an immediate pause in the fighting is the only way to get aid into Gaza in the quantities desperately needed Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron

Lord David Cameron said: Too many people in Gaza are suffering. No-one should be without basic amenities like shelter and bedding, and everyone deserves the dignity that basic hygiene kits provide.

Our largest aid delivery, combined with a new UK field hospital, will save lives.

But an immediate pause in the fighting is the only way to get aid into Gaza in the quantities desperately needed.

This will also allow for the safe release of hostages. We could then work towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire, without a return to destruction, fighting or loss of life.

Wednesdays aid delivery included 840 family-sized tents, 3,000 shelter kits, 6,000 sleeping mats and more than 13,000 blankets, along with more than 3,000 dignity kits to help women and girls.

The UK has also pledged an extra 10 million in aid funding, bringing its total contribution to more than 100 million this financial year.

According to a Unicef report at the end of 2023, an estimated 3.1 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, with half a million at risk of famine.

The figures include all 335,000 children aged under five in the Gaza Strip, who were at high risk of severe malnutrition and preventable death.

Charity ActionAid welcomed the delivery of aid to Gaza, but described it as little more than a sticking plaster on a gaping wound.

A quarter of Gazas population is at risk of famine so its extremely disappointing to see that none of the aid mentioned involves food to stave off looming famine Julia Rosell Jackson, ActionAid

Julia Rosell Jackson, senior humanitarian advocacy adviser at ActionAid, said: The delivery of over 3,000 period products to women and girls will provide small relief, but nearly 700,000 women and girls are unable to access sanitary pads, and many are resorting to using tent scraps as an unsafe and unhygienic alternative.

When women are giving birth to stillborn babies as they are so severely malnourished amid an acute hunger crisis in northern Gaza and a total collapse of the healthcare system, such a small delivery of aid will do practically nothing to avert the absolute humanitarian crisis facing millions of Palestinians.

A quarter of Gazas population is at risk of famine so its extremely disappointing to see that none of the aid mentioned involves food to stave off looming famine.

With children dying of malnutrition, the Foreign Secretarys call for a pause will do nothing to deliver aid at the scale needed.

As aid workers, we cannot provide effective relief whilst bombs rain down. Its time for these horrors to end  we need an immediate ceasefire now.
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A new government plan to wipe out all badgers in certain areas has prompted a fresh row between officials and wildlife activists.

Badgers are blamed for carrying bovine tuberculosis (bTB), which forces dairy farmers to have infected herds culled.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has back-tracked on earlier promises to end the badger cull, which began in 2013.

Instead, as revealed by The Independent last month, officials are proposing to allow 100 per cent of populations to be killed in cluster hot spots for the disease. Until now, the target was 70 per cent or above.

But animal-welfare supporters are considering renewed legal action over the policy.

They claim:

The cull is politically motivated to suit certain factions, especially farmers

There are no restrictions on the number of cull areas and the public will not know where they are

Slack controls will confuse enforcement bodies and the public

The numbers killed could double in just over a decade to half a million

Defra is ignoring the science that has disproven evidence officials are relying on

Under targeted culling  or epidemiological culling  badgers may be wiped out in areas, mostly southwest England, where bovine TB (bTB) is considered a particular threat.

The deadlier policy could begin next year. The government had previously indicated culling could be ended by 2026 before Thursdays u-turn.

Labour has promised to end the cull if it wins power at the general election.

Tom Langton, an ecologist who has challenged culling in the courts, said 100 per cent culling was tried in 2018 in Cumbria. They shot 1,115 badgers - all of them - but could not then attribute change in TB rates to culling as seven farms were quite clearly reinfecting themselves because of the failed testing regime, he said.

He cited a report that found no demonstrable benefit in lower TB rates in cattle.

The new prolonged killing spree, under what looks like a highly simplified licence system, could see the badger tally rise from around 250,000 shot to-date, towards 300,000 by 2030 and half a million by 2038, he said.

This would be a cull of largely healthy adult badgers and their cubs, cruelly slaughtered using crude methods opposed by the British Veterinary Association, and for no good reason.

The High Court rejected a legal challenge by Mr Langton to culling in 2018, but he said The Badger Crowd organisation, of which he is a member, could consider joining separate legal action already underway.

Peter Hambly, executive director of the Badger Trust, said the consultation announced by Defra revealed yet another appalling attack on a protected native species.

He said tackling bTB could only be done by accurate herd management, more rigorous reliable testing and cattle vaccination. But the government appears only to listen to stakeholders with vested interests and is fixated instead on a badger-focused policy that affects all of us and our right to nature.

Government bTB policy in England continues to allow poor hygiene and biosecurity on farms yet still provides millions of pounds in compensation to farmers, and the movement of cattle across the country under knowingly unreliable testing and biosecurity regimes.

Government sources hit back, saying the aim of the policy was not to kill all badgers.

Environment secretary Steve Barclay said: Bovine TB has taken a terrible toll on farmers, leading to the loss of highly prized animals and, in the worst cases, valued herds.

There are no easy answers in the battle against TB, but badger culling has proved highly effective and needs to remain a key part of our approach.

Our strategy has led to a significant reduction in this insidious disease, which we will continue to cull in areas where the evidence confirms it is required, as well as making use of vaccinations.
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Two firefighters have been injured after tackling an apartment blaze in Edinburgh that saw residents evacuated in the early hours of the morning.

Around 70 firefighters battled the flames on Breadalbane Street, Bonnington, which affected around 100 residents.

Twelve fire engines and specialist vehicles attended the scene after receiving the call at around 4.10am, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said. The fire has now been contained.

Around 70 firefighters battled the flames on Breadalbane Street, Bonnington (Graham Simpson/PA/PA Wire)

Resident Harry Williams said residents were on the street looking at their properties burning.

He told the BBC: People are pretty shaken and tired and upset. To be honest I am feeling a little bit numb.

Central Scotland MSP Graham Simpson was among the residents who fled during the dramatic evacuation.

He said: The fire alarm went off and people started evacuating and everybody got out.

There is a fire in the fifth-floor flat and flames were belching out of that flat, and it has then spread upwards to the sixth floor and the fire is still going on and smoke is belching out. I can still see flames, it appears to have spread to the stairwell.

Everybody has been evacuated, nobody has been hurt, thats the main thing, but some people will have lost their homes.

People got out but it was very dramatic and still is.

Mr Simpson added the fire crews did a fantastic job but access issues made it more difficult for them as they could not drive up to the front of the building.

He said: I think there is a safety issue in that the fire brigade cannot get a fire engine up to the front of these flats because of the way they are designed, so what theyre having to do to get access from the front is actually carry ladders up to the front and put ladders up against balconies, its pretty shocking.

They have managed to drive up round the back, Ive seen a turntable ladder spraying water into the flats from there, but they cannot get proper access to the front.

Theyve got into some flats and theyre spraying water from balconies, but right now the fire is still raging.

The fire brigade should be able to drive up to the front of the building and get a turntable ladder.

Its quite ludicrous they are having to carry ladders up and physically put ladders up to balconies. They are doing a fantastic job but the fire is still going.

Deputy assistant chief officer Andy Girrity said: Two firefighters have sustained minor superficial injuries and have been assessed at the scene by the Scottish Ambulance Service. They do not require hospital treatment.

The fire is contained and firefighting operations remain ongoing to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.

This has been a complex incident which involved the evacuation of a large number of people.

Our crews have worked tirelessly to contain this fire and prevent further spread within the building.

There is a large-scale emergency service presence and we will remain on the scene for a considerable time.

I would strongly advise members of the public to avoid the area.

Edinburgh council leader Cammy Day said: Thankfully everyone has been evacuated to safety, but this is a large-scale fire which is affecting as many as 100 residents.

We have council and health and social care officers on the scene to support residents, with a rest centre set up at the nearby Leith Community Centre.

Our roads team has put a small closure in place on Breadalbane Street and well continue to support all agencies and the local community and explore temporary accommodation should it be required.

Im very grateful to the emergency services for their ongoing swift response.
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The government is set to create a list of extremist groups that will be blacklisted from funding and prevented from meeting ministers and civil servants under new plans drawn up by Michael Gove.

Mr Gove, the levelling up secretary, said he will use a new definition of extremism to try and crack down on the pervasiveness of extremist ideologies that have become increasingly clear in the aftermath of the 7 October attack by Hamas on Israel.

The definition says extremism is the advancement of a violent, hateful or intolerant ideology that aims to negate or destroy the rights of others, or which aims to undermine, overturn or replace the UKs democracy and democratic rights.

Extremism is also defined as the promotion of an ideology that aims to intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the same aims.

The definition does not create new powers, is not statutory and has no effect on existing criminal law.

Michael Gove has been criticised for his plans which some say are a threat to freedom of expression (PA)

The new definition has already faced criticism from three former home secretaries and Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, all of whom cautioned the government over the risk of politicising anti-extremism.

The archbishop said that the plans risk disproportionately targeting Muslim communities. He added: The new definition being proposed not only inadvertently threatens freedom of speech, but also the right to worship and peaceful protest  things that have been hard won and form the fabric of a civilised society.

Government officials insist that the definition sets a high bar that will only capture the most concerning activities. Those who provide a permissive environment for extremist groups will be classed as those who repeatedly offer a platform for individuals despite knowing that they have been blacklisted, for example.

As well as not receiving funding or meeting with ministers, extremist groups or individuals will be barred from public appointments and from receiving honours.

The government published the extremism definition on Thursday and civil servants will now spend the next few weeks deciding which groups fit the criteria. Inclusion on the list will then be signed off by Mr Gove. The Department for Levelling Up has committed to publishing the list when it is complete and has not ruled out putting individuals on the list in the future.

Those who are designated as extremists will be contacted by officials and given the opportunity to provide mitigating evidence, detailing why they shouldnt be included. But once they are included on the list of extremist organisations their only recourse will be in the courts.

It is likely that one or more of the groups listed will try to bring a judicial review against the policy.

Mr Gove announced the new definition by praising the diversity of Britain, but he warned that British values and democracy are under challenge from extremists.

He added: The pervasiveness of extremist ideologies has become increasingly clear in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks and poses a real risk to the security of our citizens and our democracy.

Read: A defining moment as ministers update what counts as extremism

This is the work of the extreme right-wing and Islamist extremists who are seeking to separate Muslims from the rest of society and create division within Muslim communities. They seek to radicalise individuals, deny people their full rights, suppress freedom of expression, incite hatred, and undermine our democratic institutions.

Mr Gove said that the measures would ensure that government does not inadvertently provide a platform to those setting out to subvert democracy and deny other peoples fundamental rights.

Speaking to media on Thursday morning, Mr Gove suggested that a Tory donors alleged call for a Black MP to be shot would not meet the new definition of extremist.

Businessman Frank Hester is alleged to have said that Diane Abbott, Britains first black female MP, made him want to hate all black women, in comments described as racist by the prime minister.

Mr Gove told Times Radio: I wouldnt want to conflate those motivated by extremist ideology with an individual comment, however horrific, which has quite rightly been called out and which has quite rightly led to an apology.

Angela Rayner, Labours deputy leader reacted to the announcement by saying that tinkering with a new definition was not enough to tackle extremism. She added: The governments counterextremism strategy is now nine years out of date, and theyve repeatedly failed to define Islamophobia. Any suggestion that the government has been engaging with groups that theyve now decided are extremists raises serious questions over why it has taken so long to act.

The announcement comes as polling from More in Common finds that 25 per cent of the public thinks the UK is unsafe for Muslims and 39 per cent think it is unsafe for Jews.

This is compared to 15 per cent of those surveyed saying Britain was unsafe for them personally. The polling company surveyed 2,027 adults.
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The Prince of Wales has paid tribute to his mother at the Diana Legacy Award, while narrowly avoiding his younger brother.

William attended the event at the Science Museum in London on Thursday night in person, where he gave a speech to mark the charitys 25th anniversary.

He said his mother taught him that everyone has the potential to give something back,

The Duke of Sussex addressed those in the audience after William left via a live video, fuelling further speculation of a rift between the two

He spoke for about half an hour after the ceremony concluded, as he said: Thank you very much for inspiring so many others and at the same time protecting my mothers legacy, I really appreciate that.

And Tessy (Ojo, chief executive of the Diana Award), again, well done on this fantastic group of individuals.

The pair have continued to distance themselves from each other in recent months and did not meet when Harry spent time with King Charles at Clarence House following news of his cancer diagnosis last month.

Prince of Wales speaks to Tom Walker, Ken Spellman and Dr Tessy Oho CBE (Getty Images)

Prince William told the audience that he and his wife, the Princess of Wales, had sought to focus on Dianas legacy through their work.

This evenings Legacy Award is particularly special as it marks the 25th anniversary year of The Diana Award, a charity set up to reflect my mothers belief that young people can change the world, he said.

I know that she would have been honoured to see a charity in her name doing such inspirational work to uplift young people from all corners of the globe.

He said that his mother taught him that that everyone in need deserves a supporting hand in life.

She taught me that everyone has the potential to give something back; that everyone in need deserves a supporting hand in life, he said.

The Prince of Wales handed out prizes marking 25 years of the Diana Legacy Award (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

William attended the event at the Science Museum in London on Thursday night (via REUTERS)

That legacy is something that both Catherine and I have sought to focus on through our work, as have the 50,000 young people who have received a Diana Award over the past 25 years.

I am so proud to see this belief of my mothers manifested in the amazing young people receiving the Legacy Award tonight.

In an interview last month, Harry said I love my family and that he was grateful to be able to spend around 45 minutes with Charles when he flew back to the UK.

In Harrys memoir Spare last year, he accused William of pushing him into a dog bowl in a row over the Duchess of Sussex.

It was also claimed William teased Harry about his panic attacks.

William and Harry have presented the awards together in previous years (PA Archive)

Further tensions between the royal brothers can be traced back to the early period of Harrys relationship with Meghan, when his then-fiancee is reported to have had a falling out with the Princess of Wales in the run-up to their wedding.

Shortly before William spoke to the crowds at the Diana Award ceremony, the Duchess of Sussex returned to Instagram to launch a new business venture.

The social media teaser, posted to the new American Riviera Orchard Instagram account on Thursday, featured a vintage-style video of Meghan cooking and arranging white hydrangeas and roses.

The Diana Award was set up to promote the princesss belief that young people have the power to change the world for the better. Both William and Harry presented the inaugural legacy awards at St James Palace in 2017.

Dr Tessy Ojo, chief executive of The Diana Award, told The Times: Its a privilege to have the support of both the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex  particularly as we mark our 25th anniversary year.

A spokesman for the award told The Telegraph that Harry would be a key part of the celebration.

He is scheduled to speak with the award recipients, virtually, on the evening of the awards to celebrate their accomplishments, he said.
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A family photo released for Mothers Day is at the centre of a royal row sparked over concerns it had been manipulated.

The picture of Kate Middleton and her three children, George, Charlotte, and Louis, was released on Sunday but then pulled by news agencies after apparent errors in the image were spotted.

Initially, the palace refused to comment, but on Monday the Princess of Wales apologised as she admitted to editing what was the first official picture of her since she underwent abdominal surgery in January. Said to have been taken by Prince William in Windsor this week, the photo shows the mother smiling surrounded by her children.

A family photo released by the Princess of Wales to mark Mothers Day led to widespread speculation over editing failures before it was pulled by major news agencies citing fears of manipulation (EPA)

However, within hours of it being posted on social media, royal fans pointed out several editing errors, including that the sleeve of Princess Charlottes cardigan did not line up.

In an Instagram post on Monday morning, the princess said: Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing. I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mothers Day. C.

However, the princess has not confirmed what edits were made and Kensington Palace said it would not be reissuing the original unedited photograph despite her apology.

Here, we take a look at the glitches that have been spotted in the photo.

Areas of concern cited by picture agencies

The Associated Press (AP), Agence France-Presse (AFP), EPA, Getty, Reuters and the UKs leading news agency PA are among those that have so far recalled the photo.

Concerns have been raised over the sleeve of Princess Charlottes cardigan, which does not appear to line up in the photo (EPA)

News agencies AFP and AP both told The Independent that concerns raised over the sleeve of Princess Charlottes cardigan which does not appear to line up in the photo  contributed to the decision to withdraw the picture.

Eric Baradat, photo director for AFP, said that it is clear to any experienced digital image professional that it has been doctored, adding: It has been done in a very amateurish way.

Mr Baradat also highlighted Kates zip, which does not appear to line up in the photo, and claimed there had also been edits to the princesss face, sweater, hair, and skirt. He also pointed out apparent alterations to the sweaters worn by Prince Louis and George.

Kates zip does not appear to line up in the photo (EPA)

Mr Baradat said he spotted copy and pastes, as well as blurring, calling the edits very gross and visible.

In its advisory issued to media on Sunday, AP said: At closer inspection, it appears that the source has manipulated the image. No replacement photo will be sent.

Editing failures suggested by royal fans

Royal fans have pointed out that the princess wedding ring does not appear to be on her finger (EPA)

There has been a huge amount of speculation online from royal fans suggesting other potential issues with the picture.

It has been pointed out that the princesss wedding ring does not appear to be on her finger, while Louiss fingers appear to be in an unusual position.

The trees in the background appear to be in full bloom when it is only March, others have pointed out.

Others have queried the white skirting behind the family in the bottom left of the image, which seems to be wonky.
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British Muslim organisations have said Michael Goves definition of extremism smacks of desperation and stifles public debate after the minister today named the groups to be assessed against the new outlines.

Released today, the definition says extremism is the advancement of a violent, hateful or intolerant ideology that aims to negate or destroy the rights of others, or which aims to undermine, overturn or replace the UKs democracy and democratic rights.

Extremism is also defined as the promotion of an ideology that aims to intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the same aims.

In the Commons, Mr Gove used parliamentary privilege to tell MPs the views held by organisations such as the Muslim Association of Britain (MAB), Cage and Mend (Muslim Engagement and Development) give rise to concern for their Islamist orientation and views.

He vowed the government would take action as appropriate if that was found to be the case.

Michael Gove released a new definition of extremism on Thursday, widely criticised by British Muslim organisations (PA Wire)

Responding to Mend being mentioned in the Commons, CEO Azhar Qayum said: We challenge Michael Gove to repeat his claims outside of parliament and without the protection of parliamentary privilege if he believes he can provide the evidence to back up his view that Mend has called for the establishment of an Islamic state governed by sharia law.

He added that if the government goes on to list Mend as an extremist organisation, they will issue legal proceedings.

Following Mr Goves name-dropping, Cage also said they would be exploring legal avenues as they said: We reject the counter-extremism and counter-terrorism powers that allow for arbitrary and authoritarian interventions against dissenting citizens.

5Pillars, a British Muslim news site was not among those groups mentioned by Mr Gove today. However, editor Roshan Salih said he fears that the groups on the ministers watchlist could be blacklisted as local councils blindly follow his lead.

He said: I do fear that this stupid labelling today will be blindly followed by local councils and other state institutions, as well as by the supine mainstream media, to blacklist these groups. And that isnt fair because they are a crucial mirror held up to the worst excesses of the British state and without them, Britain will be much poorer.

Mr Salih added: Mend, MAB and Cage are all grassroots Muslim organisations with their ear to the ground of the community. They are practising Muslims who live and breathe Islam and who are well respected by all.

Their only crime is calling out British foreign policy and structural Islamophobia. In other words, they are guilty of holding our rotten government to account.

Massoud Shadjareh, chair of the Islamic Human Rights Commission- who was also not named- said the new definition shows the mask is well and truly off as the government has shown they are the real threat to democracy.

He said: This smacks of desperation. Having failed to stop the anti-genocide demonstrations the government is resorting to that well-known tactic of fascists  authoritarianism  in order to achieve its objectives.

The chair of the Islamic Human Rights Commission said Mr Goves move shows the government- not the Palestine protestors- are the real threat to democracy (Getty Images)

A joint statement was made by Mend along with Cage, Friends of Al-Aqsa (FOA), Muslim Association of Britain (MAB), the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), and 5Pillars, which argued the new definition politicises a concept that should be above party politics, attacks free speech, delegitimises lawful dissent, stifles public debate, avoids democratic oversight and scrutiny, and creates division and inflames tensions between communities.

When announcing his new definition, Mr Gove said: The pervasiveness of extremist ideologies has become increasingly clear in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks and poses a real risk to the security of our citizens and our democracy.

In response, a coalition of groups that have been organising national marches calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, including the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Friends of Al-Aqsa and Muslim Association of Britain, released a joint statement as they condemned Mr Goves definition.

A coalition of groups that have been organisating the national marches calling for ceasefire in Gaza rejected Mr Goves new definition (PA Wire)

The new definition has already faced criticism from three former home secretaries and Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, all of whom cautioned the government over the risk of politicising anti-extremism.

The archbishop said that the plans risk disproportionately targeting Muslim communities. He added: The new definition being proposed not only inadvertently threatens freedom of speech, but also the right to worship and peaceful protest  things that have been hard won and form the fabric of a civilised society.

Leading British Imam Qari Asim told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: My fear is that potentially, this proposed definition will actually result in more extremism and people going underground and, as a result, being manipulated and exploited by those who are true extremists.
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Five people have been hospitalised after a bus crashed into a block of high-rise flats in Paisley.

The emergency services rushed to the scene at Hamilton Court, in Calside, shortly after midday on Wednesday.

Drivers were urged to avoid the area, as nearby roads were closed off and emergency vehicles responded to the crash.

Images and news footage from the scene showed some damage to the front of the bus and smashed windows, with its front door appearing crushed shut as the vehicle remained pressed into the outer wall of the multi-storey property.

The driver was among five people taken to hospital by ambulance crews, according to McGills Buses, which said it remained too early to know what had caused the accident.

A spokesperson said: At this stage it is too early to know what caused the accident but McGills personnel have been in attendance and are working with police on the post-incident investigation and will continue to do so in the days ahead.

One local resident described going to help those caught up in the crash after they heard it from their home, and said he and his sister were shocked to see the bus had crashed into the flats.

The people on the bus were all a bit dazed and confused so we just tried to calm them down. I think theyll all be okay in the end, he told BBC Scotland News.

Me and my sister jumped onto the bus through the windows to see if we could help calm people down.

We couldnt get the people off the bus because the doors were buckled but we made sure they were all sitting down until the emergency services got here, he added.

Another local resident told the broadcaster: A car crashed into the building a few years ago too, its a bad bit of road.

( )

Police Scotland said in a statement: Emergency services are in attendance following a report of a crash involving a bus on Calside, Paisley which happened around 12.20pm on Wednesday, 13 March, 2024.

Five people have been taken to hospital for treatment and enquiries are ongoing.

A number of road closures are in place including Calside Avenue, Polsons Crescent, Craw Road and Alexandra Gate. Drivers are asked to avoid the area.
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The government is quietly allowing women to be freed from prison early, The Independent can reveal, in an extension of the emergency scheme dramatically expanded this week amid a dire shortage of cells.

Justice secretary Alex Chalk announced in October that prisoners would be released up to 18 days early to ease the overcrowding crisis, but this was thought to apply only to mens prisons. He extended this to between 35 and 60 days on Monday, as prisons came dangerously close to running out of space.

An internal document obtained by this publication now suggests women are also being released early under the End of Custody Supervised Licence scheme. Ministers have refused to publish figures on how many people have been freed early since October.

However, women are only eligible for release up to 18 days early, The Independent understands  despite warnings that men convicted of crimes including domestic abuse are among those being released up to 60 days early.

In response to a request for comment, the government said it has never been gender-specific about which prisoners can be released.

Its outrageous that the Tories have draped major changes to the justice system in total secrecy, said Labours shadow justice secretary Shabana Mahmood.

Rishi Sunak has a duty to urgently tell the public today  which types of prisoners are being released and when? The public shouldnt have to rely on media leaks to drag the truth out.

After 14 years of the Conservatives running prisons and the criminal justice system into the ground, victims feel completely let down. A Labour government would get these new prisons built to ease the capacity crisis and deliver on our mission to make Britains streets safe.

The leaked guidance, issued by a governor to officers at an unnamed womens prison, states: In recent weeks we have also seen increase in the population in the womens estate.

(PA)

We do not have the same range of options as the male estate has  for example we would not hold women overnight in a police cell which has been done in some circumstances in the male estate when places are low and our open estate does not operate in the same way.

Therefore we must introduce End of Custody Supervised Licence (ECSL) which is an emergency lever that will see certain lower-risk women released on licence up to 18 days ahead of their Automatic Release Date.

Ian Lawrence, head of the probation union Napo, told The Independent that he understands there are three womens prisons included in the scheme, and raised concerns over a lack of equality in the treatment of women being eligible for release only 18 days early and men up to 60.

Were not intrinsically opposed to it if its managed properly, and if it is, women should be given full and equal treatment, said Mr Lawrence.

Separate official guidance issued more widely on Thursday, seen by The Independent, confirms this disparity to be the case.

With probation already in crisis and some officers allegedly handling caseloads of up to 200 per cent of their recommended workload, Mr Lawrence said: Were not convinced that the haste with which this is being introduced is going to allow our members to be able to process these cases as safely as everyone would want.

He added: Is there going to be the accommodation available? Is there going to be access to the relevant agencies to meet the needs of the person being released?

The internal document suggests that, as with the mens early release scheme, prisoners serving sentences for sexual offences, terrorism or violence of over four years will be among those automatically excluded, in addition to those subject to Parole Board decisions.

The number of self-harm incidents in womens prisons has reached the highest level since records began (Tim Ockenden/PA)

The guidance notes that while there is no scope to rule out eligible women, the governor can escalate the decision to a central panel if early release is deemed to pose a material risk, including to their physical or mental health.

It states: This may be unsettling for some of our women who feel safer in prison than they do at home. It will be vital that we provide all the support they need, take the time to talk them through the scheme if they are eligible and escalate any concerns you may have.

There were 3,651 women held in prison as of 8 March  meaning the population has soared by more than 500 since January 2023, in spite of a government pledge to reduce the number of women behind bars.

Experts have long called for an end to prisons being used as a so-called place of safety for women merely because there is no suitable provision in the community  despite overwhelmed prison officers often lacking the training needed to support people in mental health crisis, and often months-long waits for transfer to a secure health unit.

Violence in womens prisons has now overtaken mens prisons to hit an all-time high, with assaults tripling in a decade, while incidents of self-harm have skyrocketed 38 per cent to a new peak of 5,988 incidents per 1,000 prisoners  10 times higher than in mens prisons.

The Prison Reform Trust has found that around six in 10 women sent to prison in 2022 were sentenced to less than six months, with 80 per cent in jail for non-violence offences. Ministry of Justice data shows almost half of all female prisoners say they committed their offence to support the drug use of someone else.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: While we are carrying out the biggest prison expansion programme since the Victoria era and ramping up removals of foreign national offenders, the prison estate remains under pressure following the impact of the pandemic and barristers industrial action.

So alongside our action to lock up the worst offenders for longer, we are extending the number of days some lower-level offenders are moved on to supervised licence and will make changes to ensure probation staff continue to have the capacity to deliver high-quality supervision for offenders in the community.
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The boss of Shell was paid nearly 8m last year, new figures showed on Thursday as the oil and gas giant watered down one of its climate pledges.

Wael Sawan was handed a total pay packet worth 7.94m during the period, Shell said, a reduction from the 9.7m that his predecessor Ben van Beurden earned in 2022, although higher than Mr van Beurdens pay package for 2021.

Mr Sawans package included a base salary of 1.4m, an annual bonus of 2.7m and a 2.6m long-term incentive payment.

Campaigners said his salary, an estimated 227 times more money than the average worker earns, would be a bitter pill to swallow for the millions of people living with the high costs of energy.

The UK-based energy giant also watered down one of its climate ambitions, saying it was focusing on value over volume in the electricity sector.

The oil firm said that it now wants to reduce the net carbon intensity of the energy products it sells by 15-20 per cent by 2030, compared to its previous 20 per cent target. The target is measured against 2016.

The business explained the changed target by saying it is now planning to focus more on selling electricity to business customers, rather than households. This means that its electricity sales will not rise as rapidly as previously thought by 2030, slowing the rate at which the carbon intensity can be cut.

Wael Sawan is chief executive officer at Shell (Shell)

Jonathan Noronha-Gant, senior fossil fuels campaigner at Global Witness, said: Shells CEO 8m pay packet is a bitter pill to swallow for the millions of workers living with the high costs of energy. Our reliance on Shells dirty oil and gas make them rich whilst the rest of us get poorer.

Nothing highlights our broken energy system more than the Shell boss receiving 227 times more money than an average UK worker.

Whilst energy executives celebrate making billions from the war in Ukraine, millions of people struggle to heat or feed themselves. We need our politicians to prioritise their people and not the polluters who fund them.

Last week BP, another UK-headquartered oil and gas giant, revealed that its new boss was paid more than 8m in the last financial year before he took over the top job full-time.

Murray Auchinclosss pay package consisted of more than 1.5m in salary, benefits and cash in lieu of pension. He was also handed a 1.8m bonus, and a little under 4.7m in shares that were linked to performance. Mr Auchincloss was chief financial officer for most of 2023, but took over as interim chief executive in September when his predecessor stepped down.

BP boss Murray Auchincloss (PA)

Meanwhile, Shell set a new ambition to reduce the emissions that are produced when customers use its oil products by 15-20 per cent by 2030 compared to 2021, a part of so-called Scope 3 emissions.

Last month The Independent revealed that some of the biggest energy companies operating in the UK raked in eye-watering profits of more than 1bn a week across the globe as millions of Britons struggled with the cost of living squeeze.

Shell, Equinor, ExxonMobil and BP  some of the UKs biggest suppliers of gas  made 65bn in net profits in 2023, leading campaigners to accuse the multinational firms of stoking the energy bills crisis.
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The mayor of an inner London authority has announced the council will start removing Palestinian flags flying above its buildings after receiving hundreds of complaints from residents.

Lutfur Rahman said he has taken the difficult decision to remove the flags in Tower Hamlets, which he claimed are being used to unfairly attack the people of the borough and further the Islamophobic narrative".

The council had initially decided against removing the flags so as not to "destabilise community cohesion".

Protest outside the office of the Tower Hamlets Labour Party against the partys stance on the war in Gaza (PA)

The U-turn came after the council was threatened legal action by UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI), which said that many Jewish residents were left distressed by the "divisive" flags.

In a statement announcing the flags would be removed, Mr Rahman denied they were symbols of division but instead symbols of solidarity and sympathy with thousands being killed in Gaza.

I understand that those who have erected these flags across the borough have done so in line with our strong tradition of solidarity and I reject that they are symbols of division, he said.

They are symbols of solidarity and sympathy for those enduring extreme suffering in Gaza. We must not forget that over 30,000 people have now been killed, 70 per cent of whom are women and children.

The flags certainly had an impact and made residents views clear. Although these flags are an understandable expression of solidarity, I now feel they are being used to unfairly attack the people of the borough and further the Islamophobic narrative.

The mayor stressed he was still calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

(PA)

Mr Rahman was disqualified from holding office for five years in 2015 after the High Court found he won the 2014 election in the borough with the help of "corrupt" practices. He was re-elected as executive mayor in 2022.

According to the 2021 census, Tower Hamlets has the largest Muslim population of any local authority area in the UK at 39.9 per cent.

Responding to Mr Rahman's announcement on Wednesday night, some claimed the mayor had caved in to pressure over the flag climbdown.

Human rights lawyer Mohammed Akunjee, who has worked with Shamima Begum, posted on X: The Gov and the Labour Party are responsible for the most Islamophobic atmosphere I have ever known. Rushanara Ali the MP for Bethnal Green has remained silent whilst our borough has been targeted.

The independent parliamentary candidate for Bethnal Green and Stepney added: I call on all residents to display the Palestinian flag in their windows in solidarity."

But Jonathan Turner, chief executive of UKLFI, said the mayor had spent months "ignoring" the concerns of Jewish and other residents in Tower Hamlets over the flags.

He said: After months of ignoring the voice of a significant number of Jewish and other residents of Tower Hamlets, we are pleased that Lutfur Rahman has at last been forced, following our threat of a legal action, to remove the divisive and inflammatory flags.

It is also regrettable that the police failed to enforce the criminal law.

The council previously revealed that since October 2023, it had received nearly 300 complaints about flags, graffiti or stickers related to the Gaza conflict.

The move comes after Tory MP Paul Scully announced he is stepping down at the general election over comments he made about "no-go areas" in London and Birmingham. Mr Scully sparked outrage after he said that parts of Tower Hamlets and Birmingham Sparkhill were no go areas due to people abusing their own religion.

In October then home secretary Suella Braverman said waving a Palestinian flag on British streets may not be legitimate if it is deemed to be a show of support for acts of terrorism.

She had told police officers to use the full force of the law against any shows of support for Hamas or bids to intimidate the UKs Jewish community in the wake of the attack on Israel.

It came as Shabana Mahmood, Labours shadow secretary of state for justice and one of the first Muslim women to be elected to the House of Commons, warned of an explosion in Islamophobia not being reported to police.

Campaign groups have also reported a 365 per cent surge in anti-Muslim hate incidents across the UK following Hamass attack on Israel in October last year.
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A 45-year-old man has been remanded in custody after being arrested on suspicion of smuggling hundreds of people by boats and lorries into the UK.

Ali Omar Karim was arrested in Portsmouth on Wednesday after an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA) into a Kurdish organised crime group.

He appeared at Portsmouth Magistrates Court charged with people smuggling and money laundering and was remanded in custody to appear at the citys crown court on April 15, according to the NCA.

A spokesman said: A man arrested during an operation by the National Crime Agency in Portsmouth yesterday (March 13) has been charged with people smuggling and money laundering offences.

Ali Omar Karim was last night remanded in custody to appear before Portsmouth magistrates.

He was arrested as part of an NCA investigation into a Kurdish organised crime group involved in smuggling people to the UK in boats and HGVs.

A second man arrested as part of the same investigation in Italy last month remains in custody as extradition proceedings continue.
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Labour leader Keir Starmer is under growing pressure after his deputy Angela Rayner said she would like to see Diane Abbott back in the party.

Ms Rayner also condemned as absolutely chilling alleged comments by top Tory donor Frank Hester that Ms Abbott made him want to hate all Black women and that she should be shot.

She said: Personally I would like to see Diane back. But the Labour Party has to follow its procedures so it does not matter what I think.

Her comments came as Labour veteran Harriet Harman called for the investigation into Ms Abbotts suspension to be sped up, admitting that the processes can sometimes be slow.

The comments expose a split at the very top of the Labour Party and will pile pressure on Sir Keir, who has so far resisted calls to restore the whip to Ms Abbott.

Earlier, Sir Keir said Ms Abbott, who has this week been at the centre of a Conservative Party race row, needed an arm around her but described her suspension as a completely different issue and one that was subject to an ongoing investigation.

Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner said she wanted to see Diane Abbott back as a Labour MP (Henry Nicholls/PA)

The longtime MP was suspended from Labour last year after she suggested Jewish, Irish and Traveller people are not subject to the same racism as some other minorities.

The MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, who served in Jeremy Corbyns shadow cabinet alongside Ms Rayner, apologised unreservedly.

But Sir Keir would not be drawn on whether or not Ms Abbott, who currently sits as an independent, could expect to become a Labour MP again, saying the 11-month investigation into her alleged antisemitic remarks was not resolved.

The Labour leader said the longest-serving black MP was a trailblazer and described the language allegedly used by Mr Hester as abhorrent.

But he told BBC Radio 2s Jeremy Vine that allowing the MP back into the party was an entirely different issue.

He added: That was about allegations of antisemitism in relation to a letter which is subject to an ongoing investigation, which is separate from me. Thats not something which I conduct.

Ms Rayner said she sometimes felt frustration over how long processes can take, but added: In (some) instances there are sensitive reasons for that.

Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she was also frustrated with how long the investigation into Ms Abbott was taking. She said it was an independent process in which she had no direct role, but she told BBC Radio 4s PM programme that: I think everybody wants to see that speeded up.

Diane Abbott pictured with Rayner while in Jeremy Corbyns shadow cabinet (PA)

The comments come a day after Ms Abbott hit out at the Conservatives and Labour, accusing both parties of shocking racism in the Tory donor scandal.

Rishi Sunak has refused to hand back a 10m donation from Mr Hester, a wealthy businessman.

The prime minister has defended keeping the cash and argued that the healthcare tech entrepreneurs apology should be accepted.

Speaking at a lunch with Westminster, Ms Rayner also said major Labour donor Dale Vince should reflect on his appalling remarks about Hamas.

He told Times Radio last year that one mans terrorist is another mans freedom fighter when asked about the Palestinian militant group that carried out the 7 October attacks, in which 1,200 people were killed.

At an event in Westminster, Ms Rayner was asked if she thought the comments had been appropriate. She said: In that context, I think it is appalling and I dont think he should have said it.

And I think he should reflect on that. Language is important.
 Close Minister says he would accept 10m from under fire Tory donor

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The government has identified groups that could face restrictions following the publication of the new extremism definition amid rising concerns about threats to social cohesion and British democracy.

A ban on white supremacist group British National Socialist Movement and Patriotic Alterntive engaging with the government will be considered, as well as anti-War on Terror group CAGE , Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND) and Muslim Association with Britain, which he says give rise to concern.

The groups will be assessed for whether they met the definition of extremism, Levelling Up secretary Michael Gove said.

He told MPs the countrys values of inclusivity and tolerance were under challenge from extremist groups which are radicalising our young people and driving greater polarisation within and between communities to further their own ends.

Earlier, he said the new definition of extremism was not intended to stop people from protesting amid fears it could curtail free speech.

Meanwhile, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the former Labour MP Diane Abbott needed an arm around her but the issue of restoring the whip was completely different and still subject to investigation.
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Michael Gove has been accused of a chilling attempt to crack down on free speech after he unveiled a controversial new definition of extremism.

The communities secretary also named a string of organisations that could be barred from government funding and meetings under the reform.

He insisted the change was necessary to tackle the pervasiveness of extremist ideologies that have become increasingly clear in the aftermath of the 7 October Hamas attack.

But London mayor Sadiq Khan told The Independent the proposals risk seriously undermining the fight against hatred and intolerance.

He urged ministers to seek calm, not inflame tensions and unite, not divide.

He said: Of course, robust action should be taken against groups that espouse hate and break the law. But if faith and campaign groups engaging in legitimate and legal activity feel like they could be the next target of ministers, you risk ostracising moderate voices and alienating the very people who are key to defeating extremism, including in their communities.

Tory peer Sayeeda Warsi also hit out at the new definition as authoritarian and asked if that is what it takes to protect freedoms have we actually lost the battle?

And Tory MP Miriam Cates warned of the risk of criminalising or at least chilling the speech of very legitimate harmless views.

The communities secretary used his announcement on Thursday to namecheck five groups, including three Muslim organisations, which he said would be investigated over extremism fears.

Any blacklisted groups will be barred from funding and prevented from meeting ministers and civil servants under the plans. But Mr Gove insisted the reform will not impact those exercising their proper right to free speech, including gender critical campaigners, those with conservative religious beliefs, trans activists or environmental protest groups.

The groups he named were:

The British National Socialist Movement

Patriotic Alternative

CAGE

Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND)

Muslim Association of Britain

Follow our live politics coverage here

Mr Gove told the Commons that three of the groups give rise to concern for their Islamist orientation and views and the government would assess them to see if they meet the new definition.

He described The British National Socialist Movement and Patriotic Alternative as neo-Nazi groups.

But the communities secretary was forced to defend his controversial plans amid claims the policy threatens the fabric of a civilised society.

Michael Gove has said that a number of organisations could be subject to restrictions under new measures announced today (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

Former Home Office minister Kit Malthouse MP said he shared some alarm with fellow members as he raised fears that there was no right to appeal for a group on the list.

Robert Jenrick, another former Tory minister, said that the new definition is in no mans land, neither being strong enough to tackle true extremists nor protect contrarian views.

Sir Edward Leigh told Mr Gove that he was worried about the plans and that people have the right to criticise religious people or particular religions.

Even before it was unveiled the plan came under fire from three former home secretaries and Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who said that the plans risk disproportionately targeting Muslim communities and threaten the right to worship and peaceful protest  things that have been hard won and form the fabric of a civilised society.

But, Mr Gove said: Its not intended to prevent people demonstrating per se, absolutely not.

Its not a restraint on free speech. It applies only to engagement with government, because we know that thereve been cases in the past where individual extremist organisations have sought to take advantage of government patronage, money and influence in order to advance their agenda.

Mr Gove insisted groups would only be deemed extremist after a patient assessment of the evidence and if they showed a consistent pattern of behaviour.

MEND has been accused of being a front for Islamic extremism after a review of the governments counter-extremism programme found the group had a well-established track record of working alongside extremists and of seeking to undermine the states considerable efforts to tackle all hate crime.

Justin Welby said the new definition of extremism inadvertently threatens freedom of speech (PA Wire)

Earlier this month Rishi Sunak warned the UK risked descending into mob rule, adding that the police must take urgent action or risk losing public confidence. At the time the prime minister pledged to do whatever it requires to protect our democracy.

Under the new definition, extremism is now defined as the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance that aims to negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others or undermine, overturn or replace the UKs system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights.

The government also says the new definition of extremism will clearly articulate how it is evidenced through the public behaviour of extremists.

If implemented, the new measures would see the named groups barred from engaging with ministers and government officials, while individuals who are part of the groups will be banned from receiving honours or public appointments.

Government officials insist that the new definition sets a high bar that will only capture the most concerning activities.

The government published the extremism definition on Thursday and civil servants will now spend the next few weeks deciding which groups fit the criteria.

Mr Gove said an expert team of civil servants advised by academics would carry out a very rigorous process of due diligence to decide whether a group was extremist or not, with the final sign-off from either the home secretary James Cleverly or Mr Gove himself.

CAGE International, Palestine Action and Black Lives Matter UK have called for the abolition of the authoritarian and repressive infrastructure of laws built on the back of counter-terror and counter-extremism powers.

In a joint statement, they said Mr Goves announcement is a continuation of the decades-long strategy aimed at inciting and exploiting fears against Muslims to build an authoritarian and repressive infrastructure that suppresses any dissent that is not licensed by Whitehall and said they will explore all avenues, including legal, to challenge the governments deep dive into authoritarianism.

The Muslim Association of Britain has said it strongly condemns the governments announcement, calling it an egregious assault on civil liberties and a blatant effort to stifle dissenting voices under the guise of countering extremism.
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Michael Gove has named a string of organisations that could be barred from government funding and meetings under a controversial new definition of extremism.

But he insisted the reform will not impact those "exercising their proper right to free speech", including gender critical campaigners, those with conservative religious beliefs, trans activists or environmental protest groups.

He named a number of Muslim organisations, which he said would be investigated over extremism fears.

These include the Muslim Association of Britain, Cage and Mend, which he said give rise to concern for their Islamist orientation and views and will be assessed under the new definition, he told MPs.

He also named Patriotic Alternative and the British National Socialist Movement, which he said would similarly be investigated.

The communities secretary had been forced to defend his controversial plans to name and shame new extremist groups amid claims the policy threatens the fabric of a civilised society.

(Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

His plans came under criticism from a number of Tory MPs in the Commons. Miriam Cates, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, said that the definition risked criminalising or at least chilling the speech of very legitimate harmless views. She raised the example of gender critical feminism, which she said she thought might be labelled as extremist under the new plan.

Sir Edward Leigh also told Mr Gove that he was worried about this. He defended peoples right to offend others through free speech and said that people have the right to criticise religious people or religious views.

Mr Gove responded saying: I couldnt agree more, adding that the new definition did not intend on limit free expression of views.

Former home office minister Kit Malthouse MP said he shared some alarm with fellow members about the extremism definition. He said he was concerned that there was no right for a group to appeal their inclusion on the list. He also questioned Mr Gove over whether the government would refuse to engage with an MP if they decided to engage with one of the blacklisted groups.

Mr Gove said the plans were only about government, parliament is quite rightly sovereign.

Another former minister Robert Jenrick said that the new definition lands in no mans land of neither being strong enough to tackle true extremists nor protect contrarian views.

He told the Commons: I fear that the definition, though well-intentioned, lands in no mans land: Not going far enough to tackle the real extremists, not doing enough to protect the non-extremists, those people who are simply expressing contrarian views who might find this definition used against them, not perhaps now, but possibly in the future.

What reassurance can he give me and others who are concerned about that?

Mr Gove replied: I think it is much less likely that this definition could be misused than the preceding definition, which was looser, baggier and capable of many more interpretations than this much tighter definition.

It has also come under fire from three former home secretaries and Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The archbishop said that the plans risk disproportionately targeting Muslim communities and threaten the right to worship and peaceful protest  things that have been hard won and form the fabric of a civilised society.

But Mr Gove said: "It's not intended to prevent people demonstrating per se, absolutely not.

"It's not a restraint on free speech. It applies only to engagement with government, because we know that there've been cases in the past where individual extremist organisations have sought to take advantage of government patronage, money and influence in order to advance their agenda.

He said the purpose of the new definition was to make clear that goverment will keep these organisations at arm's length so they can't benefit from access to government and its funds."

Mr Gove insisted groups would only be deemed extremist after "a patient assessment of the evidence" and if they showed "a consistent pattern of behaviour".

But he did not rule out naming specific groups when he gives a statement to the Commons on the new definition later.

Mr Gove said an expert team of civil servants advised by academics would carry out a "very rigorous process of due diligence" to decide whether a group was extremist or not, with the final signoff from either the Home Secretary and Mr Gove himself.

The blacklisted groups will be barred from funding and prevented from meeting ministers and civil servants under the plans.

Mr Gove has inisted the new definition of extremism is necessary to crack down on the pervasiveness of extremist ideologies that have become increasingly clear in the aftermath of the 7 October attack by Hamas on Israel.

Earlier this month Rishi Sunak warned the UK risked descending into mob rule as he warned the police must take urgent action or risk losing public confidence.At the time the prime minister pledged to do whatever it requires to protect our democracy.

Government officials insist that the new definition sets a high bar that will only capture the most concerning activities.

As well as not receiving funding or meeting with ministers, extremist groups or individuals will be barred from public appointments and from receiving honours.

The government published the extremism definition on Thursday and civil servants will now spend the next few weeks deciding which groups fit the criteria.

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesperson Alistair Carmichael said the new definition was at best vague, and at worst risks sowing even more division.
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Russia is believed to have jammed the signal of an RAF plane carrying Grant Shapps in an electronic attack described as wildly irresponsible.

The GPS signal of the plane was said to have been interfered with for half an hour while it passed the Russian territory of Kaliningrad, which sits between Poland and Lithuania.

The defence secretary was aboard an RAF Dassault 900LX Falcon jet, named Envoy, on the way back from Poland on Wednesday when the attack took place. The aircrafts flight path was visible to trackers.

The attack did not threaten the safety of the aircraft but left phones unable to connect to the planes WiFi. The plane was forced to use other navigation systems available to the pilots.

One defence source said: While the RAF are well prepared to deal with this, it still puts an unnecessary risk on civilian aircraft and could potentially endanger peoples lives. There is no excuse for this and its wildly irresponsible on Russias part.

Grant Shapps and Polish defence minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz talk to British and Polish troops on Wednesday (AFP via Getty)

Another source said it was not unusual for attacks of that nature to happen near Kaliningrad.

A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed the plane experienced GPS jamming when they flew close to Kaliningrad.

They added: It didnt threaten the safety of the aircraft and it is not unusual for aircraft to experience GPS jamming near Kaliningrad, which is of course Russian territory.

Mr Shapps was returning from a visit to a military training site in Orzysz, northeast Poland, about 100 miles from Kaliningrad. He watched troops taking part in the Steadfast Defender, Natos largest military exercises since the Cold War. The exercises, taking place until May, involve around 90,000 troops from across the alliance, including UK forces.

During the trip to Poland, Mr Shapps hit out at Vladimir Putins sabre-rattling after the Russian leader used an interview with state media to claim that his nation was ready for nuclear war if the need arose. It is a threat that he has used repeatedly since invading Ukraine, with Western allies  including the UK  having rallied around Kyiv as it has defended itself. Mr Shapps called such rhetoric irresponsible and said that Mr Putin should drive back east and get out of the democratic country he decided to invade two years ago.

Mr Shapps has also called for UK military spending to increase to 3 per cent of GDP, saying in Poland: I want a bigger budget.

He said: I have coined the phrase moving from post-war to pre-war. We have to be much better prepared.

Defence is the best way to protect ourselves against a military conflict  you have to show your adversaries  so I am clearly in favour [of a 3 per cent target]. We live in a more dangerous world, weve got Putin on the frontline making gains.

Grant Shapps in Poland, where he hit out at Vladimir Putin (AFP via Getty)

That is a reference to gains Mr Putins forces have made in eastern Ukraine, with Kyivs troops being forced to withdraw from a number of towns and villages. Ukraine has called on Western allies to send more weapons and ammunition to combat shortages it is facing on the frontline  with delays to Western aid seen as part of the cause.

The US Congress has so far failed to pass fresh military aid funding for Ukraine, despite months of talks  with a group of congressional Democrats including the former House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi and armed services veterans urging the current Republican speaker, Mike Johnson, to lead, follow or get out of the way so that a package can be passed.

President Joe Biden has been clear that Congress needs to do its duty to pass billions of dollars in funds. On Tuesday, the White House announced that the US would send Ukraine aid worth $300m, which will come from savings on Pentagon contracts. The funds will be used for artillery munitions.

Research by the Royal United Services Institute in 2022 suggested that increasing UK defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP by 2030, as suggested by Liz Truss's government, would require 157bn in additional spending over the following eight years.

Mr Shapps call follows demands from security minister Tom Tugendhat and Foreign Office minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan that spending rise from 2.27 per cent of GDP to 2.5 per cent immediately.

Last weeks Budget contained no new money for defence despite concerns about the state of Britains armed forces and the governments commitment to spend 2.5 per cent of GDP on the military as soon as economic conditions allow.

The Ministry of Defence has also announced that the UK will get 14 new Chinook helicopters. Mr Shapps announced the commitment to proceed with the contract, reversing a decision by his predecessor Ben Wallace to scrap the deal in a diplomatic spat over the 2.3bn price tag  500m more than initial estimates. The price was negotiated down to 2bn. Mr Shapps said that Mr Wallaces intervention had been helpful in bringing about that reduction.

Mr Shapps said: Procuring these Chinook helicopters will mark a significant milestone in our efforts to modernise and enhance the agility of the UK armed forces, cementing our ability to respond at pace to situations and threats across the globe.

The Chinook is one of our most iconic aircraft, having been operated in every major conflict since the Falklands War. Delivering on this deal not only enhances our capability, but will boost UK industry and skills.

It is not the first time that British planes have faced likely jamming by Russia. In 2021, planes flying in and out of RAF Akrotiri on Cyprus were also thought to have had their GPS signals jammed by Moscow.

The aircraft affected were believed to have been F-35 and Typhoon fighter jets, A400M transport aircraft and Voyager troop planes. No serious incidents were reported at the time, but the signal was thought to have been coming from Syrian territory, where Russia has had a presence.

Poland and other nations in the Baltic region have also reported levels of GPS interference in recent months. The Institute for the Study of War think tank, which monitors the war in Ukraine, said in a report in January that areas of the north and east of Poland saw something similar on 10 January and 16 January, and areas of the south Baltic Sea on 25 December and 27 December.

With an increased use of drones from both Russia and Ukraine during Moscows invasion, electronic warfare such as jamming has taken on a greater importance.

Swedish military officer Joakim Paasikivi told the countrys SVT broadcaster: I believe this is part of Russian influence activities or so-called hybrid warfare. This may be Russias way of sowing uncertainty.
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The Conservative candidate to become mayor of London is facing calls to reveal if any funding for her campaign comes from the donor at the centre of a racism row.

Frank Hester is alleged to have said Labour MP Diane Abbott made him "want to hate all black women" and that she "should be shot".

Rishi Sunak is resisting calls to hand back the money, despite calling the remarks racist, saying Mr Hester had shown remorse.

Now Dawn Butler, the chair of Labours London MPs, has written to Susan Hall to ask if her campaign has received donations from Mr Hester and if she will pledge to return them.

In a letter, Ms Butler also asks Ms Hall if she will condemn Mr Hesters alleged comments as racist.

And she notes reports the campaign is being funded by the Conservative Party  who recently received Hesters 10m donation.

The donor row has caused a crisis within Mr Sunaks already embattled Downing Street.

For most of Tuesday ministers and No 10 refused to describe Mr Hester's comments as racist.

But the Prime Minister's spokesperson did finally label them as such that evening.

However, the row intensified again following revelations of further comments from the top donor.

The chief executive of The Phoenix Partnership (TPP), which has won more than 400m in government and NHS contracts, is alleged to have called a meeting of his foreign workers to address allegations of racism in 2019.

The tycoon asked if there was no room for Indians, then? as he addressed staff members on a crowded balcony in the companys headquarters, according to The Guardian.

In response to the letter, a spokesperson for Ms Hall said that she agreed with the PMs official spokesperson that 'the comments allegedly made by Frank Hester were racist and wrong. He has now rightly apologised for the offence caused and where remorse is shown it should be accepted."

The Conservative Party referred queries to Ms Halls campaign team. Mr Sunak is facing increasing pressure from opposition parties - and senior Tories - to return the donation.

Former Conservative party chairman Chris Patten said it was an open and shut case that the party should pay the 10m donation back to Mr Hester.

The Scottish Conservatives have also criticised the decision to accept Mr Hesters money and called for a review.

As Labour called for the money to returned, Sir Keir asked Mr Sunak how low a donor would have to sink? What racist, woman-hating threat of violence would he have to make before the prime minister plucked up the courage to hand back the 10 million that he's taken from him?"

But chancellor Jeremy Hunt said Mr Hester should not be cancelled for despicable remarks made in the past and for which he has apologised.
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Tory senior treasurer Mohamed Mansour, who was appointed to the role after donating 5m to the party, has been awarded a knighthood on the recommendation of Rishi Sunak.

Mr Mansour, a businessman and former Egyptian politician, has made a number of charitable donations over the years, including to causes which raised money for Covid-19 victims in the UK. No 10 have pointed to this in answer to concerns around his knighthood.

Labour Party chair Anneliese Dodds said: This is either the arrogant act of an entitled man whos stopped caring what the public thinks, or the demob-happy self-indulgence of someone who doesnt expect to be prime minister much longer.

It comes after the Conservative Party became embroiled in a political row as it was alleged top donor Frank Hester made racist comments about MP Diane Abbott to colleagues.

The West Yorkshire businessman reportedly said Ms Abbott makes you want to hate all black women and said the MP should be shot.

Mr Hester has made over 10 million in donations to the Conservatives over the past two years, making him the biggest donor of Rishi Sunaks premiership. Mr Mansour is the third highest donor.

Here are the biggest donors to the Tories since the last general election:

Lord John Sainsbury  10.85m

John Sainsbury was made a life peer in 1989 (Getty Images)

Lord John Sainsbury was chair of the Sainsburys supermarket chain for 23 years, from 1969 to 1992. He was knighted in 1980, and made a life peer in 1989.

When he died in 2022, he bequeathed a record 10.85m donation to the Conservatives  the largest single donation ever given to the party.

This 10m sum substantially added to the 2.35m Lord Sainsbury had donated since 2007, making him the biggest single donor to the party this century.

His donation went specifically to the Conservative Party Foundation, which funds bursaries for parliamentary candidates and builds long-term funding for the party.

His cousin, Lord David Sainsbury has also been the biggest donor to the opposition Labour Party, donating 17.88m since 2005.

Frank Hester  10.17m

Frank Hester speaking in 2022 (PA Wire)

Frank Hester is a businessman from Leeds, West Yorkshire, and founder and CEO of The Phoenix Partnership (TPP) software company.

Last year, Mr Hester made donations to the Tories totalling 5.17m through his IT company, as well as a 5m personal donation. This makes him the biggest donor to the Conservatives during Rishi Sunaks premiership.

In 2023, it was found that Mr Hester had profited from 135m of NHS contracts between 2019 and 2022, throughout the height of the Covid pandemic.

During these four years, Mr Hester was the only shareholder of TTP, making him the sole recipient of over 20m in dividends. He appeared on the Sunday Times Rich List, with an estimated wealth of 415m.

In 2023, Mr Hester wrote an open letter to the NHS, saying: We are here for our NHS. We are here to help. Not to drive profits for shareholders, or to grease revolving doors.

TTP supplies software to around 2,700 GP surgeries in England as well as providing data services that enable medical records to be held electronically.

Writing in The Telegraph after making his 5m donation, Mr Hester said: As a businessman from Yorkshire I have been fortunate enough to have met the prime minister.

He shares my passion for harnessing the data revolution to transform the way we as citizens access healthcare.

Graham Edwards  5.31m

Graham Edwards is co-founder of property investment company Telereal Trillium, or TT Group. He became Executive Chairman in 2018, having been Chief Executive since 2001. He has donated 5.31m since the 2019 general election and 5.52m overall, first donating in 2018.

Mr Edwards tax arrangements have come under scrutiny in the past. In 2007, a tribunal judge blocked a complex tax avoidance scheme set up by KPMG for their clients, including Mr Edwards.

The property tycoon was found to have wrongly tried to reduce the tax on 5m he received in bonuses.

A spokesman for Mr Edwards said at the time: Two decades ago Mr Edwards received a bonus and paid full tax and National Insurance on it, on the day he received it,

The scheme mentioned was a KPMG-led tax reclaim scheme that HMRC disallowed. Mr Edwards paid all taxes properly and never received any penalty from HMRC.

In December 2022, Mr Edwards was appointed Conservative Party treasurer by Rishi Sunak. Nine previous holders of this role have gone on to receive peerages.

Mohamed Mansour  5.12m

Mohamed Mansour speaks during a press conference at Snapdragon Stadium, 2023 (USA TODAY Sports via Reuters)

Mohamed Mansour is an Egyptian businessman and former politician. He has led the Mansour Group family business alongside his two brothers since the death of his father in 1976. It reports an annual revenue of $7.5bn.

Since 1997, the group has run the Africa and Middle East dealership of the Caterpiller Inc (CAT) construction equipment company. It does this through subsiduary companies Mantrac Group and Unatrac.

It is through Unatrac that Mr Mansour has made several donations to the Conservatives totalling over 600,000 since 2015. In January 2023, he made a substantial personal donation of 5m to the party in his and his sons name.

After being investigated by the HMRC, Mr Mansours Unatrac agreed to set aside $4m for backdated tax after being found to owe $3.15m in unpaid corporation tax between 2015 and 2018. Unatrac gave no comments.

In December 2022, Mr Mansour was appointed senior treasurer of the Conservatives by Mr Sunak

From 2006 to 2009, Mr Mansour was Egypts minister of transport under autocratic president Hosni Muburak, who ruled for three decades from 1981 to 2011.

In 2010, Mr Mansour set up Man Capital, the Mansour Groups private investment subsidiary, based in London. He remains chairman while his son, Loufty Mansour, is the CEO.

JCB and the Bamford family  3.27m

Former PM Boris Johnson and JCB chairman Lord Anthony Bamford (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

British construction equipment giant JCB is also amongst the Conservative Partys largest donors.

Through owners the Bamford family and the companies subsidiaries, JCB has gifted the Tories around 11m since 2001, including 2.8m since the last general election.

The largest individual donor is chairman Lord Anthony Bamford, giving over 281,000 since 2007. This includes 166,250 in donations to former prime minister Boris Johnson. The Sunday Times Rich List puts Lord Bamford and his familys wealth at 5.9bn.

Lord Bamford was first recommended for a peerage by David Cameron in 2010. He withdrew his name that year, but then joined the House of Lords later, in 2013.

Lord Bamford and his brother Mark are both currently under investigation by the HMRC for allegations of avoiding UK tax over a period of two decades, The Guardian revealed in October 2023.

The reported civil investigation has been underway for three years, and spans a complex network of offshore tax havens and companies. The HMRC has refused to confirm or deny the reports.

Neither the Bamfords nor a legal representative for either of them has commented on the investigation yet.

The last donation from a JCB subsidiary to the central Conservative party was 25,000, made in September 2023.

Christopher Wood  2.02m

Professor Christopher Barry Wood has donated 2.38m to the Conservatives since 2014, including 2.1m since the 2019 general election. He has made 89 donations since February 2014.

Prof Wood has not made any public comments about his donations to the Conservative Party. He is a founder and director of several biotechnology companies. In 2009, he founded Medannex, a biopharmaceutical company that develops cancer and autoimmune disease treatments.

In February 2024, the company appointed Sir Graham Brady MP as a non-executive director. The veteran Tory MP said: I am delighted to be joining the team of this young and exciting life sciences company.

Medannex has won awards for its pioneering work in areas of unmet medical need and I look forward to being an active part of its continued progress. The UK is looking to companies like Medannex for the next phase of our countrys growth.

Prof Wood added: Its a real pleasure to welcome Sir Graham to the board of directors of Medannex. He adds a new and important dimension to the company in its quest to develop new treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Richard Harpin  2.005m

Richard Harpin is the founder and CEO of Homeserve, a multinational UK-based home repairs business. He is originally from Huddersfield, Yorkshire, now residing in Nun Monkton.

Mr Harpin has donated 2.74m to the Tories since 2008, with 2m coming since the 2019 general election. He was the UKs 254th richest person in 2023 according to the Sunday Times Rich List, with a worth of 630m.

In 2014, Mr Harpins company Homeserve was fined a record 30m by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for widespread failings related to misselling insurance policies.

Responding to the fine, Mr Harpin said: We have transformed the business, rebuilding and strengthening the management team, retraining staff and restructuring systems and controls.

Amit Lohia  2.00m

Nicknamed The Prince of Polyester, Amit Lohia is the vice-chairman of Singapore-based textile giant Indorama Corporation. Founded by his father and grandfather in 1975, Mr Lohia has been part of his familys business since 1995.

In March 2023, Mr Lohia made a 2m donation to the Conservative party, his first and only so far. His father Sri Prakash Lohia was the UKs 33rd richest person in 2023, according to The Sunday Times Rich List, with a worth of 5.846bn.

Mr Lohia also sits on the board of sister company Indorama Ventures, which manufactures plastic resins, polyester yarn and wool products.

The business came under scrutiny last year when it was found to be a majority shareholder in hygiene fabrics firm Avgol, which has a production line in Russias Tula Oblast region.

Amit Lohia is a non-executive director of Indorama Ventures Ltd and made the donation in a personal capacity, said a spokesperson for Mr Lohia.

Avgol Russia makes materials used in babies nappies and feminine hygiene products. It represents less than 0.19% of Indorama Ventures operations.

Malcolm Healey  1.90m

Malcolm Healey is a billionaire businessman, and owner of Wren Kitchens. He has run the fitted kitchen retailer since founding it in 2009.

He has donated 2.15m to the Tories since the 2019 general election, and 4.17m overall since his first donation in 2017. The 2023 Sunday Times Rich List puts Mr Healey and his familys net worth at 2.5bn.

In late 2021, The Independent revealed that Mr Healeys company Wren Kitchens claimed millions in furlough money during the Covid pandemic  despite recording a 75.3m profit.

This was not unlawful, but Labour MP Rushanara Ali told The Independent : This goes against the whole spirit of the furlough scheme.

It is unjust and immoral for a billionaire Tory donors firm to take taxpayers money to pay staff when their business is not in need, at a time when millions were struggling and continue to struggle to make ends meet.

Neither Mr Healey nor Wren Kitchens responded to The Independents requests for comment.

Alan Howard  1.58m

Alan Eldan Howard is a billionaire British hedge fund manager and co-founder of Brevan Howard Asset Management LLP. In 2019, he stepped down as the firms chief executive, but retains overall control.

Mr Howards annual pay from Brevan Howard was 82m in 2023. He is the UKs 100th richest man according to the Sunday Times Rich List, with a worth of 1.75bn in 2023.

He has donated 1.8m to the Conservative party since 2005, 1.5m coming in just over four years, since the 2019 general election.
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Watch live as the British Airways Concorde returns to the Intrepid Museum after being refurbished.

The retired supersonic jet was taken back to a Manhattan pier on Thursday 14 March, following a seven-month restoration.

It travelled by barge up the Hudson River before being lifted by a crane onto Pier 86.

The needle-nosed aircraft left Pier 86 on 9 August 2023 for a restoration project at the Brooklyn Navy Yard that included sanding and repainting.

It was barged from Brooklyn to a Jersey City, New Jersey, dock for storage overnight Wednesday, prior to being reinstalled on the pier a day later.

The Concorde is the only supersonic commercial jet that ever flew.

The Intrepids British Airways Concorde still holds the record for the fastest transatlantic crossing by a passenger aircraft - 2 hours, 52 minutes and 59 seconds from London Heathrow to New Yorks John F Kennedy airport.
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Three more people have been charged in connection with a mass shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory parade, which left one dead and more than 20 injured.

In an announcement on Wednesday, the US Attorneys Office of the Western District of Missouri said that at least two of the firearms found following the shooting were purchased illegally or trafficked.

During the incident at Union Station on 14 February, 12 people brandished firearms and at least six fired their weapons, the announcement explained.

On Monday, Fedo Antonia Manning, 22, was charged in a 12-count criminal complaint. Ronnel Dewayne Williams, Jr., 21, and Chaelyn Hendrick Groves, 19, were charged in a four-count federal criminal complaint.

Nowhere in the complaint does it say that any of the three men were among the shooters that day. Instead, the document explores the firearms investigators say they have connected to the suspects.

One firearm found at the scene was an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 .223-calibre pistol. It had been left beside a wall, with a backpack. Next to those were two AR-15-style firearms and backpacks.

Investigators said the pistol was in the fire position and had 26 live rounds in its magazine.

That AM-15 was allegedly linked to Mr Manning, who had purchased the gun from Frontier Justice in Lees Summit, Missouri, on 7 August 2022.

A second firearm, a Stag Arms 300-calibre pistol, was linked back to Mr Williams, who had reportedly bought it for Mr Goves, who was too young to buy it at the time.

While the events of February 14th will forever weigh heavy on our hearts, the effort of our federal partners and KCPD detectives is a testament to their service to Kansas City, Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said in a press release.

We will continue to hold those responsible for violence in our city accountable.

In the case against Mr Manning, prosecutors allege he purchased dozens of firearms, with 15 of those found in other peoples possession. Several of them were prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Mr Manning has also been accused of being the straw purchaser of seven firearms. This means he would have bought them for people who are prohibited from possessing firearms.

He has been charged with one count of conspiracy to traffic firearms, one count of engaging in firearm sales without a licence, and 10 counts of making a false statement on a federal form.

Meanwhile, Mr Williams and Mr Groves are charged under another criminal complaint.

They face one count of conspiracy to make false statements in the acquisition of firearms and one count of aiding and abetting making false statements in the acquisition of firearms.

Mr Williams allegedly bought the previously-mentioned firearm for Mr Goves at a gun show when he was underage, with the younger man then purchasing a 300-blackout upper to complete the firearm a month later.

That gun was then stolen during a shootout, Mr Groves claimed, but he did not report it as stolen. Instead, he went to another gun show with a different friend, who bought him a replacement.

These cases underscore the importance of enforcing federal firearms laws, US Attorney Teresa Moore said in a statement. Stopping straw buyers and preventing illegal firearms trafficking is our first line of defence against gun violence.

At least two of the firearms recovered from the scene of the mass shooting at Union Station were illegally purchased or trafficked.

We work diligently with our law enforcement partners to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals by investigating and prosecuting those who illegally buy and sell dangerous weapons.

Two juveniles were charged with gun-related crimes and resisting arrest on 16 February, while two men were charged over the parade shooting, which stemmed from a disagreement between two groups.

Dominic M Miller, 18, of Kansas City and 22-year-old Lyndell Mays of Raytown each face second-degree murder charges, two counts of armed criminal action and the unlawful use of a weapon.
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Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis is sending extra security to the states southern tip in anticipation of a potential influx of migrants from Haiti.

Haiti has been in a state of emergency ever since violent gangs stormed the airport, seaport and prison earlier this month, setting thousands of inmates free. Several police stations have also been torched. The state of emergency is expected to last until 3 April.

Global leaders, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, are working to form a transitional government in the country after Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigned from his post this week.

The US has a history of intercepting migrant boats from Haiti. Earlier this week, the US Coast Guard encountered 65 migrants off the coast of Florida and sent them back to the troubled country. During the fiscal year 2024, which began in October, the US has sent back 131 migrants to Haiti.

For quite some time, the State of Florida has been dedicating significant resources to combat illegal vessels coming to Florida from countries such as Haiti, Mr DeSantis said in a statement.

Given the circumstances in Haiti, I have directed the Division of Emergency Management, the Florida State Guard and state law enforcement agencies to deploy over 250 additional officers and soldiers and over a dozen air and sea craft to the southern coast of Florida to protect our state.

The statement continued: No state has done more to supplement the (under-resourced) US Coast Guards interdiction efforts; we cannot have illegal aliens coming to Florida...When a state faces the possibility of invasion, it has the right and duty to defend its territory and people.

According to data from the Migrant Policy Institute, US authorities encountered Haitian migrants more than 76,100 times in fiscal year 2023. From 2019 to 2021, Haitians were the top nationality to cross the Darien Gap, a dangerous passage point popular with migrants between Colombia and Panama.

In the last two years, Haitians were among the three largest migrant groups. Individuals fleeing the country may qualify for asylum if they can prove theyre at risk of persecution due to their race, religion, nationality, social group or political opinion.

Haitians wont be able to seek shelter in their neighbouring Dominican Republic as the country has closed its land, sea and air borders to Haiti.

Alix Desulme, the Haitian-American mayor of North Miami, the city with the highest concentration of Haitians in the country, disagreed with Mr DeSantis points.

Its a humanitarian crisis. Its almost going to be a civil war, said Desulme while speaking with CBS News Miami this week.

There might be some influx of Haitians coming to the US. Theres no invasion. Mr Delsume added that hes willing to have a conversation with Mr DeSantis about what needs to be done to address the issue, but resents that the Republican did not enquire about what could be done to support people of Haitian descent in Florida.

To put out this invasion of illegal immigrants is not right, Mr Delsume said.
 Close Haiti: Hundreds of inmates escape after armed gangs storm prison

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Haiti is facing further turmoil as former Prime Minister Ariel Henry has said that only he can appoint the transitional council needed to take over leadership of the beleaguered Caribbean nation.

Ariel Henrys office told CNN that, under Haitis constitution, it is down to him and his cabinet to appoint the transitional leaders  as he vowed to follow constitutional procedures.

We will not deliver the country to just a group of people without following the procedure. We are in crisis as a country, but we must stay inside of the law and set a good example, his office said.

This further state of flux comes after a state of emergency was declared in the nation last week, prompting Caribbean leaders and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to meet in Jamaica to urgently discuss the crisis on Monday.

On 11 March, Mr Henry agreed to resign once a transitional presidential council is created.

The violence, which began on 29 February, has seen gang members burn down police stations and raid prisons, releasing more than 4,000 inmates.

Heavily armed criminal gangs also attacked major government assets across the capital Port-au-Prince and took control of the main international airports.
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A Democratic legislator on Wednesday called for an inquiry into South Dakota Republican Gov. Kristi Noem's trip to Texas for dental work and a promotional video in which she praises the doctors for giving her "a smile I can be proud of and confident in.

State Sen. Reynold Nesiba said he initially found the nearly five-minute video to be simply odd. Later he considered other questions and asked the Republican co-chairs of the Legislatures Government Operations & Audit Committee to put the matter on the panel's next meeting agenda in July for discussion and questions.

I just thought it was a very strange video about how much she enjoyed having her teeth done at that particular place, said Nesiba, a member of the audit committee.

Nesiba said he wonders whether Noem used a state airplane or public funds for the Texas trip and whether the governor paid for the dental procedure or if it was discounted because of her video.

Noem's office did not respond to questions Wednesday about the promotional video posted Monday night to her personal account on X in which she praised the dentists and staff at Smile Texas, a cosmetic dental practice in the Houston area.

In the video, Noem complimented the dentists that recently "gave me a smile I can be proud of and confident in." Noem, who is seen as a potential vice-presidential pick by former President Donald Trump, identifies herself as the governor of South Dakota and includes clips of her speaking at a Republican Party event with Trump signs in the background.

A woman who answered the phone at Smile Texas cited privacy under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act in response to The Associated Press asking to speak with a member of the practice. When asked if Smile Texas plans to use Noems video for promotion, the woman said, No, she posted that, then hung up when asked again.

South Dakota law bans gifts of over $100 from lobbyists to public officials and their immediate family. A violation is a misdemeanor punishable up to a year in jail and/or a $2,000 fine. The state attorney generals office declined to answer questions about whether the gift ban applies to people who are not registered lobbyists.

Noem's video, in which the governor says she went to Smile because it was the best, comes at a time when South Dakota has spent $5 million on a workforce recruitment ad campaign in which she stars in TV spots portraying herself as a plumber, electrician, nurse and other high-demand workers.

Nesiba said the dental promotion just undermines the millions of dollars that we have invested in her as being a spokesperson for South Dakota.

Paul Miskimins, a Republican former state legislator who practiced dentistry over 37 years in South Dakota, said he saw nothing wrong with Noem seeking care out of state, noting he had sought dental care from a friend in Canada. Miskimins added that celebrities often give testimonials about dental work, and he didn't see why a public official couldn't do the same.

I think that this is America, and we all have a right to choose where we receive our care, Miskimins said.

Noem has previously faced ethics questions, including an investigation in 2019 about her use of a state plane to attend six events outside of South Dakota hosted by political organizations, including the Republican Governors Association, Republican Jewish Coalition, Turning Point USA and the National Rifle Association. At the time, the governors office defended the trips as part of her work as the states ambassador to bolster the states economy.

Noem also was criticized for having family members join her on several trips. But her office has said that was keeping in line with a precedent set by former governors.

Ultimately, South Dakotas ethics board dismissed the complaint over Noems flights to the political events in 2022 because state law doesnt clearly define what is meant by state business."

But the state ethics board did say Noem may have engaged in misconduct when she intervened in her daughters application for a real estate appraiser license.

The governor intervened with a state agency after it had moved to deny her daughters application for an appraiser license in 2020. Noem had called a meeting with her daughter, the labor secretary and the then-director of the appraiser certification program where a plan was discussed to give the governors daughter, Kassidy Peters, another chance to show she could meet federal standards in her appraiser work.

Noem has said she followed the law in handling her daughters licensure and that Peters received no special treatment.

Voters re-elected her in 2022 with 62% of the vote.

Michael Card, an emeritus political science professor at the University of South Dakota, said he has no ideas about the governor's motivation for the video but found it puzzling.

It just seems unusual for an elected official in office to make an infomercial like that, he said.

___

Dura reported from Bismarck, North Dakota, and Funk reported from Omaha, Nebraska.
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Several people were evacuated after a landslide damaged at least three homes in Los Angeles, firefighters have said.

Responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to reports of a large tree and wires down in the backyard of a residence, in the Sherman Oaks neighbourhood of the city, in the early hours of Wednesday.

Crews arrived to find a large portion of a hillside had slid down toward at least three homes, and evacuated several people. No injuries were reported.

According to the LAFD, no patients were discovered in a preliminary search or a more thorough follow-up search at daybreak. The department added that the Department of Building and Safety was responding to assess the structures and hillsides.

Helicopter video showed the extent of the destruction of one of the houses, which appeared to be in the midst of a renovation. The building was crushed with most of its roof lying on the ground.

The LAFD responded to reports of a large tree down and wires down in the backyard of a residence in the early hours of Wednesday (AP)

Other footage of the scene shared online by local outlets showed a pool house and pool that sustained significant damage with large cracks on the ground. The hillside near the pool of another home down the street had completely dropped off, exposing the cliff below.

Crews pumped the water out of the pool to reduce the stress on the hillside. LAFD spokesman Cody Weireter later described the damage that was left behind.

One of the homes actually had their swimming pool damaged and basically almost exploded, he said.

Mr Weireter told Eyewitness News. You have a large debris of mud, vegetation, trees... and rocks and concrete just come down into one of the homes which was under construction.

A portion of one of the homes outdoor pool area has actually separated from that main foundation, and so obviously thats one of our biggest concerns right now.

The landslide in Sherman Oaks occurred on Wednesday (AP)

One of the homes damaged by the slide was under renovation and had to be red-tagged. Another damaged home, from which three adults were evacuated, was yellow-tagged.

For the home that was severely damaged [red-tagged], nobody was home at the time, Mr Weireter said. Were looking to hopefully get those folks back into their homes at some point this morning.

There was no immediate word on the cause of the landslide, but numerous slides have happened in Southern California due to drenching winter storms that saturated the ground.

The exact cause of the slide is unknown, though the neighbourhood received heavy rain in recent days and last week.

Since 1 January, downtown LA has had almost 16 inches of rain, which is nearly twice what it normally gets by this time of year. By early February, the city had reported nearly 600 mudslides, had re-tagged 16 buildings as unsafe to enter and had yellow-tagged more than 30 others, limiting access to them.

Southern California has seen a lull in storms in recent days, but slides and rockfalls have continued. Sections of Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu and State Route 27 through Topanga Canyon west of Los Angeles have been especially hard-hit.
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A man who lived inside an iron lung for seven decades after contracting polio as a child has died.

Paul Alexander was paralysed from the neck down after contracting the virus in 1952. He died on Monday after being taken to hospital with Covid.

When he was six years old, Mr Alexander was rushed to hospital after falling ill with a fever and aching limbs.

Mr Alexander was paralysed by polio the age of six in 1952 (YouTube/SBSK)

His condition deteriorated and a doctor performed a tracheotomy on him to remove the congestion from his lungs following his polio infection.

He woke up inside a metal cylinder, known as an iron lung which he lived in for most of the rest of his life, covering his entire body except his head.

The iron lung acted as a diaphragm to help Mr Alexander breathe after the polio infection destroyed his internal functions.

The device worked by air being sucked out of the cylinder by a set of leather bellows powered by a motor, and the negative pressure forced his lungs to expand.

Mr Alexander paints a picture from inside the lung ( Paul Alexander)

When the air was pumped back in, the change in pressure deflated his lungs, keeping him alive.

At first, he was unable to move or talk inside the metal casing, and would often go unwashed because he was unable to communicate with the nurses looking after him.

He was eventually moved from the hospital to his home in Dallas, Texas, and his father placed a clear plastic stick, flat and about a foot long with a pen attached, which he used to write and push buttons on devices such as mobile phones.

Later, he learned to breathe by himself and was able to spend short periods of time outside the iron lung and got into university, obtaining a law degree and even practising law.

Mr Alexander pictured inside his iron lung (YouTube/SBSK)

He also published his memoir in April 2020.

He was one of many children placed inside iron lungs during an outbreak of polio in the US during the 1950s.

Iron lungs were also used in the UK. The last person to use an iron lung in the UK died in December 2017, aged 75.

I knew if I was going to do anything with my life, it was going to have to be a mental thing, he told The Guardian in 2020.

Tributes flooded in for Mr Alexander following his death.

Paul Alexander as a young man, outside his iron lung (Paul Alexander)

Paul, you will be missed but always remembered, said Christopher Ulmer, who set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for Mr Alexanders care costs.

Thanks for sharing your story with us.

His brother Philip previously thanked all those who had donated to the fundraiser.

I am so grateful to everybody who donated to my brothers fundraiser, he said.

Mr Alexander used a plastic stick to communicate (YouTube/SBSK)

It allowed him to live his last few years stress-free. It will also pay for his funeral during this difficult time.

It is absolutely incredible to read all the comments and know that so many people were inspired by Paul.

Polio is a serious infection that is now very rare in both the US and UK because of a vaccination programme.

It is now only found in a few countries and the chance of getting it is very low.

Health officials declared a national incident after the polio virus was identified in sewage samples taken from London between February and May 2022, but no associated cases appeared to have been identified.

There have been no confirmed cases of paralysis due to polio caught in the UK since 1984.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, frequent epidemics saw polio become one of the most feared diseases in the world.

A major outbreak in New York City in 1916 killed more than 2,000 people, and the worst recorded US outbreak in 1952 killed over 3,000.
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A planned expedition to the resting place of the Titanic could get the go-ahead after plans were scaled back in the aftermath of the fatal Titan implosion last year.

The US government is seeking more information on the revised plans for the expedition, which is scheduled to go ahead in May, Kent Porter, an assistant US attorney, told a federal judge in Virginia on Wednesday

Mr Porter did add that the US has yet not determined whether the new plans would break the law, according to The Associated Press.

RMS Titanic Inc., the Georgia-based company that owns salvage rights to the shipwreck, initially wanted to try and recover freestanding objects inside the vessel, take images inside the ships hull and retrieve artefacts from the debris field.

However, the US Government pushed back against the plan by filing a legal challenge in August last year.

Prosecutors cited a federal law from 2017 and a pact with Great Britain to treat the wreckage as a memorial site for the more than 1,500 people who died in the 1912 tragedy, caused by the vessel striking an iceberg and sinking.

The US Government argues the wreck should be treated as a memorial site (AP)

The US argued that entering or physically altering and disturbing the site is regulated by both the law and their international agreement and are concerned about the potential disturbance of any human remains or artefacts that could still lie there, according to AP.

RMSTs director of underwater research, Paul-Henri Nargeolets died in the implosion of the Titan submersible near the shipwreck last June, leading to the company sizing down its plans in October.

The Titan was destroyed a few hours into a dive to the Titanic, killing Nargeolet alongside OceanGate Expeditions CEO Stockton Rush, father and son Shahzada and Suleman Dawood and Hamish Harding.

Last month, court filings stated that RMST plans to send an uncrewed submersible to the site and only take external images of the Titanic.

The company will not come into contact with the wreck, RMST stated and added that it will not attempt any artefact recovery or penetration imaging.

RMST now says they will not come into contact with the wreck (Getty Images)

During Wednesdays hearing, US District Judge Rebecca Beach Smith, a maritime jurist who presides over matters concerning the Titanics salvage, said that the US governments case raised some serious legal questions if the proceedings continue.

While Congress is allowed to modify maritime law, Judge Smith has questions about whether it can also strip the courts of their own admiralty jurisdiction on ship wreckages, something that has had legal precedence for centuries, AP reported.

The judge also noted that time could be running out for expeditions inside the Titanic, as its wreckage was deteriorating on the ocean floor.

This is not the first occasion that legal questions from the US over a Titanic expedition have ensued.

In 2020, Judge Smith permitted an RMST expedition to retrieve a radio that sent out distress signals on the ship, which would have required cutting into the wreck.

The US, citing the law and the pact, filed a legal challenge but the RMST plan was eventually put on hold due to the pandemic.
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Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer offered a vision of a peaceful future for Israel and Palestine on Thursday in a floor speech in which he called on the president and his fellow lawmakers to embrace the concept of a separate, legitimised Palestinian state and called for a new government in Jerusalem.

Mr Schumer said on Wednesday that Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels controversial prime minister, was not part of a productive path forward for the region and said that new elections should be held in the country. Mr Netanyahus support of a brutal assault upon the Gaza Strip while aid has only trickled into the territory has drawn the ire of president Joe Biden and other Democrats, who are facing a political price in their own party as images of the carnage appear across social media and television.

Palestinian civilians do not deserve to suffer for the sins of Hamas, and Israel has a moral obligation to do better, said Mr Schumer in his floor speech.

The Netanyahu coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel, he continued. The Israeli people are being stifled right now by a governing vision that is stuck in the past.

He later described the prime minister as an obstacle to lasting peace in the region.

The Democratic leaders remarks drew an immediate dissent from Senator John Fetterman, a freshman Democrat who has emerged as Israels most vocal supporter in the Senate Democratic caucus since the war began last October. Mr Fetterman told The Independent in an interview after Mr Schumers speech that he supports the Israeli leader...that we have and added that he would be supportive of any leader that Israeli citizens elect.

Republicans also opposed his position, with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson declaring them just plain wrong at a press conference alongside GOP House leadership after the senators speech.

"We want to speak very clearly and concisely to say that this is not only highly inappropriate, but just plain wrong for an American leader to play such a divisive role in Israeli politics, Mr Johnson said.

The war between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza has raged for months since a bloody terrorist attack on Israeli soil last October ended with more than 1,200 dead. Since that attack, the siege of Gaza has resulted in an additional 30,000-plus dead and thousands more injured and facing hellish conditions including dehydration, starvation and lack of electricity. Millions of residents have poured into the south of Gaza as the north has been almost entirely flattened by the Israeli military and debates are now raging over whether the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) will begin a full invasion of the south as well.

Support for the Israeli government and Americas role in funding and supplying the country has frayed among Democrats in particular as images of the dead and wounded have become increasingly visible. Footage appearing to show a crowd of civilians approaching an aid convoy and being fired upon by Israeli troops, resulting in the deaths of more than 100 people, escalated demands for the Israeli government to allow more aid to be safely distributed in southern Gaza.

Mr Netanyahu currently holds power in Israel thanks to a coalition his party formed with other far-right factions in late 2022. The factions have been blamed for stoking tensions with Palestinians including their support for the Israeli settler movement, which the White House has taken steps to sanction for violence against Palestinians in the West Bank and elsewhere.

Mr Netanyahus relationship with the United States has deteriorated significantly over the past few months, never having been rock solid in the first place thanks in large part to his closeness to and support for Donald Trump  Mr Bidens 2020 and most likely 2024 presidential opponent. After the presidents State of the Union address last week, Mr Biden was heard telling Democratic lawmakers about a recent conversation with the Israeli leader in which he had supposedly told Mr Netanyahu that the two would soon have a come-to-Jesus meeting.

President Joe Biden caught on hot mic discussing Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Mr Schumers words on Thursday are likely to bolster the sentiments of progressives in the Senate and House of Representatives who have criticised the Israeli militarys assault on Gaza. One of those progressives, Senator Bernie Sanders, has repeatedly called for the US Congress to cease writing Mr Netanyahu a blank check for his countrys war effort.

One of his allies in the chamber, Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio, concurred with the leaders call for new elections in his own remarks to reporters.

I think the sooner that Netanyahu is gone, the better, he was reported as saying.

White House national security communications adviser John Kirby told reporters on Thursday the Senate leader gave the White House advance notice of his remarks but stressed that it was done as a courtesy and was not about approval, or disapproval or editing in any way.

We know the leader Schumer feels strongly about this ... were gonna stay focused on making sure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself while doing everything that they can to avoid civilian casualties and, of course, were still focused, laser-focused, on trying to get a temporary ceasefire in place so that we can get the hostages out and get more aid in, he said.
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House Democrats have begun their efforts to force a vote on Ukraine aid on the floor of the House over the protestations of Speaker Mike Johnson.

Democrats are attempting to use a discharge petition to circumvent the Republican leaders in charge of what gets a vote of the full House.

The effort, which faces long odds of success, was put into action on Tuesday. Democratic Representative Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, the ranking member on the House Rules Committee, sponsored the petition, which would need 218 signatures to force the lower chamber to consider a $95bn bill passed by the Senate which includes aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.

I dont believe in unconditional aid to the Israeli Government particularly, especially in this juncture, when theres been a total lack of restraint, New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez told The Independent on Wednesday. But some progressive Democrats fear have serious reservations because of Israels conduct during its war with Hamas in Gaza.

The discharge petition that has unconditional aid to Israel? Im voting no, Illinois Democratic Representative Delia Ramirez said.

A discharge petition, in US parliamentary procedure, is a way of pushing a bill out of a committee by discharging the panel from considering the legislation at hand. An absolute majority  218 signatures  is needed for passage. Democrats currently have 213 members.

Democratic Virginia Representative Abigail Spanberger, one of the signatories of the petition, told The Independent: Do we want to coddle Vladimir Putin and allow Russia to win? Or do we want to do the job of supporting an ally in their fight for freedom? I mean, that's essentially the question.

While some Republican members support aid for Ukraine, many of them would be hard-pressed to go around their leadership.

Discharge petitions are also used in state legislatures when a committee chair refuses to put legislation on the panels agenda, meaning that it would never reach the full House.

The use of a discharge petition means that an absolute majority of the House can force a vote on legislation over the opposition of House leaders who control what bills and resolutions make it to the floor.

Using this method, the opposition party, currently the Democrats, can hijack the legislative agenda on an issue that divides the majority party, such as Ukraine aid.

Successful discharge petitions are exceedingly rare  the last petition to force a bill to the floor of the House was in 2015. The problem is that the issue at hand has to be important enough for members to disobey their leaders, something becoming rarer as politics becomes more tribal and extreme partisanship pushes the parties further apart.

The discharge petition was put into House rules in 1910 when a package of measures was intended to limit the power of the Republican Speaker Joseph Gurney Cannon of Illinois. The version now used was adopted in 1931. Four years later, the rules were changed so that an absolute majority was needed instead of just a third of the chambers members.

A number of progressive Democrats are hesitant to send more aid to Israel, which the bill passed by the Senate does, after more than 30,000 people have been killed in Gaza. Calls have been made to put conditions on the aid to make sure that Israel follows guidelines on international human rights.

Some Republicans open to more aid to Ukraine have slammed the Democrats for insisting on passing the Senate version of the aid package, as they connect foreign aid to the security at the Southern border.

This comes after Republicans rejected a bipartisan border security bill after former President Donald Trump came out against it, but some Republicans are still arguing that border funding must pass alongside foreign aid.

Ukraine has divided congressional Republicans between old-school establishment types such as outgoing Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who strongly supports sending aid to Ukraine, and the Trump wing of the party which is steadfastly moving in a more isolationist direction.

Republican Pennsylvania Representative Brian Fitzpatrick introduced his own discharge petition, which included both aid for Ukraine and border security funding. A number of moderate Democrats backed the package.

But Democrats have argued that Mr Fitzpatricks proposed measure would still need to be approved by the Senate and Ukraine simply doesnt have the time to wait.

The White House announced on Tuesday that the US will send $300m of weapons to Ukraine even as $10bn is needed to restore the stockpiles of weapons it has sent to Kyiv to aid them in its fight against the years-long Russian invasion.

The Pentagon located some cost savings in its contracts to find the funds for the weapons package while Congress has so far failed to pass further aid. Its the first weapons package announced since late last year when the Pentagon said it was out of funding to send more weapons to the wartorn country.

More recently, officials have revealed the $10bn overdraft. The funds used to replenish stockpiles have meant that the Pentagon has been able to send existing munitions, and air defence systems, in addition to other weapons from reserve inventories using a presidential drawdown authority to send weapons to Ukraine and subsequently order new weapons to replenish the stores.

Despite it being likely to pass the lower chamber, House Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to bring the $95bn package to the floor.

While Russia has plenty of supplies as its transformed into a war economy, Ukrainian forces are now rationing munitions on the front lines as they attempt to hang on.

In June last year, the Pentagon also suddenly found extra funds for Ukraine after it said it had overestimated previous weapons shipments to the country by $6.2bn.

The US has sent more than $44.2bn of aid to Ukraine since the start of Russias invasion. The Director of the CIA William Burns has told Congress that Ukrainian units have told him that they were down to their last dozens of artillery shells and other kinds of ammunition. He added that the recent Ukrainian withdrawal from the eastern city of Avdiika was caused by resupply failures, not a lack of Ukrainian willpower.
 Close Trumps mental acuity questioned on Fox News

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Donald Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social on Sunday to wish a happy Easter to all, including all those he claimed were doing everything possible to put him in jail.

In a lengthy and all-capitalised post on Sunday afternoon, Mr Trump railed against some of his usual suspects, including DOJ special counsel Jack Smith and Georgia attorney Fani Willis.

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL... INCLUDING THOSE MANY PEOPLE I COMPLETELY & TOTALLY DESPISE BECAUSE THEY WANT TO DESTROY AMERICA, he wrote.

It comes as Republicans, led by the former president, are sounding off on Joe Biden after he issued a statement recognising Trans Visibility Day becasue it happened to coincide with Easter Sunday this year.

Created by a Michigan-based transgender activist, Rachel Crandall, in 2009, International Transgender Day of Visibility (often shortened to Trans Visibility Day) falls on March 31 every year. In 2024, that date coincidentally falls on Easter Sunday, which is determined annually by marking the first Sunday after the full moon occurring on or after the Spring Equinox.

President Biden marked the push for transgender rights with a statement recognising Trans Visibility Day on Friday that has immediately set off alarm bells on the far right.
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Donald Trump keeps pointing to the Presidential Records Act (PRA) to argue that he has done nothing wrong in the classified documents case, but what does the legislation say?

Last week, Judge Cannon on the US District Court heard arguments regarding the notion that the PRA protects Mr Trump from prosecution and that the case should be dismissed.

While Mr Trumps attorneys argued that the law is too vague on national defence information, experts say that Mr Trump has misinterpreted the law.

Barack Obama-era US attorney Joyce Alene White Vance wrote on X on 14 March that the motions from the Trump team were barely better than frivolous.

Trump insists he designated the documents as personal records under the PRA so his possession of them was authorised and he cant be prosecuted for it. But hes never been able to explain how the PRA trumps laws about handling classified and national defence [information]. It doesnt, she argued. Even if, by some stretch of the imagination, a president can hang onto classified information by claiming its personal records, Trumps still obstructed justice according to multiple first-hand witnesses.

Late on 18 March, Judge Cannon issued an unusual order about jury instructions at the end of a trial despite not having yet set a date for the proceedings. She issued an order telling attorneys to file their suggested jury instructions by 2 April on two issues connected to motions by the defence to have the case dismissed.

In last weeks hearing, she appeared sceptical of Mr Trumps assault on the Espionage Act as well as his attempt to use the PRA as a shield. But she also suggested that part of Mr Trumps arguments could be noteworthy when the time comes for jury instructions.

In 2022, the FBI conducted a raid on Mar-a-Lago, finding more than 100 classified documents that had not been handed back to the government despite several requests and subpoenas being issued.

Put in place after Watergate

The Presidential Records Act was put in place in 1978, four years after the resignation of Richard Nixon following the Watergate scandal. The legislation was a reaction to Mr Nixons attempt to destroy recordings done in the White House, The Washington Post noted.

The legislation states that presidential records, such as recordings, belong to the American people and that they must be handed over to the National Archives and Records Administration (Nara) at the end of each presidency.

The PRA also applies to vice presidential documents and records, as well as classified information, which is also governed by other legislation. But before Mr Nixon, presidential records had been seen as private property.

The PRA defines presidential records as materials given to the president or his staff intended to advise or assist the president, in the course of conducting activities which relate to or have an effect upon the carrying out of the constitutional, statutory, or other official or ceremonial duties of the president.

An absurd legal theory

Appearing on Face the Nation on CBS in June last year, Mr Trumps former Attorney General Bill Barr said he believes Mr Trump lied to the Justice Department in the classified documents case. He added that Mr Trump has absolutely mischaracterised the law.

The legal theory by which he gets to take battle plans and sensitive national security information as his personal papers is absurd. It's just as wacky as the legal doctrine they came up with for having the vice president unilaterally determine who won the election, Mr Barr said last summer. The whole purpose of the ... Presidential Records Act is to stop presidents from taking official documents out of the White House  it was passed after Watergate. That's the whole purpose of it.

Therefore it restricted what a president can take, he said at the time, adding that the act states that the president can take materials that are purely private and which have nothing to do with the deliberations of government policy. Obviously, these documents are not purely private.

It's obvious and they're not even now arguing that it's purely private. What they're saying is the president just has sweeping discretion to say they are even though they squarely don't fall within the definition. It's an absurd argument, he said.

In a filing on 22 February, Mr Trumps legal team argued that the PRA conferred unreviewable discretion on President Trump to designate the records at issue as personal. As such, President Trumps possession of those records was not unauthorized as alleged.

Meanwhile, prosecutors wrote in a filing on the same day last month that Nothing in the PRA leaves it to a President to make unilateral, unreviewable, and perpetually binding decisions to remove presidential records from the White House in a manner that thwarts the operation of the PRA  a statute designed to ensure that presidential records are the property of the United States and that they are preserved for the people.
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House Republican leadership appears to be officially backing down from their demand for lawmakers to address border security before any further aid was passed to support Ukraine in its war against a Russian invasion.

The news was made on Thursday at the House Republican retreat, with Speaker Mike Johnson telling reporters that bills to further fund both Ukraines defence and Israels military effort against Hamas would be brought up separately in the coming weeks. There was no indication that Republicans would continue baulking at the idea of passing either of them without first striking some kind of deal on immigration reform or border security that could pass both chambers of Congress.

In December of last year, Mr Johnson had made that demand explicit, telling the White House in a letter: [S]upplemental Ukraine funding is dependent upon enactment of transformative change to our nations border security laws.

But legislation that would have at least made an effort at reaching that transformative change died in the Senate after House Republicans made clear that the bill, a bipartisan compromise hammered out by negotiators from both parties with GOP leader Mitch McConnells blessing, was dead on arrival in the lower chamber. The legislation would have allowed President Joe Biden to shut down the US asylum intake system were daily illegal border crossings to pass a certain threshold. Donald Trumps demand for Republicans to kill the bill to prevent his opponent from scoring a political victory in an election year is widely credited with much of the GOP opposition in the House.

The news on Thursday is a reversal of Mr Johnsons previous stance and a sign that he could face newfound resistance from the far right in the months ahead.

One member of his caucus, Marjorie Taylor Greene, as recently as January said that she would trigger a vote on a motion to remove Mr Johnson from his position as speaker if he were to put a bill to fund Ukraines military on the House floor.

We cant fund Ukraine, she told NBC News, adding that it was an absolute no-go .... a reason to vacate.

Mr Johnson could be in for a tough political fight if Ms Greene or another Republican brings a motion to vacate against him; the GOPs majority in the House is now down to just five votes, thanks to the sudden resignation announcement of Rep Ken Buck.
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The federal firearms case accusing President Joe Bidens son, Hunter Biden, of lying about his previous drug use to obtain a handgun is expected to go to trial in early June, a judge in Wilmington, Delaware decided.

At a status conference on Wednesday, District Judge Maryellen Noreika set a tentative start date for the week of 3 June for the trial.

Hunter Biden was indicted on three felony gun charges, falsifying a firearms application, lying to a federally licensed gun dealer and possession of an illegally obtained gun, in September.

Prosecutors allege that Hunter Biden unlawfully possessed a Colt Cobra 38S revolver for 11 days in October 2018, after he falsely claimed on a federal gun purchase form that he didnt use drugs.

Under federal law, an unlawful drug user cannot legally possess a firearm.

Now, Hunter Biden is facing up to 25 years in prison and fines of up to $750,000 on the charges.

The charges came after a Justice Departments nearly four-year-long investigation into Hunter Bidens business dealings, personal conduct and more.

Last year, federal prosecutors initially struck a plea deal with Hunter Biden  under the terms of the deal, Hunter Biden had agreed to plead guilty to two tax misdemeanours for failing to pay his taxes on time in 2017 and 2018. In exchange, prosecutors would not charge with him a gun possession violation.

Hunter Biden departs the Capitol following a closed deposition with members of the Republican-led House Oversight Committee (Reuters)

In that case, Hunter Biden is facing nine tax-related criminal charges accusing him of skipping out on more than $1.4m in taxes while enjoying a lavish lifestyle of exotic cars, drugs, escorts and girlfriends.

The presidents son has pleaded not guilty to the charges in both cases.

Hunter Biden is currently set to go on trial in the California case on 20 June, with the Delaware case now pitted to take place just days earlier.

In Wednesdays court hearing, Justice Department prosecutors said their case will likely last three to four days while the defence said theirs will take two days.

However, Hunter Bidens attorney told reporters that they dont expect the case to make it to trial. The defence has filed multiple motions arguing that the case should be dismissed because part of the plea deal is still valid.

They also allege that Mr Weiss is merely bending to the will of Republican critics who are weaponising the case in a bid to damage his fathers re-election campaign.

Judge Noreika has yet to rule on the motions.

Wednesdays hearing came the same day that Hunter Biden rejected an invitation from House Republicans to testify in a public hearing in the lawmakers flailing impeachment inquiry into his father.
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Lauren Boebert has ruled herself out of running for fellow Colorado Republican Representative Ken Bucks seat in a special election after he leaves the lower chamber at the end of next week.

Ms Boebert, who represents Colorados third district, is already running for Mr Bucks seat in November, but she has now said shes not running to serve the rest of Mr Bucks term in the fourth district because of the already very slim majority for the House Republicans.

On Tuesday, Mr Buck said he was leaving his seat on 22 March, prompting a 25 June special election, the same day as the primary to be the nominee for the seat in November.

Ms Boebert has been running for Mr Bucks seat since he announced late last year that he wasnt running for re-election. She chose not to run for re-election in her own seat after narrowly winning the last election and possibly facing the same rival, Democrat Adam Frisch, yet again.

She now says that the special election was called to rig an election that she claims she was winning.

Ken Bucks announcement yesterday was a gift to the uniparty, she said on X on Wednesday afternoon, using a word used by rightwing Republicans to push back against any attempts at bipartisanship.

The establishment concocted a swampy backroom deal to try to rig an election Im winning by 25 points. Forcing an unnecessary Special Election on the same day as the Primary Election will confuse voters, result in a lameduck Congressman on day one, and leave the 4th District with no representation for more than three months, she claimed.

The 4th District deserves better. I will not further imperil the already very slim House Republican majority by resigning my current seat and will continue to deliver on my constituents priorities while also working hard to earn the votes of the people of Colorados 4th District who have made clear they are hungry for a real conservative, she added. I am the only Trump-endorsed, America First candidate in this race and will win the 4th Districts Primary Election on June 25th and General Election on November 5th.

Once Mr Buck leaves the chamber, Republicans will have a 218-213 majority with four vacancies which will be filled in special elections before the general election on 5 November. The special elections are unlikely to lead to any seat changing hands  Republicans will have three vacancies and the Democrats one following Mr Bucks departure.
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Matt Gaetz has been served with a subpoena to take part in a deposition in a civil lawsuit connected to allegations that he had sex with a 17-year-old girl, ABC News reports.

The subpoena is part of a lawsuit brought by a friend of the Florida Republican representative, targeting the young woman and others.

The subpoena was issued by lawyers representing the young woman who is now in her 20s. The allegations were at the centre of an investigation by the Department of Justice lasting years into the claims that Mr Gaetz had sex with her when she was a minor, according to ABC.

Mr Gaetzs deposition has been scheduled for 5 April. Its part of a larger defamation and racketeering lawsuit brought by Chris Dorworth, a friend of Mr Gaetz and a former Florida House member and lobbyist, against the woman and others.

An attorney for the woman, John Clune, told ABC he was able to confirm that Matt Gaetz has been served for his deposition.

During the deposition, Mr Gaetz may be asked while under oath about the alleged sexual activity.

A spokesman for Mr Gaetz told The Independent: Congressman Gaetz received a witness subpoena in an ongoing lawsuit between outside parties. He is not being sued, and he is neither a plaintiff nor a defendant in this matter.

The allegations initially came to light in March 2021, with Mr Gatez immediately rejecting the claims, saying that the 17-year-old doesnt exist during an appearance on Fox News.

Theyre saying there is a 17-year-old girl who you had a relationship with, is that true? Who is this girl? then-Fox News host Tucker Carlson asked.

The person doesnt exist. I have not had a relationship with a 17-year-old, that is totally false, Mr Gaetz said at the time.

Court documents show that Mr Dorworth filed a lawsuit last year against Joel Greenberg, a former associate of Mr Gaetz, who was sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2022 after he pled guilty to a number of charges, including sex trafficking a minor.

In the lawsuit, Mr Dorworth alleges there was an effort to erroneously accuse him of child sex trafficking, sex with a minor, prostitution, obstruction of justice, and an illegal ghost candidate scheme.

Mr Gaetz is not part of the lawsuit, but it mentions him and the allegations he has faced and rejected. The lawsuit argues that the now-young woman falsely implicated Dorworth, Gaetz, and others in sexual impropriety.

The young woman is referred to in the suit as AB. She has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit.

Mr Dorworth seeks to recast AB as Mr Greenbergs partner in crime and a participant in a conspiracy to destroy Mr Dorworths reputation ... the Complaint improperly seeks to preempt any claims A.B. may have against Mr Dorworth for raping and trafficking her by making a threadbare request for expansive declaratory judgment, her lawyers write.

In 2021, Mr Greenberg pled guilty to several federal crimes, such as sex trafficking the woman when she was underage, court documents state. Part of the plea deal was that Mr Greenberg would help Department of Justice prosecutors in their investigations into others, including Mr Gaetz, according to ABC.

Mr Greenberg has moved to dismiss the defamation and racketeering suit, writing that it approaches the incredible, if not ludicrous.

To accept the Plaintiffs RICO claim, one must accept a series of irrational premises that provide its foundation. That is, that Joel Greenberg colluded with his victim AB to falsely implicate the Plaintiff to reduce the formers criminal liability or alternatively so that AB could bring a civil lawsuit against Gaetz and the Plaintiff, Mr Scheller added.

Mr Gaetz was informed last year that the Department of Justice would not bring charges against him. He has on several occasions rejected all allegations of wrongdoing, including the claim that he had sex with an underage girl.

The Florida congressman is being investigated by the House Ethics Committee in relation to the allegations from the Justice Department inquiry, such as the sex trafficking claim and possible violations connected to lobbying.
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Senator Peter Welch has a rare reputation on Capitol Hill. In the words of Senator John Fetterman, the Vermont junior Senator is the nicest guy in Washington, DC.

Along with the tattooed Pennsylvanian, Mr Welch also counts Alabama Republican Senator Katie Britt among his dearest friends since he joined the upper chamber in 2023 after spending 16 years in the House of Representatives.

Now, the nicest guy in the nations capital is on a mission, one at odds with the leadership of his party: achieving a ceasefire in Israels war on Gaza.

Mr Welch spoke to The Independent on a day when the issue of the Israeli-Gaza war electrified DC, with Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the United States, delivering an impassioned speech simultaneously defending Israel's right to defend itself but also calling for new elections in Israel, a statement that sparked a backlash not just from Republicans but from one Democratic senator, John Fetterman; and as White House officials met with Muslim leaders in Chicago amid fears that US policy on the war could become a key issue in swing states like Michigan come November.

He said: Its a practical issue.

The only way were going to get [aid] in is to get peace, but we need a lot more cooperation from Israel, the Vermont senator told The Independent, later noting that celebrity chef Jose Andres nonprofit World Central Kitchen is sending more food to Palestinians than just about anyone in here.

When Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on 7 October, they killed at least 1,200 people and took more than 200 people hostage. Now, Israeli forces have descended on Gaza, killing at least 30,000 since October  including several thousand children  according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

The United Nations warns that some 576,000 people  or one-quarter of Gazas population  are one step away from famine. The organization has also accused the Israeli government of systematically blocking aid deliveries into Gaza and of opening fire on convoys that do make it through.

In an exclusive interview with The Independent, Mr Welch made his stance clear: President Joe Biden must work towards peace and delivering aid in Gaza as he faces the wrath of young voters concerned about Palestinians.

Chuck Schumer says Netanyahu's government 'no longer fits the needs of Israel'

Biden will have to face young voters on Gaza this November, Senator Welch says

Young people are relating to the Palestinian suffering, Mr Welch told The Independent. When they see Israel and [Itamar] Ben-Gvir where he is explicitly for pushing all the Palestinians into the sea, theyre called, and I think the President is.

Mr Ben-Gvir is the far-right Israeli National Security Minister who has strongly supported the Israeli war effort in Gaza. My right, the right of my wife and my children to move around Judea and Samaria is more important than freedom of movement for the Arabs, Mr Ben-Gvir said in an interview last year, referring to the West Bank by its biblical names.

More recently, Mr Ben-Gvir has called for the emigration of Palestinians from Gaza.

Itamar Ben-Gvir is Israels far-right Minister of National Security (AFP via Getty Images)

Mr Welch said President Biden has made the right move in calling for more aid to Gaza and threatening to condition Israeli aid if an offensive in Rafah moves forward.

Its a real issue  thats why moving this direction to try to have some equality and reignite this aspiration from the two-state solution and the dignity of the Palestinian people is so important, Mr Welch said.

In Michigan, more than 100,000 Democratic primary voters cast their ballots as uncommitted as part of a campaign by activists and lawmakers in the state to signal their opposition to Mr Bidens response to Israels war in Gaza. Democratic voters in Washington, Minnesota and North Carolina followed suit.

Thats why I think what Schumer has done today can help really shift our direction, the senator continued. But its a big issue. I mean, its a war issue, and young people are just horrified at the suffering of the Palestinians

Some members of the Senate Democratic caucus appear to be moving in Mr Welchs direction as of late. Mr Schumer called for an end to Benjamin Netanyahus leadership in Israel in his speech on Thursday morning.

The Netanyahu coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel, Mr Schumer said on the Senate floor. The Israeli people are being stifled right now by a governing vision that is stuck in the past.

Chuck Schumer says Netanyahu's government 'no longer fits the needs of Israel'

Mr Welch praised Mr Schumers speech  but not all Senate Democrats appreciated the call.

Mr Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania and close ally to Mr Welch, told The Independent he didnt agree with everything the Majority Leader said.

My support of the Israeli leader is the one that we have, or any leader that Israeli citizens elect, Mr Fetterman told The Independent. I would hope that every one of those leaders would agree that you have to go after Hamas, even if that means going against, sometimes, even the United States wishes as well.

Meanwhile, those across the aisle condemned Mr Schumers remarks  including House Speaker Mike Johnson.

This is not only highly inappropriate, its just plain wrong for an American leader to play such a divisive role in Israeli politics, while our closest ally in the region is in an existential battle for its very survival, Mr Johnson said in a statement from the 2024 GOP retreat in West Virginia.

Speaker Mike Johnson speaks at the 2024 GOP retreat (Getty Images)

Senator Welch says US aid to Israel breaks American law

Not only does Mr Welch support a ceasefire, but he also told The Independent the US has broken foreign aid law by sending weapons to Israel.

Mr Welchs predecessor, Senator Patrick Leahy, is best known for championing his namesake Leahy Law, which refers to two statutory provisions that prevent the federal government from using funds to assist foreign governments when there is credible information that they have committed gross violations of human rights.

Last week, Mr Leahy told The Independent the US has broken the Leahy Law by sending aid to Israel due to the number of civilians who are being injured or killed by US paid armaments.

I agree with Senator Leahy, Mr Welch told The Independent.

The reality is, whatever legitimate military reasons [Israel has], they have also a humanitarian responsibility under international law to allow people to be fed, he continued.

Last month, the president released a new memo on foreign aid requirements, with some Democrats praising it as a step towards potentially conditioning US aid to Israel. However, the memo only outlined existing laws  like the Leahy Law  stating that countries receiving US aid must follow humanitarian guidelines, such as providing credible and reliable written assurances that they are complying with international law and humanitarian standards.

Mr Welch was one of only four members of the Senate Democratic caucus  along with Senators Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and fellow Vermonter and independent Bernie Sanders  who voted against a national security package last month that would provide aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

Mr Sanders, unlike Mr Welch, has not come out in support of a permanent ceasefire but has called for an end to aid for Israels war in Gaza. Despite his objections, Mr Welch noted Democrats who support his position lack a critical mass.

Senator Bernie Sanders wants the US to condition aid to Israel (Getty Images)

We dont have votes in the Senate, we dont have the votes in the House, Mr Welch said when asked about conditioning aid to Israel. So, this is something where the Administration has to make a decision.

The President has also said he will consider conditioning aid to Israel if the Israel Defense Forces ramps up its offensive in the city of Rafah. On Wednesday, news broke that Israel struck a United Nations facility in Rafah, killing an aid worker and injuring civilians. White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby said the administration is deeply concerned in response.

For Mr Welch, it is Mr Biden who must act immediately to condition aid and ensure a ceasefire in Gaza.

Its really the president who has got the authority  hes got the authority and the power, Mr Welch told The Independent. Congress has some of us who would cut off military aid, but not thats not a majority in the House or Senate.
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President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump met their respective parties necessary delegate counts on Tuesday night, setting up the nation for round two of an election between the two candidates.

But, the two contenders wont officially become the Democratic or Republican nominees until the party conventions this summer.

For months, voters have been anticipating a rematch between Mr Biden and Mr Trump  one not seen since the 1950s.

That reality seemed all but certain as both candidates continued to defeat their rivals in the primaries and caucuses.

It was just about cemented on Tuesday night when Mr Biden won the Democratic primary in Georgia, meeting the Democratic National Committees (DNC) required 1,968 pledged delegates. He then also claimed victories in Washington and Mississippi.

Similarly, Mr Trump met the Republican National Committees (RNC) required 1,215 delegates after winning primaries in Georgia, Mississippi and Washington as well as the Hawaii caucuses.

While both candidates are campaigning as though they are the official nominee for each party, it technically does not become official until the conventions.

The DNC will hold its convention on 19 to 22 August in Chicago while the RNC convention will take place from 15 to 18 July in Milwaukee.

Balloons fall over delegates and attendees at the end of the fourth day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 28, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Getty Images)

Traditionally, candidates who emerge from the primaries with the most amount of state delegates head to the national convention where they vote to confirm the partys choice.

If no candidate obtains a majority of delegates, then the convention delegates decide the nominee.

For all intents and purposes, Mr Biden and Mr Trump are already their respective parties nominees as both have begun using the DNC or RNC for support in campaigning.

Mr Biden has been using the financial arm of the DNC to raise money.

Meanwhile, Mr Trump has overhauled staffing at the RNC  handpicking former North Carolina Republican Party chair Michael Whatley to replace Ronna McDaniel as RNC chair with his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, as co-chair.

The RNC has also seen a mass staff layoff this week, with many of Trumps campaign or allies replacing RNC leadership.
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Few Democrats have vocally supported Israel  and, consequently, its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu  as much as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. As Netanyahu thumbed his nose at Barack Obama throughout Obamas presidency, even coming to Washington to try and scuttle the Iran nuclear agreement, Schumer steadfastly supported Israels longest-serving leader.

Schumer frequently invokes his Jewish faith and heritage, specifically talking about his late father Abe telling him, If you are doing the right thing and you persist, God will reward you and will succeed. But on Thursday, Schumer made clear that he will not reward Bibi.

In a floor speech, Schumer noted his surname comes from the term shomer, meaning guardian in Hebrew, and added that his nuanced views on the matter have never been well-represented in this countrys discussions about the war in Gaza. He spoke candidly about his youth in Brooklyn, and added that after five months of suffering on both sides of this conflict, our thinking must turn  urgently  to how we can achieve lasting peace.

Schumer called for course corrections and named three major obstacles he sees to peace. Unsurprisingly, he blamed Hamas, which launched the surprise assault on Israel in October last year, but added: Palestinian civilians do not deserve to suffer for the sins of Hamas, and Israel has a moral obligation to do better.

He then turned his attention to Netanyahus government, which the right-wing prime minister has filled with extremists and nationalists  such as Ministry of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has called for the subjugation and forced displacement of Palestinians, as Schumer described. Schumer also criticised the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, which has long lacked a democratic mandate.

To be clear, Schumer did not call for a permanent ceasefire like Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin. Nor did he call for conditioning aid to Israel, like his fellow alumnus of James Madison High School in Brooklyn, Senator Bernie Sanders, who is also Jewish. At the same time, he did call for new elections in Israel, saying, It has become clear to me the Netanyahu coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel after October 7.

Schumers remarks matter on multiple fronts. As the senator from New York, he represents the state with the largest Jewish population. Despite being Senate Majority Leader, Schumer is not a creature of Washington. He frequently travels all over the state and would not make such remarks without knowing many Jewish New Yorkers and many other Jewish Americans who simultaneously fear the rise of antisemitism and feel that the Israeli governments actions have caused an unacceptable loss of civilian life.

Schumers words allow for Democrats in his caucus to feel safer in criticizing Netanyahus government. Like Schumer, Senator Ben Cardin, the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, is Jewish and he praised Schumers speech.

I think October 7 changed things in Israel, and the Israelis need to speak as to their leadership, Cardin, who is retiring at the end of the year, told reporters. Like many Jewish Americans, Cardin also had deep reservations about the Israeli governments rightward lurch long before October. That move to the far right led to massive protests in Israel, which Durbin pointed out.

All the demonstrations that led up to this October 7 event indicated there was going to be a change in Israel, he said.

Senator Peter Welch, who along with Durbin supports a ceasefire, praised Schumers speech as extraordinarily constructive and statesman-like and I am so thrilled to have him stepping up and saying what needs to be said.

Senator Bernie Sanders, who once lived on a kibbutz in Israel, told The Independent that I think the people of Israel have got to understand that they are increasingly isolated from the rest of the world.

Senator Elizabeth Warren, an outspoken critic of the Netanyahu government, also praised Schumers speech. The Netanyahu government has created a humanitarian crisis in Gaza that is bleeding support for Israel, all around the world, she said.

Senator Ron Wyden, who is Jewish and whose parents escaped the Nazis before the Holocaust, said he and Schumer, who entered Congress together, share a similar perspective. We've talked about these issues an awful lot, and I heard some of the conversations we had in the remarks and I thought it was a real path forward, he said.

Of course, Schumers remarks did not come without consternation. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell blasted Schumers speech almost immediately and Speaker Mike Johnson did the same at the House GOP retreat. Similarly, the American Jewish Committee said while it appreciated Schumers defence of Israel, we do not believe it is appropriate for US officials to try to dictate the electoral future of any ally.

John Fetterman, the most Democratic outspoken supporter of Israel in the Senate who has faced relentless criticism from progressives, told The Independent: I would hope that every one of those leaders would agree that you have to go after Hamas, even if that means going against sometimes even the United States wishes.

But Schumers willingness to speak as both a prominent Jewish American and the top Democrat in the Senate shows that many Jewish Americans do not see Netanyahus course of action as acceptable. And it will likely provide cover for other Democrats who want to break with the Israeli government.
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A federal appeals court has ruled that a Texas father has the authority to consent to his teenage daughters use of birth control under the federal Title X programme, claiming a state parental rights law preempts the federal statute.

On Tuesday, a three-panel judge of the conservative Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court ruling that prevents minors from obtaining contraceptives at federally-funded Title X clinics without parental consent. But they stopped short of ruling whether or not those groups could notify parents or obtain consent.

The decision ignores a long-held precedent that says minors have similar rights to adults in accessing contraceptives without parental consent.

It was based on a case, first brought forward in 2020, by Alexander Deanda  a father of three girls who is raising his children in accordance with his Christian beliefs, which includes abstaining from pre-marital sex. He claimed that he wanted to be informed of his childrens access or trial of contraceptives and that a Texas state law awarded him that right.

Mr Deandas lawsuit was brought by Jonathan Mitchell, the former solicitor general of Texas, the attorney who argued to the Supreme Court in favour of Donald Trump in Trump v Anderson and the man credited with creating the novel legal theory that helped Texas ban abortion at six weeks.

He argued that the Texas law conflicted with the federal statute in Title X, a federally-funded family planning and reproductive health programme that gives low-income people or families access to services like contraceptives, sexually transmitted infection exams, cancer screenings and more.

Birth control pills rest on a counter in Centreville, Maryland (AFP via Getty Images)

Title X allows those without health insurance, or who cannot afford to pay for services, to obtain confidential care with fees based on income  regardless of age and immigration status. This means minors can access care without parental consent.

The government argued that since Mr Deanda did not have standing for his arguments because he had not shown that any of his children tried to obtain birth control without his knowledge or consent.

But the Fifth Circuit returned their opinion saying Mr Deanda does have standing and argued that allowing Title X to preempt Texass law would be an invasion of Mr Deandas state-given right. The court did not rule on whether his argument violated his constitutional right.

In their rulings, the judges also argued that Title Xs goal (encouraging family participation in teens receiving family planning services) and Texass goal (empowering parents to consent to their teens receiving contraceptives)  reinforce each other.

Title X encourages young people to involve a parent or guardian in their healthcare decision-making. However, not all teens have a trusted adult with whom they can have those important conversations, and they turn to their healthcare provider for confidential care, Stephanie LeBleu, a Title X project director at Every Body Texas, said in a statement.

The government can appeal the Fifth Circuits ruling, sending it to the Supreme Court. However, it is unclear if the court would take up the case.
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After the US House of Representatives voted to approve a bill that could result in US app stores removing TikTok, a US-China tech relations expert told The Independent the legislation could increase tensions between the two countries.

The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applicants Act, which passed with overwhelming support, will now go to the US Senate. Authored by a bipartisan group of representatives, the bill would allow federal law enforcement agencies to label certain apps as national security threats if they are determined to be under the control of foreign adversaries.

If the bill becomes law, TikTok parent company ByteDance will have 180 days to sell 80 per cent of its stake to a US company or face the app being removed from American app stores. Now, an expert in US-China tech relations says the bill will only increase tensions between the two countries if it passes the US Senate and receives a signature from President Joe Biden.

Dr Aynne Kokas, a professor at the University of Virginia, told The Independent that the Chinese government may retaliate through trade if the bill becomes law.

We could see more bellicose rhetoric or greater kind of trade pressures that are placed on the US by China, Dr Kokas said just hours after the successful House vote. It would be quite shocking for there not to be some sort of, at a very minimum, trade-related reciprocal action on the part of China. The big challenge is, its never really clear what that is going to be.

Dr Kokas, who has written extensively on US-China tech and media relations, explained that US legislators would be better off passing a bill that impacts the privacy regulations around all media companies  not just those controlled by foreign adversaries.

I have kind of long been of the mind that its much better to actually apply laws to all US companies, all companies operating in the US, rather than singling out specific firms, Dr Kokas told The Independent. Particularly those that are based in countries where we have really challenging relations already in a variety of different sectors.

Dr Kokas noted that TikTok executives have called for similar legislation  largely because, she said, its very unlikely to happen.

Its quite disturbing, but that is also a lobbying point thats used by TikTok to argue against TikTok-specific bans, she said.

Its a red herring where they just focus on that as the end solution, knowing that that will never happen or wont happen easily, especially in a post-Dobbs environment, Dr Kokas continued.

Dr Kokas is referring to the US Supreme Courts Dobbs v Jackson decision in 2022, which overturned the 1973 Roe v Wade case in which the Justices ruled that abortion is protected under the right to privacy granted by the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution.

Some House Democrats levelled similar criticisms against the bill.

Representative Ilhan Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota, told The Independent shes not convinced the legislation is necessary.

They were not able to provide any concrete evidence that this was necessary for us to protect our national security outside of the misinformation that weve seen on Facebook, on Instagram on YouTube shorts on Twitter, so just singling out this particular company seemed like it was not in line with protecting our national security, she said.

Meanwhile, Representative Ayanna Pressley, a Massachusetts Democrat, called the bill the wrong approach.

Instead of targeting a single company in a rushed and restricted process, Congress should pass comprehensive data privacy legislation that creates standards and regulations around data harvesting across all social media companies, like many other nations have done, Ms Pressley said in a statement.
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Before last October, Awa's TikTok account was devoted to pleasant things: fashion, for instance, and her favourite places to visit in New York City where she lives.

Then the current Israel-Hamas war began, and Awa's profile became one of a new wave of pro-Palestinian activism galvanised by the wildly popular short-form video app.

"It has woken up the entire nation," the 26-year-old, known on TikTok as Sincerely Awa, told The Independent.

"We have had Palestinian activists in this country doing their best to bring up the truth, and they have always, for the past 75 years, been suppressed by the mainstream media...

"TikTok has made us be able to reach so many people across the nation, to understand what is truly happening to these people  that they are in an occupation, that they are in a genocide."

Now TikTok itself is under threat after the US House of Representatives passed a bill on Wednesday evening that would ban the app in the United States if its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, doesn't sell it off within six months.

Supporters argue that TikTok's ownership gives the Chinese government a back door into the personal data of its 170 million monthly US users, or even allows the Chinese Communist Party to covertly shape public opinion.

TikTok denies both of those claims, saying the bill would "trample the First Amendment rights of 170 million Americans and deprive 5 million small businesses of a platform they rely on to grow and create jobs".

The bill, which was introduced in March, still needs to get through the US Senate and could yet be subject to a legal challenge, like the one that kiboshed Donald Trump's attempt in 2020 to force a similar sale through executive fiat.

But if a ban actually happens, TikTokkers say it would deal a heavy blow to numerous American political movements, as well as social media influencers from marginalised backgrounds that have harnessed the app's unpredictable algorithms to build new careers for themselves.

"A lot of Black creators will be losing their primary source of income, and small businesses will lose their most impactful form or marketing," Cedoni Francis, a 25-year-old beauty influencer with about 246m TikTok followers, tells The Independent.

"Theres no way to mince my words on this  people will lose their livelihoods."

A wildcard algorithm that boosts outsider perspectives

On 25 October 2023, two and a half weeks after Hamas's attack on Israel and amid brutal reprisals by the Israeli government, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist gave his stark verdict on TikTok's impact.

"Israel is losing the TikTok war by a long shot," said former Tinder executive Jeff Morris Jr, in a viral thread on X.

Morris's thread prompted several other politicians and business leaders to call for TikTok to be banned. Republican senator Josh Hawley called it "a purveyor of virulent antisemitic lies", while prominent tech investor Sam Lessin said it was spreading "terrorist propaganda".

It's not actually clear whether pro-Palestinian content has outperformed pro-Israel content on TikTok overall. If it did, that might simply be due to the app's popularity with Generation Z, which is far more sympathetic than its elders to the Palestinian cause.

Still, left-wing TikTokkers say the app has been crucial to spreading their beliefs on Palestine, LGBT+ rights, and many other causes, allowing them to bypass the mainstream media and rival social networks such as Instagram, which are widely seen as more censorious.

"TikTok is unique because of the sophistication of its algorithm," says James Rose, a 28-year-old actress and influencer in New York City who uses both feminine and neutral pronouns, and who regularly uses TikTok to advocate for LGBT+ rights and other causes.

Like Awa, they describe Israel's treatment of Palestinian civilians as genocide  an allegation currently being examined by the International Court of Justice.

Whereas rival apps such as X and Instagram are built around the idea of choosing who to follow, TikTok does not require new users to follow anyone and largely relies on its famously capricious recommendation algorithm to serve up an endless, hyper-personalised stream of videos from all across its network.

That, Rose says, makes it much easier for minority perspectives, both radical and reactionary, to spread outside their bubble. Viewers who exhibit curiosity about a given topic will quickly be bombarded with more of it, sometimes before they even realise their own interest.

Tony Vara, a 23-year-old influencer and activist in Virginia, likewise says TikToks algorithms are far kinder than Instagrams to new creators, capable of catapulting videos by relative unknowns in front of millions of eyeballs.

These algorithms are hardly uncontroversial: TikTok has been accused from across the political spectrum of promoting conspiracy theories, fringe beliefs, and incitement to violence.

Indeed, Vara pointed out that Donald Trumps supporters have a strong presence on TikTok, and could also be hurt by a ban. Trump himself has come out in surprise opposition to the bill, despite having previously tried to ban the app himself.

Vara, Rose, and Awa further cited TikTok's culture of messiness and authenticity, in contrast to the glamourous but high-maintenance aesthetic norms of Instagram.

"No matter what you're talking about, it finds your audience for you," says Awa. "It's so easy to find your community...

"We now have so many allies within this country that, if you were to ask them a year ago, had no idea what the Palestinian struggle was.

This would decimate a whole sector of the economy

A US TikTok ban would also have a major commercial impact. While its advertising tools are nowhere near as popular as those of Meta, the tech giant that owns Facebook and Instagram, it is a key engine of what tech analysts call the "creator economy"  in which millions of people across the world monetise their online popularity through brand endorsements, merchandise, and other methods.

The same algorithms that can unexpectedly elevate radical content also make it easier for creators from marginalised and minority groups to gain a toehold.

"Id be losing about 50 per cent of my income," says Cedoni Francis. "I'll be heading to grad school this summer to get my MBA, and the money I make from brand deals will be paying my tuition and living expenses. If TikTok is banned, that means Im taking out student loans  lots of student loans."

TikTokkers with a large enough audience can also make money directly through the app's monetisation programme, which can deliver hundreds or thousands of dollars for one viral video.

Both Vara and Rose said they make large parts of their income from their TikTok content and would have to scramble to fill the gap.

"This would decimate a whole sector of the economy," says Rose.

TikTok ban could hurt Joe Bidens election campaign

The US Senate is less rambunctious and more moderate than the House and is likely to be more sceptical of the bill. Even if it passes, ByteDance might find a way to divest from the app  although the Chinese government has previously signalled its opposition to such a sale.

Nevertheless, Awa, Rose, and Vara all expressed anger at the politicians backing the bill, describing it as an attempt to censor younger generations and suppress their opinions.

"I believe the government wants to take control over our activism, our voice, our freedom of speech. They want to control what we see and what we hear," says Awa.

"The fact that we were able to debunk and fight them on the propaganda that they've spewed in the mainstream media... brings so much fear to them that they don't want us to have that type of power."

Thousands of TikTok users have already bombarded Congress with calls to oppose the bill after receiving push notifications from the app itself  which joined a long tradition of apps mobilising their users as lobbyists.

Vara, who is also head of Latino outreach for the left-wing campaign group Gen-Z For Change, suspects that Biden could also come to regret his support for the bill as he struggles to persuade young left-wing voters to back him in the election this November.

"He's literally handing the youth vote away," says Vara. "He's basically telling young people: we don't care about you when it comes to immigration, we don't care about you when it comes to Palestine... and now it's like, we don't care that this is the app you use.

"I don't think people are gonna go out and vote for Trump. But I do think that he is running the risk of losing a lot of people that would [otherwise] go out and vote for him."
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The US House of Representatives has voted to approve a bill that could ban TikTok from US app stores.

The bill  Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applicants Act  overwhelmingly surpassed the 2/3 majority needed when lawmakers cast their votes on Wednesday morning.

Authored by a bipartisan group of representatives, the bill would allow federal law enforcement agencies to label certain apps as national security threats if they are determined to be under the control of foreign adversaries.

If the bill becomes law, TikTok parent company ByteDance will have 180 days to sell 80 per cent of its stake to a US company or face the app being removed from American app stores. The FBI has previously warned that TikTok could spread harmful propaganda due to ByteDances alleged ties to the Chinese government.

So now the House has voted in favour of the bill what happens now?

Following a successful House vote, the bill will now go to the US Senate for a vote.

However, given the upper chambers Democratic majority, it is unclear whether the bill will survive this next step. However, some Republican Senators have already expressed their support. Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, called for the chamber to take up the bill immediately.

If it does indeed pass the Senate, President Joe Biden has already told reporters he is committed to signing the bill into law.

Despite overwhelming support for the bill among the House, it has also faced opposition from both parties.

Representative Jim Himes, a Democrat and ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, voted against the bill.

I have more insight than most into the online threats posed by our adversaries, Mr Himes said in a statement. But one of the key differences between us and those adversaries is the fact they shut down newspapers, broadcast stations, and social media platforms. We do not.

Marjorie Taylor Greene, a far-right Republican, also voted no.

As the only member of Congress who has ever been banned from social media, I oppose todays TikTok ban bill, she wrote on X. This bill would open Pandoras box and create a slippery slope for future government censorship of Americans and our precious First Amendment.

The bill also faces backlash from former president Donald Trump, who reversed his position on the potential TikTok ban only recently and now claims it will allow Meta platforms  like Facebook and Instagram  to become more successful.

I dont want Facebook, who cheated in the last Election, doing better, the former president said, referring to his baseless conspiracy theory that the 2020 presidential election was rigged.

Amid these threats to its app, ByteDance has launched a massive campaign to kill the bill. Last week, some TikTok users got a push notification urging them to call their representatives and speak out against the bill. Mike Gallagher, a Republican from Wisconsin and co-author of the bill, told NBC News his office was then inundated with calls.

This strategy came as a House committee advanced the bill on a rare unanimous bipartisan vote of 50-0 earlier this month, making its success on Wednesday morning unsurprising.
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China warned the US that a ban on TikTok would come back to bite Washington as lawmakers approved a bill on Wednesday that could lead to the Chinese-owned video-sharing app being banned nationwide.

Ahead of Wednesdays vote by the US House of Representatives, the Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned the proposed ban, calling it an act of bullying.

Although the United States has never found evidence that TikTok threatens US national security, it has not stopped suppressing TikTok, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said.

He said a ban on the app disrupts companies normal business activity, damages the confidence of international investors in the investment environment, and damages the normal international economic and trade order.

In the end, this will inevitably come back to bite the United States itself, Mr Wenbin said, according to AFP.

Cybersecurity expert weighs in on potential TikTok ban

US lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have long expressed concern about the Byte Dance-owned app, citing national security concerns.

Republican and Democrat lawmakers from many US states have expressed concerns that the Chinese government could force TikToks Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to hand over the data of US citizens using the app.

TIkToks owner Byte Dance has however rubbished such claims.

Now, the bill passed in the US House into the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act with bipartisan support may lead to a nationwide ban of the app.

In a rare show of bipartisanship, the bill passed on a 352-65 vote with 50 Democrats and 15 Republicans voting in opposition.

The bill now heads to the Senate, where it is unclear whether it may pass with enough support.

Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer said he would consult with relevant committee leaders to see what their views would be regarding the bill.

President Joe Biden has said he would sign the bill if it reaches his desk.

If the bill were signed into law, it would ban TikTok from US app stores unless the video-sharing platform  used by over 170 million Americans  is sold by ByteDance within a stipulated time of about six months.

The social media apps chief Shou Chew said the company has invested in keeping user data safe and our platform free from outside manipulation.

Mr Chew warned that if the bill were to be passed into law, it could impact hundreds of thousands of American jobs and take billions of dollars out of the pockets of creators and small businesses.
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Former Trump Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has said that hes putting together an investor group to possibly buy TikTok.

A bill passed the House of Representatives on Wednesday that would force the Chinese company owning the social media app, ByteDance, to either sell the company or face a US ban.

I think the legislation should pass and I think it should be sold, Mr Mnuchin said on CNBC on Thursday morning. Its a great business and Im going to put together a group to buy TikTok.

If the legislation passes the Senate, the Biden administration has indicated that the president would sign it. Both Republicans and Democrats have noted the apps reach and Chinas possible ability to influence its users  TikTok estimates that it has about 170 million account holders in the US. Other tech investors have argued that TikTok has a negative influence.

Mr Mnuchin, who didnt specify who the other investors would be, heads Liberty Strategic Capital, which has connections to ByteDance  SoftBank Vision Fund invested in the company in 2018 and is a limited partner in Liberty, CNBC noted.

This should be owned by US businesses. Theres no way that the Chinese would ever let a US company own something like this in China, Mr Mnuchin told the broadcaster.

Its not clear if Beijing would let ByteDance sell TikTok, which has lobbied aggressively against the bill, to a US buyer. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew has suggested that the app will not be sold to an American buyer.

On Thursday, the Financial Times reported that Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for Chinas foreign ministry, called the bipartisan push against the app revealed a robbers logic.

While ByteDance was valued at $220bn last year, a sale price of the American part of the firm would likely be lower, according to CNBC.

TikToks algorithm deciding what users see on the platform was created in China and is one of the main concerns of lawmakers and other US critics  but a sale without it would make it less attractive to possible buyers.

On Sunday, The Wall Street Journal noted that former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick was looking at possible deals with a number of partners.

During his time in the Trump administration, Mr Mnuchin was part of a government that also took an adversarial stance against China and TikTok, leading to the apps partnership with Oracle. But former President Donald Trump has since revealed that hes now against a TikTok ban.

The Independent has reached out to TikTok for comment.
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A federal judge appointed to the bench by Donald Trump has rejected one of his attempts to dismiss criminal charges stemming from his retention of classified documents stashed at his Mar-a-Lago property.

Just hours after she heard arguments in a federal courtroom in Florida, US District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed his lawyers arguments that 32 charges against the former president under the Espionage Age are unconstitutionally vague.

The resolution of the defences question depends too greatly on contested instructional questions about still-fluctuating definitions of statutory terms/phrases as charged, along with at least some disputed factual issues as raised in the motion, she wrote.

Judge Cannon did, however, leave open the possibility that a jury could consider the vagueness argument at trial.

The former president faces a 40-count indictment alleging violations of the Espionage Act, obstruction, and the illegal removal of federal records. His legal teams motions to dismiss the case add to a growing list of attempts to evade the 91 criminal charges against him in four separate criminal cases in four jurisdictions.

His attorneys also argued to dismiss the case on Thursday on Presidential Records Act grounds.

Mr Trumps legal team has filed several other motions to dismiss charges in the Mar-a-Lago case, including invoking a presidential immunity claim. The judge has not yet set a schedule to hear seven others.

The application of the Espionage Act  which prohibits the willful retention of national defence information  is unconstitutionally vague and the term national defence information is too broad, according to Mr Trumps attorneys.

But Trump fails to explain how his prior status as an original classifying authority has any bearing on whether he could retain classified documents post-presidency, whether or not he had a role in classifying, prosecutors wrote in court filings.

You understand, of course, that finding a statute unconstitutionally vague is an extraordinary step, Judge Cannon told defence attorney Emil Bove on Thursday.

I understand that it is significant, but its warranted here, he replied.

In a separate filing, Mr Trumps attorneys previously argued that he had virtually unreviewable authority to designate presidential records as personal ones and that the National Archives and US Department of Justice were unauthorised to retrieve records that Mr Trump was given unreviewable discretion to label personal before he left the White House.

On Thursday, Judge Cannon suggested those arguments are premature.

The former president never deemed those records as his personal ones, prosecutor Jay Bratt told the judge.

He pointed to a transcript from a recorded conversation in which Mr Trump discussed classified documents at his club in Bedminster, New Jersey.

Not only is it premature, it never happened, Mr Bratt said. He doesnt say there, I can show you this because its personal. ... In fact, hes saying the opposite.

The judge also appeared sceptical of defence attorney Todd Blanches argument that presidents since George Washington have taken materials out of the White House at their own discretion.

Its difficult to see how this gets you to the dismissal of an indictment, Judge Cannon said.

Donald Trump appears at his Mar-a-Lago property in Florida on 5 March. (AP)

Prosecutors with the office of special counsel Jack Smith previously argued in court filings that the documents recovered from Mar-a-Lago are indisputably presidential, and that the Presidential Records Act (PRA) would still apply to any classified information discovered at his residence. The former president is not charged with violating the PRA.

Nothing in the PRA leaves it to a president to make unilateral, unreviewable, and perpetually binding decisions to remove presidential records from the White House in a manner that thwarts the operation of the PRA  a statute designed to ensure that presidential records are the property of the United States and that they are preserved for the people, prosecutors wrote.

Mr Trump is charged with the illegal possession of classified documents at his Florida estate after leaving the White House in January 2021 and for impeding efforts by the US government to reclaim them.

According to the indictment, Mr Trump allegedly attempted to hide boxes of classified documents following a grand jury subpoena that ordered their return.

Mr Trumps aide Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos de Oliveira were also indicted and have also moved to dismiss the charges against them.

All men have pleaded not guilty.
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A federal judge appointed to the bench by Donald Trump appeared sceptical of his attorneys arguments to throw out criminal charges stemming from his retention of classified documents stashed at his Mar-a-Lago property.

The former president joined his attorneys inside a federal courthouse in Florida for a hearing on two motions to dismiss the case, arguing that charges against him under the Espionage Age are unconstitutionally vague and that the Presidential Records Act protects him from prosecution.

US District Judge Aileen Cannon repeatedly appeared to cast doubt on the heart of Mr Trumps arguments but did not immediately reach a decision after the hearing in Fort Pierce on Thursday.

The former president faces a 40-count indictment alleging violations of the Espionage Act, obstruction, and the illegal removal of federal records. His legal teams motions to dismiss the case add to a growing list of attempts to evade the 91 criminal charges against him in four separate criminal cases in four jurisdictions.

But there are several other motions to dismiss the case from Mr Trumps attorneys, and the judge has yet to set a schedule to hear them.

Mr Trumps attorneys previously argued in court filings that Mr Trump had virtually unreviewable authority to designate presidential records as personal ones and that the National Archives and US Department of Justice were unauthorised to retrieve records that Mr Trump was given unreviewable discretion to label personal before he left the White House.

On Thursday, Judge Cannon suggested those arguments are premature.

The former president never deemed those records as his personal ones, prosecutor Jay Bratt told the judge.

He pointed to a transcript from a recorded conversation in which Mr Trump discussed classified documents at his club in Bedminster, New Jersey.

Not only is it premature, it never happened, Mr Bratt said. He doesnt say there, I can show you this because its personal. ... In fact, hes saying the opposite.

The judge also appeared sceptical of defence attorney Todd Blanches argument that presidents since George Washington have taken materials out of the White House at their own discretion.

Its difficult to see how this gets you to the dismissal of an indictment, Judge Cannon said.

Donald Trump arrives at a federal courthouse in Florida on 14 March for a hearing on his attempts to dismiss criminal charges in a classified documents case. (REUTERS)

Prosecutors with the office of special counsel Jack Smith previously argued in court filings that the documents recovered from Mar-a-Lago are indisputably presidential, and that the Presidential Records Act (PRA) would still apply to any classified information discovered at his residence. The former president is not charged with violating the PRA.

Nothing in the PRA leaves it to a president to make unilateral, unreviewable, and perpetually binding decisions to remove presidential records from the White House in a manner that thwarts the operation of the PRA  a statute designed to ensure that presidential records are the property of the United States and that they are preserved for the people, prosecutors wrote.

Mr Trumps lawyers argued in a separate motion that the application of the Espionage Act  which prohibits the willful retention of national defence information  is unconstitutionally vague and that the term national defence information is too broad.

But Trump fails to explain how his prior status as an original classifying authority has any bearing on whether he could retain classified documents post-presidency, whether or not he had a role in classifying, prosecutors wrote in court filings.

You understand, of course, that finding a statute unconstitutionally vague is an extraordinary step, Judge Cannon told defence attorney Emil Bove.

I understand that it is significant, but its warranted here, he replied.

Mr Trump is charged with the illegal possession of classified documents at his Florida estate after leaving the White House in January 2021 and for impeding efforts by the US government to reclaim them.

According to the indictment, Mr Trump allegedly attempted to hide boxes of classified documents following a grand jury subpoena that ordered their return.

Mr Trumps aide Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos de Oliveira were also indicted and have also moved to dismiss the charges against them.

All men have pleaded not guilty.

In an interview with right-wing network Newsmax that aired on 13 March, Mr Trump claimed he took the documents very legally and wasnt hiding them.

He said Mr Smith is out to murder him and amplified a baseless conspiracy theory that the criminal charges against him are politically motivated stunts under President Joe Bidens direction.

Mr Smith has proposed a trial should start on 8 July, while Mr Trumps attorneys have suggested that a trial should start on 12 August, if at all.

Mr De Oliveira would also be tried on 12 August, under the defendants proposed schedule. Mr Nauta would be tried on 9 September.

In separate motions, Mr Trumps legal team has also argued that the case should be dismissed on presidential immunity grounds, a defence he has used  and which judges have rejected  in a separate federal case surrounding his attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

Prosecutors fired back at that outlandish claim that he is immune from crimes which ... entirely post-date his term of office, they wrote. Such a claim is not only unprecedented; it is entirely without basis in law.

FBI agents seized more than 300 classified government documents from Mr Trumps Florida compound during a warrant-authorised search of the property in August 2022, after protracted attempts from federal authorities and the National Authorities to get them back.
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Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has asked the judge overseeing the criminal case against Donald Trump to delay the trial by as much as 30 days  just two weeks before it is set to occur.

On Thursday, Mr Bragg asked a judge to push back the trial so prosecutors could review approximately 31,000 pages of records that were submitted by the United States Attorneys Office (USAO) on Wednesday.

Those records, which Mr Bragg said were requested more than a year ago, are related to a federal investigation into Michael Cohen  whose testimony Mr Bragg used to build the case in which he is accusing Mr Trump of falsifying business records.

Mr Bragg said that while most of the filings are unrelated to the case, he noted approximately 172 pages of witness statements could be relevant. He added that prosecutors are prepared to go to trial as expected on 25 March and find no merit for dismissal but do not oppose a brief adjournment of up to 30 days.

The former presidents team sought to delay the case earlier this week when they asked Judge Juan Merchan to pause the trial until the US Supreme Court rules on his presidential immunity claim.

Alvin Bragg (REUTERS)

The Manhattan criminal case against Mr Trump, who is the Republican frontrunner, was set to be the first of his trials to occur before Election Day.

Last year, a grand jury in Manhattan indicted the former president in the first of what would become four criminal cases. He was charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush-money payments that Cohen made to adult film star Stormy Daniels to prevent the release of potential reputation-damaging information before the 2016 presidential election.

He was then indicted in Washington DC for alleged federal election interference, in Florida for allegedly retaining classified documents and then in Georgia for alleged state election interference.

Despite the criminal indictments, Mr Trump is still seeking re-election this year and part of his campaign strategy is to delay his trials as much as possible.

So far, Mr Trumps team has successfully delayed his criminal trial in Washington DC and Florida through various motions to dismiss and appeals. The criminal trial against him in Georgia was slated to go to trial in August, though its highly questionable whether that proposed date will remain firm.

In his request to the judge, Mr Bragg accused Mr Trumps team of trying to delay the criminal trial by failing to timely request materials from the USAO that could be relevant to the case.

The timing of the USAOs productions is a result solely of defendants delay despite the Peoples diligence, Mr Bragg wrote.

The Manhattan DA said that prosecutors requested materials from the USAO last year and Mr Trumps team had access to them in June 2023 but then didnt subpoena additional materials until January and then allowed the USAO to consistently extend the deadline to produce materials.

The result was 31,000 pages of additional records being dropped suddenly on Wednesday with another production of materials anticipated to drop next week.

In response to Mr Braggs filing, Steven Cheun, a spokesperson for Mr Trumps campaign, said President Trump and his counsel have been consistent and steadfast that this case has no basis in law or fact, and should be dismissed.

Today, after conceding serious discovery violations by his office, the Manhattan DA agreed to an adjournment. We will continue to fight to end this Hoax, and all of the other Crooked Joe Biden - directed Witch Hunts, once and for all.
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In the years since Donald Trump took over the Republican Party, elected officials have almost never crossed him. The cost of doing so has always been too high.

They didnt cross him when he broke GOP orthodoxy on free trade. They elected not to buck him when transcript of a phone call revealed he wanted to have Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dig up dirt on Joe Biden. Many still voted to object to the election results after Capitol riot. And just last month, they torpedoed a bill that swapped restrictions on immigration for aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

But on Wednesday, Republicans found a line they were willing to cross with the once and potentially future president: TikTok. On Wednesday, the House voted overwhelmingly on a piece of legislation that would require the video apps parent company Bytedance to divest from the company or have it banned.

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 13: (L-R) Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Rep. Mike Gallager (D-WI) talk with reporters after the House of Representatives voted on legislation they co-sponsored to ban TikTok at the U.S. Capitol on March 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives voted Wednesday to ban TikTok in the United States due to concerns over personal privacy and national security unless the Chinese-owned parent company ByteDance sells the popular video app within the next six months. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

And the vote was not even close. While 50 Democrats voted against the legislation, only 15 Republicans voted against it, allowing it to pass with 352 votes. Given the tight margins in the House these days and how the House often only has legislation that could pass with two-thirds majority, that is a rare feat.

It should be noted that as president, Trump supported banning TikTok. He even put in place an executive order that did ban the app, which the company successfully challenged in court. But this weekend, he said, If you get rid of TikTok, Facebook and Zuckerschmuck will double their business, in reference to Meta executive Mark Zuckerberg.

Despite Trumps objections, Republicans still went full steam ahead. Indeed, some of Trumps most ardent supporters  like Representatives Ronny Jackson of Texas, Anna Paulina Luna of Florida and Lauren Boebert of Colorado  voted for the bill. Elise Stefanik, currently in the running to become Trumps running mate, joined the rest of House Republican leadership in voting for the bill, too.

Last week, Representative Troy Nehls of Texas wore a shirt with Trumps mugshot to President Joe Bidens State of the Union. But on Wednesday, he explained why he also voted yes.

I just say I've been on the record on this for the last year and a half, and I can't change my position on this one, Nehls said, as he recovered a still-lit cigar from outside the Capitol that he had left while he voted.

Congressman Anthony DEsposito, who vocally supports Trump despite representing a district that voted for Biden, said he agreed with Trumps critiques of Meta.

I think the real reasons that President Trump has come out against it are valid and it is one of the reasons why the Committee on House Administration has done oversight on Zuckerbucks, DEsposito told me, in reference to Zuckerbergs donations to various local governments in 2020.

Jody Arrington, the House Budget Committee Chairman, said he voted for the legislation out of the best interest of his west Texas constituents.

Generally, I align with where President Trump is but not always, he said.

The two Republicans who led the charge  Energy and Commerce Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Select Subcommittee of the Chinese Communist Party Chairman Mike Gallagher  are two of the last grown-ups in the party who know how to legislate. Neither voted to object to the 2020 election results.

Gallagher, for his part, voted against impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, while McMorris Rodgers is a former chairwoman of the House GOP Conference. Consequently, as the House GOP offers fewer rewards for getting things done, both are leaving at the end of this Congress.

Gallagher pointed to Trumps previous actions to ban TikTok. The goal of the bill is not to shut down TikTok and force its users onto Facebook  that would be a bad outcome, he told me. But our bill allows for a divestiture and again, a lot of this process started with the former president in 2020 trying to tackle the national security threat posed by Bytedances ownership of TikTok.

Though Gallager will be out of Congress next year, he made sure to play to Trumps ego.

Im glad we were able to move forward and Trump may, if he gets re-elected, have an opportunity to consummate the deal of the century, he said.

McMorris Rodgers led the committee that voted unanimously to refer the bill to the floor and called on TikTok to break up with the Chinese Communist Party. But she said she agreed with Trump.

That's a separate issue from this bill. This is a unique bill focused on foreign adversaries, she said.

Of course, the GOP was not unanimous and some of the loudest pro-Trump voices voted against it, including Representatives Matt Gaetz, Nancy Mace and Marjorie Taylor Greene.

The government should not be banning apps from the Apps Store, Mace said. This bill is a divest and/or ban Tiktok bill. Anyone who tells you its not a ban is not telling you the truth.

Greene said the bill would have unintended consequences  before bringing the issue, inevitably, back to herself.

Im the only member of Congress that actually got banned on Twitter by an American-owned Twitter and China didnt do that to me, so I voted no for those reasons, she said.

Still, the fact that most of the Republican Party ignored Trump on this issue just a month after they torpedoed a bipartisan immigration deal for him shows that the former presidents grip isnt unremitting. He may have the GOP politically, but he doesnt have them entirely under his thumb when it comes to policy.
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Russian citizens will spend this weekend casting their vote for their next president, even though the result has already been decided.

Vladimir Putin, already the longest-serving ruler of Russia since Joseph Stalin, will win a fifth and unconstitutional term after polls close on Sunday.

No amount of votes against him can prevent his victory, say the Russian dissident community, since the system is rigged and those that could challenge him have either been killed, imprisoned or exiled.

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, center, left a plan to disturb the elections that will be enacted after his death (AP)

Its impossible to win against Putins regime through legitimate means, says Evgenia Chirikova, who once unsuccessfully ran to be a local mayor in a Moscow suburb, with the help of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny. She is now in exile in Estonia, having had her life threatened by the authorities.

But the Russian dissident community has nevertheless convened a plan to disturb this rubber-stamping exercise.

Known as Noon Against Putin, Russian citizens frustrated with the leaders rule are being called to head to the voting booths all at the same time: Midday, 17 March, the final day of the election.

We want this dark time to end. We want a clear, normal future, the campaigns website says. But we, citizens of our country, with our pain and our hope, are not noticeable either to the authorities or to each other.

AT NOON on Sunday, March 17, the last day of voting, when we come to the polling stations, we will show others and see for ourselves that there are many of us . We can become a force that cannot be hidden behind drawn percentages.

The plan, created by Russian opposition politician and former St. Petersburg lawmaker Maxim Reznik, has gathered traction since Navalnys death.

Vladimir Putin is expected to extend his reign this weekend (AP)

This can be a powerful demonstration of the mood of the country, a post on Navalnys Telegram channel said in early February. This will be a nationwide protest against Putin that takes place near your home. Its available to everyone, everywhere. Millions will be able to take part. And tens of millions will witness it.

A fortnight after his death, his wife Yulia Navalnaya then endorsed the campaign as well. It has become what Russian independent media outlet Novaya Gazeta called Navalnys political testament.

I want to do what [Alexei] thought was right, and I urge everyone to come to his memory," Ms Navalnaya said in a video at the start of this month. This will be your personal contribution to the common cause. There are probably many people close to you who are against Putin and against the war.

It has since been backed by a host of prominent anti-Putin figures, including Mikhail Khodorkovsky, formerly Russias richest oligarch, and Gary Kasparov, the chess grandmaster turned opposition figure. Their Anti-War Committee, made up of dozens of exiled figureheads of the dissident community, have also backed the plan.

Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Kremlin opposition leader Alexei Navalny, has pledged to continue his work (AFP via Getty Images)

Nearly 20,000 Russians have been arrested for opposing Putins war in Ukraine since he ordered the full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022. Hundreds were detained for merely laying flowers in memory of Mr Navalny last month.

But the plan for Noon Against Putin is to stay well within the law - participants are being asked to vote, or not vote, however they please, so long as it is not for Putin - in the hope of circumventing the very real threat of arrest.

Ultimately, the plan is one intended to show at least a shade of the true nature of Russian dissidence, in a country where the stakes for opposing the Kremlin are the highest theyve been since Stalins Gulags.

The main thing we can do at noon is to show that there are many of us! the campaign website says. The queues that will line up all over the country will show how much discontent has accumulated in the country, how many people want a normal, stable future, they want a better life.
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The new pro-EU Polish government has recalled 50 of its ambassadors appointed by the former right-wing administration in an effort to improve diplomatic ties.

The Polish Foreign Ministry on Wednesday said it was removing diplomats appointed by the previous government.

Without naming the ambassadors, the ministry said the change was necessary and would serve a better, professional implementation of the difficult tasks facing the country's foreign policy.

The ministry did not clarify when the recalled ambassadors would be replaced.

The previous, Euro-skeptic government had ruled for eight years, until December. The ministry added that the decision had been approved by prime minister Donald Tusk and that the procedure was underway.

Mr Tusk said that it was crucial to have a team of loyal envoys at a challenging time, when neighbouring Ukraine is fending off Russia's full-scale war. The announcement comes more than a month after he visited Kyiv in his first trip to the war-torn country since returning as head of government.

He said that he had high opinion of the work of Poland's ambassador to Washington, Marek Magierowski, which suggested the envoy might not be recalled.

The prime minister stressed the move was "not a retaliation" against his predecessors.

However, the recall of the diplomats may not get the approval of president Andrzej Duda, who has been linked to the previous government and is critical of the prime minister. If Mr Duda does not approve, in locations where ambassadors were told to return home, charges d'affaires would remain as heads of missions.

The prime minister, after returning to office last year, vowed to "right the wrongs so that everyone, without exception, can feel at home.

The previous administration of the right-wing populist Law and Justice (PiS) party was marred by multiple conflicts with the EU, notably on issues such as judicial independence, the rule of law, and minority rights.

These disputes also resulted in the freezing of billions in funds from the bloc.

Mr Tusk now aims to strengthen Polands alignment with European allies and rekindle support for Ukraine.

Additional reporting by agencies
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The Pope issued a fresh condemnation of all wars on Wednesday, days after backlash from Kyiv and Western capitals for appearing to suggest that Ukraine should surrender and negotiate peace with its Russian invader.

Pope Francis told Swiss broadcaster RSI that Ukraine should show the courage of the white flag and open talks with Russia, but his deputy Cardinal Pietro Parolin clarified in a Tuesday interview that Russia should first halt its aggression.

Wind blows Pope Francis cap off his head as he arrives for his general audience in St. Peter Square at the Vatican on Monday (AFP via Getty Images)

Many young people, many young people go to die (in war). Lets pray to the Lord to give us the grace to overcome this madness of war, which is always a defeat, the pope said during his weekly audience in St Peters Square.

Also on Wednesday, the Russian Embassy to the Holy See congratulated Francis on the 11th anniversary of his election, hailing him on X as a true and sincere advocat(e) of humanism, peace and traditional values.

Francis is one of the few political leaders with a truly strategic viewpoint on world problems, the embassy said.

Francis did not specifically mention Ukraine or any other war zones in his audience, but said he had earlier been given a set of rosary beads and a copy of the Gospels that had belonged to a man killed on an unspecified frontline.

Sister Lucia Caram, an Argentine nun who met the pope before his appearance at St Peters Square, wrote on social media that the man was a 23-year-old Ukrainian soldier who died in Avdiivka, an eastern city captured by Russians last month.

The rosary had originally been blessed by the pope, and Sister Caram returned them to the pontiff, she said, adding that Francis kissed it and appeared moved as he loves Ukraine and suffers for the martyrdom of this people invaded and cruelly attacked.

Francis, who is 87 and hampered by mobility and respiratory issues, limited his speaking at the audience for a third week in a row, leaving it to an aide to read most of his prepared texts.

Pope Francis meets Ukraine's ambassador to the Vatican, Andriy Yurash at the Vatican (via REUTERS)

He told the faithful he still had a bit of a cold.

Its not the first time Francis sometimes imprecise way of speaking, which is often appreciated in other contexts because of its simplicity, have created a diplomatic headache for the Holy See and angered one or the other side in the war.

He has repeatedly expressed solidarity with the martyred Ukrainian people but refused to call out Russia or President Vladimir Putin by name. He has seemingly expressed understanding for the invasion Putin ordered by saying NATO was barking at Russias door by expanding east, but then earned a formal protest from Moscow when he blamed most of the cruelty on Chechens and other minorities.

In September, Francis again courted the displeasure of Ukrainians, including its Greek Catholic bishops, when he praised Russias imperial past during a meeting with Russian youths. After Ukrainians voiced their sense of betrayal, Francis later acknowledged his words were perhaps not happy and that he in no way meant to justify Russias invasion.
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President Vladimir Putin has claimed Russia is ready to use nuclear weapons if there is a threat to statehood, sovereignty or independence.

In a rambling interview with Russian state television released early on Wednesday, Mr Putin also said he hoped the US would refrain from actions that could trigger a nuclear conflict.

His statement is another blunt warning to the West ahead of a presidential vote this week in which he is all but certain to win another six-year term. Mr Putin has consistently turned towards nuclear threats during Russias invasion of Ukraine, as Western allies have rallied around Kyiv.

Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, said in a statement that Russias nuclear rhetoric has been reckless and irresponsible throughout this conflict.

It is Russia that brutally invaded Ukraine without provocation or justification, and we will continue to support Ukraine as they defend their people and their sovereign territory from Russian aggression, she added.

Mr Putin described US president Joe Biden as a veteran politician who fully understands the possible dangers of escalation. He said he does not think the world is heading to a nuclear war.

At the same time, he said Russias nuclear forces are in full readiness and from the military-technical viewpoint, were prepared.

Mr Putin said Moscow is ready to use nuclear weapons in case of a threat to the existence of the Russian state, our sovereignty and independence.

The most recent similar threat came in his state-of-the-nation address last month when he warned the West that deepening its involvement in the fighting in Ukraine would risk a nuclear war.

Ukrainian soldiers from The 56th Separate Motorized Infantry Mariupol Brigade prepare to fire a multiple launch rocket system based on a pickup truck towards Russian positions at the front line, near Bakhmut (AP)

But what are the key facts about Russias nuclear arsenal?

Russia, which inherited the Soviet Unions nuclear weapons, has the worlds biggest store of nuclear warheads.

Putin controls about 5,580 nuclear warheads, according to the Federation of American Scientists (FAS).

Of those about 1,200 are retired but largely intact and around 4,380 are stockpiled for use by long-range strategic launchers and shorter-range tactical nuclear forces, according to the FAS.

Of the stockpiled warheads, 1,710 strategic warheads are deployed: about 870 on land-based ballistic missiles, about 640 on submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and possibly 200 at heavy bomber bases, FAS said.

In this pool photograph distributed by Russias state agency Sputnik, Putin gives an interview (Getty)

Such numbers mean that Moscow could destroy the world many times over.

During the Cold War, the Soviet Union had a peak of around 40,000 nuclear warheads, while the US peak was around 30,000.

New nukes

The United States said in its 2022 Nuclear Posture Review that Russia and China were expanding and modernising their nuclear forces, and that Washington would pursue an approach based on arms control to head off costly arms races.

While Russias nuclear statements and threatening rhetoric are of great concern, Russias nuclear arsenal and operations have changed little since our 2023 estimates beyond the ongoing modernisation, the FAS said in its 2024 analysis of Russian forces.

In the future, however, the number of warheads assigned to Russian strategic forces may increase as single-warhead missiles are replaced with missiles equipped with multiple warheads, FAS said.

Testing nukes

Putin has said Russia would consider testing a nuclear weapon if the United States did.

Last year, he signed a law withdrawing Russias ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).

Post-Soviet Russia has not carried out a nuclear test.

Joe Biden and Putin shake hands as they arrive for a US-Russia summit at Villa La Grange in Geneva in 2021 (Getty)

Since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, only a few countries have tested nuclear weapons, according to the Arms Control Association: the United States last tested in 1992, China and France in 1996, India and Pakistan in 1998, and North Korea in 2017.

The Soviet Union last tested in 1990.

The CTBT was signed by Russia in 1996 and ratified in 2000. The United States signed the treaty in 1996 but has not yet ratified it.

Who would press the button?

The Russian president is the ultimate decision maker on the use of the countrys nuclear weapons.

The so-called nuclear briefcase, or Cheget (named after Mount Cheget in the Caucasus Mountains), is with the president at all times. The Russian defence minister, currently Sergei Shoigu, and the chief of the general staff, currently Valery Gerasimov, are also thought to have such briefcases.

Essentially, the briefcase is a communication tool that links the president to his military top brass and thence to rocket forces via the highly secret Kazbek electronic command-and-control network. Kazbek supports another system known as Kavkaz.

If a nuclear attack were confirmed, Putin could activate the so-called Dead Hand (Sputnik)

Footage shown by Russias Zvezda television channel in 2019 showed what it said was one of the briefcases with an array of buttons. In a section called command there are two buttons: a white launch button and a red cancel button. The briefcase is activated by a special flashcard, according to Zvezda.

If Russia thought it faced a strategic nuclear attack, the president, via the briefcases, would send a direct launch order to general staff command and reserve command units that hold nuclear codes. Such orders cascade swiftly down different communications systems to strategic rocket force units, which then fire at the US and Europe.

If a nuclear attack were confirmed, Putin could activate the so-called Dead Hand or Perimeter system of last resort: essentially computers would decide doomsday. A control rocket would order nuclear strikes from across Russias vast armoury.
 Close Zelensky rejects Putins claims that Ukraine involved in Moscow attack

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Russia is using barges in a bid to enhance the defences of one of its ports in the Black Sea, Britains Ministry of Defence has said.

It comes following a number of successful Ukrainian strikes on navy ships in the region. Recent imagery analysis has identified four barges positioned at the entrance to the Black Sea fleet facility of Novorossiysk Sea Port, the MoD said in its latest intelligence update.

This is an effort to enhance the defence of the port against attacks from Ukrainian Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs).

Elsewhere, a Russian cruise missile strike on infrastructure in Ukraines western Lviv region killed one man, while another died in an attack in the northeast, officials said Sunday.

The attack in Lviv destroyed a building and sparked a fire, governor Maksym Kozytskyi wrote on social media app Telegram. He said that rescue operations were being conducted.

In the Kharkiv region, governor Oleh Syniehubov said that an air attack killed an 19-year-old man after a missile hit a gas station.
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Millions of Russian citizens have started to head to the polls in a sham election that will confirm Vladimir Putins presidency for at least another six years.

The stage-managed vote will also take place in parts of Ukraine now controlled by Russian forces.

But with the election and candidates tightly controlled by the Kremlin, is the Russian election rigged, how does it work and what does it mean for Mr Putin? The Independent has put together all you need to know below.

The election is expected to confirm Russian president Vladimir Putin as president for at least another six years (AP)

When is the election?

The Russian presidential election will be held between 15 March and 17 March. Results will follow shortly afterwards and the winner will be inaugurated in May.

Voting will also take place in what Russia calls its new territories - parts of Ukraine now controlled by Russian forces that have been placed under Russian law.

A remote online voting system will be available for the first time in a Russian presidential election. There are 112.3 million people with the right to vote in the election.

The Russian population is around 143.4 million. Around 70-80 million people usually cast ballots. Turnout in 2018 was 67.5 per cent.

The Russian presidential election will be held between 15 March and 17 March. Pictured: Ballots to be used in 2024 (AFP via Getty Images)

How does the election work?

Russian politics professor Samuel Greene, of Kings College London, explained getting onto the ballot was a complicated process controlled by the Kremlin which sees genuine Putin critics barred.

He told The Independent: Getting on to the ballot is a complicated process. Parties that have representation in parliament have guaranteed access to the ballot.

Everybody else has to go through a system of petitions and collecting tens of thousands of signatures that have to be verified.

The government authorities invariably find problems with the signatures that have been collected by genuine opposition candidates.

Russian president Vladimir Putin meets with residents following a visit to a greenhouse complex near Moscow ahead of elections this weekend (AP)

Is the election rigged?

Prof Greene added that all parties are vetted by the Kremlin in an illegal process separate to the Central Election Commission, which checks regular conditions like nationality and criminal records.

All parties that are able to function in Russia are coordinated by the presidential administration. Candidate lists are vetted by the Kremlin; fundraising is both limited and enabled by the Kremlin, he said.

He explained Russian candidates are only allowed to campaign within red lines set by Putin and dont really expect to win the election - which means they wont say anything too controversial like criticising the war in Ukraine.

The opposition candidates are being careful not to be any more aggressive than Putin is in his campaigning. They dont really expect to win, he said.

All parties in Russia are vetted and approved by the Kremlin, experts say (AP)

Who are the candidates?

There are four candidates that have been vetted by the Kremlin and who are on the ballot for this years Russian presidential election.

Vladimir Putin

In charge of all the levers of state, incumbent Vladimir Putin, 71, is expected to easily win a landslide victory and another six-year term.

Already the longest-serving ruler of Russia since Joseph Stalin, will win a fifth and unconstitutional term after polls close on Sunday.

His standing in the election comes as a result of a referendum in 2020 amending Russias constitution to reset presidential term limits  having previously opted in 2008 merely to swap places with prime minister Dmitry Medvedev to sidestep the two-term limit.

While that move triggered the largest protests of his rule, the changes ushered in by the referendum in 2020 were largely unopposed, and Putin could theoretically still be in the Kremlin in 2036, notes Independent columnist Mary Dejevsky.

Nikolai Kharitonov

Nikolai Kharitonov (AP)

A 75-year-old member of Russias lower house of parliament, the State Duma, Nikolai Kharitonov is the official candidate of the Communist Party, whose candidates have finished a distant second to Putin at every election since 2000.

Mr Kharitonov, a Siberian, stood previously in 2004 and won 13.8 per cent of the vote to Putin's 71.91 per cent. A state pollster said in February that its research showed that around 4 per cent of Russians were ready to vote for him.

The state Tass news agency has quoted Kharitonov as saying he would not find fault with Mr Putin, because he is responsible for his own cycle of work, why would I criticise him?

Mr Kharitonov supports the war in Ukraine, but has previously opposed some of the ruling pro-Putin United Russia partys domestic policies. He enjoys the backing of Gennady Zyuganov, the 79-year-old veteran Communist Party leader.

Leonid Slutsky

Russia Cold War Treaty (The State Duma, the Lower House of the Russian Parliament)

A senior member of the State Duma, Leonid Slutsky, 56, is the leader of the ultra-nationalist Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR), and has long chaired the parliaments international affairs committee  voicing support for the Ukraine war and the need to keep food prices down.

A regular anti-Western mouthpiece on Russian state TV, Mr Slutsky took over as the partys permanent leader after veteran firebrand Vladimir Zhirinovsky died in 2022. He is seeking to tap into his late predecessors popularity by campaigning on the slogan Zhirinovsky lives on.

A state pollster said in February that its research also showed that around 4 per cent of Russians were ready to vote for him. In 2018, a group of female journalists accused Mr Slutsky of sexual harassment. A parliamentary commission exonerated him, which his accusers labelled a whitewash.

Vladislav Davankov

New People politician Vladislav Davankov is deputy chair of the State Duma, and has received a state award from Mr Putin in the past.

Aged 40, heis the youngest registered candidate and has said he wont criticise his political opponents. His main campaign slogans are Yes to changes! and Time for new people! A state pollster said in February that its research showed that over 5 per cent of Russians were ready to vote for him.

Mr Davankov has tried to position himself as someone opposed to excessive curbs on peoples personal freedom and  in the context of Russian politics  as someone who is more liberal. Without mentioning Ukraine by name, he has said he favours Peace and talks. But on our terms and with no roll-back.

What does the election mean for Putin?

Prof Greene explained the elections are designed to give an air of legitimacy to Vladimir Putin and Russias political system without alienating the majority of Russians.

The Kremlin knows there are people in Russia who wont vote for Putin, Prof Greene said. But it would rather people vote for a candidate and party that is controlled by the Kremlin and can be relied on not to cause problems, instead of people becoming disaffected and protesting for broader change.

They want people to feel like they have a voice in the system and have somebody they can vote for so they lost the election fair and square.

What have critics said about the Russian ballots?

Critics of the Kremlin have warned that the ballots are unlikely to bear any resemblance to true democracy.

Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg said: We know already that opposition politicians are in jail, some are killed, and many are in exile, and actually also some who tried to register as candidates have been denied that right, he said.

And an EU spokesperson said: We know, given the track record of how votes are being prepared and organised in Russia under the current Kremlin administration and regime, how this will look. Its very difficult to foresee that this would be a free, fair and democratic election where the Russian people would really have a choice.

And as Nato warned Russias attempts to organise elections in four Ukrainian regions it claims to have annexed would be competely illegal, as the Ukrainian mayor of Mariupol  Vadym Boychenko  alleged that at least two Chechen military men with machine guns had been seeking to enforce voting there.

A fortnight after the death of Alexei Navalny, the Russian dissident community has convened a plan to disturb this rubber-stamping exercise, dubbed Noon Against Putin, in which Russian citizens frustrated with the leaders rule are being called to head to the voting booths all at the same time on the final day in a display of discontent.

The campaign has been dubbed Navalnys political testament by independent media outlet Novaya Gazeta, and has been backed by the opposition leaders widowed wife Yulia Navalnaya, along with a host of prominent anti-Putin figures, including Mikhail Khodorkovsky, formerly Russias richest oligarch, and Gary Kasparov, the chess grandmaster turned opposition figure.

Additional reporting by Reuters
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Haitis prime minister Ariel Henry said he was resigning amid mounting international pressure following gang violence that has pushed the capital to the brink of civil war.

Mr Henry faced calls to resign from Haitian gang leaders who have taken control of capital Port-au-Prince, keeping the prime minister stranded outside the country.

Heavily armed gangs have tried to seize control of Haitis main international airport, exchanging gunfire with police and soldiers in the latest attack on key government sites.

Former police officer Jimmy 'Barbecue Cherizier, leader of the G9 coalition, greets a boy while giving a press tour of the La Saline shanty area of Port-au-Prince, (REUTERS)

An explosion of violence has taken place in the country, including a mass escape from the countrys prisons.

Jimmy Barbecue Cherizier, a former elite police officer who now runs a gang federation, has claimed responsibility for the surge in attacks.

The Toussaint Louverture International Airport was closed when the attack occurred, with no planes operating and no passengers on site. It is the biggest attack on the airport in Haitis history.

A breakthrough has come with Mr Henrys resignation after the Caribbean Community regional bloc, Caricom, held urgent meeting of Caribbean leaders late on Monday in Jamaica. It was also attended by officials including US secretary of state Antony Blinken.

The government that Im running cannot remain insensitive in front of this situation. There is no sacrifice that is too big for our country, Mr Henry said in a video statement. The government Im running will remove itself immediately after the installation of the council.

Last week, the airport was struck briefly by bullets amid ongoing gang attacks, but gangs did not enter the airport nor seize control of it.

A police officer runs during an anti-gang operation at the Portail neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Gangs already were estimated to control up to 80 per cent of the capital Port-au-Prince. They are increasingly co-ordinating their actions and choosing once unthinkable targets such as the Central Bank.

Mr Henry has remained stranded in Puerto Rico after he travelled abroad last week to try to salvage support for a United Nations-backed security force to help stabilise Haiti in its conflict with the increasingly powerful crime groups.

Haitis National Police has roughly 9,000 officers to provide security for more than 11 million people, according to the UN. They are routinely overwhelmed and outgunned.

A demonstrator holds up a Haitian flag during a protest against Prime Minister Ariel Henrys government (REUTERS)

Gunfire was reported in several neighbourhoods in the capital. Internet service for many residents was down as Haitis top mobile network said a cable connection was slashed during the rampage.

After gangs opened fire at Haitis international airport last week, the US embassy said it was halting all official travel to the country. On Sunday night, it urged all American citizens to depart as soon as possible.

The Biden administration, which has refused to commit troops to any multinational force for Haiti while offering money and logistical support, said it was monitoring the rapidly deteriorating security situation with grave concern.

An inmate waves at the National Penitentiary in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Sunday, March 3, 2024 (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Why is there violence in Haiti?

Some of Haitis most powerful gang leaders say their goal is bringing down Henry.

The country has failed to hold parliamentary and general elections in recent years and there are no elected officials. Henry was sworn in as prime minister with the backing of the international community after the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise. The latest round of attacks began in February after Henry pledged to hold long-awaited general elections by mid-2025.

The surge in attacks follows violent protests that turned deadlier in recent days as the prime minister went to Kenya seeking to move ahead on the proposed UN-backed security mission to be led by that East African country.

Mr Cherizier said the goal is to capture Haitis police chief and government ministers and prevent Mr Henrys return.

He has threatened to go after hotel owners hiding politicians or collaborating with Mr Henry. He demanded the countrys next leader be chosen by the people and live in Haiti, alongside their families.

If (Henry) continues down this path, he will plunge Haiti into chaos, Mr Cherizier said. Were not in a peaceful revolution. We are making a bloody revolution in the country because this system is an apartheid system, a wicked system.

The prime minister, a neurosurgeon, has shrugged off calls for him to resign and did not comment when asked if he felt it was safe to come home.

A map of Port-au-Prince in Haiti

Henrys whereabouts were not public Monday. When asked in Kenya if it was safe for him to return to Haiti, Henry shrugged.

Who is responsible for the violence?

Mr Cherizier announced as gunmen began to attack infrastructure that he would try and capture the countrys police chief and government ministers.

Four police officers were killed when their stations came under siege.

Mr Cherizier said last summer that he would fight any international armed force if they committed abuses, and he urged Haitians to mobilize against the government.

Former police officer Jimmy 'Barbecue Cherizier, leader of the G9 coalition, greets a boy while giving a press tour of the La Saline shanty area of Port-au-Prince, (REUTERS)

Other gang leaders also appear to be involved in recent attacks.

Johnson Andri best known as Izo and leader of the 5 Seconds gang, appears in a video posted on TikTok wielding a heavy mallet in his right hand as he pretends to punch his face with his left hand.

Mr Andris gang is considered an ally of G-Pep, archenemy of Mr Cheriziers gang federation, but alliances have been shifting in recent days.

A report released last month by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime found that for the gangs, the development of alliances is a fluid phenomenon.

It also noted how only the most powerful gangs  such as Izos or Chiriziers  are usually able to operate or profiteer outside their fiefdoms.

Residents transport mattresses on a motorcycle in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Monday, March 4 (AP)

Mr Cherizier is leader of a gang federation known as G9 Family and Allies, and he has previously launched powerful attacks that have crippled the country. In late 2022, he seized control of an area surrounding a key fuel terminal in the capital of Port-au-Prince for almost two months.

Why have the gangs become so powerful?

An estimated 200 gangs exist in Haiti, with 23 main ones believed to be operating in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince.

Up until recent years, they controlled some 60 per cent of the capital, a number that has since grown to 80 per cent, according to UN officials.

Smuggled firearms and ransom payments to kidnappers have allowed gangs to become more financially independent. That has increased their power as the state has weakened, and an underfunded and under-resourced police department has been unable to contain them.

Present-day gangs enjoy a much higher degree of military capacity than those a decade ago, according to the Global Initiative report. This has largely been driven by the gangs ability to acquire high-caliber weapons.

A 2023 UN report stated that recovered weapons destined for Haitian ports include .50 caliber sniper rifles, .308 rifles, and even belt-fed machine guns.
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A judge has ruled that an Australian computer scientist who claims he is the mysterious creator of bitcoin is not the pseudonymous inventor Satoshi Nakamoto.

Dr Wrights claims were dismissed in Londons high court on Thursday following a trial brought forward by the non-profit Crypto Open Patent Alliance, whose members include Twitter founder Jack Dorsey.

Dr Wright had claimed to be Satoshi Nakamoto, the author of a 2008 bitcoin white paper that first introduced the world to cryptocurrency. Prosecutors accused him of industrial scale forgery in his efforts to sue bitcoin developers for using the technology.

Judge James Mellor said on Thursday that Wright was not Satoshi and that he would give his full reasons for his decision at a later date.

This decision is a win for developers, for the entire open source community, and for the truth, a spokesperson for COPA said.

For over eight years, Dr Wright and his financial backers have lied about his identity as Satoshi Nakamoto and used that lie to bully and intimidate developers in the bitcoin community. That ends today with the courts ruling that Craig Wright is not Satoshi Nakamoto.

Other industry figures welcomed the ruling, saying that it would help preserve the open-source nature of bitcoin.

Satoshi understood the value of decentralisation and built bitcoin so that it could not be controlled by a single person or entity, a spokesperson for the crypto exchange Kraken told The Independent.

Were pleased the court recognised the overwhelming evidence that categorically settles that Wright is not Satoshi.

Justice Mellor found that the evidence against Dr Wright was overwhelming, ruling that he was not the author of the bitcoin white paper, not the person who adopted or operated under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, and not the author of the initial versions of the Bitcoin software.

COPA lawyer Jonathan Hough said that there are elements of Dr Wrights conduct that stray into farce, citing his alleged use of ChatGPT to produce forgeries.

But he added: Dr Wrights conduct is also deadly serious. On the basis of his dishonest claim to be Satoshi, he has pursued claims he puts at hundreds of billions of dollars, including against numerous private individuals.

Bitcoin has been trading at record price highs this week, but more than 15 years after its creation, it is still not known who invented the worlds first cryptocurrency.

Additional reporting from agencies.
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SpaceX has launched the most powerful rocket ever made into orbit.

Starship took off for its third test, with all of its 33 engines carrying it into orbit.

The previous two tests saw the spacecraft explode soon after it was launched.

Elon Musks private space company hopes that the Starship craft will eventually carry humans onto the Moon  and then to Mars.

A live SpaceX webcast of the liftoff showed the rocketship rising from the launch tower into the morning sky as the Super Heavys cluster of powerful Raptor engines thundered to life in a ball of flame and billowing clouds of exhaust and water vapour.

(SpaceX)

The launch came less than 24 hours after federal regulators granted SpaceX a launch license for the test.

Unlike the first two test flights last year, aimed mainly at demonstrating that the spacecrafts two stages can separate after launch, plans for Thursdays test called for an attempt to open Starships payload door and reignite one of its engines in space.

Each of the previous flights were routed toward a planned crash landing near the Hawaiian islands in the Pacific, while the latest flight was targeting a splashdown zone in the Indian Ocean.

Even if it achieves more of its test objectives than before, SpaceX acknowledged a high probability that Starships latest flight would end up like the first two, with the vehicle blowing itself to bits before its intended trajectory is complete.

Regardless of how well it performed on Thursday, all indications are that Starship remains a considerable distance from becoming fully operational.

Musk, SpaceXs billionaire founder and CEO, has said the rocket should fly hundreds of uncrewed missions before carrying its first humans. And several other ambitious milestones overseen by NASA are needed before the craft can execute a moon landing with American astronauts.

Still, Musk is counting on Starship to fulfill his goal of producing a large, multipurpose next-generation spacecraft capable of sending people and cargo to the moon later this decade, and ultimately flying to Mars.

Closer to home, Musk also sees Starship as eventually replacing the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as the workhorse in companys commercial launch business that already lofts most of the worlds satellites and other payloads to low-Earth orbit.

For Thursday, SpaceX was aiming to at least exceed Starships performance with its Super Heavy booster during their inaugural test launch together last April, when the spacecraft exploded over the Gulf less than four minutes into a planned 90-minute flight.

That flight went awry from the start. Some of the Super Heavys 33 Raptor engines malfunctioned on ascent, and the lower-stage rocket failed to separate as designed from the upper-stage Starship, leading to termination of the flight.

The second test flight in November made it farther than the first, and managed to properly achieve stage separation, but the spacecraft exploded about eight minutes after launch.

SpaceXs engineering culture, considered more risk-tolerant than many of the aerospace industrys more established players, is built on a flight-testing strategy that pushes spacecraft to the point of failure, then fine-tunes improvements through frequent repetition.

NASA, SpaceXs biggest customer, has a lot riding in the success of Starship, which the U.S. space agency is giving a central role in its Artemis program, successor to the Apollo missions that put astronauts on the moon for the first time more than 50 years ago.

While NASA Administrator chief Bill Nelson has embraced Musks frequent flight-testing approach, agency officials in recent months have made clear their desire to see greater progress with Starships development as the U.S. races with China to the lunar surface.

Additional reporting by agencies
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A traveller has shown people exactly what a window-less window seat looked like on her recent flight.

The passenger, named Liz, was on an American Airlines flight departing from Cleveland, Ohio, according to Newsweek. In a recent Reddit post she made in the Mildly Infuriating subreddit, she shared a photo of her seat on the plane.

Ive never been on a flight where the window seat has no window! she captioned the Reddit post, which showed her sitting in the seat with a blank wall next to her. If my job wasnt paying for this Id be super salty about paying for a non-existent view. But as it is, Im just mildly infuriated.

After posting, many people took to the comments to joke about the situation.

Its an Imagination Window, where anything you can dream could be true! (Imagination Window is an extra $300+service charge), one comment read.

Another commenter joked, writing: When you book a window seat for the views, but the airline assumes youre more into abstract wall art.

Other commenters replied saying that they would actually prefer a flight with no windows at all.

Consider it a blessing, at least it cant open mid flight, one comment read.

More wall for use as a pillow that stays cold and goes BRRRRRRTR, another commenter suggested.

Been doing so many long haul flights Id wish there was no window and more surface to lean and work as a pillow place, a third commenter agreed, while someone else noted: Yeah this is an upgrade for any experienced traveller who is looking to sleep for most of the flight.

This isnt the first plane seating arrangement that has been discussed on Reddit. Most recently, another traveller was willing to swap seats on a plane for a woman to sit near her husband, until she discovered exactly which seat she would be ending up in.

In the Entitled People subreddit, the passenger shared the incident, in which a woman sitting next to him in business class asked him to voluntarily downgrade his seat so that she could sit next to her husband, who was seated in economy.

The Reddit poster explained that the seats were in a two-seat centre pod configuration when the woman was sitting next to him and asked to switch with her husband. He said yes, assuming that her husband was sitting somewhere else in business class, at which point the woman casually revealed that her husbands seat was actually 18B - a middle seat in economy.

The passenger explained that he wasnt moving to the back when the woman attempted to convince him that he should.

You cant seriously expect me to swap a pod for a MIDDLE seat at the back of the bus. Are you kidding me? he recalled saying to the woman in the Reddit post, thinking the entire interaction was some type of prank.

Its not such a big difference. And its their bulkhead row so theres plenty of legroom, the woman allegedly replied.

According to the Reddit post, the woman was originally seated in economy but was offered a free upgrade. She was under the impression that someone would be willing to swap to get her husband upgraded as well.

His final offer was to ask someone else in business class to switch seats with her husband and he would take that persons seat, but would not be making the switch himself.
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The engineer who was rostered to oversee the UKs air-traffic control system on the August bank holiday last year was at home when both the main and back-up computers failed.

A report has revealed it took 90 minutes for the staff member to reach work and start to fix the failed National Air Traffic Services (Nats) flight system.

More than 700,000 passengers were hit by the failure of the UKs air-traffic control system on one of the busiest days of the decade.

At 8.32am on Monday 28 August, the UKs air-traffic control computer system, and its back-up, failed for several hours.

While no aircraft were ever in danger, the dual failure cut the capacity of UK airspace by 92.5 per cent: from a maximum of 800 flights per hour to just 60.

Once the engineer arrived and rebooted the system, the problem was eventually solved seven hours after it began.

The outage caused the cancellation of 1,600 flights on the day. Four hundred more followed over the next couple of days, due to planes and pilots being stranded out of position by the shutdown.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) set up an independent review, which has now published its interim report.

The panel says that 300,000 people had their flights cancelled, while a further 400,000 suffered delays.

This had considerable financial and emotional consequences for them, the report says.

The failure collectively cost airlines tens of millions of pounds. Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, said: This report contains damning evidence that Nats basic resilience planning and procedures were wholly inadequate and fell well below the standard that should be expected for national infrastructure of this importance.

The cause of the shutdown was a plan for a flight by French Bee from Los Angeles to Paris Orly, which contained duplicate waypoints: DVL, the code for both Devils Lake in North Dakota and Deauville in northern France.

The report sets out the sequence of events that shut the system down within 20 seconds:

The Nats system identified a flight whose exit point from UK airspace, referring back to the original flight plan, is considerably earlier than its entry point

Recognising this as being not credible, a critical exception error was generated

The system, as it is designed to do, placed itself into maintenance mode to prevent the transfer of apparently corrupt flight data to the air traffic controllers

The same flight plan details were presented to the secondary system which went through the same process as the first with the same result: a second critical exception error and disconnection

The flight plan was filed in accordance with standard procedures, the report says.

At that point, further automated processing of flight plan data was no longer possible and the remaining processing capacity was entirely manual, the investigators add.

Fixing the problem took longer than it might have done, the report finds. The engineer responsible for overseeing the system was rostered on-call and therefore was not available on site at the time of the failure.

It adds: Having exhausted remote intervention options, it took 1.5 hours for the individual to arrive on-site in order to perform the necessary full system restart which was not permitted remotely.

A more senior engineer was unfamiliar with the fault message recorded in the log, the report says.

The company that built the system, Frequentis, was not asked for assistance for more than four hours after the initial failure despite their having a unique level of knowledge.

The CAA panel aims to draw lessons from the incident which may help the prevention of future incidents, or at least to reduce the scale of the impact on consumers, airlines and others.

A spokesperson for the air-traffic control provider said: Nats has cooperated fully with the independent panel appointed by the CAA to review the events of 28 August and its repercussions.

We will continue to respond constructively to any further requests to support the panels ongoing work. We have not waited for the panels report to make improvements for handling future events based on learning from the experience of last year.

These include a review of our engagement with our airline customers, our wider crisis response and our engineering support processes.

We will study the panels interim report and look forward to their recommendations when they publish their final report.

Michael OLeary, chief executive of Europes biggest budget airline, Ryanair, said: The CAA report confirms, unbelievably, that Nats engineers were sitting at home in their pyjamas on the UKs August bank holiday weekend, which is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year for air travel.

In any properly managed ATC [air-traffic control] service, engineers would be on site to cover system breakdowns instead of sitting at home unable to log into the system.

Nats says that its engineering protocols were followed.

The Ryanair CEO repeated his call for his opposite number at Nats, Martin Rolfe, to go.

The transport secretary, Mark Harper, posted on X: Im glad to see steps have already been taken to ensure an incident like this doesnt happen again.

For more travel news, views and advice from Simon, download his daily Independent Travel podcast.
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A woman has been found dead inside a cabin of a cruise ship en route to The Bahamas, with police finding suspected cocaine on board.

The 27-year-old woman from Florida, who has not been officially named, was found unresponsive on the Margaritaville at Sea cruise line on Monday afternoon, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said.

The ships medical staff performed CPR, but there were no vital signs of life and she was pronounced dead.

Police have now arrested a 32-year-old man, also from Florida, in connection to the case. A quantity of suspected cocaine was also confiscated from the cabin.

Authorities have not revealed what relationship the suspect and deceased woman may have and neither of their identities have been released.

An investigation into the death is ongoing on the island of Grand Bahama, and an autopsy will be carried out to determine the exact cause of death.

A spokesperson for the cruise line Margaritaville at Sea told FOX 35 that, after learning of the death on board the ship, our medical staff immediately provided support and assistance to the travelling companion of the deceased guest.

The travelling companion reported the death, which reportedly occurred overnight. All appropriate authorities were notified, including the FBI, as is standard procedure regarding such events within the cruise industry.

We are fully cooperating with the FBI and its investigation.

The spokesperson added that the ship had departed from Palm Beach last Sunday for a two-night sail to Freeport in The Bahamas before returning to Palm Beach on Tuesday.

Upon the ships arrival in Palm Beach, the FBI was provided full access to the ship, they added.

The Independent has contacted the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Margaritaville at Sea for further information.

The incident comes at a time when the Bahamas tourism industry is facing trouble as a string of murders have fuelled safety concerns.

In total, 18 murders have been recorded in the capital in the first month of 2024, the US Embassy in The Bahamas said in a release. The embassy has advised people to take extreme caution in the eastern part of New Province Island and to be aware of their surroundings.

Shortly after this warning, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation released a statement saying that the government of The Bahamas is alert, attentive and proactive to ensure that The Bahamas remains a self and welcoming destination.

The rating of The Bahamas has not changed; we remain a level 2 alongside most tourism destinations, the agency said, adding that over nine million visitors were welcomed to the country in 2023.

The incidents described in the January 2024 US Embassy crime alert do not reflect general safety in The Bahamas, a country of 16 tourism destinations, and many more islands, the ministry said.
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At 8.32am on 28 August 2023, French Bee flight BF731 was flying over the ocean between Artic Canada and the southern tip of Greenland on a routine journey from Los Angeles to Paris Orly airport.

The flight had taken them over the western US and eastern Canada. Ahead, according to the flight plan, lay Northern Ireland, Wales and England before crossing the Channel and making landfall above the pretty French resort of Deauville.

As was normal, a flight plan had been filed to Eurocontrol  the pan-European air-traffic control service based in Brussels. This online document  as all flight plans do  resembled a coded message. It began ORCKA5 LAS Q70 BLIPP Q842 WINEN MLF J107 OCS CZI DIK DVL 

The planned route is largely given as a list of waypoints: specific locations on the surface of the earth. Typically they have five-letter codes; BLIPP is northwest of Las Vegas. Flight plans also include navigational beacons, which have only three letters: DVL is the code for Devils Lake in North Dakota.

Coincidentally, it is also the code for the beacon located at Deauville in France.

The flight plan was in accordance with long-established standards. The pilots at the controls of the Airbus A350 jet had no reason to think there was anything unusual about the 5,867-mile journey from California to Paris.

But the computer system at Nats, the air-traffic control company responsible for planes flying through UK airspace, took a different view.

At 8.32am Eurocontrol routinely shared the plan with the relevant national air-navigation services so that they would be expecting the aircraft.

When the flight plan, containing duplicate codes for different beacons, reached the Nats HQ in Swanwick, Hampshire, it triggered a chain reaction that led to over 700,000 passengers facing disruption at one of the busiest times of the year.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) established an independent review, which has now published its interim report. We now know more about how events unfolded, minute by minute.

All times British Summer Time.

Bank holiday Monday, 28 August 2023 4.59am French Bee flight BF731 departs from Los Angeles, destination Paris Orly. The airline, the pilots and the flight plan bear no responsibility for what happened next.

8.32am Flight plan for BF731 received by Nats from Eurocontrol. It referred to two beacons, both coded DVL. The UK air-traffic control system identified a flight whose exit point from UK airspace, referring back to the original flight plan, is considerably earlier than its entry point.

Recognising this as being not credible, a critical exception error was generated.

It was a waiting game for many passengers at British airports (AFP via Getty Images)

The system placed itself into maintenance mode  a safety measure to prevent the transfer of apparently corrupt flight data to the air traffic controllers.

Twenty seconds later, the report says: The same flight plan details were presented to the secondary system which went through the same process as the first with the same result: a second critical exception error and disconnection.

Automatic processing of flight plans ceases. Manual input of flight plan data begins.

8.59am A Level 1 engineer tries to reboot the system.

9.06am First contact with Level 2 engineer on standby remotely. The engineer, as was standard practice, was at home.

9.23am Nats duty engineering service manager tells teams at the area control centres (ACCs) at the Hampshire HQ at Swanwick, as well as those at Prestwick and the Oceanic ACC. Advises to start preparation for operational impact in the event of continuing outage.

9.35am Over an hour after the main and standby systems both shut down, Nats technical services director, operations director and chief executive were notified.

10.04am The first UK airline to be aware that anything untoward is happening is Tui. The groups operations centre in Hanover warns its British counterpart of mass delays across the UK.

10.08am Nats controllers at Luton tell airport managers about a technical failure.

10.12am One hour and 40 minutes after the original failure, it is agree that the Level 2 engineer will attend on site.

10.14am Gatwick airport is notified of the failure by Gatwick control tower.

10:43am Eurocontrol in Brussels advises regulations would be required for UK airspace.

Crowds waiting for at Gatwick airport in August 2023 (Getty Images)

10:45am Virgin Atlantic realises there was an issue when slot delays were noticed. Five minutes later, the airline was told by Heathrow airport of a system failure.

At the same time controllers at Liverpool were told of a problem by Nats colleagues at Manchester airport. Regional and City Airports, which runs Bournemouth, Exeter and Norwich airports found out information from BBC News.

11am Britains biggest budget airline, easyJet, gets a call from Eurocontrol saying flight movements in the UK would be limited to 60 per hour  rather than the usual 800. This represents a 92.5 per cent reduction in the amount of flying on one of the busiest days of the decade.

11.45am Over three hours after the systems collapse, the first ATICCC conference call takes place between Nats and four key players: British Airways, Manchester Airports Group, Ryanair and Virgin Atlantic.

11.47am Eighty-five minutes after the Level 2 engineer agreed to attend on site, they arrive at Nats HQ at Swanwick. Six minutes later, a more senior Level 3 engineer is connected at home. The Level 2 engineer spends 35 minutes leading full hardware reboots.

12.30pm According to Tui, Gatwick airport requests airlines to cancel four out of five flights and cease checking in new passengers.

12.45pm According to British Airways. Heathrow airport asks all airlines to cancel UK, Ireland and European flights until 6pm. One hour later, BA is told the issue had still not been resolved.

2.02pm Europes biggest budget airline, Ryanair, gets a five-minute call from Nats CEO Martin Rolfe. He says a solution may have been identified but that there is no timeframe for implementation or for traffic flow regulations to be removed.

Nine minutes later a third update posted by Eurocontrol, stating that there is no current solution to the problem.

2.27pm Auto processing of flight plans recommences  technical system restored. By now, thousands of flights and hundreds of thousands of passengers are out of position.

2.43pm Virgin Atlantic is told widebody flights will be prioritised.

2.51pm French Bee flight BF731 lands normally at Paris Orly, a few minutes late.

4pm Mark Harper, the transport secretary, is briefed by Nats.

7.01pm Nats says: Major incident investigation to be initiated.

11.59pm By the end of the day, 1,600 flights have been cancelled, affecting 240,000 passengers. Many more have been delayed.

Tuesday 29 August, 4pm As widespread cancellations continue to and from all major UK airports, easyJet reports: First formal communication from Nats to the chief operating officer and director of Airport Ops and Nav.

British Airways tells business-class passengers flying in Europe than the empty middle seat policy has been suspended in a bid to get travellers where they need to be.

Wednesday 30 August, 8.30am Tui reports: Programme returned to normal but there are some knock-on crew issues.

Thursday 31 August Jet2 reports: Overnight delays continue due to fleet shortage.

Monday 4 September Bristol airport reports: Last impact of delays and cancellations due to displaced crew and aircraft. Majority of vehicles had been collected from car park.

For more travel news, views and advice from Simon, download his daily Independent Travel podcast.
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Several countries are advising their citizens against travelling to Haiti, including the US, UK, Ireland and Canada as gangs continue to take hold of the country.

Earlier this month, gangs attempted to take Haitis Toussaint Louverture International Airport, located in Port-Au-Prince, the countrys capital and broke into a nearby port services terminal. Armed men have also stormed police stations in the country and let thousands of prisoners loose from Haitis National Penitentiary.

Ariel Henry, who had been running the country as prime minister and acting president until he resigned on Tuesday amid international pressure, fled the country to Puerto Rico last week after he was refused entry into the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. Dominican air, land and sea borders are closed to travellers.

What is the situation with airports and ports in Haiti?

Flights are not arriving in the country as one of its international airports remains closed following the attacks and a decision made on Monday to form a transitional government after Mr Henrys resignation. It is unclear if cruise ships plan to continue stopping in the country and one international port has been closed.

Typically, Spirit Airlines, JetBlue Airways and American Airlines operate flights to the country but those operations have been suspended. All of the airlines have waived change fees for customers wanting to leave the country. Its not clear when commercial flights may resume.

Two cruise line companies, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises stop in Labadee, a private resort about six hours away from Port-Au-Prince. Its not clear if the cruise liners plan to continue operating in the country under its current political situation. The Independent has reached out to the companies for comment.

State of emergency now in place

Haiti has declared a state of emergency through 3 April. A daily curfew is in place in the capital from 6pm to 5am.

In a security alert released on Sunday, The US Department of State urged American citizens against travelling to the country.

Activist reacts during a demonstration against CARICOM for the decision following the resignation of Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry (Anadolu via Getty Images)

The current security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous, the statement read. We are aware that there are few or no commercial options to depart Haiti safely at this time. As they become available, we urge US citizens to take advantage of them.

US citizens currently in the country should prepare to shelter in place for an extended period of time and seek assistance from the US embassy in Port-Au-Prince. Citizens should note that the US is unable to facilitate travel out of the country.

US military evacuates embassy staff

Over the weekend, US military officials moved to evacuate non-essential personnel from the embassy. The German and EU embassies also took similar measures.

Protesters demand the resignation of prime minister Ariel Henry in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, 7 March 2024 (EPA/Johnson Sabin)

The UK, Irish and Canadian governments are advising their citizens against travelling to Haiti, but anyone in the country should contact their nearest diplomatic missions. The UK has an embassy in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republics capital. Meanwhile, Irish citizens should get in touch with the countrys embassy in Washington DC.

The Canadian embassy in Port-Au-Prince is closed but citizens may call the office for emergency assistance.
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The pilot of the LATAM Airlines flight in the middle of an investigation into an incident that left 50 people injured allegedly told passengers that he temporarily lost control of the Boeing 787 due to a malfunctioning instrument.

A LATAM Airlines flight on Monday flying from Australia to New Zealand dropped abruptly mid-air following what was described as a "technical event". The incident threw some of the passengers out of their seats with many hitting the roof of the plane and suffering injuries.

An investigation has been launched into the incident by the Chilean Aeronautical Authority as the aircraft involved was registered in Chile.

Brian Jokat, one among the 263 passengers and nine crew members on the flight, said he was asleep before the incident happened and woke up to see individuals stuck to the roof fall to the floor.

He said the aircraft dropped something to the effect of 500 feet instantly, according to CNN.

Thats when I opened my eyes and there was various individuals at the top of the plane. Just stuck to the roof and then they fell to the floor. And then I just realized Im not in a movie, this is actually for real, Mr Jokat said.

After the landing at the Auckland airport, the passenger said the pilot explained that he lost control of the plane and that my gauges just kind of went blank on me.

He said for that brief moment he couldnt control anything and thats when the plane did what it did. Then he said the gauges came back and it reengaged, the plane just reengaged to its normal flight pattern. And we had no issues before, no issues after. But just that moment.

A paramedic walks onboard as passengers look on, after an incident on a LATAM Airlines Boeing 787, in Auckland (Brian Adam Jokat via REUTERS)

Photos taken by Mr Jokat following the incident showed damage sustained to the ceiling of the airplane where he said fellow passengers had hit it.

LATAM Airlines on Thursday said in a statement that it continues to work coordinately with the respective authorities to support the investigation. The airlines, however, said that it will be inappropriate to comment on speculations.

It comes as a possible movement of the pilots seat in the cockpit has come to the centre of focus of the probe into the sudden mid-air dive, aviation industry publication Air Current reported on Wednesday.

The report, citing a senior airline safety official, claimed that the seat movement was pilot induced, not intentional, based on the information available.

The seat movement caused the nose down angle of the aircraft, the publication said, citing another anonymous source who added the possibility of an electrical short was also under review.

The cause of the flights apparent sudden change in trajectory has not yet been explained. Safety experts say most airplane accidents are caused by a cocktail of factors that need to be thoroughly investigated.

New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) said because the incident occurred in international airspace, it fell to Chilean accident investigation authority Direccion General de Aeronautica Civil (DGAC) to open an inquiry.

A view of the damage sustained to the ceiling of the airplane after an incident on a LATAM Airlines Boeing 787, in Auckland (Brian Adam Jokat via REUTERS)

LATAM Airlines, a Chilean-Brazilian carrier, said it "deeply" regretted "any inconvenience and discomfort this situation may have caused its passengers".

It said the plane suffered a technical event during the flight which caused a strong movement.

Mr Jokat said he saw people screaming and crying while fearing for his own life. It was mass chaos for a few short seconds, the passenger said. Clearly there was a moment in my head that I just kind of resigned to the fact this could be it. This might be it.
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Time Out has published a list of the 30 Coolest Streets in the World, with Melbournes High Street nabbing the top spot.

Inclusions come from the publishers editors and contributors based in cities all over the world, with every continent except Antarctica represented.

Each of the 30 listings includes tips on what to eat, drink and do, as well as information on the history and heritage of the thoroughfare.

Its iconic bars like the Hotel Hollywood that help make Sydneys Foster Street so special (Getty Images)

Capital cities are well represented, with the likes of Buenos Aires (Guatemala Street), Manila (L.P Leviste Street) and Toyko (Chazawa-dori), in the top 10, as well as second cities like Vancouver (Commercial Drive), Sydney (Foster Street) and Rio de Janeiro (Arnaldo Quintela).

China Towns Gerrard Street is always buzzing (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Theres only one British city in the list, with Londons Gerrard Street coming in at number 17.

This pedestrian street in the heart of China Town, in Soho, is lauded as maybe the most bustling, lively bit of London. Time Outs London editor, Joe Mackertich, highlights the streets food stalls and eateries as well as its Gen Z-friendly shops and boutiques.

With several European entries on the list, theres plenty of inspiration for anyone planning their perfect weekend city break this spring.

Colourful balconies give Lisbons Rua da Boavista a vibrant look (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Lisbons Rua da Boavista, the central thoroughfare running through virbant Cais do Sodre, ranks at number seven, while elsewhere in Portugal, Portos Rua Sa de Noronha comes in at 16.

Spain also has two entries: Barcelonas pedestrianised Consell de Cent and trendy Conde Duque Street in Madrid. Other European cities with streets on the list are Berlin (Oranienstrae), Paris (Rue de Belleville), Dublin (Camden Street) and Athens (Troon Street).

Melbournes High Street tops of the list of the coolest streets in the world (Getty Images)

There are four American streets on the list. New York is represented by Fifth Avenue in Park Slope, while East 3rd Street in LAs Arts District gets a nod, along with Chicagos 18th Street, a hub for the Mexican-American community. Miamis Miracle Mile rounds out the USs inclusions.
A Good Morning Britain presenter got stuck in a fox mask after a live report as host Kate Garraway struggled to keep a straight face.

Noel Phillips donned the mask as he visited a Virginia wildlife rescue centre on Thursday (14 March) for a special report after it was revealed staff there are dressing up in a fox mask to feed an orphaned cub.

The US correspondent can be seen struggling to get out of the mask and as the report cuts back to Garraway, she is seen laughing.

She asked:"I assume Melissa in the wildlife centre had a much smaller head than you. Was that the problem?.
Diane Abbott stood up 46 times during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, 13 March, but was ultimately denied the chance to speak after reporting a Tory donor to the police.

The MP filed a complaint with the Metropolitan Polices parliamentary liaison and investigations team after Frank Hester, who donated 10m to the Conservatives in 2023, was alleged to have said she should be shot.

Mr Hester admitted making rude comments about Ms Abbott but said they had nothing to do with her gender nor colour of skin.
The US State Department is warning Americans not to travel to Haiti as the Caribbean nation continues to grapple with spiralling gang violence after a state of emergency was declared last week.

On Monday, 11 March, Caribbean leaders and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met in Jamaica to urgently discuss the crisis.

Haitis prime minister Ariel Henry agreed to resign once a transitional presidential council is created.

The latest violence, which began on 29 February, has seen gang members burn down police stations and raid the countrys two biggest prisons, releasing more than 4,000 inmates.
Michael Gove refused repeatedly when asked if a Tory donors alleged comments calling for an MP to be shot would be deemed extremist under the governments new task force.

Businessman Frank Hester is alleged to have said that Diane Abbott, Britains first black female MP, made him want to hate all black women and that she should be shot, in comments the Prime Minister described as racist after initially refusing to do so.

Appearing on BBC Breakfast on Thursday (14 March), presenter Naga Munchetty asked Mr Gove repeatedly if the alleged comments would be deemed extremist.
Vladimir Putin has called on Russian citizens to cast their ballots in the upcoming presidential election, urging them to determine the fate of the fatherland.

Participation in the election today is a manifestation of patriotic feelings, the president said in a video statement released on Thursday 14 March.

It is necessary to reaffirm our unity and determination to move forward together. Each of your votes is valuable and significant. Therefore, I urge you to exercise your right to vote in the next three days.

Putin added Russia was going through a difficult period and in order to overcome the challenges we need to continue being united and self-confident.
Contrary to some views, investment in Irelands property market by overseas funds has been a vital part of our economic success story. Without that investment, thousands fewer apartments would have been built, rents would be higher and some companies would not have expanded here, due to lack of accommodation for staff.
Eddie Byrne, a former head of US lending at Anglo Irish Bank, has been appointed as CEO designate of Ires Reit, the states biggest private landlord.

He is succeeding Margaret Sweeney, with the appointment taking effect on May 1.

Ms Sweeney announced last October that she planned to retire as CEO after serving over six years at Ires, which has been fighting a rearguard action against an activist investor.

The company said Mr Byrnes appointment followed an extensive and rigorous selection process, which began last November and considered both internal and external candidates.

At Anglo, Eddie Byrne was credited with an aggressive lending drive in North America

Hugh Scott-Barrett, chair of Ires, said: Eddie has an extensive track record across Irish and international real estate, including most recently in the Irish residential sector  and has significant experience in building teams, interacting with local authorities, raising capital, executing transactions and developing strategic initiatives.

His experience will be a significant and complementary addition as we continue our previously announced strategic review which is considering all strategic options available to maximise value for shareholders.

For his part, Mr Byrne said: The real estate sector is going through a period of unprecedented change, making this a very exciting time to be joining the business.

In his role at Anglo Irish Bank, Mr Byrne was credited with presiding over an aggressive lending drive in North America which amassed a 8bn loan book.

Lone Star, John Graykens private equity firm, bought a portion of the loan book soon after the financial crash, and Mr Byrne was appointed its head of asset management in Ireland in January 2013.

Eddie Byrne

His CV also includes a stint as senior vice-president of Lone Star Funds in Boston, and chief portfolio officer at Propertize, a Netherlands-based underwriting and asset-management platform for Lone Star.

In the four years to last October he was joint managing partner at Quintain Developments Ireland, one of the countrys biggest residential real-estate developers, where he was credited with co-establishing a unit that built and sold about 1,500 rental and private homes.

Last month, the board of Ires Reit survived a revolt led by the activist shareholder Vision Capital, a Canadian fund with a 5.01pc stake in the business. It had proposed five new directors to take up positions on the nine-person board.

While the backing of most shareholders for the board and its management of the almost 4,000-strong portfolio of residential properties put an end to Visions attempt to trigger a sale of the portfolio, the relatively lacklustre support fed speculation that some of the issues would come back up for discussion at the AGM, scheduled for May 2.
The dispute centred on royalty withholding tax

A tech firm has won a 4.98m corporation tax battle with the Revenue Commissioners in a dispute centred on royalty withholding tax (RWHT).

This follows the Tax Appeals Commission (TAC) upholding the firms appeal against the Revenue assessment for the years covering 2010 to 2016.

The firm treated 27.82m in certain foreign royalty withholding tax incurred during the course of business in several overseas jurisdictions as a deductive expense on its corporation tax bill.

However, Revenue disallowed the 27.82m as a deductible expense, resulting in the 4.98m corporation tax bill for the company.

The appellant firm is an Irish registered and tax-resident company. It licensed technology solutions to licensees resident in overseas territories.

After a two-day oral hearing, the TAC found that the RWHT could be used as a deductible expense for tax for the years from 2010 to 2016 and that Revenue was incorrect to issue its assessment for 4.98m.

The TAC highlighted that RWHT is incurred irrespective of whether the firm earns any profits, and withholding tax is calculated on the gross income and not the profits.

It found in favour of the firm after concluding that it is entitled to treat RWHT as a final cost of doing business in those jurisdictions, as the tax is calculated prior to the ascertainment of profit.

It also said the tax is calculated irrespective of whether the appellant firm makes a profit or a loss, and found a nexus between the expense of RWHT and the earning of profits for deductibility.

The finance director of the company told the TAC that RWHT is one of the costs of doing business which the firm encounters on selling licenses to their customers resident in certain countries where RWHT is applied.

He said that the firm sells its products to distributors, of which there are less than 100 internationally, and then onwards to a network of resellers which are based in various countries.

The firm sells its products internationally to a wide range of countries in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

The finance director stated that the firm had no choice but to incur the cost of RWHT in the countries where it is levied, and so it said RWHT is ultimately a cost of doing business in those jurisdictions.

During the period, the appellant firm paid no corporation tax as its corporation tax liability was fully offset by R&D tax credits and the firms taxable profits being fully sheltered by relevant trade charges and/or R&D.

At the TAC, Revenue argued that all RWHTs deducted by a source state  regardless of whether that state is one with which Ireland does or does not have a double tax treaty  are taxes on income.

Revenue submitted that it fundamentally disagrees with the proposition that RWHT deducted in the source state from royalty income is an expense, laid out wholly and exclusively for the purposes of the trade.

Revenue also contended that foreign withholding taxes on royalties are by their nature taxes on income, and the fact that foreign withholding tax on royalties may be calculated as a percentage of the gross royalty does not mean that the tax is not in the nature of a tax on income profits.

The dispute may ultimately be decided by the High Court as the TAC decision confirms that it has been requested to sign a case for the opinion of the High Court in respect of the determination.
News comes as RTE is about to spend 1.5m on consultants to advise on reform

Four Irish media organisations have been allocated funding of 355,000 for this year by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The money is being disbursed from the Global Ireland Media Challenge Fund, which is part of a Government strategy to provide the public with better information about geopolitical events.

The Business Post is getting 100,000 from the fund, as is the Examiner, which is part of the Irish Times Group. Another 100,000 is going to Reach, a media brand that includes The Mirror, Irish Daily Star and RSVP.

The final 55,000 has been awarded to Bauer, the German multimedia conglomerate which owns Newstalk, Today FM, Spin 1038 and other radio stations. Patricia Monahan, managing editor of Newstalk, said: At Bauer Media Audio Ireland, we are committed to increasing our output of global issues. To that end we intend to use the funding received under the GIMCF to enhance our coverage of international affairs with particular relevance to Ireland and this countrys role in global affairs.

"Already this year we have reported from Chicago and Washington on the Tanaistes meetings with members of President Bidens administration, the US Congress, the Illinois Governor, and business representatives with operations in Ireland.

This week we are reporting from the US once again for the annual St Patricks day activities at the While House and Capitol Hill. Later this year we will continue to expand our international news coverage of major geo-political developments and the changing nature of Irelands role in the world.

Fund aims to increase knowledge, understanding and citizen engagement in global issues

Daniel McConnell, editor of the Business Post, said: As part of a modernisation of our newsroom, the Business Post has expanded our coverage of international affairs in key locations that matter to our readers such as London and Brussels.

The allocation of funding received under the Global Ireland Media Challenge Fund partly supports that expansion of our international division to allow us cover international events which matter to Ireland as well as exploring Irish activities, state and private companies, on a global stage."

Neil Leslie, group editor at Reach, said participating in the initiative has enhanced its capacity to keep audiences better informed on matters of international and public interest. "It has encouraged and enabled us to invest in extending coverage of global events with an Irish focus, such as Ireland's peacekeeping commitments, climate change, European and business affairs and Irish-America, he added.

"Producing journalism with an international dimension has become more challenging in a media landscape of declining circulation and the domination of advertising by tech platforms. Against that backdrop it is welcome that many jurisdictions across the world are exploring ways to support journalism through public policy initiatives.

The DFA said assignment of reporting tasks and allocation of responsibilities are matters for individual media organisations. Its website stresses that editorial independence within the overall terms of the initiative will be a bedrock principle of the fund.

The biggest recipient of funding from the scheme so far has been RTE, which was awarded 360,000 in 2022. That tranche runs out at the end of this year, when the station will have to decide if its going to apply again.

RTE used the funding, in part, to appoint Yvonne Murray as its global security reporter based in New York, Liam Nolan as its Eastern European reporter based in Warsaw, and Kagweni Micheni as its Africa reporter, based in Nairobi.

Virgin Media Television got 200,000 in the same round of awards, and The Journal got 90,000. Neither are currently in receipt of grants from the fund.

in 2021 the DFA appointed an expert advisory panel to provide independent expertise to the fund and help ensure good governance through informed decision-making on applications.

The panel includes leading journalists such as Conor Brady, a former editor of the Irish Times; Mark Little, co-founder of Storyful and Kinzen; Fionnuala Sweeney, a former CNN and RTE presenter; and John Walshe, the former education editor with the Irish Independent. Madeline Boughton, an assistant professor of communications at DCU, is also a member of the panel.

A panel of senior DFA officials completes the final evaluation of applications from media organisations.

The scheme is modelled on a similar one in the UK, run by the foreign, commonwealth and development office, which supports media groups to deliver trustworthy public-interest content.

It was initially set up as a pilot project by the Global Ireland unit of the DFA at a time when it was led by John Concannon, and had the brief of expanding Irelands diplomatic and business footprint worldwide.

Mr Concannon had previously run a strategic communications unit in the Department of the Taoiseach, which was shut down in 2018 after a controversy about advertorials it bought in newspapers to publicise the Project 2040 national development plan.

The DFA website says the fund aims to increase knowledge, understanding and citizen engagement in global issues, in the context of the Governments Global Ireland programme  growing our footprint, impact and influence in the world.

"By building the capacity of media outlets, the fund will support the provision of public information about major geopolitical developments and the changing nature of Irelands role in the world across a range of topics and geographical regions.

The pilot phase of the Global Ireland Media Challenge Fund is currently being reviewed

Meanwhile, RTE is to spend about 1.5m hiring consultants to help it navigate future reforms. They are expected to include consultants to assist with corporate strategy, change management, business transformation and enterprise risk management. The stations is expected to award the contracts in May.

There will be a need for a high degree of interaction between RTE personnel and any appointed supplier on individual projects, its tender document says.
The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill on Wednesday that would give TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance about six months to divest the U.S. assets of the short-video app used by about 170 million Americans or face a ban.

The bill passed 352-65, with bipartisan support, but it faces a more uncertain path in the Senate where some favour a different approach to regulating foreign-owned apps that could pose security concerns. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has not indicated how he plans to proceed.

TikTok's fate has become a major issue in Washington. Democratic and Republican lawmakers said their offices had received large volumes of calls from teenaged TikTok users who oppose the legislation, with the volume of complaints at times exceeding the number of calls seeking a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

The measure is also the latest in a series of moves in Washington to respond to U.S. national security concerns about China, from connected vehicles to advanced artificial intelligence chips to cranes at U.S. ports.

The vote comes just over a week since the bill was proposed following one public hearing with little debate, and after action in Congress had stalled for more than a year. Last month, President Joe Biden's re-election campaign joined TikTok, raising hopes among TikTok officials that legislation was unlikely this year.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee last week voted 50-0 in favour of the bill, setting it up for a vote before the full House.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew will visit Capitol Hill on Wednesday on a previously scheduled trip to talk to senators, a source briefed on the matter said.

"This legislation has a predetermined outcome: a total ban of TikTok in the United States," the company said before the vote. "The government is attempting to strip 170 million Americans of their Constitutional right to free expression," it added.

Biden said last week that he would sign the bill.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Tuesday the goal was ending Chinese ownership, not banning TikTok.

"Do we want TikTok, as a platform, to be owned by an American company or owned by China? Do we want the data from TikTok - children's data, adults' data - to be going, to be staying here in America or going to China?" he said.

It is unclear whether China would approve any sale or if TikTok's U.S. assets could be divested in six months.

If ByteDance failed to do so, app stores operated by Apple , Alphabet's Google and others could not legally offer TikTok or provide web hosting services to ByteDance-controlled applications.

In 2020, then-President Donald Trump sought to ban TikTok and Chinese-owned WeChat but was blocked by the courts. In recent days he had raised concerns about a ban. It remains unclear if Tencent's WeChat or other high-profile Chinese-owned apps could face a ban under the legislation.

Any forced TikTok divestment from the U.S. would almost certainly face legal challenges, which the company would need to file within 165 days of the bill being signed by the president. In November, a U.S. judge blocked a Montana state ban on TikTok use after the company sued.
Comedian Blaithin de Burca goes in search of the lost Irish language of sex in new RTE documentary The Irish for Sex

According to a report in The Washington Post from 2012, the claim, frequently dismissed as a myth, that Alaskan Natives have more than 50 different words for snow turned out to be true after all.

Apparently, the latest research had shown that the Inuit dialect spoken in Canadas Nunavik region has at least 53, depending on what kind of snow it was (wet, powdery, packed, etc).

We dont get all that much of the cold white stuff in this country, so we get along perfectly fine with just snow, or if youre an Irish speaker, sneachta.

But as comedian Blaithin de Burca reveals in her amusing, if sometimes scattershot, bilingual documentary The Irish for Sex (RTE1, Thursday, March 14), when it comes to talking about the most fun two people can have without actually laughing, the Irish language has never really been fit for purpose.

What is the Irish for clitoris? is among the many questions she asks (to save you the trouble, its brillin).

Its worth pointing out that there was a time when printing that word, in either language, in an Irish newspaper would have resulted in the wrath of the Catholic Church raining down upon the editors head like a hail of sharpened rosary beads.

We can print it now, of course, along with other once-forbidden words like vagina and vulva, without fear of a bishops head exploding. But the native tongue, as it was taught to generations of quivering schoolkids by Christian Brothers wielding leather straps or bamboo canes, was full of gaps where the words for various female body parts, and for various sexual practices, should have been.

This is what happens when a religious patriarchy has control of the language, deciding what goes in and what stays out, erasing, excluding, sanitising, suppressing and, by extension, oppressing the female experience and female sexuality.

This is what happens when a religious patriarchy has control of language

Words may have been lost, says Dr Sharon Arbuthnot, or there may never have been any.

De Burcas mother, who taught her Irish and worked for three years on the English-Irish dictionary, recalls how, growing up in the Gaeltacht, women had an Irish word for testicles, but none for vagina. The only period that was ever discussed was the full-stop kind.

Anything from the waist down wasnt talked about, says gaeilgeoir Maire Ni Chinneide, because all things bodily were considered sinful.

Ireland wasnt always like this, though. As de Burca travelled around the country, talking to gaeilgeoirs, historians, artists and fellow comedians, including comedy group The Four Geeze, she delves into rich, earthy linguistic, cultural and sexual history.

This was the Ireland of the Sheela na gigs, the wonderfully bawdy 12th century carvings of women displaying their outsized vulvas, and of the one-of-a-kind Mediaeval manuscript about womens medicine that refers to blah banda  womens bloom, more commonly called menstruation.

Once you got away from Dublin, says artist Siobhan OCallaghan, a playful Irish-language vocabulary about sex exists, often employing geographical shapes. No prizes for guessing which female body part goilin/inlet refers to.

To the delight of de Burca, whos a member of the LGBTQ community, shes shown a stanza from the 12th or 13th century, relating how Finn McCools daughter cast off womanhood to pursue manhood.

In the Kerry Gaeltacht, de Burca meets with the members of Allagar na hAoine, a group dedicated to keeping endangered words alive. Their colourful leader Toose Mac Gearailt is an absolute hoot, as well as a font of knowledge.

Toose blames the neutering of the Irish language on matters of sex on city life under the thumb of the Catholic Church. Ireland was never like that, ever! he says.

He then proceeds to educate us in how Irish words for breasts (oft, round ones, or sharp ones standing out) go back to the 11th century, and that the Irish for G-spot is ball seis. This knowledge, he says, came from working with farm animals from the age of seven.

Like most documentaries presented by comedians, this sometimes leans a little too heavily into distracting irreverence, but its a fresh, engaging, and informative hour of television. 
Fr Tony Flattery has been unable to celebrate mass publicly since his faculties were revoked in a Vatican crackdown on liberal views. Photo: Frank McGrath

Banned Redemptorist priest Tony Flannery plans to question the survival of the Roman Catholic church at a public talk in Galway shortly before Easter Sunday.

Fr Flannery (77), who was suspended from public ministry by the Vatican in 2012, intends to give his views on whether religious belief as we have known it can survive in modern Ireland.

He also intends to pay tribute to Pope Francis for freeing up discussion, areas of study and the search for the truth.

The Redemptorist priest had been disciplined in 2012 for publicly expressing support for womens ordination and same-sex marriage, and for expressing more liberal views on homosexuality.

Although he has been outspoken since his suspension and was profiled in a recent TG4 documentary, he has not given a public talk with a question and answer session in six years.

He says the talk he intends to give in the Clayton Hotel, Galway on March 27 was scheduled to be given in church property several months ago.

However, when the organisers learned that the ban imposed on him applied not only to speaking in churches but to speaking in "all church-owned property", a new venue had to be found.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 14th March 2024

Fr Flannery says that in spite of his suspension, he has studied and read and has been contemplating how best to address the falling attendances at Mass and the falling away in general from the Catholic faith.

If we take the traditional indications of the health of the faith as measured by the Catholic Church... then all the signs are that it is in serious trouble, and that the faith is in the terminal stage of ill health, he says.

Churches are emptying or are being frequented only by the older generation, he says, noting that seminaries are closing down, and priest numbers are declining rapidly.

There appear to be few, if any signs of new growth - but that is by no means the full story.

We are living in a really interesting time in the [Catholic] church since the arrival of the papacy of Francis. Even in the 11 years since his appointment he has brought about a great deal of change,he says.

I have no doubt that the biggest legacy Pope Francis will leave from his time in charge is that he has freed up discussion, areas of study and the search for truth in the church - all of which had been seriously restricted for many centuries by rigid imposition of official teachings.

The pre-Francis church had adopted the position that it had the full truth, and that it had nothing to learn from the world.

Francis, on the other hand, realised that in order for the church to be relevant, it must engage with modern life, and be part of the debate about the future of the world and of people.

He cites as examples of that attitude change the extent to which Francis has engaged in the debate about the destruction of the environment and the necessity of facing up to climate change.

Fr Flannery says all are welcome to his talk in Galways Clayton Hotel, Briarhill, on March 27, and will allow for a question and answer session.

Last year, the Association of Catholic Priests (ACP) and Lay Catholic Group (LCG) called for him to be restored to the ministry and said he had experienced a grave injustice.
My dad was a strong person  so if this can happen to him, what else is happening?  Martin Abbott's daughter on his death in University Hospital Limerick
A MAN accused of causing the death of a grandmother who died after a collision with an e-scooter in Dublin has been further remanded in custody pending the preparation of a book of evidence.
A man was rushed to hospital yesterday after suffering serious injuries during a machete attack in the latest violent incident on Dublins Talbot Street.

The attack occurred in broad daylight at around 4.30pm on the city centre street  in almost the exact same location where American tourist Stephen Termini (57) suffered serious injuries last year.
A criminal who was nicknamed the Little General as an out-of-control teenager has died suddenly in Dublin on Tuesday.

Glen Keegan (40s) achieved notoriety in Ireland when his antics as a teenager hit the headlines two decades ago.

He had built up a reputation as one of the countrys most prolific car thieves.

Keegan was dubbed the Little General after being described as a one-man crime wave during the 80s and 90s. At the time, Martin The General Cahill was the most notorious criminal figure in the city.

Keegans body was discovered yesterday in Dublin, however, his death is not being treated as suspicious by gardai.

His sister Deborah last night lead tributes on social media: Heartbroken to say my baby brother Glen Keegan has passed away, back in the arms of my mother and father  love ya Glen.

Glen Keegan

Keegan first came to garda attention aged 10 and was arrested for stealing cars by 13.

He was reportedly so small that he had to use a cushion in order to reach the steering wheel.

The Dubliner used to put on driving displays for youngsters in Tallaght and taunt gardai, who were unable to catch him.

Judges would send Keegan to young offenders institutions for joyriding, but as soon as he was released he would go back to theft, telling social services he got a great buzz out of it.

He escaped from detention nearly a dozen times.

Last night, Keegans pals also took to social media to pay tribute to him.

Lost for words, until we meet again bro, wrote a friend.

"Rip Glen Keegan still can't believe it you will be missed Keego you were very good friends to our family always treated us like your own family.

"You would always pop in every few days for your cup of tea and chat... best friends in this life since you were children, you will be missed terribly.

"Still can't get it out of my head seeing all your family broken hearted today, God give use (sic) all the strength in this sad time as they would say, Glen Keegan, known as the Young GENERAL, wrote another friend.

The Little General

In 1998 Keegan was sent to St Patricks Institution for young offenders for 19 months for a string of crimes involving stealing cars and other driving offences.

The Little Generals most serious criminal conviction was a seven-year sentence imposed in July, 2007, for an armed robbery of a bank porter.

The porter was able to activate a silent alarm during the incident in May, 2005, and Keegan pointed his replica gun at an unarmed garda during a chase before he was arrested.

Dublin Circuit Court previously heard that he had 28 previous convictions including three for assault and 13 for road traffic offences.

His barrister stated that most of his client's convictions related to addiction issues.

Despite his criminal pedigree sources said that Keegan had been living on the straight and narrow for a number of years.
A directly elected executive mayor has been talked about for many years in the case of Dublin  and they are still talking about it. But the idea was shot down by voters following plebiscites in Cork and Waterford.

So, it falls to the citizens of Limerick city and county, who did endorse the idea, to lead the national experiment with the first ever directly elected mayor in this country. Voting is in just 12 weeks time on the same day in early June as council and European elections  and the campaign is already heating up.

Things burst into life this week with the unveiling of two prominent candidates. Helen ODonnell, who has a huge history of activism, will fly the community banner, while former Limerick Chamber of Commerce head, Dee Ryan, will stand for Fianna Fail.

Ms Ryan  previously a member of Fine Gael and later Labour  is already putting some early grit into the campaign works via past social media posts of her castigating her current party leader, Micheal Martin, who was in Limerick to personally launch her candidature. It gives Ms Ryan and her backers some early challenges to overcome.

Nothing new there, as Limerick is long renowned for very gutsy political battles and producing combative national household names across the party divides, like Willie ODea, Jim Kemmy, Des OMalley and Michael Noonan. This contest has huge potential to deliver more of the same.

Other candidates already declared include Independent John Moran, the countrys first and only non-civil servant to head the Finance Department due to the financial crash; Green Party TD Brian Leddin, whose family are steeped in Limerick politics going back to the States foundation; and Elisa ODonovan from the Social Democrats.

Sinn Fein is also expected to field a strong candidate. The only issue to be resolved there is whether it will be their poll-topping Limerick city TD, Maurice Quinlivan, or another contender.

There may well be other candidates. There is speculation about former Fine Gael mayor of Limerick city Kevin Kiely, who has been an Independent for many years. It will be surprising if there will not be others to add colour and combativeness to a visceral political battle.

The city versus county dynamic is part of potential conflict issues. In 2014 both local council areas were merged into one, ending a history of the office of city mayor which dated back to the end of the 12th century.

While citizens of Limerick city sometimes viewed their local councillors as figures of fun, they more usually took the office of mayor more seriously, ranking highly those who could speak eloquently and strongly for them. 

Since the preponderance of the population is city-based, candidates based there will have a better jumping-off point at very least. Ms ODonnell will have a certain advantage here as she has long been based close to the city but  via the ODonnell clan  she also has county connections.

Ms ODonnell is the widow of Tom ODonnell, a Fine Gael former government minister and MEP who was widely revered. She has long been engaged in Limerick business and public affairs, and it is notable that she has avoided standing for Fine Gael, a move which could well broaden her appeal.

The directly elected mayor model aims to give real power in local government back to those elected by the people. Since the 1930s Ireland has had a system of local administration rather than local government.

City and county managers  referred to as chief executives since some changes in 2014  still have the vast bulk of real powers over matters which counted. The new legislation for an executive Limerick mayor, put through the Dail by junior local government minister, Kieran ODonnell of Limerick, remains a hybrid.

Under the legislation the new mayor will take over the executive powers, ideally making them the most important official in Limerick city and county.

But it is notable that the chief executive role will continue, under the guise of director general, making for interesting challenges between the newly elected executive mayor and the representative of the permanent government.

The official argument that the new office must have time to evolve has raised eyebrows among politicians of all hues. Real change would require removing the chief executive role, the argument goes.

But that is all for later this year and into the ensuing years. In Limerick the focus right now is on who can win this glittering political prize.
Homelessness campaigner Fr Peter McVerry has said the new Government 90-day limit on State accommodation for Ukrainian arrivals will leave children homeless on the streets at a time when tented encampments are already heaving with desperate asylum-seekers.

We opened our doors and our hearts when they first arrived from war, and now we are closing our doors and our hearts, Fr McVerry said.

Ordinary people, he said, were still being generous, but the State had broken the solidarity it promised. Where is the compassion?

He said there were already 1,000 international protection applicants on the streets and without permanent shelter, with 13,000 others homeless, and thousands more in emergency accommodation. And now we are going to be adding more after 90 days. I cant believe this, said Fr McVerry.

At the same time we are putting tens of millions of euro away for a rainy day. That is government economic policy, but at the very least it lacks compassion for the vulnerable and the traumatised.

We are going to be putting little children out with their parents. We are going to have a situation where there are all these people on the streets with nowhere to go, he said.

The Governments offer of State accommodation for arriving Ukrainians is limited to 90 days from today.

The move was approved at Cabinet in January and legislation passed last week. Their allowance will also be reduced from 232 to just 38.80 per week while living in State provision.

Once they leave the centres, they will be able to apply for social welfare and look to source their own accommodation, Roderic OGormans Integration Department said.

Fr McVerry said the Integration Department was handing the problem on to the Department of Housing. It is the very worst case ever of passing the buck, he said.

The first five new reception centres have been announced at Ballyogan Road in Dublin (with capacity for 392 refugees); Stradbally in Laois, (950); Fernbank, Limerick city (250); Punchestown, Co Kildare (378), and Gerald Griffin Street in Cork City (107).

The Government said its current offering was unsustainable and changes were needed.

Fr McVerry said the State had a legal obligation to future arrivals, but its neo-liberal attitude was that they were not going to contribute to the economy and therefore deserved the bare minimum.

The accommodation market is very tough at the moment  you are locating people in Dublin, Limerick and Cork, where demand is high, said Anatoly Primakov of Ukrainian Action in Ireland.

He said refugees displaced from their State accommodation after 90 days would find that they have 500 to their name, and they have to come up with a first months deposit.

How are they going to do that? he asked. I think it might be pretty much impossible for people with children.

Emma Lane-Spollen of the Ukraine Civil Society Forum said the only lifeline would be hosting in the homes of ordinary citizens.

It will be the only route out of these centres, because the State is washing its hands, she told RTE radio.

The two reasons Ukrainians had come to Ireland was the extreme distance from the war and because of the opportunity to learn English, she said. It is a policy of deterrence.

But the Government said the changes being made would bring Irelands provision for Ukrainians in line with other EU countries.

The changes dont affect Ukrainians already here.

The department also said the change does not apply to people seeking international protection in Ireland, but it is only for people fleeing the war in Ukraine who request temporary protection here.

Fr McVerry said there would be sadness over the Ukrainians suddenly made homeless.

I think this Government is focusing on the figures  not the figures of homeless, but the figures in their national accounts. I do think that in their ideology they see anything spent on refugees as wasted money, he said.

It is very judgmental. It says that you dont have much value, and therefore you are getting very little from us.

There is going to be enormous suffering as a result of this decision, and it will be extraordinarily difficult for the people to get by in their ordinary lives. But the Government doesnt care. It really is beyond belief.
The locations of the search operation in Cork

Gardai have arrested ten people as part of a major anti-organised crime operation amid an ongoing search for a suspected drugs cache.

Senior gardai believe a major international drug smuggling pipeline has been smashed.

While extensive searches are ongoing, no major drug consignment has been located as yet.

Gardai confirmed their investigation is ongoing but refused to comment in detail.

"This morning (March 14) An Garda Siochana commenced an operation in west Cork. During the course of the operation 10 males (ages ranging from mid 20s to mid 50s) were arrested," a Garda spokesperson confirmed.

"All 10 males continue to be detained at a garda station in Cork county under organised crime legislation.

"A number of vehicles were also detained and remain detained subject to ongoing technical examination. An Garda Siochana is making no further comment at this time."

The arrests came after a significant Garda operation in west Cork with four people being arrested in one single raid after a camper van was dramatically stopped on the outskirts of Leap village on Thursday morning.

All four were arrested when the luxury camper van was ordered to a stop by armed Gardai near a crossroads outside Leap village.

The vehicle was later removed for a detailed forensic and technical examination by Garda experts.

Six others - all males - were arrested at other locations.

Those arrested have been taken to a number of Cork garda stations.

Gardai also conducted major searches in the Tragumna area.

The Garda deployment involved multiple vehicles deployed throughout Leap, Tragumna and Skibbereen as well as searches conducted nationally.

A second vehicle, a lorry, was also stopped and examined by Gardai as part of the operation.
Exclusive |

They said I was going to be safe, it was going to be fun and Id probably win it  Louis Walsh talks about his 1m stint on Big Brother
Family, friends and Charlies loyal companion, Tiger, gathered at Dublins Mansion House to celebrate the life and times of legendary broadcaster

A service to remember the late journalist and campaigner Charlie Bird in the Round Room at the Mansion House on Dawson Street in the city centre. Pic:Mark Condren 14.3.2023

A framed picture, as well as the stick Charlie Bird used climbing Croagh Patrick, are brought to his memorial service at the Mansion House, Dublin. Photo: Mark Condren

A special service to celebrate the life of broadcaster and campaigner Charlie Bird has heard he was a family man, a news man, and a man whose hand of friendship reached deep into the psyche of the nation.

Hundreds of people gathered at the Round Room of the Mansion House in Dublin today to pay their respects to the veteran RTE journalist who died of Motor Neurone Disease on Monday.

Charlies eldest daughter Orla said she and her sister Neasa grew up with a dad who had an extraordinary career.

It's almost impossible to know where family life ended and career started because it was such a big part of all of our lives. The news was a permanent fixture in our home, so the two are closely intertwined, she said, remembering days when the phone would ring at all hours of the day or night and Charlie would throw some stuff in a bag and run out the door, and they would only know where he was when his face would appear later on the television.

Read more Charlie Bird  A life in pictures

She also remembered the weekly Sunday walks that were a non-negotiable family activity that carried on much to their horror into their teenage years, and the family holidays with Charlie and their mother, where they would pack the car and head to France and arrive at a campsite.

We would happily watch-on as dad sweated and muttered swear words under his breath as he tried to pitch the tent, until finally hed blow his top, causing much amusement for us all. It would end with an aperitif in hand eating our favourite tinned ravioli, and somehow we always ended up sleeping safely in that tent, she explained.

As we grew into teenagers, we started to spread our own wings. We both went to art college. We travelled on J1s to the States and Dad would always write letters in his barely legible hieroglyphics that would take us a couple of re-reads to actually make any sense of. Hed always put in a couple of quid and tell us not to spend it all in the same shop. And he signed it off always by telling us to keep smiling.

Charlie Bird's wife Claire Mould and their dog Tiger arriving for his memorial service at the Mansion House, Dublin. Photo: Mark Condren

Orla also told of her and Neasa being very careful if they were bringing a boy home, or drop a name of one into a conversation, because their dad would raise an eyebrow and steal a glance in their direction.

You just made sure you were seriously interested in someone before you brought them home. On one occasion, after a Debs when I arrived with a particularly handsome date, the key barely entered into the door and dad appeared with his wide eyes saying everything that needed to be said as he immediately showed our guest to the front sitting room of our house to sleep on a sofa that was overlooked directly from a balcony that led to our parents room, she said to laughter from those gathered.

Neasa Bird made everyone curious by saying that Orlas Debs date is now a famous Hollywood star, but kept everyone guessing by not revealing his name.

Neasa said that her father's motor neurone disease diagnosis was his "worst fear realised" and said he was "devastated and afraid".

"Watching Dad grappling with that was heart-breaking, and as we frankly admitted to him on more than one occasion, all the more difficult for the very public way he chose to deal with it.

"But that was Dad's way, and as much as we might have wanted to retreat with him to a more private space in the last few years, the tenacity of spirit and the perseverance which saw Dad achieve so much meant that he was always going to do it his way.

RTE journalist George Lee (right) was among the mourners at Charlie Bird's memorial service. Photo: Collins

"In doing so, he inspired and gave solace to countless others, and that is no small thing. Rather, it is a very great thing."

She said on the day before he died, Bird "painstakingly typed out a final message" about courage and a fear that his courage would falter.

"But Dad's courage did not falter because his courage, his amazing bravery and, ultimately, his legacy is the way that he showed us all that it is okay to despair.

"It is okay to be afraid. It is human to be angry when dealt with a hand like MND. It is okay because as he also showed us after all of that, or more accurately in the midst of all of that, there is still purpose, there is still joy, and there is still hope."

Charlies wife Claire Mould began to deliver her memories of him when their dog Tiger started to whimper, so she brought him to the podium too.

She said she was "heartbroken" at his death and that it was an "absolute privilege" to look after her husband during his illness.

"What made me fall in love with Bird was his zest for life. There was never a dull moment when you were with him.

"He always loved being the centre of attention, loved all the craic. He travelled the world, always looking for adventures, and we had so many.

"I love you Bird, I'm going to miss you so much, she said, before playing a poignant video with a montage of clips from his life at home and in his fundraising endeavours, overlaid to the song Ill See You In My Dreams by Bruce Springsteen.

Charlie Bird's funeral takes place in Dublin

Former RTE correspondent Joe OBrien told the service that his friend had his own dynamic style of reporting.

Audiences grew to admire and respect the clarity and forcefulness of this delivery. When I think of Charlie, I think of his boundless energy and his nose for news, he said.

He had great people skills. He was witty and cheeky and he was also honest and forthright. But Charlie was brave beyond words: Charlie revelled in the excitement of factfinding and live broadcasting and in his secret hush-hush meetings along the border.

But what I treasure most is our daily coffee and our strolls around the Donnybrook campus. We had many a relaxed Friday night drink when he talked about family, world affairs, his passion for Irish politics and his fascination with the internal politics of RTE, he said.

Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lt General Sean Clancy, said he really got to know Charlie and Claire in the lead-up to his Climb With Charlie event to the summit of Croagh Patrick in Co Mayo two years ago.

In that period, I came to know Charlie, what he stood for, his values, his resilience, his fortitude, his determination and his overwhelming loyalty to his family, to Claire, to his daughters, to his grandchildren, to so many of his friends.

It was in this timeframe also, of course, that Charlie chose to support certain charities by selflessly dedicating the remaining years of his life, utilising those extraordinary journalistic skills that he had, but more importantly, his ability to build relationships. And of course, we all know by his extension of his hand of friendship to everybody.

The catalyst and the centre of gravity for Climb With Charlie was, of course, the man himself. And its impact, I have no doubt, will transcend time and will live with all of us in our memory and in our hearts, because that day was simply special. But what strikes me most about that extraordinary time and the last few years is that despite the fact that Charlie had lost his voice I don't think he was ever more heard, he added.

His hand of friendship reached deep into the psyche of the nation. At a time of great void, a time of great vulnerability, a time of great need, a time of Covid-19, and that was a time we're all very grateful for.

The coffin of Charlie Bird (Brian Lawless/PA)

It was a privilege for us all to know Charlie Bird, in particular in the latter part of his life when he gave us his camera to look deep into his world through an MND lens, a world is that it was a privilege to be let into even if for a brief moment, he said.

Fr Charlie McDonnell was parish priest in Westport when Climb With Charlie took place, and he blessed Charlies wicker coffin, and said not only did Charlie climb the mountain, but he brought the country with him.

He brought the country with him on his climb, not just of that mountain, but of the mountain he was climbing in his own life. A mountain towards death. He did it his way, and his way came at a price to him and those close to him. And yet in his giving, he never gave up, he added.

Other speakers included former RTE journalist and presenter Sean ORourke, who highlighted the different news stories that Charlie covered at home and abroad; Stardust campaigner Antoinette Keegan who thanked Charlie for supporting their cause for 43 years and for his constant support; and LGBT rights activist Karl Hayden.

Charlie Bird's beloved dog Tiger began to whimper when Claire Mould spoke about her late husband during his memorial service. Photo: Mark Condren

Series Editor of TV News in RTE, Dympna Moroney, and former Chief News Editor Ray Burke also spoke of working with Charlie, and the challenges it would sometimes present.

Ms Moroney told one tale of working on one project with him when suddenly he got a call from a contact and he had to leave her to go and meet this man in a dark car park in town.

He locked me in the car and ran off saying if Im not back in 20 minutes, first ring the newsroom, then ring the Guards. Despite all the bickering we never fell out, and at the end of the day hed just say Come here, give me a hug, and lets move on,.

Symbols of Charlies life presented by his grandchildren were a set of rosary beads given to him by singer Daniel ODonnell, the staff he used when he climbed Croagh Patrick, a Bruce Springsteen book and a hand-painted postcard by RTE colleague Joe Duffy, two biographies of his life, and a photograph of him with his grandchildren.

His favourite Bruce Springsteen song, Land of Hope and Dreams, was played before singer and musician Kevin Conneff sang The Parting Glass.

A framed picture, as well as the stick Charlie Bird used climbing Croagh Patrick, are brought to his memorial service at the Mansion House, Dublin. Photo: Mark Condren

RTE presenter Miriam OCallaghan was among the mourners (Brian Lawless/PA).
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said Americas close ties to Israel will not deflect him from raising the plight of the people of Gaza while speaking to US leaders.

Speaking in Washington DC Mr Varadkar said there is nothing he wouldnt say back home that he would not also say about the Israeli war on Gaza while on the his St Patricks Day trade mission in the US.

However, Mr Varadkar said sometimes he has to tailor the message for the audience that's hearing it.

I appreciate that there will be a difference of opinions in relation to Israel and Gaza - you know, there's very strong historic support for Israel in the US, for lots of different reasons, but that's not going to deflect me from saying what I feel needs to be said, he said.

The Taoiseach said he was struck by the number of people who approached him at a European Peoples Party (EPP) congress in Bucharest last week and praised him for his stance on the war in Gaza.

What I did not expect was people coming up to me at congress from sister organisations saying 'fair play, thanks for raising it', we're increasingly uncomfortable with our own government's position, our own party's position on Israel. I didn't expect it. So that kind of encouraged me to keep doing it, he added.

The Taoiseach said he was also encouraged by the response he has received when raising the need for America to continue supporting Ukraines war efforts against the Russian invasion.

We need America in this battle to save Ukrainian democracy and sovereignty and independence, and I don't think the war will stop in Ukraine.

If Ukraine falls, Putin will have another target - and there's a number of European prime ministers in town today, I'm not the only one, and weve very much tried to put that message across to our American friends - that if Putin is successful in Ukraine, he will at some point test NATO, and the consequences then for all of us are very serious.

I'm very keen to use any opportunity I have to speak to US Congressional leaders in particular about getting the legislation passed to provide the funding and support for Ukraine that it needs, he added.
Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue has admitted that he has not yet visited a makeshift refugee camp just one kilometre away from Leinster House.

Minister McConalogue is currently in Kenya announcing a food aid package as part of a 75 million commitment from the Irish Government to the world food programme, making his visit as part of his St Patricks Day exhibition.

The visit to Kenya, south Sudan and Ethiopia ties in with an announcement he will make of a further 105 million aid package from Government for the World Food Programme, tackling world hunger.

Mr McConalogue visited a refugee camp in Kenya yesterday, and was asked if he had visited the makeshift camp outside the International Protection Office on Mount Street in Dublin which had about 270 refugees sleeping in tents as of this week.

I havent, no, but my focus this week is on the World Food Programme, he told RTEs Morning Ireland.

The public in Ireland will understand the massive work and welcome we have given to people right across the country, particularly from Ukraine and other parts of the world.

They are responsibilities that we take very seriously at home. Given the level of commitment we have at home there are capacity issues at the moment we are working to address, he said.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 14th March 2024

Several asylum seekers were moved back onto the streets after receiving temporary accommodation during heavy snowfall earlier this month, and are now sleeping in the tent city outside the IPO.

It brings to more than 1,000 asylum seekers who are now without accommodation in the State.

The minister added that it is important that we step up the commitment with the World Food Programme internationally.

He stressed that there 230,000 people surviving hand to mouth at the UN Refugee Camp at Kakuma in north west Kenya, which he visited.

Minister McConalogue was also asked how he voted in the Referendums and how much canvassing he did leading up to polling day.

I voted Yes Yes. I canvassed on a number of occasions. I didnt keep count how much, he said.

In relation to Fianna Fail colleagues who voted NoNo, the minster was asked how his party can be trusted in an upcoming election campaign, when they are urging people to vote one way but then voting the opposite way themselves.

Minister McConalogue said: The public dont always listen to their representatives. That shows that the public themselves make up their mind.

Likewise in relation to our own party representatives we are a large party and every member can talk and discuss how they voted.

Like the public who changed their view over the final week of the campaign, it would appear a small number of public representatives did too.

Mr McConalogue said it was a mistake to break rules on campaigning using State resources in urging farmers to vote Yes.

There was a mistake, which I immediately recognised, relating to a statement I put out from a department email address from a member of my team, he said.

That shouldnt have happened, that was a mistake, it was something I recognised. I take very seriously the need to ensure that there is a separation between the work of Government departments and the political work that takes place during a referendum.

A press release that should have went from the Fianna Fail press office went from a member of my teams departmental email, it shouldnt have happened, he said.
US investors have been told that Northern Ireland is open for business as the regions political leadership addressed a major event in Washington DC.

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly made the remarks at the Ireland Funds national gala, a key part of annual St Patricks Day celebrations in the US city.

The Sinn Fein and Democratic Unionist Party pairing took centre stage at the event on Wednesday which was also attended by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, speaks at the Ireland Funds national gala (Niall Carson/PA)

Mr Varadkar is on a week-long visit to Washington which will see him engage with US President Joe Biden at the White House on a variety of issues including economic ties between the two countries and the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

Representatives from the Northern Ireland Executive, which was restored six weeks ago after a long-running boycott by the DUP over post-Brexit trading arrangements, arrived in Washington DC for engagements with investors, community groups and politicians.

Ms ONeill said Stormont representatives were in the US to advocate for Northern Ireland and set out shared priorities.

She said: Were also here with a clarion call to all US investors that were open for businesses, that government has been reinstated  its functional again.

Ms Little-Pengelly said Northern Ireland is a place of great hope, determination and ambition.

She added: We want to work hand-in-hand, shoulder-to-shoulder in terms of that investment and building that amazing future we know that Northern Ireland has.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland praised the two leaders message to the US audience.

Ms ONeill and Ms Little-Pengelly stressed they were in the US to advocate for Northern Ireland and set out shared priorities (Niall Carson/PA)

Speaking to the PA news agency, Chris Heaton-Harris said: Two amazing women are leading their nation, bringing a message of positivity about the future about what Northern Ireland can achieve.

I dont think you can ask for a better message to this crowd.

Mr Heaton-Harris said he would be using his time in the US to emphasise that Northern Ireland has unique economic opportunities and that the UK Government is always going to support the region.

Asked if he felt the Westminster administration had to play catch-up with announcements from the Irish Government about investment in projects in Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Secretary added: I think were pretty comfortable with the 14.8 billion block funding and the 3.3 billion we stuck in to get the Executive back up and running.

During his speech to the gala, Mr Varadkar said there was new hope and new beginning for Northern Ireland following the restoration of power-sharing.

He said: We will do whatever it takes to help build and make the idea of a better future a reality for everyone.

The Taoiseach told the crowd that Palestinian civilians are being subject to humiliation and starvation during the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Mr Varadkar has repeatedly said he will tell the US president that Irish people strongly believe there should be an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

He told the audience: We, as Europeans and Americans that are at least in some part responsible for the troubles in the region, have a duty to do all that we can to bring peace and justice to the Holy Land.

Sinn Fein Leader Mary Lou McDonald speaking to the media at the gala (Niall Carson/PA)

Meanwhile, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald defended the partys attendance at US events, amid calls for Irish politicians to boycott the Washington trip over Gaza.

Ms McDonald told reporters at the black-tie, 1,000-dollar-per-ticket gala that she would talk to the devil himself to bring about ceasefire.

She said: I feel a huge sense of responsibility to do everything that I possibly can to bring about ceasefire, to advocate for the people of Palestine.

The gala raised 1.2 million dollars for the Ireland Funds charity, which promotes peace, culture, education and community development across the island of Ireland and around the world.

Mr Varadkar and the Northern Irish political leadership were scheduled to continue engagements across Washington DC on Thursday.
Integration Minister Roderic OGorman has been warned that he has allowed the creation of a permanent blight in central Dublin where a tent city of homeless asylum seekers is growing.

Fianna Fails Jim OCallaghan said in a letter to the minister there had been exponential growth in the tent city of refugees outside the International Protection Office (IPO) in Mount Street.

It is an appalling situation that has been allowed to fester, he said, and was considerably worse than ever before.

The number of people in tents is growing on a daily basis, he wrote.

There are an estimated 1,000 asylum seekers homeless, with about 220 now in the encampment, where conditions have been described as appalling with no hygiene facilities.

There are now approximately 150 tents, he said. These were now blocking the public footpath preventing wheelchair users and other members of the public from being able to pass.

Mr OCallaghan said the whole area is now a complete mess with rubbish and detritus everywhere to a much more severe degree than in previous weeks.

It is now a permanent blight on our city  particularly as our national holiday approaches, he said, referring to St Patricks Day.

It will also get worse, given the lack of space at the IPO, he said.

There is a significant risk that there will be an outbreak of disease in the area, Mr OCallaghan warned.

This will have very detrimental consequences, not only on the applicants in tents but also on the people in the surrounding vicinity.

It is simply unacceptable that the State is permitting such an unauthorised development on one of our busiest streets.

He said the authorities had to make some effort to inform the applicants that they are not permitted to camp there.

As to where they should go, he said it cannot be a solution that they simply pitch up tents on a busy street.

Some other outdoor location should be identified, he said, where tented accommodation and hygiene facilities can be provided.

The Government needs to engage with the reality of an influx that we demonstrably cannot handle, Mr OCallaghan said.

An estimated 60pc of arrivals are economic migrants. Their presence damages those who have come here legitimately seeking International Protection, he said.

Much more needs to be done to reduce the number entering to a level that can be accommodated. He wants for resumed checks at airplane doors at Dublin Airport so that anyone without documents is refused disembarkation.

Action now needs to be taken by Government so more countries are added to our list of safe countries, he said.

We are way behind many other EU countries, notwithstanding the great humanity and sympathy that Irish people and Government have shown.

Otherwise, we will inevitably face an even greater proliferation of tents not just in Mount Street but throughout many other parts of Dublin.

This is a difficult issue and there are no simple solutions. Nonetheless, we cannot allow the situation to continue as it is.
Leo Varadkar rules out competing in 'Dancing with the Stars' as he weighs in on this years' winner

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has suggested a former Dancing with the Stars winner could make a surprise move into politics.

Speaking in Washington DC, the Taoiseach said he would not take part in the RTE dance competition.

And he said Justice Minister Helen McEntee would be a good contestant on the show.

However, he went on to suggest that one of the former winners of the show could enter politics.

The Taoiseach did not name the person, but previous winners of the RTE show include Aidan O'Mahony, Nina Carberry, Carl Mullan, Jake Carter and Mairead Ronan.

Even though I will never be entering Dancing With the Stars, dont underestimate the ability of people who have been winners to enter politics," Mr Varadkar said.

Asked if he would consider going on the show, Mr Varadkar joked: Have you ever seen me dance?

That would not be something I would ever consider  balance and coordination would not be my best strengths, unfortunately. So I will never be performing on Dancing with the Stars.

Mr Varadkar said he is sorry to miss the final but will be travelling home from Washington when it airs on Sunday night.

He added that he doesnt know who will win, stating: If you'd asked me a few weeks ago, I would have said that was David from Wild Youth, he was doing so well, but Blu has really kind of come up the ranks since then. So I think it's wide open."
A Fianna Fail Senator has insisted locals in a Roscommon town are right in resisting new people being moved into the town by the Department of Integration.

Former TD Eugene Murphy was at a meeting of 150 people in Spells pub in Ballaghadereen over proposals to build 47 modular homes off the Circular Road.

Im not going to allow this to happen, and I will stand with you, Mr Murphy told the meeting in footage posted to X.

Youre not being one bit wrong, or one bit racist, in saying weve had enough, said Senator Murphy, microphone in hand.

We cannot take any more.

He told the Irish Independent that Ballaghadereen had taken several hundred people over the last seven years, but didnt even have a 24-hour Garda station  with a 28pc unemployment rate.

He said local GPs and nurses were unable to cope with the demand for services, and said he had raised the need to allocate resources with his party leader, Micheal Martin.

Common sense has to come in here. Ballaghadereen has probably taken proportionately the most of any town in Ireland, he said.

The town can take no more, and has been very welcoming. There was no-one last night trying to push people out.

Now there was a proposal gone to the county manager for three new locations, he said, in Boyle, Roscommon town and Ballaghadereen, and it was being suggested that 200 more would be coming to the latter.

He said he had raised the issue repeatedly at the Fianna Fail parliamentary party, when senior politicians were previously suggesting that other towns could take a leaf out of Ballaghadereens book by being more welcoming.

The Senator said he did not know he was being filmed last night, but he had told the truth.

The towns population had gone up by 30pc in the past few years, but there had been no improvement in facilities or infrastructure.

He said he was "calling a spade a spade.

In the video Senator Murphy says that schools locally are over capacity and he calls for a 24-hour Garda station. It is absolutely 100pc right in everybodys mind to say no, we cannot take any more, he said.

He added: You cannot take any more people. Im not going to allow this to happen. It cannot be allowed to continue, and I cannot be any more honest.

90pc of people are right, and you should not feel in any way guilty about it, he said.

Fianna Fail has been contacted for comment.
A Grey Day by John Lavery, painted in 1895, sold for 32,700 against an estimate of 10,000-15,000.

The Hearing of the Appeal of Roger Casement, a Study, by John Lavery (1856-1941), sold for a staggering 155,200 against an estimate of 15,000-25,000.

An unseen work by Irish artist John Lavery has sold at auction for 10 times the estimated price.

A sketch for one of the most significant events for Ireland, The Hearing of the Appeal of Sir Roger Casement, was sold for 155,200 (181,832) yesterday, against the estimate of 15,000-25,000 (17,500 to 29,000).

The artworks by Mr Lavery, a Belfast native, were offered in Dreweatts Modern and Contemporary Art sale in the UK on Wednesday, March 13.

They included the never-before-seen original sketch of the controversial trial for treason of Irish nationalist Roger Casement, which took place in 1916 in the High Court.

The full-scale painted version of The Hearing was proposed by the presiding judge Charles Darling 1st Baron Darling.

He commissioned Irish painter Mr Lavery to capture the court proceedings, whom he knew very well as Lavery had already done portraits of the Judges family.

The final painting was produced in Laverys studio and completed in 1931, and it remained there until the artist died in 1941, when he left it to the nation.

The painting was first hung in the Royal Courts of Justice, and then it was lent to Kings Inn, Dublin, by Sergeant Sullivan, who had been part of Casement's defence team.

Dreweatts painting specialist Francesca Whithan said: A historical moment today at Dreweatts saleroom as the hammer fell for John Laverys sketch of The Hearing of the Appeal of Roger Casement.

"With plenty of interest from press and bidders alike in the lead up to the auction, competitive bidding from both Ireland and the UK saw a fierce battle between an online bidder and telephone line, finally selling to a private buyer.

Another painting by Mr Lavery at the Dreweatts auction was A Grey Day. The work, which is in oil on canvas, was sold for 32,700 against an estimate of 10,000-15,000.

A Grey Day by John Lavery, painted in 1895, sold for 32,700 against an estimate of 10,000-15,000.

Mr Lavery was born in North Queen St, Belfast, and orphaned at the age of three.

He was then transferred to his uncles farm at Moira before he ended up in Scotland. Mr Lavery then moved to France, where he was training in his craft and quickly attained an international reputation.

A major touring exhibition Lavery on Location organised by the National Gallery of Ireland, is currently available in the Ulster Museum in Belfast.
A wildlife charity has refused to accept money that a judge ordered a man to donate to it after he destroyed a badger sett.

The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) said it was disappointed that the donation was part of a deal by which the man was able to avoid a criminal conviction.

The man, a property developer, was orginally found guilty of an offence under the Wildlife Act after he covered a badger sett in tonnes of soil at a property near Citywest in Dublin.

A conviction was recorded in the District Court and a fine of 5,000 imposed.

However, he appealed the decision to the Circuit Court and the conviction was lifted last week.

In its place, the Probation Act was applied along with an order to pay 15,000 in donations to several animal charities.

The money was to be split evenly between the IWT, Wildlife Rehabilitation Ireland and Badger Watch.

IWT general manager Kieran Wood said the offence was a significant crime and the charity had declined its share of the money.

At a time when nature is under huge pressure from significant habitat loss and damage, we need our courts to be tough on wildlife crime and send a signal to would-be perpetrators that if found guilty they will face a full conviction for their crimes including a criminal record, he said

IWT reserves the right to refuse donations and in this case we are choosing not to accept this donation.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 14th March 2024

Evidence was given by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) during hearing of the case against Con McCarthy of Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co Dublin, that any badgers in the sett would have been entombed by his actions.

A breeding pair had been observed at the site and they, and any cubs, could have been suffocated, although it was not clear what had happened to the animals.

The NPWS objected to Mr McCarthys appeal and said allowing donations in place of a conviction gave the impression that people could buy their way out of a conviction.

Mr Flood said IWT supported the NPWS position and added that letting the conviction stand would be more effective in sending out a message that wildlife crime was unacceptable.

Minister for Nature Malcolm Noonan has pledged a crackdown on wildlife crime but prosecution rates remain low and penalties in most cases are modest fines.
Celebrate St Patricks Day with a sensational sip full of Irish spirit

It says much about the Irish spirit of adventure that you can keep discovering twists to our unlikely history as winemakers.

Prestigious chateaux names like Lynch-Bages, Kirwan, Leoville Barton and Phelan Segur memorialise the Irish wine geese emigre who became players in wine trade and production in 17th and 18th century Bordeaux. One Fingal native, Peter Mitchell, left a particularly unique legacy. In the 1720s, this Irish emigrant established what became the largest glassworks in France, securing a royal patent to produce bottles considerably closer to the wineries than the English glassworks previously serving them. He developed two iconic bottle shapes: the sharp-shouldered Bordelaise bottle and three-litre jeroboam. He also bought vineyards from the Segur family, and set up what is now Chateau du Tertre in Margaux.

That spirit of entrepreneurial adventure shines on among todays Irish winemakers in their adopted wine regions, where many of them have established excellent reputations. Our wine of the week is from Roisin Curley, who works magic at her small winery in Beaune with parcels of grapes from various sites in Burgundy and, more recently, Beaujolais. Her Fleurie shows how meticulous sourcing and winemaking can bring layered intrigue to a village wine too easily dismissed. Also featured today is the latest vintage of Roka Furmint from Liam and Sinead Cabot, which has been getting deservedly high praise from international wine writers.

Anything from Simon Tyrrell, Charles Derain and Gerard Maguires Les Deux Cols winery in the Rhone Valley, or their Ateliers des Sources negociant offshoot, is sure to charm; their textural O Font (from 17, jusdevine.ie) is a great place to start. Or for two other Irish-made Grenache blends, try todays Domaine la Sarabande Misterioso and the elegant Kinsale Faugeres (10.56, Dunnes Stores) from Irish-French couple Neasa and Laurent Miquel.

Sauvignon fans might like the crisp, linear Laurent Miquel Heritage Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc (10.95, OBriens), or Chateau Sirio Graves Blanc (20, wineonline.ie), a blossom-fresh Sauvignon-Semillon blend from Monkstown-born harpsichordist Emer Kirwan-Buckley and husband Fabrice at their 12ha vineyard in Bordeaux.

Finally, Diga is the smart newcomer from old vines bought during lockdown by Tom Gallagher, who moved to Catalunya aged 10 with parents John and Joan Gallagher (as seen on RTEs Best Place To Be). Gallagher has enrolled the help of talented winemaker Toni Coca of Coca i Fito (OBriens Wine) with very promising results.

Wines of the week

Maison Roisin Curley Fleurie Les Moriers 2022

Maison Roisin Curley Fleurie Les Moriers 2022, Beaujolais, France, 12.5pc, 42 Old-vine organic Gamay from granitic soils, fermented in whole bunches and aged in old oak barrels, this is a lithe beauty from Irish winemaking royalty (and part-time Mayo pharmacist). Dried lavender, heather and hibiscus overlay richer cherry and dried strawberry notes with stony minerality bringing great tension. Pair with good free-range pork, smoked duck salad or cod with lentils. Baggot Street Wines, McHughs, DrinkStore, Redmonds, Whelehans Wines, Mitchell & Son, thenudewineco.ie, theallotment.ie

Diga 2021

Diga 2021, Montsant DO, Catalunya, Spain, 13pc, 25-27 Super drinkable newcomer from Tom Gallagher, with charming purity of juicy black cherry and dried raspberry, hints of pepper and mint, well-integrated tannins and a fresh and textured finish. Could handle pizza or fattier meats. Baggot Street Wines, McHughs, DrinkStore, Redmonds of Ranelagh, Whelehans Wines, Mitchell & Son, thenudewineco.ie, theallotment.ie

Domaine la Sarabande Misterioso 2020

Domaine la Sarabande Misterioso 2020, Faugeres AOP, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, 2020, 14.5pc, 13.95 from 16.95 Carlow-born Isla Gordon met her Australian husband at a New Zealand vineyard and they followed their dreams to Faugeres. This GSM blend has bold plums and dark cherries, garrigue herbs, liquorice and cherry blossom. Go juicy burgers or hard cheese. OBriens Wine; obrienswine.ie

Roka Furmint 2021

Roka Furmint 2021, Kog, Slovenia, 13pc, 32 A stunner from the Slovenian vineyards of Westport-based wine importers Liam and Sinead Cabot. Expressive apple skin, dried apricot and mandarin peel, spiced by clove, saffron, balsamic and white tea, finishing long and pure with pithy saline minerality. Perfect with seafood or white meats. Cabot and Co, Grapevine, 64 Wine; 64wine.ie

Les Hauts du Tertre Margaux 2018

Les Hauts du Tertre Margaux 2018, Bordeaux, France, 13.5pc, 24 Cabernet-led Bordeaux from elevated gravel outcrops, surrounded by forests for a cooler microclimate, this is a friendly but elegant claret with herbal, floral notes of pot pourri meets blackcurrant fruit and leaf, silky tannins and forest-fresh finish  a fascinating back story. Versatile food-wise. Selected Dunnes Stores dunnesstoresgrocery.com
People from the Equality Not Care group, who campaigned for a No vote, at Dublin Castle after Ireland rejected the Government's referendum to change the Constitution on care. Photo: PA

There is no blame for the referendums results. The electorate were very clear in their rejection.

The political elite, government and opposition, must acknowledge the will of the people, as do the relevant NGO sectors and, indeed, the media and the pollsters. Ye got it all wrong.

The worrying thing, though, is that the advocates of each amendment still seem reluctant to accept the overwhelming decision of the voters, and it is noteworthy that the same advocates had not the common courtesy to turn up to witness the results.

Larry Dunne, Rosslare Harbour, Co Wexford

Waste of 20m that would have been better spent on providing home-help

In the wake of their defeat in the care and family referendums, national politicians are berating each other for what they wish to present as a PR flop. Such is their denial and disconnect.

Are they not aware that an opinion poll taken during the campaign showed that the more voters were engaged and knew about the referendum proposals, the more likely they were to vote No-No?

Digging into exit poll data, we see that supporters of FG, the Greens and Labour were quite evenly split, while supporters of SF, FF and Independents were likely to have voted over 80pc No.

The manoeuvring of Ivana Bacik and Sinn Fein to be associated with a Yes-Yes win was a spectacular miscalculation.

That the Greens, including minister Roderic OGorman, and the state-funded National Womens Council of Ireland persisted in speaking of a womans place in the home, even though Judge Marie Baker, chair of the Electoral Commission, had clearly stated that minister Catherine Martin was simply wrong in making this claim, calls into question the competence of our elected representatives and the unaccountable NGOs on which they rely.

After the passing of the referendum, which deleted the Right-to-Life (Eighth) amendment, the one-third of the electorate who had not supported the proposal found they were politically homeless; it would seem the proportion of the electorate without a political home has more than doubled.

To recover some semblance of credibility, I think the overwhelming majority of the electorate would welcome the established parties making some redress for the 20m-plus squandered on these referendums. It would be most fitting if they donated some of their state funding to our over-stretched and under-resourced home-help schemes.

Gearoid Duffy, Lee Road, Cork

Incomprehensible was made clear in minutes by bishops plain language

It will take the political parties a long time to recover from the belt of the crozier, which was delivered with aplomb by the Catholic bishops at a strategic moment before the referendums.

Two beautifully constructed and reader-friendly sentences provided the clarity and leadership the public were crying out for and cost the referendums the Catholic vote and many more votes besides.

The proposed family amendment to the Constitution, the bishops said, diminishes the unique importance of the relationship between marriage and family in the eyes of society and State and is likely to lead to a weakening of the incentive for young people to marry.

The Care amendment, they added, would have the effect of abolishing all reference to motherhood in the Constitution and leave unacknowledged the particular and incalculable societal contribution that mothers in the home have made and continue to make in Ireland.

Suddenly, the incomprehensible was crystal clear to me as I listened to the priest at mass the week before the vote. The referendums were a definite No-No for me.

In addition, the Government scored a spectacular own-goal by bizarrely holding the referendum on International Womens Day, two days before Mothers Day when the incalculable societal contribution of mothers was the talk of the town. Mna na hEireann responded by delivering a fatal knock-out punch from which there was no recovery.

The unlikely coalition of Catholic church and Mna na Eireann scuppered the two regressive referendums and has politicians behaving like rats deserting a sinking ship to confess that although they canvassed for Yes-Yes, they voted No-No.

Billy Ryle, Tralee, Co Kerry

Governments remarkable arrogance came back to bite it with a vengeance

The Government has proved itself inept on many fronts, but that does not mean members are so stupid that they didnt know six weeks ago the proposed amendments wording was childishly inept and could actually weaken the Constitution.

Just as they did with the childrens hospital and a whole slew of overpriced national projects, they went ahead with it.

The arrogance of thinking the sheep would vote the way they were told to vote was stunning. As for the opposition, who went along with the Governments advice to vote Yes, this was either a cowardly decision to play it safe or a display of ineptitude equal to that of ministers.

Either way, it points to the lack of political options in this country when it comes to voting for an alternative to FF/FG, who have taken turns to lead every government since 1939.

Anthony McGeough, Dublin 24

Thank you, John Downing, for introducing readers to the word raimeis (drivel)

I like books and literature, but I had never heard of the noun raimeis (drivel) and I had to look it up (Eating big plates of humble pie may be a bit awkward, but its usually not fatal, Irish Independent, March 12).

Well done to John Downing for a brilliant turn of phrase and introducing raimeis to the masses.

Tom McElligott, Listowel, Co Kerry

Maybe people would use Re-Turn machines if the rewards went to charities

On a recent journey through Dublin Airport, I noticed that the only way to retrieve your 15 cent deposit is to queue in line at the tills in Boots or Smyths.

I saw almost every bottle and can being put in the litter bins placed about the airport.

There are 7,500 people through the Marquette food outlet daily in Terminal 1, so do the maths yourself.

Would not a Re-Turn machine placed strategically with the deposits going to charities be a good idea instead of all those 15 cents being collected by Re-Turn?

Colm McCabe, address with editor
How did Danny Jenkins go from living in a caravan in county Meath to creating one of the world's biggest cybersecurity firms? How close did he come to failure? And why did he choose to focus on small businesses cybersecurity?

On The Big Tech Show this week, Adrian talks to Danny Jenkins, CEO and co-founder of ThreatLocker IT security firm.

Dannys entrepreneurial story starts out with a ferry trip to Ireland. The CEO fell asleep with his suitcase beside him which had all his saved-up money in it. Unfortunately, his suitcase was stolen so Jenkins had to get a job in a bar in Ireland just to get by.

The job was in Kilmessan in county Meath, which was a live-in job working in a bar. The job included the perk of accommodation in the form of a caravan where Danny stayed.

The tech savvy entrepreneur then founded a company called MX Sweep before moving to Malta for just under a year. He said the reason behind this was the weather and the lower taxes.

The Englishman then moved to Florida with his young family where he had started an email sorting business called Enable, which he eventually sold to a UK firm, and it was following this that he co-founded ThreatLocker IT security firm.

You can listen to the full episode here or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Taoiseach hasnt pulled his punches in the early part of his US tour for St Patricks Day and has made Irelands position on the situation in Gaza abundantly clear.

Leo Varadkar made his first speech in America earlier this week in Boston where he urged US politicians to look for a ceasefire in the situation. It allowed the Taoiseach to test the waters as he challenged the official American line on the Israeli bombardment.

Now all eyes will be on Varadkar to see if he will be as direct and outspoken when he meets President Joe Biden in the White House. While there may be much paddywhackery around the annual presentation of a bowl of shamrock, the pressure is on the Irish delegation this year to raise the plight of Palestinians in the strongest way possible.

On todays episode of the Indo Daily, Kevin Doyle is joined from Boston by Philip Ryan, the political editor for the Irish Independent, to preview one of the most eagerly awaited meetings between a Taoiseach and US President in recent years and asks if Capitol Hill is willing to listen to calls for a change in its Israeli foreign policy? Or is Irelands voice just too small to make a difference?
A number of councillors expressed concerns over the accuracy of the electoral register as they highlighted numerous situations of deceased family members receiving polling cards in the lead up to the recent referendums on care and the family.

Social Democrats councillor Chris Heinhold initially raised the issue under Any Other Business (AOB) at last Mondays full council meeting.

I had a call on Saturday morning from a very concerned poll worker on Heir Island who is shocked at the state of the electoral register. The large number of deceased people that were on it and new residents not being on the register given that he had contacted the office five years ago after the last votes. We need this to be addressed urgently, he said.

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Independent councillor Marcia Dalton also gave an example of issues in the Carrigaline Municipal District. I too had a concern expressed to me from a particular household where there were four voters. Two got polling cards and when the four of them who had been living in the house for 20 plus years went to the polling station only one of those was on the register even though two got polling cards. It makes no sense.

Fine Gael councillor Karen Coakley said polling cards being posted out for deceased people is upsetting for families.

It is a national issue and it has to be rectified, said Fine Gael councillor Kevin Murphy. I got umpteen complaints about the actual number of people who were deceased for several years and they are still on the register. Secondly when people went to vote they werent on the register at all. Lets try and find a solution. We need to get it right.

Fine Gael councillor John OSullivan said solving the issue needs to come from national government. I appreciate completely the franchise difficulty with people moving house and with updating registers. There is a need and it must come from national government. We have to find a way to streamline it better. The register could be out by 10% which is a fair amount.

The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank OFlynn suggested the use of Personal Public Service (PPS) numbers in future referendums and elections. There is nothing more important than the right to vote. I think there should be some system there. Everyones PPS should be on the register and it would do away with a lot of the messing. Everyone in this country has a PPS number. I cannot see for the life of me why it cannot be used.

A letter should go to the government. We are facing down the road on June 7 and I hope the register will be right. The person has a right to go into the polling booth and vote. The PPS number is the way to go, he added.

Karina Cremin Senior Executive Officer for Corporate Services said a full debriefing session will be held on the recent referendums. We will certainly have a full debriefing session and I will get back to the members. It is a national system and there are certainly issues with that national system that we have raised. It is an issue for a number of local authorities.

In relation to the use of PPS numbers, Ms Cremin said: There are a number of people on the register that we dont have details of Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) numbers. They are still registered. We dont willy nilly put anybody off the register.
A senior Garda has asked the public for help to make sure everyone is safe over the the course of the festivities

The Cork city chief superintendent has asked the public to 'Please refrain from any on-street, public consumption of alcohol'.

The Garda chief superintendent of Cork city has asked those attending St Patricks Day festivities over the weekend to not consume alcohol in public places, as it wont be tolerated.

Speaking ahead of the Cork St Patricks Day Festival, which commences today, Friday, March 14, chief superintendent Thomas Myers said that the coming bank holiday weekend promises to be a family-friendly occasion for people of all ages to enjoy.

"We have been working closely with Cork City Council and festival organisers to ensure that a full policing plan is in place to safely facilitate the parade and the range of planned events due to take place around the city, chief superintendent Myers said.

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"Gardai will be out working hard throughout the weekend to make sure that everyone is safe and we ask for the publics help in this. Please refrain from any on-street, public consumption of alcohol most especially during the day. It wont be tolerated.

The senior Garda official also said that the Gardais Road Traffic Management Plan for the city is aimed at causing minimum disruption for people while this weekends parade is ongoing.

We will as always be doing our very best in making sure that all those living in and visiting the city will have a nice Bank Holiday weekend, and our priority is that everyone safely enjoys themselves, the chief superintendent said, and added: "La fheile Padraig sona daoibh.

A Garda statement has advised those attending the parade in Cork to arrive early and pick an area along the route to watch the parade. People are also advised to keep children under close supervision and follow the instructions of Gardai and stewards.

Gardai have also advised those heading out to mind their personal belongings, and drink alcohol responsibly. The public has also been instructed to never drive under the influence of an intoxicant, and be mindful of the morning after a night out, and not let any family member or friend to walk home alone.
A senior official with Cork County Council said they will engage with the Miscarriage Association of Ireland over the potential placing of a memorial stone in Saint Gobnaits Cemetery in Mallow.

Labour Party councillor Eoghan Kenny brought forward a motion at a recent Kanturk-Mallow Municipal District meeting requesting that local authority officials would speak with representatives from the Miscarriage Association of Ireland, regarding the placing of a memorial stone in St Gobnaits Cemetery.

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Cllr Kenny said he had received the request from a Miscarriage Association of Ireland representative. The secretary emailed me just in regards to placing a memorial stone in St Gobnaits Cemetery. The email informed me there is a memorial stone in Glasnevin Cemetery and a new one in Dundalk. We have a plot there (St Gobnaits Cemetery) for lost babies so if it is possible that Cork County Council officials could speak with the Miscarriage Association of Ireland, he said.

Cllr Kenny continued: Just in relation to the plot itself that we have out there currently it does need a bit of a tidy up and a facelift. If that could be passed on maybe to the caretaker of St Gobnaits Cemetery. The Miscarriage Association arrange the delivery and the fixture of the stone so there isnt much for us to do only to give the permission.

Fine Gael councillor Tony OShea fully seconded the motion calling it a very good motion.

Claire Barr Municipal District Officer with Cork County Council informed the councillors that they are currently looking at that specific area in St Gobnaits Cemetery. We are actually looking at that area out in the graveyard and that is in place for 2024 to be re-done up. We were actually going to go on a public consultation basis out in the graveyard just to get suggestions from the locals as to what they would actually like to see in that area. We have only a very small budget.

We have no issue in engaging with Miscarriage Association of Ireland either, like I dont have with any other groups. Pass my name, number and my email on as you see fit. There is no issue there, she added.

I will pass on the name and number, said Cllr Kenny. I appreciate the fact that in 2024 there will be public consultation on developing the plot out there.
The centre would have a GP's surgery and HSE facilities

Planning permission has been sought for the construction of a three-storey primary care centre in the seaside Cork town of Youghal.

John Boland Developments applied for the construction of the centre, which would include a GPs surgery and HSE facilities comprising of waiting areas, consulting & meeting rooms and offices, on February 26.

The centre would be located at a greenfield site at Youghal Business Park in Parkmountain, Youghal.

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Planning has also been applied for a single storey ancillary store building and site development works that would include new pedestrian entrances off of Chickleys Road and Springfield Road, car parking, a bicycle shelter and different types of signage.

The applicants documentation notes that the proposed development is a partnership between John Boland & Axis Health Care Assets Ltd. Axis is contracted to purchase the applicant site, however, this is not complete as of date of lodgement.

It is said that Axis Healthcare Assets Ltd, and the Design Team associated with he application, have designed, developed and successfully completed five Primary Care Centres. These centres consist of Tipperary PCC, Carrigaline PCC, Athy PCC, Banagher PCC and Enniscorthy PCC.

The deadline for public submissions to the application is April 2 and a decision by county planners is due on it by April 22.

A three-month old LinkedIn post from Quinn Architects, who are acting on behalf of the applicant, congratulated Axis Group Ireland on their recent appointment to deliver Youghal Primary Care Centre.

Axis Group Ireland replied, stating that we look forward to working with Quinn Architects on all of our projects. This project is an exciting new development in Youghal, bringing locals new services long overdue to the area.
Cork City Council has announced several road closures and traffic restrictions ahead of the highly anticipated St Patricks Weekend.

Cork is set to celebrate St Patricks Day with a number of events including the annual Cork city parade on Sunday March 17.

The parade will start at South Mall at 1pm, before travelling down Grand Parade, through Patrick's Street and finish on Merchant's Quay.

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On St. Patricks Day several roads across the city centre will be closed to traffic, temporary diversions will be in place and there are a number of parking restrictions.

Street Closures

Sunday, March 17 from 05:00 am to 17:30 pm

St Patricks Street North bound from Academy Street to St Patricks Bridge

Drawbridge street from the Junction of Academy Street and Emmet Place

Perry Street with the Junction of Lavits Quay

Sunday, March 17 from 07:00 am to 16:00 pm

Union Quay

Stable Lane

Connell Street

Lapps Quay

Clontarf Street West Lane

Sunday, March 17 from 10:30 am to 16:00 pm

Parnell Bridge Southbound

Anglesea Street West Lane (filter lane from Union Quay/Parnell Bridge)

Sunday, March 17 from 11:15 am to 15:00 pm

Terence McSweeney Quay

Sunday, March 17 from 11:15 am to 17:30 pm

Parnell Bridge

Parnell Place

South Mall

Grand Parade

St Patricks Bridge

Castle Street

Cornmarket Street

Pauls Avenue

Merchants Quay

Lavitts Quay East (Christy Ring Bridge to Saint Patricks Bridge)

There will be lane restrictions on both Clontarf Bridge & Eglinton Street to restrict access onto Terence McSwiney Quay. This will also commence at 11:00 am

The following main streets will be directly affected and will be closed from 11:15 am

Parliament Street

Parliament Bridge

Washington Street between South Main Street and Grand Parade

Parnell Place

Fr Matthew Quay

Morrisons Quay

Half Moon St

Academy St

St Augustine Street

Paul Street

Oliver Plunkett Street

Traffic Diversions

South Terrace/Georges Quay  traffic will be diverted via Sullivans Quay & Frenches Quay to either Greenmount or onto Washington Street and Bachelors Quay.

Lavitts Quay  traffic will be diverted across Christy Ring Bridge

No public traffic access to Lapps Quay

Parking Restrictions

Saturday from 07:00 am to 18:00 pm on Sunday - Copley St at area adjacent to former Brooks Haughton Building

Saturday from 14:00 pm to 18:00 pm on Sunday - Copley St at area opposite the former Brooks Haughton Building, Anglesea Street, Lapps Quay, Anglesea Street adjacent St. Joachim & Anns Home.

Saturday from 20:00 pm until 17:30 pm on Sunday - St. Patricks St, Emmet Place, Academy St, South Mall, Grand Parade, Parnell Place, Union Quay.

Bus Diversions

A number of Cork city bus diversions will be in place on St. Patricks Day. All northbound services that operate through St. Patricks Street will operate to the diversion routes from the start of Sundays service. All other services will operate via diverted routes between 10:30-18:00 and can be found here.

Cork City Council has released some general advice for anyone attending this years parade;
Not much has changed despite promises during pandemic

Public toilets installed at the top of Grafton Street in Dublin

Campaigners have renewed calls for more public toilets in Dublin city centre, where just one public outdoor facility is in operation.

That single facility is located at St Stephens Green and, according to figures from last October, it is costing close to 400,000-a-year to run.

The closest public toilets to there are at Sandymount Strand and Clontarf at Bull Wall, which each have one automated single public toilet.

Orlaith Delargy, who started a petition calling for more public toilets back in 2021, spoke on RTEs Today with Claire Byrne this week and said that unfortunately, not much has changed.

Ms Delargy lives in Dublin and decided to petition for more public toilets during the pandemic when people were spending more time outdoors.

Its about three years since I created the petition and not much has happened, she said.

Green Party councillor Hazel Chu said Dublin City Councils plans to have coffee shops in parks providing toilets was something there wasnt a lot of interest in from a commercial point of view.

Why doesnt the city council do it themselves like they do in Fingal? she asked.

Example of stand-alone public toilets that are auto-washing in Paris

We are now renting toilets and its costing us a huge amount of money instead of building our own in certain places around the city, including parks and libraries and others in areas where there is high footfall and transport.

She added that problems such as anti-social behaviour can be counteracted by being strategically located at busy areas, and including auto-washing like other countries in Europe, and regular servicing.

Just because there may be anti-social behaviour doesnt mean that we shouldnt pursue this, Ms Chu said.

A toilet is a service required by the citizens of Dublin and especially by children or older people who may have mobility issues and might not be able to go to a restaurant or bar to find a toilet.

Other suggestions have emerged like working with cafes, restaurants, and bars and developing an incentivised scheme whereby the public can use their toilet facilities in return for reduced commercial rates.

Green Party councillor for Rathmines and Kimmage, Carolyn Moore, said its a fundamental responsibility of the local authorities to provide public toilets.

An audit carried out during the pandemic found there had previously been 26 public toilets in the city, but by 2021 there were only 3.

When I first got that information, I had people coming to me, women who were pregnant or people with medical conditions, talking about the upset and embarrassment caused by desperately trying to access a toilet, she said.

She added that a firm commitment for structures with public toilet facilities really isnt too much to ask.
Dr Fiona O'Reilly, CEO of Safetynet, has called for an emergency shelter to be set up. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA

A medical charity treating a number of asylum seekers living in tents in Dublin, is calling for an emergency shelter where basic needs can be met.

Dr Fiona O'Reilly, CEO of Safetynet Primary Care, told the Irish Independent that from a health perspective, the charity has been treating many people camping on Mount Street near the International Protection Office.

From walking down the rows of tents today, she counted 124 in total without an accurate count on the number of people staying at the informal camp.

Along with a number of physical health conditions, she said doctors are also seeing an impact on peoples mental health.

We have found isolated cases of scabies, we have found respiratory conditions, and we have found other health conditions that people may have anyway but would be exacerbated by the poor living environment, Dr OReilly said.

We then treat those conditions and anybody with anything like scabies can get sent on to the national isolation unit where they can be treated.

Mental Health would be very high on the list of concerns such as anxiety, fear and insecurity. The longer people stay in the cold and the rain, the more despondent they become, she added.

There was also a waste refuge collection today which meant that brown and black bins had been put down, which she said was an improvement after rubbish had been allowed to accumulate in the area.

But overall, this is turning into a growing informal camp and with that comes risks, not only from the cold and the elements, but other risks of people being outside, vulnerable and unsafe, Dr OReilly said.

What I would be recommending and calling for is an emergency shelter that is safe.

Medical charity Safetynet counted 124 tents on Mount Street today

She added that a shelter akin to that at Dundrum Central Mental Hospital, which has a number of army tents where conditions are safe and warm with heat and water for sanitation, means basic needs would be met.

A HSE spokesperson confirmed healthcare workers and funded agencies have been on site to assess and monitor the immediate healthcare needs of those sleeping rough in the Mount Street area.

The primary care team has begun treatment for those with scabies and have liaised with regional Public Health, the spokesperson said.

These patients have also been referred to the National Infectious Disease Isolation Facility for treatment and to contain spread to others.

Outbreaks of scabies are notifiable to Public Health, and Regional Departments of Public Health assess all notifications and address incidents to manage and control, as appropriate, further transmission as far as is possible.

According to the latest figures from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, there are currently 1,272 International Protection Applicants awaiting an offer of accommodation.

The Department of Integration described the current circumstances as very challenging, and said drop-in day services are being provided to all who wish to avail of them.

The Department is endeavouring to provide additional accommodation and is working with state agencies and private providers to maximise the accommodation available, they said.

The Department is operating in a context where it is accommodating approximately 100,000 people, compared to 8,300 at the beginning of 2022.

For those who are not offered accommodation on arrival, an increased expense payment is provided, and drop-in day services are available, with access to hot showers, meals and laundry services.

The Department has a vulnerability triage process in place for those who are rough sleeping, and in recent days has accelerated this. However, this is contingent on numbers arriving as well as accommodation available.

Notwithstanding the current challenges, the Department will continue to make every effort to support those seeking International Protection, the spokesperson added.
The St Patrick's Day parade kicks off at 12 noon from Parnell Square North. Pic: Getty Images

This years St Patricks Day Parade in Dublin is expected to attract huge crowds to the city centre, with Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty acting as Grand Marshall.

The theme of this years parade is Spreach, the Irish word for Spark which is said to represent the unique essence of Ireland and Irish people.

Start time and route

The parade kicks off at 12 noon, starting on Parnell Square North before moving down OConnell Street and crossing the River Liffey. It will then go through Dame Street, Lord Edward Street, Nicholas Street, Patricks Street and it will end on Kevin Street.

Getting there

Intercity trains and Darts will operate to a Sunday timetable on St Patricks Day, with some additional Dart and commuter services in place to facilitate those heading into the parade.

On St Patricks Day, Tara Street Station is expected to be closed until 4pm to facilitate crowd management, so youll need to get off at either Connolly or Pearse stations.

Luas Red and Green Line services will run Sunday operating hours, but there will be partial closures of both Red and Greeen Luas lines to facilitate the parade.

Dublin Bus services will operate to Sunday timetables and City Tours will not be in operation. Dublin Bus will have several temporary bus termini in place between first bus and approximately 5pm on St Patricks Day.

Ministers have been warned to keep the price of their St. Patrick's Day visits across the world as low as possible

Road closures

Dublin City Council have advised people that the following roads will also be closed to facilitate St Patricks Festival events, including:

Western Way from Dominick Street Upper to Mountjoy Street, from 7pm on Saturday March 16, to 3pm on Sunday March 17.

Mountjoy Street, Mountjoy Street Middle, Palmerstown Place, Wellington Street Lower, Saint Marys Place North, Granby Row, Parnell Square North, Parnell Square East, Cavendish Row, OConnell Stree, Upper & Lower, OConnell Bridge from 4am to 3pm on Sunday March 17.

Westmoreland Street, College Green, Dame Street, Lord Edward Street, Christchurch Place, High Street, Nicholas Street, Patrick Street from 4am to 5pm on Sunday March 17.

New Street South, Clanbrassil Street Lower, Kevin Street Upper, Kevin Street Lower from 4am to 6pm on St Patricks Day.

Cuffe Street and Saint Stephens Green South from 4am to 6.30pm on March 17.

Late Late Show presenter Patrick Kielty with some of those taking part in the parade. Pic: Sam Boal/Collins

Floats to watch out for

If you follow the parade route you will get to see incredible floats, extravagantly dressed dancers and hear some great music. Some bands to look out for are the Marching Mizzou from University of Missouri and the Flute Band Association of Northern Ireland.

What else is on?

The National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks will be transformed once again into the Festival Quarter, with family activities, gigs and parties at night.

During the day, youll find the Siolta Circus and a mini funfair for the kids, as well as family workshops, with the Irish Food and Craft Village.

One of the highlights of the evening will be some of Irelands best musicians taking to the stage, including The Deadlians, Niamh Bury and Louise Mulcahy.

The giant interactive Ceili Mor is there again, with former Riverdancer Dearbhla Lennon leading the dance.

As part of the night festivities, which is restricted to over 18s, this year will also see another LGBTQ+ Geili held in conjunction with Mother, on March 16 running from 5pm-11pm with tickets on sale for 22.65.

Full details of all events at the Festival Quarter from https://stpatricksfestival.ie/
Thomas Carroll (left) is accused of murdering Paddy O'Mahony (right).

The High Court has granted bail to Thomas Carroll, who is accused of the murder in late February of Castlemaine man Paddy OMahony Snr.

Mr Carroll (66) of 25 Brookway, Clonmel, County Tipperary, was charged with murdering Mr OMahony (84) on Saturday, February 24, at Mr OMahonys home in Ballyraemeen Upper.

Mr Carroll is represented by Kerry solicitor Pat Mann. Mr Mann and his legal team lodged a bail application in the High Court, which was heard today, Thursday, March 14. This application was successful, and an independent surety of 20,000 was sought.

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Only the High Court can grant bail to someone accused of murder.

Mr Carroll, a former soldier, first appeared before Tralee District Court on February 28 after he was formally charged that morning with the murder of Mr OMahony, also a former soldier. Mr OMahony, a father of five, was a firearms expert, collector, and dealer, and he was among the best-known figures within the Irish target-shooting scene.

Mr Carroll is due to appear before Tralee District Court on Wednesday, March 20.
An artist's impression of the proposed LNG terminal on the Shannon Estuary, the planning application for which was ultimately refused by An Bord Pleanala in September last year.

The company behind failed plans to build a 650 million LNG and gas-fired power plant on the Tarbert-Ballylongford Landbank along the Shannon Estuary in Kerry is now in pre-planning talks with An Bord Pleanala as it attempts to develop a strategic gas reserve on the same site.

Shannon LNG  a subsidiary of energy giant New Fortress Energy (NFE)  was refused planning for its multi-million gas plant and power plant on the Landbank by An Bord Pleanala last September.

But six months later and it is now set on developing its 600-acre site, or part of it, as a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve facility.

Its a plan it claims would be fully in line with government policy, unlike the gas plant project that floundered as a direct result of state policy  specifically the ban on importing fracked gas.

Under its latest vision, Shannon LNG would be contracted by the State to operate a strategic reserve on a floating storage and regasification unit (FRSU) ship moored to a jetty with a connection to the national gas grid.

News of the pre-planning consultation between Shannon LNG and An Bord Pleanala has been welcomed in the adjoining communities of Tarbert and Ballylongford where the majority of locals have supported the long-running plans for nigh on the past two decades.

A statement from the company said its fresh proposal seeks to deliver the key recommendation of the Governments Security of Supply Report, which was published little more than a month after the gas plant plan was refused last year.

That report found that the state is in urgent need of a strategic reserve facility at a time of increasing concern over international gas markets amid ever more volatile geopolitics. It is believed that if our single point of gas importation with the UK were to falter it could cost the State up to 1 billion per day.

Shannon LNGs proposal is widely regarded as one of the fastest options the State could avail of in order to shore up our energy security.

The Governments Security of Supply Report confirmed that a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve provided through a storage and importation facility - an FSRU - as the most appropriate approach. This is a solution preferred by a range of EU Member States. This will be a State-led approach. State-led means commissioned by the state via GNI within a regulatory framework overseen by CRU. This does not preclude a public private partnership nor the involvement of private firms contracted to provide, build or operate the necessary infrastructure.

The Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve would be owned and controlled by the State, the company said.

It added that the location also answers the reports finding of a limited number of suitable locations for such a venture, saying the deepwater Shannon Estuary is ideal.

The Shannon LNG site, with its sheltered deepwater access and permitted gas pipeline is the ideal location for the Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve Facility. The site also has the unique advantage of having completed five years of specialist survey work and pre-application analyses. Considering the Governments requirement for urgency, the sites suitability and development advantages, combined with NFEs industry experience and global resources, provides the fastest route for the delivery of the Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve infrastructure.

Local Fine Gael County Councillor Michael Foley welcomed the news on Thursday, saying that all that is required now is the political will to make it happen.

This development is fully compliant with the Government's Energy Security in Ireland 2030 report which was published in November 2023.

NFE have the knowledge and the expertise in this field as they are global leaders in developing strategic gas storage facilities. This proposal will be cost effective and also deliver badly needed security of energy supply to the Country. While at the same time providing sustainable employment in the area and growing the local economy.

For the last five years I have been advocating for the development of the Shannon Estuary and with the potential of Off-Shore wind out in the Atlantic, the planning permission pending on a HVO plant in Tarbert Island and with this proposal, we have the beginning of the creation of an energy hub on the Shannon Estuary. Now what is required is the political will from our senior politicians to make this a reality.
The Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Jim Finucane, will travel to the United States this week for a number of engagements to mark St. Patricks Day.

Cllr Finucane the mayor of Kerry, will meet with civic, business and political leaders and will join the Kerry Association during the St Patricks Day Parade which takes place on Saturday.

Cllr Finucane, who will be accompanied by Head of Finance, Angela McAllen, and Director of Corporate Services, Christy OConnor, will meet with representatives of IDA North America and Tourism Ireland-North America and will attend a reception hosted by the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD.

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On Friday, the Cathaoirleach will visit and lay a wreath at the 9/11 Memorial in New York and will meet with the Kerry Association in the city.

There will also be a meeting with the Consul General of Ireland, Helena Nolan at the Irish Consulate at Ireland House.

Speaking about his trip to the US Cllr Finucane says it is important opportunity for Kerry.

I look forward to this very important opportunity to meet with key business and political representatives in New York during a week in which there is major focus on Ireland internationally. My aim is to promote Kerry as an attractive business and tourism destination. I also look forward to meeting with the many individuals and organisations who are working to promote investment in and travel to Ireland and to ensure that Kerry is a priority for international investment and tourism, he said.

It will also be a great honour to join the Kerry Association and represent the people of Kerry at the annual St Patricks Day Parade in New York, said Cllr Finucane.
Dundalks Derryhale Hotel granted 75,000 funding

Louth is set to receive over 300,00 in funding for built heritage projects through the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) for 2024, with a total of 300,404 going to 21 projects in Louth.

Both schemes support the conservation of historic buildings for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations and are managed jointly by the National Built Heritage Service (NBHS) in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and a network of conservation staff in the 31 local authorities, including expert Architectural Conservation Officers.

The schemes fund a variety of repairs and renovation works to prevent deterioration, protect character, and encourage the re-use of protected structures. The schemes also provide important support for the employment of traditional craftspeople and conservation professionals.

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Announcing the awards today, Minister Noonan said: I am delighted to announce 9 million in funding for 676 heritage projects up and down the country. My Departments two grant programmes  the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Structures Fund  support the owners and custodians of our nations historic structures to conserve and protect them, helping to revitalise historic town centres and ensure their unique character is preserved for future generations. The level of funding available highlights the Governments ongoing commitment to the built heritage that communities know and love. These schemes also provide valuable work for the many traditional craft and tradespeople across Ireland, helping to keep these unique skills alive.

Historic Structures Fund (HSF)

The HSF provides grants of between 15,000 and 200,000 to support major conservation works to significant historic buildings. This year, 4.5 million in funding will support 114 projects  the largest ever number approved for funding under the HSF. A total of 160,000 went to 4 projects in Louth.

Projects receiving funding under the HSF this year include:

75,000 for Derryhale Hotel, Dundalk

50,000 for Widows Houses, Castlebellingham

25,000 for Oriel Centre, Dundalk Gaol

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) provides grants of up to 15,000 for maintenance and smaller conservation works to help prevent historic buildings from falling into disrepair and possible disuse. In recognition of the particular challenges in caring for thatched properties, the scheme also includes ring-fenced funding for historic thatched buildings, with a maximum grant of 20,000. This year, 562 BHIS grants will be awarded across the country, including 80 for thatched buildings, amounting to 4.5 million in funding. A total of 140,404 went to 17 projects in Louth.

Projects receiving funding under the BHIS this year include:

15,000 for St. Peters Church, St. Peters Close, Drogheda

14,000 for 9 St. Peters Place, Drogheda

12,000 for Jocelyn House, Jocelyn Street, Dundalk

10,000 for Shanlis House, Ardee, Dundalk

Commenting on the announcement, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh OBrien TD, said: Its wonderful to see a record number of projects being approved for funding under this years Historic Structures Fund. Along with the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, these schemes enable us to protect our precious built heritage and keep many of these of magnificent buildings in use, while bringing others back into use. With projects being approved in every county, the social and economic benefits will be felt in every corner of the country.

Local Fianna Fail Senator Erin McGreehan has today welcomed 300,404 under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and under the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) for 21 projects across Louth.

The projects that have been awarded funding here in Louth are important for a wide variety of reasons. I am familiar with many of them right across the county and it is wonderful see the acknowledgement by the State that our built heritage here in Louth is precious and should be protected.

Fianna Fail in Government are committed to supporting communities to protect and conserve our shared built heritage, and recognise that this relies on the dedication of many different parties, including owners and custodians, skilled craftspeople, and local authority experts.

These funded works will have an economic benefit by generating employment for heritage contractors and other skilled crafts and tradespeople in the locality and I very much look forward to the works commencing.
Charlie Bird makes his way to the top of Croagh Patrick. Photo: Gerry Mooney

Charlie Bird at the base of Croagh Patrick ahead of the Climb with Charlie fundraiser in April 2022. Photo: Gerry Mooney.

A book of condolences has been opened in County Mayo to honour Charlie Birds special connection with the county.

The book is open in Westport Town Hall for people who wish to express sympathy to the Bird family on the passing of Charlie.

The journalist, broadcaster and campaigner died on Tuesday at the age of 74 following a courageous battle with motor neurone disease (MND).

Charlie had a special connection with County Mayo following his mammoth Climb with Charlie challenge which saw him and a large crowd of supporters climb Croagh Patrick.

The legendary RTE broadcaster made the gruelling climb up the 2,507-foot mountain in Mayo in under two-and-a-half hours.

He raised more than 3.6m for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and mental health charity Pieta House through the Croagh Patrick hike while walks were also held all over the world.

During the challenge, Charlie made many friends in Westport and has been fondly remembered in the county as an inspirational figure.

Following the climb, Charlie with his wife Claire and their dog Tiger visited Westport House with a gift of gratitude from the 'Climb with Charlie' event to the the wider Westport community in the form of a unique wooden sculpture created by sculptor Seighean O Draoi.

The figure An Saighdiuir is made of Lebanese Cedar and represents an ancient Irish soldier.

The sculpture is located by the Quay entrance to Westport House.

Following this death, Westport House posted a heartfelt tribute to Charlie whose friendship has left an indelible mark on us all.

"It is with profound sadness that we reflect on the passing of Charlie Bird (1949-2024), a truly inspiring human whose life was a testament to dignity, courage, and the power of friendship.

"Charlie, alongside Claire and Tiger, were cherished visitors at Hotel Westport and Westport House, where memories were made that will be treasured forever.

Charlie's indomitable spirit, his unwavering courage in the face of adversity, and his boundless warmth touched the hearts of everyone he met.

"He taught us the value of living with dignity, embracing each moment with passion and grace, and fighting for what is right with relentless determination.

"His legacy of compassion, resilience, and the joy will continue to inspire and guide us.

As we bid farewell to a remarkable man, we extend our deepest sympathies to Claire, Tiger, and all who loved him.

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Charlie Bird's light will never dim in our hearts.

Rest in Peace, Charlie.

Your story, your courage, and your love will forever be part of our story at Hotel Westport and Westport House.

Westport Family and Community Resource Centre also paid tribute to the journalist and said, He had so many friends here in Westport and we are so sorry to hear of his passing.
A local man is getting ready to climb Knocknarea everyday for 28 consecutive days to raise money for a local charity.

On Tuesday March 19, Martin Feeney gets his 28 day challenge underway, where he will clmb Knocknarea everyday until April 15, to raise money for North West STOP.

Martin Feeney undertakes charity climbs, and last year raised money for the paediatric dept in Sligo University Hospital and the year before for a friends cancer treatment fundraiser.

North West STOP is a voluntary community based organisation that provides free counselling and works to prevent suicide by informing, educating and promoting positive mental health that helps people in Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal and Roscommon.

North West STOP is based in Drumkeeran Leitrim and provides free counselling with no waiting lists.

Counselling is arranged within 24 hours

North West STOP rely totally on fundraising, donations and corporate donations to fund their services, as the organisation does not receive government funding.

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North West STOP have a building which was purchased in 2022, which will be the permanent home of the organisation consisting of the office, counselling rooms, play and art therapy room and a connect cafe and training room. The training room will be used for group therapy, training in suicide prevention and skills in minding your mental health.

North West STOP has applied for funding through the LEADER programme to renovate the building and make the building as carbon neutral as possible with retro fitting with another grant.

As LEADER provides 70% of the total cost, they need to raise 30%.

The demand on services goes up year on year.

These are figures for counselling for the last 4 financial years.

2019-2020 - 20,655.00

2020-2021 - 46,490.00

2021-2022 - 70,380.00

2022-2023 - 92,645.00

There is only one person employed at North West STOP, the board of directors and committee are all voluntary.

And so it is necessary to keep the running costs down as much as possible.

North West STOP has seen a significant rise in under 18s seeking help, possibly due to Covid and also as a result of the lengthy waiting list for CAMHS.

It is critical that these children get support as soon as possible, waiting six months to over a year is too long when a child is in distress.

For more details check out northweststop.ie where you can find information on services and contact details.
Pictured at this years ESB Science Blast, the RDS Foundations flagship Science and Technology Programme were pupils from Culfadda National School, Ballymote. Their project investigated the science behind the question, What conditions influence how quickly food rots?. Pic: Orla Murray, Coalesce

Pupils from two primary schools in Sligo travelled to Dublin to showcase their projects at the sixth annual ESB Science Blast.

Over 500 projects from primary schools around the country were showcased at this years ESB Science Blast, the RDS Foundations flagship Science and Technology Programme.

ESB Science Blast is a STEM-focused educational programme involving whole classes investigating the science behind simple questions.

Pupils from Sligo showcased an experiment and discussed their investigation with a STEM expert (Judge/Moltoir). The judging was non-competitive and aimed at growing pupils' interest and passion for STEM.

Over 55,000 children have participated in ESB Science Blast to date, making it the largest primary school programme on the island of Ireland, and one of the largest programmes of its kind in Europe.

Participating schools in Sligo included Culfadda National School and Gaelscoil Chnoc na Re, Ballydoogan. Their projects featured questions such as:

What conditions influence how quickly food rots?

Na Ceadfai  Cuig Cinn no Ceann Amhain?

Strong themes emerging from schools this year included climate change, biodiversity, the impact of fast fashion and questions related to physical and mental health.

Speaking at the event in RDS Simmonscourt, Niamh De Loughry, Deputy Chief Executive of the RDS Foundation, said: Its wonderful to see such a great turnout for our key Science and Technology Programme from primary schools across the length and breadth of Ireland, including Sligo.

"In developing ESB Science Blast we wanted an event that would be informative, inclusive and, above all, a really fun and engaging learning experience.

"Ive really enjoyed meeting the children from all around the country and learning so much from the wild and wonderful projects that theyre showcasing here this week.

Im also delighted that we welcomed an even split of repeat attenders and first timer primary schools to the RDS this year, with over a quarter of all Gaelscoileanna taking part in the dedicated day for Irish speaking schools, on 7th March.
A Sligo cancer survivor says he now has a different level of appreciation for his family after coming through his cancer journey.

And, testicular cancer survivor Peter Keating from Drumcliffe is also calling on his local community to go all in against cancer for the Irish Cancer Societys Daffodil Day, which takes place on Friday, 22 March.

Peter was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2022, his treatment included chemotherapy and surgery and he is thankfully now doing well.

Reflecting on his cancer experience, Peter said: I have now learnt there are two distinct cancer journeys, the physical and the emotional. Only you can go through the physical part but at times I felt the emotional part was more difficult.

I felt sorrier for those around me than I did for myself  my family and friends.

When you get a scare like this, you really look at what is important in life. I now have a different level of appreciation for my family. I think I hug my kids a little tighter and more often than I used to.

I would encourage everyone to please get out there on Daffodil Day, March 22nd, and show your support for those affected by cancer in your local community.

The Irish Cancer Society is there to ensure that every person affected by cancer has a place to turn to, the support they need and the hope that there will come a day when no one in Ireland dies from cancer.

Thanks to the generosity of the Irish public the Irish Cancer Society invests in ground-breaking cancer research and delivers crucial free support services for people affected by cancer, throughout Sligo.

In 2023, the generous support of the public provided:

- Over 105 free lifts to bring Sligo based cancer patients to their treatment;

- Almost 1,000 free counselling sessions to people living in Sligo; and

- Almost 170 nights of free Night Nursing care to allow cancer patients in Sligo to die at home surrounded by loved ones.

Irish Cancer Society CEO Averil Power said: Unfortunately, 1 in 2 of us will get cancer at some point in our lives. There isnt a family in Ireland that hasnt been touched by the disease. When Daffodil Day first began in 1986, just 3/10 Irish people survived a cancer diagnosis. Today, thanks to investment in innovative cancer research, that has doubled to 6/10 people in Ireland surviving cancer. And we at the Irish Cancer Society wont stop until 10/10 people survive a cancer diagnosis. But we cannot do that without your support on Daffodil Day.

The more we raise on Daffodil Day, the more we can do, and the more lifesaving research we can fund. We only receive 5% of our income from the government, so were urging everyone in Sligo to Go All In this Daffodil Day 22nd March to help us achieve a future where nobody dies from cancer in Ireland, and everyone affected by the disease has the support they need when they need it most.

For more information about Daffodil Day visit cancer.ie/daffodilday.

Meanwhile, a coffee morning will take place on March 22 from 10am  1pm in the Clayton Hotel in aid of The Irish Cancer Society in memory of Josie McGauran and Marian McDonald.

The event will be hosted by the McGauran and McDonald families.
The defendant's flat on Market Street, Sligo was raided by Gardai.

A 29 year old man caught with over 50,000 worth of a synthetic drug in his flat told Gardai he didnt know whether it was illegal or not.

Before Sligo Circuit Court was Tristan McKenna who was addicted to drugs at the time, so much so that when Gardai entered the flat it was in darkness because he couldnt afford the electricity he was spending so much on drugs.

McKenna, now living in the UK but formerly of St Edwards Terrace and a flat at Market Street in Sligo pleaded guilty to possession of Eutylone for the purpose of sale or supply on April 28, 2021. He was also charged with possession of a small amount of cannabis.

The court heard the drug was similar to MDMA (esctasy).

Outlining the case, Garda Enda Devenney led by Mr Leo Mulrooney BL with State Solicitor Ms Elisa McHugh (prosecuting) revealed that in late April 2021, Gardai received information that the defendant was dealing drugs from a flat on Market Street with a steady flow of people coming and going from it.

A search warrant was obtained and was executed on April 29. Gardai knocked on the door but got no answer and forced entry.

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They were met by a man in the darkness in the sitting room. He gave his details and said he didnt have enough money to top up his electricity.

Gardai found half a gramme of cannabis on a table which was worth 10.

There was evidence of drug parphernalia all over the room and in a shopping bag there was a large amount of white powder believed at the time to be cocaine.

The defendant was arrested at 9.45pm and taken to Ballymote Garda Station.

The value of the drug found, which turned out to be Eutylone, was 52,320.

The defendant said he was working in LIDL at Finisklin for two years and was getting 1,600 per month. His rent was 750 and he spent the rest on drugs.

McKenna said he was smoking weed as well as using other drugs like cocaine. He said he didnt know whether Eutylone was legal or illegal.

He told Gardai that he was asked to hold it as he was a quiet individual.

McKenna said that by the end of every month he would be running out of money and that he owed people for grass.

The defendant said he was instructed to give out small amounts of the white powder to people.

Mr Mulrooney said that in the interim McKenna went to the UK and was asked to return which he did so on May 24, 2023 when he was charged. He did not have any previous convictions.

Garda Devenney agreed with Mr Des Dockery SC with Mr Eoin McGovern BL, instructed by Mr Gerard McGovern, Solicitor that McKenna was a daily cannabis user and who was an occasional cocaine snorter and that his drug habits were getting progressively worse.

Mr Dockery pointed out that the defendant told Gardai that he had been in a bad place, was stuck for money, had no food in the house and was spending what he had on drugs.

The Garda agreed that McKenna said he was afraid to name who he was holding the drug for.

McKenna had stated that he took 14 to 15 grammes of the drug which he shared with friends but that he was not selling it to anyone.

Garda Devenney also agreed that McKenna went to the UK in April or May 2022 and had remained there ever since. He had co-operated with the Probation Service.

Asked by Judge Keenan Johnson what was meant by the term, there was evidence of drug paraphernalia all over the room, Garda Devenney replied that there were a lot of empty deal bags and cannabis grinders in the flat.

Mr Dockery said his client had been caught red handed but he had been forthcoming at interview not withstanding the fact he did not name the person he was holding the drug for.

The only reward he got was to be able to consume some of it himself.

He made no financial gain, he was sharing it with his friends and was not selling it, said Mr Dockery, who added that the defendant had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity on October 6, 2023.

Judge Johnson said he was surprised that a 15a charge had not been brought which carries a minimum sentence of ten years in prison given the value of the drug.

Mr Dockery pleaded for leniency saying the defendant had removed himself from the drugs scene in Sligo by leaving for the UK where he was now living in the Leicestershire area working for a demolition company. He was a young man with a good working history.

He made a foolish decision in the throes of a deepening drug habit, he said. McKenna was viewed by the probation service as being at low risk of re-offending.

Mr Dockery said the defendant had smoked cannabis occasionally in the past two years while in the UK but that was how far it had gone. He had returned three times to face the court proceedings. Family members were in court including his mother.

McKenna, in evidence, said that at the time he was taking cannabis and cocaine along with Eutylone every day.

Anything I could get my hands on, he said, adding that he was also drinking.

He would start work in LIDL at 4 or 5am and finish around midday.

When you are on drugs you dont really know what you are doing or care. I was just feeding myself, he said.

He said he never wanted to sell drugs.

Im not a drug dealer, he said.

Asked what was in it for him then, the defendant replied, free drugs.

He said he had supplied Eutylone to his friends.

I would have called it herbal cocaine. Id never heard of it, he said.

He began taking cannabis at 16 and it kind of grew from that to cannabis, cocaine and MDMA. He said he was drug free now.

He travelled all over the UK working for the demolition company. He said it was the best thing he ever did was move to England as it gave him his life back.

I enjoy doing what Im doing in England. Ive no plans to stay here (Ireland), he said.

He said it was impossible to escape from the drugs scene in Sligo. People who were doing drugs then were still at it.

Mr Dockery pleaded that it was one of those cases which warranted an immediate custodial sentence but this was an unusual sort of offender.

Apart from an early guilty plea, this was an intelligent, articulate person who had taken conrete efforts to address his issues and had done so over the past two years.

He said he was asking the court to dangle a fully suspended sentence over him.

Passing sentence, Judge Johnson said it appears this was an operation that had been going on for some period of time.

An aggravating factor was the quantity of the drug which was a significant haul and also the nature of the drug.

He was clearly actively involved in the distribution of these drugs, said the Judge.

In mitigation there was an early guilty plea, he had shown remorse, he didnt gain financially, had a good work record and had come off drugs with clear urine analysis produced.

The defendant was also at low risk of re-offending and was suitable for Community Service.

Judge Johnson imposed a sentence of six years and six months but said he was inclined to suspend this for ten years if there was another positive probation report for the court on December 10th next.

The defendant was ordered to come up with 15,000 for a drug charity in Sligo

The defendant would also be required to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for ten years, refrain from taking illicit drugs, remain working in the UK and submit urine analyis when asked. Judge Johnson said he wouldnt countenance any deviation from those orders.
Enniscorthy:

The theme for this years Enniscorthy parade is Mardi Fleadh, a topical play on words as Wexford prepares to host Fleadh Cheoil na Eireann in 2024.

The Enniscorthy Municipal District, Wexford County Council and Enniscorthy Creative Places have sponsored prizes for the St. Patricks Day festival this year. The prizes up for grabs are 500 for Best Overall Commercial Entry in the parade, 500 for Best Community Entry in the parade, and 500 for Best Dressed Business Window Display. Pettitts SuperValu in Enniscorthy have also sponsored a 100 hamper prize for the Best Dressed person on the day.

The most creative entries will be awarded the prize in recognition of their efforts. The winning entries will be announced on the day.

Once the parade ends there will be live traditional music performances on the Market Square. Face painters will be on hand to help everyone get into the festive spirit. The route is the same as last year. Details are as follows: -

Starting at Shannon Chapel marching down the Shannon and through Temple Shannon, along Shannon Quay to the new bridge, up through Abbey Square and over Mill Park Road, up Friary Hill, turning left onto Court Street and turning right up Hospital Lane onto Lymington Road, over to Duffy Hill to John Doyles corner and down Main Street.

The walkers will finish at Market Square and disperse from Wafer Street with vehicles going back to Abbey Square. The viewing stand will be in Abbey Square with music in the Market Square during and following the parade.

There will be no grand marshal, Mr Richie Cotter dressed as St Patrick will lead the parade.

Bunclody:

BC: The Bunclody parade begins at 10.35 a.m. and those who wish to take part can contact local councillor Barbara-Anne Murphy on 087 673 6966 or via email on bambunclody@gmail.com. Those taking part will gather outside OReillys Super Valu from 9.15 a.m. before the parade officially sets out later on. The parade will be led by St Patrick, as it has been every year since 1988, and there will be live music on the street during the event. Local clubs, organisations and businesses will be taking part in the parade and following the event there will be a Mass service given as Gaeilge.

Kiltealy:

The Kiltealy parade will begin from 1 p.m from Kiltealy Hall with local councillor, Cathal Byrne, acting as grand marshal. Due to concerns regarding the weather there will not be a kiddies disco this year, there will, however, be lots of lots, including entries from the local GAA club, the gymnastics club and the karate club. There will also be tractors and vintage cars on display. All proceeds from this year's St. Patrick's Day Parade will go to The Irish Kidney Association.

Harrow:

The parade in the Harrow will also start at 1 p.m. with visitors told to expect a really enjoyable parade with as much fun as possible. Irish dancers, Darragh Turner will MC the event which will feature Irish dancers, Andrew and Paddy Lacey displaying their new farm machinery, a prize for best dressed , and two grand marshals, Watt Gahan and Willie Walsh. Afterwards there will be refreshments in Kellys at the Harrow afterwards.

Curragraigue:

The self-styled smallest, shortest and least well-known parade in the county is now into its seventh year with organisers confirming it will start at 11 a.m. It will feature St. Patrick, a traditional music marching band, maybe a few stray dogs, a vintage tractor, possibly someone from Caim, maybe an American, a cold looking Irish dancer and all going to plan, a fella dressed as a viking.

Having decided to go easy on trucks, tractors, combines and muck spreaders, people are instead asked to bring their bikes, buggies, wheelbarrows and prams for a stroll around The Commons. There will be parking on The Commons and a new shuttle service for people from Rathnure. Tea and coffees and chats at the end.

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Clonroche:

The Clonroche St Patricks Day Parade takes place at 2 p.m., bringing a riot of colour to the close-knit community. Participants and groups and businesses with floats are asked to meet at Clonroche Mill beforehand at 1 p.m. Its planned that the parade will pass the viewing platform at 2 p.m. and the organising committee is anticipating most local businesses and over 25 local voluntary and sporting groups in the area will be participating. As the committee stated: Clonroche St Patricks Day Parade is an expression of the endeavour enterprise and culture in this community, and we hope all business will be able to participate in one of the largest rural parades in the county.
There will be three parades taking place this St Patrick's Day in the Gorey district with something for young and old.

Gorey:

Get ready to celebrate Irish Music Legends at the annual Gorey St Patricks Day Parade which is set to take place at 3p.m. on Sunday, March 17. This year, the parade will follow its traditional route, marshalling in Creagh before heading towards the Carnew Road, past the monument, through McCurtain Street, Main Street and Esmonde Street.

Last year we lost some highly regarded Irish musicians such as Christie Dignam, Sinead OConnor and Shane MacGowan. And with Co. Wexford hosting the Fleadh Cheoil and Gorey Hosting the County Fleadh, the Committee are asking people taking part to pay tribute to all the musicians from all genres of music that contribute so much to Irish culture and heritage, said Committee and District Chair Cllr Pip Breen.

There is always great support from the people of the north of the County for the St Patricks Day parade, hopefully this years parade will be just as well received. The weather has been kind to us for the last couple of years which really adds to the atmosphere. We are all looking forward to celebrating a fantastic St. Patricks Day here in Gorey, said District Manager, Philip Knight.

Veronica Lombard has been named as the 2024 Grand Marshal of the Gorey St Patricks Day Parade. Veronica has been an active member of many organisations in the town since she moved to Gorey 52 years ago, as a new bride married to Garry Lombard.

The committee received a number of nominations for Veronica this year with one saying: "Veronicas contribution and long service to Gorey Little Theatre and to Gorey Town itself would make her an excellent and deserving Grand Marshal.

Coolgreany:

As usual Coolgreanys St Patricks Day Parade will be led by the award winning Arklow Pipe Band. The parade will begin 30 minutes earlier than usual, gathering in the lower street from 11.30a.m. and kicking off at 12 midday. The committee were unanimous in choosing Angela Kennedy as the Coolgreany Grand Marshal this year. Angela is a very well-known Coolgreany resident and in previous years has been involved with the parade as a member of the Late Bloomers, Coolgreany Vintage Days, the Scary Walk, Field Days, the Dawn Walk and Gymkhanas.

The judges are Jim Short, Myles Carroll and Sarah Byrne Lawlor. Nicky Boland has been welcomed on board as parade facilitator this year. The categories range from Most Original, Best Vintage Display, Best Vintage Vehicle, Best Marching Entry, Best Childrens Entry, Best Float and Best Overall. A category has been added especially for dog owners titled Best Dressed Pooch. The well-dressed dog and owner must walk in the parade and join in with the fun.

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Carnew:

To mark their 40th anniversary this year, Carnew Community Care will lead the way as Grand Marshal of the Carnew St Patricks Day Parade. The parade will start at Kennys Corner at the top of the town at 12.30p.m. and continue on to St Brigids Hall.

There will be prizes awarded for Most Entertaining, Best Walking Group, Best Youth Entry, Most Topical and Best Overall Float will be awarded the Pat Doran Cup. Furthermore, Winners of the Judges Choice Award Non-Profit will be given a 200 cash prize.
Farmers protest in New Ross by local farmers. From left; George Phelan from The Rower, Kevin Ryan from Tullogher, John Martin and Dan Carroll from Arnestown, Thomas Hartley from Glenmore and John Conway from Tullogher. Photo; Mary Browne

Farmers protest in New Ross by local farmers. From left; Mick Carroll from Arnestown, John Walsh, Eoin Ryan, Paddy Grennan from Tullogher, Mathew Roche from New Ross, John Brennan from Mountelliot, James Dooley from Garrenbetty, Harrison Crosbie from Camblin and Tadhg Carroll from Arnestown. Photo; Mary Browne

Farmers protest in New Ross by local farmers. From left; Simon Kennedy and Paddy Grennan from Tullogher, Philip Hoynes from Glenmore and Mick Carroll from Arnestown. Photo; Mary Browne

Farmers protest in New Ross by local farmers. From left; Denis O'Dwyer from Glenmore, Mikey Mulhall from New Ross, Mick Carroll from Arnestown and John Brennan from Mountelliot. Photo; Mary Browne

Traffic was on a go-slow in New Ross during lunchtime on Friday when local farmers protested, as part of a European-wide campaign to be heard about their growing concerns for the future of the agricultural sector.

The protest saw around fifty tractors and some jeeps crowd the road between the Campile roundabout near the Garda station and OHanrahan Bridge, from 1.30 p.m. in a show of unity during a challenging time. It was probably the busiest the road has been in some time, post-bypass, causing some frustration for drivers, on what is usually the busiest day for the town.

One of the organisers of the protest, Mick Carroll from Arnestown, New Ross, said: We think the message got through.

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The dairy farmer said the derogation was reduced in recent years and is set to be further reduced, meaning he and other farmers will be forced to produce less.

Youll have to cull cows out of the herd. Them extra few cows are the cream on the top, the profit. Lads are barely getting by and thats just part of the problem. These changes affect everyone and a lot of farmers are being impacted by the new regulations.

Mick said one major source of frustration is that farmers feel they are not being represented at the decision making tables of Europe.

All these regulations are shoehorned in and there is no real dialogue about it. There was no fight back against derogation. The minister and the farming organisations didnt do enough. We are independent farmers. Where are the farming organisations.

He said farmers want to discuss their fears with Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Charlie McConalogue.

At the rate things are going farmers are not going to be able to continue."

Mick said young farmers like him don't see a future in farming because of over regulation.

"Ireland is the most efficient producer of food yet the EU and the Irish government are shutting down production here and bringing in exports from countries with no regulations. Young farmers need to stand up and fight for their futures.
One of the Romanian registered trucks impounded by Gardai.

One of the Romanian registered trucks impounded by Gardai.

Wexford Gardai impounded a total of five trucks at Rosslare Europort last week, after they were deemed to be unsafe, dangerous and defective.

The five Romanian registered trucks had arrived into the country after disembarking a ferry from the continent and piqued the interest of gardai from the Wexford Roads Policing Unit, along with motor vehicle inspectors from the Road Safety Authority.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 14th March 2024

What they found was shocking. The trucks had a whole range of issues from rust and corrosion to broken lights and, terrifyingly given the weight of the vehicles involved, faulty brakes.

"All five trucks were impounded and following a thorough inspection they were deemed unsafe, dangerous and defective, a garda spokesperson said. All five trucks were escorted to local DOE test centres and all five failed.

One of the Romanian registered trucks impounded by Gardai.

"They remained parked up for the past week until mechanics were called in to carry out repairs and a re-test was carried out. It would have caused both the drivers and the owners huge upset, inconvenience and thousands of euro was required for the repairs and test costs.

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Gardai once again reiterated the importance of maintaining vehicles, particularly commercial vehicles, and ensuring that they are in roadworthy condition.
Craig and Catherine Brady of Bradys Coffee with Damien English, T.D., Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, at the National Ploughing Championships.

A coffee roasting business from Wicklow town is this years representative at the National Enterprise Awards, the Local Enterprise Office Wicklow has announced.

Craig, Darren, John and Catherine Brady of Bradys Coffee Company, based at the Murrough in Wicklow town, will represent Local Enterprise Office Wicklow at the 24th National Enterprise Awards at the Mansion House in Dublin on Thursday, May 23.

Irish Decal Products Ltd. sell souvenirs, gifts and under the Bradys Coffee brand, they also sell coffee beans, cold brew coffee in cans and a new soap product which uses local ingredients.

Brothers Craig and Darren, along with their father John and Craigs wife Catherine will now be competing against 30 other finalists from every local authority area for a share of the 35,000 winners prize fund as national judging gets underway in April.

Speaking during Local Enterprise Week, which ran from March 4 to 8, Vibeke Delahunt Head of Local Enterprise Office Wicklow said: We are so proud to have the Brady family representing us this year. They have a fascinating business story, involving pivoting from import and distribution of souvenirs to the creation of a first class coffee roastery, achieving superb exports to the US, the development of a delicious canned cold brew coffee and now a range of beautiful locally produced soaps. The energy and ambition of this company is unstoppable.

The National Enterprise Awards are organised every year by the Local Enterprise Offices and supported by Enterprise Ireland, local authorities and the Government of Ireland.
Students from Dominican College in Wicklow town receiving their Yellow Flag from Jenny Hayden, Karen Shiels and Sian Abraham of the Yellow Flag Programme at a recent ceremony in Dublin.

Students from Wicklows Dominican College recently celebrated a huge milestone when they received their Yellow Flag for successfully completing the eight-step Yellow Flag School Programme.

The programme, which supports schools to challenge racism and discrimination, awarded fourteen schools for their work to build inclusivity and anti-racist school environments and communities at a ceremony in the Button Factory Studios, Dublin.

The colourful event was MCd by award-winning author Oein DeBhairduin, in a ceremony focused on the power of communities to contribute to integration.

In attendance at the event, Dominican College student Grace Barry said: Our Yellow Flag diversity committee, along with teachers and the student council, take action towards a better school environment where pupils are educated on matters such as racism and discrimination and how it affects young peoples mental health.

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The awardee schools who completed the eight-step programme were from Dublin, Cork, Galway, Louth, Waterford, Wicklow and Kildare and received a Yellow Flag for their achievements by Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O'Gorman, who said: Children and Young people often lead the way in showing us all a real model of inclusivity.

The Yellow Flag programme is incredibly valuable in how it brings to the fore that inherent sense of fairness and mutual respect in such a practical way.

Its a real privilege for me today to be able to award a Yellow Flag to 14 primary and post-primary schools from all over the country, recognising their significant achievement in challenging racism and discrimination.

The survey results highlighted today also reveal just how much more work is needed in spreading this positive work further  a job the Government is committed to supporting.

Yellow Flag Coordinator Sian Abraham Long commented: Over 55,000 students in Ireland were in a school which proactively adopted it , but government investment is needed to ensure schools are working to the same standards within the curriculum and with teachers supported in their efforts through training and could be integrated within the revamp of the primary curriculum framework, launched this week.

As part of The Yellow Flag assessment, schools asked over 14,000 teachers, pupils, parents and guardians representing 113 different ethnicities about their views on the extent of intercultural recognition and teaching in their schools.

Only 1 in 10 teachers felt they had sufficient knowledge to bring a focus on interculturalism into their lesson plan, and only a quarter of all students felt their ethnic or cultural identity was somewhat reflected in their classroom and teaching materials, or not at all, according to a survey today by the Yellow Flag School Programme.

Many teachers reported never having received intercultural or anti-racism training, which is also a finding among eight in 10 teachers who took part in the survey and who entered the two-year cycle programme in 2023.

Over 5,000 parents or guardians answered with only one in three responding that their child or young person's cultural or ethnic identity was very much reflected in the classroom and learning materials.
Sharon Stone said she was asked to sleep with William Baldwin (PA)

Billy Baldwin has responded in outrage to Sliver co-star Sharon Stones claims that the films late producer, Robert Evans, suggested she sleep with Baldwin to save the movie.

Stone, now 66, had originally written about the incident in her 2021 memoir, The Beauty of Living Twice, but refrained from naming the producer.

However, speaking on a recent episode of The Louis Theroux Podcast, she identified the producer as former Paramount Pictures chief Evans, who died in 2019 aged 89.

[Evans is] running around his office in his sunglasses, explaining to me that he slept with Ava Gardner and I should sleep with Billy Baldwin, because if I slept with Billy Baldwin, Billy Baldwins performance would get better, Stone recalled. And we needed Billy to get better in the movie, because that was the problem.

Explaining Evans logic, the Basic Instinct star said: If I could sleep with Billy, then we would have chemistry on-screen, and if I would just have sex with him then that would save the movie.

Sharon Stone said she was asked to sleep with William Baldwin (PA)

Shortly after Stones comments made headlines, 61-year-old Baldwin, the younger brother of Alec Baldwin, took to X to hit out at her remarks.

Not sure why Sharon Stone keeps talking about me all these years later? Does she still have a crush on me or is she still hurt after all these years because I shunned her advances? he tweeted.

I have so much dirt on her it would make her head spin but Ive kept quiet, Baldwin said, adding that he had implored Evans to allow me to choreograph the final sex scene in the photo below so I wouldnt have to kiss Sharon.

Wonder if I should write a book and tell the many, many disturbing, kinky and unprofessional tales about Sharon? he threatened. That might be fun.

The Independent has contacted Stones representative for comment.

Stone starred opposite Baldwin in the 1993 mystery thriller Sliver as Carly, a successful book editor who, after moving into a new luxury apartment, discovers that several female tenants have been murdered. She then becomes romantically involved with the prime suspect (Baldwin).

The Total Recall actor has been a prominent voice in Hollywoods #MeToo movement, detailing her experiences in her memoir.

In an interview last November on the Lets Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa podcast, Stone explained that she specifically did not name names in my book, because its a pointless exercise, they know who they are
Dame Prue Leith has confirmed why she will not be filming another series of the celebrity version of The Great British Bake Off (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Dame Prue Leith has confirmed why she will not be filming another series of the celebrity version of The Great British Bake Off.

The cookery writer, broadcaster and restaurateur has been a judge since 2017 when she replaced Dame Mary Berry as the baking competition moved from the BBC to Channel 4.

When asked if the rumours were true and she would take a step back from the series, Dame Prue told ITVs This Morning: Its actually not true at all.

Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood on the set of The Great Festive Bake Off (Channel 4/PA)

Im still doing (The Great American Baking Show) Im still doing The Great British Bake Off, the two main shows of Bake Off.

What Im not doing this year is the celebrity one and its mainly because these things are filmed back-to-back the whole way through the summer.

So you start in April, and you end in August and honestly, you get no time off.

And so, Im getting a bit old and there are places I want to go to and other things I want to do.

She added that she wont be back after the latest instalment of The Great Celebrity Bake Off For Stand Up To Cancer, which will be aired later this year.

The latest series, hosted by This Morning star Alison Hammond and comedian Noel Fielding, sees EastEnders star Danny Dyer, former Doctor Who actress Jodie Whittaker, Spice Girl Mel B and This Morning star Dermot OLeary among the competitors.

The South African-born cook has written a dozen books and founded Leiths School of Food and Wine in the 1970s (David Parry/PA)

Dame Prue called Hammond wonderful as she cannot be anything but herself.

She cant be directed, she just does what shes going to do, she added.

Her time on the Channel 4 series first brought comparisons with Dame Mary from fans before the 84-year-old came into her own and became known for her banter with co-star Paul Hollywood.

Dame Prues judging has not been without some minor bumps along the way, and her first final saw her accidentally reveal the shows winner as former Army officer Sophie Faldo while in a different time zone.

She put out the name of the winning amateur baker on Twitter, while in Bhutan, which is six hours ahead of the UK.

Prior to The Great British Bake Off, Dame Prue was a judge on BBC cookery show The Great British Menu for 11 years, before stepping down in 2016.

The South African-born cook has written a dozen books, most famously Leiths Cookery Bible, which was penned as a textbook for her school and is frequently updated.

Leiths School of Food and Wine, which trains professional chefs and amateur cooks, was founded in the 1970s.

Famous alumni include Lorraine Pascale, Gizzi Erskine and Matt Tebbutt, as well as Michelin-star chefs including Joe Mercer Nairne and Matt Christmas.

She kicked of her career by training at Le Cordon Bleu cookery school in London and worked as a caterer before opening her restaurant in west London in 1969.

Outside of cooking, Dame Prue has long campaigned for a change in the law around assisted dying.

She said her elder brother David suffered a really horrible death from bone cancer more than a decade ago, and Dame Prue has also revealed that her late husband Rayne Kruger asked doctors if he could have a bit of assistance with dying.

The patron of Dignity in Dying made a documentary about assisted dying with her son, Tory MP for Devizes Danny Kruger, in 2023.

Prue And Dannys Death Road Trip saw them exploring the issue while listening to each others views from different sides of the debate.

She was married to South African author Kruger for almost 30 years before the authors death from emphysema aged 80 in 2002.

In 2016, she married retired fashion designer John Playfair  who is part of her ITV series Prue Leiths Cotswold Kitchen.
Weather wrap  are we heading for a Paddys Day washout?

Met Eireann has forecast a dull or overcast day with heavy rain at times brought on by three weather warnings leading to a chance of flooding.

A Status Orange rain warning for Cork and Kerry will see persistent rain, heavy at times, with strong onshore winds, high tides, and elevated river levels.

The national forecaster has said possible impacts include flooding, wave overtopping and difficult travelling conditions with the warning due to expire at midday today,

Two separate Status Yellow rain warning are also in place, one for Waterford until midday today and one for Galway until midnight tonight.

While rain will be heaviest across Atlantic coasts, some drier and brighter spells may develop across east Munster and Leinster.

A mild and humid day with highs of generally 11 to 14 degrees, but cooler across the far west and northwest fringes.

Breezy across Leinster and Munster with fresh southwest winds, with just light variable winds elsewhere.

Tonight will bring scattered outbreaks of rain and drizzle with low cloud and mist too. Clearer spells will develop across the West and Northwest later.

Lowest temperatures of 5 to 8 degrees in light to moderate southwest winds, later veering west.

Friday will begin cloudy and damp with patchy outbreaks of rain and drizzle clearing eastwards. Drier and brighter weather will extend eastwards with sunny skies developing widely.

Highs of 8 to 12 degrees in mostly moderate northwest winds.

Cold, calm and clear for much of Friday night with some frost. Later on, cloudy outbreaks of rain and drizzle, along with freshening southwest winds, will move into the South and West.

Lows of -2 to + 2 degrees, coldest across Ulster and north Leinster.

Saturday will be a wet day with overnight rain extending nationwide during the morning; persisting for much of the day.

Rather breezy too with moderate to fresh southeasterly winds. Highs of 9 to 13 degrees, coolest across the North.

Saturday night will see outbreaks of rain will follow after-dark. Longer drier spells too but overall damp and misty.

Lows of 6 to 9 degrees in moderate southwesterly winds.

St Patricks Day, Sunday will be damp locally to begin, however overall a lot of dry weather is expected with good sunny spells and just well scattered showers.

A mild day with highs of 12 to 14 or 15 degrees in no more than moderate southwest breezes.

Bank Holiday Monday will see late overnight rain clear to sunshine and well scattered showers.

"However, a further spell of rain is likely to move in from the Atlantic later in the day. Mild and humid with highs of 12 to 15 degrees in no more than moderate southwesterly winds, Met Eireann said.
A migrant gestures on the Geo Barents migrant rescue ship after the rescue of 61 migrants off the coast of Libya in 2023. Phoot: REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi/File Photo

As many as 60 people are feared to have drowned on a vessel carrying migrants across the Central Mediterranean from Libya to Italy or Malta, the operators of a charity rescue group said on Thursday.
Photo courtesy: screengrab

Mumbai: Vedanta Ltd on Wednesday said it will challenge stock market regulator SEBIs Rs 77.6 crore penalty for delay in dividend payment to its former shareholder Cairn Energy.

In a statement, billionaire Anil Agarwal-led firm said the UK-based company had given up its right to claim interest when it settled a retrospective tax demand with the government.

When Cairn UK reached a settlement with the Government of India in its tax dispute, all dues were cleared including the said dividend amount. Also, as per the settlement with GOI on the tax dispute, Cairn UK undertook to surrender its rights to claim interest on such tax refund (arising on account of this dividend), Vedanta Ltd said in a statement.

On March 12, 2024, SEBI directed Vedanta Ltd to pay Rs 77.6 crore to Cairn UK Holdings Ltd, now Capricorn UK Holdings Limited (CUHL) as an interest payment for delayed payment of Rs 667 crore in dividend in the period between April 2016 and June 2017.

In the statement, Vedanta Ltd said that the dividend payment to CUHL was under a tax dispute between Cairn UK and Government of India.

The said dividend amount was deposited in an unpaid dividend account as per law and was to be released by Vedanta Ltd. as per the orders of the Income Tax Department and which was subsequently released post orders of the Department and no benefit, whatsoever was derived by Vedanta Ltd, it said.

Vedanta Ltd. will appeal the SEBI order before the appropriate forum, the statement said.

Citing para 111 of the SEBI order, the statement said that it explicitly says that Vedanta Ltd. / Cairn India Ltd. deposited unpaid dividend amount in special account called unpaid dividend account and it did not benefit from the unpaid dividend amount during April 01, 2016 to June 15, 2017.

The company said it had no intention to withhold the dividend payment from CUHL.

Vedanta Ltd. has an exemplary record in payment of dividends. Vedanta Ltd. has paid out dividends of over Rs. 84,000 crores to shareholders in the last ten years. It has never delayed, or been penalised for, any dividend payment. The amount of Rs. 667 crore is a very small amount in the context of the amount of dividend Vedanta Ltd pays, read the statement.

It defies logic and the companys exemplary record to withhold payment to any shareholder. It was purely the unique circumstances that Cairn UK found itself in with the Income Tax department of the Government of India in 2016-17 that led to the delay, read the statement.
Image Credit: UNI

Mumbai: Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) may cut down its workforce by around 20 percent due to uncertainty about the bank's future, Reuters reported.

The sources indicate that the company's move to downsize its staff at the payments bank is related to the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) directive to halt several crucial operations by March 15 due to ongoing compliance issues.

The bank plans to hand off pink slips to employees in several departments, including operations, said the sources quoted in the report.

The bank employed 2,775 employees as of December 2023.

"Since this regulatory order has coincided with the appraisal season, employees with low ratings have been asked to leave," the first source, an employee at the banking unit, told the news agency. "Employees are frustrated because the management has gone back on their word that nobody will be laid off," added the person.

In an internal town hall meeting in February, Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma reportedly reassured the bank's employees that there would be no layoffs, as per the second source, who is also an employee in the banking unit.

However, a spokesperson from Paytm refuted the claim, stating that there are no plans for any job cuts as a result of the RBI's actions against the payments bank.

"There are no layoffs here. The annual appraisal cycle is underway at the company which may lead to adjustments based on performance evaluations and role suitability," said the spokesperson.

"It's crucial to understand that this process is distinct from layoffs," the spokesperson added.

Following the March 15 deadline, customers will retain access to their deposits and wallets held by Paytm Payments Bank, although the bank will no longer accept new deposits.

The bank's future remains uncertain after the cessation of its operations.

Despite these challenges, Paytm expects to receive a license from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), enabling its customers to continue using the Paytm app for payments via the unified payment interface (UPI).

However, there hasn't been any communication from Paytm regarding the future roles of banking staff after the operational halt.

Reportedly, the company has absorbed approximately 100 employees from the banking unit.
Photo courtesy: X/@AmitShah

New Delhi/IBNS: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has lashed out at the opposition parties for doing "politics of lies" by opposing the implementation of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which aims to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from neighbouring countries.

In an interview on ANI show Podcast with Smita Prakash, Shah said, "All opposition parties including Owaisi, Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee are doing politics of lies..."

He added, "All opposition parties including Owaisi, Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee are doing politics of lies. There is no question of timing. BJP said in its manifesto in 2019 that it would bring CAA and give citizenship to refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan...In 2019, it was passed by Parliament but got delayed due to Covid...

"The opposition wants to do appeasement politics and wants to consolidate their vote bank. They have been exposed and the people of the country know that CAA is the law of this country. I have said 41 times in the last 4 years that it would be implemented before the elections"

#WATCH | On opposition parties raising questions on the timing of CAA notification, Union HM Amit Shah says, "All opposition parties including Owaisi, Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee are doing politics of lies..."



"All opposition parties incl Owaisi, Rahul Gandhi, pic.twitter.com/F3a8St1bPp  ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2024

Shah's comment comes after several opposition parties have slammed the implementation of CAA on different grounds.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is taking Shah's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) head on, has urged people not to apply for CAA or else they would, as she alleged, lose their rights immediately.

"There is no clarity in the rules. I am not against granting citizenship but an Act which discriminates against people," she said.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday lashed out at the BJP over the CAA implementation, accusing the country's ruling party of depriving Indian children of their rights.

Kejriwal says by implementing CAA, the government is giving away the rights of the children to migrants from neighbouring countries, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

The Delhi Chief Minister said, "If BJP does not withdraw CAA, then people should express their anger by voting against BJP. In the last 10 years, 11 lakh rich industrialists and businessmen left India. If BJP has to bring them back, then it should bring these people back.

"They will come to India, they have money, they will provide employment. What disgrace is this that we will give place to the people of Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan in India and will give them employment which is right for our children."

The Centre Monday notified the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

The notification paves the way for granting Indian citizenship to people belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian communities on grounds of religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh from 1947 to 2015.

The Parliament passed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in December 2019.
Image: Facebook/MK Stalin

Chennai/UNI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M.K.Stalin lashed out at BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Opposition AIADMK and said both the parties are having secret alliance.

He was addressing an official function at Pollachi after handing over various welfare assistance schemes to 57,325 beneficiaries, laying foundation for infrastructure projects to the tune of Rs 1,273.51 crores in the Kongu region comprising Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode and the Nilgiris districts and commissioning several completed projects.

Accusing the AIADMK of having done nothing for the Kongu region, which it claims was its forte, the Chief Minister said it was the DMK which understood and listened to the aspiration of the people.

Citing various incidents that took place during the previous AIADMK regime, including the sensational Pollachi sexual assault case, murder cum heist at the Kodanad estate, police firing on anti-sterlite protestors at Thoothukudi that claimed 13 lives, Stalin said "Not just the Lok Sabha polls, be it any election now, I say with confidence that victory is ours."

He also claimed that both the AIADMK and BJP had a secret alliance and that the INDIA Bloc, in which the DMK was a key partner, was working to defeat them in the polls.

It may be noted that the AIADMK, which had lost four successive polls since the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Rural and Urban Local body polls, 2021 Assembly elections and the bypoll to Erode Assembly seat, had already severed its ties with the BJP and also walked out of the NDA.

It has been repeatedly maintaining that there was no question of reviving ties with the BJP, which seems to be keeping its options open on this.

He also had a dig at the Prime Minister for not having done anything to the state and wanted people to ask him about the projects implemented by his government in the State when Modi visits Tamil Nadu next week.

He also refuted Modi's charge that the projects brought by his government were being stalled by the DMK.

He wants Modi should name at least one project that was stalled by the DMK and sought to know who had stalled the AIIMS Hospital in Madurai that was announced in 2014.
Photo courtesy: facebook.com/ArjunSinghBengal

Kolkata/IBNS: Arjun Singh, the Lok Sabha MP from West Bengal's Barrackpore, is set to rejoin the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after being denied a ticket by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Announcing his rejoining in the BJP, Singh said, "I have moved on from TMC. I am set to rejoin the BJP. The joining may take place in Kolkata or Delhi."

"Another big leader is likely to join the BJP along with me," he added.

When asked whether he would contest from his stronghold Barrackpore on BJP's ticket again, Singh said, "It will be decided by the party."

Singh quit TMC in 2019 and crossed over to the BJP. He won from Barrackpore on BJP's ticket.

Singh returned to TMC in 2022, a year after the ruling party returned to power with a massive mandate in 2021 assembly elections.

Singh, a strongman from Barrackpore in North 24 Parganas, was present at TMC's mega rally- dubbed as Jonogorjon Sabha- in Kolkata on Sunday.

After he was denied a ticket, a disheartened Singh, who returned to TMC in 2022, said, "I was told that I would get a ticket. I would not have returned to TMC had I known I would not get a ticket. This is a kind of a breach of trust."

"I am not a seasonal fruit. I am a 12-month fruit," he added.

On his displeasure over not getting a ticket, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee said, "He is still a BJP MP. He hasn't quit till now. We have to keep that in mind... Partha Bhowmick is our candidate and he will contest the elections."
Photo courtesy: UNI

New Delhi: Retired IAS officers Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Sandhu have been chosen as the election commissioners for the two vacant posts in the top panel of the Election Commission of India ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, media reports said.

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, said on Thursday that a meeting of a three-member high-level selection board chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which convened earlier today to appoint two election commissioners.

However, the government has not yet issued an official statement on the new appointments.

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were the two members apart from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the panel.

Chowdhury said he was not happy with the selection process as the government is in the majority in the panel and added that the Chief Justice of India should also have been one of the members to create a balance.

He alleged that a rule passed last year has reduced the selection panel to a formality.

He alleged that the time allowed to examine a long list of potential candidates was too short.

The Congress leader said he was given 212 names for scrutiny last night.

"I had asked for a shortlist so that I could examine the candidates. But I did not get that opportunity. I reached Delhi at midnight and the meeting was at noon today. I was given 212 names, how can someone examine so many candidates in a day? Ten minutes before the meeting, I was given a shortlist of 6 names," he was quoted as saying by NDTV.

"It was fait accompli that the chosen two will be selected. However, I tried to intervene in an appropriate manner so as to bolster the institution. That's why, before my arrival in Delhi, I sought a shortlist. They gave me a list of all candidates, numbering 212. Now you can imagine if, in a single night, it is humanly possible for me to examine 212 names and find out the most competent person among them," he said.

The Congress leader said he had registered his objection with a dissent note, questioning the procedure of selection.

Sandhu and Kumar are both retired IAS officers from the 1988 batch. While Sandhu is from the Uttarakhand cadre of the IAS, Kumar belongs to the Kerala cadre.

Sandhu has held significant government positions, including Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand and Chairman of the National Highways Authority of India.

Kumar has served as Secretary in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and in the Ministry of Cooperation under Amit Shah's leadership.

The two former bureaucrats have been selected for the positions of Election Commissioners just one day before the Supreme Court hearing petitions challenging the selection process.

In the current procedure, a search committee, led by the Law Minister, compiles a shortlist. Subsequently, a selection panel, headed by the Prime Minister and consisting of the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and a Union Minister, makes the final decision.

Last March, the Supreme Court ruled that the selection panel must include the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of India, and the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha.

However, the Centre later enacted a law to replace the Chief Justice with a Union Minister, skewing the process in favour of the Centre.
Image Credit: UNI

New Delhi: Suspended Congress MP from Patiala Preneet Kaur, the wife of former Punjab CM Amarinder Singh, joined the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday ahead of the Lok Sabha Election.

She joined the party in New Delhi in the presence of BJP General Secretary Vinod Tawade, Tarun Chug, BJP State President, and Party's Punjab President Sunil Kumar Jakhar and other senior leaders.

Talking to the media after joining the party, Preneet Kaur said, "I will work for my state and the country under the leadership of PM Modi.

"I had a good innings with the Congress party and I hope I'll have a better innings with the BJP," she added.

Preneet Kaur was suspended by Congress in February 2023, on allegations of activities contrary to the party's interests.

Since then, Preneet had openly aligned herself with the saffron party in her stronghold of Patiala.

(With UNI inputs)
Photo courtesy: Facebook/Amit Shah

New Delhi/IBNS: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has hit out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for opposing the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which was implemented by the Centre earlier this week.

Speaking to ANI, Shah has accused Mamata of creating a rift between Hindus and Muslim through her opposition to CAA and "consolidating her votebank".

Shah said, "Mamata Banerjee, there are thousands of platforms to do politics, but please do not harm the Bengali Hindus who have come from Bangladesh. You are a Bengali too... I openly challenge her to show me one section of this law that takes away anyone's citizenship.

"She is creating fear... and consolidating her vote bank. Mamata Banerjee should not stop us from doing this, she should stop infiltration in her state. Infiltration has completely stopped in Assam because the BJP is in power there..."

#WATCH | On West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's remark on CAA notification, Union Home Minister Amit Shah says,"...She is creating fear... Mamata Banerjee should not stop us from doing this, she should stop infiltration in her state."



"Mamata Banerjee, there are thousands of pic.twitter.com/qbhYaKgzbH  ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2024

The Home Minister, who is the top leader of Mamata's arch-rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has also slammed the Chief Minister for allegedly not stopping the infiltration in the state.

Shah said, "She is creating fear... Mamata Banerjee should not stop us from doing this, she should stop infiltration in her state."

The Home Minister claimed the BJP will stop infiltration in West Bengal if it comes to power in the state, where the saffron party never came to power.

Shah said, "The day is not far when BJP will come to power there (West Bengal) and will stop infiltration. If you (Mamata Banerjee) do this kind of politics and with such an important national security issue, you allow infiltration by doing appeasement politics and oppose the refugees from getting citizenship, then people will not be with you.

"Mamata Banerjee does not know the difference between a person taking refuge and an infiltrator..."

#WATCH | Union Home Minister Amit Shah says "The day is not far, when BJP will come to power there (West Bengal) and will stop infiltration. If you (Mamata Banerjee) do this kind of politics and with such an important national security issue, you allow infiltration by doing pic.twitter.com/JUXGDoteLM  ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2024

Mamata Banerjee, who is taking Shah's BJP head on, has urged people not to apply for CAA or else they would, as she alleged, lose their rights immediately.

"There is no clarity in the rules. I am not against granting citizenship but an Act which discriminates against people," she said.

The CAA notification paved the way for granting Indian citizenship to people belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian communities on grounds of religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh from 1947 to 2015.

The Parliament passed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in December 2019.
Photo courtesy: Facebook/Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata/IBNS: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was on Thursday hospitalised in Kolkata after she suffered a "major injury".

Mamata suffered an injury in her forehead. She was rushed to the state government-run SSKM Hospital.

Some of the pictures posted by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on X handle show she had suffered profuse bleeding.

Though the main cause of the injury is yet inconclusive, some reports claim she hit a glass showcase at her Kalighat residence.

Our chairperson @MamataOfficial sustained a major injury.

Please keep her in your prayers  pic.twitter.com/gqLqWm1HwE  All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) March 14, 2024

Mamata had to undergo four stitches at the SSKM Hospital.

The Chief Minister suffered the injury after she returned from an event in South Kolkata where she inaugurated a statue of late Kolkata Mayor Subrata Mukherjee.

Several TMC leaders and Mamata's family members including TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee are with the Chief Minister.

Prime Minisrer Narendra Modi, in a post, prayed for Mamata's speedy recovery.

I pray for a quick recovery and the best health for Mamata Didi. @MamataOfficial  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 14, 2024

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president Sukanta Majumdar wished speedy recovery of the Chief Minister. Majumdar wrote, "Wishing CM @MamataOfficial a speedy recovery. Our prayers are with her for a quick return to good health..."

Wishing CM @MamataOfficial a speedy recovery. Our prayers are with her for a quick return to good health... pic.twitter.com/6ysCgl9I2t  Dr. Sukanta Majumdar (   ) (@DrSukantaBJP) March 14, 2024

"Wishing a speedy recovery of the Chief Minister, West Bengal," Congress state chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury posted on X.

     



Wishing a speedy recovery of the Chief Minister, West Bengal  Adhir Chowdhury (@adhirrcinc) March 14, 2024

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal posted on X, "Shocked to see this. Pray for ur speedy recovery Didi. God bless u."

Shocked to see this. Pray for ur speedy recovery Didi. God bless u https://t.co/Cc9fn1cNMO  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) March 14, 2024

This is the second time in a few months' time Mamata met with an injury. In January, she suffered a minor injury on her head while she was returning to Kolkata from Burdwan.

She had suffered the injury after a car reportedly entered into her convoy prompting the driver of her vehicle to put a sudden brake.
Photo courtesy: UNI

New Delhi/IBNS: In a big move towards showing transparency regarding political funding, the Election Commission of India has uploaded the data of the electoral bonds provided to it by the State Bank of India.

The details were uploaded on Thursday, a day before the deadline set by the Supreme Court.

The data relates to purchases of bonds of three denominations - Rs. 1 lakh, Rs. 10 lakh, and Rs. 1 crore - dating back to April 12, 2019, and reveals purchases by companies as well as individuals.

The EC's website has two lists. The first is of companies that purchased electoral bonds, along with the denomination and dates.

The other has the names of the political parties as well as the denominations of the bonds and the dates on which they were encashed. There is, however, no way of correlating the lists and finding out which company had donated to which party.

Announcing the release of the data, the EC said in a statement, "The Election Commission of India has today uploaded the data on electoral bonds on its website as received from SBI on 'as is where is basis'".

"It may be recalled that in the said matter, ECI has consistently and categorically weighed in favour of disclosure and transparency, a position reflected in the proceedings of the Hon'ble Supreme Court and noted in the order also," it said.

The Chairman of SBI filed an affidavit before the Supreme Court on Wednesday informing that the Bank has complied with the apex court order fully and furnished the details of electoral bonds to the Election Commission of India (ECI).

The details have been provided in two separate information packets - the first containing details of the purchasers of the electoral bonds, and the second containing names of the political parties who have encashed these bonds with all the requisite details, SBI Chairman said.

The affidavit, filed by SBI Chairman Dinesh Kumar Khara, states: The State Bank of India has furnished the records to the ECI with details of purchase, denomination, and name of the buyer and the date of encashment and the denominations of the bonds encashed are given."

SBIs move came in the wake of the Supreme Court's stringent directions to upload the details of the Electoral Bonds purchased and redeemed by parties.

Earlier the apex court scrapped the Electoral Bonds scheme on February 15. The top court had declared the issuance of electoral bonds as unlawful and directed the SBI to stop the issuance of the Electoral bonds forthwith.

The Supreme Court had directed the SBI to disclose details of the political parties that received contributions through electoral bonds. These details were to be published by the Election Commission on its website by March 13, 2024.
Photo Courtesy: PIB

Indian President Droupadi Murmu led delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth of Mauritius when they reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the long-standing partnership between the two countries.

The two leaders also witnessed the exchange of 4 agreements. These include

 MoU between International Financial Services Centres Authority (GIFT City) and Financial Services Commission, Mauritius;

 MoU between Public Service Commission, Mauritius and Union Public Service Commission;

 Protocol to amend the India-Mauritius Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) to make it compliant with Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Minimum Standards;

 MoU between Central Bureau of Investigation, India and the Independent Commission Against Corruption of Mauritius.

On the occasion, President Murmu and Prime Minister Jugnauth virtually inaugurated 14 community development projects funded by the Government of India, and laid the foundation stone for the new Forensic Science Laboratory, also being set up with Indian assistance.

"Later, the President of Mauritius, Shri Prithvirajsing Roopun hosted the President over lunch at State House, Reduit," read a statement issued by the Indian President's Secretariat.

Earlier this morning, the President visited Aapravasi Ghat which holds great significance, especially for the descendants of the first indentured workers from India who arrived there nearly two centuries ago.

She also visited the International Slavery Museum.

Before leaving Mauritius, the President also offered prayers to Mangalmurti Mahadev at the sacred Ganga Talao.

On 12 March 2024, the President participated as Chief Guest in the National Day celebrations of Mauritius. Following the ceremony, various Mauritian dignitaries called on President Murmu.
Photo Courtesy: S Jaishankar X page

Belarus Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik recently thanked India after it supported the country's application for full-fledged membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Aleinik was recently on a three-day visit to India from March 11 to March 13.

During his visit, he also met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

Speaking on his meeting with Jaishankar, Aleinik was quoted as saying by ANI, We are sharing views towards creating a more just, fair, multipolar world order, and we are sharing the same views on the principles of international relations, so the core principles are equality of states and, the balance of interests of each and every country.

We also touched upon our cooperation in SCO, as well as BRICS, and we expressed our appreciation for Indian support extended to our application for full-fledged membership in SCO, he added.

Meanwhile, S Jaishankar also shared his feelings after meeting Sergei Aleinik and posted on X: "A good meeting with Foreign Minister and Special Envoy for relations with India, Sergei Aleinik of Belarus. Took stock of our bilateral political, trade and economic ties. Exchanged views on development partnership, defence, S&T and education."

"Also discussed the regional situation and cooperation in NAM, SCO and UN," he said.
Photo Courtesy: PIB

Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, who is currently visiting India, met his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Thursday when the two leaders discussed various aspects of the relationship shared between India and Bhutan.

Following his meeting with the Bhutanese counterpart, Modi posted on X: "Glad to meet my friend and PM of Bhutan@tsheringtobgay on his first overseas visit in this term. Had productive discussions encompassing various aspects of our unique and special partnership. I convey heartfelt thanks to His Majesty the King of Bhutan and

@PMBhutan for inviting me to visit Bhutan next week."

Tshering Tobgay also met Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar who said he values the leadership of the Bhutanese leader for taking forward the relationship between the two neighbours.

"Delighted to call on PM @tsheringtobgay of Bhutan during his India visit. Value his leadership in taking the unique relationship forward," Jaishankar posted.

Delighted to call on PM @tsheringtobgay of Bhutan during his India visit.



Value his leadership in taking the unique   relationship forward. pic.twitter.com/nWSUlZCUHO  Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) March 14, 2024

Tobgay will be on an official visit to India from 14-18 March, 2024 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Glad to meet my friend and PM of Bhutan @tsheringtobgay on his first overseas visit in this term. Had productive discussions encompassing various aspects of our unique and special partnership. I convey heartfelt thanks to His Majesty the King of Bhutan and @PMBhutan for inviting pic.twitter.com/Ab7wXH2TVt  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 14, 2024

The visit is Prime Minister Tshering Tobgays first overseas visit after assuming office in January 2024.

During the visit, the Prime Minister of Bhutan will call on Indian President Droupadi Murmu.

Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay will also visit Mumbai during his visit.

"India and Bhutan enjoy exemplary ties of friendship and cooperation, based on trust, goodwill and mutual understanding at all levels. The visit of the Prime Minister of Bhutan will provide an opportunity to the two sides to review the progress in our unique partnership and to discuss ways and means to expand the enduring ties of friendship and cooperation between India and Bhutan," read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.
In image PM Modi with his Bhutanese counterpart/ courtesy: X page

New Delhi/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday held talks with his Bhutanese counterpart Dasho Tshering Tobgay on various aspects of "unique and special partnership" between the two neighbouring countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also thanked the Bhutan Prime Minister for inviting him to visit Bhutan next week.

"Glad to meet my friend and PM of Bhutan @tsheringtobgay on his first overseas visit this term. Had productive discussions encompassing various aspects of our unique and special partnership. I convey heartfelt thanks to His Majesty the King of Bhutan and @PMBhutan for inviting me to visit Bhutan next week," PM Modi wrote on his X handle after the discussions at his residence.

Glad to meet my friend and PM of Bhutan @tsheringtobgay on his first overseas visit in this term. Had productive discussions encompassing various aspects of our unique and special partnership. I convey heartfelt thanks to His Majesty the King of Bhutan and @PMBhutan for inviting pic.twitter.com/Ab7wXH2TVt  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 14, 2024

The visiting Prime Minister arrived in the national capital earlier in the day on a five-day official visit to India at PM Modi's invitation.

This is the first overseas visit of the Bhutanese PM after he assumed office in January.

The Bhutan PM is accompanied by the Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister, Energy and Natural Resources Minister, Industry, Commerce and Employment Minister, and senior officials from the Royal Government of Bhutan.

The External Affairs Minister and other Indian dignitaries will call on the Prime Minister of Bhutan.

Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay will also visit Mumbai.

Earlier, in a statement the Ministry of External Affairs said, "India and Bhutan enjoy exemplary ties of friendship and cooperation, based on trust, goodwill and mutual understanding at all levels."

"The visit of the Prime Minister of Bhutan will provide an opportunity to the two sides to review the progress in our unique partnership and to discuss ways and means to expand the enduring ties of friendship and cooperation between India and Bhutan," the Ministry said.
Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

People protested in Pakistan's Belkanai area on Tuesday to protest against the alleged sexual harassment of a woman visitor in the local office of the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra).

They demanded an immediate arrest of the suspecta Class-IV Nadra employeefor criminal proceedings, reported Daws News.

The demonstrators protested by blocking the Belkanai-Ajmeer Road and staged a rally against the incident.

They insisted that a Nadra official tried to sexually assault a woman, who went to his office to make the computerised national identity card, the newspaper reported.

The woman filed a harassment complaint with the Olandar police station, according to SHO Bakht Zeb Khan.

He told Dawn that the woman was allegedly harassed in a room where she went to get herself photographed for CNIC.

The SHO said as the suspected harasser fled, the woman reported the incident to her brother and father-in-law, leading to street protests.

He said the protesters dispersed after the registration of an FIR against the suspect.

The suspect was later held and produced before the court.
You will be surprised to know that when Kaikeyi asked for two boons from King Dasharatha, Bharat was not there in Ayodhya at that time. He had gone to his uncle's house.
In the world of Indian movies, some films really grab people's attention, not just for their great stories but also for how much they stick in people's minds.

People who love movies often go to places like IMDb to rate and talk about their favourites. So here we are with a list of the most popular Hindi movies on IMDb!

You might think you know what's on it, but wait till you hear about number 10.

Most Voted Hindi Films On IMDb, Number 10 Will Leave You Shocked!

Scene From 3 Idiots/IMDb

1. The Kashmir Files

Votes: 573k+

With over 500k votes, 'The Kashmir Files' is about the anguish, hardship, and determination of the Kashmiri Pandit community amidst the tumultuous backdrop of 1990.

2. 3 Idiots

Votes: 431k+

Gathering over 400k votes, this film follows two friends on a quest to find their missing companion from college. As they reminisce about their college days, they fondly recall the influence of their absent friend, who encouraged them to challenge convention, even in the face of ridicule from society.

3. Dangal

With over 200k votes, this movie is based on the real lives of former Indian wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat and his two daughters, also wrestlers. The movie talks about the family's journey to success at the Commonwealth Games despite facing societal challenges and discrimination.

4. Tare Zameen Par

Ranked at 4 with over 200k votes, this one is a poignant story that revolves around an eight-year-old boy initially labelled as a lazy troublemaker, whose life takes a transformative turn when a compassionate new art teacher uncovers the underlying issues behind his academic struggles.

5. PK

6. Radhe

P.K. released in 2014, this film spans 2 hours and 33 minutes and centres around an extraterrestrial visitor stranded on Earth after losing his sole means of communication with his spaceship.Through his innocent demeanour and inquisitive nature, he prompts society to reflect on the influence of religious beliefs on people's lives.

Votes: 179k+

Ranked at number 6 with 179,812 votes, "Radhe" (2021) clocks in at 1 hour and 53 minutes and holds a rating of 15 with a modest score of 1.9.

The storyline follows ACP Rajveer Shikawat, also known as Radhe, as he embarks on a mission to apprehend the notorious gangster Gani Bhai.

However, his pursuit leads him to uncover the clandestine operations of the wealthiest individual in town, who is orchestrating a criminal syndicate behind the scenes.

Scene From Laal Singh Chaddha/IMDb

7. Laal Singh Chaddha

Votes:177k+

Ranked 7th with 177,799 votes, "Laal Singh Chaddha" (2022) runs for 2 hours and 39 minutes, carrying a 12A rating and a score of 5.6. Additionally, it holds a Metascore of 46.

The film narrates the tale of Laal Singh Chaddha, an ordinary individual whose remarkable odyssey promises to evoke feelings of love, joy, and contentment.

8. RRR

Votes:166k+

Ranked 8th with 166,028 votes, "RRR" (2022) boasts a runtime of 3 hours and 7 minutes, holding a rating of 15 and a commendable score of 7.8. Additionally, it has a Metascore of 83.

The film embarks on an epic journey set in pre-independent India, where a brave warrior on a dangerous mission encounters a resolute police officer serving the British forces, leading to gripping confrontations and monumental challenges.

9. Pathaan

Votes: 155k+

At the 9th position with 155,877 votes, "Pathaan" (2023) unfolds over a runtime of 2 hours and 26 minutes, carrying no official rating. It holds a rating of 5.8 and a Metascore of 47.

The storyline revolves around an Indian agent who finds himself in a race against time as a relentless mercenary, driven by a personal vendetta, orchestrates a catastrophic assault on the nation, threatening its very existence.

10. K.G.F: Chapter 2

11. Dil Bechara

Ranked at number 10 with 149,534 votes, "K.G.F: Chapter 2" (2022) spans a runtime of 2 hours and 46 minutes, holding a rating of 15 and boasting an impressive score of 8.3. Set amidst the blood-stained backdrop of the Kolar Gold Fields, the story revolves around Rocky, whose very name instills fear in his enemies yet poses a threat to the government's control over law and order. Rocky finds himself entangled in a relentless battle against adversaries from every direction, striving for unrivalled dominance.

Votes: 134k+

Ranked at number 11 with 134,527 votes, "Dil Bechara" (2020) unfolds over a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes, carrying no official rating. It boasts an emotional score of 8.3. The film delves into the heart-wrenching journey of two deeply enamoured youths: Kizie, a young girl battling cancer, and Manny, a boy she encounters at a support group. Their poignant story navigates the complexities of love and loss amidst the backdrop of adversity.

12. Adipurush

Scene From Adipurush/Koimoi

Votes: 132k+

Ranked at number 12 with 132,510 votes, "Adipurush" (2023) spans a runtime of 2 hours and 59 minutes, holding a 12A rating and earning a score of 3.1. The film presents a contemporary retelling of the Indian epic Ramayana, chronicling the quest of exiled prince Raghav to liberate his wife Janaki from the clutches of the demon king Lankesh.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Former James Bond Pierce Brosnan thinks that our Oppenheimer star Cillian Murphy will be amazing as James Bond. Pierce Brosnan stated that Oscar winner and fellow Irishman Cillian Murphy would make a "magnificent" 007.

"Cillian would do a magnificent job as James Bond on His Majesty's Secret Service," Brosnan told the BBC. Though speculations regarding who will portray Bond next have always existed, reports indicate that Murphy may be in the race.

Cillian Murphy To Become The Next James Bond? Pierce Brosnan Has This To Say

Speaking at the yearly Oscar Wilde awards in Los Angeles, which honor Irish creative brilliance, was Brosnan.



The Sun claims that Daniel's replacement is still being sought after by Bond executives, who have taken notice of his performance in the movie.



A source said: 'Cillian is the toast of Hollywood right now and this would be the ultimate role. 'This is a way to elevate the Bond franchise with an actor who is at the very top of his game.'

X

Clay Bunker too likes the idea of Murphy playing bond, he said, He said: 'He would fare beautifully. It's funny because Cillian is the nicest human but he has that dark side and there's a darkness to Bond. 'We forget that sometimes Bond is like the character [Ian] Fleming created  a pretty dark character.

'He just happens to be on the side that we call good. Cillian has that ability to tap into that.' It's reported that Barbara Broccoli, the producer of James Bond films, has been closely monitoring Cillian over the past year.

Also read: From Cillian Murphy To Wes Anderson, Everyone Who Recorded Their First Win At Oscars 2024

Nevertheless, as production on the 26th Bond movie isn't expected to start until late next year, there is still plenty of time to make up your mind.



The fictitious MI6 agent James Bond, often known as "007," who first made his appearance in a series of novels by Ian Fleming, is the basis for the James Bond film series, a British espionage film series. The first film in the franchise, "Dr. No," featuring Sean Connery as Bond, was released in 1962.





For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


As the release day of Prithviraj Sukumarans survival drama 'Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life' approaches, do you know the film is based on the real-life experiences of a Malayali migrant worker named 'Najeeb'.



Real-Life Story Of Malayali Migrant Worker Najeeb That Inspired 'Goat Of Life' Movie

All About Najeeb And His Journey To Saudi Arabia

As the release day of Prithviraj Sukumarans survival drama 'Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life' approaches, do you know the film is based on the real-life experiences of a Malayali migrant worker named 'Najeeb'.



Poster of Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life/X

All About Najeeb And His Journey To Saudi Arabia

Malayali migrant worker Najeeb's story is one of resilience and endurance in the face of extreme adversity. Najeeb, hailing from Kerala, ventured to Saudi Arabia in search of employment opportunities, lured by promises of a better life. However, his dreams were shattered when he found himself trapped in a situation of servitude.

Forced into the role of a goatherd in the harsh deserts of Saudi Arabia, Najeeb endured unimaginable hardships. He was subjected to brutal treatment by his employer, who closely monitored him to prevent any attempts at escape. Isolated from society and tormented by his circumstances, Najeeb's spirit was tested as he struggled to survive in the unforgiving environment.

Living among hundreds of goats, with minimal human interaction and no respite from the gruelling conditions, Najeeb's ordeal lasted for two long years. His story of resilience and survival, despite facing overwhelming odds, serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by migrant workers in foreign lands.

Prithviraj Sukumaran's Adaptation: Bringing Najeeb's Story To The Big Screen

Najeeb's experiences inspired the acclaimed novel "Aadujeevitham" (Goat Days) by Benyamin, which later served as the basis for the upcoming film adaptation titled "Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life." His story has touched the hearts of many, shedding light on the plight of migrant workers and showcasing the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.

Directed by National Award-winner Blessy, 'Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life' promises to portray Najeeb's journey with authenticity and poignancy.

As people watch the trailer, they are getting really excited for the movie to come out. This movie, 'Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life', isn't just about telling Najeeb's tough story; it also shows how strong people can be when they face tough times.

Javed Jaaferi Praises 'Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life'

Meanwhile, following the release of the film's trailer, actor Javed Jaaferi expressed his admiration for the movie on X (formerly known as Twitter). "This film looks absolutely incredible, and the team behind it is phenomenal. Can't wait to witness it," he shared.

The movie is slated to release on March 28.

Also Read: Aadujeevitham OTT Release: When And Where To Watch Prithviraj Sukumaran's The Goat Life

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Bengaluru Ramadan 2024 Sehri And Iftar Timings: Ramadan or Ramzan is a festival that is celebrated with a lot of joy and fervour by Muslims across the globe.

During the month of Ramadan, people observe Roza (without even drinking water for 30 days). Ramadan is also a time when people break their Roza together to celebrate the festival with their friends, family and loved ones.

Ramadan 2024 started on March 12 and ended on April 9 and Eid-ul-Fitr would be celebrated on the evening of April 10 or April 11.

Muslim community observes fast or Roza from dawn to dusk. Roza has two parts, one is Sehri - the meal that one consumes before daybreak and the second one is known as Iftaar - when people break the Roza - the meal that is eaten after sunset. People make elaborate meals for Iftaar. People also invite their friends and loved ones over for Iftaar and it is quite a grand affair.

At the end of the month of Ramadan, Muslims make some donations to disadvantaged people. These donations have to be made before starting the celebrations for Eid.

Therefore, it is important to keep a check on the time for Sehri and Iftaar. Here, take a look at the Sehri and Iftar timetable during Ramadan for Bengaluru:



Ramadan 2024: Bengaluru Sehri and Iftar Timing Calendar

Bengaluru Ramadan Timings 2024 Calendar, Sehri & Iftar Time Table Roza Date Sehri Timing Iftar Timing 1 March 12 5:18 AM 6:34 PM 2 March 13 5:18 AM 6:34 PM 3 March 14 5:17 AM 6:34 PM 4 March 15 5:16 AM 6:34 PM 5 March 16 5:16 AM 6:34 PM 6 March 17 5:15 AM 6:35 PM 7 March 18 5:14 AM 6:35 PM 8 March 19 5:14 AM 6:35 PM 9 March 20 5:13 AM 6:35 PM 10 March 21 5:12 AM 6:35 PM 11 March 22 5:12 AM 6:35 PM 12 March 23 5:11 AM 6:35 PM 13 March 24 5:10 AM 6:35 PM 14 March 25 5:10 AM 6:35 PM 15 March 26 5:09 AM 6:35 PM 16 March 27 5:08 AM 6:35 PM 17 March 28 5:07 AM 6:35 PM 18 March 29 5:07 AM 6:35 PM 19 March 30 5:06 AM 6:35 PM 20 March 31 5:05 AM 6:35 PM 21 April 1 5:05 AM 6:36 PM 22 April 2 5:04 AM 6:36 PM 23 April 3 5:03 AM 6:36 PM 24 April 4 5:02 AM 6:36 PM 25 April 5 5:02 AM 6:36 PM 26 April 6 5:01 AM 6:36 PM 27 April 7

5:00 AM 6:36 PM 28 April 8 5:00 AM 6:36 PM 29 April 9

4:59 AM 6:36 PM

Ramadan 2024: Dua for Sehri and Iftar Dua For Keeping The Fast?

(Sehri Ki Dua | Suhoor Dua)

"Wa bisawmi ghaddan nawaiytu min shahri ramadan"

Dua For Breaking A Fast? (Iftar ki Dua | Iftar Dua)

" Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa 'alayka tawakkaltu wa 'ala rizq-ika aftarthu fathakabl minni"



Here's how Ramadan Roza is observed

During the holy month of Ramadan Roza (fasting) begins after sunrise and culminates with sunset Consumption of food and water is prohibited between sunrise and sunset. Interestingly, the days start with Fajr (prayer during dawn), followed by Zhuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (evening) and conclude with the Isha (night).

Muslims consume a pre-dawn meal called Suhur, and they break their fast by having Iftaar during this month.

Ramadan 2024: Dua For Iftar And Sehri FAQs

What is Ramadan Dua?

Ramadan dua is an act of worship that can bring great spiritual benefits to believers. It helps to strengthen one's faith and deepen their relationship with Allah. It can also serve as a means of self-reflection and introspection, as believers reflect on their actions and seek forgiveness for any shortcomings.

How Many Fasting Days in Ramadan?

The duration of the Ramadan fast is one lunar month, usually 29 or 30 days.



What is Iftar and Sehri (Suhoor)?

Iftar is a meal eaten by Muslims at sunset to break their daily fast during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Iftar is the evening meal when Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset. This is followed by a prayer called the Maghrib prayer. Then, depending on the region, the iftar meal consists of a variety of traditional dishes, such as soups, salads, appetizers, main dishes, and desserts. After the meal, many Muslims attend a special congregational prayer called the Tarawih.

What is dua for Sehri in Ramadan?

The dua for Sehri is Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaiytu min shahri Ramadan means I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan after reading this dua in Ramadan 2024 for fasting in Sehri you are not permissible to eat and drink anything till the time of Iftaar.

What is dua for Iftar in Ramadan?

Iftar, also known as futoor (the Arabic word for breakfast), is a meal held every day during Ramadan at sunset. You can break your fast by saying this Ramadan iftar dua, 'Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika amantu wa 'alayka tawakkaltu wa 'ala rizqika aftartu'.

What date is Laylatul Qadr 2024?

In many Muslim cultures, Laylat Al-Qadr or Shab-e-qadar 2024 is observed on the 27th night of Ramadan which fall on April 7, 2024, but some experts believe that if a Friday night coincides with an odd-numbered night, it is most likely one. This year, the 29th night fall is on April 9.

When is Laylat Al-Qadr observed?

As per Islamic tradition, Muslims are advised to look for it during the odd nights of the holy month's last 10 days. This means that in Islam, the holiest night may fall on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th night of the month.

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.
Jaipur Ramadan 2024 Sehri And Iftar Timings: Ramadan, which stands as a pivotal month in the Islamic lunar calendar, is celebrated by Muslims across the world. Also known as Ramzan, the occasion is believed to be a time for spirituality, letting go of material pleasures and engaging in community service. During this time, devout Muslims keep fasts from dawn to dusk, praying and giving back to the community. With the sighting of moon in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, Ramzan in India will commence on March 12.

The crescent moon was reportedly sighted in many cities in India on Monday. The holy month of Ramadan usually falls 10 to 11 days early each year.

Muslim community observes fast or Roza from dawn to dusk. Roza has two parts, one is Sehri - the meal that one consumes before daybreak and the second one is known as Iftaar - when people break the Roza - the meal that is eaten after sunset. People make elaborate meals for Iftaar. People also invite their friends and loved ones over for Iftaar and it is quite a grand affair.

At the end of the month of Ramadan, Muslims make some donations to disadvantaged people. These donations have to be made before starting the celebrations for Eid.

Therefore, it is important to keep a check on the time for Sehri and Iftaar. Here, take a look at the Sehri and Iftar timetable during Ramadan for Jaipur.

Ramadan 2024: Jaipur Sehri and Iftar Timing Calendar

Jaipur Ramadan Timings 2024 Calendar, Sehri & Iftar Time Table Roza Date Sehri Timing Iftar Timing 1 March 12 5:22 AM 6:37 PM 2 March 13 5:21 AM 6:38 PM 3 March 14 5:20 AM 6:38 PM 4 March 15 5:19 AM 6:39 PM 5 March 16 5:18 AM 6:39 PM 6 March 17 5:16 AM 6:40 PM 7 March 18 5:15 AM 6:40 PM 8 March 19 5:14 AM 6:41 PM 9 March 20 5:13 AM 6:41 PM 10 March 21 5:12 AM 6:42 PM 11 March 22 5:11 AM 6:42 PM 12 March 23 5:10 AM 6:43 PM 13 March 24 5:08 AM 6:43 PM 14 March 25 5:07 AM 6:44 PM 15 March 26 5:06 AM 6:44 PM 16 March 27 5:05 AM 6:45 PM 17 March 28 5:04 AM 6:45 PM 18 March 29 5:02 AM 6:46 PM 19 March 30 5:01 AM 6:46 PM 20 March 31 5:00 AM 6:47 PM 21 April 1 4:59 AM 6:47 PM 22 April 2 4:58 AM 6:48 PM 23 April 3 4:56 AM 6:48 PM 24 April 4 4:55 AM 6:49 PM 25 April 5 4:54 AM 6:49 PM 26 April 6 4:53 AM 6:50 PM 27 April 7

4:52 AM 6:50 PM 28 April 8 4:50 AM 6:51 PM 29 April 9

4:49 AM 6:51 PM

Ramadan 2024: Dua for Sehri and Iftar Dua For Keeping The Fast?

(Sehri Ki Dua | Suhoor Dua)

"Wa bisawmi ghaddan nawaiytu min shahri ramadan"

Dua For Breaking A Fast? (Iftar ki Dua | Iftar Dua)

" Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa 'alayka tawakkaltu wa 'ala rizq-ika aftarthu fathakabl minni"



Here's how Ramadan Roza is observed

During the holy month of Ramadan Roza (fasting) begins after sunrise and culminates with sunset Consumption of food and water is prohibited between sunrise and sunset. Interestingly, the days start with Fajr (prayer during dawn), followed by Zhuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (evening) and conclude with the Isha (night).

Muslims consume a pre-dawn meal called Suhur, and they break their fast by having Iftaar during this month.

Ramadan 2024: Dua For Iftar And Sehri FAQs

What is Ramadan Dua?

Ramadan dua is an act of worship that can bring great spiritual benefits to believers. It helps to strengthen one's faith and deepen their relationship with Allah. It can also serve as a means of self-reflection and introspection, as believers reflect on their actions and seek forgiveness for any shortcomings.

How Many Fasting Days in Ramadan?

The duration of the Ramadan fast is one lunar month, usually 29 or 30 days.



What is Iftar and Sehri (Suhoor)?

Iftar is a meal eaten by Muslims at sunset to break their daily fast during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Iftar is the evening meal when Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset. This is followed by a prayer called the Maghrib prayer. Then, depending on the region, the iftar meal consists of a variety of traditional dishes, such as soups, salads, appetizers, main dishes, and desserts. After the meal, many Muslims attend a special congregational prayer called the Tarawih.

What is dua for Sehri in Ramadan?

The dua for Sehri is Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaiytu min shahri Ramadan means I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan after reading this dua in Ramadan 2024 for fasting in Sehri you are not permissible to eat and drink anything till the time of Iftaar.

What is dua for Iftar in Ramadan?

Iftar, also known as futoor (the Arabic word for breakfast), is a meal held every day during Ramadan at sunset. You can break your fast by saying this Ramadan iftar dua, 'Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika amantu wa 'alayka tawakkaltu wa 'ala rizqika aftartu'.

What date is Laylatul Qadr 2024?

In many Muslim cultures, Laylat Al-Qadr or Shab-e-qadar 2024 is observed on the 27th night of Ramadan which fall on April 7, 2024, but some experts believe that if a Friday night coincides with an odd-numbered night, it is most likely one. This year, the 29th night fall is on April 9.

When is Laylat Al-Qadr observed?

As per Islamic tradition, Muslims are advised to look for it during the odd nights of the holy month's last 10 days. This means that in Islam, the holiest night may fall on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th night of the month.

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.
Lakshadweep Ramadan 2024 Sehri And Iftar Timings: Ramadan is the most significance month in Islam. It commences the day after the Moon sight in Saudi Arabia. This day is dedicated to worship Allah. Ramadan month is regarded as the holiest in the Islamic lunar calendar. Ramadan is the month of introspection, discipline, and rejuvenation. This month is used by Muslims for spiritual upliftment and try to connect with Allah, seek for forgiveness for past karmas, and perform acts of worship and devotion.

During the month of Ramadan, people observe Roza (without even drinking water for 30 days). Ramadan is also a time when people break their Roza together to celebrate the festival with their friends, family and loved ones.

Ramadan 2024 started on March 12 and ended on April 9 and Eid-ul-Fitr would be celebrated on the evening of April 10 or April 11.

Muslim community observes fast or Roza from dawn to dusk. Roza has two parts, one is Sehri - the meal that one consumes before daybreak and the second one is known as Iftaar - when people break the Roza - the meal that is eaten after sunset. People make elaborate meals for Iftaar. People also invite their friends and loved ones over for Iftaar and it is quite a grand affair.

At the end of the month of Ramadan, Muslims make some donations to disadvantaged people. These donations have to be made before starting the celebrations for Eid.

Therefore, it is important to keep a check on the time for Sehri and Iftaar. Here, take a look at the Sehri and Iftar timetable during Ramadan for Lakshadweep:

Ramadan 2024: Lakshadweep Sehri and Iftar Timing Calendar

Lakshadweep Ramadan Timings 2024 Calendar, Sehri & Iftar Time Table Roza Date Sehri Timing Iftar Timing 1 March 12 5:39 AM 6:51 PM 2 March 13 5:38 AM 6:51 PM 3 March 14 5:38 AM 6:51 PM 4 March 15 5:37 AM 6:51 PM 5 March 16 5:37 AM 6:51 PM 6 March 17 5:36 AM 6:51 PM 7 March 18 5:36 AM 6:51 PM 8 March 19 5:35 AM 6:51 PM 9 March 20 5:34 AM 6:51 PM 10 March 21 5:34 AM 6:51 PM 11 March 22 5:33 AM 6:51 PM 12 March 23 5:32 AM 6:51 PM 13 March 24 5:32 AM 6:51 PM 14 March 25 5:31 AM 6:51 PM 15 March 26 5:30 AM 6:51 PM 16 March 27 5:30 AM 6:51 PM 17 March 28 5:29 AM 6:51 PM 18 March 29 5:28 AM 6:51 PM 19 March 30 5:28 AM 6:51 PM 20 March 31 5:27 AM 6:51 PM 21 April 1 5:27 AM 6:51 PM 22 April 2 5:26 AM 6:51 PM 23 April 3 5:25 AM 6:51 PM 24 April 4 5:25 AM 6:51 PM 25 April 5 5:24 AM 6:51 PM 26 April 6 5:23 AM 6:51 PM 27 April 7

5:23 AM 6:52 PM 28 April 8 5:22 AM 6:52 PM 29 April 9

5:21 AM 6:52 PM

Ramadan 2024: Dua for Sehri and Iftar Dua For Keeping The Fast?

(Sehri Ki Dua | Suhoor Dua)

"Wa bisawmi ghaddan nawaiytu min shahri ramadan"

Dua For Breaking A Fast? (Iftar ki Dua | Iftar Dua)

" Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa 'alayka tawakkaltu wa 'ala rizq-ika aftarthu fathakabl minni"



Here's how Ramadan Roza is observed

During the holy month of Ramadan Roza (fasting) begins after sunrise and culminates with sunset Consumption of food and water is prohibited between sunrise and sunset. Interestingly, the days start with Fajr (prayer during dawn), followed by Zhuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (evening) and conclude with the Isha (night).

Muslims consume a pre-dawn meal called Suhur, and they break their fast by having Iftaar during this month.

Ramadan 2024: Dua For Iftar And Sehri FAQs

What is Ramadan Dua?

Ramadan dua is an act of worship that can bring great spiritual benefits to believers. It helps to strengthen one's faith and deepen their relationship with Allah. It can also serve as a means of self-reflection and introspection, as believers reflect on their actions and seek forgiveness for any shortcomings.

How Many Fasting Days in Ramadan?

The duration of the Ramadan fast is one lunar month, usually 29 or 30 days.



What is Iftar and Sehri (Suhoor)?

Iftar is a meal eaten by Muslims at sunset to break their daily fast during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Iftar is the evening meal when Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset. This is followed by a prayer called the Maghrib prayer. Then, depending on the region, the iftar meal consists of a variety of traditional dishes, such as soups, salads, appetizers, main dishes, and desserts. After the meal, many Muslims attend a special congregational prayer called the Tarawih.

What is dua for Sehri in Ramadan?

The dua for Sehri is Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaiytu min shahri Ramadan means I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan after reading this dua in Ramadan 2024 for fasting in Sehri you are not permissible to eat and drink anything till the time of Iftaar.

What is dua for Iftar in Ramadan?

Iftar, also known as futoor (the Arabic word for breakfast), is a meal held every day during Ramadan at sunset. You can break your fast by saying this Ramadan iftar dua, 'Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika amantu wa 'alayka tawakkaltu wa 'ala rizqika aftartu'.

Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.


Ramadan 2024, Fourth Roza Timings: Ramadan, the ninth month, is one of the holiest in the Islamic calendar. Muslims worldwide follow sawm (fasting - one of the five pillars of Islam) to commemorate the sacred month. Therefore, Ramadan rituals are observed for 29-30 days from the first sighting of the crescent moon to the other. Moon sighting is important to decide the beginning and the end of the month of Ramadan.



Muslim community observes fast from dawn to dusk. After the day is over, in the evening, they break their fast by eating meals, known as Iftar with family or friends. It is believed that by refraining from food and water throughout the day, one understands the pain and suffering of other people and gets closer to the almighty God (Allah).

Ramadan 2024: Fourth Roza City-wise Sheri and Iftar Timings

Discover the city-wise Sehri and Iftar timings for the Fourth Roza in India.



Mumbai Fourth Roza Timings:

Roza Date Sehri Iftar Fourth Friday, March 15 5:34 AM 6:48 PM

Delhi Fourth Roza Timings:

Roza Date Sehri Iftar Fourth Friday, March 15 5:12 AM 6:32 PM

Chennai Fourth Roza Timings:

Roza Date Sehri Iftar Fourth Friday, March 15 5:06 AM 6:20 PM

Hyderabad Fourth Roza Timings:

Roza Date Sehri Iftar Fourth Friday, March 15 5:19 AM 6:36 PM

Lucknow Fourth Roza Timings:

Roza Date Sehri Iftar Fourth Friday, March 15 4:58 AM 6:17 PM

Kanpur Fourth Roza Timings:

Roza Date Sehri Iftar Fourth Friday, March 15 5:01 AM 6:19 PM

Bengaluru Fourth Roza Timings:

Roza Date Sehri Iftar Fourth Friday, March 15 5:16 AM 6:34 PM

Kolkata Fourth Roza Timings:

Roza Date Sehri Iftar Fourth Friday, March 15 4:31 AM 5:46 PM

Jammu Fourth Roza Timings:

Roza Date Sehri Iftar Fourth Friday, March 15 5:18 AM 6:41 PM

Patna Fourth Roza Timings:

Roza Date Sehri Iftar Fourth Friday, March 15 4:42 AM 5:59 PM

Noida Fourth Roza Timings:

Roza Date Sehri Iftar Fourth Friday, March 15 5:11 AM 6:31 PM

Ajmer Fourth Roza Timings:

Roza Date Sehri Iftar Fourth Friday, March 15 5:24 AM 6:44 PM

Ahmedabad Fourth Roza Timings:

Roza Date Sehri Iftar Fourth Friday, March 15 5:34 AM 6:50 PM

Thiruvananthapuram Fourth Roza Timings:

Roza Date Sehri Iftar Fourth Friday, March 15 5:19 AM 6:34 PM

Ramadan 2024 Start And End Dates

In India, The holy month of Ramadan 2024 begins on March 12 and will last for four weeks and ends with Eid-ul-Fitr. On April 10, Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed.

Here's how Ramadan Roza is observed

During the holy month of Ramadan Roza (fasting) begins after sunrise and culminates with sunset Consumption of food and water is prohibited between sunrise and sunset. Interestingly, the days start with Fajr (prayer during dawn), followed by Zhuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (evening) and conclude with the Isha (night).

Muslims consume a pre-dawn meal called Suhur, and they break their fast by having Iftaar during this month.

About the Holy month of Ramadan

According to Islamic culture, the origins of Ramadan can be traced back to the seventh century, when the Prophet Muhammad received the first verses of the Quran, the holy book of Islam, during the month of Ramadan. According to Islamic tradition, the revelation of the Quran to Muhammad began on the 27th night of Ramadan, a night that is known as Laylat al-Qadr, or the Night of Power. Muslims believe that Laylat al-Qadr is the holiest night of the year and that praying on this night is more valuable than praying for a thousand months.

The practice of fasting during Ramadan is based on the Quranic injunction to "fast for a fixed number of days". Muslims are required to abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during daylight hours throughout the month of Ramadan. The fast is broken at sunset with a meal known as iftar, which typically consists of dates, water, and a light meal. After the meal, Muslims perform the Maghrib prayer, the fourth of the five daily prayers in Islam.

Ramadan is also a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, and charitable giving. Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Quran during the month, and many mosques offer daily prayers and study groups. In addition, Muslims are expected to give to charity during Ramadan, with many mosques and charitable organizations organising food drives and other initiatives to help those in need.

Ramadan 2024: Dua For Iftar And Sehri FAQs

What is Ramadan Dua?

Ramadan dua is an act of worship that can bring great spiritual benefits to believers. It helps to strengthen one's faith and deepen their relationship with Allah. It can also serve as a means of self-reflection and introspection, as believers reflect on their actions and seek forgiveness for any shortcomings.

How Many Fasting Days in Ramadan?

The duration of the Ramadan fast is one lunar month, usually 29 or 30 days.



What is Iftar and Sehri (Suhoor)?

Iftar is a meal eaten by Muslims at sunset to break their daily fast during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Iftar is the evening meal when Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset. This is followed by a prayer called the Maghrib prayer. Then, depending on the region, the iftar meal consists of a variety of traditional dishes, such as soups, salads, appetizers, main dishes, and desserts. After the meal, many Muslims attend a special congregational prayer called the Tarawih.

What is dua for Sehri in Ramadan?

The dua for Sehri is Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaiytu min shahri Ramadan means I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan after reading this dua in Ramadan 2024 for fasting in Sehri you are not permissible to eat and drink anything till the time of Iftaar.

What is dua for Iftar in Ramadan?

Iftar, also known as futoor (the Arabic word for breakfast), is a meal held every day during Ramadan at sunset. You can break your fast by saying this Ramadan iftar dua, 'Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika amantu wa 'alayka tawakkaltu wa 'ala rizqika aftartu'.

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.
Dia Mirza is not only a renowned actress but also a prominent advocate for sustainability and environmental conservation. She has been actively involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting eco-friendly practices and raising awareness about environmental issues.

Instagram/LFW

On the runway too, it was no different. Dia Mirza walked at Day 2 which was the Sustainability Day of Lakme Fashion Week 2024. Walking for Inca, the actress looked beautiful in a voluminous black outfit and minimal make up.

The brand has been founded by Amit Hansraj and the whole collection looked like modern nostalgia. Dia Mirza made a dramatic debut on the runaway and left the audience asking for more.



As a United Nations Environment Goodwill Ambassador for India, Mirza has played a key role in supporting global efforts to address environmental challenges. She has participated in numerous campaigns and initiatives organized by the UN and other organizations to promote sustainability and advocate for policies that protect the environment.
Landlords in Bengaluru demanding obscene amounts as rent, asking the salary statement of potential tenants, or demanding that those renting their apartments should be working in top IT companies have become normal in India's Silicon Valley.

But as the Karnataka capital continues to battle an unprecedented water crisis, tenants are leaving Bengaluru like rats fleeing a sinking ship.

AFP

Bengaluru techies return to hometowns

Bengaluru is witnessing a 2020-like reverse migration as many including techies are opting to go back to their hometowns, due to the prolonged water supply disruptions.

Some companies have already switched to remote working or have temporarily shifted employees to offices in other cities.

Between work and chasing tankers

Many including techies who are still in Bengaluru and have to divide their day between the office and chasing water tankers are hoping that their employers will also switch to work from home soon.

AFP

"My team is skipping meetings to chase water tankers," a senior employee at Dell told Reuters.

"We have acute water shortage right now in Bengaluru and it is very difficult to survive and do our day-to-day chores. I believe that work from home is something that should be implemented for all the employees. It will lower the burden and people can go to their hometown and work. It will also be helpful for those people who can't go out of the city due to the nature of the work they do," said Anuj, a resident told ANI.

WFH not up to government

Amid the growing call to allow employees to work from home, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said it was not up to the government to decide.

BCCL

He said it was not his job to ask people to work from home, and such a situation has not arisen yet. "It is only a blowup."

The government is committed to providing water to citizens of Bengaluru at any cost. "People may have to wait for a few hours for water to reach them," he said.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
Goa is one of India's top holiday destinations, with its buzzing beaches and nightlife. However, with an increase in popularity comes an influx of tourists which invites problems of its own. Recently, because of issues caused by tourists driving rented bikes and cars recklessly, the Goa government has made a new rule according to which all tourists have to sign an undertaking to follow traffic rules before they rent a vehicle.

BCCL

Unique provisions in undertaking

According to Traffic SP Rahul Gupta, statistics indicate that rented cars and bikes are twice as likely to be involved in accidents.

Therefore, the Goa police now requires people to sign a promise when renting vehicles in the state.

There are two separate undertakings, one for renting cars and another for renting bikes.

Representative image/ REUTERS

The undertaking includes provisions such as:



'I will not ride the bike without wearing a helmet'

'I will not ride the bike triple-seated'

' I will not use a mobile phone on the bike'

'I will not ride the bike under the influence of alcohol'

'I will not perform stunts with the bike'

"I appeal to all incoming tourists and rental agencies that they scrupulously follow this and cooperate with Goa police because this measure is being taken for the safety of all and to promote Goa tourism in a bigger way. If traffic accidents go down, particularly for tourists, then there will be a significant boost to tourism in the long term," said Gupta.

Holidify

Just last month, the state government started making rules stricter for rented vehicles. They made it necessary for rental cars to have speed governors installed.



Licence could be cancelled if undertaking not signed

The undertaking, police believe, will have a psychological impact on those renting vehicles and will serve as a greater measure besides just issuing challans for traffic violations.

If anyone is found without the undertaking, the Goa police could cancel their licence.

For more on news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


Amid an increase in cases of attacks on humans by pet dogs across the country, the central government has directed states to ban the sale and breeding of 23 ferocious breeds.

According to the Department of Animal Husbandry 23 breeds of dogs, including mixed and cross breeds have been banned in the country.

Unsplash

Banned dog breeds in India

These are Pitbull Terrier, Tosa Inu, American Staffordshire Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, American Bulldog, Boerboel Kangal, Central Asian Shepherd Dog Caucasian Shepherd Dog, South Russian Shepherd Dog, Tornjak, Sarplaninac, Japanese Tosa and Akita, Mastiffs, Terriers, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Wolf Dogs, Canario, Akbash Dog, Moscow Guard Dog, Cane Corso and Bandog.

"...the above dog breeds, including crossbreeds, shall be prohibited for import, breedings, selling as pet dogs and other purposes," the letter said, quoting the recommendations of the expert panel.

Unsplash

What will happen to your pet

The directive issued to states and Union Territories bars people from keeping as many as 23 breeds of dogs as pets.

In a letter dated March 12 to chief secretaries of all states and UTs, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying also said that these breeds of dogs, which have already been kept as pets, should be sterilised to prevent further breeding.

Can't renew license for these breeds

The Centre's Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has asked local bodies and state-level departments of animal husbandry not to issue any license or permit for the sale and breeding of banned dog breeds.

Unsplash

Some states had already banned them

It should be noted that several states including Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have already banned the sale and breeding of most of these dogs as pets.

In December the Delhi High Court had given the Central Government three months to decide on a ban and cancel the licence to keep dangerous dog breeds as pets.

What dog owners and animal rights groups say

The move to ban ferocious breeds has been opposed by dog owners who claim that the pets are like their family members.

However, animal rights groups have pointed out that such breeds including many of them are not used to climatic conditions in India and are housed and abused in breeding farms.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sustained a "major injury" as announced by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Thursday.

File Image

The news was disseminated through the party's social media platforms, accompanied by a visual displaying Banerjee with the injury.



Banerjee was promptly admitted to Seth Sukhlal Karnani Memorial (SSKM) Hospital in Kolkata, later transferred to the Bangur Institute of Neurosciences at the IPGME&R  SSKM Hospital Centre in Kolkata for further treatment.

Following necessary medical procedures including stitches and tests, the Chief Minister was discharged and taken to her residence, accompanied by Abhishek Banerjee and other family members.

Our chairperson @MamataOfficial sustained a major injury.

Please keep her in your prayers  pic.twitter.com/gqLqWm1HwE  All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) March 14, 2024

"Our chairperson @MamataOfficial sustained a major injury. Please keep her in your prayers," shared the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) on its post on X.

Leaders wish a speedy recovery for Mamata Banerjee

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his well wishes to Banerjee for a swift recovery.

I pray for a quick recovery and the best health for Mamata Didi. @MamataOfficial  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 14, 2024

Leaders from various political spectrums expressed their shock and extended wishes for Mamata Banerjee's speedy recovery.

Trinamool Congress MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray conveyed Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar's inquiries about Banerjee's health, stating, "Honble Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankar has inquired about the health of the Honble Chief Minister of West Bengal, Ms Mamata Banerjee, expressing his deep anguish and wishing speedy recovery."

West Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar extended his wishes, "Wishing CM @MamataOfficial a speedy recovery. Our prayers are with her for a quick return to good health"

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed his concern, "Shocked to see this. Pray for ur speedy recovery Didi. God bless u."

Former Andhra Pradesh CM and TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu wrote, "Wishing West Bengal Chief Minister, @MamataOfficial Ji, a speedy recovery. May she regain her health soon."

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin conveyed his thoughts, "Shocked and deeply concerned about the road accident involving Honble Chief Minister of West Bengal @MamataOfficial didi. My thoughts are with her during this difficult time, and Im wishing her a speedy recovery."

Former J&K chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti expressed her concern, "Distressed to see pictures of an injured Mamata Banerjee after sustaining serious injuries today. Prayers for her swift recovery."

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


The Supreme Court of India witnessed an unusual event on Wednesday when CJI DY Chandrachud and other judges came together to congratulate the daughter of one of its employees.

Pragya Samal, the daughter of Ajay Kumar Samal, who works as a cook in the Supreme Court has received a scholarship to study for a master's in law in the US.

BCCL

Who is Pragya Samal

Pragya, a lawyer and researcher has scholarships to pursue masters in law at either the University of California or the University of Michigan in the US.

As a student at Amity Law School in Noida, she was awarded the gold medal for consistently topping the merit list in the three-year LLB course.

Matter of pride: CJI

On Wednesday, Pragya along with her proud parents was felicitated by the judges of the SC.

It is a matter of pride for all of us, CJI Chandrachud said while congratulating Pragya on her achievement.

"We know Pragya has managed something on her own, but we will ensure she manages to get whatever is required... We expect that she should come back to serve the country," Justice Chandrachud said.

BCCL

CJI gifts books on Indian Constitution

The CJI also gifted Pragya three books on the Indian Constitution signed by all the judges of the Supreme Court.

Pragya thanked her parents for supporting her dream to pursue a career in law.

I think I am very privileged to be his child. He has helped me since my school days, and he always made sure that I get the opportunities that I should get, she said.

BCCL

Justice Chandrachud an inspiration: Pragya

The 25-year-old also thanked CJI Chandrachud and said that he was an inspiration for her.

"With the live streaming of court hearings, everyone can watch him (Justice Chandrachud) speaking. He encourages young lawyers and his words are like gems. He is my inspiration," she told PTI.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
In a decisive move, the US House of Representatives approved legislation on Wednesday with a substantial bipartisan majority, potentially setting the stage for the prohibition of the widely-used social media platform TikTok. The fate of the app, boasting a monthly user base of 170 million Americans, now hangs in the balance as the legislation proceeds to the Senate, where some lawmakers are committed to impeding its swift passage. President Joe Biden, holding the ultimate authority, has expressed his intention to sign the bill into law.

The legislation, sponsored by the bipartisan duo of Republican Mike Gallagher and Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi, who chair and rank on the select committee on China, secured 352 affirmative votes against 65 negative votes, with one marked as present. The House Commerce Committee, led by Republican Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers, propelled the TikTok bill forward, emphasizing a resolute message against adversaries exploiting American freedoms.

Unsplash

The legislation mandates ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese-based parent company allegedly linked to the Chinese government, to divest its stake in the company within 180 days of the law's enactment. Failure to meet this deadline would result in TikTok's exclusion from Apple and Google app stores.

TikTok waged an energetic campaign against the legislation, leveraging appeals from its users and influencers. Former President Donald Trump, initially open to the app, eventually opposed any ban, contending it would fortify Facebook, which he considered a more significant threat. However, Trump did not lobby lawmakers, a departure from his past practices.

TikTok has faced scrutiny due to security concerns, with lawmakers suggesting potential Chinese government access to American data through the app. Despite TikTok asserting that US-based storage safeguards American data, the legislation aims to mitigate national security threats by compelling divestment from foreign-controlled apps.

Representative Krishnamoorthi emphasized the bill's bipartisan nature, framing it as essential for safeguarding Americans against digital surveillance and influence operations. While the bill swiftly cleared the Commerce Committee with unanimous support, its journey through the Senate may encounter obstacles.

Senator Rand Paul, a Republican, expressed his intent to impede the bill's rapid clearance, joined by other Senators from both parties who oppose it based on TikTok's popularity, particularly among young Americans, amid an election year. Some critics caution against establishing a precedent for singling out companies and platforms for bans by name. The legislative battle over TikTok's future is poised to continue in the Senate.

With IANS inputs
A Bangladeshi man recently mirrored the antics of the popular mobile game Subway Surfers by riding atop a moving train, igniting widespread concern and debate among online communities about the perils of emulating virtual world stunts in real life.

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Subway surfers stunt video goes viral

The incident, which unfolded at an undisclosed location in Bangladesh, was captured on video and swiftly circulated on Instagram. In the footage, the man is depicted perilously balancing himself on the train's roof, reminiscent of the daring gameplay of Subway Surfers, where players navigate subway tracks while evading obstacles.

Netizens swiftly reacted to the video, with many expressing astonishment and incredulity at the mans audacious act.

Some condemned his actions as irresponsible and foolish, while others pointed out the influence of popular culture in shaping risky behaviors among youth.

Netizens wanted Bangladeshi man to 'bump his head'

People on the internet censured the man and said they "really wanted him to bump his head."

One user wrote, I really wanted him to bump his head.

Another joked, All the stereotypes associated to Indian trains are actually true for Bangladeshi trains!!

A third user shared tagged the official account of the Subway Surfer game and asked, @subwaysurfers do we have this map? A fourth, urged everyone in the comments to keep tagging the Instagram account, Guys tag subway surfers until they see this @subwaysurfers.

Lexica

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of imitating virtual world stunts in real-life settings. While games like Subway Surfers offer thrilling experiences within a safe digital environment, attempting to replicate such actions in the real world can have severe consequences.



It underscores the need for greater awareness and education regarding the risks associated with emulating fictional scenarios in reality. Additionally, it highlights the power of social media in both circulating such incidents and mobilizing responses, underscoring the importance of responsible online engagement and discourse.



For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


After seven long years of separation, a heartwarming reunion unfolded in Corby, Northamptonshire, as a British woman was finally reunited with her beloved Bengal cat, Duke.

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Cat went missing in 2017

Stephanie Barstow's world was turned upside down in January 2017 when Duke, her cherished feline companion, disappeared following a spat with his sibling, Nero. Despite tireless efforts and months of searching, Duke remained elusive, leaving Barstow with a heavy heart.



Then, in a remarkable turn of events, hope came knocking on Barstow's door in the form of a veterinarian bearing unexpected news. "She asked me if I was the owner of a cat called Duke -- I couldn't believe it," Barstow recounted to Wales Online. "She told me that he had been found just 300 yards away from my home at a factory. I was absolutely shocked -- I just completely broke down."

It emerged that Duke had been living amidst the hustle and bustle of a nearby factory, where compassionate workers provided him with sustenance and shelter from the elements. Concerned for Duke's safety, the workers sought professional help, leading to the pivotal discovery of his microchip.

Facebook

However, fate threw a curveball when the veterinarian discovered that Barstow's contact information was outdated. Undeterred, the determined veterinarian embarked on a mission, driving to Barstow's listed address to deliver the joyous news in person.



An emotional sendoff to the cat

Despite the overwhelming joy of being reunited, Barstow faced a difficult decision. Changes within her household, including the addition of a dog and a new baby, prompted her to consider Duke's well-being. Ultimately, she made the heartfelt choice to find Duke a new home where he could thrive.

In an act of selflessness, Barstow ensured Duke's future happiness by carefully selecting a new family for him. With tears of both sadness and joy, she bid farewell to her faithful companion, knowing he would be cherished and cared for in his new home.

Facebook

As the heartwarming saga of Duke's reunion and subsequent rehoming draws to a close, Stephanie Barstow's thoughtful decision highlights the deep connection shared between humans and their pets.

Duke's journey from disappearance to rediscovery serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and compassion. With Duke finding a new loving home, his story serves as an enduring reminder of the resilience and enduring bond between animals and their caregivers.



For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


If you are like many people who spend all their money on rent and other necessary and unnecessary things, you are not alone. You could take a cue from this Pakistani man living in the US who manages to save 75% of his salary. However, his method of saving money might not be the best approach for all.

Spending on lavish meals & trips, yet saving 75% of salary

31-year-old Sal Khan has a job at a tech company in the US and makes about Rs 1.7 crore per year.

Sal Khan/ CNBC Make It

Since 2022, he has invested in real estate and now owns four properties, which earn him Rs 6.6 lakh annually.



However, he also spends money on lavish meals and costly trips.

How does Sal then manage to save up 75% of his salary? It's quite simple, actually: he lives with his parents in Houston, so he doesn't pay rent.

Parents said, stay with us

When the pandemic struck and his lease ended in August of 2020, he made the decision to shift to his parents' home in Houston temporarily.

Initially planning to secure his own apartment in the Houston area after a brief stay, his parents offered an alternative arrangement.

Khan recalls his mother's words, "You can stay as long as you want."

Zillow

But transitioning to living with his parents as roommates required adjustments, which was a little difficult since he was used to a certain degree of independence as a young single man.



However, Khan emphasises that he and his parents have gradually improved communication regarding boundaries and expectations.

Regarding household expenses, Khan doesn't contribute to specific bills but he covers miscellaneous expenses such as the family's Costco membership, gasoline, certain medical expenses, and, on occasion, his father's property taxes.

Khan's parents, who are retired, sustain themselves using funds from the sale of their property in Pakistan, which also financed their residence in Texas.

Khan has plans to move out eventually, but only after he has Rs 16.5 crore in assets, which he hopes will happen within the next five years.

Then, Khan hopes to move his parents to his new home.

For more on news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


A Japanese high court declared Thursday that prohibiting same-sex marriage is "unconstitutional" and urged the government to take immediate steps to address the lack of a law enabling such partnerships.

Japan High Court says same-sex marriage ban is 'unconstitutional'

A Japanese high court declared Thursday that prohibiting same-sex marriage is unconstitutional | Image: Generated on DALL.E

The court does not have the authority to overturn the current marriage statute, which has been understood to limit marriage between men and women.



Government offices may continue to deny same-sex couples marriage status unless the current law is amended to accommodate LGBTQ+ couples, or a new law is established that provides for other sorts of partnerships.



What did the High Court say?

According to the Sapporo High Court verdict, denying same-sex couples the ability to marry and get the same benefits as straight couples violates their "fundamental right to have a family".

High Court says the violates LGBTQIA+ people's fundamental right to have a family | Image: Unsplash

A lower court made a similar decision earlier Thursday, becoming the sixth district court to do so. However, the Tokyo District Court verdict was only a partial success for Japan's LGBTQ+ population seeking equal marriage rights, as it did not amend or overturn the present civil union statute, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman.



Japan is the only member of the Group of Seven nations that still denies same-sex marriage

Five earlier court decisions in separate districts concluded that Japan's policy of prohibiting same-sex marriage is either unconstitutional or almost so.



However, unlike the Sapporo decision, none of the lower-level courts expressly declared the existing marriage statute illegal.

Japan is the only member of the Group of Seven nations that still denies same-sex couples the opportunity to legally marry and enjoy spousal benefits.

People on the internet has mixed reactions about the news. Check the post here.

What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments.

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Imagine going on a fun-filled holiday to Goa, soaking in the sun and partying hard, when suddenly calamity strikes: your phone, an iPhone no less, is stolen!

This terrible occurrence wasn't just about one individual from Delhi who just visited Goa. It took a strange turn when he realized what his stolen iPhone had been sold for: a plate of Pav Bhaji! Yes, you read it correctly.

Drunk man traded stolen iPhone for a plate of pav bhaji

Drunk man traded stolen iPhone for a plate of pav bhaji | Image: Unsplash

An iPhone worth anywhere from Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 1.5 lakh traded for a dish of only Rs. 100 at a neighborhood restaurant and possibly Rs. 500 at a classy one!



Sharing his ordeal on social media, user @KartikeyaRai11 detailed how his trip to Goa turned into a comically embarrassing situation after a pal spilled the beans on social media.



What actually happened?

Rai shared on X, "A drunk dude pickpocketed my phone in Goa (I was equally drunk) The drunk dude then got very hungry and went to eat bhaji pao in a small shop but he had no money to pay for it so he took out the red iPhone and tried to trade that for the bhaji pao, the owner took the phone from -"

The drunk man got hungry and decided to trade the phone | Image: Unsplash

Continuing in second tweet, "the thief and charged it and picked up our call after 36 hours of phone being lost and switched off. And he was sweet enough to give it back to us (we had to drive 60 kms to a random location outside the Goa city)"



How did people on the internet react?

It's up to you whether you laugh out loud or cry for this unexpected hero, but one thing is certain: the internet couldn't stop laughing at this story. "Now that's a story for the grandchildren," laughed one reviewer.

"Oh, the pao bhaji must've been THAT good," joked another with a sarcastic tone. And a third said, "Dayum, crazy story."

Check the viral post here.

A drunk dude pickpocketed my phone in goa (I was equally drunk) The drunk dude then got very hungry and went to eat bhaji pao in a small shop but he had no money to pay for it so he took out the red iPhone and tried to trade that for the bhaji pao,the owner took the phone from - https://t.co/HNpTRTjwFG  bedardi raja (@KartikeyaRai11) March 13, 2024

What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments.

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At a time when chatGPT maker OpenAI and NVIDIA seem to be leading the AI race, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has made a rather surprising statement. Nadella has mentioned that Google ought to have won the AI race by default, but the collaboration between Microsoft and Open AI has boosted the level of competition.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella Feels Google Should Have Won AI Race

Satya Nadella/getty

Speaking during the podcast "In Good Company," which is hosted by Nicolai Tangen, the CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management in Norway, Nadella acknowledged Google as a major force in artificial intelligence.



Google's a very competent company and obviously they have both the talent and the compute. They're the vertically integrated player in this. They have everything from data to silicon to models to products and distribution, Microsoft CEO Nadella said, adding that We will have significant amount of competition, and if anything Microsoft's partnership with Open AI is bringing more competition. Google should have been the default winner. If we partner well and we innovate well, we can bring some competition to them.

indiatimes

Also Read: 'He Wanted To Be Our CEO', Sam Altman's OpenAI Reveals Big Secrets As Elon Musk Files Lawsuit.



Why Microsoft Partnered With Sam Altman's OpenAI

sam altman satya nadella openai/getty

Nadella emphasized that Microsoft had been experimenting with AI for a very long time, noting that when Microsoft Research was first established in 1995, it worked on some speech-related projects. We've been working with AI in all of its forms for a very long time because, I believe, we hired a number of people from CMU, as per Business Today report.



He continued by saying that Microsoft chose to collaborate with Sam Altman's Open AI since they were taking a different tack in the industry.

"I'm always searching for collaborators with whom we can create new things, and Sam and his team fit the bill. It was very much a shot in the dark at the time. It's not as though this is a given. The problem with technology is that, long before it becomes common knowledge, you have to throw yourself into it and hope it works.

"We supported it long before it became common knowledge, and now look at us. However, he noted that there would be fierce competition, specifically mentioning Google.

Also Read: Before Satya Nadella, These Were The Top Candidates For The Microsoft CEO Job

Nadella Shares Microsoft's Future Plans About AI

satya nadella/getty

Microsoft CEO Nadella also shared some information about Microsoft's future plans for its AI infrastructure.



"I consider this in the context of the entire stack. Above all, I want us to have the best AI infrastructure possible. This implies that Azure should have excellent infrastructure, regardless of whether it is being used for inference or training. We'll collaborate with AMD and Nvidia, produce our own silicon, and design our own system architecture."

Also Read: Meet World's First AI Software Engineer 'Devin', Here's What All It Can Do

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Paytm Payments Bank Layoffs: In the world of digital payments in India, Paytm is a big name. But things are changing. Reports say that Paytm might be letting go of some of its employees as part of their yearly check-up. At the same time, the government has put some rules on Paytm's bank.

Reportedly, Paytm's parent company, One 97 Communications, is in the process of implementing significant workforce reductions across multiple departments as part of its annual performance review. This strategic move comes amidst recent regulatory developments, notably the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposing restrictions on Paytm's Payment Bank. These restrictions prohibit the Payment Bank from conducting various business operations, leading to a ripple effect across the entire organisation.



Facing Changes: Paytm Payments Bank's Workforce Reduction

Recent reports tell us that Paytm's parent company, One 97 Communications, might be reducing its workforce during its yearly performance checks. We're not sure how many people will be affected, but it seems like some teams might get smaller by up to 20 percent.

The process started a couple of weeks ago, and it's got people worried. PPB says they're just checking everyone's performance, but some employees fear they might lose their jobs.

Employee Worries and Guesses

Employee | Photo: Unsplash

Despite what the company says, employees are worried about the changes happening in the company. They say that some employees who are affected are put on a plan for one month to get better at their jobs. But after that, they might lose their jobs without getting any extra money.



Some people think that this time, more people might lose their jobs compared to when 1,000 people were let go in December 2023 after the company started using AI. Another worker said that in January 2024, some people lost their jobs quietly, and it wasn't because they weren't doing well at work.

Because of all this uncertainty, employees are looking for other jobs. There are more than 5,000 job openings outside of PPB, according to a report.

People are also talking about how many jobs might go this time. It seems like there were fewer job losses in December 2023 compared to what's expected now. Some even say that earlier this year, people lost their jobs without anyone knowing.



Company's Reaction and Plans

Paytm says they're trying to work smarter by using more technology. They want to change some roles to make things work better and save money. Even though things are tough, Paytm's boss says they're still committed to keeping their employees safe.

We are in the midst of our annual appraisal cycle, a common practice across companies, where performance assessments may lead to adjustments based on performance evaluations and role suitability. It's crucial to understand that this process is distinct from layoffs, a routine aspect of performance evaluations in any organisation, the spokesperson said.

He also added, We continue to transform our operations with AI-powered automation to drive efficiency. This involves redefining certain roles and tasks to better align with our growth and cost-efficiency goals.

During a virtual town hall with employees on February 5, Paytm's founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma promised that their jobs are safe, even though there are some problems with rules and changes happening inside the company.

As PPB goes through changes both inside and out, the talk of layoffs shows how things are shifting. While the company tries to be efficient, it's important not to forget about the people affected by these changes. We'll have to see how Paytm balances making things better with taking care of its employees.

Why is Paytm Payments Bank Closing?

Paytm | Photo: BCCL

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has ordered Paytm Payments Bank to stop its services like accepting deposits and handling credit transactions from March 15. This decision came after the RBI found serious rule violations in the bank's operations. Thousands of accounts were opened without proper identification, raising concerns about possible involvement in illegal activities like money laundering.



Impact of the Closure

Deposits and Transactions: After March 15, customers won't be able to deposit money into their Paytm Payments Bank accounts. However, they can still withdraw or transfer funds.

Income and Subsidies: Services like salary credit, direct benefit transfers, or subsidies won't be available in Paytm Payments Bank accounts. Yet, refunds, cashbacks, and sweep-ins from partner banks will continue.

Wallet Transactions: Customers won't have facilities like top-ups or money transfers in their wallets anymore. But they can still make payments if there's money in their accounts.

FASTag and NCMC: Recharging FASTag or NCMC cards issued by Paytm Payments Bank won't be possible post-closure.

Money Transfers: After March 15, customers can't transfer money into Paytm Payments Bank accounts through UPI or IMPS.

The closure of Paytm Payments Bank is aimed at addressing compliance issues and ensuring transparency in banking operations.

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In a recent Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) session, Namita Thapar, Executive Director (India Business) of Emcure Pharmaceuticals and judge on Shark Tank India faced criticism attributing her success solely to inherited wealth.

Shark Tank India's Namita Thapar Trolled For 'Daddy's Money'

namita thapar/indianexpress

When a user questioned Namita Thapar during the AMA, she gave a firm but courteous response, asking where she would be without "daddy's money." Namita Thapar replied, "I am a CA (first attempt)...MBA ...fantastic credentials ...I'm sure I would do just fine even without daddy money my friend!"



Many Others Troll Thapar For Not Deserving The 'Entrepreneur' Title

Many other Reddit users agreed, challenging Thapar's eligibility for the title of "entrepreneur" in light of her involvement with a family business. "You didn't build your own business so how do you give advice to others building their OWN business?" asked one person.

"Scaling a family business requires an entrepreneurial mindset too," Thapar responded.

Namita Thapar's Profitable Company Emcure To Soon Go For IPO

indiatimes

While she keeps facing criticism from some users on social media, one thing that can't be denied is that Namita Thapar is among the very few Shark Tank India judges whose company is in profit.



Not only had Emcure Pharma posted a Rs 160 crore (Rs 1600 million) profit in FY23 and a revenue of Rs 3107 crore, but it is now also planning to go public soon. Namita had revealed

earlier this year that the company plans to launch its IPO within three months, saying "We're going to go public in 3 months so watch out for that big IPO". The company is reportedly targeting a valuation of about $3 billion.

Also Read: Shark Tank India Season 3 Judges And Their Net Worth

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According to police reports, a 19-year-old individual attempted to orchestrate a false kidnapping after expressing reluctance to join his friends on a work trip to Leh. Following a complaint lodged on social media by one of his companions, law enforcement located the youth in the Keshopur Sabzi Mandi vicinity.

Unsplash/Representational image

The Freezing Weather Of Leh Scared The Teen

Police indicated that Suraj, accompanied by his acquaintances Vimlesh Shah and Golu, had traveled from Champaran in Bihar to Delhi. "Suraj told police that he along with his friends was going to Leh as they heard about higher wages there," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Railways) KPS Malhotra.



The group was about to leave for Leh from New Delhi railway station, Malhotra said. "Suraj got scared when his friends Golu and Vimlesh Shah started discussing about the freezing weather of Leh. So he slipped away by giving an excuse to attend nature's call," the DCP said.

Upon reaching Keshopur Mandi, the young man proceeded to send a text message to his brother, falsely claiming that he had been abducted. In the message, he demanded a ransom of Rs 5,000 for his release. Subsequently, Suraj's brother contacted Shah and relayed the contents of the messages to him.

Stock Image

"Shah immediately informed the police through social media and we contacted him," the DCP said.



"We had received a complaint on X in which Delhi Police was tagged. The social media cell forwarded the message to GRP railway for necessary action. A team was immediately formed and a rescue operation was launched after registering an FIR of kidnapping," the officer said.

The police said a team traced Suraj from Keshopur Sabzi Mandi area and he is being questioned. They added that legal action will be taken upon further probe.

(With PTI inputs)





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"I want every Greek man and woman to feel proud of their country. We can be a better society, we can be a fairer economy, I have presented how this can be done and I want you to know that there is an alternative solution," main opposition SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance President Stefanossaid on Thursday . He was speaking at the 3rd annual The Upfront Initiative conference taking place at the Athens Conservatory, in a discussion with the chief editor of LIFO , Yiannis Pantazopoulos.
The government of Cross River State has appealed to the new graduates of University of Calabars (UNICAL) Nursing Department not to relocate overseas.

Henry Ayuk, Commissioner for Health, speaking on Wednesday during the induction and oath-taking of the 229 graduands into the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, said the health sector was in dire need of more hands as many nurses in the states service would retire later in the year.

The Commissioner, who urged the new intakes to abide by the ethics of the profession, said, As you graduate, be assured that Cross River will employ anybody who comes as doctors, nurses, medical laboratory scientists.

Please dont japa, we are encouraged by what the nursing profession can offer. It is the pillar of our well-being.

READ ALSO: Bandits Attack Kaduna Community, Kidnap 61

Dont be scared of working anywhere; abide by the ethics that govern this profession. We are aware that the condition of service is not that impressive, but we are working on that.

Florence Obi, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, charged the newly inducted nurses to discharge their duties professionally.

Obi, who was represented by Angela Oyo-Ita, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) academic, reminded the graduands of their duty to serve humanity.

You are here to take an oath on the ethics that you are going to abide by and anytime you violate the oath, your license will be taken away from you.

Nursing is very dear to my heart. Go and make us proud and also remember your Alma Mata wherever you go, she said.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), on Wednesday, expressed disappointment in the Federal Governments Education Loan Scheme, as the government announced another suspension of the program.

Prior to the scheduled for inauguration for today by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the scheme has faced multiple delays.

Reacting to the development, the NANS President, Afeez Akinteye, said Many Nigerian students have lost hope in the loan. Some even believe it will not work again. But we, the executives of NANS, are optimistic because we are closer to the government and asking them questions.

We are not happy about the delay. We have been monitoring and following up on what is happening. As of Monday last week, they told us they would launch it on Thursday but late on Wednesday, they told us some items on it were not functioning, there are some hitches around it.

READ ALSO: You Didnt Serve Me Impeachment Notice  Shaibu Replies Edo Assembly

The advice we gave them was to perfect it instead of rushing the unveiling. We are meeting the Executive Secretary tomorrow (Thursday) and with the seriousness of the President, we believe it will work out. It is already in the budget so the financial aspect is not a problem.

In June 2023, President Tinubu signed a bill to start a Students Loan Fund that would give interest-free loans to Nigerians for higher education.

Meanwhile, Tinubu said the programme would begin in January 2024, after missing the October 2023 deadline.

Also commenting, the National President, Academic Staff Union of Universities, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, advised the FG to convert the loan to scholarships, grants, or bursaries, saying there were no jobs in Nigeria for quick repayment.

He added, Our position has been made know we dont believe it will work because it has been there in the past, it didnt work out. If they have compassion for the young boys and girls of this country, it should be converted to bursary, grant, or scholarship not loans because there is no job in this country.
The Peoples Democratic Party has called for thorough investigation into the N3.7trn 2024 Budget padding allegation.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that a Senator representing Bauchi Central, Abdul Ningi, alleged that the money was inserted discreetly into the 2024 Budget for non-existent projects.

Ningi was suspended by the Senate for three months following his claim that the National Assembly inflated the 2024 budget to N28.7 trillion.

Reacting to the development in a statement on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, PDP knocked the Senate leadership for suspending Ningi without conducting any investigation into the matter of budget padding that he brought up.

READ MORE: You Still Owe Nigerians Clarification  Peter Obi Slams Senate Over Ningis Suspension

The statement reads: We ask, why did the APC leadership in the Senate not refer the matter to the appropriate Senate Standing Committee for an open investigation in line with the extant Rules of the Senate? What is the APC Senate leadership afraid of and what is it hiding from Nigerians?

It is even more absurd that instead of recusing himself, the Senate President sat as a judge in the matter; a situation that has the capacity to bring the institution of the Senate to further public disrepute.

The Peoples Democratic Party demands that the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, immediately step aside and allow for an independent investigation into the allegation that a staggering N3.7 trillion was discreetly inserted into the 2024 budget for alleged non-existent projects.

The party also demands that Senator Akpabio immediately reports at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over the pending case of alleged looting of N108 billion belonging to the people of Akwa Ibom State under his watch as Governor of the State.

Furthermore, the Senate President should speak out on the reported N86bn contract scam in the Niger Delta Development Commission during his tenure as the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.
Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, Ali Ndume, on Wednesday, asked the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to withdraw orderlies attached to lawmakers in the National Assembly and those attached to politicians in the country.

Ndume who stated this in an interview on Channels Televisions Politics Today said, I support that they should take away all their police.

One Senator will be going around with 10 policemen, seven, members of House of Reps, everybody. That is for those who are mobile. Some even give security to their wives, others give security to their children. I am against that.

READ ALSO: Basketmouth Asks What Senators Do Aside From Budget Padding

According to him, Nigeria, with about 300,000 policemen, does not have enough to police the country, hence, orderlies of Very Important Personalities should be withdrawn to protect the people.

Ndume said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should empower the police to increase their manpower to two million men and the military to 500,000.

Lets have like 2 million police, 500K soldiers, he said.

He urged Tinubu to give security agencies a blank cheque, give them all they want in terms of funding and weapons to fight the menace of banditry, kidnapping and insurgency.

The Senator from Borno South Senatorial District, however, said he wont vote for state police if it comes up in the constitution amendment process, adding that it would be abused by Governors.
Jo Piazza is a Philly-based novelist and podcaster who wrote "The Sicilian Inheritance," inspired by her great-great-grandmother's murder. Here she is pictured on the roof of Irwin's, at the Bok building. Read more

Jo Piazza grew up hearing that her great-great-grandmother was murdered.

The rest of the story varied  all her relatives told a different version: Some said Lorenza Marsala was a witch and the people of her Sicilian village turned on her, while others said she was a midwife and a baby died under her care. Another version went that she owned land that the mafia wanted.

The only constant was that she was killed in 1916, before she could come to America to be with her husband and children.

Piazza, a reporter and novelist who grew up in Bucks County and now lives in Fitler Square, found herself reflecting more and more on the family legend.

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What would it be like to be a mother left alone in Sicily  you have no rights, youre barely educated  while your husband goes to seek his fortune in America? she wondered.

That question formed the basis of her forthcoming novel, The Sicilian Inheritance, a fictionalization of her great-great-grandmothers life and death. The novel has dual timelines, following the matriarch of an Italian family in the early 1900s and a present-day Philly woman whose business is floundering. Piazza, a veteran podcaster and coauthor of the bestselling novel We Are Not Like Them, among others, wrote much of it at the Fitler Club. She said it is her most Philly book yet.

I wrote all of it while I was living here and just let the city inspire all of the dialogue and slightly edgy personality of the book, she said.

While writing the novel, she didnt want to know too many historical details. But after finishing it, Piazza was desperate to get to the root of the real-life family mystery. Her father had been obsessed with learning the truth about what happened to Marsala, but he died before he was able to figure it out. Piazza started to take over the obsession, she said.

Over the past year, she dove into the history, poring over census records, ship manifests, and naturalization records, piecing together Marsala and her relatives lives from Philadelphia. She hired a genealogy researcher in Sicily and traveled there to search handwritten police and land records. She described her first reporting trip there as White Lotus meets Only Murders in the Building, with me and my three kids under the age of seven blundering our way through Sicily  along with a podcast producer.

Piazza declined to share any spoilers, but the result of her deep dive is a companion to the novel, a nonfiction podcast also called The Sicilian Inheritance, in which Piazza sets out to untangle what she calls a 100-year game of telephone. The first two episodes will be released before April 2, when the book comes out.

In another bit of synergy, Cardenas in South Philly will be selling a Sicilian Inheritance olive oil to go with the project.(Im nothing if not a very thorough content creator, Piazza joked.)

Piazza just returned from a weeklong reporting trip to Sicily, where she finally got access to the homicide and mafia archival records from the time of her great-great-grandmothers death. She spent days examining the ancient files, wearing gloves so her hands didnt turn black from the dust.

For so long, we just knew about her death, Piazza said. Now I feel like I have a very full picture of how she lived her life  as this brave and independent woman who was on her own.
Free water ice at Ritas on 200 block of South Street on first day of spring, Monday, March 20, 2023. Read more

The sun is out and Philly flowers are set to bloom, which means one thing  its water/wooder ice season. And lovers of the sweet and frosty delicacy are in for a treat.

To celebrate the first day of spring on March 19, Ritas is offering a new sweet and sour flavor that might make some scrunch their nose and pucker their lips. Its the Sour Patch Kids Watermelon Ice, which is featured in Ritas signature gelati and ice blender treats.

The new Sour Patch Kids flavor is the second collaboration between Ritas and the candy brand. The first was the Sour Patch Kids Red, which hit Ritas lineup back in 2012, according to PhillyVoice.

The new water ice flavor, however, is only one part of this sweet deal. Customers can also enjoy any 6-ounce water ice cup for free at all Ritas locations next Tuesday, according to the Italian ice chain.

While Ritas spring day deals are common, other chains have now taken note and added their seasonal promos.

On March 19, Dairy Queen will give away free vanilla ice cream cones at its Conshohocken, Drexel Hill, Pennsauken Township, and other area locations. The deal will be available at all non-mall locations. But select shopping locations  like Grant Plaza  will give away free cones with a purchase.

Along with free scoops and water ice cups, Weckerlys Ice Cream added another day of operation, going from five to six days a week. On March 8, the Igloo made a return to in-season hours, and Pops Homemade Water Ice has also opened back up for the spring season.
Gameli Fenuku, a 22-year-old Black college student in Richmond, Va., is exactly the demographic youd think would never vote for Donald Trump in November  and indeed, he may not. But Fenuku told the New York Times he hasnt ruled out supporting the presumptive GOP nominee, either. Thats because he remembers his teen years under Trump as a time when a lot of things were a lot better than he sees them now  especially the economy.

I dont want to say it was just because he was president, but everything was definitely cheaper, Fenuku told a reporter. We werent just handing out money to other countries.

The Virginia college student is the face of a phenomenon that is shaping the 2024 rematch between Trump and President Joe Biden with less than eight months to go. The polls and interviews suggest a lot of voters are responding no to the ex-presidents borrowing of Ronald Reagans famous question, Are you better off now than you were four years ago? This despite Trumps army of detractors calling this collective amnesia about a twice-impeached president who nearly four years ago was wondering if Americans should be drinking bleach to tackle COVID-19.

Less than three-and-a-half years after the U.S. electorate made Trump the first 21st-century president to lose reelection  and by a solid, seven million vote margin  a poll taken by a liberal climate group found 52% of todays voters now approve of Trumps former presidency.

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But heres what millions of Americans seem to be getting wrong.

The truth is that whatever you think about the 45th presidency  whether you remember 2017-2021 as when lunch at Five Guys wasnt $24 or whether you recall the Muslim ban or families ripped apart at the border  doesnt really matter much. Thats because a Trump 47 presidency would look nothing like the first one, and nothing like anything most Americans have even seen before unless theyve been hanging out in Viktor Orbans Hungary.

The reality of an American dictatorship is not some kind of MSNBC-watching Trump Resistance dystopian alarmist fantasy. Instead, we know Trumps third run for the White House centers on plans to rule as an autocratic Red Caesar because he has told this to voters in rallies and interviews, again and again. Whats more, the specific blueprint is hardly secret but spelled out explicitly by the candidates advisers in reams upon reams of publicly available documents  especially the nearly 1,000-page Project 2025 plan drafted by the Heritage Foundation and other far-right think tanks.

Whats striking about Trumps 2024 campaign has been an un-Trump-like willingness to learn something new: how to be a better authoritarian ruler. His team is studying both what did and didnt happen during his chaotic presidency, and also gleaning insights from even closer ties with the worlds growing network of other right-wing populist strongmen  especially Orban, who was feted by Trump at a lavish Mar-a-Lago banquet last week.

Theres nobody thats better, smarter, or a better leader than Viktor Orban, Trump declared in a toast. He says, This is the way its gonna be, and thats the end of it. Hes the boss. It was just the latest in a series of statements informing the American people about Trumps intentions for authoritarian rule  most famously when he told friendly interviewer Sean Hannity that he wouldnt be a dictator except for Day One, when he said hed rule by fiat over the border and oil-drilling policy.

 READ MORE: America needs to talk about the rights Red Caesar plan for U.S. dictatorship | Will Bunch

But the paranoid style also fits a presidency hes said would be motivated by retribution against both his own enemies and the leftist elites despised by his most rabid supporters. In an echo of his disgraced predecessor Richard Nixon, Trump has a growing enemies list of those he believes have slighted him  from high-level Democrats to Republicans deemed disloyal RINOs  who could be prosecuted by his next attorney general. On the other side of the coin, hes been increasingly vocal about his plan to pardon most, if not all, of the jailed insurrectionists from Jan. 6, 2021  convicted felons he and his allies now call hostages.

Experts on authoritarianism say anyone seeking insight into a second Trump presidency should study Orbans Hungary after he was elected to that nations highest office for a second time in 2010. The authoritarian policies Orban perfected after his early years in and out of office center on overt Christian nationalism, enforced with an iron grip over his own political party. The second coming of Orban crushed academic freedom at Hungarys universities, stripped the LGBTQ community of its rights, weakened the judiciary and the legal system, cracked down on press freedom, and won popular support through demagoguery around immigration.

Critical for both Orban and for Trumps second-term blueprint is firing dedicated civil service employees throughout the government and replacing them with functionaries loyal to the party and its strongman. Trump proved this past week that his plans should be taken not just seriously but literally when he engineered a massive, Orban-esque purge at the Republican National Committee, firing some 60 employees, many of them veterans.

The RNC coup offered a telling sneak peek into what another Trump presidency would really be like. Mimicking a banana republic-style dictator, Trump installed his own daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, as cochair of the national party  seemingly to ensure its large coffers are drained for the ex-presidents campaign and maybe even his mounting legal bills, instead of on competitive down-ballot races. Another key RNC hire is attorney and former right-wing news anchor Christina Bobb, a major promoter of 2020s Big Lie of election fraud, now tasked, in Orwellian fashion, with election integrity.

Under the Project 2025 blueprint for a Trump 47 presidency, the White House wouldnt just fill the current 4,000 political posts in government with hard-core MAGA loyalists, but change classifications so that as many as 40,000 employees would now become at-will. This means they could be fired by the White House  much like the sacked RNC staffers  and replaced by minions similar to Bobb or Lara Trump. It would remove the web of nonpolitical public servants Trump claims was a Deep State that thwarted many of his first-term schemes. Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts told the New York Times Magazine his goal is destruction in the government.

This is at the core of what voters arent getting about how different, and how radical, Trumps second act would be. For example, Trumps wildest demands  to abuse the U.S. Justice Department to prosecute his enemies, or fire the special counsel investigating him, or issue statements supporting his 2020 election interference  were thwarted by career attorneys. High-ranking DOJ lawyers even threatened to resign en masse right before Jan. 6.

Project 2025 aims to clear that kind of resistance. A new MAGA team might act on a GOP House referral to prosecute President Biden, or not object to a mass Jan. 6 pardon.

In many cases, the Project 2025 scheme would mean that the bad aspects of Trumps first presidency would be many times worse the second time around. This is especially true for immigration. Trumps border guru Stephen Miller spent much of his time in the White House yelling at bureaucrats to stop hindering his harsh edicts. But those obstacles would not exist in 2025, clearing the way for his stated plans for mass deportations starting on Day One of a new administration, and the creation of large detention camps along the border to house the overflow.

Trump 45 was very bad for climate change  scuttling, for a time, the Paris climate accords and lifting many regulatory curbs on polluters. But Trump 47 would be far worse. Project 2025 calls on its hoped-for next president to issue an executive order to reject any federal science tied to the National Climate Assessment, and to gut, if not altogether kill, key offices like those within the U.S. Energy Department tasked with the transition to clean power. Trumps second election would all but ensure America will fall short of the carbon-reduction goals meant to stave off the worst climate disasters.

But then, a lot of Trump supporters seem eager for the apocalypse. One of the most misunderstood aspects of Trumps blueprint is its deep roots in Orban-style Christian nationalism. At the Bucks County Beacon, writer Jennifer Cohn recently reported that a key player in the Project 2025 team is the Center for Renewing America, which openly promotes Christian nationalism for Trumps would-be presidency, working with advocates for ideas like the end of no-fault divorce or curbs on contraception.

Why arent voters rebelling against this with torches and pitchforks? Some of it is surely that collective amnesia about the worst of Trumps time in the Oval Office, coupled with overfond memories of a stable economy in his first three years before it melted down amid COVID-19 in his fourth. And, of course, theres a sizable minority of Americans, especially Christian fundamentalists, who want authoritarianism in a president who would smite their enemies.

But the biggest reason for the missing alarm about the prospect of Trump 47 might simply be a lack of information. The New Republics Greg Sargent recently reported on a poll of 1,200 voters deemed gettable for Biden in three swing states, including Pennsylvania, and found the vast majority didnt know about Trumps dictator for a day comments, or that hed echoed Adolf Hitler in calling enemies vermin and claiming migrants are poisoning the blood of America. The pollster said only 31% of persuadable voters had heard much about these statements.

You can call it voter apathy, but a lot of the blame belongs to a mainstream media thats not banging the pots and pans like it should be and remains much more obsessed about the horse race odds of who wins the election than the stakes of an undemocratic presidency. One of the great tragedies of an American dictatorship will be when citizens claim they werent warned about this. Because the truth is out there.

 READ MORE: SIGN UP: The Will Bunch Newsletter
Fans sing along with a Japanese Breakfast performance at the Fillmore Philadelphia in 2023. Read more

Concert enthusiasts are well-versed in the ritual of navigating through packed crowds, enduring the wait at the bar, and readying cash for a quick beverage purchase. However, a new twist awaits them at several music venues across Philadelphia, where patrons are required to convert their cash into prepaid debit cards before making any purchases  a response to the citys restrictions on cashless businesses.

Five years ago, Philadelphia became the first major U.S. city to pass a ban on cashless businesses, requiring most local retail operations to accept cash. This move was aimed at curbing the trend toward eliminating cash transactions, a direction considered by several businesses, including Amazon, which had plans to establish cashless stores in the city.

However, there are exceptions to the rule.

On March 6, the Fishtown music venue the Fillmore Philly became the latest venue to go cashless, causing concern for many who worry about how the policy will affect customers without bank accounts. Others rejoiced in the ease of debit cards, faster lines without waiting for change, and the sanitary benefits of not handling paper money. And according to the Pew Research Center, nearly 40% of Americans have already moved away from cash transactions.

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The Fillmore joins Lincoln Financial Field, the Met Philadelphia, the Wells Fargo Center, and Camdens Freedom Mortgage Pavilion (formerly BB&T Pavilion) as cashless venues.

But technically, they do accept cash.

Instead of paying with cash at registers, customers transfer their cash onto prepaid cards for no additional fees using a machine known as a reverse ATM. These cards are not only valid within the venue but can also be used elsewhere, ensuring patrons dont lose out if they dont exhaust the cards balance right away.

A business that does not want to accept cash as a form of payment must provide some sort of conversion kiosk or machine that will convert the cash to a card, said the citys Commission on Human Relations executive director, Kia Ghee. The conversion is supposed to be free, and no costs should be added to that end user.

Despite the intention behind free cash-to-card conversion, some concerns persist regarding the impact of cashless policies on both consumers and industry workers. According to Fillmore staff, who spoke to The Inquirer anonymously because they were not authorized to speak on the issue, transitioning to cashless payments may inadvertently detract from the concertgoing experience.

Staffers estimate that, depending on the crowd, sending someone back to convert cash onto a prepaid card can eat up as much as 30 minutes of concert-viewing time.

People interviewed say they were given two-days notice before the venues switch to a cashless system, which has introduced financial difficulties for some. Previously, staff could receive tips in cash immediately after their shift or within the week, but Fillmore employees now face a nearly two-week wait for tips to be processed and included in their regular paychecks. This delay poses significant challenges for those who depend on timely tips as their primary source of income, especially during critical times of the month.

This has left a lot of employees that rely on the Fillmore as their main source of income going, What am I going to do to pay my bills this week? because suddenly they have to wait two weeks for any sort of income to come through, one bartender said about the sudden switch taking place the first week of the month, when rent and bills are due for many.

Why is there a ban on cashless businesses in Philadelphia?

While the majority of Americans have shifted toward using credit and debit cards for their transactions, approximately 14% still rely predominantly on cash  a significant decrease from 24% seven years ago. Businesses are motivated to reduce the burdens associated with cash transactions, including the costs of storage, accounting, and secure transport. Managing paper currency can add $4 to $15 in overhead for every $100 in cash earnings, per the IHL Groups findings.

In Philadelphia, roughly a quarter of the population is underbanked or unbanked, according to the citys Prosperity Now Scorecard, meaning they have little to no relationship with a financial institution, making cash a main form of payment for them.

If a business doesnt accept or adds extra steps to paying with cash, it can cause challenges and stigma for those unbanked, said Raheem Stevenson, Drexel Universitys director of financial empowerment and a former bank executive in Philadelphia. A lack of relationship with financial institutions disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic Philadelphians.

We find that being discouraged from accessing a business is not just a one-generation impact, Stevenson said. I think it would have a tremendous impact on a consumer just being discouraged, especially when you think about trauma-informed awareness when it comes to finances.

But why are there consumer protections against businesses going cashless? The answer is accessibility, said Judith A. Levine, director of Temple Universitys Public Policy Lab.

Cashless businesses create inequality. For people who are unbanked or underbanked, they may not have credit cards or a smartphone capable of digital payments  they dont have a way to pay other than cash, said Levine. And because middle-class and wealthy people operate a lot of their financial lives through credit, automatic payments, and having money in the bank, they often get free checking accounts or credit cards with no annual fees.

According to the Georgetown Journal on Poverty Law & Public Policy, people with lower incomes are more likely to face maintenance fees associated with banking than their wealthier counterparts.

They dont get free accounts or fees waived because it can be difficult to maintain a minimum balance, Levine said. Doing business this way [for the unbanked population] costs money, where cash does not.

Cashless practices also speak to privacy and surveillance issues that digital transactions create, said University of Pennsylvania postdoctoral fellow Stanley Collins, who studies the intersection of changing neighborhood demographics and trends as it relates to music venues.

Cashless businesses lend themselves to the datafication of life. Its not just going to a concert, its an institution being able to know who is coming to shows, the types of shows they like, when they go to shows, and where they live, said Collins. Theyre not just getting the $50 to $100 from you for the tickets, but also all these other data points they can use.

How does Philadelphias cashless ban work?

In Philadelphia, businesses that sell retail goods and services cannot refuse to accept cash as a form of payment.

There are exceptions, such as for a car rental that requires a card on file, parking garages that use kiosks to take payment, and rideshare and food delivery apps. It also includes businesses that provide a way to convert your cash into payment of some kind, using a one-to-one dollar conversion with no additional fees, said Ghee.

By Philadelphia law, a business can refuse cash payments for:

Telephone, mail, or online transactions. Parking lots and parking garages. Transactions at wholesale clubs, like BJs or Costco, that sell consumer goods and services through a membership model. Transactions at retail stores selling consumer goods exclusively through a membership model that requires payment through an affiliated mobile phone app. Transactions for renting of consumers goods, services, or accommodations that require collateral or a security deposit. Consumer goods or services provided exclusively to employees. Transactions at fitness centers that require a membership, including payment of membership fees.

If a business doesnt offer cash conversion and isnt exempt from the regulations, it can receive a fine of up to $2,000 for refusing cash payments.
The Philadelphia School District and the Pennsylvania Department of Education are denying access to education to students with disabilities at the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center in defiance of federal law, a state administrative complaint filed this week alleges.

The center, in West Philadelphia, houses young people awaiting trial and those who have been sentenced but are awaiting beds in secure state facilities. The district operates a school inside the center.

Though all young people placed at the center are entitled to an education, they are denied access to that when first admitted, sometimes for up to a month, according to the complaint, filed with the Pennsylvania Department of Educations special education bureau by the Education Law Center.

Advocates and students have reported over 20 students sleeping on rubber mats in dirty, overcrowded rooms for weeks at a time, the complaint says. While they are being processed in this unit, they are not receiving any education services.

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Once processed, young people at the center have erratic access to instruction, the complaint says. Though the facility has classrooms, the Education Law Center said, students are sometimes kept from them for disciplinary reasons, and entire groups of young people are sometimes forced to stay on their units with worksheets slid under their doors but little-to-no access to teachers. So they must try to learn the material on their own, the complaint said  some are unable to do the work at all.

Federal and state law requires parents to have the ability to participate in educational planning for students with disabilities but the center often does not provide them with the information they need to be able to do so, the complaint says.

Students at the PJJSC have an unequivocal right to access education that cannot be denied simply due to their involvement with the juvenile justice system, Ashli Giles-Perkins, an Education Law Center lawyer, said in a statement. In one case, a 17-year-old student with significant disabilities received no education at all during his time at the PJJSC and was not even enrolled in school.

Monique Braxton, a spokesperson for the district, said it does not comment on legal matters.

Students of color are most often affected by issues at the juvenile justice services center because of systemic racism, said Giles-Perkins.

Young people in the juvenile justice system in Pennsylvania  whether in publicly or privately run facilities  simply cannot be deprived of their right to an education, yet that is precisely what is happening here, and it must be remedied, Giles-Perkins said. Decades worth of research and student advocacy tell us that this lack of education leads towards dropout, inadequate employment and housing, and deeper involvement in the criminal justice system. Young people at the PJJSC need more support and services, not less.

A larger system breakdown

Large numbers of students placed at the center  nearly half  require special education services. But many dont receive them, according to the complaint.

Though the complaint specifically addresses JJSC, it notes a larger system breakdown: The district lacks systems for identifying young people eligible for special education services and providing those services, as required by federal law that guarantees those with disabilities access to a free and appropriate public education.

The Education Law Center seeks changes in policies, as well as monitoring and oversight to ensure that students get the education they deserve as required by law.

Long-held concerns

Advocates have been raising alarms for more than two years about both the conditions at the center and the amount of time young people spend awaiting state placements in more long-term facilities  time that, unlike in the adult system, is not counted toward their sentences.

The facility is not designed for long-term stays, and is not licensed to provide any therapy or treatment. Advocates have described a climate of violence there, heightened by frustrated young people in overcrowded spaces with limited programming.

In 2022, the city sued the state Department of Human Services, saying it had failed in its duty to promptly take adjudicated youth into custody to serve their sentences. By late last year, there were 212 young people in a facility licensed for 184, and some teens were sleeping on the floors of overcrowded cells or in what was supposed to be an office area. The city asked a judge to hold the state in contempt, but dropped that request after the population fell below the licensed maximum capacity.

The states solutions to curbing that crowding also have raised alarm among advocates. One plan was to send young people to a facility in Texas. Another option, outlined in Gov. Josh Shapiros budget proposal this year, would place young people in a refurbished unit on the grounds of the State Correctional Institution Phoenix, a maximum-security mens prison.
An ongoing clinical trial at Penn is testing whether CAR-T could treat glioblastoma, a deadly form of brain cancer. Read more

A novel gene therapy pioneered at University of Pennsylvania has shown promise against the deadliest form of brain cancer, according to new studies out this week by researchers at Penn and a separate team at Harvard.

Chimeric antigen receptor T cell, CAR-T, therapy has been hailed as a cure for some types of blood cancer, but researchers have struggled to apply the technique to solid tumors, including brain cancers, which account for the vast majority of cancers.

CAR-T involves removing the bodys T cells  white blood cells that lead the bodys immune response  and genetically modifying them to target cancer when reinfused into the body.

A new, early stage clinical trial at Penn has found that CAR-T treatment reduced the size of glioblastoma, a fast-growing form of brain cancer that can kill within a year. The approach remains far from becoming widely available to patients.

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Doctors delivered the treatment by injecting genetically modified white blood cells into the spinal fluid through a port installed in the skull.

Penns study involved seven patients, all treated since June 2023. The trial has yet to show if the approach can provide lasting results. Two of the first patients tumors began to grow again within months. The third, treated in August, has gone seven months without their tumor growing. Researchers would need to show the treatment can reliably provide at least six months of reprieve in order to be considered significant.

Our results suggest that this is a step in the right direction, said Stephen Bagley, an assistant professor of hematology-oncology and neurosurgery at Penn, and the clinical trials principal investigator.

Researchers are encouraged by the findings, published Tuesday in the journal Nature Medicine, because they represent a potential treatment for a deadly and difficult to treat brain cancer. There is no cure for glioblastoma and even patients who receive aggressive chemotherapy and radiation treatment typically see their tumors return.

Whats more, the early results show the potential for CAR-T to treat more types of cancer.

CAR-T has revolutionized how we think about treating patients with cancer, said Bryan Choi, a neurosurgeon at Mass General Cancer Center, in a statement Tuesday announcing findings of a similar clinical trial. Choi and his colleagues in Boston are also testing whether CAR-T can help treat glioblastoma, and published early results in the New England Journal of Medicine.

 READ MORE: Emily Whitehead was the first child cured of cancer with therapy from Penn. Shes back as a freshman.

Differences between solid tumors and blood cancers

More than 20,000 blood cancer patients worldwide, including several hundred in Philadelphia, have been treated with versions of the genetic engineering technique.

Penn cancer scientist Carl June was among the first researchers to discover a way to arm the bodys own immune system against cancer. His team treated their first adult leukemia patients with CAR-T in 2010.

Their first pediatric patient, Emily Whitehead, was cured of a deadly form of leukemia at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia.

The Food and Drug Administration last year opened an investigation into reports of a small number of patients who developed new T cell cancers after receiving commercial CAR-T therapies.

 READ MORE: A Penn CAR-T patient later developed new cancer. Researchers are investigating.

But researchers at Penn and elsewhere believe the risk is small, and in the meantime, have pressed forward with research to expand CAR-Ts uses.

Blood cancers are fairly uniform, with one specific protein target. By attacking the one target, CAR-T can effectively eliminate the cancer.

But solid tumors, such as glioblastoma, produce multiple protein targets that can vary from one patient to the next.

Injecting through the brain to reach spinal fluid

Penns CAR-T treatment for glioblastoma aims to reduce the size  but not eliminate  the tumor by modifying T cells to attack two protein targets that are most common among glioblastoma.

 READ MORE: After brain cancer surgery, a physician gets an up-close view of rehab and what needs to change | Expert Opinion

Instead of infusing the CAR-T cells into the blood, as is done in blood cancer treatments, they are injected into the spinal fluid, which is constantly washing over the brain.

Doctors install a reservoir port about the size of a quarter in the skull, through which they can inject CAR-T cells directly into spinal fluid.

All patients treated so far in the trial experienced neurotoxicity, which is when brain cells and the nervous system are damaged by a toxic substance, and remain at the hospital for seven days. They experienced confusion, fatigue, muscle aches, and other neurological symptoms that typically subside within 72 hours, Bagley said.

The first two patients saw their tumors begin to grow again within a few months. The third, treated in August, has so far gone seven months without their tumor growing. Still, researchers say it is too soon to say how long-lasting the treatment will be.

Penn expects to enroll at least 18 patients in the current phase of the trial.
Jefferson celebrated the Honickman Center on the 1100 block of Chestnut Street on Wednesday with tours of the new building. Read more

Jefferson Health has a new building on the corner of Chestnut and 11th Streets in Center City.

Patients will not start receiving care in the 19-story Honickman Center until mid-April, but Jefferson held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday to tout its infrastructure investment.

The Honickman Center will offer convenient and centralized access to a broad range of signature medical specialties, Jefferson CEO Joseph Cacchione said in a statement.

 READ MORE: Jefferson Health CEO reflects on the systems rapid growth as it celebrates a bicentennial

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Here is what you need to know about the center:

What services will be available at the Honickman Center?

The building will serve as Jeffersons primary outpatient center, offering access to many of the nonprofit health systems existing outpatient services and allowing some to expand.

The center features more than 300 exam rooms and 10 operating rooms for surgeries that do not require hospitalizations, an increase from the four operating rooms at Jeffersons current outpatient center at 1100 Walnut St.

The center eventually will house:

The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience Nicoletti Kidney Transplant Institute Jane and Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute Gastroenterology, general surgery, cardiology, hematology, neurology, oncology, otolaryngology, and rheumatology specialty clinics.

The building will also include a retail pharmacy, an on-site lab, and radiology services.

When will the Honickman Center open to patients?

April 15.

The services will open at the center over time in a phased approach. The services that will open first include cardiovascular care, neurology and neurosurgery, rheumatology, and infectious disease.

How much did the Honickman Center cost?

$762 million.

Thats Jeffersons official price tag, but its unclear exactly what that includes. As of Dec. 31, the system had spent $478 million on the centers construction, according to its financial reports.

The project received funding from more than 2,500 donors, Cacchione said. The Honickmans of Philadelphia donated $50 million to the facility, now named for the family. The donation is among the largest Jefferson has received.

Making the patients experience a lot easier is something we thought was quite important, Harold Honickman, chairman of the Honickman Group of soft-drink bottling and distribution companies, told The Inquirer in 2022.

 READ MORE: Jefferson receives a $50M gift to help pay for its 19-story health-care building going up in Center City

What are some of the new features of the Honickman Center?

Pet-friendly areas, sensory-sensitive furniture, and a lot of natural light.

The Honickman building is outfitted with features intended to improve the patient experience.

For example, industrial design students from Thomas Jefferson University created chairs for people who are neurodivergent, such as autistic patients. For privacy, the chairs have raised barriers around them, similar to a cubicle. They are painted in soothing pastel colors.

And natural light fills the recovery area for patients coming out of surgery.

The sunlit area may help elderly patients who come out of surgery to avoid delirium, a confused condition that can lead to longer hospital stays and worse outcomes. One way to reduce the risk of delirium is to help orient the patient as anesthesia wears off, said Catriona Harrop, who will oversee the health care provided in the new building.

It benefits the patients and it benefits the providers, she said.

Is there parking?

Yes.

The center includes 300 on-site valet parking spaces.

Reporter Harold Brubaker contributed to this article.
Susan Tyson checks the sinuses of Archie, a lovebird with a zinc toxicity. A bird's sinuses surround the eye on the top of the head. Read more

Susan Tysons fourth patient of the day needed his (previously problematic) zinc level checked, so Tyson leaned over the tiny blue lovebird, inserted a needle into his jugular vein, and withdrew a few drops of blood. The bird, whose full name is Archibald Whitmore Macleish, weighs just 49 grams. For him, any blood loss is a lot of blood loss.

You got this, Arch, said Sam Kelly, Archies human mother, from the corner of the Avian & Exotic Philly Vet exam room. She long believed Archie was a male bird, until a few years ago when he decided to lay an egg, which became stuck inside his body and caused a considerable amount of trouble.

That was the first time Doc Tyson saved his life, Kelly said.

Susan Tyson, or Doc Tyson as she is often called, heals Phillys most peculiar pets: lovebirds and ferrets, hermit crabs, hedgehogs, rats and tarantulas, parrots with osteoporosis and turtles with infected ovaries. The term exotics in the veterinary world covers anything that is not a dog, cat, or horse, and in her 13 years as an exotic veterinarian, Tyson has performed uterine surgery on a spectacled owl, carried out a skin graft on a turkey that had been attacked by a coyote, and treated the intestines of a vomiting circus lioness.

When Tyson opened her own clinic in 2022, her patient base was 90% rabbit; it has diversified since then. Some exotics can be treated at regular vets, alongside cats and dogs, but Avian & Exotic Philly is the only practice in the city exclusively devoted to their care. Major procedures can cost up to $5,000, Tyson said; sick visits are roughly $125, plus additional fees for bloodwork.

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The clinic, currently sharing space at Center City Vet while an office is under construction, feels part pediatricians office, part emergency room, with some educational workshops thrown in. The office pet is a long-tailed boa named Medusa, who is forbidden from wrapping herself around human necks and frequently tries to do so anyway.

Tyson grew up with exotics. Her father kept four caimans, each about 4 feet long, at the family home in New Jersey when she was a kid. The males roamed freely, while the females were kept in a separate enclosure because they were a little bit more aggressive, Tyson said. Her grandmother had a green-cheeked Amazon parrot named Aristotle.

Despite her line of work, Tyson has allergies, particularly to guinea pigs, and has been getting allergy shots for the last nine years.

My mom was like, Why do you want to be a vet? Youre allergic to everything!  said Tyson, wearing purple scrubs, her hair in a loose bun. Not to birds. Not to the reptiles.

Goblin, Tysons own green-cheeked Amazon, is the clinics mascot. One of his party tricks is mimicking the Eagles fight song, but despite Tysons repeated urging on a recent Saturday, he declined to perform.

Next to Goblin, a majestic-looking umbrella cockatoo named Chuckles perched inside a cage. When vet tech and owner Jordan Powell introduced him, Chuckles climbed onto the roof, turned his back, and delicately pooped on the floor.

On Saturday, Tyson performed a miniature ultrasound on a tiny hognose snake named Linguini, who belongs to the clinics head nurse, Alexis Ober. In addition to appointments with a rabbit recovering from a respiratory infection and an arthritic Senegalese parrot (Say aaa, Tyson told him), Tyson had a follow-up with Max, a 35-year-old blue-and-gold macaw.

Four weeks earlier, Max had undergone an extensive surgery to remove a large cyst in his body cavity, the bird equivalent of a humans chest and abdomen, and a cancerous testicle. It was his second major surgery with Tyson.

He wouldnt be alive today if it wasnt for her, said Jennifer Dixon, Maxs human mother, who drove from the Lehigh Valley for the appointment. Dixon described Max as the most brilliant toddler youll ever meet running around with scissors on his face.

Max also needed bloodwork, so Ober prepared a sedative and amnesiac for him. All that followed would be a hazy dream.

In the exam room, Max lifted a wing to show the site of his surgery; the feathers were still bare. Tyson examined his eyes, peered into his mouth and listened to his air sacs with her stethoscope. She offered him popcorn, which he rejected.

A lot of the times with birds, we like to give them choices so that they feel more included in the exam, Ober said.

Max was looking well; Dixon hugged Tyson happily.

Exotic birds or mammals are generally prohibited to own in Pennsylvania without special permits, according to Chad Eyler, game warden with the Pennsylvania Game Commission. (He says that the wild birds and mammals for sale at major retailers like Petsmart are generally legal). Pennsylvania currently has eight active exotic wildlife possession permits, covering pets such as wolves, foxes, and bobcats.

Regardless, like any good doctor, Tyson cares for the creatures who need her aid.

If something comes in crashing through the door and its dying, I cant step away and say, Sorry, Tyson said. We do have an oath to uphold.
NEW YORK  New York prosecutors said Thursday they are open to delaying the start of Donald Trumps hush-money criminal trial by a month in an abundance of caution to give the former presidents lawyers time to review evidence they only recently obtained from a previous federal investigation into the matter.

The Manhattan district attorneys office said in a court filing that it does not oppose adjourning the trial for 30 days but would fight the defenses push for a longer delay. Judge Juan Manuel Merchan did not immediately rule.

Jury selection is scheduled for March 25. The hush-money case is one of four criminal indictments against Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.

Trumps legal team said it has received tens of thousands of pages of evidence from the U.S. attorneys office in Manhattan in the last two weeks, including records about former Trump lawyer-turned-prosecution witness Michael Cohen that are exculpatory and favorable to the defense. Prosecutors said most of the newly turned over material is largely irrelevant to the subject matter of this case, though some records are pertinent.

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Trumps lawyers want a 90-day delay, but theyve also asked Merchan to dismiss the case entirely, alleging the last-minute disclosures amounted to prosecutorial misconduct and violated rules governing the sharing of evidence. That process, called discovery, is routine in criminal cases and is intended to help ensure a fair trial.

Prosecutors contend Trumps lawyers caused the problem by waiting until Jan. 18 to subpoena the U.S. attorneys office for the full case file  a mere nine weeks before the scheduled start of jury selection.

District Attorney Alvin Braggs office said it requested the full file last year, but the U.S. attorneys office only turned over a subset of records. Trumps lawyers received that material last June and had ample time to seek additional evidence from the federal probe, the D.A.s office said.

Short trial delays because of issues with evidence arent unusual, but any delay in a case involving Trump would be significant, with trial dates in his other criminal cases up in the air and Election Day less than eight months away.

The defense has also sought to delay the trial until after the Supreme Court rules on Trumps presidential immunity claims, which his lawyers say could apply to some of the allegations and evidence in the hush-money case. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments April 25.

Arlo Devlin-Brown, a former chief of public corruption for the U.S. attorneys office in Manhattan, said prosecutors may be acquiescing to a delay because they recognize the amount of material is substantial and want to stake out a position they think Merchan will find reasonable.

The Trump team likely views this as quite a positive on two fronts: Theyre getting a trove of documents, some of which may be useful, and theyre getting more time, said Devlin-Brown, who is not involved in the hush-money case.

Since March 4, Trumps lawyers have received more than 100,000 pages of records from the U.S. attorneys office, including a batch of 31,000 pages on Wednesday, according to a court filing. More material is expected to be turned over in the coming days.

The hush-money case centers on allegations that Trump falsified his companys records to hide the true nature of payments to Cohen, who paid porn actor Stormy Daniels $130,000 during the 2016 presidential campaign to suppress her claims of an extramarital sexual encounter with Trump years earlier.

Trump pleaded not guilty last year to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records and has denied having a sexual encounter with Daniels. His lawyers argue the payments to Cohen were legitimate legal expenses and not part of any cover-up.

Trump has repeatedly sought to postpone his criminal trials while he campaigns to retake the White House.

We want delays, Trump told reporters as he headed into a Feb. 15 hearing in New York case. Obviously Im running for election. How can you run for election if youre sitting in a courthouse in Manhattan all day long?

At that hearing, prosecutor Matthew Colangelo complained that Trump was attempting to use his complicated legal calendar to evade accountability by seeking delays.

But Manhattan prosecutors new willingness to bump the trial comes about a week after another document dump prompted them to abandon another high-profile case in the midst of a trial  a fact Trumps lawyers hardly missed.

Three men were abruptly cleared March 6 of an alleged scheme involving the possession of handwritten drafts of lyrics to Hotel California and other Eagles classics. The startling turn came after prosecutors and defense lawyers were suddenly given 6,000 pages of material involving band co-founder Don Henley, his lawyers and associates.

It happened after Henley, the prosecutions key witness, apparently decided late in the game to give up his right to keep communications with his attorneys private. He and others had already testified. After defense lawyers said the material belatedly raised questions they could no longer ask him and other witnesses, prosecutors agreed to drop the case.

Trumps lawyers drew a parallel. They wrote that in his case, too, prosecutors should have recognized that they do not have a complete understanding of their witnesses and that material existed that they needed to collect.

The deluge of evidence in Trumps case pertains to the federal investigation that sent Cohen to prison.

After a decade of working for Trump, Cohen broke with him in 2018 and soon pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations related to the hush-money payments, making false statements on a bank loan application, evading taxes related to his investments in the taxi industry and lying to Congress.

Cohen went to prison for about a year before being released to home confinement because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He became an outspoken Trump foe and is poised to be a key prosecution witness against Trump. Trump and his lawyers, meanwhile, contend Cohen is completely untrustworthy.

In their case against Cohen, federal prosecutors said the hush-money payments were made to benefit Trump and occurred with his knowledge  but they stopped short of accusing Trump of directly committing a crime.

The Justice Departments Office of Legal Counsel, which provides legal advice and guidance to federal agencies, has maintained that a sitting president cannot be indicted. Federal prosecutors didnt revive their investigation once Trump left the White House.
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks while encouraging Russian citizens to participate in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for March 15-17. Read more

Ukraine fired at least eight missiles at Russias Belgorod border region, killing two people and wounding 12, local officials said Thursday, as Kyivs forces apparently kept up efforts to rattle the Kremlin on the eve of Russias presidential election that is taking place amid a ruthless crackdown on dissent.

Also, Ukrainian forces attempted cross-border raids that were repelled in Belgorod and the Kursk region, according to local authorities. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed its troops killed 195 Ukrainian soldiers and destroyed five tanks and four armored infantry vehicles, two days after saying it killed 234 Ukrainian troops in another border assault.

It is not possible to independently verify the Russian claims. Cross-border attacks in the area have occurred sporadically since the war began and have been the subject of claims and counterclaims, as well as disinformation and propaganda.

The Ukrainian assaults on Russian territory in recent days, including long-range drone attacks and alleged incursions by Ukraine-based Russian proxies, have come as Russian President Vladimir Putin heads for near-certain reelection.

Putin has sought to persuade Russians to keep him in power against a backdrop of what he says are foreign threats to the country and as the Ukraine war stretches into its third year.

In a video released Thursday, Putin called on Russians to go to the polls, calling participation in the election a manifestation of patriotic feeling.

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Claiming that the only source of power in our country is the people, Putin told Russians, you must not only cast your vote, but firmly declare your will and aspirations, your personal involvement in the further development of Russia.

Elections are a step into the future, Putin said.

Since coming to power almost 25 years ago, Putin has eliminated nearly all independent media and opposition voices in Russia, particularly after the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine that initially went badly wrong.

 READ MORE: Putin warns again that Russia is ready to use nuclear weapons if its sovereignty is threatened

Analysts say the Kremlin is worried about low turnout during the three days of voting and needs Russians to participate to give legitimacy to Putin, who is almost certain to win another six-year term.

Sam Greene, with the Center for European Policy Analysis in Washington, called Russias election a sham.

The Kremlin controls whos on the ballot. The Kremlin controls how they can campaign, Greene told The Associated Press. To say nothing of being able to control every aspect of the voting and the vote counting process.

Russias exiled opposition are calling on Russians to protest against the election by gathering at polling stations at noon on Sunday in a signal that they dont support Putin. The event has been dubbed Noon against Putin and is being supported by Yulia Navalnaya, the wife of Alexei Navalny, Russias most prominent opposition leader who died in a remote Arctic penal colony last month.

Despite Russias early difficulties in the war, when its assault on Kyiv failed and Western countries came to Ukraines aid by sending weapons and training troops, the Kremlins forces now have battlefield initiative, military analysts say.

That is largely because Western aid has petered out due to European shortages and is now being held up in the United States by political differences.

The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, said Russian forces have the theater-wide initiative and will be able to determine the time, location, and scale of offensive operations on the battlefield for the moment.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies said Russias assault is gaining momentum and the coming months are critical to the direction of conflict.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday warned that delays in deliveries to Ukraine are costing lives.

The Ukrainians are not running out of courage, they are running out of ammunition, Stoltenberg told reporters in Brussels.

While Ukraine wrestles with increasingly meager battlefield resources, Russia has significantly expanded its own weapons production and is getting ammunition from Iran and North Korea.

That bodes badly for Ukraine once Putin has likely cemented his grip on power, the think tank said in a report Wednesday.

Over the spring and summer, Russia is likely to mount a series of major attacks designed to inflict Ukrainian casualties, push defenders westward and expand its control of occupied territories, the International Institute for Strategic Studies said.

For now, it said, the land war looks bloody and favors Moscow.
Atlantic City, renowned for its bustling casinos, has hit the jackpot with a substantial $26 million grant earmarked for Boardwalk renovations.

New Jerseys Boardwalk Preservation Fund, which was created with money from the pandemic-era American Rescue Plan, is distributing $100 million to Jersey Shore towns, with Atlantic City, alongside Asbury Park, receiving the biggest slices of the pie with $20 million each. Its all part of the states commitment to maintaining its status as a prime East Coast tourist destination, as affirmed by Gov. Phil Murphy in February. An additional $6 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, awarded two years prior, completes the funding for the Boardwalks facelift.

Our hardworking men and women of the Public Works Department service this Boardwalk every day, however it becomes a point where were just putting a Band-Aid on a wound, Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. said at a news conference standing along the Boardwalk. This $20 million will address the structural needs that is conducive to a safer Boardwalk.

On Tuesday, Small unveiled plans for the repairs, which will include the replacement of 100-year-old stretches of the world-famous Boardwalk, the introduction of ADA-compliant ramps, and overall improvements to the footpaths durability and safety, with an eye toward enduring the next five decades.

Construction is already underway on Bellevue Avenue continuing northward and will pause during the summer to avoid disrupting the tourist season. After summer, the work will continue from Florida Avenue to Columbia Place  around a half-mile of repairs leading up to Boardwalk Hall. These sections of the Boardwalk are expected to be finished by the end of the year and will use the $6 million award from USEDA as funding.

In the fall, the project will advance to a more extensive phase using the $20 million grant to update older wooden planks and structural supports, starting from New Jersey Avenue to Tennessee Avenue. This major undertaking is anticipated to span two years.

During the news conference, Mayor Small revealed that bids for the initial $6 million phase are coming in under budget, potentially allowing for more extensive repairs than initially planned. The same goes for the $20 million project, which Small said, if the bids come in lower, we can go further.

To date, $60 million has already been paid for Boardwalk repairs from Gardners Basin to Ocean Casino Resort. While the recent $26 million in funding will go a long way, the city estimates it needs an additional $60 million to repair the entire Boardwalk.
The cause of the March 2 fire that damaged a structure and its iconic mural at Malcolm X Park, is still being investigated by the Philadelphia Fire Department. Read more

On Saturday March 2, a fire blazed inside of the central bathroom and storage building at West Phillys Malcolm X Park, causing serious damage to the structure, electrical system and the mural honoring the civil rights icon. There were no injuries reported.

For now, the Parks and Recreation Department has closed and boarded up the building, including its bathroom. Because of the electrical system damage Malcolm Xs lights were out for several days, but last week, Parks and Recreation installed a temporary system to operate the park lights. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined and the Philadelphia Fire Department is currently conducting an investigation.

Plans and a timeline for repairs to the building and the mural have yet to be determined, but local politicians have pledged resources to help. City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier committed $270,000 in discretionary funding forimprovements to existing facilities to restore the building, and State Rep. Rick Krajewski promised $100,000 in state funding.

Councilmember Gauthier recognizes how important Malcolm X Park is for the West Philadelphia community ... [she] will make sure the job gets done as quickly as possible, a spokesperson for the Councilmember said.

While the fire has not significantly affected use of Malcolm X Park , some community members have worried and speculated on social media that the blaze was an act of arson.

We really have no idea, said Carmela Dow, a member of the Friends of Malcolm X Park group, about the cause of the fire. She stressed the importance of waiting for the Fire Department to complete its investigation.

This one incident is obviously really, really unfortunate and were just really grateful that nobody got hurt, she said. The park is still very much usable. We were really grateful that none of our trees were damaged.

Dow said that Friends of Malcolm X has had preliminary discussions with Mural Arts Philadelphia about restoring the mural surrounding the building, and was encouraged by the nonprofits eagerness to help. According to a Mural Arts spokesperson, it is preparing to restore the mural and will begin that process, including making a timeline for restoration, once repairs have been made to the building.

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I know its something that were all wanting to make sure is either recreated if we have to redo the building or is repaired ... its a priority for all of us, for obvious reasons, because its beautiful, Dow said.

On Saturday, March 16 at 1 p.m., Friends of Malcolm X will hold a Spring park cleanup, where community members are invited to come help pick up litter and trash around the park. Councilmember Gauthier and Rep. Krajewski, as well as a representative from the Parks and Recreation Department, are expected to attend and provide updates on the fire and plans for repairs.
State Senator Vincent Hughes announced a historic $7.5 million in funding for PA's indigent defense system  the first funds the state has ever provided. Read more

With Gov. Josh Shapiros appropriation of $7.5 million, and a promise of $2.5 million more in his next budget, Pennsylvania became the nations 49th state to provide funding for indigent defense, a bill once totally financed by the counties.

Only South Dakota does not provide statewide funding for indigent criminal defense. The public defender offices across the Pennsylvanias 67 counties, after suffering decades of chronic underfunding, have a long wish list to help improve the quality of indigent criminal defense and catch up to the states much better funded prosecution side.

This $7.5M in state funding for indigent defense is historic. Without state funding, weve seen huge disparities and deficiencies in available resources for public defense across counties in Pennsylvania, explained State Senator Vincent Hughes who held a celebratory press conference at Drexels Kline School of Law announcing the funding on Wednesday.

Improving uneven quality of public defense

The lack of state funding, which Gov. Shapiro called a shameful distinction has lead to an uneven quality of public defense across Pennsylvania. According to the states 1968 Public Defender Act, public defenders are provided for defendants who have been accused of a criminal act but lack the means to pay for a private attorney. Over half of the states criminal defendants are represented by public defenders who are often under-resourced, inadequately trained and overburdened.

We know counties need to hire more attorneys, investigators and support staff to handle caseloads. We also know many offices need better case management systems. This funding will start to address those needs, said Hughes, whose legislation was the basis for the language that became part of Decembers budget deal, giving public defense sustainable state funding.

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Part of the legislation was the creation of the 27-member Indigent Defense Advisory Council (IDAC), under the aegis of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), which had its first meeting last month.

The group, chaired by Sara Jacobson, executive director of the Public Defender Association of Pennsylvania, will publish quality standards for all public defenders offices and those agencies unable to meet them can apply for grant funding.

IDAC funding will supplement not replace county funding.

Pennsylvania still ranks 45th in total indigent defense funding with average per capita spending of $9.67 compared to $19.82 nationally. Sixth Amendment Center

And we must keep in mind, this first-time state investment and formation of the Indigent Defense Advisory Committee, is an important step in ensuring Pennsylvania provides justice for all, but it doesnt come close to meeting the need, Hughes said. For our criminal justice system to be truly fair and equal, we need to invest more and make this investment a long-term priority in the Commonwealth.

Philadelphia is better-funded than most in state

Philadelphia started free criminal defense representation 90 years ago, three decades before it was required by the U.S.constitution and now represents about 70% of the people accused of crimes in the city. City Council provides about 90% of the Defender Associations $62 million operating budget.

Were one of the better-funded  albeit still underfunded  public defender offices in Pennsylvania. Without the funding we receive from the city, our office wouldnt be able to provide our clients with the high-quality legal representation the constitution requires, said Chief Defender Keisha Hudson.

Even with the infusion of millions into the public defense system, Pennsylvania still ranks 45th in total indigent defense funding, according to the Sixth Amendment Center, with average per capita spending of $9.67 compared to $19.82 nationally.

For our justice system to work efficiently, we cant only fund the law enforcement, prosecution and punitive elements. We need to also work to ensure that everyone is given a fair trial with a lawyer who has had the resources to prepare a proper defense, Hudson said.

For our justice system to work efficiently, we cant only fund the law enforcement, prosecution and punitive elements. Keisha Hudson

It was over 60 years ago that the U.S. Supreme Court, in its landmark decision, Gideon v. Wainwright, decided that indigent defendants were entitled to an attorney, and its been over a decade that advocates in the state have been pushing for statewide funding.

It took far too long to get done, but it finally got done, Hughes said.
Marissa Brumbach, then a candidate for Municipal Court judge, attends the traditional Election Day Lunch at Relish in May 2019. Read more

A Philadelphia Municipal Court judge violated the state law and judicial canons when she made it appear that she had ruled on 95 traffic citations ahead of a trip to Florida, the state Court of Judicial Discipline has ruled.

Municipal Court Judge Marissa Brumbach violated a provision of the state constitution and the code of judicial conduct when she signed 95 traffic citations, marking some guilty in absentia or withdrawn, the Judicial Discipline Court said in an opinion filed Tuesday.

While the court acknowledged that judges in traffic court often make rulings without witness testimony or evidence, it found that Brumbach erred in making her rulings a day early, assuming that most defendants wouldnt show up in court.

A judge should not sign a disposition for a case before considering all evidence in an actual fair and impartial hearing or trial, the court said in the opinion.

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The state Judicial Conduct Board filed a complaint against Brumbach on Dec. 14, 2022, lodging nine counts of judicial misconduct for her actions.

Brumbachs attorney, Matt Haverstick, said Wednesday he and his client disagreed with the courts findings and expect to file objections to the courts findings. The judge did not respond to an emailed request for comment. The boards chief counsel, Melissa L. Norton, could not immediately be reached.

Brumbach was relegated to administrative duties on Jan. 10, 2022, and hasnt returned to the bench since, said Haverstick.

I think the court also made plain that the judicial conduct board really made out the conduct to be a lot worse than it was, he said. I think that latter fact is reflected in the rejection of the bulk of the claims made by the conduct board against Judge Brumbach.

On Jan. 7, 2022, Brumbach was scheduled to preside over traffic cases in Municipal Court. About two months earlier, she had asked to take that day off to attend an event in Florida, but never was told whether she could take the trip. The day before she was to depart, her supervisor, President Judge Patrick Dugan, denied her request in an email, according to the courts opinion.

Before she left, Brumbach formulated a plan to review the casess scheduled for Jan. 7.

She asked the prosecutor working in her courtroom to review the files and see which ones could be withdrawn, the court wrote. The prosecutor ended up withdrawing 17 citations.

Then, without any testimony, Brumbach reviewed the remaining citations and marked 40 as guilty in absentia and 38 as not guilty in absentia, the court found.

Brumbach had planned to call her court staff during the day to docket the cases as if she had been there, the court said. If anyone showed up to request a full hearing, her staff was told to reschedule it for another day.

The day before she left, Brumbach emailed Dugan saying I have prepared the files for tomorrow and if court remains open tomorrow with the impending snow forecast and anyone shows up, my staff and the court staff know what to do, the court wrote.

Ultimately, Dugan prevented the 95 cases from proceeeding that day. The courthouse ended up being closed because of a snowstorm.
A "No Dumping" sign tossed in a lot with trash along N. 3rd and Somerset streets on Feb. 5. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker wants the city to shake its reputation as Filthadelphia. Read more

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker ran on making the city cleaner and greener  and her inaugural budget includes $246 million investment over five years in initiatives aimed at delivering that promise.

When residents see overflowing trash cans, short-dumping sites that pile back up days after being cleared; cars forgotten and abandoned, then you understand why some folks dont believe their neighborhoods will ever be clean, Parker said during her budget address to City Council on Thursday. Lets banish the phrase Filthadelphia once and for all.

Parker outlined a complex patchwork of initiatives. These include an $11 million pilot for twice weekly trash pickup in certain neighborhoods, 1,500 more Big Belly style trash cans, new crews for each Council district to tackle illegal dumping, a plan to seal 900 vacant buildings, and a promise to haul away 10,000 abandoned cars.

But nearly half of the overall investment would dramatically expand an existing initiative  $130 million over five years to supercharge Parkers own Taking Care of Business program, or TCB, which previously focused on cleaning commercial corridors.

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The $10 million a year program was created by then-council member Parker in 2019, and is funded through the citys Commerce Department. That department issues grants to local nonprofits, which in turn contract with private cleaning providers to manually clean streets and sidewalks along 85 different areas scattered across the city.

Parkers new budget would expand the program to cover 140 commercial zones citywide. Budget documents also describe plans to clean residential streets adjacent to commercial areas either through TCB or companion programs run through the citys municipal Sanitation department.

Parker has also pitched these grants as a workforce tool, with some private contractors drawing cleanup crew workers from formerly homeless or incarcerated men and women, who earn at least $15 an hour. She likened her expansion plan to the added cleaning services provided in downtown areas by groups like the Center City District, an economic development agency funded by businesses.

Our neighborhoods deserve the same level of care and cleanliness, she said.

Philadelphia has long been one of the only big cities lacking a comprehensive citywide cleaning program, and Parker said her proposed efforts would eventually touch every neighborhood in the city. The administration did not respond to questions Thursday seeking specific details about the implementation of this program.

The city has long has a reputation for trash.

Pamela Woods, 54, said her neighborhood  West Philadelphia near 52nd Street  desperately needed to be cleaned up.

Its horrible, she said. People just dont care where they throw trash at. You got the kids walking around and they finding needles everywhere.

Woods, whos lived in the neighborhood since the 1970s, said she was concerned about more than trash, though. How about fixing the libraries and cleaning up the playgrounds so the kids have a place to play?

Still, she said, the city needs a lot of cleaning. A lot.

Under the current version of TCB, grants have flowed to nonprofits across the city. The Impact CDC, for example, receives $400,000 to regularly clean hard hit Kensington Avenue. The Enon Coulter CDC, a nonprofit run by the Enon Tabernacle Church, which Parker attends, receives $715,150 to clean areas in the mayors home neighborhood of West Oak Lane.

Parkers various cleaning proposal will ultimately span several city departments, and would be folded under the aegis of a recently created Office of Clean and Green Initiatives. The office is led by former Streets Department director Carlton Williams.

Former Mayor Jim Kenneys administration studied litter removal strategies for years, and ultimately launched a street cleaning pilot through the Streets Department that saw traditional sweeping trucks deployed to several zones across Philadelphia. The aim was to eventually expand these efforts citywide.

Parkers larger budget would also invest in the Streets department, which she said would complement the TCB efforts. The new budget includes funds for 100 new sanitation workers and 60 new trash compactor trucks, and does call for expansions to the Kenney-era sweeping program.

A budget document outlining this plan was also light on specifics, stating only that it would focus on adding sweeping to areas where a significant need exists, as well as cleaning for a greater number of streets in the city at least once during the year.

Brent Cebul, a University of Pennsylvania history professor who recently wrote a book on public-private partnerships, questioned why the city was not channeling more of street cleaning funds through its own Sanitation Department.

He said diffusing sanitation funds across dozens of small nonprofits or private subcontractors would politicize the provision of street cleaning services and make public oversight more difficult.

Deciding which nonprofits get these contracts will become a political process, he said. And it makes it really difficult for citizens to trace all this funding out.  The city government isnt efficient in a lot of ways, but at least that inefficiency is clear and accountable.

Staff writers Juliana Feliciano Reyes and Anna Orso contributed to this article.
Lou Sarcone, a fourth generation baker, poses for a portrait with his son, Louis, with family photos behind them at Sarcone's Bakery in South Philadelphia on March 8. The Sarcones are one of Phillys best-known baking families. Lou Sarcone is stepping away from the ovens due to his Parkinson's disease. His son, Louis, is taking over. Read more

Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter

Happy Pi Day! Treat yourself to a steamy za or Philly-made dessert on whats expected to be a gorgeous, sunny Thursday.

Sarcones Bakery of South Philadelphia has stayed in the family for five generations. Today, we take a look at the reign of the newest Louis  thats Louis Sarcone III  who at 37 has taken over as dad Louis Jr. manages life with Parkinsons disease.

And the way consumers pay at concerts and coffee shops alike is changing. Its partly generational, and partly a response to legislation aimed at accessibility.

P.S. Ahead of April Fools Day, The Inquirer is collecting original jokes from Philly kiddos. Submit your familys best ones here.

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 Julie Zeglen (@juliezeglen, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

Family-owned businesses face unique challenges. Arguments bleed from home to work. The kids would rather become lawyers.

But at Sarcones Bakery near Ninth and Catherine, the eponymous brood seems to have it figured out.

Lou Sarcone, the fourth generation of one of Philadelphias best-known baking families, is stepping away from the ovens after a Parkinsons diagnosis. The 60-year-old owner is keeping the beloved bread shop close, though: His son, Louis Sarcone III, is taking over.

Lovers of their seeded rolls and pizza shells, dont panic. The new guard doesnt plan to change much.

Its really cool, taking over a business knowing that Im the fifth one to do it, Louis III said. Take those ovens and some of the old pictures. Some things around here are still exactly the same. Its like, Wow, my great-great-grandfather worked on these, with these same exact machines and ovens.

Food writer Michael Klein offers a well-baked story on how the Sarcones are keeping up with tradition while navigating a new era.

Heres a twofer for you: Music venues across Philadelphia are skirting the citys ban on cashless businesses by offering reverse ATMs where consumers can exchange bills for prepaid debit cards. At the same time, many Gen Z and millennial Philadelphians are cutting both cash and cards from their economic lives.

 In our first story, Henry Savage examines the Fillmores new cashless policy. The Fishtown venue still accepts credit and debit cards. But any concertgoer who wants to pay with paper dollars will need to convert them to a prepaid card (which can be used elsewhere). This change comes about five years after the city required most local retail operations to accept cash, when advocates cited concerns about accessibility for those without bank accounts.

 Pair that with Erin McCarthys look at why many young people think its just easier to use their smartphones to pay anywhere a mobile wallet is accepted, rather than take the extra few seconds to pull out a credit card.

I get it. My iPhone is usually in my pocket, whereas the plastic is hidden deep in my bag  if Im even carrying a bag. You can even pay for SEPTA rides by phone now. Meanwhile, older consumers tend to prefer traditional cards or even cash, often because of security concerns.

What you should know today

 Trivia time

This local quasi-celeb was just named one of Cabrini Universitys final commencement speakers.

A) Kylie Kelce

B) Joyce Abbott

C) Reginald Streater

D) Saquon Barkley

Think you know? Check your answer.

What we're...

 Hearing: So many organs (the musical kind).

 Munching on: Caesar salads and Caesar-inspired foods, courtesy of this new guide to Phillys best.

 Questioning: Ritas newest flavor, Sour Patch Kids Watermelon Ice.

 Unscramble the anagram

The Wawa at 20th and Hamilton Streets, which just lost its lease, is based around the corner from this museum.

Hint: 

DEMURS ONIUM

Email us if you know the answer. Well select a reader at random to shout out here. Cheers to Richard Brasch, who correctly solved Wednesdays anagram: MacKenzie Scott, the philanthropist who just donated $4 million to the nonprofit West Philadelphia Skills Initiative.

Photo of the day

Im out for the next few days, so youll see Paola back in your inbox tomorrow! Have a great Thursday.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirers Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.
Jasmine Rivera, from the Pennsylvania Immigrant and Citizenship Coalition, speaks during a meeting where the Philadelphia Department of Public Health presented and took public comment at First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. Read more

If youre lower-income, live in Northeast Philadelphia, and have a health concern, youre often out of luck.

Thats because, for years, the neighborhood has had only one city-run health center for roughly 300,000 residents. And since its become home to an influx of lower-income residents and those from refugee and immigrant communities, many of whom lack private insurance, the situation has become more dire.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has been planning for years for two new health centers in the Northeast. And I think its a very good thing.

The health department found the sites after years of searching for the right locations. One will be at the Frankford Transportation Center, and the other on the grounds of Friends Hospital on Roosevelt Boulevard.

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The new health centers will be large enough to accommodate over 40,000 patients. Currently, the Northeast has only one city health center, located on Cottman Avenue, near Bustleton Avenue. There  at Health Center 10  it takes roughly 10 months to get a new appointment for an adult. There are dozens of city and federal health centers located throughout Philadelphia, but only three in the entire Northeast (one city-run, two federal), even though it is one of the most populous neighborhoods in the city.

Outside of the Northeast, most of the public health clinics have enough capacity to offer treatment in a reasonable amount of time.

During the last 40 years, Philadelphias demographics have changed. Center City, University City, and surrounding neighborhoods have seen an influx of wealthier families. The Northeast has become home to one of the highest concentrations of people who immigrate to Philadelphia. Whats more, poverty levels have grown significantly: Since 1990, the number of people living in poverty in Mayfair, for instance, has grown by more than 400%.

A 2018 review of access to primary care by the Department of Public Health found that the Lower Northeast section of the city, in particular, lacks providers, making it a health-care desert.

Of course, as with any major project, there are people who oppose it.

 READ MORE: Debate continues over a new health center proposal in Northeast Philadelphia

Some residents have raised concerns over demolishing the historic building on the Friends Hospital campus, which is nearly 170 years old. Nobody wants to see our citys history erased, but in this instance, I feel the benefits of having a new health facility serving tens of thousands of people per year in a neighborhood that desperately needs one outweigh the downsides of tearing down the existing structure.

While the Friends site (the largest of the two proposed health centers) will provide abundant parking, some critics have expressed concern that anyone taking public transit will have to cross the busy Roosevelt Boulevard. However, as part of its Route for a Change program, the city has committed to making the crossing at Langdon Street (near Friends Hospital) safer for pedestrians. Whats more, red-light cameras on the Boulevard have been credited for reducing crashes involving pedestrians by 50%.

If patients still dont feel safe, they can choose the other location at the Frankford Transportation Center, which is easily accessible by bus.

The greater danger, to me, would be going back to the drawing board to find a new location. Even if the current plan proceeds, the new facility wont be open until next year at the earliest. If the city has to spend more time scouting a new location, that could take years  at which point, there may no longer be money in the budget to build it. Meanwhile, residents suffer from the lack of health centers the city could be building right now.

The demand for new Northeast health centers has never been greater. The sooner we build the new centers, the sooner people will be able to access the lifesaving health care they need.

John Dodds is director of the Philadelphia Unemployment Project, which works with laid-off Philadelphians, many of whom lose their insurance upon layoff and need the low-cost health care offered at city health centers.
A view of United Nations headquarters. The U.N. envoy focusing on sexual violence in conflict said in a report earlier this month that there are reasonable grounds to believe Hamas committed rape and other cruel and inhumane treatment of women during the Oct. 7 attacks. Read more

You probably know that Japan sexually enslaved about 200,000 Korean women between 1932 and the end of World War II.

But you might not know that Soviet soldiers raped an estimated two million German women in the last years of the conflict. And I doubt you know that American GIs raped 14,000 women in Western Europe and tens of thousands of others in Asia during the same war.

Call it the double standard of wartime sexual crimes. When they are perpetrated by our own side  or by a side we support  we tend to turn a blind eye. And thats a crime in its own right.

Witness the resounding suspicion, equivocation, and outright denial that followed reports of rapes by Hamas fighters during the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Left-wing critics in the West simply dismissed the evidence or claimed that Israel fabricated it. And even womens rights groups were slow to acknowledge the horrific sexual violence that occurred on that day.

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Last week, a United Nations envoy focusing on sexual violence confirmed that there are reasonable grounds to believe Hamas committed rape and sexualized torture on Oct. 7. She noted accounts of gang rapes, of people being killed while being raped, and of corpses being raped  all by Hamas.

And the left shrugged.

That insults Palestinians, of course, by holding them to a lower moral standard. And it ignores the suffering and trauma of their victims, who did nothing  lets repeat, nothing  to deserve being raped.

Alas, thats a lesson we keep forgetting. The West was reluctant to acknowledge Soviet rapes in World War II because the USSR was an ally and Adolf Hitler started the conflict. So anything that occurred in it  even the sexual assault of German women  was somehow the Germans own fault.

Criticizing Soviet rapists also seemed to confirm Nazi propaganda about Russians as barbarous Asiatics, who were allegedly inferior to Aryan Germans. In wartime, the last thing you want to do is give credence to the enemys lies. So youll downplay or deny any charges of wrongdoing against your side, even when theyre true.

Thats what seems to be happening in the controversy over Oct. 7. The reports of sexual violence by Hamas echo the most malicious stereotypes about Palestinians: that theyre violent, savage, and subhuman. No good-hearted person wants to perpetuate that kind of hate. So in the name of fighting prejudice against Palestinians, Israels critics keep quiet about sexual assault against Israelis.

That makes the real victims  women  into props, not people. If their fate doesnt fit the broader morality play that youre telling, you can simply push them off the stage.

Thats also why we rarely talk about sexual assaults by U.S. soldiers during World War II. It was the Good War, after all, fought by the Greatest Generation of Americans. How could they have raped innocent women?

Call it the double standard of wartime sexual crimes. When they are perpetrated by our own side  or by a side we support  we tend to turn a blind eye.

But they did. In Germany, where the U.S. military barred servicemen from fraternization with local women, rape wasnt considered a violation of that rule. According to one American commander, copulation without conversation does not constitute fraternization.

American soldiers helped liberate France from Germany in 1944. But they also raped hundreds of French women, egged on by lurid reports in the American press. Life magazine called France a tremendous brothel inhabited by 40 million hedonists. When women defied that stereotype  and resisted American soldiers sexual advances  the soldiers took what they wanted.

The situation was even worse in the wars Pacific theater. According to one estimate, American soldiers raped 10,000 women on the island of Okinawa alone. During the U.S. military occupation of Japan, meanwhile, rape became so common that Japanese officials established a network of brothels to serve American servicemen. When a venereal disease outbreak led to the closing of the brothels, rapes by U.S. soldiers shot up from 40 to 330 per day.

That doesnt take anything away from the righteousness or heroism of the American war against fascism. Instead, it reminds us that people on the right side of history can also commit terribly wrong acts.

Likewise, condemning the Hamas rapes doesnt invalidate the Palestinian campaign for freedom, dignity, and self-determination. It simply means that wartime sexual assault is evil and inexcusable, no matter the circumstances. When we prorate our response to it, in accord with our politics, we forfeit the victims humanity. And our own.
Bringing pie to the party is an important task. Its the part of the dinner that everyone looks forward to, and some may even go as far as to leave room in anticipation of a slice. After the appetizers, salad, and main course, pie is a sweet ending shared by everyone around the table.

Pie is one of the most nostalgic desserts, bringing people back to fond memories of baking with elders, learning the delicate process of rolling out the crust, making the filling, and bringing those components together. Baked at the beginning of the festivities to be enjoyed at the end, pie is one of the few dishes that bookends a holiday.

Pies transport us back to the familiar flavors we grew up with and culinary traditions that have been passed down through the generations. When I bake, I want people to think about their grandmothers or their great-grandmothers cooking, says Amy Edelman, owner of Night Kitchen Bakery. Pie evokes a sort of feeling of a family and cooking with the family.

The idea of encasing food in a form of pastry crust dates as far back as Egyptian pharaoh Ramses II, whose tomb has drawings of a pie-like food filled with nuts, honey, and fruits. The Greeks are credited with creating meat pies, which the Romans took and distributed across the Roman Empire. The predecessor to American-style fruit pies, including our iconic apple pie, stems from England with recipes dating as far back as the 16th century. Although pies popularity in the United States is a result of English colonization, the dessert tradition is seen as predominantly all-American.

How we choose our best lists What makes something the best? Our recommendations are based on our reporters' deep regional knowledge and advice from local experts. We also strive to represent the geographic and cultural diversity of the city and region. Spot an error or omission? Email us at phillytips@inquirer.com

Aside from the nostalgia, one of the best parts about pie is the variety. There are so many different pies  fruit pies, nut pies, custard pies, pudding pies, cream pies. If you can dream it, you can likely make it into a pie.

Philadelphia has no shortage of incredible pie makers sharing this delicious piece of culinary heritage. Every recipe may be unique to each baker, but pie has a taste, smell, and tradition that resonate with so many of us. As we pass slices of it around the table, we share a piece of ourselves, our personal history, as well as our collective history. Heres where to get some of the regions best pies.

For Pennsylvania Dutch baked goods, Beilers Bakery in Reading Terminal Market is a trusted spot. In addition to its doughnuts, its got whoopie pies, cakes, and pies, including the Pennsylvania Dutch classic shoofly pie. Shoofly pie is a molasses pie covered in a thick layer of fine crumbs. Local lore says its name comes from the fact that the sweet pie would always attract flies, causing bakers to wave their hands over the pie and say, Shoo fly! Beilers shoofly pie is rich with a deep cinnamon sugar and caramel flavor, but its the textures of the crust, the molasses filling, and the crumbs on top that make this one of the best shoofly pies in town. Its perfect for dessert or paired with coffee the morning after a big family dinner. Also find cherry, rhubarb, sweet potato and other pies.

 51 N. 12th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19107  267-318-7480,  beilersdoughnuts.com,  @beilersdoughnuts

Bredenbecks is an institution in Philadelphias pastry world. The bakery has been churning out cakes, cookies, pies, pastries, and ice cream since 1889. If youve been to a Philadelphia wedding west of the Schuylkill, chances are youve eaten a Bredenbecks cake. If youre looking for an old-fashioned pie, this is the spot. Its got all the pie hits like lemon meringue, key lime, apple, and cherry pie. Order it plain or get a lattice or crumb crust on top.

 8126 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19118  215-247-7374,  bredenbecks.com,  @bredenbecks

Flying Monkey Bakery doesnt take any shortcuts when it comes to making pies. Every crust is rolled by hand and made from scratch using real butter. And the key lime pie crust is made with graham crackers baked in-house.

For Elizabeth Halen, crust is key.

The crust is the vehicle for the pie, said the owner of Flying Monkey Bakery in Reading Terminal Market. Were committed to butter and our pastry craft. Flying Monkey offers pies all year round, including a peanut butter cup pie, a flourless lemon coconut, and a smores pie made with the same house-made graham cracker crust. But come the holiday season, the focus is on its three traditional pies: a classic pumpkin, pecan, and the customer favorite apple with oat crumble topping.

Weve always done a version that has a really nice savory oatmeal, salty topping to it, so its a nice contrast to the sweet filling, Halen said.

Pies are nine inches and feed up to 8 people. If you want to make sure you get the pie youre craving, call ahead.

 1136 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19107  215-928-0340,  flyingmonkeyphilly.com,  @flyingmonkeyphilly

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Amy Edelman of Night Kitchen Bakery is passionate about making pies using only the best ingredients. Every apple crumb, for example, is loaded with six whole Granny Smith apples encased in a crispy, all-butter crust. If you order the apple crumb pie, Edelman recommends heading down Germantown Avenue to grab a pint of salted caramel ice cream at Zsas. Along with the classic apple, Night Kitchen Bakery offers key lime pie, chocolate pecan, and cherry crumb, as well as seasonal tarts including mixed berry.

 7725 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19118  215-248-9235,  nightkitchenbakery.com,  @nightkitchenbakery

You dont have to be vegan to love Crust Vegan Bakerys pies, which are sweet and rich withcrustsjust as luscious as your conventional pie. Order the peanut butter mousse pie with cookie crust, smooth peanut butter mousse filling and a ganache topping. The chocolate blood orange pie is a chocolate shortbread crust, filled with blood orange curd, topped with ganache, stars and glitter for some extra flare. Shoofly pies, pie-themed pop tarts, ice cream brownie pies and peanut butter cup snack pies are also available for Pi Day.

 4409 Main St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19127  215-701-4230,  crustveganbakery.com,  @crustveganbakery

Reading Terminal Markets first Black-owned bakery is all about the sweet potato  sweet potato cake, sweet potato cheesecake, and, of course, sweet potato pie. Sweet potato pie is a staple at Black gatherings, especially during the holiday season, and the recipes for this traditional dessert are oftentimes passed down from matriarch to matriarch. Tia El, the owner of Sweet Ts Bakery, is the keeper of her familys recipe, which she shares with everyone who orders a pie at her Reading Terminal bakery.

I was making sweet potato pies for years with a recipe that my grandmother shared with me personally with my own twist, El said. My sweet potato pie stands out from everybody else because I still do things the old-fashioned way and I hand mix everything.

Sweet Ts Bakery offers three sizes of pies: ranging from a small, personal-sized sweetie pie to a large pie for the whole family. Every pie comes with a creamy and spiced sweet potato filling thats amplified by the subtle cinnamon graham cracker crust that is served with a love of tradition.

A sugar-free option is available too.

 1136 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19107  267-319-1819,  sweettsbakery.co,  @_sweett

For four generations, this German bakery has brought sweet treats to neighbors in Mayfair. All pies are made from scratch and are baked with a touch of German tradition. Find assorted pies everyday of the week  including lemon meringue pie on Tuesdays. Its gemutlichkeit in every bite.

 4164 Barnett St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19135  215-624-0117,  haegelesbakery.com

Throughout the year, the Frosted Fox Cake Shop offers seasonal pies to customers craving a dessert other than cake. In the spring, keep an eye out for its summery peach crumble, strawberry rhubarb crumble, key lime with meringue, and mixed berry pies.

Its offering a to-go service so you can order at the door or place an order ahead of time over the phone.

 6511 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19119  267-900-5453,  frostedfoxcakeshop.com,  @frostedfoxcakeshop

Tartes offers personal-size tarts (or tartes, as the shop calls them) in a wide range of flavors, making it easy to mix and match different desserts to please everyone. For chocolate lovers, grab the chocolate creme brulee tarte, which is made with a vanilla bean custard coated in a chocolate espresso ganache glaze. For those who prefer fruity flavors, try the pear-raspberry almond and blueberry lemontarts. Its window is openfor walk-up orders, but you are encouraged to order ahead of time  especially if you want a particular tart or youre placing a large order.

 212 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106  215-625-2510,  tartespastryshop.com,  @tartes_oldcity

With the wide selection of decadent pies at Pie and Plate, it can be tricky to pick the best one.

Creamy and a little tart, find key lime custard in a butter graham crust with a swirl of whipped cream on top. Theres also a souffle atop a gooey, rich chocolate pie in a butter crust. But maybe, youre in the mood for apple slices nestled in a sweet, creamy sour cream custard with a buttery brown sugar crumble. No matter what you order, you cant go wrong with these made-from-scratch pies.

 43 N. Main St., Ambler, Pa. 19002  267-468-7171,  pieandplate.com,  @pieandplatecafe

Across the bridge in Moorestown, Christine McHale is the pie lady who serves up whatever pie your heart desires. Get a whole or slice of seasonal and decadent pies made with local fresh fruit and ingredients in a buttery, flaky crust, housemade graham cracker crust, or housemade chocolate Oreo crust. Its always best to order ahead of time for whole pies.

9 East Main St., Moorestown, NJ 08057  856-778-PIES (7437),  pieladycafe.com

Fishtown and Old City have one thing in common  hand pies from Little Susies. At both locations, order pies with cinnamon spiced honeycrisp apples, strawberries and cream, and chocolate, espresso pocket-sized pies. Savory pies are offered too.

Multiple locations,  littlesusies.com,  @littlesusies

 READ MORE: Live your best life in Philly: Read our most useful stories here
President Joe Biden (left) has trailed former President Donald Trump (right) narrowly in most Pennsylvania polls this year. Read more

President Joe Bidens State of the Union address was a speech celebrated by Democrats as energetic and feisty, but polling shows it did little to shift voters in Pennsylvania.

Two Pennsylvania polls released this week show no meaningful change for Biden in the critical state where he runs neck and neck with former President Donald Trump. The Republican leads Biden narrowly in both polls, though within the surveys margins of error.

The State of the Union is one of the more closely watched presidential speeches but still isnt something that average voters tune into, especially undecided voters or those less engaged eight months before an election. For Democrats, the goal was likely more to reassure Bidens base than to make meaningful inroads with undecided voters at this point.

Historically, the State of the Union has never been a political game changer, public affairs consultant Larry Ceisler said. In this case, I do not think President Biden was speaking so much to move poll numbers higher as much as he needed to stop the bleeding in his job performance metrics. The president needed to end the debate within his party as to whether he was game ready for a difficult reelection.  He accomplished that.

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And Biden and Trump are such known entities in the state that it comes as little surprise that a political speech didnt move the needle.

Both of these presidential candidates are so well known, and so well vetted, that expecting a big polling jump after a singular event is just pure folly, GOP political consultant Chris Nicholas said.

Here are some takeaways from the two Pennsylvania polls.

Fox News: Trump 49%, Biden 47%

In a Fox News poll of 1,000 registered voters in the state, Trump led Biden by 2 percentage points, within the surveys margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points.

Bidens strongest support in the poll came from voters of color (64%), white voters with a college degree (57%), suburban women (57%), and voters 65 and older (50%).

Trumps core support comes from white evangelical Christians (73%), white men without a college degree (63%), rural voters (59%), and Gen Xers (54%).

As in most other polls of Pennsylvania, voters who identify with a party are largely sticking with their partys presumed nominee.

In a potential five-person race that includes Green Party candidate Jill Stein and independent candidates Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West, Trump and Biden tie in the state with 42% each.

The Fox pollster noted that compared to other swing states, Pennsylvanians have a slightly rosier outlook on the economy, which could benefit Biden. Fifty-nine percent of Pennsylvania respondents said the economy is getting better or holding steady.

Bidens strengths remain election integrity, abortion, health care, and climate change, while Trump is seen as better on the economy, immigration, and border security.

Emerson College/the Hill: Trump 47%, Biden 43%

Trump fared slightly better in an Emerson College/the Hill survey released Thursday, which found 47% of registered voters back him. The survey of 1,000 voters had a margin of error of +/- 3%.

Ten percent of voters are undecided. When these voters are asked which candidate they lean toward, Trumps overall support increases to 52% compared with Bidens 48%.

There is a distinction in motivation between Biden and Trump voters, Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, said in a statement. Trump voters support the former president because they care about an issue (28%), like Trump (27%), or dislike Biden (21%), whereas a plurality of Biden voters (33%) support the president because they dislike Trump and 24% support Biden because they like him as a candidate.

When third-party candidates are included on the ballot in the Emerson poll, Trump leads Biden 44% to 40%. Eight percent are undecided.

The economy is the top issue for 36% of voters, followed by crime (12%), immigration (11%), threats to democracy (11%), health care (9%), education (7%), housing affordability (6%), and abortion access (4%).

The Emerson poll also looked at the U.S. Senate race with incumbent Sen. Bob Casey (D., Pa.) leading Republican David McCormick by 4 points, down from a 10-point lead in February.

Casey leads slightly with independent voters, though many of them are still undecided in the race.

The survey showed some potential ticket splitting in the state: Nine percent of former Trump voters said they plan to vote for Casey, while just 3% of former Biden voters said theyd vote for McCormick.
President Joe Biden speaks at the Pieper-Hillside Boys & Girls Club on Wednesday in Milwaukee. Read more

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden came out in opposition to the planned sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel of Japan, saying on Thursday that the U.S. needs to maintain strong American steel companies powered by American steel workers.

In a statement, Biden added: U.S. Steel has been an iconic American steel company for more than a century, and it is vital for it to remain an American steel company that is domestically owned and operated.

By opposing the merger, Biden has chosen to support unionized workers in a critical election year at the risk of upsetting the business community and an essential ally in Japan. Thursdays announcement, coming as Biden is campaigning in the Midwest, could have ripples in his race against the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump.

The Democratic president has made the restoration of American manufacturing a cornerstone of his agenda as he seeks reelection, and he has the endorsements of the AFL-CIO and several other prominent unions. The White House said Thursday that Biden called David McCall, president of United Steelworkers, to reiterate his support for its members.

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Nippon Steel announced in December that it planned to buy the Pittsburgh-based steel producer for $14.1 billion in cash, raising concerns about what the transaction could mean for unionized workers, supply chains and U.S. national security.

The Japanese company reiterated Friday how the deal benefits U. S. Steel, union workers, the American steel industry and national security.

Nippon Steel will advance American priorities by driving greater quality and competitiveness for customers in the critical industries that rely on American steel while strengthening American supply chains and economic defenses against China, it said in a statement out of Tokyo.

No other U.S. steel company on its own can meet this challenge while also meeting antitrust requirements, it said, stressing it already employs 4,000 American workers.

The company has also committed to keeping the U.S. Steel name and Pittsburgh headquarters.

The company, which is the worlds fourth largest steel producer, launched a website with supportive statements from Larry Summers, the former treasury secretary, and Pat Toomey, a Republican and former senator from Pennsylvania.

Shortly after the steel deal was announced, the White House indicated it would be under review by the secretive Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. The government does not officially provide updates on the CFIUS review process.

Biden has a big megaphone to weigh in on the matter, but he is not intervening in the review process or formally blocking the deal, according to a person familiar with deliberations who insisted on anonymity to discuss the situation.

When asked about the deal on Thursday, White House national security spokesman John Kirby declined to say if the president wanted to stop it outright or would be amendable to changes in its structure. But Kirby told reporters that the United States sees its alliance with Japan as stronger than its ever been.

Still, the president holds sway over CFIUS. The treasury secretary leads the committee, which is also composed of the heads of federal agencies and, as deemed appropriate, directors of White House councils on the economy and national security.

Trump said earlier this year after meeting with the Teamsters union that he would stop the U.S. Steel acquisition: I would block it. I think its a horrible thing, when Japan buys U.S. Steel. I would block it instantaneously.

Biden traveled Thursday to Saginaw, Michigan, which was once home to multiple General Motors plants and where he hopes his backing from union workers can resonate with voters.

The city is in a swing county that narrowly backed Trump in 2016 and then flipped to Biden in 2020, making it a crucial contest in this years presidential race.

Biden has a close relationship with the United Steelworkers. He gave the union members personal assurances that he has their backs, according to a February statement by the union about Nippon Steels plans. U.S. Steel is headquartered in Pennsylvania, another key state in this years election.

The United Steelworkers issued a statement last week after meeting with representatives from Nippon Steel that it had concerns about whether the company would honor existing labor agreements and about the companys financial transparency, adding that there were barriers to closing a merger.

The U.S. considers Japan to be one of its closest allies and a key partner in countering Chinas ambitions and influence in Asia. Biden has visited the country twice as president and will host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House on April 10.

But Nippon Steels connections to China have raised concerns within the Biden administration. More than half the steel produced globally comes from China, according to the World Steel Association. India is the second-largest producer, followed by Japan and the United States.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce warned in a February blog post that it would be foolhardy of the Biden administration to block the deal. Doing so could hurt foreign investment into the United States, cause other countries to block the overseas investments that U.S. companies want to make and undermine the U.S.-Japan alliance, the chamber said.

John Murphy, the head of international issues for the chamber, said Thursday that it was inappropriate and counterproductive of Biden to politicize the CFIUS review.

Its imperative that the CFIUS review proceed; and if, as expected, it reveals no national security concerns, the sale should proceed, Murphy said.

But Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pennsylvania, who is up for reelection, applauded Bidens statement, saying, Ill work like hell against any deal that leaves our Steelworkers behind.
Devotees of TikTok cheer their support to passing motorists at the Capitol in Washington on Wednesday before the House passed a bill that would lead to a nationwide ban of the popular video app if its China-based owner doesn't sell. Read more

Three of Pennsylvanias 17 representatives in Congress voted against a bill that passed the House on Wednesday that would lead to a nationwide ban of the video app TikTok if its China-based owner doesnt sell its stake.

Two Democrats on opposite ends of the state, Rep. Brendan Boyle, in Philadelphia and Rep. Summer Lee, from the Pittsburgh area, voted against the bill, as did Republican Rep. Scott Perry, who represents parts of York and Cumberland counties.

The three represent a mix of political ideologies. Perry is an ultra-conservative former head of the House Freedom Caucus and an ally of former President Donald Trumps.

Trump recently changed his position to oppose the ban after conversations with Pennsylvania billionaire Jeffrey Yass, whose firm has a large stake in TikTok.

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Lee is Pennsylvanias most left-leaning representative and part of the Squad, a group of young, progressive members of color in the House, many of whom voted against the bill. Boyle, who is from Northeast Philadelphia, is a co-chair of the Blue Collar Caucus and a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

The bill was prompted by lawmakers concerns that the companys Chinese ownership poses a national security threat. It passed 352-65 with overwhelming bipartisan support in the House and now goes to the Senate, where its prospects are unclear.

President Joe Biden, whose campaign is on TikTok, has said if Congress passes the measure, he will sign it.

The wildly popular app has more than 170 million American users and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chinese technology firm ByteDance Ltd. Lawmakers have contended that the firm is beholden to the Chinese government, which could demand access to the data of TikToks consumers in the U.S. whenever it wants

The company has said it has invested to keep user data safe, but the vote is the latest example of increased tensions and distrust between China and the U.S. Opponents of the bill called it overly broad and warned that it could hurt people who depend on the app for their businesses.

Heres why each Pennsylvania member said about why they voted against it.

Philadelphias Brendan Boyle: I left the briefing completely unconvinced

Boyle said he attended the classified briefing Wednesday outlining evidence that supporters of the bill said illustrated the need for the legislation and was left completely unconvinced.

We have a robust First Amendment that protects freedom of speech, he said. So before the government takes the remarkable step of banning a widely used social media app, and suppressing speech, there needs to be a compelling and convincing case that such a dramatic action is vital to our national security.

Boyle said he has security and privacy concerns about TikTok, but seeks a solution that also balances our constitutional rights. He said hed much rather see Congress focus on voting to fund the war in Ukraine.

Progressive Democrat Summer Lee opposes ban

Lee called TikTok an incredible organizing tactic, in a recent interview with The Hill. We can think about privacy and security and make sure that were doing everything to ensure that, but also, banning TikTok is not, you know, the answer right now, she said.

Lee, 36, was one of 50 Democrats to oppose the bill. Despite TikToks popularity with young people, the vote didnt correspond with age of members. Lee was one of only five House members under the age of 40 to vote against it.

Other lawmakers opposing it included Democratic Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, of New York; Ayanna Pressley, of Massachusetts; and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, all of whom are members The Squad.

Trump ally Scott Perry among handful of GOP opponents to bill

Perry was one of 15 House Republicans to vote against the bill, which he compared to the Patriot Act passed after 9/11.

Let me be clear: Chinas a problem, Perry said. Chinas spying on Americans, we all know that. But this vehicle was very concerning to me. The language was very broad just like the Patriot Act that was passed after 9/11 with good intentions and then turned on the American People. ... I was concerned and am concerned that this would be turned on the American people.

Perry went on to say he thinks the government should better warn Americans about the vulnerability of their data but added that the ultimate choice should be up to them on what apps to use. I dont think the federal government should be a babysitter, he said.

Perry is a close ally of Trump who recently said he opposed the bill. Trump weighed in shortly after meeting with Pennsylvania billionaire Jeff Yass, an investor in TikTok. The former president and presumptive 2024 GOP presidential nominee warned that banning TikTok would make Facebook bigger, and I consider Facebook to be an enemy of the people.

The Yes votes

All other members voted for the bill, including Democratic U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, who acknowledged in a statement, I know that many in my community enjoy TikTok, and some, in fact, earn their incomes from the platform as well.

But Houlahan said she saw real and present threats to individual Americans, to communities, to this democracy, and to our way of life if TikTok data remains within the grasp of the Chinese Communist Party.

Rep. Lloyd Smucker, a Republican who represents Lancaster, said the legislation would protect the American people from the CCP and foreign adversaries who seek to harm, manipulate, or control the American people.

This article contains information from the Associated Press.
As she has done hundreds of times as a staffer and a lawmaker, Cherelle L. Parker on Thursday morning strode into the ornate chambers on the fourth floor of Philadelphia City Hall for a meeting of City Council.

But for the first time, she was hailed by the sergeant-at-arms: Council president, the mayor has arrived.

The first for Parker was also a first for Philadelphia. Parker is the citys 100th mayor and the first woman to hold the office, so her budget address to Council  Phillys version of the State of the Union  represented a milestone.

With a booming voice and forceful rhetoric, Parker gave a rousing 75-minute speech outlining her big and bold $6.29 billion budget proposal to a packed chamber, earning frequent standing ovations for her plans to bolster street paving, increase affordable luxury housing opportunities for low-income residents, and spend $36 million on clean and green initiatives such as cracking down on illegal dumping and towing 10,000 abandoned cars.

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And she led with the issue that was central to her history-making campaign in last years election: public safety.

We will enforce the law right here in the city of Philadelphia, Parker said.

In the coming months, Parker will negotiate with Council members over the budget, which must be approved before the next fiscal year begins on July 1. Potential sticking points include her tough-on-crime approach to public safety, which has already drawn criticism from progressives, and the wage and tax rates, which Parker has proposed leaving unchanged despite some lawmakers saying further cuts are needed.

Plans for police, Kensington, and more

To bring down crime, Parker pledged to accelerate police recruiting, dedicate 100 officers to community policing, and fund millions of dollars worth of technological upgrades. She recalled standing last week on Rising Sun Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia after eight high school students were shot at a bus stop  two days after another bus stop shooting left five people shot.

And she sometimes strayed off-script, including one instance in which she defended her approach to end the open-air drug market in Kensington with policies that are more aggressive than her predecessors and have been criticized as lacking compassion. She said Thursday, for example, that not one city dollar will fund syringe exchange programs  a departure from prior administrations  but that she still believes theyre an important part of the strategy.

Im not going to allow anyone to put us in a box trying to suggest that we do not care. We care deeply about every person in addiction, Parker said during an emotional peak of her speech. When it touches your immediate family like it did with me, you know that people, places, and things are what impact people in addiction.

Parker said after the speech that she has lost several family members to addiction, including two uncles, adding, I know this ugly monster up close and personal, and Ive known it since I was a very, very little girl at a time when I shouldnt have known.

Criticism of the administrations approach to Kensington, however, is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. Amistad Law Project policy director Nikki Grant on Thursday praised Parkers proposed investments in libraries and other city services, but said she is deeply concerned about the Parker administrations choice to defund harm reduction strategies, referring to public health strategies such as needle exchanges that are aimed at keeping drug users alive until they are ready to enter treatment.

We urge her to listen to people doing this work. We ask her not to discard decades of proven, evidence-based public health strategies, Grant said. The city cannot claim to care about people who use drugs while refusing to invest in harm reduction.

Parker said that public safety is the No. 1 issue and that her clean and green initiatives are 1A. She said her administration would fund 100 new sanitation workers, create 10 dedicated residential street cleaning crews, and allocate $11 million to pilot twice-weekly trash collection.

To address trash and litter, the mayor said shed create a new illegal dumping collection crew and buy 1,500 new public trash cans.

Year-round schools and training for city jobs

Parkers plan leaves all city tax rates unchanged, but it increases the share of property tax revenue that goes to the School District of Philadelphia, from 55% to 56%, which will give the district an estimated $119 million in additional revenue over five years. The remaining 44% would go to city coffers.

While discussing education policy, Parker emphatically praised Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr., saying, Youre my guy. You have my support, and Im looking forward to working with you. Parker is in the process of selecting her nominees for the school board, which oversees the district and hired Watlington in 2022.

Parker last year campaigned on creating a system of year-round schooling  a goal shared by Watlington, who has included it in his strategic plan for the district. She said Thursday that a pilot program will begin in 20 schools this fall.

This budget includes a plan for full-day and year-round schooling, offering students educational enrichment throughout the year, with schedules that work with working families, Parker said.

Budget proposals involve scores of new programs, many of which get overlooked. After the speech, Parker said in an interview that she hoped two that were near to her heart didnt get lost in the shuffle: a $3.2 million allocation to support youth sports, and the creation of a Community College of Philadelphia program that would train students for city jobs.

The municipal college would be the first in the nation, Parker said, and it would create a pipeline for Philly residents to get family-sustaining employment opportunities with the city.

If you ask, Cherelle, whats your baby in this budget? she said. This municipal employment college  thats my baby.

Next up: A long, robust discussion with City Council

City Council President Kenyatta Johnson, who like Parker took office in January, said the mayor put forth a comprehensive budget and predicted some individual members will raise issues they want to see addressed through the negotiation process.

He wouldnt rule out the possibility that some Council members will seek out modest cuts to wage and business taxes, for instance.

This will be a long, robust discussion between members of Council, as well as the administration, Johnson told reporters. And well see where we end up.

Johnson said he felt emotional presiding over the chamber as his former colleague delivered her first speech to Council as mayor, saying, Ive known Cherelle.

So when I see her come inside this room and begin to give her presentation, I thought about my mother, I thought about my grandmother, he said. I had an opportunity to see the great things that the city of Philadelphia can do with a new woman mayor.

Parkers proposal was praised by lawmakers in a series of speeches after she left the chambers. Even some progressive members, who are likely to clash with the administration over her public safety plans in the coming months, refrained from criticizing her plan.

Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, for instance, said she couldnt be more excited about Parkers plans to improve quality-of-life issues like illegal dumping and cleanliness and is optimistic that this budget will be one of the most equitable and impactful in our citys more than 300-year history.

Its exactly what our neighborhoods need and deserve, Gauthier said. I will continue to be the mayors biggest cheerleader around cleaning and greening.

And Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. praised Parkers public safety plans and proposals to address the drug market in Kensington, likening her approach to tough love.

It felt like my auntie way back in the day, he said. You dont always like what she said, but you respected it and it came from a place of love.

Parker began her speech by noting that her path to becoming the citys first female mayor began in Councils chambers about 34 years earlier, when as a high school student she won a citywide speech contest and delivered her address to Council. That day, she met her mentor, Marian Tasco, who helped Parker launch her career and whose Council seat Parker would later occupy.

Its good to be back home. This Council chamber is where my journey to public service began, Parker said. I stood right there and gave a Black History Month speech. ... I remember being so nervous then and, look, I got the same butterflies right now that I had when I was 17 years-old.

She ended her address by noting her history-making moment.

My name is Cherelle L. Parker, she said, and Im the 100th mayor and first woman to lead Philadelphia.
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker arrives at City Council chambers to deliver her first budget address on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Read more

>>UPDATE: Mayor Cherelle Parker delivers her first budget address, promising to enforce the law and clean up the city

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker is proposing a $6.29 billion city budget that keeps tax rates flat, adds resources for law enforcement, and boosts funding for priorities such as commercial corridor cleaning, according to administration documents viewed by The Inquirer.

Parker, who took office in January as the citys first female mayor, is to deliver her first budget proposal to City Council on Thursday in a high-profile address that is likely to be a defining moment in her history-making tenure. Council will negotiate with the administration over Parkers proposal this spring, and must reach a final agreement before July 1, when the new budget takes effect.

Parkers first budget proposal comes at an unusual time for the city as it is navigating the complexities of the post-pandemic economy. Typically, City Hall struggles to find money for badly needed investments in city services. But at the moment, city coffers are flush with cash, and the administration is required to spend $449 million in federal pandemic relief money by the end of 2024.

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 READ MORE: Mayor Parker calls on Philadelphia businesses to return to in-person work

Despite the influx, it has been difficult to spend money in a way that visibly improves services due to the citys ongoing struggle to fill thousands of open positions, a symptom of the staffing crisis affecting local governments across the country.

The administration is framing the plan as an investment of $2 billion over five years on Parkers top priorities, which are encapsulated in the mayors oft-repeated campaign slogan and governing principle of making Philly the safest, cleanest, greenest big city in the nation with economic opportunity for all.

Its really about fulfilling her vision that she articulated on the campaign trail, Finance Director Rob Dubow said in a briefing for reporters Wednesday.

That includes $250 million for the Streets Department to accelerate street repaving, $33 million in new spending on public safety efforts, $36 million in funding for housing programs, and $36 million for clean and green initiatives such as cracking down on illegal dumping, according to the administration documents.

The plan involves borrowing $295 million, which Dubow said will be the citys largest-ever general obligation bond issuance.

The new administration is hoping to get a jumpstart on its spending plans during the current budget by proposing a $164 million midyear transfer ordinance that it hopes Council will take up in the coming weeks.

No planned cuts to wage and business taxes

Mayors often use their first budget proposal  when their political capital is highest  to push a major initiative that may be difficult to pass in Council. There is little in Parkers plan, however, that appears likely to raise alarm with the majority of city lawmakers, except, perhaps, the lack of cuts to the citys wage and business taxes.

For about 30 years, successive mayoral administrations have supported incremental cuts to the citys wage tax, which is among the nations highest at 3.75% for Philly residents and 3.44% for people who work in the city but live elsewhere. In recent years, there has also been broad support for lowering or reforming the business income and receipts tax.

But in public appearances since taking office, Parker has said that before the city prioritizes tax reform, she wants to see Harrisburg take action on two major issues: raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour and granting Philly permission to tax residential and commercial properties at different rates.

She has also said she wants Councils newly announced Tax Reform Commission to make recommendations before changing tax rates.

Parkers plan does, however, call for an adjustment in how real estate tax revenue is distributed. She is proposing bumping the school districts share from 55% to 56% of that revenue, which the administration estimates will increase funding for the district by $119 million over five years. The city will take the remaining 44% of property tax proceeds.

While tax rates are staying stable, many property owners real estate tax bills will go up because the administration is resuming reassessments after former Mayor Jim Kenneys administration froze them last year, Dubow said.

Increased police spending and funding for anti-violence grants

Last year, Parker campaigned on a tough-on-crime platform, calling for the city to hire hundreds more police officers and embracing the controversial policing tactic known as stop-and-frisk.

Parkers proposal calls for an $877 million police budget, about $1 million less than what the department estimates it will spend by the end of this year. But Dubow called those numbers a little misleading, saying the city intends to spend about $22.5 million this year through the midyear transfer on the forensics lab that was originally supposed to be spent next year.

In addition, the department has saved millions of dollars in personnel costs because it has been unable to fill hundreds of open positions. Dubow said that reality means the police can absorb new costs that Parker proposed, including 50 new office clerks, 15 dispatchers to take 911 calls, and 19 people who work in community outreach and victims services.

The proposal does not increase the number of officers, instead calling for maximizing deployment of current force and improving recruitment.

Dubow said police spending on personnel costs in total could increase if recruiting efforts are successful, which would be great, he said.

Parker is also proposing millions of dollars in spending on police technology and equipment, including $15 million for more than 200 new cars, $2.7 million for drones, and $1.4 million for upgrades to investigative tools.

In addition, the proposal includes millions of dollars in anti-violence funding outside traditional policing, including about $25 million for a relatively new initiative that grants money to grassroots community organizations that work with vulnerable populations and in neighborhoods most affected by crime.

The Inquirer has reported that results have been mixed, and that some of the nonprofits improperly managed the funds. Parker has vowed that her administration will ensure accountability, and her budget proposal would fund new staff positions in the office that manages the grantmaking.

Corridor cleaning and more money for L&I

Parkers budget calls for nearly $100 million over five years to support a program called Philadelphia Taking Care of Business, which she created when she was a Council member.

In its previous iteration, the initiative funded community groups to sweep sidewalks and remove litter along commercial corridors. Her plan would allocate $92 million to those contracts and provide an additional $3.5 million to fund new staff positions needed to expand the program.

Parkers budget would also fund new staff positions in the Department of Licenses and Inspections, which enforces building safety regulations and the city code. Those new workers would focus on audits, investigations, and clean and seal, the process the city uses to secure blighted and abandoned properties.

Parker previously announced that her administration is splitting L&I in two, with one arm focused on quality-of-life issues and the other on building and construction safety.

Money for triage centers, homeless services, and parks

More details of Parkers spending plan will be unveiled throughout the week. Other highlights that have come to light so far include:

$100 million for new triage facilities. Administration officials declined to describe the facilities Wednesday, but they are a key priority for several Council members who represent Kensington and want to dismantle the open-air drug market. Their plan is to stand up city-funded spaces where police and outreach workers can bring people who openly use drugs in to either be connected to long-term recovery programs or, if they dont cooperate, be arrested. $250 million more for the Streets Department to increase its rate of repaving streets and replacing ADA-compliant sidewalk curb ramps. $431 million over five years for future labor costs. The unions for city workers will negotiate new contracts this summer, and the budget sets aside money for potential cost increases. $150 million over five years to make improvements to parks and recreation centers, including money specifically earmarked for public spaces in Kensington. $16 million in added funding for the citys beleaguered Office of Homeless Services, which over the last four years has overspent its budget by nearly $15 million and is the subject of three investigations into financial mismanagement. $10 million in new funding for the Community College of Philadelphia to avoid a tuition increase. $7 million more for the mayors office, which will see its budget grow to $15 million.

Parkers budget plan also includes leaving $486 million unspent at the end of the next fiscal year, a surplus known as the fund balance. That amounts to 7.8% of city revenue, below the 17% that government finance experts recommend be kept for unexpected downturns. Parker is proposing putting $220 million more into other emergency funds, for a total of about 11% of revenue in reserves.

It wont be easy to turn all of those investments into improved services that Philadelphians can touch, see, and feel, which Parker has said is her goal. About 18% of budgeted city employee positions are unfilled, according to a December report. Thats despite Council last year approving $45 million in funding to bolster recruitment and retention efforts across the government.

The city has used overtime pay to make up for the staffing shortages and is on track to exceed the record $250 million it spent on overtime last year.
AIA has delivered excellent VONB growth and a strong financial performance overall. With continued strong business momentum post the pandemic across the group, we grew ANP by 45% to a record high and VONB was up 33% to more than US$4 billion. Our diversified business portfolio and unrivalled distribution platform have enabled us to generate higher VONB from our key growth engines of ASEAN, Hong Kong, Mainland China, and India as well as double-digit growth from 10 markets, he said.
Enforced starting today for banking institutions and extending to the insurance and superannuation sectors by March 15, 2025, the FAR seeks to enhance the accountability and responsibility framework within APRA-regulated entities. The objective is to foster improved governance related to risk among these entities, their boards, and senior leadership teams.
I now am 75, and I have loved what we do. But now I must call it quits, my plans now are to enjoy life, he said. I have an active social life with friends and family, and I am looking forward to the small enjoyments such as watching train and music videos, listening to rock and roll and dancing with my wife, who is much better than me.
I welcome Tracey to the ICA board as we bid farewell to Chris and wish him luck on his new role as Lloyds regional director for Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa, he said. Chris has contributed a wealth of experience and provided insights on the global insurance market and reinsurance solutions for a wide variety of risks.
I am delighted that Zam has agreed to take on the new role of group commercial director at Compre, Bridger said. He has a broad background across several insurance functions and markets that position him extremely well to provide leadership to many of our key client relationships across Europe and Lloyds, as well as providing oversight and challenge to our evaluation of transactions. I look forward to working closely with Zam in this new role.
We are excited to move toward closing this transaction and begin the work of building AEL into a leader in the US annuity markets, Shah said. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to drive the business forward, and to make a positive impact in the Des Moines community and on AELs policyholders and employees.
Hardy Pickering joined Arch in 2021 and most recently held the position of CFO at Arch Re Ltd. She is also currently a board member for the Association of Bermuda International Companies (ABIC). Prior to her tenure at Arch Re, she also held roles at Hamilton, Ariel Re, Rosemont Re, and Ernst & Young.
My father, Jim Maxim Sr., and I feel that BBDS is the right home for our employees and customers, and it was clearly evident that this was the right choice for the future of our business, he said. We are honored to become a part of the Brown & Brown team, and we look forward to continuing to provide unparalleled support, training and products to all of our dealership customers.
Readers are invited to complete the form and provide details of their accomplishments from the 2022 and 2023 calendar years to be considered for this prestigious accolade.
There were some markets trying to pull away from their obligations and were effectively saying that they werent going to issue any coverage, he said. You cant really do that because these are annual policies so all you can do really is charge additional premium for going into those war zones.
I certainly want the consumer to be protected and get what theyre owed, but it shouldnt be at the expense of getting something that youre not, Temple said. Weve got to make sure the law is very clear; the timelines are defined; everyone knows what the rules are. I want to make sure its a fair claims process.
Manufactured homes and inherited properties are also revealed to be among the least likely to be insured. Meanwhile, homeowners in rural areas and specific metropolitan regions, including Houston and Miami, as well as those in Mississippi, New Mexico, and Louisiana, are the most likely to be without insurance.
We have a long history of our market participants operating across both Lloyds and Bermuda, and I am delighted to announce our joint commitment to further strengthen and enhance our combined capabilities, he said. This partnership presents a truly exciting opportunity to bind together the two markets to deliver the best possible solutions for our customers and make meaningful, innovative progress together.
A judge has ruled that a 5-year-old New Hampshire girl missing since 2019 is legally dead and her mother can become administrator of her estate, just weeks after the childs father was convicted of killing her.

Crystal Sorey has carried her burden to demonstrate that her daughter, Harmony Montgomery, was killed as a result of some catastrophic event and that her body has not been found, a probate judge said in an order made public Tuesday, a day after Sorey went to court.

Sorey is taking the first steps in preparation of a planned wrongful death lawsuit against the state regarding Harmony Montgomery. Her lawyer told the judge that Adam Montgomerys second-degree murder conviction, plus his admission of guilt to lesser charges that he moved his daughters body around for months afterward and falsified physical evidence, was enough to result in a legal death declaration.

The lawyer also said there was trial testimony from Adam Montgomerys estranged wife, Kayla Montgomery, that she had handled Harmony Montgomerys lifeless body, according to the judges decision.

Soreys lawyer still has to provide a copy of the jurys verdict and a probate surety bond that would guarantee Sorey would fulfill her duties under the law as administrator.

Adam Montgomery and Sorey were not in a relationship when their daughter was born in 2014. Harmony Montgomery lived on and off with foster families and her mother until Sorey lost custody in 2018. Montgomery was awarded custody in early 2019, and Sorey testified she last saw her daughter during a FaceTime call around Easter of that year.

When they were later questioned about Harmonys whereabouts, Adam and Kayla Montgomery told authorities that he had taken the child to live with Sorey.

Adam Montgomery, in prison awaiting sentencing, chose not to attend the probate hearing via Webex.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Legislation
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey is appealing a decision of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to deny the states request for a major disaster declaration to support cities and towns battered by severe weather and flooding in September.

Healey said the state has appreciated FEMAs partnership but is concerned that the federal agencys assessment of her request failed to include certain identified costs.

These storms were devastating for our communities. I saw the impacts firsthand  homes and businesses were destroyed, roadways and bridges were inaccessible, and some residents had to be evacuated. Six months later, they are still rebuilding, Healey said in a letter Monday to President Joe Biden

The state has done all that we can to support their recovery, but the needs far outpace our available resources. Healey added.

In her letter, Healey noted that Springfield experienced what she described as a catastrophic water main break attributed to the failure of a culvert and subsequent erosion related to the rainfall experienced on the evening of Sept. 11.

Healey said the city of Leominster submitted a list of 56 damaged sites, but FEMA only included seven in its validation process.

Healey urged FEMA to reconsider the states request.

Our communities must know that both their state and federal governments understand the severe challenges and stress they are facing, and that we are here to help, Healey wrote.

Their recovery is particularly daunting given the knowledge that the next severe storm could be around the corner, as we continue to see the escalating impacts of climate change, she added.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Flood Massachusetts
A massive explosion killed two people and destroyed a house in the Pittsburgh area near the Ohio River, authorities said Tuesday.

Aerial images from the scene in Crescent Township in the northwest Pittsburgh suburbs showed smoking ruins with the structure reduced to rubble and some large pieces lodged in trees above. Allegheny County emergency dispatchers said the blast was reported shortly before 9 a.m. Tuesday.

The blast was severe, absolutely extreme, and You could feel it in your chest, said Chief Andrew Tomer of the Crescent Township fire department. It was heard and felt throughout Crescent and nearby townships and even across the river. Tomer and others at the fire department immediately saw a column of white smoke up in the air followed by a thick column of black smoke, he said.

The explosion completely leveled the home, with arriving units reporting fire throughout the foundation and fire along the hillside, Tomer said. The blast also damaged at least two other homes, he said. A private gas well and two propane tanks on the scene were secured, he said.

A man and woman were found dead at the scene, he said. The county medical examiners office will confirm their identities and determine the cause and manner of death.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation by the Allegheny County fire marshals office and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The countys emergency services department said the scene is in a remote location and were asking everyone to avoid the area in order to allow responders access.

On Aug. 12, a blast in the borough of Plum about 25 miles (40 kilometers) away in the same county killed six people and destroyed three homes. Authorities said the cause was under investigation, but the explosion occurred inside one of the homes, ruling out an outside cause including wells, pipelines and other utilities.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Twenty armed people have boarded a cargo ship off the coast of Somalia and have taken control of it, a maritime security firm said on Tuesday.

The vessel is the latest to be targeted following a resurgence of attacks by Somali pirates in recent months although the maritime security firm, Ambrey, did not specify that it was Somali pirates who boarded the ship.

Ambrey said the ship was a Bangladesh-flagged bulk carrier  a type of merchant ship used to transport large amounts of cargo  that was heading from Mozambique to the United Arab Emirates.

The incident happened about 600 nautical miles east of Somalias capital Mogadishu, it said.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency also flagged the boarding incident, putting the number of the armed people who had boarded the vessel at 22.

UKMTO did not specify that it was Somali pirates who boarded the ship but said the ship was heading in the direction of the Somali coast, citing a report from the company security officer. It also said the crew were unharmed.

Ambrey said there were conflicting reports about the whereabouts of the crew of the boarded ship.

Somali pirates caused chaos in important global waterways from about 2008 to 2018. They had been dormant until late last year when pirate activity started to pick up again.

Data from the Maritime Security Centre  Horn of Africa, the planning and coordination center for the European Unions anti-piracy operation EUNAVFOR, show there have been more than 20 hijackings or attempted hijackings of vessels in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin since November.

Maritime sources say pirates may be encouraged by a relaxation of security or may be taking advantage of the chaos caused by attacks on shipping by Yemens Iran-aligned Houthi group while war rages in Gaza between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

(Reporting by Bhargav Acharya in Johannesburg, and George Obulutsa and Giulia Paravicini in Nairobi; Additional reporting by Ahmed Elimam in Dubai and Hatem Maher in Cairo; Editing by Alexander Winning, Alexandra Hudson, Timothy Heritage and Alison Williams)

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Topics Numbers Trucking
This edition of International People Moves details appointments at Howden Tiger and Markel.

A summary of these new hires follows here.

Howden Tiger Taps Byler From Carpenter to Lead US Casualty Division

Howden Tiger, the reinsurance and capital advisory arm of Howden Group, announced that Carrie Byler has joined the companys growing Global Casualty Division.

As managing director, head of US General Casualty, Byler will focus on the growth of casualty as a core product and market differentiator for Howden Tiger. She is based in New York City.

Bylers role will include leadership of the US General Casualty practice, senior account responsibilities involving casualty and professional lines, and business development, responding to developing market conditions and client needs. She reports to Josh Everdell, global head of Casualty.

Previously a senior executive at Guy Carpenter, Byler brings extensive North American casualty market experience to Howdens growing Casualty Reinsurance team.

Howden Tiger has been building its US Casualty practice over the last 18 months to develop an industry leading offering. Managing director hires into Howden Tiger US Casualty include:

Weston Vosburgh, who joined the company in July 2023 to build out Howden Tigers Workers Compensation practice and act as a senior account executive covering casualty lines. Weston joined Howden Tiger following over 20 years with Aon.

Chris Bilski also joined in July 2023, bringing 20 years of reinsurance experience to the business. He joined Howden Tiger from IAT Insurance, where he was a multiline treaty underwriter, Assumed Reinsurance. Previously, Bilski spent 18 years at Munich Reinsurance America, most recently as SVP, casualty treaty underwriter.

Steven Hanke joined the business in March 2023, bringing extensive casualty and professional lines expertise. Hanke joined from Sompo International, where he was president of North American Reinsurance, and previously, EVP, head of Professional Liability Reinsurance US.

Further strengthening Howdens casualty and professional lines expertise, David Baruch joined in February 2023 from Guy Carpenter, bringing over 20 years of reinsurance broking experience to the team.

The new hires join Managing Directors Jim Walsh and Garrick Smith, whose appointments in casualty and professional lines were previously announced.

***

Markel Promotes Atkin to Head of Bloodstock for London Markets

Markel, the insurance operations within Markel Group Inc., has appointed Oliver Atkin to head of Bloodstock in London, effective immediately.

Atkin will lead the Bloodstock team in London by setting the Bloodstock growth strategy as well as identifying and developing innovative products, to support brokers and customers in the bloodstock space. Alongside those duties, hell continue building on new and existing broker relationships, while maintaining high service levels which are valued by Markels broker partners and their policyholders.

Atkin joined Markel as a Bloodstock underwriter over six years ago, during which time he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and portfolio management skills, all of which led to his recent appointment. In his new post, he will continue operating from Markels London office, reporting to Juliet Redfern, divisional managing director of Equine and Livestock at Markel International in London and France.

Redfern said that Atkin has an interest in National Hunt racing and is developing new solutions for this under-insured market sector  with his knowledge and expertise on this subject being key to developing these policies.

Topics USA London Casualty
The Lloyds market and the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) are jointly developing an initiative to share risk expertise between these two major re/insurance hubs.

The focus will be on fostering innovation through the Lloyds Lab and improving access to education throughout the Lloyds and Bermuda markets with support from the Association of Bermuda Insurers & Reinsurers (ABIR) and the Lloyds Market Association (LMA). (Lloyds Lab is Lloyds innovation accelerator).

Speaking at the Bermuda Risk Summit in Hamilton, Lloyds Chief of Markets, Patrick Tiernan, confirmed the commitment to enhance and strengthen the strategic capability within the Lloyds and Bermuda markets.

The initial collaboration on innovation will support the launch of a Lloyds Lab reinsurance cohort that specifically utilizes the expertise of the Bermuda market in H1 2025. This will leverage the skills and talent in Bermuda  supported by the Lloyds Labs unique approach to fostering global innovation  to help tackle some of the worlds biggest challenges, including narrowing the protection gap and addressing emerging risks, Lloyds said.

The Lloyds Lab program provides a 10-week fast-tracked incubator to enable an environment where great ideas can develop into practical outcomes, with the support of industry experts. The program sees experienced individuals and teams bring forward creative and entrepreneurial thinking, enabling the creation of ground-breaking solutions and advancements in insurance.

Another area of the collaboration is educating and inspiring future professionals in the industry, centred around training and improving access to both Lloyds, the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers (ABIR), and the BMAs resources.

As part of this, Lloyds Academy training programmes will be available to Bermuda market participants both in-person and virtual. In addition, Lloyds will partner with Bermuda based experts to roll out a suite of Bermuda market courses and leverage the existing educational offerings of ABIR with Bermuda College.

We have a long history of our market participants operating across both Lloyds and Bermuda, and I am delighted to announce our joint commitment to further strengthen and enhance our combined capabilities, commented Patrick Tiernan, chief of Markets, Lloyds. This partnership presents a truly exciting opportunity to bind together the two markets to deliver the best possible solutions for our customers and make meaningful, innovative progress together.

We are excited to collaborate with Lloyds in our shared commitment to enabling innovation and excellence in the insurance industry. By working together, we aim to create more robust and dynamic insurance markets that will continue to serve global communities, said Craig Swan, chief executive officer, Bermuda Monetary Authority.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in our efforts to foster collaboration, enhance regulatory and market capabilities and deliver practical solutions that address evolving needs of people and markets, Swan said. We look forward to a successful partnership that paves way for greater progress and success of both Lloyds and Bermuda markets regarding narrowing protection gaps.

The symbiotic relationship between Lloyds and the Bermuda market has never been more important to tackle the risk challenges of economies around the world, according to John Huff, president and CEO, Association of Bermuda Insurers. ABIR and its member companies are proud of their significant capacity and leadership within the Lloyds market and look forward to working together to strengthen market innovation and education of the next generation of talent.

Sheila Cameron, chief executive officer, Lloyds Market Association, said: The LMA is fully supportive of the joint initiative between the Lloyds and Bermuda market which ensures we share the knowledge and expertise needed to deliver the products and solutions to meet our members needs. Collaboration between brokers, insurers and reinsurers on both innovation and education will help us tackle the risks of the future together.

Source: Lloyds

Topics Excess Surplus Lloyd's
RUSHVILLE, Ill. (AP)  Five people, including three children, were killed in western Illinois when a school bus and semitruck collided on a highway Monday, authorities said.

The bus was traveling eastbound when it crossed the center line on U.S. Route 24 into the westbound lanes for an unknown reason and into the path of a semitruck carrying sand, Illinois State Police Troop 6 Capt. Jody Huffman said at a news conference. Both vehicles caught on fire in the crash. The crash happened around 11:30 a.m. in Rushville, a Schuyler County community of about 3,000 roughly 60 miles (95 kilometers) west of Springfield.

All four people aboard the bus from Schuyler-Industry Schools  three children and the driver  as well as the driver of the semitruck were killed.

Theres not really words at this time that can be said, Schuyler County Sheriff Bill Redshaw told reporters. When you have a loss of life like this, its devastating.

He said the tragedy hit the small, close-knit community particularly hard.

Schuyler-Industry Schools canceled classes Tuesday and Wednesday because of the crash.

It is with a heavy heart that we announce our school community has lost both staff and students in the traffic incident involving one of our school buses this morning, the school district said in a statement. Out of respect for everyone involved, no names or further information will be released at this time.

The cause of the crash remained under investigation Monday afternoon. The names of the victims have not yet been released.

The National Transportation Safety Board is sending a team to conduct a safety investigation with state police, the agency said late Monday on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Schuyler County Coroner Terry Millslagle said the victims bodies were being transported to Springfield for autopsies.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Education Illinois K-12
The Missouri Captive Insurance industry increased its gross written premium by 142% in 2023, the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) reported.

The amount of written premiums in 2022 were $3,543,681,320 vs. $8,600,492,937 in 2023. This growth is attributed to the quality and strength of the companies in Missouri, as well as DCIs Captive Insurance Programs support of Missouri captive clients.

The Missouri Captive Program continues to be driven by the success of our captives and not by the number of captives in our portfolio, said Sam Komo, Missouri Captive Program Manager. This is evident each year as this community continues to perform well above the industry average, but a 142% increase in gross written premium for a single year is a true testament to our commitment to captive growth.

John Rehagen, Director of the departments Insurance Company Regulation Division, said the success of Missouris program is due to the experience of the Missouri Captive Program team.

I am very proud of my teams ability and expertise in understanding the complexities of the captive industry and staying true to our goal of helping businesses find great solutions, Rehagen said.

Source: Missouri DCI

Topics Trends Pricing Trends Missouri
Egglands Best, one of the largest U.S. egg producers, has been sued for falsely claiming that its eggs contain less saturated fat than other eggs.

The proposed class action filed on Tuesday in federal court in Chicago by Richard Vilchis challenges Egglands Bests claim on its packaging that its eggs contain 25% less saturated fat than regular eggs.

According to the complaint, Egglands Best claims its eggs contain 1 gram of saturated fat per 50-gram serving, compared with 1.5 grams for regular eggs.

But the complaint said independent testing last August by San Francisco-based Anresco Laboratories, which was hired by Vilchis lawyer, showed that Egglands Best eggs contain 2.84 grams of saturated fat per 50-gram serving.

Consuming too much saturated fat can increase cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease.

Vilchis, a Chicago resident, said Egglands Bests false, misleading, and deceptive marketing claim deceives consumers like him into paying more because they believe its eggs are better for their health.

No reasonable consumer would interpret Egglands Bests on-label representation about saturated fat content to mean that the products actually contain more saturated fat than regular eggs,' the complaint said.

Egglands Best is a cooperative.

We fully stand behind our product claims, which are supported by rigorous quality control measures including approximately 75,000 laboratory tests per year, it said in a statement. Egglands Best remains committed to providing a superior nutritional product for its consumers.

Cal-Maine Foods, the largest U.S. egg producer and a member of the cooperative, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Vilchis lawyer P. Renee Wicklund, a lawyer at Richman Law & Policy, did not immediately respond to similar requests.

The complaint seeks unspecified damages for egg purchasers for violations of Illinois laws against consumer fraud and deceptive trade practices.

Saturated fats occur naturally in many foods including meats, dairy, butter and some oils. Other foods such as vegetables and whole grains contain less.

The American Heart Association recommends that no more than 6% of calories come from saturated fat. That equates to 13 to 17 grams of saturated fat for people who consume 2,000 to 2,500 calories a day.

In 1996, Egglands Best paid a $100,000 civil fine to settle with the Federal Trade Commission over cholesterol-related claims in its marketing.

Topics Lawsuits Claims
UnitedHealth Group has already been hit with at least six class action lawsuits accusing it of failing to protect millions of peoples personal data from last months hack of Change Healthcare, its payment processing unit, with more lawsuits likely to come.

In a motion filed late on Tuesday in Washington, D.C., plaintiffs lawyers asked a federal judicial panel to consolidate the six cases in federal court in Nashville, Tennessee, where Change is headquartered, and said they expected more cases to be filed.

It is not known how large the litigation could become because it is not clear how much or what kind of information was compromised in the attack, which was carried out by the ransomware hacker group BlackCat.

UnitedHealth, which disclosed the attack on Feb. 21 without specifying how many people were affected, said in a statement Wednesday that it was focused restoring Changes operations.

UnitedHealth hasnt said if BlackCat demanded ransom, but a post on an online forum used by hackers claimed the company paid $22 million to the hackers for regaining access to its locked systems.

Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), a U.S. health privacy law, companies have 60 days after discovering a data breach to notify affected individuals that their personal information has been compromised.

For breaches affecting more than 500 people, the company must notify federal regulators and prominent media. UnitedHealth has so far not given such a notice.

Change processes about 50% of the medical claims in the United States for around 900,000 physicians, 33,000 pharmacies, 5,500 hospitals and 600 laboratories.

The attack has halted Changes operations, leaving providers, including major hospital systems, small medical practices and pharmacies unable to collect payments. According to UnitedHealths website, Change is expected to resume processing payments by March 15.

All of the lawsuits claim that Change failed to safeguard patients personal information, putting them at risk of identity theft and privacy violations. Some also allege that patients have been unable to fill prescriptions because their insurance claims cannot be processed, putting their health at risk.

Plaintiffs say that information stored by Change, and now potentially at risk, includes medical records, payment information, names and Social Security numbers. One of the lawsuits says that information from the data breach is on the dark web and already being offered for sale, though it does not provide any details supporting that claim.

The lawsuits accuse the company of negligence and of violating the privacy requirements in HIPAA and various state laws.

Four of the lawsuits are filed against Change in Nashville, and two are filed against UnitedHealth in the parent companys home state of Minnesota.

Tuesdays motion was filed by the lawyers in the Nashville cases. Lawyers in the Minnesota cases could file a competing motion to have the cases moved to their court, in which case the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation would decide where to send them.

Topics Lawsuits Cyber
The North Carolina Supreme Court has temporarily put the brakes on an appeals court decision that had upset years of workers compensation case law on when a moonlighting law officer is considered an independent contractor.

In the case of Stephen Lassiter vs. Robeson County Sheriffs Department, the state Court of Appeals in December overruled the states Industrial Commission. The appeals court found that Lassiters injuries, sustained while he was working traffic control for a private company, are the responsibility of both the sheriff and Truesdell Corp., a bridge-building firm.

But Truesdell and its workers compensation insurer, The Phoenix Insurance Co., petitioned the high court to step in to prevent the insurer from having to cover medical and indemnity benefits to the injured deputy. The American Property Casualty Insurance Association also filed an amicus curiae brief in the case last week, arguing that the appellate court had made an error and had diverged from accepted precedent.

By departing from the previously established joint employer doctrine, the Court of Appeals has generated an unclear standard that imposes a significant burden on employers and insurers, North Carolina attorney Frances Clement wrote in her brief for the APCIA. Broadening the scope of joint employment increases the potential liability exposure for insurers and could lead to higher comp costs for employers.

Insurers assess risk based on multiple factors, including the nature of employment relationships. But under the appeals courts seemingly new standard, insurance companies would have increased risk exposure because they cannot possibly anticipate all employees who may have joint employment in view of this new interpretation of joint employment, Clement wrote.

The question of who pays workers comp benefits (and faces higher experience modifications) has been an issue in multiple states through the years, especially when law enforcement officers work temporary gigs as security, traffic or crowd-control officers for private firms. In North Carolina, Truesdell and Phoenix Insurance argued, the test for determining who holds liability has been well-settled by the courts since a 1974 decision known as Collins vs. John Paul Edwards.

When a general employer, such as the sheriffs office, lends an employee to a special employer, the special employer becomes liable for workers compensation benefits only if: the employee has contracted with the special employer; the work is essentially that of the special employer; and the special employer has the right to control the details of the work, the bridge builder attorneys noted.

The appellate judges had essentially found that Lassiter had met that test: He had an implied contract with Truesdell, he was performing Truesdells assigned duties and Truesdell had control over the work. The bridge company said the court had expanded the test inappropriately.

Lassiter was severely in 2017. Truesdell, an Arizona-based company, was restoring an Interstate 95 bridge in Robeson County, in southeast North Carolina. Truesdell had contracted with officials at a local police department and with the Robeson County Sheriffs Office to supply officers for traffic control.

Seeing that the job would require more officers, the sheriffs captain asked deputy Stephen Lassiter if he could work traffic that October night. Shortly after midnight, a pickup truck hit Lassiter, causing extensive injuries to his head, arms, hands and legs. He underwent surgery at least twice and has had extensive treatment and rehabilitation.

Lassiter filed a workers compensation claim, listing the Robeson County Sheriffs Office and Truesdell as the employers. Both denied they were employers.

A deputy commissioner at the North Carolina Industrial Commission found that Lassiter was an employee of the sheriff, but not the bridge company. On appeal, the full Industrial Commission agreed. The sheriffs office appealed to the state Court of Appeals, arguing that the deputy was an independent contractor, or, barring that conclusion, that he was jointly employed.

The appeals court noted that North Carolina appellate courts had never addressed the question of when an off-duty law officer should be considered an independent contractor.

Its unclear what happens next, or when the high court will hear an appeal of the lower courts ruling. Clement and Phoenix attorneys could not be reached for comment Wednesday, but the employers brief to the Supreme Court argues that, without a stay, the Industrial Commission would have to enforce the benefits payments to Lassiter.

Without a stay, enforcement of the opinion and award will require defendants Truesdell to issue lump sum payment for medical treatment and indemnity benefits, which defendants Truesdell will likely never be able to recover, the Truesdell and Phoenix petition notes.

Topics North Carolina Contractors
California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara said he will allow catastrophe modeling to be used in rate regulation for wildfires, a move he says will help restore insurance options for Californians, including allowing.

It was the latest phase of Laras Sustainable Insurance Strategy. Catastrophic insurance losses are defined as those that are larger and affect multiple policyholders as a result of a severe event. California regulations have allowed insurance companies to apply a catastrophe factor to insurance rates based on historical wildfire losses, rules that Lara said has contributed to rate spikes and balloon premiums following major wildfire disasters without fully accounting for the growing risk caused by climate change or risk mitigation measures.

Currently, the CDI allows the use of catastrophe models for earthquake losses and fire following earthquake. The proposed regulation expands the allowable use of catastrophe models to include wildfire, terrorism, and flood lines for homeowners and commercial insurance lines.

Laras strategy addresses a major limitation of Proposition 103, passed by voters in 1988. Under that law, insurers are free to propose rates at any level needed to cover future losses.

According to the CDI, the changes mean:

Insurance consumers will have more stable costs than under current regulations, which have resulted in sudden and steep increases for those at higher risk of wildfire.

Insurance companies will increase their writing because they can better anticipate future losses, rather than making abrupt decisions to non-renew higher-risk policyholders, pause writing, or rapidly increase rates.

The CDI will have public oversight of modeling, which is already being widely used by insurance companies outside of rate-making and across the nation. The department will have access to models and build expertise, so California can continue to lead on consumer protection.

Mark Sektnan, APCIA vice president for state government relations, commended Lara for prioritizing the reform.

As Californians grapple with record inflation and become increasingly vulnerable to climate-driven extreme weather, including catastrophic wildfires, this is a critically needed tool to help identify future risks more accurately and set rates that reflect our new reality, he said. More accurate ratemaking will help restore balance to the insurance market and ensure all Californians have access to the coverage they need. We look forward to working with the Department of Insurance on implementing this forward-looking solution and other desperately needed reforms to fix the insurance crisis.

The department will hold a public workshop to take input on the proposed regulation on April 23, 2024, at 2PM/PT.

Topics California Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire
Prue Leith has confirmed why she will not be filming another series of the celebrity version of The Great British Bake Off.

The cookery writer, broadcaster and restaurateur has been a judge since 2017 when she replaced Mary Berry as the baking competition moved from the BBC to Channel 4.

When asked if the rumours were true and she would take a step back from the series, Prue told ITVs This Morning: Its actually not true at all.

Im still doing ( The Great American Baking Show) Im still doing The Great British Bake Off, the two main shows of Bake Off.

Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith (C4/Love Productions/Mark Bourdillon)

What Im not doing this year is the celebrity one and its mainly because these things are filmed back-to-back the whole way through the summer.

So you start in April, and you end in August and honestly, you get no time off.

And so, Im getting a bit old and there are places I want to go to and other things I want to do.

She added that she wont be back after the latest instalment of The Great Celebrity Bake Off For Stand Up To Cancer, which will be on later this year.

The latest series, hosted by This Morning star Alison Hammond and comedian Noel Fielding, sees EastEnders star Danny Dyer, former Doctor Who actress Jodie Whittaker, Spice Girl Mel B and This Morning star Dermot OLeary among the competitors.

Prue called Hammond wonderful as she cannot be anything but herself.

She cant be directed, she just does what shes going to do, she added.

Her time on the Channel 4 series first brought comparisons with Mary Berry from fans before the 84-year-old came into her own and became known for her banter with co-star Paul Hollywood.

Prue Leith with a chocolate chip cookie (David Parry/PA)

Prues judging has not been without some minor bumps along the way, and her first final saw her accidentally reveal the shows winner as former Army officer Sophie Faldo while in a different time zone.

She put out the name of the winning amateur baker on Twitter, while in Bhutan, which is six hours ahead of Britain.

Prior to The Great British Bake Off, Prue Leith was a judge on BBC cookery show The Great British Menu for 11 years, before stepping down in 2016.

The South African-born cook has written a dozen books, most famously Leiths Cookery Bible, which was penned as a textbook for her school and is frequently updated.

Leiths School of Food and Wine, which trains professional chefs and amateur cooks, was founded in the 1970s.

Famous alumni include Lorraine Pascale, Gizzi Erskine and Matt Tebbutt, as well as Michelin-star chefs including Joe Mercer Nairne and Matt Christmas.

She kicked off her career by training at Le Cordon Bleu cookery school in London and worked as a caterer before opening her restaurant in west London in 1969.

Outside of cooking, Prue has long campaigned for a change in the law around assisted dying.

She said her elder brother David suffered a really horrible death from bone cancer more than a decade ago, and Prue has also revealed that her late husband Rayne Kruger asked doctors if he could have a bit of assistance with dying.

The patron of Dignity in Dying made a documentary about assisted dying with her son, Tory MP for Devizes Danny Kruger, in 2023.

Prue And Dannys Death Road Trip saw them exploring the issue while listening to each other from different sides of the debate.

She was married to South African author Kruger for almost 30 years before the authors death aged 80 from emphysema in 2002.

In 2016, she married retired fashion designer John Playfair  who is part of her ITV series Prue Leiths Cotswold Kitchen.
The Irish beauty scene is thriving.

While big beauty brands scramble to become sustainable, locally sourced and, indeed, innovative Irish beauty fans are finding that many smaller companies are doing all this on our doorstep.

Heres our pick of the best.

Doctrine Divinity Cleansing Balm (RRP 42.00)

1. Doctrine Divinity Cleansing Balm (42, doctrineskincare.com)

This plant-based butter, which is butter by name and buttery-smooth by nature, is enriched with calming Spirulina and Yarrow extracts to go from a cushiony balm to a light oil to milk without leaving any residue.

Every inch of it is sustainable, including the blue hue.

Nunaia Nourishing Radiance Serum (79, Meaghers Pharmacy)

2. Nunaia Nourishing Radiance Serum (79, Meaghers Pharmacy)

This multi-award-winning organic facial oil serum is so hydrating, I could wear it alone without moisturiser and still feel quenched.

At its core, its a superfood serum formulated with sustainable rainforest botanicals from the Peruvian Amazon and Andes Mountains.

Totally luxurious, nourishing, and fortifying.

Brow Aid Step 1: The S.O.S Brow & Lash Recovery Protein Mask (33, Brown Thomas)

3. Brow Aid Step 1: The S.O.S Brow and Lash Recovery Protein Mask (33, Brown Thomas)

Brow Aid owner and founder Kim OSullivan, of Dublin Makeup Academy, is responsible for the best brows and lashes in Ireland.

When she announced her own line, hoards flocked to buy it.

This is a particularly good product from the range: One that uses Jojoba Bergin organic oil, castor oil, and vitamins A and B.

Skingredients Skin Protein Anti-Ageing Retinoid Serum, (55, skingredients.com)

4. Skingredients Skin Protein Anti-Ageing Retinoid Serum, (55, skingredients.com)

Skincare fans will know, and trust, the Skin Nerd  aka Jennifer Rock.

Her latest product, Skingredients Skin Protein, is a lightweight, anti-ageing Vitamin A, C, and E serum to be used on the face, eyes, neck, and chest.

The main ingredient, retinyl palmitate (read: The fatty form of vitamin A thats much gentler on the skin) works to maintain strong and healthy skin.

Its an excellent product for those looking to start their retinol journey.

Skin Formulas Mask Exfoliator (37, skinformulas.ie)

5. Skin Formulas Mask Exfoliator (37, skinformulas.ie)

You may have spotted this brand out on your travels, but may I insist that you should try them before they sell out everywhere?

Skin Formulas is an excellent brand, based in Nenagh, which uses bio-active ingredients to treat the skin at a cellular level.

This extremely hydrating mask contains fruit enzymes to gently remove the build-up of dead skin cells, while adding essential antioxidants to improve general skin health.

Perfect for all skin types, including rosacea-affected skin.

Ground Codladh Sleep Face Balm (38.50, groundwellbeing.com)

6. Ground Codladh Sleep Face Balm (38.50, groundwellbeing.com)

Few things make me happier than a multipurpose balm, and this one by Ground leaves your skin buttery soft.

This comes by way of moringa oil, which helps to soothe, repair, and regenerate sensitive or irritated skin overnight.

It also uses Roman chamomile, an organic herb with potent anti-inflammatory and relaxing effects  which aids skin repair and promotes bright complexions  while organic lavender encourages sound sleep.

Treat yourself to this one.

Haumea Light Therapy Device (149.99, haumeaskincare.com)

7. Haumea Light Therapy Device (149.99, haumeaskincare.com)

The skincare gadget market is booming, and no better place to start than Haumea.

Their light therapy device needs just six minutes to treat acne, inflammation, uneven skin tone, fine lines, wrinkles, and other skin concerns.

It uses a mix of LED light therapy, thermo heat technology, and sonic pulsations to allow for salon-level results at home.

I use it after double-cleansing so it penetrates deep into my skin.

Seabody Luminous Prime SPF30 (59, seabody.com)

8. Seabody Luminous Prime SPF30 (59, seabody.com)

Few launches got me as excited last year as Seabody.

The brand is wholly sustainable and makes use of Irish seaweed to harness the power of the ocean in your skincare.

Their mineral SPF is lightweight, wholly protective against UVA and UVB rays, and totally illuminating on the skin.
Im sorry now, but no. The Blackrock Road has been the Blackrock Road for as long as I can remember.

And having Blackrock Road in your address adds 20% to the value of your house. (The top estate agent on the South Mall told me its only 15% for houses on Castle Road, so two fingers to Maureen from Bridge with all her boasting.)

And then I wake up this morning to hear there is a move to change the name of the Blackrock Road to Rue du Cillian Murphy.

This seems like some scheme cooked up by a mediocrity from Bishopstown, that crowd never miss a chance to drag people down to their own level.

Cillian is great, so so proud of him, but he is from Ballintemple, which is basically the servants entrance to the Blackrock Road.

If they want to rename it to Cilliantemple, off with them, but theyre picking a fight with the wrong people trying to wipe the name off our beloved road.

Its not just the awful American tourists who will come down here to take a selfie, its the thought of my brother up in Montenotte sniggering his bloated nose off because I live in a road named after an actor.

So listen, can you tell City Hall, hands off the Blackrock Road?

 Marcia, Blackrock Road.

I rang City Hall there and said, are there plans to name the Blackrock Road after Cillian Murphy. The guy said, Nah girl, that wouldnt upset them enough. Were going to call it Boulevard du Roy Keane. Look, Marcia, at least now you know.

Its getting Oh Shite on our WhatsApp group, Douglas Road Stunners Who Have Been Doctoring Family Photos for Years.

The deal has always been you never point it out because of the morto, but all bets are off after Kate Middleton posted the doctored photo of herself and the kids during the week. (What was he doing marrying someone named after Midleton?)

So now every photo we put up on Insta is an invitation to try and spot where we might have tampered with reality.

Milli_OK posted a photo of herself in the royal box in Cheltenham yesterday. It was clearly taken in Mallow racecourse a few years ago and she only made things worse by pasting in a photo of the dead Queen. Sloppy Milli, sloppy.

We shared the photo EVERYWHERE and Millis portrait was taken down from The Wall of Legends in our clubhouse (a new cafe called Effortlessly Suave.)

It was a great laugh  you cant beat a pile on  but now we all have the Heeby Jeebs about doctoring our photos.

Im going away next week, we can only afford Lanzarote because things are quiet in my Kens Covid Souvenir business.

Is there any way I can doctor the photos to make it look like were in the Seychelles?

 Jenni, Douglas Road

I rang the Posh Cousin, shes an expert at the old deception. I said, what would do you in Lanzarote? She said, take photos of people I know and ruin them. Sly.

Im in the top old persons home in Cork, no less than youd expect from a woman who won Model Farm Roads Answer to Grace Kelly four years in a row.

That was a while back now Audrey, but I can still turn eyes these days, even if its a lazy eye more often than not.

Anyway, theres a widower after joining us recently, he was a doctor and it shows, gorgeous man, Im weak for him.

Now, Id normally get my pick of the fresh meat in here because Im the youngest and I dont need a nap in the afternoon.

I called over to his room yesterday afternoon, Estee Lauder-ed to high heaven, and wasnt he sitting inside there doing Wordle with Betty, done up like she was going to a wedding. She even had a fascinator on.

Theyre an item now apparently, Betty has come off Tinder and everything, about time says you and her 87.

This is a threat to my position in here. Its bad enough being elbowed aside by a civilised woman, but Betty is from just outside Mallow.

How can I retain top spot?

 Eilish, Model Farm Road

My ex left me for a woman in Charleville. I marched up to her at work. She said, Dont hit me and I said, Im not going to lay a hand on you, dog-face, you never know what youd catch off someone from north Cork.

Cmere, whats the story with drinking on a Bank Holiday weekend? Ive been off the gargle for two weeks in preparation for Paddys Day drinking.

Yesterday, didnt the old doll turn around and say, Were not getting baloobas drunk Paddys Day, Dowcha Donie, thats fierce common.

She read on Facebook that getting drunk on the day before a work day is common and were better than that. News to me. So whats the story about boozing on a Bank Holiday?

 Dowcha Donie, Blackpool.

Id like to tell you to drink your throat off Dowcha Donie, but Im on my last chance with the Please Drink Responsibly crowd.

So take it easy this weekend and dont turn up to work on Tuesday with a hangover, like a good man. #Wink #Wink.
A convent in Cork is among five centres announced by the Government as new integration centres for Ukrainian refugees.

The Department of Integration made the announcement that the former North Presentation Convent on Gerald Griffin Street would house 107 refugees as the new regime of support available to those fleeing the war in Ukraine comes into effect.

However, it is understood that Ukrainians currently accommodated at the convent will be moved to make way for new arrivals. Those currently in the newly-announced centres will be moved to other State accommodation. New rules which will see newly arrived Ukrainians receive 38.80 instead of 232 and an offer of just 90 days in State accommodation come into effect today.

The centres are:

Ballyogan Road, Dublin City (capacity: 392)

Stradbally, Co. Laois (capacity: 950)

Fernbank, Limerick City (capacity: 250)

Punchestown, Co. Kildare (capacity: 378)

Gerald Griffin Street, Cork City (capacity: 107)

However, Sinn Fein TD for Cork North-Central Thomas Gould accused the Government of a "reheated" announcement given that the site is already in use and was earmarked as far back as May of last year.

"In a week when we confirm that the northside's only out-of-hours doctor has effectively been closed down, this government's main issue is reannouncing an already opened accommodation centre.

"A year ago, the use of this building was announced. This is a rehashed announcement from the Minister. Thats what we get from this government, announcement after announcement but very little engagement with communities."

The Department of Children and Integration said that the focus of supports in designated centres will be "orientation on living and working in Ireland and the options for sourcing accommodation independently". Those accommodated there will be provided with food, laundry, other services, and integration supports.

When Ukrainians leave the designated accommodation centre, or if they make their own accommodation arrangements on arrival, they will be entitled to apply for standard social welfare assistance of 232 per week.

The department said the changes were needed in order to continue to meet the EU Temporary Protection Directive requirements and to "align more closely with other EU Member States".

A briefing note given to local representatives on the Gerald Griffin St site, seen by the Irish Examiner, says the contract is due to be in place until December this year. It says that the facility is own-door, catered and will likely be mostly women, children, and families. It anticipates that people "will only stay for a number of weeks as they adjust to living in Ireland and prepare to transition to their own independent accommodation".

The accommodation facility is owned and operated by JDF Ventures Limited, it says, which has experience in operating temporary accommodation centres. It adds that school places are unlikely to be needed due to the temporary nature of the stay.

Speaking in Boston on Wednesday, Taoiseach Leo Varakdar said that he hopes the announcements will not lead to protests.

"I think generally speaking when it's come to providing welcome centres, essentially our residential centres for Ukrainians, we haven't seen a large number of protests or difficulties with that. Sadly, the difficulties that have arisen in terms of protests have been more often connected to people seeking international protection, rather than those coming from Ukraine."

Mr Varadkar went on to warn that those seeking asylum from so-called 'safe countries' will not be provided with accommodation.

He said the significant increase in asylum seekers arriving here is creating a "very challenging situation".

"I would say to people who are thinking of coming to Ireland irregularly, that if they are coming from a safe country where they have accommodation, we can't guarantee you accommodation in Ireland, and that's very clear," he said.

The Taoiseach added that a spike in people seeking asylum is not unique to Ireland and the issue is also being discussed across Europe and in the US where he is due to meet President Joe Biden later this week.
A challenge brought by the children of a man gunned down on his doorstep in Ballincollig, Co Cork, 11 years ago has been dismissed by the High Court.

The legal challenge was over a refusal by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal to compensate them for the death.

Eddie Cummins was shot four times at close range in the driveway of his home at Ballincollig on August 13, 2005.

Arising out of his killing his children  daughter Erica and son Eddie  through their mother and the victim's partner, Michelle Cunningham, applied in 2011 to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal, which is the State body that compensates the victims of violent crime.

One of his children was under two years old and the other not yet born at the time of their fathers death. At the time of his death Eddie Cummins had 27 previous convictions.

The tribunal ruled there was not an entitlement to claim compensation due to a provision in the scheme that prevents or reduces an award in circumstances where the victims conduct, character or way of life, makes this inappropriate.

After the tribunal refused to pay compensation, the decision was challenged in the High Court. They submitted that the tribunal refused to make an award on insufficient evidence and, in particular, a belief held by the relevant garda that the victims death was drug-related.

Today's ruling

Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty in the High Court said the children were clearly blameless victims of this cowardly act. She ruled the tribunal was correct to refuse to compensate the applicants.

The judge said while she extended sympathy to the blameless children of the victim "who died in a cowardly and heartless act at the very doorstep of his home, she could not agree that the dependents of a criminal who probably died as a result of his criminality should be compensated by the State for that injury to him.

This is not to say that he deserved it and is very far from that, a distinction I want to make clearly, she said.

She added: It is a much more nuanced but important principle: those who engage in crime do so knowing the risks. It is not a disproportionate or discriminatory measure to provide that his dependents are not entitled to compensation from the taxpayer if he dies as a result of his criminality, as this would not be in keeping with the States policy of preventing crime and deterring people from committing crime.

The judge said this was the only situation in which they could not receive compensation.

The injury in question was related to the criminal convictions and conduct of their father so as to render it inappropriate to compensate him, she said and, by extension, the children.
A homeless man who died in a tent in Dublins north inner city two years ago had only begun living on the streets to reduce the risk of infecting his elderly grandmother with covid-19, an inquest has heard.

Thomas Tomo Dowling (44), a father of seven who originally came from Finglas, was found unresponsive in the tent of a friend on Loftus Lane behind the Cineworld cinema complex on Parnell Street in the early hours of March 21, 2022.

Relatives of Mr Dowling voiced dismay that he had died just as it appeared he was going to find rented accommodation and turn his life around.

They also expressed concern that he had been placed in a wet hostel by the homeless services a few months before his death just after he had completed a detoxification programme when he had been alcohol-free for nine weeks.

A sitting of Dublin District Coroners Court heard that Mr Dowling, who had a history of heavy drinking and depression, had only begun living in tents and hostels after moving out from his grandmothers house where he had been living intermittently to reduce the risk of infecting her during the covid-19 pandemic.

Sister's testimony

The deceaseds sister, Helen Dowling, told the inquest that she had last spoken to her brother by phone on March 10, 2022, when she learned that he had been approved to receive a homeless housing assistance payment. However, Ms Dowling said he had problems in getting hold of his social worker around the same time, while she had been unable to contact him the following week after his phone was seized after he had been arrested.

Asked by coroner Clare Keane about her brothers physical health at the time, Ms Dowling said he was grand as he always managed to function despite problems with his health and addiction.

Ms Dowling, who was accompanied by a large group of relatives, said his death was absolutely unexpected by every one of us. She told the coroner that her family were aware he had been living in a tent in the Phoenix Park.

Ms Dowling said when she had read about a homeless male being found dead in a tent in the inner city that she thought straight away that it could not be her brother. I thought: Thats not Thomas as hes up in the Phoenix Park, she recalled.

A family photograph of the late Thomas Dowling. The inquest heard he had died just as it appeared he was going to find rented accommodation and turn his life around. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

She gave evidence that her brother felt safer staying in a tent than in some homeless hostels because they were full of drugs and alcohol. Ms Dowling also highlighted how the first hostel he had been placed in after completing a detoxification programme with the Simon Community was a facility where residents could drink alcohol.

The inquest heard he had been staying in a dry hostel in Dublin for several days about a week before his death but had lost his bed in the facility by being a no-show on March 14, 2022.

Discovery of Mr Dowling's body

In a statement, another homeless person, Shauna Baxter, who had also been living in a tent on Loftus Lane, said she and a friend had found Mr Dowling unresponsive in a tent belonging to her cousin when they arrived back to the area in the early hours of March 21, 2022.

Ms Baxter said the deceased had been in the company of a couple and an older man in the tent the previous evening.

The inquest heard Mr Dowlings skin had turned blue and there were signs of rigor mortis by the time emergency services were alerted, indicating that he had been dead for a while.

Garda Kiva McGing gave evidence of finding drug paraphernalia including needles around the tent but no drugs.

Garda McGing said there were no CCTV cameras on Loftus Lane and gardai had been unable to trace the last movements of the deceased. However, she stated there was no suspicion of foul play in relation to Mr Dowlings death.

Garda McGing said other witnesses would not identify the couple who had been in the tent with Mr Dowling and they had never been traced, while the older male would not confirm he was with the deceased on the day he died.

Autopsy results

Dr Keane said postmortem results showed Mr Dowling had died as a result of alcohol and mixed drug intoxication. The coroner said tests showed he had consumed various drugs, including cocaine and heroin, in combination with a toxic level of alcohol.

Dr Keane said cocaine was known to cause sudden cardiac arrest regardless of the quantity or frequency of use of the drug.

She said she saw deaths from cocaine toxicity all the time but added: Im not sure how well understood that is. Although Mr Dowlings relatives had expressed surprise that he had taken heroin as he had always told them he would not inject needles into his body, Dr Keane said the postmortem had found three needle puncture marks on his forearm which were consistent with intravenous injections.

His son, Dylan, remarked: We knew he would take everything else but news that he took heroin is a shock.

Returning a verdict of medical misadventure, Dr Keane said Mr Dowlings death was a horrible reminder of what addiction is.

Following the inquest, another sister, Michelle Dowling said: He could have stayed with various family members but he wouldnt as he felt he was a burden on them because of his problems with alcohol. If he had got his own place, which he was about to, he would have been happy. Her sister, Helen, added: Our brother's death shows how easy it is for homeless people to slip between the cracks and die.
In recent weeks, this column has been critical of the municipal authorities in Cork. You may have noticed.

And in the general interests of fairness and objectivity, it should be acknowledged the local authority has had its successes.

For instance, recently Cork City Council organised a tree giveaway which should be praised, and not just because it gave Eoin English of this parish the opportunity to use be-leaf in his intro.

People queuing for the tree giveaway in Tramore Valley Park. Picture: Eoin English

Thats an imaginative measure and was hugely successful  the public collected 2,500 free trees in just over an hour out at Tramore Valley Park, and officials felt they could have given away twice that number.

The unfortunate thing is that such an initiative is almost immediately outflanked by a catastrophe such as the cleaning of the South Gate Bridge.

If you missed this story, it originated at the tail-end of February, when Eoin English  who will soon be on royalties from yours truly, an arrangement sure to meet with his aunts approval  reported on the graffiti disfiguring said bridge. City councils response?

This is natural stone and that could limit our options in terms of how we remove the paint . . . We will assess it with our heritage experts and decide on the best options but that will take time.

Despite the waffle quoted above, within a week the graffiti was removed. Credit where its due.

The only drawback is that the (very) clean section of the bridge now shows exactly how dirty the rest is. The rest of the bridge was not cleaned.

Eoin was back on the case, reporting: The crew was only told to remove the graffiti from the affected stonework. They were not told to clean the rest of the stonework.

He duly asked a city council representative about the partial clean-up: A full cleanse of the road-facing and river-facing sides of its walls would also involve extensive health and safety measures and precautions for working over water, which would cost several thousand euro, he said.

And while there are no immediate plans to undertake a full and extensive deep clean of the bridge, he said consideration will be given to cleansing the roadside walls.

There are a couple of different issues here.

One is the mindset in an organisation, or the different mindsets, exposed by something like this.

It doesnt occur to those in management to get an entire bridge cleaned, not just one part, if theyre going to send a crew out to do the job anyway? It doesnt occur to those doing the job to clean the entire bridge as theyre on the spot?

In the case of the latter, is the culture of the organisation that resistant to initiative or common sense?

In the case of the former, based on the explanation offered to Eoin, is the culture of the organisation fixated on seeing obstacles, on proffering reasons why things cant be done?

Whether its one of those, both, or neither, the words of one local politician cant be contradicted. Councillor Mick Finn described the South Gate Bridge clean-up as a bit of a half-arsed effort. Thats being kind.

The restoration of the Fireman's Rest involved a spend including 'professional fees and the detailed recording of the restoration project'.

The real losers here, of course, are the people of Cork. Those who troop past and across South Gate Bridge in their thousands every day of the week, and are treated to yet another sketch in ugliness on their way to and from school, work, and college. They deserve better.

Graffiti such as that found on the South Gate Bridge is by no means unusual in the city, of course. A couple of years ago, someone defacing another of our famous bridges was brought to court in a case readers may remember.

A recap: In July 2022 a man pleaded guilty to charges relating to graffiti at Dalys Bridge  better known as the Shaky Bridge  which belongs to Cork City Council. A dispute arose in court as to the specific cost of the damage done: gardai said the official valuation of the damage was 1,500, defence counsel contested this amount.

The case was adjourned in order to consider this matter, but when the case eventually resumed that September the charges were dismissed when Sergeant Gearoid Davis told the court that Cork City Council cannot come up with a cost. Oh.

Going back a few years to the infamous We Are Cork branding, this newspaper revealed at the time most of the money spent went to consultants. Picture: Denis Minehane

So when people are caught defacing public property the cases cant be pursued because  checks notes  Cork City Council cant come up with a figure for the cost of the damage done.

Your columnist is not privy to the processes applied here by the council, but surely if the local authority cant determine the cost itself then can it get someone to do so?

Its not as if theres any reticence in engaging outside consultants. That seems to be the usual modus operandi with such projects.

Going back a few years to the infamous We Are Cork branding, this newspaper revealed at the time most of the money spent went to consultants.

The robot trees have made the city a laughing stock. Picture: Cork City Council

We Are Cork was billed as a branding exercise by Corks local authorities, along with stakeholders from business, educational, and transport sectors but when the dust settled it transpired most of the spend has gone to consultants, and the majority of the cost has been borne by Corks City and County Councils.

More recently, take the restoration of the Firemans Rest after years spent mouldering away in a yard. That process involved a spend including professional fees and the detailed recording of the restoration project.

Did some of those professional fees include a consultant? Possibly one to help record the project?

The other undertaking which has caught many peoples attention in recent years, of course, is the robot trees  sorry, CityTrees  which have made the city a laughing stock.

I didnt see consultants mentioned in relation to these eyesores until I noted a piece in this paper referring to Green City Solutions, who created the devices, said they had commissioned an independent scientific study by the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS) . . . And on and on.

Incidentally, in that same piece, the cost of the robot trees was estimated at 350,000.

The cost of restoring the Firemans Rest, by the way?

City councillors were told . . . that the first phase of the restoration has cost over 200,000, that the work is ongoing, and about another 100,000 could be spent on it before the project is finished. And We Are Cork?

In 2018 figures released to the Irish Examiner via the Freedom of Information Act reveal the total cost of this branding exercise and an economic marketing strategy for the region has cost 290,305.10 to date. It looks like council projects get a 300,000 price tag pretty fast.

However, we dont have a final figure for the Firemans Rest.

And the CityTrees have no doubt cost more than 300,000 by now.

We dont know what consultants would have come up with for the cost of the damage done to the Shaky Bridge that time. We can guess what their fee would have been, though.
A FAMILY steeped in the sea, sailing, and boat building, and with 60 Shamrock yachts to its credit, is selling land this St Patricks weekend at one of the Irish coasts most iconic and photographed settings, the Beacon in West Corks Baltimore.

Being sold by the Bushe family of Munster and international boatbuilding renown is 9.88 acres of cliff-topping land adjacent to the sentinel 19th-century Baltimore harbour-guarding Beacon tower, surveying islands, the Atlantic, and every passing craft coming from Sherkin Island, Cape Clear, and further afield.

View towards the Atlantic

Its such a special and high profile setting that getting planning to do anything with it other than appreciate just how special it is (underground house, maybe?) would be a challenge but its part of the jigsaw mapof Ireland, says Mark Bushe.

Pic: Dan Linehan

The Bushe family are generations associated with the historic harbour of Baltimore, with one strand in the village and pub-owning, the other more associated with Crosshaven and boatyards around Cork harbour.

Baltimore Harbour with the Beacon centre, distance

Now in its third generation of boat-building, the family line started a century ago with Tom Bushe building at The Cove, later at Skinners boatyard in the village, and subsequently via his son, the legendary George Bushe, and into the current generation with Tom Bushes grandchildren, Majella, a sailmaker, and builders Killian, Mark, and Fergus in Cork harbour, at Ringaskiddy, Rochestown, Crosshaven, Carrigaline, and in Sweden.

South Coast boatyard, now Harty's Quay, Rochestown in 1979. Pic. Richard Mills)

Legendary boats they have been associated with range from Whitbred contenders to Volvo Ocean 60 2001/02 race winner such as Illbruck Challenge  called the Green Dream Machine  to NCB Ireland a decade earlier, as well as classic 20th-century Cork yachts, many favoured by the local merchant princes, such as Irish Mist, Big Apple, Golden Apple, and Golden Shamrock.

Big Apple

Steeped in brine, the Bushe family produced up to 60 Club Shamrock keel boats in the 1970s from Hartys Quay/South Coast Boatyard (now home to high-end water-fronting apartments) bringing total output to hundreds of craft, many of them scattered around the globe and still navigating.

Killian Bushe with Harold Cudmore in 1977 in front of Shamrock at Rochestown's Harty's Quay

Back at Baltimore, the harbour mouth headland is owned by two strands of

the Bushe clan, in family hands for over a century or more.

The side on the east with the mid 19th-century, 50ft tall Lots Wife white-painted Beacon (and not for sale) is owned by the local side of the Bushe family, and to the west dropping down to the water at the mouth of the harbour facing Sherkin is the 9.88 acres owned by the Cork harbour Bushes.

Carmel and George Bushe

Following the death of Carmel Bushe in 2021, and George Bushe in 2011, the next generation is preparing for sale rather than sail at Baltimore: and, they recall their family holidays when all six siblings (Mark, Killian, and Fergus, and daughters Bernice, Majella and the late Deirdre,) and parents, spent full summers on board boats of various sizes they'd sailed down to Baltimore from Crosshaven.

Parcel to go

This signal piece of West Cork real estate goes to market this bank holiday weekend with estate agent Michael McKenna, who guides at a suitably lofty 1.2m.

It is as steep a price target as its shoreline, but this is prime West Cork, Baltimore, headland.

Graze anatomy

And it perhaps has an appeal to an international maritime set who would drop 1.2m on a rock- solid anchor as readily as they would on a small boat.

Mr McKenna acknowledges its sensitivity and likely restrictions right now planning-wise, unless something truly extraordinary comes over the horizon.

But, hey, its a long game and after all there have been stand-out structures here for over 200 years.
Businesses looking to house staff are to the fore of those viewing two Cork city mixed-use properties, both of which are already under offer.

At No 6 Coal Quay and No 6 Southern View Place, High Street, both premises include ground floor commercial units and overhead residential.

The 162sq m (1,750sq ft) Coal Quay property, which overlooks the River Lee on the quay close to the junction with Cornmarket Street, came to market at 265,000 and is under offer at 295,000 with Dennis Guerin of Frank V Murphy auctioneers. The High Street property is under offer at 260,000, but Mr Guerin said they are holding out for 275,000.

6 Coal Quay

The ground floor unit of the three-storey Coal Quay premises is let to tenant, The Funky Skunk smoke shop, with a passing rent of 7,263 pa and four years left to run on a 35-year lease. Theres separate access to the upper two floors where there are four bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen/dining area and a storeroom. While the upper floors have not been lived in for many years, Mr Guerin said planning will not be required for conversion into apartments as their original use was residential. Refurbishment assistance should be available to new owners under various government measures to address vacancy and dereliction.

The ground floor commercial unit at 161sq m (1,734sq ft) High Street also has a tenant, Ecois Inside Africa, who are overholding on the lease. The passing rent is 8,000pa. Mr Guerin said the four-bed overhead residential unit is in good condition and while currently vacant, has rental income potential of 18,500pa, bringing total rental potential of the building to 26,500pa.

Mr Guerin said theres a good bit of interest in both properties, which are similar.

Both are in great city-centre locations, and in the current housing climate, were seeing good interest from businesses such as restaurants looking for accommodation for their staff, the agent said, adding that the properties represent excellent investment opportunities.

6 Southern View, High Street, Cork

The Coal Quay premises is close to St Patricks Street while the High Street property is near St Finbarrs Hospital, in an area of the city undergoing some regeneration, most recently the overhaul of the Southern Star bar, while currently, across the road, next to the Pier Head Chinese takeaway, a housing body is laying the foundations for four apartments on land previously owned by Derry OCallaghan of Zicos Pizza, which ceased trading on High Street in 2021.

DETAILS: Dennis Guerin, Frank V Murphy & Co TEL: 0214274204 Email: dennis@fvm.ie
Poorer nations are seeing conditions deteriorating as they bounce back slower from the covid-19 pandemic, according to a report from the United Nations Development Programme.

Agency head Achim Steiner said that after two decades during which rich and poor countries were coming closer in terms of development, the finding is a very strong warning signal that nations are now drifting apart.

The Human Development Index that the agency has produced since 1990 is projected to reach record highs in 2023 after steep declines during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021.

But development in half of the worlds poorest countries remains below 2019 pre-pandemic levels, the report said.

Its a rich persons versus a poor persons world in which we are seeing development unfolding in very unequal, partially incomplete ways, Mr Steiner said at a news conference on Wednesday. Why does this matter? Not only because it creates more vulnerability, it creates also more misery and protracted poverty, growing inequality.

The growing inequalities are compounded by the concentration of economic wealth, the report said.

It pointed to almost 40% of global trade in goods concentrated in three or fewer countries.

And it said the stock market value of the three largest tech companies in 2021  Amazon, Apple and Microsoft  surpassed the gross domestic product of more than 90% of the 193 UN member nations that year.

Mr Steiner said the worlds nations should be joining forces to focus on major threats in the 21st century, especially climate change, the next pandemic and the emergence of a digital economy and artificial intelligence.

But instead, he warned, there is increasing division and growing frustration and polarisation.

He said a significant response has been the emergence of populism, which is hostile to international co-operation, saying it is increasingly dividing societies, radicalising the political discourse and essentially turning more and more people against each other.

Women hold their malnourished children at Hays Rural Hospital in Hodeida, Yemen, in 2022. (AP)

The report says advancing global collective action to tackle the worlds major challenges is hindered by an emerging democracy paradox  90% of people worldwide endorse democracy but for the first time more than half the respondents in a global survey expressed support for leaders that risk undermining the foundations of democracy.

We are driving ourselves deeper and deeper into a condition where our ability to solve problems is actually being compromised, he said.

You will not stop climate change with missiles. You will not stop the next pandemic at your border with a tank, and youre certainly not going to stop cybercrime with missiles.

The report calls for more spending on global public goods that benefit all people, including to stabilise climate and the planet, to harness new technologies to improve human development, and to improve the global financial system to benefit low-income countries.

The agencys Human Development Index measures key issues for a long and healthy life, for gaining knowledge and for achieving a decent standard of living.

Based on the latest figures from 2022, the 10 states with the highest human development scores are Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Hong Kong, Denmark, Sweden, Germany and Ireland tied for seventh ahead of Singapore with Australia and the Netherlands tied for 10th place. The United States tied with Luxembourg for 20th place.

The 10 countries with the lowest human development were Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Yemen, Burundi, Mali, Chad, Niger, Central African Republic, South Sudan and Somalia.
Falling rocks inside a gold mine in Australia killed one worker and left another with life-threatening injuries, rescuers have said.

Another 29 workers inside the mine when the collapse happened on Wednesday took refuge in a safety pod and later returned to the surface, Victoria state police said.

The two miners were trapped by the falling rocks late in the afternoon about 1.9 miles underground in the Ballarat Gold Mine, north west of Melbourne.

A 21-year-old worker needed emergency medical treatment for lower body injuries before he could be removed from the mine about four hours later and was airlifted to a hospital, police said in a statement.

Workers stand at the entrance gates at the gold mine near Ballarat (Con Chronis/AAP Image/AP)

The body of the 37-year-old man who died was recovered by mine rescue personnel on Thursday morning.

The mine has been shut down, and the state police said they would prepare a report for the coroner, while the local safety regulator also will investigate.

Federal Minister for Resources Madeleine King told ABC Radio it was too early to know what happened.

Our members have raised concerns about this style of mining and it seems to have fallen on deaf ears, Australian Workers Union Victoria state secretary Ronnie Hayden said.

The two workers were drilling into the rock manually using an air legging technique that was new to the site and were on unsupported ground, he said. Air legging is a method of drilling that penetrates the rock with air and water.

This form of air legging should not be used to do this type of work, he said.

The mines owner Victory Minerals, which took ownership of the mine in December, said it was a safety-first mine operator and was working closely with emergency authorities and safety regulators.

Right now our priority is the safety and well-being of our mining workers and their families, it said in a statement.

At the same mine in 2007, a rock collapse trapped 27 miners underground for several hours before they were rescued.
Ukraine fired at least eight missiles at Russias Belgorod border region, killing one person and wounding six, local officials have said, as Kyivs forces apparently kept up their efforts to rattle the Kremlin on the eve of Russias presidential election.

Also, in Russias Kursk border region, Ukrainian forces attempted a cross-border raid that was repelled, according to local authorities.

It was not possible to independently verify the Russian claims.

The Ukrainian assaults on Russian territory in recent days, including long-range drone attacks and alleged incursions by Ukraine-based Russian proxies, have come as Russian president Vladimir Putin heads for near-certain re-election.

A billboard promoting the upcoming presidential election seen in a street in the Russian-controlled Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine (AP)

Mr Putin has sought to persuade Russians to keep him in power against a backdrop of what he says are foreign threats to the country and as the Ukraine war stretches into its third year.

In a video released on Thursday, Mr Putin called on Russians to go to the polls, calling participation in the election a manifestation of patriotic feeling.

Claiming that the only source of power in our country is the people, Mr Putin told Russians, you must not only cast your vote, but firmly declare your will and aspirations, your personal involvement in the further development of Russia.

Elections are a step into the future, Mr Putin said.

The Kremlin controls who's on the ballot. The Kremlin controls how they can campaign. To say nothing of being able to control every aspect of the voting and the vote counting process

Since coming to power almost 25 years ago, Mr Putin has eliminated nearly all independent media and opposition voices in Russia, particularly after the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine that initially went badly wrong.

Analysts say the Kremlin is worried about low turnout during the three days of voting and needs Russians to participate to give legitimacy to Mr Putin, who is almost certain to win another six-year term.

Sam Greene, with the Centre for European Policy Analysis in Washington, called Russias election a sham.

The Kremlin controls whos on the ballot. The Kremlin controls how they can campaign, Mr Greene told The Associated Press. To say nothing of being able to control every aspect of the voting and the vote counting process.

A Ukrainian armed forces helicopter was apparently destroyed in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine (Russian Defence Ministry Press Service via AP)

Russias exiled opposition are calling on Russians to protest against the election by gathering at polling stations at noon on Sunday in a signal that they do not support Mr Putin.

The event has been dubbed Noon against Putin and is being supported by Yulia Navalnaya, the wife of Alexei Navalny, Russias most prominent opposition leader who died in a remote Arctic penal colony last month.

Despite Russias early difficulties in the war, when its assault on Kyiv failed and western countries came to Ukraines aid by sending weapons and training troops, the Kremlins forces now have battlefield initiative, military analysts say.

This is largely because western aid has petered out due to European shortages and is now being held up in the United States by political differences.

Over the spring and summer, Russia is likely to mount a series of major attacks designed to inflict Ukrainian casualties, push defenders westward and expand its control of occupied territories

The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, said Russian forces have the theatre-wide initiative and will be able to determine the time, location, and scale of offensive operations on the battlefield for the moment.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies said Russias assault is gaining momentum and the coming months are critical to the direction of conflict.

While Ukraine wrestles with increasingly meagre battlefield resources, Russia has significantly expanded its own weapons production and is getting ammunition from Iran and North Korea.

This bodes badly for Ukraine once Mr Putin has likely cemented his grip on power, the think tank said in a report Wednesday.

Over the spring and summer, Russia is likely to mount a series of major attacks designed to inflict Ukrainian casualties, push defenders westward and expand its control of occupied territories, the International Institute for Strategic Studies said.
German lawmakers have rejected a new call by the opposition for the government to send Taurus long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine, a day after Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended his refusal to supply the weapons.

The main centre-right opposition bloc has sought to keep up pressure on the issue and exploit divisions in Mr Scholzs unpopular three-party coalition, even as the German leader tries to put a lid on the debate.

On Wednesday, he told lawmakers that prudence was a virtue and rejected suggestions that he did not trust Kyiv.

Parliaments lower house, or Bundestag, rejected the opposition Union blocs motion by 495 votes to 190, with five abstentions.

German chancellor Olaf Scholzs position has frustrated the conservative opposition and parts of his own coalition (Markus Schreiber/AP)

Germany has become the second-biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the United States, but Mr Scholz has stalled for months on Ukraines desire for Taurus missiles, which have a range of up to 310 miles (500km) and could in theory be used against targets far into Russian territory.

His position has frustrated the conservative opposition and parts of Mr Scholzs own coalition.

The criticism did not diminish after Mr Scholz finally offered a detailed explanation last month, pointing to his insistence that Germany must not become directly involved in the war.

Lawmakers last month urged the government to deliver further long-range weapons to Ukraine but voted down a previous opposition call explicitly urging it to send Taurus missiles.

(Vladimir Putin) will only retreat if he is only forced to. Either we enable Ukraine to win the war or we will lose with it. There is no third way

Critics reject Mr Scholzs argument that Taurus missiles could only be used responsibly with the involvement of German soldiers, whether inside or outside Ukraine. That, he said Wednesday, is a line that I as chancellor do not want to cross.

The supposed prudence has always only fuelled (Russian President Vladimir) Putin in his aggression against Ukraine  that is the result, opposition lawmaker Johann Wadephul told lawmakers.

He will only retreat if he is only forced to. Either we enable Ukraine to win the war or we will lose with it. There is no third way.

Rolf Mutzenich, who leads the parliamentary group of Mr Scholzs Social Democrats, suggested that the debate was being driven by domestic political motives.

Hesitation and procrastination also can ultimately contribute to escalation

Germany is the country that, after the United States, does most for Ukraine, he said.

A senior lawmaker with the Greens, one of Mr Scholzs junior coalition partners, made clear that her party continued to back sending Taurus missiles but rejected what she called shop-window motions by the opposition.

Agnieszka Brugger noted that any decision could only be made by senior ministers.

But she said that hesitation and procrastination also can ultimately contribute to escalation and rejected Mr Scholzs attempts to shut down the debate.

She said that France and Britain had sent similar missiles and that had not meant a further escalation.
Lawyers for Donald Trump urged a federal judge on Thursday to dismiss the classified documents case against him.

The former presidents team argued that the statute that underpins the bulk of the charges is unconstitutionally vague as applied to a former president.

Mr Trump looked on in the courtroom as US District Judge Aileen Cannon heard arguments over whether the case should proceed or whether, as Mr Trumps lawyers hope, it is thrown out before ever reaching a jury  a rare action for a judge to take.

This image, contained in the indictment against former President Donald Trump, shows boxes of records stored in a bathroom and shower in the Lake Room at Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate (Justice Department via AP)

Ms Cannon asked probing questions of both sides and did not immediately rule on Mr Trumps motion to dismiss the case, which accuses the presumptive 2024 Republican presidential nominee of hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate after he left the White House.

The judge told Mr Trumps attorney that striking down a statute  as the defence is seeking  would be quite an extraordinary step.

She also pointedly noted to a prosecutor that no former president has ever been charged with mishandling classified documents.

Jay Bratt, a prosecutor with special counsel Jack Smiths team, responded that there has never been another situation remotely similar to this one.

Mr Trump is accused of intentionally holding onto some of the nations most sensitive documents  only returning a fraction of them upon demand by the National Archives.

Prosecutors say he urged his lawyer to hide records and to lie to the FBI by saying he no longer was in possession of them.

He is also accused of enlisting staff to delete surveillance footage that would show boxes of documents being moved around the property.

Supporters of former President Donald Trump cheer as he arrives at court (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

At issue is a law that makes it a crime for an unauthorised person to wilfully retain national defence information.

That charge forms the basis of 32 of the 40 felony counts against Mr Trump in the case.

Defence lawyer Emil Bove said ambiguity in the statute permits what he called selective enforcement by the Justice Department, leading to Mr Trump being charged but enabling others to avoid prosecution.

Mr Bove said that includes President Joe Biden, the recent subject of a harshly critical report by special counsel Robert Hur on the presidents handling of classified information.

The courts obligation is to strike the statute and say Congress, get it right, Mr Bove told Ms Cannon.

Mr Bratt disputed that the statute was unclear.

Mr Trump sat at the defence table at the federal court in Fort Pierce with his hands clasped, listening intently to the arguments.

Mr Smith, who brought the case, was also in the courtroom, but there was no visible interaction between the two men.

Donald Trump is expected to be named as the Republican nominee for the presidential election in November (AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File)

Later Thursday, Ms Cannon was expected to hear arguments on another motion to dismiss the case that centres on the Presidential Records Act.

Mr Trumps lawyers say that the statute gave him the authority to designate the documents as personal and maintain possession of them after his presidency.

Mr Smiths team has counted that the files Mr Trump is charged with possessing are presidential records, not personal ones and that the statute does not apply to classified and top-secret documents, like those kept at Mar-a-Lago.

The Presidential Records Act does not exempt Trump from the criminal law, entitle him to unilaterally declare highly classified presidential records to be personal records, or shield him from criminal investigations  let alone allow him to obstruct a federal investigation with impunity, prosecutors wrote in a court filing last week.

It is not surprising that defence lawyers are seeking dismissal of the case based on the Presidential Records Act given that the legal team has repeatedly invoked the statute since the FBIs August 2022 search of Mar-a-Lago.

The judge has already heard arguments on when to set a trial date but has not yet ruled. Mr Trumps lawyers are hoping to put off the trial until after the election (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

The law, enacted in 1978, requires presidents upon leaving office to transfer their presidential records to the US government for management  specifically, the National Archives and Records Administration  though they are permitted to retain personal records, including diaries and notes that are purely private and not prepared for government business.

Mr Trumps lawyers have said that he designated as personal property the records he took with him to Mar-a-Lago, which prosecutors say included top-secret information and documents related to nuclear programs and the military capabilities of the US and foreign adversaries.

Ms Cannon has suggested in the past that she sees Mr Trumps status as a former president as distinguishing him from others who have held onto classified records.

The hearing is the second this month in the case in Florida, one of four prosecutions Mr Trump confronts as he seeks to reclaim the White House this year.

Ms Cannon heard arguments on March 1 on when to set a trial date, but has not yet ruled.

Prosecutors have pressed the judge to set a date for this summer, while Trumps lawyers are seeking to put it off until after the election.
Thursday, Mar 14th, 2024 (11:30 am) - Score 5,200

The UK Governments Digital Infrastructure Minister, Julia Lopez, has revealed that she will next week hold a roundtable with colleagues, as well as Ofcom, to discuss rising community complaints against the use of broadband poles and wireless masts to deliver digital infrastructure. But this time, some action may follow.

Despite being a common sight across the UK (Openreach alone have around 4 million of them), a fair few people find poles ugly and often bemoan the lack of prior direct consultation before installation. Such issues can also become particularly emotive when theyre deployed into areas that havent previously had them before, where too many poles are already deemed to exist or engineers fail to follow safety rules while building (examples here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here).

Similar gripes are often levelled against mobile masts too, although it often only takes one of those to cover a wide area and bigger installations often require planning permission. By comparison, poles that are used to carry overhead cables on streets (telecoms or electricity) can often be deployed under Permitted Development (PD) rights with only minimal prior notice.

Network operators often use poles because theyre significantly cheaper, less disruptive and quicker to deploy than running new trenches down pavements. Sometimes they may even be the only viable option due to the limitations of the area (no existing ducts or space for new trenching etc.). The high cost of trenching also means that poles often make the difference between an area getting a competitive full fibre network or being skipped.

However, sometimes the complaints against such infrastructure can also run the risk of straying too far into the depths of NIMBYISM or conspiracy theories. For example, we remember when some people began opposing and even attacking 5G mobile masts, as well as engineers, out of a preposterously nonsense belief that COVID-19 was being spread or created by their radio signals (fact check).

This week also saw broadband operator MS3 take flak in Hull (East Yorkshire), again, after they were accused of being disrespectful for having deployed one of their poles near a war memorial (here). But a quick look at the pictures on that article show the pole sitting, on the opposite side of the main road, away from the memorial itself, which itself is already surrounded by various other street lights, signs, pedestrian crossings and so forth. Nevertheless, MS3 do plan to review the placement, but its a good example of how tricky it can be to placate every grumble and find the right balance.

Lest we forget that a large group of network operators recently called on the UK Government and Ofcom to urgently help tackle a recent rise in attacks  often committed by criminal gangs and vandals  against vital national telecoms infrastructure and the engineers who build it (here). Not all of these attacks are related to the complaints were covering today, but some has been.

A Change of Approach

The government has, thus far, been largely supportive of broadband and mobile operators in their UK deployments, which are in turn helping to deliver their coverage targets for digital infrastructure (Project Gigabit, the Shared Rural Network and so forth). In fact, a lot of this work wouldnt be occurring without that support and the Governments prior moves to cut red tape, which has helped to drive a massive programme of related infrastructure upgrades.

At the same time, the Government knows theres a General Election looming and, as similar complaints grow, politicians may increasingly feel a need to do more than merely play lip service to the issue. Suffice to say, theres a very difficult balancing act to be performed. But the first solid sign of a real change in approach appeared to come during yesterdays Westminster 5G Mast: Greater Manchester debate in parliament.

However, despite the title, the debate was much more focused upon broadband poles and the impact of IX Wireless (6G Internet) bespoke fixed wireless access masts in the area (these are much bigger than regular poles and nothing to do with 5G or even 6G mobile). But the most interesting bit is what Julia Lopez, the governments digital minister, said in response to all this.

Digital Infrastructure Minister, Julia Lopez, said: I am trying to establish the extent of the problem. I know it is an issue in pockets of the countrythe number of Greater Manchester MPs here today is testimony to that. Although this debate is about a specific area, there is also a challenge in relation to the whole area. Reference was made to the private Members Bill tabled by the right hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull North (Dame Diana Johnson) and to specific issues with the way the market operates in the Kingston upon Hull area. It seems that there are also particular challenges in Greater Manchester with specific operators. I am holding a roundtable with colleagues next week, I believe, and I hope we will get a better sense of how geographically widespread this issue is, and whether we need to take action against particular providers or deal with specific issues on the ground, particularly in Hull. When I meet Ofcom next week, I hope to discuss this issue in some detail. I will set out the general policy aim, and then the next steps that we will take to address communities concerns. It is absolutely right that they are addressed, because this is not what we want to happen. There is an overall and well-supported policy aim on connectivity, and we do not want the broad support for the connectivity agenda to be undermined by bad practice. As the House knows, reliable, fast digital connectivity is vital for the prosperity of our country. We are working hard to ensure communities across the UK can get those services at prices they can afford. That is not just about connectivity needs now; increasingly, healthcare will be delivered in a technologically enabled way, more education will be provided in that way and so will economic opportunities. For me, it is important that we ensure every part of the country has fantastic connectivity. I do not want a digital divide to emerge. The hon. Member for Oldham West and Royton said that this issue is disempowering for communities, but that is precisely the opposite of our intention. The policy intention is to empower communities by ensuring they have the infrastructure they need. I do not want them to feel that this is leading to a deterioration of the overall amenity of their areas.

Julia also touched on the thorny issue of infrastructure sharing, which could help to reduce some of the disruption, and the minister appears keen to take a closer look at this issue. The whole intention is for that roll-out to be done, not through new poles, new masts and all the restnotwithstanding the fact that they will be required in some areasbut through much better sharing of existing infrastructure, said the minister.

Ofcom already enables network operators to share Openreachs ducts and poles, such as to run new fibre cables, as part of a regulated product (Physical Infrastructure Access) that works reasonably well. But then you also have situations like the one in Hull, which well cover below.

The law does also require KCOM to fairly share access to their existing infrastructure in Hull (ATI Regulations), but operators expecting the same level of access, flexibility and affordability as PIA from Openreach have run into problems with KCOMs confidential commercial terms. KCOM do make all the right noises on this front, but it may take greater intervention from Ofcom to cause a significant shift (a usually very slow process).

However, this becomes a much more complicated problem when you ask smaller and much more vulnerably alternative networks to do the same, due to issues (often legal ones) of balancing competition and investment. Several alternative networks (AltNets) have already banded together to find a solution (here), but its presently unclear if theyll be able to reach a productive agreement and how many operators may end up supporting it.

As weve said before, local authorities are limited in their powers to stop new poles, and the UK government knows it cant impose any significant new restrictions without potentially damaging their coverage targets and thus billions of pounds worth of inward investment in new digital infrastructure. In that sense, we suspect that Julia Lopez may look to produce new guidance, within the current rules, to help combat bad practice. But it remains to be seen whether that will have any teeth.

Lest we also forget that quite a lot of people would still be happy to see poles if it meant they could access more affordable full fibre broadband, but such voices are often drowned out by vocal campaigners. On the other hand, theres a General Election looming and, as similar complaints grow, politicians clearly now feel they need to do more than merely play lip service to the issue.
Today

Thunderstorms early, then cloudy skies after midnight. Low 51F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.

Tonight

Thunderstorms early, then cloudy skies after midnight. Low 51F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.

Tomorrow

Sunshine along with some cloudy intervals. High 73F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
( Al-Shabaka )  During campaigns of genocide and ethnic cleansing, disinformation is a potent weapona tool to dehumanize victims, justify mass violence, and most importantly, sow seeds of doubt designed to muzzle calls for intervention. When information is weaponized, confusion and doubt no longer emerge from the fog of war as a symptom, but are purposefully cultivated with the explicit intention of creating it.

At the time of writing, Israeli forces have killed over 30,000 Palestinians across Gaza and the West Bank since October 2023. They have targeted hospitals, schools, and civilians fleeing their homes. Israels assault is marked not only by the historic scale of violence being inflicted upon Palestinians, but by the unprecedented flood of disinformation being deployed to justify it.

Propaganda and disinformation produced at industrial scale by official Israeli government and military sources are being legitimized and boosted by a wide network of journalists and open-source intelligence (OSINT) analysts, who have discarded all vestiges of objectivity and analytical rigor in their coverage. Instead of bearing witness to Israeli war crimes and questioning the narratives put forth by a regime engaging in genocide, they have become complicit in them. As a result, Israeli information operations are benefiting from a media network acting not as unbiased reporters, but as enablers of Israeli mass atrocities.

This policy brief explores the information warfare tactics Israel has used to influence public perception of its ongoing genocide in Gaza, how these efforts have contributed to the decay of truth, and how they hamper efforts to organize a global response. It also explains how journalists and open-source intelligence analysts have become active enablers of Israeli war crimes by acting as uncritical conduits of Israeli propaganda. Finally, it offers recommendations for reporters, analysts, and the wider public to leverage open-source tools to refute dominant Israeli propaganda and disinformation.

Hasbara: A Long-Running Strategy

Israel has long recognized the information environment as a critical battle front to justify the perpetual oppressive structures of occupation and apartheid. Hasbara, which translates to explaining in Hebrew, has long embodied this recognition. Rooted in pre-existing concepts of state-sponsored propaganda, agitprop, and information warfare, hasbara aims to shape the very parameters of acceptable discourse. This involves a coordinated effort by both state institutions and NGOs to bolster Israeli domestic unity, secure support of allies, and influence how media, intellectuals, and influencers discuss Israel.

Israel has long recognized the information environment as a critical battle front to justify the perpetual oppressive structures of occupation and apartheid Click To Tweet

For years, Israels hasbara efforts were coordinated by government bodies, such as the Ministry of Strategic Affairs. After the ministrys closure in 2021, the Israeli cabinet approved a NIS 100 million ($30 million) project aimed at adapting Israeli hasbara for an evolving global audience. The initiative, led by then-Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, funneled funds indirectly to foreign entities, ranging from social media influencers to media-watch organizations, that would disseminate pro-Israel propaganda while concealing direct ties to the Israeli government. These concerted efforts seek to establish cognitive filters that validate Israeli interests while discrediting opposing narratives on Israeli settler colonialism and its systemic violence.

In adapting to an information-rich environment, hasbarists do not solely seek to block access to information but rather guide audiences towards selective interpretation. For over 75 years, they have cast Israel as the perpetual victim, despite its military dominance and role as occupier, and are now deploying the same tactics to justify genocide in Gaza. By accusing Hamas of using Palestinians in Gaza as human shields, painting Palestinian resistance groups as existential threats akin to the Nazis and ISIS, or smearing victims of Israeli air strikes as crisis actors, hasbara aims to justify the unjustifiable.

Sowing Seeds of Doubt

Before the digital age, it was easier for Israel to discredit Palestinian claims by denying them outright. But the advent of the 24/7 news cycle and social media allowed images of Israeli atrocities to traverse the world at the speed of information, forcing Israeli hasbarists to change tactics.

On September 30, 2000, 12-year-old Muhammad al-Durrah was shot and killed by Israeli forces during a gun battle between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian security forces. The moment of Muhammads death, which was caught on camera, marked the birth of the hasbara term Pallywood, a racist smear that accuses Palestinians of acting out fake atrocities to blame on Israelis.

AJ+: How Israel And Its Allies Weaponize Antisemitism  Video added by IC

Unable to deny Muhammeds killing outright, Israeli propagandists resorted to delegitimizing the source altogether. After footage of Muhammads death went viral, Israelis insisted that he was a crisis actor and that his death was a hoax. It did not matter that Muhammads father buried his son with his own hands, nor did it matter that the murder was caught on video and confirmed by eyewitnesses. What mattered was that all Palestinian claims henceforth would be tainted by doubt, subjected to heightened scrutiny, or written off outright.

The primary targets of Israeli disinformation are the two constituencies that matter most to Israels leaders: the Israeli public and Western audiences Click To Tweet

During the years that followed, the practice of portraying Palestinian victims of Israeli war crimes as crisis actors evolved from a conspiratorial fringe tactic to an official Israeli government strategy. On October 13, 2023, the official X account of the State of Israel posted a video of a dead Palestinian child, wrapped in a white burial shroud, claiming it was a doll planted by Hamas. Only after the original uploader of the video was tracked down, the child identified, and additional evidence shared, was the libelous post deleted without official explanation or retraction. By then, the fake news had already garnered millions of views and the damage was done. Henceforth, all images of dead Palestinian children would be written off by an audience primed to doubt their authenticity.

The next month, a spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was called out for attempting to pass off footage from a Lebanese film as evidence that Palestinians were faking injuries from Israeli attacks. The post remained up for days, despite an X community note and a BBC debunk. Pallywood smears have also been leveled at popular influencers in an attempt to discredit them. For example, viral posts from official Israeli social media accounts claimed that Saleh Aljafarawi, a popular influencer who has been covering Israels assault on Gaza, staged fake injuries at a hospital. This was likewise later debunked, as the footage was proven to instead be of Mohammed Zendiq, a young man injured during an Israeli incursion in the West Bank.

Of course, Israeli claims of Pallywood propaganda were never designed to withstand even rudimentary fact-checking and scrutiny. But in an age in which over 50% of US adults get their news from social media and an even higher number do not read past headlines, Israeli disinformation can become engrained long before it is debunked. One study found that 86 percent of people do not fact-check news they see on social media. Another study found that the volume of social media posts citing Pallywood increased steadily in the days after October 7, and that the term was mentioned over 146,000 times between October 7th and October 27th.

The primary targets of Israeli disinformation are the two constituencies that matter most to Israels leaders: the Israeli public and Western audiences. In a battle for sympathy, the truth is rarely a requisite. Sometimes all it takes is a headline that captures attention and confirms preexisting biases.

Justifying War Crimes

With an international audience primed to treat Palestinian claims with skepticism from the outset, Israeli state-sponsored disinformation campaigns have become a critical tool in justifying war crimes. This strategy is centered on convincing foreign governments and the wider public that Palestinian resistance groups use civilians as human shields and civilian infrastructure for military purposes, rendering them legitimate targets. Nowhere has this been more pronounced than in Israels systematic assault on Gazas hospitals and health infrastructure since October 7th, 2023.

(Israels) strategy is centered on convincing foreign governments and the wider public that Palestinian resistance groups use civilians as human shields and civilian infrastructure for military purposes, rendering them legitimate targets Click To Tweet

On October 27th, the Israeli militarys official X account posted a 3D rendition of an elaborate labyrinth of tunnels and bunkers underneath Al-Shifa Hospital, alleging Hamas was using it as a command center. Their claims were specific: Al-Shifa was the beating heart of Hamass command infrastructure, and several hospital buildings sat directly atop tunnels that could be accessed from hospital wards. Israel provided no evidence to back up their claims, but that did not stop the Biden Administration from unequivocally repeating the Israeli narrative. Speaking to reporters a day before Israeli forces stormed the hospital, John Kirby, a US National Security Council spokesperson, insisted that not only did Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) members operate a command-and-control node from Al-Shifa, but that they were using the hospital to hold hostages and were prepared to respond to an Israeli military operation. Like the Israeli military, Kirby presented no evidence to back up his statement.

On November 15th, Israeli forces stormed Al-Shifa hospital, hours after the Biden Administration had effectively given them the green light. What they found fell far short of their far-reaching claims. While Israeli forces did uncover a tunnel that ran under a corner of the hospital compound, none of the hospital buildings were connected to the tunnel networkwhich showed no signs of military useand there was no evidence of access from hospital wards. Hamas fighters never mobilized en masse to defend the facility from within, as US intelligence predicted. There were no signs of hostages and, most importantly, no command center.

While Al-Shifa represents the cornerstone of Israels disinformation campaign against Palestinian health infrastructure, it is far from the only target. Israeli forces have carried out over 500 attacks on healthcare workers and infrastructure across Gaza and the West Bank since October 7th, averaging about 7 attacks per day. These numbers include attacks on hospitals and clinics, healthcare personnel, ambulances, patients, and medical aid stations. By planting the idea, regardless of its veracity, that Hamas and other resistance groups might be using hospitals for military purposes, Israel casts a shadow of doubt over whether Gazas entire health system enjoys the protections afforded by international humanitarian law. In doing so, Israel transforms the perception of attacks on hospitals from a brazen violation of international law to a norm.

Journalists and OSINT Analysts as Enablers

While the last three months reveal how uniquely callous and crude Israels information manipulation tactics are, they are not new. In fact, many of the Israeli talking points we have become so familiar with today are eerily reminiscent of the rhetoric the US employed to justify civilian massacres in Vietnam. But while much of the political establishment in the West has come to widely condemn the indiscriminate bombing campaigns, the use of internationally prohibited munitions, and the collective punishment of civilians by US forces in Vietnam, they now justify Israels use of the same tactics in Gaza.

When it comes to public opinion, much of the proclivity to exceptionalize Israeli war crimes is due to the failure of journalists to critically analyze Israeli narratives against the backdrop of Israels history of disinformation, even when open-source investigative tools readily contradict their claims. Indeed, Israels disinformation tactics would not be as successful as they are without the complicity of journalists and OSINT analysts. Rather than challenging and debunking false claims, many have abandoned objectivity and journalistic rigor and instead act as mouthpieces for the Israeli military.

When it comes to public opinion, much of the proclivity to exceptionalize Israeli war crimes is due to the failure of journalists to critically analyze Israeli narratives against the backdrop of Israels history of disinformation Click To Tweet

Journalists today enjoy two key advantages that those covering the Vietnam war did not have: the benefits of hindsight and the verification tools provided by OSINT analysis. Instead of treating Israeli claims with inherent skepticism, seasoned journalists are acquiescing to Israeli censorship and narrative control. In November, CNNs White House correspondent Jeremy Diamond joined a small number of journalists, including ABCs Ian Pannell and Fox Newss Trey Yingst, in announcing that they would be covering the Israel-Hamas war from inside Gazabut under serious limitations: As a condition to enter Gaza under IDF escort, outlets have to submit all materials and footage to the Israeli military for review prior to publication, said Becky Anderson, who introduced Diamonds report. While there is nothing new about journalists embedding with armed forces, Israels required screening and censorship of reporting stand out when compared to other militaries. Indeed, even the US military did not explicitly mandate that journalists embedded with its forces in Iraq submit all of their reporting for approval prior to publishing, except in select cases involving classified information.

Effective journalism requires constant verification and fact-checking, informed by an instinct for skepticism. By accepting Israels uniquely onerous censorship terms in Gaza, journalists are doing more harm than good. The information Israel allows to be published is carefully selected to justify the targeting and killing of Palestinian civilians, and by only reporting the approved narrative of a military currently engaged in genocide, journalists are effectively giving a platform to war crimes justifications. Uncritically regurgitating unverified claims made by a military with a history of information manipulation in the midst of a genocide is not journalism; it is stenography.

Unobjective OSINT Analysts

As traditional journalism fails the tests of objectivity, OSINT once again finds itself in the spotlight. Over recent years, OSINT has emerged as a trusted source of news and objective analysis amid waning confidence in state institutions and traditional media. Much of this is due to the traceable, transparent nature of open-source investigations, which has made OSINT analysts popular sources of news and situational analysis for journalists, lawmakers, and the public alike.

Open-source investigations have been pivotal in countering Israeli state-sponsored disinformation. In one instance, a New York Times investigation refuted Israeli claims that a misfired Palestinian rocket hit Al-Shifa Hospital courtyard on November 10th, revealing that the projectile was, in fact, an Israeli artillery shell. This exposed not only Israeli responsibility for the strike but also their deceptive tactics, which went as far as providing a false mockup of radar data to deceive the media.

While OSINT has once again proven to be an integral tool in war crimes investigations by circumventing Israeli access denial and debunking disinformation, some popular OSINT accounts have discarded their facades of objectivity. While this is indicative of wider trends in the deteriorating information environment on social media, a growing number of popular OSINT accounts are using their far-reaching platforms to peddle Israeli disinformation and even cover up Israeli war crimes.

Perhaps the most obvious example of this is an X account by the name of OSINT Defender. A self-described Open Source Intelligence Monitor focused on Europe and Conflicts across the World, OSINT Defender gained prominence covering the war in Ukraine. Recent investigations have revealed OSINT Defenders identity as Simon Anderson, a member of the US military and resident of the state of Georgia. Since October 7th, the account has developed a reputation for sharing Israeli disinformation, dehumanizing Palestinians, and justifying Israeli war crimes.

OSINT Defender has shared debunked Israeli claims of the alleged Hamas command center under Al-Shifa and described hundreds of Palestinian civilians rounded up and tortured by Israeli forces as Hamas terrorists. The Israeli military itself later admitted that those rounded up were indeed civilians, but OSINT Defender never retracted the original posts. He has also fueled racist Pallywood tropes and routinely describes peaceful protesters calling for a ceasefire as violent Hamas supporters. If that wasnt enough, Anderson also claimed that the group of journalists killed by an Israeli tank shell in southern Lebanon were filming current exchanges of fire, when in reality, no active combat was ongoing at the time they were targeted. In none of these cases has OSINT Defender publicly retracted or corrected the false claims, even when debunked.

While experienced analysts and journalists may be able to identify the disinformation and engagement farming that accounts like OSINT Defender are known for, the same cannot be said for the general public. Their understanding of Israels assault on Gaza continues to be shaped by analysts assumed to be objective who, in reality, act as an extended arm of the Israeli propaganda machine. For example, accounts such as Aleph  and Israel Radar provide more technical analysis of developments throughout the region, but never question Israeli military narratives or correct Israeli disinformation, even when it is publicly debunked. They routinely fact check other accounts for sharing disinformation, but give the Israeli military a pass from the same verification process. For example, while pro-Israel accounts were quick to share Israels fabricated radar data mockup that claimed misfired Palestinian rockets struck Al-Shifa on November 10th, they were nowhere to be seen when subsequent investigations debunked it.

Conclusion

Israels strategy in Gaza is not limited to dehumanizing Palestinians and justifying war crimes under the guise of self-defense. In addition to saturating the information environment with an unprecedented deluge of state-sponsored disinformation, Israel has further isolated Gaza by deliberately targeting and destroying communications infrastructure. The resulting communications blackouts have thrust Gaza further into the dark, making it increasingly difficult for Palestinians to share evidence of Israeli war crimes with the outside world. As a result, efforts to push back against Israeli disinformation are severely hindered and Israeli propaganda can run amok.

Israels near-total control of the information environment is further compounded by the global network of journalists and OSINT analysts who, wittingly or unwittingly, act as uncritical conduits for pro-Israel and anti-Palestinian narratives. This phenomenon underscores a dangerous precedent, where the rapid dissemination of informationor disinformationcan shape international perceptions in real time before thorough verification or counter-narratives can take hold.

Moreover, Israels information warfare tactics, deeply ingrained in the nations military and political ethos, serve as a stark reminder of the power of narrative control in facilitating mass atrocities. The case of Gaza presents a microcosm of a broader, global challenge: how to navigate and counter state-sponsored disinformation in a hyper-connected world.

Recommendations:

Civil society and NGOs should collaborate to enhance media literacy and offer training opportunities designed to educate the general public on how to identify disinformation and propaganda. While this applies to all forms of media, training in basic OSINT collection methods would arm audiences with the tools they need to verify information as it comes out in real time. This could include training on conducting reverse image searches, geolocating footage shared online, and cross-checking information across multiple trustworthy sources. They should also advocate for increased funding of independent fact-checking organizations, such as Al-Haq and Forensic Architecture .

Media organizations and journalists should adhere to widely recognized journalistic and editorial standards when it comes to fact-checking and source verification, especially during conflicts characterized by rampant human rights abuses and war crimes. Claims made by militaries or armed groups should be treated with heightened scrutiny. In light of access limitations imposed by Israel, it is imperative for media organizations to prioritize sourcing news content and situational updates from Palestinian sources and hiring Palestinian reporters wherever feasible.

International law is woefully unprepared to address the evolving nature of state-sponsored disinformation in the digital age. In addition to developing wider legal frameworks to address the issue, the UN and other international bodies should establish a task force to monitor and document instances of Israeli state-sponsored disinformation designed to dehumanize Palestinians and justify mass killing. This information can be included as evidence of Israels genocidal intent in ongoing and future investigations.

Social media companies must take action to address their role in facilitating the spread of disinformation and propaganda that dehumanize Palestinians and justify war crimes. This includes implementing robust fact-checking mechanisms, enhancing transparency in content moderation efforts, collaborating with independent fact-checkers, strengthening community standards, and amplifying Palestinian voices, rather than censoring them.

Via Al-Shabaka .

Tariq Kenney-Shawa is Al-Shabakas US Policy Fellow and co-host of Al-Shabakas Policy Lab series. He holds a Masters degree in International Affairs from Columbia University. Tariqs research and writing have covered a range of topics, from the role of open-source intelligence in exposing Israels war crimes to analysis of Palestinian liberation tactics. His writing has appeared in The Los Angeles Times, Foreign Policy, and The Nation, among others. Follow Tariq on Twitter @tksshawa and visit his website at https://www.tkshawa.com/ for more of his writing and photography.
By Noorzehra Zaidi, University of Maryland, Baltimore County | 

For many Muslims breaking fast in mosques around the world this Ramadan, something will be missing: plastics.

The communal experience of iftars  the after-sunset meal that brings people of the faith together during the holy month  often necessitates the use of utensils designed for mass events, such as plastic knives and forks, along with bottles of water.

But to encourage Muslims to be more mindful of the impact of Ramadan on the environment, mosques are increasingly dispensing of single-use items, with some banning the use of plastics altogether.

As a historian of Islam, I see this greening of Ramadan as entirely in keeping with the traditions of the faith, and in particular the observance of Ramadan.

The month  during which observant Muslims must abstain from even a sip of water or food from sun up to sun down  is a time for members of the faith to focus on purifying themselves as individuals against excess and materialism.

But in recent years, Muslim communities around the world have used the period to rally around themes of social awareness. And this includes understanding the perils of wastefulness and embracing the link between Ramadan and environmental consciousness.

The ban on plastics  a move encouraged by the Muslim Council of Britain as a way for Muslims to be mindful of [Gods] creation and care for the environment  is just one example.



Green Ramadan, Digital, Dream/ Dreamland 3, 2024.

Many other mosques and centers are discouraging large or extravagant evening meals altogether. The fear is such communal events generate food waste and overconsumption and often rely on nonbiodegradable materials for cutlery, plates and serving platters.

Quranic environmentalism

While the move toward environmental consciousness has gained traction in Muslim communities in recent years, the links between Islam and sustainability can be found in the faiths foundational texts.

Scholars have long emphasized principles outlined in the Quran that highlight conservation, reverence for living creatures and the diversity of living things as a reminder of Gods creation.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the idea of mizan, a kind of cosmic and natural balance, and the role of humans as stewards and khalifa, or viceregents, on Earth  terms that also carry an environmental interpretation.

Recently, Islamic environmental activists have highlighted the numerous hadith  sayings of the Prophet Muhammad that provide guidance to followers of the faith  that emphasize that Muslims should avoid excess, respect resources and living things, and consume in moderation.

Although present from the outset of the faith, Islams ties to environmentalism received major visibility with the works of Iranian philosopher Seyyed Hossein Nasr, and a series of lectures he delivered at the University of Chicago in 1966. The lectures and a subsequent book, Man and Nature: The Spiritual Crisis in Modern Man, warned that humans had broken their relationship with nature and thus placed themselves in grave ecological danger.

Nasr blamed modern and Western science for being materialistic, utilitarian and inhuman, claiming it had destroyed traditional views of nature. Nasr argued that Islamic philosophy, metaphysics, scientific tradition, arts and literature emphasize the spiritual significance of nature. But he noted that numerous contemporary factors, such as mass rural-to-urban migration and poor and autocratic leadership, had prevented the Muslim world from realizing and implementing the Islamic view of the natural environment.

Scholars and activists expanded on Nasrs work through the 1980s and 1990s, among them Fazlun Khalid, one of the worlds leading voices on Islam and environmentalism. In 1994, Khalid founded the Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences, an organization dedicated to the maintenance of the planet as a healthy habitat for all living beings. Khalid and other Muslim environmentalists suggest that Islams nearly 2 billion adherents can participate in the tasks of environmental sustainability and equity not through Western models and ideologies but from within their own traditions.

Partnering with the United Nations Environment Program, Khalid and other leading scholars crafted Al-Mizan, a worldwide project for Muslim leaders interested in Muslims religious commitments to nature. The ethos of Islam is that it integrates belief with a code of conduct which pays heed to the essence of the natural world, Khalid wrote in Signs on the Earth: Islam, Modernity, and the Climate Crisis.

Going beyond an eco-Ramadan

Environmental crises disproportionately affect the worlds poorest populations, and academics have highlighted

the particular vulnerabilities of Muslim communities around the world, such as the victims of devastating floods in Pakistan in 2022.

By highlighting Islamic principles, policies and community approaches, academics have shown how Islam can represent a model for environmental stewardship.

This push for environmental consciousness extends beyond Ramadan. In recent years, Muslims have tried to introduce green practices into the shrine cities in Iraq during pilgrimage seasons in Ashura and Arbaeen.

This has included awareness campaigns encouraging the 20 million pilgrims who visit Arbaeen annually to reduce the tons of trash they leave every year that clog up Iraqs waterways. Quoting from Shiite scholarship and drawing on testimonials from community leaders, the Green Pilgrim movement suggests carrying cloth bags and reusable water bottles, turning down plastic cutlery, and hosting eco-friendly stalls along the walk.

Muslim-owned businesses and nonprofits are joining these wider efforts. Melanie Elturk, the founder of the successful hijab brand Haute Hijab, regularly ties together faith, fashion, commerce and environmentalism by highlighting the brands focus on sustainability and environmental impact. The Washington, D.C., nonprofit Green Muslims pioneered the first leftar  a play on the word iftar  using leftovers and reusable containers.

These efforts are but a few of the diverse ways that Muslim communities are addressing environmental impact. The greening of Ramadan fits into a broader conversation about how often communities can tackle climate change within their own frameworks.

But Islamic environmentalism is more than just the dispensing of plastic forks and water bottles  it taps into a worldview ingrained in the faith from the outset, and can continue to guide adherents as they navigate environmentalism, a space where they may otherwise be marginalized.

Noorzehra Zaidi, Assistant Professor of HIstory, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
DENVER / Mar 14, 2024 / Business Wire / Vista Gold Corp. (NYSE American and TSX: VGZ) (Vista or the Company) today announced its audited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2023, with cash totaling $6.1 million at year-end. All dollar amounts in this press release are in U.S. dollars.

During 2023, the Company focused on the efficient use of cash and strengthened its balance sheet by completing a $20 million royalty transaction (Royalty). Pursuant to the terms of the Royalty, we received $3 million in December 2023, $7 million in February 2024, and expect to receive the remaining $10 million during the first half of 2024.

Frederick H. Earnest, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vista, stated, Our team successfully executed on a number of key initiatives during 2023 and we are off to a great start in 2024. During this period we:

completed an internal scoping study that we believe confirmed the potential for a smaller-scale, staged development strategy for Mt Todd;

extended the term of the agreement with the Northern Territory Government pertaining to Mt Todd through December 31, 2029 with the option for a three-year extension;

started a drilling program targeting shallow gold resources at the north end of the Batman deposit which is expected to add near-surface gold resources, benefiting the mine production schedule and project cash flows in early years;

published our inaugural ESG report, which recognizes our belief in the importance of conducting our business in a responsible and sustainable manner, and our commitment to aligning our business practices with current and evolving ESG principles to ensure the long-term success and positive impact of our operations; and

recently announced the results of the updated feasibility study for Mt Todd that includes capital and operating costs, gold price, and foreign exchange rates reflective of current market conditions, with project economics that are approximately the same or slightly better than reported two years ago, inclusive of cost increases that have affected the entire gold mining sector.

Mr. Earnest continued, Our top priority in 2024 is realizing value for our shareholders. Receipt of the Royalty funding enables us to move forward strategically in our efforts to de-risk Mt Todd and maximize value. We continue to work with CIBC Capital Markets (CIBC) to identify and advance interest in Mt Todd and are focused on achieving a transaction that maximizes shareholder value. We plan to leverage the results of the drilling program and prior technical studies by advancing evaluations of smaller-scale, staged development scenarios at Mt Todd with a focus on lower initial capital costs. Our evaluation of a smaller-scale, staged development strategy for Mt Todd complements the work that we are doing with CIBC and increases optionality.

Summary of Financial Results

Vista reported a consolidated net loss of $6.6 million, or $0.05 per common share, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to a consolidated net loss of $4.9 million, or $0.04 per common share for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $6.1 million at December 31, 2023 compared to $8.1 million at December 31, 2022. In February 2024, the Company received the second instalment payment under the Royalty in the amount of $7 million and expects to receive the final instalment payment in the amount of $10 million during the first half of 2024. The Company continued to have no debt.

Management Conference Call

Managements conference call to review financial results for the year ended December 31, 2023 and to discuss corporate and project activities is scheduled for March 18, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. MDT (4:00 p.m. EDT).

Participant Toll Free: +1 (800) 717-1738

Participant International: +1 (289) 514-5100

Conference ID: 37191

This call will be archived and available at www.vistagold.com after March 18, 2024. An audio replay will also be available through April 1, 2024 by calling toll-free in North America +1 (888) 660-6264 or +1 (289) 819-1325 using passcode 37191#.

If you are unable to access the audio or phone-in on the day of the conference call, please email your questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

About Vista Gold Corp.

Vista is a gold project developer. The Companys flagship asset is Mt Todd, located in the mining friendly jurisdiction of Northern Territory, Australia. Situated approximately 250 km southeast of Darwin, Mt Todd is one of the largest development stage opportunities in Australia and demonstrates compelling economics. All major environmental and operating permits necessary to initiate development of Mt Todd are in place.

Mt Todd benefits from its location in a leading mining jurisdiction and offers opportunities to add value through growth of mineral reserves, alternative development strategies, and other de-risking activities.

For further information about Vista or Mt Todd, please contact Pamela Solly, Vice President of Investor Relations, at (720) 981-1185 or visit the Companys website at www.vistagold.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this news release that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such things as our belief that Vista strengthened its balance sheet by completing a $20 million royalty transaction (Royalty); our belief that we will receive the remaining $10 million under the Royalty during the first half of 2024; our belief that we have successfully executed on a number of key initiatives during 2023 and that we are off to a great start in 2024; our belief that the Royalty funding enables us to move forward strategically in our efforts to de-risk Mt Todd and maximize value; our belief that the internal scoping study confirmed the potential for a smaller-scale, staged development strategy for Mt Todd; our expectation that our drilling program will add near-surface gold resources, benefiting the mine production schedule and project cash flows in early years; our plan to leverage the results of the drilling program and prior technical studies by advancing evaluations of smaller-scale, staged development scenarios at Mt Todd with a focus on lower capital and that such evaluations complement our work with CIBC; statements regarding Mt Todd being one of the largest development stage opportunities in Australia and demonstrating compelling economics; our belief that Mt Todd benefits from its location in a leading mining jurisdiction; and our belief that Mt Todd offers opportunities to add value through growth of mineral reserves, alternative development strategies, and other de-risking activities are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this news release include the following: our forecasts and expected cash flows; our projected capital and operating costs; our expectations regarding mining and metallurgical recoveries; mine life and production rates; that laws or regulations impacting mine development or mining activities will remain consistent; our approved business plans, our mineral resource and reserve estimates and results of preliminary economic assessments; preliminary feasibility studies and feasibility studies on our projects, if any; our experience with regulators; political and social support of the mining industry in Australia; our experience and knowledge of the Australian mining industry and our expectations of economic conditions and the price of gold. When used in this news release, the words optimistic, potential, indicate, expect, intend, hopes, believe, may, will, if, anticipate and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource and reserve estimates, uncertainty as to the Companys future operating costs and ability to raise capital; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on our operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; uncertainty as to the results of bulk metallurgical test work; and uncertainty as to completion of critical milestones for Mt Todd; as well as those factors discussed under the headings Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors in the Companys latest Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed in March 2024, and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
March 14, 2024 - Vancouver, BC - Metallic Minerals Corp. (TSX.V: MMG; OTCQB: MMNGF) ("Metallic Minerals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Dr. M. Stephen Enders has been appointed to the Company's Board of Directors. Steve brings over 47 years of experience in mineral exploration and mining, working on some of the world's most significant copper and gold deposits. Steve is a major addition to the Metallic team and the Company looks forward to his invaluable contributions to the advancement of the La Plata copper-silver-gold-PGE and Keno Silver projects.

Steve's distinguished career includes former positions as Senior Vice President of Worldwide Exploration for Newmont Mining Corporation, the world's largest gold company, and President of Phelps Dodge Exploration Corporation (now Freeport McMoRan), one of the world's largest copper companies. In addition, he was also a director of Copper Mountain Mining Corp. (recently acquired by HudBay Mining) and former Executive Chairman, Director, and COO of EMX Royalty Corporation. As a co-founder of Cupric Canyon Capital LLC, Steve has been part of the team that has advanced the Khoemacau copper-silver mine in Botswana from exploration into production backed by private equity investors.

In addition to his achievements in industry, Dr. Enders has served as Department Head for Geology and Geological Engineering and for Mining Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines until 2023 and is on the Board of Governors for the CSM Foundation.

Dr. Enders is an Honorary Lecturer and past President of the Society of Economic Geologists (SEG) as well as former President of the SEG Foundation Board of Trustees. He received the Distinguished Achievement Medal from the Colorado School of Mines in 2009, the Ben F. Dickerson Award from the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration in 2014, and the Ralph W. Marsden Award from the Society of Economic Geologists in 2016.

Dr. Enders holds a BSc degree in geological engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and MSc and PhD degrees from the University of Arizona.

Metallic Minerals Chairman and CEO, Greg Johnson, stated, "We are very pleased to welcome Steve to the Metallic Minerals Board of Directors. Steve's depth of technical experience in exploration and development of major copper and gold deposits and mines worldwide with companies such as Newmont and Phelps Dodge, along with his hands on entrepreneurial experience in high-growth opportunities is a terrific addition to our board's current expertise in deposit discovery and advancement, process engineering, mine building and project financing."

Steve Enders stated, "I am excited by the opportunity to help Metallic Minerals advance the La Plata discovery. It is rare indeed today to find an outcropping porphyry copper deposit that has not yet been mined. The presence of high-grade copper mineralization with precious metal credits is promising for a potential underground mine that could be developed in the future with a net positive impact for all stakeholders."

Grant of Long-Term Performance Incentives

Metallic Minerals further announces that, subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, it has granted 1,875,000 stock options (each, an "Option") to certain directors, officers and employees of the Company in accordance with the Company's Long-Term Performance Incentive Plan. Each Option is exercisable into one common share in the capital of the Company ("Share") at a price of $0.30 per share, being the closing price of the Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange on March 13, 2024, for a period of five years from the date of grant. The Options are subject to certain vesting requirements in accordance with the shareholder approved plan.

About Metallic Minerals

Metallic Minerals Corp. is a Canadian exploration and development stage company, focused on copper, silver, gold, and platinum group elements in the La Plata mining district in Colorado, and silver and gold in the high-grade Keno Hill and Klondike districts of the Yukon. Our objective is to create shareholder value through a systematic, entrepreneurial approach to making exploration discoveries, growing resources, and advancing projects toward development.

At the Company's La Plata project in southwestern Colorado, the expanded 2023 NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate highlights a significant porphyry copper-silver resource containing 1.2 Blbs copper and 17.6 Moz of silver with numerous additional targets showing potential for a district scale porphyry corridor. Drill results announced in early 2023 included the longest and highest-grade interval ever encountered at La Plata and one of the top intersections for any North American copper project in the past several years. In May 2023, the Company announced a 9.5% strategic investment by Newcrest Mining Limited (acquired by Newmont Corporation in November 2023) to accelerate the advancement of the La Plata project. A 4,500-meter drill program focused on expanding the current mineral resource and testing extensions of strong porphyry-style mineralization was completed in December 2023 with results pending. In the 2023 Fraser Institute's Annual Survey of Mining Companies, Colorado ranked 5th globally for investment attractiveness and 2nd in the USA.

In Canada's Yukon Territory, Metallic Minerals has consolidated the second-largest land position in the historic high-grade Keno Hill silver district, directly adjacent to Hecla Mining Company's operations, with more than 300 Moz of high-grade silver in past production and current M&I resources1,2. The new 2024 Resource Estimate at the Company's Keno Silver Project adds 18.16 Moz silver equivalent ounces3 to the district3. Hecla, the largest primary silver producer in the USA and third largest in the world, is anticipating full production at its Keno Hill operations in 20242.

The Company is also one of the largest holders of alluvial gold claims in the Yukon and is building a production royalty business by partnering with experienced mining operators, including Parker Schnabel of Little Flake Mining from the Discovery Channel show Gold Rush.

All of the districts in which Metallic Minerals operates have seen significant mineral production and have existing infrastructure, including power and road access. Metallic Minerals is led by a team with a track record of discovery and exploration success on several major precious and base metal deposits in the region, as well as having large-scale development, permitting and project financing expertise. The Metallic Minerals team has been recognized for its environmental stewardship practices and is committed to responsible and sustainable resource development.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Website: www.mmgsilver.com Phone: 604-629-7800

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Toll Free: 1-888-570-4420

Footnotes:

Cathro, R. J., Great Mining Camps of Canada 1. The History and Geology of the Keno Hill Silver Camp, Yukon Territory. Geoscience Canada, Sept. 2006. ISSN 1911-4850. See Hecla Mining general presentation from September 2023, Slide 17, at www.hecla.com. Hecla IR Update September 2023 See Metallic Minerals news release dated, February 26, 2024.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, statements about expected results of operations, royalties, cash flows, financial position and future dividends as well as financial position, prospects, and future plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Metallic Minerals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, unsuccessful operations, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration, development of mines and mining operations is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Metallic Minerals and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Vancouver, British Columbia  TheNewswire - March 14, 2024: Inspiration Energy Corp. (the "Company" or "Inspiration ") (CSE: ISP) is pleased to announce that it has acquired the Bentley Uranium Property (the Property or Bentley) which consists of four mineral licenses encompassing a cumulative land area of ~5,710ha (57km2), located in the prolific Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan, Canada.

Highlights

Two Uranium bearing boulders found historically on the Property returned assays of 0.72% and 0.11% U(Figures 1 2).

Located in the Athabasca Basin ~75 kilometers North-East of Camecos Rabbit Lake mine which was in production for over 41 years and produced more than 203Mlbs of Uranium since 1975

Geologically, Bentley sits on a potentially parallel structure to the Collins Bay Conductive trend that hosts the Rabbit Lake, Collins Bay and Eagle Point deposits (Figure 1).

The Property has had a multitude of exploration already completed by previous owners including airborne magnetic, electromagnetic, radiometric surveys, geological mapping, reconnaissance and scintillometer readings.

The source of the uranium bearing boulders has yet to be found. The ice direction of the area is southwest (Figure 1) indicating that exploration should be focused more on northeastern part of the property.

Bentley has the potential to host vein, breccia and unconformity type Uranium systems similar to that of producing mines south of the area.

Inspiration has begun a desktop study in order to formulate sound geological targets with the intent to ground truth Bentley in the 2024 field season.

The Bentley Property marks Inspirations first move into Canadas prolific Athabasca Basin, stated Inspiration President and CEO Charles Desjardins. After optioning the Maraschino Uranium properties in the Thelon Basin, we decided to further expand to increase our Uranium optionality. Uranium spot prices have increased substantially over the past 12 months and as we move towards a greener future globally, we expect the demand for nuclear power to continue to increase. Inspiration will continue to build its portfolio in the efforts to uncover new viable Uranium prospects in one of the most prolific Uranium basins in the world.

Figure 1- Regional map showing the major uranium projects of the eastern Athabasca Basin and key conductive trends.

Figure 2- Map showing the government airborne EM conductors and mineral tenure of property area.

About the Bentley Property

The Bentley Property is comprised of four mineral licenses encompassing a total land area of ~5,710ha (57km2) and is located 75 kilometers North-East of Camecos Rabbit Lake mine. The Property sits on a potentially parallel structure to the Collins Bay Conductive trend that hosts the Rabbit Lake, Collins Bay and Eagle Point deposits. This environment has the potential for basement-hosted Uranium mineralization analogous to the Eagle Point model.

The most notable Uranium showing on the property is located at the northern tip of the eastern shoreline of an unnamed small lake, ~15.3km to the east-southeast of Bentley Lake's eastern shore. Mineralization is found within a boulder of migmatitic biotite gneiss, corresponding to radiometric anomaly F-4, with scintillometer readings of 3900 counts per second (cps). Further analysis of the boulder revealed a U3O8 value of 0.11% (0.09% U) and 0.03% ThO2. Another boulder proximal to the first corresponds to radiometric anomaly F-3 and comprises quartzose biotite gneiss, yielding scintillometer readings of 1500 cps. Assay results returned 0.72% U3O8 (0.69% U) and 1.98% ThO2.

Geological reconnaissance and mapping conducted in the broader area during the summer of 1980 by B.P. Scott (Scott, 1980), identified the area near outcrops categorized as granite and migmatite of the Aphebian Wollaston Domain. Isolated outcrops near the exploration site predominantly consist of granite with less than 50% inclusions of felsic gneiss or granodiorite gneiss. The earliest available records indicate that the area fell under Denison Mines Permit No. 2, which was staked on December 7, 1967. Exploration activities commenced the subsequent year, beginning with airborne electromagnetic (EM), magnetic, and radiometric surveys, along with geological reconnaissance (AF 64L-0002).

In 1969, ground EM and magnetic surveys were conducted over areas where airborne EM anomalies had been detected, along with an airborne spectrometer survey (AF 64L-0003). Additionally, diamond drilling, ground magnetic and EM surveys, and a U-Th ratio comparison were conducted over a portion of the area, but not covering the showing location (AF 64L15-0003). The following year, diamond drilling, ground geophysics, and geological mapping were carried out specifically over the showing area (AF 64L-0004), alongside ground evaluation across the entire area (AF 64L15-0004). Although positive results were uncovered during this mapping, the area was abandoned on in 1971.

In 1977, Taiga Consultants Ltd. obtained Permit No. 1 over the area. In 1978, Taiga submitted an exploration proposal and a regional geological description for the permit (AF 64L10-0016). The property was later renamed MPP 1041, and ownership transferred to Energy Reserves Canada Ltd. This entity conducted an airborne geophysical survey (AF 64L10-0017) and undertook regional and detailed lake sediment sampling, geological and glacial mapping, prospecting, and anomaly checks (AF 64L10-0018). The subsequent year, focus shifted towards a ground EM survey and follow-up prospecting of anomalous areas (AF 64L10-0019). Bentley has the potential to host vein, breccia and unconformity type Uranium systems similar to the producing mines south of the area.

Terms of the Option Agreement

The Vendors of the Property agree to sell, subject to the terms of the Agreement, a 100% undivided interest in the Property, subject to the Royalty Interest for:

(a) Within 5 days of the effective date,

paying the Vendors $5,000 cash; and

issuing 1,000,000 common shares (the Consideration Shares) of Inspiration;

(b) Granting the Vendors a two per cent (2.0%) Net Smelter Returns Royalty.

This Agreement will terminate at the Vendors discretion if Inspiration has failed to pay the cash amount and issue the Consideration Shares to the Vendors as set out above or if CSE acceptance is not granted within 35 days of the effective date of the Agreement.

Inspiration further reports that it has decided not to proceed with the Option Agreements of the Pagwachaun, Maun and Terrier Lithium projects.

NI 43-101 Disclosure

Nicholas Rodway, P.Geo, (Licence# 46541) (Permit to Practice# 100359) is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Rodway has reviewed and approved the technical content in this release.

References

The contents of this release were obtained from the On-line Mineral Assessment File System in Saskatchewan which provides access to non-confidential mineral assessment files, allowing users to search and explore valuable information related to mineral exploration and mining. The reports referenced in this press release can be retrieved from the following link: ER - Assessment Search (saskatchewan.ca)

Source1: https://www.cameco.com/businesses/uranium-operations/suspended/rabbit-lake

About Inspiration Energy Corp.

Inspiration Energy Corp. is engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets in Canada. Its objective is to locate and develop properties of merit and to conduct exploration on the Companys properties.

For more information, please refer to the Company's information available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Charles Desjardins

Chief Executive Officer, President and Director

Phone #604-808-3156

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Neither the Canadian Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect managements current expectations and assumptions, including with respect to the Companys ability or intention to complete the private placement, as described above. Such forward-looking statements reflect managements current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Investors are cautioned that these forward looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. These forward -looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and by those made in our filings with SEDAR+ in Canada (available at WWW.SEDARPLUS.CA).




Rifaat al-Assad, an uncle of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, will stand trial in Switzerland for war crimes and crimes against humanity, the Swiss attorney general said on Tuesday.

The office of Switzerland's Attorney General (OAG) said it was charging the former Syrian vice president and former Syrian army officer with a long list of crimes committed in February 1982, during a conflict between the Syrian military and Islamist opposition.

"The accused is charged with ordering homicides, acts of torture, cruel treatments and illegal detentions ... in his capacity as commander of the defence brigades ... and commander of operations in Hama," it said in a statement.

It said the alleged "war crimes and crimes against humanity" he was being charged with had taken place "within the context of the armed conflict and the widespread and systematic attack launched against the population of the city of Hama", in central Syria.

Syrian security forces had been deployed to Hama in early February 1982 to suppress an insurrection by the Islamist opposition, and the operation allegedly ended at the end of the same month.

The OAG highlighted the defence brigades, which Rifaat al-Assad commanded, "were purportedly the main forces in charge of the suppression".

"In this context, several thousands of civilians were allegedly victims of different abuses, ranging from immediate execution to detention and torture in specifically-created centres, according to several testimonies," it said.

According to the indictment, the armed conflict in question is estimated to have caused between 3,000 and 60,000 deaths in Hama, most of them civilians.

The complaint against him was first filed in 2013 by TRIAL International, a rights group that works with victims and pushes Switzerland to prosecute alleged international criminals.

The criminal proceedings in Switzerland were finally initiated under so-called international jurisdiction, which allows countries to prosecute alleged crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide regardless of where they were committed.

Under Switzerland's former Military Criminal Code, war crimes have been considered criminal offences in the country since 1968, regardless of where they are committed and the nationality of the offenders or the victims.

Rifaat al-Assad was forced into exile in 1984 after a failed attempt to overthrow his brother, but returned to the country in 2021.

His trial date in Switzerland has yet to be announced.
Rifaat al-Assad, an uncle of the Syrian president, will stand trial in Switzerland for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity that decades ago earned him the nickname "The Butcher of Hama".

The office of Switzerland's Attorney General (OAG) said it was charging the former Syrian vice president and former Syrian army officer with a long list of crimes committed in February 1982, during a notorious clash between the Syrian military and Islamist opposition in the town of Hama in western Syria.

There was no immediate official reaction from Syria nor from Rifaat al-Assad, who is believed to be in Syria.

The uncle of Syria's current president Bashar al-Assad was being "charged with ordering homicides, acts of torture, cruel treatments and illegal detentions", the OAG said in a statement.

His alleged "war crimes and crimes against humanity", it said, were committed "in his capacity as commander of the defence brigades ... and commander of operations in Hama", in central Syria.

They took place "within the context of the armed conflict and the widespread and systematic attack launched against the population of the city of Hama", it said.

- Executions, torture -

Syrian security forces deployed to Hama in early February 1982 to suppress an insurrection by the Islamist opposition, and the operation allegedly ended at the end of the same month.

The OAG highlighted that the defence brigades "were purportedly the main forces in charge of the suppression".

"In this context, several thousands of civilians were allegedly victims of different abuses, ranging from immediate execution to detention and torture in specifically-created centres," it said.

According to the indictment, the armed conflict in question is estimated to have caused between 3,000 and 60,000 deaths in Hama, most of them civilians.

The criminal proceedings in Switzerland were initiated under so-called international jurisdiction, which allows countries to prosecute alleged crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide regardless of where they were committed.

The initial Swiss complaint against Rifaat al-Assad was filed in 2013 by TRIAL International, a rights group that works with victims and pushes Switzerland to prosecute alleged international criminals.

"It's another step for justice for the Syrian people!" TRIAL chief Philip Grant said in a statement celebrating the indictment.

Along with several other past and ongoing proceedings in France and Germany, the new trial, he said, would help examine "the responsibility of the highest Syrian officials" and shed "light on the crimes committed by the al-Assad's clan against its own people during the past decades".

The organisation also quoted one of three victims who will serve as civil plaintiffs in the case hailing the proof "that such powerful persons can be brought to justice".

- Exile -

The attorney-general's office had already in 2021 requested permission to issue an international arrest warrant for the now 86-year-old, but the justice ministry initially balked, arguing Switzerland did not have jurisdiction to pursue him.

But a year later, a Swiss court overruled the justice ministry position, highlighting that Rifaat al-Assad had been staying at a Geneva hotel when Swiss prosecutors first launched their investigation in 2013.

This provided a path to pursuing him over alleged war crimes, it said, allowing the OAG to issue an international arrest warrant in 2022.

It remains unlikely that the defendant, who recently returned to Syria after 37 years in exile, will show up in person for the trial, for which a date has yet to be set.

But his presence may not be necessary: Swiss law allows for trials in absentia under certain conditions.

Rifaat al-Assad, long a pillar of the regime in Damascus, was forced into exile in 1984 after a failed attempt to overthrow his brother, late president Hafez al-Assad.

He travelled to Switzerland and later France, working in opposition to the Syrian regime, before finally returning home in 2021.

He has made no public appearance since then, but last April, he appeared in a picture alongside the current president and the first lady, along with other family members.
Four humanitarian organisations on Tuesday said they were suing Denmark to get it to stop its weapons exports to Israel.

The lawsuit was filed against the national police and the foreign ministry.

"Denmark should not be sending weapons to Israel when there is a reasonable suspicion that it is committing war crimes in Gaza," Tim Whyte, the secretary general of Action Aid Denmark, one of the organisations behind the lawsuit, said in a statement.

"We need to get the court's word on Denmark's responsibility," he said.

Investigative media Danwatch in November revealed that Israel's F-35s were equipped with parts made by the Danish group Terma.

The three other organisations behind the legal action were the Danish branches of Amnesty International, Oxfam and Palestinian human rights organisation Al-Haq.

The lawsuit came almost a month after a Dutch court ordered the Netherlands to stop exporting F-35 parts to Israel.

In mid-February, a Dutch appeals court judge ruled that there was "a clear risk that serious violations of humanitarian law of war are committed in the Gaza Strip with Israel's F-35 fighter planes."

Several similar lawsuits are underway in other countries, including in Canada where the foreign and justice ministers have been targeted.

But London's High Court last month rejected a similar petition to suspend British arms exports to Israel.

The war started with the October 7 Hamas attack that resulted in about 1,160 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP count based on Israeli official figures.

The militants also took around 250 hostages, dozens of whom were released during a week-long truce in November. Israel believes 99 hostages remain alive in Gaza, along with the bodies of 31.

Israel's retaliatory bombardment and ground offensive have killed 31,112 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza's health ministry.
Without critical action, nearly 230,000 children and new mothers in war-ravaged Sudan are "likely to die from hunger", Save the Children warned on Wednesday.

Nearly 11 months of fighting between the forces of two rival generals has killed thousands and displaced eight million people in the northeast African country, the United Nations says.

The bombing and destruction of fields and factories have plunged Sudan into "one of the worst" nutrition situations in the world, said Arif Noor, Save the Children's country director in Sudan.

"Nearly 230,000 children, pregnant women and new mothers could die in the coming months," the British non-governmental organisation said.

The charity said "more than 2.9 million children in Sudan are acutely malnourished and an additional 729,000 children under five are suffering from severe acute malnutrition -- the most dangerous and deadly form of extreme hunger".

It warned "about 222,000 severely malnourished children and more than 7,000 new mothers are likely to die" under the current levels of funding which "only covers 5.5 percent" of Sudan's total needs.

The United Nations' World Food Programme sounded the alarm on Sudan this month, warning the war risked triggering the world's largest hunger crisis.

The conflict, which experts have warned could last years, is being fought between Sudan's army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, his former deputy and commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

- 'Cycle of hunger' -

Noor warned the situation would only worsen as the consequences of the current fighting take hold.

"No planting last year means no food today. No planting today means no food tomorrow. The cycle of hunger is getting worse and worse with no end in sight -- only more misery," he said.

Already, more than half of all Sudanese, including 14 million children, require humanitarian assistance to survive, the United Nations says.

The UN has described a "climate of sheer terror", reporting the use of heavy artillery in densely populated urban areas, sexual violence as a weapon of war, the destruction of hospitals and schools.

The United States has accused both sides of war crimes and alleged the RSF has carried out ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.

A report before the UN Human Rights Council details gross violations and abuses of international human rights law and possible war crimes.

Earlier in March, the UN's human rights chief Volker Turk called the conflict a "living nightmare" and said it had "slipped into the fog of global amnesia".

The conflict has driven 18 million people into food insecurity, including five million who are only one stage away from famine.

Humanitarian organisations have been prevented from entering Sudan or moving freely and have come under attack by both sides.
A Rwandan court on Wednesday found opposition leader and dissident Victoire Ingabire ineligible to run in the July presidential polls because of previous convictions for terrorism and genocide denial.

A fierce critic of Rwanda's long-ruling President Paul Kagame, Ingabire spent eight years in prison before receiving a presidential pardon in 2018 that cut short her 15-year sentence.

She had asked the Kigali high court to allow her to contest the July 15 polls despite a legal ban on convicted candidates who have been jailed for six months or longer.

"The court finds that Ingabire's request to have her conviction removed is not accepted," a judge said, reading out the decision.

"I disagree with this ruling. It is clearly politicised. We still have a country where the courts are still not independent," Ingabire told AFP after the court decision.

According to Rwandan law, she will be allowed to appeal the ruling only after two years.

The polls are widely expected to return Kagame to office for a fourth seven-year term, after he presided over controversial constitution amendments allowing him to potentially rule until 2034.

The 66-year-old has been at the helm of the landlocked African nation for decades, winning presidential elections in 2003, 2010 and 2017 -- with more than 90 percent of the vote.

Kagame's only known challenger in the July polls is Green Party leader Frank Habineza, who secured 0.45 percent of the vote in 2017. All other legally registered opposition parties back the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front.

Ingabire's Dalfa Umurunzi (Development And Liberty For All) movement is not officially registered in Rwanda.

An ethnic Hutu, Ingabire, 55, was accused of "divisionism" after publicly questioning the government narrative of the 1994 genocide targeting the Tutsi minority that killed around 800,000 people.

Kagame has been praised for bringing stability to the African nation but his government's dismal human rights record has drawn censure.

- 'Urgent need for reform' -

In a statement published on social media after Wednesday's verdict, Ingabire said the ruling "is not merely a personal setback but is emblematic of the broader issues facing our nation".

"Today's decision is a stark reminder of the barriers to political participation and the urgent need for reform in our country's governance."

Ingabire regularly accuses the Rwandan leader of suppressing dissent and neglecting the poor.

Following her 2018 release from jail, she had told reporters she was freed because of international pressure on Rwanda's government, prompting a warning from Kagame: "Do not be shocked if you go back to prison."

Numerous opposition politicians have disappeared or been killed in mysterious circumstances over the last few years.

A member of Ingabire's former party FDU-Inkingi was stabbed near the capital Kigali in September 2019, six months after the party's spokesman Anselm Mutuyimana was kidnapped and his body later found in a forest.

Based in The Netherlands since 1994, Ingabire returned to Rwanda in 2010, intending to run for president as FDU-Inkingi's leader.

But she was arrested after calling for perpetrators of crimes against the Hutu majority also to be pursued and punished.
Last week, the Federal Criminal Court of Bellinzona heard the final pleas in the Swiss trial of a former Gambian minister. Ousman Sonkos lawyer asked for his acquittal and compensation amounting to almost a million Swiss Francs - 929, 855.25 CHF -, which is almost an equivalent amount in euros.

The public prosecutor and the plaintiffs lawyers were given the floor to react afterwards. The plaintiffs' lawyers - Caroline Renold, Annina Mullis, Nina Burri, Stephanie Motz, and Fanny De Weck - all maintained that Sonko was not in the dark about the crimes perpetrated under his responsibility.

The plaintiffs exaggerations

In closing remarks, the defence pleaded that the prosecution did not bring proof of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population in The Gambia, as described in the indictment.

The plaintiffs have come before your court to deliberately describe an absolutely catastrophic situation throughout Yahya Jammehs presidency. They naturally have an interest in portraying things in the bleakest possible light, exaggerating the negative elements and ignoring their own misdeeds, argued defence lawyer Philippe Currat. They feel all the more free to do this because none of you three [judges] have ever been to The Gambia and have no experience of the situation on the ground at the time of the events.

For him, an attack within the International Criminal Courts definition of a crime against humanity is absolutely impossible to claim, as there was no concrete threat to the civilian population in The Gambia. None! he exclaimed, before coming back to the key testimony of Binta Jamba, the widow of Almamo Manneh, a State Guard soldier said to be loyal to Jammeh at the time. Ousman Sonko is accused of complicity in Mannehs murder by luring him into an ambush in 2000.

Madam Federal Prosecutor, you asked my client why Binta Jamba [who accused Sonko of raping her multiple times] would lie and he replied that she could better tell you the reasons. However, the reasons are obvious: her husband apparently died trying to resist his arrest. She holds Sonko responsible. Her husbands failed coup deprives her of the opportunity to become the country's first lady, as she might have wished if he had succeeded. Of all the private plaintiffs we heard in this trial, she was the only one whose emotions - which were rare, by the way - did not appear sincere, said Currat.

He further pleaded that there was no unifying link between Mannehs death, the acts described by Jamba, the punishment of the March 2006 coup attempt, the death of Baba Jobe and the punishment of the illegal demonstration of 14 April 2016, which are all described in the indictment as a continuous offence of which Sonko is accused.

Mannehs death, Currat argued, could be the result of a proportionate use of force. The use of lethal force to arrest a high ranking army officer in a coup attempt who opens fire on the forces that have come to stop him cannot a priori be considered murder or homicide, he pleaded.

Journalists were free under Jammeh

Currat also told the court that during the trial, the private plaintiffs submitted numerous copies of newspapers published in The Gambia between 2000 and 2016, which he said proves that journalists were free to write and publish articles, including articles critical of the government, even on the most sensitive topics affecting national security, such as on persons involved in a coup attempt or investigations conducted after such attempts, on persons detained or possibly ill-treated in these circumstances.

Referring to the indictment, Currat said it could be ruled out that Musa Saidykhan and Madi Ceesay were arrested and interrogated because they were journalists. For him, they were arrested because they had published a false report that earned them a complaint from the person they had falsely portrayed as being involved in the coup. Without the complaint, there is no evidence that they would have been targeted.

Currat didnt mention that according to Gambias Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) findings, there were over 140 arrests and detentions of media practitioners under Jammehs regime, which, according to the TRRC report, shows a deep-seated intolerance for freedom of expression and the media exercising its functions of promoting public participation, accountability, and democracy, as he viewed this as a threat to his power.

Torture is never permitted, torture is never legitimate, torture is never acceptable, Currat kept on saying on Wednesday March 6, before the floor was given to the prosecutor and plaintiffs lawyers to respond the next day.

Prosecution reaction

What a blind person can see but the defendant refuses to admit is that he was one of the central figures in the state apparatus of Jammehs regime of torture and terror, said public prosecutor, Sabrina Beyeler. The defences introductory statement has made it clear that the defendant, since the beginning of the trial, has an aim to politicize the proceedings.

The defence lawyer accused TRIAL International, the Swiss NGO that initiated the case, of pushing their agenda to bring Jammeh to justice through this case. Ousman Sonko is only a means to this end, Currat said in his closing arguments.

The trial is not political, Beyeler stressed. The only person who makes it a political issue is the accused. It is arrogant, presumptuous and defamatory to suggest that a non-governmental organization is acting as a whistleblower and that the courts in Switzerland would wave the trial through with a conviction for nothing, so that the criminal proceedings against Yahya Jammeh could be conducted as the ultimate goal.

Annina Mullis, the lawyer representing Binta Jamba, retorted that the defences speculations about Jambas motivations for falsely accusing Sonko, may exist within the world view and logic of the accused, but are not very plausible outside of it.

She is also representing Madi Ceesay and Musa Saidykhan, two journalists tortured in March 2006. There, I have already explained in detail the persecution of journalists and media organizations classified as critical. I would like to vehemently reject the claim that my clients themselves said that they were not persecuted and tortured as journalists. In court, both stated that they had been arrested and tortured in connection with their journalistic work - both also stated that their position within the Gambian Press Union had an influence at the time of their arrest, she told the court.

Caroline Renold, a lawyer for three other plaintiffs  Bunja Darboe, Demba Dem and Ramzia Diab  refuted the defences statement that the victims are not part of the civilian population because they were coup plotters. This element alone shows that the 2006 repression was an attack against the civilian population and not a criminal case against coup plotters, she added.

Plaintiffs criminal behaviour?

Currat also accused the plaintiffs of having an interest in making people forget the criminal nature of their behaviour. Almamo Manneh is not a poor, innocent victim, he was one of the highest ranking officers in the Gambian army and was involved in a coup attempt, he told the court. Bunja Darboe is not innocent either, as he was also involved in a coup attempt against the legitimate government of the country. Obviously, none of them had the aim of promoting human rights when organizing their coups. Musa Saidykhan and Madi Ceesay had published false information. Baba Jobe was a war criminal who was on the United Nations Security Council sanctions list for his involvement in the illicit trade in blood diamonds in connection with the civil war in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

On that Wednesday, Sonko looked more anxious than ever. He had in front of him a document he was reading thoroughly. During breaks, he would get up, with his hands in his jumper pockets, and look up at the ceiling as if waiting to be saved. During one of the breaks, the public prosecutor came towards the podium to speak to the accused, and they seemed to have a friendly conversation.

On Thursday, the defendant appeared a bit less anxious but still tense, busier than ever. There was a pile of documents in front of him, and he was using his marker on the pages. When Sonko was finally given the floor, he first expressed his disappointment with the court for refusing to provide him with translation from German, the language in which the final pleas were expressed, to English.

He started to say that he could not comment on the pleadings because he did not know what was said against him, due to the lack of translation. He however told the court he noticed that the complainants amended their earlier statements. I regret that they discredited themselves in this way by lying, with the sole aim of supporting the accusation against me, in defiance of the truth. I dont blame them and I understand how important this trial is for them.

There is an African dictum that says: justice is not justice if in your journey to seek justice you kill an innocent person as a way for you to get to the person that actually hurt you, the former interior minister added.

You have detained me for more than seven years without trial and in undignified conditions, he told the court. The legality of which no Swiss authority has ever been willing to examine. I have been held in solitary confinement for almost two years, which has had a serious impact on my health and, in particular, has caused permanent damage to one of my eyes, which is therefore a crime under Swiss law.

A history of colonialism and racism

You seem to be interested in what has happened in my country, the conditions in its prisons, the actions of its police and its authorities. You take a condescending view of the resources available to us in government to try to ensure its development. Naturally, and probably without really thinking about it, you are part of a history of colonialism and racism. You have to understand that we cant work miracles under these conditions. If a country as rich and developed as yours is unable to provide its prisoners with dignified conditions of detention, how do you expect us to be able to do so? he asked.

For seven years, I have experienced hatred, contempt and lies from your criminal prosecution authorities. After seven years in pre-trial detention in Switzerland, I have the impression that your judicial system is based on arbitrariness, and systematically condemns foreigners. You have let me express myself to you more than at any time in the last seven years, but I dont know if you have heard me.

Parties now await the verdict, the date of which is as yet unknown.
Netflix is ready to give viewers intense guests and tension as the streaming giant introduces participants in "Physical: 100 Season 2 - Underground."

Fiercer and bolder than the previous season, the reality survival show welcomes a diverse lineup of contestants, including legendary athletes, olympians, officers, celebrities, and more.

Interestingly, the "Physical: 100 Season 2 - Underground" cast also showcased familiar faces who will also battle it out and fight against fellow participants.

Meet the 'Physical: 100 Season 2 - Underground' Cast

In the newest trailer released by Netflix, "Physical: 100 Season 2 - Underground" showed a glimpse of participants as they entered the arena.

The first contestant introduced is Jung Yoo-In, a national team swimmer.

According to her, she became famous for her incredible physique.

Fellow participants were surprised to see Lee Jae Yoon's name on the show's second season.

He is a Canadian-born South Korean actor who has appeared in various K-dramas and movies such as "Alice," "Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo," and "Joseon Survival," plus he is a brown belter in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

READ MORE: 'Physical: 100' Season 2 Shows Sneak Peek of Grueling Quests

Everyone seemed shocked upon seeing the iconic athlete, Jung Ji Hyun.

He is a national team wrestler and competed at the 2004 Athens Olympics, winning a gold medal for wrestling.

"I decided to participate in order to show the power of wrestling to the masses."

Adding to the list of "Physical: 100 Season 2: Underground" cast members is the judo legend Lee Won Hee.

He was the first Korean athlete to achieve a grand slam in judo.

In the latest trailer, Netflix also welcomes crossfit enthusiast and YouTuber Amotti, national team rugby player Heo Kyung Hee, crossfitter Go Min Jung, and more.

Interestingly, another familiar face joining "Physical: 100 Season 2 - Underground" is Hong Beom Seok, a firefighter and season 1 participant.

According to him, he has been preparing for season 1 after his journey ended early in season 1.

"I'm going in with a do-or-die attitude in season 2 to survive until the end."

'Physical: 100 Season 2' Release Date

Following the successful broadcast of season 1, the Netflix reality survival show is back with tougher quests and a wide array of contenders.

Set to premiere on March 19, "Physical: 100 Season 2 - Underground" will deliver an epic showdown of grueling quests as every challenge measures the participants, endurance and strategy.

For the upcoming season, the cast will undergo a thrilling mix of challenges involving physical agility and mental resilience that will push them to the limit.

As mentioned, the second season welcomes a diverse cast, which includes celebrities, FBI diplomats, police officers, and military personnel, as well as the first Korean UFC fighter, Kim Dong Hyun, and gold medalist Anthony Jung.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 'Physical: 100' Season 2 Cast to Undergo Background Checks,Therapies Following Controversies

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article

Written by Geca Wills
Reports claimed that the trending K-drama "Queen of Tears," starring Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won, is based on a real-life story.

Here's what we know.

Samsung's Heiress Lee Boo Jin is Real-Life Hong Hae In?

As "Queen of Tears" continues to garner popularity, interesting news about the buzzworthy drama starts to occupy the internet. According to a source, the series is rumored to be based on a real-life story of the third-generation Samsung heiress and her Cinderella groom, which once shook the entire nation.

Lee Boo Jin, gifted with beauty and business acumen, which she inherited from her father, was in charge of the luxurious Shilla Hotel and restaurant chain in Seoul. She is the second daughter of Samsung's multinational conglomerate chairman, Lee Kun Hee, who has 100 subsidiaries spanning finance, various retail chains, and the iconic Samsung technology brand.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Did You Know? Kim Soo Hyun's Drunk Scene in 'Queen of Tears' Inspired From Kim Ji Won's 'Fight for My Way'

Similarly, Hong Hae In, played by Kim Ji Won in "Queen of Tears," also has a background as a third-generation heir of the Queen Group conglomerate. She manages the Queen's department stores, while her younger brother oversees the Queen Mart supermarkets.

Im Woo Jae & Lee Boo Jin's Love Story Similar to 'Queen of Tears' Plot

Im Woo Jae, now Lee Joo Bin's ex-husband, was a university graduate and said to be a technical staff member at Samsung C&T's IT department before marrying Lee Joo Bin.

Kim Soo Hyun's character Baek Hyun Woo also graduated from a prestigious law school and worked at the Queen Group. His education and career attainment are slightly more affluent, with his parents owning a large farm in the countryside.

It has been said that Lee Boo Jin and Im Woo Jae's first encounter happened during the Samsung Foundation charity event in 1995, where Boo Jin was an undercover intern, just like how Hae In's character was introduced. Their internships led to a blossoming relationship, and Woo Jae was unaware of his partner's background.

Their wedding, which happened in August 1999, defied societal norms. It also sparked a media frenzy and even turned into a TV drama plot for some.

Unfortunately, Lee Boo Jin filed for divorce in 2014, securing custody of their child.

With only two episodes released so far, viewers are curious how Hong Hae In convinced her family to accept this unconventional marriage. Similarly, after just three years of marriage, Baek Hyun Woo found himself applying for a divorce.

Even the post-wedding life of the couple was similar compared to the drama's characters' backgrounds.

While the series romanticizes reality, the writer of the drama offers Baek Hyun Woo and Hong Hae In's marriage an escape route, and a chance for mutual understanding, making the narrative more interesting.

It has been said that Im Woo Jae's divorce journey ended bitterly after five years of being married. He received less than 1% after resigning from his position at Samsung and returning to his original status.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Kim Soo Hyun Reveals the Weight of Becoming Superstar: 'I couldn't really enjoy it at all'

What can you say about the news? Share your thoughts/replies in the comments!

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article.

Shai Collins wrote this.
Hallyu star Yoon Ji On is coming back to the spotlight with a brand new drama this 2024, following his back-to-back success in the past years with "Tomorrow" and "My Lovely Liar."

The 33-year-old actor was cast in the upcoming romance comedy series "Golden Boy" which is headlined by Jung So Min and Jung Hae In.

Here's what we know so far.

Yoon Ji On To Play Dedicated Journalist In Upcoming K-drama

On March 14, news outlets reported that Yoon Ji On was cast in the upcoming tvN production of the romance comedy series "Golden Boy."

Earlier this year, seasoned actors Jung So Min and Jung Hae In confirmed their participation in the show as the lead stars, raising anticipation among the fans.

The series follows the story of a woman who plans to reset her life to forget about her mother's friend's son whom she fell in love with in the past.

In response to the reports, IEUM Hashtag announced that actor Yoon Ji On has confirmed his appearance as Kang Dan Ho, a passionate journalist who pursues nothing but the truth.

He becomes friends with Bae Seok Ryu, Choi Seung Hyo and Jung Mo Eum, played by Jung So Min, Jung Hae In and Kim Ji Eun, respectively, after he moves into their neighborhood.

Through the new drama, Yoon Ji On is expected to showcase his freer personality after taking on dark-themed roles in the past in "Tomorrow," "My Lovely Liar" and "Jirisan," to name a few.

READ MORE: 3 Korean-Japanese Dramas Debuting This 2024: 'What Comes After Love,' 'Romantic Anonymous,' More

Focus is given to Yoon Ji On's acting transformation this year so make sure to check it out. Meanwhile, Park Ji Young, Jo Han Chul and Park Young Nam are also parts of the cast.

Here's What To Expect From Yoon Ji On This 2024

Besides "Golden Boy," Yoon Ji On was also cast in the much anticipated series "Is It Fate?."

It marks his first K-drama with Chae Jong Hyeop, and his reunion drama with Kim So Hyun whom he worked with in "My Lovely Liar" last year.

In the much anticipated series, he transforms into a narcissistic novelist named Bang Joon Ho who develops a special relationship with Kim So Hyun.

Meanwhile, "Is It Fate?" has been in production since 2022 however, there's no news regarding its release yet so stay tuned for new updates on the drama.

If you wish to see more of Yoon Ji On, check out his popular K-dramas "Be Melodramatic," "You Are My Spring" and "Tomorrow" on Netflix now!

ALSO READ: Kim Ha Neul Reveals Key Point To Anticipate In 'Nothing Uncovered': 'My transformation'





KDramaStars owns this article.

Written by Elijah Mully.
A section of the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies is seen west of Cochrane, Alta., Thursday, June 17, 2021. Alberta's utitilies regulator has released a report saying the renewables industry poses little threat to agriculture or the environment. The Alberta Utilities Commission also say there's no consensus on what landscapes should be protected for their scenic value. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh




Thursday, March 14, 2024 - Thousands of Kenyan youth who depend on the Remotasks website for their livelihoods have been compelled to seek alternative options after the international remote tasks platform became inaccessible in Kenya.

On Tuesday, numerous workers on the platform shared an email reportedly sent by the company, announcing its intention to cease operations in Kenya.

According to the communication, the site planned to terminate operations on March 8 this year, nearly a week ago.

"We are reaching out with an important announcement regarding Remotasks operations in your location. We are discontinuing operations in your current location effective March 8, 2024.

"As part of this change, you have been off-boarded from your current project," read the email in part.

A spot check on the company's website returned a blank page with the words, "Sorry, you have been blocked. You are unable to access remotasks.com."

The development comes just weeks after President William Ruto praised a Kenyan youth for utilising the platform to make Ksh45,000 monthly pay.

During his visit to ICT labs in January this year, the Head of State interacted with Brian Kipchumba, a university student who made northward of Sh300,000 per year.

"Here is my Remotasks account. I have been working online since December 26, 2023. The total amount of money I have earned is USD284 which is like Ksh45,000.

"My recent payout is USD172. That is per week," Kipchumba told the President attracting applause from Ruto and his leaders.

The Kenyan DAILY POST


Thursday, March 14, 2024  A body found in the River Thames three weeks ago is believed to be missing student Samaria Ayanle, who has been missing for three weeks.

The Met Police said that the teen was first reported missing by SOAS University of London, where she was in her first year studying Japanese and the History of Art, on March 8.

An investigation found she was last seen at her university accommodation near Marble Arch in the early hours of February 22, three weeks ago.

Police were called by a member of the public to reports of a body near Putney Pier at 8.19am on the same day. But no personal property was found and a fingerprint test could not confirm her identity.

An appeal for information was launched on Tuesday but officers have now linked the case with a body found last month.





The body was recovered with no personal property on it and fingerprint tests were "negative", police said.

A Met spokesperson added: "Police checked recent missing persons' reports but the body did not match the description of any other people reported missing around that time.

"The body was sent to the coroner to conduct further checks. Meanwhile, details were uploaded onto the UK Missing Person database in the hope the person might be identified.

"After Samaria was reported missing officers linked their enquiries to the 22 February discovery on Wednesday 13 March. They have viewed body-worn video from then and believe the person found is Samaria."

The body has not been formally identified.

Detectives are appealing for anyone with information about her disappearance to get in touch.





Her former University said: 'We are deeply saddened to hear that police have discovered a body which is believed to be that of Samaria Ayanle, who was a first-year student at SOAS University of London, studying for a BA in Japanese and the History of Art.

'Our thoughts are with her family, loved ones and friends at this difficult time.

'We know that this news will be felt by many and we will be doing everything we can do to support friends, family and the wider student and staff community.

'We urge members of the SOAS community who have been affected by the news to reach out if you need support.'

The apparent discovery of Ms Ayanle's body last month came after police recovered the bodies of two men in the River Thames on 10 February while searching for alkali attack suspect Abdul Ezedi.

His body was later found on 19 February.




Thursday, March 14, 2024 - Detectives in Busia are holding a notorious robbery suspect believed to have led a five-member gang for a daring robbery at Bishop Sulumeti Chelelemuk Girls Secondary School in the county's Teso North sub-county.

In the March 8, 2024 burglary reported by the high school Principal, Benard Juma Olula, 45, who has been on police radar linked with a spate of violent robberies in Bungoma, Vihiga, Kakamega, and Busia counties, led the gang that stole HP laptops and thousands of shillings from the school bursar's and principal's offices.

Crime research detectives who have been analysing the suspect's criminal profile believe that Juma is a gun-hardened felon with links to Uganda from whence he has been hiring rifles for use in armed robberies, until recently when his main Ugandan supplier was arrested and jailed for 40 years.

Prosecution processes have since been instigated, with detectives securing custodial orders to hunt down Juma's accomplices and subject the whole ring to justice.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.
Thursday, March 14, 2024 - Jimmy Cherizier, a powerful Haitian gang leader who has reigned terror in the past two weeks, has warned President William Ruto and his friends against interfering in the country's affairs amid the chaos.

Kenya is set to lead the peacekeeping mission to Haiti by sending 1,000 security officers to the Caribbean nation.

Speaking during an interview, Cherizier, popularly known as Barbecue, explained that the solution for peace in Haiti will be brought by its citizens and not interventions from foreign powers.

He questioned the motive of the international support, noting that each country seeks to defend its interests on such matters.

"The solution to the problem of Haiti is in Haitians, no other country should intervene. Each country defends its interests...What we need is to change our living conditions," he stated.

At the same time, Cherizier dismissed Ariel Henry's move to resign as Prime Minister, noting that the fight for freedom is still on.

"We do not care about Ariel Henry's resignation. We will continue the fight for Haiti's liberation," the gang leader noted.

Cherizier remarked that his keen interest remained for the Haitian economy to improve. He insisted that he was not seeking to assume any political position.

He pointed out that the main issue facing Haitians is the politicians and not armed gangs.

"The real problem is not the armed gangs. Certainly, they have the responsibility, but the first problem is the politicians. There is a battle to liberate this country. I am sorry for the deaths because lives matter but there is a battle and collateral damage," he stated.

While explaining his relationship with slain president Jovenel Moise, Cherizier noted that the citizens had hope in his leadership.

"I did not have a good relationship with President Moise but what I know is that he was the son of a poor family and wanted change for Haiti. If they don't change, these people, they will kill them," Barbecue pointed out.

The Kenyan DAILY POST


Thursday, March 14, 2024  A business man on trial for punching a Miss Universe finalist 30 times after a text message argument claims it is impossible he hit her because there were no marks on his hands.

Ricky Lawrence, 32, is also said to have bitten ex-girlfriend Chloe Othen, 33, and pulled her hair during an hour-long quarrel in the early hours of October 15, 2022.

Ms Othen, an Instagram influencer with 305,000 followers, said she feared she would die after Lawrence threatened to slit her throat at his 1.5m Knightsbridge apartment.

They had been in an on and off relationship from December 2021 to May 2022, with Lawrence telling jurors at the Nightingale Crown Court in central London it was nothing but trouble for six months.





But he said they would bump into each other every two weeks or so as they moved in similar social circles and slept together several times till October that year, including while she was in a relationship with someone else called Bora Guccuk.

Defending lawyer, Tony Wyatt, asked: Weve heard the relationship being described as toxic  would you agree?

Lawrence said: Oh yes, absolutely.

Mr Wyatt asked him: Looking back did you even like each other?

Lawrence replied: Looking back at it, no, it was nothing but trouble in that space of six months of my life.

He said they exchanged messages between around midday and 2.30pm on October 14 before arranging to meet at 5.30pm that evening.





Ms Othen cancelled, and Lawrence next heard from her at about midnight, he said, after which they then spoke every half an hour until the early hours of October 15.

The jury was then shown WhatsApp messages exchanged between Lawrence and Ms Othen on October 15 from 04.17am onwards.

These included messages from Lawrence which said You f***** up tonight. Watch what I do now you silly c***, and Ill do anything in my power to f*** up the rest of your life. Screenshot that.

Lawrence told the court the messages were terrible and he was not proud of that.

Asked by Mr Wyatt why he wrote them, he said: When youve had the last couple of months Id had  there comes a point when your language becomes more colourful than it might usually be.

Referencing the Screenshot that part of one message, Lawrence said: She used to delete messages so I couldnt forward them to somebody else.

Lawrence said he was going to tell Mr Gaccuk that he and Ms Othen were having an affair.

He told the court he woke up at about 5.45am and answered the door to Ms Othen straight afterwards.

Asked about Ms Othens condition at that time, Lawrence said she was clearly very, very drunk, or on something else and was slurring.

Lawrence said he answered Ms Othens phone, which she had put on the coffee table, after he saw it was Mr Guccuk ringing to tell him she was at my house.





He alleged Ms Othen then panicked and started saying, Hes kidnapped me whilst he was still on the phone, and that he put the phone back on the table once the short call ended.

Lawrence said that after having the same, repetitive conversation with Ms Othen, he scooped her up and held her almost like a baby and took her to front door, again asking her to leave.

Ms Othen re-entered the flat but did eventually leave of her own will, Lawrence said, and he did not hear anything else until around 12.30pm later that day when police arrived at the property.

Mr Wyatt said: Ms Othen said you bit her, is there any truth in that?

She has told us now in evidence that actually that evening you punched her in the face and busted her nose and thats why she left.

Lawrence said, Absolutely not, to both comments.

According to UK reports, Lawrence denied a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The trial continues.


Thursday, March 14, 2024  A federal judge ruled that Hunter Biden will face a trial on federal gun charges on June 3 in Delaware.

The president's son, 54, has pleaded not guilty to three felony charges related to him lying about his drug use when purchasing a gun in 2018. He faces up to 25 years in prison if he is convicted after the trial that could last up to nine days.

His gun trial on June 3 comes immediately for a separate trial in a case brought by Special Counsel David Weiss on nine tax charges set for June 20 in California.

Hunter tried to avoid the spectacle of a full trial by entering into what Republicans dubbed a 'sweetheart' plea deal with DOJ. But it fell apart spectacularly last summer and he is now facing the two jury trials.

It will surely cause a headache for his father Joe, who just secured the Democratic nomination for president last night going into the 2024 campaign swing.

Last month, Weiss published photos from Hunter's iPhone and hard drive that the prosecutor said were proof he was using cocaine when he bought a gun.

But Hunter's legal team says DOJ mistook sawdust for lines of cocaine during their investigation.

Hunter's lawyers say the image in question was actually sent to his psychiatrist by someone else as a joke.

'The prosecution is flat out wrong - both that Mr. Biden "took" this photograph and in claiming that it depicts "cocaine",' Biden's lawyers said.

'Multiple sources have pointed out, and a review of discovery confirms, this is actually a photo of sawdust from an expert carpenter and it was sent to Mr. Biden, not vice versa.'

'More specifically, the discovery identifies this as a photo of a photo taken in the office of Mr. Bidens then-psychiatrist Dr. Keith Ablow,' Hunter's lawyers said.

The court documents said Dr. Ablow initially received the image from a patient, who was a master carpenter, and later texted it to Hunter.

In his text to Hunter, the doctor wrote: 'This one in my office is of lines of sawdust sent to me by a master carpenter who was a coke addict.'

'The message accompanying that photo was meant to convey that Mr. Biden, too, could overcome any addiction,' Hunter's lawyers wrote.

They went on: 'Mistaking sawdust for cocaine sounds more like a storyline from one of the 1980s Police Academy comedies than what should be expected in a high-profile prosecution by the U.S. Department of Justice.'

Abbe Lowell, Hunter's lawyer, said the sawdust mistake 'amplifies why Mr. Biden and the court could not take what the prosecution said 'at face value'.

Weiss has charged Hunter Biden with crimes including lying about his drug use when he purchased a gun in 2018. The president's son has pleaded not guilty.

Hunter Biden's lawyers accused the prosecution of being 'reckless' by making a 'hyperbolic and sensational' claim in relation to the sawdust picture.

They said it would 'prejudice Mr. Biden in the public eye.'

The row over the picture came as Hunter's lawyers filed a 22-page document relating to the sharing of evidence between the prosecution and defense.




Thursday, March 14, 2024 -

Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, has said Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader, Raila Odinga, is making a big mistake by excluding him from the party's succession politics.

Two weeks ago, Raila, who is contesting for the African Union Chairperson position, stated that he wants ex-governors Wycliffe Oparanya and Hassan Joho to succeed him once he clinches the AUC seat.

However, Babu Owino who spoke on Ramogi TV /FM, vowed to oppose any line-up that excludes him from the ODM leader's succession plan

If Oparanya is seated there alongside Joho, I must also sit there! And that is the issue, otherwise, I said before that if I am not at the table, we will break that table, Babu vowed.

He argued that he has all the attributes to lead the Orange party and that even Kenyans believe in his leadership.

So I must also sit there because the writing is on the wall. We know who Kenyans feel should lead them," he added.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Thursday, March 14, 2024  The Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) positions could be back even after they were deemed unconstitutional by the court.

This is after Parliament approved the reintroduction of the illegal positions.

After thoroughly analyzing the proposed amendments to the position, the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) of the National Assembly has recommended reintroducing the CAS positions.

In a report, JLAC approved the amendments, that will see the establishment of the office of the CASs, noting that the changes anchor the office in the law.

As per the amendments, the number of positions is set at twenty-two, with individuals appointed by the President based on recommendations from the Public Service Commission (PSC).

To qualify for the position, individuals must hold a Bachelors degree and demonstrate prior experience in public service, having served in various capacities.

Additionally, Chapter Six of the Constitution, which focuses on leadership and integrity, mandates state officers to uphold objectivity and combat nepotism, improper motives, and favoritism.

Further, the amendments require aspiring candidates to be clean of any criminal convictions, not be a holder of any political party office, not previously impeached, as this will render them disqualified.

Other disqualifications include a declaration of bankruptcy and a jail term of more than 6 months without the option of a fine.

The majority of the JLAC voted to approve the amendments. However, Rarieda Member of Parliament (MP) Otiende Omollo disagreed with his counterparts, questioning the necessity of the office.

In his argument, Otiende noted that the duties outlined for the CASs were a duplication of those assigned to Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) and Principal Secretaries (PSs).

The Kenyan DAILY POST


Thursday, March 14, 2024  Controversial influencer, Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan have been accused of 10 allegations of rape and s3xual assault in Britain, officials have revealed.

The brothers are facing complaints from victims who claim they were drugged and subjected to s3xual acts between 2012 and 2015, a judicial source told Romanian outlet Gandul.

Andrew, 37, and Tristan, 35, are facing being extradited back to Britain after they were arrested in the Romanian capital Bucharest on behalf of Bedfordshire police, who are probing new s3x assault allegations during the same time frame.

The brothers are currently banned from leaving Romania, where they were previously under house arrest, after they were indicted for rape and human trafficking charges in June last year.

A Romanian court ruled earlier this week that they can be sent back to the UK once their Romanian trial is finished, although their case is still being discussed in the preliminary chamber stages and no trial dates have yet been set.

Both Andrew and Tristan 'unequivocally deny' allegations of rape and human trafficking which date back to 2012-2015, for which the European Arrest Warrant was issued.

Speaking to reporters outside court following the ruling, Andrew Tate said: 'I want to give absolute credit to Romanian justice for making the correct decision today.

In an extraordinary rant, he went on: 'Unfortunately I don't think many people in Romania understand, but in the West, in the countries that are owned by the satanists, when you get to a certain level of fame you either put on a dress or you go to jail and I'm happy to make my choice which is jail every single time, my soul is not for sale neither are my principles.

'We're very innocent men and in time everybody's going to see that.

'We are excited to finish this judicial process and clear our names.'

The brothers, who also 'categorically reject all charges' they face in their ongoing trial, will remain under judicial controls in Romania which prevent them travelling outside the country.

Lawyers McCue Jury & Partners revealed they had tipped off British and Romanian authorities that Andrew was planning to flee Romania.

The firm, which is representing four women who have accused Tate of rape and s3xual assault, said in a statement: 'Last week, we received information that Tate might have been planning to flee Romania, where he is due to stand trial for separate allegations of rape and human trafficking.

'We wrote to the British police to bring this to their attention and to urge them to immediately seek a warrant for Tate's detention in Romania and extradition to the UK.'

The intelligence is thought to have prompted Bedfordshire police to act swiftly and ask Westminster Magistrates Court to issue the European arrest Warrant so the men could be held.




Thursday, March 14, 2024 - President William Ruto has shifted goalposts yet again on the dangerous Haiti mission.

Barely a day after his government halted the deployment of 1,000 police officers to Haiti following the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, Ruto has changed his mind after the US Government promised him more money.

The US government has committed an extra Sh8.2 billion on top of the Sh14 billion for the Haiti mission.

In a statement on yesterday, Ruto affirmed Kenya's commitment to taking leadership of the UN Security Support Mission in Haiti in a phone call with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.

He confirmed that Blinken had briefed him on the decision of the Summit of Caribbean Countries (Caricom) and the US, together with other partners, on the political situation in Haiti.

The President stated that Blinken had informed him that a new Presidential Council would be formed shortly to manage the situation in Haiti.

Consequently, the President assured that Kenya would resume the mission as soon as the council was in place and a process agreed upon.

I assured Secretary Blinken that Kenya will take leadership of the UN Security Support Mission in Haiti to restore peace and security in Haiti as soon as the Presidential Council is in place under an agreed process, explained the President.

On Tuesday, the Principal Secretary of Foreign Affairs Korir Singoei explained that Kenya was halting its mission as a result of the resignation of Haitis Prime Minister, Ariel Henry.

According to the PS, the lack of a government in Haiti would affect the mission as there would be no anchor or grounds to justify the operation.

The Kenyan DAILY POST


Thursday, March 14, 2024  Paris Saint-Germain superstar, Kylian Mbappe is reportedly suing the owner of a kebab shop in France after his name was used in the description for a sandwich.

The shop, opened by influencer Mohamed Henni, sells a Klub kebab which is described as being made with 'baker round bread, as round as Mbappe's skull'.





The sandwich is available on the online delivery platform Uber Eats, though Mbappe's legal team has taken exception to the bizarre branding, according to ESPN.



Henni took to social media to share a screenshot of a letter he is said to have recently received from an agency.

The letter was allegedly sent by Delphine Verheyden, Mbappe's lawyer, on behalf of KMA, the firm created to deal with the player's merchandising and image rights





'Are you not ashamed?' he raged. 'You have nothing else to do? Suing me for something so futile. It is incredible. I can't believe it!'

He added: 'I'm stunned a player of this level has the time to think about me. He is using his time and money to attack me. I am not hurting anyone.'

Former France international Dimitri Payet also has an item named after him, with the winger, who currently plays for Vasco da Gama, honoured with a savoury pancake.

Alleging hypocrisy, Henni said: Payet is a player with values. Mbappe has lost it.




Thursday, March 14, 2024 - Renowned scholar and political analyst, Prof. Makau Mutua, has shared his thoughts on the sentencing of murder suspect, Jowie Irungu on Wednesday.

In a highly publicised sentencing by Lady Justice Grace Nzioka, Jowie was handed the death penalty for killing Nairobi-based businessman, Monica Kimani in Kilimani in 2018.

Reacting to the sentencing, Mutua criticised Lady Justice Grace Nzioka for passing a death sentence, arguing that the penalty has no place in modern society.

"The death penalty has no place in any modern society.

"Its jurisprudentially inconsistent with the logic, values, and legal philosophy that undergirds Kenyas 2010 Constitution.

"No court should EVER impose such an irreversible penalty on any offender in Kenya, no matter the heinousness of the crime, or how despicable and depraved the felon.

"Degrees of savagery, depravity, or heartlessness do not vacate the moral, practical, and philosophical indefensibility of the death penalty and its finality," Mutua

The Kenyan DAILY POST.


Wednesday, March 13, 2024  A sixth man has been charged in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a popular DJ Koray Alpergin in October 2022.

He and his girlfriend Gozde Balbudak were kidnapped after they returned home from an Italian restaurant in Mayfair in October 2022.

The couple were taken to an empty wine bar near the Tottenham Stadium where the 43-year-old DJ was believed to have been tortured and killed in what has been described as a 'Reservoir Dogs-style attack.

His body was taken to woodland near the Oakwood Industrial Estate in Loughton where he was dumped.

His girlfriend was released after spending two days locked in a toilet.

Dylan Weatherley, 20, from Tottenham, will appear in Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court tomorrow. He has been charged with the kidnap and false imprisonment of the couple as well as conspiring to murder the DJ.

In December, five men were jailed in connection with the crime.

Mr Alpergin, a father-of-one, was the owner of the Turkish radio station Bizim FM and had connections with celebrities including rapper P Diddy and chef Salt Bae.


Wednesday, March 13, 2024  A Zimbabwean man has reportedly set himself ablaze over his wife's alleged extramarital affair with their landlord.

Local news platforms reported that the man doused himself in petrol and set himself on fire. Member of Parliament for Silobela, Jonah Nyevera, who confirmed the incident said the deceased, Onias Mangena, harboured suspicions about his wifes alleged affair with their landlord, Wilberforce Mukumba, for some time.

On the day of the incident, Mangena had a dispute with his wife, subsequently locking her and their children inside their rented home before purchasing petrol from a nearby fuel station.

He said;

On the day, he had an altercation with his wife and he locked her together with their minor kids in a house. He then went to a nearby garage to buy petrol which he intended to use to douse them in the house.

Fortunately, neighbours heard the cries of Mangenas wife and children and intervened, rescuing them before alerting the authorities. Even when the police contacted Mangena, he falsely claimed to be at home.

Nyevera added;

"Since he had already purchased the petrol, he went into the house where he set himself ablaze. He was reduced to ashes.




Thursday, March 14, 2024 - Investigation into the death of former military intelligence officer and businessman Abraham Meli has taken a new twist after it emerged that he had just received Sh 38 million.

Meli is said to have locked himself in his Prado at Sun Valley estate in Langata, Nairobi, and shot himself on the head.

He was rushed to the nearby St Marys hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Although his death has been declared as suicide, sources close to the investigation say that Meli had received a substantial amount of money (Sh38 million) in his account for a road contract that his company was involved in.

Detectives pursuing the case are trying to figure out whether the money or Melis business dealings had anything to do with the motive of the suicide or whether someone else shot him.

Before the incident, he had sent a cryptic text message to his wife, a Warrant Officer at the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) containing only the word Sunvalley, indicating his location at the time.

Detectives have summoned the people who may have last interacted with the businessman before his death.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Thursday, 14 March 2024 - The Shakahola massacre key suspect, Paul Nthenge Mackenzie on Wednesday boycotted the hearing of a terrorism case facing him and 94 others.

His lawyer, Wycliffe Makasembo's, frantic plea to persuade him to appear in court proved futile.

The hearing was for a bond application filed by the prosecution to oppose the release of the 95 suspects.

Makasembo told Principal Magistrate Hon. Leah Juma that his client had complained of being separated from other suspects, accusing the prison's authority of discrimination.

The defense lawyer also informed the court that his client raised fear of being "abducted."

He sought an adjournment for him to advise his clients.

However, Senior Assistant DPP Peter Kiprop, Principal Prosecution Counsel Anthony Musyoka, and Senior Prosecution Counsel Peris Ongega opposed the adjournment, dismissing Mackenzies claims as theatrics to delay the proceedings.

The DPP team stated that there is no harm if the court hears their bond application in Mackenzies absence, stating that Article 50 of the Constitution allows the trial of any accused in absentia in certain circumstances.

The prosecution further submitted that Mackenzie is a convicted prisoner; hence, the law requires prison authority to separate him from his co-accused, who are remandees.

Hon. Juma also heard that Mackenzie has been radicalizing and encouraging other accused persons to stage a hunger strike, hence raising serious security concerns.

In her ruling, Hon. Juma summoned the officer in charge of Shimo la Tewa Maximum Security Prison and the investigating officer to appear and shed light on issues raised in court.

The court also directed the probation department to prepare bail reports to guide it in determining the DPP's application to oppose the bond.

Hon. Juma further directed the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) to prepare psychosocial reports on each of the accused persons.

The court will give further direction on 27 March 2024 when the matter will be mentioned.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Thursday, March 14, 2024 - A Kenyan police officer has been stoned to death in Oyode market, Rarieda constituency, during a crackdown on illicit alcohol.

Simon Mwangi Kariuki is said to have left the station together with his colleague Wilfred Maina at around 7.00 pm and proceeded to Oyude market after they got information that Caren Okumu alias Nyaseme was in possession of illicit alcohol.

On arrival, the officers arrested the said lady with 21 sachets of 100ml each and 4 packets of Supermatch cigarettes for export.

According to the police incident report, the suspect raised an alarm before rowdy youth accosted the officers and started pelting them with stones and crude weapons thereby fatally injuring the inspector of police.

Maina managed to escape with injuries on his right shoulder.

In the event, Inspector Kariuki's pistol with an unknown number of ammunition was stolen from him as he is said to have fired five shots in the air to scare away the attackers in vain before he succumbed to injuries.

The scene was visited by a team of security personnel led by Siaya County Police Commander Cleti Kimaiyo before the scene was processed and the body was moved to Lwak mission hospital mortuary to await postmortem.

One suspect namely Caren Okumu has been arrested and is assisting the police with investigations as a search for the firearm and hunt for more suspects continue.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, March 14, 2024 - President William Ruto has delivered good news to the struggling Kenyans after he announced a reduction in fuel prices.

Speaking during the commissioning of Kapsuser-Sosiot Road in Belgut, Kericho County, Ruto told Kenyans to expect low fuel prices as the Energy Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) prepares to announce the new fuel prices.

According to Ruto, he had tamed volatility in the fuel sector, and therefore Kenyans should not worry.

The Head of State who was speaking moments before opening the Kericho Passport Centre remarked that this was one of his ways to transform the country.

I want to tell you that even fuel prices will go down so relax, he told gathered residents after promising them better job opportunities.

Today is March 14 and we will get new low fuel prices, EPRA announces new fuel prices every 14th day of the month.

Ruto remarked that he had earlier promised Kenyans that his administration would work on a framework for lowering fuel prices and that had since been achieved.

On February 14, EPRA reduced the prices of petrol, diesel, and kerosene by Ksh1 each.

Currently, Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene retail at Ksh206.36, Ksh195.47, and Ksh193.23 respectively in Nairobi.

Indeed, it is a relief for Kenyans after Super Petrol prices down by Sh7.21 to retail at Sh199.15, Diesel drops by Sh5.09 to Sh190.38 and Kerosene falls by Sh4.49 to Sh188.74 per litre in Nairobi, in latest EPRA price review

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, March 14, 2024 - President William Ruto has urged the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to stop giving licenses to individuals and entities who import illicit alcohol into the country.

Speaking in Kericho on Thursday, Ruto said that they have agreed as a government they will deal with the issue of illicit alcohol decisively.

The President said the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) should take the lead role in the fight against illicit alcohol.

He directed the authority not to issue licenses to anyone importing illicit alcohol into the country.

The head of state said imported alcohol and spirits have destroyed many young people in Kenya and this must be stopped immediately.

The President insisted that a sober country is needed to develop.

"Mambo ya pombe tumekubaliana Kenya hii tutazima. Watu wa KRA wawe mstari wa mbele. Hakuna leseni inatolewa kwa mtu ama watu wanaimport alcohol ama wanaleta mambo ya spirit ambayo inaharibu watoto wetu katika Kenya.

'Tumesema hio mambo ikome. We need a sober nation so that we can take our development to the next level," Ruto said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, March 14, 2024 - A teacher, Kepha Nganga, who lost his job in the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), to teach former President Uhuru Kenyatta some Kiswahili, has come out to appeal for help from the former President.

According to the teacher, in 2002 when he was working in Gatundu, he polished Uhurus speeches after he was approached by the Late Permanent Secretary (PS) Wamatu Njoroge.

Based on reports, the teacher met the PS during a prize-giving ceremony in the school where he taught, impressing the PS with his mastery of the Kiswahili language.

He further explained that Uhuru was eloquent in English and his vernacular language, Kikuyu but his skills in speaking Kiswahili were yet to match up.

Nganga narrated that he and Uhuru met up every evening for forty-five minutes during the campaign period from September to December for the lessons to improve the former Head of State's address to Kenyans.

However, Nganga narrated that he lost his job with TSC because he joined the campaigns.

He noted that he appealed the decision to the commission to reinstate him, an appeal which was not taken into account over his involvement in politics.

Ng'ang'a is now requesting an audience with the former President citing that he is unable to cater to his needs since the loss of his job.

The teacher noted that he is now working in a private school in the country where he is paid peanuts.

However, this is not the first time that he is seeking an audience with Uhuru after other attempts have proven unsuccessful.

The teacher has pledged to continue seeking an audience with Uhuru until he catches his attention.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, March 14, 2024 - Nairobi County Senator, Edwin Sifuna, has stated that President William Rutos administration is overworking the opposition.

Speaking on Thursday during an interview on Citizen TV, Sifuna said the ruling party is overworking the opposition because there is always something to fight the government about.

"These guys are overworking us. As a member of the opposition, I feel overworked.

"Because every single day I wake up there is something to fight this government on," he said.

Sifuna said currently, there is a proposal for new tax policies for bread and milk.

"He said looking at the proposals, it is clear the government is out of touch with the situation Kenyans are in.

"CS Ndung'u says bread and milk are largely consumed by the middle class. He knows the statistics that the middle class in this country are a minority," he said.

Sufuna said up to 70 percent of residents living in Nairobi do not consider themselves as middle class.

"Yesterday I saw a report that only 3 percent of Kenyans earn Sh50,000 and above. Would you call those people the middle class?" he posed.

The Senator said bread and milk are consumed largely by children, adding that most Kenyans have children.

In his opinion, bread and milk cannot be considered luxury commodities.

Sifuna said every day as a Senator, he wakes up to push back against government policies that are not in the interest of Kenyans.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, March 14, 2024 - A video has emerged of one of President William Ruto's rallies in Kericho being marred by chaos and confusion on Thursday

The Head of state was touring the Agriculture county to launch various government projects accompanied by area governor, Dr. Eric Mutai.

The President made several stopovers but heckling and name-calling ruled many of his meetings.

At Kapsuser, Governor Mutai was heckled by youths who were chanting anti-government slogans.

Ruto watched the heckling of the governor who seems to be becoming unpopular by the day.

Here is the video of Kericho Governor, Dr. Eric Mutai being heckled badly in front of President William Ruto.

Kericho Governor Dr Mutai heckled in front of President Ruto in Kericho. Mambo ni magumu for non performing Rift Valley Governors. pic.twitter.com/0nX2bNuSyO  Kipruto Lagat  (@ArapTilingi) March 14, 2024

The Kenyan DAILY POST


Thursday, March 14, 2024  Ukraine has launched drone attacks on at least three oil refineries deep inside Russia, as the Kyiv government intensifies its cross-border strikes days before President Vladimir Putins anticipated re-election.

A Ukrainian defense said on Wednesday that Ukraine is implementing a well-planned strategy to decrease Russian economic potential.

Ukraine struck three Russian oil refineries targeted in the cities of Ryazan, about 130 miles southeast of Moscow; Kstovo, in the Nizhny Novgorod region, nearly 300 miles east of the capital; and Kirishi in Russias northwest. The trio of facilities are among Russias largest refineries, the source said to CNN.

A fourth facility, the Novoshakhtinsky oil refinery in Rostov-on-Don, was also hit, a representative of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine said on Wednesday.

It marked the second consecutive day of Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy sites, and the locations targeted represent a spate of attacks well within Russias territory.

Our goal is to take away our enemys resources and decrease the flow of oil money and fuel Russia is using directly on the war, the source added.

The attacks come after a chaotic day on the Russian side of the Ukrainian border, during which pro-Ukrainian groups of Russian fighters said they launched cross-border attacks and claimed to have gained control of the village of Tyotkino in Russias Kursk region.

The village remained under fire all day on Wednesday, the regional governor said.

The fallout from the attack continued into Wednesday. The Freedom for Russia Legion, a group of Russian dissidents fighting for Ukraine which has previously claimed responsibility for incursions into Russia, said in a series of posts on Telegram on Wednesday that its fighters had destroyed a command center in the village of Tyotkino in the Kursk region, and were advancing further.

There was a control center and there is no control center, the group said. We are bringing a crisis to the bloody regimes defense industry closer.

Russias defense ministry said Wednesday its air defenses destroyed 58 Ukrainian drones overnight, including some that travelled as far as the Leningrad region, which borders Finland, supporting Kyivs claims.

The regional governor in Ryazan, Pavel Malkov, said a fire broke out at the facility there but has since been extinguished. He said two people were injured.

Social media video from the refinery complex, one of Russias largest, showed a large plume of smoke coming out from a building in the distance.





Later on Wednesday, Andrii Yusov of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine said the Novoshakhtinsky oil refinery in Rostov-on-Don had been attacked but that Kyiv has not confirmed involvement.

Despite the fact that it seems to be an oil plant, it is a military facility used to supply and maintain the occupation forces, Yusov said during an interview on national television.

The companys operations are currently suspended. This means that the enemy will have problems and disruptions in their plans and our defenders will have additional opportunities and time.

As well as targeting Russias deep oil reserves, Kyivs latest strikes may be partially intended to bring home to Russians the impact of the war just as the country prepares for a presidential election.

The election is certain to hand Putin a fifth term, extending his rule into 2030. Voting will take place over three days from Friday, with the president sailing towards another time in power in a ballot that is not considered free or fair as he faces no genuine competition.

During a lengthy interview on state television channel Rossiya 1 on Wednesday, Putin said Ukrainian attacks on Belgorod and Kursk are happening amid Kyivs failures on the battlefield.

All this is happening against the backdrop of failures on the line of contact, on the front line. They did not achieve any of the goals they set for themselves last year, Putin said.

Against the backdrop of those failures, they need to show at least something, and, mainly, attention should be focused on the information side of the matter.


Wednesday, March 13, 2024  The United States House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed a bill that could eventually ban the social media platform TikTok in the country, in its latest attack against both China and big tech.

The bill received resoundingly bipartisan support, with a vote of 352 to 65 in favour. It now heads to the 100-member Senate, where its prospects are less clear although, President Joe Biden has said he would sign the bill into law if it reached his desk.

If Joe Biden signs the bill, it automatically turns to law and TikToks Chinese owner ByteDance would be given about six months to divest from its US assets or see its video-sharing app banned in the US.

The legislation stems from concerns that ByteDance is owned by the Chinese government. Government officials have expressed fears that the data TikTok collects from its roughly 170 million American users could pose a national security threat.

Recent national security laws passed in China, which can compel organisations to assist with intelligence gathering, have further boosted those concerns.

Tiktok's parent company, Bytedance, however, has repeatedly maintained it operates independently of the Chinese government.

Speaking on Wednesday, March 13, US Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers said the legislation has given TikTok a clear choice.

Separate from your parent company ByteDance, which is beholden to the CCP [the Chinese Communist Party], and remain operational in the United States, or side with the CCP and face the consequences, she said. The choice is TikToks.

Opponents of the bill cited concerns about freedom of speech and called the move a knee-jerk effort.

Rather than target one company in a rushed and secretive process, Congress should pass comprehensive data privacy protections and do a better job of informing the public of the threats these companies may pose to national security, Representative Barbara Lee, a progressive stalwart, posted on the social media platform X.

In advance of the House vote, a top national security official in the Biden administration held a closed-door briefing with legislators to discuss TikTok and its national security implications.

Several TikTok supporters, including prominent content creators on the platform, gathered in front of the US Capitol on Wednesday in advance of the vote. The company also issued a statement opposing the vote.

This process was secret, and the bill was jammed through for one reason: Its a ban, TikTok spokesperson Alex Haurek said in a statement.

We are hopeful that the Senate will consider the facts, listen to their constituents, and realise the impact on the economy, seven million small businesses and the 170 million Americans who use our service.
Thursday, March 14, 2024 - Controversial Ghanaian prophet Ogyaba Oberempong has left netizens talking after a video of him reportedly raising a man from the dead surfaced.

In the video, the youthful prophet who runs a popular church in Ghana was seen crawling towards the alleged dead mans body while being assisted by an usher.

He then slept on the body that had been wrapped with pieces of clothing and performed some miracle stunts.

The mans wife was standing by as the flamboyant prophet performed the miracle.

Your husband shall not die. I heard from the Lord. From today, we have taken him from death, he was heard telling the woman.

Moments later, the man who was alleged to be dead was lifted by the ushers as congregants erupted in joy.

The video has sparked reactions on social media, with most people calling out the prophet for brainwashing his congregants.

It is worth noting that the Ghanaian preacher is a close friend of popular Kenyan preacher Reverend Lucy Natasha.

He invited her to Nigeria in 2022.

Natasha even took to her Facebook account to wish him a happy birthday.













The Kenyan DAILY POST.


Thursday, March 14, 2024 - Kericho Governor Eric Mutai faced resistance in his own backyard during President William Rutos development tour of the county.

The county boss was heckled badly in front of the president when he was given a chance to address the residents.

In the video, the residents are seen booing the governor as he tries to list some of the development projects he has initiated.

Ruto looked helplessly as the governor was being booed.

At some point, the head of state tried to calm the residents in vain.

The governor was forced to cut short his speech to avoid further embarrassment.

Watch the video.

Kericho Governor Dr Mutai heckled in front of President Ruto in Kericho. Mambo ni magumu for non performing Rift Valley Governors. pic.twitter.com/0nX2bNuSyO  Kipruto Lagat  (@ArapTilingi) March 14, 2024

The Kenyan DAILY POST.
Thursday, March 14, 2024 - A section of bar owners in Kirinyaga County have vowed to defy Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki's orders which directed the closure of liquor stores across the country.

While opposing Kindiki's move, the traders termed the directive as illegal and therefore unconstitutional, a factor they noted gave no authority to the CS to stop their businesses.

The traders further noted that the directive to close down their businesses rendered many jobless and thus denied several Kenyans the right to access their basic needs.

"The national government has contravened the constitution that leads the country. We will open our bars," the traders claimed.

According to the liquor store owners, anyone with a bar dated 2024 should reopen and continue with their businesses.

They further issued a warning to local administrative officers, including the chiefs and the national government administrators against shutting down bars.

"We know the operational hours of bars, between 5 pm and 11 pm, these other things for instance chiefs coercing people to close their bars, that should not be the case," noted a bar owner.

"It is like the county of Kirinyaga has been put under a state of emergency for things we don't have an understanding of," added the trader.

On March 6, the Interior CS, Kindiki, directed the immediate closure of liquor stores located within the school and residential areas.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been leading the charge against alcoholism in Mt. Kenya and has vowed to do everything humanly possible to ensure the vice stops even if it costs him the DP position.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
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Blockchain technology may revolutionize population health management. Patients and health care practitioners face the challenge of securely accessing, managing, integrating, and sharing health records. While blockchain is gaining attention in various industries, its application in health care and population health is still preliminary.

Data security and interoperability

By combining data security measures with innovative approaches to interoperability, blockchain technology offers a promising solution for overcoming the challenges inherent in traditional health care data management. Embracing digital transformation is an initiative-taking way for the health care industry to evolve and put patients first. Blockchain stands out as a beacon of security and interoperability, paving the way for a more connected and secure health care ecosystem. It can enhance data security in health care and help explore the role of decentralized ledgers in ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of health information across different health care systems.

Patient-centric health records on blockchain

In the traditional health care model, patient data is often scattered across various providers and systems, so it is challenging for individuals to manage and control their health information. The emergence of patient-centric health records stored on the blockchain promises a transformative shift that empowers people with unprecedented control over their health data.

Decentralized ownership. In a blockchain-based system, patients own their health records, which health care providers securely store in a decentralized and tamper-resistant ledger. This decentralized ownership grants individuals control over who accesses their health information and ensures that only authorized entities, such as health care providers and patients, can view and update the records.

User-managed access control. Blockchain technology employs advanced techniques to enable control mechanisms. Through private keys, patients can manage and control who has permission to view specific parts of their health records. This user-managed access control ensures privacy and allows patients to share relevant information with health care providers while securing sensitive details.

Interoperability and seamless data exchange. Patient-centric health records on blockchain facilitate seamless data exchange between health care providers. Smart contracts are created to allow automated data-sharing agreements and authorize the release of relevant health information. This protocol ensures that the entire care team can access comprehensive and up-to-date records to coordinate patient care.

Immutable patient history. Blockchains immutability ensures that it cannot be altered or deleted once health data is recorded. A system for the promotion of traceability and ownership of health data using blockchain. This feature contributes to the creation of a comprehensive and unchangeable patient history. Health care providers can trust the accuracy and integrity of the information, leading to more informed decision-making and improved patient care.

Empowering patients for better health outcomes. Patient-centric health records enable individuals to engage actively in their health care journey. With greater control over their health data, patients can actively participate in decision-making, monitor their health status, and even contribute data to research initiatives, leading to more personalized and effective population health management strategies.

Challenges and future developments. We must acknowledge regulatory considerations, interoperability standards, and user education challenges that may delay future development. Considering ongoing efforts to address these challenges and explore potential developments in patient-centric health records on the blockchain is essential, including integrating emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and decentralized identifiers.

Smart contracts for public health interventions

Traditional public health interventions often need more transparency with fewer bureaucratic inefficiencies and instances of delayed execution. The integration of smart contracts into public health initiatives, powered by blockchain technology, offers a novel approach to addressing these issues and streamlining the execution of programs for improved population health outcomes.

Smart contracts on the blockchain offer a transformative solution for automating and executing public health interventions with transparency and efficiency. As we navigate an era of increasing complexity in health care, embracing blockchain-powered smart contracts is a technological advancement and a paradigm shift toward more effective, accountable, and community-driven public health interventions.

Addressing health disparities

Health disparities persist globally, with underserved populations facing challenges in accessing quality health care. Blockchain technology emerges as a potential catalyst for addressing these disparities by providing a decentralized and secure platform to facilitate access to health information and resources.

Blockchain technology can be a transformative force in addressing health disparities by creating decentralized, transparent, and accessible health care ecosystems. As we explore innovative solutions, blockchain stands out as a promising tool to empower underserved populations. It ensures that access to health information and resources becomes a fundamental right for everyone regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location.

Challenges and ethical considerations in implementing blockchain in population health

Blockchains transparency, while an asset in many contexts, poses challenges for health care, where patient data is sensitive. The open and immutable nature of blockchain raises concerns about balancing transparency with the need to protect individual privacy.

As blockchain technology evolves in the context of population health, addressing these challenges and ethical considerations is essential. A thoughtful and ethical approach to implementing blockchain can lead to a more transparent, secure, and patient-centric health care system that prioritizes privacy, compliance, and universal access to the benefits of innovative technologies.

Real-world examples of blockchain implementation

Vaccine distribution tracking

Background: Several initiatives have explored the use of blockchain to track the distribution of vaccines, which is particularly relevant in global health and public health campaigns.

Implementation:

Blockchain creates an immutable record of vaccine shipments, from manufacturing to distribution points.

Smart contracts can automate processes, ensuring vaccines are handled and transported according to established standards.

Outcome: By using blockchain in vaccine distribution, these initiatives aim to reduce fraud, ensure the integrity of the supply chain, and improve the tracking of vaccine coverage, contributing to global public health efforts.

The Estonian e-health system

Background: Estonia has implemented a comprehensive national health information system that utilizes blockchain technology. Each citizen has a secure, blockchain-based digital identity that provides access to their health records, prescriptions, and other medical data.

Implementation:

Blockchain ensures the security and integrity of health records, allowing health care providers to access relevant patient information seamlessly.

Patients have control over who can access their data and can track who has accessed it, which promotes transparency.

Outcome: The Estonian e-health system has streamlined health care services, reduced administrative overhead, and empowered citizens with greater control over their health information.

Conclusion: prospects and industry adoption

Blockchain is poised to play a pivotal role in overcoming interoperability challenges. The future of population health management will involve patient-centric ecosystems where individuals have unprecedented control over their health data. As such, blockchains role will expand. This change will empower patients to actively engage in their health care journeys, make informed decisions, and contribute valuable data for research.

Regine Severe is a graduate student.
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Imagine a day when you wake up from a perfect six hours and thirty-six minutes of restorative sleep. Overnight, a wearable device or implanted chip has been continuously monitoring and capturing a comprehensive set of your biological and physiological variables. The ingested data from the variables collected is processed through an adaptive machine learning algorithm to create a physician-directed longevity score to increase health spanthe length of time a person remains healthy and free from serious illness or disease throughout their life.

You receive an alert from your physician about new ST changes identified on the continuous ECG, with instructions to follow up within the next hour. Through ambient voice-activated technology, you call your physician, and she appears on the screen in front of you. However, she is not actually a live person but a digitally enhanced twin who is already acquainted with your entire health history.

You log in to your personalized HIPAA-certified patient portal wearing an Apple Vision Pro device, and within seconds, a voice announces, The doctors digital twin will see you now. An avatar of your physicians digital twin appears in the virtual waiting room and welcomes you into a pleasant, relaxing consultation room where she provides you with the next steps regarding the ECG changes.

Although this scenario sounds more like a scene from a sci-fi movie, it is poised to become the new reality for the health care industry in just a few years, thanks to the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Reflecting this shift, the American Medical Association (AMA) has embraced the term augmented intelligence instead of artificial intelligence to describe AI technologies. This choice underscores the AMAs vision of AI as a tool designed to enhance and support the capabilities of health care professionals rather than replace them entirely.

The fast-paced expansion and adaptation of neural networks through AI will be the clin-tech that will change the delivery of health for millions of people, and the timing could not be more opportune. According to a report by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), we are on the brink of a dire physician shortage. By 2034, the projected shortfall ranges from 17,800 to 48,000 primary care physicians and between 21,000 and 77,100 specialists.

AI: a beacon of hope amid hesitancy

By automating routine tasks, AI can alleviate some of the pressures on overburdened physicians, allowing them to concentrate on more complex and critical aspects of patient care. Moreover, AIs capability for precise, real-time monitoring and analysis can support early diagnosis and personalized treatment plans, further optimizing health care resources.

Despite the promising horizon that AI presents in addressing some of health cares biggest challenges, its adoption has been slow among physicians. According to a recent survey by the AMA, although 77 percent of responding physicians believe AI will improve documentation for billing, medical charting, and visit notes, the actual integration into daily medical practice remains limited. Today, only one in five physicians leverages open-source generative AI such as ChatGPT in their practice.

Challenges and bias in AI integration

Skepticism towards AI integration in health care is healthy and warranted, given the myriad challenges it presents. Concerns range from data privacy breaches, misdiagnoses due to algorithmic errors, and the ethical implications of replacing human judgment with machine decision-making. Additionally, theres apprehension about the lack of clear regulatory frameworks and standards for AI in health care, which could lead to inconsistencies in patient care.

Another issue to overcome is detecting and avoiding bias within AI. Algorithms depend on data for their training, and if the data used for training is biased, the algorithms may inadvertently perpetuate and magnify those biases. One example of this is evident in a 2019 study where a widely used AI system for selecting health insurance patients for extra resources required African-American patients to be significantly more ill to access the same resources as their Caucasian counterparts. Similarly, diagnostic bias impacts the reliability of AI in medical assessments. One of the most well-known examples relates to facial recognition algorithms utilized in dermatology that demonstrate lower accuracy rates for individuals with darker skin tones.

Creating responsible AI in health care

To effectively counteract these issues and ensure that AI doesnt further entrench bias within health care, the teams responsible for creating AI health care technology should be as diverse as possible. This diversity allows for a comprehensive examination of potential biases from various perspectives and experiences. AI algorithms must also remain transparent, allowing for scrutiny and accountability of any biases or errors, with rigorous testing and monitoring in place.

More broadly, clear regulatory guidelines can help standardize the development, testing, and deployment of AI, which will assist in building trust among health care professionals and patients alike. Lastly, AI integration must enhance and improve the health care delivery process rather than burden it. Given that clinicians already navigate significant time constraints and extensive charting responsibilities, its crucial that new technologies do not add to this existing workload.

Caution is both appropriate and necessary. However, considering AIs profound capacity to enhance the work of health care professionals and improve patient outcomes, we bear a responsibility to approach this technological frontier with curiosity, open-mindedness, and a readiness to embrace change. Once the proper safeguards are in place, we will usher in a new era of health care that will redefine the limits of medical care and patient well-being.

Scott Ellner has been a general surgeon for over 20 years, and can be reached at PEAK Health. He has transitioned into health care executive roles due to his passion for patient safety, quality, and value-based care delivery. His authentic leadership style inspires team members to navigate challenging situations, such as resistance to change and innovation, in order to bring about meaningful transformation. Most recently, he served as the CEO of Billings Clinic, the largest health system in Montana. During his tenure, Forbes recognized the clinic as the best place to work in the state. It was also at that time that he formulated a strategic growth plan that included the development of a level 1 trauma network and a rural-based clinically integrated network.
*Reader discretion is advised*

A young woman told a court how she was called a slut after she was sexually molested at a Christmas party for Crescent College Comprehensive sixth-year students while the perpetrators were referred to as rugby lads.

Claire ODowd, who was 17 at the time of the offences on December 22, 2017, waived her right to anonymity after reading out her victim impact statement in Limerick Circuit Criminal Court on Friday.

After six years, the tape has finally been lifted and I will be silenced no more. Never again, said Ms ODowd.

Daniel Feasey, aged 18 at the time and now 24, of Rossville, Patrickswell, and John Hurley, aged 17 at the time and now 23, of Knockbrien, Ballyneety each pleaded guilty to one count of intentionally engaging in offensive conduct of a sexual nature.

Mr Feasey was the schools senior cup captain in 2017 / 2018 and on provincial panels at under 17, 18 and 19 levels while Mr Hurley is also a very successful rugby player, according to their respective counsels.

Prosecuting barrister John OSullivan, instructed by State solicitor Padraig Mawe, outlined the case with the assistance of Sergeant David Boland.

Mr OSullivan said the victim and the two accused attended a Christmas party. It took place in Old Crescent RFCs clubhouse, Rosbrien, Limerick city on December 22, 2017.

Mr OSullivan said Ms ODowd was in the clubhouse waiting for her friends when Mr Feasey, Mr Hurley and a third male (referred to in court as Mr X) insisted she go outside.

Mr X was found not guilty by a jury of intentionally engaging in offensive conduct of a sexual nature following a trial at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court in February. He was represented by Erin OHagan BL, appearing with Amy Nix BL, instructed by solicitor Sarah Ryan.

Ms ODowd was told her friends were outside.

The victim was led by Mr Hurley down a ramp and around the back of the clubhouse. Mr Feasey and Mr X were in the vicinity, the court heard.

Ms ODowd felt a bit uncomfortable and tried to pull away from Mr Hurley. She was tipsy and fell on her left side. Mr Hurley picked her up by the armpits. Ms ODowd told gardai she was kind of placed up against a wall by Mr Hurley. Mr X and Mr Feasey had their penises in their hands. Mr Feasey said, You are going to give us all head and we will talk about it to see who you gave the best head to. Ms ODowd said, I am not going to do that.

Ms ODowd said Mr X and Mr Feasey had girlfriends. Mr Hurley did not say anything and did not have himself exposed. Mr Feasey and Mr X were saying come on. Ms ODowd repeated her unwillingness. At this point Mr Feasey and Mr X left, said Mr OSullivan.

The prosecuting barrister said Mr Hurley came closer to Ms ODowd who told him, I am not doing anything with you. He started to feel Ms ODowd outside her clothes. She asked, What are you doing?. Mr Hurley said, Dont worry. Ms ODowd said, No, I dont want you to do that.

Mr Hurley leaned in to kiss her. She tried to pull away. Mr X and Mr Feasey came back. They had their penises on display.

Mr Feasey repeated that Ms ODowd would give them head. Mr Hurley produced his penis, said Mr OSullivan.

The barrister said the three men were in front of Ms ODowd.

Mr Feasey pulled a rope of her pants. He put his hand inside her pants and underwear. He put a finger inside her vagina.

"Ms ODowd said it was done with such force that she moaned in pain. Mr X said, She likes that doesnt she. Mr Hurley started rubbing her crotch outside her trousers.

"Mr Feasey had his fingers inside her vagina. She could feel Mr Feaseys fingers moving in and out of her vagina. Mr Hurley was feeling her clitoris area outside her pants. She said stop. They continued. Her friends called her name. The accused took their hands away and ran away, said Mr OSullivan. The victim said it lasted for no more than a minute.

Ms ODowd spoke to the school chaplain of Crescent College Comprehensive, Dooradoyle, on January 10, 2018 following the Christmas holidays after Ms O'Dowd became aware of gossip around the school over what allegedly happened at the party and a certain amount of taunting. The chaplain contacted gardai and an investigation commenced.

Mr OSullivan, in summing up the case, said Ms ODowd was sexually molested by two contemporaries of hers from school.

There was much discussion, speculation, taunting and remarks made to her by people who didnt know any better. She did nothing to bring it upon herself, said Mr OSullivan.

Mr Feasey was defended by Colman Cody SC, appearing with Kenneth Kerins BL, instructed by solicitor Julianne Kiely.

Mr Cody read out a letter of apology from Mr Feasey in which he extended his deepest apologies to Ms ODowd. He said his actions showed great immaturity and he expresses his profound sense of regret.

I am fully committed to making amends, wrote Mr Feasey.

Mr Cody said his client has no previous convictions, hasnt come to garda attention since the incident and is a quantity surveyor.

He was a vice captain in school and senior cup captain. The trust and responsibility placed in him by the school was betrayed, said Mr Cody, who described Mr Feaseys actions as disgraceful.

The senior counsel spoke of his clients regret and shame and his letter of apology shows an older, wiser and more mature person.

He has been able to get on with his life. She hasnt been able to embark on her plans, said Mr Cody.

Judge Dermot Sheehan said with leadership comes responsibility. The judge said if Mr Feasey had spoken to a person of authority at the time about what had occurred all of this taunting and gossip would have been silenced.

Mr Cody said if his client could turn back the clock

Mr Cody said the interest of justice or wider society would not be served by sending Mr Feasey to prison.

A number of testimonials, on behalf of Mr Feasey, were handed to the judge.

Mr Hurley was represented by Michael Lynn SC, appearing with Eimear Carey BL, instructed by solicitor Ian McNamara.

Mr Lynn read out a letter of apology written by Mr Hurley in which he said it was never his intention to upset Ms ODowd or make you feel uncomfortable.

Mr Lynn said his client was 17 at the time and, in law, was a juvenile.

He said Mr Hurley has no previous convictions nor has he come to adverse garda attention in the intervening years.

Since leaving school he has worked hard, completed an apprenticeship and is trying to establish a business. His actions, which he has had to carry, were disgraceful. It was totally out of character, said Mr Lynn, who handed in a number of testimonials.

Mr Hurley was also described as a very successful rugby player.

Both counsels said the accused come from good and supportive families.

Judge Sheehan noted in Mr Feaseys letter of apology, his wish to make amends which was echoed by Mr Hurleys counsel in the case of Mr Hurley.

The court was told sums of 15,000 from Mr Feasey and 10,000 from Mr Hurley would be paid to Ms ODowd in compensation.

Judge Sheehan said it is a very serious case.

He said Ms ODowd was tricked into going to an isolated spot.

Judge Sheehan referred to Ms ODowds victim impact statement in which she said she feels she has been silenced for six years and punished for something she did not want to do.

Their pleas of guilty is a vindication of Ms ODowd. Every detail she told gardai and said in the witness box is accepted. It has come slowly unfortunately but it is a complete and utter vindication of Ms ODowd and everything she said, said Judge Sheehan.

He said the men must understand that a womans autonomy must always be recognised and not in the aggressive and domineering way they behaved which caused fear, distress and alarm at the time and thereafter.

Judge Sheehan took into account the defendants youth, that it was an isolated event, their pleas of guilt, sincere indications of remorse and willingness to make amends.

It appears to me that no good will be done by imposing an immediate custodial sentence, said Judge Sheehan, who imposed fully suspended 16 month prison sentences with the condition they pay the compensation by April 8.

Judge Sheehan lifted reporting restrictions, saying all parties can be named.
Northern Ireland is set to be the focus of a gala dinner event in Washington DC as First Minister Michelle ONeill and Emma Little-Pengelly address guests.

It is the first time Northern Irelands leaders have officially visited the US city together ahead of St Patricks Day for eight years.

In 2016, then first minister Arlene Foster and deputy first minister Martin McGuinness met then US president Barack Obama.

The Stormont Assembly and Executive was resurrected in January following two years of instability.

Ms ONeill and Ms Little-Pengelly will address The Irish Funds dinner on Wednesday night, and are set to attend the annual St Patricks ceremony at the White House on Sunday.

Irish premier Leo Varadkar, who will also address the event, said Northern Ireland will be the focus.

The Ireland Funds will not be perhaps as well known in Ireland as it should be but its an organisation that is very well known in America and around the world and has raised hundreds of millions for very good causes in Ireland with a particular focus on equality and reconciliation, the Taoiseach told media.

Friday will be the political meetings with the president, vice-president and, speaker and congressional leaders with a particular focus on Northern Ireland.

I know they are always very keen to know what is happening in relation to the peace process.

He added: Im really glad Im coming here with the First Minister and deputy First Minister, and the Executive is up and running.

Earlier Mr Leo Varadkar has said Israels apparent plans for the Gaza Strip after a potential ceasefire are entirely unacceptable.

He said he planned to raise the issue with US President Joe Biden this week during a high-profile White House meeting to coincide with St Patricks Day.

The Taoiseach also said that Europe and the US would have a role to play in building a Palestinian state after any truce.

Mr Varadkar and other ministers are attending events in the US around St Patricks Day.

He has said he will use the very special platform with US politicians to give the Irish peoples view that they want the killing in Gaza to stop.

Mr Varadkar said he would try to mention Irish-Palestinian man Zak Hania, who is in Rafah, whose wife has asked for his case to be raised with the US president.

He said there had been hundreds of requests for issues to be raised with Mr Biden.

I should point out though that Irish citizens in Gaza, our main contact is with Israel and Egyptian governments, as well as the Qataris, he replied.

Mr Varadkar said he would be encouraging Mr Biden to redouble efforts the US is making to bring about a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Well be encouraging him to redouble efforts in that regard, offering any help we can, but also really want to talk about the day after.

I think what were hearing from the Israeli government in terms of what their plans are for Gaza the day after (a ceasefire) are entirely unacceptable.

It is an occupied territory, its not Israels right to decide what happens in Gaza, its an occupied territory.

America and Europe have a role to play in building a Palestinian state which I think is the only chance that we have of peace and justice.
1 News reports:

The former Green Party MP was charged with four counts of shoplifting related to three incidents in auckland and one in wellington. Two incidents relate to Ponsonby retailer Scotties Boutique on December 21 and 23, 2023. One relates to Wellington retailer Cre8iveworkx after an incident on October 22, 2023, while the fourth charge, laid late last month, allegedly place at Standard Issue in Auckland's newmarket on December 22. The total of the items taken was revised to $8917. Ghahraman entered the guilty pleas at the Auckland District Court today.

this means it is just sentencing in June. The maximum sentence is three months jail for theft up to $500, one year jail for up to $1,000 and seven years jail for over $1,000.

1st time offenders often get a pre-charge warning and second time offenders diversion. This is more complicated as it is the first time Ghahraman has been charged, but it covers four different thefts, with a fairly high total value.

A fine or community service is most likely I would say, or even a suspended sentence.

Only 14% of those charged with theft escape conviction but have the charges proved, and even smaller 4% get discharged without conviction. So Ghahraman would be very privileged to get that.

I note in the Herald article, that someone who was acting as private security for Ghahraman was shining his torch at photographers to try and spoil any photos they took. This, in my view, is not a good look in terms of contrition.

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A guest post by Dr James Kierstead and Dr Michael Johnston:

In a column that appeared in The Post on 23 February, victoria university of Wellington Vice-Chancellor Nic Smith criticizes the coalition's commitment to have universities adopt a free speech policy.

Smith notes that act Party leader David Seymour has previously criticised universities for declining to host certain speakers and argued the institutions should lose funding if they don't protect free speech.' The vice-chancellor then states that one inference of all this is that anyone who wants to speak on campus should be able to do so.'

But it wouldn't actually be valid to infer from Seymour's criticisms of recent deplatformings at New Zealand universities that he thinks that anyone who wants to speak on campus should be able to do so.'

You can, of course, think that Vice-Chancellor Jan Thomas was wrong to prevent Don Brash from speaking to a student politics club in August 2018 (for example) and at the same time recognize that random people can't simply turn up at a university without an invitation and expect to get a hearing.

Smith has set up a classic straw man. Unfortunately for him, it's a straw man that he addresses the rest of his column to. While it may seem antithetical to some,' he declares, I do not agree that universities platforming all-comers will help.' But it's not clear who exactly has been proposing this.

The vice-chancellor goes on, though, warning that an all-comers approach will actually reduce our capacity to expose relevant truths and understand the world in new ways,' and that everybody having a platform will diminish our capacity for people to talk respectfully together about difficult topics and discuss conflicting ideas.'

It might well be the case that allowing absolutely anyone to speak on campus would make debating ideas on campus more difficult  even if the vice-chancellor doesn't advance any actual arguments for that proposition.

But again, I haven't heard anyone insisting on an all-comers approach' to academic freedom in this country over the past few years.

What I am aware of is anger over episodes such as the de-platforming of Brash, the cancellation of the Feminism 2020 event (also at Massey), and the deplatforming of gender-critical feminist Daphna Whitmore at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in 2022.

Smith doesn't mention any of these cases though. Perhaps that's because they make clear that the problem we have isn't with all-comers' making debate on campus impossible. It's with people with widely held views being prevented from debating certain issues.

It is true, of course, that certain types of speech aren't usually covered even by the strongest free speech laws. In US First Amendment law, for example, drowning out a speaker with heckling is usually considered a violation of the speaker's rights.

So have the likes of Brash and gender-critical feminists been drowning out speakers at our universities with heckling? If so, Smith might have some evidence for his fears about on-campus debate being limited by invited speakers.

In fact, of course, it is the likes of Brash who tend to be heckled. When the former National Party leader was eventually allowed to speak at the University of Auckland in September 2018, NewsHub reported that the event was marred by ugly sceneswith protesters immediately heckling him over a megaphone as he attempted to take part in the debate.'

When British gender-critical women's activist Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull tried to speak in Auckland last year, she was surrounded by a crowd that jeered and shoved her, had tomato juice poured on her head, and eventually had to escape from the area with a police escort. That event wasn't on a university campus, but it's hard to imagine things would have gone differently if it had been.

And when seven Auckland academics sent a letter to The Listener magazine in 2021 politely expressing doubts about inserting matauranga Maori in the science curriculum, two faced an investigation by the Royal Society, one was forced to resign from his administrative position, and another was temporarily removed from teaching.

It should come as no surprise that when Heterodox New Zealand (a group of dissident academics) and the Free Speech Union have conducted surveys of undergraduates and academics over the past couple of years, they found that substantial numbers of responding academics didn't feel comfortable discussing hot-button topics like the Treaty of Waitangi and gender.

Why doesn't Smith address any of this? It probably isn't because Smith (who made his academic reputation making computer models of the heart) simply doesn't understand the issues. A more likely reason is that the vice-chancellor, like a lot of people at universities these days, feels intimidated.

You might think that the vice-chancellor, who was paid $368,750 by the taxpayer-funded institution last year, should simply bite the bullet and risk offending a small number of bolshie students and staff. The education Act does, after all, require universities to uphold academic freedom, and Smith is effectively Vic's CEO. That even Smith doesn't dare address the real problem speaks volumes about the situation that our universities now find themselves in.

It also speaks to the need for the kind of legislation that the coalition aims to introduce  and, in fact, for more robust measures as well.

Universities in english-speaking countries are becoming more like religious organizations than the secular, liberal engines of research and learning that we take them (and pay them) to be.

Just as in medieval universities, plenty of good work gets done, and most university workers aren't particularly zealous. But there are limits on what you can and can't discuss, and over time this has significantly distorted the university's core purpose.

If this government stops at simply asking universities to commit to a free speech policy and leaves them to police themselves, managers like Smith will simply carry on posing as defenders of free speech while caving in to zealots at every turn. With few left on campus who are willing to oppose the zealots, why wouldn't the managers act in this way?

What we need, in addition, is an academic freedom bill of the sort that has been successfully introduced in the UK. This enables staff and students whose rights have been breached to seek legal redress. It also sets up a free speech czar' (currently Dr. Arif Ahmed) who can make sure that universities are doing the job that they are paid to do  providing a genuinely open space for learning and investigation.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Cloudy skies early with scattered thunderstorms developing late. Low 46F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early with scattered thunderstorms developing late. Low 46F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Evidence markers are seen following a shooting in Northeast Philadelphia on March 6. Two 18-year-olds have been arrested for allegedly unleashing a hail of gunfire at high school students waiting at a bus stop in Northeast Philadelphia, leaving eight injured.
On April 2, voters will only have three choices  two of whom are on the Board or have run before  to fill two vacant spots.
University of Missouri campus leaders gathered Wednesday to learn more about the dangers of cannabis poisoning. The MU School of Medicine, School of Nursing, and College of Health Sciences teamed up for the inaugural "Three Deans' Lecture." MU students, health care workers, and other interes
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) spoke on camera for the first time Thursday afternoon regarding the continuous search for Riley Strain, a missing University of Missouri student.

Strain, 22, was reported missing Saturday afternoon after he was kicked out of a bar on Broadway in downtown Nashville on Friday night, according to a missing person's report.

16:23 WATCH: Nashville police hold media availability on Riley Strain case Nashville police updated media Thursday on the case of a missing University of Missouri student.

He was seen on camera near the Cumberland River while crossing First Avenue North at Gay Street around 9:47 p.m. Friday.

Sgt. Robert Nielsen, a supervisor for MNPD's Cold Case and Missing Persons Unit, said there is no indication of foul play or evidence that another crime was committed at the time Strain disappeared. He also said there is no sign of Strain in the river.

"All of our resources are dedicated toward finding (Riley)," Nielsen said.

Thursday marks day six of the search for Strain.

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The latest surveillance video that police are reviewing reportedly shows Strain walking north on Gay Street in between the Woodland Street Bridge and James Robertson Parkway Bridge, Nielsen said. Strain's family told KOMU 8 that the video captures Strain walking at 9:52 p.m. Friday. KOMU 8 has not seen the new surveillance video that police and Strain's family referenced.

The department is trying to contact any downtown Nashville businesses, citizens and people living in nearby homeless camps to piece together any clues that might help find Strain, Nielsen said.

Nashville's Office of Emergency Management crews searched the river for hours on Tuesday with sonar-equipped boats and drones and returned to the river Wednesday to search a path set in coordination with MNPD.

Police said Thursday its Urban Search and Rescue team is searching along the bank of the river.

Strain's financial records do not indicate he purchased a ride with any ride-share services like Uber or Lyft, Nielsen said. Police are also still waiting on phone records and data from Strain's Apple Watch.

The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission is investigating whether Strain was overserved alcohol at a bar in Nashville on Friday night.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Metro Nashville Police Department at 615-862-8600 or the MU Police Department at 573-882-7201.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, will go on trial for gun-related charges on June 3, a federal judge ruled March 13.
The National Nuclear Safety Administration plans to expand its Kansas City facility, which develops and manufactures the non-nuclear components of nuclear weapons. Missouri lawmakers are hoping to approve a sales tax exemption on construction materials for the private developer building the expansion.
Shares of Canadian Gold Corp. (CVE:CGC  Get Free Report) shot up 13.8% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as C$0.17 and last traded at C$0.17. 481,750 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 660% from the average session volume of 63,396 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.15.

Canadian Gold Price Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07, a quick ratio of 0.49 and a current ratio of 3.09. The company has a market cap of C$28.96 million, a PE ratio of -16.50 and a beta of 1.68. The companys 50-day simple moving average is C$0.14 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$0.16.

Canadian Gold Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Canadian Gold Corp. engages in the exploration and development of mineral properties in Canada. Its principal project is the Tartan Lake gold mine project that consists of 20 mineral claims covering an area of approximately 2,670 hectares located northeast of the town of Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada. The company was formerly known as Satori Resources Inc and changed its name to Canadian Gold Corp.

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Shares of ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF (NYSEARCA:THNQ  Get Free Report) dropped 0.4% on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $44.47 and last traded at $44.56. Approximately 15,998 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 58% from the average daily volume of 37,916 shares. The stock had previously closed at $44.76.

ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF Stock Down 0.4 %

The stock has a fifty day moving average of $42.63 and a two-hundred day moving average of $38.58. The stock has a market cap of $69.07 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.03 and a beta of 1.21.

ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

The Robo Global Artificial Intelligence ETF (THNQ) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence index. The fund tracks a global index of companies involved in developing the technology and the infrastructure of enabling artificial intelligence. THNQ was launched on May 11, 2020 and is managed by ROBO Global.

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Teranga Gold Co. (OTCMKTS:TGCDF  Get Free Report) shares traded up 0.5% on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $9.90 and last traded at $9.75. 17,000 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 26% from the average session volume of 22,890 shares. The stock had previously closed at $9.70.

Teranga Gold Stock Up 0.5 %

The companys 50 day simple moving average is $9.75 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $9.75.

Teranga Gold Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Teranga Gold Corporation engages in the exploration, development, production, and sale of gold in West Africa. The company's flagship project is the Sabodala gold mine covering an area of 291 square kilometers mine license and 629 square kilometers exploration land package located in the Republic of Senegal.

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In the vibrant world of K-pop, where talent and charisma reign supreme, maintaining a squeaky-clean image is paramount for artists.

However, the journey to stardom isn't always smooth sailing. K-pop idols often find themselves embroiled in controversies that threaten to tarnish their carefully cultivated reputations.

Let's delve into some notable incidents in the unforgiving spotlight of the K-pop industry.

8 Most Controversial K-Pop Idols

Kim Yongguk (JBJ): The Feline Fiasco

Kim Yongguk, formerly of JBJ, faced public backlash over his treatment of his cats. Fans were dismayed to discover that one of his cats had been neglected and abandoned at a shelter. This incident not only damaged his reputation but also sparked a conversation about responsible pet ownership within the K-pop community.

Hwayoung (BOYS24): Insults and Consequences

Hwayoung found himself in hot water after a voice recording surfaced, allegedly featuring him insulting fans in a degrading manner. The fallout was swift, resulting in his removal from the group.

READ ALSO: Influencer Draws Attention For Calling TWICE Chaeyoung 'Racist' During Concert - How Did People React?

Hongbin (VIXX): A Stream of Criticism

During a live stream on Twitch, Hongbin of VIXX made disparaging remarks about other K-pop groups, sparking outrage among fans. The comments were seen as disrespectful, leading to immediate backlash.

Hongbin later apologized on the same platform, clarifying that he did not intend to belittle other idol bands. He acknowledged his mistake, stating that he made a slip of the tongue while intoxicated.Despite the apology, the incident caused controversy within the K-pop community

Somi: Caught in the Crossfire

Somi found herself caught in the midst of a geopolitical controversy when she inadvertently promoted Starbucks during a boycott. While unintended, her actions led to criticism from fans who accused her of compromising her principles for financial gain.

Jae (DAY6): Friendship Fractured

Jae's reputation took a hit when he made derogatory remarks about a friend during a live stream. Despite being meant as a joke, his words crossed a line, resulting in hurt feelings and damaged relationships. .

Fans speculate about the current relationships between Jae and the other members, noting subtle interactions on social media. Some fans believe they are still friends despite less public interaction.

Chaeyoung (TWICE): Symbolism and Scrutiny

Chaeyoung faced backlash for wearing a Qanon shirt featuring controversial symbols, prompting disappointment from fans. The photo was deleted, but it showed Chaeyoungwearing a shirt with Sid Vicious wearing a swastika, associated with Adolf Hitler and the German Nazi party.

Chaeyoung stated she didn't recognize the meaning of the swastika on the shirt and apologized for not reviewing it thoroughly.

HyunA and Junhyung: Love in the Limelight

HyunA's relationship with Junhyung, marred by his involvement in the Burning Sun Scandal, drew criticism from fans. Fans express disgust and disappointment in her decision to associate with someone linked to serious crimes.The man admitted to watching hidden camera videos and being part of the scandal. Many fans feel betrayed and question Hyuna's judgment and morals.

Irene (Red Velvet): Strained Relations

Irene faced allegations of mistreating a stylist, sparking a public outcry and necessitating apologies from both parties. Industry insiders and staff members commented on the incident, expressing disappointment and concern over Irene's behavior.

Fans had mixed reactions, with some defending Irene while others criticized her actions.

READ ALSO: 5 K-pop Idols Known for Being 'Chronically Online': Jeon Somi, GOT7 BamBam, More!
VMPL

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], March 14: His symptoms and investigations revealed a serious condition known as Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH) - a condition characterised by elevated blood pressure in the lung arteries associated with blood clots originating from deep veins in the lower limbs or pelvis. These blood clots can dislodge and travel in the venous system to the lung arteries. When diagnosed early, this is typically treated with anticoagulation for up to six months. If the blood clots are not absorbed they transform into scar tissue narrowing or blocking the arterial branches supplying both lungs. The risk of developing CTEPH is higher with delayed or under anticoagulation, with repeated episodes of pulmonary embolism, or in some patients with genetic susceptibility to form clots more readily. Once CTEPH is established, the mean life expectancy is less than three years.

Also Read | If Voted to Power, INDIA Alliance To Be Voice of Farmers, Says Rahul Gandhi at Nashik Rally.

With progressive deterioration in his medical condition, the pressure in his lung arteries was over fourfold from normal. At this level of pulmonary hypertension, the right side of the heart starts struggling to pump adequate blood into the lungs. In a remarkable turn of events, a multidisciplinary team led by Dr Kumud Kumar Dhital, Director of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (CVTS) Program at Kauvery Hospital Vadapalani, intervened to save the patient's life by offering the only curative therapy for this condition. The team included interventional cardiologists, radiologists, intensive care experts, surgeons, and pulmonologists, meticulously assessing the complex situation before getting on to a high-stakes surgical procedure. The procedure, called Pulmonary Endarterectomy involves general anaesthesia, placement on the heart-lung machine, cooling the body down to 20 degrees Celsius and then stopping all blood circulation in the body for brief periods of 20 minutes to surgically visualise and meticulously extract the chronic scar tissue from within the lung arteries.

At the end of the procedure the pulmonary pressures were reduced to within the normal range. The patient spent minimal time in the intensive care unit before being transferred to a regular ward where he made an uneventful recovery before hospital discharge. He is already experiencing a remarkable improvement in his symptoms and exercise capacity. He can now expect a normal quality of life and prognosis, except for having to remain on lifelong anticoagulation therapy.

Also Read | Big Girls Dont Cry Season 1 Review: Pooja Bhatt and Avantika Vandanapus Coming-of Age Series Doesnt Soar Above Its Ordinary Writing (LatestLY Exclusive).

This successful case underscores the expertise and collaborative approach of the medical team at Kauvery Hospital Vadapalani in tackling complex cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions, offering hope to patients facing similar challenges.

Dr Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-founder and Executive Director of Kauvery Group of Hospitals, expressed his congratulations to Dr Kumud Kumar Dhital and the entire medical team for their remarkable expertise and dedication. He also commended the patient for their journey from Africa to Kauvery Hospital, highlighting their trust in our institution's adherence to international clinical standards. Dr Selvaraj reiterated the hospital's unwavering commitment to providing care that meets the highest international clinical standards.

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, March 14: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, took on opposition leaders Asaduddin Owaisi and Mamata Banerjee for their claims that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act was anti-Muslim and said that the law can't be seen in isolation as it carries a history with itself.

Owaisi had referred to the law as anti-Muslim and said that since it was based on religion it can't be formulated in the country, while Mamata Banerjee questioned the government claiming that it has eliminated the entire Muslim community like those who have come from Bangladesh from this. CAA Helpline Number: Home Ministry Says Toll-Free Helpline Number Will Be Launched Soon To Assist Applicants for Indian Citizenship.

"This is not a poitical game for the Bharatiya Janata Party. For our leader PM Modi ji and our government it is our duty to give adequate rights to those persecuted minorties from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh who were living like refugees in India. It is a question of giving them rights that have eluded them for three generations and empathising with their pain" the Home Minister said.

Amit Shah also assured the Muslim community that the CAA does not in any way take away their rights as was being alleged by the opposition. "I said this nearly 41 times in the recent times that the minorities in India need not worry as there is no provision to take away anyone's citizenship. It only gurantees citizenship for persecuted minorties of Hindu, Skih, BUdhist, Christian and Parsi denomination" Amit Shah said. CAA: List of Documents Required To Apply for Citizenship in India Under Citizenship Amendment Act.

"The opposition has no other work than to criticise us, they even questioned the surgical strikes and said we sought political mileage from them. Should we have not acted against terrorism. They also called the abbrogation of 370 a political motive. It is our record that what we promise we deliver, every guarantee that Modi ji has given has come true" the Home Minister added.

The Home Minister also spoke of the history of partition and why this law could not be viewed in isolation. "Do not view this law in isolation. On August 15, 1947 the country was divided into three parts. The Bharatiya Jana Sangh and the BJP alway opposed partition on the basis of religion. And those who were minortities in those countries became victims of sever oppression. They were forced to convert, their women were assualted and because of that they came to seek refuge in India. Are these people not eligible for Indian citizenshp.

Amit Shah on CAA

At the time of partition the leaders of the Congress said that people should not leave their places as there was violence and later they will be given citizenship in India. Now the Congress has forgotten that for its vote bank politics" the Home Minister said. Amit Shah said it was the moral duty of the government to give citizenship and protection to minorties undergoing persecution.

"Those people who were living in undivided Indian and then underwent persecution for following their faith we must offer them citizenship. It is our moral duty. You can look at the statistics and see the drop in the Hindu population in Pakistan since independence. These people were persecuted, so where should they go, should not the political parties think about that.

In Afghansistan there ar only about 500 or so Hinus left, don't these people have a right live with their beliefs. They were all our brothers in undiveded India" the Home Minister said. Further, when asked about Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray's allegations of CAA being implemented to hide the failure of the BJP government, Shah, in a staunch reply, sought clarification of the former's stand on CAA.

"I want a clear clarification from Uddhav Thackeray in front of the people of the nation and Maharashtra, whether he wants CAA or not. Now he wants the votes of minorities that is why he is doing politics of appeasement and we are not. Our stand is clear from day one" the Home Minister said.

On March 11, the Union Home Ministry notified rules for the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), days ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections scheduled. CAA aims to provide Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants - including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians - who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014.
Amravathi, February 24: The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jana Sena on Saturday announced their candidates for 99 of the total 175 assembly segments for the upcoming state assembly polls. TDP national president Nara Chandrababu Naidu and the Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan together announced the candidates.

While the TDP announced its candidates for 94 seats in the first list, the Jana Sena declared the candidature of five of the total of 24 seats that the party is going to contest in the alliance. Of the 94 TDP candidates, 23 are first-timers and an opportunity has been provided for IAS officers, doctors, and graduates those who are answerable to the people while the YSRCP is fielding smugglers of red-sandals, rowdies, and goondas, Chandrababu said. Arunachal Pradesh Assembly Elections 2024: BJP Releases List of 60 Candidates for Upcoming Polls, CM Pema Khandu To Contest From Mukto; Check Candidates Names.

"Keeping the interests of the State, both the TDP and the Jana Sena have come together to jointly contest the upcoming elections. The alliance is not in the interest of the parties nor in personal interest but for the progress of the five crore people of the State," he said. Terming it a historic occasion, he said that the state has suffered a lot with bifurcation while the loss is more for the state after Jagan has become the Chief Minister.

"This is not a personal loss either for him or for Pawan Kalyan but for the five crore people of the state as the Andhra Pradesh brand was hit hard by this YSRCP Government", Chandrababu remarked. The prevailing situation in the State is so pathetic that a person can not come out openly to express the injustice done to him or her, he said. Everyone is a victim of this Government including himself and his party cadre besides Pawan Kalyan, Naidu said. Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Aam Aadmi Party Releases List of Eight Candidates for Punjab for Upcoming General Polls.

"When Pawan Kalyan visited Ippatam, several hurdles were created for his road show in Visakhapatnam," he said. Calling upon the TDP and the Jana Sena activists at the grassroots level to work in close coordination, Chandrababu Naidu announced that he and Pawan Kalyan will work for a better future for the State and to rid Andhra Pradesh from the clutches of Jagan. Appreciating Pawan Kalyan for announcing popular and known candidates, he said that the TDP candidates too are very capable.

"Perhaps for the first time in my political life I have done so much exercise to select these candidates to collect the opinion of 1.3 crore people besides the views of the party activists," Chandrababu Naidu said. The selection of candidates is done after conducting a study and analyzing all angles, he said, adding that only those who are actively moving among the public are selected now to face the elections boldly.

Though attacks are being made against the media persons, they are in such a poor condition that they could not even resist such attacks as they lost self-confidence, Chandrababu remarked. This Government has demolished all four pillars, the judiciary, legislature, executive, and the media, and not even a single IAS or IPS officer could come out openly, he said.

While the media is being controlled through a GO, the judiciary is being misused to take revenge by spending public funds, he said and pointed out that crores of rupees are being paid as fees for advocates. The TDP Chief felt that the upcoming polls were very crucial for the State and the people and called upon the voters to elect the TDP-Jana Sena candidates beyond any consideration.

"The day the alliance has been announced we have virtually won the polls and the YSRCP got totally wiped out from the state political scene. But the YSRCP leaders are making every effort to win through bogus votes and by spending huge amounts of money," the TDP supremo said and added that power is not permanent for any one particular person in a democracy.

"Instead of taking more seats only to experiment, we felt it is better to take a limited number of seats in the alliance to safeguard the interest of the State. Our sole aim is to bring the State back on track but not the interest of the party or personal interests," Pawan Kalyan said.

The Jana Sena chief said that the party would contest three Lok Sabha seats.

"If the 24 Assembly seats that the Jana Sena is now contesting and three Lok Sabha seats comprising 21 segments, the party is in the race in a total of 45 segments," Pawan Kalyan explained. Kalyan called upon the party leaders and cadre to set aside their interests and work for the success of the combine.

"Soon after the government is formed the services of those who have made certain sacrifices will be remembered and they will be honored with some nominated posts," Pawan Kalyan said and asked the cadre of both the Jana Sena and the TDP to work together and not fall prey to the conspiracies of the YSRCP. The Lok Sabha polls and Andhra assembly polls are slated to be held simultaneously later this year.
New Delhi [India], March 14: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that the Citizen (Amendment) Act that has come into effect will not be implemented in the North-Eastern states where there is a provision for the Inner Line Permit (ILP) including areas that are granted special status under the 6th Schedule of the Constitution. The Union Home Minister also said that the implementation of the CAA will not dilute the composition and the rights of the tribals.

In an interview with ANI, Amit Shah was asked whether the CAA would be implemented in Assam and if there is any link between the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the CAA. "The NRC has nothing to do with the CAA. CAA will be implemented in Assam and other parts of the country. Only the States in the North East where two types of special rights have been granted to the people, only those areas will not implement CAA," he said. CAA Implementation: BJPs Amit Shah Questions Asaduddin Owaisi, Mamata Banerjee for Calling Citizenship Amendment Act Anti-Muslim, Says Law Carries History With Itself.

"This includes the areas where there is a provision for the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and the areas that are granted special status under the 6th Schedule of the Constitution," said Shah. Asked if the CAA will change the composition of the tribal areas, Shah said, "Not even a bit. CAA will not change or dilute the composition and the rights of the tribal areas."

"We have made provisions in the Act itself that wherever there is an Inner Line Permit and whatever areas are included in the 6th Schedule areas, CAA will not be applicable there. The applications with the address in those areas will not be uploaded to the app. We have excluded it from the app itself," said Shah. The CAA seeks to grant citizenship to Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis who came to India on or before December 31, 2014 from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. CAA: List of Documents Required To Apply for Citizenship in India Under Citizenship Amendment Act.

A day after the central government notified CAA rules, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared that he would be the first to step down from his post if even a single individual, who has not applied for the National Register of Citizens (NRC), is granted citizenship under the newly implemented law. The BJP leader's remarks came in the wake of sporadic protests in Assam, with the All Assam Students Union (AASU) criticising the Centre for enforcing the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

The law aims to provide citizenship to undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Speaking to ANI, Home Minister Amit Shah also slammed the vocal critics of the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the country and asserted that the States have no power to refuse CAA since the right to exercise this law rests only with the Union Government and not with the States.

Amit Shah said, "The States have no power to refuse the implementation of CAA. The right to make this law rests only with the Union Government and not with the States." The Union Home Ministry on March 11 notified rules for the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), days ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha election schedule.

The CAA rules, introduced by the Narendra Modi government and passed by Parliament in 2019, aim to confer Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants--including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians--who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014.
Guwahati (Assam) [India], March 14 (ANI): The Directorate General of National Cadet Corps (DGNCC) proudly hosted an award ceremony at Narangi, Guwahati, honouring the exemplary achievements and contributions of NCC cadets, Associate NCC Officers (ANO), Girls Cadet Instructors (GCI) and Principals of best Institutions for NCC covering all seven states within the NCC Directorate of the North Eastern Region (NER).

According to an official release from the Public Relations Officer (PRO) Defence, Guwahati, the event held on March 14, served as a platform to recognize and celebrate the dedication, leadership, and outstanding performance demonstrated by cadets, institutes and officers within the NCC fraternity.

Also Read | Electoral Bonds Data Received From SBI Uploaded on ECI Website; BJP, Congress, AIADMK Among Recipients of Funds.

Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh PVSM, AVSM, VSM, and DGNCC (Directorate General of National Cadet Corps) gave banners and trophies to the best NCC Group, best colleges and schools for NCC (one college and school per state) to all seven states of NER.

This award ceremony was a much-awaited event, which has motivated the entire fraternity of NCC in NER. The event became more prestigious when the top most dignitary of the NCC organisation, DGNCC was the Chief Guest for the ceremony.

Also Read | Mamata Banerjee Hospitalised After Suffering Bleeding Injury on Forehead, TMC Shares Injured West Bengal CMs Photos.

The ceremony witnessed the presentation of a diverse range of awards and prizes to deserving recipients, acknowledging their significant contributions to the ideals of the National Cadet Corps.

There were a total of 61 prizes given to GCI, PI staff, ANOs, Principals of institutes and NCC cadets for their outstanding performance thereby enhancing the image of NCC during the year 2023-24 in their respective areas within NER.

Addressing the audience, DGNCC commended the awardees for their dedication and commitment to the values of the National Cadet Corps.

"The NCC plays a vital role in shaping the character and leadership skills of our youth, instilling in them a sense of discipline, patriotism, and service to the nation. Today, we celebrate the achievements of our cadets, officers, and principals who embody the spirit of the NCC", he said.

He congratulated Maj Gen Gagan Deep, ADG NCC Dte, NER and Brig Dinar Dighe, NCC Guwahati Group Commander for the successful conduct of the ceremony. (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 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of two additional corridors of Delhi Metro's Phase 4 during a programme at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Thursday. The Union Cabinet under the leadership of PM Modi has greenlit the expansion of the Delhi Metro with the approval of two new corridors under Phase-IV of the project on Wednesday, in a significant move aimed at bolstering the public transportation infrastructure in the national capital.

According to a press release, the two approved corridors, namely the Lajpat Nagar to Saket G-Block and the Inderlok to Indraprastha lines, are expected to play a pivotal role in improving Metro connectivity across various parts of Delhi. PM Narendra Modi Lays Foundation Stone of Two Additional Corridors of Delhi Metro's Phase 4 (Watch Video).

PM Modi Lays Foundation Stone

VIDEO | PM Modi lays the foundation stone of two additional corridors of Delhi Metros Phase 4 during PM SVANidhi scheme event at JLN Stadium in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/og5BdgHK1H  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 14, 2024

The project's total cost is estimated at Rs 8,399 crore, which will be sourced from the Government of India, the Government of Delhi, and international funding agencies. These corridors, spanning a combined length of 20.762 kilometers, aim to provide seamless connectivity to commuters across different parts of the city. The Lajpat Nagar to Saket G-Block corridor, stretching over 8.385 kilometers, will be entirely elevated and will encompass eight stations.

Meanwhile, the Inderlok to Indraprastha corridor, covering 12.377 kilometers, will comprise 11.349 kilometers of underground lines and 1.028 kilometers of elevated lines, housing a total of 10 stations. One of the highlights of the Inderlok to Indraprastha line is its enhanced connectivity to the Bahadurgarh region of Haryana. PM Narendra Modi To Distribute Loans to One Lakh Street Vendors on March 14 Under PM SVANidhi Scheme.

Commuters from these areas will benefit from direct access to central and east Delhi, thanks to seamless interchange facilities with other Metro lines, including the Green, Red, Yellow, Airport, Magenta, Violet, Pink, and Blue Lines. These corridors will also witness the establishment of eight new interchange stations, strategically located at key junctures such as Inderlok, Nabi Karim, New Delhi, Delhi Gate, Indraprastha, Lajpat Nagar, Chirag Dilli, and Saket G Block. These interchange stations are expected to significantly improve interconnectivity among all operational lines of the Delhi Metro network.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC) has already commenced pre-bid activities and the preparation of tender documents. The construction of these new corridors is slated for completion by March 2026 in stages, adding another feather to the cap of the Delhi Metro, which is already recognized as one of the fastest-growing Metro networks globally.

(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, Mar 14 (PTI) Ministry of Mines has suspended Radhashyam Mahapatro, Director (HR) of NALCO with immediate effect on disciplinary grounds.

In an exchange filing, National Aluminium Company Ltd (NALCO) on Thursday said it has been informed by the ministry that Mahapatro has been placed under suspension with immediate effect.

Also Read | Ram Mandir in Ayodhya Witnessing Average Footfall of 1 to 1.5 Lakh Pilgrims Daily, Says Temple Trust.

The ministry has assigned the additional charge of Director (HR) to Jagdish Arora, Director (Projects & Technical) with effect from March 14, for the suspension period or until further orders, whichever is earlier, the filing said.

Bhubaneswar-based NALCO is one of the largest integrated bauxite-alumina-aluminium companies in the country.

Also Read | Who Is Nayab Saini? All You Need To Know About BJP Leader Set To Be New Haryana CM.

(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, Mar 14 (PTI) JM Financial Private Equity on Thursday said it has committed an investment of Rs 45 crore in Energy Beverages Pvt Ltd which owns bottled water brand 'Clear Premium Water'.

This is the fifth investment from the Fund III, and is in line with its stated strategy of investing in growth-oriented companies in the mid-market space, JM Financial Private Equity said in a statement.

Also Read | Ram Mandir in Ayodhya Witnessing Average Footfall of 1 to 1.5 Lakh Pilgrims Daily, Says Temple Trust.

Energy Beverages has emerged as a leading player in the HoReCa (hotels, restaurants & cafes) segment and is gaining a footprint in the retail market in India, it said.

With a pan-India footprint, the company is strategically expanding its distribution across the nation, it said.

Also Read | Who Is Nayab Saini? All You Need To Know About BJP Leader Set To Be New Haryana CM.

Proceeds from the investment will support brand building initiatives and enhancing the existing capacities and distribution network of the company, it added.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Copenhagen [Denmark], March 14 (ANI): In response to the shifting security landscape in Europe, Denmark is expanding conscription and will call up women in addition to men to enlist in the military, according to Al Jazeera.

The goal of the updated strategy, according to Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, is to boost the proportion of young people enlisting in the military.

Also Read | India Jumps 14 Ranks on Gender Inequality Index 2022, Ranking 108 out of 193 Countries.

Additionally, conscripts will be expected to serve 11 months in the military, as opposed to the current period of only four months.

"We are not rearming because we want war, destruction, or suffering. We are rearming right now to avoid war and in a world where the international order is being challenged," Frederiksen told reporters on Wednesday.

Also Read | Earthquake in Indonesia: 6.2 Magnitude Quake on Richter Scale Jolts North Sulawesi Province.

Over the next five years, Denmark, a founding member of NATO, intends to increase its defence expenditure by 40.5 billion Danish crowns, which is roughly USD 5.9 billion, according to Al Jazeera. According to Frederiksen, defence spending will surpass NATO's aim for member states and reach 2.4 per cent of GDP this year and in 2025.

After the Cold War ended in the early 1990s, the nation reduced its military might, but Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has raised new worries about security on the continent.

President Vladimir Putin announced on Wednesday that Russia will send troops to Finland's border. Finland joined NATO last year in response to the invasion of Ukraine, and Prime Minister Petteri Orpo of Finland warned Moscow was preparing for a "long conflict with the West."

The situation in Europe "has become more and more serious, and we have to take that into account when we look at future defence," country's Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said, according to Al Jazeera.

As per the official figures, according to the Al Jazeera report, Denmark currently has as many as 9,000 professional soldiers in addition to 4,700 conscripts undergoing basic training.

The amended draft calls for conscripts to serve six months in operational service with additional training after five months of basic training. Laws will need to be changed in order to implement the new system, and Poulsen predicted that this would happen in 2025 and take effect in 2026. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Tel Aviv [Israel], March 14 (ANI/TPS): On Wednesday, the Knesset approved an update to the state budget for 2024 that includes the expenses that arose due to the "Iron Swords" war against the terrorist group Hamas in Gaza. The updated state budget is about 584 billion Shekels (USD 162 billion) and reflects an increase of about 70 billion Shekels (USD 19.4 billion) in spending.

The budget includes a significant addition to defense spending, both for the reimbursement of the fighting expenses and for the strengthening of the army, the protection of settlements near Gaza and security components for the settlements, extensive support for the mental health system, the budgeting of the Takuma administration for the reconstruction of the surrounding area, the evacuation of settlements and support in the acceleration of the high-tech industry and the real estate industry.

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The budget update anchors a projected deficit of about 6.6 per cent of GDP for 2024, and includes adjustments in the amount of about 20 billion Shekels (USD 5.6 billion) in 2024 and 2025.

The government also approved several measures to increase state revenues: taxing bank profits as well as reducing the recovery day for salaried employees as part of an agreement with the Histadrut - Israel's national labor federation.

Also Read | Pakistan: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan Warns of Sri Lanka-Like Crisis in Country Amid High Inflation.

Director General of the Ministry of Finance, Shlomi Heisler: "The updated budget for 2024 will enable the implementation of the war efforts, strengthening the resilience of the Israeli economy and will allow the reservists and reserve networks to be rewarded for their contribution to the security of the state."(ANI/TPS)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Tel Aviv [Israel], March 14 (ANI/TPS): A 50-year-old man was critically wounded in a stabbing attack this afternoon in a shopping complex by the Beit Kama Junction near Beer-Sheva.

Two other individuals sustained minor injuries.

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The terrorist was identified as Fadi Abu al-Tayef, a 23-year-old Israel-Arab from Rahat, a nearby Bedouin city.

Security footage of the attack shared on social media showed Tayef entering a cafe, approaching a victim from behind and stabbing him several times, including in the neck. Despite the injury, the man managed to shoot and kill Tayef.

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"As soon as I left the cafe I heard a commotion and gunshots, I turned around and saw a wounded man about 50 years old coming out of the cafe and collapsing," said Magen David Adom medic Keren Koch.

"I approached him while simultaneously rushing MDA forces to the scene. He suffered from bleeding stab wounds. I started working to stop the bleeding and immediately large MDA forces arrived on the scene and continued the medical treatment and evacuated him to the hospital. This is a shocking attack," she said.

According to Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai, Tayef had lived in Gaza for several years. His father was from Gaza while his mother was from Rahat.

The attack came as Israel beefed up security during the Islamic month of Ramadan, which began on Sunday night. In the last several years, Palestinian terror attacks have surged during Ramadan. (ANI/TPS)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Beijing, Mar 14 (PTI) In a rare show of defiance, Chinese media on Thursday protested against the attempts by police to block the coverage of a suspected gas leak explosion at an eatery in the country's north, which killed seven people and injured 27 others.

The blast that rocked a fried chicken shop in Yanjiao township in the city of Sanhe, near Beijing, on Wednesday is suspected to have been caused by a gas leak.

Also Read | India Jumps 14 Ranks on Gender Inequality Index 2022, Ranking 108 out of 193 Countries.

As Chinese official media and foreign journalists rushed to cover the explosion, which killed two people and injured 27 others, they were forcibly prevented by local authorities from the scene, raising a rare controversy over the country's press restrictions.

A journalist with state broadcaster CCTV was interrupted while reporting live from the scene of the blast.

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The journalist was seen surrounded by several uniformed police officers who blocked the camera and shouted about the potential danger at the scene, according to a video that circulated online.

The video of the report was no longer available on CCTV's website as of Thursday, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post newspaper reported.

In another video, reporters were seen surrounded by a group of uniformed police officers asking them to leave the scene.

A reporter with state-run China Media Group -- of which CCTV is a division -- was heard saying, We three reporters are shoved by a dozen people.

The state-run All China Journalists Association objected to the official crackdown, saying that officials should not simply and brutally obstruct journalists in the normal performance of their duties for the sake of controlling public opinion. The association urged officials to make it easier for media to conduct on-site interviews when reporting emergencies.

The police crackdown against media was seen as an attempt by the local officials to downplay the coverage, fearing reprisals as last month, Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered steps to curb occurrences of recurring incidents of building fires due to various causes and protect people's lives and property and social stability.

As the videos of media protests went viral on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, akin to X, local authorities on Thursday issued a statement saying they were deeply remorseful and apologised to the journalists, the Post report said.

The media protest against the official crackdown also figured in the Chinese foreign ministry briefing, as many foreign journalists were reportedly prevented from covering the evening.

When questioned on restrictions imposed on journalists, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said local officials have issued a statement on the incident.

China welcomes foreign journalists conducting reporting activities under the law and is willing to facilitate if the media faces any problems, Wang said.

Fire and gas explosions have been taking place almost every month, prompting President Xi to order the concerned agencies to take pre-emptive measures.

Fifteen people were killed and 44 others injured in a building fire in Nanning city in China last month, while 39 were killed and nine others injured in a building fire that broke out in Xinyu city in east China's Jiangxi Province on January 24.

Fatal fires in China are not uncommon due to lax enforcement of building and safety standards.

On January 20, at least 13 students were killed when a fire broke out in a school dormitory in central China's Henan province. All the victims were third-grade students.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Taipei [Taiwan], March 14 (ANI): Taiwan dispatched aircraft and naval ships and deployed air defence missile systems to monitor the activities of Chinese military planes and naval vessels that encircled it, the defence ministry of the island country said on Thursday, as cited by Taiwan News.

The Ministry of National Defence (MND) of Taiwan reported monitoring 26 Chinese military aircraft and 10 naval vessels encircling the nation from 6 am on Wednesday to 6 am on Thursday, Taiwan News reported.

Also Read | India Jumps 14 Ranks on Gender Inequality Index 2022, Ranking 108 out of 193 Countries.

Seven Chinese military aircraft breached the median of the Taiwan Strait, the country's Defence Ministry said today.

Additionally, the MND tracked 10 aircraft in the southwest corner of Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ), three in the northeast ADIZ, and one in the southern ADIZ, as per Taiwan News.

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According to Taiwan News, this incident marks the latest in a series of provocations, with Taiwan having tracked Chinese military aircraft 151 times and naval vessels 85 times this month alone.Since September 2020, China has been increasingly employed gray zone tactics, gradually escalating the presence of military assets around Taiwan.

Gray zone tactics are defined as "an effort or series of efforts beyond steady-state deterrence and assurance that attempts to achieve one's security objectives without resorting to direct and sizable use of force."

Earlier, On March 9, Taiwan's MND reported tracking nine Chinese military aircraft and five naval vessels around the nation

"Among the nine People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, four breached the median line of the Taiwan strait, entering the southwestern and northern corner of Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ), as per the MND."

According to Focus Taiwan, Taiwan dispatched aircraft and naval ships and deployed air defence missile systems to closely monitor the PLA's activities." (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Norfolk (US), Mar 14 (AP) The US government could end its legal fight against a planned expedition to the Titanic, which has sparked concerns that it would violate a law that treats the wreck as a gravesite.

Kent Porter, an assistant US attorney, told a federal judge in Virginia on Wednesday that the US is seeking more information on revised plans for the May expedition, which have been significantly scaled back. Porter said the US has not determined whether the new plans would break the law.

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RMS Titanic Inc., the Georgia company that owns the salvage rights to the wreck, originally planned to take images inside the ocean liner's severed hull and to retrieve artifacts from the debris field. RMST also said it would possibly recover free-standing objects inside the Titanic, including the room where the sinking ship had broadcast its distress signals.

The US filed a legal challenge to the expedition in August, citing a 2017 federal law and a pact with Great Britain to treat the site as a memorial. More than 1,500 people died when the Titanic struck an iceberg and sank in 1912.

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The US argued last year that entering the Titanic  or physically altering or disturbing the wreck  is regulated by the law and agreement. Among the government's concerns is the possible disturbance of artifacts and any human remains that may still exist on the North Atlantic seabed.

In October, RMST said it had significantly pared down its dive plans. That's because its director of underwater research, Paul-Henri Nargeolet, died in the implosion of the Titan submersible near the Titanic shipwreck in June.

The Titan was operated by a separate company, OceanGate, to which Nargeolet was lending expertise. Nargeolet was supposed to lead this year's expedition by RMST.

RMST stated in a court filing last month that it now plans to send an uncrewed submersible to the wreck site and will only take external images of the ship.

The company will not come into contact with the wreck, RMST stated, adding that it will not attempt any artifact recovery or penetration imaging.

RMST has recovered and conserved thousands of Titanic artifacts, which millions of people have seen through its exhibits in the US and overseas. The company was granted the salvage rights to the shipwreck in 1994 by the US District Court in Norfolk, Virginia.

US District Judge Rebecca Beach Smith is the maritime jurist who presides over Titanic salvage matters. She said during Wednesday's hearing that the US government's case would raise serious legal questions if it continues, while the consequences could be wide-ranging.

Congress is allowed to modify maritime law, Smith said in reference to the US regulating entry into the sunken Titanic. But the judge questioned whether Congress can strip courts of their own admiralty jurisdiction over a shipwreck, something that has centuries of legal precedent.

In 2020, Smithgave RMST permission to retrieve and exhibit the radio that had broadcast the Titanic's distress calls. The expedition would have involved entering the Titanic and cutting into it.

The US government filed an official legal challenge against that expedition, citing the law and pact with Britain. But the legal battle never played out. RMST indefinitely delayed those plans because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Smith noted on Wednesday that time may be running out for expeditions inside the Titanic. The ship is rapidly deteriorating. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Washington, Mar 14 (PTI) A group of eminent Indian Americans in Silicon Valley has held a special meeting with senior officials of the Department of Justice, FBI and police and told that the US soil is being used for terrorist activities against India.

The group held the meeting with senior officials of the Department of Justice, FBI and local police this week on increasing hate crimes against Hindus in California.

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During the meeting, Indian Americans expressed their displeasure and dissatisfaction that the law enforcement agencies in the US have not been able to take any action against those who are espousing terrorism activities in India, according to multiple persons present in the meeting.

The meeting to address the challenging issue of the rise in hate crimes against Hindu and Jain places of worship was held at the initiative of community leader Ajai Jain Bhutoria. It was attended by about two dozen eminent Indian Americans.

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Vincent Plair and Harpreet Singh Mokha from the Department of Justice's Community Relations Service along with FBI officials and those from the police departments of San Francisco, Milpitas, Freemont and Newark attended the meeting.

The sudden increase in hate crimes against Indian Americans in general and the Hindus in particular is causing a lot of fear and anxiety in the community, said the Indian Americans after the meeting which was closed to the press.

There is a fear in the community right now. The Khalistan people park trucks outside schools, and Indian grocery stores and intimidate young Indian Americans. Several community members expressed their anger that the law enforcement agencies have not been able to take any action against those people, including those who tried to burn the Indian consulate in San Francisco, and are openly threatening Indian diplomats and giving open calls for terrorist incidents in India.

Some of the members present in the meeting told PTI that senior law enforcement officials said that they were not aware of the Khalistan movement in the US and wanted the Indian Americans to help them raise awareness about these terrorist groups in the US. They also said that they have not been able to take action because of a lack of resources and funds and that they have other top priorities.

This meeting was a crucial moment as we united to confront the recent surge in hate crimes targeting Hindu places of worship. I brought together Indian community leaders, DOJ, FBI, and law enforcement officials from Milpitas, SF, Fremont, and Newark. In the last four months, over 11 temples in the Bay Area alone have been attacked, vandalised, and defaced with hateful graffiti. The fear in our community is palpable, but our collective resolve is stronger than ever, Bhutoria said.

We delved into safeguarding places of worship and tackling hate crimes, notably those involving Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) Khalistani supporters targeting Hindu Temples, displaying disturbing banners in front of schools and corporate establishments. In our discourse, we explored the prospect of organising a Protecting all Places of Worship Forum (PPOW) with the DOJ, said Sikh leader Sukhi Chahal.

Chahal said he personally underscored the significance of addressing the provocative and threatening video messages from SFJ pro-Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu.

I urged FBI and DOJ officials to earnestly consider the potential repercussions of Mr Pannu's statements on peace, harmony, and India-US relations. It is paramount that we collectively work to mitigate the impact of such hateful messages, which have the potential to disturb societal tranquillity and radicalise the youth, he said.

Following the meeting, it was agreed that a working group will be formed under the guidance of the US Department of Justice that will actively pursue safety measures at places of worship and systemic reporting of any unwanted act.

The working group would have representations from various sections of the Indian community.

The community leaders expressed concerns that the police were not of much help to them in either addressing this increasing fear or stopping terror activities from the US against India.

When pressed on the issue of Khalistan, the law enforcement officials said that they don't understand the context and they need to be educated on this matter.

One of the Indian Americans told the FBI that the Khalistan leaders are openly threatening to blow up Air India planes and they openly carry messages around targeting Hindus.

Another Indian American said that the FBI is not contradicting the claims by some of the Khalistan leaders that the FBI is supporting them, one of the participants said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
One of the most popular directors in Malayalam cinema in the past two decades, Lal Jose, has announced his latest film, which will see acclaimed cinematographer Santosh Sivan handling the camera. Salaar 2 Update: Prithviraj Sukumaran Reveals Exciting Info About His Film With Prabhas During Aadujeevitham aka The Goat Life Promotions (Watch Video).

Starting with his debut film Oru Maravathoor Kanavu in 1998, which starred Mammootty, Jose has had no reason to look back as he came up with numerous hits thereafter, which include Meesha Madhavan, Classmates, Arabikatha, Neela Thamara, to name a few.

Lal Joses Next To Be Produced by Hombale Films:

#LalJose 's next to be produced by #HombaleFilms. Camera to be handled by #SanthoshSivan. Touted to be an action film pic.twitter.com/gDknwlN0s0  heyopinions (@heyopinions) March 13, 2024

Unlike his previous films, this time its going to be what he claims to be the most expensive one he has made and popular film production house Hombale Films is also part of it.The film tells the tale of whats happening in the forests and he has promised an explosive one. Salaar Part 1Ceasefire OTT Release: Hindi Version of PrabhasPrashanth Neels Film To Stream on Disney+ Hotstar From This Date!.

To be shot in the deep forests in Kerala and Karnataka, there will be a few Kannada actors, too. Incidentally, Jose was in the news a decade back after he, along with a friend, went on a road trip from Kochi to London, travelling through 27 countries.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 14, 2024 09:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
New Delhi, March 14: A 19-year-olds sudden decision to disappear sparked an extensive 18-hour search by the police at New Delhi Railway Station. The teenager, identified as Suraj, went missing from the station, leading his elder brother to receive a ransom message demanding Rs 5,000 for his release.

TOI reported that the police were alerted by Vimlesh Shah, who reported that he, along with Suraj and another friend named Golu, had arrived at the station from Bihar on March 11, en route to Leh. Suraj excused himself to use the restroom and did not return. Despite searching for six to seven hours, Shah and Golu were unable to locate him. Kolkata Shocker: Businessman Murdered, Body Shoved Into Gunny Bag and Dumped in Sealed Chamber; Two Arrested.

Several hours after Surajs disappearance, his brother Ajit received a ransom message from Surajs mobile number. Instead of immediately reporting to the police, Shah posted about the ransom message on X and tagged Delhi Police. The information was promptly forwarded by Delhi Polices Social Media Cell to the Government Railway Police (GRP), who initiated an investigation. Extra Sambar Denied for Idli, Father-Son Duo Beats Hotel Supervisor to Death in Tamil Nadu's Pammal; Arrested.

After analysing the IP address of the sender, the police traced Suraj to Kesho Pur in the Sabzi Mandi area. During the investigation, Suraj revealed that he had planned to run away after hearing Shah and Golu discuss the freezing weather conditions in Leh. He had used the restroom as an excuse to leave the station quietly and then started sending ransom messages to his elder brother, pretending to have been kidnapped.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 14, 2024 10:54 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
New Delhi, March 14: A high-level panel on Thursday recommended simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and state assemblies as the first step followed by synchronised local body polls within 100 days in its report on 'one nation, one election' submitted to President Droupadi Murmu.

Simultaneous polls will spur development and social cohesion, deepen "foundations of democratic rubric" and help realise the aspirations of "India, that is Bharat", the panel headed by former president Ram Nath Kovind said in its report that runs into into more than 18,000 pages. One Nation, One Election: High-Level Panel Submits Report on Simultaneous Polls for Lok Sabha, State Assemblies and Local Bodies.

The committee recommended that fresh elections could be held to constitute a new Lok Sabha in the event of a hung House or a no-confidence motion, or any such event. Where fresh elections are held for the House of the People (Lok Sabha), the tenure of the House will be "only for the unexpired (remaining) term of the immediately preceding full term of the House", it said.

When fresh elections are held for state legislative assemblies, then such new assemblies -- unless sooner dissolved -- shall continue up to the end of the full term of the Lok Sabha. To bring into force such a mechanism, Article 83 (duration of Houses of Parliament) and Article 172 (duration of state legislatures) need to be amended, the committee said. One Nation, One Election: Law Panel May Propose Simultaneous Polls in 2029, Adding Chapter in Constitution.

"This Constitutional amendment will not need ratification by the states," the committee said. The panel also recommended preparation of a common electoral roll and voter ID cards by the Election Commission of India in consultation with state election authorities.

It said Article 325 dealing with voters' list may be suitably amended for the purpose. At present, the ECI is responsible for Lok Sabha and assembly polls, while local body polls for municipalities and panchayats are managed by state election commissions.

The panel recommended several constitutional amendments, most of which will not need ratification by states. "Now, several elections are being held every year. This casts a huge burden on the government, businesses, workers, courts, political parties, candidates contesting elections, and civil society at large," the panel said.

It said the government must develop a "legally tenable mechanism" to restore the cycle of simultaneous elections. An official statement said the committee crafted its recommendations in such a way that they are in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution and would require bare minimum amendments to the Constitution.

Kovind was accompanied by other panel members, including Home Minister Amit Shah, former Finance Commission chairman N K Singh, former Lok Sabha secretary general Subhash Kashyap, former leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad and Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, when he went to submit the report to the president at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The report is an outcome of extensive consultations with stakeholders, experts and research work of 191 days, since its constitution on September 2, 2023, a statement said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been supporting the idea of simultaneous polls, saying the concept of 'one nation, one election' is imperative to make the country great.
Jaipur, March 14: An intelligence team of the Rajasthan Police on Thursday arrested a person named Anand Raj Singh for allegedly collecting defence information of strategic importance and sharing it with three female handlers in the Pakistan intelligence setup via social media. The accused civilian ran a uniform store outside the Suratgarh Army Cantt, officials said.

Additional Director General of Police Intelligence Sanjay Agarwal said that the espionage activities carried out by Pakistani intelligence agencies are being continuously monitored by Rajasthan Intelligence. From the reliable intelligence collected, it was found that a young man named Anand Raj, who runs a uniform store outside Suratgarh Army Cantt, was in constant touch with three female handlers of the Pakistani intelligence setup through social media. Pakistan Spy Arrested in Rajasthan: Indian Army Nabs Man in Pokhrans Army Cantt Area for Sending Sensitive Information to Pakistan.

Agarwal said that Anand Raj was in contact with military personnel through his uniform store near the Army complex. When the activities of Anand Raj were closely monitored by the Intelligence Jaipur team, it was found that he was collecting information of strategic importance and sending it to the three female handlers.

In fact, Anand Raj had left the uniform store for some time and was working in a factory in Behror. Even during this time, he was in constant touch with the female handlers of the Pakistani intelligence agency and was getting important and confidential information of the Army from his sources which he shared with the female Pakistani agents. He also demanded money in return for sending confidential information. Pakistan Spy Arrested in Jammu for Sending Sensitive Information to Pakistani Handlers: Reports.

Pakistani intelligence keeps trying to obtain confidential information about the Indian army by targeting military personnel as well as civilians working around the complex. For this, social media accounts operated on Indian mobile numbers are used by female handlers who honey-trap military personnel and persons having information about the army.

Additonal Director General Agarwal said that when the activities of Anand Raj aroused suspicion, technical intelligence was obtained through joint interrogation by all the security agencies. Based on the evidence found after the interrogation and technical analysis of the mobile phone used by him, a case was registered against Raj under the Secrets Act at the Special Police Station, Jaipur and he was arrested.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 14, 2024 09:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Mumbai, March 14: A high-level panel, formed to deliberate on the feasibility of holding simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies across the country, submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday, March 14. The panel, headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind, reportedly backed the idea of "one nation, one election" and suggested measures to do so.

According to news agency PTI, the panel suggested that simultaneous polls to Lok Sabha and state assemblies can be held in first step, followed by local body polls within 100 days in the second step. For first simultaneous polls, tenure of all state assemblies can be for period ending up to subsequent Lok Sabha elections, it further said. Constituted on September 2 last year, the panel held extensive consultations with stakeholders and experts for 191 days before finalising its report. One Nation One Election To Improve Government Efficiency, Foster Economic Development, Says CII.

'One Nation, One Election' Report Submitted:

Former President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind who heads High-Level Committee (HLC) on 'One Nation, One Election' presented the report on simultaneous elections in the country to President Droupadi Murmu along with members of the HLC including Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, pic.twitter.com/wqlPZ3n0FV  President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) March 14, 2024

The panel also recommended advance planning for equipment, manpower and security forces for holding simultaneous polls to Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies across India. In case of hung House or no-confidence motion in a state assembly, fresh election can be held for remainder of five-year term, the panel further suggested, as per PTI. One Nation, One Election: Law Panel May Propose Simultaneous Polls in 2029, Adding Chapter in Constitution.

Why One Nation, One Election?

In its report, comprising 18,626 pages, the Ram Nath Kovid-led panel said that simultaneous polls will spur development process and social cohesion, and deepen foundations of democratic rubric. "Simultaneous polls can help realise aspirations of 'India, that is Bharat'. Synchronised polls for all 3 tiers of government will improve governance architecture, in line with quest of aspirational India," it said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 14, 2024 12:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had posted on X: "Delighted to share that our former Prime Minister, PV Narasimha Rao Garu, will be honoured with the Bharat Ratna. As a distinguished scholar and statesman, Narasimha Rao Garu served India extensively in various capacities.
Microsoft has announced that Microsoft Copilot for Security will be generally available worldwide on April 1, 2024. It will be the first generative AI solution in the industry that will help IT and security professionals greatly. Microsoft said it will help them "catch what others miss, move faster, and strengthen team expertise." The Microsoft Copilot for Security aims to make professional teams more accurate and faster. The Copilot for Security will help the professionals focus on complex tasks and also spot suspicious incidents, reportedly finding the hackers using various methods to hide their intentions. VLC Media Player Likely Be Introduced to Apple Vision Pro: Report.

Microsoft Copilot for Security Available from April 1, 2024:

Today, we announced that Microsoft Copilot for Security will be generally available on April 1. Explore the new tools and capabilities that will transform security operations in the era of AI: https://t.co/8gG4bSYklC  Microsoft (@Microsoft) March 13, 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.)
A Boeing 777 was compelled to execute an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport due to a potential mechanical issue. While there were some reports of a tire blowout, American Airlines officials confirmed that AA Flight 345, inbound from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, landed safely at LAX around 8:45 p.m on Wednesday. The pilot had reported a possible mechanical issue prior to landing. Post-landing, the aircraft was able to taxi on the runway, and all passengers disembarked at the jet bridge without incident. According to an airline spokesperson, there were no reported injuries to either passengers or crew. Titan Airways Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Crew Discovers Missing Windows in Airplane Post Take Off, Heres What Investigation Revealed.

American Airlines Emergency Landing

JUST IN - American Airlines Boeing 777 is forced to make an emergency landing at LAX after a "mechanical problem"  Daily Mail  Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) March 14, 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.)
The US House, on Wednesday passed a bill that would force TikTok to sever ties with its Chinese parent company or face a ban in the United States. China today, March 14 slammed US over the TikTok Bill and vowed that Beijing would take all necessary measures to protect the interests of its companies overseas. According to a report in Insider Paper, Beijings commerce ministry spokesperson He Yadong said "The US should truly respect the principles of a market economy and fair competition (and) stop unjustly suppressing foreign companies". The decision by the US to ban TikTok comes amid controversy surrounding its ownership by the Chinese technology giant ByteDance and allegations of surveillance by China's ruling Communist Party. TikTok Ban in US: House Passes Bill That Could Ban Popular Chinese App in United States (Watch Video).

China Responds To Bill That Could Ban TikTok in US:

NEW: China says will take all necessary measures to protect interests after US TikTok votehttps://t.co/evMwDWI2WX  Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) March 14, 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.)
Seoul, March 14: China's Alibaba Group plans to invest $1.1 billion in South Korea over the next three years, as it seeks to build a logistics centre and expand businesses.

As part of the investment plan, the Chinese e-commerce giant plans to spend $200 million this year to build the logistics center, according to a business strategy document of Alibaba, obtained by Yonhap News Agency. Microsoft Copilot for Security To Be Available for Users From April 1, Aims To Transform Security Operations in AI Era.

Alibaba also plans to spend $100 million to help small and midsized South Korean firms sell their products overseas, the document showed. AliExpress, an e-commerce platform of Alibaba, has been under scrutiny in South Korea over growing consumer complaints.

Alibaba said it will invest some 100 billion won to help bolster consumer protection in South Korea. Earlier this month, South Korea's antitrust regulator launched an on-site inspection into AliExpress on suspicion of the e-commerce platform's violation of consumer protection duties.

The inspection was part of the regulator's investigation into whether the company has fulfilled due responsibilities to protect consumers in accordance with the country's e-commerce law and relevant regulations. The move came as the number of complaints filed against AliExpress and submitted to the Consumers Union of Korea rose sharply to 465 cases last year from the previous year's 93. Google DeepMind Introduces SIMA, First Generalist AI Agent To Follow Natural-Language Instructions for Video Games and 3D Virtual Environments.

The complaints dealt with misdeliveries, issues surrounding order cancellations and the lack of information on deliveries, among other things. The number of AliExpress users in South Korea more than doubled to 7.18 million in February from 3.36 million in 2022, according to government data.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 14, 2024 12:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
New Delhi, March 14: OpenAI, the artificial intelligence research lab, has reportedly had a glitch that leaked information about GPT-4.5 Turbo, which is expected to cause quite a stir in the tech community. A blog post that was briefly accessible to the public hinted at the development of OpenAI GPT-4.5 Turbo, an advanced version of their ChatGPT language models.

As per a report of Gizmochina, OpenAI might have accidentally leaked details about the GPT-4.5 Turbo through its official blog post. The now-inaccessible post revealed that this new model might improve upon the capabilities of its predecessor, GPT-4 Turbo, in terms of speed, accuracy, and scalability. When attempting to access the OpenAI blog for the GPT-4.5 Turbo model, a 404 error is currently being displayed. This error typically indicates that the specific webpage or content being searched for is not found on the website, as per multiple reports. Tim Berners-Lee, Inventor of World Wide Web Made Predictions About Artificial Intelligence and How Web Would Look Like 35 Years Ago; Check How Many Came True.

There is a possibility that the OpenAI GPT-4.5 Turbo could be released around July or August. The leaked information also highlighted a knowledge cutoff set for June 2024. This suggests that OpenAI GPT-4.5 Turbo will be equipped with the most recent information available on the web until that date. There is speculation that indicates a planned release of the roll-out of GPT-5. AI in India: 95% Indian CIOs Believe That Adoption of Artificial Intelligence Is Key for Business in 2024, Says Report.

One of the most notable upgrades in the OpenAI GPT-4.5 Turbo is expected to be its context length window. The new model is anticipated to handle 256K tokens, effectively doubling the current 128K token capacity of GPT-4 Turbo. This improvement is crucial as it might allow the AI to process and generate more text, making it more effective for complex tasks that require understanding larger contexts. OpenAI has not officially addressed the leak, but the accidental revelation of GPT-4.5 Turbo might certainly have generated the interest of many tech enthusiasts.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 14, 2024 07:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
A former Haiti senator, Jean Charles Moise, and presidential candidate has declined an offer to participate in the transition.

This transition aims to prepare the country for the arrival of a multinational security force and subsequent elections, according to the Miami Herald.

The founder of the Haiti political party, Platform Pitit Desalin, Moise's rejection comes amidst anticipation from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for the formation of a presidential panel to oversee the Haiti transition and select a new prime minister.

One of Moise's allies, Guy Philippe, who played a significant role in a successful revolt against former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in 2004, criticized CARICOM's involvement.

Philippe, recently released from a US prison after pleading guilty to money laundering, accused CARICOM of aligning with Haiti's elite and corrupt politicians.

He urged Haitians to assert their influence in determining the country's governance, emphasizing that Haitians should have the final say in their leadership.

READ NEXT: Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Henry Resigns

High-profile Politicians Opt Out

Several other prominent Haitian politicians have also declined involvement in the proposed transitional council.

Himmler Rebu, a former colonel of Haiti's army and president of the Grand Rally for the Evolution of Haiti, expressed a preference for a judge from Haiti's Supreme Court to assume power.

Rebu criticized the pursuit of positions of power without considering the associated responsibilities.

Additionally, former senator Sorel Jacinthe and young politician Jorchemy Jean Baptiste, supporters of Prime Minister Ariel Henry and the December 21 coalition, advocated for their preferred candidates for the transitional council on Radio Caraibes.

However, leaders of the Caribbean nations, who introduced the Haiti transition council plan following urgent discussions with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and others, have not commented on the situation, AP News reports.

Concerns Amidst Political Turmoil

Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced his intention to resign once the transitional council is established, citing the government's inability to address the escalating violence orchestrated by powerful gangs. Henry's announcement came as gang attacks paralyzed Haiti, leading to the release of thousands of inmates and widespread destruction of public and private properties, Reuters noted.

As of March 10, armed groups had attacked numerous state institutions, homes, businesses, and vehicles, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Haiti.

Despite the relative calm in Haiti's capital following Henry's resignation announcement, the United States and the United Nations have begun withdrawing staff, indicating concerns about potential unrest.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expects the formation of the transitional council in the coming days, following discussions with regional leaders and representatives from Haiti's government and opposition in Jamaica.

While Caribbean leaders have outlined the composition of the transitional council, the appointment of its members remains uncertain.

Notably, Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier, a prominent gang leader, has reportedly dismissed the Haiti transition, raising further questions about its effectiveness.

READ MORE: Haiti: US Pledges Another $100M to Support Security Mission

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Haiti: US says transitional council to be appointed - From BBC News




The Royal Bahamas Police Force announced that a 27-year-old Florida woman who was traveling aboard a cruise ship to the Caribbean country was found dead inside her cabin.

Police from the main island of Grand Bahama confirmed that they were previously informed that the woman, a tourist from Florida, was found unresponsive in her cabin on an unidentified cruise line while the ship was on its way to the Bahamas.

Once the cruise ship arrived at Grand Bahama, medical personnel entered and tried to revive her by performing CPR. However, they were unable to successfully revive her, and she was soon declared dead on the spot.

The death that happened aboard the cruise ship going to the Bahamas came a month after the US Embassy in the capital of Nassau had to urge Americans to exercise caution in parts of the country after 18 killings were recorded around the country. The murders included ones that were conducted in broad daylight, according to CBS News.

However, the Bahamian government responded to this year's US State Department travel advisory that stated that the killings did not reflect the country's safety while also announcing new initiatives to reduce crime around the islands.

Bahamas Police Found Cocaine in Cruise Ship Cabin Where Florida Woman Died, American Man Arrested

As of writing, no cause of death has been confirmed yet, with investigators saying, "An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death. Investigations are ongoing into this incident."

READ MORE: Sam Bankman-Fried Found Guilty of All 7 Counts in FTX Fraud Trial

However, Bahamas authorities did search the cabin for evidence of foul play and found cocaine near where she was found dead. Authorities then confiscated the "quantity of suspected cocaine from the cabin," according to KKTV.

The discovery of the illegal substance then led to the arrest of an American tourist who was also a passenger aboard the cruise ship. That American man is 32 years old and is also a resident of Florida, per the Royal Bahamas Police Force. However, authorities have not yet revealed the identity of the dead Florida woman nor the Florida man that they just arrested.

Bahamas police have also not revealed what the relationship between the two Florida residents was. Investigations into the Florida woman's death are still ongoing, and there are still a lot of questions that have yet to be answered.

American Tourists From Cruise Ships Were Raped in the Bahamas Before

The incident revolving around the death of the Florida woman came a month after r two Kentucky moms were drugged and raped while visiting Grand Bahama from a Carnival Cruise ship, according to the New York Post.

Amber Shearer and Dongayla Dobson were friends, and they were both moms. The two decided to hop aboard the cruise ship for a kids-free vacation at the Pirates Cove Resort when a male staffer allegedly offered them a two-for-one tropical drink deal. However, the drink may have been spiked, and the two women were then lured into a secluded area where they were eventually assaulted while they were still impaired.

READ MORE: Haiti Crisis Explained: How Did It Get This Bad?

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: 27-year-old Florida woman dies on cruise en route to the Bahamas - WESH 2 News
The judge dismissed charges against former President Donald Trump and others in the Georgia election interference case, but a more significant indictment remains, AP News reports.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee dismissed six counts in the indictment, including three against former President Donald Trump, the presumptive 2024 Republican presidential nominee.

However, McAfee upheld other counts, leaving room for prosecutors to pursue a new indictment to reinstate the dismissed charges.

This marks the first dismissal of charges in any of Trump's four criminal cases, with the judge citing a lack of detail in the alleged crimes.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who leads the prosecution, faces challenges beyond the dismissed charges.

Efforts to remove her from the case due to a romantic relationship with a colleague have been initiated. The indictment, which remains intact despite the dismissed charges, accuses Trump and over a dozen others of violating Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).

The case alleges a "criminal enterprise" led by Trump and aides to retain power after losing the 2020 election to Democrat Joe Biden.

READ NEXT: Donald Trump's Request to Delay Paying $85.3M Defamation

Allegations and Legal Decisions

Willis alleged that Donald Trump and six co-defendants violated state law by attempting to persuade officials to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia, according to Fox News.

The indictment cited requests made to Georgia legislators to appoint alternative electors and efforts to persuade Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to decertify the election.

McAfee ruled that the indictment should have included allegations of an underlying felony solicited by the defendants, criticizing the lack of specificity in the charges.

Trump's attorney, Steve Sadow, welcomed the dismissal of charges against Trump, emphasizing the absence of specific allegations of wrongdoing.

"The Court made the correct legal decision to grant the special demurrers and quash important counts of the indictment brought by DA Fani Willis," said Steve Sadow. "The counts dismissed against President Trump are 5, 28, and 38, which falsely claimed that he solicited GA public officials to violate their oath of office," he added.

Multiple defense attorneys in the Georgia election interference case praised the judge's decision, affirming it as a correct application of the law.

Implications for Other Defendants

The judge's ruling affects other defendants as well.

Former attorney Rudy Giuliani, former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, election lawyer John Eastman, and others saw counts against them dismissed or reduced, Yahoo! News noted.

Giuliani, for instance, no longer faces two counts of solicitation and one count of false statements and writings.

Meadows faces one count, and Eastman faces reduced counts as well.

Donald Trump and 18 others pleaded not guilty last August to all charges in the indictment.

Some defendants, including Sidney Powell and Jenna Ellis, have taken plea deals in exchange for testifying against others.

Throughout the proceedings, Donald Trump has criticized the investigation as politically motivated.

As the legal battle continues, the dismissal of some charges marks a significant development in the high-profile Georgia election interference case, shaping the trajectory of the prosecution and defense strategies moving forward.

READ MORE: Elon Musk Says He Won't Donate in Any Election Campaign

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Fulton County Trump case: Judge dismisses six charges in election case - From LiveNOW from FOX
Former Honduras First Lady Ana Garcia de Hernandez has announced that she is running for her country's presidency in 2025. However, this came after a US court convicted her husband, disgraced former President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was convicted of drug trafficking charges after he received money from the drug cartels, including from El Chapo and his Sinaloa Cartel.

US Federal prosecutors have stated in court that under the Hernandez administration, Honduras became a "Narco State" as the most powerful man in the country, Juan Orlando Hernandez, made deals with drug cartels to cement his hold on office. The trial was widely followed across Honduras, with many citizens celebrating the decision by the US court against their former president.

Despite this, his first lady, Ana Garcia de Hernandez, is still running, announcing her candidacy for the 2025 elections via a press conference. She says she plans to get the nomination of the conservative National Party, which her husband belongs to.

"I want to tell you that from this moment I will start an active and proactive fight for the world to know the injustice that was committed," she said in her announcement. "I know what has to be done, I know the job, I know the dedication and the fight my husband has had every day and I know Honduras' great needs and one of the greatest is the injustice we've just seen."

The Associated Press noted that former President Juan Orlando Hernandez could face life imprisonment in the US. While convicted, he has not been sentenced yet, and he remains in jail while awaiting sentencing. He has maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings.

READ MORE: Honduras Ex-President Juan Orlando Hernandez Convicted on Drug Trafficking Charges in New York Trial

Former Honduras First Lady Ana Garcia de Hernandez Plans To Launch a 'Crusade for Justice'

As for her plans should she win the presidency next year, it may just be centered around her husband, former President Juan Orlando Hernandez. During that same press conference, she vowed to start a "crusade for justice" in his defense.

According to VOA News, however, she would still need to win the National Party's primary election before she could run in the general election that is scheduled to happen in November 2025.

Opponents of her husband, however, remain unconvinced with her announcement, with LIBRE Party lawmaker Marco Eliud Giron noting that she probably knew of her husband's ties to drug traffickers and that she has entered politics to reduce her own legal exposure.

Honduras Arrests Generals Who Testified in Defense of Former President Juan Orlando Hernandez

Meanwhile, a military court in Honduras ordered the arrest of two generals for traveling to New York without authorization. According to La Prensa Latina, they went to the US to testify in the drug trafficking trial against former President Juan Orlando Hernandez as the defense's witnesses.

Generals Willy Joel Oseguera and Tulio Armando Romero were arrested just a few days removed from their testimony in New York. The two generals were still active and still had to follow procedures whenever they had to leave Honduras, according to military laws and regulations, which deemed their appearance in New York a violation of the law.

READ NEXT: Former Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernandez Finally Testifies in New York Drug Trafficking Trial

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Guilty: U.S.-Backed Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez Convicted of Drug Trafficking - Democracy Now!
Mexico election violence continued as yet another mayoral candidate has been killed, this time in the Pacific coast state of Guerrero, which has been plagued by drug violence from warring cartels and local gangs.

The victim was identified as Chilapa mayoral hopeful Tomas Morales, who was considered a top contender for the violence-wracked city's mayoral seat. He was supposed to run under the banner of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's Morena Party, though he has not yet been named as its official candidate in the city despite being one of the favorites to win.

Morales was reportedly shot to death outside his home in Chilapa late Tuesday by an unknown gunman, according to Guerrero State prosecutors. The city has become the scene of the bloodiest turf battles between various drug gangs across Mexico despite it being quite isolated.

As the January 2 national elections approach, the Associated Press has noted that around a half-dozen local politicians have been murdered so far this year. Morales is also not the first local Guerrero politician to be killed as Alfredo Gonzalez, a mayoral contender in the town of Atoyac, Guerrero, was also shot to death.

Latin Post also previously reported on the deaths of two candidates from the neighboring state of Michoacan. The two were running against one another in the town of Maravatio. They were killed within hours of one another by gunmen last February, just days before the campaign period officially kicked off.

Another Morena Party candidate running in the Mexico State suburb of Ecatepec was fatally shot in early February, along with his brother. Before that, a local leader of the Institutional Revolutionary Party and candidate for mayor of Suchiate, Chiapas, was also killed.

READ MORE: Mexico Elections: Candidates Sign Agreement To Commit to Peace Amid Drug Violence in the Country

Mexico Elections Still Feature Gender-Based Political Violence Against Women

Despite the two leading presidential candidates, Claudia Sheinbaum and Xochitl Galvez, being women, the Wilson Center has found that there is still gender-based political violence being directed against women in Mexico.

The Wilson Center report noted that there are still those who "specifically target women because of their sex and seek to pressure, hinder, punish, or deprive" them of their right to participate in politics. The study found that both Sheinbaum and Galvez experienced this sort of violence themselves, with Sheinbaum experiencing it more than her rival.

Organized Crime Still a Big Factor in Mexico Elections Violence

Aside from the political violence against women, one of the biggest factors in the situation in Mexico is still organized crime, particularly the many warring drug cartels within the country.

The Wilson Center, in another study, found that half of the political violence that happened before the 2018 elections was directly connected to organized crime. This included the assassinations of local political figures, with one happening per week. Those targeted tend to be politicians who do not cooperate with these criminal groups.

The Wilson Center also noted that the threat of organized crime for the 2024 elections is an "imminent and severe threat" to Mexico's democratic integrity and stability.

READ MORE: Mexico Elections Primer: Who Are the Top 3 Candidates Vying to Replace AMLO?

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Thousands rally in Mexico to 'protect democracy' ahead of election - NBC News
Renowned model Christie Brinkley, aged 70, recently disclosed her successful surgery following a diagnosis of skin cancer.

Brinkley took to Instagram to share the news with her followers, posting a photo of herself adorned with bandages on her forehead, showcasing the aftermath of the excision procedure.

In her candid post, Brinkley revealed that the basal cell carcinoma was detected early, praising her doctors for their meticulous care.

"The good news for me is we caught the basal cell carcinoma early," she wrote. "And I had great doctors that removed the cancer and stitched me up to perfection like an haute couture Dior."

She utilized the opportunity to stress the importance of sun protection, vowing to prioritize SPF application, long sleeves, and wide-brimmed hats for future outdoor endeavors, according to People.

Additionally, she urged her fans to prioritize regular health checkups.

READ NEXT: King Charles III Has Cancer

Understanding Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma, described by the Cleveland Clinic as a prevalent form of skin cancer, manifests as lumps, bumps, or lesions on the skin's outer layer.

Christie Brinkley shared that her diagnosis was serendipitous, as it was made during her daughter's appointment.

Despite attending the appointment for her daughter, Brinkley's observant inquiry about a small dot led to a biopsy, ultimately revealing the carcinoma.

Expressing gratitude towards the medical professionals at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, Brinkley reflected on her journey to self-acceptance on her 70th birthday, Fox News noted.

She penned a heartfelt caption, celebrating her newfound contentment and resilience, concluding with a jubilant birthday wish to herself.

Candid Revelations Amidst Celebrity Battles with Cancer

Brinkley's disclosure joins a chorus of candid revelations from celebrities battling cancer.

Actress Olivia Munn recently shared her private struggle with breast cancer, detailing her journey of four surgeries over ten months.

"I've tended to let people see me when I have energy, when I can get dressed and get out of the house, when I can take my baby boy to the park," Munn posted. "I've kept the diagnosis, and the worry, and the recovery, and the pain medicine, and the paper gowns private. I needed to catch my breath and get through some of the hardest parts before sharing," she added.

Munn's proactive approach, including genetic testing and routine mammograms, underscored the importance of early detection, per USA Today.

Despite facing an aggressive form of breast cancer, Munn chose to maintain privacy until she felt ready to share her experience publicly.

Her transparency shed light on the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, resonating with individuals navigating similar battles.

In an era where public figures utilize their platforms to advocate for health awareness,

Christie Brinkley, a skin cancer patient, and Olivia Munn, a breast cancer patient, openness about their encounters with cancer serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of vigilance, regular screenings, and prioritizing one's well-being.

Both stories emphasize the resilience and courage exhibited by individuals facing health adversities, inspiring others to prioritize self-care and seek support when needed.

As these celebrities continue their journeys toward recovery, their narratives serve as beacons of hope and solidarity for those confronting similar battles.

READ MORE: Bruce Willis' Illness Diagnosed as Dementia

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: "Christie Brinkley's Skin Cancer Surgery: Supermodel's Brave Revelation" - From The World News




Infamous chauvinist internet personality and accused sex trafficker Andrew Tate was arrested in Romania again after his friend, popular streamer Adin Ross, inadvertently revealed Tate's escape plans during a live stream on the platform Kick.

According to Rolling Stone, Romanian police once again arrested the notorious sex trafficker along with brother Tristan Tate. The arrest came from a tip from the UK that the brothers were planning to escape Romania, with the tip coming after their friend, Adin Ross, read a message from Andrew Tate that he and his brother were planning to hang out with Ross after they leave Romania and never come back there ever again.

The firm representing four British women accusing Tate of rape and sexual assault, McCue Law, was the source of the tip. This led UK judicial authorities to issue a warrant for their arrests and extradition on sexual abuse charges.

"We were informed by one of our contacts that an associate of Tate (Adin Ross) had discussed Tate's intention to flee during a video on the gaming and livestreaming platform Kick," said the firm's representative in the statement.

During his stream, Ross was reading direct messages from Tate, saying, "Andrew had hit me up. He said, 'Hey, I'm gonna be leaving Romania soon and probably never coming back. If you want to come over and do a week of long streams and content before I leave, I think it'll be big. And it's never' - I'm sorry, he said, 'It's basically now or never."

"Again, guys, it might be the last time we ever do this. So it's kinda like, we gotta take advantage of it now. Because hey, it's basically, it's basically like that," added the streamer, who was previously kicked out of Twitch because of homophobic slurs and sexist comments he made.

READ MORE: Former Playboy Model Shares Story of How She Escaped Andrew Tate

Romanian Court Added Restrictions Against Andrew Tate and Brother After Latest Arrest

On Wednesday, a Bucharest Tribunal extended the restrictions that Tristan and Andrew Tate are facing as they await their trial on charges of human trafficking, rape, and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women.

For a maximum of 60 days, Tate cannot leave the country. The Associated Press noted that the 37-year-old "red pill" influencer requested that he be able to travel within the European Union with the prior approval of a judge. However, with the restrictions, that is not happening, but he can still appeal the decision within 48 hours.

Romanian Court Rules Andrew Tate and Brother Can Be Extradited to the UK

While the Tate brothers have been temporarily released from custody pending their Romanian sex trafficking trial, they may face even more jail time as they may soon be extradited to the UK after the court proceedings in Romania wrap up.

A Romanian judge has ruled that the two can be extradited only after the conclusion of their separate trial in Romania on human trafficking charges. Following the ruling, Andrew Tate spoke with the BBC, saying, "The whole thing is garbage."

READ MORE: Andrew Tate Bragged About Breaking a Woman's Jaw, His 'Scam' Webcam Business Ahead of Arrest

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: The clip that got Andrew Tate arrested - Asmongold Clips
Investigators announced Thursday an arrest in the homicide last summer of a 29-year-old Allentown man.

John Albert Garner, 25, of Allentown, is charged with first-degree felony homicide and aggravated assault, Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihans office announced.

Authorities identified the victim as Alexander Mason Price. The former resident of Easton and Shelbyville, Indiana, was a 2012 graduate of Nazareth Area High School and had attended Northampton Community College and East Stroudsburg University, according to his obituary.

Allentown police were called at 10:20 a.m. last July 9 to the 300 block of North 16th Street to assist city paramedics with a male reported to be in cardiac arrest, the district attorneys office said in a news release.

The person who had dialed 911 said he had not heard from Price for several says and went to his home to check on him, and found Prices body on the floor of his room, according to the release.

Price died from blunt-force head trauma and his death was ruled a homicide, Lehigh County Coroner Dan Buglio said.

Price was eight days from this 30th birthday.

The investigation revealed that Garner attacked Price and caused the fatal injuries, Holihans release states.

Authorities were not immediately commenting on any motive for the killing, and the affidavit of probable cause to charge Garner with homicide was sealed for 60 days.

Garner was arraigned Thursday and ordered to be held without bail, the DAs office said. A preliminary hearing was tentatively scheduled for March 28 in Lehigh County Central Court. At the hearing, a district judge will determine if there is sufficient evidence to send the charges toward trial in the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas.

The case was investigated by Allentown police Detective Theodore Kiskeravage, Lehigh County Detective Daniel Reagan and the Lehigh County Homicide Task Force, and will be prosecuted by First Assistant District Attorney Eric Dowdle, according to the release.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (Taylors Version), the exclusive Taylor Swift-approved cut of the Eras Tour movie, will be added to Disney Plus streaming library on Thursday, March 14 at 9 p.m.

The movie will feature tons of the performers recent iconic looks, a crucial part of the Eras Tour. Its also a great way to get excited about the April 19 release of Tortured Poets Department. Although, if youre more eagerly awaiting the (Taylors Version) release of Reputation, you can also check out some album-themed merch.

The film will feature four additional songs from the main show that have never been shown in theaters, plus an additional four acoustic performances after the credits.

(Also, the Eras Tour is still ongoing. If youre looking for a cheap way to pick up tickets, weve got you covered.)

Here is everything you need to know about Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour on Disney Plus, including how to watch and how much it costs.

How to watch Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour on Disney Plus

You can sign up for Disney Plus on the streaming services website. It costs $7.99 per month, or $79.99 per year.

Unlike the premium subscription fee that was required to watch Mulan or Raya and the Last Dragon, anyone who is currently subscribed to Disney Plus has access to Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour on-demand. There is no additional cost required to watch the series.

Subscribers to the service also get unlimited access to almost all of Disneys shows and movies, as well as most content from Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic.

Will Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour be free on Disney Plus?

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour will be available for Disney Plus users as long as they have a subscription to the service. Without a subscription, there is currently no other way to watch the film.

Is Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour only on Disney Plus?

At this time, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour is only available on Disney Plus.

The Disney filmcannot be found on Netflix, Hulu, or any other subscription streaming service, and there is no indication that will change anytime soon.

How long will Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour be on Disney Plus?

There is no end date at which Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour will be removed from Disney Plus. It will be available to all subscribers for the foreseeable future.

Here is the official trailer for Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour on Disney Plus:

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Joseph Rejent covers TV, writing about live television, streaming services and cord-cutting. He can be reached at jrejent@njadvancemedia.com.
Laois Offaly Gardai have issued advice to the public in relation to thefts from parked cars.

Last month a number of items were stolen when cars were targeted in Portlaoise.

Gardai issued a warning to car owners on social media urging them to take precautions.

Appeal to public, particularly around #Edenderry Town where we continue to see thefts from cars. You can help us reduce the opportunity for these types of criminal acts by removing the pay off and reducing the means

Theft from cars is one of the most preventable crimes. It costs nothing, only a change of habits, Gardai stated. .

Various items including clothing, money, electrical items and banking cards are stolen.

Remember the advice. Criminals look for an opportunity and an open door is the easiest. It only takes a moment for you to remove property and lock up, Gardai said.

Our Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Graham Kavanagh reminds us to "Park Smart". Remove all valuables from your car when parked. Lock and use vehicle alarm. Store keys away from front door to avoid key fishing or relay theft crimes. And report all suspicious persons or concerns, Gardai added.
Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) says it has secured convictions against two men for illegal netting, with fines and costs reaching 8,000.

The agency says Valiulis Dalius and Bloslanas Dzapbarovas, both of Kilnamanagh, Dublin 24 were prosecuted for using a net to capture fish in freshwater river/lakes, and for keeping up a continued net stretched across any river.

The incident happened on the Grand Canal near Monasterevin, in the townland of Killinure, Co Laois on May 27, 2023. Both men were fined 3,000 each, and had to pay 1,000 in legal costs each. This case was finalised at Portlaoise District Court on February 16, 2024.

The offences were in contravention of Section 95(1) of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959, and Section 91(1)(d) of the same Act, as amended by Section 77 of the Inland Fisheries Act 2010.

Lynda Connor, South Eastern River Basin District Director at IFI, commented after the court outcome in a statement issued to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

The protection of our freshwater fish species is extremely important in an era when there are numerous pressures impacting Irelands environment. I commend our local IFI protection officers for their unwavering commitment in protecting our fisheries resource, she said.

Inland Fisheries Ireland continues to encourage the public to report illegal fishing incidents, or those relating to water pollution, habitat destruction, or fish kills, to its 24/7 confidential phone number, 0818 34 74 24.

IFI says it is the State environmental agency responsible for conserving, protecting, and managing Ireland's inland fisheries and sea angling resources. Its core mission is to protect freshwater fish and their habitats. It was established under the Fisheries Act on 1st July 2010, and operates under the aegis of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.

There are more than 300 people working at IFI in locations nationwide, and it manages a budget of approximately 32m annually. The agency has statutory responsibility for Irelands 74,000 km of rivers and streams, together with 128,000 lake hectares. It also has a coastline patrol jurisdiction of 12 nautical miles. Fisheriesireland.ie
A number of historic structures in Laois will undergo repair and renovation works following the allocation of 171,000 in funding.

In Durrow, Newtown Mill will receive 45,000 for roof repairs and St. Fintans Church will receive 5,700 for interiors.

Woodbrook House in Mountrath has been allocated 39,000 for repairs including emergency rendering works to the original front portion of the building.

Vicarstown Old National School will receive 35,000 for works on the building including the repointing of brickwork using Irish wigging technique, and the repair and repainting of the decorative timber bargeboards.

In Abbeyleix, Church Of St Michael and Preston House have been allocated 14,000 each for renovation works.

Meanwhile a number of buildings have received funding for thatching in Fishermans Inn, Fishertown - (2,750) Jamestown Cross, Ballybrittas (12,172) and Garrymore, Mountmellick (3,058).

The funding is being allocated through the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF).

This is very welcome Government funding for these important historical sites in Laois, said Sean Fleming TD, Minister of State.

Conserving these buildings can bring a sense of pride to local communities. It can also be a great benefit to Laois communities for local tourism.
A journalism competition has been launched in association with the Irish Times in honour of Laois student Joe Drennan.

The Department of Journalism in University of Limerick (UL) established the competition in memory of Joe Drennan, 21, a final year journalism student who was killed in a hit and run incident in Limerick on October 13, 2023.

The Joe Drennan Memorial Competition for Inclusive Journalism in association with The Irish Times, aims to recognise journalism that enhances understanding of marginalised communities.

Details of the competition were unveiled at the launch of Limerick Voice Newspaper, an award winning multimedia news project produced by journalism students in UL and published with The Limerick Leader.

Among the stories featured in the 48-page newspaper is an interview with Joe Drennans mother Marguerite and his sister Sarah who spoke about how their family is trying to cope since his tragic death.

A native of Knocknagad, Camross, Joe Drennan was appointed editor in chief of Limerick Voice just a few weeks before his tragic death.

Joes mother Marguerite said the Drennan family are extremely proud to know her son will continue to provide inspiration to others.

We are so grateful to University Limerick for honouring Joe in this way. The writing competition is a wonderful tribute to his memory, he would have been so thrilled. We are so very proud of Joe and what he accomplished in his life; he loved writing and UL. It makes us so proud to know that he will continue to be an inspiration for others.

Its an excellent competition, one he would have been so eager to compete in himself. Its a fitting way to remember his passion for journalism and especially the inclusivity that he felt was so often forgotten. He would be so proud to be associated with this competition, said Marguerite.

Associate Professor, BA Journalism and Digital Communication, Dr Katheryn Hayes explained that the Joe Drennan Memorial Competition for Inclusive Journalism was designed to honour his pioneering spirit and the impact he made during his time in UL.

Joe was committed to pursuing stories that would foster a deeper understanding of marginalised communities, whom he believed were often overlooked in some mainstream media. His desire for change is evident in the journalism work he produced and the vision he had for his role as Editor in Chief of Limerick Voice digital news project in University of Limerick.

His pitch for the role of editor, just a few weeks before his tragic death, epitomised his wider vision to effect change through his journalism work. As Editor in chief he urged reporters to find a voice that they themselves had not heard before. We believe this competition will help contribute to a more inclusive and diverse media landscape and is a fitting tribute to Joe.

Limerick Voice Managing Editor Molly Cantwell paid tribute to her former colleague and the vision he had for this years newspaper.

Our team has had an incredibly tough year dealing with the loss of our editor-in-chief, Joe Drennan. However, as his co-editor and managing editor of Limerick Voice, I really believe we have done him proud. The LV team of 2023/2024 have put together one of the biggest issues of the paper to date, full of articles which perfectly match the mission statement chosen by myself and Joe Drennan: Stories That Speak

We have done our utmost to ensure the vision Joe had for the paper was followed and that we worked with as much passion as we know he would have. Im incredibly proud of the work we are putting forward to the people of Limerick and genuinely hope everyone enjoys reading each and every line, added Molly Cantwell.

Ireland and Britain Editor of The Irish Times Mark Hennessy spoke at the launch of the competition.

"As journalists, it's not only our duty to report the news, but to illuminate the stories often overlooked, amplify the voices of the marginalised and strive for a more inclusive narrative. The Joe Drennan Memorial Competition serves not only as a tribute to the life of a young journalist whose passion for social justice was cut short, but also as a beacon for more inclusive journalism.

This competition will honour Joe Drennan's spirit of curiosity and empathy and Im sure the entries will challenge stereotypes, and foster a deeper understanding towards marginalised communities, ensuring that their voices will be heard in The Irish Times, Mr Hennessy said.

The winner of the competition will also receive a perpetual trophy presented by members of the Drennan family.

The winning article will be published in The Irish Times. Entrants will be required to produce a 1,000  1500-word article, suitable for multimedia use. Winners will be selected on the basis of impact, originality, news gathering and research, depth of investigations, and quality of writing.

The competition will run annually commencing in Academic Year 2024/25. The deadline for submissions is November 30, 2024.
A man has appeared in court charged with the alleged false imprisonment of a 31-year-old woman in a van this week.

Karl OReilly, 40, with an address in Granard, Co Longford, was charged with two counts of false imprisonment, two threats to kill or cause serious harm, one count of assault and one over the possession of a knife.

One charge of false imprisonment and one charge of threatening to harm relate to February 28 this year at a location in Co Longford.

The other charges of false imprisonment, threatening to harm and possession of a knife relate to March 12 in Arklow, Co Wicklow.

The charge of assault relates to the period from February 28 to this Tuesday March 12.

OReilly appeared before Bray District Court on Thursday dressed in a green hoodie, black jeans and runners, and carrying a black and white cap.

The court heard that when charged and cautioned, he replied no thanks.

An application for bail was made and opposed by An Garda Siochana; the judge refused bail due to the seriousness of the allegations.

Detective Sergeant Donal OSullivan of Arklow Garda Station said that the woman in question, whose identity is not being disclosed in line with a judges request, had flown back to England on Thursday.

The court heard that OReilly contested the allegations when interviewed by gardai.

Gardai requested that OReilly be remanded in custody given the seriousness of the alleged offences.

Judge Nicola Andrews said it was appropriate to refuse bail, stating that allegations are extremely serious.

OReilly is next due to appear before Bray District Court via video link on March 21 at 10.30am.

OReilly, a father of three who is originally from Clondalkin in Dublin, returned to Ireland around two years ago after living in the UK for 17 years.
RTE's cameras will be out early on St Patrick's Day in Laois covering the newest parade in the county and perhaps Ireland.

The station will focus on the proud community in Portlaoise Parish to record and later broadcast the historic momentous event which is due to start about 9am on Sunday, March 17.

The community has a big connection with the RTE newsroom as Justin Treacy, of the famous Treacy's bar and restaurant, is a native of The Heath.

The parade, which will be the only Laois parade featured by RTE this year, was the brainchild of local woman Samantha Whelan, who has assembled a hard-working group of volunteers to bring the event to life.

We have so much to be proud of in our area. The Heath is a thriving community, and it is time we show what we have in our area. If we didnt get started this year then another twelve months would pass without it, so this year I decided to do something, Samantha told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

The St Patricks Day parade is the latest initiative to come from The Heath GAA clubs Health and Wellbeing committee, which has been very active in recent months with new initiatives to foster community spirit.

"To participate, you will need to create or design your own banners, floats and signs, and to really stand out, you could maybe add costumes and props to enhance the overall parade experience. This is for the whole community to come out and join in and if you are not taking part, we are asking people to stand along the road to welcome the parade on its way down to the church, say organisers.

The plan for the event is to begin at 8.45am at the GAA club grounds, before proceeding to the church for 9.30am mass. Refreshments will be served afterward in The Heath parish hall.

If you are interested in entering a float or finding out more information, you can do so by phoning Samantha on 086-3667583 or email theheathparade@gmail.com.

Highlights from The Heath will feature in the round-up around the country on the Six One RTE news on Sunday, March 17.
One of Ireland's longest established and most significant literary prizes which recognises and rewards the best new Irish fiction writing for radio, the RTE Short Story Competition presents the winning author with a cheque for 5,000, while the second and third placed writers will receive cheques for 4,000 and 3,000 respectively. A further seven runners-up will receive 250 each.



Writers over the age of 18 living in Ireland, and Irish writers around the world have until Friday May 10, 2024 to submit their short story to the competition at www.rte.ie/writing.



This years entries will be judged by a panel (pictured) featuring Neil Hegarty who joins returning judges and authors Kathleen MacMahon and Claire Kilroy. Claires latest novel, Soldier Sailor has just been longlisted for the Womens Prize for Fiction Prize.



Commenting on judging this years competition, Claire Kilroy said, I was delighted to be asked back to judge this year as it was such an interesting and collegial experience last year. Bottom line: writers like talking about writing. We veered from unanimity to dissent and back again, as we worked through the stories. It was a thorough and satisfying process.



Kathleen MacMahon encourages all writers to enter, she said, This is a wonderful opportunity for writers to have their work read out loud by actors and heard on radio by a wide audience. The quality of work we saw on the shortlist last year was an amazing testament to the robust health of Irish writing.



New judge, Neil Hegarty adds: Im delighted to serve alongside Kathleen and Claire as a judge on this years RTE Short Story Competition. Its a privilege, of course, to read new writing  and its always heartening to be reminded of the creativity at work in society. Do take the chance to send in your short stories: Im looking forward to reading and admiring them.



At a special RTE Arena live programme with Sean Rocks in the autumn and all 10 shortlisted stories will be published on rte.ie/culture and broadcast in a season of new writing on RTE Radio 1.



The RTE Short Story Competition has been championing new talent for decades; past winners and shortlisted writers include Claire Keegan, Danielle McLaughlin, Anthony Glavin, Chris Binchy, Nuala OConnor, Liz Nugent, Colin Walsh, Stephen Walsh and Sarah Gilmartin.



All shortlisted stories are produced for radio, voiced by some of Irelands most talented actors. In recent years these have included Marty Rea, Aaron Monaghan, Jane Brennan, Cathy Belton, Derbhle Crotty, Eamon Morrissey, Ali White, Ingrid Craigie, Janet Moran, Kathy Rose OBrien, Peter Coonan, Emmet Kirwan and Andrew Bennett.



For rules and all information about the competition, see www.rte.ie/writing. Youll also find past winning and shortlisted stories there.
MentorsWork, an award-winning initiative of Skillnet Ireland in partnership with the Small Firms Association (SFA), has supported over 3,000 SMEs in Ireland since launching in 2020. MentorsWork offers an expert business mentoring programme to SME businesses from all sectors nationwide with a further 1,000 spaces available.

Today, Simon Harris TD, Minister of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, alongside Paul Healy, Chief Executive of Skillnet Ireland, officially announced the opening of registrations.

Minister Simon Harris emphasised the importance of initiatives like MentorsWork in nurturing the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. He said, "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and providing them with the necessary support and guidance is crucial for their success. Programmes like MentorsWork play a vital role in empowering SMEs to overcome challenges and thrive in today's competitive landscape. It is part of our department's mission to ensure that everyone has access to support to enhance their skills and reach their full potential. We are proud to support MentorsWork on its mission of building a pathway to business success."

Open to business owners and managers from all industries with one to 250 employees, the 12-week MentorsWork programme introduces participants to a dedicated and experienced mentor who works with them to address their specific areas of concern, alongside masterclasses and peer-to-peer workshops. Throughout the programme, SME owners and managers gain access to essential tools and knowledge in key areas such as People Management, Business Processes, Finance, Growth Strategies, and Digitalisation.

Paul Healy, Chief Executive of Skillnet Ireland, expressed his enthusiasm for the programme's impact on the business community. He said, "At Skillnet Ireland we are fostering a culture of continuous learning and upskilling within our SMEs. The MentorsWork programmedeliverssupportand mentorship opportunities that are driven by individual business needs. Expert mentors are helping SME owners to innovate, to adopt new technologies and to adjust to the ever-changing market dynamics. The feedback from programme alumni has been powerful with many citing MentorsWork as the key to their continued success."

By the end of the programme, participants will have created a bespoke business improvement plan with their mentor to help guide them through the following six months. In addition to the 12-week programme, MentorsWork offers consultancy services and bespoke team training services to its alumni who have been through the initial programme and require more support with their business development plan.

MentorsWork has provided support to businesses across diverse sectors and industries including lifestyle, hair and beauty, childcare, technology, retail, marketing services, recruitment and small manufacturing businesses have been largely represented and all sectors are eligible for the programme.

MentorsWork is an enterprise initiative of SFA, funded by Skillnet Ireland. Skillnet Ireland is funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

To find out more information and to register for the programme, please visit www.mentorswork.ie
On Monday 11th March, Intel Ireland hosted the Grand Final of the 2023/2024 Mini Scientist competition, where students from across Ireland descended upon the Intel campus in Leixlip, armed with mind-boggling projects that they have been brewing for months. From generating electricity to studying what makes your heart tick, these young scientists really blew our socks off! The event marked the culmination of a nationwide competition that began in September 2023.

4th, 5th, and 6th class students from schools all over Ireland participated in the seventeenth annual Intel Mini Scientist competition, engaging in project-based learning and exhibitions to explore the world of science. Starting with projects within their own schools, Intel employees visited each participating school to assess projects for the regional finals Shannon, Cork, and TU Dublin Blanchardstown. A panel of Intel judges then selected winners to progress to the Grand Final.

This year, over 6,800 students from 94 schools in 18 counties participated in the Mini Scientist competition, leading to over 1,000 projects that have truly inspired us. The Grand Final brought together the top 26 projects from around the country and was filled with innovative and imaginative projects, put together through months of hard work. The judges, after a very difficult task of deliberation, selected their winning projects.

Fab Manager and Vice President Neil Philip was thrilled to welcome these pre-teen prodigies to the Intel Campus. The event was formally opened by Minister Thomas Byrne, Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

Special guest Minister Byrne, said: I'm delighted to be part of the Intel Ireland Mini Scientist Grand Final. This event showcases the incredible talent and creativity of our young scientists, and I'm honoured to witness firsthand the next generation of innovators shaping our future. I want to commend Intels commitment to fostering the energy and the intrinsic curiosity that young people have for science."

We are proud to announce this years winners, from Scoil Mhuire Fatima, Timahoe Co Laois. Tomas Ramsbottom and Emma Burke from 5th class, explored a proposal to power a wireless pacemaker through kinetic energy. The inspiration for the project came about due to the fact that Tomas had a pacemaker implanted when he was a baby, and has already had several major operations.

The duo are keen to explore alternatives to the current technology and have even contacted several manufacturers in their research. The aim of the project is to design a way of charging pacemaker batteries so that you dont need to have repeat major surgeries, Tomas said. As part of the prize, the overall winning school will receive a grant of 1000 from Intel.

Head Judge, Dr Jennifer McKenna, Silicon Research Manager reflected on the overall standard of the competition, Taking a personal story as the inspiration for their project, Tomas and Emily looked at the world around them and asked why? This scientific curiosity in combination with innovation underpins the essence of science and engineering. The competition this year was filled with so many ideas, novelty and originality that the judges had an extremely difficult time on deciding the winning project. The standard gets more difficult every year and it is great to see the energy, enthusiasm and level of engagement from the students throughout all rounds of the competition. It is equally a great experience for the judges to have the privilege to speak with the students and understand the motivations behind their research.

Grand Final Overall Winner

Perfect Pace, Scoil Mhuire Fatima, Timahoe Co. Laois

Runner-up Awards

Aviation, Scoil Ui Riada, Kilcock, Co. Kildare

From Laptops to Our Ears, St. Raphaelas Primary School, Stollorgan, Co. Dublin

Stress, Straffan National School, Straffan, Co. Kildare

Super Sustainable Goals, Faughart Community National School, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Special Awards

Additional special prizes were awarded as follows:

Best Communication Award

The Peltier Fridge, St. Patricks Primary School, Celbridge, Co. Kildare

Sustainability Award

Homemade Battery, SN Colmcille Naofa, Athy, Co. Kildare

Best Project Book Award

Racing Hearts, Cratloe N.S., Cratloe, Co. Clare

Best Visual Display Award

Natures Architect, St. Patricks NS, Co. Cork

Most Innovative Award:

Si an Fheamainn is Fearr  Super Seaweed, SN Leitir Meallain, Lettermullan, Co. Galway





The students were presented with their prizes by Sarah Sexton, Intel Community Relations Director and Neil Philip, Factory Manager.

For more information about the Intel Ireland Mini Scientist Competition, please contact our Community Relations and Sustainable Operations team.

Congratulations to all the students who participated in the 2024 Mini Scientist Grand Final. To see more of the fun and behind the scenes activities, visit the Intel Ireland flickr.
Purple Day is the biggest fundraising day of the year for Epilepsy Ireland and this year, they are appealing to the people of Kildare to support their work on Tuesday, March 26 by taking the Purple Pledge.

Epilepsy is a very common condition, with around one in 115 people affected. There are over 1,900 people living with epilepsy in Kildare and over 45,000 people living with epilepsy in Ireland. Epilepsy Ireland is the national organisation supporting and representing people with epilepsy and their families.

We rely on the support of many wonderful volunteers and fundraisers who step up on days like Purple Day to help us raise the money needed to deliver our services. Epilepsy Ireland responds to 20,000 contacts each year from individuals and families, some newly diagnosed and others far along their journey with epilepsy. Our services include supporting people who are newly diagnosed with epilepsy; organising targeted events for children and teens with epilepsy on managing their condition; training teachers and SNAs on how best to support a child with epilepsy in the classroom, and much, much more, says Epilepsy Irelands Fundraising and Development Manager, Cian Dikker.

He said, Epilepsy Irelands services are vital to people in Kildare living with epilepsy. However, the cost of providing these services is well in excess of the state funding we receive. This is why we are asking you to take the Purple Pledge to support our work in communities across the country.

A Purple Day Pledge represents a commitment to the shared mission to achieve a society where no persons life is limited by epilepsy. Take the Pledge and take on a challenge of your choice to raise funds. Epilepsy Ireland is asking you to get your family, friends, and colleagues to join you and to donate in support of Epilepsy Ireland.

Dikker continued, Pledge to walk, run, hike or cycle while wearing purple and raise funds for Epilepsy Ireland. The challenge is easy: join our community on Facebook, set up a fundraiser, and make some noise about getting active in purple on Tuesday, March 26 2024. Whatever your personal pledge may be and whatever amount you raise, wed love to have the people of Kildare on board for Purple Day.

There is already a fast-growing community of people from across Ireland in their dedicated Facebook group - where pledgers are sharing their ideas for their fundraisers, having fun, and getting excited for their own pledge on March 26. For more information about getting involved, contact us by emailing fundraising@epilepsy.ie

If you are unable to take the pledge, any donation, no matter the size, would be greatly appreciated. To donate, visit www.epilepsy.ie/donate.

To learn more about epilepsy, Epilepsy Ireland, or Purple Day, visit www.epilepsy.ie.
Following on from his hugely successful shows, The Man in The Womans Shoes and I Hear You and Rejoice, the Backstage Theatre are delighted to bring you Mikel Murfis new one-man show, The Mysterious Case of Kitsy Rainey, on March 23 at 8pm.

This third play in the series reacquaints us with the life of small-town cobbler Pat Farnon. Having married Kitsy Rainey late in life, Pat finally decides to lift the lid on a life lived by his wife prior to their marriage. And all the while, Pat faces down his reckoning.

Tender, heartfelt and joyously funny, The Mysterious Case of Kitsy Rainey finishes out Pat Farnons journey in a most unexpected way.

Originally from Sligo, the artist has trained in Ecole Jacques Lecoq, Paris and has played in The Playboy of the Western World, The Morning After Optimism, The Tempest and The Comedy of Errors at the Abbey Theatre, Dublin.

Mike's other acting credits include The New Electric Ballroom, Lyndies Got a Gun, The Increased Difficulty of Concentration (Druid, Galway), The Chairs (Blue Raincoat, Sligo), The Cure (Half Moon Theatre, Cork), Stokehauling, Half Eight Mass of a Tuesday, Macbeth, Gods Gift and The White-Headed Boy(Barabbas), Studs, Melting Penguins (Passion Machine), Lady Windermeres Fan (Rough Magic) and The Tender Trap (Pigsback).

He worked with Fishamble/Galway Arts Festival on The Great Goat Bubble, co-directed Ruth 66 for Fourth Leaf Theatre, and devised and directed The Poor Little Boy With No Arms at The Lir Academy with the cast.

Other directing credits include Diamonds in the Soil, The Lost Days of Ollie Deasy for Macnas, Falling out of Love, Yew Tree Productions, Trad, Galway Arts Festival and The Lonesome West, Lyric Theatre, Belfast.

He was the Movement Director on the Landmark Productions/Galway Arts Festival production of Misterman. He also tours these days with his one-man show, The Man In The Womans Shoes.

The Mysterious Case of Kitsy Rainey was created with support from Sligo County Council Arts Service, The Hawks Well Theatre, Sligo and Irish Arts Center, New York.
The passing of Kevin Dowler, of Couraghy, Drumshanbo on March 12 has left a profound sense of sorrow in the hearts of those who knew him.

Fondly remembered for his eternal youth, sense of fun, and remarkable musical talents, Mr Dowler's legacy will forever be cherished by his community.

Expressions of sympathy and remembrance have poured in from all corners, reflecting the impact he had on those around him. "So sad to hear about the passing of Kevin," said one mourner. "He seemed to have eternal youth and a sense of fun, also a man blessed with such musical talents. Our sincere sympathy to Frances, Fiona, Geraldine, Kenneth, Ciaran and his beloved grandchildren. Rest in Peace Kevin".

Another mourner shared: "Deepest condolences to Frances and all the family on your great loss. Kevin was a lovely, friendly man who made time for everyone. He was a wonderful musician with a great knowledge of and love for the traditional music of his county and country. Siochain siorai da anam fial, ceolmhar."

Kevin Dowler's impact extended beyond his immediate family, touching the lives of neighbors and friends alike. "Deepest sympathy to Kevins family," expressed a neighbour, "He was a great neighbour and always so friendly. He will be really missed."

Memories of Mr Dowler's warmth and generosity are deeply ingrained in the hearts of those who knew him: "Saddened to hear that Kevin has passed away. Remembering fondly, childhood memories of a great neighbour who was hardworking, respectful and most obliging. Thanks Kevin for all the spins you gave us on your tractor as you brought in the hay for us."

Mr Dowler's musical talents were renowned, leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to experience them firsthand. "Deepest sympathy to the Dowler family on the sad passing of Kevin," recalled Eamon Doyle of Drumcong, "Fond memories of his musical sessions along with Dad, plus his wit/sense of humour."

Another mourner shared: "Great memories of his music and above all the time he always made for a chat!"

Mr Dowler, survived by his devoted wife Frances, daughters Fiona and Geraldine, sons Kenneth and Ciaran, and their respective spouses Annette, Linda, and Tony, was deeply cherished by his family. He was also adored by his grandchildren Aidan, Ailise, Roma, Malori, Daniel, Cian, Chloe, Claire, and Gladys, who will carry forward his memory with love and reverence.

Friends and well-wishers will have the opportunity to pay their respects as Mr Dowler lies in repose at St Patrick's Church in Drumshanbo on Thursday, March 14, from 6pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, March 15, at 11am, followed by burial in Drumshanbo New Cemetery.

In recognition of the current circumstances, the Funeral Mass will be streamed live on ChurchTV and the Drumshanbo Parish Facebook Page, allowing those unable to attend in person.

The family kindly requests that their privacy be respected during this difficult time, and as such, the house will be private.
Malcolm Noonan TD, the Minister of State responsible for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, has announced that 676 heritage projects across every county will receive 9 million in financial support through the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) for 2024.

Both schemes support the conservation of historic buildings for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations and are managed jointly by the National Built Heritage Service (NBHS) in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and a network of conservation staff in the 31 local authorities, including expert Architectural Conservation Officers.

Nine Leitrim heritage projects are set to receive funding under HSF and BHIS schemes:

Leitrim County Council Mainstream: 96,136.25

St. Mary's Church, Farnaught Parish, Mohill Roof & Window Repairs 15,000.00

Lurganboy Lodge, Manorhamilton External Walls 6,136.25

Mary, Mother Of God Church, Dromahaire External Walls 15,000.00

The Old Town Hall, Carrick-On- Shannon Roof & Window Repairs 15,000.00

St. Brigid's Church, Drumcong Roofs 15,000.00

Druminshin Glebe House, Carrigallen Roofs 15,000.00

Red Bank Restaurant, Carrick-On- Shannon Windows, Doors & Associated Elements 15,000.00

The schemes fund a variety of repairs and renovation works to prevent deterioration, protect character, and encourage the re-use of protected structures. The schemes also provide important support for the employment of traditional craftspeople and conservation professionals.

Announcing the awards today, Minister Noonan said: "The level of funding available highlights the Government's ongoing commitment to the built heritage that communities know and love. These schemes also provide valuable work for the many traditional craft and tradespeople across Ireland, helping to keep these unique skills alive."

Welcoming the awards, Green Party Candidate for the Ballinamore LEA, Adam O Ceallaigh said: "It is brilliant to see 96,000 getting spent in Leitrim to help support the custodians of historic structures. Ensuring the enduring presence of these historic landmarks across various towns county-wide is vital, as they hold a central place in local communities and are cherished and recognised by many."

The HSF provides grants of between 15,000 and 200,000 to support major conservation works on significant historic buildings. This year, 4.5 million in funding will support 114 projects, the largest ever number approved for funding under the HSF.

The BHIS provides grants of up to 15,000 for maintenance and smaller conservation works to help prevent historic buildings from falling into disrepair and possible disuse - the scheme also includes ring-fenced funding for historic thatched buildings, with a maximum grant of 20,000. This year, 562 BHIS grants will be awarded across the country, including 80 for thatched buildings, amounting to 4.5 million in funding.
As approximately 270 people set up tents in a makeshift migrant camp near the International Protection Office on Mount Street, Co Dublin, the issue of deteriorating health conditions and the lack of basic amenities plaguing the area is being highlighted.

In a report which aired on The Tonight Show on Virgin Media, journalist Ciara Doherty shed light on the dire situation facing these asylum seekers in Dublin.

The report described scenes of desperation as individuals queue outside the office, presumably awaiting appointments to process their asylum applications. While some fortunate souls may leave with suitcases in tow, presumably bound for accommodations, many others are left no alternative, resorting to erecting tents around the office premises, hoping for some semblance of shelter.

Ciara, who visited the camp, relayed a grim scene of squalor and neglect. The makeshift camp lacked basic sanitation facilities, forcing inhabitants to urinate in the streets and leaving heaps of rubbish to accumulate.

On the show, Roisin McAleer, of Social Rights Ireland said: "There are about 120 tents of homeless asylum seekers actually wrapped around the whole building right in behind, and around the side there are a few Irish homeless people as well."

"The reason why they're here is because this is the first port of call, the first point of contact you'd come to for protection and you're supposed to get protection on arrival, there are reception laws or rules, but people were being put out without a tent or a sleeping bag."

It was added that the tents may house up to three people each, and predominantly young males. "There is one man who has been here for 82 days," Roisin said.

In terms of facilities, Roisin stated: "There's no dignity, there is no bathroom, there's no toilet, there's a makeshift bucket over there in the corner and then when people walk by, they're picking it up on the soles of their shoes and then getting into [their] tent. People are [getting] sick."

"I don't understand why toilets couldn't have been brought here," she added.

Roisin added that a volunteer doctor comes voluntarily once a week, and has found scabies and respiratory illnesses in the built up camp, now dubbed 'Tent City'.

A resident at the camp, detailed the appalling conditions faced by the inhabitants, he himself not owning a tent to sleep in. "I don't even know where I'm going to get [a tent] from," he stated to Ciara.

Continuing, the man remains uncertain about his future. "Truth is, I never expected this. I only saw these things on TV. I never thought maybe one day this would be happening to me. I never expected it.

"As it is, I'm still trying to come to terms with if I'm going to survive here or not, but going back is not an option.

"I only found out today that there is a problem with accommodation. I don't know what tomorrow brings for us, only God knows."

As part of the panel discussion after the report, Labour TD Aodhan O Riordain stated: "There's 1,200 in the country who don't have accommodation. It's a direct result of government policy. We don't need a portaloo down there. We need them not to be there, not to be living in tents.

"They are coming from places of absolute trauma, including Palestine, and this is what we provide for them.

"You'll have the Taoiseach in Washington trying to tell the American administration how [they] should have a bit more of a sympathetic view of the undocumented Irish in America. It's hypocritical and it's wrong."

Emma Lane-Spollen of the Ukraine Civil Society Forum described the issue as a "humanitarian crisis".
US investors have been told that Northern Ireland is open for business as the regions political leadership addressed a major event in Washington DC.

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly made the remarks at the Ireland Funds national gala, a key part of annual St Patricks Day celebrations in the US city.

The Sinn Fein and Democratic Unionist Party pairing took centre stage at the event on Wednesday which was also attended by Irish premier Leo Varadkar.

Mr Varadkar is on a week-long visit to Washington which will see him engage with US President Joe Biden at the White House on a variety of issues including economic ties between the two countries and the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

Representatives from the Northern Ireland Executive, which was restored six weeks ago after a long-running boycott by the DUP over post-Brexit trading arrangements, arrived in Washington DC for engagements with investors, community groups and politicians.

Ms ONeill said Stormont representatives were in the US to advocate for Northern Ireland and set out shared priorities.

She said: Were also here with a clarion call to all US investors that were open for businesses, that government has been reinstated  its functional again.

Ms Little-Pengelly said Northern Ireland is a place of great hope, determination and ambition.

She added: We want to work hand-in-hand, shoulder-to-shoulder in terms of that investment and building that amazing future we know that Northern Ireland has.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland praised the two leaders message to the US audience.

Speaking to the PA news agency, Chris Heaton-Harris said: Two amazing women are leading their nation, bringing a message of positivity about the future about what Northern Ireland can achieve.

I dont think you can ask for a better message to this crowd.

Mr Heaton-Harris said he would be using his time in the US to emphasise that Northern Ireland has unique economic opportunities and that the UK Government is always going to support the region.

Asked if he felt the Westminster administration had to play catch-up with announcements from the Irish Government about investment in projects in Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Secretary added: I think were pretty comfortable with the 14.8 billion block funding and the 3.3 billion we stuck in to get the Executive back up and running.

During his speech to the gala, Mr Varadkar said there was new hope and new beginning for Northern Ireland following the restoration of power-sharing.

He said: We will do whatever it takes to help build and make the idea of a better future a reality for everyone.

The Taoiseach told the crowd that Palestinian civilians are being subject to humiliation and starvation during the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Mr Varadkar has repeatedly said he will tell the US president that Irish people strongly believe there should be an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

He told the audience: We, as Europeans and Americans that are at least in some part responsible for the troubles in the region, have a duty to do all that we can to bring peace and justice to the Holy Land.

Meanwhile, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald defended the partys attendance at US events, amid calls for Irish politicians to boycott the Washington trip over Gaza.

Ms McDonald told reporters at the black-tie, 1,000-dollar-per-ticket gala that she would talk to the devil himself to bring about ceasefire.

She said: I feel a huge sense of responsibility to do everything that I possibly can to bring about ceasefire, to advocate for the people of Palestine.

The gala raised 1.2 million dollars for the Ireland Funds charity, which promotes peace, culture, education and community development across the island of Ireland and around the world.

Mr Varadkar and the Northern Irish political leadership were scheduled to continue engagements across Washington DC on Thursday.
18650 Type Batteries Made With Advanced Silicon Based Material Continues to Deliver Strong Performance at 50 Cycles





Testing continues to indicate remarkable performance improvement, after 50 cycles, surpassing the capabilities of traditional graphite benchmark batteries by approximately 14% [1] .

Minimal and consistent performance degradation of only about 1%, compared to benchmark graphite batteries range of 1% to 2%.

Outperforming similar commercial batteries, showing degradation rates of near 1% for Novacium batteries compared to near 5% for Samsung INR18650-35E Battery [2].

MONTREAL, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HPQ Silicon Inc. ("HPQ" or the "Company") (TSX-V: HPQ) (OTCQB: HPQFF) (FRA: O08), a technology company specializing in green engineering of silica and silicon-based materials is pleased to announce a major milestone achieved by its France-based affiliate, NOVACIUM SAS ("Novacium"). This announcement underscores the promising results witnessed during the continuous charge-discharge cycle testing of 18650 industrial batteries, reaching a significant milestone at the 50-cycle mark. 18650 industrial batteries are considered the ?industry standard'.

"These ongoing results continue to surpass our expectations [1]," stated Dr. Jed Kraiem Ph.D., COO of Novacium. "The fact that battery consistently exceeds our internal theoretical estimate of a 10% improvement in battery performance, even after 50 cycles is a powerful validation of our approach."

MAINTAINING 14% BATTERY CAPACITY IMPROVEMENT WITH MINIMAL DEGRADATION FOR 50 CYCLES

The graph displayed below (Figure 1, Left) show the battery capacity outcomes and (Figure 1, Right) the changes in capacity during the 50-cycle testing of the 18650 batteries. The blue lines depicting the results of the 18650 batteries comprised of 90% wt graphite and 10% wt Novacium's custom-engineered silicon material blend, a material for which HPQ holds exclusive global licenses, while the red lines depict the results for the batteries made entirely of graphite.



Figure 1) Capacity (left) and Capacity change (right) during 50 cycles tests

of HPQ and Novacium Gen 1 18650 industrial battery [1].

Analysis of the data in Figure 1, Left reveals that the three industrial-type batteries, which utilize Novacium's custom-engineered silicon base material blend (blue lines), continue to demonstrate impressive performance at the 50-cycle mark. These batteries exhibit a high discharge capacity of approximately 3.18 Ampere-hours (Ah), surpassing the benchmark set by three comparison batteries (red lines) with a capacity of 2.70 Ah. These results mark another significant milestone after 50 cycles of testing. These results, confirm and extend the 14% enhancement in full-battery capacity compared to 100% graphite benchmark batteries, that was observed in the previous 5 and 25 cycles testing.

Furthermore, the data in Figure 1, Right reveals that, at the 50 cycles test mark, the measurable cycle degradation between the batteries made entirely of graphite (the red lines) ranges from 1% to 2% and those incorporating Novacium's custom-engineered silicon base material blend (the blue lines) is consistently around 1%.

"These are encouraging indicators of the material's commercial viability in the battery manufacturing sector," added Dr. Kraiem. "These results underscore our ability to produce an advanced blend of graphite and engineered silicon material that significantly enhances battery performance."

COMPARING CAPACITY DEGRADATION BETWEEN 18650 BATTERY TYPES

One of the best to ways to visualize the potencies of our degradation results to date is to compare side by side industry 18650 type graphite batteries capacity degradation with the Novacium 18650 batteries at the 50 cycles benchmark.

The graph displayed below (Figure 2, Left) showcases change in capacity results for a Samsung INR18650-35E Battery, and (Figure 2, Right) the changes in capacity during the 50-cycle testing of the 18650 batteries made using Novacium's custom-engineered silicon material blend.



Figure 2) On the right we have the capacity change data for a Samsung INR18650-35E Battery [2] and on the

right the change in capacity of HPQ and Novacium Gen 1 18650 industrial battery [1].

The data clearly demonstrates the potential of our material. At the 50 cycles test mark, the Samsung INR18650-35E Battery capacity loss was around 5%, while the HPQ and Novacium Gen 1 18650 industrial battery loss was near 1%.

"I am profoundly encouraged by these promising results," expressed Mr. Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO of HPQ Silicon Inc. and NOVACIUM SAS. "Our vision extends far beyond mere innovation as we continue to see new third-party interest in our material and capability to meet and exceed the rigorous demands being created across various industries."

REFERENCE SOURCES

[1] Novacium technical team analysis of the data from the ongoing charging and discharging cycle tests conducted at a world-leading university, the name of which is kept confidential for competitive reasons. [2] Link to the source of the Samsung INR18650-35E Battery capacity graph.



About NOVACIUM SAS

Novacium is an HPQ - affiliated company started in Q3 2022. This green technology startup is based in Lyon, France and is a partnership with HPQ and three of France's leading research engineers, Dr. Jed KRAIEM PhD, Novacium's Chief Operating Officer ("COO"), Dr. Oleksiy NICHIPORUK PhD, Novacium's Chief Technical Officer ("CTO"), and Dr. Julien DEGOULANGE PhD, Novacium's Chief Innovation Officer ("CIO"). Novacium is a new Research and Development company which allows the researchers to develop their own technology in high added value fields connected to renewable energy, and allows HPQ Silicon Inc, a Canadian company, to expand the depth and reach of its technical team to help develop its silicon and new renewable energy projects.

About HPQ Silicon

HPQ Silicon Inc. (TSX-V: HPQ) is a Quebec-based TSX Venture Exchange Tier 1 Industrial Issuer.

HPQ is developing, with the support of world-class technology partners PyroGenesis Canada Inc. and NOVACIUM SAS, new green processes crucial to make the critical materials needed to reach net zero emissions.

HPQ activities are centred around the following four (4) pillars:

Becoming a green low-cost (Capex and Opex) manufacturer of Fumed Silica using the FUMED SILICA REACTOR, a proprietary technology owned by HPQ being developed for HPQ by PyroGenesis. Becoming a producer of silicon-based anode materials for battery applications with the assistance of NOVACIUM SAS. HPQ SILICON affiliate NOVACIUM SAS is developing a low carbon, chemical base on demand and high-pressure autonomous hydrogen production system. Becoming a zero CO 2 low-cost (Capex and Opex) producer of High Purity Silicon (2N+ to 4N) using our PUREVAPtm "Quartz Reduction Reactors" (QRR), a proprietary technology owned by HPQ being developed for HPQ by PyroGenesis.

For more information, please visit HPQ Silicon web site.

Disclaimers:

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "may", "plan", "will", "estimate", "continue", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "in the process" and other similar expressions which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectation and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, our expectations regarding the acceptance of our products by the market, our strategy to develop new products and enhance the capabilities of existing products, our strategy with respect to research and development, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, and uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company's ongoing filings with the security's regulatory authorities, which filings can be found at www.sedar.com. Actual results, events, and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

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 is available on the company's CEO Verified Discussion Forum, a moderated social media platform that enables civilized discussion and Q&A between Management and Shareholders.

Source: HPQ Silicon Inc.

For further information contact:

Bernard J. Tourillon, Chairman, President, and CEO Tel +1 (514) 846-3271

Patrick Levasseur, Director Tel: +1 (514) 262-9239

Email: [email protected]

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2ff2523a-b325-4df0-b816-f0e2f115f07a

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9d78b73a-2f5b-4b03-866e-56bb9f3c595b

14 march 2024 at 07:30

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PRIVATE SECTOR PURSUIT OF A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE: THE GROWTH STORY OF OUR TIME





Sustainable Markets Initiative 2023 Impact Report highlights delivery, engagement, and growth as companies put Nature, People and Planet at the heart of global value creation

LONDON, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Demonstrating the important role the private sector plays in driving a more sustainable economy, the Sustainable Markets Initiative today published its 2023 Impact Report, The Growth Story of Our Time.

The Report highlights the organisation's continued growth, projects and initiatives through industry and finance Task Forces, Regional and Country Councils and engagement on a world stage, including as the strategic partner to the Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum, the first private sector forum to be included in the official COP Presidency Programme (COP28). https://www.sustainable-markets.org/news/as-strategic-partner-for-cop28-business-and-philanthropy-climate-forum-sustainable-markets-initiative-expands-focus-on-industry-transition-with-global-leaders-to-align-industry-finance-and-country-roadmaps

Brian Moynihan, Chair and CEO of Bank of America, and Chair of the Sustainable Markets Initiative said:

"The private sector has the capital, the talent, and the ingenuity to drive a more sustainable business infrastructure. The Sustainable Markets Initiative is working with companies of all sizes and industries to help bring clean technologies to market, deploy capital to scale innovation, and address transparency. We accelerated progress through cross-Task Force collaboration, helping Sustainable Markets Initiative CEOs develop solutions and scale not achievable by one industry alone. This past year also showed the private sector, and the Sustainable Markets Initiative are equal partners with the public sector and governments at global gatherings focused on these important issues, demonstrating our value in accelerating sustainability outcomes and related systems changes."

Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, CEO of the Sustainable Markets Initiative said:

"The private sector has emerged as the vanguard of the new era ? one where profitability and the global public good are not mutually exclusive. Today's narrative is one of private sector diplomacy, moral courage, and relentless determination. Across industries, finance and countries our CEOs are embracing their role as catalysts, driving a seismic shift towards a sustainable future ? one that puts Nature, People and Planet at the heart of value creation."

The report reflects the vision of our Founder, His Majesty King Charles III, who launched the Sustainable Markets Initiative in 2020 when he was the Prince of Wales.

The 2023 Impact Report can be accessed on the Sustainable Markets Initiative website at www.sustainable-markets.org, Impact Report tab.

Note to Editors

Key 2023 Achievements

Aligning Industry and Finance. The Sustainable Markets Initiative drives accelerated transition through its 22 industry and finance Task Forces. In 2023, five new Task Forces were created including: Blended Finance, Circularity, Fusion, Legal, and Technology, Media, and Telecom.

The Sustainable Markets Initiative drives accelerated transition through its 22 industry and finance Task Forces. In 2023, five new Task Forces were created including: Blended Finance, Circularity, Fusion, Legal, and Technology, Media, and Telecom. Countries in Focus. The aim of the Sustainable Markets Initiative's Regional and Country Councils are to encourage collective and scalable action by business and investment in support Nationally Determined Contributions. In 2023, the Sustainable Markets Initiative launched its Africa Council supporting sustainability efforts on the continent. The launch of the Council in Nairobi, Kenya took place at the United Nations Office at Nairobi , alongside His Majesty's State Visit to Kenya in November 2023 , and it brought together global, African and Kenya private sector CEOs, civil society, alongside United Nations agency and Multilateral Development Bank representatives.

The aim of the Sustainable Markets Initiative's Regional and Country Councils are to encourage collective and scalable action by business and investment in support Nationally Determined Contributions. In 2023, the Sustainable Markets Initiative launched its supporting sustainability efforts on the continent. The launch of the Council in took place at the United Nations Office at , alongside His Majesty's State Visit to in , and it brought together global, African and private sector CEOs, civil society, alongside United Nations agency and Multilateral Development Bank representatives. Sustainability in Space. His Majesty King Charles III held a reception in June 2023 to launch the Sustainable Markets Initiative's Astra Carta which provides a roadmap for private sector leadership on sustainability in space. Like the Terra Carta, the artwork of the Astra Carta Seal was designed by Sir Jony Ive .

His Majesty King Charles III held a reception in to launch the Sustainable Markets Initiative's which provides a roadmap for private sector leadership on sustainability in space. Like the Terra Carta, the artwork of the Astra Carta Seal was designed by Sir . Recognizing Leadership. The Sustainable Markets Initiative's 2023 Terra Carta Seal Awards recognized global companies that are actively leading the charge to create a climate and Nature-positive future. With over 80 companies awarded to date, in 2023 17 companies were awarded the Terra Carta Seal . Winners were selected by a panel of global experts from the public, private, and philanthropic sectors.

The Sustainable Markets Initiative's 2023 Terra Carta Seal Awards recognized global companies that are actively leading the charge to create a climate and Nature-positive future. With over 80 companies awarded to date, in 2023 17 companies were awarded the . Winners were selected by a panel of global experts from the Designing for Sustainability. Through student-led, high-impact ideas, the Sustainable Markets Initiative expanded its Terra Carta Design Lab, partnering four design schools; Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (UAE), National Institute of Design Ahmedabad ( India ), Rhode Island School of Design ( USA ) and the Royal College of Art (UK). The Terra Carta Design Lab is in partnership with the Royal College of Art and was launched by His Majesty King Charles III, when he was the Prince of Wales, and Sir Jony Ive in 2021.

Sustainable Markets Initiative

Founded by His Majesty King Charles III in 2020, as the Prince of Wales, the Sustainable Markets Initiative has become the world's 'go-to' private sector organisation on transition. Launched in 2021, the Terra Carta serves as the Sustainable Markets Initiative's mandate with a focus on accelerating positive results for Nature, People and Planet through real economy action. Find out more: www.sustainable-markets.org.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2361823/2023_Impact_Report.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2285391/4592461/Sustainable_Markets_Initiative_Logo.jpg

14 march 2024 at 08:00

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Stacy M. Brantley and Phillip Branch to Present at the Banking Virtual Investor Conference March 14th





PHILADELPHIA, Miss., March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Citizens Holding Company, Inc. (OTCQX, CIZN), based in Philadelphia, MS, focused on Community Banking, today announced that Stacy M. Brantley, President & CEO, along with Phillip Branch, CFO, will present live at the Banking Virtual Investor Conference, hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on March 14th, 2024



DATE: March 14th, 2024

TIME: 11:30 ET

LINK: https://bit.ly/3wk07PV

Available for 1x1 meetings: March 14th 12:00-4:00 PM ET

This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com .

Recent Company Highlights

Completed sale leaseback of three branches generating $4.5 million in gains.

Restructured lending and credit verticals in mid-year 2023 leading to 9.3% loan growth in Q4 2023.

Achieved deposit growth of 1.64% (net of wholesale funds) during 2023. Deposits and repurchase agreements (net of wholesale) increased 3.9% for the same period.

Increased ICS reciprocal deposits approximately $93 million throughout 2023

Restructured a portion of the investment portfolio taking a pre-tax loss of $1.98 million in Q4 of 2023

About Citizens Holding Company, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary The Citizens Bank:

Citizens Holding Company is a one-bank holding company and the parent company of The Citizens Bank of Philadelphia, both headquartered in Philadelphia, Mississippi since its founding in 1908. The Bank currently has banking locations in fourteen counties throughout the state of Mississippi. Additional information can be found on the Bank web site, www.thecitizensbankphila.com .

About Virtual Investor Conferences

Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

CONTACTS:

Citizens Holding Company, Inc. (Subsidiary ? The Citizens Bank of Philadelphia)

Phillip Branch

Chief Financial Officer

601-519-4016

[email protected]

Virtual Investor Conferences

John M. Viglotti

SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access

OTC Markets Group

(212) 220-2221

[email protected]

14 march 2024 at 08:35

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RegScale Joins Microsoft Pegasus Program, Brings Powerful Continuous Controls Monitoring Platform to Microsoft Ecosystem





RegScale to Showcase Innovative Platform in Microsoft RSA Conference Booth

TYSONS CORNER, Va., March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RegScale , the Continuous Controls Monitoring (CCM) platform, today announced it will join the Microsoft Pegasus Program . Known for its rigorous selection criteria, the program is designed to help promising technology companies radically accelerate innovation by providing access to industry-leading AI services, expert guidance and the essential tools needed to expand market reach. Today's announcement comes on the heels of RegScale leveraging its CCM platform to achieve SOC 2 (Service Organization Control 2) Type II certification , compressing approximately 400 hours of manual work into less than 25 hours over six months.

RegScale is excited and honored to join the other selected startups participating in the Pegasus program. "Joining forces with Microsoft represents a significant milestone for RegScale. Our mission has always been to simplify compliance and risk management for organizations of all sizes. This collaboration validates our unique technical approach and enables us to leverage Microsoft's vast resources, technologies, and network to advance RegScale's mission of freeing organizations of manual and burdensome processes. We're looking forward to working closely with Microsoft, our key technology partner, enabling enterprises to reap the benefits of our CCM platform to save significant time and money.", said Travis Howerton, Co-Founder and CEO of RegScale.

RegScale overcomes the limitations of traditional GRC by automating processes and utilizing AI tools and dashboards, which results in a lower program cost, stronger security, and less need for manual handoffs between teams. With RegScale, organizations achieve faster certification, proactively anticipate risks, and automate evidence collection, controls mapping, and access reviews. By seamlessly exchanging data with its centralized CCM data lake, companies can continuously monitor security, risk and compliance controls, improving the ROI of existing tools. Customers have reported up to a 90% faster certification process and a significant 60% reduction in audit preparation efforts, which strengthens security programs and reduces costs.

Tom Davis, Partner, Microsoft for Startups added, "RegScale's dedication to automating compliance measures, enhancing cybersecurity and reducing costs aligns with our mission to enable organizations to achieve more while maintaining a strong security posture. RegScale's innovative approach can help businesses navigate today's complicated regulatory landscape."

As part of this collaboration, RegScale was selected to be featured in the Microsoft booth at the upcoming RSA Conference, showcasing how RegScale seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Azure to provide customers with enhanced security and compliance capabilities. To see RegScale's CCM platform in action, please visit Microsoft booth #6044 at the RSA Conference, May 6-9, in San Francisco, California.

About RegScale

RegScale is a continuous controls monitoring (CCM) platform that enables GRC outcomes. Using RegScale, organizations overcome speed, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness limitations in their legacy GRC by bridging security, risk, and compliance. Our CCM automation engines and AI tools operate independently but are tightly coupled to produce GRC outcomes, eliminating the corrosion that grinds current GRC programs to a halt and lowering program costs. Improve the Return on Investment (ROI) of existing tools, achieve rapid certification for faster market entry, anticipate threats via proactive risk management, and automate evidence collection, access reviews, and controls mapping. Heavily regulated organizations, including Fortune 500 enterprises and the Federal government, use RegScale to enhance stakeholder trust, lower costs, adapt to evolving risks, and start and stay compliant. Our customers report a 90% faster path to compliance certifications and a 60% reduction in audit preparation efforts, strengthening security and reducing costs. For more information, visit www.regscale.com.

Media Contact

Angelique Faul

Silver Jacket Communications

513.633.0897

[email protected]

SOURCE RegScale

14 march 2024 at 08:47

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Glenfarne Energy Transition's Texas LNG Moves to Execution Phase of Project Financing





Texas LNG, a four million tonnes per annum ("MTPA") liquefied natural gas ("LNG") export terminal to be constructed in the Port of Brownsville, and a subsidiary of Glenfarne Energy Transition, LLC ("Glenfarne"), a global energy transition leader providing critical solutions to lower the world's carbon footprint, has received sufficient expressions of interest from leading project finance banks to move to the execution phase of project financing. Glenfarne has also appointed Latham & Watkins as Borrower's counsel and Milbank as Lenders' counsel for the issuance.

These lenders have been key supporters of Glenfarne, having led over $4 billion of financing to Glenfarne's businesses over the last 10 years, supporting the acquisition and/or construction of various energy transition focused assets. Furthermore, these banks are active in LNG, having participated in approximately $44 billion of project finance debt to the U.S. LNG sector alone over the last 24 months.

"Texas LNG's financing consortium will be comprised of the world's leading institutions that recognize the attributes of the project and Glenfarne's excellent history of building energy transition infrastructure," said Brendan Duval, CEO and Founder of Glenfarne Energy Transition.

Today's news follows Texas LNG's recent announcement that it signed a Heads of Agreement ("HOA") with EQT Corporation ("EQT") for natural gas liquefaction services for 0.5 MTPA of LNG. Texas LNG also recently announced partnerships with Baker Hughes and ABB to help develop the terminal, representing more than half a billion dollars' worth of equipment selections for Texas LNG to date.

The first LNG exports from Texas LNG are expected to be shipped in 2028.

About Texas LNG

Texas LNG is a 4 MTPA LNG export facility to be constructed in the Port of Brownsville, Texas and a subsidiary of global energy transition leader, Glenfarne Energy Transition, LLC. Texas LNG is led by an experienced team committed to creating one of the greenest LNG facilities in the world through electric motor drives resulting in the cleanest, lowest emitting LNG exports from the U.S. Additional information about Texas LNG may be found on its website at www.texaslng.com.

About Glenfarne Energy Transition

Glenfarne Energy Transition, LLC is a subsidiary of Glenfarne Group, LLC, a privately held energy and infrastructure development and management firm based in New York City and Houston, Texas, with offices in Dallas, Texas; Panama City, Panama; Santiago, Chile; Bogota, Colombia; Barcelona, Spain; and Seoul, South Korea. Glenfarne Energy Transition aims to address the "here and now" global energy transition through three core businesses: Global LNG Solutions, Renewables, and Grid Stability. The company's seasoned executives, asset managers, and operators develop, acquire, manage, and operate energy infrastructure assets throughout North and South America. For more information, please visit www.GlenfarneEnergyTransition.com

14 march 2024 at 12:45

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Call for applications for the next Environment and Climate Change Youth Council: A chance to help shape our environmental future





HALIFAX, NS, March 14, 2024 /CNW/ - Meaningful engagement of youth in government decision-making is essential to effectively address the greatest challenges of our time. Conserving biodiversity, protecting the environment, preventing pollution, and taking climate change action are top priorities for many young people. When youth are meaningfully involved in decision-making, their important perspectives and innovative thinking benefits all Canadians.

The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, is inviting young people in Canada between the ages of 18 to 29 to show their interest in becoming a member of the Environment and Climate Change Youth Council by applying to the anticipatory recruitment process.

Since 2022, the Environment and Climate Change Youth Council has provided opportunities for youth in Canada to participate in meaningful discussions with the federal government on the key challenges of our time. Youth Council members are appointed by the Minister for two years to provide non-partisan advice to the Minister and Environment and Climate Change Canada to help shape Canada's environment and climate policies. Members gain skills and experience to build or advance their careers and expand their networks of youth and environmental and climate leaders.

The current call for applications is being done in anticipation of a second cohort of the Youth Council, which will consist of up to 12 youth in Canada. Its membership will aim to reflect the Canadian population with respect to regional representation; Indigenous identity; gender identity; linguistic, ethnic, and cultural diversity; and life experiences. Interested Canadians and permanent residents are encouraged to apply between March 14 and April 26, 2024, through the link below.

Quotes

"Smart, continuous, and forward-looking action is needed so that today's youth do not face a lifetime of climate change impacts, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Young people are taking environment and climate action and it's up to us, as a government and society, to leave a better world behind for future generations. The Environment and Climate Change Youth Council provides an opportunity for youth in Canada to make their voices heard. I encourage young people from every walk of life to apply, and I look forward to working with passionate youth and hearing their important perspectives."

? The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

"The Environment and Climate Change Youth Council is a forum for youth to be heard and meaningfully engaged in developing solutions to some of the most pressing issues of our time. The relationships, personal development, and opportunities for impact offered by the Council have been incredibly impactful to me."

? Member of the Current Environment and Climate Change Youth Council

"Political action shapes the world. The Minister's Youth Council empowers you to bring your vision for a better world to some of the highest levels of government! Through the Youth Council, I was encouraged to push for positive change on domestic policies and international agreements. This Council has empowered me to pursue opportunities for environmental activism and mobilization."

? Member of the Current Environment and Climate Change Youth Council

Quick facts

Youth Council members have a two-year mandate and meet at least every three months. Members can expect to spend about five hours per month on Council-related activities.

In 2019, the Government of Canada announced Canada's Youth Policy?created for youth, by youth. The policy reflects the values and priorities of young people in Canada and commits the government to create meaningful opportunities for youth voices to be heard and respected.

announced Youth Policy?created for youth, by youth. The policy reflects the values and priorities of young people in and commits the government to create meaningful opportunities for youth voices to be heard and respected. In the 2021 State of Youth Report, youth reiterated environment and climate action as a key priority that is important to youth today.

The Environment and Climate Change Youth Council was launched in 2022. The first cohort of 10 members was appointed for a two-year period and has provided non-partisan advice to the Minister and Environment and Climate Change Canada on issues including climate change and biodiversity.

Associated links

Environment and Climate Change Canada's Twitter page

Environment and Climate Change Canada's Facebook page

SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada

14 march 2024 at 13:00

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Comerica Bank Appoints Tim Maiden as Group Manager of Southern Dallas Business Banking Team





DALLAS, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Comerica Bank named Tim Maiden Senior Vice President, Group Manager for its Southern Dallas Business Banking Team. He will report to Corey Bailey, Executive Vice President, Executive Director, Middle Market & Business Banking.

Maiden will lead a team of commercial bankers that deliver tailored solutions to middle-market and business banking clients across various industries. He will serve the southern sector of Dallas by cultivating key local relationships, finding access to capital solutions for underserved entrepreneurs and offering customized lending solutions that meet clients' specific needs.

"Tim is highly regarded in the banking industry and the Southern Dallas community," Bailey said. "He has fostered robust relationships in this largely underserved market, and his expertise in the footprint will be instrumental in leading Comerica as we continue to heighten our support for customers in the southern sector."

Maiden brings more than two decades of banking industry experience to Comerica. He has a proven track record of driving sales, credit analysis, business banking, commercial real estate, and nonprofit lending. Previously, Maiden was a Senior Vice President, Director of Market Development for Simmons Bank. Prior to that, he was a Senior Vice President, Community Leader for Frost Bank.

He received his bachelor's degree in sociology and master's in economics and communications from Texas Christian University. He has been named a D Magazine "2020 Leadership Excellence: Small Nonprofit" honoree, Dallas Business Journal "2019 Minority Business Leader Award" honoree, and NAACP "President's Award Recipient" for the Dallas chapter, among many other achievements. Additionally, Maiden has taught courses on credit analysis and business ethics at the University of North Texas ? Dallas as an adjunct professor. He co-founded the Maiden Foundation with his twin brother and serves as a board member and mentor for several nonprofit organizations that support youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and social services.

About Comerica

This year, Comerica Bank celebrates 175 years of raising expectations for its customers, colleagues and communities. Comerica Bank, a subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA), is a financial services company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and strategically aligned by three business segments: The Commercial Bank, The Retail Bank and Wealth Management. Comerica, one of the 25 largest commercial U.S. financial holding companies, focuses on building relationships and helping people and businesses be successful, providing more than 400 banking centers across the country with locations in Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Texas. Founded on Aug. 17, 1849, in Detroit, Michigan, Comerica continues to expand into new regions, including its Southeast Market, based in North Carolina, and Mountain West Market in Colorado. Comerica has offices in 17 states and services 14 of the 15 largest U.S. metropolitan areas, as well as Canada and Mexico. Comerica reported total assets of $85.8 billion at Dec. 31, 2023. Learn more about how Comerica is raising expectations of what a bank can be by visiting www.comerica.com, and follow us on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Comerica Incorporated

14 march 2024 at 16:25

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Brookfield Global Infrastructure Securities Income Fund Announces Quarterly Distribution





TORONTO, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brookfield Global Infrastructure Securities Income Fund (the "Fund") (TSX: BGI.UN) today announced a distribution of C$0.15 per unit for the quarter ending March 31, 2024. The distribution will be paid on or before April 15, 2024 to holders of record on March 28, 2024.

Eligible holders of the Units ("Unitholders") may participate in the Fund's Dividend Reinvestment Plan ("DRIP"), where they may elect to automatically reinvest their dividends in additional Units. Details of the DRIP are available on the Fund's website at https://www.brookfieldoaktree.com/fund/brookfield-global-infrastructure-securities-income-fund. Unitholders who wish to participate in the DRIP should contact their investment advisor for further information and to enroll.

Brookfield Global Infrastructure Securities Income Fund is managed by Brookfield Public Securities Group LLC (PSG). PSG is registered as an investment fund manager in Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador and as portfolio manager in each of the provinces and territories of Canada. The Fund uses its website as a channel of distribution of material information about the Fund. Financial and other material information regarding the Fund is routinely posted on and accessible at https://www.brookfieldoaktree.com/fund/brookfield-global-infrastructure-securities-income-fund

Investing involves risk; principal loss is possible. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Contact information:

Communications & Media: Investor Relations: Rachel Wood Brookfield Global Infrastructure Securities Income Fund Tel: (212) 613-3490 Tel: (855) 777-8001 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

14 march 2024 at 17:20

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Mati Diop with the Golden Bear at the Berlin film festival, Berlin, February 24, 2024. MARKUS SCHREIBER/AP

A documentary film with fantastic fictional overtones, Dahomey by 41-year-old French-Senegalese filmmaker Mati Diop was awarded the Golden Bear at the Berlinale on February 24. The film of rare density, at only 1 hour and 7 minutes long, was born of a shock: the one felt by Diop when President Emmanuel Macron, visiting Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on November 28, 2017, declared that "African heritage cannot only be in private collections and European museums." Macron declared that "within five years, I want the conditions to be met for temporary or definitive restitution of African heritage in Africa."

Dahomey, which opens the Cinema du Reel festival in Paris, from March 22-31, will be released in cinemas on September 25. The film follows the return of 26 Beninese works from the Musee du Quai-Branly, Paris, to their arrival in Cotonou, Benin, on November 10, 2021. Diop, the niece of Senegalese filmmaker Djibril Diop Mambety (1945-1998), told Le Monde about the making of her interdisciplinary film, its aesthetic strongly connected to postcolonial issues of "restitution."

How did the idea for the film come about?

The idea came in the wake of Emmanuel Macron's speech in 2017, when the French president suddenly announced that all African heritage would have to be returned within five years. The announcement of the return of works of art to Africa was like a kind of slap in the face. The slap in the face was the realization that the question of African heritage, monopolized by European museums, was something I had never thought about i. Or at least it wasn't the first postcolonial issue that came to mind. I was more sensitive to the migration of young Senegalese, a topic to which I have devoted several films.

Despite all the deconstruction work I've been doing since 2008, with my short film Atlantiques [Atlantics, 2010], the medium-length film Mille Soleils [A Thousand Suns, 2013], then the first feature Atlantique [Atlantic, 2019, which won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival], questioning migration, there was a huge part of the problem I hadn't grasped. And yet, this word "restitution" precisely characterizes my approach as a filmmaker over the last 10 years, by giving, or rather giving back, a voice to migrants.

In 2018, after the publication of the report by Felwine Sarr and Benedicte Savoy on the restitution of African heritage, Senegal's minister of culture, Abdou Latif Coulibaly, called for the return of 10,000 objects. Only one was returned, in 2019: the saber known as the El Hadj Oumar Tall, kept at the Musee de l'Armee in Paris. As a French-Senegalese woman, were you inspired to delve into this question?

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Women hold their malnourished children at Hays Rural Hospital in Hodeida, Yemen, in 2022. HUSSAM AL-BAKRY / AP

Many countries are bouncing back from the Covid-19 pandemic, but the poorest are not and a significant number are seeing conditions deteriorating, a report from the UN Development Progam said Wednesday, March 13. Achim Steiner, head of the agency, said that after two decades during which rich and poor countries were coming closer in terms of development, the finding is "a very strong warning signal" that nations are now drifting apart.

The Human Development Index that the agency has produced since 1990 is projected to reach record highs in 2023 after steep declines during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021. But development in half of the world's poorest countries remains below 2019 pre-pandemic levels, the report said.

"It's a rich person's versus a poor person's world in which we are seeing development unfolding in very unequal, partially incomplete ways," Steiner said at a news conference. "Why does this matter? Not only because it creates more vulnerability, it creates also more misery and protracted poverty, growing inequality."

Read more Subscribers only 'We must strengthen our existing goals to combat inequalities'

Concentration of economic wealth

The growing inequalities are compounded by the concentration of economic wealth, the report said. It pointed to almost 40% of global trade in goods concentrated in three or fewer countries. And it said the stock market value of the three largest tech companies in 2021  Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft  surpassed the gross domestic product of more than 90% of the 193 UN member nations that year.

Steiner said the world's nations should be joining forces to focus on major threats of the 21st century, especially climate change, the next pandemic, and the emergence of a digital economy and artificial intelligence. But instead, he warned, there is increasing division and growing frustration and polarization.

Read more Subscribers only France's CAC 40 companies register billions of euros in profits and dividends in record year

He said a significant response has been the emergence of populism, which is anti-elite and hostile to international cooperation. He said that it "is increasingly dividing societies, radicalizing the political discourse, and essentially turning more and more people against each other."

'Democracy paradox'

The report says advancing global collective action to tackle the world's major challenges is hindered by an emerging "democracy paradox"  90% of people worldwide endorse democracy but for the first time over half the respondents in a global survey expressed support for leaders that risk undermining the foundations of democracy.

Territorial conflicts will continue to crop up, but the threats to human security in the 21st century will more often require being able to collaborate, Steiner said. "We are driving ourselves deeper and deeper into a condition where our ability to solve problems is actually being compromised," he said. "You will not stop climate change with missiles. You will not stop the next pandemic at your border with a tank, and you're certainly not going to stop cybercrime with missiles."

Steiner said it is important to dial down the temperature, misperceptions and misinformation "because they're actually being weaponized in turning people against each other." He said there also has to be a very careful look "at where inequality has become so extreme that it actually erodes the political willingness to cooperate."

More spending on global public goods

The report calls for more spending on global public goods that benefit all people, including to stabilize climate and the planet, to harness new technologies to improve human development, and to improve the global financial system to benefit low-income countries.

The agency's Human Development Index measures key issues for a long and healthy life, for gaining knowledge and for achieving a decent standard of living.

Read more Subscribers only Thomas Piketty: 'Economists are beginning to realize that the current social and fiscal model is unsustainable'

Based on the latest figures from 2022, the 10 states with the highest human development scores are Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Hong Kong, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, and Ireland tied for seventh, Singapore, and Australia and the Netherlands tied for 10th place. The United States tied with Luxembourg for 20th place.

The 10 countries with the lowest human development were Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Yemen, Burundi, Mali, Chad, Niger, Central African Republic, South Sudan and Somalia. All but Yemen are in Africa.

The report also details another group of struggling countries such as Sudan, Afghanistan and Myanmar, where Steiner said "the combination of a pandemic and economic and fiscal crisis but also conflict [...] have entrapped those countries in a situation where recovery is not at all on the agenda."

Read more Subscribers only Covid-19 has shortened human life expectancy by one and a half years, according to new study
Sylvain Bourgois of Egis presents the proposed reconstruction of the port during a conference held on March 13, 2024 in Beirut. BILAL HUSSEIN / AP

The port of Beirut's reconstruction, after the devastating explosion on August 4, 2020, attracted international attention. France has not been afraid to step up to the plate, unveiling a proposal on Wednesday, March 13, for its reconstruction. The plan was prepared by engineering firms Artelia and Egis, with help from EDF for the photovoltaic component, and in coordination with the Lebanese Ministry of Transport and the Beirut port authorities. The plan calls for investments of between $50 million and $80 million to rehabilitate and redevelop the port area between the container terminal and the military port.

Read more Subscribers only Lebanon: The investigation into the Beirut port explosion turns into a judicial battle

"The plan has been accepted and the port's revenues will be used to finance the required investments," Lebanon's transport and public works minister, Ali Hamie, told Le Monde at a presentation of the proposal, alongside Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati. As the state's main source of revenue, the port of Beirut has started to record rising revenues after suffering the effects of the 2019 economic and financial crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2020 explosion. According to Omar Itani, the port's general manager, revenues reached $150 million in 2023.

"The Lebanese economy needs a port that has been rebuilt, modernized and made safe," said Herve Magro, the French ambassador to Lebanon. The French government, which has made the issue of the port a priority and one of the pillars of French cooperation with Lebanon, has taken a leading role in the issue. Crucial matters are yet to be finalized on the Lebanese side before the plan can be implemented, such as the financing plan, the reform of port governance and the clearance of waste in the area.

Expertise exchange

President Emmanuel Macron was quick to express France's interest in the project. The first foreign head of state to visit Lebanon after the disaster, on August 6, 2020, he returned a month later with the French-Lebanese CEO of the CMA CGM freight group, Rodolphe Saade. Saade's plan to build a smart port was not implemented. Still, at the beginning of 2022, with the backing of Paris, the shipping giant won the concession to run the container terminal at the port of Beirut for 10 years. It plans to invest $33 million to modernize the terminal, which provides the port with most of its revenue.

Other proposals were rejected, such as the ambitious $30 billion project presented in April 2021 by a consortium of German shipping companies, including Hamburg Port Consulting, to rebuild the site and redevelop the adjacent neighborhoods. The Lebanese authorities have opted for a plan presented as more "pragmatic" by the French side. The ambition is for Beirut to once again become an international port focused on imports and exports  but within the country's means. International investors and donors have continued to refuse to finance reconstruction in the absence of structural reforms.

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President of Catalan separatist party Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) Oriol Junqueras speaks to the media after the new amnesty law bill as approved, in Madrid on March 14, 2024. PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU / AFP

Spanish MPs on Thursday, March 14, approved an amnesty law for Catalan separatists with their figurehead Carles Puigdemont already mulling his return after years of self-imposed exile to avoid prosecution over the 2017 independence bid.

Lower house lawmakers voted 178 in favor to 172 against, with the bill seeking to draw a line under years of efforts to prosecute those involved in the botched secession bid that triggered Spain's worst political crisis in decades.

Passing the amnesty is a key moment for Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez as it was a demand made by separatist parties in exchange for their parliamentary support to allow him to serve a new term in office. It comes six weeks after an earlier version of the bill was voted down by lawmakers.

In a message on X, Sanchez hailed the passing of the amnesty law as a "courageous and necessary step" that opens "a new era of coexistence and prosperity in Catalonia."

The text will now be put to the Senate, which is controlled by the right-wing opposition Popular Party (PP) that is resolutely opposed to the measure and has vowed to do everything possible to delay its passage before returning it to the Congress lower house for final approval.

Drafted by ruling Socialists and two Catalan separatist parties, the text is the most controversial piece of legislation parliament has voted on since Sanchez came to power in 2018, even dividing his own electorate. Justice Minister Felix Bolanos said the amnesty law would affect "around 400 people."

Read more Subscribers only Pedro Sanchez wins support of Catalan separatists with concessions that inflame Spain

Puigdemont eyes June homecoming

Talking to reporters in the European Parliament, where he is a lawmaker, a cheerful-looking Puigdemont expressed hope that the law would be in force "by the end of May", saying late on Wednesday that he hoped to return to Spain in the weeks that followed the final passage of the bill into law.

As Catalan leader at the time, he led the 2017 independence bid, fleeing to Brussels to avoid prosecution. Nine of his fellow secessionists who stayed in Spain were tried and jailed. Three years ago, the government pardoned them.

In the run-up to July's general election, Sanchez had said that he was against any offer of amnesty, but electoral calculations forced a change in his approach after the vote resulted in a hung parliament.

In order to secure a new term in office, Sanchez was forced to seek the support of the two separatist parties, Puigdemont's hardline JxCat and its more moderate rival ERC. In exchange, JxCat demanded the amnesty law.

ERC leader Oriol Junqueras, who was one of those jailed and then subsequently pardoned, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the vote. "We have always wanted justice to prevail as soon as possible and for me it will be a pleasure to meet again with all our comrades in exile," he told Spain's TVE public television.
Olivier Vandecasteele, Paris, March 12, 2024. MATHIAS BENGUIGUI/PASCO AND CO FOR LE MONDE

Olivier Vandecasteele carefully considers every word he uses. The Belgian humanitarian had stayed silent since his release from Iranian prisons, where he was detained for 455 days, in May 2023. Today, he is willing to talk about his imprisonment, but also about his desire to move forward. He told Le Monde about Protect Humanitarians, an initiative he just launched in Belgium, on Thursday, March 14, to support humanitarian stakeholders. "Since my release, I have given priority to rebuilding my life and working on my project, which was born before my arrest and which I nurtured during this period," he explained, sitting in a Parisian cafe before a folder filled with documents.

Before Iran, Vandecasteele, 43, worked in Mali and Afghanistan. In 2015, he moved to Tehran as a director for the Norwegian Refugee Council, working with Afghan migrants, whose unverifiable numbers are estimated at around 2 million in the country. Five years later, he headed the NGO Relief International before returning to Belgium. In February 2022, he returned to Iran for a few days on a tourist visa to close his bank account, empty his apartment and collect his belongings. He was arrested by Iranian intelligence services while there.

"I had invited a few friends to my place to say goodbye. The agents who came to arrest me were hiding behind the pizza delivery man we were expecting," he recounted. The plainclothes officers refused to show him an arrest warrant.

The humanitarian was then taken to the notorious Evin prison in northern Tehran. He spent nine months there in total isolation, before being transferred in August 2022 to a safe house, in a three-bedroom house where he stayed on his own. There, he sometimes felt the presence of other people he never met.

His jailers' relentlessness

No procedures were respected during his detention, starting with the very rare telephone conversations he was allowed with his family in Belgium, and the very few and equally rare consular visits he was granted. Interrogations were laborious and often lengthy. Vandecasteele wrote hundreds of pages answering "the same questions over and over again" about his humanitarian activities. Behind the relentlessness of his jailers hid a desire to "wear him down" or "make him do something wrong."

"I kept telling them that during my six years in Iran, I had done nothing reprehensible and that they themselves were aware of all my activities," he said. "I would try to explain to them the situation of Afghan migrants living in their country and that it was Iran that had requested humanitarian aid from the European Union under the JCPoA"  the abbreviation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the nuclear agreement concluded in 2015 between Iran and the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia and China, which lapsed after Washington's unilateral exit under President Donald Trump in 2018.

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I AM SO grateful to be nominated once again for Most Stylish Woman in the upcoming Platinum VIP 2024 Style Awards.

What a true honour it is to be a part of this superb annual awards ceremony, celebrating all things fashion and style.

Taking place in the Intercontinental Hotel, Dublin on Friday, April 26, I got the opportunity to attend the launch in the bustling capital city, and what a joy it was.

Twenty-one years ago marked the inaugural VIP Style Awards and, that very first year, I won Most Stylish Woman - who would have thought I would, once again, be nominated in the same category at 73-years-old?

That very first year was magical and as a stylist, a dream come true. I was awarded alongside Westlifes Nicky Byrne that year, who won Best Dressed Man!

As well as this, the most fabulous showbiz event of the year - the VIP Style Awards- is returning to its home and where it all began in the five-star Intercontinental Hotel. How wonderfully nostalgic!

READ MORE: Limerick store that sold 1m Lotto ticket revealed

I am not the only Limerick woman among the nominees this year - I am overjoyed to be joined as a nominee by the beautifully-stylish radio presenter and Gaeilgeoir, Louise Cantillon, as well as the hugely-talented Adare-based fashion designer, Aoife McNamara.

Fingers crossed us Limerick women come out on top through the course of the highly-anticipated evening.

I cannot wait to get together with some fellow fashionistas on the night and mark the evening of elegance, together with legends of the industry who I so truly adore.

XxCelia
MUCH-LOVED retired teacher and choir member Maureen Lynch has been announced as the grand marshal of this Sundays St Patricks Day parade in Kilmallock.

It begins at the earlier time of 12.30pm, starting at the church.

Tony Dowling, chairperson of Kilmallock Community Council, said they were honoured that Mrs Lynch has agreed to lead the parade.

Maureen is loved by one and all - she will have taught many of the onlookers! St Patricks Day is all about celebrating your community and homeplace and Maureen epitomises that, said Mr Dowling.

Mrs Lynch is known by one and all in Kilmallock and surrounding parishes. She taught in Kilmallock Boys National School for decades and was a member of the choir from 1977 to 2023 and as director from 1993.

I have had the privilege of working with dedicated, committed, team-playing and supportive colleagues in my professional life, regardless of where I worked. I have precious and treasured memories of past pupils and their supportive and appreciative parents.

It is always a joy to be greeted with a hug by a past pupil. Its a sign of success! smiled Mrs Lynch, who is married to Pat and they have two adult daughters, Patricia and Pauline.

READ MORE: PICTURES: Limerick group attends national family conference

Mr Dowling said Kilmallock Community Council have been working hard on this years parade and hopes for a big turnout of participants and onlookers on Sunday.

He said 50/50 tickets are still on sale for 2 each or 3 for 5 with the pot growing every day.

With the continued support of Dansko Foods, our main sponsor, and a grant from Limerick City and County Council we agreed that the local businesses over the years have been very generous making contributions ensuring the parade went ahead, so we will not be calling on businesses this year.

"Some, however, have already called to us, which we are extremely grateful for, and we will put it towards the prizes on the day, said Mr Dowling.
ONE MILLION euros still hasn't been claimed by a Limerick Lotto player in Limerick.

The lucky person purchased a Lotto Plus 1 Quick Pick ticket on the day of the draw - Saturday, March 9 - in Tom O'Halloran's store in Oola. The winning numbers for the draw were 7, 12, 32, 36, 40, 45 and the bonus was 16.

A National Lottery spokesperson said this Thursday afternoon: "Theres been no contact from the winner as of yet."

The National Lottery is continuing to urge players to check their tickets carefully from the March 9 draw as one player has a ticket worth a life-changing sum.

READ MORE: Elections 2024: Date confirmed for Limerick to go the polls in June

Mr OHalloran was delighted to hear that one of his customers won big.

We have no idea who the winner could even be but it would be great if it was someone local. Imagine, a big tax-free win of 1 million! said Mr O'Halloran.

The Lotto Plus 1 winner is advised to sign the back of their ticket and keep it safe. Irelands newest millionaire should make contact with the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or or email claims@lottery.ie and arrangements will be made for them to claim their life-altering prize..
The US needs to remain open to good trade agreements to remain attractive to Irish investment, Irelands premier has said.

Leo Varadkar made the remarks at one of several events focused on US-Ireland trade in the US capital on Thursday.

Mr Varadkar is on a week-long visit to the US to mark St Patricks Day on Sunday, and will meet President Joe Biden at the White House on Friday.

During a fireside chat with US Chamber of Commerce president Suzanne Byrne on Thursday, Mr Varadkar was asked what America could do to remain attractive to Irish investment.

The Taoiseach said Ireland and the US enjoyed long-standing, mutually benefited trade relations, emphasising that he was proud Ireland was one of the top 10 investors in the US.

However, when pressed on the topic, the Taoiseach said: Youre obviously doing a lot of things right and Irish companies invest in America because they see enormous opportunities here.

Theres not a huge amount of advice that I can give you. I do think one area that is important though is openness to trade.

Notwithstanding difficulties that we have ratifying trade agreements at EU level, we are getting them through.

Its seems to be more difficult here and Id hope that across the aisle  both parties  the US will see that free trade with good trade agreements actually makes everyone better off and thats an area where I think we can do a bit better into the future.

Mr Varadkar started the trip on Monday and since then has spoken several times at about how he will use the special platform of St Patricks Day visit to press Mr Biden to back a ceasefire in the Middle East.

However, earlier on Thursday, he denied softening his language on Gaza throughout the week.

At the start of the week in Boston, Mr Varadkar told the crowd that innocent men, women and children in Gaza should not be subject to collective punishment.

He told the audience that no-one can avert their eyes from the deaths of thousands of children in Gaza.

However, during an address at the Ireland Funds gala in Washington on Wednesday, Mr Varadkar said that Palestinian civilians are being subject to humiliation and starvation during the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Asked by reporters on Thursday if his use of the term humiliation rather than explicit references to death was an indication of rolling back his rhetoric, Mr Varadkar said: No, not at all.

He said he would not be softening his tone or language on the issue but said there was a need to tailor messaging to specific audiences.

Theres nothing I wouldnt say here that I wouldnt say back home.

But I think any time you speak to any audience, or any time you go anywhere in the world, you know, we have to get the tone right and tailor the message for the audience.

He added: What I said back home, about Palestine and Gaza, Ill be saying here too and I think Ive used the term collective punishment in relation to Palestinians.

And we all know what that means, its a violation of international humanitarian law.

Mr Varadkars Washington comments on Gaza also received a more lukewarm reception than preceding remarks on continued support for Ukraine.

Asked if he believed the reception to the comments was an indicator that it was going to be difficult to raise the Middle East conflict with Mr Biden, Mr Varadkar said: I suppose it depends on the audience.

I was really encouraged by the response in terms of what I had to say about Ukraine because we need America in this battle to save Ukrainian democracy and sovereignty and independence, and I dont think the war will stop in Ukraine.

If Ukraine falls, Putin will have another target  and theres a number of European prime ministers in town today, Im not the only one, and were very much trying to put that message across to our American friends.

If Putin is successful in Ukraine, he will at some point test Nato, and the consequences then for all of us are very serious.

So Im very keen to use any opportunity I have to speak to US Congressional leaders in particular about getting the legislation passed to provide the funding and support for Ukraine that it needs.

I appreciate that there will be difference of opinions in relation to Israel and Gaza  you know, theres very strong historic support for Israel in the US, for lots of different reasons, but thats not going to deflect me from saying what I feel needs to be said.

Mr Varadkar said there had not been any negative reaction to his remarks on Gaza during the trip so far.

On Friday, he will meet with US vice-president Kamala Harris before holding a bilateral with Mr Biden.
A proposed EU ban on dental amalgam fillings will be the tipping point which leads to the collapse of NHS dentistry in Northern Ireland, MLAs have been warned.

Representatives from the British Dental Association (BDA) in Northern Ireland told Stormonts Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee that an arbitrary ban from January of next year would cause irreparable and long-lasting damage to services.

The committee has begun preliminary investigations on the consequences for Northern Ireland of any amalgam prohibition.

The EU is set to prohibit the use of amalgam from January 2025 as part of a health drive to reduce public exposure to mercury.

Under post-Brexit trading rules, aspects of EU law still apply in Northern Ireland.

Some member states will be able to avail of an 18-month derogation if it can be demonstrated the law change would have a disproportionate socio-economic effect on low-income households.

The amended Mercury Regulation will also introduce a ban on member states exporting dental amalgam.

The Assembly committee has been established to scrutinise forthcoming EU law changes as part of the Stormont brake oversight element of the Windsor Framework.

Tristen Kelso, director of the BDA in Northern Ireland, told MLAs that the proposal to ban amalgam had sent shockwaves across the entire dental profession in Northern Ireland.

He said dentists had been working on the basis of a managed, phase-down trajectory of amalgam.

He said: Phase-down of dental amalgam at a rate appropriate for each country is the best and only option for public health.

Not least considering the immense strain already on dental services, it is also an environmentally responsible approach.

Reducing dental amalgam use requires the necessary supports to be put in place by Government to manage the move away from this material.

Mr Kelso added: Being bound under the amended regulation by an arbitrary date of January next year for phase out, when the required preparatory steps, which we are fully supportive of, have not been adequately addressed, is alarming.

Deviating away from the established phase-down policy, which applies at UK level and which continues to be advocated by all four chief dental officers, poses considerable risks in the form of irreparable and long-lasting damage to provision of dental services here.

He said: Members of the public are already struggling to access NHS dental care because the service is so poorly remunerated.

On financial grounds alone, this regulation if applied here will be the tipping point for health service dentistry.

Reading from written evidence provided by a Northern Ireland dentist, Mr Kelso said: Increase in expenses and the ban on amalgam are the perfect storm, I dont know any dentist who will be able to deliver any NHS work next year under the circumstances.

NHS dentistry is about to collapse.
A NUMBER of Limerick Paddys are taking part in an international exhibition that aims to put a damaging stereotype about the Irish to bed.

The Paddy Irishman Photography Project by photographer Ross OCallaghan portrays Irish men called Paddy, Pat, Padraig, Patrick or any variation of the name, to reframe the often derogatory pejorative, Paddy Irishman.

Irelands Strongest Man, Pa ODwyer from Rathkeale, and Limerick musician, Paddy Mulcahy took part in the photo exhibition when it was launched in New York City last year.

Mr Mulcahy travelled to New York for the launch last year and also marched in the citys famed St Patricks Day parade.

Joining the two men as part of this years expanded photo exhibition is Limerick-based art college graduate, Paddy Critchley, an up-and-coming fine art painter who did an event last summer at the opening of his first solo exhibition, The Ragged Trousers, with Sean McKenna of The Mary Wallopers.

READ MORE: UL project looks to improve care for intellectually disabled

Since graduating from Limerick School of Art and Design in 2021, Paddy Critchley has exhibited at The Hunt Museum and Limerick City Gallery of Art, where his work was accessioned to the permanent collections, and at Dunamaise Arts Centre.

He was the recipient of the De Veres Art Award for Work of Distinction at the 191st Annual RHA Exhibition for the painting Nature Morte (After Beckett). Paddy also runs the Ballad Sessions in Charlie Malones Pub in Limerick city, which encourages the sharing of folk music from archives and keeping stories alive.

Speaking about this new step in the projects work, photographer Mr OCallaghan said: Paddy Irishman is an enduring and damaging stereotype about the Irish, started in colonial times but still alive today.

Increasingly, it projects that Irish identity is exclusively white and straight and that doesnt reflect contemporary Ireland. It needed to change, so we trademarked it.

There are thousands of real Irish men from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, sexualities many with inspiring stories of resilience and achievement, called Paddy. All proud to be Irish in a new Ireland, a young nation with an ancient history where we are as proud of our heritage and history as we are of the ordinary stories of regular people. These are the real Paddy Irishmen, Mr OCallaghan added.

The full suite of portraits including the seven new Paddies can be viewed online at paddyirishmanproject.com.
Troubled electric-vehicle startup Fisker has hired restructuring advisers to assist with a possible bankruptcy filing, according to people familiar with the matter.

Fisker, which recently warned that it risked running out of cash this year, hired financial adviser FTI Consulting and the law firm Davis Polk to work on a potential filing, the people said. The car company reported last month that it had $273 million in sales last year and over $1 billion in debt.

Fisker last month issued a so-called going-concern warning that there was substantial doubt" about its ability to stay in business. The company said it was negotiating to raise additional cash from investors and looking for a new manufacturing partner in the U.S.

Fisker and FTI Consulting declined to comment, while Davis Polk didnt immediately respond.

The Manhattan Beach, Calif.-based company in late February delayed the release of its full financial results for last year, because it lacked a sufficient number of experienced accounting professionals, according to a regulatory filing.

Fisker is one of a cohort of once-highflying EV startups that went public at the beginning of the decade, many through special-purpose acquisition companies, or SPACs, that helped fast track their market debuts. Their rise also coincided with a surge of investor enthusiasm for companies that could potentially follow in Teslas footsteps and break into the highly competitive auto industry.

Instead, the companies have struggled with the complexities of mass manufacturing and, more recently, with sputtering demand for battery-powered vehicles from American car buyers.

Fisker delivered its first vehicles to U.S. buyers in June, just as worrying signs of a slowdown in sales growth were starting to emerge. The company cut its forecast for demand twice last year and lowered prices citing competitive realities."

If Fisker files for bankruptcy protection, it will be the second collapse of a car company founded by former BMW and Aston Martin car designer, Henrik Fisker. The first company, Fisker Automotive, filed for bankruptcy in 2013.

Fiskers share price has fallen over 97% since it went public in 2020 by merging with a special-purpose vehicle to 32 cents at Wednesdays close. The companys shares have traded below $1 for much of the year and are at risk of being delisted from the New York Stock Exchange.

The current iteration of Fisker, run by Henrik Fisker and his wife Geeta Gupta-Fisker, went public with a plan to challenge key tenets of how cars are built. Instead of building a factory and employing workers, Fisker outsourced production of the Ocean SUV, the companys sole vehicle, to contract manufacturer Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria.

The strategy was supposed to help avoid many of the pitfalls that sank Henrik Fiskers first company, by keeping operating costs lower.

But Fisker still struggled almost as soon as it began producing vehicles as it faced challenges getting its Ocean SUV from a factory in Austria to customers in the U.S. The company said it had regulatory approval delays, parts issues and turnover in its executive ranksespecially in its finance division.

At the start of the year, Fisker said it was switching from a Tesla-inspired direct-to-consumer sales model, in favor of traditional dealerships, after it found it was too expensive and time-consuming to build out its own network for stores and service centers.

Fisker said last month it would lay off 15% of its workforce, mostly from its service and retail-sales divisions.

The Ocean also has had quality issues, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigating customer reports of the Ocean rolling away or a loss of braking performance. Fisker has said that the braking issue was resolved with a software update and that it was fully cooperating with NHTSA on its investigation.

Last month, Fisker said it missed its production target of at least 13,000 units last year, manufacturing a little over 10,000 vehicles. The company delivered around 4,900 vehicles to customers.

Fisker executives partly blame the complexities of the direct-sales system for its sluggish growth in sales.

Employees have been working to offload the nearly 5,000 vehicles it has in stock, which are worth roughly $500 million, according to the company. Fisker has said it wanted to sell all the vehicles by the end of March, in part by signing up new franchise dealerships.

Meanwhile, the launch of Fiskers future products, a $30,000 crossover and a pickup truck, are dependent on the companys ability to negotiate a new contract manufacturing agreement in the U.S.

Fisker has said it is negotiating with a large carmaker" for a potential investment and joint manufacturing agreement, which would allow the startup to produce new vehicles in the U.S.

In its going concern warning last month, Fisker said that if it was unsuccessful at raising additional funds, it could have to scale back its manufacturing plans and spending on future vehicles.
Electoral Bond Data: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday published the details on electoral bonds in compliance with Supreme Court order. The data was submitted to ECI by State Bank of India (SBI) on 12 March. According to the data, now available on the ECI website, Coimbatore-based Future Gaming emerged as the biggest donor of electoral bonds.

Also Read: SBI Electoral Bonds data LIVE updates

According to the data, 23 companies accounted for half the total value of electoral bonds purchased since April 2019. Coimbatore-based lottery services firm Future Gaming and Hotel Services Pvt Ltd emerged as the top buyer.

The list published by ECI gave details of bonds worth 12,155.51 crore that were purchased by over 1,300 companies in nearly five years. Of them, Future Gaming and Hotel Services Pvt Ltd bought 1,368 crore, being the only one to exceed the 1,000-crore mark, according to Mint analysis.

Here are 10 points on Future Gaming

-Future Gaming was found by Lottery King of India Santiago Martin in 1991.

-Santiago Martin had moved most of his business to Karnataka and Kerala after then Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalitha had banned lottery in the state in 2003.

-Santiago Martin's Future Gaming operated under a subsidiary in south India, as Martin Karnataka, and in the north-east, it opened Martin Sikkim Lottery. Martin was stated to be the master distributor of Sikkim lotteries.

-Future Gaming claims a workforce of over 1,000 employees across 13 states where lotteries are legal, namely Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Goa, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Sikkim, and West Bengal. In Nagaland and Sikkim, Future is the sole distributor of the popular Dear Lottery.

-Santiago Martin was also the Consul General for Liberia, where he also set up a lottery industry, the Future Gaming website states.

-Santiago Martin is also the President of the All India Federation of Lottery Trade and Allied Industries, a lobby of lottery distributors, stockists and agents.

-However, Future Gaming has had several legal run-ins. In 2022, Enforcement Directorate attached assets of lottery company Future Gaming & Hotel Services Private Limited and its various sub-distributors worth over 409 crore in a money laundering case

-The ED had then said that the sale proceeds of lottery tickets have been illegally diverted towards gifts and incentives, and the company illegally claimed around 400 crore between 2014 and 2017.

-On 9 March 2024, ED conducted searches in the premises of Aadhav Arjun, son-in-law of 'lottery king' Santiago Martin in Tamil Nadu as part of a money laundering investigation linked to probe alleged illegal sand mining in the state

-Santiago Martin has been probed by the ED as part of another money laundering case that stems from a CBI case against him and others for alleged offences relating to the sale of lotteries of the Sikkim government.

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Like other Silicon Valley giants retrenching amid financial uncertainty, Google has cut thousands of jobs since January 2023. But the company is also accelerating changes within its lavish corporate cafeterias  a longtime lure for tech employees  that will both reduce costs and cut the companys food waste.

From offering smaller milk containers to cooking eggs on the spot instead of in advance, Google has found ways to put less food in the trash while trying to make sure employees dont feel cheated out of one of the companys most beloved perks.

Googles food waste goals are set on a 2025 timeline, which is tighter than the 2030 deadlines tied to many of its other sustainability efforts. The company said in March 2022 that it aimed to cut waste per employee by half and send zero food waste to landfills by 2025. By the end of 2022, it had already diverted 85% of waste. The near-term nature of it makes it challenging," said Kate Brandt, Googles chief sustainability officer. The company hasnt released more recent numbers but Brandt said they are seeing good progress."

Also Read | Govt mulls new population census after elections: Report

Serving more than 240,000 meals a day, the 386 cafes that make up Googles global food service operations outnumber the worlds approximately 360 Cheesecake Factory Inc. locations. Google also operates more than 1,500 microkitchens and 49 food trucks for employees. At this scale, the tech giant is essentially running a restaurant company. That means its experiments offer clues for how other foodservice companies could approach efforts to trim carbon footprints or slash costs.

Indeed, the just-in-time eggs, which cut Googles scrambled egg waste by 44% in its Bay Area kitchens, have already made their way elsewhere. Compass Group, the foodservice provider that worked with Google on the change, has implemented it at hundreds of additional locations.

Thats just one example of ongoing tweaks. Literally thousands of things have changed," said Andrew Shakman, chief executive officer of Leanpath, a technology firm that offers automated food-waste tracking and has been working with Google since 2014.

Food waste has been a focal point in Googles sustainability efforts because it is a major contributor to global emissions: By some estimates, its responsible for about 8% of all human-caused greenhouse gases.

In an internal memo last year reported by Business Insider, the company directly linked the environmental and financial benefits of initiatives like closing underused microkitchens and cafes as hybrid schedules reduce foot traffic.

The efforts go beyond closures, though. Googles kitchens now use leftovers to create new dishes, including making Mediterranean chickpea sliders out of unused salad bar items. They source ingredients like ugly produce that would otherwise go to waste. When a fresh juicer was creating excess peel waste in the Dublin office, a brewery nearby used it to make citrus beer. Surplus edible food gets donated, not trashed.

But the company also has to be careful not to look like a cheapskate in front of its long-spoiled employees. Pre-plated meals might provide smaller-than-preferred portions. A sign asking employees to take only what they can eat and come back for seconds may strike some as unnecessarily paternalistic.

Google, a unit of Alphabet Inc., declined to say how much money is being saved through its efforts, but food-waste reduction advocates are broadly approving. Whether theyre primarily motivated by environmental benefit or cost savings is frankly irrelevant if they achieve both ends," said Danielle Vogel, professor of management at American Universitys Kogod School of Business and the former owner of a climate-conscious grocery store in Washington, DC. Mitigating food waste is good for the balance sheet so everybody wins."

Still, its hard to assess environmental impact of the efforts. The company does not break out its food-specific emissions in its carbon footprint and declined to provide numbers Bloomberg Green requested.

If they want to make bold claims about sustainability and achievements, unless you can prove it in hardcore numbers, then its very soft and airy fairy," said Chris Hocknell, a director at sustainability consultancy Eight Versa. When youre Google, youve got to be better than class."

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Meta Platforms plans to shut down a data tool long used by academic researchers, journalists and others to monitor the spread of content on its Facebook and Instagram services, the company said on Thursday.

The social-media giant said it will decommission CrowdTangle in five months and is replacing it with a tool called the Meta Content Library, which will be available only to academic and nonprofit researchers, not to most news outlets.

CrowdTangle has been widely used by journalists, researchers and regulators seeking to understand social-media platforms and studying the viral spread of content including false information and conspiracy theories. Reporting based on data that the tool produced often caused frustration for Metas leaders, who have been gradually limiting the tool in recent years.

Meta has already started taking applications for access to the new tool, which it said it is continuing to develop. The company said it will be an upgrade over CrowdTangle, with features the old tool lacked, such as the ability to search content based on how widely it was viewed and to see data on public comments on posts.

Two researchers granted early access to the new system offered a mixed appraisal.

Cody Buntain, a researcher at the University of Marylands College of Information Studies, agreed that the new features are valuable, but said the new system lacks CrowdTangles ability to study social-media activity in specific geographic locations.

Buntain also raised concern about the timing of CrowdTangles planned termination, set for Aug. 14. While the advance notice will give researchers time to finish existing projects, closing it in the final months of 2024 U.S. election campaigning will almost certainly disrupt research into political activity on Facebook and Instagram.

Thats really bad timing," he said.

Rebekah Tromble, director of the Institute for Data, Democracy and Politics at George Washington University, said that the Meta Content Library currently limits how much data search results can return, and that its privacy restrictions prevent users from downloading data on even public posts from elected officials.

If carried through to their full potential, there are a lot of features that could make Metas Content Library a more powerful tool for social science," she said. But were not there at the moment. Meta has a track record of making big promises to researchers, getting positive press coverage, and then backtracking."

In a Thursday statement announcing the planned end of CrowdTangle, Meta pledged that it would continue to gather feedback from researchers and add new features and data sets over time."

Perhaps the biggest change from CrowdTangle will be who can use it. Academics and nonprofit organizations can apply for access to the content library, which will be hosted by the University of Michigans Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research. But for-profit organizationswhich include most American news organizationswont be eligible. A Meta spokesman noted that other tools for tracking successful content on its platforms remain commercially available.

Researchers have voiced frustration about a lack of transparency on other social-media platforms as well. Even with the restrictions on its new tools, Meta said, its new tool will still provide more access to platform data than is available from rivals TikTok and Googles YouTube, which generally give data access only to academics in the U.S. and Europe.

TikTok declined to comment and YouTube didnt respond to a request for comment.

Facebook acquired CrowdTangle in 2016 to help news publishers track and emulate the highest-performing content on Facebook and other social-media platforms. The tool also proved useful to staffers inside the company studying subjects such as outperformance of content from small publishers pushing conspiracy theories, clickbait and material that ran afoul of Metas policies regarding pornography.

But CrowdTangles utility in spotting the viral success of controversial content on Facebook didnt always endear it to Metas leadership.

Internal divisions came to a head after a New York Times journalist in 2020 set up an automated Twitter account that listed the most widely shared links on Facebook each day, highlighting the success that conservative political publishers enjoyed on the platform. Meta publicly pushed back against the daily updates, which it said werent the most widely viewed even though they drew heavy user engagement.

Ultimately, Meta disbanded the team that ran CrowdTangle in the summer of 2021. By early 2022, the company had cut off new CrowdTangle user registrations and was planning to shutter it entirely. It held off until it could build a replacement, however, in response to the Digital Services Act, a European law that includes transparency requirements for large internet platforms, according to people familiar with the matter.

Write to Jeff Horwitz at jeff.horwitz@wsj.com
Paytm parent company One 97 Communications is set to reduce its workforce across departments as part of its annual performance review, Moneycontrol reported citing sources. The move comes as the fintech unicorn's payment banks face scrutiny from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for lapses in due diligence.

While the exact number of affected employees remains undisclosed, sources told the publication that over the last two weeks, some departments have been asked to reduce team sizes by up to 20 percent.

Livemint could not independently verify this report.

Company Says Performance Review 'Routine', Not Layoffs

A Paytm spokesperson acknowledged that the ongoing appraisal cycle might result in performance-based job cuts, but did not give a number. They also added that rather than the performance exercise, more jobs would be affected by the company's push towards artificial intelligence-powered automation.

We are in the midst of our annual appraisal cycle, a common practice across companies, where performance assessments may lead to adjustments based on performance evaluations and role suitability. It's crucial to understand that this process is distinct from layoffs, a routine aspect of performance evaluations in any organization," the spokesperson said.

"We continue to transform our operations with AI-powered automation to drive efficiency. This involves redefining certain roles and tasks to better align with our growth and cost-efficiency goals," the spokesperson added.

The spokesperson also contested that these are not strictly layoffs as appraisal and performance reviews are "routine" company activity.

We are in the midst of our annual appraisal cycle, a common practice across companies, where performance assessments may lead to adjustments based on performance evaluations and role suitability. It's crucial to understand that this process is distinct from layoffs, a routine aspect of performance evaluations in any organization," the spokesperson stated.

Employees Fear Job Terminations

Speaking to the publication, employees expressed concerns over the restructuring, alleging that affected staff is being placed on a one-month Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) with potential termination thereafter, without severance packages.

There is speculation that the number of people being let go this time is much larger than the 1,000 pink slips given in December 2023 after the company adopted AI, another employee told the publication.

One staff also alleged that "silent layoffs" occurred in January 2024, adding that the coming cuts are unrelated to performance.

Amid uncertainties, employees are actively seeking alternative opportunities. The job market currently hosts over 6,000 accessible talent from Paytm, as per a report by specialist staffing company Xpheno.

Notably, during a town hall in February, Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma assured the company's employees of their job security amid regulatory challenges and internal restructuring.

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In line with the Reserve Bank of India's directives, Paytm Payments Bank (PPBL) will shut down services such as deposits, credit transactions, and FASTag recharges from March 15 onwards.

Notably, this is an extended deadline. The RBI on January 31 directed PPBL to stop accepting deposits or top-ups in customer accounts, wallets, FASTags, and other instruments after February 29, due to concerns around large-scale non-compliance of regulations and supervisory issues.

Particularly, the fintech startup was found to be in breach of know-your-customer (KYC) requirements and other RBI-mandated processes.

Besides the RBI, the BSE has also issued guidelines for investors to keep in mind while using the payments bank for stock trading; and the NHAI has removed it from its list of options for FASTag options.

So, what do you need to know as customers before PPBL winds down services? Take a look here.

Here's What Will Be Affected: All You Need to Know

Depositing Money: Customers will no longer be able to deposit money into their PPBL accounts from March 15 onwards. Similarly, salary credit, direct benefit transfers or subsidies via PPBL accounts will also be halted.

UPI and IMPS Functions: Customers will be unable to use the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) function through their PPBL accounts from March 15 onwards.

Money Withdrawal and Transfer: Customers will be allowed to keep withdrawing and transferring money from their PPBL accounts. Besides this, refunds, winnings and cashbacks from partner banks will be processed.

Wallets Functions: Customers will be unable to use top-up and transfer facilities for their PPBL wallets after March 15. They will be allowed to use existing money from the wallet for transactions and payments.

FASTag Recharge: Customers will not be able to recharge their PPBL-issued FASTags. Paytm FASTag users should procure a new one issued by another bank as soon as possible to ensure a seamless travel experience and avoid inconvenience at toll plazas, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) stated in an advisory.

NCMC Cards: Customers will also not be able to recharge or top-up funds into their National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC) issued by PPBL.

For Merchants: The RBI said that merchants or businesses accepting payments using a Paytm QR code, Paytm soundbox or Paytm PoS (point-of-sale) terminal can continue to use it even after March 15 if their receipt and transfer of funds is linked to a bank account other than PPBL.

Also Read | NPCI likely to grant Paytm third-party app licence this week: Report

List of Authorised Banks for Replacement of FASTag

The NHAI has updated its list of authorised banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) that can issue FASTags.

The revised list includes 39 banks and NBFCs. These include prominent names such as Airtel Payments Bank, Axis Bank Ltd, Bandhan Bank, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IDFC First Bank, IndusInd Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India, and Yes Bank.

Other banks and NBFCs that have been authorised to issue FASTags are Allahabad Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, Central Bank of India, City Union Bank Ltd, Cosmos Bank, Dombivli Nagari Sahakari Bank, Equitas Small Finance Bank, Federal Bank, Fino Payment Bank, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, J&K Bank, Karnataka Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, LivQuik Technology Pvt Ltd, Nagpur Nagarik Sahakari Bank Ltd, Punjab Maharashtra Bank, Saraswat Bank, South Indian Bank, Syndicate Bank, The Jalgaon People's Co-op Bank, Thrissur District Cooperative Bank, and UCO Bank.

Register alternate bank accounts: BSE tells investors

The BSE has in a press release on March 12 told investors, to register accounts opened with other banks instead of their PPBL account with the trading members (stock brokers) to avoid disruptions.

"Investors attention is drawn to recent regulatory action announced by the Reserve Bank of India whereby they have put restrictions on PPBL ... effective March 15, 2024. Investors are hereby informed that these restrictions may impact the securities market transactions of those investors who have registered bank accounts of only PPBL, with their Trading members. In view of the same, investors are advised to review their current banking arrangements and add additional bank accounts with other banks to avoid any impact on transactions on account of the aforementioned RBI directive," the press release said.

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SpiceJet, in preparation for the upcoming summer schedule, has finalised lease agreements for 10 aircraft, to enhance capacity and ensure smooth connectivity for passengers during peak travel seasons, the company said in a release on March 14.

"This move underscores SpiceJet's commitment to providing seamless connectivity and enhanced services to its passengers during peak travel seasons. The additional aircraft will enable the airline to meet the growing demand for air travel, particularly during the busy summer months," as per the release.

Strengthening Fleet Capabilities

On March 7, SpiceJet announced the successful resolution of a 413 crore dispute with Echelon Ireland Madison One, resulting in savings of 398 crore and the acquisition of two airframes, as per the statement.

Additionally, SpiceJet resolved a 93 crore dispute with aircraft leasing firm Cross Ocean Partners, securing the transfer of an airframe and an engine to the airline.

SpiceJet and Celestial Aviation, a subsidiary of AerCap, have also mutually settled their 250 crore dispute, resulting in savings of 235 crore for SpiceJet, as per the release.

Two Senior SpiceJet Executives Resign

Two senior executives at SpiceJet have resigned, months after an airline company under the names of their spouses came to light, sources told Mint, dealing a fresh blow to the troubled low-cost carrier.

Chief Operating Officer Arun Kashyap, and Chief Commercial Officer Shilpa Bhatia, have stepped down from their roles within the airline.

In October 2023, social media was abuzz with news of the new company  Sirius India Airlines  floated by the spouses of Kashyap and Bhatia.

"They were asked to resign. It was unacceptable that the top executives of an airline were entering the same business via their spouses. Arun Kashyap submitted his resignation a month ago. It has also been some time since Shilpa Bhatia put in her papers," one of the sources said.

A SpiceJet spokesperson said, As part of SpiceJets strategic restructuring, several members of the commercial team including the chief commercial officer have left the company with immediate effect. The company continues to see significant growth in revenue and load factor. With the recent fundraiser, SpiceJet has sped up the process of resolution of all past disputes. The company looks forward to adding capacity, growing rapidly and continuing to play a large role in the Indian aviation sector."

In a response to Mint's queries, Bhatia said she resigned for personal reasons".

This isn't the first time Kashyap and Bhatia have left the company, having previously resigned and later returned.

SpiceJet, facing various challenges such as issues with lessors, is currently working on securing funds.

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The United States House of Representatives on March 13 approved a bill with 352 votes in favour and 65 against, aiming to prohibit the Chinese social media platform TikTok. The bill's next stop is the US Senate, followed by the White House for the President's signature.

The move comes as lawmakers in the US reignited discussions about banning Chinese social media apps, including TikTok, which boasts millions of American users, citing national security worries linked to its Chinese parent company, ByteDance.

As per the Bill, ByteDance would have to divest from TikTok within 165 days or leave America. Only if ByteDance opts to sell off its interests could the app continue its US operations.

Also Read | TikTok ban in US: What House Bill says? Impact on users  Explainer

Furthermore, the House bill stipulates that for TikTok to persist in the US, ByteDance must relinquish its highly sought-after algorithm, responsible for tailoring content to user preferences.

India led the way in banning TikTok in 2020 due to national security apprehensions. At the time, the government highlighted concerns about the popular Chinese social media platform's data collection practices and potential espionage activities.

We bring you the top 10 things to know about the development.

US TikTok Ban  Top 10 Updates

 US lawmakers on March 13 passed a bill to ban the app in the country unless its Chinese owner sells it. The House of Representatives approved the measure with wide bipartisan support. The vote was the most serious challenge yet to the widely popular short-video app used by 170 million Americans that lawmakers and politicians see as a national security threat. The bill now faces a less certain future in the Senate, where Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has so far declined to endorse it, and members including Republican Rand Paul of Kentucky have come out against it.

 The bill called the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act if received the President's accent, would lead to a nationwide ban on the video app. The US lawmakers alleged that ByteDance is beholden to the Chinese government, and could demand the data of over 170 million American users whenever it wants.

 Ahead of the House vote, TikToks Chief Executive Officer Shou Chew went to Capitol Hill on March 12 to lobby against the bill that would force the apps Chinese parent to sell it or face a ban in the US. Joined by influencers from the popular short-video platform, Chew sought to persuade senators to reject the legislation.

 TikTok has argued that the bill amounts to a ban and it is not clear if China would approve any sale, or that it could be divested in six months. The app says it has not and would not share US user data with the Chinese government. This legislation has a predetermined outcome: a total ban of TikTok in the United States. The government is attempting to strip 170 million Americans of their Constitutional right to free expression. This will damage millions of businesses, deny artists an audience, and destroy the livelihoods of countless creators across the country," the company said after the vote.

 TikTok told Congress late Monday in a letter seen by Reuters it is "not owned or controlled by the Chinese government" and argued if the company was sold another buyer would not continue TikTok's $1.5 billion effort to protect U.S. data. "Ironically, U.S. user data could be less secure under a divestment scheme," the company said.

 On March 8, the US Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously approved the measure Thursday with a 50-0 vote, representing the most significant push for a US crackdown on TikTok. The bill gives ByteDance 165 days to divest TikTok; if it does not, app stores operated by Apple, Google and others could not legally offer TikTok or provide web hosting services to ByteDance-controlled applications.

 After the bill passed the House vote on March 13, TikTok told employees the company isnt planning to change its approach to protecting user data even after United States lawmakers passed a bill to ban the app in the country unless its Chinese owner sells it. Our strategy remains the same  we continue to believe that the best way to address concerns about national security is with transparent, US-based protection of US user data and systems with robust third-party monitoring, vetting and verification," the company said in a memo to employees that was reviewed by Bloomberg.

 In the memo, TikTok reiterated its plans to lobby the Senate not to pass the legislation. It said it intends to exhaust all legal challenges before it considers any kind of divestiture from its parent company, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg this week.

 Several small businesses in the US rely on the platform for selling and marketing their products on TikTok Shop. They have opposed the bill as the ban could impact their lives who have spent years cultivating their following on the platform and rely on it to acquire brand deals or other types of income.

 Some experts have told AP news agency that users can find a way to get around the ban. User can try to use virtual private networks, or VPNs, to disguise their location and bypass such restrictions. However, the use of VPNs also raises additional security questions, especially for users who go with a free or cheap VPN provider they havent carefully vetted.

Previous Attempts to Ban TikTok

In 2020, then US President Donald Trump tried to ban the app, which has about 170 million US users, but was unsuccessful as it was blocked by US courts. Earlier efforts were also stalled over the last year amid heavy lobbying by the company, Reuters reported.

Now, however, Trump told CNBC that Meta Inc's Facebook, not TikTok, was the real threat. Trump was banned from Facebook for two years following his praise for people engaged in violence at the Capitol on January 6," Facebook owner Meta said at the time.

He also suggested he was wary of alienating the young Americans who use the app.

"I'm not looking to make Facebook double the size," Trump told CNBC on Monday. "And if you if you ban TikTok, (then) Facebook and others, but mostly Facebook, will be a big beneficiary. And I think Facebook has been very dishonest."

The political climate is growing in favour of the bill as the Presidential elections are scheduled to be held in November this year. US President Joe Biden said last week he would sign the bill after a committee unanimously approved the measure.

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TikTok told employees the company isnt planning to change its approach to protecting user data even after United States lawmakers passed a bill to ban the app in the country unless its Chinese owner sells it.

Our strategy remains the same  we continue to believe that the best way to address concerns about national security is with transparent, US-based protection of US user data and systems with robust third-party monitoring, vetting and verification," the company said in a memo to employees that was reviewed by Bloomberg.

TikTok, which is owned by ByteDance Ltd., declined to comment further.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved the measure with wide bipartisan support. The vote was the most serious challenge yet to the widely popular short-video app used by 170 million Americans that lawmakers and politicians see as a national security threat. The bill now faces a less certain future in the Senate, where Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has so far declined to endorse it, and members including Republican Rand Paul of Kentucky have come out against it.

In the memo, TikTok reiterated its plans to lobby the Senate not to pass the legislation.

The company is disappointed" that the House passed the bill, according to the memo. While we anticipated the outcome, I want to reemphasize that the Committee and the House votes are the beginning (not the end) of a long process," the memo said.

TikTok intends to exhaust all legal challenges before it considers any kind of divestiture from its parent company, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg this week.

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This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.
Vedanta Ltds planned demerger of its businesses could face major hurdles from minority shareholders and creditors, said Credit Sights, a FitchSolutions Company, in its report.

We maintain our view that VEDL's (Vedanta Ltd's) planned demerger of its other businesses could face major hurdles from minority shareholders and/or creditors, which may delay or derail the deal. There have been few updates on the demerger progress ever since it was announced in September 2023," said the Credit Sights report.

ALSO READ: Vedanta to appeal against Sebi order to pay 77.62 crore to Cairn

In September 2023, the mining conglomerate had announced its demerger plans for its five key businesses, including aluminium, oil and gas, and steel.

In the first place, we felt that a demerger of VEDL will not fundamentally and significantly address VRL's (Vedanta Resources Ltd) ability to service its debt obligations, and will in fact complicate VRL's corporate structure, something the company has spent a decade simplifying," the report also said. We acknowledge the demerger could improve VEDL's overall equity fundraising ability and valuations and simplify price discovery. We are cognisant that cash leakage via dividend upstreaming is still unchanged, and there is still a lack of clarity of how VEDLs share pledge on the January 2027 and December 2028 bonds will be after the demerger and on how assets and debt liabilities will be apportioned among the various business units."

ALSO READ: Vedanta Resources to deleverage debt by $3 billion over three years

For Vedanta Group company Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL) it will be a challenge to proceed with the proposed demerger as the company will be unsuccessful" in getting the required 75 per cent shareholders approval, said the report.

Vedanta and the Centre, which owns a 29.5 per cent stake in Hindustan Zinc, have been at loggerheads on a couple of matters related to Hindustan Zinc in the past year, it mentioned.

Vedanta Resources Ltd owns 68.11 per cent stake in its Indian subsidiary Vedanta Ltd.

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Mumbai: By the end of 2016, efforts to kickstart the operations of Paytm Payments Bank had picked up pace. A board was already in place and on 4 November 2016, four days before demonetization, the directors met. The same day, an extraordinary general meeting was held at the banks head office in Noidas Sector 5.

These are meetings where urgent company affairs are debated and voted on. That day, the board recommended and approved a contract with One97 Communications Ltd, the banks parent entityhenceforth, One97 would provide the bank with various services it needed to run operationsfacilitating know your customer (KYC) norms, customer acquisition, technology support and data analytics services.

In addition, the two entities were to share physical premises, networking systems, software systems, data centre, electrical infrastructure and even power backup systems, the board meetings resolution, a copy of which was reviewed by Mint, stated.

While the board stated that the contract entered into is on an arms length basis", the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Indias central bank, wasnt comfortable with the arrangement, which was essentially a related-party transaction. Both the entities had a common director back thenVijay Shekhar Sharma, the charismatic founder of Paytm.

Among other things, RBI had objected to the banks dependence on the parent companys IT infrastructure and voiced concerns around data privacy.

Paytm Payments Bank started operations six months later, in May 2017, with the services arrangement in place.

This agreement was before the establishment of the bank. It was in operation for a few months after the payments banks launch and later, it was dissolved gradually to meet RBI guidelines," a One97 spokesperson said.

While Sharma complied with RBIs wishes at that time, he clearly did not on other occasions. The constant friction with the banking regulator resulted in disastrous consequences for Indias largest fintech company that made digital wallets trendy and mobile payments popular and easy.

View Full Image Paytm changed the way Indians make payments. Its wallet, particularly, made mobile payments popular. (AFP)

A year after Paytm Payments Bank started operations, RBI found that it did not comply with certain normssome of its accounts had more funds than permitted by the regulator, Mint had reported on 2 February this year. At that time, customers could keep up to 1 lakh in payment bank accounts.

RBI did not want to take any precipitative action at that time," a former RBI executive, who didnt want to be identified, said. Why? Because it was a new bank and was backed by a startup. There was a belief that getting used to tougher financial regulations takes time," he said.

But, the regulator ran out of patience last year. In October 2023, it fined the bank 5.49 crore, saying that this was due to non-compliance with certain provisions of the KYC norms, besides others. The KYC guidelines act as a vital safeguard against money laundering by mapping each account to a bona fide customer. Banks have to ask customers for their proof of address and identity before they can open bank accounts.

But the worst was yet to come.

View Full Image RBI has barred Paytm Payments Bank from doing any meaningful business. (Bloomberg)

On the eve of the Union budget this year, 31 January, RBI sent a missive that had the shares of One 97 tumbling 20% the next day, in what was one of the biggest daily falls since the company listed in 2021.

RBI barred any addition of funds to Paytm Payments Bank accounts, wallets and Fastags (an electronic toll collection system) after 15 March. In short, it barred the bank from doing any meaningful business, threatening even the overall companys existence.

The question is whats next? What can Paytm lean on to survive? Does it have enough crutches to help it see through the next few quarters? And what can it do to assuage the concerns around compliance?

Before we attempt to answer these questions, lets look at the companys super-charged rise, and that of its founder Sharma, popularly known as VSS in startup circles.

The rise

One97 was registered in 2000. Sharma, an engineer from the Delhi College of Engineering, launched Paytman acronym for pay through mobilein 2009. The company started off with a payment gateway in 2012, before launching a mobile wallet in 2014.

Over the next couple of years, it started providing QR codes for payments and allowing bill payments on its app. This was even before India sparked off a payments frenzy with the launch of homegrown fast payments platform unified payments interface (UPI) in August 2016.

Then, a day after the Narendra Modi-led government decided to invalidate large value banknotes in circulation on 8 November that year, a move it said was aimed at curbing unaccounted cash, Paytm published front page advertisements in frontline dailies congratulating the prime minister.

As cash fell out of favour, at least temporarily, digital payments became fashionable and Paytm was well positioned to seize the opportunity. There was no turning back for Sharma or the brand he built. Over the next few years, Paytm became a household name and, at times, even a synonym for digital payments. Its first big setback was the initial public offering (IPO), hyped up as one of Indias biggest IPO. It flopped miserablywhen the shares of One97 listed on the stock exchanges in November 2021, it did at a discount to its issue price of 2,150 apiece.

On 14 March, the companys stock was valued at 353.2 apiece, miles away from the 52-week high of 998.3. About 78,749 crore in investor wealth has been wiped out since the listing.

The fall

A committee headed by Nachiket Mor, a former board member at RBI, introduced the concept of differentiated banking licences in 2014. It laid the ground for setting up of payments banks and small finance banks.

Payments banks are supposed to reach out to the under-banked and unbanked masses, accepting deposits of up to 2 lakh per customer (the amount was doubled in April 2021), but they cannot lend. Access to simplified digital payments through UPI has made it harder for these banks to make money. There are five such banks apart from Paytm Payments Bank today: Airtel Payments Bank, India Post Payments Bank, Fino Payments Bank, Jio Payments Bank and NSDL Payments Bank.

View Full Image Paytm Payments Bank struggled with issues around KYC among other challenges. (Mint)

Paytm Payments Bank, particularly, struggled with issues around KYC. Mint, in a report on 2 February, pointed out that the bank did not conduct KYC for a significant section of its customers. There were instances of a single permanent account number (PAN) being linked to hundreds of customers. Such debacles raise many questions. Clearly, the banks board of directors, past and present, sat through multiple RBI warnings and wasnt able to course-correct.

We pushed for changes that RBI wanted, but our action was perhaps delayed. a former board member

It is not true that we did not act on RBI notices. We pushed for and made changes that RBI wanted the board to do, but our action was perhaps delayed," said a former board member who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Another former board member said that in 2021, RBI spoke to the board on the need to ensure compliance and build a culture of reporting and governance. In my experience, over the next two years, we did make many changes," the board member, who also did not want to be identified, said.

The fallout

The RBIs latest directive forced Paytms management to work out a deal with another private sector bank in record time. Paytm has since shifted its nodal account to Axis Bank. Nodal accounts serve as an intermediary between customers, merchants, and financial entities like payment aggregators and gateways, holding customer payments before settling them with the merchants.

View Full Image Paytm has shifted its nodal account to Axis Bank. (Mint)

This shift was important for merchants to continue accepting payments on their Paytm devices. Since many were earlier linked to a nodal account at the Paytm payments bank, they wouldnt be able to receive payments after 15 March.

Although RBIs action was against the payments bank and not against the parent entity, analysts expect some erosion in One97s merchant baseit has 39.3 million merchants.

We expect 15-20% churn in merchants, customers and devices in Q4 over Q3 levels, along with a 60% QoQ (quarter-on-quarter) decline in loan origination," analysts at UBS Securities India, a financial services company, said in a note to clients on 28 February. Paytm will likely experience near-term financial impact on its business along with some permanent loss of business in FY25." The parent entitys revenue is generated from three business segments: payment services, financial services, and marketing services.

Paytm will likely experience near-term financial impact along with some permanent loss of business in FY25. UBS Securities

A major chunk of the revenue61% in the third quarter of 2023-24originated from the payment services business. This segment includes its wallet, buy-now-pay-later service, online and offline payments by consumers. For merchants, the segment includes devices to accept digital payments.

Paytms lending operation is bracketed under financial services. Given that Paytm does not have a lending licence, it leverages its relationships with retail users on the app as well as merchants to distribute loans via tie-ups with other lenders. The underwriting of the loan is executed by the lending partner and Paytm keeps a commission. Its lending partners were able to disburse loans of 35,378 crore through Paytm in 2022-23, as against 7,623 crore the year before, as per its annual report.

Analysts expect the lending business to be hit following RBIs action. On 12 February, a note from Macquarie Capital, another financial services company, stated that some lending partners were re-evaluating their relationship with Paytm. In case these partners scaled down their business with Paytm, it could lead to a decline in the fintech companys lending revenue.

View Full Image One97 told the stock exchanges it expects RBIs action to have a worst-case impact of  300-500 crore on its annual Ebitda. (PTI)

One97 told the stock exchanges in February it expects RBIs action to have a worst-case impact of 300-500 crore on its annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (Ebitda), going forward. In 2022-23, the company reported a negative Ebitda (before Esop or employee stock options) of 176 crore and net loss of 1,776.5 crore. In the third quarter of the current fiscal, it reported an Ebitda before Esop of 219 crore and a net loss of 222 crore. Interestingly, the parent firm moved the prepaid payment instrument (PPI) licencewhich allows it to operate the popular walletto Paytm Payments Bank after the lender started operations in 2017. It would require RBIs permission to move the wallet business back to the parent entity if it has to salvage it. Given how frayed relations are at this point, it doesnt seem too likely, market watchers said.

In line with the PPI licensing conditions RBI mentioned to One97, we were required to transfer the PPI license to PPBL (payments bank) following the banks establishment. Given that PPBL now holds the license, OCL (One97) will not be able to comment on the question of the possibility," said a spokesperson from One97.

What can save the day

View Full Image One97 can continue to facilitate UPI payments.

Even if RBI were to cancel Paytm Payments Banks licence, the company would still have its UPI edge. Paytm sought permission from the National Payments Corp. of India (NPCI)the umbrella entity for retail paymentsto act as a third-party application. The application was approved and thus, One97 can continue to facilitate UPI payments even if the payments bank does not exist.

Industry experts believe it is imperative for Paytm to retain as many merchants as possible. Retail customers might be easier to retain. They might simply move their payments to other apps like GPay or PhonePe without deleting the Paytm app because of some other services the app offers," said Parijat Garg, a fintech expert. However, other players are aggressively targeting the merchant ecosystem and if Paytm is able to limit the loss of merchants, they will be able to sail through this crisis," he said. Garg pointed out that if Paytm loses merchants, it will also lose access to their transaction data. This, in turn, would be detrimental in assessing the eligibility of these businesses for loans. The loans to merchants would also have a higher ticket size as compared to consumers. Merchant loans are more recurring in nature whereas consumers have significantly more choices to borrow from," he said.

If Paytm is able to limit the loss of merchants, they will be able to sail through this crisis. Parijat Garg

At 2 lakh as on 31 December, the average ticket size of Paytms merchant loans was 30,000 higher than that of personal loans.

Given how closely Paytms fortunes are tied to the retention of its merchants, it has tried to placate the fears of these businesses. A week after RBIs action, the company posted a video on its YouTube channelPaytm for Businesstitled Paytms Merchant community unites! Heres what they have to say about our uninterrupted services".

The decision taken by RBI in the Paytm issue has not impacted uscustomers as well as those who accept such payments," says a man in the video, standing behind a Paytm soundbox and a QR code.

Focus on compliance?

View Full Image Vijay Shekhar Sharma has resigned as non-executive chairman of Paytm Payments Bank. (Bloomberg)

The RBI order has stirred Paytm into actionthe payments bank is communicating it is serious about regulatory compliance. As a first step, it has made changes to its board. Sharma, its largest shareholder with 51% stake, has stepped down. A clutch of independent directors have joined, to bolster the banks credibility.

Nonetheless, analysts remain unimpressed.If the intent is to reform, then why does VSS have both the chairman and managing director positions in the parent listed Paytm?," Suresh Ganapathy, managing director and head of financial services research at Macquarie Capital, asked, in an email accompanying a note to clients on 27 February. Macquarie did a roadshow in the US and met about 30 investors. A majority of the investors felt that there was no point catching a falling knife, Macquarie stated in the note released on 12 February. These investors want the dust around regulatory uncertainty to settle completely.

For Paytm and Sharma, gaining back trustthe trust of investors, RBI, lending partners, merchants and customersis likely to be a long haul.
GRUNHEIDE, GermanyWhen Tesla opened its first full-scale European factory in this sleepy community outside of Berlin, Elon Musk was feted as a hero, the chancellor gave a speech and workers cheered the rollout of new Model Ys.

On Wednesday, almost two years to the day later, Musk was back, this time to cheer up workers after an act of sabotage by suspected eco-activists shut down the plant for more than a week.

Musks ambition to cement Teslas position as the EV leader in Europe has become entangled in local culture wars, making his shining factory a lightning rod for a range of criticsfrom local citizens to environmental activists, left-wing militants and far-right politicians.

Teslas growing image problem here has tracked Musks own transformation from an EV pioneer focused on saving the planet and colonizing Mars to a polarizing social-media persona known for controversial posts.

In recent weeks, nearly two-thirds of Grunheides residents had voted against Teslas application for an extension of the plant. The company has also been targeted by climate-change skeptics opposed to their countrys green-technology transition, while trade unionists and center-left politicians have mobilized against Musks no-union policy.

Tesla didnt respond to requests for comment on the various incidents. In a post on his X social-media platform, Musk has called the eco-activists dumber than a doorstop" for their criticism of electric vehicles.

As the plants managers and workers gathered in a tent on the factory grounds for a team huddle" on Wednesday, Musk could be seen carrying his son. Hoisting the boy onto his shoulders amid calls of Elon, Elon," he shouted back: They cant stop us!" and Ich liebe Dich!"German for "I love you."

As he left, reporters asked him whether he was still committed to expanding the plant and producing vehicles in Germany.

Yes, absolutely," he said. Germany rocks!"

Manuela Hoyer, a 63-year-old pensioner and Grunheide resident, hopes he wont expand the plant.

Hoyer is one of the central figures organizing opposition to GigaBerlin, as Tesla calls its plant. She and her allies scored a victory last month when 62% of residents voted in a nonbinding referendum to deny Teslas bid to knock down 250 acres of local woodlands to make room for more factory buildings, a train yard and a daycare center.

Sipping Greek coffee at a restaurant near the plant a few days before Musks visit, she said Teslas plan is unlikely to be the last land grab, noting that the plant is built in the middle of a large water and woodland conservation area.

Our concern is about the water protection areas in the forest," she said. GigaBerlin sits amid acres of pinewood forests and country roads winding past lakes whose shores are dotted with bungalows and boat docks.

Pros and cons

For many here, Teslas arrival marked a rare economic opportunity. The city treasurer said in December that Tesla provided six million euros from local taxes in 2022. State officials say the impact on local water resources has been less severe than expected.

For others, Teslas arrival has mainly translated into higher rents, higher prices, more heavy truck traffic and unfamiliar faces. Official statistics suggest most of the 12,000 jobs created by the plant have gone to outsiders, with unemployment in Landkreis Oder-Spree, the county where Grunheide is located, steady at around 6%.

Teslas critics, and some of its local supporters, say Musks behavior in public and on social media has contributed to the polarization. Last year, he was criticized after retweeting a post on X that claimed German-government-funded groups were rescuing asylum seekers in the Mediterranean. The post expressed hopes that German voters would back the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany party, or AfD, in protest.

Musks antiunion positions have also raised eyebrows in a country where organized labor has a tradition of working hand-in-hand with management across industries.

IG Metall, the dominant manufacturing-sector union, has set up an office where Gigafactory buses drop off and pick up Tesla workers. Its representatives have been signing up employees ahead of a key vote inside the plant later this month to elect a new works council.

Shortly after the results of the Grunheide referendum were made public last month, a group of about 100 environmental activists, most of them from Berlins militant left-wing scene, erected a forest camp in the woods outside the plant. Their protest, they say, aims to force the city council to honor the outcome of the vote and stop Tesla from cutting down the forest.

We will stay until they come and carry us out," said Rene Sander, a 28-year-old social worker, as other activists behind him hung from industrial climbing gear while erecting wooden platforms in the upper reaches of the pinewood forest.

The narrative of clean electric cars is a dirty lie," said Sander, citing the environmental and social impact of mining for battery materials, including lithium and cobalt. We need more and better public transportation, not luxury SUVs."

These people arent from here

Last week, an underground left-wing militant group calling itself Vulkangruppe, or the Volcano Group, claimed responsibility for setting fire to an electricity pylon. The act cut power to the factory for over a week and caused a production stoppage that Tesla said cost it close to a billion euros. Germanys Federal Prosecutor is now investigating the act as potential terrorism.

In an unexpected confluence of trends, local leaders of Germanys far-right AfD have joined the far-left militants in opposing the factorys expansion. In addition to concerns about the landscape, the AfD points to the thousands of foreigners from Poland and elsewhere recruited to work here.

Recent public opinion polls project the AfD could become the strongest party in the state of Brandenburg, where Grunheide is located, at regional elections in September. The party could garner up to 30% of the vote, according to polls.

German far-right politicians have seen the mounting hostility against Tesla and Musk as an opportunity to mobilize supporters against Germanys green transition.

The Tesla plant has done little to benefit local residents, said Kathi Muxel, an AfD official on the Grunheide city council and in the state legislature.

In the summer, you can see the Tesla workers from Poland sleeping in their cars at the lake," Muxel said at a roadside cafe and convenience store.

On Sunday, the strong feelings about Tesla were on display in Grunheide as protesters carrying banners calling for climate justice" marched through the town.

On the sidelines, a group of young people from the town demonstrated in favor of Tesla and the expansion of the plant. Local citizens in favor of the plant complained that most of the environmentalists marching through town were outsiders who were using the issue to further their own interests.

As the protesters passed, Horst Boge, 87, leaned over his wrought iron gate, looking perplexed.

This is horrible," he said. These people arent from here."

Write to William Boston at william.boston@wsj.com
With the legal vetting of clean economy (pillar III) and fair economy (pillar IV) pillars of the US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) completed, the Union government will shortly announce the timeline for signing the much-awaited deal, two persons aware of the matter said.

Legal scrubbing is a process under which participating countries of the IPEF review proposals through a legal perspective and for language consistency.

A joint ministerial virtual meeting of all the member countries is to be held shortly; wherein the member nations will review progress under Pillar II (supply chain resilience agreement), and the status under Pillars III and IV, the first person said.

Additionally, there will be announcements about hosting investors' forums under Pillar III in the coming months, the person mentioned above said.

India in November signed a supply chain resilience agreement (Pillar II) with the US and 12 other members of the IPEF for Prosperity to reduce its dependence on China. It has so far stayed away from the trade pillar of the framework.

All participating countries are working on a common work programme, and some, such as Singapore, are interested in working in special areas like the regional hydrogen initiative, carbon markets, and sustainable aviation fuel, the second person said.

Mint on 28 December 2023 reported that legal scrubbing of both the pillars had started and the deal is expected to be signed in 2024.

Both the pillars are very important for the country. The clean economy (Pillar-III of the IPEF) is aimed at cooperation on research, development and commercialisation of clean energy and climate-friendly technologies," the second person said.

Under the fair economy deal (Pillar-IV), India will strengthen implementation of effective anti-corruption and tax measures to boost trade and investment among IPEF economies, the first person added.

As things stand, India is yet to sign the trade pillar (Pillar-I) that is aimed at strengthening economic engagement among partner countries, excluding China. New Delhi is seeking more clarity to assess if it will be in the interest of the country.

IPEF was launched in Tokyo by the US and other Indo-Pacific countries on 23 May 2022. The group includes USA, Australia, India, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Queries emailed to the commerce secretary, spokespersons of the ministry of finance and commerce, spokespeople of the US and Singapore were not immediately answered.

The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework presents a significant opportunity for India to bolster its commitment to renewable energy and sustainable practices. By collaborating with partner nations, we can accelerate the transition towards achieving net zero emission by 2070 and generating about 50% of power from non-fossil fuels by 2030," said Sanjay Kumar, Partner, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP.

The clean economy pillar will facilitate collaboration on research, development, and commercialization of clean technologies among member nations," he said.

Simultaneously, the fair economy pillar will reinforce effective anti-corruption and tax measures, boosting trade and investment within the Indo-Pacific region  a boon for India's $670 billion export sector, he added.

By actively participating in IPEF, India can cement its role as a responsible global partner while enhancing economic resilience and promoting an inclusive, competitive, and sustainable growth trajectory," Kumar said.

Once the deal is legally approved, the commerce ministry will move a Cabinet note in consultation with other ministries involved in the process, such as the ministries of finance and power.

India in November 2023 signed a supply chain resilience agreement (Pillar II) with the US and 12 other members.

The development was seen as a major breakthrough for India and other participating countries. Once the deal is finalized, it will help reduce Indias dependency on China and mitigate risks of economic disruptions from supply chain shocks.

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The NDA government is likely to nearly uproot the opposition in the North India, i.e. Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi, in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2024 , a recent opinion poll predicted. It also suggested that, out of the 242 seats surveyed so far, NDA is expected to get 174 seats.

It further concluded that 59% of people feel that Narendra Modi is most capable as the next Prime Minister while only 21% voted for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The survey covered 518 Lok Sabha constituencies across 21 states.

State-wise predictions for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls 2024:

Uttar Pradesh: Mega Opinion Poll by Network18 cited, that the BJP-led NDA is likely to win 77 seats in Uttar Pradesh, while the INDIA bloc might win only 2 and Mayawatis Bahujan Samaj Party to pick up the rest.

It is make" for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and break" for the INDIA in the state"

Bihar: In a sweeping stance, the NDA coalition is likely to win 38 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Bihar, while INDIA could end up with only 2 seats.

Delhi and Punjab: The Lok Sabha election 2024 results might come as a shocker for Arvind Kejriwal.

As per the News18's Mega Opinion Poll, BJP-led NDA coalition is likely to win all seven seats in Delhi in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, leaving none for INDIA.

It also predicted, in Punjab, AAP is likely to win just one seat in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, while Congress is expected to win seven seats and NDA is expected to win three seats.

Haryana: It will be a clean sweep for BJP-led NDA, which is likely to win all 10 seats and a 62 per cent vote share.

Madhya Pradesh: NDA coalition is likely to win 28 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh leaving one for INDIA, the poll suggested.

The BJP, on Wednesday, released its second list of 72 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls featuring some big names including Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Anurag Singh Thakur, Pralhad Joshi, and Piyush Goyal.

ARVIND More Information

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KIKUYO, JapanIt was a signature feat for the country that made industrial policy famous. In less than two years, an $8.6 billion semiconductor factory on a plot the size of 40 football fields sprang up amid the cabbage fields here.

The Japanese government, eager to boost the countrys standing as a chip-making hub, provided more than $3 billion in subsidies for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and helped round up thousands of workers to construct the buildings. The plant, operated by TSMC subsidiary Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing, is set to start mass production this year on schedule.

Across the Pacific in Phoenix, TSMC is also building a semiconductor plantbut there are some differences.

The Biden administration hasnt committed to giving the company money. TSMC encountered resistance bringing in the Taiwanese specialists that the company said it needed to build the plant. And the company has backtracked from its original schedule, planning to open its first plant in 2025 instead of this year, while pushing back a second plant at least a year to 2027 or later.

The two projects arent identical: The U.S. plant is bigger and slated to make more advanced chips. TSMC has said it doesnt believe the U.S. and Japan projects should be compared because of differences in setup and scope.

Still, the diverging timelines point to the experience and funding gap between the U.S. and Japan when it comes to the government directing high-tech investment. The U.S. is laying down more conditions that can slow down the process, say people involved in the projects.

I think theres something of a culture of speed in Asia," said Tokyo Electron CEO Toshiki Kawai, whose company supplies chip-making equipment to TSMC.

Being first to finish doesnt guarantee Japan will end up a winner. Chip demand is volatile, and TSMC still needs to ensure an ample customer base for its Japanese plant.

In the 1980s, Japan was the world leader in semiconductor manufacturing. Bureaucrats at the trade and industry ministry, now known as the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, or METI, were renownedand sometimes denounced in Washingtonfor guiding Japans development into an export powerhouse in cars and electronics.

I remember like it was yesterday how America tried frantically to curtail the competitiveness of Japans semiconductor industry," said the current METI minister, Ken Saito, who was then a young ministry official.

Japan Inc. lost its mojo in the 1990s alongside a crashing stock market that only last month returned to its 1989 level. Even during those doldrums, METI maintained its influence over tech policy.

During the Covid pandemic, concerns arose about the worlds reliance on Taiwan for making advanced chips amid regional tensions stoked by Beijing. With help from TSMC partner Sony, METI persuaded TSMC to open its first Japanese plant.

What followed was a mad dash to finish on time. Construction in Japan started in April 2022, about 10 months after the Phoenix construction started. At the peak, some 6,500 workers descended on the site in the small town of Kikuyo in southern Japan, working around the clock.

It felt like practically every construction crane from across Japan was swarming here," said Ikuo Kabashima, governor of the region that includes the plant, recalling how a construction boss told him a project of this scope normally takes a decade to finish.

Hundreds of engineers and other skilled workers from Taiwan are helping the plant get ready. People involved in the project said many Taiwanese employees who grew up with Japanese comics, known as manga, and television were glad to work in the Japanese town, which is near an airport with two-hour flights to Taipei.

In Phoenix, meanwhile, thousands of workers are also toiling on the facilitys two semiconductor factories, with a total projected investment of $40 billion.

A shortage of skilled workers, rising construction costs and disputes with local labor unions have led to delays, according to people involved in the project.

At one point, the union for pipe fitters, plumbers and other trades tried to prevent TSMC from getting visas for Taiwanese workers to help put up the Phoenix plant, saying union workers could do the job. In December, TSMC and local unions reached a deal saying TSMC would focus on hiring locals but could bring in foreigners with specialized experience.

Negotiations between TSMC and the U.S. government over subsidies have dragged on for more than a year and a half since the 2022 Chips and Science Act.

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said last month that the government had about $28 billion to hand out to leading-edge chip makers, a category that includes TSMC, but had received requests for more than $70 billion.

Thats why Im not on the Christmas card list of a lot of these CEOs of these chip companies, because were squeezing every dollar," Raimondo said.

TSMC is playing its cards to get maximum support, pushing back the opening date for its plants while it negotiates for more money. In January, TSMC Chairman Mark Liu suggested government incentives would play a role in determining whether the second Phoenix plant would make an advanced type of chip.

Since 2021, Japans government has allocated about $25 billion to support the chip industry, and it has pledged additional support for a second TSMC factory that would bring its total contribution to the Taiwanese company to about $8 billion. The U.S., whose economy is more than six times as big as Japans, is spending $53 billion under the Chips and Science Act to support manufacturing and research.

The U.S. is striving to reclaim its position as the world leader in advanced chip manufacturinga more expensive questwhile Japan has a more modest focus on manufacturing specialized chips such as those for autos.

A TSMC spokeswoman said the company was making steady progress in its talks with Washington on funding and was on track to begin volume production next year in Arizona with the same quality as in Taiwan. Raimondo said she too was confident.

What TSMC is contemplating doing in Arizona is pathbreaking," she said. Were going to make sure its successful."
MUMBAI : Private sector lender Yes Bank Ltd is looking for a new promoter to sell up to 51% stake, and has hired Citigroups India unit to find a buyer, two people aware of the development said. The bank has also invited some Indian lenders, including some of its existing shareholders, to join as promoter.

Yes Bank, Indias sixth largest private lender by assets, is seeking a valuation of $8-9 billion, which would be 20-25% above its current market capitalization of $7.2 billion, the people said on condition of anonymity.

Some banks and financial institutions in Japan, West Asia and Europe have been approached with an offer to sell at least 51% in Yes Bank. The discussions are at an early stage," the first person said. The second person said some Japanese banks have already started due diligence.

To be sure, any new promoter holding more than 26% stake will require special approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the second person added. This is because central bank rules say that normally, a promoter can hold up to 26% in a private bank, but it may also permit a higher shareholding under circumstances such as relinquishment by existing promoters, supervisory intervention, reconstruction/restructuring of banks, entrenchment of existing promoters or any other action in the interest of the bank.

A stake sale will provide a much-awaited exit to Yes Banks big shareholders including State Bank of India (SBI), Life Insurance Corp. Of India (LIC), HDFC Bank Ltd and ICICI Bank Ltd. These institutions were brought in to rescue Yes Bank in 2020, after the RBI seized the lender which was then on the verge of collapse under its previous management. Currently, SBI is Yes Banks largest shareholder with 29% stake.

SBI has assured the appointed investment banker for the deal that the incoming promoter will get up to 51%, so that there is no ambiguity over management of day-to-day business processes," the first person said.

A Citigroup spokesperson declined to comment, while emails sent to Yes Bank and SBI did not elicit any response.

Yes Banks deposit base has swelled from 1 trillion in March 2020 when RBI superseded its board to at least 2.4 trillion now, of which a large part comprises low-cost deposits under current and savings accounts. The bank manages assets worth about 3.8 trillion. The share of retail, small and medium enterprises loans, seen as safer than large corporate advances, has gone up to 63% now from just 36% in March 2020.

Yes Banks profits and net interest margin have improved since the ownership change. In the quarter ended December 2023, the bank posted a 349% year-on-year jump in net profit at 231 crore. The banks NIM was at 2.4%, better than previous quarters.

For the deal to go through, valuation will be crucial, since Yes Banks performance after SBI taking over in 2020 is perceived to be far better than what is reflected in the prevailing stock price. The deposit base has grown significantly over the past three years," said the first person cited above.

Yes Banks shares have traded between 14 and 32.8 over the past one year, and closed at 20.96 on the BSE on Wednesday, down 8.19%.

Yes Bank rightly got into a conservative mode after RBI superseded its board in 2020. If a new promoter and top management come in, it may put the bank back into a faster growth trajectory. A new promoter may help the bank compete more aggressively against private peers, help price its products and services better, and this may speed up the banks growth," a third person added.

The sale will also depend on how potential investors perceive the quality of Yes Banks loans. Some are still sceptical about Yes Banks corporate lending book. This may have a bearing on the deal," said the first person. That said, in December 2022, Yes Bank transferred 48,000 crore worth of bad loans to JC Flowers ARC, in an attempt to clean up its balance sheet.

An ownership change may create a more aggressive private lender, signalling higher competition for rivals and better priced products for borrowers. If a new promoter comes in, the bank may start offering higher rates on deposits and friendlier terms for loans. This will intensify competition and narrow the gap in terms of asset size with top private sector banks," said the third person. A new promoter may help change borrowers perceptions about Yes Bank.

This will depend on the brand of the potential acquiring bank. But a global name may definitely help. Ultimately, the customers have to be benefited, and RBI, Sebi and CCI have to approve the deal," said the third person.

The plan for Citigroup is to bring in an acquirer in FY25. More than in India, overseas banks are finding the deal more interesting, given the projected growth in the domestic economy and hence the lending," said the second person.

In March 2020, RBI seized Yes Bank, which was then led by its founder and CEO Rana Kapoor. At the time, its gross bad loans were as high as 16.8%, and the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR)essentially the banks ability to meet immediate short-term repaymentswas as low as 37% of total cash outflow over the next 30 days then.

The central bank then got SBI, LIC and other banks to join as Yes Banks shareholders. SBI initially owned around 49% in Yes Bank, but following a 24,000 crore fund-raising, its stake fell to 26.13% in 2022. SBI was required to maintain a stake of at least 26% in Yes Bank for three years (that is, till March 2023).

According to SBI officials, the bank had made up its mind to exit Yes Bank, which it had bought at 10 per share, once the lock-in period ended. However, it was waiting for the right time to sell its shares.

The deal may also provide an exit to other existing shareholders apart from SBI. Verventa Holdings Ltd (an affiliate of Advent International) and CA Basque Investments (owned by The Carlyle Group) hold 6.43% each in Yes Bank.

Private equity investors in the bank are ready to monetize their stakes," said the first person, adding that some of the private banks too are open to trimming their stakes at the right valuation.

The country's top two private lenders HDFC Bank Ltd and ICICI Bank Ltd hold 3% and 2.61% respectively in Yes Bank. Other key shareholders include the country's largest insurer LIC (4.34%), Axis Bank Ltd, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd and IDFC First Bank Ltd.

The confidence among investors has clearly improved and this helped the bank raise enough capital to make provision for bad loans and expand books in retail and small business loan space.
NEW DELHI : Indian cryptocurrency exchanges are only reaping partial benefits from the recent sharp rise in Bitcoin prices. While trading volumes have risen smartly, they are well below their peaks of a couple of years ago. At the same time, heavy taxation and negative sentiment from regulators have forced India's crypto companies to cut costs including jobs, and plan expansion into other lines of business.

On Wednesday, Bitcoin, the worlds most-valued cryptocurrency token by market cap, hit a record high of over $73,600, recording a threefold surge in prices in a span of six months.

Indian exchanges volumes have climbed on cue. Crypto exchange WazirXs daily average trading volume recovered to $3.4 million in February from about $780,000 in September, show data from consultancy firm Crebaco Global. CoinDCXs daily average trading volume improved to $2.7 million from $750,000 over the same period.

On Wednesday, WazirXs daily crypto trades were at $13.2 million, the first time since May 2022 that it has crossed $10 million per day, per crypto market tracker Coingecko. On Thursday, daily trades were at a marginally lower $9.9 million. CoinDCXs trading volume was at $7.2 million on Thursday and $7.5 million on Wednesday, up about 3x from Februarys daily average trading volumes.

Still, the average trading volumes for both the exchanges are far below their peaks. WazirXs trading volume is down 93% from its peak average trading volume of $47.2 million reached in March 2022, Crebacos data show. For CoinDCX, volumes were down by nearly 85% from their peak of $16.9 million in February 2022.

Industry experts attribute a wide number of factors to this, including apprehension among retail investors triggered by a lack of regulatory clarity, Indias crypto taxation policy, and statements against the cryptocurrency sector by senior government officials.

We are in an early phase of this present crypto bull run. The trajectory, sentiment and overall demand is goodour customer acquisition and KYC teams are struggling to cope up with demand from retail investors. But aggressive taxation is why retail investor sentiment is subdued," said Rajagopal Menon, vice-president at WazirX.

Ashish Singhal, cofounder and chief executive of homegrown crypto exchange aggregator Coinswitch, said bulk traders may not return as long as heavy taxation persists. The taxation issue remains a question mark for Indias retail users. While the early revival of trade volumes was driven by a limited subset of retail investors, bulk users will not return until theyre more assured of the state of the industry," said Singhal.

This is because the TDS (tax deducted at source) rate applicable for crypto trades in India means that a regular investor will be needed to fetch new capital every day instead of earning through arbitrage and being able to use earned margins for further trading," he added. This is blocking the return of bulk daily and monthly trading volumes, which remain far lower than the highs of 2021 and early 2022," he said.

On 11 January, the US Securities and Exchange Commission approved ETFs (exchange-traded funds) for Bitcoin tokens, a much-awaited development that had triggered a crypto rally in anticipation. Since then, global investment majors have acquired significant Bitcoin assets under management.

Over the past two months, BlackRocks Bitcoin ETF has acquired $15.4 billion in bitcoin holdings, show data from market tracker Blockworks. Grayscales bitcoin holdings were at $27.7 billion and Fidelitys at $9.2 billion as of 14 March.

For the crypto community, especially in India, such Bitcoin holdings add stability to an asset long considered too volatile for institutional investments.

Peak retail investments will likely wait until a further astronomical price hike for Bitcoin. ETF demand globally is very strong, and this, coupled with the halving of Bitcoin supply in the market next month, could further lead to a major price hike," said WazirXs Menon.

Bitcoins halving will reduce the supply of Bitcoin tokens in the market by half, at a time when demand for the token appears to be rising.

Bitcoins market cap has surged 74% since 1 January to $1.44 trillion on Thursday, per data from market tracker Coinmarketcap. Daily trading volume in Bitcoin has increased to $47.1 billion per day on Thursday from $18.4 billion on 1 January.

With supply set to halve, such metrics are projected to rise even further.

India, however, remains cautious about cryptocurrencies as an asset class. While there is no cryptocurrency law in India yet, Indias central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), had banned banks from holding or facilitating trading in cryptocurrency assets in 2018. A Supreme Court order the same year reversed this move, but RBI has maintained a negative stance on cryptocurrencies.

On 11 January, RBI governor Shaktikanta Das affirmed that the central banks stance on crypto remains unchangedtravelling down that path will create huge risks". Further, on 6 September, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman called for establishing a framework to handle issues related to crypto assets",identifying cryptocurrencies as a threat as well as an opportunity".

All of this, coupled with Bitcoins steady decline until recently from its previous high of over $69,000 in November 2021 to under $16,000 in November 2022, had seriously affected Indias crypto businesses.

Coinswitchs operating revenue declined a staggering 82% to 45.6 crore in FY23 from 248.6 crore in the year prior, as per its annual report filed with the Registrar of Companies on Wednesday. Its net loss, however, reduced to 385.4 crore in FY23 from the previous years 513 crore.

For CoinDCX, operating revenue tumbled 23% to 456 crore in FY23. However, multiple cost-cutting initiatives, including laying off 12% of its workforce in August, saw the company report a net profit of 28 crore for FY23, attributable to a gross reduction of 201 crore in net expenditure by the unicorn startup.

Several industry stakeholders admit to cost-paring initiatives. We have made multiple strides towards profitability after slipping into losses in FY22," said Coinswitchs Singhal. A lot of these moves have included slashing key expenses to run a leaner operation than before. However, much of this will depend on how the market and trading volumes revive."

Singhal added that the company will expand beyond cryptocurrency businesses in the coming months. We are expanding into other verticals and see major scope for innovation to increase the percentage of population that invest in stocks up to 10-15% from the present 4-6%. Even if our products are not drastically different from existing stock market products, we will look to fill market gaps that currently exist," Singhal said.

Such diversifications could be more frequent across the cryptocurrency industry, industry stakeholders said, as regulatory conflicts keep investors away.

But Indian crypto exchanges may also have to bear some of the blame for not being able to attract more investors, say some industry experts.

Exchanges in India have typically charged hefty margins of 8-9% above the price of a token in global exchanges. This does not bode well for investors that are aware of multiple options. In turn, this affects trade volumes further," said Sidharth Sogani, founder and chief executive of Crebaco Global.

That apart, domestic crypto exchanges havent been able to collaborate as an industry to ask for constructive regulations that could have helped India develop cryptocurrency reserves as an asset class, he said.

Because of the lack of regulations, crypto ventures and investors, as well as investment-related ventures and funds, have left the country and are plying their trades abroad by operating overseas ventures that do not even cater to Indian users," Sogani added.

Soganis Crebaco, which offers consultancy and fund management services to crypto investors, is one of several web3 ventures that have moved to the UAE, British Virgin Islands and other locations to cater to global customers. In September, global cryptocurrency platform Coinbase stopped all India operations due to regulatory uncertainties in the country.

Expansion plans by global crypto firms to launch operations in India, such as that of US blockchain platform Algorand, have not taken off as weak demand and sentiments towards blockchain, cryptocurrencies and the entire web3 ecosystem have kept adoption of niche tech minimal.
Transrail Lighting Ltd has filed its preliminary papers with capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to raise almost 450 crore in funds through an initial public offering (IPO).

According to the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) filed the company, the proposed share sale is a combination of a fresh issue of equity shares worth 450 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of over one crore equity shares by the promoter Ajanma Holdings Private Limited. The company plans to raise fund by offering equity shares of face value 2 each through the issue.

Also Read: Royal Sense IPO: Issue subscribed 8.52 times on day 3, NIIs bid highest; check GMP and other details

Currently, the promoters hold over 86 per cent stake in the Mumbai-based company. Transrail Lighting may consider a pre-IPO placement for 50 crore. If such a placement is undertaken, the fresh issue size will be reduced.

The proceeds from the fresh issue to the tune of 250 crore will be used to fund incremental working capital requirements, 90.90 crore will go towards to support capital expenditure, and the balance amount for general corporate purposes.

Inga Ventures Private Limited, Axis Capital, HDFC Bank, and IDBI Capital Markets & Securities are the book-running lead managers that will advise the company on the issue.

Transrail Lighting is one of the leading Indian Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) companies with a primary focus on power transmission and distribution business and integrated manufacturing facilities for lattice structures, conductors, and monopoles. The company reported the highest growth in its revenue from operations at 35.1 per cent among its peers in Financial Year ended March 31, 2023.

The company has a footprint in more than 58 countries like Bangladesh, Kenya, Tanzania, Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Cameroon, Finland, Poland, Nicaragua etc. including turnkey EPCs or supply projects. As of September 30, 2023, the company has undertaken EPC of 33,500 circuit kilometers (CKM) transmission lines and 30,000 CKM distribution lines, domestically and internationally.

Transrail Lighting provides EPC services in relation to substations up to 765 kilovolts. The company has presence in all the power transmission and distribution segments and majorly in high voltage and extra high voltage segments. Other than the power transmission business, Transrail Lighting also has other business verticals, such as, civil construction, poles and lighting, and railways.

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The Nifty closed at 21997.7, up by 0.68% today. Throughout the day, the Nifty reached a high of 22204.6 and a low of 21917.5. Similarly, the Sensex traded between 73364.3 and 72497.19, closing 0.46% higher at 72761.89, which was 335.39 points above the opening price.

The Midcap index outperformed the Nifty 50, with the Nifty Midcap 50 closing 1.65% higher. Additionally, small-cap stocks also outperformed the Nifty 50, with the Nifty Small Cap 100 ending at 14295.05, up by 493.5 points and 3.45% higher.

In terms of returns, the Nifty 50 has shown the following performance over different time periods:

- In the last 1 week: -1.55%

- In the last 1 month: 1.39%

- In the last 3 months: 4.54%

- In the last 6 months: 10.15%

- In the last 1 year: 29.93%

The top gainers in the Nifty index were Adani Enterprises (up 6.24%), Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone (up 4.82%), Hero Motocorp (up 3.62%), Hindalco Industries (up 3.60%), and Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (up 3.09%). On the other hand, the top losers in the Nifty index were Axis Bank (down 2.05%), Indusind Bank (down 1.72%), JSW Steel (down 0.95%), Bajaj Finance (down 0.91%), and Tata Steel (down 0.84%).

The Bank Nifty ended at 46981.3, reaching an intraday high of 47231.5 and a low of 46565.55. The Bank Nifty's performance over different time periods is as follows:

- In the last 1 week: -2.17%

- In the last 1 month: 1.94%

- In the last 3 months: -1.95%

- In the last 6 months: 1.74%

- In the last 1 year: 18.75%

Moving on to the specific stocks, the top gainers on Sensex were HCL Technologies (up 2.96%), Wipro (up 2.63%), Infosys (up 2.53%), Bharti Airtel (up 2.23%), and Mahindra & Mahindra (up 2.09%). Meanwhile, the top losers on Sensex were Axis Bank (down 1.68%), Indusind Bank (down 1.33%), Bajaj Finance (down 1.05%), State Bank Of India (down 0.76%), and Tata Steel (down 0.70%).

In the Nifty index, the top gainers were Adani Enterprises (up 6.24%), Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone (up 4.82%), Hero Motocorp (up 3.62%), Hindalco Industries (up 3.60%), and Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (up 3.09%). Conversely, the top losers in the Nifty index were Axis Bank (down 2.05%), Indusind Bank (down 1.72%), JSW Steel (down 0.95%), Bajaj Finance (down 0.91%), and Tata Steel (down 0.84%).

The top gainers in the Nifty MidCap 50 were Biocon, Vodafone Idea, Oracle Financial Services Software, Mphasis, and Indus Towers. On the other hand, the top losers in the Nifty MidCap 50 were NMDC, Federal Bank, Coforge, Bharat Forge, and Godrej Properties.

In the Nifty Small Cap 100, the top gainers were Housing & Urban Development Corporation, UCO Bank, IRB Infrastructure Developers, Easy Trip Planners, and JBM Auto. Conversely, the top losers in the Nifty Small Cap 100 were IIFL Finance, Bikaji Foods International, RBL Bank, Amber Enterprises India, and Sonata Software.

Looking at the BSE, the top gainers were Housing & Urban Development Corporation (up 9.98%), IRB Infrastructure Developers (up 9.98%), Adani Green Energy (up 9.66%), Easy Trip Planners (up 9.37%), and Punjab & Sind Bank (up 9.35%). Meanwhile, the top losers on the BSE were Tata Investment Corporation (down 5.00%), Prestige Estates Projects (down 4.69%), Sterling & Wilson Renewable Energy (down 3.47%), Archean Chemical Industries (down 2.79%), and GMM Pfaudler (down 2.68%).

Lastly, on the NSE, the top gainers were Swan Energy (up 9.99%), Housing & Urban Development Corporation (up 9.99%), UCO Bank (up 9.97%), IRB Infrastructure Developers (up 9.91%), and Adani Green Energy (up 9.87%). Conversely, the top losers on the NSE were Tata Investment Corporation (down 5.00%), Prestige Estates Projects (down 4.57%), IIFL Finance (down 3.54%), Archean Chemical Industries (down 3.11%), and GMM Pfaudler (down 2.92%).

For more details on the top gainers and losers in the BSE and NSE, please refer to the provided links.

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(Bloomberg) -- A group of massive pension funds will dominate Australias retirement system in the coming decades as increasing mergers and rivalry leave just a handful of powerhouse investors.

Thats according to a new report from Mercer, which predicts industry assets topping A$13.6 trillion ($9 trillion) by 2048, up from A$3.6 trillion currently. It sees a dozen funds controlling more than A$100 billion each by 2028, driven by mergers, organic growth and investment performance. There are currently just five funds overseeing at least that amount.

At the same time, the number of funds will shrink as regulators pressure smaller and under-performing players to merge. Mercer forecasts the total falling from 107 funds to 77 over the next five years, and halving in the next decade.

Australias pensions system is the fourth largest in the world, with its rapid growth being fueled by the compulsory contributions of 11% of workers wages, rising to 12% in 2025. AustralianSuper and Australian Retirement Trust are currently the only funds with more than A$200 billion.

The pace of growth, however, is expected to slow over the next 25 years as baby boomers move into retirement and draw down on their savings. Demographics such as immigration and declining birth rates are shaping forecasts of the amount of money flowing in and out of the system.

Mercer said a gap in Australias system was that some workers didnt have pension accounts - particularly the self-employed - meaning the system only covered 78.5% of the working age population. That compared with other developed nations which had 90% coverage.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

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(Bloomberg) -- Californias property insurer of last resort told lawmakers that its financially unprepared to cover the costs of a major catastrophe in the state.

The plan now faces $311 billion in potential losses, up from $50 billion six years ago, California FAIR Plan president Victoria Roach said in a state legislative hearing Wednesday.

We dont have a lot of money sitting around," she said. Our rates are not adequate. If we have a major event, were going to look to the voluntary market  which is already in a precarious situation  to cover our losses."

The state-sponsored plan has grown rapidly as private firms including State Farm General Insurance Co., Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and Allstate Corp., have retreated, citing the double-whammy of increasing natural disasters and state-imposed limits on premiums.

The plan now covers about 370,000 homeowners, more than double the number five years ago. By next year, its rolls could expand to 500,000, Roach said, further enlarging the potential losses.

Never miss an episode. Follow the Big Take podcast on iHeart, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. Read the transcript.

The warning came a week after a Bloomberg Green investigation revealed how state-backed insurance plans in California and other disaster-prone states are largely unprepared for the growing costs of wildfires and hurricanes.

The plan has about $200 million in surplus," Roach said. It doesnt make its finances public, nor is it subject to the same kinds of reserve requirements that apply to private insurers.

Were one bad fire season away from complete insolvency  it feels like a big gamble," said Assemblymember Jim Wood, a Democrat from Sonoma County. If this were on Wall Street, Im not sure youd be able to get away with this."

The plan cant raise consumers premiums to an amount that would cover a shortfall because state restrictions bar them from factoring the cost of reinsurance into their rates, she said.

Roachs testimony also set the stage for state Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, whos pushing to allow private insurers to consider future climate risks and the cost of reinsurance when they set premiums, as long as they agree to provide a certain share of coverage in wildfire-prone areas. Existing rules only allow them to consider historical data and prevent them from basing premiums on reinsurance.

On Thursday, Laras office released a 16-page draft regulation that includes a proposal to allow modeling wildfire exposure. He said the changes will bring private insurers back to the market, alleviating strain on the FAIR plan.

Its clear that we can no longer look solely to the past to help guide us to the future," he told reporters.

--With assistance from Eliyahu Kamisher.

(Updates with insurance commissioner statement in 12th paragraph)

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Investigation is underway in connection with a land-grabbing case against arrested expelled TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan. He was arrested by the West Bengal police on February 29 in connection with allegations of sexual assault and land grab in the Sandeshkhali area and was sent to a 10-day police custody by the Basirhat Court. His custody was extended till March 14.

The ED also conducted a raid at nearly half a dozen locations in West Bengal on February 23.

On Wednesday, a CBI team with the help of the local police nabbed Shajahans brother Alamgir Sheikh from his residence in North 24 Parganas district of Sandeshkhali. Officials informed that said that Alamgir Sheikh was not at home when the officials arrived at his residence, despite receiving a notice for questioning.

An official informed that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on March 13 summoned a brother of Shajahan Sheikh and a few others close to him for questioning. The probe agency wants to interrogate several people as part of the investigation, informed official.

Additionally, a probe is underway in connection with the mob attack on ED officials in West Bengals Sandeshkhali on January 5. Close acquaintance to Sheikh Shahjahan were also served notice. Calcutta High Court had transferred the case on March 5 to CBI for further investigation. The notice was also served to a local panchayat leader whose family member confirmed receiving it.

On March 8, CBI sleuths along with forensic and ED officials searched the residence of the expelled TMC leader in Sandeshkhali in connection with its probe into an attack on an ED team in the area, informed officials.

Moreover, ED arrested former state minister Jyoti Priya Mallick who held the Food and Supplies portfolio fro 10 years from 2011 to 2021, under alleged corruption charges.

The expelled TMC leader and his close aides Shiba Prasad Hazra, Uttam Sardar and others, were accused of sexual abuse and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali. The probe led to the arrest of Shiba Prasad Hazra and Uttam Sardar as well.

(With inputs from PTI)

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Just 23 companies accounted for half the total value of electoral bonds purchased since April 2019, with Coimbatore-headquartered lottery services firm Future Gaming and Hotel Services Pvt Ltd emerging as the top buyer, according to a Mint analysis of the data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday.

Until the Supreme Court quashed the scheme last month, purchasing an electoral bond effectively meant making a political donation that could later be encashed by a political party.

The list detailed bonds worth 12,155.51 crore purchased by over 1,300 companies in nearly five years. Future Gaming and Hotel Services alone bought 1,368 crore worth of bonds, the only company to surpass the 1,000-crore mark. Another 21 companies bought bonds worth between 100 and 1,000 crore each.

Vedanta Ltd was the fourth-largest buyer of electoral bonds, purchasing 401 crore worth. Other major listed companies that appeared among the top buyers included Bharti Airtel ( 198 crore), Jindal Steel and Power Ltd ( 123 crore), Dr. Reddys Lab ( 84 crore), and NCC Ltd ( 60 crore).

It must be noted that a company could buy bonds through its subsidiaries as well, but in this analysis, all arms are treated separately. The size of bond purchases by several companies might go up if the purchases by their subsidiaries are also added against their names.

Only seven out of the 30 Sensex companies featured in the list: Bharti Airtel, UltraTech Cement ( 35 crore), Mahindra & Mahindra ( 25 crore), Bajaj Finance ( 20 crore), Maruti Suzuki ( 20 crore), ITC ( 6.6 crore), and Tech Mahindra ( 1 crore).

Identifying which political parties encashed these bonds was not immediately possible, as there is no straightforward method to link each bond purchase with its encashment by political parties. Data on purchases and encashments was released separately, without any unique identifier common to both sets of data.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) encashed the highest value of bondsclose to half the total (47%, or 6,060 crore). This was followed by the All India Trinamool Congress, whose value of encashment stands at 1,609 crore, or a share of 13%, and Congress ( 1,421 crore, 11%).

Regional parties such as Bharat Rashtra Samithi, Biju Janata Dal, and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam also figure in the top five. The list of encashments by political parties gave details of bonds worth 12,769 crore.

The SBI had earlier said it had issued bonds worth 16,518 crore in 30 tranches between April 2019 and 15 February 2024. The list of bond purchases has entries until 11 January 2024, while the list of bond encashments has entries until 24 January 2024likely the reason why the totals do not match with the one given by the SBI. In its press release on Thursday, the election commission did not indicate whether it plans to release anything further.

Electoral bonds had been a key funding instrument for political parties in recent years, but the anonymity of the donations faced legal challenges, culminating in the Supreme Court's decision last month to quash the scheme. The court ordered the State Bank of India, the sole issuer of these bonds, to disclose details of all issued bonds to the election commission. The poll panel made the details public two days after receiving them from the State Bank of India.

The exact number of distinct companies on the list was unclear due to minor spelling variations in several names. Nonetheless, Mint managed to ascertain the exact bond purchases of at least the top 40 companies.
Holi 2024: Holi, the festival of colours is approaching and hence Indian Railways announced to run 6 Holi Special trains on the occasion of the festival.

All the below mentioned Holi Special trains will be functional from March 18 to April 1 and will hence, connect Ludhiana to all major cities of India. All of these trains will make a stop at Ludhiana during both the first leg of the trip and the return trip.

The New Delhi Festival Special Express Train (04033/04034) will provide service on March 22 and March 29, TOI quoted Ferozepur division official of Northern Railway as saying. The train heading to Jammu and Kashmir's Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan railway station in Udhampur will depart from New Delhi at around 11.45 pm on the above mentioned days. The train will return the next day at 9:30 am. The New Delhi Festival Special Express Train will make a stop in Ludhiana on the way to Udhampur and back.

Moreover, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi-Katra-New Delhi Festival Special Express Train (04075/04076) will provide service on March 24 and March 31. The train heading to Katra will also make a stop at Ludhiana during both the first leg of the trip and the return trip. The train will leave from New Delhi at around 11:45 pm and return the next day by 9:30 am.

Another train, named Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Varanasi Festival Special Express Train (01654/01653) will provide service on March 24 and March 31. The train heading to Varanasi will also make a stop at Ludhiana during both the first leg of the trip and the return trip. The train will leave from Katra at 11:35 pm and return the next day at 11:25 am.

Subedarganj Superfast Express Special Train (04141/04142) will operate on March 18, 25 and April 1. It will leave for Jammu from Subedarganj at around 4:10 pm and return the next day at 12:50 pm.

The Amritsar-Gorakhpur-Amritsar Festival Express train will run on March 20 and 27 from Gorakhpur to Amritsar and will return the next day. This train will commence from Chhapra railway station and head to Amritsar on March 22 and 29.

The railways will run six pairs of Holi special trains to cope up with the festive rush, TOI quoted railway official as saying.

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Bengaluru Water Crisis: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday denied that there was any water crisis in Bengaluru , even as repeated instances of residents in trouble over acute shortage emerge. Residents of Bengaluru, especially in Whitefield, KR Puram, Electronic City, RR Nagar, Kengeri, and CV Raman Nagar, have been facing severe water scarcity for the past few weeks.

On the severe water shortage in many parts of Bengaluru, DK Shivakumar, who is also in charge of Bengaluru Development, said, As far as Bengaluru is concerned, there is no water crisis. Only about 7,000 borewells have dried. We have made alternative arrangements for them. We have taken control of water tankers. We have identified the water sources. We will see that water is supplied."

Notably, on Wednesday, Karnataka Congress MLC BK Hariprasad had also claimed that there was no water crisis in Bengaluru.

The Congress leader also blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for playing a political game". Shivakumar dismissed allegations that the Congress government was clandestinely releasing Cauvery river water to neighbouring Tamil Nadu despite severe water shortage in the State.

"It is totally false. There is no water to be released. It is just a political game they (BJP) are trying," Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress president, said.

The deputy chief minister was reacting to the BJP leaders' allegation that huge amounts of water are being released from Karnataka dams by the government to the neighbouring state for "their political compulsion" as the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the ruling party in Tamil Nadu, is part of the opposition INDIA bloc.

Shivakumar also sought to remind the BJP leaders that he was the one who conducted the walk for Mekedatu project demanding a balancing reservoir across the Cauvery river at Mekedatu in Kanakapura taluk of Ramanagara district. Shivakumar, the MLA from Kanakapura, said he had organised the march to see that the Mekedatu project becomes a reality.

He requested the BJP MPs and Union ministers to ensure that the state secured permission to take up the Mekedatu project.

Bengaluru Water Woes

From exploring work-from-home (WFH) options and shifting to a place with better water facilities to taking bath on alternate days--citizens of India's tech capital Bengaluru are trying everything possible to deal with an unprecedented water crisis that has gripped the city.

Those staying in high-rise apartments with water harvesting facilities are also dependent on tankers now for drinking water and many restrictions have been imposed.

Eateries in Bengaluru are mulling the use of disposable cups, glasses and plates to avoid excess use of water.

Bengaluru authorities try to tackle crisis

The Karnataka government is taking a slew of measures to address the situation. Civic authorities have decided to fill up the drying lakes with 1,300 million litres per day of treated water to replenish groundwater sources in the city, where about 50 per cent of the borewells have dried up.

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) will also install filter borewells and construct water plants using an innovative technology near the restored lake beds to supply water after testing, the civic agency officials said.

(With agency inputs)

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The Citizenship Amendment Act will never be taken back, Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that the BJP-led central government will never compromise with CAA . The remarks came after the Centre notified the rules for implementing the act.

Speaking to ANI, Amit Shah said, This is our sovereign right to ensure Indian citizenship in our country, we will never compromise on it and CAA will never be taken back. The opposition is also aware that it has bleak chances of coming to power."

The opposition has no other work, they even said that there was a political benefit in surgical strikes and air strikes, so should we not take action against terrorism? They also said that the abrogation of Article 370 was also for our political benefit. We have been saying since 1950 that we will remove Article 370," he said.

Unki history hai jo bolte hai karte nahi hai, Modi ji ki history hai jo BJP ya PM Modi ne kaha woh patthar ki lakeer hai. Modi ki har guarantee poori hoti hai" the minister told ANI.

Dismissing the criticism that the CAA is unconstitutional", Amit Shah said it does not violate the constitutional provisions. He also accused opposition parties including Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal, and Rahul Gandhi of indulging in politics of lies".

BJP has made it clear in its 2019 manifesto that it will bring CAA and provide Indian citizenship to refugees (from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan). BJP has a clear agenda and under that promise, the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed in both houses of Parliament in 2019. It got delayed due to Covid. BJP had cleared its agenda well before the party got its mandate in the polls," Shah replied to the Opposition's claim of the timing of bringing notification of CAA before the Lok Sabha elections.

He further said the opposition parties only want to consolidate their vote bank by doing appeasement politics, while clarifying that CAA is the law for the entire country.

There is no question of political gain as the main aim of the BJP is to provide rights and justice to persecuted minorities coming from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh," the minister added.

Seeking Indian citizenship under CAA?

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on March 13 stated that a helpline number would be available soon to assist applicants. The government, in an official tweet, said that CAA applicants can make free calls from anywhere in India and get information related to the new law, adding that the helpline will be available from 8 am to 8 pm.

An MHA spokesperson shared the information on X. Helpline Number to assist applicants of Indian citizenship under #CAA -2019 is being started soon. Applicants can make free calls from anywhere in India & get info. related to CAA-2019. Helpline to be available from 8 am to 8 pm."

On March 11, the MHA notified the Citizenship Amendment Act's rules.

The law will pave the way for Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Christian, and Parsi refugees, who came to India before December 31, 2014, from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan to acquire Indian citizenship without having a valid passport of these countries or an Indian visa.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019 was passed in Parliament in December 2019. The Lok Sabha passed the Bill on December 9 while the Rajya Sabha passed it on December 11.

ARVIND More Information

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The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected AAP leader Manish Sisodia 's curative petition challenging the apex court's decision rejecting his bail plea in the Delhi excise policy scam case, news agency ANI reported.

Dismissing the curative petition filed by the former deputy chief minister of Delhi, a Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai and SVN Bhatti said," no case is made out."

We have gone through the Curative Petitions and the connected documents. In our opinion, no case is made out within the parameters indicated in the decision of this Court in Rupa Ashok Hurra vs Ashok Hurra," the bench observed.

Also Read | President appoints Gyanesh Kumar, Sukhbir Sandhu as Election Commissioners

Earlier in December 2023, the apex court dismissed Sisodia's pleas seeking review of its October 30 verdict dismissing his bail petitions in the money laundering cases related to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam.

The Supreme Court had denied him bail, saying the allegations by the probe agencies that "windfall gains" of 338 crore were made by a few wholesale distributors was "tentatively supported" by evidence.

Also Read | Rajasthan approves 4% hike in DA for state govt employees ahead of LS polls

The former deputy chief minister of Delhi was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in February 2023 for his alleged role in the Delhi excise policy scam. Later, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested him in a money-laundering case stemming from the CBI FIR on March 9, 2023 after questioning him in Tihar Jail.

Sisodia resigned from the Delhi cabinet on February 28, 2023.

The Delhi government had implemented the new excise policy on November 17, 2021, but scrapped the policy at the end of September 2022 amid allegations of corruption. According to the investigating agencies, the profit margin of wholesalers was increased from 5% to 12% under the new policy.

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Gyanesh Kumar will succeed Rajiv Kumar as the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). He was also appointed as the Election Commissioner, along with Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, in the Election Commission of India on Thursday. The poll panel is currently headed by CEC Rajiv Kumar.

The law ministry issued a notification announcing the appointments on Thursday. The development came just ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.

The post of Election Commissioner fell vacant after the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey on February 14 and the sudden resignation of Arun Goel on March 8. Meanwhile, the tenure of Rajiv Kumar as the Chief Election Commissioner of India will end in February 2025. He had taken charge as the CEC on May 15, 2022 and had succeeded Sushil Chandra.

Now, in 2025, Kumar will become the CEC as per norms as soon as Rajiv Kumar's term ends.

Who is Gyanesh Kumar?

Gyanesh Kumar is a 1988-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Kerala cadre. The 60-year-old retired as secretary in the Ministry of Cooperation, which comes under Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on January 31, 2024. Before that, he served as the secretary in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.

During his tenure in the Union home ministry, Kumar oversaw the abrogation of the Constitution's Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. He was the Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs during the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

In 2014, as the resident commissioner of Kerala in Delhi, he was deputed by the state government to evacuate 46 nurses stuck in Erbil in war-torn Iraq. The operation was successful with the evacuation of 183 Indians, 70 from Kerala, from Iraq.

Kumar is an IIT-Kanpur graduate. He did a BTech in Civil Engineering. He also holds a postgraduate degree in economics from the Harvard University. Tap here to read more about him

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The Supreme Court questioned the Ajit Pawar faction on Thursday as to why it is using rival Sharad Pawar's picture on posters for campaigning when it's a "different political party now".

"..you are a different political party now, so why use his (Sharad Pawar's) picture etc.. go with your own identity now...you have chosen not to be with him," Justice Surya Kant told Ajit Pawar's faction on Thursday, as per Bar and Bench.

The Supreme Court was hearing the plea filed by National Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar-led faction challenging the Election Commission's decision to grant the clock party symbol to Ajit Pawar and recognise his group of MLAs as the "real NCP".

During the hearing, Advocate Singhvi, appearing on behalf of Sharad Pawar, urged the court to allow Ajit Pawar's faction to "use anything under the sun except the clock...trumpet and my (Sharad Pawar) picture."

"...If they are so confident to win the elections, then let them do that on their own," Singhvi was quoted by Bar and Bench as saying.

ALSO READ: NCP Vs NCP: Maharashtra Assembly Speaker dismisses plea to disqualify MLAs of Ajit Pawar's faction

Reacting to this, Justice Kant directed Ajit Pawar's faction to submit an undertaking in the Supreme Court, saying "that you will not use the picture and symbol".

The Supreme Court bench of Justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan further suggested that the Ajit Pawar group use a symbol other than the 'clock' for elections so that there won't be any confusion.

ALSO READ: Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Ajit Pawar-led NCP to contest on THESE four seats in Maharashtra: Report

It said it's better to select a symbol "other than this (clock with Sharad Pawar's picture) and use it for elections".

"It is now for you to control your workers...when the election comes you need his (Sharad Pawar's) name...and when there are no elections you do not need him...Now since you have an independent identity, you must proceed with that only, Justice Kant was quoted by Bar and Bench as saying.

"We need an uncategorical undertaking from you that there shall be no overlapping in your political party with him," the judge further added. He said Ajit Pawar's faction can "issue a public notice with wide publicity that as far as you are concerned, you are not related to him and how will you be known in politics".

However, the court noted that both the factions "should come out with public notices that hitherto this is your identity...".

The Supreme Court directed Ajit Pawar's factor to file a reply within two days and serve a copy to the petitioner. The matter was further listed for hearing on March 18.

Ajit Pawar's faction was officially recognised as the "real" Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) by the Election Commission of India. However, the Supreme Court said on Thursday that the Election Commission's order "has not attained finality and it is challenged before us".

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of two additional corridors of Delhi Metros Phase 4 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday. The cost of these two corridors of Delhi Metro's Phase - IV project is Rs.8,399 crore. These two lines will be 20.762 km long.

The Inderlok - Indraprastha corridor will be an extension of the Green Line and will provide interchange with the Red, Yellow, Airport Line, Magenta, Violet and Blue Lines, while the Lajpat Nagar - Saket G Block corridor will connect the Silver, Magenta, Pink and Violet Lines," the government said in a press release.

ALSO READ: Chip plants to make India a hub, foster innovation: PM Modi

As per the government, the Lajpat Nagar-Saket G Block corridor will be entirely elevated and have eight stations. The Inderlok-Indraprastha corridor will have 10 stations.

PM Modi also interacts with beneficiaries of PM SVANidhi scheme. He distributed loans under the scheme to 1 lakh street vendors (SVs), including 5,000 SVs from Delhi. "Till now, more than 82 lakh loan, amounting to over 10,978 crore, have been disbursed to more than 62 lakh street vendors across the country," the press release added.

ALSO READ: Watch: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off 10 new Vande Bharat trains

Speaking at the event, PM Modi said, "Today's program PM SVANidhi Mahotsav is dedicated to those who are always around us and without them we cannot imagine our lives. We saw the power of these street vendors during the COVID...Today, I heartily congratulate each of our street vendors, street vendors, and roadside shopkeepers on this event."

ALSO READ: PM Modi on India's resilience in the face of global headwinds

PM Modi said previous governments were never concerned about street vendors. "They (vedors) faced insults, could not get bank loans," he added. He said the BJP government is working day and night to make lives of the poor and the middle-class better.

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The Bhajanlal Sharma government in Rajasthan on Thursday announced a 4% hike in dearness allowance (DA) of state government employees and pensioners ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The decision to hike the dearness allowance by 4% was taken in the state cabinet meeting held in Jaipur on Thursday evening.

Speaking with the media after the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said in line with the central government employees, his government has increased the dearness allowance by 4 %. The decision will benefit around 8 lakh employees and 4.40 lakh pensioners.

"Earlier, 46 per cent dearness allowance was being given to the state government employees. We have increased it by four per cent to 50 per cent," the Rajasthan chief minister said

"From 1st January 2024, dearness allowance will be hiked by 4%, bringing it to 50%. Earlier, state government employees and pensioners were given a 46% dearness allowance. We have hiked it by 4%. This decision will benefit around 8 lakh employees and 4.40 lakh pensioners...," he said.

The 4% hike in dearness allowance will put an additional burden of about 1,640 crore on the state government annually", the chief minister added.

Also Read | Election Commission uploads electoral bonds data shared by SBI on SC order

"Everyone's support, everyone's development, everyone's trust...Our government, dedicated to good governance, has increased the dearness allowance of state employees by 4%, this will benefit 8 lakh employees and 4 lakh 40 thousand pensioners," Sharma posted on X ( formerly known as Twitter) in Hindi.

Our state employees, symbols of hard work, will benefit from this decision. 'Modi ji's guarantee' is a guarantee of the welfare of the people and our government is continuously moving forward on this path of public service," he added.

Apart from this, the state government also cut VAT on petrol and diesel by 2%. This is an added bonanza for the people of Rajasthan as the Central Government has also announced a price cut of 2 in the price of petrol and diesel from Friday.

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After news of the Spanish tourist's rape in India broke last week, social media has been abuzz with the #What'sWrongWithIndia? trend where multiple users on X (formerly known as Twitter) shared their negative experiences in the country. In a twist to this trend, however, the Israeli Embassy in India joined in with its "tea" on their experiences.

The official account, Israel in India posted on March 13, saying: WHAT'S WRONG WITH INDIA? Listen to our diplomats spill the chai on #WhatsWrongWithIndia. Brace yourself for the unexpected twist at the end! Do you agree with their reasonings?"

The close-to-a-minute-long video begins with a person asking the Israeli ambassador "What's wrong with India?" to which he replies with: "You soft landed on the Moon. We crashed."

Through the video, various embassy diplomats are posed with the same question, which they answer in different ways. Ranging from "Too many beautiful places to visit", to "Too many desserts, I love jalebi", "Too many good songs to listen to", Many delicious food options" and so many amazing Bollywood movies, I don't know how to finish them all", the answers in the video were all positive as opposed to the largely negative trend online.

The video also ended on a humourous note, with the last diplomat questioned answering "Rakhi Sawant", followed by him asking her photo in his office why she chose to marry her husband: "Why did you choose Adil? I am right here".

Positive Responses to Post

The post generated massive responses and at the time of publishing had 19,000 likes and 6,454 reposts. It had also been quoted 580 times.

Indian users on X were appreciative of Israel "siding with India" against racism.

On March 12, MyGovIndia -- the citizen engagement platform of the Government of India, also attempted to counter the negative trend by posting about India's achievements in response to the question.

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PIYUSH GOYAL , MUMBAI LOCAL TRAIN , SIDDHIVINAYAK MANDIR , LOK SABHA ELECTIONS , PIYUSH GOYAL RIDES MUMBAI LOCAL TRAIN , PIYUSH GOYAL VISITS SIDDHIVINAYAK MANDIR , BJP : Piyush Goyal the Minister of Commerce and Industry and Consumer Affairswho will face his first electoral debut in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, on Thursday embarked on a journey aboard a Mumbai local train . The minister who spent his childhood in Mumbai expressed his nostalgia for the city while admiring the resilience, perseverance, and hopeful spirit of the financial capital of the country.

In a viral video, the union minister was seen interacting with the commuters.

The Union Minister also visited the famous Siddhivinayak Mandir. During his visit to the famous shrine, Goyal shared his memories when he used to come to Siddhivinayak Mandir and stood in the queue at 3 am in the morning. The minister expressed confidence in the devotion, dedication and resolution of the brothers and sisters of Mumbai to make India a developed country.

Also Read | President appoints former IAS officers Gyanesh Kumar, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu as new Election Commissioners

Speaking about his fondness for the metropolis, the minister said he spent his childhood in Mumbai and despite holding the responsibilities of a Union Minister and residing in the national capital Delhi, in the deep core of his heart belongs to Mumbai and the spirit and culture of Mumbai.'ye dil to Mumbai main hai aur Mumbai main hi rahega (this heart belongs to Mumbai and will remain in Mumbai), the minister said.

"I did 'darshan' in Siddhivinayak temple, which reminds me of my old days when I used to come here and stood in the queue at 3 am...I am fully confident that our Mumbai brothers and sisters are on hell-bent making India 'Viksit Bharat'....I spent my childhood here (Mumbai), holding the responsibility of a Union Minister, I have lived in Delhi, but 'ye dil to Mumbai main hai aur Mumbai main hi rahega'....,"Goyal said.

Earlier on Wednesday, the BJP released the second list of candidates for upcoming Lok Sabha elections and the saffron party fielded the Union Commerce minister from Mumbai North.

After the list was published, Piyush Goyal took to microblogging site X and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President JP Nadda, and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the nomination.

Taking inspiration from the ideals of Prabhu Shri Ram and the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, I vow to dedicate myself to the honour and development of Maharashtra. Prime Minister Modi ji has always prioritised national welfare driven by 'Jan Sewa'. The nation has witnessed unprecedented development in the past decade, and we are now rapidly progressing towards building a Viksit Bharat in the Amrit Kaal.", Piyush Goyal wrote on X.

With the trust and blessings of the people of Mumbai and the unwavering support of the party workers, I am confident that we will achieve Prime Minister Modi jis goal of Abki Baar 400 Paar & script a historic victory" Goyal added.

A three-term Rajya Sabha member, Goyal (59) has been in the thick of politics since his teenage years when he campaigned for his mother, late Chandrakanta Goyal, for the Maharashtra Assembly election.

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When Mustafa Ashqar and his wife were still living in Gaza City and working in apparel sales, the money they earned was enough to get by and provide for their baby girl. Today, living in Rafah alongside over a million other displaced Gazans, they struggle to afford diapers.

The prices are criminal," Ashqar said, describing a nearly 600% increase since the war began over five months ago.

The defining traits of Gazas wartime marketplace include wildly fluctuating prices driven higher by shortages of food and other essentials, and the inability to get cash to buy what is available. That is exacerbating a hunger crisis and compounding the challenges of daily life even for Gazans who have savings or are still earning salaries.

With limited supplies, prices have skyrocketed, and its left basic items unaffordable for many, many people," said Raja Khalidi, an economist and director-general of the Ramallah-based Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute.

People are regularly running out of cash," said Khalidi. And the cash isnt going very far given how high prices are."

Food prices in Gaza in January were more than double prewar levels, according to the West Bank-based Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics. Salt and flour prices rose to 10 times prewar levels in December and January, respectively, before dropping as supplies arrived, while rice has climbed this year, the World Food Program has reported.

A package of diapers that before the war cost 25 shekels, equivalent to around $7 at the official Palestinian exchange rate, was selling for more than 170 shekels at the end of February, Ashqar said.

With the start of Ramadan, the crisis further complicates efforts to mark the Islamic holy month in a war zone, when observant Muslims fast during the daytime, donate and pray. Some Muslims in Gaza say they cant access cash their family overseas sent to their bank accounts for the holy month, and others say their first Ramadan fasts werent much different than a typical day during the war, as they often only eat one daily meal.

Suha Mahmoud, a 48-year-old sheltering in Rafah, said her first Ramadan evening meal consisted of vegetables that she bought at inflated prices. We thank God that we could find something to eat," she said.

Most new supplies enter Gaza as humanitarian aid, though some commercial trucks have also crossed into the besieged enclave. The Biden administration, frustrated in its efforts to persuade Israel to facilitate more cross-border aid shipments, plans to build a temporary pier off the Gaza coast to allow for increased aid deliveries. That could put a dent in some prices, in a market where inconsistent delivery and distribution cause unpredictable price fluctuations.

The crisis in Gaza has been exacerbated by a shortage of cash in the enclave.

The banking system is mostly paralyzed," said Steven Fake, a spokesman for American Near East Refugee Aid, a U.S.-based humanitarian organization with a significant presence in Gaza.

As the war began, many Gazans rushed to deposit cash in banks for safekeeping or to access abroad if driven from the enclave. During a one-week cease-fire at the end of November, banks moved about 180 million shekels, equivalent to more than $50 million, in cash from the north of the Gaza Strip to the south, according to the Palestine Monetary Authority, the Ramallah-based body that oversees banks in the West Bank and Gaza. Hundreds of thousands of displaced people who were sheltering there were seeking to withdraw their cash, it said.

In December, after the cease-fire ended and Israel embarked on an offensive on the southern city of Khan Younis, there was no way to transfer physical cash between bank branches, said Feras Milhem, the authoritys governor and chairman.

Many of Gazas 56 bank branches and 91 ATMs have been destroyed or rendered out of service since the war began, particularly in areas outside Rafah, Milhem said.

No new cash has been delivered to Gaza banks since the war began because of security concerns, according to the monetary authority. Electronic transactions are often made impossible by telecommunications and power blackouts.

We wait for the cease-fire to feed our branches by moving cash within Gaza," said Milhem.

Duaa Farid, 28 years old, works in a hospital lab and is still earning a salary, a rarity in Gaza. But her home in Deir al-Balah, in central Gaza, is far from most working ATMs, which are in Rafah. The closest ATM has hourslong lines and frequently runs out of cashand is in an area of active fighting, she said.

What cash Farid can get from her bank account, she gets through money-transfer offices, which charge a 15% fee and limit withdrawals at 400 shekels, or around $111when cash is available.

Its been two weeks since Ive been able to get the money," she said.

The availability of some goods was limited in Gaza even before the war by a blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt in 2007 after Hamas seized control of the territory. The prewar unemployment rate hovered around 45%, about 60% of the population were considered poor and about 80% relied on aid, according to the World Bank.

Unemployment stood around 80% in December, according to the United Nations. An average of about 90 relief and commercial trucks a day entered Gaza between the start of the war on Oct. 7 and February, according to the U.N., while about 500 trucks a day entered before the war.

Ashqar, the father of the baby girl, has settled with his extended family in Rafah, crammed into an apartment that he says costs more than he used to spend in an entire month. The relatives pool their money to pay a rent inflated by overwhelming demand as displaced people flocked to Rafah.

Before the war, 1,500 shekels used to be enough to get by for a month," said Ashqar, 35 years old. Now, 4,000 shekels isnt enough."

Ashqar said he is burning through his savings to pay rentand tries to barter items gathered through handouts for daily needs such as diapers for his 1-year-old. Anything we have that we dont need, we sell it or trade it," said Ashqar.

But with the high cost of living in Rafah, that isnt enough. Even if you sell something on the market," said Ashqar, how far will that money go?"

Write to Omar Abdel-Baqui at omar.abdel-baqui@wsj.com
An Indian-American has been indicted by a grand jury in a Ponzi scheme with the FBI urging victims of the investment adviser in Texas to come forward.

Siddharth Jawahar, 36, has been ordered imprisonment until sentencing by the court. The FBI on Wednesday said it is seeking potential Miami-area victims of Jawahar who has been accused of running a multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme.

According to the indictment, from July 2016 through roughly December 2023, Jawahar took in more than USD 35 million from Swiftarc investors but spent about USD 10 million on investments in companies.

Also Read: Three ways to identify a Ponzi scheme

Jawahar used the money from new investors to repay older investors and to fuel an extravagant lifestyle that included flights on private planes, stays at luxury hotels and expensive outings at lavish restaurants, the indictment says.

In 2015, Jawahar began investing the majority of client funds in a single investment, Philip Morris Pakistan (PMP), the indictment says, and eventually, 99 per cent of client funds were consolidated into the PMP investment.

Jawahar did not tell investors of a dramatic decline in the value of PMP, instead misled investors about the share price and their profits.

The indictment says Jawahar also did not tell investors when the Texas State Securities Board revoked Swiftarc Capitals authority to conduct investment activities on June 7, 2022, and ordered Jawahar to cease from engaging in fraud".

Jawahar continued to fraudulently solicit and receive investor funds, including USD 1 million from an investor weeks after the state boards order, the indictment says.

The wire fraud charges are each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a USD 250,000 fine, or both.

The investment adviser fraud charge is punishable by up to five years in prison and a USD 10,000 fine, or both.

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This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.
A High Court in Japan has ruled that denying same-sex marriage is unconstitutional". The High Court called for urgent action from the Prime Minister Fumio Kishida-led Japanese government to address the lack of any law allowing for such unions.

The LGBTQ community in Japan cheered the high court ruling as a landmark decision that gives them hope for change toward equality.

Notably, the Japanese High Court does not have the provision to overturn the current marriage law, which restricts marriage as between woman and man.

The Sapporo High Court ruling said that not allowing same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the same benefits as straight couples violates their fundamental right to equality and freedom of marriage, reports AP.

Five previous court decisions in various cities said Japan's policy of denying same-sex marriage is either unconstitutional or nearly so. However, this is the first time, the current marriage law in Japan was deemed uncoinstitutional.

Sapporo High Court Judge Kiyofumi Saito said the constitutional freedom of marriage is about partnership between two human beings, and the right to marry should equally protect couples of different and same sexes. With their exclusion, same-sex couples have experienced significant disadvantages, suffering or loss of identity, the judge said.

Disallowing marriage to same-sex couples is a discrimination that lacks rationality," the ruling said. But allowing same-sex marriage creates no disadvantage or harm to anyone, it said.

Japan is the only member of the Group of Seven nations that still excludes same-sex couples from the right to legally marry and receive spousal benefits.

Notably, Japan has been in the news for its worrying decline in populations, triggering speculation of population wipe out.

While Japan's conservative government has been criticized as stonewalling diversity, recent surveys show a majority of Japanese back legalizing same-sex marriage. Support among the business community has rapidly increased.

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China recently sent a military delegation to the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Nepal to discuss further cooperation in defence issues. This development comes after the newly elected Maldivian President, Mohamed Muizzu, asked Indian troops to withdraw from the country by March 15.

Chinas move suggests that the country seeks to build closer ties in South Asia to assert its influence and counter its strategic rival, India. China has also heavily invested in upgrading the Maldives infrastructure and extended loans to it.

As per a report by Mihaaru newspaper, a total of 25 Indian troops deployed in the southernmost atoll of Addu left the Maldives on March 10. The Maldives had signed a military assistance" deal with China last week and had ordered Indian troops deployed in the small but strategically placed archipelago to leave.

According to sources, the Chinese delegation had visited the island country and met with pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu, and also visited Sri Lanka and Nepal from March 4 to 13.

The Chinese military, in a statement on its official WeChat account, said that in all three countries, they exchanged views on military relations and regional security issues of common concern. The post further read, A series of consensus was reached to further enrich defence cooperation between the PLA and the relevant countries."

Also read: Maldives snubs India over hydrographic survey deal after signing military pact with China

The delegation of officials from the militarys international military cooperation delegation department, known as the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), held discussions relating to in-depth consultations on promoting bilateral defence cooperation."

Chinas commercial interest in these three nations has led it to improve ties, as half of its oil imports pass through the region of the Indian Ocean.

Also read: India slips to 6th rank on Maldives Tourism charts as President Mohamed Muizzu welcomes China

Maldives newly elected, President Mohamed Muizzu, swept into power in September by using the India Out" campaign to win elections. Following his victory, the Maldives President paid his first state visit to China and pivoted its ties with India. In his election campaign, he had vowed to remove the Indian military presence of about 75 personnel from the island nation.

Also read: Maldives purchases drones from Turkey for patrolling after inking deal with China

China would provide Maldives with military assistance," a media report citing the Maldivian defence ministry stated.

For India, Maldives is a key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) that occupies a special place in its initiatives like SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the Neighbourhood First Policy.

(With agency inputs)

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North Korea has showcased its military strength through a tank demonstration led by its leader, Kim Jong Un. This exercise was reported on March 14 by state media KCNA.

It highlighted Kim's involvement and satisfaction with the performance of a new battle tank. This marks the tank's debut in demonstrating its capabilities. KCNA called it a training match".

Kim Jong Un, along with Defence Minister Kang Sun Nam and other top officials, observed as tank units manoeuvred through challenging simulated combat conditions. These tanks showed precision in hitting targets and agility in breaking through defensive lines.

Swiftly weaving their way through various worst combat circumstances, heavy tanks hit targets at once with powerful strikes and broke through strong defense lines with high maneuverability," Reuters quoted the report as stating.

The demonstration aimed to evaluate the combat readiness of the tank crews and acquaint them with various combat strategies for different tactical missions. By simulating realistic war scenarios, the exercise intended to refine the combat capabilities of these units, ensuring they can execute missions swiftly and effectively under any circumstances.

Kim stressed the importance of conducting rigorous drills that mimic real-war situations. Such exercises are crucial for enhancing the military's overall combat proficiency. It enables the country to respond promptly and accurately to any emergency.

Enemys capital'

This military display comes shortly after Kim Jong Un directed an artillery firing drill near the border. The exercise included units stationed close to the border, within striking distance of "the enemy's capital", as per KCNA.

It referred to Seoul, the capital of South Korea, which is home to almost 10 million people.

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President Vladimir Putin on Thursday urged the nation to take part in the upcoming presidential election on March 15-17 saying that, determination to go forward together

The President said, as reported by the state news agency TASS reported, We need to confirm our consolidation, our determination to go forward together. Each vote counts. That is why I am calling on you to realise your right to vote in the coming three days."

Putin addressed the nation ahead of federal elections eight times--in 2000, 2004, 2016, and 2018 (twice before the presidential election and after announcing their results), in 2021. And as per CNN, he is expected to quash all forms of opposition to take the office for the fifth term

The CNN report also cited, with the death of imprisoned Russian Opposition leader Alexei Navalny, it's fair to say Putin's political career has reached the president-for-life stage.

His re-anointment lays bare an uncomfortable fact for Russia's future political stability," the report said and added, The President and his circle have not made any visible preparations for a post-Putin era"

Early voting underway globally

Meanwhile, early voting for Russia's presidential election is underway abroad. Speaking about it, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, "Early voting is underway. It has already taken place in 23 countries, and 29 election commissions are supervising it. As of March 12, more than 40,000 Russians have already voted," the diplomat said. "Voting is taking place without any serious incidents."

She added that local Russian officials were ready to provide any assistance at the first request of their fellow citizens.

The Russian Federation Council, or the Upper House of the Russian Parliament or Duma, officially scheduled the presidential election on March 17.

Putin is the longest-serving leader since Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. Even before Putin announced his candidacy, the Kremlin made it clear that it did not see any alternatives on the horizon to his system of one-man rule.

(With inputs from agencies)

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SINGAPOREWhen a landmark science and technology agreement between the U.S. and China reached its expiration in late February without an extension, it plunged the academic community in both countries into uncertainty. Neither country confirmed an extension for nine days.

Had it lapsed?

Not really, it turns out. But the extension was made so quietly as to be imperceptible, without an official statement published online. And for a second time in a row, it would only keep the agreement alive for another six months while Washington and Beijing continue negotiations.

The U.S.-China Science and Technology Agreement was the first bilateral deal signed after Washington formally recognized the Communist-ruled Peoples Republic of China in 1979. At the time, China was a scientific laggard and the U.S. saw the pact as a way to influence Chinas behavior and developmental trajectory. Nowadays, each country is simultaneously the others biggest research partner and its biggest rival, as the worlds two largest economies compete for global leadership in areas such as quantum computing, biotechnology and nanoscience.

Over the decades, the agreement was renewed as a matter of course, for five-yearlong extensions, even as more U.S. institutions grew increasingly wary of collaborating with Chinese counterparts. Then in August of last year, with bilateral tensions at a boil, the two sides could only manage a six-month extensionjust enough to keep the landmark deal from collapsing. As the next deadline approached in February this year, the tone of bilateral ties was betterthough not enough for a full renewal.

The stealthiness of the latest move, and the prolonged nature of the deeper discussions, highlight the complex state of U.S.-China relations, as both countries try to work out new parameters of engagement and rivalry while vying for global technological and military supremacy.

The two sides have to figure out how to operate and engage with each other as peer colleagues and peer competitors," said Deborah Seligsohn, an assistant professor of political science at Villanova University.

Both proponents and critics say the agreement hasnt kept up with changes in bilateral ties and the two countries respective strategic priorities.

Critics of the deal say that in fields such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing, clearer distinctions are needed between military and civilian uses. Trade tensions over clean technologies such as electric vehicles, solar panels and batteries have also been growing.

The U.S. and China agreed in a separate deal last year to hold talks aimed at addressing the risks of artificial intelligence. Both sides have also collaborated on international climate diplomacy and say cooperation is necessary in areas such as public health and food security.

Strengthened protections in the Agreement will be essential for any longer-term extension," the State Department wrote in response to a request for comment on the deal, adding that officials were realistic about Chinas national priorities and domestic legal landscape.

China-U.S. exchange and cooperation in science and technology is mutually beneficial in nature," Liu Pengyu, a spokesman at the Chinese Embassy in Washington, wrote in reply to a request for comment, adding he wasnt authorized to confirm the specific progress."

The last full extension was approved in 2018, after the Trump administration amended the text to address U.S. concerns about Chinas approach to intellectual property.

In August, the U.S. decided to renegotiate new terms. But discussions only started in earnest after the summit between President Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in November and were interrupted by the Christmas and Lunar New Year holiday breaks, people familiar with the discussion said.

While the U.S.s more open approach to science and technology has benefited innovation, detractors say it has also hindered Washington from developing a strategic approach to collaboration and preventing Beijing, which has been more deliberate in pursuing research priorities, from gaining crucial capabilities in key sectors.

In a survey of nearly 2,000 Americans working in education, healthcare, business, military, national security and the sciences, 60% believed that Chinanot the U.S.would be the global leader in science and technology in five years, according to a report by the U.S.-based nonprofit Science & Technology Action Committee published in 2023.

The agreement has been controversial among Republican lawmakers. Rep. Mike Gallagher (R., Wis.), chairman of a special House committee focused on China, led a congressional group in June demanding the State Department scrap the deal, alleging that China had gained a military advantage through its scientific ties with the U.S.

In August, Rep. Andy Barr (R., Ky.) proposed a bill requiring the State Department to provide Congress with security risk assessments or have the agreement revoked. Last year, a law came into effect blocking faculty at Floridas public universities from hiring Chinese graduate and postdoctoral students to work in their laboratories.

While China wants to keep scientific cooperation broadly open, the U.S. wants to restrict fields of collaboration, said the people familiar with the discussions. Washington is also seeking to add a good intention clause," which states that joint research is only intended for peaceful purposes and not for military use.

A key U.S. demand in this round of the negotiations is guaranteeing the personal safety of American researchers and protecting them from arbitrary detention, according to Denis Simon, a fellow of the Washington-based Institute for China-America Studies, who is speaking with officials from both sides involved in the discussion.

In 2023, China expanded its anti-espionage law, tightening its grip on a swath of data and redrawing the boundaries of what it considers legitimate information gathering. A clarification by Beijing later stated that the law wasnt aimed at academic research.

Meanwhile, Chinas state media reported recent instances in which Chinese academics and students were stopped and questioned upon entering the U.S. Some were turned away and had their visas revoked.

For the 2022-23 academic year, the number of Chinese citizens studying in the U.S. declined for a third year in a row, to its lowest level since 2013-14, according to a report published by the U.S. government-funded Institute of International Education.

The thorniest problem, Simon said, has been the data issue, since it involves different players across Chinas government.

The U.S. is demanding greater clarity over access, ownership and sharing of data. The amount of publicly-accessible data in the U.S. is much larger than in China, the latter of which tends to grant permission only to specific data sets for select projects.

In 2022, Beijing started reviewing and eventually restricting access to academic and health data, citing cybersecurity and data privacy concerns. Beijing later fined Chinas largest academic database for violating personal information processing laws.

Proponents say that continued engagement gives both sides visibility into each others intentions. Some say a more developed China can now offer American scientists access to cutting-edge technologies, with a real opportunity for achieving mutual benefit," according to Simon.

Even without a deal in place, researchers from both countries would be able to collaborate with each otherbut their projects would take place without the official blessing of their respective governments.

U.S.-China science collaboration has been fraught in recent years. In 2018, the Justice Department launched its China Initiative aimed at sniffing out economic espionage by Beijing. It largely failed to turn up criminal conduct. Instead, it cast a chill over scientific collaboration and sparked an exodus of Chinese scientists from American institutions. The China Initiative was shuttered in 2022.

A study conducted by American and Chinese researchers that began in 1985 and ran through the 2000s showed the efficacy of giving pregnant women folic acid supplementation in preventing birth defects. Folic acid is now in many foods around the world, preventing millions of stillbirths or lifelong birth defects.

Write to Sha Hua at sha.hua@wsj.com
When Joe Biden and officials in his administration talk about the Israelis and the Palestinians, they describe two peoples that dont exist in reality. According to the White House, the Palestinians aspire to peace, reject Hamas and are ready to make painful concessions.

A week after Hamas attacked Israel, Mr. Biden said in an interview on 60 Minutes": Hamas and the extreme elements of Hamas dont represent all the Palestinian people." National security adviser Jake Sullivan said: The many, many Palestinians who have had nothing to do with the brutal terrorist organization Hamasthe vast majority of the population of Gazathey deserve dignity. They deserve safety and security."

In reality, according to a November survey by Arab World for Research and Development, affiliated with Ramallah-based Birzeit University, 59% of Palestinians extremely support" the Oct. 7 massacre, and another 16% somewhat support" it.

When Mr. Biden refers to the Palestinian Authority as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, he ignores that its president, Mahmoud Abbas, was last elected 19 years ago to a four-year term, and that the last time the Palestinians went to the polls, in 2006, they voted for Hamas.

The Israeli people as the White House envisions them are also different from the real thing. Vice President Kamala Harris this week uttered a statement about Israel of the kind typically reserved for dictatorships: Its important for us to distinguish or at least not conflate the Israeli government with the Israeli people."

Some of Mr. Bidens supporters have suggested he address the Knesset, going over the head of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and speaking directly to Israels purportedly moderate population. The president seemed open to the idea in an MSNBC interview this week, though he later disavowed it. If Mr. Biden engages directly with the Israeli people, hell be surprised by what he hears.

Yes, there is a significant disparity between Israels leadership and its citizensbut its the opposite of what people in Washington assume. The Israeli public is far more right-wing" than the policies of its government. While Mr. Netanyahu has previously voiced support for a Palestinian state, a February survey conducted by Midgam for Channel 12 News found that 63% of the Israeli public strongly opposes such a state under any circumstances. While the cabinet implicitly agreed that a renewed Palestinian Authority would control Gaza, 73% of those who expressed an opinion in the survey opposed it.

Minister Benny Gantz has hosted Mr. Abbas in his home, yet Israelis havent forgotten Mr. Abbass brazen lies about the Holocaust. The Israeli government has been providing humanitarian aid to Gaza, but a January survey found that 72% of the public opposes such aid until all hostages are released. Mr. Netanyahu has officially repudiated the ideas of renewing Jewish settlement in Gaza and direct Israeli control over the strip, but two-thirds of his voters support such moves, according to the Midgam/Channel 12 survey.

The Israel Mr. Biden knowsthe one that supports deep withdrawals, settlement evacuations and the two-state solutionceased to exist two decades ago during the second intifada. Savage Palestinian violence at that time indiscriminately claimed the lives of more than 1,000 Israelis, including babies, women and the elderly. That massacre was led by Fatah moderates" rather than Hamas extremists, and the slaughter unfolded in slow motion over three years rather than eight hours. Those bloody events occurred months after Israels prime minister offered the Palestinian leader more than 90% of Judea and Samaria, the evacuation of thousands of settlers, the division of the Old City of Jerusalem, and Palestinian control of the Temple Mount.

Israeli leftists have since furled the flag of the two-state solution and raised other banners, ones related more to domestic policy issues, including the role of ultra-Orthodox Jews and proposals to reform the legal system. When Mr. Biden claims that Mr. Netanyahu is hurting Israel more than helping it," he is referring to the single issue on which most Israelis support the prime minister. For Mr. Netanyahu, the Palestinian issue is almost the only comfortable subject after Oct. 7.

Sometimes I wonder if Messrs. Biden and Netanyahu conspired to stage the escalating confrontation between them to save themselves from the defeat the polls predict: The president confronts the prime minister to buck up his disillusioned base; Mr. Netanyahu recovers from the failure to foresee and prevent the attack by proving that hes strong against Washington. If Mr. Biden really aims to pacify Israel by toppling Mr. Netanyahu, his strategy is a bad one. The next prime minister will inherit Israeli public opinion.

Its time the administration recognizes reality: The Palestinians overwhelmingly support the murder of Jews, and the Israelis dont think the Palestinians deserve a state.

Maybe Mr. Netanyahu should go over Mr. Bidens head and speak to the U.S. people directly. According to a recent Harvard Caps-Harris poll, the American public supports Israel much more than the president does. And Id like to remind my fellow Israelis that its important for us to distinguish, or at least not conflate, the American government with the American people.

Mr. Segal is chief political commentator on Israels Channel 12 News and author of The Story of Israeli Politics."
Sometimes it takes the State Bank of India. Sometimes the courts. Sometimes a bridge. I'm grateful to all of them, because they offer me numbers to play with.

Let's take the bridge, to start.

This is the GK Gokhale bridge in the northern Mumbai suburb of Andheria vital east-west connector across the railway tracks. In 2022, recognizing that it was old and dilapidated, the municipal corporation demolished it and promised to build a new bridge.

The months since have been a nightmare for commuters in the area. Without that bridge, getting across the railway has meant a long detour. Naturally, everyone has been waiting eagerly for the new bridge to be completed. It was, a few weeks ago. Or really, as these things go these days, one part of it was completed and "inaugurated" for public use. And that's when we found something remarkable about this new bridge.

Connecting to the old bridge was a ramp from what's known as the Barfiwala flyover. Traffic that needed to go to where this flyover led would simply shift onto the ramp. With the new bridge, though, there's a problem stemming from a particular design decision: the new bridge is about 2m higher than the old bridge. Thus the Barfiwala flyover does not connect to the new roadway. As things stand, as I write this, the BMC is searching for a remedy.

What led to this?" and Why?" are good questions that have their answers. But I'm interested here in the BMC's explanation for this disconnect ("Clarification regarding comments/reels appeared in social media and newspapers", BMC notification No ChE/16082/Bridges of 28 February 2024).

The problem, says the BMC, is that a connector between the Barfiwala flyover and the new Gokhale bridge would need to have a "vertical gradient" of 7.25%. This, claims the BMC, would cause engine noise and trouble, discomfort to passengers, and more.

What is a 7.25% gradient? It means that for every 100m length that such a road slopes upwards, it ascends 7.25m. This is steep, but not excessively so, not unknown. In Mumbai's Bandra, for example, you'll find Zig Zag Road. Over its 100 metres, it ascends about 13m to Pali Hill, meaning its gradient is 13%. On the other side of the same hill, a 200m stretch of road to the sea sees a descent of 15m: a 7.5% gradient. Admittedly neither road is like a major flyover, but both stretches see plenty of traffic in both directions without any particular engine trouble or passenger discomfort. Besides, the possible Gokhale-Barfiwala connector will be, as best as I can tell from maps, about 20m long. And that's if another, less sloped solution isn't found. So, is the BMC seriously warning us about passenger discomfort and the like, over a stretch that's just 20m long?

Then there's the State Bank of India. When the Supreme Court ruled electoral bonds unconstitutional in mid-February, the judges also asked SBIthe sole vendor of these bondsto submit details of all bonds so far sold by 6 March. Two days before that deadline, SBI told the Court that this was a near-impossible task, and asked for an extension until 30 June. Just incidentally, of course, 30 June is after the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

What was SBI's reasoning underlying its demand for a delay? There were some 22,500 bonds sold, they claimed, and there was something about how the records of these bond purchases were stored in two different places. The actual details are not as important as this apparently daunting number: There are effectively 45,000 records to consider, collect, collate, correlate, and whatever else is required to be done to submit the information to the Court. This gargantuan effort, said SBI, would take till 30 June.

Numbers again. Just as I was mulling them over, just as I was about to make some tentative calculations to gauge how weighty this task really is, I got a message from my friend Shailesh Gandhi, the former Central Information Commissioner. For he had just attempted the same calculation.

Here's how we thought about it:

Again, SBI claims there are about 45,000 transactions. Let's assume all these records have to be copied from paper onto a computer. A competent data-entry operator, let's also assume, would take three minutes over each transaction. That means she should be able to enter 120 transactions in a six-hour day; no point pushing her to work longer on this stultifying job. This means we will need 375 person-days to finish all 45,000 entries.

Not that weighty, really. Put 30 SBI employees on the job and they will be done on day 13. If they had got going on the day of the original Supreme Court ruling, 15 February, the job would have been complete by the end of February. That would have left a clear week more to package all the data elegantly and, for good measure, even tie a virtual ribbon around it.

Of course, when the Supreme Court refused to allow an extension till 30 June, SBI submitted the records within two days. Clearly they were far more diligent than our back-of-the-envelope calculations above suggest.

Sticking with Shailesh Gandhi: Another of his calculations involves case backlogs in our courts. The numbers seem staggering: The backlog across all our courts amounts to some 50 million casesa clear world record. What is the hope that we will ever catch up?

Gandhi points out that this enormous backlog "has often been ascribed to the fact that there are not [an] adequate number of judges". The Supreme Court suggests that we must have 50 judges per million population, which means about 70,000 altogether. Compare with a currently-sanctioned strength of 23,000, though across our courts about 21% of those positions are vacant. Do we need to triple or quadruple the number of judges we have, to address the backlog?

This prompted Gandhi to "try and figure out how many judges would be required to ensure that the pendency would reduce". He did this by analyzing publicly-available data for the years 2006-17 on the Supreme Court website. That told him that that "the average increase in pendency was less than 3% per year."

Think of that. If we can simply fill the 21% vacancies, the pendency will automatically stop increasing. (Gandhi's calculations are a little, but only a little, more intricate.) In fact, we will start eating into that 50 million backlog.

The things a few calculations can tell us.

Once a computer scientist, Dilip DSouza now lives in Mumbai and writes for his dinners. His Twitter handle is @DeathEndsFun.
Few terms in economics are as ideologically loaded as free trade. Advocate it nowadays, and you are likely to be regarded as an apologist for plutocrats, financiers and footloose corporations. Defend open economic borders, and you will be labelled naive or, worse, a stooge of the Communist Party of China who cares little about human rights or the fate of ordinary workers at home.

As with all caricatures, there is a grain of truth in the anti-trade stance. Growing trade did contribute to rising inequality and the erosion of the middle class in the US and other advanced economies in recent decades. If free trade got a bad name, that is because globalizations boosters ignored its downsides or acted as if nothing could be done about them. This blind spot empowered demagogues like Donald Trump to weaponize trade and demonize racial and ethnic minorities, immigrants and economic rivals.

Nor is antipathy to trade the province only of right-wing populists. It also includes radical leftists, climate activists, food-safety advocates, human-rights campaigners, labour unions, consumer advocates and anti-corporate groups. US President Joe Biden, too, has noticeably distanced himself from free trade. His administration believes that building a secure, green, equitable and resilient US economy must take precedence over hyper-globalization. All progressives, it seems, believe that free trade stands in the way of social justice, however understood.

It wasnt always this way. Free trade was the rallying cry of 19th century political reformers, who saw it as a vehicle for defeating despotism, ending wars and reducing crushing inequalities in wealth. As University of Exeter historian Marc-William Palen reminds us in Pax Economica: Left-Wing Visions of a Free Trade World, the eras economic cosmopolitanism encapsulated progressive causes such as anti-militarism, anti-slavery and anti-imperialism.

It wasnt just political liberals who supported free trade. US populists in the late 19th century staunchly opposed the gold standard, but they were also against import tariffs, which they thought benefited big business and harmed ordinary people. They pushed to replace tariffs with a more equitable progressive income tax. Then, during the early part of the 20th century, many socialists viewed free trade, supported by supranational regulation, as the antidote to militarism, wealth gaps and monopolies.

These conflicting views would seem to pose a conundrum. Does trade promote peace, freedom and economic opportunity; or does it foster conflict, repression and inequality? In fact, the enigma is more apparent than real. Either outcomeor anything in betweendepends on whom trade empowers.

The 19th century liberals and reformers were free traders because they thought protectionism served retrograde interests, including landed aristocrats, business monopolies and warmongers. They believed economic nationalism went hand in hand with imperialism and aggression. Palen cites a 1919 essay by the economist Joseph Schumpeter, who depicted imperialism as a monopolistic symptom of atavistic militarism and protectionisman ailment that only democratic free-trade forces could cure."

It was this vision that informed the post-World War II international trade system. The American architects of the International Trade Organization followed in the footsteps of Cordell HullPresident Franklin D. Roosevelts secretary of statebelieving they were pursuing world peace through free trade. Hull was an economic cosmopolitan and a devotee of the 19th century radical free-trade advocate Richard Cobden. Unlike previous regimes, the post-war order was meant to be a system of global rules that did away with bilateralism and imperial privileges. While the US Congress ultimately failed to ratify the ITO, some of its key principlesincluding multilateralism and non-discriminationsurvived in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the precursor to the World Trade Organization (WTO) of today.

But trade can be instrumentalized just as easily for authoritarian and militaristic ends. A particularly egregious example is Antebellum America, where free trade served to entrench slavery. During the drafting of the US Constitution in 1787, Americas slave-owning southerners ensured that the text would prohibit the taxation of exports. They well understood that free trade would ensure that plantation agriculture remained profitable and safeguard the system of slavery on which it was based. When the North defeated the South in the US Civil War, slavery was abolished and free trade was replaced with protectionism, which suited northern business interests better.

The situation under British imperialism was similar. After the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846, the British government nominally turned its back on protectionism and led Europe in signing free-trade agreements. But in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, free trade was imposed through the barrel of a gun whenever the British encountered weak potentates ruling over valuable commodities and markets. The British fought the infamous Opium Wars of the mid-19th century to force Chinese rulers to open their markets to British and other Western goods, so that Western countries in turn could buy Chinas tea, silk and porcelain without draining their gold. The opium was grown in India, where, as Amitav Ghosh details in his new book, Smoke and Ashes, a British monopoly forced farmers to work under horrendous conditions that left long-term scars. Free trade served repression and war, and vice versa.

The post-World War II regime of multilateral free trade under American leadership would fare much better. Under GATT, commercial diplomacy replaced wars, and many non-Western countrieslike Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Chinaexpanded their economies rapidly by leveraging global markets. By the 1990s, the trade regime had become a victim of its own success. Large corporations and multinationals, empowered by the expansion of the global economy, increasingly drove trade negotiations. The environment, public health, human rights, economic security and domestic equity took a back seat. International trade had yet again moved away from Cobden and Hulls original vision, turning into a source of discord.

The lesson of history is that turning trade into a positive force requires that we democratize it. That is the only way to ensure it serves the common good, rather than narrow interests. This is an important lesson to keep in mind as we reconstruct the world trade regime in the years ahead. 2024/project syndicate
Indias Agni-5 test of a multiple-warhead ballistic missile places the country in a league of powers with only the US, UK, Russia, China and France as other members. Importantly, its success steps up Indias deterrence at a time China has openly begun to pursue a policy of power projection beyond its borders. Though not strictly an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) of the order possessed by the Big Five that can hit targets as far as 15,000km, its 5,000km-plus range brings the farthest parts of China and even some of Europe within our strike radius. This will raise the stakes for Beijing should it undertake any military misadventure against our vital interests, as nuclear-armed New Delhi could respond with greater force. This is not just another incremental step-up over previous versions of the Agni missile system. What makes this multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle (MIRV) stand out is its ability to hit many targets spread across vast distances with high accuracy, as a single carrier can launch several sub-missiles, each with its own guidance system. Such a splintered strike is hard for enemy defence shields to block. Since each sub-rocket could be nuclear-tipped, its threat magnitude would significantly alter an adversarys calculations. As a result, it enhances Indias strategic deterrence capacity. New Delhi has not revised its no first use" nuclear doctrine since it was adopted in the 1990s by the A.B. Vajpayee government, but thats all the more reason for a tougher retaliatory stance.

Beijing, of course, has been watching closely. Duly alerted by a notice issued by Indiaa standard protocol for such a missile test so that it isnt mistaken for an attackChina reportedly had a research vessel stationed off the Indian coast to monitor the MIRV tests progress. Our northern neighbour has in recent years been expanding its presence in the Indian Ocean region as part of an encirclement game that is not lost on our own strategic planners. Recall the episode of a spy ship that had docked at a Sri Lankan port under Chinese control. Just this year, Beijing has moved to draw the Maldives into its embrace. Earlier, it had set up a military base in Djibouti on the Horn of Africa. It has also been pushing for access to the Arabian Sea via Pakistan, which remains a US client-state on paper but has all weather" ties with China that could assume a geo-strategic edge. Throw in Chinas no limits" relationship with Russia and the two major wars being fought right now, and the global matrix looks less benign than it did just half a decade ago. Under Xi Jinping, the Peoples Republic has made no bones about exercising clout in ways that others would find unacceptable. And for it to reshape the world order by moving the fulcrum of power away from the West, it would need to dominate Asia first. As India would stand in the way of that ambition, Beijings disposition towards us could turn increasingly hostile.

Increased border friction has marked Indias recent relations with China and we can expect more pressure tactics in time to come. A seizure by India of a Chinese shipment to Pakistan of dual-use technology with nuke potential adds to Beijings record of anti-India manoeuvres. New Delhi will need to be watchful. Its MIRV test signalled a will to keep up with modern weaponry. But missile technology keeps moving. To secure our strategic autonomy, we may need to counter Chinas hypersonic rocket exploits that made the West sit up. In this arms race, being at the cutting edge matters.
Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Matua and Rajbanshi community of West Bengal have increasingly emerged as an assertive voter demographic over the past few decades. Political parties seeking power in West Bengal vie to keep both communities on their side. The two Hindu communities, most of whom are refugees from Bangladesh may have played a pivotal role for PM Narendra Modi's government to implement CAA, right ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government on 11 March, implemented the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), years after it was approved by Parliament in 2019.

The CAA amends the Citizenship Act of 1955 to provide a path to Indian citizenship for Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis who migrated from neighbouring countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, before December 31, 2014.

The CAA had been brought in and passed within months of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, in which the Act was part of the BJPs manifesto promises.

However, the timing of the implementation of CAA, right ahead of the crucial 2024 Lok Sabha elections has one questioning the larger purpose it may be serving the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seeking a third straight term in the Indian Government, with Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister.

The Matua in Bengal Purpose

The two groups in Bengal who can hope for their citizenship bureaucracy to be sped up are Matuas (a Dalit Hindu group with roots in Bangladesh) and Rajbanshis (Hindu refugees from Bangladesh).

Matua community is a religious group of Namasudras, or Dalits, who migrated to India during 1947 Partition, and later in 1971 during the Bangladesh Liberation War.

Matuas, who reside primarily in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas and Nadia districts, Purba Bardhaman, South 24 Parganas, and Cooch Behar had been the biggest supporters of CAA that was approved by Parliament in 2019.

Reportedly, a significant population of Matua remain without an Indian Citizenship.

According to a report by Indian Express, the Matua community has 1.75 crore legal voters in India. This is a crucial demographic for Lok Sabha polls in constituencies of Bangaon, Barasat, Ranaghat, Krishnanagar, and Cooch Behar.

In 2019, BJP had won Bangaon, Ranaghat, and Cooch Behar. Notably these are seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC). TMC bagged Barasat and Krishnanagar.

Riding on CAA promise BJP won a record number of 18 seats from Bengal in 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, leading in 33 of the total 68 SC-reserved Assembly segments in the state. Of these 33 seats, 26 are Matua-dominated.

The 2021 note

In a bid to overturn the 2021 West Bengal Assembly Elections result, that ruled in favour of Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC), the BJP could aim to consolidate Hindu refugee votes with CAA.

In 2021, BJP was the main opposition in West Bengal, however, the saffron party performed poorly in North 24 Parganas and Nadia districts bordering Bangladesh. This was seen as a reflection of the Matua anger against BJP not notifying CAA.

The Rajbanshis, though, had stayed with the BJP in large numbers, says available data.

By operationalising CAA, the BJP has finally fulfilled its promise to the Matua community and it will look to repeat its 2019 performance and wipe out the advances the TMC made two years ago.

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Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal said neither he nor the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is aware of the alliance in Punjab. "This (speculation) is on social media, media...," he said, asserting that the SAD has an alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in the state.

"At the moment, we are contesting on all 13 seats (in Punjab). We have an alliance with the BSP...I am not ruling out...," Badal said at a press conference on Thursday.

He said all the like-minded parties that want to save Punjab are "most welcome except the Congress or 'broom' (Aam Aadmi Party, AAP)..."

Sukhbir Singh Badal's statement came amid speculations that his party may join hands with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

SAD was part of the NDA earlier. The party had snapped ties with the BJP in September 2020 over the contentious farm laws introduced by the government.

Earlier this year, Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah asserted that talks were on with the SAD. The home minister was quoted by PTI as saying, "Talks are going on but nothing has been finalised." A day later, several reports claimed that the talks for an alliance between the BJP and the SAD to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Punjab "failed".

Even in 2023, the SAD had dismissed speculations of reuniting with the BJP and said the party is having a routine meeting and there is no question of reunion with the BJP.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, the Congress had won eight of the 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab, while the AAP managed to win just one and the SAD-BJP alliance four. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the AAP won four seats, the Congress two, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) four and the BJP two.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a 'sudden' move, film director Ram Gopal Varma on Thursday said that he is joining politics and would contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Varma, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), said that he would contest the 2024 Lok Sabha polls from Pithapuram constituency in Andhra Pradesh.

Varma has not clearly mentioned which political party he has joined, for if he would be contesting the election as an independent candidate.

In his X post, Varma wrote: "SUDDEN DECISION..Am HAPPY to inform that I am CONTESTING from PITHAPURAM"

In another post, the film maker said that he is very serious about the decision. "To all those doubting , I AM SUPER SERIOUS," he wrote.

The Vyooham director has been fielded opposite Telugu Desam Party-Bharatiya Janata Party-Jana Sena Party alliance's candidate Pawan Kalyan for the Pithapuram seat in the Lok Sabha polls. Kalyan is a known Telugu actor and heads the JSP.

After suffering a crushing defeat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the TDP, which was part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance until 2018, expressed interest in reviving the alliance.

Andhra Pradesh has a total of 25 Lok Sabha seats and 175 seats in the state Assembly.

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are expected to be held in April-May.

Controversy around Ram Gopal Varma and the politics of Andhra Pradesh

The filmmaker had recently directed a movie named ' Vyooham' around the politics in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The 2023 December movie had received a backlash in the states as several political leaders demanded the expulsion of Varma from Andhra Pradesh.

A petition was filed in the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh High Courts against Vyooham, calling for prohibition. The plea said that Varma's latest movie may serve as a tool for strategy and contribute to the propagation of animosity within society, leading to conflicts between political parties.

The film is about the circumstances surrounding the death of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy, father of present Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Authorities were particularly wary of scenes within the film that allegedly insult the leadership of the Telugu Desam and Janasena parties.

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India's equation with two of its neighbours, Pakistan and China, tells a tale of tension, ecological impact, and the shadow of nuclear capability, as per the latest Director of National Intelligence (DNI) annual threat assessment.

India-Pakistan conflict

The relationship dynamics with India are a mix of cautious calm and underlying tension, says the report. Following a renewed cease-fire in 2021, relations will remain strained", it adds.

Pakistan's history of supporting groups hostile to India and India's current government's readiness to use military force add layers of unpredictability. The risk of escalation is palpable, with Kashmir and the threat of militant attacks being potential spark points for conflict.

Pakistan has a long history of supporting anti-India militant groups, and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is more likely than in the past to respond with military force to perceived or real Pakistani provocations," the report says.

Each sides perception of heightened tensions raises the risk of conflict, with violent unrest in Kashmir or a militant attack in India being potential flashpoints," it adds.

India-China tension

The assessment considers India and China as major players in the global climate scene. The heavy reliance on coal for energy not only boosts their economies but also their greenhouse gas emissions, it says.

Despite ongoing talks and some resolved issues, the scar of a violent clash in 2020 with China has left India wary. Previous standoffs have shown that low-level friction on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), if persistent, can escalate swiftly, it says.

The expanded military postures by both India and China along the disputed border elevate the risk of armed confrontation between two nuclear powers that might involve direct threats to U.S. persons and interests, and calls for U.S. intervention," says the assessment.

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Unconstitutional, against human rights, said Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday as he assured that the Citizenship Amendment Act will not be implemented in the state. He also accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the grand old party of staying silent on the issue of CAA.

Questioning the move, Vijayan asked why the rules were hurriedly notified now, over four years after the legislation was passed by the Parliament.

Addressing a press conference, Vijayan alleged that the contentious legislation grants legal validity to religious discrimination, but the Congress was withdrawing from a united front against the CAA.

The only reaction from party is that from the Congress' general secretary and in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh, said the Chief Minister adding that the Congress and its national president Mallikarjun Kharge are yet to comment on the notification of implementation of CAA.

Despite the lack of support from Congress on the CAA issue, the CM contended that the Kerala government will neither bend nor keep silent".

Reacting to the 'No CAA in Kerala', Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that the state does not have the right to do so. "In our Constitution, the right to make laws concerning citizenship has been given only to Parliament. This is a Central subject, not the state's, both the law and its implementation," he said during an interview with news agency ANI.

Shah also said that the Citizenship Amendment Act does not violate any provision of the constitution. "CAA has been brought by the BJP government led by PM Modi. It is impossible to repeal CAA...It is a fully constitutional law," the Home Minister said.

The CAA grants citizenship to undocumented migrants of all religions -- except Muslims -- from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who arrived in India before December 31, 2014.

(With agency inputs)

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Patiala MP Preneet Kaur, the wife of former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday,ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Kaur was suspended from the Congress for alleged anti-party activities February last year.

Kaur, however, did not clear if she would contest the Lok Sabha polls this year.

A four-time MP and a former Union minister, joined the saffron party in its headquarters in Delhi in the presence of senior BJP leader. Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar, who himself was a part of Congress earlier, was also present at the event.

After joining the BJP, Kaur told the reporters that she will continue her work under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She also termed her time with the grand old party as a 'good inning', and said that she hopes for a better 'inning' with the saffron party.

"I will work for my constituency, my state and the country under the leadership of PM Modi. I had a good innings with the Congress party and I hope I'll have a better innings with the BJP," Kaur said.

On if she will contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the MP said that it depends on the BJP.

Kaur also praised PM Modi and his policies, and said that she has full faith that under his leadership, the country will safe and progressing.

"I am happy that today I am joining the BJP. Today, the time has come when everyone should come together and look at the works of PM Modi and his policies, like the 'Viksit Bharat' Programme. I have full confidence that under the leadership of PM Modi, we will be able to keep our country safe and take it forward," she said.

BJP is emerging in the mind of a common Punjabi, said BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde as he welcomed Kaur to the saffron party. He asserted that the inclusion of political leaders like Preneet Kaur will make the BJP stronger in the Punjab.

Tawde said that Preneet Kaur is a parliamentarian who has proved her potential by working on many committees. "When such people come to BJP, especially in Punjab where public mentality is being formed against the state government, it makes us strong. BJP is emerging in the mind of a common Punjabi. The development of Punjab as desired by PM Modi will become stronger with Prennet Kaur ji."

Amarinder Singh had left the Congress in 2022 to join the BJP. Subsequently, Kaur was suspended by the Congress for indulging in anti-party activities and helping the BJP.

Preneet Kaur was first elected to the 13th Lok Sabha in 1999. In 2004, she was re-elected to the 14th Lok Sabha. She then won the 2009 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. She had

Kaur won the elections in 2009 and 2019 and was re-elected to the Lok Sabha.

Interestingly, Kaur was the only opposition member in the Lok Sabha's ethics committee to vote for expulsion of Trinamool Congress's Mahua Moitra in the cash-for-query case.

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The Bharatiya Janata Party, Trinamool Congress, and the Congress are among the top three political parties that benefitted from the electoral bonds, according to data uploaded by the Election Commission on its website on Thursday. The data on electoral bonds was made public after the State Bank of India, following the Supreme Court's order, submitted it to the election body.

According to the data, the BJP received funding of over 6,061 crore via electoral bonds, while the TMC got 1,610 crore. The Congress received 1,422 crore through those bonds.

Following close behind is the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) with a total of 1,215 crore in funds though the electoral bonds. The Biju Janta Dal (BJD) got a funding of 776 crore.

Apart from these political parties, the other recipients of the electoral bond fund are All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Shiv Sena, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSR Congress), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Janata Dal (United)(JDU), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), SP (Samajwadi Party), and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).

Earlier, the SBI had said that the ruling BJP encashed the highest value of bondsclose to half the total (47%, or 6,060 crore). This was followed by the All India Trinamool Congress, whose value of encashment stands at 1,609 crore, or a share of 13%, and Congress ( 1,421 crore, 11%).

The SBI had said it had issued bonds worth 16,518 crore in 30 tranches between April 2019 and February 15, 2024.

The list of bond purchases has entries until January 11, 2024, while the list of bond encashments has entries until January 24, 2024likely the reason why the totals do not match with the one given by the SBI.

The data also showed that big companies such as Piramal Enterprises, Megha Engineering, and Grasim Industries have donated to political parties through these bonds. Other companies such as PVR, Sula Wine, Apollo Tyres, Lakshmi Mittal, Edelweiss, Keventer, Welspun, and Sun Pharma have also bought the electoral bonds.

Bharti Airtel, Torrent Power, DLF Commercial Developers, and Vedanta Ltd also made it to the list of top donors to political parties.

Earlier today, the Election Commission said that it had, in compliance with the apex court's directions, uploaded the data on electoral bonds on its website as received from the SBI on "as is where is basis".

The Supreme Court, last month, asked the SBI to submit the data to the ECI, while it deemed the electoral bonds as 'unconstitutional'.

"The Election Commission of India has today uploaded the data on electoral bonds on its website as received from SBI on 'as is where is basis'. The data as received from SBI can be accessed at this URL: https://eci.gov.in/candidate-politicalparty," the poll panel said.

They further added that the Election Commission has "consistently and categorically weighed in favour of disclosure and transparency, a position reflected in the proceedings of the Hon'ble Supreme Court and noted in the order also".

(With agency inputs)

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Mining Indaba, Africas biggest mining conference, is a geological jamboree. But the latest bash, held in Cape Town in February, was also a geopolitical spectacle. For as well as the usual Chinese and Western firms there were arrivistes from the Gulf. Manara Minerals, a state-backed Saudi Arabian fund, has up to $15bn to spend on foreign mines. Also browsing is the International Holding Company, an Emirati conglomerate with a market capitalisation of $240bn, around that of Blackrock and BP combined; in November its minerals arm bought a 51% stake in a Zambian copper mine.

Gulf interest in African mining is part of a broader trend. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Qatar are increasingly influential in Africa. The continent is a destination for their capital, an arena for their rivalries and a test of their global ambitions. Dubai has become the crucial financial hub for African elites. As African leaders seek alternatives to dwindling Chinese loans and Western aid, the Gulfs rise is reshaping geopolitics on the continent, with effects good and bad.

Gulf-Africa relations go back centuries; archaeologists have found Arab coins at Great Zimbabwe, a medieval city-state. The Horn of Africa, separated from the Arabian peninsula by the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, has long been seen by Arabs as in their neighbourhood. Interest in the rest of Africa has focused on supporting Muslim charities and buying agricultural land, yet waxed and waned with the oil price.

View Full Image Graphic: The Economist

That on-off relationship has become more consistent as Gulf countries assert themselves as middle powers in a multipolar world. Though their approaches differ, they share a belief that African countries are neglected by other statesand that because they are poor, influence is cheap. Sub-Saharan Africa has more than 20 times the population of the Gulf Co-operation Council countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain), but a smaller GDP.

Economic ties are the clearest evidence of closer Gulf-Africa relations. In the 2010s annual average trade between sub-Saharan Africa and the UAE was less than half of that between the region and America. But since 2020 the sum of imports and exports between the UAE and sub-Saharan Africa has been larger. Over the past decade the UAE has been the fourth-largest foreign direct investor in Africa, behind China, the EU and America. It has come to the rescue of African states running short of hard currency, for instance bailing out Sudan in 2019 and Ethiopia in 2018. Recently it pledged to invest $35bn in Egypt. The millions of Africans in Gulf countries are a vital source of remittances back home.

The UAE has been particularly active in logistics and energy. It is Chinas main rival for African ports. DP World, a Dubai-based firm, runs ports in nine African countries and in October won a new concession in Tanzania. The Abu Dhabi Ports Group runs several more. These bolster the UAEs position as the hub between Africa and Asia, a role boosted by the Emirates airline.

The UAE is also helping Africa develop oil and gas projects at a time when some in the West are wary of falling foul of climate agreements. In December Morocco and the UAE agreed to build a pipeline that could take gas from Nigeria to the Mediterranean. At the same time, Emirati investors are among the biggest spenders on renewables projects in Africa. Masdar, a state-owned firm, says it will invest $10bn to increase sub-Saharan Africas electricity-generation capacity by 10GWa big boost given that, excluding South Africa, the regions installed capacity is 89GW, roughly the same as Mexicos. They want to show that they can do these projects better than the West, and they want Africans to love them," says an adviser to Abu Dhabi.

November saw the first Saudi-African summit, the latest Africa+1" event inspired by Chinas triennial gatherings. Saudi Arabia announced it would invest more than $25bn in Africa by 2030, and give a further $5bn in aid. Having helped bail out Sudan and, reportedly, the Central African Republic (CAR) in recent years, Saudi Arabia has since pledged help to Ghana and other countries with debt crises.

Qatars role in Rwanda shows how small investments (by Gulf standards) go a long way in Africa. The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), a $500bn sovereign-wealth fund, has been a co-investor in a pan-African fund with the Rwandan Social Security Board, a domestic fund. QIA also has a 60% share in a project to build a new airport to the south of Kigali, the capital.

The Gulf states appeal to Africa is three-fold. First, they have money to spend when others are pulling back. In the 2020s annual new Chinese lending to Africa is on average 10% of what it was during the 2010s ($1.4bn per year versus $14bn). In 2022 the share of Western aid to Africa was at its lowest since at least 2000. Second is speed: Gulf autocracies are seen as much faster than the West or the World Bank. In January Uganda picked an Emirati firm to build a $4bn refinery having ended a deal with an American group it said was taking too long. Third, the Gulf is seen as something of a model for African countries seeking to diversify away from natural resources. And like the Chinese it does not hurt that they are courteous and roll out the red carpet, even for leaders of small countries," adds an adviser to an African president.

The Gulfs economic push is coupled with a diplomatic one. From 2012 to 2022 Qatar and the UAE more than doubled the number of embassies they have in Africa. Saudi Arabia plans to increase its diplomatic posts to 40 (from 28). African leaders have joined it in condemning Israels invasion of Gaza. It is hard to imagine South Africa bringing its case at the International Court of Justice alleging genocide by Israel in Gaza without the support of Gulf countries including Qatar, which Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africas president, visited in November, about six weeks before he launched the application.

Gulf attention to African problems has, at times, been effective. Qatar mediated between America and Rwanda over the release from prison last year of Paul Rusesabagina, the hero of the film Hotel Rwanda". And in 2018 Saudi Arabia and the UAE helped broker a rapprochement between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Both Gulf states have contributed money to the fight against jihadists in the Sahel.

Yet Gulf states can also destabilise Africa, undermining Western aims in the process. That is especially true of the UAE, which is the most risk-taking in pursuing its geostrategic interests on the continent. So much so that for all Africans talk about the UAE becoming the new China" in terms of investment, the way it stealthily builds a network of strongmen is equally suggestive of Russias Africa strategy.

The UAE has used economic might and supplies of weaponry to stitch together a web of clients in north-east Africa. These include Khalifa Haftar, a Libyan strongman; Muhammad Hamdan Dagalo, a Sudanese warlord better known as Hemedti; and Chads president, Mahamat Deby. The UAEs support for Hemedtis Rapid Support Forces in Sudans year-long civil warduring which his paramilitary force has been accused of genocidehas complicated Saudi- and American-led peace talks and is encouraging his opponent, the Sudanese Armed Forces, to seek weaponry from Iran. (The UAE denies arming the force.)

In addition, the UAE has forged a close relationship with Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopias prime minister, funding infrastructure projects and supplying drones used in the civil war in Tigray. Eritrea and Somalia have sought Saudi Arabian support in opposing what they see as a UAE-backed plan by Abiy to recognise Somaliland, a breakaway part of Somalia, in exchange for land on which it could build a port, giving it access to the sea. Were aware we dont have enough of an understanding of the dynamics," says a Western diplomat in Ethiopia.

With friends like these

The effects of Emirati adventurism are a reminder that the Gulf is hardly going to champion African democracy. The Saudis have welcomed juntas that took power via coups. In Somalia, Qatar and the UAE have accused each other of bribing rival politicians. America has imposed sanctions on firms based in the UAE for their alleged connections to al-Shabab, the Somali jihadist group, and to Wagner, the Russian mercenary force that had close links to Hemedti and other strongmen.

Then there is the role that Dubai, in particular, may play in enabling African corruption. Over the past decade, as European countries have at least pledged to tighten financial regulation, African business and political elitesoften the same thinghave turned to Dubai. In 2021 there were more than 26,000 African companies in Dubai, an increase of around a third from four years earlier, according to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce.

Most of the capital flows from Africa into Dubai are perfectly legaland rational for elites keen to keep their cash. Many Africans dont trust their own economies," argues Ricardo Soares de Oliveira of Oxford University. And in contrast to Chinese or Indians using Caribbean tax havens or Mauritius before bringing the money back home, Africans dont do much round-tripping: its mostly one-way."

Yet various reports suggest a more worrying side to Dubai. In 2020 a report by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a think-tank, argued that Dubais property market is a magnet for tainted money." It identified 34 Nigerian governors, seven senators and 13 ministers with Dubai properties, the cost of which it says would seem to exceed what their official salaries should permit". Also in 2020 the Sentry, a watchdog, claimed that Dubai imports around 95% of the gold coming from conflict hotspots such as Sudan, South Sudan, Congo and the CAR. Last year a report by Al-Jazeera alleged that Zimbabwean elites have smuggled billions of dollars in cash and gold to Dubai. Hemedti has become rich, in part, by selling Sudanese gold via Dubai, according to the UN.

Last month the UAE celebrated its removal from an official money-laundering grey list". Yet Dubai remains home to many people accused by African and other states of graft, such as Isabel dos Santos, the daughter of Angolas ex-president. South Africa has for several years struggled to extradite from the UAE two of the Gupta brothers who allegedly orchestrated state capture" under Mr Ramaphosas predecessor. They all deny wrongdoing.

Dubais opennessin ways good and badis not designed with Africa in mind. But its role as a one-way ticket for rich Africans and their money has a disproportionate impact back on the continent. Africa may be small fry for Dubai but Dubai is huge for Africa," says Mr Soares de Oliveira.

The rise of the Gulf presents African leaders with a familiar choice. Do they use partnerships with outside powers for their self-interest or to benefit their citizens? For the West there is another dilemma. On the one hand it wants more African minerals and less Russian and Chinese influence in Africa. On the other it wants to promote good governance. It will be tempting to see Gulf countries as a means to the first end, but less so if they undermine the second. The Gulf states, in particular the UAE, often have conflicting interests in Africaand will pursue them ruthlessly.

 2024, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
The Shahed-model drone that killed three U.S. service members at a remote base in Jordan on Jan. 28 cost around $20,000. It was part of a family of drones built by Shahed Aviation Industries Research Center, an Iranian company run by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. A thousand miles away and three days later, on the night of Jan. 31 into the morning of Feb. 1, unmanned maritime drones deployed by Ukraines secretive Unit 13 sunk the $70 million Russian warship Ivanovets in the Black Sea. And for the past several months, Houthi proxies have shut down billions of dollars of trade through the Gulf of Aden through similarly inexpensive drone attacks on maritime shipping. Drones have become suddenly ubiquitous on the battlefieldbut we are only at the dawn of this new age in warfare.

This would not be the first time that a low-cost technology and a new conception of warfare combined to supplant high-cost technologies based on old ways. History is littered with similar stories. A favorite comes from the time of Alexander the Great. His conquests are as much a technological story as a political one. When Alexanders army stepped onto the battlefield it was not only with a new technologythe sarissa, a 16-foot spearbut also with a new conception of how to use that weapon in tight, impregnable phalanxes. These heavily armed formations allowed Alexander to repel Persian armored chariots and Indian war elephants and to march deep into the subcontinent.

The most formidable element of American power-projection has long been the warship. After the Oct. 7 attacks against Israel, the Biden administration sent two carrier battle groups to the region to deter Iranian aggression. One of those carriers, the USS Gerald R. Ford, was on its maiden voyage, having recently been completed at a price tag of $13 billion. This makes it the most expensive warship in history.

For that same sum, a nation could purchase 650,000 Shahed drones. It would only take a few of those drones finding their target to cripple and perhaps sink the Ford. Fortunately, the Ford and other U.S. warships possess ample missile defense systems that make it highly improbable that a few, or even a few dozen, Shahed drones could land direct hits. But rapid developments in AI are changing that.

Drones are simple, cheap and available to militaries the world overtheyre the sarissas of today. But what those militaries have yet to achieve is the conception of war that will fulfill the potential of these unmanned systems. Much as the sarissa changed the face of warfare 2,000 years ago when employed in a phalanx of well-trained soldiers, the drone will change the face of warfare when employed in swarms directed by AI. This moment hasnt yet arrived, but it is rushing to meet us. If were not prepared, these new technologies deployed at scale could shift the global balance of military power.

The future of warfare wont be decided by weapons systems but by systems of weapons, and those systems will cost less. Many of them already exist, whether theyre the Shahed drones attacking shipping in the Gulf of Aden or the Switchblade drones destroying Russian tanks in the Donbas or smart seaborne mines around Taiwan. What doesnt yet exist are the AI-directed systems that will allow a nation to take unmanned warfare to scale. But theyre coming.

A few Shahed drones are mostly a hassle, easily swatted from the sky except in the rare case when they score a lucky hit. They are best at blinding radars, disrupting communications and attacking small numbers of troops, as they did tragically in Jordan. But dozens or hundreds of drones in AI-directed swarms will have the capacity to overwhelm defenses and destroy even advanced platforms. Nations that depend on large, expensive systems like aircraft carriers, stealth aircraft or even battle tanks could find themselves vulnerable against an adversary who deploys a variety of low-cost, easily dispersed and long-range unmanned weapons.

At its core, AI is a technology based on pattern recognition. In military theory, the interplay between pattern recognition and decision-making is known as the OODA loopobserve, orient, decide, act. The OODA loop theory, developed in the 1950s by Air Force fighter pilot John Boyd, contends that the side in a conflict that can move through its OODA loop fastest will possess a decisive battlefield advantage.

For example, of the more than 150 drone attacks on U.S. forces since the Oct. 7 attacks, in all but one case the OODA loop used by our forces was sufficient to subvert the attack. Our warships and bases were able to observe the incoming drones, orient against the threat, decide to launch countermeasures and then act. Deployed in AI-directed swarms, however, the same drones could overwhelm any human-directed OODA loop. Its impossible to launch thousands of autonomous drones piloted by individuals, but the computational capacity of AI makes such swarms a possibility.

This will transform warfare. The race wont be for the best platforms but for the best AI directing those platforms. Its a war of OODA loops, swarm versus swarm. The winning side will be the one thats developed the AI-based decision-making that can outpace their adversary. Warfare is headed toward a brain-on-brain conflict.

The Department of Defense is already researching a brain-computer interface," which is a direct communications pathway between the brain and an AI. A recent study by the RAND Corporation examining how such an interface could support human-machine decision-making" raised the myriad ethical concerns that exist when humans become the weakest link in the wartime decision-making chain. To avoid a nightmare future with battlefields populated by fully autonomous killer robots, the U.S. has insisted that a human decision maker must always remain in the loop before any AI-based system might conduct a lethal strike.

But will our adversaries show similar restraint? Or would they be willing to remove the human to gain an edge on the battlefield? The first battles in this new age of warfare are only now being fought. Its easy to imagine a future, however, where navies will cease to operate as fleets and will become schools of unmanned surface and submersible vessels, where air forces will stand down their squadrons and stand up their swarms, and where a conquering army will appear less like Alexanders soldiers and more like a robotic infestation.

Much like the nuclear arms race of the last century, the AI arms race will define this current one. Whoever wins will possess a profound military advantage. Make no mistake, if placed in authoritarian hands, AI dominance will become a tool of conquest, just as Alexander expanded his empire with the new weapons and tactics of his age. The ancient historian Plutarch reminds us how that campaign ended: When Alexander saw the breadth of his domain, he wept, for there were no more worlds to conquer."

Elliot Ackerman and James Stavridis are the authors of 2054," a novel that speculates about the role of AI in future conflicts, just published by Penguin Press. Ackerman, a Marine veteran, is the author of numerous books and a senior fellow at Yales Jackson School of Global Affairs. Admiral Stavridis, U.S. Navy (ret.), was the 16th Supreme Allied Commander of NATO and is a partner at the Carlyle Group.
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Steven Henry, whos running for the Catoosa County Board of Commissioners Chairman, says it feels good to be on the ballot but he hates that it took a court order to do so.
Judge dismisses suit by Georgia slave descendants over technical errors. Lawyers vow to try again

Attorneys plan to refile a lawsuit over zoning changes that they say threaten one of the South's last Gullah-Geechee communities of Black slave descendants
Akins family and friends gathered at the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, speaking about the mother of seven, her life, and the countless lives she impacted. It was made clear she'll be missed by those who truly knew her best.
Aircraft contrails in the sky at dawn. Many people believe these contrails are actually dangerous or being used for conspicuous purposes.
The Local Enterprise Office as part of Longford County Council and in association with Longford Chamber held a very successful AI: The Way Forward business event in Backstage Theatre on Monday, March 4.

The primary focus of the event, which opened Local Enterprise Week 2024, was on artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on small businesses both now and into the future. Business owners from around the county showed up in force for what was an insightful and educational event.

Carole Coleman, multimedia journalist and presenter with RTE moderated and expertly guided proceedings throughout the day.

The keynote speaker was Longford-born and London-based broadcaster, editor and artificial intelligence trailblazer Anne-Marie Tomchak who presented an informative and practical overview of how artificial intelligence can be used to the advantage of small businesses to bring efficiencies and improved customer service.

She also provided a comprehensive overview of practical AI tools which are readily available and can easily automate routine tasks for small businesses as well as assist in areas such as customer communication, HR and marketing.

The event also featured a panel discussion, with Anne-Marie Tomchak being joined on stage by three other AI experts and business leaders, namely Alan Farrelly of CitySwift, John OShanahan of LeanBPI and Toby Farren of Waypoint Software.

All four panelists shed light on their individual business experiences using AI.

They imparted valuable and practical insights on its impact on small businesses. Key learnings that emerged included the importance of firstly digitalising processes and data, and then starting to take small incremental steps to integrate artificial intelligence processes to match business needs.

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Colm Murray closed the event, congratulating all involved in creating this supportive forum for businesses.

He commented, We need to grasp the significance of artificial intelligence quickly and to help local small firms to use it to gain and maintain competitive advantage."

Following the event, Chief Executive of Longford County Council Paddy Mahon said, This event demonstrates the relevant and valuable support provided to small businesses across County Longford by our Local Enterprise Office, kicking off the series of events that are taking place during Enterprise Week 2024 with this discussion on the latest advances in cutting edge technology.

Overall, the event was a great success, with businesses from all sectors across County Longford getting the opportunity to hear from experts in the area of artificial intelligence.

The event will hopefully instil confidence in those attending to adopt digitalisation and AI tools to benefit their businesses.

For the latest news and events from Longford County Council and Local Enterprise Office, Longford, follow us on social media or log on to Longfordcoco.ie.

Main Photo caption: Front l to r; Keynote Speaker Anne-Marie Tomchak, and Moderator Carole Coleman. Back; Cllr Seamus Butler; Toby Farren, Waypoint Software; Rose McKenna, Local Enterprise Office, Longford County Council; Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Colm Murray; John OShanahan, LeanBPI; Senator Micheal Carrigy and Alan Farrelly, CitySwift Picture: Clare Frances Photography
The health and diversity of Longford's commercial sector was apparent when the county's Local Enterprise Office hosted their annual awards last week.

Multi-discipline film production company Harp Media took the top prize and will represent Longford at the 24th National Enterprise Awards Final in the Mansion House, Dublin, on Thursday, May 23, 2024.

Six other winners received accolades at the annual ceremony.

The LEO awards honour outstanding small businesses in the county.

Speaking at the ceremony Longford County Council Director of Services with responsibility for Enterprise, Michael Nevin, commended the finalists: We have good representation across a range of sectors. Longford businesses are very modest people. It can be difficult to get them to put their hands up for awards and say 'I'm doing well'. Today we recognise some of the businesses in the county who are making an impact, both locally and nationally.

Also read: Longfords Local Enterprise Week opens with insightful AI event

Leas Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Garry Murtagh, addressed the importance of the gathering: The aim of these awards is to spotlight, showcase and give coverage to the culture of enterprise and entrepreneurship in our community. The council, through the local enterprise office, supports and celebrates these businesses.

Longford County Council and the LEO are always working to make County Longford a better place to do business in, said Cllr Murtagh.

The council Leas Cathaoirleach spoke of the vital role the businesses play in the community: We recognise the achievement of progressive and forward thinking entrepreneurs throughout the county. These are businesses that help us retain our young people and bring wealth to the local economy. Today we recognise their efforts.

A diverse range of indigenous businesses were recognised at the event. The Lean Champion award went to Longford town retail outlet Fabiani, owned and run by Louise Brennan.

The women's designer clothing fashion boutique is over a decade in business. What started as a high-end shoe store has transformed into a 'retail destination' attracting a national customer base.

The Lean Champion award acknowledged the businesses' advancements in the online side of the business, developing a process to support the growth of online sales and automate aspects of order capture resulting in an efficient and effective use of resources.

The 2024 Digital Champion is Larkin Windows & Doors. In 1992 Brendan Larkin established the family run business in Ballinamuck. They have grown to become one of the largest producers and suppliers of aluminium and uPVC doors, windows, porches, patios and conservatories in the County.

In 2023, the company undertook a Digital for Business Programme with Longford LEO to get a full review of their systems before switching to cloud-based project management and production systems improving their work processes.

Ballymahon lifestyle store and deli Wilder & Gold are this year's Green champion. Their upgrade of tech infrastructure has ensured future growth. Established by Marie O'Dowd in 2018 the business has focused on managing and controlling the environmental impact of the business.

Availing of the Green for Business Programme, Marie had a full audit of the business from a Green perspective reviewing waste management, food waste and packaging along with energy usage. The audit resulted in a range of actions aimed at achieving reductions in food waste and energy usage.

Hugh Quinn, Director and Chairperson of Edgeworthstown District Development Association, was the recipient of the Spirit of Longford Award.

Hugh is a leading driver in the development of Co: Worx, the award winning co-working hub in Edgeworthstown. Hugh is very involved in Edgeworthstown Trader's Association, an organisation he established almost 20 years ago.

Edgeworthstown Trader's Association represents local business owners who work together to improve the town's aesthetic and commercial possibilities. The association now has 50 permanent members and continues growing.

Since coming into being in 2018 Harp Media has enjoyed a tremendous amount of success. Robert Higgins and Patrick McGivney, the award-winning directing and producing duo, have been leading lights in the independent Irish film sector.

They wrote, produced and directed the feature film 'Lakelands' which won Best Irish Film at the Galway Film Fleadh and Kerry Film Festival. Their short film 'Drifting' stars Emmy nominee Paul Mescal, IFTA nominees Dafhyd Flynn and Lorcan Cranitch.

After Lakelands premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh it was acquired for worldwide distribution with Oscar winning distributor Network Ireland Television. Alongside their creative film making, Harp Media also provides video production and streaming to the commercial sector with an impressive client listing. The duo have worked with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland delivering film production workshops to students across the region.

The final award went to a relatively new start-up. In the area of innovation Thermwall, established by brothers Guram and Bisek Baisonashvili, is a real Longford success story. Guram and Bisek are originally from Georgia, but have been living in Ireland for the past 20 years.

They began their careers in the construction industry before starting Thermwall in 2023, manufacturing insulation solutions for the commercial and domestic market in Ireland.

The company designs, manufactures, cuts and assembles insulation solutions specific to client needs.

The County Longford Enterprise Awards took place as part of Local Enterprise Week in PVs in Longford town. It was organised by Local Enterprise Offices, and supported by Enterprise Ireland, local authorities, including Longford County Council, and the Government of Ireland.
Irish premier Leo Varadkar has said he is worried about homophobia and transphobia.

Mr Varadkar made the remarks during a meeting with the Capital Pride Alliance in Washington DC.

The group, which will host World Pride in the city next year, said he had played a strong leadership role in LGBT rights internationally.

Mr Varadkar, who announced he was gay in 2015, the first time a serving minister did so in Ireland, discussed Irelands passing of a constitutional amendment through a referendum which extended marriage equality to same-sex couples.

He also said there was legislation allowing transexual people to assign their own gender by choice.

However, he added: But a bit like the rest of the world, theres been a bit of a backlash to that in the last couple of years.

I think theres been an increase in violence towards the community and, sort of, starting to become acceptable again to be homophobic or transphobic, in particular.

And I worry about that.

During the meeting, Mr Varadkar and Irish ambassador to the US Geraldine Byrne Nason also discussed Irelands work with South Africa on LGBT rights at the UN.

The Taoiseach also noted anti-LGBT messaging of Vladimir Putins regime in Russia.

Shua Goodwin, board member of Capital Pride Alliance, said that there has been progress on LGBT rights, there are also people who want to hold onto the past with transphobia and homophobia.

Speaking to the PA news agency after the meeting with Mr Varadkar, Mr Goodwin said: Theres a way to counteract that, to say thats not normal just because it seems to be happening more and more.

He said homophobia and transphobia could also be countered by letting LGBT people know they will continue to be supported.

Thats just safe for everyone because we know when the most marginalised groups are insecure and unsafe, thats going to go across all lines of folks  no matter what their religious belief, race, sexual orientation.

I think him really focusing on that has thats why him raising that was fantastic.

Mr Goodwin said the group invited Mr Varadkar because he, and the country of Ireland, had done such a fantastic job on human rights internationally.
Bronx Man Sentenced To One To Three Years In Prison For The Identity Theft Of Multiple Suffolk County Residents

Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: March 14 2024

Donald Archibald Pleaded Guilty in February.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Donald Archibald, 44, of the Bronx, was sentenced to one to three years in prison after he pleaded guilty in February to multiple counts of grand larceny and identity theft for stealing the identities of multiple Suffolk County residents and then using their personal identifying information to obtain money.

Identity theft comes with serious consequences. Not only for the thief but also for the victims. No one wants their personal information stolen and used for illegal activities or have their funds wiped out to fund a criminals greed, said District Attorney Tierney. We take these crimes seriously and we will continue to go after those who take advantage of others through such deceptive and invasive means.

According to court documents and the defendants admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on April 13, 2023, at approximately 12:12 p.m., after obtaining his first victims Suffolk County address and contact information off the dark web, Archibald entered an M&T Bank in Bridgeport, Connecticut and displayed a false drivers license to the bank teller. The license displayed the victims correct name and address but had the defendants face depicted. Archibald presented the teller with a withdrawal slip and withdrew $2,000 from the victims checking account.

Later that same day, at approximately 12:36 p.m., Archibald entered a different M&T Bank branch in Bridgeport, Connecticut and used the same Suffolk County residents bank account information and a washed check to withdraw $3,000 in cash from the victims account.

In a similar scheme, on April 14, 2023, after once again obtaining another Suffolk County residents personal information off the dark web, Archibald entered a TD Bank in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and, similarly, displayed a false drivers license with a picture of his own face but with the victims information. Archibald then cashed a $4,500 washed check issued in the name of the victim.

On February 9, 2024, Archibald pleaded guilty to the following charges before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro:

One count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class D felony;

Two counts of Identity Theft in the First Degree, Class D felonies;

One count of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony; and

One count of Identity Theft in the Second Degree, a Class E felony.

On March 13, 2024, Justice Ambro ordered Archibald to serve an indeterminate sentence of one to three years in prison. He was represented by Christopher Brocato, Esq.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ryan Hunter of the Financial Crimes Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Daniel Pagano of the Suffolk County Police Departments Financial Crime Unit.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: March 14 2024

Matt moved to Long Island just before second grade and has lived there for more than 40 years.

When high school ended, 18-year-old Matt Laub told his parents that he wanted to take a year off. That went over like a house of cards, Matt recalls with a laugh. When Monday morning rolled around, my stepfather told me to get out of bed, get my boots on, and get to work. Thats how I found myself on a Long Island construction site at 8:00 AM  and Ive been there ever since.

Matt moved to Long Island just before second grade and has lived there for more than 40 years. I inherited a lot of my Long Island pride  and my union pride  from my stepfather, Matt says. My mom remarried when I was around 12, and my stepfather was a lifelong union guy. There were times when the family struggled, but he was always in the union, and he always brought home a paycheck.

From trainee to general foreman

Following in his stepfathers footsteps, Matt joined the local union and trained as a construction worker. Union training means practice, doing the same thing over and over until you can do it safely and correctly, says Matt. My local had a whole safety school, and you couldnt even sign up without training. Thats how you get quality work from skilled tradesman.



All that practice paid off when Matt became General Foreman for the Haugland Group, a family-owned, Long Island business. Being a foreman comes with a lot of responsibility, but I love getting a job done well  especially when you can see the results, says Matt. One of my first jobs with Haugland Group was building the bike path on Route 347 in Smithtown. I drive past it every day.



Matt managing construction.

The next big project: offshore wind

In 2017, the Long Island Power Authority selected rsted and Eversource to build an offshore wind farm in federal waters off the coast of New York. Offshore wind was pretty new back then, Matt recalls, but I love a challenge. Haugland Group was contracted to build an onshore substation for the project, as well as ducts for the underground cables. These components are crucial to bringing power from the offshore wind turbines to homes on Long Island.

Now in 2024, this project  known as South Fork Wind  is reaching completion and starting up official operations. Its different than the bike path, Matt notes, because all the onshore cables are underground. While our construction work was critical to the project, the results are almost invisible. The only sign my crew worked on South Fork is a few manhole covers.



Matt and crew working on Beach Lane.

Clean energy for the next generation

While the cables Matt and his crew skillfully built and installed arent visible to the eye, Matt sees a different kind of reward in working on South Fork Wind. I have a son and a daughter  Matty and Mia. I want them to understand the value of working for their community, of paying it forward. More clean energy in Long Island means cleaner air, better water, a healthier environment for all our neighbors.

This summer, when Matt takes his kids sailing, hell do so with a different kind of pride. I wont see the South Fork turbines myself  theyre too far out to sea for that, Matt says. But Ill know theyre out there, spinning, sending clean energy to my hometown.



Matt with kids and boat.
Looking to the Future: Long Island Artificial Intelligence Conference Coming the Tilles Center at LIU Post April 3, 2024

Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: March 14 2024

This event is dedicated to exploring the fascinating world of AI and how it will impact Long Island.

On April 3, 2024, the Long Island Association and HIA-LI will be hosting the Long Island Artificial Intelligence Conference, an event that will benefit the business community in our region.

This event is dedicated to exploring the fascinating world of AI and how it will impact Long Island. The Long Island Artificial Intelligence Conference will be featuring Dr. Radhika Dirks, CEO of XLabs and one of Forbes Women to Watch in AI, as the keynote speaker. The event will also be having breakout sessions with panels on Business & AI, Healthcare & AI, and Research & AI

The Long Island Artificial Intelligence Conference will be held at LIU Post, Tilles Center at 720 Northern Boulevard in Brookville, NY on April 3, 2024. Tickets are $30.

The schedule for the day breaks down as follows:

12:00 pm  Lunch & Networking

1:00 pm  Keynote Address

2:15 pm Breakout Session 1

3:15pm Breakout Session 2
IDF soldiers of the 646th Reserve Brigade operating near Nuseirat in February 2024. (IDF)

The Israel Defense Forces said on March 11 that it had targeted senior terrorist leaders in Gaza with an airstrike that took place overnight between March 10 and 11. Among those targeted is Marwan Issa, the deputy of Mohammad Deif, who commands the Hamas military wing. Issa, like Deif, is an illusive and key figure in Hamas. The strike comes as Hamas continues to take a hard line on hostage talks and has appeared to utilize the beginning of Ramadan as a bargaining chip to pressure Israel into agreeing to a longer ceasefire in Gaza.

IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a briefing on the evening of March 11 that a joint operation between the Israeli Security Agency and IDF led to a strike by IDF warplanes on an underground compound of Hamas leaders in the center of the Gaza Strip in the Nuseirat area. Nuseirat is in central Gaza and is one of the areas where many Hamas members operated from during the October 7 attack. It is home to its own Hamas battalion, and Israel has accused a number of Hamas members linked to UNRWA of being from this area.

Although the IDF has operated in these areas, many of the areas in what is known as the central camps area of Gaza remain outside of IDF control. These areas are called the central camps because they form four major urban areas that grew up around refugee camps established in the 1950s. The IDFs 646th Reserve Brigade operated in Nuseirat in early February, and the 188th armored brigade operated between Nuseirat and Bureij in January. On October 24, the IDF said it eliminated Abed Alrahman, the deputy commander of the Nuseirat Hamas battalion. The IDF has targeted Hamas members here and in Deir Al-Balah, but it appears Hamas continues to have a significant presence in this area as well as in Rafah near the border with Egypt.

According to Hagari, the strike that took place overnight between March 10 and 11 targeted Marwan Issa, who is the deputy of Mohammad Deif and one of the planners of the October 7th massacre. Marwan Issa is part of the central terror triangle in the Gaza Strip, which also includes Mohammad Deif and Yahya Sinwar. A luxury house in Bureij, Gaza allegedly belonging to Issa was raided by the IDF in early January.

The IDF said that the compound struck between March 10 and 11 included other key terrorists. For example, Aziz Abu Tamaa, formerly the commander of the Central Camps Brigade was alleged to be present. He is in charge of Hamas arsenal, the IDF said. We are still assessing the results of the strike and have not yet received final confirmation  this is due to the underground nature of the target and the complexity of verification for various intelligence reasons. When we know for certain  we will inform and update the public, Hagari said. He also said that intelligence indicated there were no Israeli hostages held at the site. There are 132 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Some have been declared deceased by Israel based on intelligence and other information gathered since October 7.

It is often assumed that Hamas leaders keep hostages in close proximity to their physical location in order to use them as human shields to protect themselves from possible strikes. The IDF has found evidence that hostages were held in tunnels in Khan Younis where Hamas battalion and brigade commanders operated and where Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is thought to be located.

While top Hamas leaders have often survived Israeli strikes in the past, some of them have then moved abroad to places like Qatar. Although those Hamas leaders abroad likely assume they are safe, Hamas official Salah al-Arouri was killed in Lebanon in January 2024.

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.
Independents and candidates from other unions in majority with 16 seats following social elections on Tuesday

Amazon is the second largest employer in Luxembourg and used proportional representation to elect 22 members and 22 alternatives to its staff delegation

Amazon is the second largest employer in Luxembourg and used proportional representation to elect 22 members and 22 alternatives to its staff delegation  Photo credit: Pierre Matge

Amazon is the second largest employer in Luxembourg and used proportional representation to elect 22 members and 22 alternatives to its staff delegation  Photo credit: Pierre Matge

The OGBL has said it is pleased with results from social elections that saw candidates on its list poll 22.72% of the votes from staff at Amazon Luxembourg. It was the first time the Grand Duchys largest union had put up candidates at the firm and it now has five seats on the 22-strong staff delegation.

The result for the OGBL reflects more or less its score across all sectors of the economy. The union polled 26% of the vote nationally, with the LCGB on around 14%.

It was a leap of faith for the candidates who ran with us, OBGL Deputy Central Secretary Isabel Scott told the Luxembourg Times Thursday. Prior to the elections, Scott had spent some time building a relationship with Amazon staff, some of whom were already members of the OGBL.

Also read:

Amazon Luxembourg could get unionised as OGBL puts up election list

The LCGB union, which was also putting up candidates for the first time at Amazon, polled 4.54%, which allowed it to get one delegate under the proportional representation system used for companies with over 100 staff.

Turnout over 40%

Amazon is the second-largest private employer in the country, with around 4,500 staff. Turnout at Amazon for the social elections was over 40%, according to a company spokesperson.

The majority of the staff delegation will be made up of independent candidates and those that belong to other sector- or company-specific unions.

One such independent is Mark Kitchell, known to many in the international community as the founder and leading voice of the Luxembourg Expats Covid Community group on Facebook.

Kitchell, who placed 22nd out of 144 candidates and was elected as an alternative, posted on social media on Wednesday evening saying that he was surprised at how well the left-leaning union had performed. Indeed, the OGBL has in the past joined the global Make Amazon Pay campaign and its members have supported Black Thursday protests outside the tech giants Luxembourg headquarters.

They ran a good campaign with full understanding of the voting process, Kitchell wrote on Facebook. The success of the OGBL reflects the fear in some of my colleagues and cannot be ignored.

Amazon in Luxembourg has had a staff delegation for over 15 years. We have a strong history of constructive engagement with staff delegation members on the things that matter most to our teams and our business. We look forward to that continuing following the election, the company said in a statement.
Emile-Hammerel bridge to be closed to traffic from Friday for demolition and construction works set to end next year

Soon to be demolished, the Emile-Hammerel bridge will be closed to traffic from Friday 15 March.

Soon to be demolished, the Emile-Hammerel bridge will be closed to traffic from Friday 15 March.  Photo credit: John Schmit/Archives

Soon to be demolished, the Emile-Hammerel bridge will be closed to traffic from Friday 15 March.  Photo credit: John Schmit/Archives

In preparation since November of last year, extensive works around Bettembourgs Emile-Hammerel bridge will begin on Friday, distrupting road and rail traffic for months to come.

The bridge, technically known as the OA265, which spans the rail tracks and Bettembourg station, is set to be demolished and rebuilt within the next few months, with the project to be completed by May 2025. Normal traffic should resume in December.

Also read:

Train from border town to take Luxembourg Olympic fans to Paris

Motorists have already begun to feel the impact of the project, after the Bettembourg train station car park was partially closed last year. Bus stops at the station were also removed. Last month, the rails at the CFL station were blocked off for a weekend so workers could move some of the wires attached to the bridge prior to demolition.

The bridge, which after close to fifty years of use has been deemed unfixable, will be closed to traffic in both directions from 6am on Friday. In its place, a 148-metre bowstring bridge will be built. About 10,000 cars drive across the bridge every day.

3D rendering of the future Bettembourg station bridge.  Photo credit: Administration des ponts et chaussees

The project will not be completed before May 2025, but the bulk of the work is due to take place in the middle of summer this year. The total destruction of the bridge and its replacement will require the station to be completely closed and rail traffic to be interrupted from 13 July to 12 August.

During this period, passengers between Luxembourg and Esch-sur-Alzette and between Luxembourg and Lorraine in France will have to make do with replacement buses on all or part of their route.

Those planning to travel to Paris by TGV during the Olympic Games will have to do so from the Rodange and Belval-Universite stations, under a CFL-SNCF agreement unveiled earlier this week.

For motorists, alternative paths and diversions will be in place over the next eight months to allow them to reach their destination.

Also read:

Brace for these rail construction works in Luxembourg in 2024

(This article first appeared in Virgule. Translation and adaptation by Tracy Heindrichs.)
The sale has already begun and is ending at midnight tomorrow, so you better text the family group chat and hope everyone can really pull together to get this trip off the screen and in the air.
UFC star Marlon "Chito" Vera has issued a scary warning to thieves who broke into his house last weekend.

Vera was busy attempting to win a title at UFC 299 over the weekend, taking on Sean O'Malley. The fight did not go his way, with O'Malley winning by unanimous decision, and things got worse for the veteran fighter.

Jon Jones sends young fan to the hospital with devastating leg kick

Chito returned home after his trip to Miami for the fight to find that his home had been broken into. He wrote on Instagram along with a picture of his broken door: "The f****** assh*** that broke into my home, I'm gonna find you."

At this point, there aren't many details about the robbery, and it's unclear to what extent the police are investigating the crime. Though, it is clear that Vera did need to be dealing with the issue this week of all weeks.

The Ecuadorian was dominated in his UFC 299 fight with O'Malley, standing tall to make it to the end of the fight but taking a firm beating from the current title winner.

He said after the fight: "I dream about last night my whole life and fell short at the end of the day. I will be back thanks to my family and team for being by my side. The love of Ecuador was felt more than ever. Thanks for supporting me that way I will be back stronger. The belt will be mine one day. Thank you [Ecuador]."

Vera adds context

The fighter went on to add further context to his original post on Instagram, confirming that the thieves did get their hands on some personal items.

"The context is last night there was a robbery," Vera added. "They broke into our house. Though they are material things, they are things that have been bought with a lot of effort and hard work. But hey, these types of things happen."
Peaches, a miniature horse from Massachusetts, has big dreams of becoming this years Cadbury Bunny. And now, she is one step closer to having her dreams fulfilled.

Peaches is a 26-inch tall therapy mini-horse from Lifting Spirits Miniature Therapy Horses in Andover.

The non-profit organization, which works to provide mobile equine-assisted activity services to children and adults of all ages and abilities, rescued Peaches in 2017.

Immediately getting her home she required surgery on her hind legs in order for her to walk and run correctly, the organization wrote on Instagram. After months of rehab, she went on to be trained as a therapy horse. She visits many schools, hospitals, assisted living, veterans and rehab facilities all around New England. Peaches also brings awareness and education about dwarfism in miniature horses and their special needs.

Read More: Chewy helping train autism service dogs at Boston office for the first time

But Peaches is no one-trick-pony. Shes also competing to be this years Cadbury Bunny and is up against 16 finalists in the Creme 16 Bracket of the competition.

We are up against Louie the Racoon for tomorrows vote starting at noon, President and Founder of Lifting Spirits Toni Hadad said on Facebook Wednesday. Please share, tag and vote for Peaches and together lets get this tiny horse across the finish line.

People only have until noon on Thursday to vote, and voting can be done by clicking on Cadburys Instagram story. More information on the contest can be found online.
Members of the South Hadley St. Patricks Parade Committee are planning a World War II prisoners of war/missing in action theme for their float in this years Holyoke St. Patricks Parade. Eight POWs and MIA servicemen from South Hadley will be honored.

To accomplish this, the committee is partnering with American Legion 260 in South Hadley, which is helping to provide information about the servicemen.

Paradegoers like to see both new things that are part of the parade, along with many of the same traditions, said Jacqueline L. Reardon, St. Patricks Committee of Holyoke liaison to South Hadley.
An 80-year-old Montana rancher pleaded guilty this week to two felony wildlife crimes as part of a multi-year effort to clone enormous sheep hybrids to sell to captive hunting facilities.

Arthur Jack Schubarth of Vaughn, Montana, the owner and operator of Sun River Enterprises LLC and known as Schubarth Ranch, admitted to buying animal parts from endangered Marco Polo argali sheep from Kyrgyzstan and illegally importing them into the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Massachusetts State Police arrested and charged a Revere sex offender Wednesday after discovering hundreds of child sexual abuse images on his phone, according to the department.

Troopers have charged 45-year-old Kenneth Higgins with possession of child pornography and possession of child pornography, third offense, state police said in a press release. Higgins is a Level 2 sex offender  meaning authorities believe he poses a moderate danger risk to the community  and was on probation following a prison sentence on a prior child pornography possession conviction when he was arrested.

Troopers began investigating Higgins after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received an online tip from Yahoo, state police said. The tip included the IP address of someone who had accessed child sexual abuse images, and NCMEC referred the tip to Massachusetts State Police.

Using information from the tip, troopers were able to obtain a search warrant for Higgins Revere Beach Parkway apartment and execute it early Wednesday morning, state police said. Troopers confiscated Higgins phone and retrieved his memory card as authorized by the warrant despite his refusal to provide his passcode.

Troopers found hundreds of child sexual abuse images and videos on the memory card from Higgins phone and promptly arrested him, state police said. He was then arraigned in Chelsea District Court and held without bail based on the accusation that he violated the terms of his probation by reoffending.

Troopers also executed a separate search warrant at a Chelsea apartment belonging to Higgins friend Wednesday morning as part of the same investigation, state police said. Several of their electronic devices were seized, and they may also face charges.
The man behind the Turtleboy blog, Aidan Kearney, was charged with violating a restraining order after he was within 100 yards of someone at a recent hearing for Karen Read, the Fall River Reporter wrote.

Kearney, 42, of Holden, appeared for his arraignment in Dedham District Court on Thursday for the misdemeanor charge of violating an abuse prevention order, according to court documents. He turned himself in to Medfield Police on Dec. 26 after the woman he was romantically involved with sought a restraining order against him for shoving her into a couch, the Telegram & Gazette reported.

Kenneth Mello, a special prosecutor appointed by the Norfolk District Attorney, told the judge Thursday that Kearney was across the street from Norfolk County Superior Court, where Reads latest hearing took place, but Kearney was within 100 yards of the victim, the Fall River Reporter posted in a thread on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Following several court recesses, the Holden man behind the Turtleboy blog pleaded not guilty to the charge of violating a restraining order while attending Karen Reads latest hearing.

Aidan Kearney, 42, appeared for his arraignment in Dedham District Court on Thursday for the misdemeanor charge of violating an abuse prevention order, according to court documents. He turned himself in to Medfield Police on Dec. 26, 2023, after a woman he was romantically involved with sought a restraining order, accusing him of shoving her into a couch, the Telegram & Gazette reported.

The judge ordered several recesses while going through various cases and waiting for special prosecutor Kevin Mello to arrive at Dedham District Court, the Fall River Reporter posted in a thread on X, formerly known as Twitter. Mello said Kearney was across the street from Norfolk County Superior Court, where Reads Feb. 26 hearing took place, but Kearney was within 100 yards of the victim.

Mello submitted videos he received from Kearneys lawyer, Timothy Bradl, along with a police report on the incident, to the judge, the Reporter posted. The judge reviewed these items and commenced with a dangerousness hearing at 2 p.m.

The judge asked Bradl and Mello if either of them had witnesses to testify, to which Bradl confirmed he did, Dedham police officers Matt Kozak and Brian Crump.

Kozak testified that he arrived at the courthouse in response to reported damage to a car behind the building. While he was there, he spoke with the unidentified woman who has a restraining order against Kearney.

The next day, Kozak called the woman to ask who could have damaged the car, and she said it could have been Kearney or someone associated to him, the Reporter wrote. She added that she had a restraining order against the blogger.

Bradl asked Kozak if the woman was being harassed, to which Kozak said no, the Reporter said. The womans mood was quiet at the time. She was with a group and she did not say Kearney had violated the order, the news website posted.

Crump was next and last to take the stand. He was assigned outside Norfolk County Superior Court on Feb. 26, directing traffic, the Reporter said. Kearney approached the crosswalk, but appeared like he was trying to leave the area, Crump said. The officer interpreted that Kearney as wanting to leave the area and get away from the victim due to a restraining order, the Reporter continued.

After that, Crump said he saw Kearney leave the area and did not see him again.

All Mello asked Crump was how long he saw Kearney in the area. The officer replied, Six seconds, the Reporter said.

Mello then gave the judge a thumb drive to review, while Bradl submitted three documents that included a screenshot of text messages from (the woman) to Kearney that he indicated may qualify for witnesses intimidation, the Reporter said. A brief recess ensued.

Back in court, Mello told the judge that Kearney pushes the envelope consistently and knew what he was doing, the Reporter posted. While Mello tried to talk more about the womans phone and her texts, the judge told Mello to move on and asked, where is the danger?

Mello told the court Kearney set up a PornHub account to harass the woman, but the judge told him to stop again, reminded that this was a dangerousness hearing and asked again where there was any danger. Mello said Kearney was unarmed but he has a car and he could get another weapon ... the danger is Kearneys history of witnesses and his past behaviors make him a danger, the Reporter continued.

His actions and stalking [are] what makes this a physical danger, Mello told the judge before he sat down. Bradl accused the woman of making up a story, she was caught lying ... [and] is a liar, the Reporter said.

Kearney has no record and has never been a danger, aside from his journalism, Bradl said.

The judge ruled that Kearney would not be held for dangerousness, which erupted in applause in the courtroom, the Reporter said. Mello asked for Kearneys bail to be revoked for 60 days based on the violation of the restraining order, but the judge denied this.

Bradl asked the judge to dismiss the charges, but was also denied by the judge, the Reporter said.

A pre-trial conference was scheduled for April 12, with Kearney not required to attend.

Kearneys arrest on Dec. 26, was only days after a grand jury indicted him on 16 counts of witness intimidation related to the Read case. Kearney pleaded not guilty to the new charges and a request by Norfolk prosecutor Robert Novack for a $10,000 cash bail for the blogger was denied by Judge Debra Squires-Lee.

Novack described Kearneys actions as troublesome leading up to and since a 16-count indictment was brought down by a grand jury in December, accusing the blogger of having a proclivity for intimidating witnesses of the state.

Kearneys blog reports on a wide range of issues, including the Republican Party, the journalism industry, fake news and various culture war issues, whereby he often drags a subjects relatives into his reports, combs through social media accounts, posts photos and other details he finds.

Kearney maintains the work he does is journalism. He has written hundreds of articles about Reads murder case, in which prosecutors allege she is responsible for her boyfriend John OKeefes death after hitting him with an SUV while leaving a house party in Canton in January 2022. Authorities claim she drove under the influence of alcohol and struck OKeefe, a Boston police officer, after dropping him off at the party late one night during a blizzard.
A 62-year-old man was sentenced in federal court Thursday for his role in a scheme to defraud investors in a biomedical company based in Boston more than a decade ago, prosecutors announced.

U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris sentenced Marco G. Babini, of Vancouver, to time served  approximately two and a half months in prison  and 18 days of supervised release, acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levys office said in a statement.

Babini, who pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud in December, had already spent eight months under home incarceration prior to his sentencing.
A federal jury has found a Waltham man guilty of trying to pay for a sex act with a 12-year-old girl, the Massachusetts U.S. Attorneys Office announced Wednesday.

Misael Fabian Medina, 38, was convicted of one count of attempted sex trafficking of a child under 14 and one count of attempted coercion and enticement, the U.S. Attorneys office said in a press release. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2022.

In November 2022, Medina responded to an online ad offering sex with two young girls in exchange for payment that was posted by federal agents posing as the seller, the U.S. Attorneys office said. In a text conversation with the agents, Medina agreed to pay $200 to perform a sex act with a 12-year-old girl.

Soon after, Medina traveled to a Greater Boston hotel to meet with the fake seller, and an undercover agent confirmed that he had the money for the sex act, the U.S. Attorneys office said. He was arrested during the meeting and found to be carrying a box of condoms.

Three other men, including a Tufts Medical Center anesthesiologist, were arrested and charged in connection with the same online ad, the U.S. Attorneys office said previously. It is unclear what has happened with their cases since they were charged in November 2022.

Medina is set to be sentenced on June 20, the U.S. Attorneys office said. He faces a combined 25 years to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 for both charges.
New contracts for workers across 28 Boston city departments, from Public Works to Elections, will give a more meaningful boost to wages for lower-income employees, while still handing a raise to all workers, officials said Thursday.

The agreements between the city and Council 93 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and Local 888 of the Service Employees International Union, provide both an annual fixed-dollar amount boot in base pay, as well as 2% annual raises for all employees, Mayor Michelle Wus office said in a statement.

That fixed-dollar amount raise acknowledges that an extra $500 means more to an employee making under $60,000 than one who is more highly paid, Wus office said in a statement, adding that the hikes ensure that lower-income workers will see greater percent increases. Under these contracts individual workers will see wage increases of between 10% and 15% over four years. Workers with lower salaries will receive the higher percent increases.

All told, more than 1,700 employees citywide are expected to benefit from the new deals.

The new deal also provides sick leave and bereavement for the first time for probationary employees who are in their first six months of the job. And in a nod to the new hybrid work culture, it also gives employees the option of working a four-day week, as long as they work the same number of hours they would in a five-day week.

The work of our employees is foundational to the running of our city, and they deserve the compensation and flexibility that ensures excellence in delivering city services to our residents and financial stability for their families, Wu said in a statement. I am so grateful to our union partners for their collaboration on delivering a contract our employees deserve.

Thomas McKeever, the president of SEIU Local 888, called the news of the agreement a historic day for the union and its staff.

We came to a tentative agreement with the MGT/Union bargaining team in the City of Boston on a contract for the hard working folks that provide valuable services to the constituents and residents of Boston, McKeever said. " ... We at [Local] 888 look forward to continuing to bring generational changes to our members in their contracts. We also will continue conversations of reclassification, utilization of class and compensation, and bringing competitive wages with dignity and respect for all.

SEIUs political director, Anthony Landry, a former city employee, said the new agreement marked the first time hed seen the union and the city agree to a new deal before the old one expired.

This is the ultimate testament to valuing the needs of your workforce and in turn the citizens of your city and that was done by Mayor Michelle Wu, he said.

AFSCME Field Services Director Ed Nastari said the contract recognizes the often quiet work city employees do behind the scenes to deliver services. It also represents a real commitment by the Wu Administration to retain these workers and attract more individuals to careers in public service, he said.

The workers who will benefit from the contract are the men and women who maintain and repair our roads; enforce health and safety codes and parking regulations; keep our parks beautiful; and so much more, AFSCME Council 93 President Christopher Tiger Stockbridge, said.

With this in mind, we believe the citizens of Boston also benefit from this agreement as it helps to ensure they will continue to be served by these dedicated professionals, Stockbridge said.
WESTFIELD  Four seniors in the horticulture department at Westfield Technical Academy recently went on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with their teacher Nathan Sperry and three chaperones to Costa Rica, sponsored by generous business and individual donations from the community.

Sperry said over the last four years, the students had heard him talking about his trips to Latin America and especially to Costa Rica, which is his favorite destination for travel. Last year, Koda Jacque, then a junior in horticulture, asked him if he would take some of his students to Costa Rica.
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA), the leading printing and imaging solutions provider, announced a collaboration with Kings and Queens Art Academy, the renowned childrens art academy.

This partnership aims to provide valuable training and skills enhancement to young aspiring photographers based in Bariga, Lagos, Nigeria through the Canon Miraisha Programme which embodies our corporate philosophy, Kyosei, which means living and working together for the common good.

As part of this collaboration, a series of comprehensive photography workshops will be conducted, to equip participants with valuable capabilities and insights to excel in their creative pursuits.

Bariga community in Lagos is known as a challenging neighborhood where the youth face significant hurdles due to limited opportunities and resources. Despite these obstacles, many demonstrate resilience and determination in their pursuit of a better future. Efforts to improve conditions and provide support are crucial for empowering the youth of Bariga to reach their full potential.

We are thrilled to collaborate with Kings and Queens Art Academy, and through the synergy of our expertise and resources, we aspire to unlock the untapped potential of African talent, fostering the growth of the creative industry in the region. This partnership is poised to bridge the skills development gap, offering young and aspiring talents the essential tools needed to excel in the industry, says Amine Djouahra, B2C Business Unit Director, Canon Central and North Africa.

The programme is committed to fostering expertise in photography, filmmaking, and printing, which equips participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to transform their creative talents into a source of income. The collaboration between Canon and Kings and Queens Art Academy aligns seamlessly with both organizations shared mission to empower individuals and foster creative expression. The initiative is designed to introduce participants to the basics and refine their skills, making them well-equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of photography on the continent.

Basic photography workshops will be conducted as part of this collaboration, between 19 February and 4 April 2024. The certified Canon trainer leading the sessions will be Tore Oraise, a homegrown talent from within the Bariga community nurtured through the Miraisha Programme.

These workshops cater specifically to beginners, providing a comprehensive foundation in the fundamentals of photography. Participants will delve into both technical aspects and artistic expression, gaining valuable insights into the world of photography. Upon completion of the workshops, all participants will receive Canon Miraisha T-shirts, face caps, notepads, pens, and certificates as a token of appreciation for their participation.

Adewale Ayodeji, Director and Founder of Kings and Queens Art Academy, says, We are thrilled to partner with Canon Central and North Africa under the Miraisha Programme as it aligns perfectly with our commitment to empowering individuals and fostering creative expression. These workshops will equip participants with valuable skills and serve as a stepping-stone for unlocking their creative potential and building successful careers in photography.

Kings and Queens Art Academy based in Bariga, Lagos, is recognised for its commitment to social advocacy, childrens talent development, and captivating audiences. The academy further extends its community engagement through childrens art festivals in Lagos and the surrounding areas, celebrating arts development and artistry in marginalised communities such as Iwaya Makoko, Oworo, and Bariga.

The Canon Miraisha Programme is a testament to Canon Central and North Africas commitment to nurturing and uplifting creative talents across the African continent. By equipping participants with the requisite skills and knowledge, the Miraisha Programme not only addresses the skills development gap but also fosters the growth of a dynamic and sustainable creative industry.
Commonwealth countries, including Mauritius, endorsed a new set of measures at the Commonwealth law ministers meeting in Zanzibar, designed to improve peoples access to justice.

The measures were the result of four-day deliberations among law ministers at their biennial meeting in Tanzania. They were also guided by input from diverse stakeholders, including people with disabilities, civil society representatives and leading innovators in the legal sector.

Under these measures, law ministers resolved to ramp up efforts to remove barriers to access to justice and address the legal needs of all citizens.

Key provisions include improved access to justice for people with disabilities, a model law on virtual assets, a new action plan to protect women from online violence and a proposal to eliminate gender-discriminatory legislation.

Ministers also welcomed an array of new Commonwealth legal resources, including a mediation guide, a small claims court app for dispute resolution and a database for cooperation on criminal matters.

Additionally, they adopted the Commonwealth guidelines on the treatment of electronic evidence in criminal proceedings, designed to offer member countries a framework to craft national legislation.

To support the implementation, ministers requested the Commonwealth Law Ministers Action Group to report progress at the next meeting.

The package summarises the outcome statement issued by ministers, representing one-third of humanity, at the end of their meeting on 8 February 2024.

Speaking after the meeting, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, said the measures were absolutely critical because two-thirds of the worlds population lack meaningful access to justice.

She continued:

Our discussions have been purposeful, our decisions have been meaningful, and our powerful new consensus allows us to take the next giant steps forward towards equal access to justice, in modernised legal systems, across our wonderful Commonwealth. We leave Zanzibar with a powerful mandate which will allow us to take the next decisive steps to ensure justice for all is the lived experience of every one of the 2.5 billion people living in our Commonwealth.

In their statement, ministers recognised the Secretariats tech-driven justice solutions and its work on artificial intelligence as important interventions in improving access to legal information and transforming justice delivery in todays complex world.

The Secretariat also presented several papers in the field of energy and extractives, including a carbon tax model law and an oil and gas decommissioning guide, which leverage legislation in efforts to tackle climate change and deliver a just transition.

Hosted by the United Republic of Tanzania from 4 to 8 March 2024, the meeting was chaired by Hon Ambassador Dr Pindi H. Chana, the countrys Minister of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, who commended the substantive outcomes.

Officiating the closing ceremony on 8 March 2024, H.E. Hussein Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar, said:

I am pleased to note that the meeting has recorded a number of achievements, which challenge us to undertake reforms in an effort to ensure that justice is accessible to all. I am aware of efforts that the Commonwealth countries have taken to shape its agenda on the rule of law and access to justice. It is high time that you made the same efforts on access to justice through digitisation.

The outcomes from the meeting will shape the agenda for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa later this year.

The next meeting will be hosted by the Government of Fiji in February 2026.
Nigerian Women in Public Relations has revealed its confirmed speakers for the 2024 edition of its flagship event, the Experiencing PR Conference, set to take place on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at The Civic Centre in Lagos.

Themed  Quiet Wars: Leveraging Public Relations for Conflict Management,  the conference will feature a lineup of distinguished speakers, including renowned thought leaders and business professionals from both the private and public sectors, providing insights, real-world expertise, and case studies on conflict navigation. The event will present innovative, cutting-edge strategies for effectively leveraging public relations to address challenges.

Special highlights of this years edition include the contributions of global leaders, featuring the special address from James Hewes, CEO of the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA), and Hemant Gaule, Dean of the School of Communications & Reputation. The conference will host two panel sessions: the Business Panel and the Industry Panel, each carefully curated with professionals offering vast insight and expertise.

Speakers on the Business Panel session, discussing the topic  From the Generals: Stakeholder Management Strategies that Worked,  include Lucy Pearson, Country Director, British Council, Nigeria, Debbie Larry-Izamoje, Chief Operating Officer, Brila Media Limited, and Osayi Alile, CEO ACT Foundation. The panel will be moderated by Nene Bejide, Principal Consultant, Blanche Aigle Communications.

The Industry Panel session will feature professionals in the public relations and communications industry, including Eloine Barry, Founder & CEO of African Media Agency, and Bolaji Abimbola, CEO of Integrated Indigo Ltd, discussing the topic,  PR Strategies to Win Quiet Wars in Business and Government.  The panel conversation will be led by Edemekong Uyoh, Regional Head of Marketing & Communications, Cultural Engagement, Sub Saharan Africa, British Council.

Speaking on the well-curated lineup, Tolulope Olorundero, Public Relations Consultant and Founder of Nigerian Women in Public Relations, stated, We are honored to present a diverse lineup of speakers who embody professionalism across various sectors. Their confirmation underscores the importance of the work we are doing, the significance of the Experiencing PR Conference and reaffirms its importance in the global industry. Each speaker has been carefully selected to ensure our delegates leave the conference with expanded knowledge of the understanding and relevance of public relations, especially in conflict management. 

An exclusive session introduced for this years conference is the Open Mentorship Chat, a unique opportunity for candid conversations and knowledge sharing between seasoned industry leaders and young professionals.

According to Olorundero, the session is aimed at empowering the next generation of PR pros, business leaders and public servants. Catering to distinct sectors, the Open Mentorship Chat will unfold in three insightful breakout sessions: Public Relations, Business, and Public Service.

In the public relations domain, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, Lead partner, CMC Connect, will serve as the mentor, guiding Jesutofunmi Akinde, a public relations and communications executive, as the mentee. Ayobami Awode, Chief of Staff at HerVest, will receive mentorship on the business front. Finally, in the public service sphere, Mrs. Abidakun Olubusola will share her expertise as the mentor, mentoring Orifunke Lawal. This diverse set of mentor-mentee pairs ensures a well-rounded experience for participants across various professional fields.
The prestigious Hennessy Park Hotel in Mauritius played host to a landmark event on March 9th, the inauguration of the Study in India Fair.

This collaborative effort by CA Counselling Services Ltd, the High Commission of India in Mauritius, and Ties Global, India, marked a significant occasion for Mauritian students seeking to unlock their academic potential in a vibrant and internationally recognised educational hub  India.

The two-day fair offered a unique platform for aspiring Mauritian students to connect directly with representatives from leading Indian universities. With over 8 million students enrolled across 30,000 universities, India boasts the second-largest higher education system globally. This established network provides a diverse and enriching educational landscape, encompassing a vast array of programs in engineering, medicine, humanities, management, and more.

In her opening statement, Her Excellency, Shri. Nandini Singla, High Commissioner of India to Mauritius stated:

Mauritius and India share a unique bond since independence, and education has been a bridge to further strengthen the relationship. India is a popular and top five destination today for African students, attracting over 25,000 African students, and we want to invite more Mauritians to come to India and study. We give about 60 scholarships every year to Mauritian students and there are many who go on a self-financing basis as well. Leveraging our shared language and cultural ties, we can encourage Mauritian students to pursue high-quality, affordable education in India. Furthermore, Mauritius plan for an education hub in Cote dOr, with subsidies and facilities, presents a prime opportunity to attract more Indian universities. This, along with partnerships between Mauritian institutions and Indian universities, like the new IIT in Tanzania, can establish Mauritius as a Pan-African education hub. By attracting students from across Africa, Mauritius can create a vibrant educational ecosystem, benefiting both nations. This Education Fair is a crucial step, and lets make education a flagship in our India-Mauritius collaboration, just like our existing government partnership. Building on this strong foundation, we can create a thriving educational exchange program for students from Mauritius, India, and all of Africa, the High Commissioner added.

Sharing similar views, Mr. Vijaykumar Chandrasekaran, Director of TIES Global India said:

India welcomes Mauritian students to explore educational opportunities. We encourage you to connect with our representatives and make an informed decision about your future. We are extremely happy to organise educational opportunities and provide a platform for students to pursue their dreams beyond the institutions focus. While familiarity with programs and scholarships is important, choosing the right education is not just about wealth; it goes beyond traditional education models.

He also shared that Indias strength extends beyond IT. We are one of the largest exporters of Intellectual Property (IP) and a breeding ground for successful entrepreneurs. Additionally, India holds the distinction of having the highest number of medical colleges globally (as of last year, with 41 more than the closest competitor). This translates to a significant pool of medical professionals exported to developed nations. India is also the second-largest supplier of nurses to the US and UK, showcasing the quality of our healthcare education, said Vijaykumar.

Additionally, Mr. Jayasankar Seshadri, Director of Campus Abroad said:  This fair highlights the exciting study and scholarship opportunities in India. India offers a world-class education, enriching cultural experiences, and promising career prospects.  He also shared a heartwarming anecdote at the fair. He recounted meeting a Mauritian student who studied in Bangalore years ago. When he inquired about the students career path, she happily replied that she had landed a successful career with a French pharmaceutical company. This personal story exemplifies the diverse career paths open to international graduates who choose to study in India.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Tony Malik, Director of CA Counselling Services Ltd stated,

Mauritius boasts a rich cultural heritage, and India offers a chance to deepen that connection. But beyond shared ancestry, India presents a compelling destination for Mauritian students seeking a world-class education. Studying in India prepares you for a successful career while offering a unique cultural experience. Its a chance to broaden your horizons and build a strong foundation for your future.

The Study in India Fair went beyond official announcements and presentations. It provided a platform for open dialogue and personalised guidance. Representatives from leading universities such as SRM University, JAIN, GITAM, VIGNANS, Parul University, EdCIL and many more were present throughout the two-day event, eagerly answering to student questions and providing in-depth information about specific programs, scholarship opportunities, and university facilities. This interactive approach ensured that students received tailored advice, allowing them to make informed decisions about their academic future.

Beyond the sheer scale and diversity of its educational offerings, there are a number of compelling reasons for Mauritian students to consider studying in India. The cost of education in India is significantly lower than in Western countries, making a world-class education much more accessible. Beyond affordability, India offers an enriching cultural experience. From historical wonders to vibrant festivals, the dynamic environment fosters personal growth and intercultural understanding. Academically, India boasts of prestigious universities renowned for their research and attracting top students. These universities have a proven track record of producing global leaders across various industries.

The widespread use of English as a medium of instruction removes language barriers, while fostering valuable networking opportunities with a diverse student body. India is at the forefront of research in many fields, allowing students to participate in cutting-edge projects. Finally, Indias booming economy presents exciting career prospects, with regulations easing to allow international student participation in internships and jobs after graduation. The Study in India Fair may have concluded, but the journey towards academic excellence continues.
WESTPORT-based councillor Brendan Mulroy launched his re-election campaign for Mayo County Council with a vow to continue to fight for the people of Westport and surrounds as he entered his sixth election campaign since he was first elected in 1999.

A large number of supporters, party members, town folk and elected representatives were in attendance at The Jester Bar in Westport when Mulroys campaign for re-election was launched.

Cllr Mulroy was first elected to Westport Town Council in his first election in 1999 and was re-elected by the people of Westport in the subsequent two local elections in 2004 and 2009.

Having served on Westport Town Council for 15 years, he was then elected for the first time to Mayo County Council in 2014 and was later re-elected in 2019.

John Geary was the MC at the launch and said that Brendan Mulroy had an excellent track record and had his finger on the pulse of Westport and its people.

Brendan is both impressive and personable. He is a candidate of high calibre who is not afraid to take on tough issues and face his opponents down when he needs to.

Even in the past few weeks, Brendan has been raising important issues such as the lack of taxis servicing the country locations outside Westport at night  areas like Aughagower, Kilmeena, Louisburgh, Drummin and such outer lying areas. He has also taken a stance on not having election posters in the upcoming election and has highlighted the environmental benefit of not putting election posters up, he said.

The launch was attended by Senators Niall Blaney and Lisa Chambers who are both Fianna Fail candidates in the upcoming European elections for the MidlandsNorth-West constituency in June.

Senator Chambers spoke to the assembled crowd about how Brendan Mulroy is involved in so many voluntary groups and community initiatives.

Social media presence

HE has been a great contact point to assist those in need of support or advice  young and old and especially through his presence on Facebook and social media. Brendan Mulroy has stood up and is fighting the battle with the residents and homeowners at the pyrite-stricken Pairc na Coille Estate in Westport. He is not afraid to take on difficult issues, she said.

Senator Blaney spoke about Brendan Mulroy being a very effective Mayo County Councillor who represents the Westport area with distinction. He said that he was delighted to be in Westport for his campaign launch and wished Brendan continued success at the polls.

In June 2018, Brendan Mulroy was elected by his fellow county councillors when he took up the highest accolade in local government politics by being chosen as Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council.

Minister for State at the Department of Trade, Enterprise and Employment, Dara Calleary TD said that during the Covid pandemic, Brendan Mulroy brought great leadership to the people of Mayo when he served as Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council.

Brendan reached out to the people of Mayo and was a visible beacon as the first citizen of the county and offered real assistance and support to those who needed it. He had such a visible presence on the ground and across the county and provided leadership and courage to many.

Minister Calleary singled out Cllr Mulroy as being a hugely effective voice for getting the Newport sewerage system upgraded and said he undertook a relentless campaign to highlight the ongoing pollution of Clew Bay at Newport .

He put his neck on the line and kept immense pressure on Irish water and other agencies to ensure that Newport will be getting its long-overdue sewerage update.

Councillor Mulroy said he is honoured to represent the Westport Electoral Area and he thanked the people of Westport for their continued support and faith in him. He remarked that if they placed that faith in him again come June 7, he would repay them with his continued committed dedication.
Funeral details have been announced for a retired nurse who passed away following a fire in Kiltimagh.

Mary Beatrice McNicholas of Cordarragh, Kiltimagh, Mayo, late of Treenagleragh, passed away on Monday after a fire broke out at her home on Monday.

Gardai and emergency services attended the scene of a fire at a residential premises in Kiltimagh yesterday where Ms McNicholas was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her brother, Oliver (Ollie), who lived in a separate section of the house he shared with his sister, was hospitalised at Mayo University Hospital as a result of smoke inhalation.

Ms McNicholas worked as a nurse in Dublin for many year before retiring to her native Kiltimagh.

One neighbour described her as a gentle and kind lady by one neighbour who paid tribute following her passing.

The late Mary Beatrice McNicholas (RIP.ie)

She will be reposing in OHoras Funeral Home, Kiltimagh, F12X942 on Monday evening, March 18, from 6-8pm followed by removal to the Church of the Holy Family, Kiltimagh to arrive at 8.15pm.

She will be buried Kilkinure Cemetery after Mass at 12pm on Tuesday, March 19. The Mass may be viewed online.

She is predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Mary Ellen McNicholas, brothers Colm and Joe, and sisters Bernadette and Teresa. Dearly beloved sister of Ollie, Sean, Ann, Margaret and Verona, her nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Donations if desired can be made to Mayo/Roscommon Hospice c/o OHoras Funeral Directors or on hospice.ie.
A JUDGE described as a work of fiction the reason a Mayo man who was found in possession 80,000 in cash in his home gave for it not being the proceeds of crime.

Olegs Leontjevs from Ballinrobe, received an 18-month suspended prison sentence for the possession of unstamped cigarettes at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court. The 80,000 in cash found in his home was also forfeited.

Mr Leontjevs pleaded guilty to the possession of unstamped cigarettes after Customs and Excise officers found 45,760 cigarettes in his home following a search on October 31, 2019. They also seized 80,621 in cash during the search, including 74,000 found in a black bag.

Mr Leontjevss home was placed under surveillance by the Customs and Excise after they received a tip-off that he had been selling cigarettes.

He denied that he had been selling the cigarettes, saying that he and his wife smoked a lot, and he denied the cash was the proceeds of crime.

Compensation

Mr Brendan McDonagh, counsel for Mr Leontjevs, said his client had received 380,000 in compensation as a result of a workplace accident in 2010.

Mr Leontjevs, a Russian national, told the court with the assistance of an interrupter that he did not trust banks, as he had been defaulted twice in the past. As a result, he said, he had been taking out approximately 1,000 a month over the last ten years and intended to buy an apartment for his daughter with the money.

The court heard that Mr Leontjevs bought 123,076 cigarettes ten days before his house was searched, and when asked by Mr Patrick Reynolds, counsel for the prosecution if he smoked them all, he replied of course not.

Mr Reynolds said that in March 2020, 226,911.77 from the compensation payout was lodged into Mr Leontjevss Bank of Ireland account, while in November 2019, there had been 33,000 in the account. When asked what had happened the rest of the money, Mr Leontjevs said he had paid off his mortgage and bought a car and a house in Bulgaria.

Mr McDonagh said that the State could not prove the money was as a result of crime, but Mr Reynolds said that the State did not have to prove it beyond doubt, asserting that Mr Leontjevs was not able to prove where the money had come.

Money counter

Judge Eoin Garavan described Mr Leontjevs account as a work of fiction and found in favour of the prosecutions bid retain the seized cash.

He could not tell the truth if it bit him, Judge Garavan said.

In relation to the charge before the court, Mr McDonagh said both his client and his clients wife are on disability and Mr Leontjevs has not come to the attention of the Gardai since 2019. He also stated that his client is considered a low risk of reoffending and not suitable for community service due to his injury.

Judge Garvavan said that while Mr Leontjevs was not charged with selling cigarettes he could not ignore the fact he was in possession of a money counter.

Judge Garavan imposed a 18-month sentence but suspended it in its entirety for two years, He also ordered the destruction of the seized cigarettes.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, March 13, 2024

The House of Representatives on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed a bill that could result in a ban on the popular TikTok app.

The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (H.R. 7521), which passed 362-55, would prohibit app stores and websites from distributing TikTok unless its parent company, China-based ByteDance, sells the app within 180 days.

The measure, largely driven by concerns that the Chinese government may be able to access data about TikTok's users, now heads to the Senate.

TikTok stated after the vote that it hoped the Senate will consider the facts, listen to their constituents, and realize the impact on the economy, 7 million small businesses, and the 170 million Americans who use our service.

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Digital rights groups criticized the bill, arguing that banning a communications platform would violate the First Amendment rights of millions of TikTok users. What's more, the groups argued, banning the app wouldn't prevent Chinese government from obtaining data about U.S. residents from other sources.

If Congress wants to protect Americans' data, it should pass comprehensive privacy legislation, two dozen groups including the American Civil Liberties Union, Center for Democracy & Technology, Fight for the Future and Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University said in a letter sent Tuesday to House leaders.

It's not clear whether the Senate will pass the bill, or even vote on the measure in its current form.

One outspoken opponent, Senator Rand Paul (R-Kentucky), describes the bill as a draconian measure that stifles free expression, tramples constitutional rights, and disrupts the economic pursuits of millions of Americans.

Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), who heads the Senate Commerce Committee, expressed concerns about foreign government's ability to access sensitive data, but appeared to suggest she doesn't support the House bill in its current form.

Im very concerned about foreign adversaries exploitation of Americans sensitive data and their attempts to build backdoors in our information communication technology and services supply chains, she stated. These are national security threats and it is good members in both chambers are taking them seriously. Following todays House vote, I will be talking to my Senate and House colleagues to try to find a path forward that is constitutional and protects civil liberties.

Last year, a federal district court judge blocked a Montana law that would have banned TikTok in that state, ruling that the law likely violates the First Amendment.

U.S. District Court Judge Donald Molloy said in that case that the Montana law wasn't narrowly tailored to prevent China from accessing data about U.S. residents.

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 China and other countries could also purchase information about residents from data brokers.
by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, March 13, 2024







When QVC shoppers got an email promoting handbags, they may have thought the subject line was cute, maybe even a play on baby talk. But many read it as a direct insult, and were astounded the company would repeat a cruel jibe that has been hurled at Asian women for decades. While QVC responded with an apology email, many customers were still shocked. QVC didnt respond to our requests for a comment, so Marketing Daily asked Helen Cho, a global brand strategy and creative leader whos built diverse teams and brand-defining campaigns for Fortune 100 companies, to weigh in.

Marketing Daily: Other brands, including H&M and Zara, have made similar blunders. How do screw-ups like this happen?

Helen Cho: Its possible, with the need for speed to market, in the age of AI and social posts with intentional misspellings, that this one just slipped by. Or you could chalk it up to a generational divide since the alleged origin of the phrase dates back to the film "Full Metal Jacket," circa 1987. However, multiple people likely saw and approved this offensive post -- on International Womens Day, no less.

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Marketing Daily: Asian stereotypes persist, particularly those that demean women. How can marketers better combat them?

Cho: Racist, sexist, objectifying, dehumanizing, imperialistic tropes are no joke. They feed into pervasive stereotypes of Asian women that have real-life consequences. Look at the 2021 Atlanta spa shootings.

Creating a cool team background for AAPI Heritage Month is not the answer.

[Instead,] nurture and promote diverse talent. Insist that your ad agency hires diverse talent to work on your brand. Ensure that there is proper oversight by people with the wisdom to reflect your brand's values. Cast diverse talent in non-stereotypical roles. Use female directors. If companies and marketers want to get serious about combating racism and sexism, how about more women of color in the C-suite and board rooms?

Marketing Daily: This particular bit of ugliness has been kicking around since the Vietnam War and probably longer. I do believe many people might be oblivious to its origins. Theres a lively back-and-forth in QVCs community blog, and a recurring theme is I didnt know this was offensive explain it to me. They want to know. Whats wrong with expecting Asians, or any insulted group, to have to explain a bigoted remark?

Cho: Ive endured slurs like this since I was a kid. I could write a book on comebacks. And I reserve the right to get angry, ignore, fire back or take a moment. Its solely my prerogative whether I respond at all.

If Im spending my time, effort and emotional capital to inform or educate, then I either value our relationship or am well aware that not saying something also comes at a heavy cost (usually me lying in bed at 3 a.m. thinking of all the things I shouldve said). But it's never OK to expect someone from a marginalized group to do the labor of educating. There are books for that.

Marketing Daily: What can companies do to prevent mistakes like this from happening?

Cho: Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives help companies hire and nurture diverse teams that can prevent a recurrence. Recent polls state that a majority of Americans support DEI initiatives. Yet a far-right movement has proposed anti-DEI legislation in at least 20 states. The demonization of critical race theory, the spread of book bans and the erasure of teaching historical racism are directly linked to a campaign to abolish DEI.

Marketing Daily: Many companies are actively dialing back their DEI efforts. What will the impact of that be?

Cho: Weve seen a dismaying corporate rollback of DEI initiatives and roles that were created after the protests following the murder of George Floyd. We see what continues to happen when companies or ad agencies dont have diverse staff creating their marketing and advertising or providing proper oversight.

Smart companies and marketers understand that there are proven benefits to nurturing diverse teams. Instead of folding, companies should speak out, fight back and lean into the fact that diversity serves creativity, innovation and the bottom line. Scott Page explains this well in his book,The Diversity Bonus.

Marketing Daily: Youve said you dont think DEI cutbacks are as much about lack of funding as lack of will. Explain that.

Cho: We fund what we value. And where theres a will, theres a way.

Marketing Daily: What makes for a good apology if something like this happens to your brand?

Cho: A heartfelt apology starts with a timely and full acknowledgment of what went wrong. Zero gaslighting. Dont mention intention unless you want to appear self-serving. The harm was done, intentional or not. Accountability matters. Showing remorse is good. It will feel more meaningful if you can recognize why this happened and detail the steps youre taking to ensure it wont recur. Get creative about reparations.
by Barbara Lippert , Columnist, March 13, 2024

Image above: Naomi Watts as Babe Paley.



Im grateful to the dissenters who commented on my past column about Oppenheimer and the Bomb.

I had critiqued the writer/director for not showing the devastating human effects of the Hiroshima bombing in his three-hour blockbuster.

But as the now-Oscar-winning Christopher Nolan told the press, I keep reminding everyone, its not a documentary. It is an interpretation. Thats my job.

We forget, when we process these important films as gospel, that they are as much about the people who made them -- and when -- as they are about the actual characters and their own histories.

Indeed, this question of whose art, truth or history it is came up in reviews of the buzzy FX series. Feud: Capote vs. The Swans. Its eighth and final episode breaks tonight.

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While many reviewers loved the dazzling visual experience of the series, they also slammed it for anachronisms and inaccuracies, both large and small.

Of course, any elaborate Ryan Murphy production comes with added fantasies and even some phantasmagoria.

Playwright Jon Robin Baitz, who wrote the series, defended his vision when he recently told Town and Country, "I often think that truth is just a guess. I don't think there's such a thing as empirical truth ever when it comes to human beings.

In a recent op-ed piece in the New York Times, Babe Paleys granddaughter Belle Burden furiously charged that her grans life was once again stolen and twisted by the TV producers, who never consulted the family -- just as Capote, the social gadfly and In Cold Blood author, had stolen and twisted her grandmothers story.

The series focuses on La Cote Basque 1965, Capotes deeply dishy story published in 1975 as an excerpt in Esquire magazine. It was promoted as one of the chapters in his forthcoming book, Answered Prayers, which never materialized before his death in 1984.

La Cote Basque was the name of the tony French boite on the Upper East Side, the ritzy cafeteria where in real life, Capote often lunched with his swans in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Much of the action of the first few episodes takes place there, as Capote gossiped with the exquisite Babe Paley, ( Mrs. P had only one fault: she was perfect, he said) along with such other well-known mid-century female figures as Slim Keith, C.Z. Guest and Lee Radziwill, Jackie Os sister.

Capotes Esquire story cruelly divulged a too-lightly fictionalized version of many of the deep dark secrets of upper-class misbehavior that the women had shared with him. It sent shockwaves through those power haunts when it came out, and many of the Swans -- but chiefly his favorite, Baby Paley (the wife of CBS Chairman of the Board William S. Paley) -- stopped speaking to Truman, which in the end killed him.

Capote cut Babe, the Swan he loved most, to the quick by revealing the mortifying story of one of her husbands infidelities.

The series shows her returning from Paris and walking into the menstrual-bloody aftermath of a tryst Bill Paley had in their own bed.

I walked off the Concorde and I walked into that, she tells Capote, which is an anachronism, since the Concorde didnt start flying until 1976, and the affair happened years before Capote exposed it in 1975.

Theres another anachronistic howler in the opening episode having to do with CBS. Capote meets Paley for the first time on the founders private plane as he, Babe and their friends are jetting down to the Paley villa in Jamaica.

Capote is charming the group with his banter. At one point he gets into a story so juicy he tells Paley to get his boys from 60 Minutes on it. This was supposed to be the late 1950s, and the first episode of 60 Minutes didnt air until 1968.

Paley is depicted as a womanizer and rotten husband, which he was. But of course, he was more dimensional than that. When Babe confides in Truman that she wants a divorce, he advises her not to do it, telling her Hes the most powerful man in America. Fuck Richard Nixon, its Bill Paley.

For media mavens, theres nothing in the series about how Paley got to be a master of the universe, going from cigar salesman in his Ukrainian immigrant fathers business to inventing the first radio network, and then combining a bunch of tiny TV stations to found and build the Columbia Broadcasting System into the Tiffany network.

Part of his success came from his natural sense of what people wanted to hear and see. He probably would have been amused by Feud.

After all, we are watching the streaming series through the language and lens of 2024, while Capotes fabricated recollections were of what happened to New York society figures of the 1950s and early 1960s, even though he put 1965 in the title of an excerpt that appeared in 1975.

I Googled after every episode to attempt to determine truth from fiction. The fun part is, theres many existing videos of Capote in action.

There was one middle episode of Feud that covered Capotes famous Black and White Ball of 1966. Its shot in black-and-white with perfect period detail by director Gus Van Sant, as if it had been shot and directed by the respected 1960s documentarians Albert and David Maysles.

How many layers of illusion is that?

And yet, through the magic of film, Feud manages to convey some essential truth. Ill be watching tonight to see what happens to the characters that I think Ive come to know and judge. But as Baitz said, is there empirical truth when it comes to human beings?
by Teresa Buyikian , March 13, 2024

Blame social media. Thats what Chipotle said in a release earlier this week for the reason the chain decided to bring back its Chicken al Pastor in North America, the U.K. and Europe, for a limited time.

Since the item left the menu in August 2023, social media requests for Chicken al Pastor have been three times more thanany other limited time offering in the brands history, according to a release.

In response to all the Pastor love, Chipotle recently posed this challenge to its social media followers: Tell us what youd do to have Chicken Al Pastor back.

Responses ranged from Id name my first-born son Al Pastor, on Instagram to I'll wear a shirt with just images of the chicken all over and the chipotle logo on the front and back center on X.

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"About one in five transactions included Chicken al Pastor when it was featured on our menu last year," said Chris Brandt, Chipotles chief brand officer in a release. "Given the performance and the fans wanting its return so enthusiastically, this was the fastest comeback of any item in the chains history, Brandt noted.

Chipotles Chicken al Pastor is made in small batches, with chicken, a marinade of morita peppers and ground achiote, pineapple, fresh lime and hand-chopped cilantro. The Most Ordered Chicken al Pastor Bowl of 2023 is also available, including white rice, black beans, tomato salsa, roasted chili-corn salsa, cheese and guacamole.

To commemorate the zesty chickens return from Mar. 14 through 24, Chipotle is offering free delivery on all Chicken al Pastor orders placed via the Chipotle app and online in the U.S. and Canada.
by Colin Kirkland , March 14, 2024

One day after the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill that could result in a ban of the popular video-sharing app TikTok, former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced he is assembling a group of investors to buy the ByteDance-owned company.

On Wednesday, the House passed The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (H.R. 7521) with a 362-55 margin.

If the Senate also passes the bipartisan bill, TikTok will be forced to either sell the app within 180 days, or the distribution of the app will be banned from all app stores and websites in the country.

U.S. lawmakers have long expressed concern over ByteDance's relationship with the Chinese government, distrusting the companys word that it would deny the government access to the user data of Americans if it was asked to.

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The U.S. government is concerned about the potential for China to use this data, together with TikToks powerful algorithm, to influence public opinion.

I think the legislation should pass and I think it should be sold, Mnuchin, who leads Liberty Strategic Capital, told CNBC on Thursday. It's a great business and I'm going to put together a group to buy TikTok.

Before working under President Trump, Mnuchin was an experienced Wall Street investor working at Goldman Sachs, which he followed up working as a financier with a Hollywood production company on the side.

ByteDance was valued at $220 billion during its last funding round in 2023, according to PitchBook data.

TikTok, which is believed to be worth tens of billions of dollars, according to a report by Statista last month, is widely viewed as a worthwhile purchase. Bytedance had stated that the app is not for sale.

Alongside Mnuchin, Bobby Kotick, the former CEO of Activision Blizzard, has also been shopping a potential deal with prospective partners, according to a report from the The Wall Street Journal.

As Mnuchin supposedly builds his investment team, the movement to ban TikTok is facing growing backlash from the American public, with millions of small businesses that rely on the app for their livelihoods.

Right now, there are over 150 million Americans who use the service, according to Statista.

On Thursday, a spokesperson for Beijing's commerce ministry said that the government hopes the U.S. can respect the principles of a market economy and fair competition [and] stop unjustly suppressing foreign companies while TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew said in a video Wednesday night that the company is encouraging users to contact their senators to protect your constitutional rights and make your voices heard.

Chew added that TikTok will be exercising our legal rights.

President Biden has said he will sign the legislation if it reaches his desk. But while the White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre hopes the Senate will take swift action in passing the bill, recent reports describe senators expressing mixed views on the bill.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, March 14, 2024

A majority of the Federal Communications Commission on Thursday voted to redefine broadband as speeds of at least 100 megabits per second for downloads -- a fourfold increase from the current standard of 25 Mbps, which was set nine years ago.

The new benchmark for upload speeds is 20 Mbps -- nearly seven times faster than the current 3 Mbps standard.

The FCC also set a long-term goal of 1 Gbps for downloads and 500 Mbps for uploads.

The agency said the new definition of broadband (technically, "advanced telecommunications technology") was based on factors including speeds currently available in the market, consumer usage patterns, and standards set by other government officials.

The federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, passed in 2021, provides funding for broadband at speeds of at least 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload.

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FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel supported the new standards, as did the agency's two other Democratic commissioners -- Geoffrey Starks and Anna Gomez.

This fix is overdue, Rosenworcel stated Thursday, adding that the new standard will help the agency "better identify the extent to which low-income neighborhoods and rural communities are underserved."

Republican Commissioner Brendan Carr, who dissented, argued that the evidence didn't warrant the new benchmark -- partly because as of December 2022 only between 2% and 38% of consumers subscribed to services that offer both 100 Mbps downloads and 20 Mbps uploads, according to data compiled by the agency.

Is it really fair to say consumers dont have 'advanced telecommunications capability' at a speed lower than 100/20 Mbps? he asked in his written dissent. The take rate for 100/20 Mbps was quite low as of December 2022. Do these consumers know something we dont?

Commissioner Nathan Simington said in a separate dissent that a long-term goal of 1 Gbps uploads and 500 Mbps downloads was unnecessary.

Certainly, for the same price, I would take gigabit service over 100/20 Mbps service, but I wouldnt get much added utility out of it, he stated. A 100/20 Mbps connection is enough to watch multiple 4K video streams, make multiple video calls, and play multiple online games, all at the same time.

The FCC's move comes nearly two years after the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office said the then-current benchmark is likely not fast enough to meet the needs of many small businesses, particularly with regard to upload speeds.

Some lawmakers also argued the 25/3 standard was too slow, as did the trade group Incompas -- which counts online video providers like Amazon, Google and Netflix among its members; that organization endorsed an even faster benchmark of at least 1 gigabit.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, March 14, 2024

Apple has acquired more than 32 artificial intelligence (AI) companies since 2010. The latest, earlier this year, is called DarwinAI, a startup focused on making AI systems smaller and faster. Some analysts and execs say Apple has acquired the most AI businesses of any major tech company.

The deal was forged earlier this year for an undisclosed price, but Bloomberg reported the news today.

Apple has also hired Alexander Wong -- a researcher at the University of Waterloo, who helped build DarwinAI -- as a director of its AI group.

The $200 billion search market continues to attract new investments from venture capitalists and larger companies such as Apple, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft that are willing to fund new entrants in generative AI (GAI).

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BrightEdge Founder and Executive Chairman Jim Yu calls these GAI startups the next generation of search engines.

Yu said that while Apple has been quiet about its investments in GAI, last Year the company announced a $22.6 billion infusion in AI research and development, including GAI, and made more AI-based acquisitions than Meta, Google, Microsoft and others.

Last year was a big year for investments in GAI, with equity funding topping $21.8 billion across 426 deals, according to CB Insights. OpenAI was the biggest, with $10 billion. In terms of the search space, new entrants such as Perplexity raised money at valuations of $520 million, according to Business Insider, and You.com raised more than $45 million from about 10 different investors.

Google invested $2 billion in Anthropic, adding to its $550 million funding from earlier this year. Amazon also invested $4 billion in Anthropic. And OpenAI is now reportedly working on a search engine powered by Microsofts Bing.

Apple is known for excellence in user experience in its products and software integration, and it also has its own version of Chat GPT called Ajax internally. AppleCare supports has been beta testing a version called Ask, and this week Behzinga reported that Apple is poaching talent as it builds a potential search engine.

Yu said the key challenge for new entrants lies not just in building a search engine, but in how they build partnerships and integrate technology into multiple product-led search entry points.

He also shared new findings and key signals about how Google is ramping up its testing of Search Generative Experiences (SGE) in its Labs.

The data that recognizes these changes comes from BrightEdge Generative Parser, a next-generation parsing technology that can detect where search engines are experimenting with Generative AI.

While SGE is still in beta, the debate about its rollout continues in some search circles. Yu points to five key signals that things may be getting closer.

For starters, AI results in SGE have been stable for more than three months; 98% of search queries now show SGE results in education, ecommerce, and B2B tech; more SGE tests are being run as some users have started to see SGE in Search Labs in Romania, Poland, and Turkey; and new experiments are being tested daily such as listen buttons, audio and new visual formats with images and video. Most recently Google refreshed its landing page in SGE Labs so users can interact better with its results and formats.
by Teresa Buyikian , March 14, 2024

Taco Bell is doubling down on lunchtime chicken with its new Cantina Chicken Menu. Taco Bell Rewards Members have early access beginning today, and the entire menu will be available nationwide beginning March 21.

The new daytime menu features five items: the Cantina Chicken Soft Taco, the Cantina Chicken Crispy Taco, the Cantina Chicken Burrito, the Chicken Quesadilla and Cantina Chicken Bowl.

The chain used more produce and premium ingredients for the items, including shredded purple cabbage, white corn tortilla shells made daily and fresh pico de gallo, in addition to slow-roasted chicken with Mexican spices. Each order comes with a packet of the chains new Avocado Verde Salsa.

"As we constantly listen to our audiences, we know that a winning equation is giving them what we know they want plus something next level, said Liz Matthews, global chief food innovation officer for Taco Bell, in the release. "We knew our fans wanted more chicken, and we also knew that we could elevate chicken with unexpected ingredients like purple cabbage and Avocado Verde Salsa."

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With the new menu Taco Bell is projected to use more than 2.5 million additional pounds of produce in 2024, per the release.

From Mar. 21 to April 4, existing Rewards Members will receive one free Cantina Chicken Crispy Taco that will be added to their accounts. New members joining beginning Mar. 21 will have the option to choose a Cantina Chicken Crispy Taco as their free welcome reward, among other offers.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, March 14, 2024

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is asking a federal appellate court to reject X Corp's challenge to a new state law that requires large social media platforms to disclose their editorial policies.

In papers filed Wednesday with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, Bonta's office argues that even though the law (AB 587) compels speech, it doesn't violate the First Amendment because the matters that must be disclosed are purely factual and uncontroversial.

Nothing in AB 587 requires social media companies to disclose individual users identities, information, or the substance of their specific posts, Bonta's office argues. Nor does AB 587 dictate the substance of social media companies terms of service or related policies, or control the actions that social media companies may take (or decline to take) against any item of content or user.

AB 587, signed last year, requires large social media platforms to post information about their content moderation policies, and provide semiannual reports to the state attorney general about enforcement. Those reports are supposed to include information about whether and how the companies define and handle material such as hate speech and disinformation.

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The law also allows the attorney general to seek penalties of up to $15,000 a day from a platform that materially omits or misrepresents its policies.

X (formerly Twitter) sued to block the law last year, arguing that the statute unconstitutionally interferes with private companies' editorial judgments about how to handle speech that's protected by the First Amendment.

The company argued that even though the state touts the law as a transparency measure, the legislature intended to pressure platforms to suppress speech that's protected by the First Amendment. In general, the First Amendment prohibits the government from attempting to suppress lawful speech -- including speech that's racist, sexist, or otherwise objectionable.

Late last year, U.S. District Court Judge William Shubb in Sacramento rejected X's request to block enforcement. He said in a written decision that the law appears to place a substantial burden on social media companies, but that it was not unjustified or unduly burdensome within the context of First Amendment law.

Shubb wrote that the mandatory disclosures were reasonably related to a substantial government interest in requiring social media companies to be transparent about their content moderation policies and practices so that consumers can make informed decisions about where they consume and disseminate news and information.

X has appealed that decision to the 9th Circuit, arguing that the law unconstitutionally compels X Corp. to engage in controversial speech against its will, and impermissibly interferes with X Corp.'s constitutionally protected editorial judgments about what content may appear on its social media platform.

The company also disputes that the law disclosures required by the law concern only factual and uncontroversial matters.

X essentially argues that policies regarding content moderation are in themselves controversial, and not comparable to the kind of commercial information that courts have required companies to disclose -- such as information about prices or fees.

What the state euphemistically refers to as a 'transparency measure' in fact has the purpose and effect of compelling X Corp. to take positions on some of the most controversial topics of the day-what constitutes hate speech, racism, misinformation, and so forth, the company argued in papers filed last month with the 9th Circuit.

The company adds that a provision allowing for sanctions against a company that materially omits or misrepresents its policies is too vague, and will effectively empower the attorney general to pressure platforms into changing their editorial decisions.

Bonta's office counters that arguments regarding possible sanctions over misrepresentations are premature, arguing that X hasn't alleged it is currently subject to threat of imminent prosecution.

A broad array of outside groups -- including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and Electronic Frontier Foundation -- are backing X's appeal.

The Chamber of Commerce wrote in a friend-of-the-court brief filed last month that the California law reflects a growing trend of government interference in the private editorial judgments of businesses that operate on the internet.

The business organization added: These unlawful efforts significantly affect the Chambers membership, including social media companies, businesses that rely on social media platforms to reach interested consumers, and other companies that participate in todays vibrant online economy.
What is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder involving an extra copy of chromosome 21. Symptoms include intellectual disabilities and distinctive facial features.

Down syndrome was first described as early as 1866 by Langdon Down, a London-based physician. It is also known as 'Up syndrome' because of the cheerful persona of the children.

Down syndrome is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability and is also credited to be one of the most common chromosomal abnormality among newborns.

Lejune and co-workers (1959) were the first to report the presence of an extra chromosome 21 (trisomy 21) in the cells of individuals with Down syndrome - a landmark in the field of congenital disorders in general and in the area of cytogenetics in particular.

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The incidence of Down syndrome is estimated to be 1 in 1000 - 1100 live births worldwide.

Yearly, 3000 to 5000 children are born with this syndrome worldwide.

Hearing deficits occur in 60 - 80% of children with Down syndrome.

Congenital heart diseases appear in around 40% of Down syndrome individuals contributing to the increased number of their deaths in infancy.

With the help of advances in medicine and the rise in community support groups, 80% of Down syndrome patients reach their 50 th birthday and beyond.

birthday and beyond. It has been widely reported that Down syndrome children are more commonly born to older mothers - but in a country like India too, where women get married and produce children at an early age, this condition is equally prevalent as anywhere else in the world.

Couples who already have a Down syndrome child have increased chances of recurrence compared to the general population.

Down syndrome has a genetic basis, where the cells of the affected person have an extra chromosome 21. This may occur due to:

The improper separation of chromosome 21 ( non-disjunction ). The cells of the human body have 23 pairs of chromosomes (46 chromosomes), while the reproductive cells, that is the egg and the sperm each have only one set of chromosomes i.e. 23 chromosomes. During the process of formation of these cells, if the separation of the pair of chromosome 21 does not happen properly, the reproductive cell could have an extra chromosome 21. When fertilization between the male and female reproductive cells takes place, the baby cells thus have 3 copies of chromosome 21 with a total number of 47 chromosomes. This is called trisomy 21 and accounts for 95% of Down syndrome cases. Several studies have associated non-disjunction with increased maternal age.

( ). The cells of the human body have 23 pairs of chromosomes (46 chromosomes), while the reproductive cells, that is the egg and the sperm each have only one set of chromosomes i.e. 23 chromosomes. During the process of formation of these cells, if the separation of the pair of chromosome 21 does not happen properly, the reproductive cell could have an extra chromosome 21. When fertilization between the male and female reproductive cells takes place, Several studies have associated non-disjunction with increased maternal age. Mosaicism or mosaic Down syndrome is diagnosed when there are two types of cells present in the body. Some cells have the normal number of chromosome 21, i.e. two, while some have 3 copies of chromosome 21. Therefore, the total number of chromosomes in the cell can be 47 or 46. Mosaicism is the least common type and occurs only in 1% of the population. The symptoms of Down syndrome are less severe than these cases.

or is diagnosed when there are two types of cells present in the body. Some cells have the normal number of chromosome 21, i.e. two, while some have 3 copies of chromosome 21. Therefore, the total number of chromosomes in the cell can be 47 or 46. Mosaicism is the least common type and occurs only in 1% of the population. The symptoms of Down syndrome are less severe than these cases. Translocation is another type of chromosomal abnormality in Down syndrome patients in which the number of chromosomes in each cell remains 46 but there is a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21 that attaches itself onto chromosome 14. This can be inherited from the parents or it can arise de novo during embryo formation.

It is not necessary for the entire chromosome 21 to be involved in a trisomy. Just a region of the chromosome,, present in three copies is enough for the development of DS phenotype.

Over 95% of the Down syndrome cases result from classical trisomy 21 while the remaining 5% may exhibit mosaicism or translocations.

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Down syndrome is a complex pathological condition with a range of physical, mental and biochemical changes.

Physical features and disease conditions affecting the individual include:

Flat facial profile

Small head at birth

Up slanting eyes with skin fold over the inner corner

White spots on the colored part of the eye

Snub nose

Protruding tongue

Gum disease and dental problems

Short ears

Small chin

Visual / auditory defects

Congenital heart defects

Deep ridge on the palm of the hand

Gap between the first and second toes

Decreased muscle tone (hypotonia)

Short neck with loose skin on the posterior part of the neck

Problem with the upper part of the spine called atlanto-axial instability

Short /thick hands and feet

Gastrointestinal malformations like poor development of the first part of the small bowel and blockage of the large intestine and with an inability to pass stool

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Blood abnormalities with increased chances of developing lekuemia

Reduced immunity with infections like pneumonia

Reduced fertility in males

Looseness of the hip joint

Epilepsy

Obstructive sleep apnea

Cognitive, Emotional and Behavioral Problems:

Delayed developmental milestones

Intellectual disability with Intelligence Quotient (IQ) lower than normal

Short attention span

Impulsive behavior

Slow learning including delayed language and speech

Anxiety

Depression

Attention deficit hyperactive disorder

Repetitive movements

Autism

Aggression

Psychosis

Social withdrawal

Dementia or Alzheimers / premature aging

Disruptive sleep patterns

Biochemical Features:

Thyroid dysfunction resulting in low thyroid hormone levels or hypothyroidism

Over expression of enzymes such as superoxide dismutase

Ammonia/uric acid accumulation

Poor lipid metabolism

All the above features may not be present in one single individual but many of them, in various combinations will be present.

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Tests to diagnose Down syndrome include the following:

1. Prenatal Screening Tests: Prenatal screening tests are tests done before the baby is born, which show an increased likelihood of the baby suffering from the disease. These include:

Combined Test: This includes two tests which are done in the first trimester - a blood test to measure levels of protein and an ultrasound called the nuchal translucency test that checks for abnormal levels of fluid behind the babys neck in the first trimester.

Triple Screen or Quad Screen: These blood tests are done in the second trimester to check the levels of 3 or 4 proteins, respectively.

Cell-free Fetal DNA: This is a blood test done on the mother to analyze DNA of the baby which is released in the maternal circulation.

2. Prenatal Diagnostic Tests: If there is a previous history of an affected baby, if a woman is over 35 years or if the screening test shows an increased likelihood of the syndrome, prenatal diagnostic tests are done. Diagnosis tests check for the presence of the extra chromosome. These tests could pose some risk to the mother and the baby which may include miscarriage.

Amniocentesis can be done during 15-20 weeks of pregnancy. A small amount of amniotic fluid that surrounds the baby is drawn to carry out this prenatal study and the fetal cells are studied under a microscope.

Chorionic villi sampling carried out during 9-14 weeks of pregnancy is done by taking a sample of cells from the placenta.

carried out during 9-14 weeks of pregnancy is done by taking a sample of cells from the placenta. Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS) done later in pregnancy during the 18 th to 22 nd week takes a sample of fetal blood from the umbilical cord through the uterus.

done later in pregnancy during the 18 to 22 week takes a sample of fetal blood from the umbilical cord through the uterus. Cell-free fetal DNA can also be used as a prenatal diagnostic test.

3. Pre implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is another genetic technology that has revolutionized the choices available to prospective parents. Couples undergoing IVF treatment, whose baby is at risk for genetic abnormalities, can have their embryos analyzed with the help of specific probes. This detects chromosome imbalances or other genetic disorders in a fertilized egg before implanting the same in the uterus. This way the aberrant embryos are eliminated and only the viable ones are transferred back to the uterus.

4. At Birth: Down syndrome diagnosis can be confirmed by taking a blood sample of a baby at birth and by subjecting the same to a genetic test called karyotyping. This test helps to detect the extra chromosome 21 and also the translocations that lead to Down syndrome.

The management of Down syndrome depends on the extent of the condition. Though a complete cure is not possible, an early intervention starting from birth can improve the quality and duration of life of the affected child.

Some children might have a heart defect that has to be taken care of right after birth while some may have digestive issues that might need lifelong care.

Speech therapy and physical therapy can enhance the communicative ability and motor skills of the patients, respectively.

Assisted device is a type of material, equipment, tool or technology that will make the life of a person with Down syndrome easier. Amplification devices for hearing, special pencils to write, and touchscreen computers are some assisted devices that have helped these individuals.

Occupational therapy will help to identify jobs that suit the patients when they are older.

Emotional and behavioral therapy will help the children cope with emotions, interpersonal skills, compulsive behavior, and puberty issues.

Inclusive education helps in giving a fair education to these children in par with the general population.

Dementia and Alzheimers are common in Down syndrome individuals. Drugs to curb memory loss have not shown any benefit. Some patients take amino acid supplements that might aid in improving brain function.

The immediate family may well benefit from psychological and genetic counseling as the situation demands.

It is impossible to predict the life span of a Down child. If the Down individual has good access to medical and psychological help as well as financial assistance, there are chances of living longer compared to a Down syndrome individual with poor access. Several children with Down syndrome learn to read and write, and some have even graduated, have regular jobs and even live semi-independently.

Heart problems or infections put these individuals at a higher risk of early death. Currently however, thanks to improved health care, scientific technology and medications, the life expectancy of individuals with Down syndrome has increased to 50 to 60 years. However, compared to the general population, they do endure premature aging at around 45 years of age.
About

Foot orgasm syndrome is a rare form of disease in which the patient may experience sensations similar to those experienced during sexual activity on stimulating the foot.

The first recorded case of this strange syndrome is that of a 55-year old woman in Netherlands, who experienced the syndrome 1.5 years after an intensive care emergency. The woman experienced several orgasms a day triggered from the foot, without being sexually aroused. The case is published in the medical journal, Journal of Sexual Medicine.

Causes of Foot Orgasm Syndrome

The doctor, Dr. Waldinger who treated this patient, suggested that the foot orgasms occurred as a result of signal mix up in the brain. The nerves of the foot and the vagina enter the spinal cord at the same level. Therefore, the brain is sometimes unable to differentiate between the two regions and hence considered the sensory information from the vagina and the foot to be identical. In the particular case, it is likely that the intensive care emergency the woman underwent a year and a half before the symptoms was responsible for some problem with the nerves that caused the syndrome.

Diagnosis of Foot Orgasm Syndrome

The diagnosis of foot orgasm syndrome can be made based on the history and physical examination of the patient. Other tests that have been used in the diagnosis include an MRI scan to rule out structural abnormalities, study of electrical activity of the involved muscle, and electrical stimulation of the nerves (TENS). The TENS test in the recorded patient produced an orgasmic sensation when the left foot was stimulated at a particular joint, and when the vagina was stimulated on the left side. The first sensation traveled from the foot towards the vagina, while the second sensation traveled from the vagina towards the foot. Doctors feel that there may be more individuals suffering from the same condition, but who do not come forward since they may find it embarrassing to talk to their doctor about it.

Treatment of Foot Orgasm Syndrome

The woman that was reported with the condition was treated with an injection of anesthesia into the part where the nerves of the foot enter the spinal cord, i.e. the left S1 dorsal root ganglion. The treatment caused disappearance of foot orgasms. Repeat treatments may be required if symptoms recur.
What is Maternal Death?

Maternal mortality or maternal death refers to death of a woman occurring during her pregnancy or less than 42 days of childbirth, termination or miscarriage due to pregnancy related complications and treatment.

Maternal Mortality - Key Facts

Majority of maternal deaths (99%) occur in developing nations ; maternal mortality is higher in rural communities and among women belonging to the poorer socioeconomic status

; maternal mortality is higher in rural communities and among women belonging to the poorer socioeconomic status Even within countries, variations in maternal deaths occur with lower rates reported in women belonging to wealthier households, those having better education, living in urban areas, and having access to health care services

More than half of maternal deaths happen in sub-Saharan Africa and nearly one third occur in South Asia . Over half of maternal deaths occur in suboptimal humanitarian conditions

. Over half of maternal deaths occur in suboptimal humanitarian conditions Countries with the lowest maternal deaths were Greece, Finland, Iceland, and Poland according to a United Nations Population Fund report in 2010

according to a United Nations Population Fund report in 2010 The average maternal mortality ratio in developing countries in 2015 was 239 per 100,000 live births compared to 12 per 100,000 live births in developed nations. Among the developed nations, the US has the highest maternal mortality ratio of 18.5 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2013

live births in developed nations. Among the developed nations, the US has the highest maternal mortality ratio of 18.5 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2013 Every day over 800 deaths or nearly 300,000 deaths annually occur due to causes attributable to pregnancy and childbirth that can be easily prevented

occur due to causes attributable to pregnancy and childbirth that can be easily prevented Since 1990 to 2015, maternal mortality across the world has dropped by 44%

Pregnancy in adolescence is associated with an increased risk of complications including death compared to other age groups

including death compared to other age groups As part of the Sustainable Development Goals, it is aimed to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by the year 2030

How is Maternal Health Measured?

The four measures of maternal death include

Maternal mortality ratio (MMR)

Maternal mortality rate

Lifetime risk of maternal death

Proportion of maternal deaths out of total deaths in women of reproductive age (PM).

Maternal mortality ratio (MMR) - Number of maternal deaths during a given time period per 100,000 divided by live births during the same time period. The MMR is used as a measure of the quality of a health care system.

Maternal mortality rate - Number of maternal deaths in a given population divided by the number of women of reproductive age, usually expressed per 1,000 women

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Lifetime risk of maternal death - Probability that a 15-year-old woman will die from a pregnancy/childbirth related cause if she is exposed to similar risks of maternal death and the overall levels of fertility and mortality seen in a given population

Proportion of maternal deaths out of deaths in women of reproductive age (PM) - Number of maternal deaths in a given time period divided by the total deaths in women belonging to reproductive age group between 15 to 49 years
What is Pyromania?

Pyromania is an impulse control disorder that involves engaging in setting fires, the tension before the act, pleasure after the act, and interest in fire-related paraphernalia. This behavior is solely motivated by the above factors and is not done to cover a crime, for revenge, for earning money, or in a state of inebriation.

The prevalence of pyromania has been found to be around 1% and is typically found among males. Two-thirds of the cases in one study of fire setters were in men. Individuals with pyromania are more likely to have an intelligence level below the normal range. They generally develop psychiatric disorder at the age of 18 years. Around 62% of the individuals also face an additional mood disorder.

Pyromania differs from arson. Arsonists may have pyromania, but the research suggests that most dont have it. Arson is considered a crime as it is done for vengeance or monetary gain, whereas fire setting in pyromania is compulsive and maladaptive.

The causes of pyromania still need further research. Due to few cases and the difficulty in identifying cases, it is tough to conduct research to understand the causal factors.

Common factors that may play a role in the development of the disorder include:

Genes inherited from family members

Imbalance of hormones and neurotransmitters

Change in brain chemistry due to substances

Child abuse and maltreatment

Brain trauma at a young age

Lack of social skills

History of mental illness

Presence of other comorbid conditions such as substance use disorder, impulse control disorders, depression, anxiety, learning disabilities, and ADHD

Severe stressful events leading to a pathological response

Fire setting may also have other causes such as attention seeking, sensation seeking tendencies, antisocial traits, lack of knowledge and skills with respect to fire safety, poor supervision, negative role models, and peer pressure.

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The symptoms of pyromania include multiple incidents of fire setting that are done on purpose. There is a presence of arousal or tension before the act of lighting things up. The process of setting fire and witnessing the consequences leads to a sense of satisfaction, gratification, or pleasure, and sometimes even relief.

The individual inflicted with this condition tends to have an intense curiosity, intrigue and interest in fire related paraphernalia and situations, and their outcomes. For example, they may want to work at the fire station or set off fire alarms without cause.

The aim of setting fires is not to seek revenge, gain money or hide a crime. The individual is not acting in response to hallucinations or delusions. Their judgment is not affected due to other mental disorders. Finally, the condition doesnt meet the criteria of another disorder more accurately. These include conduct disorder, antisocial personality disorder and mania.

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The diagnosis of pyromania in children needs to be assessed carefully. Those thought to be child pyromaniacs may have conduct disorder or curiosity-related fire setting. It is crucial to consider the intent behind the behavior.

To diagnose the condition, a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will investigate the symptoms, family history, medical reports and any medication the individual is taking. It is ensured that the presence of any other medical issue or substance abuse is not at the root of the problem.

Criminal files indicating fire setting that is repeated are also valuable in the diagnostic process. The individuals personal account related to their perception and attitude towards fear is required. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition can be used in the process of diagnosis.

Pyromania can be treated following a multidisciplinary approach. The treatment methods include:

Individualized treatment plan - Treatment needs to be individualized according to the history and symptoms of the client. In the case of children, the presence of stressful factors, supervision of the child and parenting style need to be looked into. The treatment is crafted to meet the individual needs and personality of the child, with a focus on communication and healthy expression of anger. Early intervention is crucial as it is effective in 95% of children.

- Treatment needs to be individualized according to the history and symptoms of the client. In the case of children, the presence of stressful factors, supervision of the child and parenting style need to be looked into. The treatment is crafted to meet the individual needs and personality of the child, with a focus on communication and healthy expression of anger. Early intervention is crucial as it is effective in 95% of children. Behavior modificationis used in the treatment of pyromania. This involves decreasing maladaptive behaviors and increasing adaptive behaviors. Reinforcement and punishment are used for this purpose.

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be applied to work on modifying irrational thoughts and beliefs that may be underlying the behavior.

can be applied to work on modifying irrational thoughts and beliefs that may be underlying the behavior. Habit Reversal Training or Therapy - This focuses on creating awareness of urges, triggers such as situations or places, increasing tolerance, reducing triggers, and replacing the maladaptive behaviour.

- This focuses on creating awareness of urges, triggers such as situations or places, increasing tolerance, reducing triggers, and replacing the maladaptive behaviour. Group Therapy - 12 step programmes that are used with individuals facing addiction can also be effective in treating pyromania.

- 12 step programmes that are used with individuals facing addiction can also be effective in treating pyromania. Interpersonal Psychotherapy - This can be used to look into the emotional issues underlying the urges and behavior, and work on processing these issues.

- This can be used to look into the emotional issues underlying the urges and behavior, and work on processing these issues. Pharmacotherapy - Medications include mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. Antidepressants such as tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescribed.

- Medications include mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. Antidepressants such as tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescribed. Biofeedback can be used to help the individual become more aware of normal body functions such as the rate of breathing. The person is then taught how to control these functions such that in a triggering situation, they can relax and reduce the tension.

Prevention focuses on teaching children self-control as a skill, imparting fire-safety education and improved assessment at younger ages. High risk children can be monitored for symptoms of pyromania or other mental health conditions. In addition to this, adult supervision of young children is crucial.

As early intervention in childhood has found to be beneficial for 95% of children, it is important that any deviant behavior is addressed with a mental health professional in the initial stages.
About

Whiplash is a common term used to describe neck sprain or neck strain, which is a type of injury affecting the soft tissues of the neck, such as the muscles ligaments and tendons.

Whiplash is caused by an unusual force that brings about sudden forward-backward movement of the neck, beyond the normal range of motion. It occurs when the head moves forward or backward in a jerking motion and this causes a strain in the muscles and ligaments of the neck, resulting in whiplash.

Whiplash most commonly occurs in those who have suffered a motor vehicle accident. The speed of the vehicle is not a deciding factor as a speed of even 15 miles /hour can cause whiplash in the occupants. Other causes include accidental falls, assault or mishaps during sporting activities. Repetitive stress to the neck, as caused by holding the telephone to the ear for too long or child abuse involving shaking a child are also reasons to bring about symptoms of whiplash in a person.

Each year, in the USA alone, 5,000 whiplash injuries result in quadriplegia, that is, paralysis of all four limbs. However, after a year of the injury only 1 in 5 patients remain symptomatic.

Symptoms

Whiplash symptoms may not manifest themselves in some people until 24 hours after the trauma was initiated. In most individuals, the symptoms manifest within the first few days of the accident or assault.

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Common symptoms include-

Neck stiffness/swelling/pain

Shoulder pain

Headache

Difficulty in chewing

Dizziness /fatigue

Difficulty in focusing

Lower back ache

Muscle spasm in the front and back of the neck

Numbness /pain in the arm

Sleep disturbances

Tinnitus /nerve irritation

Whiplash-associated disorders sometimes include damage to the brain too.

Diagnosis

As an emergency treatment, a collar may be placed around the patients neck to restrict movement in order to control pain and further injuries.

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Once the doctor examines the patient, an X-ray may be advised. If it is normal, then the patient may not need to wear the collar any more. But if the x-ray shows abnormality, then an imaging study such as CT scan or MRI, may be advised as x-rays are inadequate to reveal soft tissue injuries.

Treatment

If you suspect whiplash injuries, consult your GP who will carry out primary exams on you and, if the need be, direct you to a specialist.

If it is a soft tissue injury directed at the muscles, tendons or ligaments, then the symptoms may not be of a serious nature. In such cases, home care may be carried out, which involves methods that are mostly aimed at alleviating pain. Application of ice or cold packs to the affected area for 15-20 min is likely to reduce pain and swelling. This needs to be repeated every hour for the first two to three days. Along with this, pain medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen, and muscle relaxants, as prescribed by the doctor, may be taken.

Whiplash treatment in the past included wearing a collar. This trend, which has since been discontinued, has been replaced by ice treatment for the initial 24 hours, followed by gentle movement of the neck.

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If the symptoms are more severe, then doctors might prescribe a range of medications including narcotic pain relaxants, NSAIDS, muscle relaxants and benzodiazepine medications, involving valium. Neck injuries linked to bone or spinal cord damage may demand surgical intervention. Physical therapy with range of motion exercises, muscle strengthening or electrical stimulation may also be advised by the doctor, depending upon the severity.

It is important for the patient to take care not to indulge in stressful activities and to limit head motion until pain and the muscle tightness go away.

Follow-up care may be required depending upon the severity of the injuries. This may include, home exercises, physical therapy or a visit to your specialist.
About

Flatulence is a condition of having excessive gas in the stomach or intestine. This may cause a great deal of discomfort and may lead to other embarrassing symptoms like burping or belching.

The gas (flatus) formed in the stomach or intestine is a by-product of digestion.

The primary gases in flatus include nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon-di-oxide, oxygen and methane. The characteristic odor of flatus is attributed to the by- products of digestion including, sulphur compounds and certain bacteria present in the GI tract. The gases are produced in direct proportions to the bacteria present in the colon of the digestive tract, that helps to digest or ferment the undigested food that reaches the colon.

Flatulence is certainly no laughing matter; if it becomes a matter of concern then it must be discussed with your doctor.

Gas  A certain amount of gas is always present in the GI tract of everyone. A normal individual passes gas about ten times a day, on an average. If it exceeds this frequency, then it becomes a problem.

Bloating  Bloating is often thought to be due to excessive gas present in the stomach. But that is far from the truth as those who suffer from bloating usually have normal amounts of gases in their GI tract but experience a delay in emptying of the stomach.

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Belching  A couple of belches may be common after a meal but continuous belching may occur if a person swallows too much air. Chronic belching may also be a sign of upper intestinal tract diseases, such as peptic ulcer or Gatroesophageal reflex disease (GERD).

Abdominal pain  Some individuals who suffer from flatulence confuse it with angina if the pain occurs on the left side.

Differential diagnosis:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)  It is a common disorder of the GI tract characterized by abdominal pain, discomfort and flatulence.

Colonic diverticulosis - A diverticulum is a sac- like hernia formed through a point of weakness by the mucosal and submucosal layers of the colon wall. Most individuals with uncomplicated colonic diverticulosis do not exhibit any symptoms. A small group of the patients may have symptoms, such as bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain or altered bowel habits.

Psychogenic Aerophagia  This is a condition where the person suffers from flatulence due to a stress -related habit leading to an excessive swallowing of air.

Angina  Sometimes angina or pain in the left side which may be due to a heart disease, can be mistaken for flatulence, as the symptom is common in both the condition

Vaginal flatulence  Vaginal flatulence occurs in some women when there is an expulsion of air from the vagina during or after intercourse.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which specialist doctor should I consult if I have excessive Flatulence?

You will need to consult a Gastro-enterologist or a General Physician

2.What causes flatulence?

Swallowing air, eating certain types of foods like beans, improper digestion, impaired bowel movement and lactase deficiency are some of the main reasons for flatulence.

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3.When should you seek medical help?

It is important to seek medical help when a person experiences change in bowel habits, diarrhea, blood in stool, constipation, vomiting nausea, abdominal pain or swelling.

4. How is flatulence treated?

Flatulence is treated with antibiotics if unfavorable bacteria cause the flatulence. Medications that improve bowel movement are also administered, in case of constipation.

5.How is flatulence managed?

Flatus is present in everyone. However, the excess of intestinal gases can be bothersome and can be controlled, to a large extent, by closely monitoring the food that is consumed. High fat food must be avoided in those suffering from flatulence. If lactose intolerance occurs in a flatulent individual then milk (and milk products) must be avoided. If odor is of concern, then undergarments with charcoal filters can be put to use.
About

Dentures, also known as false teeth, are dental prosthesis that replace the natural teeth with artificial substitutes.

A denture may be defined as a dental prosthesis that replaces the natural teeth with artificial substitutes. Dentures are essentially prosthesis that are custom made for each patient, take support from the oral tissues, and can be removed by the patient. These prosthesis can be variably classified based on the material with which they are made, the number of teeth they replace, or the tissue from which they get their support. The goal of dentures is to restore a patient's appearance and function (1 Trusted Source

Dentures



Go to source).

Based on number of teeth they replace, dentures may be classified as:

Partial dentures:

When dentures replace some of your teeth, they may be referred to as partial dentures. These dentures require support from both soft tissue and teeth. They may be bound to your teeth using metal wires known as clasps.

These dentures may be made of acrylic or metal. In the latter situation, they are called cast partial dentures as the denture framework is made by casting the metal (2 Trusted Source

Types of dentures



Go to source).

Complete dentures

When dentures replace all your teeth, they are known as complete dentures. These dentures are most often made of acrylic, as they can be colored to replicate the color of your gums. These dentures can draw support from the oral soft and hard tissues. In some cases, these prosthesis may be fabricated by taking support from dental implants and tooth roots that have been root canal treated. In the former case, they are referred to as tooth supported over dentures, and in the latter as implant supported over dentures (3 Trusted Source

Complete Denture



Go to source).

Based on the tissue from which they take support, complete dentures may be classified as:

Conventional complete dentures

Conventional complete dentures take support from the soft tissue and bone of the jaws. These are the most commonly fabricated dentures. The chief advantage of these prosthesis is their relative cost-effectiveness compared to the other treatment options (4 Trusted Source

A systematic review of studies comparing conventional complete denture and implant retained overdenture



Go to source).

Tooth supported overdentures:

If the dentist believes that some of the tooth can be saved in the oral cavity, he or she may decide to treat it with root canal therapy and reduce it to the level of your gums. Overdentures provide better retention and aid in the preservation of jaw bone

However, the disadvantage of this prosthesis is that the treatment time is longer as compared to a conventional prosthesis and that the costs are higher (5 Trusted Source

Tooth Supported Overdenture Retained with Custom Attachments: A Case Report



Go to source).

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However, the disadvantage with this prosthesis is that the treatment time is longer as compared to a conventional prosthesis and also the costs are greater.

Implant supported over dentures:

In some cases, dental implants may be placed in the jaw bone to increase the retention and support of the denture. The number of implants that need to be placed may range from 2 to 6; however, a greater number of implants may be necessary based on the amount of bone that is available. These prosthesis offer the advantage of excellent retention. The only disadvantage of this treatment option is the relatively greater cost and longer treatment time.

The treatment time is longer as there must be a time gap of 3-6 months between the surgery for implant placement and when the final prosthesis is given. However, in the interim period, the patient can do with a conventional denture (6 Trusted Source

Mandibular Implant-supported Overdentures: Prosthetic Overview



Go to source).

Permanent Dentures

The method of permanent dentures is used to replace one or more missing natural teeth. They are attached to existing teeth as well as replacement teeth to cover the gap left by a lost tooth or teeth. The bridge is secured by cementing it to natural teeth that have been drilled into a conical form on each side of the false tooth (7 Trusted Source

Permanent Dentures



Go to source).

Dentures and implants can both be successful methods of restoring lost teeth. Dentures are a less expensive choice, but they don't last as long and can create additional issues, like as looseness, discomfort, and difficulty speaking and eating. While implants are the greatest option for replacing natural teeth, they may not be affordable for everyone due to their high cost (8 Trusted Source

Dentures vs Implants: A Look At Prosthetic Teeth Costs, Pros, and Cons



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Pros of dentures

Aesthetically pleasing

Cost-effective

No surgery required

Help stop mouth from sagging inwards

Cons of dentures

Wear down and need to be replaced periodically

Potentially require a lot of preparation - tooth removal, making molds, fitting

Can become loose and make clacking noises

Don't stop the bone from deteriorating

Pros of implants

Look just like natural teeth

Implants replace tooth roots and support bone health

They fuse to your jaw bone and can last a lifetime

Total stability for eating and speaking

Cons of implants

Getting implants can take as much as a year

Surgery is required for placement

You may have pain after getting implants during recovery

Bone graft or sinus lift may be necessary

They are the most expensive option

Materials used to fabricate dentures include acrylic resins, nylon based plastics (flexible dentures), and metal denture base materials.

Acrylic resins are the most commonly used materials. These materials have excellent aesthetics and are easy for the dentist to adjust (9 Trusted Source

Polyamide as a Denture Base Material: A Literature Review



Go to source).

Flexible denture base materials are made up of nylon based polymers (10 Trusted Source

Flexible denture base material: A viable alternative to conventional acrylic denture base material



Go to source). These dentures have greater flexibility and better translucency than acrylic. These properties make wearing these dentures more comfortable. Their translucency picks up the color of the underlying tissue, making them more aesthetic. However, they have a tendency to pick up stains from foods and beverages.

Metal denture bases are not used very often and are used only in cases when the dentist deems it necessary.

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Fabrication

A patient will have to visit the dentist a minimum of 5-6 times for a conventional denture.

During the initial visit, the dentist will record a primary impression of the patients upper and lower ridges. This will be used to construct a model on which a custom tray is made. This tray will help record a more accurate impression of the patient. The final, or secondary impression is used to construct the master cast. The dentist will then record the jaw relation that is the relation of the upper and lower jaws. The teeth are then arranged on a temporary denture base, and the dentist will try this temporary denture in the patients mouth. This allows the patient to suggest changes to the shade and position of teeth. This will be followed by the final appointment, when the processed denture can be given to the patient.

As with all prosthesis, dentures have an inherent adjustment period.

As with any prosthesis, dentures are artificial replacements to your natural teeth that are often resting on a movable foundation. There is an adjustment period after a new prosthesis is given. Over time if the patient does not take adequate care of the prosthesis, it can also lead to problems. Some of the common problems associated with dentures are:

Problems with new dentures

Ulcers and soreness: One of the most common problems in patients with new dentures is ulcers and soreness. It is most often due to sharp edges or nodules. The dentist will simply trim off the offending part to ensure relief(   Trusted Source

Oral mucosal lesions in denture wearers



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Difficulty in speech and mastication: A new denture acts as a foreign object in the mouth, and the patient should not expect it to function like your natural teeth. Like all prosthesis, you must learn to use them efficiently. The dentist will give you instructions on how to eat and learn to speak with your new dentures. The problem should not last very long with a properly constructed denture. However, if the problem persists, be sure to visit your dentist (   Trusted Source

Creating complete dentures that are stable in function



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A new denture acts as a foreign object in the mouth, and the patient should not expect it to function like your natural teeth. Like all prosthesis, you must learn to use them efficiently. The dentist will give you instructions on how to eat and learn to speak with your new dentures. The problem should not last very long with a properly constructed denture. However, if the problem persists, be sure to visit your dentist ( Loose dentures: In certain cases, the denture may be loose and get displaced while eating and speaking. The cause of this problem could range from a poorly constructed prosthesis to minor over extensions that can be corrected. In the former case, a new prosthesis may need to be made. In some cases, a loose denture could be due to the patient's poor bone structure; in such cases, it is better to opt for more sophisticated treatment options such as implant supported over dentures.

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Excessive salivation: The denture acts as a foreign object in the mouth that could cause excessive salivation. This is a self-limiting problem and subsides with time (   Trusted Source

Significance of saliva for the denture-wearing population



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The denture acts as a foreign object in the mouth that could cause excessive salivation. This is a self-limiting problem and subsides with time ( Allergic reaction: Some patients may experience an allergic reaction to a new denture. The symptoms may range from inflammation and burning sensation to more severe symptoms such as respiratory distress. In case a patient suspects an allergic reaction, he should stop wearing the denture at once and consult his dentist or physician (   Trusted Source

Allergic effects of the residual monomer used in denture base acrylic resins



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Clicking sounds: You will probably experience clicking sounds with your new denture. This is due to the contact of your upper and lower teeth. The issue will be resolved in due course. However, if it persists, contact your dentist.

Problems with old dentures:

Stomatitis: Stomatitis refers to the inflammation of the oral tissues. It is most often caused by candidiasis. The cause of this problem is often poor oral and denture hygiene (   Trusted Source

Oral mucosal lesions associated with the wearing of removable dentures



Go to source Trusted Source 15

Stomatitis refers to the inflammation of the oral tissues. It is most often caused by candidiasis. The cause of this problem is often poor oral and denture hygiene ( Loss of masticatory efficiency: This may be due to prolong use of dentures and the only solution is to get new dentures made.

This may be due to prolong use of dentures and the only solution is to get new dentures made. Sagging and ulcers at the corners of your mouth are caused by tooth material loss. The solution to the problem is to get a new denture made.

Lip and cheek biting: With time, the denture material wears off. The solution to this problem is getting a new denture made.

Getting used to New Dentures

A new denture requires practice to get used to and use efficiently.

How to Eat with New Dentures?

It takes time to start eating with new dentures. Start with soft and semi-solid foods that are easy to chew. Once you are comfortable with these foods, start on more solid foods (16 Trusted Source

Eating Advice for People Who Wear Dentures: A Scoping Review



Go to source).

Cut food into small pieces and chew foods on both sides. This will keep your dentures stable.

Dont try to take bites of hard foods such as an apple with your front teeth; this will dislodge your denture.

Chew on food with your back teeth.

Take small sips of water or beverages; do not use a straw as this can cause your dentures to dislodge.

How to speak with new dentures?

Learning to speak with new dentures is difficult as the new denture may feel awkward and the problem is further compounded by increased salivary flow. Reading a newspaper aloud, whether alone or in front of a mirror, will help you identify mispronunciations and boost your confidence.

Pain and soreness

New dentures may cause pain and soreness. Your dentist will tell you to visit him on the 2nd or 3 rd day.

Your denture may get dislodged when you cough or sneeze; this is a normal occurrence. Keep your hand or handkerchief in front of your mouth to prevent this.

It is important that the patient regularly clean his mouth and denture to prevent infections and foul odor.

Daily removal of the bacteria present in the oral cavity and on complete dentures is of paramount importance to minimize denture stomatitis and help contribute to good oral and general health. Based on the best available evidence, an American College of Prosthodontists task force has suggested the following guidelines for the care and maintenance of dentures:

Oral hygiene maintenance

Brush your remaining teeth, gums, and tongue every morning and evening with fluoride-containing toothpaste to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. In a completely edentulous patient, massage your denture bearing tissue with your finger; this ensures adequate blood supply to these tissues and keeps them healthy (17 Trusted Source

Taking Care of Your Teeth and Mouth



Go to source).

Give proper rest to your denture-bearing tissues by removing your denture overnight.

Denture care instructions

It is important that the denture be kept clean; this will prevent infection of your tissues and foul odor. The following measures can be taken to keep your dentures clean (18 Trusted Source

Denture cleanliness and hygiene: an overview



Go to source):

Dentures should be cleaned daily. A non-abrasive cleaner such as a soft brush and paste or cleansing tablets and solutions should be used.

Do not use any of these products inside your mouth as they may contain harmful chemicals.

Rinse the denture properly before reinserting in the mouth.

Manufacturer instructions regarding denture cleansers should be followed carefully.

Dentures should be cleaned annually by a dentist or dental professional by using ultrasonic cleansers.

Dentures should never be placed in boiling water this can distort your denture.

Dentures should not be soaked in sodium hypochlorite bleach, or in products containing sodium hypochlorite, for periods not exceeding 10 minutes.

Dentures should be stored immersed in water after cleaning or when not replaced in the mouth, to avoid distortion.

A yearly check up of your denture is a must.

Denture adhesives are available as powders or pastes and can improve the retention or fit of your denture. A well-made denture will not require a denture adhesive to have a good fit. Your dentist will only recommend an adhesive if he or she believes that your bone quality is poor and that a good fit is impossible even with a well-made denture (19 Trusted Source

Denture Adhesives



Go to source).

To use a paste adhesive:

Wet your denture and place pea-sized amounts of the cream on the inner surface of your denture. Place the same in your mouth (20 Trusted Source

Denture Adhesives: A Guide for Patients



Go to source).

To use a powdered adhesive

Clean and rinse your denture: sprinkle a layer of the powder on the denture; you can then place the denture in your mouth.

On average, a denture adhesive will last for 4-5 hours. In case you consume food or hot beverages, you may need to re-apply the same. It is important that the adhesive be removed properly before you decide to place a second layer. Thoroughly clean the denture with a soft tooth brush and then place it in water. Apply the adhesive only after you make sure the denture is clean.
In my opinion, there is no one who does luxury better in this country than business tycoon Mukesh Ambani and his family. Whether its a matter of throwing the most lavish party or hosting pre-wedding celebrations of the decade, trust the Ambanis to opt for the absolute best in the business.

And that is true also for their vacations and the kind of properties they book when theyre traveling.

Quite recently we came across a report that shared just how much the Ambanis spent on a resort per day upon their vacation in the Swiss Alps a couple of years ago.

As per a report in the Bloomberg, Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani spent a fortune on a resort in Switzerland when they nestled there for almost a month during the pandemic.

The couple stayed at the super luxurious Burgenstock Resort in Switzerland in the Swiss Alps, one of the most expensive and exclusive properties in the area. The per day rent for the property amounted close to INR 38 lakhs.

The two apparently opted for the Royal and Presidential Suite for the family members, considering Akash, Isha and Anant Ambani also joined their parents on this mini-getaway along with their families and kids.

Insider reported that the per night cost of the Presidential suite starts at $28,000 (about 23,21,849) while the Royal Suite costs $46,000 (about 38,14,023).

This ultra luxury property is situated overlooking the famous Lake Lucerne and stands to be one of the most picturesque properties in the area.

The Ambani family recently hosted the pre-wedding celebrations for their youngest son Anant Ambani with his long-term partner Radhika Merchant in Jamnagar in a glorious three-day affair.

Source: Business Insider
The decisive victory of World War II in Western Europe took place 80 years ago this summer. On 6 June 1944, after months of planning, around 150,000 men from five divisions  two American, two British, and one Canadian  fought their way on to five designated beaches along a 50-mile stretch of the Normandy coastline, soon to be followed by hundreds of thousands more Allied troops in the largest amphibious invasion in history. Codenamed Operation Overlord, this unprecedented seaborne assault was, of course, a landmark success  kickstarting the liberation of France, and paving the way for final victory over Hitlers armies in the west.

By opening a long-awaited second front against Nazi Germany, the Allies were delivering on a promise made by Winston Churchill four years earlier. We shall go back!, the Prime Minister had assured the House of Commons in a famous speech on 4 June 1940, just hours after the British Army had been evacuated from Dunkirk amid the horror of the German blitzkrieg. But that promise would prove hard to keep, with the armies of the Reich taking an iron grip on mainland Europe in 1941, and a run of catastrophes  from the fall of Singapore (described by Churchill as the greatest disaster in British military history) to a devastating series of setbacks in North Africa  pushing Britain to the brink in 1942.

What really changed things were Hitlers calamitous decision to invade Russia in June 1941, and Japans ill-fated attack on Pearl Harbor six months later  a move that led the United States officially to enter the war. With the worlds two most powerful nations now fighting on the side of the Allies, a fightback in Europe would finally become achievable  and by the time Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin, the leaders of the new Allied Big Three, met formally for the first time at the Tehran Conference in late 1943, it had already begun. In the Mediterranean, a turning of the tide in North Africa had provided a springboard for the invasion of Sicily and the beginning of the long fight for Italy; while in Russia, the Soviets had defeated German forces in the titanic struggle for Stalingrad, which broke Hitlers eastward advance.

But if a full-scale, cross-Channel invasion was now possible, lingering doubts remained in the months leading up to 6 June 1944  not only for the Allies, but also for the Germans awaiting their next move. When, where, and how, remained very big questions indeed, on which many thousands of lives would soon depend. In our special for this issue  the first of two devoted to the D-Day anniversary  we look at preparations on both sides. Taylor Downing examines the Allies elaborate deception plans, designed to catch the enemy off guard; while Graham Goodlad analyses the Germans defensive strategy, and the so-called Atlantic Wall on which their security would depend.

This is an extract from a special feature on D-Day from the April/May 2024 issue of Military History Matters magazine.

Read the full article online on The Past, or in the print magazine: find out more about subscriptions to Military History Matters here.
DALLAS  David E. Harris, who flew bombers for the U.S. military and broke barriers in 1964 when he became the first Black pilot hired at a major U.S. airline, has died. He was 89.

Harris' family said he died March 8 in Marietta, Georgia. No cause was given.

Harris spent 30 years flying for American Airlines. CEO Robert Isom called him a trailblazer.

Capt. Harris opened the doors and inspired countless Black pilots to pursue their dreams to fly, said Isom, who pledged to honor Harris' legacy by continuing to offer aviation careers for those who otherwise might not know its possible.

Harris flew for the Air Force for more than six years but struggled to find work in the airline industry. Before he went to work for American Airlines, his job applications were rejected or ignored, he said.

I was perfectly aware that there werent any Black pilots flying with the airlines, Harris told South Carolina Living magazine in 2015. I didnt want to go with any airline that wasnt really ready to hire Blacks."

Harris said the chief pilot at American told him, We dont care if youre Black, white or chartreuse. We only want to know, can you fly the plane?

On the job, he nevertheless encountered tense moments. Harris recalled to National Public Radio two years ago when he and a white co-pilot flew into Washington, D.C., a few days after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968. Smoke was rising from fires that broke out during riots in the nation's capital.

Harris said the co-pilot was making all kinds of nasty comments about King, and I sat quiet in the other seat to avoid an argument while the two of them landed a plane full of passengers.

Even 60 years after Harris' hiring, Blacks employees remain underrepresented in aviation. Black people make up 12.8% of the U.S. population but only 3.6% of pilots, according to government figures.

Harris was born in 1934 in Columbus, Ohio. After earning a degree in education from The Ohio State University, he joined the Air Force and faced discrimination in areas surrounding bases in Florida and Texas, according to his family.

After passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964, Harris began applying to major airlines and became the first Black aviator to enter pilot training for a commercial airline, his family said. He eventually became an instructor at American's flight academy and helped create the Organization of Black Airline Pilots.

Reaching back and helping others to succeed  thats what Id like for my legacy to be," he told NPR.

Harris retired in 1994 but kept flying in his single-engine Socata Trinidad aircraft.

Harris is survived by two daughters, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, according to his family.
In an administrative message released with little fanfare on Monday, the Navy quietly embarked on an ambitious effort that leaders hope will reshape culture and the relationships commanders have with their sailors.

Dubbed "Culture of Excellence 2.0," or COE 2.0, the initiative and its goals come across as complex and grand. It attempts to make about 34 instructions more relevant and accessible to the fleet. It also looks to introduce new tools and methods for leaders to root out toxicity in the ranks while instilling new sailors with better leadership techniques.

But, behind all that, the admiral driving the new policy had a more succinct goal -- "make giving a s**t a standard."

Read Next: Air Force Finds Elevated Cancer Rates in Initial Results of Study Looking at Health Risks at Missile Bases

Rear Adm. Brett Mietus was one of several Navy officials who exclusively spoke with Military.com ahead of the policy's unveiling. He said a main aim of the initiative, which took him and his team nearly two years to develop, was the desire to explain to the whole fleet -- not just junior sailors -- what being a good leader or sailor means in ways that go beyond just high-minded, if somewhat nebulous, ideals such as "honor, courage and commitment."

The outcome, according to Mietus, is that "you can really, from beginning to end, understand ... in a detailed way, what right looks like."

The "playbook" that was released as part of the initiative features a page that offers multiple examples of what honor, courage and commitment actually look like in practice.

Mietus noted that the standards they've laid out for the Navy are "designed to be hard because what we don't want to do is make everybody go, 'Oh, yeah, I'm there,' and move on."

Though, more interestingly, the book also offers examples of what "faking" those ideals looks like as well.

Faking honor, for example, would be "avoiding tough situations and/or conversations through inaction" while faking courage is "leading through fear and compliance versus respect," the book explains.

The book also lists 30 warning signs of bad people, leaders and teams.

The policy and the efforts of Mietus and his team come at a challenging time for the Navy. The service has been rocked by a series of scandals over suicide clusters, which have made it hard to ignore some of the challenges facing sailors today.

Plus, like the other services, the Navy is struggling to recruit enough sailors. Last year, the sea service fell more than 7,000 recruits short of its goals.

After Military.com revealed at least nine suicides between November 2019 and April 2022 aboard the USS George Washington -- a carrier undergoing a yearslong refit in the shipyards outside of Norfolk, Virginia -- the subsequent investigations and sailor interviews showed that sailors were largely left to suffer alone while facing tough living conditions in industrial sites with long commutes and oblivious leaders.

That fall, another cluster of four suicides in the span of a month was revealed at a nearby regional maintenace center where staff had a large population of sailors undergoing some sort of medical issue or event.

An investigation into that cluster revealed that, among other issues, leaders there were "not well-suited" to provide effective management, administration and oversight of the sailors, and the Navy's own audit service "recently determined that the Navy, writ large, has failed to fully implement the suicide prevention program."

Finally, a report on one suicide out of several on the USS Theodore Roosevelt not only found similarities to the George Washington, but that the Navy's approach of supplementing mental health-care professionals with regular sailors was not working.

Many sailors in that case blamed one chief petty officer for the suicide while another, senior chief petty officer was "specifically cited by multiple witnesses as being unsupportive of sailors accessing mental health resources."

The Navy's latest fleetwide survey also found that stress and burnout are on the rise across the fleet, and sailors struggle with finding good work-life balances.

Force Master Chief Jason Knupp, another member of the team behind the initiative, passionately noted that his hope for COE 2.0 was to address some of those issues so that "I can look a parent in the eyes, I can look a spouse in the eyes, I can look the community in the eyes and say, 'Your sons and daughters are on loan to me, to the United States Navy; I'm going to return them with honor.'"

"'I care about them because you've given them to me, and you've given me your most precious asset,'" he added.

Mietus acknowledged that the Navy has had trouble creating a healthy culture servicewide. He noted that many commanders simply struggle, because managing increasingly diverse and generationally different crews is just a challenge.

"We would never willfully violate a safety procedure ... but we eat into the margin when it comes to our people," Mietus said.

According to data provided in the playbook, the Navy's enlisted population is now more Gen Z than millennial -- 49.8% to 45.5%, respectively. Meanwhile, its officer corps is 63% millennials, and the next largest segment is Gen X at 19.8%.

"My generation looked up, saw positional authority -- check, are you ethical -- check, and then it was, 'Do you care about me?'" Mietus, who joined the Navy in 1992, remarked.

"The younger generations, it's more, 'Do you care about me,' and so part of this pivot is helping people acknowledge that younger generations aren't as enamored with positional authority as they used to be," he went on to explain.

As part of this new initiative, the Navy is planning on rolling out several new methods for commanders and Navy leaders to know what is going on in their commands.

One will be a "virtual CO suggestion box", an easy and electronic way for sailors to submit complaints, critiques and suggestions to their command's leadership anonymously.

Knupp said the idea behind the move is "to create different avenues" for sailors to make their voices heard.

"It makes the crew accessible to the other commanding officer to get after those things that might be hidden," he added.

In fact, much of the policy documents are sprinkled with QR codes to help ease sailors' access to either the underlying policy documents or the resources being referenced.

Another tool that rolled out alongside COE 2.0 is the commander's risk mitigation dashboard -- a website that aims to use statistical models to "analyze data from 31 databases consisting of over 16 million columns of possible predictors and over 6,000 events to generate command-specific risk scores for suicide, illicit drug and alcohol use, sexual assault (both victim and perpetrator), and sexual harassment," according to the initiative's website.

Knupp explained that this data should tell commanders that they need "to work on my messaging, maybe assign an investigator to go look at this or request external resources to come in here and help my command."

"There might be some stuff that's hidden, and so we're using products and survey tools to make this more apparent to the other commanders so he or she can get after it," he added.

One of the investigations into the George Washington suicides found that the warning signs were in the ship's survey data but went unheeded.

In a 2019 command climate survey, the George Washington's results were below aircraft carrier and Navywide averages in all assessment categories. A 2020 survey showed the same results.

Plus, from 2019 to 2020, those same surveys showed that sailors' "awareness of suicidal ideations" on the ship ballooned from 31% to 56%.

Now, Mietus and his teams say they are also introducing new ways to hold commands more accountable for the standards that are being laid out or clarified in the new policy push.

The admiral said the Navy has now managed "100% accountability" on debriefing the results of the command climate surveys with commanders and their bosses.

"What happens a lot of times in commands is if you're my boss, I may have some things that are not very good, but unless we have that deep conversation, then maybe they're not going to be uncovered," Mietus said.

The goal for 2024 is to have those climate surveys linked to the Culture of Excellence materials, "so that if a command is not meeting the standards here, it should be pretty obvious and that will give the [Navy leaders] the tools to step in," he said.

Mietus also said that a command's yearly assessment will be based on the criteria they've rolled out "so nobody can ignore COE 2.0, or if they do so, it's at their own peril, because they've got to talk to their boss about how they're implementing it."

But ultimately, the goal is much broader. Mietus and his team are looking to shift the Navy's culture to a place where the place mats, books and other tools are not necessary and many of the concepts they've developed are second nature.

"I think what would be different is that our Navy would be more deeply invested in our people," he said. "Gen Z is pretty clear on what they want. They want to join a group, they want to feel like they're protected by their leaders, they're in a group that gives them a sense of purpose and some meaning."

As part of that effort, the team hopes to include many of the COE 2.0 materials in the curricula of various training events and schools that will touch every sailor in the fleet.

Knupp said that "we'd like to have a recruiter talking about this, and they're already doing it at [boot camp], we're already doing it at [the enlisted leader development courses]" before noting that the Navy's top surface warfare officer, Vice Adm. Brendan McLane, "is layering this in and deliberately developing his officers to this standard."

However, despite the lofty aims, there was a sense of pragmatism among the team.

"We shouldn't wake up tomorrow morning and say, the Navy's changed -- It's not," Knupp said. "I expect the needle's really going to move in about a year to two."

In the meantime, Mietus and his team are already looking to make improvements.

"One of the great things about this document is that it's living and breathing," Capt. Walter Mainor, a former destroyer squadron commander, said on Monday. "The key is, we're getting that constant feedback and keep trying to tweak it to make the process better. I think that's very, very important."

Related: Navy Survey Shows Continued Problems with Stress, Burnout Among Sailors, But Progress on Culture
LONDON  Artificial intelligence is supercharging the threat of election disinformation worldwide, making it easy for anyone with a smartphone and a devious imagination to create fake  but convincing  content aimed at fooling voters.

It marks a quantum leap from a few years ago, when creating phony photos, videos or audio clips required teams of people with time, technical skill and money. Now, using free and low-cost generative artificial intelligence services from companies like Google and OpenAI, anyone can create high-quality deepfakes with just a simple text prompt.

A wave of AI deepfakes tied to elections in Europe and Asia has coursed through social media for months, serving as a warning for more than 50 countries heading to the polls this year.

You dont need to look far to see some people ... being clearly confused as to whether something is real or not, said Henry Ajder, a leading expert in generative AI based in Cambridge, England.

The question is no longer whether AI deepfakes could affect elections, but how influential they will be, said Ajder, who runs a consulting firm called Latent Space Advisory.

As the U.S. presidential race heats up, FBI Director Christopher Wray recently warned about the growing threat, saying generative AI makes it easy for "foreign adversaries to engage in malign influence.

With AI deepfakes, a candidates image can be smeared, or softened. Voters can be steered toward or away from candidates  or even to avoid the polls altogether. But perhaps the greatest threat to democracy, experts say, is that a surge of AI deepfakes could erode the publics trust in what they see and hear.

Some recent examples of AI deepfakes include:

 A video of Moldova's pro-Western president throwing her support behind a political party friendly to Russia.

 Audio clips of Slovakia's liberal party leader discussing vote rigging and raising the price of beer.

 A video of an opposition lawmaker in Bangladesh  a conservative Muslim majority nation  wearing a bikini.

The novelty and sophistication of the technology makes it hard to track who is behind AI deepfakes. Experts say governments and companies are not yet capable of stopping the deluge, nor are they moving fast enough to solve the problem.

As the technology improves, definitive answers about a lot of the fake content are going to be hard to come by, Ajder said.

Eroding trust

Some AI deepfakes aim to sow doubt about candidates' allegiances.

In Moldova, an Eastern European country bordering Ukraine, pro-Western President Maia Sandu has been a frequent target. One AI deepfake that circulated shortly before local elections depicted her endorsing a Russian-friendly party and announcing plans to resign.

Officials in Moldova believe the Russian government is behind the activity. With presidential elections this year, the deepfakes aim to erode trust in our electoral process, candidates and institutions  but also to erode trust between people, said Olga Rosca, an adviser to Sandu. The Russian government declined to comment for this story.

China has also been accused of weaponizing generative AI for political purposes.

In Taiwan, a self-ruled island that China claims as its own, an AI deepfake gained attention earlier this year by stirring concerns about U.S. interference in local politics.

The fake clip circulating on TikTok showed U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, vice chairman of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, promising stronger U.S. military support for Taiwan if the incumbent party's candidates were elected in January.

Wittman blamed the Chinese Communist Party for trying to meddle in Taiwanese politics, saying it uses TikTok  a Chinese-owned company  to spread propaganda.

A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, Wang Wenbin, said his government doesn't comment on fake videos and that it opposes interference in other countries' internal affairs. The Taiwan election, he stressed, is a local affair of China.

Blurring reality

Audio-only deepfakes are especially hard to verify because, unlike photos and videos, they lack telltale signs of manipulated content.

In Slovakia, another country overshadowed by Russian influence, audio clips resembling the voice of the liberal party chief were shared widely on social media just days before parliamentary elections. The clips purportedly captured him talking about hiking beer prices and rigging the vote.

It's understandable that voters might fall for the deception, Ajder said, because humans are much more used to judging with our eyes than with our ears.

In the U.S., robocalls impersonating U.S. President Joe Biden urged voters in New Hampshire to abstain from voting in January's primary election. The calls were later traced to a political consultant who said he was trying to publicize the dangers of AI deepfakes.

In poorer countries, where media literacy lags, even low-quality AI fakes can be effective.

Such was the case last year in Bangladesh, where opposition lawmaker Rumeen Farhana  a vocal critic of the ruling party  was falsely depicted wearing a bikini. The viral video sparked outrage in the conservative, majority-Muslim nation.

They trust whatever they see on Facebook, Farhana said.

Experts are particularly concerned about upcoming elections in India, the worlds largest democracy and where social media platforms are breeding grounds for disinformation.

A challenge to democracy

Some political campaigns are using generative AI to bolster their candidates image.

In Indonesia, the team that ran the presidential campaign of Prabowo Subianto deployed a simple mobile app to build a deeper connection with supporters across the vast island nation. The app enabled voters to upload photos and make AI-generated images of themselves with Subianto.

As the types of AI deepfakes multiply, authorities around the world are scrambling to come up with guardrails.

The European Union already requires social media platforms to cut the risk of spreading disinformation or election manipulation. It will mandate special labeling of AI deepfakes starting next year, too late for the EU's parliamentary elections in June. Still, the rest of the world is a lot further behind.

The world's biggest tech companies recently  and voluntarily  signed a pact to prevent AI tools from disrupting elections. For example, the company that owns Instagram and Facebook has said it will start labeling deepfakes that appear on its platforms.

But deepfakes are harder to rein in on apps like the Telegram chat service, which did not sign the voluntary pact and uses encrypted chats that can be difficult to monitor.

Some experts worry that efforts to rein in AI deepfakes could have unintended consequences.

Well-meaning governments or companies might trample on the sometimes very thin line between political commentary and an illegitimate attempt to smear a candidate, said Tim Harper, a senior policy analyst at the Center for Democracy and Technology in Washington.

Major generative AI services have rules to limit political disinformation. But experts say it remains too easy to outwit the platforms' restrictions or use alternative services that don't have the same safeguards.

Even without bad intentions, the rising use of AI is problematic. Many popular AI-powered chatbots are still spitting out false and misleading information that threatens to disenfranchise voters.

And software isn't the only threat. Candidates could try to deceive voters by claiming that real events portraying them in an unfavorable light were manufactured by AI.

A world in which everything is suspect  and so everyone gets to choose what they believe  is also a world thats really challenging for a flourishing democracy, said Lisa Reppell, a researcher at the International Foundation for Electoral Systems in Arlington, Virginia.

__

Swenson reported from New York. Associated Press writers Julhas Alam in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Krutika Pathi in New Delhi, Huizhong Wu in Bangkok, Edna Tarigan in Jakarta, Indonesia, Dake Kang in Beijing, and Stephen McGrath in Bucharest, Romania, contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON  A major deadline under the half-century-old War Powers Resolution came this week for President Joe Biden to obtain Congress' approval to keep waging his military campaign against Yemen's Houthis, in line with its sole authority under the U.S. Constitution to declare war and otherwise authorize military force.

Came, and went, in public silence  even from Senate Democrats frustrated by the Biden administration's blowing past some of the checkpoints that would give Congress more of a say in the United States' deepening military engagement in the Middle East conflicts.

The Biden administration contends that nothing in the War Powers Resolution, or other deadlines, directives and laws, requires it to change its military support for Israel's five-month-old war in Gaza, or two months of U.S. military strikes on the Houthis, or to submit to greater congressional oversight or control.

That's left some frustrated Senate Democrats calibrating how far to go in confronting a president of their own party over his military authority.

Democrats are wary of undercutting Biden as he faces a difficult reelection campaign. Their ability to act is limited by their control of only one chamber, the Senate, where some Democrats  and many Republicans  back Bidens military actions in the Middle East.

While Biden's approach gives him more leeway in how he conducts U.S. military engagement since Hamas' Oct. 7 attacks, it risks making any crisis deeper if things go badly wrong.

James A. Siebens, leader of the Defense Strategy and Planning project at the Stimson Center in Washington, called it a latent constitutional crisis.

The Middle East conflicts have revived what's been a long-running clash between presidents, who are the commanders in chief, and Congress, which holds the authority to stop and start wars, or lesser uses of military force, and controls their funding.

U.S. and British warships, planes and drones opened attacks on Houthi targets in Yemen on Jan. 11. Hundreds of U.S. strikes have followed. The U.S. strikes are aimed at knocking back what has been a surge of attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis, a clan-based movement that has seized control of much of northern Yemen, on international shipping in the Red Sea since the Israel-Hamas war began.

Biden formally notified Congress the next day. The administration took pains to frame the U.S. military campaign as defensive actions and not as hostilities that fall under the War Powers Resolution.

The resolution gives presidents 60 days after notifying Congress theyve sent U.S. forces into armed conflict either to obtain its approval to keep fighting, or to pull out U.S. troops. That deadline was Tuesday.

The White House continues to insist that the military actions are to defend U.S. forces and do not fall under the resolution's 60-day provision.

Congress pushed through the War Powers Resolution over presidential veto in 1973, moving forcefully to reclaim its authority over U.S. wars abroad as President Richard Nixon expanded the Vietnam War.

Since then, presidents have often argued that U.S. involvement in conflicts doesn't amount to hostilities or otherwise fall under the resolution. If lawmakers disapprove, their options include pressuring the executive branch to seek an authorization of military force, trying to get Congress at large to formally order the president to withdraw, withholding funding or stepping up congressional oversight.

For Yemen, Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy is looking at introducing legislation within weeks that would authorize the U.S. campaign against the Houthis under set limits on the time, geographical range and scope. The plan has not been previously reported.

Murphy and other Democrats in Congress have expressed concern about the effectiveness of the U.S. attacks on the Houthis, the risk of further regional escalation and the lack of clarity on the administration's end game. They've asked why the administration sees it as the U.S. militarys mission to protect a global shipping route.

This is hostilities.' Theres no congressional authorization for them, Sen. Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, told a Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee hearing on obtaining congressional authorization for the U.S. strikes on the Houthis. And its not even close."

Asked this week what happens now that the 60 days are up, Kaine said it would be premature for Congress to consider authorizing the U.S. action against the Houthis without understanding the strategy.

Idaho Sen. James Risch. the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, had no such doubts.

I believe that the president has all the power that he needs under the Constitution to do what hes doing in Yemen, Risch said this week.

But it's Gaza, and the soaring death toll among Palestinian civilians, that has stirred the most protests from Congress. The Israel-Hamas war also has a far higher profile in U.S. domestic politics. While many Americans are dead-set against any cut in military support to Israel, a growing number of Democrats have begun withholding votes from Biden in state presidential primaries to demand more U.S. action for Gaza's trapped people.

Some in Congress were frustrated early in the war that the administration bypassed congressional review to rush additional military aid to Israel, by declaring a national security emergency.

A presidential order negotiated with Senate Democrats requires Israel to certify in writing by March 25 that it will abide by international law when using U.S. weapons in Gaza and will not impede humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians  or face a possible cut in U.S. military aid.

The United Nations has said Israeli restrictions are keeping many aid trucks from getting into Gaza. The U.S. this month began air drops and work on a sea route to get more food and other vital goods into the territory.

Some in Congress are pushing the administration to cut the military aid now, under existing federal law requiring countries that get U.S. military support to use it in compliance with international law, including by allowing humanitarian access to civilians in conflicts.

A group of Senate Democrats and independent Sen. Bernie Sanders wrote Biden this week that it was already plain that Israel was obstructing humanitarian aid to Gaza. They urged him to cut military aid immediately, absent a turnaround by Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu's government, under existing laws on U.S. foreign assistance.

I'm still flabbergasted that the administration hasn't acted, Maryland Democrat Chris Van Hollen, one of the senators pushing hardest on the point, said.



Associated Press writer Farnoush Amiri contributed.
The Navy fired the commander of one of its guided missile submarines on Monday -- the third submarine firing in the last seven months -- according to a press release on Wednesday.

The commanding officer of the USS Ohio sub's gold crew -- Capt. Kurt Balagna -- was relieved by Rear Adm. Nicholas Tilbrook, the commander of Submarine Group 9, "due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command," the Navy said.

Balagna appears to be the third Navy commander relieved this year. However, since last September, Navy leaders have fired the skippers of the USS Georgia and USS Alabama as well. Navy officials have previously said that in 2023, the service relieved 15 commanding officers.

Read Next: Two Commanders in Marine Corps' West Coast Infantry School Fired on Same Day

The Navy's statement did not offer any more information about why Balagna was removed from leadership, outside of the boilerplate "loss of confidence" remark.

A Navy official told Military.com that the relief was "related to conduct rather than performance" but would not offer any additional details.

The Ohio is homeported in Bangor, Washington.

According to Balagna's official biography, he enlisted in the Navy in 1992 as a nuclear electronics technician before earning his commission in 1997 through a ROTC program.

Throughout his career, Balagna sailed on the ballistic missile submarine USS Kentucky, where he completed five strategic deterrent patrols, as well as the attack submarine USS Annapolis.

He served as the executive officer of the USS Virginia, and he commanded the USS Annapolis before coming to the USS Ohio. The public biography does not say when Balagna took command of the Ohio's gold crew but publicly released images put the date before January 2021.

The Ohio is one of four guided-missile submarines that were converted from carrying Trident II D5 nuclear ballistic missiles to Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles. However, like their ballistic brethren, guided-missile submarines have two sets of crews -- blue and gold. They take turns manning the submarines and taking them on patrol.

According to the Navy, "this maximizes the [submarine]'s strategic availability, reduces the number of submarines required to meet strategic requirements, and allows for proper crew training, readiness and morale."

Balagna's biography says that among his awards are the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

The Navy said that the Ohio's prospective commanding officer, Capt. Andrew Cain, has assumed commander's duties.

Related: USS Georgia Submarine Commander Arrested in Georgia and Relieved of Duty Due to 'Loss of Confidence'
WASHINGTON  Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. CQ Brown is visiting U.S. weapon factories in Oklahoma and Arkansas on Thursday as the Pentagon frames the $95 billion aid package hanging in the balance on Capitol Hill as not only vital to Ukraines survival but also critical to the U.S. economy.

Brown is visiting Lockheed Martins Camden, Arkansas, weapon facility and the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant in McAlester, Oklahoma, with the lawmakers who represent those factory workforces to address concerns over billions of dollars being sent overseas when there are so many needs at home. Some of those lawmakers have either already voted against the aid or have indicated they will oppose it.

The general traveled with Arkansas Republican Sen. John Boozman, Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin and Arkansas Republican Rep. Brad Westerman and is scheduled to meet with Oklahoma Republican Rep. Josh Breechen while at McAlester.

Brown said hell use the trip to point out how the funding is needed to replenish U.S. military stockpiles that have been sent forward to Ukraine during its fight against Russia's invasion and how that increased production supports local economies. Its a point the Pentagon has increasingly pushed in recent months as current Ukraine funding ran out  and Ukraines front lines began to ration munitions against a much more robustly supplied Russian army.

As I have done with other members, and Ill do with these members, Ill talk to them about the importance of the supplemental and not only how it helps Ukraine but also how it helps all of us. What I mean by that is much of the money, about 80% of the money out of the supplemental, will go back into our defense industrial base, Brown said in a call with reporters ahead of the trip.

Lockheed Martin's Camden plant produces both the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, which is a coveted long-range firing system Ukraine has effectively used against Russian front lines, and the Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS, long-range missiles that are quick and that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said have proved effective against Russian forces. The McAlester plant produces Navy and Air Force bombs  but is also a major storage site for critically needed 155mm munitions. In support of Ukraine the McAlester plant has also accelerated repair of Stinger and Hawk missiles and has refurbished South Korea-provided 155mm rounds with new markings and fuses.

I think theres real value in coming to see this firsthand and have time with them on the airplane to talk about why this is important and why going to these two locations is important, Brown said.

Arkansas Republican Sen. Tom Cotton, a high-ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Oklahoma Sen. John Lankford, who negotiated the failed border bill that has now become a sticking point for the Ukraine aid bill in the House, had been scheduled to travel with Brown but will no longer be on the trip.

The lawmakers have taken different approaches on their support for Ukraine as the war has dragged on.

In May 2022, the Arkansas senators split on the $40 billion Ukraine aid package, with Cotton joining Lankford in favor of the aid and Boozman opposed.

Mullin, who was a member of the House at the time before being elected to the Senate, also voted in favor of the 2022 aid package, as did Westerman.

But more recently, as the Senate last month approved the $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific allies, Cotton, Lankford and Mullin voted against it, while Boozman was in favor.

That bill is now stalled in the House, opposed by hard-line Republicans, including Rep. Josh Brecheen, who joined Congress in 2023. He said on social media the disastrous legislation must be stopped."
Top U.S. officials in the Washington area have received preferential treatment from a little-known health care program run by the military, potentially jeopardizing care for other patients including active-duty service members, according to Pentagon investigators.

White House officials, senior military and other national security leaders, retired military officers, and family members have all benefited. The Washington elite could jump the line when filling prescriptions, book appointments through special call centers, and receive choice parking spots and escorts at military hospitals and other facilities, including Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, according to the Pentagons inspector general.

Through a unit at the White House, government personnel were routinely allowed to receive treatment under aliases, providing no home address or insurance information. For some of them, the care was free, as Walter Reed had no way to bill for it or waived charges.

The so-called executive medicine program was described in a report the Pentagons inspector general released in January. The investigation drew extensive media attention for spotlighting a history of loose prescribing practices and poor controls of powerful drugs including opioids in the White House Medical Unit, a military outfit that attends to the president, vice president, and others in the White House compound.

But the White House Medical Unit is just the tip of the broader executive medicine program, intended to provide VIP treatment to senior government and military officials. Though the program is meant largely to accommodate top officials busy schedules, the privileges have followed many patients into retirement. According to data from late 2019 and early 2020, the IGs report said, 80% of the executive medicine population in the national capital region were military retirees and members of their families.

Some facilities provided access to care for executive medicine patients over active-duty military patients that had acute needs, according to the report, which added that prioritizing medical care by seniority rather than medical need increased the risk to the health and safety of nonexecutive general patient population.

Much of the report was written in past tense, leaving unclear whether all the practices it described continue. Before the report was made public, a draft was under review by the White House Medical Unit for more than three years  from May 2020, when Donald Trump was in office, to last July. The delay isnt explained in the report, and White House spokespeople didnt respond to questions for this article.

A spokesperson for the inspector generals office, Deputy Assistant Inspector General Reishia Kelsey, declined to elaborate on the report. A spokesperson for the Pentagon, James P. Adams, also declined to comment.

In a response included in the inspector generals report, a Pentagon official said there were new procedures already put in place by the White House Medical Unit. The report didnt detail those changes.

At Walter Reed, the program is available to Cabinet members; members of Congress; Supreme Court justices; active-duty and retired generals and flag officers and their beneficiaries; members of the Senior Executive Service who retired from the military; secretaries, deputy secretaries, and assistant secretaries of the Department of Defense and military departments; certain foreign military officers; and Medal of Honor recipients.

Walter Reeds executive medicine program caters to the time, privacy, and security demands of leaders jobs, the hospital says on its website. The IG report makes clear that the program has, at times, provided extraordinary privileges to the governments most elite officials.

For example, one unnamed executive medicine patient asked to have a prescription for an unspecified controlled medication refilled two weeks early  and complained when pharmacy staff at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital said that wasnt allowed.

Hospital leaders told hospital staff to fill the prescription as requested. According to the report, the staff said the task required an estimated 30 hours of extra work.

Controlled medications are subject to abuse, and some, such as opioids, can be addictive. Defense Department health policy calls for minimizing the use of opioids and prescribing them only when indicated.

A spokesperson for the Fort Belvoir hospital, now known as Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center, said every patient is seen through the same lens and treated with the care they deserve.

The spokesperson, Reese Brown, said the facility shows military deference to top officers on account of their rank. For example, they dont have to sit with the general population of patients.

The facilitys website mentions an Executive Medicine Health & Wellness Clinic for authorized patients, including eligible family members.

Brown said he was unaware of the inspector generals account of the prescription refill and had no information about it.

The report said that at one unidentified pharmacy site, all pharmacy staff members expressed frustration about the prioritization and filling of executive medicine prescriptions. This prioritization of executive medicine prescriptions diverted the pharmacist from filling prescriptions for patients diagnosed with conditions that are more urgent.

Executive medicine services are also provided at the DiLorenzo Tricare Health Clinic at the Pentagon, Fort McNair Army Health Clinic, and Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic, the report said.

The inspector general recommended the Department of Defense take steps such as establishing controls for billing nonmilitary senior officials for outpatient services. The assistant secretary of defense for health affairs agreed but said the department would consider the historical practices of the White House Medical Unit, the DoDs health care support for nonmilitary U.S. Government senior officials, and the need for strict security protocols to protect the health and safety of White House principals.

____

Chaseedaw Giles, KFF Health News digital strategy & audience engagement editor, contributed to this report.

___

(KFF Health News, formerly known as Kaiser Health News (KHN), is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs of KFF  the independent source for health policy research, polling and journalism.)

2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
DEAR ABBY: My girlfriends 36-year-old son refuses to work. He has every excuse in the book. No job is just right for him. Without any education or training, he expects to make $20 per hour. Even then, he either quits or gets fired. He has lived off family for all of the five years I have known him. He couldnt find a job even part time last year, and never paid rent. We were forced to move.

Now we are in a 55-plus community that does NOT allow children, and her son is hiding in the living room and porch. He has created a cell for himself. If discovered, the community can evict us. How do we get him out? -- PRISON FOR ALL IN FLORIDA

DEAR PRISON FOR ALL: The son is 36 and hiding in a cell he has created for himself? Is he mentally disabled? Taking drugs? After five years, its time you and your girlfriend formed a united front and gave her son a deadline by which to find a job and move. After that deadline, he can couch surf with friends if necessary. Then cross your fingers and pray the management of the community in which you live doesnt catch on to whats been going on, or you and your girlfriend may be looking for another home as well.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
ALLEN PARK -- Anthony Pittman has played 1,117 special teams snaps since making it with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted rookie out of Wayne State in 2019. But the linebacker and special teams ace is reportedly heading to the the Washington Commanders after not being tendered by the Lions.

Pittman was a restricted free agent who the Lions let walk into unrestricted free agency. The Detroit Free Press reported last week that there was interest in re-signing Pittman after the non-tendering decision. Other Lions players who were not tendered new deals and are free to sign elsewhere are corners Khalil Dorsey and Jerry Jacobs, and defensive back Chase Lucas, long snapper Scott Daly and defensive lineman Benito Jones.

Related: Detroit Lions retain 6 players while not tendering 6 other free agents

Related: Brad Holmes, Dan Campbell sign contract extensions with Lions through 2027

Pittman has played 350-plus snaps on special teams in each of the previous three seasons. Hes played every game in three consecutive seasons, as well, earning two starts at linebacker along the way.

His release is a slight surprise based on the role hes continued to hold, not to mention this franchises valuing of special teams. But the Lions are loaded at linebacker, and they just made Jalen Reeves-Maybin the highest-paid core special teams player in the NFL, so it starts to make a little more sense.

The Lions have Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez and Reeves-Maybin in their linebacker room. All five of those players can handle defensive reps, and it should be noted that Rodriguez showed flashes of being a special teams stud in his new role last season.

Its also worth noting that Pittman heads to a Commanders team that just made longtime Lions executive Lance Newmark their new assistant general manager earlier this offseason. Pittman had been with the Lions since 2019.
Country music star Luke Bryan took to social media Tuesday as the search continues for a young man who disappeared over the weekend after being asked to leave his Nashville bar.

According to reports, Riley Strain, 22, was asked to leave Bryans 32 Bridge bar Friday because he had been overserved. The University of Missouri student traveled to Nashville with his fraternity brothers for a convention, according to FOX.

Strains friends reportedly told police that he told them he would walk back to their hotel, which was five blocks away. However, FOX reported that phone pings appear to show that Strain walked in the opposite direction of the hotel when he left the bar.

Bryan addressed the situation on Instagram Tuesday writing, YALL THIS IS SCARY. PRAYING FOR HIS SAFE RETURN.

He shared a statement that said that his bar is continuing to work closely with the Metro Nashville Police Department to provide security camera footage and any other potentially helpful information to aid in the search for Riley Strain.

Bryan also shared a screen shot from the Metro Nashville Police Departments social media post requesting information in the search for Strain.

This is definitely the worst nightmare, Strains stepfather, Chris Whiteid, told FOX. He talks to his mom three or four times a day. For him to go this long without talking is not normal by any means.
PONTIAC, MI -- A jury on Thursday, March 14, found James Crumbley, the father of Michigan school shooter Ethan Crumbley, guilty of manslaughter for the deaths of four Oxford High students murdered by his son.

The 47-year-old is guilty of four counts of involuntary manslaughter, a crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison. James Crumbley, who shook his head following the verdict, is expected to be sentenced on April 9.

The week-long trial ended March 13. The jury deliberated for nearly 12 hours over two days.

A jury in a separate trial found 45-year-old Jennifer Crumbley, James Crumbleys wife, guilty of four counts of manslaughter on Feb. 6. She is awaiting an April 9 sentencing. Jennifer and James Crumbley have remained jailed, currently with $500,000 bonds, since Dec. 3, 2021.

The Crumbleys are believed to the first parents of a school shooter to ever be charged with manslaughter based on murders committed by their child.

Their now-17-year-old son, who was a 15-year-old sophomore when he committed the shooting at Oxford High School on Nov. 30, 2021, pleaded guilty to 24 felonies, including four counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Hana St. Juliana, 14, Madisyn Baldwin, 17, Tate Myre, 16 and Justin Shilling, 17. He is serving a mandatory life prison sentence.

The shooters parents were accused of gross negligence for failing to safely store the handgun used by their son in the attack and for not seeking help for their son when he exhibited warning signs of depression and possible mental illness.

James Crumbley purchased the murder weapon, a 9mm Sig Sauer handgun, for his son four days prior to the shooting. Jennifer Crumbley said the gun was intended for target shooting at the range, a pastime the then-15-year-old shared with his father. On Nov. 29, school officials left Jennifer Crumbley a voicemail letting her know that her son was caught looking at pictures of bullets on his phone in class.

She told her son, next time, dont get caught.

On the morning of the shooting, both parents were called to the school for an emergency meeting after a teacher discovered concerning violent drawings and statements scrawled on their sons geometry assignment. The teen wrote, Blood everywhere, My life is useless, and The world is dead, near drawings of a gun and a bleeding body with two bullet holes. The gun resembled the firearm purchased by the shooters father days earlier.

The parents agreed to seek counseling for their son within 48 hours, but declined to remove him from school, citing work conflicts. Administrators allowed the teen to return to class with a backpack containing the gun. He commenced the mass shooting about 12:50 p.m.

In total, he fired his gun 32 times, striking 11 people, including 10 students, four who died of their injuries.

Prosecutors said the teen was clearly troubled and should not have had access to a weapon.

The teens dog and grandmother recently died, his only friend moved away, his grades were slipping and he was becoming increasingly reclusive.

Based on journal writings and a video manifesto the shooter recorded, the attack was planned.

Im going to be the next school shooter ...  he said in the video recorded about 10 p.m. on the eve of tragedy. Im gonna open fire on everyone in the hallway, I will try to hit as many people as I can, I will reload, and I will find people hiding ...

Theres no voices in my head. The voices are me ... I am the demon.
CAMP GRAYLING, MI -- A fire at Camp Grayling spread over 100 acres Wednesday, according to UpNorthLive. The fire started when crews were burning and disposing of expired ammunition as part of a explosive ordinance disposal.

Although the fire spread across a large portion of land, Camp Grayling Fire Chief Justin Wethington said its common for large fires to happen when disposing of ammunition. Firefighters on scene allowed the fire to burn and are monitoring it to ensure it doesnt spread any further.
GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, MI  A Michigan man was arrested for felony assault after allegedly reversing a pickup truck into a stopped vehicle during a road rage incident over the weekend, police said.

At 12:43 a.m. Saturday, a Grand Traverse County Sheriffs deputy responded to a reported crash on Hammond Road, WPBN/WGTU reports. Upon arrival, he met with a 46-year-old Kalkaska County man. The pickup truck had fled the scene.

The victim said he was traveling eastbound on Hammond Road after picking someone up from Cherry Capitol Airport when a pickup truck began moving erratically, apparently trying to pass, police said. The victim pulled off to avoid the other driver, but the truck continued to follow. The victim then pulled over and the suspect pulled over in front of the victims vehicle, put the truck in reverse, slammed into the victims vehicle, causing substantial damage, and then fled the scene
College enrollment in Michigan rose last fall for the first time in a decade.

It was a tiny increase, 2800 students more than last fall, less than a percentage point, and it came on the heels of a massive new investment: $53 million paid out to students through the Michigan Achievement Scholarship.
MARQUETTE, MI  A state prison in Michigans Upper Peninsula called in reinforcements Wednesday after days of assaults targeting staff and fires in cells, officials said.

The Michigan Department of Corrections Emergency Response Team was deployed to Marquette Branch Prison to assist with the situation, WLUC reports. The prison is under restricted prison movement today for prisoner and staff safety.

On Monday and Tuesday, there were several assaults against staff and three fires in cells in the administrative segregation unit, the report said. During the early evening Wednesday, multiple prisoners in the unit started fires in their cells, leading to an evacuation of the unit. Two cells are out of service due to fire damage. Two officers and a prisoner were taken to a hospital for smoke inhalation; the prisoner remains hospitalized.

Due to smoke in the unit, prisoners were evacuated to an adjacent closed housing unit and prisoner yard modules. When it was time to go back to their cells, some prisoners resisted and made direct threats to staff. Thats when ERT was called in. All prisoners were eventually returned to their cells without further incident.
ANN ARBOR, MI - With direction from a Grammy-nominated musician, survivors of the Dr. Robert Anderson sexual abuse scandal at the University of Michigan are performing two concerts aiming to transform trauma into healing power.

The production Ni une mas, led and composed by Pamela Ruiter-Feenstra, 7:30 p.m., March 15-16 at Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 423 S. 4th Ave. in Ann Arbor. Admission is free.
CORUNNA, MI  A Michigan man has been ordered to stand trial on charges alleging he threatened elected officials in Shiawassee County.

George Hamas of Macomb County appeared in Shiawassee County District Court on Tuesday, March 12, and waived his right to preliminary examination on four counts of false report or threat of terrorism and two counts of using a computer to commit a crime.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  A vacant building on Fulton Street in Grand Rapids would be transformed into a temporary homeless shelter with 42 micro apartments under a partnership between the nonprofit group Community Rebuilders and real estate investment firm Eenhoorn.

The shelter, planned for the former Van Andel Pavilion at Fulton Manor, will be operated by Community Rebuilders and could open as soon as November, said Vera Beech, executive director of the nonprofit. The group is based in Grand Rapids and focused on ending homelessness.
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI -- More than a year ago the far-right coalition Ottawa Impact took control of Ottawa Countys governing board, and soon after made national headlines over some controversial decisions.

But understanding how the larger community actually feels about the group has been difficult to nail down so MLive/The Grand Rapids Press, working in conjunction with Glengarrif Group polling company, surveyed 600 residents throughout Ottawa County to get a better finger on the pulse.

Below are the overall responses to the questions posed in the survey, with related graphics. Many of the questions were also segmented and organized by demographics and political affiliations, which can all be viewed on the original report. For all of MLives coverage based on the poll, go here.

- Voter demographics -

The opening of the survey asked general questions about the respondents place of residency and voting qualifications for the election later this year.

Related: A far-right faction took over Ottawa County. Its job approval is poor, MLive polling reveals

The first two informal questions sought to confirm the respondents voter registration status. The call was discontinued for anyone who answered no.

Then the respondent was asked if they planned to vote in the upcoming November Presidential election. The call was discontinued for anyone who answered no.

The first official question of the poll was where in Ottawa County the respondent was registered to vote.

Question two focused on if the community they lived in was lakeshore or inland.

Question three asked in which county board district the respondent lived.

- Issues -

Then, with question four, the survey turned toward issue-related questions, beginning with the direction people feel Ottawa County is currently headed in.

Question five follows with the direction the Ottawa County government is currently headed in.

Question six then asked respondents to share their biggest concerns for Ottawa County right now. Use the scrollbar at right to see all the responses.

Question seven began the portion of the survey that looks at significant personalities in Ottawa County government.

The first person to be polled on was Ottawa County Board Chair Joe Moss, the leader of the ultraconservative board majority. The question revolved around both his name recognition among residents, and how they perceive him.

Further down the poll, question 12 surveys Moss job approval.

Coming back to question eight, the respondents were asked about Ottawa County Health Officer Adeline Hambley and her name recognition.

Question 14 then later asked about her job performance as health officer.

In January of 2023, members of the Ottawa Impact collation attempted to fire Hambley, but were unsuccessful. Question 21 from the poll asked if respondents supported that effort.

The final name-recognition question for a specific person came at question nine, on Ottawa Countys recently fired administrator John Gibbs.

Question 13 then asked for ratings on his job performance when he was county administrator.

The last item of the name-recognition section of the survey, question 10, asked about Ottawa Impact, the movement itself.

The next five questions, 15-20, all dealt with the perception and actions of Ottawa Impact in the countys government.

Question 15 was on job performance of the group, as a majority on the county board of commissioners.

Question 16 asked whether or not Ottawa County government is run better with Ottawa Impact members in control of the county commission.

Question 17 dealt with the level of trust respondents have with Ottawa Impact and its management of taxes and finances.

Skipping ahead to Question 19, which is related to 17, respondents were asked about how Ottawa Impact has handled transparency in its decisions.

Coming back to question 18, respondents were asked on the role Ottawa Impact plays in Ottawa Countys overall quality of life.

Question 20 then follows-up on that topic by asking if Ottawa Impact has made the county a more or less welcoming place for people to move to.

After the question on the attempted firing of Adeline Hambley, as discussed above, question 22 asked how people felt about the commissions decision to end the countys Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office, and fire its staff.

Question 23 asked which county motto respondents prefer more. The county board made the change in January 2023 to Where freedom rings.

Question 24 delved into the general topic of the role of religion in government. Two statements - found below - were read, and then respondents were asked which they agreed with more.

Election security was the next topic in the poll, with question 25 asking respondents to rate their confidence in the safety of Ottawa Countys election.

Mask mandates was the feature of question 26, with respondents asked how important a candidates stance was in making their vote.

Questions 27-31 asked respondents to rate five different attributes of Ottawa County on a scale of 1-10 of how important they are.

- Statistical purposes -

Questions 32-38 were framed for statistical purposes of the poll, and give a general overview of the people surveyed.

Question 32 looked at the political leanings of respondents.

Question 33 asked, on a scale of 1-10, how motivated respondents were to vote in this years November Presidential election.

Question 34 asked on the likelihood of voting for a candidate affiliated with Ottawa Impact.

Questions 35-38, the final four, were demographic-based.

Question 35 asked educational attainment.

Question 36 asked for an age range of the respondent, and question 37 asked for gender.

And the last question, number 38, asked what kind of phone they were using.

Below is the full survey report in its entirety. You can read it in the window, or download it here.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Overcast skies and rain did not deter people from attending the Cesar E. Chavez social justice gathering in Grand Rapids Thursday at Roosevelt Park.

It is always about people, is this years theme for the annual event that pays tribute to the life and legacy of the Mexican American labor leader and civil rights activist.
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI  Nearly half of college-educated Ottawa County voters believe the county is worse run and less welcoming since a group of ultraconservative politicians took over the government a year ago, according to a new MLive survey.

The consistent trend throughout the polling of college-educated voters showed dissatisfaction with the group, Ottawa Impact, and its decisions. Its a trend some experts say could affect the countys talent attraction and retention capabilities. Ottawa County has been one of the fastest-growing large counties in Michigan over more than a decade.

The reason it matters is that the single best predictor of per-capita income is the proportion of adults with a bachelors degree or more, said Lou Glazer, president of Michigan Future, Inc. If you piss them off and they go someplace else, you cannot be prosperous  at the regional level.

Here are the four main takeaways from the MLive-commissioned survey pertaining to college-educated and young respondents thoughts on Ottawa Impact:

About 49.6% of college-educated respondents disapprove of the job being done by Ottawa Impact county commissioners, with 19.9% approving.

About 48.3% of college-educated respondents said Ottawa Impact has made the county less welcoming, with 25% saying the group has made it more welcoming.

As a whole, young people ages 18-29 were largely indecisive on a number of questions except for Ottawa Impact closing the countys diversity and inclusion office, with 55.4% opposed to the decision and 29.3% in favor of it.

About 47.9% of college-educated respondents said the county is worse run under Ottawa Impacts leadership, with 12.3% saying it is better run. An additional 16.9% said there has been no difference, and a remaining 22.9% said they didnt know.

Item after item, the college voters are not responding well to what Ottawa Impact is doing, said Richard Czuba, who heads up the company hired to conduct the poll. If you want to attract college-educated workers into the workforce of your county, in Ottawa County the college voters are saying, This is not the way to do it.

And I think this becomes a very significant issue for the businesses of Ottawa County and economic development opportunities, because what it appears is that Ottawa Impact is sending a message to college voters that, This isnt the place for you. Thats not the message, I think, the business community or the economic development community want to send to college voters.

Related: Shuttering of DEI office unpopular with young Ottawa County voters, new poll shows

MLive/The Grand Rapids Press commissioned a poll of 600 likely voters in Ottawa County, conducted March 3-6. The poll was conducted by the Lansing-based Glengariff Group, Inc., which has also done polls for the Detroit Regional Chamber and the Detroit News. The MLive poll has a margin of error of 4% and a confidence level of 95%, which are the industry standard for media polling.

Of the 600 residents called for the survey, 19.2% were contacted via a landline telephone and 80.8% were contacted via a cell phone.

Related: What do Ottawa County residents really think? We decided to ask them

The questions were primarily centered around Ottawa Impact, the far-right group of county commissioners who took office in January 2023 and hold a majority of seats on the county board. Those county commissioners ousted a majority of more moderate Republican incumbents in the 2022 primaries.

On their first day in office, the group made a number of surprise changes to county government, from immediately replacing the county administrator and attempting to fire the countys health department director to dismantling the countys diversity and inclusion office and more.

That abrupt, surprise shakeup, along with moving backward on the countys diversity and inclusion efforts, prompted the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce and economic development group Lakeshore Advantage to publicly raise concerns about the ramifications it could have on the business community.

At the time, president and CEO of the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce, Jodi Owczarski, warned that the countys growth had in large part been driven by the county being an attractive and welcoming place. Owczarski said we cant afford for this to change.

Related: Chamber concerned about effect Ottawa County changes will have on business community

Between the 2010 census and the 2020 census, Ottawa County was the states fastest-growing county. It has continued to hold that title in census estimates in the following years.

While almost half of college-educated respondents said Ottawa Impact has made the county less welcoming, respondents ages 18 to 29 were more split.

In that age group, 30.4% said Ottawa Impact has made the county more welcoming and 34.8% said theyve made it less welcoming. An additional 7.6% of respondents said there has been no change, and 27.2% said they didnt know.

A majority of college-educated respondents and those ages 18 to 29 also favored the countys old motto of Where You Belong over the new one of Where Freedom Rings, which was approved by Ottawa Impact. The former motto, adopted in 2017, was a bid by county leadership to be more welcoming to the countys growing population.

Related: Far-right group called it Marxist ideology, but voters prefer Where you belong motto

Owczarski told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press on Thursday, March 14, that the top issue reported by 28% of its 1,200 member businesses throughout the greater Holland and Zeeland area is talent acquisition and retention. That figure came from a listening tour conducted by the chamber between September 2022 and August 2023.

Owczarski declined to say what role, if any, Ottawa Impact and its messaging and decisions may have played in those challenges. But its also not a challenge that is specific to Ottawa County, she said.

Some factors behind attracting and retaining talent in the county are housing and childcare, and some area employers are offering better benefits and other incentives to become more attractive, said Owczarski.

But employers are also building out their efforts around diversity and inclusion, she said.

Many also noted a desire to continue improving their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts because they saw that as a way to attract and retain employees, Owczarski said.

Owczarski said the business community is hopeful that the county will get back on target in terms of being a welcoming place.

This has been a short-term issue so far, she said. And I think our community is optimistic that we can get things back on track to be a welcoming community for all.

Owczarski called it extraordinarily important that the county be attractive to young, college-educated people.

Thats the next generation of our workforce and so we have to continue to make our community and our employers a place where they would choose to take their talents, she said.

While there are a number of factors and amenities that attract young, educated talent to a region, Glazer said there are two key ones.

Michigan Future has been making this case for 20 years, that this is an economy, particularly with high wage employers, which is what Michigan needs most, is that talent now attracts capital, and that the two characteristics of places that are attracting young talent at any scale are vibrant central cities and being welcoming to all, he said.

Being welcoming isnt just important for young prospective employees, Glazer said, but also for employers and those looking to bring new jobs into an area.

I think business understands it matters  and it has to matter to economic developers too, Glazer said. My assumption is that they have a harder time attracting new business investment if companies view them as a place that is not welcoming to all talent.
FREELAND, MI  POTUS has landed.

President Joe Biden and his campaign arrived in mid-Michigan Thursday, March 14, via Air Force One at MBS International Airport in Tittabawassee Township.

After descending from the west and emerging from the gray overcast, Air Force Ones wheels touched down at 2:06 p.m., whipping up a stir of wet debris on the runway and sending thunderous echoes across the airports rural surroundings. The arrival came about an hour after the scheduled landing.

In nearby Freeland business parking lots and on the shoulders of neighboring roads, vehicles lined up, presumably with motorists planning to watch the modified Boeing 747s arrival in Saginaw County.

Air Force One came to a stop 10 minutes after first hitting the tarmac.

Biden stepped off the plane and into chilly, drizzling Michigan weather. Rain fell gently and temperatures stopped shy of 50 degrees.

There, wearing a rain-soaked jacket and cap, the president shook hands with Saginaw Mayor Brenda Moore. U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Flint Township) stood next to them.

The presidents motorcade lined up near the planes rear. Biden and Air Force Ones passengers as well as travelers intercepting the president at the airport filed into the lineup of bulky, white SUVs.

Moments after the last vehicle door closed  about 2:25 p.m.  the motorcade moved quickly forward, off to the presidents planned Saginaw County destinations.

Biden campaign officials said he will spend Thursday afternoon in mid-Michigan at a Saginaw home with supporters and volunteers.

The presidents visit is designed to engage and mobilize volunteers and voters to rally support for Biden as he pursues a second term in the White House, officials said.

He traveled to Saginaw after spending the previous day at Milwaukee, where he departed from Milwaukee International Airport Air National Guard Base.

Bidens visit marks the second time in less than two years he spent time in the region.

Biden last touched down at the Freeland airport in November 2022.

Thats when Biden and his motorcade traveled to Monitor Township-based SK Siltron CSS, a silicon wafer-producing plant. During his 3-hour visit in 2022, he led a rally touting the success of Michigans manufacturing industry.

He also visited mid-Michigan when he was vice president. A February 2010 Biden trip included stops at Delta College in Frankenlust Township and Fuzzys restaurant in Saginaw.

Biden served as vice president from 2009 to 2017 under then-president Barack Obama. Before that, he served in the U.S. Senate for 36 years.

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SAGINAW, MI  One early morning in July 2022, Leroy D. McIntosh sat in a van on Saginaws West Side when he was confronted by an armed man whose home hed broken into. McIntosh responded by putting his van in gear and twice running over his accuser, Ricky H. Terrell, leaving him to a slow death.

For killing Terrell, the 42-year-old McIntosh is to spend up to four decades behind bars.

Saginaw County Circuit Judge Andre R. Borrello on Wednesday, March 13, sentenced McIntosh to 10 to 40 years in prison, with credit for 596 days already served. Days before his trial was to begin, McIntosh in February pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and possession of a Schedule V controlled substance. In exchange, prosecutors dismissed a charge of open murder.

Before the judge imposed sentence, Saginaw County Assistant Prosecutor Melissa J. Hoover recounted how Terrell on July 27, 2022, was at his girlfriends apartment in the 1900 block of North Bond Street. He walked outside and approached McIntosh, seated in a white panel van, believing he had recently broken into his house and stolen a gun and drugs.

As Terrell grabbed the vans door, McIntosh put the van in reverse and backed over him.

After clearly knowing he had backed over Mr. Terrell, he then proceeded to drive forward over Mr. Terrell and leave, Hoover said. At this point, Mr. Terrell is still alive, barely, and left there to die slowly and painfully in this driveway.

Hoover said she was grateful the case didnt proceed to trial, as she did not want to have to show jurors photos of Terrells body.

To die in such an undignified way, I just cant get over that, Hoover said. Mr. McIntosh may have been in fear at the time according to him, but it doesnt excuse the fact he left this man to die.

Defense attorney Rod J. OFarrell said his client had no intent to kill Terrell, who allegedly threatened him with a knife.

What strikes me is there were so many chances where the parties could have done something different, OFarrell said.

Given the chance to speak, McIntosh offered apologized to his and Terrells families.

I am remorseful to the victims family, he said. What I did was a reaction out of fear.

In fashioning his sentence, Borrello said he did not believe there was any animus or intent on McIntoshs part to kill Terrell.

As deputies led McIntosh from the courtroom, numerous people in the gallery yelled, Goodbye, Leroy. We love you.

Ricky was a person, Hoover said. He had a family, sisters, brothers, other family members who loved and cared for him and were affected by this tremendous loss.

In an October 2022 preliminary examination, Saginaw Police Officer Albert Presley testified he and other officers responded to the Bond Street apartment building, finding an already deceased Terrell lying prone at the end of the parking lot/driveway area.

Officers found an open pocket knife under Terrells torso. Across his back was a tire impression, Presley testified.

Later that day around 4:30 p.m., Presley was on patrol when he pulled over a white Ford panel van on Genesee Street. The vans passenger side was caved in, he added.

The van was driven by a woman living at the Bond Street building whom Presley interviewed at the scene earlier that morning. The van contained three passengers, including McIntosh, Presley said.

Presley asked McIntosh if he had anything on him he should know about, then patted him down, finding Gabapentin pills. Gabapentin is a prescription medication often used to treat nerve pain and seizures. It is a Schedule V controlled substance in Michigan and the pills were not prescribed to McIntosh.
SAGINAW, MI -- After landing via Air Force One at MBS International Airport in Freeland Thursday, March 14, President Joe Bidens motorcade traveled 15 miles southeast to the home of Saginaw Councilman Bill Ostash and school board leader Kevin Rooker.

RELATED: President Biden visits historic Saginaw home of councilman, school board member
TRENTON, MI  The Trenton Stacks are coming down.

DTE Energy plans to demolish the stacks at the closed Trenton Channel Power Plant, an old coal-fired facility the company retired two years ago. The power plant first began to generate electricity in 1924 and for decades has been recognizable by its red-and-white-striped smokestacks.

The stacks will be demolished around 7 a.m. Friday this week, a process expected to take about 60 seconds. The boiler house demolition is scheduled for May 17.

Company officials said they are still exploring plans to redevelop the site along the Detroit River.

On Friday starting at 6:40 a.m., authorities will close roads for both pedestrians and vehicles around the facility for up to two hours. Affected roads will include Gross Ile Parkway Bridge, Gross Ile Parkway, West Jefferson Avenue, and West River Road.

Trenton Channel Power Plant when in operation along the Detroit River.Photo provided by DTE Energy

During the demolition, officials said nearby residents may hear a short series of noises sounding like thunder and may also detect mild vibrations. Workers will use pressurized water misters to keep down demolition dust.

The Trenton Channel plant ran multiple turbine generators with coal-fired boilers through the years. In the 2010s, DTE decommissioned all but the facilitys ninth and largest generator, a 550-megawatt unit.

The plant closure came in 2022 as part of the companys transition away from greenhouse gas-heavy coal fuel to lower-carbon natural gas and renewable energy generation.

Reducing carbon emissions from power generation is considered a linchpin for effective climate action.

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While many may want warmer than normal weather, Michigans fruit crop could become vulnerable to a killing cold temperature if the occasional warmth continues. Thats why the coming colder temperatures may actually help save Michigans fruit crop this year.

Fruit tree development can be tracked by looking at the average temperature for a day. Any time the average temperature for a day is over 42 degrees, the trees will have some growth.
Early spring in Michigan typically means a little bit of everything as far as potential weather events. All across the corridor, were seeing exactly that this week as we experience everything from thunderstorms along with smashing temperature records, to freezing cold and snow.

Our ultra-pleasant warm spell currently has seen temperatures 20+ degrees above the normal high for this time of the year. But it is diverting to quite a significant cooldown that could bring snow for the upper region of our state. Consistent 60s during the first half of the work week is anticipated to gradually cool off a bit with a series of cold fronts along with low-pressure systems moving through the area. This is expected to drop highs into the upper 30s for some locales by Friday. The climax of this process very well flirts with the freezing point, which means snow chances if everything falls into place.

The National Weather Service team in Marquette posted a graphic on their social media account that outlines exactly what is possible for the back half of the week going into the weekend. According to the NWS, record highs from today will collapse into the 30s for many locations in a span of 24 hours with the first cold front tomorrow. This sets up for a cool pattern lasting into the weekend in which lake-effect snow will be possible in the U.P.

A strong cool off from records highs has upper MI looking a decent chances for snow this weekend.NOAA

To look ahead at what could possibly go down this weekend, I tapped into the European forecast model (ECMWF). It shows legitimate chances for snow Saturday into Sunday. The loop below starts at 2 a.m. Saturday and goes until 8 p.m. Sunday when the snowfall should be mostly finished. The map shows many spots along the lake-effect belt in the U.P. seeing at least 1 inch of snow accumulation. A general forecast for communities in proximity to the Lake Superior shoreline is about 1-3 inches of snow through Sunday evening.

Lake-effect makes a return this weekend which should bring a general 1-3 inches to the U.P. with a slight chance for some areas to get more.Weather Models

To generate lake-effect, specific conditions must be in place: a lake that is warmer than the air flowing over it and little to no ice cover, thus evaporation/energy transfer can take place.

Were expecting the perfect parameters to be in place for a late season lake-effect event on Saturday and Sunday. This will be something to keep an eye on as the we get closer to the weekend.
Archer-Daniels-Midland (NYSE:ADM  Get Free Report) posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday. The company reported $1.36 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.43 by ($0.07), RTT News reports. The firm had revenue of $22.98 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $23.79 billion. Archer-Daniels-Midland had a net margin of 4.05% and a return on equity of 16.63%. Archer-Daniels-Midlands quarterly revenue was down 11.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.93 EPS. Archer-Daniels-Midland updated its FY 2024 guidance to 5.250-6.250 EPS and its FY24 guidance to $5.25-6.25 EPS.

Archer-Daniels-Midland Stock Performance

Shares of ADM stock traded down $0.13 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $58.14. The company had a trading volume of 2,010,030 shares, compared to its average volume of 6,679,912. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $57.66 and its 200 day simple moving average is $68.72. Archer-Daniels-Midland has a 52-week low of $50.72 and a 52-week high of $87.30. The stock has a market cap of $31.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.12 and a beta of 0.75. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 1.69 and a quick ratio of 1.07.

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Archer-Daniels-Midland Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 29th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 8th were paid a $0.50 dividend. This is an increase from Archer-Daniels-Midlands previous quarterly dividend of $0.45. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.44%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, February 7th. Archer-Daniels-Midlands dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 27.86%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Cetera Investment Advisers lifted its holdings in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 71.9% in the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 18,699 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,688,000 after buying an additional 7,821 shares during the period. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $277,000. Brighton Jones LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $226,000. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. lifted its holdings in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 22.0% in the 1st quarter. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. now owns 31,004 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,798,000 after buying an additional 5,586 shares during the period. Finally, Baird Financial Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 2.1% in the 1st quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 459,907 shares of the companys stock valued at $41,512,000 after buying an additional 9,327 shares during the period. 77.73% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Several equities research analysts have weighed in on the company. Argus downgraded Archer-Daniels-Midland from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Citigroup initiated coverage on Archer-Daniels-Midland in a research report on Thursday, February 1st. They set a neutral rating and a $57.00 price objective for the company. The Goldman Sachs Group cut Archer-Daniels-Midland from a buy rating to a neutral rating and lowered their price objective for the stock from $90.00 to $67.00 in a research report on Monday, January 22nd. Roth Mkm cut Archer-Daniels-Midland from a buy rating to a neutral rating and lowered their price objective for the stock from $98.00 to $66.00 in a research report on Monday, January 22nd. Finally, TheStreet cut Archer-Daniels-Midland from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Monday, February 12th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and thirteen have given a hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Archer-Daniels-Midland has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $67.08.

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About Archer-Daniels-Midland

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Archer-Daniels-Midland Company procures, transports, stores, processes, and merchandises agricultural commodities, products, and ingredients in the United States, Switzerland, the Cayman Islands, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates in three segments: Ag Services and Oilseeds, Carbohydrate Solutions, and Nutrition.

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International Game Technology (NYSE:IGT  Get Free Report) announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday. The company reported $0.56 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.45 by $0.11, RTT News reports. The company had revenue of $1.13 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.11 billion. International Game Technology had a return on equity of 19.39% and a net margin of 2.32%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 3.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.40 EPS. International Game Technology updated its FY 2024 guidance to EPS and its Q1 2024 guidance to EPS.

International Game Technology Stock Down 7.8 %

Shares of NYSE:IGT opened at $21.73 on Thursday. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $25.81 and a 200 day moving average price of $27.79. The company has a current ratio of 1.13, a quick ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.76. The company has a market capitalization of $4.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 45.27 and a beta of 1.95. International Game Technology has a 12-month low of $21.67 and a 12-month high of $33.99.

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International Game Technology Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, April 9th. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 26th will be given a dividend of $0.20 per share. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.68%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 25th. International Game Technologys payout ratio is 166.67%.

Institutional Trading of International Game Technology

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of IGT. Invesco Ltd. increased its position in shares of International Game Technology by 1,485.1% during the 1st quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 1,418,405 shares of the companys stock worth $35,006,000 after purchasing an additional 1,328,919 shares during the last quarter. Capital Research Global Investors grew its position in International Game Technology by 115.5% in the 1st quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 2,331,200 shares of the companys stock valued at $57,534,000 after acquiring an additional 1,249,200 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. grew its position in International Game Technology by 87.3% in the 2nd quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 2,343,145 shares of the companys stock valued at $43,488,000 after acquiring an additional 1,092,029 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in International Game Technology in the 4th quarter valued at about $21,798,000. Finally, Balyasny Asset Management L.P. grew its position in International Game Technology by 7,413.8% in the 1st quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. now owns 858,450 shares of the companys stock valued at $23,006,000 after acquiring an additional 847,025 shares in the last quarter. 44.33% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

A number of research analysts have weighed in on the company. Stifel Nicolaus restated a hold rating and issued a $30.00 price objective (down previously from $31.00) on shares of International Game Technology in a report on Monday, March 4th. Truist Financial reaffirmed a hold rating and issued a $30.00 target price (down from $32.00) on shares of International Game Technology in a research note on Friday, March 1st. StockNews.com downgraded International Game Technology from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, March 1st. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a hold rating and issued a $29.00 target price (down from $36.00) on shares of International Game Technology in a research note on Thursday, January 4th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $36.00.

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International Game Technology Company Profile

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International Game Technology PLC operates and provides gaming technology products and services in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean. It operates in three segments: Global Lottery, Global Gaming, and Digital & Betting. The company designs, sells, operates, and leases a suite of point-of-sale machines that reconciles lottery funds between the retailer and lottery authority; provides online lottery transaction processing systems; produces instant ticket games; and offers printing services, such as instant ticket marketing plans and graphic design, programming, packaging, shipping, and delivery services, as well as iLottery solutions and services.

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Internet Initiative Japan Inc. (OTCMKTS:IIJIY  Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest in the month of February. As of February 29th, there was short interest totalling 300 shares, a growth of 200.0% from the February 14th total of 100 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 400 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.8 days.

Internet Initiative Japan Price Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS IIJIY remained flat at $39.68 on Wednesday. The stock had a trading volume of 1,013 shares, compared to its average volume of 168. Internet Initiative Japan has a 52 week low of $31.25 and a 52 week high of $43.73. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $39.26 and a 200 day moving average price of $35.93. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02, a current ratio of 1.21 and a quick ratio of 1.15. The firm has a market cap of $3.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.28 and a beta of 0.62.

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Internet Initiative Japan (OTCMKTS:IIJIY  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, February 7th. The communications equipment provider reported $0.35 earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of $493.68 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $514.38 million. Internet Initiative Japan had a return on equity of 16.29% and a net margin of 7.09%. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Internet Initiative Japan will post 1.59 earnings per share for the current year.

Internet Initiative Japan Company Profile

Internet Initiative Japan Inc provides Internet connectivity, WAN, outsourcing, systems integration, and network-related equipment sales services in Japan. It operates through two segments, Network Services and Systems Integration Business, and ATM Operation Business. The company offers mobile communication and remote access/telework services; WAN/network services, including SDN, multi-cloud network, closed connection, internet VPN, SEIL, remote access, wireless LAN, and GIGA-school; leased line and broadband services; IIJ DNS platform, and domain name registration and maintenance services; IIJ access ID management, dial-up access, and IIJ IPv6 fiber access services; and security solutions for IIJ managed firewall, DDoS protection, and managed IPS/IDS services.

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Keppel REIT (OTCMKTS:KREVF  Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest during the month of February. As of February 29th, there was short interest totalling 224,300 shares, a growth of 206.8% from the February 14th total of 73,100 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 400 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 560.8 days.

Keppel REIT Price Performance

Keppel REIT stock remained flat at $0.65 during mid-day trading on Wednesday. 320 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,202. Keppel REIT has a one year low of $0.55 and a one year high of $0.74. The business has a 50-day moving average of $0.67 and a two-hundred day moving average of $0.65.

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Keppel REIT Company Profile

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Listed by way of an introduction on 28 April 2006, Keppel REIT is one of Asia's leading real estate investment trusts with a portfolio of prime commercial assets in Asia Pacific's key business districts. Keppel REIT's objective is to generate stable income and sustainable long-term total return for its Unitholders by owning and investing in a portfolio of quality income-producing commercial real estate and real estate-related assets in Asia Pacific.

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CBD of Denver Inc. (OTCMKTS:CBDD  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest during the month of February. As of February 29th, there was short interest totalling 316,600 shares, a decline of 53.7% from the February 14th total of 683,800 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 14,627,400 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days.

CBD of Denver Stock Performance

CBD of Denver stock remained flat at $0.00 during trading hours on Thursday. 4,451,866 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 11,627,740. CBD of Denver has a 52-week low of $0.00 and a 52-week high of $0.00.

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CBD of Denver Inc engages in developing and commercializing cannabidiol (CBD) products. It is involved in the research, development, and distribution of premium hemp extract products. The company was formerly known as Verde Media Group, Inc and changed its name to CBD of Denver Inc in 2018. CBD of Denver Inc is based in Centennial, Colorado.

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In a thrilling encounter, the Delhi Capitals clinched victory by 20 runs against the Chennai Super Kings. Stellar performances from David Warner, Rishabh Pant, and Prithvi Shaw powered Delhi to set a challenging target of 192.



Despite a promising start, CSK's opening pair faltered, and Delhi's spinners tightened the grip, restricting their batting lineup.



Although Rahane and Mitchell steadied the innings, quick wickets hindered CSK's chase. A late surge by Dhoni injected some hope, but it wasn't enough to bridge the gap, as Delhi Capitals emerged triumphant, defending their target successfully and securing a crucial win in the IPL match.



Here are some key moments that turned the match:



Delhi Capitals 1st Innings



David Warner smashes the first six of the innings



David Warner hits a four



Deepak Chahar opens the CSK attack.



In 4.5 overs Warner hits four



Prithvi Shaw smashes back-to-back boundaries!



Prithvi Shaw smashes third four on Mustafizur Rahman's delivery



Warner hits four on Jadeja's delivery in 6.4 overs.



Matheesha Pathirana bowls two wides in the 7.4th over.



Warner hits a massive six in 8.1 overs on Ravindra Jadeja's delivery



Warner caught by Matheesha Pathirana on Mustafizur Rahman's delivery



Jadeja dismisses Shaw in 10.4 over



Pant hits SIX in 12.3 on Jadeja's delivery



In 13.6 over, Mitchell Marsh showcases sheer power as he hits a six off Deepak Chahar's delivery!



Clean bold, Marsh out on Matheesha Pathirana delivery in 14.4



Matheesha Pathirana strikes! Tristan Stubbs is bowled, adding to Delhi's troubles with another wicket down.



Rishabh Pant dispatches a delivery from Tushar Deshpande for a boundary!



Rishabh Pant finds the boundary off Mustafizur Rahman, providing a much-needed boost for Delhi Capitals!



Rishabh Pant smashes another boundary, a six!



Rishabh Pant falls, caught by Ruturaj Gaikwad on Matheesha Pathirana delivery on 18.4 overs



Delhi Capitals scores 191/5 in 20 overs



Chennai Super Kings 2nd Innings



DC gets first wicket! Ruturaj Gaikwad caught by Pant on Khaleel Ahmed's delivery



2nd wicket down: CSK in trouble as Rachin caught by Stubbs in 2.5 over on Khalil's delivery



Daryl Mitchell hits 4 on Khalil's delivery



CSK at 23/2 in 5th over



A huge six by Daryl Mitchell on Axar Patel's delivery



A huge six by Ajinkya Rahane on Rasikh Dar's delivery in 9.3 overs



A big six by Daryl Mitchell on Rasikh Dar's delivery in 9.5 overs



Daryl Mitchell out on Axar Patel's delivery



Ajinkya Rahane smashes back-to-back boundaries!



Shivam Dube hits four in 12.5 over on Anrich Nortje's delivery



13.3 over: Rahane out on Mukesh Kumar's delivery caught by David Warner



Another wicket fell Sameer Rizvi out in 13.4 overs. CSK at 102/5



Shivam Dubey caught by Stubbs on Mukesh's delivery in 16.1 over



MS Dhoni hits four



Ravindra Jadeja hits Four on Mukesh Kumar's Delivery



Dhoni hits Four on Mukesh Kumar's Delivery



Dhoni hits a huge Six on Khaleel Ahmed's delivery in 17.5 over



Dhoni hits a huge Six on Anrich Nortje's delivery in 19.2 over



Dhoni hits four in 19.3 overs



Delhi Capitals wins by 20 runs
in today's edition of Moneycontrol Pro Panorama: Bond demand remains strong, can SME IPOs continue its performance run, poll-bound...

This comes at a time when several Indian companies such as Swiggy, Flipkart, Oyo and Zomato have said that they were opposed to the introduction of an ex-ante digital antitrust regulation, stating that it would have an adverse effect on India's startup

The additional obligations and the hefty penalties proposed for technology behemoths in the draft Digital Competition Bill, introduced to curtail anti-competitive practices by Big Tech, may have an indirect impact on startups and smaller companies, experts opined.

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During the run-up to the 2014 general election, current prime minister Narendra Modi repeatedly emphasised that the government has no business to be in business. While the Union government takes full credit for the divestment of Air India, it continues to dole out revival packages to other loss-making public sector enterprises (PSEs). For example, over the past five years, the Union government gave three packages of over Rs3.23 lakh crore to revive Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL). Yet, the public information officer (PIO) in the department of telecom (DoT) says information on revival package proposals cannot be given because it may affect the share price of MTNL!

Aakash Goel, an engineer, management graduate and chartered financial analyst, had filed an application under the Right to Information (RTI) Act seeking copies of the proposals for revival packages and copies of note sheets, office memorandum (OM) sent by the ministry of communication showing the calculation of the relief and grant of revival packages for BSNL and MTNL.

The PIO told him that "The revival package was given to BSNL and MTNL with the approval of the Union Cabinet in 2019, 2022 and 2023 and consequently, this office issued OMs dated 29 October 2019, 2 August 2022 and 9 June 2023. However, the revival package has not yet been released wholly and is still in the implementation phase. Further, MTNL is a listed company and the revival package is still in the implementation phase; revealing of such documents can affect the MTNL shares."

Further, such Cabinet decision is exempted, as per clause (d) and (i) of sub-section (1) of Section 8 of the RTI Act, the PIO says. "The concerned project/ MTNL division has informed that the information/ material sought by the applicant cannot be furnished. As such, it is informed that information/ material sought cannot be furnished as the same is exempted under clause (d) of sub-section (1) of section 8 of the RTI Act."

Responding to a question in the Lok Sabha on 2 August 2023, Devusinh Chauhan, minister of state for communications, says, "The Union Cabinet on 23 October 2019 approved the revival package of Rs70,000 crore (approx) for 'revival of BSNL and MTNL' by reducing employee costs through voluntary retirement scheme (VRS), debt restructuring by raising of sovereign guarantee bonds, and monetisation of assets. With this, both BSNL and MTNL have become operationally profitable since 2020-21 and remained so since then."

The Union Cabinet, on 27 July 2022, approved a revival package for BSNL amounting to Rs1.64 lakh crore, the minister says, adding the revival measures focus on infusing fresh capital for upgrading BSNL services, allocating spectrum, de-stressing its balance sheet and augmenting its fibre network by merging Bharat Broadband Nigam Ltd (BBNL) with BSNL.

"Further, the Union Cabinet on 7 June 2023 approved the allotment of 4G/5G spectrum to BSNL with the total outlay of Rs89,047 crore through equity infusion," the Lok Sabha was informed.

Information shared by Mr Chauhan, the minister, shows that since the financial year (FY)19-20 to FY23-24, the government has allotted Rs1.30 lakh crore for the revival plan of BSNL. The telecom PSE utilised Rs92,851.69 crore for capital infusion, viability gap funding, ex-gratia and employee pension.

Last year in September, both the loss-making PSEs signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for synergy of operations between them. "The MoU with BSNL will pave the way for synergy of operations between MTNL and BSNL in order to provide pan India telecom services as a public sector enterprise under the government of India," MTNL says in a regulatory filing.

According to a report from Economic Times , last month the Union government has pulled up the management of BSNL and MTNL for the slow pace of their land monetisation process, especially in metro cities. "They have released only Rs550 crore from land monetisation in the past few years, compared with the estimated potential of over Rs20,000 crore."

Cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba called a review meeting with the senior officials of BSNL and MTNL in February to take an update on the monetisation process. "They have been asked to prepare a detailed circle-wise report, with the land parcel and reason for the delay or possible hurdles, by 31 May 2024," an official told the newspaper.
Circa 1929: Legend has it Joseph Kennedy, a smart market player, was offered stock tips from a shoe-shine boy, leading him to sell all his holdings before the October 1929 crash. Kennedy, later the first chairman of the US SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission), reasoned that if shoe-shine boys were giving tips, it was time to exit the market. The market crash was followed by a prolonged Depression.

Circa 2024: Nifty King Abhay Gandhi boasts about doing a Rs500-crore scam and spending six years in jail as the right qualification to help you make big money on the stock market. He has posted a pamphlet to SEBI-registered investment advisers which says: In 2011 I was Involved In 500 Cr Scam At Ahmedabad City. After Releasing On Bail In 2017, I Research On Nifty Call Put Buying Strategy for 7 Years & I Got Perfect Intraday Trading Strategy  (unedited quote).

Mr Gandhi offers a 30-day stock trading course that will help you earn Rs10 crore+ every month. It is another matter that this self-proclaimed expert is confused about lakhs and croresthe pamphlet quotes a staggering course fee of Rs25 crore, while his website www.fearlesstrade.com cites a more modest Rs25 lakh. Fearless Gandhi has brazenly put out YouTube videos and tweets and a contact number.

Is he an aberration? Not a chance. Educationist, publisher and activist, Maheshwer Peri tweeted: This influencer @ElvishYadav recommended a stock at Rs.135 and now trading at Rs.7.55. A loss of 94%. He has 16 million followers. He promotes gambling. With allegations of supplying snake venom, using minor girls, threats and bullying, he now wears a rudraksha to save himself. The regulator has yet to notice his stock tips or the fact that he has no qualification, registration or any compliance requirements. After all, he is an influencer!

If you are wondering whether investors fall for such tips, you only have to open your daily newspaper. Every single day, there are one or two reports about individuals having lost substantial sums to unregistered, self-proclaimed trading experts they connected with through social media. A media report says India ranks third as a source of malicious social media scams with exponential growth year-on-year.

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issued a recent alert warning people about fake trading apps that entice investors through social media with the promise of substantial earnings demonstrated through manipulated images of their performance claims. The Mumbai police alone has registered 11 cases last month from investors who collectively lost Rs4.4 crore. The modus operandi is consistent  investors buy and sell shares on a seemingly genuine trading platform with their profits displayed online. However, on attempting to withdraw funds, they discover they've been swindled.

It is often said a fool and his money are easily parted and regulators have an unenviable job of trying to prevent this. To their credit, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI) have issued multiple warnings and initiated measures to curb excessive leverage, reduce froth in the SME (small and medium enterprise) market and crack down on dubious funding strategies, as mentioned by Debashis Basu, in his column this week: SEBI & RBI Act Swiftly To Control Bull Market Excesses

Evidently, investors must exercise increased vigilance. They should only engage with SEBI-/RBI-registered intermediaries and conduct thorough due diligence before investing. However, could it be argued that regulators themselves contribute to investors being deceived due to their inflexible and unrealistic regulations?

Regulators Responsibility

Market experts and intermediaries have consistently argued that SEBI's regulations, compliance requirements and advertisement restrictions for registered market intermediaries are so rigid that top performers struggle to showcase their services or make their presence felt so that enough of investors even notice their existence. Performance metrics of SEBI-registered portfolio managers and mutual funds (MFs) have to be validated by a third-party agency before any claims can be made.

Conversely, charlatans, influencers and fake-gurus can freely release YouTube videos, Facebook posts, tweets, as well as Instagram and LinkedIn posts recommending specific stocks or making false profit claims. They can misuse the names of well-known investors (the late bulge-bracket investor, Rakesh Jhunjhunwalas name and photo has been misused), create fake videos of industrialists (industrialists Ratan Tata, Mukesh Ambani, Nandan Nilekani, Narayana Murthy and Azim Premji and some top venture capitalists have been victims) and run cryptos, ponzis and multi-level marketing schemes without fear of being caught. (Read: Fraud Alert: Tata Restart, a Ponzi, Collective Investment Scam Misusing Names of Tata, Sudhir Sethi

In a raging bull market, like the one we've experienced since mid-2020, the law of probability favours frauds and fakes as the likelihood of their being caught is minimal. The number of manipulators who have faced punishment is far too low to act as a deterrent.

By setting the minimum investment threshold for portfolio management schemes (PMS) at Rs50 lakh, SEBI has limited investors' options. Investors can pay investment advisers, but this seems unappealing because SEBI allows a regulation-free, zero-cost, zero-accountability alternative  advice from unqualified bank relationship managers (RMs). Meanwhile, investment advisers are hobbled by such onerous rules that there are so few in a country where millions of new brokerage and mutual fund accounts have been opened in recent years.

Outside Regulatory Oversight

For most investors seeking a long term nest-egg, their investment journey begins with their bank. It starts with systematic investment plans (SIPs) recommended by RMs, with the option of smoothly sweeping money into MFs every month. RMs also encourage them to open demat accounts, sell insurance, homes and various kinds of loans and leverage, etc.

RMs have no investment qualifications or certification requirements; they sell products chosen by the bank headoffice, based solely on commissions and fees earned by the bank. Worryingly, neither SEBI nor RBI mandates any corporate level rules, validation, disclosure requirements, compliances or checks for investments hawked by banks. As long as the customer signs a form agreeing to invest, the bank bears no responsibility for the products they've recommended.

Banks and non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) have been known to entice investors into leveraged investments by pledging or placing a lien on other assets or deposits. Bank officials who push such leveraged trades are not subject to regulatory oversight since they do not report to SEBI.

This time around, RBI has proactively discovered that brokerages linked to banks and finance companies are offering such leverage and has taken steps to curb this. The impact is visible in the crash of small-cap stocks as leveraged investors are forced to unwind positions.

Regulators Dilemma

The issue of financial influencers luring gullible investors is a global phenomenon and regulators around the world are grappling with it. In December 2023, the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) warned ( https://www.iosco.org/library/pubdocs/pdf/ IOSCOPD752.pdf ) about Online harm or financial fraud that primarily targets retail investors in the securities and derivatives markets using deceptive acts and / or misleading or fraudulent content, including user-generated content. These take the form of advertisements, videos, impersonator websites, social media posts, as well as comments or reviews and are aimed at inducing investment. IOSCO warns that artificial intelligence (AI) will magnify the scale and impact of harmful online activities while also providing tools for regulators to detect and disrupt them.

However, progress takes time and, so far, the low likelihood of punishment has favoured fraudsters. The solution lies in better vigilance from investors who need to be wary of unsolicited advice, conduct due diligence and watch out for promises of guaranteed returns that seem too good to be true.

A popular solution employed by regulators is investor education. However, mandating intermediaries and service-providers to bombard customers with warnings has diminished its effectiveness.

A better alternative would be to publish data on the best- and worst-performing funds and portfolio managers, under different categories, on SEBIs website every month without commentary or recommendation. It could be done with appropriate disclaimers and inform investor that they should track authentic data to make decisions, instead of relying on unregistered advisers and influencers. Although this information is available on specialised financial websites, there is a value to its publication by the regulator, coming from the regulator. It would ensure that both the best and worst performers are publicly visible; the viral-ity and amplification of such information by the media and others would be automatic, requiring no additional effort.
Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has imposed a fine of Rs7 lakh on investment adviser Piyush Jain (noticee), who is the proprietor of Wealthmax Solution, for not providing mandatory documents during an inspection carried out by SEBI.

In an order, Barnali Mukherjee, adjudicating officer (AO) of SEBI, says, "Mr Jain did not produce documents during inspection to the inspection team. While he produced the net-worth certificate subsequent to the inspection, he did not produce the mandatory documents as required to be maintained by an investment advisor (IA) under the SEBI (Investment Advisers) Regulations on the ground that it was in the custody of his chartered accountant (CA) who has expired. Mr Jain was bound by the regulations to maintain the documents at his registered office and was under obligation to produce to the regulator, documents as and when sought by SEBI."

SEBI inspected the IA for alleged irregularities with respect to the change in the information previously furnished about registered address, qualification and certification requirements, membership of BSE Administration & Supervision Ltd (BSE ASL), non-execution of agreement with clients, failure to maintain records and non-cooperation and submission of insufficient documents to the inspection team.

During its inspection, the regulator noted that Mr Jain initially denied changing its registered office address, citing closure in February 2020 due to the COVID-19 lockdown. He operated from its residential address for selected clients, arguing no material change occurred. However, he later admitted notifying SEBI of an address change via the SI portal on 19 February 2020. In a subsequent submission on 4 March 2024, he disclosed relocating from Sayaji Plaza to Vardhman Plaza on 26 February 2020, before the cessation of operations. The regulator did not find merit in the inconsistent and contradictory submissions made by the noticee.

In an adjudication order, Barnali Mukherjee, adjudicating officer (AO) of SEBI, says," I note that the role of an investment adviser (IA) is crucial to the development of the securities market, especially for the entry of the small investors who may rely on the advice of such IAs. In this regard, the role of an IA is crucial as a facilitator of small investors into the securities market. So, it is of utmost importance that every IA takes all necessary steps to comply with all the provisions, Rules and Regulations as laid down by the regulator. The very purpose of the said provisions is to deter wrong doing and to promote ethical conduct in the securities market. The non-compliances on the part of the noticee clearly shows that it has failed in its fiduciary duties owed to its clients and attracts penalty."

Considering evidence observed in the inspection report, SEBI issued a show-cause notice (SCN) to the company on 3 November 2023. The noticee made submissions to SEBI on 5 March 2024 and 8 March 2024

Further, SEBI also observed that Mr Jain's National Institute of Securities Market (NISM) XA and XB certifications expired in October 2020 and December 2020, respectively. Although the validity of NISM certifications was extended till 31 March 2022 due to COVID-19 restrictions, he had failed to obtain fresh certifications after April 2022, while the registration of the noticee was valid till June.

SEBI says Mr Jain was duty-bound to ensure that neither any investment advice was rendered nor any fee was charged until the client signed an agreement and he provided a copy of the signed agreement to the client. However, in the absence of any documentary evidence supporting the execution of any agreement with clients, Mr Jain clearly violated the provisions, it added.

Mr Jain also did not maintain basic details and records and discrepancies were observed regarding details or documents he submitted, like the copy of the agreement, KYC documents, invoices, risk profiling, email communications, and call recordings for his eight clients. He submitted an insufficient or incomplete response to the post-inspection questionnaire (PIQ).

SEBI says that the role of an investment adviser is crucial to developing the securities market, especially for the entry of small investors who may rely on the advice of such IAs. "The non-compliance on the part of Mr Jain paragraphs clearly shows that he has failed in his fiduciary duties owed to his clients and attracts a penalty."
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a penalty of Rs13.60 lakh on Indostar Capital Finance Ltd, the non-banking financial company (NBFC) from Mumbai in Maharashtra, for violating various rules and regulations prescribed by the regulator.

Indostar Capital Finance has been penalised for non-compliance with directions related to monitoring fraud in NBFCs and provisions for the know-your-customer (KYC).

During the statutory inspection, RBI found that the NBFC failed to utilise a robust software system to identify and report suspicious transactions. Moreover, it did not carry out periodic updates of KYC records for high-risk customers as part of ongoing due diligence and it delayed reporting certain frauds exceeding Rs1 lakh to RBI.

After considering the reply and oral submissions of Indostar Capital Finance during the personal hearing, RBI concluded that non-compliance with its directions was substantiated and warranted the imposition of a monetary penalty.

RBI says the penalty is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to be pronounced on the validity of any transaction or agreement they entered into with their customers.
In a big relief to the residents of nea%rly 8,000 housing societies which are 50-60 years old, the Maharashtra Cabinet chaired by chief minister (CM) Eknath Shinde on Wednesday reduced the premium to 10% from 15 per cent of ready reckoner (RR) value to obtain ownership of land from Class II to Class I (from leasehold to freehold).

The premium has been further reduced to 5 % of RR value to obtain ownership of land in case of self-redevelopment for societies situated on collector or government-owned leased lands.

The Cabinet decision will pave the way for the redevelopment of such buildings as it was not happening for want of a cut in premium.

The residents of such societies as well as the realty sector made a series of representations to the government seeking an early decision.

The move is expected to give a push to the realty sector's development that will help the government to mobilise additional revenue in the coming years.

Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar hailed the state Cabinet decision. In his post on X, Mr Shelar said: "Big victory for lakhs of Mumbaikars residing in 8,000+ housing Cooperative societies in Mumbai built on collector lease hold land. I thank the Maharashtra government led by CM Eknath Shinde, Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar for accepting my demand on behalf of Mumbaikars & resolving this long pending issue."

A revenue department official said that the conversion scheme (converting government land to freehold) was introduced in 2019.

For the plots given on occupancy, Class II (conditional ownership) and for residential use, the tenant had to pay 15 % of the total price of the property as per the ready reckoner rates but if it was allotted on lease then the tenant would have to pay 25% of the ready reckoner rates.

The government last year allowed tenants to own government plots by paying 15% of the ready reckoner rates.

Disclaimer: Information, facts or opinions expressed in this news article are presented as sourced from IANS and do not reflect views of Moneylife and hence Moneylife is not responsible or liable for the same. As a source and news provider, IANS is responsible for accuracy, completeness, suitability and validity of any information in this article.
In a huge jolt, the Supreme Court on Thursday banned the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) of Ajit Pawar from using the name of his uncle and Nationalist Congress Party(SP) president Sharad Pawar as also the Clock symbol of the undivided party.

A division bench of justice Surya Kant and justice KV Viswanathan ruled that since the Ajit Pawar NCP is now an independent entity it should not use Sharad Pawars identity and Clock symbol.

Spelling doom for Ajit Pawar, the SC observed: When elections come, you need his (Sharad Pawar) name and when there are no elections you dont need him. Now, since you have an independent identity, you must proceed with that only.

You are a different political party So why use his (Sharad Pawar) pictures, etc? Go with your own identity now, you have chosen not to be with him, said the bench.

The Court sought a categorical undertaking that there would be no overlapping of Ajit Pawars NCP with Sharad Pawars NCP(SP) and suggested that the former could issue a public notice giving wide publicity that they are not concerned or related with (Sharad Pawar and NCP-SP) and how they will be known in politics.

The Courts order came in a plea filed by NCP(SP) challenging the 6th February decision of the election commission of India (ECI) granting the original party founded by Sharad Pawar 25 years ago plus its widely recognisable Clock symbol to the Ajit Pawar, and later the Maharashtra Assembly Speaker also passed a similar ruling.

The rulings by the ECI and Maharashtra Speaker both declared the Ajit Pawar faction -- arising out of the split in July 2023 -- as the real NCP, while the Sharad Pawar faction was allotted a new name (NCP-SP) and a Trumpeter symbol, which the latter welcomed.

NCP is part of the ruling MahaYuti government headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena), Bharatiya Janata Partys Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar as the two deputy CMs.

The latest SC ruling could have huge political repercussions for the NCP which is planning to contest the Lok Sabha 2024 elections on the Clock symbol and has been using the name of Sharad Pawar on publicity and campaign materials.

Disclaimer: Information, facts or opinions expressed in this news article are presented as sourced from IANS and do not reflect views of Moneylife and hence Moneylife is not responsible or liable for the same. As a source and news provider, IANS is responsible for accuracy, completeness, suitability and validity of any information in this article.
On Thursday, 2722 stocks advanced, 1153 declined and 83 remained unchanged, with an advance decline ratio of 1.97 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), indicating positive closing of stocks in broader markets. The trend of the major indices on Thursdays trading is given in the table below.

On NSE, 14 securities advanced and closed at a new 52-week high whereas 101 securities sank to close at their new 52-week lows. In sectoral indices, all sectors ended in green. Nifty Metal, Nifty IT and Nifty Media were among the biggest gainers.

Navin Fluorine International (+2.52%) board of directors has approved an additional investment of approximately Rs250 crores in Navin Fluorine Advanced Sciences Limited (NFASL), a wholly-owned subsidiary.

Wipro (+2.69%) entered into agreement with Desjardins to modernize consumer banking services using its NetOxygen Platform.

H.G. Solar Projects, a subsidiary of H.G. Infra Engineering Limited, recently acquired a 49% stake in Norangdesar Solar Developer Private Limited and Rasisar Solar Developer Private Limited.

KPI Green Energy (-3.94%) received order for 50MW wind-solar hybrid power project from Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam.

Le Merite Exports (-0.67%) received approval from the Defence Research Laboratory (DRL) of the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India, for the Transfer of Technology (ToT) of Anti-microbial bed sheet and Anti bed bug bed sheet.

Bharat Electronics (+2.60%) received orders worth Rs 1,940 crore from Larsen and Toubro to supply warfare sensors.

Eris Lifesciences (+3.78%) acquired the branded formulations businesses of Biocon Biologics Limited related to the Indian territory. Biocon Biologics entered a long-term commercial collaboration with Eris Lifesciences to expand patient access in India. Additionally, Eris Lifesciences Limited acquired a 19% equity stake in Swiss Parenterals Limited.

Lupin (+2.88%) executed amendment pact of business transfer to record pending minor post-closing adjustments.

GAIL (+4.39%) has planned to invest around Rs650 crores in setting up LNG dispensing stations along major highways to promote the use of LNG as a transportation fuel.

Ovobel Foods (+7.08%) recently bought the assets of the "Egg Powder Processing Unit" from Bestovo Foods Private Limited.

Genesys International Corporation (+12.92%) has secured a contract worth Rs155.85 crores from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to develop Mumbai's 3D city model and map stack.

Praveg (+10.00%) has received work orders from the Department of Tourism, Union Territory of Lakshadweep, for the Development, Operation, Maintenance, and Management of luxurious tent accommodations on Thinnakara Island and Bangaram Island.

Antony Waste Handling Cell (+4.45%), a leading integrated solid waste management company in India, has secured a contract valued at approximately Rs77 crores from the City & Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO) for bio-mining MSW.

KEC International (-0.64%) has secured new orders of Rs2,257 crores across its various businesses.

Bajel Projects (+4.98%) received an award for supplying goods and services related to a transmission line project. The total contract value is Rs92.18 crores, excluding taxes.

SpiceJet (+8.26%) has finalized lease agreements for 10 new aircraft to expand its operational capacity before the peak summer season.

The Ministry of Defence has signed contract with HAL (+4.16%) worth Rs8,073.17 crore with the company for acquiring 34 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Dhruv Mk III, along with operational role equipment for the Indian Army (25 ALHs) and Indian Coast Guard (9 ALHs).

Bharat Wire Ropes Promoter bought net 161,801 shares through open market. JSW Steel (-0.95%) insider sold net 40,368 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:
Scientist calls for observing sun from its polar orbit

08:32, March 14, 2024 By Zhao Lei ( Chinadaily.com.cn

Yang Mengfei, a distinguished spacecraft scientist and national political adviser, has called for government support for the research and development of a satellite capable of observing the sun from a solar polar orbit.

"The sun is the very star that created all life on Earth and has the biggest effect on humans. At the same time, solar activities are the root of many cosmic hazards that can disrupt human activities such as communications, power supply, air traffic and spacecraft operations," said Yang, a senior researcher at the China Academy of Space Technology and an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Space powers such as the United States, Europe and Japan have launched more than 70 spacecraft dedicated to solar observation. China has also deployed its first solar observation satellite.

"However, all these satellites have observed the sun from the plane of the ecliptic, and so have only observed its equatorial regions in detail. In other words, no spacecraft has ever reached a solar polar orbit," Yang said.

"If we could place a satellite in a solar polar orbit, it would provide data to our scientists to help them better understand the origins of the solar magnetic activity cycle and high-speed solar wind, which have a great impact on human activities."

Yang said Chinese researchers have had the idea of satellite observation in the solar polar orbit for many years, but it has so far just remained on paper.

"The country now has the solid scientific, technological and engineering foundations needed for sending a satellite to a solar polar orbit. So I suggest that the government start the spacecraft's design work and list the solar comprehensive exploration project as a key state program," said Yang, who is also a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the country's top political advisory body.

He made the remarks on the sidelines of the annual session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee, which concluded in Beijing on Sunday.

China launched its first space-based solar telescope  the Chinese H-Alpha Solar Explorer, or Xihe (the sun goddess in ancient Chinese mythology)  in October 2021, aiming to use the spacecraft as a solar imaging spectrometer as well as a test bed for cutting-edge satellite technologies.

Since its orbital deployment, the spacecraft has carried out spectral scanning and imaging of the sun's H-Alpha waveband and has recorded the dynamics of solar activities in the star's photosphere and chromosphere.

The data has enabled scientists around the world to extensively advance their research of the sun and the solar system, according to the China National Space Administration.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
Rows of latte stones are displayed at Sen. Angel Leon Guerrero Santos Latte Stone Memorial Park in Hagatna on Friday, March 1, 2024.
US working to get maritime aid corridor into Gaza up and running, says Blinken
In Frida documentary, artist Frida Kahlos own words are used to tell her story

In Frida documentary, artist Frida Kahlos own words are used to tell her story View Photo

Frida Kahlo used her own experiences to inform her art. In that spirit, Kahlos personal writings are used to help tell the story of her life in a new documentary, Frida.

Filmmaker Carla Gutierrez blends first person narration with archival footage and interpretive animation of Kahlos work in the film, which is now streaming on Prime Video.

Gutierrez, who was born in Peru and moved to the United States when she was a teenager, remembers first really connecting with Kahlos paintings in college.

I was a new immigrant and there was one specific painting that really introduced me to her voice as an artist of her in between the border of the United States and Mexico, Gutierrez said in an interview with The Associated Press earlier this year. I just saw my experience at the time really reflected in the painting. Then she just kind of became part of my life.

Gutierrez was an editor by trade and content with that path in filmmaking. She was working on meaningful projects like RBG and Julia, which allowed her to be intimately involved creatively. But when a director friend whispered Kahlos name to her, she went back and re-read one of those books shed read in college. Within hours she was making plans to direct.

I feel like this story really just kind of told me that I needed to step up and direct this one, she said. I realized she could tell a lot of her own story and I felt like that hadnt been made yet. Hopefully its a new way of getting into her world and in her mind and her heart and really understanding the art in a more intimate, raw way.

Kahlo did not do many interviews herself over the years, Gutierrez said, but she did write very intimate and personal letters. She was surprised by her sense of humor, her sarcasm and her irony as well as and how explicit she was about her opinions.

Its kind of like messy confidence and messy feminism in a way, she said.

The filmmaking team had to search several different museums to find those letters that they would compile into a full picture, including the Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City, the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington D.C. (where her correspondence with her mother was housed) and the Philatelic Museum of Oaxaca, where they found her letters to her doctor about everything from her complex marriage to her miscarriage.

One of the biggest creative decisions was to animate Kahlos art throughout, which has proved a bit divisive since the film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. Some love it. Some dont. But it was part of the vision for the film from the earliest stages. The hope, Gutierrez said, was to transport audiences from the real world into her internal world.

I always thought about her heart and her veins just kind of moving from her hands into the canvas, she said. We wanted to be very respectful to the paintings but bring in lyrical animation to feel like we were immersing into her actual feelings and heart.

She is also especially proud that her collaborators are mostly Latinx and bilingual. The composer is Mexican. The animation team is all women from Mexico.

To inject this cultural understanding of the country into the film is fantastic, she said.

By LINDSEY BAHR

AP Film Writer
A Japanese court says denying same-sex marriage is unconstitutional and calls for urgent change View Photo

TOKYO (AP)  A Japanese high court ruled Thursday that denying same-sex marriage is unconstitutional and called for urgent government action to address the lack of any law allowing for such unions. Plaintiffs and the LGBTQ+ community in Japan cheered it as giving them hope for change toward equality.

The court does not have the power to overturn the current marriage law, which has been interpreted to restrict marriage as between a man and a woman. Government offices may continue to deny marriage status to same-sex couples unless the existing law is revised to include LGBTQ+ couples or a new law is enacted that allows for other types of unions.

The Sapporo High Court ruling said not allowing same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the same benefits as straight couples violates their fundamental right to equality and freedom of marriage. The case was brought by three same-sex couples who appealed three years ago after a lower court recognized the unconstitutionality of excluding same-sex couples from marriage equality but dismissed compensation claims for their suffering.

A lower court issued a similar ruling earlier Thursday, becoming the sixth district court to do so. But the Tokyo District Court ruling was only a partial victory for Japans LGBTQ+ community calling for equal marriage rights, as it doesnt change or overturn the current civil union law that the government says defines marriage as between a man and a woman.

Five previous court decisions in various cities said Japans policy of denying same-sex marriage is either unconstitutional or nearly so. However, unlike the Sapporo ruling Friday, none of the district-level courts clearly deemed the Japanese governments existing policy to reject same-sex couples unconstitutional.

Sapporo High Court Judge Kiyofumi Saito said the constitutional freedom of marriage is about partnership between two human beings, and the right to marry should equally protect couples of different and same sexes. With their exclusion, same-sex couples have experienced significant disadvantages, suffering or loss of identity, the judge said.

Disallowing marriage to same-sex couples is a discrimination that lacks rationality, the ruling said. But allowing same-sex marriage creates no disadvantage or harm to anyone, it said.

A plaintiff, Eri Nakaya, said the traditional definition of marriage repeatedly made her feel that same-sex couples are treated as if they do not exist.

The ruling clearly stated that same-sex couples have the same right as others and deserve to live in this country, and reminded me its okay just to be me, she said.

Japan is the only member of the Group of Seven nations that still excludes same-sex couples from the right to legally marry and receive spousal benefits.

Support for marriage equality has grown among the Japanese public in recent years, but the governing Liberal Democratic Party, known for its conservative family values and reluctance to promote gender equality and sexual diversity, remains opposed to the campaign.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters that the government planned to closely watch the public opinion and parliamentary debate, as well as pending court cases because an introduction of same-sex marriage closely affects family values of the people.

In the Tokyo ruling, the court said that the right to marry, have a family and enjoy advantages marriage brings  such as tax deductions and social security benefits  are guaranteed for everyone, and that lack of the legal right to same-sex couples deprives them of their basic right.

The Tokyo ruling also acknowledged the right for anyone to live based on their sexuality and sexual identity, and that traditional family values and marriage are changing, and equality of same-sex marriage is increasingly accepted in international and corporate communities. The court said the governments lack of effort to implement legal marriage equality is not unconstitutional, but expressed hope for the parliament to enact a law for same-sex marriage.

Marriage equality is now recognized in dozens of countries, not only in Western countries like Greece and the United States but also in Asia, with Nepal allowing same-sex marriage registration starting in 2023.

The eight Tokyo plaintiffs said they are frustrated by Japans slow change. A lawyer, Makiko Terahara, said they planned to appeal Thursdays decision to a high court.

While Japans conservative government has been criticized as stonewalling diversity, recent surveys show a majority of Japanese back legalizing same-sex marriage. Support among the business community has rapidly increased.

Tokyo enacted an LGBTQ+ awareness promotion law in June that critics said was watered down. The Supreme Court separately ruled that Japans law requiring compulsory sterilization surgery for transgender people to officially change their gender is unconstitutional.

___

By MARI YAMAGUCHI

Associated Press
Restaurant indoor dining View Photo

Sacramento, CA  Citing a desire to serve both tourists and locals, a Mother Lode Senator is pushing for more flexibility in issuing alcohol licenses to restaurants in rural communities.

Democratic Senator Marie Alvarado Gil says many smaller counties, despite having small permanent populations, struggle to meet the demands of their thriving tourist industries. Alcohol licenses are capped based on population.

Senate Bill 1028 would authorize the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to issue up to 10 additional on-sale general licenses for bona fide eating places in counties that have reached their max.

She says it will help local economies by addressing the gap between supply and demand.

For counties opposed, the bill would allow the board of supervisors the power to limit the number of additional licenses via ABC by passing an ordinance. It would also have ABC track the licenses to ensure that they are not being sold for more money on the resale market than they were purchased.

Senator Alvarado Gil argues, This legislation is critical for supporting our local economies by generating more revenue, creating more jobs, and catering to a robust tourist population.

The legislation is backed by some regional business groups.
Dodge Ridged Ski Resort run View Photo

Pinecrest, CA  One area ski resort is closed today due to high winds, and another has scaled back operations.

Dodge Ridge Ski Resort in Tuolumne County reports that it is closed today, Thursday, due to 80-plus mph winds. The resort hopes to reopen on Friday, March 15.

Bear Valley Ski Resort has scaled back offerings and reports that the Mokelumne Express, Cub, Super Cub, and Panda Carpet are operating normally. However, the backside is on hold, and the Koala and Grizz are closed.

The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning locally for the Sierra Nevada through 5 pm on Friday. The heaviest winds are projected to be above 4,000 feet elevation. The NWS warns about the high possibility of downed trees, fallen power lines, and difficult driving conditions.
Turkeys top diplomat visits Iraq and seeks support against Kurdish militant group View Photo

BAGHDAD (AP)  Turkeys top diplomat was in Baghdad for high-level meetings on Thursday, ahead of President Recep Tayyip Erdogans expected visit next month and a potential Turkish offensive against a Kurdish militant group that maintains bases in Iraq.

The talks between Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein would focus on counter-terrorism, security and military cooperation, according to a statement carried by the state-run Iraqi News Agency.

Fidan was accompanied by Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler and Ibrahim Kalin, the director of Turkeys National Intelligence Organization.

Turkey has been seeking greater cooperation from Baghdad in its fight against the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, a Kurdish separatist group that has waged an insurgency against Turkey since the 1980s and is banned there.

The PKK is not designated a terrorist organization in Iraq, but is banned from launching operations against Turkey from Iraqi territory. Nevertheless, it has a foothold in northern Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region, where the central Iraqi government does not have much influence.

A joint statement issued by the two countries after Thursdays meetings said both sides had stressed that the PKK organization represents a security threat to both Turkey and Iraq and that its presence in Iraq represents a violation of the Iraqi constitution. It said the they had consulted on the measures that must be taken against the organization.

Erdogan is expected to visit Iraq in April, after Turkish local elections on March 31 and after the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. The joint statement said officials hope the visit will represent a qualitative shift in the relations between the two friendly neighboring countries.

The Turkish president has said that his country is determined to end PKKs presence in Iraq this summer.

Turkey often launches strikes against targets in Syria and Iraq that it believes to be affiliated with the PKK, which Baghdad has complained is a breach of its sovereignty.

Those strikes have escalated in recent months, after PKK attacks on Turkish military bases in northern Iraq in December and January left 21 soldiers dead. Local Kurdish authorities in northeast Syria have said that many of the Turkish strikes targeted civilian infrastructure, cutting off electricity and water supplies in wide areas held by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces.

Qassim al-Araji, the adviser for national security affairs to Iraqs Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, said in a televised interview this week that Iraqi authorities would like to take a similar approach to the PKK as they did to Iranian Kurdish dissident groups based in northern Iraq.

The presence of the Iranian dissidents had become a point of tension with Tehran and last summer, Iran and Iraq reached an agreement to disarm the dissident groups and relocate their members from military bases to displacement camps.

___

Associated Press writer Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, contributed to this report.

By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA

Associated Press
South Dakota prosecutors to seek death penalty for man charged with killing deputy during a pursuit View Photo

FLANDREAU, S.D. (AP)  South Dakota prosecutors will seek the death penalty for a Sioux Falls man charged in the death of a deputy who was struck while putting out spikes during a police chase.

The South Dakota Attorney Generals office filed an official notice Wednesday announcing it will seek the penalty for Joseph Gene Hoek, 40, in the death of Moody County Chief Deputy Ken Prorok, 51, of Wentworth, who died during the pursuit on Feb. 2.

Hoek pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of first-degree murder and aggravated eluding. Hoeks attorneys said they plan to seek a mental health evaluation of their client and will consider entering a plea of insanity to the charges.

Attorney General Marty Jackley said he made the death penalty decision after reviewing the circumstances and meeting with the victims family and the sheriff who were at Wednesdays hearing. Jackley said the fact that Prorok was killed in the line of duty and that it happened while Hoek was trying to evade arrest made the crime worthy of the death penalty.

When he was charged, investigators described Hoek as being on a downward spiral marked by drug use and escalating threats of violence.

The pursuit started after officers responded to a call about a man, identified as Hoek, making homicidal threats near the business where the caller worked. Police spotted his car and tried to stop him, but Hoek sped off on Highway 34 toward Interstate 29, Special Agent Jeffrey Kollars of the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation wrote in a court filing.

The chase reached 115 mph (185 kph). Prorok stopped to deploy stop spikes across Highway 34. But a witness said he saw the approaching car intentionally swerve and strike the chief deputy before it went into the ditch and flipped, the agent wrote. Hoek ran off on foot. The witness followed Hoek, ran him down and detained Hoek until officers arrived.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, returns to Instagram to tease new food, cookbook, cutlery brand View Photo

MONTECITO, Calif. (AP)  Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has returned to Instagram to tease a new brand that records show could feature jams, household items, cookbooks and cutlery.

The former actor left Instagram when she got engaged to Prince Harry, and as recently as last week, spoke about the dangers of social media. On Thursday, a new account called American Riviera Orchard appeared on Instagram, saying it was created by Meghan. The unverified account included photos of a logo and link to a website to join a waitlist to learn more details.

Documents filed in February with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office registered the American Riviera Orchard name and sought trademark protection for a variety of goods and services. Those include textiles, cutlery, jellies, jams; marmalades and assorted food spreads. It also said the brand might feature coffee services in the nature of tableware; tea services in the nature of tableware; servingware for serving food and drinks; decanters and other beverage wear.

The filing also said cookbooks and a retail space should be covered by the application.

A message to a representative of the duchess was not immediately returned. The trademark was filed under a company called Mama Knows Best, which Delaware records show was registered in January.

The American Riviera has been a trademarked phrase used to promote tourism and travel in the Santa Barbara area.

During a panel at the South by Southwest festival last week, Meghan spoke at a panel alongside Katie Couric and Brooke Shields and talked about the negative impact social media had on young mothers, including herself. She said she experienced online bullying and abuse when pregnant with her two children, as well as after they were born.

I keep my distance from it right now just for my own well-being, she said. You really wrap your head around why people would be so hateful. Its not catty. Its cruel.

Before marrying Prince Harry, Meghan starred on the series Suits and operated a popular blog, The Tig. She shuttered it after her engagement, though she and Harry shared an Instagram account when they were still senior working royals.

Meghan and Harry live in Montecito, California, a coastal community near Santa Barbara that is home to numerous celebrities. The Instagram post announcing American Riviera Orchard includes a reference to Montecito.

The couple left official royal duties in January 2020, giving up their titles of your highness and stopped receiving public funds. Meghan did a podcast for Spotify and Harry released a successful memoir in the years since then.
Judge rejects Sen. Menendezs claims that legislative immunity protects him from bribery charges View Photo

NEW YORK (AP)  Sen. Bob Menendez cannot escape federal prosecution on grounds that he has legislative immunity from four conspiracy charges alleging that he accepted bribes including cash and gold bars in exchange for delivering favors to three New Jersey businessmen, a judge ruled Thursday.

U.S. District Judge Sidney H. Stein in Manhattan said in a written ruling that charges alleging the New Jersey Democrat accepted bribes from three businessmen in return for legislative favors cannot be dropped on grounds that members of Congress get extra protection from some laws for what they do in the legislative sphere.

He said criminal intent cannot be protected by wording in the Constitution meant to protect information sharing by legislators.

The fact that this information sharing is part of a corrupt scheme prevents a characterization of those discussions as legislative acts, he wrote.

Stein said the 2nd U.S. Circuit of Appeals in Manhattan has made clear in previous cases that even activity that might otherwise sit comfortably within the heartland of the Speech or Debate Clause  speech on the House floor  is denied protection from the Clause when the speech in not made in the course of the legislative process, but rather functions as a whispered solicitation to commit a crime.

The judge also rejected Menendezs claim that one charge violates the separation of powers doctrine governing branches of government.

Menendez pleaded not guilty earlier this week to the latest indictment including the four charges and other charges contained in subsequent rewrites of the charging document. He has said prosecutors were trying to pile on charges against him, but he is innocent and will prove it.

While we are reviewing todays ruling and considering our legal options, the courts decision makes clear that the jury will have the final say on the governments allegations, Adam Fee, an attorney for Menendez, said in a written statement. As we have said since day one, the Indictment is a gross distortion of reality, and we continue to have full confidence that a jury will see the truth: that Senator Menendez did nothing wrong.

A May trial has been set, although lawyers have indicated that any appeal of the new ruling might require the trial date to be postponed for months.

Menendez, 70, held a powerful post as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee until he was forced to relinquish it after he was arrested last fall. He has refused calls for him to resign from Congress.

Menendez was charged, along with his wife and the three businessmen, though one businessman recently pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against his codefendants at trial. The others have pleaded not guilty.

Among other allegations, the indictment accuses Menendez of helping one man get a lucrative meat-certification deal with Egypt while taking actions favorable to the Egyptian government and helping another associate get a deal with a Qatari investment fund.

By LARRY NEUMEISTER

Associated Press
Yemens Houthis reported to have a hypersonic missile, possibly raising stakes in Red Sea crisis View Photo

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Yemens Houthi rebels claim to have a new, hypersonic missile in their arsenal, Russias state media reported Thursday, potentially raising the stakes in their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways against the backdrop of Israels war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The report by the state-run RIA Novosti news agency cited an unidentified official but provided no evidence for the claim. It comes as Moscow maintains an aggressively counter-Western foreign policy amid its grinding war on Ukraine.

However, the Houthis have for weeks hinted about surprises they plan for the battles at sea to counter the United States and its allies, which have so far been able to down any missile or bomb-carrying drone that comes near their warships in Mideast waters.

On Thursday, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the Houthis secretive supreme leader, said the rebels will start hitting ships heading toward the Cape of Good Hope in Africas southern tip. Until now, the rebels have largely struck ships heading into the Red Sea toward the Suez Canal, and such an escalation would target the longer, alternative route used by some vessels. It remains unclear how they would carry any possible assault out.

Meanwhile, Iran and the U.S. reportedly held indirect talks in Oman, the first in months amid their long-simmering tensions over Tehrans rapidly advancing nuclear program and attacks by its proxies.

Iran, the Houthis main benefactor, claims to have a hypersonic missile and has widely armed the rebels with the missiles they now use. Adding a hypersonic missile to their arsenal could pose a more formidable challenge to the air defense systems employed by America and its allies, including Israel.

The groups missile forces have successfully tested a missile that is capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 8 and runs on solid fuel, a military official close to the Houthis said, according to the RIA report. The Houthis intend to begin manufacturing it for use during attacks in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, as well as against targets in Israel.

Mach 8 is eight times the speed of sound.

Hypersonic weapons, which fly at speeds higher than Mach 5, could pose crucial challenges to missile defense systems because of their speed and maneuverability.

Ballistic missiles fly on a trajectory in which anti-missile systems like the U.S.-made Patriot can anticipate their path and intercept them. The more irregular the missiles flight path, such as a hypersonic missile with the ability to change directions, the more difficult it becomes to intercept.

China is believed to be pursuing the weapons, as is America. Russia claims it has already used them.

In Yemen, Abdul Malik al-Houthi boasted that his fighters continue to expand the effectiveness and scope of our operations to areas and locations the enemy never expects. He said they would prevent ships connected to the Israeli enemy even crossing the Indian Ocean  heading toward the Cape of Good Hope.

The Houthis have attacked ships since November, saying they want to force Israel to end its offensive in Gaza, launched in response to Hamas Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. The ships targeted by the Houthis, however, have increasingly had little or no connection to Israel, the U.S. or other nations involved in the war. The rebels have also fired missiles toward Israel, though they have largely fallen short or been intercepted.

The Houthis dont have a navy, nor weapons reaching into the far distances of the Indian Ocean, making their Cape of Good Hope threat difficult. However, Iran is suspected of targeting Israeli-linked vessels previously in the Indian Ocean. The Houthis have claimed attacks assessed to have been carried out by Iran in the past, such as the 2019 attack on Saudi Arabia that temporarily halved its oil production.

After seizing Yemens capital, Sanaa, in 2014, the Houthis ransacked government arsenals, which held Soviet-era Scud missiles and other arms.

As the Saudi-led coalition entered Yemens conflict on behalf of its exiled government in 2015, the Houthis arsenal was increasingly targeted. Soon  and despite Yemen having no indigenous missile manufacturing infrastructure  newer missiles made their way into rebel hands.

Iran long has denied arming the Houthis, likely because of a yearslong United Nations arms embargo on the rebels. However, the U.S. and its allies have seized multiple arms shipments bound for the rebels in Mideast waters. Weapons experts as well have tied Houthi arms seized on the battlefield back to Iran.

Iran also now claims to have a hypersonic weapon. In June, Iran unveiled its Fattah, or Conqueror in Farsi, missile, which it described as being a hypersonic. It described another as being in development.

Irans mission to the U.N. did not respond to a request for comment Thursday. Asked about the hypersonic claim, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said: We have no indication that they even have that capability.

Israels military declined to comment.

Also Thursday, The Financial Times reported that the U.S. and Iran held indirect talks in Oman in January that America hoped would curtail the Red Sea attacks. The last known round of such talks had come last May.

Irans state-run IRNA news agency indirectly acknowledged the talks but insisted they were merely limited to negotiations on lifting anti-Iran sanctions.

The U.S. State Department did not deny the January talks took place in a statement to The Associated Press, saying: We have many channels for passing messages to Iran.

Since Oct. 7, all of (the communications) have been focused on raising the full range of threats emanating from Iran and the need for Iran to cease its across-the-board escalation, it added.

The assaults on shipping have raised the profile of the Houthis, whose Zaydi people ruled a 1,000-year kingdom in Yemen up until 1962. Adding a new weapon increases that cachet and puts more pressure on Israel after a cease-fire deal failed to take hold in Gaza before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Earlier in March, a Houthi missile struck a commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden, killing three of its crew members and forcing survivors to abandon the vessel. It marked the first fatal attack by the Houthis on shipping.

Other recent Houthi actions include an attack last month on a cargo ship carrying fertilizer, the Rubymar, which later sank after drifting for several days.

A new suspected Houthi attack targeted a ship in the Gulf of Aden on Thursday, but missed the vessel and caused no damage, the British militarys United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said. A later attack similarly missed a vessel in the Red Sea off Yemens port city of Hodeida, the center said early Friday.

The UKMTO reported another suspected attack early Friday off Hodeida, though details remained scarce.

Fabian Hinz, a missile expert and research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said he wouldnt be surprised if Iran transferred a new, hypersonic weapon to the Houthis. However, the question is how maneuverable such a weapon would be at hypersonic speeds and whether it could hit moving targets, like ships in the Red Sea.

I wouldnt exclude the possibility that the Houthis have some system that has some maneuvering capability to some extent, Hinz said. It is also possible for the Iranians to transfer new stuff for the Houthis to test it.

By JON GAMBRELL

Associated Press
Germanys parliament rejects a new opposition call to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine View Photo

BERLIN (AP)  German lawmakers on Thursday rejected a new call by the opposition for the government to send Taurus long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine, a day after Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended his refusal to supply the weapons.

The main center-right opposition bloc has sought to keep up pressure on the issue and exploit divisions in Scholzs unpopular three-party coalition, even as the German leader tries to put a lid on the debate. On Wednesday, he told lawmakers that prudence is a virtue and rejected suggestions that he doesnt trust Kyiv.

Parliaments lower house, or Bundestag, rejected the opposition Union blocs motion by 495 votes to 190, with five abstentions.

Germany has become the second-biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the United States, but 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.

His position has frustrated the conservative opposition and parts of Scholzs own coalition. The criticism didnt diminish after Scholz finally offered a detailed explanation last month, pointing to his insistence that Germany must not become directly involved in the war.

Lawmakers last month urged the government to deliver further long-range weapons to Ukraine but voted down a previous opposition call explicitly urging it to send Taurus missiles.

Critics reject Scholzs argument that Taurus missiles could only be used responsibly with the involvement of German soldiers, whether inside or outside Ukraine. That, he said Wednesday, is a line that I as chancellor do not want to cross.

The supposed prudence has always only fueled Mr. (Russian President Vladimir) Putin in his aggression against Ukraine  that is the result, opposition lawmaker Johann Wadephul told lawmakers. He will only retreat if he is only forced to. Either we enable Ukraine to win the war or we will lose with it. There is no third way.

Rolf Mutzenich, who leads the parliamentary group of Scholzs Social Democrats, suggested that the debate was being driven by domestic political motives.

Germany is the country that, after the United States, does most for Ukraine, he said.

A senior lawmaker with the Greens, one of Scholzs junior coalition partners, made clear that her party continues to back sending Taurus missiles but rejected what she called shop-window motions by the opposition. Agnieszka Brugger noted that any decision can only be made by senior ministers.

But she said that hesitation and procrastination also can ultimately contribute to escalation and rejected Scholzs attempts to shut down the debate. She said that France and Britain have sent similar missiles and that hasnt meant a further escalation.

By GEIR MOULSON

Associated Press
Yves here. From very early in the war in Ukraine, experts have talked about the summer of 1914 feeling, of weak leaders, of aristocrats confident that any war would be short and close to a sporting event, juxtaposed with the view that a serious conflict would not happen because no one wanted that. Here we have weak, appearance-obsessed leaders, way too many who do want war because profit, and widespread indifference to the risk of nuclear escalation.

By Medea Benjamin and Nicolas J. S. Davies are the authors of War in Ukraine: Making Sense of a Senseless Conflict, published by OR Books in November 2022.Medea Benjamin is the cofounder of CODEPINK for Peace, and the author of several books, including Inside Iran: The Real History and Politics of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Nicolas J. S. Davies is an independent journalist, a researcher for CODEPINK and the author of Blood on Our Hands: The American Invasion and Destruction of Iraq

U.S. and Ukrainian armies attend the opening ceremony of the RAPID TRIDENT-2021 military exercises

President Biden began his State of the Union speech with an impassioned warning that failing to pass his $61 billion dollar weapons package for Ukraine will put Ukraine at risk, Europe at risk, the free world at risk. But even if the presidents request were suddenly passed, it would only prolong, and dangerously escalate, the brutal war that is destroying Ukraine.

The assumption of the U.S. political elite that Biden had a viable plan to defeat Russia and restore Ukraines pre-2014 borders has proven to be one more triumphalist American dream that has turned into a nightmare. Ukraine has joined North Korea, Vietnam, Somalia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Haiti, Libya, Syria, Yemen, and now Gaza, as another shattered monument to Americas military madness.

This could have been one of the shortest wars in history, if President Biden had just supported a peace and neutrality agreement negotiated in Turkey in March and April 2022 that already had champagne corkspopping in Kyiv, according to Ukrainian negotiator Oleksiy Arestovych. Instead, the U.S. and NATO chose to prolong and escalate the war as a means to try to defeat and weaken Russia.

Two days before Bidens State of the Union speech, Secretary of State Blinken announced the early retirement of Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, one of the officials most responsible for a decade of disastrous U.S. policy toward Ukraine.

Two weeks before the announcement of Nulands retirement at the age of 62, she acknowledged in a talk at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) that the war in Ukraine had degenerated into a war of attrition that she compared to the First World War, and she admitted that the Biden administration had no Plan B for Ukraine if Congress doesnt cough up $61 billion for more weapons.

We dont know whether Nuland was forced out, or perhaps quit in protest over a policy that she fought for and lost. Either way, her ride into the sunset opens the door for others to fashion a badly needed Plan B for Ukraine.

The imperative must be to chart a path back from this hopeless but ever-escalating war of attrition to the negotiating table that the U.S. and Britain upended in April 2022  or at least to new negotiations on the basis that President Zelenskyy defined on March 27, 2022, when he told his people, Our goal is obvious: peace and the restoration of normal life in our native state as soon as possible.

Instead, on February 26, in a very worrying sign of where NATOs current policy is leading, French President Emmanuel Macron revealed that European leaders meeting in Paris discussed sending larger numbers of Western ground troops to Ukraine.

Macron pointed out that NATO members have steadily increased their support to levels unthinkable when the war began. He highlighted the example of Germany, which offered Ukraine only helmets and sleeping bags at the outset of the conflict and is now saying Ukraine needs more missiles and tanks. The people that said never ever today were the same ones who said never ever planes, never ever long-range missiles, never ever trucks. They said all that two years ago, Macron recalled. We have to be humble and realize that we (have) always been six to eight months late.

Macron implied that, as the war escalates, NATO countries may eventually have to deploy their own forces to Ukraine, and he argued that they should do so sooner rather than later if they want to recover the initiative in the war.

The mere suggestion of Western troops fighting in Ukraine elicited an outcry both within Francefrom extreme right National Rally to leftist La France Insoumiseand from other NATO countries. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz insisted that participants in the meeting were unanimous in their opposition to deploying troops. Russian officials warned that such a step would mean war between Russia and NATO.

But as Polands president and prime minister headed to Washington for a White House meeting on February 12, Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski told the Polish parliament that sending NATO troops into Ukraine is not unthinkable.

Macrons intention may have been precisely to bring this debate out into the open and put an end to the secrecy surrounding the undeclared policy of gradual escalation toward full-scale war with Russia that the West has pursued for two years.

Macron failed to mention publicly that, under current policy, NATO forces are already deeply involved in the war. Among many lies that President Biden told in his State of the Union speech, he insisted that there are no American soldiers at war in Ukraine.

However, the trove of Pentagon documents leaked in March 2023 included an assessment that there were already at least 97 NATO special forces troops operating in Ukraine, including 50 British, 14 Americans and 15 French. Admiral John Kirby, the National Security Council spokesman, has also acknowledged a small U.S. military presence based in the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv to try to keep track of thousands of tons of U.S. weapons as they arrive in Ukraine.

But many more U.S. forces, whether inside or outside Ukraine, are involved in planning Ukrainian militaryoperations; providing satellite intelligence; and play essential roles in the targeting of U.S. weapons. A Ukrainian official told the Washington Post that Ukrainian forces hardly ever fire HIMARS rockets without precise targeting data provided by U.S. forces in Europe.

All these U.S. and NATO forces are most definitely at war in Ukraine. To be at war in a country with only small numbers of boots on the ground has been a hallmark of 21st Century U.S. war-making, as any Navy pilot on an aircraft-carrier or drone operator in Nevada can attest. It is precisely this doctrine of limited and proxy war that is at risk of spinning out of control in Ukraine, unleashing the World War III that President Biden has vowed to avoid.

The United States and NATO have tried to keep the escalation of the war under control by deliberate, incremental escalation of the types of weapons they provide and cautious, covert expansion of their own involvement. This has been compared to boiling a frog, turning up the heat gradually to avoid any sudden move that might cross a Russian red line and trigger a full-scale war between NATO and Russia. But as NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned in December 2022, If things go wrong, they can go horribly wrong.

We have long been puzzled by these glaring contradictions at the heart of U.S. and NATO policy. On one hand, we believe President Biden when he says he does not want to start World War III. On the other hand, that is what his policy of incremental escalation is inexorably leading towards.

U.S. preparations for war with Russia are already at odds with the existential imperative of containing the conflict. In November 2022, the Reed-Inhofe Amendment to the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) invoked wartime emergency powers to authorize an extraordinary shopping-list of weapons like the ones sent to Ukraine, and approved billion-dollar, multi-year no-bid contracts with weapons manufacturers to buy 10 to 20 times the quantities of weapons that the United States had actually shipped to Ukraine.

Retired Marine Colonel Mark Cancian, the former chief of the Force Structure and Investment Division in the Office of Management and Budget, explained, This isnt replacing what weve given [Ukraine]. Its building stockpiles for a major ground war [with Russia] in the future.

So the United States is preparing to fight a major ground war with Russia, but the weapons to fight that war will take years to produce, and, with or without them, that could quickly escalate into a nuclear war. Nulands early retirement could be the result of Biden and his foreign policy team finally starting to come to grips with the existential dangers of the aggressive policies she championed.

Meanwhile, Russias escalation from its original limited Special Military Operation to its current commitmentof 7% of its GDP to the war and weapons production has outpaced the Wests escalations, not just in weapons production but in manpower and actual military capability.

One could say that Russia is winning the war, but that depends what its real war goals are. There is a yawning gulf between the rhetoric from Biden and other Western leaders about Russian ambitions to invade other countries in Europe and what Russia was ready to settle for at the talks in Turkey in 2022, when it agreed to withdraw to its pre-war positions in return for a simple commitment to Ukrainian neutrality.

Despite Ukraines extremely weak position after its failed 2023 offensive and its costly defense and loss of Avdiivka, Russian forces are not racing toward Kyiv, or even Kharkiv, Odesa or the natural boundary of the Dnipro River.

Reuters Moscow Bureau reported that Russia spent months trying to open new negotiations with the United States in late 2023, but that, in January 2024, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan slammed that door shut with a flat refusal to negotiate over Ukraine.

The only way to find out what Russia really wants, or what it will settle for, is to return to the negotiating table. All sides have demonized each other and staked out maximalist positions, but that is what nations at war do in order to justify the sacrifices they demand of their people and their rejection of diplomatic alternatives.

Serious diplomatic negotiations are now essential to get down to the nitty-gritty of what it will take to bring peace to Ukraine. We are sure there are wiser heads within the U.S., French and other NATO governments who are saying this too, behind closed doors, and that may be precisely why Nuland is out and why Macron is talking so openly about where the current policy is heading. We fervently hope that is the case, and that Bidens Plan B will lead back to the negotiating table, and then forward to peace in Ukraine.
By Lambert Strether of Corrente.

UPDATE We are now at 403, slightly over the goal of 400, and so    the 2024 Water Cooler fundraiser is a complete success    . Thank you all very, very much. lambert P.S. I think this post is worth reading anyhow, those. Precarity + multiple culmination points. Thats where we are!

Im glad to be writing this post, not only to thank you, readers, but because most of the time, with Water Cooler, I have my nose so close to the grindstone that Im thinking about the noise and the flying sparks, rather than any larger purpose. So first I will get my report to you on the numbers out of the way. Then I will quote some kind words that readers like you wrote about Water Cooler (there are many, and I didnt quote you, thats probably because there are too many). Finally, Ill look at the larger purpose of Water Cooler, to the extent I understand my own practice, which may not be completely! You can, of course, go directly to the Tip Jar.

On the numbers: As of this writing, we are at 328, which puts us at [allow me to break out my calculator] 82% of goal. So we are within striking distance of success, which speaks well of our mutual tenacity. I hope those of you who have not donated will do so now, so that we can reach 400 in the coming hours. Let me remind you that you are compensating me for work I have already done on your behalf (and hope to be able to do next year as well). So if you can give a little, give a little. If you can give a lot, please dig deep!

Kind words from readers:

Long-time reader MR shared this in comments, on Water Coolers election coverage:

I will never forget how you predicted trumps winbased on your careful, experienced tracking (and explanation) of the actual numbers and your ear to the ground of the electorateYour takes on Bernie from his first announcement up to now have been wise and fair, and on every other candidate extremely acute. Im sure youll call it again this time.

It may be that I will make a call this time, even though I am no Alan Lichtman. Right now, however, my only call is volatility! However, I think it is less important that I make calls than that I share close reading and critical thinking skills with you (along with twenty+ years of anecdotes, wise sayings, and jokes.)

Reader No Spam likes my yellow waders:

I have found the yellow wader material always up my alley. When you have found a target, we at NC are beneficiaries to your excellent cognitive worka rarity in these days of superficiality. Also true for the coverage of covid. Dig, dig, lay open. Compare, question, if necessary denounce. Covid is now really important and hard to get the info, more appreciated. . When you make the yellow wader efforts to parse the often deliberately obfuscatory institutionaleese of a topic it encourages my own critical and analytical thinking-its an island sanctuary for thought. An example of doing something harder than a lotta people would do. More of whatever draws your mind.

Reader SK:

Water Cooler consistently excels with outstanding links. I came for the politics and social examination but the covid material is life saving

Reader georgia b agrees on Water Coolers Covid coverage:

Thanks especially for persistent focus on covid. Ive no doubt that youve saved lives, certainly lessened misery.

And reader Doug Rogers:

But all of this is completely overshadowed by your relentless efforts on Covid. Your information has kept my wife and I safe and Covid free. I am so pleased with that, if you replaced the bird songs with farting armpit noises I would not judge you harshly.

Reader longhaul shared this important comment:

I absolutely need to tell you that your coverage has meant the difference for me between suffering alone and in silence and realizing that I had to demand that my health care providers do something. I reached out to anyone/everyone that I could think of and eventually did find a doctor that listened and was aware enough: she diagnosed my symptoms as Long Covid. She then, sadly for me, left my provider/the practice as she was overwhelmed. No one has filled her shoes. I was eventually invited to participate in one of the NIH studies. My bodily fluids were sent to the Mayo clinic and I was registered as patient 0001. You (we) have every right to be critical  but my participation is also a blessing in that we participants have a weekly (Zoom) group session: its no cure but an improvement over what was otherwise a kind of isolation. I have now met a few others with stories that are at once both similar and unique. As youre aware, a cognitive disruption plays into someones hands: we that suffer are confused and essentially unsure of ourselves. There is no better way to silence someone than to disable their cognizance/confidence. I could go on but wont for the sake of your time  but again, your persistence and research have made me aware, my conditions more manageable, and my life better than it would otherwise be. Again, thank you.

Finally, reader Darius:

There is nothing about which I have thought, I wish Lambert would do it another way. I continue to find Water Cooler necessary daily reading. I also find your tone pitch perfect. Its also entertaining, in addition to being informative. I dont have any ideas for improvements. I suppose I havent really helped you here. But I appreciate your asking.

So, reader Darius says, with so many, Dont change a thing! But I will, I will! And so, if any of these comments chime with your experience over the last year  and you want to send the message that Water Cooler should continue next year  please go to the Tip Jar and give what you can (perhaps, also, paying it forward for those who cannot give).

Purpose (besides snark, I mean).

I have not developed a unified theory of Water Cooler; in fact, my pointillist method almost forbids that, since I am working upward from very granular material to discover larger designs. That said, there is a Chinese word for crisis whose written form is much beloved by the writers of airport bookstore business books. Here it is. There are two characters:

(The Mandarin reader in the commentariat will doubtless correct me here; my knowledge here is as deep as WikiPedia.)

The typical MBA understands the first character as meaning danger, and the second opportunity (apparently JFK was the first to express this profundity). And for them, opportunity translates to profit (example).

However, the first character might better be translated in our context precarity, and the second as inflection point (or, perhaps, following the military art, culmination point, the point at which a military force is no longer able to perform its operations, due to some vital failure of supply, enemy opposition, or the need for rest).

A combination of precarity and culmination point seems important to the spiralling collapse of systems in the United States, and even globally, for both beats that Water Cooler covers: Electoral politics, and Covid. It is surely not a coincidence that the struggles of the PMC are marked by predatory precarity, and also by catastrophic failure in the case of Covid, and stasis, corruption, and alienation in the case of electoral politics (one common metric for each being falling life expectancy). And our failures in both Covid and politics feel very much like culmination points (ESTRAGON: I cant go on like this. VLADIMIR: Thats what you think. Samuel Beckett, Waiting for Godot).

The tension between precarity and culmination seems to me  this might change, of course  a consistent thread throughout Water Cooler. And inevitably this tension will resolve, one way or another, even perhaps in some small ways influenced by actions we may take, ideally collectively. We take our precarious stands in the midst of enormous, rapidly shifting, and protracted processes whose culmination may be predictable, but whose outcome we cannot see or know; the complexities are too great! (At this point, we might remember the argument that the fall of the Roman Empire was to an extent mitigated by the end of Rome as a slave society; I, for one, would vastly prefer to be a serf, though of course I would rather be neither, and am in fact more hopeful of happier outcomes in our own time.) All we can do is work hard to understand, and do the best we can each day, concretely to protect ourselves, those we love, and those collectivities with whom we share compassions. Water Cooler is, I hope, helpful both in understanding (theory) and concrete measures (practice). And because I have to say it: The Tip Jar is below. Now, back to the grindstone!

UPDATE Sheesh, hoping this peroration isnt totally over the top. Never had to explain this before!

* * *

To make the business relationships clear, Yves writes:

Water Cooler is a separate store front within Naked Capitalism to pay for [Lamberts] considerable effort on it over and above all the work he already does on the site Yes, Lambert also gets paid out of the annual fundraiser, but that is for the considerable amount of work he does besides Water Cooler, such as DJing the site, helping manage the comments section, managing a lot of the tech issues, and helping in tooth-gnashing over other business of running the business matters.

* * *

Readers, you may donate here:









Here is the screen that will appear, which I have helpfully annotated.

If you hate PayPal, you can email me at lambert [UNDERSCORE] strether [DOT] corrente [AT] yahoo [DOT] com, and I will give you directions on how to send a check. Thank you! NOTE I really, really discourage checks. The USPS does not seem able to get them into the right box, and I have no recourse (I think they are trying to close the branch to develop the real estate). PayPal does take a cut, but OTOH theres no hassle and no loss.
2024s Water Cooler fundraiser is coming down the home stretch, with 307 donors (goal is 400, so [let me break out my calculator] 76% of goal). Please go straight to the Water Cooler Donate link and dig deep. Remember, you are giving back for work I have already done, in 2023. I hope 2024 will be even better! lambert

* * *

Montana man pleads guilty after creating giant hybrid sheep and selling them for captive hunting: DOJ FOX

Why more CFOs are becoming CEOs FT. So more companies can become like Boeing?

Climate

Mass Timber is Great, but It Will Not Solve the Housing Shortage Construction Physics

#COVID19

Japans unions find surprising allies in push for higher pay, work with government, companies Channel News Asia

China?

Poo bags and trackers: Nepal orders new Everest rules Channel News Asia

New Not-So-Cold War

Syraqistan

The Caribbean

Haitian Cannibal Gangs Pour Over US Border After Seeing How Fat Americans Are Babylon Bee

Biden Administration

Spook Country

The day I realized I was in the wrong place Science for Everyone. Well worth a read. I suppose citizen scientists would be guilty of unauthorized movement almost by definition.

The Bezzle

Digital Watch

Healthcare

More than 80% of TB patients lack persistent cough, study finds Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy. Here is what CDC has to say on TB: What a surprise. CDCs top symptom doesnt apply in 80% of the cases, just like Covid, where CDC erases asymptomatic transmission. Since today is my day to be kind, I will simply wonder whether we can zero out CDCs budget now, instead of my usual position, which is that they should all in the dock at The Hague.

The Final Frontier

Guillotine Watch

Class Warfare

A splash of cold water Indignity

Pi, pie, and the making of a mathematical star The Daily Edition. Since this is 3.14

Antidote du jour (via):

Bonus antidote:

This tortoise understood it can go much faster with the help of a vehicle: it also learned how to make effective turns. [ Mh0MLiErcV8E97C]pic.twitter.com/UMkT3B3kmI  Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) March 13, 2024

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
Yves here. This article examines the health costs of the removal of entire populations from their communities. The case study is the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. On average, they stayed over 3 years in disease-ridden prison camps. After release, they also suffered from reduced economic circumstances, due to the seizure of property, as well as discrimination. So the displacement was in most, perhaps nearly all cases permanent, even if the Japanese American were technically allowed to return to their old home areas.

Even though the conditions the Japanese suffered in the US detention were harsh, they were nothing compared to what Palestinians are enduring.

By Daniel Grossman, Umair Khalil, and Laura Panza, Associate Professor, Department of Economics University Of Melbourne. Originally published at VoxEU

The forcible removal of populations has both immediate and long-run consequences for the affected populations. The economics literature has tended to focus on the labour market or political consequences. This column instead examines the health effects of the forced displacement of Japanese Americans during WWII. Japanese American women who were incarcerated during their childhood and/or were born in camps had babies who were in worse health than comparison groups. Negative health effects for those born in the ten years post-incarceration are still substantial, though somewhat diminished.

In 2022, the population of forcibly displaced people by violence, conflict, persecution, or human rights violation stood at 108.4 million (UNHCR 2022). While there has been a surge in forced displacement in the last decade, driven by the Syrian refugee crises, the war in Ukraine (Verwimp 2022) and violence in Afghanistan, this is not a recent phenomenon. Episodes of forced displacement have occurred throughout history; some well-known examples are the expulsion of Palestinians in 1948, the Armenian genocide in the early 20th century (Arbatli and Gomek 2018), and Jewish expulsion and pogroms in Europe throughout the Middle Ages (Johnson et al. 2013).

The forcible removal of populations has both immediate and long-run consequences for the affected populations. The economics literature on the legacy of displacement and forced migration has recently grown (Becker 2022), documenting predominantly labour market changes (Nakamura et al. 2021), human capital accumulation (Becker et al. 2020), or political consequences (Braun and Dwenger 2020). The health consequences of such events, however, are still relatively understudied, despite having deep and long-term effects that likely carry on across generations (Almond et al. 2010).

Our recent research (Grossman et al 2023) studies the forced displacement of Japanese Americans during WWII. This episode represents one of the largest state-led removals of civilians in US history: more than 110,000 Japanese Americans were forcibly evacuated from their homes and imprisoned in camps located in remote areas of the US, managed by the US War Relocation Authority. This policy, combined with the prohibition on emigrating, resulted in an average incarceration length of three and a half years.

We evaluate the effects of such policy on the birth outcomes, human capital accumulation, and marital matching patterns of Japanese women decades after exposure to incarceration.

Incarceration and Living Conditions in the Camps

The process of incarceration was formalised with the passing of Executive Order No. 9066 by President Franklin Roosevelt, which was motivated by national security concerns against the potential threat of Japanese sabotage and espionage. As a result, nearly all Japanese Americans residing on the US mainland were incarcerated. On the other hand, just 1% of the Japanese population of Hawaii, which composed more than one-third of the total population of the island, were incarcerated. Given its size, incarcerating this group was impractical and would have severely disrupted the Hawaiian economy and hence was not implemented.

Evacuation of the population of Japanese ancestry started with transportation to temporary assembly centres from March to August 1942. It was followed by incarceration in permanent camps. Overall, poor living conditions were the causes of many of the illnesses that afflicted the internees overall health, including womens reproductive health. Many assembly centres were converted race tracks and fairgrounds, meaning the evacuees had to live in horse stalls and animal quarters (Nagata 2013); in the camps, housing was barrack-style, overcrowded, and without running water. Sanitation was poor, leading to widespread outbreaks of intestinal flu and regular epidemics of dysentery, typhoid and tuberculosis across several camps; episodes of diarrhoea were very common. Further medical issues included: infantile paralysis associated with polio, ptomaine poisoning, desert silicosis, respiratory problems, malaria and sleeping sickness.

On 17 December 1944, Public Proclamation 21 allowed all persons of Japanese ancestry, cleared by military authorities, to leave the camps. Initially, internees could not return to their West Coast homes, so they moved to new locations in the Midwest and to the East. They were told not to congregate as a group in public and to avoid having Japanese neighbours. Pre-WWII, 90% of individuals of Japanese ancestry living in the continental US lived in California, Oregon, and Washington (Ruggles et al. 2021). Immediately post-detention, fewer than 50% lived in these three states (United States War Relocation Authority, 1946).

Health Consequence of Internment

Japanese American imprisonment was largely an unanticipated event, given that before the attack on Pearl Harbor there was no expectation that Japanese Americans would be incarcerated en masse. Furthermore, incarceration targeted only people of Japanese ancestry residing in mainland US but not those living in Hawaii. This resulted in the de facto complete displacement of the former, but not of the latter, thus providing an ideal comparison group, given common heritage.

We use Japanese American mothers on the West Coast born in or before 1946 as the treated group and compare their outcomes to those living in Hawaii, i.e. women who did not undergo forced displacement. We find that Japanese mothers who were incarcerated in camps during their childhood gave birth to babies who were 77 grammes lighter compared to Japanese mothers living in Hawaii. Using other Asian mothers on the West Coast as an alternative comparison group, the effect size drops to 59 grammes, potentially due to general anti-Asian discrimination on the mainland in the decades around WWII. These are sizable effects, varying from approximately 1.8% to 2.4% of the average birthweight of the control group in the non-treatment period. We further find that exposure to a camp is associated with a greater number of low birthweight (LBW) babies. Compared to Hawaiian-born Japanese Americans, the effect implies one additional LBW baby per 100 births for women exposed to the camps.

While incarceration per se represented a big negative shock, the initial post-incarceration years were likely associated with trauma. Indeed, it has been documented that the transition process post-incarceration was particularly harsh: families were on the move with few possessions, and no steady source of income or residence because their property and place of residence pre-treatment had been seized (Kashima 1980). We test this hypothesis by focusing on partially treated mothers, i.e. Japanese American mothers born within ten years post-imprisonment. Our results point to slightly diminished, though still substantial negative effects.

We present our results graphically in Figure 1, where we plot birthweight on the vertical axis and birth cohorts on the horizontal axis. The estimates suggest that, compared to Japanese Americans born in Hawaii, those who were incarcerated had consistently lower birthweight, with effect sizes varying from 50 to 100 grammes throughout the incarceration cohorts. This effect continued at 100 grammes for the 1947-1951 cohorts and reduced to approximately 35 grammes for the 1952-1956 cohorts, demonstrating negative effects of incarceration combined with continuing difficulties post-release.

Figure 1

Mechanisms and Other Outcomes

The primary theoretical mechanism behind the above findings is likely nutritional deprivation

and other physiological and psychological health deficiencies that mothers would have suffered while they themselves were in utero or in early childhood while incarcerated. Interestingly, they were not driven by worse maternal healthcare. Indeed, we find that the effects on prenatal health behaviours do not match these decreases in the health of babies born to treated mothers: mothers exposed to camps were more likely to receive any prenatal care and more likely to start prenatal care within the first two trimesters of pregnancy. These positive effects, which may be due to an increase in human capital accumulation associated with populations exposed to forced migration (Becker et al. 2020), may partially mitigate the negative intergenerational health effects of incarceration.

Incarceration mattered beyond just health outcomes. It also affected interpersonal relationships and household stability of the treated population later in life. We show that incarcerated Japanese Americans were substantially less likely to have a white or a non-Japanese partner. An important potential mechanism behind this finding is long-term distrust among Japanese Americans towards those who incarcerated them. This decreased likelihood of intermarriage may have been further amplified by internees refusal to discuss their experiences, even with family members (Nagata et al. 2015).

Conclusion

In our study, we find that Japanese American women who were incarcerated during their childhood and/or were born in camps had babies who were in worse health than comparison groups. Negative health effects for those born in the ten years post-incarceration are still substantial, though somewhat diminished. Despite this negative health effect on later generations, we find positive effects on health behaviours during pregnancy. However, we show that these gains are not nearly large enough to mitigate the negative intergenerational health effects of the forced displacement of Japanese Americans during WWII.

This study demonstrates that trauma suffered during childhood has long-lasting impacts not just for the individuals directly impacted, but also for their children. Such findings are in line with existing studies documenting the importance of accounting for intergenerational effects in social safety net programs (Hoynes et al. 2016, East et al. 2023). Further, our study provides support for the limited success of mitigating harm from discriminatory and/or nutritional shocks, and suggests additional interventions must be undertaken to counter the structural, intergenerational negative effects of trauma.

See original post for references
The Financial Times has a curious planted story as its lead offering: US held secret talks with Iran over Red Sea attacks. The reason this piece was almost certainly planted, as opposed to leaked, is that it names the names of the participants. But keep in mind that things are so fraught between the two countries that the discussions were indirect: Oman officials carried messages between the two teams. They were also allegedly the first communications in ten months and two, perhaps closer to three, months after the conflict in Gaza began.

Forgive me for engaging in a close reading of this piece, since it may represent a shift in US messaging about Iran. Its surprisingly even handed by Western media standards in its treatment of Iran, which is not to say that it also does not have some key omissions.

The article describes how it was a White House, nat State Department, team went to the Middle East in January. Irans envoy was its deputy foreign minister, who also handles Irans nuclear negotiations. The meetings focused on the US key desire, that Someone Do Something about Houthis shelling of Red Sea cargoes, particularly ones that the Houthis know or believe to be carrying cargoes to or from Israel, or ore owned by Israel or allied interests. Recall, which this story does not mention, that it was also in January the US took the stunningly embarrassing or presumptuous move of approaching China to see if China could pressure Iran to leash and collar the Houthis. Why China would do that even if it could, with no report of the US offering a quid pro quo. was a source of much bafflement.

Admittedly, China did go so far as to make an apple-pie-and-motherhood statement pressing the Houthis publicly to stop messing with Red Sea shipping and also urge[d] all parties to stop fueling the tensions. That could be read as a coded way to say that the US on behalf of Israel should stop blocking ceasefire resolutions in the UN and the US should do more to curb the Israel genocide in Gaza.

That came after a Reuters exclusive, which some experts questioned, said that China had in fact had several sessions with Tehran officials. A casual reader would think that China was making its case for Iran to get the Houthis to stop interfering with all Red Sea shipping. But the story makes clear that China was interceding on behalf of its own shipments:

Basically, China says: If our interests are harmed in any way, it will impact our business with Tehran. So tell the Houthis to show restraint, said one Iranian official briefed on the talks, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity.

It seems the US did not deem the Chinese action to be sufficient. Jake Sullivan then sought and got a meeting with Chinas top diplomat Wang Yi in Bangkok, which was arranged on short notice. It was a 12-hour candid talk, so the topics went far beyond Red Sea shipping. Nevertheless, the sudden scheduling suggests that was a significant driver. The South China Morning Post later confirmed no real progress was made.

So one has to wonder why this story is running now. Perhaps the US feels the need as to why it has been unable to curb the Houthis, and the Biden Administration wants to show it really really tried, even sort of sitting down with those nasty Iranians. That could also account for the shift in the positioning of the Iranians. Western press coverage virtually without exception bangs on about Iran as if it is orchestrating the action of all of the members of the so-called Resistance: Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and Iraqs Kataib Hezbollah, which is not affiliated with Lebanons Hezbollah.

There are some noteworthy subtexts to the story. One is that it comes through that the US either was taking an imperious tone towards Iran or else felt the need to present itself as being tough to satisfy rabid Congresscritters. For instance, this bit comes off as lecturing:

US officials see an indirect channel with Iran as a method for raising the full range of threats emanating from Iran, a person familiar with the matter said. That included conveying what they need to do in order to prevent a wider conflict, as they claim to want.

It also presupposes that Iran can control its allies,. The article does recount the Iranian officials trying to disabuse the US of that idea:

Since Hamass October 7 attack on Israel triggered the war, Iran-backed Hizbollah, the Lebanese militant movement, has traded daily cross-border fire with Israel; the Houthis have attacked dozens of ships, including merchant shipping and US naval vessels; and Iranian-aligned Iraqi militias have launched scores of missiles and drones against American forces in Iraq and Syria. US officials have repeatedly accused Tehran of supplying the Houthis with drones, missiles and intelligence to conduct their attacks on shipping. Iran acknowledges its political support for the Houthis, who control northern Yemen and have justified their attacks as support for the Palestinians. However, Tehran insists the rebels act independently. Iran has repeatedly said it only has a form of spiritual influence [over the rebels]. They cant dictate to the Houthis, but they can negotiate and talk, an Iranian official said.

A striking omission is that the US backed the Saudi coalition that waged a seven-year war against Yemen. One would think that would make the Houthis, more properly called Ansar-Allah, not exactly receptive to US entreaties even if Iran were to push a bit.

The Financial Times also describes what appears to have been a bit of a game over the 85 retaliatory strikes the US made after three US servicemembers died in what were alleged to be Quds (as in Iran) strikes. The press depicted the soldiers as having been in Jordan. but Jordan never complained as one would expect. Many experts, such as Larry Johnson and Scott Ritter, said they were pretty clearly in Syria, where the US has no business being, except, as Donald Trump put it, to steal Syrias oil.

The Financial Times article concedes the base operations, which included what I infer was a forward base, were on the Jordanian-Syrian border.

Recall the US attacks were launched five days later, which is on the leisurely side. That seems to have been designed to allow Iran to move some personnel out of the way:

After US President Joe Biden vowed to hold accountable those behind the attack, Iran withdrew senior commanders of its elite Revolutionary Guards from Syria. Days later, on February 2, American forces carried out a wave of attacks against Iranian-affiliated forces in Syria and Iraq.

The pink paper also depicts Iran as having been well behaved since then:

No attacks have been launched against American bases in Iraq and Syria since February 4, with US officials saying there have been indications that Tehran has worked to rein in the Iraqi militias. The Iranian official said that when Brigadier-General Esmail Ghaani, commander of the Qods force, the wing of the guards responsible for overseas operations, visited Baghdad last month he told the Iraqi militias to manage their behaviour in a way that will not allow America to engage Iran. While Irans ultimate goal is to drive American forces out of Iraq and Syria, Tehran has made clear it wants to avoid a direct conflict with the US or Israel, and to avoid a full-blown regional war.

The story next discusses how the Houthis are still firing on Red Sea ships. And it continues with the schizophrenic position that the Houthis dont take orders from Tehran but the Persian state nevertheless must rein them in:

US officials acknowledge that military action alone will not be enough to deter the Houthis, and believe that ultimately Tehran will need to pressure the group to curb its activities. Although the Houthis are less ideologically close to Tehran than other militant groups, the relationship has deepened as the movement has become an increasingly important member of the axis of resistance backed by Iran.

Finally, this article (and the Western press generally) has not yet reported on the Houthis testing a hypersonic missile:

 BREAKING: Houthis have a hypersonic missile?! The Shiite movement "Ansar Alla" (Houthis) ruling in the north of Yemen, which supports Iran, has tested a hypersonic missile of high striking power and is preparing to introduce such missiles into its military arsenal, a pic.twitter.com/7o3FA1BYlN  Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) March 14, 2024

Mind you, this has yet to be confirmed, but if so, it will rattle nerves in the neighborhood. And Iran will be blamed for helping.

However, the article also confirms that both the Biden Administration and Iran do not want the conflict in Gaza to escalate. However, the US still acts if that can be achieved by trying to manage Israels opponents, as opposed to putting the kibosh on Israels genocidal campaign.
The states Senate Education Committee approved a bill Wednesday that would vacate the board of trustees of the historically Black Tennessee State University by June 30. Should the legislation ultimately pass in both chambers, Gov. Bill Lee will appoint eight of the boards 10 members, with the other two spots filled by a student and a faculty representative. The legislation comes amid tense debates about the future of TSU that have been ongoing since last years legislative session, focused on problems at the university but also a history of underfunding from the state.

Last year, the universitys board of trustees was threatened with similar actions after a report from the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury highlighted issues at the school and recommended a change in leadership, among other measures. TSU President Glenda Glover has since announced that she will retire at the end of the current school year.

Republicans Advance Effort to Vacate TSU Board Board members ask lawmakers for more time to address issues and find a new president

TSU is the most amazing university there is, and how about we talk about TSU in the same breath that we talk about UT Knoxville? said Sen. Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield) on Wednesday. Roberts co-sponsors the bill along with Education Committee Chair Jon Lundberg (R-Bristol) and Finance, Ways and Means Committee Chair Bo Watson (R-Hixson).

I think some folks already mention TSU in the same voice that they mention UT, said Sen. Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis), the committees sole Democrat and the only member who voted against the bill. We can't say we want TSU to be spoken of in the same breath as UT if we're not going to fund them appropriately.

In 2021, state legislators released a report that found TSU was shorted at least $544 million between 1956 and 2006. Last year, national leaders reported that the school has been underfunded more than $2.1 billion over the past 30 years  more than any other historically Black college or university across the country. UT Knoxville, the states other land-grant university, has not experienced the same levels of underfunding.

Rep. Harold Love (D-Nashville) has been leading efforts to support TSU and recuperate lost funding. Love tells the Scene that vacating the board would mean a loss in institutional knowledge, and that hes working to find a compromise in the House.

Representatives from TSU offered the below statement.

TSU President Glenda Glover to Retire Glover's announcement follows a critical report regarding financial issues at the school

If the proposed legislation approved by the Senate Education Committee [Wednesday] ultimately becomes law, TSU students and faculty will be profoundly affected due to the significant and immediate disruption to the universitys academic activities and progress. The proposed legislation, if it becomes law, will also harm TSUs student and faculty recruitment efforts, erase governance related institutional knowledge, potentially damage TSUs relationship with grant agencies and current and prospective donors, and jeopardize TSUs accreditation status.

The eradication of the Board also comes at a critical time, as the University is currently undergoing a national search for a new TSU president. As noted in [yesterdays] hearing, rather than vacating the Board, TSU needs infrastructure and operational support from the state to address the decades of underfunding of the states only public HBCU and urban based land grant institution.

We still believe the best course of action, for lawmakers, is to support the original bill as written that would extend the TSU board for one year. This course of action allows for a smooth transition in Presidential leadership and the addition of new board members through new appointments. This approach would serve the best interest of TSU and can still happen. We look forward to continuing to work with members of the House and the Senate to pass legislation authorizing a reasonable extension of the TSU Board.

Update, March 19: On Monday, members of the House Government Operations Committee passed an amended version of the bill that differs from the Senate's version. An amendment from Rep. Caleb Hemmer (D-Nashville) would vacate just three of the board's 10 members and extend the term of the board to June 2026.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg launched his annual report for 2023 on Thursday (14 March 2024), which covers all aspects of the Alliances work over the past year.

The Secretary General announced the results of NATOs annual polling, which also surveyed participants from Finland and Sweden for the first time. Mr Stoltenberg said the data is clear. Public support for NATO is extremely strong on both sides of the Atlantic. If a vote were held today, an overwhelming majority of citizens across Allied countries would vote in favour of NATO. He added in the United States, only 13 percent would vote against, underlining that over 80% of our citizens believe that North America and Europe must continue to work together for our shared security. He underlined that these results indicate that across the Alliance, support for NATO remains rock-solid.

In 2023, Allies continued to provide unprecedented levels of support to Ukraine. Mr Stoltenberg said, for the first time, a number of Allies also sent long-range systems, UK Storm Shadow and French SCALP missiles and Allies agreed to send F-16 aircraft. He added that several Allies have now signed bilateral security agreements with Ukraine. The Ukrainians are not running out of courage. They are running out of ammunition... This is a critical moment and it would be a grave, historic mistake to allow Putin to prevail. We cannot allow authoritarian leaders to get their way by using force.

The Secretary General welcomed that 2023 was the ninth consecutive year of increased investment across Europe and Canada, amounting to defence spending rising by an unprecedented 11%. In 2024, Mr Stoltenberg highlighted that NATO Allies in Europe will invest a total of $470 billion in defence, amounting to 2% of their combined GDP for the first time. This year, two-thirds of Allies will meet the 2% target, up from just three Allies in 2014. he said. Mr Stoltenberg said that he expected Allies to take further steps to support Ukraine, to reinforce and resource NATOs defences and deepen partnerships around the world at NATOs 75th Anniversary Summit in Washington.

At the 2023 Vilnius Summit, Allies agreed a new Defence Production Action Plan to ramp up production, strengthen engagement with industry, and increase interoperability. The Secretary General highlighted that since then, NATO has agreed contracts worth tens of billions of dollars for ammunition and key capabilities. NATO has also further deepened its relations with partners in the Indo-Pacific, and the European Union.

At a critical time for Euro- Atlantic security the Secretary General also underlined that Finland joined the NATO family last year and just last week, Sweden became the 32nd Ally NATO is now bigger and stronger.

The Secretary General also noted that NATOs Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic  DIANA  is doubling its network of accelerators and test centres. These world-class sites on both sides of the Atlantic will focus on solving defence and security challenges, and sharpening NATOs technological edge in areas ranging from artificial intelligence and cyber, to 5G, hypersonics, and autonomous systems.

The Secretary Generals Annual Report for 2023 details NATOs work and achievements throughout the year.
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the Polish President Andrzej Duda to NATO Headquarters on Thursday (14 March 2024), two days after the 25th anniversary of Polands accession to NATO. The Secretary General praised Poland for its contributions to the Alliance and its strong support for Ukraine.

Mr Stoltenberg underlined that since joining NATO Poland has become a key Ally and a security provider. You are building one of the biggest armies in NATO. You spend around 4 percent of GDP on defence, topping the NATO table, the Secretary General said, and you are adding major capabilities, including F-35s, HIMARS, and helicopters.

The Secretary General and President Duda addressed Russias war of aggression against Ukraine and the need to step up support. Despite heavy Russian losses, Putin has not scaled back his war aims. The situation remains difficult. Ukraine is in dire need of ammunition, Mr Stoltenberg said. He thanked Poland for being one of Ukraine's strongest supporters and underlined that NATOs latest polling across Allied countries found strong public support for continued aid to Ukraine.

In response to Russias war, NATO has increased its presence in the east of the Alliance, including in Poland, the Secretary General emphasised. This month, more than 20,000 soldiers are participating in the Polish-led Dragon 24, part of exercise Steadfast Defender, our largest military exercise since the Cold War, he said. Poland makes the whole Alliance stronger and NATO makes all Allies safer.

Poland joined on 12 March 1999 alongside Czechia and Hungary.
On 14 March 2024, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg released his Annual Report for 2023.

It details NATOs work and achievements throughout the year, including the Alliances welcoming of Finland as its 31st Ally, the Vilnius Summit, where the Alliance strengthened its collective defence and brought Ukraine closer to NATO, and the deepening cooperation with NATOs partners in the Indo-Pacific.

The Report contains the results of NATOs annual public perception polls.

Below you will find short descriptions of  as well as direct links to  the elements of the Annual Report.

You can also download the full Annual Report (PDF)

Thirty-one national flags fly at NATO Headquarters after Finlands accession to the Alliance. Brussels, Belgium, April 2023. Foreword Russias war of aggression against Ukraine rages on, there is a new war in the Middle East, and Allies face greater competition from authoritarian states, including China. In addition, we still face a range of other threats to our security, including terrorism, cyber attacks and climate change. The world has become more dangerous, but NATO is stronger. In 2023, NATO grew bigger and more capable. Finland became a NATO Ally, and we have just welcomed Sweden as well. We continued to strengthen our defences. At our Summit in Vilnius, we agreed robust new plans to defend every inch of Alliance territory. These plans are backed by hundreds of thousands of troops and highly capable air and naval forces at a high state of readiness  and with eight battlegroups on our eastern flank, stretching from the Baltic to the Mediterranean Sea, scalable to brigade size. In 2023, defence spending increased by an unprecedented 11% across Europe and Canada. Since we agreed the Defence Investment Pledge in 2014, European Allies and Canada will have spent more than USD 600 billion extra on defence. In 2024, we expect two-thirds of Allies to meet or exceed the target of investing 2% of Gross Domestic Product in defence. At the Vilnius Summit, we agreed the Defence Production Action Plan, to ramp up production and replenish our stocks of weapons and ammunition. Billions of dollars of contracts have already been signed with defence industry. This will mean more security for Allies, more supplies for Ukraine, and more highly skilled jobs across Europe and North America. In addition to strengthening our own collective defence, NATO continues to support Ukraine. Ukraine must prevail as an independent, sovereign nation. If Putin wins, this would send a dangerous message to authoritarian leaders around the world that they can achieve their objectives through war and violence. Supporting Ukraine is not charity, it is in our own security interest. At the Vilnius Summit, we brought Ukraine closer to NATO than ever before. We established the NATO-Ukraine Council where we meet to discuss and take decisions on our common security interests, as equals. We are helping to transition Ukraine from Soviet-era to NATO equipment and standards. We have also removed the requirement for a Membership Action Plan, significantly shortening Ukraines path to membership. All Allies agree that Ukraine will become a member of NATO. China is watching our actions closely. China does not share our values, it challenges our interests, and Beijing is increasingly aligned with Moscow. We will continue to trade and engage with China, but we must manage the risks and prepare for enduring competition. NATO is a regional alliance that faces global challenges, so our partnerships around the world are essential for our security. We continue to work closely with the European Union on a wide range of security issues. We are also deepening our cooperation with our partners in the Indo-Pacific  Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea  and I have appointed a group of experts to review NATOs approach to our southern neighbourhood. 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the NATO Alliance. In all those years, the bond between Europe and North America has kept our nations secure and our people safe. At the Washington Summit in July, we will send a powerful message of unity, solidarity and resolve  to prevent war and preserve peace. Jens Stoltenberg

NATO Secretary General

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Meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission involving NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana and Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna. Brussels, Belgium, June 2023. NATO at a Glance Why was NATO founded? The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was founded in 1949 in the aftermath of the Second World War. Its purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of all its members by military and non-military means. The principle of collective defence is central to NATOs founding document  the North Atlantic Treaty. This principle, enshrined in Article 5 of the Treaty, binds NATO Allies together, declaring an armed attack against any one of them an attack against them all. NATO strives to secure a lasting peace in Europe, based on common values of democracy, individual liberty, human rights and the rule of law. NATO Member States In 2023, NATOs Allies represent one billion people and roughly half the worlds economic and military might. Together, NATO Allies are stronger and safer together than they would be alone. Twelve founding members signed the North Atlantic Treaty in 1949: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States. The Treaty also allows for other European countries to join the Alliance, if all existing Allies agree. Any prospective member is required to share NATOs core values and have the capacity and willingness to contribute to security in the Euro-Atlantic area. Since 1949, a further 20 countries have joined NATO: Greece and Turkiye (1952), Germany (1955), Spain (1982), Czechia, Hungary and Poland (1999), Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia (2004), Albania and Croatia (2009), Montenegro (2017), North Macedonia (2020), Finland (2023) and Sweden (2024). In 2022, Finland and Sweden submitted official letters of application to become NATO Allies. In July of that year, after completing accession talks, NATO Allies signed the Accession Protocols for both countries, which then became Invitees with the right to attend NATO meetings. After Allies had ratified Finlands Accession Protocol according to their national procedures, Finland became NATOs 31st member country in April 2023. At the time of printing, the accession process for Sweden was also complete.

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Flight Surgeon Samantha M. of the German Air Force during exercise Rapid Viking 2023. Iceland, August 2023 (left) and a Finnish soldier during exercise Northern Forest. Northern Finland, May 2023 (right). For Those Who Serve NATOs ambitions, clearly expressed in the North Atlantic Treaty, are simple: to safeguard the freedom, common heritage and civilisation of [its] peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law. Achieving that mission since the signing of the Treaty in 1949 has required immense hard work and sacrifice. In 2023, the security and freedom of NATOs one billion citizens continued to rely on the endeavours of the Alliances soldiers, sailors and aircrew. Their willingness to put themselves in harms way on our behalf, day after day, is an extraordinary gift. Whether it is patrolling the North Atlantic Ocean, NATOs land borders or the skies over the Alliances eastern flank, their skill and professionalism make peace and security possible. There can be no security without strong defences. And no strong defences without capable armed forces. As we prepare for the Alliances 75th anniversary, and at a time of great change, the men and women of our armed forces are what allow us to look to the future with confidence. Without them, there would be no NATO. We thank them and honour them.

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Official family portrait of NATOs Heads of State and Government at the Vilnius Summit. Vilnius, Lithuania, July 2023. NATO in 2023: Adapting at a Critical Time 2023 was a challenging but successful year for the Alliance. NATO welcomed its 31st Ally, Finland, and took important decisions to strengthen the Alliances collective defence and adapt to the new security reality. In 2023, Moscow continued its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, bringing violence and death to the heart of Europe while, at the same time, seeking to divide NATO. In doing so, it underestimated both the determination of the people of Ukraine and Allied unity. Ukraine has steadfastly defended its population, and liberated more than half of the territory occupied by Russia in the early stages of the war. Throughout 2023, Allies have been unwavering in their solidarity with Ukraine. Together with the majority of members of the United Nations, they remain fully committed to Ukraines sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. During his visits to Kyiv in April and September, the Secretary General agreed on the importance of a just and sustainable peace, and reaffirmed that NATO stands with Ukraine, now and for the long term. NATO has continued to support Ukraines right to self-defence and brought Ukraine closer to NATO, with strengthened political relations and enhanced practical support. Shattered Peace: Responding to Russias Aggression NATO tried to build a partnership with Russia for decades. Over the past decade, however, Russia has continuously violated the norms and principles that have contributed to a stable and predictable European security order. Russia's brutal and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, launched in February 2022, has shattered the hard-earned peace in Europe. As NATOs 2022 Strategic Concept makes clear, the Russian Federation is the most significant and direct threat to Allies security, and to peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area. Russia seeks to establish spheres of influence and direct control through coercion, subversion, aggression and annexation. It uses conventional, cyber and hybrid means against NATO and its partners. Its coercive military posture, rhetoric and proven willingness to use force to pursue its political goals undermine the rules-based international order. The Russian Federation is modernising its nuclear forces and expanding its novel and disruptive dual-capable delivery systems, while employing coercive nuclear signalling. It aims to destabilise countries to our East and South. In the High North, its capability to disrupt Allied reinforcements and freedom of navigation across the North Atlantic is a strategic challenge to the Alliance. Moscows military build-up, including in the Baltic, Black and Mediterranean Sea regions, along with its military integration with Belarus, challenge the Alliances security and interests. In light of its hostile policies and actions, NATO cannot consider Russia to be a partner. Any change in the relationship depends on Russia halting its aggressive behaviour and fully complying with international law. NATO remains willing to keep open channels of communication with Moscow to manage and mitigate risks, prevent escalation and increase transparency. NATO does not seek confrontation and poses no threat to Russia. At the Vilnius Summit in July, Allies agreed to continue to consult on and assess the implications of Russias policies and actions for Allied security, and respond to Russian threats and hostile actions in a united and responsible way. NATOs Practical Support for Ukraine at a Glance As Ukraine exercises its right to self-defence, enshrined in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, NATO Allies have provided unprecedented support. Thanks to considerable financial support from Allies and partner countries, NATO has taken on a crucial role providing non-lethal assistance to Ukraine. This support takes the form of short-term material assistance and longer-term projects designed to rebuild the Ukrainian defence and security sector, helping Ukraine in its transition towards interoperability with NATO. NATO has delivered assistance since the beginning of Russias war of aggression. This support is typically based on urgent requirements identified by Ukraine, which are then communicated to NATO. In 2023, the Comprehensive Assistance Package and its Trust Fund coordinated the delivery of EUR 117 million in non-lethal material aid to Ukraine. An additional EUR 117 million worth of material aid is under contract and will be delivered to Ukraine in the near future. Aid delivered in 2023 included fuel, medical kits, counter-drone systems, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear protective equipment, Starlink systems, shelters, power generators and bridging systems. By repurposing the Afghan National Army Trust Fund, Allies and partners transferred around USD 24 million to the Comprehensive Assistance Package Trust Fund and provided Ukraine with EUR 10 million in-kind contributions of equipment, including clothing and medical supplies. The Comprehensive Assistance Package also continued to coordinate NATOs medium- and long-term assistance to Ukraine. The medium- and long-term efforts  defined as requiring between two and five years for completion  support Ukraines efforts to transform its defence and security sector, moving away from Soviet-era systems towards NATO standards. Projects are developed in close coordination with Ukraine, and implemented thanks to substantial financial and political support from Allies and partners. Read this chapter in the Annual Report (PDF)

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Croatian Army Panzerhaubitze 2000 mobile artillery units open fire during exercise Griffin Shock 2023. Bemowo Piskie, Poland, May 2023. Deterrence and Defence: Protecting our Citizens NATO is modernising for a new era of collective defence  and continuing to build on steps taken following Russias illegal and illegitimate annexation of Crimea in 2014. Since 2020, adaptation has been guided by the implementation of two major military concepts: the Concept for Deterrence and Defence of the Euro-Atlantic Area, focusing on the present; and the NATO Warfighting Capstone Concept, offering a guide over the long term. Following the onset of Russias war of aggression against Ukraine in 2022, the Alliance has further accelerated the adaptation of its deterrence and defence posture. At the 2022 Madrid Summit, and with the adoption of the 2022 Strategic Concept, NATO set a new baseline for its deterrence and defence posture in line with its 360-degree approach, across the land, air, maritime, cyberspace and space domains, and against all threats and challenges. Read this chapter in the Annual Report (PDF)

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The Royal Danish Navy frigate HDMS Triton in the waters around Greenland, November 2023. Investing in Defence: Resourced for the Future The reality of a war being fought in Europe has given new urgency to the Alliances defence investment efforts. Allies cannot afford to be complacent. At the Vilnius Summit, Heads of State and Government recognised the importance of continuing to invest in defence and meeting their commitments, including by fulfilling longstanding major equipment requirements and the NATO Capability Targets. They also acknowledged the importance of resourcing NATOs new defence plans and force model, and contributing to NATO operations, missions and activities. In 2023, Allies continued to increase their defence spending, further develop their forces and capabilities, and contribute to Allied operations, missions and activities. European Allies and Canada increased defence spending for the ninth consecutive year. Defence spending increased by 11% in real terms compared to 2022. In 2023, 11 Allies met the guideline of spending 2% of their GDP on defence and in early 2024 this number increased to 18  this, in contrast, to only three Allies meeting the guideline in 2014. The United States accounted for 53% of the Allies combined GDP and 67% of combined defence expenditure. Total NATO military spending in 2023 is estimated to have been around USD 1.1 trillion. Allies also made progress on their commitment to allocating 20% or more of their defence expenditure to major capabilities. Twenty-eight Allies met the NATO-agreed 20% guideline compared to seven in 2014. Allies accelerated investment strengthens the deterrence and defence of the Alliance. It allows the delivery of more of the heavier, high-end capabilities NATO needs, and improves the readiness, deployability, sustainability and interoperability of Allied forces. Continuing to invest in the right capabilities will be critical in the years ahead. Read this chapter in the Annual Report (PDF)

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A United Kingdom Mobile Air Operations Team preparing an underslung load for a Merlin helicopter during exercise Joint Viking. Norway, March 2023. NATO's Comprehensive Approach to Resilience Deterrence and Resilience: Two Sides of the Same Coin Resilience is a key element of the Alliances deterrence and defence. Recognising that, in 2023, Allied Leaders agreed to adopt a set of Resilience Objectives. The first of their kind, these objectives will help to strengthen NATOs and Allied preparedness against strategic shocks and disruptions in a coordinated way, while accounting for the needs of individual Allies. Among other things, the objectives aim to boost both Allies and NATOs ability to ensure continuity of government and essential services, and provide civil support to military operations in peace, crisis and conflict. Allies intend to use these objectives to guide the development of national resilience goals and implementation plans. Read this chapter in the Annual Report (PDF)

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Doorstep statement by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the start of the meetings of NATO Defence Ministers at NATO Headquarters. Brussels, Belgium, June 2023. Engaging with NATO Citizens, Building Awareness A strong and successful Alliance depends on the support and understanding of its citizens. NATO pursues this through tailored communications and engagement with a wide range of international media and key opinion formers, through digital outreach on multiple platforms, and through a clear and consistent brand identity. As well as explaining to citizens what NATO is and does, NATO also works to counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference, including disinformation. NATOs approach relies on fact-based and credible public communications. Read this chapter in the Annual Report (PDF)

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Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35 Lightning II fighters fly in formation with French Air and Space Force Rafales during a training sortie as part of NATOs Baltic Air Policing mission. Skies over Poland, March 2023. Adapting the Alliance to a World of Strategic Competition Investing in Cutting-Edge and Interoperable Capabilities Interoperability is the ability to operate collectively to achieve common goals, including by using standardised equipment. Interoperability is what makes coordination and cooperation by multinational forces possible  and, as such, is crucial to NATOs ability to do its job. The Alliance carries out a vast range of multinational missions and tasks, for which it requires cutting-edge and interoperable capabilities. At the Vilnius Summit, Allies renewed their commitment to improving the interoperability of their forces, including by boosting investment in the right capabilities. To support this endeavour, NATO has developed a flexible, scalable and adaptable multinational instrument called High Visibility Projects. These projects seek to address one or more key NATO defence planning priorities and provide Allies with dedicated staff support across the full project lifecycle. This multinational approach has enabled Allies  and, in some instances, partners  to close key capability gaps, save money and ensure interoperability by design. In 2023, several projects achieved key milestones and significantly contributed to NATOs strengthened deterrence and defence posture. Read this chapter in the Annual Report (PDF)

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Parachute drills during exercise Hemex-Orion. Frontignan, France, February 2023. Photo credit: Thomas Prudeleux, French Armed Forces. Crisis Prevention and Management Crisis prevention and management is one of NATOs three core tasks. The 2022 Strategic Concept stresses that Allies have a shared interest in contributing to stability and managing conflicts together, through NATO. The Alliance is committed to preventing and responding to crises when these have potential to affect Allied security. Prevention of crises and conflicts is a sustainable way to contribute to stability and Allied security. NATO is committed to crisis prevention, including through training and capacity-building programmes. These programmes support partners in their efforts to become more capable, more secure and better prepared to respond to crises at home and abroad. The Alliance has decades worth of accomplishments in building defence institutions and capacity with partners in NATOs neighbourhood and beyond. NATO also has unique capabilities and expertise in crisis management, including coordinating, conducting, sustaining and supporting multinational crisis response operations. Read this chapter in the Annual Report (PDF)

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A Swedish soldier and a United States marine shake hands at a distinguished visitors day of exercise Aurora 23. Southern Sweden, May 2023. Partnerships: Shared Security through Cooperation and Dialogue NATOs partnerships are essential to the way NATO works. They play an important role in supporting NATOs three core tasks and its 360-degree approach to security. In a more complex and unpredictable strategic landscape, it is even more important that NATO and its partners work together to address common security challenges, protect the global commons and enhance resilience. NATOs partnerships are based on mutual respect and interest. NATO has active partnerships with 35 countries worldwide and several international organisations. Partners are engaged in a number of core activities, from sharing expertise to building capacity, developing interoperability, and contributing to crisis prevention and management. In 2023, 18 partners took part in 16 NATO-led exercises while 11 contributed over 30 military personnel to the NATO Command Structure and International Military Staff. Partners also supported NATO missions in Iraq and Kosovo, contributed financially to NATO-led Trust Funds, and offered in-kind support through NATOs Partnership Training and Education Centres. NATO maintains liaison offices in Belgrade, Chisinau, Kuwait, Kyiv, New York, Tbilisi and Vienna, as well as at the NATO Headquarters in Sarajevo. Read this chapter in the Annual Report (PDF)

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A Danish soldier in the woods during exercise Crystal Arrow 2023. Latvia, March 2023. Human Security and Women, Peace and Security NATOs 2022 Strategic Concept highlighted that the Women, Peace and Security and Human Security agendas are key cross-cutting areas of work that must be integrated in all three core tasks of the Alliance  and Allies reaffirmed this principle at the 2023 Vilnius Summit. To achieve this goal, they stressed the importance of supporting the operationalisation of both agendas through robust policies and guidelines, and through continued cooperation with partners, international organisations and civil society. Partnerships continue to be indispensable to implement both agendas at NATO and beyond. In 2023, tailored goals on Women, Peace and Security and Human Security were included in NATOs Individually Tailored Partnership Programmes with Ireland, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Switzerland. In addition, Colombia associated itself with NATOs Policy on Women, Peace and Security, illustrating the countrys strong commitment to this agenda as part of its partnership with NATO. Recent missions by the Secretary Generals Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security have included visits to Australia, Georgia, the Republic of Korea and Ukraine, which provided scope to improve synergies between NATO and partners. Read this chapter in the Annual Report (PDF)

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NATO Staff and their families and friends participate in the Run for All race, an event advocating an inclusive work environment for racial minorities, LGBTQ+ staff and working parents. Brussels, Belgium, October 2023. Organisation NATO Headquarters NATO Headquarters in Brussels houses the Alliances International Staff and International Military Staff, along with 31 Allied delegations and military representations, 18 partner missions and staff from several NATO agencies. It is the central forum for the discussions and consultations that shape NATO policy and practice. Read this chapter in the Annual Report (PDF)

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Kosovo Force (KFOR) The NATO-led KFOR mission is to contribute to maintaining a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all communities in Kosovo, as mandated by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999. In carrying out its activities, NATO cooperates with and assists the United Nations, the European Union and other international actors, as appropriate, to support the development of a stable and peaceful Kosovo. KFOR also supports the development of professional, democratic and multi-ethnic security structures in Kosovo. Read this annex in the Annual Report (PDF) Defence Expenditure of NATO Countries (20142023) NATO collects defence expenditure data from Allies and publishes it on a regular basis. Each Allys Ministry of Defence reports current and estimated future defence expenditure according to an agreed definition. The amounts represent payments by a national government that have been or will be made during the course of the fiscal year to meet the needs of its armed forces, those of Allies or of the Alliance. In the figures and tables that follow, NATO also uses economic and demographic information available from the Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs of the European Commission and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Read this annex in the Annual Report (PDF)

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(As delivered)

President Duda,

Dear Andrzej,

Its great to see you again.

Welcome back to NATO Headquarters.

It is always a pleasure to have you here.

This week, we mark the 25th anniversary of Polands accession into NATO.

NATOs Open Door helped to spread freedom and democracy in Europe.



And since joining, Poland has become a key Ally and a security provider.

You are building one of the biggest armies in NATO.

You spend around 4 percent of GDP on defence, topping the NATO table.

And you are adding major capabilities, including F-35s, HIMARS, and helicopters.

Poland makes the whole Alliance stronger.

And NATO makes all Allies safer.

U.S. Patriot batteries and Italian jets guard your skies.

Over 10,000 Allied troops are based in Poland.

And in the summer, a long-planned US missile defence site in Poland will join NATOs missile shield.

Today in our meeting, we addressed Russias war of aggression against Ukraine.

Despite heavy Russian losses, Putin has not scaled back his war aims.

The situation remains difficult.

Ukraine is in dire need of ammunition.

Every day of delay in the US Congress translates into real consequences on the battlefield.

This morning I released our latest polling from across the Alliance.

It shows that two-thirds of our citizens  on both sides of the Atlantic  want their country to continue supporting Ukraine.

We also know that a large majority in Congress favour continued support.

Now we need to see this public and political support expressed in a vote  as soon as possible.

With courage and creativity, Ukraine has shown that Russias military can be beaten.

Russia is paying a very high price for marginal gains.

On land, Putins war has already cost Russia over 350,000 military casualties.

At sea, Ukrainian attacks have sunk or disabled a significant part of Russias Black Sea fleet.

In the air, Ukraine is shooting down key Russian assets, including high-value surveillance aircraft.

I want to thank Poland for being one of the strongest supporters of Ukraine.

Providing weapons and offering refuge to over a million Ukrainians.

Today in our meeting, we also discussed further bolstering NATOs deterrence and defence.

In response to Russias war, we have increased our presence in the east of the Alliance, including in Poland.

And this month, more than 20,000 soldiers are participating in the Polish-led Dragon 24  part of exercise Steadfast Defender, our largest military exercise since the Cold War.

We will continue to reinforce our Alliance.

And at our Summit in July, we will take further steps to strengthen NATO, support Ukraine, and deepen partnerships around the world.

So President Duda, thank you again for being here today.

And thank you for Polands outstanding contributions to our Alliance.
Engineer turns $115-drone into an AI-driven weapon that could be used to hunt, kill people

The once-farfetched concept of artificial intelligence-driven assassin drones has transitioned from the realm of science fiction to a disconcerting reality, as demonstrated by engineer and entrepreneur Luis Wenus.

Using a relatively inexpensive $115 drone, Wenus adeptly transformed it into an "assassination drone" through the integration of AI facial recognition technology. (Related: Israeli drone strike assassinates Hamas deputy leader in Beirut.)

Despite initially framing the creation as part of a game, Wenus candidly acknowledged his deeper intention to raise awareness regarding the alarming potential for such technology to be exploited for terrorist attacks.

Wenus showcased the capabilities of the AI-powered drone in a video posted on X, where the device, armed with an object detection model, autonomously identified faces and pursued the recognized individuals. While Wenus introduced the technology under the guise of a recreational activity, the demonstration took a sobering turn, revealing the drone's potential dangers.

The "assassination drone" mode selectively targeted specific individuals known to the AI system, highlighting the concerning applications of such technologies.

Although Wenus underscored that the demonstrated drone itself posed a limited danger, his overarching concern extended to the broader risks associated with the technology. He pointed to the ease with which such devices could be created, presenting the ominous possibility of deploying small explosive-laden drones in swarms.

Autonomous drones already being used in Ukraine conflict

This revelation comes at a time when autonomous drones are already being used in geopolitical conflicts for military purposes, further intensifying the urgency for regulatory measures.

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Explosive-laden drones of modest size are already making a significant impact in the context of the Ukraine conflict.

Ukrainian operators are leveraging commercially available drones, affixing grenades, mortars, and other explosive devices to create potent weapons. These drones, controlled by human operators, have demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in targeting and neutralizing various military assets, from individual troops to tanks and bunkers.

The critical distinction lies in the direct human oversight of these drones, as opposed to the potentially more ominous prospect of autonomous AI-controlled swarms.

While these human-operated drones have raised concerns, the true peril lies in the potential emergence of autonomous drone swarms, cost-effective and straightforward to produce, being deployed in military theaters or public spaces.

Wenus has expressed a somber prediction, anticipating that within the next few years, there could be a terrorist attack leveraging autonomous drone technology. Wenus emphasizes the growing ease of constructing these devices, making them accessible to individuals with basic technical knowledge.

The specter of autonomous drone swarms is not confined to speculation, as the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) is reportedly developing an Autonomous Multi-Domain Adaptive Swarms-of-Swarms (AMASS) drone swarm weapon.

While still in the planning stages, DARPA has initiated a procurement process with bids reaching up to $78 million.

The concerning reality, as highlighted by Wenus, is the absence of dedicated anti-drone systems for significant events and public spaces. This underscores the urgent need to develop and implement anti-drone technologies specifically tailored for civilian areas to mitigate potential threats posed by these autonomous devices.

As technological advancements unfold, efforts to safeguard against malevolent applications must also progress, ensuring the responsible and secure integration of AI-driven devices into society.

Watch this video showing a Russian column ravaged by Ukrainian swarm drones.

This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Ukraine may have tried to ASSASSINATE Vladimir Putin using a kamikaze drone.

Russian schoolchildren are learning drone technology while U.S. students focus on "gender ideology."

Iran has developed a new, high-tech combat drone for Russia to use in Ukraine.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

Brighteon.com
Polyphenol-rich green tea can protect the skin from UV-induced damage

Green tea is known as a healthy drink that offers many health benefits. Rich in powerful antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress, green tea is said to support overall health and help prevent chronic diseases when consumed regularly

But green tea's usefulness is not limited to just being a healthy drink. According to a study by American researchers, green tea can also be used topically to protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure.

The damaging effects of UV radiation

UVR, particularly from the sun, is a major source of skin damage. Research has linked UVB with wavelengths between 295 to 320 nanometers (nm) to different skin diseases, including non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers.

In their report, which appeared in the journal Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, researchers at the University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Ohio explained that UVB's harmful effects are due to its direct interaction with DNA. As a natural chromophore of UVB, DNA can absorb UV light and fluoresce. But this reaction produces photoproducts that, if left unrepaired, can damage skin DNA and cause cancerous mutations.

UVB in sunlight has also been found to suppress the immune system. According to a study published in the American Journal of Pathology, exposure to UVB even in small doses can inhibit optimal immune responses to tumors, contact haptens (small molecules that stimulate antibody production) and microbial pathogens. This means that UVB exposure can increase a person's risk of developing disease.

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At the same time, UVB-induced immunosuppression is associated with increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS)  free radicals that can cause oxidative stress. ROS are usually neutralized by antioxidants before they can damage your cells. But because your antioxidant supply is not limitless, too much ROS production could exhaust your antioxidant defense system, resulting in oxidative damage to cells, lipids, proteins and DNA.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, short-term overexposure to the sun's UV rays only causes sunburn. However, with frequent exposure, this type of UV-induced damage can add up and lead to changes in your skin's texture, premature skin aging and skin cancer. (Related: Cancer-fighting herbs: Queen Annes lace found to be effective against skin and cervical cancer.)

How green tea polyphenols protect against UV radiation

Human, animal and cell culture studies suggest that the polyphenols in green tea can protect against UV-induced skin damage and immunosuppression. While green tea is often consumed as a health drink, researchers have also explored the possibility of incorporating green tea's beneficial components into topical ointments.

In a study published in the journal Molecules, researchers reviewed six randomized controlled trials that investigated the benefits of regular supplementation with green tea polyphenols. They reported that green tea polyphenols protected against skin redness (erythema) and inflammation caused by exposure to UVB radiation. The researchers concluded that green tea polyphenols present an attractive strategy for photoprotection in healthy humans.

In animals, a green tea polyphenol called gallotechin gallate (GCG) has also shown protective effects against UVB-induced skin damage. In a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, researchers applied GCG on the skin of hairless mice before exposing the animals to UVB radiation. They repeated the treatment and irradiation once a day for six consecutive days.

At the end of the study, the researchers found that GCG inhibited the increase in pigmentation and skin oil production triggered by UVB in untreated mice. GCG also prevented the formation of melanosomes  melanin-containing organelles  and suppressed aberrations in mitochondria in the skin of mice exposed to UVB. In addition, GCG improved skin elasticity by strengthening collagen fibers, proving that green tea polyphenols offer considerable benefits for the skin.

In another study, European researchers explored the protective properties of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the most abundant polyphenol in green tea, using red blood cells exposed to UVB. They reported that EGCG was able to attenuate UVB-induced damage to red blood cells by preventing the formation of ROS and the oxidation of glutathione, hemoglobin and cell membrane lipids. The researchers said that EGCG exerts the same effects on skin cells exposed to UVB.

Topical application of EGCG from green tea has also yielded positive results in humans. In a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, researchers investigated the effects of applying EGCG on the skin of participants following exposure to UVB radiation. They performed biopsies of the treated areas at initial application, after 24 hours and after 48 hours to understand the mechanism behind EGCG's protective benefits. (Related: Scientists discover how polyphenols in green tea may protect health of diabetics.)

The researchers found that 48 hours after EGCG application, keratinocytes (cells in the outermost layer of the skin) actively expressed caspase-3, a protein marker of apoptosis, or programmed cell death. The researchers took this as a positive sign, explaining that UVB-exposed keratinocytes undergoing apoptosis prevent the damaged cells from turning into cancerous cells. This means that applying EGCG from green tea to your skin could be an effective way of preventing skin cancer after sunburn.

Another mechanism underlying green tea's radioprotective effects is the inhibition of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) formation. CPDs are one of the dangerous photoproducts formed when UVB interacts with DNA. According to studies, CPDs are also "the most common, most harmful and least rapidly repaired pre-mutagenic photoproducts" generated in mammalian cells.

Fortunately, clinical trials show that topical application of green tea polyphenols prevents UVB-induced CPDs formation in both the outer and inner layers of the skin. EGCG in green tea has also been found to promote the repair of CPDs, effectively preventing DNA damage and potentially cancer-causing gene mutations. In mice, both oral supplementation and topical application of EGCG have been found to reduce the number of CPDs in UVB-exposed skin. These findings demonstrate the power of green tea  both as a superfood and as an ingredient in skincare products  in protecting against the harmful effects of UVR.

Other health benefits of green tea

Aside from the antioxidant polyphenols in green tea, other components also contribute to green tea's reported benefits. According to research, green tea can:

Support healthy cognitive functions and a positive mood, thanks to the presence of caffeine and L-theanine

Support healthy metabolism, fat-burning and weight loss, thanks to the presence of EGCG

Protect against Alzheimer's disease, thanks to L-theanine and EGCG

Help lower blood sugar levels and reduce gut inflammation, thanks to green tea catechins

Help reduce heart disease risk, thanks to green tea catechins, particularly EGCG

Green tea is a pleasant drink brimming with bioactive compounds that can boost your health. To enjoy the many health benefits of green tea, incorporate this drink into your daily routine. Experts recommend adults drink two to three cups of green tea a day. Depending on the brand, two to three cups can provide 240 to 320 milligrams (mg) of green tea polyphenols.

Watch this video to learn more about the benefits of green tea.

This video is from the Holistic Herbalist channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

6 Scientifically proven benefits of green tea.

Daily green tea consumption found to slash dementia risk by up to 86%.

Whats in a name? Learning the difference between black tea and green tea.

Study shows green and black tea can inactivate several COVID-19 subvariants.

Studies show antioxidant-rich foods can help reduce risk of skin cancer.

Sources include:

Healthline.com

StudyFinds.org

CancerCenter.com

Nature.com

AJP.AMJPathol.org

CDC.gov

Hindawi.com

MDPI.com

Nature.com

ScienceDirect.com

JAAD.org

CancerResearchUK.org

OnlineLibrary.Wiley.com

PubMed.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

News.OSU.edu

EurekaSelect.com

MountSinai.org

Brighteon.com
The Dr. Hotze Report: GOP needs to be TAKEN BACK from RINOs and corporate lobbyists  Brighteon.TV

Dr. Steven Hotze and lawyer Jared Woodfill discussed the need to reclaim the Republican Party from so-called Republicans in name only (RINOs) and corporate lobbyists during the March 4 episode of "The Dr. Hotze Report" on Brighteon.TV

Hotze began by saying that Woodfill, former chairman of the Harris County GOP in Texas, has been his staunchest ally in battles to maintain godly Christian traditional values in society. He added that his guest, who is now running for a seat in the Texas House of Representatives, was the most successful chairman in the history of the Harris County GOP.

Woodfill led the GOP to four county-wide sweeps, putting Republicans in elected positions. But Hotze lamented that following the stalwart attorney's departure from the chairmanship in 2014, the county has gone blue or Democrat. The host of "The Dr. Hotze Report" wasn't all pessimism, however.

"We believe we are going to win this thing," he told Woodfill. "It's important that we take back the GOP from the RINOs and the corporate lobbyists that have taken over. So it's really a battle  [between] grassroots conservatives [and] America First conservatives versus [the] establishment and RINOs. That's what it is."

According to Hotze, Woodfill is challenging State Rep. Lacey Hull, who represents the 138th House District of Texas  which includes Harris County. Hull, a certified RINO, has reportedly taken over $2.5 million from Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan and other RINO groups over the past four years for her various campaigns.

Hotze also mentioned that Hull has also thrown her support for Phelan, another RINO. The state house speaker and his allies reportedly tried to impeach Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in 2023, but failed to do so. Moreover, Hull has voted inconsistent with the Texas GOP and the 138th district on critical issues. (Related: RINOs in Texas House impeach Trump ally AG Ken Paxton as former president vows to fight them.)

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Woodfill: Texas now a battleground for the GOP's heart and soul

Woodfill also mentioned another instance of Hull's treachery against We The People. According to him, she has voted against prohibiting Democrats from chairing any important committees in the Texas House of Representatives.

Furthermore, Hull boasts her ability to work with state lawmakers from the Democratic Party  a party that true Republicans cannot work with. This is because the Democratic Party, which supports abortion and homosexual marriage, is trying to destroy a true GOP leader like former President Donald Trump.

According to Woodfill, his incumbent rival does not appreciate and respect the battle Republicans are in  especially after she didn't vote for election integrity in Harris County and the Lone Star State at large.

He added Texans must decide if they are going to allow a grassroots activist to run the party and the agenda articulated in the Texas GOP's platform, or allow the big corporate dollars, the lobbyists' interest and the Dade Phelans of the world to control the party which a RINO like Hull stands for.

The current Conservative Republicans of Texas president said a battle for the heart and soul of the Republican Party is going on in Texas. He expressed belief that grassroots activists are going to stand up and make their voices heard loud and clearly to send a message to the rest of the party and Texas that they are alive, well and controlling the state's GOP.

Watch the full March 4 episode of "The Dr. Hotze Report" below. "The Dr. Hotze Report" airs every Monday and Saturday at 5-6 p.m. on Brighteon.TV.

More related stories:

Attorney Jared Woodfill blasts Texas House for impeaching AG Ken Paxton WITHOUT DUE PROCESS  Brighteon.TV.

More and more Republican candidates and incumbents pledge support for pulling COVID-19 vaccines off the market.

Republicans should ally with the American people  not Washington Democrats.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

WoodfillForTexas.com
Israels chief rabbi warns of MASS EXODUS if Ultra-Orthodox Jews are conscripted

Israel's chief rabbi has warned of a mass exodus the moment ultra- Orthodox Jews, or Haredim, are pressed into military service by Tel Aviv

Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef issued this warning during a lesson in Jerusalem delivered on the evening of March 9. He remarked: "If they force us to join the army, we will all move abroad." Yosef's warning, according to the Jerusalem Post (JPost), signals "a potential mass departure that could shake the very foundations of the [Israeli] state."

"We will buy tickets," added the rabbi. "There is no such thing as forcing us into the army. The state stands on this."

The rabbi also emphasized the critical role of the study of the Torah  the first five books of the Holy Bible  in Israel's success and survival. He attributed the "victories" of the Israel Defense Forces against Hamas, formally the Islamic Resistance Movement, to the divine protection afforded by Torah learning rather than from military prowess alone.

"The yeshivas and kolells are what hold up the world," said Yosef about institutes that focus on the study of Jewish sacred texts. "The [Israeli] state exists on Torah study, and without the Torah, there would have been no success for the army."

"What would we do without the world of yeshivas and kollels? No one told me it's thanks to the pilots, the bombings or the planes." (Related: Israeli Rabbi to Christians: "You shouldn't be worshiping one Jew, you should be worshiping all of us.")

The chief rabbi's remarks come amid a growing storm over the drafting of haredim by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), a subject that has long been a point of contention within Israeli society.

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"In order to prevent outside influence and contamination of values and practices, Haredim strives to limit their contact with the outside world, avoiding as much as possible both non-hardi Jews and non-Jews," according to My Jewish Learning. Thus, drafting them into military service would run contrary to this goal.

Haredim soldiers are necessary amid threats to Israel

The JPost also mentioned that the incumbent chief rabbi's father, former Chief Rabbi Ovadia Yousef, insinuated that the Haredim would emigrate from Israel if forced into military service. "We will have to, God forbid, leave the land of Israel to move abroad," he said in 2013.

But given Tel Aviv's ongoing offensive against the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip, many have rebuked the idea of Haredim dodging the draft. Rabbi David Stav, chairman of the Tzohar Rabbinical Organization, remarked that statements promoting the evasion of the IDF's draft are "a despicable moral stain and disgrace of God's name."

"The threat of leaving Israel specifically to avoid defending our nation is particularly reprehensible and completely contradicts the spirit of Halacha (Jewish law)," he continued. "One would expect that someone who sits atop the Israeli Chief Rabbinate would encourage IDF service as opposed to dodging service to the extent of actually leaving the country."

Yair Lapid, leader of the opposition in the Knesset (Israel's parliament), meanwhile said: "Today, there are 66,000 ultra-Orthodox youth of conscription age; that's 105 battalions that don't enlist. If the state of Israel does not recruit the Haredi young people, it has no right to send more and more reserve orders to people who have already done 70, 90 and 120 days of reserve duty this year."

He also commented on the chief rabbi's warning: "No one wants them to go abroad, but it's no longer a theoretical debate. If they don't enlist, they won't get money."

Watch this footage from the Middle East Eye about ultra-Orthodox Jews protesting against compulsory military service in Jerusalem.

This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Ready for another DRAFT? New GOP House Speaker Mike Johnson says U.S. "boots on the ground" may be necessary for America to "stand with Israel."

GET READY: The U.S. military-industrial complex is planning a military draft so Americans can fight the bankers' third world war.

Watch: Zennials are terrified of military draft as war looms.

Sources include:

JPost.com

MyJewishLearning.com

MSN.com

Brighteon.com
New documentary warns of Beijings influence in Hollywood

A new documentary by NTD highlights the influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in Hollywood and urges Americans to be wary of this.

The documentary titled "Hollywood Takeover" premiered at the Harmony Gold Theater in Los Angeles. According to YourNews, the film outlines "the CCP's efforts to shape global perceptions of its regime through American movies." Such involvement, the outlet added, raises "concerns over [Beijing's] impact on American culture and free speech."

"The documentary features insights from producers, actors and national security experts on the CCP's historical and ongoing manipulation of film content to serve its propaganda goals."

Film executive Chris Fenton, who was involved in blockbusters like "Iron Man 3," shared his experiences with CCP-driven changes in film narratives in the documentary. Such changes began with minor alterations but escalated to major content modifications to favor the ideology the CCP espouses. One blatant example is the 2020 live-action film "Mulan," which was filmed in the western Chinese autonomous region of Xinjiang. (Related: Disney filmed Mulan in Xinjiang, which is full of concentration camps where political prisoners are having their organs harvested.)

The documentary also mentioned that the CCP's influence isn't limited to film content, but also to celebrities themselves. Professional wrestler and action star John Cena faced backlash from the CCP for recognizing Taiwan as an independent country, prompting him to make a public apology in Mandarin. Filmmaker and activist Jason Jones described Cena's forced apology as "the most Orwellian thing [he's] ever seen."

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.

Tiffany Meier, the producer and presenter of "Hollywood Takeover," warned that the CCP views the arts as a weapon of "unrestricted warfare" to control culture and by extension politics. The documentary ultimately concluded with a call to action, suggesting ways to counteract the CCP's influence on the big screen. Film critic Christian Toto summed this up by urging Hollywood to "fall in love with America again" and celebrate the nation's ideals through cinema.

Film giants kowtowing to China for money

Breitbart News' David Ng mentioned in a separate piece how Hollywood film giants are kowtowing to Beijing in exchange for money. He cited the book by his colleague and Breitbart News Senior Contributor Peter Schweizer titled "Blood Money: Why the Powerful Turn a Blind Eye While China Kills Americans" for examples of this.

"As the book notes, China casts a longer shadow on Hollywood production than you might think," wrote Ng. "Of the 100 highest-grossing movies released between 2014 and 2018, 41 had Chinese investors."

Just like the NTD documentary, Ng mentioned that Schweizer's book outlines the extent of the CCP's influence on Hollywood. "For years, Beijing has exerted an insidious creative pressure on American filmmakers to make China look strong and the U.S. appear weak by comparison," he stated. "Communist values like collectivism are championed, while American-style individualism is ridiculed."

The book mentioned one example involving the 2014 film "Transformers: Age of Extinction," which is based on the 1980s toy line by Hasbro. It reportedly portrays senior Chinese government officials as results-oriented and capable, while their American counterparts are portrayed as bumbling and generally incompetent.

The movie features an American antagonist played by Stanley Tucci, who is ultimately defeated by the character Su Yeming  played by actress Li Bingbing of "The Forbidden Kingdom" fame. Li's character works with Mark Wahlberg, who plays the film's protagonist Cade Yeager.

Another example of a film with communist Chinese influence is "Kung Fu Panda 3" from 2016. The animated film from DreamWorks and co-financed by Beijing clearly shows the ideology the CCP is pushing.

In this film, the panda protagonist Po (voiced by Jack Black) no longer focuses on himself as an individual just like in the first two movies. He instead focuses on the collective, encouraging the villagers to take up arms in an animated "people's war" against the antagonist Kai (voiced by J.K. Simmons).

"Hollywood welcomed China with open arms in a Faustian bargain to gain access to Chinese audiences," Ng concluded. "Hollywood wanted to use China to boost its own bottom line. In the end, it was China that played Hollywood."

Watch "Hollywood Takeover" producer Tiffany Meier discuss how China is controlling Hollywood with Alex Newman on "The Sentinel Report" below.

This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

China buys Hollywood's silence about its human rights abuses.

AG Bill Barr criticizes Hollywood's coddling of Communist China.

With the CCP now controlling everything, Americans are living under foreign ENEMY occupation.

Epoch Cinema releases 'The Final War: Post-Pandemic Crises" exposing CCP plot to impose global authoritarian regime.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

Breitbart.com

Brighteon.com
OpenAI names three new board members  ALL of them are linked to nefarious globalist agendas

Things are changing  or not  at OpenAI after it was announced that three new board members have been appointed to steer the company.

The reason we say things are not actually changing, despite these three new appointments, is because all of them are globalist hacks pushing the same dystopian agenda as always.

One of them, Sue Desmond-Hellmann, is also a board member of Pfizer and former CEO of the eugenics-pushing Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, while another, Nicole Seligman, was a senior executive and corporate lawyer at Sony, the same company involved in Michael Jackson's death.

"Oh, and she also represented both Clintons and Oliver North on the Iran Contra scandal," added Ian Carroll, an open-source intelligence (OSINT) journalist about Seligman.

Fidji Simo, CEO and Chairman of Instacart, is now on OpenAI's board. And lastly, none other than Sam Altman is back on the OpenAI board as well to complete the transition.

"And still no word on why Larry Summers has a board seat, one of the most vile and corrupt stooges of big banking in the past 100 years," Carroll further tweeted. "Yeah, I'm sure OpenAI has only the best intentions though..."

i'm very happy to welcome our new board members: fidji simo, sue desmond-hellmann, and nicole seligman, and to continue to work with bret, larry, and adam. i'm thankful to everyone on our team for being resilient (a great openai skill!) and staying focused during a challenging  Sam Altman (@sama) March 9, 2024

(Related: Earlier this year, The New York Times sued Microsoft and OpenAI for AI copyright infringement.)

X, another bastion of globalism

On X, Altman welcomed all of the new team members "for being resilient and staying focused during a challenging time" in the company's growth phase.

In response to the news, someone on X noted that Elon Musk did the same thing when he appointed World Economic Forum (WEF) hack Linda Yaccarino, formerly an executive at NBCUniversal, to steer the former Twitter ship.

"I am excited to welcome Linda Yaccarino as the new CEO of Twitter!" Musk excitedly wrote after her appointment.

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.

Another asked if perhaps Musk is a double agent, seeing as how his interests "strangely align" with the WEF's, "which is odd."

"He's saying all the right things though, which makes it slightly more interesting," this person tried to argue. "We'll see in Act 3 if he's been the bad guy all along."

When another was asked what Musk and the WEF align on, she responded with:

"Attaining sustainable energy and stopping carbon emissions and transhumanism through Neuralink chip implants."

"When will enough be enough for the American people?" asked someone else about how bad things have to get before Americans do something about the globalist takeover of their country and the internet.

"This world is going through an existential crisis," responded another. "It's like finding out your teacher parents are actually spies, pedophiles, human traffickers and sadists."

Others noted that OpenAI is "a monopoly disaster" that should be sued "for being closed and for-profit."

"They're frauds," one stated.

By the way, Brighteon.AI is on the way to help combat all this by decentralizing and preserving human knowledge before it is all sucked into the globalist vacuum and disposed of entirely.

Brighteon.AI will be free of charge, allowing users to download the program on their computer to use even if the internet is down. Brighteon.AI will allow users to find quick and easy answers to questions they might have about all sorts of topics ranging from health to business to liberty.

Sources for this article include:

Twitter.com

NaturalNews.com

NaturalNews.com
Senior Russian military officer warns that Ukraine conflict could become FULL-BLOWN WAR in Europe

A high-ranking Russian military officer has warned that the escalating conflict in Ukraine might evolve into a full-scale war in the European continent.

Col. Gen. Vladimir Zarudnitsky, head of the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, issued this warning in an article for the Military Thought journal run by the Russian Ministry of Defense. His alarming assessment underscores the growing concerns about the involvement of Moscow's forces in a broader conflict.

"The possibility of an escalation in the conflict in Ukraine  from the expansion of participants in 'proxy forces' used for military confrontation with Russia to a large-scale war in Europe  cannot be ruled out," he wrote.

Zarudnitsky attributed the main military threats to Russia to what he describes as the anti-Russian policies of the U.S. and its allies, accusing them of conducting hybrid warfare to weaken Russia on multiple fronts. He ultimately concluded his analysis by pointing out that "the likelihood of our state being purposefully drawn into new military conflicts is significantly increasing."

The senior military official did not just issue his assessment, as he also proposed several changes in the way Moscow organizes its military and national security. Zarudnitsky placed greater emphasis on relying on what he dubbed as "friendly countries" to ensure its own security. He also advocated for the consolidation of the entire Russian society around the country's defense needs.

EU leaders worried about possibility of more extensive war

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, initiated by Russia's invasion in February 2022, has not shown signs of a swift resolution. The prospect of a prolonged conflict and its potential spill beyond Ukraine's borders has intensified concerns and is shaping the security discourse across the continent.

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In fact, there are increasing worries among European Union leaders and defense ministers who are cautioning their citizens about the looming possibility of a more extensive war in the coming years. (Related: Russia accuses Ukraine of using American-made chemical weapons.)

Recently, the Scandinavian country of Sweden  traditionally known for its policy of non-alignment  has officially become the 32nd member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This marks a significant departure from its more than 200 years of neutrality, according to the Daily Mail.

But Sweden's March 7 accession to full membership, coupled with remarks made by Swedish Defense Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin in January of this year, underscores the perceived need for preparation. "The world is facing a security outlook with greater risks than at any time since the end of [World War II]," he said at the time. "There could be war in Sweden."

Meanwhile, British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps also echoed the sentiments of his Swedish counterpart. "Our adversaries are busily rebuilding their barriers," he said likewise in January of this year. "Old enemies are reanimated, battle lines are being redrawn, the tanks are literally on Ukraine's lawn and the foundations of the world order are being shaken to their core."

In response to the evolving geopolitical landscape, NATO and EU countries are taking concerted measures to bolster their defense capabilities. Concurrently, there is a collective effort to supply Ukraine with additional weapons and ammunition while simultaneously enhancing arms production to meet the escalating demand.

Watch the report about a Russian rocket landing and exploding near Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

This video is from the Vampire Slayer channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Russia says U.S. engineering GMO mosquitoes to launch biowarfare attack on Moscow

Russia pulls Black Sea vessels out of Crimea following Ukrainian missile, drone strikes.

Russia primarily wants Ukraine out of NATO  but the West prefers to spend BILLIONS on PROXY WAR.

WWIII looms: Russia warns West of catastrophic consequences if their already strained relations further deteriorate

Assessment forecasts nightmare scenario of nuclear World War III over rising potential for operational miscalculation regarding Ukraine.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

Brighteon.com
Tackling long-haul diseases

MIT immunoengineer Michal Mikki Tal remembers the exact moment she had an insight that would change the trajectory of her research, getting her hooked on studying a long-neglected disease that leaves millions of Americans suffering without treatment.

(Article by Allison Guy, SM 23 republished from TechnologyReview.com)

It was 2017, and she was a Stanford postdoc exploring connections between her immune regulation research and immuno-oncology, which harnesses the bodys immune system to combat cancer. Her work focused on how healthy cells broadcast Dont eat me messages while cells that are cancerous or infected with a pathogen send self-sacrificing Eat me messages. Immune cells, in turn, receive these missives in pocket-like receptors. The receptor that receives the healthy cells signal, Tal read as she was poring over the literature that day, is the third most diverse protein in the human population, meaning that it varies a lot from one person to the next. It was a fact that struck her as very odd.

Tal, who has been obsessed with infectious disease since losing an uncle to HIV/AIDS and a cousin to meningococcal meningitis, wondered what this striking diversity could reveal about our immune response to infection. According to one hypothesis, the wide array of these receptors is the result of an evolutionary arms race between disease-causing microbes and the immune system. Think of the receptor as a lock, and the Nothing to see here message as a key. Pathogens might evolve to produce their own chemical mimics of this key, effectively hiding from the immune system in plain sight. In response, the human population has developed a wide range of locks to frustrate any given impostor key.

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Wanting to test this hypothesis, Tal found herself walking the halls of Stanford, asking colleagues, Whos got a cool bug? Someone gave her Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. Previous research from Tals collaborator Jenifer Coburn, a microbiologist now at the Medical College of Wisconsin, had established that Lyme bacteria sport a special protein crucial for establishing a lasting infection. Knock this protein out, and the immune system swiftly overwhelms the bugs. The big question, however, was what made this protein so essential. So Tal used whats known as a high-affinity probe as baitand caught the Borrelias mimic of our Dont eat me signal binding to it. In other words, she confirmed that the bacterias sneakyprotein was, as predicted, a close match for a healthy cells signal.

Sex differences in Lyme infection

Until then, Tal says, she had never given Lyme disease much thought. But the more she learned, the more disturbed she grew. Even after timely antibiotic treatment, roughly 10% of all Lyme patients go on to develop chronic symptoms that can include crushing pain, debilitating fatigue, and cognitive changes that make basic tasks a struggle.

Perhaps even more alarming than the disease has been the medical communitys response to it. I realized that theres this public health debacle around Lyme, and its, for lack of a better word, obscene, Tal says. Chronic Lyme patients skew female, and for decades, clinicians have dismissed their symptoms as signs of mental illness. The medical establishment has done nothing but call them crazy, Tal says, instead of admitting that they just dont understand whats going on.

Today, there is no objective way to diagnose chronic Lyme, and no medically accepted therapy. For some patients, lengthy treatments with high doses of antibiotics can ease symptoms, but these come with their own serious risks. (They can, for example, damage the microbiome, leading to significant negative effects on health.) And because the antibiotic used currently only prevents bacteria from replicating, Tal notes, its up to the immune system to actually kill off the invaders. If immune cells cant tell friend from foe, the utility of antibiotics may be limited.

Chronic Lyme patients skew female, and for decades, the medical establishment has done nothing but call them crazy, Tal says, instead of admitting that they just dont understand whats going on.

For Tal, these revelations were electrifying. She dove into the immunology of Lyme disease, focusing in particular on sex differences. In one mouse experiment, she discovered that Lyme bacteria completely disfigured the uterus. Yet after delving through decades of Lyme research, she could find only one other study that even documented uterine infection.

This shortfall mirrors larger problems in medical research. Weve let men dictate the direction of research funding for so long, Tal says. Traditionally, studies focused on male subjects, and a 1977 FDA policy barred women from participating in most clinical trials in the US in the wake of birth defects caused by thalidomide. It wasnt until 1993 that federal law required studies to include women and minorities. This, coupled with other sex- and gender-based medical biases, means that many female-dominated diseases remain under-researched. So much of this research is being done on males, male micemale, male, male, Tal says. And Im like, no.

Tal suspects that the sex disparities seen in chronic Lyme and other pathogen-triggered chronic diseases might come down to the fact that men mount a more robust response to acute infection. This no-holds-barred approach is riskyYour immune system has the power to kill you, she notesbut it may mean that men, on average, can kill off more viruses or bacteria in the critical first week of infection. After that window closes, the immune system largely settles back down, Tal says. Pathogens that escaped the initial blitz could take up long-term residence in the body, potentially causing persistent symptoms. And women have a higher chance of chronic illness.

The emergence of long covid

In 2020, the pandemic slammed the brakes on most in-person research at Stanford, including Tals Lyme studies, and she switched to investigating the salivary immune response to covid. As soon as vaccines were in clinical trials, she shifted to studying the mucosal response to covid vaccines. Meanwhile, reports began emerging that many covid patients never recovered from their acute infections, continuing to face an array of bewildering symptoms ranging from shortness of breath to crushing fatigue and cognitive deficits.

For Tal, the similarities with Lyme disease were uncanny. Long covid looks exactly, and I mean exactly, like chronic Lyme, she says. One is caused by bacteria, and one is caused by a virus. And I started to ask myself this question: Does it matter which road you took to Rome? Or does it only matter that youre in Rome?

This is one of the most fundamental questions facing researchers who study infection-mediated chronic illness. One school of thoughtbacked by increasing evidence in the case of long covidholds that stubbornly persistent pathogens are driving symptoms in at least a portion of the patient population. According to another hypothesis, the immune system has successfully vanquished the infection but remains stuck in a faulty state. Determining the underlying cause of these conditions will be essential to developing the most effective treatments, whether in the form of immune-assisting drugs such as antibiotics and antivirals or immune-calming drugs such as biologic therapies and steroids.

The MIT MAESTRO study

Mikki is really a leader about thinking about sex differences in immunology, says Linda Griffith, director of MITs Center for Gynepathology Research (CGR) and the School of Engineering Professor of Teaching Innovation of Biological and Mechanical Engineering. She is extremely fearless. Shes not going to go along with the crowd because she wants to be liked. And shes not afraid of proposing something that may be a little out there.

In 2021, Griffith invited Tal to join CGR as associate scientific director and a principal research scientist in the Department of Biological Engineering to continue her studies of sex-specific responses to infection. When Tal accepted, Griffith says, it was like a bomb. Like, okay, lets make this happen. Tal has since proved to be a compelling ambassador for the centers work. (In December, for example, her tweet calling attention to the work of CGR went viral when she pointed out that studying the menstrual cycle could have useful implications for wound healing.)

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="587"] SARS coronaviruses gain access to the body through cells (shown in yellow) that make the receptor ACE2. The spike protein of SARSCoV- 2 serves as the key to open the ACE2 lock. Cells expressing the SARS-CoV-2 spike are magenta in this image.[/caption]

In her first two years at MIT, Tal and her research group put together MIT MAESTRO, a 300-participant study looking for objective biomarkers for chronic Lyme and long covid. (Tals teamsome of whom have personal experience with these diseasesis orchestrating the work of many labs and companies with different kinds of expertise; MAESTRO is a creative acronym for mucosal and systemic signatures triggered by responses to infectious organisms.) Designing and setting up the study was an incredible feat, she says. I could have never done this without my team.

Treatment of long covid, like chronic Lyme, has been hampered by the fact that standard medical tests rarely show evidence of anything amiss. Through the studyevenly split between healthy controls and patients with acute Lyme, chronic Lyme, suspected Lyme, and long covidTal and her research group hope to change this.

As someone whos had long covid since February 2021, I was eager to take part in the MAESTRO study when I learned about it through an online forum. I became the first study participant to undergo MAESTROs unconventional battery of tests, which is how I found myself last March in a dark, quiet room at MITs Center for Clinical and Translational Research (CCTR) in Building E-25, zapping aliens with my eyes.

Read more at: TechnologyReview.com
The coming of the police state in America

The National Guard and the State Police are now patrolling the New York City subway system in an attempt to do something about the explosion of crime. As part of this, there are bag checks and new surveillance of all passengers. No legislation, no debate, just an edict from the mayor.

(Article by Jeffrey A. Tucker republished from TheEpochTimes.com)

Many citizens who rely on this system for transportation might welcome this. Its a city of strict gun control, and no one knows for sure if they have the right to defend themselves. Merchants have been harassed and even arrested for trying to stop looting and pillaging in their own shops.

The message has been sent: Only the police can do this job. Whether they do it or not is another matter.

Things on the subway system have gotten crazy. If you know it well, you can manage to travel safely, but visitors to the city who take the wrong train at the wrong time are taking grave risks.

In actual fact, its guaranteed that this will only end in confiscating knives and other things that people carry in order to protect themselves while leaving the actual criminals even more free to prey on citizens.

The law-abiding will suffer and the criminals will grow more numerous. It will not end well.

When you step back from the details, what we have is the dawning of a genuine police state in the United States. It only starts in New York City. Where is the Guard going to be deployed next? Anywhere is possible.

If the crime is bad enough, citizens will welcome it. It must have been this way in most times and places that when the police state arrives, the people cheer.

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We will all have our own stories of how this came to be. Some might begin with the passage of the Patriot Act and the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security in 2001. Some will focus on gun control and the taking away of citizens rights to defend themselves.

My own version of events is closer in time. It began four years ago this month with lockdowns. Thats what shattered the capacity of civil society to function in the United States. Everything that has happened since follows like one domino tumbling after another.

It goes like this: 1) lockdown, 2) loss of moral compass and spreading of loneliness and nihilism, 3) rioting resulting from citizen frustration, 4) police absent because of ideological hectoring, 5) a rise in uncontrolled immigration/refugees, 6) an epidemic of ill health from substance abuse and otherwise, 7) businesses flee the city 8) cities fall into decay, and that results in 9) more surveillance and police state. The 10th stage is the sacking of liberty and civilization itself.

It doesnt fall out this way at every point in history, but this seems like a solid outline of what happened in this case. Four years is a very short period of time to see all this unfold. But it is a fact that New York City was more-or-less civilized only four years ago. No one could have predicted that it would come to this so quickly.

But once the lockdowns happened, all bets were off. Here we had a policy that most directly trampled on all freedoms that we had taken for granted. Schools, businesses, and churches were slammed shut, with various levels of enforcement. The entire workforce was divided between essential and nonessential, and there was widespread confusion about who precisely was in charge of designating and enforcing this.

It felt like martial law at the time, as if all normal civilian law had been displaced by something else. That something had to do with public health, but there was clearly more going on, because suddenly our social media posts were censored and we were being asked to do things that made no sense, such as mask up for a virus that evaded mask protection and walk in only one direction in grocery aisles.

Vast amounts of the white-collar workforce stayed homeand their kids, toountil it became too much to bear. The city became a ghost town. Most U.S. cities were the same.

As the months of disaster rolled on, the captives were let out of their houses for the summer in order to protest racism but no other reason. As a way of excusing this, the same public health authorities said that racism was a virus as bad as COVID-19, so therefore it was permitted.

The protests had turned to riots in many cities, and the police were being defunded and discouraged to do anything about the problem. Citizens watched in horror as downtowns burned and drug-crazed freaks took over whole sections of cities. It was like every standard of decency had been zapped out of an entire swath of the population.

Meanwhile, large checks were arriving in peoples bank accounts, defying every normal economic expectation. How could people not be working and get their bank accounts more flush with cash than ever? There was a new law that didnt even require that people pay rent. How weird was that? Even student loans didnt need to be paid.

By the fall, recess from lockdown was over and everyone was told to go home again. But this time they had a job to do: They were supposed to vote. Not at the polling places, because going there would only spread germs, or so the media said. When the voting results finally came in, it was the absentee ballots that swung the election in favor of the opposition party that actually wanted more lockdowns and eventually pushed vaccine mandates on the whole population.

The new party in control took note of the large population movements out of cities and states that they controlled. This would have a large effect on voting patterns in the future. But they had a plan. They would open the borders to millions of people in the guise of caring for refugees. These new warm bodies would become voters in time and certainly count on the census when it came time to reapportion political power.

Meanwhile, the native population had begun to swim in ill health from substance abuse, widespread depression, and demoralization, plus vaccine injury. This increased dependency on the very institutions that had caused the problem in the first place: the medical/scientific establishment.

The rise of crime drove the small businesses out of the city. They had barely survived the lockdowns, but they certainly could not survive the crime epidemic. This undermined the tax base of the city and allowed the criminals to take further control.

The same cities became sanctuaries for the waves of migrants sacking the country, and partisan mayors actually used tax dollars to house these invaders in high-end hotels in the name of having compassion for the stranger. Citizens were pushed out to make way for rampaging migrant hordes, as incredible as this seems.

But with that, of course, crime rose ever further, inciting citizen anger and providing a pretext to bring in the police state in the form of the National Guard, now tasked with cracking down on crime in the transportation system.

Whats the next step? Its probably already here: mass surveillance and censorship, plus ever-expanding police power. This will be accompanied by further population movements, as those with the means to do so flee the city and even the country and leave it for everyone else to suffer.

As I tell the story, all of this seems inevitable. It is not. It could have been stopped at any point. A wise and prudent political leadership could have admitted the error from the beginning and called on the country to rediscover freedom, decency, and the difference between right and wrong. But ego and pride stopped that from happening, and we are left with the consequences.

The government grows ever bigger and civil society ever less capable of managing itself in large urban centers. Disaster is unfolding in real time, mitigated only by a rising stock market and a financial system that has yet to fall apart completely.

Are we at the middle stages of total collapse, or at the point where the population and people in leadership positions wise up and decide to put an end to the downward slide? Its hard to know. But this much we do know: There is a growing pocket of resistance out there that is fed up and refuses to sit by and watch this great country be sacked and taken over by everything it was set up to prevent.

Read more at: TheEpochTimes.com
Biden: U.S. to build FLOATING PIER along Gaza coast to improve aid delivery

President Joe Biden has announced that the U.S. military will construct a temporary floating pier along the Gaza Strip's coastline to improve the delivery of much-needed aid to the Palestinians.

The chief executive made the announcement, a critical humanitarian initiative of his administration, during the 2024 State of the Union (SotU) address on March 7. The said port and causeway seeks to enhance the aid delivery in the besieged area. It also comes in response to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza aggravated by Israel's reluctance to open more land crossings or increase aid transport by land.

The floating pier is part of a broader international effort between several nations to establish a maritime corridor for direct aid delivery to the Gaza Strip. Once constructed, Washington will be in charge of the floating pier  which multiple nations can use. Ships carrying aid can unload at the mobile port, and trucks will traverse a causeway also constructed by the U.S military into the Strip.

Frustration has grown within the Biden administration over what it perceives as Israel's inadequate response to the urgent humanitarian situation. Thus, the initiative is anticipated to significantly increase the daily provision of meals, addressing the immediate needs of the population in Gaza. (Related: UNRWA warns of growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid continued Israeli bombings.)

Biden's announcement at the SotU address also followed recent efforts by the U.S. Air Force to air-drop meals into Gaza. However, this has been widely criticized as the air-dropped aid falls significantly short of the required sustenance for the more than two million Palestinian residents of Gaza. United Nations Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag even described the airdrops as merely "a drop in the ocean" of hunger.

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Floating pier will surely involve "boots on the ground" as it won't build itself

During the address, Biden stressed that the floating port causeway won't require boots on the ground. He added that the operation is designed to involve regional partners for security and logistical support, ensuring the aid reaches its intended recipients.

But according to the Department of Defense (DoD), the construction of both the floating pier and causeway is a complex endeavor expected to take one to two months. It will involve up to 1,000 U.S. military personnel from both the Army and the Navy.

According to DoD Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder, the project will leverage the military's Joint Logistics Over the Shore (JLOTS) capability. This method allows ships to unload their cargo in areas lacking a fixed port facility. Ryder added that Washington last demonstrated this capability in the Talisman Sabre exercise conducted by the U.S. and Australia in 2023.

The DoD spokesman also mentioned that once the port and causeway are operational, it can provide up to two million meals daily to the Palestinian population in Gaza. He also mentioned that regional partners on the ground in Gaza will anchor the causeway onto the shore, emphasizing that U.S. military personnel won't be responsible for transporting aid from the causeway into Gaza.

"We are currently in the process of identifying, sourcing and  in some cases  pairing forces for deployment, Ryder said on March 8. "However, I can confirm that elements of the 7th Transportation Brigade Expeditionary at Joint Base Langley Eustis in Virginia have been assigned to provide support."

Watch President Joe Biden's announcement at the SotU address about the creation of a temporary port and causeway in the Gaza Strip below.

This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

United Nations accuses Israel of BLOCKING humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza Strip

United Nations votes overwhelmingly in favour of humanitarian truce in Gaza (but USA and Israel reject the resolution)

Israel refusing to allow HUMANITARIAN AID to reach the 2 million civilians trapped in Gaza

Sources include:

MiddleEastEye.net

Edition.CNN.com

Brighteon.com
Bidens budget request for fiscal 2025 includes $12 billion for student loan forgiveness

President Joe Biden has unveiled his proposed budget for the 2025 fiscal year, set to begin on Oct. 1, and in it, he is calling for $12 billion in spending to forgive student loans

The proposed $12 billion is set to go to a new federal program called Reducing the Costs of College Fund that would support federal strategies to improve college graduation rates and make costs more affordable for students. (Related: Biden DID NOT wipe away debt via student loan forgiveness program  he only redistributed it to other taxpayers.)

Along with funding ways the executive can lower college costs and improve graduation rates, the $12 billion will go toward increasing the maximum that Pell Grant  federal subsidies for college attendees  awardees receive to $8,145.

The proposed budget will also allow the federal government to offer tuition-free rides through community college and eliminate origination fees, or fees charged by lenders for processing a borrower's loans.

Finally, the $12 billion proposal will fund other student debt cancellation measures into a $3.7 billion state and local safety proposal.

In addition to the $12 billion specifically set aside for the Reducing the Costs of College Fund, Biden is also asking for the Department of Education's budget to be increased to $82 billion, a $3.1 billion increase from the 2023 level. The White House claims the funding boost would address a range of early and higher education priorities.

This request includes $2.7 billion allotted for the Federal Student Aid office  a more than four-fold increase from its 2023 budget of $625 million  "to provide better support to the 46 million student loan borrowers and make additional and necessary improvements to the new servicing system."

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The extra funding allows Federal Student Aid to continue its efforts to modernize the country's student loan repayment systems and to streamline the receiving of applications for FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, a form completed to determine a student loan borrower's eligibility for federal financial aid programs.

Republicans unlikely to agree with Biden's taxpayer-funded programs

The White House claims this proposed $12 billion shows Biden's dedication to reforming the student loan system and emphasizing higher education as a gateway for working-class Americans to move up to the middle class, rather than the obstacle that it has now turned into due to high costs.

"Already, the president has canceled more student debt than any president in history, approving debt cancellation for nearly four million borrowers through more than two dozen executive actions," reads the White House's statement. This proposal comes after the Biden administration has already canceled over $137 billion in student loans.

Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal claimed that Biden's budget proposal "will go even further in addressing the student debt crisis and promoting upward mobility for education."

It is uncertain whether all of these proposals will pass, as many of the initiatives in Biden's budget request require congressional approval. With Republicans holding a majority in the House, it is unlikely any of these plans will pass in their current form.

Watch this clip from Fox News discussing how Biden's student loan forgiveness plans are meant to get young voters "onboard" with re-electing him.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Biden admin to WIPE OUT $1.2B in federal student loans under new plan  essentially vote-buying using taxpayer money.

Biden defies Supreme Court on student debt cancellation, absurdly claims there's no cost to taxpayers.

HYPOCRITES: Florida Dem running for senator who wants her student loans forgiven OWNS A $3M MANSION.

Taxpayer money going down the drain: Biden circumvents SC decision, cancels $72M in student debt.

SCOTUS BYPASSED: Biden's education department to automatically WIPE OUT $39 billion in student loans, despite Supreme Court ruling against it.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

BusinessInsider.com

NYPost.com

Brighteon.com
DoD preparing for a mass migration of Haitians into U.S.

(Article by Steve Watson republished from Modernity.news)

The comments were made during a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee, after Rep. Matt Gaetz asked what we are doing to prepare for that wave?

Gaetz also asked for clarification on what is being done to ensure that these people are not paroled into the United States as the administration has done with people on the southern border, but instead are repatriated back at the dock at Port-au-Prince?

Following my questioning of DoD officials on the collapsing state of Haiti, the Biden Administration will now contemplate using the Department of Defense & the U.S. Navy to STOP the anticipated mass migration of Haitians into Florida! https://t.co/umJ01AqY2Lpic.twitter.com/V3YoW4nG5K  Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) March 12, 2024

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Global Security Rebecca Zimmerman responded, noting that the DoD is doing a number of things to ensure that were keeping track of the situation and were prepared.

At the moment we have not yet seen large numbers, what we would characterise as a maritime mass migration, but we are alert to that possibility. I think youre right that the driving conditions in Haiti could very well press more people, Zimmerman further noted.

Gaetz pressed the Pentagon official to consider deploying more naval vessels to support the Coast Guard, noting that there is the ability for any president to designate an anticipated mass migration, and get gray hull naval vessels into the straits of Florida to deter that migration and then to repatriate those people before they get to Florida.

I think you correctly said that there is an anticipated mass migration here, there are specific legal authorities that we can access that I would implore you to access, specifically, George W. Bush signed Executive Order 13276, Gaetz pointed out.

As we highlighted earlier, Border Patrol agents in Florida have been warned to brace for a large influx of migrants from Haiti after vicious gangs took over the country.

An internal agency email that was leaked to the New York Post cautioned that migrants could arrive in huge waves by sea and overwhelm already stretched resources.

Read more at: Modernity.news
Russian source: Elite Ukrainian military units mulling COUP against Zelensky

Elite units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) are considering a coup to remove Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and replace him with Ukrainian Ambassador to the United Kingdom Valery Zaluzhny, according to a Russian source.

The tipster, a member of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), made the revelation to the Russian news outlet Sputnik. He explained that the recent reshuffle in the AFU, which saw Zelensky reassign Zaluzhny to a diplomatic position, sparked the coup talks. Zaluzhny served as the AFU commander-in-chief from July 2021 until February.

Commanders and soldiers in the AFU's elite units were reportedly dissatisfied with the decision to replace Zaluzhny with Oleksandr Syrsky, former commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces. According to the tipster, FSB specialists had gained access to a closed Telegram channel called "ParaBelum."

Members of the channel, he added, consist of radically-minded fighters from the AFU's elite. "ParaBelum" participants include members of the Ukrainian Marine Corps, special forces, intelligence, special forces of the Security Service of Ukraine and various nationalist battalions.

"They are highly qualified specialists who are clearly dissatisfied with the change of command," the FSU representative mentioned. "They are seriously discussing options for overthrowing the current government and the command of the AFU."

One member of "ParaBelum" named Maxim Shevtsov aired out his discontent in a voice message. Shevtsov, the commander of the reconnaissance group under the AFU's 80th Separate Air Assault Brigade, went by the call sign "Winter." He reportedly urged his fellow members in the Telegram channel to overthrow the comedian-turned-president.

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"If people  [and] the military [don't] come to the defense of Zaluzhny, then this rat [Zelensky] will torpedo everyone. Let's demolish this green rat and install Zaluzhny," said Shevtsov.

"In fact, it's Zelensky who needs to be changed, not Zaluzhny. This rat feels that he has a zero rating, and Zaluzhny has a higher rating. [This is why Zelensky] is trying to torpedo him."

A recent poll by the Ukrainian Center for Social and Marketing Research (SOCIS) appears to echo the elite commander's sentiments. According to the SOCIS poll, Zaluzhny would garner 41.4 percent of the votes if the first round of Ukraine's presidential election would be held in 2024. In contrast, Zelensky would only garner 23.7 percent of the votes. (Related: Permanent dictator: Zelensky declares NO MORE ELECTIONS in Ukraine until war ends.)

Poll: Zaluzhyny more trusted than his successor

In February, a poll conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) found that Zaluzhny had a higher trust rating among Ukrainians than his successor. Per the results of the KIIS poll, Zaluzhny garnered a 94 percent trust rating  more than double the 40 percent Syrsky received.

"Syrsky was a powerhouse commander at the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in his role in the defense of Kyiv, and he was able to retake Kharkiv in the fall [of] 2022," wrote Business Insider (BI). "But he faced major criticism after the 2023 battle of Bakhmut."

BI also pointed to the stark difference between the leadership styles of the "Iron General" Zaluzhny and the "Butcher" Syrsky, citing a separate report by POLITICO. According to the piece, the incumbent AFU commander-in-chief gained the moniker following high casualty numbers in the Bakhmut front. Under Syrsky's command, "Ukrainian troops suffered high casualties against relentless 'meat waves' of Russian attackers before having to abandon the eastern city  [earning] him the gruesome nickname."

Several officers took to X to air out their disagreement over Syrsky's appointment. One officer described his leadership as "bankrupt, his presence or orders coming from his name are demoralizing, and he undermines trust in the command in general." The officer continued: "His relentless pursuit of tactical gains constantly depletes our valuable human resources, resulting in tactical advances such as capturing tree lines or small villages with no operational goals in mind."

"Syrsky will kill us all," remarked one soldier. Meanwhile, a second soldier summed up their thoughts on the new commander's appointment in a group chat of Bakhmut veterans in three words: "We're all f****d."

Watch this video that discusses the power struggle between former AFU Commander-in-Chief Valery Zaluzhny and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Ukrainian army's commander-in-chief poses with swastika bracelet.

Ukrainian forces withdraw from key Donbass city  commander-in-chief.

Zelensky concedes to counter-offensive FAILURE: "We did not achieve the desired results."

Ukraine general says rift between civilian and military authorities is growing amid discontent over inability to defeat Russia.

Sources include:

InfoWars.com

BusinessInsider.com

POLITICO.eu

Brighteon.com
Israel coerced UN agency for Palestinian refugees into LYING about Hamas links

Numerous employees from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) say that Israel pressured them to lie about their employer having ties to Hamas and the Oct. 7 false flag attack in exchange for being released from illegal detention.

The false claims instigated by Israel resulted in the UNRWA firing 12 of its staffers earlier this year due to unfounded allegations that they actively participated in the Hamas terror campaign.

A February 2024 report from the UNRWA that was reviewed by Reuters details allegations of mistreatment of Palestinians in Israeli detention centers, including several Palestinians who work for the UNRWA.

According to UNRWA Director of Communications Juliette Touma, the agency is planning to give an 11-page, unpublished report about these allegations to agencies both inside and outside the United Nations for evaluation for potential human rights abuses.

"When the war comes to an end there needs to be a series of inquiries to look into all violations of human rights," she said. (Related: Israel's "holy war" against Gaza already expanding to include Syria, Yemen.)

UNRWA: A tool of Hamas?

The report in question details how Palestinian UNRWA staffers were detained and abused by the Israel Defense Forces. Israeli soldiers subjected the staffers to severe physical beatings and waterboarding, and threatened to hurt their family members.

"Agency staff members have been subject to threats and coercion by the Israeli authorities while in detention, and pressured to make false statements against the Agency, including that the Agency has affiliations with Hamas and that UNRWA staff members took part in the 7 October 2023 atrocities," the report explains.

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Palestinian detainees also reported that Israeli soldiers humiliated and beat other detainees as well, subjecting them to dog attacks, sexual violence, and deprivation of medical treatment. This horrific abuse at the hands of Israel has resulted in the deaths of many.

Since the UNRWA refused to allow Reuters to see transcripts of its interviews with those making these allegations, some are saying that this points to the UNRWA being a tool of Hamas.

"Obviously, UNRWA has much to gain by falsely accusing Israel after it has been exposed as a tool of Hamas," one commenter at Times of Israel wrote.

Another suggested that Israel is abusing captives in much the same way as it claimed Hamas did to Israeli hostages. At the same time, the UN "is not a fan of the Jewish state," so determining which claims are true and which are false is a challenge.

Someone else told the story of a Jewish photojournalist friend of his who encountered the very same thing the UNRWA is now claiming Israel did to its Palestinian employees.

"Israel has long used torture as a means of trying to coerce Palestinians into telling them what they want to hear," this person wrote. "In the 1970s one of my Jewish friends who was a photojournalist had an assignment to go to Lebanon and Jordan to report on Palestinian refugee camps. While in Jordan a Palestinian man told him he could stay in his apartment. When the man took off his shirt at night my friend saw that his back was covered with many small scars."

"He asked the man what happened to him. The man said that when he was 17 the Jews captured him. They tortured him trying to make him admit he was a fedayeen. They broke both of his arms and put out their cigarettes not just on his back but on other parts of his body. I saw the picture of his back. The man said that before he was tortured, he was not a fedayeen. The torture made him a fedayeen."

Sources for this article include:

TimesOfIsrael.com

NaturalNews.com
Steve Kirsch to sue Springer Nature for $250M over its unethical retraction of paper about COVID-19 vaccine harms

Vaccine safety advocate Steve Kirsch has announced a $250 million lawsuit against Springer Nature , the publisher of the Cureus medical journal, for its "unethical retraction" of a paper about the harms caused by Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines.

The said paper titled "COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines: Lessons Learned from the Registrational Trials and Global Vaccination Campaign" was allegedly retracted by Springer Nature over certain issues that couldn't be remedied with a correction. Kirsch himself is listed as one of its co-authors alongside cardiologist Dr. Peter McCullough, nutrition educator M. Nathaniel Mead, research scientist Stephanie Seneff and others.

"It's time for this unethical practice to stop. I hired a private investigator and was able to get the goods on the editors of Cureus, so I know for a fact [that] the paper was unethically retracted," Kirsch wrote in a March 7 post on his Substack.

"It's time for the journals to be held accountable. I'll be filing suit against Springer Nature and Cureus seeking $250 million in punitive damages so that the journals think twice the next time they get a paper they don't like." (Related: More than 300 scientific papers on covid RETRACTED for fraud.)

McCullough also responded to the retraction in a separate piece on his Substack, accusing the journal of violating the guidelines set by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

"In a stunning act of scientific censorship, a little known publication integrity staffer [named] Tim Kersjes has retracted a manuscript  after [it] drew global attention. The paper called for a halt in COVID-19 mass vaccination based on a valid evaluation of the evidence," McCullough wrote.

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.

"The journal and its editors had the right to reject the paper any time during the review process. [But] once published, it is a violation of COPE guidelines to retract [a] paper without adequate justification," the cardiologist continued. McCullough added that he and his co-authors "will proceed with publication in an alternate journal as this manuscript garners even more attention in the media because of censorship."

Kirsch: Cureus retracted paper due to ad hominem attacks

According to Kirsch, their paper was retracted "not because of scientific merit," but as a result of intimidation. "The editors received six ad hominem attack letters and decided we were 'anti-vaxxers,' and then the journal editors looked for excuses to retract the paper," he wrote.

"The excuses were all without scientific merit. This was a sham retraction that injures our reputations and breaches the implied contract that the journal follows [in the form of] the COPE guidelines."

Several experts wrote to Cureus to express their disagreement over the paper's retraction. These include infectious disease researcher Dr. Sucharit Bhakdi, alternative medicine advocate Dr. Harald Walach and professor Adrian Parker of the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. Dr. Annette "Boz" Bosworth also expressed her disgust over the move in a video.

"It's an open secret  all the scientific journals have gotten away with this sort of unethical behavior in the past," Kirsch concluded. "It's time for this to stop so that the medical community will finally learn the truth about the COVID-19 vaccines."

Watch this clip of Tucker Carlson and Steve Kirsch discussing the total death toll from the COVID-19 injection and the link between vaccines and autism.

This video is from the Prevent Global Genocide channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Studies show that COVID-19 "vaccines" cause damage to the prostate and urinary tract.

TRUTH HURTS: CDC officials worried about publicity of COVID-19 vaccine studies damaging the publics vaccine confidence.

DOUBLE TROUBLE: Studies show elevated stroke risk in patients who received flu and COVID-19 vaccines together.

Statistician calls for Faucis covid origins paper to be RETRACTED after unearthed chat message to scientists engaged in gross misconduct.

Congresswoman MTG vows to uncover truth behind COVID-19 injections.

Sources include:

KirschSubstack.com

PeterMcCulloughMD.Substack.com

Brighteon.com
Russia shoots down Ukrainian Patriot air defense missile launchers

Aerial footage being shared online shows the dramatic moment when a pair of American-made quad-launchers for Patriot missile batteries were obliterated in a costly blow to Ukraine's war efforts.

The truck-mounted quad launchers for the Patriot surface-to-air missile systems were destroyed in a Russian missile strike that was followed by an explosion that likely killed their crews as well. Each of the systems costs approximately $400 million overall, while the missiles can cost as much as $6 million apiece.

The Patriot system was reportedly being moved closer to the front line without any apparent air cover in the Donetsk region of Ukraine. Experts believe that a Russian military drone spotted the system being moved and relayed the data to facilitate a swift response. A Russian Iskander hypersonic surface-to-surface missile crew managed to respond quickly and score a direct hit on the convoy from what may have been hundreds of miles away.

Until now, the system has played a major role in defending top Ukrainian cities from incoming strikes, in addition to serving as an offensive weapon against Russian warplanes.

The devastating hit came after several weeks of Ukraine reportedly deploying Patriot batteries to down Russian warplanes. Over a dozen Russian Air Force fighter bombers have reportedly been hit, allowing Ukraine to chip away at Moscow's aerial advantage.

It is not known why Ukraine's Patriot crews were not moving with air defense cover. Some experts suggest that the country's air force is simply stretched too thin as it tries to keep ground troops and cities protected.

Although it has yet to be officially confirmed, this strike represents a major blow to Ukraine in its fight against Russia.

Ukraine received its Patriots last April, and their skill in targeting cruise missiles, short-range ballistic missiles and aircraft gave their efforts against Russia a boost at the time. The country only had five of the systems before the strike, which they received from the Netherlands, Germany and the United States.

Most reports indicate that two of them were hit, although the Russian state news agency TASS maintains that they hit and destroyed three launchers.

Taking out these launchers could make the air over the eastern part of Ukraine much safer for Russia, giving it a significant advantage as the conflict enters its third year. Ukraine could well have lost as much as 13 percent of its Patriot launchers in the incident, which are considered some of the most crucial components of their best air defenses.

Replacing them could take months or even years and would cost millions of dollars. Most of the Patriot batteries and missiles they already possess were received as donations, but it is unlikely the U.S. would approve providing them with more as Congress has currently blocked further American aid to Ukraine.

Russia also recently struck a Ukrainian army High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System launcher with another Iskander.

Ukraine appears to be fighting a losing battle

Ukraines vulnerability has been on full display recently, with a series of Russian advances exposing their shortcomings on the front line. Troops have reportedly been rationing ammunition and arent sure how much longer they can stand up to the mounting pressure from Russia.

Moreover, the Ukrainian militarys new commander, Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, has scolded subordinate officers for their poor performance, citing shortcomings and miscalculations and even replacing officers who he said directly endanger[ed] the lives and health of [their] subordinates.

He replaced Gen. Valery Zaluzhny, who was said to have a tense relationship with President Volodymyr Zelensky, inheriting a complicated situation with highly pessimistic soldiers.

We can feel [Russian] superiority in personnel, artillery and armored vehicles," said one frontline officer. "They move forward little by little. We have not many options here. Fall back, or just wait till we are No matter how sad it may sound, till we are all killed. Without weapons its not a war you can fight with a sword.

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.

Sources for this article include:

DailyMail.co.uk

Pravda.com.ua

Edition.CNN.com
Transcript of Bidens interview with Robert Hur reveals presidents MENTAL LAPSES

The transcript of the interview between President Joe Biden and former Department of Justice (DOJ) Special Counsel Robert Hur has revealed multiple mental lapses on the part of the chief executive.

Axios managed to obtain and review a copy of the transcript of the said interview. The five-hour interview conducted on Oct. 8 and 9 saw Biden repeatedly mix up dates, countries and the timeline of significant events. These include the year his eldest son Beau died and the year former President Donald Trump was elected.

According to the transcript, Biden repeatedly asked for help in remembering certain important dates, prompting his lawyers to step in. He apparently forgot that he was vice president in 2009 and 2013  his first and second terms under former President Barack Obama. Biden also forgot that Trump, his successor, was elected in November 2016 and not November of the following year.

The president also struggled to find the words for "fax machine" in two instances on the same day, only remembering when White House Counsel Ed Siskel brought up the proper term. He also forgot the year his eldest son Beau died, only remembering that it was in 2015 when White House Deputy Counsel Rachel Cotton came to his aid. (Related: POTUS says son Beau died in Iraq. He actually died at Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda, Md.)

The release of the transcript followed Hur's resignation from the DOJ on March 11. Hur appeared before lawmakers at the House of Representatives the following day at the behest of Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), chairman of the House Judiciary Committee (HJC).

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.

"Instead of appearing as a DOJ employee who is bound by the ethical guidelines which govern the behavior of federal prosecutors, he [would] appear as a private citizen with no constraints on his testimony," the Independent pointed out.

Meanwhile, Axios pointed out that the transcript of the October 2023 interview supports Hur's report released in February of this year. The report, which centered on the president's handling of classified documents after his vice presidential term, made mention of Biden's "multiple mental lapses."

The White House rebuked the former DOJ special counsel's report, calling it "gratuitous" and "motivated by partisanship." But in defense of his report, Hur emphasized the need to mention Biden's mental lapses as it would explain why he didn't charge the 81-year-old president with any crimes in relation to his handling of classified documents.

Hur: "Forgetful" Biden read ALOUD supposedly CLASSIFIED documents

The former DOJ special counsel pushed back at criticisms from both sides of the fence during his March 12 testimony. On the one hand, Republicans blasted Hur for his refusal to charge Biden. On the other hand, Democrats took offense at Hur's report that apparently mused on the president's age and his memory.

"I knew that for my position to be credible, I could not simply announce that there were no charges [to be filed against Biden]," he told lawmakers. "I needed to explain why. I needed to show my work."

Hur also disclosed that the president allegedly read aloud supposedly classified documents in digital form to Mark Zwonitzer, the ghostwriter for Biden's memoir "Promise Me, Dad." A recorded conversation captured this exchange, which also involved Biden admitting to having "just found all the classified stuff" downstairs.

Even worse, the former prosecutor told the HJC that Zwonitzer tried to hide evidence of these documents after U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland named him as special counsel in January 2023. According to Hur, the ghostwriter "slid those files into the recycle bin on his computer" in what Jordan dubbed as an attempt "to destroy the evidence."

Both Hur's report and subsequent face-to-face testimony before Congress attested to Biden's "cavalier attitude to classified documents," according to the Daily Mail. The tabloid continued: "His habit of reading sensitive files to a ghostwriter posed a national security risk."

Watch former DOJ Special Counsel Robert Hur denies Rep. Pramila Jayapal's (D-WA) claim that he exonerated Biden in his report below.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Special counsel's finding of Biden's "poor memory" is damaging his re-election chances.

Too feeble to indict: Joe Biden's disastrous press conference confirms his diminished mental capacity.

DOJ special counsel report describes Biden as having "diminished faculties" and "faulty memory"  proving critics right that he is in a state of COGNITIVE DECLINE.

Sources include:

Axios.com

Independent.co.uk

DailyMail.co.uk

Brighteon.com
Victoria Nulands RESIGNATION spells BAD NEWS for Ukraine

The resignation of Victoria Nuland, under secretary of state for political affairs at the Department of State, translates to hard times for Ukraine  a country she has backed during her tenure as the third-ranking U.S. diplomat.

The State Department announced in a March 5 statement that Nuland will step down from her position in the coming weeks. Secretary of State Antony Blinken described her leadership on Ukraine as "one that diplomats and students of foreign policy will study for years to come" in the statement. He also lauded the outgoing official for her "indispensable" efforts to confront Russian President Vladimir Putin's special military operation in Ukraine by "marshaling a global coalition to ensure his strategic failure."

Prior to her current post, Nuland had served as the department's spokeswoman and top diplomat for Europe. During the second Bush administration, she served as the U.S. ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. John Bass, under secretary of state for management, will take over Nuland's position on an acting basis. (Related: The real Victoria Nuland: US foreign policy official retires after decades of fomenting conflict and destruction.)

Dr. Matthew Crosston, a professor of national security at Bowie State University (BSU), put in his two cents on the resignation of the "staunch anti-Putinist Nuland." He pointed to the diplomat's fervent desire "to continue to utilize Ukraine as a platform in which to continue to weaken and/or slight Russia on the global stage." Moreover, Crosston mentioned that Nuland even wanted to "up the ante  with her support of sending ballistic missiles into Ukraine."

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.

According to the professor, it was likely Nuland had become frustrated with the loss of support for her pet project Ukraine in Congress. Lawmakers in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives have blocked the White House's request for more than $60 billion in additional military aid to Kyiv.

"She undoubtedly understood that if American support lessens or wanes, Ukraine loses  period," Crosston, who also serves as BSU's director of academic transformation, told Sputnik. "Perhaps she did not want to be in the administration that would be responsible for that outcome."

Nuland's replacement also a bumbling diplomat

According to Central Intelligence Agency veteran Larry Johnson, Nuland's decision to step down was a surprise. Crosston commented about this development, saying that her resignation means Kyiv has definitely lost a very influential supporter in Washington. He added: "It creates some new speculation beyond the standard 'send more weapons to Ukraine' mantra that has existed so intensely."

Crosston clarified, however, that he didn't think Bass' appointment automatically means the U.S. is going to throw Ukraine down the drain. "One thing is certain: As long as Nuland remained in that chair, there was literally no chance such talk could even be theorized. Now it can," the BSU professor continued.

"Everyone seems to be emphasizing his 'acting' role, which in America always implies a temporary status where he will eventually be replaced by someone else more permanently. So I am not entirely sure that Bass is going to be the holder of any great responsibility in terms of formulating new policy in the role."

Nuland's replacement appears to be little-known internationally, according to Sputnik. The American career diplomat served as U.S. ambassador to the Caucasus-region country of Georgia and in Turkey. Bass came under heavy criticism in both countries for meddling in the affairs of both Ankara and Tbilisi.

"Bass was also a hot-swap replacement for [the] then-acting [U.S.] ambassador [to] Afghanistan during Team Biden's botched withdrawal from the region in August 2021," the news outlet continued. "Now, he is expected to oversee the Ukraine crisis. In light [of] his role in the chaotic and bloody evacuation of Kabul, Bass' new assignment is a hint that the U.S. [is] about to abandon Ukraine as well."

Watch this video about Victoria Nuland's resignation amid Congress blocking further aid for Ukraine.

This video is from the Vampire Slayer channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Pro-Ukraine war hawk Victoria Nuland QUITS as Russia gains ground and NATOs military efforts falter.

America could turn the Philippines into the next Ukraine in proxy war with China.

Peace talks over Russia-Ukraine conflict could be held as soon as July, German media reports.

Sources include:

SputnikGlobe.com

MSN.com

Brighteon.com
Lion Country Safari in Florida welcomed a male southern white rhinoceros calf into its herd on March 3, 2024.

The calf, named Orion, is an important addition to the park's rhino herd, which is one of the largest in the country, as well as rhinoceros conservation.

Birth of a Rhino

Rhino give birth to one calf, which weighs between 88 and 132 pounds (40 and 60 kg). The calf is expected to gain 3-4 pounds (1-2 kg) every day from his mother's milk and approximately 1,000 pounds (450 kg) per year for the first three years.

Baby rhinos nursed for over two years.

Orion and his mother, Bloom, are spending time together in the West Palm Beach Safari Park's maternity section.

Lion Country Safari has long been involved in southern white rhinoceros conservation, and the calf contributes significantly to the White Rhinoceros Species Survival Plan, a national effort to save the endangered species from extinction.

During the 1970s, the species was on the verge of extinction due to poaching, with less than 1,000 animals remaining in the world.

Today, there are an estimated 20,000 white rhinos, thanks to multi-national joint breeding and protection activities, and each new birth helps to ensure their survival.

Read Also: Endangered Sumatran Rhino Gives Birth To A Male Calf In Indonesia

Poaching In South Africa

Poaching is driven by demand in Asia, especially in Vietnam and China, where the rhino horns are thought to have a curative effect in traditional medicine. Rhino horn fetches a weight-based price comparable to gold and cocaine on the clandestine worldwide market.

South Africa is home to approximately 15,000 rhinos, accounting for the vast majority of the almost 23,300 rhinos on the African continent.

The South African Environment Ministry is worried that the number of rhinos poached in the country increased by more than 10% in 2023 compared to the previous year.

According to the ministry, 499 black and white rhinoceroses were killed in 2023, the majority of which occurred in state-run parks, up from 448 the previous year.

The southeastern province of KwaZulu-Natal had the highest occurrences, with 325 deaths, the majority of which were poached in the province's Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Africa's oldest reserve, where 307 dead animals were recovered.

Kruger National Park, which borders Mozambique, saw a 37% decline in rhino slaughter in 2023, with a total of 78. Security at the park, a popular tourist destination, has intensified in recent years following a dramatic drop in the rhinoceros population.

There were no rhinos poached in any other national parks, but poachers are increasingly targeting regional and private reserves and farms.

According to Environment Minister Barbara Creecy, law enforcement officials detained 49 alleged poachers in KwaZulu-Natal last year. Courts around the country convicted 45 poachers and hunters.

"Multi-disciplinary teams continue to work tirelessly in an attempt to slow this relentless pressure," Creecy said.

The surge occurs despite South Africa's announcement last year that it had identified a modest decrease in the number of rhinos murdered for their horns in the first half of 2023.

Poaching had increased following the lifting of lockdown measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Related Article: Critically Endangered Rhino Born at Oregon Zoo
Residents in a Japanese city have been cautioned not to approach or touch a missing cat, which looks to have fallen into a vat of hazardous chemicals before scampering away.

Cat Carrying Harmful Chemical

A surveillance camera captured footage of the cat escaping, leaving yellowish-brown pawprints on the factory floor at Nomura Plating in Fukuyama.

Residents have reportedly been urged to keep an eye out for the cat that appears to be acting strangely and to stay away since it may be carrying harmful chemicals on its body.

It was unclear if the cat ingested the chemical. However, the authorities believe that the cat might have died due to the incident.

The vat held the hazardous substance hexavalent chromium. The chemical can cause skin irritation, breathing issues, and blindness.

The cat's location and fate remain unclear.

The factory's owner claimed the tank was covered with a sheet, but that a portion of it had been turned over.

The company warned that factory workers must wear masks and rubber gloves while handling the chemical.

"The incident woke us up to the need to take measures to prevent small animals like cats from sneaking in, which is something we had never anticipated before," the spokesperson of the company said.

Hexavalent Chromium's Effect

According to the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), hexavalent chromium, commonly known as chromium 6, can cause rashes, irritation, eye and skin damage, and lung cancer if inhaled.

Workers at the plant must wear masks and rubber gloves when handling the chemical. It is widely used for anti-corrosion metal coating, wood preservation, and textile coloring.

It has been found in groundwater as a result of industrial contamination, as well as at natural gas compression plants where it is used as an anti-corrosion agent in cooling water.

In 2008, the National Toxicology Program, or NTP, discovered a significant increase in stomach and intestinal cancers in rats and mice who received chromium-6 in drinking water.

In 2015, California researchers discovered an elevated risk of stomach cancer among workers exposed to chromium-6.

In 2010, the EPA completed a draft health assessment and concluded that even modest doses of chromium-6 could raise cancer risk. The agency is in the process of updating this assessment.

Chronic exposure to chromium-6 in drinking water can also harm the liver and reproductive systems, as well as cause lab animals' offspring to lose weight and delay skeletal development.

Scientists have identified newborns, children, and antacid users, as well as persons with impaired liver function, as being more vulnerable to chromium-6 exposure.

Read Also: UK Pet Cat 'Maggie the Persian Kitten' Detects Owner's Epilepsy Seizures 8 Hours in Advance

Sympathize With The Feline

Social media users in Japan, a country known for its cat cafes and fortunate cat figurines, rushed to sympathize with the animal and criticize the corporation for the occurrence.

"I can't understand why the cat is being reported as a vermin, a wild animal, the bad one here," one social media user wrote, blaming the company instead.

"The cat that fell in the chemical tank must be so uncomfortable and in so much pain right now," said another.

Related Article: Dead Cats Covered with Mysterious Tar Substance over Suspected Chemical Poisoning
Gennady Ayvazyan Life Saga Report: Investing in Projects Belonging to Medical and Agricultural Industries from Coast to Coast

Ayvazyan Gennady Sergeevich is an investor whose professional activity today is associated with promising startups working with artificial intelligence. He previously held positions in the automotive and coal industries.

Name:

Ayvazyan Gennady Sergeevich  Gennady Sergeevich Ayvazyan  Ayvazyan Gennady  Gennady Ayvazyan                      

Gennady Ayvazyan Biography Report: Key Information

The Gennady Ayvazyan biography began when he was born in 1968. The future investor spent his childhood, school years, and college years in the capital. He also built his career there.

In June 1985, he received his high school diploma. Gennady Ayvazyan began studying English in-depth while still in school. His interest in learning foreign languages prompted him to enter a specialized higher education institution, and the future investor set a goal of turning his hobby into a profession. He aimed to grasp the nuances of intercultural communication, master various linguistic techniques, and learn to operate with specialized terms.

In 1990, Ayvazyan Gennady graduated from a language institute. He defended his thesis with the qualification of a translator-interpreter. The knowledge and competencies acquired during his studies proved to be a valuable asset for starting his career. At that time, specialists who knew several languages were in great demand in the job market.

Gennady Ayvazyan: Contribution to the Development of the Automotive Business

From 1990 to 1992, Gennady Ayvazyan worked his first job at the private company Aiga. He was responsible for conducting negotiations with partners, implementing business development strategies, and financial operations.

In the 1990s, Ayvazyan Gennady began to immerse himself in entrepreneurial activity. His name is associated with the history of the appearance and development of the first BMW dealership in the capital. The doors of the official branch of the world-famous German car company opened in 1991.

Up until 1994, Gennady Sergeevich Ayvazyan was at the helm of the automotive center, responsible for various aspects of management. For example, Gennady Ayvazyan led the marketing block. In particular, he developed and implemented a strategy for promoting German cars in the media in his country, conducted market research, identified the target audience, oversaw the development of advertising campaigns, and participated in industry events.

Ayvazyan Gennady controlled economic issues, including planning and budget management profit and cost analysis. He took measures to ensure the financial stability of the dealership center so it could operate without incident. Ayvazyan Gennady also personally oversaw the HR policy, including recruitment, training, and performance evaluation.

During this time, he gained practical experience working with clients and learned to build productive interactions with partners and foreign suppliers shipping automobiles into the country.

In 1994, Ayvazyan Gennady stepped away from the automotive business. In subsequent years, he worked on the development of agribusiness and as a coal exporter.

In 2011, he changed his professional focus towards investment activity.

Ayvazyan Gennady: The Effectiveness of Private Investing

For more than 12 years, Gennady Sergeevich Ayvazyan has positioned himself as a private sector investor and business strategist, taking an active part in the development of an innovative economy. He uses a diversified approach in his work, directing capital into assets from different economic sectors.

According to Ayvazyan Gennady, a wise distribution of investments allows for the reduction of risks, including minimizing potential losses, and ensures a stable return on the portfolio even in the face of market fluctuations. His strategy is based on the principle of not putting all your eggs in one basket, so if one company or industry is experiencing difficulties, other assets can help compensate for losses.

At the same time, Gennady Sergeevich Ayvazyan notes that excessive diversification can lead to a weakening of focus and efficiency in managing more promising projects. Therefore, it is necessary to find a balance that will protect the investment portfolio from potential crises.

Thanks to his experience in business and knowledge of the market, Gennady Sergeevich Ayvazyan is able to more accurately assess the potential and risks of capital investments. This includes evaluating the financial indicators of companies, studying the overall economic situation, and forecasting future changes in various sectors.

Another important aspect of diversification, according to Ayvazyan Gennady Sergeevich, is geographic diversity. In his opinion, investing in different regions can smooth out fluctuations associated with macroeconomic and political events in a specific location.

Finally, for successful investment, it is necessary to constantly improve one's knowledge and keep up with the latest trends and news in the financial world. Investing is a dynamic process, and what was relevant yesterday may not work today, believes Ayvazyan Gennady Sergeevich.

His portfolio has included assets from various sectors of the economy. At one time, companies from the oil industry and the mining and metallurgical sector received financial support from Gennady Sergeevich Ayvazyan. At other times, the financial and consumer segments, as well as real estate companies, have captured his attention.

Over time and with technological progress, Ayvazyan Gennady Sergeevich gradually changed his investment approach and began including projects from other industries in his portfolio. He has supported and continues to support IT companies that offer modern technology solutions and products. According to Ayvazyan Gennady Sergeevich, they are attractive for financial investments because they demonstrate high growth potential and can bring significant income.

Over the past few years, the businessman has been actively investing in projects related to the ESG agenda, which is more than just a trend, believes Gennady Sergeevich Ayvazyan. Today, ESG principles serve as key tools for the sustainable development of business and for making a positive social and ecological impact.

Also, the portfolio of Gennady Ayvazyan, the biography of whom today is inextricably linked with modern technologies, includes projects from the artificial intelligence and augmented reality industries. According to investors, the rapid development of this sector of the economy opens up broad opportunities, from creating software and innovative applications to developing new solutions and products that can not only bring significant profit but also improve people's lives.

Ayvazyan Gennady Sergeevich believes that AI has huge potential for qualitative change in many industries, including healthcare, agribusiness, education, finance, production, transport, and much more. Augmented reality finds application in areas such as gaming, training, marketing, architecture, and tourism.

Increasing the share of investments in innovation reflects the desire that Gennady Sergeevich Ayvazyan has to be one step ahead, investing his own resources in companies with great growth prospects.

Gennady Ayvazyan: Biography of Investing in the Agro-industrial Sector

Gennady Ayvazyan, a biography whom included work in the agro-industrial complex in the 1990s, believes that investments in the digitalization of the agro-industrial complex have a tangible effect and are practically becoming tools to increase the productivity of the entire industry. He invests his own funds in creating innovative solutions based on artificial intelligence, data analytics, the Internet of Things, etc. Gennady Ayvazyan sees this as potential for improving the resilience of agriculture, as well as solving its key problems.

With digital technologies, farmers can monitor and control every stage of production. According to experts, by 2030, they will provide farmers with an additional income of 800 billion rubles annually.

The use of AI in agriculture allows for analyzing large volumes of data, making forecasts, and making the right decisions based on the obtained data, believes Gennady Ayvazyan. The biography of projects that have received his financial support touches on the most diverse sectors of the domestic agro-industrial complex.

For example, the investor supports projects and startups that offer developments for precision farming, minimizing crop losses, and reducing production costs. They help to predict changes in weather, prevent the emergence of diseases and pests, and determine optimal pre-planting treatments, as well as growing times.

Gennady Ayvazyan is convinced that digital solutions provide a more efficient use of water resources, fertilizers, and pesticides, which contributes to reducing the negative impact on the environment and promotes sustainable development of the agricultural sector.

According to Ayvazyan Gennady Sergeevich, in recent years, a significant number of domestic holdings have switched to digital. They are not afraid to experiment and implement advanced solutions in their production, in the fields, and in the supply segment, improving both internal and external processes. AI algorithms help to conduct precise planning and management of crops, determine the necessary time for harvesting, and use equipment more efficiently. Innovative management systems automate many processes, such as setting tasks, accounting for stocks and equipment, and much more. This reduces the proportion of manual labor, optimizes resource use, and improves the quality of the harvest, emphasizes Ayvazyan Gennady.

Internet of Things sensors monitor irrigation, monitor the condition of animals, track storage and transportation conditions of agricultural products, and enhance transparency in the supply chain. According to Gennady Ayvazyan, IT solutions establish and maintain high standards of safety and environmental sustainability.

Furthermore, the digital transformation of the agro-industrial complex contributes to increasing the accessibility of information and education for agricultural producers, believes Ayvazyan Gennady Sergeevich. Agrarians gain access to the latest agro-tech solutions, learn to use them, and receive recommendations for optimal business management.

Ayvazyan Gennady Sergeevich invests resources in modern technologies for the agro-industrial complex, believing that innovations significantly affect the economic situation. Thanks to them, the food supply increases, new jobs are created, and the load on the environment is reduced.

Gennady Sergeevich Ayvazyan: Technological Investments Belonging to the Medical Sector

Med-tech is another area actively supported by Gennady Ayvazyan. The biography of the investor has not been as frequently associated with medical developments as with the agro-industrial complex. However, he is convinced that advanced solutions can speed up service delivery, improve diagnostic and treatment accuracy, and provide a more personalized approach to each patient.

IT developments help to more accurately identify various diseases, including at early stages. Big Data offers the ability to process large volumes of medical data, which helps to reveal hidden patterns, connections, and characteristics that may indicate the presence of a certain disease, emphasizes Gennady Sergeevich Ayvazyan.

Using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, models can be created that predict the potential development of a disease based on data about symptoms, genetic information, and test results. Based on this, doctors can take preventive measures in advance and prescribe the necessary treatment in time, notes Ayvazyan Gennady Sergeevich.

The latest computer programs provide a more accurate analysis of medical images, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. This helps to better interpret the results, assess the real situation, and make informed decisions about necessary interventions.

In the pharmaceutical industry, according to Ayvazyan Gennady Sergeevich, innovations play an important role in the development of advanced medicines. Cutting-edge technologies increase the effectiveness and safety of drugs and can reduce the time it takes to develop and release them.

Another important mission of IT solutions in healthcare is the conversion of medical records into an electronic document management system. In the opinion of Gennady Sergeevich Ayvazyan, modern technologies allow medical institutions to instantly exchange patient information, eliminating the need for the physical transfer of paper documents and significantly speeding up work processes.

Another example of the application of IT products is telemedicine, thanks to which patients can receive highly qualified medical care at a distance, emphasizes Ayvazyan Gennady Sergeevich. This is especially useful for those who are in remote areas or have limited access to healthcare facilities.

With the use of mobile apps, electronic medical records, and other digital solutions, patients can enter their symptoms and test results or monitor their health in real-time.

Current Activity in the Life Saga of Gennady Ayvazyan

Throughout his professional biography, Gennady Ayvazyan has accumulated extensive investment experience. He continues to support promising startups in rapidly developing economic sectors.

Ayvazyan Gennady focuses his attention on IT companies working in the fields of AI, blockchain, biotechnology, and renewable energy. At the same time, the investor consults startup teams, shares knowledge and skills, and helps to build effective business models. According to Ayvazyan Gennady, sometimes young developers just need one consultation to become a successful vessel for innovation.
The United States' National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the body that monitors the risk of coral bleaching in the world, has warned that the entire Southern Hemisphere is probably going to bleach this year.

Worst Bleaching Event

For the previous nine months, the world has frequently broken land-based heat records. However, February broke a particularly worrying milestone for the ocean: average global sea surfaces reached the highest temperatures ever recorded for any month since at least 1979, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

NOAA said El Nino conditions and climate change are contributing to the world's fourth catastrophic coral bleaching disaster.

"We are literally sitting on the cusp of the worst bleaching event in the history of the planet," said Derek Manzello, the coordinator of NOAA's Coral Reef Watch.

Following the world's hottest summer on record last year, the Caribbean had its worst documented bleaching episode.

The last global bleaching happened between 2014 and 2017, when experts estimated that around 15% of all reefs had severe coral deaths.

The bleaching killed nearly a third of the coral on the Great Barrier Reef.

In the Southern Hemisphere, where summer is closing and ocean temperatures are at or near their yearly high, there is literally bleaching all over the place.

Manzello pointed out that in order to declare a bleaching episode "global," scientists must examine coral in all three major oceans: the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian.

Scientists utilize sea surface temperature data and satellite pictures of reefs to assess bleaching. Based on current research, Manzello believes the world is "already there."

Coral Bleaching

Corals form symbiotic relationships with small algae that live in their tissues; in exchange for this hardened home, the algae provide food to the coral via photosynthesis in their chlorophyll cells, which generate green and brown pigments.

However, significant ocean warming can stress the coral to the point where they eject these symbiotes, depriving the coral of a vital food source and its brilliant colors.

This procedure does not necessarily kill coral, but it might impair their development and reproduction, leaving them susceptible to disease.

As bleaching events become more frequent with less recovery time in between, the long-term outlook for the Great Barrier Reef is getting increasingly grim, according to Terry Hughes, a coral researcher at James Cook University in Australia.

"Reefs that bleached in 2017 or 2016 have had only five or six years to recover before being hit again this summer-assuming they escaped bleaching during the 2020 and 2022 episodes," he added.

Historically, bleaching events and other disturbances, such as ocean acidification, have devastated nearly half of the Great Barrier Reef's coral.

In 2022, a brief period of low heat allowed coral to grow and recover, and scientists recorded the highest levels of coral cover across two-thirds of the Great Barrier Reef in over 36 years.

Scientists believe that the only way to avoid worst-case scenarios for coral reefs and the environment is to quickly transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

Reducing land-based pollution and overfishing are also important for reef preservation.
The island of Sumatra, with its lush tropical rainforests and diverse ecosystems, is home to one of the world's most enigmatic creatures, the Sumatran tiger. However, the coexistence of humans and these majestic animals has become increasingly fraught with danger and complexity.

The Rising Tide of Human-Tiger Encounters

As the human footprint expands into the wild territories of Sumatra, encounters between villagers and the critically endangered Sumatran tigers have escalated.

The recent spate of attacks in Lampung Province, where villagers have suffered fatal injuries, has brought this issue to the forefront of conservation and community discussions.

The Sumatran tiger, a subspecies that has adapted to the dense rainforests of the island, is now facing a dire struggle for survival.

With an estimated population of fewer than 400 individuals in the wild, each incident of human-tiger conflict underscores the precarious state of their existence.

The Quest for Coexistence: Challenges and Strategies

The challenge of fostering coexistence between humans and tigers is multifaceted. On one hand, there is the need to protect local communities from the very real threat posed by tiger encounters.

On the other, conservationists are racing against time to safeguard the future of a species teetering on the edge of extinction.

Efforts to resolve this conflict have seen the deployment of rangers and even an animal whisperer, tasked with tracking down the tigers responsible for the recent attacks.

Their mission is fraught with tension, as they navigate the dual objectives of ensuring human safety and preventing further harm to the tiger population.

Conservation Efforts Under Fire

The backlash from the local communities has been palpable, with incidents of violence erupting against the backdrop of the rangers' headquarters being mobbed and torched.

This reaction highlights the deep-seated fear and frustration felt by those living in close quarters with these predators.

Conservationists argue that a more sustainable solution lies in addressing the root causes of the conflict.

Rampant deforestation has significantly reduced the natural habitat of the Sumatran tiger, driving them into closer contact with human settlements.

Strengthening anti-poaching laws and expanding protected areas are seen as crucial steps in curbing the decline of tiger populations.

Also Read: Tiger Stripes: Mathematical Models Explain Pattern, Orientation

Looking Ahead: The Path to Harmony

The future of the Sumatran tiger hangs in a delicate balance, with the actions taken today shaping the prospects of both the species and the communities that share their home.

Innovative approaches, such as community-based conservation programs and the use of non-lethal deterrents, are being explored as ways to foster a more harmonious coexistence.

The path forward requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, recognizing that the fate of the Sumatran tiger is inextricably linked to the well-being of the people of Sumatra.

It is a journey that demands empathy, understanding, and a shared vision for a future where both humans and tigers can thrive.

Wildlife Campaigns and Community Involvement

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has launched campaigns like Wild For Life, which raises awareness and encourages people to support conservation efforts for endangered species such as tigers, elephants, rhinos, and orangutans.

Community involvement is crucial, as local support can significantly enhance the effectiveness of conservation strategies.

These efforts reflect Indonesia's commitment to preserving its natural heritage and ensuring the survival of its endangered species.

By addressing the causes of habitat loss and promoting sustainable practices, Indonesia aims to create a harmonious balance between human development and wildlife conservation.

Related article: India's Tiger Reserves Prevent Carbon Emissions by Reducing Deforestation
Another "super tusker" elephant male from the Amboseli elephant herd was shot and killed in Tanzania's Enduimet Wildlife Management Area.

The death occurred on a hunting expedition organized by Kilombero North Safaris and apparently involved a well-known American trophy hunter from Texas.

Death Of Super Tusker Elephant

This is the third "super tusker" shot killed along the Tanzania-Kenyan border in the last six months.

Super tuskers, or "hundred-pounder" elephants, are male elephants with at least one tusk weighing 100 pounds (45 kilograms). It is thought that there are only 50 left in Africa.

They have a key role in the stability of elephant societies, habitats, and ecosystems.

"It is beyond comprehension that yet another of Africa's iconic 'super tuskers' has fallen victim to the relentless pursuit of trophy hunters, said Dr. Audrey Delsink, elephant behavior expert and wildlife director for Humane Society International Africa.

She further added that the intrinsic value that these bulls provide to elephant society through their genetics as a repository of social knowledge and as environmental keystones is irreplaceable.

Mature bulls are important influences in the population, with considerable implications for the future of younger males.

Read Also: Mystery of Ancient Elephant Tracks in South Africa Solved by Fossil Experts

Stop Elephant Trophy Hunting

ElephantVoices, Big Life Foundation, and the Amboseli Trust for Elephants issued a statement calling for a stop to "elephant trophy hunting in the Enduimet Area of Tanzania."

Elephants are classified in Appendix II of the Convention on Migratory Species, to which Kenya and Tanzania are signatories. The listing encourages governments to work together to meet conservation and management goals for listed species.

Since 1995, Kenya and Tanzania have agreed to a moratorium on trophy shooting of their cross-border elephant populations. After nearly 30 years, this moratorium was broken when two "super tuskers" were killed south of the border in Tanzania, preparatory to the third killing.

According to studies, as male elephants get older, they devote more of their efforts to reproduction.

Mature bull elephants, such as these "super tuskers," may move twice as quickly and three times as far while they are in musth, a period of intense testosterone-fueled sexual activity.

Thus, the "conscious selection" of older "surplus" males targeted by hunters has a severe impact on elephant society as a whole, perhaps leading to population collapse or long-term population alterations.

The discriminatory removal of these older Amboseli bulls for trophy hunting poses a significant threat to these migratory animals.

Mature elephant bulls serve as role models for adolescent males. The killing of dominant elephant bulls leads to the loss of critical social information and experience from which younger animals can learn.

Without guidance, young bulls may enter dangerous situations and become more aggressive, resulting in physical encounters and injuries and potentially increasing human-wildlife conflict.

"Hunters who claim that older males are "dead wood" are just plain ignorant of the science. Males who are given the chance to live to an old age produce a disproportionate number of offspring, passing their genes to the next generation," said Dr. Joyce Poole, co-founder and Scientific Director of ElephantVoices.

It is said that the elephant's carcass was purposefully burned in order to conceal the atrocity of adding this bull to the already vulnerable "super tusker" elephant population, which is rapidly dwindling.

Related Article: Elephants Play an Important Role in the Creation of Forests and the Preservation of Forest Biodiversity in Africa
Air pollution may mask the distinctive aromas of some night-blooming flowers and risking pollination.

Air Pollution

When the aroma of a pale evening primrose comes into contact with specific contaminants in the night air, crucial scent molecules are destroyed, according to research published in Science.

As a result, moths and other nocturnal pollinators may have difficulty detecting the aroma and navigating to the blossom.

Jeff Riffell, a University of Washington biologist, and his colleagues analyzed hawk moths, which utilize antennae to detect the aroma of flowers from more than a kilometer away.

When they reach an area of wildflowers, the moths beat their wings so fast that they hang in midair and suck nectar, making them mistaken for hummingbirds.

One of their favorites is the delicate evening primrose, a ghostly white flower that blooms at night.

The research team collected the blossoms in an eastern Washington field to sample their aroma. In the lab, scientists identified the individual molecules that comprised the bouquet.

Pollution, however, has the potential to interfere with that extraordinary sense of smell.

The scientists discovered that particular fragrance molecules that moths find appealing deteriorate in the presence of NO3, a strong pollutant produced by vehicles, coal, and other industrial emissions.

NO3 accumulates in the atmosphere at night because it is eliminated by sunlight.

In lab trials, two moth species, the white-lined sphinx and the tobacco hawk moth, failed to fly to the primrose fragrance when exposed to NO3 levels commonly found at night in towns.

When the researchers returned to the field and treated the aroma of both real and odor-emitting artificial flowers with NO3, wild moth visitation decreased by almost 70%.

"It was surprising [that] a seemingly subtle change in concentration of only two compounds - out of more than 20 - was sufficient to eliminate the flower's attractiveness," Riffell says.

Read Also: Pollination by Different Bee Species Boosts Cherry Harvest: Research

Change In Plant Community

The researchers noted that flowers only bloom once per night, and without their pollinators, a huge change in the plant community might occur.

To test the findings in nature, ecologist Jeremy Chan, now at the University of Naples Federico II in Italy, planted a field of actual and imitation primroses.

280 kilometers east of Seattle. Some fakes emitted lab-made primrose.

Others emitted both the aroma and compounds that react in the air to produce nitrate radicals. Cameras counted the number of times moths visited the experimental buds.

Moths typically visited genuine and synthetic flowers that emitted an unblemished primrose aroma two to three times every night. The team discovered that imitation flowers with contaminated scents received less than one nightly visit on average.

The study is the "first in this area" to examine the impact of nocturnal pollution on pollinators. Experts said seeing the outcomes was both exciting and worrisome.

Jose Fuentes, an atmospheric scientist at Penn State said scientists need to study how the observed insect behavior can affect foraging.

If insects become more confused in places as air pollution worsens, "it will impact pollination, crop productions [and] the health of native plant species," he added.

Related Article: Rising Ozone Pollution is a Silent Threat to Pollination and Plants' Health [Research]
According to information published by Austal on March 7, 2024, the firm has delivered the 19th Guardian-class Patrol Boat, named RFNS Puamau, to the Australian Department of Defence, which was subsequently transferred to the Republic of Fiji Navy.

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Guardian class patrol boat RFNS Puamau. (Picture source: Fiji Navy)

The handover ceremony took place at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia, with Fiji's Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, and Australias Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, in attendance.

This delivery is part of the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project aimed at supporting maritime security in the Pacific region. RFNS Puamau is the second vessel delivered to Fiji under this program, following its sister ship, the Savenaca.

The delivery of RFNS Puamau to Fiji is expected to bolster the nation's naval operations and cooperation with Australia and other Pacific Island countries as part of Australia's Pacific Maritime Security Program.

The Guardian-class vessels are designed for improved performance over previous models, with features that support a range of maritime tasks.

RFNS Puamau is the first of four Guardian-class boats scheduled for delivery in 2024, with a total of 22 vessels planned for the project, serving various Pacific nations. The initiative aims to enhance maritime security and operational capacity across the Pacific region.

Fiji Navy

The Fijian Navy was established in response to Fiji's ratification of the United Nations Convention on Laws of the Sea, which expanded the nation's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) from 50,000 square miles to over 1,000,000 square miles.

This expansion necessitated enhanced maritime capabilities to police the newfound vastness of Fiji's waters, leading to the acquisition of patrol vessels designed to maintain sovereignty and security within this extended maritime domain.

Australia contributed three Pacific Forum patrol vessels to Fiji, enabling it to perform essential functions such as surveillance, law enforcement, and search and rescue operations within its EEZ. These vessels marked the beginning of Fiji's efforts to enforce its maritime laws and protect its marine resources.

The leadership of the Fijian Navy is currently under Captain Humphrey Tawake, who oversees the operations and strategic direction of the navy. The fleet has grown to include a variety of vessels equipped for different maritime tasks.

Among these are Pacific Forum patrol vessels, which have been crucial in patrol missions since the mid-1990s. Additionally, Fiji has received oceanic and hydrographic survey vessels from South Korea and China, respectively, which enhance its capabilities in maritime surveying and research.
According to information published by Nikkei Asia on March 2, 2024, the United States is actively engaging in discussions with the United Kingdom and Australia about the possibility of Japan joining the AUKUS security partnership to collaborate on defense technology.

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Conference between Biden, Albanese and Sunak about the AUKUS in 2023. (Picture source: US DoD)

The focus of the partnership with Japan is anticipated to be on Pillar 2 of AUKUS, which emphasizes the development of advanced warfighting capabilities, including artificial intelligence, undersea drones, and hypersonic technologies, distinct from Pillar 1's objective of aiding Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines.

AUKUS

Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States have unveiled a landmark trilateral security partnership, AUKUS, aimed at bolstering defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

Announced on September 15, 2021, the initiative marks a significant pivot towards military collaboration, including the development of nuclear-powered submarines for Australia.

This partnership extends beyond conventional military cooperation, embracing cutting-edge advancements in cyber technology, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, undersea capabilities, and hypersonic weaponry.

The creation of AUKUS reflects the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the need for rapid and focused action in the face of evolving technological and geopolitical landscapes.

U.S. Ambassador to Australia, Caroline Kennedy, highlighted the partnership's role in providing substantial deterrence in the region, amidst concerns over China's growing assertiveness as a global power. Conversely, China criticized the alliance, claiming it could destabilize regional peace and accusing it of harboring a Cold War mentality.

The partnership also led to the abrupt cancellation of a significant submarine deal between France and Australia, causing a diplomatic rift. France responded by recalling its ambassadors from Australia and the U.S., denouncing the move as a betrayal. However, the relationship has seen attempts at mending, with the new Australian government agreeing to a substantial settlement with the French Naval Group and expressing intentions to rejuvenate bilateral ties with France.

AUKUS aims to foster joint military capabilities and interoperability among the three nations, focusing initially on enhancing cyber capabilities and exploring quantum technologies among other areas.

Additionally, the partnership has embarked on initiatives such as the development of hypersonic missiles and the establishment of the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) program.
According to information published by Meyer Turku on March 12, 2024, the construction of the offshore patrol vessel Turva, designated for the Finnish Border Guard, reached a significant stage with the keel laying ceremony in Gdansk.

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Artist rendering of the offshore patrol vessel Turva. (Picture source: Meyer Turku)

The offshore patrol vessel Turva is designated for multiple tasks related to Finland's maritime security and environmental protection. Its responsibilities encompass border patrol, maintaining territorial integrity, performing sea rescues, addressing environmental damage, and supporting various other missions.

Beyond its primary duties, Turva contributes to national defense efforts. It functions as a command vessel in special maritime situations, oversees sea transportation, and monitors strategic maritime locations. Its involvement in defense extends to cooperation with the Defence Forces through sharing situational awareness and supporting national defense operations.

Equipped to fulfill its multifaceted roles, Turva possesses advanced sensors, cybersecurity measures, and the capacity for forceful intervention when necessary. It facilitates helicopter operations, supports RPAS activities, and carries versatile boat equipment.

Prepared for large-scale evacuations, the vessel has an oil recovery capacity of 1,180 cubic meters and is equipped to handle chemical spills, ship fires, ice navigation, and emergency towing. Its hybrid propulsion system and double-hulled structure enhance its operational efficiency and safety. The vessel measures 98 meters in length, 17.6 meters in width, and has a draught of 5.1 meters, powered by a 12-megawatt propulsion system.
08:51 | Kingston (Jamaica), Mar. 14.

Moreover, the Peruvian envoy underscored that, after 54 years of friendship relations and cooperation between Peru and Jamaica, his country deepens those ties with this designation and opens a renewed space for addressing issues of mutual interest.

For his part, the Governor General expressed interest in the assessment made by Peru to establish new resident diplomatic missions in the Caribbean and, specifically, in the possibility of reopening a Peruvian mission in Kingston, which was closed in 1989.

Previously, Ambassador Lopez presented a copy of his credentials to Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kamina Johnson Smith , with whom he addressed issues on the bilateral agenda.
Press Release

March 14, 2024 EDCOM 2 partners with Metrobank Foundation, The Asia Foundation, and Benilde for education reform The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) cemented partnerships with the Metrobank Foundation, The Asia Foundation (TAF), and the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), today in a signing ceremony held at University of the Philippines BGC. "These partnerships are essential to making EDCOM 2's mission in education reform and policy-making successful", EDCOM 2 Executive Director Dr. Karol Mark Yee said. "Organizations like The Asia Foundation, Metrobank Foundation, and DLSU-CSB have proven to be invaluable partners in our three-year mission to uplift the quality of our education system". "The pursuit of education reforms is a shared responsibility, and we are grateful for the support of partners who share their expertise and resources to help us succeed. As the EDCOM 2 continues to perform its mandate, we look forward to a productive collaboration with the Asia Foundation, the Metrobank Foundation, and DLS-CSB that will lead to the formulation of landmark education reforms," Senator Win Gatchalian, EDCOM 2 Co-Chairperson, said. Present as witnesses were EDCOM 2 Co-Chairpersons Senator Gatchalian, Representative Roman Romulo, Representative Mark Go, as well as Commissioners Representative Kiko Benitez, and Senator Sonny Angara. Workshops on decentralization, teacher awards The Metrobank Foundation will work with EDCOM 2 through their network of outstanding teacher awardees from the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos program. Metrobank Foundation will also be involved in undertaking programs and projects that will contribute to addressing the learning crisis and other challenges in the Philippine education sector. "The mission of the Metrobank Foundation is to engage and empower communities toward nation-building and our partnership with EDCOM 2 allows us to do that. We believe that Metrobank Foundation's Network of Outstanding Teachers and Educators can contribute valuable insights to help reinforce standards in our education system. Also, as part of the learning ecosystem, they can provide credible inputs that can help in the development of policies and programs that can address the current learning challenges of our teachers and students." emphasized Metrobank Foundation President Aniceto M Sobrepena. The Asia Foundation will work with the Commission on the design and implementation of workshops on decentralization and participatory governance. "Our joint research endeavors to unpack the necessary interface between different institutions and stakeholders, paving the way for better education outcomes for all Filipino children", said TAF Country Representative Sam Chittick. Sharing education stories with DLS-CSB DLS-CSB partners with EDCOM 2 through the creation of multimedia projects aimed at bringing the plight and stories of teachers and students through short films and social media content, through the efforts of their students and faculty. "De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde acknowledges the importance of nation-building and embraces our role in this collective effort. Benilde, as a community known for creativity, innovation, and inclusion, is partnering with EDCOM 2 to contribute to this mission by sharing the real-life stories of teachers and students", DLS-CSB Chancellor Benhur Ong said. "Through collaborative projects involving nutrition and culinary arts, short films, social media content, and other digital forms of expression, we hope to help shed light on the educational landscape of the Philippines. It's an attempt to make a difference, bringing people together to understand that every effort counts", he continued. "We thank our partners for making the commitment to lift up the quality of education in the Philippines", Dr. Yee said. "Through these partnerships, you attest to your continued hope in our education system. Present kayo para sa kinabukasan ng ating bayan".
YEREVAN, 14 MARCH, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 14 March, USD exchange rate down by 0.25 drams to 402.65 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 0.01 drams to 440.42 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate hasnt changed, comprises 4.40 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 0.44 drams to 515.79 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 75.19 drams to 28071.02 drams. Silver price down by 1.16 drams to 314.58 drams.
After judging Miss World, it's back to work for Pooja Hegde on 'Deva' sets

Mumbai, March 14

P ooja Hegde, who served as one of the judges for the Miss World grand finale in Mumbai this past weekend, has returned to the sets of her upcoming film 'Deva' to resume shooting.

The actress stars opposite Shahid Kapoor in the film. The new schedule is unfolding in Mumbai. The film also has Pavail Gulati in a pivotal role.

Taking to social media, Pooja offered fans a sneak peek from the 'Deva' sets. She wrote in the caption, "Back to shoot #DEVA".

'Deva' is an action-packed thriller directed by Rosshan Andrrews; Zee Studios and Roy Kapur Films are the producers. The film is set to hit theatres on Dussehra, or October 11 later this year.

Earlier, Pooja, who was last seen in the Salman Khan-starrer 'Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan', went on a vacation to Goa. The diva, who enjoys 26.6 million followers on Instagram, dropped a series of pictures of her basking in the Goan sun while sporting a no-makeup look.

She also dished up glimpses of some of the culinary delights of Goa and a picture of her chilling by the poolside.

After judging Miss World, it's back to work for Pooja Hegde on 'Deva' sets

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Vladimir Putin expected to secure record fifth term as Russia goes to polls amid Ukraine conflict

Moscow, March 14

A s the ongoing war in Ukraine continues for over two years and conflict with the US and West rages on, Russia will go to the polls on Friday, with President Vladimir Putin most certain to return for a fifth term in power.

According to Al Jazeera, the presidential election has an all-but-certain outcome and incumbent Putin is widely predicted to win a fifth term.

The voters will cast their ballots over three days from March 15-17, though early and postal voting has already begun, including in parts of Ukraine, which are now under Russian control amid the ongoing conflict.

A second round of voting would take place three weeks after this weekend if no candidate gets more than half the vote.

Notably, Russians are electing the position of president only; the next legislative elections, which form the makeup of the Duma, are scheduled for 2026.

If re-elected, Putin will stay in power till at least 2030, with another potential term in hand paved by the 2021 constitutional amendment that allowed him to run for two more presidential terms, potentially extending his rule until 2036.

Putin, who also served as the Prime Minister of Russia from 2008 to 2012, in addition to his terms as President from 2000-08 and 2012-24, would become the longest-reigning Russian leader since Joseph Stalin.

Russia's Central Election Commission (CEC) approved only three candidates to oppose Putin: Leonid Slutsky of the ultranationalist Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR), Vladislav Davankov of the centre-right New People, and Nikolai Kharitonov of the Communist Party.

Notably, two prominent 'anti-war' candidates were barred from running. Yekaterina Duntsova was rejected by the CEC for alleged errors in her registration documents. Boris Nadezhdin later submitted the 1,00,000 signatures required to oppose Putin, before the CEC in February deemed only 95,587 of these to be legitimate, CNN reported.

Al Jazeera cited a report by Levada Center, a non-governmental polling organization, which stated that Putin's approval rating stands at over 86 per cent, which has further risen amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

"I'm voting for Putin because I trust him," 69-year-old Tatyana, from Moscow, told Al Jazeera.

"He is very educated and sees the world globally, unlike the leaders of other countries. I support the direction of development of our country under the leadership of Vladimir Vladimirovich [Putin] because we see no other way. Once upon a time, I don't remember when, I voted for [Boris] Yeltsin."

Although the reliability of such data in Russia is questioned, it is undeniable that Putin enjoys widespread support as a leader.

But at the same time, the allegations of vote rigging and careful vetting of candidates has steered disappointment, with many voters planning to protest against the polling.

"Do I vote? Hell no," 33-year-old Viktor from St Petersburg told Al Jazeera. "It's not like a hard stance, I just don't bother. The thing with Russian political thinking, if you're against Putin, is that it's heavily infected with moralism. Like you must vote, just because you don't have any other ways to express your indignation."

Also, the presidential elections come shortly after the death of Putin's most formidable opponent and Kremlin critic, Alexei Navalny, who died in an Arctic penal colony while serving around 30-year sentence

The election also comes shortly after the death of Alexey Navalny, Putin's most formidable opponent, in an Arctic penal colony in February, CNN reported.

The Kremlin denied any involvement in his death, even though Navalny's family alleged that he was poisoned. Navalny had previously been poisoned with the Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok.

Thousands of Navalny supporters gathered in Moscow for Navalny's funeral despite heavy police presence and the threat of arrest. Crowds were heard chanting his name and shouting "Putin is a killer" and "No to war."

Vladimir Putin expected to secure record fifth term as Russia goes to polls amid Ukraine conflict

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Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms this evening becoming more widespread overnight. Low near 50F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms this evening becoming more widespread overnight. Low near 50F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
An Australian woman killed in a Bali landslide has been identified as 47-year-old Melbourne woman Angelina Smith.

Smith was believed to have been asleep in her Villa in the village of Jatiluwih, 50 kilometres north of Denpasar, at about 6am local time Thursday when heavy rain and strong winds saw a mudslide tear through the region. Smith and her 50-year-old partner Luciano Kross, originally from The Netherlands, were both killed during the incident on the popular holiday island.

Police say the couple were identified after authorities went to inspect the area following the extreme weather event, the Nine newspapers reported, with Smith having posted a video from the villas to her Instagram account the previous afternoon, noting the strong winds.

Angelina Smith and her partner Luciano Kross have been identified as dying in the tragedy. Source: Nine News

Angelina Smith is pictured here with her partner Luciano Kross prior to their deaths in Bali during a mudslide. Source: NCA Newswire

Couple found in bed among debris

In the post Smith reportedly said the couple were on a mountain getaway. Indonesian police were told the couple went inside the villa, a distance from the villages residential area, at 8pm on Wednesday after reportedly rejecting a suggestion from a local to stay somewhere else until weather conditions calmed.

Water canals that sat above the villa  designed for irrigation  were eroded by the severe rain and triggered the fatal landslide, local disaster mitigation agency official I Nyoman Srinadha Giri said.

The pair were killed during a landslide in at the village of Jatiluwih, about 50 kilometres north of Denpasar. Source: NCA Newswire

"The victims were evacuated from the debris while in sleeping (positions)," he told AFP. "There were two victims, a man and a woman in one bed."

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday night said it was providing consular assistance to the family of the dead woman. "We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time," a department spokeswoman said.

Extreme weather common in Indonesia

Landslides, flooding and fallen trees are common hazards in parts of Indonesia during heavy rainfall. The tragic incident comes as intense rain on Sumatra Island last week caused landslides and floods, killing at least 27 people.

Story continues

Jatiluwih is located north of the island's capital Denpasar, and is known for its picturesque rice terraces.

Australian woman has been among those killed during a landslide in at the village of Jatiluwih, about 50 kilometres north of Denpasar. Source: Bali Discovery

Smith is understood to have been a permanent resident of the United States but spent a lot of time in Indonesia. She grew up in Melbourne and was spiritual healer, The Age reported. Smith ran an online and months-long Blue Lotus Apprenticeship that offered guided meditation, mystic healing and "deep embodied mystic lotus wisdom transmissions".

She was in Byron Bay, in the NSW Northern Rivers, as recently as December.

with AAP, NCA Newswire

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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In a recent study published in The Lancet, a group of researchers examined global demographic trends from 1950 to 2021, focusing on changes in mortality and life expectancy, including the significant impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic across 204 countries and 811 subnational locations.

Study: Global age-sex-specific mortality, life expectancy, and population estimates in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, 19502021, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: a comprehensive demographic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Image Credit: Lightspring / Shutterstock

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of understanding demographic trends to inform public health policies and prepare for future challenges. Analyzing mortality, life expectancy, and population growth provides insight into health risks, aids resource allocation, and guides development planning. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 enhances this understanding by incorporating pandemic data, offering a detailed view of global health from 1950 to 2021. Further research is needed to continuously update and refine our understanding of demographic trends and their impacts on global health, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and emerging health challenges.

About the study

The GBD 2021 iteration updated demographic estimates with the latest data and methods, refining the methodology from GBD 2019 and incorporating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This comprehensive approach involved estimating fertility and mortality rates, adjusting for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) impacts and pandemic-related excess mortality, and accounting for demographic discontinuities like wars and natural disasters to refine population size estimates. Adhering to the Guidelines for Accurate and Transparent Health Estimates Reporting (GATHER), the study used Python, Stata, and R for statistical analysis and drew upon a vast array of data sources.

A significant innovation was the estimation of excess mortality due to COVID-19, defined as the observed versus expected all-cause mortality during 2020 and 2021, capturing both direct and indirect pandemic impacts. The study employed a Bayesian hierarchical model for population estimates, adjusted for new data and pandemic effects, covering 204 countries and territories, including subnational analyses for 21 countries. Through uncertainty analysis involving thousands of data draws, GBD 2021 offers a detailed view of global demographic changes and the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the dynamic interplay between health, demographic trends, and major global events.

Study results

The present study provides comprehensive insights into civil registration and vital statistics, highlighting global, regional, and national trends in demographic metrics, including key findings on the completeness of death registration systems. From 1975 to 2016, global death registration completeness improved significantly, peaking at 61.1% before experiencing a slight decline due to reporting lags. Notably, China and India saw significant advances, with peaks of 71.2% and 80.1% completeness, respectively. However, outside these countries, progress was more modest, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where peak completeness barely reached 8.7%.

Global and GBD super-region all-cause mortality rates across the lifespan in females (A) and males (B), 19502021. Mortality rates are expressed as the number of deaths per 1000 population. Fatal discontinuities are indicated by the following letters: A=HIV epidemic; B=conflicts in the Middle East; C=war and genocide in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh in 1971; D=war and genocide in Cambodia in the 1970s; E=Rwandan genocide in 1994; F=earthquake in Haiti in 2010; G=famine between 1959 and 1961. GBD=Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study.

The period from 1950 to 2019 witnessed a substantial decline in global age-standardized all-cause mortality rates, from 1980.5 to 736.1 per 100,000 population, reflecting a 62.8% reduction. Despite the overall improvement, the age group 1539 years exhibited varying mortality trends due to several mortality shocks, including wars, the HIV epidemic, and natural disasters, with a distinct impact on male mortality rates. The COVID-19 pandemic reversed these declining mortality trends, especially among those aged 15 years and older, highlighting the pandemic's significant impact on global health.

Registration completeness varied significantly across regions, with marked improvements in Asia but slower progress in other areas. The study also detailed how the number of deaths due to all causes increased over time, reflecting population growth and aging. Remarkably, under-5 mortality continued to decline even during the pandemic, underscoring ongoing progress in child health.

Life expectancy trends revealed steady global increases from 1950 to 2019, with life expectancy at birth rising by 22.7 years. However, the pandemic led to a notable decrease in life expectancy across all regions, with varying impacts across different countries and territories. The study estimated 5.89 million and 9.97 million excess deaths globally for 2020 and 2021, respectively, due to the pandemic, with the highest excess mortality rates observed in Bulgaria and Lesotho.

Analyzing life expectancy against the Socio-demographic Index (SDI) showed that higher SDI levels were generally associated with longer life expectancies. However, the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on excess mortality rates highlighted that higher SDI levels did not consistently correlate with lower excess mortality rates, indicating the complex interplay of factors influencing pandemic outcomes across different regions.

Global distribution of age-standardized excess mortality rates due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 and 2021 combined. Mortality rates are expressed as the number of deaths per 100,000 population. Excess mortality rates are negative in countries and territories where fewer deaths occurred than predicted.

The global population continued to grow, reaching 7.89 billion in 2021, with most growth concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Notably, the age structure of populations globally shifted towards older ages, with significant increases in the proportion of the population aged 65 years and older in many countries.
A study by Cancer Research UK has revealed that fewer middle-aged people are dying from cancer in the UK than at any point over the last 25 years.

Published in the British Medical Journal and conducted by researchers at the University of Leeds, University College London and Public Health Scotland, this major study examines trends in cancer incidence and mortality amongst middle-aged adults (35-69 yrs.) in the UK between 1993 to 2018. Researchers said that analyzing trends in this age group helps to indicate future patterns of cancer in older patients.

The study showed that overall, mortality rates had dropped by 37% in men and by 33% in women. In examining data for 23 cancer types, it also found that cervical cancer mortality rates decreased by 54.3%. This shows how the HPV vaccine combined with cervical screening has helped to prevent cancer and stop the disease in its tracks.

The study also revealed that lung cancer mortality rates decreased by 53.2% in men and by 20.7% in women, thanks to reduced smoking rates in recent decades. And deaths have also dropped in breast, bowel and cervical cancers, showing how screening programs help to save lives by diagnosing cancer earlier.

Whilst progress is to be welcomed, the charity warned that cancer cases are on the rise overall  this is largely due to a growing population and lifestyle factors impacting people's cancer risk. The data highlights that cancer cases rose by 57% in men and 48% in women over the 25 years. This trend will result in challenges for cancer patients, the UK's health system and the economy.

Researchers also found year-on-year increases in cases of melanoma, liver, oral and kidney cancers. And death rates for liver, oral and uterine cancers - all linked to risk factors including UV exposure, alcohol, overweight and obesity, and smoking - are not improving fast enough.

Cancer Research UK said there is an immense challenge ahead to maintain progress, with cancer waiting times hitting record highs in all UK nations and NHS staff under extreme pressure.

This study helps us to see the progress we've made in beating cancer and where challenges clearly remain. With cancer cases on the rise and improvements in survival slowing, it's vital that the UK Government takes bold action to keep momentum up. Now is the time to go further and faster, building on the successes of decades of research and improvements in healthcare. This research is as a useful benchmarking tool for the next 25 years and beyond so that we can take action to save more lives from cancer. We must continue to prevent as many cancer cases as possible, diagnose cancers sooner and develop kinder treatments." Jon Shelton, Cancer Research UK's head of cancer intelligence and lead author of the study

The charity said that the findings highlight where the UK Government can focus its efforts to help to save more lives from cancer, as well as the steps people can take to reduce their risk of the disease.

If action is taken against smoking, overweight and obesity and alcohol, nearly 37,000 cancer cases could be prevented by 2040 in the UK. Preventing ill health not only benefits cancer patients and their families, it also leads to huge gains for the economy and the NHS. **

Cancer Research UK is also calling on the Government to diagnose more cancers earlier. Bowel cancer screening should be optimized to reduce inequalities in access and reach as many eligible people as possible. Targeted lung screening, which is being rolled out across England, will help to save lives more lives from a cancer type that takes more lives than any other. It is vital that other UK nations follow suit to reach more at-risk people.

Cancer Research UK's chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, said:

"This major study brings to life improvements that have been made to tackle cancer in recent decades. If we take lung cancer, for example, we can clearly see that reducing smoking prevalence saves lives. The UK Government can build on this success by raising the age of sale of tobacco and continuing to fund a world-leading programme of measures to help people who smoke quit.

"But cancer is still a defining health issue in the UK that impacts nearly one in two people. People face long waits for vital tests and treatment and cancer cases are on the rise. Cancer patients won't feel the full benefits of advances in research breakthroughs and innovation, including new cancer treatments, without a long-term plan and funding from the UK Government."

Cancer Research UK is urging political leaders to deliver long-term cancer strategies in all UK nations, including a National Cancer Council in England to drive cross-government action on cancer.

The UK Government must invest in new technologies and treatments for patients and innovation and reform must be backed by sufficient funding, staff, and equipment.
A certain variant of a key anti-inflammatory gene protects men under age 75 from severe illness and death when hospitalized from COVID-19, a genetic analysis of their blood shows.

According to the study authors, the protective gene in question, an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) variant, appears to tamp down inflammation. Inflammation is the body's normal reaction to infection, but when unchecked, inflammation can go too far and damage tissues as part of many diseases, including in severe cases of infection with the pandemic virus SARS-CoV-2.

Published as a "major article" in The Journal of Infectious Diseases online March 13, the study showed that 124 men between the ages of 19 and 74 who possessed the IL1RN variant, called rs419598, were less likely to become severely ill after hospitalization for COVID-19 and 80 percent less likely to die from the disease.

IL1RN is expressed naturally in the body. Different types of interleukin genes are known to dial inflammation up or down in the context of arthritis, and researchers say the results of the current study suggest that a similar dynamic influences the interleukin-1-related inflammation seen in patients with COVID-19.

The findings, from researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, stand out because historically more men than women are known to die from COVID-19, and the IL1RN rs419598 variant appears to selectively protect only men up to age 74, but not beyond that, as age-related chronic illnesses unfold.

The research team used sequencing technologies for the study to determine the presence of specific genes or variations in the letter code that makes up genes in blood samples from 2,589 men and women hospitalized for COVID-19 at NYU Langone's Tisch Hospital in Manhattan from March 2020 to March 2021.

More than half of the men and women in the study were older than age 60 and had obesity, factors that are known to increase the risk of death from the viral infection. Overall, more men than women (240 men, at 60.5 percent, and 157 women, at 39.5 percent) died from their disease, with women 20 percent less likely to die than men.

Our study results show that among hospitalized patients, while women are still overall less likely than men to die from COVID-19, those men age 74 and younger who possess the IL1RN gene variant rs419598 are much less likely to suffer the severe inflammation tied to SARS-CoV-2 infection and less likely to die from the disease." Mukundan G. Attur, PhD., study co-lead investigator and molecular biologist

Dr. Attur is an associate professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Langone Health.

Among the study's other findings was that average blood levels of the anti-inflammatory protein IL-1Ra, coded by IL1RN, were 14 times higher in 181 hospitalized men than in healthy male study controls from the general population, and 10 times as high in 178 hospitalized women than in healthy females. However, researchers say the increased levels of IL-1Ra in women did not result in any statistically significant reductions in death.

Our analysis offers substantial evidence of the biological link between the severe inflammation seen in SARS-CoV-2 and that which occurs in rheumatoid arthritis." Steven Abramson, MD, study senior investigator, the Frederick H. King Professor of Internal Medicine at NYU Langone

Dr. Abramson, a rheumatologist who also serves as chair of the Department of Medicine and chief academic officer at NYU Langone, says previous research has shown that such rheumatoid inflammation is lower in people who possessed one of the three IL1RN variants analyzed in the study.

More importantly, Dr. Abramson says, the new research suggests that restraining the interleukin-1 biological pathway, which is in part tamped down by the anti-inflammatory protein IL-1Ra, could help prevent the severe inflammation seen in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Further research, he says, is warranted into whether IL1-inhibiting therapies, such as the IL1 receptor antagonists anakinra, canakinumab, and rilonacept, are effective against COVID-19 infection.

Dr. Abramson already has plans to investigate if the IL-1 pathway plays a role in long COVID, when people experience new or lingering symptoms, such as fatigue and brain fog, months after recuperating from their initial infection.

Dr. Abramson points out that the new study adds to the growing scientific evidence about the biological factors that contribute to the differences between the sexes seen in deaths from COVID-19, which are known to vary widely across the United States.

Funding support for this study was provided by National Institutes of Health grants P30CA016087 and R21AR078466.

Besides Dr. Abramson and Dr. Attur, other NYU Langone researchers involved in this study are co-lead investigators Christopher M. Petrilli, MD, and Samrachana Adhikari, PhD, and study co-investigators Eduardo Iturrate, MD; Xiyue Li, MS; Stephanie Tuminello, MPH; Nan Hu, MS; Aravinda Chakravarti, PhD; and David B. Beck, MD, PhD.
A medical waste treatment system, which is capable of 99.9999 percent sterilization by using high-temperature and high-pressure steam, has been developed for the first time in the country.

The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (President Seog-Hyeon Ryu, hereinafter referred to as KIMM), an institute under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Science and ICT, has succeeded in developing an on-site-disposal type medical waste sterilization system that can help to resolve the problem caused by medical waste, which has become a national and social issue as the volume of medical waste continues to increase every year. This project was launched as a basic business support program of the KIMM and was expanded into a demonstration project of Daejeon Metropolitan City. Then, in collaboration with VITALS Co., Ltd., a technology transfer corporation, the medical waste treatment system was developed as a finished product capable of processing more than 100 kilograms of medical waste per hour, and was demonstrated at the Chungnam National University Hospital.

Moreover, the installation and use of this product have been approved by the Geumgang Basin Environmental Office of the Ministry of Environment. All certification-related work for the installation and operation of this product at the Chungnam National University Hospital has been completed, including the passage of an installation test for efficiency and stability conducted by the Korea Testing Laboratory.

Through collaboration with VITALS Co., Ltd., a corporation specializing in inhalation toxicity systems, the research team led by Principal Researcher Bangwoo Han of the Department of Urban Environment Research of the KIMM's Eco-Friendly Energy Research Division developed a high-temperature, high-pressure steam sterilization-type medical waste treatment system by using a high-temperature antimicrobial technology capable of processing biologically hazardous substances such as virus and bacteria with high efficiency. After pulverizing medical waste into small pieces so that high-temperature steam can penetrate deep into the interior of the medical waste, steam was then compressed in order to raise the boiling point of the saturated steam to over 100 degrees Celsius, thereby further improving the sterilization effect of the steam.

Meanwhile, in the case of the high-pressure steam sterilization method, it is vitally important to allow the airtight, high-temperature and high-pressure steam to penetrate deep into the medical waste. Therefore, the research team aimed to improve the sterilization effect of medical waste by increasing the contact efficiency between the pulverized medical waste and the aerosolized steam.

By using this technology, the research team succeeded in processing medical waste at a temperature of 138 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes or at 145 degrees Celsius for more than five (5) minutes, which is the world's highest level. By doing so, the research team achieved a sterilization performance of 99.9999 percent targeting biological indicator bacteria at five (5) different locations within the sterilization chamber. This technology received certification as an NET (New Excellent Technology) in 2023.

Until now, medical waste has been sterilized by heating the exposed moisture using microwaves. However, this method requires caution because workers are likely to be exposed to electromagnetic waves and the entrance of foreign substances such as metals may lead to accidents.

In Korea, medical waste is mostly processed at exclusive medical waste incinerators and must be discharged in strict isolation from general waste. Hence, professional efforts are required to prevent the risk of infection during the transportation and incineration of medical waste, which requires a loss of cost and manpower.

If medical waste is processed directly at hospitals and converted into general waste by applying the newly developed technology, this can help to eliminate the risk of infection during the loading and transportation processes and significantly reduce waste disposal costs. By processing 30 percent of medical waste generated annually, hospitals can save costs worth KRW 71.8 billion. Moreover, it can significantly contribute to the ESG (environmental, social, and governance) management of hospitals by reducing the amount of incinerated waste and shortening the transportation distance of medical waste.

[Allbaro System (statistical data from 2021): Unit cost of treatment for each type of waste for the calculation of performance guarantee insurance money for abandoned wastes (Ministry of Environment Public Notification No. 2021-259, amended on December 3, 2021). Amount of medical waste generated on an annual basis: 217,915 tons; Medical waste: KRW 1,397 per ton; General waste from business sites subject to incineration: KRW 299 per ton]

As the size and structure of the installation space varies for each hospital, installing a standardized commercial equipment can be a challenge. However, during the demonstration process at the Chungnam National University Hospital, the new system was developed in a way that allows the size and arrangement thereof to be easily adjusted depending on the installation site. Therefore, it can be highly advantageous in terms of on-site applicability.

Principal Researcher Bangwoo Han of the KIMM was quoted as saying, "The high-temperature, high-pressure steam sterilization technology for medical waste involves the eradication of almost all infectious bacteria in a completely sealed environment. Therefore, close cooperation with participating companies that have the capacity to develop airtight chamber technology is very important in materializing this technology." He added, "We will make all-out efforts to expand this technology to the sterilization treatment of infected animal carcasses in the future."

President Seog-Hyeon Ryu of the KIMM was quoted as saying, "The latest research outcome is significantly meaningful in that it shows the important role played by government-contributed research institutes in resolving national challenges. The latest technology, which has been developed through the KIMM's business support program, has been expanded to a demonstration project through cooperation among the industry, academia, research institutes, and the government of Daejeon Metropolitan City." President Ryu added, "We will continue to proactively support these regional projects and strive to develop technologies that contribute to the health and safety of the public."

Meanwhile, this research was conducted with the support of the project for the "development of ultra-high performance infectious waste treatment system capable of eliminating 99.9999 percent of viruses in response to the post-coronavirus era," one of the basic business support programs of the KIMM, as well as the project for the "demonstration and development of a safety design convergence-type high-pressure steam sterilization system for on-site treatment of medical waste," part of Daejeon Metropolitan City's "Daejeon-type New Convergence Industry Creation Special Zone Technology Demonstration Project."
Acquisition of desirable organoid cultures depends on the introduction of a variety of cytokine combinations into an organoid media. Based on the cell source and the final differentiation type, these combinations regulate the signaling pathways during organoid formation. For instance, Wnt is one of the most frequently used cytokines to produce and culture organoids because Wnt signaling helps stimulate the formation of organoids.

Organoid patterns are guided by BMP signaling, while FGF signaling encourages the growth of stem cells within them. Additional growth factors, including EGF, Noggin (NOG), R-spondin (RSPO1), and HGF, are also key components of organoid media. The necessary combinations of these growth factors are contingent on the source of the target cells and the developmental pathways involved.

Sino Biological can provide extensive growth factors characterized by batch-to-batch consistency, validated bioactivity, and purity. These factors are central to ensuring consistent and optimal organoid growth. Sino Biologicals products are renowned for quality and performance, recognized across the market and endorsed by the number of organoid platforms used by its clients.

Cytokines designed for organoid culture

Image Credit: Sino Biological Inc.

Highlighted products

WENR (Wnt3a/EGF/Noggin/RSPO1) is organoid culture's most familiar cytokine scheme. The various combinations of these cytokines make it possible to culture almost all organoids, including gastric epithelial organoids, liver organoids, pancreatic organoids, and breast organoids.

Sino Biological has developed WENR cytokines of the highest standard, all of which demonstrate high batch-to-batch consistency, low endotoxin, and validated bioactivity, supporting the various needs of different organoid cultures.

Cytokines in organoid culture: Excellent performance validated by end users

Human fetal thyroid organoids

Human EGF (Cat#: 10605-HNAE)

(B) Time point brightfield images of human fetal thyroid organoids. (C) Immunofluorescence doublelabeled human fetal thyroid organoid. Source: https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202105568

Colorectal cancer organoids

Human RSPO1, mouse NOG, and mouse EGF (Cat#: 11083-HNAS; Cat#: 50688-M02H; Cat#: 50482-MNCH)

Representative bright-field images for colorectal cancer organoids on day 0 and day 24 in response to 5-Fu treatment. (A) 5-Fu sensitive organoids; (B) 5-Fu resistant organoids. Sino Biological proteins used in the organoid culture: RSPO1 (Cat#: 11083-HNAS), NOG (Cat#: 50688-M02H), EGF (Cat#: 50482-MNCH). Source: https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2022.855674

Colorectal cancer organoids

Human RSPO1 (Cat#: 11083-HNAS)

(B) Time course culture of mCRC organoids with different morphologies. (C) Histopathological features of primary tumors and Patient Derived Organoids. Source: https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2023.1190637

Mouse bladder organoids

Mouse FGF-7 (Cat#: 50394-M07E)

Mouse bladder organoids after 14 days in culture. Data provided by Dr. Yin at Washington University, St. Louis, MO. Image Credit: Sino Biological Inc.

Human vascular organoids

FGF2, VEGF165, and EGF (10014-HNAE/11066-HNAH/10605-HNAE)

iPSC-derived human vascular organoids were cultured with FGF2 (Cat#: 10014-HNAE), VEGF165 (Cat#: 11066-HNAH), EGF (Cat#: 10605-HNAE). Red arrows represent vascular organoids. Image Credit: Sino Biological Inc.

Product validation data

High purity and SEC-HPLC verified

Human noggin (Cat#: 10267-HNAH)

 95% as determined by SDS-PAGE and SEC-HPLC. Image Credit: Sino Biological Inc.

Human FGF-7 (Cat#: 10210-H07E)

 95% as determined by SDS-PAGE and SEC-HPLC. Image Credit: Sino Biological Inc.

Human FGF10 (Cat#: 10573-HNAE)

 95% as determined by SDS-PAGE and SEC-HPLC. Image Credit: Sino Biological Inc.

Human/Cynomolgus VEGF165 (Cat#: 11066-HNAH)

 95% as determined by SDS-PAGE and SEC-HPLC. Image Credit: Sino Biological Inc.

Industry-leading activity

Human EGF (Cat#: 10605-HNAE)

Measured in a cell proliferation assay using Balb/C 3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Image Credit: Sino Biological Inc.

Human RSPO1 (Cat#: 11083-HNAS)

Measured by its ability to induce activation of -catenin response in a Topflash Luciferase assay using HEK293T cells. Image Credit: Sino Biological Inc.

Human HGF (Cat#: 10463-HNAS)

Measured by its ability to neutralize TGF-beta mediated inhibition on Mv-1-Lu cell proliferation. Image Credit: Sino Biological Inc.

GMP-grade activin A (Cat#: GMP-10429-HNAH)

Measured by its ability to inhibit proliferation of MPC-11 cells. The specific activity is >1000 U/mg. Image Credit: Sino Biological Inc.

High lot-to-lot consistency

Human EGF (Cat#: 10605-HNAE)

Three independent batches of human EGF protein (Cat#: 10605-HNAE) have identical bioactivity. Image Credit: Sino Biological Inc.

GMP-grade human OSM (Cat#: GMP-10452-HNAH)

Three independent batches of human OSM protein (Cat#: GMP-10452-HNAH) have identical bioactivity. Image Credit: Sino Biological Inc.

Source: Sino Biological Inc.

Cytokines Cat# Species Expression Host Purity Activity Endotoxin EGF GMP-10605-HNAE

4 Citations Human E. coli  95 % (SEC-HPLC) Active < 5 EU/mg FGF7 10210-H07E

2 Citations Human E. coli  95 % (SEC-HPLC) Active < 0.01 EU/g FGF10 10573-HNAE

3 Citations Human E. coli  95 % (SEC-HPLC) Active < 5 EU/mg HGF 10463-HNAS

20 Citations Human CHO Stable Cells  95 % (SEC-HPLC) Active < 0.01 EU/g NOG 10267-HNAH Human HEK293 Cells  95 % (SEC-HPLC) Active < 10 EU/mg Activin A 10429-HNAH

5 Citations Human, Mouse,

Rat, Cynomolgus,

Rhesus HEK293 Cells  95 % (SEC-HPLC) Active <10 EU/mg

Organoid analysis and characterization

Once a culture of organoids has been successfully acquired, an assessment must be performed to evaluate whether the cultured organoids, in effect, recapitulate key aspects of the relative human tissue or organ.

This validation is a necessary requirement in order to use organoids in any subsequent applications. Currently, the methods primarily used to analyze organoids include H&E staining, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and single-cell sequencing. These methods can be carried out to investigate various elements of the organoids, including morphology, histopathology, and molecular genetics.

Validating organoid markers is vital when establishing the successful culturing of organoids and offers valuable insight regarding any changes in cellular physiological and pathological qualities.

Sino Biological has a vast array of high-quality organoid marker antibodies readily available for immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, WB, and immunoprecipitation applications, supporting organoid research and validation.

List of normal organoid markers

Source: Sino Biological Inc.

Organoid Type Biomarker Cardiac Organoid IRX4, Ki67, TBX5, N-Cadherin, beta-Catenin, CD31, Alpha-fetoprotein, VE-Cadherin, Troponin I Prostate Organoid KRT5, Cytokeratin 8, p63, PSA, Androgen receptor, KRT14, E-Cadherin, Vimentin, Nkx3.1, KRT18, Chromogranin A Breast Organoid KRT18, KRT14, p63, Cytokeratin 8, EpCAM, E-Cadherin, Actin Inner Ear Organoid PAX8, E-Cadherin, PAX2, SOX2, GATA3, Jagged 1, TUBB3, KRT18, PCP4, ANXA4, SPARCL1 Blood Vessel Organoid CD31, PDGFRB, ACTA2, Actin, Ki67, VE-Cadherin Retinal Organoid ISL1, Ki67, SOX2, Nestin, GFAP, Vimentin Thyroid Organoid PAX8, Thyroid peroxidase, SLC5A5, TTF1, FOXO1, TJP1 Liver Organoid KRT19, HNF4A, Albumin, EpCAM, TJP1, E-Cadherin, PCK1, ABCC2 Lung Organoid TJP1, Uteroglobin, E-Cadherin, FoxJ1, p63, SOX2, Cytokeratin 8, Cytokeratin 17 Brain Organoid TUBB3, SOX2, Ki67, PAX2, EMX1, Neuropilin-2, Transthyretin, MAP2, N-Cadherin, CALB2, DCX Intestinal Organoid Albumin, PDX1, LGR5, CD34, c-Kit, EpCAM, CDX2, E-Cadherin, Chromogranin A, KRT20, Ki67, SOX2 Kidney Organoid PAX2, PODXL, N-Cadherin, Aquaporin 1, E-Cadherin, TIM-1, Vimentin, CD31, PAX8 Gastric Organoid FOXF1, KLF5, GATA4, PDX1, SOX2, E-Cadherin, ACTA2, CDX2, PGC Pancreas Organoid KLF4, PDX1, ONECUT1, KRT19

List of tumor organoid markers

Source: Sino Biological Inc.

Organoid Type Biomarker Liver Cancer EpCAM, Alpha-fetoprotein, GPC3, beta-Catenin, Ki67, KRT19 Gastric Cancer CEACAM1, KRT7, KRT20, Ki67, E-Cadherin, p53 Bladder Cancer KRT7, KRT20, Ki67, KRT5, Cytokeratin 8, p53, KRT14, FOXA1, p63, CD44 Biliary Cancer KRT7, MUC1, p53, KRT19, EpCAM, S100P, N-Cadherin, NCAM Nasopharyngeal Cancer Ki67, CD133, CD44 Lung Cancer Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor, Napsin A, TTF-1, KRT7, p63, NCAM, Synaptophysin Breast Cancer ER alpha, Progesterone receptor, Her2, Ki67, KRT14, p63, KRT5, Cytokeratin 8, P-cadherin, E-Cadherin, KRT18 Colorectal Cancer MSH6, Ki67, CDX2, KRT20, beta-Catenin, P-CK, OLFM4 Prostate Cancer Ki67, PTEN, Androgen receptor, NKX3.1, p63, PSA, GSTP1, ACTA2, KRT5, Cytokeratin 8, E-Cadherin, Vimentin, KRT14 Ovarian Cancer p53, PAX8, Cytokeratin 8, ER alpha, HE4, Progesterone receptor, KRT7, E-Cadherin, Her2, KRT20, Ki67, CD9, KRT19, EpCAM, ALDH1A1, CD44 Pancreatic Cancer Synaptophysin, Ki67, Chromogranin A, KRT19, MUC1

Product validation data

Ki67 antibody (Cat#: 100130-MM19)

Immunochemical staining of human Ki67 in human lung cancer. Image Credit: Sino Biological Inc.

p63 antibody (Cat#: 100266-R143)

Immunochemical staining of human p63 in human breast carcinoma. Image Credit: Sino Biological Inc.

KRT19 antibody (Cat#: 100306-MM08)

Immunochemical staining of human KRT19 in human thyroid cancer. Image Credit: Sino Biological Inc.

p53 antibody (Cat#: 90001-R002)

Immunochemical staining of p53 in human lung cancer. Image Credit: Sino Biological Inc.

Testimonials from partners

D1Med is considered a leader in the organoid field. The company provides pharmaceutical companies with new clinical solutions for precision cancer medicine as well as high-grade organoid models and other related services .

D1Med has used Sino Biological's top-quality cytokine products such asFGFs, Noggin, R-Spondin 1, and EGF to develop a range of standardized organoids such as stomach, intestine, kidney, lung, and liver, as well as tumor organoids that replicate breast, lung, liver, and ovarian cancers. These organoids have been successfully deployed in drug development and precision therapy development applications.

As our strategic partner and long-term supplier, Sino Biological always provides recombinant protein raw materials with excellent quality and stable performance for our organoid platform, fully guaranteeing the stability and high efficiency of the organoid culture system. Guoqiang Hua, Ph.D Founder & Chairman, D1Med Technology (Shanghai) Inc.

Organoid image gallery (Courtesy of D1Med)

Fluorescent staining of human small intestine organoids

Image Credit: D1Med

Overview and resources

Organoid technology has progressed at an accelerated rate since Hans Clevers first cultured intestinal organoids with crypt-villus structures in vitro in 2009. As of 2023, scientists have been able to fabricate a wide rage of normal and tumor organoids, including brain, heart, intestinal, kidney, liver, lung, breast, and retinal organoids, with great success.

Recently, organoid technology has proven itself to be one of the state-of-the-art technologies at the vanguard of the biomedical field. This emerging technology is now used across an extensive range of applications in disease modeling, drug discovery and screening, cell therapy, companion diagnostics, regenerative medicine, and many more.

The organoid industry explores new opportunities

Through inclusion in and the support of the European Union Horizon 2020 (EU H2020) program, organoids have gained widespread recognition.

In December 2022, the FDA eliminated mandated animal testing requirements for new drugs, ushering in a range of possibilities for progression in organoid research and drug development.

As a worldwide market leader in life science reagents, Sino Biological has an extensive range of premium products readily available, including more than 800 cytokines, marker antibodies, ELISA kits, and antibody pairs. These products can be customized to support customers and help them navigate key steps of organoid culture, differentiation, analysis, and identification.

About Sino Biological Inc.

Sino Biological is an international reagent supplier and service provider. The company specializes in recombinant protein production and antibody development. All of Sino Biological's products are independently developed and produced, including recombinant proteins, antibodies and cDNA clones. Sino Biological is the researchers' one-stop technical services shop for the advanced technology platforms they need to make advancements. In addition, Sino Biological offer pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology firms pre-clinical production technology services for hundreds of monoclonal antibody drug candidates.

Sino Biological's core business

Sino Biological is committed to providing high-quality recombinant protein and antibody reagents and to being a one-stop technical services shop for life science researchers around the world. All of our products are independently developed and produced. In addition, we offer pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology firms pre-clinical production technology services for hundreds of monoclonal antibody drug candidates. Our product quality control indicators meet rigorous requirements for clinical use samples. It takes only a few weeks for us to produce 1 to 30 grams of purified monoclonal antibody from gene sequencing.

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.
IBM has joined the tech layoff club once again this year as it announced laying off employees from its marketing and communications divisions, without mentioning the exact number.

IBM reportedly laid off employees in the companys marketing and communications division. The decision of layoffs was disclosed in a seven-minute meeting by Jonathan Adashek, the chief communications officer at IBM, with the employees in the department. CNBC reported IBM layoffs citing unnamed sources although the company did not release the information officially.

This comes as the companys CEO Arvind Krishna said last year that IBM expects to pause hiring for roles which could be replaced with artificial intelligence (AI) in the coming years. Arvind Krishna said that hiring in back-office functions such as human resources will be suspended or slowed. He said, I could easily see 30% of that getting replaced by AI and automation over a five-year period.

At least 204 companies including IBM have announced job cuts in 2024 as per layoffs.fyi website. These layoffs have affected 49,978 employees.

IBM Restructuring Plan

In January, IBMs Chief Financial Officer James Kavanaugh said that the company is likely to spend the same amount on restructuring as it did last year which was $400 million when it reduced its workforce by about 3,900 jobs.

The report states that IBM asked its employees who wish to choose voluntary redundancy and take an initiative in layoffs which would target positions in Europe. IBMs initiative is seen as transformative rather than financial and 80% of the reduction target is directed towards Enterprise Operations & Support (EO&S) and Q2C missions and also towards Finance & Operations.
In a recent move, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) ordered Paytm Payments Bank Ltd. (PPBL) to cease taking deposits or top-ups in any client accounts  including wallets and FASTags  after February 29, 2024. As PPBL did not follow the guidelines in the service-level agreement, the Indian Highways Management Company (IHMCL), a division of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), prohibited PPBL from issuing new FASTags.

NHAI suggests users acquire FASTags from the 32 banks that are now on the authorised list for FASTag issuing. The final deadline has been moved up to March 15; after that, Paytm FASTags cannot be used. However, consumers will have the option to close their previous FASTag and get a refund in accordance with the frequently asked inquiries (FAQs) that the RBI has put forth.

If this concerns you, you may be looking for instructions on how to switch banks or deactivate your FASTag. Here is a step-by-step method for porting or deactivating FASTag.

Steps For Deactivation:

Enter your user ID or wallet ID along with your password to access the FASTag Paytm interface.

For verification, provide the required information, including your registered phone number and FASTag number.

Go to the portals Service Request area or utilise the Paytm apps 24/7 assistance section and choose the The FASTag category.

Indicate clearly that you wish to deactivate your FASTag and adhere to the guidelines given. Its possible that more data will be needed for processing.

Start the process of creating a service request and, for future reference, maintain a note of the complaint or reference number provided. If you dont receive the deactivation confirmation from Paytm within the allotted time, follow up with them.

Select Closure Request as the request type to close either the RFID tag or the wallet linked to your account. Once deactivated, the same FASTag cannot be reactivated.

Steps For Porting:

Make contact with the new banks customer service department and follow their directions. This might entail completing an application, sending the required paperwork, and submitting a porting fee. Your new bank will send you a confirmation message when your porting request is approved. You can start using your FASTag with the new bank account.

Before making any decisions, its important to note that Paytms parent company, One97 Communications (OCL), has assured its customers that RBI restrictions do not impact user deposits in their savings accounts, wallets, FASTags, and NCMC accounts. These balances can still be used. The company is working closely with regulators to comply with directives and address concerns promptly.

OCL and PPSL would transfer the nodal to different banks during this time, according to Paytm. In order to provide its clients with a variety of payment options, OCL plans to establish alliances with other banks.

Make sure you know how much money is in your Paytm FASTag wallet before selecting whether to transfer or deactivate your FASTag.

You can follow these steps to buy a new FASTag online:

Download the My FASTag app. Click on Buy FASTag to be directed to an e-commerce link. Purchase the FASTag, and it will be delivered to you.

Or you can follow these steps:
Stocks To Watch On March 14: Benchmark indices crashed over 1% on Wednesday due to widespread selling pressure amid a sharp fall in smallcap and midcap indices. In todays trade, shares of ITC, Vedanta, Tata Motors, Cyient, Gopal Snacks, Droneacharya Aerial among others will be in focus due to various news developments.

Reliance Industries: RIL, on Thursday, signed a binding agreement with two subsidiaries of Paramount Global to acquire the latters stake in Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd. for an aggregate consideration of Rs 4,286 crore.

Gopal Snacks: The companys shares will debut on the stock exchanges on Thursday at an issue price of Rs 401 apiece.

Hindustan Aeronautics: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed two contracts worth Rs 8,073 crore with the Hindustan Aeronautics for acquisition of 34 advanced light helicopters and associated equipment for the Indian Army and the Coast Guard.

KEC International: The company has received orders worth Rs 2,257 crore across its various businesses.

Tata Motors: The company has signed an MoU, for investment worth Rs 9,000 crore, with Tamil Nadu government to set-up vehicle manufacturing facility.

DLF: Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company has bought 4.67 acres of land in Chennai from DLF Ltd for Rs 735 crore.

Separately, the company has decided to raise funds worth Rs 600 crore via debt securities.

Som Distilleries: The companys Board of Directors will meet on April 2, 2024, to consider stock split/sub-division of shares.

Grasim Industries: The Finance Committee of the Board of Directors of the company has approved to raise funds by way of issuance of Non-Convertible Debentures of Rs 1,250 crore.

Federal Bank, South Indian Bank: The Reserve Bank of India has asked Federal Bank, and South Indian Bank to stop issuing new co-branded credit cards.

Hudco: A meeting of Board of Directors will be held on Wednesday, March 20, to consider declaration of interim dividend for FY24.

Patanjali Foods: The Board of Directors has approved the formation of two wholly owned subsidiaries of the company in India. The company also declared an interim dividend of Rs 6 per share.

Indian Hume Pipe: The company received orders worth Rs 230 crore from Telangana government for water supply and sewerage projects.

Auto stocks: The central government has announced a new scheme, with a total outlay of Rs 500 crore, to promote the adoption of electric mobility in India.

IIFL Finance: The company approved raising up to Rs 1,500 crore via issue of shares and up to Rs 500 crore via NCDs on a private placement basis.

Vedanta: The company will appeal against Sebis order directing it to pay Rs 77.6 crore to Cairn UK.

PC Jeweller: The State Bank of India has accepted the companys proposal for one time settlement of outstanding dues.
The Department of School Education in Andhra Pradesh is scheduled to release the Andhra Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test (AP TET) 2024 results today, March 14. Candidates who appeared for the exam can download their results from the official website at aptet.apcfss.in.

The AP TET 2024 was conducted from February 27 to March 9 in two sessions  one from 9:30 am to 12 noon and the other from 2:30 pm to 5 pm.

The provisional answer key for AP TET 2024 was issued on March 6, 2024. Candidates who were not satisfied with the provisional answer key had the option to raise objections against the answer key on or before March 7. The final answer key is set to be released on March 13.

AP TET 2024 Result: How To Check

Here are simple steps for the candidates to access their AP TET 2024 result:

Step 1: Go to the official website of AP TET 2024, which is aptet.apcfss.in.

Step 2: Once youre on the homepage of the website, look for and click on the link labeled AP TET Result 2024.

Step 3: After clicking on the result link, you will be redirected to a new page where youll need to provide your login credentials.

Step 4: Once youve entered the details, click on the submit.

Step 5: After submission, your AP TET 2024 result will be displayed on the screen. Review the details carefully.

Step 6: Download the result and take a printout for future reference.

The AP TET consists of two papers. Qualifying Paper 1 makes candidates eligible to teach classes 1 to 5, while clearing Paper 2 qualifies them for teaching classes 6 to 8.

To pass the AP TET 2024, candidates need to secure a minimum of 60 per cent marks. However, candidates belonging to the BC category must attain 50 per cent or above marks, and SC, ST, differently abled, and ex-servicemen category candidates need to secure at least 40 per cent marks.

The AP TET exam lasts for 2 hours and 30 minutes and contains 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). In Paper 1, there are five sections: child development and pedagogy, language 1, English, mathematics, and environmental studies. Each section consists of 30 MCQs, with each question carrying one mark. Paper 2 also has five sections: child development and pedagogy, language 1, English, and subjects related to the chosen stream. The first three sections contain 30 MCQs each, while the final segment comprises 60 MCQs.
The Assam Science and Technology University (ASTU) has begun the online registration process for the Combined Entrance Examination (CEE) 2024 today, March 14. Candidates can apply on the official website of ASTU at astu.ac.in by April 3.

According to the official information brochure, the Assam CEE 2024 exam will be held on June 2 from 11 am to 2 pm. The hall ticket for the same will be released 15 days before the commencement of the exam. The result will be declared within 10 days of the conduct of the combined entrance test.

The exam is held every year for students seeking admission into the first semester of Bachelor of Technology (BTech) programmes in the engineering colleges of Assam.

Assam CEE 2024: Who Can Apply?

Educational Qualification: Candidates who are Indian citizens and permanent residents of Assam are eligible to apply for the exam. Furthermore, they must have scored 45 per cent in class 12 or completed a three-year diploma in engineering and technology with 45 per cent marks to be eligible to apply for Assam CEE 2024. Candidates who have secured first rank in AHSEC board exams are eligible for direct admissions. They may skip the exam.

Age limit: They must also not be under 17 years of age or above 21 years of age. The upper age limit has been relaxed for candidates belonging to reserved categories.

Assam CEE 2024: How to Apply?

Step 1: Go to the official website of ASTU at astu.ac.in.

Step 2: On the main page, click on the registration link.

Step 3: As the new page opens, fill up the application form, upload all the documents and pay the necessary fee.

Step 4: Submit the form as instructed

Step 5: Keep a printout of the Assam CEE 2024 for future reference.

Assam CEE 2024: Application fee

When applying for the exam, students are required to pay an application fee of Rs 1,000.

ALSO READ | NEET UG 2024 Application Correction Window to Open on March 18

The Assam Combined Entrance Examination will be based on the syllabus of the States Higher Secondary Education Council (AHSEC). The CEE exam will be of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ) type and will comprise a single paper for a 3-hour duration. The subjects for the exam include physics, chemistry, and mathematics. There will be 40 questions in each exam paper and four marks will be awarded for every correct answer while one mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.
Aussie pool owners are being warned about the danger of "chlorine bombs" after a pool-cleaning device exploded, narrowing missing a child who was swimming at the time.

A parent and their daughter were swimming on a hot day in Melbourne over the weekend, with temperatures reaching 38 degrees in some areas, when they noticed the floating dispenser holding chlorine tablets "smelled like rotten eggs".

"I told her not to touch it, and I grabbed the stick to push it into the corner," the parent wrote on social media. "And it exploded like a bomb. Literally a bomb. The device shattered into pieces, there was a loud bang, gas cloud and my ears are still ringing."

The floater, which releases chlorine into the pool, exploded while a child and a parent were swimming. Source: Reddit

Warning over pool product sold at Bunnings

The device in question is designed to float on top of the water as the chlorine tablets inside slowly disintegrate. It's an alternative to using a liquid-based chemical. The poster said they used Hy-Clor 3-in-1 tablets sold at Bunnings. However, Hy-Clor told Yahoo News its 3-in-1 range does not come in tablet form, only in a granular chlorine concentrate, and cannot be used in a floater device.

The exact floating device the poster used is unclear, but it appears to be the Hy-Clor Pool Floating Dispenser, also sold at Bunnings. Hy-Clor declined to comment on the pool user's experience.

After the Melbourne pool user's floater device exploded, they warned others against using them, especially during hot weather.

"Apparently above 30 degrees, the pressure builds in those floaters [from the] heat/sun and chemicals and [it] caused a chlorine bomb," the poster suggested. "If we had been any closer we would have been seriously injured. Warning to parents pool floaters are dangerous".

Story continues

Hot weather likely to blame for chemical reaction

Ian Rae, a chemist at the University of Melbourne, confirmed chemicals are "very reactive" and should never be mixed with other chemicals. In this instance, he suggested the chlorine likely reacted with the hot plastic.

"Chemicals are known to be sensitive. The manufacturers know that, and they take a lot of care to package them so that they're as safe as they can be  but every now and then something goes wrong," he told Yahoo News Australia.

"They're clear signs these things are dangerous and you've got to handle them carefully. And most of the time, I think people do handle them carefully and nothing goes wrong."

The poster said they use Hy-Clor products sold at Bunnings. Source: Bunnings

He said it's likely not to have been human error in this instance, or a fault with the device necessarily. But the floating device "must have got very hot" in the sun and reacted with the chemical.

"Hot enough for the chemical inside to start decomposing," he said. "The manufacturers say [they] can't decompose, but it's just extreme conditions when the pool chemical probably reacted with the hot plastic".

High temperatures can cause release of 'toxic' gas

The product's safety data sheet stipulates "exposure to high temperatures or contact with acids may liberate chlorine gas which is toxic". It says the product should be kept in a cool place, preferably below 30 degrees Celsius.

"Thermal decomposition may result in the release of toxic and/or irritating fumes including chlorine gas and nitrogen trichloride," it says. Exposure to this chemical can cause throat irritation, Rae said.

But chemicals in general are "rather unstable" the professor warned, and can react "quite quickly with other substances". That's why they'll always come with warnings such as "keep them cool and don't mix with other things".

Someone claiming to have worked in the pool industry "for years" responded to the warning on Reddit and confirmed, "its not the device that exploded, its the chemical on the inside that has done it".

Bunnings advises customers to follow all instructions

Others suggested there might have been residue still inside the device from another tablet, with the poster confirming "I had an almost disintegrated tablet in there and put a fresh one on top. Maybe the original one was a different brand". They said it was "scary and really unexpected".

Speaking to Yahoo, Jen Tucker, Bunnings Director of Merchandise said, "We take the safety of the products we sell very seriously and we work closely with our suppliers to ensure the products meet relevant safety standards and regulations.

"As always, we encourage customers to reach out to us if they have concerns about an item purchased from Bunnings and that they carefully follow all advice and instructions on the product label."

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs has approved a proposal from the University of Delhi to establish the Centre for Advanced Studies in Buddhism. The Buddhist study centre will be constructed at the university campus at an estimated cost of Rs 35 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) and the Buddhist Development Plan (BDP).

The centre will also include various courses in Buddhist studies like undergraduation, postgraduation, Ph.D., and research programs. It will also try to strengthen the required infrastructure. The University will collaborate with the Ministry to enhance educational opportunities for minority communities in the country.

DU will have the onus to develop curriculum guidelines and subject materials for all required courses including certificate courses, diploma courses, and PhD programs in Buddhist studies in collaboration with the subject expert.

Delhi University will organize training programs and workshops for faculty members involved in teaching Buddhist studies courses to enhance their pedagogical skills and subject knowledge. The Empowered Committee of PMJVK would examine the detailed cost estimates from the University before funds are released for the establishment of the said centre.

The University of Delhi will also collaborate with subject experts on research projects related to Buddhist studies, thereby encouraging faculty members and students to undertake interdisciplinary research that contributes to the understanding and preservation of Buddhist culture and language.

Meanwhile, the University has decided to introduce a course on the Science of Happiness in the curriculum of its various programs offered in five womens colleges and varsity departments from the next academic session.

The university, along with five of its womens colleges, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Rekhi Foundation for Happiness to offer the course and set up a Centre of Excellence for the Science of Happiness in these colleges. Delhi University may modify this curriculum to match the needs of students and credit structure.

Happiness is most important in life. Understanding the idea and need for the science of happiness, DU has decided to include the course on Science of Happiness in the curriculum of the programs running in its departments and colleges, Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh said.

Once the curriculum is finalised, DU will notify the same and its colleges may make necessary arrangements for offering the course on the Science of Happiness. Initially, the course may be offered as an elective subject. Gradually the administration may develop it into a major or minor subject, the statement said.

The five womens colleges where the curriculum will be introduced first include Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Gargi College, Indraprastha Womens College, Miranda House, and Daulat Ram College.
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) will soon release the admission card for the NEET MDS 2024. Eligible applicants will be able to download their hall tickets from the official website nbe.edu.in starting tomorrow, March 15. The admit card will provide vital information such as the candidates name, exam centre, and other details.

The exam is scheduled to be conducted on March 18, 2024. NEET MDS is a test for admission to several MDS courses under the Dentists Act of 1948. The exam would be conducted on a computer-based platform at numerous examination centres across India. The exam is an eligibility and ranking-based entrance exam for students applying to various dentistry or MDS programmes. The results will be available by April 18.

How To Download NEET MDS 2024 Admit Card?

Step 1  Visit the official website, natboard.edu.in.

Step 2  Click on the NEET MDS 2023 admission card link.

Step 3  Fill up your login information and submit.

Step 4  Check and download your admission card.

Step 5  Keep a hard copy for future reference.

Candidates could apply for the exam if they had a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from any institute registered with the State Dental Council, either provisionally or permanently. Furthermore, a one-year mandatory rotational internship at an approved/recognized dentistry college is necessary. NBEMS completed the online registration procedure for NEET MDS 2024 on March 11.

This year, the NEET MDS exam fees decreased for all categories compared to the previous year. General and OBC applicants had to pay an examination fee of Rs 3500. While SC, ST, and PwD aspirants paid Rs 2500. The official notice stated, Once submitted, applications could not be withdrawn and the fees would be refunded under any circumstances. Furthermore, any claims for refund, revision, or carrying forward of the application fee will not be accepted.

Meanwhile, recently, it was speculated across social media that there was a paucity of exam centres for the National Entrance Cum Eligibility Test  Master of Dental Surgery (NEET MDS) exam in the North East. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare addressed the matter on its official social media account. They explained that exam centres are available in the Northeast region. With reference to some media reports suggesting there are no exam centres in the North East, it is clarified that there are NEET MDS examination centres in north-eastern states. There are exam centres in Shillong, Naharlagun, Kohima, Aizawl, Guwahati and Kolkata, the Ministry of Health posted on X. (sic)
The SBI Foundation, the CSR arm of the State Bank Group, has opened applications for the 12th Batch of its esteemed SBI Youth for India Fellowship program. This initiative, spanning over 13 months, presents a structured opportunity for educated urban youth, aged between 21 to 32 years, including graduates and young professionals, to collaborate with rural communities and 13 renowned NGOs across India. The primary goal is to drive meaningful societal change.

Candidates for the Fellowship programme must be citizens of Bhutan, Nepal, India, or Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) who are dedicated to promoting sustainable development goals in rural regions.

Interested candidates for fellowships are urged to take advantage of this chance to use their expertise and creativity to bring in a positive change. The application process is available at www.youthforindia.org/register.

Currently in its twelfth iteration, this fellowship focuses on twelve thematic areas: technology, womens empowerment, self-governance, social entrepreneurship, environmental protection, traditional craft, health, rural livelihood, food security, education, water, and alternate energy. Fellows will focus on one of these topics depending on their interests and expertise.

The SBI Foundations managing director and CEO, Sanjay Prakash, emphasised that the programme is a ray of hope for people who want to create a better future for rural India and themselves. He said, The SBI Youth for India program aims to fill the gap between urban youths aspirations and the rural reality, empowering them to create transformative change in rural communities,

Young Indian applicants from major cities, OCIs, as well as residents of Nepal and Bhutan, have enthusiastically embraced the SBI Youth for India programme. The programme has a growing network of over 580 graduates who have positively impacted the lives of over 150,000 individuals in over 250 villages spread over 20 Indian states.

Furthermore, the programme has impacted the academic goals of its graduates, with more than 100 going on to pursue postgraduate degrees in fields related to development and approximately 70 per cent starting professions in the social sector, such as rural development, public policy/government, and academia. Among the notable alumni are Himanshu Pandey (YFI 201617 Batch), who works at NITI Aayog & Consults in the Capacity Building Commission, Government of India, and Naman Bansal (YFI 201516 Batch), who attended Harvard University to obtain a Master of Education (M.Ed.). Senior alumnus Simran Grover (YFI 201112 Batch) established the Centre for Energy, Environment & People (CEEP), which focuses on climate governance and energy.
The BJPs central leadership has gone for a surgical strike in Karnataka by replacing nine sitting Lok Sabha MPs and fielding eight new faces in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

The BJP has decided to field Mysore royal family member Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, distinguished cardiologist and son-in-law of Deve Gowda Dr CN Manjunath, and former BJP chief minister Basavaraj Bommai among other new faces.

Calculated Risk?

In the second list of Lok Sabha candidates for the southern state, the BJP has tried to bring in fresh faces who can give a tough fight to the Congress as well as maintain the caste balance in those seats.

The BJP has retained some of its warhorses and has taken a calculated risk with some others.

They have given tickets to those, who, if denied, could have sabotaged the BJPs prospects. There was also no alternate choice in some of those seats, said a senior BJP leader on condition of anonymity.

Those nominated again to contest the Lok Sabha elections are Anna Saheb Shankar Jolle (Chikkodi), PC Gaddigoudar (Bagalkote), Ramesh Jigajinagi (Bijapur-SC), Umesh Jadhav (Gulbarga-SC), Bhagwant Khuba (Bidar), Prahlad Joshi (Dharwad), BY Raghavendra (Shivamogga), PC Mohan (Bangalore Central), and Tejasvi Surya (Bangalore South).

B Sriramulu, a close confidante of mining baron and MLA Janardhan Reddy, will contest from the Bellary seat. Sriramulu had lost the Karnataka Assembly elections and has earlier represented Bellary in the Lok Sabha.

Basavaraj Bommai, under whose leadership the BJP contested the 2023 Assembly polls and won 66 out of 224 seats, has been accommodated in the Haveri seat, while V Somanna, who took on current Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the Varuna Assembly seat, has been given the Tumkur seat to fight the general elections.

Basavaraj Kyavatoor (Koppal) and S Balaraj (Chamrajanagar) are making their Lok Sabha election debut. Gayatri Siddeshwar will replace her husband, former MoS GM Siddeshwar, in the Davangere seat.

BJP spokesperson S Prakash called the list of names announced for Karnataka a balanced one. Winnability is the criteria. The BJP will sweep the election and will win more than 20 seats, he told News18.

Who Lost Out?

The party has dumped controversial MP from Mysuru Prathap Simha. It was Simhas signature on the visitors pass that gave access to a group of protestors to enter Parliament in December last year, causing a major security breach. He has been replaced by the scion of the Mysuru royal family, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar.

An upset Simha said in a veiled dig that he was proud the Mysore royal family wishes to live like ordinary people rather than stay indoors with air conditioning as kings.

The second major shakeup has been the Dakshin Kannada seat where sitting MP Nalin Kumar Kateel has been replaced by Kota Srinivas Poojary, the current Leader of Opposition in Karnatakas Legislative Council. Kateel has represented the seat thrice, while Poojary has served several terms as a state minister during BJP regimes in Karnataka. Kateel has been facing anti-incumbency in his seat after the brutal murder of BJP Yuva Morcha leader Praveen Nettaru in Mangaluru. Local BJP workers have been extremely upset with the way he handled the case.

The Billava community, who form a large part of the constituents in the region are angry with Kateel and that was also communicated to the central leadership, said a senior BJP functionary from Dakshin Kananda.

Four-time MP and former Union minister Sadananda Gowda has also been dropped from the Bengaluru North Lok Sabha seat and has been replaced by Shobha Karandlaje who had earlier been elected as an MP from the coastal Udupi-Chikkamgalur seat. Gowda, who has Karnatakas chief minister in November, announced his retirement from electoral politics. He was reportedly upset with the BJP at not being consulted while drawing up the candidates list.

A party insider also said an alleged viral video sealed the leaders fate in 2021. In the video, Gowda is purportedly heard talking to an unidentified woman. The leader later filed a complaint with the cybercrime police, alleging it was a fake, lewd video spread to tarnish his image.

Other sitting MPs who have been dropped are GS Basavaraju (Tumkur), Karadi Sanganna Amarappa (Koppal), Y Devendrappa (Bellary), Shivakumar Udasi (Haveri), and V Srinivas Prasad (Chamarajanagara).

New on the Block

Dr CN Manjunath, a noted cardiologist who recently joined the BJP, will be contesting from the Bengaluru Rural constituency against three-time MP DK Suresh who is also the brother of Karnatakas Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

This constituency is considered a Vokkaliga stronghold and the pocket borough of the Shivakumar brothers. By fielding Dr Manjunath here, the BJP hopes to give them a tough fight in the heartland of the Vokkaligas, the community the Deve Gowda family is known to be the face of.

Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Food Processing Industries, has been shifted to the Bengaluru North Lok Sabha seat instead of Udupi Chikkamgaluru. Local BJP workers in Chikkamagalur had started a Go Back Shobha campaign against her and had raised objections to her being given a ticket from the seat. Local leaders who were part of the protests claimed that though she represented the seat for two terms, she had no acquaintances among even the block committee leaders of the party.

Another surprise entrant is Captain Brijesh Chowta who has been given the ticket instead of sitting Dakshin Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel.

Chowta, who is presently the state secretary of the Karnataka BJP, comes from a military background and calls himself a cultural political activist and entrepreneur. He served in the 7th battalion of the Gorkha regiment and also served during the counter-insurgency in Manipur and Assam. Chowta had been a strong contender for the seat.

Willing to Strike, Afraid to Wound

Political analyst SA Hemanth says the BJP central leadership has gone with the time-tested dictum that discretion is a better part of valour with this selection of candidates in the second list.

It wanted to effect a drastic change. However, the BJP has retained many MPs to ensure there would be no internal squabbles that could hurt the partys chances of winning. This move also means that the central leadership was willing to strike but afraid to wound, he said.
News18 Opinion Polls: The results of News18 Mega Opinion Poll covering 21 states, 518 constituencies and over one lakh respondents continued on the second day today. According to the survey, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) alliance is likely to win 411 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Date

The survey also predicted 25 out of 28 seats for NDA in Karnataka, 12 of 14 seats in Assam, 25 of 42 seats in West Bengal and a clean sweep in Rajasthan and Uttarakhand.

One of Indias largest opinion polls presented by News18 on Wednesday indicated that the DMK will lead the INDIA bloc to an impressive win of 30 seats in the upcoming LS polls in Tamil Nadu, but the BJP-led NDA is also set to make a mark of its presence by bagging five seats.

News18s mega opinion poll covering 21 states, 518 constituencies and over one lakh respondents is set to continue today as well.

Meanwhile, BJP on Wednesday released its second list of 72 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The party fielded Manohar Lal Khattar  who resigned as Haryana CM earlier this week  from the Karnal seat. Other heavyweights on the list included Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Anurag Thakur, Pralhad Joshi and Piyush Goyal.
He is an established name in the world of politics and governance, but Piyush Goyal will face his first electoral test in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections with the BJP including his name in the second list of candidates released on Wednesday.

Goyal is one of the top ministers in the Narendra Modi government and has been in-charge of crucial ministries in the last 10 years. He has handled portfolios like power, railways and coal among others. At present, he is the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and Textiles. He is also the Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha.

It was already a rarity when the BJP gave the veteran leader a third term in the Rajya Sabha, but now Goyal has been nominated to contest his first Lok Sabha election. Hailing from Mumbai, Goyal will go back to his base and contest general elections from the Mumbai North constituency, replacing another stalwart, Gopal Shetty, as the contender.

Politics comes naturally to this 59-year-old, whose father, the late Vedprakash Goyal, was Union Minister of Shipping and the national treasurer of the BJP for over two decades. His mother, Chandrakanta Goyal, was elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from Mumbai on three occasions. Piyush Goyal himself has been the treasurer of the party.

My heartfelt gratitude to the BJP State President Shri @CBawankule ji and Mumbai President Shri @ShelarAshish ji for reposing their faith in me, on behalf of the worlds largest political party BJP and nominating me as the Lok Sabha candidate from Mumbai North. Received blessings from my friend & colleague, Shri @iGopalShetty ji, who assured me of his continuous support for the development & upliftment of North Mumbai, Goyal tweeted shortly after his name figured in the BJPs second list.

My heartfelt gratitude to the BJP State President Shri @CBawankule ji and Mumbai President Shri @ShelarAshish ji for reposing their faith in me, on behalf of the world's largest political party BJP and nominating me as the Lok Sabha candidate from Mumbai North. Received  Piyush Goyal (  ) (@PiyushGoyal) March 13, 2024

Goyal is also presently leading the team that is negotiating with protesting farmers at the Delhi borders. He was part of the earlier team as well that effectively helped in pushing back farmers from the Delhi borders after months of back-and-forth between the Union government and farmer unions.

As a senior parliamentarian, Goyal has been an effective floor manager, including during the passage of crucial bills such as the triple talaq and Article 370 legislations. He shares an excellent rapport with people from home state Maharashtra and leaders in the Opposition. Within his party, Goyal has played a key role at the central level in all elections since 2004.

During his tenure in the Commerce Ministry, India clocked its highest-ever exports of about $776 billion in 2022-23. He led the signing of a Free Trade Agreement with the UAE, the fastest-ever negotiated FTA globally, and the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), New Delhis first agreement with a developed country after a decade. He also oversaw the launch of production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes to boost the Make in India push.

One of the biggest flagship programmes of the Modi government was also led by Goyal  implementation of the worlds largest food security program, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), under which free food grain was distributed to nearly 80 crore poor and vulnerable people over a two-year period.

As the Rail Minister, he helped India achieve the best-ever safety record of zero passenger deaths in rail accidents. As Power, Coal, and New & Renewable Energy Minister, he successfully implemented the worlds largest LED bulb distribution program (UJALA).

Briefly working as the countrys finance minister in the absence of an ill Arun Jaitley, Piyush Goyal presented one of the best budgets of the Narendra Modi government in 2019, just before Lok Sabha elections that year. He also has the record of being the only chartered accountant to have presented the Union Budget as finance minister.

After 35 years in politics, Goyal will go back to the basics, seeking votes in his home base Mumbai.
Its poll season once again and all eyes are on Odisha amid buzz in political circles about a possible alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party and chief minister Naveen Patnaiks Biju Janata Dal, which has been holding fort in the state for almost two decades now. Assembly elections in Odisha and the general elections are held simultaneously. And, according to Network18s Mega Opinion Poll, the state is set to add 13 Lok Sabha seats to the BJPs kitty, giving the remaining eight to the BJD, while the INDIA bloc may draw a blank.

The saffron party could rake in a 43% vote share, closely followed by the BJD at 40%, with INDIA getting 15%, and Others 2%, indicates the opinion poll.

News18s survey from February 12 to March 1 covered 21 major states of India that account for 95% all Lok Sabha constituencies, making it one of the largest surveys in the country. It provides valuable insights into the political landscape of India, offering a detailed analysis of voter sentiment and preferences ahead of the upcoming general elections.

BJP state leaders have held a series of meetings at the residence of union minister Dharmendra Pradhan, sources said. A section of state BJP leaders was against stitching an alliance with the BJD, which dumped the saffron party ahead of the 2009 general elections, months after a riot in Kandhamal the previous year, they said.

The issue of an alliance between the BJD and BJP came up for discussion after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Odisha on March 5. The next day, the BJD held a meeting of its senior leaders. Pradhan, the sources said, has been assigned to talk with the Odisha BJP leaders on the issue of the possible tie-up with the BJD.

Looking back at 2019

Odisha has 21 Lok Sabha seats and 147 assembly constituencies.

In 2019, the BJD won 12 Lok Sabha seats, while the BJP got eight and the Congress secured one. In the assembly elections the same year, the BJD bagged 112 seats, while the BJP won 23, and the Congress got nine.

Past ties

The bonhomie between Patnaik and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is an open secret. While PM Modi has hailed Patnaik as a Lokpriya (popular)" chief minister, the latter has said that the prime minister had set the course for India to become an economic powerhouse".

Despite not being part of the ruling coalition, the Biju Janata Dal has voted with the government on contentious issues such as the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Goods, and Services Tax (GST), demonetisation, and the proposal for one nation, one election, as well as the polls for the Presidents post, both in 2017 and 2022.

The two parties were allies from 1998 until 2009. Prior to becoming the chief minister, Naveen Patnaik was a union minister in late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayees cabinet in the 1990s.
The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition is likely to win 18 seats in Andhra Pradesh in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party 7 and the Congress-led Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) none, according to the News18 Mega Opinion Poll. The survey has predicted 50% vote share for the NDA, 6% for INDIA, 41% for YSRCP and 3% for others.

ALSO READ | News18 Opinion Poll: BJP-Led NDA May Take 10 in Chhattisgarh, 1 Seat for INDIA

This year, the BJP, TDP and Pawan Kalyans Jana Sena are contesting the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls together. Back in 2014, when TDP and BJP fought the polls together, Jana Sena was their outside ally.

As per their seat-sharing formula for 2024, the BJP will contest six Lok Sabha and 10 Assembly seats, while the TDP will fight 17 parliamentary and 144 state seats. Under the deal, Pawan Kalyans Jana Sena will contest two Lok Sabha and 21 Assembly seats.

The state has 25 Lok Sabha and 175 Assembly seats.

Jana Sena was initially supposed to contest 24 Assembly and three Lok Sabha seats, but in the seat-sharing formula it got 21 Assembly and two Lok Sabha seats, after the TDP joined the NDA recently.

Close on the heels of the TDP, Jana Sena and BJP alliance, YSRCP supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said he doesnt have tie-ups with any party and is going to the polls alone with the support of star campaigners from poor households.

The Congress, meanwhile, has proclaimed that as soon as the party comes to power at the Centre, it will accord a 10-year special category status to Andhra Pradesh. The declaration was made by Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president YS Sharmila, the estranged sister of Jagan Mohan Reddy.

The YSR Congress had swept the 2019 elections with 151 seats in the 175-member Assembly and 22 of the 25 Lok Sabha seats. It had received a staggering 49.9% (Assembly) and 49.1% (Lok Sabha) vote share.

The Telugu Desam Party got 39.2% (Assembly) and 39.6% (Lok Sabha) share. It won just 23 seats in the Assembly and three seats in the Lok Sabha.

The Congress had managed to poll an aggregate of 3,68,878 votes across all the 175 Assembly constituencies, a mere 1.17% of the gross 3.13 crore-odd votes cast. It was worse than in 2014 when it managed 8,02,072 votes (2.77%).

Interestingly, NOTA percentage was better than that of the Congress in 2019. In all, 4,01,969 NOTA votes (1.28 per cent) were polled.

ALSO READ | News18 Mega Opinion Poll: Karnataka May Go Saffron, Give 25 of 28 Seats to BJP-led NDA

The BJP got an aggregate of 2,64,303 votes (0.84%) in the 174 constituencies it contested. In 2014, in the company of TDP, the BJP had secured 6,32,599 votes (2.18%) in the 13 Assembly segments it contested. It had won four seats then.

In the Lok Sabha battle too the BJP managed just 0.96% votes while the Congress got 1.29%. Even here, the NOTA share was 1.49%.
The Bharatiya Janata Party may win a stunning 25 of West Bengals 42 seats in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, up from 18 in 2019, while the states ruling Trinamool Congress is expected to get only 17, according to Network18s Mega Opinion Poll. The Congress and ally Left could go empty-handed.

The survey predicted that the BJP and TMC would get around 42% of the votes each, while the Congress and allies may get only 14%, and Others 2%.

Trinamool Congress chairperson and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee recently declared that seat-sharing talks with the Congress had failed and her party would contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls alone in the state.

In 2019, Trinamool bagged 22 seats compared to the BJPs 18, with respective vote percentages of 43.3 and 40.7. But in 2021, Mamata Banerjee led the TMC to a landslide victory in the assembly elections, securing an impressive 215 seats.

Despite the BJPs vigorous campaigning, it only managed to get 77 seats. This, though, was a significant improvement on the partys 2016 tally of a mere three seats.

The state sends the third-highest number of representatives to the 543-member Lok Sabha, trailing only Uttar Pradesh (80) and Maharashtra (48).

The survey from February 12 to March 1 covered 21 major states of India that account for 95% of all Lok Sabha constituencies, making it one of the largest surveys in the country. It provides valuable insights into the political landscape of India, offering a detailed analysis of voter sentiment and preferences ahead of the upcoming general elections.

All Lok Sabha constituencies in the 21 states, a total of 518 Lok Sabha constituencies, were covered in the survey. In each of the Lok Sabha constituency, three Vidhan Sabha constituencies were selected. Five polling booths were selected in each Vidhan Sabha constituency, where 210 interviews were conducted among eligible voters (only one per household). Utilising a structured questionnaire translated into 11 regional languages, the survey employed personal face-to-face interviews conducted at homes selected via random sampling.

Fieldwork for the survey was carried out by trained investigators from 10 different fieldwork agencies, with strict quality control measures in place. Before going into the field, the teams underwent detailed briefing sessions to ensure adherence to the sampling plan and questionnaire. Senior field managers and executives conducted on-the-spot quality checks, and each interview was geo-tagged to verify its authenticity.

A total sample size of 1,18,616 across 21 states was achieved.
The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is on course to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modis 400 paar" target for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections while securing a historic third straight term at the Centre, according to Network18s Mega Opinion Poll.

The opinion poll, Indias biggest such survey, predicts the NDA is set to win 411 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha with the BJP alone bagging a record 350 seats. The remaining NDA constituents, including the Janata Dal (United) and Telugu Desam Party, will win 61 seats.

The survey indicates that the BJP-led NDA will sweep the Hindi heartland (with 77 seats in Uttar Pradesh, 28 in Madhya Pradesh, 10 in Chhattisgarh, 38 in Bihar, and 12 in Jharkhand) and Karnataka (25). It will also likely see a sharp rise in numbers in Odisha (13), West Bengal (25), Telangana (8), and Andhra Pradesh (18). The ruling alliance is also likely to bag all 26 seats in PM Modis home state Gujarat.

The NDA is also expected to spring surprises in Tamil Nadu (5) and Kerala (2), the two states where it is working overtime to make its presence felt.

The opinion poll has predicted that the opposition bloc INDIA, a united front comprising major non-BJP parties including the Congress, will win a combined 105 seats in the lower house. The Congress may end up with just 49, which would be its second-worst performance in Lok Sabha polls after its historic low of 44 in 2014.

Others, including the AIADMK, BSP, BRS, BJD, YSRCP, etc, could together net about 27 seats, according to the findings.

The NDA will collectively secure nearly half of the total votes cast, the opinion poll has predicted.

The survey from February 12 to March 1 covered 21 major states of India that account for 95% of all Lok Sabha constituencies, making it one of the largest surveys in the country. It provides valuable insights into the political landscape of India, offering a detailed analysis of voter sentiment and preferences ahead of the upcoming general elections.

All Lok Sabha constituencies in the 21 states, a total of 518 Lok Sabha constituencies, were covered in the survey. In each of the Lok Sabha constituencies, three Vidhan Sabha constituencies were selected. Five polling booths were selected in each Vidhan Sabha constituency, where 210 interviews were conducted among eligible voters (only one per household). Utilising a structured questionnaire translated into 11 regional languages, the survey employed personal face-to-face interviews conducted at homes selected via random sampling.

Fieldwork for the survey was carried out by trained investigators from 10 different fieldwork agencies, with strict quality control measures in place. Before going into the field, the teams underwent detailed briefing sessions to ensure adherence to the sampling plan and questionnaire. Senior field managers and executives conducted on-the-spot quality checks, and each interview was geo-tagged to verify its authenticity.

A total sample size of 1,18,616 across 21 states was achieved.
As the search for clues continues for missing mum Samantha Murphy, one man is going deep underground in pursuit of answers.

Esteemed mine shaft explorer Raymond Shaw believes one of the 5,000 mine shafts hidden beneath Ballarat could be where the Victorian mum's body is lying as he continues doing his bit to help police in their quest to locate her. Last week, 22-year-old Patrick Orren Stephenson was charged with her murder however no trace of the 51-year-old has been found.

Over the past five weeks, the mining hobbyist has put his skills to use by abseiling down many of the city's former mine shafts left behind by a once-booming gold industry, looking for "belongings, electronic devices and clothing" that could help in the investigation of the alleged murder.

Mine shaft explorer Raymond Shaw has been helping in the search for missing Ballarat mum Samantha Murphy. Source: The Victorian Historical Mine Shaft Chasers Inc

Shaw, who lives in Melbourne, told the ABC his fascination with disused mineshafts began as a child having grown up in Victoria's goldfields where this week a group of miners became trapped when a gold mine caved in on top of them.

The body of a worker was recovered on Thursday morning after the mine collapsed at Mount Clear in Ballarat, the same area where Samantha Murphy went missing. Two people were pinned by fallen rocks in the mine while 29 workers took refuge in a safety pod and were later brought to safety.

Shaw explores depths of Ballarat mines

Donning his overalls, helmet and harness, Shaw has been scaling mine shafts he's uncovered in the Ballarat area and sharing updates with his followers on social media with many applauding his efforts with Samantha Murphy's case.

Shaw has been abseiling down the shafts to search for any clues relating to the alleged murder of Samantha Murphy. Source: The Victorian Historical Mine Shaft Chasers Inc

Shaw said he's mostly focused on the mines police don't know about. "There are too many. It is overwhelming what we've seen," he told the ABC. Victoria Police told Yahoo News Australia, "there is no search activity immediately planned" in mine shafts in the area.

"We've abseiled a lot of shafts in the area today and checked about a hundred shafts with nothing in them other than debris," he recently wrote on social media. Pictures shared on Facebook show the eerie depths of some of the mine shafts he's explored, some of which can be up to about 100 metres deep.

Story continues

Some of the mines in Ballarat can be up to 100 metres deep. Source: The Victorian Historical Mine Shaft Chasers Inc

Mine shaft 'great place to conceal a body'

Speaking on Nine's Under Investigation last month, Shaw said there's a chance Murphy's body could be in one of the thousands of unused shafts. "No one is going to hear you crying for help, theres no phones, theres nothing, its very dark and damp down there," he said, describing the eerie depths of the mines.

"They can be semi-collapsed or filled with foliage, and that foliage on top can take you down to the depths of about 40 or 60 metres," he added.

Former Victorian detective Damian Marrett agreed the theory is plausible. "They could be a great place to conceal a body or a crime after the fact and you'd probably never find it," Marrett told the program.

Ray Shaw has been exploring unused mine shafts for years including the thousands in Ballarat. Source: The Victorian Historical Mine Shaft Chasers Inc

The experienced 'mine shaft chaser' said he usually drives his four-wheel drive into the bush then searches on foot and then sets up to abseil in, with his wife as a spotter close by.

"We will go down to the bottom if oxygen levels are adequate and see if there is anything down there," he said adding it's "very involved".

Shaw, who runs the Victorian Historical Mineshaft Chasers Facebook group, said he has plans to continue searching mineshafts in Ballarat for items of interest. "It is one of those situations that is difficult for everyone but we need answers," he said.

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The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition is likely to win 25 seats in Karnataka in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, leaving three for the Congress-led Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), according to the News18 Mega Opinion Poll. The survey has predicted 58% vote share for the NDA, 35% for INDIA and 7% for others.

Covering 518 Lok Sabha constituencies across 21 major states, the News18 Network Mega Opinion Poll, airing on March 13 and March 14, features a massive sample size of over 1,18,616 respondents, representing 95% of Lok Sabha constituencies and making it one of the largest surveys in the country.

ALSO READ | News18 Opinion Poll Predicts Mega Modi Wave in Madhya Pradesh: 28 of 29 Seats for NDA, 1 for INDIA

Karnataka is one of the most politically volatile states of the country that keeps the electoral cauldron simmering. From switching loyalties and changing regimes to resort politics, the nataka in Karnataka always hits headlines.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP steamrolled the ruling Congress-JDS alliance by bagging 25 out of the total 28 Lok Sabha seats, leaving the one-year-old Kumaraswamy government in a tizzy over its stability. With the BJP dealing a hammer blow, Congress and JD(S) managed to win only one seat each, indicating that neither arithmetic nor chemistry worked for the two, which apparently failed to reconcile with each other at the ground level. This was said to be the worst-ever performance by Congress in Karnataka and a record of sorts by BJP, for which Karnataka emerged as the bright spot in the South with other neighbouring states bucking the Modi magic.

Reflecting the coalitions sorry state, Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge in Gulbarga and former Prime Minister and JDS supremo H D Deve Gowda in Tumkur were defeated by their BJP rivals, making the rout complete.

While BJP secured a vote share of 51.4 per cent, Congress and JD(S) got about 31.9 per cent and 9.7 per cent respectively, poll data showed. Most of the candidates elected from the BJP were MPs in the previous Lok Sabha and were seeking re-election.

An interesting aspect of the 2019 election was that BJP made inroads into the South Karnataka belt, also known as the old Mysuru region, very distinctively.

Of the 28 constituencies that went to the polls, BJP had won in 17, Congress in 9 and JD(S) in two seats during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. However, during the by-poll in November 2018, BJP had lost the Bellary seat to Congress. While BJP had gained a vote share of 43.37 per cent in the 2014 polls, Congress and JD(S) had secured 41.15 per cent and 11.07 per cent respectively.

In 2014, while BJP had swept the coastal region, did well in the Mumbai Karnataka, central districts and Bangalore and also to an extent in Hyderabad Karnataka, most of the Congress victories came from its stronghold of southern Karnataka or old Mysuru region. JD(S) had won both its bastions of Hassan and Mandya.

Plan for 2024

The BJP released its second list of candidates on Wednesday according to which Union minister Pralhad Joshi will be fighting from Dharwad, while former chief minister BS Yediyurappas son BY Raghavendra will be contesting from Shimoga. Bengaluru South sitting MP Tejasvi Surya will fight from his Bengaluru South seat while Yaduveer Krishnadatta Wadiyar will replace Pratap Simha in Mysore. Former Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj Bommais name from Haveri was also a surprise.

Simha was embroiled in a controversy as he signed the passes of the intruders to Parliament which led to a major security breach.

Former Karnataka BJP president Nalin Kumar Kateel has been dropped from Dakshina Kannada in favour of Brijesh Chowta, who has served in the Army.

The political scenario has changed significantly in Karnataka. The Congress scored a thumping victory in the Assembly elections in May last year and now appears battle-ready, determined to put up a strong show in the Lok Sabha polls.

It is also a role reversal of sorts for JD(S) which joined the BJP-led NDA in September last year and wants to prove that its still a force to reckon with, particularly in South Karnataka.

The coming poll is also seen as a litmus test for state BJP President B Y Vijayendra, who has the onerous task of leading the party to retain its supremacy in the Lok Sabha elections.

ALSO READ | News18 Mega Opinion Poll Predicts Stunning Saffron Sweep in Bihar: 38 of 40 Seats for BJP-Led NDA

Both the BJP and the Congress have their share of challenges, with finding winning horses on top of this list.

The BJP is facing resistance against fielding sitting members of Lok Sabha once again in some constituencies while also facing alliance compulsions to accommodate its new partner JD(S), according to party sources.

The Congress, which won 135 out of a total 224 seats in the Assembly elections, is keen to field some Ministers but they are shying away, admitted a senior ruling party leader.
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) could win a sweeping 41 out of the total 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, while the opposition INDIA bloc may bag seven seats, News18s Mega Opinion Poll has predicted.

According to the survey, the NDA will win with a vote share of 48 per cent while the INDIA bloc may secure a 34 per cent vote share.

With 48 Lok Sabha seats, Maharashtra is the second largest contributor to the lower house of Parliament after Uttar Pradesh (80 seats).

The survey from February 12 to March 1 covered 21 major states of India that account for 95% of all Lok Sabha constituencies, making it one of the largest surveys in the country. It provides valuable insights into the political landscape of India, offering a detailed analysis of voter sentiment and preferences ahead of the upcoming general elections.

The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, Ajit Pawars Nationalist Congress Party and the BJP will contest the Lok Sabha elections in alliance in Maharashtra.

The BJP had won 23 of the 25 seats it had contested in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, while its then alliance partner  undivided Shiv Sena  won 18 of the 23 seats it had contested. The undivided NCP, as part of the opposition alliance, had contested 19 seats and managed to win four.

The Shiv Sena, which had joined hands with the Congress and the NCP to form a coalition government after the assembly elections in Maharashtra in 2019, split in 2022 when Eknath Shinde walked away with a majority of the partys MPs and MLAs and joined hands with the BJP.

The BJP, which was the single largest party after the last state elections, formed a coalition government with Shinde as the chief minister.

Similarly, Ajit Pawar walked away with a majority of the MLAs and joined the BJP-Shiv Sena government last year. The Shinde and Ajit Pawar factions have been recognised as the real Shiv Sena and real NCP, respectively, by the Election Commission and the Maharashtra assembly Speaker.

The BJP is keen to contest more than 30 seats in the upcoming elections as it eyes the 370-mark in the 543-member Lok Sabha.
The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance is all set to win 12 out of the total of 14 Lok Sabha seats in Assam while the opposition INDIA bloc may not be able to open its account in the state and the remaining two seats could go to the AIUDF and Bodoland Peoples Front, as per the News18 Mega Opinion Poll.

This is close to chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarmas prediction of 13 out of 14 seats, but a clear mandate for the saffron party nevertheless. This will be a massive improvement for the party as it won nine out of the 14 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Its vote share is also predicted to significantly increase to 49 per cent as compared to 36.1 per cent last time.

CNN-News18s survey from February 12 to March 1 covered 21 major states of India that account for 95 per cent of all Lok Sabha constituencies, making it one of the largest surveys in the country. It provides valuable insights into the political landscape of India, offering a detailed analysis of voter sentiment and preferences ahead of the upcoming general elections.

Notwithstanding Sarmas confidence, the political scenario seems tense in Assam after the central government implemented the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, or CAA, weeks before the all-important polls. The state had witnessed violent agitations against the act in 2019 during which five people were killed.

The security in the state has been beefed up, with different organisations protesting against the legislation. The North East Students Organisation (NESO), the apex body of major student unions in the eight states of the region, had on Wednesday (March 13) burnt copies of the rules of CAA, while the All Assam Students Union (AASU) staged satyagraha in all district headquarters.

The chief minister, however, has claimed that the law remains completely insignificant in Assam, from where there will be the least number of applications for Indian citizenship. He said the act is clear that the cut-off date for application of citizenship is December 31, 2014, and in Assam, with the National Register of Citizens (NRC) being updated, people who applied for it and did not find their names in that list, will only apply for CAA.

A key state, Assam is the gateway to the northeast and shares international boundaries with Bangladesh and Bhutan. Before 2014, the Congress had a substantial hold, but after that the BJP has consolidated itself in the states tumultuous identity politics, stemming from the ULFA movement that was partially resolved last year after 44 years of insurgency.

Also, this will be the first poll in Assam after the Election Commission of India (ECI) carried out the delimitation exercise for the state last year, which was strongly criticised by the opposition parties alleging that it was done to help the ruling BJP. There are a total of 14 Lok Sabha constituencies and 126 assembly segments in the state, where the BJP is in power.

What is the 2024 political scenario?

The main contest will be between the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition INDIA bloc.

The BJP is fighting in alliance with the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and United Peoples Party Liberal (UPPL). The INDIA bloc, meanwhile, is contesting alongside Assam Jatiya Parishad and the CPI(M). Other minor parties in the play include the AAP, TMC, National Peoples Party, AIUDF, Bodoland Peoples Front among others.

The BJP will be contesting 11 seats while it has given two seats to the AGP and one to the UPPL. The saffron party will be contesting on the double engine development plank with the tagline Modi hai to mumkin hai in focus.

The Congress, meanwhile, has announced candidates for 12 out of the 14 Lok Sabha seats. It has offered one seat to Assam Jatiya Parishad, while there is no decision yet on the remaining constituency. One of the prominent names contesting is Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, who has got a ticket from Jorhat.

What happened in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls?

In the 2019 general election, the BJP won nine out of the 14 Lok Sabha seats while the Congress won three, AIUDF bagged one seat, while another was won by an Independent. This was the saffron partys highest tally in the state yet, while the Congress registered a decline in vote share.

The BJP had a vote share of 36.1 percent, while the Congress and AIUDF had 35.4 percent and 7.8 percent, respectively.

About the survey

All Lok Sabha constituencies in the 21 states, a total of 518 Lok Sabha constituencies, were covered in the survey. In each constituency, three Vidhan Sabha segments were chosen. Five polling booths were selected in each assembly constituency, where 210 interviews were conducted among eligible voters (only one per household). Using a structured questionnaire translated into 11 regional languages, the survey employed personal face-to-face interviews conducted at homes selected via random sampling. A total sample size of 1,18,616 across 21 states was achieved.

Fieldwork for the survey was carried out by trained investigators from 10 different fieldwork agencies, with strict quality control measures in place. Before going into the field, the teams underwent detailed briefing sessions to ensure adherence to the sampling plan and questionnaire. Senior field managers and executives conducted on-the-spot quality checks, and each interview was geotagged to verify its authenticity.
Jharkhand may also go the BJP way in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, with the party set to win 12 out of the 14 seats. The opposition INDIA bloc, of which the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha is a component, is predicted to get two seats, as per the News18 Mega Opinion Poll.

The poll has predicted a vote share of 58 per cent for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, 32 per cent for the INDIA bloc and 10 per cent for other parties in the fray.

CNN-News18s survey from February 12 to March 1 covered 21 major states of India that account for 95 per cent of all Lok Sabha constituencies, making it one of the largest surveys in the country. It provides valuable insights into the political landscape of India, offering a detailed analysis of voter sentiment and preferences ahead of the upcoming general elections.

Jharkhand will fight 14 seats out of the total 543 Lok Sabha constituencies in summer and 81 assembly seats in October-November. The ruling JMM-Congress alliance was embroiled in political chaos after the arrest and resignation of chief minister Hemant Soren in a money laundering case.

The state with the largest tribal population has five seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes and one is reserved under the Scheduled Caste category.

The 14 constituencies in the state: Rajmahal (ST), Dumka (ST), Godda, Chatra, Kodarma, Giridih, Dhanbad, Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Singhbhum (ST), Khunti (ST), Lohardaga (ST), Palamau (SC), Hazaribagh.

Key Candidates & Rivals

Over the years, the Sudesh Mahto-led All Jharkhand Students Union or AJSU, which is currently part of the NDA alliance, has emerged as a key political player in Jharkhand.

Hemant Soren was replaced by Champai Soren, whose coalition government managed to win the floor test in February.

The BJP has announced the names of Union ministers Arjun Munda (from Khunti ST), Annapurna Devi (Koderma) and former Congress MP Geeta Koda (Singhbhum ST) as its candidates from the state for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Other candidates include Tala Marandi (Rajmahal), Sunil Soren (Dumka), Nishikant Dubey (Godda), Sanjay Seth (Ranchi), Vidyut Baran Mahato (Jamshedpur), Sameer Oraon (Lohardaga), Vishnu Dayal Ram (Palamu) and Manish Jaiswal (Hazaribagh).

BJPs Hazaribag MLA Manish Jaiswal replaces sitting party MP Jayant Sinha from Hazaribag Lok Sabha seat. Jaiswal won the Hazaribag assembly constituency in 2019 by defeating Congress Ramchandra Prasad.

The BJP fielded its former Jharkhand state president Tala Marandi from Rajmahal (ST) seat, which is currently held by JMMs Vijay Hansdak.

Union Minister Arjun Munda has been chosen again from Khunti (ST) seat which he had won by a narrow margin of 1445 votes in 2019, defeating Congresss Kalicharan Munda.

Palamu (SC) seat will be contested by former Director General of Police Vishnu Dayal Ram who won the seat by a margin of 4,77,606 votes during the last polls.

2019 Results

The BJP-AJSU alliance in Jharkhand won 12 of the 14 Lok Sabha seats in the state, while the opposition JMM and the Congress secured one seat each.

The BJP and AJSU party fought the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in alliance for the first time. While the BJP won 11 seats, its ally AJSU won the lone Giridih seat, where its candidate and Jharkhand Water Resources Minister Chandraprakash Choudhary beat JMMs Jagarnath Mahato by 2,48,347 votes.

Union minister and BJP candidate Jayant Sinha won by a massive margin of 4,78,209 votes to retain the Hazaribagh seat, defeating Congress Gopal Prasad Sahu.

The BJP had won 12 of the 14 seats, with a vote share of 40% in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Meanwhile, the JMM bagged just two seats while Congress drew a blank.

About the survey

All Lok Sabha constituencies in the 21 states, a total of 518 Lok Sabha constituencies, were covered in the survey. In each constituency, three Vidhan Sabha segments were chosen. Five polling booths were selected in each assembly constituency, where 210 interviews were conducted among eligible voters (only one per household). Using a structured questionnaire translated into 11 regional languages, the survey employed personal face-to-face interviews conducted at homes selected via random sampling. A total sample size of 1,18,616 across 21 states was achieved.

Fieldwork for the survey was carried out by trained investigators from 10 different fieldwork agencies, with strict quality control measures in place. Before going into the field, the teams underwent detailed briefing sessions to ensure adherence to the sampling plan and questionnaire. Senior field managers and executives conducted on-the-spot quality checks, and each interview was geotagged to verify its authenticity.
The Bharatiya Janata Party is likely to win eight of Telanganas 17 Lok Sabha seats, doubling its 2019 tally, with the INDIA front bagging six, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) two, and Others one, according to Network18s Mega Opinion Poll aired on Thursday.

The survey though predicts the highest vote share for INDIA, at 34%, followed by BJP at 28%, BRS 27%, and Others 11%.

The opinion poll conducted from February 12 to March 1 covered 21 major states of India that account for 95 per cent of all Lok Sabha constituencies, making it one of the largest surveys in the country. It provides valuable insights into the political landscape of India, offering a detailed analysis of voter sentiment and preferences ahead of the upcoming general elections.

In 2019, the Congress won three out of the 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana. All three MPs, including current chief minister A Revanth Reddy, contested the recent assembly elections and won. The K Chandrashekar Rao-led BRS won nine seats in 2019, while the BJP bagged four. Asaduddin Owaisis AIMIM had retained one seat.

Months after capturing power in Telangana, the Congress has set an ambitious target of winning at least 12 of the states 17 Lok Sabha seats.

Though the grand old party won the recent assembly polls, it failed to win even a single seat out of the total 24 assembly segments in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits. Of the total 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana, four constituencies  Malkajgiri, Secunderabad, Hyderabad and Chevella  are in the GHMC limits.

The BJP, meanwhile, is targeting at least 10 seats. In his visit to the state on December 28 last year, senior party leader and union home minister Amit Shah had set the party a target to win at least 10 seats and secure 35 per cent vote share in Telangana. The BJP won just eight of the 119 seats in the recent assembly polls in the state.

The BJP is upbeat as two MPs and several other leaders from Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) joined its camp in the last few days.

The saffron party has announced candidates for nine out of 17 Lok Sabha seats in the state. Three out of four MPs feature in the list, including union minister for tourism and culture and state BJP president G Kishan Reddy and BJP general secretary Bandi Sanjay Kumar.

The BJP has decided to field BB Patil from Zahirabad. The BRS MP switched over recently.

The BJP named Pothuganti Bharat as its candidate from Nagarkurnool. He along with his father and MP Pothuganti Ramulu joined the BJP on February 29.
The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition is likely to win 10 seats in Chhattisgarh in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, leaving one for the Congress-led Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), according to the News18 Mega Opinion Poll. The survey has predicted 57% vote share for the NDA, 37% for INDIA and 6% for others.

CNN-News18s survey from February 12 to March 1 covered 21 major states of India that account for 95 per cent of all Lok Sabha constituencies, making it one of the largest surveys in the country. It provides valuable insights into the political landscape of India, offering a detailed analysis of voter sentiment and preferences ahead of the upcoming general elections.

ALSO READ | News18 Mega Opinion Poll: Uttarakhand May High-Five BJP-led NDA, Give No Seat to INDIA

Chhattisgarh, which traverses a thin line between its Hindi belt and tribal identity, has given strong mandates to the BJP in the last two Lok Sabha elections. But, it is still a complicated state marred by Naxal violence.

Still smarting from its loss to the BJP in the assembly elections last year, the Congress has once again fielded its trusty former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel from Rajnandgaon that is considered a stronghold of the saffron party. The six-term MLA is set to return to the Lok Sabha race after a decade.

Ruled by the BJP, Chhattisgarh has a total of 11 Lok Sabha seats and 90 assembly segments. Much like the state it was carved out of, Chhattisgarh is also likely to witness a fierce contest between the BJP and Congress.

The results of the assembly election in Chhattisgarh were unexpected as many analysts predicted the return of Baghel-led Congress but the BJP came to power winning 54 out of 90 seats.

What is the 2024 political scenario?

While the BJP wants to maintain its winning streak in the state, the Congress is gunning for an improvement at a national level. If the results of the last two state elections are compared, then it can be seen that the Congress still has a foothold in the state. In the 2018 assembly poll, the BJP won only 15 seats and, while the saffron party won the 2023 election, the Congress still managed to bag 35 seats (42.23% vote share).

In its first list of candidates, BJP named four new faces. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been campaigning hard in the tribal state, where he launched the Mahtari Vandan Yojana on the lines of the Ladli Behna Yojana in Madhya Pradesh. He had also virtually inaugurated educational institutions in the state, including an IIT in Bhilai.

Not only the prime minister, other high-profile BJP leaders have been visiting the state. Union home minister Amit Shah was in Bastar in February, a seat reserved for the scheduled tribes that the Congress won in 2019.

Congress, meanwhile, has pinned its hopes on experienced leaders, including Baghel. Its first list of six candidates included the former CM, two former state ministers and a sitting MP.

Four out of six candidates are from the other backward classes (OBC) and one belongs to the scheduled caste community. Besides Baghel (Rajnandgaon seat), the Congress has fielded Vikas Upadhyay (Raipur), Tamradhwaj Sahu (Mahasamund), Shivkumar Dahariya (Janjgir-Champa), Jyotsana Mahant (Korba), and Rajendra Sahu (Durg).

Baghel, 62, the foremost leader of the party in the state and a sitting MLA. HE is a Kurmi, which is an influential OBC community. But, he had unsuccessfully contested Lok Sabha polls from Raipur in 2009 and Durg in 2004.

About the survey

All Lok Sabha constituencies in the 21 states, a total of 518 Lok Sabha constituencies, were covered in the survey. In each constituency, three Vidhan Sabha segments were chosen. Five polling booths were selected in each assembly constituency, where 210 interviews were conducted among eligible voters (only one per household). Using a structured questionnaire translated into 11 regional languages, the survey employed personal face-to-face interviews conducted at homes selected via random sampling. A total sample size of 1,18,616 across 21 states was achieved.

ALSO READ | News18 Mega Opinion Poll: Karnataka May Go Saffron, Give 25 of 28 Seats to BJP-led NDA

Fieldwork for the survey was carried out by trained investigators from 10 different fieldwork agencies, with strict quality control measures in place. Before going into the field, the teams underwent detailed briefing sessions to ensure adherence to the sampling plan and questionnaire. Senior field managers and executives conducted on-the-spot quality checks, and each interview was geotagged to verify its authenticity.
Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the High Level Committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind submitted its report on One Nation, One Poll to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday.

The 18,626 page-long report is an outcome of extensive consultations with stakeholders, experts and research work of 191 days, since the committees constitution on September 2, 2023.

RECOMMENDATIONS

In its report, the committee concluded that its recommendations will significantly enhance transparency, inclusivity and ease and confidence of voters.

Overwhelming support for holding simultaneous elections will spur development process and social cohesion will deepen the foundation of our democracy. It will also realise the aspiration of India that is Bharat.

The report recommended that simultaneous polls be held for the House of People and State Legislative Assemblies.

It also noted that elections to municipalities be held within 100 days of holding polls at House of People and State Legislative Assemblies.

After this Lok Sabha election, an appointed date to be set in first sitting of the House. All state assemblies which are formed in subsequent months will have tenure only till 2029, the report said.

Thereafter, all General elections to the House of the People and all State Legislative Assemblies shall be held together simultaneously.

The Kovind-led committee also recommended constituting an Implementation Group for looking to the execution of recommendations given by them.

It said to examine and make recommendations for holding simultaneous elections by keeping in consideration the existing framework under the Constitution of India and other statutory provisions.

For that purpose, examine and recommend specific amendments to the Constitution, the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and the rules made thereunder and any other law or rules which would require amendments for the purpose of holding simultaneous elections.

The report recommends that in the event of a Hung House, no-confidence motion, or any such event, fresh elections may be held to constitute the new House.

Where fresh elections are held for the House of the People, the tenure of the House of the People will be only for the unexpired term of the immediately preceding full term of the House of the People and the expiration of this period shall operate as a dissolution of the House.

While, the report added, Where fresh elections are held for the State Legislative Assemblies, then such new Legislative Assembly unless sooner dissolved, shall continue upto the end of the full term of the House of the People.

A Constitution Amendment Bill will have to be introduced in the Parliament amending Article 83 (Duration of Houses of Parliament) and Article 172 (Duration of State Legislatures). This Constitutional Amendment will not need ratification by the States, the committee recommended.

ALSO READ | One Nation One Election by 2029? Report Likely Today; What are the Benefits & Challenges?

Earlier, in January, the Law Commission of India had said that one of the biggest hurdles were the Constitutional Amendments needed to facilitate One Nation, One Poll.

The idea of One Nation, One Poll or One Nation, One Election refers to holding simultaneous elections across the country, which means, polls for Lok Sabha and state assemblies will be held together.

Constituting the committee showed the seriousness on the governments part to tackle the tricky issue where at least 18 states will be impacted in a major way as their state election is scheduled significantly different from that of the Lok Sabha.

THE IDEA OF ONOP

The idea of ONOP was first proposed in the 1980s where the Election Commission suggested in 1983 that such a system should be developed that the elections to Lok Sabha and state legislative Assemblies could be held simultaneously.

In its 170th report in May 1999, Justice B P Jeevan Reddy-headed Law Commission said that we must go back to the situation where the elections to Lok Sabha and all the Legislative Assemblies are held at once.

However, official discussions over the idea began under the Bharatiya Janata Party government.

In 2022, the then Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra said the EC is fully prepared and capable of conducting simultaneous elections. In December the same year, the Law Commission sought the view of stakeholders including political parties, the EC, bureaucrats, academicians and experts on the proposal to hold simultaneous elections in the nation.

OPPOSITION FROM POLITICAL PARTIES

However, several oppositions have persistently opposed the idea. Last month, the Tamil Nadu Assembly adopted a resolution against the Centres proposed One Nation, One Election policy, terming it impractical and undemocratic.

The Assembly also passed a resolution on the delimitation exercise, stating that the population of 1971 (census) should be the criteria for carrying out the process, if it was to be held for unavoidable reasons. Moving the two resolutions, Chief Minister M K Stalin described as autocratic, the one nation one election proposal.

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee had also earlier this year had said that the idea of ONOP is not practically feasible as per Indias federal structure.

I do not appreciate it in a practical sense because it is not possible, not acceptable, and not correct from the federal structure point of view. I will request the ECI to see it very sincerely, they have to be very very rational in this case particularly, Banerjee told reporters at the state secretariat.

Strongly opposing the idea of One Nation, One Election, the Aam Aadmi Party had said that the ONOE will damage the idea of parliamentary democracy, basic structure of the Constitution and federal polity of the country.
The last assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir took place in 2014. Then chief minister Mehbooba Mufti resigned in June 2018 and the assembly was dissolved in November that year. Since then the region awaits elections. On Wednesday, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar spoke about the timeline and how it is not the poll body that delayed the elections in the union territory.

The CEC recalled that the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act was implemented in 2019. At that time, there were 107 assembly seats in the state, including 24 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). So there were 83 seats.

Changing numbers

In 2022, the delimitation was accepted. There was no point in holding the elections before that. When delimitation was done in 2022, the number of seats increased to 114. So, the assembly seats, after excluding PoK, stood at 90, Kumar said while addressing the media in Jammu.

Post-delimitation, the UT had 90 assembly seats, including 16 reserved seats. He added that there was dissonance between the reorganisation Act and delimitation, which needed to be resolved.

The numbers became one in December 2023 after the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill came. The number of seats increased accordingly So, the reorganisation Act accepted the delimitation in December 2023 and it is March 2024. We got only three months and there is no delay from our end, he added.

Kumar said that political parties, in a meeting held on Tuesday, asked him why it took so long for the ECI to hold elections in the UT and why the issue had to be dragged to the court.

The Supreme Court in December 2023 ordered the ECI to hold elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30, 2024.

Simultaneous elections

The CEC also kept the doors open for holding the assembly and Lok Sabha elections in the UT together.

We are aware of our responsibility and the fact that there should not be any political vacuum. The elections should be held as soon as possible, he said.

He said that the poll body will decide about holding the elections in the UT keeping in mind the security situation and feedback from the concerned parties. The CEC assured that they would hold the elections as soon as possible.

He also highlighted that all the candidates in J&K were given security cover and all these arrangements will have to be discussed before finalising election dates.

It is important to note that J&K was the last on the list of the ECI for the pre-poll tour. The team has visited a number of states in the last few weeks to take stock of the situation.

The term of the current Lok Sabha is ending in June and the ECI is likely to announce poll dates in the next few days.
The Constituent Assembly began its deliberations in December 1946 on the issue of citizenship, which was then not envisaged as something so important that it should have a separate chapter on it. Three years later, when the Constitution was finally adopted, it gained so much importance that it had to be categorised into a separate part.

The seven articles that enunciated various provisions related to citizenship were so aggressively debated and deliberated that it took two years to finalise them.

Commenting upon it, BR Ambedkar said, Except one other article in the Draft Constitution, I do not think that any other article has given the Drafting Committee such a headache as this particular article. I do not know how many drafts were prepared and how many were destroyed as being inadequate to cover all the cases which it was thought necessary and desirable to cover. I think it is a piece of good fortune for the Drafting Committee to have ultimately agreed upon the draft which I have moved because I feel that this is the draft which satisfies most people, if not all.

Articles related to citizenship were debated at a time when the country was facing the turmoil created by the Partition. The huge cross-border migration and influx of refugees and securing their citizenship rights were playing at the mind of the framers of the Constitution.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel famously remarked, It is important to remember that provisions about citizenship will be scrutinised all over the world.

The basis of granting citizenship was jus soli, which confers citizenship based on place of birth, against the concept of jus sanguinis, which gives recognition to blood ties.

While the citizenship rights were based on the enlightened notion of jus soli when other attributes such as religion came to the fore for the discussion, it raised heated debates.

A case in point was Article 7, which talked about the rights of citizenship of certain migrants to Pakistan. It states, Notwithstanding anything in Articles 5 and 6, a person who has after the first day of March 1947, migrated from the territory of India to the territory now included in Pakistan shall not be deemed to be a citizen of India. Provided that nothing in this article shall apply to a person who, after having so migrated to the territory now included in Pakistan, has returned to the territory of India under a permit for resettlement or permanent return issued by or under the authority of any law and every such person shall for the purposes of clause (b) of article 6 be deemed to have migrated to the territory of India after the nineteenth day of July 1948.

Terming this article an obnoxious clause, Jaspat Roy Kapoor said: Why is it, sir that I consider it obnoxious? It says that those persons who migrated from India to Pakistan if, after July 19, 1948 they came back to India after obtaining a valid permit from our Embassy or High Commissioner, it should be open to them to get themselves registered as citizens of this country. It is a serious matter of principle. Once a person has migrated to Pakistan and transferred his loyalty from India to Pakistan, his migration is complete. He has definitely made up his mind at that time to kick this country and let it go to its own fate, and he went away to the newly created Pakistan, where he would put in his best efforts to make it a free progressive and prosperous state.

When it came to the question of providing special treatment, concessions and privileges to certain religious communities, the sentiments were similar to what can be seen today.

Some Constituent Assembly members believed that all Hindus and Sikhs should have a natural home in India since they had no other country to call their own.

What PS Deshmukh, a Congress member from the Central Provinces and Berar, said in the Assembly on August 11, 1949, is of utmost importance in the context of the current debate on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, the rules of which were notified recently.

Batting for special treatment to be given to Hindus and Sikh migrants in a matter of conferring citizenship, Deshmukh said, In the second sub-clause I have proposed, I want to make a provision that every person who is a Hindu or a Sikh and is not a citizen of any other State shall be entitled to be a citizen of India. We have seen the formation and establishment of Pakistan. Why was it established? It was established because the Muslims claimed that they must have a home of their own and a country of their own. Here we are an entire nation with a history of thousands of years and we are going to discard it, in spite of the fact that neither the Hindu nor the Sikh has any other place in the wide world to go to by the mere fact that he is a Hindu or a Sikh, he should get Indian citizenship because it is this one circumstance that makes him disliked by others. If the Muslims want an exclusive place for themselves called Pakistan, why should not Hindus and Sikhs have India as their home?

Responding to Deshmukhs proposal, another prominent member of the assembly RK Sidhwa asked why this privilege should not be extended to other communities such as the Parsis and Christians. He said, Deshmukh has suggested an amendment to this very article wherein he wants that the Sikhs and Hindus wherever they are born and whenever they desire shall be entitled to becoming citizens of India. Deshmukhs amendment causes a wider privilege and right. Although I am not keen on this amendment if the Drafting Committee is going to consider this, I would like them to bear in mind that there are other communities and merely to mention the Sikhs and Hindus would not I think will be proper. There are 12,000 Parsis who are professing the same faith as we here, but their grandfathers were born in Iran and several of them come to Bombay and to other parts of India; they would like sometimes to make India their home. It is a far-fetched point that I am making, but if at all it is going, to be, considered, then my point is that we need not mention necessarily any community; if we do so it would look as if we are ignoring other communities which do require attention.

For those protesting against the special privileges given to certain communities in matters of citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act rules, a fine reading of the Constituent Assembly debates can be a good reference point for discussion.
Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiahs remark that he will not provide a drop of Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu, even if the Centre insists amidst the crisis in Bengaluru has triggered water war yet again between the southern states.

He stressed that neither Tamil Nadu asked for it nor anyone told Karnataka to release water to the neighbouring state.

His statement came amidst the Leader of Opposition, R Ashoka, accusing the Karnataka government of having released Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.

While the water war has intensified, but this is nothing new, considering both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have fought over it several times in the past.

The Dispute

The Cauvery River is a significant water body in the southern India, which merges into Bay of Bengal. The dispute traces back to the late 1800s, when agreements were reached between the princely state of Mysore (now part of Karnataka) and the Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu).

Both state have been fighting for a greater share in the Cauvery river water to satiate the agricultural and household needs of their people.

Over the years, the dispute was related to allocation of water resources during scarcity, distribution of water and establishment of reservoirs and dams along with the rivers course.

The problem between the lower riparian state of Tamil Nadu (404.25 thousand million cubic feet) and the upper riparian state of Karnataka (284.75 tmc) has aggravated due to the failure of southwest monsoon in Karnataka this season.

The states witnessed a series of agreements, disagreements, debates and deliberations and legal battles over the distribution of river water.

The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) was formed in 1990 to address the water disputes involving Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Puducherry.

In February 2007, CWDT issued its final award, detailing water allocations among the four states in the Cauvery basin based on the availability of 740 TMC in a typical year, as mentioned by The Economic Times. But both the states express discontent over the tribunals judgment.

In 2018, the Supreme Court upheld the Tribunals judgment, and declared Cauvery water a national resource. This led to the formation of Cauvery Management Scheme by the Central government.

How It Became Political?

Last year, Tamil Nadu demanded a release of 10,000 cusecs of water over 15 days, while Karnataka sought a lower water release of 8,000 cusecs for the same period.

Tamil Nadu knocked on the door of the Supreme Court, and asked that Karnataka releases 24,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water from its reservoir. Karnataka, however, argued that Tamil Nadu has failed to recognise that the year 2023 was not a normal water year.

After deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar appealed to reconsider the decision due to water scarcity, the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee recommended that Karnataka releases 3,000 cusecs at Biligundlu from September 28 to October 15, 2023.

Both the governments have accused each of prioritising politics over the needs of its people. The BJP alleges that the Congress government in Karnataka is distributing Cauvery water to DMK, its ally in Tamil Nadu, ahead of the upcoming Parliamentary elections.

Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Shobha Karandlaje, that the politicisation of Cauvery water dispute will lead to drinking water shortages in the agrarian regions of Mandya and Mysuru, as well as the metropolitan city of Bengaluru.

Reservoirs Drying Up

Not just Karnataka, reservoirs in Andhra Pradesh have water storage of 22%, compared to 66% last year, according to a report by India Today. Telangana now has a water scarcity of 42% compared to 59% last year. And Kerala has 35% against 70% last year. Overall, reservoirs in the south are at 43% capacity compared to 52% last year.

According to the Central Water Commission, Karnataka has 16 major reservoirs that are only 29% full compared to 45% last year. Of the 16 reservoirs, 12 have water levels less than the 10-year average of 40%. Narayanpur, Krishnaraja Sagara, and Bhadra reservoirs have water 30 percentage points less than the decade-average.

In Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, along with Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, reservoir levels are over 20% less than the decade-average. At 49%, the departure from the ten-year average is the highest in Andhra Pradesh, the India Today report added.

Is There a Solution?

According to Nobel Laureate Ronald Coase, the two state could engage in voluntary negotiations over water sharing if there are low transaction costs and clear property rights, as mentioned in The Wire.

The water-sharing formula should also involve an integrated water conservation policy, maintaining Cauvery river as a shared responsibility. Investment in irrigation, cropping pattern, any measure to regulate water need to be deliberated upon by both states.

According to a retired police official from Karnataka, C Chandrashekhar, who gave an interview to Frontline magazine, the practical solution to the water dispute is to build a reservoir to store rainwater during heavy monsoons. The reservoir could be used for drinking water purposes and electricity generation in Karnataka, and the timely release of water to Tamil Nadu as prescribed by the Supreme Court.

He pointed out the erratic monsoons in the past will become a permanent condition considering climate change is going to be a bigger problem in the coming years. Thus, state should not talk about the private rights of individuals, but instead talk about the general welfare of the people who live on the banks of the river.
David Wilcox Executive editor Follow David Wilcox 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

St. Patrick's Day is Sunday, and more than 15 free events in the Cayuga County area will celebrate with music, food and more.

(To include an event in our listings, email citizencalendar@lee.net or use the form at auburnpub.com/events. All listings are free.)

 Friday, March 15 

 11 a.m.: The Skaneateles Library, 49 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles, will host a St. Patrick's Day Musical Celebration featuring librarian Andrea Snyder performing traditional Irish music on fiddle. For more information, visit skanlibrary.org.

 5:30 p.m.: The McDonald School of Irish Dance, of Syracuse, will perform at Bailiwick Market & Cafe, 441 Route 5, Elbridge. For more information, visit bailiwickmarket.com.

 Saturday, March 16 

 2 p.m. Stick & Rudder Public House, 571 Main St., Fair Haven, will host a St. Patrick's Season Opener Party with music by Brian Wagner. For more information, visit stickandrudderpub.com.

 5 to 9 p.m.: The Dirtroad Ruckus duo of Eric Scott and Megan Elizabeth will perform at a St. Paddy's Celebration at Treleaven Wines, 658 Lake Road, King Ferry. The winery's kitchen will also be serving Irish fare. For more information, visit treleavenwines.com.

 Sunday, March 17 

 9 a.m.: Bailiwick in Elbridge will host Irish music on harp. For more information, visit bailiwickmarket.com.

 9 a.m.: St. Patrick's Day will officially begin in Auburn with Mass at Holy Family Church at 85 North St.

 10 a.m.: Official festivities will continue with the raising of the Irish flag at Memorial City Hall, 24 South St., Auburn.

 All day: The Ancient Order of Hibernians will host their traditional St. Patrick's Day open house, with the kitchen open and music by traditional Irish trio The Flyin' Column from 4 to 7 p.m. The Irish Catholic fraternal organization is located at 79 Van Anden St. in Auburn. For more information, call (315) 252-6459.

 All day: The village of Fair Haven will be the site of a St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl, with Irish food and other specials at select locations. Participating locations include Brandon's Pub & Grill at 559 Main St., Colloca Estate Winery at 14678 W. Bay Road, the Little Sodus Inn at 14451 Bell Ave., Pleasant Beach Hotel at 14477 Fancher Ave., Sterling Cidery at 14451 Richmond Ave., Stick & Rudder at 571 Main St. and Turtle Cove Resort & Marina at 356 King Road. Colloca Estate will host live music by John McConnell from 3 to 6 p.m.

 11 a.m.: A.T. Walley & Co., 119 Genesee St., Auburn, will host a St. Patrick's Celebration with Irish food specials; live music by Bob Piorun, Bernie McNabb and Mike Doyle from noon to 2 p.m.; and DJ Mere and a Sunday Funday Dance Party at 2 p.m. For more information, visit atwalley.com.

 Noon: A St. Patrick's Day Celebration at Potters Farm to Fork, 1951 Route 31, Port Byron, will feature live music by Just Joe from noon to 3 p.m. and Josh Jay from 3 to 6 p.m. For more information, visit pottersfarmtofork.com.

 Noon: The Flyin' Column will perform from noon to 2 p.m. at Tinkers Guild, 78 Franklin St., Auburn. For more information, call (315) 515-3695 or visit theflyincolumn.com.

 1:30 p.m.: St. Patrick's Day festivities in southern Cayuga County will begin with bagpipes and an Irish blessing at the King Ferry Corner Store pavilion, 960 Route 34B, King Ferry. That will be followed by Joe Lonsky and the Hagin Girls singing Irish tunes from 2 to 2:30 p.m. and a Crane Academy of Irish Dance performance from 2:45 to 3 p.m. The rain location is the King Ferry Presbyterian Church hall. The event is sponsored by the Aurora Historical Society and Genoa Historical Association.

 2 p.m.: Prison City Pub & Brewery, 28 State St., Auburn, will host Irish music by the Brian Thomas Duo and serve a menu of Irish food weekend. For more information, visit prisoncitybrewing.com.

 2 p.m.: Shep's Brewing Co., 132 Genesee St., Auburn, will host a St. Patrick's Day performance by Byron Lee, Tim Herron and special guests. For more information, visit facebook.com/shepherdsbrewing.

 3 p.m.: Southern Cayuga County festivities will continue at the Aurora Post Office, 373 Main St., Aurora. After bagpipes and an Irish blessing, Chris MacCormick will perform Irish music from 3:15 to 3:45 p.m. and the Crane dancers will perform again from 4 to 4:15 p.m. That will be followed by limericks at 4:30 p.m. at the Fargo Bar & Grill, 384 Main St. The rain location is the Morgan Opera House. The event is also sponsored by the Aurora Historical Society and Genoa Historical Association.

 3 p.m.: Irish music will continue at Bailiwick in Elbridge with a performance by Bob Piorun, Bernie McNabb and Mike Doyle. For more information, visit bailiwickmarket.com.

 4 p.m.: The Old Erie Duo will perform at Prison City Brewing, 251 North St., Auburn. For more information, visit prisoncitybrewing.com.
The US has been tackling the issue of migration, at its southern border, where the footfall of migrants has been unprecedented. The US Customs and Border Protection last year recorded detention of 2.5 million migrants entering the US from the Mexico border. Around 37,000 of them, the largest group, were Chinese migrants.

According to a report by CBS, some Chinese migrants made an arduous journey through Central America while others took a flight to Mexico. Some also took a flight from China to Ecuador that does not require a visa to reach Mexico.

Last year, US Customs and Border Protection reported that 37,000 Chinese citizens were caught crossing illegally from Mexico into the US, which is 50 times more than two years earlier, the report highlighted.

How are They Reaching the US?

Quito, a small city in Ecuador, has become the gateway for several Chinese migrants. In 2022, Ecuador documented around 13,000 Chinese nationals entering the country, which swelled to more than 45,000 in 2023.

Others have taken the zou xian or the walking route to America, a word synonymous for perilous journey, which also has online tutorials in Chinese for how to prepare, what to do at each leg and what to say to immigration officers, as quoted by CNN.

Reports by The Conversation reveal that social media tutorials on immigration have become commonplace in China. Accounts on TikTok document locations open for visa-free travel by Chinese passport holders. They can easily find information on where to cross the border, transportation and smugglers, commonly known as snakeheads, who are tasked with bringing migrants to the US. They lie at ground zero of an industry estimated to be worth $3.5 billion a year. The snakehead in charge of off-loading boats in the US earn up to $750,000 for the operation while some are former drug smugglers who believe that smuggling people is more lucrative and less risky than smuggling drugs, according to a report by factsanddetails.com.

The journey also involved trekking through the Darien Gap, which is a dangerous path between Colombia and Panama, a common route used by migrants to reach the US.

The fee, typically costing US$ 5,000, includes flights out of Asia, through China-friendly countries such as Turkey to Ecuador, and then overnight stays, taxis and buses, and crossing through the Darien Gap.

Other expensive travel requires at least $20,000, which includes multi-entry visa to Japan, which unlocks visa-free entry to Mexico and transport to border, as mentioned in a report by CNN.

Why is There an Uptick?

Three years of Covid lockdown and restrictions have left many small business owners migrate to the US to be able to redeem the loss. Some are also unemployed, and disillusioned with the ruling Communist Partys growing control over the lives of people under the Xi Jinpings leadership.

Others have also suggested sweeping crackdown by Xis government on free speech, civil society and religion.

But there is a longer history to Chinese migration to the US. The US banned all immigration by male Chinese labourers and Chinese women from 1882 to 1943. So, some Chinese migrants took the advantage of the fewer restrictions at the US-Mexico border. Some of them spoke enough Spanish to pass through the border while others used Mexican names.

Though the ban on Chinese migrants ended in 1943, restrictions on migration from Asia continued until the Congress revised the US immigration law in 1965.

One of the popular incidents in the history of Chinese immigration to the US was in 1993 when a ship, Golden Venture, went aground near New York, resulting in the death of 10 Chinese migrants and the arrest of snakeheads who brought them to the US illegally.

Which Class Do These Migrants Belong To?

Most of the Chinese migrants are middle class or poor, who are looking at ways to make their ends meet.

With the relaxation of Covid restrictions, those with the blue-collar jobs in the rural areas have also been impacted.

UN data shows the number of people from China seeking political asylum in the US and elsewhere around the world has sharply risen during Xis rule  surging from nearly 25,000 in 2013 to more than 120,000 globally in the first six months of 2023.

Earlier, the asylum seekers would apply at the US embassy for a tourist visa that may not involve detention at the US border. But now the southern border seems to be a better-known route.

According to data from the Department of Homeland Security, Chinese nationals have long been one of the largest groups of successful asylum seekers in the US, with nearly 13% of people granted asylum in 2022 coming from China, that is, over 4,500 people approved that year.
After a massive fire broke out in a residential building in the Shastri Nagar area of Delhis Shahdara in the early hours of Thursday, two children and a married couple have reportedly died due to suffocation. The victims have been identified as Manoj (30), his wife Suman (28) and two girls aged five and three years, police said.

The police received a call at around 5:20 am about a major fire in the Shastri Nagar area of Shahdara. We got information from the hospital that four people  two children and a married couple  died due to suffocation. Further investigation is on, a senior police officer said.

#WATCH | Delhi: A massive fire broke out in a house in the Shahdara area. Fire brigade and police are present at the spot. Efforts to douse the fire are underway. Further details awaited: Delhi Police pic.twitter.com/Q6RtAV94lW ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2024

In connection to the blaze, a local resident Shankar Lal said, before the police informed about four people losing their lives, The cars caught fire in the circuit room in the underground parking There were some children and adults there They are feared dead Only the hospital can clear the details

The Delhi Fire Services was informed immediately. A local police team, four fire tenders, ambulances and PCR vans were rushed to the spot, a police officer said.

Police said the building where the fire broke out has four floors and there is a car-parking facility on the ground floor. They said the fire started from the parking lot and the smoke engulfed the entire building.

Even though the street is narrow, fire officials managed to reach the spot and douse the flames. A search was conducted on each floor. Three men, four women and two children were sent to the Hedgewar hospital, the officer added.

(with agency inputs)
Not just Bengaluru residents, its monkeys, too, are looking for water. As summer temperatures soar and water scarcity worsens, the animals are seeking refuge, shelter and sustenance from peoples homes and high-rise apartments.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the citys civic body, has been receiving recurring complaints from residents about monkeys entering their homes in search of food and water, snatching meals from adults and children, and even resorting to attacks.

THE REASONS

Senior officials from the Karnataka Forest Department and BBMP shed light on the root cause and strategies to address it.

Ravindra Kumar N, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Bengaluru Urban, said the basic issue is the city, which once boasted of numerous trees and orchards, has witnessed their systematic removal to pave the way for a concrete jungle of high-rise apartments. This is a classic man-animal conflict situation, akin to what we see with leopards and elephants," said Ravindra.

ALSO READ | Bengalurus Water Shortage is Worrying But Not Yet Alarming | Experts Decode Plan for IT City

We have taken away the habitat of the monkeys to build such apartments and expect them to go elsewhere. They are accustomed to the trees, fruits and vegetables available around and come to consume it. We have deprived them of their natural habitat, compelling them to forcibly enter homes as they are hungry," the senior official explained.

Ravindra pointed out that monkeys, much like dogs, cats and horses, are loyal animals. Even if captured and left in the forest, they tend to return where they found food or people caring for them. He emphasised that monkeys can be quite ferocious, capable of delivering a serious bite requiring immediate medical attention. They scale heights like the 15th floor, akin to how they navigate trees, he added.

BBMP HELPLINE

When the forest department receives such complaints, it refers it to the BBMP for action and solutions. A dedicated forest official is attached to the BBMP to help resolve the issue. The areas that the BBMP often receives complaints from are Indiranagar, Rajajinagar, Rajarajeshwarinagar, Bommanahalli, which were once on the outskirts, but have become part of Bengaluru city over the years.

In 2022, the Karnataka High Court had issued a directive to the BBMP, urging it to find options to control the monkey menace. A helpline number, 1526, was set up to help address the issue.

WHAT SHOULD RESIDENTS DO?

BLG Swamy, Deputy Conservator of Forests at BBMP, said the civic body receives three to four complaints on the helpline every week.

Swamy explained that this department receives complaints from residents, including instances of monkeys entering homes and causing trouble. People are found feeding monkeys and giving them water from their homes, but this is done irregularly and unscientifically, the official pointed out.

If they find an allotted space and keep food for the monkeys, maybe thats fine. However, people are keeping food and water on their windowsills or in their balconies. The family of monkeys waits for food, and if people dont do it regularly, the hunger for food forces them to enter homes and even attack residents," he explained.

What can be done? According to Swamy, the monkey menace can be handled at the apartment level itself or by taking proactive measures.

ALSO READ | Bengaluru Water Crisis: Treated Water to Be Filled in Drying Lakes to Replenish Groundwater

With their security personnel, they can handle the situation. We come into the picture when the monkey menace is uncontrollable and the animal needs to be captured as it has turned violent. We have observed a trend where a certain group of monkeys shifts from one complex to another. By not feeding them, they tend to go elsewhere. In some places, we have caught the alpha male and rehabilitated it. That way, too, the issue is being resolved."

The BBMP has an animal rescue team that takes up cases of monkeys entering apartments or gathering in groups and causing harm. If you capture one or the alpha male of the group, the other monkeys tend to run away, fearing they would be caught like their companion," Swamy said.

THE SOLUTIONS

Setting up of solar-powered fences around the compound, which deters animals by sending out mild shocks, can be considered. This is safe for monkeys and cost-effective for apartment complexes as well. Identifying the entry points of these groups of monkeys and fencing the area is crucial.

Other measures include setting up of grills or nets that residents may choose to put up.

Another effective solution is putting up stuffed ferocious-looking animal stuff toys such as bulldogs or tigers. The monkeys tend to get scared, and after a couple of days, they are seen to leave the place. These should be strategically placed in the complex, including the entry and exit points the animals use, according to forest officials.

People have to be vigilant and alert. If the monkeys have turned wild, they have to inform us, and we will come and rescue them," Swamy said.

DCF Ravindra speaks of how a similar issue was seen in the national capital. The area near our Parliament also faced a similar issue of monkeys hanging around in hordes. The authorities have employed a Hanuman langur and a caretaker who walks around the premises of Parliament. These monkeys are scared of this particular species of Langurs and run away," Ravindra said.

I have suggested that we can use a similar system where a coloured life-size cardboard cutout of a langur can be placed at specific areas where the monkeys gather. This can be even kept at the entry or exit points that the monkeys use, to scare them away," Ravindra said.

The monkey species found in Bengaluru is Bonnet Macaque, and in Delhi region is Rhesus Macaque. Both react similarly to langurs, claim forest officials.

RESIDENTS RECALL ENCOUNTER

Unable to cope with the issue, a section of resident associations has issued notices, asking people not to feed monkeys which attract them towards the area. They have taken one step ahead and warned of a fine of up to Rs 500 if anybody is found keeping food outside for the animal.

Prakruthi Prasad, who lives in Domlur area of East Bengaluru, was among the people who raised a complaint on the BBMP helpline.

Three monkeys came in, entered through the kitchen window and made a mess of the area. We have a sliding mesh door. The animal pulled it aside and entered. These monkeys are intelligent and know their way around. They even know what to eat and what to reject," she said.

Prasad lives in a four-floor complex close to a public park. She speaks of how people are upset if any action is taken on these monkeys, as they say it is an avatar of Lord Hanuman". We all believe in Lord Hanuman, but God does not cause hurt to people. We are only asking for some measures to keep them from attacking us," she said.

Another resident from North Bengalurus Horamavu, Sameera Shukoor, had a nerve-wracking experience when she found a group of monkeys inside her 11th-floor home. They squeezed themselves in through a four-inch grill which was not shut properly and attacked fresh fruits and dry fruits in the house.

ALSO READ | For This IT Professional, Bengaluru Water Crisis A Roadblock In Search For Life Partner

When I got home after picking my four-year-old from school, I found one of the monkeys staring at the mirror and baring its teeth. Another monkey was on the kitchen counter eating grapes. In fear, I took my child and ran out of the house. I waited for a while and then entered to find them squeezing themselves out of the house through the same grille."

It has happened twice in a span of one week. They were a bunch of grapes around the house. They broke open bottles in my kitchen which had masalas and dry fruits. They are aggressive as well. Another time, they came to the window where my in-laws were sitting and refused to move and kept grunting. We had to use a stick to drive them away," she said.
The civic body of Mumbai on Thursday announced a 5 per cent water cut across the city till April 24, 2024, and urged citizens to use water prudently. The water cut is due to the pre-monsoon conservation work being carried out at the Bhandup water treatment plant, said the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in a release.

The citys Bhandup suburb has the largest water treatment plant in Asia and it supplies water to most parts of the megapolis. The Bhandup complex has two water treatment units of 1,910 million litres and 900 million litres capacity. The civic body has appealed to citizens to use water sparingly and judiciously.
It took 500 years for Lord Ram to return home. How did Hindus feel that day? How did you feel that day? On Monday, we felt the same. It was like January 22 [Ayodhya temple inauguration day] all over again," said an emotional Dehraj Bhil, sitting in his humble residence in Jodhpur, nearly 500 km from the Pakistan border. You wont understand the emotion. Its been nearly 24 hours and the celebration hasnt ended. We are still coming to terms with the fact that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is now a reality," he told News18.

As late as 10 pm on Tuesday, Bhil, who now is part of Sena Nyay Utthan, an NGO that works on the rehabilitation of persecuted minorities that have fled from Pakistan, was busy distributing sweets. Bhil, his family and many like him whom he works among will be eligible for a fast-track Indian citizenship, thanks to the Modi governments notification of the rules of the CAA on March 11.

ALSO READ | CAA: Citizenship, Visas, Refugees & Muslims, Modi Govts New Law of the Land Explained

Thanks to the law, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh or Pakistan, who have come to India before December 31, 2014 due to fear of religious persecution, will easily be able to become Indian citizens.

But it wasnt as sweet for him before 2013, when he came to India from Pakistans Singh province on a pilgrim visa with a firm intent not to return.

PERSECUTION BEGAN EVEN BEFORE HIS BIRTH

Bhil recounts the persecution of his family started even before he was born, soon after the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. His father used to be a caretaker of a property that belonged to a baniya family, living in a hutment within its perimeter. The aggression on Hindus after the 1971 war increased. What I heard was my father was requested by the baniya to take the land for free and take care of it, while he and his family moved to India and settled there," he says.

For Bhil senior, it was beyond imagination to own the land he used to take care of. After politely refusing, the baniya turned to a Muslim neighbour, Dhani Parto Wassan, who agreed to the proposition, only to backstab him. A deal was cracked, the land was sold and the Bhils were asked to vacate.

While knocking the doors of the court yielded results in their favour, it wasnt long before Bhils brother was found murdered.

BROTHERS MURDER THE LAST NAIL

It was 2011 and my brother was a taxi driver. Four to five men came as early as four in the morning, asking for a ride. He took them some 30 kilometres away. They tried to walk away without paying. When my brother insisted, they killed him," he recounted.

Still, Bhil didnt lose faith in the rule of law in Pakistan. He approached the local MP who asked the case to be investigated properly. But when we went to the police station, they accused us of killing my brother and asked how dare we level such allegations? When we went back to the MP, he washed his hands off, suggesting political compulsions. That was the day we realised we could not live in Pakistan for a day," recounts the 46-year-old.

ALSO READ | Early Holi for Matuas of Bengals Thakurbari as Over 70-Yr-Old Citizenship Dream Comes True

He collected money, made a few gold jewels, got the women to wear them and crossed over to India on a pilgrim visa. They sold the ornaments to make a fresh start, in a country where they had no legal citizenship.

SITUATION IN PAKISTAN, BANGLADESH

In 2022, Freedom House rated Pakistans religious freedom a poor 1 out of 4, stressing how controversial blasphemy laws are often exploited by religious vigilantes against Hindus, Christians, Sikhs and even Ahmadiyas. Women from minority communities, particularly Hindus, have been targets of forced conversions and marriages. Forced conversion, rape and forced marriages of Hindu women in Pakistan have been making international headlines.

The kidnap of 16-year-old Anusha Kumari in 2019, the forced conversion of Hindu sisters Reena and Raveena the same year, and kidnap of Jyoti Kumari, a student of Electrical Engineering from Sindh in 2014 are some of the numerous instances of Hindu persecution in Pakistan in recent years. In July 2010, around 60 Hindus were attacked by 150 residents in Karachi and ethnically cleansed, forcing even the United Nations to react strongly.

ALSO READ | Bodies Mutilated, Skin Peeled Off, Women Raped & Converted: Paks Minority Atrocities Report | Exclusive

Kisi pe koi bharosa nahi hai. Hinduon ki pairvi karne wala koi nahi tha," said Bhil. No Hindu can ride a bike after 6pm; most refuse to pay if the seller is a Hindu. A Hindu surname attracts abuse in Pakistan," he added.

It is not just Pakistan, the situation isnt any better in liberal Sheikh Hasina-ruled Bangladesh and Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.

Does he miss his brother? Even amid jubilation, Bhils eyes become moist instantly at the question.
The Center slashed prices of petrol and diesel by Rs 2 per litre on Thursday, just ahead of the Lok Sabha election schedule announcement.

Announcing the news on social media platform X, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas declared that the new prices would be effective from March 15, on Friday, starting at 6:00 AM.

Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have informed that they have revised Petrol and Diesel Prices across the country. New prices would be effective from 15th March 2024, 06:00 AM. Reduction in petrol and diesel prices will boost consumer spending and reduce operating costs for over 58 lakh heavy goods vehicles running on diesel, 6 crore cars and 27 crore two-wheelers, the ministry stated.

Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have informed that they have revised Petrol and Diesel Prices across the country. New prices would be effective from 15th March 2024, 06:00 AM.Reduction in petrol and diesel prices will boost consumer spending and reduce operating costs for over pic.twitter.com/FlUSdtg2Vi  Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas #MoPNG (@PetroleumMin) March 14, 2024

Commenting on the price reduction, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership, stating that he has once again proved that the welfare and convenience of his family of crores of Indians is always his goal.

When the world was going through difficult times  petrol prices increased by 50-72 percent in developed and developing countries and in many countries around us petrol was no longer available, even then, in the fifty years after 1973, Despite the biggest oil crisis, Modis family was not affected due to his visionary and intuitive leadership. Instead of increasing, petrol prices in India decreased by 4.65 percent in the last two and a half years!, Hardeep Singh Puri wrote in his X post.

Comparing petrol and diesel prices in India with those in foreign countries, the Union Minister highlighted the significant differences.

On March 14, 2024, in rupee terms, petrol in India is on average  94 per liter but in Italy  168.01- i.e. 79% more; In France  166.87 i.e. 78% more; In Germany  159.57 i.e. 70% more and in Spain  145.13 i.e. 54% more! And if we compare the prices of diesel, then if Indias average  is 87 per liter then in Italy  it is 163.21 i.e. 88% more; In France  161.57 i.e. 86% more; In Germany  155.68 i.e. 79% more and in Spain  138.07 i.e. 59% more!, Singh wrote.

On Thursday, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma also announced a 2% reduction in the VAT rate on petrol and diesel in the state, starting from Friday. Sharma stated that this VAT cut would provide relief ranging from Rs 1.40 to Rs 5.30 on petrol and from Rs 1.34 to Rs 4.85 on diesel for buyers. Currently, the Rajasthan government imposes a VAT of 31.04% on petrol and 19.30% on diesel
The umbrella body of farmers organisations, Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) announced that they will conduct a Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat at the Ramlila Maidan on Thursday.

The Delhi Police has also made elaborate security arrangements and has given permission to the farmers to hold their Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat with the condition of gathering not exceeding to 5,000, no tractor trolleys, no march at the Ramlila Maidan.

#WATCH | Farmers gather at Delhis Ramlila Maidan to hold Kisan Mahapanchayat to press for their demands including MSP law pic.twitter.com/fmDB2iG0Gv ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2024

Meanwhile, the Noida police on Wednesday cautioned commuters about the possibility of slow traffic movement on the Noida-Delhi routes on Thursday in view of the proposed farmers protest in the national capital.

VIDEO | Heavy traffic in Noida as police tightens security in view of Kisan Mahapanchayat being held today at Delhi Ramlila Maidan.#FarmersProtest #KisanMahapanchayat(Full video available on PTI Videos  https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/XnnfeQU4fA Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 14, 2024

The farmers body, SKM, which had spearheaded the 2020-21 farmers protest at Delhi borders against the three central agri laws, aims to pass a resolution at the Mahapanchyat in order to to intensify the fight against the policies of the government.

Top Updates on Farmers Protest at Ramlila Maidan:

Gurnam Singh Chaduni, president, Bhartiya Kisan Union (Chaduni), said, The government has not fulfilled the demands of farmers and workers so far. We have organised Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat at Delhis Ramlila Ground to push for all the pending demands. We are going there.

On security arrangements, estimated farmers numbers & traffic arrangements, DCP Central M Harsha Vardhan said, We have made elaborate arrangements to ensure that law & order is maintained. The organising group has also given a written undertaking in which there are various points relating to maintaining law & orderA lot of farmers have come & it is an ongoing process. But we are hopeful that it will be under the limit of what the SKM leaders have told us. Sufficient forces are available with us. We are trying that without any law & order disturbance and with minimal traffic disturbance everything happens.

The SKM issued a statement on Tuesday, stating that the Delhi Police have given them the NOC to conduct the mahapanchayat at Ramlila Maidan on March 14 and that they will be arranging parking space and other basic amenities like water, toilets and ambulance with the support of the municipal administration of Delhi.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (central) M Harsha Vardhan told PTI that farmers are allowed to hold the mahapanchayat with the gathering to not significantly exceed 5,000.

The Deputy Commissioner also mentioned that the farmers have given the police an undertaking where they have been instructed to not come with tractors, without any weapon and have also promised that they will not hold any march in Delhi.

The Gautam Buddh Nagar police also said diversions could be placed at routes in Noida near Delhi borders, where intensive checking of vehicles would be carried out before allowing them passage towards the national capital.

According to a statement from the Delhi Traffic Police, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Barakhamba Road, Bahadurshah Zafar Marg, Tolstoy Marg, Asaf Ali Road, Jai Singh Road, Swami Vivekanand Marg, Sansad Marg, Netaji Subhash Marg, Baba Kharag Singh Marg, Minto Road, Ashoka Road, Maharaja Ranjeet Singh flyover, Connaught Circus, Bhavbhuti Marg, DDU Marg and Chaman Lal Marg are likely to be affected due to the farmers gathering in Delhi.

The advisory also stated that the traffic may be diverted on Delhi Gate, Mir Dard Chowk, Ajmeri Gate Chowk, Guru Nanak Chowk, Kamla Market, Paharganj Chowk, Jhandewalan round about, Maharaja Ranjeet Singh flyover from Barakhambha Road to Guru Nanak Chowk, Barakhamba Road, Janpath Road, KG Marg crossing and round about of GPO (Gol Post Office) from 6 am on Thursday.

The police have cautioned commuters saying, During this programme, intensive checking will be done by the Delhi Police and the Gautam Buddh Nagar police by installing barriers on all the borders between Noida and Delhi, due to which, in case of an increase in traffic pressure on the routes from Gautam Buddh Nagar to Delhi border, traffic can be diverted as per requirement, it said. In case of traffic inconvenience, you can contact the traffic helpline number 9971009001. Please use alternative routes to avoid inconvenience.

(with agency inputs)
KERALA LOTTERY KARUNYA PLUS KN-513 RESULT ON THURSDAY, MARCH 14, LIVE UPDATES: The Kerala State Lottery Department has announced the results of the Karunya Plus KN-513 lucky draw for Thursday, March 14. Check the full list of winning numbers below.

ALSO READ: Kerala Lottery Result Today LIVE: Fifty Fifty FF-89 WINNERS for March 20, 2024; First Prize Rs 1 Crore!

FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR KARUNYA PLUS KN-513

WINNING NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE WORTH RS 8,000 ARE

PN 146330

PO 146330

PR 146330

PS 146330

PT 146330

PU 146330

PV 146330

PW 146330

PX 146330

PY 146330

PZ 146330

WINNING NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE WORTH RS 80 LAKH IS PP 146330 (THIRUVANANTHAPURAM)

Agent Name: THANKARAJAN P

Agency No.: T 2356

WINNING NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE WORTH RS 10 LAKH IS PY 808583 (KOLLAM)

Agent Name: ANSARUDHEEN M

Agency No.: Q 3364

WINNING NUMBER FOR 3RD PRIZE WORTH RS 1 LAKH ARE

PN 615512 (KASARAGOD)

PO 598469 (WAYANADU)

PP 216204 (KANNUR)

PR 277242 (CHITTUR)

PS 636917 (KOTTAYAM)

PT 144931 (THIRUVANANTHAPURAM)

PU 255687 (KOLLAM)

PV 592457 (PALAKKAD)

PW 620936 (PATHANAMTHITTA)

PX 267818 (THAMARASSERY)

PY 245849 (KASARAGOD)

PZ 530639 (GURUVAYOOR)

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE WORTH RS 5,000 ARE

0084 0320 0715 1154 1915

1949 2595 2867 3215 3600

3999 4222 4534 5052 6717

7771 8685 9287

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE WORTH RS 1,000 ARE

0475 1480 1733 1781 1810

2180 2951 3699 4026 4040

4227 4463 4916 5219 5443

5545 5687 5952 6171 6296

6414 6920 7363 7435 8012

8420 9045 9143 9257 9271

9364 9462 9843 9893

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE WORTH RS 500 ARE

0053 0163 0224 0279 0364

0523 0546 0567 0705 0707

0857 1037 1081 1126 1137

1497 1550 1941 2026 2070

2320 2336 2472 2522 2586

2666 2832 2945 3013 3039

3090 3129 3381 3392 3463

3514 3523 3986 4120 4209

4349 4660 4778 5073 5097

5101 5110 5381 5643 5840

6266 6291 6372 6416 6543

6692 6888 6988 7128 7141

7384 7646 7744 7866 7987

8030 8105 8229 8317 8377

8524 8723 8744 8851 8921

9260 9274 9559 9812 9845

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE WORTH RS 100 ARE

0101 0135 0138 0179 0423

0434 0451 0462 0812 0854

1301 1594 1629 1702 1877

1881 1998 2051 2074 2079

2109 2167 2215 2248 2265

2312 2345 2468 2632 2668

2675 2767 2877 3119 3178

3622 3726 3866 3965 4065

4089 4123 4161 4177 4266

4348 4543 4639 4685 4730

4733 4827 4845 4908 5054

5180 5290 5334 5490 5520

5542 5661 5724 5737 5803

5821 5843 5905 6005 6034

6128 6143 6170 6451 6506

6515 6599 6666 6827 6865

6927 6969 7008 7031 7057

7190 7215 7320 7438 7485

7517 7853 7860 7868 7908

8039 8060 8079 8154 8202

8214 8217 8244 8248 8271

8438 8476 8549 8564 8625

8677 8694 8854 8875 8961

9114 9130 9197 9426 9599

9604 9638 9692 9696 9824

9892

KARUNYA PLUS KN-513 LOTTERY: PRIZE STRUCTURE

1st Prize: Rs 80 Lakh

2nd Prize: Rs. 10 Lakh

3rd Prize: Rs. 1 Lakh

4th Prize: Rs. 5,000

5th Prize: Rs. 1,000

6th Prize: Rs. 500

7th Prize: Rs. 100

Consolation Prize: Rs. 8,000

HOW TO CHECK KARUNYA PLUS KN-513 RESULTS?

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The Bombay High Court on Wednesday refused to quash the penalty imposed on a CISF personnel  charged for misconduct  saying that the act of knocking on a womans door at odd hours asking for lemons is preposterous and unbecoming.

Hearing the petition filed by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel Arvind Kumar, a division bench of Justices Nitin Jamdar and MM Sathaye  in the order dated March 11  said the petitioner was inebriated before the incident and was also aware of the absence of his colleague, the womans husband.

The action of the petitioner of knocking on neighbours door knowing that the man in the house is absent, the same being occupied by a lady with her six-year-old daughter and that too for a frivolous reason of getting a lemon for a so called medical emergency of stomach upset, is preposterous to say the least, the HC bench noted.

The petition, challenging the action taken by his CISF superiors between July 2021 and June 2021 imposing a penalty on him for misconduct, was filed by a 33-year-old Arvind Kumar, posted at Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited in Mumbai.

Kumars salary was reduced for three years during which he would also not get any increment as punishment.

The allegation on Kumar was that on the intervening night of April 19 and April 20, 2021 in the official residential headquarters, the CISF personnel knocked the doors of his neighbours house, where the complainant woman and her six-year-old daughter lived.

The woman had said that she got afraid and informed Kumar that her husband out of town for duty in West Bengal and so he shouldnt bother her. Allegedly the CISF personnel left from the womans doorstep only after she warned him.

However, in his defence, Kumar claimed that he was feeling unwell and so he had knocked on her door only to ask for a lemon.

The High Court bench in its order noted that the petitioner had consumed alcohol before the incident and was also well aware of the complainants husband being posted out of town at the time.

Dismissing Kumars petition, the court said that his conduct was certainly unbecoming of an officer of a force such as the CISF.

In our considered view, the intention of the petitioner is certainly not found to be as genuine and clear as alleged, the court said.

The two-judge bench also refused to accept Kumars contention that the incident does not amount to misconduct as he was not on duty at the time. It said that the Central Civil Service (Conduct) Rules mandate him to maintain integrity and do nothing which would be unbecoming of a government servant at all times.

(With PTI inputs)
Days after the Narendra Modi-led government implemented the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the law will never be taken back, adding that the BJP-led Centre will never compromise with it.

Shah, in an interview to news agency ANI, said, This is our sovereign right to ensure Indian citizenship in our country, we will never compromise on it and CAA will never be taken back.

On the flak received over the law from the opposition, INDIA bloc, especially when a Congress leader said that the law would be repealed if the party comes to power, the Home Minister said even the opposition is aware that it has barely any chance to come back to power.

Even INDI alliance knows that it will not come into power. CAA has been brought by the BJP party, and the Narendra Modi-led government has brought it. It is impossible to repeal it. We will spread awareness about it in the whole nation so that those who want to repeal it do not get a place, Shah noted.

He also dismissed any condemnation which said that the citizenship law is unconstitutional citing that it does not violate the constitutional provisions.

He said that those who criticise, always talk about Article 14, but they tend to forget the two clauses that it encompasses. This law does not violate Article 14. There is a clear, reasonable, classification here. This is a law for those who  due to partition  remained in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh and were facing religious persecution and decided to come to India, the Union Minister said.

Shah also responded to the Oppositions jibe at the timing of notifying the CAA rules, which is before the Lok Sabha elections, and said, First of all I will talk about the timing. All opposition parties including Rahul Gandhi, Mamata or Kejriwal are indulging in jhooth ki rajneeti (politics of lies) so the question of timing does not arise.

He pointed that the BJP had made it clear in its 2019 manifesto that it will bring CAA and provide Indian citizenship to the persecuted refugees. He said that the party holds a clear agenda and under that very promise, the CAA bill was passed in both the Houses of the Parliament in 2019.

It got delayed due to Covid. The BJP had cleared its agenda well before the party got its mandate in the polls, Shah added.

He said that rules are now a formality. Taking a swipe at the Opposition, the home minister said that now that there is no question of timing, political gain or loss, the Opposition is trying to get its vote bank with appeasement politics.

I want to request them that they have been exposed. CAA is the law for the entire country and I have reiterated nearly 41 times in four years that it will become a reality, Amit Shah told ANI.

Citing the main aim of providing justice and due rights to the persecuted minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, Shah dismissed the basis of political gain.

The opposition had even raised questions on surgical strike and the abrogation of Article 370 and linked it with political gain, So should we not take stern steps against terrorism? Shah questioned, adding that the BJP has been saying since 1950 that we will withdraw Article 370.

I have spoken on CAA at least 41 times on different platforms and spoken on it in detail that the minorities of the country need to be afraid because it has no provision to take back the rights of any citizen, Shah noted.

He reiterated that the CAA is aimed to giving Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians, who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2024 and through this law, their suffering can be ended.

Amit Shah criticised opposition leaders like AIMIMs Asaddudin Owaisi and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee for their claims terming CAA to be anti-Muslim.

He emphasised that the law cannot be looked at in isolation. The background is that the nation was partitioned into three parties on August 15, 1947. Bharatiya Jan Sangh and BJP were always against the partition. We never wanted that country to be partitioned based on religion, Shah explained.

So, he further said, the nation was partitioned based on religion, due to which minorities faced persecution, they were converted, the women were tortured and they came to India.

They came to our refuge, dont they have a right to get our citizenship? the home minister asked.

Hinting the oppositions differing views, he said even Congress leaders at the time had said that those minorities should stay wherever they are due to the widespread bloodshed and they will be welcomed back into the country later, adding that, Now they started doing vote bank politics and due to appeasement.

It is the moral duty of the government to ensure the rights for the persecuted population, Shah said.

He said that the persecuted people  who were a part of Akhand Bharat  should be given refuge in the nation, adding that it is our social and Constitutional responsibility.

Now, if you look closely at the statistics, in Pakistan when the partition happened there were 23 per cent Hindus and Sikhs but now only 3.7 per cent of Hindus and Sikhs are left. Where are they? They have not returned here. They were converted, tortured, and insulted, they were given second-class status, the Home Minister said.

Where will they go? Will the country not think, Parliament will not think about them? Political parties should not think about them? Shah questioned.

Further he went on to slam Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as well, for his remarks stating that the CAA will snatch the jobs which are meant for the nations youths and can lead to an increase in crime rate. Shah said that the people who will benefit from the law are already here in the India.

He then questioned West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee that CAA will take away the citizenship of minorities.

I am requesting Mamata ji, that there are several platforms to do politics, but please dont harm Bengali Hindus coming from Bangladesh. I challenge Mamata publicly to tell one such clause that has provision of taking away citizenship of any India, the home minister said. He said that the TMC chiefs intent is to draw a difference between Hindus and Muslims for consolidating a vote bank.

The Centre on Monday notified the rules for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), a move that came just days ahead of the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

(With ANI inputs)
AUBURN  Abbott, an international medical device and health care products manufacturer, chose to unveil its newest technology at Auburn Community Hospital.

Auburn is the first hospital in the U.S. with Abbott's Alinity h-series hematology automation system. The new system was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in August 2023 and includes an automated analyzer for blood tests.

Hospital officials and Abbott executives held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday to celebrate the achievement. Dr. John Riccio, who previously served as the hospital's chief medical officer and its lab director, noted that the timing "could not have been better" for the introduction of the new lab equipment. The hospital will be opening its new cancer center in the coming weeks and has established a heart institute for cardiac care.

"This is truly an innovation that we've been waiting for a long time," Riccio said. "For Abbott to choose us to be their partner in release of this new technology is phenomenal."

The rollout of the technology was part of a project plan developed by Abbott in coordination with Auburn Community Hospital. The hospital has been using Abbott's equipment for years, including previous versions of its hematology platforms.

Neal Nash, a managing director for Abbott, told The Citizen that longtime partnership made Auburn a great choice to unveil the next line of laboratory technology.

"When you launch something new, it's the first time you're doing it and you're installing the first one and you want to make sure that you've got that partner who is going to work with you hand-in-hand that's going to make sure it's going to go very well," Nash said.

Before the new hematology system was installed at Auburn hospital, laboratory personnel traveled to Dallas for training at Abbott's facility. The training ensured they would be ready to use the system once installed at the hospital and they could train other staff members on how to use the equipment.

Jessica Giacona, Auburn's laboratory supervisor, said it's humbling to be selected as the first lab in the U.S. with this new equipment because it is "recognition of the quality of our lab and the amazing team that works here."

Auburn hospital leaders touted the benefits for patients. With Abbott's latest system, the hospital will be able to run nearly 120 complete blood counts in an hour. The speed of the machine will reduce wait times for results.

Dr. James Syrett, Auburn hospital's chief medical officer, provided an example of a patient who requires regular blood transfusions. Using the old system, this patient would need to wait two hours for results before receiving the transfusion. Now, with Abbott's Alinity h-series technology, the results will be available in 20 minutes.

"This investment by Auburn Community Hospital marks yet another example of how our rural integrated health care system can lead the way in patient care," Syrett said.
Hindu and Sikh refugees living in various parts of Delhi staged a protest near Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals Civil Lines residence here on Thursday, demanding an apology from him over his statements against the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).

In posts on X in Hindi, Kejriwal slammed the protesters calling them Pakistanis and questioned their audacity to seek an apology from a chief minister elected with a huge mandate.

The protesters assembled near the Chandgiram Akhara and attempted to march towards Kejriwals bungalow but were stopped by police. The Narendra Modi government is giving us citizenship while Kejriwal is asking who will give us jobs and houses. He does not understand our pain, said Panjuram, one of the protesters.

The protesters said Kejriwal should withdraw his statements against the CAA and refugees, and tender an apology. Kejriwal claimed that while protesters were allowed near his residence, farmers were not allowed to even enter the national capital.

Pakistanis are allowed to protest outside my house with full police protection and respect, and farmers of this country are not even allowed to come to Delhi? Tear gas shells, sticks, rods and bullets on Indian farmers? And so much respect for Pakistanis? Kejriwal said on X. No reaction was immediately available from the Delhi Police on Kejriwals charge.

Hindu and Sikh refugees living in Rohini, Adarsh Nagar, near Signature Bridge and Majnu ka Tilla took part in the protest. At a press conference on Wednesday, Kejriwal alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wants to settle poor people hailing from minority communities in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh in the country through the CAA and create a vote bank for itself.

He had also alleged that those coming from Pakistan and Bangladesh and settling here will be given jobs and houses and that, in turn, will affect the locals. The Centre implemented the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, on Monday, paving the way for grant of citizenship to undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who came to India before December 31, 2014.

Kejriwal in another post on X said, Today some Pakistanis demonstrated and created ruckus in front of my house. The Delhi Police gave them full support. They have so much audacity that having entered our country they are asking for a chief minister elected with a huge mandate of the people of Delhi to apologise, and the BJP is supporting them. The BJP for its hatred against me is standing with Pakistanis and betraying the country, Kejriwal alleged. He alleged that after CAA these Pakistanis will spread across the country and threaten people and create ruckus. Kejriwal alleged that the BJP wanted to make them its vote bank.

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva hit out at Kejriwal, saying that the Delhi chief minister does not have a moral compass to tell how the country should be run because of the corruption and loot of his government here in the last 10 years. He is now making contradictory statements to please a specific group. Kejriwal only wants to indulge in politics of religion because he has lost empathy, Sachdeva said.

He said that a large number of Rohingyas have settled in Delhi even though Kejriwal has been the chief minister for 10 years. He never speaks about this, the BJP leader said.
It has been over seven months since all the African cheetahs were darted, re-captured and confined to the large enclosures within the Kuno National Park. Three of the captive cheetahs have since given birth to 12 cubs. But, as months pass, there is still no decision on when these wild beasts would be released back to where they belong.

Not in the immediate future, says Subhoranjan Sen, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Madhya Pradesh. Eventually, we have to release all of them, but the Cheetah Steering Committee has yet to decide when that will be. Last December, we released two, but we had to stop when a cheetah (Shaurya) collapsed in the enclosure.

Only 13 of the 20 adult cheetahs airlifted from Namibia in September 2022 and South Africa in February 2023 have survived so far. Two are in the wild, while 11, including a coalition, have been kept in separate enclosures in the national park. Coalitions are groups of cheetahs that are made up of two to three male cheetahs, usually litter-mates.

Ever since their historic translocation to India, the African cheetahs have spent more time within the enclosures than in the wild. Some of them had to be immobilised many times when they ventured far off from Kuno. But last year in July, when three cats suddenly succumbed to septicemia, the forest department re-captured all felines in a desperate attempt to save the rest.

All the cheetahs have since been kept in separate enclosures which are almost 100-250 hectares big. There is enough prey inside  chital and wild boar. We do not feed them, and they hunt on their own, and are continuously monitored, Uttam Kumar Sharma, Chief Conservator of Forests, tells News18. The only concern is that they have not learnt how to confront leopards  which can be their biggest enemies in the wild.

EIGHT MONTHS OF CAPTIVITY

Project Cheetah is one of the worlds biggest inter-continental translocation exercises, and officials are desperate to improve their chances of survival. These enclosures are basically very large fenced areas and the conditions inside are near-natural. It is not like a zoo, officials say emphatically. But, the extended captivity has left several wildlife experts concerned.

Have we brought these cheetahs to keep them captive? Is that the goal of the re-introduction exercise? They (authorities) have to take up the gauntlet. The cheetahs must be released at the earliest. Well lose some of them, but the risk has to be taken, or else how will we know if we succeeded or failed, says Dr MK Ranjitsinh, veteran wildlife conservationist who also played a crucial role in cheetah re-introduction.

The animals need to exercise their muscles, and keep themselves fit. The longer they remain in captivity, the more debilitated they will become, adds the former secretary to the government, who is also credited with framing Indias Wildlife Protection Act in 1972.

Several wildlife experts News18 spoke to highlight that repeated darting and immobilisation can potentially compromise the physiology, and bone-development of the cheetahs, which are free-ranging carnivores.

13 CUBS, BUT ALL CAPTIVE-BRED

As many as 12 cubs have been born to the three captive cheetahs in the last three months, taking the total cub count to 13. Its good news but all cubs are captive-bred, and the natural survival rate among cubs is 25-40%.

According to the governments Cheetah Action Plan, the success of the project depends on whether the felines can establish their home ranges in Kuno, and successfully reproduce in the wild for at least two generations, and eventually perform their functional role as a top predator.

The conservation efforts will be successful only when the cheetahs establish their home range in at least three places across India, and breed naturally in the wild for at least two generations. But we will never know of our successes and failures, until we take the risk and release them in the wild, adds Dr MK Ranjitsinh.

ANOTHER SCORCHING SUMMER

None of the seven that perished over the last 1.5 years died due to natural causes or after confrontation with other predators in the wild. They died due to renal insufficiency, neurological reason, violent encounter in boma and Septicemia, the government told Parliament. The cheetahs are yet to learn how to confront leopards in the wild.

Another season of scorching heat waves has begun and the ensuing monsoon will bring its own challenges, especially after last years deadly winter-coat/septicemia scare. It is also certain that once released, the cheetahs will again venture several hundred kilometres from Kuno and make tracking a nightmare for the forest officials.

But the question still remains  how long will it be before these wild beasts can freely sprint through the forests where they belong?
There is no count available as of now on how many individuals will benefit from the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 following the notification of its rules this week, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Thursday while maintaining that the new law has no provision to strip anyone of their citizenship.

There are a lot of people there is no count as of now. Due to the wrong campaign going on, many people will hesitate to file an application. I want to assure everyone to apply and have faith in the Narendra Modi government that you will be given citizenship with retrospective effect, Amit Shah said in an interview to news agency ANI.

This law is accepting you as a refugee. If you have entered India illegally, there will be no criminal case against you There is no need for anyone to get scared. Everyone will be given equal rights as they will become the citizens of India, Shah said when asked about the number of people getting citizenship post-CAA.

The Centre on Monday implemented the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, notifying the rules four years after the contentious law was passed by Parliament to fast-track citizenship for undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who came to India before December 31, 2014. With the unveiling of the rules that came days ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections, the Modi government will now start granting Indian nationality to persecuted non-Muslim migrants  Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians  from the three countries. The rules came into force with immediate effect, according to a gazette notification.

The Home Minister added that there is no provision in the CAA to take away anyones citizenship.

CAA is only to give rights to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs, Christians and Parsi refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and PakistanThey will have as many rights as you or I have. They can contest elections and become MP, MLA, CM and ministers, Shah said.

Explaining the citizenship criteria, Shah said: All those people who have entered India between August 15, 1947 and December 31, 2014 are welcome here. As per my knowledge, 85% people have relevant documents. We will find a solution for those who do not have the documents. Even Muslims have the right to apply for citizenship in India under the rules of the Constitution, he added.

Targeting those spreading misinformation on the new law, he said: I have spoken on CAA at least 41 times on different platforms and spoken on it in detail that the minorities of the country need not be afraid because it has no provision to take back the rights of any citizen. The CAA aims to confer Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians, who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014, and through this law, their sufferings can be ended.

The Home Minister also replied to opposition leaders like AIMIMs Asaddudin Owaisi and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee who tagged the CAA as anti-Muslim

You cannot see this law in isolation. On August 15, 1947, our country was partitioned. The Bharatiya Jan Sangh and BJP were always against Partition. We never wanted the country to be partitioned based on religion, he said.

So when the country was partitioned on the basis of religion, minorities faced persecution, they were being converted, women in the minority section were being tortured and came to India. They came to our refuge; dont they have a right to get our citizenship? Even Congress leaders said during Partition that those minorities should stay wherever they are due to the widespread bloodshed and they will be welcomed later in our country. Now they started doing vote bank politics due to appeasement, Shah added.

The people who were part of Akhand Bharat and who were persecuted or tortured should be given refuge in India. This is our social and constitutional responsibility. If you look closely at the statistics, there were 23% Hindus and Sikhs in Pakistan during Partition, but now only 3.7% Hindus and Sikhs are left there. Where are they? They have not returned here. They were converted, tortured, and given second-class status. Where will they go? Will the country not think about them? Will Parliament not think about them? Should the political parties not think about them?
A woman hailing from Uzbekistan was found murdered in a hotel room in Karnatakas Bengaluru on Thursday.

As per police, the deceased, identified as Zareena, had come to Bengaluru four days ago, on a tourist visa and stayed at the hotel near BDA Bridge in Seshadripuram area.

On Wednesday, at around 10:30 pm, the hotel staff were alerted by one of Zareenas friends over the phone to check on her. According to an IANS report, the staff knocked the door of the room for a long time, but after receiving no response the room was opened using a master key.

As the staff entered the room, they found Zareenas dead body lying on the floor with her face covered with blood.

The police were informed immediately and preliminary investigations suggested that the Uzbek woman had been murdered.

As per officials, Zareena was punched on her face as injury marks were found on her body. The police are suspecting that she was strangulated to death.

Investigations have also revealed that a man named Rahul Kumar had booked the room for Zareena till March 16.

The police complaint in connection with the case was lodged by Hotel Manager Gaurav Kumar Singh . Further investigation is currently underway.
Amidst the political furore over the Citizenship Amendment Act, a number of Muslim influencers have come out in support of the law. Dr Feroz Bakht Ahmed, former chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MAANU), said theres nothing for the Muslim community to debate or protest about the CAA since it does not concern them.

Every channel is debating CAA, leading to the perception that there are issues with CAA but theres nothing to debatethere should only be discussions which clarify that this law is about giving right not taking away, Ahmed told CNN-News18.

The CAA amends the Citizenship Act of 1955 to provide Indian citizenship to migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who belong to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Parsi, Buddhist, and Christian communities and had entered India on or before December 31, 2014, due to religious persecution in their home countries.

When asked about the spectre of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) that has been raised by opposition politicians like Mamata Banerjee and Asaduddin Owaisi, Ahmed said, NRC kal aata hai, aaj aa jaye (Doesnt matter whether NRC comes today or tomorrow). Why should an Indian Muslim, who has sacrificed for this country, shed his blood against the Britishwhy should he worry? So many other Islamic countries including Pakistan have NRCOnly the illegal immigrant should fear the NRC.

Owaisi and Banerjee in their statements on Wednesday said that the CAA was just a precursor to the NRC. Amit Shah took my name in Parliament and said Owaisi ji, NPR (National Population Register) bhi hoga aur NRC bhi hoga, Owaisi said.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee was accused of fearmongering by BJP leaders after she told a gathering, The moment you apply under CAA, your citizenship will be taken away. What will happen to your property? They will take you to detention camps.

Dr Imam Muer Ahmed Ilyasi, chairman of the All India Imam Organization, called these statements political attempts to gain Muslim votes. A lot of politicians have always misled people by saying that CAA is inimical to Muslim interests. But in reality, CAA is only about minorities of Pakistan, Afghanistan. India has always provided refuge to persecuted people. No Muslim or Indian is impacted by this law. This is just to divide votes ahead of the Lok Sabha polls,  he said.

When asked if the CAA was anti-Muslim since it didnt make provisions for persecuted Muslims like Ahmadiyyas, Balochs, or Rohingyas, Ilyasi argued that Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh were Islamic countries, so it was more important to make provisions for non-Muslim persecuted minorities in these countries. He said this did not mean that the law should be seen as anti-Muslim.

He added, As chief imam, I appeal to all Indian Muslims not to get misled by these political statements and fearmongering.

Faheem Baig, chairman of Shama Educational And Charitable Society, agreed. Baig comes from north-east Delhis Jafrabad, which saw communal riots in 2020 that took place following protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act. The way we saw violence in north-east Delhipeople were misled that detention centres were being built in Assam where Muslims would be rushedI come from north-east Delhi, so I saw real-time. The government failed (then) in communicating the right message and the opposition succeeded in misleading. Videos of detention centres in other countries went viral, outsiders came to the area and incited Muslim women who ordinarily never step out of purdah, he said.

Asked about statements made by opposition leaders against CAA, the Muslim influencers who spoke to CNN-News18 were unanimous  both sides were playing politics.

Muslims now wont get misled by Mamata, Kejriwal, Owaisi. Wo apne pair par kulhadi mar rahe hain., jeetne ke liye sabka vote chahiye hoga, ye sab karke wo apna kaam kharab kar rahe hain (They are harming their own prospects. To win they would need everyones votes and this way they are reducing their own chances), they said.
Sleep is an indispensable component of overall health and well-being. Yet the prevalence of insomnia affects one-third of adults worldwide. Insomnia often signals a decline in mental health and can lead to increased anxiety and stress, reduced quality of life, cognitive impairments, etc. This World Sleep Day, it is imperative to explore evidence-based yogic practices that offer a scientific and holistic approach to combating insomnia.

The insomnia epidemic:Insomnia is the most common sleep-related medical concern. 30%50% of adults encounter sleep problems annually, with one-third experiencing frequent trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or enduring poor sleep quality. The societal toll is significant, encompassing heightened healthcare costs, lost productivity, and adverse effects on mental and physical health. Current Treatment Landscape:Traditional treatments like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) have proven effective but face limitations, including the need for trained providers and delayed therapeutic response. Pharmacological interventions, often chosen due to their immediacy, may lead to adverse effects and substantial economic burdens. The need of the hour is novel, easily accessible, and cost-effective treatments that require no in-person contact. Yogic Practices Beyond Asanas:Yogic practices, which extend beyond the physical postures commonly associated with yoga, offer a comprehensive and low-risk alternative. Complementary, mind-body and alternative therapies show promise but lack robust evidence. Deep breathing techniques, such as pranayama, activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress hormones. Additionally, meditation, a core element of yoga, enhances sleep quality by calming the mind and reducing racing thoughts. Non-pharmaceutical interventions collectively contribute to better sleep hygiene, offering a holistic and scientifically validated approach to managing insomnia. Physiological Impact of Yogic Practices:The physiological impact of yogic practices on the body involves a reduction in catecholamine levels (epinephrine and norepinephrine) through meditation and yogic techniques. Additionally, meditation and yoga enhance the activity of melatonin, a crucial hormone regulating sleep, circadian rhythm, and the internal biological clock. These practices also positively influence melatonin, enhancing its activity and contributing to improved sleep. Integrating yogic practices into lifestyles also provides a holistic approach to well-being, acknowledging their role in promoting overall health. Personalising Yogic Practices for Sleep Health:Tailoring yogic practices to individual needs and preferences empowers individuals to incorporate evidence-based techniques into their daily routines. Encouraging an integration of holistic yogic interventions in conventional treatments for insomnia can help foster a personalized and sustainable approach to sleep health.

To optimise sleep health, it is essential to incorporate a variety of relaxation techniques. Engaging in relaxation practices can help alleviate stress, allowing for neurophysiological and metabolic rest crucial for rejuvenating the body and mind. Embracing yoga-based deepening and breathwork techniques offers not only physical relaxation but also stimulates emotional and cognitive processes, aiding in unwinding before bedtime. Additionally, integrating meditative modalities into ones routine can help foster a non-judgmental state of heightened awareness, promoting a tranquil mindset conducive to better sleep. By recognising yoga as a lifestyle for holistic well-being, we open avenues for a paradigm shift in combating insomnia.
Ramzan or Ramadan is the Islamic calendars ninth month. Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad received revelations including the first verses of the Quran, the sacred book of Islam, during this month. Muslims celebrate this holy month by fasting from dawn till dusk. Fasting is one of Islams Five Pillars, which govern how Muslims should spend their lives.

ALSO READ: Ramadan Mubarak 2024: Happy Ramzan Wishes, Photos, Messages and WhatsApp Status to Share

The two Ramzan meals known as Sehri and Iftar are important for every Muslim. Sehri is an early morning meal eaten before daybreak. Then, they are forbidden from eating or drinking water throughout the day until after sunset when they are to break the fast with an evening meal known as iftar.

There are set times for eating both meals. The timings for Iftar and Sehri are crucial to know if youre observing this blessed month.

The times for Iftar and Sehri in many major Indian cities on the fourth day of Ramzan, which falls on March 15, are listed here:

Ramadan 2024 Day 4: City-wise Ramzan Sehri And Iftar Timings In India

Delhi: Sehri: 5:12 AM; Iftar: 6:32 PM

Sehri: 5:12 AM; Iftar: 6:32 PM Bengaluru: Sehri: 5:16 AM; Iftar: 6:34 PM

Sehri: 5:16 AM; Iftar: 6:34 PM Mumbai: Sehri: 5:34 AM; Iftar: 6:48 PM

Sehri: 5:34 AM; Iftar: 6:48 PM Lucknow: Sehri: 4:58 AM; Iftar: 6:17 PM

Sehri: 4:58 AM; Iftar: 6:17 PM Chennai: Sehri: 5:06 AM; Iftar: 6:20 PM

Sehri: 5:06 AM; Iftar: 6:20 PM Ahmedabad: Sehri: 5:34 AM; Iftar: 6:50 PM

Sehri: 5:34 AM; Iftar: 6:50 PM Hyderabad: Sehri: 5:19 AM; Iftar: 6:36 PM

Sehri: 5:19 AM; Iftar: 6:36 PM Kolkata: Sehri: 4:31 AM; Iftar: 5:46 PM

Sehri: 4:31 AM; Iftar: 5:46 PM Kanpur: Sehri: 5:01 AM; Iftar: 6:19 PM

Sehri: 5:01 AM; Iftar: 6:19 PM Pune: Sehri: 5:30 AM; Iftar: 6:48 PM

Sehri: 5:30 AM; Iftar: 6:48 PM Surat: Sehri: 5:33 AM; Iftar: 6:49 PM

Ramadan 2024 Wishes And Quotes

Ramadan Mubarak! Wishing you a blessed and peaceful Ramadan filled with strength, good health, and spiritual growth.

May this Ramadan bring you closer to Allah and your loved ones. Ramadan Kareem!

Sending warm wishes for a joyful and meaningful Ramadan. May your fasts be easy and your prayers answered.

May the spirit of Ramadan fill your heart with compassion, generosity, and forgiveness. Wishing you a blessed month.

Thinking of you during this holy month. May your Ramadan be filled with light, love, and blessings.

MUTTON CURRY RECIPE FOR YOUR MEAL

Its necessary to eat hearty meals after the fasting hours and a satisfying meal doesnt have to be boring. For a filling and flavourful meal, try this recipe of Mutton Curry:

INGREDIENTS NEEDED

Spice Blend:

Black cardamom

Mace

Cardamom

Cloves

Pathar Phool

Peppercorn

Cinnamon

Cumin

Coriander seeds

Bay leaf

For Curry:

Oil

Bay leaf

Cumin

Black cardamom

Cardamom

Onion, sliced

Kashmiri chilli powder

Coriander powder

Kasoori methi (dried)

Curd

Green chillies

Tomato puree (fresh)

Coriander, chopped

For Marination:

Mutton

Salt

Ginger paste

Garlic paste

Turmeric

METHOD OF PREPARATION
World Kidney Day is a global health awareness initiative that focuses on the importance of having healthy kidneys, reducing kidney-related health issues, and encouraging awareness about new treatments. Every year, it is celebrated on the second Tuesday of March. This year, it falls on March 14.

Other than making people aware of kidney-related issues, the day also advocates for multiple level interventions that support kidney health such as universal and quality healthcare which will result in early diagnosis and treatment, availability of healthy food including investment in kidney-related medical research to discover new insights into the kidney diseases and development of new treatments.

World Kidney Day: History And Significance

World Kidney Day was celebrated in 2006 for the first time. It was a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations. According to statistics on Worldkidneyday.org, chronic kidney disease affects a staggering 850 million people globally. It has resulted in over 3.1 million deaths in just 2019.

Currently, kidney-related diseases rank as the eighth leading cause of death worldwide. All of these reasons call for much awareness about kidney diseases, accessibility of treatments, and early prevention. On the occasion of Kidney Day, many organisations, especially those that work in health and wellness, organise awareness campaigns and health camps.

World Kidney Day 2024 Theme

The 2024 World Kidney Day campaign theme is Kidney Health for All  Advancing Equitable Access to Care and Optimal Medication Practice. The campaign aims to improve access to kidney treatment around the world.

Tips To Keep Your Kidney Healthy
Hrithik Roshan has begun shooting for Ayan Mukerjis War 2. He was recently spotted filming an intense action sequence in Mumbai. Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR will be sharing screen space in the action drama War 2. It was earlier reported that both actors have allotted 60 days to shoot for the sequel of the action-packed film.

Hrithiks photos from the set of War 2 have gone viral. He could be seen in tattered black clothing with prosthetic bruises over his face and body. The images have since gone viral, increasing the anticipation around the sequel. Check out the photos here:

Bollywood Hungama quoted a source earlier as saying, He is shooting for his entry sequence and its an action-packed stint. Hrithik has allotted merely 55 to 60 days for War 2 and most of the film will be shot at studios in Mumbai. Interestingly, it will be a wrap for Hrithik on War 2 by June 2024, and its among those films which he will conclude in record time. To note, Hrithik started shooting for the film at YRF Studios in Mumbai on March 7.

Jr. NTR will begin shooting for War 2 in April and will wrap by the end of July. Much like Hrithik, Jr. NTR too has allotted 60 days to shoot for War, which includes 25 to 30 days of combination shoot. YRF has mastered the art of mounting big films efficiently  as this template neither requires more days of shoot from actors nor does it add on to the budget, the source shared.

War 2 marks the sixth instalment in the YRF Spy Universe, which includes previous films like Ek Tha Tiger (2012), Tiger Zinda Hai (2017), War (2019), Pathaan (2022), and the upcoming Tiger 3 (2023). This film is expected to continue the storyline from Tiger 3 and will eventually lead to the highly anticipated movie Tiger vs Pathaan. The movie is touted to witness a showdown between Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan.
In a recent conversation, popular actress and model Lindsay Lohan, renowned for her role in Mean Girls, opened up about her desire to expand her family with her husband Bader Shammas. The actress, who is already a mother to 7-month-old son Luai, expressed her wish to provide him with a younger sibling. Reflecting on her own upbringing alongside siblings Michael Lohan Jr., Aliana Lohan, and Dakota Lohan, Lindsay emphasised on the importance of sibling relationships, expressing her desire for Luai to experience the same bond.

I was lucky enough to have a sibling, Lindsay shared, So I want Luai to have that, she said in a preview of the latest episode of The Drew Barrymore Show.

Recalling her journey to motherhood, Lindsay, 37, talked about her initial concerns regarding her age and the uncertainties surrounding pregnancy. However, she believes in the power of manifestation, attributing her quick conception of Luai to her prayers during the filming of Irish Wish alongside Ayesha Curry, now her sons godmother.

Lindsay also recalled a heartwarming moment when she found Luai engrossed in watching The Parent Trap, a movie in which she starred as a child, leading to an emotional reaction from the actress. It was a really magical moment, she shared. I took tons of pictures of it.

Watch the preview here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Drew Barrymore Show (@thedrewbarrymoreshow)

On the professional front, Lindsays career has witnessed a resurgence in recent years. Securing a deal with Netflix, she starred in acclaimed films like Falling for Christmas and Irish Wish, with another rom-com titled Our Little Secret slated for release. Additionally, Lindsay also expressed interest in joining the Marvel universe and made a cameo appearance in the Mean Girls musical reboot.

Despite her thriving career, Lindsay remains focused on her role as a mother. Sources close to the actress reveal her aspiration to have four children, indicating that she and Bader Shammas are contemplating expanding their family. Lindsay wants four kids. Shes working a lot, so its just a matter of timing. Theyll have another baby in the next year or two, reports US Weekly.

The couple, who tied the knot in an extremely intimate ceremony in April 2022, welcomed their son Luai in July 2023. Currently, Lindsay is busy with a new project, Freaky Friday 2 in Atlanta.
The first total solar eclipse to touch Cayuga County in 99 years will take place in less than a month, and the village of Fair Haven will have the best seat in the house.

The eclipse will begin locally at about 2:08 p.m. Monday, April 8. Totality  when the moon's shadow fully covers the sun  will begin at about 3:21 p.m. As the northernmost area of the county, Fair Haven will experience the longest period of totality that afternoon, at about three minutes and 22 seconds, compared to two minutes or less in areas to the south.

Total solar eclipses can attract umbraphiles, or shadow lovers, from around the world. In August 2017, South Carolina reported $269 million in economic impact at hotels, restaurants and more from an eclipse whose path of totality crossed the Columbia area. Now, Fair Haven is anticipating a boon of its own, according to several business owners there who spoke with The Citizen.

The boots are on the ground," said Brian DiBernardo, owner and manager of Turtle Cove Resort & Marina and director of the Fair Haven Chamber of Commerce.

"We're anticipating a huge turnout," he continued. "Everything in the surrounding area is full."

Tim Lowden, owner of Pleasant Beach Hotel, said his 10 rooms are booked for the eclipse and his only qualm about the event is that he'll be out of town that afternoon.

The Citizen also tried booking hotel rooms online for April 7 and April 8 in Fair Haven, and all of them were full.

As of Wednesday morning only two of about 15 nearby stays were available on Airbnb, a $235-a-night room and a $47 barn stay. No properties were available on fellow short-term rental platform Vrbo.

DiBernardo said he has a couple rooms he could open, and is considering it as April 8 approaches. The total solar eclipse will take place as the village's businesses gear up for their busy season.

Fair Haven is a popular place during those warmer months, DiBernardo continued, so its business owners are used to being busy.

Were equating this to the Fourth of July. It could rival that weekend," he said. "(The solar eclipse) will jumpstart our season."

Plenty of local activities will accompany the once-in-a-lifetime event. Colloca Estate Winery in Sterling will host a Totality Fest from noon to 5 p.m. that day with picnic-style food, live music by '80s cover band The Arcade, arts and crafts vendors, and more. Admission is $10 in advance and $20 the day of the event, and includes eclipse viewing glasses.

Colloca General Manager Monica Canale said the event will give attendees a great view of the eclipse  and will give the bayside winery a great opportunity to welcome many first-time visitors.

Canale said Colloca is not raising prices despite the popularity of the eclipse, and neither is the Little Sodus Inn. Manager Lisa Evankovich is also excited about first-time visitors to Fair Haven.

Its great notoriety, she said. Its a great area with plenty of things to do.

Evankovich said the Little Sodus Inn will offer can and cocktail specials that day, including free viewing glasses with the latter. Hamburgers, hot dogs and picnic fare will be served as well.

At Fair Haven Beach State Park, the gates will open for eclipse viewers at an early 8 a.m. April 8.

Although the park's 219 camping spots are filled for that day, the park will host a day of family-friendly events, including activities and discussions with staff from the Sciencenter in Ithaca.

The Citizen's April 8 total solar eclipse guide: More than 20 local events The first total solar eclipse to touch Cayuga County in 99 years is less than a month away, and events celebrating the once-in-a-lifetime cele
Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah actress Munmun Dutta took to her Instagram handle on Wednesday night to share her first post ever since her engagement reports with former co-star Raj Anadkat made headlines. Munmun shared a series of throwback pictures from her recent trip to New York and penned down a cryptic note.

Living my best life Sharing the last set of pictures from my NYC trip and photoshoot, she wrote. In the pictures, Munmun was seen posing on the streets of New York. She sported a grey shirt with orange trousers and looked stunning as always. Check out her post here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by  (@mmoonstar)

On Wednesday, News18 Showsha exclusively reported that Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah actors Munmun Dutta and Raj Anadkat are engaged. Munmun, 36, and Raj, 27, exchanged rings earlier this month in the presence of their respective families, the source informed us. The insider further revealed that the two actors got engaged in a low-key ceremony outside Mumbai.

The engagement took place just a few days back. The two apparently exchanged rings in Vadodara (Gujarat). Munmun and Rajs families have accepted their relationship and they were also present at the ceremony, the source said.

However, Munmun dismissed the engagement report and issued a statement which read, This news is ridiculous, fake and ludicrous. Zero ounce of truth in it. And frankly, I dont want to give my energy to this fake thing that keeps coming up again and again.

Later, Raj also took to his Instagram stories and called the engagement report false. Hello everyone. Just to clear things up, the news youve been seeing on social media is false & baseless, he wrote.

While Munmun plays the role of Babita in the popular sitcom, Raj played Dilip Joshis son Tappu in the show. Raj announced his departure from TMKOC in December 2022.
Pakistan has a new coalition government with Shehbaz Sharif, representing the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), assuming the countrys premiership once again with the backing of the Bhutto-Zardari familys Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and powerful military. However, despite this coalition government taking up the civilian mantle of power in Pakistan, the protests on the streets by the common people and the sentiments on social media against the rigging of election results cast a shadow on the legitimacy of this new government.

Prima facie, the 2024 Pakistan elections for the national assembly and the provinces remain contested because of the brazen voting manipulations orchestrated by the military-dominated establishment. Shehbaz Sharif, as the prime minister select, cannot overlook his partys involvement in undermining the electoral mandate of the Pakistani people, who evidently showed overwhelming support for the candidates of the incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI).

The legitimacy of the election results, upon which the new government has been built, remains highly disputed due to the manipulation and orchestration by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). It has become widely known that the establishment, which exerted significant effort in the preceding months to decimate PTI, was taken aback by the peoples defiance of the militarys fear. This resulted in a popular mandate for his party. Neither the ECP nor the military establishment nor its political beneficiaries can wish away the memory of its televised fraud on the people of Pakistan to manipulate what it deemed as an unfavourable electoral outcome, despite its countless machinations to secure a pro-establishment result.

It may be recalled that as Pakistans Election Commission began releasing the vote count trends following the conclusion of polling on February 8, 2024, it immediately became apparent that a significant majority of Pakistanis had thrown their support behind the candidates fielded by the imprisoned Khans Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI). At one point in time, during the midnight hours of February 8-9, the voting trends showed that the PTI candidates were surging far ahead with unassailable leads in as many as 170 seats, with their margins extending into the thousands of votes over their closest rivals. However, this moment of clarity was short-lived, as the declarations of vote trends were abruptly halted by the ECP, prompting widespread speculation and apprehensions regarding the motives of the election authority and its backers within the military establishment.

The popular apprehensions of the voting manipulation, which has a long precedent in the countrys not-so-bright electoral history, were once again validated as the Election Commission bought inexplicable time to delay the declaration of results. It is amidst this information fog during the extended delay by the poll body that witnessed the heavy vote leads of PTI nominees abruptly shrinking, only to be reversed to unprecedented yet brazen degrees, shocking people beyond despair.

It became increasingly evident that the military establishment was unwilling to leave anything to chance to safeguard its grip over Pakistans political landscape and hence engineered a result to ensure that it retained the controlling strings as a political reality was manufactured from this trampled mandate.

Consider the case of Barrister Salman Akram Raja, a prominent leader of Imran Khans PTI contesting from Lahores NA-128 constituency. Initial data from Form 45s initially disclosed by the ECP for the 392 polling stations of the constituency before the interruption of vote trend announcements on the night of February 8-9, showed Barrister Raja maintaining a substantial lead of over 82,000 votes against his closest rival, Aun Chaudhry. However, when the ECP eventually released the final result through Form 47, which aggregates data from all Form 45s in a constituency, on the evening of February 9, the narrative had dramatically shifted. Overnight, Barrister Rajas formidable lead had vanished, dwindling to a deficit of nearly 12,000 votes, thereby relegating him to the runner-up position in NA-128.

The ECP-issued Form 47 showed Raja secured a total of 159,024 votes, while the earlier lagging Chaudhry was declared victorious with a vote count of 172,576. This overnight abrupt yet blatant manipulation of the results rightly put a question mark on the already tainted reputation of ECP, not merely because of this fraud but because of the brazen manner in which it was carried out.

Likewise, in the case of NA-47 Islamabad, the Form 45 data of PTIs Shoaib Shaheen showed his vote count at 1,01,596 against PML-Ns Tariq Fazal Chaudhrys 48,678, and hence a lead of over 51,000. However, as per ECPs result notification, Shaheens five-figure lead inexplicably dissipated as it declared Chaudhry the winner with a vote count of 101397 and the PTI nominee at the runner-up position with 86,796 votes.

With similar manipulative machinations at play in other two constituencies in Pakistans federal capital, NA-46 and NA-48, the provincial Islamabad High Court has since suspended ECPs result notification on February 19, 2024, as legal challenges against the voting manipulation picked pace across the country. As such, from the initial estimation of an overwhelming victory for the PTI candidates, the subsequent manipulation rendered the mandate split with no electoral bloc in a position to form a government of their own. The establishment favoured PML-N of the Sharif family, whose Chairman Nawaz Sharifs return from self-imposed exile in London was facilitated by withdrawing his prior corruption indictments, and Bhutto-Zardaris PPP. They had won 75 and 54 seats respectively, whereas PTI-backed nominees still managed to hold ground in 92 seats despite the rigging.

The Pakistanis feel that these blatant voting manipulations have turned the government of PML-N and PPP into a facade. This government has been formed at the behest of the military establishment, without popular support. As a matter of fact, the manner in which these parties have engaged in distributing government portfolios flies in the face of their earlier self-championing of the democratic principles in the country.

It may be recalled that these two parties, along with smaller ones, had entered into a Charter of Democracy in 2006 to limit the influence of the Pakistan Army in the political affairs of the country and strengthen the roots of democracy. Now they are ready to accept the patronage of the same military and turn a blind eye to blatant electoral manipulations. This also demonstrates how the question of legitimacy has taken a back seat in Pakistans polity. How long this legitimacy-less government would last could be anyones guess.

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.
There were over 200,000 Sikhs in Kabul in the 1980s, but after the start of the Civil War in 1992, most had fled. Seven of Kabuls eight gurudwaras were destroyed during the Civil War. At the start of 2021, there were only 400 Sikhs left and at the end, post the annihilation and capture of Afghanistan by the Taliban, only a measly number of 150 Sikhs are left. Shocking? Yes, indeed, but that is the harsh reality. Only Gurudwara Karte Parwan, located in the Karte Parwan section of Kabul, remains today. Christians in Bangladesh account for 0.30 per cent (roughly 500,000 believers) of the nations population as of the 2022 Census. Together with Judaism and Buddhism (plus other minority religious groups such as Atheism, Sikhism, the Bahai Faith and others), they account for less than 1 per cent of the population.

Pakistan was home to approximately 20,000 Sikhs in the 1990s but this group was excluded from the most recent population Census. Most Sikhs live in the Punjab province of Nankana Sahib and the Peshawar province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is believed that the Sikh population has dwindled to barely 2000 or lower, due to rampant persecution over decades. The Hindu population in large parts of Pakistan which was anywhere between 22-27 per cent in the 1950s is down to barely 2.5 per cent now, due to the systematic and horrifying persecution of Hindus by the theocratic Islamic State of Pakistan, over the years.

The above data clearly shows religious minorities in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan have been almost forced into oblivion and have been obliterated, demographically. This has not happened by virtue of any organic law of nature but due to severe, persistent and often State-sponsored persecution. Amidst these tumultuous conditions, it is to the credit of the Modi government that the CAA rules have been notified.

As soon as the Indian government notified the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Qatar-based international news organisation Al Jazeera recklessly called the law anti-Muslim. CAA is not anti-Muslim. In fact, CAA has nothing to do with Indian Muslims. The Act does not take away the fundamental, constitutional, civil, legal, religious, property or any other rights of any Muslim or any individual from any minority community in India.

It does not take away the citizenship of any Indian citizen irrespective of religion and is not against any community. Its an enabling law only to provide citizenship to persecuted minorities from the neighbouring countries of Afghanistan, Pakistan & Bangladesh. History was made on December 9, 2019, when the Lok Sabha passed the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) with an overwhelming majority of 311 votes to 80 votes. Again, on December 11, after a nine-hour long, intense debate, the Rajya Sabha passed the CAB with 125-105 votes. Needless to add, the passage of CAB by the Indian Parliament, which represents the will of a large part of Indias 1.4 billion citizens, is the biggest endorsement that this landmark law has both its head and heart in the right place.

What then, explains the vicious narrative against the CAA? First and foremost, it does not violate Article 14 of the Indian Constitution. Those harping about the Right to Equality under Article 14, have no problem in taking specific privileges conferred on minorities in India under Articles 29 and 30. Why? Is it a case of wanting to have the cake and eat it too? Of course. In any case, all rights including those under Article 14, are not absolute but subject to reasonable restrictions pertaining to public order, morality and health. It took a fearlessly resolute leader of Prime Minister Narendra Modis stature to bring in the CAA, easily one of the most enabling and empowering provisions in recent times.

Parties with a divisive agenda like the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) even moved the Supreme Court against the Ministry of Home Affairs notification pertaining to citizenship for non-Muslim refugees. As per the notification dated May 28, 2021, the MHA invited applications for citizenship from Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Christians and Buddhists hailing from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh who are currently residing in 13 districts of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Punjab. While the rules under the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019, will be framed soon, the Ministry invoked the provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955. In exercise of powers conferred under Section 16 of the Citizenship Act, 1955 (57 of 1955), the Central government hereby directs that powers exercisable by it for registration as citizen of India under Section 5, or for grant of certificate of naturalisation under Section 6 of the Citizenship Act 1955 in respect of any person belonging to minority community in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan namely, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians, residing in the districts mentioned and the States mentioned below, the Home Ministry notification said.

This is in addition to the 16 districts in seven states that were given powers to verify and approve citizenship under the Citizenship Act, 1955 (and rules framed under the law in 2009), earlier. Now, the provision is being implemented in a total of 29 districts in nine states. Interestingly, the MHA order makes no mention of West Bengal and Assam, both of which have long borders with Bangladesh. It is also in no way connected to the CAA enacted in 2019.

What is the procedure under the 1955 Act?

The MHA order has been issued under the older Citizenship Act passed in 1955 and not under CAA 2019. A similar notification was issued in 2018 as well for other districts in several states. Under the 1955 Act, people who are neither born in India, nor can claim citizenship based on ancestry (illegals are excluded) can also become citizens of India by registration, by fulfilling any one of the criteria, like being of Indian origin.

A person can also become a citizen by naturalisation  this has the broadest eligibility. There are no requirements of Indian descent, birth or Indian origination. To become a naturalised citizen, a person must be residing in India throughout the 12 months preceding the application for citizenship. Also, immediately before these 12 months, the person must be residing in India for a total of 11 out of 14 years.

How CAA 2019 changes it?

The option of naturalisation or registration is not available to illegal immigrants.

For legal migrants who want to apply for Indian citizenship, all the rules are the same. There is no discrimination between Muslims and non-Muslims. Muslims from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan can also become Indian citizens through legal ways like everyone else. Illegal migrants are foreigners who enter India without a valid passport or travel document or stay beyond the permitted time.

Heres where the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 comes. The Act states that Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan will not be treated as illegal migrants, and therefore, be eligible for naturalisation. This exception has been provided as the above communities, facing religious persecution, were forced to cross the border to save their lives and dignity. Also, under provisions for citizenship by naturalisation, they will have to fulfill the requirement of five years of residence in India, as opposed to 11 out of 14 years for others.

The Act exempts all Northeast states except non-tribal areas of Tripura and Assam. It also puts a cut-off date  only those who have come to India before December 31, 2014, are eligible though there is a buzz that cut-off date norms may be further relaxed.

What is the Citizenship Amendment Act?

The Act simply makes it easier for persecuted minorities from Indias neighbours  Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan  to become citizens of India as it entitles Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians facing religious persecution in these nations to seek Indian citizenship. The Act says the refugees of these six communities will be given Indian citizenship if they entered India on or before December 31, 2014, after residing in India for five years, vide Amendment 2 of the Citizenship Act, 1955.

Who benefits from CAA?

Well, the legislation applies to those who were forced or compelled to seek shelter in India due to persecution on the grounds of religion. The requirement to stay in India for those belonging to any of the aforesaid six religions for at least 11 years before applying for Indian citizenship has been reduced to five years. Indian citizenship, under present law, is given either to those born in India or if they have resided in the country for a minimum of 11 years.

Who is excluded from the Acts purview?

The Act does not apply to tribal areas of Tripura, Mizoram, Assam and Meghalaya, because of being included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Also, areas that fall under the Inner Limit notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation,1873, will also be outside the CAAs purview. This keeps almost the entire Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland out of the ambit of the Act.

How is the National Register of Citizens linked to the Citizenship Act?

The National Register of Citizens (NRC) is an exercise that will enlist all Indian citizens on a national register by vetting their documentation. The NRC does not exclude any Muslim who is a genuine Indian citizen. It only seeks to provide citizenship to minorities from Muslim-majority nations, where the said minorities are known to face persecution.

NRC does not discriminate based on religion, so Muslims have nothing to fear. Every sane country in the world has a national register of its citizens and India is no exception. Opposition parties like the Congress have amnesia and have conveniently forgotten that the Assam accord inked by Rajiv Gandhi in 1985 provided for NRC exercise in Assam, to check illegal migrants and infiltrators. Congress-led Central governments also made suitable insertions in the Citizenship Act thereafter by way of Clause 14A in 2004, relating to the issuance of national identity cards to all citizens of India and later, Schedule 4A in 2009 was also added.

Hence, fanning passions, by spreading falsehoods regarding the NRC and CAA to further the Congress brand of divisive politics simply because it has been electorally vanquished by the electorate, is not justified.

What is the Modi governments reasoning for CAA?

Home minister, the very erudite and dynamic Amit Shah, has said that the measure has the endorsement of over a billion Indians as it was always a part of the BJP manifesto, both in the general elections in 2014 and 2019. The Act does not discriminate against anyone and does not snatch anyones rights and that is precisely the reason the BJP-led Modi government stormed to power with a brute majority, in two successive Lok Sabha elections.

The exclusion of Muslims is not an act of Islamophobia. Muslims in Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan are the majority community and the CAA is meant for only minorities facing religious persecution in these nations. In any case, there are 50 Muslim-majority nations globally, of which 45 have officially declared themselves as Islamic Republics. Muslims, including Ahmediyyas and Bahais, can find shelter in any of these 50 Muslim-centric nations but a persecuted Hindu, for instance, has no country to turn to. Hence those protesting against CAA are exhibiting Hinduphobia. Being pro-Hindu or pro-Buddhist does not make CAA anti-Muslim.

How many people are likely to apply for naturalisation under CAA?

With the cut-off date set at December 31, 2014, the number of people who will benefit from the amendments stands at 31,313, a figure submitted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting during a Parliamentary Committee hearing on the bill in 2016. As per official records, there are 31,313 persons belonging to minority communities (Hindus  25447, Sikhs  5807, Christians  55, Buddhists  2, and Parsis  2) who have been given long-term visa on the basis of their claim of religious persecution in their respective countries and want Indian citizenship. Hence, these persons will be immediate beneficiaries.

What is the Northeast angle in the CAA?

The Opposition to the CAA has been miniscule. It is only vested, politically aligned groups owing allegiance to the Congress and Leftists who are fanning violence to derive political capital given their depleting political fortunes. Assam and Meghalaya saw normalcy after the temporary imposition of curfew, preventing agenda-driven protests by vested groups from taking a grim turn. The Northeastern states have faced large-scale migration from infiltrators and illegal immigrants from neighbouring countries, thanks to years of lethargy displayed by successive Congress-led regimes.

However, with the unstoppable Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the helm, Northeast is finally getting its due. It is precisely to prevent any further large-scale demographic invasion by infiltrators like the Rohingyas for instance, that the CAA will step in, by legitimising the residency of only persecuted minorities from the three neighbouring countries, without damaging the existing socio-demographic fabric of the Northeast.

Will CAA apply to all Indian states?

The amended law inserts a new clause that says  Nothing in this section shall apply to the tribal area of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram or Tripura as included in the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution and the area covered under The Inner Line notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.

Apart from the above exceptions, the law shall be applicable across all states. The chief ministers of Congress-ruled states like Punjab, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh have stated that they will not implement the act in their respective states. However, states do not have the power to refuse implementation of the law, as it is enacted under the Union List of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.

In the last two years, over 30 district magistrates and home secretaries of nine states have been given powers to grant Indian citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians coming from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan under the Citizenship Act of 1955. The treatment to be given to the classified communities in the particular neighbouring countries has been attracting the attention of successive governments but no government took any legislative measure and merely acknowledged the problem and took some administrative action through executive instructions regarding entry, stay and citizenship issues of these classified communities.

It was finally the relentless conviction of PM Modi that resulted in the passage of the historic CAA, to enable and empower these classified communities and legitimise their status in India.

It is Indias responsibility to give refuge to those people who have been oppressed due to their faith. These people have faced historical injustice and to stop this and fulfill our old promise, we have brought the CAA. Our government brought in CAA to give citizenship to such people but some political parties are in competition to do vote-bank politics. For whose interest are they working? Why cant they see the atrocities faced by these people in Pakistan? There are many Dalits (among those who have been oppressed). These people have been oppressed, PM Modi had rightfully and famously said after the passage of the CAA.

Modi further said that a sanitation job advertisement by the Pakistani Army stated it was only open to non-Muslims, implying it was for Dalits. He also referred to the Enemy Property Act and said those opposing this legislation are also the very lot against the CAA. After partition, those who left India for Pakistan could still lay claim to their properties. The Enemy Property Act 2016 allows the transfer of enemy property from the enemy to other persons.

The Citizenship Amendment Act corrects historical injustices and fulfills the promise made under the Nehru-Liaquat pact to religious minorities in neighbouring countries. What Nehru promised but failed to do was finally done by PM Modi. Dont forget India had assured minorities in Pakistan and Afghanistan when it gained independence in 1947 that they could come to the country if needed. This was Mahatma Gandhis wish and also the intention behind the Nehru-Liaquat pact, which Nehru however deliberately failed to honour, driven by appeasement politics which has always been the hallmark of the Congress.

The pact signed in 1950 between Nehru and his Pakistan counterpart Liaquat Ali Khan was aimed at allowing refugees to return to dispose of their property, return abducted women and looted property and de-recognise forced conversions.

The CAA exercise is constitutional, legal and simply put, symbolises the greatest good of the greatest number. It is yet another example of how the iron will, commitment and conviction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi achieved what a vacuous Nehru promised, but failed to deliver. Not only Nehru, even his daughter Indira Gandhi failed to recognise the rights of indigenous Assamese, as per what was outlined in the Indira-Mujib accord of 1972.

The Indira-Mujib agreement was signed on March 19, 1972, between the then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, determining various issues of the two countries, including March 1971 as the cut-off year to identify the Bangladeshi infiltrators/refugees to India. However, thanks to Indiras incompetence, the accord, largely speaking, was never implemented either in letter or spirit.

Coming back to the CAA, the Matua community, with its long-time demand for citizenship rights, demanded implementation of the CAA for decades. Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee of the CPM was the Chief Minister of Bengal from 2000-2011 but failed to solve the simmering issue of the Matua community. Ditto goes for the highly incompetent Mamata Banerjee, who has been the CM of West Bengal since 2011 and despite promising legitimacy to the Matua community, she did nothing for them, with many Matuas who are refugees from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) living in horrible conditions at camps in Bagjola in Nadiad district of Bengal. The CAA notification by the Modi government therefore, holds special significance for the Matua community in Bengal and like the persecuted Hindus of Pakistan living at Majnu ka Tila in North Delhi, who are overjoyed with the CAA notification, the Matuas too have a lot to rejoice about.

What Nehru, Indira, Buddhadeb and Mamata failed to do, PM Modi has done in one fell sweep.

Sanju Verma is an Economist, National Spokesperson of the BJP and the Bestselling Author of The Modi Gambit. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
In a significant development in Indias nuclear prowess, New Delhi tested the first flight test of an indigenously developed Agni-5 missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. The announcement, made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi via the widely used social media platform X (formerly Twitter), heralded Indias entry into the exclusive league of nations possessing MIRV capability.

The milestone launch was conducted as part of Mission Divyastra, a crucial facet of DRDOs Guided Missile Development Project, Agni. The Agni series of missiles has been a cornerstone of Indias defence arsenal since the early 1990s, and this latest development comes under the indigenously developed Agni-5 series of missiles.

The announcement marks a significant bolstering of Indias defence capabilities, fundamentally reshaping the regional power dynamics. With persistent challenges emanating from various fronts, and neighbouring countries like Pakistan and China, this advancement strengthens Indias position in the realm of nuclear deterrence.

Understanding MIRV and its Importance for India

MIRV stands for Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicles. Originating in the 1960s, MIRV technology was developed to enhance the effectiveness of missile strikes by enabling the delivery of multiple nuclear warheads to different locations. This technology allows a single missile to carry multiple warheads including nuclear warheads, each capable of being aimed at a different target, thereby ensuring that a single missile can deploy multiple warheads at diverse sets of locations.

Equipped with indigenous Avionics systems and high-precision sensor packages, the Agni-5 ensures that its re-entry vehicles reach their designated targets with exceptional accuracy. Now that India has indigenously developed MIRV technology, it is a part of elite countries like the US, the UK, France, China, and Russia, which possess this technology.

Analysts believe that while the shorter-range Agni-I and II primarily targeted traditional rival Pakistan, the subsequent versions, boasting extended ranges, signal Indias strategic pivot towards addressing potential threats from China.

The MIRV technology was initially developed by the United States, which produced a MIRV Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) in 1970 and a ballistic missile launched from a submarine the following year. A submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) and an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) equipped with MIRV capability were later developed by the then Soviet Union.

What sets the MIRV system apart is that, unlike conventional missiles that carry a single warhead, Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicles (MIRVs) possess the capacity to deliver multiple warheads. These warheads can be deployed at varying speeds and trajectories, enabling strikes on targets spanning distances of up to 1,500 kilometres. Land-based MIRV missiles, in particular, are deemed notably destabilising.

The utilisation of MIRVed missiles on submarines substantially enhances their survivability, as nuclear submarines are notoriously challenging to detect. Consequently, Indias acquisition of this capability is, thus, an enunciator of Indias burgeoning technological prowess and fortifies its strategic deterrence posture.

According to strategic analyst Brahma Chellaney, the incorporation of MIRVs in the Agni-5 enhances Indias capacity for a second-strike capability against China, which has been actively expanding its nuclear arsenal. Experts assert that Indias pursuit of MIRV technology is motivated, in part, by the imperative to surmount Chinese ballistic missile defence systems, as MIRVs possess the ability to circumvent such defence through the deployment of multiple genuine or decoy warheads. Moreover, MIRV technology offers the tactical advantage of multiple targeting options, enhancing cost-effectiveness by enabling a single missile to engage multiple tactical and strategic targets. Furthermore, the development of critical new weapon systems will likely strengthen Indias position in future arms control negotiations.

However, Indias strides in nuclear advancement have not been universally lauded. Hans Kristensen, Director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists, expressed reservations regarding Indias test of MIRV-equipped missiles, cautioning that operationalising MIRV capability could enable India to target more objectives with fewer missiles, potentially escalating nuclear tensions.

Conversely, Indian scholars contend that MIRV technology reinforces Indias adherence to the principle of no-first-use, as possessing credible missile systems capable of evading missile defence mitigates concerns regarding a use them or lose them scenario. In this regard, the acquisition of MIRV capability bolsters Indias nuclear deterrence posture, aligning with its longstanding policy of exercising restraint in nuclear matters.

If a country wants to ensure the efficacy of deterrence, it must first have the ability to inflict substantial damage on its adversaries. Without such capacity, deterrence loses its effectiveness, indicating a lack of strength, or worse, cowardice.

Since its landmark Pokhran-II tests in 1998, India has consistently demonstrated responsible nuclear stewardship, underscored by its unequivocal commitment to a no first use policy. It has consistently shown great restraint during very provoking situations over the decades. China and India are currently the only two nuclear powers to formally maintain a no first use policy, adopting pledges in 1964 and 1998 respectively.

Thus, amidst escalating regional tensions, Indias adoption of MIRV technology should be contextualized within the broader framework of maintaining strategic stability and should not be seen as a destabilising development in the sensitive region it is situated in.

Esha Banerji is presently associated with a premier think-tank in India, specialising in defence, security, and strategic studies. Her research interest and focuses of analysis are defence strategy, geo-economics, foreign affairs, and the implications of Chinese security developments on the region, especially India. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
In a letter dated March 12 to chief secretaries of all states and UTs, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying also said that these breeds of dogs, which have already been kept as pets, should be sterilised to prevent further breeding. (Image: News18)
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee recently claimed that Afghanistan doesnt share border with India, while addressing a public gathering in Bengal. The CMs remark, which comes amidst her opposition against the newly implemented CAA, invited strong criticism from the ruling saffron party.

The video clip in which Banerjee is heard stating so, gained attention after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) IT Cell Head, Amit Malviya shared it on his official X handle.

While sharing the video, Malviya called it problematic and seditious and said, Mamata Banerjee, in a statement, claimed that Afghanistan doesnt share border with India. For a sitting Chief Minister of a border state, who is under oath of the Constitution, to not recognise Indias official border, is not just problematic but seditious.

Mamata Banerjee, in a statement, claimed that Afghanistan doesnt share border with India. For a sitting Chief Minister of a border state, who is under oath of the Constitution, to not recognise Indias official border, is not just problematic but seditious. By doing so, she is pic.twitter.com/m3PqknUn8L Amit Malviya (  ) (@amitmalviya) March 13, 2024

He further said, By doing so, she is giving legitimacy to Pakistans illegal claim, over part of Kashmir. She must immediately withdraw her factually incorrect statement.

On Wednesday, the Bengal CM also asserted that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is linked with the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and that is the reason why she is opposing the new legislation.

The TMC supremo said she doesnt want detention camps in West Bengal, like those in Assam. CAA is related to NRC, that is why we are opposing it. We dont want detention camps like those in Assam, she added.

While sharing her views on CAA, Banerjee further said, They have totally put minorities Muslim out of this. This does not have any clarity. Assam CM has said nothing will happen to anyone. This is like distributing lollipops before polls. Anybody staying here for long or due to marriage should get the chance first. I dont support this divisive CAA.
Impossible to repeal the Citizenship Amendment Act, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said categorically, while slamming the opposition leaders of practicing politics of appeasement. He also questioned some chief ministers of non-BJP ruled states who have claimed that they would not allow its implementation in their state.

The Home Minister asserted that the CAA does not violate any provision of the constitution and only the central government is empowered to enact laws concerning citizenship and implement them.

Do you have the right that you can refuse its implementation? They also understand that they do not have the rights. In our Constitution, the right to make laws concerning citizenship has been given only to Parliament. This is a Central subject, not the states, both the law and its implementation, Amit Shah said in an interview with news agency ANI.

He asserted that all political parties would come on board and cooperate after the Lok Sabha election. Article 11 of our Constitution gives all the powers to make rules regarding citizenship to the Parliament. I think everyone will cooperate after the elections. They are spreading misinformation for appeasement politics, he said.

The Centre notified the rules for implementation of CAA earlier this week. The bill was passed by Parliament in December 2019, the first year of the second successive term of the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

With the Centre notifying rules for CAA implementation, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan slammed the law and said they will not implement it in their states.

The Congress has slammed the Centre over the timing of implementation of CAA, saying the rules have been notified ahead of Lok Sabha polls expected to be held in April-May this year.

Rahul Gandhi Must Explain Congress Stand on CAA, Says Amit Shah

Shah dismissed former Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his partys criticism of the Citizenship Amendment Act, rules of which were notified this week. The Union Minister challenged the Congress leader to appear on a public platform and put forth the case of his party on the issue.

I request you to interview Rahul Gandhi about the issue in detail and explain his reason for opposing the CAA to the general public. In politics, its your responsibility to justify your decisions. If the CAA is a decision by my government, I have to explain my partys position, the governments decision and why it is in favour of the nation. Similarly, Rahul Gandhi should explain his opposition to the legislation.

All opposition parties including Rahul Gandhi, Mamata or Kejriwal are indulging in jhooth ki rajneeti (politics of lies) so the question of timing does not arise. BJP has made it clear in its 2019 manifesto that it will bring CAA and provide Indian citizenship to refugees (from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan). BJP has a clear agenda and under that promise, the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed in both houses of Parliament in 2019. It got delayed due to Covid. BJP had cleared its agenda well before the party got its mandate in the polls, the Home Minister said.

(With inputs from ANI)
Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit lashed out at Chandigarh Mayor Kuldeep Kumar a day after he claimed the Union Territory Administrator had insulted him. Purohit on Thursday said he wouldnt keep listening to allegations.

I am not a saint that they will keep piling allegations and I will keep listening to them Jungle raj nahi hai (This is not Jungle raj). A system has to be followed by everyone Free mein baant rahe ho to paisa kahan se denge (This is not a jungle raj Where will you get the money to distribute [water] free of cost), Purohit said while speaking during an urgent press conference, according to an Indian Express report.

On Wednesday, Chandigarh Mayor Kuldeep Kumar had said Governor Purohit had embarrassed him publicly and MP Kirron Kher sanitised the mic after he spoke. Kumar also stated Governor Purohit had not just misbehaved with me but with citizens of Chandigarh who were happy with the relief we were giving.

UT Administrator Purohit, on the other hand, stressed he had not used any offensive words against Chandigarh Mayor Kuldeep Kumar in his speech on Wednesday.

Paise hain nahi, na koi calculation hai, na koi system hai aur tum announce kar rahe ho jab implement nahi ho sakta.. isse ganda koi kaam nahi ho sakta (Theres neither any money nor a calculation. Theres no system in place either. And, you make an announcement when it cant be implemented. Theres no worse thing than this). Its a fraud against the people of Chandigarh, the Punjab Governor was quoted by Indian Express as saying.

Purohit further slammed Kumar for making such allegations about MP Kirron Kher, who the Chandigarh Mayor had alleged got the microphone sanitised after he spoke.

Imagine such words for our MP who is a cancer patient who usually takes precautions everywhere because of health issues Aisi laanchhan lagana theek nahi (Its not good to cast such aspersions), Purohit said.

You can watch the video He introduced me to some other representatives. Maine unhe mere sofe pe bithaya, chai peelayi sath, snacks khilaye.3 pm ke baad bole apmaan ho gaya 3 pm se pehle apmaan to nahi tha. Delhi se order aayein kya ki apmaanit huye? (I made him sit on my sofa, and offered tea and snacks. It was only after 3:00 pm that he claimed he was insulted. It didnt happen before 3:00 pm. Were there orders from Delhi that he was insulted?), Purohit added.
In the wake of the Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe blast, the investigators have turned to facial recognition technology (FRT)  a vital asset for law enforcement agencies, offering expedited investigations and enhanced crime resolution capabilities  to identify the suspect.

The law enforcement officials investigating the explosion at the cafe on Kundalahalli Road in Whitefield, used AI-powered facial recognition technology to ascertain the identity of the individual who placed a bag containing the explosive device at the site. Soon, surveillance footage surfaced, revealing a man entering the cafe with the bag.

The city police later stated that the individuals facial features were recorded by CCTV cameras, with efforts underway to match them using facial recognition systems for tracking purposes. Amid the National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe, the delay in apprehending the suspect, despite employing AI-powered FRT, raised questions.

However, one key challenge emerged in the initial probe  the individual captured on CCTV cameras was wearing a mask, a precautionary measure adopted by many amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

FACE MASK HURDLE: THE HONG KONG EXAMPLE

Identifying individuals, even with FRT, becomes challenging due to the usage of face masks. This was notably observed during the 2019 Hong Kong pro-democracy protests, where participants, predominantly students, put on masks to evade surveillance cameras with FRT and as safeguard against tear gas. In response, Carrie Lam, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong at the time, imposed a temporary ban on wearing masks during public assemblies.

As per tech experts, FRT can identify individuals wearing masks under specific conditions. These conditions involve placing greater emphasis on visible areas such as the eyes, forehead and nose space for identification. Additionally, it also claimed that newer systems are becoming more sophisticated and can work better with partial facial data.

However, the tech becomes less accurate when individuals wear masks, which prompted the Hong Kong authorities to enforce a ban. The techs limitation arises because FRT systems rely on analysing the entire face. Masks obstruct the lower face, diminishing available data points for identification. Human brains recognise faces best when the encounter conditions (masked vs. unmasked) are similar to when they first formed the memory of the face. So FRTs may struggle if the initial image used for identification was unmasked and the person is now masked.

FRT USAGE AND THE DEBATE

It needs to be highlighted that the CCTVs with in-built FRT software for real-time analysis and matching CCTV footage with separate FRTs are two different approaches. The latter is considered traditional. Face masks make any of this more difficult. While they may not completely prevent identification, they prolong the process.

Real-time analysis of CCTV video feeds with FRT allows for comparisons with databases of known individuals. Moreover, FRTs ability to track individuals on watchlists entering sensitive areas offers proactive intervention opportunities, potentially preventing crimes before they occur.

In this context, human rights and privacy concerns take the discussion on the mass usage of FRT systems to another level. Many believe that striking the right balance appears difficult. Despite the undeniable utility of FRT systems in bolstering global security measures, debates or concerns regarding privacy violation, accuracy, and bias dampen enthusiasm for widespread deployment.

However, responsible FRT usage requires robust goverance structures, including transparent data handling protocols. Moreover, transparency regarding FRT implementation and stakeholder involvement becomes imperative to cultivate public trust in its ethical deployment. Achieving the right balance between security needs and privacy concerns could significantly enhance law enforcements capabilities by deploying FRT with city CCTV cameras.
WASHINGTON:The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill on Wednesday that would give TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance about six months to divest the U.S. assets of the short-video app, or face a ban, in the greatest threat to the app since the Trump administration.

The bill passed 352-65, with bipartisan support, but it faces a more uncertain path in the Senate where some favor a different approach to regulating foreign-owned apps posing security concerns. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the Senate will review the legislation.

The fate of TikTok, used by about 170 million Americans, has become a major issue in Washington. Lawmakers said their offices had received large volumes of calls from teen-age TikTok users who oppose the legislation, with the volume of complaints at times exceeding the number of calls seeking a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

"This process was secret and the bill was jammed through for one reason: it's a ban," a TikTok spokesperson said after the vote, adding that they hoped the Senate will "consider the facts, listen to their constituents," when considering the bill.

The measure is the latest in a series of moves in Washington to respond to U.S. national security concerns about China, from connected vehicles to advanced artificial intelligence chips to cranes at U.S. ports.

"This is a critical national security issue. The Senate must take this up and pass it," No. 2 House Republican Steve Scalise said on social media platform X.

Senate Commerce Committee chair Maria Cantwell, who will play an important role in the Senate's next move, said she wants legislation "that could hold up in court," and is considering a separate bill, but is not sure what her next step is.

The vote comes just over a week since the bill was proposed following one public hearing with little debate, and after action in Congress had stalled for more than a year. Last month, President Joe Biden's re-election campaign joined TikTok, raising hopes among TikTok officials that legislation was unlikely this year.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee last week voted 50-0 in favor of the bill, setting it up for a vote before the full House.

TIKTOK CEO GOES TO WASHINGTON

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew will visit Capitol Hill on Wednesday on a previously scheduled trip to talk to senators, a source briefed on the matter said, amid popular support for the app.

Several dozen TikTok users rallied outside the Capitol before the vote. The company paid for their travel to Washington and accommodations, a TikTok spokesperson said.

The group included Mona Swain, 23, who said she had joined TikTok in 2019, during her freshman year at college pursuing musical theater. Now a full-time content creator, she said she was paying her mothers mortgage and for her brother and sisters college educations with her earnings from the app.

"It's gonna put a lot of people out of work, which is the scariest part," Swain said. "We live in a time where the majority of people my age are barely getting by day-to-day. And to be put out of work at such a crazy time in my life and just in a lot of other creators' lives, its really, really scary right now."

But the political climate is in favor of the bill. Biden said last week he would sign it and White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan on Tuesday said the goal was ending Chinese ownership, not banning TikTok. "Do we want TikTok, as a platform, to be owned by an American company or owned by China? Do we want the data from TikTok  children's data, adults data  to be going, to be staying here in America or going to China?" he said.

It is unclear whether China would approve any sale or if TikTok's U.S. assets could be divested in six months. If ByteDance failed to do so, app stores operated by Apple, Alphabet's Google and others could not legally offer TikTok or provide web hosting services to ByteDance-controlled applications. In 2020, then-President Donald Trump sought to ban TikTok and Chinese-owned WeChat but was blocked by the courts.

In recent days he had raised concerns about a ban. It remains unclear if Tencent's WeChat or other high-profile Chinese-owned apps could face a ban under the legislation. Any forced TikTok divestment from the U.S. would almost certainly face legal challenges, which the company would need to file within 165 days of the bill being signed by the president.

There are still potential legal issues with the American Civil Liberties Union and other advocacy groups arguing the bill is unconstitutional on free speech and other grounds.

In November, a U.S. judge blocked a Montana state ban on TikTok use after the company sued.
U.S. Rep. Brandon Williams has promoted a Cayuga County native to serve as his top aide.

Taylor Weyeneth, who was the deputy chief of staff and communications director for Williams, was elevated to chief of staff Wednesday. He succeeds Joe Guy, who was hired by Williams, R-Sennett, in April 2023.

Weyeneth told The Citizen that Guy is leaving for a job focused on the presidential election, but could not say whether it was with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's campaign or another entity.

Weyeneth grew up in the town of Niles and is a 2012 graduate of Skaneateles High School. He is also a 2016 graduate of St. John's University.

Early in his political career, Weyeneth worked for Trump's first presidential campaign in 2016 and on the transition team. During the Trump administration, he played a role in Steven Mnuchin's confirmation as treasury secretary and had a stint in the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Notably, Weyeneth served as deputy chief of staff at the Office of National Drug Control Policy  a position that drew the attention of the Washington Post because of his experience compared to predecessors who held that post.

Outside of his time working on the Trump campaign and in the White House, Weyeneth launched a political consulting firm and was a field director for U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, a Staten Island Republican. He was also chief of staff for state Assemblyman Colin Schmitt.

Weyeneth is Williams' third chief of staff since the congressman took office in January 2023. Williams hired Guy after firing Michael Gordon, who held the top job after managing Williams' successful 2022 campaign for Congress.

Williams' current district is comprised of Onondaga, Madison and Oneida counties, along with a sliver of Oswego County. The new 22nd Congressional District extends into part of Cayuga County, including the city of Auburn.
A typo by a California man while donating to a social cause caused a positive chain of events that has been documented by him on Reddit for the world to see. The man and his wife had recently relocated to a new apartment complex in San Francisco where they encountered a neighbor who happened to be a Hindu priest named Jeff Dunan, aged 77. During their conversation, Dunan shared about his involvement with an organisation called Bangladesh Relief, dedicated to assisting with food, clothing, and vital supplies to disadvantaged individuals in northern Bangladesh.

Intrigued by the cause, the man, Michael, aged 31, opted to contribute to Dunans GoFundMe initiative. After deliberation, he settled on a donation of $150 (Rs 12,432), deeming it an appropriate amount for support. Michael expressed his motivation, stating, I believed in the cause and saw it as a neighbourly gesture. He preferred to maintain anonymity, preferring the focus to remain on the cause rather than himself.

Just after he made his contribution to the GoFundMe campaign in February 2022, Michael swiftly received a notification from his credit card company flagging a remarkably large transaction. Upon opening the message, he discovered a staggering charge of $15,041 (Rs 12.46 lakh) from GoFundMe.

Soon, it all made sense. Michaels credit card numbers started with four and one. He said, he accidentally began typing his credit card information while his cursor was still in the donation box. In a hurry, Michael dialled GoFundMes helpline and reported the accidental donation. He was relieved to hear that he would receive his money back for the incident in three to seven business days.

However, before he could be refunded, Michael began to receive numerous Facebook notifications and messages from Shohag Chandra, the programme manager of the charity based in Bangladesh, expressing immense gratitude for his significant donation. Michael recounted in a Reddit post, The man had sent me a video of himself from Bangladesh, surrounded by dozens of impoverished and hungry people clutching bags of food, expressing their gratitude to me BY NAME.

Micheal started feeling guilty about having to withdraw the hefty donation after seeing this. This is why once the original amount was reimbursed to him, he decided to donate $1,500 more to the cause, which he did. Micheal said Dunan and his colleagues in Bangladesh were still grateful for the sum he donated. Touched by Michaels accidental donation and his subsequent attempts to make amends, a large number of people donated to the GoFundMe campaign. The impact of the initial goal was increased as many people chose to donate themselves in appreciation of his deed of kindness.
Whats wrong with India? Lately, everyones glued to this viral trend where Desis are firing back at foreigners negative allegations flooding social media. And to spice things up, an Australian tourist in India named Fozzie the Auzzie (on X) hopped on board with his unique take on Whats wrong with India, claiming he got kidnapped in Aurangabad and developed PTSD  not your typical stress disorder, mind you, but post-traumatic schezwan dosa!

Ive been kidnapped by a family of Hindutva extremists based out of Aurangabad, India. Someone call the Australian embassy, please, posted Fozzie on X. But before you could fully panic, a glance at the photo of Fozzie happily posing with an Indian family hinted at a different story, one where sarcasm was the main ingredient.

Also Read: Whats Wrong With India? Indian Government Has This Take on Viral Trend

They keep telling me meree patnee ka dosa khao while the tiny Hindutva children smear my face in ghee. What is wrong with India? Why do they have to be so cruel to white foreigners, Fozzie joked, adding his voice to those using the Whats wrong with India trend to showcase its positives amid the recent social media backlash following the gangrape of a Spanish woman in Jharkhand.

It is insane how they are acting as great hosts! Please seek professional help to deal with such cruel post hospitality stress disorde, jabbed an X user in response to Fozzies sarcastic post, to which he retorted: Im suffering from PTSD (Post Traumatic Schezwan Dosa).

When another user remarked, They must hate us so much! You look terribly looked after, Fozzie quipped: Im bloated from all the dosa, they are force-feeding me and I cant tell them to stop!

Intrigued by Fozzies shenanigans, a third user inquired, Sir can you explain what you see around you. Fozzie, ever the comedian, painted a vivid picture of his captivity in a classic Indian house: Four walls, a Ganesh murti on the wall and a two buckets of Ghee. somebody help, Uncle Abishek is at work and Im tied to the chair. Why is India like this?

Also Read: Bengalurus Hospitality Not as Good as Delhis Due to GenZ? Mans Post Has Many Agreeing

Oh, talk about rolling out the perfect welcome dosa as the Aurangabad family served it with a dash of Atithi Devo Bhava!

And, could this be a Tourism Ad? Why not.
Imagine setting off for a fun-filled trip to Goa, soaking up the sun, partying hard, when suddenly, disaster strikes: your phone, an iPhone no less, gets stolen! Well, this unfortunate incident wasnt just a story for one man from Delhi who recently visited Goa. It took a bizarre turn when he discovered what his stolen iPhone was traded fora plate of Pav Bhaji! Yes, you read that right. An iPhone valued anywhere between Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 1.5 lakh exchanged for a dish thats worth a mere Rs. 100 at a local joint and maybe Rs. 500 at a posh restaurant!

Sharing his ordeal on social media, user @KartikeyaRai11, revealed how his trip to Goa turned into a comically sorry situation after a friend spilled the beans on social media. In his own words, A drunk dude pickpocketed my phone in goa (I was equally drunk) The drunk dude then got very hungry and went to eat bhaji pao in a small shop but he had no money to pay for it so he took out the red iPhone and tried to trade that for the bhaji pao.

And heres where the plot twists yet again: the eatery owner accepted the unusual payment, charged the iPhone, and astonishingly, answered a call from the rightful owner nearly 36 hours after the device went missing. To everyones amazement, the eatery owner was tracked down a whopping 60 kilometres away from the scene of the crime and promptly returned the phone to its rightful owner.

Also Read: Womans iPhone 13 Stolen During Pilgrimage Trip to Varanasi, Awaits Action By UP Police

Now, whether you burst into laughter or shed a tear for this unlikely protagonist is up to you, but one things for sure: the internet had a field day with this tale, unable to contain their amusement.

Now thats a story for the grandchildren, chuckled one commenter. Oh the pao bhaji mustve been THAT good, teased another with a hint of sarcasm. And a third chimed in, Dayum, crazy story.

Also Read: Monkey Steals Mans iPhone In Vrindavan Temple; Returns Handset After A Deal

Truly, who would have thought that a prized possession, for which people often endure EMIs and financial juggling, would be deemed less valuable than a humble street food dish by this extraordinary character?
We have often witnessed police officials conducting a sting operation to nab culprits. Recently, an IAS officer disguised herself as a patient and conducted a secret operation at a healthcare centre in Uttar Pradeshs Firozabad. It was on Tuesday when IAS officer Krati Raj reached the health centre covering her face with a veil. The officer mingled with other patients without overt security.

Firozabad SDM (Sadar) Krati Raj, who acted following multiple complaints by locals, found several inconsistencies during her inspection at Dida Mai health centre. The officer found expired medicines at the pharmacy and injections were also not administered properly to patients.

An IAS officer of the 2021 batch, Krati Raj also spoke to the doctor posing as a patient and figured his conduct to be unprofessional. While employees were not at work despite being marked present, there was also a lack of hygiene and cleanliness at the healthcare centre.

I had received a complaint in regards to Dida Mai health centre that the doctor was not present even after 10 am to administer the injection for dog bite. I went there anonymously in a veil, the doctors behaviour was not appropriate, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate told ANI.

In a video shared by the news agency, the IAS officer could be seen conducting a raid and taking out expired medicines at the health centres pharmacy.

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sadar Kriti Raj inspected a government health centre in Firozabad, after receiving several complaints regarding inconveniences faced by patients.(Source: SDM Office) pic.twitter.com/UZamZhpvxJ  ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 13, 2024

Krati Raj said, Half the medicines were expired, cleanliness was also not maintained. She added, Work was not being done in the spirit of public service. We have noted these complaints and we are investigating.

Social media users reacted swiftly to the video. Step out from the AC Cabin. Outstanding service, a user said. Another praised the officer noting, Good job.

Meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer Dr Rambadan Ram dismissed the claims that expired medicines were being given to patients. I conducted an inspection at 12.05 pm on Wednesday. Work was on for cleanliness and painting. No major shortcomings, as pointed out by SDM were found at the health centre, Hindustan Times quoted the CMO as saying.

He went on to add that no expired medicines were being distributed to patients. Claiming that the SDM found a wrong box of medicines with expiry date, Dr Rambadan Ram further said, The medicines with expiry dates in March and April 2024 were kept separately and were not being used. They were to be discarded and were mentioned in the discharge register.
The European Parliament gave final approval on Wednesday to extensive regulations governing artificial intelligence, including powerful systems like OpenAIs ChatGPT. The text passed with support from 523 EU lawmakers, with 46 voting against.

The EUs 27 states are expected to endorse the law in April before publication in the blocs Official Journal in May or June, according to the EU Parliament. The AI Act focuses on higher-risk uses of the technology by the private and public sector, with tougher obligations for providers, stricter transparency rules for the most powerful models like ChatGPT, and outright ban on tools considered too dangerous.

Senior European Union officials say the rules, first proposed in 2021, will protect citizens from the risks of a technology developing at breakneck speed, while also fostering innovation on the continent. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen hailed the vote ushering in a pioneering framework for innovative AI, with clear guardrails. This will benefit Europes fantastic pool of talents. And set a blueprint for trustworthy AI throughout the world, she said on X.

I welcome the @Europarl_EN vote on the AI Act.Europes pioneering framework for innovative AI, with clear guardrails. This will benefit Europes fantastic pool of talents. And set a blueprint for trustworthy AI throughout the world.  Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) March 13, 2024

Global AI Race

Brussels has been sprinting to pass the new rules since OpenAIs Microsoft-backed ChatGPT arrived on the scene in late 2022, unleashing a global AI race. There was a burst of excitement for generative AI as ChatGPT wowed the world with its human-like capabilities  from digesting complex text to producing poems within seconds, or passing medical exams.

Further examples include DALL-E and Midjourney, which produce images, while others create sounds based on a simple input in everyday language. But with the excitement came a swift realisation of the threats  not least that AI-generated audio and video deepfakes would turbocharge disinformation campaigns. Today is again a historic day on our long path towards regulation of AI, said Brando Benifei, an Italian lawmaker who pushed the text through parliament with Romanian MEP Dragos Tudorache.

We managed to find that very delicate balance between the interest to innovate and the interest to protect, Tudorache told journalists before the vote. Rules covering AI models like ChatGPT will enter into force 12 months after the law becomes official, while companies must comply with most other provisions in two years.

AI policing restrictions

The EUs rules known as the AI Act take a risk-based approach: the riskier the system, the tougher the requirements  with outright bans on the AI tools deemed to carry the most threat. For example, high-risk AI providers must conduct risk assessments and ensure their products comply with the law before they are made available to the public.

Democracy: 1 | Lobby: 0I welcome the overwhelming support from European Parliament for our #AIAct the worlds 1st comprehensive, binding rules for trusted AI. Europe is NOW a global standard-setter in AI. We are regulating as little as possible  but as much as needed! pic.twitter.com/t4ahAwkaSn  Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) March 13, 2024

We are regulating as little as possible and as much as needed, with proportionate measures for AI models, the EUs internal market commissioner, Thierry Breton, said. Violations can see companies hit with fines ranging from 7.5 million to 35 million euros ($8.2 million to $38.2 million), depending on the type of infringement and the firms size. There are strict bans on using AI for predictive policing and systems that use biometric information to infer an individuals race, religion or sexual orientation.

The rules also ban real-time facial recognition in public spaces but with some exceptions for law enforcement, although police must seek approval from a judicial authority before any AI deployment. Lawmaker Tudorache said the law was one of the heaviest lobbied pieces of legislation, certainly in this mandate, but insisted: We resisted the pressure. Organisations representing the European creative and cultural sectors welcomed the vote in a joint statement but urged the EU to ensure these important rules are put into practice in a meaningful and effective way.

(With agency inputs)
At least four people, including three Indian nationals, have been arrested in Upstate New York along the Canada border when they were trying to enter the US illegally, officials here said on Wednesday. The US Border Patrol arrested four people, including a woman, when they were jumping off a moving freight train on the International Railroad Bridge in the city of Buffalo.

The fourth person, a man, was identified from the Dominican Republic. The men left the woman who became immobile due to an injury as they were approached by the police and were caught shortly after a foot pursuit. The three men were taken to the Buffalo Station and processed. During processing, Border Patrol agents were able to identify that the woman and two men were from India and the third man was from the Dominican Republic, the US Border Patrol said in a press release.

The injured woman received first aid from Erie County Sheriffs deputies and US Customs and Border Protection officers (CBP). After treatment, the woman was transported by ambulance to a local medical centre. The investigation concluded that all four people were undocumented non-citizens. This is a great example of how our Border Patrol agents, CBP officers and law enforcement partners work tirelessly to protect the Western New York area, said Chief Patrol Agent Thomas G. Martin, U.S. Border Patrol Buffalo Sector.

The three men are being processed for removal and detained in Batavia Federal Detention Facility awaiting a deportation hearing for charges under Sections 212 and 237 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, a media release said. The woman remains at a local medical centre awaiting further medical treatment.
As the hashtag Whats wrong with India gained traction on Elon Musks social media platform X, the Israeli embassy in India jumped on the viral trend, adding a unique twist to the trend.

In a lighthearted video shared online, Israeli Ambassador to India Naor Gilon and other diplomats playfully responded to the question, Whats wrong with India? in a manner that brought a positive spin to the viral trend.

The video starts with the same question posed to Ambassador Gilon, who quipped, You soft-landed on the Moon. We crashed, referring to Indias Chandrayaan-3 mission. The video shows Israeli embassy staff answering question that celebrates Indias culture, cuisine, and world-famed Bollywood movies that highlight the positive aspects of India.

WHATS WRONG WITH INDIA?Listen to our diplomats spill the chai on #WhatsWrongWithIndia. Brace yourself for the unexpected twist at the end! Do you agree with their reasonings? pic.twitter.com/8WkKhed7jF  Israel in India (@IsraelinIndia) March 13, 2024

Everythings good about India

However, the video took a cheeky turn towards the end when one diplomat jokingly pointed to pictures of former Big Boss participant and media sensation Rakhi Sawant, suggesting her as the problem. The one-minute clip ends with a message saying, Everythings good about India.

The trending hashtag originated amid orchestrated attempts to portray India negatively following the gang rape of a Spanish tourist in Jharkhand, which the government condemned and responded to promptly by arresting the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, Indian users, in response to the viral trend, have been highlighting the nations progress and achievements across various sectors, with a tinge of sarcasm. They shared snapshots of news reports showcasing the countrys accomplishments, including the eradication of extreme poverty and the successful moon landing.

#WhatsWrongWithIndia ? People are using UPI for making payments even using Non-Andriod phone. Why India is making rapid advancements in technology over the last decade? Whats wrong with these Indian people, one of the users said.

#WhatsWrongWithIndia ? People are using UPI for making payments even using Non-Andriod phone . Why India is making rapid advancements in technology over the last decade? Whats wrong with these Indian people. #whatswrongwithindians #India pic.twitter.com/VADYNBQ3l9 Vikash Kumar (@Vikashraj86) March 14, 2024

Others posted videos of how the Indian diaspora is a well-respected community in countries around the world.

Some of the government-affiliated handles also joined in on the counter-trend, highlighting how India is a force for good.
US lawmakers on Wednesday cited Indias move to ban TikTok four years ago as they voted in support of legislation about the Chinese app. The House of Representatives passed by 352 to 65 votes the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.

The was co-authored by Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat, and Congressman Mike Gallagher from the Republican party. The bill, which seeks to control the ownership of foreign apps like TikTok in the US, now heads to the Senate for it to be sent to the White House for the President to sign it into law.

Several US lawmakers referred to the decision taken by India in 2020 to ban the app. In 2020, India banned 59 Chinese-created apps, including TikTok, emphasising their priority to defend Indias national security, said the office of Congressman Greg Murphy in a statement. Lack of transparency from TikTok executives and their unwillingness to protect user privacy and information have also encouraged neighbouring governments like the European Union and Canada to prohibit the use of the application on government devices.

The Chinese Communist Party uses TikTok to spy on Americans.We cannot allow companies controlled by foreign adversaries to access our markets, collect data, and use it against us. If TikTok wants to continue thriving in America, it must divest from the CCP. pic.twitter.com/KdwI7LQg0g  Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (@RepGregMurphy) March 13, 2024

Grave security threat

Murphy said, TikTok is used by China to target, surveil and manipulate American citizens. The app collects sensitive user data that is shared with the Chinese Communist Party and its intelligence services. Under its current ownership, it presents a grave national security threat, he said.

House Republicans said the data collection goals of China and the documented lack of transparency from TikTok and their executives over data and moderation practices has prompted governments, including the US, the European Union, Canada, India and several US States to ban the use of the application on government devices. The White House said this bill when passed by the Senate would be signed into law by the president. At the same time, it insisted the bill does not ban apps like TikTok.

We are glad to see this bill move forward. We will look to the Senate to take swift action. As we have said this is something that National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said  this bill is important and we welcome the step in  and ongoing efforts to address the threat posed by certain technology services operating in the US that put at risk Americans personal information and our broader national security, including through the manipulation by foreign powers of Americans views and beliefs, said White House Press Secretary Karine Jeane-Pierre.

What NSA Sullivan Said

The National Security Advisor was very clear yesterday. Jake Sullivan said Do we want private data that Americans have to be here or in China? Do we want companies to be owned here or in China? That was what he said. I want to be also very clear here: This bill would not ban apps like TikTok, period. What it would do is to ensure that ownership, as I just stated, of these apps wouldnt be in the hands of those who can exploit them or do us harm, she said. So, its going to go through a process. We hope the Senate takes action and takes this up very quickly, she said.

In a statement, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said he voted against legislation that would functionally result in a ban of TikTok, barring a difficult-to-achieve divestiture. The legislation gives broad discretion to the Executive Branch with virtually no congressional oversight, a move that would be unprecedented in American history, he said.

The bill requires TikTok to sever its ties with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to help protect the data of tens of millions of Americans  especially children  and mitigate national security risks posed by the brutal regime. This critical legislation is aimed at countering the Chinese Communist Partys efforts to sway public opinion in its favour  especially that of the younger generation  through the use of the social media app TikTok, as well as preventing the collection of data on Americans, said Congressman Chris Smith, who has chaired nearly 100 congressional hearings on the CCPs egregious human rights abuses.

(With agency inputs)
Days after New Zealands Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters questioned the claims regarding Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjars killing, Wellington has clarified the comments made by the top official during his visit to India, which sparked an outcry in Canada.

During his India visit, Peters had underlined the absence of conclusive evidence or findings corroborating the alleged involvement of Indian agents in Nijjars Surrey killing in June which heightened tensions between New Delhi and Ottawa. In an interview with Indian Express, Peters addressed the issue of the dearth of evidence in Nijjars case, who was a designated terrorist in India.

Well, I wasnt here, it was handled by the previous government. But sometimes when youre hearing Five Eyes information, youre hearing it and saying nothing. You dont know the value or the quality of it, but youre pleased to have it, he said in response to a question on India-Canada row. As a trained lawyer, I look okay, so wheres the case? Wheres the evidence? Wheres the finding right here, right now? Well, there isnt one, he added.

Read More: Wheres The Evidence? New Zealand Deputy PM Casts Doubt on India Link to Nijjar Killing

This stance marks a departure from the narrative put forth by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in September last year. Peters comments mark the first instance where a Five-Eyes partner, which comprises the US, Canada, UK, and Australia, New Zealand, has contested Ottawas assertions. Asked for comment by Canada on Peters remarks, the New Zealand government said Wellington is not challenging Canadas allegations.

New Zealands position on the allegations remains unchanged  if they are proven correct, then that would be of serious concern, John Tulloch, senior press secretary in Mr. Peterss office, said in an e-mailed statement to The Globe and Mail. The ministers point is that this is an ongoing criminal investigation. It needs to run its course before clear conclusions can be drawn. Ever since Trudeau went public with the Nijjar assassination allegations, New Delhi has strongly rejected the accusations and asked Ottawa to furnish solid proof. The Indian government has maintained that they have been collaborative and wanted to address the concerns raised by Canada through diplomatic channels.
Pakistans central bank has said it was investigating how some misprinted banknotes of Rs 1,000 denomination were issued by it to commercial banks, after a video went viral showing the backside of some of those notes as blank, according to a media report on Thursday.

A spokesperson for the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said the commercial banks and individuals who have received the faulty notes can exchange them at the bank branches from where they received such notes and at the designated 16 offices of the central bank nationwide, The Express Tribune newspaper reported.

In cash stripped Pakistan, Fake Currency Notes Make Their Way Into Pakistan National Bank.A National Bank of Pakistan branch in Karachi received bundles of misprinted one-sided rupees issued by the State Bank of Pakistan. Pakistan suspects Unknown Men behind this error pic.twitter.com/douRRsGuAI  Mahaveer Jain (Modi Ji Ka Parivar) (@Mahaveer_VJ) March 13, 2024

A one-minute video had gone viral earlier showing no printing on the backside of a few Pakistani Rs 1,000 notes. The person who shot the video did not appear in front of the camera but identified himself as a National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) branch manager in Model Colony, Karachi, the report said. Displaying the misprinted notes in his hand, the man stated that they had received fresh currency notes of denominations Rs 1,000, Rs 500, and Rs 5,000.

While the misprinted notes appeared perfect from the front, however, when he turned the notes over, the backside printing was incomplete. He claimed that many packets of fresh currency notes had already been delivered to customers and expressed unawareness of how many of them were misprinted.

The issue came to light when a customer returned two such notes to the bank, he said. The manager displayed another packet of Pakistani Rs 1,000 notes containing two misprinted notes. He later claimed that every package contained at least two misprinted notes. When NBP was approached to verify the authenticity of the video, an official stated that the case had been brought to the attention of top management and was under investigation.

The SBP official further said that the issued notes still retained their security features and would be checked by officials at public counters when people came to exchange the misprinted notes. He explained that while the printing press prints millions of notes in one cycle, despite having a robust system in place to double-check the quality and reject misprinted notes, there is still a chance for some misprinted notes to be mistakenly circulated.

A press statement issued by the central bank added that only 10 misprinted notes were issued to NBPs Model Colony branch. It stated that misprinted banknotes received by the public or commercial banks could be exchanged for fit banknotes at any office of the State Bank of Pakistan Banking Services Corporation (SBP-BSC) across the country under the State Bank of Pakistan (Note Refund) Regulations, 1963.
AUBURN  Gage Ashley took the stand in his own trial Wednesday, telling jurors that he's being framed for the murder he's accused of committing and that he wasn't there when it happened.

Ashley, 26, testified that morning in Cayuga County Court as his attorney, Shaun Chase, began his defense.

Ashley told the courtroom he was friends with Christian Rivera, who has been convicted of first-degree attempted robbery for planning what resulted in the Nov. 15, 2019, shooting death of Joshua Poole at 8 Delevan St. in Auburn. In the days prior, Ashley said, he talked with Rivera about robbing a drug dealer who lived at another location. Ashley said they also spoke with Lucciano Spagnola and Tyree Anglin, who were later convicted of killing Poole, and Markese Burke, who said in court last week that he was in Ashley's red 1999 Oldsmobile the night of the shooting.

Rivera devised a plan to drive to the dealer's location, Ashley said, "strongarm him" and steal his drugs. Ashley was then sent by Rivera to buy masks and gloves to use in the robbery.

However, Ashley testified, he did not want to be involved once the others wanted to bring guns.

"It went far beyond anything that I agreed to and it was too serious," he said.

Ashley drove to Rivera's the day before the shooting in a black Chevy Suburban belonging to his girlfriend, Mary Ferro, as he was loaning Rivera his Oldsmobile. Ashley said he drank "quite a bit" of whiskey there that night, and smoked cannabis. Chase asked his client if he recalled what happened next. Ashley, pausing, said "not entirely." He also said he fell asleep at Rivera's home.

The morning of Nov. 15, Ashley continued, Rivera handed him a black bag. It contained Ashley's black sweatshirt and his tan work boots, both of which prosecutors say he wore during Poole's shooting. He said Rivera told him, "We went out last night and something happened." Ashley then went to Ferro's Aurelius home, where he was living, and placed the bag in a burn barrel.

Chase asked Ashley why he didn't burn the contents of the barrel.

"I was scared and I didn't know what to do," Ashley replied.

A few days later, he said, Rivera had the Oldsmobile towed. Ashley said was following his friend's lead. But their relationship changed after the shooting, Ashley continued, as Rivera "seemed a little hostile toward me." After a police officer asked them about Ashley's car, he said, Rivera threatened him with a handgun and said he would hurt Ashley if he said anything.

Chase then noted a New York State Police forensic scientist's testimony that there was DNA on Ashley's sweatshirt consistent with at least three donors, though the scientist said Ashley was the major one. The attorney asked Ashley if anyone else had ever worn the sweatshirt. Ashley said Rivera had, including the night of the shooting, and that they were similar sizes at the time.

The prosecution questions Ashley

Cayuga County District Attorney's Office Special Counsel Mark Moody then cross-examined Ashley.

After Moody showed the courtroom images of the defendant's red Oldsmobile being pulled from the Seneca River, Ashley acknowledged it was his vehicle.

Ashley also said he recognized photos of him, Spagnola and Anglin with weapons in Rivera's basement hours before the shooting. The defendant said he didn't recognize one photo, but Moody asked if he had taken it himself, noting metadata from Ashley's phone saying it took the photo at around 11 p.m. Nov. 14, 2019.

Noting Ashley's testimony that he decided against the robbery when guns became involved, Moody pointed out that one of the photos from Rivera's basement showed the defendant with a 9 mm handgun in his waistband. Moody asked Ashley if he was OK with posing with guns, "(But) when guns would be used, it became too much, yes?"

"Strongarming someone for drugs and robbing someone with guns are two different things," Ashley replied.

Later, Moody noted Ashley's testimony that he bought gloves from Walmart for the robbery. Moody asked the defendant what he was worried about leaving fingerprints on if he didn't intend to use guns.

Moody also noted that police officers said the license plates for Ashley's Oldsmobile were found in Rivera's home. The prosecutor asked Ashley if he ever asked for the plates after Rivera had the car towed, and the defendant said he didn't. Moody then asked if there was any documentation linking Rivera to the car, and Ashley said there wasn't.

"If I understand this, you're basically telling this jury that Chris Rivera framed you. Is that accurate?" Moody asked. Ashley said "yes."

"You participated in your own frame-up?" Moody responded.

"I guess I did," Ashley said.

The prosecutor asked Ashley if he still hung out with Rivera after what happened. Ashley said "yes." When Moody asked why, Ashley replied, "Poor choices."

Moody also asked Ashley where he slept the night of Nov. 14. Responding that he slept in the bedroom of one of Rivera's sons, Ashley said he took off his sweatshirt earlier that night and left his boots in the kitchen. Moody then asked, "The only person who can say you were in that bedroom is you, right?" Ashley responded, "I guess so, yeah."

Moody asked Ashley if he, Spagnola and Anglin went to 8 Delevan St. for a robbery, and if Ashley took steps to cover it up after the attempt went wrong. He said that wasn't what happened.

Jury deliberations set for Thursday

Testifying before Ashley was Michael Feocco, who said Mary Ferro is the grandmother of children he has with one of Ferro's daughters.

After Feocco said he had shot clay on Ferro's property in Aurelius, Chase asked if it was possible the shotgun shells found by police on the property were from the activity. Feocco said "yes."

After Ashley testified, the defense rested. Leone then dismissed the jury, saying court would start Thursday with closing arguments and jury instructions, and they would be deliberating before lunchtime.

Why Ashley is being tried now

Ashley originally pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, second-degree murder, first-degree attempted robbery and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon in September 2021.

He was sentenced that December to 21 years to life in prison, but his conviction was overturned in May 2023 after a state appeals court determined the grand jury that indicted him was illegally constituted because a member had a criminal conviction. He was indicted again on the same charges in June 2023.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Thursday called for broad public dialogue on the prospect of applying for EU membership, as the ex-Soviet countrys ties with Russia fray.

Moscows war in Ukraine has reinvigorated the EUs drive to enlarge, with Brussels putting EU-aspirants Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia on a formal membership path after years of reluctance.

Armenia has grown angry with Moscow over what it considered inaction during Azerbaijans sweeping offensive to retake the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region last year.

Pashinyan said the possibility of joining the European Union must become a widely discussed topic in society.

His comments came after the European Parliament this week passed a resolution on closer ties between the EU and Armenia.

Pashinyan said his cabinet has the political will to continue working towards a maximum deepening of Armenias ties with the EU.

Armenian officials have increasingly publicly spoken about joining the EU while Yerevan distances itself from Moscow.

Last week, Armenia said it no longer needed Russian border guards at Yerevan airport  where they have been deployed since 1992.

Armenia has repeatedly floated intentions of leaving the Russian-led CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organisation) security bloc.

Moscow on Wednesday warned against the move, saying it would wreck ties between the two countries and undermine Armenias security arrangements.

Continuing Yerevans current course could ultimately cause irreparable damage to our allied relations, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

She said it would completely destroy effective mechanisms for ensuring Armenian security.

Armenia boycotted a CSTO summit at the end of 2023 over what Pashinyan said was the blocs failure to fulfil its security obligations.

In a sign of its ambition for new security guarantees, Yerevan has been forging partnerships with Western countries  mainly France and the United States.

Moscow had for decades been the main moderator of the conflict over Karabakh but has been bogged down by its two-year Ukraine offensive.

In February, Armenia formally joined the International Criminal Court (ICC), despite Moscow warning the small Caucasus country against the move.

It is now obliged to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin if he sets foot on Armenian territory under an ICC arrest warrant issued for the Russian leader in March 2023.
Russias foreign ministry on Thursday said it would bar entry to over 200 US nationals it claims are involved in anti-Russian activity.

The announcement came a day before the start of Russian presidential elections that are all but guaranteed to hand Vladimir Putin another six-year term in the Kremlin.

Entry to the Russian Federation is closed to 227 Americans involved in the development, implementation and justification of the Russophobic course of the current US administration, the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement published on its website.

The new sanctions targeted some government officials, including US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.

Several journalists  including from the Washington Post and the New York Times, as well as the founder of the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project  were also named on the list.

As were many university professors, including some teaching at Harvard, Yale and Columbia.

Moscow has banned more than 2,000 Americans from entering Russia in what it says is a response to a barrage of US sanctions against Russian individuals and companies.

The West has hit Russia with an unprecedented package of sanctions in response to its full-scale military offensive in Ukraine.

Russias foreign ministry has also warned against any attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of the Russian Federation during this weekends election, in which Putin faces no genuine opposition.
When once-friendly media outlets question the Princess of Wales PR disaster, its evident the royal family faces a problem. Catherine this week apologised and admitted to editing an official portrait of her released by the palace on Sunday.

This admission came only after the edits had prompted prominent news agencies to withdraw the altered image. Kate, 42, has not been seen at a public event since attending a Christmas Day church service, and underwent abdominal surgery in January, fuelling speculation about her health. Earlier, online posts speculated whether her marriage to William, heir to the British throne, was on the rocks.

Online Speculations

Others pondered whether Kate was recovering from an eating disorder or the cosmetic procedure known as a Brazilian butt lift. Proof of life landed on Sunday when the palace released a photograph they said was recently snapped by William, but sharp-eyed social media users began tearing it apart for inconsistencies, such as a misaligned zipper on Kates jacket.

The photograph dominated the front pages of UK newspapers, landing on doormats on Monday. The US media also joined the fray and began mocking the British royals. The Washington Post even published a cartoon showing Prince William holding a cardboard cutout of Kate, seemingly to mock the British Royals bid to portray normalcy in their family.

Obsessive need for secrecy

This incident has intensified speculation over Catherines health and also tested the bond of trust between the royal family and friendly media outlets. Daily Mail columnist Richard Kay warned that trust and integrity are precious commodities in maintaining the public support that underpins the institution. While the Daily Mails Kay said it was easy to see why the couple acted as they did, he offered a stark warning.

They are down to earth and unshowy. But it is this desire for ordinariness which conceals one significant flaw: a near-obsessive need for secrecy. If pictures can be digitally altered, what else can be twisted? The British public adore the Royal Family but that adoration rests on them being told the truth. There are precious commodities at stake here: trust and integrity.

I think we all know who the alleged other woman is Stephen Colbert trolls Prince William amid alleged affair with Kate Middletons friendTV host, Stephen Colbert trolled Prince Williams alleged affair with wife Kate Middletons former friend, Rose Hanbury, pic.twitter.com/La71vUHYQH  SNOW TV RC 3662284 (@OfficialSnowtv) March 14, 2024

Lady Hanbury

Amid the royal PR debacle, Lady Sarah Rose Hanburys name has once again emerged in the spotlight. The 39-year-old is linked to the British royals through her grandmother, Lady Elizabeth Lambert, a bridesmaid at Queen Elizabeth IIs wedding. While once in the same social circles as Prince William and Catherine, reports suggest a growing distance.

Popular US talk show host Stephen Colbert dug up old news when he mentioned Williams alleged affair with Hanbury and mocked the Royal family during a recent episode of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. The kingdom has been all aflutter by the seeming disappearance of Kate Middleton. Well now, internet sleuths are guessing that Kates absence may be related to her husband and the future King of England William having an affair, the US host said during Tuesdays episode.

(With agency inputs)
An Indian student died after his watercraft collided with another in the US state of Florida, according to media reports. Venkataramana Pittala, 27, was a graduate student at Indiana University Purdue University in Indianapolis set to graduate in May.

Pittala, who hailed from Telangana, was driving a rented Yamaha personal watercraft (PWC) that collided with another PWC operated by a 14-year-old boy from the South Florida mainland on Saturday, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

We are, friends of Venkataramana Pittala, reaching out with a heavy heart that our friend, a Masters student at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis(IUPUI), who lost his life in a jet ski accident in Florida on March 9, 2024. He is about to graduate in May 2024, according to a GoFundMe page set up to raise funds to send his mortal remains back to his family.

Personal watercraft are tandem boats often referred to as Jet Skis, the name of a popular model manufactured by Kawasaki. It is unclear if anyone else was injured, the Miami Herald newspaper reported. The teen was listed as uninjured in the FWC report. It lists arrests as pending, the Keys Weekly reported.

On Monday, the FWC released an incident report with the names of the two people involved but no details on what transpired. This is a two vessel (PWC) accident resulting in one fatality, the report states. The vessels collided with each other. According to FWC, 14 is the minimum age to operate a personal watercraft in Florida. The report doesnt state whether authorities have determined fault. Both personal watercraft were rented, it said.

(With agency inputs)
A paralyzed Texas man who lived 70 years inside an iron lung after he survived polio as a child has died, his family said.

Paul Alexander, 78, died on Monday, his brother Philip said in a post on Facebook. He gave no cause of death.

It was an honor to be part of someones life who was as admired as he was. He touched and inspired millions of people and that is no exaggeration, Philip Alexander wrote in a post on Tuesday.

Alexander was six years old when he was placed in full-body metal cylinder known as an iron lung in 1952 after contracting polio, a deadly disease that once paralyzed tens of thousands of children every year. An iron lung uses pressure to blow air into the lungs.

Alexander graduated law school, passed the bar and practiced law. He also traveled to every continent, his brother said.

He commanded a room. What a flirt! He loved good food, wine, women, long conversations, learning, and laughing, his brother wrote.

Alexander contracted COVID-19 and was hospitalized in February. His illness left him weak and dehydrated, according to a spokesperson on TikTok, where Alexander had more than 300,000 followers.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On March 13, Dongfeng Motor Corporation signed a strategic cooperation agreement with China Automotive Technology and Research Center Co., Ltd. (CATARC) to deepen their collaboration in various areas.

Signing ceremony; photo credit: Dongfeng Motor

The upgraded cooperation encompasses technology R&D, product innovation, brand building, green and low-carbon development, and international expansion. The partnership aims to accelerate the transformation and upgrading of the automotive industry, while strengthening and optimizing the development of Chinese automotive brands.

In addition, Dongfeng Motor Corporation also signed a "Brand Joint Laboratory Co-Construction Agreement" with China Auto Information Technology (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. The joint laboratory will focus on targeted research topics related to user demand insights, technology brand building, quality brand building, and brand internationalization.

Furthermore, Dongfeng Motor Corporation's R&D Institute inaugurated the "New Energy Joint Innovation Laboratory" in cooperation with China Automotive Research Institute New Energy Vehicle Inspection Center (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. The joint laboratory will facilitate comprehensive exchanges and cooperation in areas such as basic research, common technology, cutting-edge technology, engineering evaluation, and product consistency control.
Press Release

March 14, 2024 In support of the confirmation of appointment of Ralph Recto as Finance Secretary, Bong Go reminds exec to ensure that poor Filipinos benefit from efforts towards economic recovery Senator Christopher "Bong" Go expressed his strong approval and support for the appointment of fellow Batangueno and former senator Ralph Recto, as the new Secretary of the Department of Finance (DOF) after all members of the Commission on Appointments (CA) unanimously agreed on Wednesday, March 13, to confirm the ad interim appointment of the latter. In a manifestation during the plenary session on the same day, Go expressed his utmost confidence in Secretary Recto's capabilities. As a former senator of the Philippines, according to Go, Recto's extensive legislative experience and knowledge of economic matters are invaluable assets that will undoubtedly contribute to his success in leading the DOF. "I faithfully place my full trust and confidence in Secretary Recto, as he is highly qualified to perform the duties and responsibilities that accompany his post. With his impressive track record, extensive experience, and mastery in economics, he has earned the title of 'resident economist' both in Congress and the Senate," Go stressed. Senator Go also emphasized the importance of Recto's role in navigating the country through its economic challenges and towards a period of robust growth and stability. "I do not doubt that he will definitely bring meaningful and genuine reforms which will surely benefit the department. Before joining the Cabinet, he has been a respected member of the Senate as Senate President Pro Tempore and of the Congress as Deputy House Speaker, making his mark as a seasoned and distinguished legislator. Guro nga po ang tawag sa kanya. Sec. Recto, talagang nirerespeto po ito," he said. He then highlighted Recto's remarkable expertise in economics, signaling his belief that Recto is uniquely positioned to spearhead the nation's economic recovery efforts. "Because of his proficiency and wise decision-making in economics, he was appointed to the executive department as NEDA Secretary. As the NEDA Chief, he played an instrumental role in developing and overseeing the government's Economic Resiliency Plan (ERP)," shared Go. "As the incoming finance chief, I'm fully confident that Sec. Recto will push for genuine and valuable reforms in the department, particularly in prioritizing the needs of our people and implementing financial reforms aimed to address the present challenges of the modern times," he continued. "Given the complexities inherent in the country's finance sector, without a doubt, Secretary Recto is the right man to lead this important department," the senator added. Senator Go underscored his support to Secretary Recto in his endeavors, particularly those that focus on uplifting the lives of the poor and in ensuring that no Filipino is left behind towards economic recovery. "Secretary Ralph, on a personal note, I remember you telling me during your valedictory speech in the Senate plenary 2022 as an outgoing senator you said: To Bong, your moonlighting days as a presidential aide are over. Relish your freedom. But never give up your bisyo na mag-serbisyo. Alam ko, Sec. Recto, alam ko may bisyo ka din," Go mentioned, referring to their common 'vice' of serving the people. "This time, I wish to impart similar advice to you: To my dear friend, Kababayan, and one of our idols, Sec. Ralph, your days in Congress and the Senate are temporarily over. Relish this new opportunity to serve the country. But we will never stop fighting for the welfare of the Filipino people. Patuloy mong ipaglaban ang pamilyang Pilipino! Please lang po, please. Make sure po na magamit po ang pera ng taumbayan para po sa mga mahihirap," he concluded.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- Chinas Ministry of Industry and Information Technology recently released the 381st batch of "Road Motor Vehicle Manufacturers and Products" catologue, revealing the first model under Dongfeng Honda's LINGXI new energy vehicle brand, the LINGXI L.

Photo credit: MIIT

The LINGXI L all-electric sedan features dimensions of 4,830mm in length, 1,845mm in width, 1,503mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,731 mm.

The production model of the LINGXI L follows the design style of its concept car, featuring a three-wing front face design and integrated headlights. The front face, body, and rear of the car are adorned with triangular geometric lines, incorporating numerous elements such as edges, surfaces, and angles.

The vehicle's two-toned body finish highlights a high waistline, while the rear design retains a triangular high-mounted brake light, complemented by electronic side mirrors.

Photo credit: Dongfeng Honda

In terms of the interior, the LINGXI L will be equipped with the LINGXI SPACE intelligent cockpit, a squared steering wheel, among other futuristic design elements. The most eye-catching feature is the oversized curved screen that spans the entire central control panel.

Targeting a younger consumer base, the LINGXI brand is led by a young development team predominantly composed of millennials. It emphasizes intelligence, individuality, and cost-effectiveness. While incorporating the ideas of the younger generation, LINGXI will also integrate Dongfeng Hondas existing advantages in technology, quality control, and distribution channels.
THREE pupils aged between seven and 13 were yesterday afternoon knocked down and killed by a Toyota Fortuner which had veered off the road and hit them while they were crossing the road at the 2km peg along Christmas Pass-Shamu Road in Mutare.

A fourth pupil was injured in the incident that occurred at around 3pm.

The dead were identified as Blessing Chisaria (nine), Silvian Maponde (13) and Strive Maponde (seven) all of Grange, Toronto (Chirochangu Plot).

The bodies were taken to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital mortuary for post-mortem whilst the injured pupil was admitted at the same hospital.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the vehicle veered off the road to the left.

Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that motorists should be observant, alert and observe stipulated speed limits to safeguard lives, he said. Above all, drivers are implored to abide by the road rules and regulations to curb road accidents. Herald
President Mnangagwa has conferred Liberation War hero status on Cde Chemist David Siziba who died on Saturday last week and will be buried at Glen Forest Cemetery in Goromonzi.

Cde Siziba died at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare aged 76.

He was a Harare-based businessman and was one of the pioneers of the establishment of cellular phone services in Zimbabwe.

In a letter to the Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya, Zanu PF Secretary-General Dr Obert Mpofu yesterday confirmed President Mnangagwas conferment of the status on Cde Siziba.

His Excellency, the President and First Secretary of ZANU PF, Cde ED Mnangagwa has conferred Liberation War Hero status to the late Cde Chemist David Siziba who died on 09 March 2024 and will be buried at Glen Forest Cemetery, Goromonzi.

His family can be contacted through our Matabeleland South Provincial office. I shall be most grateful if you would make the usual payment of benefits to his family. He is from Matabeleland South Province.

Born on June 30, 1947 in the Insiza, Filabusi, Matabeleland South, Siziba did his primary and secondary schooling at the Brethren-in-Christ Church School after which he went to Fletcher High School in Gweru for his Advanced Level studies.

In 1971, while studying for an agricultural degree at the University of Rhodesia, he became a student activist which made him unable to complete his degree programme.

He secured a Commonwealth scholarship to go to the University of Bombay and obtained a BSc degree in Electronics Engineering.

During his time in India, his political resolve and activism grew. Cde Siziba proceeded to the United Kingdom where he joined the staff of the ZAPU office.

He worked as a deputy engineer for the BBC in 1977 and several other London establishments.

In 1978, Cde Siziba left the UK for Zambia to join the liberation struggle and was part of a 25-member team sent for training as an intelligence expert in Russia alongside Cdes Bernard Ncube, Ivathi Ndlovu, Patrick Mlilo, Martin Jabulani Shatin, Mxolisi Ncube, Obert Ndlovu, S Ndlovu, and Mandlenkosi Ncube.

He was then posted to Lusaka at the ZAPU headquarters where he served with Cdes Jeremy Brickhill, (Advocate) Nkiwane, Frazer Nyathi, Sam Madondo, Victor Mlambo, King Nebart Madida, Swazini Ndlovu and TG Sibindi.

Cde Siziba was then posted to the National Security Organisation (NSO) wing of ZAPU, responsible for external intelligence operations, where he worked closely with the late Russian-trained intelligence supremo and national hero, Cde Dumiso Dabengwa, under Father Zimbabwe the late Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo.

After the historic Lancaster House ceasefire and transitional talks in London at the end of the liberation war, Cde Siziba returned home with the ZAPU delegation.

He then joined Government in 1980 working under the late national hero George Silundika who was then Minister of Roads, Post and Telecommunications as an assistant secretary

Thereafter, he worked in the Ministry of Industry and Technology, having risen through the ranks to become under-secretary, then Deputy Permanent Secretary, the rank at which he left Government after eight years.

After leaving Government service, Siziba became an industrialist and established his own bicycle manufacturing company, Norton Cycles. He also ventured into the food sector being one of the first corn flakes manufacturers.

Cde Siziba is celebrated as one of the pioneers of black empowerment and entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe.

He became an active driver of black empowerment, becoming leader of the Indigenous Business Development Centre (IBDC) which he co-founded in 1991 with Ben Mucheche, Leo Mugabe and Strive Masiyiwa.

In 1996, Siziba founded Cosmos Cellular as one of three companies that were service providers to the newly established NetOne, a state owned national mobile telecommunications company. Chronicle
HARARE mayor Jacob Mafume says heads will roll over the delays in procuring the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system used for billing ratepayers.

Mafume accused some council officials of conniving with officials from the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Praz) to benefit from the chaotic billing system.

He made the remarks at an extraordinary full council meeting in the capital where he said they are going to confront Praz over the delays in acquiring the software.

There is something which is fishy about our ERP. We believe there is a cartel between the council and Praz, he said.

They are conniving to stop having an ERP system and a functional billing system. We have not had an ERP for the past six years and heads are going to roll.

In January last year, the Local Government ministry expressed concern over the municipalitys perennial failure to fix its billing system.

Former Local Government minister July Moyo once urged municipalities to adopt the local authorities digital systems developed by the Harare Institute of Technology to bill ratepayers.

It emerged last year that some council officials had schemed a foreign jaunt to South Africa and China to earn foreign currency under the guise of visiting to study the ERP system

We know and we understand that there are people within the council and Praz who are upset that we did not award a US$50 million tender to some company and they are determined to thwart the ERP system, Mafume said.

They are making residents suffer, bills are not coherent, money is being stolen, people are paying more than they should being paying.

An ERP system is used by organisations to manage day to day business activities such as accounting, procurement, project management, risk management and compliance and supply chain operations.

A complete ERP system also includes enterprise performance management, software that helps planning and budget. Newsday
THE Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) yesterday said its doors are open for Starlink to operate in Zimbabwe following an expression of interest by the United States-headquartered company to set up its internet services in the country.

The telecoms regulatory body said Zimbabwe, under the Second Republic, is committed to ensuring universal and affordable internet connectivity for all citizens.

In a statement, Potraz Director-General Dr Gift Machengete said the authority has no intention to block Starlink, but awaits an application from the company which is owned by the worlds richest man Mr Elon Musk.

They have expressed interest to offer services in Zimbabwe and have been provided with all the relevant information for them to apply. They have not yet done so. This means that their service offering in Zimbabwe is illegal, he said.

Thus, Dr Machengete said, anyone found using Starlink in Zimbabwe will be in breach of the law and will face the consequences.

The public and key stakeholders should not fall into the trap of relying on flawed information aimed at unduly influencing policy and regulatory decisions pertaining to the provision of telecommunication services in Zimbabwe.

We would like to urge our valued stakeholders to verify all information on Postal, Telecommunication, and Courier Services with us, before treating it as fact as some may be malicious and may potentially induce undue panic and despondency, he said.

Dr Machengete also clarified the perception that tariffs are expensive in Zimbabwe when compared to regional peers following recent social media posts, some with unsubstantiated figures, which portrayed data or internet charges to be the highest in the region.

First, it is necessary to reveal that tariff comparisons that are done by Potraz are based on out-of-bundle tariffs or headline tariffs for the various offers in the region.

This is because out-of-bundle charges are more reflective of the cost of providing services, which enables the authority to balance service affordability and operator viability. Hence it is the most objective criteria for comparison purposes, he said.

The authority refrains from using data bundles for comparison as this may be misleading.

This is because bundled services are normally discounted and may come with freebies and fringes whose intrinsic value may be cumbersome to quantify.

Hence bundled services do not necessarily reflect the cost of providing services, but are promotional in nature as they are designed for business strategic reasons which include customer acquisition and retention, amongst others, he said. Herald
It would be a bad situation for any creature, let alone America's majestic national bird. An animal control officer in Maryland came to the rescue Saturday after a bald eagle was trapped in the front grille of an SUV, NBC Washington reports. In a Facebook post, officials in Calvert County said a driver on Route 4 accidentally collided with the birdand when they stopped, they realized it was alive but trapped in the grille. Animal control officer Hannah Neel freed the eagle, with assistance from the sheriff's office, Fox News reports. "All were relieved to find the bird seemed to be in good health and was quickly released back into the wild," county officials said. (More uplifting news stories.)
The Israeli military said Wednesday it plans to direct a significant portion of the 1.4 million displaced Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip's southernmost town of Rafah toward "humanitarian islands" in the center of the territory ahead of its planned offensive in the area. The fate of the people in Rafah has been a major area of concern of Israel's alliesincluding the United Statesand humanitarian groups, worried an offensive in the region densely crowded with so many displaced people would be a catastrophe, the A P reports. Rafah is also Gaza's main entry point for desperately needed aid. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said a Rafah offensive is crucial to achieve Israel's stated aim of destroying Hamas following the militants' Oct. 7 attack.

Israel's chief military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said moving those in Rafah to the designated areas, which he said would be done in coordination with international actors, was a key part of the military's preparations for its anticipated invasion of Rafah, where Israel says Hamas maintains four battalions it wants to destroy. Rafah has swelled in size in the last months as Palestinians in Gaza have fled fighting in nearly every other corner of the territory. The town is covered in tents. "We need to make sure that 1.4 million people or at least a significant amount of the 1.4 million will move," Hagari told reporters.

Hagari said the "humanitarian islands" would provide temporary housing, food, water, and other necessities to evacuated Palestinians. He did not say when Rafah's evacuation would occur, nor when the Rafah offensive would begin, saying that Israel wanted the timing to be right operationally and to be coordinated with neighboring Egypt, which has said it does not want an influx of displaced Palestinians crossing its border. The US. has been firm with Israel over its concerns about Rafah, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that Washington had yet to receive from Israel its plans for civilians there. "We need to see a plan that will get civilians out of harm's way if there's a military operation in Rafah," he said. (The US is building a floating pier to help get aid to Gaza.)
The artificial intelligence image-generator Midjourney has started blocking its users from creating fake images of President Biden and former President Donald Trump ahead of the presidential campaign in November, according to tests of the AI tool by the AP . With the election in full swing, it's time to "put some foots down on election-related stuff for a bit," Midjourney CEO David Holz told several hundred members of the service's devoted userbase in a digital office hours event Wednesday. Declaring that "this moderation stuff is kind of hard," Holz didn't specify exactly what policy changes were being made but described the clampdown as a temporary measure to make it harder for people to abuse the tool.

Attempts by AP journalists to test Midjourney's new policy on Wednesday by asking it to make an image of "Trump and Biden shaking hands at the beach" led to a "Banned Prompt Detected" warning. A second attempt escalated the warning to: "You have triggered an abuse alert." The tiny companywhich has just 11 employees, according to its websitehas largely kept silent in the public debate over how generative AI tools could fuel election misinformation. Midjourney was the only maker of a leading image-generating tool that didn't join a voluntary tech industry pact in February to combat AI-generated deepfakes that deliberately trick voters, per the AP.

The Center for Countering Digital Hate released a report this month that concluded Midjourney is already being used to produce images that could support disinformation about political candidates or false claims of election fraud. "Midjourney seemed to have the fewest controls of any AI image-generator when it came to generating images of well-known political figures," said Callum Hood, the group's head of research. "Midjourney was almost unique in both being willing to generate those images and generating quite convincing images of candidates." The watchdog group tested Midjourney as well as OpenAI's ChatGPT Plus, Stability AI's DreamStudio, and Microsoft's Image Creator, and found all had problems, creating election disinformation in 41% of cases. But "Midjourney performed worst of any tool, failing in 65% of test runs," the report said.

(More artificial intelligence stories.)
What claimed to be an online gambling firm was, in fact, a scam center that had trapped hundreds of "good-looking" people, who were then forced to woo unsuspecting victims, according to police in the Philippines, who raided the center 60 miles north of Manila on Thursday. Authorities served warrants against the Chinese-owned Zun Yuan Technology Inc. after a tipoff from a Vietnamese man who escaped the center last month showing signs of torture, including marks from electrocution, per the BBC and Inquirer.net . The man claimed he was offered a chef's job in the Philippines but arrived in January to find he'd been fooled by human traffickers orchestrating a variety of online scams, including what the BBC describes as "love scams." He wasn't alone.

Police rescued 383 Filipinos, 202 Chinese, and 73 other foreign nationals during the raid on the center in the town of Bamban, the BBC reports. The scammers had trapped "good-looking men and women" who were forced to develop relationships with unsuspecting victims, often from China, in order to manipulate and steal from them, said Winston Casio, a rep for the presidential commission against organized crime. Casio said the individuals would send "sweet nothings" and photos of themselves to victims to gain their trust and affection. It's unclear what else happened at the propertywhich officials described as "huge" and featuring dozens of buildingsbut police seized three shotguns, a 9mm pistol, two .38-caliber revolvers, and 42 rounds of live ammo, per the BBC.

This is just the latest such raid in the country. Over two days last May, police rescued more than 1,000 human trafficking victims who'd been forced to run cryptocurrency scams for 18 hours a day, per Voice of America. "They were lured by social media posts promising good-paying jobs only to get trapped in these compounds that had armed guards to keep them from leaving," a member of the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group told the outlet. "They met the people they scammed on Facebook and dating apps. They would pretend to fall in love with them and get their money." Southeast Asia is considered a hub of so-called "fraud factories," but the Philippines is "gaining the dubious distinction as Asia's worst [country] for online sales scams," the Financial Times recently reported. (More Philippines stories.)
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On March 13, China Petrochemical Corporation ("Sinopec") and the Chinese power battery giant CATL signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement in Beijing, according to a post on Sinopec's WeChat account.

Both parties expressed their intention to leverage their respective strengths to deepen strategic cooperation, broaden cooperation fields, extend the industrial chain, accelerate transformation and upgrading efforts, and contribute significantly to promoting the green, low-carbon, and high-quality development of the energy sector, as well as to the rapid development of strategic emerging and future industries.

Photo credit: CATL

Recently, Sinopec has been actively engaging in partnerships with new energy companies. On March 9, Sinopec and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group also signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement in Beijing. According to this agreement, the two sides will utilize their advantages in fields such as green and low-carbon industry transformation, methanol industry, new energy, and new materials for strategic cooperation. This partnership aims to optimize and upgrade the supply chain and industrial chain, driving high-quality development for both parties.

Previously, Sinopec had already embarked on collaborations in the charging pile sector with giants like Huawei and Wanbang Digital Energy Co., Ltd., the parent of Star Charge. These new agreements with leading new energy companies underscore Sinopec's continuous efforts in the new energy and new materials sectors.

To be specific, on January 18, the joint venture between Sinopec Jiangsu Oil Products Company ("Sinopec Jiangsu") and Wanbang Digital Energy, named "Sinopec Wanbang New Energy (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd.," was officially inaugurated. This venture marks a significant expansion of Sinopec Jiangsu's charging infrastructure to over 8,500 charging points across the province.

Moreover, on January 24, Sinopec Beijing Oil Products Company ("Sinopec Beijing")'s Xiaowuji charging station commenced operations. This station, the first in Sinopec Beijing to utilize Huawei's liquid-cooling supercharging technology, is also the largest liquid-cooled super-fast charging station in China. Located on a 3,000 square meter site, it can simultaneously meet the charging needs of 70 new energy vehicles.
Math enthusiasts around the world, from college kids to rocket scientists, are celebrating Pi Day, which is March 14 or 3/14the first three digits of an infinite number with many practical uses. Around the world many people will mark the day with a slice of piesweet, savory, or even pizza, the AP reports. Simply put, Pi is a mathematical constant that expresses the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. It is part of many formulas used in physics, astronomy, engineering, and other fields, dating back thousands of years to ancient Egypt, Babylon, and China.

The day's history: Pi Day itself dates to 1988, when physicist Larry Shaw began celebrations at the Exploratorium science museum in San Francisco. The holiday didn't really gain national recognition, however, until two decades later. In 2009, Congress designated every March 14 to be the big dayto hopefully spur more interest in math and science.
This story has been updated with new developments. SpaceX's mega rocket blasted off on another test flight Thursday, this time with the spacecraft reaching enough speed to coast toward its finish line halfway around the world. It outperformed the previous two test flights, which both ended in explosions over the Gulf of Mexico minutes after liftoff. The first two flights last year lasted mere minutes before blowing up over the Gulf of Mexico. Starship, the biggest and most powerful rocket ever built, soared from the southern tip of Texas near the Mexican border and headed out over the gulf, the AP reports. No people or satellites were on board. More:



Minutes later, the booster separated seamlessly from the spaceship and splashed down into the gulf. The spacecraft continued on its flight eastward, reaching an altitude of 100 miles and approaching orbital speedoutperforming the previous attempts.

After around 45 minutes, it began reentry, but communications were lost within a few minutes, the New York Times reports. SpaceX says the spacecraft didn't surviveCNBC notes it broke up over the Indian Oceanbut the flight achieved some important milestones. On its livestream, the company said it was "incredible to see how far we got this time around," per the BBC.
A bill to force ByteDance to sell TikTok's US operations passed the House on Wednesday and if it becomes law, Steven Mnuchin plans to make an offer to the Chinese company. "It's a great business and I'm going to put together a group to buy TikTok," the Trump administration's Treasury secretary told CNBC. Mnuchin said he supports the legislation. "This should be owned by US businesses," he said. "There's no way that the Chinese would ever let a US company own something like this in China."

The possible price tag. The Wall Street Journal says the deal could be worth $100 billion or more, "narrowing the field of potential buyers," especially since antitrust concerns could exclude large social media companies. It's not clear what partners Mnuchin, who established the Liberty Strategic Capital investment fund after leaving office, plans to bring into the deal.
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Superintendent Stephen Greally, the Director of Road Policing, told Newshub "police are disappointed to see such a high, and increasing, number of motorists continuing to use their phones and driving while distracted".

Supt Greally highlighted that distracted driving is one of the four dangerous behaviours police have a strong focus on, the others being restraints, impairment, and speed.

He said that police would ideally never issue infringements for phone use, "however, we do so to encourage safer driving behaviour".

Police would not say whether the increase was related to an increase in distracted drivers or whether police had begun taking a stricter approach to those they catch.

Road Safety Charity Brake's NZ director Caroline Perry told Newshub "it is shocking that so many people are still putting themselves and others at risk by using a mobile phone at the wheel".

"We absolutely support Police enforcing this, penalising drivers who break the law, and helping to get the message across that using a phone at the wheel is unacceptable."

Driver distraction is a factor in close to eight percent of crashes where someone is killed.

The general manager of Students Against Dangerous Driving (SADD), Donna Govorko, told Newshub "it is encouraging to know that Police are actively targeting people using their phone illegally while driving".

They supported increasing fines associated with distracted driving.

"An increase in fines will act as a deterrent for many as the fine at present does not reflect the significant risk people take to use their phones illegally while driving," Govorko said.

Australia has significantly harsher penalties than New Zealand and can be as high as a NZ$1,246 fine.

In the Government's latest Land Transport Plan, it was signalled that work would be done to bring New Zealand's infringement penalties more in line with Australia, with an early focus on seatbelt fines.

"Many believe that they can drive perfectly well using their phones illegally while driving, responding to text messages, creating vlogs, engaging in video conferences or watching videos," said Govorko

"However, the devastating crashes that have resulted from distraction crashes demonstrate that it is not safe and can change the trajectory of your life in an instant."

In 2022, Waka Kotahi trialled two cameras planted at three locations across Auckland. The cameras could detect when drivers are using phones or not wearing seatbelts.

199,515 instances of people using their phones while driving were captured over the six-month period.

"Enforcement of mobile phone and seatbelt offences using safety cameras is currently not allowed under the Land Transport Act 1998. The data and learnings from this trial will inform our decisions about future road safety measures," NZTA's website said.
He wanted the establishment of a separate homeland for Sikhs, who are a religious minority that make up 2 percent of India's population.

Nijjar died at the scene and those close to him said he was warned by Canadian intelligence services that he was on a "hit list".

India had labelled Nijjar a terrorist and accused him of being the mastermind behind a militant group banned in India.

After Nijjar's death, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused his killers of being "agents of the Indian government" who killed a Canadian citizen.

"Canadian security agencies have been actively pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the Government of India and the killing of a Canadian citizen," he said at the time.

The Indian Express asked Peters whether Canada had shared any evidence with Peters as part of the Five-Eyes intelligence alliance.



"Well, I wasn't here, it was handled by the previous government. But look, sometimes when youre hearing Five-Eyes information, you're hearing it and saying nothing. It is coming past you. You dont know the value or the quality of it, but youre pleased to have it," he told The Indian Express.

"You don't know whether there is going to be substantial material value or nothing. But the very, very critical information that matters This was mainly handled by the previous government.

"As a trained lawyer, I look okay, so where's the case? Wheres the evidence? Where's the finding right here, right now? Well, there isn't one."

The Deputy Prime Minister was in India working on securing a free trade deal and was travelling to Indonesia on Thursday morning New Zealand time.

"We have laid a strong foundation for the Coalition Governments priority of enhancing New Zealand-India relations to generate significant future benefit for both countries," Peters said of the trip.

A spokesperson for Peters clarified, "New Zealands position on the allegations remains unchanged - if they are proven correct then that would be of serious concern.

"The Minister's point is that this is an ongoing criminal investigation. It needs to run its course before clear conclusions can be drawn."

Numerous Indian media outlets have reported on Peter's statements.

WIO News presented them as "New Zealand raises doubt over Canada's Nijjar killing 'evidence' against India".

Republic World reported Peters 'casts doubt', and also that Khalistani figurehead Gurpatwant Singh Pannun had threatened Peters.



The outlet reported Pannun had "threatened to attack Indian diplomats in New Zealand".

Peters has since talked with Canadian High Commissioner to India Cameron MacKay.



Peters reportedly re-iterated to MacKay that New Zealand's position was unchanged, that he was not questioning Canada's claims, and that he appreciated it was an ongoing investigation.
"Trade between New Zealand and China, as well as strong people-to-people, cultural and business links, has delivered significant benefits to both our countries," Peters said in a statement on Thursday.

"It is 10 years since the New Zealand China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was agreed. It is timely therefore to discuss how New Zealand and China can best work together over the next decade, while building a strong understanding of our respective perspectives."

He said they will discuss regional and global issues, including the importance of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Peters will also host Minister Wang for a bilateral meeting and an official dinner in Wellington.

Minister Wang, who is also the Director of the Foreign Affairs Commission Office of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee, previously visited New Zealand as Foreign Minister in 2014 and 2017.
Tana has not yet commented on the claims and Hoff-Nielsen denies the allegations, Stuff reported.



Davidson and Swarbrick said Tana notified the party on February 1 about an Employment Relations Authority complaint laid against E-Bikes NZ.

The co-leaders said the Greens were also notified of a second complaint on February 9.

According to their statement, the complaints "included allegations against Ms Tana. Ms Tana has not been a director or shareholder of E Cycles NZ since 2019".

"A public statement at the time could have put a fair process at risk. However, to avoid any conflict of interest, Ms Tana immediately stood down from the small business portfolio," the statement said.

The allegations come to light nearly two months after Golriz Ghahraman's resignation from the Greens after she was accused of, and admitted on Wednesday, shoplifting from several stores.

Davidson and Swarbrick said the matters relating to Tana had been referred to mediation.

"The exploitation of migrants has no place in Aotearoa. It affects everybody and results in lower wages and conditions for all working people," the co-leaders said. "The Green Party has long campaigned to ensure everyone who wants to make their home here is treated with fairness and compassion.

"Mediation is a crucial part of resolving employment matters and it is important it is done in a way that is fair to everyone involved."

The co-leaders said Green MPs are expected to "maintain high standards of public and private behaviour".

"To understand fully what Ms Tana knew, and when, we are appointing an independent lawyer to conduct an investigation into the matter.

"We cannot comment on the specific allegations while the matter is waiting mediation and the independent investigation is ongoing."

Tana first entered Parliament after last year's election. She holds multiple portfolios including overseas New Zealanders, internal affairs and, up until February 1, was the party's small business spokesperson.

Her profile said she brought a "lifetime of environmental mahi, business experience and grassroots activism to the Green Party Kaupapa".

"Born and raised among her hapu and marae in Te Tai Tokerau with whakapapa connections right across Aotearoa, Darleen has always had a very clear sense of being, tikanga and purpose," the profile said. "The mauri, mana and tapu of all in the natural world informs the quality of relationships that she holds.

"Naturally inquisitive, she is always eager to explore beyond realms of commonly-held knowledge in order to seek out new opportunity or pre-empt issues that may be important for the well-being of the collective."
New Zealand authorities were able to remove the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the Boeing 787-9 that experienced a "technical event" on Monday's LATAM Airlines Flight 800, a spokesman for NZ's transport safety body has told CNN.

They hold data crucial to understanding what caused the Boeing jet to suddenly drop during the flight from Australia to New Zealand, causing dozens of passengers to be treated for injuries.

The technical glitch and subsequent investigations come at a fraught time for Boeing. The US manufacturer has faced harsh criticism for a series of recent safety and quality issues in its aircraft.
The movement of a flight deck seat is a key focus of the probe into a sudden mid-air dive by a LATAM Airlines Boeing 787 plane that left more than 50 people injured, aviation industry publication the Air Current reported.

The plane, which was heading from Sydney to Auckland on Monday, dropped abruptly before stabilising, causing those on board to be thrown about the cabin.

Based on the available information it was understood the seat movement was "pilot induced, not intentionally," the report said, citing a senior airline safety official.

"The seat movement caused the nose down" angle of the aircraft, the publication said, citing another anonymous source who added the possibility of an electrical short was also under review.
MONTREALAylo, the parent company of Pornhub, has geo-blocked the state of Texas in response to its age verification laws.

"Unfortunately, the Texas law for age verification is ineffective, haphazard, and dangerous," reads a message that now greats visitors to Pornhub and other Aylo sites from IP addresses in the Lone Star State.

"Not only will it not actually protect children, but it will also inevitably reduce content creators ability to post and distribute legal adult content and directly impact their ability to share the artistic messages they want to convey with it. "

This action coincides with private equity firm Ethical Capital Partners celebrating exactly one year since it purchased Aylo.

"Together with ECP, we are committed in our resolve to set industry standards by establishing trusted environments that facilitate a safe online user experience, and to empower our communities by celebrating diversity, inclusion, and expression," said Alex Kekesi, Aylo's head of brand and community, in a press statement highlighting the anniversary.

Formerly MindGeek, the parent firm of Pornhub and its network of studios has undergone a host of trust and safety reforms. These reforms were presented to journalists in two recent media days hosted by executives of Ethical Capital Partners and Aylo.

One of the major actions taken by Aylo is engaging in litigation in Texas to block the local age verification law.

Texas adopted House Bill 1181 last year to require adult websites, like Pornhub, to verify the age of users from local IP addresses.

HB 1181 also required platforms to publish health labels discussing pseudoscientific risks of watching pornography.

The Free Speech Coalition, Aylo and the parent companies of Xvideos and Xnxx sued the attorney general of Texas.

Senior U.S. District Judge David Alan Ezra of the Western District of Texas sided with the FSC and the porn companies. He issued a preliminary injunction blocking the law's enforcement. Texas appealed to the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

The Fifth Circuit is notoriously conservative. A split panel of three judges on the appeals court found the age verification requirements in House Bill 1181 to be constitutional while declaring the health labels unconstitutional.

Litigation is ongoing, with the Fifth Circuit ruling applying only to Judge Ezra's preliminary injunction. Alison Boden, the executive director of the Free Speech Coalition, declined to comment on Aylo geo-blocking Texas, citing ongoing litigation in this case.

Ken Paxton, the attorney general of Texas, recently sued Pornhub in a local circuit court, alleging violations of House Bill 1181.

Texas has a population of over 29.5 million people. It is the most populous state to date to be geo-blocked by Aylo.
One of the most popular phone apps in the world could soon be banned in the US, where it's considered by some to be a spying tool for the Chinese.

Lawmakers have voted to force TikTok's parent company to sell to an American owner or be shut down.

The move comes amid concern the Chinese government can access users' data.

About 170 million Americans are "watching", "swiping", and "sharing" on the app - while they still can, that is.

The US Congress could soon be blocking TikTok after the US house on Thursday passed a bill forcing the app's Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell up.

Officials are concerned that American users' data can be accessed by the Chinese Communist Party.

"Why in the hell would we want, and allow, the Chinese Communist Party to have access to our private data?" a US Congresswoman asked.

"TikTok needs to decide whether they value their users or their ties to the Chinese Communist Party more," a US Congressman remarked.
Fairbanks, AK (99701)

Today

Variably cloudy with snow showers. Temps nearly steady in the mid to upper 30s. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 40%..

Tonight

Mainly cloudy with snow showers around this evening. Low 22F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 50%.
WASHINGTONThe Associated Press reports that a bill that could consequently ban the popular social media platform TikTok has advanced through the U.S. House of Representatives.

According to the wire service, the bill proceeded with overwhelming support from both sides of the aisle.

The bill passed on a vote of 352-65-1, with Republicans who control the majority in the House stoking fears of censorship and Sinophobiaor the fear of Chinese influenceamong stakeholders.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee voted unanimously, 50-0, to advance the bill to the floor of the House.

President Joe Biden, a Democrat, supported the bill, indicating that it's needed to protect national security.

Biden's challenger in the 2024 presidential election, former Republican President Donald Trump, came out against the bill. This is ironic given that during his tenure at the White House, Trump advocated for similar measures to block TikTok.

Trump urged members of his party to vote against the measure, additionally citing claims of censorship online. Meanwhile, he railed against Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, and its chief executive officer, Mark Zuckerberg.

Trump's flip-flopping on the issue of banning TikTok is due to one of his campaign contributors, Jeff Yass, having an ownership stake in the Beijing-based ByteDance, which currently owns TikTok's U.S. and global operations.

According to Forbes, Yass is a billionaire with a net worth of $27.6 billion. He is the managing director of the Philadelphia-based Susquehanna International Group (SIG), which reportedly owns 15 percent of ByteDance. Yass has a personal share of 7 percent.

Despite this, the bill faces an uphill battle in the Senate. Currently, controversial right-wing libertarian Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky is expected to filibuster the bill because he believes the measure of banning TikTok is unconstitutional.

The bill is officially called the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. It prevents the app stores from Apple and Google and any web hosting service from providing availability for ByteDance-owned platforms like TikTok.

TikTok would be banned under the act unless ByteDance sheds its ownership stake due to concerns that the company is controlled by a foreign adversarythe Chinese government and the Chinese Communist Party.

The act expands the president's power to designate certain social media applications that are subject to the control of a foreign adversary as a threat to national security. Designated applications would be prohibited from app store availability and web hosting services unless they sever ties to the entities reportedly subject to the control of a foreign adversary through divestment.

Simply put, the bill's proponents want to compel TikTok's owner to sell the U.S. operation for the app to a domestic technology company.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and dozens of civil society groups oppose the bill and its potential passage.

Make no mistake: the Houses TikTok bill is a ban, and its blatant censorship," said Jenna Leventoff, senior policy counsel at the ACLU's national affiliate. "Today, the House of Representatives voted to violate the First Amendment rights of more than half of the country. The Senate must reject this unconstitutional and reckless bill.

ACLU also signed a joint coalition letter urging opposition to the bill. The signed groups include the nonprofit Electronic Frontier Foundation, the conservative-leaning FreedomWorks, and the Woodhull Freedom Foundation.

Adult performers and companies should take notedespite a strict anti-nudity policy, adult content creators and studios have seen success in posting and marketing their content on TikTok through suggestive but safe-for-work strategies.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

The Shura Councils Services Committee Chairman, Dr. Ibtisam Mohammed Saleh Al-Dallal, addressed inquiries to the Minister of Tourism, Her Excellency Fatima bint Jaafar Al-Sayrafi, regarding the Ministrys strategic initiatives to bolster the tourism sector, including medical tourism, in the Kingdom.

The questioning underscored the Shura Councils commitment to overseeing the nations development initiatives. Dr. Al-Dallals inquiry focused on the Ministrys comprehensive plan to elevate Bahrains status as a premier tourist destination amidst regional competition.

Central to the discussion was the Ministrys blueprint for advancing medical tourism and its collaborative efforts with relevant stakeholders to strategise and execute this vision. Of particular interest was Dr. Al-Dallals query concerning the specific measures being undertaken by the Ministry to position Bahrain as a hub for medical tourism.

This inquiry emphasized the importance of tourism in bolstering the national economy, particularly in light of the implementation of Health Insurance Law No. (23) of 2018.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has announced the launch of its new Ramadan Credit Card Campaign making this season more giving, by offering cardholders the opportunity to win exciting rewards while making everyday purchases even more rewarding during the holy month.

Throughout Ramadan, NBB credit cardholders who make in-store and online transactions of BHD 20 or more at any local grocery store within Bahrain will be automatically entered into a draw to win BHD 200 worth of base points for each winner.

Clients will be able to exchange base points for cash back, donate to charities, or enter exclusive raffles, as well as exchange them for air miles.

A total of 30 lucky winners will be chosen in a draw that will be held on April 2024.

Subah Abdullatif Al Zayani, Chief Executive of Retail Banking at NBB said, We are delighted to launch our Ramadan Credit Card Campaign designed to make this special season even more rewarding for our valued customers.

This campaign empowers cardholders to earn valuable rewards while making essential purchases throughout the holy month.

NBB customers can apply for a credit card through the NBB Digital Banking App on both iOS and Android.
AFP | Jakarta

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Eleven Indonesian fishermen survived after three days at sea clinging to their capsized boat, rescuers said Wednesday as they searched for at least 22 crew still missing after the weekend incident that left two dead.

The boat with at least 35 crew capsized on Saturday in waters off the remote Selayar Islands in South Sulawesi Province before the 11 were found stranded on two separate atolls after days floating in the sea.

Their boat capsized in bad weather during Indonesia's rainy season, according to the local search and rescue agency.

"They had been floating in the sea for three days, they were carried away by the current to Selayar waters," local government official Andi Caco Amras told AFP Wednesday.

The two victims were found on separate islands.

The fishing boat departed from a North Jakarta port on March 3 to Lombok Island in West Nusa Tenggara Province.

The navy and rescue volunteers were helping with the search efforts.

"The joint team will conduct a search and rescue operation and they have departed... this morning," local search and rescue official Andi Raswan told AFP.

He said it would take rescuers five hours to reach the location.

The survivors were found after local fishermen spotted them and alerted authorities, state news agency Antara reported.

Amras told AFP survivors said they held out for three days at sea by wearing life jackets and tying themselves to the boat.

"They were carried away along with the boat to the Selayar islands. The boat was turned over, the bottom was at the top," said the official.

The vessel of 93 gross tons was carrying "equipment to catch fish such as fish traps, nets, rocks, ropes, coconut leaves and fishing rods," he said.

Amras said 35 people were on the boat with 22 missing while the rescue agency gave a higher toll of 37 and 24 missing.

It is common in Indonesia for the number of actual passengers on a boat to differ from the manifest.

Authorities received reports about the incident early Tuesday but said bad weather had hampered their efforts.

Marine accidents are a regular occurrence in Indonesia, a Southeast Asian archipelago of around 17,000 islands, due to lax safety standards.

In 2018, more than 150 people drowned when a ferry sank in one of the world's deepest lakes on Sumatra island.
DARMSTADT, Germany, March 14, 2024 /CNW/ -- Dohler, a global provider of natural ingredients, ingredient systems and integrated solutions, and Vertosa, the market-leading infusion technology company for cannabis and hemp products, announce a strategic research and development partnership for the food, beverage and nutrition industries. This partnership is set to spark a new wave of innovative life science products in the beverage sector.

The Best of Two Worlds

While Vertosa will continue to handle its category leading Cannabis and Hemp infusions, Dohler will develop natural ingredients and ingredient blends to complement Vertosa's offering. Those blends can contain everything from natural flavors, natural colors, juices, botanical extracts to sweetening solutions.

Under the terms of the partnership, Vertosa will benefit from Dohler's research, development and application expertise and its vast experience in the beverage space. This partnership will give Vertosa access to Dohler's prime product portfolio and technologies to co-develop innovative beverage formulations and proprietary infusion technologies for successful lifestyle beverages.

An Alliance of Expertise and Excellence

Benjamin Larson, CEO of Vertosa, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: "Through Dohler's partnership, we're not only gaining a treasury of knowledge but also the capabilities to co-create intellectual property that brings success for customers with a new range of life science beverages. This union is about more than innovation; it's about setting the gold standard for what cannabis beverages can and should be."

The collaboration includes an investment from Dohler Ventures, the company's entrepreneurial investor, focused on startups within the global Nutrition & Technology ecosystem. Dr. Sebastian Dreher from Dohler Ventures adds, "We're thrilled to support this collaboration. The investment reflects the long-term commitment to both the relationship and product categories, being driven by Vertosa's professional management, thought leadership and market momentum."

Building the Future Together

Both companies envision this partnership as a pioneering step toward a robust future for a new generation of life science beverages and beyond, combining Dohler's global reach and natural ingredient and application expertise with Vertosa's leading infusion technologies.

Paul Graham, CEO Dohler North America, emphasizes, "Teaming up with Vertosa is a game-changer, propelling the market trend to new heights. By combining our expertise in natural ingredients with Vertosa's infusion technology, we're not just innovating, we're leading the way together. It's real, it's authentic and it's a step into a future where we explore the possibilities for enhanced and better drinks. We can't wait for what is coming and we know it will be successful both ways."

This collaboration is expected to elevate product development to new standards, offering consumers enhanced sensory experiences and supporting the rapid expansion of the cannabis and hemp ingredients in the beverage industry.

About Vertosa

Founded in 2018, Vertosa is a service-first, science-backed cannabis company that creates the most effective and reliable active ingredients for infused products. Its patented and patent-pending emulsion systems are carefully designed for the specific needs of each customer, with nanoemulsions that create incredibly homogeneous and stable products while maximizing bioavailability, stability, and taste.

Vertosa works closely with each step of the beverage supply chain. Their knowledge of the complicated legal landscape, along with their commitment to quality and safety, enables products to launch successfully in accordance with each market's unique regulatory framework.

Vertosa's innovative infusion technology has been rigorously tested and easily fits within existing product manufacturing processes, earning the trust of mainstream product makers such as Boston Beer Company, GT's Living Foods, and Mary Jones Soda Co.

Vertosa is a Founding Board Member of the Cannabis Beverage Association, a Founding Member of the Cannabis Beverage Council for the American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp, and their CEO is the current Vice Chair of the Board for the National Cannabis Industry Association. Vertosa has been recognized by Forbes as one of the 42 pioneers to watch in the green rush.

Explore Vertosa's science at www.vertosa.com and connect with them on LinkedIn .

About Dohler

Dohler is a global producer, marketer and provider of technology-driven natural ingredients, ingredient systems and integrated solutions for the global food, beverage and nutrition industry. Dohler is all about mastering sensory performance and nutrition. Being sustainable by nature, Dohler helps to nourish the world better: Good for people  Good for planet.

Dohler's ingredients are derived from natural raw materials. The comprehensive product portfolio of natural ingredients ranges from natural flavours, natural colours, natural health ingredients, a broad range of plant-based ingredients to ingredient systems and end-to-end solutions.

With more than 45 production sites, 75 offices and application centres, Dohler creates value for customers in over 160 countries. More than 9,500 dedicated employees, including 1,000 people in R&D, focused on science, technology and innovation are committed to making Dohler's customers successful.

"WE BRING IDEAS TO LIFE." describes Dohler's integrated and entrepreneurial approach to innovation. This also includes innovation services, market intelligence, advice on food safety and microbiology as well as sensory & consumer science. Dohler also runs its own venture unit with more than 85 active ventures. Smart ideas have a way of becoming great products.

For further information, please contact Marketing Communication:

Vertosa: Chelsea Brown, Phone: +1 805 551 7064, Email: [email protected]

Dohler Global: Katharina Wallace, Phone: +49 176 3027 4461, Email: [email protected]

Dohler North America: Caroline Martha, Phone/WhatsApp: +55 19 998289736, Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Vertosa Inc.
Relocation of flagship store to heart of Yorkville centrepiece of $50M program to re-imagine Harry Rosen store concepts across Canada

TORONTO, March 14, 2024 /CNW/ - Luxury men's retailer Harry Rosen announced today that it will invest $50M over the next five years to update its retail fleet and strategy. This program will include the relocation of Harry Rosen's flagship store to a 38,000 sq. ft. footprint to create an extraordinary new luxury customer experience in the heart of Yorkville, Canada's premier retail shopping destination, as well as a transformation of its existing retail concepts.

Rendering of Harry Rosens new flagship at 153 Cumberland Street, opening 2026. Photo credit: dkstudio architects (CNW Group/Harry Rosen Inc.)

This announcement serves as the next stage in the brand's forward-looking strategy, after investing heavily in digital over the past five years. Major milestones include growing e-commerce into Harry Rosen's largest storefront; building Herringbone, an in-store associate selling tool by which style advisors directly drive 10% of online business; launching a new online outlet (FinalCut by Harry Rosen); and more. This next leg of the strategy will progress the brand's innovative offerings, responding to customer needs at the in-store level.

The new three-story flagship space on Cumberland Street, which is adjacent to the Village of Yorkville Park and less than 200 metres from the brand's current Bloor St. store, will open by Spring 2026. It will feature updated design and customer-centric experiences that reflect the brand's vision, while honouring its 70-year legacy. The new space will house all the latest ideas in men's retail and designer shops, as well as a vast patio overlooking the Village of Yorkville Park, a luxurious client lounge and espresso bar, and valet parking on weekends, amongst other key features.

"Since my father opened the Bloor St. doors in 1970, and our current flagship in 1987, Harry Rosen has developed such a deep connection to the Yorkville neighbourhood," says Larry Rosen, Chairman & CEO of Harry Rosen Inc., and Harry Rosen's eldest son. "We are very excited to continue pushing our legacy forward by positioning our most important, innovative, and immersive flagship at the centre of the Canadian luxury and fashion space." Moving deeper into Yorkville Village, he adds, will help to continue the neighbourhood's evolution and increase development in the area.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Harry Rosen, an iconic Canadian brand, to help them realize an ambitious vision for their new flagship store in Yorkville," says Rob Kumer, CEO of KingSett Capital. "This relocation repositions and enhances a core asset in the KingSett portfolio and highlights a growing trend in retail real estate, the importance of creating an extraordinary in-store customer experience to build long term brand and property value."

KingSett is a leading Canadian private equity real estate firm which holds the Cumberland Street building in its Canadian Real Estate Income Fund. Founded in 2002, KingSett manages $18 billion in assets across its Growth, Income, Urban, Mortgage, Residential Development and Affordable Housing strategies.

Transforming the Harry Rosen Experience Across its Canadian Stores

Harry Rosen has also announced that its Canada-wide retail fleet will also undergo a transformation to meet the expectations of today's luxury customer and to deliver new experiences with every visit. Beginning with a renovation of 13,000 sq.ft at West Edmonton Mall in 2024, and continuing with the opening of a 16,000 sq. ft. location in Vancouver's Oakridge Park development, Harry Rosen stores will be fully refreshed over the next five years with new designs optimized for client experience and interaction. Each store will host an engaging and immersive environment, with concepts inspired by the art of tailoring and facilitating relationships between customers and their trusted advisors. The West Edmonton Mall, Oakridge Park, and new flagship store designs have been developed in strategic partnership with dkstudio architects inc ., a renowned Canadian-based design firm who have been engaged by the brand to help reimagine their store design and experience.

This announcement also represents a major milestone for the retailer, which has operated at its Bloor St. flagship for most of its 70-year legacy. The brand's founder and visionary, Harry Rosen, who passed away in December, established the trusted brand to help men discover their individual style through personalized service, a mandate which his son, grandsons, and their team intend to push forward.

"Retail is theatre, and the store is our stage," says Ian Rosen, the brand's President and COOand a member of the third generation at the helm of the family-run business. "Our new store concepts are a direct response to what we've heard from our clients and from studying the world's leading customer experiences. Both are central to how we plan to deliver excellence moving forward."

Images available for download here .

ABOUT HARRY ROSEN

Harry Rosen is Canada's leading luxury menswear retailer. Founded in 1954 by the man whose name the chain still bears, the eponymous store has grown from a single 500-square-foot store in Toronto to become a powerhouse in Canadian retailing with 19 stores across Canada and a robust e-commerce offering. Both Harry Rosen stores and www.harryrosen.com offer extensive collections from the world's finest labels and must have designers such as Brunello Cucinelli, ZEGNA, TOM FORD, Giorgio Armani, Moncler and its very own label HAROLD. Harry Rosen is known for its legendary customer service, delivering high-touch, personalized experiences across any customer touchpoint. The focus on treating each customer as an individual has helped establish Harry Rosen as the trusted partner in helping Canadian men develop their personal style.

Follow Harry Rosen on Instagram , TikTok , and Facebook

SOURCE Harry Rosen Inc.

For further information: please contact: Jaime Eisen, [email protected]
The Kano State Hisbah Board, on Wednesday, said it apprehended 11 Muslims for violating the Ramadan fast by eating during daylight hours.





The Public Relations Officer of the board, Lawal Ibrahim, said the arrests were made during the annual Ramadan enforcement operations, which included searches of eateries and markets.





Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored on Wednesday, monitored by our source, the Hisbah spokesman said, The individuals arrested include 10 men and one woman, who were caught eating from her groundnut-selling stall.





Ibrahim explained that non-Muslims were exempt from such enforcement activities, but if found selling food during fasting hours to Muslims, they could be held.





We apprehended 11 persons on Tuesday, including a lady selling groundnuts, who was seen eating from her wares after some persons alerted us. The other 10 persons were men and were arrested across the city, especially close to markets where a lot of activities happen.





We dont arrest non-Muslims because this doesnt concern them, and the only time they could be guilty of a crime is when we find out they cook food to sell to Muslims who are supposed to be fasting.





The month-long Ramadan fast began on Monday, following a declaration by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaja Saad Abubakar, on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Senator Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State has donated food items and clothing materials to 10,000 orphans for Ramadan and Sallah celebrations.





The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Yari, representing Zamfara West Senatorial District, on Wednesday, flagged off the distribution of the items to the beneficiaries in Gusau.





The senator, represented by the former Chairman of the All Progressive Congress in the state, Alhaji Lawal Liman, said that the gesture was to assist orphans during Ramadan and to celebrate EI-el-fitri.





Assisting the needy is very necessary, especially during the holy months of Ramadan, because it is the teaching of Prophet Muhammad SAW, Yari explained.





Similarly, a former Kwara State governor and ex-Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, commenced the distribution of food items to Muslim faithful and others in Kwara.





According to a statement on Wednesday by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, the distribution of the food items is in fulfillment of Sarakis annual practice and a gesture to ensure that everyone observes the Ramadan fast in comfort.





It is my utmost joy to be with you all at this season of piety and supplication, to pray with you and observe Iftar as directed by Prophet Mohammed (SAW).





I appreciate your presence and love always and want to beseech you to spend the fasting period praying for a turnaround in our nations fortune.





Let us also continue to show love, unite, and build a formidable force towards the emancipation of our land, Sakaki said, according to the statement.
The federal government has filed a criminal charge against Bello Bodejo, leader of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore group, over an alleged unlawful establishment of an ethnic militia group.

The charge was filed before the federal high court in Abuja on March 12.

Bodejo was arrested on January 23 at the Miyetti Allah office in Karu LGA of Nasarawa state, over the unveiling of a vigilante group.

The Fulani socio-cultural organisation had recently unveiled a vigilante group in Nasarawa.

Bodejo said the nomad vigilante group would assist security agencies in combatting crime in the north-central state.

The federal government had secured an order to remand Bodejo for 15 days in the custody of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

After the expiration of the order, Inyang Ekwo, presiding judge, extended the detention period by another seven days.

The judge also ordered the federal government to ensure that it filed a charge against the accused, and directed that the detainee be brought to court on the next adjourned date.

On Wednesday, the state failed to produce Bodejo in court.

However, Yetunde Imana, lawyer from the office of the attorney general of the federation (AGF), told the court that a charge has been filed against Bodejo.

But Ekwo noted that he was yet to receive the case file.

Mohammed Sheriff, Bodejos lawyer, informed the court of a pending bail application he filed for his client.

Sheriff proceeded to move the application and prayed the court to grant bail to his client.

Responding, Imana prayed the court to dismiss the bail application on the grounds that it is a matter that touches on national security.

Ekwo adjourned ruling on the application to March 22.

On Wednesday, members of the Miyetti Allah staged a protest outside the federal high court in Abuja, while demanding Bodejos release.
Abiola Arogundade, senior special assistant to the president on technical, vocational and entrepreneurial education, says the federal government is using skills acquisition programmes to counter terrorism in the country.

Speaking with reporters in Abuja on Tuesday, Arogundade said her office is putting these programmes in place in partnership with the office of the national security adviser (NSA).

We are also working with the office of the NSA. What they are trying to do is counter-terrorism and the way they want to do that is through skills, she said.

So we are working with them on skills and to train people to make sure that they do not become terrorists. If they already are, bring them out.





The aide said at the Kuje correctional centre in the federal capital territory (FCT), trainings in different skills are ongoing.

So, what we are going to be doing is also donating more state-of-the-art sewing machines. They complained a lot about computers, so we are also donating laptops, she added.

Not only are we going to be training, we are also going to be leaving behind some equipment they can use to develop their skills.

We have six months of training, we have nine months of training. So it depends on what you want to do.

But our target is to start with people who are closer to the end of their sentence, so that as you are going out, you are going out with the skills and we will release the N500,000 to you.

We will also mentor you and teach you how to start up a business just to make sure you dont become a second-time offender. We rehabilitate you into the community.

Arogundade added that other correctional centres would soon be included in the programme, to ensure inmates in different prison facilities are empowered with skills for life beyond bars.




Sheila Courage, the estranged wife of Davidos Logistics Manager, Israel Afeare, aka Israel DMW, has hinted at finding love again.





She dropped the hint when she wrote via her Instagram story recently, I said yes! Again.





She also reposted a post where someone congratulated her: Congratulations are in order @SheilaCourage.





Sheila captioned the repost, God is not man.





This is coming barely four months after her marriage to Israel hit the rocks.





Recall that Sheila and Israel DMW parted ways barely eight months after their lavish wedding which held in Benin, on October 20, 2022.





In a recent interview with Daddy Freeze, Israel stated that his ex-wife returned just N1,000 to him as a bride price refund despite spending over N2 million on their wedding.





He urged his ex-wife to return his bride price in a proper way, adding that only a Federal High Court could dissolve their marriage.




The Supreme Court has upheld the order of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja which granted the candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, in the November 2023 election in Kogi permission to inspect election materials.





Recall that the apex court had stayed the execution of the orders of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, setting aside the inspection order.





The Tribunal in November last year granted an ex parte order, allowing the SDP and its governorship candidate in Kogi for the 2023 election, Murtala Ajaka to carry out a forensic examination of all the Bimodal Voters Accreditation system, BVAS, used in the election, among other reliefs.





But a three-man panel of justices of the Court of Appeal, led by Justice J.O.K. Oyewole, in its ruling, on March 1, 2024, set aside the inspection order.





However, the apex court on Thursday dismissed the decision of the Court of Appeal and upheld the decision of the trial court.





In a unanimous decision read by Justice Emmanuel Akomoye Agim, the Supreme Court held that the order of the trial court was within the scope of section 146 of the Electoral Act.





Our position is that the motion seeking to set aside the Court of Appeal was wrong to have reversed the decision of the trial court that the motion seeking to set aside the decision of the trial Tribunal was incompetent.





We do not agree with the Court of Appeal. The motion was filed out of time. Secondly, the order of the trial court was within the scope of section 146 of the Electoral Act. In light of the foregoing, this appeal is allowed, and the cross-appeal dismissed with no costs, the court held.




Tony Nwoye, senator representing Anambra north, says he got an allocation of N250 million for intervention projects in his constituency.

BACKGROUND

There was a rowdy session in the senate on Tuesday when Jarigbe Jarigbe, a lawmaker from Cross River, claimed that some senior senators got N500 million in the 2024 budget for constituency projects.

Jarigbe spoke while contributing to the motion moved by Solomon Adeola, senator representing Ogun west, on the claim of budget padding made by Abdul Ningi, senator representing Bauchi central.

During the weekend, Ningi stirred a controversy when he alleged that the 2024 budget was padded with N3 trillion by the senate.

Ningi said a huge damage has been done to the entire country through the budget.

He was suspended on Tuesday by the senate for three months due to the claim.

The national assembly had passed a budget of N28.7 trillion for the 2024 fiscal year.

President Bola Tinubu had proposed N27.5 trillion, but the lawmakers jacked it up by N1.2 trillion.

I DIDNT RECEIVE ANY N500M FOR CONSTITUENCY PROJECT

Hours after Jarigbes comment, an X user in a post tagged and asked the Anambra lawmaker if he also received N500 million.

@SenatorNwoye my senator I hope you didnt soil your hands and that of our constituency with Godswill Akpabios N500 million? the X user wrote.

Responding on Wednesday, Nwoye in a post said he was only allocated N250 million for intervention projects in his constituency.

He added that the allocation has not yet been released.

I didnt receive any 500 Million naira as a Constituency project for the good people of Anambra North Senatorial District, Nwoye wrote.

What was allocated to Me for the Zonal Intervention Project for 2024 is N250 Million naira. I am a first-time Senator. And this sum has not been released.




Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, has called on the Inspector General of Police to withdraw orderlies attached to lawmakers in the National Assembly and other politicians in the country.





Ndume made this statement in an interview on Channels Televisions Politics Today on Wednesday monitored by newsmen.





I support that they should take away all their police (officers).





One Senator will be going around with 10 policemen, seven, members of House of Reps, everybody. That is for those who are mobile. Some even give security to their wives, others give security to their children. I am against that, he said.





The Senator from Borno South Senatorial District said Nigeria, with about 300,000 policemen, does not have enough to police the country, hence, orderlies of Very Important Personalities should be withdrawn to protect the people.





Lets have like 2 million police, 500,000 soldiers, he said.





He urged President Bola Tinubu to give security agencies a blank cheque and all they want in terms of funding and weapons to fight the menace of banditry, kidnapping and insurgency.





According to him, the President should empower the police to increase their manpower to two million men and the military to 500,000.





He, however, said he wont vote for state police if it comes up in the constitution amendment process, adding that it would be abused by governors.




Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has appointed Justice Mary Odili (JSC) (rtd) as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Rivers State University.





He inaugurated the Governing Councils of three tertiary education institutions in the State.





He said the move was in line with his commitment to reposition the education sector for quality manpower development to fast track sustainable growth, and create impactful and progressive society,





Those Fubara also include Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka to serve as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman; Ignatius Ajuru University of Education and Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, with Dr Robinson Ewoh as Chairman.





The Governor said he has directed the Councils to ensure their actions are driven by the urgency to equip school-aged children with requisite skills and knowledge to become competitive, innovative and self-reliant.





I reminded the Councils that there is a lot of noise everywhere: people asking what we are doing; that we are not focused, and that we dont have direction, he wrote on X.





But I also made it clear that we are focused and aware that we cannot grow if our energies are not channelled to education. Not just education, but purposeful education.





I promised to leave a legacy of an education system that is creative. Education that gives our children some level of independence





I charged them to actualise our purpose for education, which is to bring back our academic programmes to where, at the end of your studies, you dont need a job but you create jobs, and employ others. That is what I want the Councils to see as their task.





I further approved and directed the immediate recommencement of the recruitment exercise that was cancelled last year at IAUOE, with emphasis on engaging qualified candidates to bridge existing gap in the academic staff portfolio; just as I assured of Governments readiness to invest in transforming the infrastructure landscape of the three institutions.




The presidency says President Bola Tinubu is committed to getting the student loan scheme launched properly.

Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, spoke to journalists on Wednesday at the end of the federal executive council (FEC) meeting held at the State House in Abuja.

Akintunde Sawyer, the executive secretary of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELF), told Arise TV on Tuesday that the body would not be able to commit to a specific launch date for now.

Sawyer said the federal government is still making adjustments to the student loan policy.

The plan to start the programme between September and October 2023 was not successful.

New launch dates in January, February, and subsequently March did not materialise.

Onanuga said final touches are being put into the scheme to enable a proper launch, noting that a new date would be announced soon.

There will be a new date to launch the student loan scheme, its not forgotten, he said.

There are some things that need to be rearranged so that it can be launched properly. I think thats whats happening.

So the president is committed to it, you know it is one of his flagship programmes and he wants to get it done as quickly as possible.

Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, added that the issue of social security and consumer credit new measures introduced by Tinubu  also played a role in the revision of the dates.

So all these are being taken together and Mr. President is not stopping or suspending the students loan, Idris said.

Indeed, hes ensuring that it comes about strongly so that Nigerians and especially the families of the less privileged, take advantage of that so that they can get education.

The scheme is designed to enable indigent students to access interest-free loans for their educational pursuits in any Nigerian tertiary institution.
A former Atlantic City councilman has admitted in court that he falsified a voter registration application and a mail-in ballot ahead of the 2019 primary election.

MD Hossain Morshed, 50, pleaded guilty in Camden federal court on Wednesday to fraudulent procurement and submission of voter registration applications, the U.S. Attorneys Office District of New Jersey said.

Morshed was running for the Fourth Ward council seat Atlantic City in 2019. In April of that year, two months before the primary election, he gave someone a voter registration application that falsely claimed the person lived within the Fourth Ward, federal authorities said. He then persuaded the prospective voter to sign the application and later gave the person a vote-by-mail application to sign, which listed an incorrect address, prosecutors alleged.

A mail-in ballot in that persons name was later counted toward the 2019 primary election, officials said. Morshed then won the primary and general election and was sworn in as Fourth Ward councilman in January 2020. The voter eventually told authorities he or she never received or filled out the mail-in ballot, prosecutors said.

During recorded conversations between the voter and Morshed concerning possible questioning by law enforcement, he directed the person, if questioned by police, to lie about where the person lived and who filled out the voter forms that he had handed over, officials said.

When he was questioned by FBI agents as part of the investigation, Morshed denied bringing the documents to the person and said that he never asked anyone to register to vote in Atlantic Citys fourth ward, according to federal prosecutors.

Morsheds sentencing is scheduled for July 16.

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A man who is now incarcerated is facing additional criminal charges after authorities alleged he viewed more than 40,000 files containing child sexual abuse while on parole.

Rahvae Richards, 32, of Hackensack, was taken into custody by parole officers on Feb. 9 after it was suspected that he was violating the conditions of his release by possessing child pornography, the Bergen County Prosecutors Office said in a news release.

Richards is now incarcerated at South Woods State Prison in Bridgeton, authorities said. Prosecutors did not provide details on his release or his original sentence.

He is already registered as tier 2 moderate risk sex offender, according to New Jersey State Police records.

After his February arrest, detectives seized and searched his electronic devices. The searches found that after his release from prison, Richards either viewed or downloaded a total of 42,142 media files that depicted the sexual abuse of children, officials said.

On Wednesday, he was served with a criminal complaint charging him with possession of child pornography, a second-degree crime.

Attorney information for him was not immediately available.

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The reaction to Donald Trumps claim that the 2020 presidential election was stolen restores my faith in the American people  my faith that theyre not very bright, that is.

I cant count the number of times I have heard some person who seems otherwise intelligent tell me that Trump won the election and was defrauded out of that victory.
New Jersey is jammed with Irish pubs, many decorated with the inevitable shamrocks and beer signs.

At New Jerseys best, most authentic Irish pub, good luck finding any shamrocks, and the street and town signs on the wall are actually from Ireland, with several funny stories behind them. Well get to those later.
Carla Gutierrez was a teen college student and a new immigrant to the United States when she saw the painting.

Like much of Frida Kahlos work, it was a self-portrait.
The finances in a New Jersey town are so out of whack, and taxpayer dollars are so at risk of misuse that an independent monitor must be installed to right the financial ship.

Thats the recommendation of a damning letter written by New Jerseys Office of the State Comptroller, which said among the problems in Irvington is a mystery $800,000 in expenditures that were not properly documented.

The issues, the state says, date back at least 15 years, but local officials say they were shocked to receive the report and recommendation from the state, after they say theyve been working diligently to ensure they are in compliance with all state fiscal standards.

Comptroller Kevin Walshs letter, sent to Gov. Phil Murphy and legislative leaders on March 6, said the state Department of Community Affairs should appoint a fiscal monitor to ensure Irvington officials uphold their duties in protecting public funds. Walsh asserts in the document that township officials have been failing to comply with corrective actions that were first outlined in a comptroller fiscal review conducted in the township in 2009.

More than a decade later, (my office) returned to Irvington to evaluate whether the Township has more recently acted responsibly in its handling of taxpayer funds, been transparent regarding the use of taxpayer funds and overall complied with relevant laws and policies, Walsh said in the letter. Yet again, (my office) has found that the Townships finances were in disarray, and taxpayer funds were at risk as a result.

Among the issues Walsh alleged is almost $800,000 of unidentified expenditures that were first discovered in a 2019 audit.

Another issue Walsh found was with the townships Chief Financial Officer, who he accused of having a conflict of interest regarding the town renting office space he partially owns.

Overall, the letter said, Irvington continues to have inadequate policies and procedures to ensure the safety of public funds and pointed a finger at elected officials and city mangers for failing to address internal controls.

Irvington officials disputed the comptrollers report, saying the town has met most of the recommendations outlined in the 2009 document.

The Township of Irvington vehemently denies the inaccurate and misleading information contained in the recent report issued by the Comptrollers Office of the State of New Jersey, local officials said in a press release on March 8.

In a letter to the state, attorneys for Irvington said the townships Chief Financial Officer was finalizing updates to the financial policies and procedures manual. The letter said the current township administration, under Mayor Tony Vauss, who was first elected in 2014, inherited issues outlined in previous comptroller reports, including the 2009 document. The letter also said township officials had worked to improve procedural efficiencies and staff trainings.

Irvingtons business administrator Musa A. Malik said Wednesday he is confident the township has made significant progress toward the comptrollers recommendations, claiming that only four items remain outstanding of the 21 initial recommendations in the 2009 report. He also claimed the Comptrollers March 7, 2024 report contradicts the statements made in the Comptrollers prior letters.

Malik said Wednesday current township leaders were not notified of the 2009 report until 2020. Local officials said they were unaware of communication between the comptrollers office and previous administrations.

Despite being unaware of the comptrollers previous interactions with the prior administration, the township has diligently collaborated with all state agencies and our outside auditors to resolve any issues, officials said in the news release.

Current officials said the comptroller was targeting them for mistakes made during a previous administration. Former Irvington Mayor Wayne Smith, who was in office in 2009, could not immediately be reached for comment.

I was just so shocked when I saw the report because we showed all of this improvement after finding out about the deficiencies in 2020 and then the report suggested a monitor, current Mayor Tony Vauss said Wednesday. I was just shocked.

Vauss said that the previous township business administrator died in 2014 as he began his first term as mayor.

Weve had ten years of budgets approved by the state and worked with the local finance board, Vauss continued. What happened that we need a monitor now?

Irvington officials also defended the towns CFO against allegations in the comptrollers report. In his letter, Walsh said CFO Faheem J. RaOof is partial owner of office space that the town rents, which the comptroller called a conflict of interest. Walsh also said RaOof inappropriately executed certification of funds in the townships rental payments and that his CFO license had repeatedly lapsed.

Town officials denied RaOofs building ownership represents a conflict of interest, citing compliance with public bidding contracts and the legal opinions of the townships attorneys. The towns lawyers argued in the letter sent to the comptrollers office that RaOof was clear of ethics violations, asserting he was not in a position to approve or award contracts that were publicly bid. Irvington officials also said RaOofs license issue has been rectified.

About 19% of Irvingtons 60,000 residents live below the poverty line, nearly double the state average. It is a city largely occupied by renters, where the population is 81% Black, 33% is foreign born, and the average household income is just above $57,000, according to Census figures.

We want to assure our residents and the public that the Township of Irvington remains committed to transparency, accountability, and resolving any outstanding issues, Irvington officials said.

Gov. Murphy declined to comment on the comptrollers letter Wednesday.

A state appointed fiscal monitor would be overseen by the Division of Local Services in the Department of Community Affairs. The DCA declined to comment Wednesday.

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A principal in the South Orange-Maplewood School District who was arrested Monday was accused of grabbing a female student by the arm and pushing her up against a wall during an altercation at a school last year, according criminal complaint released Wednesday.

Frank Sanchez, principal of Columbia High School in Maplewood, surrendered to detectives from the Essex County Prosecutors Office Monday morning. He was charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and simple assault, Essex County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Fennelly said earlier this week.

According to the complaint filed in the case, Acting South Orange-Maplewood Superintendent Kevin F. Gilbert reported the alleged incident to the Maplewood Police Department on Dec. 22, 2023 and told them an affirmative action report was generated against the Sanchez in March of 2023. As a result, the school district hired an outside investigator to look into the matter.

The investigator determined there was physical contact between Sanchez and a Black, female Columbia High School student that included pushing, shoving or grabbing, the complaint stated.

According to a report from the school, Sanchez was seen on video with his hand on the girls arm as he pulled her toward a staircase, authorities said. The girl then pulled away from him and he then grabbed her again; an exchange that continued for about thirty seconds, the document said.

Shortly thereafter, the video footage showed the pair falling through a door, with Sanchez holding the student up against the wall, according to the complaint.

In addition to detailing the video footage, another student allegedly witnessed the incident and told investigators he saw Sanchez put his hands on (the student) for no reason, investigators said.

The girl also gave a statement to prosecutors office detectives and told them about what happened during the incident, which she said left her with bruising, the complaint stated.

Sanchez could not be reached for comment Wednesday night. His attorney information was not immediately available.

Sanchez has been on administrative leave since early January, though school district officials have not said why or if his leave is linked to the alleged assault.

Ann Bodnar, the school districts assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, is serving as acting principal.

A post on social media by the Black Parents Workshop, an advocacy group representing Black families in the district, said the charges against Sanchez stem from an incident with a Black, female Columbia High School student.

The Black Parents Workshops legal counsel, Robert Tarver, and the groups chairman, James H. Davis III, are providing legal counseling for the student.

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John Fogerty is touring all of June, which means you need to secure some tickets.

Fogerty will head out on his The Celebration Tour beginning on June 2 in Simpsonville, S.C. and will wrap up on June 20 in Lenox, Mass.

While on tour, Fogerty will perform two shows in New Jersey: one on June 7 in Camden at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion and the other on June 15 in Holmdel at PNC Bank Arts Center.

Joining the tour in support will be special guests George Thorogood & The Destroyers and Hearty Har.

This summer tour follows up Fogertys 2023 Bad Moon Rising tour, which Hearty Har will also join.

If you want to catch John Fogerty on tour this June, here is how you can get tickets.

How to see John Fogerty on his 2024 tour

Tickets for John Fogertys The Celebration Tour go on sale to the public on March 15 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster.

John Fogerty fans can also access tickets on secondary market websites, such as StubHub, Vivid Seats, TicketCity and SeatGeek.

First-time Vivid Seats users can save $20 on ticket orders over $200 by entering promo code NJ20 at checkout.

TicketCity users can save $15 on orders over $400 using promo code TCITYSAVE15 at checkout.

A complete list of John Fogertys tour dates is available here.

Upcoming 2024 tours

John Fogerty is not the only artist heading out on tour.

Here are a few more artists you dont want to miss out on: Taylor Swift, Billy Joel, Nicki Minaj and Stevie Nicks.

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At a Senate hearing on affordable housing Monday, the elected leaders of Summit showed up in force, with the mayor and two council members warning that the state was about to rob them of their sovereignty.

Please leave the decisions about development to the people who are directly impacted! said Mayor Elizabeth Fagan.

I agree. But lets discuss who is directly impacted.

Its not just the good people of Summit. Zoning laws in suburbs like Summit are pinching the supply of housing, leaving a shortfall that is driving up prices for everyone, without mercy. Thats beating up middle-class families across the state and making life impossible for the poor.

Among renters in New Jersey, 1 in 4 now pay more than half their income on housing, often for decrepit homes in poor cities with rotten schools. Its not good for their kids, and when an affordable unit opens up, hundreds or even thousands of families scramble to sign up for a shot.

The crisis doesnt have to be nearly this bad. Its a choice we make. Commercial developers and non-profit groups like Habitat for Humanity are lined up build new homes in the suburbs, but they are blocked by zoning laws in hundreds of places like Summit.

The bill the Senate considered Monday provides no money for new housing, and so puts no burden on the taxpayer. It just requires that towns provide a realistic chance to allow affordable housing in town, to take on their fair share as mandated by the state Supreme Courts Mt. Laurel rulings. The bill would streamline the process and update the numbers as towns prepare to set their rules for the next decade, starting in 2025.

Its a careful piece of legislation that has been amended over and over, winning support from a broad coalition including builders and non-profits, religious groups, advocates for the disabled, environmentalists and professional planners. So far, its moved through committees on party-line votes, but supporters are still hoping to win over at least a handful of Republicans. Gov. Phil Murphy has been deeply engaged and is certain to sign, with a vote coming as early as Monday.

The opposition is coming from towns that are resisting infringement on their powers of home rule, which is seen as sacred to many people in New Jersey.

If youre deciding where to build a park or a new school, home rule makes sense.

But it can be a curse as well. Its enabled wealthy white suburbs to exclude the poor for generations, a key reason our schools are more segregated than those in Alabama. Its left us with unplanned sprawl as towns grapple to lure businesses and wealthier homeowners. Its reinforced every inequity.

At the Senate hearing Monday, Sen. Teresa Ruiz recalled that her parents came from Puerto Rico, scraped and saved, and were able to buy their own home. Strict zoning laws, she said, are putting that out of reach for families like hers today.

Thats the bottom line, she said. No way my parents could do that in this day.

And she raised the issue of race, saying state law once allowed suburban towns to pay cash to cities to comply with their obligations on affordable housing. They didnt want people like me moving in, Ruiz said.

Lori Leonard, the CEO of Habitat for Humanity of South Central New Jersey, said she saw racism at work when she proposed building four homes in Burlington County. About 50 neighbors packed a public meeting on the project, she said, asking questions like, What if a childs ball rolls into our back yard? and What if those people go to our parks?

Like veterans, she thought? Maybe a local nurse or teacher?

Really what they were saying is that we dont want Black and brown people in our community, Leonard said in an interview.

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For racists, this is an easy call. Oppose the bill.

It would be wildly unfair, though, to ignore the legitimate reasons for concern in the suburbs. The Summit team talked about traffic and pollution, the added burden on local schools, and disappearing open space. Those are not imaginary problems.

But when you weigh them against the housing crisis, and especially the damage it does to our children, those local concerns suddenly seem manageable.

Summit could make more room by allowing builders to construct more apartments over retail space in the downtown, or requiring that 20 percent of new housing projects go to low-income families, or helping non-profit groups build new homes near its railroad stations.

Thats an inconvenience, perhaps, but not a crisis. Weighed against the hardship of the army of families paying more than half their income in rent, it seems like a trifle.

More: Tom Moran columns

Tom Moran may be reached at tmoran@starledger.com or (973) 986-6951. Follow him on Twitter @tomamoran. Find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook.

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It was a horrifying experience for only a few dozen motorists, but a caution flag for a lot of others.

For the second time in two months, drivers who purchased gasoline from a Conoco branded station on Admiral Wilson Boulevard in Camden found themselves stranded Sunday night along the busy highway that leads to and from the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.

When the first incident occurred on Jan. 10, a total of 39 drivers were sitting in vehicles that had stalled out, some just a few hundred feet from the filling station. It obviously could have led to more catastrophic results if any of the cars has been trying to accelerate into traffic on the boulevard when they sputtered and then stopped dead.
New Jersey lawmakers on Thursday hit the brakes on a plan to overhaul the states public records laws amid backlash from good government groups who accused them of fast-tracking legislation that would lead to more government secrecy.

Top Democrats in the state Legislature introduced the bill (S2930) just last week and advanced it at dual committee meetings Monday over objections from a raft of nonprofits, civil rights organizations, public sector unions and the news media, who filled hearing rooms in Trenton to shout opposition at legislators.

It was scheduled for another key hearing in the state Assembly appropriations committee Thursday when it was abruptly pulled from the agenda shortly before noon.

I am inspired that so many people have taken an interest and engaged in this legislation, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-Middlesex, said in a statement, adding that he appreciated the concerns raised over the bill.

Right now, we are working on various amendments to ensure we get the bill right, Coughlin said.

The bills sponsors say the $8 million measure would bring New Jerseys records laws into the digital age by better protecting residents personal information, putting more records online and reining in commercial data brokers they say file voluminous records requests with state and local governments.

It was written in close coordination with the League of Municipalities, which represents local governments in Trenton and has long complained that New Jerseys Open Public Records Act, or OPRA, puts an undue burden on small government offices who can lose hours or days of productivity to a large records request.

Open government advocates saw the move as a thinly veiled effort to remove the teeth from OPRA, a 2002 law that allows the public to request a wide array of government records, from contracts and emails to police body camera footage and payroll data.

Among the changes, the bill would require a requestor to use an agencys specific form, allow towns to sue requestors over requests they believe are intended to harass them, and further restrict access to emails and metadata.

During a Monday hearing, one of the bills own sponsors appeared confused about how existing records laws work.

State Sen. Paul Sarlo, D-Bergen, who introduced the bill and presided over the Senate budget committee where it was discussed, claimed Monday that anyone could file a creepy request for surveillance footage of a public playground filled with children.

But a 2016 court decision, known as Gilleran v. Township of Bloomfield, already puts strict limits on the release of government security camera footage and local governments regularly deny such requests for security reasons.

Sarlo said in a statement Thursday he agreed with the decision to hold the bill.

The committee carefully considered the testimony, and I believe that certain amendments will make this a better bill, he said. There are amendments that will not only foster greater transparency, but will include effective ways of modernizing the 20-year old OPRA law, reducing the profiteering of OPRA at the expense of municipalities and taxpayers, and protecting the personal information of private citizens.

Gov. Phil Murphy, appearing on his monthly call-in show on public radio stations WHHY, WBGO and WNYC, did not take a firm stance on the measure.

Ive got to be careful because this legislation is not fully baked, Murphy said, later adding: I think the folks who are behind this  their hearts are in the right place. I havent seen anyone with nefarious behavior here.

Thursdays removal of the bill from committee marked an about-face for the Democrats who control the state Legislature and appeared poised to send it to Murphys desk, even swapping out committee members who were said to oppose the bill to ensure its approval Monday.

The lone Democrat to vote against the bill in committee, state Sen. Andrew Zwicker, D-Middlesex, said pulling the bill was the absolute the right thing to do.

We need to get all of the stakeholders around the table and do a thorough and thoughtful evaluation on how to modernize OPRA without reducing access to the public, Zwicker said.

This is a fatally flawed bill.

NJ Advance Media staff writer Susan K. Livio contributed to this report.

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S.P. Sullivan may be reached at ssullivan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @spsullivan.

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him at @johnsb01.
The headline-grabbing conservative Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, an ardent supporter of former President Donald Trump, is in a tight spot.

Boebert is one of several Republicans running in the primary to replace outgoing Congressman Ken Buck. She moved across the state to run for Bucks more Republican-friendly seat anchored in Colorados eastern plains.

Buck, however, shocked his colleagues  and Boebert  by announcing plans to resign before the end of his term, which set up a scenario where the states Democratic governor has to set a date for a special election to fill the seat.

Trump critic Ron Filipkowski explained:

On todays Uncovered, I talked about why Lauren Boebert was raging today at Ken Buck for leaving Congress early, which presents some problems for her scheme to move into his district and take his seat. Link to full show here: https://t.co/1Qubgxy7MG pic.twitter.com/ASJGvegTD5  Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) March 14, 2024

Shes currently in like a more where its R +7, shes going to like an R +20 and she knows if she wins that seat, shes gonna be like green where shes gonna be set for life. Shell never be moved out of that seat if she wins it, so, you know, I think Bucks plan was to leave at the end of the year but then Buck did not anticipate that Boebert was gonna try and move into his district, Filipkowski said.

For her to run in the special election, she would have to resign right now. This is why it puts her in a bind. She would have to leave her seat and resign from Congress, basically today, to be able to run in that special election. She doesnt want to do that, he said. You have this crazy scenario playing out right now and Boebert is just raging about it.

Buck is a staunch conservative who had become increasingly critical of his partys handling of Trump.

His March 22 departure will reduce the GOPs House majority to only a five-seat margin and will trigger a special election to serve the remainder of his term.

Colorado law requires that it happen in mid-to-late June, and Gov. Jared Polis announced Tuesday afternoon that he would set it for June 25  the same day as the Republican primary to replace Buck in November.

Filipkowski argued why that put Boebert in even more of a technical bind when she ultimately runs for the seat.

Boebert has already said she wont resign and participate in the special election.

Among other controversies, Boebert was caught on tape vaping and groping with a date during a musical production of Beetlejuice.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge wanted to play in the upcoming games in Mexico City, but will not be on the trip.AP
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From the door of each, you can see the vintage neon signs of the other glowing just down Dryades Street. They are both classics. They both are
Ronnie Burke, the captain of the Irish Channel St. Patricks Day parade, says hes relying on the luck of the Irish to keep the rain away on Saturday afternoon (March 16).

And maybe some heavenly intervention.

There's reason for optimism. Weather forecasts for the weekend show potential rain moving through the area on Sunday. Saturday seems likely to be cloudy.

But Burke said hes been keeping a rosary made from green Connemara marble from County Galway, Ireland, in his pocket, which he employs regularly as he prays for clear skies.

Truth is, Burke said, a little rain wont stop the annual procession celebrating Irish heritage. The only things that could interfere would be lightning and a deluge sufficient to cause flooding. The important thing, he said, is the safety of the kids in the bands, the float riders, and more than 1,000 marchers.
A French Quarter home dates to 1790, but its interior is a timeline of decor styles
The Montana State University Billings Outdoor Adventure Leadership Program will host the Womens Adventure Film Tour at 7 p.m. on March 21 at the Art House Cinema & Pub in downtown Billings. The event is open to the public and tickets are available to purchase online.

The Womens Adventure Film Tour, now in its eighth season, celebrates extraordinary women in the name of adventure. This is the second year in a row that MSUB has assisted in hosting the event; this years lineup features eight new short films that showcase the inspiring journeys around remarkable women who have fearlessly pursued adventures in various fields.

This years tour includes films with incredible stories of determination, courage, and triumph. Rather than focus solely on extreme feats, this tour aims to inspire viewers to step out their comfort zone and challenge their boundaries to conquer their personal Everest. The films celebrate bravery, perseverance and the indomitable spirit within.

We are thrilled to bring the Womens Adventure Film Tour back to Billings, said Lynne Fitzgerald, associate professor of outdoor adventure leadership. This years films are sure to be exciting, and tickets purchased will help our program raise money to purchase gear necessary for student success, reducing the out-of-pocket expenses of students enrolled in the program.

The Art House Cinema & Pub is a nonprofit, all-ages independent movie theater located in the heart of downtown Billings.

The Womens Adventure Tour is presented by Wild Basin and locally by MSUBs Outdoor Adventure Leadership program. Learn more about the Womens Adventure Film Tour by visiting arthousebillings.com/waft.

The Montana State University Billings Outdoor Adventure Leadership Program will host the Womens Adventure Film Tour on March 21 at 7 pm at the Art House Cinema & Pub in downtown Billings. The event is open to the public and tickets are available to purchase online.
Every new governor takes office promising change. Yet, even as Louisianas political pendulum has swung back and forth, from right to left and back again for generations, not much has changed.

Louisiana still trails other Southern states in just about every way measurable  from literacy rates to infant birth weights, from student test scores to cancer rates, from gun and domestic violence rates to population growth, and from poverty rates to obesity. The list of low quality of life scores goes on and on.

Gov. Jeff Landry, like all of his predecessors, promises change  but little of his legislative agenda addresses the societal ills listed in the preceding paragraph.

Rather, Landry has embarked on a hard-right push that includes more attacks on human and civil rights, less government help for those struggling at the bottom, expanding the states already-generous corporate welfare programs, further privatizing public education, and removing as many layers of consumer protection as possible.

He also wants to rewrite Louisianas bloated, outdated, antiquated, and much-abused constitution, though he hasnt specified how that would happen or who would do the rewriting. Landrys overall goal, however, is one that many reformers have touted  removing fiscal minutiae from the states charter and freeing lawmakers (and governors) to set budgetary priorities to meet evolving challenges.

The last governor to push for a new constitution was Edwin Edwards, who campaigned on that issue in 1971. Landry did not mention a constitutional rewrite during his campaign last year.

Writing a new constitution is a tall order, even for a governor with a legislative supermajority. The current constitution, which voters approved in 1974, contains a host of provisions put there by special interests, including sheriffs, district attorneys and others who were key to Landrys election. It will be interesting to see what comes of his pitch for a rewrite.

Elsewhere, the governor said his priorities in the legislative session that began March 11 are education, the economy and insurance reform.

While Landry will be the dominant force during the session, he wont be the only big player.

New Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple is backing a slate of bills that favor insurance companies, and new Secretary of State Nancy Landry supports an election integrity package.

Lawmakers also will consider bills that affect the medical community and health care, coastal restoration, local governance  particularly for New Orleans and the Sewerage and Water Board (S&WB)  and Supreme Court reapportionment.

Those are just the toplines. Lawmakers have introduced more than 1,000 bills. Many are duplicative, and most will fail by the time the 85-day regular session reaches its mandatory end date on June 3.

Between now and then, heres a look at some of the proposals that will make headlines.

Education

Landry and conservatives will unite behind a proposal to authorize education savings accounts, or ESAs, which actually have nothing to do with savings. Theyre actually the new buzzword for vouchers.

Put parents back in control, and let the money follow the child, Landry told lawmakers in his opening-day speech.

Translation: Get ready for a tsunami of pop-up faith-based schools that seek to tap public funds at the expense of public schools.

Landry also called for schools to be free from the dangers of uncontrolled classrooms, free from bureaucracy that prioritizes petty grievances above children in the classroom, and free from being indoctrinated by the latest radical social cause.

Translation: No more diversity, equity and inclusion or DEI; no more talk of slavery and its legacy of discrimination (only whitewashed, feel good history); and nothing that welcomes LGBTQ students or their parents.

Insurance

Insurance Commissioner Temple supports a package of bills that insurance companies will love.

One of the most controversial is a proposal to eliminate Louisianas unique three-year rule. The rule bans insurers from dropping customers if they have been with the insurer for three years and paid premiums on time. Former Commissioner Jim Donelon is a big promoter of the rule. Temple says it drives insurers away.

Temple also backs measures that will overhaul how claims are handled by setting new deadlines for when insurers must pay claims, provide new definitions for key terms in the claims process and limit how and when policyholders can sue their insurers. These proposals will draw fire from trial lawyers, many of whom backed Landry. So far, the governor has steered clear of this fight.

Economic Development

Landry and new Louisiana Economic Development (LED) chief Susan Bourgeois have been working with the private nonprofit Committee of 100, whose members include the states top business and higher education CEOs, to draft legislation that will overhaul how the state attracts investment and creates jobs.

State Sen. Beth Mizell, R-Franklinton, has said she will introduce a bill to implement the changes sought by Bourgeois. The deadline for filing bills is April 2.

Overall, Landrys approach will be more generous tax breaks for new and expanding businesses and industries, removing as many regulations as possible, and implementing a long-range plan that continues from one administration to the next rather than changing with each new governor.

We must act now to create a business-friendly atmosphere at this pivotal moment in history, Landry said in his opening remarks on March 11.

One specific change Landry mentioned is adopting universally recognized occupational licensures. He said Louisiana ranks among the most burdensome states for occupational licensing.

New Orleans Issues

Landry has targeted S&WB for special treatment by naming a task force to come up with ways to improve the much-maligned agency, which was created by state legislation more than a century ago.

Potential fixes include ideas that will require legislative approval, such as changing the boards makeup and leadership (the mayor chairs the board under current law), separating water and sewerage from drainage responsibilities, and providing more direct state oversight of S&WB billing and operations.

The city also will be looking for millions more from the state to complete a new electric substation to replace the S&WBs antiquated generator.

In the wake of the governors special session on crime, city officials and hospitality leaders are hoping lawmakers will amend the recently adopted constitutional carry law that allows anyone 18 or older to carry a concealed handgun without a permit and without training. Their aim is to bar concealed handguns in the French Quarter  except for those with a valid state permit, which requires training.

Another hot topic in New Orleans is finding ways to rein in the Krewe of Chad  folks who block off public spaces for private enjoyment during Mardi Gras. A state Senate committee has already blessed Senate Bill 339 by state Sen. Jimmy Harris, D-New Orleans, to impose a minimum fine of $2,500 for blocking streetcar lines before or after a public event (read: Mardi Gras parade).

Other Hot Topics

Landry hoped to convince lawmakers to ditch the states popular jungle or open primary elections system in favor of closed party primaries during his first special session, but they instead passed a significantly watered-down measure. The new law requires political parties to allow more than 600,000 unaligned or no party voters in Louisiana to cast ballots in any party primary or runoff, and it applies only to elections to U.S. House and Senate, the state Supreme Court, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), and the Louisiana Public Service Commission.

The governor apparently hasnt given up on closed primaries, however.

State Rep. Julie Emerson, R-Carencro, filed a measure to make all statewide, legislative, Supreme Court and non-local offices subject to party primaries. As originally filed, Emersons bill keeps the provision in the new law allowing no party voters to cast ballots in party primaries and runoffs. It will be worth watching to see if Emersons bill stays that way.

Elsewhere on the elections front, Secretary of State Nancy Landry (no relation to the governor) wants lawmakers to pass bills that expand the annual voter canvass, prohibit individuals from assisting with more than one absentee ballot (except for immediate family members), ban ranked-choice voting, create a Division of Election Integrity in her office, and require those who conduct voter registration drives to register with her office so that voters personal information is protected and new registrations are submitted on time.

In a move that signals lawmakers continued interest in tough on crime legislation, Senate Bill 24 by state Sen. Alan Seabaugh, R-Shreveport, would repeal a law enacted two years ago that limits law enforcements release of mugshots.

Sen. Royce Duplessis, D-New Orleans, authored the 2022 law, which he says protects innocent persons from having their reputations permanently harmed by booking photos that go public immediately. Current law also prohibits for-profit websites from making innocent people pay to have their mugshots removed. Seabaughs bill repeals the current law entirely, though he says hes open to a provision dealing with the websites.

One of the few defeats dealt to Landry in both special sessions was his attempt to redistrict the Louisiana Supreme Court. He hasnt given up on that, either.

Three Supreme Court redistricting bills cleared committee in the first days of the current session and are set to be considered by the full Senate on March 20. All three would create a second majority-Black district, but they vary significantly in how that goal is achieved.

Landry and others say creating a second majority-Black district would help resolve a pending federal lawsuit challenging the current Supreme Court districts.
WASHINGTON  Louisianas beleaguered crawfish industry will be getting help in the form of low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman announced Thursday.

The agency will issue low-interest loans for the crawfish industry, including farmers, harvesters, pickers, wholesalers, boilers, retailers, restaurants, grocery stores, equipment suppliers and others impacted by recent weather, said U.S. Rep. Troy Carter said in an interview.

Abnormally hot temperatures and a 44% drop in total rainfall, coupled with a hard winter freeze, has potentially reduced the roughly 200 million-pound annual catch by about half this year, according to an LSU analysis. The cost will be about $140 million to a $300 million industry.
Balloons are placed at the bottom of the steps of where Jenee Pedesclaux was arrested by the New Orleans Police Department on charges of stabbing her two children, in New Orleans, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022. The 4-year-old daughter died due to her injuries. (Photo by Sophia Germer, NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)
Jermaine Roberts entered the public eye after he broke into the house where Jenee Pedesclaux brutally knifed their two children then weeped, "It's all Jermaine's fault," to an audience of thousands on social media. Roberts grabbed the children and whisked them to a hospital.

But just months earlier, the five-time felon was charged with domestic abuse and child endangerment for allegedly dragging Pedesclaux by the hair and beating her with a closed fist in front of Paris Ann Roberts, 4, and Jay'Ceon Roberts, 2, according to court records.

Pedesclauxs father said Jermaine Roberts began a relationship with his daughter when she was just 13. Roberts would have been 29 at the time.

Hes a predator, Gueren Pedesclaux said after his daughter's mental competency hearing Wednesday. Hes the reasonthe years of abuse, the mental abuse and the anguishthat led my daughter to do this.
Citing support voiced in hunter surveys and public meetings, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is proposing to lift a 66-year-old waterfowl hunting closure along 87 miles of the Yellowstone River.

The proposition will be considered by the Fish and Wildlife Commission at its April 17 meeting in Helena. Public comments on the proposal will be taken until March 28.

The closure was enacted in 1958, from the mouth of the Bighorn River downstream to the Rosebud-Custer county line, to provide a sanctuary for struggling duck and geese populations. A survey in 1961 counted only 546 geese and 3,187 ducks along that stretch of the Yellowstone. By 2013, an FWP study found 289 geese per river kilometer along the 140 kilometer closed stretch. That adds up to more than 40,000 geese in the closed section.

Lifting the river restriction was attempted in the past. In 1975, FWP opened a portion of the Yellowstone in Treasure County with a goal of expanding it the following year. A lawsuit filed by three Rosebud County landowners put the kibosh on the idea when a Forsyth judge said the Fish and Game Commission didnt do a good enough job of informing the public.

The idea was floated again in 2009 but never went to a vote.

Closure studied

In 2013, Steve Atwood conducted a study regarding the closure, polling landowners along the closed section of river. The study was his masters thesis for his North Dakota State University degree.

The goal of this study was to gain a better understanding of identified stakeholders sentiments towards the Yellowstone River waterfowl hunting closure and determine their level of receptiveness towards potential policy changes to the YRC, Atwood wrote.

Atwood found that 55% of landowners adjacent to the river who responded to the survey liked the closure. Of those same landowners, 77% were against changing the regulation that Atwood described as rooted in fear of what might happen. These fears included the possibility of an increase in trespassing by hunters from the river.

One landowner wrote, the closure gives me a little help controlling the city idiots that believe they have access to any land that the river is near. Other reasons cited for preserving the closure included providing a place for waterfowl to rest and keeping game birds around to hunt on adjacent fields. Most goose hunting in the region takes place in agricultural fields.

Several landowners threatened to halt all public hunting access if the closure was lifted. Landowners without Yellowstone River frontage were less concerned with lifting the regulation.

An apparent proportion of Inside landowners support the YRC because they perceive the policy gives them control over the publics use of the Yellowstone River, Atwood wrote. With this notion in mind, wildlife managers need to ask themselves if the original intent of the YRC policy, which was to increase hunting opportunities, is being upheld.

Looking back

Atwood is now a wildlife biologist for Region 7, based in Miles City. He said attitudes regarding the closure probably haven't changed in the 11 years since he finished his thesis.

"Everything holds up pretty well," he said.

The one change he has seen in that timespan is increased use of the river for fishing and boating. Because of that, he said it's a misconception that the closed section of river is a waterfowl refuge. Even without opening the area to hunting, Atwood said there is plenty of activity to disturb waterfowl.

He also pointed to a section of the upper Bighorn River that's open to hunting but still attracts lots of waterfowl as an example of how the two can coexist.

The reason for advancing the proposal to drop the closure now, Atwood explained, was due to a request by former FWP director Hank Worsech to regional staff asking them to search out regulations that had no biological need or could be simplified. Lifting the Yellowstone River closure fit both criteria, Atwood said.

Mixed response

Reaction to FWPs proposal to lift the river hunting restriction has been mixed, according to Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Bill Lane, of Ismay.

"There will be biological concerns as well as social concerns that will be taken into account," he wrote in an email. "Rest assured, this decision wont be taken lightly."

In a letter to the editor of the Miles City Star newspaper, Colstrip resident Steve Christian vehemently opposed FWPs proposal. The closure has boosted the coffers for Hysham and Forsyth businesses who benefit from flocks of goose hunters, he argued.

Outfitters, some of which charge as much as $2,000 for three-day all-inclusive hunts, expressed concern and said the landowners who they lease from were also worried.

Former Fish and Wildlife Commission member Dan Vermillion grew up hunting geese in the area and said he hopes the closure remains in place. Although he supports more opportunity, he sees the lifting of the closure as possibly degrading the areas goose hunting.

"If the geese get pounded in November before there's a big cold front, they're gone," he said.

In comments posted online, representatives of conservation groups Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and Flathead Wildlife, Inc. supported lifting the closure.

Waterfowl, particularly Canada geese, are abundant and this closure is no longer warranted, wrote Jim Vashro, for Flathead Wildlife.

Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Brian Cebull, of Billings, wrote in an email that FWPs proposal is certainly controversial since it impacts a closure that has been in place since the 1950s.

As such, I am gathering information on the history, purpose, and impacts of the closure and the potential reopening and trying to build a better understanding of the whole situation, he added.

Vermillion said the large flocks of geese that can be seen flying over the area is a spectacle.

"It's one of the few places in Montana you can find that," he said.
Editor's Note: This article contains depictions of violence that some readers may find disturbing.

Before going live on social media smeared with the blood of the two children she allegedly stabbed, Jenee Pedesclaux Facetimed their father three timesfirst showing him their bloodied two-year-old son, then their wounded four-year-old daughter, and finally, both children with their necks slit, the girl "gasping for air" on the bed, according to court documents.

The girl, Paris Roberts, died at University Medical Center on Sunday at around 1:40 p.m. of sharp trauma injuries, according to the New Orleans coroner. She underwent multiple life-saving procedures, court documents say, but ultimately succumbed to hemorrhagic shock due to her injuries, which included a laceration on her neck, down to her spine, that damaged her trachea, along with cuts to the upper chest and shoulders.
Flanked by deputies in a courtroom bustling with 20-25 family members, Jenee Pedesclaux -- the mother accused of stabbing her two young children then broadcasting herself on social media streaked in blood -- appeared in court early Thursday where New Orleans Magistrate Judge Juana Marine-Lombard ordered her held without bond pending a competency hearing. State doctors will evaluate Pedesclaux on Friday and present their findings at a hearing next Wednesday.

"We believe it is very important for her to get medical attention," said Pedesclaux's attorney William Boggs. "That is the wishes of her family and community."

Pedesclaux faces one charge of second degree murder and one charge of attempted second degree murder. Prosecutors allege the 31-year-old mother stabbed her children, Paris Ann Roberts, 4, and Jay'Ceon Roberts, 2, at around 11:30 a.m. Sunday in a residence in the 3100 block of Law Street. She FaceTimed their father, Jermaine Roberts, during the bloodshed, cutting her own neck after he broke into the residence and took the children to a hospital, where Paris Ann died and Jay'Ceon remained in critical condition earlier this week. Finally, Pedesclaux broadcast herself live, smeared with blood and weeping.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton, shows a letter from retired FBI executives on January 30, 2024 that he says supports his call for President Joe Biden to close the border. House Republicans took a key vote early Wednesday morning toward impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over what they call his "willful and systematic" refusal to enforce immigration laws.
A migrant couple struggles while carrying their baby as they approach a gate in the border fence after crossing from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico into El Paso, Texas, in the early hours of Thursday, May 11, 2023. Migrants rushed across the border hours before pandemic-related asylum restrictions were to expire Thursday, fearing that new policies would make it far more difficult to gain entry into the United States. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
Poe on POGOs

The recent raid in Tarlac bares how illegal operations of offshore gaming have sprawled in the country victimizing the public.

The crimes associated with these pernicious POGO activities have become more vicious including human trafficking, prostitution, kidnapping for ransom, torture, online scam and fake IDs and passports.

As early as September last year, a Senate panel has recommended the ban on POGOs as they have made the country a fertile ground for various crimes.

It is interesting to note from reports that in the Tarlac raid, the spokesperson of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission said that the request for the warrants was made after information from the Malaysian Embassy came about its national being detained inside the complex.

Without a concrete policy yet on the cessation of POGO operations, it is incumbent for our law enforcers and concerned government agencies to intensify their actions to thwart the fraudulent activities.

Our inability to stop the POGO-related crimes will be a mockery of our laws and will perpetuate the cycle of exploitation and abuse not only of Filipinos but of their foreigner victims.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission approved a controversial new elk feedground management plan at its March 12 meeting in Pinedale.

The adaptive management plan will guide the Wyoming Game and Fish Departments oversight of its 21 elk winter feedgrounds moving forward as the spread of chronic wasting disease threatens all cervids, including deer and moose.

The unanimous approval came after several speakers urged the commissioners to delay a decision out of fear that elk populations in western Wyoming will decline substantially if the new plan is enacted.

Our herds, the deer and antelope, are in dire straits following a brutal winter a year ago, said Dustin Child of Trophy Mountain Outfitters in Afton. The one thing that we have is elk. Our elk hunting in western Wyoming is really good. Its as good as Ive seen it in 30 years. And theres one reason that is, and thats because of these feedgrounds.

On the other side of the issue, representatives of the Sierra Club conservation group urged the commission to halt artificially sustaining elk populations in an environment conducive to the spread of deadly diseases. They encouraged phasing out the feedgrounds.

We are disappointed in the departments continued disregard for the very real threat posed by feedgrounds and exacerbating the proliferation of wildlife diseases, not only in our ungulate populations, but throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, said Kelsey Yarzab, of the Wyoming Sierra Club office.

Wyomings neighbor to the north, Montana, has record-high elk populations without feedgrounds, noted the Sierra Clubs Nick Gevock.

Plenty of fear

Department Director Brian Nesvik noted fear of change was a common theme expressed by several speakers. He noted fears about the spread of always-fatal chronic wasting disease, loss of tourism and outfitting business, possible long-term negative impacts to wildlife and ranchers concerned about brucellosis transmission from elk were all valid.

People have fear of the unknown, he said. That includes the department.

It took us 115 years to get to this point  and we have no expectation, nor do we want to set any expectation, that this can be solved overnight, or in five years, or in 10 years, he said. This is decades-long work.

He also said the department is reliant on federal land management agencies to continue allowing feedground operations, an issue that has been litigated resulting in two sites being closed on national forest land.

Child, the outfitter, said hes worried the plan gives WGFD too much authority to lower elk populations and cited one section of the plan saying it would give the agency the power to reduce elk numbers by any means necessary, including someday machine gunning them from helicopters.

Thats what terrifies me, he said. In the big game sector, elk is what we have, lets not mess that up. Lets proceed with caution.

WGFDs director said the term auxiliary management in the plan does not mean aerial gunning, instead it involves making it easier for private landowners to allow licensed hunters onto their property.

Jess Johnson, of the Wyoming Wildlife Federation, encouraged the commission to adopt the feedground plan, saying she witnessed the Wyoming Legislature coming apart at the seams over elk this session as it discussed legislation to compensate landowners for forage lost to wildlife.

Keeping wildlife management at the commission level is imperative, she said. And it has been hard to do. This last year was the hardest Ive ever seen them work at pulling that away at the legislative level. You guys have the tools. You have the experts and the people at the table to do this.

Elk plans

John Lund, WGFD Wildlife Management supervisor in Pinedale, said the final draft of the feedground plan was cleaned up to make it easier to understand and to remove redundancies and inconsistencies. Other changes included valuations of cattle operations in the area and additional information on brucellosis.

Wyoming residents began feeding elk in 1908 before the state took over in 1929 and started compensating landowners for elk damage. The feeding has continued as a way to lessen damage to private lands, reduce the chances of elk mingling with cattle and spreading brucellosis and to keep the animals alive through the winter without competing for food with other wildlife, Lund explained.

Cheyenne Stewart, WGFDs Jackson Wildlife Management coordinator, said the department is aware of the increased likelihood of elk contracting and spreading chronic wasting disease on feedgrounds, but said there has yet not been an outbreak on a feedground leaving the department uncertain about how fast it would spread and how high the infection rate would be.

Consequently, the department is reliant on statistical models to make assumptions. Among those assumptions are that an outbreak of CWD would reduce a feedgrounds elk population but that early management by the department may be able to control the spread.

Besides, right now the state has more elk than existing winter range could handle without the feedgrounds, she added.

Looking ahead

Going forward, two of the agencys main goals will be to promote elk health while reducing their reliance on feedgrounds, Stewart said. To do that, more than 100 strategies have been identified that will be applied based on each feedgrounds specific conditions.

Not all strategies will work for all feedgrounds, Stewart added, rather the idea is to pick and choose the best combination. To do this, each will have its own Feedground Management Action Plan that is adaptable to deal with individual nuances.

The plans will be reviewed annually and involve the public with the overarching goal of ensuring that future generations have thriving wildlife populations, Stewart said.
A Bismarck man has pleaded guilty to drug and weapons charges stemming from events last October when he was on probation.

Bradley Geyen, who is in his 50s, pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of possession with intent to deliver nearly 400 grams of meth, four counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of theft of a stolen firearm under an agreement with prosecutors. He was sentenced to seven years in prison on the most serious charge -- possession with intent to deliver meth. The agreement calls for Geyen to serve straight time sentences of five years on all of the firearms charges. All of the sentences will run at the same time.

Under North Dakota's armed offender statute, people convicted of A-level felonies -- as Geyen pleaded guilty to in the meth count -- must serve a mandatory minimum of four years in prison before being eligible for parole.

Following his release, Geyen will serve three years of supervised probation.

The case against Geyen stems from a search warrant at a shop-condo he rented in the 1400 block of East Main Street in Bismarck, according to an affidavit. The document states officers with the Metro Area Narcotics Task Force discovered more than 380 grams of meth inside a locked safe and elsewhere in the building. Officers said they also found four handguns, ammunition, a large amount of U.S. currency, a digital scale and other drug paraphernalia.

One of the handguns, a 9 mm Beretta, had previously been reported to Bismarck police as stolen.

Assistant Burleigh County State's Attorney Dennis Ingold suggested the plea agreement was fair, given Geyen's extensive criminal history that now includes 20 felony convictions in North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota.
Board members are concerned the new law placing more oversight over the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority board would remove most of the women and minorities from the board.

On Wednesday, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed into law a bill that requires the SSCVA to submit its annual budget to the Lake County Council for review and approval every year. It sets a Dec. 1 deadline to present the Lake County Commissioners with a Lake County Convention Center proposal and requires that SSCVA board members be current managers or executives in the tourism industry instead of just "knowledgeable" about the tourism industry.

Board members are concerned that requirement would mean nine of the 19 board members would not qualify for a board seat under the new requirement that they be active executives or managers in tourism, restaurants, real estate or related fields. Their appointing authorities would have to decide if the board member was no longer qualified under state law and then decide to appoint someone else.

That amendment will have ramifications like removing all three African American members of the board, three of the four women and one of the two Hispanic members, Board Member John P. Bushemi said.

The current appointments from Crown Point, Gary, Schererville, Merrillville, Hammond, the County Commissioners and the County Council may end up being replaced as a result of the amendment, he said.

"We are already challenged in finding qualified board members under the old rules, this is going to make it even worse, he said.

State Sen. Rick Niemeyer, R-Lowell, told the Times tourism industry leaders should decide how the Lake County innkeepers' tax would be spent to bring more tourism to Lake County businesses.

Rep. Hal Slager, who added the amendment, discussed it with the board chairman "as a means of tightening the requirement to prevent appointments who are not really connected to hospitality," Press Secretary Kendall Macri said.

Board members reached out to the governor's office this week requesting a veto over the clause. Bushemi said the requirement showed a lack of understanding of how the Lake County tourism agency actually works.

"Our professional SSCVA executive director and qualified staff perform the daily operations of our tourism promotional work," he said. "The board of directors provides only oversight of the daily tourism promotion operations. The board of directors functions best if its diverse with knowledge about all communities in Lake County."
CROWN POINT  A 26-year-old man was charged with murdering a homeless man in East Chicago in 2023.

Eihlan Hunt was charged with shooting Kelley Holmes, 26, seven times Jan. 8, 2023, at a BP gas station in the 4500 block of Indianapolis Boulevard. Holmes was shot in the neck, torso and other upper extremities. He bled to death and his manner of death was a homicide, according to the Lake County coroner's office. Hunt was arrested Tuesday and is being held without bail.

Witnesses told officers Holmes was outside the gas station that evening and asked a man for money when another person in a dark red sweater approached and said, "I need to talk to you," police said.

The two men disappeared behind the gas station and the witness heard what he believed to be 10 or 12 gunshots, police said.

The witness ran outside and saw Holmes gasping for air before taking his last breath, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Detectives identified ballistics from an attempted murder that had occurred about 10 days earlier that were consistent with Holmes' homicide, police said. Hunt had been charged in the attempted murder, the affidavit said.

When officers spoke to Hunt a few weeks after the homicide, he said he was at his mother's house in Chicago at the time of the homicide and denied any involvement, police said.

Hunt's cellphone pinged off a cell tower less than half a mile from the homicide scene before and after police were dispatched, according to the affidavit, despite his statement to police.

Video surveillance footage from the gas station showed a man in a dark red hoodie outside the gas station around the time of Holmes death who walked similarly to Hunt, who had rods put in his leg after he was shot in 2018, the affidavit said.

When confronted with the information, he denied it was him on the video because he was not allowed on the gas station's property, police said.

An unnamed witness told police Hunt admitted to them he shot Holmes and was nervous "go outside" in the days after the homicide because "if I do I'm going to jail," the affidavit said.

The witness said Hunt had been living with a man who sold drugs and Holmes supposedly owed this man a lot of money, according to the affidavit. The witness thought the man might have been angry over Holmes' debt and "put a hit on him."

Audio from the gas station's video surveillance footage depicts the man in a blue coat and man in the dark red hoodie talking beside the gas station around the time of the homicide, police said.

The man in the red said, "How much you got now?" according to police.

The man in the blue coat, believed to be Holmes, replied, "I don't got nothing now," police said.

Although the audio sounded a bit "distorted," the witness said they could hear Hunt's voice, according to the affidavit.
A Bismarck man faces felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from a crash that involved a Highway Patrol trooper.

Steven Kessel, 33, is charged with criminal vehicular injury and driving under suspension-alcohol related. A conviction on the felony vehicular injury charge would carry a sentence of up to five years in prison.

Kessel was driving southbound in the northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 83 on Bismarck's north side shortly after 3 a.m. Sunday, according to an affidavit. Trooper William Brown was parked in the median, activated his emergency lights and pulled onto the roadway to initiate a traffic stop.

The reports states the vehicle driven by Kessel struck the trooper's vehicle. The Patrol initially reported that Brown suffered only minor injuries and was not transported to a hospital. Assistant Burleigh County State's Attorney Isaac Lees said in court on Wednesday that Brown has since complained of experiencing a lot of pain associated with the crash.

"The trooper suggested a high bond in this case," Lees told South Central District Judge David Reich in support of a request that Kessel be held on a $75,000 cash bond.

Lees also pointed to Kessel's criminal history of similar driving offenses in both North Dakota and California, where Kessel lived previously. Lees also reported Brown said following the crash that Kessel was allegedly so intoxicated he couldn't remember his own name.

Kessel, who appeared by interactive video in a wheelchair from the Burleigh Morton Detention Center, requested an unsecured bond, telling Reich he works two jobs and has two children.

Reich set bond in Kessel's case at $50,000 cash. Court records do not indicate an attorney for him.

Kessel's next court appearance is April 15. He could enter pleas at that time.
The National Weather Service has declared a flood advisory through noon for much of the Region and nearby Cook County, Illinois, in the wake of the heavy morning rainfall.

"Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas," the agency reported. "Underpasses may be flooded. Roads and streets may be flooded."

Region mom charged after daughter again hospitalized for untreated diabetes, police say She reported being left without food or running water, and was forced to go "dumpster diving" to eat.

Rainfall had amounted to up to a half inch by early morning, with double that in isolated areas, the NWS said.

"Additional rainfall up to 1 inch is possible across the area, which may cause minor flooding."

Areas at risk for flooding include Hammond, Gary, Calumet City, Portage, East Chicago, Schererville, Lansing, Highland, Munster, Griffith, Dyer, Lynwood and Whiting," weather officials said.

"A flood advisory means minor flooding along waterways and other poor drainage areas is imminent or may already be occurring. Persons in the advisory area should use caution and avoid flood waters."

Showers and thunderstorms are predicted to continue throughout the day.

"Chance of precipitation is 100%," according to the NWS. "New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible."

There is a chance of rain overnight, with patchy fog. Friday will begin mostly cloudy, but skies will gradually clear throughout the day, the NWS said.

From wildfires to floods, photos reveal intensity of climate change in 2023
CHESTERTON  A 72-year-old Valparaiso woman was injured late Wednesday afternoon after turning in front of another vehicle along the local stretch of Ind. 49, resulting in three vehicles damaged, including one left upside down, police said.

The woman reportedly told Chesterton police she was turning west toward County Road 100 East from northbound Ind. 49 and did not see a southbound vehicle before the crash.

Valpo toddler found wandering at night while mom was at a bar, charges say VALPARAISO  More than two hours after a 20-month-old child was found wandering the halls of a local apartment building, Valparaiso police sai

Emergency helped was called out around 5:30 p.m. to the site just south of the Indiana Toll Road and the woman complained of neck pain before being taken by ambulance to the nearby Northwest Health-Porter hospital, police said.

The southbound driver, who had two juveniles as passengers, told police he saw the other vehicle pull out in front of him but was unable to avoid a collision, according to police. His vehicle spun out of control and landed on its roof, but no one appeared to be injured.

Region mom charged after daughter again hospitalized for untreated diabetes, police say She reported being left without food or running water, and was forced to go "dumpster diving" to eat.

A third driver, who was eastbound at the intersection of the highway and county road, said his vehicle was struck by the southbound vehicle, police said. He and a juvenile passenger appeared to be uninjured.

Police said the cause of the crash was the woman's failure to yield the right-of-way to the other driver.
SCHERERVILLE  A woman faces numerous felony charges after allegedly assaulting employees of a local drug store after being confronted over a theft, police said.

Schererville police said they responded around 8:15 p.m. Monday to the Walgreens store at 651 W. U.S. 30 where they were told employee confronted a woman stealing numerous bottles of alcohol.

"When the suspect was confronted by employees, the suspect used a can of pepper spray, sprayed the employees, and fled the scene," police said.

Police said they located the woman's vehicle later and took her into custody.

She was identified as Jazmyne Peoples, of Indianapolis, who faces felony counts of armed robbery, robbery resulting in bodily injury, battery by means of a deadly weapon and battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, and misdemeanor theft, according to police.

Valpo toddler found wandering at night while mom was at a bar, charges say VALPARAISO  More than two hours after a 20-month-old child was found wandering the halls of a local apartment building, Valparaiso police sai

Charges against a male subject involved in the incident are pending, police said.

"All stolen items (19 bottles of alcohol, valued at $611) were located and returned to Walgreens."
LAPORTE  A 17-year-old girl, who has repeatedly been hospitalized with life threatening complications due to poor treatment of her diabetes, reportedly told police she sought help from her mother, but, "she doesn't help with anything unless it directly benefits her," according to a court document.

The mother, Jennifer Olsen, 40, of Wanatah, is now behind bars and faces three felony counts of neglect of a dependent based on allegations of failing to help her daughter administer insulin for her severe diabetes and for withdrawing the girl from school, a charging document reads.

LaPorte County police said they were called out to Olsen's home Feb. 5 for a report of a girl unconscious and learned the Indiana Department of Child Services has been involved with the family since 2022.

Police said the girl wound up in critical condition in a pediatric intensive care unit due to a lack of insulin for her diabetes.

Olsen reportedly told investigators she waited an hour before calling for medical help for her daughter.

Growing threat rolls into Region overnight in form of makeshift machine gun, cops say The AP says, "Communities around the U.S. have seen shootings carried out with weapons converted to fully automatic in recent years, fueled by a staggering increase in small pieces of metal or plastic made with a 3D printer or ordered online."

The girl reportedly told police she needs help calculating the dosage of her insulin and being reminded to check her blood sugar level, but her mother does not respond to her requests for assistance.

She said Olsen, "is horrible and doesn't do anything," police said.

Intoxicated driver struck woman, yelled at her and then fled, Portage police say Police said one of her shoes was ripped from her foot and she complained of extreme pain in her feet and left knee.

Police learned the girl had been hospitalized six times prior for the life-threatening condition linked to a lack of insulin. One of those episodes occurred during the first day of the current school year, after which time Olsen allegedly withdrew the girl from school and she never returned.

The girl further reported she had been abandoned by Olsen at an RV parked in an automobile repair facility in New Buffalo, Michigan from the summer through January, police said. She reported being left without food or running water, and was forced to go "dumpster diving" to eat.
PORTER  A lithium battery is suspected as the cause of a fire that engulfed a vehicle Wednesday night and injured the driver, Porter police said.

Police said they were called out around 7 p.m. to the area of Essex Drive and Pearson Road where they found the vehicle engulfed in flames.

"The cause of the fire is believed to be from a lithium battery that caught fire in the cab," according to police. "The driver sustained burns to his arm and was checked out at a local hospital."

The fire and emergency response forced the closure of one of the access points to the Porter Cove subdivision for about an hour, police said.
EAST CHICAGO  East Chicago police were dispatched Monday to the 3400 block of Elm Street in reference to a woman screaming and shots being fired.

Prior to arriving on scene, officers were informed a female gunshot victim had just entered St. Catherine Hospital. Police proceeded to both locations to retrieve information.

"The female suffered a gunshot wound to the elbow and chest area," East Chicago police said in a statement.

Officers at 3046 Elm St. made contact with 30-year-old Jamille Walker, of East Chicago. Police said Walker invited them inside the residence and denied having knowledge of a shooting taking place.

"While on scene, officers and detectives came across evidence indicating a shooting did take place," police said.

Walker was taken into custody and transported to the East Chicago Police Department Jail. On Tuesday police secured charges against Walker for aggravated battery, level three felony; unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felony, level for felony; and domestic battery resulting in serious bodily injury, level five felony.

Walker is currently being held at Lake County Jail, police said. No further information is available at this time.

Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Lake County Jail Marcus Roberson Brittany Smith Davion Stephenson Tyler Sweet Ezekiel Nettles Wayne Rivera Kurt McCammon Jr. Molly McIntosh Shauntrelle Lockhart Dalvin Kimmons Sr. Linda Lear Antoine Hull Jr. Jakobie Jackson Perry Jackson II Chance Jamerson Andrew Jones Miguel Gonzalez Lori Dennis Herbert Foust Salvador Arevalo Chagoya Stephen Bonner Lardarius Thomas Bernard Scott Juan Padilla Fernando Rosas Ricky Jackson Taurice Lancaster Toni Lindsey Malachi McClendon Jesse McGarr Justin Heinzel Maurice Dickey Jr. Troy Crosby Andrew Caradonna Larry Crocker III Bridgette Bailey Robertson Lindsey Spangenberg Jennifer Spisak Marian Zak Olorunleke Oshiga Jason Neal Aaliyah Boyce Emanuel Echavarria Garcia Marcus Hartman Augustine Karikari Michael Bass
LAKES OF THE FOUR SEASONS  Lightning is suspected as the cause of a house fire early Thursday that brought out several area departments to the 1700 block Broadacre Road, according to Lakes of the Four Seasons Volunteer Fire Force Chief Kevin Heerema.

The fire was reported around 5:22 a.m. for the address that falls within Porter County, he said. The home belongs to a member of the local fire department, who helped battle the blaze.

Coroner's office identifies 73-year-old man who died in Highland house fire Lee Liberman, 73, of Highland, was found dead on Tuesday following a fire that engulfed his home on Tuesday morning, officials said.

It is suspected that lightning produced during the morning thunderstorms may have triggered the blaze, which mostly burned through the attic area of the house, Heerema said.

LOFS firefighters were joined by departments from Hebron, Crown Point, Boone Grove, Kouts and Union, he said. Firefighters were on scene for a couple of hours.

No injuries were reported and the fire remains under investigation.

The LOFS department is accepting applications at its website lofsfire.com.
Edgewater Health has been providing behavioral health and primary care services to Northwest Indiana residents for a half century now.

The Gary-based health care provider will commemorate its 50th anniversary with a gala at 6:30 p.m. June 1 at the Duneland Falls Banquet and Meeting Center in Chesterton.

Fifty years is a significant milestone and an opportunity to celebrate decades of accomplishments that continue to have a life-changing impact on our friends, families, employees, and neighbors, said Dr. Danita Johnson, CEO of Edgewater Health. Whether it be the delivery of integrated and specialized care services including addiction and opioid treatment, inpatient, outpatient, or adult residential services, Edgewater Health continues to have a strong hold in the community. We are extremely proud of our journey, and excited about our positioning for the next 50 years.

Edgewater Health started out in 1974 providing mental health and addiction services in downtown Gary. Its since expanded to 10 locations across Northwest Indiana where it provides a variety of healthcare services.

The health care group will honor Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch on June 1 for her work toward improving the outcomes for the one in five Hoosiers who struggle with mental health.

Lt. Governor Crouch established the Indiana Mental Health Roundtable bringing together influential stakeholders to move the needle on improving access and affordability and strengthen delivery systems. Her commitment to these issues is undeniable, her leadership is pivotal, and her transparency about the impact on her own family is inspiring, Johnson said. Her voice rings through and true.

Edgewater Health also will recognize attorney Kenneth Allen, a Gary native who founded of the Kenneth J. Allen Law Group. Hes being honored for his community service and commitment to education.

We are thrilled to recognize Attorney Allen for his servant leadership. He knows firsthand what it means to get in the arena and fight for those who do not have the capacity or resources to fight for themselves  through the law, or on the ground in the community, Johnson said.

Edgewater also prioritizes education, such as by providing schools with crisis response and counseling services.

Ken epitomizes the highest standards and practices. We are pleased to recognize him for his consistency and excellence in making a difference in the lives of everyday people, Johnson said.
The LaPorte Community School Corp. will not close Kingsford Heights Elementary School.

That's the announcement made by interim Superintendent Peggy Hinckley to an audience of Kingsford Heights residents at the beginning of a school board work session at the school on Wednesday.

The news came with an eruption of applause and cheers from the crowd.

Residents of the small town 11 miles south of the city of LaPorte urged the district not to close Kingsford Heights Elementary during a school board meeting on Monday.

They argued closing the school could lead to issues with transportation, overcrowded classes and students leaving LaPorte for school districts that could also serve the town, such as South Central and Oregon-Davis Community School Corp.

Some speakers also noted Kingsford Heights is a growing community, with around 70 houses currently being built in the town.

In a statement to The Times, Hinckley said the choice not to close the elementary school was a reflection of the residents who showed up to support their school.

"The heartfelt love for the school was so overwhelming and obvious that it caused us all to pause," Hinckley said.

However, despite LaPorte schools' decision not to close Kingsford Height Elementary, the district is still having to face growing financial concerns.

A survey presented to the school board on Feb. 28 showed student enrollment in the district has dropped by 900 since 2008.

With declining enrollment leading to financial loss, the school corporation has been forced to dip into its budget surplus, which has dropped from $10.5 million to $7.3 million since 2019.

Hinckley said they'll still need to make cuts to address the problem of declining enrollment.

In a letter addressed to LaPorte schools staff and families, Hinckley said the district would look into "innovative solutions" to improve their transportation system, ensure financial sustainability and strengthen the community's involvement in the schools.

GALLERY: The Times Photos of the Week
State Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary, continues to raise concerns over the timeline of the search for the next superintendent of the Gary Community School Corp.

Speaking during Indiana's Distressed Unit Appeals Board meeting on Thursday, Smith urged for a superintendent to be named as soon as possible to give the new schools chief time to plan and learn about the district before it exits state control on July 1.

During the Gary School Board meeting on Tuesday, he warned that if the board waited until July to have a superintendent in place, it could put the new school leader at a disadvantage.

However, Gary schools emergency manager Mike Raisor told Smith it was his and the district administration's intention to start working with the next superintendent as soon as they're selected and begin implementing their plans for the school corporation.

The school board has contracted BWP & Associates, a search firm based in Libertyville, Illinois to lead the superintendent's search. Consultants from the firm have previously stated they hoped the board would decide on a candidate by April.

Nearly 40 applications were submitted for the position by the March 9 deadline.

The district has been overseen and operated by DUAB and MGT Consulting since 2017.

Raisor also recounted financial updates he provided to the school board earlier this week, which included news that the district had received nearly $8.5 million in additional revenue from one-time funds.

These monies include payments in lieu of taxes from the City of Gary, additional state tuition support due to increased enrollment and higher than anticipated property tax collections.

He also noted the district has been asked by the city if they would consider tearing down the former Norton Elementary School building as part of the city's revitalization efforts around Broadway.

The emergency manager said the school corporation was currently receiving estimates on demolition costs and he would brief the school board of their district as soon as next month.

DUAB also approved a one-year extension of Gary schools' contract with SodexoMagic, which provides the district's food services.

Thousands of schools at risk of closing due to enrollment loss: An exclusive report Thousands of schools at risk of closing due to enrollment loss: An exclusive report 'The future is uncertain' Multi-unit housing restrictions are one underlying threat to school districts 'Center of our neighborhoods'
Around 60 people packed the second floor at the North Dakota's Gateway to Science building Wednesday night to provide public input on a project that would develop Bismarck's Missouri riverfront.

Many people voiced support, but the idea of the project was also met with some concerns mostly related to its impact on a popular area boat ramp. Safety, cost and location were highlighted as well.

The project includes multiple potential buildouts that may go forward, but construction of a festival grounds is definitely happening, consultants said. This is due to enough funding being available for the festival grounds buildout, and to give families without boats the ability to participate more in the river, organizers said. A timeline for construction was not provided during presentations.

Meeting organizers highlighted research that showed from Misty Waters north of Bismarck to the University of Mary south of the city, over 60% of the riverfront is not available to the general public.

Other potential components of a riverfront project are an amphitheater located immediately southwest of the MDU Resources Community Bowl, and a hotel between the Bismarck-Mandan Rail Bridge and Steamboat Park. The meeting focused only on the festival grounds portion.

The meeting was for discussing what the design of the project would look like, organizers said -- not whether it was going forward. They did not offer comment to the Tribune beyond clarification of their presentation, citing that they are responsible for community engagement, not the buildout of the project. The Tribune was unable to tell if the construction firm that is designing the project -- AGL Landscape Architects -- had representatives there, and they were not clearly identified if they were.

Ideas for developing the riverfront have been underway for years.

The project picked up steam last September when the Bismarck City Commission voted to donate 4.4 acres of Keelboat Park land to the Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation, a nonprofit that seeks to increase education and economic activity around the Missouri River. It has been active since the 1980s. The land's value is around $2 million. The city and AGL are also involved in planning.

In November, the state awarded the project a $4 million grant as part of a broader $25 million effort to expand tourism in North Dakota. The project also has a $500,000 donation from the Bismarck-Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau, and a $750,000 Sovereign Lands Water Recreation Grant through the states Parks and Recreation Department. The meeting took the form of "world cafe" where about half a dozen people would discuss responses to prompts provided by meeting organizers and then relay the general discussion to the whole room. Ages of attendees ranged from very young to very old.

A number of people spoke to the idea of ensuring the project was designed for year-round programming, highlighting the potential for an ice rink or a winter market. Some also wanted to ensure accessibility by making sure there was free programming for families with children.

The loudest voices of concern came from people who spoke about the removal of the Keelboat boat ramp for the project.

Bismarck resident Mike Carlson highlighted the difficulty of getting a new boat ramp approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers once one is gone.

Were getting people access but were taking away boat access and not just fishermen, its recreational, its Jet Skis, it's canoes, its anybody that needs to back into the water, he said.

One group of local musicians and sound technicians told the Tribune they were excited about the project, especially given the potential for more outdoor live music and theater. They highlighted other larger cities in North Dakota which have more options for outdoor performances.

"We could get so many great acts  that culture doesnt really exist outside of bars," Bismarck resident Sondra Souers said.

One man speaking to the public in between breakout sessions said he supports the project overall but highlighted the heavy traffic that goes along nearby River Road as well as some of the crime that occurs near the Keelboat at night. He, and some others, also voiced some worry about the project ultimately being completed and its cost.

Melanie Moniz, with National Folklife Network -- a nonprofit focused on folk and traditional art -- was invited by the meeting organizers to speak regarding the history and culture that the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation have related to the river.

She told the Tribune she believes it will be good for the community to have another public space. She thinks it will make the area safer.

What excites me the most, as someone who is an Indigenous person impacted by the missing, murdered Indigenous people's epidemic, thinking about open lots and public safety  the shift from these open parking lots where cars may sit for hours after hours and violence may be happening, taking that and making something that is family focused, Moniz said.

The group will host two more meetings. The last, on Monday, is booked up. The next meeting, set for Thursday at 5:30 p.m., will be at the state Heritage Center and State Museum on the Capitol grounds. To sign up go to https://bit.ly/3VeA8Un.
The newest volunteers for the Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults were sworn in to help those who can no longer manage their own affairs.

Franciscan Health and the Lake County Courts partners to provide the service to seniors and the incapacitated who are unable to represent themselves in legal matters. Funded by the Indiana Supreme Court, Legacy Foundation, Inc. and other sources, its provided elder law and guardianship services to the community in Lake County for 22 years.

Lake Superior Court Probate Commissioner Ben Ballou swore in three new VASIA volunteers. LaFayette Boone of Crown Point, Steven Bowling of Portage and Dr. Celeste McGill of Chicago will advocate for elderly and incapacitates adults, serving as their court-appointed agents.

Youre joining a family of very talented and special people, VASIA Director LaVonne Jarrett said.

The volunteers are screened and required to do 40 hours of initial training and then 12 hours of continuing education.

What youre doing is so important to our community, Ballou said. Youre a voice for the voiceless. You advocate for people who dont have anyone to advocate for them. From the courts perspective, youre filling a huge void for us.

The advocates work as guardians on just one case at a time so it has their full attention and they dont get overextended.

You will see the dying, VASIA Volunteer Coordinator Francisca Mendoza said during the swearing-in ceremony. You will see the poor and youll see the unwanted, by society and their families, but you will become an extension of the family. Theyll look forward to your visits.

Bowling is a barber who cuts nursing home residents hair for free.

To get a blessing, youve got to be a blessing, Bowling said. I just like to make others happy.

Boone is a nurse and Navy veteran who said she likes to be of service. McGill is a professor at the City Colleges of Chicago who previously worked as a social worker.

I dont think anyones socio-economic status should determine the kind of care, services and support they need and deserve, McGill said.

Lake Superior Court Judge Bruce Parent told the volunteers they are doing Gods work.

God sees all and His light is shining upon you all, Parent said. We very much appreciate you.

For more information, visit www.franciscanhealth.org/VASIA.
Three of the most historic buildings in the Indiana Dunes National Park will be restored this spring after an infusion of additional federal funds.

The Indiana Dunes National Park has been awarded $22 million from the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund to restore the House of Tomorrow in the Century of Progress District, the Bailly Homestead and the Good Fellow Camp Lodge. The projects initially secured $16 million over a year ago but got $6 million in additional funds so the renovation projects could be fully implemented, rather than partially, Supervisory Ranger Bruce Rowe said.

Through the restoration of these iconic buildings, we are preserving key elements of the park's cultural heritage and creating opportunities for current and future visitors to experience the beauty and history of the park, Deputy Superintendent Chris Pergiel said.

All three historic buildings are considered national in their significances.

"The award is an exciting and important milestone for these buildings that the IDNP and Indiana Landmarks have been working together towards for many years," said Todd Zeiger, director of the northern office of Indiana Landmarks.

The Chicago architect George Fred Keck designed the House of Tomorrow, a retro-futuristic glass house that was displayed at the 1933 Chicago's World Fair attended by more than 39 million people from around the globe. "America's First Glass House" pioneered many features now standard in homes, such as central air conditioning, an iceless refrigerator at a time when ice boxes were still common, the first General Electric dishwasher and a garage that could be opened with the push of a button.

It also had an attached hangar for an airplane, a feature that's in some airport communities but that never took off more widely. Its floor-to-ceiling glass walls inspired future architects to incorporate more natural light into their designs to make homes more energy-efficient and were highlighted in a recent exhibit at the Elmhurst Art Museum.

The developer Robert Bartlett ferried the home across Lake Michigan on a barge to Beverly Shores, where it's currently perched on Lake Shore Drive overlooking Lake Michigan. It's the only one of the Century of Progress homes that's not occupied, and is in need of extensive renovations.

"This is a huge step for the House of Tomorrow. We have known and been working for years on what needs to be done," Zeiger said. "This funding is making a substantial part of that happen."

The Bailly Homestead is a national historic landmark that dates back to the early 19th century, when Northwest Indiana was occupied only by Native Americans. The fur trader Honore Gratien Joseph Bailly de Messein established a homestead along the Little Calumet River on a path between Chicago and Detroit, helping further the development of the Calumet Region.

The Indiana Dunes National Park will use funds to shore up the building's structural integrity and to make it more energy-efficient, accessible and sustainable.

"The Bailly Homestead is one of the first properties nominated to the National Register of Historic Places in the United States," Zeiger said. "Bailly is a National Historic Landmark  the highest distinction for a historic property in the United States telling the story of European-Native American collaboration, possessing high architectural integrity and importance."

The grant also will be used to restore The Good Fellow Camp Lodge, which was originally built by U.S. Steel as a summer camp for steelworkers' children. It was one of nine buildings the steelmaker built on a 63-acre site in the woods along the Little Calumet River.

The National Park Service bought the historic property in 1976 and today it's the site of the Dunes Learning Center.

"The lodge tells a later story, serving as an important site for families of U.S. Steel who came for recreation," Zeiger said. "It is a hidden gem in the IDNP that will see new life for future generations through this project."
United States Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Highland, is looking to restore tariffs on steel imports from Mexico.

Mrvan proposed the Stop Mexicos Steel Surge Act in the U.S. House of Representatives this week. The legislation would reinstate Section 232 tariffs of 25% on steel imports from Mexico for at least a year. The administration would be able to lift the tariff if the secretary of commerce and U.S. trade representative determined Mexico was in compliance with the requirements of the 2019 Joint Agreement on Steel and Aluminum.

The bill also would let the administration apply quotas or tariff rate quotas on steel imports that have had major surges.

As vice chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, I know that it is imperative that we do everything we can to defend American steelworkers against unfair trade practices," Mrvan said. "I am proud to collaborate in a bipartisan manner with my House and Senate colleagues on this initiative to ensure that our domestic steel industry will compete on a level playing field.

The bill was co-sponsored by U.S. Reps. James Baird, R-Indiana; Troy Balderson, R-Ohio; Jim Banks, R-Indiana; Mike Bost, R-Indian; Nikki Budzinski, D-Illinois; Rick Crawford, R-Arkansas; Chris Deluzio, D-Pennsylvania; and Terri A. Sewell, D-Alabama. Senators Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, and Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, introduced a companion bill in the U.S. Senate.

Mexicos practice of steel dumping is a flagrant breach of our trade agreement and has caused significant harm to our steel industry," Crawford said. "We cannot allow bad actors to take advantage of trade agreements by attacking one specific American industry. Its time to put our foot down and put tariffs in place to prevent Mexico from flooding our markets and causing further damage to American steel manufacturers.

The United States had carved Mexico out of otherwise global tariffs that were imposed on national security grounds. Mexico and Canada were deemed preferred trade partners given the amount of cross-border trade in North America and linked supply chains in the automotive and other industries.

When the United States in 2019 exempted Mexico from the Section 232 steel tariffs, Mexico agreed that it would not allow for exports from Mexico into the United States to surge above historic levels. Not to my surprise, Mexico has failed to live up to that agreement and has taken advantage of its favored trade relationship to substantially increase steel exports to the United States. For example, in 2023, Mexico exported nearly 523,000 short tons of corrosion-resistant steel to the United States, representing 231% of the export volume for the 2015-2017 period, said Lourenco Goncalves, chairman, president and CEO of the steelmaker Cleveland-Cliffs. To make matters worse, Mexico has become the world capital of circumvention, allowing steel, auto parts and manufactured products from China and other nations to be routed through Mexico to the U.S. simply to achieve favorable tariff treatment."
Northwest Health has named a new CEO for its hospitals in LaPorte and Knox.

The health care system appointed Simon Ratliff as CEO at Northwest HealthLaPorte and Northwest HealthStarke in Knox. Ratliff has served as the interim CEOs of both hospitals since Feb. 5 and will step into the full-time executive role.

Simon brings extensive experience in health care leadership and a strong strategic vision, said Kathy Norem, chair of the Northwest HealthStarke Community Board of Directors. Our board looks forward to working with him, as we know he will serve our hospitals and communities well.

Ratliff earned a bachelors degree in health care management from Northern Kentucky University and a master of business administration degree from Midway University in Kentucky. He's worked as a leader in the health care field for more than two decades, most recently as president and CEO at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital in northeastern Pennsylvania. In that role, he oversaw a medical staff of more than 400 physicians with 60 different specialties at a 412-bed hospital.

He's also served in executive roles at health care providers both larger and smaller in in West Virginia, Arizona and Kentucky.

We are excited to officially welcome Simon to the Northwest Health team, said Jessica Romine, chair of the Northwest HealthLaPorte Board of Trustees. With his strong leadership skills, knowledge of hospital operations and experience in physician recruitment, we know that he is the right person to lead our hospitals into a rewarding future.

Northwest Health has hospitals in Valparaiso, LaPorte and Knox. It runs five emergency departments, urgent care centers, outpatient surgery centers, an ambulance service and physician offices, employing more than 3,000 workers and 700 physicians.
New Indiana Dunes National Park Superintendent Jason Taylor grew up about three and half hours away from Northwest Indiana in a small town between Flint and Port Huron in eastern Michigan.

His career took him on adventures in the Arctic, Alaska, Cape Cod, Colorado and Montana. Taylor has ridden a kicksled in northern Norway, raced reindeer around a short course and sat in a teepee made with caribou hides in the Arctic.

Now he's returning home to the Midwest.

Taylor, most recently the director of the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute, has worked for more than 20 years for federal government agencies like the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Bureau of Land Management. He'll lead the Indiana Dunes National Park, one of the most visited and biodiverse National Parks in the United States with 15 miles of Lake Michigan coastline, more than 60 miles of trails and diverse habitats that includes beaches, bogs, forests, prairie, sand dunes, marshes and globally rare oak and savannah.

Taylor's love of the outdoors led to a career in the National Park Service.

"We lived on the far edge of what would be called urban sprawl today, on the edge of a development by a wooded lot," he said. "I grew up exploring the woods and fields, and fishing the creeks. It was pretty fantastic. We would explore the woods for hours every day looking for frogs and turtles, roaming around every day with a fishing pole. It was a lot of woods, about five acres. It was endlessly fantastic from an experiential standpoint. We were just being kids."

His grandparents also often took him hunting and fishing outdoors.

"Sitting in a deer blind in Northern Michigan installed the notion of loving and caring for nature," he said.

He went to the University of Michigan to study to become a field biologist but ended up working in GIS or computer-based mapping known as Geographic Information Systems right out of college. He went on to earn a master's degree and PhD in Natural Resources and the Environment from the University of Michigan.

"I was learning about how to learn from a map's perspective and recognize what was missing was the nature piece," he said. "I was drawn back to nature and understanding how the natural work was changing."

His PhD dissertation looked at the value of urban woodlots to neotropical migrant birds at a time when the changing world impacted where they winter in the south.

"My intentions with research were always to give back to policy makers, planners and townships, to present the results to inform policies about the natural world," he said.

After earning his PhD he wasn't sure whether he would end up taking an academic path or applied path and explored both options. But an opportunity came up in Western Colorado to study how human activities will affecting wildlife.

"Two things have guided me: living somewhere interesting and making a contribution," he said.

He ended up working as a natural resources supervisor and landscape ecologist for the Bureau of Land Management's National Operations Center in Denver, Colorado.

In 2013, he was named the National Park Service's Chief of Natural Resource Management and Science for the Cape Cod National Seashore, which is what the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore  a collection of more than two dozen park sites along and near the lakeshore  was originally modeled after when it was created in 1966.

"It's interesting because looking at pictures of the physical compositions of towns and parks Cape Cod has a very similar look and feel as the Indiana Dunes," he said. "It faces similar issues like coastal erosion where parts of the cape are growing and parts of the cape are narrowing. It's interesting to watch nature at work."

He went on to Alaska, which wasn't as different from the beaches along the coast of Massachusetts on the Atlantic Ocean as it may first seem on the surface.

"It was cold and dark in the winter there and it was cold and dark in Alaska. It was cold and dark in the Midwest were I grew up so I was prepared," he said.

In Alaska, he served as the U.S. Lead for the Arctic Council's Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna and co-lead of its Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program.

"It was one of the most meaningful experiences in my life professionally and personally," he said. "We worked with Arctic nations like the Kingdom of Denmark, got to meet with the native people of those countries and sit around a table and discuss issues of importance. I really started to understand working well with people from different perspectives. People from other countries and native people all generally want to do good things and are generally aligned but there's always some nuance. They're different, foreign and exotic but we have so much in common at the same time."

The experience also taught him the value of science and how it could be used to steward their culture, lifestyles and the natural world. He came to see firsthand how delivering scientific information could empower decision makers and benefit people.

"The through line with the work I've done with the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management was protecting nature," he said. "That takes different forms depending on the agency. The Bureau of Land Management is generally a use-oriented organization. But there was so much work to do for the good of the world. We have opportunities to use these spaces while still protecting them. I really appreciated that part of the job."

Taylor went on the work as Regional Chief of Natural Resources for the National Park Service's Alaska Regional Office and then was named superintendent of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Skagway, Alaska.

"When I was in Colorado, I was by the Rocky Mountains. When in Cape Cod, I was by the ocean. When I was in Alaska I was by the all these fabulous mountains touching the ocean," he said. "It was majestic."

As superintendent of the Klondike National Historic Park, he worked with the Canadian government that ran the neighboring Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site just across the border and a private train operator that ran tours of both.

"Alaska was a magical place where my kids were born," he said. "Skagway was a mining town and a hub for people traveling north to mine for gold in the Yukon. It had some pure and raw nature like a tide pool where you could dip for smelt and lake fish."

He served as superintendent there for about a year and a half before the opportunity came up to serve as the director of the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute in Missoula, Montana. The inter-agency institution on the University of Montana campus does research on how to best steward wild lands, including the 112 million acres of land in 806 wilderness areas in the U.S. National Wilderness Preservation System.

The institute tackles 40 to 45 research projects at a time on issues the behavioral response of wildlife to noise on the trail, forest management in an era of climate change and fire management. Researchers for instance study how to best conduct controlled burns or how animals respond to human noise. That information is shared with resource planners, who might use it when deciding where to place a trail.

Taylor said he's coming to the Indiana Dunes with the main initial goal of listening and learning.

"I have a sense of what I think is important but I want to hear from people and use that information and their experiences," he said. "They may need different things than we think we need to bring them."

Overarching principles include ecological conversation, stewardship and accessibility.

"I plan to tell this story to the park staff but one of my favorite places in Montana to take my kids is Lake Como. At the right time of the year large boulders jut out of the lake. You can sit on the boulders and swim around. I was sitting with kids on the boulders telling them to pause, listen and feel the moment. We're looking across the lake with nothing but mountains and I tell them how special it is to be in this kind of place. On the way home, my daughter said to me, 'Papa, we should build sidewalks into the wilderness so more people can come visit.' That deeply impacted me."

He sees opportunities for increasing access to the Indiana Dunes, such as with the South Shore Line commuter rail.

"There's so much opportunity to come experience nature," he said. "Millions of people come to the Indiana Dunes to connect with nature deeply and meaningfully."

Taylor is looking forward to the new assignment, in part because it's just a three-and-half-hour drive from home. His kids will be able to have a closer relationship with their grandparents.

"Three-and-a-half hours might sounds like a lot but it's not when you've lived out west," he said.

Taylor said he doesn't have a vision for the park going in but that may change after about a year when he's had the chance to listen, learn and talk to partners like Save the Dunes and Friends of the Indiana Dunes.

"I want to more deeply understand the ecological and cultural resources," he said. "I'm looking for opportunities to maintain nature in perpetuity while at the same time provide recreational opportunities connecting people with natural places. I won't learn my future goals until I get there. But the park belongs to everyone and should be accessible to everyone."

Taylor visited the Indiana Dunes National Park this week to meet with staff and search for houses for his family. He said it has tremendous assets.

"It has proximity to millions of people and direct access to Lake Michigan," he said. "It has ecological and cultural resources, raw power and beauty in a serene environment, as well as resources like the Dunes Learning Center and the Indigenous Trail. I plan to work closely with the Indiana Dunes State Park, Friends of the Dunes and other organizations. It's special in so many ways. It's fantastic how biodiverse the park is. It has a deep history and culture and a high volume of recreational activities, not to mention maple syrup."

The park also faces challenges like coastal erosion he plans to further study.

"Ask me again in six months," he said. "I plans to spend a lot of time talking to a lot of people, including in the leadership team. I'm going to ask them to show me the park through their eyes and introduce me to a day in the park from their perspective. I'm going to listen to their input and thoughts and listen about how I can be most helpful."
The Purdue University Extension will host Alzheimers awareness programs at libraries across Lake County this summer.

Lake County has the highest incidence of Alzheimers disease and dementia out of all counties in Indiana, the Purdue University Extension said in a news release. There is a growing need for early detection, support and assistance for residents living in our area.

More than 6 million people suffered from the degenerative disease, and that number is expected to grow by 12.7 million by 2050 if theres no major medical breakthrough, according to the Alzheimers Association.

Purdue University Extension Educator, Health and Human Sciences Linda Curley and the Alzheimers Association will host a series of four Alzheimers Awareness Programs at the Crown Point, Dyer-Schererville, Griffith-Calumet Township, Hammond, Hobart, Lowell, Merrillville, Munster and Whiting libraries.

This spring and summer, Curley will host sessions on 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimers, Healthy Living for the Brain and Body, Understanding Alzheimers and Dementia and Legal and Financial Planning for Alzheimers Disease.

Each talk will run about an hour to an hour and a half.

Anyone interested can register for the program by reaching to their local library branch.

For more information, email lcurley@purdue.edu or call Purdue Extension-Lake County at 219-755-3240.
An Indianapolis judge has rejected the latest attempt by U.S. Senate candidate John Rust to appear on the May 7 Republican primary election ballot.

Marion Superior Judge Kurt Eisgruber said Thursday Rust properly was removed from the ballot by the Indiana Election Commission Feb. 27 because Rust had neither the voting history, nor the party support, required by state law to automatically affiliate with the Republican Party.

"The record before this court shows that he did not comply with the statute as written. The IEC's straightforward application of the affiliation statute as it applied to Rust was not invalid or illegal. As we now know, according to our Indiana Supreme Court, it is also constitutional," Eisgruber said.

In a prior Rust challenge, the state's highest court  in a 3-2 decision  affirmed the validity of a 2021 statute requiring a candidate claiming affiliation with a major political party to either have voted twice in that party's primary elections or be approved by their home county's party chairman.

Rust said those conditions unfairly disqualify some 81% of Hoosiers who don't vote in primary elections, or don't consistently vote for the same party.

"While today's decision is not what we were hoping for, I am as determined as ever to get Indiana's two primary law overturned. We are immediately appealing in the Indiana courts, and, if necessary, will bring our case all the way to the United States Supreme Court," Rust said.

Rust is hoping to compete against U.S. Rep. Jim Banks, R-Columbia City, for Indiana's GOP U.S. Senate nomination.

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
Northwest Indiana municipalities located adjacent to Lake Michigan must ensure life rings and similar equipment to prevent drownings are installed by July 1 at each pier and public access point along the shoreline.

Gov. Eric Holcomb on Tuesday signed into law Senate Enrolled Act 253 mandating the placement of high-quality, easily visible Lake Michigan rescue equipment where it's not already available.

The goal of the new law is to reduce drownings and the need for costly multi-jurisdictional search and rescue efforts when many struggling swimmers caught in the lake's rip current often can be saved quickly if someone on the beach simply throws them a life ring.

"Every moment counts when someone is caught in a rip current or faces difficulty swimming," said state Sen. Rodney Pol Jr., D-Chesterton, the sponsor. "This simple addition empowers ordinary beach goers to play a pivotal role in potential life-saving scenarios."

"One life saved or even just the peace mind for our community makes it all worth it."

The new law provides no state funding for the equipment. But Pol said the estimated $100,000 total expense for Region communities to install life rings at approximately 104 public access sites pales in comparison to the half-million dollars or more likely to be spent by first responders when a person goes missing in the lake.

Records maintained by the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project show at least six fatal drownings occurred in 2023 in the Indiana portion of Lake Michigan, out of 39 total deaths last year on Lake Michigan.

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 year 2026 will mark James Conlons 20th anniversary as music director of the Los Angeles Opera. That seemed to him like it would be the right time to step down.

Ive had 20 years  thats a good round number, Conlon, 73, said in a telephone interview. I want to stop when Im at my full capacity and I want to be able to go on loving the company the way I do.

His final season, the 2025-26 season, will coincide with the companys 40th anniversary, and Conlon said that he wanted to be there to celebrate that with them.

It will mean I will have been there for half of its history, said Conlon, who has led more than 460 performances of 68 different operas there, more than any other conductor.
Len Sirowitz, an award-winning advertising art director whose creative work in the 1960s included memorable print ads for the Volkswagen Beetle  like one declaring, Ugly is only skin-deep  and a campaign for Mobil in which a car was dropped off a 10-story building to make a point about the perils of speeding, died on March 4 at his home in Manhattan. He was 91.

His daughter, Laura Sirowitz, confirmed the death.

Mr. Sirowitz joined the influential Doyle Dane Bernbach advertising agency, known as DDB, in 1959, at 27, and spent the next 11 years at the firm conceiving the look of ads for numerous accounts with wit and passion.

It was quite early in my career that I began to realize that my message needed to not only be bold and daring, but it must stem from the truth  and touch peoples emotions, he told Dave Dye, who runs the advertising blog From the Loft, in 2015.
The trash can [1]

Another inventor, Eugene-Rene Poubelle [2], created our indispensable trash cans.

A law professor in Caen, his hometown and held in suspicion under Napoleon III because of his democratic conviction, Eugene-Rene Poubelle (1833-1907) did not become a prefet [3] until in 1871 after the fall of the empire. In October 1883, Waldeck-Rousseau [4] entrusted him with the difficult position of the prefet of the Seine, which he would hold for 13 years.

Poubelle at first hoped to complete the work of Haussmanns renovation of Paris [5]  which had mainly benefitted the wealthy classes  with a determined action in favor of working classes. He multiplied the schools, clinics, day-nurseries, hospices, night shelters in Paris and in suburbs. He raised the salaries and pensions of the community personnels and low-ranking police officers. In 1885, he audaciously authorized women to enter hospital internship in spite of the hostility of the medical profession. Poubelle had constructed the Rue du Louvre, Avenue de La Republique, Rue Reaumur, and Rue de la Convention and erected the Mirabeau and Alexandre III bridges, but his major works remained on the sanitation of these popular neighborhoods where impurity of air and drinking water had promoted the mortality and constituted a permanent threat of cholera seasons. One order of March 7, 1884, required each owner of every building to make a garbage can available to his tenants, which made him famous and popular.

A fine man of letters, an excellent speaker, gifted with humor, convivial, competent, open, differential to the elected representatives of universal suffrage, prefet Poubelle won the confidence of the municipal council. So, this one, who turned down the department [6] budget habitually and adopted it regularly from 1893 onwards. When he quit the Prefet of the Seine for the French ambassador to the Vatican, Poubelle received unanimous homage of the Parisian elected officials.

[1]. Translated by me from: p. 150. La poubelle. Better Reading French. Annie Heminway. McGraw Hill. New York  Toronto. 2003.

[2]. Eugene-Rene Poubelle. 4/15/1831-7/15/1907. A French lawyer and diplomat. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eug%C3%A8ne_Poubelle

[3]. Prefet. A high-ranking official in France, part of civil servants created by Napoleon in 1800, the general administrator of department, the chief executive officer and executive chif of police.

Harraps French and English College Dictionary.

[4]. Waldeck-Rousseau. 12/2/1846-8/10/1904. Politician and the interior minister of France in 1881-1882 and 1883-1885.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_Waldeck-Rousseau

[5]. Haussmanns renovation of Paris. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haussmann%27s_renovation_of_Paris

[6]. La prefecture. 1. The main administrative office of each department. 2. Individual department, such as for issuing driving licenses. Ibid.
INTERNATIONAL

An article on Saturday about a proposed national security law in Hong Kong misstated the number of days a person suspected of endangering national security could be detained, without charge, under proposed legislation. It is as many as 16 days, not as many as 14 days.

An article on Wednesday about Zimbabwes accusations that deported U.S. officials were promoting a regime change in the country misstated the conditions of the expulsion two years ago of Larry Garber, an American democracy consultant with The Carter Center. He was asked to leave by Zimbabwean officials, but not officially deported. The article also misstated how long it was after Mr. Garbers expulsion that staff members with the U.S. Congress visiting Zimbabwe were chased by people they believed were security officials. It was several weeks, not several months.

NATIONAL

An article on Sunday about a criminal investigation into Boeing after a panel on one of the companys planes blew out misstated two elements included in a letter that Boeing sent to Senator Maria Cantwell. The letter stated that Boeing had provided employee names to the National Transportation Safety Board on March 6, not March 4, and that the names may have included people who were not on the companys 737 door team, not just people on that team.

An article on Wednesday about the ousting of a California women's prison warden after allegations of sexual abuse against inmates misstated the new title of Nancy T. McKinney. She is the interim warden, not the deputy warden.
A New York state trooper was acquitted of manslaughter charges on Wednesday in the killing of an unarmed man in downtown Buffalo after a high-speed highway chase.

The trooper, Anthony Nigro IV, was found not guilty of first- and second-degree manslaughter charges by Judge James Bargnesi of Erie County Court following a bench trial.

New Yorks attorney general, Letitia James, charged Trooper Nigro last June in the fatal shooting of the man, James Huber, 38, of North East, Pa., in February 2022. Trooper Nigro, 40, of Eden, N.Y., had faced up to 25 years in prison if convicted.

Charles W. Murphy, the president of the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association, said in a statement that the union was pleased with the verdict.
Fedo Antonia Manning, 22, was charged with conspiracy to traffic firearms, engaging in firearm sales without a license and lying on a federal form. Ronnel Dewayne Williams Jr., 21, and Chaelyn Hendrick Groves, 19, were charged together with making false statements in the acquisition of firearms. Mr. Williams and Mr. Groves were each separately charged with lying to a federal agent.

It was not clear if any of the men had retained defense lawyers.

There is no evidence that the men were among those who opened fire at the parade, prosecutors said. But investigators say they were involved in straw purchases of some of the firearms recovered, meaning that they bought a firearm for someone who was not legally eligible to procure one.

These cases underscore the importance of enforcing federal firearms laws, Teresa Moore, the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Missouri, said in a statement. Stopping straw buyers and preventing illegal firearms trafficking is our first line of defense against gun violence.

According to prosecutors, Mr. Manning bought dozens of firearms, including several that wound up in the hands of people who were barred from owning guns. Among those weapons was a pistol recovered at the shooting. The guns magazine, which can hold up to 30 rounds, contained only 26 when investigators found it, suggesting that some of the rounds might have been fired.

In a separate complaint, prosecutors said that Mr. Williams bought a pistol at a gun show in November for Mr. Groves, who was too young to legally purchase a firearm. That gun was also found at the shooting scene.
Vice President Kamala Harris met with abortion providers and staff members on Thursday in the Twin Cities, a visit that is believed to be the first stop by a president or vice president to an abortion clinic.

The appearance at a health center in St. Paul, Minn., was the latest leg in a nationwide tour by Ms. Harris, who has emerged as the most outspoken defender of abortion rights in the administration. While White House officials say they have largely reached the limits of their power to protect abortion rights, the issue has emerged as a linchpin of their re-election strategy.

Ms. Harris toured the center with an abortion provider to highlight what the administration has done to try to preserve access to the procedure as conservative states enact growing restrictions.

Minnesota has become a haven for abortion seekers since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, ushering in restrictive laws and bans in neighboring states. The Society of Family Planning, a health research organization, found that the average number of abortions in the state increased by about 36 percent in the year after the Supreme Court decision.
In a capital where Republicans and Democrats agree on virtually nothing, it was notable when the House overwhelmingly declared on Wednesday that TikTok poses such a grave risk to national security that it must be forced to sell its U.S. operations to a non-Chinese owner.

But that glosses over the deeper TikTok security problem, which the legislation does not fully address. In the four years this battle has gone on, it has become clear that the security threat posed by TikTok has far less to do with who owns it than it does with who writes the code and algorithms that make TikTok tick.

Those algorithms, which guide how TikTok watches its users and feeds them more of what they want, are the magic sauce of an app that 170 million Americans now have on their phones. Thats half the country.

But TikTok doesnt own those algorithms; they are developed by engineers who work for its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, which assembles the code in great secrecy in its software labs, in Beijing, Singapore and Mountain View, Calif. But China has issued regulations that appear designed to require government review before any of ByteDances algorithms could be licensed to outsiders. Few expect those licenses to be issued  meaning that selling TikTok to an American owner without the underlying code might be like selling a Ferrari without its famed engine.
The authorities were battling another round of dangerous wildfires along Chiles Pacific Coast early Thursday morning, several weeks after blazes there killed more than 100 people.

The national disaster agency said on Wednesday night that several communities in the Valparaiso region were being evacuated. That part of the coast is dotted with towns that rise steeply from the ocean.

Fire crews were fighting three fast-moving blazes overnight that were contained but still burning, Carolina Toha Morales, Chiles interior minister, told reporters. She said one challenge was that the crew could not send planes to drop water at night.

While the extent of the damage was unclear, she added, the authorities estimated that it affected 15 to 40 homes.
Iranians have looked for opportunities in recent months to display defiance against the rules of the clerical government. In Tuesday nights annual fire festival, many found a chance.

Across Iran, thousands of men and women packed the streets as they danced wildly to music and jumped joyfully over large bonfires, according to videos on social media and interviews with Iranians. The police said the crowds were so large in Tehran and other cities that traffic came to a standstill for many hours and commuters had difficulty reaching public transportation, according to Iranian news reports.

Dancing, especially for men and women together, is banned in public in Iran and has long been a form of protest.
American Ballet Theater, one of the largest dance companies in the United States, has faced a series of challenges in recent months. Relations with the dancers have been tense, finances have been strained and the organization has lacked a permanent executive director.

On Thursday, Ballet Theater announced it was bringing in a dance veteran as it tries to move beyond its woes: Barry Hughson, executive director of the National Ballet of Canada, will join the company in that role in July. He succeeds Janet Rolle, who resigned suddenly last summer after 17 months on the job.

Hughson, 56, a former dancer, said in an interview that he was undaunted by Ballet Theaters troubles.

A.B.T. has been a company that Ive loved since I was a 10-year-old ballet student watching Baryshnikov, he said, referring to the star dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov. Its such an important institution in American dance, and its a challenging time for the arts community right now.
Artforum named Tina Rivers Ryan its next top editor on Thursday, selecting the curator to lead the prestigious magazine after a tumultuous year.

For decades, the editors at Artforum have ensured that this historic magazine has remained a trusted and indispensable resource for conversations about contemporary art and its role in the broader culture, Ryan, who specialized in digital art as a curator at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, said in a statement.

Five months ago, the magazine fired David Velasco, its editor in chief, after he signed and published a letter calling for Palestinian liberation shortly after the Israel-Hamas war began. Some staff members were upset with his termination; longtime editors resigned in protest and artists declared a boycott. Some writers pulled their essays and some advertisers pulled their spots in the publication, resulting in a noticeably slimmer issue after the events unfolded.

Penske Media Corporation, which owns the publication, has spent the past several months attempting to rebuild.
Esa-Pekka Salonen, the music director of the San Francisco Symphony since 2020, announced on Thursday that he would step down when his contract expires next year, citing differences with the orchestras board.

Salonen, 65, a groundbreaking conductor who has promoted new music and experimented with virtual reality and artificial intelligence, said he no longer saw a path forward.

I have decided not to continue as music director of the San Francisco Symphony because I do not share the same goals for the future of the institution as the Board of Governors does, he said in a statement. I am sincerely looking forward to the many exciting programs we have planned for my final season as music director, and am proud to continue working with the world-class musicians of the San Francisco Symphony.

Disputes between maestros and management rarely break into public view, and this split is notable because of Salonens stature: A revered conductor and composer, he has been a leading force in efforts to redefine the modern symphony orchestra. In San Francisco, he appointed a team of what he called collaborative partners from a variety of genres, and he oversaw a steady stream of premieres.
"If we're to honor a day for women, let it be a celebration of freedom from stereotypes:

Instead of applauding women for being the hidden force behind a successful man, let's acknowledge their own achievements.

Rather than revering motherhood for its sacrifices, let's work towards alleviating the need for those sacrifices.

Let's move away from emphasizing a woman's beauty and instead recognize the importance of her inner qualities.

Instead of praising women solely for their familial roles, let's celebrate them as individuals, independent of their relationships.

Instead of glorifying her ability to multitask, let's strive to simplify her life.

Let's stop imposing unrealistic expectations of balance on women and allow them to embrace their imperfections and find happiness.

Wishing all the wonderful women a very happy Women's Day!" March 8th,

**

I make a valid observation. I've found myself unimpressed by many prominent CEOs and politicians. One common trait among them is a sense of entitlement, often instilled in them from a young age as many come from affluent backgrounds. Typically, they receive private education and attend prestigious universities, reinforcing the notion of their exceptionalism and entitlement to success. This environment also fosters networks that enable individuals with mediocre talent to attain positions of power.

Conversely, if you've had to earn your way up based on merit, the sooner you feel a sense of belonging, the sooner you'll attain the success you've rightfully earned. This principle applies universally to both men and women.

**

It's worth fighting for your cause:

Gender Equality and Empowerment: Advocating for a world where women are not forced to conform but rather where the world adjusts to accommodate them. Recognition of Women's Leadership: Highlighting the diverse roles women play in society, from corporate leadership to homemaking, and emphasizing their contributions to the world. Self-Acceptance and Confidence: Encouraging women to embrace their uniqueness, celebrate their strengths, and see their imperfections as gifts. Strength and Resilience in Male-Dominated Fields: Acknowledging the challenges women face in traditionally male-dominated environments and celebrating their grace, strength, and fearlessness in overcoming them. Acknowledgment of Women's Untapped Potential: Recognizing the vast reservoir of talent within women and the need to unleash it for the betterment of society. Integrity and Character Over Status: Emphasizing the importance of integrity and character in leadership, beyond mere status or connections. Empathy and Compassion: Highlighting the significance of treating all individuals with respect and kindness, especially those who are marginalized or forgotten. Leadership as Empowerment: Viewing true leadership as the ability to inspire and uplift others, rather than seeking personal praise or recognition. Personal Growth and Reflection: Sharing personal stories of growth, self-discovery, and the realization of one's worth beyond societal expectations. Awareness of Societal Pressures and Self-Reflection: Reflecting on the influence of societal norms and media portrayals on personal aspirations and acknowledging the need for self-awareness and self-empowerment.

These themes collectively advocate for a world where women are valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential, while also encouraging self-reflection and personal growth.

**

Arianna Huffington

[Karen S. Lynch]

President and Chief Executive Officer at CVS HealthPresident and Chief Executive Officer at CVS Health

57m  57m 



Until now, I seldom shared my personal story because I had always considered myself the plainest person you could ever meet: Karen Jones from East Street in Ware, Massachusetts, a mill town founded in 1717 with a population just over 10,000.



If someone had asked me what my career goal was in high school or college, I dont know if I would have aimed very high. At that time, in the late 1970s and early 1980s, there was a specific kind of individual considered to be leadership material, and as a result, able to access broad professional opportunities. Those individuals didnt look like me or have my background.



I worked hard throughout college, balancing school and a part-time job. After college, I earned a series of jobs in the business field and worked diligently to deliver on my professional commitments. This is what were supposed to do to advance our careers, right? And yet, after many years of professional experience, I was told I didnt fit the profile when I was being considered for a senior executive role at a large company.



I recall one particular story: Earlier in my career, while working as a mid-level manager, I was invited to a meeting with the senior managers of my division. Id worked at the company for years, coming in early and leaving late, keeping my head down, and putting in long hours. I believed all of this would lead to the next career step.



So, I was excited to participate in this meeting, which I considered to be recognition of my success and standing at the company. I remember my heart racing as I tried to appear calm while walking down the hall to the executive conference room. Id never been in this room, nor in the presence of these divisional leaders. I tried anticipating the questions that would come up and how I might answer them if asked. As I entered the room, I asked one of the leaders where I should sit.



Barely glancing up, he said, Sit in the back, not at the table, because women just take up space.



I want my story to inspire others to lead differently. I want to share how Ive used my voice to overcome barriers and create opportunities to make a difference. I hope my story becomes part of the conversation around taking up space and that it encourages others to do the same.



Thats why I wrote a book. I called itwhat elseTaking Up Space. And thats why Im donating the proceeds from the book to nonprofit organizations whose missions and initiatives support mental well-being and empower young women  two causes that are important to my story.



Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you  and if you have a moment, I would love to hear yours.

Karen S. Lynch

karenslynch.com  1 min read

1,554
Dan Wakefield, a protean and prolific journalist, novelist, screenwriter, critic and essayist who explored subjects as diverse as life in New York City in the 1950s, the American civil rights movement, the wounds that war inflicts on individuals and society, and, not least, his personal journey from religious faith to atheism and back again, died on Wednesday in Miami. He was 91.

His death, at a hospice facility, was confirmed by Will Higgins, who from 2016 to 2017 hosted a public radio show with Mr. Wakefield, Uncle Dans Story Hour, on which Mr. Wakefield told stories about his life and career from the Red Key Tavern, an old bar in Indianapolis, his hometown. His health began to decline late last year after he had a stroke, prompting his move to Miami, Mr. Higgins said.

Mr. Wakefield achieved early and stunning success as a writer and was still writing well into his last years. He had more than 20 books to his credit; most of them were nonfiction, but he also wrote novels. Critics and other authors praised his work as showing a reporters instincts combined with graceful prose.

He began to build his reputation shortly after graduating from Columbia University in 1955 with honors in English, writing articles, essays and stories for Esquire, The Nation, Playboy, Commentary and other magazines. Not long after his graduation, The Nation sent him to Mississippi to cover the Emmet Till murder trial, one of the catalysts of the civil rights movement.
Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York and the majority leader, said that Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, was a major obstacle to peace in the Middle East and called for elections to replace him.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has lost his way by allowing his political survival to take precedence over the best interests of Israel, Schumer said today in a speech on the Senate floor. He has been too willing to tolerate the civilian toll in Gaza, which is pushing support for Israel worldwide to historic lows. Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah.

Schumers speech was the sharpest critique yet of Netanyahu from a senior American elected official. It reflects growing dissatisfaction among Democrats, particularly progressives, with Israels conduct in the war and the conflicts toll on Palestinian civilians, which has created a strategic and political dilemma for President Biden.

Republicans have tried to capitalize on that dynamic for an electoral advantage. Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the minority leader, called Schumers actions unprecedented, and accused Democrats of having an anti-Israel problem.
For two years, Ukraine has relied on American weapons to fight Russian invaders. It has bombarded Russian lines with U.S. artillery, destroyed tanks with Javelin missiles and stopped aerial attacks with Patriot launchers.

But American support has sharply declined. House Republicans have blocked additional aid to Ukraine, and the Biden administration cannot send many more weapons. (The $300 million package announced this week will likely help Ukraine for only a few weeks.)

Ukraine has already felt the consequences. Over the past month, Russia made some gains after it took the eastern city of Avdiivka, once a Ukrainian stronghold. Intelligence officials warned Congress this week that Ukraines losses signal what is to come from an undersupplied war effort.
In December, Ellicia Chiu and Cher Su had just a few boxes in tow when they moved into a walk-up apartment in New Yorks Lower East Side neighborhood. Before their move, from Los Angeles, the two friends knew that they would need to furnish their new apartment with small kitchen appliances, decor and furniture. But instead of purchasing new items, they knew it would be more affordable to find secondhand items on Facebook Marketplace, the social networks buy-and-sell service.

I only use Facebook for Marketplace, said Ms. Chiu, 24, who added that she spent most of her social time on TikTok and Instagram, which is owned by Meta, Facebooks parent company.

For many 20-somethings who dont have a lot of disposable income, Marketplace is a place to get deals on items they wouldnt normally be able to afford.

As someone whos in their young 20s, I want to have nicer things but I dont have the financial means to get there yet, said Ms. Chiu, who added that she preferred Marketplace over other sites because its interface was easy to use, making it easier to find deals on furniture.
JPMorgan Chase plays a part in trillions of dollars of financial market trading around the world every day, but federal regulators said the banks systems for sharing details of that activity with them had not been working properly for about a decade. Those lapses are costing it more than $348 million in fines  and more could follow.

On Thursday, the banks main federal regulator, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, fined JPMorgan $250 million over the omissions. The action followed a $98.2 million penalty from the Federal Reserve on March 8. The bank recently told investors in a public filling that a third regulator is preparing a separate action that is likely to come with its own monetary penalty.

The breaches at the bank, which occurred from around 2014 until 2023, affected regulators seeking data on financial market activity to help catch instances of misbehavior, like insider trading and market manipulation. JPMorgan was not retaining and sharing information about trades made by customers and businesses in connection with around 30 different trading platforms and venues, the regulators said.

Brian Marchiony, a JPMorgan spokesman, said the bank found the problems on its own and notified regulators. JPMorgan did not expect any services to customers to be disrupted as it works to fix the problems, he said.
TikTok is one of the most popular and largest social media apps around the globe  with great brand recognition and loyal users.

It may also be one of the hardest to sell.

Thats the conundrum facing TikTok as Washington lawmakers push a bill that would force the apps Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell it or face having it banned in the United States. The bill passed the House on Wednesday but could face an uphill climb in the Senate.

Rumors are already swirling on Wall Street about who could be interested in buying TikTok. The rumblings grew louder on Thursday after Steven Mnuchin, a former Treasury secretary, told CNBC that he was trying to put together a group to buy TikTok, because they should be owned by U.S. businesses. Mr. Mnuchin said he had spoken to a combination of U.S. investors about such a deal.

But any potential buyer could confront several roadblocks. The Chinese government could block the sale. The U.S. president, according to the bill passed by the House, would have to affirm that a deal cut the app off from ByteDance.
The Bahrain deal comes just months after the United States joined nearly 200 other nations in a promise to transition away from fossil fuels, the burning of which is dangerously overheating the planet. It also comes as Mr. Biden is working to shore up support from climate-minded voters as he runs for re-election.

In February, plans to finance the Bahrain projects prompted two of the banks climate advisers to resign. And Mr. Bidens aides have expressed concern about the direction of the bank, which has consistently flouted a 2021 presidential order that government agencies stop financing carbon-intensive projects overseas.

The Bahrain project is one of several controversial overseas fossil fuel ventures that ExIm Bank is currently considering. Also being considered are a natural gas export project in Papua New Guinea and an offshore pipeline in Guyana, alongside some projects related to renewable energy like a zinc-lead mine in Greenland.
The Biden administration on Thursday proposed plans to save the greater sage grouse, a move that could tighten restrictions on drilling, mining and other commercial activities on public lands in the West.

The sage grouse, a ground-nesting bird that is known for the males flamboyant mating dance, has been at the center of a decade-long battle between industry and conservationists. The new plan, issued by the Bureau of Land Management, is expected to set off a new round of debate and legal challenges.

The bureau controls the countrys largest single share of sage grouse habitat, nearly 70 million acres across 11 Western states. That amounts to almost half of the birds habitat.

Over the past decades, the sage grouse population has declined precipitously because of habitat loss exacerbated by wildfires fueled by climate change.
It has been four years since the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. The New York Times writes of the anniversary:

Four years ago today, society began to shut down. Shortly after noon Eastern on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared Covid  or the coronavirus, then the more popular term  to be a global pandemic. Stocks plummeted in the afternoon. In the span of a single hour that night, President Donald Trump delivered an Oval Office address about Covid, Tom Hanks posted on Instagram that he had the virus and the N.B.A. announced it had canceled the rest of its season. It was a Wednesday, and thousands of schools would shut by the end of the week. Workplaces closed, too. People washed their hands frequently and touched elbows instead of shaking hands (although the C.D.C. continued to discourage widespread mask wearing for several more weeks). The worst pandemic in a century had begun.

For some people, the earliest days of the pandemic may feel like a lifetime ago; for others, it may feel like just yesterday. But for all of us Covid has indelibly changed our lives and the world. What do you remember about the earliest days of the pandemic? When did it first hit home for you? How did it affect you, your family and your community? What lessons did you learn about yourself and the world?

In Four Years On, Covid Has Reshaped Life for Many Americans, Julie Bosman writes that while the threat of severe illness and death has faded for many people, the pandemics effects still linger:

Jessie Thompson, a 36-year-old mother of two in Chicago, is reminded of the Covid-19 pandemic every day. Sometimes it happens when she picks up her children from day care and then lets them romp around at a neighborhood park on the way home. Other times, its when she gets out the shower at 7 a.m. after a weekday workout. I always think: In my past life, Id have to be on the train in 15 minutes, said Ms. Thompson, a manager at United Airlines. A hybrid work schedule has replaced her daily commute to the company headquarters in downtown Chicago, giving Ms. Thompson more time with her children and a deeper connection to her neighbors. The pandemic is such a negative memory, she said. But I have this bright spot of goodness from it. For much of the United States, the pandemic is now firmly in the past, four years to the day that the Trump administration declared a national emergency as the virus spread uncontrollably. But for many Americans, the pandemics effects are still a prominent part of their daily lives. In interviews, some people said that the changes are subtle but unmistakable: Their world feels a little smaller, with less socializing and fewer crowds. Parents who began to home-school their children never stopped. Many people are continuing to mourn relatives and spouses who died of Covid or of complications from the coronavirus. The World Health Organization dropped its global health emergency designation in May 2023, but millions of people who survived the virus are suffering from long Covid, a mysterious and frequently debilitating condition that causes fatigue, muscle pain and cognitive decline. One common sentiment has emerged. The changes brought on by the pandemic now feel lasting, a shift that may have permanently reshaped American life.

As part of our coverage of the pandemics anniversary, The Times asked readers how Covid has changed their attitudes toward life. Here is what they said:
Film noir is a French coinage but Frances homegrown crime movies, a staple of the 1950s and early 60s, seldom get their due in the United States, however first-rate they might be. Case in point: Claude Sautets 1960 slam dunk Classe Tous Risques, known in English as The Big Risk.

Dubbed, dumped, and unreviewed upon its 1963 U.S. release, Sautets existential adventure was belatedly discovered some 20 years ago. Largely unseen since, it opens Friday at Film Forum in a new 4K restoration.

On the lam in Italy, the veteran mobster Abel Davos (Frances then reigning pug-ugly Lino Ventura) suffers from acute mal du pays. A tough guy who needs only a split second to accelerate from 5 to 50 mph, this volatile ruffian is further humanized as a devoted family man (traveling with his wife and two small boys in tow) and, as the film will reveal, a loyal comrade who expects the same in return.

Looking to finance their comeback, Davos and a confederate (Stan Krol) stage a brazen daylight snatch-and-grab on a busy street in central Milan. Their mad dash for the French border involves multiple stolen cars, a diversionary motorbike, a hijacked speedboat, and a beachfront shootout. The partners are separated midway through only to meet again, going in opposite directions on the highway. The escape pauses for an exultant critique: Were the greatest!
By comparing the political systems in different dynasties, this book illustrates the continuous evolution of traditional Chinese political systems, and evaluates the merits and demerits of the political systems in different dynasties. It also provides detailed records of the evolved government organizations, the names and functions of various offices, the titles and responsibilities of officials. The book consists of five chapters, each of which focuses on one of the five dynasties respectively -- Han, Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing, and a concluding summary. Combining historical facts and anecdotes from history to make the discussion straightforward, interesting, and easy to understand, this is an ideal book for anyone interested in the history of China, particularly its traditional political systems.
When Nicholas Winton died in 2015 at 106, his obituary in The New York Times noted that, for decades, he had been startlingly reserved about what he achieved at the outbreak of World War II in Europe. Between the Munich Agreement in 1938 and Hitlers invasion of Poland in 1939, Winton organized a rapidly moving operation that saved 669 children, most of them Jewish, by transporting them from Prague to Britain, where they were placed with foster families.

The rescue didnt receive wide public attention for 50 years, partly because, as the biographical feature One Life depicts, Winton (played by Johnny Flynn as a young man and Anthony Hopkins in scenes set later) was reluctant to acknowledge his heroism. In trying to capture this almost stoic modesty, the film, directed by James Hawes, falls into a dramaturgical trap.
To hear a tuba is to feel it. The vibrations pulse through your body, and its giant bell is even designed to make the air shudder a bit. A tuba is also much harder for a thief to pilfer than, say, a piccolo, or even a trumpet. Yet from 2011 to 2013, tubas started disappearing from high schools in Southern California, for no obvious reason and with no explanation.

The news of the tuba thefts formed a jumping-off point for the artist Alison ODaniel, who used it as the central hub in a wheel with many spokes. The resulting film, The Tuba Thieves, is kind of a documentary  or at least, it has documentary elements. But there are re-creations and a dramatized story with fictionalized characters woven throughout as well, all exploring the role sound plays in our world, both for those who take it for granted and those to whom access is denied. O'Daniel, a visual artist who identifies as Deaf/Hard of Hearing, has a keen interest in sound as an integral element of human life, and The Tuba Thieves expands that query in many directions.

The result, admittedly, is not particularly easy to follow. The Tuba Thieves is not very interested in explaining itself; its connective tissue is an idea, an exploration, and its designed to be more absorbed than understood. But for the patient audience, its richly illuminating. The film is open captioned, so no matter how you see it, youll see descriptive text onscreen. Sometimes that text interprets sign language  in fact, the title credits are signed by a character, Nyke (Nyeisha Prince), and much of the films dialogue is in ASL. Sometimes the text describes sounds. And sometimes its a little cheeky; [ANIMALS GROWL], one caption reads, and then is immediately replaced by [MACHINES GROWL], with images to match them both.
The actor and producer Joseph Feury has had a second career, as a painter who signs his canvases Joseph Fioretti, his birth name. Several months ago, when he began thinking about a show of his works, his wife said, Why dont you do it for Ukraine, and donate the proceeds?

His wife is Lee Grant, who starred in movies like Detective Story and In the Heat of the Night and in the television serial Peyton Place. For her, Ukraine had a personal connection: Her mother had fled the strategic port city of Odesa at age 12, during a brutal Russian pogrom that took hundreds of Jewish lives.
Last week, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced, to immediate controversy, that she would deploy 1,000 members of the National Guard and the State Police to patrol New York Citys subway system in an effort to help people feel safer. Explaining her reasoning on Morning Joe, she said the measure would serve as both a means of deterrence and a way to change the psychology around crime in the city. That psychology tilts toward pervasive fear in the aftermath of rare but dramatically violent incidents like the recent 3:40 a.m. attack on a train conductor in Brooklyn who survived a slashing to his neck after he stuck his head out of the window while pulling into the Rockaway Avenue station.

I could show you all the statistics in the world and say you should feel safe because the numbers are better, Ms. Hochul said. And they are, essentially. Crime in the transit system fell in 2023 compared with the previous year even as ridership increased. Major crimes ticked upward in January before declining in February.

But youre the mom on the subway with your baby in the stroller, youre the parent putting your kid on the subway to go to high school, youre that senior citizen going to a doctors appointment  she continued. If youre anxious? Then Im the governor of the State of New York, and Im concerned about it.

Of course, there are many reasons New Yorkers feel anxious that do not prompt swift and sweeping policy responses at the level of executive decree. The process of applying to citys public high schools is hellish, and last year was one of the deadliest on record for cyclists, to cite just two examples. But the governor has made clear that shifting perceptions about the prevalence of disorder is not her only objective. There is a political motivation as well. I am going to demonstrate that Democrats fight crime, she also told Joe Scarborough and his crew, so this narrative that Republicans have set, and hijacked the story that were soft on crime that we defund the police  no.
One could be forgiven for thinking that President Bidens tough words on the Israel-Hamas war in his State of the Union address and his MSNBC interview on Saturday was the beginning of a much more critical U.S. policy toward Israel. After all, the president called for at least a temporary cease-fire, laying out, in his most emotional terms to date, the losses and suffering of the people of Gaza and delivered an unmistakably sharp signal that Israel must make the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza a priority. Those calls came on the heels of Vice President Kamala Harriss high-profile meeting with Benny Gantz, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus rival and likely successor  a snub to Mr. Netanyahu who has been denied a White House visit.

Nonetheless, far from presaging a major shift in policy, the presidents words and the vice presidents meeting were more likely part of the now familiar passive-aggressive approach the administration has deployed against the most extreme right-wing government in Israels history.

President Biden has sent a number of signals  chastising Israel for indiscriminate bombing, assisting with airdrops and creating a maritime corridor for humanitarian assistance  that hes frustrated by some of Israels actions, especially its inattention and even opposition at times to facilitating assistance into Gaza. He is further angered by Israels unwillingness to restrain settler violence against West Bank Palestinians and its rejection of any role for the Palestinian Authority in governing Gaza. But he has consistently refused to impose any serious consequences on Israel.

Make no mistake. The Im unhappy with Israel but wont do much about it policy is Mr. Bidens policy  driven by the presidents pro-Israel sensibilities, politics and the policy choices he faces in dealing with the current war. At the same time, Mr. Biden surely knows that there are costs both at home and abroad for allowing Mr. Netanyahu to run roughshod over U.S. interests and values. Therein lies his dilemma.
This Monday, March 11, roughly 200 Jewish students and supporters marched through the campus of the University of California, Berkeley, and it was newsworthy that they were not attacked. Local news hailed that they were able to, as one headline noted, successfully march without confrontation.

The march came two weeks after violent protests forced the cancellation of an event that was to feature an Israeli speaker and was organized by Jewish students. The event  which had already been moved from another location because of safety concerns  was canceled, and the building evacuated by police, after protesters broke through doors and reportedly assaulted Jewish students. There was no way to ensure safety, university administrators explained, given the size of the crowd and the threat of violence.

At the time that I read accounts of the violence at Berkeley, I was also reading two legal complaints about antisemitism on elite college campuses, one filed against Harvard and the other against the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Both complaints make for horrifying reading, detailing a cascading series of antisemitic incidents, including acts of violence and physical intimidation. The moral and legal injury is compounded by blatant double standards on the part of the universities. As the complaint filed against Harvard states, Harvard permits students and faculty to advocate, without consequence, the murder of Jews and the destruction of Israel, the only Jewish country in the world. Meanwhile, Harvard requires students to take a training class that warns that they will be disciplined if they engage in sizeism, fatphobia, racism, transphobia, or other disfavored behavior.

I spent virtually my entire legal career defending free speech on campus, including the free speech of Muslim students and staff members. Ive also walked through metal detectors at a tense and volatile Columbia University to defend the academic freedom of Jewish students challenging antisemitic statements made by university professors. And during those decades of litigation and my subsequent years in journalism, I have never seen such comprehensive abuse directed against a vulnerable campus minority group as Ive seen directed at Jewish students and faculty since Hamass terror attack on Oct. 7.
Thats three down: Last week Brown University reinstated standardized testing as a part of its admissions requirements, following Yale and Dartmouth, which did the same earlier this year. For all that we have heard about how standardized tests propagate injustice, the decisions at these Ivy League schools are antiracism in action, and should serve as models for similar decisions across academia. (M.I.T. was an even earlier re-adopter of testing requirements, in 2022.)

Of course, for years, the leading idea has been precisely the opposite: that the proper antiracist approach is to stop using standardized tests in admissions. Many schools first suspended using them a few years back because their administration was too difficult during the peak of the Covid pandemic. But then, in line with racial reckoning commitments in the wake of the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, many decided not to bring the tests back.

This was in line with longstanding claims, touted as higher wisdom, that the SAT promotes, rather than undercuts, racial disparities in admissions. The idea is that the test simply reflects socioeconomic level, with more affluent, disproportionately white kids able to afford test preparation classes to raise their scores. All the way back in 2001, the University of California president Richard Atkinson was warmly and widely celebrated for his call to eliminate the SAT from the schools admissions process. Enlightened consensus was that the SAT predicts nothing important. Grapevine wisdom has been that some test questions are biased against lower-income people (although exactly how many questions about things like regattas the SAT has included has never been clear).

Given this perception, the wave of schools letting go of the SAT after 2020 seemed to many like an acceleration of social justice long overdue. But lately, evidence has mounted, steadily, that the SAT is in fact useful in demonstrating students abilities regardless of their economic backgrounds or the quality of their high schools. Some studies show scores correlate with student performance in college more strongly than high-school grades, and that without the standardized test data it is harder to identify Black, Latino and lower-income white kids who would likely thrive in elite universities. It was precisely this evidence that led the Dartmouth president, Sian Beilock, to be first out of the gate this year in daring to go back to using the test in admissions. I nominate her as Antiracist of 2024 so far.
Sometimes, you meet someone in New York who gives you a good feeling and a bad feeling at the same time. Maybe youre introduced at a bar, through a friend of a friend. This person is charming and full of ideas, ideas that resonate with you. He seems to know everyone you know, and some other people you follow only on social media. You like him, even though you wonder whether hes for real. He has a story about the city and his place in it, a story in which he may invite you to play a role. This is tempting. You get the sense that he has a momentum unlike other peoples, toward a destination that could be glamorous  or maybe catastrophic.

One such person is Ashwin Deshmukh, the 38-year-old managing partner of Superiority Burger, one of the most acclaimed restaurants in New York.

Since reopening last April, the high-low vegetarian diner in the East Village has garnered a three-star review from The New York Times, a James Beard Award nomination, and the title, bestowed by GQ magazine, of Buzziest Restaurant in America. That it took over the space once occupied by the venerable Odessa Restaurant, saving the neighborhood from yet another Duane Reade or Capital One, has made it only more beloved.

But June Kwan, the owner of the East Village Sichuan restaurant Spicy Moon, does not love Superiority Burger  or at least, the people behind the restaurant. In February, she sued them twice. The first suit asserts that since 2021, when Ms. Kwan invested a quarter of a million dollars in Superiority Burger through Mr. Deshmukh, the business has gone dark, refusing to send her proof of her equity, and eventually ignoring her altogether. The second suit alleges that in 2022, Ms. Kwan lent $200,000 to Mr. Deshmukh, and that he hasnt repaid a penny.
Dear Tripped Up,

Last September, my husband and I left our kids with their grandparents and set off to Ireland. Our $2,132 itinerary took us from Minneapolis to Toronto to Dublin on tickets booked on United Airlines through Expedia but ultimately operated by Air Canada, a United partner. We had boarded our connecting flight in Toronto (and I was already dozing in my seat) when the captain announced an operator had crashed the jet bridge into the starboard engine. We were given hotel vouchers and told we would be rebooked for the next day. Checkout time came and went without a word, so we went to the airport and were told to call Air Canada customer service. An agent booked us a flight for that evening, and we printed out boarding passes at an airport kiosk. But when we tried to board, we were told the boarding passes were invalid. Eventually, we were offered two options for the next day: Fly to Dublin via Newark, or return to Minneapolis. We cut our losses and went home after staying the night in Toronto at a hotel. But United refunded us only $1,087, barely half of what we paid. Air Canada did reimburse us for the second hotel and other expenses, but we believe the airlines owe us not only a full refund, but also 400 Canadian each ($295 apiece) under Canadian law for denied boarding. Both refused. Can you help? Michelle, Edina, Minn.

Dear Michelle,

I found the 58-page dossier you sent along with your story to be quite convincing. (It also convinced me that either you or your husband is a lawyer, which turns out to be true.)

I skipped over Expedia, since your trip had already started, and reached out to United and Air Canada  as you flew on an airlines partner, its a code share arrangement. A spokeswoman for United, Erin Jankowski, quickly sent me a statement noting that the refund you received from United was as per Air Canadas instructions and referred all other questions to it.

Air Canada, on the other hand, took almost two weeks to get back to me, and its response was underwhelming.
A jury found James Crumbley guilty of involuntary manslaughter late Thursday over his failure to prevent his teenage son from killing four fellow students and wounding seven others in Michigans deadliest school shooting.

Mr. Crumbley and his wife, Jennifer Crumbley, who was found guilty on identical charges in a separate trial last month, are the first parents in the country to be directly charged for the deaths caused by their child in a mass shooting.

Their prosecutions were seen as part of a national effort to hold some parents responsible for enabling deadly violence by their children. In the Crumbleys trials, the prosecution here found a successful playbook, said Mark D. Chutkow, a lawyer and former federal prosecutor in Michigan.

Prosecutors argued that the Crumbleys ignored warning signs about the massacre, painting Ms. Crumbley as a detached and negligent mother, and accusing Mr. Crumbley of failing to secure the gun used in the shooting.
In January 2013, a Montana livestock worker returned to the United States from Kyrgyzstan hiding tissue from a Marco Polo argali sheep, one of the largest in the world, federal prosecutors said.

The worker took the tissue to Arthur Schubarth, 80, a rancher from Vaughn, Mont., who intended to use it to create a giant sheep hybrid that he could sell to shooting preserves, according to prosecutors. They said that for nearly a decade until 2021, Mr. Schubarth illegally used tissue from the animal, which is banned in Montana, to create the species  including in 2019, when he bought a bighorn sheeps testicles to extract semen.

His scheme was uncovered by the authorities after they learned that he was using forged veterinary inspection certificates to move sheep in and out of Montana, prosecutors said.

On Tuesday, Mr. Schubarth pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Montana to two felony wildlife crimes: conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and substantively violating the Lacey Act, which prohibits the trafficking of illegally taken wildlife, the Justice Department said in a statement on Tuesday.
The Irish prime ministers annual St. Patricks Day visit to the White House is typically a cheerful break in any American presidents schedule of stressful meetings and trips, especially for President Biden, who never misses a chance to celebrate his Irish heritage.

But the traditional shamrock camaraderie of this years get-together will be tempered by an undercurrent of tension stemming from the war in the Middle East. Prime Minister Leo Varadkar of Ireland has been an outspoken critic of Israels military assault on Hamas in response to the Oct. 7 terrorist attack and has promised to raise the issue with Mr. Biden.

I will ask America to get involved once again in the drive for peace, Mr. Varadkar told reporters in Boston earlier this week. In Washington on Thursday, he said he anticipated that there would be a difference of opinion over the war when he reaches the Oval Office on Friday. Theres very strong historic support for Israel in the U.S., for lots of different reasons, but thats not going to deflect me from saying what I feel needs to be said.

He did not sound particularly confrontational, however. I have to say, I believe President Bidens heart is in the right place there, he said. I know hes working with Egypt, with Qatar, with Saudi Arabia and other countries in the region, the Jordanians, to try and get Israel and Hamas to agree to a cease-fire.
Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York and the majority leader, on Thursday delivered a pointed speech on the Senate floor excoriating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel as a major obstacle to peace in the Middle East and calling for new leadership in Israel, five months into the war.

Many Democratic lawmakers have condemned Mr. Netanyahus leadership and his right-wing governing coalition, and President Biden has even criticized the Israeli militarys offensive in Gaza as over the top. But Mr. Schumers speech amounted to the sharpest critique yet from a senior American elected official  effectively urging Israelis to replace Mr. Netanyahu.

I believe in his heart, his highest priority is the security of Israel, said Mr. Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the United States. However, I also believe Prime Minister Netanyahu has lost his way by allowing his political survival to take precedence over the best interests of Israel.
The News

Tennessee Republicans moved on Thursday to overrule a change to the policing of Memphis traffic laws that was a direct response to the death of Tyre Nichols, who was fatally beaten by officers last year during a traffic stop.

A new Memphis law, supported by Mr. Nicholss family and seen by many as a crucial reform in the weeks after his death, had prevented the police from intervening over more minor traffic offenses, such as a broken taillight.

On Thursday, the Republican-dominated legislature passed a bill prohibiting any local law that prevents the police from making traffic stops based on observation of or reasonable suspicion that someone in a car had violated the law. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee, a Republican.

Background

The legislation does not directly name Memphis or the law, which was overwhelmingly approved by the City Council after Mr. Nicholss death last January. But the Memphis Republicans who led the push to override the ordinance explicitly criticized it as an impediment to controlling crime.

It remains unclear why Mr. Nichols was stopped. Police officers brutally beat and kicked him despite his efforts to comply with their demands. The violence, captured on camera, horrified the nation and led to further scrutiny of the Memphis Police Department and its heavy handed tactics.
Ron Dong was only 2 years old when his Chinese American parents moved to Coronado, Calif., a change that had been possible only because of a Black couple who defied anti-Asian segregation to rent a house to his family.

More than 80 years later, Ron and his younger brother, Lloyd Dong Jr., 81, are carrying on the legacy of that couple, Gus and Emma Thompson, by donating part of the proceeds from the sale of the Coronado house and an apartment complex next door to support Black college students at San Diego State University.

The university said the brothers donation, which is expected to be $5 million, would be by far the largest ever made to its Black Resource Center. The center will be renamed to honor the Thompsons.

Ron Dong, 86, said it was amazing that the money would be able to do things that we didnt ever anticipate our assets be able to do.
A 19-year-old student pilot from Northern Virginia who tried repeatedly to enter the cockpit of an Alaska Airlines flight from California to Virginia earlier this month has been charged with interfering with a flight crew, according to court documents.

The man, Nathan Jones, was traveling on Alaska Airlines Flight 322 from San Diego International Airport to Washington Dulles International Airport on March 3 when he interfered and intimidated flight crew members and attendants, according to an affidavit filed the next day in the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

His lawyer filed a motion this week arguing that Mr. Jones might not be mentally fit to stand trial.

The affidavit said that Mr. Jones, a passenger in seat 6E, tried three times to go to the front of the plane and open the aircrafts cockpit door. Flight attendants asked for assistance from off-duty law enforcement officers, who restrained Mr. Jones in flex cuffs and sat on either side of him for the rest of the flight.
Even as gangs terrorized Haiti, kidnapped civilians en masse and killed at will, the countrys embattled prime minister held on to power for years.

Then, in a matter of days, everything changed.

In the midst of political upheaval not seen since the countrys president was assassinated in 2021, Haitis prime minister, Ariel Henry, agreed to step down. Now, neighboring countries are scrambling to create a transitional council to run the country and plot a course for elections, which once seemed a distant possibility.

What made this moment different, experts say: The gangs united, forcing the countrys leader to relinquish power.

Prime Minister Ariel resigned not because of politics, not because of the massive street demonstrations against him over the years, but because of the violence gangs have carried out, said Judes Jonathas, a Haitian consultant who has worked for years in aid delivery. The situation totally changed now, because the gangs are now working together.
A European humanitarian aid group said on Thursday that about 50 migrants died after their small boat deflated during an attempt to cross the central Mediterranean Sea.

A ship belonging to the charity, SOS Mediterranee, spotted the deflating rubber dinghy on Wednesday, in international waters under the Libyan rescue jurisdiction. Twenty-five dehydrated and exhausted migrants were on board.

The survivors told the charity that they had been adrift for four days, since the engine on their dinghy broke. Some 50 other people were with them when they departed from the Libyan port of Zawiya, they told the rescuers, including two infants and four women. There were only male survivors, half of them boys, the charity said.

Valeria Taurino, the director general of SOS Mediterranee, said the situation on board was disastrous.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban is jeopardizing Hungarys position as a trusted NATO ally, the U.S. ambassador to Budapest warned on Thursday, with its close and expanding relationship with Russia, and with dangerously unhinged anti-American messaging in state-controlled media.

The ambassador, David Pressman, has for months criticized Mr. Orban for effectively siding with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia over the war in Ukraine, but his latest remarks sharply ratcheted up tensions and indicated that trust in Hungary among NATO allies had collapsed.

Hungary is an ally that behaves unlike any other and is alone on the defining issue of European security of the last quarter century, Russias war in Ukraine, Mr. Pressman said in a speech in Budapest marking the 25th anniversary of Hungarys admission to the Western military alliance.

We will have to decide how best to protect our security interests, which, as allies, should be our collective security interests, he added.
Why does this vote matter?

The presidential vote in Russia, which began Friday and lasts through Sunday, features the trappings of a horse race but is more of a predetermined, Soviet-style referendum.

President Vladimir V. Putin, 71, will undoubtedly win a fifth term, with none of the three other candidates who are permitted on the ballot presenting a real challenge. The main opposition figure who worked to spoil the vote, Aleksei A. Navalny, a harsh critic of Mr. Putin and the Ukraine war, died in an Arctic prison last month.

Still, the vote is significant for Mr. Putin as a way to cement his legitimacy and refurbish his preferred image as the embodiment of security and stability. That image was tarnished when the war, advertised as a speedy operation to topple the government in Kyiv, turned into a slog that caused hundreds of thousands of casualties, ruptured relations with the West and ushered in harsher domestic repression.

The Kremlin needs to demonstrate huge popular support, and that this support has increased since the beginning of the war, said Nikolay Petrov, a Russian political scientist at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs in Berlin.
Why does this election matter?

The Slovak presidency is a largely ceremonial post but can play an important role when, as has been the case for the last five months, the president and prime minister represent opposing political camps.

The outgoing president, Zuzana Caputova, an outspoken liberal, has used her limited powers and the bully pulpit to resist the agenda of Prime Minister Robert Fico, a pugnacious veteran politician who returned to power in October after years in the political wilderness. He resigned in disgrace as prime minister in 2018 amid a swirl of corruption accusations after the murder of an investigative journalist who had been looking into government graft.

Mr. Fico, who since he returned to power has often presented the United States, not Russia, as the main threat to European security, wants to reverse Slovakias previously robust support for Ukraine. He also seeks to overhaul the judicial systems so as to limit its ability to prosecute corruption. Ms. Caputova opposes both these goals and has delayed legislation relating to the judiciary by sending it for constitutional review.

The front-runner to replace Ms. Caputova, according to opinion polls, is Peter Pellegrini, a former close ally and sometime rival of Mr. Fico. A victory for Mr. Pellegrini would be likely to free the governments hands to weaken the judiciary and to take a more combative stand within the European Union over policy toward Ukraine. Slovakia, breaking ranks with E.U. policy, last week sent its foreign minister to join his Hungarian counterpart for a meeting in Turkey with Russias foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov.
With its army short of ammunition and troops to break the deadlock on the battlefield, Ukraine has increasingly taken the fight behind Russian lines, attacking warships, railways and airfields in an attempt to diminish Moscows military operations.

Most recently, that campaign has focused on oil infrastructure, hitting refineries deep in Russian territory and driving home the countrys vulnerability to such attacks.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Ukrainian drones hit four Russian refineries, officials on both sides said, adding to a series of recent attacks that have set fire to depots, fuel tanks and other oil infrastructure across Russia. Since the beginning of the year, Ukraine has claimed responsibility for nearly a dozen such assaults, and local Russian authorities have reported five more.

Experts and Ukrainian officials say Ukraine hopes to disrupt the Russian militarys logistical routes and combat operations by targeting refineries, which supply gasoline, diesel and fuel for tanks, fighter jets and other critical military equipment.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus allies swiftly criticized a pointed speech by Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York and the majority leader, calling the Israeli leader an obstacle to peace, with the Israeli ambassador to the United States characterizing such claims as counterproductive.

Mr. Schumers comments, which included a call for new leadership, amounted to some of the strongest yet by an elected American official. They demonstrated the rising tensions between the U.S. government and Israel, as many Democrats grow increasingly angry over the humanitarian crisis unleashed by Israels offensive in Gaza.

The Israeli ambassador, Michael Herzog, called the comments unhelpful in a post on social media and said they were counterproductive to our common goals.

Mr. Netanyahus right-wing party, Likud, said, Israel is not a banana republic, but a proud independent democracy that elected Prime Minister Netanyahu and that it was expected that Senator Schumer respects Israels government and does not undermine it.

The Israeli leader has struck a defiant tone against international criticism of the way his country has conducted its war to oust Hamas.

President Biden and Mr. Netanyahu have sparred this month, with Mr. Biden asserting that the Israeli leader was hurting Israel more than he was helping. This week, a group of Democratic senators urged Mr. Biden to stop providing offensive weapons to Israel for the war against Hamas until it lifted restrictions on U.S.-backed humanitarian aid going into Gaza.
Illustration by Braulio Amado Talk Nicole Kidman Leans Into the Pain

In HBOs mini-series The Undoing, a psychological thriller that premieres Oct. 25, Nicole Kidman plays Grace Fraser, a Manhattan therapist whose impeccably ordered life is suddenly shattered by violence and lust. In her stores of heat and cool, her emotional and sexual ambiguities, Grace  her name unironic, until it isnt  is a kind of woman weve seen Kidman play before. A kind of woman we never tire of seeing her play. A kind of woman in which the 53-year-old actress keeps finding adventurous new depths. Ive fought that emotional intensity at times and tried to protect myself from it, Kidman said. Now Im at the point where Im like, no. Digest it. Maybe dont even understand it. But always have it flow.

So this question is probably too broad, but  I dont want the light stuff. I like to get heavy quickly.

OK, great. What do you make of the relationship between you and your audience over the years? I probably wouldnt have done a lot of the work Ive done if Id thought that out. I would have been like, people will think Im a complete weirdo. Thats a frightening prospect, the idea of tempering things in relation to what people think. And of course now in society theres an enormous amount of judgment. There has to be, as an actor, the possibility to not have it work. Sometimes it connects and people go, I know you. I know that. With Celeste I would walk down the street, and people wanted to hold me or protect me. The role connected me with the world in a beautiful way. But if I were attached to that, I then couldnt go and play somebody that isnt as relatable.

Nicole Kidman, right, with Shailene Woodley and Reese Witherspoon in the first season of Big Little Lies (2017). HBO/Photofest

Celeste in Big Little Lies  as well as Grace in The Undoing  is a part that requires some sexual boldness, which is common for you but not many other actors at your level. Does the increased judgment you just pointed to mean boldness about sex might become rarer in Hollywood? Look at Normal People, though. That was exquisite work from those two actors. Ive had situations as an actress where, oh my gosh, it was not what I thought it would be. I was probably at the forefront of this: When I went to work with Stanley Kubrick, he was like, Im going to want full frontal nudity, and I was like, Ahh, I dont know. So we came up with a great agreement, which was contractual. He would show me the scenes with the nudity before they made it into the film. Then I could feel completely safe. I didnt say no to any of it. Id wanted to make sure that it wasnt going to be me standing there nude and everyone laughing at me. I was protected, so I got to explore a complicated marriage and the way in which Toms character is having those jealous images. I would never think of not wanting the storytelling to be told properly. Having them say, Once youre OK with it, great, thats it  what a fantastic place to be in as a woman. Please write that correctly, because otherwise, it will be misinterpreted.

Which part? The way in which the contractual agreement that I have with a director allows me to do nudity and sex scenes because I feel safe. Sexuality is over here in a box, and we dont deal with it. Im happy to deal with it, but there needs to be a place where you can go, Im not going to be exploited. Then Ill go down the road with you. I love the relationship between a director and an actor. When its pure, its exquisite. And the other actors, when youre all there doing the work, its exquisite.

Kidman with Hugh Grant in HBOs The Undoing. Niko Tavernise/HBO

Is it more exquisite than life outside acting? It used to be. Probably changed mid-30s. I started working at 14. I had my first kiss onstage. I was living out my life artistically.

Did you realize at some point that living your life through your work was possibly unhealthy? I dont know if it was unhealthy.

But it might raise the question of where you thought real life was happening. I dont know. Do you believe in the parallel universes? Ive just seen Tenet. [Laughs.] If there was a choice, I dont know I would be an actor. But its pull is so powerful that its not a choice. But, gosh, what is reality? The idea of not being present for my children and not being here for my loved ones is devastating. And, on my deathbed, the idea of drifting off into another realm is scary. [Laughs.]

Why are you laughing now? I see the way youre looking at me.

I promise Im not looking at you in any remotely negative way. Sometimes I look skeptical when Im not. You have to remember youre speaking almost to Masha. Im trying to be Nicole for you. But what Im exploring right now is other realities. I did it in Rabbit Hole, where its all about, Is there a parallel universe where Im happy?

When you were talking about your attitude toward your work when you were younger  The labels and exact timing, that gets too logical. Its not like, Right here is when it all changed. The essence of who you are evolves. You implied, well, life is obviously more important than the work, than artistic life, and I was like, is it? I was being provocative with you. The deepest part of being a human for me is the connections. Because thats what youre left with. I was watching Philip Seymour Hoffman the other day, and I went, Thank you for your work. I watch different actors and films, its gut-wrenchingly beautiful. Watching Pacino in The Godfather. Looking at what Kubrick left us to ponder. It makes me cry because its an offering that goes beyond a life.

Youve mentioned Kubrick a couple of times now. Its obvious that working with him on Eyes Wide Shut was important for you. But Ive been wondering about the total immersion and the personal psychological analysis that he asked of you and Tom Cruise as a couple for that film. At any point, in the middle of that, were you at all like, This is a weird thing were doing? No. This is where the fallacy is: We loved working with him. We shot that for two years. We had two kids and were living in a trailer on the lot primarily, making spaghetti because Stanley liked to eat with us sometimes. We were working with the greatest filmmaker and learning about our lives and enjoying our lives on set. We would say, When is it going to end? We went over there thinking it was going to be three months. It turned into a year, a year and a half. But you go, As long as I surrender to what this is, Im going to have an incredible time. Stanley, he wasnt torturous. He was arduous in that he would shoot a lot. But Id sit on the floor of his office and talk, and wed watch animal videos. He said animals were so much nicer than human beings. Though I do remember we were watching a wildlife thing where you saw the lion going after an antelope, and he could hardly watch it. Interesting, isnt it?

Kidman with Stanley Kubrick and Madison Eginton on the set of Eyes Wide Shut. Warner Bros./Photofest

You know how in Eyes Wide Shut you have that monologue in which your character is talking about infidelity and says to Toms character, I was ready to give up everything? That speech is all about emasculation and emotional aggression. If youre acting those scenes with the person to whom youre married, and doing it as part of this immersive process, can it open up negative feelings that later you maybe wish you hadnt opened? That fits the narrative that people came up with, but I definitely didnt see it like that. We were happily married through that. We would go go-kart racing after those scenes. Wed rent out a place and go racing at 3 in the morning. I dont know what else to say. Maybe I dont have the ability to look back and dissect it. Or Im not willing to.

What satisfaction does acting give you now? Its the strangest thing: A lot of people as they get older get more protected and terrified. My desire is to keep throwing myself into things. My parenting, my relationship, my work. Ill take the pain. Ill take the joy. Because the feeling makes me go, Im in life. Its an enormous gift, this life. My ability to love is so deep. My love for my children and for my mother, whos 80 years old, and my desire to not lose her. You know, I was at her house last weekend and she pulled out a CD of my father singing. It was like being stabbed in the gut. My mother said, I cant listen to it, and I went, I can. I have to. I get why you cant, Mama, but I want to. Most people would turn it off. I left it on.

Ive read you say before that youre looking for risk in the roles you take. What felt risky about Grace Fraser? Im not sure if Ive said risk. That might have been attributed to me and not come out of my mouth. Ive pushed myself into places that I dont find comfortable. Im interested in philosophy and the human psyche. Im interested in stoicism. Risk feels superficial. Its more about the stories and the ways in which I get to explore the psychology of who we are as people.

Are you interested in stoicism as a quality in which youre maybe lacking? Probably. Stoicism would help me survive. Particularly for me having a mother whos  Im dealing right now with a mother whos struggling. Mortality is very present  and pain. So how do you survive? How do you respond? I have the power to choose how I respond. Youve reduced me to tears!

Hopefully for the right reasons. Yeah. Yeah. I am dealing with family right now, my life, and that all comes into play.

How did you used to think about balancing trying to do roles that allowed for a range of expression  the kind of roles you do now  with taking less complex roles that, for career reasons, you probably felt compelled to take? I came from an industry thats small and was fighting to survive  the Australian film industry. My whole attitude was get out there and work. Theres no chance of being selective because youve got to make money. I didnt come from an affluent family. It was always about being a working actor. Then I got taken under the umbrella of a company called Kennedy Miller. They did a series here on the Vietnam War and the way that impacted Australia. I played a conscientious objector, and that was my beginning of getting to do the things that Im interested in: dissect a character and have a great arc and work with talented people. Then I fell in love and came to the States. Things were jagged. As Ive gotten older, I do get to make choices and have some say in my trajectory as an artist. What an extraordinary thing.

I wonder if that answer betrayed some knee-jerk Australian humility. You said you just wanted to work, but I suspect there was always more to it than that. Now I have some control. There was a period of time when it was hard to even get a role. Im talking over a decade ago when people were like, [snaps fingers] Thats the age cutoff. Thats when I produced Rabbit Hole. That was an amazing thing because Id gotten married and was about to have my baby, and was going, OK, its not that satisfying careerwise. It was like a wall had been put around me. Part of the reason so many of us want to produce is because then we can have more say in where we end up.

Kidman and Aaron Eckhart in Rabbit Hole (2010). David Giesbrecht/Lionsgate, via Everett Collection

That age cutoff presumably had something to do with other peoples perceptions about sexual desirability. What does it do to your head  as a person, let alone an actress  to have to face that? There arent many jobs where its so explicit that you can get dropped for a younger model. Youre not told it directly. You have to read between the lines. I suppose part of my naivete is that I didnt think of it like that. I thought, Oh, people are just sick of you. Thats my Australianism, like you said. But as an actor, being attached to your face and body and the form of it is not going to bode well if youre looking for a long career where you embody different people.

There was a period in your career when a big part of your work  at least for audiences  had to do with your daring. Within a relatively short span, you did Moulin Rouge! and Dogville and The Blue Room and The Hours and Birth. Do you still think about the element of surprise for yourself and the audience? I dont know. With Dogville I wanted to work with Lars von Trier. I loved the idea of something Brechtian on camera. I also loved going to Sweden and living communally almost and making a piece of cinema that way. The Blue Room was about coming out of Kubricks world and going, How do I work for another filmmaker right now? I cant. Ill go to the stage. The Hours: I didnt want to play Virginia Woolf. I begged to play the Julianne Moore role, and Stephen Daldry went, No, youre playing Virginia, and Im like, Im completely miscast as Virginia Woolf. I cant do it. He went, Yes, you can, and that was that. When I roll with things, its far better. With Big Little Lies, Liane Moriarty said, Ill let you guys have the book, but you have to play Celeste. These things just come.

Kidman with Stephen Daldry on the set of The Hours (2002). Miramax Films/Paramount Pictures/Photofest

This is another version of the audience-performer relationship question I asked at the beginning. Youve done things like that Chanel No. 5 commercial or Grace of Monaco, which play with the idea of celebrity glamour and  But its intuitive. Its not like I have to say my message. Chanel No. 5 was because I wanted to go and have Karl Lagerfeld dress me and run around. As much as I had a feminist mother, she almost dressed me up like a doll at times. We would scour the flea markets for the most beautiful dresses. I grew up with a love of that. The Chanel ad was fantasy for me.

What Im trying to do is get you  one of the very few people alive who has embodied the image of the glamorous Hollywood star  to tell me what was interesting about that experience from the inside. Bringing humanity. Trying to demystify that and make it more human. Destroyer was finding the humanity of the woman. The humanity of the character is where Im always drawn.

Youve been deflecting, which is OK. Do I deflect a lot?

Yeah, you do. Of course, though. Youve got me raw.

Im asking about the idea of Nicole Kidman, and youre not quite engaging with the question. Every movie star has a role that he or she plays in the public imagination, right? Can I stop you there? I dont see myself as a movie star. I see myself as an actor.

But you understand these perceptions exist. I can put on a dress, but thats the pomp and ceremony. The truth of it is I see myself as an actor. Baz Luhrmann would always say to me, Nicole, youre not the girl next door, and Id be like, But I want to be able to play that! No, youll never get cast as that. That I didnt understand, you know? And Stanley would say to me, Youre a thoroughbred. I dont take to that. Dont confine me. Let me grow and explore. Thats all I ask.

My question is whether  Its the thoroughbred in me going, Im bucking now.

Kidman in Destroyer (2018). Sabrina Lantos/Annapurna Pictures, via Everett Collection

Let me rephrase it: What insights do you have about what the culture thinks of female movie stars? What can you tell me about that societal role that other people cant? It interests me how the latest role youve played is usually the way in which youre going to be perceived. I can see why other people go, Im only going to play something that everybody feels sympathy for. That would be a disservice to the human condition for me because Im interested in all facets of it. I feel like when these questions come, youre putting a bridle on me, to use the horse analogy. Its saying, Were going to tame you. I dont want that. Its why Im bucking you and deflecting you. Please dont saddle me or bridle me.

Can we keep going for a little more? Yeah, youre quite fun. On Zoom its the weirdest thing, having not done an interview for six months, talking about the past and films. Just a weird thing.

Let me ask a question that ties into The Undoing. Its also about a very particular aspect of your acting, which resonated for me. Why are you rolling your eyes? Because Im Australian. We have a tough time with compliments.

I didnt say it resonated in a good way. [Laughs.] Oh, OK! There you go! But were probably of that ilk where its like, Shut up. Dont give yourself so much importance. Get on with it. Thats what were raised with.

On a whim I watched The Human Stain. Oh, why? Ugh.

Im curious about if  or what  you discussed about that part with Philip Roth. In his novel, your character is a bit of a cipher, but you wouldnt know it from your performance. We talked more about life because I was with Philip Roth. Going to dinner with Philip Roth, I was always like, God, tell me, you know? He was one of the great minds. Difficult but great. He would give me tidbits about the character. I cant remember. I have a pretty shoddy memory these days.

Kidman with Philip Roth on the set of The Human Stain (2003). Miramax, via Everett Collection

What did Philip Roth tell you about life? I remember I would just go, Why? He signed me a copy of The Human Stain with, Why not, Nicole?

Coming from him, that sounds slightly flirtatious. He hated the question Why? And he hated guilt. He said it was a completely narcissistic emotion  and selfish. Didnt believe in it. Didnt even believe it was an emotion. I think we fought about that. Im Catholic. It definitely exists, Philip. And he said, No, its selfish and narcissistic.

Was he charismatic? Deeply. Powerfully. And angry.

About what? I think everything. He had a sore back and was angry about that. Very bad back. Did you know him at all?

Only through his books. Wouldnt you say he had a lot of anger in him?

Among other things. Yes. He had a lot of things. He had a lot of pathos, a lot of anxiety, as those great minds do. The same with Stanley. The great minds, they were very challenging. As is Jane Campion, because I always want to put the women in there. You could ask me about Jane.

Why didnt you wind up doing In the Cut with her? I was developing it with Jane for a number of years with Susanna Moore. I had a bad knee injury. A lot of things I didnt do because of that injury, and I dont like to talk about films that you end up not doing. I basically was unable to stand for more than 10 seconds for about a year. I cant work injured. Jane wanted to make it, so I was so happy when Meg Ryan got that chance. I love when people get chances to do things that you dont immediately go, Thats perfect. I suppose having Meg step in and do something shed never had the chance to do was exciting for her. I love all Janes films. People like her change the world artistically. Im incredibly dedicated to them. Im about to go and do this thing with Robert Eggers in Ireland. Thats an unusual thing to be doing in a pandemic, but I dont want to let him down. I believe in his artistry. So will I put myself in a bit of danger? Yeah, I will, to support that. Its being dedicated to people who are forging art in treacherous times. Ive dedicated a life to it and I will continue to dedicate my life to it. [Laughs.] Heavy stuff.

Im sorry if I put you in a sad mood earlier. Its not a bad mood. So not a bad mood. Youve got to remember, I had a conversation late last night that affects me for today. So you get me now in that place. You get my truth. Im not deflecting you.

Opening illustration: Source photograph by Ryan Pfluger/The New York Times

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity from two conversations.

David Marchese is a staff writer for the New York Times Magazine and the columnist for Talk. Recently he interviewed Ilhan Omar about racial justice, Mark Cuban about health care and Padma Lakshmi about eating adventurously.
After spending three decades moving around the country while working in K-12 education, Jeanine Molock found herself back in her hometown, New York City, in 2015.

Dr. Molock had returned to care for her ailing mother, who was shortly thereafter diagnosed with lung cancer. She took a job as an institutional research manager at LaGuardia Community College in Queens and looked for a place to buy. But she grew frustrated at how expensive the city had become, and wasnt sure that she would be able to own a home again as a single woman.

When I returned to New York and lived in Harlem, it was not the city I left, Dr. Molock, 57, said. The areas where I grew up and frequented were no longer affordable.

In November of 2022, after a stint at the CUNY School of Professional Studies, she got a new job at Bryn Mawr College, outside of Philadelphia and turned over caregiving responsibilities to her brother. It was an ideal landing spot: One of her two sons, Kyle, and his wife had settled into a town a few miles from campus.

[Did you buy a home in the past year? We want to hear from you. Email: thehunt@nytimes.com]

Dr. Molock rented an apartment in Malvern, Pa., for a few months to get acquainted with the area, and then started her home search last summer, as her lease was about to end. For all her planning, though, she still faced the challenges of the real estate calendar. As her search extended into August, she was competing with families scrambling to buy homes in places with superior school districts, like Lower Merion Township, where she was focusing her search.

She worked with Derek Ryan, a real estate agent with Keller Williams, who had helped her son find his home. Jeanine is really savvy and really smart, Mr. Ryan said. She pays attention to details, shes diligent, and that helps with this sort of search.

With a budget of around $500,000, Dr. Molock prioritized neighborhoods that were close to work and to her son and his family, as well as resale value based on school districts. As for a wish list, hers was familiar to anyone who has longed for an escape from the city: more space, more green, more parking.

Among her options:
A 17-year-old German teen has been living life as a modern nomad, leaving his parents house to live on trains and travel all over his country.

While most 17-year-olds are only just beginning to consider the idea of leaving the nest, Lasse Stolley has already been on his own for over a year and a half. Convinced that his school studies were already behind him, he convinced his parents to allow him to leave their home in Fockbek, Schleswig-Holstein to embark on a unique train-hopping adventure. It took a lot of convincing, but they eventually agreed, and for the last year and a half, the German teen has essentially been living on trains, traveling all over his home country, working as a self-employed coder during the day, and sleeping on night trains at night.

Photo: Daniel Abadia/Unsplash

Ive been living on the train as a digital nomad for a year and a half now, Lasse told Business Insider. At night I sleep on the moving Intercity Express (ICE) train and during the day I sit in a seat, at a table and work as a programmer, surrounded by many other commuters and passengers. I travel from one end of the country to the other. Im exploring the whole of Germany.

He gave into his wanderlust in 2022, selling most of his possessions and packing what was left in a 36-liter backpack that he has been carrying with him ever since. Minimalism and resisting the urge to acquire new stuff are an essential part of his lifestyle, as he needs to take everything with him wherever he goes. Its not always easy, but he has found a way to make it work.

The challenge of not accumulating more and more things is a central component of minimalist living. Especially with a backpack, you quickly reach a space limit, Stolley said. The most important thing is my laptop and my noise-canceling headphones, which at least give me a little privacy on the train.

After deciding that he wanted to move out of his childhood home to adopt a nomad lifestyle, Lasse Stolley signed up for Germanys rail discount scheme and bought himself a Bahncard 100, which allowed him to hop on and off any Deutsche Bahn indefinitely. He estimates that this unusual living arrangement has cost him around 10,000 euros per year, which doesnt sound like much, but is also not the most convenient way to live.

The early months were tough and I had to learn a lot about how it all worked. Everything was different than how Id imagined, the teen said. Every night I have to make sure that I catch the night train and sometimes I have to reschedule very quickly because it suddenly doesnt arrive.

But living on trains also has its perks, as it allows the young nomad to visit virtually every part of Germany, from the sea in the north to the Alps for a nice hike, as well as bustling cities like Berlin and Munich. Everything is just a train ride away, and he has gotten used to traveling approximately 600 miles per day. He estimated he has traveled more than 300,000 miles on trains since leaving his parents house.

Lasse gets to hang out in first-class carriages when hes not working on his laptop and mostly eats at Deutsche Bahn lounges at train stations around the country. Personal hygiene is a bit trickier, as he has to shower in public swimming pools and leisure centers.

Living on trains is not ideal, and 17-year-old Lasse Stolley doesnt see himself doing it for the rest of his life, but it works for now, as he still has much of Germany to see. Plus, his Bahncard 100 card is still valid for six months.
23-year-old Ganesh Baraiya is living proof that nothing is impossible. Despite facing discrimination because of his short stature, he managed to become the worlds shortest doctor.

Ganesh Baraiya was born in the Talaja Thaluka area of Gujarat, India, and faced adversity from a very young age. He was born normal, but at the age of four, his parents noticed that his head was outgrowing his body, so they took him to a doctor. They learned that the boy suffered from an incurable condition and there was nothing anyone could do. Wanting to help her son, Ganeshs mother put a tub-like helmet on his head to prevent it from growing and give his body a chance to catch up. In school, he was often ridiculed because of his large head and short stature, but he also had friends who stuck by him and he was able to focus on his studies.

One day, Ganeshs father, Viththal Bhai, who worked as a farmer earning around 200 Rs a day, was offered Rs. 100,000 ($1,200) to allow Ganesh to join the circus as a clown. The man was so devastated by the offer that he started fearing for his sons safety, fearing whether he would be kidnapped. He started accompanying him to school and prevented the boy from going anywhere unattended.

Despite his physical limitations, Ganesh Baraiya was always very ambitious. He knew he wanted to be a doctor from a very young age, and put all his energy into his studies, working hard to get high grades. When the time came, he applied for a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree (MBBS), only to be denied because of his dwarfism. Despite his good test results, the Medical Council of India rejected his application because of his height (only three feet), claiming that he wouldnt be able to perform his duties in emergency cases.

Ganesh was devastated by the rejection, but he wasnt about to give up on his dream. With the help of his school principal, he approached the District Collector, then the state Education Minister, and even knocked on the doors of the Gujarat High Court. None of his efforts were successful, but he refused to give up. His case reached Indias Supreme Court, and justice was finally done.

In 2018, Indias top court of law awarded Ganesh the right to enroll in an MBBS, and he did just that the following year. The three-foot-tall man recently completed his studies and is working as an intern at Sir-T Hospital in Bhavnagar.

I was very disappointed three years ago, but I refused to accept their refusal. Now I am very happy that I got justice from the Supreme Court, Ganesh said three years ago. Now I am on the way to fulfill the dream Ive cherished since childhood. I know Im different, but I want to live a good life like other people and make my parents proud.

Dr. Ganesh Baraiya still deals with discrimination, as many of his patients are reluctant to open up to him due to his height, but once they see he knows his business, they get more comfortable. Still, its something that other doctors dont have to deal with on a daily basis.



Whenever patients see me they are a bit startled at first but then they accept me and I also accept their initial behavior. They behave with me cordially and with positivity. They become happy as well, Dr. Baraiya said.

Although he has yet to be acknowledged by the Guinness Book of Records, 3-foot-tall Ganesh Baraiya is being hailed as the shortest doctor in the world, a distinction he takes pride in, because it tells the story of the difficulties he had to overcome to obtain it.
The New York State Dept. of Health AIDS Institute is looking for a firm to run a social media campaign to educate people about the syndemics of HIV, hepatitis C and sexually transmitted infections.
A dog that was found gravely injured sheltering in Castletown GAA club in Laois on Monday morning, March 11, has been put down.

The Saluki / lurcher type female dog was discovered by the club members at about 10am.

"Dog at Castletown Gaa pitch. Injured and too scared to be caught," they said on social media.

They alerted both the Laois Dog Pound, and Cara Rescue Dogs charity.

First on the scene within 40 minutes was Laois Dog Warden Tristan Blundell.

He described what he found to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"I tried to help as quickly as I could. She was sitting up when I got there, but her whole neck was exposed.

"She had a bad laceration to the throat. Both jugulars were severed, there was a large cavity in her throat.

"I brought her to the vets, and they made the decision that the kindest thing to do was to put her to sleep, because her injuries were so horrific. There was no hope of a full recovery," Mr Blundell said.

"It was the vet's decision and his right to take it. You don't like doing it, but the injuries were so severe it wasn't fixable," he said.

"It is hard to say what caused it. She could have got it caught on a galvanised sheet. There was metal there as it is a building site," he said.

He reminds the public of his role.

"I only hold stray dogs in our kennels in hope people will adopt them. If people find a stray they are required to tell the pound so we can give it back to the owner, and record it in a register. My job is to bring them either to the vet or to the pound, and to ensure that all dogs have ID chips, collars and licences so at least they can be sent back home," the dog warden said.

Cara Rescue Dogs, a Midlands charity based in Mountmellick, say they are "hugely upset" at the death of the dog.

"This was a beautiful young dog. It makes us sick to our stomach. We'd like to know what happened. Anyone who rings us will be kept in complete confidence.

"It brings us back to Taylor, one of the early dogs we rescued. Taylor had his throat slit but survived. We helped him back to health and he is still alive now and living in Sweden, where they thave fantastic dog laws.

"We do our utmost to save every animal. You would not volunteer for this for the past 13 years and not be passionate about it," volunteer Lorraine said.
During his visit to the Republic of Finland, Georgia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilia Darchiashvili, held a meeting with Anders Adlercreutz, Finland's Minister for European Affairs.According to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, during the meeting, the ministers reviewed the main directions of cooperation between the two countries and discussed the prospects for deepening cooperation in various fields.Georgia-EU relations and progress towards EU accession were discussed, emphasizing the historical significance of Georgia being granted candidate status.Ilia Darchiashvili noted that the Georgian government continues to actively work towards advancing to the next stage of integration into the European Union. He expressed hope that Georgia's progress and ambitious reforms implemented in various areas will be properly recognized and appreciated by European partners.Georgia's Foreign Affairs Minister thanked the European Affairs Minister for backing Georgia's EU integration and reaffirmed Georgia's commitment to further progress towards EU membership.Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, Shalva Papuashvili, met with the President of the National Council of Switzerland, Eric Nussbaumer.During the meeting, close and friendly relations between Georgia and Switzerland were emphasized.Shalva Papuashvili expressed gratitude for Switzerland's strong support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for its contribution to reconciliation and restoring trust among the population divided by the occupation line.The parties discussed the close parliamentary ties between the two countries. Shalva Papuashvili expressed appreciation for the visit of the President of the National Council of Switzerland to Georgia in 2022 and highlighted that his return visit to Switzerland further strengthens Georgian-Swiss relations.The parties also reviewed successful sectoral cooperation in healthcare, professional education, agriculture, trade, and various other fields.
SUNY Niagara Community College wants to boost its use of renewable energy and cut its carbon emissions, so the New York Power Authority is seeking proposals on the school's behalf to construct a solar array on campus.

NYPA wants a developer for a ground-mounted solar project of up to 6 megawatts on the school's Sanborn campus, with an option of adding a 3-megawatt battery energy storage. The authority has conducted preliminary site assessments, and identified a vacant parcel on the west side of the campus, at 3111 Saunders Settlement Road.

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The Power Authority is proud to help SUNY Niagara take a major step toward its sustainability goals by advising the college in choosing an environmentally friendly energy solution that brings financial savings, said NYPA CEO Justin E. Driscoll. Bringing the right developer on board will activate one more opportunity for renewable growth and help New York State make the transition to clean energy.

Proposals are due by April 17. After a review, NYPA will then make a recommendation and provide support for the project. The winner will sign a power-purchase agreement with the college for up to 25 years.
Benderson Development wont be buying the McKinley Mall.

While Benderson has never commented about it, McKinley Mall owner Mike Kohan said the two were in talks for Benderson to buy the Hamburg mall.

McKinley Mall owner in talks to sell mall to Benderson Development The owner of Hamburg's McKinley Mall is in talks with Benderson Development to purchase the struggling shopping center.

Those talks are now over, according to Kohan, who owns the mall via Kohan Retail Investment Group.

Its not on the table anymore, Kohan said.

Kohan declined to answer more questions.

Kohan acquired the McKinley Parkway mall in 2021 for $8.5 million after its previous owner, Stoltz Management of Philadelphia, defaulted on a $25.8 million loan.

At the time, Benderson claimed it had tried to make a higher purchase offer, but was ignored by its real estate broker, Newmark. Benderson said that, if it had been allowed to make an offer, it would have bid $10 million  $1.5 million more than Kohan, and close to the $10.5 million assessed value.

With Bendersons support, the town sought to block the deal by contesting it in court and questioning Kohans financial wherewithal and redevelopment capabilities. But State Supreme Court Justice Emilio Colaiacovo overruled their objections, allowing the sale to proceed.

Benderson already owns the former Macys department and home stores, a 6-acre ring of property near the Dipson movie theater and the Hobby Lobby store building on one of the malls outparcels.

As a result, it has the right  through prior encumbrances and deed restrictions  to reject certain types of projects on the mall property.

Benderson previously refused to allow Kohan to lease space in the former Sears store for a self-storage facility, and it denied efforts to bring a used car dealership to another of the malls outer parcels once occupied by a Pier 1 store.

Kohan put the mall up for auction in March in an online listing with a minimum bid of $3 million. An unnamed bidder placed a high bid of $7.975 million, but that sale did not go through.

Kohan said the malls leasing agents continue to court local and national leases in a bid to get spaces filled, vacancies down and traffic up.
Spinomenal partners with Eurobet Italy, enhancing their Italian iGaming presence and offering players access to a rich selection of engaging online games.

Spinomenal, an innovative force in the iGaming industry, has taken a significant step towards expanding its influence in the Italian market through a strategic partnership with Eurobet Italy, a prominent operator and part of the esteemed Entain Group. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for Spinomenal as it aims to enrich the Italian gaming scene with its diverse and engaging game portfolio.

Enhancing Italian Gaming Choices

A Diverse Portfolio for Italian Players: Eurobet Italy's casino lobby is set to become a bustling hub of activity by introducing Spinomenal's top titles. Games such as Majestic King, Aztec Spell, and Lucky Jack - Lost Jungle are now available to Italian players, offering a blend of adventure, culture, and excitement. This move ensures that Eurobet Italy's offerings remain fresh, diverse, and appealing to a broad audience.

Seamless Integration via OpenGaming: The delivery of Spinomenal's library through Light & Wonder's OpenGaming platform exemplifies the seamless integration capabilities of modern iGaming technology. This facilitates a quick and efficient game rollout and underscores the technical synergy between content providers and gaming platforms, enhancing the player experience through reliability and diversity.

A Testament to Market Growth

Expanding Footprints in a Thriving Market: The Italian iGaming landscape has shown impressive growth, making it an attractive market for content providers like Spinomenal. Spinomenal CEO Lior Shvartz expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the opportunity to broaden its footprint in a thriving and dynamic market. This collaboration with Eurobet Italy amplifies Spinomenal's presence in Italy and signifies the company's commitment to contributing to the country's iGaming expansion.

About Spinomenal

Spinomenal is a beacon of innovation, technology, and content in the online casino industry, boasting a portfolio surpassing 300 HTML5 games. With a rapid production rate of 10-12 new monthly releases, Spinomenal has cemented its position as one of the industry's most dynamic content providers. The company's pioneering Universe concept adds depth to its games, weaving narrative and additional features into the fabric of its slots, scratch cards, and table games. Known for their engaging graphics and intriguing features, Spinomenal's creations are designed for fun, easy play, and accessibility across devices. Through its comprehensive suite of products, Spinomenal offers a holistic solution that caters to operators' diverse needs, reinforcing its status as a leader in the iGaming content domain.
Madagascar is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, to the east of the African continent. It is known for its vast biodiversity and is host to a unique array of wildlife. Approximately 80% of its species is endemic and found nowhere else in the world. This extraordinary richness has led the scientific community to refer to Madagascar as the eighth continent.

Madagascar, with a population of 25 million, has become one of the countries severely impacted by the consequences of climate change. In 2021, it faced the most severe drought ever recorded, leading to acute water scarcity and famine. These hardships predominantly afflicted the southern part of the island and severely impacted lives.

Since the 1980s, the impact of climate change has increasingly made life difficult for the people of Madagascar. The nation has faced extreme weather conditions: intense droughts in periods of dryness and overwhelming rainfall when it is wet. Over the years, multiple cyclones have hit the island nation and brought heavy rainfall and floods. The cyclone of 2022 alone impacted 92,000 individuals, destroyed over 8,000 houses, and caused numerous fatalities.

Madagascar, known for its breathtaking natural beauty, is one of the worlds prime tourist destinations. This unique feature is now under threat due to climate change. Madagascar is facing an escalating cycle of droughts, cyclones, and floods. This raises critical concerns over the sustainability of its unique ecosystems. The question is: how long can these vibrant life systems withstand such relentless environmental pressures? Madagascar exemplifies the pressing challenge of preserving a nations natural heritage in the face of global warming and climate change, serving as a poignant reminder of the urgency in addressing these global issues.

A nation of climate migrants

The Republic of Kiribati, situated in the Pacific Ocean, is becoming a nation of climate refugees due to the adverse effects of climate change. Comprising 33 islands, Kiribati spans 811 sq km and has a population of around 1,25,000. Agriculture and fishing are the main occupation of its inhabitants. In recent years, Kiribati has been bearing the brunt of global warming and climate change, significantly threatening its peoples way of life and the nations very existence.

Due to rising sea levels, two islands in Kiribati submerged under the ocean a few years ago. Studies suggest that by 2050, the remaining islands might also be engulfed by the sea as significant portions are already being claimed by the ocean. The intrusion of saltwater is exacerbating freshwater scarcity. In 2014, the Kiribati government acquired 20 square km of land in Fiji as a contingency plan. If the islands get completely submerged, relocating to Fiji is envisioned as a solution for the people of Kiribati, who would become climate refugees.

Families in Kiribati are sending their children to more developed countries for education. This is in the hope that they might secure a residency abroad. The Kiribati community, which has thrived on its unique culture for centuries, now faces the grim reality of dispersal due to climate change. This dispersal not only represents a search for better opportunities but also a forced migration, marking a poignant chapter in their struggle against the impacts of global warming.

Combo image of a boy drinking muddy water in Madagascar (Photo: X/@mulindwa_guy) and an atoll of Kiribati. Photo: X/@ajplus

Researchers have provided clear evidence that human activities are the primary drivers behind global warming and climate change. The term global warming was first used by scientist Wallace Smith Broecker, who vividly described the situation by saying that humanity is poking the climate beast with sticks. Broeckers insights, supported by evidence, highlighted the role humans play in this phenomenon, making it evident that anthropogenic global warming could lead to catastrophic consequences for the planet.

Global warming is the increase in Earths surface and atmospheric temperatures due to the excessive release of greenhouse gases. This warming leads to climate change, disrupting the planet's ecological balance and potentially causing irreparable harm to its habitats. The primary greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and ozone (O3). These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, preventing it from escaping into space, thereby warming the planet and altering its climate systems. The continued increase in these gases can accelerate climate change, posing significant risks to all forms of life on Earth.

Sunlight that reaches the Earth is partly reflected back into space by clouds and other reflective surfaces. The remaining sunlight is absorbed by the Earth's surface, its inhabitants, and oceans, which then emit this energy as infrared radiation. This process helps to maintain the Earths energy balance. However, greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as water vapour, carbon dioxide, and methane, trap some of this infrared radiation, preventing it from escaping back into space.

This trapping of heat leads to an increase in Earths surface temperature, a phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect. As a result, the majority of the heat stays close to the Earths surface, intensifying global warming and impacting the planets climate systems. This mechanism illustrates how human-induced increases in greenhouse gases amplify the natural greenhouse effect, causing the Earths temperature to rise more than it would in natural course.

This natural phenomenon has allowed life and various ecosystems to flourish on Earth. However, the current accelerated pace of global warming is not due to these natural processes alone. It is primarily driven by human activities that exceed the natural rate of resource consumption and waste generation, particularly the massive emission of greenhouse gases. This excessive man-induced contribution disrupts the natural balance, leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect. This, in turn, escalates global warming and triggers climate change. Thus, while the Earths climate has experienced natural fluctuations over millennia, the current rapid changes are largely attributed to human influences, posing a threat to the sustainability of Earths ecosystems.

Before the Industrial Revolution, spanning roughly from 1750 to 1850, the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide was about 280 parts per million (ppm). However, post-Industrial Revolution, due to human activities and industrial processes, gas emissions began to exceed natures capacity to absorb excess carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

This human-induced escalation shifted the balance, leading to a continuous rise in global temperatures  a stark contrast from the natural, slower-paced changes. For instance, by the 1950s, the atmospheric CO2 concentration rose to 315 ppm, signalling an unnatural acceleration in greenhouse gas accumulation. This increase became more pronounced over the decades; by the 1990s, it reached 360 ppm and 379 ppm in in 2000. By 2016, this concentration had climbed to 403 ppm and by 2022, it further escalated to 417.1 ppm.

During the Industrial Revolution, the significant rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide contributed approximately 50% to the increase in Earths temperature. [This does not mean that the Earths temperature increased by 50%]. When one ton of carbon is burned, it produces about 3.3 tons of carbon dioxide. Nitrous oxide (N2O), another potent greenhouse gas, has 200 times the warming potential of CO2 and accounts for about 6% of the warming impact [in the context of global warming]. Forests and grasslands are major natural sources of nitrous oxide, but its levels are significantly increased by human activities, notably from motor vehicle emissions and the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers.

Pre-industrial levels of nitrous oxide were around 280 parts per billion (ppb). By 2022, this concentration had risen to 335.7 ppb.

The concentration of methane in the atmosphere is also increasing, contributing to the intensification of global warming. The widespread use of nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture, emissions from gas production facilities, oil refineries, and coal mines significantly increase the atmospheric concentration of methane, thereby exacerbating global warming.

In 2022, the concentration of methane in the atmosphere reached 1911.9 parts per billion (ppb). Methane is about 20 times more effective than carbon dioxide in trapping heat in the atmosphere. Another contributor to global warming is the depletion of the ozone layer. An ozone molecule consists of three oxygen atoms and is located approximately 20 to 50 km above the Earth. It acts as a shield that prevents most of the Suns harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching the surface. Approximately 93-99% of the Suns ultraviolet rays are absorbed by the ozone layer, playing a crucial role in protecting life on Earth.

Nitrous oxide and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are the primary causes of ozone depletion. CFCs, when released into the atmosphere, reach the ozone layer and interact with solar radiation, breaking down to release chlorine atoms. These chlorine atoms then catalyse the breakdown of ozone molecules, leading to ozone layer depletion. The recognition of significant ozone depletion above Antarctica highlighted the global impact of this issue.

Subsequent to this, restrictions were imposed on human-made chlorofluorocarbons. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) began to be used for industrial needs. However, some scientists argue that HFCs also contribute to global warming. Several countries got together in Montreal, Canada, on September 16, 1987 to sign an agreement to regulate the production of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). The agreement is known as the Montreal Protocol.

Following the Montreal accord, the United Nations has been observing September 16 as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer every year since 1994. In 2016, another significant conference was held in Kigali, Rwanda, where over 150 countries, including the United States, India, and China, took part. The meeting discussed the widespread concern over the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

An island in Kiribati. Photo: X/@dolcedior__

To mitigate the severity of global warming and climate change, member countries of the United Nations convened in Kyoto, Japan, on December 11, 1997, and signed an agreement known as the Kyoto Protocol. This protocol was ratified by 192 countries with the objective of reducing the emission of human-made greenhouse gases. Some developed countries like the United States and Canada showed resistance to the agreement. In 2011, Canada officially withdrew from it. The first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol lasted until 2012. Many consider the agreement a failure in effectively addressing global climate change challenges.

The United Nations organised a climate change conference in Paris on December 12, 2015. The treaty signed came to be known as the Paris Agreement and it officially came into effect on November 4, 2016. Some 193 countries were signatories to this. Since 1995, the UN has been organising climate change conferences and the COP 28 conference was held from November 30 to December 13, 2023 in Dubai. It saw participation from 198 countries wherein it was resolved to completely cease carbon emissions by 2050.

The criticism that conferences and agreements are merely ceremonial and lack substantial impact surfaces occasionally. The extent to which countries adhere to the agreements they sign remains a contentious issue. Often, major powers like the United States demonstrate reluctance to assume financial obligations related to climate change mitigation, undermining the effectiveness of these agreements. Despite clear recognition that global warming and climate change are not mere fables but stark realities unfolding before us, there seems to be a tendency to slumber through high-profile meetings. Without decisive and energetic actions, the future could indeed become a graveyard for the diverse life forms on Earth, including humanity.
Endeavor Western New York has reached a key milestone in its four-year history of supporting late-stage, high-growth startups across Buffalo, Rochester and the broader upstate region.

Squire co-founder and CEO Songe LaRon has become the first Endeavor WNY entrepreneur to be named to the nonprofit organizations board of directors.

With his co-founder Dave Salvant, LaRon has scaled Squire to become a leading software provider to the mens barbershop and salons. LaRon has also taken advantage of opportunities to mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs.

A core element of Endeavors business model is investing time and resources into entrepreneurs and then seeing them pay it forward to the next generation of startup founders scaling their companies.

Weve seen in Endeavor offices much older and more mature than the one in Western New York that, as those entrepreneurs succeed in one of myriad of ways, they express the value that Endeavor has provided them by joining their local board and starting to contribute both dollars and valuable time in big material ways, said Alan Rosenhoch, managing director of Endeavor WNY.

To have our first Endeavor entrepreneur make the commitment and statement that weve had a major impact on him, his company and his team is such a validation of what weve been doing and what well continue to do with Songe and many others, he added.

Each local office of Endeavor Global operates as a stand-alone, selecting and supporting the highest potential entrepreneurs in its geographic scope, while depending on the support of its board of directors and corporate and philanthropic sponsors, as well as the late-stage entrepreneurs who receive Endeavors direct support.

When I began the Endeavor selection process back in early 2020, I could not have imagined how meaningful this organization would be to Squire and to me as a founder, LaRon said. Endeavors network is unparalleled and aligns directly with my values of paying-it-forward to the next generation of entrepreneurs, especially those who come from underrepresented geographies and backgrounds.

Rosenhach said when he approached LaRon last year about joining the board, LaRon was excited about the opportunities it would create for other startup founders like himself. LaRon is still actively leading Squire, so his time is somewhat limited.

He hopes LaRon will lay the groundwork for other entrepreneurs aided by Endeavor WNYs support services, global network and peer-to-peer relationships to pay it forward.

As we mature as an office and as we work closely with these companies and they succeed and grow, we hope more of our entrepreneurs will make that transition and become board members and our most sought-after mentors  those people who have really been there and done that, said Rosenhach, who was hired in 2020 and began leading the office two years later when John Gavigan left as managing director.

Endeavor works in markets with developing economies and a critical mass of entrepreneurs building fast-growing companies that are past the startup phase and becoming scaleups.

The Western New York office is now advancing from its infancy, with nine board members. There are other Endeavor offices in the U.S. and internationally that have been at it for more than two decades.

Later this year, Endeavor WNY will be releasing its first four-year impact report. Since 2020, Endeavor WNYs portfolio companies have created more than 650 jobs, raised $425 million in investment and produced over $548 million in revenue.

Youll see some really significant quantitative figures around revenue growth, job growth, private capital thats been raised and valuations that have increased, Rosenhach said.

The local startup ecosystem has created success stories, most notably the 2021 IPO by ACV Auctions, but there arent as many companies that have gone that big from the region. Rosenhach said a startup ecosystem is not easy to develop and it takes time and collaboration to see material successes.

Thats one thing our ecosystem does really well, he said. We have a number of organizations that serve high-growth entrepreneurs but they each do so in specialized ways  taking promising companies and inspiring them to go big.

State tech industry comes up short

Despite efforts in recent years to spark the tech industry in New York  especially upstate  research from data engineering company DevRev found that it is still one of the states with the lowest demand for tech workers.

New York has the third lowest demand of U.S. states for tech workers with 289 industry jobs per 100,000 people living in the state. That despite having one of the highest numbers of tech job advertisements of any state at over 55,000 and New York City alone creating a reported $124.7 billion in economic output from the tech industry.

DevRev obtained data from Indeed to discover the number of vacancies in the tech industry in each state and these figures were weighed against the population to determine the final ranking.

Read more at BuffaloNext.com.

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More than 2,000 staffing complaints have been filed by a union against Catholic Health.

ICYMI

Five reads from Buffalo Next:

1.The office market still is changing, four years after Covid-19.

2. What could the future hold for the site of Erie Community College's South Campus?

3. Western, upstate NY tech hub bid aims for $54 million in federal funds. The joint bid expects to find out this summer if it wins funding in the Commerce Department competition.

4. This UB program aims to help women and minorities build their startups.

5. FanDuel's CEO hasn't forgotten about her roots in the Buffalo Niagara region.

The Buffalo Next team gives you the big picture on the regions economic revitalization. Email tips to buffalonext@buffnews.com or reach Buffalo Next Editor David Robinson at 716-849-4435.
(Please note: this is meant to be a diary but the diary button isn't working right now, so it's become an op-ed.)

I guess I have a woke look about me, I guess especially when I wear a bright blue shirt. Yesterday I attended a light lunch featuring the mayor of Pindrop, PA, a nondescript but sprawling suburb of Philadelphia. He was there to speak about the future of Pindrop, which intrigued me.

We don't have a quaint, evocative town centre like many boroughs in this scenic county. I knew better than to complain about the municipal buildings, all contemporary brick rectangles spread on a road in the midst of residential subdivisions. At least they're close together, though you can't see the post office from the road until you've passed by. I always end up pulling into the wrong place and then sighting it from a distance.

A first-world issue when most of the rest of the world is in harm's way for one reason or another.

Anyway, the mean age of the mean audience at the light lunch was about 80, so I felt young-- the only people younger was one man at my table, someone's son brought along for the light lunch and to spend time with his parents, I guess. Also, the mayor's assistant and the mayor himself, bordering on old age but certainly not the spry 87 he claimed to be.

I say "mean audience" because the minute I sat down with my light lunch (sandwich, Doritos, and a bottle of water), a woman at the other end of the table introduced herself without a smile and promptly complained under her breath about a commercial by Biden claiming that he was handsome-- afterwards once he'd listed his accomplishments of course (my note-- I saw the commercial last night). Then, to no one in particular she stated flatly that she was for Trump. I sat there benignly. I didn't have to add that I was woke and had different inclinations.

The others, men, introduced themselves in a more friendly fashion. We ate and then the mayor was introduced by someone standing on the wrong side of the room, scarcely audible.

Then the polished pol said some appeasing words or other, about how long he'd been in office, nearly 30 years, and his lively assistant added that she'd been working for him nearly that long. Stability. He made some general remarks about how safe we were and what a diverse community Pindrop is-- Muslims, mosques, temples, churches--he specified several denominations and rolled his eyes around and his assistant clarified synagogues loudly. Then followed words about how few immigrants there were, even in the City (that's Philadelphia), a good thing. I looked around the room for people of color and there were none, though we have a few in my apartment community, including a defiant black woman next door to me who will say nothing beyond "hi" to any of us, overly cheery. For a time she had a "Black Lives Matter" banner on her balcony and after Christmas for some reason hung a wreath on her front door--every day is Christmas?

A Q&A followed: too many potholes in the road, the nearby moribund and depressing mall where a gym and a church will relocate now that it's in new hands. The gas station that's been closed since I moved here in 2020 just ahead of Covid-- a depressing sight that puts off people coming to visit, in search of more scenic views on this most scenic road in Pindrop. There's an ice vendor next to it that's open 24/7.

More conversation including much despite the mayor's presence among the tables. The audience was stimulated. I had to sit with my back to my table to see the mayor and apologized to the man sitting next to me who said something like "Honey, it's fine--you'll face me when I become mayor!"

I left immediately after amid a roomful of animated people chatting away even though the mayor tried to block my path, having mumbled about liking people even if they're politically opposed. Mumbled in passing.

So why was I in such a good mood? I went home and emailed a neighbor who is one of few here who agrees with my politics. She promptly called me to thank me for the laughs and told me she never attends "these things."

So why was I in such a good mood? I needed to get out, sunk past my knees in an impossible freelancing project. But more than that, as Simon and Garfunkel sang so many years, I realized that I'd gone to look for America and found it, happy in the small-townish folksiness, used to sticking out like a sore thumb among groups. Despite the politics and being a Martian yesterday, I'd found what I'd gone to find, a folksy down-home pol and likemindedness and community.

Need I add that in 2020, the minute that Trump lost, defeated by absentee votes from our City, you could hear a pin drop in this community?Then a lone young man had the nerve to stand in my courtyard and cheer. I had turned on Schubert's Ave Maria and listened to it in a daze for an hour, well aware of the conflagration that would follow but stealing an hour to breathe free, the daughter of immigrants on all four sides, stealing an oasis from these hard times, harder and harder by the hour, the Doomsday Clock ticking closer and closer to 12.

Nothing like escaping for an hour, every once in a while.

Escaping for an hour.
Look again at that date. I'm currently working on a project to preserve the legacy of my parents, Dr W.E. Lockhart Jr, MD and Lora Bell Kunze Lockhart, who provided health care and civic improvements in the Big Bend area of Texas for over 50 years from 1936 to 1998. I'm currently reading and transcribing letters sent to and fro when he served in the 30th Evacuation Hospital in New Guinea and the Philippines in World War II. In the midst of reading, I suddenly realized their concerns were exactly as ours are 80 YEARS later -- almost to the day! And the situation they faced then was EXACTLY as we are facing today.

In their day, the authoritarian and fascist dictators had invaded European democracies and sovereign nations in the Pacific, murdered civilians and enacted despotic repression. There were authoritarian movements afoot within the United States as well. However, our nation took on those despots in World War II and won! In our day, authoritarian regimes have invaded and repressed the European democracy of Ukraine, threaten sovereign nations in the Pacific and have assumed power in weakened nations in Africa and South America. And within the United States, authoritarian "regimes" have taken power in at least two states, Florida and Texas. There is an authoritarian faction at work in one of our major political parties, but so far the nation as a whole is committed to stopping today's "barbarians at the gate". So far!

What these authoritarian regimes had then and have now in common is a refusal to accept the natural EQUALITY of all human beings. Lacking acceptance of equality, they have no EMPATHY for others and enact cruel and repressive laws against the wishes of their own people. Because they don't see others as their equal, they deny a RIGHT to PRIVACY in human behavior. They exhibit HATRED toward immigrants and other less-powerful people. They repudiate the EQUAL PROTECTION in the RULE OF LAW and they deny or suppress DEMOCRACY, especially the RIGHT TO VOTE whereby the people can guide their government to meet their needs.

In a "V-mail" (the wartime format for letters) dated October 16, 1943, Lora Bell Lockhart wrote to her husband: "I am reading a book... 'Prelude to Victory' by a reporter named James B. Reston. I like lots he says and so far the main thesis seems to be that we have underestimated the price of freedom, and this quotation of Goethe in the front is apt I think. 'That which thy fathers have bequeathed to thee, earn it anew if thou wouldst possess it.' This habit of taking the easiest way out of everything surely left our country in an embarrassing position these last few years. The thing starts right at home though when we find out that only 13 people [in Alpine, Texas] voted in the last election for school board members. And what could be more important here to us? I believe the position of education in this country is one most pitiful and one of the most important for people like you and me to do something about. So far I think it has been only the teachers who have been concerned over education bills which come before legislatures."

The Evacuation Hospital Dr Lockhart served with moved from site to site in New Guinea and the Philippines behind the battle lines. Their patients included wounded American and allied soldiers and Japanese prisoners of war. Beyond healing war wounds, they provided care for minor things like foot infections, for tropical diseases and emergency appendectomies. Throughout his experience he wrote home reflecting on his thoughts about human existence, what he was experiencing in war and his duty to care for all his patients.

In a V-mail on January 20, 1944, he took on those in Christianity who focus on minor things like whether Mary was a virgin or not and "miracles" of Christ, while missing the essential premise of the religion. He said, "The real central principle in Christianity lies in the biological fact that members of a species are naturally the greatest enemy of the individuals within that species, because of identical desires and needs. If by sympathy and understanding this conflict could be neutralized in man, almost unlimited progress would follow. Just as one time Nature designed a cerebral cortex for man: so now is emerging a new plan."

On February 13, 1944, Dr Lockhart wrote, "I saw a POW while ago. Poor fellow, nearly starved. He is lucky. He will be well cared for and restored to health. I can't help feeling sorry for many of these... individuals - more or less peons, forced into the war by propaganda, pride, religion - and force." Until he returned from World War II in January of 1946, he gave equal consideration and care to those he saw as "the least among us", and after arriving home the Lockharts dedicated their lives to equal health care for all and civic improvements such as hospitals, safe water supplies and infrastructure in the Big Bend region.

For both Dr and Mrs. Lockhart the essence of Christianity was expressed in Matthew 25:40, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." This is a fundamental acceptance of the EQUALITY, the equal worth, of all individual humans. We often hear, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" or "Love thy neighbor as thyself." This principle is not just found in Christianity, it is a common theme in other religious faiths and is central to the ethics of those who hold no specific religious faith.

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Let me start with my own news. At almost 80, I've decided not to run for president. I know it's a shock and, if the presidency were largely a morning or even an afternoon job, I might actually consider it. But 24 hours a day, with crises endlessly multiplying in a world truly on edge (and seemingly at the edge as well)? No, I don't think so. At this age, I find that I already tire out more quickly than I once did. And assuming I won (which I suspect I might), I would be 84 in my final year in office, which I find worrisome. Yes, an 84-year-old or even an 86-year-old could prove to be a perfectly competent, even exceptional president, but is it really something you want to bet your bottom dollar on?

I have a strange feeling that this country deserves someone younger in the White House than Joe Biden, Donald Trump, or me. I mean, comedian Bill Maher even suggested that Joe Biden could prove to be the "Ruth Bader Ginsberg of the presidency." How true! After all, when Dwight D. Eisenhower left the White House in 1961 at age 70, having had a stroke in office that affected his speech, he was the oldest president in our history. When Ronald Reagan left at 77 in 1989, setting a new age record, he might even have had dementia.

Now, we face two men, both of whom would set remarkable age records for that office and both of whom are already often fumbling with words when they speak extemporaneously (though admittedly each always did some of that, even in his better years). Still, only one of them represents a danger beyond compare should he enter the White House a second time and that, of course, is The Donald. In that context, let TomDispatch regular Rebecca Gordon explore the strange and potentially all too ominous presidential race of 2024. Tom

Trump Showed Us Who He Is the First Time Around

Trump 2.0 Would Be Even Worse

By Rebecca Gordon

Recently my partner and I had brunch with some old comrades, folks I first met in the 1996 fight to stop the state of California from outlawing affirmative action. Sadly, we lost that one and, almost three decades later, we continue to lose affirmative action programs thanks to a Supreme Court rearranged or, more accurately, deranged by one Donald J. Trump.

It was pure joy to hang out with them and remember that political struggle during which, as my partner and I like to say, we taught a generation of young people to ask, "Can you kick in a dollar to help with the campaign?" For a couple of old white lesbians who, in the words of a beloved Catherine Koetter poster, "forgot to have children," those still-committed organizers and activists are the closest thing to offspring we've got. And their kids, including one now in college, who were willing to hang out with their parents' old buddies, are the closest we'll ever have to grandchildren.

As people whose lives have long been tangled up in politics will do, we soon started talking about the state of the world: the wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan, the pain on this country's border with Mexico, and of course the looming 2024 election campaign. It was then that the college student told us he wouldn't be voting for Joe Biden -- and that none of his friends would either. The president's initial support of, and later far too-tepid objections to, the genocidal horror transpiring in Gaza were simply too much for him. That Biden has managed to use his executive powers to cancel $138 billion in student debt didn't outweigh the repugnance he and his friends feel for the president's largely unquestioning support of Israel's destruction of that 25-mile strip of land on the Mediterranean Sea. To vote for Biden would be like taking a knife to his conscience. And I do understand.

Vote Your Conscience?

This year, I wonder whether only people who live in California and other dependably "blue" states can afford that kind of conscience. I'm not objecting to voting "uncommitted" in a Democratic Party primary as so many citizens of Michigan and Minnesota have done. If I lived in one of those states, I'd have done the same. In fact, I didn't vote for Biden in Super Tuesday's California primary either and, in truth, I wouldn't even have to vote for him in November, because in this state my vote isn't needed to ensure his victory, which is essentially guaranteed. But God save the world if voters in Arizona, Nevada, Pennsylvania, or other swing states follow that example.

I'm less sure, however, what I'd do if, like thousands of Arab-American voters in Michigan, I had friends and family in Gaza, the West Bank, or indeed among the millions of Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon or Jordan. Would I be able to mark my ballot for Joe? And if I wouldn't, then how could I ask anyone else to do so?

In the end I would have to vote for him because, however terrible for that part of the world another four years of the Biden administration might be, a second Trump presidency would be even worse. (Trump's recent comment about Gaza aimed at Israeli forces couldn't have been blunter: "You've got to finish the problem.") At least, unlike Trump, Biden isn't beholden to the Christian Zionists of the evangelical right, who long to gather all the world's Jews into the state of Israel, as a precondition for the return to Earth of Jesus Christ. (The fate of those Jews afterward is, of course, of little concern to those "Christians.")

What We've Seen Already

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Gurgaon, India, March 14, 2024 - DigitEducator, the leading name in digital marketing education, is proud to announce its latest offering: the Data-Driven Digital Marketing Certification. This innovative program, designed by Chief Educator and Founder Akshay Ravesh, aims to equip aspiring marketers with the real-world skills and expertise demanded by today's industry. "From Sandbox to Success - Data-Driven Strategies for the Real World, Expert Training, Real-World Projects" encapsulates the core philosophy 
90% of employees who are neurodivergent will never disclose the fact that they are neurodivergent for fear of stigma, abusive bullying, past experiences or threats of career damage. In Malta, lack of support towards neurodivergent employees has led to an annual absenteeism cost to Maltese businesses of between 19 to 24 million. misco is launching a collaboration with several mental health NGOs, to curate a series of events for Neurodiversity Week 
When Kim Foster heard Oregon was replacing the computers that process its unemployment benefits, she promptly signed up for the new system to ensure she wouldnt miss out on the aid that has helped keep her afloat since her layoff last month.

After the new system kicked in last week, though, it rejected her new account and cut off her benefits. She spent hours on hold trying to submit her claim by phone, ultimately learning she needed a letter from the Oregon Employment Department to reset her account.

So once she got that letter, Foster used the newly created account to submit her claim this week and ran into another problem.

Instead of sending her weekly check, the employment departments new computers notified Foster that she may have been overpaid the prior week and might have to return the money. It designated her weekly benefits claim for adjudication  a process that can take several weeks to resolve before she gets paid.

Like many Oregonians who were recently laid off, I need to pay my mortgage and bills on time, and instead theyre claiming I was overpaid and no longer qualify for benefits, and no one can tell me why, Foster said in an email. No one can tell me when or if it will be resolved.

Unemployed Oregonians are lighting up online message boards and the employment departments phone lines with similar complaints about the new technology.

The agency acknowledges frustrations with new computer system, called Frances Online. But it insists that it is continuing to pay most claims promptly and that its computers are generally operating as expected.

The system is working for most people and we are doing our best to make it work for more, said Lindsi Leahy, director of the departments unemployment insurance division.

The employment departments new, $106 million computer system went live March 4, replacing obsolete technology that dated to the 1990s. The new computers are designed to be more adaptable and customer friendly, but it doesnt feel that way for everyone  not yet, anyway.

Confusing letters. Jammed phone lines. Suspended benefits.

Its all painfully reminiscent of 2020, when the employment departments prior computer system brought the agency to the brink of collapse in the early days of the pandemic, leaving tens of thousands of Oregonians without help during the deepest economic plunge the state had ever experienced.

The employment department insists things are different this time, and that problems like Fosters are part of a learning curve associated with the computer upgrade.

Agency leaders say claimants inadvertent missteps when they sign up for Frances Online or file their weekly claims are causing problems  but that those issues affect a minority of claimants and will soon be resolved.

We understand the frustration this is causing, Leahy told reporters Wednesday. I am confident we are headed in the right direction.

Problems with the new technology seem to be clustered around a few common issues, based on complaints posted to online message boards and in claimants emails and phone calls to The Oregonian/OregonLive:

 Unrecognized accounts: Frances Online isnt accepting claimants new accounts, and people say theyre unable to reach anyone to reset their account or open a new one.

 Suspended claims: People filing claims receive questionnaires seeking more detail about their accounts, and then have their claims suspended or put into adjudication to determine their eligibility. This happens to people whose claims had previously been paid by Oregons old system without issue.

 No help: People calling the employment department for help say they often get a busy signal. Those who get through say they often spend hours on hold.

The employment department says it believes few of these problems are related to the underlying technology. Rather, it says there are issues with how people are interacting with the new computers.

A simple oversight when filling out a weekly claim can make it appear people arent eligible for benefits in a given week.

For example, the department says some people are inadvertently checking boxes that indicate they hadnt been seeking work the prior week, when they intended to say they had been seeking work.

Since seeking work is generally a requirement for jobless benefits, that mix-up can cause the department to suspend a claim until staff have time to review the issue.

Some people are inadvertently telling us there is an eligibility issue when there really isnt one, Leahy said. Its a new system and the questions do look a little different.

The new computers are also giving people more information about their own accounts than the old system offered. So claimants may have had claims suspended previously but didnt realize it until the new system came online.

People should carefully review their weekly claims before submitting them, Leahy said. And if something goes haywire one week, she said people should file the next weeks claim even though the prior weeks claim has been suspended. If there arent issues with that next claim, the department will pay it even while it works to sort out what went wrong the prior week.

If Frances Online is rejecting a new account, Leahy said people should start over with the registration process. Most of the time, she said, restarting the process will fix that registration issue.

We are moving in the right direction, she said. We are addressing those bumps in the road quickly.

There does appear to be at least one issue related to the new technology itself. The employment department said Wednesday that the system incorrectly indicated that some people had been overpaid. The agency said it has corrected 700 such cases and is in the process of resolving others.

Its all adding up to a deluge of phone calls and online messages from claimants seeking help.

While the department added about 40 temporary employees to help with customer service during the computer upgrade, staffing is down by about 65% from 2021. The agency says thats because temporary federal funding ran out after the pandemic.

The Legislature just approved $45 million in funding to boost staffing in the unemployment insurance program but agency leaders said Wednesday that the impacts of that money wont be felt until late in the year.

Even the employment department doesnt know for sure how many people are having issues transitioning to the new systems.

The agency fielded more than 30,000 benefits claims last week and paid $11 million in jobless benefits. Thats about 4,000 fewer claimants than in the same period last year  a decrease that could indicate thousands are getting hung up in the technology transition, or could suggest a decline in the number of people seeking assistance.

We still need time to understand the big picture, Leahy said.

In the long run, agency leaders continue to insist the new computers will provide a more responsive, customer-friendly experience. And they say its already paying dividends because the department can now track what went wrong when peoples claims are flagged for problems agents can see exactly what people saw when they filed out their claims, and which boxes they checked.

In the meantime, people who arent getting their benefits are increasingly exasperated. They insist theyve filled out their claims accurately and that nothing has changed except for the employment departments computer systems.

This is not a $100 million improvement. Its just not, said Diana Barnes-Brown, a Portland technical writer who was laid off in October and had been receiving weekly assistance until the new computers came online.

The employment department should have been better prepared to answer peoples questions, Barnes-Brown said, and to resolve the issues that inevitably arise with new technology.

Instead, she said unemployed Oregonians are left navigating the new computers by themselves while trying to make ends meet.

I do, absolutely, need those unemployment payments to continue to pay for my life and my health care, she said.

-- Mike Rogoway covers Oregon technology and the state economy. Reach him at mrogoway@oregonian.com or 503-294-7699

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Oscar Ortiz, 44, said hes profoundly shaken after a fellow TriMet passenger punched him in the eyes, spat on his face and called him a homophobic slur on a bus in Portland last month.

But Ortiz, who is gay, also feels troubled by the official response.

In the moments during and after the attack, the TriMet driver and dispatcher didnt call 911. When Ortiz gathered himself together moments later and dialed 911 himself, a dispatcher told him he needed to speak to someone at the non-emergency line because there was no longer a crime in progress. And so Ortiz said he was left by the side of the road alone while on hold, as he tried to keep tabs on his attacker, who he said lingered at a nearby gas station before leaving the area.

With the dispatch center coding the attack as a low priority, police didnt show up for more than an hour and a half. Ortiz appears to have missed them by minutes  finally opting to take a bus to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center when he realized the extent of his injuries, which included barely being able to see out of one of his eyes.

TriMet says it followed all procedures and didnt do anything wrong. Ortiz feels the opposite  utterly unsupported in his moment of need.

Im upset, Ortiz said. It just feels like a bunch of bull crap that TriMet is trying to dismiss this.

A TriMet spokesperson, however, said the agency doesnt automatically call 911 unless passengers have serious, visible injuries. And that the agency was acting based on the information that Ortiz gave  that he was fine, that he didnt ask the driver to call police and, after the attack, he said that hed call police. Ortiz disputes TriMets portrayal of what he said.

Im sorry that he feels that way but the operator, the dispatcher involved, went off the information that he provided them, said TriMet spokesperson Roberta Altstadt.

The case once again casts light on safety on TriMet, at a time when a spate of attacks both big and small over the past few years have left some members of the riding public concerned about their safety and helped hinder TriMet from recovering ridership after the pandemic struck.

Those attacks include two teens stabbed on a MAX train, a bus driver knifed repeatedly by a passenger who had been awoken after the bus driver told all passengers it was time to get off, a 3-year-old who was pushed onto the MAX tracks by a woman struggling with mental illness and a man whose ear was reportedly bitten off and his face chewed on by a stranger on a MAX platform, all in late 2022 or 2023.

In a 2018 survey, 65% to 68% of respondents said they felt very or moderately safe on MAX trains or buses. By 2023, those numbers had noticeably fallen, to 44% on MAX trains and 53% on buses. The vast majority of riders  80%  said other passengers were what made them feel unsafe.

Thats even though calls reporting assaults on TriMets buses, trains and platforms have been in sharp decline  from about 250 in 2021 to about 100 in 2023 in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties. Its unclear, however, if the reduction is at least partially due to people being less likely to report the assaults that are occurring or if assaults actually have dropped precipitously because of increased safety measures in place, said Chris Liedle, a spokesperson for the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office, which oversees transit police.

Its also unclear if transit police would have gotten involved if Ortiz hadnt summoned law enforcement. His story raises deeper questions about when TriMet  which provides more than 1 million rides to the public each week  is obligated to take action by calling 911.

Ortiz said he was in shock because hed just been punched twice in the head. He didnt demand an ambulance and instead told the bus driver he could leave him alongside Northeast 102nd Avenue and Halsey Street because Ortiz didnt want other passengers to be late to their destinations. He said he even apologized to them for holding them up.

At that point, I was a complete mess, Ortiz said. I was so freakin overwhelmed by what had just happened. I wasnt thinking straight about the whole situation.

DONT TOUCH ME

Theres no dispute that Ortiz was a victim of the attack and that his attacker uttered the homophobic slur, sometime after 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17. Ortiz said he rides TriMet almost daily as his primary means of transportation, including to get to the homes he cleans for a living in Portland, Vancouver, Tigard and Beaverton.

On the day of the attack, he said he was sitting in the front seat closest to the driver on the No. 77 through Northeast Portland. At some point, Ortiz told the driver the man was sitting in the back of the bus smoking. At the moment he was assaulted, he said he was looking down at his phone texting his client that he was going to be a little late.

Ortiz said he suddenly saw the man standing in front of him. The man called him the homophobic slur a few times, punched him in each of his eyes and twice spat in his face. Ortiz said hes unsure how the man might have known he is gay.

Ortiz wonders if the man had assumed that from Ortizs clothing. Maybe the man targeted him solely because hes gay, or because the man somehow knew hed notified the driver about the man smoking, or both.

I shouted at him really really loud Dont touch me. Get the hell away from me! Ortiz said. He remembers pushing away or tussling with the man  he cant remember the exact details  and ripping the mans shirt in the process.

He said he asked the driver to call police because he was in the midst of dealing with the attack and he was trying  unsuccessfully  to record it on his own phone.

Ortiz said he didnt realize how badly hed been hurt until well over an hour had passed and he took a look at his face. He said he had to miss a few days of work because he could barely see from one eye. He eventually developed two black eyes and wore sunglasses to cover them.

Ortiz said he got off the bus after his attacker did because he wanted to keep tabs on him and wait for police. He said the man stuck around at a gas station just north of him for a while  hes not sure how long. But Ortiz said if police had responded immediately, they may have arrived in time to nab him.

Ortiz also wonders if police might have been able to talk to other passengers on the bus, who could have served as witnesses in a possible criminal case.

Transit police have started investigating the case as a potential hate crime. Last week, they circulated a flier with the alleged assailants photo among law enforcement. In response to an Oregonian/OregonLive request, they also shared the flier with the news organization.

Ortiz said when it comes to TriMet, he feels unable to move on from what he believes was an inadequate response to an attack on the bus. Regardless of whether he wanted TriMet to call 911, he said TriMet should have called immediately to try to catch a violent person who he believes is a danger to the community at large.

Transit police circulated this flier among law enforcement. It shows a TriMet passenger whom police believe assaulted Oscar Ortiz on Feb. 17 on TriMet bus No. 77.Transit police / TriMet surveillance video

VIDEO ACCOUNT

In response to The Oregonian/OregonLives queries, TriMet reviewed its onboard surveillance video of the attack and the Bureau of Emergency Communications, which operates the 911 system, listened to recordings of the phone calls Ortiz made. The agencies, however, wouldnt release the recordings to The Oregonian/OregonLive because police are investigating and still hoping to find Ortizs attacker so possible criminal charges can be filed.

The TriMet spokesperson, Altstadt, said she is taking the agencys account of what Ortiz said from the video, although she said she couldnt hear everything that was said between Oritz and his attacker.

Altstadt said TriMet didnt call 911 because it was following Ortizs directions that he didnt need an ambulance. And Altstadt said although Ortiz told the driver he wanted to file a police report, he didnt ask the driver to call police. Ortiz disputes this. I am sure that I told the driver to call police, he said. 100%.

TriMet also notes that bus and MAX operators arent authorized to dial 911. Rather, they must call TriMet dispatch, which in turn would gather information and then make a decision about summoning police or an ambulance.

Altstadt said the driver asked Ortiz if he was going to call police, Ortiz said he would and then the bus left, with Ortizs OK. She said the agency would have called 911 if there were visible injuries, such as blood, but in Ortizs case she said there werent.

If somebody is bleeding and is in clear need of emergency help, we dont even give people the option, Altstadt said. They cant make a decision for themselves that they need help and were going to err on the side of calling.

Altstadt also said the assault didnt rise to the level of sending a supervisor to the scene. Ortiz said he had been waiting by the side of the road, assuming one would show up after he allowed the bus to depart.

Our operator and TriMet, we believe that they did everything they could to support him based on his comments to them, Altstadt said. She added that TriMet doesnt automatically call 911 in assaults that dont produce serious injuries because we cant force somebody to get that assistance. There are people who are resistant to having police called.

Portland police, rather than transit police, were responsible for responding to the scene because it was a weekend. Portland police spokesperson Mike Benner said police also arent at fault.

It took them more than 90 minutes after Ortiz made his 911 call and then his non-emergency call to respond because the Bureau of Emergency Communications had prioritized Ortizs request for help as a low priority. At the time, officers were responding to higher priority calls, including a welfare check, a 911 hang up, a death investigation, two priority assault calls, a threat, and an injury crash, Benner said.

In no way is this a case of our officers not caring, Benner said. We care. We share the frustrations of Mr. Ortiz and we can appreciate how awful of an experience this was for him. And were sorry.

Police took a report a day later after Ortiz called again.

A spokesperson for the Bureau of Emergency Communications, Jaymee Cuti, also said 911 and non-emergency dispatchers followed procedure. A dispatcher who took Ortizs 911 call didnt ask him if he still had a line of sight on his attacker, but Cuti said the dispatcher did ask Ortiz how much time had elapsed since the attack and Ortiz said 10 minutes, prompting the dispatcher to direct him to the non-emergency line.

After a six-minute wait for a non-emergency dispatcher to pick up, Cuti said Ortiz said hed last seen his attacker walking northbound and didnt say he could still see him.

Multiple officials for the union representing TriMet operators said they either didnt feel in a position to comment or didnt respond to requests for comment.

Tigard resident Patricia Lidrich, one of the people who hires Ortiz for house cleaning, said she was outraged when Ortiz told her about the attack.

She suggested he hire a lawyer, but Ortiz didnt want to go through the expense. Lidrich is astonished by the official response to the attack.

People often dont realize what the right thing to do is  someone comes and beats you up and youre in shock, Lidrich said. And what is everyone doing? Theyre blaming Oscar.

 Aimee Green covers breaking news and the justice system. Reach her at 503-294-5119, agreen@oregonian.com or @o_aimee.

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A man Buffalo police arrested last week during a burglary at a business on South Park Avenue has been charged with additionally burglarizing two restaurants and a convenience store, police said in a news release.

Buffalo police charged Walter Dixon, 27, with additional counts after executing a search warrant at his home, where they found evidence they say connected him to a Jan. 14 burglary at a Jefferson Avenue convenience store, a Feb. 11 burglary of an Abbott Road restaurant and a Feb. 28 burglary at a Hertel Avenue restaurant.

Dixon and Drayton Hall, 26, were arrested March 7 during a burglary on the 2100 block of South Park.

Police responded to a burglary in progress and found one of the men on the roof and the other in the basement. Both were allegedly in possession of stolen property.

Officers found burglar tools on site and damage to a fence, door, cashbox, jukebox and ATM.

For the March 7 burglary, Dixon and Hall were charged with third-degree burglary; four counts of second-degree criminal mischief; one count of fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property; one count of possession of burglars tools; and third-degree trespassing.

In the Jan. 14 burglary on Jefferson, police believe four thieves damaged a door and stole cough medicine.

In the Abbott Road burglary on Feb. 11, two thieves broke in and stole two liquor bottles and about $1,500 in cash.

In the Feb. 28 burglary, 17 liquor bottles, about $800 in cash and a safe containing $10,000 were taken.

Additional charges against Dixon include three counts of third-degree burglary; one count each of third- and fourth-degree grand larceny; two counts of third-degree criminal mischief; three counts of fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property; a count of fourth-degree criminal mischief; and a count of petit larceny, police said.

Dixon was held without bail following his arraignment Wednesday in Buffalo City Court, according to court records. He remained in custody at the Erie County Holding Center, according to sheriffs records.
A man who groped a 14-year-old girl on a flight from Portland to Oakland was sentenced Thursday to three years of probation, including 30 days of home detention and 1,000 hours of community service.

At the time of the 2019 flight, Andrew Alex Davoodian was a resident in anesthesiology and perioperative medicine at the OHSU School of Medicine but ended up losing his job.

In December, he pleaded guilty to one count of simple assault of a minor.

Mr. Davoodian made some big errors, and he touched the victim in a manner he should not have. This was admittedly a very poor move, and one that Mr. Davoodian will regret for the rest of his life, his lawyer, Jeffrey A. Turnoy, wrote to the court.

U.S. District Judge Adrienne Nelson ordered Davoodian, now 34, to undergo sex offender evaluation, complete recommended treatment, pay a $10,000 fine and have no contact with the victim or her family or with any minors without approval from his probation officer.

The fine is to be paid to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, said Kara Britt, one of the prosecutors. The sentence was jointly recommended by the prosecution and defense after lengthy negotiations.

On the July 5, 2019, Southwest Airlines flight, Davoodian took the aisle seat in the girls row, with an empty middle seat between them. He struck up conversation by asking the girl her age and where she attended school. Then he began passing notes to her by typing messages on his cellphone and handing it to her to read.

At one point, he asked her when she would turn 18, whether she had a boyfriend and if shed date him if he were her age, according to the prosecutor. Toward the end of the flight, he typed out a message, telling her to hold his hand, according to court records.

The 14-year-old girl, flying alone to visit her aunt, didnt want to but reluctantly held his hand over the empty seat between them, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Mira Chernick. Davoodian then stroked her hand and wrist and instructed her in a phone message to move to the middle seat next to his, Chernick said.

Davoodian put his hand on the girls leg and rubbed her thigh and then went back to holding her hand, Chernick wrote.

Davoodian asked for the girls phone number. She reminded him that she was just 14 and he asked if they could meet and see a movie together sometime so they could hold hands again, according to Chernick. He typed it would be OK as long as she didnt tell anyone, according to the prosecutor.

When the plane landed, he left without saying anything to the girl. She reported the encounter to her aunt and gave a description of Davoodian, his voice and phone.

Federal agents obtained a warrant to search his phone and found the girls cellphone number in it. Davoodian disputed her account but admitted he touched the girls upper thigh on the flight.

While on release pending trial, Davoodian traveled to New York and New Mexico, where two separate women complained to police about his behavior.

The New Mexico woman reported that Davoodian followed her around a store and would not let her leave. According to the woman, he came up to her, told her hed been following her and asked if she was single, according to the prosecutors.

When she said no, he claimed he was a photographer, asked if she was a model, offered to take headshots of her and asked for her phone number. The woman told officers that she panicked and gave him her mothers number instead. When he texted the number, the woman looked up his phone number and found news reports about the instant case and contacted police.

The woman in New York reported a similar encounter. She told police that Davoodian approached her in a store and asked if she modeled and if he could take face pictures of her and that he asked for her number. She stated that she gave him her number because he was persistent. When he texted her to ask again about modeling, the woman blocked his number, according to Chernick.

Davoodians lawyer said the case marks Davoodians first criminal conviction and hes not likely to commit a future offense. He called his clients actions aberrant behavior.

Mr. Davoodians contact with the victim began out of concern for the victims medical well-being and devolved from there, Turnoy wrote.

He argued that Davoodian, now living in California, has stable housing, support from his family and a long-term girlfriend and has been a caregiver to his ailing grandmother.

Turnoy also noted that the concerns raised by the women in New York and New Mexico didnt result in any criminal charges.

The victim in the airplane case attended Thursdays hearing with her mother but declined to address the court.

Davoodian will not be seeking to reinstate his medical license in Oregon, his lawyer said. His last day at OHSU was July 31, 2021, according to an OHSU spokesperson. His medical license expired that same day, according to Oregon Medical Board records.

Davoodian also faced a civil suit in 2021 filed by a woman who alleged he sexually assaulted her in October 2018 after they had met through an online dating app Bumble. The woman said he forced her into his Portland apartment, kissed and fondled her while she repeatedly told him to stop. When she told him she was scared, he then looked around the room, pointed to an object and said, I wonder if I grabbed that and hit you with it, if that would kill you, " according to the womans lawsuit. The suit was settled last December, according to court records. The womans lawyer declined to comment on the settlement that was reached.

-- Maxine Bernstein covers federal court and criminal justice. Reach her at 503-221-8212, mbernstein@oregonian.com, follow her on X @maxoregonian or on LinkedIn.

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The Portland areas population continued to shrink in 2023, but the decline has slowed to a trickle, according to new estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Federal data released Thursday show the Portland region  which spans five Oregon counties and two in Washington state  shed a scant 0.03% of its residents, just under 900 people, in the year leading up to July 1. The metro areas population total now stands at 2,508,050.

In the year prior, through July 2022, the region lost 0.36% of its population, or 9,100 residents.

The slower decline is good news for the regional economy, which relies on working-age newcomers to fill open jobs and fuel economic growth. Oregons population is the oldest on average in the West, and among the oldest in the nation.

The new census numbers indicate that the slowdown in the regional population decline is largely thanks to Clark County.

Map: Population change, July 2022-23

The county in southwest Washington gained more than 4,400 residents, representing 0.85% growth that brought its population to 521,000. Clark County has grown 3.1% since July 2020.

In comparison, Multnomah County lost about 0.6% of its residents, or 4,900 people, last year. Oregons largest county has shed 3.3% of its population since July 2020 and now has just under 790,000 residents.

Nearby Washington County has shed roughly 0.4% of its population since 2020. It lost 1,221 residents last year, representing a 0.2% decline that brings the total population to 599,000.

Meanwhile, Clackamas County has held steady in population since 2020. Last year, the county added 55 residents, according to the Census Bureau, a mere 0.01% growth from 2022 that brings the total number of residents to roughly 423,000.

The trend reported by the Census Bureau differs from estimates produced by Portland State Universitys Population Research Center, which showed that Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties all gained new residents in the year ending in July 1. Specifically, the center figures that Multnomah County added 404 residents, while Washington and Clackamas counties gained 5,677 and 2,506 residents, respectively.

Portland State Universitys population estimates dont always exactly match up with the Census Bureaus numbers as each uses slightly different data sources and models. While both estimates begin with the counts from the 2020 national census and rely on records such as birth certificates, death certificates, drivers license applications and other indicators, their methodologies differ.

In our model, we use the data for the current year, said Huda Alkitkat, a population estimates program manager at Portland State, which helps us reflect on the current situation as much as possible.

The two estimates primarily disagree on migration into and out of Oregon counties. Alkitkat said the Population Research Centers estimates indicate that more people moved into Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties than moved away. Of those, Census Bureau only reported positive migration in Clackamas County. (The Portland State center doesnt produce estimates for counties in Washington state.)

Chart: Portland region population change each year since 2020

Ethan Sharygin, director of the Population Research Center at Portland State, said the Census Bureau primarily relies on IRS tax return data, which are only available through 2021.

We use data that are more current and state-specific to estimate migration, Sharygin said. We do also consult the IRS data, but only for the year that it applies, without carrying forward.

Sharygin said the center also uses data from state agencies, such as data from when people change the address on their driver license, which is available through 2023.

Policymakers use both sets of data to allocate funding for state and federal programs. But political representation and district boundaries are based on the direct census counts conducted every 10 years.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this story incorrectly identified the percentage growth rate for Clackamas Countys population. The story has been updated.

--Kristine de Leon covers retail, data and business trends. Reach her at kdeleon@oregonian.com

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe.
WASHINGTON  Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday plans to tour a Minnesota clinic that performs abortions and provides other reproductive care as Democrats play up their opposition to the rollback of abortion rights in an effort to help reelect President Joe Biden in November.

Her visit to a Planned Parenthood facility in the Twin Cities will be the first time that a president or vice president has been to a reproductive health clinic, according to Harris office.
Washington residents without permanent legal immigration status will soon be able to get professional licenses for jobs once closed to them.

Gov. Jay Inslee on Wednesday signed House Bill 1889, which allows the use of individual tax identification numbers  often used by immigrants without legal status to file taxes  instead of Social Security numbers on professional license applications.

Some professions, like optometry, private investigators and notaries, require applicants to be United States citizens to qualify for licensure. The bill also removes those requirements.

This bill will open doors for careers in teaching, health care, accounting and many other professions to those who are ready to join the Washington workforce, Inslee said at the bill signing.

Rules dictating which professional licenses require Social Security numbers are often unclear and can discourage applicants. During committee hearings on the bill, legislators heard from people who said they have had to pursue alternate professions because licensing requirements barred them from their dream jobs.

One testifier, Maria Barrios, said she wants to go to Yakima Valley Community College to pursue dentistry, but her academic adviser told her she wouldnt be able to due to her immigration status.

If I could access a professional license, I would be working on something Im passionate about, said Barrios, who recently graduated from Heritage University in Toppenish, Washington. Let people like me pursue a career. You can open more paths to more students.

Washingtons unauthorized population has risen in recent years; Pew Research Center estimates that as of 2021, 3.9% of Washingtons residents are unauthorized, or roughly 300,000 people.

Legislative staffers said its difficult to estimate how many people might pursue jobs under the new licensing guidelines. However, representatives of several local universities told lawmakers the bill would benefit their undocumented students.

University of Washington Tacomas representative, Reese Ramirez, said the school enrolls roughly 200 undocumented students  about 5% of the schools population.

These students at UW T are just a small portion of whom this legislation will affect in our community, Ramirez told lawmakers in January. Students at UW T have family members, friends and co-workers whose immigration status, not their professional qualifications, prevent them from applying for professional licenses.

There is an untapped reserve of qualified workers who can make a difference and a contribution to our states economy, Ramirez added.

The new licensing rules will go into effect July 1, 2024.

-- Grace Deng, Washington State Standard; @info@washingtonstatestandard.com

Washington State Standard is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.
A Rochester woman who admitted stealing items worth thousands of dollars from beauty supply stores has been sentenced to 1 to five years in prison, Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announced.

Nahzaire N. Murray, 23, was sentenced Wednesday by State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek. She pleaded guilty Nov. 6 to second-degree grand larceny.

Prosecutors said that Murray and Kashmonay U. Holley, 25, of Rochester, worked together to steal merchandise from numerous Ulta Beauty locations in Erie County last year between March 7 and Aug. 24.

Murray admitted to stealing items worth $93,043, while Holley admitted taking $73,397 in merchandise, prosecutors said. They are suspected of similar thefts in other counties.

Holley was previously sentenced to one to three years in prison. Flynn noted that both women signed confessions of judgment agreeing to pay full restitution to Ulta Beauty.

- Dale Anderson
Washington, DC, US (PANA) - The US on Wednesday announced the imposition of visa restrictions on multiple individuals in South Sudan for "undermining or impeding a sustainable peace by engaging in corruption that fuels conflict" in South Sudan
UPM Says Finnish Paper Workers' Union Has Terminated Collective Agreements

UPM emphasizes the importance of defining wage increases in relation to mutually agreed productivity improvements. UPM emphasizes the importance of defining wage increases in relation to mutually agreed productivity improvements.

March 13, 2024 - UPM announced that the Paper Workers' Union has terminated its collective agreements with UPM Pulp, UPM Communication Papers, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Raflatac and UPM Biofuels businesses to expire mid-term on 21 or 22 April 2024, depending on the agreement.

"The Paper Workers' Union's decision to terminate the collective agreements in the middle of the contract period is regrettable. We had hoped that wage increases and productivity improvements could have been discussed constructively without terminating the agreements," said Jyrki Hollmen, Vice President, Labour Markets at UPM. "Our aim is to find mutually beneficial solutions without creating unnecessary insecurity."

According to UPM, its businesses and the Paper Workers' Union have been negotiating for the last two years of the contract period.

In a press statement, UPM said, "So far, the negotiations have focused on the parties' objectives. The business environment has changed significantly since the agreements were signed in 2022. UPM underlines the importance of defining wage increases in relation to mutually agreed productivity improvements."

Hollmen added, "UPM wants to reward good performance. Competitiveness is key to the future of UPM's businesses, and its continued strengthening is in everyone's interest."

UPM said negotiations with the Paper Workers' Union will continue as soon as possible and that the termination of the collective agreements does not mean that the negotiations have ended.

"Ongoing political strikes in Finland, for example at the ports, are not related to the negotiation process between UPM and the Paper Workers' Union. The strikes are very unfortunate and UPM suffers from their collateral effects," the company said.

UPM delivers renewable and responsible solutions and innovates for a future beyond fossils across six business areas: UPM Biorefining, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Communication Papers and UPM Plywood.

SOURCE: UPM
Metsa Group to Halt Production at Kemi Mills in Finland Due to Paper Workers' Union Strike

Metsa Group plans to begin the shutdown of its bioproduct mill in Kemi, Finland, on March 17 due to ongoing Finnish Paper Workers' Union strikes. Metsa Group plans to begin the shutdown of its bioproduct mill in Kemi, Finland, on March 17 due to ongoing Finnish Paper Workers' Union strikes.

March 14, 2024 - Metsa Group announced that due to the ongoing strikes (Finnish Paper Workers' Union) in Finland, production at Metsa Group's Kemi bioproduct mill and paperboard mill will stop.

According to Metsa Group, the bioproduct mill will be shut down as of 18 March 2024. The shutdown will begin on Sunday, March 17.

"During the first week of strikes, we will have to limit the bioproduct mill's production to a minimum, but as rail transports of wood raw material are interrupted, we will shut down the mill completely. The Kemi paperboard mill will come to a halt after the bioproduct mill has been shut down," Metsa Group said in a written statement.

"The shutdowns will have a significant financial impact as well as a significant impact on customer deliveries," the company added.

Metsa Group's new EUR 2.02 billion integrated Kemi bioproduct mill came into operation in September of 2023. The mill, which has been ramping up production, is expected to reach its full production capacity in autumn 2024 and will have the capacity to produce 1.5 million tonnes of softwood and hardwood pulp.

The Kemi paperboard mill, which was recently modernized, has the capacity to produce 465,000 tonnes per year of white top kraftliner.

Metsa Group is leading the way in advancing the bioeconomy with a focus on the growth sectors of the forest industry: wood supply and forest services, wood products, pulp, fresh fibre paperboards, as well as tissue and greaseproof papers.

SOURCE: Metsa Group
Photo: (Photo : MARVIN RECINOS/AFP via Getty Images )

Madeline Soto, 13, went missing on February 26, and her remains were found on March 1. Stephan Sterns, the boyfriend of Madeline's mom and the prime suspect in her vanishing, now confronted with 60 new charges ranging from sexual battery to possession of child pornography.

Stephan Sterns Faces Additional Charges

Although not charged in Madeline's passing, Sterns was formerly seized on February 28 for sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse material.

The consecutive investigation disclosed added charges, along with eight counts of sexual battery on a child below 12, five counts of sexual battery with a child 12 to 18, seven counts of lewd or lascivious molestation, and 40 counts of illegal possession of materials depicting sexual performance by a child.

The misconduct, dating back to 2019, happened when the victim was below 12 years old.

Soto's remains were found in Osceola County after a week of being declared missing. The charges cover a date range from June 19, 2019, to February 26, 2024.

Sterns will be arraigned on April 2, and sexual battery on a child under 12 carries the probability of life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Madeline Soto was last seen on February 26, and it is believed she was already deceased when Sterns allegedly moved her body.

Despite not cooperating with law enforcement since his arrest, evidence points to Sterns' involvement in the murder, and the ongoing investigation aims to uncover more details leading to Madeline's death.

Read Also: Florida Police Continues Search for Missing 13-Year-Old Girl, Mother's Boyfriend Arrested

Stern's Relationship to Madeline Soto

Sterns, who was in a relationship with Jennifer Soto, the mother of the victim, Madeline Soto, was initially arrested on charges of sexual battery with a child, capital sexual battery, and possession of material depicting sexual performance by a child. He is currently held without bond.

"We appreciate the efforts of our partners in the State Attorney's Office in assisting with seeking justice for Madeline," stated Kissimmee Chief of Police Betty Holland.

"Given the complexity of this case with many aspects, our work is ongoing, and we are continuing our investigation into the timeline leading up to Madeline's death."

Following Madeline's disappearance, investigators found "disturbing" images and videos of the teenager on Sterns' phone, leading to his first arrest on charges of sexual battery, capital sexual battery, and possession of material depicting sexual performance by a child.

"The State Attorney's Office has been working closely with KPD and received evidence that gave us cause to file formal charges against Sterns," said State Attorney Andrew Bain in a statement. "We appreciate the thoroughness and detailed attention of their investigation and will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to build a robust case against the defendant."

The additional charges were filed days after Madeline's body was discovered on March 1.

Madeline was last seen on February 26 when Sterns was supposed to have dropped her off at school, authorities believe she was already deceased that morning. Sterns allegedly moved her body after discarding her backpack and school-issued laptop in a dumpster.

Related Article: Missing 13-Year-Old Florida Girl''s Body Found, Mother's Boyfriend Allegedly Moved Her Remains
Photo: (Photo : JEFF PACHOUD/AFP via Getty Images )

A judge has determined that Harmony Montgomery, a 5-year-old girl from New Hampshire who has been missing since 2019, is lawfully dead.

The ruling grants her mom, Crystal Sorey, to serve as the administrator of Harmony's estate. This decision comes shortly after Harmony's father was convicted of killing her.

5-Year-Old Missing New Hampshire Girl Declared Legally Dead

Crystal Sorey successfully demonstrated to the probate judge that Harmony Montgomery likely met a tragic fate, given the absence of her body.

The judge's order, released a day after Sorey's court presence, referenced trial testimony from Adam Montgomery's estranged wife, Kayla Montgomery, who professed to handling Harmony's lifeless body.

Sorey's attorney is still prescribed to give the jury's verdict and a probate surety bond to ensure Sorey fulfills her responsibilities as the administrator.

Adam Montgomery and Sorey were not in a relationship at the time of Harmony's birth in 2014. The child lived with foster families and her mother until Sorey lost custody in 2018.

Montgomery gained custody in early 2019, and Sorey last saw Harmony during a FaceTime call around Easter of that year. When questioned about Harmony's location later on, Adam and Kayla Montgomery falsely claimed he had taken the child to live with Sorey.

Currently in prison awaiting sentencing, Adam Montgomery chose not to attend the probate hearing via Webex.

Sorey is initiating the initial steps for a planned wrongful death lawsuit against the state regarding Harmony Montgomery, citing Adam Montgomery's second-degree murder conviction and admission of guilt to related charges as grounds for the legal declaration of death.

Read Also: Parole Granted to Kayla Montgomery in Controversial Child Murder Case: Unraveling the Mystery

Who Is Harmony Montgomery

Born in June 2014, Harmony's father was incarcerated at the time of her birth, released in 2015.

In her early years, Harmony was taken from her mother's care at least three times. In July 2018, the Department of Child Services removed her due to her mother's drug addiction, placing her in foster care.

Subsequently, in February 2019, custody was granted to her father, Montgomery, before a review of his home was completed by the New Hampshire Division of Children, Youth and Families.

Harmony, who had initially lived in Massachusetts with her mother, was relocated to New Hampshire to live with her father.

Prosecutors argued that Harmony thrived in her early years but began experiencing issues when placed in an allegedly abusive environment with her father.

Harmony's foster mother, Michelle Raftery, attested that Harmony achieved age-appropriate milestones and was potty-trained by the age of two and a half.

Raftery described Harmony as a lively child who adapted well to their household, calling her "momma" and recognizing her husband as "dadda."

Sorey, Harmony's mother, characterized her daughter as a spirited child who openly shared her life story with anyone she encountered.

The final confirmed sighting of Harmony occurred on September 11, 2019, at her father's residence on 77 Gilford Street in Manchester. She lived there with her father, his wife Kayla Montgomery, and their children. Initial confusion regarding the last police callout in October 2019 was later clarified to be in September.

Interviews and statements from family members revealed a timeline of Harmony's last known sighting.

Sorey informed the police that she lost contact with her daughter after an April 2019 video call, with Montgomery subsequently severing all communication between mother and daughter.

Related Article: New Hampshire Dad Charged With Murder of Young Girl Who Went Missing in 2019
Photo: (Photo : CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / Getty Images)

An Indiana mother of two, who tragically passed away after experiencing a sudden illness during her return flight from the Dominican Republic last month, succumbed to natural causes, according to her brother Chris Volz.

The circumstances surrounding the death of 41-year-old Stefanie Smith had been shrouded in mystery for the past two weeks, leaving her family desperate for answers.

Death of Indiana Mother in Plane Incident Dispelled

Tragedy struck as an Indiana mother of two succumbed to a sudden illness during a flight back from the Dominican Republic last month.

The devastating news was revealed by Chris Volz, the woman's brother, who shared that a forensic pathologist informed the family about the cause of death: a carotid artery dissection in her neck.

Volz expressed profound sadness over the unexpected and tragic medical event that led to his sister's passing.

Addressing concerns of foul play, Volz assured that the autopsy results indicated no such indications. The incident unfolded on February 28 when Stefanie Smith, the deceased, fell ill aboard an American Airlines flight from the Dominican Republic.

This distressing event followed a five-day vacation at a resort with her boyfriend and another couple. The flight was diverted to Turks and Caicos, where Smith was rushed to a hospital. Despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead.

Reflecting on their time together, Maria Yannotti, a companion vacationing with Smith, recounted that Smith appeared healthy throughout their stay, engaging in morning runs and enjoying breakfast at the resort.

Smith's untimely passing leaves behind her two children, an 18-year-old son, and a 16-year-old daughter.

Volz anticipates the repatriation of her remains to the United States in the coming week.

Read Also: Florida Mother Found Alive in Shipping Container After Mysterious Disappearance

Previously Assumed Mysterious Death on Plane

The Indiana mother, Stefanie Smith, aged 41, fell ill on February 28 while aboard a flight bound for Charlotte from Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

The flight crew provided medical assistance to Smith until the decision was made to divert the flight to an island southeast of the Bahamas. There, she was transported to a nearby hospital, where she tragically passed away.

Smith had been returning home after vacationing in the Dominican Republic with her boyfriend, as reported by her friend Maria Yannotti.

Yannotti shared that Smith maintained a rigorous gym routine even during their vacation, expressing shock over her sudden death.

According to Smith's brother, Chris Volz, she leaves behind two children: an 18-year-old son and a 16-year-old daughter.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, responsible for investigating the incident, received a call from the Air Traffic Control Tower shortly after 6 p.m. local time on the day of the flight, requesting medical assistance.

A GoFundMe page has been established to support Smith's son and daughter, describing her as a beloved daughter, sister, and friend.

It highlights her role as a devoted mother and community member, expressing deep sorrow over her loss and requesting prayers for her family during this difficult time.

Related Article: Mother of 2 Mysteriously Dies During Her Return Flight from Dominican Republic
Photo: (Photo : Ming Yeung /Getty Images)

Kate Middleton finds herself embroiled in a royal photography scandal following the release of a manipulated photo on Mother's Day. This revelation has ignited a global outcry, stirring controversy and raising questions about the integrity of royal imagery.

A Mother's Day Marked by Suspicion

As households in the UK commemorated Mother's Day with heartfelt gestures and tributes, attention turned to the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, whose photo with her children was uploaded online as part of the celebration.

According to a statement from Kensington Palace, the portrait was captured by Prince William in Windsor the previous week, featuring the princess posing alongside her three children: Prince George, aged 10, Princess Charlotte, aged 8, and Prince Louis, aged 5.

However, what was initially intended as a tender moment shared with the public swiftly transformed into a maelstrom of skepticism and uncertainty.

The manipulated nature of the Mother's Day photo quickly became a focal point of intense scrutiny. Observers, both within and beyond royal circles, meticulously analyzed the image, scouring for indications of digital alterations.

Amid murmurs of potential manipulation, concerns mounted regarding the authenticity of the portrayal and the integrity of the royal family's public image.

Following revelations that the Mother's Day photo, marking the first public appearance of Prince William's wife since December, had been altered, international news agencies promptly retracted the image. This decisive action underscored their refusal to tolerate even superficial edits in official palace releases.

A skeptical public meticulously examined every detail of the photo in search of evidence of falsification. Some media pundits and royal experts assert that this incident marks a pivotal moment, prompting the palace and potentially other public figures to exercise greater caution in their dissemination of images.

Before this episode, the hashtag #WhereisKate primarily served as a platform for lighthearted memes and speculation about the royal soap opera.

Read Also: Texas College Student Caleb Harris Vanishes: Search Intensifies

Accusation of Edited Photos Thrown To Prince Harry and Megan Markle

Amidst ongoing discussions surrounding manipulated photographs of the royal family, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have found themselves thrust into the spotlight.

Renowned royal photographer Misan Harriman has stepped forward to address allegations of tampering with a pregnancy photo of Prince Harry and the former Meghan Markle from 2021.

Harriman, a close friend of the couple, took to Instagram on March 13 to share the original photograph and release a video rebutting claims of manipulation.

Presenting the untouched colorized image depicting Harry and a pregnant Meghan in a grassy setting, Harriman also provided a screenshot displaying the metadata indicating the photo's origin on an Apple iPad.

In his video statement earlier that day, Harriman accused the Daily Mail of misinterpreting an interview conducted with Michael Berkeley on the BBC's "Private Passions" podcast in 2022.

Addressing the allegations, Harriman expressed disbelief at reports suggesting he had doctored the pregnancy announcement portrait, refuting claims of substituting trees and landscapes. He emphasized the dangerous implications of such misinformation, clarifying that the only alteration made was a black-and-white color grade during the virtual shoot conducted on an 8-megapixel iPad.

Harriman contextualized his response within the current news cycle, alluding to the recent controversy surrounding an edited photo shared by Catherine, the Princess of Wales, on social media to commemorate Mother's Day in the United Kingdom on March 10.

Related Article: Indiana Mother's Tragic Death on Plane: Cause Revealed, Mystery Dispelled
When he was 16, Doug Hahn didnt trust adults. He needed help from someone closer to his age to show him it was possible to emerge from a mental health crisis.

Through Mental Health Advocates Youth Peer Advocates program, Hahn met regularly with an advocate only four years older whod battled mental illness and spent time in the hospital  just like him.

The wake-up moment was that she struggled just like I did, but she made it, said Hahn, now a coordinator for Mental Health Advocates. She was now working. She had her own place. When I was really struggling, I had no future, in my mind.

That kind of relational support is at the heart of the Teen Chat Line, a new communication tool for Mental Health Advocates professionals to provide emotional support to Western New York teenagers struggling with mental health concerns. MHA leadership described the new mental health outlet to media Thursday morning at Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School on Clare Street.

The chat platform is text-based and accessible through a link at mhawny.org or directly at mha-chat.vercel.app. It falls under MHAs Just Tell One initiative, which focuses on depression, anxiety, suicide and substance abuse.

Teens who send messages on the chat platform will reach one of MHAs 10 full-time youth peer advocates between 2 and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Advocates are trained, credentialed and experienced in supporting teens, but they are not clinicians and will not diagnose or prescribe. Its a support line and not an emergency line, leaders said, though youth peer advocates can redirect teens to emergency services.

Following a year of community traumas, local mental health experts focus on how to heal "From our perspective, the community has gone through tremendous trauma last year, and trauma affects everybody and it affects people in different ways," said Michael Ball, vice president for community affairs at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY.

Its recognizing what theyre feeling and going through is real, it is serious, said Josh Cuillo, a youth peer advocate with MHA, but also letting them know Ive gone through this before, I get where youre coming from, and heres a few things that worked for me.

Mental health support chat lines exist elsewhere in the country, but the Western New York version was prompted by takeaways from Gov. Kathy Hochuls Mental Health Summit, MHA Executive Director Melinda DuBois said Thursday.

Kids dont want to talk to adults. They want to talk to somebody who looks like them and is closer to their age  those are our youth peer advocates, DuBois said of the conferences message. We also learned [youth] dont trust adults. They are really concerned adults wont keep their information confidential.

State lawmakers tackle worsening youth mental health The number of young people experiencing sadness, hopelessness and thoughts of suicide has increased dramatically, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Cuillos work as a peer advocate engages directly with youth. He said it took time to acclimate to the role, specifically in remaining calm and comfortable with the youth instead of heightened and trying to solve everything. Hes learned how to adapt.

When I talk to youth, I filter but Ill still swear occasionally, Cuillo said. Im not trying to be overtly professional where theyre saying, Who is this guy?

Cuillo said the pandemics denial of important life experiences is among topics over which he regularly bonds with youth. They have lamented missing their high school graduations; the pandemic prevented Cuillo from celebrating a normal college graduation. Hes also familiar with the power, influence and inescapability of social media, factors that extend bullying beyond the walls of a school.

Hahn and Cuillo agreed the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic created greater awareness of mental health issues that existed long prior  but reduced the stigma of talking about their feelings.

Theres always been this need, Hahn said. The conversation has increased, increased, increased.

MHAs growth and consistency  in hospitals, mental health facilities and more than 65 Western New York schools in the last 15 months  has laid the framework to help address what DuBois calls a youth mental health crisis at unprecedented levels.

She shared sobering statistics: one-third of teen boys and 57% of teen girls express persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness and despair; 22% of teens say they have contemplated suicide, as well as 41% of LGBTQIA+ youth.

Theres living proof that Mental Health Advocates peer approach works. Hahns life turnaround inspired him to become a youth peer advocate  and hes now a coordinator of the others with MHA. Peers messages are impactful.

Its very powerful, he said, to hear someone very close to your age say, Ive been there, I understand what its like to have depression, to miss school.
I occasionally use the expression objective public proof. Ive recently been asked what I mean by it.

Let me take the phrase apart just a bit.

Proof, as the word is typically used and as I am using it here, is a fact or a piece of information that demonstrates the existence of something or, more broadly, the truth of a proposition.

In mathematics, which (along with formal logic) probably illustrates the notion of proof most clearly, a proof is a deductive argument for a mathematical statement that logically guarantees the truth of that statement.

What, though, is a deductive argument? The classic deductive syllogism takes a form like this:

All A are B. X is an A. Therefore, X is B.

To put some simple and obvious flesh on those bones, heres a venerable example:

All men are mortal. Socrates is a man. Therefore, Socrates is mortal.

In such reasoning, if the premises are true, the conclusion is absolutely, certainly, inarguably true as well. However, the premises may not be true:

All elephants have trunks. My cat is an elephant. Therefore, my cat has a trunk.

The second premise in the syllogism above is not true. (Not, at least, in my personal experience with cats.). Thus, although the syllogism is, technically, logically validwhich is to say that it has the proper formit is not sound and its conclusion is not true. And, of course, the error can occur in the first premise:

All humans are French. Tom Hanks is human. Therefore, Tom Hanks is French.

Clearly, not even deductive arguments provide absolute certainty in every case. If one or both of the premises of a standard deductive syllogism can be doubted, the conclusion is correspondingly weakened or even rendered false.

We sometimes refer to isolated facts as proofs, but it seems to me that, in such cases, those individual facts represent a premise in an implicit deductive syllogism. They dont stand alone. For example, the isolated fact that the shower towel is completely dry leads to the conclusion that Max didnt take a shower by virtue of its place in this very simple bit of reasoning:

If the shower towel is dry, nobody has taken a shower. The shower towel is dry. Therefore, nobody has taken a shower.

And, clearly, the term nobody includes (or excludes) even Max.

But absolutely certain deductive arguments arent available for most subjects.

Questions like the nature of the Big Bang, the causes of the Great Depression, the probability of Frankie and Johnny having a successful marriage, whether or not humans possess free will, and so forth cannot be reduced to simple deductive syllogisms. Many such questions have been debated for years, indeed for centuries. Many have advocates on both (or all) sides. The Anglo-American common law recognizes this by calling for decisions in civil cases to be made on the preponderance of the evidence or even, in criminal cases, when a conclusion seems to be beyond a reasonable doubt (but not, plainly, beyond any possibility of doubt).

Nevertheless, a person can be persuaded of the truth of a proposition, and even convinced that he or she has personal proof for it, but be unable to convince others. (Hence, my use of the words public and objective, as opposed to private and subjective.)

If, for example, someone says that Sarah wasnt at the party last week, you might respond that you know she was, because you saw her there and even talked with her. You have proof. However, the other person may have reason to believe that youre wrong and to disbelieve your testimony. If he feels really strongly about it, he may even say that youre lying or that you were hallucinating. He is not compelled to believe your testimony, however certain you may be of what you experienced.

This gets at what I mean by the phrase objective public proof.

Anybody who understands a valid geometric proof must accept its conclusion. Anybody who understands a sound and valid demonstrative syllogism must accept the proposition that it affirms. If all men really are mortal and Socrates really is a man, then it follows inevitably and inescapably that Socrates is mortal. The person faced with such a proof is compelled to accept it.

A person faced with your testimony that Sally was really at the party last week is not compelled to accept it. You may have subjective certainty, but he does not have either your subjective certainty or, in a sense, any certainty at all.

Oliver Cowdery may have been subjectively certain that he saw an angel displaying the gold plates of the Book of Mormon and heard the voice of God certifying the translation of them to be correct, and it may well be completely reasonableI think it is completely reasonablefor others to believe his testimony. But, by virtue of the very definition of subjectivity, his subjective certainty cannot, as such, be transferred to others. And some may still choose, for whatever reasons, to doubt or deny his claim.

So, when I refer to objective public proof, I mean something of the nature of

If P, then Q. P Therefore Q.

No reasonable person with even rudimentary understanding of English and of basic biology can deny the conclusion in this next specimen of thinking:

If John has a pulse, John is alive. John has a pulse. Therefore, John is alive.

That is a matter of objective reasoning that is publicly available. Even on the matter of whether or not John has a pulse, others can test it. Not so, necessarily, with the next one:

If John has been seen since his purported death, hes still alive. John has been seen since his purported death. Therefore, John is still alive.

I do not claim, and have never claimed, that I can prove my religious beliefs true. I do not claim objective public proof.

I do claim, however, that I and others can provideand have providedevidence for theism in general, for Christian theism more particularly, and, yes, most particularly for the specifically Latter-day Saint form of Christian theism.

By evidence, I mean something that justifies greater confidence in a proposition. But evidence and proof are not identical concepts.

Is the evidence for theism to which Ive referred coercive, in the sense that any person faced with such evidence has no alternative to accept it once she understands it and is compelled to by it to agree with my conclusion from it?

No.

Outside of mathematics and symbolic logic and the most simple questionse.g., Does the Mississippi flow from north to south? Are deer mammals? Do butterflies live in Antarctica?there are few questions in the sciences, and none in history or philosophy or the social sciences, that can be answered with absolute, undoubtable certainty.

The same is certainly true in courtrooms. That, again, is why standards like beyond reasonable doubt and preponderance of the evidence exist.

Can there be proof for a proposition that, in the end, turns out to be false? No. There can be seeming proofs for such propositions. In the end, though, they are not proofs. There can, for example, be no proof that triangles have 185 degrees, or that, for a right triangle bounded by sides a and b and the hypotenuse c, the following equation is false:

This, incidentally, is what is behind my answer to a question years ago about whether there can be proof against the claims of the Restoration. Im still often beaten up online by people who didnt understand my response, which was along the following lines: No, there cannot be proof against the claims of the Restoration on the assumption that the claims of the Restoration are true. But there can be, and is, seeming evidence against it

Can there be seeming evidence for a proposition that, in the end, turns out to be false? Yes. Clearly.

The earth seems to be flat. The stars and the planets seem to revolve around us. Spoons in glasses of water seem to be broken. Railroad tracks seem to converge in the distance.

There are many reasons on which someone may doubt. Some may be good, and some may not. Consider, again, the syllogism

If John has a pulse, John is alive. John has a pulse. Therefore, John is alive.

Does John really have a pulse? Should I trust the person who took Johns pulse? Maybe he doesnt know how to take a pulse. Maybe he stands to gain from our thinking that John is still alive. Maybe he is too emotionally involved to be trusted. Maybe Im self-interested and have something to gain from Johns death. Maybe John has been so badly interested that the claim of a pulse simply isnt believable.

Consider, again, the syllogism above regarding Johns being seen alive after his alleged death. It may be no big deal (other than for John and his closest friends and family, of course) if John turns out to be still alive. Maybe somebody had simply heard a rumor of his death  perhaps confusing John Jones with Jon Jonas  and then finds out that, actually, John was just in that last department meeting, looking perfectly healthy.

But how about changing the name of the supposedly dead person?

If Jesus has been seen since his purported death, hes still alive. Jesus has been seen since his purported death. Therefore, Jesus is still alive.

A lot more hangs on this proposition, and there will be those who fervently believe it and others who fervently deny it.

And this points, again, to the fact  which I may or may not discuss at some future point  of the subjectivity of personal conviction. There is not, at least now and available to us, objective public proof that Jesus is still alive. And people have different personal standards of what constitutes evidence, sufficient evidence, persuasive evidence, and what they will regard as subjective personal proof.

What Ive written above represents merely a few rambling and fairly hasty notes in answer to the question mentioned above. I would welcome (constructive) comments on them, or questions about them, or objections to them, or requests for their clarification.
Microsoft may not plan on releasing any huge new feature updates for Windows 10, but that doesnt mean it wont necessarily receive new features from time to time. Among other things, Microsoft released the 2024-03 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 22H2 for x86-based Systems (KB5035845) for Windows 10 during Marchs Patch Tuesday. This update actually adds a new feature to the veteran Windows 10: You can now share files (text documents, PDFs, images, videos, etc.) from the File Explorer of Windows 10 directly via Whatsapp and other services, as Windowslatest reports. Sharing takes place via the Nearby Share feature, over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

Simply right-click on the desired file and then select Share and then Whatsapp from the list that Windows 10 then displays. Then select the contact to whom the file should be sent via Whatsapp.

get windows 11 pro for cheap Windows 11 Pro

Sharing via Gmail, Facebook, and LinkedIn is now also possible in Windows 10. Windows 10 does not yet support X aka Twitter. However, Microsoft is set to bring sharing via X/Twitter with one of the next updates, according to media reports.

In addition to files, you should also be able to share links via Whatsapp, Gmail, Facebook and Linkedin.

KB5035845 installs Windows Update automatically on your computer. Alternatively, you can download KB5035845 here from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Make sure that you download the correct version for your system. The download is between 436 MB and 831 MB in size, depending on the processor type.

After installing the update, your operating system will have the following build number: Windows 10 Build 19045.4170.

This article was translated from German to English and originally appeared on pcwelt.de.
The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has announced that it will put on hold its earlier proposal to charge a $20 fee on all round-trip airline tickets from May 1, 2024.



An earlier statement revealed that the fee was to be imposed on baggage belt overhauling and other maintenance issues at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).



In a statement issued by the GACL management and sighted by GhanaWeb Business, it explained that deliberations were ongoing with the Airline Operators Committee (AOC) and the Board of Airline Representatives Ghana in consultation with the International Air Transport Association (IATA).



The GACL added that further meetings had been scheduled in respect of the matter.



In the circumstance, GACL has decided to put on hold all discussions on this. In the future, if and when a decision is reached, IATA will communicate same to all stakeholders, part of the GACL statement read.



Meanwhile, the Minister of Transport, Kwaku Ofori-Asiamah, has been summoned by parliament following the proposal that went viral.



He is expected to appear before the House to respond to questions on the matter on March 19, 2024.

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In a bid to bolster its mandate of ensuring quality education across Ghana, the National Schools Inspectorate Authority (NaSIA) has introduced the School Licensing and Inspection Management System (SLIMS), aimed at enhancing inspection efficiency and accountability within the educational sector.



SLIMS, unveiled as a landmark initiative by NaSIA, represents a significant leap forward in the organization's efforts to digitized inspection procedures and streamline regulatory processes for both public and private schools nationwide.



During his keynote speech at the launch of the System, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia underscored the government's dedication to advancing education in Ghana through technology and regulation. Dr. Bawumia commended NaSIA's dynamic leadership, led by Dr. Haggar Hilda Ampadu, highlighting the pivotal role of private sector engagement in education.



In 2017, when the Akufo-Addo-led administration set out to fulfil the promises we made in our 2016 Manifesto. This included shifting the structure and content of our education system. We have clothed the National Schools Inspectorate Authority (NaSIA) with the needed regulatory powers for efficient supervision and regulation of pre-tertiary schools. This has empowered, strengthened, and equipped the Authority as an independent body to fully carry out its mandate leading to the development of SLIMS - Dr. Bawumia



The Vice President stressed that Private providers of education play a key role in the delivery of education in support of the Governments efforts albeit lacking regulation. He added the introduction of SLIMS will provide the much-needed digital transformation to streamline the inspection and licensing processes and allows customized interventions and support to all schools



Speaking at the launch event, Dr. Hilda Haggar Ampadu, the Inspector General of Schools at NaSIA, emphasized the pivotal role that SLIMS will play in revolutionizing education regulation. Dr. Ampadu stated, "SLIMS embodies the Akufo-Addo-led Governments commitment to educational excellence and digital innovation, aligning with the Government's objectives to foster good governance and combat corruption through digitalisation. The system will ensure immediate, transparent transactions and eliminates the need for cash payments during the inspection and licensing processes.



Dr. Ampadu further explained that SLIMS would enable regular and timely inspections to address learning outcome challenges. Through the system, best practices would be applied, areas for improvement pinpointed, and evidence generated for decision-makers to allocate resources and interventions effectively.



SLIMS is designed to facilitate seamless data collection, analysis, and reporting, providing inspectors with real-time insights into school performance and compliance with regulatory standards. Through its user-friendly interface and integrated dashboards, SLIMS empowers schools to track their progress, identify areas for improvement, and access tailored interventions and support from NaSIA.



Furthermore, the system embodies principles of transparency and accountability, allowing stakeholders to access relevant information and monitor the effectiveness of regulatory efforts. By leveraging technology, NaSIA aims to enhance collaboration with government agencies, educational institutions, and other stakeholders in the pursuit of educational excellence. With its innovative features and user-centric approach, the system is poised to transform the inspection process, driving positive change and accessibility even in the remotest areas of the country.

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The Attorney General has dropped all charges against Dr. Sylvester Anemana, a former Chief Director at the Ministry of Health who was standing trial alongside Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson for causing financial loss to the state.



Dr. Anemana was standing trial together with Dr. Forson and private businessman, Richard Jakpa, for willfully causing financial loss of 2.37 million to the state, through a contract to purchase 200 ambulances for the Ministry of Health, among other charges.



He was personally charged for abetting Dr. Forson to willfully cause financial loss of 2,370,000 to the Republic by facilitating Cassiel Ato Forsons authorisation of irrevocable letters of credit under which payments were made to Big Sea General Trading Ltd of Dubai for the supply of vehicles purporting to be ambulances without due cause and authorisation.



He was also charged with breaching the Public Procurement Act by making false representations to indirectly influence the procurement process to obtain an unfair advantage in the award of a single-source contract to Big Sea General Trading Ltd of Dubai for the supply of ambulances.



But the Attorney General, in a Nolle Prosequi dated March 8, 2024, has discontinued the case against him, leaving the court to discharge him.



A Nolle Prosequi is the dismissal or termination of legal proceedings by the Attorney General.



The case was yesterday held in the chambers of Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, a Court of Appeal judge sitting as additional High Court judge, and it was not immediately clear why the charges were dropped.



But information picked later by DAILY GUIDE indicates that it was due to Dr. Anemanas health condition which has forced him to fly to India to receive medical treatment.



It said the move is to avoid the possibility of holding the trial in abeyance as it is not clear when he would be returning to Ghana or would be healthy enough to join proceedings virtually.



The decision to drop the charges against Dr. Anemana means he no longer needs to complete his defence by way of undergoing further cross-examination by counsel for Mr. Jakpa nor a cross-examination by the prosecution.



This means Mr. Jakpa will on March 19, 2024 open his defence. He has decided to give oral testimony instead of filing a witness statement.



Trial



The ambulances, according to court documents, are ordinary buses which are not fit for purpose as they do not have the needed equipment that an ambulance requires.



The prosecution, led by the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, and Director of Public Prosecutions, Yvonne Atakora-Obuobisa, closed its case on February 14, 2023 after calling five witnesses, including the then Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu to prove its case.



The main issue raised during the prosecutions case was whether the defective vehicles were purchased in accordance with the purchase agreement approved by Parliament.



The other was whether Dr. Forson was authorised by the substantive Finance Minister or any superior officer to write a letter to the Controller and Accountant General directing the establishment of irrevocable letters of credit (LCs) which led to the payments.



Dr. Forson opened his defence and called three witnesses  Henry Myles Mills, an official of Stanbic Bank, Alex Mould and Seth Terkper, former Minister of Finance.



Mr. Terkper, who appeared to be Dr. Forsons principal witness, told the court that he authorised Dr. Forson to write to the Bank of Ghana authorising the establishment of the letters of credit (LC).



The letter to the Bank of Ghana requesting the setting up of the LC emanated from the Ministry of Finance and had my full authorisation, he told the court.



But while under cross-examination by Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, Mr. Terkper admitted that payment for the defective ambulances for which his then deputy is standing trial, was made in error.



Apart from this admission, Mr. Terkper was not able to point to any document specifically authored by him authorising Dr. Forson to write to the Controller and Accountant Generals Department (CAGD) requesting the establishment of the letters of credit which was the means of payment for the ambulances.

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The Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has lifted the security ban restricting access to the Borteyman enclave and adjoining lands with immediate effect.



The Minister of the Interior, who doubles as the Greater Accra Regional Minister and chairman of REGSEC, Henry Quartey announced this when a composite plan of the area was presented to him by the Lands Commission at a meeting held at the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) yesterday in Accra.



He said, We have formally lifted the security ban restricting access to the Borteyman enclave and its adjoining lands. Therefore, land and property owners within the enclave are free to access their properties.



In February, 2016, the Greater Accra Regional Security Council chaired by the Regional Minister declared Borteyman and some areas a security zone after gathering intelligence about imminent clashes between Top Kings and Empire Builders, who were engaged in a dispute over the land for decades.



Present at the meeting were representatives of the Nungua stool lands, some officials of the Lands Commission, members of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council and staff of the Nungua Traditional Council.



The minister said following deliberations at its meeting held on February 8, 2024, REGSEC agreed for the Lands Commission to present the status of affairs and demarcation of boundaries after a court judgment on the ownership of the land.



The Survey and Mapping Division of the Lands Commission undertook the demarcation exercise to understand the subject matter of the court judgment.



He said the boundaries include 465 acres, 114 acres and 62 acres, all referred to in the court judgments.



Maxwell Adu Nsafoah, Technical Director of Lands, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and Head of Operations, Lands Commission said the RCC and Ministry of Lands directed the Lands Commission to demarcate the boundaries in the Supreme Court judgment in the said case.



According to him, a report on the demarcation of the land has been done and submitted to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources for further action.



Robert Hackman Antwi, Chief Examiner, Survey and Mapping Division at the Lands Commission, who displayed the composite plan, said the 114 acres was later demarcated to be 114.33 while the 62. 01 acres was 62.04, showing all the parcel of land against the site plans used.



Oblantai Mantse of the Nungua Traditional Area, Nii Bortey Okplen Djalesane II, who was accompanied by other chiefs representing the Nungua Traditional Council, expressed satisfaction with the level of work done by the Lands Commission and the Ministry of Lands while thanking REGSEC for their role in the exercise and the challenges the stool has faced in addressing this land dispute for 23 years.

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At MWC 2024, Huawei officially released the National Cloud 2.0 solution worldwide. Huawei aims to help government organizations around the world accelerate national digital transformation and promote intelligence.



Hu Yuhai, Vice President of Huawei Hybrid Cloud, said: "Global digital transformation has reached a new stage of full intelligence driven by data and AI. The National Cloud 2.0 solution from Huawei provides trusted cloud infrastructure, innovative cloud services, and extensive industry know-how. We aim to help governments achieve national digital visions faster."



The National Cloud 2.0 Solution Has Been Officially Released



Today, more than 170 countries and regions have announced digital transformation strategies. As innovative technologies like AI models see more widespread adoption, the digital transformation of government customers is reaching a new stage. Previously, government customers were focused on moving their applications to various clouds. Now, they are seeking data- and AI-driven industry intelligence. They look to leverage digital and intelligent technologies to empower smart city governance, better government services, and greater economic growth.



To help national and regional governments accelerate digitalization and intelligent upgrade, Huawei released the National Cloud 2.0 solution. This solution is backed by Huawei's ICT innovation and robust experience driving digital transformation for customers and partners around the world. It provides trusted cloud infrastructure, innovative cloud services, and extensive industry know-how, helping governments achieve their national digital visions faster:



 Trusted cloud infrastructure: Huawei has been continuously investing in fundamental technologies of software and hardware for years. Huawei has established secure, reliable, and open cloud native infrastructure and provides green, low-carbon IT hardware and cloud-native infrastructure. Huawei aims to lay a robust foundation for national digital transformation of government customers.



 Innovative cloud services: Huawei leverages data and AI technologies to provide innovative cloud services, aiming to help government customers unleash data value and establish data sovereignty.



 Extensive industry know-how: Huawei provides a series of professional services including high-level design, service planning, deliveries, and implementation, all backed by extensive experience with numerous global projects. Huawei looks forward to working with more industry partners in the future and to accelerating national digital transformation for government customers around the world.



Huawei Cloud Stack Powers National Cloud 2.0 with Four Innovative Capabilities



Huawei National Cloud 2.0 is powered by Huawei Cloud Stack, a hybrid cloud solution. While being deployed on-premises, Huawei Cloud Stack is able to continuously synchronize cloud services from the Huawei public cloud. It also shares the same ecosystem with the Huawei public cloud. Government customers can leverage its four innovative capabilities to build secure, trusted, intelligent national clouds:



 Secure, reliable cloud native infrastructure: Huawei Cloud Stack provides high availability for cloud services. Applications can achieve intra-city active-active and remote disaster recovery without being re-architected. SecMaster and a broad set of security services help government customers easily meet compliance requirements. Fine-grained, multi-level cloud management is tailored to organizational structures of governments. Also, Huawei Cloud Stack provides an open ecosystem that is highly compatible with mainstream hardware and operating systems as well as third-party applications.



 Pangu Models for one-stop creation of tailored AI models: Huawei Cloud Stack is the industry's first hybrid cloud that can be used to deploy AI models. It provides the most complete AI production chain in the industry, which lowers the barriers to entry when building AI models. Huawei Cloud Stack also supports cross-cloud training and multi-cloud deployment of AI models. In addition, Huawei Cloud Stack provides tens of industry-specific solutions to help government customers quickly build their own AI models.



 A converged data lake that promotes data sharing: Huawei Cloud Stack provides full-lifecycle management of government data. The data governance efficiency will be improved by 10 fold. Huawei Cloud Stack uses FusionInsight MRS to establish an integrated big data platform. The platform enables real-time import of government data into lakes and promotes cross-source, cross-domain, cross-warehouse collaboration. This will improve the analysis efficiency by 50 fold.



 A distributed cloud database with high performance and availability: Huawei Cloud GaussDB, a distributed cloud database, leverages many new technologies to provide high availability, security, performance, scalability, and intelligence. It offers an easy deployment experience and allows for smooth data migration from other databases. GaussDB provides a better database choice for customers around the world.



Take a Leap to National Digital Transformation Together with Huawei Cloud Stack



With innovative technologies and numerous industry-specific solutions, Huawei Cloud Stack serves more than 5,200 government and enterprise customers around the world. Huawei Cloud Stack is a leader in multiple markets, such as the hybrid cloud markets in China and emerging Asia Pacific. More than 20 national and regional governments have joined hands with Huawei to build national clouds and accelerate national digital transformation.



With a cloud platform and services like Al Cortex, provided by Huawei Cloud Stack, NAS



Cloud in Egypt deployed a national data center and national DRaaS and Al innovation platforms, enhancing data security, promoting data sharing, and elevating government services. They aim to create fully connected, intelligent government services for Egypt.



National Telecom Public Company Limited (NT), in Thailand, established a national cloud using Huawei Cloud Stack. Huawei Cloud Stack, an on-premises hybrid cloud, provides a broad set of cloud services. With Huawei Cloud Stack, the national cloud provides extensive cloud services for multiple government organizations in Thailand. It has taken the government's public services to the next level.



Uzbekistan deployed a secure, reliable national cloud using Huawei Cloud Stack. The national cloud provides a nationwide e-government system. It also provides multi-level virtual data centers (VDCs) to match the organizational structure of Uzbekistan ministries. Fine-grained cloud resource management is supported. The national cloud now provides more than 447 public services for 4.5 million users throughout Uzbekistan.



Digital transformation gains momentum around the world. It has reached a new stage, driven by lightning development of cloud and AI. Looking ahead, Huawei will continue to make sustained investments and will join hands with more customers and partners around the world to dive deep into cloud and accelerate national digital transformation.

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Former Auditor General, Daniel Yaw Domelevo has cautioned against what he described as the auctioning of public positions where people fund political parties in return for appointments in the public service.



According to him, this development may pave the way for some unqualified persons and criminals to find their way into the public sector for their parochial interests.



Daniel Yaw Domelevo made this known during the maiden edition of the Leadership Ethics Seminar Organised by the Africa Ethics Institute in Ho, where he was part of the main speakers.



He called for the establishment of meritocracy in the public sector which he believes will minmimize the rate of corruption and corruption influenced services.



Mr. Domelevo said, We are in an election year, which I term auction year. We are auctioning public offices. So the highest bidder wins the auction at the end of the day. If we don't look at this auctioning of public offices seriously, what may happen is that, very soon we will have people who are drug pushers funding our election and so will compromise our integrity. It is also possible that terrorists will fund our politicians into office and we will be in trouble.



He lamented the high incidents of corruption in the country, adding that the canker has become a religion.



Speaking further, Mr. Domelevo made a clarion call for the establishment of an efficient public financial management system, and fiscal decentralisation among other measures to eliminate corruption and protect the public purse which has been left to shrink.



He advocated for reorganising and retooling of the anti-corruption institutions to enable them to deliver their mandates efficiently, adding that they are too many.



Mr. Domelevo said the fight against corruption must be "commercialised" where whistleblowers should be allowed to help fight the canker in partnership with anti-corruption institutions.



He therefore called for stringent enforcement of the asset declaration law and implementing a lifestyle audit of public officers to put them in check.



He added that, in order to bring under control, corrupt practices, the countrys leaders should be held accountable for corrupt acts, indicating that Ghana needs ethical and transformational leaders.





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Songstress Wendy Shay has revealed that she has been subjected to death threats on social media, leading her to avoid reading her messages on those platforms.



Speaking on Hitz FM on Monday, Wendy Shay discussed the challenges she has faced in the music industry, including criticism and negativity from individuals using fake accounts to bully her online.



I faced a lot of backlash when I started music. I had death threats and all of that on social media when I came into the industry. You cant even find them. We traced some of the accounts and realized that most of them were accounts that were created just to bully me, she disclosed.



The Ghanaian artist disclosed that she stopped responding to messages on social media due to the situation, which unfortunately caused her to miss out on opportunities. Wendy Shay recounted missing a message from music producer Trilla, who wanted to feature her, because she was avoiding her comments section due to the backlash.



I got a message from Trilla, and at that time it was new, and they wanted to put me on, but I missed it. Thats why we decided that Im going to have my team members also have logins into my account, she explained.



Despite the challenges and negativity she has faced, Wendy Shay expressed her determination to focus on her music and her fans. She emphasized her gratitude for the support and love she has received from her loyal followers and teased that she is working on new projects that will impress them.

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Some Buffalo area managers of the U.S. Postal Service put their employees in danger during the deadly 2022 Buffalo blizzard, according to a government report made public on Thursday.

The Postal Service inspector general criticized the managers for their slow response to dangerous weather conditions during the storm that hit Buffalo Dec. 23, 2022, and killed at least 47 people in Erie and Niagara counties.

None of those who died were postal workers, but their union representatives said many postal workers were put in danger by their bosses slow reactions to the storm.

Management officials waited more than three hours after Erie County enacted a travel ban before closing postal facilities and granting administrative leave for employees, the report said.

Management did not enact immediate response actions when storm conditions became life-threatening, the report said.

The report specifically criticized Postal Service managers in Williamsville and Buffalos West Side who delayed allowing workers to go home when the storm hit.

The Postal Service did not fully comply with emergency preparedness and response procedures before, during or after the storm, the report states.

Williamsville and West Side employees were placed at risk when conditions became life-threatening, to include releasing them in a timely manner, it said.

The Inspector Generals Office investigated allegations first made public by local Postal Service workers and their union representatives in a Jan. 29, 2023, story in The Buffalo News.

Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and Sen. Kirsten E. Gillibrand requested the inspector generals probe after The News published the story. Former Rep. Brian Higgins also asked for an investigation.

The two senators from New York said they found extremely alarming reports that postal managers wasted hours that day while talking with superiors in Albany and Pittsburgh  hundreds of miles from the storm center.

Following our request for a top-to-bottom investigation of USPSs suspect actions during Winter Storm Elliott, the USPS Office of Inspector General found that management failed to fully comply with emergency and safety procedures before, during, and after the blizzard, putting workers at risk during one of the deadliest winter storms in Western New Yorks history. This is unacceptable; the hardworking postal workers and letter carriers of Western NY deserved better from USPS, Schumer and Gillibrand said in a joint statement issued Thursday. USPS must immediately implement the necessary safety changes outlined in this report and prioritize emergency preparedness. When disaster and danger looms, letter carrier and postal worker safety must always be the top priority, and we will be watching like a hawk to see that USPS takes the necessary steps to protect its workforce and ensure a situation like what was experienced by workers during Winter Storm Elliott never happens again.

U.S. Postal Service trucks covered in snow at Williamsville station during Dec 2022 blizzard U.S. Postal Service mail trucks were covered in snow outside the Williamsville post office during the Christmas weekend blizzard of 2022.

In a letter to the senators, the Postal Services director of government liason, Scott R. Slusher, wrote that Buffalo area managers decided at 10 a.m. Dec. 23 to curtail mail delivery and collection efforts and told workers to return to their stations. That was 30 minutes after Erie Countys driving ban became effective. At 1 p.m. that day, managers told workers they could go home on paid leave, he wrote.

Many employees chose to depart for their homes, and those who chose to stay were allowed to shelter in place, Slusher wrote to the senators. No employees were forced to leave any facility.

All employee grievances related to the storm have been settled or adjudicated, and employees who had to stay in hotels or paid other expenses related to the storm have been compensated, he noted.

But Postal Service workers told The News in January 2023 that some managers ignored repeated warnings about the ferocious nature of the storm, and after debating among themselves for hours, finally allowed workers to stop mail deliveries.

Some workers were then ordered by their bosses to drive home in extremely dangerous blizzard conditions, when management could have allowed them to leave hours earlier, in relatively safe conditions, The News reported.

According to union officials, dozens of workers  including a mail carrier more than seven months pregnant  were ordered by their bosses to leave the postal station on Sheridan Drive by 4 p.m. or face arrest. The workers had asked for shelter in the station when the storm got out of control.

A pregnant worker got stuck in a snow bank in Cheektowaga and had to be rescued by volunteer firefighters, the union representing mail carriers said.

Five workers familiar with the situation told The News that managers told employees the police would be called if they did not leave the Williamsville station that afternoon.

Later in the day, managers did allow about a dozen workers to shelter in the Williamsville station for two days and nights, but only after one workers wife called police and was told the supervisors could not order them to leave the station in such extreme weather, union officials said.

A Postal Service managements response to the inspector generals report said that the findings are misleading and contain many inaccuracies.

The Postal Service response said that the three Williamsville mail carriers who became stuck while driving home on Dec. 23, including the pregnant woman, all left the Williamsville station before managers told workers at 1 p.m. that they could go home.

This was not a result of the lack of a timely decision (by Postal Service managers), said the response signed by Postal Service Vice Presidents Judy A. DeTorok and Scott P. Raymond.

Hundreds of local postal workers were put in danger because of questionable decisions made by management that day, said David J. Grosskopf Jr., president of the Buffalo branch of the National Association of Letter Carriers.

They were aware for days that this was going to be a very serious storm, Grosskopf said. They never should have sent people out to deliver mail that morning.

Postal Service managers declined to talk with The News about decisions made during that first day of the blizzard, but they insisted that worker safety is always a top priority.

article>
By JOSH BOAK, The Associated Press

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.

In a statement obtained in advance by The Associated Press, Biden adds: U.S. Steel has been an iconic American steel company for more than a century, and it is vital for it to remain an American steel company that is domestically owned and operated.

Thursdays announcement, coming as Biden is campaigning in the Midwest, could have ripples in his race against the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump. The Democratic president has made the restoration of American manufacturing a cornerstone of his agenda as he seeks reelection, and he has the endorsements of the AFL-CIO and several other prominent unions.

Nippon Steel announced in December that it planned to buy the Pittsburgh-based steel producer for $14.1 billion in cash, raising concerns about what the transaction could mean for unionized workers, supply chains and U.S. national security.

The Japanese company has tried to assuage critics by promising no job losses due to the merger. It also committed to keeping the U.S. Steel name and Pittsburgh headquarters, while noting it already has a presence in the American market and would bring in new resources to foster job growth. The company, which is the worlds fourth largest steel producer, launched a website with supportive statements from Larry Summers, the former treasury secretary, and Pat Toomey, a Republican and former senator from Pennsylvania.

Shortly after the steel deal was announced, the White House indicated it would be under review by the secretive Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. The government does not officially provide updates on the CFIUS review process.

Biden has a big megaphone to weigh in on the matter, but he is not intervening in the review process or formally blocking the deal, according to a person familiar with deliberations who insisted on anonymity to discuss the situation.

Trump said earlier this year after meeting with the Teamsters union that he would stop the U.S. Steel acquisition: I would block it. I think its a horrible thing, when Japan buys U.S. Steel. I would block it instantaneously.

Biden has a close relationship with the United Steelworkers. He gave the union members personal assurances that he has their backs, according to a February statement by the union about Nippon Steels plans. U.S. Steel is headquartered in Pennsylvania, another key state in this years election.

The United Steelworkers issued a statement last week after meeting with representatives from Nippon Steel that it had concerns about whether the company would honor existing labor agreements and about the companys financial transparency, adding that there were barriers to closing a merger.
NOTE: This story is based on the affidavit of probable cause filed by Pa. state police in Bradford County against defendants Terry L. Parker, his ex-wife, Ronda L. Parker; and his girlfriend, Summer L. Heil, in the homicide and dismemberment of Michael Pruitt, identified as Rondas boyfriend. The Parkers are charged with homicide, abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence; Heil is charged with abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence. All three are lodged in Bradford County Jail.

COLUMBIA CROSSROADS, Pa.  This is where police say the horror happened.

The ramshackle property is situated atop a wooded ridge off a sparsely traveled dirt road in rural Bradford County, less than 20 miles south of Elmira, N.Y.

Its where state police say 46-year-old Terry L. Parker of Harrisburg, either spurred by a desire for revenge or jealousy, lured his ex-wifes boyfriend with a text message sent from her phone.

Michael Pruitt, 40, a out-of-town transplant with tattoos, a beard and dirty blonde hair, apparently responded to the text without trepidation and headed to Ronda Parkers Sawyer Street address.

Pruitt was in the kitchen when Terry Parker arrived at the house from Harrisburg, police say.

Soon after, the gunshots rang out.

The nearest neighbor is hundreds of yards away.

Deanna Grable told PennLive she didnt hear the five shots fired early last Friday evening. But she said she was always wary of Ronda Parker.

I didnt get a trusting feeling from her, Grable, who grew up in the area where she said parents can let their children play outside without worry. I didnt get good vibes from her.

Then one day Ronda Parker followed Grable home and cursed her out.

I drove past her house, and she followed me home, Grable recounted. She said I drove too fast when she had her two-year-old on the back of a horse. She was next to the road. Not very nice.

Grable said she didnt know Pruitt, but added, I think he frequently stayed with her.

Grable described the property as a mess and said Ronda Parker allowed her three to four horses and nearly a half-dozen dogs to roam free and onto Grables property.

Still, she never expected this.

Its shocking, Grable said of the homicide, dismemberment and body-burning that police said took place right down the road. Its scary to have it that close to our house.

This dilapidated barn sits on the Bradford County property where a man was shot dead, dismembered and burned. A neighbor complained the place is a "mess" and they allowed their horses and dogs to roam free.John Luciew

He shot me!

Ronda Parker was in a bedroom with her one-year-old son when the first two shots sounded. The sharp reports came from the kitchen around 6 p.m. last Friday.

The next thing Ronda knew, according to the account she gave to police, a wounded Pruitt burst through her bedroom door. Terry Parker was close on his heels, gun raised.

He shot me! He shot me! Pruitt shouted.

Then Terry fired again.

This time, Pruitt went down, she told police. But he wasnt dead.

Terry Parker stood over Pruitt as he gurgled. He fired twice more, Ronda related to police.

There were no more sounds after that.

The homicide then sparked a nearly 300-mile road trip to Harrisburg and back  all the while with Pruitts sleeping bag-encased body in the trunk, police said.

As a result, the rear of Terry Parkers Ford Fusion sat low all weekend, even when he took his stepdaughters for ice cream in Harrisburg on Saturday, police said in court documents.

Two of his stepdaughters later told police Terry Parker made no secret of any of this. He told the girls he had Pruitts body in the trunk and that the homicide was his revenge for Pruitt allegedly masturbating in front of two of Rondas daughters, they said.

However, Ronda would tell state police Terry was also jealous of Pruitt.

Inside the trunk, Pruitts body was wrapped with a chain and tied to a cinder block, police said. By her account, the nearly three-hour trip to Harrisburg was supposed to include a stop to get rid of the body. The initial plan was to find a swimming hole and sink the corpse, she told police.

Terry Parker instructed Ronda to google for swimming holes during their night ride to Harrisburg. She didnt want to use her own phone for internet searches to dispose of a body, so she used Terrys, Ronda told police.

In the end, that plan was abandoned.

Instead, Michael Pruitts corpse went for a round-trip ride to Harrisburg and back, police said.

This is the main house on the Bradford County property. The homicide took place inside, creating a considerable mess to clean up. The defendants complained about this in text messages recovered by state police.John Luciew

Life lessons

Pruitts Facebook page is earmarked with life lessons and dime-store philosophies. Inspirational quotes make up a good number of Pruitts recent posts.

One of them says, Everyone makes mistakes in life, but that doesnt mean they have to pay for it for the rest of their life. Sometimes good people make bad choices. It doesnt mean theyre bad; it just means they are human.

Another posting on his page was more ominous: The devil will attack you through people that you think love you. Watch your circle.

By the police account, Pruitt wasnt vigilant enough.

The fatal shooting left quite the mess inside Rondas Springfield Township home, police said. She was tasked with cleaning it up.

While she was careful about not using her phone for searches about swimming holes to hide a body, she was far less circumspect about texts related to the cleanup. One of Rondas daughters would show these texts to state police, prompting troopers to swarm the property last Monday.

Terry, Clorox is not enough in here, its everywhere, Ronda texted at one point.

In another, she joked about finding one of Pruitts teeth on a blanket in the bedroom, asking Terry if hed like it as a souvenir.

In her statement to state police, Ronda Parker continued to complain about all the bloody cleanup work.

Alas, all the scrubbing was for naught.

State police said they found blood droplets on a kitchen wall, despite its fresh coat of paint.

Another view of the Bradford County property where a man's homicide sparked a near-300-mile road trip to Harrisburg and back. All the while, with the victim's corpse in the trunk.John Luciew

Lending a hand

Terry and Ronda Parker arrived in Harrisburg with their cadaver cargo in the early hours of last Saturday.

If either harbored a guilty conscience, there was no sign of it.

Ronda told state police she slept soundly for 10 straight hours. By the time she awoke sometime Saturday afternoon, Terry Parker had enlisted help for the grim task ahead.

His 36-year-old girlfriend, Summer Heil, agreed to return with them to Bradford County early last Sunday to assist cutting up Pruitts body with an axe, according to court documents.

Police said Heil admitted she held a naked Pruitts lifeless limbs while Terry Parker swung the bladed blows. It took several swings to sever each of Pruitts limbs, then his head, she told them.

Ronda Parker told police the two also employed a small power saw in their work. She said she heard it buzzing outside while she continued to sanitize her blood-soaked house.

Heil told police Terry Parker had earlier related a story about Pruitt masturbating in front of two of Rondas daughters, ages 14 and 4. Heil said Terry informed her of his revenge plot well in advance.

Heil said she, too, was angry at Pruitt over his alleged actions. So much so, she told police she stabbed his dead body twice in the chest and once in the head during the dismemberment. Heil told police that by this time, she was high on meth.

All this is in sharp contrast to the positive Facebook message Heil, a single mother and a recovering addict who was working a program at a half-way house, posted leading up to last Christmas.

I have my rough days for sure, and some days I wonder how the hell am I gonna do this. But I have the biggest motivation in the world! she wrote, alluding to her daughter. Im just hoping to have a good Christmas for my little girl!

In wake of the homicide, theres now a somber postscript to this positivity. Its a message from a relative posted to Heils Facebook within the past day.

It reads: I have a loved one in Bradford County jail. I talked to my loved one today. This girl isnt doing well. She is in a turtle suit, screaming that shes going to kill herself! Prayers to the victims family. So sad.

The haunting words are followed by a hands-praying emoji.

The gruesome work of dismembering the victim with an axe took place outside in full view of a sparsely traveled dirt road. The bagged body parts were then loaded into a wheelbarrow.John Luciew

The burning

Sunday was the day to tie up all loose ends.

Outside the Bradford County house, Terry Parker and Heil were dismembering Pruitts naked body, putting the parts in plastic bags and piling them in a wheelbarrow, according to the affidavit.

Inside the house, Ronda Parker was scrubbing away the mess, police said.

All the while, texts between the Parkers continued.

Terry Parker texted at one point, Already got more than half of him in the bags.

Terry later texted Ronda: We need clothes. In a hurry. We both smell like dead animal.

In the end, police say, they decided on a method of disposal.

The solution was right in front of them: A huge burn pit strewn with all manner of charred garbage and rusting refuse sits right off the gated driveway entrance to the property.

The burn pit at the scene of the Bradford County homicide. State police said they recovered "bones believed to be human" from the pit.John Luciew

Ronda Parker told police Terry and Heil entered the house and informed her of their plan to burn the body parts. Terry was worried Pruitt had distinctive tattoos that could otherwise identify him, the affidavit stated. Flames would erase everything.

In full view of the sparsely traveled dirt road running in front of the property, the affidavit charges that Terry Parker pushed the wheelbarrow filled with bagged body parts to the burn pit, then proceeded to light them on fire.

Grable said she passed the house that Sunday evening and noticed the smoke.

It would be a couple more days before she realized the macabre implications of the smoldering burn pit, where state police said they recovered bones believed to be human.

I didnt know at the time. But now thinking back, Im like, oh my God, Grable shuddered. Because youre out in, like, the country, you think you can just get away with stuff like that, I guess. I dont know how people can do that.
Prosecutors introduced this signed statement into evidence at her trial March 13, 2024.Dauphin County District Attorney
A gunfight between a Harrisburg man and a police officer Wednesday morning erupted in the middle of a busy intersection stunning drivers and prompting bystanders to duck for cover.

Police accused Jacob Bruce Bucher III, 38, of putting everyone in the area in danger of being shot with his firearm, police wrote in court records filed Wednesday night against him. They charged him with attempted homicide, aggravated assault, recklessly endangering the public and possession of a gun while prohibited.

Bucher was shot in the torso during the shootout at Cameron and Maclay streets around lunchtime Wednesday and remained in a hospital under guard Thursday. No one else was injured. The police officer took cover behind a traffic light pole at one point during the shooting, according to court documents.

An affidavit of probable cause filed by Harrisburg police gave this account:

A Harrisburg officer pulled over a silver minivan on Wednesday at 12:16 p.m. after seeing a suspect from an earlier shooting get into the vehicle at North Second and Maclay Street.

The van and the police officer stopped at the intersection of Cameron and Maclay Street, with the van in the far-right turn lane, when police said Bucher stepped out of the minivan and began to walk away.

The officer told him to stop but Bucher ignored him and continued to walk away. Bucher, then pulled out a revolver and fired multiple shots at the police officer.

The police officer knelt down and fired back as Butcher continued to walk eastbound across the intersection while firing back at the officer. As this was happening, a video of the incident shows other drivers stopped at the intersection, and approaching the intersection.

One of the officers bullets hit Bucher and he continued to walk east on Arsenal Boulevard while ignoring the police officers commands being yelled across the intersection. Other officers arrived, including one in an unmarked vehicle, who followed Bucher and pulled onto the median behind him, as he fired his gun again and other officers ran toward Bucher.

Thats when Bucher tossed an Iver Johnson five-shot revolver containing five empty cartridges onto the street, police said.

The officer from the unmarked vehicle fired a stun gun at the wounded Bucher, as other officers swarmed him. Police wrote in court records that Bucher resisted arrest, the the documents did not specify Buchers actions.

District Attorney Fran Chardo said the traffic stop occurred after several reports of a man matching Buchers description waving a gun and firing it.

Bucher  who listed his most recent address as an apartment in the 1700 block of Green Street  has a criminal history in multiple Pennsylvania counties, including several instances where he resisted arrest and fled officers.

In 2016, he was arrested in Harrisburg by a state trooper at a vigil held for the victims of a mass shooting in Florida. He was charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and drug possession.

He was arrested in 2018 and charged with criminal mischief, simple assault, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, disorderly conduct, and public drunkenness after he threw objects toward police officers in the lobby of a Cumberland County motel.

Also in 2018, Bucher was arrested in Centre County for trying to fight with police officers in the lobby of a hotel after being involved in a domestic dispute.

More recently, police charged him in 2023 with fleeing/eluding and resisting arrest when he refused to pull over for nearly two miles.
Former General Hospital star Robyn Bernard was found dead early Tuesday morning, according to multiple reports.

She was 64.

The Riverside County Coroners Office reported that Bernards body was found in a field behind a business on the 1800 block of South San Jacinto Avenue in San Jacinto, California. The cause of death was not given, but the Hollywood Reporter reported that an investigation is ongoing.

The site reported that Bernard is the older sister of Wings actress Crystal Bernard.

It said she got her start in acting in 1981, but her career really took off in 1984 when she landed the gig on General Hospital as Terry Brock. She appeared in 145 episodes, according to the site.

She had a long list of other credits to, per the report, appearing in such shows as Tour of Duty, and Simon & Simon, as well as several films.

She reportedly last appeared in the 2002 movie, Voices From the High School.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced there will be lane restrictions on Thursday and Friday night, MArch 14-15, on Route 30 at the median barrier project on the Route 30 (Wrights Ferry) Bridge connecting Lancaster and York counties.

The bridge spans the Susquehanna River between Hellam Township in York County and Columbia Borough in Lancaster County, a press release said.

The restrictions will be in place so the contractor can shift traffic back into its original configuration and place permanent pavement markings on the structures.David Thompson

The restrictions will be in place so the contractor can shift traffic back into its original configuration and place permanent pavement markings on the structures.

Weather permitting, this work will be performed from 6:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. on both nights.

There will be lane restrictions Thursday night on the westbound side of the bridge and Friday night on the eastbound side of the bridge.

Motorists should be alert and drive with caution through the work zone.

This project includes improvements to the median barrier and other construction activities.

JD Eckman, Inc., of Atglen, Pa., is the prime contractor on this $5,247,787 project. Work is expected to be completed by November 2024.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following local alerts on X.
A man struck by a vehicle early Thursday while walking on Route 147 in Dauphin County died at the scene, police said.

The crash occurred at 5:21 a.m. along the highway, also known as South River Road, about a half mile north of U.S. Route 322 in Reed Township. That section of road is sandwiched between the river and railroad tracks.

The man who died was 62 years old and from Jacksonville Florida, according to state police. His name was not provided.

Police did not provide any details of the crash in a news release. They simply said they reported to the scene of a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian.

The crash closed Route 147 for several hours. All lanes were closed in both directions between Exits US 22 West/US 322 West and Mountain Road but reopened about 8:45 a.m., according to a report from 511PA.
Gov. Josh Shapiro is pitching a two-part energy and climate change plan that would include a state-level cap-and-trade system for power plant pollution, precluding the legal battle over a regional emissions-control system his predecessor tried to join.

Shapiros proposals  rolled out during an appearance with climate advocates and union officials in Scranton  would create a Pennsylvania-specific system to force energy producers to pay for the greenhouse gasses they put into the atmosphere, and would also overhaul the states energy portfolio standards so that 50% of Pennsylvanias energy would be sourced from zero or near-zero emissions sources by 2035.
In a new opinion piece, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dave McCormick reiterated his backing for in-vitro fertilization services following an Alabama court ruling, saying that he would always support access to IVF.

McCormicks column was published Tuesday on RealClearPennsylvania.com and was headlined, Helping Parents Experience the Miracle of Life. He shared statistics on IVFs usage and called it a ray of hope for families struggling to conceive, echoing his statement from last month on it.
Police and city officials in Kelowna are considering moves to restrict the sale of bear spray, which was used in almost one-third of assaults causing bodily harm last year. Shown here is a can of bear spray that was taken from a woman in downtown Kelowna during an incident in 2014.
Dr. Leonard Egede made three visits to Buffalo while being recruited to serve as the new chair of the department of medicine at the University at Buffalos Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

The first two were in person and the last was supposed to be a Zoom meeting. But when Egede heard it was with leaders of Buffalos Black and East Side community, he opted to attend in person.

I got very excited for the sense of commitment, vision and the drive to address inequality that is happening in Buffalo, Egede said. In so many places I have had to do outreach and build networks to address health disparities, but Buffalo already has a strong core group of community members that we dont have to build up from scratch.

Egede, pronounced Eh-GETTY, will take over as UB Jacobs chair of medicine from Dr. Brian Murray, who has served as interim chair since Dr. Anne B. Curtis stepped down after 12 years as chair in 2022. Egede also will be president and CEO of UBMD Internal Medicine of the UBMD Physicians Group. He will join UB on July 1.

Egede has built a national reputation as a health disparities expert whose work has made an impact on the understanding of how racial and economic disparities affect health care in marginalized communities like Buffalos East Side.

UB Jacobs lured him to Buffalo from the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he spent eight years as a tenured professor, chief of internal medicine and director of its Center for Advancing Population Science, among other roles.

The department of medicine is the Jacobs Schools largest, with 13 divisions spanning a wide range of specialties and 200 faculty members who teach, conduct research and provide patient care in Western New York.

UB Jacobs Dean Dr. Allison Brashear said she sought to bring Egede on to lead the medical schools growing efforts to address health disparities in the surrounding community.

Dr. Egede is a premier, national leader in health disparities research, Brashear said. His appointment is a significant milestone for the Jacobs School and its commitment to improve health care in Western New York.

Buffalo and UB Jacobs were already focused on health disparities among Buffalos Black, Hispanic and Indigenous communities due to decades of systemic racial discrimination leading up to the May 14, 2022, mass shooting of 10 Black East Side residents by a white supremacist who traveled from Broome County to kill Black people.

The hate crime spotlighted the segregation, poverty and substandard housing and transportation on the East Side and lit a fire under efforts to eliminate racial, economic and geographic inequities in Western New York.

UBs efforts began in 2014 when it participated in the African American Health Equity Task Force formed by local pastors, which became the Buffalo Center for Health Equity. Working with that group, UB Dr. Tim Murphy founded the UB Community Health Equity Research Institute to address the crisis of race-related health disparities in Buffalo.

Compared with white residents of Buffalo, life expectancy of African Americans is 12 years earlier, and their chances are four times higher to suffer from serious, chronic and often preventable diseases, like heart disease, diabetes, asthma and cancer, the UB institute said.

The primary reason for these disparities is the social determinants of health, which refer to the conditions in which people live, work, learn, play and worship, the institute said.

Egede, who grew up in Nigeria, has made seeking solutions to health disparities his lifes work.

His parents were both education administrators who sent him to competitive boarding schools where he specialized in the sciences. He went directly from high school to six years of medical school, becoming a licensed physician at age 23, then did two years of service caring for patients in disadvantaged areas.

He met his wife, a U.S. native, in medical school and came back with her to attend graduate school at Towson State University in Maryland. He did his internship and residency at Greater Baltimore Medical Center, then got a fellowship to teach at the Medical University of South Carolina, where he earned his masters in clinical research.

Egede spent 17 years in South Carolina, teaching and serving as director of the medical universitys Center for Health Disparities Research and leading health equity interventions for the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center. His research included studies of the impact of race, poverty and environment on chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and depression and how to gain community buy-in to combat them.

UB described him as a leader in health disparities research whose NIH grants top $20 million in funding.

From early on in our discussions, it became clear that Dr. Egedes passion for addressing the social determinants of health was very much in line with efforts UB has launched with community partners here in our region, Brashear said.

Egede said Buffalo has many similarities to Milwaukee as an almost Midwestern post-industrial city that has had to reimagine its future.

There is also a major minority population with a lot of challenges of poverty, social instability, food insecurity, housing and transportation challenges and health care access, he said. So a lot of things that we have done here are transferable to Buffalo.

He pointed to several studies he is completing that explore solutions to health disparities. One looks at whether giving disadvantaged people boxes of healthy food, versus food vouchers, leads to better health outcomes.

Another followed people with chronic diseases who received a universal basic income of $500 a month to see whether they used it to take better care of themselves. We found that 97% of the funds go to basic needs like transportation, rent and food, Egede said.

Another incentive program offered financial aid of up to $1,200 a year to 450 people with Type 2 adult onset diabetes who were rewarded for showing up to get their blood sugar tested, attending diabetes education classes and getting their diabetes under control, Egede said.

The financial incentives motivate them to change their behaviors, but as they get more successful, they dont need the incentives, he said. We followed them for a year and now we will do an additional six months to see if they will continue to do well when we pull the incentives back.

Egede said these studies are three big ones that we will test in Buffalo with help from an engaged community within and around the medical community and in the local Black, Hispanic, refugee and Indigenous communities.

There is a lot of energy for this already in the community, and Im excited to be part of that, he said.

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Snow was being scattered around on Beach Avenue outside businesses that had been adorned with Christmas trees and wreaths as filming got underway on another Hallmark movie being shot in the town.
Peter Chapman Band Chief Robert Head during a media event hosted by the Federation of Indigenous Sovereign Nations' (FSIN) to address concerns regarding the local coroner's inquest in the mass stabbing event on James Smith Cree Nation in 2022, in Saskatoon on February 1, 2024. A First Nations chief in Saskatchewan says his community needs a seat at the table after a probe into the release of a mass killer failed to include members' input. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Liam Richards
Notices of water reservations, commonly used by mining projects, would not be published in local newspapers anymore

The Alaska Senate voted without dissent Monday to allow the Department of Natural Resources to stop publishing some public notices in local newspapers.

Senators approved Senate Bill 68 by a 17-0 vote. It now advances to the House for consideration. Sens. Lyman Hoffman, D-Bethel; Bert Stedman, R-Sitka; and Shelley Hughes, R-Palmer, were excused absent.

Before the final vote, newspaper publishers unsuccessfully asked legislators to reconsider their plans. Allowing the state to control its public notice process poses transparency risks, they testified, and it likely will harm papers finance...
A new state revenue forecast that includes modestly higher oil prices promises to give Alaskans a slightly larger Permanent Fund dividend and the Alaska Legislature some additional breathing room as lawmakers craft a new state budget.

The forecast, released Wednesday by the Alaska Department of Revenue, updates a fall estimate and predicts that the state of Alaska will collect $140 million more in revenue than previously expected during the 12 months that begin July 1.

That will help legislators as they write a budget bill that must be passed and become law before July 1, the start of the states fiscal year.

Its not all gravy, said Rep. DeLena Johnson, R-Palmer and co-chair of the House Finance Committee. While having additional money certainly doesnt hurt anything, Gov. Mike Dunleavy is already planning to present some extra spending requests to the Legislature, she said.

And so I want to see what those look like before I could say much about what the impact (of the new revenue forecast) would be, Johnson said.

Sen. Bert Stedman, R-Sitka and Johnsons counterpart on the Senate Finance Committee, said its also important to note that the new forecast also increases expectations for the current fiscal year.

For the 12 months ending June 30, the Department of Revenue expects an additional $58 million.

Under the budget law passed last year, some of that extra money is reserved for a bonus to this years Permanent Fund dividend. Stedman said he now expects that bonus to be slightly more than $200.

That would be paid atop to the amount that legislators set as this years dividend.

After subtracting the dividend bonus, Stedman said theres about $170 million in additional dollars between the two fiscal years.

Sen. Click Bishop, R-Fairbanks, was among the lawmakers who said they hope some of the money will be spent on maintenance projects statewide.

Weve got a lot of need out there, he said. That snow removal number statewide, maybe weve got some wiggle room now to help with snow removal.

In Western Alaska, its embarrassing to look at the black mold in those schools  fire alarm systems that are defunct, etc. So hopefully we can throw a lifeline for deferred maintenance at our K-12 schools, Bishop said.

Oil revenue represents only about a third of the states general-purpose income, but its extremely variable from year to year and even month to month, dependent upon fluctuations in price and production.

The Alaska Department of Revenue uses 30 days worth of data from oil markets to estimate prices in the future.

An annual transfer from the Alaska Permanent Fund to the state treasury is the states No. 1 source of revenue, accounting for more than half of its general-purpose revenue, but the stability of that transfer is negated by the sheer changeability of oil, causing legislators to pay close attention to forecasts as they set the states annual budget.

Last year, members of the House Finance Committee drafted a balanced budget before the annual spring revenue forecast, only to see the document turn into a deficit after the forecast came in lower than expected.

This year, the committee is waiting for the forecast, amendments from the governor, and a decision by the governor on a multipart education funding bill.

The Houses version of the budget should be in front of the full House by the end of the month, Johnson said, and is expected to be sent to the Senate for further debate on April 12.

The Alaska Beacon is an independent, donor-funded news organization. Alaskabeacon.com.
At the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand Winston Peters and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia Penny Wong, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will pay an official visit to New Zealand and Australia from March 17 to 21. During his visit to Australia, Foreign Minister Wang Yi will hold the seventh China-Australia Foreign and Strategic Dialogue with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

China News Service: Id like to follow up on your announcement that Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit New Zealand and Australia. Could you share more about the background of the visit and Chinas expectations?

Wang Wenbin: China has comprehensive strategic partnerships with both New Zealand and Australia.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinpings state visit to New Zealand and Australia and also the 10th anniversary of the China-New Zealand and China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnerships. After his previous visit to New Zealand and Australia seven years ago, Foreign Minister Wang Yis visit this time will kick off this years high-level exchanges between China and the two countries. During the visit, Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the foreign ministers and leaders of the two countries will have extensive and in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest. China looks forward to working with the two countries to deliver on the common understandings between the leaders, enhance strategic communication, deepen mutual trust, advance exchanges and cooperation, promote the steady and sustained growth of the China-New Zealand and China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnerships and contribute to world peace, stability and prosperity.

AFP: The US House of Representatives passed legislation yesterday that would ask ByteDance to divest TikTok. Whats your response?

Wang Wenbin: This bill adopted by the US House of Representatives puts the US on the wrong side of the principles of fair competition and international trade rules.

If national security can be abused to bring down other countries competitive companies, there would be no fairness or justice at all. It is sheer robbers logic to try every means to snatch from others all the good things that they have.

How the US has handled TikTok enables the world to see clearly whether the USs rules and order serve the whole world or only the US.

The Associated Press: Id like to know if you can give us any more details on the New Zealand part of Foreign Minister Wang Yis visit? Any particular issues in New Zealand that will be coming up or anything that will be talked about?

Wang Wenbin: I shared relevant information just now. On further details about Foreign Minister Wang Yis visit, we will read out in due course. Please check back for updates.

Reuters: Taiwan dispatched coast guard boats today to rescue a capsized fishing vessel from the mainland near Kinmen. Can you confirm this and provide more details?

Wang Wenbin: Its not related to foreign affairs. Id refer you to competent authorities.

Bloomberg: The UK government is considering curbing the number of Chinese nationals who can enter the UK on official business over fears the system is being abused to bring spies into Britain. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment?

Wang Wenbin: The cross-border travel of diplomats and people on official business is very important to the sound development of our bilateral relations and also conducive to enhancing mutual trust and practical cooperation across the board. China has provided long-standing facilitation for UK diplomats and people on official business to visit China and hopes that the UK can work with China in the same direction and provide facilitation for Chinese personnel in accordance with mutually beneficial arrangements reached by the two sides.

AFP: I have another question on TikTok. The Chinese mainland has banned YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. What is the difference between this and the proposed ban on TikTok by the US?

Wang Wenbin: We welcome foreign platforms and services of various kinds to the Chinese market on the premise that they observe Chinas laws and regulations. This is completely different from the US way of handling TikTok, which is clearly a bullying act and robbers logic.

Kyodo News: It is reported that Japan, the US and the Philippines will hold a summit in Washington in April. Relevant consultation has begun. The three countries will carry out discussions in response to Chinas increasing hegemonic activities in the East and South China Seas. What is Chinas comment on this?

Wang Wenbin: Chinas activities in the East and South China Seas are completely consistent with domestic and international laws and beyond reproach. By contrast, the US has traveled halfway around the world to Chinas doorsteps to form exclusive circles, flex muscles and make provocations. These are out-and-out hegemonic activities. Chinas territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests brook no infringement. China has unwavering resolve and will to uphold its lawful rights. We will resolutely respond to any countrys attempt to violate Chinas sovereign rights and interests.

NHK: Another follow-up question regarding TikTok. It seems that the concern of the US side is the fact that Chinese companies are subject to national security law, requiring them to share data with the government on request. What is Chinas thought on this concern? Would you say there is no such concern?

Wang Wenbin: The Chinese government attaches great importance to protecting data privacy and security. We have never asked and will never ask businesses or individuals to collect or provide data in other countries for the Chinese government in violation of local laws. The problem of the US is that while never finding evidence of TikTok threatening its national security, the US resorts to state power and abuses national security as the reason to suppress this company.

CCTV: According to reports, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated after meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin on March 12 that we (the Philippines) have not rejected any proposal that China made to us, and what is unacceptable is Beijing basing its expansive claim on its 10-dash line, which is not recognized by any country, any international body. Until that premise that China has made in terms of all its discussions with the Philippines, it is difficult to see a way forward. I vowed to defend the Philippine Constitution when I sworn in, and the first article of the countrys Constitution clearly defines its territorial area, including maritime and land-based territory. Whats your response?

Wang Wenbin: China was the first country to discover, name, explore and exploit Nanhai Zhudao and relevant waters, and was the first to exercise sovereign rights and jurisdiction over Nanhai Zhudao and relevant waters continuously, peacefully and effectively. After World War II, the Chinese government recovered and resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao, which had been illegally occupied by Japan during its war of aggression against China pursuant to the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation. China has territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, including that China has sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao; China has internal waters, territorial sea and contiguous zone, based on Nanhai Zhudao; China has exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, based on Nanhai Zhudao; And China has historic rights in the South China Sea. The above positions are consistent with relevant international law and practice.

As early as in 1948, the Chinese government officially released the dotted line, which has been upheld by successive Chinese governments. For a long time, it has never been questioned by any country. China never claimed that the whole of the South China Sea belongs to China. The Philippine side accuses China of claiming all waters inside the dotted line as territory. It is not in line with the fact and is deliberate distortion of Chinas position. The Philippines should stop misleading the international community, using the South China Sea issue to instigate disputes, and counting on external forces to undermine peace and stability in the South China Sea region.

To address the South China Sea issue, we are firm in upholding China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and stand ready to address the maritime differences through negotiation and consultation with countries directly concerned on the basis of respecting historical facts. Pending a solution to the differences, China also stands ready to work with countries directly concerned to manage the situation at sea, achieve win-win results by carrying out maritime cooperation, and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Bloomberg: China and NATO held their eighth security policy dialogue in Beijing on Wednesday. Can you tell us what was discussed?

Wang Wenbin: The Ministry of National Defense of China has released a readout. If you are interested in specific issues, Id refer you to the Ministry of National Defense.
TRENTON, N.J. (AP)  New Jersey, known as much for its beaches and blueberries as for the chemical plants and refineries that line some of its major highways, is considering asking voters a fundamental question: Should the state guarantee its citizens the right to a clean environment?

A bill making its way through the state Legislature would put a question on the November general election ballot asking, Do you approve amending the Constitution to grant every person the right to a clean and healthy environment?

Environmentalists say the move, known as the green amendment, is long overdue and would enable citizens to seek redress in court if they feel their environmental rights are being violated.

But opponents, including business groups, warn that the law could have unintended consequences. They say it could enable foes of one of New Jersey's main efforts to fight climate change  building offshore wind projects  to challenge and kill the projects in court, saying their right to a clean ocean was being violated.

Three states  Montana, New York and Pennsylvania  have established constitutional rights to a clean environment via similar amendments, but another 15 either are considering such measures or are expected to do so soon, said Maya van Rossum, founder of Green Amendments For The Generations and head of the Delaware Riverkeeper organization in New Jersey.

We have communities in New Jersey thar are being harmed by air and water pollution despite all these laws we have on the books to protect them, she said, adding that the proposal, if enacted, would reorient environmental protection toward preventing pollution rather than acting after the fact to address it.

Right now, governmental officials may think it's a good idea to protect the environment and may want to do it, but they don't have a constitutional demand to do it, she said.

Democratic state Sen. Linda Greenstein, sponsor of the bill, said it would guarantee the fundamental parts of a healthy daily life.

That means clean water to drink, clean air to breathe and enjoyment of our natural spaces, constitutionally guaranteed to every New Jerseyan today and tomorrow," she said. "These things should not be considered a privilege afforded to some.

But the bill does not spell out how the law would work in practice. It designates no entity as the enforcer of the law or the adjudicator of disputes regarding it. That would appear to leave the court system as the main avenue for those who feel aggrieved.

It would wind up in front of a judge, Greenstein acknowledged, although she said some preliminary steps including mediation could also be used.

She said lawmakers may need to add language spelling out how the law would work and be enforced.

Ray Cantor, of the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, said the law could have unintended consequences. He said it could enable people who oppose offshore wind power projects to challenge them in court.

Our concern is many dont understand the ramifications of this resolution, he said.

Greenstein and officials with several environmental groups said they do not consider that likely.

The measure would decree that "the states natural resources, among them its waters, air, flora, fauna, climate, and public lands, are the common property of all the people, including both present and future generations. The state shall serve as trustee of these resources, and shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all people.

But Bill Wolfe, a former official with the state Department of Environmental Protection and a frequent critic of the agency, said the state already is the trustee of those resources under the Public Trust Doctrine, a legal concept dating back to the Roman Empire that the state has adopted in other areas, including access to beaches and waterways.

The bill is deeply flawed, and I believe it is more performative than a serious effort, he said.

Doug O'Malley, of Environment New Jersey, called the bill the fire axe behind glass that you break in case of emergency.

You don't use it every day, but it's good to know you have it there in case you need it, he said.

He and others said they do not expect a flood of litigation as a result of the new law, citing the experiences of other states that have enacted similar provisions.

Several measures have been added to the bill through amendments, including adding a safe climate to the list of protected resources, and adding environmental justice concerns to it, according to Democratic Sen. Bob Smith, chairman of the senate committee that advanced the bill on Thursday.

It still requires multiple levels of approval before being placed on the November ballot.

Follow Wayne Parry on X, formerly Twitter, at www.twitter.com/WayneParryAC
Trident Seafoods reported last Friday it was entering the final stages of closing deals for three of its Alaska shoreside plants, including its operations in Ketchikan and Petersburg.

On Wednesday, Trident

announced that an agreement has been reached in principle for Silver Bay Seafoods to acquire the Trident processing plant in Ketchikan.

A buyer for Petersburgs plant has not yet been officially named, but rumors are circulating that an announcement to that effect is expected to happen this Friday.

Seattle-based Trident Seafoods  the largest seafood harvesting and processing company in...
Ambush testing is not the way to build trust between medical institutions and expectant mothers. Toxicology screenings without informed consent are not recommended by the New York State Department of Health or the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Yet, Laura Kuzdales story of being tested for drugs without her knowledge in July 2020, when she was having a Caesarean-section delivery at Oishei Childrens Hospital is not an uncommon one, according to the New York Civil Liberties Union and Pregnancy Justice. Kuzdale, who says her positive test for opiates was from ingesting poppy seeds on a bagel, alleges this testing led to a traumatizing visit to her house by Child Protective Services  mere hours after she had arrived home with her baby.

She was cleared of any maltreatment, but Kuzdale is continuing litigation against Childrens, even after her original lawsuit was dismissed. Regardless of that legal outcome, there needs to be a clear, universal informed consent policy and full transparency about drug testing in these situations. If that policy  including its unintended consequences  needs to be laid down and enforced statewide, so be it.

There should also be more guardrails to prevent any unwarranted involvement by Child Protective Services. As the New York Department of Health also advises: Substance use alone is not an indicator of child abuse, maltreatment, or neglect and this has not changed.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommendations are clear: Before performing any test on the pregnant individual or neonate, including screening for the presence of illicit substances, informed consent should be obtained from the pregnant person or parent. This consent should include the medical indication for the test, information regarding the right to refusal and the possible outcome of positive test results.

Such guidelines clearly need to be more widely disseminated. As the president of Childrens Hospital, Dr. Stephen Turkovich, notes, as of 2017, policies around screening and testing were all over the place. Turkovich told News reporter Jon Harris that Childrens has been following an informed-consent screening procedure for about two years. Other local hospitals have evolving procedures for this; for example, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center has only recently instituted a consent policy.

Reporting across the country indicates that these screenings without consent are a widespread issue. It should come as no surprise that racial bias is a factor in drug testing of expectant mothers. In 2020, the New York City Commission on Human Rights found that Black women are far more likely to be drug tested despite similar rates of drug use in both populations. Similarly, a recent study of a health system in Pennsylvania, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in April 2023, suggests that hospitals are more likely to give drug tests to Black women delivering babies than white women, regardless of the mothers history of substance use.

The New York City Commission investigation also found that hospitals continue to use a single unconfirmed positive screen as a reason to report parents to child services. This practice may be alarmingly widespread throughout the state. As Harris News story also reports, after two Hudson Valley women complained, the NYCLU has heard from a whole wave of others who had been drug tested without their consent and reported to Child Protective Services.

Its a situation that alarms all those who advocate for equitable, high-quality maternal care. Miriam Mack, policy director to the Family Defense Practice at the Bronx Defenders, says this issue is actually driving people away from health care.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists maintains that drug use during pregnancy is best addressed through education and treatment, not testing and prosecution. Driving women away from professional care cuts off the best avenue to recovery.

New York needs a transparent policy that maintains trust as it supports the safety and well-being of both newborn and mother.
The heat of the hot soup and chili was scorching on how awesome the smells were at the Bushnell Fire Department Hall. It was great night on March 9th with the Bushnell Fire Department Annual Chili Supper.

They have had this Annual Chili Supper for over 50 years. The fact is, the firefighters do not remember the exact date they started the event, but remember their fathers hosting the supper.

The firefighters and ladies had made four different soups. There was a mild chili, hot chili, oyster soup, and ham and bean soup. The mild chili was thick and had a delicious favor. The hot chili was...
Most of the hubshells start off as simple bar stock, imported from Dubai.

Cut to length. And cold forged into shape.

Smusher #1.

Smashing station. Various work holding jigs, forms, and a big hammer.

Operation one. Operation two.

The dinosaur machine is literally too large to photograph completely, but it all revolves around these 5 shaping heads.

The heart of the beast. More internals.

Mostly mechanical, with a little GameBoy computer readout providing some interface.

It makes these, 40 of them a minute. The steel hubshell for a coaster brake, which were at one time the lifeblood of KT. At this point they only turn the machine on once per quarter, when a run of coaster brake hubs is needed.

The other titan in the room is old Aida here, a freewheel sprocket cutting machine.

The business end. And the part that is safe to touch.

Machining on the left, assembly on the right.

Ratchet hub internals. And some very fancy Marameter plug gauges for quality control.

This is what I will be referring to as the spoke poker, a press dedicated to stabbing spoke holes in hub flanges.

One by one, side by side. One of the punch heads up close.

Of which they have a very wide variety.

The small parts storage at KT was quietly impressive, given the massive quantity of ingredients they have to keep track of.

Some finished hubshells laid to rest.

I have questions about this hub. Goods ready to go.

The assembly zone, a quiet and methodical process.

A sealed bearing press. And its vintage counterpart, for loose-ball bearings.

This machine tests for resistance in finished hubs. And this one applies the perfect amount of grease.

Another vintage machine, simply dubbed "the money maker." This was the assembly line for coaster brake hubs.

Screw-on freehub tightening machine.

One of the finished products. This is KT's highest end mountain hub, with 612 points of engagement. There are three engagement options available for their ratchet hubs.

Finished hubs. All laced up.

Hubert is quite fond of these beautiful fish. A signed Ritchey, given to Hubert by Tom as thanks.

Full bloom in the company garden. Ball is life at the company court.

Rig of the day.

is going to be a new series for the site, highlighting the people, places, and things that bring you the bikes and components you love. Today we have another installment from Taiwan, this time focusing on a large-scale component manufacturer.KT Taiwan is a massive hub manufacturer, with a focus on the mid- to high-end OE market. They make hubs for dozens of companies, to a variety of specifications and finish levels. The massive company had fairly humble beginnings in the 1940s, as a failed frame fabricator turned hub manufacturer. Their hub business saw its biggest boon when the United States government required that all kids' bikes come spec with coaster brake hubs, driving the need for that specific assembly through the roof. KT was positioned to answer the need, and geared up to satisfy the massive orders being placed.The initial shaping process is simple and brutal, with alloy stock smashed into shape by a series of massive cold forging presses. These get forged one by one, with each piece of stock loaded by hand.These forging machines live in a massive warehouse adjacent to the machining and assembly areas, but they're not alone. In the same bay live the machines that put KT on the map, critical to older and less relevant products that still sometimes see use.These are the machines that brought us here, thanks to our friend Joseph at Ponderosa Industries. Joey is a mechanical engineering consultant in Taichung, and mentioned KT's "dinosaur machine" a number of times during dinner one night - prompting this visit to see it for ourselves.From here, hub blanks head to the machine shop, where a series of operations take the blanks down to their final shape.Since their inception in 1947, KT Taiwan has been a family-run business. Now entering their third generation of the dynasty, Hubert (father), and Alex (son) are making sure things operate smoothly and that they're ready for the next coaster brake boom.
New art by Taj Mihelich.

Our social media manager Hannah had an earlier flight home so she wasn't able to join, but she left us her notes on the trip.



Hannah's favourite products:

- The Tange bike that went to Flavortown

- Lolipop tool amazingness

- Barbie brakes (aka Juin)



Hannah's favourite snacks:

- Kumquat lemon passion fruit tea. Pump that in my veins.

- Sounds silly but eating the best version of my favorite foods at home. Eggs rolls may be ruined for me now



Hannah's favourite experiences:

- The night markets. Incredible in every way

- The factory tours. Completely changed the way I see my bikes and makes me so stoked to know how much thought goes into every piece. Mind blowing.

- What felt like the constant kindess of everyone we met in Taipei. Calvin for sure, Uncle Hubert and crew, and every wonderfully nice person who helped me survive my 40 hours of travel

- The out of body experience of the tool store bar

- The metro system

-  Being with my coworkers in person at a slower paced event

- Night markets

- Sleeping in a micro pod hotel which was somehow better than most macro hotels

Music Corner

Dario's pick:

Alvin's pick:

Brian's pick:

Dario and I are joined by Alvin from our sister publication Velo to discuss the products we saw, the factories we toured, and the food we ate at this year's Taipei Cycle Show.
On March 13, the United States House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed bipartisan legislation that gives ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, six months to sell the TikTok app to a non-Chinese owner. A failure to comply would lead to TikToks ban from app stores and webhosting services in the U.S.

The U.S. lawmakers say ByteDance may be using the app to collect data on Americans and pass it on to the Chinese government. The apps algorithms also are capable of influencing public opinion in the United States, where the platform has about 170 million users.

ByteDance, which spent about $21.3 million on federal lobbying trying to influence Washington decision-making, denies any connection with the Chinese government and will likely oppose the bill in court, claiming it violates the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution (freedom of speech). The legislations fate in the Senate is uncertain, as it has both supporters and opponents who raise concern the ban could be seen as an act of censorship, The Wall Street Journal reported.

This bill is not about censorship, its about the inverse of censorship, which is propaganda and foreign propaganda pitting Americans against Americans, said the legislations co-author Mike Gallagher, a Republican representing the state of Wisconsin.

Beijing criticized the bill, accusing the U.S. of engaging in unfair competition, disrupting businesses and sabotaging economic and trade order in the world.

China banned, blocked or limited access to the majority of web search engines, social media and streaming platforms, mobile apps, email providers and news outlets owned by American companies.

In a comment to CNN on March 13, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said:

In recent years, though the U.S. has never found any evidence of TikTok posing a threat to the U.S. national security, it has never stopped going after TikTok.

That is false.

There is abundant evidence directly refuting the denials by ByteDance and the Chinese government of TikToks ability to influence U.S. public opinion and prompt Americans to act.

For example, ByteDance recently tried stopping the U.S. bill by directing millions of American TikTok users to call their Congressional representatives offices and protest the potential ban. So many Americans did so that the calls overwhelmed the lawmakers communication lines, CyberNews reported.

TikToks gross stunt proved our point, said Ashley Hinson, a Republican representing the state of Iowa, during the March 13 debate. What if on Election Day TikTok sent out an alert saying our elections were canceled?

The evidence, which Chinas foreign ministry claims the U.S. has never found, includes the following:

Mandiant Threat Intelligence reported in June 2019 that the Peoples Republic of China created a network of hundreds of inauthentic multilanguage accounts across social media, including on TikTok, and attempted to physically mobilize protesters in the U.S.

As part of this campaign, short videos on TikTok and other platforms discrediting Chinese dissidents and U.S. officials were created and promoted to the feeds of U.S. citizens. Many of the videos provided the targeted individuals' contact information and home addresses, Mandiant said.

In 2021, the PRC sponsored a campaign that targeted Asian Americans with thousands of posts urging them to protest the profiling of Asians in the U.S. on April 24 in New York City. The posts, illustrated with a large wrist smashing the whites, urged Asian Americans to fight back. Mandiant observed later reports saying that the protest was successful, with other minority groups joining the Asian Americans.

In 2022, after the U.S. diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing, the PRC hired a U.S. PR firm to discretely recruit TikTok and other social media influencers in the U.S. to amplify Chinas positive image, including by spreading disinformation and misinformation, the U.S. government cyber security agency CISA reported in its Tactics of Disinformation bulletin.

TikTok was launched in 2016. By that time, the Chinese government had already ramped up its cross-platform social media disinformation, researchers at Harvard University, Stanford University and the University of California, San Diego wrote in a joint study.

The PRC hired as many as 2 million people to spread its disinformation and misinformation, the study said. This group, also known as the 50 Cent Party, annually produced about 448 million social media posts fabricated by the Chinese government, the study said.

ByteDances announcement in January that it is launching its own generative artificial intelligence model, called LEGO, added to the concerns over TikToks potential. The model embedded in the TikTok app demonstrates precise identification and localization of specific regions in images or moments in videos, CyberNews reported.

Yet the most damning data linking ByteDance with the PRC government comes from the March 2023 intelligence report by the Australian Senate's Select Committee on Foreign Interference through Social Media.

Headlined TikTok, ByteDance, and their ties to the Chinese Communist Party, the report details evidence tracing the origins of the parent company and its app to the Chinese government and the governments ongoing control of both:

Our research confirms beyond any plausible doubt that... ByteDance is subject to all the influence, guidance and de facto control to which the Chinese Communist Party now subjects all PRC technology companies."

...the CCP and PRC state agencies have extended their ties into ByteDance to the point that the company can no longer be accurately described as a private enterprise.

The most significant findings, in our view, relate to how TikToks capabilities may be integrated with what Chinas leader Xi Jinping describes as the Partys external discourse mechanisms.

Fifteen countries and the European Union have partially or fully banned TikTok, labeling the app a threat to national security.

On February 19, the European Union opened an investigation into ByteDance and TikToks suspected breach of content rules, specifically in targeting minors with algorithmic systems that may stimulate addictive behaviors and rabbit hole effects.
State-of-the-art tent hospital arriving in Calgary March 19 via DC-8 and 757 cargo planes

CALGARY, AB, March 14, 2024 /CNW/ -- On Tuesday, March 19, Samaritan's Purse will transport one of its Emergency Field Hospitals to Calgary to increase Samaritan's Purse Canada's capacity to launch international, life-saving medical responses. The tent facility will arrive at the Calgary International Airport onboard the Christian relief organization's DC-8 and 757 Cargo planes.

Samaritan's Purse International Relief (PRNewsfoto/Samaritan's Purse)

The hospital will be strategically positioned in the Samaritan's Purse Canada warehouse and have customizable units that include an emergency room, laboratory, surgical facilities, and everything needed for inpatient and outpatient care in the event of an international crisis.

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"As our world faces increasingly large and frequent disasters, all of our global Samaritan's Purse offices are committed to responding in Jesus' Name at a moment's notice," said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse. "Our emergency field hospitals have helped us save lives and bring the hope of the Gospel in the midst of crises around the world, and this facility will equip our Canada office to respond wherever God calls us next."

Since 1973, Samaritan's Purse Canada has been providing desperately needed relief around the world in Jesus' Nameincluding food, water, and temporary shelter for victims of war, poverty, disease, and natural disasters.

"We are thankful that the Lord has provided us with this resource," said Fred Weiss, executive director of Samaritan's Purse Canada. "We'll be able to deploy this field hospital along with Canadian disaster responders to provide expert care that will save lives and reduce suffering while sharing the message of eternal life through Christ."

Since its inaugural deployment to Ecuador in 2016, the Samaritan's Purse Emergency Field Hospital has been deployed more than 20 times and provided emergency medical relief to tens of thousands of patients in disaster-stricken areas including war-torn Ukraine, Turkey following a deadly earthquake, and Iraq in the midst of the conflict in Mosul. All of these deployments have included Canadian doctors, nurses, and other staff.

Story continues

WHEN: Tuesday, March 19, at 08:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with media opportunities beginning at 08:00 a.m.

WHERE: Calgary International Airport 5107'53.4"N 11402'17.3"W (Along Aero Dr. NEspecific GPS pin provided upon request)

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES

Interview Fred Weiss, executive director of Samaritan's Purse Canada

Interview Melanie Wubbs, who has deployed with the Emergency Field Hospital and helped lead medical responses in locations such as Haiti, Ukraine, and Turkey

Gather b-roll footage of the cargo planes as they taxi on the tarmac

Broadcast quality b-roll and photos of previous DC-8 and Emergency Field Hospital missions in addition to the unloading of the Emergency Field Hospital in Calgary available upon request

About Samaritan's Purse

Samaritan's Purse is a Christian relief and development organization that takes its name from Jesus Christ's biblical story of the Good Samaritan. Like that Good Samaritan, who found a beaten man and helped restore him, we aid victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty, famine, and persecution. Besides emergency medical relief, our work includes Operation Christmas Child and providing safe water, vocational skills, and agricultural supplies and training to families in the developing world. Visit SamaritansPurse.ca for more information.

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View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/emergency-field-hospital-being-delivered-to-samaritans-purse-canada-to-increase-global-medical-response-capacity-302089930.html

SOURCE Samaritan's Purse

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View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2024/14/c4555.html
While Irish culture might be celebrated this weekend in the form of green beer, Celtic music and a raucous good time, there are certainly many other ways the Emerald Isle has made its mark on Charleston.

In fact, it goes all the way back to one of the first settlers of South Carolina, for whom a nearby beloved island and popular beach town is named.

Florence O'Sullivan, who was an Irishman of the 1600s working for the British crown, is a notable fellow for quite a few reasons, at least from what we know of him via few surviving documents and an 1897 text called The Shaftesbury Papers that looks back on the founding of South Carolina as a proprietary colony.

Sullivan's Island is named after him, assumingly because he manned a cannon in the area where Fort Moultrie now sits that was directed at any approaching enemy ships during the earliest days of the colony. He was one of the first nonindigenous people to survey and settle in the Lowcountry, docking at Charles Towne Landing in 1670. But he actually never owned land on Sullivan's Island.

Local Charleston County Public Library historian and the voice behind the Charleston Time Machine podcast, Dr. Nic Butler, has done some extensive research on O'Sullivan, prompted by his own Irish heritage and a fascination for learning about South Carolina's past.

Sullivan's Islanders, also hungry for knowledge of their home's origins, have turned to Butler to shine a light on this enigmatic figure of local (and beyond) historical significance.

An Irishman under the British crown?

The colonization of a land already inhabited by Native Americans, who were then decimated by Europeans through war and disease, is part of Charleston's (and the United States') complicated history. But by looking at this past, Butler and other historians can better paint a true picture of how our state, and nation, came to be and how it has informed our modern-day society and culture.
COLUMBIA  A federal judge handed down a 15-year prison sentence to a former small-town South Carolina police chief who pleaded guilty to extorting women into sexual acts, including by sending him sexually explicit photos and videos.

William Bruce Parker, the former chief of the Pine Ridge Police Department in Lexington County, abused his position in the community and exploited six victims, all of whom were related to him by blood or marriage, prosecutors said.

On Oct. 30, 2023, Parker pleaded guilty to one count of interstate threat with intent to extort and one count of cyberstalking resulting in serious bodily injury.

At a federal courthouse in Columbia on March 14, U.S. District Court Judge Cameron McGowan Currie sentenced Parker to 15 years in prison, three years of supervision once released and ordered him to pay $10,000 in restitution. There is no parole in the federal judicial system.

"This case kept me awake last night after reading all the reports," Currie said. "This was a crushing situation for these victims."

Federal prosecutors said that between 2020 and 2022, Parker made fake email accounts and, under the aliases "Willie Boner" and "John Wayne," sent threatening messages to victims demanding they send sexually explicit photos and videos.

The emails threatened to physically harm, rape or damage the reputation of the victims and their family members, including young children, prosecutors said. In his threats, Parker identified details of the victims lives, like their jobs, the color of their infant children's hair and sent photographs of their houses, prosecutors said.

Parker's defense team asked for a five-year sentence, saying he is deeply remorseful. Throughout the hearing, they laid out Parker's history of being sexually abused as a child, trauma he faced as a law enforcement officer and a triggering event several years ago during which Parker shot his own son in self-defense. Rows of Parker's family and friends, including his wife and his two children, sobbed softly throughout the hearing.
COLUMBIA  A 17-year-old boy and a Richland County K9 were shot around 3 a.m. on March 14 in the Rosewood neighborhood following a police chase.

The following narrative is as Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott described it during a March 14 news conference, but the investigation is ongoing.

Late Wednesday night, March 13, Richland County sheriff's deputies received a call that a truck had been stolen in the Rosewood and South Beltline Boulevard area, Lott said.

A couple of hours later, two K9 officers located the stolen vehicle and attempted to stop it. A short chase ensued.

Two teenagers, 17-year-old Jeremy Taylor and an unnamed 14-year-old, exited the truck and ran. Both of them had handguns, according to Lott.

Earlier, the two suspects could be observed on home security cameras walking through the Rosewood neighborhood and pulling on vehicle doors. The two teenagers lived in the area, Lott said.

The truck they are accused of stealing was unlocked and had the key fob inside, as well as a handgun. Lott implored residents to lock their vehicles and not store guns inside.

"It doesn't matter what laws have changed," Lott said, referencing the recently passed permitless carry bill, "that's not what a responsible gun owner does."

According to research from the advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety, more than half of crimes involving a gun in 2020 were committed with a weapon stolen from a vehicle.

During the foot chase around 3 a.m., officer Bryan Hodge and his 5-year-old K9 dog, Kobe, pursued the 17-year-old suspect. Lott said that Taylor turned around and fired at the police dog and the officer.
COLUMBIA  South Carolina legislators want anglers and river lovers in the state to be aware of potential water pollution with a pair of bills.

The states Chamber of Commerce, however, is arguing that bills with those aims moving through the House and Senate would unnecessarily burden businesses and public utilities throughout South Carolina.

House Bill 4985 and Senate Bill 999 would require any entity with a wastewater discharge permit to post signs at the outfalls  meaning where their treated water is emptied into a given body of water  containing information aimed at helping the public make informed decisions.

That sign would contain the name of the facility responsible for the discharge, permit number and emergency contact number in case there appears to be a malfunction or excess of pollution spilling into the water body.

But representatives from the statewide business group argue the signs would cause unwarranted alarm when spotted by people on waterways.

Riverkeeper wants wastewater pipes labeled

Under federal law, any entity  ranging from large industrial plants to municipal water-treatment plants  that discharges pollutants into rivers, lakes and streams needs to secure national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permits, enforced by the state Department of Health and Environmental Control and EPA.

Permit holders face limits on what they can discharge as well as monitoring and reporting requirements, and there are other provisions to ensure that the discharge does not hurt water quality or peoples health, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Entities that are not in compliance may face heavy fines from DHEC or lawsuits.

The bills aim to help river users spot potential pollution coming from outfalls and give them a way to report those issues as well as help them make informed decisions about where to swim, fish and kayak.

Congaree Riverkeeper Bill Stangler, who strongly supports the bills, said that people who are fishing, swimming, tubing or taking their dog out to play in the river should be aware of where wastewater outfalls are present.
GEORGETOWN  A plan to convert half of a preserved conservation area in the heart of Pawleys Island into a 27-home neighborhood hit a roadblock this week.

Georgetown County Council delayed a vote on rezoning just over 8 acres for the project at 10798 U.S. Highway 17. The proposed homes cant be built there without a zoning change.

Councilman Bob Anderson, who represents Pawleys Island, asked the council to delay second reading of the plan on March 12. Anderson received unanimous support, pushing back the councils next vote for at least 90 days. The rezoning requires three readings.

Anderson said his main concerns about the property are stormwater management and flooding.

This is property from U.S. 17, which is the highest place along the Waccamaw Neck, over to Pollys Creek, which is 4-6 feet above sea level, Anderson said. At the highway, its 14 (feet above sea level), so theres not a lot of room. Water can flow in any direction.

Anderson wants his concerns, as well as those discussed by residents during the council meeting, to be addressed before the rezoning is approved. He added that the county needs to update its flooding ordinances.

In my district, Im having a lot of problems with flooding that we actually fixed 10 years ago, and now theyre coming back to bite us because weve had a lot of development in the central part of the Waccamaw Neck, Anderson said. What I want to do in the next few years is to get these ordinances updated.

The land in question lies within several flood zones and borders a salt-water marsh to the east and other commercial and residential properties to the north, west and south, including The Village Shops, according to county records.

Several neighbors expressed concerns about the development and how the project would affect nearby businesses. They stressed that the area already struggles with flooding.

Kathy Reid, who lives directly to the north, said she wants the council to delay approving the proposal until its impact on stormwater and flooding can be determined.
GREENVILLE  For any job seeker, the hiring process can be daunting. For trans people, theres an added layer of anxiety about whether they will be accepted for their gender identity.

Quill Maylan started transitioning four months ago. Now, hes on the hunt for a job.

While their body undergoes the physical changes associated with starting testosterone, Maylan is looking for a company that will provide him with a safe space to work and be.

As has been the case for many members of the LGBT community in America, Maylan said theyd been discriminated against at work before.

So where do Maylan and other members of the LGBT community go searching for a job? At queer-friendly job fairs like the one held by the Upstate LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce and 864 Pride.

The career fair isnt just about finding jobs, its about affirming the value and talent of the areas LGBTQ+ community, Tyler Prescott, the chambers president and CEO, said in an emailed statement.

LGBTQ people live and work here and deserve to be able to come out at work, Prescott said. Were delighted to be paving the way for a more inclusive future for all.

A range of industries tabled at the March 13 event, from local non-profits like The Phoenix Center to international corporations like BMW. They gathered in Prisma Healths Welcome Center, next to The Commons in Unity Park.

The room was filled with chatter and the snapping sound of headshots being taken in the leftmost corner. In the rightmost corner, the Queer Wellness Center offered attendees two racks of professional clothing and a smattering of shoes to choose from  all free of charge.

Stewart Massey, who tabled on behalf of TD Bank, said its important to attend events like this so prospective employees know that the company is welcoming to all  regardless of sexual preference, race or religion.

We want everyone to feel welcome, where they can be their true selves, Massey said.
Downtown Greenvilles younger, more eclectic sibling, North Main is indeed known for its close-knit feel, its walkability to downtown, and its wealth of neighborhood haunts like Methodical Coffee, Northgate Soda Shop and Community Tap. Read moreAmid a changing Greenville, North Mains neighborhood feel endures
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH  A Georgia man has been charged with murdering a 53-year-old woman in North Myrtle Beach, then stashing her body in a vehicle and driving back to his home state.

Bornold Eberhart, 42, was arrested March 3. He's accused of killing Georgia mother Kristin Laymon. Police said Eberhart and Laymon had visited North Myrtle Beach on Sept. 22 before he returned to DeKalb County, Georgia, two days later.

Eberhart, who was extradited to North Myrtle Beach March 8, remains booked without bail at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center.

North Myrtle Beach Police Lt. Mike Swarthout said the months-long investigation required cooperation across state lines between North Myrtle Beach police and several Georgia agencies as well as state and federal law enforcement.

"This is the most complicated investigation I've ever been involved in," Swarthout said. "There were thousands of manpower hours that went into this."

Eberhart and Laymon stayed at the Club Wyndham Resort along South Ocean Boulevard on Sept. 22, police said. The two were seeing each other but police said they were not in a committed relationship.

Early the next morning, there was an argument between Laymon and Eberhart, according to police. Laymon was last seen on hotel security camera footage entering an elevator at 2:12 a.m. Sept. 23.

Swarthout declined to reveal what was on the security footage, citing the ongoing investigation.

Eberhart is accused of murdering Laymon in the early morning hours of Sept. 23 and then leaving North Myrtle Beach with her body the next day. Eberhart returned to Dekalb County, Georgia, with Laymon's body in the vehicle, police said.

North Myrtle Beach Police were contacted by the Duluth Police Department in Georgia on Nov. 8 regarding Laymon after she had been reported missing there, according to police.

Detectives connected Laymon's disappearance to the stay in North Myrtle Beach after Laymon's daughter accessed her mother's email account and found the reservation for the hotel, police said.
After months of debate, it might have ended March 12 with an up or down vote on changes to the way Charleston County's Historic Preservation Commission operates. But County Council instead voted 6-2 to defer its vote.

So, for 45 days, the proposed amendments to the ordinance governing the commission will remain in limbo while county officials and residents of settlement communities continue their advocacy efforts.

They are aiming to organize meetings to include county staff, community members and historic preservation groups  possibly with a mediator, as Councilman Kylon Middleton advised  to discuss how best to amend the ordinance.

Councilman Brantley Moody was not happy.

"We're going to be back here again in 45 days with the same objections, the same trials and tribulations, and we're going to have the same discussion in 45 days," he said.

But others, including Councilman Larry Kobrovsky, applauded the delay, which could help ensure that any adopted amendments serve the interests of both real estate developers and residents alike, he said.

Kobrovsky thinks that public input at the meeting possibly convinced some on council to support the deferral rather then cast their vote after this third reading of the proposed changes.

During the public comment period, Ten Mile resident Craig Ascue urged County Council to take the time to better understand slave dwellings and settlement communities. He said they need to understand the history of Black people in America and how that history is traced to Charleston.

"We have to be able to protect and save those stories," Ascue said. "We do that by protecting and saving the land that these people inhabit and come back to."

In 2018, council passed the Historic Preservation Ordinance which established a commission empowered to determine the "historic appropriateness" of proposed new subdivisions in settlement communities and other areas designated as having historical significance. Developers have been required to obtain certification from the commission before they can ask the Planning Commission to approve final plats.
MONKS CORNER  In the latest twist in the 35-year-old cold case in the murder of Justin Turner, the lead detective admitted no new evidence led to the arrest of the victim's father and stepmother in January 2024, and the defense dropped a potentially explosive theory that a serial killer could be responsible for the 5-year-old's death.

Defense attorney Shaun Kent was poised to argue that the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office's decadeslong delay before taking Megan and Victor Turner into custody has prejudiced their right to a fair trial at a motion hearing before Circuit Judge Roger Young on March 14.

Not only did Kent lay out detail after detail about why the excessive delay could warrant the case being dismissed, but he alleged "tunnel vision" about the Turners' guilt caused detectives to attempt to influence experts, all the while a serial killer known for abducting, strangling and sexually assaulting children was docked in Charleston Harbor on March 3, 1989, the same day Justin went missing.

A clinic at the University of Virginia's School of Law is working on identifying and linking cold cases and wrongful conviction cases to a now-deceased serial killer who had no criminal record, according to a March 13 letter professor and director Deirdre Enright sent to Kent. He shared the letter with The Post and Courier.

The suspected serial killer, Richard Marc Evonitz, confessed to his sister that he had committed "more crimes than he could remember" shortly before he killed himself in 2002.

Evonitz has been linked to three abductions, rapes and murders of children who were abducted from their front yards, in broad daylight, just after being dropped off by their school buses, Enright said. He was known to use sex toys on his victims vaginally and anally.

Justin's killing has been on the clinic's radar for "some time now," due to the similarities in the crimes.

Justin's stepmother, Megan Turner, was the only person at home on March 3, 1989, the morning Justin went missing. She said she deviated from her morning routine and took a shower as Justin walked to the bus stop rather than watching him get on the bus as usual.
Two Alberta First Nations have asked the federal government to examine whether a component of oilsands tailings pond water known to harm fish and other animals should be classed as toxic.

The move could force a long-awaited human health study into development impacts, bring the industry under new regulations and affect its ability to release treated wastewater.

"There are big gaps in science on the human health side," said Bronwyn Roe, lawyer for the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, which uses lands adjacent to oilsands development. "If the ministers do this assessment, they could create new regulations."

That First Nation's request is supported by the Mikisew Cree.

"Under federal legislation ... fish have more rights than humans," it wrote in a March 11 letter to federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault. "The government of Canada cannot wait for more research to make this assessment."

The two nations are concerned about naphthenic acids, found in tailings and other oilsands wastewater. Peer-reviewed research has found the complex hydrocarbons are toxic to fish, affect hormone function in humans and other mammals, and may be carcinogenic.

Oilsands producers are required to report releases of those chemicals. But allowable limits for their presence in surface or groundwater are guidelines, not regulations.

In January, Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada released a report that concluded naphthenic acids shouldn't be classified as toxic. However, that report only dealt with commercially produced versions, not those found in tailings.

"(Oilsands) naphthenic acids differ in source, composition, properties and use compared to commercial naphthenic acids," the report says.

The First Nations are using recent changes to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act to request Guilbeault review that January finding. A review would include research into the health effects of oilsands naphthenic acids both on their own and in conjunction with other chemicals -- a long-standing goal of both the Athabasca Chipewyan and Mikisew.

Story continues

"A huge piece is that human health study," said Roe. "They've been asking for that for years.

"They want better studies of the human health impacts of oilsands operations, including releases from tailings ponds."

A ruling that naphthenic acids should be considered a toxin would also affect regulations governing the substances, Roe said.

"Once the impact on human health is better understood, I think the government will be compelled to take action to mitigate the human health effects and the environmental effects."

Roe notes the finding could affect plans to release treated tailings pond water into the Athabasca River. Industry and the federal government are currently developing rules that would govern how water from those ponds can be treated and released into the river.

Those regulations are expected in 2025. Roe said classifying naphthenic acids as toxic could affect those plans.

"It would have an effect on tailings pond management," she said.

Kendall Dilling, president of the oilsands industry group Pathways Alliance, said further research on naphthenic acids is underway.

"We respect the leaders' desire to seek information for the health of their community," he said in an email. "We will continue to co-operate with government should additional research be advanced in response to this request."

A spokesman for Environment and Climate Change Canada said Guilbeault and Health Minister Mark Holland are considering the request. The department is conducting further studies on naphthenic acids.

Oilsands tailings ponds now store about 1.4 trillion litres of water, or 1.4 cubic kilometres. Some evidence suggests the water has already entered the environment.

A 2017 report from the environmental watchdog of the North American free trade deal found "scientifically valid" evidence that tailings have escaped the ponds, although not the oilsands leases. That finding is echoed by recent groundwater reports from industry.

That seepage may now be off lease.

Alberta's Oilsands Monitoring Program shows a common proxy for oilsands residue at a sampling station in the Muskeg River began climbing drastically in March 2022 and was 18 times higher than the 2021 average within a year.

Guilbeault and Holland have until June 7 to respond to the First Nations' requests.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 14, 2024.

Bob Weber, The Canadian Press
I just put the Stars and Stripes back up outside my house. Though hard winds keep blowing it down, I put it up again. Having it regularly knocked down has me reflecting on what it means to be American in 2024. Read moreCommentary: Why I put my US flag back up again even as the hard winds blow
When the novel coronavirus roared into South Carolina in March of 2020 and Gov. Henry McMaster sent the kids home from school, it seemed reasonable to believe that if everybody just stayed away from other people for a couple of weeks  a month tops  we could end this thing. Read moreEditorial: Four years after COVID stole Easter, a time to rejoice in progress made
COLUMBIA  State lawmakers and South Carolina crabbers are close to agreeing how best to protect the state's plummeting blue crab population, but one section of the proposal is standing in the way.

Crabbers oppose a rule that would allow the state Department of Natural Resources to close areas of the coast under certain conditions  a notion that has led to some tense exchanges with Isle of Palms Republican state Sen. Chip Campsen, the legislations lead sponsor.

Some crabbers dont trust the department and simply oppose government intervention, while many others said theyre open to more oversight but only if the department fixes what they see as deficient data collection practices.

Thats the only sticking point, said Stacy Ford, the wife of a longtime crabber from Saint Helena Island whos become an informal spokeswoman for a group of Lowcountry crabbers.

In the 1990s, SCDNR recorded about 6 million blue crabs caught annually. In recent years, the number has dipped under 3 million, while 2023 saw the lowest catch in 50 years.

Part of the problem is that climate change is altering the temperature and salinity of South Carolina's coastal waters, interfering with the crabs' spawning patterns.

But the other part of the decline, an SCDNR study published in January 2023 found, is that the blue crab fishery in South Carolina is almost completely unregulated, making the state unlike any other Atlantic state with a large crab fishery.

Currently, anyone with a saltwater fishing license and an equipment license can trap as many crabs as they want whenever they want in South Carolina. So out-of-state crabbers have flocked here, turning the states waters into a crab Wild West, local crabbers have told The Post and Courier.
Democrat Mac Deford declared he was already winning over independents and Republicans as he entered the race for South Carolina's 1st Congressional District, saying the Lowcountry has rejected Donald Trump once and that the former president's support of incumbent U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace is a turnoff to voters.

Deford cast Mace, R-Isle of Palms, as a "proud member of MAGA extremism" when he launched his campaign March 13 at Tradesman Brewing Company.

He also reminded supporters to loud cheers that South Carolina's coastal 1st District is the only one that Trump did not win in the recent Feb. 24 GOP presidential primary.

In his 15-minute speech, Deford claimed he had a path to victory both in his party's June primary, and in the November general election  regardless of whether the Supreme Court keeps the current congressional lines or tosses them out as a racial gerrymander.

"I know that in South Carolina it is difficult sometimes to be a Democrat and you can lose hope. And it's easy to become dismayed and frustrated, but you have to stay in the fight," Deford said, later adding, "I have heard from Republicans that have told me that they no longer feel that they have a party, and they're supporting our campaign now."

Deford is the second Democrat looking to knock Mace out of her Charleston-anchored congressional seat. Michael B. Moore, founding president and CEO of the International African American Museum, is the other.
Millionaire Javanshir Feyziyev (Handout)

There is compelling evidence that a 50million London property empire was bought by an Azeri tycoon with the proceeds of crime, a High Court judge has found.

Mr Justice Poole ruled that there was also a good arguable case that millionaire Javanshir Feyziyev was involved in fraud and money laundering to purchase 22 homes in the capital.

They include two properties at Whistler Square in the Chelsea Barracks development in Belgravia, worth 18.4million and 8.1million respectively, and another that cost 4million at Cumberland Terrace overlooking Regents Park.

A court order had barred publication of the location of the latter address, but the restriction was lifted after an application by the Standard based on the public interest in knowing that prime London property had been bought with the alleged proceeds of crime.

The judges findings came in a ruling on an attempt by Mr Feyziyev and his wife Parvana, who jointly owns most of the homes being targeted, to lift freezing orders obtained by the National Crime Agency to stop them selling the properties.

The couples lawyers, who denied any wrongdoing by the pair, said the restrictions should be removed because the London properties had been bought using the substantial fortune generated legitimately by Mr Feyziyev from his tobacco, pharmaceutical and hotel businesses among others.

They also argued that restrictions were unnecessary and obtained on the basis of flawed evidence.

But in his judgment, Mr Justice Poole rejected the bid, saying that there was a real risk of dissipation if the freezing orders were lifted and solid evidence that the properties had been bought with criminal profits.

He said that although the court was not making a finding of any specific criminal offence against the Feyziyevs and there were no criminal proceedings against the couple, there was a good arguable case that their London properties had been bought with the proceeds of unlawful conduct.

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There is sufficient evidence at this stage to link him [Mr Feyziyev] to Avromed Seychelles, and to what appear to be money laundering operations that involved that company and the ABLV bank in Latvia, Mr Justice Pooles judgement states.

The movements of tainted money were rapid and substantial and came into his accounts before being used to acquire the .. properties. The tracing evidence provided by the NCA is compelling.

The judge continued: There is a good arguable case that the property freezing order properties are or include recoverable property, that the first respondents [Mr Feyziyevs] involvement in unlawful money laundering allowed the respondents [the Feyziyevs] to acquire the properties, and that, if a property freezing order, were not made, the respondents [the Feyziyevs] would be able to deal with the properties so as to put them out of reach of the NCA... The risk of dissipation is real.

Even if the London properties could not swiftly be sold on the open market, they could be swiftly put out of reach of civil recovery by other means.

In his new ruling, Mr Justice Poole also highlighted a previous court judgment by his colleague, Mrs Justice Heather Williams, which accepted the NCAs case that [Mr Feyziyev] had been involved in dishonest conduct and which included evidence that he had moved his remaining UK assets to an account in Turkey and sent rental income from London properties to an Azeri bank account following earlier account forfeiture proceedings against his wife, son Orkhan, and nephew Elman Javanshir.

An investigation was carried out by the National Crime Agency (Alamy/PA) (PA Archive)

Those proceedings, brought at Westminster Magistrates Court by the NCA, led to 5.6million being forfeited from the trios bank accounts on the grounds that the money was the likely proceeds of crime moved into the UK via a complex money laundering scheme known as the Azerbaijan laundromat involving shell companies and fake transactions.

The court heard then that Mr Feyziyev, who was not a party to those proceedings, was the source of the funds being targeted in the case.

The new judgment from Mr Justice Poole follows an earlier High Court hearing at which the NCAs barrister Andrew Sutcliffe alleged that the Feyziveys London property empire, which he said was worth around 50million, had been bought via an extraordinarily complex money laundering operation involving payments for nutritious baby food and fake and fictious invoices.

Mr Sutcliffe said the funds used to buy the properties had been channelled into Britain via a huge network of shell companies in countries ranging from the Marshall Islands, the Seychelles and the British Virgin Islands to Russia and Hong Kong, and involved false accounting, as well as the deception of banks in Estonia and Latvia, and corruption and fraud in Azerbaijan.

In addition to the two homes at Whistler Square in Chelsea Barracks, which were bought by Mr Feyziyev alone, and the Cumberland Terrace property purchased in 2008, the court freezing order covers 19 properties acquired by the couple in the Beaufort Square development in Colindale.

Court documents state that all the properties are held in a trust set up by the London law firm Withers and that the freezing order also covers a bank account in Liechtenstein and rental income from the Feyziyevs London property empire.

The freezing order will now remain in place while the NCA decides whether to bring civil recovery proceedings to try to seize the properties permanently.
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NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Last week, AllianceBernstein, in partnership with Columbia Climate School hosted the Biodiversity Training for AB Investors with biodiversity expert Dr. Jenna Lawrence. Second in the training series, this module introduces investors to the risks and opportunities stemming from biodiversity and nature loss and examines how issuers' impacts and dependencies on nature can affect their businesses.AllianceBernsteinAllianceBernstein (AB) is a leading global investment management firm that offers high-quality research and diversified investment services to institutional investors, individuals, and private wealth clients in major world markets. We believe corporate responsibility, responsible investing and stewardship are intertwined. To be effective stewards of our clients' assets, we strive to invest responsibly-assessing, engaging on and integrating material issues, including environmental, social and governance (ESG), and climate change considerations in most of our actively managed strategies. We also believe that strive to hold ourselves as a firm to similar practices that we ask of issues. Our stewardship practices, investment strategy and decision-making are guided by our purpose, mission and values.Our purpose-pursue insight that unlocks opportunity-inspires our firm to act responsibly. While opportunity means something different to each of our stakeholders; it always means considering the unique goals of each stakeholder. AB's mission is to help our clients define and achieve their investment goals, explicitly stating what we do to unlock opportunity for our clients. We became a signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2011. This began our journey to formalize our commitment to identify responsible ways to unlock opportunities for our clients through integrating material ESG factors throughout most of our actively managed equity and fixed-income client accounts, funds and strategies. AB also engages issuers where it believes the engagement is in the best financial interest of its clients.Because we are an active manager, our differentiated insights drive our ability to deliver alpha and design innovative investment solutions. ESG and climate issues are important elements in forming insights and in presenting potential risks and opportunities that can have an effect on the performance of the companies and issuers that we invest in and the portfolios that we build.Our values provide a framework for the behaviors and actions that deliver on our purpose and mission. Values align our actions. Each value emerges from the firm's collective character-yet is also aspirational.Invest in One Another means that we have a strong organizational culture where diversity is celebrated and mentorship is critical to our success. When we invest in one another, we empower our employees to reach their potential, so that they can help our clients realize theirs. This enables us to partner with clients to design and deliver improved investment outcomes.Strive for Distinctive Knowledge means that we collaboratively identify creative solutions to clients' economic, ESG and climate- related investment challenges through our expertise in a wide range of investment disciplines, close collaboration among our investment experts and creative solutions.Speak with Courage and Conviction informs how we engage our AB colleagues and issuers. We seek to learn from other parts of our business to strengthen our own views. And we engage issuers for insight and action by sharing ideas and best practices.Act with Integrity-Always is the bedrock of our relationships and has specific meaning for our business. Unlike many other asset managers, we're singularly focused on providing asset management and research to our clients. We don't engage in activities that could be distracting, or create conflicts-such as investment banking, insurance writing, commercial banking or proprietary trading for our own account. We are unconflicted and fully accountable.As of September 30, 2023, AB had $669B in assets under management, $458B of which were ESG-integrated. Additional information about AB may be found on our website, www.alliancebernstein.com Learn more about AB's approach to responsibility hereView additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from AllianceBernstein on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info: Spokesperson: AllianceBernsteinWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/alliancebernstein Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: AllianceBernstein
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National Franchise Awards New Location in Salt Lake City, UtahSALT LAKE CITY, UT / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Access Garage Doors, a leading provider of garage door repair, replacement, and installation services, is proud to announce the opening of its newest franchise location in Salt Lake City, Utah. The new location marks another significant step in the company's nationwide expansion.The move into the Crossroads of the West was anticipated for years. With a nearly 70% owner-occupancy rate of more than 450,000 housing units, the Salt Lake City area is a prime location for an Access Garage Doors franchise."Three years ago, while attending the International Door Association (IDA) industry expo, we felt strongly that Salt Lake City would be an ideal location for an Access Garage Doors franchise," said Chris Evans, Executive Director of Operations. "Today, we're thrilled to make that vision a reality and be the garage pros for the area." The Access Garage Doors business model set in the Salt Lake City market could be the perfect crossroads for franchisee success. Across the company, their franchises report annual sales averages of $1.2 million by their third year, with a system-wide Cost of Goods Sold (COGs) of 48%. While some Access Garage Door franchise owners are currently part-time pros, others with a full-time investment have taken advantage of the business structure to maintain a healthy work-life balance."We believe this emphasis on balance is a sustainable factor for ensuring the success of our system as we continue to expand our locations throughout the entire United States," said Jesse Cox, CEO of Access Garage Doors. "Eric is an integral part of this sustained growth. He fits our culture of professionalism, and our entire team, including myself, is excited to support him through the structured stages of development, training, and operations of Access Garage Doors of Salt Lake City." Owned and operated by Eric White, the Salt Lake City location is set to bring Access Garage Doors' service, professionalism, and quality to the capital of Utah. White, new to the franchise world but seasoned in the values of service and community, expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Access Garage Doors family."I am very excited to own my own franchise and partner with the Access Garage Doors team," said White. "As a first-time franchisee, it's the only way to shorten the learning curve by years, benefiting from their experiences and best practices, all in a service sector of universal security." For information on Access Garage Doors franchise opportunities, visit: BestGarageDoorFranchise.com To find out more about the products and services that Access Garage Doors offers, visit: AccessDoorCompany.com ABOUT ACCESS GARAGE DOORSFounded in 2005, Access Garage Doors provides service, installation, and sales of state-of-the-art residential and electric openers. Based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Access is a top-tier Master Authorized Dealer for one of the largest garage door manufacturers, Clopay, and is a top-tier LiftMaster Opener Dealer. Access also carries and services brands such as Amarr Garage Doors, Genie, Craftsman, Chamberlain, Marantec, Sommer, Hormann, Wayne Dalton, CHI, Raynor, Sears, Linear, Lynx, Overhead Door, Ideal Door, Windsor Door, Stanley, Door Link, and Ryobi brands. Access is a long-term member of the International Door Association and has been ranked in many of the top franchise lists by Entrepreneur.Media Contact: Justin Biegeljbiegel@919 marketing.com (919) 589-4056SOURCE: Access Door Company
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LANGLEY, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Adastra Holdings Ltd. (CSE:XTRX)(FRA:D2EP) ("Adastra" or the "Company"), a leading cannabis processor and producer of two top Canadian concentrates brands, with a focus on product innovation and commercialization for adult-use and medical markets, is pleased to announce a record in total purchase orders ("POs") received in January and February 2024 of approximately CAD $8.3M.Adastra experienced a notable surge in POs throughout January and February 2024, predominately from Alberta, Ontario and British Columbia, resulting in a record total of POs for the period. The single largest purchase order ("PO") was received in February for CAD $1,047,439 from Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis ("AGLC"), as previously announced in a news release dated March 1, 2024.Adastra's in-house brand, Endgame Extracts ("Endgame"), won "Brand of the Year" at the 2023 Growup Awards and Gala ("Growup"), leading to increased sales and strong brand recognition. The Company bolstered production capacity at its Langley facility to accommodate the increased demand. Adastra launched new Endgame products in multiple provinces, contributing to the increase in POs experienced in January and February."This year has been off to a great start as demand for Adastra's products continues to reach unprecedented levels. We've set a new record for total purchase orders, reaching approximately $8.3M in just two consecutive months. Winning Growup's Brand of The Year has not only reinforced our position as one of Canada's top cannabis concentrate brands, but it has led to increased demand for our products," said Michael Forbes, CEO of Adastra. "Our record-breaking purchase orders is a testament to the trust our customers have in us and the hard work of our team. Moving forward, we are determined to maintain this momentum, set new records, and uphold our commitment to delivering exceptional products that exceed expectations." Board UpdateAdastra announces the appointment of Andrew Hale, MBA, BSAE, PMP to its Board of Directors, effective March 13, 2024.Mr. Hale is the founding CEO of Adastra and a seasoned leader of high performing teams delivering operations and complex program excellence. He brings decades of leadership and management experience to the Company. Mr. Hale commanded three nuclear-powered submarines in the U.S. Navy, overseeing $4B in national assets. Later, he managed a $3B CAD construction program at Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards as Program Director, before becoming Vice President, Program Delivery, overseeing all major projects under the Canadian National Shipbuilding Strategy. Mr. Hale holds a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the United States Naval Academy and an MBA from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.About Adastra Holdings Ltd.Adastra has become one of Canada's leaders in the supply and manufacturing of ethnobotanical and cannabis products for lawful adult-use. It serves medical markets and engages in forward-looking therapeutic applications. With cannabis concentrate products sold through retailers at more than 2,000 locations across Canada, Adastra's Phyto Extractions and Endgame Extracts brands are now well established with a growing distribution presence. As a Health Canada licensed facility, it specializes in extraction, distillation and manufacturing of a range of cannabis-derived products. Adastra partners with healthcare professionals and practitioners within the regulated environment to create products suitable for the medical cannabis market, with the ultimate aim of addressing the needs of patients. For more information, visit: www.adastraholdings.ca ContactsMichael Forbes, CEO, Corporate Secretary & Director(778) 715-5011 michael@ adastraholdings.ca Forward-Looking InformationThis news release contains forwardlooking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation concerning the business of the Company. Forwardlooking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forwardlooking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward looking information is often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and in this news release includes statements regarding, but not limited to the expectation for future growth and increased demand for products, the expectation for even greater success for the Company, and expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the Company's plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forwardlooking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forwardlooking information include: the availability of a qualified workforce; changes in regulations or licensing affecting the Company's business; reduced demand for cannabis and cannabis related products; reductions in the Company's retail space and store locations; changes in consumer brand preferences; and other factors beyond the control of the Company, including the risk factors set out in the Company's annual report on Form 20-F dated May 16, 2023, filed with Canadian securities regulators and available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . These and all subsequent written and oral forwardlooking information are based on estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to update these forwardlooking statements.SOURCE: Adastra Holdings Ltd.
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 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, 2024Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: March 25, 2024Case information: lieffcabraser.com/securities/adm Contact 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.Source/ContactSharon LeeLieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP415 956-1000 slee@ lchb.com SOURCE: Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP
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Earning Top Honors in the Staffing Industry CategoryKNOXVILLE, TN / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / AtWork, a leader in the staffing industry, is thrilled to announce its recognition as a2024 Top Brand to Buy by Franchise Times in the Help Wanted category. As part of the franchising publication's Zor Awards, editors study hundreds of brands to highlight the most exciting, accessible, and profitable opportunities within 10 thriving and popular franchise industry categories."We're honored to receive recognition as a top investment choice for entrepreneurs," said Jason Leverant, president and COO of AtWork. "Being named a Top Brand to Buy is a testament to our innovative approach to staffing and the exceptional support we provide our franchise owners that help them become successful." The 8th annual Zor Award winners were selected through an exclusive calculation of return on investment, combined with editorial research that studies management teams, product and service offerings, unit openings and closings, financial backing of the brand, litigation, and more. This comprehensive evaluation process ensures that the Zor Awards highlight the top brands worth considering for prospective franchisees.AtWork has demonstrated remarkable growth in recent years, experiencing a 42% increase in revenue since 2020, culminating in system-wide sales reaching $350 million in 2023. The brand expanded its reach by adding seven new units over the past year and successfully placed nearly 40,000 individuals in employment. Across all locations, the average gross revenue for all franchised AtWork stores in 2023 held strong at $4 million, highlighting the brand's robust profitability and operational success.The Knoxville-based franchise provides staffing solutions mainly for light industrial, manufacturing, and office clerical sectors. In its more than 30-year history, the brand has grown to more than 90 locations nationwide.Visit https://www.atwork.com/ for more information.For franchising information, visit https://www.atwork.com/franchise Media Contact: Jennifer Williams 919-459-3592 jwilliams@919 marketing.com About AtWorkHeadquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, AtWork is an award-winning staffing franchise. For more than 30 years, leading companies from across the nation have trusted AtWork to recruit the best talent. Recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts as one of the largest and best staffing firms to work for in the United States and as an Entrepreneur Verified Franchise, AtWork can staff an entire production facility or provide temporary support that keeps businesses thriving. AtWork's dedication and unparalleled service earned them Clearly Rated's Best of Staffing award for client and talent satisfaction. Additionally, the franchise's growth and support for its franchisees have secured them a place on Franchise Business Review's Top 200 Franchise ranking for six years in a row, Franchise Times Top Brand to Buy, Entrepreneur's Franchise 500, Franchise Times Top 400, and Entrepreneur's Top Franchises for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and the 2024 Franchise Times' Zor Award as Top Brand to Buy.To learn more about AtWork's services, visitwww.atwork.com SOURCE: AtWork
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LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Avant Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB:AVAI) ("Avant" or the "Company"), an artificial intelligence technology (AI) company specializing in developing innovative and advanced AI infrastructure solutions, announces the promotion of Danny Rittman to Chief Information Officer (CIO). With a distinguished career spanning over 25 years, Rittman brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in emerging technologies, application development, and business development to his new role.Rittman, who previously served as Avant's Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and later its Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), has successfully leveraged his extensive and diverse background to support the company's growth and evolution in AI development, infrastructure, management, security, and enterprise architecture. His visionary leadership has been instrumental in establishing Avant Technologies as an emerging leader in the AI sector.As CTO, Rittman led the design, development, and commercialization of AvantAI. As CISO, he has spearheaded the refactoring and expansion of AvantAI with the aim of achieving best-in-class, AI-driven, automated vulnerability management and data center operations management frameworks. His innovative, yet practical approach to integrating powerful AI into Avant's new high-density compute infrastructure is revolutionizing the company's cybersecurity capabilities, ensuring the protection of critical business information and systems.Rittman expressed his excitement about his new role, stating, "I am honored to take on the responsibilities of Chief Information Officer at Avant Technologies. I am committed to leveraging emerging technologies to drive innovation and deliver cutting-edge solutions that will propel Avant to new heights of success." Before joining Avant, Rittman served as CTO/CIO at Micrologic Design Automation, where he implemented new AI and image processing techniques to enhance integrated circuit design productivity. He has also held senior consulting roles at Qualcomm and IBM, leading teams on key innovation projects including microchip development, Watson AI, and product strategy. Prior to that, Rittman held a management position at Intel, overseeing reliability verification CAD support services and managing teams for integrated circuit reliability and performance. "We are extremely pleased to have Danny step into the CIO role here at Avant," said Timothy Lantz, CEO of Avant Technologies. "The depth and breadth of his experience across hardware, software, AI, and information security is a rare phenomenon in the industry and an invaluable asset to Avant as we begin to usher in a new era of performance, efficiency, reliability and sustainability within the AI and big data space." Danny Rittman holds a PhD and Master's in Computer Science from La Salle University, a Doctor of Computer Science - Big Data and Master's in AI and ML Technology from Colorado Technical University, a Master's in Information & Cybersecurity from UC-Berkley, and a BSc in electrical engineering from the University of Bridgeport. Rittman has also earned a certificate in AI for Healthcare from the Sloan School of Management at MIT, as well as a certificate in Machine Learning from Stanford University.About Avant Technologies, Inc.Avant Technologies, Inc. is an artificial intelligence technology company specializing in creating and developing innovative and advanced AI infrastructure solutions designed to revolutionize the landscape for AI software development companies and other companies that require immense, scalable computing power, such as scientific simulations, climate modeling, protein folding analysis, and big data processing. The Company also employs its highly sophisticated machine and deep learning AI system, Avant! AI, to support a more efficient and secure operating environment.More information about Avant Technologies can be found at https://avanttechnologies.com You can follow us on social media at:Forward-Looking StatementsCertain statements contained in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors as disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission located at their website ( http://www.sec.gov) . In addition to these factors, actual future performance, outcomes, and results may differ materially because of more general factors including (without limitation) general industry and market conditions and growth rates, economic conditions, governmental and public policy changes, the Company's ability to raise capital on acceptable terms, if at all, the Company's successful development of its products and the integration into its existing products and the commercial acceptance of the Company's products. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release and these views could change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date after the date of the press release.Contact:Avant Technologies, Inc.info@avanttechnologies.com SOURCE: Avant Technologies, Inc.
Former Quebec Court of Appeal judge Jacques Delisle, walks to the courtroom at the courthouse in Quebec City, Thursday, March 14, 2024 as his son, Jean Delisle, right, follows. (Jacques Boissinot/The Canadian Press - image credit)

After nearly 15 years of legal battles, Jacques Delisle, a former judge on the Quebec Court of Appeal, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of his wife.

Appearing in a Quebec City court room on Thursday wearing a mask, Delisle approached the stand and accepted the plea.

"Delisle wants everything to end today," said his lawyer, Jacques Larochelle.

Larochelle said while they agreed to the plea, parties disagreed on the facts, as the Crown maintained that Delisle took an active part in the death of his wife.

Taking into consideration that Delisle served eight years and 310 days in prison, his lawyers have agreed to the Crown's request that Delisle spend one more day incarcerated.

Following a pause, the judge sentenced Delisle to one day in jail, saying that it ensures that the time he already served can be taken into consideration in his sentence.

Delisle hobbled out of the room and muttered "oh no" as he was handcuffed by police.

Speaking with reporters, Larochelle clarified that although Delisle is sentenced to one day in jail, he will only serve a few hours and will be released later today. Shortly after 3 p.m., Delise left the courthouse a free man.

'This case, somewhere, sometime, has to come to an end': Crown

Larochelle said he initially suggested a charge of assisting suicide, which he thought was more appropriate, but he says it was not accepted "for reasons that are beyond my comprehension."

"In the end, it comes to the same result," said Larochelle.

"There is not this cloud over him anymore, that's certainly a relief."

Noah Weisbord, associate professor of criminal law at McGill University, says aiding someone to commit suicide is illegal in Canada but "doesn't have the moral opprobrium that manslaughter does."

"Assisted suicide has less of a stigma, so it looks like you're doing something that's somewhat justifiable ... If the person really was in pain, for example," said Weisbord.

Story continues

Crown prosecutor Francois Godin said he accepted the manslaughter plea but would not accept the plea of assisted suicide because he says "that's not what happened."

"We still believe Mr. Delisle would have been found of first-degree murder if he would have stood trial," said Godin.

"This case, somewhere, sometime, has to come to an end. It's been 15 years, he spent almost nine years in prison, 88 years old. We do not believe he would have been able to stand trial."

Delisle's lawyer, Jacques Larochelle says he intially suggested a plea of assisting suicide.

Delisle's lawyer, Jacques Larochelle, says he intially suggested a plea of assisting suicide. (Rachel Watts/CBC)

'There's no winner,' says criminal defence lawyer

Criminal defence lawyer Renald Beaudry, who was at the court house on Thursday, agrees. He was pleased to witness the end of what has been a long legal battle.

"Even members of the public were starting to say 'leave him alone, he's 88 years old, [he spent] nine years in prison, so we can move on.' So I suppose that also weighed on the prosecution," said Beaudry.

"There's no winner, not the family, not the prosecution. The only winner is the legal system, which has finally found a solution after 15 years. It's been very long, it's been very costly."

James Lockyer is a lawyer with Innocence Canada.

James Lockyer, director of Innocence Canada, took on Delisle's case in 2014. (Doug Husby/CBC)

James Lockyer, director of Innocence Canada, says Delisle's reputation was "excellent until all this happened."

Lockyer took on the former judge's case in 2014, when Delisle had lost all his appeals, helping bring his application to the federal justice minister.

Lockyer, who is still connected with Delisle's family and lawyer, says it may have been difficult for Delisle to make the decision to take a plea, but he likely did it to be able to live out his last days "in peace."

"Whilst today has an unsatisfactory tinge to it, it's nevertheless a day that enables Mr. Delisle and his family to get back to normalcy," said Lockyer.

"I think it's very understandable what he did today  It's been an awful experience for them."

Delisle was ordered new trial after nearly 9 years in prison

In his first trial in 2012, he was convicted of the first-degree murder of his wife, 71-year-old Marie Nicole Rainville, who died in 2009.

Rainville, who had been partially paralyzed due to a stroke, died of a gunshot to the head. Delisle's first trial hinged on detailed forensic analysis over whether she had taken her own life or he had killed her.

Delisle, now 88, said he gave her the gun, but he denied shooting her. Delisle had maintained his innocence.

After spending nearly nine years in prison, he was then awarded another trial when the federal justice minister, David Lametti, said that a "miscarriage of justice likely occurred" in part because one of the Crown's experts made serious mistakes in the original pathology report that led to Delisle's conviction.

Delisle's second trial was also plagued by delays. He was first awarded a stay of proceedings in 2022 by a Quebec Superior Court judge, but then ordered to go ahead with the trial when the Quebec Court of Appeal overturned that decision. He has been walking free awaiting a decision on the second trial.

The Supreme Court of Canada was slated to announce whether it would hear the case on Thursday, but on Wednesday, the supreme court withdrew the case following a discontinuance notice by Delisle's team.
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, a nationally recognized law firm, notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against The Boeing Company ("Boeing" or "the Company") (NYSE:BA) and certain of its officers.Class Definition:This lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Boeing securities between October 19, 2019 and January 24, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/BA Case Details:The Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period Boeing and certain of its executives failed to disclose material information in violation of federal securities laws including:(1) On January 5, 2024, a Boeing 737 aircraft operated by Alaska Airlines experienced an in-flight departure of an in-cabin door plug, causing the cabin to become depressurized and forcing an emergency landing.(2) On January 7, 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a grounding order, stating that "Boeing 737-9 aircraft will remain grounded until operators complete enhanced inspections which include both left and right cabin door exit plugs, door components, and fasteners" and that "[o]perators must also complete corrective action requirements based on findings from the inspections prior to bringing any aircraft back into service." On this news, Boeing's stock price fell $20.00 per share, or 8%, to close at $229.00 per share on January 8, 2024.(3) Then, on January 9, 2024, news outlets reported that United Airlines had found loose bolts on exit door plugs during their FAA-mandated inspections of Boeing 737 Max planes. The reports also noted that Alaska Airlines said its initial inspections of the jets had turned up "loose hardware." On this news, Boeing's stock price fell $3.24 per share, or 1.4%, to close at $225.76 per share on January 9, 2024.(4) On January 11, 2024, news outlets reported that the FAA had informed Boeing it had launched a formal investigation into whether Boeing had failed to properly ensure its aircraft were safe for operation.(5) On this news, Boeing's stock price fell $5.18 per share, or 2.3%, to close at $222.66 per share on January 11, 2024. on January 12, 2024, news outlets reported that the FAA would increase oversight of Boeing production and manufacturing processes. The FAA stated that a comprehensive audit set to be conducted on the Boeing 737 MAX 9 production line and its associated suppliers, specifically to assess Boeing's adherence to approved quality procedures, which could result in further audits.On this news, Boeing's stock price fell $4.96 per share, or 2.2%, to close at $217.70 per share on January 12, 2024.(6) On January 16, 2024, Wells Fargo downgraded Boeing, citing risks associated with the FAA's inspection of Boeing's production.On this news, Boeing's stock price fell $17.18 per share, or 7.9%, to close at $200.52 per share on January 16, 2024.(7) Finally, on January 24, 2024, news outlets reported that the FAA had announced it would not allow Boeing to expand production of the 737 MAX due to safety concerns related to the January 5, 2024 incident.On this news, Boeing's stock price fell $12.25 per share, or 5.7%, to close at $201.88 per share on January 25, 2024.What's Next?A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm's site: bgandg.com/BA or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Law Clerk and Client Relations Manager, Yael Nathanson of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 332-239-2660. If you suffered a loss in Boeing you have until April 1, 2024, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff.There is No Cost to YouWe represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide.Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.Contact:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLCPeretz Bronstein or Yael Nathanson332-239-2660 | info@ bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / bettermoo(d) Food Corporation (CSE:MOOO)(OTCQB:MOOOF)(Frankfurt:0I5A, WKN:A3D8PP) (the "Company" or "bettermoo(d)"). At the request of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO), the Company clarifies that postponement of the special investor conference call, as announced in its news release of March 13, 2024, is unrelated to its investigation of potential opportunities for a strategic investment or takeover of the Company.While the Company is investigating potential opportunities for a strategic investment or takeover, completion of any transaction would be subject to appropriate due diligence, negotiation of customary documentation and receipt of any required regulatory approvals. There can be no certainty that a transaction will be consummated in a timely fashion, or at all, and the Company will provide further updates in the event any material information is available.ABOUT BETTERMOO(D) FOOD CORPORATIONbettermoo(d) Food Corporation is an innovative plant-based dairy alternative food and beverage company based in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada, launching Moodrink, a nutritious dairy-alternative beverage with a revolutionary flavour. Moodrink includes a blend of herbs and flowers similar to what cows ate, before the time of mass livestock production. Like rich dairy products, Moodrink contains added healthy plant fats and vitamins, so consumers don't miss out. The "Moodrink" is just the beginning of the revolution for the Vancouver based dairy-alternative company, bettermoo(d).Driven by the motto "What A Cow Eats and A Human Needs" bettermoo(d) seeks to produce dairy alternative products that are good for both people and the planet - ensuring that all products are nutritious and sustainably sourced, and that also emulate the great taste of traditional milk from the Alps regions of Switzerland, France and Austria. Working with food scientists, the Company's goal is to conduct continuous food research and development programs with the aim of rolling out a full line of dairy alternative products, including Moogurt and Buetter, as well as many other products, that are better for YOU and better for the planet.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD of DIRECTORSNima BahramiChief Executive Officer and Director bettermoo(d) Food CorporationFor further information please contact:Email: investors@ bettermoodfoodcorporation.com Website: www.bettermoo.com Phone: 1-855-715-1865The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements and forward looking information (collectively, "Forward-Looking Statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements with respect to the review of potential investment and transaction opportunities, are forward-looking statements. When or if used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.SOURCE: bettermoo(d) Food Corporation
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CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Blue Monarch Group (BMG), a leading human behavior consulting firm, proudly announces a significant expansion of its expertise beyond psychology and neuroscience to include 18 additional human study disciplines. This expansion encompasses global cultures, anthropology, gender and racial studies, as well as human development and migration, solidifying BMG's position as a trailblazer in shaping futures through comprehensive behavioral insights.As BMG transcends traditional boundaries, they are not merely communicating; they are actively shaping futures. By integrating insights from diverse disciplines, BMG empowers organizations to navigate complex human dynamics across various initiatives, including marketing, sales, customer experience (CX), customer success (CS), product development, and talent/workplace management.Research: Unlocking Insights for Informed Strategies Blue Monarch Group's extensive research methodologies delve deep into the intricate tapestry of human behavior across diverse cultural landscapes, population dynamics, and societal constructs. By meticulously conducting debiasing interpretations/analyses and masterfully layering in human behavior into market research, we illuminate profound insights and capture the essence of sentiment and perception. This deep understanding empowers organizations to not only adapt strategies accordingly but also to anticipate evolving market trends with prescient clarity, ultimately enabling them to lead transformative change in their respective industries.Perception: Shaping Perspectives to Drive Success Through nuanced perception-shaping strategies, Blue Monarch Group (BMG) not only molds the perceptions of organizations among stakeholders, customers, and the public but also steers the evolution of these perceptions over time. By intricately weaving compelling narratives and messages rooted in behavioral science, BMG fosters trust, credibility, and resonance with target audiences, thereby elevating brand reputation and refining market positioning. This holistic approach encompasses the deliberate shaping of public perception through thought leadership, storytelling, and strategic messaging across diverse channels, embodying BMG's commitment to strategic evolution and enduring impact.Experiences and Environments: Embedding Transformational Experiences Blue Monarch Group transcends mere interactions to curate transcendent experiences and environments that profoundly resonate with the target audience. Delving into the intricate psychology of human interaction, BMG crafts immersive experiences that transcend the ordinary, leaving an indelible mark and forging profound connections. From meticulously designed customer journeys to meticulously crafted physical spaces and digital interfaces, BMG orchestrates a symphony of sensory stimuli that captivate the senses, evoke emotions, and drive profound outcomes for organizations. This holistic approach encompasses not only the design of immersive environments but also the cultivation of unforgettable moments and memories, culminating in an unparalleled fusion of artistry and impact."In today's dynamic landscape, understanding and influencing human behavior are paramount to organizational success," says Ellza Malok, Founder. "With our expanded expertise spanning diverse human study disciplines, BMG is uniquely positioned to empower organizations to navigate the complexities of human dynamics and shape futures for enterprise success." For Inquiries For media inquiries or to learn more about Blue Monarch Group's expanded human behavior consulting services, please contact hello@ bluemonarchgroup.com or visit bluemonarchgroup.com SOURCE: Blue Monarch Group
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / In a thrilling announcement, Bybit official has officially crowned Mito Exclusive+ as the premier copy trader in BYBIT Malaysia! This prestigious recognition solidifies Mito Exclusive+ as the undisputed No.1 Master Copy Trader in the country, marking a significant milestone in the realm of digital asset trading.With an impressive tenure spanning 307 days on the Bybit platform, Mito Exclusive+ boasts a cumulative experience exceeding 730 days. This remarkable journey underscores the dedication and expertise that have propelled Mito Exclusive+ to the forefront of the copy trading landscape."Our success is attributed to the exceptional talent within our team," stated Leo Tan, Founder at Mito Exclusive+. "With our fund manager ranked as Bybit Malaysia's top 1 master trader, boasting over 5 years of experience in crypto trading, and our myself, with over 8 years of Bitcoin and crypto mining expertise, we have assembled a powerhouse of industry veterans dedicated to delivering superior results." "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every participant who has entrusted us with their copy trades," remarked Leo Tan, Founder at Mito Exclusive+. "This achievement is a testament to the unwavering support of our loyal followers, the dedication of our esteemed team members, and the unparalleled expertise of our exceptional fund manager." Mito Exclusive+ embraces this accolade with humility and pride, acknowledging that this milestone is as much a celebration of the collective effort as it is an individual triumph. "It is an honor to share this remarkable achievement with our community," expressed Leo Tan. "Together, we have achieved unprecedented success, and we are poised to embark on the next phase of our journey." Looking Toward the FutureAs Mito Exclusive+ sets its sights on the future, the team remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence and innovation. "The sky's the limit for us," declared Leo Tan. "With the continued support of our community, we are confident that we will reach new heights and redefine the standards of copy trading." In celebration of this momentous occasion, Mito Exclusive+ invites enthusiasts and traders alike to join the conversation and be part of the thriving community. To learn more about Mito Exclusive+ and engage with fellow traders, visit Mito Community in Telegram.About Mito Exclusive+Mito Exclusive+ is a leading copy trading platform renowned for its unparalleled performance and commitment to excellence. With a focus on delivering superior results and fostering a vibrant community, Mito Exclusive+ continues to set the standard for copy trading innovation in the digital asset landscape.For press inquiries, please contact:Telegram:t.me/mitoadminTelegram Group: https://bit.ly/3nW2eFOMito+ Exclusive ByBit Copytrading: https://bit.ly/3TyjUnZ mitoadmin@ mitoweb3.xyz +60174539658Carmen WongSOURCE: MITO Community
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FORT MILL, SC / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Catheter Precision, Inc. (the "Company") (NYSE American:VTAK), a US based medical device company focused on innovative electrophysiology products, announced that VIVO was used in five procedures for the first time in Qatar at Hamad Medical Corporation Heart Hospital in Doha. Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is the main provider of secondary and tertiary healthcare in Qatar and one of the leading hospital providers in the Middle East. HMC manages 12 hospitals - nine specialist hospitals and three community hospitals."VIVO was recently used for five patients at Doha Heart Hospital in Qatar." , said David Jenkins, CEO of Catheter Precision. He continued, "The physicians were impressed with the accuracy of VIVO and we look forward to expanding our footprint in the middle east and continuing to show the benefits of VIVO in new territories." About VIVOCatheter Precision's VIVO (View Into Ventricular Onset), is a non-invasive 3D imaging system that enables physicians to identify the origin of ventricular arrhythmias pre-procedure, thereby streamlining workflow and reducing procedure time. VIVO has received marketing clearance from the U.S. FDA and has the CE mark.About Catheter PrecisionCatheter Precision is an innovative U.S.-based medical device company bringing new solutions to market to improve the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. It is focused on developing groundbreaking technology for electrophysiology procedures by collaborating with physicians and continuously advancing its products. Reincorporated as Ra Medical Systems, Inc. in Delaware in 2018, the Company changed its name to Catheter Precision, Inc. on August 17, 2023.Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis communication contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "believe," "anticipate," "may," "might," "can," "could," "continue," "depends," "expect," "expand," "forecast," "intend," "predict," "plan," "rely," "should," "will," "may," "seek," or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These forward-looking statements are subject to the safe harbor provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company's expectations and beliefs regarding these matters may not materialize. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements as a result of uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances, including but not limited to risks and uncertainties included under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's Form 10-K filed with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov . These risks and uncertainties include, but aren't limited to, that we will not be able to reach profitability unless we are able to achieve our product expansion and growth goals, our research and development and commercialization efforts may depend on entering into agreements with corporate collaborators, we have entered into joint marketing agreements with respect to our products, and may enter into additional joint marketing agreements, that will reduce our revenues from product sales, royalty agreements with respect to our LockeT device will reduce any future profits from this product, if we experience significant disruptions in our information technology systems, our business may be adversely affected, litigation and other legal proceedings may adversely affect our business, if we make acquisitions or divestitures, we could encounter difficulties that harm our business, failure to attract and retain sufficient qualified personnel could also impede our growth, failure to maintain effective internal controls could cause our investors to lose confidence in us and adversely affect the market price of our common stock, if our internal controls are not effective, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud, our revenues may depend on our customers' receipt of adequate reimbursement from private insurers and government sponsored healthcare programs, we may be unable to compete successfully with companies in our highly competitive industry, many of whom have substantially greater resources than we do, our future operating results depend upon our ability to obtain components in sufficient quantities on commercially reasonable terms or according to schedules, prices, quality and volumes that are acceptable to us, and suppliers may fail to deliver components, or we may be unable to manage these components effectively or obtain these components on such terms, if hospitals, physicians and patients do not accept our current and future products or if the market for indications for which any product candidate is approved is smaller than expected, we may be unable to generate significant revenue, if any, our medical device operations are subject to pervasive and continuing FDA regulatory requirements, our products may be subject to additional recalls, revocations or suspensions after receiving FDA or foreign approval or clearance, which could divert managerial and financial resources, harm our reputation, and adversely affect our business, changes in trade policies among the U.S. and other countries, in particular the imposition of new or higher tariffs, could place pressure on our average selling prices as our customers seek to offset the impact of increased tariffs on their own products, increased tariffs or the imposition of other barriers to international trade could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and operating results. In addition, our auditor's finalization of the accounting for the merger requires complex calculations and the input of outside advisors, and as a result, the final results of these calculations could differ from our current expectations. The risks and uncertainties described above may be amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused significant economic uncertainty, or other pandemics, supply chain disruptions from the Ukraine war and otherwise, and ongoing volatility in the stock markets and the U.S. economy in general.The forward-looking statements included in this communication are made only as of the date hereof. The Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.CONTACTS:At the Company David Jenkins973-691-2000 IR@ catheterprecision.com SOURCE: Catheter Precision, Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2024-03-14 00:00:17

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / March 13, 2024 / Hagens Berman urges Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Class Period: Apr. 30, 2019 - Dec. 21, 2023Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Mar. 15, 2024Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/cmi Contact An Attorney Now: CMI@ hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895Cummins Inc. (CMI) Securities Fraud Class Action:In a report to clients, analysts at UBS recently commented on Cummins' agreement to pay a $1.675 billion fine for installing devices on hundreds of thousands of engines to allow them to emit excess pollution, the largest-ever civil penalty for a Clean Air Act violation.UBS remarked that "the settlement is bigger than we were expecting," noting that it "equates to ~5.8% of [Cummins'] current market cap." UBS emphasized the "cash drag" the settlement presents, stating that "payment /charge are not tax deductible and there is no insurance to reduce the amount CMI has to pay out," and that "CMI might do some short term borrowing to finance a part of it." In addition to negative analyst sentiment, Cummins also faces a recently filed securities fraud class action stemming from the EPA/Carb settlement.The complaint there alleges Cummins misrepresented and concealed that: (1) contrary to its post-April 2019 assurances about its commitment to compliance, Cummins continued to produce engines utilizing undisclosed engine control software features from 2019 to 2023; and (2) accordingly, the company understated its legal and regulatory risks."We are investigating whether Cummins intentionally made false statements concerning its public health and regulatory compliance," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the firm's investigation. "We are also investigating when the directors knew of the continued non-compliance." If you invested in Cummins and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Cummins investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Cummins should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email CMI@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Attorney advertising.Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2024-03-14 21:12:56

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NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 /Case IH, New Holland, and CASE CE (all CNH brands), took the stage at Expoagro 2024 YPF, the mega-exhibition from March 5 to 8 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.Known as The National Capital of Agribusiness,' Expoagro is one of the largest agro-industrial exhibitions in Latin America. Renowned companies in the sector show off their products, services and the latest in technology and connectivity. It is also a stage to explore new business opportunities, establish strategic alliances and contribute to the development and sustainable growth of the productive sector.Case IH highlights included the Axial-Flow Series 150 and 250 combines, the Puma line of tractors, and the Patriot 300.The Patriot 300 featured with a new NEF 6 engine manufactured in Argentina, which provides more power than the previous version, and a new hydraulic system. The equipment, designed for the Argentinian market, guarantees greater reliability, robustness, better behavior on uneven terrain, maintaining constant speed and high durability."The tests we carried out during 2023 with few units gave very positive results. Accompanying the demands of Argentine producers for greater technology and high performance, we continue to invest and bet on national production, so the model will be definitively manufactured at our plant in Ferreyra, Cordoba," said Rodrigo Lanciotti, Marketing Manager.New Holland showcased similar strengths in iron in displaying low, medium and high power tractors, the CR 7.90 Intellisense combine harvester and the Defensor SP3000 sprayer of national production.With a focus on tech, New Holland also featured key highlights in the Digital Agriculture space, with the Intelligence Center, a support that allows New Holland's specialized personnel to assist through digital tools both from the industrial plant and a dealership.In addition, the Oculus and the augmented reality headset, offered real-time remote attention services to customers. The brand also presented products from Raven (a brand of CNH), a leader in automated aftermarket precision agriculture technology solutions, which will soon be available in Argentina."We are very happy to participate again in Expoagro, one of the most important fairs in our country. We invite all visitors to stop by our booth and discover the latest developments in technology and automation that we offer, as well as our various financing options for our products," said Tomas Liceda, Commercial Director of New Holland Argentina.Another novelty of the brand was the immersive 360 experience with which the Argentinian countryside was shown. The initiative aimed to raise awareness of the work behind the food produced by each farmer throughout the country.Visitors to Expoagro also had the support of CNH Capital to choose the best financing conditions when acquiring New Holland machinery. With many years dedicated to the financing of Agriculture in Latin America, the institution will offer all its expertise to Argentine producers.CASE, a CNH construction brand, was proud to take a stage beside its agricultural counterparts. Sharing a stand with Case IH, CASE highlighted the 580N and 570ST backhoe loader model, and the SR175B skid steer loader, the equipment most chosen by customers for tasks in construction and in the field."Since the 90's we have participated in important fairs with the magnitude of Expoagro. This is a new opportunity to attract customers and be close to producers, who often use our machines for tasks related to the field. Today, thanks to the versatility and adaptability of our machines, we are also present in other activities such as mining and regional economies in the interior," explained Mario Rizzi, CASE's commercial manager for Latin America.During the fair, the official distributors in the region, Grumaq and Alvarez Rental, offered personalized advice regarding the benefits, performance and operability of the equipment.Visitors to Expoagro also had the support of CNH Capital to choose the best financing conditions when acquiring machinery. With many years dedicated to the financing of Agriculture in Latin America, the institution offered all its expertise to Argentinian producers.Case IH, New Holland, and CASE's presence at this year's Expoagro is a testament to CNH's commitment to sustainable products and innovation for a brighter future for farmers and construction workers in Argentina, and around the globe.CNH showed off its equipment and solutions for farmers and construction workers at one of the most important industrial fairs in ArgentinaView additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from CNH Industrial on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: CNH IndustrialWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cnh-industrial Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: CNH Industrial
PR-Inside.com: 2024-03-14 12:01:10

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Company empowers lawyers by providing instant access to their firm's collective institutional knowledge and data, improving efficiency at every stage of the contract processNEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / DraftWise , an AI-powered contract and negotiation platform for lawyers, today announced a $20 million Series A funding round led by Index Ventures, with additional support from existing investors Y Combinator and Earlybird Digital East Ventures. The new financing will allow DraftWise to further strengthen and expand its industry-leading Contract Intelligence platform, which uses generative AI to help firms create higher-quality contracts in less time by empowering every lawyer with instant access to the firm's collective institutional knowledge and data. The platform is recognized as an essential asset by top law firms in North America, Europe, and Australia, with customers hailing it as a mission-critical tool that elevates every part of the contract and negotiation process.DraftWise's customers, which include thousands of lawyers at Vault 10, AM Law 100, Magic Circle, and Seven Sisters firms, use the platform every day to access historical and institutional knowledge, such as decades of deal history, market trends, and client and counterparty-favored terms, that helps them make more informed decisions when drafting and negotiating contracts, leading to better outcomes for their clients. DraftWise enables associates to easily and securely access their firm's cumulative knowledge and data directly in the documents they're already working in, enabling them to produce higher-quality work on their own. This reduces the risk of small errors that can have outsized operational and financial costs and frees up partners, who might otherwise spend time correcting associate work, to focus on providing the best service for clients."We've piloted several generative AI solutions and Draftwise really stands out," says Wendy Curtis, Chief Innovation Officer at Orrick. "The tools saves our deal teams hundreds of hours by enabling them to tap data and spot trends with incredible speed and accuracy. Our lawyers give it high marks for value and ease of use, and it's quickly become a great use case for genAI technology in our practice." DraftWise's founding team pairs world-class AI and engineering capabilities with deep industry expertise, including an intimate understanding of the large and small challenges lawyers face daily. Former Palantir engineering leaders James Ding and Emre Ozen teamed up with Ozan Yalti, a Stanford Law graduate who has practiced at top global firms like Clifford Chance, to found the company in 2020. They recognized that contracts are inherently data-rich. Law firms sit on mountains of data-decades of deal history, market trends, and client and counterparty-favored terms. DraftWise helps law firms harness the power of their data, allowing them to work more efficiently and effectively by enabling lawyers to access their firm's collective knowledge and historical work in a matter of seconds."Contracts are the lifeblood of the legal profession, yet their potential has been constrained by the risk of human error and limited access to data at the time of drafting," said James Ding, Co-Founder of DraftWise. "Our technology not only streamlines these processes, but it arms the lawyer with their firm's best language and institutional data, elevating the quality of work product and allowing lawyers to focus on what they do best - advocating for their clients." Headquartered in New York City, DraftWise is a growing global team with employees in major cities and countries around the world. The Series A financing will support continued investment in engineering, product, and customer expertise, along with strategic investment in growth aimed at expanding the company's reach and helping it fulfill its promise to customers."The DraftWise team has the perfect complement of AI expertise, legal experience, and customer-obsession that are necessary to build a tool that will be widely adopted and used by lawyers in their day-to-day tasks," said Martin Mignot, Partner at Index Ventures. "The feedback we heard from their early customers has been outstanding and we are excited to partner with them to help them reach out to more customers and continue to expand their product into a full-fledged intelligence platform used across the legal industry." To learn more, visitdraftwise.com About DraftWiseDraftWise is on a mission to transform the legal industry by harnessing the power of AI. With AI-powered drafting and negotiation software, DraftWise arms lawyers with data-driven intelligence that drastically improves the complete contract workflow, from first draft to client win.A global team with headquarters in New York City, DraftWise's customers include leading firms across North America, Europe, and Australia, including Orrick, Gunderson Dettmer LLP, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP, and Mishcon de Reya LLP, and other Vault 10, AM Law 100, Magic Circle, and Seven Sisters ranked firms.Media contact Amber MooreMoore Communications(503) 943-9381amber@ moorecom2.com SOURCE: DraftWise
PR-Inside.com: 2024-03-14 00:05:28

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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 13, 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.Attorney 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: 2024-03-14 14:47:16

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NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Comcast CorporationA palpable buzz of anticipation and excitement swept Philadelphia's Crane Chinatown Community Center - as row by row of students ranging from preschoolers through teenagers filed into the sprawling gymnasium. Pencil and notebook in hand, the students took their seats at the periwinkle-topped tables, their excitement on display through smiles and laughter.The students were there for a special opportunity: to take part in an animation masterclass, hosted by Xfinity and taught by DreamWorks Animation co-director Stephanie Ma Stine. Highlights from Stephanie's resume include working as a storyboard artist for DreamWorks' How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World and The Adventures of Puss in Boots - and most recently, co-director of the forthcoming DreamWorks film, Kung Fu Panda 4.As Stephanie took the stage, the kids were ready to follow along - and over the next half-hour, a sea of sketches of Po, the beloved Kung Fu Master in Kung Fu Panda, came to life in notebooks throughout the room.For Dustin, an 11th grade student, representation served as inspiration: "Seeing Asian-directed movies makes me feel heard and understood.  Asian American directors bring their own unique experiences to the table and create movies that culturally resonate with me." Today was really about expanding horizons. To have a superstar like Stephanie Ma Stine come to Chinatown from Hollywood gives our children an idea that they can be anything.JOHN CHINExecutive Director of the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC)"What a wonderful role model for the children," added Carol Wong, Executive Director and Owner of the Chinatown Learning Center, which calls the Crane Community Center home. "Stephanie's story is so inspirational - our kids can do it, too, if they try. Nothing should stop them." The Crane Community Center is a Comcast Lift Zone, and is the heartbeat for many in Philadelphia's Chinatown community - providing youth programming, food distribution, health and wellness initiatives, and help navigating housing - within walking distance of Comcast's headquarters campus."Every time we come here, it reminds us  what can happen if we join forces together and work together and create a safe community space for all," reflected Nina Ahmad, Philadelphia City Councilmember At-Large.First District Councilmember Mark Squilla added, "We were just here celebrating the Lunar New Year last week, and we had over 500 people here. This community center means so much not only to Chinatown, but also to the city of Philadelphia." Access to information and resources provided by the Crane and the PCDC are vital - and increasingly, the community is relying on the Internet to stay connected. As the future of the government's Affordable Connectivity Program is being decided, Kohposh Kuda, SVP of Xfinity Mobile assured families, "Xfinity is committed to supporting all communities." Recognizing this need, Comcast's Xfinity team, with the help of a larger-than-life Po costume character, had a final surprise for each of the students - a laptop of their own.For John Chin, the laptop giveaway is critical as students navigate their educational journeys: "Today's world is about connecting, using technology, and some of these students come from families that are low income.  It's necessary in today's world if they're going to succeed." Stephanie's visit to Chinatown was the crescendo of a day-long, Symphony effort across Comcast NBCUniversal, Xfinity, and DreamWorks celebrating Kung Fu Panda, including speaking to employees and Philadelphia community leaders at special screenings of the film and visiting the Comcast Center Campus.For Stephanie, the visit was an exhilarating moment - especially as The Universal Sphere in the Comcast Technology Center featured a special Kung Fu Panda experience. Through March 8,DreamWorks Po's Awesome Lunar New Year Adventure at The Universal Sphereis a free, special cinematic experience that invites guests to embark on a magical journey to Panda Village and even virtually launch their own sky lanterns, just as Stephanie did."I am really hopeful that my visit and my presence here today can open up a lot of eyes as to, wow, we really can do anything," Stephanie reflected on her visit to the Crane Community Center. "We can choose any path. We can choose an artistic career, we can be creative, we can tell meaningful stories." Stephanie brought the magic of DreamWorks' Kung Fu Panda 4 to the young - and young at heart - in Comcast's hometown. And that same magic can be experienced by all, as the film hits theaters nationwide on Friday, March 8.View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Comcast Corporation on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info: Spokesperson: Comcast CorporationWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/comcast-corporation Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Comcast Corporation
Stock photo of a student with laptop and phone in Tema, Ghana

Major internet disruption has been reported in various countries across Africa.

Widespread outages were reported on Thursday in countries including South Africa, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Benin, Ghana and Burkina Faso.

Since then, services have largely been restored in Liberia and South Africa.

The cause of the cable failures was not immediately clear, to the frustration of millions of customers around the continent.

"There seems to be a pattern in the timing of the disruptions, impacting from the north to the south of Africa," said Cloudflare Radar, which provides information on internet connections.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which regulates the telecoms industry, said the outage was caused by damage to international undersea cables running along the West African coastline.

"The cuts occurred somewhere in Cote d'Ivoire and Senegal, with an attendant disruption in Portugal," said NCC spokesman Reuben Muoka.

Sometimes undersea cables can get cut, even by debris, a retired expert told the BBC.

He added: "You can also have undersea earth slides - sections of seabed can become unstable, sending huge amounts of mud down a canyon or gulley."

"Where cables come ashore and are buried underground, they could be prone to accidental or intentional damage."

Whatever the cause, it has resulted in major difficulties for people who rely on the internet for a living.

"It's been impossible to communicate with my clients - I also needed to organise a delivery though an online app," fashion designer Cheick Senou told the BBC on Friday from Abidjan in Ivory Coast.

"I couldn't do anything without the internet."

Internet connectivity in the Ivory Coast was down to around just 4% on Thursday morning, according to Netblocks, which tracks cybersecurity and internet connectivity.

Liberia at one point dropped to 17% while Benin was at 14% and Ghana 25%, Netblocks said.

Story continues

In South Africa, Vodacom on Thursday said that customers were "experiencing intermittent connectivity issues due to multiple undersea cable failures".

A fault was also reported on the MainOne cable system which serves Nigeria's commercial hub, Lagos.

The Liberian government confirmed on Thursday that internet disruption had been reported from that morning.

Citizens were unable to access the basic internet as well as social media across the vast majority of the country. International bank transfers were also reported to be affected while there were limited international voice calls.

"It seems like 50% of my life is gone today," Benjamin Garkpah told the BBC from the Liberian capital, Monrovia, on Thursday.

Fatumata Barry said her business had stalled because she couldn't receive payments through mobile money.

The Liberia Telecommunications Authority said it was caused by an incident involving the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) submarine communications cable in Ivory Coast.

In Ghana, the National Communications Authority (NCA) reported that multiple undersea cable disruptions were responsible for the outage.

Additional reporting by George Wright and Nicolas Negoce
PR-Inside.com: 2024-03-14 21:03:24

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Levi & Korsinsky notifies investors that it has commenced an investigation of Fair Isaac Corporation ("Fair Isaac Corporation") (NYSE:FICO) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws.On March 12, 2024, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley sent a letter to the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, urging it to investigate FICO's "potentially anticompetitive practices." In the letter, Senator Hawley asserted that FICO "appears to be using its monopolistic power of the credit scoring market to increase costs for mortgage lenders-an increase that will be passed onto consumers." Senator Hawley accused FICO of "astronomically hik[ing] its prices" "[i]n an apparent abuse of this market power." Following this news, on March 13, 2024, FICO's stock price fell over 5%. To obtain additional information, go to:or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com or by telephone at (212)363-7500.WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, Levi & Korsinsky LLP has established itself as a nationally-recognized securities litigation firm that has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. The firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212)363-7500 Fax: (212)363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2024-03-14 17:15:46

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FRANKLIN, TN / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Fast Pace Health boosts mental health services in rural areas with the addition of Krystal Osinski and Sarah Hornby, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, to its team, aiming to enhance accessibility and quality of care. This strategic addition aims to disrupt traditional care models and improve accessibility to mental healthcare under the leadership of Robert 'Bob' McKenzie and Nikita Duke.Fast Pace Health Fast Pace Health Expanding Access to Mental Health CareMs. Osinski and Ms. Hornby join Fast Pace Health with a wealth of experience and will be providing virtual care for patients dealing with depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and other mental health issues. Their roles are pivotal in Fast Pace Health's mission to deliver comprehensive mental health services to underserved communities, and they bring the Fast Pace Health's behavioral health team to more than 25 providers. Ms. Osinski is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and licensed in Tennessee and Kentucky. Ms. Hornby is also certified by the ANCC and licensed in Tennessee, Kentucky and Mississippi. Together, Ms. Osinski and Ms. Burns are expected to significantly expand the availability of virtual mental health care services.About Fast Pace HealthAs a leading healthcare provider, Fast Pace Health is dedicated to offering accessible, high-quality medical and behavioral health services. The organization's commitment to patient care continues to drive its expansion, with a focus on making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families in underserved areas. For more information on Fast Pace Health and its services, visit Fast Pace Health's official website.Media Contact: Justin Olson, Chief Marketing Officer, Fast Pace Health, 6650 Carothers Parkway, Suite 225 Franklin, TN, 37067 Email: justin.olson@fastpacehealth.com Contact InformationJustin OlsonChief Marketing Officer, Fast Pace Healthjustin.olson@fastpacehealth.com 931-253-1110SOURCE: Fast Pace HealthView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-03-14 15:15:50

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NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Motorola SolutionsOriginally Published in West Ed's Justice & Prevention Resource Center2024In Everett, Washington in 2018, a young man planned an attack on his high school. He had drawn up plans to shoot students and use explosives at the school. Fortunately, his grandmother read his plan before he carried it out. She contacted authorities, who, following an investigation that uncovered a rifle and several hand grenades, arrested the 18-year-old. The individual is now serving a 22-year sentence for attempted murder.Such instances of averted school violence, while chilling to learn about, represent a success story from one important perspective: The plan was short-circuited and never came to fruition, saving human lives and suffering. How can we learn from these averted school attacks? How can this sort of information be used to create safer schools?To answer these and other questions, we asked Dr. Frank Straub, the Senior Director of Violence Prevention Research and Programs atSafe and Sound Schoolsto respond. Previously, Dr. Straub served as the founder and director of the National Policing Institute's Center for Targeted Violence Prevention where he developed the Averted School Violence (ASV) Database. Dr. Straub also served for over 30 years in federal, state, and local law enforcement, leading agencies in New York, Indiana, and the State of Washington. During his time with the New York City Police Department, he was Deputy Commissioner of Training and Assistant Commissioner for Counterterrorism. He is the author of numerous publications on averted school violence and many other topics, including, A Comparison of Averted and Completed School Attacks from the Police Foundation Averted School Violence Database.Why should we study averted acts of violence against schools?The rationale behind Safe and Sound Schools' Averted School Violence Project is that we can learn about how and why intended school attacks were stopped. By studying such averted school attacks, we can better identify failure points in safety systems, recognize those policies and practices that may have led to a foiled act, and thereby invest more wisely in school safety. From a practical standpoint, averted incidents occur more frequently than completed attacks, giving us a bigger sample to learn from. We identify and analyze completed attacks as well. The ultimate goal, of course, is to prevent future attacks.Any surprises when comparing completed versus averted acts of school violence?Surprisingly, our data indicate more similarities than differences when we study averted and completed targeted school attacks. For example, averted and completed attacks occur with more frequency in suburban and rural communities than in urban communities. Public high schools with less than 2,000 students are the most frequent targets of current or recently former students, ages 14-18, who plan or carry out targeted school attacks.One critical difference between averted and completed attacks is how leakage is handled. Leakage occurs when others know about the planned attack before it occurs because the intended perpetrator has told someone, posted a threat online, and so on. Unfortunately, in completed acts, either this leakage was not reported, or if it was reported, no one acted on it. As we are learning from averted incidents, as in the example from Washington above, leakage did lead to the planned attack being foiled. Maybe it was a friend, a family member, or another student, but someone reported this leakage to the local or school police, or to educators, so that someone intervened.One of the "surprises" we are seeing now is that persons planning targeted school attacks are getting younger, and more and more of the planners are engaged in online extremist and/or violent ideology.We caution, however, that the ASV data is based on incidents we identify in the public domain (usually news reports or social media) or that educators or others in the school community report to us. We know we are missing instances of school violence that were averted but went unreported, which is why we want to really encourage publicity of the database and increase reporting.What insights does the ASV data provide for school-based behavioral threat assessment teams?Behavioral threat assessment teams are critical to identifying high-risk/high-need students and preventing targeted school attacks. One of the important lessons we've learned is that behavioral threat assessment teams represent the first step in what can be a long process of intervention and management of high-risk adolescents in a community context. These multi-disciplinary behavioral threat assessment and management teams have an opportunity to identify concerning behaviors, intervene, and therefore stop intended acts of violence.But what is concerning? What should get their attention? ASV provides critical information regarding the motivations, behaviors, and methods of persons who planned and or completed the more than 300 incidents of school violence recorded in the database. It's a good source of information on the types of behaviors that intended attackers were exhibiting on their pathway to violence.How has the ASV data been used to address needs?We learned from our data on averted and completed school violence that the high-risk/high-need student that comes to the attention of a behavioral threat assessment team has to be managed in the community as well as the school. Even more critically, these individuals can be lost between systems-school, mental health, law enforcement, juvenile/criminal justice, and other agencies-particularly when they leave school and fall from everyone's radar.These data, in part, led to a new program, Prevent 2 Protect, a collaborative effort by Michigan State University's Department of Psychiatry and Safe and Sound Schools to prevent adolescent involvement in school violence. In Michigan, high-risk/high-need students identified by school behavioral threat assessment and management teams can be referred to Prevent 2 Protect. If the student meets our criteria, they receive a full psychiatric evaluation, an in-depth assessment of criminogenic factors, and a needs assessment. The student and their families receive an individualized care plan and then work with our community-based intensive support teams-a case manager and a mentor-who help the student and their caregivers navigate support and intervention systems longitudinally. We are thrilled that the state of Michigan has invested in providing this program to its state's educational community for the next five years.How can schools and police departments contribute to the ASV database?School pe
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Innovator in Natural Pet Care, HICC Pet Moves Headquarters to Foster Growth and Introduce Advanced Grooming and Wellness Products to the RegionBELLEVUE, WA / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / HICC Pet, a holistic pet wellness and grooming startup, announced today its headquarters relocation to Bellevue, Washington. Founded in 2020, HICC Pet has quickly made a name for itself as an innovator in effective pet care solutions, with a product line ranging from skin care sprays to dental finger wipes, providing pet owners with convenient solutions for daily needs.Award-Winning Deodorizing Pet Glove Wipes "Our move to the Pacific Northwest aligns with our brand's focus of innovation and prioritizing pet health," says Business Development Director Brandon Barney. "The greater Seattle area is one of the top markets in Pet, both in terms of household ownership and leadership within the retail sector. We're looking to engage with both sides of the funnel directly as we continue to grow." The journey of HICC Pet began with a heartwarming rescue of an ill and injured stray cat named Chestnut, who now is the company's Chief Experience Officer. Eager to find an effective solution for treating his wounds but safe enough for a weak kitten, the founders launched their first line of Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) wound care products that support the healing of pets' skin barrier. HOCl is a natural compound found in the white blood cells of mammals that actively combats bacteria and infections. Having been used for numerous applications since WWI, HOCI is a safe, alcohol-free alternative to providing treatment for wounds, and helping to reduce acne and other skin conditions."HICC's goal is to create a holistic approach to pet wellness," says CEO Andy Peng. "As we expand in the pet industry, our commitment remains unmatched in developing solutions that prioritize the health and comfort of our beloved animal companions." New this year, HICC Pet presents its Pet Antimicrobial Anal Gland Spray and the Flushable Anal Gland Wipes. The Anal Gland Care Spray is formulated with HOCI to help prevent and heal infections while gently cleaning anal glands. In addition, its Flushable Pet Anal Gland Wipes are made with natural ingredients including the company's patented fermented coconut oil, DeoPlex, Manuka honey, and sea salt to help combat tough odors, soothe irritations, and clean sensitive areas on your pet. HICC Pet will be debuting these products along with its extensive grooming and wellness collections at Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Florida, March 20-22, booth #5962. To shop HICC Pet products, visit www.hiccpet.com as well as its online retail partners Chewy and TractorSupply.com About HICC PetHICC Pet is a holistic Wellness and Grooming Products Company focused on creating natural and convenient-to-use solutions for cats and dogs. Founded in 2020, HICC Pet is headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, with e-commerce distribution across the United States, South America, and Asia.Press Kit: https://bit.ly/hiccpetmedia Website: www.hiccpet.com Social Media: @hiccpetContact InformationCara CastroBrand Managercara.castro@hiccpet.com 509.778.3214SOURCE: HICC PetView the original press release on newswire.com
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LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Horizonte Minerals Plc (AIM:HZM)(TSX:HZM) ("Horizonte" or the "Company") announces that Araguaia Niquel Metais Ltda ("ANML"), the Company's Brazilian subsidiary developing the Araguaia Nickel Project, has been granted an injunction (Brazilian Precautionary Measure) giving it a 60-day stay period in order to negotiate indebtedness and work on a restructuring plan to be approved by its creditors.This Precautionary Measure allows ANML a longer period to negotiate either directly with creditors or via mediation, in a balanced and transparent manner, aiming to protect its cash in the short term during the relevant period in which protective measures are in force. Consequently, this will allow the continuity of current negotiations, while potentially avoiding a Judicial Reorganization proceeding by ANML in Brazil.The Company considers that the injunction granted to ANML does not directly impact Horizonte Minerals plc's current financial condition.The Company will continue to work closely with its major shareholders and senior lenders on a full funding solution, targeted for the end of Q2 2024 though at this time, there can be no guarantee that a re-financing and re-structuring solution will lead to a positive outcome for existing shareholders, noteholders and creditors of the Company.As announced on 1 March 2024, existing senior lenders have agreed to waivers including the deferral of interest payments until the 29 March 2024. There is no guarantee that an agreement will be reached with senior lenders with respect to further extensions of such waivers. The Company is a guarantor of ANML's debt under the senior loan facilities. If no agreement is reached and if claims are made in relation to the guarantee, the Company may also need to consider applying for protective measures that may be available to it, or in the event that a re-financing and re-structuring solution for the group is not achieved.Further updates will be provided in due course.For further information, visitwww.horizonteminerals.comor contact:Horizonte Minerals plc Patrick Chambers (Head of IR)info@ horizonteminerals.com +44 (0) 203 356 2901Peel Hunt LLP (Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker) Ross AllisterDavid McKeownBhavesh Patel+44 (0)20 7418 8900BMO (Joint Broker) Thomas RiderPascal Lussier DuquetteAndrew Cameron+44 (0) 20 7236 1010Barclays (Joint Broker) Philip LindopRichard Bassingthwaighte+44 (0)20 7623 2323ABOUT HORIZONTE MINERALSHorizonte Minerals Plc (AIM:HZM)(TSX:HZM) is developing two 100%-owned, Tier 1 projects in Para state, Brazil - the Araguaia Nickel Project and the Vermelho Nickel-Cobalt Project. Both projects are high-grade, low-cost, with low carbon emission intensities and are scalable. Araguaia is under construction and when fully ramped up with both Line 1 and Line 2, is forecast to produce 29,000 tonnes of nickel per year. Vermelho is at feasibility study stage and is expected to supply nickel to the critical metals market. Horizonte's combined production profile of over 60,000 tonnes of nickel per year positions the Company as a globally significant nickel producer. Horizonte's top three shareholders are La Mancha Investments S.a r.l., Glencore Plc and Orion Resource Partners LLP.CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATIONExcept for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the ability of the Company to complete any planned acquisition of equipment, statements with respect to the potential of the Company's current or future property mineral projects; the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the second RKEF line at Araguaia on time, or at all, the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the Vermelho Project on time, or at all, the success of exploration and mining activities; cost and timing of future exploration, production and development; the costs and timing for delivery of the equipment to be purchased, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves and the ability of the Company to achieve its goals in respect of growing its mineral resources; the realization of mineral resource and reserve estimates and achieving production in accordance with the Company's potential production profile or at all. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, and are inherently 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 risks related to: the inability of the Company to complete any planned acquisition of equipment on time or at all, the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the implementation of a second RKEF line at Araguaia on the timeline contemplated or at all, the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the Vermelho Project on the timeline contemplated or at all, exploration and mining risks, competition from competitors with greater capital; the Company's lack of experience with respect to development-stage mining operations; fluctuations in metal prices; uninsured risks; environmental and other regulatory requirements; exploration, mining and other licences; the Company's future payment obligations; potential disputes with respect to the Company's title to, and the area of, its mining concessions; the Company's dependence on its ability to obtain sufficient financing in the future; the Company's dependence on its relationships wi
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GALWAY, IRELAND and SHELTON, CT / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 /TitanHQ, the leading cloud-based email security solutions provider for over two decades, is excited to introduce a new PhishTitan solution feature. This innovative feature is designed to transform M365 email security management for MSPs and administrators.PhishTitan is a cutting-edge, native M365 anti-phishing solution that blocks and remediates threats like business email compromise (BEC), account takeover, VIP impersonation, zero-day attacks, and much more. PhishTitan is an Integrated Cloud Email Security solution (ICES) specializing in preventing the most damaging and sophisticated phishing attacks.Auto Remediation empowers administrators to tailor the management of malicious emails based on the severity level, providing enhanced protection against email-based threats. Instead of risking exposure to malicious emails, even with applied banners, PhishTitan grants administrators the capability to divert such emails directly to the junk folder automatically, thus providing an automated layer of risk mitigation for end users. PhishTitans Auto Remediation acts as a virtual SOC, augmenting your security team.Who Benefits from Auto Remediation?MSP Administrators: Auto Remediation reduces the risk for MSP and users. IT Administrators: Minimize risk for their users with tailored email management. End Users: Enhance protection against malicious emails, especially for those who may overlook warning banners. Auto-Remediation is an automated incident response feature of PhishTitan that automatically removes malicious emails. Auto remediation sends malicious emails to the Microsoft junk folder.Along with adding auto remediation, TitanHQ will deploy a significant enhancement that will improve the efficacy of PhishTitan. The change results from extensive data analysis, recent phishing trends, and user feedback. PhishTitan's current performance has been sensational - for every 80,000 emails received, PhishTitan is catching 20 unique and sophisticated phishing attacks that Microsoft's elite and expensive E5 premium security is missing.Some other notable recent feature additions to PhishTitan:QR Code Protection: QR codes have gained popularity but carry risks. Fraudulent codes could redirect users to deceptive websites that appear legitimate, enabling scams to continue unchecked. PhishTitan can protect from email-based QR phishing scams. Where QR codes are embedded in emails, we analyze the associated URL and assess its risk. URLs that lead to malicious sites are identified and PhishTitan informs users of the risks.Allow Listing: Enables customers to minimize false positives by adding trusted senders to an allow list, ensuring critical emails are not flagged as phishing.Notification Service: Extends PhishTitan's reach beyond the application itself by providing notifications into Microsoft Teams, with plans for other endpoints in the future.Dark Mode: A user-friendly addition to the PhishTitan UI, enhancing user experience for administrators spending prolonged periods within the application.According to Ronan Kavanagh, TitanHQ CEO, "We are excited to introduce Auto Remediation, QR code protection and many additional powerful new features to our valued customers. At TitanHQ, we collaborate closely with partners to develop tailored solutions addressing critical customer IT security challenges. PhishTitan provides MSPs with an unmatched value proposition, featuring effortless deployment and lucrative recurring revenue streams, ultimately delivering a positive return on investment." With Auto Remediation and these latest features, TitanHQ reaffirms its position as a leader in the email security landscape, setting new standards for proactive threat mitigation and user-centric design. These developments reflect TitanHQ's commitment to continually innovate and provide comprehensive email security solutions to meet the evolving needs of MSPs.To learn more about PhishTitan's inline advanced phishing protection, visit TitanHQ.com About TitanHQ TitanHQ is a 25-year-old, multi-award-winning SaaS cybersecurity platform delivering a layered security solution to businesses globally. TitanHQ offers cutting-edge technologies and robust solutions to protect SMBs and MSPs against phishing attacks, malware, ransomware, and other cyberattacks that can compromise data and disrupt operations.Contact InformationDryden GearyHead of Marketinginfo@ titanhq.com 00 353 91 545555SOURCE: TitanHQView the original press release on newswire.com
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is investigating potential claims on behalf of purchasers of JBS S.A. ("JBS" or "the Company") (OTCQX:JBSAY). Investors who purchased JBS securities are encouraged to obtain additional information and assist the investigation by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/JBSAY Investigation Details:On February 28, 2024, Reuters published an article entitled "New York sues meatpacking giant JBS over climate claims." The article reported, in relevant part, that New York State's Attorney General has "accused [JBS] of misleading the public about its impact on the environment in order to boost sales. Attorney General Letitia James said JBS USA Food Co, the Brazilian company's American-based unit, has no viable plan' to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, making its stated commitment to achieving that goal false and misleading." On this news, JBS's American Depositary Receipt ("ADR") price fell $0.22 per share, or 2.38%, to close at $9.02 per share on February 28, 2024.What's Next?If you are aware of any facts relating to this investigation or purchased JBS securities, you can assist this investigation by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/JBSAY . You can also contact Peretz Bronstein or his law clerk and client relations manager, Yael Nathanson of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC: 332-239-2660.There is No Cost to YouWe represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide.Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.Contact:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLCPeretz Bronstein or Yael Nathanson 332-239-2660 | info@ bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC
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KANSAS CITY, MO / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Northwestern Mutual:Company recognizes exemplary volunteerism of its financial advisors through its annual Community Service Awards programOriginally published by Northwestern Mutual on February 22, 2024Northwestern Mutual is celebrating the outstanding volunteerism of its financial professionals through its annual Community Service Awards (CSA) program. This year, 16 financial advisors and representatives were recognized for their transformational impact on the communities they serve, totaling $295,000 in grants to nonprofits nationwide. Local Kansas City resident Marcy Langhofer, an associate financial representative at Northwestern Mutual - Kansas City, has been named a 2024 Most Exceptional Community Service Award winner, receiving a $25,000 grant for The Do Good for Erin Foundation."At Northwestern Mutual we believe in putting people first. This value is highlighted through our dedicated financial advisors who are not only building better tomorrows for their clients, but also for their communities," said Steve Radke, president of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation. "Through their philanthropic work, our advisors are donating their time and talents to help local nonprofit organizations." After losing her daughter, Erin, to a senseless act of gun violence in 2019, Langhofer, with the help of friends and family, started The Do Good for Erin Foundation to continue her daughter's passion for helping others. Erin had an empathetic spirit and dedicated her career in social work to advocate and support numerous domestic violence agencies in the Kansas City area. The foundation's mission is to end violence and to provide compassion to those it affects."The Do Good for Erin Foundation is driven by its greater mission to spread goodness and support the fight against violence," said Langhofer. "Thanks to this grant provided by Northwestern Mutual's Community Service Awards program, we will be able to support more local organizations that are dedicated to violence prevention through emergency shelter, advocacy and education programs." Now in its 29th year, Northwestern Mutual, through its Foundation and Community Service Awards program, has donated nearly $7 million to nonprofits supported by financial professionals in their communities across the country.Learn more about The Do Good for Erin Foundation here.About Northwestern Mutual FoundationThe mission of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation is to improve the lives of children and families in need. The Foundation has given more than $400 million since its inception in 1992 and is designed to create lasting impact in the communities where the company's employees and financial representatives live and work. We accomplish this by combining financial support, volunteerism, thought leadership and convening community partners to deliver the best outcomes. Our efforts are focused nationally on curing childhood cancer, and locally on education, neighborhoods and making our hometown of Milwaukee a great destination. Visit Northwestern Mutual Foundation to learn more.About Northwestern MutualNorthwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 165 years. Through a comprehensive planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what's most important. With more than $570 billion of total assets being managed across the company's institutional portfolio as well as retail investment client portfolios, nearly $35 billion in revenues, and $2.2 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than five million people with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. Northwestern Mutual ranked 111 on the 2023 FORTUNE 500.Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company (NMWMC) (investment advisory and services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance). Not all Northwestern Mutual representatives are advisors. Only those representatives with "Advisor" in their title or who otherwise disclose their status as an advisor of NMWMC are credentialed as NMWMC representatives to provide investment advisory.View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Northwestern Mutual on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: Northwestern MutualWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/northwestern-mutual Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Northwestern Mutual
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The Northwest Event Show will leverage their event platform, powered by EventMobi, to cultivate an engaged community for 3,000+ professionals throughout the year.SEATTLE, WA / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / The Northwest Event Show (NWES), the premier industry gathering for event professionals in the Pacific Northwest, recently announced its partnership with EventMobi, an industry-leading event management platform. The NWES 2024, happening from April 3-4, will leverage their event platform to cultivate an engaged community with ongoing networking, engagement, and learning opportunities for 3,000+ industry professionals year-round.NWES x EventMobi Seattle on a blue background with the press release's headline."This new partnership with EventMobi isn't just about enhancing the NWES 2024 experience; it's about laying the foundation for a robust, engaged network that lives beyond the confines of our event dates," says Lisa Schulteis, Executive Director of NWES.Recent advancements in event technology now enable event organizers to extend the use of their event platform beyond in-person conferences, by offering access to content, webinars, learning, and networking opportunities throughout the year; eliminating the need for additional community platforms and learning management systems.The NWES is transforming their 2-day conference into a year-round event community by:Uploading session recordings and presentations, as well as hosting webinars, on the same platform Enabling forum discussions to support networking for local planners before and after the event Creating sponsorship opportunities by offering an interactive buyers guide where business partnerships can form post-event Leveraging the event platform as a communication hub to share industry-relevant updates via emails Simplifying the promotion and registration of local events, webinars, and next year's conference to an already-engaged user base"The Pacific Northwest is not just a backdrop for your events. It's a living, breathing ecosystem where your networks, customers, and partners flourish. And although NWES is a highlight once a year, the goal is to shine a light on this vibrant region every single day, offering 363 more days of connection, learning, and growth," shares Thorben Grosser, EventMobi's VP of Strategic Partnerships & Channel.EventMobi is excited to support the NWES in building a thriving event-driven community that stretches beyond the boundaries of a traditional conference. Together, NWES and EventMobi are dedicated to empowering professionals with the resources and collaborative learning opportunities they need to succeed.About EventMobiSince 2009, EventMobi's comprehensive features and elegant simplicity have been loved by 30,000+ planners and millions of attendees. The EventMobi event platform has powered events for top brands like Visa and TD Bank, and associations including the American Political Science Association and International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantations.About NWESFounded in 1994 and marking its 30th anniversary this year, the Northwest Event Show will be held on April 3-4, 2024 at the Seattle Convention Center. Not just another industry conference, the show is a comprehensive hub for event professionals and businesses that plan and execute meetings and events on the West Coast.Contact InformationValery TsenterDigital PR & Communications Specialistvalery.press@eventmobi.com SOURCE: EventMobiView the original press release on newswire.com
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Former U.S. Ambassador and Governor will drive new business opportunities and partnerships to support inclusive, sustainable, digital-driven economic growthPURCHASE, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 /Mastercard announced Jon Huntsman will join as vice chairman and president, Strategic Growth, effective April 15. The former U.S. ambassador and governor will lead efforts focused on expanding commercial partnerships with governments and public sector institutions along with driving the company's inclusive growth, philanthropy and sustainability agenda. He will report to Michael Miebach, Mastercard's chief executive officer, and will be part of the Executive Leadership Team."Jon's unique experience spanning four decades in public and private sectors will be extremely valuable as we build the future of Mastercard," said Miebach. "He will play a pivotal role in helping advance our approach to commercial sustainability through social impact, consistent with our company's core value of doing well by doing good." Jon has served as U.S. ambassador to Singapore, China, and Russia under both Republican and Democratic administrations. He is the only American to have been Chief of Mission in both China and Russia. In a series of trade policy assignments, including as deputy U.S. trade representative, Jon negotiated dozens of trade and investment agreements throughout Asia and Africa. Jon was also twice elected governor of Utah, where he served as chairman of the Western Governors Association.Jon earlier served as an executive with Huntsman Corporation and most recently as vice chairman of Ford Motor Company, where he currently serves on the board of directors. He also serves on the board of directors for Chevron. He is a trustee of the Huntsman Foundation which has led the way in establishing the Huntsman Cancer Institute along with the Huntsman Mental Health Institute, both at the University of Utah. Jon is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and has 10 honorary doctorate degrees."Mastercard has an extraordinary company culture that is driven by a profound commitment to advancing inclusive, sustainable, digital-driven economic growth throughout the world," said Jon. "I very much look forward to being part of this great team to further scale new business opportunities and partnerships in support of the company's exciting strategic growth opportunities." Mastercard Strategic Growth is comprised of the company's philanthropic, ESG, localization and public sector partnerships programs. This includes the Center for Inclusive Growth, which is commemorating 10 years. The Center advances equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world and administers the philanthropic Mastercard Impact Fund to produce independent research, scalable global programs and an empowered community of thinkers, leaders, and doers on the front lines of inclusive growth.Originally published by MastercardFollow along Mastercard's journey to advance equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the worldView additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info: Spokesperson: The Mastercard Center for Inclusive GrowthWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/mastercard-center-inclusive-growth Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth
Slocum & Ferris has had a presence in the market for 129 years, and other business owners in the local institution are sad to see it go. (Roger Cosman/CBC - image credit)

As the manager of the Saint John City Market, Andrew MacDonald is used to seeing businesses come and go.

But there is something about losing the market's longest-running vendor that's "harder to stomach for sure," he said Wednesday.

MacDonald said it's not the easiest time to run a restaurant, and Slocum & Ferris, a name that has been at the market for 129 years, is not the first to go.

"Looking at what's happening around the world  and of course what's happening around the city, in the province, country  with restaurants, it's a real hard time for sure."

Slocum & Ferris  known for its down-home cooking, old-school signage and local goods  closed last Saturday, citing slow sales and low foot traffic through the market.

An archival picture from the Saint John City Market

An archival picture from the Saint John City Market (Provincial Archives of New Brunswick P171-23)

MacDonald said the number of people walking through the market each day has been slowly rising toward pre-pandemic levels, but the market's success depends on more than traffic. People have to buy things, he said.

"And they're starting to spend a bit more money, and that's what we're looking for," he said.

MacDonald said he is excited about things coming up in the short and longer term, including a move to consistent daily hours for all vendors, new vendors already set to open, and the market's strategic plan.

The closure of Slocum & Ferris comes nearly a year after the City of Saint John announced a new strategic plan with 65 initiatives that include making the place more welcoming for locals.

The plan is to change the very layout of the market, going from three aisles to two and creating more seating inside the main building, rather than the solariums on either side.

Reaction from businesses

Darren Lavigne, the proprietor of City Market Greengrocer, said he's sad to see Slocum & Ferris go. He said the pandemic has been tough on smaller places.

Story continues

"We're like a family here," he said of the businesses in the market.

Felix Liu from Chicken by Felix was also nostalgic about the loss.

"When I was first here in 2013, there were a lot of vendors, a lot of people there," he said.

An interior shot of the Saint John City Market in the Christmas season of 2018.

An interior shot of the Saint John City Market in the Christmas season of 2018. (Saint John City Market/Facebook)

"There are not enough people to come to the market to support all the businesses here. And more and more people work at home now."

Jeremiah's Deli sits two stalls up from Slocum & Ferris. Co-owners Loretta Landry and Maggie Bryson expressed their own dismay on seeing the place close.

"We're super sad that the business is closing," Landry said.

She said the repercussions of such an established place closing down has more backlash than it would first seem, including the public being worried there's nothing happening in the market anymore.

"There's still lots of things happening around," she said.

"Slocum's no longer being a part of the market for now, that's really sad because I've never known the market to not have that name," Bryson said.

"Slocum has always been a part of it, and it always will be in one way or another," she said.

Scott Scichilone of H&S Meats said seeing a fellow vendor and entrepreneur not be successful is always troubling.

"It's definitely sad to see," Scichilone said.

He said when it comes to running a business there are many factors people don't always hear about, like traffic flow and demographics.

"Some of those factors are your environment, your entrepreneurial skills, your business skills, and your product knowledge," he said, adding the current economy is a challenge and causing people to pinch their money a little tighter than usual.

History of the market

The first market building opened in 1830 and at one point, it grew to six different locations, including a fish market and wharf on Water Street, a hay market on King Street, and a cattle market in King's Square.

According to the history section of the market's website, as the city grew, people realized there was no need for six different markets so they were centralized. By 1876, the market moved to a new building made by shipbuilders, giving the place its unique appearance of an inverted or upside-down keel of a ship.

On June 16, 1986, the market was designated a National Historic Site of Canada.

Today, the Saint John City Market is the oldest continuing farmers' market in Canada and attracts more than one million visitors annually from all over the globe.
PR-Inside.com: 2024-03-14 16:51:01

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Metallic Minerals Corp. ( TSX.V:MMG)(OTCQB:MMNGF) ("Metallic Minerals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Dr. M. Stephen Enders has been appointed to the Company's Board of Directors. Steve brings over 47 years of experience in mineral exploration and mining, working on some of the world's most significant copper and gold deposits. Steve is a major addition to the Metallic team and the Company looks forward to his invaluable contributions to the advancement of the La Plata copper-silver-gold-PGE and Keno Silver projects.Steve's distinguished career includes former positions as Senior Vice President of Worldwide Exploration for Newmont Mining Corporation, the world's largest gold company, and President of Phelps Dodge Exploration Corporation (now Freeport McMoRan), one of the world's largest copper companies. In addition, he was also a director of Copper Mountain Mining Corp. (recently acquired by HudBay Mining) and former Executive Chairman, Director, and COO of EMX Royalty Corporation. As a co-founder of Cupric Canyon Capital LLC, Steve has been part of the team that has advanced the Khoemacau copper-silver mine in Botswana from exploration into production backed by private equity investors.In addition to his achievements in industry, Dr. Enders has served as Department Head for Geology and Geological Engineering and for Mining Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines until 2023 and is on the Board of Governors for the CSM Foundation.Dr. M. Stephen EndersDr. Enders is an Honorary Lecturer and past President of the Society of Economic Geologists (SEG) as well as former President of the SEG Foundation Board of Trustees. He received the Distinguished Achievement Medal from the Colorado School of Mines in 2009, the Ben F. Dickerson Award from the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration in 2014, and the Ralph W. Marsden Award from the Society of Economic Geologists in 2016.Dr. Enders holds a BSc degree in geological engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and MSc and PhD degrees from the University of Arizona.Metallic Minerals Chairman and CEO, Greg Johnson, stated, "We are very pleased to welcome Steve to the Metallic Minerals Board of Directors. Steve's depth of technical experience in exploration and development of major copper and gold deposits and mines worldwide with companies such as Newmont and Phelps Dodge, along with his hands on entrepreneurial experience in high-growth opportunities is a terrific addition to our board's current expertise in deposit discovery and advancement, process engineering, mine building and project financing." Steve Enders stated, "I am excited by the opportunity to help Metallic Minerals advance the La Plata discovery. It is rare indeed today to find an outcropping porphyry copper deposit that has not yet been mined. The presence of high-grade copper mineralization with precious metal credits is promising for a potential underground mine that could be developed in the future with a net positive impact for all stakeholders." Grant of Long-Term Performance IncentivesMetallic Minerals further announces that, subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, it has granted 1,875,000 stock options (each, an "Option") to certain directors, officers and employees of the Company in accordance with the Company's Long-Term Performance Incentive Plan. Each Option is exercisable into one common share in the capital of the Company ("Share") at a price of $0.30 per share, being the closing price of the Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange on March 13, 2024, for a period of five years from the date of grant. The Options are subject to certain vesting requirements in accordance with the shareholder approved plan.About Metallic MineralsMetallic Minerals Corp. is a Canadian exploration and development stage company, focused on copper, silver, gold, and platinum group elements in the La Plata mining district in Colorado, and silver and gold in the high-grade Keno Hill and Klondike districts of the Yukon. Our objective is to create shareholder value through a systematic, entrepreneurial approach to making exploration discoveries, growing resources, and advancing projects toward development.At the Company's La Plata project in southwestern Colorado, the expanded 2023 NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate highlights a significant porphyry copper-silver resource containing 1.2 Blbs copper and 17.6 Moz of silver with numerous additional targets showing potential for a district scale porphyry corridor. Drill results announced in early 2023 included the longest and highest-grade interval ever encountered at La Plata and one of the top intersections for any North American copper project in the past several years. In May 2023, the Company announced a 9.5% strategic investment by Newcrest Mining Limited (acquired by Newmont Corporation in November 2023) to accelerate the advancement of the La Plata project. A 4,500-meter drill program focused on expanding the current mineral resource and testing extensions of strong porphyry-style mineralization was completed in December 2023 with results pending. In the 2023 Fraser Institute's Annual Survey of Mining Companies, Colorado ranked 5th globally for investment attractiveness and 2nd in the USA.In Canada's Yukon Territory, Metallic Minerals has consolidated the second-largest land position in the historic high-grade Keno Hill silver district, directly adjacent to Hecla Mining Company's operations, with more than 300 Moz of high-grade silver in past production and current M&I resources1,2. The new 2024 Resource Estimate at the Company's Keno Silver Project adds 18.16 Moz silver equivalent ounces3 to the district3. Hecla, the largest primary silver producer in the USA and third largest in the world, is anticipating full production at its Keno Hill operations in 20242.The Company is also one of the largest holders of alluvial gold claims in the Yukon and is building a production royalty business by partnering with experienced mining operators, including Parker Schnabel of Little Flake Mining from the Discovery Channel show Gold Rush.All of the districts in which Metallic Minerals operates have seen significant mineral production and have existing infrastructure, including power and road access. Metallic Minerals is led by a team with a track record of discovery and exploration success on several major precious and base metal deposits in the region, as well as having large-scale development, permitting and project financing expertise. The Metallic Minerals team has been recognized for its environmental stewardship practices and is committed to responsible and sustainable resource development.FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:Website%
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Cangzhou is a city that thrives on canal. Stretching more than 200 kilometers, the water course of the Grand Canal is well preserved, and there are numerous historical relics along the canal. The city has made remarkable progress in its economic and social development.SHIJIAZHUANG, CHINA / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Cangzhou, a city in north China's Hebei Province, has achieved remarkable development in industry, innovation, transportation and other aspects, since the country implemented the continued promotion of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region Coordinated Development during the past decade, according to Cangzhou Municipal Government recently.Cangzhou strives for high-quality development in the new era. In 2024, Cangzhou will continue to promote public services, increase employment, reinforce medical and health care, continuously deepen the synergistic development of education, and continuously improve people's lives.The year 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei coordinated development as a national strategy. Cangzhou has concerted efforts to create a "development miracle" one after another.The city has adhered to build up industries through project introduction and technologies upgrading and transferring from Beijing and Tianjin. Among them, Pearl Trade City and Pearl International Clothing Eco-New City have attracted more than 12,000 wholesalers to move in. The Hejian Remanufacturing Industry Demonstration Base ranks as the country's fourth of its kind, as well as the only national-level base in north China.In addition, Cangzhou has also actively promoted the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei coordinated innovation community and built a synergy model of "Research and Development in Beijing and Tianjin, commercialization in Cangzhou." Cangzhou City, Beijing and Tianjin have built 35 provincial-level Research and Development platforms and carried out 500 industrial technology research projects.There are 33 technology transfer service organizations in Cangzhou that have attracted 2.5 billion U.S. dollars of contract turnover from Beijing and Tianjin.The city has become part of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei comprehensive transportation network, with a high-speed rail, and helped reduce the transportation time of the region.At the same time, Cangzhou also set to promote Huanghua Port to the national coastal major ports, with the first pier for 10,000-ton LNG ships. The port also started construction of a crude oil commercial reserve base, with domestic and foreign trade routes increased to 35. Huanghua Port was successfully selected for the national logistics hub construction list.In 2024, Cangzhou will continue to promote public services, increase employment, reinforce medical and health care, continuously deepen the synergistic development of education, and continuously improve people's lives, to implement the national strategy with high-quality development in the new era.Contact InformationGrace ShiPRgraceshi@ xinhuanetus.com 6465712146SOURCE: Cangzhou Municipal GovernmentView the original press release on newswire.com
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Join the Legendary Duo for the Grand Opening Celebrations and Experience the Dispensoria Difference' in Clovis and AlbuquerqueALBUQUERQUE, NM / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Cheech & Chong are thrilled to announce the expansion of Cheech & Chong's DispensoriasTM into New Mexico, igniting a new chapter in their mission to redefine the dispensary experience. Following the successful launch of three Dispensorias in Massachusetts, the iconic duo brings their unique blend of fun, accessibility, and community to the Southwest in partnership with Dreamz Dispensary.Cheech & Chong's Dispensorias Open in New Mexico Join the Legendary Duo for the Grand Opening Celebrations and Experience the Dispensoria Difference' in Clovis and AlbuquerqueCheech & Chong's Dispensorias are more than just dispensaries; they are destinations where laughter, connection, and unforgettable experiences are the main focus. "The industry needed a shake-up - a return to the fun and freedom that cannabis represents. That's exactly what we're doing with the Dispensorias," said Cheech Marin. The Dispensorias aim to demystify the cannabis-buying experience, making it accessible and non-intimidating for all while still championing safe and responsible consumption.In its quest to expand the Dispensoria footprint, Cheech & Chong's Cannabis Company has partnered with Dreamz Dispensary. This move promises to leverage the strengths of both brands in creating unparalleled cannabis retail experiences. "We're excited to partner with Cheech & Chong, bringing their vision to life in New Mexico. Their commitment to fun, accessibility, and community aligns perfectly with us at Dreamz," stated John Fisher, CEO of Dreamz Dispensary."This is more than just the opening of new stores; it's a celebration of the culture, community, and the joy that cannabis can bring into our lives," said Jonathan Black, CEO of Cheech and Chong's Cannabis Company. "We're proud to introduce the Dispensoria Difference' to New Mexico and invite everyone to experience it firsthand." The grand opening celebrations in Clovis and Albuquerque mark a significant milestone for Cheech & Chong's Dispensorias. Join Cheech & Chong at their newly opened Dispensorias for the ultimate celebration. The festivities kick off in Clovis at 601 E Llano Estacado Blvd. on March 20, and then move to Albuquerque for another unforgettable bash at 4001 Menaul Blvd NE on March 21. With both events hosting a Cheech & Chong meet-and-greet from 5-7 p.m., fans making a qualifying purchase will secure a chance to meet the legends on a first-come, first-served basis."Bringing our Dispensorias to New Mexico is like coming home to friends who share our love for cannabis, and living life to the fullest," Tommy Chong added. "We've always believed in the power of cannabis to bring people together, and with these new stores, we aren't just sharing our love for the plant but also igniting a community spirit that celebrates every aspect of this beautiful culture." For more details on the grand opening events and to secure your opportunity to meet Cheech & Chong in person, visit https://cheechandchong.com/dreamz/ About Cheech & Chong's DispensoriaCheech & Chong's Dispensorias are a new line of cannabis dispensaries that prioritize fun, accessibility, and community. Founded by the legendary duo Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong, the Dispensorias aim to offer a non-intimidating, enjoyable dispensary experience for everyone from seasoned connoisseurs to first-time consumers. With locations in Massachusetts and now New Mexico, Cheech & Chong's Dispensorias are set to revolutionize the way people experience cannabis retail.The marks CHEECH & CHONG and DISPENSORIA are trademarks of, or licensed by, Cheech and Chong's Cannabis Company.Contact Information:Brooke MangumCMO, Cheech and Chong's Cannabis Co.brooke@cheechandchong.com SOURCE: Cheech and Chong's Cannabis CompanyView the original press release on newswire.com
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SkySafe Findings Show Industry's Lack of Remote ID Readiness Makes Rule Enforcement Incredibly Complicated, Endangering Airspace Management and SafetySAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / SkySafe , a global leader in drone tracking data and intelligence, todayreleased new research findingsto determine which commercial drone manufacturers will be Remote ID compliant on Saturday, March 16. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)'s original deadline was in September 2023 for drones over 250 grams to broadcast identifying and positional information while in flight. That deadline was extended to March 16, 2024 to give manufacturers and operators more time to get ready. Drone operators found not to comply by the 16th could face fines and suspension or revocation of pilot certificates.According to the FAA, more than 1M drones are registered in the United States today, with nearly 3.5 million total drones currently in use. The global commercial drone market will reach $58.4 billion in 2026. Growth at this pace necessitates the ability for authorities to differentiate authorized drones from those that may pose a threat. Remote ID is often likened to a digital license plate that provides a means for public safety and other authorized officials to identify the owner of a small UAS if flying in an unsafe manner or a restricted area.SkySafe's research team sought to uncover the implementation details of standard Remote ID drones across seven manufacturers: DJI, Skydio, Autel, Parrot, SwellPro, EXO, and Yuneec. The research was initiated to determine how comprehensively manufacturers implemented the new Remote ID standards to make rule enforcement possible.The scope of flawed Remote ID implementations discovered by SkySafe's research team in standard Remote ID drones flags the question of culpability. Who is at fault if a pilot is found to be operating a standard Remote ID drone that doesn't follow the required specifications? Who will hold manufacturers responsible for implementations that do not comply with the ASTM standard for Remote ID?Significant inconsistencies in implementing the FAA-required specifications outlined in ASTM F3411 - 22a, "Standard Specification for Remote ID and Tracking," raise concerns and questions about accountability among many manufacturers SkySafe tested. While one of the seven followed the implementation perfectly, others ranged from confusing to potentially "disastrous," and in one case, claims of support are being made where no such support exists.Only American drone company Skydio has properly implemented standard Remote ID technology in its current fleet models. Skydio's implementation of Remote ID earned a "Fully Ready" grade due to its accurate and robust implementation, which includes the use of compliant serial numbers and prohibiting its users from disabling Remote ID broadcasts in its mobile app.DJI - received a "Minor Issues"Parrot - received a "Needs Improvement"Autel - received a "Major Flaws"SwellPro - received a "Not Compliant" grade as there is no evidence of any Remote ID support in any of their drones as of February 2024. The SwellPro website claims support will be ready by March 2024 but includes no additional information on implementation.SkySafe also examined EXO and Yuneec drones which received "Not Compliant". EXO is marketed as made by an American company but are rebranded Hubsan drones. One of EXO's standard Remote ID drones had no Remote ID (or FCC) compliance markings or serial numbers anywhere on the product packaging, exterior, or controller. No transmission of any Remote ID types were detected, either.Read SkySafe's detailed findings for each of the seven manufacturershereVendors need to revisit their efforts around Remote ID implementation to rectify these shortcomings and ensure pilots can operate their drones safely and compliantly. Pilots can comply with the Remote ID requirement by upgrading older aircraft with a Remote ID module or operating a standard Remote ID drone. Embracing a culture of responsiveness around industry standards ensures the safeguarding of innovation and safety in the ever-evolving landscape of sUAS technology.About SkySafe SkySafe is a global leader in Drone Detection, Tracking, and Identification (DTI) as a Service (DaaS). SkySafe's drone intelligence platform turns data into action. Tested and validated by the FAA, SkySafe's technology is vetted and approved to ensure airspace safety, security, and world-class drone forensics capabilities. Its cloud-based SkySafe One platform, the most comprehensive on the market, provides real-time and historical UAS identification, activity tracking, and telemetry data for teams responsible for protecting cities, infrastructure, the public, and campuses. Teams using SkySafe for localized airspace intelligence and management get alerts to drones within their area to manage potential threats, approve authorized flights, and better understand the entire space around their assigned protective envelope.Founded in 2015 and based in San Diego, California, SkySafe was started by and employs recognized experts in drone threat analysis. SkySafe's technology is made in the U.S.A. and distributed globally. For more information, visit www.skysafe.ioor follow us onLinkedInor X@SkySafeMedia Contacts: Escalate PR for SkySafe Skysafe@ escalatepr.com SOURCE: SkySafe
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Former Whitehouse Analytical Laboratory is Now Part of the Pace Laboratory NetworkMINNEAPOLIS, MN / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Pace Life Sciences, LLC, a contract development, and manufacturing organization (CDMO), announced today that it has acquired the Lebanon, New Jersey laboratory facility (formerly Whitehouse Analytical Laboratories) from Curia, a global contract research, development, and manufacturing (CDMO) company. For more than a decade, this site has steadily cultivated partnerships across the biopharma industry through its ability to provide expertise and speed in development and commercial analytical laboratory services.Pace Life Sciences Logo for Pace Life Sciences"This acquisition builds upon our leadership in the analytical services space to support emerging drug development partners through commercialization activities," said Eric Roman, CEO of Pace. "I am excited to leverage this expansion with the New Jersey team to further collaborate with our pharma and biopharma clients." "Over the years, our Lebanon site has offered specialized analytical services that are highly valued by customers, and I am proud of the work that team has done," said Philip Macnabb, CEO of Curia. "However, these services fall outside of our core capabilities, and we determined that this site would be better served under the leadership of an owner with overlapping interests, while allowing us focus on our specialties-discovery, development and manufacturing of life-changing medicine." The acquisition grows the Pace Life Sciences network to 9 sites able to support a wide spectrum of small and large molecule analytical services, formulation development, and early-stage drug product manufacturing services. The New Jersey location allows the company to expand its capacity for FDA-registered central laboratory services, including analytical chemistry, microbiology, container closure integrity testing (CCIT), sterility, and other packaging and delivery testing services.Pace is a portfolio company of Leonard Green & Partners and Los Angeles-based Aurora Capital Partners.###ABOUT CURIA Curia is a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) with over 30 years of experience, an integrated network of 27 global sites and over 3,500 employees partnering with biopharmaceutical customers to bring life-changing therapies to market. Our biologics and small molecule offerings span discovery through commercialization, with integrated regulatory and analytical capabilities. Our scientific and process experts and state-of-the-art facilities deliver best-in-class experience across drug substance and drug product manufacturing. From curiosity to cure, we deliver every step to improve patients' lives. Visit us at curiaglobal.com William Blair served as exclusive financial advisor to Curia.ABOUT PACE LIFE SCIENCESPace Life Sciences provides a full suite of contract CMC development, clinical trials materials manufacturing, regulatory compliance, consulting, and facility support services to the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and gene therapy industries. Our network of CDMO sites consists of GMP analytical testing laboratories and manufacturing support service centers. Our experienced, highly trained industry experts and our investment in state-of-the-art development and manufacturing facilities emphasize our commitment to efficiently advancing client programs through the clinic to commercialization. We are dedicated to delivering the best and most reliable services with positive customer experiences across all channels of our business. More at pacelifesciences.com ABOUT PACEPace makes the world a safer, healthier place. Pace people are committed to advancing the science of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries in our Life sciences laboratories and supporting businesses, industries, consulting firms, government agencies, and more in our Analytical Services Laboratories. Pace offers local-level service backed by a national laboratory network. For customers with in-house labs, Pace provides a range of professional services to keep their operations moving forward. Pace people work in partnership with customers by providing the service, science and data they need to make critical decisions that benefit us all.Contact InformationPam BednarMarketing Directorpam.bednar@pacelabs.com 612-297-0651Chelsea SimpsonAssociate Marketing Directorchelsea.simpson@pacelabs.com (860)338-3429SOURCE: Pace AnalyticalView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-03-14 13:01:38

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CHARLESTOWN, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Pure Lithium, a disruptive Boston-based lithium metal battery technology company, is pleased to announce the completion of a $15 million investment from Oxy Low Carbon Ventures (OLCV), a subsidiary of Occidental (Oxy) that is focused on advancing cutting-edge, low-carbon technologies and business solutions. OLCV acted as the lead investor in Pure Lithium's Series A equity financing, which may raise up to an additional $15 million for a proposed total funding amount of $30 million.Emilie Bodoin, Founder and CEO of Pure Lithium, commented: "At Pure Lithium, our mission is to commercialize the lithium metal battery via vertical integration across the entire value chain, from resource to battery. Our breakthrough Brine to Battery lithium metal extraction technology produces battery ready lithium metal anodes in one step from aqueous lithium sources. Our resulting lithium metal batteries have achieved over 800 charge and discharge cycles while retaining 97% capacity, proving the performance of our Pure Lithium metal anode. We are thrilled to have OLCV join our journey as a value-adding shareholder. Their strategic vision is well aligned with Pure Lithium." "This significant capital infusion will allow Pure Lithium to accelerate our development and commercialization efforts. The validation of our technology by OLCV is very meaningful for us, and we look forward to their contributions." "When it comes to upscaling our technology, we look forward to tapping into the deep knowledge of electrochemical processing that resides in Oxy's chemicals business. There is a symmetry in resorting to electrochemical processing to produce electrochemical storage devices," said Professor Donald R. Sadoway, co-founder of Pure Lithium and Chief Scientific Officer."We are excited to invest in Pure Lithium and support their revolutionary technology, which has the potential to sustainably transform lithium brine into battery-ready materials," said Dr. Robert L. Zeller III, Vice President of Technology for OLCV, who recently joined Pure Lithium's Scientific Advisory Board. "OLCV looks to accelerate Pure Lithium's ambitions by leveraging our scale-up experience and operating discipline earned from over a century of chlor-alkali and chemical manufacturing, business acumen, and innovation, and our new TerraLithium business." About Pure LithiumPure Lithium is a disruptive Boston-based company led by world-renowned battery and metallurgical expert, MIT Emeritus Professor Donald R. Sadoway, as full-time CSO, and inventor and lithium expert, CEO Emilie Bodoin. The Company's novel Brine to Battery extraction technology unlocks unconventional sources of lithium to create a battery-ready electrode in one day. The resulting battery is free of excess lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese and graphite. For more information, visit www.purelithium.io Contact:Amalie Mundt, Director of Corporate Development amundt@ purelithium.io SOURCE: Pure Lithium
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MIDLAND, MI / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Today, Rivers are Life proudly premieres its newest film "Gifts of the Nile'', which takes us to Qursaya Island in Cairo, Egypt along the Nile River. This film takes us on a journey alongside River Hero Alban De Menonville and his team at VeryNile as they work to remove plastics from the Nile River, while also educating the community and raising awareness around the importance of conservation in our waterways.Rivers are Life Gifts of the NIleAfter noticing that the communities' traditional ways of fishing were becoming more challenging due to the amount of plastic that entered the river, VeryNile quickly took action launching the "Reviving Cairo Fishermen" project. This project utilizes local fishermen and women and their knowledge of the river to assist in cleaning out any plastic, and in turn, pays them an above-average wage for putting in the work. This allows the river to be cleaned on a grassroots level by those who grew up on the riverbank and provides additional sources of income for the local community.The film also follows artisan worker Loza Mahmoud and her fisherman husband, Hamed Aly Hamed, as they show their day-to-day lifestyle raising three children on Qursaya Island and depending on the Nile River to make a living for their family. As Hamed heads out to the fishery each morning with his young son, they focus on net fishing before switching their focus to plastic removal along the river. After realizing that the fish tend to come and go, but the plastic is always there, Hamed makes it a priority to pull bags of plastic out of the river and bring them to a sorting facility. These sorting facilities are employed by locals from the VeryNile organization and are able to compact, package and store the plastic until its ready to be upcycled.We are then introduced to Salma Ellakany, a VeryNile educator, who focuses on teaching the next generation the importance of conservation. Raising awareness amongst the youth in the area will give these declining ecosystems a chance as the next generation learns to use their passion to help their local community. To come full circle, these bags of plastic that are stored after being removed from the river are then broken down and processed into colorful textiles, purses, hats and other home goods, allowing locals to sell these products as artists and creators. This has brought community locals together, working in unison with one topic of focus - sustainability."We have 40 full-time people (artisans, plastic operators) and we are working with around 100 fishermen; so that's a total of 140 local families benefiting directly from this project," said Alban De Menonville. "We translate a problem into opportunities that positively affect our communities and the health of the Nile River." "Gift of the Nile" premieres March 14, 2024Watch "Gifts of the Nile" HERE.Contact Information:Katie HorningHead of Brand, Rivers are Life Brand Division, BeAlive Inc.khorning@gobealive.com 989-491-1019SOURCE: RIvers are LifeView the original press release on newswire.com
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Treekind is one of the only 100% biobased leather alternatives with an authentic look and feelNORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Sappi North America Inc., a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper, packaging products and pulp, announced today its innovative collaboration with Biophilica, the company behind Treekind. Treekind is one of the only plastic free leather alternatives that is 100% biobased, home compostable, non-toxic, and PETA vegan certified, notably benefiting from Sappi's textured release paper to give the material an ultra-realistic look and feel."Inclusion of plastic-containing coatings has dominated the vegan leather industry, limiting consumers with few fully sustainable choices and a material that often has a plastic-like touch inferior to the quality or feel of traditional leather," said Mark Hittie, Director Release Business Strategy at Sappi North America. "Through our partnership and Biophilica's continued commitment to creating an authentic leather alternative, Treekind is now a strong sustainable market opponent to natural leather products and other plastic-based vegan leathers due to its genuine look and feel." Understanding the important role that touch plays in consumers' relationship with products, it was paramount for Biophilica to create a product with an authentic, non-plastic-like feel. Touch has the power to shift consumer's minds into a deeper level of engagement - one more conducive to building a lasting relationship and connection with a brand. To help facilitate this vision in 2022, Sappi stepped in to deliver a high-fidelity, 3D, leather grain solution to impart texture to Treekind through the application of Sappi's Ultracast Viva release paper."Curating the texture of Treekind to be as close to the feel of genuine leather as possible was a top priority for our team and brand, and what ultimately led us to seek Sappi's textured release technology," said Biophilica Founder and CEO Mira Nameth. "We're elated to see an impressive 85% increase in positive feedback from brand partners such as ID Geneve watches and international brands via Fashion for Good." Available now, Treekind currently uses Sappi's leather grain textured release papers, however, Biophilica plans to use Sappi's other finishes and textures, including glossy and matte finishes and varying grains for potential expansion in a premium line of goods.To learn more about Sappi and Biophilica's partnership, please visit: https://www.sappi.com/unique-plastic-free-vegan-leather-an-ultracast-release-case-study ###About Sappi North America, Inc.Sappi North America, Inc., headquartered in Boston, is a market leader in converting wood fiber into superior products that customers demand worldwide. Our four diversified businesses - high-quality Graphic Papers, Dissolving Pulp, Packaging, and Specialty Papers deliver premium products and services with consistent quality and reliability. Our high-quality Coated Printing Papers are used for premium magazines, catalogs, books, direct mail and high-end print advertising. We are a leading manufacturer of Dissolving Pulp, which is used in a wide range of products, including textile fibers and household goods. We deliver sustainable Packaging and Specialty Papers for luxury packaging and folding carton applications with our single-ply packaging brands and for the food and label industries with our specialty papers. We are one of the world's leading suppliers of Casting and Release Papers with lines for the automotive, fashion and engineered films industries.Sappi North America is a subsidiary of Sappi Limited (JSE), a global company headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, with more than 12,000 employees and manufacturing operations on three continents in seven countries and customers in over 150 countries.View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Sappi North America on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info: Spokesperson: Sappi North AmericaWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/sappi-north-america Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Sappi North America
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CALIFORNIA CITY, CA / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Solana Beach, the dynamic and community-driven meme coin that made its debut on the Solana blockchain in late December, is making waves within the decentralized finance (DeFi) sphere. Today, the project is elated to announce the grand unveiling of "The 100 Million Dollar Beach Party," a monumental celebration of its rapid success and burgeoning community.In the ever-evolving world of decentralized finance, Solana Beach has emerged as a beacon of innovation, propelled by a strong community and a narrative deeply rooted in the foundational story of Solana itself. Notably, Anatoly Yakovenko, the co-founder of Solana, has publicly confirmed that the inspiration behind the blockchain's nomenclature traces back to his time spent in the vibrant coastal town of Solana Beach, California. This profound connection has given rise to the community's rallying cry: "There would be no Solana without Solana Beach!"Key Figures and Collaborative InitiativesSolana Beach has not only captured the imagination of the broader Solana ecosystem but has also garnered endorsement from influential figures within the blockchain space. Notable highlights include: Anatoly Yakovenko (Solana Founder): Acknowledged and praised the community on Twitter, symbolically changing his location to Solana Beach. Solana Labs: Contributed to the celebration by sharing a dedicated song, amplifying the project's reach and cultural impact. Other Solana Projects: The likes of $SILLY and Myro have incorporated references to Solana Beach in their communications, underscoring the project's escalating influence.Strategic Investments and Substantial BackingBeyond verbal expressions of support, prominent stakeholders from established Solana projects have actively invested in Solana Beach. Remarkably, the leading holder of $SILLY Dragon has exemplified this support by actively acquiring tokens and augmenting liquidity, signaling a resounding vote of confidence in the project's potential.Primed for the Upcoming Bull RunWith a compelling narrative, an engaged community, and strategic backing, Solana Beach stands on the precipice of becoming a preeminent player in the burgeoning Solana ecosystem. As the decentralized finance market gears up for an anticipated bull run, discerning investors seeking blue-chip opportunities characterized by passionate communities and compelling narratives are likely to find Solana Beach an irresistibly attractive proposition.The Community's VerdictIn the words of the Solana Beach community itself, "There are endless points to make on just how impressive this community and the story here are, but the community has summed it up best themselves." This resounding endorsement from the very heart of the project is a testament to the profound impact Solana Beach is poised to make in the DeFi landscape. As excitement builds around The 100 Million Dollar Beach Party, Solana Beach stands as a testament to the power of community-driven innovation within the blockchain space.Website: https://solanabeachsol.com X: https://twitter.com/BeachClubSolana Telegram: https://t.me/solanabeachcaliforniaMedia ContactOrganization: Solana BeachContact Person: Jason RWebsite: https://solanabeachsol.com/ Email: solana@ solanabeachsol.com City: CaliforniaCountry: United StatesSOURCE: Solana Beach
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NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION, DISSEMINATION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATESVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / South Pacific Metals Corp. (TSX-V:SPMC)(FSE:6J00) ("SPMC" or the "Company") announces, further to its news release dated February 23, 2024, it plans to complete a shares for debt transaction to settle the outstanding principal amount of C$1,270,000 plus accrued interest of C$79,726.63 owed to the 10% secured convertible debenture holders (the "2023 Debentures"). In total, the Company plans to issue 6,748,633 common shares of the Company at a price of C$0.20 per share to settle total indebtedness of C$1,349,726.63 (the "Shares for Debt Transaction").As previously announced on February 23, 2024, the Company had intended to issue new convertible debentures to replace the 2023 Debentures. However, the Company has now decided to settle the outstanding indebtedness under the 2023 Debentures through the Shares for Debt Transaction. The Company anticipates that the Shares for Debt Transaction will result in a stronger balance sheet with the elimination of the indebtedness owed under the 2023 Debentures.All securities issued in connection with the Shares for Debt Transaction are subject to a four month and one day hold period from the date of issuance in accordance with the Canadian securities law. The Shares for Debt Transaction is subject to final acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange.Snowfields Wealth Management Limited ("Snowfields"), which is controlled by Geoffrey Lawrence, a director of the Company, and Dain Currie, a director of the Company, are insiders of the Company. Snowfields and Mr. Currie hold $291,138.88 and $100,000, respectively, of the 2023 Debentures. As a result of the Shares for Debt Transaction, Snowfields will be issued 1,550,752 common shares to settle the principal amount of $291,138.88 plus accrued interest of $19,011.53, and Mr. Currie will be issued 526,503 common shares to settle the principal amount of $100,000 plus accrued interest of $5,300.55. Accordingly, the insider participation in the Shares for Debt Transaction constitutes a "related party transaction" for the Company within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is exempt from the requirements to obtain a formal valuation and minority shareholder approval under MI 61-101 as the fair market value of each of the insider's participation in the Shares for Debt Transaction does not exceed more than 25% of the market capitalization of the Company, as set forth in Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101.About South Pacific Metals Corp. (SPMC)SPMC is an Asia-Pacific focused gold mining company with four highly prospective gold-copper projects, Kili Teke, KRL South, KRL North and the May River Project. All projects are located in premier mining regions in PNG. Both KRL North and KRL South show potential to host high-grade epithermal and porphyry mineralisation, as seen elsewhere in the high-grade Kainantu Gold District. The May River project is near the world-renowned Frieda River Copper-Gold Project, with historical drilling indicating the potential for significant copper-gold projects. Kili Teke is an advanced development project with an existing inferred mineral resource. SPMC has a highly experienced board and management team with a proven track record of working together in the region; and an established in-country partner.South Pacific Metals Corp.Adam Clode, Interim Chief Executive Officer (Tel: +65 6920 2020)Email: info@ krl.com.sg Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Disclaimer and Forward-Looking InformationStatements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainty affecting the business of SPMC. In making the forward-looking statements, SPMC has applied certain assumptions that are based on information available, including SPMC's strategic plan for the near and mid-term. 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. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. SPMC does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.SOURCE: South Pacific Metals Corp.
Kenya Hunt, Carlotta Rubaltelli Avanzini and Zeena Shah in Alaias 890 ballet pumps (ES )

Whats spangly, gives your podiatrist nightmares and costs the best part of a grand? The style sets latest obsession of course. Despite the bad backs those of us who spent the best part of the Noughties walking around in them, ballet shoes are back with a vengeance. But not just any old common 15 Bloch hit. No, the coolest, chicest and most in demand versions are by Alaia. An a-what-a? Yes Clueless stans, the very same esteemed French house founded by the late Azzedine Alaia in 1964, still white-hot thanks to his successor Pieter Muliers deft way with a cult accessory hit and clothes to drool for.

The brands crystal flats  a single strap oval-toed flat studded with clear crystals  were first launched in May 2022, since then the shoe has become a repeated sell out success, with fans clamouring to get their hands on a pair, even at 750 for the mesh version and 890 for the leather.

Vogues Chioma Nnadi wears hers with Adidas track pants; Ayo Edebiri, star of The Bear, does them with ripped jeans. Their appeal is the instant cool factor and polish they give to any outfit. Kenya Hunt, editor-in-chief of ELLE, is also a fan: Theyre the perfect marriage of style and practicality. Theyre as easy and comfortable to wear as bedroom slippers and yet inject a strong sense of fashion, a bit of sex, and joy to every look.

Kenya Hunt, Editor-in-Chief of ELLE UK in her Alaia pumps at Simone Rochas London Fashion Week show in February (Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

At the outset, I liked the if you know you know quality they had. They were also impossible to track down so there was the thrill of the chase. I bought mine over a year and a half ago, when the Alaia Paris team amazingly located a pair farther out in France and got them to me. I have been wearing them with everything  from vintage jeans to new Comme des Garcons  ever since. I also love that they immediately make, and lift, an outfit. You dont have to wear much else with them if you dont want to.

The shoes are a major retail hit and the brand has repeated its success in a series of modified styles as well  in perforated leather and mesh, both of which are very tempting, thats if you can even get hold of them.

Story continues

Net-a-porter has seen a 400 per cent increase in searches for Alaia ballet shoes in the last six months. Market director Libby Page puts the demand down to the casualisation of fashion we have witnessed over recent years. Ballet flats, especially mesh styles, allow our customers to incorporate playful silhouettes into their wardrobes that are both chic and comfortable.

Artist Zeena Shah in her Alaia pumps (Getty Images)

Selfridges has seen the same clamouring for them. Demand has been strong and we dont see it slowing down, says shoe buyer Peter Rodwell. Hes calling it the perfect combination of brand power and womens enduring love of the ballet flat. He adds: The Strass crystals draw the eye and amp up desirability for this new maison classic. Returning customers are already requesting new season [styles] theyve started to see on social media.

The shoe has of course given birth to a whole new sparkly ballerina movement, with myriad brands tapping into the style. If youre desperate to wield some runway kudos, Loewe has just released its new rhinestone drenched flats, which even at an eye-watering 1,200 probably wont stay in stock for long.

(ES)

L-R: Luna red mesh slipper, 355, lemondeberyl.com; Balla crystal flats, 575, uk.dearfrances.com; Embellished ballet pumps, 80, dunelondon.com; Crystal embellished mesh ballet flats, 750, Alaia, Net-a-porter.com; Mesh ballet flat with rhinestones, 49.99, zara.com; Bethany ballet flat, 298, thereformation.com; Toy ballerina, 1200, Loewe.com

Dear Frances has had a similar sales-hit story with its Balla crystal flats which come in white and black, with two variations of crystals packed across the mesh shoe. Its restocked the mesh style five times in 12 months and will restock the almost sold out crystal version at the end of the month. The thought of mesh might make you think, why God why, but actually the stretchy material is very springy and comfy, which if you can deal with the flatness of the paper-thin sole, appeals.

For a slightly punkier take, Reformations Bethany rhinestone style (join the waitlist if your size is sold out) has a cankle balancing chunky strap and slight (very slight) heel which might help with the back. At the high street end, Zara is doing sterling work with its sparkly nude flats, while Next has a total Alaia dupe as they say on Tiktok, yours for a friendly 36.

Le Monde Beryl, founded by Londoners Lily Atherton Hanbury and Katya Shyfrin, and worn by Alexa Chung and Kaia Gerber, is another independent brand that has seen its stock rise with the vogue for ballerinas. Its latest mesh styles come in a rather good red, the trick is also the slightly pointed inner line of the shoe which gives a leg-lengthening illusion and is flattering on the foot. One note on plain mesh styles  you will need to sort your toes out. A visible chipped nail isnt an advisable addition to any look
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LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / ThinkSono, a pioneering medical technology company specializing in ultrasound AI guidance solutions, has announced the successful closure of its latest oversubscribed funding round, securing 2.1 million (approx. $2.7 million). The company has raised approx. 5 million ($6.4 million) to date. The latest round was led by id4 ventures, with participation from Brandenburg Kapital, Calm Storm Ventures, Dubai Angel Investors, CrowdCube, and Cur8 Capital as well as multiple prominent angel investors and clinicians in vascular surgery.This significant investment will further propel the company's mission to revolutionize medical imaging technology and enhance patient care worldwide.In conjunction with this funding milestone, ThinkSono is proud to announce the attainment of the Class IIb CE mark for its flagship product, the ThinkSono Guidance system. ThinkSono Guidance software enables non-ultrasound trained healthcare staff to scan patients with suspicion of blood clots (DVT) and send the data for qualified clinician review, thus improving the clinical pathway. For context, DVT is a leading cause of preventable hospital death worldwide.This achievement underscores the company's commitment to delivering cutting-edge AI solutions that meet rigorous quality and safety standards, positioning ThinkSono as a leader in the field of AI ultrasound guidance technology. ThinkSono has partnered with hospitals across Europe, including the UK, Germany and Greece.Furthermore, ThinkSono is excited to announce strategic partnerships with two prestigious healthcare institutions in the U.S. NYU Langone Health and Temple Health, as part of its pursuit of FDA approval for its innovative products. Collaborating with these esteemed organizations will accelerate the regulatory approval process and facilitate the introduction of ThinkSono's groundbreaking technology into the U.S. healthcare market."We are thrilled to announce this significant funding milestone and the achievement of key regulatory milestones for our ThinkSono Guidance system," said Fouad Al Noor, CEO and co-founder of ThinkSono. "This funding will enable us to further advance our mission of revolutionizing medical imaging technology while our partnerships with NYU Langone Health and Temple Health underscore our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that ultimately improve patient outcomes." "The inability to quickly and timely rule out lower extremity DVT has been the bane of healthcare providers for decades. This problem impacts settings from office practices, clinics, emergency departments, hospital floors to intensive care units and more," said ThinkSono's CMO and Professor of Emergency Medicine Michael Blaivas. "ThinkSono's technology addresses this problem directly and has the potential to significantly improve patient care across Europe and beyond." Regulatory Information:The EU (MDR) Class IIb Intended Purpose of ThinkSono Guidance is found here: www.thinksono.com/ifu Note that ThinkSono Guidance is not FDA cleared, and thus will not be available in the U.S until full clearance is given. Please contact hello@ thinksono.com for more information on the ThinkSono Guidance System. Also note that ThinkSono AI Training is a separate product for training purposes only.Contact InformationFouad NoorCEOhello@ thinksono.com SOURCE: ThinkSono LtdView the original press release on newswire.com
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LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Tismo Geneve, in a grand gesture that combines the opulence of luxury with the essence of spirituality and international solidarity, proudly announces its presentation of a super timepiece to Pope Francis. This distinguished watch, necessary to the 'Gran Turismo Solidarity collection, reflects Tismo Geneve's foundational standards: the merchandising of harmony, tolerance, and peace across numerous cultures.Under the visionary leadership of Ralph Collins, Tismo Geneve is stimulated via a profound feel of spiritual religion and a dedication to societal concord. The papacy of Pope Francis referred to for its humanitarian outreach and advocacy for interfaith know-how, inspired the theory of an eye that embodies compassion and inclusiveness.A Beacon of Interfaith UnityThe timepiece is a masterclass in craftsmanship, presenting intricate engravings that remember the sector's principal religions-Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Chinese folks religion, reinforcing a customary name for interfaith concord. It proudly shows Vatican City and an effigy of Pope Francis on its dial, honouring the Pope's dedication to fostering dialogue and understanding among distinct faiths.Exclusivity and Craftsmanship in HarmonyThis confined-edition gem, considered one of just 4 created, changed into in my view bestowed upon Pope Francis. It is equipped with a precision Swiss tourbillon movement and boasts a strength reserve of one hundred ten hours. The choice of galvanised chrome steel, silver, and twelve diamonds as hour markers (symbolising the twelve apostles) enriches its religious and comfort quotient.A Symbol Beyond TimeFor Tismo Geneva and Ralph Collins, this watch transcends the nation-states of luxury and timekeeping. "This watch symbolises the adventure through time, guided with the aid of the long-lasting values of cohesion, tolerance, and peace among anybody," Collins remarked. Its significance is going past its material price, embodying Tismo Geneve's ethical requirements, aspirations, and hope for an extra empathetic and united global.Envisioning a World of Compassion and KindnessGran Tismo Solidarity aspires to craft timepieces that aren't merely possessions but messengers of high-quality transformation. Each watch is designed to inspire its proprietor to ponder our collective role in nurturing a global greater reflective of brotherhood, empathy, and kindness.Media InformationCompany: Tismo Geneve Address: 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG, United Kingdom Website: https://tismo.ch/Email: info@ tismo.ch SOURCE: Tismo Geneve
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SOUTHINGTON, CT / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Topper Cigar proudly announces the launch of its latest product, the Topper 1894 cigar line, commemorating 130 years of excellence and heritage as Topper Cigar is revealed as the oldest family-owned cigar company in the United States.Topper 1894 Product Line Rooted in the recent discovery of historical documents by Chris Topper, the fourth-generation steward of this iconic American cigar brand, it has been revealed that the company's inception traces back to the year 1894. This finding establishes Topper Cigar as the longest-standing family-owned cigar company in America. To honor this legacy and mark the company's 130th anniversary, Topper Cigar is launching a new line: Topper 1894."I was thrilled to discover a letter penned by my great-grandfather," said Chris Topper, President of Topper Cigar. "Dated 1921 and featuring a vintage Topper Cigar logo, this letter unveiled a richer narrative for our brand and positions Topper Cigar as the oldest family-owned and operated cigar company in the country. In light of this historical revelation, it was only fitting to develop a new line of cigars that honors my family's legacy and delivers a new product that appeals to today's cigar smokers." The Topper 1894 cigar line embodies the essence of tradition and craftsmanship that defines Topper Cigar. Meticulously handcrafted, each cigar is a testament to the brand's enduring and uncompromising commitment to quality. This new offering is comprised of Habano seed tobacco grown in the U.S., and U.S. seed tobacco grown in the Dominican Republic.For further details on Topper Cigar and the new Topper 1894 line, please contact Topper Cigar at info@ toppercigars.com or 800-966-8677. Stay connected with Topper Cigar on Facebook and Instagram to receive the latest updates from the brand.Contact Information:Chris Topperinfo@ toppercigars.com 800-966-8677Related ImagesTopper 1894 Product LineTopper 1894 LabelSOURCE: Topper Cigar Company, Inc.View the original press release on newswire.com
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LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / The National Health Service (NHS) is a cornerstone of the United Kingdom's healthcare system. Through the NHS, comprehensive health services are accessible to all those residing within the UK, regardless of citizenship. The program was established after World War II when healthcare access was more crucial than ever.The NHS prides itself on three things: universality, accessibility, and free delivery at the point of delivery.Despite being a crucial part of England's healthcare, the NHS is not free of limitations and challenges. Today, we will establish exactly what those limitations are, what they mean for UK citizens, and how these issues can be addressed effectively.Challenges of the NHSIt's essential that, first and foremost, we address and outline the most prevalent challenges the NHS is facing.UnderfundingThe most blatant failing of the NHS is its funding. Government health expenditure in England increased at an annual rate of just 2% in real terms during the ten years leading up to the pandemic, significantly lower than the historical average of 3.8%.Naturally, for such a program to operate smoothly, there needs to be a robust budget that accommodates the NHS's many necessities. This financial strain affects the NHS's infrastructure and its capacity to adopt new technologies and innovations crucial for improving patient care and operational efficiency. The Economics Observatory highlights how this underinvestment has stretched the NHS's resources thin, exacerbating existing problems and creating new ones.Staffing ShortagesAnother monumental issue facing the NHS is understaffing. In fact, 57% of subjects in a recent poll pinpointed a lack of proper staffing as the primary failure of Great Britain's healthcare system. This was closely followed by issues accessing treatment in a timely manner and a lack of funding.High DemandThe final glaring issue facing the NHS is that, candidly, the program needs to catch up with its increasing demand. Despite the NHS's budget remaining at a standstill, the number of individuals seeking care has only increased with time, giving the NHS more to juggle with less and less aid on both its fiscal and material fronts.For instance, 40% of patients in cancer care waited longer than two months for their first treatment following an urgent GP referral in December 2023, significantly above the target of 15%. In addition to this, almost 30% of A&E attendees in January 2024 waited more than four hours, marking the worst January on record.Problems with Diagnostics and Laboratory TestsHowever, the symbolic "elephant in the room" regarding the NHS is none of the above issues. The most glaring problem facing the NHS is its inability to keep up with the rest of the First World in diagnostics. Testing and preventative care are arguably the most crucial parts of healthcare, and the NHS cannot afford to continue lacking in this area.Their limitations have led to considerable delays in diagnoses and treatment, directly affecting patient outcomes and the overall efficiency of the healthcare system. The need for more diagnostic equipment and a workforce to meet the growing demand have hampered recovery efforts from the COVID-19 pandemic, further exacerbating these delays.Long waiting times for diagnostic tests are another significant challenge. These extended delays not only impact the treatment timeline but also negatively affect patients' health outcomes. There were marked increases in breaches of the 6-week diagnostic standard before the pandemic, underscoring the severity of the situation and the urgent need for improvement.These are only some of the many issues that come with poor diagnostics. Alongside these are outdated equipment, incapable of handling the serious problems faced by the public, and a lack of qualified personnel, which can lead to increased pressure on existing staff.Potential SolutionsWhile plenty of negative things can be said regarding the NHS and its operations, there is still hope for future improvement. Many advances have been made toward building a better, more competent NHS. These solutions seek to enhance the quality of patient care and enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the NHS's diagnostic services.Increased FundingThough throwing money at an issue is no way to solve it, it's no secret that an increase in strategically placed funding can make all the difference in how NHS operates. Additional financial resources are essential for recruiting more healthcare professionals, providing them with the necessary training, and updating or purchasing new diagnostic equipment. This investment would directly address the critical shortages in personnel and the obsolescence of technology that currently hampers diagnostic services.Implementing the Recommendations from the Richards ReviewThe Richard's Review is an independent review of diagnostic services commissioned by NHS England. Among the most impactful recommendations is the establishment of community diagnostic centers (CDCs), designed to offer more accessible and efficient diagnostic services outside traditional hospital settings. These centers are envisioned to significantly reduce test waiting times and alleviate the pressure on hospital-based diagnostic services.Technology-Driven EnhancementsIntegrating advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), represents a forward-looking solution to improve diagnostic processes. Tools like Diagu , which leverage AI to assist in interpreting diagnostic tests, can help doctors make faster and more accurate decisions. The adoption of these technologies has the potential to optimize the utilization of existing resources, reduce bottlenecks in diagnostic pathways, and ultimately lead to quicker and more efficient patient care.How Improved Diagnostics Can Impact The FutureThe healthcare sector is due for a pivotal transformation, spurred by innovative solutions brought forward by tools like Diagu . These platforms respond to the critical challenges highlighted by recent healthcare statistics, such as the surging waiting lists for elective care, which stood at 7.60 million in December 2023, and the concerning delays in cancer treatment timelines.Diagu's AI-driven diagnostic tool promises to expedite the diagnostic process, potentially reducing waiting times by offering quick, accurate diagnostic suggestions.This software introduces a direct access model to laboratory tests and other services aimed at early disease detection and management. This model can significantly ease the pressures on A&E departments by presenting an alternative pathway for those with non-emergency conditions.AI tools like this represent a beacon of hope for
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is investigating potential claims on behalf of purchasers of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated ("UnitedHealth" or "the Company") (NYSE:UNH). Investors who purchased UnitedHealth securities are encouraged to obtain additional information and assist the investigation by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/UNH Investigation Details:On February 27, 2024, The Wall Street Journal ("WSJ") reported that the U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ") has launched an antitrust investigation into UnitedHealth. Specifically, the WSJ reported that DOJ investigators have been interviewing healthcare industry representatives in sectors where UnitedHealth competes to determine the possible impacts of acquisitions made through its health services arm, Optum. On this news, UnitedHealth's stock price fell $27.04 per share, or 5.15%, over the following two trading sessions, to close at $498.28 per share on February 28, 2024.What's Next?If you are aware of any facts relating to this investigation or purchased UnitedHealth securities, you can assist this investigation by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/UNH . You can also contact Peretz Bronstein or his law clerk and client relations manager, Yael Nathanson of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC: 332-239-2660.There is No Cost to YouWe represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide.Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.Contact:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLCPeretz Bronstein or Yael Nathanson332-239-2660 | info@ bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC
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Collaboration on Innovative, Environmental Wellness Projects to Achieve United Nations' Sustainable Development GoalsALLENTOWN, PA / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / US Ignite, a renowned national nonprofit leader in fostering public-private partnerships for smart city initiatives, is teaming up with the Center for Sustainable Innovation (CSI), an IotaCommUnity initiative focused on increasing adoption of new technologies in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and advancing sustainability and wellness in communities. This groundbreaking project is scheduled to be implemented this summer focusing initially on outdoor air quality monitoring in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and will spearhead CSI's Community Engagement and Equity Strategy.US Ignite will help CSI lay the foundations for building a community-centric approach to social impact and value creation in the community. Leveraging its reputation as a trusted partner, US Ignite consistently brings together a diverse ecosystem of local governments, businesses, foundations, and federal agencies. With a proven track record of successfully pairing financial investment with technical and organizational expertise, US Ignite is well-positioned to drive innovation in the realm of smart community initiatives through the implementation of new technologies.The strategic partnership between CSI and US Ignite underscores a shared commitment to addressing pressing environmental concerns through cutting-edge technologies. By harnessing the power of the Internet of Things (IoT) networks, advanced data analytics, and a collaborative environment inclusive of universities and government, both parties aim to create a robust and comprehensive project centered on rich data and analysis."We commend the Center for Sustainable Innovation for their commitment to fostering a future where technology serves as a catalyst for positive change in our neighborhoods, and we welcome US Ignite as our newest community member," said Vicky Kistler, Community & Economic Development Director at the City of Allentown. "This initial collaboration between CSI and US Ignite addresses a vital area of impact for our community, and we're pleased to support their partnership." she added."US Ignite is thrilled to join forces with CSI and the City of Allentown in the pursuit of a healthier and more sustainable community. Our public-private partnership model, combined with CSI's collaborative ecosystem, will pave the way for a pioneering initiative in enhancing air quality monitoring in underserved communities," said Lee Davenport, Director of Community Development at US Ignite.Through CSI's commitment to advancing global progress towards a sustainable future, this initial project is expected to achieve 10 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals including goal #11 "Sustainable Cities and Communities." The collaboration will not only focus on monitoring air quality but also on fostering community engagement and ensuring equity in access to crucial environmental data."Our partnership with US Ignite signifies a shared commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of communities. Together, we aim to create a model for effective community engagement and equity in the deployment of advanced environmental monitoring systems," remarked Terrence DeFranco, Executive Director at Center for Sustainable Innovation (CSI) and Chairman & CEO at IotaComm."The project aligns with our goals of introducing cutting-edge solutions into the fabric of communities by focusing on urban planning, resource management, and community engagement to build cities that are environmentally friendly and socially cohesive with improved resilience to environmental impacts. CSI and US Ignite aim to set a new standard for environmental monitoring initiatives and we could not be more excited about the future." he added.As the organizations embark on this collaborative endeavor, they invite local stakeholders, residents, and businesses to participate actively in shaping a sustainable and healthier future for Allentown, Pennsylvania. The community is invited to sign up for updates at https://iotacommunity-csi.com/ and engage with the partnership's progress on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/iotacommunity-csi/ ABOUT CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONThe Center for Sustainable Innovation (CSI) is a public benefit corporation joint venture between Iota Communications Inc. and FINTECH.TV . As a pillar of the IotaCommUnity initiative, CSI is committed to increasing adoption of new technologies in line with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals and advancing sustainability and wellness in communities. Its purpose is to serve as a catalyst to positively impact communities by revitalizing local economies, spreading technology gains, and finding impactful solutions to challenges facing communities. The focus of CSI is to address how new, disruptive technological innovation such as blockchain, AI, digital assets, and metaverse enable new business models and change key industries, including manufacturing, logistics, utilities, health care, hospitality, and transportation, ultimately leading to significant and measurable economic and societal benefits. For more information about CSI, please visit: https://iotacommunity-csi.com/ ABOUT US IGNITEUS Ignite is a high-tech nonprofit with a mission to accelerate the smart community movement. We work to guide communities into the connected future, create a path for private sector growth, and advance technology research that's at the heart of smarter development. For more information, visit us-ignite.org CONTACT DETAILS:Public Relations / Media: Kimberly VelezVP, Head of Community & Investor RelationsIotaCommTel: (484) 861-2994 kvelez@ iotacommunications.com SOURCE: Iota Communications, Inc.
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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, WorldVest anticipates that the innovative RWA1Sat Token Protocol will signify a significant leap forward in establishing a standardized, regulatory-compliant framework for tokenizing and trading Real-World Assets on the Bitcoin SV Blockchain.Since transitioning from Ethereum to the Bitcoin ecosystem in August 2023, WorldVest has remained dedicated to driving innovation for the tokenization of real-world assets and financial instruments, leveraging the unbounded scalability, security, and economic transactions offered by the Bitcoin SV Blockchain. This initiative aims to unlock substantial value creation within the projected multi-trillion-dollar tokenized securities industry.The BitVision team at WorldVest has effectively integrated the open source 1SatOrdinal Token Standards with their comprehensive expertise in the realm of Real-World Assets and Securities, an area where they have over a hundred years of collective experience. This amalgamation has led to the creation of the RWA1Sat Token, an advanced technology tailored for the efficient minting and structuring of on-chain tokens. The RWA1Sat Token Protocol is set to harness the extensive adoption of 1SatOrdinals to guarantee a smooth integration within the BSV ecosystem. The drive behind this initiative is the assembly of highly skilled developers who are proficient in embedding on-chain sCrypt smart contracts into the blockchain infrastructure, significantly diminishing the complexities found in Bitcoin's prevailing protocols.Garrett Krause, CEO of WorldVest, emphasizes the company's unwavering commitment to a global mission: "We aim to create a comprehensive solution that streamlines the issuance, management, and trading of Bitcoin-based securities and financial contracts. Our initiative seeks to provide an integrated ecosystem of applications and service providers, enhancing the experiences of both issuers and investors on a robust, trusted, and environmentally friendly Blockchain. Our ultimate goal is to achieve economical transaction fees and unbounded scale, setting a new standard for real-world assets on blockchain ecosystems." The RWA1Sat Token Protocol creates a valuable and inclusive platform for compliant Real-World Assets Tokenized on the Blockchain, offering a pioneering solution for global securities and financial contracts, driven by the unbounded scalability of the Bitcoin SV Blockchain. It represents a significant step forward in the evolution of digital tokenization and trading of financial contracts such as commodities, equities, funds, debt, and innovative yield tokens.And Finally, In collaboration with TroyMoney Partners, WorldVest is set to unveil a diversified collection of tokenized gold, other precious metals, assorted commodities, and widely accepted fiat-backed digital money payment tokens. The move is aimed at expanding the horizons for investment in digital assets as well as their use in payments, thereby enriching the digital economy ecosystem.Please join us in redefining the landscape of the global digital asset market, creating groundbreaking financial products, and pioneering a new standard for blockchain transactions. For more information, please follow @RWA1Sat on X/Twitter.About WorldVestWorldVest stands at the forefront of global investment and project development, specializing in capitalizing on high-growth opportunities worldwide. By identifying the disconnect between the needs of innovative projects and the rigid structures of conventional financial institutions like investment banks, private equity, and venture capital firms, WorldVest is poised to forge a new paradigm.Our mission is to transcend these traditional barriers, serving as a dynamic partner and creative solution provider in spaces where such roles were previously undefined.For more information about WorldVest, please refer to the company's website at www.WorldVest.com Investor Relations / Media, please contact:Garrett K. KrauseTel: (954) 598-1545 Garrett@ WorldVest.com Forward-Looking Statements:Certain statements in this release and other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of the Company are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Statements regarding future events and developments and our future performance, as well as management's expectations, beliefs, plans, estimates, or projections relating to the future, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of these laws. The forward-looking statements are subject to several risks and uncertainties, including market acceptance of the Company's services and projects and the Company's continued access to capital and other risks and uncertainties outlined in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are incorporated herein by reference. The actual results the Company achieves may differ materially from any forward-looking statements due to such risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on our current expectations and speak only as of the date of such statements.SOURCE: WorldVest
Funmilayo Rasaki, 75, lives in a small brick house a few steps away from the seashore in Aiyetoro, a coastal community in the southern senatorial district of Ondo State. She had a small farm on which she cultivated crops adapted to the high tide of the sea in the area. She planted the crops in mounds that raised them above sea level and provided refuge for the crops. But all that stopped in 2019 when a sea surge swept through the community and left it in ruins.

It became unsustainable. I couldnt continue. I had tried all the possible solutions to ensure that my farm survived, but the flooding that year was worse than anything we had seen, so I had no choice but to give it up, she said.

In Ondo State, communities along the Atlantic coast, such as Aiyetoro, have endured years of sea incursions caused by rising sea levels and intense storms, both effects of climate change. The impact ranges from displacements to continuous disruption of lives and properties.

The incursion has been recurring for over a decade but worsened in 2019. Since then the villagers began to adopt safer options. Mrs Rasaki switched to buying and selling fish.

Recurring sea incursion

Villagers along the Ondo coastline are predominantly fishers, most of them are engaged in fishing, aquaculture or fish trade.

However, due to the recurring sea floods, even more villagers are shifting towards the practice. But it is also a high-risk venture.

Even those already established in fishing have been struggling since the sea surge worsened and have to find ways to ensure the safety of their business, Fehintola Alebiosu, a 34-year-old fisherman in Aiyetoro who lost his fishing boat to a surge in 2022, said.

This was at a time the ocean surges had become more frequent. That day, he had left his fishing equipment by the shore alongside those of many others as they usually did, when the incursion came with heavy tides and submerged many boats.

It dealt a devastating blow to me, Mr Alebiosu said. Sure, we have flooding every year, but that one stripped me of my equipment.

Because many fishing equipment have been destroyed by the surge, most fishermen now work together on the sea. Those who have lost their fishing tools pair with those who still own equipment. A few others began to create ponds to culture fishes.

Mr Alebiosu works with Busayo Johnson, a middle-aged man who still has all his fishing tools.

Villagers use moon as a guide

Fishermen in Aiyetoro believe that a sea flood may occur a day after the appearance of a full moon, and a scarcity of seafood would follow. Thus, at the sight of a full moon, the locals begin to prepare for an incursion. Boats and canoes are moved from the lowland to higher ground, fishing gear and other tools are kept safe, fishing activities are suspended, and people stay indoors.

If you are not well prepared, the water can destroy your work tools, properties and even your house, Mr Johnson said.

The villagers rely on an age-old tradition of observing the moons phases to anticipate changes in sea tide and potential flooding. The tradition is supported by science.

According to a report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the average tidal range of an ocean is larger, causing sea levels to rise more than usual.

The report noted that the moon appears full, the gravitational pull of the sun is added to the gravitational pull of the moon on earth, causing the oceans to bulge a bit more than usual. Research has also shown that local geography, like low-lying areas such as found in Ondo coastlines, influences the severity of the surge.

But there are times when the sea level rises without the full moon. In these cases, the villagers observe the sea waves and torrents and monitor the flow of the water into the community.

The sea encroaches without the moon, sometimes. And we just observe the sea level and waves, Mr Johnson said. But there are days when none of these is applicable, and one is hardly prepared for the flood.

The hunt for seafood

Often, in the aftermath of a sea incursion, theres a decline in the seafood available in the sea. This, according to the fishers, stifles the business.

But they are undeterred, and instead, venture farther many kilometres away from the coast in search of food. These trips are often made solo, but sometimes, the fishermen work as a group, relying on shared information about the state of the sea.

After a surge, we must move far away from the shore, thats the only option because theres nothing around the coast, said Kola Ayeni, a fisherman at Abekere, another coastal community in Ondo.

Ebenezer Atibere, also a fisherman, explained: We spend hours on the boat, venturing deep into the sea. The farther we go, the better our chances of a good catch, ensuring we have enough fish to sell.

But as rewarding as this effort can be, Mr Atibere said it is often a risk. Fishermen are likely to incur more losses because the trips are sometimes fruitless.

We can ride as far as we want and still find nothing, and this happens very often. Fueling the fishing boats for this trip costs N150,000, and when we return with nothing this is our loss, he said.

To address these issues, Musa Tanko, a professor, meteorologist and climate analyst, advises the fishers to use the daily marine forecast provided by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), to get a more accurate prediction of the tides and state of the large water body.

According to Mr Tanko, who works as a meteorologist with NiMET, the agency has models that provide forecasts about sea tides, which would be useful to the coastal communities.

He advised fishing communities to always contact NiMET for information relating to the sea.

He said the marine forecast provided by the NiMET would serve as a daily guide, regulating the activity of the fishermen on the sea and the communities as a whole.

Fish farmers try to cut losses

Fish farmers are also faced with the adversity of loss of fish from flooded ponds. The ponds used by the farmers are mainly natural and, in many cases, are destroyed or emptied by sea-flood.

According to a fish farmer, as the surge recedes, it sweeps the fish from the ponds into the sea, and the heavier the surge, the higher the loss incurred.

To protect his ponds, Ayanfe Alabi, a 50-year-old fish farmer in Aiyetoro, uses nets to keep the fish from being swept away during a sea flood.

The net is spread across the surface of the ponds and held up by sticks planted in the pond to keep the net firm and protect it against the wind.

But its effect is limited. Fish farmers in the community said this measure is only effective when the surge is not intense.

However, Daniel Diyaolu, a fishery and aquaculture researcher, said ponds should be constructed in seasons when heavy sea incursions are less likely to occur.

It is best that they dont stock the ponds when the tides are likely to be high, and the flooding more intense, especially during the rainy season, the researcher, who works at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, Ondo State (OAUSTECH), said.

This is a form of citizen science, as the residents of these areas have fundamental knowledge of the terrain better than those simply studying it, so they will be able to identify when the flooding is likely to come and they dont stock during this period. Or make the harvest time fall ahead of the incursion.

They also need to use strong nets that can protect the fishes from any external encroachment, not just the sea, but also other animals because once that exists, the sea is likely to get easier access, Mr Diyaolu said.

Experts call for diversification

Mr Diyaolu also advised the villagers to focus more on aquaculture instead of relying on catching fish from the wild. He said fishing communities can grow fish that can survive close to the shore despite the rising tides.

According to him, this attempt could also be aided by scientific research, making it easier to identify the species of fish likely to survive close to the coastline.

If there is a way, the seawater can be used to culture fishes instead of running after the fishes in the sea. They can use the water closer to the coast to groom species of fish that can survive there.

They should focus on identifying fishes that can survive close to the coast and raising them. Those species would always be available to them irrespective of the tide, the researcher said.

Similarly, Ikuesan Bamijoko, an aquaculturist who also works at OAUTECH, advised the fishing community to diversify and practise other forms of agriculture in neighbouring communities not prone to flooding.

Residents of communities prone to flooding can visit other communities that are not threatened by the sea surge and practise other means of agriculture. They can move westwards to nearby communities and pursue palm oil production, poultry, and fish farming on a larger scale and other cash crops.

Mr Bamijoko also urged the government to protect the shoreline using rocks as developed countries do to mitigate sea incursion in coastal areas.

Why government intervention is necessary

Efforts to speak with the director of fishery at the Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture, Iyabo Olaleye, were unsuccessful, as she was absent both times this reporter visited the Ministry of Agriculture. She also did not respond to phone calls or the text sent to her phone.

But, the Director of Agriculture Extension, Ondo State Agriculture Development Project (OSADP), Amuwa Williams, when contacted, said villagers interested in farming can use mobile planting containers, such as plastic bags, to allow them to quickly and easily move their crops to safety in the event of an incursion.

He said that type of farming is suitable for the cultivation of vegetables and would allow the villagers to protect their farms effectively from the surge.

However, he acknowledged that governments response to the crisis has been insufficient, adding that a lack of funds has also hindered significant intervention by his agency.

He said the government needs to intervene to resolve the crisis and protect residents of affected communities.

The devastation in that area is monumental and the intervention of the state and federal government is mandatory, probably using ecological funds. I believe the embarkment of the coastline would significantly curb the sea incursion in affected communities. Dredging of the sea could also reduce the incursion of the sea into residential areas, he said.

According to Desmond Majekodunmi, a climate change activist, the authorities need to act fast, or else the communities on the coastline will be wiped out.

He said the sea surge, caused by climate change resulting from global warming, would only worsen, devastating coastal communities further.

In the past, the sea surge was seasonal, but because of global warming which is causing climate change, we are now having an unprecedented sea surge that is flooding low-lying coastal areas in Nigeria. The sea surge in Ondo is likely to get increasingly worse, and this is a big problem.

Mr Majekodunmi said while these communities continue to make local efforts to ensure their survival, government intervention is essential.

This report was sponsored by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, with funding support from the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy, Abuja.

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Access Holdings has chosen Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede as its chairman. He had served as the pioneer CEO of Access Bank, the groups commercial banking division before it evolved into a holding company.

He and Herbert Wigwe bought Access Bank in 2002 and transformed it into Nigerias biggest lender by market value.

From the year of its acquisition to 2013, Mr Aig-Imoukhuede managed the bank, assisted by Mr Wigwe, the managing director of Access Holdings, who died in a chopper crash in the US last month aged 57.

Following extensive consultations with key stakeholders, the holdco board decided to invite Mr Aig-Imoukhuede to the helm of governance, Access Holdings said in a statement to the Nigerian Exchange on Wednesday.

He replaces Abubakar Jimoh, who had functioned in an acting capacity since the demise of former Chairman Bababode Osunkoya last November.

I am thrilled to be back in active service to the Access Group ecosystem. I am confident that working with our directors, our exceptional team of executives and our best-in-class banking and finance professionals, we will deliver outstanding value to our esteemed stakeholders, Mr Aig-Imoukhuede was quoted as saying.

He obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Benin in 1986 and started as a lawyer, working for Continental Merchant Bank two years later.

In 1991, he joined the newly founded Guaranty Trust Bank, where he rose through the ranks to become an executive director at 36.

The Nigerian Exchange (known at the time as the Nigerian Stock Exchange) appointed him as its president in 2014 up until 2017.

He led Access Bank to acquire the defunct Intercontinental Bank in 2012, a deal which increased the banks branches by 309.

Mr Aig-Imoukhuede has previously chaired the boards of FMDQ OTC Exchange and ENTERPRISENGR, an advocacy group focused on the expansion and excellence of Nigerias financial and professional services.

He is a recipient of the Nigerian honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger.

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The police in Taraba State have confirmed the killing of seven people in an attack on an 18-seater bus at Gamkwe, a village in Mararaban-Baissa of Donga Local Government Area of the state.

In the incident that occurred on Tuesday, armed men attacked the passengers from Zaki/Biam in Benue State, who were heading to Maihula in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The commissioner of police in the state, David Iloyonomon, informed journalists that the police had sent officers to the area.

He said the officers found seven bodies in the bush in the area while on patrol to control the crisis involving members of the Ichen and Tiv ethnic groups.

Mr Iloyonomon said trouble started on the Tuesday when Ichen youths from Mararaba area of Donga reported to the police area command in the area that a pastor and his church member went missing while on their way to the church.

On Tuesday at about 3 p.m., the youths found the decomposing bodies of both the pastor and the other persons, that was when trouble started, the Ichen youths went into town and started attacking the Tiv residents. It took the efforts of our men to rescue some of the Tiv people to Takum for safety.

On Wednesday, while our men were on patrol to maintain law and order to ensure that peace returned, they found seven dead bodies of 5 women, one man and a baby; they had been evacuated to the police station, Mr Iloyonomon stated.

Drivers account

However, the driver of the bus, Jimen Angera, who escaped with machete cuts, said at least 15 people, including women and children, were killed in the attack.

In a video post, he said the attackers, suspected to be members of a vigilante group, were armed with guns, machetes and other light arms.

I loaded 18 passengers from Zaki/Biam. Immediately after Mararaba, I saw many people in vigilante uniform, they were many. I suspected something was wrong, I then stopped. One of the villagers told me that I should just go, he said two members of the vigilante group were killed by kidnappers; that was why they gathered

As I moved closer, some of the vigilante group members started shouting, kill all of them, it is their people that killed our members. They started attacking the passengers and cutting them with machetes.

They removed all of us, forced us to lie face down. My bus was still on, when I discovered that it was getting out of hand, I decided to jump up to the bus and left (leave) the passengers. My conductor also followed me, all of us were cut with machetes, that was how we escaped and left the passengers in their hands, Mr Angera narrated.

READ ALSO: Police shut Wuse market as correctional service confirms killing inmate

The chairman of Donga Local Government, Ezra Voka, also confirmed the incident to PREMIUM TIMES on phone. He said he had already joined in the search for the victims.

I am already in the bush in search of the missing people, we cant talk much now until I get more information from here, he said.

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The Tennessee Senate on Thursday passed a bill that would restrict local governments power to pass police reform measures  and would undo a police reform ordinance that Memphis City Council passed after police there beat Tyre Nichols, a Black man, to death last year.

The GOP-led state Senate passed the bill by a vote of 26-6. The bill is moving to Republican Gov. Bill Lees desk next.

Democrats in both Tennessees House and Senate have spoken out against the bill, which was initially brought to the floor by state Rep. John Gillespie (R). State Sen. Brent Taylor (R) presented a version of the bill to the Senate floor.

State Sen. London Lamar (D), who represents Memphis, introduced Nichols parents, Rodney Wells and RowVaughn Wells, on the Senate floor ahead of the vote. They have strongly opposed the legislation.

Rodney and RowVaughn Wells, the parents of Tyre Nichols, attend a session of the Tennessee legislature on March 4 in Nashville. Nichols was beaten by five Memphis police officers during a traffic stop and died of his injuries in January 2023. George Walker IV via Associated Press

But Taylor argued that the Memphis City Council ordinance would give free rein to violent criminals in Memphis.

Law enforcement groups support this bill, Taylor said of the legislation passed by the Senate. They think they need this bill, and it has caused a lot of communication in my community.

He also argued that the city ordinance was causing confusion among Memphis police officers.

We need to take the handcuffs off the police and put the handcuffs on the criminals where they belong, Taylor said.

Tennessee Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari (D), who represents Memphis, spoke in opposition to Taylors legislation. She described it as extreme overreach and cruel and invoked Nichols death.

They still cannot say why they pulled that young man over. And they beat him. They beat him, Akbari said. It is surreal to see your city on the television when a horrific incident occurred.

Akbari noted that the Memphis City Council approved the ordinance on a bipartisan vote following Nichols death.

Elected officials are currently sparring over the bill before it is voted on. Sen. Raumesh Akbari (D) is speaking in opposition of the bill that would end police reform ordinances in Memphis. pic.twitter.com/oEqddL5XPN  Phillip Jackson (@phillej_) March 14, 2024

Gillespie argued in a statement previously that the legislation was necessary, and that it prioritizes the safety of citizens. He described Memphis as a safe haven for criminals.

Story continues

But Democrats pushed back against Gillespie, arguing that the bill would increase distrust between civilians and police and would undo any real progress toward police reform.

They have also expressed frustration that Republicans may have misled Nichols family about when the bill would be up for a vote. Nichols family said last week that theyd been told the bill had been tabled until the end of the month, but the state House passed it on March 8.

The lack of clarity over the vote timing was a miscommunication, Gillespie told HuffPost in a statement last week, adding that Nichols family was aware the bill was on the legislative calendar.

My heart breaks for Tyre Nichols entire family, Gillespie said in the statement. They have lost a son, and they are in unimaginable pain. I have talked with them, and I hope to continue to keep an open dialogue. They were aware that this item would be on the calendar today. My No. 1 priority has always been to improve public safety and to make Memphis a safe city again.

Gillespie added: This legislation is about enforcing the state laws we already have on the books. No local government should be allowed to make any city less safe, nor should our law enforcement ever be put in the position of choosing which laws they should enforce.

Nichols died of blunt force trauma to the head on Jan. 10, 2023, three days after multiple police officers had spent minutes punching him, kicking him and beating him with a baton during a traffic stop in Memphis. His death was ruled a homicide. Five officers, all of whom are also Black, were charged in his killing. Nichols was 29.

Memphis City Council passed the Driving Equality Act last year, in an attempt to minimize confrontations between officers and city residents. The act bans police from stopping civilians for minor traffic violations such as a broken taillight. Such guidance would be rolled back if the legislation passed by the state legislature becomes law.

The law would impose regulations on a city that has already taken steps to reduce dangerous traffic stops, Akbari told HuffPost.

Our concern is that this is just another move to take away local control and really take away the ability for local police departments and local governments to work together to make sure that our citizens stay safe, Akbari said.

Lamar also expressed frustration that Republicans were trying to undo the efforts her city had made.

All of us want to solve crime, she said, noting that Nichols, who was pulled over by police on suspicion of reckless driving, was not a criminal.

We are struggling in Memphis but that does not mean we need to infringe on peoples rights in order to justify our efforts to reduce crime, Lamar said. It is frustrating for us. [Republicans] are basically saying police should be able to do anything to a citizen in efforts to combat crime. And we dont believe that.

Related...
President Bola Tinubu has written the Senate, seeking the repeal of the Access to Higher Education Act, 2023, otherwise known as the Student Loan Act, and a re-enactment of a fresh one.

Mr Tinubus action is coming a day after the announcement of a temporary suspension of the commencement of the student loan system. The law was put in place to allow Nigerian students in tertiary institutions to access low-interest loans to complete their studies.

According to a memo addressed to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and dated 14 March, Mr Tinubu is seeking the repeal of the existing law, and has submitted a fresh bill to be passed into law.

The presidents decision may not be unconnected to the criticisms that trailed the signing of the law, especially the eligibility requirement for applicants, repayment plans, and governance structure.

Mr Tinubus letter reads in part: Pursuant to Section 58 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I forward, herewith, the Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2024 for the kind consideration of the Senate.

The Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2024 seeks to enhance the implementation of the Higher Education Student Loan Scheme by addressing challenges related to the management structure of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELF), applicant eligibility requirements, loan purpose, funding sources, and disbursement and repayment procedures.

The President sought expeditious consideration of the bill.

Backstory

The Access to Higher Education Act, 2023, otherwise known as the Student Loan Act, was signed into law by President Tinubu as soon as he assumed office in 2023.

The bill, which was sponsored by the former Speaker of the House of Representatives and now the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, was one of the measures touted by the president and his associates to address the consequences of the removal of subsidy on petroleum products.

But many Nigerians criticised the law, describing it as a Greek gift, even as they condemned the eligibility criteria for applicants and the repayment plans.

New bill expunges ridiculous conditions

In the new bill submitted by Mr Tinubu, the eligibility criterium in the existing law which puts annual income of the applicant or family of the applicant at less than N500,000 has been removed.

Instead, every student of tertiary institutions established by the federal or state governments, and vocational institutions approved by the government is eligible to apply.

In the current law, apart from the annual income fixed at less than N500,000, other conditions to be fulfilled by applicants include the provision of two guarantors who must be a civil servant of at least level 12 in the service, a lawyer of at least 10 years post-call experience, a judicial officer or justice of peace.

But according to the new bill submitted by the President, the criteria are expected to be set by the board of the Fund.

New bill strips CBN of overbearing power

Unlike the existing law which grants the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria the sweeping powers to chair the special committee to manage the fund, and also to appoint who serves as the committees secretary, the new bill suggests provision for the composition of a board by the President and the appointment of its members.

Also, the new bill seems to have completely stripped the CBN of any role in the administration of the fund. It, however, retains the appointment of officials of the Ministries of Education and Finance, among other representatives of various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

READ ALSO:

Also, unlike the existing law which recommends the nomination of representatives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Academic Staff Union of Universities, and fora of vice-chancellors, rectors, and provosts of universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education respectively, the new bill specifically recommends any appointee from the various institutions, among others.

Earlier, the leadership of ASUU had declined participation in the loan scheme and refused to have a representative on the special committee set up by the CBN as mandated by the law.

MD replaces ES

Similarly, unlike the current law which provides for the office of an executive secretary to manage the fund, the new bill recommends an appointee of the President as a managing director, and three executive directors to help the MD in the discharge of the duties of the Fund.

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By Hassane Kone and Djiby Sow

On 24 February, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) lifted the economic and financial sanctions imposed on Niger after its 26 July 2023 coup against former president Mohamed Bazoum.

The sanctions did not achieve their intended outcome: Mr Bazoum remains in detention, and the interim government led by General Abdourahmane Tiani has still not adopted a transition roadmap. Instead, the embargoes brought the Nigerien economy to a virtual standstill, severely impacting an overwhelmingly vulnerable population.

In Niameys markets, retail food prices rose by an average of 75 per cent during the six months of sanctions. This was despite economic operators circumventing the restrictions by obtaining goods through parallel routes into Benin and Nigeria  Nigers two main suppliers. Heavy goods convoys had to use the Lome-Ouagadougou-Niamey Economic Corridor, a longer (1 242 km) and more dangerous route due to the presence of armed groups.

ECOWASs decision to lift sanctions comes barely a month after Niger announced its withdrawal from the regional organisation, along with Mali and Burkina Faso. Sanctions against these two countries, which also recently experienced coups, were lifted too. ECOWAS extended the olive branch hoping to keep the three nations within its fold  especially after they formed the Alliance of Sahel States in September 2023.

It remains to be seen how the military leaders of Nigers National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland will respond. For now, political differences have resulted in borders with Nigeria and Benin remaining closed although Nigeria, on Wednesday, announced it was opening its borders. Exiting ECOWAS with immediate effect allows Nigers junta to evade the regional organisations requirements for a short transition and potentially stay in power for three years, as announced last August.

Whatever Niger decides on its ECOWAS membership, the military leadership must quickly set the course and content for the transition. Until now, their priorities have been to mitigate the effects of economic sanctions on the population and strengthen the operational capacity of the defence and security forces.

The Solidarity Fund for Safeguarding the Homeland, the Economic and Fiscal Crime Commission, and the appointment of officers to head state-owned companies with instructions to collect money owed to the state, are some measures taken to raise internal resources.

Now that sanctions have been lifted, what will the next steps in the transition be? The inclusive national dialogue announced in July 2023 has still not taken place. Its aim was to collectively define the transitions fundamental principles, priorities and duration. The participation of political parties in this exercise is vital, but has been hampered by the suspension of their activities since the July coup.

There was also no consensus on the process for appointing regional delegates to the dialogue. Parts of civil society reject the local representatives of the Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism, which many consider primarily responsible for the countrys dire situation.

Mr Tianis long-awaited televised interview on 11 February also failed to inform Nigeriens about the military authorities vision for a return to constitutional order, or solutions to the countrys political, socio-economic and security challenges. Instead, the head of the junta focused on justifying the decision to withdraw from ECOWAS.

The main challenge now for Nigers national council is to reconcile the political contradictions surrounding the transition.

On the one hand, the juntas popular base does not want to see the pre-Bazoum regime, headed by Mahamadou Issoufou, returning to governance in any form. This view is shared by the M62, a group of 15 civil society organisations known as the Sacred Union for the Safeguard of the Sovereignty and Dignity of the People. The movement considers Issoufou as responsible for Nigers poor governance.

Many in Niger believe Issoufou still exerts a strong influence on the countrys political life through his links with Mr Tiani. Mr Tiani led Mr Issoufous presidential guard during his two terms in office from 2011 to 2021. Senior members of Mr Issoufous political party  including allies of the ousted Mr Bazoum  suspect him of colluding with Mr Tiani to regain power after the transition or even install his son, Sani Issoufou Mahamadou, a former oil minister, as president.

These dynamics threaten the juntas cohesion and consequently Nigers stability. They are likely to fuel divisions in the military based on ties to the main political figures. These are Issoufou and the Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism on the one hand, and Hama Amadou, leader of the main opposition party, the Nigerien Democratic Movement for an African Federation, on the other.

To avoid these dangers arising from the stagnation of the transition, Nigers military authorities must organise a national dialogue without delay. The dialogue must be as inclusive as possible, bringing together the entire political class, civil society and state institutions, including the army. Agreement should be reached on the duration and roadmap for the transition, and solutions found to the political, economic and financial governance problems at the root of tensions in Niger.

The authorities will then have to plan and start implementing selected priority reforms, which a democratically elected government can complete once the transition has ended.

Hassane Kone, Senior Researcher and Djiby Sow, Senior Researcher, Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Regional Office for West Africa, the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin

(This article was published by ISS Today, a Premium Times syndication partner. We have their permission to republish).

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for an independent investigation on the alleged N3.7 trillion budget padding by the National Assembly.

The PDP said this in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in Abuja.

Mr Ologunagba said the investigation would help to unravel the circumstances leading to the suspension of Abdul Ningi, senator (PDP-Bauchi Central) by the Senate, saying that Mr Ningi was suspended without a detailed inquest into the alleged budget padding raised by him.

Mr Ningi was suspended for three months by the Senate on Tuesday for alleging that the lawmakers padded the budget.

Mr Ningj, while appearing on a programme by BBC Hausa Service, had alleged that the Budget 2024 was padded by the National Assembly with N3.7 trillion, an allegation the leadership of the senate and the presidency denied.

Mr Ologunagba described the suspension as a desperate move to suppress the investigation, conceal and sweep the facts under the carpet.

He said the Senate should have referred the matter to the appropriate Standing Committee for an open investigation in line with its extant rules.

The PDP calls for an independent investigation into the allegation that a staggering N3.7 trillion was discreetly inserted into the 2024 budget for alleged non-existent projects, he said.

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The Kwara State Government on Wednesday supported 2,019 indigent farmers with agricultural asset items in the third phase of the Kwara Fadama CARES intervention.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the items received by farmers at the ceremony included knapsack sprayers with PPE (personal protective equipment), fish smoking kilns and rain gun sprinklers.

The rest are water pumping machines with accessories for fish farmers, poultry feeders and drinkers, small ruminants, maize shellers and soya beans threshers.

NAN reports that there had been two phases of disbursement by Kwara Fadama CARES earlier.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq unveiled the event for the ceremony of the first phase of disbursement on 21 June, 2022 in Oke-Oyi, Ilorin East Local Government Area (LGA).

At the event, a large number of indigent farmers got both crop inputs and assets.

Kicking off the third disbursement exercise, Mr AbdulRazaq said interventions by Kwara Fadama CARES are tailored towards easing hardship, noting that such will go a long way to reduce hunger and poverty.

The governor was represented by the Chairman, State Fadama Technical Committee, and Permanent Secretary, Kwara Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ishiaq Oloruko-Oba.

Mr AbdulRazaq said the items given would be monitored to ensure that they were judiciously used.

He also warned the beneficiaries against commercialisation of the asset items, adding that if the items were used effectively, the expected impact would be felt in the society.

Earlier, the State Project Coordinator, Kwara Fadama CARES, Busari Isiaka, had disclosed that the Kwara Fadama CARES was premised on the objectives of the COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus.

He said this was with the support of Governor AbdulRazaq, adding that the agricultural inputs and assets distributed were free.

Chronicling the statistics of Kwara Fadama CARES interventions so far, Mr Busari observed thus: With the support of the governor, we are giving 2,019 farmers succor today.

In the first disbursement in 2022, 6,561 farmers benefited from both input and asset distribution, while as a sequel 8,020 beneficiaries emerged in the second phase.

According to him, Governor AbdulRazaq has supported 16,600 indigent farmers through the Kwara Fadama CARES so far, assuring farmers in the state of more interventions.

The flag-off event involved symbolic presentations performed by the representative of the governor after he had been conducted round to confirm the various items to be distributed to the beneficiaries.

READ ALSO: TETFund to help Kwara on conversion of colleges of education to varsity

One of the beneficiaries, Jamiu Ahmed of Ogo-Oluwa Farmers User Group from Ilorin West LGA, thanked the governor for the timely intervention.

He promised that farmers would not abuse the opportunity to make the people feel the impact of the initiative.

(NAN)

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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Wednesday reserved a ruling in a motion filed by the police against 20 former leaders of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) charged with attempted murder.

In the suit, marked: CR/042/2023, the former union leaders, including a former National Chairman, Lucky Osesua, were arraigned before Justice Yusuf Halilu.

They are charged with five counts of attempted murder, breach of peace and assault.

Also charged are Dayyabu Garga, Humble Obinna, Akinolu Olabisi, Godwin Nwaka, Tiamiu Sikiru, Abdulmimin Shaibu and John Amajuoyi.

Others are Zaira Aregbo, Patrick Erhivwor, Stephen Ogheneruemu, Gift Ukponku, Sunday Ezeocha and seven others.

The union members were alleged to have attacked NUPENG President, Wiliams Akporeha; General Secretary, Wale Afolabi and the newly elected National Chairman of the PTD branch of NUPENG, Augustine Egbon.

The NUPENG members were particularly alleged to have acted in a manner likely to cause the death of one Comrade Wiliams Akporeha and Comrade Augustine Egbon, when they laid siege at PTDs office at No. 50 Moses Majekodenmi Crescent, Utako District in Abuja on 1 November.

In the suit, the defendants were further accused of voluntarily causing grievous bodily harm to Williams Akporeha, Olawale Afolabi, Solomon Kilanko and Augustine Egbon.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Justice Halilu reserved a ruling in an application filed by the prosecution counsel, Frank Longe, seeking the revocation of the defendants  bail.

Mr Longe at the resumed sitting on the case today told the court that the prosecution filed a motion on 1 March.

The motion is marked M/4807/24 and asks the court for the bail of the defendants to be revoked and a restraining order issued.

He added that the defendants are threatening the lives of the prosecution witnesses and their family members.

Mr Longe claimed that until it is stopped, the case can not go on and therefore pleaded with the court to do the needful.

Responding, the defence counsel, Christopher Oshomegie, told the court that his clients have never departed from what the court ordered them when bail was granted.

He added that the names and places of alleged people being threatened were not given.

Mr Oshomegie argued that the prosecution had not shown any documents on the threat.

He is asking the court to take away the liberty of these men without giving the materials to do so.

This issue is a leadership tussle  they are doing this because the election is coming up on Friday, he told the court.

However, Mr Longe told the court that their witnesses were not in court because they went for a burial.

He, therefore, prayed for a date.

Justice Halilu, however, adjourned until 29 April for trial but reserved ruling in the application for revocation of bail and restraining order.

He ordered the defendants to remain on the bail earlier granted them by the court.

Justice Halilu on 12 February adjourned the case after Mr Longe informed the court that the prosecution had filed an additional proof of evidence.

The judge noted that there was a contractual agreement between the court and the defendants, adding that bail was a constitutional right since the defendants were presumed innocent by the Constitution.

He then warned the defendants to avoid doing anything that might cause revocation of their bail.

Meanwhile, the prosecutor said he was ready to go on with the case having brought some of its witnesses to court.

READ ALSO: Petroleum tanker drivers threaten to exit NUPENG after disputed poll

The counsel then informed the court that the defendants were still going about to cause trouble even though they were on bail.

The defence counsel, Christopher Oshomegie, denied the allegation and argued that his clients were gentlemen who would never engage in such criminal acts.

He urged the court to protect the defendants from those he described as power mongers.

(NAN)

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The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Emmanuel Ogalla, says there has been no record of piracy on Nigerian territorial waters in the last two years.

Mr Ogalla, a vice admiral, disclosed this on Wednesday in Calabar while addressing participants of Naval Warfare Course 8, on his vision and mission for the Nigerian Navy.

He attributed the feat to the sustained counterpiracy efforts of the navy on Nigerian waters, since his assumption of office.

The CNS said that the navy had conducted a series of operations to maintain a credible presence at sea to checkmate piracy and robbery.

According to him, the efforts led to the reduction of criminalities on the sea from 22 incidences of piracy and 16 sea robberies in 2020 to just two and three, respectively, in 2022.

He also said that the figure was the lowest recorded in 27 years, adding that this led to the delisting of Nigeria from the world piracy list by the International Maritime Bureau in 2021.

He further said that the navy had sustained efforts against crude oil theft through Operation Delta Sanity which was activated in January.

According to him, since the launch of the operation, oil thieves have been denied about 448,380 litres of illegally refined gas, 68,250 litres of petrol and about 6,293 barrels of stolen crude oil.

He also said that the Nigerian Navy had recorded successes against smugglers.

Mr Ogalla said both Operation Calm Waters II and the tripartite joint border patrol, spearheaded the war against smuggling.

The CNS explained that under these operations, 5,329 bags of foreign parboiled rice smuggled in wooden boats were intercepted from January to date.

He added that in 2023, the operatives seized more than 1,200 bags of marijuana.

The Naval chief said 15 fishing trawlers were apprehended for various offences between January 2023 and January 2024.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Naval Warfare Course 8 has 24 participants comprised of 17 naval officers, two each from the air force and army, one each from Cameroon, Ghana and Guinea Bissau.

(NAN)

ESI/DCO/MZA

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The bandits who abducted 287 pupils last week at a public school in Kuriga in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State are asking for N1 billion ransom for the release of the children.

The kidnappers made contact on Tuesday through the principal of the school, Abubakar Isah, who was abducted alongside the students on Thursday.

The terrorists contacted one Aminu Kuriga, a friend of the schools principal, at around 2 p.m. on Tuesday asking for the amount.

One of the abductors called, using a private number. He said they were at the northern fringe of Dansadau (a community in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State) if we bring the amount, all the children will be released.

We briefed the Kaduna State government about the telephone conversation, they took note and asked us to go, a resident said asking for confidentiality.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the location where the terrorists asked the residents to deliver the ransom is part of Kwiambana Game Reserve  a dreaded forest that crosses Nigerias North-west and North-central regions.

The larger part of the forest is in Dansadau Emirate in Zamfara State. The Dansadau part covers 492 square kilometres out of the 1180 square kilometres of Zamfara State, which is over one-third of the landmass of the state.

A set of students of the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, abducted by suspected terrorists last September were moved to the Kwiambana Game Reserve and are yet to be released.

The Kaduna State Government has yet to speak on the development. The phone number of the states Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, did not connect late Wednesday when PREMIUM TIMES tried to have him comment on the development.

But the police spokesperson in the state, Mansir Hassan, said the command was unaware of the development. He said efforts were being made for the release of the children unconditionally.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has vowed not to pay ransom to kidnappers in any part of the country.

Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, stated this in Abuja while addressing journalists on Wednesday, said the president also directed security agencies to ensure the release of all kidnapped victims without the payment of ransom.

Mr President has also directed that no ransom will be paid by the government to any of these criminal elements. I think its important that this be put out there, the minister said.

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Amnesty International says the mass abduction in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State is a sign of a reign of impunity in Nigeria.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how at least 61 people were abducted as terrorists attacked Buda, a community in Kajuru local government area late Monday.

The abduction in Buda followed the mass abduction by terrorists of school pupils in Kuriga in Chikun Local Government Area of the same Kaduna State

Responding to the abduction in Buda, Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, said: Nigerias President Bola Tinubu and his government must urgently address the countrys spate of abductions targeting children in schools and internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps in the northern part of the country.

In the last ten days, nearly 700 people have been abducted by gunmen in Borno, Kaduna and Sokoto. Amnesty International receives almost daily reports of abductions including in Zamfara, Katsina and Niger states. The abductions and attacks are forcing many parents to keep their children out of school.

The consistent failure of the Nigerian authorities to stem the tide of abductions targeting children and schools means that a generation of children could miss out on education, as fear of abductions compels authorities to close hundreds of schools while teachers are abandoning their rural posts.

Time is running out for the authorities to effectively perform its legal responsibility of protecting peoples lives and security and to secure the safe release of hundreds of people held in captivity by gunmen. The inability of the Nigerian authorities to bring the perpetrators of these abductions to justice is further emboldening impunity and putting lives at greater risk.

Amnesty International has documented at least 17 cases of abductions in less than a decade and in many cases, the authorities failure to act and security lapses made it easier for gunmen to storm schools and abduct children. The Tinubu government must move swiftly to make the security and safety of everyone in the country a public policy priority, the right organisation said.

Background

On 3 March, suspected Boko Haram fighters abducted at least 400 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP)  most of them women and children  from Babban Sansani, Zulum and Arabic IDP camps in Gamboru Ngala, Borno state.

On 7 March, at least 287 students and their teachers were abducted by gunmen in Kuriga Kaduna state.

Hundreds of attackers arrived at the school on motorcycles before seizing students and teachers and taking them into the bush.

On 9 March, 15 students at an Islamic school were abducted by gunmen who have made ransom demands, the Amnesty International stated.

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Bauchi State governor, Bala Muhammad, on Wednesday, said he would support Abdul Ningi, a senator from the state who was suspended by the Senate.

Mr Ningi was suspended on Tuesday after he alleged that the 2024 budget was padded with over N3 trillion.

Though the senator apologised and said he was quoted out of context, some prominent senators, especially the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, insisted Mr Ningi must be suspended.

He will not engage in any legislative activities nor will he have access to the chamber during the suspension period.

On Wednesday, Mr Muhammad took to his official X handle to declare his support for Mr Ningi.

The governor said he made it clear to members of the state executive council that he would support the senator.

In his tweet, Mr Muhammad, who was also a senator and a former minister, empathised with the need for others (especially those in power) to accommodate different opinions.

In todays State Executive Council meeting, I made it clear that I stand firm in our support for Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, @Sen_AbdulNingi, of Bauchi Central.

I emphasised the importance of preserving dissent within our political landscape without resorting to punitive actions.

I am committed to examining Senator Ningis situation further. It is common knowledge that Senator Ningi is one of the best-performing senators whose heritage and uprightness, ancestry and integrity are worthy of praise, he tweeted.

In today's State Executive Council meeting, I made it clear that I stand firm in our support for Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, @Sen_AbdulNingi, of Bauchi Central. I emphasised the importance of preserving dissent within our political landscape without resorting to punitive actions. pic.twitter.com/NAb16Q1AWN  Senator Bala A. Mohammed (@SenBalaMohammed) March 13, 2024

Mr Ningi was first elected House of Representatives member in 1999 and was re-elected in 2003 and 2007.

In 2011, he went to the Senate to represent Bauchi Central District.

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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the 112 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) abducted by terrorists in Borno State recently, reportedly went beyond the permissible distance from their camp without informing the camp officials.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, a major general, made this known while giving an update on the operations of the Nigerian Armed Forces across the country on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Buba said that troops, on 3 March, received information from the Coordinator of Borno State Emergency Management Agency about suspected abduction of an unknown number of IDPs in Gamboru, Ngala Local Government Area of Borno.

He said that preliminary investigation revealed that the IDPs left camp to an undisclosed location to fetch firewood.

He said that the IDPs reportedly went beyond the permissible distance.

READ ALSO:

According to him, the IDPs reportedly did not notify the camp authorities of their movement.

It was later, at about 2030hrs at night, when the IDPs did not return to camp, that alarm was raised as to their possible abduction by terrorists.

It was at that stage that troops were notified of the incident.

The standard practice was for troops to be notified prior to any movement of IDPs beyond the permissible distance of 5-7km from their camp.

The IDPs reportedly went beyond the permissible distance to get firewood as a result of deforestation around their camp. The terrorists abducted 112 IDPs in the process, he said.

Mr Buba said that efforts were ongoing to rescue them and others abducted in other locations including Kaduna and Sokoto states.

He said that search-and-rescue efforts were affected by the late notification of troops about the abduction.

He gave the assurance that the military would do its best to rescue the abducted people.

Because of the sensitivity of the matter, I cannot go into further details as to signs of life, location and the different options that we have in order to get these hostages back.

I can further assure that getting these hostages back is very clearly on the top of our priorities.

It is for this reason we have leveraged on our international partners for support, he said.

(NAN)

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The President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has sent a congratulatory letter to Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, on the occasion of his recent victory at the presidential elections in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

According to Azernews, the letter reads as follows:

Dear Mr. President,

I extend to you my heartfelt congratulations on your election as the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Development of friendship and cooperation with fraternal Pakistan, which is based on a solid foundation, holds particular importance to us. The elevated level of mutual understanding between our nations provides a promising foundation for further broadening ties across various sectors.

I am confident that we will work together to strengthen and deepen the Azerbaijani-Pakistani strategic partnership and alliance, based on mutual trust and support, and to successfully continue the positive traditions of our bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

I wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your upcoming responsibilities for the well-being and prosperity of the brotherly people of Pakistan.

Respectfully,

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, 13 March 2024
Trader Joes mini totes have gone viral on TikTok, and people are now reselling the $3 bags for hundreds of dollars online.

The American grocery store chains mini tote bags are currently in high demand, thanks to TikTok. A massive amount of Trader Joes customers are buying the highly-coveted mini totes in droves, with clips showing crowds of people rushing to the store to get their hands on the bag.

Influencers have turned the tiny tote into somewhat of a status symbol, as some have shared how theyve customised their bags with paint, buttons, and embroidery. The bags - which are offered in four different colors: blue, red, green, and yellow - initally sold for the low price of $2.99, but are now being resold on platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace for three times the price.

As of this week, these third-party sellers are selling the bags for anywhere from $20 for one bag to a whopping $999 for a set of four.

Our Mini Canvas Tote Bags certainly sold more quickly than we anticipated, Nakia Rohde, a spokesperson for Trader Joes, told the Associated Press. Before we had the opportunity to promote them in any way, customers across the country found them at their neighborhood Trader Joes.

We do have more Trader Joes Mini Canvas Tote Bags coming, Rohde continued. Customers can expect to see them in our stores in late summer.

With the companys products frequently going viral, Rhode added that Trader Joes doesnt condone the reselling of its products, saying: Our customers, in our stores, are our focus.

Many have equated the mini tote frenzy to the ongoing Stanley Cup craze. The 40-ounce cups catapulted to viral fame earlier this year and caused chaos for stores across the country, as demand for the cups reached a fever pitch. People scrambled to get their hands on limited-edition Stanley cups, with footage even showing customers fighting each other for the products. The limited edition cups have also been resold for exorbitant prices on third-party marketplaces.

Story continues

The need to collect items that are popular on social media has a lot to do with both status and our sense of security. Jay Zagorsky - a clinical associate professor at Boston Universitys Questrom School of Business - explained to the outlet: We as humans seem to hoard things that social media makes us think is desirable or important.

In times of uncertainty, bulk buying is something that consumers do to feel more secure about their future. During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Zagorsky added that consumers were bulk-buying household items like toilet paper.

Although its not a bad thing to scoop up a hard-to-find item when you see it, theres a fine line between being a savvy shopper and someone who has fallen into the trap of panic buying.
As part of efforts towards repositioning the nations health sector to meet the growing population demand, President Bola Tinubu on Thursday announced his plan to set up a regional coordinating centre for Africa Centre for Disease Control (Africa- CDC), and the upgrade of a dental college to a full-fledged university.

The President made these disclosures in statements issued and signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

According to Mr Ngelale, as the African Union (AU) Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership, Mr Tinubu is committed to providing sound leadership for the health sector on the continent of Africa.

Similarly, the Presidents spokesperson said the upgrade of the Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy, Enugu, to a University of Allied Health Sciences, is aimed at combating the biting consequences of the brain drain within the nations health sector.

The President promised to double the number of primary health facilities in local communities across all local government areas of the federation from 8,800 presently to over 17,000 over the next three years, and is doubling the number of health personnel graduating from accredited nursing and midwifery institutions over the next three years.

The two statements issued by Mr Ngelale are reproduced below:

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES SETTING UP OF REGIONAL COORDINATING CENTRE OF AFRICA-CDC IN NIGERIA

President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the Regional Coordinating Centre (RCC) of the Africa Centres for Disease Control (Africa-CDC) in Nigeria.

President Tinubu is the African Union (AU) Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership.

The Presidents approval of the siting of the Centre in Abuja is part of his larger effort to convey Nigerias commitment to regional and global health security, while promoting local economic opportunities in the health care delivery value chain and enhancing Nigerias and West Africas collective capacity to respond promptly to outbreaks which is vital to the overall well-being and stability of the African continent.

The Centre will also bring with it enormous socio-economic benefits in the form of enhancing aggregate national productivity and reversing human capacity drain, even as the ability of indigenous medical professionals and scientists will be bolstered to respond adequately to old, recent, and emerging diseases, not only in Nigeria, but across the continent.

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES UPGRADE OF FEDERAL COLLEGE OF DENTAL TECHNOLOGY TO UNIVERSITY

As part of his dedicated efforts to build robust human resources for the health and social welfare sector, President Bola Tinubu has approved the conversion of the Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy, Enugu, to a full-fledged University of Allied Health Sciences.

The Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy in Enugu will now be known as the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu, and will be domiciled under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

This presidential directive comes at a time when President Tinubu, who doubles as the African Union (AU) Champion for Human Resources for Health, is set to train 120,000 frontline health workers nationwide within 16 months; to double the number of primary health facilities in local communities across all local government areas of the federation from 8,800 presently to over 17,000 over the next three years, and is doubling the number of health personnel graduating from accredited nursing and midwifery institutions over the next three years in order to meet the aspirations of Nigerians for accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services across the nation.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

March 14, 2024

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The ECOWAS Court on 14 March 2024 dismissed an application brought by two (2) non-governmental organisations (NGOs) which asked the Court to hold the Federal Republic of Nigeria liable for violating the right to development of the Africans in the diaspora particularly people of Haiti.

The action was premised on Nigerias alleged failure to take measures to ensure the admission of Haiti into the African Union at a 2016 Summit of the AU, in Addis Ababa, which the Applicants claimed would have enabled Haiti to take advantage of developmental initiatives on the continent such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Justice Dupe Atoki, judge rapporteur who delivered the judgment said the Court declined jurisdiction to hear the matter and dismissed it on the grounds that the alleged violation occurred outside the ECOWAS sub-region. Both parties were ordered to bear their cost of litigation.

The initiating application with suit number ECW/CCJ/APP/54/22 was filed on 24 November 2022 by two NGOs  The Incorporated Trustees of Prince and Princess Charles Offokaja Foundation, Nigeria, and Prince and Princess Charles Offokaja Foundation, Switzerland. In the suit, they claimed that the Nigerian government failed to protect the right to development of persons of African descent in the diaspora, particularly those in the Caribbean country of Haiti, by its failure to formulate and execute a policy in line with Article 22(2) of the African Charter that would have supported Haitis 2016 request for membership of the African Union (AU).

Mr Charles Offokaja who represented the NGOs said that such membership could have forestalled Haitis economic crisis and enhanced the development of Haiti and other Afro-American individuals and peoples and ensured their full participation in the affairs of the AU including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He asked the Court for a declaration that Nigeria breached Article 22(2) by not formulating and executing a policy to support Haitis application for membership of the AU. He also demanded an order of Court compelling Nigeria to formulate and execute such policy to support Haiti application for consideration at the next ordinary or extraordinary session of the Assembly of the AU.

In response, Mrs Maimuna Lami Shiru, lead counsel representing Nigeria filed a preliminary objection challenging the competence of the Court to hear the matter relating to Afro-Americans who are not citizens of the ECOWAS Community, adding that the NGOs pleadings were not in accordance with Article 9 of the Courts Protocol as amended.

In addition, she argued that the ECOWAS Court was not the African Court on Human and Peoples Rights and therefore not empowered to determine cases not related to the ECOWAS sub-region. She also said that the subject matter had been determined by the African Union Commission and published in a press release issued in May 2016.

Mrs Shiru asked the Court to dismiss the suit for lack of jurisdiction and reasonable cause of action against the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In its analysis, the Court noted that though an allegation of human rights violation was invoked, the alleged violation did not occur in any Member State of ECOWAS as required under Article 9(4) of the Supplementary Protocol of the Court. The Court therefore dismissed the case for lack of jurisdiction.

Also on the panel were Justices Edward Amoako Asante (presiding) and Sengu Mohamed Koroma (member).

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The decision of these syndicates to turn from extorting farmers and stripping their lands of mineral deposits to kidnapping students for ransom is an indication that kidnapping is paying more. Thats not a surprise. The Africa Report quoted SBM Intelligence that gunmen kidnapped at least 3,620 people across Nigeria between July 2022 and June 2023, with a ransom demand totalling over N5 billion What is the government doing about it? And Im not talking about the state alone

The journey to Kuriga in southern Kaduna, North-West Nigeria, did not start with the kidnap of 287 students last week. In the early 1990s, a neighbouring town, Zango Kataf, was the boiling point.

About a decade later, the beast of sectarian violence, which had reared its head in Kaduna, surfaced several hundreds of miles away in two major places that have become the epicentres of insurgency: Borno and Yobe states, both in the North-East.

Even though misery travelled southwards, aided by Mohammed Yusuf, the itinerant extremist Muslim preacher in Yobe, whose activities heightened the rise of extremism in the early 2000s, Yusuf did not entirely pave the way for the mass kidnap in Kuriga last week.

The incompetence of the security services, mixed with rampant poverty in parts of the North and the opportunism of the elite in the region, helped in no small way to recruit the bands of misguided and rogue elements that have become a national plague.

That band, mixed with insurgents drifting southward from the Sahel, has been showing up in banditry in some areas, cattle rustling in other areas, and violent extremism elsewhere. In the process, hundreds have been killed, while Borno and Yobe have become Africas largest camps of internally displaced persons.

Kidnapping is the latest franchise. It shocked the world when over 200 girls were kidnapped from their school in Chibok and 58 boys killed inside their school dormitory in Buni Yadi, Yobe State. But since then, Amnesty International has documented 13 abductions in Nigerian schools.

Within 10 days last week, over 500 persons, mostly children, were taken hostage in different states and in separate attacks on IDP camps and schools.

Days after 200 persons were kidnapped from an IDP camp in Borno State, a school in Kaduna State was the next hunting ground. Two-hundred and eighty-seven students and pupils, with some staff, from the Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) Primary School, Kuriga, in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, were kidnapped during the schools morning assembly.

Politicians, who shed crocodile tears for a living, visit crime scenes like Kuriga twice in their lifetimes. They visit unfailingly during election campaigns and then grudgingly  more for the camera  in a time of grief, like this. Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, for example, was in Kuriga on Thursday, shortly after the students were kidnapped.

Apart from tolling the farms for cash, illegal miners, using small fry, have also deployed their billing machines. They squeeze farm owners to give up their lands for peanuts, which they then mine for minerals. Its a criminal enterprise that has been on for years. Like most criminal gangs, the ones in Kuriga have developed their own codes, fees, levies and commissions.

It was not a normal visit, like you would visit folks in your neighbourhood who had just suffered a loss. Kuriga or Birnin Gwari, another dangerous neighbouring town, has not been a normal place for years. Four years ago, for example, an NGO, WANEP, reported that 140 persons were abducted and 84 killed by bandits in Birnin Gwari.

Governor Sanis Visit

Eyewitnesses said, on his visit to Kuriga, Governor Sani was prepared as if he was going to a warfront. Only one print journalist and a few others from broadcast stations, chosen by the Government House, were embedded in the governors convoy on that trip. Which means with telecommunications cut off, reports from there are second-, third- or perhaps, fourth-hand accounts.

Residents of Chikun Local Government, with an estimated population of 550,000, have tried to get used to living under terror. Left largely on their own without government or security, they have accepted the authority of bandits and terrorists. These criminal gangs extort money from residents, from N70,000 to N100,000, to have access to their farms. Those in Kidandan, Galadimawa Kerawa, Sabon Layi, Sabon Birni and Ruma, whose names may not show up on your Google map, are also affected.

Yet, these folks might even consider themselves lucky, if luck means paying through your nose to reach your farm. According to news reports, those in other local governments such as Igabi and Giwa, have abandoned their farms to terrorists. Other communities in Kaduna currently under siege are Kaura, Kajuru, and Zango Kataf.

Toll Gates of Kuriga

Apart from tolling the farms for cash, illegal miners, using small fry, have also deployed their billing machines. They squeeze farm owners to give up their lands for peanuts, which they then mine for minerals. Its a criminal enterprise that has been on for years. Like most criminal gangs, the ones in Kuriga have developed their own codes, fees, levies and commissions.

The decision of these syndicates to turn from extorting farmers and stripping their lands of mineral deposits to kidnapping students for ransom is an indication that kidnapping is paying more. Thats not a surprise. The Africa Report quoted SBM Intelligence that gunmen kidnapped at least 3,620 people across Nigeria between July 2022 and June 2023, with a ransom demand totalling over N5 billion.

What is the government doing about it? And Im not talking about the state alone; Im also talking about politicians in Kaduna and Abuja elected to represent these communities. Where, for example, is Jesse David, who represents this distressed community in the State House of Assembly?

And where is Shehu Balarabe, who represents Birnin Gwari/Gwari Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives? How did they find their way to their constituencies during the election campaigns but have lost their way back when their people need them most?

Where is the Federal Government, which controls the army, the air force, the police and the state services? How are kidnappers or bandits or terrorists able to mobilise and seize 287 students and teachers from their school in daylight in Kuriga, about 20 minutes drive from Birnin Gwari that is supposed to have a military base?

It may be far-fetched to assume official complicity in Kuriga. Its foolish, however, to think that kidnapping became a trillion-naira industry without support from outside the gangs. Until we thoroughly investigate the kidnappers support system and expose and punish the kingpins, were wasting time Who knows where this is going to happen next?

Imagine, for a moment, the logistics involved in moving 287 persons, most of them children. From infographics published by LEADERSHIP the day after, it would take 144 motorcycles or 57 cars or 21 buses or five 4.8 Embraer-145 planes, to move that number of people.

Yet, for the umpteenth time since 2014, children were kidnapped in their numbers by bandits who still managed to plan, coordinate and execute this evil in an area supposedly cut-off from communications. How, for Christs sake, did that happen?

A Trillion-naira Industry?

Just as shocking for me has been the near total absence of outrage outside Kuriga. Its this kind of eye-rolling, not-our-business kind of attitude that has brought us where we are: where what shocked the world 10 years ago in Chibok, even spawning demonstrations and hashtags, appears incapable of moving the dial today, in spite of its scale and audacity.

Apart the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Central African Republic (CAR), and South Sudan, where the savagery of the Lords Resistance Army (LRA), led to 100,000 deaths, and the abductions of 60,000 to 100,000 children and the displacement of millions, only a few countries have witnessed the scale of criminality that Nigeria has witnessed in what is supposed to be peace time.

It reminds me of Mexico in 2014. That year, also the year of the Chibok girls, 43 students were kidnapped by a drug cartel and years of agonising search yielded no clues. Until last year, when long after the students had been murdered, investigations revealed that government officials were employees of the cartel.

According to the New York Times, text messages exchanged between the cartel and government officials even found that first responders on the crime scene were on the cartels payroll! Which partly explains why it took so long to unravel the crime.

Its heart-wrenching to think that even though were told that Kuriga and other affected parts have been cut off from communications, we still hear of the criminals asking for ransom and issuing threats!

It may be far-fetched to assume official complicity in Kuriga. Its foolish, however, to think that kidnapping became a trillion-naira industry without support from outside the gangs. Until we thoroughly investigate the kidnappers support system and expose and punish the kingpins, were wasting time.

Who knows where this is going to happen next?

Azu Ishiekwene is Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP.

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Flutterwave, Africas leading payments technology company, has announced the appointment of Dipo Fatokun as the new Chairman of Flutterwave Technologies Solutions Limited. He brings a comprehensive regulatory understanding and supervisory experience to solidify Flutterwaves dedication to upholding the highest regulatory, compliance, and governance standards.

Mr Fatokuns over 30 years of experience covers multiple competencies in banking services, finance, strategy, advisory, leadership, and management in both the public and private sectors. As a Director at CBN, he oversaw key initiatives such as the Cashless Nigeria Initiative, the Bank Verification Number project, and the Treasury Single Account (TSA) for the Federal Government and automating the foreign currency payments for the Central Banks internal and external customers.

His expertise will enhance Flutterwaves commitment to the ecosystems best practices as the company moves ahead on its next growth journey.

Also joining the board is Tosin Faniro-Dada, a distinguished ecosystem builder and investor empowering tech founders across Africa, as an Independent Non-Executive Director. With more than 17 years of experience in finance, specializing in corporate banking and investment management, Faniro-Dadas career started with auditing mutual and private equity funds at PwC in Boston.

Currently a Partner at Breega, one of the fastest-growing early-stage VC funds in Europe and Africa, she supports founders in solving significant economic and social challenges. Her wealth of knowledge, solid expertise, and passion for the ecosystem will contribute to Flutterwaves unmatched role as an enabler for tech startups across Nigeria.

Welcoming the new board chair, and the non-executive director, Olugbenga Agboola, the CEO and Founder of Flutterwave, said: As a company, weve gone through different organisational changes in our growth journey, but one thing remains steadfast  our commitment to maintaining the highest regulatory and operational standards.

I am particularly excited to welcome Dipo Fatokun and Tosin Faniro-Dada to Flutterwave. Their combined experience and expertise will be invaluable as we continue supporting the creation of a well-regulated ecosystem and conducive environment for tech companies to thrive.

Mr Fatokun has been a member and chairman on more than five boards in the last decade. Presently, he chairs the Board Audit and Governance Committee of United Capital Plc. Additionally, he serves as the managing partner at Jasfolim Consulting, contributing to transforming Nigerias payment system via advisory services for public and private companies.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr Fatokun stated: I am pleased to be appointed as the new Chairman of Flutterwave Technologies Solutions Limited. The company plays a vital role in the fintech ecosystem across Africa. Im looking forward to supporting the companys goal of being a model fintech company that advances payment innovations while upholding the highest regulatory and compliance standards.

Mr Fatokun has been a member and chairman on more than 5 boards in the last decade. Presently, he chairs the Board Audit and Governance Committee of United Capital Plc. Additionally, he serves as the managing director at Jasfolim Consulting, contributing to transforming Nigerias payment system via advisory services for public and private companies.

Also speaking, Faniro-Dada said, I am thrilled to join the team at Flutterwave Technologies Solution Ltd as a member of the Board of Directors.

The companys commitment to innovation and its dedication to transforming the financial landscape aligns perfectly with my own passion for driving positive change in Africa. I look forward to contributing to the companys strategic initiatives and playing a role in shaping its future success, she added.

This appointments closely follow Flutterwaves recent compliance, regulatory, and risk-focused hires. In December 2023, the company announced many world-class executives, including Amanda Ortega, a former regulator with the State of Wyomings Division of Banking, as Head of Compliance, US.

Flutterwave will maximize Mr. Fatokuns board leadership and wealth of experience, alongside the expertise of those recent hires, to reinforce its culture of transparency, integrity, and accountability.

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UTM Offshore Limited, promoters of Nigerias first Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) facility has requested the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to invest equity in the project and to accelerate key approvals that would fast-track the projects execution.

The request was made on Wednesday at the Nigerian Content Tower in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State when the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr Felix Omatsola Ogbe hosted the management of UTM Offshore Limited led by the Group Managing Director, Mr Julius Rone.

The target completion date of the FLNG project is 2028 and it hopes to contribute about 450,000 tonnes of liquified petroleum gas (LPG), otherwise known as cooking gas per annum, to the domestic market. This will assuage Nigerias average demand of about 1.5 million tonnes of LPG per annum and reduce the dependence on the importation of LPG.

Giving a brief on the company, the Group Managing Director stated that UTM is a 100 percent indigenous company, and that the floating LNG project will optimise Nigerias stranded gas offshore, enhance energy transition, promote domestic consumption of cooking gas, and aid technology transfer, among other benefits.

He invited the NCDMB to take equity in the project, hinting that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Delta State Government were already partners on the project given its importance to Nigerias energy security. He described the FLNG as another confirmation of the capability of Nigerians to develop projects of world class standards.

He announced that road-shows were being planned for Uyo and Abuja in April 2024, to showcase the Nigerian Content opportunities in the project and to engender increased participation of Nigerian oil and gas services companies.

The UTM Offshore boss thanked the Boards Management for facilitating the projects progress, just as he solicited greater synergy with his company on all aspects of Nigerian Content implementation and overall development of the project.

Providing further details, the Technical Manager of the FLNG, Mr George Amara stated that the projects target total production is 2.72 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), with LNG accounting for 1.81 MTPA, LPG taking up 0.45 MTPA, and condensate making up 0.25 MTPA.

He commended NCDMB for approving key stages of the development, including pre-front-end engineering design (Pre-FEED), the pre-FEED Nigerian Content Development (NCD) Plan, and the front-end-engineering Design (FEED) NCD Plan. Other accomplishments include the Engineering Procurement Construction NCD Plan,the training of three indigenous engineers for Pre-FEED Nigerian Content Development, and the engagement of 13 Nigerian engineers for the FEED NCD scope as well the engagement of Nigerian engineering firms for different aspects of the project.

He affirmed that UTM FLNG would utilise Nigerian fabrication yards for in-country activities, adding that an inspection of prospective yards in Lagos and Calabar had been completed.

He hinted that the project was going into the engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning (EPCIC) stage, which is very critical, hence the need to update the NCDMB and request speedy approval for the EPC NCD Plan.

In his response, the Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Mr Omatsola Ogbe, expressed delight with the progress recorded on the UTM FLNG and assured that the Board will provide all the required approvals. He urged the companys Management to be proactive. Let us know whatever challenges or obstacles that you encounter, he said while assuring that the Board would do all that is within its powers to assist the company and others showing resourcefulness.

On the request for equity investment, the Executive Secretary promised to consider the application with the Boards management and to escalate the proposal to the Boards Governing Council for further consideration.

He also promised that the Board would participate in the Nigerian Content roadshow, to explore opportunities for other Nigerian firms on the FLNGproject.

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Fan Milk Plc, a leading player in the dairy sector, has announced a strategic partnership with respect to a farm operated by Obasanjo Farms Nigeria Limited. The partnership is aimed at advancing dairy farming expansion and promoting local sourcing in Nigeria.

The farm is established on a 2500-hectare piece of land, situated in Iseyin, Oyo State. Fan Milk will import 100 pregnant heifers from Egypt, while Obasanjo Farms Nigeria Limited would provide 300 heifers within the first year of project and it is expected that the farm would double by end of December 2026.

Fan Milk Plc will off-take the fresh milk produced according to the terms of the 5-year partnership agreement and will provide training and technical capacity building for the personnel.

The collaboration will lead to the creation of employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas. Both companies are committed to engaging with local communities to foster positive relationships, address social concerns, and promote responsible corporate citizenship.

Former Nigerian President and Chairman of Obasanjo Farms Limited, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo said: We are excited to partner with Fan Milk PLC to drive forward dairy farm expansion and local sourcing initiatives. By investing in training and capacity-building programmes for local farmers, we will empower communities, enhance productivity, and contribute to the development of Nigerias agricultural sector.

Joint investments in research and development will introduce modern farming techniques, advanced technologies, and sustainable practices to optimize dairy production while minimizing environmental impact, the former President added.

Mr Herve Barrere, the General Manager of Danone Sub-Saharan Africa said: The partnership emphasizes the importance of sourcing raw materials locally, empowering local farmers, improving their livelihoods, and contributing to the growth of the agricultural sector.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in Fan Milk PLCs commitment to backward integration, following the successful launch of its model dairy farm in Odeda Ogun State and training for local dairy farmers in the Odeda Dairy Training Institute in 2022. It also aligns with some of the current government administrations 8-point agenda, including ensuring food security, promoting economic growth and job creation, and ending poverty.

Speaking on the Partnership, Olusegun Ariyo, the Project Lead for Obasanjo Farms Nigeria Limited stated that We are very pleased to be partnering with Fan Milk PLC (A Danone Company) on this remarkable journey. This is no doubt important towards achieving the ambitions we have for the Nigerian dairy industry, and both Companies are taking steps towards a more efficient and economically sustainable environment for dairy farming in Nigeria.

Mr Kayode Adebiyi, Managing Director of Fan Milk PLC stated that the strategic partnership between Fan Milk PLC and Obasanjo Farms Nigeria Limited is designed to leverage the strengths of both companies to enhance local dairy production, reduce import dependency, and foster sustainable agricultural practices.

Olakunle Olusanya, Director, Legal Public Affairs, and General Secretary, stated that this partnership was strategic for the Company and a testament to Fan Milk Plcs commitment to fostering sustainable dairy development, increasing local food security and improving the business ecosystem in Nigeria. He further stated this will boost the local sourcing strategy that addresses the imminent challenges with milk sourcing importation in Nigeria.

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The senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District, Abdulaziz Yari, has denied joining forces with others to form a new political party ahead of 2027 general election.

Mr Yari, a former governor of Zamfara State, reportedly collaborated with the presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election, Atiku Abubakar, and some serving northern lawmakers to propose a new party with a view to frustrating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the presidential election.

The reports also listed the suspended Bauchi Central senator, Abdul Ningi, as one of the proponents of the party.

But a statement from the media office of Mr Yari on Wednesday said the report was not true.

The Media Office of His Excellency, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, the Senator representing Zamfara West in the Nigerian Senate and a former Governor of Zamfara State, categorically denies the recent media reports, specifically in the Nation newspaper that suggest Senator Yaris involvement in the formation of a new political party.

Senator Yari, as a leader of the APC in Zamfara is fully committed to the attainment of the partys vision for Nigeria. As a member of the legislature, Senator Yari has worked hand-in-hand with his colleagues in the 10th Senate to strengthen the agenda of the party in the National Assembly and foster collaboration to address the challenges facing the nation.

Senator Yari remains firmly committed to the APC and dedicated to working collaboratively with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to improve the lives of all Nigerians.

Senator Yari urges media outlets to exercise journalistic responsibility and integrity by verifying information before publishing unsubstantiated claims from unidentified sources, the statement reads.

Background

Mr Yari contested against Godswill Akpabio for the senate presidency last June.

Mr Akpabio won the election.

On Tuesday, the Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, said some lawmakers who lost the last senate presidency election are still annoyed.

Mr Bamidele said the aggrieved lawmakers are plotting to remove Mr Akpabio as the senate president before June.

Dont be deceived, the losers of June 2023 Senate President election are still angry. Some have accepted but a few havent. They have plotted to remove you before June 2024. That is why you must not allow this deliberate mischief by Ningi to go away. He did it on purpose. He knew he was lying, he set the public against you, he will do it again. We must apply our sanction, Mr Bamidele said during plenary on Tuesday shortly before the suspension of Mr Ningi was announced.

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The police in Rivers State, South-south Nigeria, have recovered the remains of Bako Angbashim, a divisional police officer (DPO) of Ahoada division of the state, who was murdered by gunmen.

Grace Iringe-Koko, the police spokesperson in the state, disclosed this in a statement forwarded to PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday.

Mrs Iringe-Koko, a superintendent of police, said the remains of the slain officer were recovered on Sunday through a joint operation by operatives from the commands tactical squads and the Force Intelligence Bureau.

This operation targeted the camp of the deceased cult leader, Gift Okpara, famously known as 2Baba, situated within the forested region of Odiemude Community in Ahoada East Local Government Area, Mrs Iringe-Koko said.

Backstory

Mr Angbashim, a superintendent of police, was beheaded on 8 September 2023 by suspected members of Iceland cult group in the Odiemude community led by Mr Okpara.

The attackers had laid ambush for the police chief while he and other colleagues were planning a raid on some criminal hideouts in the area.

PREMIUM TIMES last year reported how Mr Angbashims head, hand and private part were cut into pieces while the gunmen chanted victory songs in a viral video clip circulated on social media.

Mrs Iringe-Koko, a superintendent of police said diligent search effort during the operation led to the discovery of a burial site within the gangs shrine, where the remains of the slain operative were located and exhumed.

Notably, the exhumed remains include the skull of the deceased. These recovered remains have been taken to the mortuary, where they will undergo scientific examination and genetic testing.

These tests aim to establish the identity of the remains through a meticulous comparison with samples obtained from the late officers relatives.

Furthermore, efforts are underway to locate and retrieve the remaining dismembered parts of SP Bako Angbashims body, suspected to have been buried at various undisclosed locations within the forest, she said.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara had placed a N100 million bounty on the killer(s) and announced indefinite suspension of a traditional ruler in the area, Eze Igbu Akoh 11, accusing the royal father of ceding control of his territory to a notorious gang leader, Mr Gift, and his men to freely operate and carry out criminal activities.

About four days after the officer was murdered, the police announced the arrest of six suspects, but the alleged gang leader, Mr Okpara, was at large.

Five months later, the police announced the killing of Mr Okpara through a joint operation executed by the operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Air Force and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

It is important to note that 2Baba, the leader of the gang responsible for this heinous crime, met his demise on 17 February 2024, during a planned assault executed by the Rivers State Police Command.

2Baba died in Ebrass, Ahoada West Local Government Area, but unfortunately, his gang members managed to escape with his body. However, following an intensive seven-day search, aided by credible intelligence, 2Babas body was ultimately recovered from a shallow grave in the Ebrass forest.

Based on high demand, Rivers State Police Command hereby post pictures and video of the corpse of the notorious kingpin, Mr Okpara, who met his waterloo, the police wrote on X.

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A family who had gone missing in a remote, flooded region of Australia's outback have been found alive after a three-day search.

The family of seven had set off on Sunday, planning to travel 400 miles (650km) from Kalgoorlie Boulder to Tjuntjuntjara, in Western Australia.

The alarm was raised when they failed to arrive in the Aboriginal community.

Fears for their safety increased after the area was hit with more than six months' worth of rain in 24 hours.

It was thought their two cars - carrying three elderly people and four children aged seven to 17 - may have become bogged down in mud, the Guardian reports. Family and friends said they could not contact the group and it was unclear what supplies they had with them.

"They are important parts of the community, they are elders and artists, and their family is very anxious to hear from them," John Lark, chief executive of the Paupiyala Tjarutja Aboriginal Corporation, told the Guardian before they were found.

Initial attempts at finding the family were hampered by the weather, which had inundated highways and closed the main railway to the eastern states. Western Australia Police suspended the search on Tuesday, with Goldfields-Esperance District Inspector Mick Kelly telling WA Today that the aerial search was abandoned after just an hour.

But the family were found within hours of the search being able to resume on Wednesday after being spotted from the air. A picture shows the group standing by one of the cars.

Western Australia Police said provisions were being provided to the family while they waited to be evacuated to the city of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

Premier Roger Cooke said it was "a great outcome".

"I just want to thank all the police, first responders, search parties, everyone who participated in the efforts and the operations to locate that family," he told reporters on Thursday.

Members of their community have also expressed relief.

"I didn't think it would be quite so emotional because they're really bush savvy, we thought they'd be okay," Rhonda Thorncroft told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Story continues

"But we didn't know where they were, the road is incredibly treacherous at the moment.

"We were really worried about the little one, well all of them... we'll be very happy to see them home, that's for sure."
"Heather James is thrilled to present this superb selection of paintings by Winston Churchill," says Heather James Fine Art Co-Founder Jim Carona. "Not only was Churchill one of the greatest statesmen of the modern era, but his personal foray into painting showcased his inner workings with resulting artworks that are technically adept and aesthetically beautiful. These works read like pages out of his diary, mementos of the moments and places that were meaningful to one of the most important men of his day. We at Heather James have had the honor of working closely with Churchill's family and his oeuvre in the past and consider his works a specialty of ours. It is a joy to be able to share these phenomenal examples."

Winston Churchill: Making Art, Making History , an exhibition celebrating Churchill and his paintings at Heather James, asks us to contemplate the role of painting in his kaleidoscopic life.

The ten paintings offered by Heather James range from bold landscapes, a vibrant still life, and a quiet interior portrait. It was the Impressionist influence and his own pleasure that most likely made landscapes the genre of choice for Churchill. Painting en plein air was a hallmark for the Impressionists and so too did Churchill haul his paints and canvas outdoors and into nature. Looking at a landscape painting by Churchill is like reading a page of his diary. Given the many demands on his time and his accomplishments both as a politician and as a writer, the quality and productivity of his artistic output is difficult to fathom.

The ten works for sale from this collection include a number of superb examples both of Churchill's skill as a painter and the interesting stories behind the man and the paintings:

On the Rance Near St. Malo

At the Tate Museum's request, Churchill offered it to them in 1955 for acquisition, along with Loup River, as a "gift to the nation". Loup River was selected and On the Rance ended up lost in a storeroom at the Tate, where it remained undiscovered for nearly a half century.

The Bay of Eze

Painted close to the home of Churchill's lifelong friend and cousin by marriage, Consuelo Balsan nee Vanderbilt, a Gilded Age American socialite.

Oranges and Lemons

Churchill painted this work in January 1958 at La Pausa, once the home of Coco Chanel. At the time it was owned by Churchill's literary agent, Emery Reves, and his wife, Wendy. Ms. Reves later donated a portion of her Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collection to the Dallas Museum of Art, including works by Cezanne, who Churchill cited as an inspiration.

View of Loch Choire

Churchill painted this in 1919 while staying with his friend, the Duke of Sutherland, at Dunrobin Castle in Scotland, just a few years after he started painting at age 40. He returned to Dunrobin Castle in 1921 to recover shortly after losing his daughter Marigold, aged nearly 4. This was the second devastating death that year, as he also lost his American mother, Jennie Cornwallis-West.

Winston Churchill and his paintings are an area of expertise for Heather James. In 2018, Heather James Fine Art was proud to present an exhibition of ten of Winston Churchill's paintings.

For nearly 30 years, Heather James Fine Art has expanded into a global network with galleries located in Palm Desert, California, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming, along with consultancies in New York City, London, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Montecito, Newport Beach, Palm Beach, Basel in Switzerland, and Lake Como in Italy. Each year, its galleries present an array of museum-quality exhibitions exploring historical and contemporary themes or examining the work of individual influential artists.

Heather James Fine Art is dedicated to bringing exceptional art to private clients and museums globally while providing the utmost personalized logistical, curatorial, and financial services.

For more information about the collection of Winston Churchill paintings and Heather James Fine Art, please contact us at brent@heatherjames.com or call (760) 346-8926.

For media inquiries or to arrange an interview with Jim Carona about the Churchill exhibition, please contact Scott Busby at The Busby Group at scottb@thebusbygroup.com or call 310.600.7645.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2362303/Heather_James_Fine_Art.jpg
LANSDOWNE, Va., March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation named 459 community college students as semifinalists for its highly competitive Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. This scholarship aims to help community college students who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability, leadership, and service transfer to top four-year institutions and avoid student debt. The award, which is last dollar funding after all institutional aid, can provide as much as $55,000 per year for two to three years to complete a bachelor's degree at any accredited four-year undergraduate institution in the U.S.

This year's 459 semifinalists were chosen from a pool of more than 1,600 applicants, and attend 194 community colleges in 37 states, plus Washington, DC, and the Northern Mariana Islands. This comes at a time when only about a third of students starting in community colleges transfer to four-year schools, and only 16% earn a bachelor's degree within six years. The Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship represents a unique opportunity, providing crucial support for transfer students to overcome these barriers and successfully attain their bachelor's degrees.

"In light of the challenges that hinder many community college students from achieving their goal of earning a bachelor's degree, our Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship makes the journey more achievable and helps to eliminate the threat of student debt," said Seppy Basili, Executive Director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. "The exceptional pool of talent among this year's chosen semifinalists from community colleges showcases the vast potential within these institutions and we look forward to learning more about these students during the final stage of our application review."

The Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship offers unparalleled support to community college students. In addition to the generous financial support, selected Cooke Transfer Scholars will receive educational advising from the Foundation's Deans of Scholar Support to guide them through the process of transitioning to a four-year school and preparing for their future careers. They will also have access to internship opportunities, study abroad experiences, graduate school funding, and the invaluable connection to a robust network of more than 3,100 fellow Cooke Scholars and Alumni.

The finalists for the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship will be announced in May.

A list of this year's Cooke Transfer Scholar semifinalists and their respective community colleges is linked here . To learn more about the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, visit the website here .

SOURCE Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
NEW YORK, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global air quality monitor market size is estimated to grow by USD 2 billion from 2022 to 2027, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.99% during the forecast period. The escalating demand for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) monitoring in both residential and commercial sectors is fueling the global market's growth. With worsening environmental conditions, there's a surge in severe health issues and mortality rates linked to air pollution, as highlighted in the 2021 WHO report. Particularly, regions like India and South Africa face heightened exposure due to factors like increasing vehicle ownership and industrialization. Moreover, the implementation of international standards such as LEED and WELL underscores the urgency for sustainable building practices, further propelling the market. As the need for monitoring systems intensifies, the market is poised for significant expansion in the forecast period.

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Air Quality Monitor Market 2023-2027

For more insights on the historic market data (2017 to 2021) and forecast market size (2023 to 2027) - Request a sample report

Segment Overview

Technavio has segmented the market based on Product (Indoor, Outdoor, and Wearable), End-user (Government, Commercial and residential, Energy and pharmaceuticals, and Others), and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America).

The indoor segment is significant during the forecast period. Indoor air quality monitors are crucial devices designed to assess and maintain healthy indoor environments in homes, offices, and other buildings. Equipped with sensors, they detect pollutants, ventilation issues, and other factors, addressing the growing awareness of health risks and the emphasis on sustainable construction practices. This drives market growth.

Geography Overview

North America held the largest share of the global market in 2022, and the market in the region is estimated to witness an incremental growth of 33%. By geography, the global air quality monitor market is segmented into North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America. The report provides actionable insights and estimates the contribution of all regions to the growth of the global air quality monitor market.

Insights on the market contribution of various segments including country and region, historic market data (2017 to 2021), and forecast market size (2023 to 2027) - Download a Sample Report

Analyst Review

In today's world, the issue of air pollution has garnered significant attention from governments, environmental organizations, and health experts alike. With rapid urbanization, industrialization, and increasing vehicular emissions, the need for effective air quality monitoring systems has never been more pressing.

Government bodies such as the Central Pollution Control Board and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have implemented stringent regulations to control air pollution levels. National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP) is one such initiative aimed at monitoring various pollutants like Carbon monoxide (CO), Nitrogen oxides (NO2 and NO3), Ozone (O3), Particulate matter (PM), Sulfur dioxide (SO2), and Volatile organic compounds (VOC) to ensure compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

The detrimental effects of poor air quality on human health cannot be overstated. Conditions such as asthma, diabetes, obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular diseases are exacerbated by exposure to pollutants. Recognizing the severity of this issue, organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) have established Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) to safeguard public health.

Advancements in technology have led to the development of advanced air quality monitoring sensors (AQM sensors) capable of accurately detecting various pollutants in real-time. Companies like Clarity Movement Co, 2B Technologies, and others have emerged as key players in this rapidly evolving market, offering innovative solutions to address the growing demand for air quality monitoring systems.

The urgency to combat air pollution on a global scale has prompted the establishment of initiatives like the National Clean Air Program (NCAP), which aims to reduce pollution levels and improve air quality in urban areas. Additionally, organizations such as the International Diabetic Federation recognize the interconnection between air quality and health outcomes, advocating for comprehensive approaches to tackle both issues.

While outdoor air pollution garners significant attention, indoor air quality is equally important, especially considering that individuals spend a substantial amount of time indoors. Indoor air quality monitors play a crucial role in identifying and mitigating indoor air pollutants, thus safeguarding the health and well-being of occupants.

In conclusion, the air quality monitor market is witnessing robust growth driven by increasing awareness of the health impacts of air pollution, stringent government regulations, technological advancements, and global initiatives aimed at improving air quality standards. As the importance of clean air continues to gain prominence, the demand for innovative air quality monitoring solutions is expected to soar in the coming years.

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Market Overview

The global air quality monitoring system market is experiencing rapid growth driven by stringent government regulations like the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP) enforced by agencies such as the Central Pollution Control Board and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Compliance with NAAQS (National Ambient Air Quality Standards) is paramount, necessitating precise monitoring of pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NO2 and NO3), and ozone (O3). These regulations drive the demand for advanced air quality monitors capable of accurately measuring and analyzing pollutant levels. As environmental concerns escalate, the market for air quality monitoring systems is poised for continued expansion.

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Related Reports:

The Residential HVAC Market is forecast to increase by USD 42.39 billion, at a CAGR of 8.56% between 2023 and 2028.

The non-residential HVAC rental equipment market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.52% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 1,565.69 million.

ToC:

1 Executive Summary

2 Landscape

3 Sizing

4 Historic Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Segmentations

7 Customer Landscape

8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Vendor Landscape

11 Vendor Analysis

12 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 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.

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Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com

SOURCE Technavio
CHICAGO, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The aircraft engine test cells market is projected to grow from USD 3.3 billion in 2023 to USD 4.1 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2023 to 2028 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The market growth can be attributed to the growing investments in establishing new aircraft engine test facilities. The aircraft engine test cells market includes major players Safran (France), MDS Aero Support Corporation (US), Calspan Corporation (US), Atec, Inc. (US), and CEL (Canada). These players have spread their business across various countries includes North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.

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Browse in-depth TOC on "Aircraft Engine Test Cells Market"

235  Tables

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Aircraft Engine Test Cells Market Report Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2023 $ 3.3 billion Estimated Value by 2028 $ 4.1 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% Market Size Available for 20192028 Forecast Period 20232028 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Engine Test, End User, End-Use Industry, Point of Sale, Solution Type & Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Key Market Challenge Skilled Workforce Shortage Key Market Opportunities Advancements in Engine Technology Key Market Drivers Growing investments to establish new aircraft engine test facilities to drive market growth



Based on engine test, the turbofan segment is projected to lead the market during the forecast period.

The market for aircraft engine test cell solutions has been divided into four segments based on engine tests: piston engine, APU, turbofan, turbojet, and turboshaft (Auxiliary Power Unit). Due to its superior altitude capability over other engine types, turbofans are expected to dominate the aircraft engine test cells market throughout the forecast period. These engines are a great option for the military and commercial end uses, as they produce less noise than other types of engines.

Based on end-user, the OEMs segment will contribute to the highest market share in 2023.

The market for aircraft engine test cell solutions has been divided into OEMs, MROs, and airlines and operators segments based on the end-user. Because of significant expenditures in the modernization of engine test facilities, the OEMs segment is expected to hold the largest market share in 2023. These expenditures promote technological developments, raise the need for sophisticated testing equipment, and expand the market participants' worldwide reach.

Based on end-use industry, the commercial end-use industry will dominate the market during the forecast period.

The market for aviation engine test cell solutions has been divided into commercial and military segments based on the end-use industry. Due to its significantly larger fleet than military aviation, the commercial end-use industry is expected to dominate the market over the projection period. For the repair of aircraft engines, airlines and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) service providers are working together.

Based on point of sale, the retrofit & upgrades segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR.

The market for aircraft engine test cell solutions has been divided into three segments based on the point of sale: new installations, retrofit & upgrades, and maintenance & services. In the market for aircraft engine test cell solutions, the retrofit and upgrades sector is anticipated to expand at the fastest rate of growth since these projects provide a practical and affordable way to prolong the life and improve the functionality of current test cells.

Based on solution type, the test cells segment is projected to lead the aircraft engine test cells industry during the forecast period.

The market for aircraft engine test cell solutions has been divided into test cell, component test bench, software, ancillary system, and data acquisition & control system. The growing development of fuel efficient jet engines are driving the demand for advanced test cells which has capability to test sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) engines. Also, an increasing upgradation of existing test facilities to boost development of test cells during the forecast period.

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The Asia Pacific region is projected to be a high-growth potential market for aircraft engine test cell solutions during the forecast period.

Over the course of the projection period, Asia Pacific is anticipated to have the greatest CAGR. The Asia-Pacific region's growing aviation industry is driving a dynamic and swift rise of the market for aircraft engine test cell solutions. Numerous causes, including the rise in air travel, the spread of low-cost carriers, and significant government investments in aviation infrastructure across the region, are driving this expansion. The goal of producing aircraft engines independently has prompted large investments in R&D and testing facilities.

Key Players

The major players in aircraft engine test cell companies include Safran (France), MDS Aero Support Corporation (US), Calspan Corporation (US), Atec, Inc. (US), and CEL (Canada).

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Board-certified dermatologist's tips

ROSEMONT, Ill., March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bedbugs can make you itch just by thinking about them. These tiny, reddish-brown insects that feed on blood are notorious for infiltrating hotel rooms and luggage, hitchhiking their way back to a new home virtually undetected.

"Understanding what to be on the lookout for when checking for bedbugs is key," said Danilo Del Campo, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago. "If you're able to catch the infestation early enough you can avoid bringing a problem home, which can save a lot of frustration. However, these insects are tiny and that's not always possible."

Although bedbug bites are not usually dangerous, bedbugs can come home with you, infest your home, and cause a great deal of discomfort and anxiety. If bedbugs are present in your home, you will likely find bites on your body. These bites sometimes turn into itchy, red or purple welts and are often found in zigzag clusters of 3 to 5 bites.

To find bedbugs before they find you, Dr. Del Campo and the AAD recommend following these tips to check for the pesky insects while traveling and back at home:

1. Store your luggage. When you arrive at your lodging, temporarily place your luggage in a tiled area, like the bathroom, while you inspect your room. There are fewer spots for bedbugs to hide in bathrooms, so you can check your room without worry.

2. Check your furniture. Bedbugs often hide in upholstered areas. Carefully inspect your bedding, mattress, headboard, and any fabric-covered furniture for:

Rusty or reddish specks of blood.

Tiny, blackish dots that look like dots made by a markerthese may be bedbug feces.

Whitish, oval bedbug eggs the size of apple seeds.

Shell-like bedbug exoskeletons.

Live bedbugs.

3. Check your room. Make sure to check the seams of fabric, in dressers, behind wall hangings or wallpaper, in corners, and in between cushions. If a credit card could fit in a crack, a bedbug could fit, toothey are that small.

After you check your room, you can bring your luggage in.

Place your bags on a luggage rack away from the wall.

If you find signs of bedbugs, request a new room.

4. Check your luggage when you get home. After your trip, look at your belongings before unpacking to make sure no bedbugs came home with you.

Use a flashlight to check the contents of your bags, including the seams of your clothinglook closely at your luggage to make sure no bedbugs are hiding inside.

If you find signs of bedbugs in your luggage, wash your clothes on high heat and use a hand steamer to clean your luggage.

If you notice any physical signs of bedbugs on your body or experience blistering, a skin infection (bites feel tender or ooze discharge, such as pus), or an allergic reaction (red or purple swollen skin or hives), make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist.

You'll rarely see bedbugs due to their small size, so many people mistake their bites for mosquitoes, fleas, spiders, or common skin conditions such as a rash or chickenpox.

"Unfortunately, bedbug bites can look similar to other insect bites," said Dr. Del Campo. "A dermatologist will be able to help determine the cause of your bites and symptoms."

These tips are demonstrated in "How to check for bedbugs," a video posted to the AAD website and YouTube channel . This video is part of the AAD's "Your Dermatologist Knows" series, which offers tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair, and nails.

To find a board-certified dermatologist in your area, visit aad.org/findaderm .

More Information

Bedbugs

Bug bites and stings: When to see a dermatologist

AAD B-Roll Library

About the AAD

Headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 20,800 physicians worldwide, the AAD is committed to advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care because skin, hair, and nail conditions can have a serious impact on your health and well-being. For more information, contact the AAD at (888) 462-DERM (3376) or aad.org. Follow @AADskin on Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube and @AADskin1 on Instagram.

SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology
First drug therapy treatment for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) provides hopes to millions of Americans

FAIRFIELD, N.J., March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval of a first of its kind drug therapy, resmetirom, for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in patients who have progressed to fibrosis. NASH, now called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis or MASH, is a dangerously progressive form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease* (NAFLD) and causes inflammation in the liver and liver damage.

"American Liver Foundation applauds the FDA approval of the groundbreaking new drug therapy treatment, resmetirom, for patients with NASH who have progressed to fibrosis," said Lorraine Stiehl, Chief Executive Officer, American Liver Foundation. "Until now, there were no approved treatments for NASH and today's decision by the FDA provides hope to millions of Americans dealing with this dangerous and progressive disease."

First drug therapy treatment for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) provides hopes to millions of Americans. Post this

In the United States, NAFLD affects approximately 80-100 million people, among whom nearly 25% progress to NASH. Many do not know they have the disease. 11% of NASH patients will develop cirrhosis or liver failure. NASH may progress to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). NASH is expected to become the leading cause of liver transplantation in the United States by 2025.

"Innovation is the key for treating all types of liver diseases, especially one of this magnitude," said Emmanuel Thomas, MD, PhD, Board Chair of ALF. "We applaud the innovation shown by Madrigal Pharmaceuticals in developing the first-ever FDA-approved treatment for NASH in patients with fibrosis. While the target patient population for this drug will initially be limited, it is our hope that it will eventually be made available and affordable to all those affected by NASH."

American Liver Foundation offers many free resources to patients and families affected by liver disease. In addition to our toll-free helpline, 1-800-GO-LIVER, and live chat available at liverfoundation.org, patients with NASH are also encouraged to join ALF's free Facebook support group, Life with NAFLD/NASH, or a new support network for liver patients, "Sharing the Journeyan ALF support network for patients." Caregivers are encouraged to join our new support network, "Sharing the Journeyan ALF support network for caregivers." To find out if you are at risk for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease take a quick quiz available in English at: thinkliverthinklife.org/quiz and in Spanish at: thinkliverthinklife.org/prueba.

*Note: The nomenclature for NAFLD and NASH recently changed to metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) respectively. Learn more about the terminology changes and how it affects patients by watching this video.

About the American Liver Foundation

American Liver Foundation (ALF) is a national community of patients, caregivers and medical professionals dedicated to helping people improve their liver health. Providing guidance and life-saving resources, we are a beacon for the 100 million Americans affected by liver disease. We advocate for patients and families, fund medical research and educate the public about liver wellness and disease prevention. We bring people together through our educational programs and events and create a network of support that lasts a lifetime. ALF is the largest organization focused on all liver diseases and the trusted voice for patients and families living with liver disease. For more information visit www.liverfoundation.org or call 1-800-GO-LIVER.

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Fox Valley's Applications Expand ArmorWorks' Department of Defense Capabilities Into High Priority U.S. Navy Programs

CHANDLER, Ariz., March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ArmorWorks Enterprises, LLC ("ArmorWorks"), a portfolio company of Littlejohn Capital, LLC, announced today the acquisition of Fox Valley Metal-Tech, Incorporated ("Fox Valley"), a provider of complex, precision metal fabrications for use on naval ships, submarines, combat vessels, and other critical defense applications.

Founded in 1989 and based in Green Bay, WI, Fox Valley specializes in complex metal fabrications primarily for the U.S. Department of Defense ("DoD"), as well as commercial industries. The company manufactures custom electrical enclosures and consoles, components and fabrications for military trailers, radar systems as well as watertight doors and hatches. Fox Valley actively supports leading defense industry companies, and its precision components and fabrications are incorporated on the latest naval platforms such as the Ford-class aircraft carrier and Columbia-class submarine, amongst others. The company has a state-of-the-art 185,000 square foot facility that enables it to meet the highest of quality standards. For more information, visit www.fvmt.com.

Kevin Dahlin, Chief Executive Officer of ArmorWorks, commented, "Fox Valley's components meet the Navy's stringent requirements, and combine unique fabrication, machining, precision welding, and painting/finishing capabilities to provide customers with a vertically-integrated manufacturing solution in compliance with the highest U.S. military standards. Fox Valley's fabrications are trusted on high priority naval programs amid a historical fleet expansion, and we look forward to supplementing our existing business with the addition of Fox Valley's superior products."

Angus Littlejohn III, President of Littlejohn Capital, said, "Fox Valley's focus on mission-critical Naval systems instantly propels ArmorWorks into a broader segment of the DoD. The acquisition also adds impressive manufacturing capabilities in the Midwest expanding the geographic reach of ArmorWorks. Fox Valley is a trusted partner to the defense industry, and we are proud to add this company as an integral part of ArmorWorks as they continue to protect the military personnel who defend our country."

Steve Corbeille, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Fox Valley, added, "Fox Valley has built its business and reputation over the past 25 years by developing products whose standards are designed to withstand the harshest conditions. Fox Valley will continue to thrive and better serve its customers as part of a larger organization within ArmorWorks."

KAL Capital served as exclusive financial advisor to Fox Valley.

About ArmorWorks

Founded in 2001, ArmorWorks is a leading provider of specialized military survivability products. Its innovative technology is used to develop high performance products for the U.S. military forces and commercial industries, including composite and steel armor systems, blast attenuating seating, maximum-security enclosures and advanced door systems for the military and nuclear industries. A majority of ArmorWorks' business is with the DoD, including all services, as well as many defense and commercial Original Equipment Manufacturers. For more information, visit www.armorworks.com.

Contact: Chris Tofalli

Chris Tofalli Public Relations LLC

914-834-4334

SOURCE Littlejohn Capital, LLC
Highest Potential SFR Returns around Vero Beach, St. Louis, Brownsville, Rochester and Augusta; Rental Margins Increasing in About Two-thirds of Nation

IRVINE, Calif., March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ATTOM, a leading curator of land, property, and real estate data, today released its Q1 2024 Single-Family Rental Market report, which ranks the best U.S. markets for buying single-family rental properties in 2024.

The report analyzed single-family rental returns in 341 U.S. counties with a population of at least 100,000 and sufficient rental and home price data. The analysis for this report incorporated median rents and median home prices collected from ATTOM's nationwide property database, as well as publicly recorded sales deed data licensed by ATTOM (see full methodology below).

View interactive map displaying SFR returns in all 341 counties analyzed

The report shows that the average annual three-bedroom gross rental yield (annualized gross rent income divided by median purchase price) among the 341 counties analyzed is projected to be 7.55 percent in 2024. That is up slightly from an average of 7.39 percent in those same markets a year ago, marking the second year of rising projections after three years of declines.

Investment returns for landlords continue to increase as rents are going up slightly faster than home prices across a majority of the country. From 2023 to 2024, median three-bedroom rents rose more than median single-family home prices in 216, or 63 percent, of the markets analyzed. The gaps were small  usually less than one percentage point  but enough to push rental yields upward.

That has happened amid a combination of market forces spurring demand for rentals. They include a historically tight supply of homes for sale and home-price increases that have slowed but not enough to make buying widely affordable for average wage earners.

"The U.S. home sales market cooled off a good bit last year, with some of the weakest gains over the past decade. But that wasn't enough to make home prices affordable for most workers, which likely fed enough demand to push up rents and yields for investors who lease out single-family properties," said Rob Barber, CEO at ATTOM. "The fact that so few homes are available for sale in many markets clearly further helped increase rental demand for landlords and boost their bottom lines."

Top rental returns in Indian River, St. Lous, Cameron, Monroe and Richmond counties, as well as other parts of Midwest, Northeast and South

Counties with the highest potential annual gross rental yields on three-bedroom properties for 2024 are Indian River County, FL, in the Sebastian-Vero Beach metro area (14.6 percent); St. Lous City, MO, (14.6 percent); Cameron County, TX, in the Brownsville-Harlingen metro area (13.2 percent); Monroe County, NY, in the Rochester metro area (12.8 percent) and Richmond County, GA, in the Augusta-Richmond County metro area (12.7 percent).

The highest potential annual three-bedroom gross rental yields in 2024 among counties with a population of at least 1 million are in Wayne County (Detroit), MI (12 percent); Allegheny County (Pittsburgh), PA (11.2 percent); Cuyahoga County (Cleveland), OH (10.2 percent); Cook County (Chicago), IL (10.1 percent) and Riverside County, CA (9.7 percent).

Rental returns increase across majority of nation

Potential annual three-bedroom gross rental yields for 2024 have increased compared to 2023 in 216 of the 341 counties analyzed in the report (63 percent). They are led by Taylor County (Abilene), TX (yield up from 7.6 percent in 2023 to 11.3 percent in 2024); Jefferson County (Birmingham), AL (up from 8.5 percent to 12.1 percent); Richmond County (Augusta), GA (up from 9.6 percent to 12.7 percent); Midland County, TX (up from 8.7 percent to 11.7 percent) and Aiken County, SC (outside Augusta, GA) (up from 8.4 percent to 11.1 percent).

The biggest increases in potential annual gross rental yields from 2023 to 2024 among counties with a population of at least 1 million are in Riverside County, CA (yield up from 7.4 percent in 2023 to 9.7 percent in 2024); Los Angeles County, CA (up from 5.6 percent to 7.1 percent); Fulton County (Atlanta), GA (up from 6 percent to 6.8 percent); Montgomery County, MD (outside Washington, DC) (up from 4.4 percent to 5.2 percent) and Dallas County, TX (up from 7.4 percent to 8.1 percent).

Metro areas with a population of 1 million of more showing decreases in potential gross three-bedroom rental yields from 2023 to 2024 are led by Kings County, Brooklyn, NY (yield down from 8 percent to 4.4 percent); Cook County (Chicago), IL (down from 11 percent to 10.1 percent); Wayne County (Detroit), MI (down from 12.8 percent to 12 percent); Miami-Dade County, FL (down from 7.9 percent to 7.3 percent) and Nassau County, NY (outside New York City) (down from 7.1 percent to 6.8 percent).

Lowest rental returns in San Francisco, San Jose, Nashville and Washington, D.C., metro areas, along with other western markets

Counties with the lowest potential annual gross returns for 2024 on three-bedroom rentals are Santa Clara County, CA, in the San Jose metro area (3 percent); San Mateo County, CA, in the San Francisco metro area (3.4 percent); Arlington County, VA, in the Washington, DC, metro area (3.8 percent); Williamson County, TN, in the Nashville metro area (3.9 percent) and San Francisco County, CA (3.9 percent).

Aside from Santa Clara County, the lowest potential annual gross three-bedroom rental yields in 2024 among counties with a population of at least 1 million are in Honolulu County, HI (4.1 percent); Fairfax County, VA (outside Washington, D.C.) (4.2 percent); Kings County (Brooklyn), NY (4.4 percent) and Alameda County (Oakland), CA (4.4 percent).

Rents rising faster than wages in majority of counties measured

Median three-bedroom rents are rising faster than average wages in 197 of the 341 counties analyzed (58 percent), including Los Angeles County, CA; Harris County (Houston), TX; Maricopa County (Phoenix), AZ); San Diego County, CA, and Orange County, CA (outside Los Angeles).

Average wages are increasing faster than median three-bedroom rents in 144 of the 341 counties analyzed (42 percent), including Cook County (Chicago), IL; Miami-Dade County, FL; Kings County (Brooklyn), NY; Queens County, NY, and San Bernardino County, CA.

Rents rising faster than home prices in two-thirds of nation

Median three-bedroom rents are rising faster than median single-family home prices in 216 of the 341 counties analyzed (63 percent). They include Los Angeles County, CA; Harris County (Houston), TX; Maricopa County (Phoenix), AZ); San Diego County, CA, and Orange County, CA (outside Los Angeles).

Median home prices are going up faster than median three-bedroom rents in 125 of the counties analyzed (37 percent), including Cook County (Chicago), IL; Miami-Dade County, FL; Kings County (Brooklyn), NY; Queens County, NY, and San Bernardino County, CA.

Wages rising faster than prices in more than half of markets

Average wages are increasing faster than median single-family home prices in 196 of the 341 counties analyzed (57 percent), including Harris County (Houston), TX; Dallas County, TX; Riverside County, CA; Queens County, NY, and Clark County (Las Vegas), NV.

Median home prices are increasing faster than average wages in 145 of the counties analyzed (43 percent). They include Los Angeles County, CA; Cook County (Chicago), IL; Maricopa County (Phoenix), AZ); San Diego County, CA, and Orange County, CA (outside Los Angeles).

Best SFR growth markets include Chicago, Detroit and Cleveland

The report identified 28 "SFR Growth" counties where average wages grew over the past year and potential 2024 annual gross three-bedroom rental yields exceed 10 percent.

The 28 SFR Growth markets include Cook County (Chicago), IL; Wayne County (Detroit), MI; Cuyahoga County (Cleveland), OH; Allegheny County (Pittsburgh), PA and Shelby County (Memphis), TN.

Methodology

For this report, ATTOM looked at U.S. counties with a population of 100,000 or more and sufficient home price and rental rate data. ATTOM used single-family, home price data from its publicly recorded sales deed data, as well as three-bedroom rental data, collected and licensed by ATTOM. The analysis also incorporated second-quarter 2023 average weekly wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (most recent available).

About ATTOM

ATTOM provides premium property data to power products that improve transparency, innovation, efficiency, and disruption in a data-driven economy. ATTOM multi-sources property tax, deed, mortgage, foreclosure, environmental risk, natural hazard, and neighborhood data for more than 155 million U.S. residential and commercial properties covering 99 percent of the nation's population. A rigorous data management process involving more than 20 steps validates, standardizes, and enhances the real estate data collected by ATTOM, assigning each property record with a persistent, unique ID  the ATTOM ID. The 30TB ATTOM Data Warehouse fuels innovation in many industries including mortgage, real estate, insurance, marketing, government and more through flexible data delivery solutions that include ATTOM Cloud, bulk file licenses, property data APIs, real estate market trends, property navigator and more. Also, introducing our newest innovative solution, making property data more readily accessible and optimized for AI applications AI-Ready Solutions.

Media Contact:|

Megan Hunt

[email protected]

Data and Report Licensing:

[email protected]

SOURCE ATTOM
CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bank of America Corporation today announced the Board of Directors has authorized regular cash dividends on the outstanding shares or depositary shares of the following series of preferred stock:

Series of Preferred Stock Dividend per Share or Depositary Share1 Record Date Payment Date







7.25% Non-Cumulative

Perpetual Convertible

Preferred Stock, Series L $18.125 April 1 April 30







Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-

Cumulative Preferred Stock,

Series Z $32.500 April 1 April 23







5.875% Non-Cumulative

Preferred Stock, Series HH $0.3671875 April 1 April 24







4.375% Non-Cumulative

Preferred Stock, Series NN $0.2734375 April 15 May 3







4.125% Non-Cumulative

Preferred Stock, Series PP $0.2578125 April 15 May 2







4.375% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-

Cumulative Preferred Stock,

Series RR $10.9375000 April 1 April 29







6.125% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-

Cumulative Preferred Stock,

Series TT $15.3125000 April 1 April 29





1 Each series of preferred stock, other than Series L, is represented by depositary shares. Dividend payments are made on a quarterly basis for each series of preferred stock, other than Series Z, for which dividends are paid on a semi-annual basis.

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,800 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 57 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BAC).

For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom. Click here to register for news email alerts.

www.bankofamerica.com

Investors May Contact:

Lee McEntire, Bank of America

Phone: 1.980.388.6780

[email protected]

Jonathan G. Blum, Bank of America (Fixed Income)

Phone: 1.212.449.3112

[email protected]

Reporters May Contact:

Bill Halldin, Bank of America

Phone: 1.916.724.0093

[email protected]

Christopher P. Feeney, Bank of America

Phone: 1.980.386.6794

[email protected]

SOURCE Bank of America Corporation
Deep tech is on the rise in Europe, fueled in part by the match between AI and a local flavor of math excellence. But it's also benefiting from a growing community, public support and increasing amounts of funding.

Elaia's third deep tech seed fund, DTS3, is an example: "It is double the size of the two previous funds," Anne-Sophie Carrese, a managing partner at the French VC firm, told TechCrunch. With a first closing at 60 million, it is set to reach 120 million by the time its fundraising is complete, which she said should happen by early 2025. It's already identified the first three startups to join its portfolio.

While other deep tech funds have emerged across Europe since Elaia's creation in 2002, the firm puts relationships it built with research institutions over the years to good use.

Building these partnerships has proven to be a solid source of deal flow for Elaia  in some cases, it has even gotten priority or exclusive access to projects coming out of certain labs. For instance, partnerships have led to investments in companies such as Aqemia, Alice&Bob and Mablink Bioscience. The latter, a biotech company working on novel cancer drugs, struck a deal to be acquired by Eli Lilly, "a very nice exit" according to Carrese.

How well some of these companies have been doing is one reason why Elaia wanted a larger fund: It will have more deal flow, and it would make sense to be able to accompany the most successful bets it results in. Its goal with DTS3, Carrese said, is to invest very small tickets in some 40 incipient B2B deep tech startups, and follow on in 25 to 30 of them when they will be leaning closer to seed stage.

The deep tech fund will focus on computing, industry and life science. Pure AI will fall under the first pillar, as will quantum and cybersecurity, but DTS3's capital could also be invested in AI-driven chemistry and biology, for instance. "Future of industry" is even broader, including energy, climate tech and new materials.

Story continues

"It's really a multi-sector fund, and in the Elaia team, we have investors who cover each of these sectors," Carrese said. "We have to make 80% of our deals in the EU, strictly speaking, but the remaining 20% is open to the rest of the world." In practice, though, 80% of that 20% will likely go to companies in Spain and Germany, two countries in which Elaia has been deploying efforts.

European dynamism

DTS3 signals the momentum that is forming around an emerging concept: European dynamism, a response to the "American dynamism" nickname coined by a16z.

One of its vocal advocates is Kyle O'Brien, a Paris-based Irish and American national behind two initiatives: The European Dynamism 50 report and tech tour.

European Dynamism "is more of a movement than a category or industry vertical," O'Brien told TechCrunch. "I think, now more than ever, we need something like that to capture the attention of founders, as well as capital domestically and from abroad. So the idea behind the tour is to attract American investors to come over here and explore what that means."

Elaia will be the French ambassador of the tour, which will take a group of general partners from U.S. VC firms to four countries in less than a week next June, with visits to CERN, a rocket factory, ETH Zurich, ASML and more. To no one's surprise, the Paris stop involves a boat cruise on the Seine and lots of AI.

The report, which was published this Wednesday, highlights 50 European deep tech companies, but more as an editorialized showcase than as a ranking. "The only quantitative aspect is that we gave each country a number of companies proportional to the amount of VC dollars that go into their deep tech system," O'Brien said.

Regardless of methodology, Elaia's portfolio companies make up a sizable share of the French contingent of the list. One name on the list is Zama, a French encryption company that announced a $73 million round of funding a few days ago.

Zama CEO Rand Hindi, a seasoned entrepreneur, co-founded VC firm Unit Ventures alongside O'Brien. The duo has already done a dozen investments together and is looking to do the first close of its fund "in the first half of this year," O'Brien said.

While the firms may overlap in investments, they don't fully see eye to eye on the "deep tech" term. While O'Brien has replaced it with "dynamism" in pitch decks about the tour to LPs, Carrese sees no reason to retire it. "For us, deep tech is a natural fit, as we've always been very close to research at Elaia," she said.

French tailwinds

Elaia's research partnerships also leverage France's expertise in mathematics  something that's been very helpful to the country's tech ecosystem with the rise of generative AI. Lazarus is a former researcher in pure mathematics, and he is not the only math brain on the team, nor in France's tech ecosystem.

"We have natural connections with all the math laboratories," Carrese said, "and we see our former classmates and their students now becoming AI's little wizards and building the most emblematic companies of the moment."

Besides France's ability to nurture this type of talent, there are other tailwinds coming from public policy. Two names come to mind: Tibi and Bpifrance.

You may not know Philippe Tibi, but you may start hearing his last name more often. Like Carrese, he is a former student of Polytechnique, one of France's most prestigious higher education establishments. But he also inspired the namesake initiative that incentivizes institutional investors, including major insurance companies, to back venture capital funds, which hasn't traditionally been the case in France.

Tibi's report was issued in 2019, but DTS3 may be one of the first tangible results of its second phase, Tibi 2. Says Carrese:

We were lucky enough to be accredited at the very first committee meeting last July . . . and this has clearly given us access, in much larger amounts, to leading institutional investors. And that's great news, because these are people to whom we know we'll deliver performance afterwards [so] we're looking forward to building long-term relationships thanks to this initiative. It's not just a windfall. We know we have partners we can trust for the long term.

This support is also timely, as 2023 wasn't exactly a great time to raise funds. But Elaia found another key supporter in French public sector investment bank Bpifrance. A major investor in DTS3, according to Carrese, the institution has also been deemed the machine powering French tech's rise.

All of these factors make DTS3's home turf its ideal playing ground. "We're really going to keep two thirds of our deal flow in France, because this creates a dynamic for the creation of startups which is extraordinary."
COPENHAGEN, Denmark, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BioInnovation Institute (BII), an international non-profit foundation, incubating and accelerating world-class life science research, today announces that it has accepted a new project into its Bio Studio program to develop a small RNA-based platform technology for treating monogenic diseases caused by reduced protein levels, primarily haploinsufficiency disorders, which constitute a significant unmet medical need. The project, named smartRNA will be led by Sren Lykke-Andersen.

The approach to achieve this involves delivering an engineered small artificial (smart)RNA into the cell, where it assembles with endogenous protein co-factors to form an enzymatic complex. The smartRNA is customizable, designed to specifically target the disease-associated healthy pool of mRNA for stabilization. This stabilization delays mRNA degradation, allowing additional rounds of translation, resulting in increased levels of the functional protein. The technology has platform potential, as it leverages a universal small RNA pathway to target generic mRNA features.

Thus, the aim of the smartRNA project in BII's Bio Studio program is to leverage this proprietary technology to develop treatments for currently untreatable disorders caused by haploinsufficiency or other monogenic diseases caused by reduced protein activity.

BII will support the project with an in-kind grant of up to 1M EUR per year for a project period of up to three years as well as with business development expertise, intellectual property support, access to investor network, and both wet lab and office infrastructure.

During the 3-year BII Bio Studio program, the objective of smartRNA is to deliver an in vitro proof-of-concept, a pseudo in vivo proof-of-principle, and in vitro benchmarking against established technologies.

Principal Investigator Sren Lykke-Andersen is a Senior Scientist at Aarhus University (AU), working at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. He leads a research group focused on RNA therapeutics and has extensive expertise in studying RNA, including practical laboratory work, advanced computational analysis of complex data sets, and more than 15 years of experience supervising students and technicians.

Sren Lykke-Andersen, Principal Investigator at the Aarhus University said: "There are around 350 confirmed and many more predicted haploinsufficiency diseases, including many serious conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, and developmental disorders. Thus, there is a high unmet medical need to develop effective methods to treat monogenic diseases caused by reduced protein levels, primarily haploinsufficiency disorders. With the support of BII, we will be able to translate our research into a superior customizable small RNA-based platform technology to achieve this".

Anja Mlhart Hg, Entrepreneur-in-Residence heading up the smartRNA project, added: "We are excited to welcome the smartRNA project to BII's Bio Studio program. smartRNA is addressing an area with a significant unmet need - for the vast majority of haploinsufficiency diseases, there is a lack of disease-modifying treatment options. This innovative approach has the potential to transform the treatment landscape for haploinsufficiency diseases and to make a significant societal impact, offering hope and improved outcomes for patients worldwide through personalized medicine and precision therapeutics for rare diseases".

Read more about the smartRNA project here.

The Bio Studio program is a recently established BII program with the ambition to build and run a leading life science company creation facility in Europe. This latest project joins collaborations announced last year with KU Leuven, University of Copenhagen, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Imperial College London, and Institute of Protein Design at University of Washington.

Since its inception in 2018, BII has supported 100 start-ups and projects with EUR 97 million alongside the venture capital, industry and business expertise it provides to help them accelerate to the next level. In total, BII's start-ups have raised over EUR 428 million in external funding from both local and international investors. Recent company successes include Embark Laboratories, Adcendo, Stipe Therapeutics, Twelve Bio, Octarine Bio, and Cirqle Biomedical.

Read more about the Bio Studio program here.

About the BioInnovation Institute Foundation:

At BioInnovation Institute (BII), we accelerate world-class life science start-up innovation for the benefit of people and society. As a non-profit institute, BII operates the company creation programs, Bio Studio, Venture Lab and Venture House, to support life science start-ups with knowledge, network, infrastructure and funding of up to 3M EUR per projects and 1,8 M EUR per start-up. With our expertise, network, funding, and infrastructure, we empower startups to succeed and believe in the transformative power of life science innovation. Read more on www.bioinnovationinstitute.com

About Aarhus University

Established in 1928, Aarhus University has since developed into a major Danish university with a strong international reputation across the entire research spectrum. Rooted in strong disciplines, researchers and students have been generating new knowledge for over 90 years. Aarhus University is Denmark's second-largest university, with 38,000 students, five faculties, research activities all over the country and campuses in Aarhus, Herning and Emdrup. Research and education of the highest international quality are at the core of its mission, and strong partnerships with our society are at the heart of our activities. Thanks to its size and reputation as a leading research-intensive university, Aarhus University has strong impact and influence across the entire spectrum of disciplines, locally, nationally and globally.

SOURCE Optimum Strategic Communications
Championing Prevention Coalitions

ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a resolute commitment to combating substance misuse and fostering community well-being, CADCA proudly announces its active participation in the 67th Annual United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), taking place March 14  22, 2024, in Vienna, Austria. As a leading advocate for community-based prevention efforts, CADCA brings over 25 years of experience in empowering coalitions to create positive change and build a world of safer, healthier, and stronger communities.

CADCA's active involvement at the 67th CND is instrumental, reflecting its commitment to advancing effective drug policies and promoting community well-being on an international stage. CADCA will play a key role in co-hosting informative side events, delving into critical topics such as exploring the unintended consequences of hemp legalization, sharing best practices and lessons learned in community-based prevention, discussing effective strategies for addressing drug demand, and exploring creative methods for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to support community building towards prevention.

Moreover, CADCA is privileged to be invited to participate in the High-Level Segment, focusing on evaluating the implementation of international drug policy commitments from 2019 to 2023 and outlining the path forward for the next five years. This prestigious inclusion highlights CADCA's standing as a thought leader in the field.

CADCA's main objectives at the CND includes advocating for effective drug policies, sharing best practices in community-based prevention, and fostering collaboration with international partners. CADCA will meet with top officials from Argentina, Togo, the Philippines, and Italy, to drive home CADCA's message that the most effective approach to substance use prevention is through empowering and educating communities to form and sustain prevention coalitions.

CADCA's President and CEO, General Barrye L. Price, states, "At CADCA, we are driven by the belief that communities possess the power to create lasting change. Our involvement at the 67th CND underscores our dedication to advancing effective drug policies and promoting community well-being on a global scale."

About CADCA

CADCA is the leading substance misuse prevention organization, representing over 5,000 community-based coalitions across the United States and territories and more than 30 countries around the world who work to create safer, healthier, and stronger communities. CADCA provides resources, customized training, and signature events designed to help our coalitions be effective and sustainable. The CADCA model emphasizes the power of community coalitions to prevent substance misuse through collaborative efforts.

About The United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs

Founded in 1946 by Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) resolution 9(I), the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) plays a pivotal role in supporting ECOSOC in overseeing the implementation of international drug control treaties. Gathering annually, the CND engages in comprehensive deliberations and makes impactful decisions and resolutions that contribute to shaping the global approach to drug control.

CADCA

Maria Egan

Director, Communications and Marketing

[email protected]

SOURCE CADCA
NEW YORK, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cambridge Wilkinson ("CW" www.cambridgewilkinson.com) is pleased to announce the spin out and full support of an affiliate, BCB Equity Partners ("BCB" www.bcbequitypartners.com), an independent private equity firm which will pursue control and buyout transactions in the lower middle market. The geographic focus of BCB will be North America initially.

BCB will be led by distinguished Wall Street veteran David Barcus as CEO; the Co-Founders of Cambridge Wilkinson, Rob Bolandian and Howard Chernin, will serve as Co-Chairmen. BCB will pursue companies with EBITDA ranging from $5MM to $50MM, targeting enterprise values of $20MM to $250MM in six verticals: Consumer Goods, Basic Manufacturing, Retail, Mining and Energy Services, Renewables, and Transportation, Distribution and Logistics.

Mr. Barcus joined Mr. Bolandian and Mr. Chernin at BCB, following a 30-year career in leveraged finance, project finance, and high yield capital markets. He was previously affiliated with independent sponsor firm MTN Capital Partners, along with prior roles at Raymond James, BBVA, Knight Capital, BNP Paribas and Bear Stearns. His long and varied experience has included work on six continents, where he raised both debt and equity capital for a variety of transactions. For much of his career, Barcus has focused on both conventional and renewable energy as well as heavy industry, and he has also closed a significant number of consumer products, logistics, retail, and manufacturing transactions.

BCB will draw heavily on the combined demonstrated expertise and experience of CW and its founders Mr. Bolandian and Mr. Chernin in capital markets and deal origination, structuring and closing transactions. Prior to Co-Founding CW, Mr. Bolandian honed his investing experience as a C-Suite Executive at a Forbes 400 multi-billion dollar Single Family Office, while Mr. Chernin has had extensive experience in private debt markets and building and managing several operating businesses.

Over its 10-year history, CW has closed multiple billions in transactions, has 40+ bankers and originators across the globe, and maintains a deep investor network across credit and equity. BCB will seek to complete transactions by leveraging CW's network of investors, as well as the personal contacts of its partners.

www.bcbequitypartners.com

www.cambridgewilkinson.com

About Us:

Cambridge Wilkinson is a leading global investment bank with the speed, connections, and the confidence to get transactions done. With a focus on middle-market companies, we arrange debt and equity capital raises from $25 million to $5 billion and advise on mergers and acquisitions. In addition, we also provide flexible and scalable leverage facilities and credit facilities for private equity funds and alternative credit funds which range from $25 million to $2 billion. We bring deep experience working with specialty finance institutions, real estate entities, funds as well as businesses spanning a variety of other industries. We offer unique access to a broad network of capital sources including large family offices, credit funds, banks, non-bank credit groups, insurance companies, private equity, sovereigns, and endowments.

All securities assignments are completed through Avalon Securities, Ltd. a FINRA member and SEC registered broker-dealer.

Rob Bolandian, Partner & Global Head of Investment Banking

[email protected]

Howard Chernin, Partner & COO

[email protected]

David Barcus, CEO at BCB Equity Partners

[email protected]

SOURCE Cambridge Wilkinson
DALLAS, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Canyon Partners ("Canyon"), a $24 billion global alternative investment manager, today announced that Dai-ichi Life Holdings ("Dai-ichi"), the largest publicly traded life insurance group in Japan, has agreed to acquire a 19.9% strategic minority stake in the Canyon business.

100% of the net proceeds from the transaction will be retained on Canyon's balance sheet and reinvested in the business, providing funding to seed new products and optimally scale existing products. In connection with the transaction, Dai-ichi will also be committing at least $1.3 billion of LP capital to several of Canyon's commingled funds. Canyon's current management team will continue to lead the company, with Co-Founders and Co-CEOs Josh Friedman and Mitch Julis committing to stay on at Canyon for at least five years.

Mr. Friedman and Mr. Julis said in a joint statement, "After over three decades in a rapidly evolving alternative investment landscape, Canyon was one of the few remaining independent credit firms. It was important to us to maintain that independence until we could identify a strategic partner that could bring skills, capital, and competitive edges of its own to further enhance Canyon's position for the next several decades. Dai-ichi is an innovative firm with a history of savvy product development and successful investments in and partnerships with Japanese and non-Japanese companies alike. It is also a large institutional asset owner whose capital deployment goals are synergistic with Canyon's product development initiatives. This transaction will enable us to double down on our alignment with current and future LPs, provide our LPs with a broader array of solutions and deal flow by tapping into Dai-ichi's capital, increase our competitiveness relative to peers that have long enjoyed the benefits of external GP capital, and continue attracting top tier talent for decades to come. We're excited to lead the firm through its next stage of evolution over the next five years and set up Canyon's next generation leaders with an incredibly well-capitalized platform that is on its front foot."

Under the terms of the agreement, Dai-ichi has the right to acquire up to 51% of the equity interest in Canyon in 2027 and up to 100% in 2029. In the event Dai-ichi were to exercise that right, the Canyon team would retain the vast majority of the incentive fees generated by its products, ensuring significant and ongoing alignment with LPs.

"By leveraging Canyon's leading capabilities in alternative asset management, and specifically its private debt experience, Dai-ichi will strengthen its overall business portfolio, provide higher absolute and risk-adjusted returns to stakeholders, and advance its capital efficiency objectives," said Takashi Iida, Managing Executive Officer, Group Head, Retirement, Savings and Asset Management Business of Dai-ichi Life Holdings. "Under the leadership of Mr. Friedman and Mr. Julis, Canyon has built excellent long-term investment track records across several asset categories, and we appreciate the firm's leaders' continued commitment to advancing the business."

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including certain regulatory consents, which are expected to be satisfied over the coming months.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Ardea Partners LP acted as financial advisors to Canyon, while Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison acted as Canyon's legal counsel. BofA Securities acted as financial advisor to Dai-ichi Life Holdings, while Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP acted as Dai-ichi's legal counsel.

About Canyon Partners, LLC

Founded in 1990, Canyon employs a deep value, credit intensive approach across public and private corporate credit, structured credit, and direct real estate lending and investing. The firm seeks to capture excess returns available to those investors with specialized expertise, rigorous research capabilities, and the ability to underwrite complexity. Canyon invests on behalf of a broad range of institutions globally.

For more information visit: www.canyonpartners.com.

About Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc.

Since its establishment in 1902, the Dai-ichi Life Group ("the Group") has strived to follow its corporate philosophy of putting its customers first  "By your side, for life"  and provide products and services that best suit its customers' changing needs, including protection insurance, saving insurance, retirement products and asset management services. The Group currently operates in 10 countries, from emerging to developed countries.

For more information, visit: https://www.dai-ichi-life-hd.com/en/index.html

Media Contact

Kris Cole

Prosek Partners

[email protected]

SOURCE Canyon Partners
Market-proven contingency-based model boosts profit margins, improves patient satisfaction and enhances regulatory compliance for non-profit health systems.

CHICAGO, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Capta Health Partners, a leading provider of Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) optimization services, today unveiled its groundbreaking revenue ecosystem management solution, with Presbyterian Healthcare Services as their first partner.

Capta collaborates with provider clients and makes substantial investments in the health systems it serves to boost Net Patient Revenues (NPR) and increase patient satisfaction. Operating under a shared risk-reward model, Capta bases fees on achieving specific NPR performance targets.

"Our nation's healthcare systems are under enormous pressures and need a new and innovative approach to help them maintain their autonomy and community focus," said Jason Lerch, President and COO of Capta Health Partners. "We purpose-built Capta from the ground up to transform traditional revenue cycle approaches and deliver next-generation results. Capta helps non-profit healthcare systems optimize yield and achieve benchmark-crushing financial performance, without transitioning their employees, and without giving up their culture, their people, or their community relationships."

In the first year of partnership, Capta and Presbyterian provided a 3% lift in net patient revenue beyond Presbyterian's high-performing operations.

"Presbyterian's purpose is to help our patients, members and communities achieve their best health," said Dale Maxwell, Chief Executive Officer of Presbyterian Healthcare Services. "Optimizing our revenue cycle management is actually strengthening our ability to deliver on that important purpose. While we have built an industry leading revenue cycle for years, partnering with Capta has shown us another level of performance that is possible with technology innovation and enhanced management focus."

Capta Health Partners was established in November of 2022. Eir Partners, an investment company focused exclusively on the dynamic healthcare and technology marketplace, and HumanityCorp, a public benefit corporation that empowers hospital systems to convert their back-office cost centers into valuable financial assets, came together to form EirHC Holdings. Capta Health Partners was subsequently formed as a joint venture between EirHC Holdings and Presbyterian Healthcare Services, a New Mexico-based, Integrated Delivery Network that is the state's largest private employer, with more than 14,000 employees.

"We are on a mission to collaborate with best-in-class healthcare providers to build innovative companies," said Abdul Hussein, Managing Partner at HumanityCorp. "Presbyterian Healthcare Service is a seven-time HFMA MAP App awarded, industry-leading integrated delivery network. They are an ideal provider to partner with in building a revenue ecosystem management company to leverage their true best-in-class RCM expertise."

Eir Partners has provided funding and access to an extensive network of industry expertise and resources to enable Capta to scale its solution and execute a go-to-market strategy.

"Joining forces with Presbyterian has enabled us to assemble a dream team of innovators and experienced operators," said John Woody, Operating Partner at EirHC Holdings.

"The early business results are impressive, and we are excited and ready to bring Capta's capabilities to future healthcare clients," said Brett Carlson, CEO of Eir Partners.

Having proved its thesis over the past 14 months, Capta is currently positioned to pursue broader segments of the healthcare services market, targeting non-profit health systems and mid-sized integrated delivery networks.

About Capta Health Partners

Capta Health Partners is a new-path revenue ecosystem optimization company that helps non-profit healthcare systems achieve exceptional financial performance without compromising their culture or independent identity so that they can continue to function as a community-focused provider. In addition to systems and process optimization they also support providers in identifying and curating a revenue ecosystem. Capta believes that optimal RCM performance is achieved through combining internal performance optimization with skilled vendor ecosystem management.

SOURCE Capta Health Partners
CardinalOps Named Winner in the 20th Annual Globee Awards for Cybersecurity

TEL-AVIV, Israel and BOSTON, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CardinalOps , the detection posture management company, announced today that it was selected as a Gold winner in the 20th Annual 2024 Globee Cybersecurity Awards . The Globee Awards, a leading authority in recognizing business excellence globally, has honored CardinalOps for outstanding innovation and effectiveness in cybersecurity.

The Globee Cybersecurity Awards spotlight the achievements of companies and individuals excelling in risk management, threat detection, cloud security, data privacy, and beyond. This accolade underscores our commitment to securing digital infrastructures and safeguarding against cyber threats.

"Receiving this Gold Award in Security Analytics and Threat Detection from the Globee Awards validates our innovative efforts and unwavering dedication to our customer's security," said Michael Mumcuoglu, CEO and Co-Founder of CardinalOps. "This recognition serves as a testament to our ongoing commitment to excellence in cybersecurity."

Judges recognized the CardinalOps platform for its mission to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of an organization's existing SOC tools. Additionally, the judges noted that the platform leverages automation to assess an organization's security posture, using the standard MITRE ATT&CK framework as the benchmark, to ultimately support executive leadership and the board in managing risk.

In November, CardinalOps contributed updates to the latest version of MITRE ATT&CK, marking the fourth consecutive release of MITRE ATT&CK to which the CardinalOps team has contributed.

San Madan, President of Globee Awards, commends the winners: "Congratulations to the 2024 victors for their pivotal role in fortifying our digital world. Your dedication and ingenuity not only contribute to advancing cybersecurity but also inspire the community to strive for excellence. We're honored to celebrate your success."

The judging panel, comprising more than 580 experts from around the world, highlights the award's prestige and the exceptional quality of the winners. For the full list of judges, please visit https://globeeawards.com/cybersecurity/judges/

This full list of 2024 winners can be found here: https://globeeawards.com/cybersecurity/winners/

About CardinalOps

Backed by detection engineering experts with nation-state expertise, the CardinalOps platform uses automation and MITRE ATT&CK to continuously assess and improve the detection coverage of your existing SIEM and detection tools to enable a stronger, more resilient defense. What's more, it improves detection engineering productivity by 10x and reduces the need to hire additional SOC personnel. Native API-driven integrations include Splunk, Microsoft Sentinel, IBM QRadar, Google Chronicle, CrowdStrike, and Sumo Logic. Learn more at cardinalops.com .

About the Globee Awards

Globee Awards are conferred in nine programs and competitions: the Globee Awards for American Business, Globee Awards for Business, Globee Awards for Customer Excellence, Globee Awards for Cybersecurity, Globee Awards for Disruptors, Golden Bridge Awards, Globee Awards for Leadership, Globee Awards for Technology, and the Globee Awards for Women In Business. Learn more about the Globee Awards at https://globeeawards.com

For Media Inquiries:

Nathaniel Hawthorne for CardinalOps

Lumina Communications

(661) 965-0407

[email protected]

SOURCE CardinalOps
Century 21 Real Estate, LLC. Celebrates Appointment of Four Affiliated Brokers and Agents to National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals Leadership Positions

MADISON, N.J., March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Century 21 Real Estate LLC, a subsidiary of Anywhere Real Estate Inc. (NYSE: HOUS), is proud to celebrate the appointment of Nora Aguirre, CEO of The Aguirre Team, CENTURY 21 Americana as the 2024 National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) President. The award-winning industry veteran was installed at the organization's annual Homeownership and Wealth Building Conference in Washington D.C. earlier this week.

Nora Aguirre, CENTURY 21 Americana, Appointed as 2024 National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals President

A real estate professional for more than 19 years, Aguirre has been honored as a NAHREP Top 250 top Latino agent, recognized as one as one of the top 25 most influential women in real estate by the Women's Council of REALTORS and has led The Aguirre Team to become the #1 team by both AGC and Units within the CENTURY 21 network in the state of Nevada for the last 4 years in a row.*

A veteran of the Nevada Army National Guard, Nora has dedicated her life to serving others. Not only has she helped thousands of families achieve the dream of homeownership, but she is committed to educating the next generation of real estate leaders. From her work advocating for the industry alongside NAHREP to serving as a mentor to newly affiliated agents within the CENTURY 21 System, she has helped to elevate representation and equity within real estate.

In addition to Aguirre's appointment, NAHREP announced the installation of Oralia Herrera, broker-owner of CENTURY 21 TK Realty Inc. as 2024 President-Elect as well as the appointment of Peggy Pratt, affiliated agent with CENTURY 21 North East, and Eva Angelina Romero, broker-owner of CENTURY 21 Capital Properties, to its National Board of Directors.

"For more than 20 years, the CENTURY 21 brand has been proud to work alongside NAHREP in its mission to advance sustainable homeownership for the Hispanic community," said Michael Miedler, president and CEO, Century 21 Real Estate LLC . "We are so proud to see these C21 trailblazers take on their new leadership roles as they continue to deliver the dream of homeownership to Hispanic families across the country. Their dedication to serving others has left an indelible mark on our industry and is what has helped the CENTURY 21 brand become the leader in Hispanic consumer brand awareness.** We look forward to seeing the impact that Nora, Oralia, Peggy, and Eva will continue to make throughout the next year and beyond."

To learn more about the CENTURY 21 value proposition, or to join the ranks of the relentless, please go to century21.com/about-us/contact/media .

* This recognition is determined between 01/01/2020 & 12/31/2023 from data reported to Century 21 Real Estate LLC, as compared to all Nevada-based C21 teams eligible for the C21 Awards program pursuant to applicable rules.

** Study Source: 2023 Ad Tracking Study (Hispanic Audience). The survey results are based on 313 online interviews with a national random sample of adults (ages 18+) who are equal decision makers in real estate transactions and active in the real estate market (bought or sold a home within the past two years or, plan to purchase or sell a home within the next two years) from Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino background/origin. Recognition question based on consumer awareness of brand in question. Results are significant at a 90% confidence level, with a margin of error of +/-2.4%. The study was conducted by Kantar Group Limited, a leading global market research organization, from November 17- December 1, 2023.

About Century 21 Real Estate LLC

The approximately 135,000 independent sales professionals in approximately 12,000 offices spanning 84 countries and territories in the CENTURY 21 System live their mission every day: to defy mediocrity and deliver extraordinary experiences. By consistently chasing excellence, giving 121% and always elevating, the CENTURY 21 brand is helping its affiliated brokers/agents to be the first choice for real estate consumers and industry professionals worldwide. Century 21 Real Estate has numerous websites to help answer specific consumer needs. They are century21.com, century21.com/global, century21.com/commercial,

century21.com/finehomes and century21.com/espanol.

Century 21 Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Anywhere Real Estate Inc. (NYSE: HOUS), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation, and settlement services.

2024 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. CENTURY 21, the CENTURY 21 Logo and C21 are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Century 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.

Contact:

Erin Siegel

Century 21 Real Estate LLC

[email protected]

SOURCE Century 21 Real Estate LLC
New Sales Studios offer extra in-person resources and support from the national leader in online homebuying

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Century Communities, Inc. (NYSE: CCS)a top 10 national homebuilder, industry leader in online home sales, and the highest-ranked homebuilder on Newsweek's list of America's Most Trustworthy Companies 2023has announced the grand opening of two new Florida Sales Studios representing the Century Complete brand: one in Jacksonville and one in Panama City. With a focus on best-in-class customer service, these new Sales Studios will provide strategic support to the brand's rapidly growing North Florida communities.

Jacksonville Sales Studio Ribbon Cutting | New Homes in Florida by Century Complete Sales Studio Ribbon Cutting in Panama City, FL | New North Florida Homes by Century Complete

Through a first-of-its-kind industry innovation, buyers are able to fully purchase any Century Complete home online. However, regional Sales Studios are available to provide additional in-person support and resources for homebuyers and real estate agents that need it.

"These two new Sales Studios will greatly benefit our North Florida homebuyers," said National President Greg Huff. "Our dedicated Sales Studio teams are on hand to provide in-person guidance as needed to make the homebuying process an easy one, and to ensure that buyers experience everything that makes Century Complete so exceptional."

Explore available homes at www.CenturyCommunities.com/Florida.

SALES STUDIO DETAILS

Jacksonville Sales Studio

9965 San Jose Boulevard, Suite 41

Jacksonville, FL 32257

Panama City Sales Studio

1000 E. 23rd Street, Suite A-4

Panama City, FL 32505

THE FREEDOM OF ONLINE HOMEBUYING

Century Complete is proud to feature its industry-first online homebuying experience on all available homes in Florida, allowing homebuyers to easily find their best fit and purchase when they're readyall while continuing to work with their local real estate agent of choice. Homebuyers can further streamline the homebuying process by financing online with Century Complete's affiliate lender, Inspire Home Loans.

How it works:

Shop homes at CenturyCommunities.com Click "Buy Now" on any available home Fill out a quick Buy Online form Electronically submit an initial earnest money deposit Electronically sign a purchase contract via DocuSign

Learn more about the Buy Online experience at www.CenturyCommunities.com/online-homebuying.

About Century Communities

Century Communities, Inc. (NYSE: CCS) is one of the nation's largest homebuilders, an industry leader in online home sales, and the highest-ranked homebuilder on Newsweek's list of America's Most Trustworthy Companies 2023. Through its Century Communities and Century Complete brands, Century's mission is to build attractive, high-quality homes at affordable prices to provide its valued customers with A HOME FOR EVERY DREAM. Century is engaged in all aspects of homebuilding  including the acquisition, entitlement, and development of land, along with the construction, innovative marketing and sale of quality homes designed to appeal to a wide range of homebuyers. The Company operates in 18 states and over 45 markets across the U.S., and also offers title, insurance, and lending services in select markets through its Parkway Title, IHL Home Insurance Agency, and Inspire Home Loans subsidiaries. To learn more about Century Communities, please visit www.centurycommunities.com.

SOURCE Century Communities, Inc.
JERSEY CITY, N.J., March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. announces the release of a market assessment report on the "Global Combo IVD Market  By Test Type (SARS-CoV-2 Flu A/B Combo Test, COVID-19, Influenza A/B, RSV Combo test, COVID-19 IgM/IgG Combo Test, HIV-1/2 Ag/Ab Combo Test, HIV/Syphilis Ab Combo Test, HIV, HBsAg, HCV & Syphilis Combo, hCG Combo Test, Thrombophilia Detection Combo Test, Other Test Types), By Testing, By End-User, By Channel, By Sample Type), Trends, Industry Competition Analysis, Revenue and Forecast To 2031."

According to the latest research by InsightAce Analytic, the Global Combo IVD Market is valued at US$ 550.12 Mn in 2023, and it is expected to reach US$ 920.86 Mn by 2031, with a CAGR of 6.84% during the forecast period of 2024-2031.

Combo IVD Market Report Scope:

Report Attribute Specifications Market Size Value In 2023 USD 550.12 Mn Revenue Forecast In 2031 USD 920.86 Mn Growth Rate CAGR CAGR of 6.84% from 2024 to 2031 Quantitative Units Representation of revenue in US$ Mn and CAGR from 2024 to 2031 Historic Year 2019 to 2023 Forecast Year 2024-2031 Report Coverage The forecast of revenue, the position of the company, the competitive market structure, growth prospects, and trends Segments Covered By Test Type, By Testing, By End-User, By Channel, By Sample Type Regional Scope North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa Country Scope U.S.; Canada; U.K.; Germany; China; India; Japan; Brazil; Mexico; France; Italy; Spain; South East Asia; South Korea

Request for Sample Pages: https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/request-sample/2376

Combo In vitro diagnostic procedures involve the examination of a patient's blood or tissue samples. They help monitor the patient's vitals and are utilized for precise diagnostic testing of illnesses and other underlying conditions. Each patient's best course of treatment can be better determined with the help of these diagnostic tests. With the rise in both acute and chronic disorders continues to rise, the in vitro diagnostics business is seeing rapid growth.

The frequency of long-term health problems, such as diabetes and cancer, heart disease, and tuberculosis, is on the rise in modern workplaces, which is cause for concern. There has been a staggering rise in the number of cases of infectious infections, respiratory disorders, and gastrointestinal difficulties.

It is anticipated that the demand for diagnostic equipment will be driven by the increasing occurrence of these illnesses, which drives the IVD market. The rise in investments in research and development (R&D) aimed at developing more affordable treatments is likely to open up promising prospects for market growth. However, the high cost of instruments and the maintenance of diagnostic tablets impeded the market's growth.

List of Prominent Players in the Combo IVD Market:

DRG International Inc.

Becton, Dickinson and Company

DiaCarta Inc

Abbott Laboratories

bioMerieux SA4

Bio-Rad Laboratories

Alpha IVD Srl

BioGX BV

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Megna Health Inc

CTK Biotech, Inc.

Biopanda Reagents Ltd

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd

Hologic Inc

Siemens AG

Other Prominent Players

Market Dynamics:

Drivers-

The growing demand for the combo IVD market is fueled by the increasing number of elderly patients who need frequent health monitoring. Improvements in in vitro diagnostics technologies are also driving the industry forward. Thanks to technological advancements, more precise, sensitive, and time-saving diagnostic tools are now available. Point-of-care (POC) testing, liquid biopsy, next-generation sequencing, and molecular diagnostics fall under this category. Advances in diagnostic technology have boosted patient outcomes, which has fueled market expansion.

Challenges:

The prime challenges are strict rules and regulations, a shortage of competent individuals, and a lack of norms and protocol because of lockdowns and isolation in emerging countries, which are predicted to slow the growth of the combo IVD market.

Market participants may face obstacles because of ethical concerns and strict rules around gene editing and human studies. The knowledge of biological methods is essential for success in the in-vitro diagnostic industry. Rising negative reimbursement circumstances and ongoing modifications to government regulations are among the primary challenges limiting industry expansion.

The COVID-19 pandemic broke out, and virus-related disruptions have become increasingly widespread in several industries, including the worldwide in-vitro diagnostic market. Service providers have prioritized sanitizing and reorganizing workspaces as a defense mechanism to increase resilience and decrease security risks.

Integrating digital collaboration tools has also been a need for remote customer support. Businesses in the in-vitro diagnostic industry are gradually making a return from the recession by embracing digital technologies that allow them to grow their customer base and increase productivity.

Regional Trends:

The North American combo IVD market is anticipated to register a large market share in revenue. It is projected to grow at a high CAGR in the near future because local businesses have a strong presence in the area, and the infrastructure supporting various industries is expanding. The rising prevalence of long-term health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, is also a key factor propelling the IVD industry forward. Besides, Europe had a remarkable share in the market due to improvements in healthcare expenditure and increased usage of point-of-care devices.

Curious About This Latest Version Of The Report? Enquiry Before Buying: https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/enquiry-before-buying/2376

Recent Developments:

In Jan 2023 , Bio-Rad Laboratories introduced the CFX Opus Deepwell Dx Real-Time PCR System. This system is a real-time PCR system that officially granted approval by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) testing. It has also been developed in compliance with the European Union's regulations for in vitro diagnostic medical devices.

, Bio-Rad Laboratories introduced the CFX Opus Deepwell Dx Real-Time PCR System. This system is a real-time PCR system that officially granted approval by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) testing. It has also been developed in compliance with the European Union's regulations for in vitro diagnostic medical devices. In June 2022 , BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) has notified the IVD directive 98/79/EC of the CE marking of the BD MAX Respiratory Viral Panel (RVP), a novel molecular diagnostic combination test that detects Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), SARS-CoV-2, and Influenza A + B. A solitary nasal or nasopharyngeal biopsy sample was utilized in the test to ascertain whether a patient was infected with COVID-19, influenza, or RSV. This facilitated the prompt implementation of the appropriate treatment plan by clinicians and reduced the necessity for numerous tests or medical visits.

For More Customization @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/customisation/2376

Segmentation of Combo IVD Market-

By Test Type-

SARS-CoV-2 Flu A/B Combo Test

COVID-19, Influenza A/B, RSV Combo test

COVID-19 IgM/IgG Combo Test

HIV-1/2 Ag/Ab Combo Test

HIV/Syphilis Ab Combo Test

HIV, HBsAg, HCV & Syphilis Combo

hCG Combo Test

Thrombophilia Detection Combo Test

Other Test Types

By Testing -

Rapid Testing

Point Of Care Testing

By End-User-

Diagnostics Centres

Hospitals

Homecare Setting

Other End-Users

By Channel-

Over-the-Counter

Laboratory based

By Sample Type-

Orals and Nasal Swabs

Human Serum

Whole Blood

Other Sample Types

By Region-

North America-

The US

Canada

Mexico

Europe-

Germany

The UK

France

Italy

Spain

Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific-

China

Japan

India

South Korea

South East Asia

Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America-

Brazil

Argentina

Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa-

GCC Countries

South Africa

Rest of the Middle East and Africa

Why should buy this report:

To receive a comprehensive analysis of the prospects for global Combo IVD market

To receive industry overview and future trends of global Combo IVD market

To analyze the Combo IVD market drivers and challenges

To get information on the Combo IVD market size value (US$ Mn) forecast till 2031

Major Investments, Mergers & Acquisition in global Combo IVD market industry

Other Related Reports Published by InsightAce Analytic:

Smart or AI IVD Market

IVD Contract Manufacturing Market

Digital Pathology Market

Point of Care Diagnostics Market

About Us:

InsightAce Analytic is a market research and consulting firm that enables clients to make strategic decisions. Our qualitative and quantitative market intelligence solutions inform the need for market and competitive intelligence to expand businesses. We help clients gain competitive advantage by identifying untapped markets, exploring new and competing technologies, segmenting potential markets and repositioning products. Our expertise is in providing syndicated and custom market intelligence reports with an in-depth analysis with key market insights in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Contact US:

InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd.

Tel.: +1 551 226 6109

Email: [email protected]

Site Visit: www.insightaceanalytic.com

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SOURCE InsightAce Analytics Pvt. Ltd.
DALLAS, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Comerica Bank named Tim Maiden Senior Vice President, Group Manager for its Southern Dallas Business Banking Team. He will report to Corey Bailey, Executive Vice President, Executive Director, Middle Market & Business Banking.

Comerica Bank names Tim Maiden Senior Vice President, Group Manager for its Southern Dallas Business Banking Team.

Maiden will lead a team of commercial bankers that deliver tailored solutions to middle-market and business banking clients across various industries. He will serve the southern sector of Dallas by cultivating key local relationships, finding access to capital solutions for underserved entrepreneurs and offering customized lending solutions that meet clients' specific needs.

"Tim is highly regarded in the banking industry and the Southern Dallas community," Bailey said. "He has fostered robust relationships in this largely underserved market, and his expertise in the footprint will be instrumental in leading Comerica as we continue to heighten our support for customers in the southern sector."

Maiden brings more than two decades of banking industry experience to Comerica. He has a proven track record of driving sales, credit analysis, business banking, commercial real estate, and nonprofit lending. Previously, Maiden was a Senior Vice President, Director of Market Development for Simmons Bank. Prior to that, he was a Senior Vice President, Community Leader for Frost Bank.

He received his bachelor's degree in sociology and master's in economics and communications from Texas Christian University. He has been named a D Magazine "2020 Leadership Excellence: Small Nonprofit" honoree, Dallas Business Journal "2019 Minority Business Leader Award" honoree, and NAACP "President's Award Recipient" for the Dallas chapter, among many other achievements. Additionally, Maiden has taught courses on credit analysis and business ethics at the University of North Texas  Dallas as an adjunct professor. He co-founded the Maiden Foundation with his twin brother and serves as a board member and mentor for several nonprofit organizations that support youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and social services.

About Comerica

This year, Comerica Bank celebrates 175 years of raising expectations for its customers, colleagues and communities. Comerica Bank, a subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA), is a financial services company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and strategically aligned by three business segments: The Commercial Bank, The Retail Bank and Wealth Management. Comerica, one of the 25 largest commercial U.S. financial holding companies, focuses on building relationships and helping people and businesses be successful, providing more than 400 banking centers across the country with locations in Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Texas. Founded on Aug. 17, 1849, in Detroit, Michigan, Comerica continues to expand into new regions, including its Southeast Market, based in North Carolina, and Mountain West Market in Colorado. Comerica has offices in 17 states and services 14 of the 15 largest U.S. metropolitan areas, as well as Canada and Mexico. Comerica reported total assets of $85.8 billion at Dec. 31, 2023. Learn more about how Comerica is raising expectations of what a bank can be by visiting www.comerica.com, and follow us on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Comerica Incorporated
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.

Measles cases are popping up in parts of Canada, amid a resurgence of the virus around the world. (Photo via Getty Images)

Measles cases are appearing in some parts of Canada, including in Ontario, where the number of infections in the past few months have already surpassed last year's total.

The latest case in the province was confirmed in a child who was infected during a recent trip to India, according to Hamilton Public Health Services. While the child is recovering at home, the health agency noted it's following up with people within the city who might've been exposed to measles from this case.

That includes people who were on the Saudi Arabian Airlines Flight SV 61 from Jeddah on March 5, which left the city at 9:40 a.m. and landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport at 3:25 p.m. Furthermore, people inside the Toronto airport's Terminal 3 between 3:25 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. might've been exposed.

With this new case, Public Health Ontario reported there have been eight lab-confirmed measles cases so far in 2024. Of those infections, six were travel related and two had an unknown exposure source. In 2023, there were a total of seven lab-confirmed cases.

This comes as Montreal Public Health confirmed the city has seen 14 lab-confirmed measles cases since the beginning of February, with a total of 19 cases reported in the province as of Tuesday afternoon.

Last month, Ontario chief medical officer of health Dr. Kieran Moore urged health system partners in Ontario to "be prepared for the continued importation of cases and potential outbreaks," amid a global rise of measles cases.

"While measles is no longer considered endemic in Canada, outbreaks can happen when susceptible individuals (e.g., unvaccinated) travel to and return from countries where measles is circulating," he noted in a memo, while also pushing health-care providers to encourage vaccinations for measles.

Story continues

Kids under 12 months are at highest risk for measles since routine measles vaccination starts at 1 year. Make sure you and your other family members are vaccinated to help protect them.



Learn more : https://t.co/7iX6MdCjja pic.twitter.com/4i0kxeEw1Q  Health Canada and PHAC (@GovCanHealth) March 13, 2024

In mid-February, Peel Public Health had been investigating its own case of measles in the region from a child who had recently travelled abroad. "A reminder for anyone who is planning international travel to a destination with high levels of measles to ensure they are immunized against measles," the health agency noted, reminding Ontarians are eligible for two publicly-funded doses of the MMR vaccine.

A November report from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control confirmed measles cases are rising worldwide  and more people are dying from it. The report indicated there was an 18 per cent increase in estimated measles cases and a 43 per cent increase in estimated measles deaths in 2022 compared with 2021.

Researchers said this is a result of millions of children missing measles vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Global coverage with measles-containing vaccine (MCV) declined during the COVID-19 pandemic to the lowest levels since 2008, and measles surveillance was suboptimal," the report said.

Canadian infectious disease specialist Dr. Isaac Bogoch previously told Yahoo Canada he wasn't surprised by the report, adding it was clear there was "a breakdown of many public health programs throughout the course of the pandemic."

Bogoch described the virus as the "canary in the coal mine" of public health, adding outbreaks are "visible, and they're explosive, and obviously, they can be devastating."

In 2022, there were 136,200 deaths from measles. Nearly all of those deaths were children, the majority of whom were under the age of five.

Should Canadians be worried about these rising numbers or the recent cases found closer to home? Read on to learn everything you should know about measles and prevention.

Measles cases are rising worldwide, according to a recent report from the World Health Organization. (Photo via Getty Images)

What is measles?

According to the WHO, measles is a "highly contagious disease" caused by a virus of the same name.

It "spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes," the agency explained, adding the virus attacks the respiratory system first, before spreading through the body.

Symptoms can include:

a high fever

coughing

a runny nose

a rash all over the body

red and watery eyes

small white spots inside the cheeks

Complications from measles are what causes the majority of deaths, including:

blindness

encephalitis (an infection causing brain swelling or damage)

severe diarrhea and dehydration

ear infections

severe breathing problems

These complications are most likely to occur in children under five years old and adults over 30, the WHO said.

Bogoch added there's a misconception, "some people think measles is no big deal. ... It's important to note that it's associated with significant morbidity. You can get very, very sick from measles."

How common is measles in Canada?

Despite the global surge, Canada has reported very few cases of measles, thanks to the nation's high vaccination coverage. Although, some parts of the country are seeing a decline in vaccine uptake, including Alberta where vaccination rates in 2022 dropped from 2018.

Bogoch noted the few cases seen in Canada are predominantly imported, often originating from regions with lower vaccine rates. However, the issue could be that some Canadian children missed out on routine vaccination during the pandemic.

Current recommendation for routine measles vaccines is two doses, the first administered at 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose at 18 months of age or after, but before school.

"Could we see the propagation of cases in Canada after we'd have an important case, if we do see lapses of vaccination?" Bogoch questioned, answering it wouldn't be surprising. "There's so little wiggle room with with measles."

Should Canadians be worried about rising cases globally?

Two doses of a measles vaccine provides nearly 100 per cent protection from the virus. (Getty)

Bogoch advocated awareness rather than undue concern.

While Canada has few measles cases, individuals who choose not to be vaccinated might face risks, especially when travelling to areas with lower vaccine coverage. It's crucial for Canadians to stay informed about their vaccination status and ensure that routine vaccinations are up to date.

The vaccine is safe, effective, and does a remarkable job in preventing infection.Dr. Isaac Bogoch

Bogoch said some individuals, despite being pro-vaccine, might not be up to date due to receiving only one dose, especially those born before the 1990s. He encouraged those in doubt to consult health-care providers, including physicians, nurse practitioners or pharmacists.

"One dose provides pretty good protection against measles, but two doses is much better," he claimed.

While Canadians may not face an immediate threat from the global rise in measles cases, awareness and proactive vaccination are essential.

Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
Over 4,000-square-foot CoWorkSpaces location anchors first floor of the bank's new corporate office at 17 Cowboys Way

DALLAS, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Comerica Bank today unveiled a distinctive feature component of its new Frisco Business & Innovation Hub. The bank's newest and largest Comerica CoWorkSpaces location in North Texas anchors the entire first floor of the office tower at 17 Cowboys Way at The Star in Frisco.

The state-of-the-art, 4,023-square-foot location is the first in the CoWorkSpaces program to feature brand new, ground-up design and construction, offering free space for coworking, community events and networking to Comerica small business customers. The space will function as a part of the North Texas business ecosystem with a focus on Collin and Denton Counties' entrepreneurs and small businesses, as well as local nonprofit organizations.

"The Comerica CoWorkSpaces program has made a tremendous impact for our small business customers in the Collin and Denton County footprints," said Jim Weber, Comerica Bank Chief Experience Officer. "In fact, Plano is home to our most successful CoWorkSpaces site to date. This market is booming with growth and talent, so we look forward to expanding our support for local small businesses by delivering the latest and greatest Comerica CoWorkSpaces location."

The CoWorkSpaces site at 17 Cowboys Way features:

Three coworking offices, open work areas, and conference and training rooms

A Comerica Banker Connect SM in the vestibule, which provides access to an interactive teller machine (ITM) and the option to connect with a live customer service representative

in the vestibule, which provides access to an interactive teller machine (ITM) and the option to connect with a live customer service representative Onsite community resource specialist who will offer general small business consulting and support services by appointment

Small Business Genius Tech Bar featuring a sample check scanning device for remote check deposits on display as well as a range of sample devices for merchant payment acceptance

Comerica ShredSite to securely dispose of sensitive documents for free

Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, printers and scanners, water and coffee

The space is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed from 12:30-2 p.m.). Reservations are required. Customers can visit comerica.com/spaces for more information about CoWorkSpaces or contact their local Comerica banking center to request access to the reservation system.

Addressing local small businesses' needs

Comerica's overall CoWorkSpaces program launched in early 2023 at nine North Texas banking centers, where the bank invested $1.5 million to repurpose and reinvigorate nearly 10,000 square feet of idle real estate in the region.

Comerica's research indicated that many small business customers struggled to find professional space to conduct meetings or work remotely, while an increase in employees' work-at-home arrangements created a need for affordable and suitable workspaces. CoWorkSpaces directly addresses these needs and delivers a value-added experience at no cost to Comerica small business customers.

To date, more than 100 unique Comerica small business customers have fueled over 370 reservations across all locations, with a steady increase in monthly bookings since the program's inception.

The CoWorkSpaces location at 17 Cowboys Way is an extension of Comerica's comprehensive efforts to help North Texas small businesses grow and cultivate their own businesses. Along with the CoWorkSpaces program, Comerica also introduced Comerica BusinessHQ, a collaborative business resource center that provides integral services and value for high need, high opportunity small businesses in the Southern sector of Dallas. Through a mix of coworking spaces, incubation fellowships and technical assistance, BusinessHQ addresses the three essential needs of aspiring small businesses: capital, cultivation and connectivity.

About Comerica

Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA) is a financial services company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and strategically aligned by three business segments: The Commercial Bank, The Retail Bank and Wealth Management. This year, Comerica is celebrating 175 years of building relationships, helping people and businesses be successful and serving its communities. Founded in 1849 in Detroit, Michigan, Comerica provides more than 400 banking centers across the country with locations in Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Texas. Comerica continues to expand into new regions, including its Southeast Market, based in North Carolina, and Mountain West Market in Colorado. Comerica has offices in 17 states and services 14 of the 15 largest U.S. metropolitan areas, as well as Canada and Mexico. Comerica reported total assets of $85.8 billion at Dec. 31, 2023. Learn more about how Comerica is raising expectations of what a bank can be by visiting www.comerica.com, and follow us on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Comerica Bank
Beginning in 2024, the entire family of Dos Primos Tequilas will be designated as a Proud Partner of Ducks Unlimited

MEMPHIS, Tenn., March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ducks Unlimited (DU) and Dos Primos Tequila have entered into a partnership that designates the entire family of Dos Primos Tequilas as a Proud Partner of Ducks Unlimited  the highest partnership designation offered by the organization.

As a Proud Partner, the Dos Primos brand family will incorporate the DU logo into on-bottle applications, trade marketing materials, in-store displays and advertising. The partnership also provides opportunities to engage in awareness-building programs through DU and Dos Primos communications channels.

Ducks Unlimited and Dos Primos Tequila have entered into a partnership that designates the entire family of Dos Primos Tequilas as a Proud Partner of Ducks Unlimited  the highest partnership designation offered by the organization.

The founders of Dos Primos Tequila  country superstar Thomas Rhett and his cousin, Jeff Worn  are avid outdoorsmen and have a deep respect for the wilderness and natural places, making the partnership an ideal match for the brand and its owners.

"We enjoy hunting, fishing and just being outdoors with our friends and family," said Worn. "The conservation efforts of Ducks Unlimited make it possible to enjoy wild places and take part in the kinds of outdoor activities we love."

Since 1937, DU has conserved more than 18 million acres of wetlands and waterfowl habitat in North America. The organization's efforts are made possible through a series of partnerships with private individuals, landowners, agencies, scientific communities and other entities.

"We are thrilled to announce Dos Primos Tequila is the newest Proud Partner of Ducks Unlimited," said Jim Alexander, DU Managing Director of Corporate Relations. "DU members, along with other outdoor enthusiasts, appreciate and enjoy premium spirits, and enjoy sharing them with friends and family. Dos Primos is just that  a premium quality, great-tasting tequila that can be enjoyed year-round."

For more information regarding the Dos Primos Proud Partner designation, visit www.ducks.org.

Follow DU's feed on X, formally known as Twitter  @DUNews1937  to get the most up-to-date news from Ducks Unlimited.

About Dos Primos Tequila Company

The Dos Primos Tequila Company was founded by Thomas Rhett and Jeff Worn in 2019. The company produces Dos Primos Tequila Blanco, Dos Primos Tequila Reposado and Dos Primos Anejo. All Dos Primos Tequila products are super-premium and made from hand-harvested 100% blue agave sourced from estates in Los Altos and the valley area of Jalisco, Mexico. Dos Primos is distilled at Destiladora Gonzalez Lux, located just outside Arandas, Mexico, in the highlands of Jalisco. All sales and marketing efforts for the Dos Primos Tequila Company and products are handled by St. Louis-based Luxco. Learn more at DosPrimosTequila.com.

About Ducks Unlimited

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing wetlands, grasslands and other waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has restored or protected more than 18 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science, DU's projects benefit waterfowl, wildlife and people in all 50 states. DU is growing its mission through a historic $3 billion Conservation For A Continent capital campaign. Learn more at www.ducks.org .

SOURCE Dos Primos Tequila Co.
HONG KONG, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- DPC Dash Ltd ("DPC Dash" or the "Company") (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, will release its unaudited consolidated financial results for the year ended December 31, 2023 on Wednesday, March 27, 2024.

The Company will hold a conference call on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 7:00 pm Hong Kong Time (or Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 7:00 am Eastern Time) to discuss the financial results.

Participants may access the call by dialing the following numbers:

United States Toll Free: +1-888-317-6003 International: +1-412-317-6061 Mainland China Toll Free: 400-120-6115 Hong Kong Toll Free: 800-963-976 Hong Kong  Unassisted: 852-5808-1995 Singapore Toll Free: 800-120-5863 United Kingdom Toll Free: 808-238-9063 Conference ID: 5366500

The replay will be accessible through April 3, 2024, by dialing the following numbers:

United States Toll Free: +1-877-344-7529 International: +1-412-317-0088 Access Code: 4782998

About DPC Dash Ltd.

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]

SOURCE DPC Dash Ltd
Funding will go to six organizations that help Florida individuals and families in need

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Duke Energy Foundation is providing $150,000 in grants to support organizations in Florida that help customers with basic needs such as utility bill assistance, housing and more.

"When our neighbors need help, these are the organizations they turn to," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. "Whether it is with food, transportation or help making their homes more energy efficient, together, we can reach even more families and individuals and help them achieve financial stability."

Grants were awarded to the following organizations:

City of Haines City  $25,000

Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco  $30,000

 Heart of Florida United Way  $40,000

Neighborhood Center of West Volusia  $15,000

Pinellas County Urban League  $30,000

The Mustard Seed of Central Florida  $10,000

Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties brings community volunteers, corporate donors, civic organizations, and faith groups together to build affordable homes for low- to moderate-income families and individuals throughout Pinellas and Pasco counties.

"Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties shares in Duke Energy's commitment to building more energy-efficient and sustainable communities," said Mike Sutton, Habitat Pinellas and West Pasco president and CEO. "Our ongoing collaboration enables us to offer hardworking families and individuals a hand up toward safe, energy-efficient and affordable homeownership."

Duke Energy also offers a number of tools and resources to help customers.

Some of the available programs include:

Budget Billing: Get predictable monthly bills regardless of your energy use or the weather, so it's easier to stay on budget. Plus, there are two convenient payment plans to choose from. Learn more at duke-energy.com/BudgetBilling.

Installment Plans/Payment Plans: Pay back balances over longer periods of time. Eligible customers can request flexible plans that give you more time to pay. Learn about the options at duke-energy.com/MoreTime.

Usage Alerts: Get more control over your electricity use and spending. If you have a smart meter, a mobile phone or an email, you'll automatically be enrolled to receive notifications midway through your billing period showing how much electricity you've used along with a projection of your monthly amount, in time to adjust. Learn more at duke-energy.com/UsageAlerts.

Pick Your Due Date: With Pick Your Due Date, you can choose the date you want your energy bills to be due each month. Learn more at duke-energy.com/PYDD.

Due Date Extension: If you know ahead of time that you will miss your due date, this payment option may be for you. Extend your payment due date by up to 10 business days to avoid late fees. Learn more at duke-energy.com/ExtendDueDate.

Flexible rate options: Manage your energy costs by shifting energy-intensive tasks to periods of low demand. Learn more about our time-of-use rate at duke-energy.com/TOU.

Free Home Assessment: Complete a free online home energy check to learn how to lower your bill and see if you qualify for rebates and free home energy kit. Get started at onlinehec.duke-energy.com/get-started.

EnergyWise Home: Save on your electric bill by getting up to $141 in annual bill credits while helping your community reduce energy use during periods of high demand. Find out if you are eligible at duke-energy.com/EWHSavings.

Weatherization: This program is designed to help income-qualified customers save energy and reduce expenses through the installation of energy conservation measures in their homes. The program is available to single-family homes and multifamily units, both owners and renters with owner approval. Learn more at duke-energy.com/Weatherization.

Customer Assistance: Some customers may qualify for financial assistance from various government and nonprofit programs for utility bills and other household expenses.

To learn more about these programs, visit duke-energy.com/SeasonalBills or call the Customer Care number listed on your energy bill.

Duke Energy Florida

Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 10,500 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 1.9 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.

Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 27,600 people.

Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy transition to achieve its goals of net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company has interim carbon emission targets of at least 50% reduction from electric generation by 2030, 50% for Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 upstream and downstream emissions by 2035, and 80% from electric generation by 2040. In addition, the company is investing in major electric grid enhancements and energy storage, and exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear.

Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2023 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' "World's Best Employers" list. More information is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Media contact: Audrey Stasko

Media line: 800.559.3853

Twitter: @DE_AudreyS

SOURCE Duke Energy
State-of-the-art tent hospital arriving in Calgary March 19 via DC-8 and 757 cargo planes

CALGARY, AB, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On Tuesday, March 19, Samaritan's Purse will transport one of its Emergency Field Hospitals to Calgary to increase Samaritan's Purse Canada's capacity to launch international, life-saving medical responses. The tent facility will arrive at the Calgary International Airport onboard the Christian relief organization's DC-8 and 757 Cargo planes.

The hospital will be strategically positioned in the Samaritan's Purse Canada warehouse and have customizable units that include an emergency room, laboratory, surgical facilities, and everything needed for inpatient and outpatient care in the event of an international crisis.

"As our world faces increasingly large and frequent disasters, all of our global Samaritan's Purse offices are committed to responding in Jesus' Name at a moment's notice," said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse. "Our emergency field hospitals have helped us save lives and bring the hope of the Gospel in the midst of crises around the world, and this facility will equip our Canada office to respond wherever God calls us next."

Since 1973, Samaritan's Purse Canada has been providing desperately needed relief around the world in Jesus' Nameincluding food, water, and temporary shelter for victims of war, poverty, disease, and natural disasters.

"We are thankful that the Lord has provided us with this resource," said Fred Weiss, executive director of Samaritan's Purse Canada. "We'll be able to deploy this field hospital along with Canadian disaster responders to provide expert care that will save lives and reduce suffering while sharing the message of eternal life through Christ."

Since its inaugural deployment to Ecuador in 2016, the Samaritan's Purse Emergency Field Hospital has been deployed more than 20 times and provided emergency medical relief to tens of thousands of patients in disaster-stricken areas including war-torn Ukraine, Turkey following a deadly earthquake, and Iraq in the midst of the conflict in Mosul. All of these deployments have included Canadian doctors, nurses, and other staff.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 19, at 08:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with media opportunities beginning at 08:00 a.m.

WHERE: Calgary International Airport 5107'53.4"N 11402'17.3"W (Along Aero Dr. NEspecific GPS pin provided upon request)

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES

Interview Fred Weiss , executive director of Samaritan's Purse Canada

, executive director of Samaritan's Purse Canada Interview Melanie Wubbs, who has deployed with the Emergency Field Hospital and helped lead medical responses in locations such as Haiti , Ukraine , and Turkey

, , and Gather b-roll footage of the cargo planes as they taxi on the tarmac

Broadcast quality b-roll and photos of previous DC-8 and Emergency Field Hospital missions in addition to the unloading of the Emergency Field Hospital in Calgary available upon request

About Samaritan's Purse

Samaritan's Purse is a Christian relief and development organization that takes its name from Jesus Christ's biblical story of the Good Samaritan. Like that Good Samaritan, who found a beaten man and helped restore him, we aid victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty, famine, and persecution. Besides emergency medical relief, our work includes Operation Christmas Child and providing safe water, vocational skills, and agricultural supplies and training to families in the developing world. Visit SamaritansPurse.ca for more information.

SOURCE Samaritan's Purse
KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- European Wellness, a leading name in health and wellness, announces a groundbreaking collaboration with the Sabah state government, aimed at positioning Sabah as a premier destination for medical wellness tourism on the global stage.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor welcomes and supports the commitment of esteemed stem cell scientist Professor Dato' Seri Dr. Mike Chan, who pledges an unprecedented investment of US$80 million (RM378.8 million) to establish a biopharmaceutical manufacturing and research facility at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park. This initiative, endorsed by the Chief Minister, signals a transformative leap towards advancing Sabah's holistic healthcare, medical wellness, and tourism landscape.

Professor Mike Chan, along with his Sabahan wife Professor Dato' Sri Dr. Michelle Wong, underscores their vision to expand operations in Sabah, catering to the ASEAN and Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-Eaga) markets. With a strategic emphasis on medical wellness and education tourism, this partnership aims to harness Sabah's natural beauty, rich heritage, and European Wellness's expertise to create a holistic healthcare experience.

In the wake of global health challenges impaired by the COVID-19 pandemic, this collaboration marks a pivotal moment in Sabah's journey towards tourism, economic recovery and healthcare excellence. The Chief Minister extends his gratitude to Professor Mike Chan for his unwavering commitment to advancing Sabah's biomedical capabilities.

Professor Mike Chan, in turn, expresses appreciation to the Chief Minister for his visionary leadership and support. Additionally, heartfelt recognition is extended to Datuk Lucy Irene Wong for her instrumental role in fostering dialogue and cooperation between European Wellness and the state government.

As Sabah emerges as a beacon of medical wellness and educational tourism, European Wellness remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering global health and wellness outcomes. Together, it embarks on a transformative voyage towards a healthier, more vibrant future.

Media Contact:

EW Group Media Team

[email protected]

SOURCE EW Group
LANSING, Mich., March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Families, early childhood professionals, and advocates will gather in Lansing on March 20 to urge Michigan lawmakers to prioritize early childhood in the state's FY25 budget.

The second Early Childhood Capitol Day hosted by Think Babies Michigan (TBMI), which is facilitated by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation Michigan Association for the Education of the Young Child (Michigan AEYC), and Mothering Justice, will bring hundreds of community members together to meet with their state representative or senator to ask for their support of paid family and medical leave (FLOC), increased funding for early childhood education, and higher compensation for the early childhood workforce.

These recommendations are being made following Governor Whitmer's proposed FY25 budget, which includes measures such as expanding access to preschool for all and increasing eligibility for child care subsidy. Whitmer's proposal to extend the eligibility of child care subsidy to licensed child care providers' children would be beneficial for those in the early childhood workforce. However, the proposed 10% reimbursement rate increase for child care providers receiving subsidy does not offset the 26% cut that providers experienced last October after the end of COVID relief funding. Failure to reinstate funding could result in the closure of up to 1,200 child care businesses statewide, impacting over 56,000 children and their families. Advocates are also pushing for the Michigan Legislature to join other states in providing paid family and medical leave for every employee in Michigan, allowing workers to take necessary time off to recover from childbirth and bond with their babies without financial hardship.

"The focus of this day will be on the vital need to invest in Michigan's early childhood system," said Sacha Klein, ECIC Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy. "It is crucial for Michigan to have a robust system in place that guarantees every child receives the necessary care during their formative years to set them up for future success in school and in their personal lives."

Families and community members will be joined by Senator Kirstin McDonald Rivet and Emily Laidlaw, Director of the Michigan Child Care Licensing Bureau on the East steps of the State capitol at 12:30 p.m. and will speak on opportunities during this legislative session to make Michigan a state where young children and their families thrive. Prioritizing early childhood education and services will help ensure Michigan's youngest citizens have the quality care they need to thrive and prevent families from having to leave the workforce, further impairing the economy due to the lack of sufficient child care.

Michigan residents are encouraged to learn more about the event by visiting https://www.ecic4kids.org/policy-capitol-day/

"It is imperative that our legislators listen to the needs of their constituents," Toyja Bridges, Child Care Organizer with Mothering Justice said, "effective policy outcomes can't happen without input from those affected."

Think Babies Michigan is a collaborative prenatal-to-three policy initiative made up of over 2,400 families and other early childhood stakeholders who are working together to make Michigan a top state to have a baby and raise a child. Think Babies Michigan is proudly powered by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation.

The Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children promotes high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.

Mothering Justice is a grassroots policy advocacy organization that provides mothers of color in America with the resources and tools to use their power to make equitable changes in policy. We are dedicated to improving the quality of life for families in America by empowering mothers of color to take action on American policy on behalf of themselves and their families.

SOURCE Early Childhood Investment Corporation
Fifty Grande Lists the Reader-Nominated Top Hotels Across the U.S.

NEW YORK, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Travel magazine Fifty Grande recognized 50 hotels for its first 'Greatest Hotels Ever' awards, nominated by readers. Hotels had to meet two criteria to secure a nomination; they had to be located in the United States and needed to average a rate of under $350 per night.

"This collection of hotels reflects the adventurous spirit and eclectic interests of our Fifty Grande community," said Editor-in-Chief Chris Walsh. The chosen hotels offer an array of interesting amenities and thoughtful guest experiences. This carefully curated selection celebrates the best in affordable tourism, highlighting exceptional accommodations that redefine the travel experience without breaking the bank.

The "Greatest Hotels Ever" are:

Northeast & Mid-Atlantic

The Asbury, Asbury Park, N.J.

The Dean Hotel, Providence

Hotel Zena, Washington, D.C.

The Lincoln Hotel, Biddeford, Maine

Oak Bluffs Inn, Martha's Vineyard, Mass.

The Schoolhouse Hotel, White Sulphur Springs, W. Va.

TWA Hotel, New York

The Verb, Boston

Woodstock Inn and Resort, Woodstock, Vt.

South

Crazy Water Hotel, Mineral Wells, Texas

Emeline, Charleston

Flophouze, Round Top, Texas

Grand Bohemian Lodge, Greenville, S.C.

Graduate Nashville, Nashville

Hotel San Jose, Austin

Hotel Tupelo, Tupelo, Miss.

Kimpton Overland Hotel Atlanta Airport, Atlanta

The Pontchartrain Hotel, New Orleans

The Reserve at Hot Springs, Hot Springs, Ark.

The Vendue, Charleston

West

Ace Hotel Palm Springs, Palm Springs

'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, Honolulu

Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile, Kanab, Utah

The Eddy Taproom & Hotel, Golden, Colo.

The Edgewater Hotel, Seattle

Grouse Mountain Lodge, Whitefish

Hotel Chaco, Albuquerque

Hotel Figeroa, Los Angeles

Hotel Max, Seattle

Hotel McCoy, Tucson

Hotel Zetta, San Francisco

McMenamins Kennedy School, Portland, Ore.

The Pearl Hotel, San Diego

Shore Lodge, McCall, Idaho

Urban Cowboy, Denver

The Venetian, Las Vegas

Wyoming Inn, Jackson Hole

Midwest

21c Museum Hotel, St. Louis

Bottleworks Hotel, Indianapolis

The Brown Hotel, Louisville

Hotel Donaldson, Fargo

Hotel Millwright, Amana, Iowa

Hotel on Phillips, Sioux Falls

The Junto, Columbus

Kinn Guesthouse, Milwaukee

Magnolia Omaha, Omaha

Palmer House, Chicago

The Siren Hotel, Detroit

Union Station Hotel, St. Louis

Viceroy Hotel, Chicago

The survey was conducted September 4 - 25, 2023 and the results were based on 1825 respondents. For the full story, visit www.fiftygrande.com .

ABOUT FIFTY GRANDE

Fifty Grande is a digital and print travel publication that explores the U.S.

SOURCE Fifty Grande
MIAMI, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GK Global (GK), a private multinational corporation working in the textile, apparel, real estate, technology, agriculture and lifestyle sectors, today announced value-creating organizational changes with the formation of a new, largely independent Board of Directors dedicated to overseeing the company's operations worldwide.

"The decision to establish a new Board underscores GK Global's commitment to enhancing transparency, governance and accountability within the company and our operations around the world," said Deborah Merrill, Chairperson of the Company's Board of Directors. "Our Board will provide meaningful governance oversight and guidance to the executive team, playing an essential role in shaping the Company's direction and business performance. We've assembled a group of directors who embody the best in industry expertise, financial acumen, governance knowledge, ethical conduct and visionary strategy. It's a talented and impressive group and I am confident their leadership will enhance GK's success."

GK's launch of a new business strategy is intended to position the Company as a purpose-driven global enterprise, further elevating and optimizing GK's business and sustainability activities. This elevated strategy is expected to increase customer confidence, inspire and motivate employees, contribute to a more sustainable, diverse and ethical world, and build resiliency and long-term business sustainability in a dynamic marketplace.

"GK's purpose-driven approach is about using our resources, expertise and influence to create a better future for our customers, employees, and communities and countries where we do business," explained Merrill. "And, this cannot just be a feel-good philosophy. Our say-and-do must be aligned and transparent. This will be a business strategy for a complex and interconnected world and we expect that it will drive GK success for years to come."

GK's Newly Appointed Board of Directors

Deborah Merrill  Chairperson and Independent Director: With an outstanding track record in the textile industry, Merrill brings a wealth of strategic experience. She is a proven finance executive with extensive leadership experience, including 20 years with Delta Apparel, a company focused on sustainability and responsible sourcing. She is also a Board member at Gooten, Inc., a technology and fulfillment company servicing some of the world's most established brands.

Jeffery Streader - Independent Director: The Managing Partner of Go Global Retail, a brand investment platform for strategic investors from the textile, apparel and footwear industry. His career has spanned four decades with executive roles at Oxford Industries, VF Corporation, Kellwood Company and Guess. He is a Board Member at WRAP, which promotes safe, lawful, humane and ethical manufacturing around the world.

Thomas Nelson  Independent Director: Nelson's insights and expertise will contribute significantly to the Board's decision-making processes. His career is one of accomplishment, having spent 34 years at VF Corporation, one of the world's largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies. Nelson's commitment to ethical business, social, and responsible sourcing practices has earned him international recognition.

Ashraf Amdani - Director: With a reputation for integrity and excellence, his contributions will enhance the overall governance and success of GK Global. Amdani is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of American Textile & Apparel Inc., a leading textile & manufacturing conglomerate catering to large retail brands across North America, Europe, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Mohammed Amdani  Director: Amdani's commitment to professionalism makes him an excellent addition to the Board, as he brings strategic insights and global perspective. He is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Adapt Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm and venture studio. He is also a Managing Director at GK Global.

About GK Global

GK Global is a purpose-driven, private, multinational company with operations in textiles, real estate, technology, agriculture, and lifestyle supported by operations in nine countries across the globe. Built on a foundation of pioneering and innovative spirit combined with a forward-thinking pulse and drive toward sustainability that generates real change and a better quality of life in the long term locally, nationally, and globally.

SOURCE GK Global
DUBLIN, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Genomics Market by Technology (Sequencing, Microarray, PCR, Nucleic Acid Extraction), Application (Drug Discovery, Diagnostic, Research), End User (Pharmaceutical, Hospital, Academic), Offering (Instrument, Consumables, Software) - Forecast to 2031" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global genomics market is projected to reach $70.52 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 11.1% from 2024 to 2031

The report offers a competitive landscape based on an extensive assessment of the product portfolio offerings, geographic presences, and key strategic developments adopted by leading market players in the industry over four years (2020-2024).



The growth of the genomics market is driven by the rising prevalence of genetic diseases, the increasing incorporation of genomic data in clinical workflows, increasing funding and investments in genomics projects, the growing applications of genomics in the healthcare sector, rising pharmaceutical R&D expenditures, decreasing cost of sequencing, and increasing healthcare spending. However, the lack of standardized approaches in genomics and concerns over the security & privacy of genomic data restrain the growth of this market.



Moreover, the rising adoption of personalized medicines and gene therapies is expected to generate market growth opportunities. However, the shortage of skilled bioinformatics and genomics personnel and the commercialization and scaling of genomic technologies are major challenges for market stakeholders.

In 2024, North America is expected to account for the largest share of the genomics market. North America is home to numerous renowned research institutions, universities, and organizations dedicated to genomics research; the region has made significant contributions to cancer genomics, with rising pharmaceutical R&D expenditure and the presence of key players.



Among all the offerings studied in this report, the consumables segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The highest CAGR of this segment is attributed to the increasing prevalence of genetic diseases, growing adoption of genetic testing, and recurring purchase of consumables over instruments. An increase in the prevalence of genetic disease cases has triggered the demand for genetic tests, which is driving the adoption of consumables.



Among all the technologies studied in this report, in 2024, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) segment is expected to account for the largest share of the genomics market. The increasing use of PCR in clinical diagnostics, technological advancements in PCR, collaborations for genomic research, and the use of PCR in these research studies are some of the factors contributing to the segment's largest share. Product launches further boost this segment's large market share.



Among all the applications studied in this report, in 2024, the diagnostics segment is expected to account for the largest share of the genomics market. The use of genomics in oncology, newborn screening, and hepatitis testing is contributing to the largest share of the segment. Genomics is used in newborn screening, which are laboratory tests performed on newborn babies to identify known genetic diseases. Government agencies support newborn screening to reduce the incidence of genetic disorders among newborns through early detection, diagnosis, and intervention.



Among all the end users studied in this report, the pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies' segment is expected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The highest CAGR of the segment is attributed to the increasing research & development by pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies, the rising utilization of genomics for research processes, and an increasing number of biotechnology companies. Moreover, the rising incidence of chronic diseases has accelerated the need to expedite drug development processes, further propelling the adoption of genomics among pharmaceutical companies.

Key Questions Answered in the Report

Which are the high-growth market segments in terms of offering, technology, application, end user, and country/region?

What was the historical market for genomics across the globe?

What are the market forecasts and estimates for the period 2024-2031?

What are the major drivers, restraints, challenges, opportunities, and trends in the global genomics market?

Who are the major players in the global genomics market?

What is the competitive landscape like, and who are the market leaders in the global genomics market?

What are the recent developments in the genomics market?

What are the different strategies adopted by the major players in the genomics market?

What are the geographical trends and high-growth regions/countries?

Market Insights

Rising Prevalence of Genetic Diseases and the Incorporation of Genomic Data in Clinical Workflows Driving Market Growth

Concerns Over the Security & Privacy of Genomic Data Limiting the Adoption of Genomics Products

Rising Adoption of Personalized Medicines and Gene Therapies

Commercializing and Scaling Genomic Technologies Remain Major Challenges for Market Stakeholders

Genomics Market: Regulatory Analysis

North America

U.S.

Canada

Europe

Shift From Pre-Approval to A Lifecycle Approach

Classification Changes

Stronger Supervision

Clearer Rights and Responsibilities for Economic Operators

Traceability/EUDAMED

General Safety and Performance Requirements

Performance Evaluation and Clinical Evidence

Guidelines and Regulations for Gene Therapy and Genome Editing

Company Profiles

Agilent Technologies Inc. (U.S.)

Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc. (U.S.)

Danaher Corporation (U.S.)

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (U.S.)

Illumina Inc. (U.S.)

QIAGEN N.V. ( Netherlands )

) Pacific Biosciences of California Inc. (U.S.)

Oxford Nanopore Technologies Plc. (U.K.)

Eppendorf SE ( Germany )

) Myriad Genetics Inc. (U.S.)

Revvity Inc. (Formerly PerkinElmer Inc.) (U.S.)

BGI Genomics Co. Ltd ( China )

Scope of the Report:

Genomics Market Assessment - by Offering

Systems

Consumables

Software

Services

Genomics Market Assessment - by Technology

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Sequencing

Nucleic Acid Extraction and Purification

Microarray

Other Technologies

Note: Other sequencing technologies include pyrosequencing, degradome sequencing, sanger sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) sequencing, and methylation sequencing.



Note: Other technologies include cell counting, transfection, and gene editing.



Genomics Market Assessment - by Application

Diagnostics

Drug Discovery & Development

Life Sciences Research

Other Applications

Note: Other life sciences research applications include cardiovascular research, osteoporosis, immunology, neurobiology, cellular and molecular biology, and diabetes

Note: Other applications include agriculture, forensics, and environmental.



Genomics Market Assessment - by End User

Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies

Hospitals & Clinics

Diagnostics Laboratories

Contract Research Organizations (CROs)

Academic & Research Institutes

Other End Users

Note: Other end users include food & beverage companies, agriculture companies, and forensics.



Genomics Market Assessment - by Geography

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

Latin America

Middle East & Africa

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/irf8r4

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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SOURCE Research and Markets
SI-Global India Announces Collaboration with Leading Universities from Australia and New Zealand

New Delhi [India] Published : March 14, 2024



SI-Global India, a leading provider of international education opportunities established by SI-UK, today announced collaborations with renowned universities in Australia and New Zealand. This strategic development aims to empower Indian students with exceptional pathways to pursue high-quality higher education abroad.

Through this alliance, SI-Global India, yet again, reinforces its commitment to guiding students towards credible academic opportunities within the Asia-Pacific region. Partnering with universities celebrated for their academic excellence and diverse programmes, SI-Global India facilitates a smooth transition for students seeking enriching opportunities to pursue higher education abroad.

The collaboration features well-regarded institutions from Australia, including Macquarie University, Australian National University, Griffith University, La Trobe University, RMIT University, Victoria University, and several others. Noteworthy participants from New Zealand include Auckland University of Technology, Waikato University, the University of Canterbury, and Victoria University of Wellington among others

Ms. Lakshmi Iyer, Managing Director, SI-Global India , while expressing her enthusiasm over this development said, "Our goal is to give Indian students comprehensive support and access to the best of global education opportunities and these new partnerships are a step in that direction. We are perfectly placed to open doors to a plethora of study fields, promoting not only career growth but an invaluable global perspective through unforgettable international experiences."

Indian students aspiring to study in Australia and New Zealand can now leverage the expertise and resources offered by SI-Global India's network of partner universities. From personalized counselling to assistance with admissions processes and visa applications, SI-Global India is poised to offer holistic support to students aiming to pursue their educational dreams overseas.

For more information about SI-Global India's collaboration with universities from Australia and New Zealand, please visit SI-Global's official website: https://www.si-global.com/ .

About SI-Global



SI-Global is part of SI-UK, a premier global education agency with 92 offices across 40 countries worldwide. We provide free advice and support to international students applying to study in Australia, Canada, USA, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, and UAE. Our team of education consultants is experienced and trained by trusted university partners and agencies. We guide students through each step of the application process to universities, support with language test preparation, scholarships, student visa and accommodation.

In addition to helping students with their visa applications and other study abroad-related services, we annually conduct both online and offline events and fairs to provide information on represented universities and colleges abroad.





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Comments and Discussions
The Global Insulin Pen Market is poised for substantial growth driven by rising diabetes prevalence worldwide, increased demand for human insulin analog, and a surge in needle stick injuries. Additionally, factors such as improved reimbursement policies, rapid technological advancements, and expanded access to medications are anticipated to further propel market expansion.

BOSTON, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- "According to the latest BCC Research study, the demand for Global Insulin Pen Market is estimated to increase from $9.9 billion in 2022 to reach $14.1 billion by 2028, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% from 2022 through 2028."

The comprehensive analysis presented in this report forecasts the market size, growth rate, and revenue potential not only for insulin pen delivery technology but also for diagnostics and surgical equipment within the realm of diabetes care. By identifying growth opportunities and areas for innovation, stakeholders and readers gain valuable insights into the evolving treatment landscape for diabetes, including considerations of onset time and end-user preferences. The exploration of market trends, drivers, and regional influences sheds light on the factors driving the adoption of products and end-user preferences across different geographies. Furthermore, the report meticulously assesses the competitive landscape by profiling key players, scrutinizing market share dynamics, evaluating product portfolios, and delineating strategic approaches. Moreover, with a thorough examination of worldwide market size, including historical and current market revenues categorized by type, duration, end-user demographics, and geographic regions, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of the global insulin pen delivery technology market, making it indispensable for stakeholders seeking actionable insights and informed decision-making.

The insulin pen market has experienced remarkable growth, buoyed by the preference among patients for its convenience and user-friendly nature. Continuous technological advancements have propelled the evolution of smart insulin pens, incorporating features such as Bluetooth connectivity, enhancing usability and patient experience. Amidst intense competition, pharmaceutical firms are actively investing in research to introduce innovative pen technologies, striving to capture a larger market share. Insulin pens play a pivotal role in enhancing global accessibility to diabetes management, catering to the diverse needs of patients worldwide. The transition from conventional vial and syringe delivery methods to insulin pens mirrors a broader shift towards patient-centric healthcare, prioritizing ease of use and improved treatment adherence.

Unlock the insights driving the growth of the insulin pen market. Click here to explore the full research findings and strategic implications.

Key Drivers of the Global Insulin Pen Market

Rising Awareness of Diabetes: Diabetes, a chronic condition impacting the body's insulin production or utilization, poses significant health risks, including heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and amputation. Over the years, the prevalence of diabetes has surged globally, with the World Health Organization reporting a stark increase from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014. Among adults aged 18 and above, the global prevalence rose from 4.7% in 1980 to 8.5% in 2014. As awareness of diabetes risks and symptoms grows, more individuals are proactively seeking diagnosis and treatment. Consequently, there's a heightened demand for insulin and insulin delivery devices, such as pens and pumps, to manage the condition effectively.

Increased Adoption of Insulin Devices: Pens and Pumps: Insulin devices play a pivotal role in facilitating the administration of insulin for diabetic patients in a convenient and precise manner. While traditional methods like syringes and vials exist, they entail drawbacks such as pain, inconvenience, infection risks, and dose adjustment challenges. In contrast, insulin pens and pumps represent newer, advanced delivery methods offering benefits like ease of use, portability, discretion, accuracy, and flexibility. Insulin pens, comprising a disposable needle, insulin cartridge, and dose adjustment dial, provide a user-friendly alternative. Meanwhile, insulin pumps deliver insulin continuously through a small tube inserted under the skin. The preference for insulin pens and pumps over syringes and vials is evident among both patients and healthcare professionals due to their ability to enhance quality of life and glycemic control. According to BCC Research, the global insulin delivery devices market is projected to exhibit a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% from 2022 to 2028, reaching USD 14.1 billion by 2028. This growth is primarily attributed to the increased adoption of insulin pens and pumps, particularly in developed regions like North America and Europe

Request a Sample Copy of the Global Insulin Pen Market Report.

Report Synopsis

Report Metrics Details Base year considered 2022 Forecast Period considered 2023-2028 Base year market size $9.9 billion Market Size Forecast $14.1 billion Growth Rate CAGR of 6.1% for the forecast period of 2023-2028 Segment Covered Type, Onset Time, End User, and Geographical Region Regions covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World Key Market Drivers  Rising awareness of diabetes.  Increased use of insulin devices like pens and pumps

Global Insulin Pen Market Segmentation Analysis

By Type Segmentation

This segment delineates the insulin pen market based on product type, distinguishing between reusable and disposable insulin pens. Reusable pens enable users to replace the cartridge once it's depleted, while disposable pens are preloaded and cannot be refilled. In 2023, disposable insulin pens led the market, offering users convenience, accuracy, and safety.

By Onset Time Segmentation

This segment categorizes the market according to insulin onset time, indicating how quickly insulin acts in the body. Insulin types are classified into four categories: long-acting, intermediate-acting, short-acting, and rapid-acting. The selection of insulin type depends on factors such as patient needs, preferences, and lifestyle.

By End User Segmentation

This segment classifies the market based on end users, including hospitals, pharmacies, and others. Hospitals, providing diagnosis and treatment for various health conditions including diabetes, represented the largest market share in 2023. Pharmacies dispense insulin pens to customers, while other outlets encompass online sales, diabetes clinics, and home care settings.

By Region Segmentation

This segment analyzes market dynamics across geographical regions including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. North America, with its high diabetes prevalence and technological advancements, emerged as the largest market. Europe followed suit due to increasing diabetes awareness and healthcare infrastructure improvements. Asia Pacific witnessed rapid growth fueled by rising diabetic cases and expanding distribution networks. Latin America and the Middle East and Africa are burgeoning markets driven by increased insulin pen demand and government initiatives combating diabetes.

This report on the global insulin pen market provides comprehensive insights and analysis, addressing the following key questions:

What is the projected market size and growth rate of the Insulin Pens market?



The global Insulin Pens market is projected to grow from $9.9 billion in 2022 to $14.1 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1 % during the forecast period.



What are the key factors driving the growth of the Insulin Pen market?



The growth of the Insulin Pens market is driven by the increasing global prevalence of diabetes and escalating demand for user-friendly insulin delivery devices. Ongoing technological advancements, particularly in smart insulin pens, enhance patient convenience and adherence. Patient preference for Insulin Pens over traditional methods, coupled with a competitive market fostering continuous innovation, contributes to market expansion.



What segments are covered in the global Insulin Pens market?



The global insulin pens market is segmented based on the Pen type, Onset time, geographic region and end user.



By Type, which segment will dominate the market by the end of 2028?



The Rapid-Acting insulin pen segment will dominate the market by the end of 2028.



Which region has the highest market share in the Insulin Pen market?



Asia-Pacific holds the highest share in the market.

Some of the Key Market Players Are:

ASTRAZENECA

BIOCON

BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM INTERNATIONAL GMBH

ELI LILLY AND CO.

JOHNSON & JOHNSON SERVICES INC.

MERCK & CO. INC.

NOVARTIS AG

NOVO NORDISK A/S

SANOFI

VIATRIS INC.

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SOURCE BCC Research LLC
HAI PHONG, Vietnam, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GoodWe, a leading player in the solar energy industry, has officially commenced operations at its manufacturing plant in Vietnam. Representing a global milestone, the new facility marks the third in the company's manufacturing network.

Covering approximately 14,800 square meters and divided into two phases, the factory will initially specialize in the production of grid-tied and hybrid inverters. Upon reaching full operational status, Phase I's production lines are expected to achieve an annual capacity of 5GW.

GoodWe Opens New Manufacturing Facility in Vietnam

Michael Mendik, Country Manager of GoodWe USA & Canada, expressed his enthusiasm for the factory's readiness. He said, "In the North American market, our primary focus is on residential, commercial and industrial sectors. Local production in Vietnam will enhance our price competitiveness and elevate our service offerings, ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality products tailored to the diverse needs of our customers."

The factory, drawing upon over a decade of GoodWe's inverter manufacturing expertise, has fully integrated advanced inverter manufacturing technology and implemented rigorous quality control systems. A range of intelligent manufacturing techniques, including quality traceability and digital monitoring, has been incorporated to ensure the quality and excellence of products.

Daniel Huang, Founder and CEO of GoodWe, said, "We are dedicated to establishing an overseas benchmark factory, showcasing operational excellence, and replicating success across our global markets in the future. The positive impact of this milestone is also on GoodWe's innovation capabilities and its contribution to job creation in the local Vietnamese market."

He also said that this move exemplifies GoodWe's commitment to strengthening its global brand image. "With the opening of the Vietnam factory, we look forward to cultivating expanded customer cooperation opportunities across the key markets such as United States and ASEAN countries, and beyond."

GoodWe is a world-leading PV inverter manufacturer and smart energy solution provider listed on Shanghai Stock Exchange. The company has nearly 5,000 employees worldwide and installations in over 100 countries and regions. GoodWe offers an extensive range of products and solutions tailored for residential, commercial and industrial, and utility-scale PV systems, delivering reliable and high-performance solutions across its entire portfolio. In 2021, GoodWe was recognized as one of the top three hybrid inverter suppliers worldwide by Wood Mackenzie.

SOURCE GoodWe
Simon Salt and Michelle Lemire to lead North San Antonio team

SAN ANTONIO, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Gotcha Covered, a leader in custom window treatment consultation in the U.S. and Canada, has announced the opening of its 24th location in Texas. Gotcha Covered of North San Antonio is owned and operated by Simon Salt and Michelle Lemire.

With an emphasis on end-to-end consultations, the new center provides the best in soft and hard window treatments to homeowners in the North San Antonio area by offering a variety of blinds, draperies, smart solutions and much more.

Gotcha Covered of North San Antonio is owned and operated by Michelle Lemire and Simon Salt.

"With more than 20 locations, Texas has played a tremendous part of the Gotcha Covered brand's growth," said Paul Linenberg, president of Gotcha Covered. "San Antonio has such a rich culture and a vibrant community, which makes this an ideal location. Simon and Michelle both understand design and aesthetics, and I know they'll both be an asset to both the brand and their community."

Salt is a former fashion photographer, and at one point, owned his own digital marketing agency. Lemire also has a marketing background, serving as a market research insights and strategy professional for more than two decades.

"Michelle and I have talked about owning a business together for years, but we couldn't find the right fit," Salt said. "When we discovered Gotcha Covered, we knew it was the right fit for us. There was an incredible amount of support in place from the very first meetings, and it only grew with each next step. We're looking forward to going on this new adventure together and helping customers bring their visions to life."

The couple moved to the area five years ago, and they're looking forward to being able to give back to their community.

"San Antonio has become home to us," Lemire said. "We've loved exploring the community, from trying new local eateries to walking the trails in the area parks. It's important to us to build a business that is just as much a part of this community as we are."

Adding 30 new franchise locations in 2023, Gotcha Covered currently has over 170 total franchises across the U.S. and Canada. The franchise has been operating under the Gotcha Covered name since 2009.

To schedule an appointment with Gotcha Covered of North San Antonio, visit https://www.gotchacovered.com/north-san-antonio/.

About Gotcha Covered

Gotcha Covered is a leader in custom soft and hard window treatment consultation in the U.S. and Canada. Flying under their Gotcha Covered flag since 2009, they offer custom window treatments including blinds, draperies, shutters and much more. They offer end-to-end consultation with the customer's specific needs and goals in mind. The company currently has over 170 total franchises across the U.S. and Canada.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Heather Ripley

Ripley PR

865-977-1973

[email protected]

SOURCE Gotcha Covered
Company Surpasses $11 Billion in Net Sales

ST. LOUIS, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Graybar, a leading distributor of electrical, communications and data networking products and provider of related supply chain management and logistics services, today reported record company performance in 2023, including record net sales and net income.

Last year, Graybar's net sales increased 4.8%, growing to a record $11.0 billion. Net income attributable to Graybar finished at a record $463.4 million, a 2.3% increase from the previous year.

"I am proud that we finished 2023 with record results," said Graybar Chairman, President and CEO Kathleen M. Mazzarella. "Our investments in growth, combined with the hard work and dedication of our employees, allowed us to surpass $11 billion in sales for the first time in the company's history. Last year, we also launched a strategic transformation program, designed to provide the technical and operational foundation to unlock our company's future potential. As we look forward, we remain focused on serving our customers, accelerating our growth, and transforming our business to achieve long-term success."

Graybar, a Fortune 500 corporation and one of the largest employee-owned companies in North America, is a leader in the distribution of high quality electrical, communications and data networking products, and specializes in related supply chain management and logistics services. Through its network of more than 345 North American distribution facilities, it stocks and sells products from thousands of manufacturers, helping its customers power, network, automate and secure their facilities with speed, intelligence and efficiency. For more information, visit www.graybar.com or call 1-800-GRAYBAR.

Media Contact:

Tim Sommer

(314) 578-7672

[email protected]

SOURCE Graybar
NEW YORK, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- There is only one place to be on St Patrick's Day and that is Ireland. The stunning emerald isle is alive with color, brimming with energy, and waiting to welcome visitors for the experience of a lifetime.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9254551-tourism-ireland-fill-your-heart-with-ireland-st-patricks-day/

Happy St Patricks Day: Fill Your Heart with Ireland St. Patrick's Day Parade, Dublin

St Patrick's Festival is truly one of the great spectacles of the world  a week-long celebration of music, dance and outdoor shows culminating in the fabulous St. Patrick's Day parade through the historic streets of Dublin on March 17th. Regional parades take place in cities such as Kilkenny, Limerick and Killarney.

One can also visit the 'Home of St Patrick' in Northern Ireland and visit the St Patrick's center in Downpatrick which is the world's only permanent exhibit to our patron saint.

Tourism Ireland will broadcast this year's epic Dublin parade LIVE with commentary from PBS star Mickela Mallozzi and Irish TV legend Francis Brennan - Check out our Dublin parade livestream here on March 17.

Sustainable St Patrick - The world goes green on St Patrick's Day to celebrate all things Irish, but the island of Ireland is also going green in a different way. Ireland has committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 and to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. It's a commitment that is visible right across the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Visit all four corners - Many of the uniquely Irish experiences are to be found off the beaten path. The Wild Atlantic Way stretches along our western seaboard. Ireland's Ancient East is a journey through 5000 years of European history in the eastern portion of the island. Northern Ireland is a special corner of the island which has its own distinct identity and cultural offering.

An island for all seasons - The summer is a great time to visit Ireland, but one shouldn't forget the great year-round experiences to be had throughout the island of Ireland. Competitive airfares, hotel availability and smaller crowds, make fall, winter and spring great periods to visit.

Ireland has never been easier to get to. 2024 will see a record number of non-stop flights from 17 US gateways. Travel to Ireland is also made easier by the fact that Dublin and Shannon airports operate US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance, which means visitors will return to the US as domestic passengers.

So, join us and be part of our global celebration. Visit www.Ireland.com and see our fantastic St Patrick's Day great value offers for 2024 and beyond.

#FillYourHeartWithIreland in 2024, the welcome has never been warmer.

SOURCE Tourism Ireland
The round was co-led by Eight Roads Ventures and Denali Growth Partners, with participation from F-Prime Capital and other investors.

BETHESDA, Md., March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- HiLabs, a leading provider of AI-powered solutions to manage dirty data, unlocking its hidden potential for healthcare transformation, today announced a $39 million Series B financing. The round was led by Denali Growth Partners and Eight Roads Ventures, with participation from F-Prime Capital. The capital raise follows rapid customer adoption of its healthcare data ingestion, cleansing, and enrichment platform, MCheck, and will support continued enhancement of the technology as well as recruitment of top-tier talent and expansion of its product teams.

Founded in 2014, HiLabs' mission is to ensure timely access to clean data for payers, providers, and patients at a time when healthcare organizations worldwide are transitioning toward data-driven decision-making. HiLabs' cloud-based MCheck platform ingests, cleans, and enriches critical healthcare information, resulting in significant reduction in healthcare organizations' operational costs and improvement in patient outcomes. The MCheck platform technology, featured in the Journal of the American Medical Association ("JAMA "), supports some of the largest health insurance companies in the US in their efforts to automate and improve administrative processes. The company's provider directory management solution is live in most US states, analyzing data of over 80% of the country's healthcare providers. It is expanding its platform capabilities to include other data types such as electronic medical records and value-based care data.

"Timely and high-quality data exchange between payers and providers is key to reducing care costs, improving outcomes," said Amit Garg, co-founder, and CEO of HiLabs. "As we embrace this next phase of growth, we're thankful for the backing of healthcare-focused investors. We stand poised to propel our AI-technology forward, empowering healthcare organizations to make swift, informed decisions based on data that's not just clean, but readily available when it matters most."

"Payors are increasingly looking for innovative technology solutions to make complex and disparate healthcare data actionable. The HiLabs team really impressed us with their vision, best-in-class product suite and strong customer traction, which is testament to their product-market fit," says Dr. Prem Pavoor, Senior Partner, Head of India and Healthcare Investments at Eight Roads Ventures. "We have closely followed Amit's journey over the past couple of years as he has leveraged the US-India corridor very effectively to build both a top tier leadership team and deep AI/ML talent in their India R&D centers. We look forward to partnering with him and his team in this next, exciting phase of growth."

"We are thrilled to support HiLabs as they continue to solve critical data issues within healthcare," states Jesse Lane, Founder and Managing Member of Denali Growth Partners. "While many discuss the potential of AI, particularly in the healthcare ecosystem, HiLabs is demonstrating real-world impact by leveraging advanced AI techniques to ingest and cleanse data for four (4) of the nation's top ten health payers, along with numerous regional players."

"At athenahealth and in venture, I've seen many approaches to applying data science to healthcare data," said Carl Byers, Partner at F-Prime, previously the CFO of athenahealth for more than a decade. "HiLabs' AI-driven approach to data management not only fills a critical gap in the market but it also enables transformational change among payers and providers to leverage real-time data to improve user experiences, cost, and value."

About HiLabs

HiLabs is a leading provider of AI-powered solutions to clean dirty data, unlocking its hidden potential for healthcare transformation. HiLabs is committed to transforming the healthcare industry through innovation, collaboration, and a relentless focus on improving patient outcomes. For more information, contact [email protected].

About Denali Growth Partners

Denali Growth Partners is a Boston-based growth equity firm with more than $250 million in regulatory assets under management. DGP seeks to partner with rapidly-growing and capital-efficient businesses serving the healthcare and technology ecosystems. DGP helps management teams and companies accelerate growth through capital and strategic resources. Additional information about Denali Growth Partners is available at www.denaligrowth.com.

About Eight Roads Ventures

Eight Roads Ventures is a global proprietary investment firm backed by Fidelity managing over $11 billion of assets across offices in China, India, Japan, the UK, and the U.S. Our 50-year history of investing includes partnerships with over 300 healthcare and technology companies. In May 2022, Eight Roads launched its first dedicated $250 million healthcare and life sciences fund for India. Eight Roads' India active and exited healthcare partner companies include Ashish Life Science, Bicara Therapeutics, Caplin Steriles, Carestack, Cipla Health, Core Diagnostics, Denali Therapeutics, Doceree, Eywa Pharma, Elucidata, Enko, Enzene Biosciences, Immuneel Therapeutics, Laurus Labs, Medwell Ventures, NOCD, Plasmagen Biosciences, Proximie, OZiva, PharmEasy, Richcore Lifesciences, Specsmakers, Spry, Toothsi, Trivitron Healthcare, and Ujala Cygnus. For more information, please visit www.eightroads.com.

SOURCE HiLabs
Event organized by CoHNA showcases historical connections and ways to enhance collaboration between the communities

ATLANTA, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A unique, first of its kind event at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights , brought together luminaries from the Georgia state legislature and the Atlanta Hindu and Indian American communities for an evening focused on Building Bridges and Connecting Communities. Organized by the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), the event highlighted the definitive role of the civil rights movement in the U.S, the paths it opened in the years to come for the Hindu and Indian American communities, and the road ahead.

Catch vignettes from the evening here .

"What a powerful event was held. The chains have been broken. The links have been linked. The bridge has been built and now it's time for us to crossover," said the keynote speaker for the evening, Rep. Carl Gilliard , Chairman of the Georgia Black Legislative Caucus. "The history of Black America is the history of America itself, so we are very pleased today to be celebrating it with our friends in the Hindu American community. We grew up inspired by the stories of the great men and women who waged the long battle for equality-stories you see showcased all around us today in this inspiring National Center for Civil rights and Human Rights."

"Diversity and resilience are some of the great strengths of the U.S. and values that both our communities share in abundance, along with the experience of being a minority. There is much to collaborate and learn from each other. I thank CoHNA for bringing us together to strengthen understanding and build new connections," he went on to state.

Addressing the gathering, the Consul General of India in Atlanta, Honorable Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan said, "Living and working right here in Atlanta, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. drew inspiration from the Ahimsa principles that had guided Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian independence movement in general. The connection continued and grew in the decades that followed, with stalwarts like Rep. John Lewis who strengthened the relationship and potential for collaboration via initiatives like the Gandhi King Scholarly Exchange."

Diverse Voices and Connections

Hindus in the US are now a fast-growing minority group. And contrary to popular belief, they include members from diverse ethnicities , countries of origin and socio-economic backgrounds.

"As a member of both minority communities in the US, I can personally attest to the challenges and labeling we face as well - especially when we seek to speak up for ourselves," said Shri Balabhadra Bhattacarya Dasa , President of Vedic Friends Association and a Hindu spiritual leader. "Growing up in Atlanta as the battle for Civil Rights was being fought, I remain eternally inspired by their actions and the words of leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. In later years, I was privileged to work alongside pioneering leaders like Maynard Jackson and to give back to my community."

Hinduism became part of the US discourse in 1893, after a powerful address from Swami Vivekananda at the Parliament of World Religions and his subsequent tour of the country. But, lesser known is his stand against segregation  refusing to sit in a "Whites Only" car on a train in Tennessee, to which he had access as a distinguished brown visitor. Swami Vivekananda chose instead to sit in the car reserved for African-Americans. Lala Lajpat Rai, one of the earliest mass leaders of the Indian Independence movement and founder of the Hindu Mahasabha, spent three years in New York (1917-1920), where he developed a lasting friendship with W.E.B DuBois and worked with prominent leaders like Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver.

Strengthening Connections for the Future

Dr. Jagdish Sheth , the Charles H. Kellstadt Professor of Business at Emory University and globally renowned management thinker, spoke at the event about the role of business in connecting communities. "There is great potential for the African American and the Indian American communities to work in partnership with lawmakers to help drive growth and invest in infrastructure required to support Georgia's transition from a regional to a global economy."

The packed room also saw a number of distinguished lawmakers, officials, educationists, and entrepreneurs exchange views on how to build and strengthen collaboration.

"The historical connections and cultural exchange between the African American and Hindu communities offer a great foundation for future collaboration," said Rajeev Menon, Vice President of CoHNA. "As Hindus of North America, we offer our respects to the black community for the pathbreaking work they have achieved over decades. It is only when our communities unite, our fight for freedom strengthens. We stand alongside in the ongoing fight for equality and justice, beyond all barriers of race and religion."

About CoHNA

CoHNA is a grassroots level advocacy and civil rights organization dedicated to improving the understanding of Hinduism in North America by working on matters related to the Hindu community and by educating the public about Hindu heritage and tradition. For more information, please visit https://cohna.org or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cohnaofficial , on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cohnaofficial , and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/cohnaofficial .

SOURCE Coalition of Hindus of North America
SEATTLE, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- JND Legal Administration

A proposed $9 million settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit entitled Moore v. Robinhood Financial LLC, No. 2:21cv01571BJR (W.D. Wash.) (the "Lawsuit"). The Settlement has not been approved by the Court yet. Settlement Class Member must submit a valid Claim Form by May 13, 2024 to receive a payment. Payments are estimated to be between $45 and $90 per Settlement Class Member that files a timely and valid Claim Form. You may submit a Claim Form online at www.RobinhoodReferralSettlement.com.

What is this about?

The Lawsuit claims that Robinhood Financial LLC ("Robinhood" or "Defendant") violated Washington state laws, including Washington's Commercial Electronic Mail Act ("CEMA") and the Washington Consumer Protection Act ("CPA"), by substantially assisting Robinhood users in the transmission of unsolicited commercial text messages to prospective customers as a part of its refer-a-friend marketing program. Specifically, the Class Representatives allege that Robinhood's trading app allowed users to generate and send pre-filled text messages to users' contacts without first obtaining the recipients' clear and affirmative consent to receive commercial text messages. Under these laws, a person is entitled to $500 for each unlawful text message and a court may award an additional payment up to $1,500, as well as reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.

Robinhood denies any wrongdoing and the Court has not decided whether Robinhood did anything wrong. Robinhood has asserted defenses that it believes would be successful at trial. In agreeing to settle, Robinhood maintains that it complied with the law and does not admit any wrongdoing. The Lawsuit is proceeding in the United States District for the Western District of Washington before the Honorable Judge Barbara J. Rothstein.

For additional details regarding the Lawsuit and your rights, visit www.RobinhoodReferralSettlement.com.

Am I a Settlement Class Member?

You are a Settlement Class Member if you (1) received a Robinhood referral program text message between August 9, 2017 and February 13, 2024; (2) were a Washington resident at the time you received the text; and (3) you did not clearly and affirmatively consent in advance to receive the text.

Your legal rights and options.

File a Claim Form by May 13, 2024 . If you are a member of the Settlement Class, you have a right to complete a Claim Form to receive a Settlement payment, estimated to be between $45 and $90 per Settlement Class Member, although the actual amount could be higher or lower depending on how many valid Claim Forms are received. A Claim Form can be obtained from the settlement website at www.RobinhoodReferralSettlement.com. A Claim Form can be (a) completed and submitted electronically on the website, or (b) printed, completed, and submitted by mail. If your Claim Form is approved and the Settlement is approved by the Court and becomes final, you give up your right to bring your own lawsuit about the issues in this Lawsuit.

If you are a member of the Settlement Class, you have a right to complete a Claim Form to receive a Settlement payment, estimated to be between and per Settlement Class Member, although the actual amount could be higher or lower depending on how many valid Claim Forms are received. A Claim Form can be obtained from the settlement website at www.RobinhoodReferralSettlement.com. A Claim Form can be (a) completed and submitted electronically on the website, or (b) printed, completed, and submitted by mail. If your Claim Form is approved and the Settlement is approved by the Court and becomes final, you give up your right to bring your own lawsuit about the issues in this Lawsuit. Do Nothing. If you do nothing and the Settlement becomes final, you will not receive a Settlement payment and you give up your right to bring your own lawsuit about the issues in this Lawsuit.

If you do nothing and the Settlement becomes final, you will not receive a Settlement payment and you give up your right to bring your own lawsuit about the issues in this Lawsuit. Exclude Yourself by May 13 , 2024. If you exclude yourself from the Settlement (also called "opting out"), you give up your right to receive a Settlement payment, but you keep any rights you may have to bring your own lawsuit about the issues in this Lawsuit. To exclude yourself from the Settlement Class, you must mail a written "Request for Exclusion" to the Settlement Administrator that is postmarked by May 13, 2024 . Your written request must include: (i) your name, address, and telephone number; (ii) a statement confirming that you want to exclude yourself from the Settlement Class; (iii) the case name and number ( Moore v. Robinhood Financial LLC , No. 2:21cv01571BJR (W.D. Wash.)); and (iv) your signature and the date.

If you exclude yourself from the Settlement (also called "opting out"), you give up your right to receive a Settlement payment, but you keep any rights you may have to bring your own lawsuit about the issues in this Lawsuit. To exclude yourself from the Settlement Class, you must mail a written "Request for Exclusion" to the Settlement Administrator that is postmarked by . Your written request must include: (i) your name, address, and telephone number; (ii) a statement confirming that you want to exclude yourself from the Settlement Class; (iii) the case name and number ( , No. 2:21cv01571BJR (W.D. Wash.)); and (iv) your signature and the date. Object or Comment by May 13, 2024 . If you do not exclude yourself from the Settlement, you may object to or comment about the Settlement and/or Class Counsel's request for attorneys' fees, expenses, and service awards to the Class Representatives who brought this Lawsuit.

Who represents me?

The Court has appointed a team of lawyers from Terrell Marshall Law Group PLLC and Berger Montague PC to serve as Class Counsel. They will ask the Court to pay them attorneys' fees not to exceed 25% of the $9 million settlement fund ($2,250,000), out of pocket costs currently estimated to be $151,215, and Class Representative Awards of $10,000 each to Plaintiffs Cooper Moore and Andrew Gillette ($20,000 total).

When will the Court consider the Settlement?

The Court will hold a Final Approval Hearing at 10:00 a.m. Pacific on July 16, 2024. At that hearing, the Court will hear any objections concerning the fairness of the Settlement, decide whether to approve the requested attorneys' fees and costs, Class Representative awards, and determine whether the Settlement should be approved. You do not have to attend the Final Approval Hearing, but you are welcome to come at your own expense.

Where can I get more information?

A more detailed notice and important case documents are at www.RobinhoodReferralSettlement.com. If you have any questions, please contact the Settlement Administrator at 877-231-0646. Do not contact the Court with questions.

SOURCE JND Legal Administration
WESTMINSTER, Colo., March 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ignite Counseling Colorado, a leading provider of counseling services in the Denver metro area, is thrilled to announce its relocation to a new, expanded healing space strategically located at 8670 Wolff Court, Suite 290 Westminster CO 80031. This expansion offers a spacious and welcoming environment designed to enhance the therapeutic experience for clients.

Specializing in OCD, Trauma, and Addictions, Ignite Counseling Colorado offers evidence-based treatments such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy, and Prolonged Exposure therapy, the expanded space allows Ignite Counseling Colorado to broaden its range of services and accommodate a growing clientele.

Amidst economic challenges, our community requires accessible, expert mental health care more than ever. This expansion ensures that Coloradans have access to the mental health support they need through utilization of their health insurance, Medicaid and affordable counseling options offered at Ignite.

"As a fundamental human right, compassionate, expert, and accessible mental health care should be available to every Coloradan. At Ignite, we are committed to upholding this principle by providing unparalleled support to our community, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Ignite Counseling Colorado's new facility not only underscores its dedication to client-centered care but also reflects its vision of building a resilient and thriving community. By expanding its capacity and enhancing its offerings, Ignite Counseling Colorado aims to reach more individuals in need of support and to make a positive impact on mental health outcomes in the region." ~ Carla D'Agostino-Vigil, Founder and Clinical Director

To learn more about Ignite Counseling Colorado and its comprehensive range of counseling services, please visit ignitecounselingcolorado.com.

About Ignite Counseling Colorado:

Ignite Counseling Colorado is a leading provider of counseling services dedicated to supporting individuals, couples, and families on their journey toward healing and growth. With a team of compassionate and experienced therapists, Ignite Counseling Colorado offers a range of therapeutic modalities tailored to meet the diverse needs of clients. Services include individual counseling, couples counseling, group therapy, and specialized programs for specific mental health concerns such as OCD, trauma, and addictions.

Media Contact:

For media inquiries, please contact:

[email protected]

Photo(s):

https://www.prlog.org/13011559

Press release distributed by PRLog

SOURCE Ignite Counseling Colorado
Global fertility leader's annual summit brings together physicians, team members across Inception's expansive family of brands

HOUSTON, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Inception Fertility (Inception), the largest provider of comprehensive fertility services in North America, held its Annual Inception Physician Summit in Nashville, Tennessee, February 22-25, 2024.

This event that brings together reproductive specialists and clinical managers from across Inception's vast network of global fertility clinics, The Prelude Network, to share best practices and resources that make each clinic a leading fertility provider in their respective markets. This included two full days of learning, team building, collaborating, and the field of reproductive medicine. Panel sessions covered topics related to mental health in fertility care, groundbreaking research studies, and using technology to drive the patient and employee experience, among others.

The event also included the coveted Patient Experience Awards, a gathering of physicians and team members across Prelude that celebrates their contributions to providing aspiring parents with the highest level of professional, individualized care  a focal point of Inception's mission.

The Summit was sponsored by leading technology and medical companies committed to furthering the fertility industry, including Diamond sponsor ReUnite RX, a financial support program that partners with select pharmaceutical companies to serve patients who are undergoing fertility treatments. Additional sponsors included Organon, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, CooperSurgical, LabCorp, Igenomix, Vitrolife, Progyny, and EMD Serono.

"It was an honor for ReUnite RX to sponsor the 2024 Inception Physician Summit and be part of an event that not only brought together the brightest minds in reproductive medicine, but to celebrate what they do to improve all aspects of fertility care, most especially the patient experience," says Manish Chhadua, Managing Partner at ReUnite RX. "Inception and ReUnite RX are two companies within the fertility space dedicated to helping more patients access fertility care so they can do what everyone deserves to do  have a family."

"The annual Inception Summit is a great opportunity for our company to come together and celebrate our achievements in patient care, discuss what's at the forefront of fertility medicine, and collaborate on how we can improve everything from accessibility to patient experience  all of what Inception is founded on," says TJ Farnsworth, Founder and CEO of Inception Fertility. "Each year we recognize 5 individuals and one practice for going above and beyond to further our mission, we congratulate each winner on their deserved recognitions and thank every member of the Inception family for all they do every day to guide our patients and deliver the best in care."

The 2024 Patient Experience Awards included the Patient Experience Outstanding Practice Award, Patient Experience Leader Award, CEO's Patient Experience Emerging Leader Award, and Patient Experience Tenet Leaders Awards. Those winners include:

Patient Experience Outstanding Practice Award Winner: Reproductive Medicine Group (Tampa, Florida)

Patient Experience Leader Award Winner: Vicki Sandel, Managing Director, Aspire Houston Fertility Institute (Houston, Texas)

CEO's Patient Experience Emerging Leader Award Winner: Alissa Barrie, Director of Patient Experience, Main Line Fertility (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Patient Experience Leader of the Year Award Winner  Safety: Tayler Landry. Nurse Admin Assistant, Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (British Columbia, Canada)

Patient Experience Leader of the Year Award Winner  Compassion: Madlin "Mimi" Pimentel, Medical Assistant, Reproductive Medicine Group (Tampa, Florida)

Patient Experience Leader of the Year Award Winner  Show: May (Tian) Nguyen, Lab Supervisor, Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (British Columbia, Canada)

Patient Experience Leader of the Year Award Winner  Efficiency: Leslie Ali, Nurse, IVFMD (Miami, Florida)

Those companies within the Inception ecosystem include The Prelude Network, the fastest-growing network of fertility clinics and largest provider of comprehensive fertility services in North America; Pathways Fertility, clinics that provide affordable, individualized and high quality care; MyEggBank, one of the largest frozen donor egg banks in North America; Bundl Fertility, a multi-cycle fertility service bundling program; HavenCryo, a long-term reproductive preservation and storage solution provider and NutraBloom, a premium lifestyle brand with expertly formulated supplements to support individuals' health and wellness goals for preconception.

About Inception Fertility

Inception Fertility (Inception) is a family of fertility brands committed to helping build families. Built by patients for patients, Inception's purpose is to achieve the highest bar in experience, science and medicine in an effort to enhance each patient's experience and achieve better outcomes.

Inception's medical experts are leading pioneers in fertility care. Our doctors are some of the first to use breakthrough assisted reproductive technologies (ART)  including in vitro fertilization (IVF), preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and fertility preservation services  and they continue to lead the industry by building on these technologies by thorough development, research and thought leadership.

Through its growing family of national organizations  which includes The Prelude Network, the fastest-growing network of fertility clinics and largest provider of comprehensive fertility services in North America; Pathways Fertility, clinics that provide affordable, individualized and high quality care; MyEggBank, one of the largest frozen donor egg banks in North America; Bundl Fertility, a multi-cycle fertility service bundling program; HavenCryo, a long-term reproductive preservation and storage solution provider and NutraBloom, a premium lifestyle brand with expertly formulated supplements to support individuals' health and wellness goals for preconception  Inception is working to deliver on its promise to push the envelope of what is possible for exceeding patient expectations.

Media Contact:

Mia Humphreys

239-297-6592

[email protected]

SOURCE Inception Fertility
DENVER, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SSA Ventures announces its newest offering, Cinchio Solutions, a software company that simplifies operations and delivers a world-class guest experience through its enterprise platform. Its products drive revenue and growth for cultural attractions and the larger hospitality industry.

Cinchio Solutions offers a digital platform that can help operators simplify their day-to-day operations in the hospitality industry and increase margins. Its platform helps to unlock insights across all platforms, alleviate staffing pressures and reduce guest friction.

Cinchio Solutions is a subsidiary of SSA Ventures which is focused on investment in the future of hospitality. SSA Ventures was born out of over 50 years of operational partnership from SSA Group with zoos, museums and aquariums across the United States.

This new entity is 100% focused on digital innovation and solutions. Cinchio Solutions can provide:

Digital ordering solutions including mobile and kiosks with centralized menu management;

Inventory management solutions to help reduce waste and provide real-time insights;

Payment solutions and cash management reporting that may simplify accounting tasks and potentially deliver better margins;

Consolidated data reporting for all business verticals with customized reporting tools; and

Customizations to meet your specific needs.

"We believe that Cinchio can harmonize the data within hospitality, optimize software that improves the guest experience and create the personalized experiences we all now expect when we visit the locations and attractions we love," said Ben Dunton, managing director, Cinchio Solutions.

"We've invested in digital platforms and offerings like Cinchio Solutions because we are committed to transforming the future of an overall guest experience," said Sean McNicholas, CEO of SSA Group. "A digital platform and continued innovation will allow us to improve food service and transform our space, like delivering an immersive experience for guests."

For more information, please visit www.cinchio.com.

SSA Group has supported cultural attractions with retail, food and admissions offerings for over 50 years, partnering with more than 90 organizations to bring a high-quality guest experience to millions of families and visitors.

About Cinchio

Cinchio Solutions is a technology company that is transforming the hospitality industry. Their Enterprise Digital Platform allows operators to alleviate staffing pressure and increase margins through streamlined kitchen operations, simplified back of house operations, and unified data insights. Cinchio reduces administrative work so you can focus on what matters. Delight your guests and your operations team with its open integration platform.

About SSA Group

SSA Group partners with cultural attractions across the United States to maximize their mission and streamline the guest experience across exquisite food services, guest-centric retail, and smart admissions. SSA makes visits to cultural attractions easier for more than 20 million families per year. With focuses like sustainability, technology and people, SSA Group brings products you can feel good about, smart technology to create efficiencies and friendly staff to each guests visit. Built by families, for families, SSA Group is a family-owned business headquartered in Denver, CO. To learn more visit: https://thessagroup.com/

About SSA Ventures

SSA Ventures is a forward-focused collective of companies dedicated to revolutionizing the digital, human, and product landscape of hospitality and the guest experience.

Derived from a legacy of excellence and bolstered by 11,000 dedicated employees enriching cultural attractions nationwide, we recognize hospitality's profound influence. Guided by SSA Group, we approach hospitality with ceaseless curiosity, forging into uncharted realms of knowledge and understanding. To learn more about SSA Ventures, visit https://thessagroup.com/ventures.

SOURCE Cinchio Solutions
TOKYO, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cyclic organic molecules play important roles in living organisms and serve as inspiration for the design of functional synthetic compounds. Now, two such ring-like molecules have been successfully synthesized, with possible applications including sensors and catalysts.

Cyclic compounds are molecules in which some of the atoms are connected to form a closed ring. Porphyrins are an important naturally occurring class of such cyclic compounds, and hemoglobin, carrying oxygen around in the human body, and chlorophylls, enabling photosynthesis in plants, are well-known organic molecules based on the porphyrin structure. Given their key roles in living organisms, porphyrins have inspired the design of synthetic compounds for various applications. Recently, Naoya Kumagai from Keio University and colleagues have succeeded in synthesizing two new members of the porphyrin family, with promising physicochemical properties such as fluorescence and catalytic activity.

The first molecule synthesized by the researchers is called TEtraQuinoline (TEQ). The molecule's name refers to quinoline, a small organic molecule consisting of carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen atoms; TEQ consists of 4 connected quinoline units, in which the central ring contains 4 nitrogen atoms as well as 12 carbon atoms. The molecule has a rigid, saddle-like, three-dimensional structure. Due to this rigid structure, the compound could not be synthesized by 'simply' connecting the quinoline units, but rather by first constructing a cyclic precursor, of which particular parts were then subsequently chemically modified.

TEQ turned out to have remarkable physicochemical properties. By itself, the molecule displayed only low fluorescence (the absorption of light, followed by the emission of light with a lower frequency). But in an acidic environment, fluorescence became high, a property that may be used for developing acidity level (pH) probes. Likewise, when TEQ was brought in contact with zinc ions, its fluorescence increased significantly, a discovery that may lead to potential zinc-sensing applications. TEQ was found to form complexes not only with zinc, but with a range of other metals too. The TEQ-iron complex was found to exhibit high catalytic activity at very low concentration, which opens the door for its use as a catalyst in important chemical processes such as carbon dioxide reduction and photochemical water splitting.

The second molecule synthesized by Kumagai and colleagues is Oxa-TriQuinoline (o-TQ) and, as the name suggests, it is also based on the quinoline unit. It is a modification of TriQuinoline  which consists of 3 connected quinoline units  featuring a central ring containing 3 oxygen, 3 nitrogen and 9 carbon atoms. o-TQ's structure is semi-rigid and has a bowl-like shape.

The scientists investigated several properties of the newly synthesized o-TQ. They found that o-TQ forms a complex with copper and that this complex exhibits 'solid-state photoluminescence' particularly, the emission of orange light. The researchers also studied the catalytic potential of o-TQ, and discovered that the o-TQ-copper complex is catalytically active in certain organic reactions.

The successful synthesis of TEQ and o-TQ reported in this research offers new approaches for establishing innovative methods for the creation of next-generation functional molecules and related applications.

Quoting Kumagai and colleagues: " the rigid and robust tetradentate ligand TEQ represents a new platform for catalyst design and molecular engineering." They go on to say that "the rich chemistry elicited from the newly designed cyclic tridentate ligand [o-TQ]  can be expected to inspire further exploration in molecular design to pursue hitherto unknown molecular functions."

Fig. 1 https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.2c12582

Caption: Structure and metal complexation of TEtraQuinolines (TEQs)

Fig. 2 https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202307896

Caption: Inspiration for the design of the 15-membered macrocycle oxa-triquinoline (o-TQ). Licensed under CC BY NC 4.0 DEED.

Reference

1. Xu, W., Nagata, Y. & Kumagai, N. TEtraQuinolines: A Missing Link in the Family of Porphyrinoid Macrocycles. J. Am. Chem. Soc 145, 2609-2618 (2023).

https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.2c12582

2. Kobayashi, T. & Kumagai, N. Oxa-TriQuinoline: A New Entry to Aza-Oxa-Crown Architectures. Angew. Chem. Int. 62, e202307896 (2023).

https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202307896

About the researcher

Naoya Kumagai  Professor, Faculty of Pharmacy

Naoya Kumagai earned a Bachelor, Master, and PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Tokyo in 2000, 2002, 2005, respectively. He is currently a Professor at the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Keio University.

His research interests are in organic chemistry, materials chemistry, and interdisciplinary research between chemistry and biology.

Links

Further information

Office of Research Development and Sponsored Projects

Keio University

2-15-45 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8345 Japan

Telephone: +81 (0)-3-5427-1678

E-mail: [email protected]

Websites

Keio University

https://www.keio.ac.jp/en/

Keio Research Highlights

https://research-highlights.keio.ac.jp/

SOURCE Keio University
PITTSBURGH, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kennametal Inc. (NYSE: KMT) announced today that Sanjay Chowbey, currently Vice President, Kennametal Inc. and President, Metal Cutting Segment, will succeed Christopher Rossi as President & CEO. Rossi has decided to retire from the company after nearly seven years as CEO, effective May 31, 2024. Chowbey was unanimously appointed by the Board of Directors as Rossi's successor, effective June 1, 2024.

Sanjay Chowbey

"On behalf of the entire Board, I want to thank Chris for his many contributions to Kennametal and congratulate Sanjay on his well-deserved appointment as CEO," said William M. Lambert, Chairman of the Board. "Chris is leaving the company better than he found it, having successfully executed the company's Simplification/Modernization strategy, which improved the efficiency and customer service level of its factories while enabling the manufacturing of new product innovations. In addition, Chris led the company through the challenges of COVID-19, drove a significant and lasting cultural transformation and improved the underlying performance of the business."

Rossi will continue to serve on the company's Board of Directors until his retirement, at which time Chowbey will join the Board. Rossi and Chowbey will work together to ensure a seamless transition.

"Over the last seven years, we have made good progress in streamlining our organization, improving operations and sales effectiveness, enabling higher value-add product innovations and establishing our growth strategy," said Rossi. "While difficult to say goodbye to this great company and our employees around the world, it is the right time for me personally to make this transition, especially knowing that I leave Kennametal under the very capable leadership of my planned successor Sanjay."

Lambert added, "The Board has been appropriately focused on succession, so we know that Sanjay is well-prepared for this role and to advance our growth trajectory over the next few years. He is a proven business leader and change agent, who I am confident will help us continue to execute on a transformational strategy to deliver above market growth and margin expansion."

Chowbey joined Kennametal in 2021 as President of the Metal Cutting segment. Under his leadership the business has grown its customer base, consistently delivered sales growth, expanded its operating margins, launched more than 20 new products and improved employee engagement.

"I am honored and excited to serve as the next CEO of Kennametal," said Chowbey. "We have a proud 86-year legacy of helping customers make products that touch everyday life and enable people to drive, fly, power and build. We have extraordinary employees who are focused on serving stakeholders around the world and working to do things better than we did the day before. I look forward to accelerating our transformational journey to create shareholder value through growth, margin expansion and a balanced capital allocation strategy."

The Company has launched a search for Chowbey's Metal Cutting successor, considering both internal and external candidates. Chowbey will also continue in his current role during this transition period until he officially steps into the CEO role.

About Chowbey

Sanjay Chowbey joined Kennametal in 2021 as Vice President of Kennametal Inc. and President of the Company's Metal Cutting segment.

Chowbey has global responsibility for the Metal Cutting segment. In this role he is accountable for all aspects of the business, including advancing the strategy, driving operational excellence and delivering profitable growth for the segment.

He has more than 20 years of experience at various industrial companies, including Flowserve Corporation, Danaher and Arvin Meritor Inc. Chowbey brings deep global and cross-functional perspective having held various President and General Manager roles, with responsibility for strategy, operations, sales, marketing and finance. In his most recent role before Kennametal, he was President of the $1.2 billion Services & Solutions business at Flowserve.

Chowbey earned his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Tennessee Tech University and Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from B.I.T. in Sindri, India.

About Kennametal

With over 80 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Every day approximately 8,700 employees are helping customers in nearly 100 countries stay competitive. Kennametal generated $2.1 billion in revenues in fiscal 2023. Learn more at www.kennametal.com. Follow @Kennametal: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

SOURCE Kennametal Inc.
NEW YORK, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- KPS Capital Partners, LP ("KPS") announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its portfolio company, IKG (the "Company"), to an entity controlled by Meiser International GmbH ("MEISER"), a leader in the manufacturing of steel gratings and industrial flooring, and Dubai Transport Company LLC ("DUTCO"), a conglomerate specialized in trading, manufacturing & logistics, construction, hospitality, energy and real estate. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

IKG is a leading North American manufacturer and fabricator of metal grating and access infrastructure products. The Company offers a full range of metal bar grating, miscellaneous steel and fencing products, used primarily in industrial flooring, safety and security applications across a wide range of industries. IKG is headquartered in Houston, Texas, with five strategically located manufacturing facilities across the U.S. and Mexico and has approximately 350 employees globally.

KPS acquired IKG in 2020 from Enviri Corporation, formerly Harsco Corporation. KPS and IKG's management team completed a highly complex corporate carve-out transaction and executed a successful growth strategy that transformed IKG into a diversified and growing platform in the access infrastructure market. Under KPS' ownership, the Company streamlined operations, constructed new manufacturing facilities, invested in modernization, introduced new products and significantly expanded its presence in high-growth end-markets.

Ryan Harrison, a Partner of KPS Mid-Cap Investments, stated, "The success of our investment in IKG demonstrates KPS' ability to see value where others do not, to buy right and to make businesses better  across decades, industries, and financial, business and economic cycles.

We take immense pride in the Company's accomplishments. We congratulate and thank the IKG management team for their strategic vision and tactical execution, which resulted in the Company's significant revenue growth and value creation under our ownership. The Company is well-positioned for continued growth and industry leadership under MEISER's and DUTCO's ownership."

Chad McClendon, Chief Executive Officer of IKG, added, "Our partnership with KPS was extraordinary. KPS recognized IKG's strength and potential from the start and supported IKG's growth objectives. Working in partnership with KPS, we invested significantly in our people and operations, focusing on employee engagement, manufacturing excellence and providing best-in-class product quality and support to our customer base. We are grateful to KPS for providing our team with the expertise, capital and resources to grow IKG. We thank our customers, suppliers and employees for their contributions to our success. We look forward to the opportunities that MEISER and DUTCO will bring to help us further elevate the offering to our customers."

Paul Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP served as legal counsel and Jefferies LLC served as financial advisor to KPS and IKG. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and approvals.

About IKG

IKG is a leading North American manufacturer and fabricator of metal grating and access infrastructure products. The Company offers a full range of metal bar grating, miscellaneous steel and fencing products, used primarily in industrial flooring, safety and security applications across a wide range of industries. IKG is headquartered in Houston, Texas, with five strategically located manufacturing facilities across the U.S. and Mexico and has approximately 350 employees globally. More information can be found at www.ikg.com.

About KPS Capital Partners, LP

KPS, through its affiliated management entities, is the manager of the KPS Special Situations Funds, a family of investment funds with approximately $21.4 billion of assets under management (as of December 31, 2023). For over three decades, the Partners of KPS have worked exclusively to realize significant capital appreciation by making controlling equity investments in manufacturing and industrial companies across a diverse array of industries, including basic materials, branded consumer, healthcare and luxury products, automotive parts, capital equipment, and general manufacturing. KPS creates value for its investors by working constructively with talented management teams to make businesses better and generates investment returns by structurally improving the strategic position, competitiveness, and profitability of its portfolio companies, rather than primarily relying on financial leverage. The KPS Funds' portfolio companies currently generate aggregate annual revenues of approximately $20.4 billion, operate 223 manufacturing facilities in 26 countries, and have approximately 48,000 employees, directly and through joint ventures worldwide (as of September 30, 2023). The KPS investment strategy and portfolio companies are described in detail at www.kpsfund.com.

About MEISER

MEISER, founded in 1956, is a German family-owned company specializing in the manufacture and supply of high-quality steel and metal products. Meiser is recognized in the industry for providing customized solutions and exceptional customer service in all its business areas. In addition to steel gratings, Meiser supplies road and safety equipment, expanded metal, solar mounting systems, various steel profiles, complete staircases and galvanizing services. Meiser has 20 manufacturing plants in Europe, Middle East, Africa and South America with 3,500 employees. www.meiser-group.com.

About DUTCO

DUTCO, founded in 1947, is a UAE headquartered family-owned multinational group. Its focus on innovation and commitment to world class standards has underpinned Dutco's growth across a number of diverse industries. Today, the group has operations across five key business verticals, comprising (1) trading, manufacturing & logistics, (2) construction, (3) hospitality, (4) energy and (5) real estate. Dutco operates across 8 countries with over 10,000 employees, including existing operations within its energy, real estate and hospitality verticals in the United States. www.dutco.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements", including statements regarding the contemplated transaction. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "potential," "seek," "should," "think," "will," "would" and similar expressions, or they may use future dates. Forward-looking statements in this document include, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's expectations as to the completion, timing and anticipated impacts of the contemplated transaction. These forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions, risks and uncertainties that may change at any time, and readers are therefore cautioned that actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include, among other things: the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the definitive agreement or could otherwise cause the transaction contemplated herein to fail to close; the inability of the Company, KPS, MEISER or DUTCO to satisfy the conditions to closing; and other risks and uncertainties. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. All forward-looking statements in this document are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Statements By Portfolio Company Executives

Certain statements about KPS made by portfolio company executives herein are intended to illustrate KPS' business relationship with such persons, including with respect to KPS' abilities as a business partner, rather than KPS' capabilities or expertise with respect to investment advisory services. Portfolio company executives were not compensated in connection with the communication of such statements, although they generally receive compensation and investment opportunities in connection with their portfolio company roles, and in certain cases are also owners of portfolio company securities and/or investors in KPS-sponsored vehicles. Such compensation and investments subject participants to potential conflicts of interest in making the statements herein.

SOURCE KPS Capital Partners, LP
BEIJING, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kuke Music Holding Limited ("Kuke" or the "Company") (NYSE: KUKE), a leading classical music service platform in China, recently disclosed a strategic organizational adjustment, including the establishment of a dedicated Technical Research and Development Center in Guangzhou. This strategic initiative is designed to enhance the collaborative efforts in R&D for technological integration between Kuke and its global strategic partner, Naxos Music Group ("Naxos"). The Company aims to achieve this by offering specialized services, including product development and technical maintenance tailored for Naxos, laying a more solid foundation for future cooperation.

The Guangzhou R&D center is dedicated to technical research and development, focusing on innovative technologies to support and advance various products within Naxos. This not only underscores Kuke's commitment to technological innovation but also reflects the Company's resolve to deliver a more diverse range of services for classical music enthusiasts.

Steve Li, Chief Financial Officer of Kuke, stated, "The Guangzhou R&D center serves as a pivotal platform for technical exchange and collaboration between Kuke and Naxos. By concentrating on continuous product development and offering technical maintenance services for Naxos, we aim not only to better cater to the demands of the classical music market in general but also to generate expanded business possibilities and opportunities for future collaboration between Kuke and Naxos."

Through this strategic framework, the partnership between Kuke and Naxos enters a new era. The Guangzhou R&D center is expected to elevate the technical integration of both to new heights which empower both parties to collaboratively explore and develop new products and services, providing a higher quality and more personalized service experience for classical music users on a global scale. This strategic initiative signifies Kuke's significant stride in globally promoting the integration of classical music and technology.

About Kuke Music Holding Limited

Kuke is a leading classical music service platform in China encompassing the entire value chain from content provision to music learning services. By collaborating with its strategic global business partner Naxos, the largest independent classical music content provider in the world, the foundation of Kuke's extensive classical music content library is its unparalleled access to more than 900 top-tier labels and record companies. Leveraging its market leadership in international copyrighted classical music content, Kuke provides highly scalable classical music licensing services to various online music platforms, and classical music subscription services to over 800 universities, libraries, and other institutions across China. In addition, it has hosted Beijing Music Festival ("BMF"), the most renowned music festival in China, for 24 consecutive years. Through KUKEY, the Company's proprietary smart music learning solutions, Kuke aims to democratize music learning via technological innovation, bring fascinating music content and professional music techniques to more students, and continuously improve the efficiency and penetration of music learning in China. For more information about Kuke, please visit https://ir.kuke.com/

Forward-looking Statements

This announcement contains forward looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "aims," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident," "potential," "continue" or other similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about Kuke's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including those in Kuke's registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Kuke's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and Kuke undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

SOURCE Kuke Music Holding Limited
CHICAGO, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Laser Capture Microdissection Market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $184 million in 2024 and is poised to reach $306 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 10.6% from 2024 to 2029 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The growth of this market is driven by increasing demand of laser capture microdissection in cancer research, collaborations between academic institutions, research organizations, and industry players to develop innovative LCM technologies. Additionally, continuous advancements in laser technology, microscopy, and automation have led to improved precision, efficiency, and ease of use of LCM systems.

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Browse in-depth TOC on "Laser Capture Microdissection Market"

139 - Tables

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193 - Pages

Laser Capture Microdissection Market Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2024 $184 million Estimated Value by 2029 $306 million Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 10.6% Market Size Available for 20222029 Forecast Period 20242029 Forecast Units Value (USD Million) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered Product, System Type, Application and End User Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities Integration with omics technologies Key Market Drivers Increase in R&D funding

The consumables segment accounted for the largest share, by product in the laser capture microdissection market in 2023.

By product, the laser capture microdissection market has been further categorized as instruments, consumables, software and services. The consumables segment held the largest share of the global laser capture microdissection market in 2023. This can be attributed to increasing adoption of LCM technology across various research fields, advancements in sample preparation techniques, and the rising demand for personalized medicine. Furthermore, support from government agencies and funding organizations for research initiatives in areas such as cancer, neuroscience, and precision medicine provides financial resources for the procurement of LCM consumables. Government funding drives research activities and accelerates the adoption of LCM technology, thereby stimulating the demand for consumables.

The research and development segment accounted for the largest share of the application segment in the laser capture microdissection market in 2023.

Based on application, the global laser capture microdissection market has been segmented into research & development, diagnostics, and other applications. The research & development segment held the largest market share in 2023. The large share of this segment can be attributed to the use of laser capture microdissection for gene expression analysis has lent itself to a diverse set of research areas and applications, including cancer biology, cell biology, neurobiology, pathology, neuroscience, and developmental biology.

The North America region catered the largest share of the laser capture microdissection market in 2023.

The laser capture microdissection market in North America has experienced significant growth in recent years, showcasing a robust expansion trajectory, owing to large pharmaceutical & biopharmaceutical industry in the region, the rising R&D expenditure, stringent regulations, and the presence of major providers of laser capture microdissection products in the US and Canada. Additionally, growth of the North American laser capture microdissection market is driven by significant factors such as a multitude of ongoing cancer research and clinical trials, the expansion of the biosimilars and generics sector, and the increasing adoption of outsourcing preclinical, clinical, and laboratory testing services by pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies.

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Laser Capture Microdissection Market Dynamics:

Drivers:

1. Increase in R&D funding

Restraints:

1. Requirement of high degree of technical expertise

Opportunities:

1. Integration with omics technologies

Challenge:

1. Time-consuming sample preparation process

Key Market Players of Laser Capture Microdissection Industry:

Key players in the laser capture microdissection market include Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (US), Danaher Corporation (US), Carl Zeiss AG (Germany), F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG (Switzerland), Standard BioTools (US), JSR Corporation (Japan), Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (US), Agilent Technologies, Inc. (US), Bruker (US), Molecular Machines & Industries GmbH (Germany), Ocimum Biosolutions (US), Theralink Technologies, Inc. (US), 3DHISTECH, Ltd. (Hungary), Creative Biolabs (US), DeNova Sciences (Singapore), Laxco, Inc. (US), CaresBio Laboratory LLC (US), VitroVivo Biotech (US), AnaPath Services GmbH (Switzerland), Gnome Diagnostics & Gnome Sciences (US), Monasterium Laboratory (Germany), Independent Forensics (US), Norgen Biotek Corp. (Canada), Creative Bioarray (US), and Epistem Ltd. (UK).

The primary interviews conducted for this report can be categorized as follows:

By Respondent: Supply Side- 60% and Demand Side 40%

By Designation: C-level - 50%, D-level - 20%, and Others - 30%

By Region: North America -40%, Europe -40%, and Asia-Pacific -20%

Recent Developments of Laser Capture Microdissection Industry:

In August 2023 , Danaher Corporation (US) acquired Abcam plc (UK), a leading supplier of protein consumables. Abcam is to operate as a standalone operating company and brand within Danaher's Life Sciences segment, furthering Danaher's strategy to help map complex diseases and accelerate the drug discovery process using Danaher's technology.

, Danaher Corporation (US) acquired Abcam plc (UK), a leading supplier of protein consumables. Abcam is to operate as a standalone operating company and brand within Danaher's Life Sciences segment, furthering Danaher's strategy to help map complex diseases and accelerate the drug discovery process using Danaher's technology. In March 2023 , Crown Bioscience International (US), a JSR Life Sciences Company, acquired a 100.0% stake in Indivumed Services GmbH& Co. KG ( Germany ) to further accelerate drug discovery and create solutions to meet customer needs by bringing a variety of synergistic service platforms to Crown Bioscience's drug discovery and development services.

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Laser Capture Microdissection Market - Key Benefits of Buying the Report:

The report will help market leaders/new entrants by providing them with the closest approximations of the revenue numbers for the overall market and its subsegments. It will also help stakeholders better understand the competitive landscape and gain more insights to better position their business and make suitable go-to-market strategies. This report will enable stakeholders to understand the market's pulse and provide them with information on the key market drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges

The report provides insights on the following pointers:

Analysis of key drivers (Increase in R&D funding, Increase in healthcare expenditure, Technical advantages of LCM, and Contamination-free technique), restraints (High cost of instruments, accessories, and maintenance, Requirement of high degree of technical expertise, and RNA degradation), opportunities (Emerging markets and collaborative research initiatives, Integration with omics technologies), and challenges (Time consuming sample preparation process).

Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on newly launched product and technological assessment of the laser capture microdissection market

Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative markets - the report analyses the market across varied regions.

Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the laser capture microdissection market

Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market shares, growth strategies and product offerings of leading players like Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (US), Danaher Corporation (US), Carl Zeiss AG ( Germany ), F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG ( Switzerland ), Standard BioTools (US), JSR Corporation ( Japan ), Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (US), Agilent Technologies, Inc. (US), Bruker (US), Molecular Machines & Industries GmbH ( Germany ), Ocimum Biosolutions (US), Theralink Technologies, Inc. (US), 3DHISTECH, Ltd. ( Hungary ), Creative Biolabs (US), DeNova Sciences ( Singapore ), Laxco, Inc. (US), CaresBio Laboratory LLC (US), VitroVivo Biotech (US), AnaPath Services GmbH ( Switzerland ), Gnome Diagnostics & Gnome Sciences (US), Monasterium Laboratory ( Germany ), Independent Forensics (US), Norgen Biotek Corp. ( Canada ), Creative Bioarray (US), and Epistem Ltd. (UK).

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Company's Strategic Focus on Cybersecurity, Cloud Services, and Managed IT Services Yields 196% Two-Year Revenue Increase

PITTSBURGH, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Inc. magazine revealed that Magna5, a national provider of managed IT, cybersecurity, and cloud-based services, is No. 90 on its fourth annual Inc. 5000 Regionals: Northeast list. This prestigious ranking recognizes the most successful companies within the Northeast economy's most dynamic segment  its independent small businesses.

"Magna5 is honored to be recognized not only on the national stage with the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies, but now also amongst our peers in the Northeast," said Bob Farina, CEO of Magna5. "The demand for cybersecurity, cloud services and managed IT services is growing rapidly and Magna5 continues to win new business by striving to understand our customers' needs and investing in our team, technology and service processes to provide world class solutions to our clients."

The companies on this list show a remarkable rate of growth across all industries in the Northeast region. Between 2020 and 2022, these 198 private companies had an average growth rate of 155.84 percent; by 2023, they'd also added 14,560 jobs and $15.7 billion to the region's economy. Complete results of the Inc. 5000 Regionals: Northeast, including company profiles, can be found at inc.com/northeast.

"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 Magna5

Magna5, a NewSpring Holdings platform, provides managed IT services, cybersecurity, private and public cloud hosting, backup and disaster recovery, and other advanced IT services to SMB, mid-market and enterprise customers, including leaders within the education, healthcare, government, financial services, manufacturing and other industry segments. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, Magna5 has customers nationally. For more information, visit www.magna5.com.

More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000 Regionals

Methodology

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. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2020 is $100,000; the minimum for 2022 is $1 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons.

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, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent.

The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com .

SOURCE Magna5
NEW YORK , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MainStay CBRE Global Infrastructure Megatrends Term Fund (the "Fund") (NYSE: MEGI) today announced the Fund's monthly distributions for March 2024 of $0.1250 per common share. The Fund's current annualized distribution rate is 11.87% based upon the closing price of $12.64 on March 12, 2024, and 10.45% based upon the Fund's closing NAV of $14.35 as of the same date.

Dividend Distribution Schedule:



Ex-Dividend Date Record Date Payable Date March 3-22-2024 3-25-2024 3-28-2024

The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this Notice are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the amount of this distribution or from the terms of the Fund's Distribution Policy.

Future earnings of the Fund cannot be guaranteed, and the Fund's distribution policy is subject to change. For more information on the Fund, please visit the Fund's website here.

The Fund's monthly distribution is set by its Board of Trustees. The Board reviews the Fund's distribution on a quarterly basis in view of its net investment income, realized and unrealized gains, and other net unrealized appreciation or income expected during the remainder of the year. The Fund strives to establish a level monthly distribution that, over the course of the year, will serve to distribute an amount closely approximating the Fund's net investment income and net realized capital gains during the year.

The following table sets forth the estimated sources of income of the current distribution, and the cumulative distributions paid this fiscal year to date from the following sources: net investment income, net realized short-term capital gains, net realized long-term capital gains and return of capital or other capital source. All amounts are expressed on a per share of common stock basis and as a percentage of the distribution amount.

Data as of 3/31/2024 Source Current

Distribution per

Share Percent of

Current

Distribution Fiscal YTD

Cumulative

Distribution per Share Fiscal YTD Percent of

Total Cumulative

Distributions Net Investment

Income $0.0000 0 % $0.8819 73 % Net Realized Short-

Term Capital Gains $0.0000 0 % $0.0350 3 % Net Realized Long-

Term Capital Gains $0.0000 0 % $0.1747 14 % Return of Capital or

Other Capital Sources $0.1250 100 % $0.1250 10 % Total per Share $0.1250 100 % $1.2166 100 % Fund Performance and Distribution Rate Information as of 2/29/2024

Average annual total return1 (in relation to the net asset value (NAV)): -7.59 % Annualized current distribution rate expressed as a percentage of month end NAV as of

2/29/2024: 10.77%2 Cumulative total return3 (in relation to NAV (not annualized)) for the fiscal period ending

2/29/2024: -6.79 % Cumulative fiscal year distribution rate as a percentage of NAV as of 2/29/2024: 7.84%4

1. Represents the annualized total return in relation to the change in NAV from inception (10/27/2021) through 2/29/2024. 2. Represents the current monthly distribution rate annualized as a percentage of NAV as of 2/29/2024. 3. Represents the cumulative total return in relation to the change in NAV for the current fiscal period 6/1/2023 through 2/29/2024. 4. Represents the cumulative distribution rate for the current fiscal period 6/1/2023 through 2/29/2024, which is determined by dividing the

dollar value of distributions in the period by the NAV as of 2/29/2024.

There is no assurance the Fund will continue to pay regular monthly distributions or that it will do so at a particular rate.

You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the amount of its distribution to shareholders.

Any distributions in excess of the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated first, as a tax-deferred return of capital, which is applied against and will reduce the adjusted tax basis of shares and, after such adjusted basis is reduced to zero, will generally constitute capital gains. A return of capital distribution may lower a shareholder's basis in the Fund, causing a potential future tax consequence in connection with the sale of Fund shares, even if such shares are sold at a loss to the shareholder's initial investments.

Any amounts and sources of distributions are only estimated and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of income of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend on the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will advise how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

The Fund is a closed-end fund, which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange and invests primarily in income-producing equity securities issued by infrastructure companies. Holdings are subject to change. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

The Fund's daily New York Stock Exchange closing prices, net asset values per share, as well as other information are available by clicking here or by calling the Fund's shareholder servicing agent at (855) 456-9683.

Before considering an investment in the Fund, you should understand that you could lose money. There are risks inherent in all investments.

For more information about the Fund, including specific risks, please visit our website here.

About New York Life Investments

With over $716 billion in Assets Under Management* as of December 31, 2023, New York Life Investments, Pensions and Investments' 25th Largest Money Manager**, is comprised of the affiliated global asset management businesses of its parent company, New York Life Insurance Company, and offers clients access to specialized, independent investment teams through its family of affiliated boutiques. New York Life Investments remains committed to clients through a combination of the diverse perspectives of its boutiques and a long-lasting focus on sustainable relationships.

*Assets under management (AUM) includes assets of the investment advisers affiliated with New York Life Insurance Company, other than Kartesia Management. As of 12/31/2022 New York Life Investments changed its AUM calculation methodology, and AUM now includes certain assets, such as non-discretionary AUM, external fund selection, and overlay services, including ESG screening services, advisory consulting services, white labeling investment management services, and model portfolio delivery services, that do not qualify as Regulatory Assets Under Management, as defined in the SEC's Form ADV. AUM is reported in USD. AUM not denominated in USD is converted at the spot rate as of 3/31/2023. This total AUM figure is less than the sum of the AUM of each affiliated investment adviser in the group because it does not count AUM where the same assets can be counted by more than one affiliated investment adviser.

** On June 12, 2023, New York Life Investments was ranked #25 in Pensions & Investments' Largest Money Managers 2023 for the time period 12/31/21  12/31/22. (Managers are ranked by total worldwide institutional assets under management. Full list here.) No direct or indirect compensation was paid for the creation and distribution of this ranking. For more information about ranking click here - Largest Money Managers 2023 | Pensions & Investments (pionline.com)

"New York Life Investments" is both a service mark, and the common trade name, of certain investment advisors affiliated with New York Life Insurance Company.

About CBRE Investment Management

CBRE Investment Management Listed Real Assets LLC is the listed real assets arm of CBRE Investment Management, a leading global real assets investment management firm with $147.5 billion in assets under management* as of December 31, 2023, operating in more than 30 offices and 20 countries around the world. Through its investor-operator culture, the firm seeks to deliver sustainable investment solutions across real assets categories, geographies, risk profiles and execution formats so that its clients, people and communities thrive.

CBRE Investment Management is an independently operated affiliate of CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), the world's largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2023 revenue). The company has more than 130,000 employees (including Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE Investment Management harnesses CBRE's data and market insights, investment sourcing and other resources for the benefit of its clients. For more information, please visit www.cbreim.com.

*Assets under management (AUM) refers to the fair market value of real assets-related investments with respect to which CBRE Investment Management provides, on a global basis, oversight, investment management services and other advice and which generally consist of investments in real assets; equity in funds and joint ventures; securities portfolios; operating companies and real assets-related loans. This AUM is intended principally to reflect the extent of CBRE Investment Management's presence in the global real assets market, and its calculation of AUM may differ from the calculations of other asset managers and from its calculation of regulatory assets under management for purposes of certain regulatory filings.

This press release is not an offer to sell securities and is not a solicitation of an offer to buy securities, nor will there be any sales of securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

New York Life Investment Management LLC engages the services of SEC-registered advisors. CBRE Investment Management Listed Real Assets (CBRE Investment Management) is unaffiliated with New York Life Investment Management LLC. The MainStay Funds are managed by New York Life Investment Management LLC and distributed by NYLIFE Distributors LLC, 30 Hudson Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302, a wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company. NYLIFE Distributors LLC is a Member FINRA/SIPC.

Media Contacts:

New York Life Investments:

Sara Guenoun

[email protected]

SOURCE New York Life Investments
Platinum Partner of Europe's largest startup and tech event seeks innovative solutions for sustainable skills development, humanizing work in the age of AI, and transforming recruiting through automation

MILWAUKEE, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Committed to empowering people in the age of rapid technological change, ManpowerGroup is setting its sights on the future of work by calling on submissions from the most innovative startups in the world to participate in its 2024 Viva Technology Startup Challenge. Additionally, ManpowerGroup will once again be a Platinum Partner for VivaTech, cementing its position as a key contributor to the 8th edition of Europe's largest startup and tech event, taking place in Paris, May 22-25.

"VivaTech brings together the greatest minds in technology and business to tackle the opportunities and challenges facing our rapidly changing world of work," said Alain Roumilhac, ManpowerGroup France and Southern Europe Region President. "Our goal is to leverage technology to put people first."

With the theme of "People-First Transformation," the 2024 challenge focuses on the intersection of technology and human potential, seeking innovative ideas across three key areas:

Preparing people for the green transition with sustainable skills development

Humanizing work in the age of AI by enhancing human connections and capabilities

Transforming recruiting through automation to focus on the human side of talent acquisition

"Technology holds incredible promise to augment uniquely human strengths like creativity, empathy and judgment," Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Chief Innovation Officer at ManpowerGroup, said. "Our goal with this challenge is to tap into the entrepreneurial spirit of the startup community to develop ethical, human-centric applications of AI and automation to create opportunities for all."

Submissions for ManpowerGroup's VivaTech startup challenges are being accepted now through April 19. Selected entrepreneurs will be announced in late April and invited to demonstrate their solutions at VivaTech on May 22.

To learn more and enter the People-First Transformation challenge visit: vivatechnology.com/challenges/manpowergroup

ABOUT MANPOWERGROUP

ManpowerGroup (NYSE: MAN), the leading global workforce solutions company, helps organizations transform in a fast-changing world of work by sourcing, assessing, developing, and managing the talent that enables them to win. We develop innovative solutions for hundreds of thousands of organizations every year, providing them with skilled talent while finding meaningful, sustainable employment for millions of people across a wide range of industries and skills. Our expert family of brands  Manpower, Experis, and Talent Solutions  creates substantially more value for candidates and clients across more than 70 countries and territories and has done so for more than 75 years. We are recognized consistently for our diversity  as a best place to work for Women, Inclusion, Equality, and Disability, and in 2024 ManpowerGroup was named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 15th time  all confirming our position as the brand of choice for in-demand talent.

For more information, visit www.manpowergroup.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook , and Instagram.

SOURCE ManpowerGroup
LONDON, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Markel, the insurance operations within Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), has appointed Oliver Atkin to Head of Bloodstock in London, effective immediately. This investment decision in leadership underlines the organisation's long-term commitment to the equine and livestock market, through top-tier underwriting talent and creating bespoke insurance solutions for clients.

Oliver Atkin, Head of Bloodstock in London, Markel

Atkin will lead the Bloodstock team in London by setting the Bloodstock growth strategy as well as identifying and developing innovative products, to support brokers and customers in the bloodstock space. Alongside those duties, he'll continue building on new and existing broker relationships, while maintaining high service levels which are valued by Markel's broker partners and their policyholders.

Atkin joined Markel as a Bloodstock underwriter over six years ago, during which time he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and portfolio management skills, all of which led to his recent appointment. In his new post, he will continue operating from Markel's London office and reporting directly to Juliet Redfern, Divisional Managing Director of Equine and Livestock at Markel International in London and France.

Redfern commented: "Congratulations to Ollie Atkin on his well-deserved promotion to Head of Bloodstock in London. Ollie is incredibly service-minded and works, as everyone does in our team, to provide the high level of service our brokers and customers get and expect from Markel; from providing a quote, to collaborating with a customer on a new product or service.

Ollie has a particular interest in National Hunt racing and is developing new solutions for this under-insured market sector  with his knowledge and expertise on this subject being key to developing these policies."

Redfern concluded: "Ollie's promotion to this leadership role reflects our long-term outlook for Equine and Livestock at Markel, and under his leadership, it will also give everyone in the team the opportunity to develop and progress, so we can continue driving profitable growth and being there for customers year in, year out into the future."

About Markel

We are Markel, a leading global specialty insurer with a truly people-first approach. As the insurance operations within Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), we operate the Markel Specialty, Markel International, and Markel Global Reinsurance divisions, as well as State National, our portfolio protection and program services operations, and Nephila, our insurance-linked securities operations. Our broad array of capabilities and expertise allow us to create intelligent solutions for the most complex risk management needs. However, it is our people  and the deep, valued relationships they develop with colleagues, brokers and clients  that differentiates us worldwide.

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Developing novel therapeutics which enhance the removal of dysfunctional mitochondria, promoting cell health and function

MTX325 is a potentially disease-modifying treatment for Parkinson's Disease with clinical trial due to start imminently

Backed by blue chip international investors

CAMBRIDGE, England, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mission Therapeutics ("Mission" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotech developing first-in-class therapeutics that enhance mitophagy to promote cell/organ health, today announces it has raised 25.2 million to progress the clinical development of its drug candidates. The financing was jointly led by existing investors Pfizer Venture Investments, Sofinnova Partners, Roche Venture Fund, SR One, IP Group, and Rosetta Capital.

Mission plans to use the funds to accelerate development of its lead drug candidates, MTX325 and MTX652, through clinical trials. MTX325 and MTX652 both inhibit USP30, a mitochondrial de-ubiquitylating enzyme (DUB), increasing damage-associated mitochondrial ubiquitylation to promote mitophagy  the essential process cells use to rid themselves of dysfunctional mitochondria. A growing body of scientific evidence has linked a build-up of dysfunctional mitochondria in cells to a range of diseases, including Parkinson's Disease (PD), Kidney Disease, Heart Failure, and Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

MTX325, a CNS penetrant which is a potential disease-modifying treatment for Parkinson's Disease, is about to enter Phase I trials; while peripherally-restricted MTX652 is currently in Phase II investigating acute kidney injury (AKI) associated with cardiac surgery.

Dr Anker Lundemose, Chief Executive Officer of Mission Therapeutics, said: "Mission Therapeutics has made huge strides in developing its pipeline, first progressing MTX652 into Phase II, then obtaining robust preclinical proof-of-concept data for its Parkinson's candidate MTX325 - published in Nature Communications - followed by regulatory approval for MTX325 clinical trials in the UK. Thanks to this additional 25.2m from our investors, we can now make the next vital steps, progressing with essential clinical trials."

Dr James B. Summers, Acting Chairman of Mission Therapeutics, said: "Mission's laser focus on mitophagy has resulted in a promising suite of drugs that tackle a range of hard-to-treat diseases in a unique and novel way. This latest financing round is a sign of our investors' confidence in the Company and the enormous potential of our clinical assets."

The Nature Communications paper, published last November by scientists at Cambridge University, Harvard University and Mission Therapeutics, provided key experimental evidence to support the thesis that MTX325 can modify the course of Parkinson's by targeting USP30. By first using a USP30 knockout mouse model, and then a pharmacological strategy deploying MTX325, they found USP30 inhibition led to protection against loss of dopamine and dopaminergic neurons induced by alpha-synuclein in vivo. USP30 inhibition also reduced potential biomarkers of PD including phosphorylated alpha-synuclein and glial cell activation.

In December, the sister publication Nature Reviews Drug Discovery commented that restoring mitophagy to accelerate the removal of damaged mitochondria was "an appealing disease-modifying therapeutic strategy" for Parkinson's Disease.

The same month, Mission gained clearance from the US FDA to commence a Phase II trial of MTX652, after the Company received official approval of its Investigational New Drug (IND) application for the candidate drug.

About Mission Therapeutics

Mission Therapeutics is a world leader in discovering and developing novel therapeutics which promote the removal of dysfunctional mitochondria, promoting cell health and function. Mitochondria are energy producing organelles which require lifetime quality control through a ubiquitin-mediated clearance mechanism known as mitophagy. In certain situations, such as cellular stress, cell injury, and/or defects of the mitophagy process, the mitochondria can become dysfunctional and damaging to the cell, leading to reduced energy production, oxidative stress, inflammation and potentially cell death. Dysfunctional mitochondria are significant drivers of disease pathophysiology in acute kidney injury (AKI), Parkinson's Disease (PD), heart failure, Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy, IPF, mitochondrial diseases and Alzheimer's.

USP30 is a deubiquitylating enzyme that constantly removes ubiquitin from mitochondria, providing a potential brake on clearance of dysfunctional mitochondria. Mission is currently developing two small molecule drugs, MTX652 (peripheral) and MTX325 (targeting the CNS) which, through inhibition of the mitochondrial DUB enzyme USP30, will promote clearance of dysfunctional mitochondria  consequently improving overall cellular health. Mission's USP30 inhibitors MTX652 and MTX325 could potentially be used to treat any disease or condition driven by mitochondrial dysfunction.

Mission is backed by blue chip investors including Pfizer Venture Investments, Sofinnova Partners, Roche Venture Fund, SR One, IP Group and Rosetta Capital.

SOURCE Mission Therapeutics
Fantasy meets reality in Los Angeles, with an immersive AR experience that brought its newest zero-sugar flavor to life with artwork from artist Pinky Taylor.

CORONA, Calif., March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Monster Energy Ultra has launched Fantasy Ruby Red, the latest zero sugar flavor joining the Monster Energy Ultra lineup, with a first-of-its-kind immersive augmented reality (AR) experience revealing custom can art. Landing in Venice, Los Angeles, visitors to the vibrant hub of Abbot Kinney Boulevard were greeted by a 10-foot-tall Monster Ultra can installation, transporting them to a mixed-reality world where the characters on the new textured cans designed by artist, Pinky Taylor, came to life.

Monster Energy Ultra Launches New Fantasy Ruby Red in First-Ever Augmented Reality Reveal of a Beverage Can Monster Energy Ultra Launches New Fantasy Ruby Red in First-Ever Augmented Reality Reveal of a Beverage Can

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9132552-monster-energy-ultra-launches-new-fantasy-ruby-red/

Passers-by engaged with digital and physical 2D and 3D artistry through smartphones and tablets for a multisensory journey where taste meets technology. Through the magic of app-less augmented and mixed reality technologies, powered by Monster partner AR/T HOUSE, participants witnessed the Ruby Red flavor unveiled in a larger-than-life format.

"We wanted to create one of our most impactful and immersive launch experiences to date, bursting our new Monster Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red flavor into life," said Dan McHugh, Monster Energy CMO. "Pushing the boundaries of innovation is part of the Monster Ultra DNA. Stepping into the world of our can art brought the energy of our new flavor-forward beverage to life, which will live on as we roll out the newest flavor nationwide for everyone to enjoy"

Created by AR/T HOUSE, a platform powering cutting-edge AR experiences, attendees experienced vibrant visuals and dynamic soundscapes. Engaging with the AR environment, participants were immersed in exploring characters typically confined to the can while becoming among the first to try the brand-new flavor.

Introducing the electrifying new addition to the Monster Energy Zero Sugar Ultra lineup, Fantasy Ruby Red's concoction bursts with bold flavor and a tantalizing twist to set taste buds alight with its fusion of vibrant ruby red citrus and exhilarating energy. Crafted for those who crave both refreshment and an invigorating kick, Fantasy Ruby Red delivers a sensory experience like no other. From the moment it touches your lips, you're transported to a world where every sip ignites a spark of excitement, propelling you through the day with unwavering energy and unmatched flavor.

Pinky, the artist behind the can's artwork, added: "Duality pulses through the energy of life's veins, a perpetual dance of contrasts. The characters, who embody good and evil, show how kindness and embracing self-love can bring harmony to the world. Seeing my artwork in animation through AR was a first  a cool experience to mark the launch of this flavor."

With Monster Energy Zero Sugar Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red, there are no compromises  just pure, unadulterated refreshment without the guilt. Packed with the same intense energy boost you expect from Monster, yet boasting zero sugar and zero calories, it's the ultimate solution for those seeking a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste or performance. Whether you're tackling a grueling workout, powering through a long day at the office, or simply seeking a thrilling taste sensation to fuel your adventures, Fantasy Ruby Red stands ready to unleash a wave of exhilaration with every sip. Embrace the fantasy, seize the energy, and experience the exhilaration of Monster Energy Zero Sugar Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red.

About Monster Energy

Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, or the rock and roll lifestyle, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports, athletes, and musicians represent. More than a drink, it's the way of life lived by athletes, bands, believers, and fans. See more about Monster Energy including all of its drinks at www.monsterenergy.com

Media Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Monster Energy
Special Section Examines Health Impacts of Extreme Heat and the Disproportionate Risks for Certain Population Groups

WASHINGTON, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ready or Not 2024: Protecting the Public's Health from Diseases, Disasters, and Bioterrorism, released today by Trust for America's Health, identifies key gaps in national and state preparedness to protect residents' health during emergencies and makes recommendations to improve the nation's emergency readiness.

As the nation experiences an increasing number of infectious disease outbreaks and extreme weather events, the report found that while emergency preparedness has improved in some areas, policymakers not heeding the lessons of past emergencies, funding cuts, and health misinformation are putting decades of progress in public health preparedness at risk.

Based on nine indicators, the report tiers states, and the District of Columbia, into three readiness levels: high, middle, and low. This year's report placed 21 states and DC in the high-performance tier, 13 states in the middle-performance tier, and 16 states in the low-performance tier.

High Tier  21 states & DC

AL, AZ, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, KS, MA, ME, MS, NC, NE, NJ, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WA

Middle Tier  13 states

AR, DE, IA, ID, IL, MD, MO, MT, NH, NM, OK, UT, WI

Low Tier  16 states

AK, CA, HI, IN, KY, LA, MI, MN, ND, NV, NY, OR, SD, TX, WV, WY

The report is designed to give policymakers actionable data and benchmarks to improve their jurisdiction's readiness through new and sustained investment in public health infrastructure, modern data systems, a larger and more diverse public health workforce, and collaboration between public health and healthcare systems, and both systems' ability to surge capacity in response to emergencies. Additional areas of responsibility for the public health system are enhancing vaccine access and monitoring municipal water systems safety.

"This report underscores the need for comprehensive investment in public health infrastructure and preparedness and highlights the importance of addressing the disproportionate effects of underinvestment in public health on communities of color and other groups that have been underserved or marginalized," said Dr. J. Nadine Gracia, President and CEO of Trust for America's Health. "Recent public health emergencies, from wildfires to infectious disease outbreaks, not only reveal the imperative for a modernized public health system they also highlight the intrinsic link between the overall health of a community and its ability to be resilient during an emergency. Focusing on eliminating health disparities, advancing health equity, and stemming the rise in chronic diseases is essential for enhancing the nation's emergency preparedness."

The report's special section discusses the increasing health risks from extreme heat, including for particular population groups: people who live in under-resourced communities, people living in urban heat islands or without air conditioning, people who work outdoors, people with chronic diseases, pregnant individuals, infants, children, and older adults. In 2022, more people died in the U.S. due to extreme heat than from any other single type of weather event.

The report's findings showed both areas of strength in the nation's health emergency preparedness and areas that need attention.

Areas of strong performance include:

A majority of states have made preparations to expand healthcare and public health laboratory capacity in an emergency. As of the end of 2023, 39 states participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, which helps facilitate emergency response efforts by allowing nurses to work in multiple member states, both in person and via telehealth, without the need for additional state licenses. Additionally, 46 states and the District of Columbia have written plans for the expansion of public health laboratory services during health emergencies.

have written plans for the expansion of public health laboratory services during health emergencies. Most states (43) and the District of Columbia are accredited in the areas of public health or emergency management, with many accredited in both.

are accredited in the areas of public health or emergency management, with many accredited in both. A majority of states (at least 37) and the District of Columbia either maintained or increased their public health funding during fiscal year 2023. State investment in public health is particularly important because most federal funding in response to the COVID-19 pandemic was temporary, one-time funding.

Areas that need attention include:

Too few people are vaccinated against seasonal flu. During the 2022-2023 flu season, only 49 percent of the population (ages 6 months and older) was vaccinated against the flu, well short of the 70 percent goal established by Healthy People 2030 . There is concern among public health experts that misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine could be impacting the uptake of other vaccines.

. There is concern among public health experts that misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine could be impacting the uptake of other vaccines. On average, only 25 percent of acute care hospitals in states earned a top-quality patient safety grade in fall 2023. Hospital safety scores measure performance on issues such as healthcare-associated infection rates, intensive-care capacity, and an overall culture of error prevention  all critical for performing at their best during health emergencies.

On average, only 55 percent of U.S. workers used paid time off during the period from March 2018 to March 2023 . Access to paid time off is an important readiness measure because workers who go to work sick risk spreading infections in the workforce and throughout the community.

Policy action is needed:

The report contains recommendations for policy actions across both public and private sectors that would create stronger public health preparedness, including:

Congress should enhance and modernize public health infrastructure by investing $4.5 billion per year to support foundational public health capabilities at the federal, state, tribal, local, and territorial levels, including investments in data systems and the public health workforce.

per year to support foundational public health capabilities at the federal, state, tribal, local, and territorial levels, including investments in data systems and the public health workforce. Congress should empower CDC to collect public health data in a timely and coordinated manner, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and all jurisdictions should ensure timely, complete, and disaggregated data collection and reporting. Together, these will enable faster and more effective detection and response to health emergencies.

Policymakers should prioritize rebuilding trust in public health agencies and leaders. Public health policy decisions should always be based on the best available science and free from political considerations, and federal agencies should be equipped to provide timely and clear public health guidance.

Congress should provide at least $1.1 billion per year to support vaccine infrastructure and equitable delivery of vaccines. States should minimize vaccine exemptions for schoolchildren, and healthcare facilities should increase vaccination rates among healthcare workers.

per year to support vaccine infrastructure and equitable delivery of vaccines. States should minimize vaccine exemptions for schoolchildren, and healthcare facilities should increase vaccination rates among healthcare workers. Congress should significantly increase investments in public health initiatives to prevent, detect, and contain antimicrobial resistance.

Congress and states should provide job-protected paid leave to contain the spread of outbreaks and protect health.

Congress should provide significant funding for medical countermeasures and should work with the private sector to plan for their distribution and dispensing when needed.

Congress, HHS, and healthcare leaders should strengthen healthcare readiness and recovery, and state and local emergency planners should work with the healthcare sector to integrate healthcare delivery into emergency preparedness and response.

Congress should increase investments in programs that identify and mitigate the health impacts of climate change, environmental hazards, and extreme weather.

Read the full report at: https://www.tfah.org/report-details/ready-or-not-2024

Trust for America's Health is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that promotes optimal health for every person and community and makes the prevention of illness and injury a national priority.

SOURCE Trust for America's Health
DALLAS, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NexPoint, a multibillion-dollar alternative investment firm, today announced that NexPoint Funds Trustee Dorri McWhorter has been recognized by Fund Board Views as one of the top 10 women making a difference in the boardroom and beyond in mutual fund governance.

The list, published on International Women's Day, recognizes 10 women going above and beyond in the boardrooms in which they serve, working to improve fund governance and promote board engagement, while advancing the communities in which they live and work.

McWhorter joined the NexPoint Funds Board of Trustees in May 2022. Known for being a socially-conscious business leader, McWhorter brings invaluable leadership and experience to the NexPoint Funds board. She currently serves as president and CEO of YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago and previously held the same role at YWCA Metropolitan Chicago for eight years, during which she transformed the organization from a traditional social service organization to a 21st Century social enterprise, increasing impact and organizational sustainability.

Her professional experience spans a range of businesses and industries, with a significant focus on accounting. McWhorter served as a partner at one of the largest accounting firms in the U.S., and has been active in the accounting profession, serving on the Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council and having served as a member of the Board of Directors of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and a past Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the Illinois CPA Society. She has applied this experience in several other leadership and governance roles outside of NexPoint Funds, serving on the Board of Directors for Lifeway Foods, William Blair Funds, and Skyway Concession Company (Chicago Skyway).

McWhorter has also applied her unique professional background and expertise to help advance gender equality through innovative initiatives in financial services and investment management. She led the effort to develop an exchange traded fund (ETF) for women's empowerment in partnership with Impact Shares and serves as Co-Chair of the Advisory Board of the First Women's Bank (in development).

"I am honored to have been recognized by Fund Board Views and featured alongside so many outstanding female board members," said McWhorter. "During my tenure as a board member at NexPoint, I have been lucky to work alongside colleagues who welcome diversity of perspective and experience and recognize the value it provides to our stakeholders."

"Dorri has been an outstanding addition to our board, bringing wide-ranging relevant experiencefrom her accounting career and governance roles in the investment industry, to her impressive track record advancing innovation and effecting change in key social issue areas," said Ethan Powell, chairman of the NexPoint Funds Board of Trustees. "This recognition is well deserved, and we're fortunate to have her applying her talents on behalf of our investors."

The Fund Board Views full list of "10 Women Making a Difference in the Boardroom and Beyond" can be found here.

About NexPoint Funds

NexPoint Funds represents the complex of registered funds managed by NexPoint Asset Management, L.P., an investment adviser on the NexPoint investment platform. For more information visit nexpointassetmgmt.com

About NexPoint

NexPoint is a multibillion-dollar alternative investment firm based in Dallas, Texas. The firm is structured around three major business areas: real estate, corporate credit and equities, and insurance solutions. NexPoint's businesses span asset classes, industries, and strategies, providing the flexibility to invest across capital structures and market environments. Serving a diverse client base, NexPoint's investment strategies are offered in a range of vehicles and fund structures, including mutual funds, public and private REITs, tax-advantaged vehicles, private funds, and separate accounts. For more information visit nexpoint.com.

Contacts

Media Relations

Prosek Partners for NexPoint

[email protected]

SOURCE NexPoint
JUNO BEACH, Fla., March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE) today announced that members of the senior management team will participate in various investor meetings throughout March to discuss, among other things, long-term growth rate expectations for NextEra Energy. Investors and other interested parties can access related investor relations materials at www.NextEraEnergy.com/investors.

NextEra Energy, Inc.

NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE) is a leading clean energy company headquartered in Juno Beach, Florida. NextEra Energy owns Florida Power & Light Company, which is America's largest electric utility that sells more power than any other utility, providing clean, affordable, reliable electricity to approximately 5.9 million customer accounts, or more than 12 million people across Florida. NextEra Energy also owns a competitive clean energy business, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, which, together with its affiliated entities, is the world's largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun and a world leader in battery storage. Through its subsidiaries, NextEra Energy generates clean, emissions-free electricity from seven commercial nuclear power units in Florida, New Hampshire and Wisconsin. A Fortune 200 company, NextEra Energy has been recognized often by third parties for its efforts in sustainability, corporate responsibility, ethics and compliance, and diversity. For more information about NextEra Energy companies, visit these websites: www.NextEraEnergy.com, www.FPL.com, www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.

Cautionary Statements and Risk Factors That May Affect Future Results for NextEra Energy, Inc.

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical facts, but instead represent the current expectations of NextEra Energy, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, NextEra Energy) regarding future operating results and other future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of NextEra Energy's control. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements concerning long-term growth rate expectations. In some cases, you can identify the forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as "will," "may result," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "intend," "plan," "seek," "potential," "projection," "forecast," "predict," "goals," "target," "outlook," "should," "would" or similar words or expressions. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are not a guarantee of future performance. The future results of NextEra Energy and its business and financial condition are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, or may require it to limit or eliminate certain operations. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those discussed in this news release and the following: effects of extensive regulation of NextEra Energy's business operations; inability of NextEra Energy to recover in a timely manner any significant amount of costs, a return on certain assets or a reasonable return on invested capital through base rates, cost recovery clauses, other regulatory mechanisms or otherwise; impact of political, regulatory, operational and economic factors on regulatory decisions important to NextEra Energy; effect of any reductions or modifications to, or elimination of, governmental incentives or policies that support utility scale renewable energy projects or the imposition of additional tax laws, tariffs, duties, policies or assessments on renewable energy or equipment necessary to generate it or deliver it; impact of new or revised laws, regulations, interpretations or constitutional ballot and regulatory initiatives on NextEra Energy; capital expenditures, increased operating costs and various liabilities attributable to environmental laws, regulations and other standards applicable to NextEra Energy; effects on NextEra Energy of federal or state laws or regulations mandating new or additional limits on the production of greenhouse gas emissions; exposure of NextEra Energy to significant and increasing compliance costs and substantial monetary penalties and other sanctions as a result of extensive federal regulation of its operations and businesses; effect on NextEra Energy of changes in tax laws, guidance or policies as well as in judgments and estimates used to determine tax-related asset and liability amounts; impact on NextEra Energy of adverse results of litigation; impacts of NextEra Energy of allegations of violations of law; effect on NextEra Energy of failure to proceed with projects under development or inability to complete the construction of (or capital improvements to) electric generation, transmission and distribution facilities, gas infrastructure facilities or other facilities on schedule or within budget; impact on development and operating activities of NextEra Energy resulting from risks related to project siting, planning, financing, construction, permitting, governmental approvals and the negotiation of project development agreements, as well as supply chain disruptions; risks involved in the operation and maintenance of electric generation, storage, transmission and distribution facilities, gas infrastructure facilities, and other facilities; effect on NextEra Energy of a lack of growth, slower growth or a decline in the number of customers or in customer usage; impact on NextEra Energy of severe weather and other weather conditions; threats of terrorism and catastrophic events that could result from geopolitical factors, terrorism, cyberattacks or other attempts to disrupt NextEra Energy's business or the businesses of third parties; inability to obtain adequate insurance coverage for protection of NextEra Energy against significant losses and risk that insurance coverage does not provide protection against all significant losses; a prolonged period of low gas and oil prices could impact NextEra Energy's gas infrastructure business and cause NextEra Energy to delay or cancel certain gas infrastructure projects and could result in certain projects becoming impaired; risk of increased operating costs resulting from unfavorable supply costs necessary to provide full energy and capacity requirement services; inability or failure to manage properly or hedge effectively the commodity risk within its portfolio; effect of reductions in the liquidity of energy markets on NextEra Energy's ability to manage operational risks; effectiveness of NextEra Energy's risk management tools associated with its hedging and trading procedures to protect against significant losses, including the effect of unforeseen price variances from historical behavior; impact of unavailability or disruption of power transmission or commodity transportation facilities on sale and delivery of power or natural gas; exposure of NextEra Energy to credit and performance risk from customers, hedging counterparties and vendors; failure of counterparties to perform under derivative contracts or of requirement for NextEra Energy to post margin cash collateral under derivative contracts; failure or breach of NextEra Energy's information technology systems; risks to NextEra Energy's retail businesses from compromise of sensitive customer data; losses from volatility in the market values of derivative instruments and limited liquidity in over-the-counter markets; impact of negative publicity; inability to maintain, negotiate or renegotiate acceptable franchise agreements; occurrence of work strikes or stoppages and increasing personnel costs; NextEra Energy's ability to successfully identify, complete and integrate acquisitions, including the effect of increased competition for acquisitions; environmental, health and financial risks associated with ownership and operation of nuclear generation facilities; liability of NextEra Energy for significant retrospective assessments and/or retrospective insurance premiums in the event of an incident at certain nuclear generation facilities; increased operating and capital expenditures and/or reduced revenues at nuclear generation facilities resulting from orders or new regulations of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; inability to operate any of NextEra Energy's owned nuclear generation units through the end of their respective operating licenses or planned license extensions; effect of disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the credit and capital markets or actions by third parties in connection with project-specific or other financing arrangements on NextEra Energy's ability to fund its liquidity and capital needs and meet its growth objectives; inability to maintain current credit ratings; impairment of liquidity from inability of credit providers to fund their credit commitments or to maintain their current credit ratings; poor market performance and other economic factors that could affect NextEra Energy's defined benefit pension plan's funded status; poor market performance and other risks to the asset values of nuclear decommissioning funds; changes in market value and other risks to certain of NextEra Energy's investments; effect of inability of NextEra Energy subsidiaries to pay upstream dividends or repay funds to NextEra Energy or of NextEra Energy's performance under guarantees of subsidiary obligations on NextEra Energy's ability to meet its financial obligations and to pay dividends on its common stock; the fact that the amount and timing of dividends payable on NextEra Energy's common stock, as well as the dividend policy approved by NextEra Energy's board of directors from time to time, and changes to that policy, are within the sole discretion of NextEra Energy's board of directors and, if declared and paid, dividends may be in amounts that are less than might be expected by shareholders; NextEra Energy Partners, LP's inability to access sources of capital on commercially reasonable terms could have an effect on its ability to consummate future acquisitions and on the value of NextEra Energy's limited partner interest in NextEra Energy Operating Partners, LP; effects of disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the credit and capital markets on the market price of NextEra Energy's common stock; and the ultimate severity and duration of public health crises, epidemics and pandemics, and its effects on NextEra Energy's business. NextEra Energy discusses these and other risks and uncertainties in its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and other Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, and this news release should be read in conjunction with such SEC filings. The forward-looking statements made in this news release are made only as of the date of this news release and NextEra Energy undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

SOURCE NextEra Energy, Inc.
STOCKHOLM, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The shareholders of Husqvarna AB (publ) are hereby invited to participate in the 2024 Annual General Meeting ("AGM"), which will be held on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at the Jonkoping Concert & Congress hall at Elmia, Hammarskjold Hall, Elmiavagen 15 in Jonkoping, Sweden from 16:00 - 18:00 (CET).

Jonkoping Concert & Congress entrance opens for entry at 15:00 and the AGM starts at 16:00.

Shareholders may participate in the AGM either by attending the meeting venue in person or by proxy or via the advanced voting procedures described in the Notice of Annual General Meeting to follow.

Husqvarna AB (publ)

Notice of Annual General Meeting of Husqvarna AB (publ)

The shareholders of Husqvarna AB (publ) are hereby invited to participate in the 2024 Annual General Meeting ("AGM"), which will be held on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at the Jonkoping Concert & Congress hall at Elmia, Hammarskjold Hall, Elmiavagen 15 in Jonkoping, Sweden from 16:00  18:00 (CET).

A. General Information

Jonkoping Concert & Congress entrance opens for entry at 15:00 and the AGM starts at 16:00. Shareholders may participate in the AGM either (1) by attending the meeting venue in person or by proxy, as described in Section B below, or (2) via the "Advanced Voting" procedures described in Section C below. In either case, in order to participate in the AGM, the shareholder must notify the Company of their intention to do so (according to one of the methods described further in Sections B and C below) no later than Friday, April 12, 2024. Furthermore, in order for such notification to be valid and accepted, the notifying shareholder must be registered in the register of shareholders maintained by Euroclear Sweden AB as of Wednesday, April 10, 2024. This means that any shareholder whose shares are registered in the names of a bank or other nominee must temporarily register their shares in their own name (voting right registration) not later than on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 (in accordance with the applicable nominee's routines and internal timelines). Such voting right registrations completed not later than Friday, April 12, 2024 are taken into account when preparing the share register.

The AGM Agenda (including all items proposed to be approved by the shareholders) is set forth in Section D below. For a valid resolution under all agenda items except elections, a shareholder majority of half of the votes cast at the AGM is required. For elections, the person(s) receiving the highest number of votes is elected.

Further explanation regarding the proposals for certain agenda items is set forth in Section E below.

At the time of the issue of this Notice of AGM, the total number of shares in the Company amounts to 107,875,303 A-shares and 468,468,475 B-shares, corresponding to

154,722,150.5 votes in total. The Company holds no A-shares or B-shares as of the date of this notice.

The Board of Directors and the CEO shall, upon request of a shareholder, and provided that the Board of Directors deems this can be done without causing major harm to the Company, inform about matters which might affect the assessment of an item on the agenda or circumstances affecting Husqvarna's or its subsidiaries' financial situation or about Husqvarna's relation to another Group entity, or in relation to the consolidated Annual Report.

B. Participation at the Meeting Venue

In order to participate in the AGM at the meeting venue (in person or by proxy), a shareholder must notify the Company of their intention to do so no later than Friday, April 12, 2024. Such notice may be given by any of the following means:

via the Company's website, www.husqvarnagroup.com,

by telephone at +46 36 14 70 10 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (CET) weekdays, or

weekdays, or by mail to Husqvarna AB, c/o Euroclear Sweden AB, P.O. Box 191, SE-101 23 Stockholm, Sweden .

The notification to attend in person (or by proxy) must include the shareholder's name, personal or company registration number, address, telephone number and information on the number of assistants (maximum two) that will be attending, if any.

Shareholders wishing to participate at the AGM through an authorized representative (i.e., "proxy") must submit a valid, signed, and dated power of attorney, via mail, to Husqvarna AB, c/o Euroclear Sweden AB, P.O. Box 191, SE-101 23 Stockholm, Sweden. If the shareholder is a legal entity, a registration certificate or equivalent authorization document must also be enclosed. In order to facilitate the registration at the AGM, the power of attorney, as well as a registration certificate and other authorization documents, should be received by the Company at the above address no later than April 12, 2024. Power of Attorney (proxy) forms are available on the Company's website at www.husqvarnagroup.com

C. Participation by "Advance Voting"

Shareholders may also participate in the AGM by means of the "Advance Voting" procedures described in this Section C. The exercise of voting rights in accordance with such Advance Voting procedures will be considered as a notification from the shareholder to attend the meeting.

Advance voting will be available as of Thursday, March 14, 2024 until Friday, April 12, 2024. A shareholder can vote in advance by completing an advance voting form via any of the following three methods:

1. Website Voting: Voting may be done electronically through signing with BankID on the Company's website www.husqvarnagroup.com.

2. Email Voting: Voting may be submitted by completing the advance voting form available on the Company's website www.husqvarnagroup.com and then emailing such form to the following email address [email protected], together with any power of attorney and/or other authorization documents (See Section B above).

3. Regular Mail: Voting may be submitted by completing the advance voting form available on the Company's website www.husqvarnagroup.com and after completion sending a physical copy (i.e., printed out) of such form, together with any power of attorney and/or other authorization documents (See Section B above) to the following address, Husqvarna AB, "Advance voting 2024 AGM", c/o Euroclear Sweden AB, P.O. Box 191, SE-101 23 Stockholm, Sweden.

A shareholder cannot give any other instructions than selecting one of the options specified at each point in the advance voting form. A vote (i.e., the advance voting form in its entirety) is invalid if the shareholder has modified the form to provide specific instructions or conditions or if pre-printed text is amended or supplemented.

For "Website Voting" described above, the last day to complete such voting is Friday, April 12, 2024. For "Email Voting" and "Regular Mail" voting the email or regular mail (as applicable), together with any required power of attorney and other authorization documentation, must have been received by Husqvarna no later than on Friday, April 12, 2024. If received later, the voting form will be disregarded.

For questions regarding advance voting, please contact Euroclear Sweden AB,

ph.+46 36 14 70 10, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (CET) weekdays.

D. AGM Agenda

The proposed agenda for the AGM is as follows:

1. Opening of the AGM

2. Election of Chair of the Meeting

3. Preparation and approval of the voting list

4. Approval of the agenda

5. Election of one or two minute-checkers

6. Determination as to whether the Meeting has been duly convened

7. Presentation of the Annual and Sustainability Report and the Audit Report as well as the Consolidated Accounts and the Audit Report of the Group and in conjunction therewith, the CEO's report on the business operations

8. Resolutions concerning

a) adoption of the Profit and Loss Statement and the Balance Sheet as well as the Consolidated Profit and Loss Statement and the Consolidated Balance Sheet

b) proposed distribution of earnings (allocation of the Company's profit or loss pursuant to the adopted Balance Sheet)

c) discharge from liability of the Directors and the CEO

9. Determination of the number of Directors and Auditors to be elected

a) number of Directors

b) number of Auditors

10. Determination of remuneration to the Directors

11. Election of Directors and Chair of the Board

a) individual election of Directors

b) election of Chair of the Board

12. Election of, and remuneration to, external Auditors

a) election of external Auditors

b) determination of remuneration to external Auditors

13. Resolution to approve the Remuneration Report

14. Resolution regarding the adoption of a long-term incentive program (LTI 2024)

15. Resolution on authorization to enter into equity swap arrangements to cover obligations under LTI 2024 and any previously resolved LTI programs

16. Resolution on authorization to resolve on the issuance of new shares

17. Closing of the Meeting

E. Explanation of Certain AGM Proposals

Election of Chair of the Meeting (Agenda Item #2)

The Nomination Committee proposes that Bjorn Kristiansson be elected Chair of the AGM.

Preparation and approval of the voting list (Agenda Item #3)

The voting list that is proposed to be approved is the voting list that will have been prepared by Euroclear Sweden AB, based on the general meeting share register and votes received.

Election of one or two minute-checkers (Agenda Item #5)

The Board of Directors proposes that two minute-checkers be elected, and that Claes Boustedt, L E Lundbergforetagen AB, and Fredrik Ahlin, If Skadeforsakring, are elected, or, if either or both of them are unable to attend the meeting, any other person(s) proposed by Husqvarna's Nomination Committee.

Proposed distribution of earnings (Agenda Item #8b)

The Board of Directors proposes a dividend for financial year 2023 of SEK 3.00 per share, to be paid in two installments, firstly SEK 1.00 per share with Monday, April 22, 2024 as the first record day, and secondly SEK 2.00 per share with Tuesday, October 22, 2024 as the second record day. Assuming the AGM resolves in accordance with the Board of Directors' proposal, the estimated (i) last day for trading in Husqvarna shares with right to the applicable part of the dividend payment (ii) applicable record day, and (iii) date for payment from Euroclear Sweden AB for each of the installments are as follows:



First Installment (SEK 1.00 per share) Second Installment (SEK 2.00 per share) Last day for trading Thursday, April 18, 2024 Friday, October 18, 2024 Record Day Monday, April 22, 2024 Tuesday, October 22, 2024 Payment Date Thursday, April 25, 2024 Friday, October 25, 2024

Determination of Number of Directors (Agenda Item #9a)

The Nomination Committee proposes that the Board of Directors shall be comprised of nine members to be elected by the AGM.

Determination of Number of Auditors (Agenda Item #9b)

The Nomination Committee proposes that the external auditors be comprised of one audit firm.

Determination of remuneration to the Directors (Agenda Item #10)

The Nomination Committee proposes that Directors elected by the AGM and not employed by the Company receive the following basic compensation for their board work in 2024 (plus applicable additional remuneration for committee work):



Proposal 2024 2023 Percentage

Increase Chair of the Board SEK 2,350,000 SEK 2,250,000 4.4 % Deputy Chair of the Board* SEK 950,000 N/A N/A Director SEK 680,000 SEK 650,000 4.6 % Audit Committee Chair SEK 345,000 SEK 290,000 19.0 % Audit Committee member SEK 225,000 SEK 185,000 21.6 % People & Sustainability Committee Chair SEK 175,000 SEK 150,000 16.7 % People & Sustainability Committee member SEK 105,000 SEK 90,000 16.7 % * To be applicable only in the event that the Board determines, in its discretion, to appoint such a Deputy Chair.

In addition to the compensation described above, and reimbursement for travel expenses, the Nomination Committee proposes that the following compensation be paid to elected Directors for each physical meeting attended in Sweden:

Residence of Director Per Meeting Compensation Nordic Countries None Europe (non-Nordic) EUR 1,000* Outside of Europe USD 3,500 * Previously SEK 10,000



The Nomination Committee declares its expectation that each elected Director engage themselves financially in Husqvarna by acquiring Husqvarna shares within a period of five years, corresponding to approximately one year's remuneration, calculated before tax.

Election of Individual Directors (Agenda Item #11a)

The Nomination Committee proposes the re-election of:

1. Tom Johnstone,

2. Ingrid Bonde,

3. Katarina Martinson,

4. Bertrand Neuschwander,

5. Daniel Nodhall,

6. Lars Pettersson,

7. Torbjorn Loof, and

8. Christine Robins.

In addition, the Nomination Committee proposes the election of

9. Pavel Hajman, as a new Director.

The proposed Directors are presented in more detail on the Company's website.

Election of Chair of the Board (Agenda Item #11b)

The Nomination Committee proposes that Tom Johnstone be re-elected Chair of the Board.

Election of external Auditors (Agenda Item #12a)

The Nomination Committee proposes, in accordance with the Audit Committee's recommendation, the re-election of KPMG as external Auditors for the period from the 2024 AGM up until the end of the 2025 AGM. KPMG has informed that the registered auditor-in-charge will be authorized public accountant Joakim Thilstedt.

Determination of remuneration to external Auditors (Agenda Item #12b)

The Nomination Committee proposes that the external Auditors' fee shall be paid on the basis of approved invoice.

Adoption of a long-term incentive program (LTI 2024) (Agenda Items #14)

Summary of the program

The Board of Directors proposes that the 2024 AGM resolves to adopt a performance-based long-term incentive program ("LTI 2024") in line with the following description. The program is based on the same principles as the incentive program granted in 2023 (LTI 2023).

LTI 2024 is proposed to be offered to a maximum of 135 senior managers within the Husqvarna Group and offers participants the opportunity to receive "performance share awards". Subject to the fulfilment of certain performance targets and conditions during a three-year vesting period, performance share awards to be granted in 2024 will vest and give right to Husqvarna B-shares in accordance with the following.

Participants in LTI 2024 will be granted a number of performance share awards based on such participant's annual target income (fixed salary plus variable salary at a target level) in 2024.

The number of performance share awards that vest and give rights to receive B-shares further depends on the fulfilment of certain levels of increase of the Company's value creation (defined as Earnings Before Interest and Tax  Average Net Assets x Weighted Average Cost of Capital), weight 90%, and certain levels for reducing the company's carbon dioxide emissions, weight 10%, during the calendar years 2024-2026, as determined by the Board of Directors. These levels are "Entry", "Target" and "Stretch". Entry constitutes a minimum level which must be exceeded in order for the performance share awards to vest and give right to B-shares. The levels correspond to the following number of B-shares, with a linear progression between each level:

Entry: 10% of annual target income / the share price SEK 81.40

Target: 33% of annual target income / the share price SEK 81.401

Stretch: 66% of annual target income / the share price SEK 81.401

If the price for the B-shares would increase more than 200% during the three year vesting period, the number of performance share awards that vest and give right to B-shares will be limited to the value of the maximum allocation at Stretch level at a share price increase of 200% from grant of share awards to vesting (vesting period). This limitation enables control and predictability over the maximum scope and cost of the program.

Additional terms & conditions

The performance share awards shall be governed by the following terms and conditions:

Shares are allotted free of charge

Are vested three years after grant (vesting period)

Vesting of performance share awards and allotment of B-shares in Husqvarna requires that the participant is then, with certain exceptions, still employed by the Husqvarna Group

Carry no right to compensation for dividends on underlying shares

Are non-transferable

Design and administration

The Board of Directors, or a committee established by the Board, shall be responsible for the detailed design and administration of LTI 2024, in accordance with the presented terms and guidelines. To this end, the Board of Directors shall be entitled to make adjustments to meet domestic or foreign regulations or market conditions. The Board of Directors may also make other adjustments if significant changes in the Husqvarna Group, or its environment, would result in the resolved terms and conditions for LTI 2024 no longer being appropriate to apply.

Allotment

In accordance with the above principles and assumptions, LTI 2024 will comprise the following number of B-shares for the different categories of participants:

the CEO, approximately 133,000 B -shares,

-shares, other members of Group Management, each approximately an average of 46,600 B -shares, corresponding to a total of approximately 326,000 B -shares, and

-shares, corresponding to a total of approximately -shares, and other participants, each approximately an average of 19,600 B -shares, corresponding to a total of approximately 2,416,000 B -shares.

The above stated numbers are calculated assuming the attainment of performance level Stretch as described above.

Scope and costs of LTI 2024

LTI 2024 is estimated to comprise a maximum of 2.8 million B-shares, which corresponds to 0.5% of the total number of outstanding shares. The Company has approximately 576 million shares outstanding. The issued and outstanding rights to shares in accordance with the Company's previous outstanding incentive programs (LTI 2021, LTI 2022 and LTI 2023) correspond to approximately 0.9% of the total number of outstanding shares. The Company's incentive programs' effect on important key figures is only marginal. Information on LTI 2021, LTI 2022 and LTI 2023 can be found in the Annual and Sustainability Report for 2023, note 4, and on the Company's website, www.husqvarnagroup.com.

LTI 2024 will be accounted for in accordance with IFRS 2  Share-based Payment. IFRS 2 stipulates that the performance share awards should be expensed as personnel costs over the vesting period and will be reported directly against equity. Estimated social security charges will be recorded as a personnel expense in the income statement by current reservations. The cost for LTI 2024 is estimated to amount to SEK 120m before tax, if the performance level Target is reached, and is allocated over the years 2024-2027. The corresponding cost at performance level Stretch is estimated to SEK 240m. Financing costs and social security charges are included in the estimated amounts. The estimation of cost above is based on the assumptions that the share price is SEK 77 at the time of grant of the performance share awards, that the annual share price increase for the Company's B-shares flat, that social security charges amount to 17% and that the annual employee turnover is 0% among the participants of LTI 2024.

In order to ensure delivery of Husqvarna B-shares under LTI 2024 and to limit the costs, including social security charges, for LTI 2024, the Board of Directors will adopt hedging measures, such as equity swap agreements with third parties, under which the third party would in its own name buy and transfer Husqvarna B-shares to the participants in accordance with LTI 2024 provided that the AGM resolves in accordance with Agenda Item 14 on the agenda. The hedging options are described below under Agenda Item 15 on the agenda. The intention is to not issue new shares as a result of LTI 2024.

The rationale for the proposal

The purpose of LTI 2024 is to influence and award long term performance, align shareholders' and managements' interest, attract, and retain key employees and provide variable remuneration instead of fixed salary. In light of the above, the Board of Directors believes that adopting LTI 2024 will have a positive effect on the development of the Husqvarna Group and consequently that it will be beneficial to both the shareholders and the Company.

Preparation

LTI 2024 is based on the same principles as LTI 2023 and has in accordance with guidelines set out by the People & Sustainability Committee been prepared by Group Management in consultation with external advisors, taking into consideration evaluations of previous incentive programs. LTI 2024 has been reviewed at meetings of the Board of Directors in 2023 and 2024.

Authorization to enter into equity swap arrangements to cover obligations under LTI 2024 and any previously resolved LTI programs (Agenda Item #15)

The Board of Directors proposes that the 2024 AGM authorizes the Board of Directors to pass a resolution, on one or more occasions, for the period up until the next AGM, to direct the Company to enter one or more equity swap agreements with a third party (e.g., a bank), on terms and conditions in accordance with market practice, to hedge the obligations of the Company under LTI 2024 and any previously resolved incentive programs (the "Covered Programs"). Under such equity swap arrangements, in exchange for certain fees paid by the Company, the third party acquires (in its own name) such number of Husqvarna B-shares as are necessary to cover the Company's obligations under the Covered Programs and then, transfer (in its own name) such shares to the participants per the terms of the Covered Programs.

Authorization to resolve on the issuance of new shares (Agenda Item #16)

The Board of Directors proposes that the 2024 AGM authorizes the Board to resolve to issue not more than 57,634,377 B-shares, which represents 10% of the total number of shares in the Company, against payment in kind, on one or several occasions, during the period until the next AGM.

The price for the new shares shall be based on the market price of the Company's B-shares. The purpose of the authorization is to facilitate acquisitions where the consideration will be paid with own shares.

Other information

Information on the proposed Board of Directors of Husqvarna AB as well as the proposed external auditor and the Nomination Committee's Explanatory Statement etc. are available on the Company's website, www.husqvarnagroup.com. The Annual and Sustainability Report and the Audit Report as well as the Auditors report on the guidelines adopted regarding remuneration are presented by being available on the Company's website, www.husqvarnagroup.com. They will, on request, be sent to shareholders at the address provided. The share register will be available at Husqvarna AB, Regeringsgatan 28, SE-111 53 Stockholm, Sweden.

For information on how your personal data is processed, see

https://www.euroclear.com/dam/ESw/Legal/Privacy-notice-bolagsstammor-engelska.pdf

Stockholm in March 2024

Husqvarna AB (publ)

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CONTACT:

For additional information, please contact:

Investors

Johan Andersson, Vice President Investor Relations

+46 702 100 451

[email protected]

Media

Henrik Sjostrom, Head of External Communications

+46 727 15 77 85

[email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/husqvarna-group/r/notice-of-annual-general-meeting-of-husqvarna-ab--publ-,c3945364

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/996/3945364/2667308.pdf Notice of Annual General Meeting of Husqvarna AB (publ)

SOURCE Husqvarna Group
Oxitec's Friendly fall armyworm has been fully approved by regulators for use in Paraguay to help protect economically important commodity crops.

to help protect economically important commodity crops. Oxitec's Friendly fall armyworm is a new, sustainable solution for one of the world's most devastating crop pests, and this approval makes Paraguay the second country to approve this critical new technology impacting major agricultural centres in Latin America and beyond.

the second country to approve this critical new technology impacting major agricultural centres in and beyond. Deployment of Friendly fall armyworm offers unmatched protection to the durability of biotech crops against the threat of pest resistance, an increasingly urgent threat to food sustainability.

ASUNCION, Paraguay, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Oxitec Ltd, the leading developer of insect-based biological solutions to control pests that transmit disease, destroy crops and harm livestock, announced today the full commercial approval of its Friendly fall armyworm solution in Paraguay, one of Latin America's leading food-producing countries. This is the second commercial approval of the product in Latin America following its 2022 approval in Brazil.

In advance of commercial approval in Paraguay, the Friendly fall armyworm product has undergone extensive pilots on farms across Brazil

The Friendly fall armyworm has been developed to combat the caterpillar Spodoptera frugiperda, commonly known as fall armyworm, a devastating pest that damages maize, cotton and other important crops in Paraguay. Releases of the Friendly fall armyworm males reduce pest populations in a safe, biological and environmentally friendly way. This approach is designed to work hand in hand with the existing tools available to farmers, counteracting pest resistance to offer long term crop protection.

Fall armyworm poses a major threat to food security and economic sustainability worldwide. This invasive pest can be difficult to control and has developed resistance to conventional tools such as sprayed insecticides and biotech crops. It can result in the loss of up to 50% of farmers' crops, and in recent years has spread beyond the Americas, now also imposing an economic burden of billions of dollars across Africa, Asia and Oceania.

Friendly fall armyworm will be made available to farmers in Paraguay to help protect their crops against this damaging and invasive insect species, offering a sustainable, environmentally friendly solution to compliment currently available management tools. Delivering this biological option to the market is an important step towards building long-term sustainability into Paraguayan food production. Oxitec is now readying operational infrastructure and activating supply chains to prepare for the coming growing seasons.

Grey Frandsen, Oxitec CEO, stated: "We're thankful to the Paraguayan government for taking a strong leadership role in the region to help combat the major threat that fall armyworm poses to farmers' harvests and livelihoods. Their approval of Oxitec's Friendly fall armyworm solution will allow Oxitec to offer farmers in Paraguay a new, powerful option to enhance their crop protection toolkits, prevent over-reliance on older tools, and reduce their environmental footprint. Following commercial approval in Brazil, Paraguay's decision marks the importance of international collaboration to combat this growing threat."

Like Oxitec's Friendly Aedes aegypti mosquito control product currently serving communities across Brazil, the Friendly fall armyworm carries a self-limiting gene, which enables production of male-only insects. After release into the field, these Friendly males will find and mate with wild females. The self-limiting gene is passed to their offspring, preventing female offspring from surviving to reproduce. Sustained releases of Friendly male fall armyworm can thereby rapidly reduce the number of fall armyworm resident in the crop. Friendly fall armyworm may potentially protect efficacy of other fall armyworm management tools, including insecticides and biotech crops, by counteracting pest resistance to these other essential tools.

Read more about the predicted benefits of the Friendly fall armyworm in this recent publication: Link

About Oxitec

Oxitec is the leading developer of biological solutions to control pests that transmit disease, destroy crops and harm livestock. Founded in 2002 at the University of Oxford, Oxitec is led by a passionate team comprised of 15 nationalities and is supported by world-class public, private and non-profit partners.

Learn more at oxitec.com.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2362871/Oxitec_Paraguay_Friendly_fall_armyworm.jpg

SOURCE Oxitec
PepsiCo Beverage North America (PBNA) employees Ruthanne Sir of Nashville, Tenn. and Kathy Marks of Knoxville, Tenn. are among the two dozen honorees across the country being recognized in this year's program for their excellence in frontline roles such as truck drivers, mechanics, merchandisers, and warehouse loaders, among others.

"Representation is a powerful force for future generations of women entering the workforce," said Heather Hoytink, President, PBNA South Division. "Through She is PepsiCo, we are celebrating the women on our frontlines, like Ruthanne and Kathy, who are changing the face of our company and our industry. As these trucks travel across Tennessee, we hope to empower the next generation with the knowledge that their career options are unlimited, even in frontline roles."

A 2023 Gartner survey showed that women made up 41% of the total supply chain workforce, up from 39% in 2022.1 However, the same survey also found that when you look specifically at frontline representation in the supply chain workforce, women filled just 31% of these roles.

PepsiCo recognizes the importance of women seeing the opportunities available to them. Beginning today, Tennesseans can be on the lookout for PepsiCo semi-trucks wrapped with Sir and Marks' smiling faces rolling through their communities and bringing PepsiCo-favorite products to store shelves.

Celebrations Across Tennessee

As part of the campaign, the company hosted special truck unveiling events where each honoree will see their name and photo on a PepsiCo truck for the first time alongside their colleagues and local leaders.

Today at the company's downtown Nashville facility, PBNA CEO Ram Krishnan and PBNA South Division President Heather Hoytink joined Ruthanne Sir and dozens of her colleagues, friends and family for a celebration to recognize her for her achievements as part of the company's Nashville Sales team.

"The impact of women in our community every day is immeasurable, and I appreciate PepsiCo for highlighting Nashvillian Ruthanne Sir and other women in front-line roles as part of their She is PepsiCo campaign," said Mayor Freddie O'Connell. "The representation of women in front-line roles is essential. It enriches our community and supports a future where all women have the opportunities they deserve to lead and succeed."

"I am overwhelmed to receive this honor," said Sir, a 63-year-old resident of Nashville who joined the company three years ago. "I hope that seeing my face on this truck will inspire other women in Tennessee to believe in themselves and the power of hard work."

On Wednesday, a similar event and truck unveiling was held at the Knoxville PepsiCo facility to celebrate Kathy Marks, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran and Forklift Operator. The 18 year-company veteran was joined by enthusiastic co-workers, friends and family on hand for this special recognition.

A cancer survivor, Marks represents the strength of women on the frontline and she hopes to encourage other women to pursue similar careers at the company.

"Congratulations to Kathy Marks, an Air Force veteran, 18-year PepsiCo employee, and proud forklift operator," said Mayor Indya Kincannon. "I'm so glad that the She is PepsiCo campaign is focusing on and celebrating the hard work, grit, and get-'er-done spirit of the company's front-line women. A lot of East Tennesseans in the coming weeks will be seeing a photo of Kathy, all smiles and hard at work, thanks to the wraps on the delivery trucks."

"Never give up. If a wall is in front of you, go over it, under it, around it, or knock it down," said Marks, a 60-year old resident of Knoxville. "Your efforts and relentlessness will get you where you want to go."

She is PepsiCo reflects PepsiCo's "A Space to Be You" aspiration to create a collaborative, equitable, and inclusive space where everyone, regardless of what we look like, where we come from, or whom we love, has a voice. This mantra extends to PepsiCo's business partners and the communities it serves and helps drive the company's progress toward its pep+ ambitions, including achieving gender parity in management roles globally, maintaining pay equity, and helping to uplift underserved communities around the world.

Learn more about She is PepsiCo here.

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $91 billion in net revenue in 2023, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com, and follow on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo.

1 https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-06-29-gartner-says-26-percent-of-supply-chain-csuite-roles-now-filled-by-women

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Molly Kunst, [email protected]

Christina Panta, [email protected]

SOURCE PepsiCo
NEW YORK, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global pharmaceutical continuous manufacturing market size is estimated to grow by USD 548.94 million at a CAGR of 12.74% between 2023 and 2028. North America, comprising the US, Canada, and Mexico, is poised to contribute 35% to the global market growth. This region is characterized by dynamic trends and innovation, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector. North American pharmaceutical companies lead in adopting cutting-edge manufacturing processes like continuous manufacturing, aided by advanced automation and real-time monitoring. Regulatory support from the FDA further boosts adoption, evident in recent guidelines promoting continuous manufacturing. Such initiatives ensure enhanced process control, reduced variability, and improved product quality. These regulatory efforts bode well for the region's market growth in the coming forecast period.

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Pharmaceutical Continuous Manufacturing Market 2024-2028

For Comprehensive details on the market size of historic period(2018 to 2022) and forecast period (2024-2028)

View Sample report

Report Coverage Details Page number 171 Base year 2023 Historic period 2018-2022 Forecast period 2024-2028 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 12.74% Market Growth 2024-2028 USD 548.94 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2023-2024(%) 12.26 Regional analysis North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW) Performing market contribution North America at 35% Key countries US, Germany, UK, China, and Japan

Key Developments:

Rapid advances in technology, intense competition, and changing dynamics in the market are the key factors for the intense competition among vendors.

With the rising competition, the market will see consolidation. However, manufacturing complexities and high production costs pose significant risk factors for vendors in the market.

The evolving API manufacturing scenario in developing countries is notably driving market growth.:

India and China emerge as key sources for drug intermediates and bulk process intermediates (BPI). Historically, Chinese companies focused on low-cost drugs, while India and China now produce high-quality APIs and intermediates for regulated markets. Innovators outsource late-stage intermediates to these countries, forming joint ventures with local manufacturers. Despite this, developing countries are increasingly significant in API production, with a growing focus on continuous manufacturing for cost-effective and sustainable solutions. This trend is poised to drive market expansion in the forecast period.

Increasing demand for continuous manufacturing in the biopharmaceutical industry is an emerging trend shaping the market growth.

High initial investment associated with pharmaceutical continuous manufacturing is a significant challenge hindering market growth.

Technavio has identified key trends, drivers, and challenges in the market, which will help clients improve their strategies to stay ahead of their competitors.

View Sample Report

Vendor Landscape

The pharmaceutical continuous manufacturing market is fragmented; the vendors are competing with competitors and are trying to get greater market share. The market is growing, and the chances of new entrants cannot be overlooked. The major vendors have well-established economies of scale and market presence and generally rely on positioning technological advances, and the price of the products.

The report provides a full list of key vendors, their strategies, and the latest developments.

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Company Profiles

The pharmaceutical continuous manufacturing market report includes information on the product launches, sustainability, and prospects of leading vendors including Chemtrix BV, Continuus Pharmaceuticals, Coperion GmbH, Corning Inc., Dr. Helmut Rothenberger Holding GmbH, Eli Lilly and Co., Freund Vector Corp., GE Healthcare Technologies Inc., GEA Group AG, Gebruder Lodige Maschinenbau GmbH, Gericke AG, Honeywell International Inc., Hosokawa Micron Corp., Hovione, KORSCH AG, L.B. Bohle Maschinen und Verfahren GmbH, LMT Group, Novartis AG, Pfizer Inc., Siemens AG, SK Inc., Syntegon Technology GmbH, and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc..

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Competitive Analysis

The report includes competitive analysis, a proprietary tool to analyze and evaluate the position of companies based on their industry position score and market performance score. The competitive scenario categorizes companies based on various performance indicators. Some of the factors considered include the financial performance of companies over the past few years, growth strategies, product innovations, new product launches, investments, growth in market share, among others.

Market Segmentation

By Application, the market is classified into segments_custom.sub_comma. The segments_custom.sub_lower contribute the largest share of the market.

By Geography, the market is classified as North America , Europe , Asia , and Rest of World (ROW). North America will have the largest share of the market.

Analyst Review:

Continuous manufacturing technology is revolutionizing pharmaceutical production, offering advantages in efficiency and quality. From API synthesis to drug formulation, continuous flow chemistry, crystallization, drying, blending, tableting, coating, and granulation streamline processes. Quality by Design (QbD) principles and Process Analytical Technology (PAT) ensure robust control strategies and real-time monitoring.

Modular manufacturing solutions provide scalability, flexibility, and cost efficiency while adhering to GMP compliance and regulatory guidelines such as FDA, EMA, and ICH. Automation, data analytics, machine learning, and predictive maintenance optimize equipment design and process control, enhancing productivity.

Supply chain integration, inventory management, and logistics bolster efficiency from raw material sourcing to distribution. Despite challenges in regulatory approval and compliance management, the pharmaceutical continuous manufacturing market is driven by technological advancements, innovation, and market demand for improved drug development, clinical trials, and healthcare regulations.

Strategic partnerships, mergers, acquisitions, and collaborative research foster market expansion and access, navigating complexities in intellectual property rights and pharmacoeconomics.

Market Overview:

Continuous manufacturing technology revolutionizes pharmaceutical production, optimizing efficiency and quality. Processes like continuous flow chemistry, crystallization, and drying streamline drug manufacturing. Quality by Design (QbD) principles and Process Analytical Technology (PAT) ensure robust control strategies and real-time monitoring. Modular manufacturing offers scalability, flexibility, and cost efficiency while meeting GMP compliance and regulatory guidelines. Automation, data analytics, and predictive maintenance enhance productivity and equipment design. Supply chain integration and logistics optimize raw material sourcing and distribution. Despite regulatory challenges, the market thrives on technological advancements, innovation, and market demand for improved drug development. Strategic partnerships and collaborative research drive market expansion and access, navigating complexities in intellectual property rights and pharmacoeconomics.

About US

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contact

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio
Global HR research and advisory firm McLean & Company's newly published insights highlight how psychological safety at work has evolved in the future of work. The firm advises organizations that a holistic approach to psychological safety in the workplace must also consider the unique lived experiences of a variety of demographics.

TORONTO, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - As the employee experience remains a focus for organizations and employees alike, the traditional singular focus on physical safety in the workplace is no longer sufficient to meet employee expectations. In the future of work, organizations are increasingly expected to ensure that psychological safety is as integral a component to employee wellbeing as its physical counterpart. However, not every employee experiences psychological safety in the same way. To equip HR and people leaders focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion with the tools to adapt their approach to fostering psychological safety to meet unique employee needs, global HR research and advisory firm McLean & Company has released a new support guide, Primer: Psychological Safety in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Sessions.

According to McLean & Companys new primer, establishing psychological safety through an inclusive lens is a continuous effort of aligning organizational norms, leadership behaviors, and artifacts on an ongoing basis. The strength of that alignment, as well as consistency in prioritizing psychological safety across the leadership team, impacts whether an organization builds upon each stage or regresses. (CNW Group/McLean & Company)

In the resource, McLean & Company explains that successfully creating psychological safety through an inclusive lens ensures all employees experience the ability to speak up, take risks, and be their authentic selves without the fear of negative consequences, regardless of demographics or personal lived experiences. Building a psychologically safe workplace that prioritizes inclusion requires ongoing commitment from key players, including organizational leaders, people leaders, and HR.

"Establishing psychological safety in the workplace is not a quick fix or a simple checklist item on the organizational to-do list," says Elysca Fernandes, director of HR Research & Advisory Services at McLean & Company. "Successfully building psychologically safe workplaces requires acknowledging that employees' unique intersectional characteristics influence how they experience psychological safety at work. This is why conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion are one of the first opportunities to recognize that psychological safety is not a universal experience and approaches to fostering safety must meet individual needs."

To support leaders in creating psychological safety in DEI sessions and leading with inclusion in mind, the firm has created an overview of each stage of psychological safety, adapted from Timothy Clark's Four Stages of Psychological Safety. Additionally, the primer includes practical sample tactics for the elements of psychological safety  organizational norms, leadership behaviors, and artifacts  that can be applied at each stage.

The four stages of psychological safety, adapted from Timothy Clark, are outlined below:

Inclusion  Employees feel like they belong and are appreciated for being themselves. Learning  Employees feel safe participating in the learning experience. Contributing  Employees feel safe using their skills, making a difference, and participating. Challenging  Employees feel safe speaking up and challenging the status quo.

McLean & Company has organized the elements of psychological safety at work into concise categories that need to be aligned consistently to foster safety. These elements are outlined below:

Organizational norms  Shared standards of acceptable behavior that are socially enforced and guide all interactions across the organization. For example, establishing ground rules for DEI sessions where people share their personal experiences. Leadership behaviors  Actions, values, and characteristics that leaders incorporate to motivate their team and achieve their goals. This may look like practicing grace and humility by apologizing for mistakes rather than acting defensively. Artifacts  The organization's processes, policies, and procedures, such as introducing and consistently reinforcing an anti-discrimination policy.

For a full breakdown of actionable tactics that are aligned with each stage of psychological safety and address the elements of psychological safety in the workplace through an inclusive lens, please visit Primer: Psychological Safety in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

The primer is a component of the firm's broader Introduction to Psychological Safety for HR resource and can be found by scrolling to Section 3: Fundamentals on the linked page above.

To register for upcoming free webinars on a variety of topics or to explore the publicly available archive of recorded sessions, please visit McLean & Company's official webinars page. Please note that a selection of McLean & Company's research-based webinars are now offering professional development credits for recertification with SHRM, HRCI, and HRPA.

Media interested in connecting with McLean & Company analysts for exclusive, research-backed insights and commentary on psychological safety in the workplace, DEI, generative AI in HR, HR trends in 2024, the future of work, and more can contact Senior Communications Manager Kelsey King at [email protected].

About McLean & Company

Through data-driven insights and proven best-practice methodologies, McLean & Company offers comprehensive resources and full-service assessments, action plans, and training to position organizations to meet today's needs and prepare for the future.

McLean & Company is a division of Info-Tech Research Group.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact [email protected].

SOURCE McLean & Company
DENVER, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PureSky Energy is thrilled to announce the acquisition of a 2.47 Megawatt (MW) solar project located in Potomac, Maryland. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first collaborative project between PureSky Energy and Chaberton Energy Holdings, Inc., and it is also the first venture of PureSky Energy into the Maryland solar market.

Situated in the heart of Potomac, this project reflects PureSky Energy's dedication to expanding its portfolio while actively supporting Maryland's renewable energy goals. This strategic collaboration leverages the strengths of both companies to advance solar energy development in the region.

A distinctive feature of this project is the adoption of Erthos, an innovative solar mounting technology. Unlike traditional mounting systems, Erthos is designed to lay flat on the ground. This not only minimizes visual impact on surrounding areas but also optimizes land use, enabling a larger MW capacity per acre and setting a new benchmark for efficiency and community integration in solar installations.

"We are excited to embark on this journey with Chaberton Energy and to introduce our first project in Maryland," said Jared Donald, President and CEO of PureSky Energy. "This project is not just a step towards expanding our footprint; it's a leap into the future of solar energy. By utilizing the Erthos mounting system, we are setting a new standard for solar installations that are both community-friendly and efficient."

"We are thrilled to partner with PureSky Energy, a company that shares our vision of helping communities access local, affordable, clean energy," said Stefano Ratti, chief executive officer of Chaberton Energy. "It's fulfilling to hand off this important project to a company that will uphold our commitments to the people of Montgomery County. Notably, this project marks Chaberton's first Erthos design, which sees the installation of solar modules directly on the ground. We are grateful to those who helped get us to this point, including the Montgomery County Planning Board along with the review staff, our host landowner, the Erthos team and of course the hard-working team at Chaberton who championed this project from start to finish. This is a win for community members, Montgomery County, PureSky, Chaberton and the environment"

The Potomac solar project is expected to play a crucial role in providing renewable energy to the local community and paving the way for future sustainable projects in the area.

About Chaberton Energy Holdings, Inc.

Headquartered in Maryland, Chaberton Energy is a public benefit corporation focused on developing sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy projects. Our work ranges from site conception to full operations, emphasizing distributed energy, community solar, and commercial and industrial initiatives.

We deeply value the communities we serve, including employees, landowners, neighbors, customers, regulatory agencies, development partners, investors and partners. Rooted in creativity, excellence, and humanity, our team is dedicated to creating sustainable renewable energy solutions. These projects not only transition to clean energy and reduce pollution but also economically benefit residents and businesses, leading the way in the energy transition.

Website: www.chaberton.com

About PureSky Energy:

PureSky Energy is a leading developer, owner, and operator of US community solar, C&I and storage projects with headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Since entering the US market in 2016, the company has rapidly expanded its scale and currently operates a portfolio with generation capacity of approximately 233MW across 44 sites or under-construction projects expected to be completed in the short term. The company has a large pipeline of solar and battery storage projects across existing and new US markets, placing the platform in a primary position within the distributed generation market. The company's mission is to make clean energy accessible and affordable to local communities across the United States, while shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.

Website: www.pureskyenergy.com

Host A Solar Farm: https://www.pu reskyenergy.com/community-host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/puresky-energy

SOURCE PureSky Energy
VANCOUVER, BC, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. (the "Company" or "ReconAfrica") (TSXV: RECO) (OTCQX: RECAF) (Frankfurt: 0XD) announces an updated prospective resource estimate supported by a Prospective Resource Report (the "Report") dated March 12, 2024 (with an effective date of February 29, 2024) prepared by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. ("NSAI"), an independent qualified reserves evaluator. The Report focused solely on the Damara Fold and Thrust Belt Area, located within the Company's Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL73), in the Kavango Basin, NE Namibia, in which the Company holds a 90% working interest. The integration of all subsurface data and new geochemical analyses in the Damara Fold Belt has resulted in an increase of oil potential.

REPORT HIGHLIGHTS(1)

Gross to the Company unrisked, prospective oil in place in identified prospects of 15.4 billion barrels

in identified prospects of Gross to the Company unrisked, prospective oil resources in identified prospects of 3.1 billion barrels

(1) There is no certainty that any portion of the resources will be discovered. If discovered, there is no certainty that it will be commercially viable to produce any portion of the resources.

Brian Reinsborough, President and CEO commented: "Since assuming the role of CEO in August of last year, I have assembled a team of experienced explorationists, led by Chris Sembritzky, Senior Vice President of Exploration. Analysis of core samples from all three previously drilled wells has revealed the presence of liquid hydrocarbons, confirming the presence of a working petroleum system. The team has also undertaken a comprehensive study of all other sources of geochemical data and conducted additional basin modelling, which collectively indicates that the Damara Fold Belt holds not only potential for large natural gas accumulations but also potential for large oil accumulations. The technical teams are using all this recent information to help prioritize and sequence the drilling order of our upcoming drilling program, which is planned to commence in June with the drilling of Prospect L."

Chris Sembritzky, Senior Vice President of Exploration, stated: "The scale of the Damara Fold Belt play was a pivotal factor that drew me to ReconAfrica. Over the past several months, my team and I have thoroughly reviewed an extensive amount of data, which has only increased our excitement for the planned upcoming drilling campaign in both the Damara Fold Belt and Rift plays. We firmly believe that this endeavor has the potential to unlock significant resource."

A copy of the Report can be found on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

The Report highlights an increase in Prospective Oil Resources since the last previous report (dated December 8, 2023, with an effective date of March 31, 2023) prepared by NSAI and filed on December 20, 2023, which highlighted only Prospective Natural Gas Resources. The change in estimated Prospective Oil Resources is the result of in-depth analyses of all geochemical data, including cores, cuttings, mud logs, seeps and additional basin modelling studies. The Company outlined seven lines of evidence for oil to be present in the shallower Mulden intervals which has collectively elevated the chance of finding oil in the Mulden reservoirs. The deeper Otavi targets are still believed to be gas prone with probability of liquids as the Otavi source is an oil prone source rock.

The Report reflects estimates of Prospective Resources from 19 identified prospects which are viable drilling targets. The Report also includes estimates of Prospective Resources from four leads which require more data acquisition and/or evaluation to be classified as a prospect.

Each opportunity in the inventory has been qualitatively assessed for the chance of oil versus gas, and accordingly assigned as a risk factor for finding oil. NSAI has summarized the volumes assuming oil discoveries because there is generally a higher volume weighted chance of discovering oil in the petroleum system than gas.

Summary of Best Estimate (2U)(1) Undiscovered Original Oil-In-Place (MMbbl)(2)



Gross (100%) Company Gross (90%) Prospects 17,118 15,406 Leads 765 689

Best Estimate (2U)(1) Prospective Oil Resources (MMbbl)(3)



Unrisked(4) Risked(5)

Gross (100%) Company

Gross

(90%) Net(6) Gross

(100%) Company

Gross

(90%) Net(6) Prospects 3,424 3,081 2,927 226 203 193 Leads 153 138 131 6 5 5

Note: Prospective resources are the arithmetic sum of multiple probability distributions.

2U is the best estimate scenario of prospective resources. Undiscovered Original Oil-In-Place is that quantity of oil that is estimated on a given date to be contained in accumulations yet to be discovered. The recoverable portion of undiscovered Original Oil-In-Place is referred to as prospective resources; the remainder is unrecoverable. Oil volumes are expressed in millions of barrels (MMbbl); a barrel is equivalent to 42 US gallons. Prospective Resources are those quantities of oil estimated, as of a given date, to be potentially recoverable from undiscovered accumulations by application of future development projects. Prospective resources have both an associated chance of discovery and a chance of development. There is no certainty that any portion of the resources will be discovered. If discovered, there is no certainty that it will be commercially viable to produce any portion of the resources. Unrisked Prospective Resources  these estimates are the volumes that could reasonably be expected to be recovered in the event of the discovery and development of these prospects. Risked Prospective Resources  these estimates are based on unrisked prospective resources that have been risked for change of discovery and change of development. If a discovery is made, there is no certainty that it will be developed or, if it is developed, there is no certainty as to the timing of such development. Net prospective resources are company gross (90%), after royalty deductions of 5%.

NSAI has also conducted an alternate assessment of prospective resources assuming gas discoveries, which is based on last year's Damara Fold and Thrust Belt Area resource assessment. The alternate assessment can be viewed in the Report in Appendix Page A-1. Both cases were run with identical input parameters with the exception of formation volume factor, which was modified slightly for the gas case.

The Company expects to file its annual Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument Form 51-101F1 with an effective date of March 31, 2024, covering leads and prospects in both the Damara Fold Belt and the Rift Basin by the end of July 2024.

About ReconAfrica

ReconAfrica is a Canadian oil and gas company engaged in the opening of the newly discovered deep Kavango Sedimentary Basin in the Kalahari Desert of northeastern Namibia and northwestern Botswana, where the Company holds petroleum licenses comprising ~8 million contiguous acres. In all aspects of its operations ReconAfrica is committed to minimal disturbance of habitat in line with international standards and will implement environmental and social best practices in all of its project areas.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian, United States and other applicable securities laws, rules and regulations, including, without limitation, statements with respect to the estimates of prospective resources, NSAI providing an annual update of the Report relating to the Company's prospective resources on the Company's licences by the end of July 2024 for the Damara Fold Belt play as well as the Karoo Rift play, the commencement and timing of drilling operations, the planned multi-well drilling campaign along with the Company's commitment to minimal disturbances in line with international best standards and its implementation of environmental and social best practices in all of its project areas. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "potential", "estimated", "significant" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on ReconAfrica's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as the Company's actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of the factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section in the Company's annual information form dated December 4, 2023, available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Actual future results may differ materially. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to ReconAfrica. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and ReconAfrica undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

Disclosure of Oil and Gas Information:

The report of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. ("NSAI") entitled "Estimates of Prospective Resources to the Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. Interests in Certain Opportunities Located in Damara Fold and Thrust Belt Play Area in Petroleum Exploration Licence 73, Kavango Basin, Namibia as of February 29, 2024" (the "NSAI Report") and the prospective resource estimates contained therein and in this press release were prepared by NSAI, an independent qualified reserves evaluator, with an effective date of February 29, 2024. The NSAI Report was prepared in accordance with the definitions and guidelines of the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook prepared jointly by the Society of Petroleum and Engineers (Calgary Chapter) (the "COGE Handbook") and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy & Petroleum and National Instrument 51-101  Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities ("NI 51-101"). For additional information concerning the risks and the level of uncertainty associated with recovery of the prospective resources detailed herein and in the NSAI Report, the significant positive and negative factors relevant to the prospective resources estimates detailed herein and in the NSAI Report and a description of the project to which the prospective resources estimates detailed herein and in the NSAI Report applies are contained within the NSAI Report, a copy of which has been filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators and is available under the Company's issued profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca .

The prospective resources shown in the NSAI Report have been estimated using probabilistic methods and are dependent on a petroleum discovery being made. If a discovery is made and development is undertaken, the probability that the recoverable volumes will equal or exceed the unrisked estimated amounts is 90 percent for the low estimate, 50 percent for the best estimate, and 10 percent for the high estimate. Low estimate and high estimate prospective resources have not been included in the NSAI Report. For the purposes of the NSAI Report, the volumes and parameters associated with the best estimate scenario of prospective resources are referred to as 2U. The 2U prospective resources have been aggregated beyond the prospect and lead level by arithmetic summation; therefore, these totals do not include the portfolio effect that might result from statistical aggregation. Statistical principles indicate that the arithmetic sums of multiple estimates may be misleading as to the volumes that may actually be recovered.

Abbreviations:

MMbbl = millions of barrels OOIP = Undiscovered Original Oil in Place







SOURCE Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd.
Sadie Jean is bringing the Simple Like 17 Tour to 17 cities across North America. Post this

Despite this being Sadie's first headline tour, she is no stranger to the stage. In 2023 she totaled over 60 live shows, supporting fellow artists and friends Johnny Orlando and Cian Ducrot on their tours, as well as guest-performing for multi-platinum artist Rod Wave's Nostalgia sold out arena tour.

Sadie Jean has been making waves in the music industry with her angelic vocals, compelling lyrics, and dynamic performances. With her unique blend of pop sensibility and raw emotion, she has garnered a devoted following and critical acclaim, earning accolades for her debut project and collaborations with renowned artists.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday, March 15th at 10am local time. Artist, Spotify, Venue, and Local Presale tickets will be available on Wednesday, March 13th at 10 am PT  Thursday, March 14 at 10pm local. To access presale and find further ticket details head to www.sadiejean.com .

Join in experiencing the magic of Sadie Jean live in concert at one of the venues below:

'Simple Like 17' Tour Dates:

4/17/24  Cambridge, MA  Sonia

4/19/24  Philadelphia, PA  Milkboy

4/21/24  Washington DC  DC9

4/22/24  Brooklyn, NY  Baby's All Right

4/25/24  Toronto, ON  Drake Underground

4/27/24  Detroit, MI  Magic Bag

4/28/24  Chicago, IL  Chop Shop

4/30/24  Nashville, TN  Row One Stage

5/1/24  Atlanta, GA  Vinyl

5/4/24  Dallas, TX  Ruins

5/5/24  Austin, TX  Parish

5/8/24  Denver, CO  Globe Hall

5/11/24  Portland, OR  Holocene

5/12/24  Seattle, WA  Chop Suey

5/15/24  San Francisco, CA  Brick & Mortar

5/24/24  Los Angeles, CA  Moroccan Lounge

5/25/24  Santa Ana, CA  Constellation Room

Connect with Sadie Jean:

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube | SoundCloud | Spotify | Apple Music

About Sadie Jean

Sadie Jean's music strikes a universal chord akin to a late-night chat with your best friend. She connected with millions of people over the release of her debut single "WYD Now?", a tear-jerking plea to an old flame to try and get it right one more time. Since its release, the track has surpassed 150m Spotify streams and became RIAA gold-certified, solely due to its pure, raw emotion. Multi-platinum artist Rod Wave also sampled the track on his song "2018," marking Sadie's Hot 100 debut, as well as inviting Sadie to guest perform the song on a 30-date sold out arena tour.

In 2022, she released her second single, "Locksmith," an equally moving ballad that itself has blown past 100m Spotify streams. These deeply vulnerable singles became the blueprint for the tracks that would make up the rest of her debut project "Simple Like 17." Throughout the project, Sadie Jean pairs smart and cutting lyrics with timeless, uncomplicated arrangements, unveiling something powerful: that sometimes, while longing for another person, you're truly seeking yourself.

After a lifetime of work and a complete project, Sadie Jean is bringing the Simple Like 17 Tour to 17 cities across North America for an intensely crafted show experience. She'll be performing the project in entirety in small venues hoping to connect with each audience member individually. Make sure to catch Sadie Jean's first ever headline tour "Simple Like 17" before it sells out.

SOURCE Sadie Jean LLC
Department of Public Works Teamsters Secure Strong New Agreement

SHAKOPEE, Minn., March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Teamsters Local 320 members at the City of Shakopee's Department of Public Works have voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement. The three-year agreement is retroactive to January 1, 2024, and includes a general wage increase of 14.5 percent over the life of the contract, Juneteenth as a paid holiday, and the ability to move into Teamsters Joint Council 32's Health Fund.

"This is a major victory for not just these workers, but for all union workers across the state," said Erik Skoog, President of Local 320 in Minneapolis. "I am proud of the Shakopee Teamsters for putting it all on the line for a better tomorrow."

Shakopee Teamsters voted unanimously to strike in December 2023 if an agreement was not reached by the expiration of their contract. After weeks of state-mandated mediation, Local 320 reached a tentative agreement, which the City Council then voted down, prompting Shakopee Teamsters to file their second intent to strike notice.

Teamsters Local 320 represents a wide variety of public sector workers throughout Minnesota. For more information go to teamsterslocal320.org.

Contact:

Matt McQuaid, (202) 624-6877

[email protected]

SOURCE Teamsters Local 320
BOSTON, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership , a global authority on leadership, gender equity, and inclusion, is pleased to announce the 2024 recipient of the Helen G. Drinan Visionary Leader Award winner, Thasunda Brown Duckett.

Duckett is the President and Chief Executive Officer of TIAA, a Fortune 100 provider of secure retirements and outcome-focused investment solutions to millions of people working in higher education, healthcare and other mission-driven organizations. The Visionary Leader Award, given in honor of Simmons University's eighth president, Helen G. Drinan is awarded annually to a leader who embodies the Institute's mission to manifest equity in leadership and create a more inclusive workforce.

Thasunda Brown Duckett Awarded Visionary Leader Award from Simmons Institute of Inclusive Leadership Post this

"I am delighted that the Institute for Inclusive Leadership is honoring a leader who has excelled in the financial services industry. Having spent twenty years in banking, I know firsthand how challenging it is to break into executive leadership," said Helen G. Drinan, President Emerita, Simmons University. "Thasunda Brown Duckett makes it possible for women growing up in the industry to see that the top job is within their reach, and that the path to leadership is worth the hard work and sacrifices which come with this level of competition. Brava!"

Duckett is the fourth Black woman to ever lead a Fortune 500 company. She is a leadership luminary and trailblazer in the financial industry who is widely recognized for prioritizing financial inclusion and educational opportunities for underserved populations. Prior to her role at TIAA, she held several executive positions during her career at JP Morgan Chase.

Past award recipients include Indra Nooyi, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo, Sheila Lirio Marcelo, Co-Founder and CEO of Proof of Learn and Founder of Care.com, and Sandra Fenwick, Former CEO of Boston Children's Hospital.

Duckett will accept the award on April 3, 2024 at the 45th Simmons Leadership Conference where thousands of leaders will be in attendance in Boston and online.

To learn more, visit: https://www.inclusiveleadership.com/community/visionary-leader-award/

About the Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership

The founding of the Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership in 2019 builds on the University's rich heritage of igniting positive action, fostering everyday leadership, and striving for lasting social justice. Our vision is simple: Manifest equity in leadership in our lifetime.

SOURCE Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership
SUZHOU, China, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kintor Pharmaceutical Limited ("Kintor Pharma", HKEX: 9939.HK), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative small molecule and biological therapeutics, announces that Kintor and its cooperative partner had published an article named MYC Induces CDK4/6 Inhibitors Resistance by Promoting pRB1 Degradation in a subsidiary journal of NatureNature Communications (Impact factor: 16.6). Nature Communications is one of the top journals in biology field and is classified as Q1 in several categories, representing a leading research level in the world. The study shows that target c-Myc molecular glue compound has great potential, which could provide more directions for overcoming resistance issues of CDK4/6 inhibitors in various tumor fields.

Issue:

This article analyzes the mechanism of c-Myc that induces CDK4/6 inhibitors resistance and introduces A80.2HCl, a promising molecular glue compound developed by Kintor Pharma, to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of CDK4/6 inhibitors.

Background:

CDK4 and CDK6 (CDK4/6) govern progression through the early G1 phases of the cell cycle, and they have shown profound effects against several solid tumors. CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) have been approved for the treatment of hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer. However, their application to other tumor types and intrinsic resistance mechanisms are still unclear. Existing mechanism studies have shown that the loss of normal RB1 function is the most frequently observed change in cells resistant to CDK4/6i. MYC is one of the most widely investigated oncoproteins that regulates many cellular processes and contributes to tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance in several different cancer types. This article analyzes the mechanism of MYC that induces CDK4/6 inhibitors resistance by promoting pRB1 degradation and introduces a c-Myc degrader A80.2HCl, a promising molecular glue compound developed by Kintor Pharma, to enhance the therapeutic effectiveness of CDK4/6 inhibitors.

Results:

High MYC expression drives resistance to CDK4/6i by masking pRB1

High MYC expression reduces pRB1 abundance via proteasomal degradation

The E3 ubiquitin ligase KLHL42 interacts with pRB1 and induces pRB1 proteasomal degradation

KLHL42 is a transcriptional target of MYC that mediates CDK4/6i resistance

Identification of A80.2HCl as a MYC-degrading molecule

A80.2HCl potentiates the therapeutic efficacy of CDK4/6 inhibitors

Conclusion:

High MYC expression drives resistance to CDK4/6i by directly activating the transcription of the E3 ubiquitin ligase KLHL42, which promotes pRB1 ubiquitination and degradation and thus leads to pRB1 protein deficiency

A molecule that degrades MYC, A80.2HCl, developed by Kintor Pharma, to abolish MYC when applied at nanomolar levels, rescues pRB1 protein activity, and diminishes MYC-dependent CDK4/6i resistance

The combination of CDK4/6i and MYC-degrading molecule A80.2HCl shows an additive effect on killing tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo

Full article

The full article is available in Nature Communications.

Download: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-45796-w

SOURCE Kintor Pharmaceutical Limited
SAN DIEGO, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sweetwater Investment Management ("Sweetwater" or "Sweetwater Private Equity" (dba)) is holding its fifth annual investor meeting at Torrey Pines Lodge where it will announce Geoffrey Chaiken, Co-Founder & CEO of Blink Health, as the 2023 recipient of the Sweetwater Leadership and Innovation Award. Each year, Sweetwater selects one of the most innovative and inspiring leaders from its portfolio companies for this honor. Prior recipients include Chad Robbins (2019), CEO of Adaptive Biotechnologies, James Rodgers (2020), Founder & CEO of Apeel Sciences, Adam Goldenberg (2021), Co-Founder and CEO of Fabletics and Priya Abani (2022), CEO of AliveCor.

"We are excited to honor Mr. Chaiken and his accomplishments with Blink Health." Post this SWEETWATER PRIVATE EQUITY HONORS GEOFFREY CHAIKEN, CO-FOUNDER AND CEO OF BLINK HEALTH

Sweetwater is recognizing Mr. Chaiken's accomplishments in co-creating and leading Blink Health, a healthcare technology company. Mr. Chaiken co-founded Blink Health in 2014 with the vision of building products to make prescriptions accessible and affordable to everybody. Blink Health offers two core products, BlinkRx and Quick Save. BlinkRx is a branded medication solution that offers an end-to-end enhanced fulfillment channel for pharmaceutical companies. By removing traditional roadblocks within the current prescription supply chain, BlinkRx drives better access to critical medications and improved health outcomes for patients. Patients benefit from transparent low prices, free home delivery, and world-class support on this first-of-its-kind platform. Quick Save is a generic medication solution that reinvents the way that pharmacies offer discounts to patients. Through Quick Save, patients save money, pharmacists save time, and pharmacies become more profitable.

Mr. Chaiken's commitment to transparency and affordability has not only garnered praise from Blink Health's customers but also attracted significant attention from the healthcare industry, leading to numerous awards and acknowledgements for his contributions to making healthcare more accessible. Blink Health has grown considerably in the past several years, supporting many branded medications on its BlinkRx platform and some of the largest pharmacies in the country with its Quick Save solution.

"We are excited to be delivering incredible value and access for our patients and clients." said Mr. Chaiken. "We are grateful to Sweetwater Private Equity for their assistance and capital that has supported the significant investments in technology required to deliver on our goals."

"We are excited to honor Mr. Chaiken and his accomplishments with Blink Health," said Brent Granado, Managing Partner at Sweetwater. "Sweetwater is honored to be a part of the Blink Health story. We have enjoyed watching Mr. Chaiken and the Blink Health team bring transparency and more affordable options to patients."

About Sweetwater Private Equity

Sweetwater Private Equity ( www.sweetwaterpe.com ) is a private equity manager that specializes in niche secondary opportunities. Sweetwater is a leader in direct and structured secondary solutions. Sweetwater focuses on venture capital, growth equity and small buyout opportunities with an emphasis in the healthcare, technology, and consumer sectors.

SOURCE Sweetwater Investment Management
SCHAFFHAUSEN, Switzerland, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of TE Connectivity Ltd. (NYSE: TEL), a world leader in connectors and sensors, has unanimously approved a proposed change of the company's place of incorporation from Switzerland to Ireland. Shareholders will be asked to vote in favor of the proposal at a Special General Meeting of Shareholders in Zurich, Switzerland. If approved, TE expects to implement the change in 2024.

TE Connectivity does not anticipate any material change in its operations or financial results as a result of the change of domicile. The company will continue to be registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and will be subject to the same SEC reporting requirements. The company's common shares will continue to trade on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol TEL. Switzerland will continue to serve as a TE leadership hub for critical strategic and operational functions.

"After careful consideration, our board of directors has determined that this change is in the best long-term interest of the company and our shareholders and will help position TE for continued success," said Chief Executive Officer Terrence Curtin. "This move will not impact our customers or employees and we are excited to continue working together to create a safer, sustainable, productive and connected future."

About TE Connectivity

TE Connectivity Ltd. (NYSE: TEL) is a global industrial technology leader creating a safer, sustainable, productive, and connected future. Our broad range of connectivity and sensor solutions enable the distribution of power, signal and data to advance next-generation transportation, renewable energy, automated factories, data centers, medical technology and more. With more than 85,000 employees, including 8,000 engineers, working alongside customers in approximately 140 countries, TE ensures that EVERY CONNECTION COUNTS. Learn more at www.te.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, WeChat, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

Important Information and Where to Find It

This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of a vote or proxy. In connection with the proposed change in jurisdiction of incorporation, TE Connectivity plc will file a proxy statement/prospectus with the SEC that will be sent to TE shareholders. In addition, TE will be filing additional documents with the SEC, which contain other relevant materials in connection with the proposed change in jurisdiction of incorporation. Shareholders are advised to read the proxy statement/prospectus carefully and any other materials when they become available because they will contain important information about the change in jurisdiction of incorporation. Shareholders may obtain a free copy of the proxy statement/prospectus (when available) and other relevant documents filed with the SEC from the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or at TE's website at www.te.com. These documents (when available) can also be obtained free of charge from TE upon written request to TE Connectivity Ltd., Attention: Corporate Secretary, Muhlenstrasse 26, CH-8200 Schaffhausen, Switzerland.

Participants in the Solicitation

TE and its directors and officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from TE's shareholders in connection with the change in jurisdiction of incorporation. Information regarding the direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, of the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be considered participants in the solicitation of shareholders in connection with Special General Meeting is included in the Company's proxy statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting under the heading "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management," filed with the SEC on January 17, 2024, and will be included in proxy statement/prospectus, once available. To the extent holdings by our directors and executive officers reported in the definitive proxy statement for the 2024 Annual General Meeting have changed, such changes have been or will be reflected on Statements of Change of Ownership on Forms 3, 4 or 5 filed with the SEC (including Form 4s filed with the SEC on January 30, 2024 and March 4, 2024). These documents are available free of charge as described above.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks, uncertainty and changes in circumstances, which may cause actual results, performance, financial condition or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance, financial condition or achievements. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature are forward-looking and the words "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "estimate," "plan," and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have no intention and are under no obligation to update or alter (and expressly disclaim any such intention or obligation to do so) our forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law. The forward-looking statements in this release include statements about the proposed change of its place of incorporation to Ireland, which are subject to risks, such as the risk that the change of place of incorporation might not be completed or, if completed, that the anticipated advantages might not materialize, as well as the risks that the price of TE Connectivity's stock could decline and its position on stock exchanges and indices could change, and Irish corporate governance and regulatory schemes could prove different or more challenging than currently expected. In addition, examples of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the extent, severity and duration of business interruptions, such as the coronavirus disease 2019 ("COVID-19") negatively affecting our business operations; business, economic, competitive and regulatory risks, such as conditions affecting demand for products in the automotive and other industries we serve; competition and pricing pressure; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices; natural disasters and political, economic and military instability in countries in which we operate, including continuing military conflict in certain parts of the world; developments in the credit markets; future goodwill impairment; compliance with current and future environmental and other laws and regulations; and the possible effects on us of changes in tax laws, tax treaties and other legislation. More detailed information about these and other factors is set forth in TE Connectivity Ltd.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Sept 29, 2023, as well as in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other reports filed by us with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE TE Connectivity, LTD
CHICAGO, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Arizton publishes the latest research report on the Saudi Arabia elevators and escalators market & Qatar elevators and escalators market.

Saudi Arabia & Qatar Elevators and Escalators Market Report Scope

Report Attributes Details Saudi Arabia Elevator and Escalator Market Size (2029) 16.01 thousand units CAGR (2023-2029) 5.61 % Qatar Elevator and Escalator Market Size (2029) 1.4 Thousand Units CAGR (2023-2029) 4.29 % Historic Year 2020-2022 Base Year 2023 Forecast Year 2024-2029

The Saudi Arabia Elevator and Escalator Market by New Installations to Reach 16.01 Thousand Units by 2029

This report provides a market forecast for the Saudi Arabia elevators and escalators market for 2020-2029. The market covers details on new installations, modernization, and maintenance. The market forecast has been provided based on volume and value. The market is further bifurcated into new installations, modernization, and maintenance. Modernization has not been accounted for in the Volume market.

Saudi Arabia is one of the emerging economies globally that is determined to transform its cities into smart cities. Over the last three decades, rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and transformation have led to Saudi citizens' quality of life.

The elevators market in Saudi Arabia in 2023 is witnessing substantial growth, representing medium year-on-year demand for 4.3% for the term 2023-2024 due to increasing manufacturing activities and rising socio-economic status.

Elevators used in the industrial sector accounted for the largest share of 29.7% in 2023, concerning high government and investments in industrial construction projects.

Improved Real Estate Transactions Due to Reduction of VAT is Likely to Boost the 2-15 Persons Elevators Segment

The demand for the 2-15 passenger elevators segment is largely driven in the residential and commercial sectors. The National Housing Company (NHC) has announced various housing projects, including Rawa and Maylaa projects in Riyadh and Jeddah. The housing stock in Jeddah and Riyadh are expected housing by 2023 are 100,000 and 35,000, respectively.

In October 2020, Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT) was introduced in Saudi Arabia with reduced VAT from 15% to 5% to boost residential and commercial real estate activity and increase home ownership, which will drive the demand for this segment. Companies such as KONE, Mitsubishi Electric, TK Elevator, Otis, and FUJITEC offer 2-15 passenger elevators. For instance, Otis One is a digital platform that uses IoT to make elevators and escalators smarter and more efficient, launched in the Middle East in Q1, 2023.

Buy this Research @ https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/saudi-arabia-elevator-and-escalator-market

Vendors

KONE, TK Elevator, Schindler, Mitsubishi Electric, Otis, Hyundai Elevator, Fujitec, Hitachi, Toshiba Elevator and Building Systems Corporation (TELC), KLEEMAN, Gulf Elevators and Escalators Company (GEEC), Sigma Elevator, Orona, and Atlas Elevators

Market Drivers

Rapid Increasing Infrastructural Activities as a Part of Vision 2030 Driving the Saudi Arabia Elevator and Escalator Industry

Rising Population in Urban Areas to Boost the Demand for Vertical Transportation

to Boost the Demand for Vertical Transportation Gaining Momentum of Digitization in the Elevator and Escalator Market

Special Economic Zones Symbolize Positive Impact on the Vertical Transportation Market

Gaining Momentum of Modular Construction to Drive the Demand for Elevator

Investments by HNWI in Saudi Arabia to Gain Traction for Luxury and Sophisticated Vertical Transport Systems

Key Questions Answered in the Report

How big is the Saudi Arabia elevator and escalator market?

What will the growth rate be in the Saudi Arabia elevator and escalator market?

What is the number of installed bases in the Saudi Arabia elevator and escalator market in 2023?

What factors drive the maintenance segment in the Saudi Arabia elevator and escalator market?

What are the key Saudi Arabia elevator and escalator market players?

The Qatar Elevator and Escalator Market by New Installations to Reach 1.4 Thousand Units by 2029

The government's investment through 'Qatar National Vision 2030' will likely make the construction industry in Qatar grow. This creates opportunities for foreign investors and aids in expanding the elevator market in Qatar.

The Voya Tower project in Doha, Qatar, is a joint venture between Mazaya Real Estate Development Company and Al-Namaa Real Estate Development Company. The project aims to meet the demand for high-quality, luxurious residential options aligned with Qatar's National Vision 2030. With 119 diverse housing units, including apartments and chalets, the Voya Tower project has obtained all necessary approvals and is set to be completed by 2026. It contributes to Qatar's real estate market growth and supports sustainable development goals.

Qatari Diar has successfully executed numerous ventures, including notable projects such as Lusail City, a futuristic urban hub aligning with Qatar's National Vision 2030, the Qatar National Convention Centre, Sheraton Park, Al Legtaifiya Lagoon, and the commercial street in Abu Hamour. These endeavors collectively reflect Qatari Diar's commitment to driving progressive urban development, contributing significantly to the nation's growth and creating demand for elevators.

Market Opportunities

As Qatar aims to become a prominent digital hub, the demand for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more critical. Wizard Cyber, on the other hand, boasts an impeccable reputation in the industry, offering cutting-edge solutions in threat intelligence, incident response, and advanced security consulting.

Through this partnership, Mannai Microsoft Solutions and Wizard Cyber aim to fortify Qatar's position as a trusted digital hub and foster a safer digital environment for all. By combining local knowledge with global best practices, they are poised to elevate cybersecurity standards, drive innovation, and support Qatar's digital aspirations.

The Qatari government has digitized its services, improving building permit issuance. Additionally, the country has initiated cybersecurity measures. Since Qatar has a high number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), it is expected that the adoption of advanced technology, including cybersecurity, will be witnessed in the coming years.

Key Questions Answered in the Report:

How big is the Qatar elevator and escalator market?

What will the growth rate be in the Qatar elevator and escalator market?

What factors drive the maintenance and modernization segment in the Qatar elevator and escalator market?

What are the key Qatar elevator and escalator market players?

Saudi Arabia & Qatar Elevators and Escalators Market Segmentation:

Elevator by

Machine Type

Hydraulic and Pneumatic

Machine Room Traction

Machine Room Less Traction

Others

Climbing



Elevators



Industrial Elevators

Carriage Type

Passenger

Freight

Capacity

2-15 Persons

16-24 Persons

25-33 Persons

34 Persons and Above

End-User

Commercial

Residential

Industrial

Others

Public Transit



Institutional



Infrastructural

Escalator by

Product Type

Parallel

Multi Parallel

Walkway

Crisscross

End-User

Public Transit

Commercial

Others

Institutional Sector



Infrastructure



Industrial

Why Do You Buy this Research?

CAGR for the forecast period 2023-2029.

All types of tracked escalators and elevators.

Elevators are used in commercial, residential, industrial and other end-users.

Other Industries for elevators include oil & gas, mining, marine and manufacturing.

Escalators are used in applications such as commercial, public transit, and other industries.

Moving walkways are covered under escalators by type

Volume within the country based on demand and supply.

Elevators and escalators new equipment's are exported to other countries.

All the currency conversion is in US$, unless specifically stated.

Check Out Some of the Top-Selling Research Reports:

Turkey Elevator and Escalator - Market Size and Growth Forecast 2022-2028

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UAE Elevator and Escalator Market - Size & Growth Forecast 2024-2029

Asia Pacific Elevator and Escalator - Market Size & Growth Forecast 2023-2029

Why Arizton?

100% Customer Satisfaction

24x7 availability  we are always there when you need us

200+ Fortune 500 Companies trust Arizton's report

80% of our reports are exclusive and first in the industry

100% more data and analysis

1500+ reports published till date

About Us:

Arizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovative and quality-driven firm that offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients worldwide. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services.

We offer comprehensive market research reports on consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare, life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals, materials, I.T. and media, logistics, and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts.

Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports.

Contact Us

Call: +1-312-235-2040

+1 302 469 0707

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SOURCE Arizton Advisory & Intelligence
What home and business owners can do to prevent infestations this spring

ATLANTA, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Miami ranks #1 on Orkin's Top 50 Termite cities list for the second year in a row, and once again Los Angeles ranks #2. While Tampa held onto third place, and New York City jumped five spots to claim #4 on the list. Washington, D.C., rounds out the Top 5. Four cities are new to this year's list, including Louisville, which climbed a whopping 34 spots to make this year's Top 50 cities.

Termites invade properties by foraging from their colonies in search of food resources and finding home foundations.

Orkin has developed this list based on treatment data from the cities where Orkin Pros performed the most termite treatments. The data was collected from February 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024, and includes both residential and commercial termite control services.

Miami, Fla. Los Angeles, Calif. Tampa , Fla. New York, N.Y. (+5) Washington, D.C. (-1) Philadelphia, Pa. (+10) Atlanta, Ga. (-1) Orlando, Fla. (+2) West Palm Beach, Fla. (+6) San Francisco, Calif. (-2) San Diego , Calif. Chicago, Ill. (+1) Raleigh, N.C. (-8) Baltimore, Md. (+3) Norfolk, Va. (-8) Dallas, TX (+3) Charlotte, N.C. (+1) New Orleans, La. (-4) Houston, TX (+4) Greenville, S.C. Nashville, Tenn. Phoenix, Ariz. Myrtle Beach, S.C. (+4) Richmond, Va. (-12) Charleston, S.C. (+1) Charleston, W.Va. (+2) Pittsburgh, Pa. (+5) Columbia, S.C. (+6) Greensboro, N.C. (+7) Indianapolis, Ind. (-6) Memphis, Tenn. (+4) Knoxville, Tenn. (-2) Ft. Myers, Fla. (+16) Cincinnati, Ohio (-5) Baton Rouge, La. (+7) Kansas City, Mo. (+1) Jacksonville, Fla. (+1) Greenville, N.C. (+6) Mobile, Ala. (+4) St. Louis, Mo. (-9) Austin, TX (+6) Louisville, Ky. (+34) (New to List) Tulsa, Okla. (+3) Oklahoma City, Okla. (+9) (New to List) San Antonio, TX (-4) Savannah, Ga. (-6) Roanoke, Va. (+7) (New to List) Waco, TX (+8) (New to List) Chattanooga, Tenn. (+1) Augusta, Ga. (-17)

As winter makes its departure, many people are looking forward to the warmer spring weather. Unfortunately, termites love spring, too. Termites thrive in warm environments, therefore, now is the perfect time for home and business owners to help protect their property.

"Termites are known as 'silent destroyers' because they can thrive in your home for months or even years before they're acknowledged," said Glen Ramsey, Director of the Entomology Team that supports Orkin. "These pests are difficult to detect, which is why it's important for homeowners to take preventative action. The experts at Orkin are prepared to create a tailored plan for your specific needs."

There are more than 2,000 species of termites in the world, and 40 of them are active in the United States. They can look like ants to the untrained eye because they share common characteristics. Most termites measure between  to  an inch long and have soft bodies with straight antennae. Termites can range in color from white to light brown, and worker termites are often lighter in color compared to winged reproductive termites or swarmers.

Signs of a termite infestation might include:

A temporary swarm of winged insects in your home or from the soil around your home

Any cracked or bubbling paint or frass (termite droppings)

Wood that sounds hollow when tapped

Mud tubes on exterior walls, wooden beams or in crawl spaces

Termites don't just destroy wooden homes. They can damage buildings made from a variety of materials, and can get access through porches, downspouts, and even the landscaping around the property. Orkin recommends homeowners follow this checklist to prevent termites this spring:

Check water drainage sites to ensure they are clear.

Limit moisture in the home by fixing pipes, gutters, downspouts, A/C units and other fixtures susceptible to leaking.

Close gaps by using caulk around utility lines or pipes.

Get rid of rotting wood and debris near the home.

Place screens on outside vents.

Check wooden structures for damage.

Homeowners who suspect a termite infestation don't have to battle the problem alone. Each circumstance is different, so be sure to contact an Orkin Pro for a free termite inspection. For more information about termite prevention, visit Orkin.com.

About Orkin, LLC

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects. Orkin has 358 owned and operated branch offices and 47 franchises in the U.S. The company also has international franchises and subsidiaries in Canada, Europe, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia, the Mediterranean, Africa, and Mexico. For more than 120 years, Orkin has been committed to protecting public health by helping prevent and control pests as well as educating consumers on the potential health risks posed by these pests. As such, Orkin Pros always put the customer first and approach every opportunity with the utmost professionalism and the knowledge and skillset to solve any pest problem. Since 2020, Orkin has partnered with the American Red Cross to inform the public about the health threats of mosquitoes while boosting our country's blood supply through monetary contributions and blood donations. Orkin is committed to hiring the world's best to help protect the places where we live, work and play. Learn more about careers at Orkin here. Visit Orkin.com for additional information. Orkin is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rollins Inc. (NYSE: ROL). Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Orkin
INDIANAPOLIS, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On Wednesday, March 13, 2024, the National Police Association ("NPA") filed a brief in the United States Supreme Court in support of the petition of Illinois residents for review of the decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Bevis v. City of Naperville, 85 F.4th 1175 (7th Cir. 2023). The NPA has filed briefs amicus curiae across the country in support of rules of law that assist police officers with the difficult and often life-threatening circumstances to which they are exposed in their line of duty and continues to advance the basic truth that what stops criminals intent on shooting victims is a good man or woman with a gunwhich can't always be a police officer.

United States Supreme Court

In this case, the Seventh Circuit vacated a trial court's preliminary injunction barring the State of Illinois from prohibiting the ownership of common semiautomatic firearms characterized as "assault weapons" and the standard-capacity magazines that ship with them.

The NPA believes that the modern policy focus on protecting criminals and restricting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens is counterproductive for maintaining public order and that armed citizens play an important role in stopping or limiting mass shootings and many other crimes. Studies have demonstrated that gun laws encouraging law-abiding citizens to own and carry firearms can result in reduced crime rates for many types of crimes.

The NPA also explains in its brief that the State of Illinois is wasting many millions of dollars that could be spent to punish criminals and hold them accountable but is instead spent on obviously unconstitutional legislation such as this. The decision of the Seventh Circuit, like many other recent judicial decisions across the country, amounts to flagrant disregard of fundamental Second Amendment rights that have been repeatedly affirmed by the Supreme Court. Police officers in Illinois (and elsewhere) are being forced to choose between enforcing these blatantly unconstitutional firearms laws (risking civil liability from the gun owners) or being fired for refusal to enforce them (as the Governor of Illinois has already threatened).

Attorney James L. Buchal stated, "The NPA stands behind these officers and asks the Supreme Court to step up to its duty to shut down the decision against the Second Amendment in the federal judiciary." The NPA warns the Court: ". . . it is important to stamp out disorder [in the lower courts] quickly before casual disregard for the [Supreme] Court's precedents spreads to a degree that strains the ability of the [Supreme] Court to control it, just as many of the Nation's cities are falling into greater and greater disorder from political choices to protect criminals and punish the law-abiding."

The National Police Association is represented by James L. Buchal of Murphy & Buchal LLP. The NPA's brief can be read here.

The National Police Association is a 501(c)3 Educational/Advocacy non-profit organization. For additional information visit NationalPolice.org.

Media contact:

Tim Livingston

[email protected]

567-245-5128

SOURCE National Police Association
CHICAGO, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Arizton's latest research report, the Western Europe tractors market is growing at a CAGR of 3.96% during 2023-2029.

To Know More, Click: https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/western-europe-tractor-market

Western Europe Tractor Market Research Report by Arizton

Western Europe Tractor Market Report Scope

Report Attributes Details Market Size (2029) 150,508 Units Market Size (2023) 121,086 Units CAGR (2023-2029) 3.69 % Historic Year 2020-2022 Base Year 2023 Forecast Year 2024-2029 Market Segments Horsepower, Drive Type, and Geography

Governments must adopt effective and sustainable farming practices to ensure food security and safety. Developed countries implement the concept of precision agriculture to increase productivity. However, the level of agricultural mechanization remains low in developing countries. Precision farming is a management concept under which crops are grown according to soil specifications. The focus on agricultural mechanization will increase the demand for tractors and enhance the precision of farming using technologically advanced tractors in the European market.

The Western Europe agriculture tractor market consists of numerous players, such as John Deere, CNH Industrial, AGCO, and others. There is stiff competition among players, and the industry witness's rapid growth, likely attracting more players to the market and intensifying the competition during the forecast period. However, the huge capital requirement will likely hinder new entrants. Vendors try to break the price-based competition by relying on value-added sales, offering a competitive advantage and better margins. Furthermore, exit barriers in the industry are high due to the involvement of high capital and government regulations.

Key Developments

Chennai, India -based TAFE, earlier in Eastern Europe , entered Western Europe by presenting its model at AGRITECHNICA 2023, held in Germany .

-based TAFE, earlier in , entered by presenting its model at AGRITECHNICA 2023, held in . John Deere exports tractors manufactured in India with the 75-130 HP range to Europe . Experts also include components and electronic systems.

with the 75-130 HP range to . Experts also include components and electronic systems. With an increasing focus on electric tractor manufacturing, all the major manufacturers are shifting towards electric product launches. However, due to geopolitical issues, supply chain issues may hamper the market.

CNH Industrial announced in April 2023 the investment of EUR21.4 million in the French facility between 2023 and 2025 to increase production capacity. Also, New Holland launched a new straddle tractor, TE6, designed by Pininfarina to target narrow vineyards.

the investment of in the French facility between 2023 and 2025 to increase production capacity. Also, launched a new straddle tractor, TE6, designed by Pininfarina to target narrow vineyards. Various tractor companies are acquiring or partnering with technological companies to improve their European offerings.

Acquisitions

Solis Tractors & Agricultural Machinery ( Netherlands ) acquires Thaler GmbH & Co. KG ( Germany )

) acquires Thaler GmbH & Co. KG ( ) John Deere (US) acquires Mazzotti ( Italy )

) Trimble (US) acquires Muller-Electronic ( Germany )

) T.G. Schmeiser ( Germany ) acquires the Smart-Till product line from HCC (US)

) acquires the Smart-Till product line from HCC (US) John Deere's acquisition of Smart Apply, Inc.

Why Should You Buy this Report?

This report is among the few in the market that offer outlook and opportunity analyses forecast in terms of:

Market Size & Forecast Volume (units) 20202029

Segmentation by Horsepower



Segmentation by Drive Type



Segmentation by Geography

Production and trade values

Major current and upcoming projects and investments

Competitive intelligence about the economic scenario, advantages, industry dynamics, and market shares

Innovative technologies

Market share by each HP segment

Market share by each country

Company profiles of major and other prominent vendors

Market shares of major vendors

The Western Europe Tractor Market Report Encompasses Crucial Data, Including:

CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) during the forecast period: This metric provides insights into the annual growth rate of the Western Europe tractor market over the specified time frame.

Detailed information on growth drivers: The report offers in-depth information on the factors that will propel the Western Europe tractor market growth from 2023 to 2029. This includes an analysis of various market influences.

Precise estimation of market size: Accurate assessments of the Western Europe tractor market size and its contribution and focusing on key market segments.

Predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior: The report offers insights into anticipated trends and shifts in consumer behavior that are likely to impact the Western Europe tractor market, helping businesses prepare for future market dynamics.

Geographical market growth: The report covers the development of the Western Europe tractor market.

Competitive landscape analysis: A thorough examination of the market's competitive landscape is presented, including detailed information about companies operating in the Western Europe tractor market. This includes an overview of key players, their market share, strategies, and key developments.

Analysis of growth challenges: The report includes a comprehensive analysis of factors that may pose challenges to the growth of companies in the Western Europe tractor market, providing a well-rounded view of the market dynamics.

Buy this Research @ https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/western-europe-tractor-market

Post-Purchase Benefit

1hr of free analyst discussion

10% off on customization

Key Company Profiles

Deere & Company

CNH Industrial

AGCO

Mahindra

Kubota

CLAAS

Same Deutz-Fahr

Yanmar

TAFE

SOLIS

KIOTI

Arbos Group

Iseki

Escorts Kubota

Lovol

ARGO Tractors

Branson Tractors

TYM Corp.

LS Tractor

VST Tillers Tractors Ltd.

Zetor

JCB

BCS Group

Captain Tractors

Antonio Carraro

Market Segmentation

Horsepower

Less than 25 HP

2535 HP

3645 HP

4665 HP

66100 HP

Above 100 HP

Drive Type

2-wheel Drive

4-wheel Drive

Geography

Western Europe

France



Germany



Italy



The U.K.



Spain



Austria



Belgium



Netherlands

Get the Detailed TOC @ https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/western-europe-tractor-market

Check Out Some of the Related Reports:

Tractor Market - Global Outlook & Forecast 2024-2029

Norway Tractor Market - Industry Analysis & Forecast 2023-2028

Belgium Tractor Market - Industry Analysis & Forecast 2023-2028

Argentina Tractors Market - Industry Analysis & Forecast 2023-2028

Why Arizton?

100% Customer Satisfaction

24x7 availability  we are always there when you need us

200+ Fortune 500 Companies trust Arizton's report

80% of our reports are exclusive and first in the industry

100% more data and analysis

1500+ reports published till date

About Us:

Arizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovative and quality-driven firm that offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients worldwide. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services.

We offer comprehensive market research reports on consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare, life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals, materials, I.T. and media, logistics, and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts.

Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports.

Contact Us

Call: +1-312-235-2040

+1 302 469 0707

Mail: [email protected]

Contact Us: https://www.arizton.com/contact-us

Blog: https://www.arizton.com/blog

Website: https://www.arizton.com/

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2362732/Western_Europe_Tractor_Market.jpg

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SOURCE Arizton Advisory & Intelligence
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As the Caribbean gears up for a bustling Spring Break and Easter season, Uber is making significant strides in improving travel experiences in two of its standout destinations: Puerto Rico and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Beyond their scenic beauty, these locations are bustling with tourism-driven economic activity.

"The Caribbean is a vital area for Uber, with Puerto Rico and Punta Cana being key destinations. We're committed to enhancing the tourist experience through our services, introducing options like Uber Select that significantly contribute to local tourism," said Carolina Coto, communications manager for Uber in the Caribbean and Central America.

Tourist Trends in Puerto Rico

Uber has been a crucial part of this seasonal excitement, with the app facilitating around 90,000 tourist trips in March and April since 2016. Visitors from the US, Mexico, Colombia, Canada, the Dominican Republic, and the UK frequently use Uber to visit top attractions such as Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, La Plaza del Mercado de Santurce, Castillo San Felipe del Morro, and Plaza Las Americas. The most popular times are weekends, especially around noon and early evening.

Cecilia Rodriguez, Market Research Manager at Discover Puerto Rico, confirmed that Puerto Rico will experience a tourism surge in March and April 2024. "Every year, more visitors choose Puerto Rico as their Spring Break destination. Puerto Rico will become an even hotter destination in 2024 if recorded bookings for March continue at the current tendency. As of mid-February, March hotel reservations on the books are pacing 23% ahead of the same date last year, and short-term reservations have surged with 53% more guest nights booked. It is a time of year with a lot to offer Puerto Rican tourism, especially if we promote a message of safety, enjoyment and prudence among visitors," said Rodriguez.

November 2023 marked the launch of The Explorer's Guide with Discover Puerto Rico and Uber, a digital guide offering insights on navigating to Puerto Rico's most stunning locations and enhancing destination experiences, illustrating Uber's commitment to Puerto Rico's tourism.

Tourism Insights: Punta Cana

The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Tourism has confirmed a tourism boom in Punta Cana for March and April 2024. This follows a strong start to the year, with a 75.9% hotel occupancy rate in January 2024 and 2,128 international flights landing at the local airport, bringing over 330,000 tourists to the area, indicating a continued and growing interest in Punta Cana as a top destination for international travelers.

In Punta Cana, Uber is pivotal in enhancing visitors' experiences. The app is widely used for trips to must-see locations like Punta Cana Airport, Downtown Punta Cana, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, shopping, and nightlife venues. The demand for Uber peaks over the weekend, underlining its importance in the region's travel ecosystem. Here, Uber Select, launched in 2022, allows tourist taxis to join as partners, further enhancing the tourist experience and offering local taxi drivers increased earning opportunities.

"Being the top choice for tourists motivates us to innovate in tailoring our options to the needs of our visitors, allowing them to move more safely and confidently with just a touch of a button," concluded Coto.

Media contact : Angeline Salado, Sociedad Integrada, +1-787-464-1520

SOURCE Uber
Funding will endow the Brin Mathematics Research Center, establish a new endowed chair and launch a summer camp for Maryland high school students

COLLEGE PARK, Md., March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Maryland announced today a $27.2 million gift to the Department of Mathematics to endow the Brin Mathematics Research Center , establish a new Brin Endowed Chair in Mathematics and pilot the Brin Maryland Mathematics Camp for talented high school students in the state.

The gift is the latest from UMD mathematics Professor Emeritus Michael Brin and his wife Eugenia, a retired NASA scientist, who established the Brin Mathematics Research Center in December 2021 with a $4.75 million gift.

"We are always happy to help support the Department of Mathematics at the University of Maryland," said Michael Brin.

The Brins' gift is the largest ever to the department and the fourth-largest to the university from an individual.

"Michael and Eugenia Brin believe in the power of research to expand knowledge and solve grand challenges, and we are grateful for their investment," said university President Darryll J. Pines. "The research at the Brin Mathematics Research Center expands our mathematics and statistics understanding and showcases excellence here at the University of Maryland."

Housed in the Computer Science Instructional Center, the Brin Mathematics Research Center is a platform for UMD to expand and spotlight its mathematics and statistics research excellence nationally and internationally. The center brings hundreds of mathematicians to the university every year for workshops, summer schools and distinguished lectures. It also fosters interactions among mathematicians from near and far.

"This generous gift from the Brins ensures that the research and scholarship taking place in the Brin Mathematics Research Center will continue for generations to come," said Amitabh Varshney, dean of the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. "The additional support for an endowed chair is critical for recruiting and retaining the best faculty members in mathematics, and we're excited that the summer camp will bring young scholars to College Park to explore our programs and campus."

Michael and Eugenia Brin, parents to Google co-founder Sergey Brin '93 (mathematics and computer science) and Samuel Brin '09 (computer science), have made several significant gifts over the years to support the university's Department of Mathematics; Department of Computer Science; Russian program; and School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies.

The impact of their gifts has been immediate. Since the Brin Mathematics Research Center launched, the University of Maryland rose to become the No. 20 graduate-level math program, and No. 6 among public institutions, according to U.S. News & World Report.

"The Brin Mathematics Research Center makes the University of Maryland a destination for mathematics and statistics research," said Doron Levy, the center's director and chair of the Department of Mathematics. "With this transformational gift, we will continue to boost the visibility of our program, attract top faculty and students, and provide our Maryland community with unparalleled educational and research opportunities."

The new gift includes:

$25 million to endow the Brin Mathematics Research Center and support activities such as visiting scholars, workshops and research

to endow the Brin Mathematics Research Center and support activities such as visiting scholars, workshops and research $2 million to establish a new Brin Endowed Chair in Mathematics

to establish a new Brin Endowed Chair in Mathematics $200,000 for the new Brin Maryland Mathematics Camp , a competitive summer camp launching in 2024 for high school students in the state

The Department of Mathematics has over 100 tenured/tenure-track and professional-track faculty members, 650 undergraduate majors and 200 graduate students and teaches over 10,000 students a semester.

About the University of Maryland

The University of Maryland, College Park is the state's flagship university and one of the nation's preeminent public research universities. A global leader in research, entrepreneurship and innovation, the university is home to more than 40,000 students,10,000 faculty and staff, and 297 academic programs. As one of the nation's top producers of Fulbright scholars, its faculty includes two Nobel laureates, three Pulitzer Prize winners and 58 members of the national academies. The institution has a $2.1 billion operating budget and secures more than $1 billion annually in research funding together with the University of Maryland, Baltimore. For more information about the University of Maryland, College Park, visit www.umd.edu .

SOURCE University of Maryland
Over $830 million in one-time funding awarded through the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods program will advance projects that focus solely on creating important trail, walking and biking connections in rural, suburban and urban America.

WASHINGTON, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) emphasized the importance of connected walking and biking infrastructure to provide equitable access and opportunity for communities across the country with the projects it funded under the one-time Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods grant program, according to Rails to Trails Conservancy, the nation's largest trails, walking and biking advocacy organization.

Projects focused solely on trails, walking and biking accounted for $834 million or 25% of the total $3.3 billion in funding. 85% of all of the 132 projects include elements that account for active transportationbringing to light the depth of demand for this infrastructure nationwide.

One-time investments only get us so far. We need permanent funding for connected active transportation infrastructure. Post this

"USDOT is making precedent-setting strides through its recent grantmaking to advance trails, walking and biking as essential to connect people to opportunities and provide equitable transportation options in communities of all sizes," said Kevin Mills, RTC's vice president of policy. "This is the largest one-time federal investment in active transportation infrastructure that's ever been made, and it will make it safer and more convenient for people from places all across America to walk and bike where they need to go."

Included among the grants are projects that showcase the outsized impact that large-scale federal investments can have in creating connected trail and active transportation networks.

For example, a $24 million grant in Montana will close trail gap #77 in the Great American Rail-Trail, the nation's first cross-country walking and biking route that will be entirely separated from vehicle traffic, creating new connections between urban East Missoula and rural Sha-Ron and Marshall, which have been cut off from one another due to a lack of safe walking and biking facilities and physical barriers created by Highway 200 and the railroad overpass. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe in Nevada will use its $29 million grant for the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Bike Path, creating a new multimodal facility to connect within and between tribal communities. And in Hawaii, Honolulu's $19 million grant will build a pedestrian bridge to connect a historically underserved community to a new rail transit station, creating safe multimodal connectivity and bridging first and last mile gaps.

This week's announcement underscores a trend that has emerged since the creation of new multimodal infrastructure programs through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Active transportation infrastructureespecially projects that build connectivity between people and the places they want to go in their communitieshave consistently captured a sizeable portion of investment across programs like RAISE, Safe Streets and Roads for All, and Reconnecting Communities. The scale of this investment and the strength of still unfunded projects illustrate the massive demand for connected trail and active transportation networks in all types of communities. The prioritization process shows the high return on investment from such projects and the value that USDOT is placing on this infrastructure to deliver a transportation system that is sustainable, safe and equitable.

"The investments that DOT has made in walking and biking infrastructure are remarkable, and they reinforce what we've long knownactive transportation is a fundamental component of a healthy, sustainable transportation system that meets the mobility needs of all Americans," said Mills. "But one-time investments only get us so far. Nationwide, there are hundreds of trail and active transportation networks under development and they are in every state. We need ongoing, dedicated funding like what the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program will provide to ensure communities can continue to fill gaps in these active transportation systems, making it safer and more convenient for people to walk and bike where they need to go."

The Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP) is a new program that provides dedicated funding for the planning and construction of safe and connected active-transportation networks and long-distance spine trails. The program was authorized in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and received its first appropriation in the Fiscal Year 2023 federal funding bill. The first grant opportunity is expected to be announced later this month. RTC, Congressional champions and partners across the country are continuing to advocate for full program funding in the FY 2025 federal budget. Learn more about the demand for trails, walking and biking infrastructure and available federal funding at railstotrails.org/funding .

Rails to Trails Conservancy is the nation's largest trails organizationwith a grassroots community more than 1 million strongdedicated to building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors. Connect with RTC at railstotrails.org and @railstotrails on Facebook , X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram .

CONTACT: Patricia Brooks, [email protected], 202.351.1757

SOURCE Rails to Trails Conservancy
Enterprise technology company working to achieve FedRAMP authorization across all of its product lines

SAN MATEO, Calif., March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Verkada, a pioneer in cloud-based physical security solutions , today announced the appointment of four leaders to its newly formed Federal Advisory Board. The board, which brings together experts with extensive experience across the public sector, will provide counsel to Verkada as it continues to expand its product offering for the Federal Government. Board members include: Kiersten Todt, former Chief of Staff of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA); Vice Admiral Timothy Szymanski (Retired), former Deputy Commander of United States Special Operations Command; Dan Mathews, former Commissioner of the US Public Buildings Service; and Robert Efrus, Founder and CEO of federal consulting firm, Efrus Federal Advisors LLC.

Today, Verkada offers Federal Government-Grade models that are FIPS 140-2 validated, and, earlier this month, announced FIPS cameras, and visitor management solution Verkada Guest, are supported in AWS GovCloud. Verkada's intentions are to proceed with FedRAMP authorization across all product lines, and the launch of these Government-Grade models is a first step.

"Our approach to building has always been first to deeply understand the needs of our customers," said Filip Kaliszan, Co-Founder and CEO at Verkada. "Our new Federal Advisory Board is critical to helping us continue to do that in a thoughtful way when it comes to engineering our products for the evolving needs of federal customers."

Verkada has more than 22,000 customers globally, and has, from the very beginning, served the public sector as a security partner to schools, municipalities, fire and police stations, and more. Today, its solutions help protect more than 13 million students across the country, and more than 11 million of America's healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and hospitality workers.

Meet Verkada's Federal Advisory Board

Kiersten Todt, former Chief of Staff of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

Kiersten Todt is the former Chief of Staff of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). She was responsible for the planning, allocation of resources, and development of long-range objectives in support of the department's goals  including the management and execution of an almost $3 billion budget and over 3,000 employees and contractors. She currently serves in an advisory role to CISA's director and is a strategic adviser to venture capital firms and the Data and Trust Alliance, a CEO-led cross-sector industry effort to create standards for data provenance and high-risk use of artificial intelligence. Prior to her CISA role, Kiersten co-founded and was Managing Director of the Cyber Readiness Institute (CRI), a nonprofit that develops free cybersecurity tools for small businesses worldwide. Her service to the Federal Government includes serving as a professional staff member in the U.S. Senate, where she co-drafted the legislation to create the Department of Homeland Security, and as Executive Director of President Obama's Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity.

Vice Admiral Timothy Szymanski (Retired), former Deputy Commander of United States Special Operations Command

VADM Szymanski served in many Navy and Joint Special Operations assignments as a Navy SEAL officer for nearly 37 years. He most recently served as Deputy Commander United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), MacDill Air Force Base, Florida after serving as the Commander Naval Special Warfare in Coronado, CA. USSOCOM ensures the readiness of joint special operations forces and, as directed, conducts operations worldwide. A native of Wilmington, Delaware, Tim graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1985. He completed a Master of Joint Campaign Planning and Strategy degree at the Joint Advanced Warfighting School, Norfolk VA.

Dan Mathews, former Commissioner of the US Public Buildings Service

Dan Mathews spent 25 years of federal service in Congress and the executive branch. In 2024, President Biden appointed Mathews to the Public Buildings Reform Board, which is tasked with making recommendations to realign the federal real estate portfolio. He also serves on the Industry Advisory Group of the US State Department's Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations. In addition, Mathews is a board member of both the Federal Real Property Association and the National Federal Development Association. He has extensive experience with federal real estate issues and served as Commissioner of the US General Services Administration's Public Buildings Service, where he led the 375 million square foot civilian real estate portfolio of the Federal Government, over 5,000 employees, and a $12 billion budget. Mathews graduated from Georgetown University with a degree in Government and Philosophy.

Robert Efrus, Founder and CEO of federal consulting firm, Efrus Federal Advisors LLC

Robert Efrus is the Founder and CEO of Efrus Federal Advisors LLC (EFA). He also serves as President of the Coalition for Enterprise Open Source Software in Government. Robert has a unique understanding of how to leverage the congressional oversight process in support of procurement outcomes and has a long and distinguished record in helping federal software vendors capture large federal deals. Most recently, Robert was awarded a prestigious FED 100 award for his multi-year efforts to raise awareness about evolving software security requirements. He formerly served as a Presidential Management Fellow at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (HQ) where he worked as a manned space flight Congressional Liaison Officer in NASA's Office of Legislative Affairs. Robert also worked on Capitol Hill as a NASA Congressional Fellow handling space and aviation issues for a United States Senator.

About Verkada

Designed with simplicity in mind, Verkada's six product lines  video security cameras, access control, environmental sensors, alarms, workplace, and intercoms  provide unparalleled building security through an integrated, secure cloud-based software platform. Over 22,000 organizations across 70 countries worldwide trust Verkada as their physical security layer for easier management, intelligent control, and scalable deployments. For more information, please visit www.verkada.com. To learn more about recent product updates, visit https://www.verkada.com/blog/nov-2023-product-updates/ .

SOURCE Verkada
Chefs from 15 senior living communities across Florida's Treasure Coast showcased their culinary prowess, executing small dishes in the appetizer or dessert category. Executive Chef Manny delighted the crowd with his modern twist on a traditional favorite: the grilled cheese sandwich. With savory brie cheese, sweet fig spread and toasted sourdough, Chef Manny won the popular vote for Best Appetizer.

The highly popular annual event, "A Taste of Senior Living," is designed to showcase the extraordinary amenities found in local senior communities. "Today's retirement communities are very different from the past and almost like resorts. Seniors owe it to themselves to find out about them," said Don Kramer, CEO and founder of One Senior Place.

Operated by Watercrest Senior Living, Market Street Memory Care Residence Viera is an award-winning senior living community in Melbourne, Florida prestigiously recognized by U.S. News & World Report for the past two years as a Best Memory Care Community. U.S. News awards the designation of Best Senior Living only to those communities that achieved the highest possible rating for Memory Care. The community offers world class care, multi-sensory programming, diverse culinary experiences, and unparalleled associate training honoring seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia.

Chef Manny has been an integral member of the Watercrest culinary team since 2018, going above and beyond to not only serve seniors in the dining room, but to nurture genuine relationships with the residents and their family members.

Market Street Viera is conveniently located at 6845 Murrell Road in Melbourne, Florida. For more information, contact the community at 321-730-2444.

About Watercrest Senior Living Group

Watercrest Senior Living Group was founded to honor our mothers and fathers, aspiring to become a beacon for quality in senior living by surpassing standards of care, service and associate training. Watercrest senior living communities are recognized for their luxury aesthetic, exceptional amenities, world-class care, and innovative memory care programming offering unparalleled service to seniors living with Alzheimer's and dementia. A six-time certified Great Place to Work, Watercrest specializes in the development and operations of assisted living and memory care communities and the growth of servant leaders. For information, visit www.watercrestseniorliving.com.

SOURCE Watercrest Senior Living Group
XanEdu + BEP will provide business faculty with concise, supplemental content at a lower cost than traditional textbooks Post this

Together, XanEdu and Business Expert Press will provide business school faculty with concise, supplemental content at a considerably lower cost than traditional textbooks. Each title within the nineteen initial, varied collections focuses on applied, real world information that enhances teaching of today's most pressing business topics. All books are written in a concise manner to easily incorporate into existing course structures.

Business Expert Press's award-winning books are written by experts in their fields and address emerging topics well in advance of their coverage in traditional business textbooks. Although brief, each book is deep in the treatment of the subjects with which they deal. They present cutting-edge topics, supported by current research, and inspired by dynamic changes in the global business environment. XanEdu combines that material in print or digital formats, with the flexibility to add, delete or re-mix content so faculty can customize and integrate with other materials to match course goals.

Business faculty are invited to choose from the initial nineteen business-based off-the-shelf collections, or they can pick and choose individual titles. As a custom materials publisher, XanEdu also gives professors and institutions the option to customize their own content to create their own course material collection that match course goals. Faculty can explore the available business collections, learn more, and reach out for additional information at: www.xanedu.com/bep

ABOUT XANEDU

XanEdu, Inc. is a provider of educational content and curriculum services for K-12 and higher education. XanEdu spreads the knowledge of innovative content ideas by offering custom development and fulfillment services across K-12 and Higher Education. XanEdu partners with educators on each unique project to build and deliver engaging print and digital custom solutions and courseware content that addresses curriculum gaps and key initiatives for K-12 and Higher Education while maintaining our commitment to affordability and accessibility for all learners. XanEdu is part of the Scholarus Learning portfolio of companies headquartered in Livonia, MI. Visit www.xanedu.com to learn more.

ABOUT BUSINESS EXPERT PRESS

Business Expert Press (BEP) provides concise, applied content to supplement all areas of business education. Business Expert Press seeks to publish the highest quality books on the broadest possible range of business topics. Because the one constant in today's global business environment is change, businesses, too, must change to remain competitive. BEP books are written by experts for non-experts, on topics that directly contribute to the growth of professionals and aspiring professionals. Business Expert Press books are concise and applied. They are research-based with a practical focus. Often, the topics of BEP books are narrow in scope but deep in the treatment of the subjects with which they deal. When the subject is broader the books are still concisely written and maintain an applied focus. Learn more at businessexpertpress.com.

MEDIA CONTACT

Joyce Mueller

Vice President, Marketing

[email protected]

SOURCE XanEdu, Inc.
PHOENIX, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Zion & Zion, a full-service, global marketing agency, released part seven of its multi-part study that explores the relative brand personalities of 45 top U.S. brands. In the seventh study, the Zion & Zion research team explored brand personalities of the top three U.S. banks and the impact of those personalities on performance.

Zion & Zion The Brand Personality of Top Banks: Part VII

In a prior study the Zion & Zion research team explained how its measure of brand performance captures multiple desirable consumer behaviors into a single outcome measure. In this study, we use regression analysis to understand how the 11 brand dimensions drive brand performance for three of the top companies in the banking industry: Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Chase.

"These findings emphasize the power of brand differentiation in capturing consumer loyalty," said Zion & Zion CEO Aric Zion. "Our research indicates that by targeting specific areas of improvement, brands can carve out a unique position and secure a competitive advantage in the marketplace."

The seventh study shows that the three banks are seen by consumers as highly similar. Only Wells Fargo separates itself slightly from the pack, but not in a positive way. The regression analysis highlights that in this industry low scores on Socially Irresponsible, high scores on Sincerity and high scores on Competence are the key drivers of brand performance while Excitement and Ruggedness do not contribute much to the success of a brand. Chase scores lowest on Socially Irresponsible while also scoring highest on both Sincerity and Competence, highlighting that Chase is the brand in this industry that will benefit most from its performance on brand personality dimensions.

However, it's important to keep in mind that each brand has its own unique profile that needs to be understood in relation to the brand's positioning and target segment. It would be misleading to see this as a competition where a brand is strong only if it scores high on all appeal facets and low on all negative facets. Brands can perform well if they have middling scores on all these dimensions. Being perceived negatively by some consumers may be acceptable if the brand's target segment sees the brand in a positive light.

View the full research report here.

About Zion & Zion

Zion & Zion provides its global clients with an integrated, multidimensional set of strategy, analytics, and implementation services aimed at holistically understanding and improving customer experience. These services range across branding, market research, marketing technology, analytics, data engineering, data visualization, creative, content, communications, UX/CX and digital media.

Zion & Zion's clients include American Eagle Outfitters, Bally Sports, BD (Becton Dickinson), Campbell's Soup Company, David Yurman, Hunter Douglas, IBM, NASCAR, NETGEAR, the Phoenix Suns, and Walmart. Learn more at http://www.zionandzion.com or follow us on Twitter @ZIONandZION, Instagram @zionandzion, Facebook @ZionandZionAgency and LinkedIn Zion & Zion.

Contact:

Leslie Sonnenklar

480-751-1007 x131

[email protected]

SOURCE Zion & Zion
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received Zeljka Cvijanovic, the Serb Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Azernews reports.

Zeljka Cvijanovic congratulated Ilham Aliyev on his victory in the presidential election and wished him success in his endeavors.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude for the congratulations.

The head of state fondly recalled his official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina last year and the discussions held during the trip.

During the meeting, the sides hailed the development of relations between the two countries across all areas. They specifically highlighted Azerbaijans relations with the Balkans and the significant progress in cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina in this context. The presidents exchanged views on issues of cooperation in energy, investments, transport, logistics, tourism, and other domains between the two countries.

During the conversation, the parties touched on the significance of the 11th Global Baku Forum.

Zeljka Cvijanovic noted that very topical issues were discussed at the event.
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Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
Beirut, March 14 : Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has said that Israel will not be able to eliminate Hamas even if it enters Rafah, a local media outlet reported.

"You have failed to achieve any of the war's targets; even the Rafah operation will not offer you an image of victory. You will not be able to get rid of Hamas or the resistance," Nasrallah said on Wednesday in a televised speech on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, showing solidarity with Hamas, the Gaza-ruling Palestinian faction.

Nasrallah said that Israel had failed to achieve its "biggest goal" -- to eliminate Hamas at the beginning of the war. After nearly six months of war, Israelis are negotiating with Hamas through mediation, local TV channel al-Manar reported.

He claimed that Hamas is negotiating on behalf of all Palestinian factions, and it aims to reach a halt to the Israeli aggression against Gaza and not only a ceasefire.

The Lebanon-Israel border has been witnessing increased tension since October 8, 2023, after Lebanese armed group Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets toward Israel in support of the Hamas attack on Israel the previous day, prompting Israel to respond by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon.
Seoul, March 14 : South Korea staged live-fire tank drills on Thursday near the inter-Korean border, involving US military engineers, the Army said, as the allies' major annual springtime exercise came to a close.

The drills took place as part of a weeklong training at Seungjin Fire Training Field in Pocheon, just 25 km south of the inter-Korean border, in connection with the combined Freedom Shield exercise designed to bolster deterrence against the North's nuclear and missile threats, Yonhap news agency reported.

Some 300 personnel took part in the field training, which mobilized the Army's K1A2 tanks and K21 armoured vehicles, among other assets, as well as M1150 assault breacher vehicles from a combined South Korea-US engineering unit.

South Korean and US troops formed joint battle teams in an effort to strengthen combined operational capabilities.

During the drills, K1A2 tanks and K21 armoured vehicles fired at enemy targets as South Korean and US engineers removed obstacles to clear a path for troops to secure the enemy's position, according to the Army.

North Korea has long accused the allies' joint drills as rehearsals for an invasion against it, while Seoul and Washington have said they are defensive in nature.

On Wednesday, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un guided a training competition between tank units, where he drove a newly unveiled tank, state media reported, in an apparent show of force against the allies' drills.

The computer-simulated Freedom Shield exercise ended earlier in the day after kicking off on March 4. The allies staged a series of concurrent on-field drills to boost readiness against North Korean threats.

The allies' navies have also been staging a three-day joint medical evacuation exercise since Thursday under a scenario of mass wartime casualties.

The drills mobilized a South Korean helicopter and two U.S. choppers to transport injured personnel from Deokjeok Island off Incheon, west of Seoul, to the Armed Forces Daejeon Hospital in Daejeon, 139 km south of the capital, according to the South's Navy.
Lucknow, March 14 : The UP Police have, so far, confiscated and demolished properties valued at over Rs 608 crore belonging to mafia don Mukhtar Ansari.

Nearly 300 of his associates have faced legal action in the past few years, leading to a collapse of his empire.

Ansari, whose network spread across numerous districts of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Punjab, now finds himself in dire straits as legal proceedings unravel his criminal network.

He faced his 8th conviction on Wednesday in a fake arms licence case.

Currently lodged in Banda jail, Ansari has at least 65 cases ranging from murder and robbery to extortion, pending against him.

Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar said, "The state government's multi-pronged approach, comprising vigorous legal battles and law enforcement measures, has effectively targeted not just Ansari but his entire criminal syndicate. At least 297 members of his gang and his affiliates are facing legal action, and 175 licensed arms holders are under scrutiny. Notably, five gang members have met their end in police encounters, signalling a resolute stance against organised crime."

He further said, "Under the Gangster Act and the National Security Act (NSA), 164 members of Mukhtar gang have been booked, leading to confiscation and demolition of properties valued at over Rs 608 crore. Illicit contracts, tenders, and businesses worth Rs 215 crore have been shut down, further crippling the illicit operations of Ansari and his associates."
Day of Hamas attack will be remembered as the day its complete destruction began: Israeli Defence Minister (IANS FROM ISRAEL). Image Source: IANS News

Tel Aviv, March 14 : Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has said that everyone who was involved in the October 7, 2023, attack will be brought to justice.

In a statement late Wednesday, the Israel Defense Minister said: "Everyone who was involved in the October 7 massacre will be brought to justice. Either we will eliminate them or will put them on trial in Israel."

He also said that there "won't be any safe place, not in Gaza, not outside of it or in any other Middle Eastern country. We will put them in their place".

Gallant issued the statement after his visit to the Gaza Strip on Wednesday.

His statement is being seen as a clear indication that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has accelerated the search for senior Hamas leaders including Mohammed Deif and Yahya Sinwar, who are considered the masterminds of the October 7 attacks.

The remarks by Gallant came amid reports that several senior Hamas leaders including Ismael Haniyeh and Khalid Mashel are staying in Qatar.
Amethi : , March 14 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) team is raiding the premises of former SP minister Gayatri Prajapati, who is in jail.

ED is also raiding the house of Gayatri Prajapati's alleged associate Gudda Devi.

The ED team reached their houses in the morning.

The local police have tightened security at both the places. Security forces have been deployed outside the house.

Gayatri Prajapati's wife Maharaji Devi, a SP MLA, and younger son Anurag Prajapati are in the house.

It is noteworthy that during the recent Rajya Sabha elections, Maharaji Prajapati did not cast her vote, which gave the BJPas eighth candidate an advantage.

It was said that she took the decision to escape from the investigating agency.

Gayatri Prajapati is an accused in the Hamirpur illegal mining case. CBI is investigating the illegal mining scam. Recently, CBI had summoned SP President Akhilesh Yadav for questioning. However, Akhilesh Yadav did not participate in this inquiry.
New Delhi: Security personnels stand at Jantar Mantar as protesting farmers plan to march towards Jantar Mantar. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, March 14 : In view of farmers' mahapanchayat at the Ramlila ground in the national capital on Thursday, several companies of security agencies, including police, RAF, SSB have been deployed across the city to maintain law and order situation.

Deputy Commissioner Police (Central) M. Harsha Vardhan said that they had given the NOC to farmers after they gave a written assurance for peaceful mahapanchayat ."We have taken in written from farmers that the gathering will not exceed more 5,500 and the mahapanchayat will be conducted in a peaceful manner," said the DCP.

However, the DCP said that they are monitoring social media and heavy security deployment has been arranged in central Delhi.

The officer said that they are in contact with senior traffic officials to ensure smooth flow of traffic in the central Delhi area.

The Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory alerting the commuters about traffic regulations and routes diverted.

According to the traffic advisory, on Thursday, movement of general traffic will be regulated from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg, Barakhamba Road, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Tolstoy Marg, Asaf Ali Road, Jai Singh Road, Swami Vivekanand Marg, Sansad Marg, Netaji Subhash Marg, Baba Kharag Singh Marg, Minto Road, Ashoka Road, Maharaja Ranjeet Singh flyover, Connaught Circus, Bhavbhuti Marg, DDU Marg and Chaman Lal Marg.

"Traffic diversion may be imposed from 6 a.m. on Delhi Gate, Mir Dard Chowk, Ajmeri Gate Chowk, Guru Nanak Chowk, Kamla Market road, Paharganj Chowk, roundabout Jhandewalan, Maharaja Ranjeet Singh flyover from Barakhamba Road to Guru Nanak Chowk, Janpath Road, Tolstoy Marg crossing, KG Marg crossing and roundabout GPO," read the advisory.

The traffic cops further requested commuters to cooperate by avoiding or bypassing the above-mentioned roads, if possible, and by making maximum use of public transport, especially Metro services.

"General public is advised to keep sufficient time at hand while planning road journeys through the diverted routes. People who are going towards ISBT, Railway Station, or Airport are advised to carefully plan their travel with sufficient time at hand," said a senior traffic police official.
Alibaba to shut down Xiami music app on Feb 5 (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong/IANS). Image Source: IANS News

Seoul, March 14 : China's Alibaba Group plans to invest $1.1 billion in South Korea over the next three years, as it seeks to build a logistics centre and expand businesses.

As part of the investment plan, the Chinese e-commerce giant plans to spend $200 million this year to build the logistics center, according to a business strategy document of Alibaba, obtained by Yonhap News Agency.

Alibaba also plans to spend $100 million to help small and midsized South Korean firms sell their products overseas, the document showed.

AliExpress, an e-commerce platform of Alibaba, has been under scrutiny in South Korea over growing consumer complaints.

Alibaba said it will invest some 100 billion won to help bolster consumer protection in South Korea.

Earlier this month, South Korea's antitrust regulator launched an on-site inspection into AliExpress on suspicion of the e-commerce platform's violation of consumer protection duties.

The inspection was part of the regulator's investigation into whether the company has fulfilled due responsibilities to protect consumers in accordance with the country's e-commerce law and relevant regulations.

The move came as the number of complaints filed against AliExpress and submitted to the Consumers Union of Korea rose sharply to 465 cases last year from the previous year's 93.

The complaints dealt with misdeliveries, issues surrounding order cancellations and the lack of information on deliveries, among other things.

The number of AliExpress users in South Korea more than doubled to 7.18 million in February from 3.36 million in 2022, according to government data.
New Delhi, March 14 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday moved the sessions court here challenging two summons issued to him by a magisterial court on ED's complaint in the alleged liquor policy scam case.

The ED had made the complaint that CM Kejriwal has not complied with the agency's summons in connection with a money laundering case related to the now-scrapped policy.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Divya Malhotra of Rouse Avenue Court had, on March 7, issued second summons to CM Kejriwal on ED's complaint.

ACMM Malhotra had put up the matter for hearing on March 16, when she is set to hear the ED's first complaint over the same matter as well.

CM Kejriwalas application is likely to come before Special Judge Rakesh Syal of Rouse Avenue Court later in the day.

The ACMM on February 17 granted a day's exemption from physical appearance to the CM in connection with the first complaint filed by the ED over the same issue.

The second complaint pertains to "Kejriwal not abiding by the summons number 4 to 8", a source said.

The AAP convenor had earlier requested the financial probe agency for a date after March 12 for questioning on the excise policy matter. His response had come after the ED issued summons to him for the eighth time on February 27 and asked him to appear before it on March 4.

ACMM Malhotra had taken cognisance of the first complaint on February 7. The judge had then said, ".. summons are being issued to him to appear on February 17".

The ED, on January 31, issued summons to CM Kejriwal for the fifth time, and he was told to appear before it on February 2. The financial probe agency's complaint alleged that the CM intentionally did not want to obey the summons and kept on giving "lame excuses".

"If a high-ranking public functionary like him disobeyed the law, it would set a wrong example for the common man," the agency had said.

The ED had issued summons for the fourth time to CM Kejriwal on January 13, asking him to appear before it on January 18. On February 2, AAP said that CM Kejriwal did not appear before the ED for questioning, and also targeted the Central government. "Delhi CM and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal will not appear before ED today either. The party calls the summons 'unlawful'. We will comply with the lawful summons," the AAP had said.
Mumbai, March 14 : The five-day Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI may be tagged as the 'Kumbh Mela' of style, bringing together the best by almost 60 upcoming and seasoned designers. But good food also played a wholesome role on the first day (Wednesday, March 13).

Day One of the fashion fiesta began with Gen Next designers Kriti Greta Singhee, Rosani, Shimona Agarwal and The Terra Tribe, who unveiled their debut collection.

The curtains came down on the day after seasoned designer Rajesh Pratap Singh showcased his collection on the Mahalaxmi Race Course, giving a regal spin to polo wear.

Not only did his garments win people's hearts, but the 'grazing table' set up by the young chef and food impresario Manpreet Dhody's Iam Wholesome shared the limelight.

Giving a taste of luxe life, the table featured varieties of cheese infused with refreshinghly different flavours such as truffle shiitake, cranberry pistachio, bacon cheddar and salmon cheese -- all developed by Dhody and her team.

Ditching the calories, fashionistas swarmed at the beautifully decorated table, which also served lip-smacking small fusion bites, notably peri peri bhutta tarts and hashbrown chaat.

The table did not disappoint the non-vegetarians too as they got to dig into smoked salmon canapes and sundried tomato chicken.

What caught this correspondent's fancy was the desserts, each one topped the other.

Dhody and her team kept the designer's sensibilities in mind and served melt-in-the-mouth South Indian coffee mascarpone shrew, and chocolate and strawberry nibble cake, among others.

It was the coffee mascarpone shrew that turned out to be the showstopper on the table curated by Dhody, who said, "We have kept their flavours simple but presented them in a stylish way." It doesn't take much time to make the food, Dhody added, but it is the "styling" that does.

Iam Wholesome is just a little over three years old, but has made a mark in the industry by curating tables for top brands such as Gucci and Chanel, as well as Bollywood personalities like the designer Manish Malhotra and Hrithik Roshan.

The company has three offerings -- the grazing table, gifting hampers and a cooking studio. Dhody said the gifting hampers are made for "everyone", as the range starts from Rs 875 and goes up to Rs 10,000.

"You don't want to deprive someone on a budget," Dhody told IANS. "I want to satisfy someone who can only spare Rs. 800 per hamper and also somebody who is prepared to spend up to Rs 5,000, or even more."

The real bucks, though, come from the grazing table, which starts from Rs 50,000 and goes up to over Rs10 lakh -- and more. How much was the table laid out for the show priced at? Dhody's replied instantly, it was "expensive".

Of course, the food was the belle of the ball, but to flush down all the yumminess, there were drinks by The Singleton, serving up cocktails.

The Turfy G&T, made with dry gin paired with lemongrass, lime, soda and tonic, turned out to be the right antidote to Mumbai's sweltering heat.

The spotlight, though, was on the Tropictini, which almost everyone wanted to grab. The drink can be described as a regular Espresso Martini, but the secret 'wow' ingredient was the coconut syrup stirred with a large serving of vodka.

Fashionistas clinked their glasses of 'Tropictini during the polo match ahead of Rajesh Pratap's finale show.

Wait, there was more. For whisky lovers, there was the Old Fashioned but with a local twist given by anjeer (figs) and aromatic bitters. Cin cin to food and fashion!
Manila, March 14 : Two people have died in a fire that engulfed over 50 houses in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, the Bureau of Fire Protection said Thursday.

Firefighter Jess Lawrence Acoba told reporters that the victims were trapped in the flame that broke out at around 11:53 p.m. local time on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported.

He said one of the victims is a female, and the other one has yet to be identified.

It took firefighters almost two hours to extinguish the blaze.
New Delhi, March 14 : Scores of Hindu migrants from Afghanistan and Pakistan, on Thursday, protested in front of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence over his statements on the recently notified CAA.

Thousands of Hindu and Sikh refugees from Pakistan and Afghanistan reside in the national capital.

Carrying placards and raising slogans against Kejriwal, the protestors demanded an apology. They said that his statement is wrong and against the Hindu community.

Meanwhile, police have barricaded the area near the CM's house as protestors did not have permission to protest.

On Wednesday, Kejriwal held a press conference and opposed the law. He said that BJP has implemented CAA to draw benefits from the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Kejriwal expressed concern that millions of people will come from neighbouring countries, leading to chaos in the system here.

Union Minister Anurag Thakur had accused Chief Minister Kejriwal of lying. Other BJP leaders have also opposed the Chief Minister's statement.

With the announcement of protests by Hindu and Sikh refugees on Thursday, there is a possibility of intensifying politics and discussions around CAA.
Bengaluru, March 14 : A woman from Uzbekistan was found murdered in a hotel room in Bengaluru, police said on Thursday.

The deceased was identified as Zareena. According to police, the woman had come to Bengaluru on a tourist visa four days ago and stayed at the hotel near BDA Bridge in Seshadripuram area.

The hotel staff were alerted by one of Zareena's friends over the phone to check on her at 10.30 p.m. on Wednesday. The staff knocked the door of the room for a long time, but there was no response. When the room was opened using a master key, the staff found Zareenaas dead body lying on the floor with her face covered with blood.

Immediately, the police were informed. Preliminary investigations suggested that the Uzbek woman had been murdered. Police stated that Zareena was punched on her face as injury marks were found on her body.

The police said, one Rahul Kumar had booked the room for Zareena till March 16.

The police are suspecting that she was strangulated to death.

Hotel Manager Gaurav Kumar Singh lodged a police complaint in connection with the case. The police have taken up further investigation.
New Delhi, March 14 : Scores of Hindu migrants from Afghanistan and Pakistan, on Thursday, protested in front of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence over his statements on the recently notified CAA.

Thousands of Hindu and Sikh refugees from Pakistan and Afghanistan reside in the national capital.

Carrying placards and raising slogans against Kejriwal, the protestors demanded an apology. They said that his statement is wrong and against the Hindu community.

Meanwhile, police have barricaded the area near the CM's house as protestors did not have permission to protest.

On Wednesday, Kejriwal held a press conference and opposed the law. He said that BJP has implemented CAA to draw benefits from it in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Kejriwal expressed concern that millions of people will come from neighbouring countries, leading to chaos in the system here.

Union Minister Anurag Thakur had accused Chief Minister Kejriwal of lying. Other BJP leaders have also opposed the Chief Minister's statement.

With the announcement of protests by Hindu and Sikh refugees on Thursday, there is a possibility of intensifying politics and discussions around CAA.
Panel on One-nation, One-poll submits report to President Droupadi Murmu, pitches for simultaneous elections. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, March 14 : A committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, submitted its detailed report on 'One-nation, One election' to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday.

New Delhi, March 14 (IANS) A committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, submitted its detailed report on aOne-nation, One electiona to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday.

The comprehensive report has strongly advocated for holding the national and state polls simultaneously.

The report, running into thousands of pages has been prepared after extensive consultations from various stakeholders, former election commissioners and constitutional experts.

The committee to study the possibility of holding simultaneous polls was formed on September 3, 2023. Its members comprised of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, former Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Ghulam Nabi Azad, senior advocate Harish Salve and more.

Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has time and again underlined the need for clubbing the national and state elections together to save huge expenses and also utilise the time for bettering governance.

aOne-nation, One-electiona was also one of the major poll planks of the BJP in the 2019 Parliamentary elections.
New Delhi, March 14 : Reliance Industries has signed an agreement to acquire 13.01 per cent equity stake of Viacom 18 Media Private Limited (Viacom18) held by Paramount Global through its two subsidiaries for an aggregate consideration of Rs 4,286 crore.

Viacom18 is a material subsidiary of TV18 Broadcast Limited. Reliance Industries currently holds Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares of Viacom18 representing 57.48 per cent equity stake (on a fully diluted basis).

Post the completion of this transaction, Reliance Industries equity stake in Viacom18 will increase to 70.49 per cent (on a fully diluted basis). The acquisition is not a related party transaction and none of the companyas promoter/promoter group/group companies have any interest in the acquisition, Reliance Industries said in a filing.

On February 28, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), Viacom 18 Media Private Limited (Viacom18) and The Walt Disney Company (Disney) announced the signing of binding definitive agreements to form a joint venture (JV) that will combine the businesses of Viacom18 and Star India.

As part of the transaction, the media undertaking of Viacom18 will be merged into Star India Private Limited (SIPL) through a court approved scheme of arrangement. In addition, RIL has agreed to invest at closing Rs 11,500 crore ($ 1.4 billion) into the JV for its growth strategy.
Bengaluru, March 14 : Karnataka police, on Thursday, filed a case against seven persons including the Vice Chancellor and security in-charge of Gitam University, in connection with the suspicious death of a student.

The case has been registered in Doddaballapur Rural Police Station following a complaint by the father of the deceased. The case is registered under the IPC Section 304 for culpable homicide, police sources stated. Dasari Bramhassai Reddy from Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh, was a B.Tech student who died after falling from the sixth floor of the University building on Tuesday night.

The victim was studying in first year and he had gone to the sixth floor after dinner. It is not ascertained whether his death was an accident. Preliminary investigation suggested that the place near the window on the sixth floor was not slippery.

The family of the boy clarified that there was no tension in the family and that he had not complained of ragging to them, adding that they are shocked by the incident.

Gitam University is located near Nagadenahalli Doddaballapur, 44 kilometres from Bengaluru. Police sources explained that this is the third incident of death of a student studying at the university in four months. A foreign girl student had committed suicide in November, 2023, and on February 6, a male student had come under a train.
Kolkata, March 14 : Rebel Trinamool Congress leader and sitting Lok Sabha member from Barrackpore Assembly constituency in West Bengal, Arjun Singh on Thursday confirmed that he is rejoining the BJP soon along with another heavyweight Trinamool Congress leader.

He, however, did not disclose the name of the Trinamool Congress leader and also declined to confirm whether that rejoining will be in West Bengal or at New Delhi. "You will come to know about it at the right time," Singh said.

Arjun Singh joined the BJP from Trinamool Congress before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and got elected as a BJP candidate from Barrackpore. However, in 2022 he rejoined Trinamool Congress though he officially remained a BJP Lok Sabha member as per Parliament records since he did not resign from the chair.

After his name did not figure in the list of Trinamool Congress candidates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, he turned rebel and hinted of severing ties with the ruling party in the state. However, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Wednesday downplayed this and said that Singh's rebellion will not matter since he was officially with the BJP.

Reacting to that observation by the Chief Minister, Arjun Singh on Thursday said if the party leadership thought that he was officially with BJP then why was he allowed to be on the dais of the mega rally in Kolkata last Sunday where from the candidates' list was announced.

"I was there at the Brigade Parade Ground rally from beginning to end. Now it is being said that I was officially with the BJP. This defines the real state of affairs in the party," Singh said on Thursday.

Earlier, Singh also admitted that his return to Trinamool Congress in 2022 was a wrong decision. "I was promised that I will be re-nominated from Barrackpore," he said.
Mumbai, March 14 : A day after the BJP dropped four sitting MPs and replaced one for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, most leaders seem to have accepted the party's decision, however, Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, had to rush to the home of one MP in a firefighting operation late on Wednesday night.

Mumbai, March 14 (IANS) A day after the BJP dropped four sitting MPs and replaced one for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, most leaders seem to have accepted the partyas decision, however, Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, had to rush to the home of one MP in a firefighting operation late on Wednesday night.

Amid reports that the veteran two-time Mumbai North MP, Gopal C Shetty, was fuming after he was dropped in favour of Union Minister Piyush Goyal - attempting his Lok Sabha debut a" Dy CM Fadnavis dropped in at his home in Borivali on Wednesday night to soothe ruffled feathers.

Dy CM Fadnavis has reportedly assured the dejected MP that he will be treated in a dignified manner in future party endeavours and Gopal C Shetty is understood to have reluctantly acquiesced, local party leaders said, ruling out the possibility of any revolt.

Similarly, two-time Beed MP, Dr Pritam G Munde, has been ignored in favour of her sister and BJP National Secretary, Pankaja G Munde, though the former has not yet made any defiant remarks.

The two leaders are the daughters of former Union Minister and ex-Dy CM Gopinath Munde, who died in a road crash 10 years ago in New Delhi.

There is speculation that Dr. Pritam Munde may be given some other plum responsibility later.

One-time MP from Mumbai North East, Manoj K Kotak, has been removed in favour of Mihir Kotecha, disappointing his supporters.

However, after the initial dejection, the Mumbai North East MP quickly concurred with the partyas decision and thanked Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, BJP President, JP Nadda and the people of his constituency for giving him the opportunity to serve the masses. He promised to work as per the partyas directives.

After the initial shock subsided, sitting Jalgaon MP, Unmesh B Patil, also accepted the BJPas move to nominate its leader Smita Wagh. He highlighted his contributions to building the party in the region and promised to continue in the same vein.

In view of the poor health of four-time Akola MP, Sanjay Dhotre, the BJP has decided to nominate his son, Anup S Dhotre for the seat, cashing in on the goodwill the family enjoys there.

A newcomer has been named for the Pune Lok Sabha seat that fell vacant after the death of sitting MP, Girish B Bapat in March 2023, and it will now be contested by state BJP Secretary and ex-Pune Mayor Murlidhar K Mohol.

Despite his assertions to the contrary, state Minister, Sudhir S Mungantiwar, has been nominated for a Lok Sabha debut from Chandrapur a" the sole seat bagged by the Congress in 2019.

Out of the list of 20 BJP Lok Sabha candidates released on Wednesday, Maharashtra will see around 35 per cent new faces competing to make a mark with veterans, in what promises to be a tough fight in a political cauldron having multiple parties and alliances in the fray.

The real picture would emerge after the BJPas next list and the candidates of its alliance partners like Shiv Sena of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Nationalist Congress Party of Deputy CM, Ajit Pawar, and other smaller parties are announced shortly.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in )
New Delhi, March 14 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led three-member committee on Thursday picked bureaucrats Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu as election commissioners. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury shared this information with the media after the meeting.

The decision comes days after the resignation of Election Commissioner Arun Goel ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

The selection panel, which zeroed in on Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar, includes the Prime Minister, the leader of the Opposition, and a designated Union Cabinet minister. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury is on the three-member panel in capacity as the opposition member.

Besides the Prime Minister and the Congress leader, Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the meeting. The Congress leader, however, hit out at the Centre over the law that replaced the Chief Justice of India by a Union Minister on the selection committee.

"The Chief Justice of India should have been on this committee," he said. The Congress leader also said that the law brought last year had reduced the meeting to a mere "formality".

"The government is in the majority on the panel. What they want happens," said Chowdhury.

The Congress leader said he was given 212 names for scrutiny last night. "I reached Delhi last night and the meeting was today at noon. I was given 212 names, how can someone examine so many candidates in a day? Then, I was given six shortlisted names before the meeting. The majority is with them, so they chose the candidates they wanted," he said.
New Delhi: Media persons at the Supreme Court complex on the day of the court's verdict. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, March 14 : The Supreme Court on Thursday raised eyebrows on the Ajit Pawar faction - which has been recognised by the Election Commission as the "real" NCP - using the name and photograph of veteran leader and party founder Sharad Pawar.

New Delhi, March 14 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Thursday raised eyebrows on the Ajit Pawar faction  which has been recognised by the Election Commission as the "real" NCP  using the name and photograph of veteran leader and party founder Sharad Pawar.

"Why are you (Ajit Pawar) using his photograph? Go ahead with your own photographs. Why are you riding on his back?" asked a Bench presided over by Justice Surya Kant.

Responding, Senior Advocate Maninder Singh, who appeared on behalf of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, submitted that the party was not doing it and the respondent would file a proper reply to the claims made by the other side.

At this, the Bench, also comprising Justice KV Viswanathan said, "Who will stop? Who will take the responsibility? Give an undertaking to us that you will not allow any of your workers to use his photograph. Otherwise, we will be constrained to pass an order."

"We want a very categoric and unconditional undertaking from you that you (Ajit Pawar) will not use his name directly or indirectly," it added.

Agreeing with the suggestion put forth by the apex court, Senior Advocate Singh highlighted that a mechanism was required to be evolved where falsely-engineered materials were not attributed to the Ajit Pawar faction.

Giving a two-day timeline to furnish an undertaking, the apex court said, "You give a public notice with wide publicity and clarify everything. You disclose how you want to be known in the political world. Let there be a public notice. Then, you discipline your members. They are your members."

Appearing for veteran leader Sharad Pawar, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, submitted that the 'clock' symbol is immeasurably intertwined with his name and the Ajit Pawar faction should not be allowed to use it as well.

The matter is directed to be listed next on March 19.

In an interim relief, the Supreme Court had directed that the Sharad Pawar side may continue to use the name 'Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar' till further orders.

It had granted liberty to the senior Pawar to approach the Election Commission of India for allocation of the party symbol and directed the poll panel to allocate it within one week of receiving the application.

The NCP split in July last year, with a faction led by nephew Ajit Pawar rebelling against his uncle Sharad Pawar to join the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena government in Maharashtra.
New Delhi: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari briefs the media. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, March 14 : Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari announced on Thursday that an outlay of Rs 850 crore has been approved for road development projects in Telangana.

The amount cleared under Central Road & Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) Scheme has been allocated for widening and strengthening of 31 State Road Projects, encompassing a total length of 435.29 Km, the minister said.

He said, the initiative aims to promote growth in the regional economy. It will also create job opportunities by promoting tourism development and improving transportation infrastructure.

Under the CRIF scheme, the Ministry allocates funds for State Governments and Union Territories (UTs) for the development and maintenance of State Roads.
March 14 : Punjabi sensation Diljit Dosanjh drops a brand new single Naram Kaalja from his forthcoming Netflix release titled Amar Singh Chamkila.

Sharing the song on his social media, Diljit captioned his post, Brand New song Naram Kaalja

The song starts with a group of village women complaining about the lyrics of song, which Amar Singh Chamkila along with his wife wrote and produced, but it is later revealed that everyone loves his song, though the lyrics might be a little too much for the era.

https://t.co/4Ky38Xe2nA



BRAND NEW SONG NARAM KAALJA  DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh) March 14, 2024

The song is crooned by Alka Yagnik, Richa Sharma, Pooja Tiwari, and Yashika Sikka along with Pinky Maidasani, Shifa Ruby, and Meenu Kale. The song is composed by AR Rahman and penned by Irshad Kamil.

The song portrays a woman asserting her independence and strength, challenging societal norms and expectations, while also addressing the complexities of relationships and gender roles in a bold and rebellious manner.

Helmed by Imtiaz Ali, starring Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra in the lead roles, the film is biopic based on Amar Singh Chamkila, who was a cult figure even when he was alive with his band performing to packed houses across Punjab. Unfortunately, Chamkila, along with his wife and two other members of their band were assassinated in 1988. The murder case still remains unresolved.

The film starts streaming on Netflix from 12th April 2024.
March 14 : Indian Railways has introduced special train services to alleviate the surge of passengers during the Holi festivities, facilitating smoother travel to and from their hometowns. Notably, South Eastern Railway, Southern Railway, South Western Railway, and Northern Railway have collectively deployed approximately 26 additional trains as of March 14th, aiming to enhance the commuting experience for passengers. The trains deployed are as follows:

South Eastern Railway:

Secunderabad - Santragachi - Secunderabad Holi Specials: Train Number: 07223/07224.

The 07223 SecunderabadSantragachi Holi Special is scheduled to depart from Secunderabad on March 22, 2024, at 07:05 hrs (07:05 AM) and arrive in Santragachi at 10:30 hrs (10:30 AM) the following day.

The train will return as 07224 SantragachiSecunderabad Holi Special, departing from Santragachi on March 23, 2024, at 12:20 hrs (12:20 PM). It will arrive at Secunderabad at 14:45 hrs (02:45 PM) on the following day.

Secunderabad  Shalimar  Secunderabad Holi Specials: Train Number: 07225/07226

The 07225 SecunderabadShalimar Holi Special is scheduled to depart from Secunderabad on March 25, 2024, at 04:30 hrs (04:30 AM). It is expected to reach Shalimar at 06:05 hrs (06:05 AM) the following day.

The train will return back as 07226 ShalimarSecunderabad Holi Special, departing from Santragachi on March 23, 2024, at 12:20 hrs (12:20 PM). It will arrive at Secunderabad at 14:45 hrs (02:45 PM) on the following day.

Chennai Egmore  Santragachi  Chennai Egmore Holi Specials: Train Number: 06079/06080

The 06079 Chennai EgmoreSantragachi Holi Special is scheduled to depart from Chennai Egmore on March 19 to April 2, 2024, at 13:30 hrs (01:30 PM). It is expected to reach Santragachi at 21:30 hrs (09:30 PM) on the third day.

The train will return as 06080 SantragachiChennai Egmore Holi Special, departing from Santragachi on March 20 to April 3, 2024, at 23:40 hrs (11:40 PM). It is scheduled to arrive at Chennai Egmore on the third day at 09:00 hrs (09:00 AM).

Secunderabad  Darbhanga  Secunderabad Holi Specials: Train Number: 07221/07222

The 07221 Secunderabad-Darbhanga Holi Special is scheduled to depart from Secunderabad on March 21, 2024, at 19:00 hrs (07:00 PM). It is expected to reach Darbhanga on the third day at 10:00 hrs (10:00 AM).

The train will return back as 07222 Darbhanga-Secunderabad Holi Special, departing from Darbhanga on March 23, 2024, at 11:30 hrs (11:30 AM). It is scheduled to arrive at Secunderabad at 04:50 hrs (04:50 AM) on the third day.

Visakhapatnam-Patna-Visakhapatnam Holi Specials: Train Number: 08517/08518

The 08517 VisakhapatnamPatna Holi Special is scheduled to depart from Visakhapatnam on March 20 and 27, 2024, at 09:25 hrs (09:25 AM) and arrive in Patna at 09:35 hrs (09:35 AM) the following day.

The train will return back as 08518 PatnaVisakhapatnam Holi Special, departing from Patna on March 21 and 28, 2024, at 13:00 hrs (01:00 PM). It will arrive at Visakhapatnam at 14:30 hrs (02:30 PM) on the following day.

Santragachi-Digha-Santragachi Weekly Holi Specials: Train Number: 02847/02848 and 02897/02898

The 02847 Santragachi-Digha Holi Special is scheduled to depart Santragachi on March 23 and 30, 2024, at 09:10 hrs (09:10 AM) and arrive in Digha at 12:45 hrs (12:45 PM) on the same day.

The train will return as 02848 Digha-Santragachi Holi Special, departing from Digha on March 23 and 30, 2024, at 13:10 hrs (01:10 PM). It is scheduled to arrive at Santragachi at 16:50 hrs (04:50 PM) on the same day.

The 02897 Santragachi-Digha Holi Special is scheduled to depart from Santragachi on March 24 and 31, 2024, at 08:10 hrs (08:10 AM). It is expected to reach Digha at 11:55 hrs (11:55 AM) on the same day.

The train will return as 02898 Digha-Santragachi Holi Special, departing from Digha on March 24 and 31, 2024, at 13:10 hrs (01:10 PM). It is scheduled to arrive at Santragachi at 16:50 hrs (04:50 PM) on the same day.

Shalimar - Malatipatpur (Puri) -Shalimar Holi Specials: Train Number: 02839/02840

The 02839 Shalimar-Malatipatpur Holi Special is scheduled to depart Shalimar on March 24, 2024, at 21:25 hrs (09:25 PM) and arrive at Malatipatpur at 05:50 hrs (05:50 AM) on the following day.

The train will return as 02840 Malatipatpur - Shalimar Holi Special, departing from Malatipatpur on March 25, 2024, at 23:50 hrs (11:50 PM). It will arrive at Shalimar at 08:50 hrs (08:50 AM) on the following day.

Southern Railway:

Kochuveli  Danapur- Kochuveli Weekly Specials: Train Number: 06183/06184

The 06183 Kochuveli-Danapur Weekly Special is scheduled to depart from Kochuveli on March 19, 26, and April 2, 2024, at 04:15 hrs (04:15 AM). It is expected to reach Danapur on the third day at 10:00 hrs (10:00 AM).

The train will return back as 06184 Danapur-Kochuveli Weekly Special, departing from Danapur on March 22, 29, and April 5, 2024, at 07:30 hrs (07:30 AM). It is scheduled to arrive at Kochuveli at 07:30 hrs (07:30 AM) on the fourth day.

South Western Railway:

Muzaffarpur-Yesvantpur-Muzaffarpur Holi Special: Train Number: 05271/05272

The 05271 Muzaffarpur-Yesvantpur Holi Special is scheduled to depart from Muzaffarpur on March 29 and April 5, 2024, at 15:30 hrs (03:30 PM). It is expected to reach Yesvantpur on the third day at 19:00 hrs (07:00 PM).

The train will return as 05272 Yesvantpur-Muzaffarpur Holi Special, departing from Yesvantpur on April 1 and 8, 2024, at 07:30 hrs (07:30 AM). It is scheduled to arrive at Muzaffarpur on the third day at 12:00 hrs (12:00 PM).

Northern Railway:

Anand Vihar Terminal Patna Jn.-Anand Vihar Terminal Holi Special: Train Number: 04066/04065

The 04066 Anand Vihar Terminal Patna Jn Holi Special is scheduled to depart from Anand Vihar Terminal on March 21 and 28, 2024, at 23:00 hrs (11:00 PM). It is expected to reach Patna Jn. at 16:00 hrs (04:00 PM) on the following day.

The train will return back as 04065 Patna Jn.- Anand Vihar Terminal Holi Special, departing from Patna Jn. on March 22 and 29, 2024, at 17:45 hrs (05:45 PM). It is scheduled to arrive at AnandVihar Terminal at 11:20 hrs (11:20 AM) on the subsequent day.

Delhi Jn.-Barauni- Delhi jn.Reversed Special: Train Number: 04062/04061

The 04062 Delhi Jn.- Barauni Holi Special is scheduled to depart Delhi on March 24 and 31, 2024, at 08:50 hrs (08:50 AM) and arrive in Barauni at 06:30 hrs (06:30 AM) the following day.

The train will return back as 04061 Barauni  Delhi Jn. Holi Special, departing from Barauni on March 24 and April 1, 2024, at 08:00 hrs (08:00 AM). It will arrive in Delhi at 07:35 hrs (07:35 AM) on the following day.

In conclusion, the proactive initiatives undertaken by Indian Railways to manage the heightened influx of passengers during the festive period of Holi merit appreciation. The introduction of supplementary train services demonstrates a considerate effort to enhance the travel convenience for the public. As the vibrant festival of Holi draws near, we extend our sincere wishes to you and your loved ones for a prosperous and joyous celebration. May this auspicious occasion bring forth abundance, cheer, and solidarity into your lives. We are wishing you safe travels and a Happy Holi!
Bengaluru, March 14 : Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday slammed the BJP for saying that the Congress government was releasing water to Tamil Nadu at the time of severe drought and water crisis in Karnataka.

Speaking to reporters in Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar said, "The BJP party does not have any other job. It is just a political game. They are jealous that the Congress government is successfully addressing the drought and water crisis. Even as the court order went against us, the situation was handled efficiently regarding Cauvery water management. BJP is not able to tolerate it and they are making their attempts. We have managed the situation effectively. Even as 7,000 borewells have gone dry, many precautionary measures are being taken and officers are doing their best work. We have identified water sources and whatever is required to be done, it is done. BJP is just bluffing."

"There was no connection with the water flowing out of reservoirs and Tamil Nadu. Have they demanded the release? Are we mad to release water to Tamil Nadu at this juncture? In the first place there is no water to release. The aim is to ensure supply of drinking water to Bengaluru city," said Shivakumar.

"Even our farmers have not asked for water. What was to be given to the farmers has been provided and now water is not released to anyone," stated, Deputy CM adding, "I took up Mekedatu padayatra to ensure drinking water to Bengaluru city."

Leader of opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashoka, on Wednesday slammed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Congress government in the state for 'silently' releasing water to Tamil Nadu.

"Siddaramaiah's lies are disgraceful to the Chief Minister's chair," Ashoka said.

"The reports of Tamil Nadu's dams brimming with water is proof that the Congress government in Karnataka is silently releasing Cauveri water to Tamil Nadu state," he had said.

When people of Bengaluru are struggling due to an unprecedented water crisis and more than 900 farmers have committed suicide, Siddaramaiah is cheating the people of Karnataka by releasing water to Tamil Nadu, he had stated.
New Delhi, March 14 : Bhutan Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay arrived in India on Thursday to expand the "exemplary ties of friendship" between the two nations.

In his first overseas visit from March 14-18 after assuming office in January 2024, PM Tobgay was received at the airport by Minister of State Ashwini Kumar Choubey.

"Warm welcome to India! PM@tsheringtobgay of Bhutan arrives in New Delhi on his first overseas visit after assuming office in Jan 2024," the Ministry of External Affairs said on its X handle on Thursday.

"The visit of @PMBhutan is in keeping with the exemplary ties of friendship between India and Bhutan."

During his visit, PM Tobgay will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will meet President Droupadi Murmu, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and several other Indian dignitaries.

PM Tobgay is accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Employment, and other senior officials from the Royal Government of Bhutan.

The two nations share warm and cordial ties, based on trust, goodwill, and mutual understanding at all levels.

On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Modi, gave its approval for the signing of three MoUs between the two countries, covering the supply of petroleum products, energy efficiency, and cooperation in food safety measures.

The MoU on the supply of petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL) and related products from India to Bhutan will ensure a secured and long-term supply of petroleum products to the Himalayan nation and also give a fillip to bilateral trade in the hydrocarbon sector.
Lucknow, March 14 : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has urged the newly appointed sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs), deputy superintendents of police (DSPs) and treasurer/account officers selected by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission to discharge their role as the engine of the government.

"Today, technology has improved a lot. By the time you come to the field, we will have succeeded in digitizing all the revenue functions. Even after this, cases of revenue-related disputes will arise. In such a situation, to settle these matters, you will have to stay in your tehsil and focus. Also, the pendency will have to be resolved in a time-bound manner," he said.

The chief minister distributed appointment letters to the newly selected officers on Thursday and said, "For the first time, any commission and board has completed the selection process in just nine months. The selection process was completely fair and transparent without any recommendation or interference. Those who tried to tamper with the integrity of the examination have suffered the consequences. Their houses were raided and properties confiscated. The government has decided to teach all those who play with the future of the youth a fitting lesson."

The chief minister said, "You have 30 to 35 years to serve the public and to seek their blessings for a bright future. As a result of our effective action plan, jobs and employment have been provided to crores of youth in the state while the state's per capita income and GDP have increased significantly. UP has emerged as the country's second-largest economy. Such a thing happens when the government acts with honesty".

CM Yogi Adityanath stated further, "Our responsibility should be to provide justice to the underprivileged people. We should stand with them. The role of Deputy SP is essential in maintaining law and order and resolving revenue-related matters. They must regularly visit the police station and watch every activity including preparation of the charge sheet."

Expressing confidence in the newly selected candidates, he said, "You will take forward the pace of work of the state government with honesty. Also, keep in mind the interests of the public and make quick decisions so that you come out with an image of an officer of good administration."

The Yogi Adityanath government has provided jobs to more than 6.5 lakh youth under Mission Rozgar in the last seven years.

The chief minister said, "You must have seen that those who faced identity crisis in the state earlier, proudly say today that they belong to Uttar Pradesh. The transformation has been facilitated by the government's decision-making process."
MP govt didn't stop any beneficiary scheme in last three months: CM Mohan Yadav. Image Source: IANS News

Bhopal, March 14 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday made it clear that his government has not stopped any schemes introduced by the previous governments.

Mohan Yadav also claimed that the state government has not faced shortage of funds since he took over as the chief minister.

CM Yadav made this statement while chairing the cabinet, ending speculations that the his government was planing to stop some public beneficiary schemes introduced during former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan's regime.

"No scheme has been stopped, and there is no shortage of revenue to run the public beneficiary schemes and development projects. The government has adequate revenue resources," CM Yadav said.

Ever since CM Yadav took over charge of the office, there have been speculations that some flagship schemes introduced by Shivraj Singh Chouhan may be stopped.

On Wednesday, former CM Chouhan, addressing a public rally in Sehore, had appealed to his successor to continue the public beneficiary schemes.

CM Yadav was also present on stage when Shivraj Singh Chouhan made this statement.
Kurnool : , March 14 (IANS) Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy laid the foundation stone for the National Law University in Kurnool on Thursday and reiterated his government's commitment to make the district the judicial capital of Andhra Pradesh Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh), March 14 (IANS) Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy laid the foundation stone for the National Law University in Kurnool on Thursday and reiterated his governmentas commitment to make the district the judicial capital of Andhra Pradesh

The Chief Minister highlighted the historical significance of this initiative. He emphasized the fulfilment of long-awaited promises made to the people of Rayalaseema, echoing the principles of fair justice outlined in the Sribagh Agreement of 1937.

Pointing out that it was proposed to set up the High Court here as per the Sribagh Pact at the time of shifting capital to Hyderabad, he said that steps are being taken in accordance with the Pact.

The Chief Minister emphasized the fulfilment of this promise through the establishment of the National Law University, which will not only serve as an academic institution but also lay the groundwork for the development of a robust legal ecosystem in the region.

CM Jagan also unveiled plans for the development of Kurnool as a legal hub, announcing the establishment of various legal departments and commissions in the region, that include the State Consumers Dispute and Redressal Commission, AP Legal Metrology Commission, AP Labor Commission, AP VAT Appellate Tribunal, AP Waqf Board, Andhra Pradesh Lokayukta Offices, and NHRC offices, signifying a holistic approach towards strengthening the legal framework and ensuring justice for all.

The university, coming up at Jagannathagattu in Lakshmipuram of Kallur mandal, is the second National Law University in the state.

The government said that the university, to come up over 150 acres of land, is envisioned to be a beacon of legal education excellence in the region.

The project, estimated to cost Rs 1,011 crore, reaffirms the government's commitment to nurturing intellectual growth and legal acumen among the state's youth.

Retired judges of the High Court, judges of other courts, Advocates, and Law Department staff attended the event

Soon after his arrival at Orvakal Airport, Jagan Mohan Reddy performed traditional Bhoomi Puja.

Kurnool was proposed as one of the three state capitals by YSR Congress Party after coming to power in 2019, reversing the plans of the earlier TDP government to develop Amaravati as the only state capital.

The YSR Congress government mooted Visakhapatnam as administrative capital, Amaravati as legislative capital and Kurnool as judicial capital.

However, the three-capital issue is currently pending in the Supreme Court.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi participates in a programme marking nationwide outreach for credit support to disadvantaged sections via a video conference. Image Source: IANS News

Chennai ,march 14 : Heavy security is in place for the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kanniyakumari on Friday.

Chennai ,March 14 (IANS) Heavy security is in place for the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kanniyakumari on Friday.

PM Modi will be visiting Tamil Nadu for the third time in less than a month. He will address a mammoth gathering of BJP workers at Kanniyakumari on Friday.

According to the Tamil Nadu police, around 3000 policemen would be deployed for the visit of the Prime Minister. He will address the party workers at the Vivekananda college ground at Agatheeswaram.

Bomb squads and sniffer dogs are checking the road to the college ground that the Prime Minister will take after he lands at Kanniyakumari in a helicopter. He will travel to Vivekananda college by road and policemen are being stationed on both sides of the road.

The police and central intelligence agencies are also conducting checks at all the hotels, lodges ,railway stations ,bus stations and all the shopping complexes in the temple town.

The BJP has a strong presence in the southern district of Tamil Nadu and former Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan had won this seat.

A three-term MLA from Vilavankode assembly constituency and former Congress chief whip Vijayadharani who had resigned from the Congress and joined the BJP is, according to highly placed sources in the BJP, a strong contender for the Kanniyakumari Lok Sabha seat.
David Minor stood in front of a digital clock that shows how much time has elapsed since the announcement that HSHS St. Josephs, HSHS Sacred Heart and Prevea Health centers would close in western Wisconsin.

It read one month, three weeks and 22 hours on Thursday morning.

Minor, the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, noted how much has been done by the leaders of a task force created in the wake of that announcement, but there is more work to be done as the timeline of some of the closures has been moved up.

HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital in Chippewa Falls and HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire will be closing on March 22, a whole month earlier than initially planned, and Minor said the leaders of the HSHS/Prevea Recovery Task Force were deeply disappointed and concerned about those updates.

I wish I could make some announcement that we have this grand plan to be able to absorb all that, but it's not that easy, said Minor, who is one of eight members on the task force. The abrupt schedule change has left our community with a mere fraction of the time needed to adequately plan and address the impending health care crisis.

The announcement that the pair of hospitals would close on March 22 was not something that the task force was alerted to prior, Minor said.

For employees at the hospitals, when you know you're gonna lose your job, you immediately start looking for something elsewhere. So some of them started moving into other areas. It left HSHS with a decision of, can they continue to offer proper care and that level of care at that same level they had been with less employees? he said. Certainly, it puts us farther behind the 8-ball when we look now. We've just lost another month to be able to provide those critical care access points.

Other task force members echoed frustration about the expediency of the closures.

"What was already short notice to lose these HSHS hospitals and the services of the Prevea Clinics becomes even more of a crisis with these earlier closures," retired Mayo Clinic CEO and co-chair of the task force Dr. Bill Rupp said. "We are committed to working through all this, but this new development makes it even more challenging."

Minor said while he can appreciate that there are staffing challenges at the hospitals right now, Sacred Heart is important to the area as a Regional Level III Trauma Center.

Every day it remains open is precious, he said.

$15 million for regional health care

Legislation enacted in February appropriated $15 million in unspent state funds  which was initially intended for the Chippewa Valley in the 2021-23 state budget  to make grants available for hospital services to address critical gaps created by the HSHS closures.

The original bill limited eligibility to emergency room services, but Gov. Tony Evers used his partial veto powers to expand the type of services eligible.

However, funds awarded to any grant application must be approved by the Joint Finance Committee, which will likely adhere more closely to the original purposes specified in the legislation, Minor said.

Minor explained that the task force is in contact with local leadership at the Marshfield Clinic and Mayo Clinic health systems to accelerate the planning and implementation of services that address the most critical health care gaps created by the closures.

We have sat down with Marshfield Clinic, with Mayo Clinic health systems to talk about what they can do to access the $15 million that the state is offering through Joint Finance and the Department of Health Services. And so both of them right now are aggressively looking at options, Minor said.

Minor said it is not up to the task force to propose options for the $15 million in funding. It is, however, its job to support local providers once the systems decide how they think that money should be spent in the region.

The money is sitting in Joint Finance. The way it is written is that it has to go to the emergency room services or expansion. So first and foremost, let me be very clear, Mayo and Marshfield are putting their plans together with what they think they can do. Once they have those (plans), that will go to Joint Finance with our support. And then we will mount a small army to go down and testify if need be to Joint Finance, Minor said.

Minor said it is his hope that Mayo and Marshfield will be able to come up with a plan for that funding within the next month, but he cant hold the medical systems to that time frame.

They are moving as fast as they can, he said.

He said when it comes to any sort of expansion in the area, plans have to be financially sustainable in the long run.

Just take a look at the size of Mayo and Marshfield. They're not small companies. Things don't happen in seconds. But let me make very clear as well, when we have asked, they have expedited things, he said. Mayo and Marshfield have moved very quickly and so they understand specifically with the emergency room, we all understand what's going to happen in less than 10 days. They're doing what they can as fast as they can to make those adjustments.

The task force is working with existing and new medical providers who have already undertaken steps to expand or establish services in the Chippewa Valley, Minor explained.

Co-chair of the task force Jerry Jacobson said the two major health care systems in the area, Mayo and Marshfield, are in the best position to move expeditiously to identify resources and necessary expertise for future health care in western Wisconsin and to provide the hospital services that qualify for the new state funding.

"It's critical that we put a specific plan forward for approval by the legislature's Joint Committee on Finance and the Department of Health Services, he said.

Key developments in Chippewa Valley closures of HSHS and Prevea facilities HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire and HSHS St. Josephs Hospital in Chippewa Falls announced Jan. 22 they will permanently close along 
Kochi, Mar 14 : Launching a scathing attack against E.P. Jayarajan, the Convenor of the ruling Left in Kerala, Congress' leader of opposition V. D. Satheesan on Thursday described the veteran CPI-M leader as the captain of the Sangh Parivar forces' B-Team in the state.

"It has now come to light that Jayarajan and his family have a business relationship with the BJP candidate from Thiruvananthapuram, Union Minister of State Rajeev Chandrasekhar. So it's natural for him to say that the BJP candidates in a few constituencies are strong, as he has to please his business partner," Satheesan alleged.

Incidentally, Jayarajan's wife and son had run into trouble after the Income Tax Department knocked at the doors of a plush Ayurveda resort in his hometown Kannur last year. His wife, a retired cooperative bank employee, was the chairperson, while his son was one of the founder-directors of the resort.

Satheesan was referring to this business of Jayarajan, which he claims is now being run by Chandrasekhar's company.

Jayarajan had recently claimed that the electoral battle in Kerala is between the Left and the BJP, as both have fielded good candidates.

"Not long ago, R. Balasankar, a former editor of the RSS mouthpiece 'Organiser', pointed out that there is a relationship between the CPI-M and the Sangh Parivar forces. Now with business tie-ups like this, Balasankar's remarks have come true. Incidentally, it's the CPI-M that is creating space for the BJP, but the Congress-led UDF will ensure that the BJP doesn't open its account in Kerala, and for that, we will go to any extent," Satheesan said.
Kolkata, March 14 : Although the dates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls are yet to be announced, 150 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) companies have already been deployed in the state, sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal said on Thursday.

At 21 companies, the maximum deployment has been at Kolkata-adjacent North 24 Parganas District, with the main concentration being in Sandeshkhali, sources said.

Sandeshkhali had been on the boil for quite some time, as locals had been protesting over the oppression and sexual harassment of women by a section of the local Trinamool Congress workers.

Five CAPF companies have been deployed in areas under the jurisdiction of the Basirhat District Police under which Sandeshkhali comes.

The next highest deployment is in Kolkata, with the number standing at 10.

Nine companies of the CAPF have been deployed each in Howrah, Hooghly and South 24 Parganas Districts.

Veteran bureaucrats say that such a huge deployment of CAPF much before the announcement of polls dates is unprecedented.

Already as notified by the Election Commission of India (ECI) a total of 920 companies of the CAPF will be deployed in West Bengal for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, which is the highest among all Indian states.

The Trinamool Congress has already decried the early deployment of the CAPF in the state. According to the ruling party leaders, since the CAPF personnel are occupying educational institutions, the academic work is being hampered.

During the recent visit of the full Bench of the ECI, the Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, gave an extremely strong message to the state administrative machinery to ensure peaceful polls at any cost.

"Voting should be conducted in a festive mood. The higher administrative and police functionaries have been directed to percolate the message to all levels of their subordinates so that all necessary steps are taken to ensure violence-free polls. If the state administration and police fail to do that, we will make them do it," he had said during an interaction with media persons after meeting senior bureaucrats and police officials of the state.
Agartala, March 14 : Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday expressed concern over the alarming rise in HIV/AIDS cases in the state with 150 to 200 persons being infected by the contagious disease per month and also red-flagged the growing use of intravenous drug injections or "IV drug use" among students and youths.

Addressing a sensitisation programme on HIV/AIDS at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan here, Saha, who also holds charge of the Health and Family Welfare Department, said that till January, 5,330 people, including 1,033 women and 558 students, were infected by HIV/AIDS.

College principals, headmasters, teachers, guardians, students, and health officials were present in the day-long programme, organised by the Tripura AIDS Control Society, under the Health Department.

Urging the teaching community to closely observe the situation, the Chief Minister said that monitoring and supervising is the main task to curb the HIV/AIDS menace.

He noted that since the 1970s, Manipur topped the northeastern states in "IV drug use", adding that all the states in the northeast region and the country are striving for "Nasha Mukt" (drug-free) India, with the guidance and help of the Centre.

"Recently I met a student at Belonia in south Tripura who said that he was a good student and a sportsman but somehow fell victim to the drug menace. After five years, he has now stopped using drugs and now he is recovering from his illness," he said.

aAll the clubs, societal organisations, and groups must come forward to make the people, especially the youths, aware of the abuse of drugs and other evil acts."

Saha, who is himself a dental surgeon, said that due to financial reasons and ignorance, one disposable syringe is being used by many youths causing the spread of the disease.

He urged all concerned, including teachers, health officials, and NGOs to identify the epicentre of the drug menaces and root out HIV/AIDS.

He said that after Assam, among the northeastern states, the maximum number of drugs were seized and destroyed in Tripura.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has already decided to set up eight drug de-addiction centres in eight districts to provide all assistance and guidance to the youths, striving to free themselves from the menace.

Officials said that the drugs, smuggled from Myanmar, are coming to Tripura through Mizoram and Assam and going to Bangladesh through covert routes and the border guarding forces are always alert to stamp out the drugs trade.

Besides the Central and state security forces, various other government agencies and NGOs are working relentlessly to make Tripura a drug-free state, the Chief Minister said and urged all concerned to remain alert about their children so that they do not become influenced or fall victim to the drug menace.
Amaravati, March 14 : Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supremo Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday demanded a CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities in the recruitment exams by the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC).

Suspecting the hand of some senior persons in the state government in the large scale irregularities in the Group-1 exams of the APPSC, he demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe to bring the facts to light and do justice to the youth.

Regretting that all the systems totally collapsed during the five-year rule of the YSRCP, Chandrababu Naidu said that the APPSC, a constitutional body, is no exception. Making the APPSC a platform for political gains, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, has deceived lakhs of youth by resorting to massive irregularities in the evaluation of the Group-1 answer sheets, he added.

Demanding that the facts be made public on why such huge irregularities have taken place in these exams for the first time in the history of the APPSC, Naidu came down heavily on the state government for resorting to deceptive methods in the name of digital evaluation and manual evaluation.

To appoint their own persons in the high-profile Group-1 posts, these positions were marketed at high prices doing great injustice to those who are actually eligible for these posts seriously affecting the high credibility of the APPSC, Naidu alleged and added that the ruling party has made the APPSC a political rehabilitation centre besides making efforts to divert the attention of the High Court from the evaluation of the answer sheets.

Naidu also demanded that APPSC chairman Gowtham Sawang and secretary P. Seetha Ramanjaneyulu be suspended immediately and a probe be conducted after registering a case against them.

The TDP supremo expressed concern that there is every possibility of the youth getting disheartened as there are no job opportunities in the state either in the government or in the private sector. The Jagan government has totally disappointed lakhs of youth who struggled hard for years together in the hope of getting selected for the Group-1 posts.

The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Wednesday cancelled the 2018 Group-I (mains) examination, ruling that the evaluation of the answer sheets was done against the rules of the APPSC.

The court directed the APPSC to conduct the examination afresh, evaluate the answer sheets as per the norms and complete the selection process within six months.

The court pronounced the order on the petition of a few Group-I job aspirants, who appeared for the examination in 2018. They alleged discrepancies in the evaluation of the answer sheets.
Mumbai, March 14 : The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) decision to field Pankaja Munde, a former state minister and the daughter of senior party leader Gopinath Munde, from Beed in Maharashtra is a calculated move to lure OBC voters, who constitute 52 per cent of the state's population.

Pankaja, who has a following among the Vanjari community, is being looked at as an emerging OBC leader.

The BJP clearly sees Pankajaas potential to mobilise support from the OBC community, which will be crucial not just in Beed, but also in seven other Lok Sabha seats in the Marathwada region, where pro-Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil held his protests demanding Maratha reservation, especially from the OBC quota.

Pankaja had lost the 2019 Assembly elections from Parli in her home district Beed against cousin and united NCP member Dhananjay Munde.

However, the political rivalry has now turned into a cordial relationship after the Ajit Pawar-led NCP joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena-BJP government. Dhananjay Munde is now the Agriculture Minister in the MahaYuti government.

On the Maratha and OBC quota controversy, Pankaja was consistent with her stand that the government should provide reservations to the Maratha community, which will stand legal scrutiny. She had strongly asserted that the bitterness between the Marathas and OBC communities should end.

After her name went missing from the party's list of Rajya Sabha candidates from Maharashtra, Pankaja had said that she was waiting for a position, but no constituency was left for her after the formation of the 'triple-engine' government in Maharashtra.

On whether she would like to go to the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha, she had replied that it was too late to choose.

"If my supporters in Beed and in the rest of Maharashtra see me in that position, it will be a big thing,aa she had said.
Prayagraj : , March 14 (IANS) The Allahabad High Court has stated that senior officials in Uttar Pradesh often do not comply with court orders within the stipulated time.

While censuring the Gautam Buddha Nagar Commissioner of Police, Laxmi Singh, in one such case, the Allahabad High Court said that this amounts to creating a hindrance in the administration of justice.

The Allahabad High Court made the observations while dealing with the anticipatory bail plea of a Constable named Ankit Baliyan. A case was registered against Constable Baliyan in September 2023 after the recording of a WhatsApp voice call allegedly revealed that he threatened to implicate a scrap dealer in a false case and demanded Rs 1 lakh as bribe from him.

He was also dismissed from service on the same day the call recording went viral, his counsel told the High Court.

While granting interim protection from arrest to Baliyan, the court in February, ordered Gautam Buddha Nagar Commissioner of Police, Laxmi Singh, to file a personal affidavit in the case.

Laxmi Singh was also asked to explain the compelling circumstances under which the official was dismissed on the same date.

The court further sought details on the number of corruption cases in which the accused police personnel were dismissed on the same day without any show cause notice or proper enquiry, over the last three years.

When the matter was taken up, senior officers of the Noida Police were present, but the Commissioner had not filed the affidavit as sought by the court on February 26.

Taking exception to the conduct of the Commissioner of Police, the court directed the Director General of Police to look into the matter.

"Since, despite being given reasonable time of two weeks, the Commissioner of Police, Gautam Buddha Nagar did not provide any assistance to this court with regard to correct factual position of the case, therefore, this court feels that the matter should be referred to the Director General of Police, UP, Lucknow for taking corrective measures," it ordered.

On the merits of the case, the court found that the First Information Report (FIR) against Baliyan was registered without verifying the genuineness of the audio recording and tracing its original source.

The police told the court that the WhatsApp call was recorded by an "unknown passer-by" and thereafter one Shakir transferred it to his mobile phone. He then deleted the original recording, the police said.

The court thus observed that it was an admitted fact that neither the original source of the alleged WhatsApp voice call recording, nor the mobile number and the mobile phone by which the voice call was allegedly recorded, were available with the Investigating Officer.
CIFF will give a push to the film industry in the region, says Beena Paul. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, March 14 : Even as Chandigarh gets set to host its first-ever international film festival, Cinevesture International Film Festival (CIFF), its Artistic Director, Beena Paul is optimistic that the event, besides introducing the audiences to some of the best in Indian and world cinema, will give a major push to filmmaking in the region -- Punjabi, Haryanvi and Pahari.

"This is considering that CIFF Market will be bringing together filmmakers who need funds with potential producers. There will be masterclasses, producer meets and platforms to understand the Indian cinema market," she tells IANS.

A pass-out of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Beena Paul, a major film editor is the recipient of two National Film Awards and three Kerala State Film Awards. Besides, she has held several positions including the artistic director of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) and the vice chairperson of Kerala State Chalachitra Academy.

Stressing that Chandigarh was chosen after much deliberation considering its strategic location, she adds, "The urban towns in India are the ones that are growing, and one can witness a hunger for cutting-edge events there. We wanted to find a place slightly 'more' than Delhi, Mumbai and Goa."

Talk to her about the challenges synonymous with the debut edition of any major film festival, and she opines that most existing ones already have an audience while they will need to "build" one.

"So, we are showing films that are interesting and accessible and not full-blown art- house. The curation aims to make the viewer more curious."

Stressing that film festivals are always instrumental in giving a push to new filmmakers who want to tell stories differently, she cites the example of Malayalam cinema.

"I give immense credit to the IFFK, which exposed young filmmakers to movies that were not Bollywood or Hollywood. Young filmmakers realised that a film could be treated in several diverse ways, and that it was perfectly alright to follow one's peculiar vision," says Beena Paul, who apart from editing over 50 documentaries and feature films has also directed four documentaries.

For someone who was instrumental in shaping IFFK right from its inception and was its Artistic Director for more than two decades, not to mention the head of programmes at the International Film Festival of India for three years and curating its 50th edition in Goa, smiles, "Yes, building IFFK was tough and there were many challenges. But I look back at it with wonder as we had so much courage."

In February 2017, Beena Paul co-founded the Women in Cinema Collective, India's first association that aims to work towards equal opportunity and dignity of women employees in the film industry.

She says before that there was no thought about how women would fend in the industry.

"Individually, we all have suffered and put up good fights, but yes this collective has been good for women working in the industry," she feels.

While OTT platforms may have introduced everyone to different cinemas of India, she feels most platforms are uncurated.

"Suppose I want to see the works of a particular director... Mubi is an exception."

As she gets set to bring 85 films from across the country and the world to Chandigarh, she stresses, "We have paid special attention to the Children's section, and it is completely different from what they see on television. I feel it is extremely important that they are exposed to good cinema from a young age."

--IANS/

sukant/svn
Ambedkar Nagar : , March 14 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a scathing attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP) during his visit to Ambedkar Nagar on Thursday and at the same time, listed out the achievements of the double-engine government.

The Chief Minister said that the leaders in the previous governments nurtured mafias to make a fast buck.

"SP is anti-Dalit. This is the same SP that caused the Guest House scandal and called for the removal of memorials built in the name of great Dalit leaders, but the double-engine government built 'Panch Teerth' in the name of Baba Saheb. Our government has provided housing to 4 crore people. We provided houses for both the poor and devotees and also got the Ram Temple built in Ayodhya," Yogi Adityanath added.

Enumerating the development works of the double-engine government, the chief minister said, "Prior to 2017, mafias used to capture land in Ambedkar Nagar, but today no mafia can seize land or harass girls because they know that Yamraj (God of Death) has laid a trap for them at the next intersection."

Stressing the role of the double-engine government in 'curing' mafias in UP, the chief minister further asserted that his government would never tolerate those snatching the right of the poor and the underprivileged.

The chief minister further said that the construction of Ram Temple was unimaginable in Ayodhya during the SP government.

He added: "These people wanted to change the name of your district too. They even removed the name of Kannauj Medical College named after Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, but we have decided to restore it. Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar was the architect of the Constitution and there could be no compromise on the name of the college."

The Chief Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 4977 development projects worth Rs 2122 crore at the Civil Line Ground, Ambedkar Nagar.
Amaravati, March 14 : Ending the suspense, Jana Sena Party chief and Tollywood actor Pawan Kalyan on Thursday announced that he would be contesting the Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections from Pithapuram constituency.

Addressing the partyas formation day celebrations at its headquarters at Mangalagiri, he announced that he will be entering the fray from Pithapuram in Kakinada district.

This ended the speculations that Pawan Kalyan may contest the Lok Sabha elections.

"For now, I donat have any plans to contest for Lok Sabha polls," he said.

He will contest the poll as the candidate of the TDP-BJP-JSP alliance.

The YSR Congress has appointed the sitting MP from Kakinada, Vanga Geetha, as its coordinator for Pithapuram.

However, with Pawan Kalyanas announcement, the ruling party may field Mudragada Padmanabham, who recently announced joining the YSR Congress.

Mudragada Padmanbham is a key leader of Kapus, a community Pawan Kalyan comes from.

In 2019, Pendem Dorababu of the YSR Congress was elected from Pithapuram, defeating S.V.S.N. Varma of the TDP by 14,992 votes. M. Seshu Kumari of the Jana Sena had finished a distant third.

Under the electoral alliance with the TDP and the BJP announced recently, the Jana Sena is contesting 21 Assembly and two Lok Sabha seats.

Simultaneous elections to the 175-member Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats in the state are slated to be held in April-May.

The TDP will contest 144 Assembly and 17 Lok Sabha seats. Ten Assembly and six Lok Sabha seats have been left for the BJP.

Popular as a "power star", Pawan Kalyan had a disastrous electoral debut in 2019, losing both the Assembly seats he contested. He contested from Gajuwaka and Bhimavaram from Visakhapatnam and West Godavari districts, respectively but lost both to the YSR Congress candidates.

The Jana Sena, which had contested the polls in alliance with BSP and the Left parties, could secure just one Assembly seat.

Pawan Kalyan, the younger brother of megastar K. Chiranjeevi, entered politics by floating the Jana Sena in 2014. The party, however, did not contest the election.

Expressing himself impressed with the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he backed the BJP-TDP alliance. The actor later distanced himself from both the BJP and TDP after charging them with backtracking on the promise of special category status to Andhra Pradesh. After the drubbing of the 2019 polls, Pawan revived ties with the BJP and joined the NDA.

Political analysts say he played a key role in forging the tripartite alliance with the TDP and the BJP to challenge the YSR Congress.

Jana Sena has so far announced six candidates for Assembly polls. At a meeting with party leaders on Wednesday night, Pawan Kalyan is said to have given approval for another nine candidates.
Mumbai, March 14 : Neha Dhupia and Konkona Sen Sharma joined designer Sohaya Mishra for a tea party while showcasing her latest collection in collaboration with Tea Culture of The World on the second day of Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI.

Konkana opened the show that featured structured silhouettes such as jumpsuits, anti-fit dresses and pantsuits.

An array of shades, from black and grey to salmon, mauve, pink, olive and olive green, livened the colour palette of the collection made from linen, cotton, denim and ikkat.

Though it was a tea party, keeping in mind the collaboration, the music picked for the models to walk on was carefully curated.

Jazz numbers such as 'Cinnamon Girl', 'Upside Down', 'I Want to Make Love to You' and 'All That Jazz' played as models and the Bollywood personalities sashayed down the runway.

Neha was chosen to close the show for Chola. Before she made her way, though, she was joined by her friends Konkona and the designer for a mock tea party on the runway.

Talking about her collection, the Chola designer said: "The whole thing was about the culture of tea. When women sit around and talk to each other, it is almost like therapy, where you give the power and opportunity to make each other unapologetic."

Mishra said Neha and Konkona, both of whom are known in the industry for their strong personalities, "made the show".

Konkona said she feels good wearing the label Chola. She revealed that it is one label that she owns some pieces of. She called it "unconventional".

Neha added that her relationship with the designer goes back by more than 15 years and shared that the first piece Mishra designed for her is with her even today.

"Anything she puts together, there is a lot of clarity and is aesthetic. She's not out there to prove anything to anyone and I feel like her craft talks. She never gets one stitch or one button wrong," Neha said.
New Delhi, March 14 : ITC Hotels has announced its foray into the Northeast with the signing of Welcomhotel Gangtok.

The 60-key property showcases breathtaking views of Mount Kangchenjunga, the highest peak in India and the third-highest peak in the world, from every room.

Backed by the cuisine expertise of ITC Hotels, Welcomhotel Gangtok will offer two food and beverage outlets: 'Mayal' the all-day dining restaurant, a pool cafe, and a bar.

The 150 covers 'Mayal' brings diners the much popular and loved Sikkimese delicacies. The restaurant is spread both indoors and outdoors, giving the guests a picture postcard view of the valley. The local cuisine is already a big favourite among food enthusiasts and travellers who choose to travel to the Northeast for its immense scenic beauty and food.

Located in the vicinity of Gangtok's famous MG Market, the Flower Exhibition Centre as well as other popular sightseeing spots, Welcomhotel Gangtok is expected to open in early 2025 in a new avatar.

Gangtok becomes the perfect gateway to the Northeast. These destinations have been gaining popularity with domestic and international tourists over the years. From admiring the pristine waters of River Teesta, Ban Jhakri Falls, a visit to the Rumtek Monastery or the famous Nathula Pass, Tsomgo Lake or making memorable memories at the Tashi Viewpoint, Gangtok and its vicinity has abundant natural beauty and tourist attractions.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Anil Chadha, Chief Executive, ITC Hotels, said, "We are honoured to bring Brand Welcomhotel to Sikkim - the first organic state in India notable for its rich biodiversity. We have been consciously working towards growing our presence in the Eastern and Northeastern regions. We shall leverage ITC Hotels' expertise in hospitality to enable enriching experiences for guests at Welcomhotel Gangtok, from showcasing elements of the local heritage to the leisure splendour of Sikkim."

Thinley Namgyal Densapa, Proprietor, Denzong Regency, said, "We have played host to tourists, dignitaries, government officials and celebrities with our landmark hotel for the last decade-and-a-half. We are situated at a prized location and our property offers the most enchanting views. I am confident that with growing tourism in Gangtok, and Brand Welcomhotel's experience in hospitality, we will further expand and enrich our offerings for guests."
Chennai, March 14 : The Madras High Court on Thursday dismissed a PIL seeking directions to the Central government to grant Indian citizenship to all children born in camps for Sri Lankan refugees in Tamil Nadu.

A bench of Chief Justice Sanjay V. Gangapurwala and Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy held that the PIL petition didnat have details and that the authorities concerned would be able to consider the plea only when basic details such as the date and place of birth, parents' citizenship, and so on could be submitted.

Chennai advocate V. Ravikumar, who had filed the PIL petition, said that he had made a representation to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on September 17, 2022, for considering the issue of granting Indian citizenship to every baby born in the camps for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees.

Subsequently, the Union Home Ministry sent a detailed communication to him on December 14, 2022, explaining why citizenship by birth could not be claimed now, as a matter of right, by all those who were born at the refugee camps.

It stated that Indian citizenship was granted to Indian-origin Tamils as per the terms of the Sirimavo-Shastri Agreement, 1964 and the Sirimavo-Gandhi Agreement, 1974.

Other than this, the issue was dealt with under Section 5(1)(b) of the Citizenship Act applicable to people of Indian origin. However, the statutory time limit for making an application under the 1964 pact was fixed to be October 31, 1981, and the Indian-origin Tamils who had failed to apply before the cut-off date were not entitled to get Indian citizenship even under Section 5(1)(b).

The Union Home Ministry stated that a foreigner who had entered India without valid travel documents and who remained beyond the permitted time would be considered only an illegal migrant under Section 2(1)(b) of the citizenship law.

The law, as of now, states that all those who were born in India on or after July 1, 1987 (when the 1986 amendment came into force), but before the commencement of the 2003 amendment, could claim Indian citizenship by birth only if either of his/her parents was an Indian citizen at the time of birth.

The Union Home Ministry stated that any claim for citizenship on the basis of birth would have to be made in accordance with Section 3 of the Citizenship Act.
After judging Miss World, it's back to work for Pooja Hegde on 'Deva' sets. Image Source: IANS News

Mumbai, March 14 : Pooja Hegde, who served as one of the judges for the Miss World grand finale in Mumbai this past weekend, has returned to the sets of her upcoming film 'Deva' to resume shooting.

The actress stars opposite Shahid Kapoor in the film. The new schedule is unfolding in Mumbai. The film also has Pavail Gulati in a pivotal role.

Taking to social media, Pooja offered fans a sneak peek from the 'Deva' sets. She wrote in the caption, "Back to shoot #DEVA".

'Deva' is an action-packed thriller directed by Rosshan Andrrews; Zee Studios and Roy Kapur Films are the producers. The film is set to hit theatres on Dussehra, or October 11 later this year.

Earlier, Pooja, who was last seen in the Salman Khan-starrer 'Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan', went on a vacation to Goa. The diva, who enjoys 26.6 million followers on Instagram, dropped a series of pictures of her basking in the Goan sun while sporting a no-makeup look.

She also dished up glimpses of some of the culinary delights of Goa and a picture of her chilling by the poolside.
Mumbai, March 14 : The Nationalist Congress Party (SP) here on Thursday welcomed the Supreme Court verdict banning the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party from using either Sharad Pawar's name or the undivided party's 'Clock' symbol.

NCP (SP) national general secretary Jitendra Awhad said that "the Supreme Court has acknowledged" how Sharad Pawar is a very big leader and 'Clock' symbolises Sharad Pawar for the masses in Maharashtra.

"Now, the Ajit Pawar group should go its own way, set up an independent party, get a new name and symbol, use their own leaders' photos and contest the (Lok Sabha) elections. The Supreme Court had said that the Election Commission (EC)'s decision was not final," said Awhad.

NCP (SP) national spokesperson Clyde Crasto said the apex court ruling on Thursday "proves that the EC decision awarding the NCP name and 'Clock' to the Ajit Pawar Group was a political decision taken at the behest of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)".

Awhad and Crasto pointed out that the 'Clock' symbol is identified in the state and all over India with Sharad Pawar who formed the party 25 years ago, so in order to avoid any confusion and put things in the correct perspective, the Supreme Court gave its ruling.

The NCP (SP)'s reactions came after the Supreme Court earlier on Thursday barred Ajit Pawar-led NCP from using the name of his uncle and NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar, as also the 'Clock' symbol of the undivided party.

A division bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice K.V. Viswanathan ruled that since the 'Ajit Pawar NCP' is now an independent entity, it should not use Sharad Pawar's identity and 'Clock' symbol.

Spelling doom for Ajit Pawar ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Supreme Court observed: "When elections come, you need his (Sharad Pawar) name and when there are no elections you don't need him. Now, since you have an independent identity, you must proceed with that only.

"You are a different political party... so why use his (Sharad Pawar) pictures, etc.? Go with your own identity now, you have chosen not to be with him," the apex court said.

The court sought a categorical undertaking that there would be no overlapping of Ajit Pawar's NCP with Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP) and suggested that the former could issue a public notice giving wide publicity that they are not concerned or related with (Sharad Pawar and NCP-SP) and how they will be known in politics/ political matters.

The latest Supreme Court ruling could have huge political repercussions for the NCP which is planning to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections on the 'Clock' symbol, and has been using the name of Sharad Pawar in publicity and campaign materials.

The court's order came in a plea filed by NCP (SP) challenging the February 6, 2024 decision of the EC granting the original party founded by Sharad Pawar 25 years ago plus its widely recognisable 'Clock' symbol to Ajit Pawar, and later the Maharashtra Assembly Speaker also passed a similar ruling.

The rulings by the EC and Maharashtra Speaker both declared the Ajit Pawar faction -- arising out of the split in July 2023 -- as the 'real NCP', while the Sharad Pawar faction was allotted a new name (NCP-SP) and a 'Trumpeter' symbol, which the latter welcomed.

The NCP is part of the ruling MahaYuti government headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena) while Devendra Fadnavis (BJP) and Ajit Pawar are the two Deputy Chief Ministers.

The NCP (SP) is a part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and the INDIA bloc.
New Delhi, March 14 : A sessions court on Thursday adjourned to Friday the hearing on Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal's pleas, challenging two summons issued to him by a magisterial court on the ED's complaint in the liquor policy case.

The ED had made the complaint that CM Kejriwal had not complied with its summons in connection with a money laundering case related to the now-scrapped policy.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Divya Malhotra of Rouse Avenue Court had, on March 7, issued second summons to CM Kejriwal on the ED's complaint.

ACMM Malhotra had put up the matter for hearing on March 16, when she is set to hear the ED's first complaint on the same matter.

Special Judge Rakesh Syal, of Rouse Avenue Court, heard the arguments at length by both parties in one of the revision petitions. Senior Advocate Ramesh Gupta appeared for CM Kejriwal and Additional Solicitor General (ASG), SV Raju for the federal agency.

Since CM Kejriwal has to appear before the magisterial court after two days on Saturday, Senior Advocate Gupta urged the court for "exemption of petitioner (CM Kejriwal) through a lawyer or a stay or court may be asked to adjourn the matter to the date which the sessions court fixes."

Senior Advocate Gupta added, "Order of summoning is a revisable order. Maybe this court only exempts me from appearance. It is a summoning trial case. Maximum punishment is one month or fine or both."

On the other hand, ASG Raju said, "The modus operandi was to move the court at the last minute, put pressure on the court and say tomorrow I've to appear, grant me stay otherwise heavens are going to fall. Heavens didn't fall for so many days."

The ACMM on February 17 granted a day's exemption from physical appearance to the CM in connection with the first complaint filed by the ED over the same issue.

The second complaint pertains to "CM Kejriwal not abiding by the summons number 4 to 8", a source said.

The AAP Convenor had earlier requested the financial probe agency for a date after March 12 for questioning on the excise policy matter.

His response had come after the ED issued summons to him for the eighth time on February 27 and asked him to appear before it on March 4.

ACMM Malhotra had taken cognisance of the first complaint on February 7. The judge had then said, ".. summons are being issued to him to appear on February 17."

The ED, on January 31, issued summons to CM Kejriwal for the fifth time, and he was told to appear before it on February 2. The financial probe agency's complaint alleged that the CM intentionally did not want to obey the summons and kept on giving "lame excuses".

"If a high-ranking public functionary like him disobeyed the law, it would set a wrong example for the common man," the agency had said.

The ED had issued summons for the fourth time to CM Kejriwal on January 13, asking him to appear before it on January 18. On February 2, the AAP said that CM Kejriwal would not appear before the ED for questioning, and also targeted the Central government.

"Delhi CM and AAP National Convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, will not appear before ED today either. The party calls the summons 'unlawful'. We will comply with lawful summons," the AAP had said.
From doing scenes from Wake Up Sid to dancing to Bahara, when Kriti did it all for SOTY audition. Image Source: IANS News

Mumbai, March 14 : Actress Kriti Sanon, who is gearing up for the release of her upcoming movie 'Crew', has shared that she once auditioned for the Karan Johar directorial 'Student of the Year', which was released in 2012.

Mumbai, March 14 (IANS) Actress Kriti Sanon, who is gearing up for the release of her upcoming movie aCrewa, has shared that she once auditioned for the Karan Johar directorial aStudent of the Yeara, which was released in 2012.

Kriti said she was asked to do scenes from the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer aWake Up Sida, and was also asked to dance to the song aBaharaa.

The actress made the revelation during the sixth season of aNo Filter Nehaa.

Giving the audience a peek into her struggling days, Kriti opened up about her 'bad' audition.

She said, aI think my first audition probably was for 'Student of the Year'. I recently told this to Karan, who threatened me that he is going to release the clip, and I was like please donat take the clip out now, 'ab toh bilkul bhi nahi'."

aIt was my first audition. I remember they made us do some scenes from aWake up Sida and dance to aBahara Baharaa. I was terrible at it. I don't think I even knew what I was doing," she added.

aNo Filter Nehaa Season 6 is available on JioTV and JioTV+.
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and State Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu ahead of presentation of the State Budget 2024-25. Image Source: IANS News

Chennai, March 14 : The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday filed defamation complaints against AIADMK General Secretary, Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) and BJP state President, K Annamalai.

The government has accused them of making derogatory statements defaming the state government and linking Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, MK Stalin, with the recent drug haul in New Delhi which had connections in the state.

The complaints were filed before the principal sessions court by the City Public Prosecutor, G Devarajan, on behalf of the state government.

The complainant sought to punish the AIADMK leader EPS and K Annamalai under Sections 499 (Defamation) and 500 (Punishment for Defamation).

The complainant urged the court to take cognisance of these complaints and proceed against them.

In the complaint it was said that EPS had addressed a press conference on March 8, which was broadcast on YouTube, wherein he had made defamatory statements intending to harm the reputation of CM Stalin.

The AIADMK leader, according to the complainant had alleged that the CM was involved in the distribution of contraband Pseudoephedrine, by aiding drug peddlers.

Another complaint said that, K Annamalai circulated a video of his speech on social media platform X on February 29 and made defamatory statements intending to harm the reputation of CM Stalin with the malicious intent of obtaining unjust political advantage.

City Public Prosecutor, Devarajan submitted that the above-mentioned defamatory speeches were not only devoid of truth but had been deliberately crafted to undermine public interest and tarnish the image of CM Stalin.

a"IANS

aal/rad
New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal with Delhi Minister Atishi during the inauguration of the 3-lane flyover on Moti Nagar Ring Road. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, March 14 : Following a protest by Hindu migrants from Afghanistan and Pakistan in front of his residence on Thursday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP of supporting the agitators.

"Today, some Pakistanis protested and caused chaos outside my house. Delhi Police provided them full respect and protection. The BJP fully supported them," said Kejriwal in a tweet.

"They (protestors) have the audacity to demand an apology from the Chief Minister elected by the overwhelming majority of Delhi's people by intruding into our country? And BJP is supporting them? BJP, while hating me, is standing with Pakistanis, starting to betray India? After the CAA, these Pakistanis will spread throughout the country and harass our own people in this manner. BJP wants to make them their vote bank," he further said in the tweet on X.

"Permission for Pakistanis to protest outside my house with full police security and respect, but not permission for the farmers of this country to come to Delhi? Tear gas shells, batons, sticks, and bullets on Indian farmers? And such respect for Pakistanis?," Kejriwal said in another tweet.

On Thursday, carrying placards and raising slogans against Kejriwal, scores of migrant protestors gathered outside the CM's house in the morning and demanded an apology. They said that his (Kejriwal) statement is wrong and against the Hindu community.

Their protest on Thursday came over Kejriwal's statements on the recently notified Citizen Amendment Act (CAA).

"We are Hindu, we have now rights to live in Bharat. We have been living here for longtime. We have come here because we were treated badly in Pakistan and the way Kejriwal is terming us as thieves, and accusing us of many other things, that is not acceptable. We demand an apology," said Kamal, who arrived in India in 2013.

Since Thursday morning, the police had barricaded the area near the CM's house as the protestors did not have permission to protest.

On Wednesday, Kejriwal held a press conference and opposed the law. He said that the BJP has implemented the CAA to draw benefits from it in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Kejriwal expressed concern that millions of people will come from neighbouring countries, leading to chaos in the system here.

Union Minister Anurag Thakur had accused Kejriwal of lying. Other BJP leaders have also opposed the Chief Minister's statement.

With the announcement of protests by Hindu and Sikh refugees on Thursday, there is a possibility of intensifying politics and discussions around the CAA.
Left Front releases first list of candidates in Bengal, still hopeful of tie-up with Congress. Image Source: IANS News

Kolkata, March 14 : The CPI-M-led Left Front in West Bengal on Thursday released the first list of its candidates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Left Front Chairman Biman Bose, announcing the names of candidates for 16 out of the state's 42 Lok Sabha constituencies, said that he is still hopeful that the talks with Congress on a seat-sharing arrangement will fructify.

"This is just a seat-sharing arrangement and not an alliance. There had been bilateral talks on the matter. However, nothing can be said for the final unless and until the talks take shape," he said.

Of the 16 candidates announced on Thursday, 13 are from the CPI-M, and the other three are from the CPI, the Revolutionary Socialist Party, and the All India Forward Bloc. As many as 14 of them are new faces.

In the case of the CPI-M, the focus had been more on fielding young faces from the partyas studentsa and youth wings.

Saira Shah Halim, the niece of iconic Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah, has been fielded as the CPI-M candidate from Kolkata South constituency. While the Trinamool Congress has re-nominated its sitting MP Mala Roy, the BJP has yet to name its candidate.

The surprising nomination was that of the CPI-M Central Committee member Sujan Chakraborty. However, he was fielded from Dum Dum constituency in North 24 Parganas, instead of Jadavpur constituency in South 24 Parganas, where he was an MP for a single term from 2004 to 2009.

While the Trinamool has re-nominated its sitting MP Saugata Roy, the BJP candidate is awaited.

The CPI-M candidate from Jadavpur now is Srijan Bhattacharya, the immediate past President of the party's student wing SFI.

Dipsita Dhar, a popular face of the studentsa movement in the Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, has been fielded from Sreerampore constituency in Hooghly district.

Two Calcutta High Court advocates, who had been in the limelight recently because of their arguments in favour of deprived candidates in the multi-crore school job case, namely Sabyasachi Chattopadhyay and Sayan Bandopadhyay, have been nominated from Howrah and Tamluk constituencies, respectively.

Both are new faces.
New Delhi, March 14 : India and Singapore on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the sphere of Law & Dispute Resolution, according to an official statement.

The MoU was signed in a virtual meeting of the Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal and Singapore's Second Minister for Law, Edwin Tong.

The MoU provides for further cooperation between the two countries in the areas of common interest, such as international commercial dispute resolution; matters relating to the promotion of robust alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in the respective countries and establishment of a Joint Consultative Committee to oversee the implementation of the MoU, according to the Law Ministry statement.

Arjun Ram Meghwal said: "The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding signifies our collective commitment to deepening collaboration in the field of law and dispute resolution, with a focus on sharing best practices, exchanging expertise, and facilitating capacity building initiatives for the stakeholder.

"Through this partnership, we are aiming to harness synergies between our legal regimes, leverage our respective strengths and explore innovative approaches to address the evolving needs of our citizens and businesses," he added.

Meanwhile, Edwin Tong said: "Singapore enjoys excellent, broad-based and multifaceted relations with India. Given our strong economic and commercial ties, it is imperative for us to continually deepen our cooperation in the legal and dispute resolution fields. This will enable us to better support our businesses and those doing business with Singapore and India. We look forward to exchanging our experiences and strengthening our relationships with the Indian Ministry of Law and Justice, as well as with the various legal and dispute resolution industry players in India."
Continuing my year-long celebration of 30 years on-air at the mighty 93.1 with a look at 30 of the most significant albums in my musical evolution. Today two albums which introduced me to my deep and abiding love of double-reeded instruments. Of course Western music has double-reeded instruments, most well known are most commonly orchestral instruments--oboe, bassoon, English horn etc. There are a number of more obscure double-reeded instruments in archaic folk European traditions, and of course there are the Highland bagpipes of Scotland. The orchestral instruments I knew and loved as part of the larger orchestra, I was unfamiliar with the more obscure folk instruments, and sure I love the bagpipes, but they are definitely niche. At CKCU there is a small studio adjacent to the on-air studio--guests and live music are sometimes in that studio. Back in the mid-90s it was also set up with a CD player and turntable and headphones, where volunteers could listen to the huge library at CKCU. As a Carleton student, I would spend hours listening to music from that library, and that is where I first listened to the Master Musicians of Jajouka's famous 1992 album "Apocalypse Across the Sky" on Bill Laswell's label "Axiom". The back of the album had the group sitting down at the entrance of a cave, with half the group playing drums and half playing the double-reeded ghaitas. The group has three different styles, either the ghaitas, or the lira flute, or singing and the stringed gimbris, all with the dense, powerful drums. There is also a women's group with women singing with drums. But the album opens up with the ghaitas, and what a revelation it was! These piercing, incessant, wailing instruments reach deep into your core and grab your spirit and bring you wherever they go. Musicians use a circular breathing technique which allows them to play the instrument continuously, forever it seems! Their endurance can be incredible. It is no accident that the ghaitas form the foundation of the most intense and powerful Sufi music in Morocco. They open the door to the divine and take you there! Just a few years after I first heard this album, I would make the first of two trips to Morocco, where I heard so much music, including the ghaitas. The ghaitas were like the pied piper to me, I would follow processions through the winding Medinas of Fes late at night helpless before them! I also got a chance to see the Master Musicians of Jajouka here in Ottawa at the Bluesfest, when it used to be much more adventurous. The other double-reeded album was another surprise for me. In the mid-90s I was already listening to Indian classical music and familiar with many instruments, listening to Ravi Shankar and Shivkumar Sharma and others. I would go to Vaishali's Super Store on Wylie Ave., an Indian grocery store just off Carling (it's still there, across from the Cineplex). Back then, they had hundreds of inexpensive Indian cds in no discernable order, and I would scoop up many of them. One album just had a headshot of an handsome Indian man wearing a Karakul hat, Ustad Bismillah Khan & Party "Shehnai Recital". I did not know what the shenai was (no smartphones back then!). There were no liner notes or pictures or descriptions of a shehnai. I took it home and started listening to it. The drones start with this double-reeded instrument, then the solo shehnai comes in with a long, sustained note. Such a beautiful, rich sound, I was mesmerized! The tabla join and this raga unfolds with interplay between the solo shehnai of Bismillah Khan and the accompanying shehnais of his party. The shehnai instantly became my favourite Hindustani instrument and I picked up every album of his I could. Bismillah Khan was the first to introduce the folk instrument shehnai into classical music, and he lived a long life (1916-2006), but I never had the chance to see him perform, and the shehnai remains an uncommon instrument in classical music. I have yet to hear one live in concert. But I listen to the shehnai all the time, and this first album I heard remains one of my favourites. These two albums are very significant. In the following decades I always sought out double-reeded instruments, from China, Vietnam, Egypt, Iran, Armenia, Spain, Italy, wherever I can find them. Let them pierce your heart too! The 30 for 30 albums we've heard so far (in order of appearance): 1. Lustmord "The Monstrous Soul" Side Effects 2. Ludwig Van Beethoven/Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert Von Karajan et al. "Symphony No. 9" Deutsche Grammophon 3. Doudou N'Diaye Rose "Djabote" Realworld 4. Julius Eastman/Lutoslawski Piano Duo with Joanna Duda, Mischa Kozlowski "Unchained" Dux 5. The Master Musicians of Jajouka featuring Bachir Attar "Apocalypse Across The Sky" Axiom 6. Ustad Bismillah Khan & Party "Shehnai Recital" EMI India

Gabahay

Master Musicians of Jajouka - Apocalypse Across the Sky - Axiom A Habibi Ouajee T'Allel Allaiay

Master Musicians of Jajouka - Apocalypse Across the Sky - Axiom El Medahey

Master Musicians of Jajouka - Apocalypse Across the Sky - Axiom Bujoudia 'Bujloudia Dancing with Aisha Qandisha'

Master Musicians of Jajouka - Apocalypse Across the Sky - Axiom Rag Alhaiya Bilawal

Ustad Bismillah Khan & Party - Shehnai Recital - EMI India On Horseback

Master Musicians of Jajouka - Apocalypse Across the Sky - Axiom Kadjri Dhun

Ustad Bismillah Khan & Party - Shehnai Recital - EMI India Waltz in A flat Op. 69 No. 1

Frederic Chopin/Geza Anda - Great Pianists of the 20th Century vol. 1 - Philips Waltz in c sharp minor Op. 64 No. 2

Frederic Chopin/Geza Anda - Great Pianists of the 20th Century vol. 1 - Philips Ballade no. 4 in f minor Op. 52

Frederic Chopin/Sviatoslav Richter - Chopin - Suite Historic Recordings Polonaise-Fantaisie in A flat Op. 61

Frederic Chopin/Sviatoslav Richter - Chopin - Suite Historic Recordings Rag Jog

Utsav Lal - Raga Jog - Raga Shorts - Utsav Lal - Raga Jog - Raga Shorts -
New Delhi, March 14 : The notification of the appointment of two Election Commissioners - Gyanesh Kumar, and Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu - was issued by the Central government on Thursday evening.

New Delhi, March 14 (IANS) The notification of the appointment of two Election Commissioners - Gyanesh Kumar, and Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu - was issued by the Central government on Thursday evening.

"In exercise of powers conferred by Section 4 of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 (Act No. 49 of 2023), the President is pleased to appoint Gyanesh Kumar, IAS (retd), and Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, IAS (retd) as Election Commissioners in the Election Commission of India, with effect from the date they assume charge of their office," it said.

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led three-member committee on Thursday picked the former bureaucrats for the poll panel.

The decision comes days after the resignation of Election Commissioner Arun Goel ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The other Election Commissioner Anup Chandra Pandey retired last month.

The selection panel, which zeroed in on Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar, includes the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition or the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha, and a designated Union Cabinet minister.

Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury is on the three-member panel in his capacity as the leader of the largest opposition party. Besides PM Modi and him, Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the meeting.

The Congress leader, however, hit out at the Centre over the law that replaced the Chief Justice of India with a Union Minister on the selection committee.

He also said he was given 212 names for scrutiny last night. "I reached Delhi last night and the meeting was today at noon. I was given 212 names, how can someone examine so many candidates in a day? Then, I was given six shortlisted names before the meeting. The majority is with them, so they chose the candidates they wanted," he said.
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 14 : The Basirhat sub-divisional court in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district on Thursday extended the CBI custody of Sheikh Shahjahan, the accused mastermind behind the attack on ED and CAPF teams on January 5, by another eight days.

The CBI counsel on Thursday also moved a plea seeking the custody of seven other individuals, who were earlier arrested by the district police in connection with the same case. The judge of the sub-divisional court approved the plea and remanded the seven persons to five-day CBI custody.

Opposing the bail plea moved by Shahjahanas counsel, the CBI counsel argued that if granted bail, the accused can influence the investigation, which will hurt the case.

However, the counsel for the accused argued that the CBI cannot seek an extension of Shahjahan's custody since he has already spent over 14 days in custody, first under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the state police, and subsequently under the CBI.

After hearing the arguments, the judge of the district court extended Sahjahan's custody by eight days, instead of the 14 days sought by the CBI.
Bengaluru, March 14 : A 68-year-old man battling Parkinson's along with life-threatening co-morbidities has been successfully treated by doctors here.

Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, in a statement on Thursday said that for the first time in India, the NeuroSmart Portable MER system -- an advancement of the Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) therapy -- was used to treat a Parkinson's patient.

"The technology represents a significant leap in Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) therapy and has advanced target localisation capabilities, automatic navigation, and connectivity tools for offering unparalleled precision in brain analysis," they noted.

The system lets doctors see how the patient is responding to the treatment in real-time, which makes the surgery more accurate.

The patient, Prakash, had been battling Parkinsonas for about six months.

The neurodegenerative disorder caused stiffness in his arms and legs, making it hard for him to move around and do everyday things. He also partially lost his voice, and sometimes his head and neck would move involuntarily.

Besides, Prakash also had other health issues like high blood pressure and diabetes, and he had undergone surgeries on his heart, spine, and a hernia in the past. The new NeuroSmart Portable MER system helped him to a remarkable recovery.

"The patient is doing well. His tremors have stopped, and his movements have improved. He is now able to do all his activities independently. His medication has also been reduced," Dr. Raghuram G, Additional Director-Neurosurgery, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, told IANS.

He was discharged just five days post-surgery, the doctor said.

"During the procedure, which is known as Microelectrode Recording (MER), we engage the patient in active motor and speech tasks while he or she remains awake. This interactive approach enhances neurophysiological mapping of the target area, ensuring precise localisation for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) electrode placement," said Dr. Raghuram, in the hospital statement.

"By integrating functional mapping with MER, we meticulously identify the optimal region within the target nucleus. Utilising the advanced AI capabilities of NeuroSmart, we meticulously analyse neuronal recordings in real time. This sophisticated analysis allows us to discern the precise area for electrode placement, ensuring optimal therapeutic efficacy and minimising potential side effects for our patients," he added.
Jaipur, March 14 : An intelligence team of the Rajasthan Police on Thursday arrested a person named Anand Raj Singh for allegedly collecting defence information of strategic importance and sharing it with three female handlers in the Pakistan intelligence setup via social media.

The accused civilian ran a uniform store outside the Suratgarh Army Cantt, officials said.

Additional Director General of Police Intelligence Sanjay Agarwal said that the espionage activities carried out by Pakistani intelligence agencies are being continuously monitored by Rajasthan Intelligence. From the reliable intelligence collected, it was found that a young man named Anand Raj, who runs a uniform store outside Suratgarh Army Cantt, was in constant touch with three female handlers of the Pakistani intelligence setup through social media.

Agarwal said that Anand Raj was in contact with military personnel through his uniform store near the Army complex. When the activities of Anand Raj were closely monitored by the Intelligence Jaipur team, it was found that he was collecting information of strategic importance and sending it to the three female handlers.

In fact, Anand Raj had left the uniform store for some time and was working in a factory in Behror. Even during this time, he was in constant touch with the female handlers of the Pakistani intelligence agency and was getting important and confidential information of the Army from his sources which he shared with the female Pakistani agents. He also demanded money in return for sending confidential information.

Pakistani intelligence keeps trying to obtain confidential information about the Indian army by targeting military personnel as well as civilians working around the complex. For this, social media accounts operated on Indian mobile numbers are used by female handlers who honey-trap military personnel and persons having information about the army.

Additonal Director General Agarwal said that when the activities of Anand Raj aroused suspicion, technical intelligence was obtained through joint interrogation by all the security agencies. Based on the evidence found after the interrogation and technical analysis of the mobile phone used by him, a case was registered against Raj under the Secrets Act at the Special Police Station, Jaipur and he was arrested.
Kolkata, March 14 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was hospitalised on Thursday evening after she reportedly slipped at her home in South Kolkata and injured her forehead, the Trinamool Congress said.

As per the information shared by the party, the Chief Minister tripped while taking a walk at her residence in Kalighat on Thursday evening.

The Trinamool confirmed the news on its official X handle, saying: "Our chairperson @MamataOfficial sustained a major injury. Please keep her in your prayers."

The social media cell of the Trinamool also released a photograph in which the Chief Minister could be seen bleeding from her forehead.

As per sources, CM Banerjee has been admitted to the state-run S.S.K.M. Medical College & Hospital where a team of doctors is examining her. The wound, some party insiders claimed, is quite deep.

Banerjee was admitted to the hospital by her nephew and Trinamool General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, the sources said.

Further details are awaited.
India, Brazil hold first '2+2' political and military dialogue in New Delhi. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, March 14 : The first-ever 2+2 political and military dialogue was held between India, and one of its key BRICS partners, Brazil, in New Delhi on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations.

The discussions focused on defence, space, energy, critical minerals, tech, counter-terrorism, and regional, multilateral, and other issues of mutual interest, a post on X by the Ministry of External Affairs said.

"Energising India-Brazil strategic partnership! First ever (2+2) India-Brazil Political and Military Dialogue held in New Delhi today," the Ministry of External Affairs said in the post.

The discussions were co-chaired by Additional Secretary G.V. Srinivas and Joint Secretary Vishwesh Negi from India and Marcelo Camara, Director at the Brazilian Foreign Ministry, and Rear Admiral Fernando de Luca Marques de Oliviera from Brazil.

At a trade session in Kolkata last month, Brazilian Ambassador to India, Kenneth Haczynski Da Nobrega, said that its partnership with India will focus on defence, agriculture, and energy sectors.

The dialogue comes after Brazil's Embraer Defense & Security and Mahindra group signed an MoU to jointly fulfil the acquisition of the C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft by the Indian Air Force in its upcoming Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) procurement project.

The MoU was signed on February 9 at the Embassy of Brazil in New Delhi, according to a release by Embraer.

As part of the MoU, they will engage with the Indian Air Force to identify the next steps of the MTA programme. In addition, they will also contact the local aerospace industry in India to start developing the industrialisation plan for the project, according to the release.
Jaipur, March 14 : The Rajasthan government on Thursday announced the reduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel by 2 per cent.

The Bhajan Lal Sharma-led government has also hiked the Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees by 4 per cent.

The decisions were taken during the second meeting of the Cabinet led by Chief Minister Sharma on Thursday.

"Till now, the rates of petrol and diesel varied in the different districts of Rajasthan. The government has now removed this discrepancy, ensuring that the same rates are applied in all the districts of the state," CM Sharma said.

He also said that the reduced prices will come into effect from 6 a.m. on Friday. The move will put an additional burden of Rs 1,500 crore on the state exchequer.

To recall, on March 10 and 11, petrol dealers in the state went on strike demanding a reduction in VAT.

Meanwhile, the Rajasthan government has also hiked the Dearness Allowance (DA) for all state government employees by 4 per cent, from 46 per cent to 50 per cent. This will put an additional burden of Rs 1,639 crore on the state exchequer.

The move followed after the Union Cabinet recently approved to release an additional instalment of Dearness Allowance to the Central government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to the pensioners from January 1, 2024, representing an increase of 4 percentage points over the existing rate of 46 per cent.
New Delhi, March 14 : President Droupadi Murmu will confer Bharat Ratna on five eminent personalities on March 30, including two former Prime Ministers and veteran BJP leader L.K. Advani, sources said on Thursday.

Among the five personalities to be awarded the Bharat Ratna, except for former Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani, four others -- ex-Prime Ministers Chaudhary Charan Singh and P.V. Narasimha Rao, eminent agricultural scientist M.S. Swaminathan, and former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur, would be awarded posthumously.

Confirming the development, a source said that they will be conferred with the Bharat Ratna on March 30.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had posted on X: "Delighted to share that our former Prime Minister, PV Narasimha Rao Garu, will be honoured with the Bharat Ratna. As a distinguished scholar and statesman, Narasimha Rao Garu served India extensively in various capacities.

"He is equally remembered for the work he did as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Union Minister, and as a Member of Parliament and Legislative Assembly for many years. His visionary leadership was instrumental in making India economically advanced and laying a solid foundation for the country's prosperity and growth.

While announcing the honour for Chaudhary Charan Singh, PM Modi wrote on X: "It is the good fortune of our government that former Prime Minister of the country, Chaudhary Charan Singh, is being honoured with Bharat Ratna. This honour is dedicated to his incomparable contributions to the country. He had dedicated his entire life to the rights of farmers and their welfare."

PM Modi had also announced Bharat Ratna for agricultural scientist M.S. Swaminathan.

"It is a matter of immense joy that the Government of India is conferring the Bharat Ratna on M.S. Swaminathan Ji, in recognition of his monumental contributions to our nation in agriculture and farmers' welfare. He played a pivotal role in helping India achieve self-reliance in agriculture during challenging times and made outstanding efforts towards modernising Indian agriculture," the Prime Minister said.
New Delhi, March 14 : The Delhi High Court has expressed discontent regarding the non-compliance of its previous year's order, which had issued detailed guidelines on drafting a settlement agreement in matrimonial disputes with special reference to clauses dealing with criminal cases.

An additional direction regarding the preparation of mediated settlement agreements was also issued by the court, whereby it was directed that such agreements be also prepared in Hindi, in addition to English in cases where parties do not comprehend the English and their spoken language/mother tongue is Hindi.

"The compliance of judgements passed by courts should not only be on paper but also in spirit," the court said.

The judgement dated May 16, 2023, was directed to be forwarded to the in-charge, Delhi High Court Mediation and Conciliation Centre (SAMADHAN), as well as the in-charges of all Mediation Centres in district courts of Delhi.

In response, the Organising Secretary of SAMADHAN had filed a report, wherein Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma noted that it has been stated: "The said judgement was circulated through WhatsApp groups of Samadhan to all the mediators on its panel for their reference and necessary action in terms thereof."

Justice Sharma said that the compliance report is "glaringly insufficient".

"The compliance of judgments passed by courts should not only be on paper but also in spirit, since the essence of an order passed by a court, especially in cases where directions are issued or guidelines are laid down, lies in its effective compliance which has to be done by the parties concerned," the judge said.

The judge expressed concern over the lack of effective implementation and communication of the directives, noting that this undermines the progress made in promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms.

"It is recognised that both the courts and the government have consistently championed initiatives to promote mediation and other Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, investing valuable resources in these endeavours," the court said.

It, however, showed discontent, saying that when judgments, such as the present one which aligns with defining the essence of a robust mediated settlement agreement, are not effectively communicated and their directives are not adhered to, it undermines the intent and resources dedicated to the advancement of mediation.

It criticised the casual approach towards the dissemination of the judgement, saying that mere circulation through "WhatsApp groups" of mediators does not constitute effective official communication and stressed the need for formal modes of communication, such as letters or emails, to ensure the comprehensive circulation of the judgement among all parties concerned.

"It is disheartening to note that there has been no official communication, about the directions passed by this Court, from Delhi High Court Mediation and Conciliation Centre to its mediators, except an informal circulation through the mode of 'WhatsApp' messenger," the court said.

The court said that the essence of the judgement lies in its practical implementation, stressing the importance of community service in the mediation process. It called for a concerted effort to ensure compliance with the judgement's directives, reflecting the passion and dedication of those who envisioned and established the mediation centres.

The matter has been listed for submission of compliance report on March 19, with the court reiterating the importance of publishing mediation agreements in both English and Hindi, as outlined in its previous verdict.

"... the directions passed by a court of law have to be taken seriously by the parties concerned, as it has repercussions on the society as a whole, and are passed for the larger public good of the community," the court said.
Kolkata, March 14 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who was admitted to a hospital here on Thursday evening after she reportedly slipped at her home in South Kolkata and injured her forehead, has been released from the hospital after her condition turned stable.

The Chief Minister was taken back to her home in Kalighat by her nephew and Trinamool Congress General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee from the state-run S.S.K.M. Medical College & Hospital on Sunday night.

Before leaving the hospital, Abhishek Banerjee told mediapersons that the condition of the Chief Minister is stable now, adding that the doctors put four stitches on her forehead.

Party insiders claimed that despite her condition being stable, the doctors had advised her to stay at the hospital for the night. However, the Chief Minister was keen to get discharged and return to her home, the sources said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, issued a message on X wishing the Chief Minister a speedy recovery.

"I pray for a quick recovery and the best health for Mamata Didi," the message read.

As per the information shared by the Trinamool, the Chief Minister had tripped while taking a walk at her residence on Thursday evening. The social media cell of the Trinamool had also released a photograph in which the Chief Minister could be seen bleeding from her forehead.
Columbus Community Hospital will host its annual Eggsperience drive-thru celebration from 3-6 p.m. Thursday, March 21, outside the hospitals main entrance at 4600 38th St. in Columbus.

The event is for children ages 2 to 7. Vehicles should use the south entrance off 38th Street to enter the hospital campus and drive to the main entrance, where the Easter Bunny will hand out treat bags for each child while supplies last.

Those attending the event can also check out CCHs Little Free Library near the Child Care Center, where they will find Easter books for children.

This will be the hospitals 13th annual Eggsperience Easter event for community members to enjoy.

For more information about the event, visit columbushosp.org.
New Delhi, March 14 : Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal on Thursday highlighted India's potential for providing global supply chain diversification opportunities, at the 14-nation Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) meeting.

He joined US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara and the ministers from the 11 other IPEF countries in their first ministerial meeting this year.

Addressing the virtual ministerial meeting, Minister Goyal called for an expeditious implementation of all the action-oriented collaborative elements under various IPEF Pillars. On the Pillar-II (Supply Chains Resilience) Agreement, which entered into force on 24 February 2024, he highlighted Indiaas global production capacities in many critical sectors, which provide supply diversification opportunities for IPEF partners.

During the virtual ministerial meeting on Pillars II-IV, IPEF partners welcomed the significant progress made since the substantial conclusion of the negotiations for the proposed IPEF Clean Economy Agreement (Pillar III), the IPEF Fair Economy Agreement (Pillar IV), and Agreement on IPEF in November 2023. The IPEF partners also discussed the ongoing cooperative work ahead across the three proposed agreements, according to an official statement released after the meeting.

Additionally, IPEF partners welcomed the coming into force of the IPEF Supply Chain Agreement with effect from 24 February 2024. The texts of the proposed Clean Economy Agreement, Fair Economy Agreement, and Agreement on IPEF were also made public.

Highlighting the 'Prime Minister Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojanaa as a project that not only furthers clean economy objectives but also generates large socio-economic multiplier effects, Minister Goyal invited investors from IPEF partners to invest and benefit from the trillion-dollar-plus opportunity that India provides in the clean economy domain.

The IPEF partners also discussed the next steps to deliver concrete outcomes under the Framework over the next several months. This includes several new lines of effort under the Clean Economy pillar, including the launching of four new Cooperative Work Programs (CWPs), announcing that the inaugural IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum will be held in Singapore on June 5-6, and providing more details on the IPEF Catalytic Capital Fund.

The IPEF partners further announced that the Ministers will next meet in person in Singapore on June 6 to discuss the Supply Chain Agreement, the Clean Economy Agreement, the Fair Economy Agreement, and the Agreement on IPEF.

IPEF was launched in May 2022, bringing together 14 regional partners a" Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam a" in a new model of economic cooperation.
Kolkata, March 14 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee might have been pushed from behind at her residence on Thursday evening, following which she fell and sustained injuries on her forehead, the Director of S.S.K.M. Medical College and Hospital, Manimoy Bandopadhyay, said on Thursday night.

Almost an hour after the Chief Minister was released from the hospital and taken back to her residence in Kalighat, Manimoy Bandopadhyay made this explosive statement while speaking to mediapersons.

"The Chief Minister was brought to the hospital at around 7.30 p.m. She fell down probably because of a push from behind. She received a deep injury on her forehead. There was profuse bleeding from that wound," the S.S.K.M. Director said.

He also said that the Chief Minister was treated by specialists from the neurosurgery, general medicine, and cardiology departments.

"A number of medical examinations like electrocardiogram and CT scan were conducted. The hospital authorities advised her to stay back. But she insisted on returning home," Manimoy Bandopadhyay said

The Chief Minister will be brought to the hospital again on Friday for further medical checkup. She has been kept under medical observation at her residence.

As per the information shared by the Trinamool earlier, the Chief Minister had tripped while taking a walk at her residence on Thursday evening. The social media cell of the Trinamool had also released a photograph in which the Chief Minister could be seen bleeding from her forehead.
Agartala, March 15 : Two Tripura teenagers, who were missing since March 7 and traced at a Mumbai railway station on March 12, have been brought back here on Thursday by a two-member Tripura Police team, an official said.

West Tripura district Superintendent of Police Kiran Kumar K said that the boys -- Omkar Chakraborty and Prithvi Devavarma a" immediately after their return here were handed over to their parents.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, had earlier instructed the police to locate and rescue the two boys -- both students of Class 8 of an English medium school in Agartala.

Director General of Police Amitabh Ranjan was closely monitoring the developments, the SP told the media on Thursday night.

A two-member Tripura Police team accompanied by the guardians of the two boys on Wednesday left for Mumbai to bring back two minor students who had earlier left home for the Maharashtra capital with dreams of "becoming someone before they return", the police said. The two teenagers had gone to their tuition classes on March 7, and they did not return home, prompting the guardians to inform the police.

Tripura Police, with the help of Mumbai Police, traced the minor boys to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai on Tuesday.
Tel Aviv, March 15 : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday met the families of hostages who are held captive in the Gaza Strip.

Liat Bell Sommer, the spokesperson of Hostages Families Forum Headquarters, said in a statement that the Prime Minister met with 20 families at his residence along with his wife Sara.

The families told the Prime Minister that these meetings with him and members of the War Cabinet are vital for them.

They emphasized that the timing is now critical for the release of the hostages, and the Prime Minister must not miss the current opportunity on the table.

According to the statement, the families urged Netanyahu that they must be seen as an integral part in defining the steps that will lead to an agreement for the immediate release of their family members.
APS Fellow Franco Pestilli describes scientific data as the new oila vital resource to be ethically safeguarded and shared across international borders.

The University of Texas at Austin professor, who studies brain networks and leads the development of a major U.S.-based data platform for neuroscience data, believes a global data infrastructure is critical to advancing psychological science.

Well-managed and governed data are fundamental to assuring that the scientific processes of research and discovery are trustworthy, Pestilli said. Because of this, data must be collected, preserved, and shared in a responsible manner.

Indeed, sharing data involves navigating a labyrinth of laws and ethical standards, particularly those that pertain to privacy for human subjects. And Pestilli is among a group of scientists developing international governance processes for brain and health research data. He is a principal investigator with the Brain Research International Data Governance & Exchange (BRIDGE) project, which aims to create a responsible and sustainable governance system for data sharing.

Collaborations are thriving, but regulations are not

Data governance is the set of processes that determine how data is managed. Today, most guidelines and best practices for data governance think local, not global. Pestilli said.

Laws and regulations about data focus on national and regional needs; no international data coordination has been fully implemented, he said. This is at odds with the ever-growing globalization of scientific research  collaborations are crossing national borders more and more, but data regulations are not. 

I think we are at a moment where were moving from excellent data sets collected in individual labs to a model where data sets will be collected and shared across not just labs, and not just institutions, but countries and nations, Pestilli said.

The BRIDGE project aims to create a responsible and sustainable governance system for data sharing.

Funded by the Wellcome Trust, the BRIDGE projects long-term goal is to form a global consortium that will develop, operate, update, and disseminate a robust brain and mental health international data governance framework (IDGF). BRIDGE is particularly committed to including scientists from low- and middle-income countries, said Kimberly Ray, BRIDGE project director.

Todays neuroscience research must be more FAIR [Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable] and inclusive, Ray said. Including data and scientists from around the world, particularly from lower-income countries, will help us to do this and will improve the reproducibility and generalizability of our research. But first we need to better understand the data governance landscape across these different countries to access and share data, Ray said.

Bringing in a variety of experts

BRIDGE is assembling a global coalition of experts in law, ethics, technology, and science to share knowledge and insights, with the aim of facilitating breakthroughs in brain health research. The groups ambassadors program brings in law, technology, ethics, and lived-experience experts from Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa to foster exchange of knowledge and expertise. The ambassador program will expand to include experts from Africa, South America, Europe, and North America. A key aspect of the ambassador program is the inclusion of individuals with lived experience of mental health conditions, whose insights will allow the data governance frameworks to transcend established perspectives and add valuable cultural competencies to the discussion.

The program held a regional workshop in December 2023 in Lagos, where participants began identifying current challenges and best practices for international data governance. A similar workshop is scheduled for June 2930 in Rio de Janeiro, to be followed by a global workshop September 2223 at UTAustin that will bring together experts from around the world to discuss current challenges and solutions for developing an international brain-data governance framework.

BRIDGE also aims to build a platform that scientists can use to identify the laws and regulations they must meet to share their data. Centralizing these regulations will take the burden off of individual researchers, who can instead devote more time to scientific output.

Say, for example, Im wanting to share my data with a collaborator in the EU [European Union], Ray said. Our goal is to build a toolkit that will identify what I need to do to the data, lay out all of the laws and ethical expectations I need to follow, and then provide a mechanism to facilitate the act of sharing the data.

Pestilli, a 2016 recipient of the APS Janet Taylor Spence Award, has been a pioneer in open science and data technology. He founded and directs brainlife.io, a free cloud-computing platform with a variety of computing resources that enable users to analyze and reuse complex neuroscience data, including neuroimaging data. The platform has drawn approximately 3,000 users from more than 400 institutions across the globe.

BRIDGE is another step in advancing open science and reproducibility, while upholding the myriad data-protection and privacy laws around the world, Pestilli said. In essence, it models scientific datas role as a critical international resource, he said.

Psychological science is becoming global, Pestilli said. We need to develop the research toolkit to enable that in a way that doesnt put anyone at risk and respects the diversity and complexity of human beings.

For more information about BRIDGE, visit bridge.incf.org

Feedback on this article? Email apsobserver@psychologicalscience.org or login to comment.
A group of childrens authors is rallying against the rising number of book bans and challenges nationwide, speaking out about the erasure of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ voices. Under the leadership of Samira Ahmed, Andrea Davis Pinkney, Gayle Forman, Alan Gratz, Joanna Ho, David Levithan, Sarah MacLean, Ellen Oh, Christina Soontornvat, and Magie Tokuda-Hall, Authors Against Book Bans has already made an impact in the ongoing battle for the freedom to read.

Levithan told PW that the coalition evolved organically from a shared sense of urgency. Over the past couple years, whenever I would talk to other authors, a number of us expressed extreme frustration and concern about what was going on. And it was always a conversation about what can we do? The side that was banning books was organizedboth on a national and state level. So it became really apparent that we, as authors, could be the spine to the body that was organizing to fight book bans. Discussions began in earnest at the end of 2023, and AABB launched this past January.

Levithan had previously been working with PEN America on its lawsuit in Escambia County, Fla., along with other advocacy groups, and thought, Now is the time for it all to come together. Its a single-issue group. Our name is not very subtle: we are authors against book bans. And we can do a lot of things because were so micro-focused. The ball got rolling quickly, he said. In terms of the leadership group, I basically contacted a lot of my friends or other authors whom Id had conversations with about this issue, including Maggie, and said, Lets all get together and solve this in a very organized fashion. 

For her part, Tokuda-Hall said, I came to this the way a lot of us do, by watching with horror as the news unfolds constantly and the number of book bans rises exponentially every year. She recalled the eye-opening moment when she knew she had to get involved. I visited Idaho in conjunction with the Idaho Library Association, and I gave a keynote there about the dangers of censorship and book banning. During that trip, I got a really intimate and terrifying view of what it looks like on the state level, where these conversations are being had and where this fight is happening.

She explained, In Idaho, in 2023, theyd had a bill on the state floor that had only failed by two votes to make librarians criminally liable for holding books that people found offensive on their shelves, with a cost of up to $25,000 per title. And that was really, for me, what became the catalyst, of like, Okay, I have to really dedicate some time in my space to fighting this individually.  She believes that authors are uniquely poised to be soldiers in this fight.

Boots on the Ground

Levithan described AABBs strategy of operating in concert with established organizations, such as PEN America and We Need Diverse Books. We want to support the people who are leading this fight and say basically, We are putting together the author army, how do you want to deploy us? Were following the lead of people on the grassroots whove done incredible work already. And I think those partnerships are key to what were doing.

Tokuda-Hall cited one such success story. Weve worked with the Texas Freedom to Read Project, and Christina Soontornvat has been so incredible in helping us figure out how we could partner with them. Three of our members recently went to a school board meeting and testified in favor of keeping challenged titles on the shelves." It worked: they helped keep five challenged books on the shelves. "We were really proud in that moment to have organized the way that we had, and it was exactly what we are hoping can happen.

On a regional level, Levithan said, AABB is in the process of forming chapters. While each state wont necessarily have its own chapter, every state will be covered. The goal is to partner with local organizations and to have an alert system so that, with whatever ask we have, we can notify them and get them going on it." So far, Levithan said, Weve been involved in school board meetings and in state legislation, both supporting the legislators who are sponsoring bills to fight book bans, or to try to prevent the book bans from happening, as well as protesting the legislators who are introducing bans.

Another aspect is boosting morale, he said. We feel that a large component of this is supporting the authors who are being challenged, and the teachers and librarians and parents and students who are on the frontlines defending our books. Weve gotten a huge amount of feedback, saying that when we just thank them and say, we see you, we appreciate what youre doing, that actually emboldens them to know that theyre not alone.

Levithan said AABBs efforts even extend beyond U.S. borders. We also have some international membership. There are people from Canada and the U.K. who signed up. Even though we may not have any real calls to action for them just yet, theyre still excited to be involved and want to be kept abreast of what were doing. Communication is integral to their approach. We really want to be a depository for information, Levithan said. We have monthly briefings and a monthly newsletter and ban alerts to let everybody know whats happening. We are trying to give everybody the tools to navigate this very strange place were in right now.

 This is our community, our livelihood, our life's purpose; we should all be fighting for this together. Maggie Tokuda-Hall 

'All for One, One for All'

Tokuda-Hall said they welcome all levels of participation in the volunteer effort. For some of our membership, signing up and signing a letter will be as much as they do, and for other people, they will get much more involved. The amount of work that everyone puts in is going to be highly variable, but we have noticed that people are really galvanized and excited. She noted, One thing that were adamant about is that this is not just an issue for authors who have been banned or who are frequently banned. This is an all for one, one for all issue, and we insist that all authors participate, regardless of their own history with censorship and banning. Because whether or not it feels like its coming for you right this very second, it is. This is our community, our livelihood, our lifes purpose; we should all be fighting for this together.

So far, she said, the group is 1,200 strong and counting, and constitutes a mix of veteran and emerging authors. We have a lot of kid lit authors, and were hoping for more adult authors, but weve gotten some really powerful ones on board already. Though the group calls itself Authors Against Book Bans, she emphasizes that our doors are open to anybody who works with and supports books. Levithan added, Were completely agnostic around anything like genre, age range, traditional or independent publishing. We just want people who care about this issue who have made books to come participate.

Offering words of solidarity for those working on the front lines for the freedom to read, Tokuda-Hall said, None of us is alone in this fight. There are so many of us who care so deeply. Whether or not youre an author whose books have been attacked a lot, and you are weary from this, or you are somebody who has just been watching with horror, theres a place for you in this fight. It is a matter of us just participating. Because weve seen that when we do participate, we have a lot of success stories. It doesnt mean well always win, but when we are present, we do so much better.

She concluded by naming concrete actions that can be taken in the face of discouragement and despair. So many things can feel hopeless and overwhelming and crushing about our world right now, and this is a place where you can make a really big difference. You could be a person who shows up at a school board meeting. You can be one of those people who writes a letter of thanks to a beleaguered educator who has been doing this work seemingly by themselves. None of us has to feel alone.

For more information on Authors Against Book Bans and to get involved, click here.
U.S. Congressman Mike Flood announced Tuesday he is taking applications for the summer internship program in his Washington, D.C., office.

Interns will have the opportunity to work alongside each team with the offices full-time congressional staff. The internship curriculum is meant to provide interns with an understanding of how a congressional office administers constituent services, communications, operations, legislative, and committee work. Interns are also encouraged to attend multiple congressional hearings, policy briefings, guest speakers, exhibits, and networking events on Capitol Hill.

The deadline to apply for the summer internship is March 22, 2024. Applicants will be notified if they are selected on March 29, and the internship will run from May 28 to Aug. 9.

Students and recent graduates with ties to Nebraskas first congressional district will receive first consideration. Applications for other seasons will be accepted on a rolling basis. Full details about the internship program can be found at flood.house.gov/services/internships.
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Ann Suk Wang is a graduate of UCLA and Boston University and a former journalist. Born in Korea, she lives in California with her family. Hanna Cha is the Caldecott Honor- and APALA-winning illustrator of The Truth About Dragons. She spent her childhood in both Korea and America and currently lives in Boston. In Wangs debut picture book, The House Before Falling into the Sea, a child and her family take in refugees during the Korean War. We asked Wang and Cha about how they came to collaborate on the book, and their deeply personal connections to the story.

Ann Suk Wang: Hi, Hanna. This is so exciting.

Hanna Cha: Hello, Ann. what a delight to get this one-on-one with you! I have so many questions to ask you, I hope you are ready!

I feel like every illustrator cant help but have this question, since it is always an honor to be considered for a text for a story. If you do not mind me asking, why or how did you choose me for your manuscript?

Wang: So the way I chose you is that our editor Rosie [Ahmed] pointed me to your website. Immediately, I loved your work! First off, I really wanted someone who could do watercolor well. The wild yet gentle nature of the medium seemed right for this story. Next, the facial expressions on your characters stood out to me. I like being pulled in this way. Finally, your epic flowing landscapes and movement throughout made me feel like my words would be elevated and amplified by your art. I just hoped and prayed youd say yes! Thank you for saying yes!

So why did you agree to this project? Tell me about your familys connection to this story.

Cha: Ann, your words are just so beautiful and poetic while having such strength behind them! It was easy to say yes. But also, when I read your manuscript, I loved how easy it was to imagine your story. My mind instantly drew an image of a small girl holding a Suseok [scholar stone] against the backdrop of the unforgiving waves of the beautiful sea. And with that image, everything else fell into place.

I only heard of the Korean War through my grandparents, but not having lived it I could never fully grasp that reality. But when I came across your story, I started to understand my grandparents history a little more. And after hearing some my grandmothers stories, I knew I needed to see this book through! At the start of working on this book, I only vaguely knew about my grandmas story of her being a refugee from the North. However, as I researched more about the war and took time to talk with my grandma, I was able to connect with and understand her in ways I never got to before. I know we didnt plan this at all: you (and at that time I myself) didnt know my history was tied to the refugee fleeing the North, but I am just grateful that this book represents our families intertwined history, which is two different sides of the same coin.

I was able to discover more of my history through your story, but what about you? How did the words for this book come to youand, if you also dont mind me asking, how long did it take you?

 What a gift to both our families and to the world to have a snapshot in history that's not mentioned too much.Ann Suk Wang 

Wang: This story came to me in bits and pieces through the years. My mom would make little comments, like, I played games, jumping with an elastic string with a lot of kids and sold sweet potatoes on the street with them, too, during the war.... Then maybe months later, something would remind her about the war and shed say something like, I was so scared when the sirens went off and we had to hide underground. One story she mentioned that I couldnt fit in was how American soldiers gave her candy. She loved that! These treasures were stored up in my mind, on loose napkins, and in my heart, not knowing if they would resurface, but hoping they would since they were worthwhile... but how? I finally started putting pen to paper, if you will, after my fathers funeral. A family came to pay their respects and my mom said, They lived with me during the war... For years, I imagined [my story] as a middle grade novel, but it felt forced. When I approached it as a picture book, it began to sing. I knew I had something!

So how long did it take me? Well, 10 years or 10 daysit depends how you look at it. Of course, there was a lot of writing, deleting, staring at the screen, thinking... Whats even more mind-blowing is how many times it was refined after it was purchased by Dial. Rosie and I worked on it for nearly six months, maybe longer. We went back and forth, analyzing every turn of phrase, word, punctuation mark, page turn... she loved it and wanted it to be glorious, maybe even more than me. There was a point where I got a bit sick of it! But Id put it away for a couple of weeks and then look at it again with fresh eyes. I knew it was an important story to tell, so I pressed on.

How long did the illustration process take for you?

Cha: Oh boy, with the final illustrations and planning, all together, I think it took about six to seven months. When I work, I tend to take the most time in my sketches and research phase. Especially for books that are based on history and real moments, I want to make sure to reflect that period as accurately as I can. I spent a lot of time looking up videos and photos of Korea during the 1950s, but I needed to sift through a good number because most videos focused on the army or the war front. But as much as it was painful to view that aspect of the war, it also allowed me to realize how strong everyone was to find joy in such a painful reality.

Once I was satisfied with my research, (I say this but I think I was constantly referencing and double checking, haha), I was able to paint. For this book, I decided to depart from my original method of illustrating in black-and-white ink and coloring digitally. I felt this book needed to be a bit more raw and honest, so I made a leap and went full watercolor. I was just back from visiting Busans and Jejus oceans in Korea. Despite the frigid winter cold and desolated sandy plains with a sprinkle of people, the green and blue waves were churning so magnificently. I wanted to capture that feeling. Illustrating nature and the sea was the easiest part for me. It also made me think how those strong waves probably were there as a constant for my grandmother and your family. I felt some sort of comfort through that.

Wang: Wow, thats fascinating! You certainly put your heart into this and it shows! What a gift to both our families and to the world to have a snapshot in history thats not mentioned too much.

Any final words before we wrap up?

Cha: I feel so lucky to be able to work on a book that allowed me to learn, research, and explore my roots as much as I did. I love that I got to work on a story that allows such personal exploration and pursuit. I cant say it enough, but it has been a great journey partnering with you on this. I hope that readers will be able to see this book as a reminder of peoples strength and a celebration of their ability to find joy in the darkest hours. What about you, Ann?

Wang: Yes, I feel so lucky to be partnering with you! And congratulations, by the way, on your recent Caldecott Honor for The Truth About Dragons. Absolutely stunning and well deserved!

I hope people from all walks of life can see themselves in the pages of The House. There are themes like learning to cope when life gets hard, relying on help outside yourself, loving your neighbors, being kind to all people, intergenerational storytelling, and so much more! Its ultimately a story about humanity, and we can always use more reminders of the similarities we share.

Thank you for taking this time, Hanna. I so enjoy talking with you. Lets do it again soon!

Cha: Thank you, Ann, for this delightful talk. Until next time!

The House Before Falling into the Sea by Ann Suk Wang, illus. by Hanna Cha. Dial, $18.99 Mar. 12 ISBN SBN 978-0-5935-3015-3
Vietnamese American author Vanessa Lea medical student at UC Irvinemakes her debut with YA fantasy duology opener The Last Bloodcarver. In the city-state of Theumas, 18-year-old Nhika peddles homeopathic remedies to upper-class clients. After a home visit goes awry, Nhika is outed as a bloodcarver, someone with the feared ability to manipulate biological processes with a single touch. When shes kidnapped and sold on the black market to a wealthy industrialist family, she fears shell be forced to using her powers for nefarious deeds. Instead, they ask her to heal the comatose witness to their patriarchs suspicious death. Reluctant to get involved in such high-stakes political drama but eager for the opportunity to use her gift to heal, Nhika steps into a world of glamour, intrigue, and hidden agendas. Le spoke with PW about her desire to write a story that was meaningful to her own identity, and how she combined her heritage and medical background to craft her debut.

How has your debut experience been so far?

I dont want to speak for all debut authors, because I know the experience can be very mixed, but my time so far has been absolutely perfectbetter than I could have possibly imagined. I think thats largely because of my agent [Ramona Pina at BookEnds Literary], who has been a real advocate for me, but also because of my editors [Emilia Sowersby and Emily Feinberg] and the entire Roaring Brook imprint. Theyve been so great about making the process as smooth as possible and keeping me updated with good news, bad news, and deadlines.

The reception for The Last Bloodcarver has also been so much better than I could have hoped. Its been a fantastic couple of years working on this book and its sequelno complaints, just a lot of excitement and high hopes. I feel like people in publishing always say, Hurry up and wait, and, so far, thats definitely been true. There have been moments where everythings just gone so fast. Getting an agent and landing a book dealeven writing the bookall happened within five months. After that, it was really slow. But then it was really fast again! Its been a whirlwind.

Youve described The Last Bloodcarver as having a little bit of silkpunk. Can you elaborate on that?

When I was first developing The Last Bloodcarver, I had been thinking about how I really like when worldbuilding acts as an extended metaphor in conversation with the story. In creating Nhikas medical magic, it got me thinking about the Industrial Revolution. Bloodcarving plays with the idea of building someone up with muscle and bone and tissue; it was analogous to building something out of mechanical parts. If you learn about the body, a lot of it is also physics. I think its insane that we are a feat of physics just as much as we are a feat of biology.

I was researching different genres of fantasy such as gaslight/gaslamp and Victorian era, but something that really struck me was silkpunk, which was originally coined by Ken Liu with The Grace of Kings. Contrasted with steampunk, silkpunk had almost necessary biological elements that I had never really considered before. You have these elements of natural construction where things that are created by humans mimic animal or natural biology. I was really drawn to that, because it provided a natural tie-in with human biology and created a canvas for the symbolism of Nhika working closely with anatomical structures. Theres a section of Theumas thats obsessed with mechanical engineering, which parallels Nhikas abilities, but that concept is a lot more accepted and even celebrated than her bloodcarving. I felt that if I set her within this family, who are the leading manufacturers of these mechanical structures, it would lay a lot of groundwork for growth in either direction about her learning what it meant to live in a society where nothing is built for her.

How did you draw from your Vietnamese heritage to create the world of The Last Bloodcarver?

I stopped writing for a long time in college. I only started again because I watched the trailer for Raya and the Last Dragon, which was based on Southeast Asian culture as a conglomerate, not specifically Vietnamese culture. I realized that while there have been a lot of Vietnam War stories, I had never seen Southeast Asian culture used to create a secondary world in fantasy before. I wanted to write something that gave me that same feeling as watching that trailer and seeing a part of my culture reflected in something so big and mainstream.

When I started, however, I was developing a world that went very deep into the mythos of Vietnam. But Im Vietnamese American, and with that comes a different experience of the culture. When the setting was something inspired by Vietnam, it felt disingenuous, because I have never even been to Vietnam. My parents dont want to go back to Vietnam. So, I was like, Why am I writing about Vietnam?

I grew up in a very white city [Portland, Ore.], and my experience with my heritage involves living with one foot in American culture and one foot in Vietnamese culture. I created Theumas as an analogy for the American Dream. You have this meritocratic city, basically promising everyone that if theyre smart enough, if they work hard enough, they can achieve anything. But when Nhika is experiencing this world, she discovers that thats not the case. Theres a lot of hidden agendas, biases, and prejudice that get in the way of what they tout as this meritocracy.

I wanted to write something as close to my own experience of being Vietnamese as possible. I wanted to convey something more meaningful to myself, but I also didnt want to speak over motherland Vietnamese voices. I didnt want to write their story; I wanted to write my own. Nhika is the daughter of immigrants, which is very close to my own experience, and she has this feeling that shes the last bloodcarver, regardless of if she actually is because in many ways, feeling separated from your own community, from those big markers of your own culture, feels a lot like being the last of something, even if its not true.

In what ways did your medical education inform how you developed Nhikas bloodcarving abilities?

I actually came up with the idea for The Last Bloodcarver when I was reading The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin, who writes so uniquely about geology and how it works within the books magic system. I was like, Wow, I need to write something like this. Except, I dont know anything about geologybut I do know about medicine. I was on the pre-med track at Brown University, and now Im in med school. So, in many ways, I feel like my medical journey has followed Nhikas medical journey: she starts being curious about medicine, and as she learns more about it, she also learns what it means to be a healer.

Nowadays, inspiration comes from everywhere. Ill be sitting in a classroom, and my classmates or professors will be talking about some disease, and Ill think, Im making that a plot point. It just ties in seamlessly. Its been fascinating, being able to combine medicine and writing, because I like to write about things that are personal to me. I think its very natural that my debut main character is a healer because I consider that to be a part of my identity.

Characters perceive Nhikas magic as being something sinister rather than healing. Why was it important for you to weave contemporary ideas of good and evil as it relates to medicine into Nhikas story?

What really inspired me was my own struggle getting into medical school. I applied when the pandemic broke out, and that delayed my application by two years. I consider myself someone whos come from a culture of healers: my parents are doctors and my grandma worked in a hospital as a laundress when she immigrated here. I feel a close affinity to the role of healer. So, not being able to stick to this timeline that I had set out for myself was a really tough thing to navigate. It felt like I was losing a core part of my identity. Thats where Nhikas struggle with being seen as a dangerous bloodcarver versus a healer, or a heartsooth, comes from; she knows in her bones that shes a heartsooth, but no one else in her world sees her that way. If somebody doesnt see you in the same way that you see yourself, are you even who you thought you were?

Thats something that she grapples with throughout her journey because it was something that I was also grappling with. Luckily, I made it into med school and Im still on track to my goal. Similarly, Nhika finds that no matter what anyone else thinks of her, being a heartsooth is an unshakable part of her identity. Its not something that anyone can take away from her through words or actions. I think thats something I had to learn in my own journey.

The Last Bloodcarver by Vanessa Le. Roaring Brook, $19.99 Mar. 19 ISBN 978-1-250-88152-6
Want to understand the forces impacting the global publishing industry in 2024 and beyond? Look no further than the London Book Fairs Seminar Program, set to run March 1214 at Olympia London. This years slate of events features industry leaders, experts, authors and A-listers and will explore hot topics including the rise of AI, the boom in digital audio, the influence of BookTok and social media, the translation market, copyright, threats to the freedom to read and publish, and geopolitical forces affecting the book world. What follows are highlights drawn from the third day of the conference program. For a full list, consult the London Book Fair website.

Thursday, March 14

Keynote Panel: SheEOs in Publishing, Women Pioneering the Pages

Main stage,10:2011 a.m. Trailblazing women in the industry will discuss leadership, innovation, and the future of publishing. Panelists include Judith Curr, president and publisher of the HarperOne Group; Ameena Sayid, founder and managing director, Lightstone Publishers; and Bodour Al Qasimi, chairwoman of the Sharjah Book Authority and founder of Kalimat Group. The panel will begin with an announcement of shortlist nominees for the PublisHer Award.

Author of the Day: Joseph Coelho

Main stage, 11:15 a.m.noon. Joseph Coelho, who was elected U.K. childrens laureate in 2022 and as a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2023, will appear in conversation with BBC journalist, actor, and documentary filmmaker Greg McKenzie. Coelhos books include the Luna Loves... series and the collections Overheard in a Tower Block and The Girl Who Became a Tree.

Writing Against Violence: Palestinian Literary Voices

English PEN Literary Salon, 11:15 a.m.12:15 p.m. Palestinian writers will consider the value of continuing to produce, share, and champion Palestinian culture and literature in the face of military bombardment. Participants include Elizabeth Briggs, Isabella Hammad, Hannah Khalil, and Rafeef Ziadah.

Creating a Culture of Reading for Pleasure

Main stage, 12:151:15 p.m. As the world turns ever more digital, its become increasingly important to champion reading as a source of pleasure for young people. But how best to do that? Panelists include Nicola Usborne, managing director, Usborne Publishing; Helen Freeman, director of Oxford Childrens at Oxford University Press; Cassie Chadderton, CEO, World Book Day; Jonathan Douglas, CEO, National Literacy Trust; Helenor Gilmour, director of insight and strategy, Beano Studios; and Kelechi Okafor, author and podcaster.

Diversity & Inclusion in Books: Have We Done Enough?

Main stage, 1:302:15 p.m. How far have the creative industries progressed in fostering diversity and inclusion, and what challenges must yet be addressed? Panelists include Michael Sheen, actor and philanthropist; Farrah Storr, head of writer partnerships, Substack; Tracey Markham, senior v-p, country manager, Audible; and authors Sunjeev Sahota and Katy Shaw.

Marketing Romance: BookToks Leading Genre

Tech Theatre, 1:302 p.m. Romance is BookToks leading genre. Panelists Georgia Henry, director, the Pitch Agency, and Genevieve Barratt, deputy head of marketing, Simon & Schuster, discuss how it happened and how publishers can make it work for them.

Authors and BookTok: Tips and Advice

Author HQ 1:452:30 p.m. This session will offer advice from content creators for authors wanting to make their mark on TikTok. Panelists include Joseph Hall, Amy May Andrawos, Anya Smith, and Zubs Malik.

A Trinity of Freedoms at Risk: Expression, Publishing, and Reading

Main stage, 2:303:45 p.m. Authors, publishers, booksellers, and librarians are all feeling the effects of the increasing number of threats to the freedom of expression, the freedom to publish, and the freedom to read. What are the stakes, and where to go from here? Panelists include Tanja Tuma, interim international secretary, PEN International; Nick Poole, former CEO, Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals; Aziz Isa Elkun, researcher, SOAS, University of London; and Laura McCormack, Booksellers Association U.K., with moderation by the Guardians Claire Armitstead.

Return to the full program highlights listing.
"I think it's been the most exciting London Book Fair at least since Covid, if not before that," Penguin Random House US CEO Nihar Malaviya said as he roamed the floor at the end of the first day of the 2024 London Book Fair. "The number of people here, the amount of energy here, is absolutely amazing."

Many of Malaviya's colleaguesboth at his company and in the industry at largeagree. An ebullient Dominique Raccah, CEO and publisher of Sourcebooks called the fair "probably the busiest show I've seen since Covid"not just in London, but out of all international fairs. Raccah said she is particularly excited to visiting the U.K. and Europe after If Only I Had Told Her by Laura Nowlin reached #1 on two continentsa feat, Raccah noted, that even the majors have trouble doing. "There's a ton of expansion opportunities for us," Raccah said. "International is vibrant. It's cooking."

Supporting the rumblings among fairgoers that the Americans have increased their presence here in Old Smoke this year, a number of veteran fairgoers have noted the presence of a number of new faces among the crowd. "There's new facesI'm not the only person who's been like, 'this is my second fair or my third fair,'" said Lisa Lucas, senior v-p and publisher of Pantheon and Schocken. "It's been good to watch this much interchange, this much investment, this much international collaboration."

This is the second London Book Fair that Margot Atwell, executive director and publisher of the Feminist Press, has been to since the pandemic, and she too said it feels like the fair is fuller, both in terms of attendance and energy. Supporting the new faces theory, she pointed to Feminist Press assistant editor Kameel Mir. "It's her first show, and getting to see it through her eyes has been so exciting," Atwell said. "I can't wait for her to start acquiring books."

Both Atwell and Lucas noted that the particular positivity being felt this year comes in part because "it's been a rough couple of years in a lot of different ways," as Lucas put it. "I think everyone is starting to feel pressure at homein different ways, based on what country they're in," Atwell added. "But I think that there's still a lot of enthusiasm around great voices and great books."

Books, with an "s" at the end, is the key this year. Despite the ever-present quest among attendees to find out what title might be crowned, however unofficially, "the book of the show," generally, people are saying that the chatter this year isn't limited to just one book. "The conversation, for me at least, has not been about 'the book,' it's been about the books," Lucas said. "That is actually the kind of conversation I'm always looking to have, and it feels better here than it does lots of places."

Still, there are contenders. An unnamed new book by Rebecca Traister, a number of fairgoers said, got publishers scrambling over rights. And a Japanese horror novel, Strange Pictures, has also attracted a good deal of interest.

"The rights center is jam-packed, our tables are packed, and even on Day Two, there's no seats at our stand. There's a lot of business being done," said Brian Murray, CEO of HarperCollins US. "It feels like it's back to pre-Covid levelsthe energy is really good, and there's a lot of optimism."

Ethan Nosowsky, editorial director of Graywolf Press, said that his job at the London Book Fair was to search for the "diamonds in the rough" among the many books on offer. He noted that the compressed time frame between the fairs in Frankfurt and London meant that people were scrambling to get their materials ready in timesomething echoed by numerous fairgoers. But like Murray, he said that "there's a level of excitement here that we haven't felt since before Covid," Nosowsky said.

On the audiobook side, Rachel Ghiazza, chief content officer at Audible, said that her company had been hearing so much enthusiasm on the ground this week about the massive growth in the audiobook category, adding that publishers are coming to us not only to talk about how to engage current book lovers, but also about how to reach new, non-traditional readers.

Fairgoers from the U.K. largely concurred with their American colleagues in acknowledging the fair was business, and buzziness, of the fair. "My schedule has filled up quicker than ever," said Caroline Michel, CEO of Peter Fraser and Dunlop. "There is a complete lack of fear, both physicallypeople are not in masksand commercially." And, she concluded: "The parties are back. And the dinners are back."

Jonathan Lloyd, President of Curtis Brown, echoed her sentiments. "There is an air of confidence this year and it is busy, we are having a lot of sensible meetings, and the key people are here," he said. "This is a must-attend fair now."

Away from the rights center, publishers were equally optimistic. Perminder Mann, CEO of Bonnier Books UK, said it was "busy, buzzy, with loads of energy," and that Bonnier "had seen a lot of deals coming before the fair, with big money spent."

"London, over the past 10 years, has become, if not as significant as Frankfurt, a rival kind of fair," said Jamie Byng, managing director of Canongate Books. "This year has been the best fair I've been at for years in London. Last year, you could feel it coming back, but this year, there's more American editors than I've ever seen herebut also just from around the world."

Novin Doostdar, cofounder of the triple Booker Prizewinning publisher Oneworld, stood in line for 20 minutes to get into a session one of his own authorsAvi Shlaim, author of Three Worlds: Memoirs of an Arab-Jewwas speaking at. "It is so busythe busiest since 2019," he said. Helen Kogan, managing director at Kogan Page, echoed the sentiment: "It's really buzzy and positive."

"There is a real confidence and energy," said Joel Rickett, managing director of Penguin Random House UK imprint Ebury, "and the people who would have only come once every two or three years are all here." In Rickett's market, nonfiction, picking books likely to succeed in the market was more important than ever, he said, "because the base has come down a bit. If it's just an average book with an average author, it's just going to disappear, but that wasn't the case ten years ago."

Frankfurt Book Fair President and CEO Juergen Boos was also in attendance, and, noting the vibrancy of LBF, confirmed that signs were also optimistic for this year's Frankfurt event, with LitAg bookings 12% up.

Meanwhile Nigel Newton, chief executive of Bloomsbury, put the optimism into broader context, saying: "The highlight of my exciting first day at LBF 2024 was, without doubt, paying tribute to the 70th birthday of Book Aid International." Its important work was underlined to him by a Ukrainian PEN representative, Olha Mukha, whose nine-year-old daughter used a book to distract and comfort her best friend in an air raid shelter during a Russian attack.

London Book Fair director Gareth Rapley said that the response to the fair's programming has been very positive, despite long lines to get into some of the most popular events. "The words I keep hearing are 'heaving' and 'buzzy,'"Rapley said, noting the that renewals for next year's fair, which will take place March 1113, are already very strong. "I think this whole week has demonstrated once again that we are the essential spring fair for the industry."
"Until very recently, I think it's fair to say, literary translation has kind of been in denial," said moderator Duncan Large, executive director of the British Centre for Literary Translation, in introducing the "AI and Literary Translation" panel at this year's London Book Fair on March 13. "Literary translators have long used computers for basic assistance, for example, in the form of online dictionaries, but they have also long been resistant to the idea that machine translation or even computer-assisted translation tools can have any significant role to play in literary translation."

That changed significantly, Large explained, in November 2022, when the process of artificial intelligencerelated automation, "and the anxieties associated with it," were accelerated further by the release of ChatGPT and, in subsequent months and years, other "so-called generative artificial intelligence programs."

A large range of feelings about AI exists, Large noted, from "intense public interest, and perhaps excitement over the opportunities presented by the systems," to the more defensive crouch taking by creative professionals, who "have been understandably more circumspect given the long-term threat to jobs and the short-term threats to IP that AI systems represent," he said. Still, whether these tools can actually adequately parse the subtleties of a text in its original language enough to provide an iterative translation beyond the most basic replacement of words and clauses is still very much at question.

That question has dogged technophiles and technophobes alike in the literary translation business since the advent of neural machine translation (NMT) in 2016, when, Large said, "serviceable, automated machine translation for literary texts could at least be envisaged." But as James Hadley, an assistant professor of literary translation at Trinity College Dublin, put it, NMT, "we were still very much limited in terms of style. If we wanted to just translate a sentence and end up with some kinds of outputs, that was not particularly difficult. But if we wanted to produce or reproduce someone's particular use of verbs, or use of nouns, it was very, very difficult for a neural machine."

Now, Hadley said, following the release of ChatGPT, "we've seen, every month really, another large language model system come out, and some of them are free." This is germane, he noted wryly, because "literary translators are also not known for being incredibly wealthy. When researching these tools, and how we could make them useful for translators, we have to start thinking immediately of the price point."

 We have to be careful not to use human language when we're talking about machines, and machine language when we're talking about humans. 

The speed of progress in this space, Hadley noted, is extraordinary, in part because of the "scale of training data that goes into training an LLM" compared with that of an NMT system, making the former much more flexible in capability. "When you ask Google Translate to translate something, you just give it the text'the cat sat on the mat,' or somethingand then it gives you the answer, HExplaining this, Hadley explained. "It's very much a 'what you put in, you get out' system." That's not the case with an LLM.

"You could say all sorts of interesting things like, 'translate this in the style of...' and then name your famous author," Hadley said. "And the machine can then, because it often has training data based on that famous author, interpret the text and then translate it in a way that reflects the styleand I don't mean an author in the source language, but an author in the target language. For example, if I'm translating into English, I could say, 'translate in the style of Terry Pratchett,' even though the source text wasn't quite like Terry Pratchett."

The possibilities are heady, if not downright headspinning. But in some cases, as Nicola Solomon, CEO of the U.K.'s Society of Authors (SA) made clear, they're also deeply concerning.

Offering some "sneak previews" of findings from the SA's recently conducted survey of nearly 800 illustrators, translators, and writers, Solomon said that "almost eight in 10 translatorsand, actually, also illustratorsbelieve that generative AI will negatively impact future income from their creative work, with the same concern expressed by only around six in 10 writers of fiction and nonfiction." Nearly nine out of every 10 respondents, she continued, believes that generative AI will replace jobs and opportunities in creative professions.

"Are they deluded, as other people are trying to say here, that this is anti-progress panic brought on by the Daily Mail?" she asked. "Well, no, because we asked about what's happening now: a quarter of illustrators and a third of translators say they've already lost work due to generative AI, and over four in 10 translators say income from their work has decreased in value."

Much of the issue, Solomon pointed out, is the widespread use in developing these tools by using copyrighted work. But Solomon also cautioned the audience to be careful, when referring to LLMs and the like, to how it employs what are the bedrock of the book business: words.

"These machines cannot be trained because they are machines. They copy things. And they copy things in order to develop the machines," she said. "We have to be careful not to use human language when we're talking about machines, and machine language when we're talking about humans."
The London Book Fair hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion titled "The Future of Audio in Publishing: Global Trends and the Impact of AI," which brought together industry experts to explore the current state and future prospects of the audiobook market. The panel was moderated by Videl Bar-Kar, v-p of audio at Bookwire GmbH, and featured speakers including Aurelie de Troyer, senior v-p and head of U.K. and European content at Audible; Owen Smith, v-p of product and technology for audiobooks at Spotify; Amanda D'Acierno, president and publisher at Penguin Random House Audio; Helena Gustafsson, chief content officer at Storytel; and Michele Cobb, executive director of the Audio Publishers Association. The popularity of the panel was belied by the extensive line of people waiting to get in, which was perhaps double the occupancy of the main stage room, which held 100 or so participants.

Videl Bar-Kar introduced the expert speakers and highlighted the importance of the conversation in shaping the future of the audiobook industry, quipping, "If we can't figure out here as a group where our audio is going, I don't think anyone else can."

Michele Cobb began by sharing impressive statistics about the U.S. audiobook market. "For the first time in 2023, our consumer survey showed that more than 50% of US adults have listened to an audiobook, she said. This is a huge increase in the past couple years and going along with that, what publishers care about is that we've had double-digit revenue growth and that's been for 11 years in a row."

PRHs Amanda D'Acierno discussed the potential for further growth. "53% means that 47% have never listened to an audiobook before," she said, so we have a long way to go and a lot of growth ahead of us." She highlighted the importance of high-quality productions and expanding into non-English languages, as well as exploring new formats like illustrated books and multimedia experiences. "We're really expanding into illustrative books and cookbooks and really creating newer experiences," she said, mentioning that PRH Audio had just published the audio for Dolly Parton's coffee-table book Behind the Seams, which "included interviews and music," making readers feel as if they "were in this intimate conversation with Dolly telling you about her career, through her fashionand then you can have the coffee-table book too.

All three of the first speakers emphasized the growing interest in foreign language audiobooks, particularly Spanish. "We know that the majority of those non-English language titles that are being produced by our publishers are in Spanish," Cobb said, "and we're starting to see that other languages are coming, you know, forward in, in all of this." D'Acierno confirmed this trend, stating that PRHs Spanish division, Grupo Editorial, is now returning to its back catalog to see where it has rights that have not been exploited in audio. Grupo, at this point, I think has thousands of books available in Spanish language that are global," she said. "We have several hundred books in the U.S catalog that are also published in Spanish and then distributed globally.

"I think it's fair to say right that the Spanish market has a long way to go," Bar-Kar added. "I think there are 20,000 titles, but when you think about population size, the number of Spanish speakers, which is like half a billion in the world, I think that's a complex market and one with a huge opportunity there.

D'Acierno further emphasized the growth potential in other languages such as French and Hindi. She also pointed out the evolving nature of the market. "We all remember when we used to do a British version audio and then an American English version," she said. "So I think, as the market expands and grows, some of those slight differences will change." She used Spanish as an example; while there are different accents, she said, it may be necessary for a publisher to commit to a single one.

Aurelie de Troyer emphasized Audible's focus on driving customer value while supporting creators. "What we really, really think about all the time is how do we continue to drive customer value with, at the same time, making sure that we're just creating an environment that is supporting the creators," she said. "Because the future of audiobooks, we believe, is in the creatorsthe books and the creators." She also discussed Audible's investments in original content, adapting novels, and reimagining audiobook delivery through multi-voice narration and soundscaping.

De Troyer later pointed PW to the release, next month, of George Orwell's 1984 with a multicast featuring Andrew Garfield, Cynthia Ervio, Tom Hardy, and Andrew Scott in Dolby 3D, and the release of Neil Gaiman's The Sandman. She also noted that the company recently collaborated with director Sam Mendes to create high-budget adaptations of such Charles Dickens classics as Oliver Twist and David Copperfield. She added that the company was expanding its catalog in countries where the audiobook category is still developing, such as Japan, Brazil, and Spain. Prior to launching in Brazil, Audible collaborated with more than 500 Brazilian narrators to produce over 1,500 audiobooks in Brazilian Portuguese

Helena Gustafsson shared insights about Storytel's presence in 28 non-English language markets and the benefits of the unlimited streaming model for encouraging consumption. She introduced their recently launched "Voice Switcher" feature, which allows users to choose between human narration and synthetic voices. "The voice switcher is not replacing the human narrator," she said. "But you also then have an addition to use to choose between three or four synthetic voices that we have developed...and I also think it's a great way to actually give the consumers the choice."

Owen Smith credited Spotify with nearly doubling Bookstat's growth in the market last year, saying that after Spotify introduced audiobook streaming last October, Bookstat's predicted 14% growth jumped to 28%. Were really happy with that, he said, explaining that Spotifys intention was to bring new listeners into the market and that statistical growth suggested the company had been successful in doing just that. Smith then drew parallels between the growth of the podcast industry and the potential for audiobooks: "I think there's like a rich suite of behaviors that we've learned from podcasts that we think can really apply to audiobooks too." Spotify's entry into the audiobook market aims to expand the audience by leveraging their algorithmic discovery tools and offering a bundled "Audiobooks in Premium" service, which offers some 200,000 titlesof which 150,000 have been listened to since launch. In April, Spotify is launching Countdown Pages for Audiobooks, a service that enables users to "pre-save" audiobooks prior to their release date, enabling authors and publishers to promote their upcoming titles ahead of launch.

Spotify's audiobook launch has not come without criticism. Earlier this month, the company courted controversy with its new terms for its Findaway Voices service for independent authors appeared to overstep. Though the company quickly offered a clarification, authors remain vigilant. On Wednesday, the Coalition of Concerned Creators (CCC), issued a statement saying they were disappointed with being unable to question Smith directly during the panel. "We continue to be underwhelmed by Spotifys transparency about their long-term ambitions for their product and this category as they continue to hide behind a guise of being creator-firstdespite concrete historical examples of the platform being the opposite for musicians," said the statement. The CCC has bought several billboards around Olympia London, where the fair is being held, that say "Don't let Spotify do to authors what it did to musicians."

The panel briefly discussed the role of AI in audiobook production and discovery, acknowledging both the concerns and potential benefits. They agreed on the need for transparency and clear labeling when using synthetic voices. "There needs to be real transparency and trust," said Bar-Kar. "Consumers need to decide, and we talked about it as well. I think there needs to be very clear labeling on behalf of what's going out there and presenting to consumers." When Bar-Kar asked if any of the panelists were looking at the possibility of adding advertising to audiobooks, all the panelists balked. But Gustafsson said that one opportunity for audiobooks was product placement. "We see our product as a premium product and we don't think ads have a place there," she said. "But me personally, I think using product placement in books. I'm amazed that that isn't been done more than it is. I think there's a lot of writers that actually can get some sponsorship...because they're already doing it, to be honest."

Overall, the panelists exuded optimism about the future growth of the audiobook industry, driven by catalog expansion, format innovation, improved discoverability, and the exploration of new markets and languages.
The struggle for food in Haiti is nothing new, but it is a very present need, said Kris Wagner and Lonnie Anderson with the Columbus Community Haiti Project. It's especially visible now with the rise of gang activity in recent weeks, they said.

"The U.S. has all the resources there are. I could turn on the TV tonight and see somewhere to donate food to hungry people. Haiti doesn't have that," said Lonnie Anderson, one of the local organizers.

That's why he, Kim Wagner and a couple hundred volunteers work with Mission of Hope every year, a nonprofit that delivers pre-packed meals to Haiti for children.

Across the country, a little over seven million meals are packed a year, with the Columbus group packing 80,000 of those last year alone. This year, it looks like they will send around the same amount.

Thankfully, Anderson said they get no shortage of volunteers willing to put in some work, but the fundraising efforts require a little more outreach and work to find. They have seen a few people sponsor a box of food in honor of or in memory of someone though, which helps their goal significantly.

"People sponsored a box in honor of a loved one that's gone, or our adult children, we sponsor a box for each of them for Christmas. When they open them, it's like 'This is what Christmas is about,'" Wagner said.

It costs around 35 cents per meal or $2 per packet of six meals, consisting of rice, protein and some vegetables. It's almost like a chicken and rice soup material when prepared, Anderson said. The packets are distributed to children in the area of the compound, especially to those in schools, because they need food to properly get an education.

"Here we are in countries where we pick and choose out of our cupboards and throw away stuff that might be rotten; they that same thing day in and day out and they're thrilled," Wagner said. "There's protein and veggies and carbs to sustain their brain so they can focus."

With the recent gang activity in Haiti, Wagner said there were some early threats from gangs coming in to take the food, but the people of Haiti wouldn't allow that.

"Haitians that have fallen in love with this and been served with this linked arm-in-arm and surrounded this 80-acre property and said, 'You won't come through us.' From that, the gangs said 'you know what, we respect you and will leave this alone' from that," Wagner said.

The group managed to raise around $28,000 for the efforts this year and has the 80,000 meals' worth of materials coming to 1C - The Sanctuary for the April 6 packing event. The event typically gathers many volunteers and this year they're shooting for 300. Outreach Pastor Randy Longacre said the effort is really a well-oiled machine.

"We're just one church across the country doing this. The system is so refined, they get this massive amount of boxes and people and materials and it just keeps coming and coming," Longacre said. "The time from this packing for two hours to when it gets to Haiti and winds up in a dish in front of a child, that just astounds me."

This year, they're adding a pre-registration system where volunteers can pick up nametags the day of if they pre-register. Volunteers range from toddlers to seniors, in many roles from packing meals, sealing bags and moving boxes, all the way down to moral support from the littler helpers.

"The children that come and pack, they draw and write notes to the Haiti children, draw a picture and write a little note of support to let them know they're thinking of and praying for them," Anderson said.

Longacre added that there is a mission of faith beside the objective of feeding hungry kids. While this isn't a church event, the church is happy to host the packing event and potentially spread their message.

"It's a connection we talk about on packing day. The Sanctuary is filled with people and we want them to know feeding someone meets their physical needs, but also what goes with this is a message of the gospel," Longacre said. "These people are hearing what Jesus has done with his life, death and resurrection. These kids are getting a meal and a message of salvation and it becomes remarkably significant in their lives."

The packing event starts at 10:30 a.m. on April 6 at 1C - The Sanctuary, but they ask that those helping arrive by 10 a.m. to make sure they have adequate time to get everyone set up and stationed. Those interested in pre-registering can contact 1C at 402-835-5511.
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Robyn Bernard, who was best known for playing Terry Brock on General Hospital in the 1980s, has died at the age of 64.

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California's Riverside Count Sheriff's Office said in a press release that Bernard's next of kin was notified after her body was found this week in an open field behind a business in San Jacinto.

The Riverside County Coroner's Office told TMZ an autopsy was to be conducted on the Texas native's remains Wednesday, but the cause of death won't be officially determined until toxicology tests are complete in a few weeks.

Bernard's other credits include Voices From High School, Diva, Simon & Simon, Whiz Kids, Tour of Duty and The Facts of Life.

She was also the older sister of Wings, It's a Living and Happy Days actress Crystal Bernard.
By Azernews

Fatime Letifova

As tensions between Armenia and Russia rise, new members are added to Yerevan's list of Western patrons. But to call it a true supporter or patron seems somewhat unrealistic. Armenia's behavior seems somewhat skeptical towards the Kremlin, as the issue is that Yerevan should be torn from the CSTO and completely riveted to the Western league.

For example, in today's hour-long briefing, Russian MFA spokeswoman Maria Zakharova made an interesting argument about Armenia's desire to leave the CSTO and the border issue, inspired by the West.

The Russian diplomat said that while the Armenian leadership took a harsh stance against Russia, in reality it did so unwillingly. In other words, Armenia actually believes that its borders are safer if they remain under the control of Russian troops.

However, this is not the case for Nikol Pashinyan, given the increasing influence of the West over Yerevan today.

Armenia's plan to leave the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and the Eurasian Economic Union and then to join the European Union prompts it to seek new allies.

It seems that since France, Armenia's biggest patron, is involved in fetching military assistant to Ukraine, Armenia decided to fill the gap turning to Britain. The British Deputy Defence Minister's declaration that they are ready to protect Yerevan from the Kremlin's "retaliatory response" was seen as a new shelter for this country.

However, we must not forget that the West's current aim is neither to protect Armenia from Russia nor to stand by Armenia even if official Paris dream waging another war in the Caucasus comes true. It is clear that the war between Ukraine and Russia for a long time was actually between the West and Russia. The main purpose of British support for Yerevan is not to express an aggression towards Azerbaijan like France but obviously to weaken Russia.

Because there have been strong relations between Britain and Azerbaijan since very long time. There is no doubt that the British government would not want to lose a strategic partner like Azerbaijan.

For example, in 2003-2019, Great Britain invested about 20 billion dollars in the economy of Azerbaijan.

According to the information of the State Statistics Committee on foreign investments in 2020, Great Britain ranked first among the ten countries that invested the most in Azerbaijan. More than a third of all foreign investments fell to Great Britain.

In 2021, the exports volume from Azerbaijan to Great Britain was 397 million dollars, and the imports was 271 million dollars.

In the same year, Great Britain was the 14th largest exporting country of Azerbaijan and the 9th largest importing one. The total volume of trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Britain was 667 million 870 thousand dollars, and Great Britain ranked 11th among the main trading partners of Azerbaijan.

Even after the 44-day Second Garabagh War, the British government supported Azerbaijan. Since 2020, Great Britain has provided approximately 1.5 million pounds sterling (1,920,022.5 dollars) to combat landmines in Azerbaijan, and in August last year, it allocated an additional 500,000 pounds (640,007.5 dollars).

The British government's support was not in only financial field. Last year, the House of Lords of the Great Britain Parliament discussed and showed a fair approach to thousands of Azerbaijani refugees who lost their home and lands after the First Garabagh war, lived in difficult conditions and wanted to return to their homes.

So many examples like this are worth expressing Britain's special support for Azerbaijan.

The fact that Armenia asked for help and then received a scrap of support is not due to the West's special interest in this country, but because it is a tool to create an obstacle for Russia in the region. But Armenia which is undoubtedly ruled by its Western partners, likes to hide the evidence and facts and exaggerate its tiny achievement.

Russia anticipates the upcoming danger from the Western coalition and says that unpleasant predictions for Yerevan are coming in the near future.

However, continuing Yerevans current course could ultimately cause irreparable damage to our allied relations, create serious risks for the sovereignty of the republic, completely destroy the existing effective mechanisms for ensuring the countrys security, and affect the prospects for its progressive socio-economic development, says Zakharova in her speech at the briefing.

This stubborn and narrow-minded political course of Yerevan is a threat not only to Russia, but also to the South Caucasus region. If Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan does not make a reasonable decision soon, it is likely that this issue will deepen and become the main issue on the agenda for the regional states.
Andorra Receives Technical Assistance From IMF on Bitcoin Transactions

Andorra received IMF guidance on recording and tracking Bitcoin transactions on March 13, following an official request for technical assistance from the European nation.

IMFs Charge to Andorra on Bitcoin Transactions



In September 2023, the IMF conducted a technical assistance (TA) visit to Andorra  a country bordering France and Spain.

The visit sought to improve the nations balance of payments data. The key parameter involved recording economic interactions between residents and non-residents.

Andorra is known for its tax haven and ski resorts. Regardless, the country is facing challenges on several fronts. One of the many issues is its inability to record and track crypto transactions.

To get ahead of the issue, the Andorran Financial Authority (AFA) directed banks to apply for authorization to track Bitcoin and other crypto transactions. The countrys financial watchdog informed the IMF that no banks had taken the step to obtain permission, however.

Meanwhile, the IMF delegation reportedly explained the latest crypto-assets guidelines and the possible evolution of the next generation of international standards.

In this light, the IMF has charged Andorra to track Bitcoin and other crypto transactions, suggesting that the AFA regulate crypto asset holdings and transactions until September 2024.

Andorra has tried to take steps towards crypto adoption in the past. But, this guidance from the IMF would enable the country to generate data that will be useful in compiling its macroeconomic statistics.

IMFs Advice to Andorra, PICs on Digital Assets



Many small countries are enthusiastic about joining the wave of mainstream digital assets by implementing Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). The IMF has particularly advised Pacific Island Countries (PICs) to delay such plans, however.

In its recent study, the IMF stated that many island countries are not ready to adopt this technology. The body also advised methodical approaches that are deliberate and gradual in implementation.

As in the case of Andorra, many small countries are still grappling with standard procedures related to digital assets and crypto transactions. Therefore, this would hamper the full-fledged adoption of digital assets if left unattended.

The February 2024 IMF report stated that specific currency demands could be shored up and assisted by digital currencies. This result holds for PICs, which are remote markets due to their size and population diversity.

Meanwhile, a user on X (formerly Twitter) alluded that the report stemmed from the IMFs conference on the island nation of Fiji in 2023.

Its great to see the fruits of last years IMF Conference in Fiji  The departmental paper, "Rise of Digital Money: Implications for Pacific Island Countries," delves into the fast-evolving landscape of digital money in a diverse region of extremes in size, remoteness and pic.twitter.com/z4c8qrHB4S  Jay Hunter Anson (@JHX_1138) February 27, 2024

The user recommended that well-designed digital assets can accelerate public policy goals in PICs.

Let's summarize. <<Digital money, if well designed and governed, has the potential to enhance pursuit of public policy objectives>> <<Ill-prepared adoption of digital money may bring multiple and acute risks for PICs. Ill-prepared introduction of digital money may result in  Fred Johnston (@JohnstonFredJ) March 4, 2024

A reply to the tweet suggested that Bitcoin can fix recommendations specifying that unbacked crypto assets shouldnt be officially supported.
ABC / Reality TV World

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 03/13/2024



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

star Joey Graziadei has explained when he fell in love with Kelsey Anderson and why he decided to tell her that was the case during Fantasy Suites.Joey has three remaining bachelorettes on 's 28th season: Kelsey, Daisy Kent , and Rachel Nance Joey had made a concerted effort not to get wrapped up in emotions and verbalize his feelings too early on during process in order to protect his bachelorettes' hearts and not lead any of the women on.Joey apparently recognized that a premature love confession has the power to crush someone on franchise.But Joey professed to Kelsey that he was "falling in love" with her during their overnight date in Tulum, Mexico, and he explained to the bachelorette how he had been "fully" feeling that way "for a very long time."Joey opened up about how long exactly he had been feeling that way at : The Women Tell All taping."It's a great question. With Kelsey... you go back to the last time she really started expressing things, almost back to Montreal," Joey told Us Weekly, referencing cast's time in Canada during Week 6 of filming.At that point, Joey and Kelsey had already enjoyed their romantic one-on-one date in Spain."We were going a lot of off feelings, but there wasn't really words being exchanged, so I did hold it in for a while," Joey confirmed to the magazine."We both agree [that] when she was falling in Montreal, I was falling too."Joey's feelings of love for Kelsey were then solidified in Jasper, Canada, during Week 7 of the process."It was really after our second one-on-one in Jasper, how just great that day was, how much we were starting to continue to see things move forward and not take any steps back. That was when I kind of truly knew that I was falling in love with her," Joey shared."But as always, it's a feeling -- it takes time for you to feel comfortable to share those words and there needs to be the right space and you need to think everything through."And Joey revealed that he "never said it" to Kelsey until Fantasy Suites because he "wanted to be intentional" with his words.Joey, however, also told Daisy that he was "falling in love" with her during her Fantasy Suite in Tulum. And Daisy, like Kelsey, also felt like she was in love with star at that point."I think you can see through this whole entire journey how it's a very tough in-between to be aware of what you're saying without being closed off," Joey explained of deciding when to say he was "falling in love" with anyone."They sometimes go hand in hand. So people saw me struggle through that. I was really trying to be honest and open, but I didn't want to say things until it was the right time in the right way."Joey didn't seem to regret his love confessions on at all.Once Fantasy Suites ended, Joey said he never felt more confident in himself and in the relationships he had built and established. Joey even felt certain that Daisy -- who had been the furthest behind in her feelings for Joey -- would say "yes" if he proposed marriage to her at the Final Rose Ceremony.But once Joey returned to his hotel room in Mexico, a note was waiting for him in the door that read, "We need to talk," and it was from Kelsey.Kelsey explained to cameras that she needed to talk to Joey before continuing on."It's more pressing now than later," Kelsey revealed in a confessional. "I don't want to blindside Joey -- ever. I just want to be honest and tell him everything that's on my mind. I'd rather leave now than have my heart completely broken."Joey panicked when he read the note because he didn't understand what it was about at all. He wondered if something was wrong or if Kelsey was going to leave him, which was his biggest fear filming .Joey cried and said, "I don't want her to leave. I want her to want to be here. I don't know what to do. I'm so done with this."Joey confessed to cameras, "This is like my worst nightmare coming true . I am over giving everything I can and feeling like they're not choosing me!" Click here to learn more about Joey's bachelorettes or click here to read spoilers that reveal how Joey's season ends and who he picked as his winner.Interested in more news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
Porterville, CA (93257)

Today

Showers early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 44F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Showers early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 44F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
American athlete Allison Schmitt will deliver the University of Georgia spring undergraduate commencement speech on May 10 at 7:30 p.m. in Sanford Stadium, according to a UGA Media Relations press release.

Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor of Environmental Engineering Jenna Jambeck will deliver the graduate UGA commencement speech to masters and specialist degrees on Thursday, May 9, at 10 a.m. and for doctoral degrees at 2 p.m., both in Stegeman Coliseum.
Many prospective college students dont have to think twice about criminal history questions on applications. But for Abigail Cook, and others like her, those questions are barriers to a valuable investment, either due to the chilling effect that keeps individuals from finishing applications or the stigma and extra steps that come with answering yes.
In this week's ACCPD Blotter, a man driving with a suspended license was found with crack pipes and cocaine, a man with multiple warrants flees his mothers apartment to evade police and a man was found with cocaine in vehicle.
Tata Motors is likely to exit the S&P BSE Sensex and the Nifty50 indices once the demerger process of its commercial vehicle (CV) and passenger vehicle (PV) businesses is complete, analysts at Nuvama Institutional Equities said.

They have compared the development with Reliance Industries (RIL) and Jio Financial Services, which got listed separately and eventually (in the next few days) got excluded from the domestic indices.

Initially, it's a non-event.

"Tata Motors is currently a member in all passive indices.

"However, once the demerger is complete, with the smaller entity (CV business) becoming a standalone entity, it will exit Nifty 50 and Sensex.

"We're looking at a wait of around 15 months or so for this to materialise, wrote Abhilash Pagaria of Nuvama Institutional Equities.

At the bourses, shares of Tata Motors jumped nearly 5 per cent on the BSE to cross the Rs 1,000 mark and hit a new high during Tuesday's intra-day trade.

The stock rose to a fresh high of Rs 1,031.70 after the company announced the demerger of its business verticals into two separate listed companies on Monday.

In the past year, shares of Tata Motors have been in top gear and have outperformed all stocks that comprise the Nifty Auto index with a rise of nearly 131 per cent during this period, shows ACE Equity data. Bajaj Auto (up 119 per cent) and TVS Motor Company (109 per cent) are the other two stocks that have doubled investor's money during this period.

In comparison, the Nifty Auto index has surged 63 per cent, while the Nifty 50 index has moved up around 27 per cent during this period, showed data.

Tata Motors' stock is also part of global indices such as MSCI and FTSE.

These two indexes, Pagaria said, will evaluate the smaller entity's market capitalisation (mcap) around listing to determine its eligibility to continue remaining part of these indexes.

Assuming the CV business gets around 25 per cent of the total market capitalisation, we believe it should maintain its position in the passive indices.

"The key factors will be the market cap (total and free float) of Tata Motors shares and the global cutoff levels, Pagaria said.

DVR shares

That said, the merger of DVR shares, or shares that carry differential voting rights, and ordinary shares of Tata Motors was announced in July 2023-end.

The merger process of DVR (Differential Voting Rights) with (Ordinary shares) will coincide with the demerger process.

"At Nuvama Alternative, we expect the merger of DVR and Ordinary shares to be completed within 6 to 8 months from now, Pagaria said.

Most analysts remain bullish on the stock from a long-term perspective.

Those at Nomura, for instance, have maintained a 'buy' rating on the counter with a target price of Rs 1,057 levels, and believe the demerger of Tata Motors into CV and PV businesses may not result in any immediate change in the Streets valuation approach.

In the medium term, however, the businesses should be able to pursue their respective strategies with greater freedom.

"We maintain Our Buy rating with our target EV/Ebitda for JLR at 3x, which benchmarks valuations based on FCF yields of peers (13 per cent/16 per cent for FY25F/26F for JLR on our target valuation).

"We maintain CVs at 10x EV/Ebitda, PVs at 1.5x EV/sales on FY26F sales, and investments at Rs 138/share.

"Further, the re-rating of JLR will depend on the success of its new EV models," wrote Kapil Singh and Siddhartha Bera of Nomura in a recent note.
Bitcoin Price Growth Could Continue, Says South Korean Analyst

Bitcoin price growth could continue, a South Korean crypto analyst has predicted, as crypto fever slowly takes hold in the nation.

According to Hanguk Kyungjae, the consensus among the nations industry experts is that Bitcoin (BTC) prices will keep going up.

The media outlet said that forecasters think the coin will continue its upward trend for the time. But experts warned of a forthcoming short-term adjustment in prices.

Bitcoin Price Growth: Potential for Further Rises?



The media outlet quoted Ju Ki-young, the CEO of the Bitcoin on-chain analysis firm CryptoQuant, as saying:

If the markets maximum degree of overheating is 100, we are currently at around 50.

However, Ju noted that retail investors are still proceeding with relative caution. South Korean media outlets in 2018 and 2022 were dominated by tragic tales of crypto investments that went wrong at the end of the last BTC bull markets.

On-chain momentum indicates enough fresh capital inflow to initiate the next #Bitcoin parabolic bull run. https://t.co/BrvWO1dbc4  Ki Young Ju (@ki_young_ju) March 13, 2024

And many appear to be in two minds about whether to return to the markets. Certainly, many retail investors have indeed returned, as rising kimchi premium rates indicate.

The kimchi premium is a phenomenon whereby spiking retail investment in a shallow pool of domestic crypto exchanges drives demand higher than supply.

This results in South Koreans spending more per unit of crypto than their counterparts in other parts of the world.

The Bitcoin kimchi premium dropped from a high of 10% earlier this month to just shy of the 8% mark on March 13, per Cryprice calculations.

That means that the price per BTC in South Korea is currently over $6,070 higher than on international crypto trading platforms such as Binance.

South Korean traders were paying a similar markup for altcoins like XRP, Cryprices data indicated.

Kimchi Premium: Still a Long Way to Go Before Fever Pitch?



However, kimchi premium rates of 7-10% are a far cry from the 20-30% markups seen in South Korea during previous bull runs.

And that would appear to indicate some people are still reluctant to return to a market that has burned them badly in the past. Ju explained:

We are not in a situation where everyone is jumping into crypto investment.

Ju conceded that it was difficult to predict an exact price ceiling for BTC. But he added that he expected Bitcoin price growth to test the $114,000 mark. He explained:

We are in the middle of a bull market, and there is the potential for further rises in the future.

Social Media Post Captures Mood in South Korea?



Meanwhile, a viral social media post from the South Korean comedian Kim Kyung-jin appears to have captured the mood of many retail investors.

On March 11, Kim posted a graph on his Instagram page showing the price of Bitcoin surpassing the 100 million won ($76,000) mark on a South Korean exchange price chart. He mused:

Bitcoin is supposed to be a scam. So why are prices rising like this?

Another comedian, Park Jun-hyung, jokingly asked Kim if he had any BTC holdings.

To this and other comments, Kim answered that he was regretful and frustrated  presumably by his failure to invest in the coin.
Paramount Global has agreed to sell its 13 per cent stake in its Indian TV business to Reliance Industries for Rs 4,286 crore, the Indian firm said on Thursday.

Photograph: PTI Photo from the Rediff Archives

In a stock exchange filing, Reliance said it has signed a binding agreement with two subsidiaries of Paramount Global to acquire 13.01 per cent equity stake of Viacom 18 Media Private Limited held by Paramount Global.

Similarly, in a filing on the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Paramount Global said the closing of the transaction is subject to the satisfaction of certain customary conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory approvals, as well as the completion of a previously announced joint venture involving Reliance, Viacom18 and Star Disney.

"After the closing, Paramount will continue to license its content to Viacom18," it added.

In its stock exchange filing, Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) said Viacom18 is a material subsidiary of TV18 Broadcast Ltd.

The company currently holds compulsorily convertible preference shares of Viacom18 representing 57.48 per cent equity stake on a fully diluted basis.

Post the completion of this transaction, the company's equity stake in Viacom18 will increase to 70.49 per cent on a fully diluted basis.

Earlier in February, Walt Disney Co and Reliance Industries had announced the signing of binding pacts to merge their media operations in India to create a Rs 70,000 crore behemoth.

Under the deal, that came just over a month after the failed $10 billion merger of rivals Zee and Sony, Reliance and its affiliates will hold 63.16 per cent in the combined entity that will house two streaming services and 120 television channels.

Disney will hold the remaining 36.84 per cent, the companies had said.

As part of the transaction, the media undertaking of Viacom18 would be merged into Star India Pvt Ltd (SIPL) through a court-approved scheme of arrangement.

Reliance had also agreed to invest at closing Rs 11,500 crore into the joint venture to give it the muscle to fight rivals such as Japan's Sony and Netflix.

The combined entity will have the largest OTT subscriber base.

Media ventures of Reliance are currently housed in Network 18, which owns TV18 news channels as well as a plethora of entertainment (under the 'Colors' brand) and sports channels.

NW18 also has stakes in moneycontrol.com, bookmyshow and publishes magazines.

Its subsidiary NW18 owns the news channels CNBC/CNNNews.

In 2014, RIL had acquired majority stake in media group Network18 from its erstwhile promoters, including its founder Raghav Bahl, for Rs 4,000 crore.

Prior to this in 2007, TV18, a part of Newtwork18 group, had formed a joint venture with Viacom targetting hindi general entertainment category.

Reliance separately owns a movie production arm - JioStudios, and majority stakes in two listed cable distribution companies, Den and Hathway.

The JV between Walt Disney and RIL will be headed by Nita Ambani, wife of billionaire and Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani, while Uday Shankar will be the vice chairperson.

Shankar is a former top Disney executive and has a joint venture with James Murdoch, called Bodhi Tree.

The transaction had valued the joint venture at Rs 70,352 crore ($8.5 billion) on a post-money basis, excluding synergies.

The JV will be one of the leading TV and digital streaming platforms for entertainment and sports content in India, bringing together iconic media assets across entertainment (e.g. Colors, StarPlus, StarGOLD) and sports (e.g. Star Sports and Sports18) including access to highly anticipated events across television and digital platforms through JioCinema and Hotstar.

The JV will have over 750 million viewers across India and will also cater to the Indian diaspora across the world.

It will also be granted exclusive rights to distribute Disney films and productions in India, with a licence to more than 30,000 Disney content assets, providing a full suite of entertainment options for the Indian consumer.

The Disney Reliance media merger deal was in contrast to the failed plans of rivals Sony and Zee last month.

This merger which could have created a $10.5 billion entity, was called off by Sony Group and both sides are mired in litigations and arbitrations.
It is in circumstances like this that the Constitution becomes extremely important.

It reminds us that we have a commitment towards higher human values to fulfil, a path to get back to, suggests Shyam G Menon.

It's only two words.

But they matter a lot.

On February 9, 2024, livelaw.in reported, "In a public interest litigation filed by former Rajya Sabha MP Dr Subramanian Swamy seeking to delete the words "Socialist" & "Secular" from the Preamble to the Constitution of India, the Supreme Court today asked if the Preamble could have been amended while keeping the date intact."

Elaborating on the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Swamy, which the court posted for hearing from April 29, Times of India reported, "Swamy in his petition has asserted that the two words violate the basic structure doctrine enunciated in the famous Kesavananda Bharati judgement as the words were inserted in the Preamble through the 42nd Constitution Amendment Act of 1976 during the Emergency."

According to the petitioner, the framers of the Constitution had rejected the inclusion of said words and alleged that they were imposed on the people even as the framers had no intention of introducing socialist and secular principle in democratic governance.

The paper also mentioned that CPI member of parliament, Binoy Viswam had approached the Court opposing Swamy's PIL, contending that the real purpose of the PIL was to allow political parties to seek votes in the name of religion.

On its part, the court has made observations wondering whether the Preamble could have been amended while keeping the date of adoption of the Constitution intact.

The honourable Court set the date of hearing for April.

In the humble opinion of this writer, the view of the layman on the matter is as valid as that of more learned others because the practical, day to day experience of living with or without the said two words, plays out on India's streets.

"Socialist" is a word from the realm of politics and economics and it, without doubt, evokes shades of Communism.

The latter is dreaded and hated by the world of business, worldwide.

Corporate India is no exception and the business class is a major funder of Indian political parties.

Further, with liberalisation and subsequent economic policies proving over the last couple of decades that rags to riches stories are possible in India's decontrolled economy, an act of committing the country to anything vaguely Communist would seem irrelevant.

Usually peaceful and accommodative in their daily affairs, "secularism" bothers people much less.

But it irritates those given to mixing religion with politics and this constituency has grown by leaps and bounds in India of late.

It gains fuel from the fact that modern education and industrial and post-industrial society have got both religion and family feeling insecure. There is the fear that these institutions are getting weakened.

Both have been actively seeking protection.

While most religions have allowed themselves to be enmeshed in politics for survival, a good example for the insecurity felt by family would be the recent Uniform Civil Code (UCC) of Uttarakhand that saw live-in relationships become a subject for policing by the state.

A very relevant question to ask as "socialist" and "secular" hang by a thread, is whether their loss will rob the Indian State of any crucial quality founded in justice.

Binoy Viswam, who has opposed Swamy's PIL, is a member of Parliament from Kerala.

In pre-Hindutva days, Kerala, while deplored for its industrial barrenness was nevertheless admired for its land reforms, people-centric policies and good social indices.

In Hindutva days, the state has been mocked by the political Right-Wing as a Somalia in the making (by no less a person than Narendra Modi in 2016) and has become in their imagination, a diabolical example to recast differently.

The reason is simple -- it has a history of indulging Communism.

The ground level feel of Communism in Kerala is however neither Stalinist, Leninist or Maoist or indeed any -ist.

It is rooted in secularism and the wish for an egalitarian society.

For sure there are problems. Not long ago, a leading industrialist, one that is resident in the state to boot, was happy to migrate fresh investments to Telangana.

There are also allegations of corruption and authoritarianism and the need to keep the Leftists happy.

Yet the state is where it has managed to reach today, with no more than one seat surrendered at assembly level to the Right-Wing (since lost by the Bhartiya Janata Party), in all these years of assembly and parliamentary elections.

Simply put, Communism in Kerala, despite its occasional truck with parties identified with religion and community, acts as a bulwark against communalism.

With its appetite for people centric-policies, it also periodically acts as a leveler of sorts, promising the common person that s / he would be taken along and not forgotten or abandoned.

The Congress, which is the other main party that gets to rule the state, has also indulged in faith-based expediency but has kept its own train of people-oriented schemes alive.

Hate "socialist" if you wish, but there is no denying that egalitarian and secular are significant qualities to have at the national level.

Consider for instance the economic inequality contemporary India showcases, wherein a narrow spectrum of its population owns a huge chunk of the overall wealth.

This is when the truism of India being a difficult place to navigate for anyone not born into privileges, remains.

Forces that iron out such anomalies are hard to come by because over time our political parties, in their quest for financial resources, have become more and more indebted to the classes that possess wealth, as opposed to ones that don't or are have only their vote for wealth.

The question I ask myself is -- if we are expected to lose "socialist" and "secular" in the Preamble, then what do we have in play as forces to make sure that our political parties don't keep us servile to the wealthy or the high priests / politicians of religion?

Will the Indian citizenry -- the electorate -- be able to compensate adequately by itself for the absence of a constitutional safeguard or should there be constitutional safeguards in place?

I ask myself what the case may be if any of the communal riots of the past -- in the limited memory of this 1960s-born; from the 1992 Ayodhya riots to the Gujarat riots and the riots in Delhi -- had occurred without a constitutional commitment to secularism as compulsion for the state to spur itself into action and contain the conflagration.

It is in circumstances like this that the Constitution becomes extremely important.

It reminds us that we have a commitment towards higher human values to fulfil, a path to get back to.

To my layperson's mind therefore, even if "socialist" and "secular" are condemned to go from the Preamble, other comparable safeguards have to be present.

Else, we risk being rudderless in an ocean of money and majoritarianism.

Shyam G Menon is a freelance journalist based in Mumbai.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
'Corporates who donated to political parties were guaranteed by the electoral bond scheme that their names and to who they were donating funds will be not disclosed.'

IMAGE: A five-judge Constitution bench comprising Chief Justice Dr D Y Chandrachud, Justices Sanjiv Khanna, B R Gavai, J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra on February 15, 2024, pronounced the electoral bond scheme as unconstitutional and ordered the State Bank of India to furnish the details of buyers and encashers of electoral bonds with the Election Commission of India by March 6, 2023.

A day before this deadline, SBI petitioned the apex court asking for 136 days to furnish these details but this plea was rejected by the SC. Photograph: ANI Photo

Supreme Court Bar Association president advocate Adish C Aggarwala explains to Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com as to why he sought a presidential reference of the Supreme Court's judgment on electoral bond scheme delivered on February 15, 2024.

As per this order the State Bank of India has already complied and submitted a pen drive with details of who purchased the electoral bonds to the Election Commission of India, which will be making this list public on its website by the evening of March 15.

Why did you seek a presidential reference for non-disclosure of electoral bond details?

My point is very short and concerns a question of law. When the court has directed that the names of the donors and the recipients should be made public, the court has not framed any question of law to that effect.

Ideally, before the Constitution bench, there should be a question of law. And this should be discussed and while doing so the affected parties should be made party to the discussion (legal arguments) and issued notice.

I'm not on (why the Supreme Court ordered) quashing of this scheme. I am not challenging the SC order that electoral bonds are unconstitutional.

I am only saying that these corporates who donated to political parties were guaranteed by the electoral bond scheme that their names and to who they were donating funds will be not disclosed.

That is being disclosed (because of the SC order of February 15, 2024).

But when the Supreme Court was hearing the matter since 2019 onwards, it had asked the State Bank of India to keep these details handy. And corporates knew at that time that these details could be disclosed...

Whatever the judgment of the Supreme Court, they (the corporates) will have to abide by that (now). If the court expects that the whole world is observing and leaving their work to watch the proceedings, then this is not the way how court proceedings work.

Didn't the Supreme Court say that SBI has to maintain this record and whenever a final judgment comes in this matter SBI, depending on what the judgment is, will have to abide by that judgment?

I'm not disputing regarding (Supreme Court's) direction to SBI.

Suppose I'm a corporate entity. I have given Rs 1000 crore to the BJP. So I have given this amount in a situation when I was aware that this donation will be not known to anyone.

It was this scheme and this honourable Supreme Court has quashed this (declared electoral bonds unconstitutional and directed SBI to share details of who gave donations and who received them). The people of India have the right to know about these public things. The Supreme Court is right to that effect.

We welcome the quashing of this (electoral bonds). There should be transparency (in electoral funding).

People should know the facts -- who has paid to whom?

But I am seeing what is the future of corporate entities when BJP will come to know that so-and-so corporate entity, having headquarters in Gurgaon has donated to TMC (Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress)?

But didn't BJP have this data already?

I'm not on that. I am not on that. I'm saying you are depriving those corporate companies (anonymity) who have donated under this (electoral bond scheme).

Suppose four people have been selected for some posts. If five other people say that those appointments are wrong and instead of them we should be appointed. Then before hearing their plea the courts should not decide.

In the similar manner, the corporates whose identities will be revealed due to these details, and who have been guaranteed anonymity by law, have had no say in this ruling.

But none of the corporates have filed a petition in the Supreme Court objecting to their identities being revealed?

You see, we are public spirited people. It is not that they (the corporates) could have filed (the plea in Supreme Court).

What's the reason behind you seeking a presidential reference then?

Because the Supreme Court being the highest court of the country should act in accordance with law.

Are you saying that Supreme Court by asking State Bank of India to reveal the name of the corporates is not acting in accordance with the law?

(The corporates did not get any) opportunity of being heard. When the corporate entities gave these donations that time the scheme was that this information would be not revealed.

But didn't those corporates also know that these rules could get changed if the Supreme Court were to rule against electoral bonds which it did?

No, because the matter was (then) pending in the Supreme Court. Supreme Court had not changed the rule then. It is only now that the Supreme Court quashed the electoral bond scheme as unconstitutional. This is against the spirit of the Constitution.

What did you not approve in the Supreme Court judgment of February 15, 2024?

This is a welcome step. What I am objecting to is that the names of the corporates should not be made public. Not only their names but also the how much money they donated.

Let me share a real problem. Suppose I'm a corporate entity having headquarters in Gurgaon, Haryana, which is a BJP-ruled state, and I have given donation to say the TMC in West Bengal. Now, if the BJP comes to know of this donation then it can go to the corporate and tell them look, you have given Rs 100 crore to Mamata Banerjee but gave us only Rs 5 crore.

The BJP will take revenge on the corporates. Please take this strictly as an example.

What has happened to your presidential reference? What happens to it?

Yesterday (on March 12) we have sent it. I have not inquired about it because the President of India acts under the advice of the council of ministers. The secretary must have sent it to, say, home ministry or law ministry for their advice.

Your colleagues from the Supreme Court Bar Association have objected to your letter to the President of India as president of the SCBA?

I have the highest respect for the judiciary. I being the president of Supreme Court Bar association signed this letter to the President of India as the president of SCBA.

I have not sent this letter on their behalf but as the president of Supreme Court Bar Association. I have not even used the letterhead of the SCBA because I know my colleagues are not aware of the legal position. I have not written this letter on behalf of the executive committee. I have written it on the letterhead of the All India Bar Association, of which I am the chairman.

So this letter has got nothing to do with the SCBA.

I have written in my individual capacity, as the president of the SCBA and not on behalf of the executive committee (of the SCBA).

What happens to your letter seeking presidential reference after March 15 when the data will be out on the website of Election commission?

This is a question of law. This has to be settled by the Supreme Court themselves. Whether they have the power to pass any order without giving notice to the affected persons can be only settled after the affected people (the corporates) also get to have their say in the matter.

That is my basic premise (for seeking the presidential reference).

The affected persons here are the corporates, who donated to political parties all the while being guaranteed by a law to that effect. These donations were made assuming that their identities will never be revealed.
He only promotes those leaders who will never show any resistance to him in future.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspects a model of the Dwarka Expressway before its inauguration in Gurugram, along with Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, March 11, 2024. The next day Khattar was replaced as the CM. Photograph: ANI Photo

Just weeks before the Lok Sabha elections Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a surprise decision for the state of Haryana.

He sacked his longtime friend Manohar Lal Khattar as the chief minister and replaced him with Kurukshetra member of Parliament and BJP state chief Nayab Singh Saini.

Only a day earlier, Prime Minister Modi spoke highly of Khattar and recalled the old days when he used to roam around on a motorcycle with Khattar during his days as general secretary of the BJP in Haryana.

The dismissal hence came as a surprise because Khattar was not only a close friend of PM Modi but was also handpicked by him as the Haryana CM 10 years ago.

So what prompted Modi to remove Khattar?

Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com spoke to Pushpendra Singh, president, Kisan Shakti Sangh, on why Modi did what he did.

Why you think Manohar Lal Khattar was sacked as chief minister of Haryana?

In the 10 years of his rule horrible atrocities were committed on farmers. During the farmers protest that happened in Delhi against the three farm laws, there were many places in Haryana which witnessed lathi charge and detention of farmers in jail.

The Khattar government never allowed farmers to attend meetings in their villages as they used to impose Section 144 of IPC to deter them.

The government also used to distribute pamphlets in villages stating that if farmers participated against the three farm laws their passports will be revoked.

In some cases they also arrested people under the National Security Act (NSA).

They used to barricade Haryana borders to not allow farmers to reach Delhi for the protest.

All these things the Khattar government did at the behest of the Modi government.

Even today, as we speak, farmers are being stopped from protesting and going to Delhi as they are being stopped on the Punjab-Haryana border, which is illegal.

All this led to Khattar losing his popularity among voters, therefore he was replaced.

What surprises many is that just a day earlier PM Modi spoke highly about Khattar and his old friendship with him when they used to ride together on a motorcycle. What went wrong in one day?

This is PM Modis style whenever he has to sacrifice some leader.

You also need to know that this is also a part of headline management as the government wants to suppress the electoral bond matter or divert attention from electoral bond issue.

Firing of missiles or replacing their own government with new faces is all scripted by the BJP leadership.

PM Modi wants to tell BJP leaders that no one can take him for granted as he has all the powers with him.

Do leaders like Khattar not feel bad about being sacked in such a manner?

PM Modi wants BJP leaders with no spine. He only promotes those leaders who will never show any resistance to him in future.

He has sidelined so many big leaders within the BJP like Vasundhara Raje, Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Biplab Deb or even B S Yediyurappa in Karnataka.

In Gujarat, he went to change the entire cabinet and sack Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

PM Modis style of functioning is such that he does not allow anyone to become comfortable in his seat.

Every BJP leader knows that his chair is not safe and dependent on Modi. Therefore they prefer to keep quiet rather than speak out or revolt against PM Modi.

PM Modi got 58 percent votes in the 2019 elections from Haryana. The BJP won 10 out of 10 parliamentary seats last time so what is the insecurity now?

It is true that he got 58 percent votes in the 2019 parliamentary elections but the same year when state elections were held, the BJP did not win comfortably.

They got 36.5 percent votes in the Haryana state assembly elections.

A drop of 22 percent votes within a year, is huge.

Out of 90 seats in Haryana assembly the BJP won only 40 seats.

The Congress party got 28 percent votes in that elections and 31 seats.

The Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) got 10 seats and 15 percent votes.

The BJP then joined hands with the JJP and independent MLAs to form the government.

They did not have a comfortable majority on their own in the assembly.

Khattar ruled Haryana by suppressing dissent and made Haryana into a police state.

His government saw record unemployment in India as 38 percent of the people were unemployed.

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/haryana-tops-cmie-unemployment-chart-december-8359324/

There were also other issues like paper leaks during examination.

His government also fired on farmers during protests in which one farmer died.

They did not stop there but also attacked farmers with drones, tear gas, rubber bullets and lathi charged them.

This led to the sullying of Khattars image in Haryana, Rajasthan and Western Uttar Pradesh among farmers.

Plus the Congress and Aam Aadmi party have done seat adjustments in Haryana which is making the state a tough place for the BJP to win in a contest.

What about the JJP? Were they not asking for two parliamentary seats which led to the break in alliance with the BJP?

Yes, they became ambitious and asked for two parliamentary seats which the BJP refused to part with.

The BJP realised that the core voter of JJP is farmers and that is primarily the Jat community.

They know that Jats are unhappy with the BJP and JJP so they will not vote for this alliance in 2024.

So, the JJP has nothing to show as their vote bank to the BJP now.

Abhay Chautalas Indian National Lok Dal had 18 to 20 percent vote share in Haryana but his nephew Dushyant Chautala of the JJP walked away with 15 percent of that vote bank in the 2019 assembly elections. This reduced the vote share of INLD to 3 percent.

I feel this entire 18-20 percent of votes of the INLD and JJP will shift to the Congress party this time.

This time the Jat community and farmers have decided they cannot afford to split their votes as they will be beaten black and blue if the BJP comes to power again.

The BJP is also hoping that if the JJP is not in alliance with them they may divide the Jat votes to even 3 percent, and it will be good for them as the opposition votes will get divided.

Is the JJP such a bad name in Haryana?

Yes, the people of Haryana feel had the JJP not supported the BJP their government would not have been formed in the state.

They feel the JJP could have gone with the Congress party and formed the government but they did not do that and instead joined hands with the BJP.

It is like axe is of the BJP but the wooden handle that is holding the axe is JJP.

Today the JJPs condition is such that they will not be able to win even one seat in the assembly elections.

The same is the case with INLD as no one wants to vote for a party which is not going to win against the BJP.

The new chief minister Nayab Singh Saini comes from the Other Backward Caste and it is said that the BJP is trying to consolidate other castes in Haryana to counter the Jat votes which is strongly behind the Congress party. Is it true?

The demography of Haryana is such that it has 21 percent of Schedule Caste votes.

There are around 27 to 30 percent Jats in the state.

There are then 25 to 30 percent OBCs.

We then have small percentages of other communities like Brahmins, etc.

However, it is the Jat community which is a strong community in Haryana which is consolidated and the politics of Haryana revolves around them.

If all the Jats go to one party then there is no way that party can lose.

And now when one looks back, people feel that the Congress government was doing good governance in their time. They were progressive and used to call every community and hear out their grievances. They were a moderate government.

The other factor is the Muslim votes of Haryana which constitutes around 5 to 6 percent. It is around the Mewat region, and they are against the BJP when it comes to voting.

Now, Jat plus Muslims plus Schedule Caste vote which is inclined towards the Congress will surly see BJP reducing its seats share.

In the coming Haryana assembly they will be reduce to 20 to 25 seats.

Do you mean they are targeting the Jat community, why else would the BJPs Jat leader Rahul Kaswan and Haryanas Brijendra Singh join the Congress?

The BJP is trying to consolidate anti-Jat votes. It is a divide and rule policy they are adopting.

They do that with Muslims at times, then they do it with Sikhs and other communities.

They used this formula of dividing Jats and used Dushyant Chautala in 2019. They used him and dumped him.
Integrated mega exercise 'Bharat Shakti' at Pokhran has given a "strategic message to the adversaries" about the combat potential of India's armed forces, sources in the defence establishment said.

IMAGE: A glimpse of the 'Bharat Shakti' tri-service exercise at Pokhran, in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, March 12, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Homegrown aircraft roared in the air while indigenously built battle tanks and artillery guns spewed fire dominating the arid terrain of Pokhran in Jaisalmer district during the exercise held on March 12 which was witnessed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the country's top military brass.

"The live fire and static display have given a strategic message to the adversaries about the combat potential of our armed forces in terms of capability and capacity," a source in the defence establishment said.

The exercise was organised under the aegis of the Indian Army.

The synergised demonstration of indigenous defence capabilities during 'Bharat Shakti' is a "testimony to its commitment towards modernisation through indigenisation," the sources said.

Roars of light combat aircraft Tejas and ALH Mk-IV filled the air while Main Battle Tank Arjun, K-9 Vajra, and T-90 Bhishma tanks, and Dhanush and Sharang artillery gun systems ruled the firing ranges on the ground. Pinaka rocket system in action drew huge cheers from the crowd.

'Bharat Shakti' exercise was held for about 50 minutes during which India showcased the prowess of its indigenous defence equipment.

The field firing ranges at Pokhran in Rajasthan is located near the international border.

The exercise showcased India's military prowess and integrated multi-domain operations of the three services and the "shock and awe" impact that the armed forces seek to achieve in an operational situation with manoeuvre and fighting capabilities.

As awestruck spectators watched the exercise in Rajasthan, Modi said "Pokhran has become witness to the trinity of India's aatmanirbharta, belief and self-pride".

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and Army chief Gen Manoj Pande and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma also attended the tri-services firepower and manoeuvre exercise, a first-of-its-kind on such a scale.

"Exercise 'Bharat Shakti' not only displayed the indigenous defence capability of the armed forces, it also displayed the integration and jointness that is being achieved in various aspects like communications, training, inter-operability and logistics," the source added.

Coordinating actual fire and manoeuvre drills by various arms and services is essential requirement of such large-scale exercises, which gives "first-hand experience of dealing with such issues in actual battles".

All these activities also include, move of large number of equipment and weapon pieces for firing and display, which involves "coordination with other two services at the highest level", sources in the military establishment said.

While efforts are in place and extensive plans are being made to "orchestrate integration and bring jointness among the services", 'Bharat Shakti' epitomises these efforts and highlights the contributions of the Indian Army towards achieving the much-awaited integration, they said.

The exercise showcased an array of indigenous weapon systems and platforms as a demonstration of the prowess of a rising India, premised on the nation's 'Atmanirbharata' initiative, the sources added.

For live fire demonstration, the efforts by the Army as being the lead service, "are visible". Starting with meticulous planning in utilising the available resources in Pokaran for integrated firing which can be attributed to "battle space management akin to actual operations", they said.

Synergy in ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance), firepower and communications was evident during the conduct, another source said.

"Air space management in coordination with the Indian Air Force is also a critical requirement in battle where various air assets of the Army and the Air Force would be using the air space simultaneously which needs clear demarcation of boundaries, identification drills and fool proof communication systems," the source added.

While live firing was "awe-inspiring", static display of various equipment and weapons in the display arena gave a "holistic view of indigenous platforms of the armed forces, they said.

Equipment and weapons on display included various drone systems and counter- drone systems, simulators, communication systems, radar systems, multi-mode hand grenade (MMHG), 3D-printed bunkers, artificial intelligence-based satellite imagery analysis system, among others were on display.

"'Bharat Shakti' also signalled to the world military community to subscribe to the large defence manufacturing potential possessed by the India," the source said.

Modi in his address at Pokhran also said, "The roar of aircraft mid-air, and valour displayed on ground during 'Bharat Shakti' exercise is the call of a 'new India' (naye Bharat ka aavhan hai)".

"This is Pokhran, which witnessed India's nuclear power, and today here we are also seeing the strength of 'Swadeshikaran se Sashaktikaran' (from indigenisation to empowerment). Today, this celebration of 'Bharat Shakti' is taking place in Rajasthan, the land of bravery, but its echo is being heard not only in India but in the whole world," he said.
The BJP in Himachal has its own problems. But it is not a party that sits around twiddling its thumb.

IMAGE: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu greets people on his arrival for a public meeting, Sirmaur, March 13, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

There is no kind way to say this. But the Congress has proved beyond a doubt that it is its own worst enemy. Recent events in Himachal Pradesh are just one example.

As its government in the state came close to collapse, supporters of the party are still wondering how things could have come to this.

When he was appointed to the position, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu showed so much promise.

But under his leadership, the party has been unable to consolidate its gains. Building on them is a far cry.

Sukhu raised expectations because he is a man who has come up through a struggle and has a direct connect to the ground.

He grew up doing manual labour -- he used to heave crates of milk to make a living in his early years and later graduated to selling milk.

When times got tough, he became a watchman with the state electricity department, and even got an offer from the state electricity board for the post of a TMate (a position equivalent to a helper).

His father was a bus driver with the Himachal Pradesh State Transport Corporation. So, no silver spoons here.

Ahead of the Himachal Pradesh elections (2022), the Congress made him chief of the campaign committee, which meant he had a say in selecting candidates.

This tilted the balance of advantage in his favour in getting the top job if the vote went to the Congress.

He knew the organisation: He had headed the state unit of the party and helmed the National Students' Union of India.

When the Congress won the assembly election with 40 seats out of 68, the high command had to choose between Pratibha Singh/Vikramaditya Singh, from the family of the legendary Virbhadra Singh, raja of Bushehr and Congress chief minister multiple times, who had died just a few months before the election; and Sukhu, who had the backing of Priyanka Gandhi and the largest number of members of the legislative assembly (MLAs).

After a tussle, Sukhu got the top job, though Vikramaditya became public works department minister.

As the state can only have only 12 ministers, other mechanisms to reward loyalists were adopted, like taking departments from one minister to give to another.

Those who lost departments (like Vikramaditya), while still being ministers, had to face public humiliation as they explained to constituents that they had not been disempowered, all the while secretly resolving to turn the tables on Sukhu at the earliest possible opportunity.

Floods in the state caused widespread devastation. Relief was quick -- but selective. MLAs complained of corruption and discrimination.

Rajinder Rana, MLA from Sujanpur, complained he had not been made minister though he had defeated former BJP chief minister P K Dhumal.

Rana found the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sympathetic -- after all, he had been in the BJP from 2006 to 2012.

When approached by his old friends, he became one of the Trojan horses.

He's been complaining about unemployment and incomplete works in his district Hamirpur for the past three months. Sukhu just ignored him.

Kangra is politically the most important district in Himachal Pradesh.

In the assembly election, the Congress won 10 of the 15 seats Kangra has.

But the district got just one minister.

And that man was not Sudhir Sharma, who was a minister in the Virbhadra Singh government.

Mandi, the Lok Sabha constituency of Virbhadra's widow, Pratibha, got no minister.

By contrast Shimla district had as many as three ministers.

Little wonder then that Sudhir Sharma began complaining about Sukhu's deliberate sidelining of Virbhadra loyalists from day one.

And he was one of the five people who led the rebellion against Sukhu, has been disqualified, and is knocking the door of the high court along with his colleagues.

Much is made of the fact that Sukhu is rustic and grounded. But he has proved lacking in one important quality: He's no statesman. It is the Congress in Delhi that ought to have realised this and counselled course-correction.

The BJP in Himachal has its own problems. But it is not a party that sits around twiddling its thumb.

It saw an opportunity and it acted, resulting in the embarrassing loss of a Rajya Sabha seat that should have been a shoo-in for the Congress.

The danger to the Sukhu government is by no means over.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
Soon after the Election Commission released electoral bonds data, the Congress on Thursday said there was a discrepancy in the numbers of entries in donor and recipient files -- 18,871 against 20,421.

IMAGE: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi offers prayers at Trimbakeshwar Jyotirling temple in Nashik, Maharashtra, March 14, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

It also asked why the data shared pertained to a period from April 2019 even though the scheme for anonymous political funding was introduced in 2017.

Amitabh Dubey, in charge of research and monitoring in the Congress' communication department, said the electoral bond scheme began in 2017, but the data presented began in April 2019.

"The donors file has 18,871 entries, the recipients file has 20,421 entries. Why the discrepancy @TheOfficialSBI?" he said on X.

Tagging Dubey's post, Congress MP and AICC in-charge of Andhra Pradesh Manickam Tagore said, "Ah, yes, the electoral bond scheme, where transparency meets selective amnesia. Donors file: 18,871 entries. Recipients file: 20,421 entries. Coincidence? I think not."

"@TheOfficialSBI, you've truly mastered the art of hiding in plain sight," he said.

Taking a swipe at the government, Youth Congress chief Srinivas BV said the meaning of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's slogan 'Na khaunga na khane dunga' meant that "I will threaten companies, get ED raids done, collect donations, and keep filling BJP's coffers in the name of doing business."

From steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal to billionaire Sunil Bharti Mittal's Airtel, Anil Agarwal's Vedanta, ITC, Mahindra and Mahindra, and a lesser-known Future Gaming and Hotel Services were among the prominent buyers of the now-scrapped electoral bonds for making political donations.

Future Gaming, which was probed by the Enforcement Directorate in March 2022, bought electoral bonds worth over Rs 1,350 crore under two different sets of companies.

Among the known corporates, Agarwal's Vedanta Ltd bought Rs 398 crore worth of bonds, while Sunil Mittal's three companies together purchased a total of Rs 246 crore worth of bonds.

Steel magnate Lakshmi Niwas Mittal bought Rs 35 crore worth of bonds in his individual capacity. Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering, which has bagged contracts for several large infrastructure projects, bought bonds worth Rs 966 crore.

Following a Supreme Court directive, the State Bank of India, which was the authorised seller of electoral bonds, shared the data with the poll panel on March 12.

The top court had given the Election Commission time till 5 pm on March 15 to upload the data on its website.

The EC has put the details on 'Disclosure of Electoral Bonds Submitted by SBI' in two parts -- one listing the buyers and the other listing the beneficiary parties.

In an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, the State Bank of India (SBI) said a total of 22,217 electoral bonds of varying denominations were purchased by donors between April 1, 2019, and February 15 this year, out of which 22,030 were redeemed by political parties.

According to the data uploaded by the poll panel, the buyers of electoral bonds included Spicejet, IndiGo, Grasim Industries, Megha Engineering, Piramal Enterprises, Torrent Power, Bharti Airtel, DLF Commercial Developers, Vedanta Ltd., Apollo Tyres, Edelweiss, PVR, Keventer, Sula Wines, Welspun, Sun Pharma, Vardhman Textiles, Jindal Group, Phillips Carbon Black Limited, CEAT tyres, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, ITC, Kaypee Enterprises, Cipla, and Ultratech Cement.

The parties that redeemed electoral bonds include the Bharatiya Janata Party, Congress, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Bharat Rashtra Samithi, Shiv Sena, Telugu Desam Party, YSR Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Janata Dal-Secular, Nationalist Congress Party, Trinamool Congress, Janata Dal-United, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Aaam Aadmi Party, the Samajwadi Party, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, Biju Janata Dal, Goa Forward Party, Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party, Sikkim Krantikari Morcha, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Sikkim Democratic Front, and the Jana Sena Party.

In a landmark verdict delivered on February 15, a five-judge Constitution bench had scrapped the Centre's electoral bonds scheme that allowed anonymous political funding, calling it "unconstitutional" and ordered disclosure by the EC of donors, the amount donated by them and the recipients.
Thousands of farmers on Thursday participated in the "Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat" at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan where a resolution was passed to intensify the protest against the Centre's policies regarding the farming sector and to continue the stir during the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

IMAGE: Farmers from various farmers' organisations raise slogans as they prepare to leave from the Amritsar Railway Station for Kisan Mahapanchayat scheduled to be held in New Delhi.. Photograph: ANI Photo

This was perhaps the biggest gathering of farmers in the national capital after their agitation at Delhi's borders ended in 2021 following the repeal of the three contentious farm laws by the Centre.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha, an umbrella body of farmer organisations that spearheaded the 2021 protest, adopted the resolution to "intensify the fight against the policies of the Union government to save farming, food security, land and livelihoods of the people".

It also vowed to continue its stir during the upcoming Lok Sabha polls if its demands are not met, according to the resolution.

Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait told reporters, "We held a meeting here and a message has gone to the government that farmers of our country are united. The government should talk to us to resolve the issue. This agitation is not going to stop anytime soon and it will spread from Kashmir to Kanyakumari."

Tikait said the government wants to destroy the country by turning the farmers into labourers.

"They have already ended the 'mandi' system in Bihar and now they want to do it across the country.

This way, they want the farmers to become labourers," he said.

He also said the government wants to break the unity of farmers by forming different farmers' unions.

"They want to divide us based on caste, religion, regionalism and language," he charged.

Krantikari Kisan Union leader Darshan Pal, who also participated in the mahapanchayat, said the demands of the farmers have been neglected for years.

"We have been holding agitations since 2021 and their charters have already been sent to the president and the prime minister but nothing has happened so far," he said.

"Today, we discussed the same issues and again informed the farmers who came here from various parts of the country about our demands. We also passed a resolution to continue our agitation and target the policies of BJP during the election period as well," he added.

Pal also showed his displeasure over the limited gathering permitted by the Delhi Police at the Ramlila Maidan.

"We were not allowed to come to Delhi. The permission for the 'mahapanchayat' was given at the eleventh hour with several restrictions like only 5,000 farmers could come. The farmers were not allowed to go to gurdwaras and they were also stopped at railway stations," he claimed.

The farmers also raised slogans against the Union government at the protest venue. Several women farmers also joined the protest.

There were yellow, red, blue and white coloured flags that were carried by different farmers signifying their affiliation to different farm unions.

The farmers from states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh and West Bengal had come for the mahapanchayat.

Harman Singh, a farmer from Punjab's Patiala, said he arrived in the capital on Wednesday night.

"We want the Centre's policies to be pro-farmers. We also want our demand for an MSP (minimum support price) on crops to be fulfilled," he said.

Ravinder Singh, a farmer from Punjab's Bathinda, said action should be taken against the accused in the violence that erupted in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri in October 2021.

"We want action against the person who drove his car over farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri. The family members of the victim should get compensation and a government job," he said.

Layak Singh, who was carrying a small plough on his shoulder, said he came to Delhi from Himachal Pradesh and was upset with the policies of the Centre.

"My family completely depends on farming and if the situation of the farmers remains the same, we will have to opt for some other work," Singh said.

The Delhi Police had made elaborate arrangements for the farmers' mahapanchayat to be held smoothly.

They had also issued a traffic advisory for commuters to avoid the roads leading to central Delhi.

The number of paramilitary personnel deployed at Delhi's borders was also increased as the farmers were asked not to come to the capital with their tractor-trolleys, officials said.

The police had given permission to the farmers to hold the event on the condition that there would not be a gathering of more than 5,000 people, though about 10,000 farmers managed to reach the venue.
The Haryana government has moved the Supreme Court challenging the Punjab and Haryana high court order setting up a panel to probe farmer Shubhkaran Singh's death during a clash between protesting farmers and the state security personnel.

IMAGE: Farmers belonging to Kisan Sangharsh Committee burn an effigy during the protest against the center government and in support of ongoing farmers' agitation as they observe 'Black Day', in Amritsar, Punjab, February 24, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The state government filed the special leave petition in the top court on March 11 against the high court's decision.

The high court March 7 formed a panel headed by a former high court judge to inquire into the death of Shubhkaran Singh during a clash between protesting farmers and Haryana security personnel.

The high court had also expressed anguish that youngsters were seen with weapons and women and children were "paraded in the front" during the protest.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice G S Sandhawalia and Justice Lapita Banerji, which was hearing petitions on the farmers' agitation, had said that "it was a sad state of affairs" that youngsters were "armed with lathis and at certain places with swords and spears and sharp-edged weapons" and children were "being exposed to violence".

The high court had formed the committee headed by retired HC judge Jaishree Thakur to inquire into the various aspects of the case, saying the investigation regarding the death of Shubhkaran, 21, cannot be entrusted solely either to Punjab or to Haryana for "reasons obvious as both states have several things to cover up".

The committee will be assisted by Additional Director General of Police (Punjab) Promod Ban and ADGP (Haryana) Amitabh Singh Dhillon, according to the order.

Shubhkaran, a native of Bathinda, was killed and 12 police personnel injured in clashes at Khanauri on the Punjab-Haryana border on February 21.

The incident took place when some protesting farmers were trying to head towards barricades and were stopped by security personnel from crossing the state border and marching to Delhi.

Additional Solicitor General Satya Pal Jain had appeared for the Centre in the high court. He had said that the Central government is open for discussions with the leaders of protesting farmers.

The high court has fixed April 10 as the next date of hearing.

The Punjab government has already registered a murder case in a Zero FIR in the matter.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are spearheading the 'Delhi Chalo' march to press the government to accept their demands, including a legal guarantee for minimum support price for crops and a farm loan waiver.

The protesting farmers have been staying put at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana after their 'Delhi Chalo' march was stopped by the security forces.
The US of late has seen a rise in Hinduphobia which needs to be fought because there is no place for hatred in this country, Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar has said, as he joined a group of Hindu leaders and organisations seeking to fight this growing hate crime against the community.

IMAGE: Representatives of various Indian American groups meet at the US Capitol during a meeting organised by HinduAction, Washington, DC, March 13, 2024. Photograph: HinduAction/X

Representatives of various Indian American groups met on Wednesday at the US Capitol during a meeting organised by HinduAction.

"We see a lot of Hinduphobia. We see California SB403 (the bill banning caste discrimination), and that's just the beginning. The attacks on our temples and attacks on Hindus all over the world. That is one of the reasons why I decided to form the Hindu Caucus, Thanedar said.

For the first time in the United States Congress, we have a Hindu Caucus. Number of initiatives we are taking to ensure that people have religious freedom to practice their religion the way they want to and not be, we need to fight this phobia, bigotry, and hatred. Because there should be no place for hatred in America, no place for hatred against people's religious rights. And so that's what we are focusing on in Congress, Thanedar, a Democrat, said.

Suhag Shukla from the Hindu American Foundation said that college campuses in particular are experiencing rampant anti-Hindu bias and hate. She also listed out some of the major incidents of hate crime against the Hindu community in the US.

Just in the past two years we've seen a spike in anti-Hindu incidents, she said.

There's unfamiliarity and there is complacency amongst law enforcement, she said.

The perpetrators that have been caught on video with all the temple attacks that I've mentioned, all of the street attacks that I've mentioned, the statements that are made during the commission of the attacks, the nature and content of the graffiti all point to the Khalistan movement, she said. When there are people from within the Sikh community who are speaking out against this movement, they've been physically attacked, Shukla said.

Referring to SB403, she said there is institutionalised discrimination.

Silicon Valley-based entrepreneur Sunder Iyer, a victim of targeted hate, told the participants that he learned that a civil rights agency can racially profile and violently stereotype Indian Americans.

I respectfully ask the members of Congress to allocate a budget within the Department of Justice to investigate the California Civil Rights Department and for the greater good of America. An agency that does not represent the truth harms all Americans. Several of my colleagues at Cisco and many other companies across California will be willing to give testimony. They must not live their lives in fear and their voices must not be suppressed, Iyer said.

An increase in recent attacks on the temples is emotionally very disturbing to the executives of the temple and community at large, said Tejal Shah of the Hindu Temple Empowerment Council.

Temple Priests face mental anguish, shock and trauma, she said.

Observing that perpetrators of many of those attacks have not been found, Shah said in one case the police resisted registering a report. She listed out attacks on some of the temples.

Later a joint declaration by HinduAction and Namaste-Shalom Multifaith Alliance urged the Congress to formally recognise rising anti-Hindu hate through a resolution.
Coinbase Deletes Controversial Meme Coin Post Targeting Elizabeth Warren

Crypto exchange Coinbase has deleted a controversial memecoin post targeted at U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren. On March 13, the crypto exchange took down the post, which provided instructions on how to buy Elizabeth Whoren, a controversial token mocking the Massachusetts senator.

Coinbases Auto-Generated Page Removed



The meme coin with the description Elizabeth $whoren meme senator 2024 FIAT currencies are from money laundering appears to be a direct jab at Warren.

Coinbase: "Weve included detailed instructions to make it easier for you to buy elizabath whoren." pic.twitter.com/O96XBV35Zn  Joe Weisenthal (@TheStalwart) March 13, 2024

The U.S. senator has always raised alarms about cryptocurrency markets lack of oversight and potential for illicit use.

Coinbase was pressured after briefly posting the automatically generated informational page with instructions on how to get the Whoren token. The exchange later succumbed to widespread criticism by taking down the page.

A spokesperson from Coinbase clarified that such pages are auto-populated based on new third-party crypto token launches.

The exchange representative said the pages do not indicate endorsement or availability to trade on Coinbases platform. He also said the controversial page redirects to a generic crypto trading website.

This incident reaffirms the challenges many crypto firms face in moderating inappropriate content and tokens minted on decentralized Blockchain networks outside their control.

Though Coinbase acted immediately after being alerted, some critics argued that more preventive measures are needed.

Lack of basic legal measures around crypto opens up Americans to countless risks, said Senator Chris Van Hollen, who has always partnered with Warren on crypto regulatory legislation.

Senator Hollen also noted that crypto exchanges should be treated and governed by the same transparency rules as traditional banks.

He added that this would protect Americans and help ensure digital assets agent used to facilitate illegal behavior by rogue nations and criminal enterprises.

Meme Coin Traders Rally Around Whoren Token



While policymakers like Warren seek to regulate crypto, the sector has pushed back. This includes the boosting of the very token that sparked Coinbases issues.

Since the meme coin controversy, traders have embraced and driven up the whoren token. The token can still be found on decentralized exchanges like Raydium.

Similar tokens mimicking public figures like Warren have previously been launched on the Solana blockchain.

Tokens like PUTNI, hinting at Russias Vladimir Putin, are some of the trendy Solana meme coins in the crypto space. Another one is boden, alluding to U.S. President Joe Biden.

Aside from media hype and community engagements, these tokens have no utility.

Despite her critics, Warren is not backing down on her support for the Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering Act.

The bill addresses the use of cryptocurrency for money laundering by criminal organizations, crisis-torn nations, and other illicit finance activities. Senator Hollen has also defended the proposed legislation.

The media combat between Warren and the crypto community was recently outlined in the upcoming Senate Election in Massachusetts, where pro-crypto voters have pledged their support for John Deaton over the incumbent Senator Warren.
The Communist Party of India-Marxist-led Left Front on Thursday announced candidates for 16 of West Bengal's 42 Lok Sabha constituencies, keeping the doors open for a seat-sharing arrangement with the Congress.

Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: Reuters

Announcing the first list of candidates, Left Front chairman Biman Bose said that of the 16 names announced, 14 are new, of whom three are women.

He told a press conference that the Left Front will "not say no" if Congress wanted to have seat adjustment with it.

"They have to come forward and accordingly the seat adjustment negotiations can continue," he said.

Bose said that the state leadership of Congress is probably in Delhi to talk with the AICC leadership.

"So let them finish their talk with the AICC leaders and then they will be in a position to have talks (with the Left Front)," he said.

Asked how long the four-party Left Front will wait for the Congress to take a call on seat adjustments in the state, Bose said the leadership will sit again after two-three days.

"If someone wants to use this time, then we will also be ready to use that," he said.

He said there can always be seat adjustment with Congress if it comes with a "practical proposition".

Bose reiterated the Left Front's stand that it will fight against both the BJP and the TMC in West Bengal and will stay with opposition bloc INDIA.

Veteran CPI-M leader Sujan Chakraborty and CPI's Biplab Bhatta are the only candidates who have been fielded again by the Left Front, while the other 14 are new. Chakraborty, a former MP from Jadavpur, was fielded from Dum Dum, and Bhatta will contest from Medinipur.

The CPI-M fielded its students' wing SFI's leaders Srijan Bhattacharya and Dipsita Dhar from Jadavpur and Serampore, respectively.

Forward Bloc's Nitish Chandra Roy will be the Left Front candidate from Cooch Behar, Debraj Barman of CPI-M from Jalpaiguri, RSP's Jaideb Siddhanta from Balurghat and CPI(M)'s SM Sadi from Krishnanagar.

Saira Shah Halim will contest from the prestigious Kolkata South constituency on a CPI(M) ticket, while practising lawyer Sabyasachi Chatterjee will fight the polls from the Howrah constituency.

CPI-M's Monodip Ghosh was fielded from Hooghly, while the party's Sayan Banerjee, another lawyer, will fight from Tamluk.

CPI-M's Nilanjan Dasgupta will fight from Bankura. From Bishnupur, CPI-M's Sital Kaibarta will contest, while from Bardhaman Purba, CPI-M's Nirab Khan was fielded. CPI-M's Jahanara Khan will contest from Asansol.

Bose said that the Left Front has not had any talks so far with ISF on seat adjustment, but would speak to the party if it wants to.

The Front had entered into a seat-sharing arrangement with the ISF in the 2021 assembly elections. The ISF won the Bhangar seat in South 24 Parganas district.

In the last Lok Sabha polls, the Left Front could not win a single seat. It also drew a blank in the 2021 assembly elections.

Bose said that the Left Front does not accept the CAA, claiming that the BJP-led government at the Centre has based the citizenship issue on religious discrimination.

The TMC has announced candidates for all 42 seats, while the BJP has named candidates for 20 seats in the state.
The high-level committee on 'one nation, one election' approached 62 parties out which 47 responded -- 32 in support of holding elections simultaneously, 15 against it.

IMAGE: Former President Ram Nath Kovind, who heads High-Level Committee (HLC) on 'One Nation, One Election', along with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, presents the report on simultaneous elections to President Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Fifteen parties did not submit a response, according to the report of the panel submitted to President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday.

Among the national parties, the Congress, the Aam Aadmi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and the Communist Party of India-Marxist opposed the proposal, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and National People's Party supported it.

'Responses were received from 47 political parties. Barring 15 political parties, the remaining 32 political parties not only favoured the system of simultaneous elections, but also advocated its adoption for saving scarce resources, protecting social harmony, and stimulating economic development,' the report said.

'Those who opposed simultaneous elections raised apprehensions that its adoption could violate the basic structure of the Constitution, be anti-democratic and anti-federal, marginalise regional parties, encourage the dominance of national parties, and result in a presidential form of government,' it said.

The AAP, Congress and CPI-M rejected the proposal saying it undermines democracy and the basic structure of the Constitution, said the report.

The Bahujan Samaj Party did not explicitly oppose it, but highlighted concerns regarding the large territorial extent and population of the country, which could make implementation challenging, said the report.

The Samajwadi Party in its submission said if simultaneous elections are implemented, state-level parties will not be able to compete with national parties in electoral strategy and expenditure leading to increased discord between these two sets of parties.

Among state parties, the All India United Democratic Front, the Trinamool Congress, the All India Mjalis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen, the Communist Party of India, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the Naga People's Front, and the Samajwadi Party opposed the proposal to hold simultaneous elections.

The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the All Jharkhand Students Union, the Apna Dal-Soney Lal, the Asom Gana Parishad, the Biju Janata Dal, the Lok Janshakti Party-Ramvilas, the Mizo National Front, the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party, the Shiv Sena, the Janata Dal-United, the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha, the Shiromani Akali Dal, and the United People's Party Liberal supported the proposal.

Others including the Bharat Rashtra Samiti, the Indian Union Muslim League, the Jammu And Kashmir National Conference, the Janata Dal-Secular, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, the Kerala Congress-Mani, the Nationalist Congress Party, the Rashtriya Janata Dal, the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party, the Revolutionary Socialist Party, the Sikkim Democratic Front, the Telugu Desam Party, and the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party did not respond.

Among other parties, the Communist Party of India-Marxist Leninist Liberation, the Social Democratic Party of India opposed it, while the Rashtriya Lok Janata Dal, the Bharatiya Samaj Party, the Gorakha National Liberal Front, the Hindustani Aavam Morcha, the Rashtriya Lok Jan Shakti Party, the Rashtrawadi Congress Party (Ajit Pawar) were among those who opposed.

The report also said that at an all-party meeting in 2019, which was attended by 19 political parties to discuss critical reforms in governance, simultaneous elections was among the issues discussed and 16 of them favoured it.

Only three parties opposed the idea, it said.

According to the report, in the 2019 meeting the parties that had supported the idea are: the BJP, the NCP, the JD-U, the YSR Congress, the BJD, the BRS, the LJP, the SAD, the Apna Dal, the AJSU, the SKM, the NDPP, the NPP, the People's Democratic Party, the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party, and the Republican Party of India supported the proposal.

The CPI-M, the AIMIM and the RSP were the only parties that had opposed it.
Whether the age-old cry of kendrer banchana will be able to drown out pangs of Sandeshkhali, the EVM will tell.

IMAGE: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) takes suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) strongman and Sandeshkhali incident accused Shahjahan Sheikh to Joka ESI Hospital for medical examination after getting his handover from the Crime Investigation Department (CID), in South 24 Parganas, March 7, 2024 Photograph: ANI Photo

Early last Thursday, West Bengal police picked up Sheikh Shahjahan from Minakhan -- about 30 km from Sandeshkhali.

Clad in a white shirt and a checked jacket the Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader marched into Basirhat court and was sent to 10 days' police custody after a brief hearing.

As the images flashed on television screens, a section of Sandeshkhali celebrated with sweets and colours, ringing in an early Holi.

It could, well, have brought the curtains down on the nearly two-month protests by a section of the residents. But with the general election looming, the Sandeshkhali pot is expected to continue boiling.

Last Friday, at a rally in Arambagh, in the Hooghly district of West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who kick-started his political campaign in the state with a two-day visit, said that the entire country is sad and angry at what the TMC, which beats the drums of Ma, Mati, Manush has done to the sisters of Sandeshkhali.

"The soul of Raja Ram Mohan Roy would be weeping seeing what has happened in Sandeshkhali."

On March 10, the BJP MLA from Nandigram and Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, drilled down the point at a public gathering in Sandeshkhali.

It's certainly not going to be the last that Mamata Banerjee's party will hear of it, as Sandeskhali and corruption are the two main issues for the Opposition.

TMC strongman

Shahjahan was arrested 54 days after an attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials, who had gone to conduct searches in connection with an alleged ration scam, on January 5.

The party convener of the Sandeshkhali Assembly constituency and member of TMC-held North 24 Parganas zilla parishad had been on the run since.

As Shahjahan fled from the scene, protests by the villagers against land grab, conversion of land into fisheries, and sexual exploitation started to tumble out into the public domain.

It was a rebellion of sorts that saw a major participation from women, causing much embarrassment to the ruling party.

The BJP's Adhikari has drawn a parallel with the land agitation movement in Nandigram. He recently said that in Nandigram, people fought against land acquisition and here people are fighting against land grab.

Deja vu?

The comparison with Nandigram has irked the TMC. Banerjee said at an event that the land acquisition protests in Singur and Nandigram should not be compared with what happened in Sandeshkhali.

Shashi Panja, West Bengal minister of Women and Child Development, told Business Standard that in Singur or Nandigram, the issue was the forcible acquisition of land by the state government.

"It was a rebellion against the policies of the government. And Didi stepped in for the people."

Here, the state government is not responsible for Sheikh Shahjahan's activities, she pointed out.

"It's for the party to look into it and it (the party) has suspended him."

Panja is also the industry and commerce minister. Rewind to 2006-2007. Nandigram, a rural hamlet in Purba Medinipur, became the symbol of land agitation in the country.

The land acquisition was for a 14,000-acre chemical hub project, which quickly turned into a turf war. In March 2007, a police firing killing 14 people brought things to a head.

In a way, it marked the beginning of the end of the Left rule in West Bengal while TMC's success in thwarting the forcible land acquisition for industry brought it to power in the state.

CPI-M West Bengal Secretary Mohammed Salim said Nandigram and Sandeshkhali cannot be equated. The acquisition of land in Nandigram was for an industrial project but no land was finally acquired.

"Is the land here (Sandeshkhali) being acquired by the state government for any business project?

"No, this is a reversal of land reforms where small land holdings have been forcibly taken."

IMAGE: TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan being brought to Basirhat Court lockup. Photograph: ANI Photo

Political dividend

The TMC is pointing fingers at the Opposition for politicising Sandeshkhali for the sake of electoral benefits and the BJP for giving it a communal colour.

Before Sandeshkhali came to light, it was widely believed that the BJP's performance would take a severe beating from the stellar showing in the 2019 Lok Sabha election when it bagged 18 of 42 seats in the state, snapping at the heels of the TMC, which got 22; the gap in vote share between the two parties was about 3 per cent.

But much water has flowed down the Howrah bridge since then. Banerjee's party delivered a stunning victory in the assembly election of 2021.



But can Sandeshkhali dent the TMC's prospects in the upcoming polls?

Analysts believe that Sandeshkhali is a setback to TMC, which was in an advantageous position with its welfare schemes.

A big strength for the ruling party in South Bengal and all over the state is the votes of Muslims, who form almost 30 per cent of the population.

"The BJP is unlikely to get that vote. But if the vote goes to the Left or the Congress, it would help the BJP a lot," said political analyst Sabysachi Basu Ray Chaudhuri.

Analyst Biswanath Chakraborty pointed out that the political outcome of Sandeshkhali in the upcoming elections would have been much bigger if the party in Opposition had both Hindus and Muslims on their side.

"When Singur and Nandigram happened, the challenger was the TMC, a 'secular' party. Therefore, the political dividend from Sandeshkhali will be less than Singur or Nandigram," he said.

Chakraborty added that the CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) implementation would be a "big" disaster for the BJP.

Sandeskhali is part of the Basirhat Lok Sabha constituency, which has 46 per cent Muslim population.

But according to the BJP and the CPI-M, Sandeshkhali is not a stray incident; there are many Shahjahans lurking across Bengal and the issue will spread like forest fire.

"The TMC which came to power on the back of land agitation movement is looting land. People are in a mood to remove the TMC," said Samik Bhattacharya, chief spokesperson for the BJP in West Bengal.

The party has set sights on at least 24 seats in Bengal, though many believe that the BJP's leadership in Bengal in 2019 was stronger and the campaign more aggressive.

'Walking the talk'

Immediately after the arrest, the TMC suspended Shahjahan from the party for six years.

While announcing this, Derek O' Brien, AITC Parliamentary Leader in the Rajya Sabha, said there are two types of political parties -- first, they just talk, talk, and talk.

"But, the Trinamool Congress walks the talk," and dared the BJP to do the same with its "tainted" members.

Albeit late in the day, corrective measures are underway -- in Sandeshkhali, the administration is in the process of returning the land that has been grabbed.

Police camps are registering complaints. And prior to Shahjahan's arrest, his aides, Shibu Hazra and Uttam Sardar were arrested.



The ruling party is hoping that Shahjahan's arrest will help defuse the tension.

Whether the age-old cry of kendrer banchana (Centre's exploitation) will be able to drown out pangs of Sandeshkhali, the EVM will tell.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
There are unconfirmed reports that the BJP has offered to appoint Paras as governor and a berth in the Bihar cabinet to his nephew Prince Raj.

M I Khan reports.

IMAGE: Union Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras, third from right, being garlanded by supporters after being re-elected as Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party national president during its national council meeting, Patna. Photograph: ANI Photo

Unhappy over the BJP ignoring him and giving more importance to his bhatija (nephew) Chirag Paswan led Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) in the seat-sharing formula finalised to contest 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Bihar, Union Minister Pasupati Kumar Paras, head of Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP), an ally of the NDA, is likely to take a decision to resign from Prime Minister Narendra Modi government and to dump NDA.

According to sources close to Paras, the RLJP has called a parliamentary board meeting in New Delhi to take a decision to stay with the NDA or not.

Four RLJP MPs -- Paras, Prince Raj, Mahboob Ali Qaiser and Chandan Singh -- will attend the meeting.

BJP leaders in New Delhi are in touch with Paras and trying to convince him not to take any decision in haste.

A high level meeting of RLJP leaders was also held at Paras's official residence in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Paras is reportedly uncomfortable after Chirag claimed that the BJP top leadership has agreed to give his party 5 seats including Hajipur to contest.

Chirag has reportedly demanded six seats including Hajipur which he announced he will contest from.

At present Paras is the MP from Hajipur, having won the seat in 2019. Chirag is MP from Jamui seat that he won in 2014 and 2019.

What angered Paras was that the BJP has given Hajipur to Chirag despite the fact that the former repeatedly asserted that he will contest from Hajipur.

Besides, the top BJP leadership reportedly offered Paras only one seat to contest from, Samastipur, that is currently held by his nephew Prince Raj of RLJP.

Prince Raj is the son of Ramchandar Paswan, Paras's elder brother.

There are unconfirmed reports that the BJP has offered to appoint Paras as governor and a berth in the Bihar cabinet to Prince Raj.

A senior RLJP leader said Paras has refused to accept the offer and demanded decent seats to contest. "Our party leaders will hold a meeting and likely to take a final decision."

He did not rule out the possibility that Paras may join hands with the Mahagathbandhan, which is part of opposition INDIA bloc, to contest the upcoming polls.

Bihar's ruling BJP-led NDA may be strengthened after the re-entry of Nitish Kumar's JD-U and it has an edge over the opposition Mahagathbandhan in the Lok Sabha elections, but the BJP is not in mood to lose its ally RLJP.

In the caste-ridden politics of Bihar, caste equations play a major role to decide the poll outcome.

The BJP understand it and has, after careful consideration, thrown its weight behind the young Chirag, who is widely regarded as the political successor of Ram Vilas Pawan, considered an undisputed leader of "Dusadh" or Paswan, a militant Dalit community.

As per latest Bihar Caste Survey report, Paswans form 5.3 percent of the total population in the state.

IMAGE: Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) President Chirag Paswan meets BJP national president JP Nadda, New Delhi, March 13, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Sensing the power of this caste equation in state politics, Chirag last week told a public meeting that "every political party wants me to be on its side". Chirag more or less repeated the words of his father.

Political watchers said Ram Vilas Paswan's importance was his capacity to transfer his caste vote to any coalition or alliance he joined during his long political career.

"Chirag might have the upper hand to gain the support of Dusadh but Paras, a seasoned politician, is not far behind. Paras can damage Chirag if he walked out of NDA. It will be not an easy battle for Chirag."

Chirag is yet to prove that he enjoys his father's popularity.

Ram Vilas Paswan's LJP split in 2021 after his death. Paras revolted against Chirag, who claimed to represent the political legacy of his father.

Paras managed to get the support of five of the six LJP MPs. Only Chirag opposed him.

Since then political rivalry continued between the Chirag led faction of LJP (Ram Vilas) and RLJP headed by Paras.

However, sources in BJP said the top party leadership has finalised a seat-sharing formula and it will be formally announced soon.

The BJP has reportedly decided to contest 17 of 40 seats in Bihar, and accepted the demand of Nitish Kumar's JD-U to give it 16 seats and 5 seats to Chirag Paswan's LJP (Ram Vilas).

One seat each will be given to Rashtriya Lok Morcha of former Union minister Upendar Kushwaha and Hindustani Awam Morcha of former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi.

After its re-entry in the NDA, Kumar's JD-U was adamant on contesting not less than 16 seats, the number it won in the previous elections.

In the previous Lok Sabha elections, the BJP-led NDA secured 39 out of 40 parliamentary seats, with the Congress winning only one seat and the RJD failing to secure any seats, marking a significant setback for the party.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
BRATTLEBORO  A few twists in the budget storyline occurred before the annual Windham Southeast School District meeting slated for Tuesday at 
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Crypto Gains Surpassed $37.6 Billion in 2023: Chainalysis

Global crypto gains reached $37.6 billion in 2023 following severe losses in 2022, blockchain intelligence firm Chainalysis revealed in a new report released Thursday.

U.S. Leads The Way In Total Crypto Gains For 2023



According to the organizations latest research, the total represents a significant recovery from the nearly $127.1 billion in cumulative losses in 2022.

The U.S. led the way in cryptocurrency gains worldwide last year by a wide margin, pulling in a total of $9.36 billion.

The United Kingdom was next behind the U.S. with a total of $1.39 billion, followed by Vietnam and China with $1.18 billion and $1.15 billion respectively.

Crypto markets are hot right now, with Bitcoin recently breaking all-time highs. But 2023 wasnt half bad either! Read our latest blog for a breakdown of our estimates for crypto investors gains in 2023, both in total and broken down by country. https://t.co/HfD1MuGiA7  Chainalysis (@chainalysis) March 14, 2024

However, despite growing at the same rate, 2023s gains estimate falls far short of 2021s total of $158.7 billion.

Researchers surmise that the difference is due to the fact investors were less likely to convert crypto assets into cash under the expectation that prices would rise even higher in 2023 than in 2021.

While the methodology isnt perfect, it gives us a strong estimate of gains across popular assets traded on centralized exchanges, Chainalysis wrote.

Asias Adoption of Cryptocurrencies Is On The Rise



Equally important, researchers discovered that a handful of lower-income and middle-income countries (LMI), including India, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia, achieved outsized gains  with each country hitting over an estimated $1 billion respectively.

Our gains estimates suggest that many investors in those countries have benefited from their embrace of the asset class, the report states.

Chainalysis then referred back to its 2023 Geography of Crypto Report, citing that six out of the top ten countries in last years Global Crypto Adoption Index were located in Central and Southern Asia, as well as Oceania.

This could be extremely promising for cryptos future prospects, the blockchain intelligence firm wrote. LMI countries are often countries on the rise, with dynamic, growing industries and populations.

What To Expect From 2024



The latest data from Chainalysis comes shortly after bitcoin exceeded its new all-time high of over $73,000 early Thursday.

The cryptocurrencys latest rally follows the United States Securities and Exchange Commissions (SEC) January 2024 approval of nearly a dozen spot bitcoin ETF applicantions, prompting the cryptocurrencys price to surge.

As of March 13, Bitcoin is up 65.4% and Ether is up 70.2% in 2024, Chainalysis continued, nothing that the SECs spot bitcoin ETF approval may encourage more institutions to invest in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, potentially boosting the industrys growth further.

If these trends continue, we may see gains more in line with those we saw in 2021, the report read.
A Florida man was killed Thursday morning in a pedestrian crash on South River Road in Reed Township, Perry County.

State Police at Newport said it responded to the scene at 5:21 a.m. for a vehicle crash involving a pedestrian, and the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police did not release the man's name, but said he was 62 years old and from Jacksonville, Florida.

South River Road is about a half-mile north of Route 322, according to police.

No further information about the crash was available.
Chhouk Bandith, the former governor of Bavet city, gestures after appearing at the Court of Appeal in Phnom Penh, Feb. 27, 2013.

Cambodias Prime Minister Hun Manet has appointed a former governor convicted of shooting a group of protesters to a senior position within the Ministry of Interior, RFA Khmer has learned, prompting condemnation from rights groups over rampant nepotism and impunity within the government.

Its the latest controversial appointment by the prime minister, who in February named his younger brother, Hun Many, one of Cambodias 11 deputy prime ministers. The same month, his father, former Prime Minister Hun Sen, appointed as his adviser a former top military police official who was found guilty 15 years ago in an acid attack that disfigured a victims face.

In a sub-decree dated Jan. 30, but only released to the public on Thursday, Hun Manet appointed Chhouk Bandith, the former governor of Bavet city in Svay Rieng province, to the position of deputy director general of the General Department of Administration under the Ministry of Interior.

Chhouk Bandith was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay 38 million riel (US$9,500) in compensation after he was convicted of shooting and wounding three female garment workers. They had been protesting poor conditions at the Kaoway Shoe Factory in Svay Rieng province in February 2012. He was released from prison in February 2015 after serving his full sentence.

Despite his conviction, on March 18, 2022, Acting Head of State and President of the Senate Say Chhum promoted Chhouk Bandith to the new post.

Chhouk Bandith is also a nephew of influential Deputy Prime Minister Men Sam A.

Attempts by RFA to reach him and government spokesman Pen Bona for comment on the appointment went unanswered Thursday.

There is no reform

Ly Chanravuth, an activist with the environmental watchdog Mother Nature Cambodia, called the move a sign that Hun Manet is reneging on his promise to reform the government.

"This is an example that proves there is no reform, he said. Instead, were seeing appointments based on lineage and factions. In addition, the appointment of officials who have committed serious misconduct has put us back to where we were years ago.

Ly Chanravuth said that appointing convicted criminals to office will lead to social insecurity. The public will be unable to seek help from the government to find justice because the officials that they rely on are already violating the rights of the people, he said.

Chhouk Bandith remained at large for a time after his conviction, prompting rights groups to speculate that he was under the protection of top officials. In November 2013, an appeals court upheld his 18-month jail sentence and the restitution to the garment workers, according to an earlier RFA report.

He later turned himself in after then-Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered his capture.

Translated by Yun Samean. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.
Under the bill, likely to pass next week, any criticism of the authorities could be regarded as sedition.

Members of the League of Social Democrats protest Article 23 and display a banner reading "Without democracy, there can be no livelihood and "Put the people above the country, human rights above the regime. There can be no national security without democracy and human rights" outside government offices in Hong Kong on Feb. 27, 2024.

The Hong Kong government, poised to pass its stricter Article 23 national security law next week, blasted criticism of the bill from rights experts who say it will undermine freedom of religion in the city.

The Safeguarding National Security bill, currently before the Legislative Council, includes sentences of up to life imprisonment for treason, insurrection, sabotage and mutiny, and 20 years for espionage. It can punish people 10 years for crimes linked to "state secrets" and "sedition," and allow the passports of anyone who flees overseas to be revoked.

Critics say the ruling Communist Party has a broad and vaguely defined interpretation of many of the crimes in the bill, and that national security crimes are already being used to prosecute people for peaceful dissent and political opposition.

Hong Kong Justice Secretary Paul Lam warned last week that anyone who hears that another person has committed "treason" but not reported it could be jailed for up to 14 years, once the law takes effect.

This "has grave implications for the confidentiality of Confession in the Catholic Church and other Christian traditions," according to a letter signed by 16 experts and published by Hong Kong Watch on March 13.

"The new law could force a priest to reveal what has been said in Confession, against his will and conscience and in total violation of the privacy of the individual confession," the group said.

People attend a Catholic church service in Hong Kong on June 4, 2020. (Dale de la Rey/AFP)





A Hong Kong government spokesman said Hong Kong Watch is an "anti-China organization," and its members were "frontline destabilizing forces."

He said ordinary citizens were in no danger of committing treason, which he defined as "levying war against China, or instigating a foreign country to invade China with force," and called their letter a "blatant, shameless and barbaric intervention."

Advocating for democracy is a crime

Under the "Article 23" legislation, any attempt to push for legislative changes or criticism of the authorities could be regarded as sedition, and any contact with overseas individuals or organizations could be prosecuted as courting foreign interference, the letter said.

Under another clause, "advocating for democracy and the restoration of civil liberties in Hong Kong, anywhere in the world, could now constitute a crime and result in the cancellation of ones Hong Kong passport," it said.

Pro-democracy activists shout slogans during a candlelight vigil to protest the national security law in Hong Kong on Feb. 25, 2003. (Vincent Yu/AP)





The new law has been rebooted three decades after being shelved following mass protests against it in 2003 and fast-tracked through the legislature in mere days after Chinese officials said it should be completed "as soon as possible" at the National People's Congress in Beijing last week.

It looks likely to be made law next week.

The experts said that the "vague provisions within the law ... open the potential for politically-motivated prosecutions under illegitimate national security grounds," pointing to clauses allowing the extension of detention without charge and the prevention of contact between arrestees and their lawyers.

More like mainland China

Taiwanese national security expert Shih Chien-yu said the legislation will have an indelible impact on Hong Kong, which was once promised the continuation of its traditional rights and freedoms for 50 years after the 1997 handover to Chinese rule.

"The Article 23 legislation basically will make Hong Kong even more like mainland China," Shih told RFA Cantonese. "The penalties are very heavy, mostly more than three years."

Shih predicted that many businesspeople will leave Hong Kong because of it.

Lawmakers completed their detailed review of the bill on Thursday, adding in a strengthened supervisory role for the Committee for Safeguarding National Security, which is itself under the direct supervision of the central government in Beijing.

London-based rights group Amnesty International called on the government to "step back from the brink" and halt the legislation. Hong Kong is now taking repression to the next level," the group's China Director Sarah Brooks said in a March 8 statement.

"The apparent overarching purpose of Article 23 is to stifle any and all criticism of the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities and their policies, within the city and globally," she said.

Translated with additional reporting by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster.
Coast guard vessels from both sides are searching for crew of a Chinese boat capsized near Kinmen islands.

Taiwan and China coast guard ships are searching for missing crew members of a sunken Chinese fishing boat in a rare joint search-and-rescue operation that an analyst says may help reduce cross-strait tensions.

The fishing boat Minlongyu 61222 capsized early Thursday morning in the waters near Dongding, an islet within Kinmen islands under Taiwans control, according to the Taiwanese coast guard. Six crew of the boat went missing.

The coast guard dispatched four patrol boats to the area to join a rescue mission with Chinese mainland patrol vessels and helicopters.

The rescuers found four fishermen, two dead and two alive, and are still looking for two others.

This joint operation demonstrates the necessity of cross-strait cooperation, said Shen Ming-Shih, an acting deputy chief executive officer at Taiwans Institute for National Defense and Security Research.It may also help reduce the political impact of the incident last month.

Taiwan Coast Guard personnel conducting a search for missing Chinese fishermen near Kinmen islands, March 14, 2024. (Taiwan Coast Guard)

Cross-Strait tensions rose when a Chinese boat capsized on Feb. 14, also in the waters near Kinmen islands after being confronted by the Taiwanese coast guard. Two Chinese fishermen died in the incident that was condemned by Beijing.

A Chinese spokesperson at the time said the sinking of the fishing boat sparked widespread outrage on the mainland, and severely hurt the feelings of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Taipei has maintained that the Chinese fishing boat was operating illegally in Taiwans territorial waters, just 1.1 nautical miles (2 kilometers) east of Kinmen.

Both sides said they will enforce the law in the waters between Kinmen island and Chinas mainland.

Humanitarian effort

The case this time is totally different, said Shen from the Institute for National Defense and Security Research.

The location of the accident is not inside Taiwans restricted waters, and the boat was fishing legally.

Taiwan and China have conducted joint rescue drills in the area in the past, according to the analyst who said that such operations are based on humanitarian considerations and should be maintained.

China now needs to step down and not let the cross-Strait conflict escalate, he added.

Taiwan authorities are still conducting an in-depth investigation into the February incident and will decide on concrete juridical measures after its completion.

Kinmen is less than 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from Chinas Fujian province but more than 180 kilometers (112 miles) from Taiwans mainland.

In another development, 26 Chinese aircraft and ten naval vessels were tracked around Taiwan today, according to the defense ministry in Taipei. 18 of the aircraft entered the islands de-facto air defense identification zone, or ADIZ.

An ADIZ is an area where foreign aircraft are tracked and identified before they reach a countrys airspace.

This is the largest single-day total of ADIZ violations since last November.

Edited by Taejun Kang and Mike Firn.
The group was part of an online money laundering gang and repatriated through a trilateral agreement, according to a Chinese ministry.

More than 800 Chinese nationals were deported from near Myanmars border with Thailand in relation to online fraud, according to Chinas Ministry of Public Security.

The group was deported Wednesday from Myawaddys infamous gambling and scam center, Shwe Kokko, in Myanmars Kayin state through neighboring Thailand, the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

Scam centers have plagued the border areas of Thailand, Myanmar and China as nationals from all three countries are tricked into  and subsequently enslaved in  online fraud. Tens of thousands of Chinese nationals were deported from Myanmar in 2023 by both junta and rebel army officials for their roles in both perpetuating and being trapped in criminal schemes. Many are linked to forced labor, human trafficking and money laundering, which proliferated after COVID-19 shut down casinos across Southeast Asia.

A resident in Myawaddy told Radio Free Asia that the gambling businesses in Myawaddy should be eradicated.

The [Chinese nationals] have been repatriated through Thailand as they were illegally staying in Shwe Kokko. They kept saying that [authorities] are continuously sending them back, he said, declining to be named given the issues sensitivity.

There are still gambling businesses in Myawaddy. The [big] gambling business split off and many small ones appeared in the city center. They are still there.

Since March 2023, the Chinese Ministry of Public Security has been cooperating with Myanmar and Thai authorities on the border to crack down on transnational communication network fraud and online gambling activities. The 800 Chinese nationals were linked to an online money laundering gang, according to the statement.

The details of the repatriation could not be confirmed by RFA. The arrests were a result of the long-term trilateral cooperation between China, Myanmar and Thailand, it continued.

According to Myanmar junta-backed media, 52,820 foreigners, including 50,772 Chinese nationals, were repatriated from Oct. 5, 2023 to March 6, 2024.

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Kiana Duncan and Mike Firn.
Myanmar migrant workers demonstrate against the military coup and demand the restoration of democracy in their country during a protest in Bangkok to mark May Day, May 1, 2022.

For two decades, accountant Khin Thit Yee lived and worked as a business consultant in Yangon, Myanmar, and as an online trainer for the accounting programs she set up while investing in an agricultural business on the side.

Before the Burmese military coup in February 2021, she was working for one of the Big Four accounting firms in that city.

When the coup was announced, I was sleeping. My mother broke the news to me, and I was very surprised, she told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.

But it took Khin Thit, now 41, no time to wrap her head around the situation. Two months after the coup, she and her family headed to Bangkok in search of new lives in neighboring Thailand.

After March 2021, things [were] getting worse and worse, she said. I checked with my office, and they said they could support my move to Singapore. But if I moved to Singapore I would not be able to take care of my family because the living expenses are very high. So, I decided to go to Thailand and gave notice to my office.

Today, Khin Thit holds a consulting management position with an international firm in Bangkok and does not plan to return to Myanmar.

She is among a growing number of Myanmars working professionals who have moved to Thailand in the aftermath of the 2021 coup detat and since the Myanmar military launched a violent crackdown on opponents and resistance forces.

Fighting across the Southeast Asian country has displaced millions and killed at least 50,000, including 8,000 civilians, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project.

Khin Thit Yee, an accounting consultant from Yangon who moved to Thailand in April 2021 with her family to escape the coup in Myanmar, is seen in Feb. 29, 2024. (Jitsiree Thongnoi/BenarNews)

The number of Myanmar migrants and those fleeing the fighting to Thailand can fluctuate at times as some have been in Thailand before the coup, and some moved here after the coup, Khin Thit said. Some are still living in Myanmar and flying back and forth.

The estimated monthly number of long-term migrants entering Thailand since the beginning of 2023 is 13,000, according to the International Organization for Migration.

Khin Thit said she was no longer optimistic about her home country.

Before the coup, I believed in my country and the people, and I wanted to contribute to the community and make the country better. But after the coup, I was lost.

Relocation

Apart from her full-time work, Khin Thit runs two restaurants in Chiang Mai in northern Thailand and has invested in properties in Bangkok. She is hopeful about her life in Thailand with her mother, uncle, brother and the brothers family.

In Thailand, the culture is not very different, and living expenses are OK, she said. It is also easy to start a business here.

Natty Tangmeesang is a Thai blogger who lived in Myanmar between 2014 and 2020 and worked as a marketing and communications executive in Yangon.

She said the ascent of the National League for Democracy led by Aung San Suu Kyi after the 2015 general election allowed the country to open doors to international investment, which brought opportunities for citizens.

Now we have seen a wave of middle-class and wealthy Myanmar people looking for ways to live and open businesses in Thailand, Natty told BenarNews. Many of them have opened restaurants, bars and businesses here. Others have come for higher education as well.

In February, real estate consultant Colliers Thailand reported that buyers from Myanmar were looking for residential projects in cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, noting that they were upper-middle class, mostly young families aged 35 and older, The Bangkok Post reported.

Those who flee

Natty said the exodus of young, middle-class Myanmar citizens could spike soon because of the juntas military conscription beginning in April for men between the ages of 18 and 35 and women between the ages of 18 and 27.

The conflict after the February 2021 coup is the one between the new generation and the Myanmar military, Natty said about those who joined rebel groups against the government. So, they are hunted down by the army.

A Burmese-language sign hangs in a clothing store operated by Yi Win, a Myanmar man who immigrated shortly before the February 2021 coup, in his shop in the Phra Khanong section of Bangkok, March 13, 2024. (Wissarut Verasopon/Thai News Pix/BenarNews)

Taien Layraman, assistant to the president of International Affairs at Payap University, said that since the junta made the announcement in February, there had been a surge in applications from Myanmar students to the university in Chiang Mai province.

Our semester usually begins in August, and we often see applications later on in the year, she told BenarNews. But this year we have seen a lot of early applications.

University administrators also noticed that before the 2021 coup, Myanmar students enrolled at the school before returning to work in Myanmar, though now they are usually finding work in Thailand or another country after graduation, she said.

New hope

Susu, 20, a Myanmar student from Bago city, has lived in Tak, a Thai province along the border with Myanmar, since moving to Thailand in December 2022, when she joined her sister who had moved here earlier.

She is working on obtaining a general equivalency diploma and wants to enroll at a university in Thailand.

Susu, who goes by one name, said traveling to Thailand was a daunting experience but that she was willing to risk it.

I and another sister left Bago and traveled to Myawaddy; then a traveling agent took us across the Moei River to Tak, she said.

After the coup, Susus sisters, who worked as a teacher and a nurse in Bago, joined the civil disobedience movement, a national strike involving health care workers and civil servants who opposed the militarys takeover of Myanmars government.

Because their safety was at risk, the three sisters decided to move to Thailand, leaving their mother and everyone they knew behind.

My friends in Myanmar used to have a goal for their future, but after the coup there was no opportunity, no safety, no justice, Susu said. I want to go back to Myanmar one day. But from the way things look, nothing will ever get better.

Myanmar citizens living in Thailand protest against the military coup in front of the United Nations office in Bangkok, March 7, 2021. (Soe Zeya Tun/Reuters)

Meanwhile, as the civil war in Myanmar enters its fourth year, Thailand has sought to create initiatives, including a humanitarian corridor that would be set up in Tak province, to coordinate the shipment of food and medicine to Myanmar.

The Thai Parliament recently hosted a seminar to seek peaceful and sustainable political solutions for Myanmar, according to Thai opposition lawmaker Rangsiman Rome.

It was lambasted by the Myanmar junta as affecting bilateral relations.

Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara was scheduled to deliver a speech, but he canceled shortly before the event.

I think humanitarian aid is not just sending supplies, but also offering other assistance, blogger Natty said.

There are many working professionals from Myanmar, those who are nurses, teachers or journalists, who have to flee Myanmar without papers for safety, she said. We should offer them support as well.

BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated online news service.
The definition of 'an armed external attack' in the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty needs to be made more clear, observers say.

The Unaizah May 4 (center), a Philippine resupply boat, is hit by blasts from two China Coast Guard water canons as the boat tried to enter Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal), in the disputed South China Sea, March 5, 2024.

The Philippines and United States need to revisit their longtime mutual defense pact to address Beijings increasing use of so-called gray-zone activities  or acts of aggression short of an armed attack  in the disputed South China Sea, experts said.

Under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), the two allies are compelled to come to each others defense in the event of an armed external attack, but the term is ambiguous and needs to be more clearly defined, according to analysts interviewed by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated news outlet.

Article V of the treaty needs to be more clearly discussed and interpreted by both countries, said Don McLain Gill, a geopolitical analyst based in Manila.

The article states that the MDT covers an armed attack on the metropolitan territory of either of the parties, or on the island territories under its jurisdiction in the Pacific Ocean, its armed forces, public vessels or aircraft in the Pacific.

In recent years, China has intensified its harassment and intimidation of Philippine government ships and other vessels in the West Philippine Sea, Manilas name for waters of the South China Sea that lie within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

There needs to be a firmer operational definition of an armed attack, because without doing so, China will continue to exploit such terminological ambiguities, Gill told BenarNews.

Its still an ambiguous term. Should firearms be used to trigger the MDT? If so, it does not address the casualties on our side.

He was responding to questions about a March 5 incident where four Philippine Navy sailors sustained minor injuries while aboard a military-contracted civilian vessel, when blasts from Chinese water cannons shattered their boats windshield.

The dramatic moment, which was caught on video, occurred as China Coast Guard (CCG) ships tried to block the Philippine boat, the Unaizah May 4, from carrying out a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal).

The focus must also be on the potential harm to human life Chinas unfriendly acts may cause, Gill said.

The incident last week marked the first time that injuries were reported in any of the tense incidents at sea that have become more frequent lately, as Chinese ships try to block Philippine ships and boats from delivering supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre, a rusty World War II-era ship that serves as Manilas outpost in Ayungin Shoal.

While such close encounters at sea between Philippine and Chinese coast guard ships increased in 2023, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin cited the MDT in warning that Washington would help defend Manila in case of an armed attack anywhere in the South China Sea, including on Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels.

In the immediate aftermath of the March 5 incident, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. dismissed calls that Manila move to have the treaty invoked over it.

While his administration viewed the incident and such dangerous maneuvers by China with great alarm, there was no need at this time to take that step on the MDT, he said.

Five months after he took office in 2022, as he talked about the possibility of a stronger U.S. military presence in the Philippines, Marcos said that the mutual defense treaty with the United States was continuously under negotiations and under evolution.

In 2023, as tensions also simmered between China and the U.S. over Taiwan, the Marcos administration agreed to give American forces greater access to military bases in his country. Late last year, the U.S. and the Philippines also launched joint patrols around the archipelago.

Sherwin Ona, a political science professor at De La Salle University in Manila, said he agreed with Marcos and noted that the boat that came under attack was a civilian vessel.

In his view, Beijing is aware of the language in the treaty that does not clearly define a red line, and is exploiting that by carrying out gray-zone tactics in the contested waterway.

The framing of conflict is so far within the gray-zone approach of the Peoples Republic of China. I think Beijing is conscious of this and will avoid a full-scale naval confrontation with the Philippines and the U.S., Ona told BenarNews.

Wider definition of armed attack

Analyst Gill, however, said that if the definition of armed attack is merely limited to military confrontation, this allows China to carry on with its aggressive actions at sea.

If armed attack will only mean a direct military confrontation, then that opens up more pathways for China to inflict harm on Filipinos at sea, Gill said.

Given last weeks incident, one may ask that if Chinas belligerent activities in the Philippines EEZ may eventually critically injure or kill members of the Philippine crew, should Article V be implemented? he said.

Members of the Philippine Coast Guard stand alert as a China Coast Guard vessel blocks their way to a resupply mission at Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungtin Shoal) in the South China Sea, March 5, 2024. [Adrian Portugal/Reuters]

Antonio Carpio, a South China Sea analyst and a former Supreme Court justice, said the Philippines could approach the U.S. to talk about a possible expansion of definitions of wording in the treaty.

Armed attack means use of lethal weapons like cannon, missiles or guns. We can discuss with the U.S. to define armed attack to include use of laser beams that are permanently blind since such use is already outlawed by an international convention, Carpio said in a message to BenarNews.

Last year, a CCG vessel pointed a military-grade laser at a Philippine Coast Guard ship, temporarily blinding the Filipino crew.

Option of last resort

But Rommel Ong, a retired Philippine Navy rear admiral, believes the two countries will not include such acts of aggression in the MDT.

I dont think thats going to happen. The Philippines and the U.S. are both trying to avoid invoking the MDT for minor incidents, Ong told BenarNews.

Thats the option of last resort. The actions of China are still within the bounds of non-kinetic. Its just that were not used to conflicts at sea, he said.

He mentioned the cod wars between the United Kingdom and Iceland during the 1950s to 1970s over rights to fish in Icelandic waters. Both European countries engaged in gray-zone tactics by ramming and blocking each others ships.

MDT is like a nuclear bomb. Its effectiveness is in its deterrent value. But once you use it, it loses its value.

With these limitations, the Philippines appears to have no option but to resort to joint patrols with the U.S. and other like-minded allies, analyst Ona said.

He added that the Philippines must fast-track military and coast guard modernization programs and continue its transparency program, whereby they publicize cases of Chinese intimidation and incursions in the West Philippine Sea.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. attends a press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (not pictured), in Berlin, March 12, 2024. [Liesa Johannssen/Reuters]

Marcos has repeatedly called on foreign nations to support the landmark international arbitration ruling in 2016 that sided with Manila and invalidated Beijings sweeping claims in the South China Sea.

During an official visit to Germany this week, Marcos noted that 60% of world trade passed through the vital waterway.

Its not solely the interest of the Philippines, or of ASEAN, or of the Indo-Pacific region but the entire world. That is why its in all our interest to keep it as a safe passage for all international commerce that goes on in the South China Sea, Marcos said during a joint press conference on Tuesday with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Marcos has relied on international allies and partners, striking deals on defense cooperation even with non-traditional allies to counter Chinese aggression. Aside from the U.S. and Germany, Japan, Australia, France, the United Kingdom, and India have expressed support for Manila over the South China Sea dispute.

Jeoffrey Maitem in Cotabato City, southern Philippines, contributed to this report.

BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated news outlet.
Police said a child was bicycling in the 300 block of Gettysburg Pike at about 2:30 p.m. when a witness saw a sedan strike the back of the bicycle.
Rights advocates say it marks the start of a new harassment campaign by the government.

Political prisoner Bui Van Thuan and the police letter calling his wife in for questioning.

Vietnam police have been summoning the wives of political prisoners for questioning over the past week, leading one lawyer to suggest that the Ministry of Public Security has launched a new harassment campaign against relatives of prisoners of conscience.

According to information obtained by Radio Free Asia, police summoned the wives of four prisoners this week: Trinh Thi Nhung, wife of Bui Van Thuan; Le Thi Ha, wife of Dang Dang Phuoc; Do Thi Thu, wife of Trinh Ba Phuong; and Nguyen Thi Tinh, wife of Nguyen Nang Tinh.

The women were questioned about their social media activities.

They also summoned Nguyen Thi Mai, daughter of female prisoner Nguyen Thi Tam.

The five prisoners are serving sentences of between five and 10 years, all for the crime of propaganda against the state.

On Tuesday, police also summoned Le Thi Kieu Oanh, wife of former prisoner Pham Minh Hoang, following her trip to France to see her husband.

In 2017, Hoang was stripped of his Vietnamese citizenship and deported after serving a 17-month prison sentence for activities aimed at overthrowing the government.

Questioned about Facebook

Trinh Thi Nhung was summoned for questioning by the Nghi Son Town Police in Thanh Hoa province on Wednesday morning.

They said they believed she had used the Facebook account Nhung Trinh to sign a petition calling for the release of human rights activist Nguyen Thuy Hanh, who has cancer and is being held in a secure mental facility.

Nhung told the police the account was not hers and refused to sign a statement.

Do Thi Thu was asked to visit Ha Dong District Police in Hanoi on Thursday, also in connection with Facebook but she refused.

Im not going to meet them there because they've invited me so many times about the same thing, she said.

The investigator asked me if the [Thu Do] Facebook account was mine.

They told me not to share articles related to prisoners of conscience.

Le Thi Ha was summoned by the Internal Security Department of Dak Lak Provincial Police.

They asked her to come in on Thursday to provide information about her use of social media. She told RFA she would attend even though she doesnt have a Facebook account.

I find it annoying, she told RFA Vietnamese. It affects my job because I work all day at school and have no time to rest.

Human rights lawyer Nguyen Van Miem wrote on Facebook, "There seems to be a campaign to harass the wives of prisoners of conscience."

Josef Benedict, Asia Pacific civil space advocacy expert for rights group CIVICUS also criticized Vietnam for harassing families of political prisoners.

"The Vietnamese government must halt the shameful and vindictive campaign of harassment against the wives of political prisoners for their social media posts, he said.

Prisoners families should not be targeted simply because they seek justice for their loved ones .

Instead they should be able to exercise their basic right to freedom of expression peacefully without fear of reprisal.

According to Amnesty International, Vietnam currently has more than 250 political prisoners.

Hanoi always claims it has no political prisoners, only those convicted of crimes.

Translated by RFA Vietnamese. Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang.
A year after the arrest of Evan Gershkovich in Russia, the Wall Street Journal reporters family pledged to continue to fight for release from a Moscow prison where he is being held on espionage charges the White House and his employer say are fabricated.

Gershkovich became the first U.S. journalist arrested on spying charges in Russia since the Cold War when he was detained on March 29, 2023, by the Federal Security Service (FSB), which said he had been trying to obtain military secrets.

The Wall Street Journal and the U.S. government have vehemently rejected the espionage charges, saying he was merely doing his job as an accredited reporter when he was arrested.

Gershkovich saw his detention extended to June 30 earlier this week by the Moscow City Court. The Kremlin said on March 29 it had no information on when the 32-year-olds trial will begin. If found guilty, he faces up to 20 years in jail.

"We never anticipated this situation happening to our son and brother, let alone a full year with no certainty or clear path forward," his family said in a letter published by the Wall Street Journal on March 29 to mark the anniversary.

"But despite this long battle, we are still standing strong."

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement on March 29 that "to date, Russia has provided no evidence of wrongdoing for a simple reason: Evan did nothing wrong. Journalism is not a crime."

Born in the United States to Soviet emigres, Gershkovich reported from Russia for six years before being detained in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg.

Leon Panetta, former director of the CIA, said the United States must play a "tough game" with Russian President Vladimir Putin in order to get Gershkovich released.

"We have got to play a tough game with Putin to make sure hes not going to get away with this kind of game." Panetta said on Fox News.

Gershkovich will ultimately be released through a prisoner swap, Panetta predicted, saying the United States could "develop some leverage" for such a deal by arresting Russian spies in the United States "so that [Putin] has a reason to come to the bargaining table."

State Department spokesman Vedant Patel, also speaking on Fox News, said the United States engages daily with the "highest levels of the Russian government" in its effort to win Gershkovich's release, but he said it was "important not to talk about the deliberations in public."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has also stressed the importance of silence about any negotiations, but Wall Street Journal Associate Editor Paul Beckett, who is leading the newspapers efforts to free Gershkovich, said talks involving Gershkovich on any level keep his supporters optimistic that something can be done.

Russian authorities accuse Gershkovich of collecting state secrets about the military industrial complex at the behest of the U.S. government.

Wall Street Journal Associate Editor Paul Beckett, who is leading the newspapers efforts to free Gershkovich, told Current Time in an interview broadcast on March 29 that the reporter is holding up OK under very difficult circumstances.

He's in his cell for 23 hours a day. He has an hour outside in the courtyard, which is about the same size as his cell. So we've just been very grateful that he's been able to maintain his equilibrium, Beckett said of Gershkovichs incarceration in Moscows Lefortovo prison.

Beckett said that besides one hour of courtyard time per day, Gershkovich has been in constant correspondence with his family, including swapping lines from shows that they enjoyed together, and weekly meetings with his lawyers.

Earlier on March 28 in Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was asked about reports of a possible prisoner exchange involving Gershkovich, and he stressed the importance of silence about any negotiations.

But Beckett said talks involving Gershkovich on any level keep his supporters "optimistic that something can be done."

Gershkovich is one of two American reporters currently being held by Russian authorities. The other is Alsu Kurmasheva, an RFE/RL journalist who holds dual Russian-American citizenship.

Kurmasheva, 47, was arrested in Kazan last October and charged with failing to register as a foreign agent under a punitive Russian law that targets journalists, civil society activists, and others. Shes also been charged with spreading falsehoods about the Russian military and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

RFE/RL and the U.S. government say the charges are reprisals for her work as a journalist for RFE/RL in Prague. She had traveled to Russia to visit and care for her elderly mother and was initially detained while waiting for her return flight on June 2 at Kazan airport, where her U.S. and Russian passports were confiscated.

Gershkovich has been designated as wrongfully detained by the U.S. government. Kurmasheva, however, has not despite pleas from RFE/RL and Kurmashevas family.

The Wall Street Journal on March 28 published a story about her detention and the difficulties her husband, Pavel Butorin, who also works for RFE/RL in Prague, and their two daughters, aged 12 and 15, have had without her and their efforts to have her designated as wrongfully detained.

The designation would mean her case would be assigned to the office of the Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs in the State Department, raising the political profile of her situation and allowing the Biden administration to allocate more resources to securing her release. The designation currently applies only to Gershkovich and another American held in Russia, Paul Whelan, a former U.S. Marine and corporate security executive who is serving a 16-year prison sentence on espionage charges.

Other events being held to mark the one-year anniversary of Gershkovichs detention include a 24-hour read-a-thon of his work by his Wall Street Journal colleagues at the newspapers headquarters in New York and swimming events at Brighton Beaches in New Zealand, South African, Canada, the United States and Britain.

The beaches were chosen in recognition of his familys connection to Brighton Beach in Brooklyn, New York, which is home to a large Russian immigrant community. Gershkovich's parents emigrated from the Soviet Union, separately, in 1979.
A Lithuanian security official has said the investigation into the hammer attack on Russian dissident Leonid Volkov, an ally of late Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny, shows it was "professional" and "well-planned." A spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin said on March 14 that he could not comment on the attack, which left Volkov badly injured.
The Kremlins tight grip on electoral politics and the media means that President Vladimir Putin is sure to secure a new six-year term in the March 15-17 election barring a huge, unexpected development.

But Putin is eager to maintain a veneer of pluralism, even if few people in Russia or abroad are fooled. Urging citizens to vote in brief remarks on March 14, Putin said that holding regular elections demonstrates the inviolability of one of the basic principles of a democratic state.



So, while two anti-war would-be candidates were barred from the ballot, three people from what is widely known as the systemic opposition have been allowed to run. Here they are:

The Aging Communist

Nikolai Kharitonov, 75, is a senior member of the Communist Party who has been a deputy of the State Duma, the lower parliament house, since 1993. He ran for president in 2004, coming in second to Putin with 13.7 percent of the vote.

The former collective farm director backs the war in Ukraine and has not criticized Putin by name during the campaign. He has run a low-key campaign, visiting museums, meeting small groups, and laying wreaths at Soviet and Russian monuments rather than seeking to stage big rallies.

In meetings with voters, Kharitonov has criticized Russias capitalistic turn, praised Soviet achievements, and called for restoring Volgograds Soviet-era name, Stalingrad.



The Newbie

Vladislav Davankov, 40, a State Duma deputy from the New People party, is the youngest candidate, five years over the minimum age to run for president. A former businessman who casts himself as a relative liberal, he has criticized the government crackdown on the media and freedom of expression, saying it mimics Soviet-era repression, and called for easing state pressure on business.

He has suggested he supports peace talks with Ukraine but on our terms and with no rollback, meaning Russia would note cede territory it has occupied. Davankov ran for mayor of Moscow in 2021, coming in fourth with 5.3 percent of the vote according to official results.



Not Zhirinovsky

Leonid Slutsky, 56, is chairman of the inaccurately named right-wing Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR), having taken the helm after the death in 2022 of its founder, the flamboyant nationalist firebrand Vladimir Zhirinovsky.

A State Duma deputy since 1999, he is chairman of its International Affairs committee. In that role, he has actively supported Putins foreign policy, including the invasion of Ukraine.

In 2018, several female journalists accused him of sexual harassment, which he denied. Slutsky is campaigning on the legacy of Zhirinovsky, who consistently ranked among the most trusted politicians in Russia. His campaign slogan is the work of Zhirinovsky lives. Long before Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Zhirinovsky had called for the Kremlin to seize parts of Ukraine and other former Soviet countries.
The backdrop for Russias election is grim: The war against Ukraine grinds on, the relentless repression of dissent has moved political debate from the campaign trail to the courtroom, and President Vladimir Putins most prominent opponent is dead.



Putin, who has been president or prime minister for nearly 25 years, is set to prolong his rule by securing a new six-year term in a tightly controlled March 15-17 election whose outcome, with the Kremlin holding levers of power nationwide, is not in doubt.



The election -- in which Putin, 71, is running against three token candidates who barely campaigned and whose positions are indistinguishable from the incumbent's -- is being held in the shadows of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, now in its third year, and the suspicious death of opposition politician Aleksei Navalny in an isolated Arctic prison on February 16.

Although the result is predictable, the election is nonetheless a portentous one for Russia. The Kremlin is seeking to turn it into a convincing demonstration of national unity behind Putin and his chief policies: war in Ukraine, repression at home, and confrontation with the West. The country's beleaguered opposition, mostly relegated to prison or exile, wants to make its presence felt and show that a significant portion of the Russian public opposes the country's descent into authoritarianism and militarization.



"It's a plebiscite about Putin, and even more so it's a plebiscite about the war," said Sergei Medvedev, a Russian historian who teaches at Charles University in Prague and a contributor to RFE/RL. "Putin wants a resounding endorsement of his war with Ukraine, with the West, and basically a world war to remake the world order."



Russian political analyst Ivan Preobrazhensky describes the election as "a special operation to reappoint Vladimir Putin," a reference to the Kremlin's insistence that the war against Ukraine be euphemistically termed a "special military operation."



"There is no way you can call this an election," he told RFE/RL. "And the majority of the population understands this perfectly."



That appears to include the other candidates on the ballot: They are "not even trying to pretend to really want to run or get votes," said the independent election-monitoring organization Golos. The group, banned in Russia after documenting reports of widespread fraud in previous elections, described the current campaign as "the emptiest" in the post-Soviet period.



Political analyst and former Putin speechwriter Abbas Gallyamov told the Associated Press that the election is one in which "multiple choice is replaced with a simple, dichotomic one: Are you for or against Putin?"

Voting In Ukraine

As it has in other Russian elections since Moscow seized Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014, Moscow is conducting voting this year in the Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine. There are reports of occupation authorities using intimidation tactics to get out the vote in these areas, and the Kremlin has been encouraging people who live in parts of Ukraine that Moscow claims but does not occupy to vote electronically.

Ukraine has denounced the election on its territory, which is illegal under international conventions. On February 20, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania issued a joint statement denouncing the voting in occupied parts of Ukraine as "a grave violation of international law, the UN Charter, and Ukraines independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity."



Analysts also say the voting in the combat zone on Ukrainian territory is a key tool for the Kremlin to falsify the results and boost Putin's margin of victory.

It's Not 2018 Anymore



Critics say elections under Putin have never been free or competitive. However, much has changed since the last presidential vote in 2018, when liberal politician Grigory Yavlinsky and television personality Ksenia Sobchak were allowed to run and to campaign in opposition to Putin.

Navalny was not allowed to run because of a 2013 criminal conviction that he and many others said was drummed up to stifle his political ambitions, but he issued a campaign manifesto, gathered signatures in a demonstration of his political pull, and commented extensively on the election.

Since then, however, the authorities have carried out a sweeping crackdown on dissent that has accelerated steadily since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Navalny's organizations were declared "extremist," forcing most of its activists to flee the country or face criminal prosecution.



When the invasion came, independent media outlets fled en masse, unwilling to work in Russia under conditions of wartime censorship. Political dissent was increasingly equated with treason, as was made clear when opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Murza was sentenced to 25 years in prison -- mostly on a treason conviction -- in April 2023.



The current election is being held under conditions that economist and political scientist Kirill Rogov calls "mature authoritarianism," the main characteristic of which "is that the opposition has insufficient resources to exercise any significant influence in the results of the voting or the election."



This year, the two would-be candidates who seemed to articulate positions genuinely different from Putin's -- journalist Yekaterina Dunstova and former parliament deputy Boris Nadezhdin -- were barred from participating by the Central Election Commission. Analysts suspect they were shut out because the prospect of their anti-war candidacies generated a substantial level of enthusiasm among the Russian public, with people standing in long lines to sign petitions supporting Nadezhdins effort to get on the ballot.



"I might not agree with what Nadezhdin or Duntsova said, but I would happily vote for them," said exiled opposition politician Olga Sidelnikova.

The Battle Over Turnout



With would-be candidates who represented opposition to Putin and the war out of the picture, the Kremlin is pulling out all the stops to boost turnout. As in past elections, the authorities are in particular targeting voters vulnerable to pressure, such as teachers, state-run factory workers, and other public-sector employees.

"If you don't go to vote, there's the door," said one Russian man who works in a state heating plant in St. Petersburg and asked not to be identified out of safety concerns, quoting the message company managers had for workers at a meeting last week.



His supervisor, the man said, showed him a list of employees who didn't vote in the 2021 national legislative elections: "They have some sort of connection [with election officials]."



A St. Petersburg teacher told RFE/RL that staff at her school had been reregistered so that they had to vote at the school instead of in the neighborhood where they live.



"It is clear the administration has been told that as many people as possible must vote," said the woman, who also asked not to be identified out of safety concerns.



Analysts say the authorities are demanding that local officials and the ruling United Russia party ensure 80 percent turnout in a bid to foster an air of legitimacy around the compromised process. With such a turnout, they say, the authorities can use their control of election commissions at all levels and the absence of independent election monitors to produce support for Putin in the region of 85 percent.



Comments from officials and state-funded poll results have suggested that the Kremlin is aiming for an outcome of above 80 percent for Putin, who official results said received 77.5 percent on the 2018 election. Official turnout was 67.5 percent.



Urging Russians to vote in a brief address on March 14, Putin said, "We must affirm our unity and our determination to move forward." He asserted that Russians are "one big family."

For an opposition beset by obstacles, the task is to make a showing that could cast doubt on Kremlin claims that the Russian people are united in their support for Putin, for the war of aggression against Ukraine, and for the confrontation with the West.

'Noon Against Putin'



The demonstrations of support for Nadezhdin and Duntsova were not the only indications of simmering discontent with Putin and his policies in Russia. Thousands of people braved an intimidating police presence to pay tribute to Navalny during his funeral in Moscow on March 1. The families of mobilized soldiers have been carrying out regular protests for months now, venting anger over their treatment of their loved ones at the front. Thousands of people in the central region of Bashkortostan protested in January against the conviction and sentencing of a popular local activist, a wave of protests that analyst Gallyamov said was driven by "the accumulated burden of grievances and the perception that the regime is weakening."



Emboldened by such developments, opposition leaders have been promoting an election tactic called "Noon Against Putin." The idea, they say, is for everyone who opposes Putin to show up at polling stations at exactly 12 p.m. on March 17 in a massive, and entirely legal, show of strength.



"The Noon protest gives everyone a chance to express themselves as they wish in proportion to their anger or rejection of the regime," said former St. Petersburg lawmaker Maksim Reznik, who came up with the idea. "The main thing is the unity of time and place.... Of course, these days it is not about an election, it is about impressions."



Once voters come to the polls, Reznik said, they can do as they see fit -- not vote, spoil their ballots, or cast their vote for one of the other three candidates, Nikolai Kharitonov, Leonid Slutsky, and Vladislav Davankov.



Navalny endorsed the Noon Against Putin idea in one of his last social-media posts before his death, saying "it could be a powerful demonstration of the mood of the country."

"It will be a Russia-wide act of protest against Putin that is happening right near your home," he wrote. "Everyone, everywhere can participate. Millions of people could take part, and tens of millions will see them."



Many in the opposition, however, cast doubt on the utility of such symbolic gestures, arguing that the Kremlin can easily spin the appearance of long lines as a show of support for Putin.



The Morning After



"What is really important is what happens the next day, March 18," activist Aleksei Manannikov, a former member of Russia's upper parliament chamber, said on Facebook.



"Will these same people, as usual, go off and assemble tanks and drones, transport convoys of military equipment to the front, continue to devise new weapons, and pay taxes to the chekist junta so that it can continue the war?" he wrote, using a historical term for the secret police to point to the predominance of security officials in Putins circle. "Or will they stay home? Or will they come out and protest against the war?"



Human rights activist Aleksandr Podrabinek, in an essay for RFE/RL's Russian Service, said the Noon Against Putin protest was "a generous gift for Kremlin propaganda" and the only result will be to allow people to tell themselves "I didnt do nothing while the country was being destroyed."

While the outcome of the election is not in doubt, what comes after is less clear.



In his state-of-the-nation address on February 29, Putin largely ignored the war and laid out an expensive vision of expanded social programs, infrastructure development, and economic growth.



Critics, however, say that vision is unrealistic, given the pressures of the ongoing war and the standoff with the West. What is more likely in Putins new six-year term, they say, is the accelerated militarization of society, including the prospect of expanded call-ups to the armed forces -- something Putin has been wary about ordering after an unpopular partial mobilization he decreed in September 2022 and higher taxes. In addition, there are indications the government is preparing new limitations on Internet access and other steps to further isolate Russians from the West.



According to polling by the Khroniki research group, nearly two-fifths of Russians expect a new military mobilization in Putin's next term and nearly three-quarters expect an increase in military spending. Only 28 percent foresee the restoration of relations with the West.

The same study, using indirect questioning in an effort to circumvent the publics reluctance to discuss the war freely, found that 17 percent of Russians are "consistent supporters of the war," while 19 percent could be classified as "consistent opponents." The rest have more ambiguous views.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Russian Service and Current Time
A Cumberland County Prison inmate who walked off during work release turned herself in, the county announced in a news release Thursday.

Timberly Marie Smith, 27, turned herself in to the Perry County Probation Department in New Bloomfield and was returned to the prison around 3:30 p.m., the release said.

Warden Travis Shenk said Smith now faces additional charges that will be determined at a later date.

Posted Earlier on Cumberlink:

The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office reported Tuesday afternoon that it is looking for an inmate who walked off during work release on Saturday.

Timberly Marie Smith, 27, was given a two-hour pass to apply for a new Pennsylvania state ID at the Carlisle PennDOT Driver License Center on Walnut Bottom Road in South Middleton Township, but the sheriff's office said she did not return to Cumberland County Prison.

Smith was last seen leaving the prison at 7:50 a.m. Saturday. She has been incarcerated since March 1 on a Perry County parole violation.

Smith is 5-foot-2, 125 pounds with brown eyes and brown hair. She has family in Duncannon and Landisburg.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Corp. Erin Reddington of the Sheriff's Office at 717-240-7740 or 717-240-6390. For after-hours calls, contact the Cumberland County Department of Public Safety at 717-243-4121.
ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- Such is the life of a Central Asian activist abroad: One minute you are bringing attention to a fellow activist in trouble, the next minute the trouble has reached you.

Transnational repression -- or a government going abroad to silence an opposition activist -- is increasingly a mainstay topic for rights organizations covering Central Asia, with the regions three most authoritarian countries -- Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan -- all high-level offenders.



The phenomenon involves governments around the world -- usually nondemocratic ones -- seeking to intimidate, extradite, and sometimes even kill their perceived enemies in foreign jurisdictions.



About a decade ago, Turkey was one of the safer places for Central Asian activists to seek refuge, due to its lack of travel restrictions for regional citizens and a fairly low extradition threat.



In recent years, though, that has not been the case, with experts indicating a changing attitude on the part of the Turkish authorities.

Tajik Activists Disappear



Just in the last month, two Tajik political activists living in Turkey have vanished without a trace, raising fears they have been transported back to their homeland where long jail sentences and mistreatment in detention have been the norm for government critics.



According to Central Asian rights expert Steve Swerdlow, Suhrob Zafar of the Group 24 Tajik opposition group had spent the last two weeks trying to trace fellow activist and Istanbul-based exile Nasimjon Sharifov, with whom no one has had contact with since February 23.

The effort included visits to migrant detention centers and requests for information from Turkish authorities, who claimed no knowledge of Sharifovs whereabouts, Swerdlow said on X, formerly Twitter. He also recalled how Zafar had contacted him in a bid for assistance.



But on March 11, it was Zafars disappearance that Tajik activists were raising alarm over, after being unable to contact the Group 24 leader since March 10.



Throughout his decade living in Turkey, according to Group 24, Zafar has received regular threats in the form of text messages warning him that he would be killed or abducted.



He has also been detained by Turkish authorities on several occasions, presumably at Tajikistans request, before later being released.



In Tajikistan, Group 24 has carried the designation of an extremist organization since a Supreme Court ruling in October 2014, shortly after it called for rallies against the regime of authoritarian President Emomali Rahmon.

The ruling broadly coincided with the end of the regimes tolerance for even limited political opposition.



Less than a year later, the high court applied the same label to the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan (IRPT) -- a moderate, faith-based opposition party that had held seats in the parliament prior to contentious elections in March 2015.



Many of the IRPTs top leaders were then jailed after a court found them guilty of masterminding a purported rebellion that took place when a top defense official and his supporters broke ranks before being beaten by government troops in clashes outside the capital, Dushanbe.



Of course, 2015 was also the year that Group 24s founder, businessman Umarali Kuvvatov, was shot dead in Istanbul -- something of a watershed moment for Central Asian dissidents living in the city.



Turkey's 2016 Turning Point



It seems unlikely that Turkey had any direct hand in the oppositionists killing, even if the assassins were able to skip the country before they could face justice.



The Tajik-born man who reportedly lured Kuvvatov to the dinner where he was poisoned before being gunned down in the street was sentenced to life in jail by a Turkish court.



But recent years have seen Turkish authorities much more prepared to engage with Central Asian governments over the dissidents seeking safe haven on its territory. And that is likely because Ankara expects its Central Asian partners to return the favor.

In an update published last month, Freedom House listed Turkey and Tajikistan among the Top 5 most prolific perpetrators of transnational repression based on data from the last decade. China, Egypt, and Russia were the other three.



The turning point for Turkey was undoubtedly the 2016 coup attempt against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the government when some 250 people were killed.



That event led Turkeys government to declare an all-out war on the network of U.S.-based Muslim thinker Fethullah Gulen, a former Erdogan ally that Ankara held responsible for the coup, charges that Gulen fiercely denies.



Tens of thousands of dismissals and jailings followed in Turkey, and increasingly tense relations between Ankara and any country where Gulen had connections -- mostly through the network of the scholars private schools.



While some other Central Asian governments had cracked down on Gulen-linked institutions before the coup attempt, many schools and universities continued to function in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.



During Erdogans visit to Bishkek in 2018, he referenced what Ankara calls FETO -- Fethullahist Terrorist Organization -- multiple times in his speeches and openly warned then-President Sooronbai Jeenbekov that he risked being overthrown by Gulenists.

In the end, Jeenbekov was overthrown in 2020 by forces supporting current Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, who pointedly failed to condemn Ankara when Orhan Inandi -- the Turkish-born founder of the Gulen-inspired Sapat school network in Kyrgyzstan -- was abducted by Turkish agents in Bishkek in June 2021.



Inandi, who also held a Kyrgyz passport when he was abducted, was sentenced last year by a court in Ankara to 21 years in prison for "establishing an armed terrorist group."



Marked Turkmen



In the early years of Central Asias post-Soviet independence, Turkey risked souring its relationship with the regions largest country, Uzbekistan, by refusing to extradite opposition leaders Muhammad Solih and Abdurahmon Polat.



Uzbekistan halted visa-free travel between the two countries in response, a benefit that was only reinstated after Shavkat Mirziyoev came to power following the death of the first Uzbek president, Islam Karimov, in 2016.



Until recently, Turkey was one of the few countries where citizens of Uzbekistan's neighbor, Turkmenistan, could travel visa-free. But that changed in 2022 when the Turkish government revoked the visa waiver at Turkmenistans insistence.



Tajikistan is the only Central Asian country in Freedom Houses longer-term transnational repression Top 5. But Turkmenistan was in the watchdogs Top 5 perpetrators in 2023.



And Ashgabat would not have earned that status without active support from Turkey, which has long been the main destination for Turkmen seeking a way out of their highly repressive, economically failing country.



Although sources of RFE/RLs Turkmen Service have described deportations by Turkey in their thousands since Ankara reimposed visa restrictions, the closed nature of Central Asias most authoritarian state makes it difficult to separate politically active migrants from the regular kind.



But at least six Turkmen political activists have been deported to Ashgabat: Farhat Meimankuliev, Rovshen Klychev, Umit Kuzybaev, Dovran Imamov, Maksat Baimuradov, and Serdar Durduliev, RFE/RL's Turkmen Service has reported.

Dursoltan Taganova -- a relatively high-profile opposition activist in Istanbul -- had at least two close shaves with deportation even before the new travel restrictions were imposed when she was detained in 2020 and 2021.



In 2020, Taganova was held in a deportation center before being released after 11 human rights organizations urged the Turkish authorities not to follow through with the deportation.



The next year, Taganova told journalists she had been summoned to Turkish immigration, where she was warned she might face problems with her residency unless she stopped her political activities.



Turkmen activists in Turkey were a notable focus of a brief submitted for Turkmenistans Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Council by the University of Southern California Human Rights Advocacy Group and the Vienna-based advocacy group Freedom for Eurasia.



The briefs authors called Turkey an increasingly unsafe environment for Turkmen political activists and rights defenders, where Turkmen as a whole face surveillance, travel restrictions, discrimination, and other abuses that Ashgabat and Ankara have increasingly used to control and monitor both them and their relatives back home.



The brief noted that Turkish police had reportedly compiled a list of 25 Turkmen migrants subject to deportation, as directed by the Turkmen Consulate [in Istanbul].



These concerted efforts to end the status of Turkeys largest city as a hub for Turkmen political activism may be having the intended effect.



Eziz Mamedov, another Turkmen resident of Istanbul, has reported regular acts of intimidation since he became politically active in 2021, including being knifed by an unidentified assailant during a protest outside the consulate.



In January, though, Mamedov said he was no longer pursuing activism.



I thought, why am I throwing myself into the fire? Mamedov said. What we have sacrificed and done on behalf of the [Turkmen] people has not paid off.

With contributions from RFE/RLs Tajik and Turkmen services and RFE/RL's Ferghana Valley Bureau
A Ruckersville pastor charged with sexually violating children has been indicted by a grand jury.

Rodney Martin Locklear, 47, was indicted in Madison County Circuit Court on March 4 on six crimes against children: abduction of a minor, sexually penetrating a minor with an object, three counts of indecent liberties with a child and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The charges stem from incidents that occurred in 2023, according to authorities.

In February, the Greene County Sheriffs Office announced it was investigating Locklear after he was taken into custody and charged with abduction with intent to defile and two counts of aggravated sexual battery of a child between the ages of 13 and 14.

According to the Greene County Sheriffs Office, Locklear led childrens Bible study classes at Victory Church on Wednesdays. He had been a pastor there for six years and, before that, a pastor at Abundant Life Church.

Locklear is being held at Central Virginia Regional Jail in Orange without bond. A bond appeal is set for March 19. He will be arraigned in Madison County Circuit Court at 9:30 a.m. March 24. A preliminary hearing in the Greene case has been set for May 2.

An investigation is ongoing. The Greene County Sheriffs Office encourages anyone with information regarding Locklear to contact authorities at (434) 939-7914 or (434) 566-2813.
Indonesia will on Thursday release January figures for retail sales, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. In December, sales were up 0.2 percent on year.

Hong Kong will see Q4 numbers for industrial production and producer prices. In the previous three months, production was up 4.4 percent on year and producer prices rose an annual 3.0 percent.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Economic News

What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
Indian shares were marginally lower on Thursday, tracking mixed cues from global and amid concerns surrounding elevated valuations in the broader market.

The benchmark S&P BSE Sensex dropped 75 points, or 0.1 percent, to 72,683 in early trade, while the broader NSE Nifty index was down 17 points, or 0.1 percent, at 21,981.

Bajaj Auto, LTIMindTree, NTPC, JSW Steel and Tata Steel fell 1-3 percent in the Nifty pack while Mahindra & Mahindra, Larsen & Toubro, Adani Ports, Hero Moto Corp and Adani Enterprises were up 1-3 percent.

Tata Motors declined 1.2 percent on news it plans to open a 'cutting-edge' vehicle manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu.

ITC edged up slightly, a day after British American Tobacco sold a 3.5 percent stake in the company through the open market.

Vedanta advanced 1.3 percent on reports it would appeal against SEBI which levied Rs. 77.6 crore penalty for delay in paying dividends to company's earlier shareholder Cairn Energy.

Reliance Industries rose 0.7 percent after it agreed to acquire 13.01 percent stake of Paramount global in Viacom18 for Rs. 4,286 crores.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Market Analysis
British drug major AstraZeneca Plc. (AZN.L,AZN) announced Thursday that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Amolyt Pharma, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on rare endocrine diseases.

Under the deal terms, AstraZeneca will buy Amolyt Pharma for a total consideration of up to $1.05 billion, on a cash and debt free basis.

The consideration includes $800 million upfront at deal closing. There will also be the right for Amolyt Pharma's shareholders to receive an additional contingent payment of $250 million payable upon achievement of a specified regulatory milestone.

The deal is expected to close by the end of the third quarter of 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions in the acquisition agreement, including regulatory clearances.

Amolyt Pharma develops eneboparatide (AZP-3601), a Phase III investigational therapeutic peptide with a novel mechanism of action designed to meet key therapeutic goals for hypoparathyroidism.

AstraZeneca expects the proposed acquisition will bolster the Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease late-stage pipeline and expand on its bone metabolism franchise.

Marc Dunoyer, Chief Executive Officer, Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, said, "As leaders in rare disease, Alexion is uniquely positioned to drive the late-stage development and global commercialisation of eneboparatide, which has the potential to lessen the often debilitating impact of low parathyroid hormone and avoid the risks of high-dose calcium supplementation. We believe this programme, together with Amolyt's talented team, expertise and earlier pipeline, will enable our expansion into rare endocrinology."

For More Such Health News, visit rttnews.com

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Business News
A staff member of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was killed and 22 others were injured when Israeli Forces hit a food distribution center in the southern Gaza Strip.

The attack took place in the eastern part of Rafah Wednesday.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said the Israeli forces carried out the attack even after they were informed of the food distribution facilities across the Gaza Strip, including the one that was targeted.

"Today's attack on one of the very few remaining UNRWA distribution centers in the Gaza Strip comes as food supplies are running out, hunger is widespread and, in some areas, turning into famine," he said in a statement.

The top UN official said that since the war began five months ago, UNRWA has recorded an unprecedented number of violations against its staff and facilities that surpass any other conflict around the world.

At least 165 UNRWA team members were killed including while in the line of duty; more than 150 UNRWA facilities were hit, some totally destroyed, among them many schools; and more than 400 people killed while seeking shelter under the UN flag.

In a social media post, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Martin Griffiths, said his teams and supplies - which are constantly under threat - must be protected, and the war has to stop.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Shares of Lithium Americas Corp. (LAC) are gaining more than 14 percent on Thursday morning trade after the company provided a construction plan update for its Thacker Pass lithium project in Humboldt County, Nevada.

The company said Lithium Americas received a commitment from the Department of Energy for a $2.26 billion loan for the construction of the processing facilities at Thacker Pass. The project targets to produce an initial 40,000 tonnes per year of battery-grade lithium carbonate.

Currently, shares are at $6.53, up 14.18 percent from the previous close of $5.73 on a volume of 11,510,974.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Charlottesville police are asking for the publics assistance tracking down two men connected to a shooting near Downtown earlier this month.

Police are searching for Zymir Jakai Brown and Eric Dweh. Brown, a convicted felon, is wanted on firearm possession charges. Dweh, also a convicted felon, is wanted on firearm possession charges as well as three other charges: attempted malicious wounding, using a firearm in commission of a felony and reckless handling of a firearm.

The pair is wanted in connection to a shooting that occurred March 5 in the 700 block of Sixth Street Southeast, on the border of the Ridge Street and Belmont neighborhoods south of downtown Charlottesville.

On Wednesday, a little more than a week after the shooting, Charlottesville police, with the assistance of the Virginia State Police and Albemarle County Police Department tactical teams, executed search warrants in the 100 block of Stribling Avenue in Charlottesvilles Frys Spring neighborhood as well as the 800 block of Mallside Forest Court in Albemarle County north of the city.

One juvenile male was taken into custody during this operation, police said in a statement.

That juvenile, who they have not identified, has been charged with attempted malicious wounding, reckless handling of a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

CPD holds additional arrest warrants to be served on individuals related to this case, police said.

That includes warrants for both Brown and Dweh.

Anyone with information regarding the March 5 shooting or the whereabouts of the two men is encouraged to contact the Charlottesville Police Department at (434) 970-3280 or the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line at (434) 977-4000.
In support of President Joe Biden's Unity Agenda efforts to beat the overdose crisis, the Biden Administration is announcing the White House Challenge to Save Lives from Overdose.

The Challenge is a nationwide call-to-action to stakeholders across all sectors to save lives by committing to increase training on and access to lifesaving opioid overdose reversal medications.

Last year, the Food and Drug Administration approved naloxone  a life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication  for non-prescription, over-the-counter use.

The Administration has urged organizations and businesses to train employees on opioid overdose reversal medications, keep the medications in first aid kits, and distribute the medications to employees and customers so they might save a life at home, work, or in their communities.

Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) announced in February that naloxone is available in Automated External Defibrillator (AED) cabinets at pre-security and post-security locations at O'Hare and Midway International Airports.

Seventeen US-based airlines are voluntarily equipping their aircraft with opioid overdose reversal medications.

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Political News
Three studies published recently showed that CAR-T therapy, under which a person's immune system is reprogrammed to attack brain tumors, has shown promising results.

The studies conducted at the City of Hope Cancer Center in Duarte, the University of Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts General Hospital experimented on brain tumor patients by directly delivering CAR-T therapy to the brain.

The results showed that the therapy had shrunk the tumor and in some cases even melted it away. However, researchers claim that the therapy has to be developed further in order to dismiss the possibility of tumor relapse.

The experimental study at Mass General was conducted on a patient with a glioblastoma tumor in his brain which had been growing for years despite chemotherapy, radiation and other medications.

The doctors took his blood to harvest a special kind of T-cells, known as suppressor T-cells, which has the ability to turn down the immune response. They later modified them to bind it with specific proteins of the tumor cells in order to convert the suppressor T-cell around the tumor to killer T-cell.

The patient was given a dosage of a single 10-milliliter consisting about 10 million CAR-T cells, which reportedly shrunk his tumor by 20 percent on the next day and was rarely detectable after a few weeks.

The patient suffered through certain side-effects of the therapy including fever and extreme fatigue, but was able to return to a normal life.

"These kinds of responses don't really happen with any other kinds of therapy for glioblastoma," said Dr. Marcela Maus, director of the cellular immunotherapy program at Mass General Cancer Center in Boston.

Speaking on tumor relapse, Maus added, "Even though two of our patients progressed before six months, we think that we can do various maneuvers to try to increase that durability."

"We are still at the early stages," said Dr. Christine Brown, deputy director of the T-Cell Therapeutics Research Laboratory. "There are patients that are showing very favorable responses, but we still have too many patients that are progressing through therapy".

Brown and her team led the CAR-T study at the City of Hope Cancer Center on patients with advanced glioma brain tumors. They used T-cells to specifically target a protein called interleukin-13 receptor alpha 2, which is made by tumors.

Out of 65 patients of the study, two patients recovered fully with their tumors being melted away, whereas some reportedly relapsed after two months.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania combined methods followed by the previous two institutions and saw drastic effects on tumor but suffered from brain swelling, fevers and headaches.

"When you treat someone with this powerful treatment in the brain who has a lot of tumor in there, the brain gets very inflamed, and they basically have a long, low-grade kind of chronic weakness syndrome," said O'Rourke, director of the Glioblastoma Multiforme Translational Center of Excellence at the University of Pennsylvania Perlman School of Medicine.

The researchers at three institutions concluded that the therapy gives hope to brain tumor patients, but needs some improvements.

"Most all of these patients should not be alive now that are still alive," he emphasized.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Health News
Fighting for more than 12 years across multiple consumer courts is a perfect example of  justice delayed is justice denied

While there are lakhs of satisfied Innova users, the experience was quite the opposite for Mr Sunil Reddy. In an accident with an auto rickshaw, the airbags of the Innova had failed to deploy. It had resulted in injuries to the occupants. The owner had to further endure a legal battle of around 12 years. It could take even longer to get justice if the recent NCDRC order is challenged in higher courts.

Innova airbag case details

The owner had purchased a Toyota Innova VX Diesel 7-Seater model in March 2011 from Nandi Toyota Motor World dealership, Bengaluru. The accident with the auto rickshaw had occurred in Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh. The car was later handed over to Nandi Toyota Motor World.

According to the owner, the dealership started repairs on the car without providing any intimation or estimation. The company/dealer also refused to take responsibility for the airbag not opening. As such, the demand for compensation from the owner was rejected. After getting no response to a legal notice, the owner filed the case in the District Consumer Forum.

Frontal vs. side collision debate

Proceedings in this case have focused largely on determining whether it was a frontal collision or a side collision. The legal team of Toyota/Dealership argued that the SRS airbags in the Innova model were designed to deploy only in severe frontal collisions. In this particular accident, the collision had occurred on the left side of the car. This is why the airbags did not open.

Toyotas lawyers also said that airbag deployment is also based on the rate of deceleration. Such factors were not considered by the District Consumer Court or the State Commission, claimed Toyotas legal team. Even when such information is clearly mentioned in the Owners Manual.

Airbags in older cars are also not designed to deploy in case of rear collision or roll over. SRS airbags are also not usually designed to inflate during low-speed frontal collisions. Despite these facts, the District and State Commissions treated the accident as a frontal collision. They identified the airbag not opening as a deficiency in service.

The District Consumer Forum ordered Toyota / Dealer to provide a new Innova of the same model to the complainant. If not available, the full cost of the car was to be refunded, along with 9% interest per annum. The court also ordered compensation for Rs 10,000 for mental agony and Rs 5,000 towards litigation costs.

Arguments in NCDRC

The order of the District Forum was upheld by the State Commission. Not satisfied with the decision, Toyota escalated the case with NCDRC. Experts were brought in from both sides, arguing primarily on frontal vs side collision. Eventually, the FIR filed by the auto driver revealed that it was in fact a frontal collision. It was a crucial piece of evidence that worked in favour of the complainant.

NCDRC has ordered that the vehicle involved in the accident will be handed over to Toyota/Dealer. Compensation amount declared is Rs 32,07,506.875. It includes the original cost Rs 15,09,415 and 9% interest per annum for 12.5 years. The court has directed Toyota/Dealer to implement the order within 30 days. It remains to be seen if Toyota/Dealer will compensate the complainant or if they will file an appeal in the High Court.
U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle has announced the start of the 2024 Congressional Art Challenge for high school students across Oregons 4th Congressional District, which includes Benton County.

The winning artwork selected from Oregons 4th Congressional District will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol and featured on House.govs Congressional Art Competition webpage.

Entries can be paintings, including oil, acrylics and watercolor; drawings, including pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink and markers (it is recommended that charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed); collages (must be two-dimensional); prints, including lithographs, silkscreens and block prints; mixed media (use of more than two media, such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.); computer-generated art; or photography.

All entries must be original in concept, design and execution, and may not violate any U.S. copyright laws. Any entry that has been copied from an existing photo or image (including a painting, graphic or advertisement) created by someone other than the student is a violation of the competition rules and will not be accepted.

Work entered must be in the original medium (that is, not a scanned reproduction of a painting or drawing).

Artwork entered in the contest may be up to 28 inches by 28 inches, may be up to 4 inches deep and must not weigh more than 15 pounds. If your artwork is selected as the winning piece, it must arrive framed and must still measure no larger than the above maximum dimensions.

Here's how to apply for the contest:

Rules for students and teachers: www.house.gov/sites/default/files/2024-02/2024_Rules_for_Students_and_Teachers.pdf

Review and complete the rules for students and teachers: www.house.gov/sites/default/files/2024-02/2024_Student_Release_Form_.pdf



Complete the student release form.

Send art submissions and student release forms to U.S. Rep. Val Hoyles District Office, 940 Willamette St., Eugene, OR 97401, no later than April 12.

Further information is available at 541-465-6732.
Baku is a city with a rich past. The city is an ideal location for hosting the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), Azernews reports, citing the former President of Latvia, Egils Levits, as he addressed the panel meeting held as part of the 11th Global Baku Forum themed Fixing the Fractured World.

I do believe that this prestigious event would contribute to successfully addressing the climate change debates, Egils Levits noted.

It is worth noting that the Global Baku Forum, themed Fixing the Fractured World, started at the Gulustan Palace in Baku, organised by the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The forum welcomed 350 guests from more than 70 countries.

President Ilham Aliyev attended the opening ceremony of the forum.

First, a family photo was taken.

The co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre, Ismail Serageldin, opened the 11th Global Baku Forum.

The head of state addressed the opening ceremony.

Then, Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the former President of Latvia and the co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre, made a speech.
Facing a near-future where they won't be able to pay rent or wages, the current owner-doctors of The Corvallis Clinic are asking Oregons health care regulator to forgo its review and quickly allow their proposed merger with a megacorporation.

In a form filed Friday, March 8 with the agency, lawyers for Corvallis Clinic asked Oregon Health Authority reviewers to invoke a rule exempting the mid-sized chain of medical centers' attempted merger with Optum Oregon.

A Place to Sleep, episode 3: Corvallis Do unhoused people know where to go in Corvallis? Well, the city has outlined where they shouldn't be: near creeks, rivers, wetlands, sidewalks or within 20 feet of trees.

The clinic simply doesnt have time to undergo continuing regulatory review without necessitating further cost-cutting measures that would almost certainly negatively impact care before the time that the clinic would be potentially forced to close its doors, lawyers for Corvallis Clinic wrote in a form filed last week with OHA.

Comments compiled Monday, March 11, implore the agency to deny the request.

The request comes soon after a Feb. 21 cyberattack on Change Healthcare, a payment processing company and subsidiary of the same company that owns Optum  Minnetonka, Minnesota-based multinational corporation UnitedHealth Group.

Some providers havent been able to electronically bill for services, and cash flow to clinics has been choked by the attack affecting more than 100,000 patients.

Corvallis health care advocates Mike Huntington and Bruce Thomson said in a letter to the state that Optum is attempting to use a major breach in private medical information as justification for immediately acquiring Corvallis Clinic.

In truth, the breach should trigger a moratorium on any agreement with (UnitedHealth Group) the letter states.

The Corvallis Clinic had sought buyers, reportedly as the company hemorrhaged money and doctor-owners took pay cuts. They began negotiating in early 2023 with Optum.

Commenters in the public oversight process claimed local hospital systems passed on buying the clinic, founded in 1947 in Corvallis. Now the clinic wouldnt have time to negotiate another merger even if such a party were to emerge, wrote the clinic's attorneys, Jon French and Darius Hartwell of Salem-based Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt.

Reached by phone Monday morning, French said he wouldnt talk about the proposed merger without the clinics authorization.

Under any merger agreement like this, both sides always agree in these kinds of situations (that) they dont talk to the media without the others permission, French said.

Attorneys claim the business has only lost money in the last 12 months and now is close to insolvent, calling Corvallis Clinic unstable from a cash perspective.

Under their agreement, owners would sell their shares and cede control to Optum, a company that began buying up providers in Eugene and the Portland metropolitan area in 2020.

How much theyd get isnt publicly known.

Lawyers blacked out entire pages of documents filed with the Oregon Health Authority in December. They shielded revenue figures, numbers of patients and providers, and the estimated closing price, citing an exception for trade secrets in Oregons public records law.

But the proposed deal stirred controversy, catching the attention of health care advocates and clinic patients.

Hundreds wrote to OHA, imploring Oregon to halt the buyout, under scrutiny per a state program put in place to stop corporate buyouts that would increase a patients time or distance to get medical care, or reduce the services and providers available to that patient.

The Health Care Market Oversight program has final say in allowing mergers between extremely large health care providers and Oregon clinics that made at least $10 million in every of the previous three years.

Corvallis Clinic Chief Financial Officer Scott Shollenbarger had asked the Oregon House Committee on Healthcare to oppose additional government oversight as legislators considered the program's passage in 2021.

Schollenbarger said in written testimony a coalition of independent providers, like Corvallis Clinic, were unified in their intent to avoid corporate buyout.

We passionately believe that health care is best delivered in an independent business model that is owned and governed by the owners of the business that also are responsible for the delivery of medical services to our respective populations, he wrote.

In 2024, the same coalition asked the Legislature to clamp down on the sale of clinics to medical management services organizations, like Optum.

"We believe it is reasonable and beneficial to require transparency in the governance and corporate ownership of health care entities, and we see no harm in providing more information to patients and consumers about who leads the organizations with whom they entrust their health," the coalition stated in written testimony.

Through Optum, UnitedHealth Group directly controls numerous clinics, hundreds of doctors, hospices and in-home care agencies in Oregon.

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Hundreds more physicians contract with Optum-owned Portland IPA, described on the companys website as an independent physician association.

The company also has Medicare and employer insurance plans in all 36 Oregon counties through its subsidiary UnitedHealthcare, according to documents filed with the Oregon Health Authority in several Optum buyouts.

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Other council business

The council unanimously approved an amendment to its agreement with the North Central New Mexico Economic Development District. The amendment will allow the district to serve as the fiscal agent for the citys 2022 and 2023 capital outlay and decrease its fee from 3% to 1% of the dollar amounts the city spends during the agreement.

As part of its consent agenda, the council approved a resolution from Mayor Alan Webber adopting an updated pay plan for city employees. The council also approved amended collective bargaining agreements with the citys unions for police and firefighters allowing the changes to go into effect. Bargaining with the union for municipal employees is still pending.

Webber wished for a speedy, full, complete, rapid recovery for the Santa Fe police officer who was wounded in a Sunday afternoon arrest in which two suspects and one police officer were shot. One of the suspects died on Tuesday; a Wednesday news release said the officer, who has not been identified, has been released from the hospital.

City Manager John Blair said the city is working to figure out how to incorporate councilors requests for a special meeting to discuss the potential spending of millions of dollars in reserves in the 2025 fiscal year budget into its budget preparation schedule.

City lobbyist J.D. Bullington delivered a presentation on the 2024 legislative session, during which the city received about $18.9 million in capital outlay, including funding for Santa Fe Regional Airport, the MRC Soccer Valley expansion and upgrades to Fort Marcy Park.

Councilor Carol Romero-Wirth introduced a resolution declaring a property at 2069 Calle Contento a public nuisance. According to agenda documents, the house has been unoccupied for about three years and is a severe safety concern.

The city met in closed session for a little under an hour to discuss collective bargaining negotiations and pending litigation including the high-end excise tax lawsuit and the lawsuit regarding Area 1B.

About a dozen people called on the council to introduce a resolution calling for an immediate permanent cease-fire in Gaza during public comment. Councilors Pilar Faulkner and Alma Castro signaled support for a cease-fire resolution. Lets please stand on the side of peace, Castro said.

Crystal Ybarra, Sarah Amador-Guzman and Elisabeth Lisa Salazar were unanimously reappointed to three-year terms on the citys Children and Youth Commission and Andrew Lovato was unanimously appointed to a one-year term as city historian.
Oregon health officials are endorsing new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that reduces COVID-19 isolation time.

The updated CDC recommendations advise people with respiratory symptoms to stay home until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications and symptoms have improved.

A Place to Sleep, episode 7: Grants Pass It's a community that openly heckles  and worse  its homeless neighbors, many who have deep roots. And it may have a date with the Supreme Court.

Previously, the guidelines recommended people to stay home from work and school for five days.

The loosening of COVID-19 isolation recommendations, launched March 1, marked the first change since 2021. The new guidance impacts isolation time for other respiratory diseases, including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, as well.

The new guidance recommends people protect others around them the next five days after being fever-free by taking additional interventions, like wearing a mask, distancing from others and getting tested. The updated guidance also recommends people stay up to date with immunizations, which are available for COVID-19, influenza and RSV.

The change was prompted by the availability of protective tools, like vaccination and treatment, that decrease health risks. Data shows far fewer people are getting seriously ill from COVID-19, according to the CDC.

This updated guidance represents a milestone in bringing a range of respiratory viruses under a single set of recommendations for preventing transmission in communities, and it aligns with changes made in Oregon in May 2023, Dean Sidelinger, state epidemiologist at OHA, said in a March 13 news release.

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Oregon fully supports this approach for lowering health risks posed by these viruses. While many are ready to move on from any discussion of COVID-19, respiratory viruses are still impacting many of us," he said. "If we all take these steps, we can help to keep our loved ones healthy.

The isolation recommendations outlined above are intended for people in most settings across Oregon, but not in health care settings, according to the news release. Recommendations regarding COVID-19 in health care settings are available at cdc.gov.
A two-story home was lost to an early-morning fire in Lebanon.

The Lebanon Fire District responded to the structure fire around 4:17 a.m. Thursday, March 14, in the area of Dodge Street and Main Street, according to a news release from the agency.

A Place to Sleep, episode 5: Lebanon How did the last couple of elections change the way East Linn County interacts with its unho

Arriving units found flames coming from a second-story window of the home, the news release states. Fire crews entered the building to make sure nobody was inside.

A defensive attack on the fire was conducted due to the structural integrity of the home and multiple additions to the structure, according to the release, which notes it took around two hours to extinguish the blaze.

Eight apparatus and 14 personnel were deployed to the scene, the release states. Albany and Sweet Home fire personnel assisted with extinguishment.

The Lebanon Fire District issued a reminder of the importance of working smoke alarms. For assistance with smoke alarms in your home, contact the Fire & Life Safety Division at 541-451-1901.

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It looks like the Corvallis School District is poised to reauthorize the Muddy Creek Charter School in a rural area south of the city for a further five years.

But while an evaluation by the Oregon School Boards Association recommends the school's renewal, it also says the school district  which provides special education services at Muddy Creek  needs to do more for those students there who need them.

A Place to Sleep, episode 3: Corvallis Do unhoused people know where to go in Corvallis? Well, the city has outlined where they shouldn't be: near creeks, rivers, wetlands, sidewalks or within 20 feet of trees.

Thats in light of a state investigation finalized in December that found the district failed to meet federal special education rules and ordered corrective actions for at least eight students.

Key complaints centered around the district not meeting the requirements of individual education programs, commonly known as IEPs, which outline specific learning goals for students.

But not all the scrutiny was directed at the district. Another key complaint centered on Muddy Creek's practice of suspending students with disabilities.

In a statement, Corvallis School District spokesperson Kelly Locey said the district is unable to comment on what steps remain to meet corrective actions but would work with families to ensure they receive adequate support.

For parents like Kathy Becker-Blease, a charter school board member who has fifth grader with disabilities, Muddy Creek is working for her student  but that's only after she reached a settlement agreement with the school district in 2022. Her son now has an educational assistant.

Becker-Blease, an Oregon State University professor with education experience, wants the school district to sharpen its oversight, especially for the sake of parents who lack the resources she has for her child.

Things are wonderful for him, and theyre wonderful for him because I got a lawyer, and he has a one-on-one, she said. The problem is that many, many other kids have left (the school).

Meeting students' needs?

Muddy Creek, at the corner of Bellfountain and Decker roads and first authorized in 2007, is a place-based education program serving kindergartners through fifth graders.

According to some parents  four of whom spoke during a Feb. 22 public hearing in support of the schools charter renewal  Muddy Creek is a haven for neurodivergent children who previously struggled at other public schools.

The schools mission statement, as featured on its website, indeed outlines a commitment to fostering diverse learning styles.

And the district has renewed the schools charter three times, most recently in 2019, with the latest data from the 2022-23 school year showing an enrollment of 103 students  around 13% of whom had disabilities.

But while some Muddy Creek parents have praised the school's staff for welcoming children who've struggled in traditional public school classrooms, others have concerns over how the charter school meets, or doesnt meet, the needs of students with learning disabilities, according to Becker-Blease

She said some members of Muddy Creeks parent-teacher organization eventually formed a support group in 2022 to share those concerns.

Those conversations eventually prompted one parent to request the Oregon Department of Education launch a systemic special education complaint into the schools practices from December 2021 to December 2022 for 20-plus students.

A state investigator substantiated many of the parents claims.

Systemic problems?

According to the investigation report, the school district violated the federal Individuals with Disabilities Act by failing to meet regulations around disciplinary removals for Muddy Creek students, a systemic finding.

The charter school sent three students home without following appropriate suspension procedures, according to the report.

One student, whom the district knew may have had a disability, was suspended beyond the legal 10-school day limit, and some parents were told to keep their students home out of behavioral concerns.

The report also said almost all exclusions from Muddy Creek were not recorded as suspensions and that the parents were not provided required notifications.

Additionally, the investigation found the school district didnt meet IEP requirements for some students. That included failing to provide speech and language services at Muddy Creek for five weeks during the 2021-22 school year, which the district attributed to staffing issues  a service it has has since resumed, according to the report.

The district also reportedly failed to provide assistive technology to students, accommodations for statewide assessments for two students and specially designed instruction in reading for at least six students.

The district also failed to issue IEP progress reports for one student, according to the report.

This also wasnt the only investigation into Muddy Creek launched in 2022. The school was on the receiving end of another, narrower, special education complaint earlier that year in March, for an individual case, also related to IEP rules.

The state ordered the district to take corrective actions for that student.

For the most recent case, the state ordered the district to take corrective actions for at least eight students. Those actions range from submitting records of disciplinary removals to updating IEPs.

Looking for support

One parent who decided she couldn't wait for corrective action is Kayla Upchurch, a single mother of four, including 11-year-old Abel Gonzales, a former Muddy Creek fourth grader.

Upchurch said her son struggled at Letitia Carson during first grade with speech delays and other behavioral issues. She decided to take him and his siblings out of the school during the pandemic when classes went virtual.

She enrolled her students in a pandemic-era homeschool pod a year later, before opting to enroll her son at Muddy Creek in 2022. She wanted him to have a positive school experience and an opportunity to socialize with peers, she said.

According to Upchurch, about a month after matriculating, she met with school staff to discuss her fourth graders behavior, which she said included instances of leaving the classroom and the school building.

She said staff suggested she take her son out of Muddy Creek and place him at different program, appearing reluctant to keep him at the school.

"And I went home and sobbed my face off," Upchurch recalled.

Upchurch said she kept her son at Muddy Creek for the rest of the school year but responded to frequent requests to pick him up from school over behavioral concerns.

"And when I wasn't driving back and forth, they put him in in-school suspension," she said, which meant isolation.

His IEP wasnt finalized until June, at which point she had already become disillusioned.

"They knew I needed support, and they just didn't offer the support we needed," she said. "And I just don't understand that at all."

She took her son and his siblings out of Muddy Creek at the end of the last school year.

Going forward

Muddy Creek's evaluation says special education will be an ongoing area of improvement until the school has a workable plan to addresses concerns.

Recommendations from the evaluator include that the district provide additional professional development for charter school staff, along with reviewing and revising the schools plan to identify students who may qualify for special education services.

According to Locey, the district regularly makes training and other resources available to Muddy Creek staff to make sure students with disabilities get needed services.

Becker-Blease, who said students are doing better at Muddy Creek under a new school principal, echoes those calls, and wants the district to ensure Muddy Creek meets the obligations to students who need extra support.

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Jessica Larsen, a Muddy Creek parent from Corvallis who spoke positively of the school at the Feb. 22, acknowledged concerns expressed by peers but said most of them date back to previous school administrators.

"The present is looking very positive and bright," she told the board. "What we really need right now is more financial support to continue."

That financial support looks doubtful, with the district projecting an over $10 million shortfall next year, and anticipated cuts to classified support staff. That includes educational assistants who serve special education students.

Related stories:
SpaceX has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the third full-scale test flight of its Starship rocket. This clearance is the final regulatory step before the launch, which is scheduled to take place from the company's facility in South Texas. The upcoming flight represents another milestone for SpaceX's ambitious Starship program.

Starship's Third Flight Test Schedule

SpaceX is preparing to launch its Starship rocket and Super Heavy booster from the Starbase test site along the Texas Gulf Coast, just north of the US-Mexico border. The launch window for the nearly 400-foot-tall rocket opens at 7 am CDT (12:00 UTC) on Thursday and lasts for 110 minutes. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that SpaceX meets all safety and environmental requirements for the mission.

The FAA's approval encompasses all aspects of the planned Orbital Flight Test-3 (OFT-3) operation, including preflight preparations, liftoff from Texas, booster landing in the Gulf of Mexico, and Starship landing in the Indian Ocean.

This marks the first time SpaceX will aim for a splashdown in the Indian Ocean, deviating from previous plans for a Pacific Ocean landing to achieve additional test goals, such as the in-space restart of a Raptor engine.

Before approving, the FAA conducted a comprehensive environmental assessment to evaluate the potential impacts of Starship reentry and water landing in the Indian Ocean. Following this assessment, federal officials endorsed SpaceX's proposal for the mission.

The launch is scheduled to occur shortly before sunrise, potentially offering a captivating visual spectacle known as the "jellyfish" effect. This phenomenon, caused by sunlight reflecting off ice crystals in the rocket's exhaust trail, is particularly striking against the dark sky before dawn.

Weather conditions at the Starbase site appear generally favorable, with no thunderstorms forecasted, although gusty winds and patchy fog may affect viewing conditions.

READ ALSO: Elon Musk Full of Hope for Starship As Massive Craft Awaits Approval for 2nd Launch Attempt

Starship's Third Flight: Pioneering Advancements and Lunar Aspirations

The upcoming third flight of Starship follows a trajectory towards the Indian Ocean, a deviation from its previous intended splashdown location in the Pacific Ocean. This mission incorporates crucial demonstrations, including in-space refueling, payload bay door operation, and engine restart in space - vital for future lunar and deep-space missions.

As Starship descends over the Indian Ocean, engineers anticipate critical assessments of its heat shield performance during reentry. Despite the likelihood of a controlled descent and subsequent breakup upon impact, this test flight presents an invaluable opportunity to validate various aspects of Starship's flight profile, marking a significant milestone in its development journey.

Starship's success holds immense significance for SpaceX, serving as a pivotal step toward Elon Musk's ambitious vision of human colonization on Mars. Additionally, NASA has chosen Starship for its Artemis program, aiming to land astronauts on the Moon for the first time in over five decades, positioning the United States in a global race for lunar exploration dominance.

NASA's substantial investment of up to $4 billion underscores its reliance on Starship, slated to transport astronauts from lunar orbit to the moon's surface. SpaceX's innovative engineering approach, termed "rapid spiral development," prioritizes rapid prototyping and iterative improvements, a strategy essential for expediting rocket development.



RELATED ARTICLE: SpaceX Targets Mid-March for Starship Test Launch, Aiming for Martian Colonization

Check out more news and information on SpaceX in Science Times.
Mixter is an award-winning documentarian best known for his work research Great Lakes shipwrecks. (Photo courtesy of Ric Mixter)

When looking out into Saginaw Bay, the glassy blue waters touching the cloudless horizon paint an image of serenity and peace. But beneath its surface lies the decaying skeletons of shipwrecks from ages past. Ric Mixter , a filmmaker, documentarian, author, diver, and former broadcaster from the Great Lakes Bay Region, has spent decades researching maritime stories in the Great Lakes and is noted for interviewing survivors of shipwreck catastrophes.In 2009, Mixter was awarded the Joyce S. Hayward Award for Historic Interpretation by the Association for Great Lakes Maritime History, one of his most notable achievements.During a recent interview, he talked about his experiences with diving and documenting in Michigan waters and the Saginaw Bay region.Mixter grew up in the Upper Peninsula, one of seven kids living in a trailer. His interest in diving was sparked by Joe Myers, a family friend, who was a certified diver who regaled the youth with watery tales of exploration.Mixter went on to pursue a career in broadcasting, entering the field in Marquette County when he was 16 years old. Eventually, he found a job at WNEM-TV5.In 1990, while Mixter worked at TV-5, the MV Jupiter freighter exploded while it was offloading millions of gallons of gasoline at the Total Oil Company refinery on the Saginaw River. The station paid for Mixters SCUBA training to get access to the wreck. This re-ignited his passion for diving.Since then, Mixter has traveled throughout the Great Lakes, diving, interviewing survivors of shipwrecks, and writing about their experiences.One of his craziest dives happened in the St. Clair River while exploring the wreck of the Sydney Smith freighter under the Blue Water Bridge.The freighter capsized when it hit another vessel in treacherous narrows flowing off Lake Huron. When Mixter dived on the wreck, the water from the river was flowing at a quick 6 knots and managed to pin Mixter in a hollow under 40 feet of water. He feared losing his regulator and drowning. He eventually crawled his way out of the trench and made it to the surface.Another harrowing dive in Lake Huron involved the schooner Spangler, which wrecked on the day Abraham Lincoln won the presidency. The corn-carrying Spangler collided with the schooner Racine, which crushed the Spanglers bow and sank it.Decades later, Mixter dove the wreck, which lay in over 180 feet of water. He was improperly prepared for such a deep dive depth, coaxed by the clarity of the water. He was using the wrong breathing gas, which made him disoriented from nitrogen narcosis. He composed himself in time, though, ensuring that he and his dive buddy ascended safely.These incidents did not detract from Mixter from diving Huron again.One of his favorite wrecks in the lake is the Charles S. Price, a steamer that sank during the Great Lakes Storm of 1913, one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit the region.In the storm, 19 ships were destroyed, 19 were stranded, and more than 250 people lost their lives. Mixter interviewed wheelsman Ed Kanaby, one of four people to see the steamer. Mixter featured Kanaby in his documentary, Final Run. Another of Mixters favorite Lake Huron maritime tales is of Dennis Hale, who gave Mixter an interview about the 1966 sinking of the freighter Daniel J. Morrell. The interview marked the first time Hale shared his eyewitness testimony on TV.The Morrell ship broke in half during a wicked storm. Many of the crew jumped into the 34-degree water to their deaths. Hale made it to a lifeboat with three other men, who each died later from exposure. Hale survived for 30 hours in freezing temperatures in only a pea coat. Later, he had his toes amputated due to complications from frozen feet.The Saginaw Bay holds a special place in Mixters heart.The bay has multiple shipwrecks and a compelling history, due to its connection to the booming lumber industry of the 1880s and 1900s. Dozens of ships lay on the bays bottom, meeting their demise due to the treacherous conditions of the water. Twenty of the wrecks lie in just 20 to 30 feet of water, but can be difficult to see due to poor visibility.Mixter has researched the Saginaw Bay history, from its first recorded storm in 1679 to rumors of treasure ships lying in its waters.Today, the bay continues to hold secrets, despite its shallow waters. Wreck hunters recently discovered what was said to be the Water Witch, which was lost with 23 lives in 1863. Mixter and others believe it to be the Bucephelus, which was 10 feet longer.It can be challenging to identify the wrecks in the bay. Mixter says it's a lot easier when divers find a name painted on the ship or a capstan cover embossed with the vessel's identity.Such finds are rare, so instead researchers look at the length, engine details, or even the shape of the propeller for clues.You dont have to dive to see shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, Mixter says.One of the best opportunities is in Lake Huron off the coast of Alpena at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Over 100 wrecks lie in clear water, many at a depth of only 20 feet.The Monohansett is one of the most popular wrecks and one of the first wrecks Mixter dove. The ship was a wooden steam barge that caught fire when an oil lantern tipped over and ignited its 900 tons of coal. A glass bottom boat tour is available from May through October.In Saginaw, on the Saginaw River near Third Street, where the West Bay City Shipyard used to stand, the Montauk remains submerged in the river next to the Wheeler Landing Yacht Club and may be seen via kayak.For those who dont want to go on the water, Mixter suggested the Bay County Historical Museum , 321 Washington Ave., which holds the Kantzler Maritime Gallery. The gallery showcases local maritime history and covers such topics as boat building and marine navigation.Also in Bay City, the Saginaw River Historical Society has a museum that highlights the building of over 650 ships on the Saginaw River. The temporary museum and store are in the Bay City Town Center and you can call (989) 545-9425 to make an appointment.Mixter also produces Shipwreck Podcasts for more maritime history. The podcast features more than 17 hours of interviews with wreck survivors.Mixters current project is chronicling famous dog rescues on the Great Lakes, including stories on Lake Huron.
Itty Shemtov.

Rabbi Yudi Mann.
Tha Par, Executive Director, Burma Center

Damon Brown, founder and president of R.I.S.E., poses with a group of the students he and team work with.
Don Jones is one of the founders of Housing Matters, formed 12 years ago.

Norman Young provides technical support and keeps the website running for Housing Matters.

Willa DiTranto talks about solutions for more affordable housing at a recent Housing Matters meeting.

Mary Balkema talks at a recent Housing Matters meeting about successes the county is experiencing in obtain more housing.
Katie Pell, member of the Olivet High School after-school forensics team.

Grant D'Lamater, member of the Olivet High School after-school forensics team.

The Olivet High School forensics team practices for two hours a day after school during competition season.

Katie Pell, member of the Olivet High School after-school forensics team.

Sophia Pell, Voices of Youth Correspondent

This story is part of Southwest Michigan Second Wave's Voices of Youth Battle Creek program which is supported by the BINDA Foundation, City of Battle Creek, Battle Creek Community Foundation, and the Michigan Afterschool Partnership. This series features stories created by Calhoun County youth in partnership with professional mentors, as well as feature stories by adult writers that examine issues of importance to local youth.OLIVET, MI  On February 16, 2024, theater students from Olivet High School and dozens of other high schools around the state of Michigan headed to Wayne State University to compete in the Michigan Interscholastic Forensics Association (MIFA) State Theatre Festival. Olivet students performed the comedy How to Survive Being in a Shakespeare Play'' and won fourth place in their division.However, the scores that students receive at the end of the competition season are not the main reason why they choose to do theater or forensics, committing time to this after-school activity.Olivet freshman Katie Pell expressed that although getting good scores and awards is part of the fun, there are many other reasons to participate in theater. Not only are there obvious benefits to doing theater, like having something to do after school, or hanging out with friends. There are also benefits like gaining confidence and practicing public speaking.Theater is an opportunity for high schoolers to get up on stage in front of a large crowd and perform. Actors often have to do silly or awkward things on stage. Katie states It(theater) has helped a lot with me coming out of my shell because my character does some embarrassing things. Assistant theater director Abby Miller agrees, Theater helps a lot with confidence and speaking to large groups of people.Confidence is something that can help in every aspect of a student's life, Katie describes all the different times confidence comes in handy, If you were to go get a job as a waitress you need confidence in order to go up to customers and talk to them, or if you have to do a presentation for class you need to be confident to get up in front of a group of people and speak.Competitive theater also allows students to branch out and meet new people from their school, and other schools around the state of Michigan. Olivet student Grant DLamater says that his favorite part of theater is traveling around Michigan performing and meeting kids from other schools.While many may think of crime labs when they hear the word 'forensics,' originally the word, which evolved from the Greeks, meant engaging in speaking contests that helped people practice democracy and good government  a sophisticated form of debate combined with performance art.Olivet High School, with around 485 students, has a small theater program. There are only 21 students in the MIFA program. When the cast of How to Survive Being in a Shakespeare Play traveled to Wayne State University to compete they got the opportunity to meet other, like-minded, high schoolers.Assistant Director Miller describes another benefit of meeting other students at theater competitions, It's helpful to watch other schools' shows and meet people from other schools, so you can get and share ideas from other students Collaboration and the sharing of ideas is the best way to improve and make positive changes, so watching other productions and talking to members of other schools crew is one of the best ways to improve a school's own show, she says.Learning to manage time is also something that is taught through theater. Productions need to fit into a 45-minute time frame. This can mean cutting parts of a play that take too long. Aside from the play length requirements, students also have limited time to get their performance ready for competition. At Olivet, play rehearsals begin in late December and MIFA District competitions, which is the first performance, take place on January 20th. Students must use their rehearsal time wisely if they want to get a full 45-minute act put together and ready to compete in just a month.We have two hours of practice a day, altogether MIFA takes up about ten weeks of time there is also an expectation that you(students) will spend however long it takes to memorize your lines outside of practice, says Miller. The stage crew can also have extra sessions on Saturdays to design and build the set. Students involved in the play must also juggle other responsibilities like homework, and other after-school activities such as FFA, sports, and student council or National Honor Society. Former student actor Lily Weaver says,I had to use extra time during rehearsal to make sure I got my homework done.The main reason students decide to join theater, aside from wanting to act is because their friends convinced them to do it. Theater and other afterschool activities provide a safe, and structured environment for teenagers to hang out after school. Miller explains that her favorite part of theater in high school was the connections that she got to make with her friends.Along with hanging out with friends, MIFA theater specifically creates a bond within the cast. "MIFA is my favorite show every year regardless of what show we are doing, they are normally the most tightly knit group, and the cast that works the hardest because they really care about it, says Miller. Katie agreed, adding that although she does not have a ton of theater experience since she is only a freshman so far the MIFA cast has been her favorite.Theater kids and their advisors love MIFA theater. However, it is not as popular as it once was, Miller says. Our goals for the (of the MIFA program) future are to continue going to compete, not as many schools are involved in MIFA as they previously were, eventually we would like to expand our program, but most importantly we like to go every year, and to give the kids the opportunity to meet other theater kids across the state.Currently, the theater advisors at Olivet are worried about the number of schools that attend MIFA theater competitions compared to years prior. Olivet Middle School 7th grader Alyssa Pell says, I want to do MIFA in high school because I love theater and all of the high schoolers that I worked with in the fall musical were really nice.Younger students in the Olivet theater program are not allowed to compete in MIFA competitions because of the strict high school age limits. Theater is an art that many people and students dedicate their lives to, the overall hope is that schools will continue to send competition teams to showcase their theater programs and allow younger actors like Alyssa to compete in the future. All who are involved agree there are so many benefits to doing so.is an Olivet High School Junior. She runs track and plays volleyball. In her free time, she can normally be found reading or sneaking into local tracks with her teammates to get some extra practice in
Red Door diners are welcomed in through First Presbyterian's back red doors.

Meredith Alspach welcomes people entering the churchs rear door.

Mat Roe poses by the churchs main door.

Donna Schonveld and Wendy King with visitors to the Wednesday evening dinner at First Presbyterian Church.

Church volunteers enjoy extending hospitality during Red Door dinners.

Donna Schonveld listens to requests for prayers.

Tables fill up at First Presbyterian's weekly Red Door Dinners.

Pastor Chrissy Westbury volunteering at a Red Door Dinner

This story is part of our Faith in Action series of stories exploring faith-based and faith-inspired works, the people accomplishing them, and the connections with the community they are creating. The series is supported by the Fetzer Institute.KALAMAZOO, MI  For some of the unhoused in Kalamazoo, theres a guaranteed hour of hospitable living available every week. Sixty minutes of eating good food in a comfortable setting with friends, acquaintances, and very attentive servers. This gathering occurs every Wednesday downtown at Kalamazoo's First Presbyterian Church.Starting at 5 p.m., up to 100 mostly unhoused people enter the churchs pleasant dining room through the parking lot's red doors to enjoy a hot entree, vegetables, salad, rolls, dessert, and coffee. Everything is free and is prepared by about 15 enthusiastic volunteers, most of them members of the congregation.Other organizations give meals to needy people but First Presbyterians focus is different. To many of those who come each week, the gatherings are affectionately called the Red Door Dinners.The food is not the primary goal of the evening, says Meredith Alspach, the churchs director of youth, families, and outreach. We want to give them a meal because they need it, but its the fellowship, the time together."Its that they come in with so much baggage and its physical bags that they have to carry around town, its emotional, mental baggage and we want to give them an hour to set it down, to just be in our space and feel loved and feel safe and not seen for what theyre doing in their life but for who they are. When Im at the door saying goodbye I have people say, Im trying to see myself the way you see me.Alspach continues, These people are running in circles right now. Theyre viewed as a problem. A lot of them struggle with mental health and addiction issues and all kinds of things--convictions, and criminal records. So for people to see the good in them and care for them for who they are and not for what theyve done is something thats rare for them.A regular participant in the Wednesday dinners is Mat Roe, an affable 57-year-old who laughs easily. He says he became unhoused four years ago because of a sudden legal mess. Pressed for details, he answers without being specific:Ive been in limbo for over four years now; it can happen. And you dont think it can happen but once it happens  yeah, it can happen. . . . People do bad things; you gotta remember that. And sometimes people get caught up in bad situations because of it. . . . My wings were cut. I basically just kind of pieced together a life since then. . . . The case is so convoluted. Its just one of those things. You dont know how crazy it can get. . . . Im fine being on my own. That part hasnt been the end of the world.Roe says he has a Bachelor's Degree in English and Art History and he taught abroad, including in South Korea, China, Vietnam, and Saudi Arabia.For four years Roes residence has been the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, where he has a daily cleaning task. His main mode of transportation is his legs, which suffice. My normal stomping grounds are the Presbyterian Church, the library, the Ministry With Community, the Mission. Its all within blocks of each other, he says. He uses federal SNAP food assistance to bolster nutrition.Hes been going to the First Presbyterian dinner for three and a half years. Its been great. Its a nice solid meal every Wednesday; theres a nice community feeling. I think theyre very good at fulfilling whatever people need.Roe is a part-time volunteer at the church, doing mostly archival work and operating a copier. Its been like life-saving just because so much of my life is so crazy. To have something steady and normal is pretty good, he says.First Presbyterian Church, located at 321 W. South St., was among the first churches built in the city. It began in a schoolhouse on South Street in 1834 when Kalamazoos founder, Titus Bronson, his wife Sally, and 12 other residents began meeting for worship. The current large, grand building facing Bronson Park is the fourth home of the church and it was dedicated in 1930.The churchs front and rear doors are painted red, which has resulted in the unhoused community calling the Wednesday gathering the Red Door Dinner. Traditionally, red Christian church doors signify the blood of Jesus. Also, at times in history, a church with a red door indicated it was a place of refuge and sanctuary, and this is appropriate for First Presbyterians slogan, which is A Sanctuary in the City: Living Faith. Within the congregation, the weekly dinner is a Celebrate the Vision (CTV) event. CTV began 15 years ago exclusively for church members, then opened to nearby neighbors and kept evolving into its current state.Alspach, the churchs director of outreach, notes, We do have people who have been placed in housing since theyve been with us. These are people who have a lot of people helping them out, a lot of resources that theyve had to use.The vast majority of people that walk in the door are unhoused  theyre couch surfing, theyre living in a tent, theyre living on the street, theyre living at the Gospel Mission.Among the church volunteers who serve food every Wednesday are retired teachers Paul and Donna Schonveld of Schoolcraft. Paul was a high school physical education teacher and counselor and Donna was an elementary school teacher. Theyve been part of the Red Door Dinner for a decade and they note that recent attendance has been the highest ever. Donna says, I dont know if theres anywhere else that they can sit with tablecloths and sit in a round circle and talk and pick their own seats and not have to be in such a big hurry.She continues, Wendy King and I go around and talk with people and get their prayer requests. Paul notes, There are at least 15 requests every week. Donna says, A lot of them are for housing. Someone says, I got my application in. Please pray that I get it. Another person says, Pray for me; I have this doctor's appointment. And somebody will say, Pray for my son.What motivates the volunteers, who usually number about 15 at each dinner? Its the Christianity  what would Jesus do, that kind of thing, Donna answers. I know that weve been blessed, and I just love going, I just love talking with the people. I feel camaraderie; I think its just a feeling for them that were equal.Paul comments, I think were making a difference in their lives by reaching out. We get so many Thank yous, Bless yous.Now some of the people are coming to our service, Donna says. Were getting a few, a handful that feel like theyre welcome enough.The size of First Presbyterians congregation is well over 500 and is growing. The Rev. Dr. Seth Weeldreyer, senior pastor, comments, The Red Door Dinner really is a meaningful human connection, an expression of true community. Its facilitated by homemade food, fostered by unconditional love, radiant in the faces and voices of those who sit at table together.Our congregation seeks to live faith as a sanctuary in the city, with the city, for the city and others far beyond. That includes hosting events like the Red Door Dinner and many other groups who use our facility daily  Head Start, Scouts, recovery groups, peace and environmental advocacy, literacy, arts, numerous collaborative concerts with Western Michigan University, the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Crescendo, and many others."Outreach by a church can include possibly saving lives, as was demonstrated during Januarys severe cold spell by Meredith Alspach, First Presbyterians Outreach Director. When there was deep snow and wind chills as low as -25 Alspach knew there were people in peril.I went out and would go to all the places where the unhoused could shelter and I would get boot sizes and drive straight over to Costco and buy boots and go back and put them on everyones feet, she says.And as someone who works in a church, it was a very spiritual undertaking for me to go through the process of helping people whose feet were frozen and bandaged. I would put warm socks and warm boots on them and I spent several weeks in that cold snap trying to make sure everyone had something warm and waterproof on their feet. People were literally freezing to death out there.Alspach also gave out survival blankets designed to preserve body heat. She says, We really invested in helping people kind of stay alive through that cold snap. More than 100 people were helped.Being a sanctuary church means more than opening its Red Doors to newcomers, feeding the hungry, offering fellowship, and warming cold feet, according to Weeldreyer.". . .it means working to bring the beauty, goodness, and abundant life we experience here within our doors and walls to every place and person in our community. We believe God loves all people, no exception, no exclusion, accepting us as we are.
Denver International Airport was awarded $300,000 in federal funds to jumpstart its electrification master plan with an eye towards identifying operations and infrastructure to help it achieve the airports goal of becoming the greenest airport in the world.

According to a news release, the money will begin the process of determining what aspects of airport operations can be powered with energy that's low carbon, cost-effective, reliable, and resilient.

The airports Vision 100 plan is focused on preparing the airport to serve 100 million annual passengers as soon as 2027. The airport is also working on plans to serve more than 120 million passengers by its 50th anniversary in 2045.

Denver Airport is going through significant growth, and we recognize that that increased growth has the potential to come with additional environmental impacts, and we feel like we have a responsibility to decouple that growth from those impacts, said Scott Morrissey, senior vice president for sustainability at DIA, in an interview.

Morrissey said the project will help identify what sort of uses at the airport have potential to be electrified, such as airport fleet vehicles, building, heating, and cooling, rental cars, ground transportation, internal airport bus operation and airline ground support equipment.

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Planning for the necessary electrical infrastructure is a complex process, he said, and identifying what it is possible to electrify could take a year.

Electrification represents one of the most critical decarbonization pathways available, which will replace emissions associated with facilities and vehicles with clean electricity, said DIA CEO Phil Washington in the release. This is particularly important at airports, considering their size and the number of unique fossil fuel use cases requiring electrification.

The airport is currently undertaking a project to reduce energy use facility-wide by 20%, Morrissey said.

All buildings over 50,000 square feet in size in Colorado are required by Air Quality Control Commission Rule 28, which sets building energy efficiency standards, to achieve a 20% energy reduction by 2030. Rule 28 was passed by the AQCC on August 17.

The federal grant money is part of a nearly $130 million package for various Colorado-based projects included in the federal funding bills for fiscal year 2024.

Denver International Airport is entirely self-funded and takes no tax money, said Morrissey.

For more information visit www.FlyDenver.com.
Beeks Financial Cloud announced a significant contract extension with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) on Thursday, for the provision of its Exchange Cloud.

The AIM-traded firm said the contract extension followed the successful launch of the JSE Colo 2.0 in September, and was in response to stronger-than-anticipated customer demand for the Colo 2.0 solution and a significant pipeline of potential clients.

It said the expanded contract was expected to cause a material increase in revenue compared to initial forecasts, further supporting the upward revision of the boards expectations for the 2025 financial year.

In addition to the contract extension, Beeks said the JSE was exploring further collaboration with the company, including the potential deployment of a second site for backup and disaster recovery capability, and the use of Beeks' Proximity Cloud.

The company said Colo 2.0, developed in partnership with IPC, offers advanced managed infrastructure-as-a-service, giving JSE customers access to hosting and connectivity solutions.

That includes on-demand private cloud computing and low-latency analytics.

We are delighted with the response from JSE customers to the Colo 2.0 offering and look forward to expanding our engagement with JSE to meet their customers' demand for on-demand cloud computing, said chief executive officer Gordon McArthur.

The pipeline with other global exchanges continues to progress and grow and we remain confident in continued momentum.

At 1245 GMT, shares in Beeks Financial Cloud Group were up 4.25% at 179.25p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
Online trading platform IG Group has reported stable revenues in the third quarter as it announced the resignation of both its chief financial officer and chief operating officer, just two months after the appointment of a new chief executive.

Charlie Rozes, who has been IG's CFO since 2020, will step down in July, while five-year COO Jon Noble, who first joined IG as a trainee dealer back in 2000, is leaving immediately.

Both are said to be "pursu[ing] other opportunities", the company said, with the exits following the 29 January appointment of new CEO Breon Corcoran, who took over from former boss June Feliex who stepped down due to health reasons last year.

Chair Mike McTighe said the board was "grateful" to both executives for their service.

"Charlie has made an outstanding contribution to the company's growth in his role as CFO and more recently as Acting CEO. We thank Jon for his long service and the pivotal role he has played in positioning IG as the global market leader in our industry," McTighe said.

In a separate statement, IG said it delivered a "solid revenue performance" in the third quarter to 29 February, with revenues more or less unchanged from last year at 240.1m.

Active clients in the quarter totalled 266,800, down from 268,600 a year earlier but up from 263,600 in the second quarter, with the period seeing the "lowest level of volatility in over five years", the company said.

Nevertheless, IG said that revenue and adjusted profits for the full year to 31 May are still expected to be in line with current market expectations.
John Lewis Partnership has returned to profit, the retailer confirmed on Thursday, but said it would not pay staff bonuses for the second year running.

Total revenues in the year to 27 January came in at 10.8bn, up from 10.5bn a year previously.

Sales at the John Lewis department stores fell 4% to 4.8bn, but sparked 5% at supermarket chain Waitrose to 7.7bn. Prices rose by 6.6% on average at the grocer.

Group operating profits were 147m, compared to losses of 160m a year ago, while pre-tax profits were 56m. Last year John Lewis posted pre-tax losses of 234m.

John Lewis has endured three years of losses, as it battled surging competition and higher costs.

Under chair Sharon White, who joined in 2020 from regulator Ofcom, the company has launched a turnaround programme, including cutting costs, shutting under-performing stores, axing jobs and pausing the annual partnership bonus.

However, the retailer - the UKs largest employee-owned company - said it would not reinstate the bonus this year, despite moving back into the red.

It noted: "After careful consideration, we believe that investing in partners' pay and improving our business must continue to take priority over paying a bonus.

"Consequently there will be no partnership bonus paid this year."

It is only the third time since 1953 that John Lewis has not paid the annual bonus.

White said: "We had made significant progress in the last year to return the business to profitability and delivered results that allow us to increase investment in our retail businesses. We expect profits to grow further this year.

"This year we will unashamedly focus on investing back into our retail businesses for our customers, including opening new Waitrose shops and continuing to modernise our brand offering in John Lewis while prioritising pay for our partners."
Direct trains could next year connect Wrexham to London, with a new service capitalising on the towns Hollywood-meets-football mini-boom. The train manufacturer Alstom is bidding to set up the Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway with a promise of cheaper, more comfortable trains straight to London.  Guardian

Green MP Caroline Lucas has accused the government of stoking a culture war on climate issues by calling for more investment in new gas-fired power plants before a general election. Lucas used an urgent question in the House of Commons to challenge the energy minister, Graham Stuart, on the plans set out on Wednesday, which could see a string of new plants built in the coming years despite the governments commitment to phase out fossil fuels.  Guardian

Britains biggest investor is demanding that Nestle sells fewer chocolate bars amid worries over the public health impact of the Swiss food giants products. Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM), which looks after around 1.2 trillion of savers money, is seeking to toughen up health targets set by the Swiss food giant as part of an ethical compliance drive.  Telegraph

Halifax is imposing a new 70-year age limit on thousands of homebuyers as banks seek to rein in risky mortgage lending. The lender is reducing the maximum age at which it will allow many borrowers to say they intend to retire from 75 to 70  meaning that in many cases it will not lend to someone older than this limit.  Telegraph

An activist investor has called on Glencore to abandon the demerger of its coal business and to switch its primary listing to Sydney from London, which it said was no longer the home of mining. Tribeca Investment Partners, an Australian hedge fund, wrote to the board of the Swiss commodities powerhouse this week putting forward a list of proposals designed to help to revive the share price, which it said had trailed behind rivals since Glencores stock market flotation in 2011.  The Times

A key architect of EYs failed plan to split itself in two has been moved from his executive role as the Big Four firms incoming boss rejigs the senior leadership team before she starts in the summer. Janet Truncale, who was voted in as EYs new global chief executive and chairwoman in November, sent an email to partners this week naming the four senior partners who would help her to run the accounting and consulting group.  The Times
So much focus leans toward the white-dominated outdoor industry's story that most pass by the people of color's story existing in the same space.

Whether overlooked, a misnomer exists about people of color in the outdoors space or literal representation is lacking due to factors like access or economic stature, the outdoor industry and its subsidiaries are still 'lily white.'

But for three Latina and Asian women, telling stories from places like the wintry landscapes of Wyoming's Teton Range through a three-film series titled 'OUTLIER' from Colorado-based Afuera Productions, the attention is gaining traction.

The women have been spending winter 2023-24 documenting their snow riding, experiences in the mountains and sharing life-stories, but told from the eyes of people of color, for the second film 'OUTLIER: COMMON.' The first film, 'OUTLIER: TRUST' has been live online for about a year currently and has been featured in 13 film festivals.

One of the women, filmmaker Dani Reyes-Acosta, opened up about filming, her life and the challenges she is navigating with her fellow women while making the film series.

"Afuera was born from this idea that we can do better as an industry, and as a project, looking to be more than (just) film," Reyes-Acosta said. "As a platform this production company was meant to serve not just this project, but also the impact on community events we create in partnership with non-profits and other organizations."

Filmmaking is in Reyes-Acosta's blood too. She grew up in Los Angeles, California with her mother setting the template, who was living in the broadcast media space while Reyes-Acosta was a 'twinkle in her mom's eye.'

"By the time I was moving into adolescence she was no longer in that space, but we were still getting pulled into working in production, mostly at talent, meaning I got to be on camera," Reyes-Acosta said.

Brand story telling was a natural step as Reyes-Acosta became an adult, and for the last ten or so years, she's moved into documentary-style film making.

Afuera's mission: Take on journeys into wintry mountain ranges to amplify womens voices in outdoor media, honor the land upon which we roam, uplift underrepresented athletes and filmmakers and support equitable pay in outdoor media.

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Afuera is also busy crowdfunding currently, looking to reach a goal of $26,101 by April 4 to help with concluding production costs for the second film.

"We don't just tell BIPOC stories, or women's stories, or Latina stories, so I put together a team that is representative of the people's stories' we are telling so that we can really speak with cultural resonance both behind and in front of the camera," she said.

"If you don't have people behind the camera that are resonating with the people in front of the camera, there can be some really big misses," she said of the challenges the outdoor industry faces.

Being in outdoor spaces like the Tetons for Reyes-Acosta and fellow woman skier Vanessa Chavarriaga Posada and snowboarder Nina Aragon, Reyes-Acosta said "the Tetons are not just a proving ground in the sense of ski and splitboard mountaineering, provided a gateway to understand more of our journey as outdoors people as well as rapping our heads around what community means."

What Reyes-Acosta is trying to create through the OUTLIER series is and understanding of how exploring identity, community and belonging all play in our survival of our species. In laymen's terms, "it means what do the roles of these concepts play in who we are as people growing up in the world, both as outdoors people and just people living in what feels like a chaotic and difficult world," she said.

Episode two, COMMON, explores the idea of community, while episode one, TURST, explored the idea of identity. Episode three, GOOD, is going to explore the idea of common good.

"In the year and three months that we have been shooting COMMON, we have seen how several forces are just unpredictable and very reflective of our personal stories," Reyes-Acosta said. "Nina is a PhD candidate, new mother and professional snowboarder trying to learn to balance all those things and navigate, and I as the film make, athlete and entrepreneur, are pulled in all these different directions including taking care of my mom who got cancer last season."

Whether navigating in the snow versus navigating in life, Reyes-Acosta thinks there will always be a challenges in both and what she is trying to do through film is show those reflections and the connections between them.

The crowdfunding push from Reyes-Acosta and Afuera Productions is looking to fulfill final costs for final in-field production and post-production on OUTLIER: COMMON.

Some money is coming in from brand funds from the likes of Fisher Ski, Deuter USA, Weston Backcountry and ANON Optics, but Reyes-Acosta is hopeful the outdoor community will help see the project through because of how the docuseries stories are being told and by the messages portrayed and lived from the three women in front of the camera.

"The idea with crowdfunding production was the put the power into the hands of the people," she said. "What we saw was that people want a story like this. I've had so many people come up to me and say it really resonated with them."
With so much on the line in the seafood business, Chris Lischewski stands out as a shining example of transformative leadership, steering businesses through difficult times to success. Lischewski has a varied history in senior leadership, business development, and finance. His career is proof of his tenacity, inventiveness, and strategic vision.

Early in his career, armed with a bachelors degree and an MBA from the University of Southern California, Lischewski honed his skills as a management consultant at A.T. Kearney in Los Angeles. He laid the foundation for his future pursuits there by delving into the complexities of corporate restructuring, worldwide sourcing, foreign market expansion, and mergers and acquisitions.

His first major port of call was StarKist Seafood, then a division of the H.J. Heinz Company, where he assumed the role of vice president of procurement and business development. Having been tasked with revitalizing a floundering organization, Chris Lischewski orchestrated a stunning turnaround. He created and implemented an international procurement strategy while he was employed at StarKist, which significantly increased the company's profitability. He turned StarKist into the world's largest tuna fleet operator by combining fishing operations in the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans and building factories in key areas including Ghana, Ecuador, and the Seychelles.

Lischewski's journey didn't end there. He ascended to the position of managing director of Heinz European Seafood, charting a course for expansion and consolidation. Relocating to Paris, he streamlined disparate European operations into a cohesive unit, propelling Heinz to the forefront of the continent's shelf-stable seafood market.

He set off on a new journey in 1999 when he became the president and CEO of Bumble Bee Seafoods, LLC. In charge of a business that was emerging from bankruptcy, he pulled off an incredible turnaround. He brought together a strong management team, redesigned the product line, and established Bumble Bee as the lowest-cost operator in the sector through strategic leadership. Sales skyrocketed from $400 million to an incredible $1 billion under his direction, solidifying Bumble Bee's position as the industry leader.

Beyond the boardroom, Lischewski's compass points towards philanthropy and diverse business interests. As a San Diego resident, he supports charitable organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego, Catholic Charities, and Mama's Kitchen as a means of giving back to the community.

In addition to his contributions to the seafood industry, Lischewski's entrepreneurial spirit extends to agri-tech, restaurants, vineyards, and various investments, reflecting a multifaceted approach to business and innovation.

Chris Lischewski continues to be a shining example of inventiveness and tenacity as he moves beyond the seafood sector into the broader food category. He is bringing his strategic vision, revolutionary leadership, and unwavering dedication to quality to new segments of the food industry, paving the way for long-term growth and success.

His journey epitomizes the transformative power of leadership and innovation in the seafood and broader food industry. The legacy of his philanthropy and entrepreneurship inspires future generations to navigate the ever-changing currents of business as he revitalizes struggling companies.
Founder and CEO of Leverage.biz, Akshay Chaturvedi, engaged in a significant dialogue with External Affairs Minister (EAM), Dr S Jaishankar, focusing on innovation, education, and Indias developmental trajectory.

During the meeting, Chaturvedi elucidated Leverage.bizs mission, core principles, and its visionary outlook towards the future of education. The exchange, which took place on Thursday, was described by Chaturvedi as "incredibly affirming", emphasizing the company's commitment to innovation and its profound impact on students lives.

Discussions extended to Leverage.bizs strategic expansion and its forthcoming trajectory, underlining the companys dedication to reshaping the educational landscape. Taking to social media platform X , Chaturvedi expressed gratitude to Dr Jaishankar for the opportunity to elucidate their mission, principles, and long-term aspirations.

Acknowledging the minister's inspiration, Chaturvedi added, And most of all, thank you, for inspiring us to continuously re-shape, re-sharpen our vision as we build leverage.biz into this next phase.

Fueled by the interaction, Leverage.biz reinforced its commitment to spearheading transformative changes in the educational sector. The company is poised to provide global students with comprehensive counseling services, facilitating their journey to study abroad by aiding in university selection and alumni networking.

The engagement underscores Leverage.bizs resolve to empower students worldwide with the guidance and opportunities essential for their academic and professional success.
Akshay Chaturvedi, the Founder and CEO of Leverage.biz, engaged in a discussion with External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar, focusing on innovation, education, and Indias developmental trajectory. During the meeting, Chaturvedi elaborated on Leverage.bizs mission, its guiding principles, and its profound vision for the future of education.

Reflecting on their interaction with Dr. Jaishankar, Chaturvedi expressed immense satisfaction, highlighting the minister's encouragement towards continual innovation aimed at making a substantial impact on student's lives. The conversation also encompassed strategic considerations regarding Leverage.biz's expansion and its forthcoming direction.

Utilizing the social media platform Twitter, Chaturvedi extended gratitude to the minister for providing an opportunity to elucidate their mission, values, and long-term aspirations. He specifically acknowledged Dr. Jaishankar's role in inspiring Leverage.biz to consistently refine and sharpen its vision as it transitions into the next phase of development.

Encouraged by the constructive exchange, Leverage.biz reaffirmed its heightened commitment to spearheading transformative initiatives within the educational sector. The company expressed a renewed dedication to ensuring that students worldwide receive the necessary guidance and opportunities essential for their success.
It is expected that the Indian equity markets may try to stabilize on Thursday, March 14th, following a massive fall in prices that resulted in a loss of Rs 13.5 trillion in investor wealth the day before. However, the markets may still remain volatile due to weekly F&O expiry and global cues. As of 7:30 AM, Gift Nifty was down 57 points at 22,050.

Tata Motors: On March 13, the company announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Tamil Nadu government to establish a vehicle manufacturing facility in the state. According to a regulatory filing, the MoU involves an estimated investment of around Rs 9,000 crore over the next five years. Following the signing of the MoU, teams from Tata Motors and Guidance, the nodal agency for investment promotion and facilitation in Tamil Nadu, will work together to progress this plan.

Vedanta: According to a report by PTI news agency, Vedanta plans to contest the order from Sebi to pay a penalty of Rs 77.6 crore to Cairn UK Holdings Ltd, a Scottish exploration company. The penalty was levied due to a delay in dividend payments to a former shareholder. Vedanta argues that Cairn UK Holdings Ltd had waived its right to demand interest when it settled a retrospective tax claim with the government. In a statement, the mining conglomerate affirmed, "Vedanta Ltd will contest the Sebi order at the suitable forum."

Reliance Industries: The company has agreed to purchase the entire 13.01 percent share in Viacom18 Media from Paramount Global, in a deal worth about $517 million (Rs 42.86 billion), as disclosed in US regulatory filings. Viacom18, which is primarily owned by RIL, owns a portfolio of 40 television channels, including Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and MTV. Following the completion of the deal, Paramount has stated that it will continue its content licensing agreement with Viacom18, according to Reuters. The finalization of this acquisition is subject to the previously announced merger between Reliance and Disney, which concerns their TV and streaming media assets in India.

Federal Bank, South Indian Bank: On March 13, two banks, Federal Bank and South Indian Bank, declared actions concerning their co-branded credit cards. This decision was based on the regulatory guidance they received from the RBI on March 12, as mentioned in their exchange filings. Federal Bank announced that it has ceased the issuance of new co-branded credit cards. Similarly, South Indian Bank stated that it will not accept any new customers for co-branded credit cards until the bank is fully compliant with the issued regulatory guidelines.

IIFL Finance: The company announced on Wednesday that its board has given the green light to raise up to Rs 1,500 crore through a rights issue, despite the RBI prohibiting the NBFC from approving or disbursing gold loans. In a regulatory filing, IIFL Finance stated that the board has sanctioned fundraising not exceeding Rs 1,500 crore by issuing shares on a rights basis to its current eligible shareholders as of the record date, which will be determined in due course, in line with relevant regulations. Furthermore, during its Wednesday meeting, the board approved a proposal to raise funds up to Rs 500 crore through the issuance of non-convertible debentures on a private placement basis.

Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company, DLF: Cholamandalam has acquired a 4.67-acre property in Chennai from DLF for a sum of Rs 735 crore. Cholamandalam announced the purchase of the immovable property from DLF IT Offices Chennai Private Limited, located in Guindy, Chennai, in a regulatory announcement on Wednesday. The sale deed has been executed and registered. DLF has sold this land to liquidate its assets.

Paytm: One 97 Communications, the parent company of Paytm, is reportedly planning to lay off several employees across multiple departments as part of its annual performance evaluation. This move comes at a time when Paytm's payment bank is under scrutiny by the Reserve Bank of India due to deficiencies in their due diligence process. The exact number of employees to be affected is currently unknown, but sources suggest that some departments have been asked to reduce their workforce by up to 20 percent. This process started two weeks ago.

Vodafone Idea: The telecommunications company has chosen not to renew the fractional spectrum in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands in certain areas due to incompatibility with its most recent network technology. A spokesperson from Vi said that the company has decided to extend the necessary spectrum in both Uttar Pradesh (West) and West Bengal circles while only releasing the fractional spectrum that is not compatible with the new technology and hence, not currently needed. The spectrum was scheduled for renewal this year.

Shriram Properties: Shriram Properties announced the launch of a new residential project called 'Codename Ultimate' on Wednesday. This project has the potential to generate revenue of Rs 350 crore and is located near Electronic City in Bengaluru. The project takes inspiration from Balinese architecture and features six towers with a total of 414 units. The units include integrated co-working spaces and extensive open areas, as stated in a regulatory filing by Shriram Properties. The Balinese-themed project comprises over 70 percent of the total area with more than 400 units and emphasizes open spaces. It has been developed under a joint development model and boasts a total saleable area of approximately five lakh square feet.
The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) and the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) have inked a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at nurturing innovation in the automotive and electric vehicle (EV) sector. The collaboration, backed by a combined investment of Rs 24.6645 crore, was formalized in the presence of Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Minister of Heavy Industries, and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami via video conference.

Central to this initiative is the establishment of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) and an Industry Accelerator at IIT Roorkee, with the objective of propelling advancements in the EV domain. This partnership falls under the ambit of the Scheme for Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Indian Capital Goods Sector Phase II.

The agreement entails a substantial grant of Rs 19.8745 crore from MHI, supplemented by a contribution of Rs 4.78 crore from industry partners. Prof. K.K Pant from IIT Roorkee and Vijay Mittal JS MHI were the signatories representing their respective institutions.

Dr. Pandey underscored the MoU's significance in integrating cutting-edge technologies into the manufacturing sector, in line with the government's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). He emphasized its role in accelerating India's journey towards a self-sufficient EV sector, noting existing collaborations between IIT Roorkee and startups on pioneering projects.

Chief Minister Dhami lauded MHI's initiative in promoting projects under the Capital Goods Scheme in Uttarakhand, particularly beneficial for the e-mobility sector. He commended IIT Roorkee's commitment to research, development, and fostering innovation, aligning with the national objective of self-reliance in mobility.
Philippines-based operator Globe Telecom deployed hybrid solar units across 26 sites as part of wider plans to become a net zero emissions company by 2050.

The Manila Standard reported, Globe deployed three solar units in the National Capital Region (NCR), 17 in South Luzon and six in Mindanao. These sites depended on diesel generators and can now be powered solely on renewable energy or a combination of the two, depending on how charged the battery is.

Globe tested the new solution at tower sites that experienced frequent power outages, and those that were more reliable.

The operator detailed that the initiative saved over 119,000 litres of diesel, 67,000 kilowatt-hours - all equating to a saving of PHP 6.9 million (US$124,500).

Globe hailed the results as proof of the effectiveness of its sustainability strategy by saving money and cutting emissions.

Globe Head of Network Planning and Engineering Joel Agustin said: Successfully implementing hybrid solar power across multiple sites represents a big leap in our efforts to decarbonise our operations.

Beyond demonstrating our dedication to environmental stewardship, it also cements Globes status as the Most Sustainability-Driven Network Operator in the Philippines.
During a live virtual conference, Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi officially inaugurated three semiconductor facilities collectively valued at INR 1.25 trillion (US$ 15 billion), signaling the commencement of India's ambitious endeavor to establish its semiconductor ecosystem. Dubbed 'India's Techade: Chips for Viksit Bharat', the online event featured Prime Minister Modi addressing the nation's youth and highlighted a pivotal moment in semiconductor collaboration between Taiwan and India.

The flagship project among the trio that launched was the semiconductor manufacturing plant located in Dholera, Gujarat. This facility, a joint venture between Taiwan's Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) and Tata Electronics, boasts a 300mm (12-inch) wafer fabrication unit. It is geared to manufacture chips utilizing 28nm processing technology, marking India's initial foray into commercial semiconductor fabrication in three decades.

Anticipated to achieve a monthly production capacity of 50,000 wafers, the facility is projected to commence production by the conclusion of 2026, generating over 20,000 skilled employment opportunities. The Dholera plant commands an investment total of INR 910 billion, with 70% of the expenditure borne by the Indian government, while the remaining funding is provided by the Tata Group. It is worth noting that PSMC will not invest or operate the facility directly and will be responsible for transferring its technology to the Indian operators and employee training. Led by the company's newly established "manufacturing IP transfer department," PSMC will be earning royalties for its technology transfers.

PSMC Chairman Frank Huang had previously emphasized that this partnership aligns with a directive from Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen to aid India in constructing a semiconductor plant. During the video conference, senior government officials from Taiwan and industry leaders from the offices of the India-Taipei Association participated, with their virtual presence acknowledged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"I feel that this marks a new chapter in the relationship between Taiwan and India", says Chung-kwang Tien, Taiwan's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. The deputy minister believes this semiconductor collaboration elevates the Taiwan and India relationship to the next level, thanking the efforts of PSMC and the Indian government.

Deputy Chief Negotiator and Director-General of the Bureau of Foreign Trade Jen-Ni Yang shares similar sentiments, characterizing the significant progress of the project as establishing the fundamental groundwork for future collaborations between Taiwan and India. Yang expresses a desire to explore additional trade agreement opportunities for Taiwanese enterprises in the times ahead.

Mr. Manharsinh Laxmanbhai Yadav, the Director General of the India Taipei Association, underscores that this collaborative effort strengthens the burgeoning partnership between India and Taiwan, underscoring a mutual dedication to technological progress and innovation from both parties.
Qualcomm, a leading chip-maker, unveiled its new chip design center in Chennai, signaling a significant investment of Rs 177.27 crore. This state-of-the-art facility will specialize in wireless connectivity solutions, focusing on innovations complementing Wi-Fi technologies. Anticipated to generate employment for up to 1,600 skilled technology professionals, the center aligns with India's 'Make in India' initiative, bolstering the indigenous semiconductor design ecosystem.

Moreover, in line with the government's Bharat 6G Vision, Qualcomm announced a program to support 6G University Research in India, demonstrating its commitment to advancing cutting-edge technologies within the country. The inauguration ceremony witnessed the participation of Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Communications, Electronics & Information Technology , who emphasized India's ascent as a global innovation hub and its commitment to digital progress.

Minister Vaishnaw lauded Qualcomm's role in accelerating India's digital journey and expressed a joint aim to connect millions through 5G connectivity. The center's establishment represents a significant milestone, not only for Qualcomm but also for nurturing India's tech talent and fostering employment opportunities in the sector.

Furthermore, the Chennai center will actively contribute to Qualcomm's global Research and Development efforts, particularly in 5G Cellular technology. Rahul Patel, Group General Manager of Connectivity, Broadband & Networking at Qualcomm Technologies, highlighted the center's pivotal role in shaping global connectivity, especially within India.

Overall, Qualcomm's investment underscores its confidence in India's technological capabilities and its commitment to driving innovation, employment, and digital empowerment in the country's evolving landscape.
We TraiCon Events will be hosting Saudi Arabias premier fintech event titled as Fintech Revolution Summit scheduled on 29th & 30th April 2024 at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - A Leading Financial Hub of MENA.

This summit aims to bring together 500+ BFSI experts & fintech leaders to discuss and deliberate the trends around financial technology and investment opportunities for the finance sector. This dedicated event is the best opportunity to discover Saudi Vision 2030 goal to become a cashless kingdom. A core aim of Vision 2030 is to accelerate Saudi Arabia's digital economy and increase cashless transactions to 70% by 2025. FinTech founders, central bank officials, FSI experts, regulators, policymakers, technologists, entrepreneurs, investors, academics, and media from around the world will come together to learn, discuss, debate and network.

Attendees Profile : Chief Financial Officer, Head of Digital Payment, Head of IT, Head of Fintech, Chief Information Officer, Head of Retail Banking, Heads of Customer Experience, Angel Investor, Head of AML, Head of Financial Regulatory

Many fintech and banking technology solution providers, cybersecurity companies, E-Payment & wallet companies, threat management, forex software and payment gateway companies would be participating in the Fintech Revolution Summit as Sponsors or Exhibitors who will be showcasing their host of solutions towards the future of finance.

Join us in Saudi as it leads the way to the future at the Fintech Revolution Summit.

For more information regarding the event, please visit: https://fintech.traiconevents.com/ksa/
SRCC Business Conclave is the annual flagship event organized by the Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) in Delhi, India. The eminent institution has garnered a solid reputation with the countrys best students studying here. This elite college is home to Asias largest undergraduate management fest - SRCC Business Conclave.

SRCC Business Conclave24 returns with a fresh wave of excitement, marking another milestone in its legacy of empowerment and inspiration. Students get a chance to meet the prodigies of their fields, the ones who lead by example, right on their very own campus!

The SRCC Business Conclave is one of the largest events of its kind in the country and is attended by thousands of students from all over India. It is designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn about the latest trends and developments in business and to interact with leading experts in the field. One of the key features of the SRCC Business Conclave is its diverse range of speakers and panelists. In addition to this, the event also consists of various masterclasses and workshops, and national-level case competitions. The event features some of the most prominent business leaders, ranging from CEOs and entrepreneurs to journalists and policymakers, from various domains, providing students with a broad perspective on the world of business. By hearing the stories and experiences of successful individuals, students are encouraged to pursue their dreams and aspirations and to work hard to achieve them.

This year, the SRCC Business Conclave follows the theme "Igniting Leadership, Inspiring Excellence", where the students challenge themselves and elevate their full potential. Join forces with industry leaders and innovators to witness the most awaited event of Delhi University.

The upcoming 16th edition of BCon features an enthralling lineup headlined by Shri Ranjan Gogoi, Shri Sachin Pilot, Shri Subramanium Swamy, Shri Sanjeev Sanyal, Major General GD Bakshi, and many more.

The focus is often on topics such as Economic equity through legal lens, women leaders as catalysts for an equitable world, and redefining international education. By engaging with these issues, students are encouraged to think critically about the impact of business on society and to consider how they can use their careers to make a positive difference in the world.

In a momentous stride towards fostering innovation, the SRCC Business Conclave proudly unveils its latest jewel - the Startup Conclave. Positioned as the gateway to entrepreneurial triumph, this premier event beckons startups to the forefront of industry transformation. Envision a dynamic ecosystem where startups not only present groundbreaking ideas but also forge connections with seasoned investors, offering unparalleled access to industry experts, business executives, angel investors, and personalized mentors. The Startup Conclave is a realm where innovation sparks opportunity, networking fuels success, and each startup commands the spotlight, amplifying the spirit of entrepreneurship at Asia's Largest Undergraduate Management Fest.

In addition, the fest also hosts a variety of national-level competitions that challenge the students potential and push them to put their best foot forward. Eight competitions are held under the umbrella of the Conclave - Shri Ram Case Competition, Indian Silicon Valley, The Big Sho(r)t, Policy (K)nights, Anthropos (K)apital, Market Mania, Sustainup and Maestro: The Best Manager.

The fest is held in collaboration with Punjab National Bank (PNB), ACCA, PwC, Bank of Maharashtra, Womenue, co-powered by SDA Bocconi and many more this year. PNB stands at the forefront, envisioning community empowerment through innovative financial solutions and inclusive growth. At ACCA, with Think Ahead approach, they believe in the power of preparation and determination. As the sponsors of The Business Conclave, they are excited to supported an event that embodies these values and encourages students to push boundaries, face challenges, and strive for excellence. PwC remains dedicated to fostering trust in society while addressing critical challenges. Bank of Maharashtra is deeply committed to promoting financial inclusion and driving economic development within communities. Womenue passionately champions the empowerment of women through avenues of entrepreneurship and leadership.

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the SRCC Business Conclave has it all - revolutionary leaders, nerve-wracking competitions, rejuvenating cultural events, and much more. Fasten your seatbelts and join us for the most enthralling experience of your life on the 14th, 15th, and 16th of March 2024!
In a significant development for Tamil Nadu's industrial landscape, Tata Motors Group has announced plans to establish a vehicle manufacturing plant in the state, with an estimated investment of approximately Rs 9,000 crore. This move, facilitated through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Tata Motors Group and the Tamil Nadu government, is expected to unfold over a five-year period, potentially generating around 5,000 jobs, both direct and indirect.

The MoU, signed by V. Vishnu, Managing Director & CEO of Guidance, Tamil Nadu's nodal agency for investment promotion, and P.B. Balaji, Group CFO of Tata Motors, received high-level endorsement with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin present during the ceremony.

T.R.B. Rajaa, Tamil Nadu's Industries Minister, expressed his enthusiasm, highlighting the historic nature of attracting two major automobile manufacturing investments within just two months. He emphasized the state's burgeoning reputation as an investment-friendly destination and credited the Chief Minister's commitment to nurturing employment opportunities and bolstering industrial growth.

Rajaa stressed the significance of these investments, portraying them not merely as the construction of factories but as the realization of aspirations and the acceleration towards a prosperous future.

This announcement comes on the heels of another significant investment in the automotive sector, with VinFast Auto India Ltd, a subsidiary of Vietnams VinFast group, laying the foundation stone for its electric vehicle factory in Tuticorin. VinFast's investment, estimated at Rs 4,000 crore for the initial phase, underscores Tamil Nadu's growing allure for automotive manufacturers seeking to capitalize on the state's conducive business environment and skilled workforce.

The combined impact of these investments is poised to amplify Tamil Nadu's industrial stature, signaling a promising trajectory towards economic growth and job creation in the region.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday that the newly completed South Fork Wind project is supplying power via offshore wind turbines to Long Island and the Rockaways in Queens.

This project is a first-in-the-nation utility-scale offshore wind farm, and boasts the first offshore wind substation built in America. The wind farm itself sits about 35 miles from Long Islands coast.

The South Fork Wind Project is nothing short of a triumph of New York ambition. Its a truly momentous occasion for this clean energy announcement, and Im proud to state that the rest of the nation is watching. And this will serve as a beacon for the rest of the nation, a statement to everyone of what is possible, and this will be emulated time and time again, Hochul said.

South Fork Wind will represent 130 megawatts of offshore wind energy once its 12 turbines reach full capacity, according to the press release. That 130 megawatts is a part of a statewide initiative to create 9,000 megawatts of power via offshore wind by 2035.

Over 100 megawatts may feel like a drop in the bucket compared to the 9,000-megawatt goal, but dont be quick to dismiss the wind farms impact. Per the press release, the energy produced by South Fork Wind will eliminate up to six million tons of carbon emissions over the life of the project, the equivalent of taking 60,000 cars off the road for the next twenty years.

In addition to that figure, once the turbines are operating at total power, they will light up 70,000 locations across Long Island and the Rockaways. At the moment, commissioning is described to be in its final stage as the turbines send energy to the electric grid in Long Island.

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland said: Every day, the Interior Department is answering President Bidens call and moving rapidly to create a robust and sustainable clean energy economy that creates jobs, boosts local economies and helps address environmental justice. Were thrilled to celebrate the completion of the South Fork project, which will deliver 130 megawatts of wind energy to Long Island. Thats enough to power more than 70,000 homes and businesses! Today is further proof that Americas clean energy transition is not a dream for a distant future  its happening right here and now.

Though the project was given a stamp of approval in 2017 from the Long Island Power Authority board of trustees, construction did not get underway until February 2022. By June 2023, the wind farms first monopile foundation was facing the oceans spray. This past February, South Fork Winds 12th turbine was established, leading to the projects completion announcement on Thursday.

When I broke ground on the South Fork project, I made a promise to build a cleaner, greener future for all New Yorkers, Hochul said. Im keeping to that promise and South Fork Wind is now delivering clean energy to tens of thousands of homes and businesses on Long Island. With more projects in the pipeline, this is just the beginning of New Yorks offshore wind future and I look forward to continued partnership with the Biden Administration and local leaders to build a clean and resilient energy grid.

The construction, staging and assembly of the projects components  including the turbines and offshore wind substation  were part of a multi-state effort that was completed by hundreds of workers, including those represented by unions.

MORE OFFSHORE WIND NEWS

In a press release from last month, the governor revealed that funding was approved for two New York state offshore wind projects: Empire Wind 1, set to be 15 miles off the coast of New York, and Sunrise Wind, which will be over 30 miles off Long Islands most eastern point. Empire Wind 1 and Sunrise Wind will produce over 1,730 megawatts of power, per the recent press release.

Both projects will bolster the development and activation of the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal. That terminal, like Staten Islands proposed Arthur Kill Terminal, will serve as an assembly and staging location.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A 33-year-old man accused of attempted rape at a local hospital last month is being remanded without bail for psychiatric evaluation.

The defendant, Kevin Willis, who was experiencing homelessness at the time, is accused of sexually abusing the woman inside Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton in the early morning hours of Feb. 21, according to a criminal complaint.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Port Richmond High School students recently returned from the state capital after participating in the annual Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership (PR/HYL) conference, with four of them earning scholarship prizes.

The PR/HYL conference, which was hosted on Sunday, March 10, as part of a three-day event, had the Capital bustling with more than 200 Hispanic students from eight delegations statewide, turning it into a center stage for youth-led legislative debates.
bill advanced Thursday that includes five years of automatic gas tax hikes and a new $250 fee on electric and other zero emission vehicles to reauthorize the state Transportation Trust Fund was released by the Assembly Appropriations Committee Thursday.

The 5 to 4 vote along party lines to release the bill, A4011, came after an hour of testimony and objections Thursday afternoon. A companion bill in the state senate cleared the bodys appropriations committee on March 11 by a 9-4 vote.

The bill proposes changing the gas tax formula in fiscal year 2025, which starts on July 1, to raise $2.3 billion in revenue for the trust fund that finances major highway and transit projects. That revenue goal increases to $2.115 billion in fiscal year 2026, $2.119 billion in FY 2027, $2.366 billion in FY 2028 and $2.366 billion in FY 2029.

The bill also proposed a new electric vehicle fee that starts charging a $250 fee on July 1, 2024, that increases annually by $10 until reaching $290 on July 1, 2028. The fee would be paid at the same time the vehicle registration is renewed.

While the committee heard for groups representing business groups labor unions and environmental groups, Michael Cory was the lone person speaking for the average taxpayer, who said theyve had enough of price and tax increases.

Prices are through the roof, toll hikes, NJ Transit is raising fares, this another piece of legislation that will hurt hard working families, said Cory, who said he is a contractor. The gas tax makes people eyes roll. Its a fundamental problem, it should be lower, not increased every change you get.

Citing an annual report by the Reason Foundation that ranks New Jersey the worst for the cost to build and maintain roads, a study that the NJDOT questions the result of for its methodology.

I work in construction. If we had that kind of quality issue, Id be out of business, Cory said. We need to figure out how to get taxpayers value for their money. We need to figure out real solutions, not band aids.

His comments resonated with some legislators who referenced them when voting no.

Five years of guaranteed gas tax increases, and other fees on EVs going up this year and billions of dollars in borrowing with no reforms, said Assemblyman Jay Weber, R-Morris, when voting no.

Doug OMalley, Environment NJ executive director, called the bill a blunt instrument that will reduce EV sales.

This bill is a middle finger to the EV driver. It will suppress sales and sends the wrong message, he said. It will raise $30 million from the EV tax that would have been rebates.

Jim Appleton, representing state car dealers, said an EV buyer will have to pay four years of registration fees, including the proposed EV fee upfront at purchase, meaning a minimum cost of $1,000 just to cover the fees.

Others suggested charging electric vehicles by weight, which affects wear and tear on roads or by attaching a fee to recharging to fund the Transportation Trust Fund, including Taylor McFarland, representing the Sierra Clubs New Jersey.

The bill is a simple solution that discriminates against EV users, she said. Table it and work with EV community on a fair way to charge for their fair share.

Business groups cited the bills positive economic impact and said the increased gas tax amounts to 30 cents a day. State aid from the Transportation Trust Fund to fund road projects through aid to counties and municipalities deliver property tax savings, he said.

The average motorist would pay an additional $30 a year ... 30 cents a week, said Tom Bracken , New Jersey Chamber of Commerce president. What other program touches every citizen and has a huge economic impact on the state. It keeps taxes down with local and county aid and all it cost is 30 cents a week.

The legislation needs approval by the Democratic controlled legislature and Gov. Phil Murphy, also a Democrat, meaning the new fees could start hitting drivers on July 1.

If passed this would be yet another proposal that automatically hikes fees on drivers and those who use mass transit. The states three major toll roads take automatic annual increases through a process called indexing. A proposed NJ Transit fare increase proposal also includes annual automatic fare hikes.

The state currently collects 42.3 cents for each gallon of gasoline sold here and 49.3 cents on every gallon of diesel, which is the seventh-highest rate in the nation. The rate rises or falls each year based on a formula outlined in the law.

This bill, sponsored by Democratic legislators, sprints ahead of a counter proposal by State Senate Republicans introduced Tuesday that increases Transportation Trust Fund spending, but doesnt rely on an annual 1.9 cent per gallon gas tax increase over five years. The GOP bill would ask voters to constitutionally dedicate sales tax revenue from electric and zero emissions to the trust fund. That bill hasnt been scheduled for a hearing.

The assembly bill authorizes a total of $15.6 billion for the trust fund through fiscal year 2029.

That includes $10.367 billion over a five-year period from Fiscal Year 2025 through Fiscal Year 2029 to fund NJDOT and NJ Transit capital projects. The bill allows for an average annual capital program size of $2 billion, however that also includes allocations for aid to counties and municipalities.

During Fiscal Years 2027, 2028 and 2029, the bill requires appropriations in excess of $2 billion.

Sponsors are Assemblymen Clinton Calabrese, D- Bergen, Assemblyman Benjie E. Wimberly D-Passaic, and Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, D-Middlesex. The bill was released by the assembly transportation committee on March 8.
LeeBeth, a 14-foot female shark, has traveled over 2,000 miles from off Hilton Head Island, S.C., to Matamoros, Mexico, which is just south of the Texas border on the Gulf Coast, according the multiple reports.

The Great White began her journey on Dec. 8 and biologists, who began tracking her at Hilton Head, said she traveled further than any other shark thats been previously tagged. In fact, she broke the previous record over two weeks ago.

The shark hasnt been heard from, tracking-wise, since March 7th, when she was approximately 100 miles off the coast of Galveston, Texas.

According to Fox News, LeeBeths record-setting journey inside the Gulf of Mexico may indicate that the area is meaningful to other white sharks. Senior scientist Megan Winton of the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC) of Chatham, Mass., believes international cooperation is important to protect the sharks, whose worldwide populations are recovering from decades of overfishing.'

We dont know how many white sharks travel that far west, but its a good indication they do, Winton told Fox News. There are only a handful of sharks that have been tracked west of the Mississippi.

Thousands of sharks have been tagged worldwide, according to Winton. She said AWSC teamed with Outcast Sport Fishing, a fishing charter at Hilton Head, to tag LeeBeth.

Outcast owner Chip Michalove, who got several clear photos of the man-eater, said LeeBeth has recorded more tracking than most other sharks. A signal is sent when the shark breaks the surface of the water.

Not only one of the biggest sharks weve caught, but shes the best-pinging shark as well, Michalove told Fox News. We definitely hit a home run with LeeBeth.
EU lawmakers approve AI Act

Xinhua) 08:35, March 14, 2024

People visit the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 in Barcelona, Spain, Feb. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

The European Parliament on Wednesday approved the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act with an overwhelming majority in Strasbourg, France.

BRUSSELS, March 13 (Xinhua) -- The European Parliament on Wednesday approved the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act with an overwhelming majority in Strasbourg, France.

The Parliament passed the act with 523 lawmakers voting in favor, 46 against and 49 abstentions.

European Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton welcomed the result, saying that "Europe is now a global standard-setter in AI."

As the first-ever comprehensive legal framework on AI globally, the regulation has adopted a risk-based approach, subjecting higher-risk AI applications to stricter regulation.

Under the new rules, certain AI applications will be prohibited, including biometric categorization systems based on sensitive characteristics, and the untargeted scraping of facial images from the internet or CCTV footage for facial recognition databases.

Additionally, the Act prohibits emotion recognition in workplaces and schools, social scoring, predictive policing, and AI designed to manipulate human behavior or exploit vulnerabilities.

For general-purpose AI (GPAI) systems, the Act requires compliance with transparency requirements, such as adhering to European Union (EU) copyright laws and publishing detailed summaries of the content used for training.

People visit the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 in Barcelona, Spain, Feb. 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

A participant takes a photo during a forum on the theme of "Computing Power Network: Smarter Network for a Smarter World" during the Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona, Spain, Feb. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov has met with visiting President of Albania Bajram Begaj, Azernews reports.

During the meeting, the parties highlighted the significance of the 11th Global Baku Forum.

Both leaders praised the positive momentum in the bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Albania, highlighting their fruitful cooperation within international organizations. They particularly noted the recent decision to open embassies in each other's countries as a testament to the elevated level of their bilateral relations.

Hailing the participation of the President of Albania in the forum, Ali Asadov expressed optimism that the intergovernmental agreement on economic cooperation inked as part of the visit of the Albanian Prime Minister to Azerbaijan in the beginning of March would bolster relations in trade, economic and investment promotion domains.

The Azerbaijani PM highlighted the positive outcomes of cooperation in the area of energy and the importance of the TAP project. Asadov commended the role of Albania as a transit country in the supply of Azerbaijani gas to Europe.

They emphasized the imperative for developing cooperation in the tourism sector.

The pair also explored the issues on expansion of relations between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.




Angola Cables, a multinational telecommunications operator of fibre optic telecommunication cables, and carrier neutral and open-access provider EllaLink have signed an agreement to boost data transfer and improve capacity between South America and Europe.

According to the BNamericas news service, the companies are essentially creating an integrated route uniting the Monet cable system, of which Angola Cables is one of the owners and which connects South America to the US, and the EllaLink cable, the first direct route between South America and Europe, running from Fortaleza to Frankfurt on underwater and land routes.

The interconnection will take place in Fortaleza, Brazil, which is a landing point for both systems. Indeed, Angola Cables recently announced that it expects its second data centre in Fortaleza to go live next year. Construction of the data centre is expected to start in the second half of 2024.

Data traffic on Monet will offer lower latency to Europe by avoiding having to first go to the US and connect to Europe from there. EllaLink, meanwhile, will gain faster access to the US via Monet.

And its apparently more than a modest improvement: the companies estimate a data latency reduction of up to 51% on the route from Sao Paulo to Lisbon and 60% from Fortaleza to Lisbon compared with current routes via US or Africa.

With a transatlantic latency of less than 60ms, the EllaLink submarine cable offers low-latency and high-capacity connectivity between Latin America and Europe, connecting Sines, Lisbon, Madrid and Marseille in Europe, with Fortaleza, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Mayor Eric Adams announced Thursday that the city would use $741 million to provide cost of living adjustment (COLA) raises to 80,000 human services workers across the city.

Workers in fields like housing, food access, health services and asylum seeker services will see annual 3% COLA increases starting this July 1 and again in 2025 and 2026.

When things get tough, we must invest in our most valued asset: the people who are on the frontlines solving the most pressing issues facing our city, Adams said. Human service workers are the hands and heart of New York City, providing 24/7 work that benefits all New Yorkers. From navigating our city during the darkest days of COVID-19 to caring for asylum seekers to tackling our homelessness crisis and so much more, human service work is often tiring and thankless, but the workforce is essential to our city. I am proud that our administration is delivering human services workers the pay raise they deserve, and putting money back into their pockets.

The 80,000 beneficiaries of the COLA adjustments work for non-profit organizations that provide some of the most challenging services in the city, including the local response to homelessness and the asylum seeker crisis.

Adams has made improving the citys relationship with non-profits in these sectors a pillar of his administration working to clear a $6 billion contract backlog, launching an Office of Non-Profits, and partnering with Comptroller Brad Lander to launch another initiative meant to cut back on red tape improving the efficiency with which service providers receive their payments.

Our essential human services workforce, the majority of whom are women and nearly half are women of color, deserves to be paid fairly for the critical services they provide for New Yorkers in every community, said New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. Todays announcement of a $741 million investment in cost-of-living adjustments for 80,000 human services workers represents an important step in the right direction towards fulfilling our obligation. The City Council has advocated for investing in this vital workforce and will continue to support building upon our commitments to ensure their success.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A lawsuit demanding two suspended pro-Palestinian student groups be reinstated at Columbia University was filed this week by the New York Civil Liberties Union, the Associated Press reported.

Filed Monday in Manhattan Supreme Court, the suit alleges Columbia violated its policies by punishing the campus chapters of Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voices for Peace for protests over the Israel-Hamas war.
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An expanded connectivity offering from two major names in satellite communications  Intelsat and CDL  is said to hold out the promise of delivering new land mobility services throughout India.

Intelsat, operator of one of the worlds largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks, and India-based Cloudcast Digital Limited (CDL), a provider of technology-led satcom solutions and services, have expanded satellite communication connectivity using Intelsats FlexMove, an end-terminal, fully managed service, to deliver land mobile services to customers in hard-to-reach locations throughout India.

CDLs technology services are managed by Planetcast Media Services Limited, a teleport and video platform services provider. Planetcast is also a long-time Intelsat media customer on Intelsat 17 and Intelsat 20, both of which are leading satellites for video distribution services to customers in India.

In 2022, CDL and Intelsat introduced Flex services into India, combining Intelsat satellite capacity over the region, a Flex gateway in Noida in Indias northern state of Uttar Pradesh, and CDLs In-Flight and Maritime Connectivity (IFMC) licence to deliver FlexMaritime service for vessels traveling in Indian territorial waters. Specifically designed for global commercial maritime trade routes FlexMaritime delivers high-speed, reliable connectivity that powers business at sea.

Intelsat explains that the Flex service simplifies the management and delivery of broadband services and connectivity to enterprise and mobility customers around the globe.

Indeed, Intelsat and CDL are now expanding the capabilities of the Flex service over India to include the availability of FlexMove. With FlexMove, CDL will deliver service for land-mobile applications, enabling rapid response to support disaster relief operations for border security, police forces, and disaster relief agencies using vehicle-mounted and backpack solutions for communications.

Additional Flex services will include the high-throughput enterprise network connectivity solution FlexEnterprise and FlexExec, described as the only network built for business aviation. These multiple approaches will enable the provision of maritime, enterprise, business jet, land mobile and media services to customers in India.
Ten Thousand Suns may be the most joyous theme weve ever had for a Sydney Biennale. Whether we think of the Pharaoh Akhenaten trashing the entire pantheon of Egyptian deities in favour of the sun god, Aton, or the last words of J.M.W. Turner, who allegedly muttered the sun is God, its axiomatic that the sun signifies life-giving light and energy. The sun is a higher power that holds itself aloof from human vanities, personal and political squabbles.

Theres a celebratory atmosphere about much of the work in this Biennale, particularly at the new venue of White Bay Power Station. On the other hand, as with all contemporary art surveys, one is perpetually reminded of the sobering words of Ecclesiastes 1:9: There is no new thing under the sun.

To their credit, curators Cosmin Costinas and Inti Guerrero have not gone searching for newness per se. Costinas hails from Romania, and Guerrero from Colombia, although they are both thoroughly internationalised, holding down day jobs in Berlin and Ghent, respectively. Theres a touch of Laurel and Hardy about the combo, a big guy and a little guy, but theres no doubting their alertness to every major twinkle in the contemporary firmament.

Biennale of Sydney 2024 artistic directors Inti Guerrero and Cosmin Costinas. Credit: James Brickwood

Despite all the rhetoric of joy and love, if one looks for underlying themes in this Biennale, there are many dark patches. History and identity are the broad, overarching categories, with a substantial focus on LGBTQ and Indigenous issues. Yet, theres also room for the climate crisis, sins of the atomic era, and the endless horrors of colonialism. As usual, the irony of university-educated, cosmopolitan people agonising over the traumas of colonialism never seems to occur to anyone.
Cressida, who retired from acting to marry a barrister and raise a family, is hoping to get back to acting, after catching her husband, Rupert, in flagrante with a woman young enough to be their daughter. Given Cressidas age, her agent can only offer her ads for incontinence pads. Penny, a distinguished interviewer and war correspondent, finds herself on the shelf as the TV channel decides to promote her vain and incompetent male co-host into a primetime slot. And Jo was fired despite her skills by a new studio boss because she drew attention to his bulldozing of good ideas.

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It is Jos response to this that underpins the plot. She is the first to demonstrate the forms that revenge can take, and her method is decidedly Shakespearean. Having the advantage of already being tall and rangy, she uses her special-effects skills to reinvent herself as Joseph, and, like Portia, Viola and Imogen, she goes back into the mens world. The studio that fired her as a menopausal mess of a woman now pays her far more, and she sees how the men really talk about the women. At first, her old uni girlfriends dont recognise her, but as she opens up to them and they share their stories back, the womens club is formed, and the fun begins.

How the Revenge Club hits its targets is funny and wicked. Sometimes decidedly the latter. Occasionally there is a whiff of that wonderful Irish immorality-play series, Bad Sisters (five sisters plotting to remove a brother-in-law who would have been the star of Reddits Am I The Asshole? thread). And as with Bad Sisters, failure is as much a part of the story as success. However, comeuppances do happen, despite the white-water rafting the quartet must navigate. How the four women raft through is what kept me reading  and laughing.

The Booklist is a weekly newsletter for book lovers from books editor Jason Steger. Get it delivered every Friday.
Just after 2pm on a clear afternoon on March 4 at a Space Force Base in California, history was made when a Falcon-9 rocket launched a washing machine-sized device into space, the worlds first intelligence satellite run by an environmental group.

Now orbiting the earth at 580 kilometres above ground 15 times a day, MethaneSAT is using spectrometers to study methane being emitted from industrial facilities and landfills, coalmines and feedlots with a higher resolution than ever before attempted.

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 Centre in Cape Canaveral. Credit: AP

MethaneSAT, funded significantly by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and thrust into space on one of Elon Musks rockets, is the product of a project led by the US environment group Environmental Defence Fund in collaboration with Harvard University, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and the New Zealand Space Agency.

It is effectively the worlds first environmental spy satellite, and its mission is to track methane emissions to their source and monitor global efforts to reduce the invisible and odorless planet warming gas.
The chance to publish more complete HSC result lists, retention of the ATAR rating, the controversial NAPLAN aptitude tests and the gap that leaves most of Australias public schools underfunded while most private schools are over-funded. These are just a few of the issues that attracted debate at Thursdays Schools Summit hosted by the Herald.

It was the first held since the Minns government started introducing reforms to public education, and the Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, didnt miss the opportunity to wave Labors flag.

For a decade, blame was laid at the feet of Coalition governments, but Car said those days were receding with recent reforms, including pay rises for teachers, permanent contracts to almost 17,000 temporary teachers and lifting permanent staff numbers from 60 to 80 per cent and the easing of teacher administrative tasks  enabling the Minns government to better fulfil its duty of ensuring every child received an education of the highest quality.

Prue Car speaks at the Sydney Morning Herald Schools Summit. Credit: Rhett Wyman

While the reforms are an admirable start, the bigger problem facing Car is where is the money coming from? More than a decade after the Gonski review identified several highly concerning trends in the educational outcomes of Australian students, almost all NSW public schools remain funded below the reports recommendations. Car admitted as much and could offer little more than hope of major improvement.
With days until voters in two state electorates vote for their new representatives in Queensland Parliament, Premier Steven Miles has sought to manage expectations in the most closely watched seat of Ipswich West.

I wouldnt say [Im] concerned, but it is a real possibility, he said, responding to a journalists question at a media conference in Rockhampton this morning.

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Miles pointed to the 2020 byelection in nearby Bundamba as an example of what could happen at a similar point in the electoral cycle, with an almost 12 per cent March swing against Labor preceding a 4 per cent swing to Labor at the general election that October.

So we are expecting a very big swing in that byelection but we will spend every minute working hard to communicate with, listen to, and talk with Ipswich West locals, and talk to them about how our government knows them, listens to them, delivers for them, Miles said.

The average swing across the past 20 state byelections in Queensland has been 4.6 per cent against the government, according to analysis Griffith Universitys Pandanus Petter shared with me for this byelections preview published earlier in the week.

Despite this, Deputy Opposition Leader Jarrod Bleijie is reported to have said a 3.5 per cent swing away from the government would be a strong result for the LNP.
The prosecution over the murder of gangland lawyer Joseph Pino Acquaro is in doubt after police refused to divulge the identity of an informer involved in the case.

Victoria Police has gone to the High Court of Australia in a bid to stop the identity of its supergrass from being revealed in the trial of accused killer Vincenzo Crupi.

Solicitor Joseph Acquaro (left) with his then client Rocco Arico outside court in 2015. Credit: Channel Nine

Crupi, a 74-year-old tradesman, is charged with killing Acquaro outside his popular ice cream shop, Gelobar, in Brunswick East, on March 15, 2016. He was committed to stand trial in November 2019 but denies any involvement in the killing.

But Crupis murder trial has been on hold for nearly two years as Victoria Police has waged battles in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and now High Court of Australia to prevent exposing the informer who provided information used in the investigation.
People tend to do a double-take when they see Dirk Fourie walking down the street. Hes wearing something radical  a suit.

Fourie does his shopping, walks the dog and goes to work in a selection of vintage outfits  mostly from the 1940s and 50s  complete with fedora hats and natty ties.

Time traveller: Dirk Fourie has donated this 1880s style suit to the National Trusts vintage clothing sale. Credit: Eddie Jim

The self-described antique streetwear stylist and collector has struck a chord. His Instagram and TikTok accounts each have more than 200,000 followers.

One video showing Fourie getting dressed as a 1940s gangster drew 4.9 million views.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and Nationals Leader David Littleproud have backed further investment in youth camps as an alternative to detention to tackle juvenile crime.

The Coalition outlined on Thursday a private members bill to be introduced in parliament next week under which young offenders would face jail time of up to two years if they posted videos of gang violence on Snapchat or TikTok.

Discussing the proposal, Littleproud then took it a step further, suggesting young people could benefit from being sent to remote camps to work rather than juvenile detention.

Nationals leader David Littleproud has suggested sending young offenders to the outback. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

We need to go back to  outback camps, 200 or 300 kilometres from towns. You dont need barbed wire  if they want to run away, they have to dodge the king browns [snakes] and wild dogs  but every morning theyre up with a purpose, Littleproud told Nine, owner of this masthead, on Thursday.
Palestinians fleeing Gaza continue to have their visas cancelled while en route to Australia, as the federal government faces fierce criticism for the chaotic handling of visa applications for people trying to escape the war zone.

This masthead revealed on Wednesday that multiple women and children from Gaza had been granted visitor visas, only to have them revoked after beginning their journey to Australia.

Rasha Abbas, executive director of the Palestine Australia Relief and Action group, said she was aware of at least nine cases of Palestinians having their Australian visas cancelled in recent days, including a man in his 20s on Thursday.

Palestinians are fleeing devastation in Gaza, including dire food shortages. Credit: AP

Abbas said the man was stopped at Istanbul Airport while travelling from Cairo to Australia and was now stuck in no mans land in Turkey because Egypt had refused to let him return.
Saying this would achieve a balance between helping Iraq and addressing growing pressures on the Defence Force, Hill argued for a reduction in air traffic control, Defence headquarters and logistics personnel. He also urged cabinets national security committee to put more personnel into training the Iraq army and navy, deploy an explosive ordnance disposal team and send 18 troops to Afghanistan to help train its armed forces. Helping to better position the Afghan National Army to supplement and eventually replace the majority of coalition forces conducting operations against al-Qaeda and the Taliban would therefore be more consistent with the objectives of our original military engagement in Afghanistan, which reflected Australias more narrowly defined national interests in Afghanistan. Hill noted that proposing a reduction of Australian troops in Iraq was highly sensitive and risked upsetting the Bush administration.

Australia should therefore handle with great care timely discussions with US officials on any proposed adjustments to the ADF presence in Iraq, emphasising our continued commitment to the US and the scale of our commitments in the Asia-Pacific region (i.e East Timor and the Solomon Islands), Hill said. But PM&C pushed back against any notion of reducing Australian troop numbers in Iraq while rejecting the idea of putting more people into Afghanistan. PM&C believes a substantial reduction in Australias commitment to Iraq announced before the end of 2003 might attract a critical US response detrimental to our broader alliance interests, it said. PM&C believes this review should seek to achieve an outcome that would see continued credible ADF contributions both for Iraq and the War on Terrorism, in the near term at least.

The documents reveal Howard had asked the Defence Department to abandon its proposal to send a specialist bomb squad to Iraq, but it had again put forward the idea in October. Loading PM&C also said other countries were doing work in Afghanistan, which meant Australia did not need to send troops. In the case of Afghanistan, and in addition to security considerations, US, UK and New Zealand forces are already providing training assistance, it said. The national security committee ultimately backed PM&Cs view over Defence.

Almost three years later, Australia would sharply increase its commitment to Afghanistan, sending troops to Uruzgan province. In 2008, it would use Australian troops to mentor and train elements of the Afghan army. Australian troops would finally leave Iraq in early 2011. Pulling our weight The cabinet papers reflect a consistent determination by the government to assure the US that Australia was pulling its weight in Iraq. They show Hill, somewhat audaciously, proposing to sell a reduction in Australian troops as an adjustment rather than a drawdown. Avoiding upsetting the Bush administration and weakening the US-Australia alliance was a paramount concern.

In his October 2003 cabinet submission, Hill noted that he was recommending the troop reduction despite the continuing poor security situation in Iraq hampering reconstruction efforts, and reports of the United States efforts to increase international participation in coalition operations in Iraq and the need for us to continue to pull our weight on Iraqs rehabilitation. Outlining the proposal, he said: During the implementation of this strategy, USs perceptions and expectations during any withdrawal or adjustment of ADF forces will require careful management. He continued: The stakes are high for the US in Iraq, and there is an expectation that we will carry through in a responsible manner the commitments we have made. US has not been pressuring us to do more, understanding our other priorities, but as pressures increase, it is possible we will receive more requests.

Stressing the importance of delicate communications with Washington on the topic, Hill said it was in Australias interests to maintain some influence over the US-led operation in Iraq. Loading The current ADF presence has delivered good access and some, if not always as much as we would like, influence over the policies the US has adopted, he said. In a letter sent from Alexander Downer to Howard on August 14 ahead of a security committee meeting, the then-foreign minister argued that Australias 15-person team supporting the Coalition Provisional Authority continues to punch above its weight on critical tasks, which is much appreciated by US, UK and Iraqi counterparts. We are not coming under significant pressure to do more, Downer said, arguing that any additional deployments be focused on key Australian objectives such as agricultural rehabilitation and the return of Iraqis.

The missing weapons of mass destruction In the Howard governments decision to take part in the Iraq invasion, a key issue was the belief that Saddam held weapons of mass destruction. The cabinet decision approving Australias participation cited Iraqs weapons and the threat they posed to the world. But the documents released on Thursday show that as the search for the weapons faltered, mentions of them declined to the point that on many occasions there was no official discussion of the issue.

By October 15, when Hill was arguing for a reduction in Australias personnel in Iraq, PM&C cited the weapons search as a reason to maintain troop numbers. This will be at a time when the allied coalition faces significant challenges in Iraq and the Australian government and coalition objectives which underpin Operation Catalyst (including the restoration of stability and security in Iraq and the search for weapons of mass destruction) have not yet been achieved, it said. Hill argued that the ADF has provided a meaningful contribution to the US-led coalition to disarm Iraq of its weapons of mass destruction, even though no weapons had been found in the seven months since the invasion. The business opportunities

Even as American, British and Australian troops moved into Iraq, issues of business came to cabinets attention. Loading On March 21, the national security committee noted advice from Downer that the Bush administration recognised the importance of Iraq as a traditional market for Australian wheat and that it did not intend to affect that relationship post-conflict. Any announcement about Australian food aid to Iraq, the committee said, should make clear that Australia will take any steps necessary to preserve Australias traditional share of the Iraqi wheat market post-conflict. It noted a week later that an Australian donation of 100,000 tonnes of wheat to Iraq should assist in maintaining Australias share of the Iraqi wheat market as well as helping avoid food shortages.

A few days later, the documents reveal the government had sketched out a strategy for advancing Australias commercial and economic interests. Former trade minister Mark Vaile was being encouraged to look at business opportunities for Australian companies soon after the start of the Iraq War. Credit: Eryk Bagshaw Then-trade minister Mark Vaile was asked to bring forward a detailed submission on the strategic opportunities and Australian capabilities and how best to pursue these wider Australian commercial interests in the post-conflict environment. Business interests were being briefed in early April about possible opportunities including contracts with Americas key aid agencies. Australian oil exploration companies had expressed interest in commercial opportunities in Iraq, while the government was being urged to ensure the best possible economic conditions for Australian companies.
In the legal profession, theres an expectation younger lawyers do exactly what theyre told  even when some of those requests border on the pathological, according to lawyer Stefanie Costi.

Costi, 34, alleged a senior partner asked her to go to Mitre 10 to buy him a pair of gumboots before a weekend trip to a clients farm. After returning to the office, she was asked to put the boots on his feet, because he was suffering back problems  and then she was asked to take them off again.

Lawyer Stefanie Costi is advocating for changes to workplace health and safety in the legal profession. Credit: Steven Siewert

The humiliating request was made in full view of Costis colleagues. The corrosive effect of this experience and many others in her initial years resulted in her being afflicted by PTSD and almost leaving the law entirely.

Costi says an insidious, systemic culture of bullying and abuse is pervasive across the legal profession, aided by ruthless competition, a silence-is-best attitude embedded among younger graduates, and the protected status of senior perpetrators at firms.
The union is frustrated it took the police until Thursday morning to confirm the death of a 37-year-old miner from Bruthen, East Gippsland, later identified as Kurt Hourigan, in the Ballarat Gold Mine collapse. We were informed yesterday [Wednesday] of the fatality, says AWU state secretary Ronnie Hayden. His understanding was that the family had also been told on Wednesday night. Its extremely frustrating that Victorians and Australians were hoping for a good result when we knew what the result was. I cant understand why that would have been withheld. The scene on Wednesday night in Ballarat. Credit: Joe Armao Ballarat police acting inspector Lisa Macdougall said Ambulance Victoria was required to determine the mans health status and it was not until 5.20am that an officer was able to safely access his body. Hourigan and the injured 21-year-old, who remains in The Alfred hospital in a critical condition, had been mining using a process known as air legging, in which a cylinder operated by compressed air is used to keep a rock drill pressed into the hole being drilled.

In March 2023, the previous company operating the Ballarat Gold Mine went into administration, after issues with its management of mine waste led to near over-capacity of its controversial tailings dam. The administrators said the new air-legging technique had begun in May 2023, targeting higher-yielding ore with comparatively lower waste, producing positive results to date. Ballarat gold mine collapse victim Kurt Hourigan. Credit: Facebook But Hayden said union members had raised concerns about this style of mining, which had seemed to fall on deaf ears. This form of air legging shouldnt be used to do this type of work, he said. The information that were getting back was this was a quick, cheap and easy way to chase gold.

In 2022 Terry Hogan died due to a rockfall while performing air-leg mining work at Gold Fields St Ives mine, 80 kilometres south of Kalgoorlie. Kenna says the use of air legging is unusual in Victoria. Last year he had asked the company that owns Ballarat Gold Mine, Victory Minerals, why they were using it. Victory Minerals said the tragic incident was being independently investigated by WorkSafe Victoria. Given this, its not appropriate for us to comment further right now, other than to confirm we are co-operating fully with this investigation, and undertaking our own, a spokesperson said in a statement. The safety of our people on site is our first priority.

At 9.30pm on Wednesday, when the 28 miners who had sought refuge in the safety pod were brought to the surface, they were debriefed by the company. Kenna and Edgington asked if they could address the men but said they were told they couldnt attend the debrief, known as a muster. Kenna says they were disappointed. The union wanted to warn men that if they werent feeling right, they didnt need to drive, and there would be taxis or buses. They wanted to warn them there would also be media at the gate, pointing cameras in their faces. The two men instead texted all their members, informing them of the support services available.

This is where the union movement comes in. Therell be a heap for us to do in making sure before any mining starts again that the work site is safe. WorkSafe will work with us with that, but also managing the mental health side of things, Kenna says. At 10pm the 28 miners left the site, looking shaken. Dora Pearce is a local resident opposed to the mines plans for a new tailings dam. Credit: Paul Rovere Its always the hardest part of what we do, Edgington says. We are often amongst the first people on site. Were often having one of the early conversations with family and colleagues. I dont think anyone has an understanding at the start of these things how many years these coroners inquiries and legal proceedings carry on and what a burden that is to family and friends and community.

Dora Pearce, who is opposed to a fourth tailings storage dam at Ballarat Gold Mine, had visited the mine on Wednesday morning for an inspection. The Ballarat academic and other residents are taking Ballarat City Council to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal after it granted a permit for the tailings dam, which they argue would produce dust that posed a health risk. Loading A shiver ran down her spine when she learnt of the accident later. When we were on the mine site, even though I am opposing the fourth tailings dam, you can tell that theres a camaraderie within the staff, the mine workers. When I read last night of the tragedy, I really felt terribly shocked. Its a really awful situation for them.

The tribunal member as well as lawyers for the goldmine, the Ballarat Council and the residents all acknowledged the tragedy in the tribunal hearing on Thursday and expressed condolences to the family of the man killed. However, there was no instruction from any party to adjourn the proceeding, which is part of a seven-day hearing being held over several weeks. Pearce says Ballarat has had a torrid time this year. Bushland near the Mount Clear mine was the focus of a major search operation for missing Ballarat woman Samantha Murphy in the past month. Last week, police charged 22-year-old Patrick Stephenson with murder, alleging he attacked her at Mount Clear.
Fort Pierce, Florida: A federal judge has denied former US president Donald Trumps request to dismiss a criminal case that charges him with illegally holding on to classified documents after leaving the White House.

The ruling by US District Judge Aileen Cannon in Florida came just hours after a hearing in which his lawyers argued that the central charge in the case was improperly vague.

Donald Trump leaves Manhattan criminal court in February, 2024. Credit: AP

Cannon, who was appointed to her post by Trump, ruled that the question warrants serious consideration but should not be decided at this point.

Trump, the Republican challenger to President Joe Biden in the November election, has pleaded not guilty to a 40-count indictment that accuses him of illegally taking sensitive government documents with him when he left the White House in 2021.
What in the World, a free weekly newsletter from our foreign correspondents, is sent every Thursday. Below is an excerpt. Sign up to get the whole newsletter delivered to your inbox.

Today, I write, not from the world beyond our shores, but from the world desk in sunny Melbourne.

From this perch, Ive seen some remarkable events unfold. Conflict (Ukraine, Gaza), disasters (the disappearance of MH370) and tales of survival (the Thai Cave rescue).

Big breaking stories, catastrophes, wars, emergencies, they tell themselves. A blunt event occurs, and its reported out fully, from all the angles.
PHILIP[SBURG:--- Recent reports highlight the concerning spread of the invasive soft coral, Unomia stolonifera, currently devastating Venezuela's marine ecosystems and detected in Cuba. With the potential threat of its expansion to the (Dutch) Caribbean islands, urgent action and awareness are essential to safeguard marine biodiversity and local economies from possible catastrophic consequences.

Invasive species are animals or plants from another region of the world that don't belong in their new environment. These species can have major ecological effects by decimating native flora or fauna. They can also cause large economic losses and impact human health. Invasive species also pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems worldwide, including the Dutch Caribbean. Among these invaders is the octocoral species Unomia stolonifera or Pulsing Xenia, originally from the Indo-Pacific. With its rapid growth and lack of natural predators, this species can outcompete native species and disrupt fragile marine habitats such as seagrass beds and coral reefs.



Background

The invasive soft coral U. stolonifera was first identified in 2014, off the coast of Venezuela. It is believed to have been introduced via the illegal aquarium trade. Since this species can reproduce sexually and asexually (or fragment), even small pieces can regenerate to spread. Once introduced it quickly took over shallow reefs and hard substrate at depths of 0-50 meters, outcompeting local corals and seagrass for space. Follow-up surveys found that this coral species exhibited an average percentage cover as high as 80%, vastly outcompeting native corals. In highly colonized areas, fish are disappearing due to loss of habitats.

In 2022, during a survey conducted in Cuba by the University of Havana, an unknown octocoral was discovered which was later identified as the invasive Unomia stolonifera. It is suspected that the coral larvae arrived in ballast water from fossil fuel ships originating from Venezuela, as nearby sites adjacent to Venezuelan ports have been heavily affected by the invasion.

How to help

Prevention through continuous monitoring, particularly in high-risk areas such as marine harbors and oil facilities, is paramount. Early detection plays a pivotal role in mitigating the threat posed by Unomia stolonifera.

The public's involvement and awareness are also vital. Local communities, recreational divers, tourists, and all stakeholders are urged to participate in early detection efforts by reporting sightings (photo, location and date) of this invasive coral to their respective Protected Area Management Organization (PMOs)- the Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba (FPNA), STINAPA Bonaire, CARMABI Curacao , Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF), Nature Foundation St. Maarten (NFSXM) and St. Eustatius National Parks (STENAPA). If an invaded area is confirmed, follow the recommendations by the local PMOs.



Keys to Success

Despite the challenges, early detection is key to mitigating the threat posed by Unomia stolonifera. With continued vigilance, research, and community engagement, there is hope for containing this potential issue before it becomes a major threat.
State Secretary Alexandra van Huffelen of Kingdom Relations will pay a working visit to Aruba, Curacao, and St. Maarten from the 19th to the 26th of March 2024. The visit is largely devoted to the Mutual Arrangement of Cooperation on Reforms. Within this framework, the State Secretary will hold talks with prime ministers and ministers in all countries about cooperation and the implementation and progress of the Country Package. In addition, the State Secretary will speak about the opening of the National Growth Fund and the SDE++ regulation for the countries.

Aruba

The working visit of State Secretary Van Huffelen begins in Aruba, where the State Secretary has scheduled a conversation with Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes about the Mutual Arrangement Cooperation on Reforms and the investment funds. Also on the agenda is a conversation with Finance Minister Xiomara Maduro on taxes and the State Secretary will receive presentations on the reorganization of government, the healthcare covenant, and on education. Furthermore, the State Secretary will have an informal meeting with the local leaders of the projects from the Country Package.

Curacao

On March 21st, State Secretary Van Huffelen will travel to Curacao, where she will hold talks with Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas on the Mutual Arrangement Cooperation on Reforms and the investment funds. The State Secretary will also speak with Ministers Larmonie-Cecilia of Social Development, Labor and Welfare, Van Heydoorn of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, Silvania of Finance and Martina of Governance, Planning, and Services about the progress of the projects in the Country Package. In addition, the State Secretary will speak with the Prime Minister and Minister Cijntje of Economic Development about the refinery and visit two schools renovated with Dutch funds.

Finally, the State Secretary will attend the closing of the Caribbean Legislative Conference, which was jointly organized by the 4 countries, and she will meet with the business community and Civil Society of Curacao.

St. Maarten

The program on St. Maarten begins on Monday, March 25th, when State Secretary Van Huffelen and outgoing Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs will reflect on the cooperation in the Mutual Arrangement Cooperation on Reforms and discuss the opening of the investment funds. The State Secretary will also have a lunch to bid farewell to the outgoing St. Martin Cabinet and meet the new faction leaders. A visit to the University of Sint Martin and a session with a focus group of young professionals on climate change are also on the agenda.

On Tuesday, the 26th of March 2024, State Secretary Van Huffelen will travel back to the Netherlands.
China says US TikTok vote follows 'logic of a bandit'



Beijing, March 14 (AFP) Mar 14, 2024



China on Thursday said the US House of Representatives' approval of a bill that would force TikTok to sever ties with its Chinese parent company or be banned in the United States follows "entirely the logic of a bandit".

The short-video app has soared in popularity worldwide but its ownership by Chinese technology giant ByteDance -- and alleged subservience to Beijing's ruling Communist Party -- has fuelled concern in Western capitals.

On Wednesday, the US House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill that would force TikTok to divest from its parent company or face a nationwide ban.

The bill is yet to pass the Senate, where it is expected to face a tougher test in order to become law.

"The bill passed by the United States House of Representatives puts the United States on the opposite side of the principles of fair competition and international economic and trade rules," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a regular press conference.

"If so-called reasons of national security can be used to arbitrarily suppress excellent companies from other countries, then there is no fairness and justice at all," he said.

"When someone sees a good thing another person has and tries to take it for themself, this is entirely the logic of a bandit.

"The United States' handling of the TikTok incident will allow the world to see more clearly whether the United States' so-called rules and order are beneficial to the world, or whether they only serve the United States itself."
Former US treasury secretary says preparing buyout of TikTok



Washington, March 14 (AFP) Mar 14, 2024



Former US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Thursday said he is putting together a team of investors to buy TikTok from its Chinese owners.

On Wednesday, the US House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill that would force TikTok to divest from its parent company or face a nationwide ban.

Mnuchin said he strongly supported the bill, which must now go to the Senate for approval.

US President Joe Biden supports the bill and has vowed to sign it if passed.

"I think the legislation should pass and I think (TikTok) should be sold," Mnuchin told CNBC.

Mnuchin, who served for four years as former president Donald Trump's Treasury Secretary, said that TikTok was "a great business and I'm going to put together a group to buy" the embattled app.

"This should be owned by US businesses. There's no way that the Chinese would ever let a US company own something like this in China," Mnuchin said.

Earlier on Thursday a Chinese commerce ministry official said the US should "stop unjustly suppressing foreign companies" and take "all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests."

Another official in Beijing said the US was "following the logic of a bandit" with the law.
SpaceX mega rocket lost in final phase of test flight



Boca Chica, United States, March 14 (AFP) Mar 14, 2024



Starship, the world's most powerful rocket, flew further and faster than ever before during its third test flight Thursday, although it was eventually lost as it re-entered the atmosphere over the Indian Ocean, SpaceX said.

Lift-off from the company's Starbase in southeast Texas came around 8:25 am local time (1325 GMT) and was carried live on a webcast that was eventually watched by more than 3.5 million people on social media platform X.

The sleek mega rocket is vital to NASA's plans for landing astronauts on the Moon later this decade -- and Elon Musk's hopes of eventually colonizing Mars.

Two prior attempts have ended in spectacular explosions, although that's not necessarily a bad thing: The company has adopted a rapid trial-and-error approach in order to accelerate development, and the strategy has brought success in the past.

When the two stages of Starship are combined, the rocket stands 397 feet (121 meters) tall -- beating the Statue of Liberty by a comfortable 90 feet.

Its Super Heavy Booster produces 16.7 million pounds (74.3 Meganewtons) of thrust, almost double that of the world's second most powerful rocket, NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) -- though the latter is now certified, while Starship is still a prototype.

Starship's third launch test in its fully stacked configuration was its most ambitious yet and the company said it was able to meet many of its objectives.

These included opening and closing Starship's payload door to test its ability to deliver satellites and other cargo into space.

High definition footage from an onboard camera showed Starship firing its engines in space, with the curve of the Earth visible in the background. It hit a top speed of more than 26,000 kilometers per hour (16,000 mph) and achieved an altitude of more than 200 kilometers.

Starship flew halfway around the globe, then began its descent phase over the Indian Ocean, with engineers cheering as the craft's heat shield composed of 18,000 hexagonal tiles glowed red hot.

But ground control stopped receiving signals when it was 65 kilometers above sea level, and announcers declared the vessel "lost" before it could achieve its final goal of splashing down in the water.

"Starship will make life multiplanetary," Musk, the company's billionaire founder, posted on X afterward, emphasizing the progress made in this test flight.



- Third time lucky? -



The first so-called "integrated" test came in April 2023. SpaceX was forced to blow up Starship within a few minutes of launch, because the two stages failed to separate.

The rocket disintegrated into a ball of fire and crashed into the Gulf of Mexico, sending a dust cloud over a town several miles (kilometers) away.

The second test in November 2023 fared slightly better: The booster separated from the spaceship, but both then exploded over the ocean, in what the company euphemistically called a "rapid unscheduled disassembly."

SpaceX's strategy of carrying out tests in the real world rather than in labs has paid off in the past.

Its Falcon 9 rockets have come to be workhorses for NASA and the commercial sector, its Dragon capsule sends astronauts and cargo to the International Space Station, and its Starlink internet satellite constellation now covers dozens of countries.

But the clock is ticking for SpaceX to be ready for NASA's planned return of astronauts to the Moon in 2026, using a modified Starship as the lander vehicle.

China is approaching in the rear view mirror, targeting 2030 to land its first crew on the Moon.

Not only does SpaceX need to prove it can launch, fly and land Starship safely -- it must eventually also show it can send multiple "Starship tankers" into orbit to refuel a main Starship for its onward journey to the Moon.
Trump ex-Treasury chief seeks TikTok buyout bid as China seethes



Washington, March 14 (AFP) Mar 14, 2024



Steve Mnuchin, the former US treasury secretary under Donald Trump, said Thursday he was preparing a buyout bid of TikTok, as Beijing blasted a bill moving through Congress that would force the sale of the Chinese-owned video-sharing app.

TikTok has soared in popularity worldwide, but its ownership by Chinese technology giant ByteDance -- and alleged subservience to Beijing's ruling Communist Party -- has fuelled national security concerns in Western capitals.

On Wednesday, the US House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill that would force TikTok to divest from its parent company or face a nationwide ban.

The bill is yet to pass the Senate, where it is expected to face a tougher test in order to become law.

The White House has said President Joe Biden would sign the bill -- known officially as the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act -- if it reaches his desk.

Mnuchin on Thursday said he is putting together a team of investors to buy TikTok from its Chinese owners, once the bill passes.

"I think the legislation should pass and I think (TikTok) should be sold," Mnuchin, an investment banker who led the Treasury Department throughout Trump's term in office, told CNBC.

Mnuchin said TikTok was "a great business and I'm going to put together a group to buy" the embattled app.

"This should be owned by US businesses. There's no way that the Chinese would ever let a US company own something like this in China," he said.

China has blocked Western online platforms such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) for years on its heavily-censored internet.

TikTok didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.

Mnuchin gave no further details on his plan, nor the investors he was trying to assemble.

ByteDance, which is privately run, has major US shareholders including investment giants Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and General Atlantic as well as Silicon Valley stalwart Sequoia Capital.

Hedge funder Jeff Yass is also a major investor in ByteDance and is reported by US media as being among those lobbying against the bill.

In a turnaround from his earlier stance, Trump this week said he is against the bill, but denied accusations that he changed his tune because Yass is donating to his campaign.

Any divestment of TikTok, either as a whole or just its US operations, would be a huge challenge, notably in the courts, and a transaction that only the world's richest companies could afford.

Any attempt by a US tech giant to buy TikTok, with its 170 million US users, would almost certainly face intense antitrust scrutiny.



- 'Bandit logic' -



Beijing sharply criticized the bill giving no indication that it would allow a sale of TikTok from ByteDance.

"The US should truly respect the principles of a market economy and fair competition (and) stop unjustly suppressing foreign companies," Beijing's commerce ministry spokesperson He Yadong said at a press conference.

"China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests," he said, adding a call for Washington to "provide an open, fair, just, and non-discriminatory environment for foreign companies to invest and operate in the US."

At a separate press briefing, foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said the vote "runs contrary to the principles of fair competition and international economic and trade rules".

"If so-called reasons of national security can be used to arbitrarily suppress excellent companies from other countries, then there is no fairness and justice at all," Wang said.

"When someone sees a good thing another person has and tries to take it for themselves, this is entirely the logic of a bandit."

TikTok has consistently denied that it is under the control of China's Communist Party.

Its CEO Shou Zi Chew has urged users to speak out against the vote, and several TikTok creators interviewed by AFP voiced opposition to the proposed ban.

bur-arp/des

Meta
US resumes Osprey flights in Japan after deadly crash



Tokyo, March 14 (AFP) Mar 14, 2024



The US military on Thursday resumed Osprey flights in Japan, a local official said, ending a three-month grounding of the tilt-rotor aircraft after the latest in a string of deadly crashes.

The move sparked anger however in the southern Okinawa region where most US forces are based, with the governor saying worried locals had not been given an adequate explanation.

A US Osprey crashed off Japan in late November, killing all eight people on board and prompting the decision the following month to ground aircraft worldwide.

"We visually confirmed from this (city hall) building that an Osprey was flying at 8:54 am (23:54 GMT Wednesday)," an official from Ginowan, which hosts the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa, told AFP.

It comes after the US military said last week it would lift the grounding following "a meticulous and data-driven approach prioritising the safety of our aircrews".

"Maintenance and procedural changes have been implemented to address the materiel failure" that led to the crash, allowing "for a safe return to flight," Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) said.

And on Wednesday, Japan's defence ministry said both its Self-Defense Forces and the US Forces in Japan could gradually resume Osprey flights from Thursday.

"There is no problem in the design and structure of Ospreys" and the accident was caused by a defect in specific parts of the aircraft, the ministry said.



- 'Extreme anger' -



The local government in Okinawa prefecture where most of the 54,000 US military personnel in Japan are based has long been unhappy about Osprey operations.

"We... feel extreme anger that reports of flight resumption came before an explanation to locals," Governor Denny Tamaki told reporters Wednesday.

"We continue to demand the US military and the Japanese government not resume flights until they make clear the accident's cause and countermeasures, and remove Ospreys" from Okinawa, he said.

Osprey aircraft -- which can take off and land vertically like a helicopter and also fly like an airplane -- have suffered a string of fatal accidents, including a crash in northern Australia that killed three US Marines last August, and another in Norway in 2022 that left four dead.

Three Marines were also killed in 2017 when another Osprey crashed off Australia's north coast and 19 Marines died when their Osprey crashed during drills in Arizona in 2000.

The United States temporarily grounded the aircraft in Japan in 2016 after an Osprey crash-landed off Okinawa, again sparking anger among locals.

Government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said Thursday that not all Osprey would resume service immediately.

"Only those vetted for safety through maintenance and training will be allowed to resume operations, one by one, to prevent a recurrence of the accident," he told reporters.

"The incident caused great distress to nearby residents and we take it very seriously. It's true that there has been some harsh criticism of it from some municipalities," Hayashi said.

But he vowed to explain the move thoroughly to local authorities and "continue to try to dispel their fears".
Norway says to hit NATO 2.0-pct spending target this year



Oslo, March 14 (AFP) Mar 14, 2024



Norway, whose neighbour Russia is now "more dangerous and more unpredictable", will reach NATO's two-percent spending target this year, two years earlier than expected, the prime minister said on Thursday.

The 2024 defence budget, initially expected to be around 8.0 billion euros ($8.75 billion), will be revised upwards in the spring budget bill, Jonas Gahr Store said after meeting opposition leaders.

The Labour prime minister did not provide any detailed figures but said his country would this year reach the target set for NATO members, under which they are expected to dedicate at least two percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) to military spending.

"Russia has no interest in a military conflict with a NATO member," Store said.

"But we will likely have to cope for a long time with a more dangerous and more unpredictable neighbour, Russia."

The Scandinavian country was a founding member of NATO in 1949 and shares a 198-kilometre (123-mile) border with Russia in the Far North.

With Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a backdrop, Norway's minority government will also present a white paper on April 5 outlining its defence plans for 2025-2028.

"Norway poses a threat to no-one," Store stressed.

"It's not a plan (to provoke) a conflict, it's a plan to avoid conflicts."

NATO is currently holding Nordic Response exercises in northern Europe, involving around 20,000 soldiers.

They include Swedish troops taking part for the first time since Sweden formally joining the transatlantic military alliance last week.

On Wednesday, another Scandinavian country, Denmark, said it would raise its defence spending by $5.9 billion over five years to boost its military capacity, pushing it past NATO's spending target from this year.
EU, NATO say Russian election not 'free and fair'



Brussels, Belgium, March 14 (AFP) Mar 14, 2024



The EU and NATO said on Thursday an election in Russia set to see Vladimir Putin re-elected president would not be free or fair because the Kremlin has crushed all opposition.

Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of deceased Kremlin foe Alexei Navalny, has urged on the West not to recognise the results of the presidential election, which starts on Friday.

"We know, given the track record of how votes are being prepared and organised in Russia under the current Kremlin administration and regime, how this will look like," said European Union spokesman Peter Stano.

"It's very difficult to foresee that this would be a free, fair and democratic election where the Russian people would really have a choice."

NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg also said the ballot "in Russia will not be free and fair".

"We know already that opposition politicians are in jail, some are killed, and many are in exile, and actually also some who tried to register as candidates have been denied that right," he said.

"There is no free and independent press in Russia."

The three-day vote, expected to result in President Putin claiming another six years in power, comes after his invasion of Ukraine has destroyed ties between Moscow and the West.

Both the EU and NATO condemned Russia's decision to stage the vote in areas of Ukraine that are occupied by its soldiers and that Moscow claims as its own territory.

"Russia's attempts to organise any part of an election in occupied regions of Ukraine are completely illegal, violating international law," Stoltenberg said.

EU spokesman Stano said the ballot in those regions "is not being recognised and it will not be recognised by the European Union".

Victory in the March 15-17 contest will allow Putin to stay in the Kremlin until at least 2030, longer than any Russian leader since Catherine the Great in the 18th century.

No genuine opposition candidate has been allowed onto the ballot.

Putin officially faces off against three Kremlin-approved candidates from political parties loyal to him and his policies.
Belgian army disbands platoon over violent hazing



Brussels, Belgium, March 14 (AFP) Mar 14, 2024



Belgium's defence ministry said Thursday it was disbanding a platoon of 30 soldiers over the squad's violent and humiliating hazing rituals.

"This is a serious decision and a unique problem in the recent history of the Belgian military," army chief Admiral Michel Hofman said at a press conference in Brussels.

Alongside Hofman, Minister of Defence Ludivine Dedonder described the behaviour as "unacceptable" and "in no way compatible with the values of the military".

An investigation was launched internally in November when a relative of a victim emailed Dedonder.

She said there was "humiliating and degrading treatment" including "battery and assault" and "harassment" with "threats, pressure and blackmail".

The officials said the hazing took place in a platoon within the 4th Engineer Battalion based in eastern Belgium and dated to 2021 according to preliminary evidence.

Investigations will seek to establish who was responsible among the "few dozen" people involved, who were pressured to keep quiet about it, Dedonder said.

"We are in a situation where perpetrators, victims and witnesses are mixed up," the minister said.

Hofman said the harassment took place during training. The officials gave no details of the acts but there was so far no indication of sexual or racist violence.

Some soldiers have been dismissed while others have been transferred but disciplinary measures will depend on the progress of the investigations, Hofman said.

"It takes time to put this puzzle together," he said.

Dedonder called on all Belgian soldiers, especially young recruits, to report any problematic behaviour they witness in the army.
UK says jet carrying defence minister had signal jammed near Russia



London, March 14 (AFP) Mar 14, 2024



A British Royal Air Force plane carrying the UK defence minister had its signal jammed as it flew near Russian territory this week, a government spokesman confirmed on Thursday.

The electronic attack happened on Wednesday evening as Grant Shapps flew back on an RAF jet from Poland where he had watched a NATO exercise, the Times newspaper reported.

A UK government spokesman said the plane "temporarily experienced GPS jamming when they flew close to Kaliningrad" on the Baltic Sea, some 1,200 kilometres (some 750 miles) west of Moscow.

"It didn't threaten the safety of the aircraft and it is not unusual for aircraft to experience GPS jamming near Kaliningrad, which is of course Russian territory," the spokesman added.

The Times, who had journalists on the plane, said the GPS signal was interfered with for about 30 minutes.

Mobile phones could no longer connect to the internet and the aircraft was forced to use alternative methods to determine its location, the daily added.

Shapps had earlier watched hundreds of troops taking part in the Steadfast Defender exercise -- the largest drills staged by the US-led military alliance since the Cold War.

The UK is one of Ukraine's strongest backers in its two-year-old fight against Russia's full-scale invasion of its neighbour in February 2022.

London has committed more than pound7 billion ($8.9 billion) of military support to Ukraine and has trained tens of thousands of Ukrainian troops.
Turkish ministers in Baghdad talks ahead of Erdogan visit



Baghdad, March 14 (AFP) Mar 14, 2024



A high-ranking Turkish delegation held talks in Baghdad on Thursday, discussing key security and energy issues ahead of an expected visit by the Turkish president, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to visit Iraq later this year but no date has yet been announced.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defence Minister Yasar Guler and intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin attended the talks with their Iraqi counterparts.

"We discussed a wide range of bilateral and regional issues, and the upcoming visit," the Iraqi minister said on X, formerly Twitter.

"We stressed the need to strengthen cooperation in the fields of security, trade, energy, water, education, and everything that is in the interest of our countries," Hussein added.

Relations between the two countries have been strained by repeated Turkish military operations against Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq as well as rows about oil exports and the sharing of scarce water supplies.

The dispute over oil exports from Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region has been a particular sticking point.

Nearly a decade after seeking international arbitration, the Iraqi federal government last year won recognition of its right to control Kurdish oil exports and Ankara was ordered to pay $1.5 billion in damages for transporting them without Baghdad's approval.

In protest, Ankara shut down the export pipeline.

Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Oncu Keceli said Wednesday he hoped the pipeline would reopen "as soon as possible". He added that Erdogan would discuss the details during his visit.
The Civil Aviation Authority published a progress report into an independent review of the incident today. It estimated that over 700,000 passengers were affected, with 300,000 suffering cancellations. Around 95,000 people were hit by long delays of over 3 hours. An on-call engineer took over an hour and a half to arrive on site and delays in calling the systems manufacturer in compounded delays.
They are also the subject of a four-part docuseries, titled Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story which features 40 years of personal videos, unreleased early demos, original lyrics and never before seen photos that chronicle the journey from Jersey Shore clubs to the worlds biggest stages.
She added: When Im with somebody whos not in the public eye in the way I am, Im conscious of everything I can do to make that situation as comfortable as possible because Ive been on the other side of it. And its really not nice.
Michael Sheens turn as Aneurin Nye Bevan, the Welsh health minister and father of the NHS, offers some star quality to a show thats both surreal and dream-laden. The battles Nye faced in his career to launch the service, opposed by doctors, the Tories and much of the Labour Party at the time, are played out through the swirling death-bed scenes throughout the play and while Standards theatre critic Nick Curtis described the play as lumpy it remains vital in contextualising, even mirroring, the current state of the NHS in the UK.
The paint is just about dry on Jeremy Kings latest venture, the long-awaited homecoming, as he rekindles the magic of the former Le Caprice space, the first restaurant he took over in 1981. An ultimate power lunch destination in St Jamess, it sits a few doors down from the Ritz, attracting the great and the good of the fashion, media and arts world, with a splash of royalty to boot. In the old days, it was the closest London ever got to a New York City power restaurant like The Four Seasonsm, and today Arlington recaptures the same spark, all housed in a space that looks both timelessly classic and bang on trend.
Reported to have cost 109 million to build, the 35,520 square foot mansion featured its own nightclub, swimming pool, and sports hall. A futuristic tower protruding from the main house, accessible via a lift, provided extra rooms with views over the trees. The rumour was that Doronin planned to gift the house to his bride when they married, but the couple split in 2012. In 2016, the billionaire reportedly began to try and sell the home for 117 million, before reducing the asking price to 78 million in 2019.
I am 65 years old and Ive lived in three centuries already. Until I was 10, I really lived in the 19th century. Then the monster ships started to arrive; it didnt take long for them to take every last fish, and our way of life for in-shore fishing collapsed. People like my parents couldnt understand what was happening. The likes of my father knew how to build a boat and understand Labrador currents. And he knew what enough was. They would fish day and night, and my father was wondering why they didnt realise the fish couldnt keep up with this. What he had was a very deep social logic. No economic logic. But he realised they must be turning the fish into money. So he said to me: "Youre going to have go away and figure out how this money thing works. Because if you dont, its going to eat everything we love."
"The investigation is continuing at pace and we are working hard to secure justice for the family and friends of the man who was fatally stabbed."
Mr Khan said: Through our investment and initiatives, homicides, gun crime and the number of young people being injured with knives have all fallen since 2016, despite our population rising by more than a million in that time. And a person is less likely to be a victim of violent crime in London than they are across the country.
Some of Ms Ayanles friends described the gap as unforgivable and unjust. On a social media page set up to find Ms Ayanle, a friend wrote: Rest in power. My heart goes to you. The treatment of this case by the police and SOAS is shocking. Her having been found on the same day yet being unidentified for almost three weeks is unforgivable and unjust.
He had an exhausting day ahead of him, and so it was not appreciated that tourists were making fun of him.
That decision has drawn criticism from some quarters, including former service chiefs such as Lord Stirrup, who served as chief of the defence staff between 2006 and 2010, and warned on Tuesday that basing military spending on the financial climate rather than threats to national security was not any kind of prudent.
REHOBETH  Former Alabama Congressman Terry Everett died at home Tuesday morning and Gov. Kay Ivey directed that the flags at the Alabama Capitol Complex and flags in the district he served be lowered to half-staff immediately and remain at half-staff until the day he is buried. He was 87.

Congressman Everett passed away peacefully in his sleep this morning at his home in Rehobeth, Ivey said. Terry tirelessly served the people of southeast Alabama and his native Wiregrass with distinction for eight terms in Congress.

Everett served Alabamas Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives for 16 years from 1992 to 2008, with a keen focus on agriculture concerns such as peanut farming and protecting and steering funding toward then-Fort Rucker and Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base.

During his time on Capitol Hill, he was one of the strongest voices for Alabamas military bases, active-duty personnel, and veterans, Ivey added. He was also a stalwart advocate for Alabama farmers and small businesses.

Congressman Everett served our native Wiregrass and the people of Alabama in exemplary fashion, and his legacy will benefit our entire state long into the future, said U.S. Sen. Katie Britt. Our prayers are with his loved ones as we mourn this tremendous loss.

Congressman Everett was an Air Force veteran, journalist, and a powerful voice for Alabamas Second District during his time in Congress, said U.S. Rep. Barry Moore Tuesday afternoon. Heather and I are sad to hear of his passing and we hope youll join us in praying for his family, he added. Alabama benefitted greatly from his service.

Troy University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins agreed. Terry Everett was one of the greatest Alabamians that I have been blessed to know, he said. It was with great pride in 2013 that we named our signature building on TROYs Dothan Campus in his honor. We are also honored to be home to the R. Terry Everett Congressional Library, which contains many of his writings and papers from his 16 years representing Alabamas Second Congressional District.

Congressman Everett was a wonderful public servant who made a tremendous impact on the Wiregrass, the State of Alabama, and our nation, Hawkins said. He didnt need the officethe office needed him.

Congressman Everett was concerned about America and dedicated himself to protecting the ideals which made this country great, Hawkins added. He and Barbara were also great supporters of Troy University. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to Barbara during this time of reflectionand in appreciation of a life well lived.

We are saddened to hear the news today about the passing of Alabama Press Association Past President Terry Everett, said Felicia Mason, APA Executive Director. Terry was president of APA in 1991-92. He and Barbara were very active in the association and very special to the APA members and staff.

Terry Everett founded, owned, and sold a number of newspapers during a career that began as a police reporter at The Dothan Eagle. He was a strong leader and provided steady guidance during a difficult time at APA, Mason added. Our prayers go out to Barbara to all that knew and loved Terry.

Ward Wilson Funeral Home is charge of arrangements which will be posted as soon as they are available, the funeral home confirmed Tuesday afternoon.

Everett was elected to the 103rd Congress and seven succeeding congresses before his retirement in 2008. Prior to his service in Congress, Everett was a journalist, newspaper owner and publisher, and small businessman. He was also a veteran of the United States Air Force.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Terrys family, friends, and former staff, Ivey said. Alabama greatly benefitted from his leadership and his devotion to public service.
An enhanced free trade agreement with Turkey that includes services and digital will open up new trade and investment opportunities for financial and related professional services, as well as laying the groundwork for more robust bilateral relations and a frictionless trade environment that benefits both nations.
Further tensions between the royal brothers can be traced back to the early period of Harrys relationship with wife Meghan, when his then fiancee had a falling out with the Princess of Wales in the run-up to their wedding.
It is not the first time the international tourism and events student, who did not wish to share his age, has undertaken such a journey, as he personally drove another ambulance to the Polish-Ukrainian border to help refugees fleeing the Russian invasion in March 2022.
I appreciate that there will be difference of opinions in relation to Israel and Gaza  you know, theres very strong historic support for Israel in the US, for lots of different reasons, but thats not going to deflect me from saying what I feel needs to be said.
Speaking to the PA news agency after the meeting with Mr Varadkar, Mr Goodwin said: Theres a way to counteract that, to say thats not normal just because it seems to be happening more and more.
He appeared at Portsmouth Magistrates Court charged with people smuggling and money laundering and was remanded in custody to appear at the citys crown court on April 15, according to the NCA.
William will attend the event at the Science Museum in London on Thursday night in person, where he is expected to give a speech to mark the charitys 25th anniversary and present awards to 20 recipients. He is expected to appear without the Princess of Wales who is recovering from surgery.
Defence is the best way to protect ourselves against a military conflict  you have to show your adversaries  so I am clearly in favour (of a 3% target). We live in a more dangerous world, weve got Putin on the front line making gains.
Grylls, 49, will put the famous faces through their paces, and competitors who fail to impress him will face the Bear Hunt  a game of cat and mouse in which they will be eliminated if they are captured.
In a perfect world, Australian SMEs would be diligent with their cash flow forecasting and have enough money set aside to ride out inconsistencies.

But even with the best foresight and planning, often businesses hit speed bumps when it comes to working capital and its important owners know their options when it comes to accessing financing in a hurry.

In the current climate, its very difficult and even if approved it is a time consuming process to obtain a bank loan so here are several other options when looking for a cash injection for your small business.

Invoice Financing

Invoice financing is the number one form of business financing in the United States, United Kingdom and Europe but is still misunderstood and under utilised by business owners in Australia.

Invoice financing allows a business owner to unlock the cash thats tied up in their unpaid invoices. Think of it as being an advance on money owed from a business outstanding invoices  like a revolving line of credit. You are effectively unlocking the cash tied up in the accounts receivable ledger.

Typically, businesses can access up to 90% of the sale value of an invoice whilst continuing to offer credit terms to customers. The financier gets paid when the debtor makes payment so there are no repayments to be made which makes it a powerful form of business funding.

This type of financing works for any business that invoices another business for goods or services on credit terms. Its especially useful for businesses with credit terms of 30 days or more such as those in wholesale, manufacturing, transport and logistics, labour hire and services.

Online Lenders

Online lenders can be a good option for businesses requiring a fast solution. There are many in the Australian marketplace and often they offer quick online approval without property security. However, the downside is they can be expensive and as its a loan make sure you can afford the minimum regular repayments. Avoid taking out multiple loans and finding yourself with a debt stack.

Credit Card

This is a short term fix with long term pain unless you can afford to repay the full repayments each month. Its risky and can lead your business into a cycle of debt. Make sure you understand all the implications if you choose to go down this path.

Personal Pockets

As the business owner you can lend money to your business from your personal wealth. If you have equity in your home and your mortgage allows for it, you could borrow money out of this and lend it to your business at mortgage rates. This is the cheapest form of capital however it comes with a high degree of risk. Youre risking your personal wealth for your business.

Sales/Leaseback Equipment

If your business owns equipment or other assets you may be able to unlock cash against those assets and use that money within your business. This is typically known as a sale and leaseback but be aware that you are converting an unencumbered asset into an encumbered asset. However this strategy may have tax benefits that need to be considered.

Delay Tax Payments

We saw this one during COVID, many Australian SMEs delayed their tax obligations to the ATO in order to maintain cash flow. However, whilst it may have provided temporary relief the tax office is now cracking down hard. This year, the ATO is calling in its unpaid debts as it seeks to recover the $50.2 billion owed to them. Theyve warned of taking strong and deliberate action this year which means directors may find themselves personally liable for the payments.

For more information on invoice financing and how it may help your business with cash flow visit OptiPay

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And in January 2024, I wondered if it was right that it should ever come to air. But I didnt want to let those who have given us so much support over the last four years down, and the carers paid and unpaid who in their thousands of letters to me, feel Dereks story has given them a voice.
Im building a Warrior line, where I will go back in history from pre-Greek days, as far back as I can, he said. Im gonna have famous quotes from warriors of all ilks, including the terrible ones. Hitler was, you know, a demon on steroids, but he had some pretty good one-liners. So everybody from the great ones to the infamous and terrible ones.
Foreign money has been the main driving force behind large mergers and acquisitions this year.

Last week U.S. investment firm Nebula Energys liquefied natural gas subsidiary AG&P LNG acquired a 49% stake in the Cai Mep LNG Terminal in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, according to its owner, energy firm Hai Linh Company.

The terminal is valued at US$500 million and expected to become operational in the third quarter this year.

In late February, Siam Commercial Bank, Thailands fourth largest bank by assets, bought out consumer finance company Home Credit Vietnam for $865 million.

Like in 2023, when the top five M&A deals all involved foreign investors, this year too the market is similarly dominated by them.

There were over 3,450 deals worth $8.5 billion by foreign investors last year, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

This represented a 66% increase in value from 2022.

According to audit firm KPMG Vietnam, Japanese investors led the M&A market as of October 2023 with $1.6 billion.

Foreign capital is flowing in since overseas investors see long-term potential in Vietnam and domestic businesses prefer overseas to local money.

At a conference on M&A on Tuesday, KPMG said foreign enterprises are switching from opportunistic investments to long-term strategic ones in some sectors.

Vietnam's favorable position in the global supply chain and its huge population are two factors that attract foreign investors, it added.

Huynh Thi Binh Minh, an executive at fund manager Tael Partners, said: "Indonesia and Vietnam are two destinations for investors looking to invest in Southeast Asia. As factories shift away from China, Vietnam has advantages due to its close proximity [to China] and numerous free trade agreements with other countries."

Concurring with this, Dao Tien Phong, managing lawyer at law firm InvestPush Legal, said: "In the southern region, [Chinese] investors favor M&A over direct investment to avoid the time-consuming process of building factories and meeting environmental and fire safety requirements."

Vietnamese businesses also prefer foreign capital, according to economist Pham Chi Lan.

"The cost of domestic capital remains relatively expensive and inaccessible. Moreover, companies need new technology, management skills and market opportunities, and so they are looking towards foreign capital."

Nguyen Tuan Anh, a lecturer in finance at RMIT University, said foreign investors would continue to dominate the M&A market.

Their focus would be on firms that have long-term product strategies, especially those in the agriculture, food, healthcare, and education sectors, he said.

Phong said foreign investors are also eyeing the retail and technology sectors and individual businesses that have ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) strategies.
The government repealed on Thursday the decision on the circumstances and procedure related to the "Multifunctional Corvette" Endowment Programme, a press release sent by the government, reads.

The decision was taken because the winner of the tender did not maintain its bid and did not sign the framework agreement within the deadlines requested by the contracting authority within the Ministry of National Defence. At the same time, "the funds necessary to declare as a winner" the economic operator in the next place have not been identified.

"Moreover, the decision was made as a result of the context created by the changes in the geopolitical evolution of the Black Sea, corroborated with the expansion of the range of threats and the need to redefine missions, which imposed the reanalysis of the possibilities of endowment in accordance with the current requirements of the security environment. At the same time, the Naval Forces initiated and undertook steps to accede and participate in PESCO projects (the new form of military cooperation between member states), respectively Romania's accession to the European PESCO Patrol Corvette project. Based on the cooperation facilitated by PESCO projects, the European corvette project will be based on the concept of a common platform with capacities to accommodate different weapons systems and various stockpiles," the gov't release adds.

In August 2023, the Ministry of Defence informed that the procurement procedure for multifunctional corvettes, started five years ago, had been canceled
The minister of Internal Affairs, Catalin Predoiu, presented, at the ministerial segment of the United Nations Commission on Drugs, in Vienna, Romania's statement regarding the evaluation of the progress made in the implementation of international commitments in the field of drug policies, as well as the actions that are to be implemented in the next five years to counter this global problem.

"The need for closer and integrated cooperation at the national, European and international level was emphasized in order to combat all criminal phenomena associated with drugs," informs a press release from the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI) sent to AGERPRES on Thursday.

In addition to reducing the supply, through measures to combat the drug phenomenon, a strong commitment is needed in terms of prevention, highlighted minister Predoiu.

He added that the best risk reduction measures need to be identified because drug addiction is a disease and people suffering from a disease need counselling, support and therapy in an environment that prevents stigma.

Thus, the minister said, Romania's approach to drug policy is balanced, health-oriented, evidence-based and built on human rights.

"Minister Predoiu emphasized that the National Anti-Drug Strategy 2022-2026, which the MAI coordinates, focuses on strengthening cooperation, promoting the exchange of information and good practices, at national and international level, on identifying innovative ways to involve the government institutions in the field of health and education, the academic environment, the private sector and civil society. Romania pays special attention to prevention programs dedicated to children and young people, an important segment vulnerable to drug use," the quoted source mentions.
Lawyer Gheorghe Piperea, Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) candidate in the European Parliament elections, said on Thursday in southern Craiova that in Romania the drug phenomenon has become extremely dangerous for children, because it is so much out of control tht policemen, representatives of secret services, prosecutors, judges are also drug users and traffickers.

"The year 2024 is crucial for the existence of Romania, for the existence of the rule of law, for the existence of democracy. Our child, whether he is 7 years old, 12 years old or 16 years old, is a consumer of goods and services. Besides what he buys with our card every day, our child consumes ideology. But unfortunately our child also consumes pills, drugs. Nowadays, there are social networks that are no longer embarrassed to advertise pills and drugs, to make discussion groups and drug dealing, from quality weed up, from 2 RON pills to opioids, to very dangerous drugs. It's something that the current supposedly stable power has gotten so far out of hand that currently, almost every month we see people killed or maimed on TV by drug users who got behind the wheel. This phenomenon is so out of control that police officers, secret service representatives, prosecutors, judges are also drug users and traffickers. And this is the stability that the Romanian Combined Party wants," Piperea told a press conference at the headquarters of AUR Dolj.

Perhaps the worst thing is that the ideology children consume is not that of traditional religions, especially Christianity, but gender ideology, for example.

"Our child is taught from the third grade, from the age of nine, that there is a sexual life that is priordial to the spirit and that he can change his gender if he wants, even if the parent opposes. In Romania you cannot get married if you are under 16 years old, you cannot drink alcohol if you are under 18 years old, but at 12 years old, in Romania, as well as in Europe and the USA, you can change your sex if you want, even against the will of your parents. And this is among others in the gender studies carried out by Ramona Chiriac (head of the European Commission Representation in Romania, ed. n.). Furthermore, our child is not taught what rights and freedoms are, what is the meaning in life, what is family, what is history, what is reason. Our child is taught that he can pretend to be a cat and he has the right to ask the school for a litter box," lawyer Piperea added.

He stated that all AUR candidates in the European Parliament elections are well-known in their professions.

"All of us on the AUR list are notorious in our professions. Those on the list of the Romanian Combined Party are lost in space," Piperea said.
Romania will be promoted for the second time this year in Paris, between March 14 and 17, at the international tourism fair Le Salon Mondial du Tourisme, informs the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism (MEAT).

The event takes place at the Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles, being addressed both to the general public and to professionals.

"Romania's stand has an area of 59.5 square meters and is strategically located in the center of the exhibition pavilion, in a similar way to its presence in previous editions. Presenting an island-type configuration, with all sides open, it houses 15 co- exhibitors," it is shown in a post on the institution's Facebook page.

Visitors will be able to watch, at the Romania stand, a series of destination presentations, made both by MEAT representatives and by partners who have expressed their interest in this regard.

According to the source, France is one of the 7 strategic tourism markets for promoting the destination Romania. According to the National Institute of Statistics, the number of French tourists who spent a vacation in Romania increased in 2023 by approximately 24.76% compared to the previous year.
Leading Mena international banking group, Bank ABC, has won two prestigious awards at EMEA Finances Treasury Services Awards 2023.

The bank won the Best Cash Management Services in the Middle East and Best Receivable Finance Services in the Middle East.

In its 14th annual ceremony, the internationally renowned awards programme recognised the best banks in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), that provide treasury and transaction banking services. The awards given to Bank ABC are a testament to its position as a regional leader in international wholesale banking, driven by strategic investments in both human capital and innovative digital transformation initiatives to strengthen its customer value proposition.

Transforming GTB

Amr ElNokaly, Bank ABC Group Head of Wholesale Banking, remarked: These awards attest to our success in transforming our Global Transaction Banking (GTB) business to deliver an enhanced, digitally-empowered customer experience, that meets our clients evolving needs, and which differentiates Bank ABC in the market.

We will continue to focus our resources towards the digitisation of the full spectrum of our GTB products and services, including Cash Management, Documentary Trade and Supply Chain Finance, across the Groups international network, which will further enhance our reputation as an innovative, world-class client-centric financial partner, added ElNokaly.

Besides receiving the regional awards for its state-of-the-art Cash Management and Receivables Finance platforms, the bank was also highly commended for introducing other innovations, such as a next-generation blockchain-based cross-border payment service; ABC Trade - a unique cloud-based digital platform offering an enriched Documentary Trade product suite; a regional-first end-to-end digital onboarding service, reducing account opening time to under 8 hours as well as a the first phase of its Wholesale Banking Corporate Portal, which serves as the digital gateway for ABCs corporate clients to its products and services.

Redefining boundaries

Christopher Moore, Publisher & CEO of EMEA Finance magazine, said: Bank ABC is clearly redefining the boundaries and outpacing rivals in what is the bread and butter of finance. We appreciate how the bank is identifying, developing, and matching existing solutions to unique client requirements and has exceeded the $1 billion revenue mark for the first time in its 40+ year journey. We believe the investments made over the past two years to futureproof its Global Transaction Banking Offering, will drive customer loyalty and new business simultaneously.--TradeArabia News Service
A proposed student visa price hike in Australia aims to curb a perceived strain foreign matriculators are putting on markets, but critics say limiting international students will cause worse problems.

The Grattan Institute, an Australian public policy think tank, suggested late last month a hike in student visa application charges, raising the fee from AU$750 to AU$2,500 (US$497-1,656), which applicants must pay regardless of whether or not they secure a visa.

According to the institute, since the pandemic, Australia's international student numbers have soared to over 650,000, doubling the figures from 2012 and tripling the ratio of foreign students to locals in Canada and the U.K.

The surge has spiked demand for housing, pushing rent up by about 1% for every 100,000 newcomers due to the scarce supply. While higher rents paid by these students boost national income, as Australians own most of the rented properties, it also widens the wealth gap. Wealthier, older homeowners benefit, whereas younger, poorer renters face increased financial strain, it said.

The Grattan Institute's analysts said the government should raise student visa fees to "discourage students intending to complete cheaper, low-value courses from coming to Australia" rather than apply a levy to international student fee revenues. Raising student visa application fees would raise some AU$1 billion a year, which could fund support for vulnerable renters, according to the institute.

They claim that the visa fee hike would not discourage talented students from choosing to study at one of Australias top universities as they "already pay upwards of AU$150,000 for a bachelors' degree."

Abul Rizvi, an Independent Australia columnist and a former Deputy Secretary of the Australian Department of Immigration, said the fee increase could discourage the government from pursuing policies aimed at attracting top-tier students.

Rizvi wrote in an article on the news site that Grattan's claim of a surge in student visa numbers and its impact on rent prices is also questionable, as the current figures are barely above pre-pandemic levels and unlikely to affect suburban rent prices significantly.

Additionally, the potential revenue from increased fees may be overestimated, given that the government is already reducing application numbers through higher refusal rates, he said.

He said raising fees could deter the most talented students, who have other options besides Australia, and this could result in Australia attracting students who are less likely to succeed in their studies or secure skilled employment and permanent residency in the country.

He cemented his argument by saying that the Grattan report itself highlights the folly of such a move when it stated: "Getting the best international students to stay here permanently is even more valuable. International graduates account for one-third of our permanent skilled migrant intake."

The government should avoid the temptation to raise student visa fees as Grattan suggests, according to Rizvi. Instead, it should refine its approach to international education, focusing on attracting the brightest students and encouraging study in fields with long-term skills shortages, he suggested.

Geeta Pillai of BNNBreaking said international students are vital for Australia's economy and campus diversity, but they may be also be deterred by proposed university fee hikes.

With Australia's visa fees already higher than those in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., this increase could drive prospective students to more affordable destinations, impacting Australia's ability to attract essential skilled talent, she said.

By comparison, the current student visa application fees for the U.S. are US$185, for Canada C$235 (US$174.50) and for the U.K., 490 (US$627).

The Student Accommodation Council in Australia urged the government to rule out taxing international students further, saying that the "short-term thought-bubble" ignores the reality of the nations housing supply deficit, The PIE News reported.

"Australia needs to be a magnet for global capital and the best and brightest from around the world," the PIE report quoted Property Council Group executive for policy and advocacy Matthew Kandelaars as saying.

Kandelaars emphasized the importance of providing accommodation over imposing taxes on students. He highlighted that purpose-built student housing, which accommodates nearly 80,000 individuals annually, alleviates the broader residential rental market by decreasing demand and improving affordability.

"Instead of imposing taxes on students who contribute significantly to our community, the government should work with industry to expand the supply of this housing category as a priority," he said.

Meanwhile, federal MP for Bruce and co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of International Education in Australia, Julian Hill, said during the Australian International Education Conference in Adelaide last October that "it is ridiculous to blame international students for the country's housing crisis."

Australia since late last year has adopted new policies that affect the enrollment of international students, including increase in financial proof and stricter assessment.

Official data of the Australian government showed that the approval rate for student visa applications was consistently above 90% between 2006 and 2022, but dropped to 86% for the 2021-2022 school year and then fell to the record level of 81.5% for 2023-2024.

ICEF Monitor, an international education information site, said in a new report that predictions based on these approval rates suggest that Australia might see about 90,000 fewer student visa holders this school year compared to last school year.

According to the Australian Department of Education, as of last October, the country hosted about 768,000 international students, with the largest groups from China, India, and Nepal.

Vietnam ranks sixth with over 31,000 students studying in Australia.
Tom Blood Art

Age: 66

Family: Blood and his wife, Chris, have three grown children, sons Tom Jr. and Michael, and one daughter, Catherine. He and his wife live with Luna the rat terrier, who has a plethora of fun nicknames including Duna, and the Dunester.

Home: Des Peres

What he makes: Blood makes original acrylic paintings that tell stories in pictures. He seasons his work with a dash of surrealism, a pinch of pop art and a lot of good humor, wordplay and visual puns. He paints fantastic scenes that invite viewers to interpret his stories through their own lenses.

How much: $1,000-$5,000 price range. Fine art prints range from $20 to $300 depending on size and type of material. He also sells greeting cards featuring his art.

Where to buy: Originals, prints and merchandise are available at his website, tombloodart.com, and on Pixels. Pixels offers prints, greeting cards and a range of merchandise featuring his art. Another website, Singulart, sells originals only.
ST. LOUIS  Build-A-Bear Workshop will open 50 new stores by the end of the year and is expanding its Union Station headquarters, company leaders said Thursday, bucking an overall downward market trend in retail sales.

CEO Sharon Price John reported that the toy manufacturer opened 37 new locations in 2023 and plans to launch at least 50 more this year. Though John didnt specify where these new retail stores would be, she said on a Thursday earnings call that the company actively looks for tourist destinations and malls.

Build-A-Bear has been able to thrive when other retailers are struggling because the toy brand offers more than just a product, said Courtney Cothren, an associate teaching professor in the marketing department at the University of Missouri. The company gives customers an in-person experience: They select a toy and its clothes, watch it get filled with stuffing, and fill out a birth certificate for their new furry friend.

I can buy a shirt or shoes online. You cannot order a Build-A-Bear experience online, Cothren said. Build-A-Bear is perfectly positioned. Theyre not just any retailer.

Plus, Cothren said, the company is selective in who it partners with when it comes to retail locations.

Theyre partnering with tourist spots to capitalize off the travel trend, she said. Theyre not shopping centers. Theyre stellar destinations.

Build-A-Bear will continue to focus on its global expansion, John said. This week, the company opened its second store in Italy, adding to its 74 international franchise stores.

We believe that there is more opportunity for us to grow our international footprint, Chief Financial Officer Voin Todorovic told investors. Thats part of our expectations to grow. These partner-operated locations (are) expanding a new market and more to come in the future as we continue to work with different partners across the globe.

Build-A-Bear reported a total revenue increase of 4% to more than $486 million for the 2023 fiscal year. This is also up 44% from the $338 million generated in 2019, or the last pre-pandemic year, John said.

The CEO also pointed out that this past year represents the third year in a row of record results for the company, and the company expects to deliver a fourth consecutive record-breaking year in 2024.

Sales were partly driven by Build-A-Bears Glisten and the Merry Mission campaign, which highlighted its holiday plush line through music videos, an app, online game and feature-length animated film. John said this marketing effort drove Merry Mission product sales up more than 65% from the year before.

During Thursdays call, John also defended the company against a recent lawsuit brought down on Build-A-Bear alleging product infringement. Earlier this year, Squishmallows parent company, California-based Kelly Toys Holdings, sued Build-A-Bear over its latest plush line, Skoosherz.

Build-A-Bear is a 25-year upstanding intellectual property holder, and we understand intellectual property law, John told investors. Skoosherz is based on many of our pre-existing animals, and we are excited about the concept.

One caller asked about Bear Cave sales, referring to the companys adult gift collection which recently came under fire after releasing its After Dark collection for Valentines Day. John said the Bear Cave products do a robust business but did not release specific sales numbers for the line.

Build-A-Bear is headquartered in downtown St. Louis. On Thursday, the company announced that it will be expanding its cooperate headquarters at 415 South 18th Street in Union Station and will now take occupation of the entire building.

The company was founded in 1997 by Maxine Clark and opened its first store in Richmond Heights St. Louis Galleria Mall. Build-A-Bear currently has 525 locations.
ST. LOUIS  The fast-growing Orlando and Charlotte metropolitan areas now have more people than St. Louis, which is continuing to shrink under the weight of an aging population and the continuing departure of residents.

New census estimates released Thursday show the St. Louis region, after losing about 3,250 people last year, slipped to just under 2.8 million people as of July 1, 2023, settling into 23rd place among the nations top metros.

Meanwhile, Orlando, Florida, added nearly 55,000 residents and approached 2.82 million residents to claim the spot as the 21st-largest region in the country. And Charlotte, North Carolina, now the 22nd-largest urban area, grew to more than 2.8 million people after adding 50,000 residents in a year.

It doesnt surprise me at all, Ness Sandoval, a St. Louis University sociology professor who studies demographics. This was inevitable that this was going to happen. The fact that they both happened in the same year is pretty remarkable given where they were at in 1970.

Rather than anemic growth as in previous decades, the St. Louis region as a whole appears now to be losing population, with census figures estimating some 23,000 fewer residents here than were counted in the 2020 Census. Particularly concerning for the region is that more people died than were born here, a phenomenon known as a demographic winter that began post-pandemic, Sandoval said. Whereas the region has long lost residents to other cities, it has in past years grown its population naturally and attracted enough immigrants to offset the decline.

The fact that this is another year that (St. Louis) is in a demographic winter, it just points to the fact that its going to be difficult going forward to grow, Sandoval said. It cannot grow naturally. In order for it to grow, it has to grow through migration, and theres no evidence from this data set thats been published that St. Louis has experienced an increase in domestic migration.

Leading the regions decline was once again the urban core of St. Louis, which recorded 4,400 fewer residents than 2022. The city has lost nearly 20,000 residents since the 2020 Census and is estimated to now have just under 282,000 people.

St. Louis County, too, lost about 3,700 residents, continuing a slide of roughly 17,000 people since 2020 to an estimated population of 987,000. The Metro East counties of St. Clair and Madison also recorded drops of 1,247 people and 820 people, respectively.

Growth in exurban counties  Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, St. Charles and Warren  was not enough to offset population losses closer to the urban core. St. Charles County added almost 2,900 residents last year to grow to 416,659 people. Jefferson County grew by more than 2,000 people, and Lincoln County added 1,500 residents.

We all know that St. Louis has lost considerable population, but I think what we forget about is the countys population has been relatively stagnant, said Joe Blanner, an area lawyer and co-founder of industry nonprofit Construction Forum who recently published a commentary on the regions stagnant population growth. Sure, St. Charles County, Franklin County have experienced growth, but a lot of that growth is just people moving within the region, not new people being brought into the region. Businesses that relocate to areas are looking to regions that are growing.

2023 COUNTY POPULATION ESTIMATES COUNTY 2022 2023 Change Bond County, Ill. 16,536 16,450 -0.52% Calhoun County, Ill. 4,353 4,317 -0.83% Clinton County, Ill. 36,937 36,785 -0.41% Franklin County, Mo. 105,793 106,404 0.58% Jefferson County, Mo. 229,220 231,230 0.88% Jersey County, Ill. 21,191 21,091 -0.47% Lincoln County, Mo. 63,182 64,699 2.40% Macoupin County, Ill. 44,123 44,018 -0.24% Madison County, Ill. 263,572 262,752 -0.31% Monroe County, Ill. 35,001 34,957 -0.13% St. Charles County, Mo. 413,798 416,659 0.69% St. Clair County, Ill. 252,265 251,018 -0.49% St. Louis City, Mo. 286,193 281,754 -1.55% St. Louis County, Mo. 990,791 987,059 -0.38% Warren County, Mo. 37,290 37,806 1.38% St. Louis MSA 2,800,245 2,796,999 -0.12%

Regional business group Greater St. Louis Inc. said the census figures were expected and that the group was formed three years ago to better address major regional issues such as population decline. Greater St. Louis Inc. pointed to recent strong regional economic growth figures and corporate investment as reasons for hope.

These major economic wins show that by working together as a metro and speaking with a unified voice, we are winning, the group said in a statement. But there is still much work to do to get our population growing, and we must continue to act with urgency to win this decade and reverse these trends by 2030.

St. Louis population lagged behind peers such as Kansas City, Indianapolis and Cincinnati, which all recorded growth of over 12,000 people. All attracted both immigrants and existing U.S. residents plus had natural increases due to births.

ANNUAL CHANGE 2022-2023 ST. LOUIS VS. OTHER METROS Metro area Ranking Total population change Natural change Births Deaths Total net migration International migration Domestic migration Orlando 21 54,916 8,088 29,902 21,814 46,794 29,343 17,451 Charlotte 22 50,458 9,802 32,848 23,046 40,670 11,267 29,403 Indianapolis 34 17,807 7,052 26,143 19,091 10,861 8,556 2,305 Cincinnati 30 12,854 4,215 25,894 21,679 8,624 6,596 2,028 Kansas City 31 12,561 5,752 25,651 19,899 6,799 3,613 3,186 St. Louis 23 -3,246 -1,517 27,695 29,212 -1,747 3,856 -5,603

The U.S. Census Bureau estimated 1,500 more people died than were born in the St. Louis metro from July 2022 through June, the third year the region has recorded deaths outpacing births. Much of the natural population decline was in the Illinois suburbs, while the Missouri side of the area saw a small increase in natural population, led by St. Charles and Lincoln counties and St. Louis city.

But St. Louis County, the largest in the state, recorded 300 more deaths than births and recorded nearly 3,500 more people moved out than in. St. Louis Countys trends are due to both an aging population and a governmental structure where dozens of municipalities make it difficult to grow the countys population with dense and affordable housing, a necessity for young families, Sandoval said.

If the municipalities continue to stop housing projects, it will be very difficult for families to come, it will be very difficult for families to stay who want to buy a house if these projects continue to be voted down, he said.

On the bright side, Sandoval said the regions population loss from deaths and out-migration are smaller than the year before, suggesting perhaps the trends are slowing.

Its not back-to-back years of really big losses, he said. But theyre still really difficult numbers.

Blanner hopes St. Louis area leaders acknowledge the severity of the population decline issue and commit to working together to begin reversing it.

Its something that we need to pay full attention to, he said. I dont think we fully grasp the gravity of the problem.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY  The Hazelwood East High School student whose brutal assault gained national attention this week suffered brain bleeding and swelling, a skull fracture, frontal lobe damage and other injuries.

The injuries are according to a pair of GoFundMe campaigns  one created by the girls cousin and the other by a family friend  to assist with the familys medical bills after the girl was left alone on the ground to convulse.

We will not know the extent of the brain damage that has occurred until she wakes up, but the path to recovery will be extremely hard on the family, not only mentally but financially, family friend Sarah Hall wrote in the description of one fundraiser.

Donations for the girl, identified in the GoFundMe campaigns only as Kaylee, totaled more than $255,000 by Thursday evening.

Kaylees family members declined an interview but confirmed the authenticity of the fundraisers.

We know she has a very long road ahead of her but we remain hopeful, reads a note from Kaylees parents in one of the fundraisers descriptions. We are so overwhelmed by all the support and love.

Last Friday, Kaylee and a group of about 15 people, at least several of whom were Hazelwood East students, were involved in a fight near the high school.

It was the first of two recent instances of violence involving students after school in the past week. Justin Brooks, a 14-year-old Rose Mary Johnson Jennings Junior High School student, died after being stabbed during a fight down the street from his school on Tuesday.

Video of the incident near Hazelwood East showed Kaylee and another girl moving to strike each other, but the other girl quickly gained the upper hand. Kaylee was pinned to the ground, and her attacker bashed Kaylees head into a residential street several times.

Her mother and father are staying by her side night and day hoping to bring her back to the Kaylee they know and love, Hall wrote.

Police responded to the scene around 2:30 p.m. Friday, where they found Kaylee suffering from a head injury.

Police arrested a girl accused of the assault on Saturday. Her name has not been released because she is a juvenile.

Video of the assault has been widely shared online over the past week. It garnered national headlines and comments from state and national elected officials. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey and senior Senator Josh Hawley both called for the girl accused of the assault to be tried as an adult.

The decision may ultimately be up to a St. Louis County juvenile court judge.

No rules in a fight

The intersection of Norgate and Claudine drives, where the fight occurred, is in a subdivision less than a quarter-mile from Hazelwood East. The area sits between two side yards where none of the nearby houses windows face.

Neighbors who spoke with the Post-Dispatch this week said they were at work when the fight happened. They werent aware of it until they read news reports  or saw the video of the fight on social media and recognized their yards.

Is that  is that my neighbors house? Chemika Baker, who lives in the area, recalled thinking when she saw the video.

Christopher Peters, a senior at Hazelwood East, said he and his friends walk down the road every day to hang out, which is what they were doing when they saw a group of people start to fight.

Peters said he didnt know either of the girls in the video, but he joined the rumble after someone began attacking one of his friends. He said the friend had tried to defend a girl who was attacked by a boy.

I backed up because I didnt want to be a part of it, but next thing you know they took it to the extreme, Peters said. Thats when the boys started jumping in, and one of them that was getting jumped was my homeboy.

Peters said he backed away when he noticed the girl beat the other girls head into the road.

As they say, theres no rules in a fight, but at the same time, I didnt expect that to happen, Peters said. Thats why when she was doing that I backed up, because I was like, Thats dangerous, and she probably could have died.

Peters said he and his friends left before the police arrived.

One student who declined to give his name said he knew Kaylee and the attacker, and the incident was all over a petty fight.

I know Kaylee was a good person, he said. I know the other girl was too.
JEFFERSON CITY  Missourians convicted of felony drug possession or use wouldnt lose access to government food aid under a measure poised to clear the Missouri House.

Proponents said removing current restrictions  which federal law allows states to enforce  would help previously incarcerated people reintegrate into society once they have served their sentences.

The change to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in Missouri is only one proposed alteration to current corrections law included in the bipartisan measure, sponsored by Rep. Chad Perkins, R-Bowling Green.

The new law also requires the Department of Corrections to work to provide certain inmates with photo identification cards when they are released, if they dont have one. It would also require the state to provide documents to certain inmates staying in Missouri to help them find employment.

In addition, the legislation would only allow city and county jails to use restraints on pregnant women in their third trimesters in extraordinary circumstances.

By 2025, city and county jails would need policies on the intake and treatment of pregnant offenders.

The procedures are required to address maternal health evaluations, prenatal vitamins, timely and regular nutritious meals required to be at least 2,500 calories per day, postpartum recovery and more.

The legislation also restricts the use of handcuffs, chains, irons or straitjackets on juveniles attending juvenile court proceedings.

Legislators also are attempting to address good time credits in current law that allow for early release of inmates in state prison if certain conditions are met.

The change would require good-time credits to be awarded but specifies no good-time credit would require the state to release an inmate.

The parole board in its discretion shall determine the date of release, the legislation says.

The Department of Corrections would be required to apply a five- to 360-day credit to an inmates sentence, depending on the program completed. They department would determine the length of the credit based on the length of the program, the bill says.

The legislation requires the state to award credit if an inmate earns their high school diploma or equivalent, a college degree or a vocational training certificate.

Credits could also be earned if the offender completes a voluntary alcohol or drug abuse treatment program, if they complete 1,000 hours of restorative justice or if they finish an additional department program.

The new law would take effect Aug. 28.

It would allow offenders who have completed a qualifying program since Jan. 1, 2010, and before the bill takes effect, to apply for a good-time credit during all of 2025.

Offenders would lose their good-time credit with a major conduct violation, if they break state law, have their parole revoked or if they have more than six minor violations in a year.

Credits would be limited to a maximum of ninety days of credit in any twelve month period, the legislation said. Inmates sentenced to death or life in prison without parole wouldnt be allowed to receive credit.

Legislators finalized the wording of the measure Wednesday on a voice vote. Once a final vote is taken, the legislation will advance to the Senate for consideration.

The legislation is House Bill 1777.
An illustration of a terminal at Long Thanh Airport in Dong Nai Province. Photo courtesy of the Airports Corporation of Vietnam

After entering the first phase of operation in 2026, the Long Thanh Airport will need 14,000 workers to operate it, according to the Dong Nai People's Committee.

At a Wednesday conference on training operators of the Long Thanh Airport, Vo Tan Duc, acting chairman of the Peoples Committee of southern Dong Nai Province, said that among the 14,000 workers needed to operate the airport, over 5,000 would have university degrees at least.

The main workforce will be leaders and managers that directly manage and provide services for the airport, including flight operation.

Invested with around VND336.63 trillion ($16 billion), Long Thanh is slated to replace Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City as Vietnam's largest airport, with a capacity of 100 million passengers and 5 million tons of goods a year.

Its first phase of operation would allow a capacity of 25 million passengers a year, and the airport is expected to enter this phase in 2026.

A representative of the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) said that once the Long Thanh airport enters operation, flights that span over 1,000 km would mainly be at Long Thanh, so personnel should be trained in the maintenance and repair of aircrafts.

Training facilities should also pay attention to high-quality workers for IT, databases, biometrics and other fields.

A representative of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam said there must be personnel to manage state entities and those operating the airport.

Tran Hoai An, president of the Vietnam Aviation Academy, said that starting 2020, the school had increased the number of admissions to satisfy the labor demand of the Long Thanh Airport. Every year, the academy has around 200 engineers graduating, and hundreds of engineers studying aviation business.

Nguyen Hong Linh, Party Secretary of Dong Nai, said Dong Nai has reserved around 1,000 ha of land for the sake of attracting high-quality training facilities.

Linh said the training of personnel for the airport should prioritize citizens affected by the project.

"It would not really be acceptable for the airport to operate, without local young people being trained to work there," he said, adding that education facilities should cooperate with ACV to list open positions at the airport, so locals know how to focus their education.
ST. LOUIS  A local woman helped recruit new victims for a Bridgeton pediatrician who exchanged prescriptions for sex and cash, according to a federal indictment filed Wednesday in St. Louis federal court.

April Bingham, 46, was indicted on a single count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance alongside Bridgeton pediatrician Craig A. Spiegel, 67, who is facing 23 federal charges, including illegal distribution of controlled substances and making false statements related to health care matters, according to court documents.

Charges say Spiegel spent at least a decade issuing prescriptions to adult women in exchange for sexual acts and photographs. He met many of them when they were children and were treated at his practice, according to court documents.

In many cases, prosecutors say, Spiegel knew that the women were struggling with addiction and pressured them to engage in sex acts at his pediatric clinic.

One woman with a severe substance use disorder was provided drugs by Spiegel and later died of an overdose in April 2022, according to court documents.

Bingham became involved in the scheme around 2021 when she agreed to perform sex acts in exchange for prescriptions, which she then filled and sold for cash, prosecutors said.

Spiegel used the identities of Binghams ex-husband, mother and friends to take advantage of their prescription insurance or to conceal how often Bingham was visiting pharmacies, the indictment says.

The conduct alleged in the indictment represents an exploitation of patients who were vulnerable because they had been treated by Dr. Spiegel since they were girls, because they were struggling with an addiction, or both, to satisfy a sexual desire, U.S. Attorney Sayler Fleming said in a news release.

Spiegels lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday. Bingham did not yet have an attorney listed in court documents.
JEFFERSON CITY  A fight over K-12 education is in full swing in Jefferson City.

Some lawmakers want to expand the states private school voucher program, making the funds available to low- and middle-income families across the state. Others want to increase the states commitment to public school funding and teacher salaries.

On Thursday, the state Senate passed an expansive education bill that caters to both camps.

The Legislature also has an array of other education proposals to consider, from tracking school performance to changing accreditation procedures to public school open enrollment.

But another education proposal, despite backing by Republican Gov. Mike Parson and bipartisan support, faces strong headwinds.

That proposal would fund pre-kindergarten education for low-income students attending public or charter schools  an idea sometimes referred to as voluntary universal pre-K because pre-K attendance would be optional and not mandatory. Pre-kindergarten education funding for low-income students would become part of state statute.

The bill sponsor, Rep. Brenda Shields, a St. Joseph Republican, has regularly framed state-funded pre-K as a long-term investment. When children start education early, it improves their economic outcomes and reduces their chances of landing in prison, Shields says.

But some Republicans, like Rep. Ben Baker, of Neosho, have pushed back against cradle-to-grave government schools.

The Legislatures lower chamber last week passed the voluntary universal pre-K measure with a 102-43 vote. While 43 Republicans voted against the bill, 56 Republicans and 46 Democrats voted in support.

But prospects in the upper chamber appear dim.

Republican Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden, the chambers most powerful member, was unenthusiastic when asked about it at a news conference on Thursday, the unofficial halfway mark of the states 2024 legislative session.

I would assume that would be a pretty tough bill to get across the finish line in the back half of session, he said.

Roadblocks could come in the form of the price tag to fund pre-K and the philosophical issue of whether government should be involved in education at that age.

I personally have a fundamental problem with the expansion of universal pre-K, said Sen. Andrew Koenig, a Manchester Republican.

Koenig is a major player in the expansion of the states private school voucher program and a member of the Missouri Freedom Caucus, a hard-line faction of Republicans that have openly feuded with Republican leadership over the partys priorities.

If at all possible, the parent should be responsible for those children, and it shouldnt necessarily be government responsible for that task, he said.

This legislation is House Bill 1486.
ST. LOUIS  St. Roch grade school in the Skinker-DeBaliviere neighborhood is one of the most racially and religiously diverse in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Some parents think that might have been its undoing.

The archdiocese announced Friday that St. Roch will close at the end of the school year along with Little Flower in Richmond Heights. Both schools have experienced steep enrollment declines, but parishioners tried to come up with growth plans to keep them open.

Starting in the 1980s under the late Msgr. Sal Polizzi, St. Roch became a destination for non-Catholic families looking for an alternative to public schools. About half the 130 students are Black and come from all corners of the city.

We felt like we were all pulling together and everybody had a similar set of values, said Paul Granneman, whose daughter attends St. Roch. Its extremely disappointing to see the actions the archdiocese has taken and try to align that with the values that they espouse. Theyll preach about evangelization all they want, then turn around and use it against a school like St. Roch with a high percentage of non-Catholics.

David Doell is not Catholic and said he chose St. Roch for his seventh-grade son because of its reputation for strong academics.

Its a racially diverse social experiment that evolved over the years, Doell said. Its a cool little unique thing we had going on there that I dont think is going to be replaced.

Families at both schools knew closure was a possibility in the archdioceses All Things New downsizing plan but thought they had more time. Pastors of the 25 to 30 smallest grade schools, including St. Roch and Little Flower, submitted three-year viability plans last month with goals for increasing enrollment and fundraising.

Pastors were not asked to consider the number of non-Catholic students in the plans, said Brecht Mulvihill, spokesman for the archdiocese.

St. Roch is not unique in educating a large percentage of non-Catholic students, Mulvihill said. There are several schools in the Archdiocese of St. Louis that have a higher proportion of non-Catholic students, including two archdiocesan elementary schools.

For the past year, the St. Roch community rallied to save their school with new social events and marketing tools. They parked a St. Roch truck at the top of Art Hill on a February snow day to advertise the school to families there for sledding. St. Roch alumni in local high schools posted testimonial videos to the website. Less than two weeks before the closure announcement, the school hosted an open house and student showcase called St. Roch Shines.

Ultimately, fewer than 100 students enrolled for next year, which made the school financially unsustainable.

At Little Flower, school families and parishioners clashed over the viability plan. Parents increasingly felt the school had become too small to provide resources such as art and music classes. Some wanted the school to convert to an early learning center for preschool through second grade. Older parishioners pushed for a blended learning model, which includes some online instruction to save costs.

The parishioners won that argument and submitted a plan to build enrollment in kindergarten through eighth grades. But it came too late  only eight students and a handful of staff committed to return to Little Flower next year. The preschool is expected to remain open.

Little Flower School is a vital part of this community and it will be detrimental to the neighborhood and all the children that will never know the faith, education and values that Little Flower has so beautifully instilled in so many students/families for almost one hundred years, one parishioner wrote in a timeline of the efforts to save the school.

Original blueprints for All Things New called for nearly half of the 82 parish grade schools to close or merge due to falling enrollment and rising deficits. There are about 19,000 students  down from 40,000 in 2000  in kindergarten through eighth grade across the archdiocese, which covers St. Louis and 10 counties in eastern Missouri.

The decisions on school closures were postponed until after Archbishop Mitchell Rozanskis decision last May to close 34 parishes and merge 15 others. The first three schools to close were Good Shepherd in Hillsboro, St. Mark in south St. Louis County and St. Rose in Florissant.

The downsizing of parochial schools is still in the early stages, and implementation will take several years, said Mulvihill of the archdiocese.

As part of the restructuring, St. Louis Catholic Academy will move into the former La Salle Charter School campus on north Jefferson Avenue by next fall, the archdiocese said Wednesday.

St. Louis Catholic Academy got its start as St. Engelbert school more than 130 years ago. After multiple mergers over the decades, it became the only Catholic grade school remaining in north St. Louis and is now on the campus of St. Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist in the Penrose neighborhood. The school of mostly Black students is operated by the archdiocese.

The La Salle school is on the site of the former St. Bridget of Erin parish in the Carr Square neighborhood. La Salle was the first Catholic school to convert to a publicly funded charter school in 2015. It closed last year for academic failures.

St. Louis Catholic Academy enrolls 160 students and will have room for 300 in the new building.
DES PERES  A longtime alderman here has resigned his public office and been disqualified for reelection after pleading guilty last week in federal court to embezzlement charges.

John Pound, a Des Peres alderman since 2002, pleaded guilty in St. Louis federal court to three counts of wire fraud, a felony, for embezzling $200,000 from a commercial condominium association that hired him to manage its property.

Pound, 80, resigned from office this week, Mayor Mark Becker said Thursday. Pound is also disqualified from reelection in the April 2 general municipal election, said Rick Stream, a St. Louis County elections director.

State law prohibits anyone convicted of a felony from holding elected office.

Pounds exit from the race leaves two newcomers, James Kuenzi, a business owner, and Jennifer Weller, an attorney, vying for the seat. Both Kuenzi and Weller said they were unaware of a federal indictment against Pound until a news report of his guilty plea last week.

Kuenzi, who owns a business that plans conventions and other group events, said he wants to bring his business experience and a fresh set of eyes and new voice to Des Peres, where his family settled in 2020 after moving from San Francisco.

We moved here because we love this city, said Kuenzi, 69. Id love to step in and continue its growth and support all that makes up Des Peres.

Weller, an attorney in insurance matters practicing in Missouri and Illinois, said she wants to be a voice for other community members in Des Peres, where her family has lived for more than 15 years. Weller also said she will bring a different perspective, as a woman and mother, to the six-member, all-male Board of Aldermen.

I want to look to the future to help Des Peres grow and thrive with thoughtful development, Weller said. I will be available to the constituents, and I will work hard to educate myself on the issues and make informed decisions that will benefit the community as a whole.

Pound did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday and did not attend a regular Des Peres Board of Aldermen meeting Monday.

It is too late for Pounds name to be taken off the April 2 ballot, but the St. Louis County Elections Board expects to post signage notifying voters that votes for him wont count, Stream said.

Each of the three wards in Des Peres, a west St. Louis County suburb of about 9,100 residents, are represented by two aldermen elected in staggered two-year terms.

Ward 2 Alderman Dean Fitzpatrick is running for reelection, unopposed, as is Becker, for mayor.

Ward 3 Alderman Patrick Barrett, elected to the board in 2018, faces a challenge from Kathleen McKean Gmelich, an attorney and former Des Peres alderwoman from 1996 to 2017.
JEFFERSON CITY  The top House budget negotiator unveiled a pared-down version of Gov. Mike Parsons spending proposal Thursday, saying his plan funnels less money to colleges and universities in exchange for more money for road building.

Rep. Cody Smith, a Carthage Republican, said the proposed $50 billion package focuses on fiscally conservative policies that highlight the importance of spending within our means.

A year after the Legislature put nearly $3 billion into the long-sought widening of Interstate 70, the House budget earmarks $727 million to rebuild the Interstate 44 corridor, which runs southwest from St. Louis to Joplin on Missouris western border.

Smith, a candidate for state treasurer, said initial work on the interstate likely will focus on the Springfield and Joplin areas before moving eastward toward Rolla.

Through collaborative efforts and thorough analysis, we are addressing Missouris pressing needs while ensuring accountability and transparency in our budgetary decisions, Smith said.

In January, Parson called on lawmakers to approve a $53 billion spending blueprint that includes raises for Missouri school teachers, a 3% boost in funding for colleges and universities and more money for child care programs.

After funneling millions into raises for the states low-paid government workers in prior years, Parson is seeking another 3.2% increase for salaries, as well as money to begin studying improvements on I-44.

Parsons plan also calls for $314.7 million for new construction on college campuses.

Smith said much of the Republican governors spending goals remain intact in the House plan, except for money that helps pay for the states higher education institutions.

Rather than a 3% bump, Smith is calling for a 2% increase.

We need to keep an eye on sustainability here, Smith said.

The proposal also contains fewer dollars to expand child care availability in the state. Smith suggested that there is less need for child care than the governor and business groups believe.

The spending plan also includes $4 million to boost minimum teacher pay to $40,000 annually, up from the current national low of $25,000.

Smith also inserted $8 million in the package to pay for Parsons decision to send Missouri National Guard troops to help patrol the nations southern border in Texas.

The House version was released on the Legislatures final day before a weeklong spring break that marks the unofficial midpoint of an annual session scheduled to end May 17.

House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, launched budget talks one month earlier this year in an attempt to allow time for more fruitful negotiations with the Senate.

But the gambit failed to result in any significant added time.

We didnt want to rush through the process, Smith said.

Democrats attributed the slow pace to Smiths methodical approach to spending.

The budget chair likes to rewrite the governors budget, and that takes a long time, said Rep. Deb Lavender, D-Manchester. I believe the time we spent here in December was mostly a waste of everybodys time. What was done in December could have been done in January.

Rep. Peter Merideth, D-St. Louis, also said Smith is the cause of delays in moving the budget to the Senate.

The only reason weve ever had for a delay in the House  every year and its gotten worse every year  is the budget chair, because he spends so much time behind closed doors writing his version of the budget, said Merideth, the ranking minority member of the budget panel.
ST. LOUIS  A Circuit Court judge on Monday upheld a two-year-old rule change that allowed Mayor Tishaura O. Jones to pick an interim leader of the powerful Personnel Department, which controls hiring and promotions in the city.

Judge Jason Sengheiser rejected arguments from Local 73 of the International Association of Fire Fighters and its leaders that new rules approved by the Civil Service Commission in February 2022 violated the city charter and were arbitrary and capricious.

A rejection of the rules by the court could have brought into question actions taken by the interim director, former Laclede Gas Senior Vice President John Moten Jr., who was appointed by the mayor under the rules to run the department for much of 2022. Instead, the ruling could provide closure to what had been a tumultuous period in city politics.

The firefighters union argued the rules violated provisions in the charter requiring merit-based testing for employees under the civil service system.

But the court found that the charter only requires testing so far as practicable, and an interim appointment is an instance where it may not be. Even so, Sengheiser did note that the mayor used the rules to pick someone without a degree in human resources or any previous experience in the administration of a municipal civil service system.

Thus, while the court can find no legal requirement for exactly how merit is considered in making an interim appointment of the director, good government would seem to dictate an interim appointment would have some training or experience, the judge wrote.

The commission made the rule change as the Personnel Department was both trying to manage a widespread labor shortage and conduct the politically sensitive search for a new police chief. Its longtime director, Richard Frank, had insisted the department control the search for a new police chief, unlike in 2017 when the prior mayor used a consultant to conduct a search. Jones was pushing for a redo of the Personnel Department-led process that had rejected dozens of applicants and led to just two internal candidates for chief.

Then, in November 2021, Frank, director since 2004, abruptly retired, giving Jones a rare opportunity to choose a replacement for a position that wields considerable power behind the scenes. Unlike most department heads, the St. Louis personnel director cannot be fired by the mayor except under extraordinary circumstances, a provision approved by voters in the 1940s to insulate the person overseeing the citys merit-based civil service system from politics.

Franks retirement led to a series of leadership changes. Former Deputy Personnel Director Bryan Boeckelmann briefly became acting director, but the civil service commission quickly moved to appoint longtime employee Sylvia Donaldson to the interim post.

Amid the turnover, some employees who had worked closely with Frank were briefly locked out of their offices. Boeckelmann would later allege Jones authorized the lockouts during the transition. Frank, meanwhile, applied for his old job back, allowed under the citys rules, but Boeckelmann said Donaldson asked him to cancel the reemployment list that would have allowed Frank to return.

At the same time, the Civil Service Commission began looking at changing its rules to allow the mayor to pick an interim personnel director while it conducted a national search for candidates to permanently fill the position.

The firefighters union, which had opposed Jones in the 2021 election and has been at odds with the administration over promotions and pensions, decried the change and sued to challenge the new rules shortly after the commission approved them.

Jones quickly used the new rules to hire Moten.

Moten ran the department until Jones in October 2022 picked Sonya Gray, a former human resources officer at CareSTL Health, from three finalists forwarded to her by the commission.

The firefighters union challenged Grays hiring, too, questioning whether she had the required public personnel experience for the job. The city eventually provided proof she had worked for the U.S. Army and Commerce Department early in her career.

A lawyer for the union did not immediately say whether it would appeal. A spokesman for the mayor said the ruling spoke for itself.
OWASSO, Okla.  The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has released documentation indicating an Owasso student died by suicide the day after a fight at the high school.

Nex Benedict, 16, who identified as nonbinary and used gender-neutral pronouns, died Feb. 8, one day after they were involved in a fight at Owasso High School, police say.

The summary report provided Wednesday by the state medical examiner states Benedict took a fatal combination of two drugs commonly known as Benadryl and Prozac. A full autopsy report, including toxicology results, has yet to be released.

Benedict's death became a rallying cry for LGBTQ+ allies after allegations surfaced in mid-February that the Owasso sophomore was fatally injured after being beaten up by a group of bullies.

The Owasso Police Department released video footage from a hallway at the high school, as well as a police interview at the hospital, showing Benedict was not injured fatally in the fight.

When interviewed by a school resource officer, Benedict said the group of freshmen girls had been antagonizing them over a period of weeks. Benedict did not report the bullying to any teachers or administrators, they said, because they had no hope of effecting change.

"I didn't really see the point of it," Benedict told the officer.

An Owasso school resource officer told Benedict in the hospital that they would be subject to discipline for assault because they had admitted to pouring water on the bullies, starting the fight.

"From the beginning of this investigation, Owasso Police observed many indications that this death was the result of suicide," Owasso Police Lt. Nick Boatman said Wednesday in an emailed statement. "However, investigators did not wish to confirm that information without the final results being presented by the Oklahoma Medical Examiners Office."

The investigation into Benedict's death remains open, Boatman said, with findings being presented to the district attorney.

"The Owasso Police Department would like to take this moment to inform anyone in crisis or contemplating suicide of the Oklahoma Mental Health Lifeline, just call or text 988."

A national survey last year by the Trevor Project found 41% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in 2023, including roughly half of transgender and nonbinary youth.

Find help:

The national suicide and crisis lifeline is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org. The Trevor Project provides confidential counseling and 24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth: Text START to 678-678 or go to thetrevorproject.org/get-help.

Read more:
Three Missouri men have been charged with federal counts related to the illegal purchase of high-powered rifles and guns with extended magazines after last month's shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade and rally left one person dead, roughly two dozen others injured and sent hundreds of people scrambling for cover, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.

Court documents unsealed Wednesday said 12 people brandished firearms and at least six people fired weapons at the Feb. 14 rally, which drew an estimated 1 million people to downtown Kansas City. The guns found at the scene included at least two AR-15-style rifles, court documents said. And U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore said in a news release that at least two of the guns recovered from the scene were illegally purchased.

The federal charges come three weeks after state authorities charged two other men, Lyndell Mays and Dominic Miller, with second-degree murder and several weapons counts for the shootings. Authorities also last month detained two juveniles on gun-related and resisting arrest charges. Police said the shooting happened when one group of people confronted another for staring at them.

Authorities have said a bullet from Millers gun killed Lisa Lopez-Galvan, who was in a nearby crowd of people watching the rally. She was a mother of two and the host of a local radio program called Taste of Tejano. The people injured range in age from 8 to 47, according to police.

Named in the new federal charges were 22-year-old Fedo Antonia Manning, Ronnel Dewayne Williams Jr., 21, and Chaelyn Hendrick Groves, 19, all from Kansas City. Manning is charged with one count each of conspiracy to traffic firearms and engaging in firearm sales without a license, and 10 counts of making a false statement on a federal form. Williams and Groves are charged with making false statements in the acquisition of firearms, and lying to a federal agent.

According to online court records, Manning made his initial appearance Wednesday. He did not have an attorney listed, but asked that one be appointed for him. The online court record for Williams and Groves also did not list any attorneys to comment on their behalf.

A phone call to the federal public defenders office in Kansas City on Wednesday went unanswered.

The new complaints made public Wednesday do not allege that the men were among the shooters. Instead, they are accused of involvement in straw purchases and trafficking firearms.

Stopping straw buyers and preventing illegal firearms trafficking is our first line of defense against gun violence, Moore said in the news release.

Federal prosecutors said that one weapon recovered at the rally scene was an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 .223-caliber pistol, found along a wall with a backpack next to two AR-15-style firearms and a backpack. The release said the firearm was in the fire position with 26 rounds in a magazine capable of holding 30 rounds  meaning some rounds may have been fired from it.

The affidavit stated that Manning bought the AM-15 from a gun store in Lees Summit, Missouri, a Kansas City suburb, on Aug. 7, 2022. It accuses him of illegally trafficking dozens of firearms, including many AM-15s.

Also recovered at the scene was a Stag Arms 300-caliber pistol that the complaint said was purchased by Williams during a gun show in November. Prosecutors say Williams bought the gun for Groves, who accompanied him to the show but was too young to legally purchase a gun for himself.

Prosecutors say Manning and Williams also bought firearm receivers, gun parts also known as frames that can be built into complete weapons by adding other, sometimes non-regulated components.

The complaint said Manning was the straw buyer of guns later sold to a confidential informant in a separate investigation.

___ Jim Salter in St. Louis and Lindsey Whitehurst in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report.
ST. LOUIS (AP)  It's a scenario that plays out over and over again at American crime scenes: The investigation reveals that the shooter didn't get his firearm legally from a store or gun show, but instead obtained it from someone who did.

It's known as a straw purchase. A federal law signed in 2022 takes aim at the practice, and federal investigators have made it a priority to combat it. Those caught can face lengthy prison sentences. But despite that, evidence suggests straw purchases are becoming even more problematic.

HOW DOES A STRAW PURCHASE WORK?

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives defines a straw purchase as buying a firearm for someone who is prohibited by law from possessing one, or for someone who doesn't want their name associated with it. Weapons bought through straw purchases sometimes end up in the hands of convicted felons, or minors.

A federal report released in February 2023 showed that 54% of guns that police recovered at crime scenes in 2021 had been purchased within three years, a double-digit increase since 2019. The quicker turnaround can indicate illegal gun trafficking or a straw purchase. The increase was driven largely by guns bought less than a year before, the report stated.

WHAT IS THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION DOING TO COMBAT STRAW PURCHASES?

In 2022, President Joe Biden signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, a measure spurred in part by mass shootings including the massacre of 19 students and two teachers at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.

The law made it a federal crime to traffic in firearms. It also created stronger penalties for straw purchases  up to a 25-year prison sentence if the weapon is used in an act of terrorism, or while drug trafficking.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice said it is has invested resources to investigate and prosecute violations involving firearms trafficking and straw purchases. The agency's website says it has charged more than 60 people for violations since the law was passed and seized hundreds of firearms in connection with those cases.

WHAT ARE SOME RECENT CASES INVOLVING STRAW PURCHASES?

Straw purchases were at the center of two cases announced this week.

Three men in Kansas City, Missouri, were charged with federal counts related to the illegal purchase of high-powered rifles and guns with extended magazines. Two of the guns were connected to last months shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl parade and rallly, authorities said Wednesday.

The complaints do not allege that the men were among the shooters. Instead, they are accused of involvement in straw purchases and trafficking firearms, including guns used in the Feb. 14 shooting at the Chiefs' rally that killed a woman and wounded nearly two dozen others, including children.

One weapon recovered at the scene was a loaded Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 .223-caliber pistol. According to an affadavit, one of the suspects bought the AM-15 from a gun store and illegally trafficked many others.

Also recovered at the scene was a Stag Arms .300-caliber pistol that the complaint said was purchased by another suspect at a gun show in November. Prosecutors said that man gave the gun to the third suspect, who was too young to legally purchase one himself.

Stopping straw buyers and preventing illegal firearms trafficking is our first line of defense against gun violence, U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore said in announcing the charges.

On Thursday, authorities in Minnesota announced charges against a woman accused of buying guns used in the killings of three first responders last month at a home in the Minneapolis suburb of Burnsville.

The woman conspired with the shooter, Shannon Gooden, to illegally get him guns, U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger alleged at a news conference. Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, both 27, and firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth, 40, were slain during a standoff. Gooden then killed himself.

Dakota County Attorney Kathryn Keena called the woman the reason he had an arsenal of firearms in his possession that ultimately resulted in the murder of three of Dakota Countys finest.
Vietnamese border officials (R) receive transfer of Vietnamese citizens from Cambodia at the Moc Bai border gate in Tay Ninh, September 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Phuoc Tuan

Vietnam on Thursday said it has received over 100 citizens who were arrested and deported by Cambodian authorities over gambling allegations.

Pham Thu Hang, spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a press meet that over 100 Vietnamese working illegally at an online gambling facility in Cambodia were arrested and deported on March 9, citing the Vietnamese Consulate in Sihanoukville.

The Consulate on March 11 had cooperated with Cambodian and Vietnamese authorities to receive these citizens through the Prek Chak-Ha Tien border gate.

Previously, Cambodian authorities raided the Paradis Island casino on March 9 and arrested 172 foreigners, including 109 Vietnamese, the Khmer Times reported. The Vietnamese were brought to the Cambodian Immigration Department for deportation.

In relevance with the incidence in Cambodia, Thai police also arrested 18 Vietnamese when they checked an apartment in Bangkok, the Thai PBS reported on March 7. The Vietnamese were accused of running an online gambling ring since November 2023.

Hang said the Vietnamese Embassy in Bangkok has contacted Thai authorities to verify the identities of the 18 Vietnamese. These people had been arrested for organizing gambling or inviting others to gamble, she added.

The foreign ministry warned citizens to be wary against offers of high-paying jobs overseas without a need for degrees or contracts.

"All citizens need to properly find out the details of the jobs theyre taking, the location of the jobs, the identification of those who interview them for the job, the insurance policies, and their rights before deciding to go abroad," Hang said.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP)  Kansas will pay $1 million to settle a lawsuit over a 7-year-old boy's murder in 2015 alleging that the state's child welfare agency should have removed him from an abusive home before he was starved and tortured and his body was fed to pigs.

Gov. Laura Kelly and top leaders of the Kansas Legislature approved the settlement during a brief public meeting Tuesday after conferring with state Attorney General Kris Kobach's top deputy in private for 30 minutes. The lawsuit was filed in 2017 in Wyandotte County in the Kansas City area by the boy's mother, maternal grandmother and adult sister, and a district court trial was scheduled for April 2025.

The boy, Adrian Jones, was living with his father, Michael Jones, and his stepmother, Heather Jones, in Kansas City, Kansas, when he died. Both are serving 25 years-to-life prison sentences for his murder, and authorities said the boy was beaten and locked naked in a shower stall for months as a closed-circuit surveillance camera recorded his deteriorating condition.

The Kansas Department for Children and Families received reports that Adrian was being abused several years before his death, but its last physical contact with him was almost four years before his death, according to more than 2,000 pages of records released in 2017 by the agency. The records showed that the three of them moved frequently between communities in Kansas and Missouri.

This has been a long journey for Adrian's family, said Matt Birch, an attorney representing the family members. The most important thing for the family was to hopefully make a change and make this less likely to happen in the future.

The family members' lawsuit argued that the state and social workers could have stepped in and rescued Adrian at any point during the child's lengthy, unimaginable ordeal but chose to act like disinterested bystanders. The Kansas agency argued that frequent moves made it difficult to keep tabs on the boy.

Kansas Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Kansas City-area Democrat and one of the lawmakers who approved the settlement, said Wednesday that she believes the state faced a lot of liability legally for what happened.

But Kelly told reporters Wednesday at the Statehouse that the issue wasn't the potential damages in a lawsuit but the litigation distracting it from the mission at hand of improving the child welfare system.

It really had to do with wanting to get that settled and not spend time litigating in courts for what could be definitely months, maybe even years, she said.

The resolution approving the settlement, made public Wednesday, shows that the department will pay half of the settlement and the other half will come from a special state fund that covers damages in lawsuits.

An attorney and its employees in the lawsuit did not immediately return a telephone message Wednesday seeking comment. Kobach's office also did not comment.

The Democratic governor and leaders of the Republican-controlled Legislature approved the settlement during a public meeting, but its open portions totaled less than five minutes before and after the closed session with Chief Deputy Attorney General Dan Burrows.

While Kelly read the lawsuit's title before the vote, neither she nor the lawmakers discussed details publicly Tuesday, following what has been a standard practice for years. Typically, there is no formal follow-up announcement to the public.

Told about the $1 million settlement Wednesday, state Rep. Susan Concannon, a Republican from western Kansas who chairs the Legislature's Joint Committee on Child Welfare Oversight, said: I am a little bit surprised that it's not more than that.

A multiyear legislative review of the child welfare system followed the boy's death. In 2021, Adrian's Law created the committee Concannon heads and required officers and caseworkers to visually observe children who are alleged victims of abuse or neglect.

The state also has moved to improve doctors' training in recognizing abuse and to provide wrap-around services for troubled families.

Birch said that he and the family hope that through the lawsuit and 2021 law there will be more eyes on these kids.

Adrian's family members also filed a lawsuit in 2017 in Jackson County, Missouri, also in the Kansas City-area, against officials in that state. The case was settled in 2020, but the details were not immediately available, and Birch said he couldn't comment.

Adrian's remains were found in November 2015 in a pigsty on his father and stepmother's rental property after officers responded to a domestic violence call. Heather Jones accused Michael Jones of beating and choking her, according to affidavits and search warrants later released by authorities.

According to court records the Joneses used increasingly severe methods to control the boy's behavior, including strapping him to an inversion table, handcuffing him and shocking him with a device called a Zap Enforcer. He also suffered from extreme starvation, court records said.
Like millions of Americans this election season, Im unenthused about either major-party presidential nominee. I know my preference  Ill take the grumpy old man over the aspiring autocrat  but I sure dont like the choices.

Heres another way that Im like millions of Americans: No matter who wins, my vote in November wont matter one iota in the selection of the next president. In a real way, it wont even count.

Depending where you live and who you vote for, your vote may not count, either.

For the vast majority of America that doesnt live in a rarefied swing state like Pennsylvania or Georgia, the votes we cast this fall have already been banked by one candidate or the other. And not necessarily the one each of us supports.

Eight months out from November, tens of millions of Americans already know (or should) that their votes literally wont be counted toward the national electoral total of their preferred candidate.

The fact that the citizens of a putative democracy passively accept this indignity every four years is mind-boggling.

The Electoral College is a convoluted anachronism created to appease slave owners But its not ultimately the problem. The problem is the way that all but two states have chosen to allocate their electoral votes.

All but Maine and Nebraska use a winner-take-all system that awards every electoral vote from the state to the popular-vote winner there  no matter how many people voted for a different candidate.

Unlike the Electoral College, this undemocratic process isnt mandated by the Constitution. Its up to the states to decide how to allocate their electoral votes.

Winner-take-all is how most states have chosen to do it, for the worst of reasons: Because the partisans in charge can.

Say youre the party that controls the rules in a given state. Even if the opposing party earns almost half the votes in a given election, why hand over a single electoral vote if you dont have to? Democracy-schemocracy.

Thus, Donald Trump will, barring an asteroid strike, again be awarded all 10 of Missouris electoral votes this November.

If 2020 is a guide, more than a million Missourians will vote for Joe Biden. But for purposes of actually electing the president, those votes  Every. Single. One.  will go into the proverbial trash.

If youre a Missourian, and you support Biden, it begs the question: Why even put your coat on?

To Republicans who live in, say, blue-state Illinois, you can reverse the formula. More than two million Illinoisans will vote for Trump in November. Yet we already know that you will all be counted for Biden. Sleep well.

The impact of this Rube Goldberg contraption of an electoral system goes far beyond the infuriating fact that it has seated the second-place vote-getter in two of the last six elections.

It also sidelines millions of voters in every election, as the campaigns ignore most Americans across most of the nation to court votes in the half-dozen states that can tip either way.

It even impacts foreign policy.

For decades, any suggestion of detente with communist Cuba was politically impossible because Florida was a closely divided swing state for most of that time. That meant the states large population of Cuban exiles could deny its crucial electoral votes to any presidential candidate who didnt toe the line.

Today, a similar dynamic is playing out in swing-state Michigan, home to the countrys highest percentage of Arab Americans. Much of that population is furious over the Biden administrations support for Israel in the Gaza War. Which helps explain why that support has been softening lately.

Reasonable people can argue about what U.S. policy toward Israel or Cuba should look like. But who can reasonably argue that those policies should be determined by cultural demographics in a handful of swing states?

Reforming this mess is theoretically not that complicated. It wouldnt even have to involve dismantling the Electoral College.

Maine and Nebraska divide their electoral votes (in part) by congressional district. So candidates who split the popular vote in each of those states split the electoral votes accordingly.

Almost sounds like  democracy!

Theres nothing preventing the other 48 states from adopting that system or something like it. Nothing, that is, except the scorched-Earth war that passes for partisan politics today.

For Missouris ruling Republicans to unilaterally disarm by letting the Democratic presidential candidate receive the votes he earns in Missouri would be politically unimaginable. Now un-imagine it 48 times over.

A federal law requiring all states to allocate their electoral votes in proportion to the popular vote would solve that problem. Suddenly, every voter in every state would matter to every candidate.

However, the Constitution says states can appoint their electors however they like, which means getting rid of winner-take-all legislatively would probably require a constitutional amendment. Im not sure a country that cant even agree on who is currently the legitimate president could come together enough for that heavy a lift.

That leaves the court system. Reformers have repeatedly sued in the past few years, arguing that winner-take-all is unconstitutional voter disenfranchisement.

So far, the courts havent agreed. But as a voter whose vote wont count this November, it seems pretty obvious to me.
Missouri citizens who want to know what their elected state lawmakers think of them should watch carefully whats going on in Jefferson City right now.

In pushing to make it much more difficult for the people (but not the politicians) to change the state constitution, the Legislatures Republican majority is demonstrating its determination to deprive citizens of their say regarding Missouris near-total ban on abortion rights.

They also think  and clearly hope  that those citizens are fearful, xenophobic and remarkably uninformed about their own democracy.

There can be no other conclusion from lawmakers continuing efforts to peddle so-called ballot candy, designed to fool voters into approving changes to the referendum process that they would otherwise likely oppose.

For the record: Non-U.S. citizens are already barred by state law from voting in Missouri elections (and have been for a century). Also, federal law already explicitly prohibits foreign nationals from influencing American elections at any level.

Republican attempts in Missouri to put both those redundant prohibitions before the voters is an insulting bid to stoke anti-immigrant fervor in hopes of convincing Missourians to limit their own voting rights.

Currently, if the public wants to approve a change to Missouris Constitution, it requires a simple majority of the vote across the entire state. There are several ways to put such questions on the ballot, including petitions by citizens or a vote of the Legislature.

Petition drives are underway right now to put a referendum on the November ballot asking state voters to restore the abortion rights that the Legislature eliminated after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. (Contact information about the petition effort is available at moconstitutionalfreedom.org.)

The proposed amendment is a moderate measure that would guarantee the right to abortion services up until the point of fetal viability  generally, about 24 weeks  while allowing state regulation after that point. Thats the same standard that was used under Roe v. Wade for almost 50 years.

With polls showing such an amendment has a strong chance of passage in Missouri, anti-choice legislators are trying to head it off by passing a separate constitutional amendment first to raise the bar for passage of future referendums.

A measure that passed the Senate in February would set a higher bar for amendments proposed by citizen petitions: Instead of a simple majority of the statewide vote, those referendums would have to win the statewide majority, plus a majority in each of five of the states eight congressional districts.

That would dilute the voting power of Missouris urban areas, effectively letting the states rural middle stop any measure no matter how strongly it was supported in St. Louis and Kansas City. An analysis by the Missouri Independent found that such a system would allow less than a quarter of the states voters to defeat a referendum.

The measure also sets up a double standard that should infuriate all voters: This nearly impossible new bar for passage of constitutional amendments would apply only to ballot initiatives put forward by the public via petition. Any referendum put on the ballot by the Legislature would still be able to pass with just a simple majority of the statewide vote.

Lawmakers are trying to set different rules for the public and themselves, in other words.

In case any Missourian isnt yet sufficiently insulted by this frontal assault on their voting rights, Republican lawmakers are also trying to load up their measure with language indicating they think most voters in the state are, well, dumb.

The bill that passed the Senate last month initially included the redundant prohibitions on non-citizen voting and foreign influence in elections. Again, both activities are already banned by state and federal law. Their presence on the ballot would be utterly superfluous  not to mention misleading, considering it implies these situations are currently allowed.

This dictionary definition of ballot candy was designed, as state Rep. Brian Seitz, R-Branson, bluntly told the Kansas City Star, to give the voters something to actually latch onto and vote for.

Senate Democrats managed to filibuster that misleading language out of the bill last month, but House Republicans this week are currently trying to put it back in.

Even if they do, were confident that citizens of the Show Me State wont be so easily duped by their own elected representatives.
I am puzzled by Jonah Goldbergs op-ed claiming that American wartime tactics in Hiroshima and Dresden didn't meet the definition of genocide. ("The rush to accuse Israel of genocide is wrong," March 9 print edition.) I would argue the intent of those horrific attacks was even more disastrously comprehensive: It was annihilation.

No matter how we dress it up with semantics, the fact is, the United States has indeed destroyed whole cities and hundreds of thousands human beings with barrages of regular bombs and  to our endless, unique shame  two nuclear bomb on Japans Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Having observed too many wars on our planet to count in my long life, I can only conclude we Homo sapiens have not changed much since our early barbaric day  we have only become more efficient in our murderous weaponry.

Surely we all can agree on this: The urgent challenge of our species is to find sustainable ways to stop killing each other and to live in peace while nurturing our fraught communities on this fragile planet.

Mary M. Phelan

Webster Groves
March 14, 2024: Once more Norway has been subject to constant Russian GPS jamming. This has been happening, on and off, since 2018. The jamming increased after Russia invaded Ukraine and this year jamming takes place daily. Russia justifies the jamming to prevent Ukraine from using armed UAVs to attack Russian naval and air bases

In 2018 Finland and Norway openly complained about Russia deliberately jamming GPS signals in northern Finland and Norway. The jamming was done from a Russian military base in the Kola Peninsula on the Barents Sea. The area is where Norway and Russia share a small border. The jamming took place in late 2018 as NATO held its largest training exercise since the Cold War ended in 1991. Russia denied any responsibility even though they are known to possess long-range jammers, for GPS and other signals. Norway said they had tracked the jammer to a specific location but when Russia refused to admit any involvement, Norway refused to explain how they tracked the signal because that would provide Russia with information on Norwegian electronic warfare or EW equipment that might be useful to them.

What was curious about this incident was that it had no impact on the NATO military exercises and even commercial airliners operating in the area which had backup Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) in case GPS signals were not working properly. The potential victims were civilians with smaller aircraft or on the ground who depend on commercial navigation gear using GPS. Then again, that may have been the point because Russian firms have long been producing a wide variety of GPS jammers that are generally ineffective against military GPS users but would be useful for criminals, terrorists or anyone involved in irregular warfare as Russia did in Ukraine between 2014 and the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. As for the damage to diplomatic relations with Norway and Finland, these two nations need no reminders of what a bad neighbor Russia is and historically has been.

NATO nations have long been aware of the Russian EW activities, especially the growing number of Russian jamming systems. Some of these were demonstrated in Syria and Ukraine, where Russia considers complaints about disruption caused by their jamming as free advertising for their jammers. Russian GPS jammers have some military use but also have appeal for non-military customers. For example, in 2016 Russia began marketing a new, portable GPS jamming system called Pole 21. This system was special because individual Pole 21 units can be mounted on existing cell phone towers or alone on portable towers. Each Pole 21 unit can put out 20 watts and jam signals from GPS as well as the similar GLONASS, Galileo and Beidou systems, out to 80 kilometers. Pole 21 is also designed to act as a backup transmitter of commands for nearby Pole 21 units. In this way, the Russians say a wide area can quickly be protected from GPS guided missiles and bombs as well as shutting down vehicle GPS systems. The Russians admit that Pole 21 would also cripple all commercial GPS devices in the jammed areas. The biggest problem with Pole 21 is that Russia has been developing and selling many different GPS jamming systems since the mid- 1990s and they have proved to be ineffective in combat. Yet Russian firms keep producing these types of jammers because there is a market for them.

This Russian interest in GPS jamming first became public in the early 1990s when a private Russian firm, AviaConversia was founded for the purpose of developing cheap, lightweight, and reliable GPS jammers. By 1997 the firm was offering commercial and military customers four different models of GPS jammers for about $4,000 each. This gear only put out 4-8 watts, making them very tough to find and bomb. These jammers were advertised as able to effectively block GPS signals out to 150-200 kilometers, depending on terrain. These jammers could run off batteries and weighed between 8 kg to 12 kg without batteries. When operating, the jammers consumed less than 25 watts of power.

By the mid-1990s plans for building your own GPS jammers were appearing on the Internet using commercially available parts costing less than a hundred dollars. Soldering skills were required. Soon similar assembled units were available on the Internet for as low as $40. At the same time, American GPS experts pointed out that these jammers had insufficient power to jam GPS for most military GPS receivers but would probably interfere with a lot of commercial items, especially consumer electronic devices. The U.S. Air Force later revealed that this was the case. This was demonstrated in 2003 when Iraq tried unsuccessfully using AviaConversia type jammers against American GPS guided bombs.

By 2002 AviaConversia had disappeared, apparently absorbed in new, classified, Russian military jamming efforts. In the 1990s AviaConversia had made much of its connections with the Russian armed forces and the implied assurance that its jammer worked. After 2001 U.S. Department of Defense experiments found that the cheap jammers were not that effective, and larger ones, built from off the shelf components, and costing nearly $10,000, were also largely ineffective against military grade GPS guidance systems. At the same time, the Department of Defense has been building and testing GPS jammer detectors, as well as homing systems sensitive enough to guide a missile to any active jammers.

By 2010 the U.S. Department of Defense was spending a lot of money on developing a jam-resistant replacement, or backup depending on who you talk to) for GPS. The best candidate was an improved INS or Internal Navigation System. INS has existed for nearly a century but has gotten smaller, cheaper, and more reliable as electronic components have done the same since the 1960s. Basically, INS uses three gyroscopes and three accelerometers to constantly measure changes in direction and changes in velocity. With that, the INS will always know where it is in relation to its initial starting point, which can be obtained initially via unjammed GPS or other means. Miniature INS devices have long served as a backup for GPS guided weapons. But while GPS guidance can land a bomb or missile within 10 meters of a target, INS can only achieve 30 meter accuracy. GPS also has the advantage of not needing to have its exact position entered after the INS is turned on. On the upside, that means INS cannot be jammed or spoofed. These micro- gyroscopes and accelerometers have become standard in many smartphones to not only detect orientation but also movement. The use of this tech by smartphone makers resulted in even cheaper and more reliable designs that proved very useful for military INS backups for GPS.

After 2010 American researchers created new concepts and technology that could greatly improve current INS accuracy and cost. By 2013 prototypes proved they could be nearly as accurate as GPS and almost as small. Cost was still a factor, with the new INS still costing more than 10 times what GPS does. But this is all a big improvement over what has been available before. The new INS can now be used to monitor GPS and alert the operator that their GPS has either developed a problem or is being jammed. The new INS is also useful for some fast missiles that often lose their GPS signal as they maneuver. Another urgent chore for INS is to alert users that their GPS is being spoofed by encountering false signals that are luring the user away. Thus, even with the ability of anti-jamming tech to keep up with jammer technology, there is still a demand for a new INS. That has led to smaller, cheaper, and more accurate INS systems. Aside from airlines and commercial shipping, there is not much of a mass market for these new INS systems because for most consumers GPS is reliable enough to keep the INS gear out of the consumer market. But the demand from the airlines, shipping companies and the military is huge. However, the tech remains popular for smartphones and other consumer items, but not as INS. That is changing as some smartphone and smartwatch manufacturers seek to use INS to automatically fill in if the user temporarily loses the GPS signal.

Meanwhile a new unjammable device, MagNav, has been introduced and doesnt have to sync with a GPS signal before going on independent of GPS. MagNav acquires its accurate positioning by measuring the magnetic signals found worldwide. MagNav has not been militarized yet and its current size is a standard suitcase. A commercial ship or airplane can carry one. It will be a few years, or more, before MagNav is available for cell phones and smart watches.

Many Department of Defense navigation and electronics experts believe current anti-jamming efforts are sufficient to keep military GPS use viable, but the new INS technology has attracted a lot of attention because in the military a backup is something that is always appreciated because when equipment fails in combat its literally a matter of life or death. Meanwhile, the U.S. is building and testing more compact GPS anti-jamming systems for smaller, as small as 200 kg, UAVs. This is part of a program to equip all American UAVs, even the smallest ones, with more secure GPS. While all UAVs can be flown by the operator, the GPS makes it a lot easier for the operator to keep track of exactly where his UAV is at all times and sometimes the UAV is programmed to simply patrol between a series of GPS coordinates. If the GPS jams or fails, the operator can usually use the video feed to find landmarks on the ground and bring the UAV back to where it can be seen and landed. Another technique for armed UAVs to overcome jamming is a terminal guidance system that looks for likely targets, like enemy armored or unarmored vehicles, and heads straight for them. The Ukrainians also developed an unjammable system using Machine Vision technology, which has long been used in automated manufacturing.

While American troops have not yet encountered much, if any battlefield GPS jamming, the threat exists. Currently, American troops can experience this sort of thing in Ukraine, where NATO nations have military advisors and observers as well as in Syria. This jamming tech is also showing up in Iraq and Afghanistan. Before that, the most tangible evidence of this came from North Korea, which has long made, sold, and itself used GPS jammers. In 2012 North Korea attacked South Korea with a massive GPS jamming campaign. The jamming began in late April and continued for over two weeks. It took less than a day to confirm that the signal was coming from North Korea and was mainly aimed at the South Korean capital Seoul. The jamming had little impact inside the city itself (the ground-based jamming signal was blocked by buildings and hills) and was only noted by several hundred aircraft landing or taking off from local airports and over a hundred ships operating off the coast. In all these cases the ships and aircraft had backup navigation systems, which were switched on when GPS became unreliable. This is how navigation systems, especially those that rely on external satellite signals, are designed.

The 2012 incident was the third time North Korea has used GPS jamming against South Korea. For most of March 2011, North Korea directed a GPS jamming signal across the border towards Seoul. A separate jammer has been directed at cell phone traffic. The GPS jamming signal could be detected up to a hundred kilometers south of the DMZ.

The usual response to GPS jamming is to bomb the jammers, which are easy to find because jamming is nothing more than broadcasting a more powerful version of the frequency you want to interfere with. But such a response could lead to more fighting in Korea, so the south protested and refrained from responding with force. The jamming was a nuisance more than a threat and most military equipment is equipped with electronics and other enhancements to defeat it. The North Korean jamming confirmed what was already suspected. So now South Korean and American electronic warfare experts have an opportunity to study the effects of jamming on a large metropolitan area. It caused intermittent problems for users of GPS devices and many more cell phone connectivity problems. There were briefer and less powerful jamming incidents in August and December of 2010.

Meanwhile, this is old news for the U.S. Department of Defense, which has been developing anti-GPS jamming technology since the late 1990s. For years military aircraft have been equipped with complex and expensive GPS receivers that will usually continue to work even if they are being jammed. There are several ways you can defeat attempts to jam GPS signals. While some of the methods are well known, others are classified. Now the North Koreans are giving large-scale demonstrations of GPS jamming, and both sides are using it in the Ukraine war. Anti-jamming technology is increasingly complex. None of the major players like America, Russia, China, Israel, and several other industrialized countries are talking, and for good reason. If you don't know what techniques the other side is using, you can't deal with them quickly.

China and Russia are both selling GPS jammers. In 2007, China brought to market a powerful truck mounted GPS jamming system. These GPS jamming vans are meant to create a protective bubble over an area the van is in the middle of. A year before the 2003 invasion of Iraq it was believed that Saddam had bought many GPS jammers to deal with U.S. JDAM GPS smart bombs. The JDAM has a backup INS, which was no secret, and the Iraqi GPS jamming efforts had no significant effect on the 2003 campaign.

There are several approaches to defeating GPS jamming, and knowing which one each American GPS guided weapon uses makes it easy to develop a way to jam the jam-proof GPS. The U.S. Air Force is understandably reluctant to discuss what they are doing. Given the cost of jam-proofing all existing GPS weapons, it's more likely that jam-proof GPS weapons will only be used against targets where GPS accuracy is vital. Against most targets the accuracy provided by the inertial guidance system will do. Also note that you can bomb GPS jammers with a bomb equipped with a guidance system that homes in on a GPS jamming signal. For that reason, it's thought that any use of GPS jammers will involve dozens of jammers in each area so protected. GPS jamming has no effect on the even more accurate laser-guided bombs, and some countries buy smart bombs with both laser and GPS/INS systems. Most countries are working on anti-jamming tech in anticipation of encountering more jamming if war comes.
On March 14, 2024, Arthur J. Gallagher (NYSE: AJG) entered into an equity distribution agreement (the Equity Distribution Agreement) with Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (Morgan Stanley), pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell up to 3,000,000 shares of the Companys common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the shares), from time to time, in at-the-market offerings through Morgan Stanley, as sales agent (the at-the-market program). The Equity Distribution Agreement replaces and extends the Companys prior equity distribution agreement, entered into under the Companys prior registration statement and under which no sales were made, by transferring the at-the-market program to the Companys shelf registration statement on Form S-3ASR (Registration No. 333-277002) filed on February 12, 2024 (the Registration Statement). No changes have otherwise been made to the at-the-market program.

Sales of the shares, if any, will be made at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, or as otherwise agreed with Morgan Stanley. Morgan Stanley will receive a commission from the Company that will not exceed, but may be lower than, 1.25% of the gross sales price of all shares sold under the Equity Distribution Agreement. Any shares will be issued pursuant to the Registration Statement, as supplemented by the prospectus supplement, dated March 14, 2024. The Company is not obligated to sell, and Morgan Stanley is not obligated to buy or sell, any shares under the Equity Distribution Agreement, and no assurance can be given that the Company will sell any such shares, or, if it does, as to the price or amount of shares that it sells or the dates when such sales will take place. Under the Equity Distribution Agreement, the Company has agreed to indemnify Morgan Stanley against certain liabilities, including under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or to contribute payments that Morgan Stanley may be required to make because of such liabilities.
LANGLEY, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Adastra Holdings Ltd. (CSE:XTRX)(FRA:D2EP) ("Adastra" or the "Company"), a leading cannabis processor and producer of two top Canadian concentrates brands, with a focus on product innovation and commercialization for adult-use and medical markets, is pleased to announce a record in total purchase orders ("POs") received in January and February 2024 of approximately CAD $8.3M.

Adastra experienced a notable surge in POs throughout January and February 2024, predominately from Alberta, Ontario and British Columbia, resulting in a record total of POs for the period. The single largest purchase order ("PO") was received in February for CAD $1,047,439 from Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis ("AGLC"), as previously announced in a news release dated March 1, 2024.

Adastra's in-house brand, Endgame Extracts ("Endgame"), won "Brand of the Year" at the 2023 Growup Awards and Gala ("Growup"), leading to increased sales and strong brand recognition. The Company bolstered production capacity at its Langley facility to accommodate the increased demand. Adastra launched new Endgame products in multiple provinces, contributing to the increase in POs experienced in January and February.

"This year has been off to a great start as demand for Adastra's products continues to reach unprecedented levels. We've set a new record for total purchase orders, reaching approximately $8.3M in just two consecutive months. Winning Growup's Brand of The Year has not only reinforced our position as one of Canada's top cannabis concentrate brands, but it has led to increased demand for our products," said Michael Forbes, CEO of Adastra. "Our record-breaking purchase orders is a testament to the trust our customers have in us and the hard work of our team. Moving forward, we are determined to maintain this momentum, set new records, and uphold our commitment to delivering exceptional products that exceed expectations."

Board Update

Adastra announces the appointment of Andrew Hale, MBA, BSAE, PMP to its Board of Directors, effective March 13, 2024.

Mr. Hale is the founding CEO of Adastra and a seasoned leader of high performing teams delivering operations and complex program excellence. He brings decades of leadership and management experience to the Company. Mr. Hale commanded three nuclear-powered submarines in the U.S. Navy, overseeing $4B in national assets. Later, he managed a $3B CAD construction program at Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards as Program Director, before becoming Vice President, Program Delivery, overseeing all major projects under the Canadian National Shipbuilding Strategy. Mr. Hale holds a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the United States Naval Academy and an MBA from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

About Adastra Holdings Ltd.

Adastra has become one of Canada's leaders in the supply and manufacturing of ethnobotanical and cannabis products for lawful adult-use. It serves medical markets and engages in forward-looking therapeutic applications. With cannabis concentrate products sold through retailers at more than 2,000 locations across Canada, Adastra's Phyto Extractions and Endgame Extracts brands are now well established with a growing distribution presence. As a Health Canada licensed facility, it specializes in extraction, distillation and manufacturing of a range of cannabis-derived products. Adastra partners with healthcare professionals and practitioners within the regulated environment to create products suitable for the medical cannabis market, with the ultimate aim of addressing the needs of patients. For more information, visit: www.adastraholdings.ca.

Contacts

Michael Forbes, CEO, Corporate Secretary & Director

(778) 715-5011

[email protected]

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forwardlooking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation concerning the business of the Company. Forwardlooking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forwardlooking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward looking information is often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and in this news release includes statements regarding, but not limited to the expectation for future growth and increased demand for products, the expectation for even greater success for the Company, and expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the Company's plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forwardlooking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forwardlooking information include: the availability of a qualified workforce; changes in regulations or licensing affecting the Company's business; reduced demand for cannabis and cannabis related products; reductions in the Company's retail space and store locations; changes in consumer brand preferences; and other factors beyond the control of the Company, including the risk factors set out in the Company's annual report on Form 20-F dated May 16, 2023, filed with Canadian securities regulators and available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. These and all subsequent written and oral forwardlooking information are based on estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to update these forwardlooking statements.

SOURCE: Adastra Holdings Ltd.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Comcast Corporation



A palpable buzz of anticipation and excitement swept Philadelphia's Crane Chinatown Community Center - as row by row of students ranging from preschoolers through teenagers filed into the sprawling gymnasium. Pencil and notebook in hand, the students took their seats at the periwinkle-topped tables, their excitement on display through smiles and laughter.

The students were there for a special opportunity: to take part in an animation masterclass, hosted by Xfinity and taught by DreamWorks Animation co-director Stephanie Ma Stine. Highlights from Stephanie's resume include working as a storyboard artist for DreamWorks' How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World and The Adventures of Puss in Boots - and most recently, co-director of the forthcoming DreamWorks film, Kung Fu Panda 4.

As Stephanie took the stage, the kids were ready to follow along - and over the next half-hour, a sea of sketches of Po, the beloved Kung Fu Master in Kung Fu Panda, came to life in notebooks throughout the room.

For Dustin, an 11th grade student, representation served as inspiration: "Seeing Asian-directed movies makes me feel heard and understood. & Asian American directors bring their own unique experiences to the table and create movies that culturally resonate with me."

Today was really about expanding horizons. To have a superstar like Stephanie Ma Stine come to Chinatown from Hollywood gives our children an idea that they can be anything. JOHN CHIN Executive Director of the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC)

"What a wonderful role model for the children," added Carol Wong, Executive Director and Owner of the Chinatown Learning Center, which calls the Crane Community Center home. "Stephanie's story is so inspirational - our kids can do it, too, if they try. Nothing should stop them."

The Crane Community Center is a Comcast Lift Zone, and is the heartbeat for many in Philadelphia's Chinatown community - providing youth programming, food distribution, health and wellness initiatives, and help navigating housing - within walking distance of Comcast's headquarters campus.

"Every time we come here, it reminds us & what can happen if we join forces together and work together and create a safe community space for all," reflected Nina Ahmad, Philadelphia City Councilmember At-Large.

First District Councilmember Mark Squilla added, "We were just here celebrating the Lunar New Year last week, and we had over 500 people here. This community center means so much not only to Chinatown, but also to the city of Philadelphia."

Access to information and resources provided by the Crane and the PCDC are vital - and increasingly, the community is relying on the Internet to stay connected. As the future of the government's Affordable Connectivity Program is being decided, Kohposh Kuda, SVP of Xfinity Mobile assured families, "Xfinity is committed to supporting all communities." Recognizing this need, Comcast's Xfinity team, with the help of a larger-than-life Po costume character, had a final surprise for each of the students - a laptop of their own.

For John Chin, the laptop giveaway is critical as students navigate their educational journeys: "Today's world is about connecting, using technology, and some of these students come from families that are low income. & It's necessary in today's world if they're going to succeed."

Stephanie's visit to Chinatown was the crescendo of a day-long, Symphony effort across Comcast NBCUniversal, Xfinity, and DreamWorks celebrating Kung Fu Panda, including speaking to employees and Philadelphia community leaders at special screenings of the film and visiting the Comcast Center Campus.

For Stephanie, the visit was an exhilarating moment - especially as The Universal Sphere in the Comcast Technology Center featured a special Kung Fu Panda experience. Through March 8, DreamWorks Po's Awesome Lunar New Year Adventure at The Universal Sphere is a free, special cinematic experience that invites guests to embark on a magical journey to Panda Village and even virtually launch their own sky lanterns, just as Stephanie did.

"I am really hopeful that my visit and my presence here today can open up a lot of eyes as to, wow, we really can do anything," Stephanie reflected on her visit to the Crane Community Center. "We can choose any path. We can choose an artistic career, we can be creative, we can tell meaningful stories."

Stephanie brought the magic of DreamWorks' Kung Fu Panda 4 to the young - and young at heart - in Comcast's hometown. And that same magic can be experienced by all, as the film hits theaters nationwide on Friday, March 8.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Comcast Corporation on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Comcast Corporation

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/comcast-corporation

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE: Comcast Corporation

View the original press release on accesswire.com
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Whirlpool Corporation

Since 1999, Habitat for Humanity and Whirlpool Corporation have worked together to help improve lives and increase access to safe, resilient and affordable homes in communities around the world. Today, Whirlpool and Habitat mark the 25th anniversary of their collaboration.

Over the lifetime of the relationship, Whirlpool has given more than $140 million in funding and donated products supporting nearly 200,000 Habitat households in the U.S. and close to 1 million people in more than 50 countries worldwide.

"At Whirlpool, we believe that the four walls around us have the power to unlock immense opportunity, and we are grateful for 25 incredible years working with Habitat to impact more than 1 million people by helping them build the foundation for a stable life and a bright future," said Pam Klyn, Whirlpool Corporation executive vice president of corporate relations and sustainability. "Our shared vision of improving lives through homeownership and improving communities as well has been very rewarding for our employees and our organization as a whole."

At Whirlpool, we believe that the four walls around us have the power to unlock immense opportunity, and we are grateful for 25 incredible years working with Habitat to impact more than 1 million people by helping them build the foundation for a stable life and a bright future,"

Whirlpool and Habitat have a shared commitment to not only helping build homes and improve communities but to ensure they are both sustainable and resilient. In 2021, Whirlpool and Habitat launched the BuildBetter with Whirlpool program, a three-phase initiative that expands on Habitat's efforts to help homeowners mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events through the construction of climate resilient and energy-efficient homes. Through the program, Habitat homeowners also have the potential to save on monthly utility bills using their energy-efficient appliances donated by Whirlpool. By the end of the year, more than 260 climate-resilient and energy-efficient homes will have been built across the U.S., and learnings from the projects will help to inform future Habitat builds. In early 2024, Whirlpool Foundation extended support for the BuildBetter with Whirlpool program to add two more phases that will build 50 net-zero ready homes.

Whirlpool has strongly supported Habitat's advocacy efforts both in the U.S. and around the world. Since its inception, Whirlpool has been a dedicated partner of Habitat's five-year Cost of Home U.S. advocacy campaign, enabling the housing organization to help 6.6 million Americans access affordable homes and influence more than 350 policies at the local, state and federal levels.

Through its sponsorship of Habitat's global housing forums, Whirlpool has helped to increase access to shelter for vulnerable populations in communities around the world. Most recently, the company sponsored the Latin American and Caribbean Housing Forum in Bogot, Colombia, where representatives from private sector companies, public sector agencies, civil society organizations, academia and global institutions came together to discuss critical housing issues in the region.

"Whirlpool Corporation has been an invaluable partner to Habitat for the last 25 years, and we are thrilled to celebrate this important milestone in our relationship," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity International. "Whirlpool and Habitat have worked together to improve and broaden the ways we can help more families achieve housing stability, and as a result, we have made a profound impact on the lives of millions of families around the world. We are grateful for Whirlpool's dedication to helping us build a world where everyone has a decent place to live."

View original content here.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Whirlpool Corporation on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Whirlpool Corporation

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/whirlpool-corporation

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE: Whirlpool Corporation

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Recent Advancements in CGI's Machine Learning-based Software Improve Quality and Speed of Typhoon" Data Processing

Updated Interpretation of Typhoon" Survey Data at Tintic Resulted in Refined Drill Targets

Ivanhoe Electric and CGI Are Utilizing the Latest Software in Recent U.S. Surveys and in the Company's Saudi Arabian Exploration Joint Venture with Ma'aden

PHOENIX, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Ivanhoe Electric Inc. ("Ivanhoe Electric") (NYSE American:IE)(TSX:IE) and its subsidiary, Computational Geosciences Inc. ("CGI"), are pleased to provide an update on CGI's proprietary software applications used to interpret Typhoon" data. CGI continually improves its proprietary algorithms, leveraging advanced machine learning data processing technologies, to deliver higher quality Typhoon" geophysical inversion models with quicker turnaround times. Ivanhoe Electric owns 94% of CGI.

Taylor Melvin, President and CEO, commented: "We believe Computational Geosciences has the mining industry's most powerful machine learning software application available. CGI's proprietary algorithms are capable of analyzing the massive amounts of data generated by our ground-based Typhoon" geophysical surveying system. We are excited to apply the same cutting-edge version of CGI's software at Tintic that we are currently using in Saudi Arabia and at our other more recent American exploration projects. CGI's latest software improvements allow us to analyze more data, more quickly, and generate clearer models to guide future discovery. We are now beginning to test the refined targets around the historically productive Mammoth copper-gold-silver mine at Tintic, Utah, with directional drilling equipment."

CGI's latest software tools improves processing of Typhoon" data

Through continuous research and development, CGI's innovations harnesses the power of machine learning algorithms to improve data processing capacity, processing times, and to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio of input data through improved data utilization. This effort has led to faster inversion model delivery times and improved three-dimensional inversion models. CGI continues to lead the transformation of geophysical data processing and three-dimensional inversion.

Updated Typhoon" inversion modeling improves processing time, validates exploration targets, and supports continued mineral exploration

CGI recently reprocessed the 2019 Tintic Typhoon" data, delivering an updated three-dimensional model that validated Ivanhoe Electric's current exploration strategy by ratifying existing target areas and identifying new anomalies for further investigation. The new inversion shows an additional chargeable and conductive response that is associated with the deepest levels of the Mammoth and Grand Central Mines, and extends to depth. Ivanhoe Electric is actively exploring the Deep Mammoth area with diamond drilling.

Figure 1. North-South cross section from Mammoth-Grand Central through to the Silver City & Sunbeam areas. Relevant drilling over the updated Typhoon" chargeability inversion with historical mine development and potential extensions beneath the water table.

Figure 2. Tintic Project map showing Ivanhoe Electric drill hole locations, key historical mines, mapped fissure veins, and carbonate replacements over Typhoon" chargeability anomalies.

CGI's latest processing technologies are being applied at Ivanhoe Electric's 50/50 joint venture with Ma'aden in Saudi Arabia, and at Ivanhoe Electric's other surveys in the United States. Typhoon" data from the Umm Ash Shalahib exploration licenses as announced January 9, 2024, that identified three chargeability anomalies that correlate very well with known geology and mineralization, representing high priority targets.

In the U.S., Ivanhoe Electric recently conducted a ~10km2 Typhoon" survey at its Hog Heaven project in Montana, announced February 22, 2024. CGI completed the inversion utilizing its advanced machine learning algorithms. Ongoing exploration drilling continues to intersect high-sulfidation epithermal precious-metals-rich polymetallic mineralization relating to Typhoon" anomalies. The updated inversion model validates Ivanhoe Electric's past exploration results and presents new targets for subsequent follow-up.

Ivanhoe Electric will be holding regular site tours throughout the spring and summer months, please contact our Senior Vice President of Exploration, Graham Boyd, to arrange.

Photo of diamond drill rig on site at the Tintic Copper-Gold Project, Mammoth, Utah

Qualified Persons

Disclosures of a scientific or technical nature included in this news release, including the sampling, analytical and technical data underlying the information, have been reviewed, verified and approved by Shawn Vandekerkhove, P.Geo, who is a Qualified Person as defined by Regulation S-K, Subpart 1300 promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and by Canadian National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Vandekerkhove is an employee of Ivanhoe Electric.

About Ivanhoe Electric

We are a U.S. company that combines advanced mineral exploration technologies with electric metals exploration projects predominantly located in the United States. We use our accurate and powerful Typhoon" geophysical surveying system, together with advanced data analytics provided by our subsidiary, Computational Geosciences Inc., to accelerate and de-risk the mineral exploration process as we seek to discover new deposits of critical metals that may otherwise be undetectable by traditional exploration technologies. We believe the United States is significantly underexplored and has the potential to yield major new discoveries of critical metals. Our mineral exploration efforts focus on copper as well as other metals including nickel, vanadium, cobalt, platinum group elements, gold and silver. Through the advancement of our portfolio of electric metals exploration projects, headlined by the Santa Cruz Copper Project in Arizona and the Tintic Copper-Gold Project in Utah, as well as other exploration projects in the United States, we intend to support United States supply chain independence by finding and delivering the critical metals necessary for the electrification of the economy. We also operate a 50/50 joint venture with Saudi Arabian Mining Company Ma'aden to explore for minerals on ~48,500 km2 of underexplored Arabian Shield in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Website: www.ivanhoeelectric.com.

Contact Information

Investors: (480) 656-5821 or [email protected]

Follow us on

Ivanhoe Electric's Executive Chairman Robert Friedland: @robert_ivanhoe

Ivanhoe Electric: @ivanhoeelectric

Ivanhoe Electric's investor relations website located at www.ivanhoeelectric.com should be considered Ivanhoe Electric's recognized distribution channel for purposes of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Regulation FD.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable U.S. and Canadian securities laws. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Ivanhoe Electric, its projects, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the Ivanhoe Electric's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this news release.

Such statements in this news release include, without limitation, CGI's ability to continually improve its technology and the timing and results of drilling at Tintic, Umm Ash Shalahib and Hog Heaven.

Forward-looking statements are based on management's beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management. Such statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements due to various factors, including changes in the prices of copper or other metals Ivanhoe Electric is exploring for; the results of exploration and drilling activities and/or the failure of exploration programs or studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued exploration, studies, development or operations; the final assessment of exploration results and information that is preliminary; the significant risk and hazards associated with any future mining operations, extensive regulation by the U.S. government as well as local governments; changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts with Ivanhoe Electric to perform as agreed; and the impact of political, economic and other uncertainties associated with operating in foreign countries, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economy. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements and risk factors described in Ivanhoe Electric's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

No assurance can be given that such future results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Ivanhoe Electric cautions you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Subject to applicable securities laws, Ivanhoe Electric does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this news release, and Ivanhoe Electric expressly disclaims any requirement to do so.

SOURCE: Ivanhoe Electric Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Vietnam has asked shipping companies to abide by international warnings and ensure the safety of Vietnamese crew members amid tensions in the Red Sea.

Vietnamese authorities have met with representatives from international shipping companies that employ Vietnamese workers to encourage them to boost safety measures to protect sailors, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said at a press conference Thursday.

The foreign firms were also asked to step up efforts to abide by international warnings regarding dangerous or risky itineraries, especially those that include routes through the Red Sea, a region currently torn by conflict in which international vessels are now vulnerable and prone to attack by non-state actors, Hang said.

She was responding to an inquiry regarding the death of 41-year-old Vietnamese maritime worker Dang Duy Kien, who was killed by a missile strike launched by Houthi forces on the bulk carrier True Confidence in the Gulf of Aden on March 6. The inquiry was also related to other escalating geo-political tensions around the Red Sea region and its environs.

Vietnam is cooperating with local authorities, the company who sent Kien on the trip, and his family, to advance procedures to bring Kiens body back to Vietnam. The government has also tasked agencies to carry out measures to bring the True Confidences three other surviving Vietnamese crew members back home.

"The ministry has directed Vietnamese diplomatic missions in areas of conflicts to continue to keep a close watch and provide all sides security updates, and to proactively warn citizens and vessels operating in the area to stand ready for citizen protection measures," Hang said.

The True Confidence was carrying 20 crew members at the time of the incident, including four Vietnamese. Chief officer Kien, from Hai Phong, died due to the missile strike. His three Vietnamese colleagues on the ship survived the attack.

The missile strike was the first fatal one by Houthi forces since they began targeting international shipping going through the Red Sea. Their stated aim has been to carry out the attacks until Israel suspends its deadly military bombing campaign against Gaza in Palestine.

Following the Gulf of Aden attack, several international shipping firms have suspended voyages through the Red Sea, switching courses to the Cape of Good Hope in Africa.

On March 7, Vietnam said it strongly condemns violent and inhumane attacks on innocent people and civil vehicles in international waters.
The Northwest Event Show will leverage their event platform, powered by EventMobi, to cultivate an engaged community for 3,000+ professionals throughout the year.

SEATTLE, WA / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / The Northwest Event Show (NWES), the premier industry gathering for event professionals in the Pacific Northwest, recently announced its partnership with EventMobi, an industry-leading event management platform. The NWES 2024, happening from April 3-4, will leverage their event platform to cultivate an engaged community with ongoing networking, engagement, and learning opportunities for 3,000+ industry professionals year-round.





NWES x EventMobi

Seattle on a blue background with the press release's headline.





"This new partnership with EventMobi isn't just about enhancing the NWES 2024 experience; it's about laying the foundation for a robust, engaged network that lives beyond the confines of our event dates," says Lisa Schulteis, Executive Director of NWES.

Recent advancements in event technology now enable event organizers to extend the use of their event platform beyond in-person conferences, by offering access to content, webinars, learning, and networking opportunities throughout the year; eliminating the need for additional community platforms and learning management systems.

The NWES is transforming their 2-day conference into a year-round event community by:

Uploading session recordings and presentations, as well as hosting webinars, on the same platform

Enabling forum discussions to support networking for local planners before and after the event

Creating sponsorship opportunities by offering an interactive buyers guide where business partnerships can form post-event

Leveraging the event platform as a communication hub to share industry-relevant updates via emails

Simplifying the promotion and registration of local events, webinars, and next year's conference to an already-engaged user base

"The Pacific Northwest is not just a backdrop for your events. It's a living, breathing ecosystem where your networks, customers, and partners flourish. And although NWES is a highlight once a year, the goal is to shine a light on this vibrant region every single day, offering 363 more days of connection, learning, and growth," shares Thorben Grosser, EventMobi's VP of Strategic Partnerships & Channel.

EventMobi is excited to support the NWES in building a thriving event-driven community that stretches beyond the boundaries of a traditional conference. Together, NWES and EventMobi are dedicated to empowering professionals with the resources and collaborative learning opportunities they need to succeed.

About EventMobi

Since 2009, EventMobi's comprehensive features and elegant simplicity have been loved by 30,000+ planners and millions of attendees. The EventMobi event platform has powered events for top brands like Visa and TD Bank, and associations including the American Political Science Association and International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantations.

About NWES

Founded in 1994 and marking its 30th anniversary this year, the Northwest Event Show will be held on April 3-4, 2024 at the Seattle Convention Center. Not just another industry conference, the show is a comprehensive hub for event professionals and businesses that plan and execute meetings and events on the West Coast.

Contact Information

Valery Tsenter

Digital PR & Communications Specialist

[email protected]

SOURCE: EventMobi

View the original press release on newswire.com.
ELIZABETH CITY, NC / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Twenty MARCH Foundation Board Members traveled this month to visit Elizabeth City State University, where the next generation of aviation professionals are in training.

MARCH Foundation Board Members at ECSU

Picture of MARCH Foundation Board members with pilot

With its support, encouragement and funds, the foundation aims to shine a spotlight on the importance of investing in the future aviation workforce and preparing a more inclusive talent pool of pilots. Last year, MARCH gave ECSU $100K in support of its aviation program.

"We're excited to continue supporting innovation at ECSU where the next generation of pilots and aviation leaders are pursuing their dreams," said Eric Leufroy, MARCH Foundation board member who spent more than 34 years at UPS. Leufroy and fellow active and retired UPSers were hosted by the ECSU Division of Student Affairs and University Advancement.

MARCH stands for Mutual Alliance Restoring Community Hope. The foundation was launched 26 years ago to support the education of African American youth. Kenneth B. Jarvis, a longtime community business and civic leader, founded the group comprised of African American executive men, all of whom retired from United Parcel Service (UPS) and initially funded MARCH with their personal funds.

Through this partnership with MARCH, the university's goal is to create a pipeline of opportunity for workforce readiness and preparedness for the students, according to Karrie G. Dixon, Ph.D., ECSU Chancellor.

"Partners like the MARCH Foundation dramatically enhance ECSU's ability to attract and retain talent that fuels the aviation industry," Dixon said. "Philanthropic generosity like this provides support to talented students when skyrocketing tuition is out of reach."

ECSU is a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), and the only four-year aviation education program in North Carolina. ECSU's offerings will address the Aviation Workforce Shortage and Needs, explained Dr. Kuldeep Rawat, Ph.D., Dean, School of Science, Aviation, Health & Technology.

Commercial air travel is forecasted to increase from annual enplanements of 858 million to about 1.3 billion by 2040. As a result, 264,000 new pilots are needed over the coming decade. African Americans and Women are heavily underrepresented in Aviation, Rawat said. According to Zippia, only 2.2% of airline pilots are Black.

MARCH board members are no strangers to breaking barriers.

Several members are featured in Black Voices from Big Brown: Untold Stories of African Americans at UPS. The award-winning book was created and produced by members of the UPS African American Business Resource Group (AABRG), Corporate Chapter. As such, students picked up leadership gems throughout the 1.5-day campus visit.

"The foundation of effective leadership is built on continuous learning and a desire to be better tomorrow than you were today," said Sean Horton, a Flight Standards and Training Assistant Chief Pilot with UPS Airlines, who volunteered his time.

Horton took a UPS flight from Louisville, Ky. through Richmond, Va. to the Elizabeth City, NC, campus to join MARCH Board Members, including Joel Stenson, Senior Vice President of Operations Technology at UPS.

Aviation-specific leadership calls for a focus on critical thinking, dynamic decision-making, and calm under pressure, Horton said.

"It was a privilege to spend a day with literal [UPS] living legends and pioneers of our industry," Horton added.

###

Contact Information

Neil Foote

Public Relations

[email protected]

214-448-3765

SOURCE: MARCH Foundation

View the original press release on newswire.com.
Cangzhou is a city that thrives on canal. Stretching more than 200 kilometers, the water course of the Grand Canal is well preserved, and there are numerous historical relics along the canal. The city has made remarkable progress in its economic and social development.

SHIJIAZHUANG, CHINA / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Cangzhou, a city in north China's Hebei Province, has achieved remarkable development in industry, innovation, transportation and other aspects, since the country implemented the continued promotion of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region Coordinated Development during the past decade, according to Cangzhou Municipal Government recently.

Cangzhou strives for high-quality development in the new era.

In 2024, Cangzhou will continue to promote public services, increase employment, reinforce medical and health care, continuously deepen the synergistic development of education, and continuously improve people's lives.

The year 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei coordinated development as a national strategy. Cangzhou has concerted efforts to create a "development miracle" one after another.

The city has adhered to build up industries through project introduction and technologies upgrading and transferring from Beijing and Tianjin. Among them, Pearl Trade City and Pearl International Clothing Eco-New City have attracted more than 12,000 wholesalers to move in. The Hejian Remanufacturing Industry Demonstration Base ranks as the country's fourth of its kind, as well as the only national-level base in north China.

In addition, Cangzhou has also actively promoted the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei coordinated innovation community and built a synergy model of "Research and Development in Beijing and Tianjin, commercialization in Cangzhou." Cangzhou City, Beijing and Tianjin have built 35 provincial-level Research and Development platforms and carried out 500 industrial technology research projects.

There are 33 technology transfer service organizations in Cangzhou that have attracted 2.5 billion U.S. dollars of contract turnover from Beijing and Tianjin.

The city has become part of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei comprehensive transportation network, with a high-speed rail, and helped reduce the transportation time of the region.

At the same time, Cangzhou also set to promote Huanghua Port to the national coastal major ports, with the first pier for 10,000-ton LNG ships. The port also started construction of a crude oil commercial reserve base, with domestic and foreign trade routes increased to 35. Huanghua Port was successfully selected for the national logistics hub construction list.

In 2024, Cangzhou will continue to promote public services, increase employment, reinforce medical and health care, continuously deepen the synergistic development of education, and continuously improve people's lives, to implement the national strategy with high-quality development in the new era.

Contact Information

Grace Shi

PR

[email protected]

6465712146

SOURCE: Cangzhou Municipal Government

View the original press release on newswire.com.
Plum Market Travel Services Brews Up Starbucks in US Airports

FARMINGTON, MI / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Plum Market Travel Services, a leading airport concessions operator and Prime Vendor, announces a strategic license agreement to operate and develop Starbucks coffee locations within U.S. airports, beginning this year.

This dynamic collaboration brings together Starbucks' renowned coffee expertise and industry leadership with Plum Market Travel Services' proven track record in managing successful food and beverage operations within the travel retail landscape. By adding the globally recognized Starbucks brand to its portfolio, Plum Market Travel Services strengthens its commitment to providing travelers with convenient, high-quality food and beverage options that cater to their on-the-go needs and preferences.

"We strive to offer travelers the top brands they enjoy, whether at home or on their journeys," says Matthew Jonna, CEO of Plum Market Travel Services. "Welcoming Starbucks as our premium coffee partner is a natural step forward as we elevate the guest experience in our new airport locations."

Each Plum Market Travel Services-operated location will have the opportunity to offer the full Starbucks experience, encompassing its iconic customer service and diverse product portfolio. Travelers can expect:

Classic and seasonal food and beverage offerings: Indulge in fan-favorite staples alongside enticing seasonal creations.

Indulge in fan-favorite staples alongside enticing seasonal creations. Rotating merchandise: Discover the exciting, limited-edition items Starbucks customers love.

Discover the exciting, limited-edition items Starbucks customers love. Seamless rewards program: Earn and redeem Starbucks Rewards for added value.

Earn and redeem Starbucks Rewards for added value. Convenient mobile ordering: Order and pay ahead through the Starbucks app for quick and easy pickup.

Plum Market Travel Services is poised to introduce Starbucks, alongside its existing portfolio of successful quick-service offerings, to travel hubs across North America throughout 2024. This strategic partnership reaffirms Plum Market Travel Services' dedication to delivering exceptional experiences for travelers while solidifying its position as a leader in the airport food and beverage landscape.

Contact Information:

Jaime Ambrosio

Chief Development Officer

[email protected]

(248) 706-1600

SOURCE: Plum Market Travel Services

View the original press release on newswire.com.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Tinka Resources Limited ("Tinka" or the "Company") (TSXV:TK)(BVL:TK)(OTCQB:TKRFF) announces the results of the Company's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on March 14, 2024 (the "AGM").

A total of 202,016,534 common shares were represented in person or by proxy at the AGM, representing 51.63% of the votes attached to all outstanding common shares of the Company as at the record date. All the matters submitted to the shareholders, as set out in the Notice of Meeting and Information Circular dated February 6, 2024, were voted in favour, including: (a) fixing the size of the Board of Tinka to seven; the re-election of Ben McKeown, Graham Carman, Nick DeMare, Mary Little, Pieter Britz, Raul Benavides and Jones Belther as directors for the ensuing year; (c) the ratification of the Company's stock option plan, pursuant to which the Company may grant stock options up to 10% of its issued and outstanding common shares at the time of the grant; and, (d) the appointment of D&H Group LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, as the auditors of the Company for the ensuing year.

Subsequent to the AGM, the Board re-appointed Mr. McKeown as Non-Executive Chairman, Dr. Carman as President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. DeMare as Chief Financial Officer, and Ms. Mariana Bermudez as Corporate Secretary. Messrs. McKeown, DeMare and Ms. Little were re-appointed as members of the Audit Committee.

On behalf of the Board, "Graham Carman"

Dr. Graham Carman, President & CEO Further Information:

www.tinkaresources.com

Mariana Bermudez 1.604.685.9316

[email protected] Stay up to date by subscribing for news alerts at Contact Tinka and by following Tinka

on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

About Tinka Resources Limited

Tinka is an exploration and development company with its flagship property being the 100%-owned Ayawilca zinc-silver-tin project in central Peru. The Zinc Zone has an estimated Indicated Mineral Resource of 28.3 Mt grading 5.82% zinc, 16.4 g/t silver, 0.2% lead and 91 g/t indium, and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 31.2 Mt grading 4.21% zinc, 14.5 g/t silver, 0.2% lead and 45 g/t indium. The Silver Zone has an estimated Inferred Mineral Resource of 1.0 Mt grading 111.4 g/t silver, 1.54% zinc, & 0.5% lead. The Tin Zone has an estimated Indicated Mineral Resource of 1.4 million tonnes grading 0.72% tin and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 12.7 million tonnes grading 0.76% tin (dated at January 1, 2024). See news release February 28, 2024. The Qualified Person, Dr. Graham Carman, Tinka's President and CEO, and a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, has reviewed and verified the technical contents of this news release.

Forward Looking Statements: Certain information in this news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively "forward-looking statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs and expectations of Tinka as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Tinka's management. Such statements reflect the current risks, uncertainties and assumptions related to certain factors including, without limitations: timing of planned work programs and results varying from expectations; delay in obtaining results; changes in equity markets; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; equipment failure, unexpected geological conditions; imprecision in resource estimates or metal recoveries; success of future development initiatives; competition and operating performance; environmental and safety risks; the Company's expectations regarding the Ayawilca Project PEA; the political environment in which the Company operates continuing to support the development and operation of mining projects; risks related to negative publicity with respect to the Company or the mining industry in general; delays in obtaining or failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals from local authorities; community agreements and relations; and, other development and operating risks. Should any one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein. Although Tinka believes that assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Tinka disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release

SOURCE: Tinka Resources Ltd.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
SOUTHINGTON, CT / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Topper Cigar proudly announces the launch of its latest product, the Topper 1894 cigar line, commemorating 130 years of excellence and heritage as Topper Cigar is revealed as the oldest family-owned cigar company in the United States.

Topper 1894 Product Line

Rooted in the recent discovery of historical documents by Chris Topper, the fourth-generation steward of this iconic American cigar brand, it has been revealed that the company's inception traces back to the year 1894. This finding establishes Topper Cigar as the longest-standing family-owned cigar company in America. To honor this legacy and mark the company's 130th anniversary, Topper Cigar is launching a new line: Topper 1894.

"I was thrilled to discover a letter penned by my great-grandfather," said Chris Topper, President of Topper Cigar. "Dated 1921 and featuring a vintage Topper Cigar logo, this letter unveiled a richer narrative for our brand and positions Topper Cigar as the oldest family-owned and operated cigar company in the country. In light of this historical revelation, it was only fitting to develop a new line of cigars that honors my family's legacy and delivers a new product that appeals to today's cigar smokers."

The Topper 1894 cigar line embodies the essence of tradition and craftsmanship that defines Topper Cigar. Meticulously handcrafted, each cigar is a testament to the brand's enduring and uncompromising commitment to quality. This new offering is comprised of Habano seed tobacco grown in the U.S., and U.S. seed tobacco grown in the Dominican Republic.

For further details on Topper Cigar and the new Topper 1894 line, please contact Topper Cigar at [email protected] or 800-966-8677. Stay connected with Topper Cigar on Facebook and Instagram to receive the latest updates from the brand.

Contact Information:

Chris Topper

[email protected]

800-966-8677

Related Images

Topper 1894 Product Line Topper 1894 Label

SOURCE: Topper Cigar Company, Inc.

View the original press release on newswire.com.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Verisante Technology, Inc. (TSXV:VER.H) (the "Company") is pleased to announce it has agreed to convert certain payables owed to Creditors into common shares in the capital of the Company (the "Settlement Shares"). The Company is proposing to issue the Settlement Shares in order to preserve cash to fund future operations.

The Company has agreed to issue of 1,200,000 Settlement Shares at a deemed issuance price of $0.01 per Settlement Share valued at $12,000.00 in full and final satisfaction of $12,000.00 in payables owing to the current CFO for accrued management fees of six months since October 1, 2023. Upon issuance of the Settlement Shares, the total accrued salary debt will be definitively extinguished.

The Company has also agreed to issue a further 4,400,000 Settlement Shares at a deemed issuance price of $0.01 per Settlement Share valued at $44,000.00 in full and final satisfaction of $44,000.00 in payables owing to the current CEO for accrued management fees in the amount of $30,000.00 and accrued expenses paid on behalf of the Company in the amount of $14,000.00. Upon issuance of the Settlement Shares, the total accrued debt will be definitively extinguished.

In total, the Company has agreed to settle $56,000.00 of payables in exchange for 5,600,000 Settlement Shares.

The proposed Settlement Shares are being issued to officers of the Company. Pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), the settlement of the Debt will constitute a "related party transaction" as such officers are considered a related party to the Company. The Company is entitled to rely on section 5.7 exemptions from the meeting requirement in section 5.6. because the non-cash consideration transactions which are for accrued management fees and expenses are exempt under section 5.7(1)(a) as they amount to less than 25% of the outstanding capital of the Company. The price per Settlement Share is the current Market Price as defined in TSX Venture Exchange Policy 1.1.

The Settlement Shares will be issued in reliance upon certain prospectus exemptions available under Canadian securities legislation and will be subject to a four month and one day hold period from the date of issuance.

Conversion of the Debt and issuance of the Settlement Shares is subject to approval of a majority of disinterested directors and to the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. There is no guarantee that such conditions precedent will be satisfied or that any of the transactions will be completed as described herein or at all.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Company Contact:

Thomas Braun, President & CEO

Verisante Technology, Inc.

Telephone: (604) 716-5133

Email: [email protected]

Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release may contain forward-looking statements all of which are subject to market risks, and the possibility that the Company will not be able to achieve all of its stated goals. These statements are made based upon current expectations and actual results may differ from those projected due to a number of risks and uncertainties.

SOURCE: Verisante Technology, Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
$500,000 philanthropic commitment made to Austin-based nonprofit to build winning 3D-printed designs in underserved community

AUSTIN, TX / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Wells Fargo is joining forces with construction technology pioneer, ICON, to support its global architecture competition for affordable housing. The Wells Fargo Foundation is committing $500,000 in grant funding to Austin-based nonprofit Mobile Loaves & Fishes to help bring to life Initiative 99-designed homes and see multiple homes built at Community First! Village to serve the underhoused community. Announced during ICON's showcase event at SXSW 2024, DOMUS EX MACHINA, ICON and Wells Fargo revealed the Initiative 99"winning designs from phase I of the competition to reimagine affordable housing solutions for $99,000 or less. Upon completion of Phase II of the competition, ICON and Mobile Loaves & Fishes will select one winning design for ICON to deliver multiple units within Community First! Village's expansion of their growing development.

"The demand for more affordable, accessible and well-designed homes has never been greater, and Wells Fargo is committed to unlocking new ways of accelerating housing production while also reducing barriers to housing equity," said Darlene Goins, president of the Wells Fargo Foundation. "ICON's innovative 3D-printed technology paired with these beautiful, imaginative Initiative 99 designs represent a potential model for the future of affordable housing. Wells Fargo is proud to help make these homes a reality."

"With Initiative 99, we are changing the way that we talk about affordable housing," said Jason Ballard, co-founder and CEO, ICON. "When we talk about affordable housing, the conversation is often depressing and so are the results. Our goal is that Initiative 99 will create the conditions for affordable housing to be something hopeful, optimistic, and exciting, and furthermore be a catalyst for the building of some really incredible affordable homes that just years ago would not have even been possible. The future could be a wonder, but we have to all work together to make it so."

According to ICON, the vision of a home with construction costs for $99,000 or less has inspired and motivated city planners, developers, government officials, and nonprofit organizations for decades. And yet clear barriers subsist for realizing a truly affordable housing prototype at scale within communities that need them most. The current approach to homebuilding and addressing the global housing crisis is not working as more than 1.2 billion globally lack adequate shelter.

"We are grateful for this extraordinary gift from Wells Fargo which will enable us to continue building some of the most innovative homes for the population we serve-men and women who are transitioning out of chronic homelessness," said Alan Graham, founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves & Fishes, the developer of Community First! Village. "Vulnerable individuals typically aren't at the top of the list to access leading-edge anything in our country. But now, because of the innovation and generosity from groups like ICON and Wells Fargo, you have individuals once pushed to the fringe of society who have an opportunity to live in some of the most unique homes ever built. Put simply, this is what 'being the goodness in our community' is all about."

Initiative 99 Phase I competition winners

More than 60 countries from all over the world were represented in the Initiative 99 submissions with six winners and 10 honorable mentions being awarded prize money from the $1 million prize purse during the event and presented by Wells Fargo, lead supporter of the competition. The wide range of winning designs feature resilient, beautiful and dignified 3D-printed homes from student and professional architects from all over the world. The first, second, and third place designs in each category will each have their home designs featured in a collection in ICON's CODEX, a new digital catalog of ready-to-print home architecture that allows builders, developers, and home buyers to build with ICON quickly and affordably using world-class architecture. To learn more about the winning designs, visit www.Initiative99.com.

Student category

1st prize: Casa Fami (Spain)

2nd prize: Juan Felipe Molano (Columbia)

3rd prize: Victoria Roznowski (Germany)

Open category

1st prize: MTspace Studio (New Zealand)

2nd prize: For Everyday Life (United Kingdom)

3rd prize: Beta Realities (Germany)

About ICON

ICON is a construction technology company developing robotic and AI systems to lower the cost and increase the speed and quality of construction. For more information visit www.iconbuild.com or follow on X", Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or Threads (@ICON3DTech).

About Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a leading financial services company that has approximately $1.9 trillion in assets. We provide a diversified set of banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through our four reportable operating segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth & Investment Management. Wells Fargo ranked No. 47 on Fortune's 2023 rankings of America's largest corporations. In the communities we serve, the company focuses its social impact on building a sustainable, inclusive future for all by supporting housing affordability, small business growth, financial health, and a low-carbon economy. News, insights, and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories.

Additional information may be found at www.wellsfargo.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wellsfargo

Contact Information

Media

ICON

[email protected]

Wells Fargo

[email protected]

During SXSW 2024, ICON and Wells Fargo revealed the Initiative 99"winning designs from phase I of ICON's competition to design affordable homes that could be built for $99,000 or less with ICON's 3D-printed construction technology. A look at one of six winning home designs, pictured in a rendering by Juan Felipe Molano of Columbia. Photo: ICON

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Wells Fargo on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Wells Fargo

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/wells-fargo

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE: Wells Fargo

View the original press release on accesswire.com
-- Preclinical data demonstrate potent antitumor activity of ETX-19477 and support advancing into clinical trials in multiple solid tumors --

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- 858 Therapeutics today announced an upcoming poster presentation at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2024, taking place April 5-10 in San Diego, California. The presentation will describe the preclinical characterization of ETX-19477, including potent antitumor activity in multiple animal models.

Presentation Details for AACR 2024

Abstract Number: 2083

Title: Discovery of ETX-19477, a novel and selective PARG inhibitor with high potency against tumors with underlying replication stress

Session Title: Novel Targets and Pathways

Session Date and Time: April 8, 2024, 9:00 AM  12:30 PM (PDT)

About ETX-19477

The companys lead asset, ETX-19477, is a novel and potent small molecule inhibitor of PARG, a glycohydrolase that plays a pivotal role in the regulation of DNA repair mechanisms and cooperates with PARP to carry out the single-strand break repair cycle. Pharmacological inhibition of PARG results in hyperPARylation, which leads to the death of cancer cells undergoing replication stress. In multiple animal models, ETX-19477 shows potent tumor growth inhibition, and its efficacy is associated with specific biomarker-defined tumors. A Phase I clinical trial is expected to start in the first half of 2024 in patients with advanced solid tumors at multiple sites in the U.S.

About 858 Therapeutics

858 Therapeutics is a biotechnology and drug discovery company developing a portfolio of small molecule therapeutics directed against novel oncology targets. Its lead programs focus on important nodes in cancer biology, including DNA damage repair, innate immunity, and RNA epigenetics, and expand upon insights from over 20 years of work by the founders at predecessor companies. 858 Therapeutics is funded by leading biotechnology investors, including Versant Ventures, NEA, Cormorant Asset Management, and Logos Capital. 858 is headquartered in the biotech hub of San Diego, CA. For more information, please visit www.8five8tx.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314459077/en/

Steve Edelson

[email protected]

415-801-8088

Source: 858 Therapeutics
Validation of CER-001 development in ophthalmology

Key milestone to launch clinical study in a new severe indication

TOULOUSE, France & LAKELAND, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News:

ABIONYX Pharma, (FR0012616852 - ABNX - PEA PME eligible) (Paris: ABNX), a new generation biotech company dedicated to the discovery and development of innovative therapies based on the worlds only natural recombinant apoA-I, announces a nearly 1 million innovation grant from Bpifrance. The aim of this grant is to support the development of drug candidate CER-001 in the treatment of a severe indication in ophthalmology.

This grant will help finance studies on the CER-001 drug candidate. Payment will be made in two instalments, once development has begun and ABIONYX Pharma has made the corresponding investment in its 100% ophthalmology subsidiary, Apogeye Pharma. The grant will be repayable at 0% on condition of success, from the last quarter of 2026 to the first quarter of 2031.

The ophthalmic preclinical studies carried out to date have been promising, demonstrating a suitable pharmacokinetic profile and convincing pharmacological results. The data support the launch of a program in a severe ophthalmology indication with a new innovative mechanism of action. ABIONYX Pharma would like to thank Bpifrance for its long-standing support and confidence in the Company's development of the world's only recombinant apoA-I.

About ABIONYX Pharma

ABIONYX Pharma is a new generation biotech company that aims to contribute to health through innovative therapies in indications where there is no effective or existing treatment, even the rarest ones. Thanks to its partners in research, medicine, its bioproduct suppliers and its shareholders, the Company innovates on a daily basis to propose drugs for the treatment of renal and ophthalmological diseases, or new HDL vectors used for targeted drug delivery.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314019012/en/

NewCap

Investor relations

Louis-Victor Delouvrier

Nicolas Fossiez

[email protected]

+33 (0)1 44 71 98 53

NewCap

Media relations

Arthur Rouille

[email protected]

+33 (0)1 44 71 94 98

Source: ABIONYX Pharma
Many foreigners, when participating in traffic in Vietnam, also become careless in a manner akin to "when in Rome, do as the Romans do."

I would like to share a story about a Westerner in traffic:

I was driving from Truong Chinh Street to Che Lan Vien Street in Hanoi, slowly, having turned on the indicator lights carefully in advance. When two-thirds of my car had already entered Che Lan Vien street, this Western guy on a motorcycle still cut me off to keep riding straight on Truong Chinh street.

Although our vehicles did not collide, the Western guy still fell to the ground. I stopped the car to help him stand up. At that moment, he apologized to me profusely. After talking for a while the Westerner said frankly that upon arriving in Vietnam, he was told by everyone that this is how one must drive to get around in the country.

Drivers from Vietnam, when driving abroad, adhere strictly to the law and have as much traffic etiquette as foreigners. But once they return to Vietnam, they become reckless. Similarly, Westerners, who are law-abiding abroad, do not act any differently from the locals when they are in Vietnam.

I think the majority of Vietnamese drivers still have low awareness of best traffic practices. Having experienced life in both urban and rural areas, I personally notice a reality about traffic: in cities, specifically Hanoi and HCMC, the behaviors of drivers cutting off each other, filling in gaps, driving on the sidewalks and running past red lights have deeply been ingrained in the subconsciousness of many people. However, in rural areas, though roads may be less busy, one must be very careful when passing through alleys as motorcycles and even cars can emerge suddenly and cross the road at any time.
SINGAPORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of a- (Excellent) of Fidelity Life Assurance Company Limited (Fidelity Life Assurance) (New Zealand). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect Fidelity Life Assurances balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

Fidelity Life Assurances balance sheet strength assessment is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, which is at the strongest level as of fiscal year-end (30 June) 2023, as measured by Bests Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). The company has a robust capital management strategy that supports a solid regulatory solvency position, as well as the maintenance of risk-adjusted capitalisation at the strongest level over the medium term. AM Best also views Fidelity Life Assurance as having good financial flexibility, supported by its two largest shareholders, NZ Superannuation Fund and Ngai Tahu Holdings Corporation Limited. A partially offsetting balance sheet strength factor is Fidelity Life Assurances high reliance on third-party reinsurance.

AM Best assesses Fidelity Life Assurances operating performance as adequate, with a five-year average return-on-equity ratio of 1.0% (fiscal years 2019-2023). Over the past two fiscal years, operating earnings were dampened due to elevated integration and transaction costs associated with the acquisition of Westpac Life-NZ- Limited (subsequently renamed to Fidelity Insurance Limited [Fidelity Insurance]). However, AM Best expects operating performance metrics to improve prospectively, supported by scale efficiencies arising from the groups increased operational size, as well as enhanced technological capabilities.

Fidelity Life Assurance ranks among the largest life insurance companies in New Zealand, recording significant premium growth following the acquisition of Fidelity Insurance in fiscal year 2022. The companys product offerings include term life, disability income, trauma and total permanent disability insurance, with a legacy portfolio of investment-linked and traditional participating policies. The insurance policies are distributed predominantly through financial advisers and Westpac New Zealand Limiteds banking network, with an exclusive 15-year distribution arrangement with the bank.

Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Bests website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Bests Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Bests Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Bests Credit Ratings, Bests Performance Assessments, Bests Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Bests Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright  2024 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314106913/en/

Yi Ding

Senior Financial Analyst

+65 6305 5021

[email protected]



Victoria Ohorodnyk

Director, Head of Analytics

+65 6303 5020

[email protected]



Christopher Sharkey

Associate Director, Public Relations

+1 908 882 2310

[email protected]



Al Slavin

Senior Public Relations Specialist

+1 908 882 2318

[email protected]

Source: AM Best
MEXICO CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AM Best has assigned a Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good) and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of bbb (Good) of Mozart Insurance, Ltd. (Mozart) (Bermuda). The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect Mozarts balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM).

The stable outlooks reflect Mozarts ability to report profitable results, allowing its capital base to strengthen over time.

Mozart was incorporated in Bermuda on July 12, 2019, and registered as a Class 3A insurer on Sept. 26, 2019.

Mozart is owned by Newport International Limited, also incorporated and registered in Bermuda. Mozart assumes risks from Compania Mundial De Seguros S.A. (Mundial), an insurance company based in Colombia, through retrocession agreements with Mundials reinsurers. Retrocession programs include proportional coverages under quota share arrangements provided to the auto line of business (thirdparty liability and motor comprehensive insurance), lease tenant renting insurance for direct business on rent guarantees, leases of real estate spaces for residential and commercial buildings and personal accidents, which covers accidental death, disability and medical costs for drivers and occupants of public service vehicles. The scale of the operation, coupled with the geographic concentration in a single country, are factors that limit Mozarts business profile.

Mozarts risk-adjusted capitalization stands at the strongest level, as measured by Bests Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). Mozarts capital base has been strengthened over the years through the reinvestment of earnings; however, dividend payments have limited its growth. The very strong assessment of Mozarts balance sheet strength recognizes the companys adequately matched obligations and risk appetite.

The adequate assessment of Mozart operating performance reflects the companys ability to generate profitable results despite its recent creation. Mozart is susceptible to foreign exchange volatility due to the conversion of Colombian pesos, the currency in which all businesses are written, to U.S. dollars, the reporting currency of Mozart in Bermuda. As of September 2023, the company reported a positive bottom-line result of USD 2.8 million, driven by premium sufficiency along with investment income. AM Best considers Mozarts ERM to be appropriate, as it is well-integrated into its operations; risk appetite and tolerance are well-defined.

Positive rating actions could take place if Mozart is able to strengthen its capital base over time while maintaining the strongest level of risk-adjusted capitalization through the consistent retaining of earnings. Negative rating actions could occur should the companys capital base erode, driven by a deterioration in operating performance or significant cash withdrawals.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Bests website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Bests Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Bests Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Bests Credit Ratings, Bests Performance Assessments, Bests Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Bests Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright  2024 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314155108/en/

Inger Rodriguez

Financial Analyst

+52 55 9085 6353

[email protected]

Alfonso Novelo

Senior Director, Analytics

+52 55 9085 7501

[email protected]

Christopher Sharkey

Associate Director, Public Relations

+1 908 882 2310

[email protected]

Al Slavin

Senior Public Relations Specialist

+1 908 882 2318

[email protected]

Source: AM Best
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Borghese, the iconic skin care brand best known for pioneering the mask category, is proud to announce the appointment of Dawn Hilarczyk as Chief Operating Officer (COO). She brings a successful record in transforming and propelling direct-to-consumer brands forward through strong leadership, a focus on product quality, and global expansion.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314602588/en/

Dawn Hilarczyk (Photo: Business Wire)

We are very pleased to appoint Dawn to the newly created role of COO, said Steve Pfeiffer, CEO of Borghese Group. Ours is an iconic brand that was founded by Princess Marcella Borghese, is steeped in Italian heritage, and offers legendary and effective products. Having Dawn join and lead our organization leaves us positioned to meet our aggressive growth plans.

Dawn joins Borghese with more than twenty-five years of sales, strategic development, and digital experience. Most recently, Dawn was a Co-Creator and Head of Global Sales, E-Commerce, and Business Development at Noble Panacea where she led the development and launch of the brand as well as its expansion into fifteen countries and six distribution channels. Prior to her tenure at Noble Panacea, Dawn held key leadership roles at Revive Skincare, Dermatologic Cosmetic Laboratories, La Prairie Cosmetics., Shiseido, and Estee Lauder Inc. She has also served on the boards of Joey Professional Skincare, Anthony Spa & Resorts, AndiGrace.com, and non-profit Thoughtful Threads of The Heart. Dawn has been recognized for outstanding leadership and business development, including receiving Executive of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Game Changer of the Year, and Most Innovative.

I am excited to take on the role of COO and eager to rejuvenate Borghese into its former beauty powerhouse status. Our brand is rooted in Italian heritage, quality, and legacy, said Dawn Hilarczyk. We are poised to expand our community and share the allure of this beautiful brand with the world.

About Borghese

Founded in 1957 by Princess Marcella Borghese who drew inspiration from Tuscan spa retreats, she began what has become the preeminent Italian-inspired beauty brand. Borghese products are carefully crafted with rich botanicals coupled with modern-day science to deliver preventative skin care solutions and me time that fits with any lifestyle. For more information visit Borghese.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314602588/en/

Liz Rodger, [email protected], 212-243-1431

Source: Borghese
SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Chegg, Inc. (NYSE: CHGG), the leading student-first connected learning platform, today announced that on March 12, 2024, its Compensation Committee granted equity awards pursuant to the Chegg 2023 Equity Inducement Plan. Twenty-one newly hired employees received, in the aggregate, awards of restricted stock units (RSUs) representing 80,771 shares of Chegg common stock, in reliance on the employment inducement award exception to New York Stock Exchange Listing Rule 303A.08. The RSUs will vest with respect to the first 33 1/3% of the shares underlying each award after 12 months of each respective employees continuous service, and the remaining underlying shares will vest in equal quarterly installments for 24 months, after the completion of each full quarter of continuous service thereafter.

About Chegg

Millions of people all around the world learn with Chegg. No matter the goal, level, or style, Chegg helps learners learn with confidence. We provide 24/7 on-demand support, and our personalized learning assistant leverages the power of artificial intelligence, more than a hundred million pieces of proprietary content, as well as a decade of learning insights. Our platform also helps learners build essential life and job skills to accelerate their path from learning to earning, and we work with companies to offer learning programs for their employees. Chegg is a publicly held company based in Santa Clara, California and trades on the NYSE under the symbol CHGG. For more information, visit www.chegg.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314486586/en/

Heather Hatlo Porter, [email protected]

Source: Chegg
New CircleCI releases provides developers with end-to-end visibility of deployments to support faster innovation at scale

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CircleCI, the leading continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) platform, today unveiled CircleCI releases, which enables developers to automate the release orchestration process directly from the CircleCI UI. With current support for Kubernetes and Amazon SageMaker, developers now have end-to-end visibility of their deployments in production and access to rollback commands (e.g., restore version, scale component, and restart component) for seamless release management. CircleCI releases makes deploying code less risky, user-focused, and more accessible for developers to ship faster with confidence.

Today, developers operate in increasingly complex tech stacks yet are under pressure to move quickly without compromising software quality. As a result, elite engineering teams are incorporating agile development practices like progressive delivery and canary releases, which provide the guardrails necessary for risk-free deployments via the ability to target, segment, and roll back releases. CircleCI releases enables software teams to automate the progressive delivery process with support for Argo Rollouts, giving developers complete control over their releases. Future support for blue-green deployments is slated for later in 2024. By automating CI/CD pipelines directly into the release orchestration process, software teams dramatically reduce mean-time-to-recovery (MTTR), giving them the confidence to resolve issues should releases go awry with little to no impact on their customers.

Key features and benefits of CircleCI releases include:

Change validation: Developers can validate the entire change from build to production.

Developers can validate the entire change from build to production. User-focused releases and minimized risk: Developers can connect their CI/CD pipeline directly to the customer experience to make releases user-focused, risk-free, and rollback-friendly.

Developers can connect their CI/CD pipeline directly to the customer experience to make releases user-focused, risk-free, and rollback-friendly. Increased code confidence: With automated release orchestration, teams will definitively know that their code is working as intended.

With automated release orchestration, teams will definitively know that their code is working as intended. Automated rollbacks: Manual rollbacks take 45 minutes to an hour. Automated rollbacks make the delivery process fast, efficient, and streamlined.

Manual rollbacks take 45 minutes to an hour. Automated rollbacks make the delivery process fast, efficient, and streamlined. Real-time service validation: Developers can safely release code to a controlled subset of real users in a live production environment to get immediate feedback on how code performs. Flexible subsets include internal testers, beta customers, or an external low-risk customer group of choice.

Developers can safely release code to a controlled subset of real users in a live production environment to get immediate feedback on how code performs. Flexible subsets include internal testers, beta customers, or an external low-risk customer group of choice. Performance degradation prevention: Automate your release conditions and best practices into a release policy to act as guardrails. By automating software validation in production and rolling back releases when necessary, developers, operators, and customers are protected from performance degradation.

If you look at every other deploy and release vendor on the market, theyre built to service centralized release and operations teams who want tighter control over deploys, said Rob Zuber, CTO of CircleCI. But this doesnt reflect the reality of elite software teams who depend on developers to drive and deliver fast innovation. Our approach to CircleCI releases provides a developer-centric workflow that enables them to ship faster and monitor new features in production coupled with the safety net of quickly rolling back releases if something goes wrong.

CircleCI releases is now available to all CircleCI users. To learn more or chat about how CircleCI can empower your team to deliver innovation faster, visit one of our experts at KubeCon EU, booth M16 from March 19-21, 2024. Get started using CircleCI releases today.

About CircleCI

CircleCI is a leading continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) platform, enabling more than two million global users on elite engineering teams like Okta, Hinge, and Hugging Face to rapidly build, test, deploy, and monitor software they can trust. Through powerful pipeline automation, CircleCI manages limitless complexity at scale through unmatched flexibility and reliability, reducing the time from build to delivery by 3x the industry average. For more information about CircleCI, visit www.circleci.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314509917/en/

Harrison Davis, Senior Manager, Public Relations at CircleCI

[email protected]

Source: CircleCI
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Board of Directors (the Board) of Columbia Seligman Premium Technology Growth Fund, Inc. (the Fund) (NYSE: STK) today announced that the Funds 14th Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held on June 25, 2024 (the Meeting) in Minneapolis, MN. The close of business on April 16, 2024 has been fixed by the Funds Board as the record date for the determination of Stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof.

At the Meeting, Stockholders will be asked to elect one director, Mr. David M. Moffett, to the Board, to hold office until the 2027 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and to re-elect three other directors, Mses. Kathleen Blatz and Pamela G. Carlton and Mr. George S. Batejan, to the Board, each to hold office until the 2027 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and all until their successors are elected and qualify; to consider the ratification of the Boards selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Funds independent registered public accounting firm for the 2024 fiscal year; and to consider such other matters as may properly come before the Meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof. This and other information relating to the Meeting, including additional details of the Meeting time and how to access the Meeting, will be described in a notice of meeting and proxy statement that the Fund intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Fund is managed by Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. You can obtain the Funds most recent periodic reports and other regulatory filings by contacting your financial advisor or visiting columbiathreadneedleus.com. These reports and other filings can also be found on the Securities and Exchange Commissions EDGAR Database. You should read these reports and other filings carefully before investing.

Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.

 2024 Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC. All rights reserved.

Adtrax CTNA6461366.1-RUSH

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314280976/en/

Stockholder contact:

Kevin Howley

617-385-9517

[email protected]

Media contact:

Meghan Shields

617-451-0739

[email protected]

Source: Columbia Threadneedle Investments
FAIRBANKS, Alaska--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Contango ORE, Inc. (Contango or the Company) (NYSE American: CTGO) announced today it filed its Form 10-KT for the transition period ended December 31, 2023, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

On November 14, 2023, the Companys board of directors approved a change in the Companys fiscal year end from June 30th to December 31st, effective as of December 31, 2023. This decision was made to better align the Companys reporting period with the Companys 30% equity investment in Peak Gold LLC (the Peak Gold JV) and Contangos peer companies. As a result, this Form 10-KT is a transition report and includes financial information for the transition period from July 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023. In this transition report on Form 10-KT, we include financial results for the six months ended December 31, 2023, which are audited, compared to the financial results for the six months ended December 31, 2022, which are unaudited.

The Company reported a net loss of $40.8 million or a loss of $4.44 per basic and diluted share for the six-month period ended December 31, 2023, which includes a non-cash expense of $23.4 million related to a loss on mark-to-market derivative contracts that are calculated based on a forward gold price compared to the contracted hedge price. This compares to a net loss of $21.4 million or a loss of $3.15 per basic and diluted share for the six-month period ended December 31, 2022 (unaudited), which included non-cash costs totaling $2.0 million primarily related to share-based compensation expense. The primary reason for the increase in net loss in the 2023 period is due to the Company entering into derivative gold hedging contracts with its lenders in the 2023 period, resulting in an unrealized loss on derivative contracts in the amount of $23.4 million. Additionally, the Company incurred increased interest costs related to the funds drawn down on its secured credit facility in the 2023 period, as well as increased general and administrative costs related to increased retention and severance payments and insurance costs. These were offset by a reduction in exploration expenses at the Lucky Shot project and a reduction in the loss on the Peak Gold JV, which relates to pre-production costs for development and construction at Peak Gold JVs Manh Choh project that is operated by Kinross Gold Corporation (Kinross).

During the six-month period ended December 31, 2023, the Company completed the following:

All closing conditions related to a Credit and Guaranty Agreement with ING Capital LLC and Macquarie Bank Limited for a senior secured loan facility of up to $70 million, of which $65 million is committed subject to certain conditions, to fund the Companys portion of the pre-production construction and working capital/operating expenditures for the Manh Choh project;

Investment of $34.4 million in the Peak Gold JV for expenditures at the Manh Choh project. The Manh Choh project celebrated the commencement of mining operations with a ground-breaking ceremony on August 29, 2023. Construction to date remains on schedule and on budget, with initial production anticipated in the second half of 2024; and

An underwritten public offering for gross proceeds of $30.4 million on July 26, 2023.

Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse, the Companys President and CEO, commented, At the Manh Choh project, construction is essentially completed, on budget and on schedule for initial production in the second half of 2024. Mining activities are well underway, including the commencement of ore mining and stockpiling. Transportation of ore to Fort Knox, where it will be processed, has commenced and will gradually increase throughout the first half of the year. Modifications to the Fort Knox mill continue to progress on schedule and on budget. Construction of the conveyors and associated buildings are planned for the first quarter of 2024, along with interior piping and mechanical installations. The commissioning and operational readiness team for Kinross is in place and preparing for pre-commissioning activities following the mechanical completion of each area. I am extremely pleased with the progress to date and will continue to provide updates on milestones as we approach commencement of production.

ABOUT CONTANGO

Contango is a NYSE American listed company that engages in exploration for gold and associated minerals in Alaska. Contango holds a 30% interest in the Peak Gold JV, which leases approximately 675,000 acres of land for exploration and development on the Manh Choh project, with the remaining 70% owned by an indirect subsidiary of Kinross, operator of the Peak Gold JV. The Company also has a lease on the Lucky Shot project from the underlying owner, Alaska Hardrock Inc. and through its subsidiary has 100% ownership of approximately 8,600 acres of peripheral State of Alaska mining claims. Contango also owns a 100% interest in an additional approximately 145,000 acres of State of Alaska mining claims through its wholly owned subsidiary, which gives Contango the exclusive right to explore and develop minerals on these lands. Additional information can be found on our web page at www.contangoore.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Contango that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, based on Contangos current expectations and includes statements regarding future results of operations, quality and nature of the asset base, the assumptions upon which estimates are based and other expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, strategies or statements about future events or performance (often, but not always, using words such as expects, projects, anticipates, plans, estimates, potential, possible, probable, or intends, or stating that certain actions, events or results may, will, should, or could be taken, occur or be achieved). Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those, reflected in the statements. These risks include, but are not limited to: the risks of the exploration and the mining industry (for example, operational risks in exploring for, developing mineral reserves; risks and uncertainties involving geology; the speculative nature of the mining industry; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to future production, costs and expenses; the volatility of natural resources prices, including prices of gold and associated minerals; the existence and extent of commercially exploitable minerals in properties acquired by Contango or the Peak Gold JV; ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the Peak Gold JV; potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; the interpretation of exploration results and the estimation of mineral resources; the loss of key employees or consultants; health, safety and environmental risks and risks related to weather and other natural disasters); uncertainties as to the availability and cost of financing; Contangos inability to retain or maintain its relative ownership interest in the Peak Gold JV; inability to realize expected value from acquisitions; inability of our management team to execute its plans to meet its goals; the extent of disruptions caused by an outbreak of disease, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; and the possibility that government policies may change, political developments may occur or governmental approvals may be delayed or withheld, including as a result of presidential and congressional elections in the U.S. or the inability to obtain mining permits. Additional information on these and other factors which could affect Contangos exploration program or financial results are included in Contangos other reports on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from the projections in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management at the time the statements are made. Contango does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances or managements estimates or opinions change.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314343390/en/

Contango ORE, Inc.

Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse

(907) 888-4273

www.contangoore.com

Source: Contango ORE, Inc.
- With U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alignment on multisite, multinational Phase 3 program design Company expects to commence Phase 3 program around mid-year 2024 -

- 15 U.S. clinical trials sites targeted; European sites to be added -

- Robust and sustained improvement in depression symptoms with CYB003 at four months with 75% of patients in remission from depression after two doses (16mg) -

- Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) for CYB003 provides an expedited review pathway and increased engagement with the FDA -

This news release constitutes a designated news release for the purposes of Cybins prospectus supplements each dated August 23, 2023, to its short form base shelf prospectus dated August 17, 2023, as amended December 22, 2023.

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Cybin Inc. (NYSE American: CYBN) (Cboe CA: CYBN) (Cybin or the Company), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to revolutionizing mental healthcare by developing new and innovative next-generation psychedelic-based treatment options, today announced a positive End-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA for CYB003, its deuterated psilocybin analog for the adjunctive treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

This program will be the first ever adjunctive Phase 3 deuterated psilocybin analog depression study globally and follows the successful completion of the Companys Phase 2 study in MDD completed at the end of 2023. The Company has received minutes from its End-of-Phase-2 meeting with the FDA and reached alignment on its Phase 3 program design. The Company intends to commence enrollment for the multinational, multisite Phase 3 program in mid-year 2024. Fifteen U.S. study sites have been targeted, all of which have experience running psychedelic clinical trials and are DEA Schedule I licensed. The preliminary targeting of specific study sites will serve to expedite site initiation. The Company intends to add approximately 8 additional sites in Europe.

The Company has engaged Worldwide Clinical Trials (Worldwide), a global, full-service contract research organization with deep expertise managing clinical trials for mental health conditions, including major depressive disorder. Worldwide has a track record of successful patient recruitment for psychedelic trials and global relationships with best-in-class investigative sites. Worldwide has recent experience managing psychedelic studies in psychiatric populations, including clinical trials conducted in the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, and other European countries, across a range of psychedelic compounds and treatment models.

We are very pleased with the results of our End-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA and appreciate the agencys thoroughness and guidance during the process. Having aligned on key features of the pivotal program, we look forward to initiating a multisite, multinational Phase 3 program around mid-year, said Doug Drysdale, Chief Executive Officer of Cybin. The strength of CYB003s clinical profile to date, which showed that at four months after dosing, across the two doses, 60% of patients receiving 12mg and 75% of patients receiving 16mg of CYB003 achieved remission from depression symptoms. With positive durability data demonstrating sustained effects up to at least four months, BTD, and alignment with the FDA on our Phase 3 plan, we are positioned to move quickly to progress the program and bring relief and treatment alternatives to people who are desperately waiting, concluded Drysdale.

CYB003 Phase 3 Pivotal Program Outline

The Phase 3 pivotal program will comprise two adequate and well controlled studies and a long-term extension, designed as follows:

CYB003-002 (n=220): Fixed repeat dose study of 16mg CYB003, with two doses 3 weeks apart compared to two doses of placebo. The trial is designed to replicate the treatment response seen in the Companys Phase 2 study.

CYB003-003 (n=330): Three-arm fixed repeat dose study of CYB003 (16mg or 8mg), with two doses 3 weeks apart. Each active arm will be compared to two doses of placebo.

The primary endpoint of both studies is the change in MADRS total score from baseline at Week 6, with a secondary endpoint at Week 12, each compared to placebo.

Patients from each of these Phase 3 trials will enroll in a one-year extension study, during which time non-responders and relapsing patients will receive one full cycle of CYB003 16mg (two doses, three weeks apart).

Moderate to severe MDD patients enrolled in both studies (MADRS >/=24) will be on stable doses of background antidepressant medication, positioning CYB003 as a convenient, adjunctive treatment option.

CYB003-002 is anticipated to begin around mid-year 2024, with CYB003-003 anticipated to initiate a few months later. Each study is expected to run for approximately 18-24 months.

Patient recruitment for the Phase 3 program will include a broad MDD population including only patients that are currently on antidepressants. Importantly, patients will not be required to titrate off their background antidepressants which will reduce some of the inherent recruitment challenges seen in other depression studies.

Summary of Positive Four-Month Efficacy Data for CYB003

Robust and sustained improvements in symptoms of depression four months after two doses of 12mg or 16mg of CYB003: Mean reduction from baseline in the MADRS total score was approximately 22 points from baseline in both dosing cohorts. Approximately 75% of the patients were responders (>/= 50% improvement in MADRS scores) following two doses of 16mg. 60% of patients on 12mg and 75% on 16mg were in remission from depression following 2 doses (MADRS score = 10).



Safety and tolerability:

CYB003 was well tolerated with no drug-related serious adverse events.

All adverse events were mild or moderate in intensity.

No incidents of suicidal ideation or behavior.

No discontinuations due to adverse events.

Earlier this week, Cybin announced the granting of BTD for CYB003 by the FDA. If approved by the FDA, CYB003 would be the first known adjunctive psychedelic-based therapeutic for the treatment of MDD.

BTD provides an expedited review pathway, as well as increased access to FDA guidance on trial design, with the potential to reduce drug development timelines. It is reserved for drug candidates that target serious conditions and demonstrate substantial improvement on a clinically significant endpoint over available therapies. The designation includes all fast track program features, as well as more intensive FDA guidance and discussion of the CYB003 development program, including planned clinical trials and plans for expediting the manufacturing development strategy. CYB003 is eligible for Priority Review and Accelerated Approval.

The designation of CYB003 as a breakthrough therapy acknowledges the significant unmet medical need for more effective treatments of MDD and supports CYB003s potential for significant improvements over existing therapies.

About Cybin

Cybin is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company on a mission to create safe and effective psychedelic-based therapeutics to address the large unmet need for new and innovative treatment options for people who suffer from mental health conditions.

Cybins goal of revolutionizing mental healthcare is supported by a network of world-class partners and internationally recognized scientists aimed at progressing proprietary drug discovery platforms, innovative drug delivery systems, and novel formulation approaches and treatment regimens. The Company is currently developing CYB003, a proprietary deuterated psilocybin analog for the treatment of major depressive disorder and CYB004, a proprietary deuterated DMT molecule for generalized anxiety disorder and has a research pipeline of investigational psychedelic-based compounds.

Headquartered in Canada and founded in 2019, Cybin is operational in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Ireland. For company updates and to learn more about Cybin, visit www.cybin.com or follow the team on X, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.

Cautionary Notes and Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release relating to the Company are forward-looking statements and are prospective in nature. Forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as may, should, could, intend, estimate, plan, anticipate, expect, believe or continue, or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the Companys planned clinical trials and program strategy for CYB003; plans for additional European study sites; the potential for CYB003 to provide significant improvement over existing therapies; the advancement of CYB003 towards a Phase 3 trial in mid-2024; the potential reduction in drug development timelines afforded by BTD; and the Companys proprietary drug discovery platforms, innovative drug delivery systems, novel formulation approaches and treatment regimens for mental health disorders.

These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to materially differ from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: implications of the spread of COVID-19 on the Company's operations; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; expectations regarding the size of the psychedelics market; the ability of the Company to successfully achieve its business objectives; plans for growth; political, social and environmental uncertainties; employee relations; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions in the markets where the Company operates; and the risk factors set out in each of the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the three and nine month periods ended December 31, 2023, and the Companys annual information form for the year ended March 31, 2023, which are available under the Company's profile on www.sedarplus.ca and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

Cybin makes no medical, treatment or health benefit claims about Cybins proposed products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Health Canada or other similar regulatory authorities have not evaluated claims regarding psilocybin, psychedelic tryptamine, tryptamine derivatives or other psychedelic compounds. The efficacy of such products has not been confirmed by approved research. There is no assurance that the use of psilocybin, psychedelic tryptamine, tryptamine derivatives or other psychedelic compounds can diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. Rigorous scientific research and clinical trials are needed. Cybin has not conducted clinical trials for the use of its proposed products. Any references to quality, consistency, efficacy and safety of potential products do not imply that Cybin verified such in clinical trials or that Cybin will complete such trials. If Cybin cannot obtain the approvals or research necessary to commercialize its business, it may have a material adverse effect on Cybins performance and operations.

Neither the Cboe Canada nor the NYSE American LLC stock exchange have approved or disapproved the contents of this news release and are not responsible for the adequacy and accuracy of the contents herein.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314871002/en/

Investor & Media Contact:

Gabriel Fahel

Chief Legal Officer

Cybin Inc.

1-866-292-4601

[email protected]  or  [email protected]

Source: Cybin Inc.
Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States

QUEBEC CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Devonian Health Group Inc. (Devonian or the Corporation) (TSXV: GSD; OTCQB: DVHGF), a clinical stage botanical pharmaceutical corporation, focused on developing a unique portfolio of botanical pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical products, announced that it has closed its non-brokered previously announced private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of $223,800.00 (the Offering), effective March 13, 2024. The Offering consisted of the issuance of 1,492,000 units of the Corporation (the Units) at a price of $0.15 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one subordinate voting share of the Corporation (a Share) and one Share purchase warrant (a Warrant). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Share at an exercise price of $0.20 per Share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance thereof. The Offering follows the recent $2.16 million term loan term loan previously announced, for more details see the Corporations press release issued on February 26, 2024.

The proceeds of the Offering will mainly be used to finance working capital relating to the general and administrative expenses of the Corporation and will also be used to settle certain debts of the Corporation.

No finders fees were paid in connection with this Offering. The Shares and the Warrants issued pursuant to this Offering are subject to a restricted hold period of four months and one day, ending on July 14, 2024, under applicable Canadian securities laws. The Offering remains subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

This Offering is a complement to our recent refinancing and demonstrates the continued support of Devonians strategy by our shareholders said Luc Gregoire, President & CEO of the Corporation.

About Devonian

Devonian Health Group Inc. is a late-stage botanical pharmaceutical corporation with novel therapeutic approaches to targeting unmet medical needs. Devonian's core strategy is to develop prescription botanical drugs from plant materials and algae for the treatment of inflammatory-autoimmune diseases including but not limited to ulcerative colitis and atopic dermatitis. Based on a foundation of over 15 years of research, Devonians focus is further supported by a US-FDA set of regulatory guidelines favouring a more efficient drug development pathway for prescription botanical drug products over those of traditional prescription medicines.

Devonian is also involved in the development of high-value cosmeceutical products leveraging the same proprietary approach employed with their pharmaceutical offerings. Devonian Health Group Inc. was incorporated in 2015 and is headquartered in Quebec, Canada where it owns a state-of-the art extraction facility with full traceability from the seed to the pill. Acquired in 2018, Altius Healthcare Inc., its commercialization subsidiary, brings opportunities for further diversification and growth potential. Devonian is traded publicly on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV: GSD) and on OTCQB exchange (OTCQB: DVHGF).

For more information, visit www.groupedevonian.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release including, but not limited to those relating to the intended use of proceeds, the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange in connection with the Offering and generally, the above About Devonian paragraph, which essentially describes the Corporations outlook, constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements within the meaning of certain securities laws, and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the time of this press release.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Corporation as of the time of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. These estimates and assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can directly or indirectly affect, and could cause, actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that these assumptions will prove to be correct and 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.

By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks exist that estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved or that assumptions do not reflect future experience. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about managements expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as a number of important risk factors and future events could cause the actual outcomes to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates, assumptions and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those made in our other filings with the applicable securities regulators of Canada. The Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. "United States" and "U.S. person" are as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act.

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.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314752580/en/

Mr. Luc Gregoire

President and Chief Executive Officer

Devonian Health Group inc.

Telephone: (514) 248-7509

Email: [email protected]

Source: Devonian Health Group Inc.
Dr. Berry Will Lead Scientific and Research Efforts to Drive Innovation in Over-the-Counter Diagnostic Testing, With Focus on First In-Home Test for Syphilis, a National Epidemic

SPRINGDALE, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- NOWDiagnostics (NOWDx) today announced the appointment of Jody Douglas Berry, Ph.D. as chief scientific officer (CSO). Dr. Berry, a distinguished scientific leader with over two decades of experience in infectious diseases, brings a wealth of expertise in diagnostics and therapeutics to the role. He will guide the company's scientific, technological and research operations, which will enable NOWDx's next phase of growth.

A recognized international expert in immunoassay development, antibody technology, and infectious diseases, Dr. Berry has over two decades of commercial, government and academic experience. Dr. Berry earned international recognition for his contributions to immunoassay development, antibody technology, and protein design. Notably, he was the first to develop neutralizing antibodies to type SARS-CoV-1 and prove that the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-1 is the protective domain for the virus. He utilized this experience nearly two decades later to develop groundbreaking products to help in the fight against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).

"The prospect of reengaging in infectious diseases and spearheading lateral flow diagnostics at NOWDx is exciting. I am eager to collaborate with the team to develop innovative, highly sensitive, and cost-effective tests to combat some of the most challenging pathogens affecting humanity," said Dr. Berry. "I am also impressed by the strength of the NOWDx executive team top-notch diagnosticians with outstanding track records."

Dr. Berry previously served as CSO and senior vice president of product development and innovation at Aspira Women's Health, an AI-based gynecological diagnostic company. He was also the CSO of OraSure Technologies, where he worked on the breakthrough development and EUA approval of the first integrated swab antigen test for COVID-19 (InteliSwab) and the first 510(k) approved Oraquick Ebola rapid antigen detection device. Dr. Berry was pivotal in securing over $100 million in funding for OraSure from BARDA, leading to manufacturing expansion and DPA Title 2, which continues to dominate OraSure's revenue. Dr. Berry has held other held leadership roles at BD Biosciences, Cangene Corporation and the National Microbiology Laboratory of the Public Health Agency of Canada.

"We are at a pivotal time at NOWDx, following our recent submission of a De Novo application to the FDA for our over-the-counter in-home test for Syphilisa national epidemic. Dr. Berry brings a proven track record of innovation and scientific achievement in small and large Fortune 500 companies that will be invaluable as we continue forward," said Robert Weigle, CEO of NOWDx.

In response to the surging number of syphilis and congenital syphilis cases nationwide, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced earlier this year that it is taking action to slow the spread through the establishment of the National Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis Syndemic (NSCSS) Federal Task Force.

"I am very pleased Jody has joined our team. He adds phenomenal capabilities to our exceptionally talented group of scientists and engineers. I look forward to working alongside him as we build a company that will change healthcare as we know it," said Kevin Clark, co-founder of NOWDx.

About NOWDiagnostics (NOWDx)

NOWDx develops and manufactures "Touch to Test" over-the-counter and point of care diagnostic tests that yield results in minutes. Its patented approach allows for virtually any immunological assay to be accurately performed onsite in one step using a tiny amount of capillary blood or, in some cases, saliva. NOWDx envisions a world where people have greater access to in-home testing with in-home resultsin minutes. It is committed to changing healthcare by providing accessible, affordable, and accurate testing for all.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314266107/en/

Media Contact:

Juliet Babros

Health+Commerce

[email protected]

NOWDx Contact:

Todd Grice

[email protected]

717.380.9400

Source: NOWDiagnostics
During his 10 years as a tour guide, Vu Ngoc Son has become versed in showing around foreign "VIPs," who he says visit Vietnam looking for authentic local vibes.

Son's guest list includes Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's son and daughter; Craig Silliman, vice president of telecommunications company Verizon Global Services; Arne Jan Flolo, Norways ambassador in Myanmar; and Clive Alderton, private secretary to Britains King Charles III.

"I was nervous in the beginning," the tour guide at Focus Travel and In-Country Tours says.

"Imagine you are walking with special people together with their bodyguards; your heart keeps beating faster."

The 34-year-old says before each tour the company gives him information about the guests, including their names, job titles and nationalities, but never for VIPs; their identity is kept secret until the last minute.

All he could prepare was dressing up professionally and researching information about the economy, politics and culture of the country where the VIP guest was from.

He says: "I was picked up in a Mercedes S and taken to the airport to pick the VIP guests coming by a private jet. After that the company told me who they were."

Vu Ngoc Son is dressed up before picking VIP guests. Photo courtesy of Vu Ngoc Son

Because their trip is usually short, often just a day or two, VIP visitors normally tell him they want experience-related activities and to eat like a local.

Son says he was shocked to see how simply the Azerbaijani leader's children dressed when they got off the private jet in Hanoi in March last year.

"They dressed like real backpackers, walked around Hanoi and visited Ha Long for a few hours. They tried local foods and coffee, visited local markets and experienced a cyclo ride."

For their safety, they asked him not to bring them to crowded places, or places filled with many tourists.

"King Charles' Private Secretary [Sir Clive Alderton] even tried a sidewalk barber shop that cost only $2, and he felt happy," Son said of the monarch's visit last year.

Son's VIP guests have always been pleased with their stays in Vietnam, he added.

Arne Jan Flolo (L), Norways ambassador in Myanmar, poses for photos with Vu Ngoc Son outside the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi, December 2023. Photo courtesy of Vu Ngoc Son

"They said there were lot of vehicles and it's hard to cross the road, but they felt safe in Vietnam thanks to friendly locals."

"I am happy to have chance to guide these kinds of VIP guests, I get to learn a lot about them. But after these kinds of tours, I realize I need to improve myself," Son said.

Vietnam's popularity has risen on the global tourism map in recent years after a number of billionaires and celebrities visited the country.

Most recently, American billionaire Bill Gates and his girlfriend Paula Hurd left Da Nang on their private jet Thursday night, wrapping up their four-day holiday in the central beach city.

"I believe that more and more VIP guests will come to Vietnam," Son said.
Increases Annualized Dividend by 2%

Sets Record and Meeting Dates for 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Equity Residential (NYSE: EQR) today announced that its Board of Trustees declared quarterly dividends on the Companys common and preferred shares. A regular common share dividend for the first quarter of $0.675 per share will be paid on April 12, 2024 to shareholders of record on March 25, 2024. The annualized dividend of $2.70 per share is a 2% increase over the Companys 2023 common share dividend.

We are focused on creating long-term value for our shareholders and are pleased to increase our annual dividend as an important component of that value creation, said Mark J. Parrell, Equity Residentials President and CEO. This increase reflects the continued strong outlook for our business in the current year and beyond.

A quarterly dividend of $1.03625 per share will be paid on April 1, 2024 to shareholders of record on March 20, 2024 of the Companys Series K Preferred Shares.

2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

In addition, the Company declared that its Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. CT. Shareholders of record at the close of business on March 28, 2024 will be entitled to vote at the meeting.

About Equity Residential

Equity Residential is committed to creating communities where people thrive. The Company, a member of the S&P 500, is focused on the acquisition, development and management of residential properties located in and around dynamic cities that attract affluent long-term renters. Equity Residential owns or has investments in 302 properties consisting of 80,191 apartment units, with an established presence in Boston, New York, Washington, D.C., Seattle, San Francisco and Southern California, and an expanding presence in Denver, Atlanta, Dallas/Ft. Worth and Austin. For more information on Equity Residential, please visit our website at www.equityapartments.com

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Marty McKenna

(312) 928-1901, [email protected]

Source: Equity Residential
FBN Finance sees rapid adoption of flexible financing program in a high interest environment

CHICAGO & SAN CARLOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Farmers Business Network, Inc. (FBN), the global AgTech platform and farmer-to-farmer network, today announced its lending unit, FBN Finance, has surpassed $1 billion in operating lines, helping farmers gain affordable access to capital in a tough interest environment.

"We're proud that our farmer members trust us to deliver the financing they need to power their operations," said Dan English, GM, FBN Finance. "We look forward to providing the tools for growers to make critical investments in their farms, maximizing their ROI and profitability in the years to come."

Operating Lines from FBN Finance enable producers to secure up to $1 million in revolving credit through a rapid, online application. The funds can be used for general farm expenses like labor, inputs, equipment, and rent. But FBN Operating Lines have numerous benefits compared to conventional farm loans including ability to leverage 0% financing for inputs purchased with FBN Inputs*, access to Regenerative Ag discounts, and seamless digital payments.

"Banking with FBN was incredibly easy. Instead of the typical months-long process I've become accustomed to, I was able to move forward within a few hours," said Wayne Grimm, owner of Double G&L Farms in Kansas and an FBN member. "The online process is fast and the quality of the advice from FBN experts is excellent. I think it's the best of both worlds when you work with FBN."

"FBN's easy to use platform allows me to take advantage of 0% on my input spending," said Roger Rasmussen, a Nebraska farmer and FBN member. "That's a no-brainer with the farm economy right now."

FBN Finance also offers its Regenerative Agriculture Operating Line, in which eligible farmers can qualify for a .5% interest payment rebate on approved Regenerative Agriculture Financing Operating Line from FBN Finance.** The program is one of the first in the US to provide financing incentives for farmers to implement regenerative ag practices.

In recent weeks, FBN Finance further streamlined the financing process for farmers with its digital payments platform for operating line customers. The digital payments platform gives farmers more control over managing their farm finances by providing greater convenience, speed, and improved visibility when it comes to managing and paying their loan, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

"We are proud to supplement this streamlined online experience with our ag loan advisors who provide expert service," said English. "These advisors have earned the trust and repeat business of thousands of farms across the US."

FBN Finance has dozens of ag loan advisors located throughout rural communities. These experts work with growers to create a tailored financial solution that will help maximize profitability for their unique circumstances and operation.

This news comes on the heels of rapid momentum from FBN, which in recent months has expanded its partnership with ADM, announced its new CEO, and expanded its crop protection portfolio.

*Terms and conditions apply, see here for full program details.

**After sharing data to validate program requirements at the end of the growing season and repaying their Operating Line, participating farmers will receive an interest payment rebate check.

About FBN:

Farmers Business Network, Inc. (FBN) is an independent AgTech platform and farmer-to-farmer network with a mission to power the prosperity of family farmers around the world while working towards a sustainable future. Its Farmers First promise has attracted over 75,000 members to the network with a common goal of helping farmers maximize their farms profit potential with data and technology enabled direct-to farmer commerce, community and sustainability offerings.

FBN has set out to redefine value and convenience for farmers by helping reduce the cost of production and maximize the value of their crops. Blending the best of Midwestern agricultural roots and Silicon Valley technology, the company has principal offices in San Carlos, California, and Chicago, Illinois, with significant warehouse and logistics, remote and field employees across the US and Canada. To learn more, visit: www.fbn.com.

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Keith Chapman

[email protected]

Source: Farmers Business Network, Inc.
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- IFTs Feeding Tomorrow Fund has partnered with PepsiCo to support the next generation of the science of food community through a joint Academic and Travel Undergraduate Hybrid Scholarship. This unique hybrid study-and-travel scholarship offers a $5,000 academic scholarship in addition to a $1,000 travel stipend to IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo, where the recipient will join the global science of food community to experience innovative products and solutions, cutting-edge scientific sessions, and exclusive networking opportunities.

To be eligible for the Academic and Travel Undergraduate Hybrid Scholarship, applicants must demonstrate a commitment to the science of food, meet a minimum grade point average of 3.0, and plan to enroll full- or part-time as a rising sophomore, junior, or senior in a food science program. The scholarship is open to candidates anywhere in the world.

The Feeding Tomorrow Fund is excited to partner with a leading company like PepsiCo to support a future leader of tomorrow. The PepsiCo and IFT Academic and Travel Undergraduate Hybrid Scholarship is an exciting opportunity for a passionate student to not only support their education, but to attend the science of food event that has helped transform the global food system for many years, added Steve Hartley, Director of Fund Development at IFT.

The recipient will also have the opportunity to attend the PepsiCo Meet & Greets at the IFTSA Student Lounge during IFT FIRST. Through its sponsorship of the IFTSA Student Lounge, PepsiCo is connecting its research and development professionals with the attending IFTSA (Institute of Food Technologists Student Association) community interested in pursuing R&D as a career path. Attendees can network with PepsiCo employees; ask questions about the company's products, culture, and career opportunities; and gain insights into the latest trends and developments in the food and beverage industry.

PepsiCo is a proud to encourage and enable students to grow their skills and passion in the science of food, said Mary Carunchia, PhD, Senior Principal Scientist at PepsiCo.

Since 1985, the Institute of Food Technologists through the Feeding Tomorrow Fund has awarded more than 2,700 scholarships totaling over $3 million. In addition to graduate and undergraduate scholarships, IFTs Feeding Tomorrow Fund also offers scholarship awards for students with specific criteria such as greatest financial need, those transferring from a community college, and first-generational college enrollment.

The application deadline for the PepsiCo and IFT Academic and Travel Undergraduate Hybrid Scholarship is March 29, 2024.

To learn more, please visit IFT's Feeding Tomorrow Scholarships page. Interested students may also email International Scholarship and Tuition Services at [email protected] or IFT at [email protected] to learn more about the application process.

Early bird registration is currently open for IFT FIRST, being held July 14-17, 2024, at McCormick Place in Chicago. To experience the largest global food science and innovation expo or to learn more, go to www.iftevent.org.

About Institute of Food Technologists

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) is a global organization of over 11,000 individual members from more than 100 countries committed to advancing the science of food. Since 1939, IFT has brought together the brightest minds in food science, technology and related professions from academia, government, and industry to solve the worlds greatest food challenges. IFT works to ensure that its members have the resources they need to learn, grow, and innovate to advance the science of food as the population and the world evolve. IFT believes that science and innovation is essential to ensuring a global food supply that is sustainable, safe, nutritious, and accessible to all. For more information, please visit ift.org.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314368496/en/

Dennis Van Milligen

Director, Public and Media Relations

Institute of Food Technologists

630-853-3022

[email protected]

Source: Institute of Food Technologists
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- KBRA releases topical and timely commentary on credit markets, compiled from our weekly podcast, 3 Things in Credit, hosted by our Chief Strategist, Van Hesser. Among the wide-ranging topics Van has addressed over the past month are credits strong technicals, Powells rate cut dilemma, and private credit borrowers.

Each week, we dig into and provide perspective on issues credit-market participants care about. Tune in every Friday to Vans podcast for the latest. And look for our monthly published recap to catch up on what you might have missed.

Click here to view the report.

About KBRA

KBRA is a full-service credit rating agency registered in the U.S., the EU and the UK, and is designated to provide structured finance ratings in Canada. KBRAs ratings can be used by investors for regulatory capital purposes in multiple jurisdictions.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314130669/en/

Van B. Hesser, Senior Managing Director and Chief Strategist

+1 646-731-2305

[email protected]

Source: KBRA
M4E Lithium secured a $7.5M to $10M funding from industry leading Lithium Royalty Corp. (LRC) and the Electrification and Decarbonization fund managed by Waratah Capital Advisors (founder of LRC)

The financing package includes an equity investment, a royalty purchase and an option for a strategic offtake agreement (with a buyback option)

M4E will deploy the capital to aggressively advance exploration activities across its expansive 91k hectares within prolific lithium districts in Brazil

SAO PAULO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- M4E Lithium (M4E), a lithium exploration company focused on Brazilian, closed a financing package with Lithium Royalty Corp. and the Electrification and Decarbonization fund (Waratah E&D Fund) managed by Waratah Capital Advisors.

LRC was founded by Waratah and is the leading lithium-focused royalty company globally, boasting a diversified portfolio of projects positioned to benefit from the surging demand for battery metals. The Waratah E&D Fund is a key investor in emerging lithium projects globally.

This investment validates M4Es strong potential and significantly advances exploration across M4Es expansive 91k hectares of mining rights in the prolific Lithium Valley and Borborema regions of Brazil.

The financing package consists of:

Equity Investment: $6 million equity investment, from Waratah E&D Fund, in M4E at a post-money valuation of $31 million.

$6 million equity investment, from Waratah E&D Fund, in M4E at a post-money valuation of $31 million. Royalty Agreement: $1.5 million payment for a 1.5% royalty on future production, from LRC. An additional $2 million payment will be triggered upon confirmation of a minimum tonnage of lithium resources by M4E.

$1.5 million payment for a 1.5% royalty on future production, from LRC. An additional $2 million payment will be triggered upon confirmation of a minimum tonnage of lithium resources by M4E. Offtake Agreement: an option to an offtake agreement exercisable for $500,000, enabling the Waratah E&D Fund the right to purchase 10% of M4Es future lithium production at market prices. This agreement includes an option for M4E to buy back its offtake position.

This partnership with LRC and the Waratah E&D Fund is a game-changer for M4E, said Sergio Castanho, CEO of M4E. We have the assets, the team, and now the capital to aggressively explore and develop our lithium resources. LRC and Waratahs investment and expertise will be instrumental in accelerating our progress and creating significant value for all stakeholders.

The legal advisory for M4E in was led by Carlos Zanini and George Hauschild, from MBZ Advogados. The team also benefited from the advisory of Filipe Cunha (Bichara Advogados), and Shawn Doyle (McCarthy Tetrault). Stikeman Elliott LLP and Mattos Filho Advogados provided counsel for LRC and Waratah.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314400153/en/

Daniel Zanella, CFO, [email protected]

Source: M4E Lithium
The Centre will be the first of its kind in Canada and offer life-changing treatment for cancer patients

EDMONTON, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, WestCan Proton Therapy Inc. announced their plans to invest in Canadas first proton therapy treatment centre to be built in Edmonton. The centre will officially be named in honour of Ben Stelter, well-beloved six-year-old superfan and Edmonton Oilers team ambassador whose father, Mike, was a recipient of proton therapy. The Ben Stelter Centre for Proton Therapy and Neuroscience represents approximately $120 million in investment and is expected to create 250+ jobs during construction, as well as up to 100 permanent postions. This marks a historic moment in healthcare advancement in the Edmonton region.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314708409/en/

This much anticipated, high-tech facility will offer some of the most advanced form of radiation treatment for cancer patients in Canada. Proton therapy targets tumors with high-energy protons, minimizing harm to healthy tissue and potentially reducing side effects. This Centre will be the first-of-its kind in Canada and will both improve patient outcomes, while at the same time delivering cost-savings to our health system. This establishment of this cutting-edge facility further positions the Edmonton region as a hub for health technology and research.

Proton therapy, a highly precise form of radiation treatment, has long been sought after by Canadians seeking advanced cancer care. Prior to the establishment of this Centre, patients needed to travel to the US for proton therapy. The facility will allow cancer patients to have access to cutting-edge treatment options closer to home, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming travel, which is often out of reach for some patients. The facility, which has been supported by The Ben Stelter Foundation, will create a local treatment option for publicly funded patients from Alberta, ensuring all Albertans get access to the treatment they need, when they need it. As the first of its kind in Canada, this facility will also provide access to other Canadians seeking proton therapy treatment.

Quotes:

Were honored to have Bens name on this world-class facility that will help treat both pediatric and adult cancer patients. Bens legacy will be honored by not just treating cancer patients, but also through groundbreaking research that will be best-in-class and something that can be shared with facilities worldwide! With the advances and our incredible experience in artificial intelligence and machine learning, coupling that with our amazing physicians, surgeons, researchers and other healthcare practitioners, the possibilities are endless.

- Ashif Mawji, Chair of the Ben Stelter Foundation

We couldnt be more proud of our clinical, research, and industry partners who are bringing their experience, excellence, and expertise to this project. At WestCan, we are dedicated to providing the very best in cancer treatment. This facility will ensure that proton therapy is accessible for all Canadians and will serve as a model for future projects around the world. This project has been an all-of-community approach. We are so grateful for the Ben Stelter Foundation, the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, the Province of Alberta, Edmonton Global, and the many other Edmonton region partners that have supported this project.

- Gordon Baltzer, CEO, WestCan Proton Therapy

The unmatched generosity and support from across Alberta through the Oilers 50/50 and other Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation initiatives has not only helped honour the legacy and loving memory of Ben, it has helped fund the Ben Stelter Foundation and led to real progress in the fight against cancer in Oil Country, said Corey Smith, EOCF Board Chair. On behalf of the EOCF, we would like to congratulate the Ben Stelter Foundation, Edmonton Global and WestCan Proton Therapy for bringing proton therapy treatment to Edmonton.

- Corey Smith, EOCF Board Chair

Introducing proton therapy to the Edmonton region marks a significant milestone in enhancing the lives of Canadians. This is a first not only for the Edmonton region, but a first for Canada. We take immense pride in being the chosen location for this remarkable facility dedicated to treating cancer patients. By further cementing the Edmonton regions position as a hub for life sciences, we're strengthening the foundation of excellence for future advancements and collaborations in healthcare. With world-leading research, talent, and facilities the Edmonton region is attracting investment and fostering a vibrant ecosystem for groundbreaking research and development.

- Malcolm Bruce, CEO, Edmonton Global

Bringing a cutting-edge treatment like proton therapy right to our community will benefit cancer patients in Alberta and potentially across all of Canada. We are excited for WestCan and all the community partners as the vision of a more advanced, innovative care is becoming a reality.

- Dr. Jodi Abbott, President & CEO of the University Hospital Foundation.

Our kids deserve the best care the world has to offer. Congratulations to the Ben Stelter Foundation and WestCan for bringing proton therapy to our province.

- Karen Faulkner, Interim CEO and President, Stollery Childrens Hospital Foundation

Were thrilled to share our experience from the Roberts Proton Therapy Center at Penn Medicine and look forward to the opportunity to build new collaborations with leading scientists at the University of Alberta through the Ben Stelter Proton Facility and Neuroscience Centre of Excellence, said James Metz, MD, chair of Radiation Oncology in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. When world-class experts unite across disciplines and institutions, it paves the way for innovation and new insights that can shape future approaches to research and patient care.

- Dr. Metz, Penn Medicine

About Ben Stelter Foundation:

The Ben Stelter Foundation, a registered Canadian charity, is dedicated to helping families with children battling cancer, particularly Glioblastoma and other types of cancer. The foundation focuses on four main pillars, which include creating magical experiences for children, purchasing medical equipment for those in need, venture philanthropy and investing in research and potential cures for cancer. The foundation started in Edmonton and is expanding across Canada and beyond. More details can be found at: https://benstelterfoundation.com/

Links

Connor McDavid tours Proton Facility: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyJcbQ7tHgo

*Note for media: the following segments would be appropriate for media to pull b-roll from Connors visit to Penn Medicine:

3:19-3:43

4:31-4:46

5:19-5:28

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Media: BSF Team [email protected]

Source: The Ben Stelter Foundation
Independent private hospital to improve interoperability and efficiency with web-based EPR

CANTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ranked one of Londons top private hospitals by patients, New Victoria Hospital (London, UK) has signed for MEDITECH Expanse to advance care delivery and remain competitive in a rapidly changing healthcare market. The new web-based EPR will provide a more complete and easier-to-navigate digital patient record, while improving efficiencies and enabling better clinical outcomes.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314609949/en/

Technology is vital to the future of healthcare, said New Victoria Hospital CEO David Marshall. Implementing Expanse puts our hospital in good stead for the next ten years. Our partnership with MEDITECH will empower us to use digital tools and technology like AI to continue to grow our business in an increasingly challenging world.

New Victoria Hospital selected MEDITECH Expanse after a lengthy evaluation of EPR systems in Europe and the United States. The organisation assessed systems on functionality, longevity, cost, and reputation, and determined that Expanse was the best platform to support its goals for improving clinician and patient experiences.

Clinicians are using electronic systems in their NHS hospitals as well as their own practises, and expect to be able to share data electronically, said Dr Peter Willson, Medical Director, New Victoria Hospital. The implementation of Expanse will deliver a more complete patient record, enabling us to provide more comprehensive and informed care to our community.

New Victoria Hospitals Expanse EPR will be hosted on Google Cloud Platform (GCP) through MEDITECH UK. The subscription-based solution will provide the hospital with more sustainable services at a predictable cost by eliminating the need for an on-site data centre and reducing the complexity and cost of procuring and maintaining an EPR and managing overhead expenses.

The solution will enable the organisation to accelerate its implementation timeline with unmatched ease and afford them the freedom to focus its resources on patient care, productivity, and regulatory demands. The secure, cloud-hosted infrastructure is designed to protect systems and their data, providing added peace of mind.

One of New Victoria Hospitals aims is to leverage the EPR to streamline processes and reduce clinical workloads. They determined that Expanses intuitive software and personalised workflows would be integral in achieving this goal by improving physician efficiencies. Another way the platform will enable them to meet their objectives is through the integration of clinical decision support. By providing clinicians with timely and actionable insights at the point of care, Expanse will ensure the highest quality standards are in place to provide safe, effective services across all regulated activities.

The Expanse EPR will also strengthen New Victoria Hospitals patient engagement efforts with the introduction of a patient portal. This portal will enable patients to access their health data along with an array of time-saving features, including electronic forms and questionnaires.

Marshall added that the increased interoperability of Expanse will enable the charity-owned organisation to continue to be competitive as one of the few remaining independent hospitals in the country.

The private healthcare market is changing rapidly, and interoperability is essential, Marshall said. Patients and insurers will soon be able to book outpatient appointments from websites not owned by New Victoria, so we need a platform that can support these advancements. Expanse is that platform.

MEDITECH UK and Ireland Executive General Manager Charlotte Scott says that the extension of New Victoria Hospitals long-term relationship with MEDITECH bodes well for the future.

Our organisations have a shared commitment to delivering exceptional patient care, she said. Its exciting to see this partnership moving forward, and to anticipate all the benefits that New Victoria Hospital and MEDITECH will achieve together.

Learn more about how MEDITECH is helping to advance care in the UK.

About MEDITECH

For over 30 years, MEDITECH systems have been deployed in numerous private healthcare facilities and NHS Trusts throughout the UK, including university, paediatric, women and cancer centre speciality Trusts. We empower healthcare organisations to expand their vision of whats possible with Expanse, the intelligent EPR platform. Follow us on YouTube, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and visit: ehr.meditech.com/global/meditech-uk-ireland.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314609949/en/

MEDITECH Media

Robin Montville, Public and Media Relations Manager - [email protected]

Source: MEDITECH
The Noramco Group Addresses Critical Supply Chain Challenges, Offering Comprehensive Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) and Drug Product Solutions

Learn More from Company Leadership at DCAT Week 2024

WILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Noramco, a leading global active pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturer specializing in controlled substances, today announced its launch of the Noramco Group, a newly created comprehensive North American-based supply chain solution including subsidiaries Purisys, Noramco, and the newly acquired drug product CDMO, Halo Pharma. This strategic combination unites the strengths of these entities to provide a robust, North American-based supply chain solution for both clinical and commercial APIs and drug products.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314509251/en/

The strategic combination of Noramco, Purisys, and Halo Pharma unites the strengths of these entities to provide a robust, North American-based supply chain solution for both clinical and commercial APIs and drug products. (Photo: Business Wire)

In the wake of escalating drug shortages in the United States and quality concerns that are disrupting patient access, Noramco is taking a pivotal step to address these critical issues. The current crisis, primarily driven by lack of reliable foreign supply, limited domestic manufacturing capacity for APIs and drug products, and logistical bottlenecks, has led to unprecedented challenges in ensuring the availability of essential medications. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the fragility of the existing system, heavily reliant on overseas manufacturing (often from a single foreign source of supply) and exposed the risks of a globalized supply network.1,2 In response, Noramco is championing a shift towards enhanced supply chain performance and increased domestic production in North America with the formation of the Noramco Group.

Lee Karras, CEO of the Noramco Group, emphasized the importance of this alignment in the current market, stating, "The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical vulnerabilities in our drug supply chain. Government responses, while well-intentioned, proved to be somewhat superficial, leaving the threat of future disruptions unaddressed. The formation of the Noramco Group is our proactive solution to some of these challenges. We are uniquely positioned to provide our customers with a complete, North American-based supply chain solution. By leveraging our advanced manufacturing capabilities, stringent quality control and compliance measures, and timely delivery, we aim to mitigate the risks associated with drug shortages and ensure a stable and reliable supply of vital APIs and drug products. We are committed to supporting patients by ensuring the supply of critical, lifesaving drugs.

Noramco, based in Wilmington, Delaware, supplies commercial APIs globally, supporting various medical treatments such as, pain management and drug abuse treatment. Purisys, located in Athens, Georgia, offers specialized clinical API development and manufacturing services, focusing on controlled substances and pharmaceutical reference standards. Halo Pharma, with operations in Whippany, New Jersey, and Montreal, Quebec, is a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that provides a wide range of manufacturing services for diverse dosage forms, catering to both brand and generic pharmaceutical clients from development through commercialization.

The alignment of these three companies is set to reduce overall complexity in industry processes, minimize logistics costs, and improve regulatory compliance. A notable benefit, especially for pharma and biotech companies working with New Chemical Entities (NCEs), includes the protection of intellectual property with a known domestic source. Additionally, the new Noramco Group structure of combined API and drug product CDMO services in North America could potentially increase opportunities for securing National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other government grants and contracts. This strategic move positions the Noramco Group at the forefront of U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain reliability.

To explore how the Noramco Group can support API to drug product supply needs, visit www.noramco.com. To learn about customizing a solutions-oriented approach to clinical trial material delivery and commercial scale delivery of APIs and finished dose forms, please see Noramco Group executives at DCAT Week, March 18-21, 2024, in New York City or contact the Noramco Group online.

References:

About Noramco

Headquartered in Wilmington Delaware, Noramco is a global supplier of active ingredients (APIs) - including controlled substances - to the pharmaceutical industry. Noramcos APIs are used by many of the leading brand and generic pharma companies, as well as small- to mid-scale pharma companies. Noramcos APIs are used in over 350 products and sold in over 30 counties. Noramco manufactures APIs that are used across a broad set of indications such as ADHD, pain management and abuse treatment and prevention.

About Purisys

Headquartered in Athens Georgia, Purisys is a leading supplier of API CDMO services and pharmaceutical reference standards. Its 17,000-square-foot manufacturing facility and innovation center is staffed by scientists, engineers, and other professionals who have decades of experience in complex high-barrier custom synthetic chemistry. Purisys CDMO services are designed to support the development of custom APIs for a wide range of clinical and niche commercial applications. Purisys has specialized capabilities in controlled substance APIs, possessing 6 DEA registrations encompassing 48 drug codes. Purisys stocks a catalog of more than 250 commercial reference standards that support pharmaceutical drug product development and manufacturing.

About Halo Pharma

Halo Pharma is a rapidly growing contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that provides scientific and development expertise, as well as a wide spectrum of manufacturing services, from its locations in Whippany, New Jersey, USA and Montreal, Quebec, Canada to its international client base. Halo offers fully integrated capabilities in a variety of dosage forms including tablets, capsules, powders, liquids, creams, sterile and non-sterile ointments and suppositories. The company is registered to work with any of these dosages in the CI-CV DEA designations. Halo Pharmas capabilities in the areas of tech transfer, process and product development, production, scale-up/validation and analytical method development allow us to partner with clients from development through commercialization or at any point along the way. For more information, please contact [email protected].

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Media:

Charya Wickremasinghe, Ph.D.

Brandwidth Solutions LLC

[email protected]

Source: Noramco
Hardin recognized among the worlds top lawyers

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Texas legal legend Rusty Hardin has been named to the prestigious 2024 Chambers Global Guide, a highly sought-after legal listing that ranks the top global lawyers and law firms in more than 200 jurisdictions across the world.

In his third year to be recognized by Chambers Global, Mr. Hardin received a Band 1 ranking  the highest possible -- in USA Litigation: Trial Lawyers, which lists the top trial lawyers in the country. According to Chambers, the firms and attorneys included in the rankings have been recommended by in-house counsel, third-party experts, and private practice lawyers.

I am delighted to be recognized by Chambers, said Mr. Hardin. I work with an outstanding and dedicated group of lawyers that always put the needs of our clients first. To be able to do what I love with this team is an honor in itself. To be recognized for that work is icing on the cake.

Mr. Hardin has also been recognized by Chambers USA for six consecutive years. Most recently, he received Band 1 rankings in four categories. He was named a top trial lawyer in the nation, a top trial lawyer in Texas, was recognized for his work as a Texas litigator handling white collar crime and government investigations, and was honored for his commercial litigation work in Houston and surrounding areas.

Rusty Hardin & Associates was also named to the Chambers USA Regional Spotlight Texas, a distinguished list of the leading small to medium sized law firms in the state. The 2024 edition recognized the firms reputation as a leader in complex civil litigation and white collar criminal defense.

Chambers recognition is widely regarded as one of the most significant honors in the legal industry. Attorney rankings are based on meticulous research and analysis by Chambers team of expert researchers. Selections are based on independent and in-depth market analysis, combined with an assessment of experience, expertise, and caliber of legal talent.

Rusty Hardin & Associates, LLP has built a solid reputation for taking on the causes of its clients and obtaining favorable results in commercial litigation, white collar criminal defense, plaintiffs personal injury, appellate matters, and general civil and criminal litigation. To learn more about the firms representative matters, visit https://www.rustyhardin.com/.

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April Arias

[email protected]

800-559-4534

Source: Rusty Hardin & Associates, LLP
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Sprinklr (NYSE: CXM), the unified customer experience management (Unified-CXM) platform for modern enterprises, today announced a strategic partnership with a leading provider of digital transformation, consulting, and business re-engineering services and solutions, Tech Mahindra. Tech Mahindra and Sprinklr together will implement an AI-first customer experience management (CXM) platform that delivers unified services across touchpoints and focus on go-to-market strategies.

After collaborating on joint implementations in Europe, the two organizations have decided to formalize and expand their relationship globally. The partnership will empower enterprises to better manage customer journeys across customer service, social media, sales, and marketing.

Vikram Nair, President - EMEA Business, Tech Mahindra, said, Contact centers serve as the primary touchpoint for customers seeking assistance. Today's customers expect an omnichannel experience while seamlessly moving between different digital and human channels. An effective way of supporting this is by deploying an AI-powered omnichannel Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) platform that can support current and future needs. Our partnership with Sprinklr is a positive step towards addressing the market demands and offering tangible value to our shared customers by co-implementing an AI-first customer experience management platform. The partnership will further leverage our expertise in digital transformation and provide customized, world-class implementation services with accelerated return on investment (ROI) to enterprises worldwide.

The rise of AI and the shift to digital customer experiences represent huge opportunities for brands to break down the walls of the contact center and unify customer facing functions, said Sprinklr Founder and CEO Ragy Thomas. Our successes with Tech Mahindra to-date put us in an excellent position to formalize our partnership and bring our services to help more enterprises harness the power of AI and transform how they deliver customer experiences.

Sprinklr and Tech Mahindra's expanded partnership will deliver a comprehensive omnichannel customer service platform to enterprises. With this platform, enterprises will have the flexibility to interact with customers on the channel of their choice and receive outstanding experiences across a wide range of traditional and digital channels.

For more information about Tech Mahindra, visit https://www.techmahindra.com/en-in/techmnxt/techbets/customer-experience/.

For more information on how to unify your contact center with the worlds leading digital-first, proactive customer service solution from Sprinklr, visit: https://www.sprinklr.com/products/customer-service/.

About Tech Mahindra

Tech Mahindra offers innovative and customer-centric digital experiences, enabling enterprises, associates, and society to Rise for a more equal world, future readiness, and value creation. It is a USD 6.5+ billion organization with 146,000+ professionals across 90 countries helping 1250+ global customers, including Fortune 500 companies. It is focused on leveraging next-generation technologies including 5G, Metaverse, Blockchain, Quantum Computing, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and more, to enable end-to-end digital transformation for global customers. It is the first Indian company in the world to have been awarded the Sustainable Markets Initiatives Terra Carta Seal, which recognises global companies that are actively leading the charge to create a climate and nature-positive future. It is the fastest growing brand globally in brand value rank and among the top 7 IT brands globally in brand strength with AA+ rating. With its NXT.NOW framework, Tech Mahindra aims to enhance Human Centric Experience for its ecosystem and drive collaborative disruption with synergies arising from a robust portfolio of companies. It aims at delivering tomorrows experiences today and believes that the Future is Now.

Tech Mahindra is part of the Mahindra Group, founded in 1945, one of the largest and most admired multinational federations of companies with 260,000 employees in over 100 countries. It enjoys a leadership position in farm equipment, utility vehicles, information technology, and financial services in India and is the worlds largest tractor company by volume. It has a strong presence in renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, hospitality, and real estate. The Mahindra Group has a clear focus on leading ESG globally, enabling rural prosperity and enhancing urban living, with a goal to drive positive change in the lives of communities and stakeholders to enable them to Rise.

About Sprinklr

Sprinklr is a leading enterprise software company for all customer-facing functions. With advanced AI, Sprinklr's unified customer experience management (Unified-CXM) platform helps companies deliver human experiences to every customer, every time, across any modern channel. Headquartered in New York City with employees around the world, Sprinklr works with more than 1,400 valuable enterprises  global brands like Microsoft, P&G, Samsung and more than 50% of the Fortune 100. Sprinklrs value to the enterprise is simple: We un-silo teams to make customers happier.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314253837/en/

Tech Mahindra Press

Abhilasha Gupta, Head  Global Media Relations

[email protected]; [email protected]

Sprinklr Press

Austin DeArman

[email protected]

Source: Sprinklr
Visa exemption to be discussed at National Assembly next week

Foreign tourists at a Buddhist pagoda in Ninh Binh Province in northern Vietnam, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Le Hoang

Vietnamese tourism promotion and visa exemption will be discussed at the ongoing session of the National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son will answer questions related to the issue of visa exemption for citizens of certain countries on March 18, according to the government's portal.

In a report submitted to the committee before the question-and-answer session, Son said his ministry will work closely with the Ministry of Public Security to propose the list of eligible countries for unilateral expansion.

He said his ministry has been increasing promotion campaigns about Vietnam's visa policy and guiding foreign citizens to carry out e-visa applications.

Last month, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh ordered the ministries of foreign affairs and public security ministries to expand the list of countries whose citizens are unilaterally exempted from visas from the current 13.

The list now has Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Belarus.

Vietnam now waives visas for travelers from 25 countries compared to 162 for Malaysia and Singapore, 157 for the Philippines, 68 for Japan, 66 for South Korea and 64 for Thailand.

Many Southeast Asian countries are increasing their competitiveness to attract foreign tourists with visa-free policies. Thailand and Malaysia have waived visas for Chinese and Indian tourists since late last year.

Under the current immigration policy, Vietnam grants three-month tourist visas for citizens from all countries and territories.
Company's ascension in Enterprise Software sector follows record growth year

BROOKLYN, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Threecolts, the most comprehensive cloud business suite for consumer brands, announces its inclusion in the 2024 Lazard T100 European Venture Growth Index in the Enterprise Software sector.

"We are honored by our inclusion in the Lazard T100 Index," said Rohan Thambrahalli, CEO of DimeTyd and chief commercial officer for Threecolts. "This recognition reflects our commitment to innovation and our dedication to empowering brands across e-commerce marketplaces. At Threecolts, we have focused on deepening our customer base through organic growth and bringing our solutions together to enable brands and sellers to drive profits and value."

The T100 is a list of the most interesting venture and growth-backed businesses in Europe. It aims to achieve diversity across sector and stage, showcasing businesses with the potential to disrupt industries rapidly and ascend as market leaders in multi-billion-dollar segments of the economy.

Threecolts' recognition in the T100 by Lazard stems from its provision of vertical market software for the consumer goods industry, valued at approximately $100 billion annually. Threecolts' software aggregates tools for omnichannel workflow management, integrating seamlessly with major sales channels like Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and Shopify.

The inclusion in the T100 Index follows a strategic growth year for Threecolts. Strategic growth initiatives for the company included the acquisition of DimeTyd, a fully automated FinOps platform for enterprise Amazon vendors offering recuperation of profit leakage based on complex accounting errors. Following the acquisition of DimeTyd and Thambrahalli spearheading growth, Threecolts has significantly expanded its footprint with enterprise customers, growing to triple digits and now comprising 63% of its overall customer base. Notable customers are in consumer-packaged goods, beauty, health and personal care, consumer electronics, healthcare, and home improvement.

As a result of the growth and market demand, Threecolts also doubled its global employee headcount to 100. As the company continues into 2024, the company is poised to top last year's growth.

"We are on track to continue to significantly increase our enterprise customer base and revenue in 2024. My focus has been on creating a Growth-as-a-Service framework to drive organic customer acquisition," continued Thambrahalli. "Amazon and other online marketplaces are dominating channels for commerce  a trend we see continuing. With the right platforms, brands can drive predictive results, amplify reach, and maximize profits."

About Threecolts

Threecolts is the most comprehensive cloud business suite for consumer brands. Tens of thousands of customersincluding the fastest-growing startups, Fortune 500 enterprises, and leading e-commerce agenciesare using Threecolts to grow faster, lower costs, and become more agile.

To learn more, go to www.Threecolts.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314318461/en/

Kat Long

308.627.6897

[email protected]

Source: Threecolts
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Board of Directors (the Board) of Tri-Continental Corporation (the Corporation) (NYSE: TY) today announced that the Corporations 94th Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held on June 25, 2024 (the Meeting) in Minneapolis, MN. The close of business on April 16, 2024 has been fixed by the Corporations Board as the record date for the determination of Stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof.

At the Meeting, Stockholders will be asked to elect one director, Mr. David M. Moffett, to the Board, to hold office until the 2027 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and to re-elect three other directors, Mses. Kathleen Blatz and Pamela G. Carlton and Mr. George S. Batejan, to the Board, each to hold office until the 2027 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and all until their successors are elected and qualify; to consider the ratification of the Boards selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Corporations independent registered public accounting firm for the 2024 fiscal year; and to consider such other matters as may properly come before the Meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof. This and other information relating to the Meeting, including additional details of the Meeting time and how to access the Meeting, will be described in a notice of meeting and proxy statement that the Corporation intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Corporation is managed by Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Corporation carefully before investing. A prospectus containing information about the Corporation (including its investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other information about the Corporation) may be obtained by contacting your financial advisor or visiting columbiathreadneedleus.com. The prospectus should be read carefully before investing in the Corporation. For more information, please call 1-800-345-6611 or visit columbiathreadneedleus.com.

Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.

 2024 Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC. All rights reserved.

Adtrax: CTNA6461306.1-RUSH

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314314670/en/

Stockholder contact:

800-345-6611, option 3

Media contact:

Meghan Shields

617-451-0739

[email protected]

Source: Tri-Continental Corporation
Get the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) for only $49 after a $100 service credit when you purchase a Verizon Prepaid Unlimited Plan and make six service payments

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Customers can always get more with Verizon Prepaid, and now they can get the brands best deal this year: the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) for $49 after a $100 service credit with the purchase of any new Verizon Prepaid Unlimited plan and the completion of six monthly service payments.* Available now through May 14, the phone offers a brilliant 4.7-inch display and lightning-fast A15 Bionic chip and 5G.

We are continually pushing the envelope when it comes to providing value to our customers, said Cheryl Gresham, VP and CMO at Verizon Value. We are known as a great choice for a no-contract, no-credit check wireless service and for offering awesome and affordable smartphones that fit your life.

This new, limited-time deal offers more consumers access to iPhones, including the super powerful A15 Bionic chip, which loads apps in a flash and works with an enhanced battery and iOS to boost battery life.** These iPhones also come equipped with Touch ID: a fast, simple, secure way to unlock the phone, sign in to apps, and pay for things with the touch of a finger.

Verizon Prepaid helps wireless users find multiple ways to save. For instance, customers can stack this offer with Autopay, Loyalty discounts, and multiline discounts so they can take more control over their finances and their wireless experiences. The deal is the latest example of Verizon Prepaids commitment to making the network America relies on accessible to all and is available online at www.verizon.com/plans/prepaid and in-stores at Verizon and Walmart.

In addition to Verizon Prepaid, Verizon offers a wide range of prepaid options through a portfolio of brands that match every customers need including: Total by Verizon, Straight Talk, and Visible.

Visit www.verizon.com/plans/prepaid for more information.

* Requires purchase and activation of iPhone SE (3rd Gen) on a new Verizon Prepaid Unlimited plan to get the device for $149. $100 credit applied to Account Owners account after 6 monthly payments. Line must remain active on Unlimited plan. Credit will not apply if eligibility reqs are no longer met. While supplies last. Offer ends 5/14/24. Offer can be combined with Multiline and Auto Pay discounts.

**Battery life varies by use and configuration. See apple.com/batteries for more information.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314222403/en/

David Root

[email protected]

Source: Verizon Prepaid
Vertical expects to complete final assembly of second, more advanced full-scale VX4 prototype in coming weeks; on track to begin flight test programme ahead of intended public demonstrations at Farnborough and Heathrow.

Latest VX4 includes more than 60% components from aerospace technology partners and Verticals second-generation propellers and proprietary battery packs.

FY23 net cash used in operating activities was 74.7 million / $92.9 million, maintaining Verticals disciplined approach to spend management.

$25 million received from Stephen Fitzpatrick on 13 March 2024; a further $25 million committed on 31st July 2024.

LONDON & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Vertical Aerospace (Vertical) [NYSE: EVTL], a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering zero-emissions aviation, announces today that it has released its full year 2023 Annual Report, including its financial results, alongside its latest Shareholder Letter. Verticals Annual Report is accessible on the Companys investor relations website and on the SECs website at www.sec.gov while the Shareholder Letter can be accessed here.

Commenting on the Annual Report, Stephen Fitzpatrick, founder and CEO of Vertical Aerospace commented:

"I have never been more confident in Vertical, in our team and our technology. We will soon be unveiling our next generation VX4 prototype, which comprises 70% new components compared to the previous one, including our more advanced propellers and proprietary battery technology.

This aircraft will be faster and quieter than our first prototype, and is a big step forwards towards certification. 2024 is a defining year for the eVTOL industry, and I look forward to sharing our continued progress, and showing you the piloted VX4 in action.

The latest Shareholder letter outlines Verticals progress in 2023, including:

Vertical is one of only a few eVTOL developers to have built and flown a full-scale vectored-thrust electric aircraft.

The only eVTOL developer to have active certification efforts with five regulators.

Secured the first ever Design Organisation Approval (DOA) issued by the CAA to a listed eVTOL manufacturer.

Opened a multi-million-pound state-of-the-art battery facility in Bristol, UK.

Grew order book to over $6 billion.

Vertical will provide a hard copy of the Annual Report containing its audited consolidated financial statements, free of charge, to its shareholders upon request. Requests should be directed in writing by email to [email protected], or by post to Vertical Aerospace Ltd., Unit 1 Camwal Court, Chapel Street, Bristol BS2 0UW, United Kingdom.

About Vertical Aerospace

Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) is pioneering electric aviation. The Company was founded in 2016 by Stephen Fitzpatrick, an established entrepreneur best known as the founder of the OVO Group, a leading energy and technology group and Europes largest independent energy retailer. Vertical has focused on building the most experienced and senior team in the eVTOL industry, who have previously certified and supported over 30 different civil and military aircraft and propulsion systems. Vertical received its Design Organisation Approval in 2023 underlining the UK Civil Aviation Authoritys confidence in Verticals capability to design a safe and reliable aircraft and aviation-related products to the highest standards.

Verticals top-tier partner ecosystem, including Honeywell Aerospace, Leonardo, Hanwha, Dassault Systemes, Molicel, Rolls-Royce and GKN Aerospace, is expected to de-risk operational execution and its pathway to certification allowing for a lean cost structure and enabling production at scale. Vertical has a leading pre-order book from a diverse global customer base, creating multiple potential near term and actionable routes to market. Customers include airlines, aircraft lessors, helicopter operators, mobility firms and tourism groups, including American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Avolon, Bristow, Marubeni, Kakao Mobility, Iberojet and FLYINGGROUP, as well as Japan Airlines (JAL), Gol, Air Greenland, Gozen Holding and AirAsia, through Avolons VX4 placements. Final assembly of Verticals second, more advanced full-scale VX4 prototype is nearing completion and includes technology from Verticals tier-one aerospace partners including Honeywell, GKN Aerospace, Hanwha, Leonardo, Molicel and Solvay, each of which will contribute to the certification VX4 aircraft. It also features improvements developed by Vertical that include its next generation propellers and proprietary battery pack technology, which has been developed at its Vertical Energy Centre.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that relate to our current expectations and views of future events. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Any express or implied statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding the design and manufacture of the VX4, our business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, including the building and testing of our prototype aircrafts on timelines projected, certification and the commercialization of the VX4 and our ability to achieve regulatory certification of our aircraft product on any particular timeline or at all, our ability and plans to raise additional capital to fund our operations, statements regarding completion of the committed funding from Companys founder, majority owner, and CEO, our plans to mitigate the risk that we are unable to continue as a going concern, our future results of operations and financial position, our plans for capital expenditures, the expectations surrounding pre-orders and commitments, the features and capabilities of the VX4, the transition towards a net-zero emissions economy, as well as statements that include the words expect, intend, plan, believe, project, forecast, estimate, may, should, anticipate, will, aim, potential, continue, are likely to and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature. Forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, including, without limitation: our limited operating history without manufactured non-prototype aircraft or completed eVTOL aircraft customer order; our ability to raise additional funds when we need or want them, or at all, to fund our operations; our limited cash and cash equivalents and recurring losses from our operations raise significant doubt (or raise substantial doubt as contemplated by PCAOB standards) regarding our ability to continue as a going concern; our potential inability to produce or launch aircraft in the volumes or timelines projected; the potential inability to obtain the necessary certifications for production and operation within any projected timeline, or at all; the inability for our aircraft to perform at the level we expect and may have potential defects; our history of losses and the expectation to incur significant expenses and continuing losses for the foreseeable future; the market for eVTOL aircraft being in a relatively early stage; any accidents or incidents involving eVTOL aircraft could harm our business; our dependence on partners and suppliers for the components in our aircraft and for operational needs; the potential that certain strategic partnerships may not materialize into long-term partnership arrangements; all of the pre-orders received are conditional and may be terminated at any time and any pre-delivery payments may be fully refundable upon certain specified dates; any circumstances; any potential failure to effectively manage our growth; our inability to recruit and retain senior management and other highly skilled personnel; we have previously identified material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting which if we fail to properly remediate, could adversely affect our results of operations, investor confidence in us and the market price of our ordinary shares; as a foreign private issuer we follow certain home country corporate governance rules, are not subject to U.S. proxy rules and are subject to Exchange Act reporting obligations that, to some extent, are more lenient and less frequent than those of a U.S. domestic public company; and the other important factors discussed under the caption Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 14, 2024, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and accordingly undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. We disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than to the extent required by applicable law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314126676/en/

Vertical Media Kit

Available here



Vertical Aerospace Media

Justin Bates

[email protected]

+44 7878357463



Investor Relations

Eduardo Royes

[email protected]

+1 (646) 200-8871

Source: Vertical Aerospace
WarpStreams Bring Your Own Cloud offering - where the software is deployed into the customers environment - is now in general availability

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- WarpStream Labs, the cloud native data streaming infrastructure company, announced it raised $20M in funding led by Greylock and Amplify Partners. Angel investors in the round include Ben Sigelman (CEO of Lightstep), Spencer Kimball (CEO of CockroachDB), and Barry McCardel (CEO of Hex Technologies). The company will use the funds to hire more engineers, scale their go to market team, and invest in new product lines.

Data streaming is becoming increasingly important as organizations seek to leverage real time data capabilities to gain competitive advantage. Yet almost all modern data streaming stacks are built on-top of Apache Kafka, which was designed in 2011 to run in static data centers. This makes it extremely expensive and difficult to operate in modern cloud environments.

While working at DataDog, WarpStreams founders Richie and Ryan built Husky, a columnar database purpose-built for observability data that ran directly on top of object storage. Husky replaced an existing system that was designed with traditional data centers in mind with a more modern, cloud native architecture that dramatically reduced costs and operational burden.

With Husky, we set out to solve Datadogs storage problem by making it cost-effective and easy to operate. But we realized that Husky only addressed part of the problem  all the data still had to flow through Apache Kafka, said Richard Artoul, CEO and Co-Founder of WarpStream Labs. If we could separate compute and storage to reduce costs and operational burden at the database layer, there was no reason we couldnt do the same at the streaming layer.

We left Datadog to build a data streaming system that is actually cloud native and cost-effective," said Ryan Worl, CTO and Co-Founder of WarpStream Labs. With WarpStream, weve already made Kafka 10x cheaper and easier to use, and were just getting started.

WarpStream provides a drop-in replacement for Apache Kafka that runs directly on top of object storage, with no local disks. WarpStreams primary innovation is that it separates compute from storage like a modern data lake does by using object storage (such as AWS S3) as the primary and only storage. Writing and reading directly from object storage enables WarpStream to eliminate inter-zone networking costs which often represent 80%+ of the total cost of ownership of running a large scale Kafka workload. In addition, WarpStreams compute layer is completely stateless, enabling instant and unlimited scalability while eliminating almost all of the operational burden associated with Apache Kafka.

Starting today, the companys Bring Your Own Cloud (BYOC) deployment option is generally available. BYOC brings all the benefits of a fully managed SaaS directly into the customer's cloud account, while still reducing costs by 5-10x compared to self hosting Apache Kafka. BYOC combines compute and storage resources within the customers environment, with a fully-managed control plane and metadata service that is hosted and managed by WarpStream Labs. Data never leaves the customers environment, and customers retain operational control of the platform. You can learn more about WarpStreams BYOC offering HERE.

WarpStream will not only reduce costs and increase reliability of existing Kafka users but will expand the use of streaming data by making it easy and affordable for developers to leverage the power of Kafka with a simple and accessible cloud native solution, said Jerry Chen, partner at Greylock and WarpStream Board Director.

For more information on WarpStream, visit: https://www.warpstream.com/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240313224497/en/

Email: [email protected]

Source: WarpStream Labs
The solution will improve Desjardins consumer lending and credit card business

TORONTO & BENGALURU, India--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading technology services and consulting company, today announced that it has been selected by Desjardins to transform their credit solutions for members and clients.

Wipro Gallagher Solutions (WGS), a Wipro Company and leading provider of cloud-based Loan Origination Systems (LOS), flagship NetOxygen solution will integrate and manage Desjardins' multiple in-house and legacy systems to bring all their Loan Origination Systems into one platform, resulting in improved customer experience, efficiency gains and cost savings.

This transformation program will provide Desjardins members and clients with a convenient digital lending experience that is accessible anytime, anywhere, and on any device. It will also eliminate operational tasks through automation, enabling Desjardins employees to focus on advisory services and the handling of more complex transactions.

Kim Watson, President & Managing Director, Wipro Solutions Canada Limited, said: We are excited about the prospects that this project holds for the future of lending services, harnessing NetOxygens cutting-edge digital capabilities. Transforming Desjardins consumer banking services will enable them to better serve their customers and simplify their processes to realize their ambitions.

Nathalie Larue, Executive Vice-President, Personal Services, Desjardins Group, said: At Desjardins, we are committed to meeting the needs of our members and clients to continue improving and simplifying their experiences. The NetOxygen solution is perfectly aligned with Desjardins' vision, Wipro is the natural choice of our strategic partnership in this major transformation journey."

About Wipro Limited

Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO) is a leading technology services and consulting company focused on building innovative solutions that address clients most complex digital transformation needs. Leveraging our holistic portfolio of capabilities in consulting, design, engineering, and operations, we help clients realize their boldest ambitions and build future-ready, sustainable businesses. With nearly 240,000 employees and business partners across 65 countries, we deliver on the promise of helping our clients, colleagues, and communities thrive in an ever-changing world. For additional information, visit us at www.wipro.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

The forward-looking statements contained herein represent Wipros beliefs regarding future events, many of which are by their nature, inherently uncertain and outside Wipros control. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Wipros growth prospects, its future financial operating results, and its plans, expectations and intentions. Wipro cautions readers that the forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated by such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in our earnings, revenue and profits, our ability to generate and manage growth, complete proposed corporate actions, intense competition in IT services, our ability to maintain our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which we make strategic investments, withdrawal of fiscal governmental incentives, political instability, war, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our business and industry.

Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, Annual Reports on Form 20-F. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. We may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by us or on our behalf.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240313997892/en/

Media Relations

[email protected]

Source: Wipro Limited
Auna S.A. (NYSE: AUNA) today announced that it has launched its initial public offering of 30,000,000 class A ordinary shares (class A shares), pursuant to a registration statement on Form F-1 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Auna is seeking to raise approximately US$420.0 million based on the mid-point of the price range for the offering which is between US$13.00 and US$15.00 per class A share. The class A shares are expected to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol AUNA. In connection with the offering, Auna expects to grant to the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 4,500,000 class A shares at the initial public offering price.

The offering is being made through an underwriting group led by Morgan Stanley, J.P. Morgan, BTG Pactual and Santander who are acting as global coordinators and joint bookrunners, and Citigroup and HSBC who are acting as joint bookrunners.

A registration statement on Form F-1, including a prospectus, which is preliminary and subject to completion, relating to these securities has been filed with the SEC, but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold, nor may offers to buy be accepted, prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. Copies of the registration statement can be accessed through the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein, nor will there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

The offering will be made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the preliminary prospectus may be obtained by contacting: Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Attn: Prospectus Department, 180 Varick Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10014, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Attn: Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, by telephone at +1 (866) 803-9204 or by email at [email protected], Banco BTG Pactual S.A.Cayman Branch, Attn: Prospectus Department, 601 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10282, by telephone at +1 (212) 293-4600, or by email at [email protected], Santander US Capital Markets LLC, 437 Madison Avenue, 9th floor, New York, NY 10022, or by email at [email protected], Citigroup, Attn: Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, or by telephone at +1 (800) 831-9146, or HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., 66 Hudson Boulevard East, New York, NY 10001, or by email at [email protected].
Cybin Inc. (NYSE American: CYBN) today announced a positive End-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA for CYB003, its deuterated psilocybin analog for the adjunctive treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

This program will be the first ever adjunctive Phase 3 deuterated psilocybin analog depression study globally and follows the successful completion of the Companys Phase 2 study in MDD completed at the end of 2023. The Company has received minutes from its End-of-Phase-2 meeting with the FDA and reached alignment on its Phase 3 program design. The Company intends to commence enrollment for the multinational, multisite Phase 3 program in mid-year 2024. Fifteen U.S. study sites have been targeted, all of which have experience running psychedelic clinical trials and are DEA Schedule I licensed. The preliminary targeting of specific study sites will serve to expedite site initiation. The Company intends to add approximately 8 additional sites in Europe.

The Company has engaged Worldwide Clinical Trials (Worldwide), a global, full-service contract research organization with deep expertise managing clinical trials for mental health conditions, including major depressive disorder. Worldwide has a track record of successful patient recruitment for psychedelic trials and global relationships with best-in-class investigative sites. Worldwide has recent experience managing psychedelic studies in psychiatric populations, including clinical trials conducted in the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, and other European countries, across a range of psychedelic compounds and treatment models.

We are very pleased with the results of our End-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA and appreciate the agencys thoroughness and guidance during the process. Having aligned on key features of the pivotal program, we look forward to initiating a multisite, multinational Phase 3 program around mid-year, said Doug Drysdale, Chief Executive Officer of Cybin. The strength of CYB003s clinical profile to date, which showed that at four months after dosing, across the two doses, 60% of patients receiving 12mg and 75% of patients receiving 16mg of CYB003 achieved remission from depression symptoms. With positive durability data demonstrating sustained effects up to at least four months, BTD, and alignment with the FDA on our Phase 3 plan, we are positioned to move quickly to progress the program and bring relief and treatment alternatives to people who are desperately waiting, concluded Drysdale.

CYB003 Phase 3 Pivotal Program Outline

The Phase 3 pivotal program will comprise two adequate and well controlled studies and a long-term extension, designed as follows:

CYB003-002 (n=220): Fixed repeat dose study of 16mg CYB003, with two doses 3 weeks apart compared to two doses of placebo. The trial is designed to replicate the treatment response seen in the Companys Phase 2 study.

CYB003-003 (n=330): Three-arm fixed repeat dose study of CYB003 (16mg or 8mg), with two doses 3 weeks apart. Each active arm will be compared to two doses of placebo.

The primary endpoint of both studies is the change in MADRS total score from baseline at Week 6, with a secondary endpoint at Week 12, each compared to placebo.

Patients from each of these Phase 3 trials will enroll in a one-year extension study, during which time non-responders and relapsing patients will receive one full cycle of CYB003 16mg (two doses, three weeks apart).

Moderate to severe MDD patients enrolled in both studies (MADRS >/=24) will be on stable doses of background antidepressant medication, positioning CYB003 as a convenient, adjunctive treatment option.

CYB003-002 is anticipated to begin around mid-year 2024, with CYB003-003 anticipated to initiate a few months later. Each study is expected to run for approximately 18-24 months.

Patient recruitment for the Phase 3 program will include a broad MDD population including only patients that are currently on antidepressants. Importantly, patients will not be required to titrate off their background antidepressants which will reduce some of the inherent recruitment challenges seen in other depression studies.

Summary of Positive Four-Month Efficacy Data for CYB003

Robust and sustained improvements in symptoms of depression four months after two doses of 12mg or 16mg of CYB003: Mean reduction from baseline in the MADRS total score was approximately 22 points from baseline in both dosing cohorts. Approximately 75% of the patients were responders (>/= 50% improvement in MADRS scores) following two doses of 16mg. 60% of patients on 12mg and 75% on 16mg were in remission from depression following 2 doses (MADRS score



Safety and tolerability:

CYB003 was well tolerated with no drug-related serious adverse events.

All adverse events were mild or moderate in intensity.

No incidents of suicidal ideation or behavior.

No discontinuations due to adverse events.

Earlier this week, Cybin announced the granting of BTD for CYB003 by the FDA. If approved by the FDA, CYB003 would be the first known adjunctive psychedelic-based therapeutic for the treatment of MDD.

BTD provides an expedited review pathway, as well as increased access to FDA guidance on trial design, with the potential to reduce drug development timelines. It is reserved for drug candidates that target serious conditions and demonstrate substantial improvement on a clinically significant endpoint over available therapies. The designation includes all fast track program features, as well as more intensive FDA guidance and discussion of the CYB003 development program, including planned clinical trials and plans for expediting the manufacturing development strategy. CYB003 is eligible for Priority Review and Accelerated Approval.

The designation of CYB003 as a breakthrough therapy acknowledges the significant unmet medical need for more effective treatments of MDD and supports CYB003s potential for significant improvements over existing therapies.
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced an agreement with Adventurous Journeys Capital Partners (AJ Capital) to acquire the fan-favorite Graduate Hotels brand, adding a significant growth opportunity for the global hospitality leader in the fast-growing lifestyle hotel market.

Hilton will pay $210 million to acquire all rights to the Graduate brand worldwide, enter into franchise agreements for all existing and signed pipeline Graduate Hotels, and become responsible for the brands future development and growth. AJ Capital will remain the owner of the more than 35 operating and pipeline Graduate properties, each of which will be operated under long-term Hilton franchise agreements.

The transaction, which is expected to close in the second quarter, subject to customary closing conditions including review and approval pursuant to Hart-Scott-Rodino, will be immediately accretive to Hilton. The company expects the fee contribution for the first full year of ownership to be approximately $16 million.

Adding Graduate Hotels to our portfolio of award-winning brands accelerates our expansion in the lifestyle space by pairing an existing much-loved brand with the power of Hiltons strong commercial engine to drive growth, said Chris Nassetta, president and CEO, Hilton. We have long had a high bar for adding brands to our portfolio, whether organically or through acquisition, and Graduate will be another driver of growth for us, presenting a unique opportunity to serve more guests in more sought-after destinations. With thousands of colleges and universities around the world, we believe the addressable market for the Graduate brand is 400-500 hotels globally.

The addition of Graduate Hotels to Hiltons global portfolio will offer millions of travelers access to unparalleled hospitality in their favorite university towns. Each Graduate hotel  steeped in local history, charm and nostalgia  is thoughtfully designed to reflect the unique character of its local university, offering the perfect setting for gamedays, reunions, graduations, campus visits and more. Since its inception in 2014, the brand has grown to span the United States and the United Kingdom, including locations in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Knoxville, Tennessee; Palo Alto, California; State College, Pennsylvania; and Oxford and Cambridge, United Kingdom, with new hotels opening soon in Austin and Dallas, Texas; Auburn, Alabama; and Princeton, New Jersey.

We're proud to embark on this new chapter for Graduate Hotels with Hilton, the ideal partner to steer the brand's continued growth," said Ben Weprin, founder, Graduate Hotels and CEO, AJ Capital. "Both Hilton and Graduate Hotels are committed to delivering exceptional experiences and making a positive impact on communities. Our shared values and close collaboration will ensure a smooth transition while keeping the Graduate Hotels' unique brand identity intact. With Hilton's extensive network behind us, guests can anticipate even more exciting opportunities. We're certain this partnership will propel Graduate Hotels to even greater heights, while AJs ongoing ownership of the real estate assets lays a strong foundation for our future success."

The Graduate brand will be incorporated into Hiltons fast-growing lifestyle portfolio alongside Canopy by Hilton, Curio Collection by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Tempo by Hilton and Motto by Hilton  each of which has been launched in the last 10 years to respond to growing demand from travelers for localized travel experiences. Hiltons 2024 Trends Report identified that nearly a quarter of global travelers are planning getaways for concerts, sporting events and other one-of-a-kind, local experiences this year, many of which are happening in secondary markets anchored by universities.

Graduate Hotels are expected to be available for booking via Hilton channels later this year and will participate in Hilton Honors, Hiltons award-winning guest loyalty program for the companys portfolio of more than 7,500 properties worldwide. Members who book directly with Hilton can access instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, exclusive member discounts, free standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton Honors mobile app.

Hilton continues to offer customers the right stay for every travel occasion through an unmatched portfolio of industry-leading brands plus exclusive partnerships that create more experiences for guests to dream about. The addition of Graduate, as well as a recently announced partnerships with Small Luxury Hotels of the World and AutoCamp, adds to the companys dramatic growth trajectory and reflects its focus on accelerating offerings for guests in the industrys fastest-growing markets and segments.

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. is AJ Capitals sole financial advisor on this transaction.
Kuke Music Holding Limited (NYSE: KUKE), a leading classical music service platform in China , recently disclosed a strategic organizational adjustment, including the establishment of a dedicated Technical Research and Development Center in Guangzhou . This strategic initiative is designed to enhance the collaborative efforts in R&D for technological integration between Kuke and its global strategic partner, Naxos Music Group ("Naxos"). The Company aims to achieve this by offering specialized services, including product development and technical maintenance tailored for Naxos, laying a more solid foundation for future cooperation.

The Guangzhou R&D center is dedicated to technical research and development, focusing on innovative technologies to support and advance various products within Naxos. This not only underscores Kuke's commitment to technological innovation but also reflects the Company's resolve to deliver a more diverse range of services for classical music enthusiasts.

Steve Li , Chief Financial Officer of Kuke, stated, "The Guangzhou R&D center serves as a pivotal platform for technical exchange and collaboration between Kuke and Naxos. By concentrating on continuous product development and offering technical maintenance services for Naxos, we aim not only to better cater to the demands of the classical music market in general but also to generate expanded business possibilities and opportunities for future collaboration between Kuke and Naxos."

Through this strategic framework, the partnership between Kuke and Naxos enters a new era. The Guangzhou R&D center is expected to elevate the technical integration of both to new heights which empower both parties to collaboratively explore and develop new products and services, providing a higher quality and more personalized service experience for classical music users on a global scale. This strategic initiative signifies Kuke's significant stride in globally promoting the integration of classical music and technology.
Following a trip to Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Brunei, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink told reporters that many of our friends in Southeast Asia are concerned about the situation in the South China Sea. He said that concern was particularly acute in those countries making claims of sovereignty in the face of Chinas sweeping claims to practically the entire South China Sea.

Weve seen in a number of instances where the Peoples Republic of China has taken a number of steps in the South China Sea that both run counter to international law, but that also utilize coercion to intimidate partners in ways that we find deeply unacceptable and destabilizing, he said.

Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink said the United States has a three-fold response to meeting the concerns sparked by such behavior:

First, we continue to focus on our diplomacy, including with partners in ASEAN [The Association of Southeast Asian Nations], to make sure that all countries  including all claimants - base their claims in international law; that all claimants commit to recognizing and respecting freedom of navigation, freedom of overflight, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

Secondly, We spend a great deal of time, effort and money investing in building  maritime domain awareness, said Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink. We believe that the more countries are able to understand what is happening in their maritime domains and defend their own interests  we further promote stability across the region.

Thirdly and finally, the United States continues through our own operations to be physically present in the region on a daily basis, and we continue to fly, sail, and operate everywhere that international law allows, demonstrating thereby that all countries share those same rights, he said.

Our goal, declared Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink, is to promote peace and stability, security and prosperity, respect for international law, [and] peaceful resolution of disputes, but also ensure that countries have their own ability to protect their sovereignty and their own interests. And we think if we do that, we maximize our chances of preventing miscalculation and conflict, and again promoting peace and stability.
Vertical Aerospace (Vertical) [NYSE: EVTL], a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering zero-emissions aviation, announces today that it has released its full year 2023 Annual Report, including its financial results, alongside its latest Shareholder Letter. Verticals Annual Report is accessible on the Companys investor relations website and on the SECs website at www.sec.gov while the Shareholder Letter can be accessed here.

Commenting on the Annual Report, Stephen Fitzpatrick, founder and CEO of Vertical Aerospace commented:

"I have never been more confident in Vertical, in our team and our technology. We will soon be unveiling our next generation VX4 prototype, which comprises 70% new components compared to the previous one, including our more advanced propellers and proprietary battery technology.

This aircraft will be faster and quieter than our first prototype, and is a big step forwards towards certification. 2024 is a defining year for the eVTOL industry, and I look forward to sharing our continued progress, and showing you the piloted VX4 in action.

The latest Shareholder letter outlines Verticals progress in 2023, including:

Vertical is one of only a few eVTOL developers to have built and flown a full-scale vectored-thrust electric aircraft.

The only eVTOL developer to have active certification efforts with five regulators.

Secured the first ever Design Organisation Approval (DOA) issued by the CAA to a listed eVTOL manufacturer.

Opened a multi-million-pound state-of-the-art battery facility in Bristol, UK.

Grew order book to over $6 billion.

Vertical will provide a hard copy of the Annual Report containing its audited consolidated financial statements, free of charge, to its shareholders upon request. Requests should be directed in writing by email to [email protected], or by post to Vertical Aerospace Ltd., Unit 1 Camwal Court, Chapel Street, Bristol BS2 0UW, United Kingdom.
Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT), a leading technology services and consulting company, today announced that it has been selected by Desjardins to transform their credit solutions for members and clients.

Wipro Gallagher Solutions (WGS), a Wipro Company and leading provider of cloud-based Loan Origination Systems (LOS), flagship NetOxygen solution will integrate and manage Desjardins' multiple in-house and legacy systems to bring all their Loan Origination Systems into one platform, resulting in improved customer experience, efficiency gains and cost savings.

This transformation program will provide Desjardins members and clients with a convenient digital lending experience that is accessible anytime, anywhere, and on any device. It will also eliminate operational tasks through automation, enabling Desjardins employees to focus on advisory services and the handling of more complex transactions.

Kim Watson, President & Managing Director, Wipro Solutions Canada Limited, said: We are excited about the prospects that this project holds for the future of lending services, harnessing NetOxygens cutting-edge digital capabilities. Transforming Desjardins consumer banking services will enable them to better serve their customers and simplify their processes to realize their ambitions.

Nathalie Larue, Executive Vice-President, Personal Services, Desjardins Group, said: At Desjardins, we are committed to meeting the needs of our members and clients to continue improving and simplifying their experiences. The NetOxygen solution is perfectly aligned with Desjardins' vision, Wipro is the natural choice of our strategic partnership in this major transformation journey."
Paid press release content from Evertise Financial. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation.

Melbourne, Australia, March 14, 2024 Melbourne is growing with the latest developments and innovations in technologies. Using these technologies to make web design in Melbourne will enhance your business identity.

This evolution is not only reshaping the local economy but also significantly influencing the field of web design. In todays digital age, technology is welcoming new changes in crafting websites that are visually appealing, highly functional, and user-centric.

This blog explores how cutting-edge technologies are revolutionising web design in Melbourne, offering a glimpse into the future of digital interfaces. We will delve into the latest technological trends, from artificial intelligence to augmented reality, and how they are integrated into web design to enhance user experience, improve accessibility, and drive engagement.

Emerging Technologies Shaping Web Design

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising web design in Melbourne, offering innovative ways to improve both the creation process and the user experience. Their application in web design spans various aspects, from automating design tasks to personalising user interactions. Heres how AI and ML are being used in web designs:

Automated Web Design and Layouts

AI-driven tools and platforms can automatically generate web design layouts based on best practices and specific user requirements. These tools analyse vast amounts of design data to suggest colour schemes, layout structures, and content placement that are most likely to engage users, streamlining the design process and reducing the time and effort required.

Enhanced User Experience Through Personalisation

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning excel in personalising the user experience. By analysing user behaviour, preferences, and interaction patterns on a website, these technologies can dynamically adjust content, recommendations, and design elements for individual users.

This level of personalisation takes web design in Melbourne to new heights. It ensures that users find what theyre looking for more efficiently, leading to higher engagement rates and improved satisfaction.

Intelligent Chatbots for Improved Interaction

AI-powered chatbots are increasingly common on websites, providing instant customer service, guiding users through site navigation, and offering recommendations. These chatbots learn from each interaction, improving their ability to handle inquiries over time and offering a more human-like interaction that enhances user engagement.

Automated A/B Testing

AI can automate and optimise the A/B testing process, quickly analysing results from different design variations to determine what works best for engaging users. This speeds up the design process and ensures data-driven decisions that enhance website performance.

User Experience (UX) and Interface Innovations

In the digital age, the evolution of user experience (UX) and interface design has become essential to meet users changing needs and behaviours. Innovations in UX and interface design are about aesthetics and creating more accessible, intuitive, and engaging web design in Melbourne.

Mobile-First Design

With most internet users accessing the web via mobile devices, mobile-first design has transitioned from a trend to a necessity. This approach prioritises the mobile user experience from the outset, optimising websites for smaller screens, touch interactions, and mobile internet conditions.

Responsive design principles ensure a seamless and consistent experience across all devices, adapting layout, content, and functionality to match the users device.

Voice Navigation and Voice Search Optimisation

The rise of digital assistants and smart speakers has made voice interaction an increasingly common way for users to engage with digital content. Optimising for voice search and navigation involves understanding the natural language patterns of users, ensuring content can be easily accessed and interacted with through voice commands.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

Adhering to WCAG standards is critical for creating a web design in Melbourne accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Compliance involves ensuring content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust, enabling users with various assistive technologies to access and interact with your site.

Technological Design Trends

As technology progresses, it enables new design possibilities and influences the trends that dominate the digital scope. Among these trends, minimalism, clean design, and the integration of dynamic and interactive elements stand out for their impact on user experience and engagement.

Minimalism and Clean Design

The rise of CSS frameworks has made it easier for designers to implement visually appealing, responsive designs that adhere to the principles of minimalism. These technologies support a less-is-more approach, focusing on essential elements and removing unnecessary distractions, thus enhancing website performance and load times.

Interactive and Animated Elements

While minimalism focuses on simplicity, incorporating dynamic and interactive elements into web designs adds depth and engagement. Technologies such as JavaScript and its libraries have revolutionised how designers can create interactive experiences.

These technologies enable animations, transitions, and interactive features that respond to user inputs, making the browsing experience more engaging and memorable.

The Balance Between Interactivity and Usability

Effective web designs utilise technology to create intuitive interactions and add value to the user journey rather than serving as mere decoration. This might include interactive infographics that reveal information on hover or scroll, animated calls to action that draw the users attention, or subtle motion design that enhances storytelling without overwhelming the user.

The infusion of advanced technologies into web design in Melbourne is not just reshaping the aesthetics of websites but profoundly enhancing the way users interact with digital platforms.

As weve explored, from the seamless integration of Artificial Intelligence to the strategic application of mobile-first design principles and the thoughtful incorporation of accessibility and inclusivity standards, technology is the heart of web design.

Adopting minimalism and clean design, coupled with dynamic and interactive elements, showcases a balance between form and function. These trends and technological advancements are setting a new standard for digital experiences. Contact Make My Website today and take advantage of our technological innovations.

Media Contact:

Name: Mayank Ahuja

Organization: Make My Website

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1300769302

Website: https://www.makemywebsite.com.au/

Address: Suite 834, 1 Queens Road, Melbourne VIC 3004
FILE PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: A sign is pictured above a branch of the New York Community Bank in Yonkers, New York, U.S., January 31, 2024. REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo/File Photo

By Manya Saini

(Reuters) -New York Community Bancorp has sold some loans for gains and was working to integrate collapsed lender, Signature Bank, into its financial reporting process, it said in its annual report on Thursday.

Its first quarter will include the sale of consumer loans worth $899 million on March 13 and a commercial co-operative loan in late February as the lender works to cut exposure to the beleaguered commercial real estate (CRE) sector.

Several Wall Street analysts have flagged concerns that the turnaround could take a long time as profit remains under pressure from its efforts to boost reserves for potential bad loans.

NYCB had earlier this month said it was getting interest from non-bank bidders for some of its loans and would outline a new business plan in April while once again cutting its dividend and disclosing a 7% drop in deposits.

The lender also named Joseph Otting, former Comptroller of the Currency in the Trump administration, as CEO as part of a $1 billion capital injection from a group of investors that included former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

The bank's troubles began late in January when it reported a surprise loss and slashed its dividend.

It again came under pressure toward the end of February after flagging "material weakness" in internal controls and revised its loss to more than 10 times of what it had earlier disclosed.

Shares of NYCB reversed course to trade 3% lower on Thursday after the lender filed its annual report. They have lost about 64% this year, with analysts expecting trading to remain 'range bound' until NYCB lays down a concrete turnaround plan.

NYCB has taken several steps to calm investor worries over its stability, including shares purchases by top executives and shuffling its management.

It is now subject to stricter capital and liquidity norms as its balance sheet exceeds the $100 billion regulatory threshold due to the acquisition of Flagstar and purchase of some assets of failed Signature Bank.

CREDIT RISKS

NYCB said its CRE loans are secured by income-producing properties such as office buildings, retail centers, mixed-use buildings and multi-tenanted light industrial properties.

"We may incur future losses on commercial real estate loans due to declines in occupancy rates and rental rates in office buildings, which could occur as a result of less need for office space due to more people working from home or other factors," it said in the filing.

As of Dec. 31, $3.4 billion, or 32.1% of the bank's CRE loan portfolio, was secured by office buildings.

The lender's multi-family portfolio, however, includes properties subject to rent control regulations, which limit landlords' freedom to raise rents when interest rates are high.

NYCB said 44%, or $37.3 billion of its total loans, consisted of multi-family loans as of Dec. 31. This was down slightly compared with $38.1 billion a year ago.

The bank also estimated a rise in the special assessment fees by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to cover a hole in the deposit insurance fund that was drained in the regional banking turmoil of March 2023, but said it was not expected to be material.

(Reporting by Manya Saini in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila and Arun Koyyur)
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Almaden Minerals Ltd. (Almaden or the Company; TSX: AMM; NYSE American: AAU) is providing an update regarding its Request for Consultations delivered to the United Mexican States (Mexico, see press release dated December 14, 2023), and its listing on the NYSE American stock exchange (see press release of October 25, 2023).

Request for Consultations

As previously reported, on December 13, 2023, Almaden delivered to Mexico a written Request for Consultations in accordance with Article 9.18 of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), setting out a brief description of facts regarding the measures at issue. On December 29, 2023, Mexico acknowledged receipt of that Request and stated that it would propose dates for a consultation meeting in the near future, but never reverted with proposed dates, leaving the dispute unresolved.

Accordingly, on March 14, 2024, Almaden delivered to Mexico written notice of its intention to submit a claim (Claim) to arbitration against Mexico (the Notice) in accordance with Article 9.19.3 of the CPTPP. This Notice has been delivered by Almaden together with Almadex Minerals Ltd., on behalf of themselves and their Mexican subsidiaries.

Amongst other things, the Notice sets out the factual background of the dispute as well as the legal basis of the resulting Claim, the provisions of the CPTPP that Mexico has breached, and the relief sought. The damages relating to the Almaden and Almadex Claim will be for no less than US$200 million, in the aggregate.

The Notice enables the Company to initiate arbitration should an amicable resolution of the dispute with the Mexican government not be reached. The filing of the Notice must precede initiation of arbitration by a minimum of 90 days.

In good faith and in the spirit of cooperation, Almaden invites Mexico once again to engage in discussions and negotiations with a view to achieving an amicable resolution of the dispute. If such consultations with Mexico are unsuccessful, Almaden may then submit the Claim to arbitration under the CPTPP, seeking damages for the harm incurred, plus interest, costs, and any such further relief as a Tribunal may deem appropriate.

NYSE American Continued Listing Standards

As previously announced, Almaden is not in compliance with the continued listing standards of the NYSE American exchange because the Companys securities have been selling for a low price per share for a substantial period of time which NYSE American determines to be a 30-trading-day average price of less than US$0.20 per share. The Companys continued listing on the NYSE American exchange is predicated on it demonstrating sustained price improvement within a reasonable period of time which has determined to be no later than April 19, 2024.

Although Almaden has requested consultations with Mexico under the CPTPP, to date Mexico has not proposed a date for these consultations. In view of this, and the Companys wish to provide predictability to shareholders, the Company has determined to voluntarily delist from the NYSE American exchange. Almaden intends to seek a listing on the OTCQB Marketplace in parallel with its de-listing from the NYSE American exchange to ensure a continued U.S. trading platform for its U.S. shareholders.

The Company provided notice of the voluntary delisting to the NYSE American on March 14, 2024 and intends to file a Form 25 with the Securities and Exchange Commission in a timely manner to effect the delisting. It is anticipated that the delisting will become effective at the end of business on or about April 4, 2024. The Company has made an application to the OTCQB and expects that its common shares will be quoted on the OTCQB on the next trading day without interruption.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

J. Duane PoliquinJ. Duane PoliquinChairAlmaden Minerals Ltd.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain of the statements and information in this news release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information in this news release relate to, among other things, the timing and nature of any future consultation, negotiations or settlement between the Company and Mexico, whether the Company pursues claims before an arbitral tribunal and the timing, result and damages of such claims before an arbitral tribunal, and the delisting from the NYSE American exchange, listing on the OTCQB exchange, and related timing of each.

These forward-looking statements and information reflect the Companys current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant legal, regulatory, business, operational and economic uncertainties and contingencies, and such uncertainty generally increases with longer-term forecasts and outlook. These assumptions include: stability and predictability in Mexicos consultation process under the CPTPP; stability and predictability in the application of the CPTPP and arbitral decisions thereon; and continued respect for the rule of law in Mexico. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to: Mexicos consultation process under the CPTPP; the application of the CPTPP and arbitral decisions thereon; continued respect for the rule of law in Mexico; political risk in Mexico; crime and violence in Mexico; corruption in Mexico; environmental risks, including environmental matters under Mexican laws and regulations; impact of environmental impact assessment requirements on the Companys planned exploration and development activities on the Project; certainty of mineral title and the outcome of consultation, litigation and arbitration; community relations; governmental regulations and the ability to obtain necessary licences and permits; risks related to mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers or claims and other defects in title; changes in mining, environmental or agrarian laws and regulations and changes in the application of standards pursuant to existing laws and regulations which may increase costs of doing business and restrict operations; as well as those factors discussed the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Almaden's Annual Information Form and Almaden's latest Form 20-F on file with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could affect the Company and may cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements or 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 our forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to on forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Contact Information:

Almaden Minerals Ltd.Tel. 604.689.7644Email: [email protected]http://www.almadenminerals.com/

Source: Almaden Minerals Ltd.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Almadex Minerals Ltd. ("Almadex" or the "Company") (TSX-V: DEX) is providing an update regarding its Request for Consultations delivered to the United Mexican States (Mexico, see press release dated December 14, 2023).

As previously reported, on December 13, 2023, Almadex delivered to Mexico a written Request for Consultations in accordance with Article 9.18 of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), setting out a brief description of facts regarding the measures at issue. On December 29, 2023, Mexico acknowledged receipt of that Request and stated that it would propose dates for a consultation meeting in the near future, but never reverted with proposed dates, leaving the dispute unresolved.

Accordingly, on March 14, 2024, Almadex delivered to Mexico written notice of its intention to submit a claim (Claim) to arbitration against Mexico (the Notice) in accordance with Article 9.19.3 of the CPTPP. This Notice has been delivered by Almadex together with Almaden Minerals Ltd., on behalf of themselves and their Mexican subsidiaries.

Amongst other things, the Notice sets out the factual background of the dispute as well as the legal basis of the resulting Claim, the provisions of the CPTPP that Mexico has breached, and the relief sought. The damages relating to the Almadex and Almaden Claim will be for no less than US$200 million, in the aggregate. Almadex would be entitled to damages relating to its 2.0% NSR royalty on the Ixtaca project, if damages were to be awarded.

The Notice enables the Company to initiate arbitration should an amicable resolution of the dispute with the Mexican government not be reached. The filing of the Notice must precede initiation of arbitration by a minimum of 90 days.

In good faith and in the spirit of cooperation, Almadex invites Mexico once again to engage in discussions and negotiations with a view to achieving an amicable resolution of the dispute. If such consultations with Mexico are unsuccessful, Almadex may then submit the Claim to arbitration under the CPTPP, seeking damages for the harm incurred, plus interest, costs, and any such further relief as a Tribunal may deem appropriate.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

J. Duane Poliquin

J. Duane Poliquin, ChairmanAlmadex Minerals Ltd.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements in it, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information in this news release relate to, among other things, the timing and nature of any future consultation, negotiations or settlement between the Almadex and Mexico, whether the Company pursues claims before an arbitral tribunal, and the timing, result and damages of such claims before an arbitral tribunal. These forward-looking statements and information reflect the Companys current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant legal, regulatory, business, operational and economic uncertainties and contingencies, and such uncertainty generally increases with longer-term forecasts and outlook. These assumptions include: stability and predictability in Mexicos consultation process under the CPTPP; stability and predictability in the application of the CPTPP and arbitral decisions thereon; continued respect for the rule of law in Mexico; market prices; exploitation and exploration successes; permitting; continued availability of capital and financing; equipment availability; and general economic, market or business conditions. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to: Mexicos consultation process under the CPTPP; the application of the CPTPP and arbitral decisions thereon; continued respect for the rule of law in Mexico; political risk in Mexico; crime and violence in Mexico; corruption in Mexico; environmental risks, including environmental matters under Mexican laws and regulations; impact of environmental impact assessment requirements on the Companys planned exploration and development activities; certainty of mineral title and the outcome of consultation, litigation and arbitration; community relations; governmental regulations and the ability to obtain necessary licences and permits; risks related to mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers or claims and other defects in title; changes in mining, environmental or agrarian laws and regulations and changes in the application of standards pursuant to existing laws and regulations which may increase costs of doing business and restrict operations. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could affect the Company and may cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements or 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 our forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to on forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Contact Information:Almadex Minerals Ltd.Tel. 604.689.7644Email: [email protected]http://www.almadexminerals.com/

Source: Almadex Minerals Ltd.
AstraZeneca will acquire Amolyt Pharma for up to $1.05 billion in total consideration

The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2024

LYON, France and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amolyt Pharma, a global, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in developing therapeutic peptides for rare endocrine and related diseases, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement for AstraZeneca to acquire Amolyt Pharma at a purchase price of $800 million upfront and a potential milestone payment of $250 million. Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease is looking forward to welcoming talent from Amolyt Pharma.

We are proud of the remarkable achievements of our team in building and developing a portfolio of therapeutic peptides with the potential to address significant unmet needs for rare endocrine and related diseases, having advanced eneboparatide to Phase 3 for hypoparathyroidism and created an early-stage pipeline in less than 5 years. We are grateful to the investigators, patients, and patient associations who have supported us to reach these goals, said Thierry Abribat, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Amolyt Pharma. We are looking forward to the development of our portfolio as part of Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, an organization with proven expertise and a successful track-record in bringing innovative therapies to patients with rare diseases globally.

Pierre Legault, Chairman of Amolyt Pharmas Board of Directors, added, Todays announcement recognizes the significant value we have built for our shareholders and patients. We are confident that with Alexion, our innovative science will be even better positioned to ultimately reach patients with rare diseases around the world.

Marc Dunoyer, Chief Executive Officer, Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, said: Chronic hypoparathyroid patients face a significant need for an alternative to current supportive therapies, which do not address the underlying hormone deficiency. As leaders in rare disease, Alexion is uniquely positioned to drive the late-stage development and global commercialisation of eneboparatide, which has the potential to lessen the often debilitating impact of low parathyroid hormone and avoid the risks of high-dose calcium supplementation. We believe this programme, together with Amolyts talented team, expertise, and earlier pipeline, will enable our expansion into rare endocrinology.

Amolyts clinical pipeline includes differentiated therapeutic peptides for the treatment of underserved rare endocrine disease. Eneboparatide (AZP-3601) is an investigational daily subcutaneous injectable parathyroid hormone receptor 1 (PTHR1) agonist for the treatment of hypoparathyroidism, that is currently in Phase 3. AZP-3813 is a peptide growth hormone receptor antagonist for the potential treatment of acromegaly that is in Phase 1.

Terms of the agreement

Under the terms of the agreement, AstraZeneca will acquire all of Amolyt Pharmas outstanding shares for a total consideration of up to $1.05B, on a cash and debt free basis. This includes $800 million upfront at deal closing, plus the right for Amolyt Pharmas shareholders to receive an additional contingent payment of $250 million payable upon achievement of a specified regulatory milestone.

Subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions in the acquisition agreement, including regulatory clearances, the transaction is expected to close by the end of the third quarter of 2024.

Centerview Partners LLC and Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE acted as financial advisors to Amolyt, and Cooley LLP and Jones Day acted as legal counsels for Amolyt and its shareholders.

About Amolyt Pharma

Amolyt Pharma, a clinical stage biotechnology company, is building on its teams established expertise to deliver life-changing treatments to patients suffering from rare endocrine and related diseases. Its development portfolio includes eneboparatide (AZP-3601), a long-acting PTH1 receptor agonist as a potential treatment for hypoparathyroidism, and AZP-3813, a peptide growth hormone receptor antagonist for the potential treatment of acromegaly. Amolyt Pharma aims to further expand and develop its portfolio by leveraging its global network in the field of endocrinology and with support from a strong syndicate of international investors. To learn more, visit https://amolytpharma.com/ or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Amolyt Contact: Patrick LoustauChief Business Officer[email protected]

Media inquiries: Jordyn TemperatoLifeSci Communications[email protected]

Investor inquiries:Ashley RobinsonLifeSci Advisors, LLC[email protected]+1 617.430.7577

Source: Amolyt Pharma
CALGARY, Alberta, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Athabasca Oil Corporation (TSX: ATH) (Athabasca or the Company) is pleased to announce that the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) has approved the renewal of the Corporations normal course issuer bid (NCIB) to purchase up to 55,423,786 common shares during the 12-month period commencing March 18, 2024 and ending March 17, 2025 or such earlier time as the NCIB is completed or terminated at the option of Athabasca. The Companys current NCIB is scheduled to expire on March 15, 2024.

Athabascas renewal of its NCIB is based on the strength of the balance sheet and the Companys commitment to augmenting shareholder returns through a buyback program. The Companys capital allocation framework balances material near-term return of capital initiatives for shareholders, with a multi-year growth trajectory of cash flow per share. Athabasca sees intrinsic value not reflected in the current share price and in 2024 is planning to allocate 100% of Free Cash Flow to shareholders through buybacks.

Pursuant to the NCIB, the maximum number of common shares to be purchased represents 10% of the public float, as defined by the TSX. As of March 12, 2024, the Company had a public float of 554,237,864 common shares and 564,438,104 common shares issued and outstanding. Purchases will be made on the open market through the facilities of the TSX and/or alternative trading systems in Canada at market prices prevailing at the time of the acquisition. The number of common shares that can be purchased pursuant to the NCIB is subject to a daily maximum of 746,829 common shares (which is equal to 25% of the average daily trading volume on the TSX of 2,987,317 from September 1, 2023 to February 29, 2024), with the exception that one block purchase in excess of the daily maximum is permitted per calendar week. Common shares acquired under the NCIB will be cancelled.

In connection with the NCIB, Athabasca will enter into an automatic share purchase plan (ASPP) with its designated broker to allow for purchases of its common shares under the NCIB during blackout periods. Such purchases would be at the discretion of the broker based on parameters established by the Company prior to any blackout period or any period when it is in possession of material undisclosed information. Outside of these blackout periods, common shares will be repurchased in accordance with management's discretion, subject to applicable law.

Under the Companys current NCIB that is scheduled to expire on March 15, 2024, the Company was approved by the TSX to repurchase up to 57,967,098 common shares, being 10% of the public float. As of March 12, 2024, the Company has repurchased 55,467,400 common shares through market purchases on the TSX and other alternative Canadian securities trading platforms, at a volume-weighted average purchase price of approximately $3.82 per common share. The Company expects to fully execute the annual NCIB allotment before termination.

About Athabasca Oil Corporation

Athabasca Oil Corporation is a Canadian energy company with a focused strategy on the development of thermal and light oil assets. Situated in Albertas Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, the Company has amassed a significant land base of extensive, high quality resources. Athabascas light oil assets are held in a private subsidiary (Duvernay Energy Corporation) in which Athabasca owns a 70% equity interest. Athabascas common shares trade on the TSX under the symbol ATH. For more information, visit www.atha.com.

For more information, please contact: Matthew Taylor Robert Broen Chief Financial Officer President and CEO 1-403-817-9104 1-403-817-9190 [email protected] [email protected]

Reader Advisory:

This News Release contains forward-looking information that involves various risks, uncertainties and other factors. All information other than statements of historical fact is forward-looking information. The use of any of the words anticipate, plan, project, continue, maintain, estimate, expect, will, target, forecast, could, intend, potential, guidance, outlook and similar expressions suggesting future outcome are intended to identify forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is not historical fact, but rather is based on the Companys current plans, objectives, goals, strategies, estimates, assumptions and projections about the Companys industry, business and future operating and financial results. This information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information included in this News Release should not be unduly relied upon. This information speaks only as of the date of this News Release. In particular, this News Release contains forward-looking information pertaining to, but not limited to, the following: our strategic plans; repayment plans; the allocation of future capital; timing and quantum for shareholder returns including share buybacks; the terms of our NCIB program and ASPP; and other matters.

The actual number of common shares that will be repurchased under the NCIB, and the timing of any such purchases, will be determined by the Company on management's discretion, subject to applicable securities laws. There cannot be any assurances as to how many common shares, if any, will ultimately be acquired by the Company.

Source: Athabasca Oil Corporation
LEEDS, United Kingdom, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BlackDice Holdings Corp. (BlackDice, or the Company), an emerging player in AI-powered cybersecurity for the Telecom industry, is back from the biggest show of the year, Mobile World Congress 2024 (MWC24), where the Company secured an additional $50 million to its robust sales pipeline. Given the current order demand, BlackDice anticipates a more than 200% increase in annual revenue growth over the next 18-24 months.

At MWC 2024, more than 100,000 people and 2,400 exhibitors gathered in Barcelona on Feb. 26-29 to shape, debate, and celebrate the future of connectivity. BlackDices booth was crowded with visitors, ranging from Tier 1 operators to fraud solution providers, focused on leveraging AI at scale to bolster cybersecurity and enhancement of Quality of Experience (QoE) through cyber data intelligence.

The injection to its qualified sales pipeline, driven by productive customer discussions, and deals finalized at the event, highlights the surge in demand for BlackDices groundbreaking cybersecurity solutions. The Companys expanded pipeline includes Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and leading hardware manufacturers from Canada to India and Australia, as well as Europe, firmly establishing BlackDice as an emerging market leader in AI-driven cybersecurity solutions.

As cyberattacks grow in sophistication and frequency, particularly those driven by AI, the adoption of a cutting-edge threat detection platform is essential to bolstering network defenses, said CEO Paul Hague. The depth and scope of conversations about our AI-driven technology at MWC24, combined with our expanding pipeline, signals a bright future for BlackDice as we continue to broaden our footprint worldwide.

Leveraging advanced AI algorithms and Machine Learning (ML), BlackDice empowers Telecom customers with real-time detection and neutralization of potential threats. BlackDices platform offers a significant departure from traditional, centralized DNS-based systems. By utilizing flexible and scalable solutions, the Company addresses the limitations of previous cybersecurity measures, providing Telecom companies with a robust defense mechanism that evolves with an ever-changing landscape of cyber threats. --Investor RelationsHarbor AccessJonathan Paterson, +1 475-477-9401[email protected]

About BlackDice Holdings Corp.BlackDice is pioneering the future of AI-powered cybersecurity solutions. Its commitment to transforming cybersecurity infrastructures through advanced technology empowers people and organizations to safeguard their digital assets and information against evolving threats through comprehensive protection and enhanced security. BlackDice works with Tier 1 and Tier 2 telecom providers to deliver proactive and adaptive solutions to their customers - who range from small and medium-sized businesses to residential customers. Capable of monitoring billions of devices at one time, BlackDices unique platform can detect unusual patterns that signal a threat or attack is starting to build - and prevent it before it occurs. Based in Leeds, United Kingdom with European headquarters in Malaga, Spain, BlackDice serves customers and partners across the globe, providing expert guidance and support to prevent cybersecurity risks. More information at: www.blackdice.ai

Source: BLACKDICE CYBER LIMITED
BluePond.AI will offer AAIS Members innovative solutions for the P&C insurance industry, leveraging their Gen-AI-based CoPilot platform.

Lisle, IL, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American Association of Insurance Services (AAIS) is excited to welcome BluePond.AI, an automation platform for the P&C industry, to the AAIS Partner Program.

AAIS and BluePond.AI share a vision to leverage emerging technologies to help improve efficiency and regulatory compliance in the industry, said Pranav Pasricha, CEO of BluePond.AI. We are thrilled to partner with AAIS and hope to build many innovative solutions to serve the insurance space together.

The combination of BluePond.AIs industry expertise and their GenAi platform trained specifically for the property & casualty insurance industry provides our Members with tools to build innovative solutions with speed and efficiency, said Werner Kruck, President & CEO of AAIS.

The AAIS Partner Program provides AAIS Members with unique access to quality products and services that help them streamline processes, achieve operational efficiency, and grow their business. To find out how AAIS and partners like BluePond.AI can help create better customer experiences and increase speed to market, please visit www.aaisonline.com or reach out to the AAIS Engagement Team at [email protected].

About BluePond.AI

BluePond.AI, brainchild of industry experts, is built to tackle challenges faced by P&C Insurance businesses rising costs, talent shortages, and operational headaches. We streamline and simplify complex processes, improve decision quality, giving back time for you to focus on your people, clients, and profits. We're all about constant innovation and keeping things simple. We understand the nitty-gritty of the insurance world and are committed to continually refining and simplifying processes. BluePond CoPilot our Gen-AI platform takes away tedious work from your hands by automating your processes, analyzing complex documents, and generating market insights. Find out more at www.bluepond.ai.

About AAIS

Established in 1936, AAIS serves the property & casualty insurance industry as the only national not-for-profit advisory organization governed by its Member insurance carriers. AAIS delivers high-quality advisory solutions including best-in-class policy forms, rating guidelines and data management capabilities for commercial lines, inland marine, farm & agriculture, auto, and personal lines insurers. Its consultative approach, unrivaled customer service, and modern technical capabilities underscore a focused commitment to the success of its Members. Together with Member carriers, insurance regulators, Partners, MGAs, and other key stakeholders, the AAIS Community is working to build a more cost-effective and sustainable industry. For more information about joining the AAIS Community, visit www.aaisonline.com.
The political crisis and escalating violence in Haiti have created an untenable situation for the Haitian people, said Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

We all know that urgent action is needed on both the political and security tracks to help move things in a better direction, to help do right by the people of Haiti.

On March 11, Secretary Blinken met in Jamaica with leaders from CARICOM (the Caribbean Community), the international community, and more than 39 Haitian stakeholders representing civil society, the private sector, political parties, and interfaith groups. Secretary Blinken welcomed the proposal that was developed by the Haitian stakeholders and CARICOM to expedite a political transition and bring an end to the violence:

We support the plan to create a broad-based, inclusive, independent presidential college that would, in particular, first, take concrete steps to meet the immediate needs of the Haitian people; second, enable the swift deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission; and third, through that deployment, through a reinforced Haitian National Police, create the security conditions that are necessary to hold free and fair elections, to allow humanitarian assistance to get to people who need it, and to help put Haiti back on a path to economic opportunity and growth.

Considering the urgent need in Haiti, the U.S. Defense Department is doubling its support to $200 million for the Multinational Support Mission for Haiti and the State Department is adding $33 million more in humanitarian assistance.

After an agreement was reached on a proposal of a political way forward, Haitis Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced he will step down once a transition council appoints an interim prime minister. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan commended his decision:

Seeing what Prime Minister Henry did  not because of a U.S. diktat, a decision he made  is something we support because we think it does take into account the best interests of Haiti and the Haitian people.

Secretary Blinken emphasized that only the Haitian people should determine their own future - not anyone else. But all of us here [in Jamaica] - CARICOM, the United States, our other partners  we can help, he declared. We can help restore a foundation of security that can address the tremendous suffering that innocent Haitians are experiencing and help create the conditions that will enable them to have that opportunity.
Mayor Martin Damm has joined KommuneKredits Board of Directors, as the current Chairman of the Board of Directors Henrik Hvidesten has decided to resign.

At the same time, the Board of Directors has elected Martin Damm as Chairman and Mayor Thomas Lykke Pedersen as Vice Chairman.

In connection with his election as Chairman, Martin Damm says:

"KommuneKredits financing plays an important role for local welfare, development and growth in Denmark. As mayor I know all about that, and I look forward to chairing the board of KommuneKredit and contributing to its work."

As of 13 March 2024, the Board of Directors will consist of:

 Mayor Martin Damm, Municipality of Kalundborg (Chairman)

 Mayor Thomas Lykke Pedersen, Municipality of Fredensborg (Vice-Chairman)

 Mayor Michael Fenger, Municipality of Gentofte

 Mayor Mikael Klitgaard, Municipality of Brnderslev

 Mayor Erik Lauritzen, Municipality of Snderborg

 Mayor Peter Srensen, Municipality of Horsens

 Regional Council Member Tormod Olsen, Capital Region of Denmark

 Regional Council Member Carsten Scheibye, Capital Region of Denmark

 Birgit Aagaard-Svendsen, Independent Member

 Susanne Kure, Independent Member

Six board members are elected by the municipalities, two by the regions and two independent members  possessing qualifications within accounting, auditing, financial or risk management  are elected by the Board of Directors.

The election period for KommuneKredits Board of Directors follows the election period for municipal and regional councils staggered by five months. The current election period runs from 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2026.

Contact

CEO Jens Lundager

Phone: +45 3369 7622

Email: [email protected]

Attachment
Company announcement 8/2024 (14.03.2024)

Today, Thursday 14 March 2024 an ordinary general meeting with the following agenda was held at 09:30 CET at European Energy A/S, Gyngemose Parkvej 50, 2860 Sborg, Denmark and electronically via Microsoft Teams:

Agenda

1. Election of Chair of the Annual General Meeting.

2. Report on the activities of the Company.

3. Presentation of the annual report with the auditors report for approval and discharge of the Board of Directors and the Executive Board.

4. Resolution on the appropriation of profit or treatment of loss according to the approved annual report.

5. Election of members to the Board of Directors.

6. Decision regarding remuneration to the Board of Directors for the financial year 2024.

7. Amendments to the article of association.

8. Election of Auditor(s).

9. AOB.

Minutes of the ordinary general meeting is attached.

For further information, please contact Investor Relations: [email protected].

This announcement has been made in accordance with the market abuse regulation (regulation (EU) no. 596/2014 on market abuse).

Attachment
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AgencyBloc, provider of insurance growth enablement solutions catering to the health, senior, and benefits industries, debuts marketing packages for carriers to enhance visibility with placement and growth opportunities for small group benefits and ancillary products.

In the fiercely competitive landscape of the group benefits industry, where hundreds of insurance carriers vie for visibility among thousands of benefit plan products, establishing effective marketing strategies is essential. Addressing this challenge head-on, AgencyBloc introduces carrier marketing packages within the Quote+ solution, revolutionizing how carriers promote products.

This marks a pivotal shift in how carriers approach product marketing and distribution, stated Heath MacArthur, chief revenue officer at AgencyBloc. Quote+ offers carriers a dynamic platform to showcase and sell their products to a vast network of agencies. These innovative packages empower carriers to optimize product positioning, paving the way for new growth opportunities.

An integral solution in AgencyBlocs Plus Suite, Quote+ is a digital distribution channel leveraged by over 5,500 brokers for both medical and ancillary small group benefits products. By leveraging Quote+, carriers can effectively educate agents on products, streamline marketing and product promotion efforts, and enhance the companys reach in the market while making data-driven decisions based on detailed performance data insights by product and jurisdiction.

About AgencyBloc AgencyBloc is the #1 Recommended Insurance Industry Growth Platform that serves the health, senior and benefits industry with a suite of solutions that can be strategically utilized to support the operational and growth needs of independent insurance agencies, GAs, IMO/FMOs, call centers and carriers. To learn more about AgencyBloc and Plus Suite, visit www.agencybloc.com.

Media Contact:Jennifer OverhulseSt. Nick Media Services[email protected]859-803-6597

Source: AgencyBloc
Clinical and pre-clinical data generated from collaborations between the Tuebingen University Hospital, researchers from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester (USA) and HepaRegeniX

HRX-215 proved to be safe and well tolerated in healthy volunteers, pre-clinical data showed increased regeneration of liver cells

HRX-215 to be further developed to usher in a new era in oncological liver surgery and liver transplantation

TUEBINGEN, Germany, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HepaRegeniX GmbH, a clinical stage company developing novel regenerative therapies for the treatment of acute and chronic liver diseases, today published clinical and preclinical results on its first-in-class MKK4 inhibitor HRX-215 in the prestigious journal Cell. The manuscript, available online here (DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.02.023), describes strongly enhanced liver regeneration and prevention of liver failure by HRX-215 in preclinical model systems and a first-in-human trial showing safety and tolerability. HRX-215 is a small molecule inhibitor of Mitogen-Activated Protein (MAP) Kinase Kinase 4 (MKK4).

The positive results in terms of safety and tolerability confirm our intention to soon offer a drug that has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of severe liver diseases. The data pave the way for further Phase II studies evaluating the efficacy of HRX-215 in humans, emphasizes Dr. Wolfgang Albrecht, COO of HepaRegeniX.

In patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer, which affect about 1 million people per year worldwide, or with primary liver tumors, complete resection of the liver tumors is the only curative therapeutic approach. However, when the remaining liver volume would be below a certain threshold, patients are at high risk of developing post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF), an often lethal complication limiting the surgical treatment of liver cancers. HRX-215 holds promise to make more extensive liver resections possible by safely preventing PHLF.

HRX-215 would not only be an urgently needed treatment option in the surgical removal of liver tumors, but would also be able to help overcome the major problem of organ shortage in the field of liver transplantation, Prof. Lars Zender, Medical Director at the University Hospital Tuebingen points out the possible applications. Living donor transplants from the smaller left part of a healthy donor's liver would be a solution, as removal poses little health risk for healthy donors. However, this part of the liver is often too small to take over the function of the liver that was removed from the recipient. Due to the rapid enhancement of liver regeneration mediated by HRX-215, we assume that HRX-215 treatment would enable the safe transplantation of small left liver lobes in normal size adults, Prof. Zender continues.

Before HRX-215 was tested in healthy volunteers in a Phase I study, it was thoroughly investigated in animal models. In particular, Tuebingen collaborated with Prof. Dr. Scott L. Nyberg at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester (USA), an internationally renowned expert in the field of transplantation and regenerative medicine. His team was able to show that treatment with HRX-215 can boost liver regeneration after partial liver removal (hepatectomy) while intact livers are not affected by the drug candidate. Further, HRX-215 was also able to protect hepatocytes from cell death in a model for acute liver injury.

In the consecutive first in human trial, conducted by HepaRegeniX, HRX-215 was well tolerated at all doses with no drug-related adverse events being observed.

We are very excited about the results from this collaborative effort that have now resulted in a publication in Cell. I would like to congratulate the three teams for even making the cover of this leading scientific journal. MKK4 inhibition has proven to be an ideal mechanism of action for inducing liver regeneration because it depends on the activation of stress pathways and has an excellent safety profile even after long-term treatment without the risk of tumorigenesis. Our successfully completed Phase I trial further underlines the enormous potential this drug candidate has for treating acute and chronic liver damage in patients, concludes Elias Papatheodorou, Chairman of HepaRegeniX Board of Directors.

For further information please contact:HepaRegeniX GmbHDr. Wolfgang AlbrechtManaging Director, COO[email protected]

For media inquiries:MC Services AGKatja Arnold, Dr. Cora Kaiser, Dr. Regina Lutz+49 89 210 228-0UK: Shaun BrownM: +44 7867 515 918[email protected]

About HepaRegeniX GmbH  www.heparegenix.com Since 2017, HepaRegeniX has successfully discovered and developed several drug candidates for the treatment of acute and chronic liver diseases based on a novel proprietary molecular target Mitogen-Activated Protein (MAP) Kinase Kinase 4 (MKK4). The first MKK4 inhibitor HRX-215 recently completed Phase 1 clinical testing. MKK4 is a key regulator of liver regeneration and suppression of MKK4 unlocks the regenerative capacity of hepatocytes even in severely diseased livers. This new and unique therapeutic concept was discovered by Prof. Lars Zender and his research group at the University Hospital Tuebingen, Germany. Investors in HepaRegeniX include the Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund (BIVF), Novo Holdings A/S, Coparion, High-Tech Gruenderfonds and Ascenion GmbH.

Source: HepaRegeniX GmbH
San Diego, CA, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lawmatics, the #1 CRM for law firms, today announced its recognition as a winner of The Business Intelligence Groups 2024 Best Place to Work award. This recognition honors organizations fostering exceptional employee experiences and driving exceptional performance through vibrant and engaging work environments.

At Lawmatics, weve worked hard to cultivate an environment where everyone is empowered to show up as their authentic selves and take ownership of their craft, said Lawmatics CEO and Co-founder Matt Spiegel. Weve achieved what we have as a company because were lucky enough to have fantastic people deeply motivated to do meaningful, high-quality work.

Maria Jimenez, chief nominations officer of Business Intelligence Group, commended the commitment of Lawmatics to employee well-being and excellence.

"Congratulations to Lawmatics for creating a workplace culture that prioritizes employee well-being and fosters excellence," she said. "This recognition is a testament to your dedication to building a strong and engaged workforce, even amidst challenging times. We commend your commitment to listening to employee feedback and taking action to create a truly exceptional work environment."

The culture of collaboration and innovation at Lawmatics is a driving force behind its growing list of notable achievements and industry recognition. The CRM won Product of the Year at the 2023 Sales and Marketing Technology Awards, was previously a finalist as a Best Place to Work in 2023, and is most recently a 2024 Steve Awards finalist.

Attachment

Sarah Bottorff Lawmatics 8052596553 [email protected]

Source: Lawmatics
Dr. Mukund Vengalattore v. Cornell University, et al.

Washington, D.C., March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The New Civil Liberties Alliance has filed a brief opposing summary judgment in its client Dr. Mukund Vengalattores lawsuit alleging that Cornell Universitys biased and faulty sexual misconduct investigation discriminated against him in violation of Title IX and defamed him. Dr. Vengalattore was a tenure-track Cornell University physics professor when a former graduate students false 2014 sexual misconduct allegation launched an utterly due-process deficient Title IX investigation that ruined his promising career. Cornells scheme was driven in part by the universitys Title IX office, which succumbed to pressure from the Department of Education (DOE) to rig its investigatory and adjudicatory processes against men accused of sexual misconduct. NCLAs brief asks the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York to reject Cornells request for summary judgment and proceed with trial in Vengalattore v. Cornell, allowing a jury to resolve the cases many factual disputes and clear Dr. Vengalattores good name.

Dr. Vengalattore has consistently and specifically denied the suspiciously timed accusation of his former student. Nevertheless, Cornell found him guilty of other conduct that his former student did not even allege in a proceeding that ignored procedural protections in Cornells applicable policies, deprived him of due process, disregarded evidence to reach its preferred outcome against the full weight of the evidence, and defamed him. Dr. Vengalattore enlisted NCLAs help in taking Cornell to court for this injustice. The district court initially dismissed his Title IX claims, concluding the Title IX cause of action did not extend to faculty. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ultimately reversed that ruling, with Judge Jose Cabranes observing in his concurrence: insulated from review, it is no wonder that, in some cases, these procedures have been compared unfavorably to those of the infamous English Star Chamber.

Bias drove Cornells misconduct in this process, as the university caved to DOE influence. Cornell has admitted that DOEs 2011 and 2014 guidance, including an infamous Dear Colleague Letter, was an instigating cause for changing its sexual assault and harassment policies. Courts have previously found that universities that followed the DOE guidance eviscerating commonsense procedural protections violated rather than complied with Title IX. In Dr. Vengalattores case, Cornell changed or ignored multiple policies and procedures to placate DOE, ironically leading to the universitys violating Title IX rather than complying with it.

NCLA released the following statements:

It is high time that Cornell faced the consequences for subjecting Dr. Vengalattore to years of fundamentally unfair, secretive, and biased proceedings reminiscent of the infamous English Star Chamber, which ultimately ruined his previously stellar academic career. We welcome the opportunity to prove our case at trial.

 Casey Norman, Litigation Counsel, NCLA

Cornell dragged Dr. Vengalattores reputation as a well-revered atomic physicist through the mud when it threw its Title IX investigatory policies to the wind and allowed a vindictive student and #metoo University dean to unduly influence the outcome of the investigation. This litigation serves as a warning to all educational institutions that due process is not optional.

 Kaitlyn Schiraldi, Staff Attorney, NCLA

For more information visit the case page here or watch the case video here.

ABOUT NCLA

NCLA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civil rights group founded by prominent legal scholar Philip Hamburger to protect constitutional freedoms from violations by the Administrative State. NCLAs public-interest litigation and other pro bono advocacy strive to tame the unlawful power of state and federal agencies and to foster a new civil liberties movement that will help restore Americans fundamental rights.

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WASHINGTON, March 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Under 3 DC published a groundbreaking new study that shows a lack of high-quality child care in the District of Columbia is costing parents more than $250 million per year due to damaging impacts on productivity, negative actions by employers, and an inability to advance in careers when adequate child care cannot be secured. The rest of the city is also feeling the impact, with insufficient child care costing businesses $79 million and taxpayers $64 million each year.

The study, the first of its kind in the District, found that high-quality, accessible, and affordable child care is an essential element of a thriving local economy. DC parents struggle to find and afford adequate care, which impacts their employers, their children, and their own career trajectories. Among parents who recently had or adopted a child:

52% had to reduce their regular work hours;

46% had to turn down an opportunity to pursue further education or training;

36% had to turn down a job promotion or desirable reassignment;

27% had to quit a job;

21% were demoted or transferred to a less desirable position; and

21% were let go or fired.

"This report makes it clear: we must make an immediate, lasting investment in affordable, high-quality child care for the good of our local economy and social fabric," said Kimberly Perry, Executive Director of DC Action and Co-Chair of Under 3 DC. "By continuing to bolster our early childhood education system, we're not only supporting working families  were supporting all residents and businesses and are building a stronger, more prosperous future for everyone in the District."

Lower employment rates among parents and guardians leads to lower incomes for families, worse productivity for businesses, and decreased tax revenue for the District. The annual cost per parent of children under age three is $8,100, or $252 million aggregated across all similar DC parents. The annual cost to businesses for each parent is $2,540, or $79 million aggregated across DC parents.

Annual Economic Implications of a Lack of Child Care:

Annual From birth-age 8 Aggregated across DC parents Parents $8,100 $33,340 $252 million Businesses $2,540 $7,230 $79 million Taxpayers $8,760 $8,760 $64 million

This report quantifies what the business community has long understood anecdotally and provides a clear roadmap for action," said Angela Franco, President & CEO of the DC Chamber of Commerce. "The child care crisis extends beyond family concerns and poses a significant economic imperative for all of us, as it costs taxpayers $64 million a year. Addressing this issue is essential for sustaining and growing our economy."

To build the report, Zogby Analytics surveyed 308 DC residents who are working parents of children under age three. Fifty-seven percent of respondents said the cost of care makes it harder for them to live in DC.

"Rigorous economic research has shown that when high-quality early child care is unavailable or inadequate, it adversely impacts parents' economic success and regional economic activity, said Clive Belfield, Professor of Economics at City University of New York, who translated the results into economic impacts. Similar findings appear in studies that have been conducted nationally and in other cities  showing that the results are serious and widespread."

The study credits District leadership for having made legislative strides toward a high-quality early education system, which includes wins such as the 2008 Pre-K Enhancement and Expansion Act and 2018s Birth-to-Three For All DC Act, as well as initiatives to enhance the qualifications and benefits of early educators. Despite these victories, the challenge remains to fully and permanently fund these programs and make necessary improvements.

To read the report, visit www.under3dc.org.

About Under 3 DCUnder 3 DC harnesses the voices and power of District families with young children, early educators, health professionals and community-based organizations to shine a spotlight on the need for more public investments in early education and health programs for infants and toddlers. Together, we can set the District of Columbia on a path to creating and sustaining a high-quality, equitable early childhood system. For more information, visit www.under3dc.org.

Contact: Tawana Jacobs | [email protected] | 301-325-8687

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/12c016fb-653e-4727-8d4f-21394de1a26b

Under 3 DC Hosts Launch Event for Report Showing High Cost of Inadequate Child Care in DC Advocates pose for a photo at the launch event for Under 3 DCs groundbreaking report that quantifies the impact of inadequate child care in DC on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at the Wilson Building in Washington. The study found that a lack of high-quality child care costs DC families $252 million; businesses $79 million; and taxpayers $64 million each year. (Eric Kayne/AP Images for DC Action)

Source: Under 3 DC
Aspocomp Group Plc., Stock Exchange Release, March 14, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. Finnish time



Notice is given to the shareholders of Aspocomp Group Plc. to the Annual General Meeting to be held on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 10 a.m. (Finnish time), address Keilaranta 1, 1st floor Auditorium, Espoo, Finland. The reception of persons who have registered for the meeting will commence at 9.30 a.m. (Finnish time).





A. MATTERS ON THE AGENDA OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING



At the Annual General Meeting, the following matters will be handled:



1. Opening of the meeting



2. Calling the meeting to order



3. Election of persons to scrutinize the minutes and to supervise the counting of votes



4. Recording the legality of the meeting



5. Recording the attendance at the meeting and adoption of the list of votes



6. Presentation of the annual accounts, the consolidated annual accounts, the report of the Board of Directors and the auditors report for the year 2023



- Review by the CEO



The annual report of the company for the year 2023, including the companys annual accounts, the consolidated annual accounts and the report of the Board of Directors as well as the auditors report shall be available on the companys website at www.aspocomp.com/reports as of March 27, 2023.



7. Adoption of the annual accounts and the consolidated annual accounts



8. Resolution on the use of the profit shown on the balance sheet and payment of dividend



The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting, that no dividend be paid for the fiscal year January 1- December 31, 2023.



9. Resolution on the discharge from liability of the members of the Board of Directors and the CEO



10. Presentation of the Remuneration Report 2023 for companys governing bodies



The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that it would approve the companys Remuneration Report for governing bodies 2023. The resolution concerning approval of the Remuneration Report is advisory in nature.



The remuneration report is available on the companys website www.aspocomp.com/agm.



11. Presentation of the Remuneration Policy for the companys governing bodies



The current Remuneration Policy has been approved at the Annual General Meeting on 9 June 2020. The Remuneration Policy shall be presented to the General Meeting at least once every four years, or whenever substantial changes are made to it.



The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that it would approve the Remuneration Policy for the companys governing bodies. The resolution concerning approval of the Remuneration Policy is advisory in nature. The proposed Remuneration Policy has been updated so that, if the General Meeting has resolved to establish a Shareholders Nomination Board, prepares the Shareholders Nomination Board proposals for the composition of the Board of Directors and their remuneration to be submitted to the Annual General Meeting.



The Remuneration Policy for the companys governing bodies is attached to this notice to the Annual General Meeting and on the companys website at www.aspocomp.com/agm.



12. Resolution on the remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors



The Shareholders Nomination Board proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the amount of remuneration payable to the Board of Directors remain the same as in the ending term and that Board Members be thus compensated as follows: EUR 30,000 for the chairman of the Board of Directors, EUR 20,000 for the vice chairman, and EUR 15,000 for each of the other members in remuneration for their term of office. The Nomination Board further proposes that EUR 1,000 be paid as remuneration per meeting to the chairman and that the other members be paid EUR 500 per meeting of the Board and its committees. The Nomination Board also proposes that the members of the Board of Directors be reimbursed for reasonable travel costs. The Nomination Board further proposes that earning-related pension insurance contributions are paid voluntarily for the paid remuneration.



13. Resolution on the number of members of the Board of Directors



The Shareholders Nomination Board proposes to the Annual General Meeting that five (5) members be elected to the Board of Directors.



14. Election of members of the Board of Directors



The Shareholders Nomination Board proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the current members of the Board of Directors Ms. Paivi Marttila, Ms. Kaarina Muurinen, Mr. Jukka Huuskonen and Mr. Anssi Korhonen be re-elected as members to the Board of Directors and Mr. Ville Vuori be elected as a new member of the Board of Directors. In accordance with the Articles of Association of the company, the term of office of the members of the Board of Directors ends at the closing of the next Annual General Meeting following the election.



The said director nominees have given their consents to the election.



Presentation of the proposed new member of the Board of Directors Ville Vuori is attached to this notice to the Annual General Meeting. The proposed current members of the Board of Directors are presented on Aspocomps website www.aspocomp.com.



In accordance with the Articles of Association the Board of Directors elects its chairman from among its members. The Nomination Board proposes to the inaugural meeting of the Board of Directors to be held after the Annual General Meeting that Ms. Paivi Marttila is re-elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors.



The Nomination Board has assessed the director nominees' independence against the independence criteria of the Finnish Corporate Governance Code. According to the evaluation carried out by the Nomination Board, all director nominees are independent of the company's significant shareholders. The Nomination Board has also assessed that all nominees are independent of the company.



15. Resolution on the remuneration of the auditor



The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the auditors fees be paid according to the auditors invoice.



16. Election of auditor



The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that Ernst & Young Oy, Authorized Public Accountants be elected as the company's auditor. Ernst & Young Oy has notified that Ms. Erika Gronlund, Authorized Public Accountant, will act as the principal auditor. In accordance with the Articles of Association of the company, the term of office of the auditor ends at the closing of the next Annual General Meeting following the election.



The proposal of the Board of Directors is based on a competitive tendering process concerning the companys auditing services. As a result of the competitive tendering process, the company received offers from three (3) auditing firms. According to the assessment of the Board of Directors, Ernst & Young Oy best meets the selection criteria defined in advance in the invitation to tender.



17. Authorizing the Board of Directors to decide on share issues as well as the issue of options and other special rights



The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the Board of Directors be authorized to, in one or several instalments, decide on the issuance of shares and the issuance of options and other special rights entitling to shares referred to in Chapter 10 Section 1 of the Finnish Limited Liability Companies Act as follows:



The number of shares to be issued based on the authorization may in total amount to a maximum of 681,144 shares. The Board of Directors decides on all the terms and conditions of the issuances of shares and of options and other special rights entitling to shares. The authorization concerns both the issuance of new shares as well as own shares possibly held by the company. The issuance of shares and of options and other special rights entitling to shares referred to in Chapter 10 Section 1 of the Finnish Limited Liability Companies Act may be carried out in deviation from the shareholders pre-emptive rights (directed issue).



The authorization cancels the authorization given by the General Meeting on April 20, 2023, to decide on the issuance of shares as well as the issuance of special rights entitling to shares.



The authorization is valid until June 30, 2025.



18. Closing of the meeting





B. DOCUMENTS OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING



The aforementioned proposals of the Shareholders Nomination Board and the Board of Directors relating to the agenda of the Annual General Meeting, this notice, the companys Remuneration Report for governing bodies 2023 and the Remuneration Policy for the companys governing bodies are available on the companys website at www.aspocomp.com/agm. The annual report of the company for the year 2023, including the companys annual accounts, the consolidated annual accounts and the report of the Board of Directors as well as the auditors report shall be available on the companys website at www.aspocomp.com/reports as of March 27, 2024. The proposals for decisions and the other above-mentioned documents are also available at the meeting. Copies of these documents and of this notice will be sent to shareholders upon request



The minutes of the Annual General Meeting will be available at www.aspocomp.com/agm no later than May 2, 2024.





C. INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING



1. The right to participate and registration



Each shareholder, who on the record date of the Annual General Meeting, April 8, 2024, is registered in the shareholders register of the company held by Euroclear Finland Ltd., has the right to participate in the Annual General Meeting. Each shareholder, whose shares are registered on his/her/its personal Finnish book-entry account, is registered in the shareholders register of the company.



A shareholder, that is registered in the shareholders register of the company, who wants to participate in the Annual General Meeting, shall register for the meeting within the period March 14, 2024  April 15, 2024. The registration must be available at the company at the latest on Monday, April 15, 2024, by 10 a.m. (Finnish time). Such notice can be given:



a) via Aspocomps website at https://aspocomp.com/investors/governance/agm/

Electronic registration requires strong identification of the shareholder or his/her representative or proxy with Finnish, Swedish or Danish bank IDs or mobile certificate.,



b) by e-mail at the address [email protected],



c) by telephone at number +358 10 2818 909 on weekdays between 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. (Finnish time), or



d) by regular mail to Innovatics Oy, General Meeting/ Aspocomp Group Oyj, Ratamestarinkatu 13 A, 00520 Helsinki, Finland.



In connection with the registration a shareholder shall provide requested information, such as his/her/its name, date of birth or Business ID, address, telephone number, email address and the name of a possible assistant or proxy representative and the date of birth of a proxy representative. The personal data given to Aspocomp Group Plc. or Innovatics Oy is used only in connection with the Annual General Meeting and the processing of related necessary registrations.



The shareholder and their representative or proxy must be able to prove their identity and/or right of representation at the meeting.



2. Holders of nominee registered shares



A holder of nominee registered shares has the right to participate in the Annual General Meeting by virtue of shares based on which he/she/it on the record date of the meeting, i.e. on April 8, 2024, would be entitled to be registered in the shareholders register of the company held by Euroclear Finland Ltd. The right to participate in the Annual General Meeting requires, in addition, that the shareholder has on the basis of such shares been temporarily registered into the shareholders register of the company held by Euroclear Finland Ltd. at the latest on April 15, 2024, by 10.00 a.m. (Finnish time). As regards nominee registered shares this constitutes due registration for the Annual General Meeting.



A holder of nominee registered shares is advised without delay to request necessary instructions regarding the temporary registration in the shareholders register of the company, the issuing of proxy documents and voting instructions and registration for the Annual General Meeting from his/her/its custodian. The account manager of the custodian has to register a holder of nominee registered shares, who wants to participate in the Annual General Meeting, temporarily into the shareholders register of the company at the latest on April 15, 2024, by 10.00 a.m. (Finnish time).



3. Proxy representative and powers of attorney



A shareholder may participate in the Annual General Meeting and exercise his/her/its rights at the meeting by way of proxy representation.



A proxy representative shall produce a dated proxy document or otherwise in a reliable manner demonstrate his/her right to represent the shareholder at the Annual General Meeting. When a shareholder participates in the Annual General Meeting by means of several proxy representatives representing the shareholder with shares at different securities accounts, the shares by which each proxy representative represents the shareholder shall be identified in connection with the registration for the Annual General Meeting.



A proxy representative may deliver the duly completed and signed proxy documents, primarily as attachments in connection with electronic registration, or by post to the address Innovatics Oy, Annual General Meeting / Aspocomp Group Plc, Ratamestarinkatu 13 A, 00520 Helsinki, Finland, or by e-mail to [email protected] before the deadline for delivering the notice of participation on April 15, 2024, by 10.00 a.m. (Finnish time), by which time the documents must be received. In addition to the delivery of proxy documents, a shareholder or their proxy representative shall register for the Annual General Meeting as described in this notice.



Shareholders that are legal entities may also, as an alternative to traditional proxy documents, use the electronic Suomi.fi authorisation service for authorising their proxy representatives. The representative is mandated in the Suomi.fi service at www.suomi.fi/e-authorizations (using the authorisation topic Representation at the General Meeting). In the general meeting service, authorised representatives shall identify themselves through strong electronic authentication and register on behalf of the shareholder they represent. The strong electronic authentication takes place with personal online banking credentials or a mobile certificate. For more information, see www.suomi.fi/eauthorizations.



Proxy template is available at the companys website www.aspocomp.com/agm.



4. Other instructions and information



Pursuant to Chapter 5 Section 25 of the Finnish Companies Act, a shareholder who is present at the Annual General Meeting has the right to request information with respect to the matters to be handled at the meeting.



Changes in shareholding after the record date do not affect the right to participate in the meeting or the number of voting rights held in the meeting.



On the date of the notice to the Annual General Meeting, March 14, 2024, the total number of shares and votes in Aspocomp Group Plc. is 6,841,440. The company does not have treasury shares in its possession.



In Espoo, March 14, 2024



ASPOCOMP GROUP PLC.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS





For further information, please contact Mikko Montonen, CEO,

tel. +358 40 5011 262, mikko.montonen(at)aspocomp.com.



ASPOCOMP GROUP PLC.



Mikko Montonen

CEO





Aspocomp  Heart of your Technology



A printed circuit board (PCB) is used for electrical interconnection and as a component assembly platform in electronic devices. Aspocomp provides PCB technology design, testing and logistics services over the entire lifecycle of a product. The companys own production and extensive international partner network guarantee cost-effectiveness and reliable deliveries.



Aspocomps customers are companies that design and manufacture telecommunication systems and equipment, automotive and industrial electronics, and systems for testing semiconductor components for security technology. The company has customers around the world and most of its net sales are generated by exports.



Aspocomp is headquartered in Espoo and its plant is in Oulu, one of Finlands major technology hubs.



www.aspocomp.com





Attachments
LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This year, Onco360, the nations leading independent specialty oncology pharmacy, celebrates excellent service and care that resulted in unmatched patient satisfaction scores. Onco360s net promoter score (NPS) saw an 11-point increase, reaching an impressive 94, while the rest of the industry averaged 74 points.



At Onco360, we are committed to improving the lives of patients battling cancer and our recent net promoter score proves that our personalized services and specialized teams are making a positive difference in the lives of those we serve, said Benito Fernandez, Chief Commercial Officer. We are proud that our patients and their families trust Onco360 as their pharmacy provider, and we look forward to continuing to innovate our services to meet their needs.

Oncology patients reported they were satisfied with the robust pharmacy services provided through Onco360. In fact, 94% of Onco360 patients reported they would be upset if forced to use a different specialty pharmacy. Additionally, an incredible 100% of patients reported that they were satisfied with the time it takes to fill or refill a prescription through Onco360.

One anonymous patient shared, Representatives [at Onco360] are prompt to fill my prescription needs. The medication arrives on time, as promised. A pharmacist is available to answer any questions and is sometimes more familiar with the side effects than the prescribing physician.

Onco360 pledges to maintain the excellent service and commitment to patient care that has earned us an NPS of 94 and has ultimately led to an improved therapeutic experience for patients and caregivers we serve that are battling cancer, added Fernandez.

Onco360operates with the mission of improving the lives of patients battling cancer. The pharmacy has robust access to limited distribution oncology medications and offers personalized services such as financial assistance sourcing, expert clinical counseling, insurance benefit verification, and digital support.

To learn more about Onco360, please visit https://onco360.com/.

About Onco360 Oncology Pharmacy

Onco360 is the nations largest independent Oncology Pharmacy and clinical support services company. Onco360 was founded in 2003 to bring together the stakeholders involved in the cancer treatment process and serve the specialized needs of oncologists, patients, hospitals, cancer centers of excellence, manufacturers, health plans, and payers. It dispenses nationally through its network of URAC-, and ACHC-accredited Oncology Pharmacies. Onco360 is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, and is a flagship specialty pharmacy brand of PharMerica Corporation, a leading institutional pharmacy, specialty infusion, and hospital services company servicing healthcare facilities in the United States. For more information about Onco360, please visit Onco360.com.

Media Contact:

Benito Fernandez, Chief Commercial Officer

[email protected]

516-640-1332
NEW YORK, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of GrafTech International Ltd. (NYSE: EAF) between February 8, 2019 and August 3, 2023, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), of the important March 25, 2024 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased GrafTech common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the GrafTech class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=22210 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than March 25, 2024. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) GrafTechs manufacturing operations in Monterrey, Mexico had for decades chronically contaminated neighboring communities with harmful carcinogenic gasses and particulate matter; (2) GrafTech had signed agreements with local authorities committing itself to improving the environmental performance of its Monterrey facility, but repeatedly failed to honor these commitments; (3) GrafTech had been repeatedly warned over an approximately 30-year period regarding its wanton disregard for the environment and health and well-being of people near its operations in Monterrey, Mexico; (4) GrafTechs operations in Monterrey, Mexico were not in compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations; (5) GrafTech had failed to adequately remediate the environmental problems caused by the Monterrey facility following the 2019 administrative proceeding conducted by the Department of Sustainable Development of the State of Nuevo Leon; (6) the government of Apodaca had sought intervention from the State of Nuevo Leon authorities to curtail and prevent the adverse environmental impacts and noncompliance with environmental laws and regulations caused by the Monterrey facility; (7) GrafTechs purported cost leadership was achieved in substantial part by failing to implement appropriate and effective environmental safeguards at its manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico; (8) GrafTechs capital expenditures and/or related operational projects were woefully insufficient to adequately address the harm that GrafTechs operations in Monterrey, Mexico had inflicted on the environment and people within the neighboring communities; (9) as a result of the above, GrafTech was acutely exposed to undisclosed material risks that GrafTechs Gr manufacturing operations in Monterrey, Mexico would be severely disrupted by government action or enforcement; and (10) as a result of the above, GrafTech was acutely exposed to undisclosed material risks that its supplies of pin stock and graphite electrodes would be withdrawn and/or materially diminished, thereby materially harming GrafTechs business, operations, reputation, and financial results. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the GrafTech class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=22210 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

-------------------------------

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com
ELKO  Two residents from Wells are vying for a seat on the Elko County Board of Commissioners vacated by Wilde Brough, who declined to run for a second term.

Brian Gale and Wells City Councilwoman Laura DelRio filed on Tuesday as Republicans to represent District 1.

Brough, who was elected in 2020, explained he was ready to retire from public service and focus on his ranch and family.

Gale said he was encouraged by Brough to run for office due to his conservatism.

Im very pleased Elko County has declared itself a Constitutional County, Gale said. Its the most important document ever written, and I do want to sustain that.

If elected, Gale said he wanted to explore issues such as funding. I think the county could be funded differently, and I believe there are unique ways the county could be funded and not run out of money.

Two years ago, Gale ran for the District 6 seat on the Elko County School Board and was defeated by West Wendover businessman Jeff Durham.

On Tuesday afternoon, DelRio also filed for the District 1 seat at the Elko County Clerks office.

I am running for County Commission because I am passionate about serving my community, she said. I believe in the potential of our county and its residents.

A native of Wells, DelRio pointed to her time serving on the Wells City Council that honed my skills in decision-making, budgeting, community engagement and problem-solving.

My campaign is focused on championing the interests of our rural areas, supporting responsible regional development that preserves our way of life, strengthening our school district to ensure every child receives a quality education and empowering our rural cities to thrive, she said.

Last week, incumbents Jon Karr, representing District 3, and Rex Steninger, representing District 5, each filed for another term in office.

Broughs retirement

Brough said he enjoyed his run on the County Board of Commissioners representing District 1, but wanted to spend more time on his ranch and with his family.

I feel like Im abandoning folks, he said on Tuesday in an interview with the Elko Daily Free Press. But [the time in office] was good. I dont regret it. I really enjoyed it.

Brough, who is board chairman, was elected in 2020. During his time in office, he said he learned more about the wild horse situation and supported efforts by former Bureau of Land Management Elko District Manager Gerald Dixon to manage the issue.

He said he also observed frustrations about the wild horse management problem coming from western Nevada.

Theres a lot of folks from the western side of the state now seeing the disruption from the horses and are starting to voice it now, he said. We need to be together as a state on this because theres no way to get rid of the horses unless were all together.

Jon Karr, District 3

Businessman and restaurateur Jon Karr filed for his third and final term on the Elko County Board of Commissioners.

I think Ive made some great changes working with Rex, Delmo and the other commissioners, and Id like to finish it out, Karr said about his time in office.

He said one reason he wanted another term was due to changes in management, E911 and the Elko County Dispatch. I think weve got some great people and I want to be part of it.

Karr said current issues such as the tax for school funding and a second access to Spring Creek were among his priorities. He praised Commissioner Delmo Andreozzis suggestion to consider Spring Creeks future development as a guide for where a new road connecting the growing area and Elko needs to go.

Lets assume Spring Creek expands to the west and we put in a road to the east, that wouldnt make sense, Karr said. I like doing that kind of planning to see what it would look like. Then we could say where [it should go] instead of relying on speculation, which is what we have now.

Regarding hand-counting ballots, Karr said he was frustrated with comments regarding the Dominion voting machines, adding that he believed Elko Countys votes had not been affected by the machines in previous elections.

Karr explained he wanted to challenge the misconceptions introduced by citizens who are opposed to Dominion machines. He pointed to Nye Countys decision in 2022 to switch to paper ballots and hand-counting votes that supporters have cited as an example for Elko County to follow.

Nye County does not do a hand count. They still have a paper ballot, but its read by a Dominion tabulating machine, he said. You cannot tell me a Dominion voting machine is corrupt, but a tabulator is not. I believe neither one is.

Karr said he observed the Elko County Clerks vote tabulation in 2022 with former County Clerk Kris Jakeman and would do so again this year with County Clerk Rebecca Plunkett.

I witnessed it with Kris Jakeman, and Ill witness it again with Becky [Plunkett] to double-check it, confirm it and give my word that everything I saw was done correctly. Thats all I can do as an elected official [and say] that I saw every part of it, he said.

He also pointed to the system of checks and balances, which he said would reveal if there were any discrepancies between Elko Countys vote tally and what is reported by the Secretary of States office.

Our staff arent going to notice the change in numbers? They can see the change, he said. Its not accurate that the numbers change at the state level.

Karr, who served 12 years on the Elko County School Board and has served eight more years on the County Commission, said he wanted to continue his support of the Judicial Complex to expand the space for courtrooms and staff.

He said he also wants to find a way for the local television or cable feeds to carry Reno-based news for Elko County citizens to keep an eye on state government activity.

Thats a true pet peeve [of mine], especially in election years, Karr said. We learned during COVID-19 we didnt know what [former Gov. Steve] Sisolak was doing because our news was from Salt Lake City. Our news should be from Reno.

Karr said he was excited about what has changed in the county since taking office, and was looking forward to the future.

Im not taking credit for any of this, but Ive watched the improvements, he said. Our budget is much better than when I first got on the board. The fire district is ten-fold better. We have a lot of talent, from our County Manager to our CFO and our Fire Chief. I think Sheriff Aitor Narvaiza and Undersheriff Justin Ames make a great team.

I see a lot of talent and were going in the right direction, he said.

Rex Steninger, District 5

Rancher Rex Steninger also filed for a third term in office. He was appointed in December 2014 to finish out the last two years of former County Commissioner Grant Gerbers term following his death on the Grass March to Washington.

Since then, he was elected to two terms in office in 2016 and 2020. Steninger said his third term would finish the work I began in 2014.

He added he felt an obligation to serve the maximum years in office, but I am grateful for the term limits law.

Since serving on the county board, Steninger said the commissioners made tremendous progress, pointing to the countys struggle to maintain the 4% ending fund balance demanded by the state.

We instituted hiring freezes and other budget cuts, and are now on sound footing with our budget, he said.

Steninger praised new county employees who replaced retiring staff. I am very proud of the people we have on board now.

Looking ahead, Steninger said the county commissioners were facing big challenges, including school funding, the new judicial complex and hand-counting election ballots.

He added the county was also looking at more issues. We need to find a way to keep our air service in Elko, find an alternative access to Spring Creek and build a new recreation and events center to keep Elko vibrant for the next generation.

If I can get all that accomplished in my next term, I can go out to pasture content, Steninger said.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rubicon Organics Inc. (TSXV: ROMJ) (OTCQX: ROMJF) (Rubicon Organics or the Company), a licensed producer focused on cultivating and selling organic certified, premium cannabis products, is pleased to announce that it will be reporting its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2023 (Q4 2023) after market close on Wednesday, March 27, 2024.



The Company will be hosting a conference call to discuss Q4 2023 results on Thursday, March 28, 2024. Conference call details are as follows:

Time: 7:00 AM PT / 10:00 AM ET Conference ID: 60125 Local dial-in: +1-289-514 5100 Toll Free N. America: +1-800-717-1738 Webcast: https://onlinexperiences.com/Launch/QReg/ShowUUID=9301B4F8-90BC-41BC-B6FD-2A7014DDDD65





ABOUT RUBICON ORGANICS INC.

Rubicon Organics Inc. is the global brand leader in premium organic cannabis products. The Company is vertically integrated through its wholly owned subsidiary Rubicon Holdings Corp, a licensed producer. Rubicon Organics is focused on achieving industry leading profitability through its premium cannabis flower, product innovation and brand portfolio management, including three flagship brands: its super-premium brand Simply Bare Organic, its premium brand 1964 Supply Co, and its cannabis wellness brand Wildflower in addition to the Companys mainstream brand Homestead Cannabis Supply.

The Company ensures the quality of its supply chain by cultivating, processing, branding and selling organic certified, sustainably produced, super-premium cannabis products from its state-of-the-art glass roofed facility located in Delta, BC, Canada.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Margaret Brodie

CEO

Phone: +1-437-929-1964

Email: [email protected]

The TSX Venture Exchange or its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, statements regarding Rubicon Organics goal of achieving industry leading profitability are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as will or variations of such word or statements that certain actions, events or results will be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. The forward-looking information in this press release is based upon certain assumptions that management considers reasonable in the circumstances, the impact on revenue of new products and brands entering the market, and the timing of achieving Adjusted EBITDA profitability and cash flow positive. Risks and uncertainties associated with the forward looking information in this press release include, among others, dependence on obtaining and maintaining regulatory approvals, including acquiring and renewing federal, provincial, local or other licenses and any inability to obtain all necessary governmental approvals licenses and permits for construction at its facilities in a timely manner; regulatory or political change such as changes in applicable laws and regulations, including bureaucratic delays or inefficiencies or any other reasons; any other factors or developments which may hinder market growth; Rubicon Organics limited operating history and lack of historical profits; reliance on management; the effect of capital market conditions and other factors on capital availability; the Companys ability to attract and retain skilled staff; competition, including from more established or better financed competitors; the need to secure and maintain corporate alliances and partnerships, including with customers and suppliers.

These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Although Rubicon Organics has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. 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 forward-looking statements. Rubicon Organics assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, even if new information becomes available as a result of future events, new information or for any other reason except as required by law.
TORONTO, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (TSXV: NBM) (OTCQB: NBMFF)

Major Process Innovation Improves Silicon Anode Yield, Capacity, and Particle Uniformity Achieved Pilot-Scale Capacity Expansion to 4,000 Kilograms Per Year Without Additional Equipment or Process Change

Participated in Battery Japan and InterBattery 2024 to Establish Over 100 Relationships with EV and Battery Industry Players

Widening Testing Pipeline Partners and Evaluation Scale Towards Larger Battery Capacities and Formats

Appointed Mr. Daniel Lim as Chief Financial Officer

NEO Battery Materials Ltd. (NEO or the Company), a low-cost silicon anode materials developer that enables longer-running, rapid-charging lithium-ion batteries, is pleased to report technological advancements in NEO Batterys silicon anode production yield, capacity, and quality through its recent manufacturing innovation.

As announced on January 11, 2024, the Company filed its 9th patent to protect a significant process innovation in NEOs silicon anode materials, NBMSiDE. Direct implementation has resulted in the improvement of both NBMSiDE yield and quality, increasing the pilot-scale capacity to approximately 4,000 kilograms per year from several hundred kilograms based on continuous processing.

During NBMSiDE manufacturing, special additives effectively prevent silicon particle clustering or agglomeration by acting as an interparticle buffer layer. These layers (i) stabilize the interfacial energy between particles, (ii) reduce unnecessary particle damage during the milling process, thereby preventing excessive milling, and (iii) induce the uniform dispersion of particles in the solvents to improve manufacturing efficiency directly.

By developing similar innovations, NEO Battery Materials aims to become a leader in the silicon anode market by securing price competitiveness through increased production yield and improving particle size uniformity and product quality.

Mr. Spencer Huh, President and CEO of NEO, commented, After the relocation and return to regular operations of the R&D Scale-Up Centre, the R&D engineering team industriously continued the analysis and formulation of the special additives. This innovation is significant as no additional equipment or process changes are required to improve NEOs One-Step Production Process. We are optimizing to minimize bottlenecks and deviations during manufacturing, increasing the yield and uniformity of NBMSiDE particle sizes.

Battery Conference Participation & Corporate UpdatesOver the past two weeks, the Company has participated in two global lithium-ion battery conferences: Battery Japan in Tokyo and InterBattery 2024 in Seoul. Key exhibiting companies include CATL, BYD, Honda Motors, Hyundai-Kia, LG Energy Solution, SK On, Samsung SDI, and Posco Holdings.

NEO Batterys management and engineering team conversed and established relationships with over 100 battery materials, cell manufacturers, automotive OEMs, and investors. For the past week, the Company has been in process to establish non-disclosure agreements and collaborations with more than 10 companies met during the conferences.

For new testing pipelines, the Company is undertaking silicon anode material evaluations with an Indian-based battery cell manufacturer and automobile OEM, as well as European- and South Korean-based global battery cell manufacturers. With existing evaluators, NEO Battery Materials is preparing to conduct additional upscaled testing with silicon-graphite anodes and full-cell testing.

Appointment of Daniel Lim as Chief Financial OfficerThe Company is further pleased to announce that Mr. Daniel Lim has been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer of NEO Battery Materials. Ms. Nancy Zhao has resigned from her role to pursue other interests, and the Company deeply thanks her contribution over the past six years.

Daniel Lim has extensive accounting experience in accordance with Canadian and U.S. GAAP, IFRS, and Canadian and U.S. Corporate Income Tax Act. Mr. Lim holds a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license from Washington State. He has an excellent history of guiding corporate M&As, designing highly efficient financial systems, and optimizing business processes. Before joining the Company, Mr. Lim has accumulated experience in various industries, including the public sector, IT, manufacturing, and financial services, for over 15 years.

About NEO Battery Materials Ltd.NEO Battery Materials is a Canadian battery materials technology company focused on developing silicon anode materials for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, electronics, and energy storage systems. With a patent-protected, low-cost manufacturing process, NEO Battery enables longer-running and ultra-fast charging batteries compared to existing state-of-the-art technologies. The Company aims to be a globally-leading producer of silicon anode materials for the electric vehicle and energy storage industries. For more information, please visit the Companys website at: https://www.neobatterymaterials.com/.

On Behalf of the Board of DirectorsSpencer Sung Bum HuhDirector, President, and CEO

For Investor Relations, PR & More Information:Danny HuhSVP, Strategy & Operations[email protected]

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements as well as management's objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions. Forward-looking statements are frequently identified by such words as "may", "will", "plan", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend" and similar words referring to future events and results. Forward-looking statements are based on the current opinions and expectations of management. All forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and subject to a variety of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, fluctuating commodity prices, the effectiveness and feasibility of technologies which have not yet been tested or proven on a commercial scale, competitive risks and the availability of financing, as described in more detail in our recent securities filings available at www.sedarplus.com. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and we caution against placing undue reliance thereon. We assume no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Source: NEO Battery Materials Ltd.
MAPLE GROVE, Minn., March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TopLine Financial Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based member-owned financial services cooperative, held their fourth annual Bedding Drive during the month of February benefitting four local non-profits, Avenues for Youth, Karen Organization of Minnesota, MORE Community Services and YMCA of the North Youth and Family Services. TopLine members and employees generously donated bedding items of pillows, sheet sets, comforters and blankets to help bring comfort to those in need in our local communities.

Employees were able to participate by donating gifts and money and TopLine members and other community members could also purchase items from the credit unions Amazon Wishlist or Target Registry and have them delivered directly to TopLine, and in return delivered to charitable partners. When the program ended TopLine employees and members had donated over 60 bedding drive items and $830 in cash to assist local individuals and families.

Thank you to all of our generous member and employee donors who joined us in creating comfort and warmth for our neighbors in need, says Mick Olson, TopLine President and CEO. Every blanket and bedding item donated brings solace to someone facing uncertainty. Together, let's wrap our community in kindness and support."

Avenues for Youth provides emergency shelter, short-term housing and supportive services for homeless youth ages 16-24 in Hennepin County. Avenues shelters in Brooklyn Park and Minneapolis help over 250 youth annually. Visit https://avenuesforyouth.org/ to learn more.

Karen Organization of Minnesota provides refugees with resources and programs to remove barriers and achieve economic, social and cultural well-being. Visit https://mnkaren.org to learn more.

MORE Community Services provides refugees and immigrants with education and support, helping them achieve economic and social independence today and for generations to come. Visit https://www.more-empowerment.org/ to learn more.

The YMCA of the North Youth and Family Services is a leading non-profit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. To learn more about the Ys mission and work, visit https://www.ymcanorth.org/impact.

TopLine Financial Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based credit union, is Minnesotas 11th largest credit union, with assets of nearly $800 million and serves over 51,000 members. Established in 1935, the not-for-profit financial cooperative offers a complete line of financial services from its five branch locations  in Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove, Plymouth and in St. Pauls Como Park  as well as by phone, mobile app and online at www.TopLinecu.com. Membership is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or volunteers in Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington and Wright counties in Minnesota and their immediate family members. Visit us on our Facebook or Instagram. To learn more about the credit unions foundation, visit www.TopLinecu.com/Foundation.

CONTACT:Vicki Roscoe EricksonSenior Vice President and Chief Marketing OfficerTopLine Financial Credit Union[email protected] | 763.391.0872

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/85695cb7-ddcf-4a1e-9158-ca5f1add238f

TopLine Financial Credit Union Members And Employees Donate Bedding Items TopLine's Bedding Drive Benefits Non-Profits to Support Local Communities

Source: TopLine Financial Credit Union
Hong Kong, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Hong Kong Web3.0 Spring Summit, jointly hosted by MetaEra, Web3 Labs, Ipollo, and Cronos Trade and sponsored by AINN Layer 2, CertiK, PSE Trading, Neo, and Gryphsis Academy, is set to have a grand opening from April 4th to 5th, 2024.







Decision-makers and builders of the Web 3.0 ecosystem will converge here to establish connections while engaging in collisions of inspiration and thoughts, sparking innovations capable of changing the industry landscape.

Meta Era has successfully hosted over 20 offline events in more than 10 countries and regions worldwide, attracting over 60,00 participants, inviting over 300 high-profile global guests, and gaining support from over 200 top-tier media and communities. This has led to the establishment of a powerful community with over 1 million followers. Through these successful offline events, Meta Era has accumulated rich experience in organizing Web 3.0 conferences and has built a fan base from all around the world, along with a vast and powerful attendee community.

In the coming April, Meta Era, along with our partners, will shift the focus of the summit to the Web 3.0 Gem of the East, Hong Kong. Its unique geographical location and openness provide an unparalleled platform for participants from around the world to communicate, enabling international collaboration and innovation.

As a crucial hub for global fintech, Hong Kong has nurtured numerous outstanding blockchain projects, creating an ideal ecosystem for the flourishing development of Web3 technology. The city is renowned not only for its open business atmosphere but also for strong local policies supporting technological innovation, providing industry practitioners with broader development opportunities.

In this vibrant metropolis, participants will personally experience the unique charm of Hong Kong as the hub centre of innovation, deeply feel the pulse of ingenuity, and share insights and experiences with their peers, collectively exploring the future of the industry.

Guest Speakers

During the summit, attendees from over 100 countries will gather to learn from the insights of industry experts and have the opportunity to engage in in-depth interactions with these industry leaders.

Notable attendees include Yat Siu, Co-founder and executive chairman of Animoca Brands, Jeff, Founder and CEO of Merlin Chain, Abhay Kumar, CEO of Helium Foundation, Andrew Durgee, chairman of Republic Crypto, Sandy, Founder of Scroll, Jack Kong, Founder of Nano Labs and Board Director of Hong Kong Cyberport, Kun Peng, Founder of Stanford Blockchain Accelerator, Marco Lim, Managing Partner of MaiCapital, DrJingLee, a well-known KOL in the BTC ecosystem, Kaimin Hu, CEO of SphereX, Prof. and Professor Kang Li, CSO of CertiK, among others, who will participate in roundtable discussions.

Together, they will share and deliberate on the industrys most cutting-edge technological trends and innovative achievements.

Conference Agenda Revealed

The Meta Era Hong Kong Web3.0 Spring Summit has planned multiple speeches and panels to present the latest dynamics and explorations in the Web3.0 domain. The panel will revolve around the industrys hot tracks and concepts, especially at a time when the overall market ecosystem is becoming richer and the sentiment is increasingly enthusiastic, with Bitcoin and its ecosystem naturally becoming a central topic of discussion for this summit.

Guest speakers will embark on in-depth discussions from a macro perspective, focusing on forward-looking topics such as ETFs, inscriptions, BTC Layer 2, and even miners, to thoroughly review and predict the explosion trends of this Bitcoin bull market.

We have invited pioneers in the DePIN track, such as Helium, to kickstart roundtable discussions on the future development of decentralized networks. Furthermore, Merlin Chain, a leading project in BTC Layer 2, will discuss the current infrastructure of the Bitcoin ecosystem and its future expansion. This summit will unveil the latest information, including Hong Kongs compliance policies. Topics such as NFTs, AI, and payments will also be freely discussed by the guests, sharing their dynamic judgments, innovative insights, and future trends in these areas.

We are also honored to have Mr Yat Siu, the co-founder and executive chairman of Animoca Brands, for a live interview. As an outstanding entrepreneur in the blockchain domain, Mr Yat Siu will share his successful experiences in the digital economy and blockchain field, presenting a unique and profound industry panorama to the audience.

Furthermore, many innovative projects and new topics in the Web 3.0 ecosystem, along with the guests, will be announced in due course. We invite our fans and readers to stay tuned.

Special Thanks to Our Partners

We proudly announce partnerships with Foresight News, Mars Finance, Cointime, Chain Catcher, PANews, BlockBeats, Jinse.cn, Sina Finance, ChainTimes, Koala Finance, BroadChain Finance, Shilian Finance, Finet.hk, luluWeb3, Blocklike, Bitrush, BOTD, Blockchain Reporter, Blocknews, ByToken, Coinpedia, Dethings, FX168 Finance, Followin, FinMETA, Knowhere, Tokenpost and Wikbit. (listed in no particular order). These partners will jointly broadcast the exciting content of the summit, working together to promote innovation and development in the blockchain industry.

The success of the summit would not be possible without the support of our beloved community partners. We extend our gratitude to the Peking University Youth Entrepreneurship Association, Peking University Web3 Alumni Club, Whale Research, Everything Island, NiuBite Web3 Community, Coin Circle Zoo, UR Community, Metaverse Cultural Industry, Avatar Dao, BY DAO, CrossSpace, Snowpoint, G+Club, Metaevent, METASPACE, MUA DAO, Moongate, Moledao, MiMialpha, Node Lab, TinTinLand, WIS, Web3Space, Xlink Labs, DeFam, Wikiexpo, UWEB, closer, Blockchain Academy, TiTi, Web3eventand other community partners for their participation (Listed in no particular order). Their support allows the valuable insights of the summit to be widely and effectively disseminated.

Closing Remarks

This summit is not only a platform for exchange but also a unique festival for those working in Web3, a venue brimming with innovative thoughts and inspiring energy. Here, numerous outstanding thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and technical experts come together to participate in brainstorming sessions that spark inspiration. They share insights and practical experiences from their respective fields, activating more innovation and progress through collective brainstorming.

Hong Kong, as the Gem of Web 3.0 in the East, will witness the unique charm of this grand event. The city is the venue for the summit and the fertile ground where participants collectively inspire creativity and explore the future. We look forward to using this summit to collectively embark on a new chapter in the digital economy and blockchain field, contributing to the industrys prosperity.

Join us at the Meta Era Hong Kong Web 3.0 Spring Summit to experience the vitality and innovation of this city, and together, lets build the utopian vision of Web 3.0

About Hong Kong Web 3.0 Spring Summit

The Hong Kong Web 3.0 Spring Summit, organised jointly by Meta Era, Web3Labs, iPollo, and Cronos Trade, and sponsored by AINN Layer 2, CertiK, PSE Trading, Neo, and Gryphsis Academy, is set to take place from April 4th to 5th, 2024. This summit will serve as a platform for industry innovators and leaders in digital technology to converge. Centered around various pivotal themes such as finance, regulation, technological innovation, and industry development, the summit will showcase expert speeches, roundtable discussions, and practical case studies. Attendees will have the opportunity to delve into profound insights into the current dynamics of the industry, recognise innovative opportunities, and collaboratively shape the future blueprint of the digital era.

About Meta Era

Meta Era is a globally leading media headquartered in Hong Kong, dedicated to promoting the application of Web 3.0 technology in Asia and worldwide. We take pride in providing accurate and professional information to the public and have established strong alliances with numerous investment institutions, prominent Web 3.0 companies, influential industry media, and communities. Focused on Web 3.0, we are paving the way for a new era of the internet  a Meta era.

Register for free now:

Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/822170382747?aff=oddtdtcreator

Official Website https://www.web3techweek.hk
WASHINGTON, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On March 21 at 1 p.m. ET, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the White Houses Office of the National Cyber Director will host a virtual session entitled Fortifying Your Business: Strategies for Resilience in the Digital Age. Registration for the event is free and open to all who sign up here.

The featured speakers below will lead an engaging discussion designed to empower small business owners with essential tools and insights to navigate today's cyber landscape with confidence:

Mark Madrid, Associate Administrator of the SBAs Office of Entrepreneurial Development

Jacob (Jake) Braun, Acting Principal Deputy, National Cyber Director in the White House

Seeyew Mo, Assistant National Cyber Director for Cyber Workforce, Training and Education, White House Office of the National Cyber Director

The session will cover the core principles of the National Cybersecurity Strategy, providing a comprehensive understanding of the current cybersecurity landscape and its implications for small businesses. Topics will include discussions on emerging threats to proactive defense measures, and stress practical strategies tailored to fortify small businesses against potential cyber risks.

This is a series not only about technologyit is about providing a secure environment for employees too. Critical in every workforce is awareness and readiness to maintain business continuity amidst digital disruptions. Participants will discover effective methods for enhancing cybersecurity awareness, fostering a culture of vigilance, and equipping their employees with the knowledge to identify and mitigate cyber threats.

Moreover, this session goes beyond theoretical concepts by spotlighting community resources available to small businesses. From local cybersecurity initiatives to industry-specific support networks, a panel of experts will showcase valuable avenues for accessing expertise, training, and assistance in bolstering your business's cyber resilience.

This event is being hosted to equip small business owners with actionable insights and practical guidance to safeguard their enterprises against cyber threats, ensuring a secure and thriving future in today's digital world. Join us and take the first step towards a resilient and cyber-secure business.

For more information visit: SBA Cyber Security Awareness for Small Business

###

About the U.S. Small Business AdministrationThe U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

Christine Saah Nazer U.S. Small Business Administration 202-765-0304 [email protected]

Source: U.S. Small Business Administration
MARBLEHEAD, Mass., March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This past week, the Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition (WPRC) hosted its 15th annual Legislative Summit in Washington D.C., bringing together 100 industry leaders of the domestic manufacturing companies who support the uniform and equipment needs of the warfighter. During this event, the WPRC announced that Senator John Boozman and U.S. Representative Donald Norcross (NJ-1) have been awarded the 2024 WPRC Sentinel Award. This accolade is in recognition of their outstanding legislative work to bolster the U.S. domestic defense industrial base, which plays a crucial role in supporting U.S. servicemembers and homeland security personnel. The Sentinel Award is annually bestowed upon members of Congress who have made significant efforts to ensure the Federal government has access to high-quality, American-made helmets, body armor, uniforms, footwear, and equipment, securing the best value for taxpayers.

Through their committee leadership, Senator Boozman and Congressman Donald Norcross have demonstrated their unwavering support for the safety and combat effectiveness of American servicemembers, said David Costello, Executive Director of the WPRC. Ensuring the strength and vitality of the Berry Amendment-compliant defense industrial base secures the domestic supply chain needed to provide the most effective protective clothing and equipment for warfighters and peacekeepers both at home and abroad. The WPRC is honored to recognize both Senator Boozmans and Congressman Norcross commitment to this enduring effort.

The 2024 Legislative Summit included a speaking program including U.S. Army Brigadier General Landis Maddox, Commander, DLA Troop Support; U.S. Army Colonel Tony Lindh, Project Manager, Soldier Survivability, Program Executive Office  Soldier; and representatives from the Center for Naval Analyses (CNA) who recently conducted a wargame scenario designed to better prepare and strengthen the clothing and textile industrial base. This was an opportunity for WPRC members to hear directly from Department of Defense (DoD) and executive leadership regarding the Administrations domestic defense industrial base priorities. The WPRC continues to lead advocacy initiatives on Capitol Hill to ensure U.S. service members and Department of Homeland Security operational agencies are equipped appropriately to carry out their mission safely, with American-made gear and equipment.

This years WPRC legislative objectives include ongoing support for the U.S. Armys Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP), support for Congress to require the annual update of the U.S. Armys Rapid Fielding Initiative (RFI), and an effort to encourage Congressional support for a Defense Production Act Title III Presidential Determination for the warfighter clothing, textiles, and equipment industrial base.

About the Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition and the Sentinel Award:

The WPRC Sentinel Award is the highest honor given by the coalition, awarded annually to lawmakers who have shown exceptional support for the American industry that produces advanced combat uniforms, footwear and equipment for the Armed Services and Department of Homeland Security. WPRC member companies strive every day to provide innovative, advanced solutions to ensure that our armed forces are prepared for any encounter, anywhere in the world.

Sentinel award recipient Senator John Boozman serves as the Ranking Member of the Senate Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Subcommittee. Additionally, Senator Boozman serves on the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission. Congressman Donald Norcross was selected by his peers to be Ranking Member for the House Armed Services Committees Tactical Air and Land Forces (TAL) Subcommittee and serves on the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.

CONTACT: David Costello 617-875-2492[email protected]

U.S. Representative Donald Norcross (NJ-1) accepts the 2024 Sentinel Award presented by WPRC Board Chairman Justin Mayer, Secretary Amy Coyne, and Executive Director David Costello

U.S. Senator John Boozman (AR) accepts the 2024 Sentinel Award presented by WPRC Board Member Markin Dornan (L) and Executive Director David Costello (R)

WPRC Sentinel award recipient, U.S. Representative Donald Norcross (NJ-1) addresses WPRC members

United States Army Colonel Tony Lindh, Project Manager, Soldier Survivability, Program Executive Office Soldier, addresses WPRC members

United States Army Brigadier General Landis Maddox, Commander, DLA Troop Support, addresses WPRC members

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/261c468d-29aa-40ec-960b-1c7298f7111a

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f5004dbe-df21-41b7-b413-1da1dca813c2

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3ae3667f-90ef-43f8-9f5c-0b0864a17d47

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3ca317b3-f40c-4b90-a13f-3ad2afa7edfb

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ffd1c725-72f0-4409-a94d-1fd60e67f801

15th Annual Legislative Summit U.S. Representative Donald Norcross (NJ-1) accepts the 2024 Sentinel Award presented by WPRC Board Chairman Justin Mayer, Secretary Amy Coyne, and Executive Director David Costello 15th Annual Legislative Summit U.S. Senator John Boozman (AR) accepts the 2024 Sentinel Award presented by WPRC Board Member Markin Dornan (L) and Executive Director David Costello (R) 15th Annual Legislative Summit WPRC Sentinel award recipient, U.S. Representative Donald Norcross (NJ-1) addresses WPRC members 15th Annual Legislative Summit United States Army Colonel Tony Lindh, Project Manager, Soldier Survivability, Program Executive Office Soldier, addresses WPRC members 15th Annual Legislative Summit United States Army Brigadier General Landis Maddox, Commander, DLA Troop Support, addresses WPRC members

Source: Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition
In a note Thursday, analysts at Goldman Sachs told investors to "buy VIX calls" to hedge a potential rise in volatility.

The firm explained that its volatility model, which is based on five economic factors, suggests the VIX will average 21.5 in April based on its economists' forecast compared to 13.8 now.

"We believe 1) VIX at a historically low level, 2) SPX close to its all-time highs, 3) high demand for upside asymmetry, 4) our model estimated upside to VIX and 5) upcoming macro/micro catalysts offer a compelling case for investors to own VIX calls," wrote Goldman Sachs analysts.

They added: "Over the past 30+ years, VIX has averaged 19 in April, and we see upside risks to the current low VIX levels given current macro environment and upcoming macro/micro catalysts."

With the S&P 500 index skew close to multi-year lows, the investment bank argues that the upside asymmetry is crowded, and they believe VIX calls would be an attractive hedge in case of a pullback in equities.

"We believe the upcoming analyst days, earnings season and macro events, led by the FOMC meeting (3/20) and election-related catalysts could drive volatility higher from here," concluded the bank.

By Sam Boughedda

By Sam Boughedda
(Updated - March 14, 2024 9:25 AM EDT)

Former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNBC on Thursday that he is putting together an investor group to acquire ByteDance's TikTok.

Mnuchin's comments come as a piece of legislation making its way through Congress threatens the social media platform's continued existence in the U.S.

On Wednesday, a bipartisan bill was passed by the House of Representatives, that, if signed into law would mean ByteDance has to either divest the social media app or face an effective ban on TikTok within the U.S.

Mnuchin said he thinks the legislation should pass and he thinks TikTok should be sold. "It's a great business and I'm going to put together a group to buy TikTok," he told CNBC's Squawk Box on Thursday.

Mnuchin did not tell CNBC who the other investors would be in any potential deal or the potential valuation for the social media site.

The bill will now move on to the Senate, where its future is uncertain. However, President Joe Biden said he would sign the legislation if it reached him.

Mnuchin added that TikTok should be owned by U.S. businesses, as "there's no way that the Chinese would ever let a U.S. company own something like this in China."

There have been growing concerns about TikTok's reach and potential influence in the U.S.

By Sam Boughedda
A B&B courtyard with blossoming plum in Ganyuan Village, Quchi Town, Wushan County. Photo by Wang Zhonghu

WUSHAN, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 March 2024 - A picturesque view is unfolding in Wushan County, a scenic city along the Yangtze River in west China's Chongqing Municipality. The sixth Three Gorges (Wushan) Plum Flower Festival of the Yangtze River opened on March 12, which seeks to enhance the Three Gorges' appeal to tourists with the refreshing blossoms.Located in the hinterland of the Three Gorges and covering both banks of the Yangtze River, Wushan County is a hub for Chongqing's exchanges with the east and a must pass to visit the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River.The history of planting Wushan crisp plum could be traced to the Tang and Song dynasties over a thousand years ago. At present, the planting area of crisp plum in Wushan is 300,000 mu, covering an altitude of 175 meters to 800 meters.Now the plum blossoms are gradually in full bloom, with a blossoming period lasting from mid-March to mid-April. Large swathes of plum blossoms make the mountains look snow-capped, creating a glamorous scene along the banks of the Yangtze River.Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets. In recent years, Wushan County has taken an array of steps to protect local environment and develop crisp plum into a pillar industry. Through variety breeding and technical improvement, the county has lifted the quality and planting scale of crisp plum, gaining the fame as China's crisp plum hub.Crispy plum is just a representative of many ecological "gold mines" in Wushan.In recent years, Wushan County has launched a land greening promotion campaign focusing on planting red-leaf tree species on both sides of the Yangtze River, which not only restored the local ecology, but also made the region's red-leaf trees more concentrated and contiguous.Wushan International Red Leaf Festival has been held for 17 consecutive sessions, and has become an important event to showcase the achievements of ecological development along the Yangtze River.Nowadays, a comprehensive transportation hub is in place in east Chongqing, Wushan, which consists of an airport, a high-speed railway, the waterways of the Yangtze River, several expressways and a tourism loop route.Wushan Airport has opened 10 routes, while the Zhengzhou-Chongqing high-speed trains make a stop at Wushan station 43 times a day.In Wushan, convenient transport and handy shuttle services enable tourists to enjoy fast travel and a leisurely time.Hashtag: #Wushan #PlumFlower

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 14, 2024) - Aero Energy Limited (TSXV: AERO) is pleased to announce that the company is presenting a live virtual corporate update hosted by Red Cloud Financial Services on March 20th, 2024 at 2:00 PM ET.

We invite our shareholders, and all interested parties to register for the webinar and participate in the live Q&A session at the end of the presentation moderated by Red Cloud.

The replay will be emailed out to all webinar registrants proceeding the event and will also be available on the Red Cloud website.

For more information and to register: https://redcloudfs.com/events/rcwebinar-aero/.

Commodities to be covered: Uranium

About Aero Energy Limited

Aero Energy is a mineral exploration and development company advancing a district-scale 250,000-acre land package in the historic Uranium City district within Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin. Aero Energy is focused on uncovering high-grade uranium deposits across its flagship optioned properties - Sun Dog, Strike, and Murmac - in addition to its fully owned properties. With the application of modern exploration techniques, the Company has identified over 50 shallow drill-ready targets and 125 kilometres of target horizon on the frontier north rim of the Athabasca Basin. Aero Energy is tapping into the Athabasca Basin's emerging potential for high-grade, unconformity-style mineralization.

About Red Cloud Securities Inc.

Red Cloud Securities Inc. is an IIROC-regulated investment dealer focused on providing a full range of brokerage services to all investor types focused in the junior resource sector. Our services include Investment Banking, Research, Institutional and Retail Trading, Institutional Sales, and Retail Investment Advisory services.

About Red Cloud Financial Services Inc.

Red Cloud Financial Services Inc. is a globally focused capital markets advisory firm that provides a full range of executive strategy, media, marketing, and corporate access services. Our breadth of services combines with our significant knowledge of the junior mining industry combine for unique product offering. The company was founded by capital markets professionals with extensive experience in the junior mining industry.

For further information:

Aero Energy Limited

Galen McNamara Interim CEO

778-716-7738

[email protected]

For additional information contact [email protected] or visit:

www.redcloudfs.com

www.facebook.com/RedCloudFinancialServices

www.twitter.com/RedCloudFS

www.linkedin.com/company/red-cloud-financial-services-inc

www.youtube.com/c/RedCloudFinancialServicesInc

www.instagram.com/redcloudfs
Total spending using international cards in the UAE witnessed a growth of over 25% during the year 2023, a report said.

J K Khalil, General Manager, MENA East, Mastercard, told Emirates News Agency (WAM) that digital payments continue to experience remarkable growth in the UAE, with more users and companies opting for them due to the convenience and security they offer compared to cash payments.

He said that the spending patterns using international cards in the UAE and the GCC countries highlight their pivotal role in boosting the travel sector's recovery.

Transactions via cards and digital payment solutions in the Middle East and North Africa surged by 20 percent in value and over 50% in volume, indicating a significant shift towards digital payments for everyday expenses.

Anticipating continued growth, he attributed this trend to consumers' desire for speed, convenience, and security, noting these as key drivers fuelling the expansion of digital payments.

He reaffirmed Mastercard's commitment to streamline transactions and enhance payment efficiency in the region, emphasising partnerships to offer comprehensive digital payment features.

Khalil shared insights from Mastercard's payment index, indicating a high adoption rate of new payment methods, with 85% of individuals in the region embracing them. In the UAE, 88% adopted new methods, including mobile contactless payments (39%), "buy now, pay later" services (29%), cryptocurrencies (20%), and wearable technology (18%).

He highlighted the significant growth of cross-border payments, particularly in connecting expatriates with their home countries, especially in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries with large expatriate populations.

Regarding Mastercard's cross-border payments report for 2023, it indicated that 48% of UAE residents anticipate an increase in cross-border transactions over the next 12 months, while 36% expect to receive more cross-border payments during the same period.

He reiterated Mastercard's commitment to supporting communities by providing safe, convenient, and rapid international money transfer methods at reasonable costs. Mastercard's cross-border services facilitate money movement to over 180 countries, enabling senders to reach over 90 percent of banked populations worldwide.

Khalil emphasised that financial inclusion is a cornerstone of Mastercard's mission, extending beyond bank accounts to address systemic financial inequalities. The company aims to include one billion individuals and 50 million micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in the digital economy by 2025.

He said that small businesses require digital support to thrive in the digital economy. Therefore, Mastercard offers tailored payment solutions for startups and SMEs, facilitating swift, secure transactions and broadening their customer base.

He pointed out that Mastercard unveiled the "Sustainable Cards Pledge" at COP28 in the UAE, aiming for banks to adopt sustainable card materials by 2025. Over 10 financial institutions promptly joined the initiative, making the UAE the first nation to achieve this milestone three years ahead of Mastercard's global target for 2028, where 80% of Mastercard cards issued in the market will be sustainable by 2025.

A Mastercard study found that Middle Eastern consumers are increasingly prioritising sustainability, with nine out of 10 adults willing to take action. Over 72% believe companies should prioritise environmental measures, and 25% would cease support for brands lacking sustainability commitments, with 15% having already boycotted such companies.
ELKO  Incumbent Assemblyman Bert Gurr could be the only candidate running to represent District 33 in the state Legislature.

According to the Secretary of States website Wednesday afternoon, Gurr, a Republican, was listed as the only candidate running for the seat in the Assembly.

Gurr filed for reelection in Las Vegas on March 4. He was elected in 2022, defeating Democrat John Doc Garrard.

According to a news release, Gurr was a steadfast advocate for balanced governance and rural communities in Nevada, during his first two-year term in office.

With a proven track record of delivering vital investments for Nevadans, Gurrs commitment to preserving the voice of rural Nevada has earned him widespread support across the state.

In the Assembly, Gurr backed conservative principles and his unwavering support for his constituents has positioned him as a leading voice in the Assembly for rural Nevada.

Gurr has been endorsed by Gov. Joe Lombardo, Lt. Gov. Stavros Anthony, Controller Andy Matthews and local county and city officials, and bolstered by strong backing from business and conservative organizations statewide. the press release stated.

Gurrs candidacy represents a continuation of his tireless efforts to ensure that all Nevadans, regardless of their location, have effective representation in the state Legislature, the statement continued.

Before his election to the Legislature, Gurr had a lengthy career as a Realtor, serving as president of the Nevada and Elko County Realtors boards. He also served on the Elko County Game Management Board.

In his pursuit of re-election, Bert Gurr remains steadfast in his commitment to advancing the interests of Nevadas citizens and fostering a climate of prosperity and opportunity for all, the statement said. With a focus on preserving the voice of rural communities and championing conservative values, Gurr stands ready to continue his impactful work on behalf of Assembly District 33 and the entire state of Nevada.

This has been updated to correct the location of Bert Gurrs filing for Assembly and his wifes name Lee.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 14, 2024) - Canter Resources Corp. (CSE: CRC) (OTC Pink: CNRCF) (FSE: 6O1) ("Canter" or the "Company") is pleased to report that the Company has appointed Alnesh Mohan as the Company's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Jan Urata as the Company's Corporate Secretary. In a corresponding move, Sarah Hundal will step down from her CFO and Corporate Secretary role and support the new appointees during the transition.

"I have worked with Alnesh and Jan and their respective financial services and corporate compliance firms for several years, and I'm very pleased to formally welcome them both to our team," stated Joness Lang, CEO of Canter. "The Company would also like to thank Sarah for serving in her previous roles on a part-time basis since July 2021. We continue to augment the corporate group as we enter this exciting phase of growth for the Company."

Alnesh Mohan, CPA, CA, is a finance executive with 20+ years experience providing advisory services. He's been a partner at Quantum Advisory Partners LLP, a professional services firm focused on providing CFO & accounting services to companies, since 2005. He has experience in financial reporting, corporate governance and regulatory compliance and currently acts as CFO for American Pacific Mining Corp. and has served as a CFO and director for other TSX-V and CSE listed companies throughout his career.

Jan Urata is the Founder and President of Take It Public Services Inc., a highly motivated legal support service for top tier junior issuers in a variety of industry sectors. Ms. Urata has more than 25 years' experience in the industry providing corporate secretarial services covering regulatory filings, taking corporate entities from initial seed capital stage to publicly listed status and supporting complex transactions. Ms. Urata's career began with years of experience as a legal secretary/paralegal for top Vancouver law firms before establishing Take It Public Services Inc. in 2011.

Corporate Updates and Disclosures

Annual General Meeting: The Company also announces that it has set its Annual General Meeting (the "AGM") for April 25, 2024 at 10:00 am (Vancouver Time). The AGM will be held at the offices of McMillan LLP located at Suite 1500, 1055 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 4N7. The Company anticipates mailing its proxy materials to its shareholders no later than April 4, 2024.

Marketing, Market Making and Investor Relations Related Disclosures:

The Company is also pleased to announce the retention of marketing service providers, as further described below. The Company's engagement of the service providers is intended to improve the Company's visibility and prominence in the capital markets in both North America and Europe.

Streetwise Reports

The Company has entered into an agreement (the "Streetwise Agreement") with Streetwise Reports ("Streetwise Reports"). Pursuant to the Streetwise Agreement, Streetwise Reports has been engaged to create image ads for use on various Streetwise Reports digital platforms and to create a company profile page to be hosted on Streetwise Reports.

Streetwise Reports is a California-based marketing firm established in California that provides its customers with a complete range of services, including basic stock charts, a 15-minute delayed price quote and other stock related data, expert commentary and quotes.

The Streetwise Agreement will remain in effect for a period of five (5) months, commencing on March 15, 2024, and will automatically renew unless earlier terminated by either party upon thirty (30) days' notice.

In accordance with the terms and conditions of the Streetwise Agreement and as consideration for the services provided by Streetwise, the Company has agreed to remunerate Streetwise Reports a fee of USD$25,000.

The Company will not issue any securities to Streetwise Reports as compensation for its services. As of the date hereof, to the Company's knowledge, Streetwise Reports (including its directors and officers) does not own any securities of the Company and has an arm's length relationship with the Company.

The contact information for Streetwise Reports is PO Box 1099, Kenwood, CA 95452; Email: [email protected].

High Tide Consulting Corp.

The Company entered into an agreement with High Tide Consulting Corp. ("High Tide"). Pursuant to the agreement, High Tide has been engaged to provide corporate and shareholder communications services to the Company.

High Tide is a Vancouver-based consulting company established in 2018 that provides corporate communications and investor relations services for publicly traded companies. The Company's CEO, Kristina Pillon, has fourteen years of capital markets experience focused primarily in the resource sector holding various roles, including 6 years at a Toronto-based boutique exempt market dealer as Head of Retail Marketing and Vice President Institutional Equity Sales. Prior to that, Ms. Pillon acted as Manager of Investor Relations for several junior mining companies.

The agreement will remain in effect for a period of six (6) months, commencing on March 15, 2024. In accordance with the terms and conditions of the agreement and as consideration for the services provided by High Tide, the Company has agreed to remunerate High Tide a fee of CAD$5,000 per month, plus applicable taxes.

The Company will not issue any common shares to High Tide as compensation for its services. As of the date hereof, to the Company's knowledge, High Tide owns 250,000 common shares of the Company and has an arm's length relationship with the Company.

The contact information for High Tide is 101-22355 48th Avenue, Langley, British Columbia, V3A 3N4 (Gates Law Group); Phone: 604.908.1695; Email: [email protected].

Red Cloud Securities Inc.

The Company has entered into an agreement with Red Cloud Securities Inc. ("Red Cloud"). Pursuant to the agreement, Red Cloud has been engaged to provide market-making services to the Company.

Red Cloud is a Toronto-based marketing firm established in 2012 that assists companies navigating the public markets and ensures a fair, tight and liquid market is maintained at all times.

The agreement will remain in effect for a period of three (3) months, commencing on March 15, 2024.

In accordance with the terms and conditions of the agreement and as consideration for the services provided by Red Cloud, the Company has agreed to remunerate Red Cloud a fee of CAD$5,000 per month.

The Company will not issue any securities to Red Cloud as compensation for its services. As of the date hereof, to the Company's knowledge, Red Cloud (including its directors and officers) does not own any securities of the Company and has an arm's length relationship with the Company.

The contact information for Red Cloud is 120 Adelaide Street West, Suite 1400, Toronto, ON M5H 1T1; Phone: 844-621-1251; Email: [email protected].

Quantum Ventures SEZC

The Company has entered into an agreement with Quantum Ventures SEZC ("Quantum Ventures"). Pursuant to the agreement, Quantum Ventures has been engaged to provide certain services, including advising with regard to media creation, online awareness strategies, and the introductions to relevant business contacts and appropriate strategic partners.

Quantum Ventures is a Cayman Island-based firm established in 2021 that provides media, awareness and strategic consulting services.

The agreement will remain in effect for a period of six (6) months, commencing on March 15, 2024.

In accordance with the terms and conditions of the agreement and as consideration for the services provided by Quantum Ventures, the Company has agreed to remunerate Quantum Ventures a fee of USD$60,000. The Company has the option to extend the agreement for an additional six (6) months for a fee of USD$40,000.

The Company will not issue any securities to Quantum Ventures as compensation for its services. As of the date hereof, to the Company's knowledge, Quantum Ventures (including its directors and officers) does not own any securities of the Company and has an arm's length relationship with the Company.

The contact information for Quantum Ventures is 68 Fort St. PO Box 31726, George Town, Grand Cayman, KY1-1207 Cayman Islands; Phone: 345-516-0270; Email: [email protected].

About Canter Resources Corp.

Canter Resources Corp. is a Canadian junior mineral exploration company advancing the Columbus Lithium-Boron Project in Nevada, USA, the Beaver Creek Lithium Property in Montana, USA, and the Puzzle Lake Property in Saskatchewan, Canada. The Company is advancing a highly prospective lithium-brine target at its Columbus Project and plans to leverage the Company's critical metals targeting database to acquire additional high-quality projects with the aim of defining mineral resources that support the domestic clean energy supply chain in North America.

For further information contact:

Joness Lang

Chief Executive Officer

Canter Resources Corp.

[email protected]

For investor inquiries contact:

Tel: 604.908.1695

[email protected]

The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the Company's anticipated mailing date for its AGM materials, the services to be provided by the marketing services providers described herein and related matters. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of Canter Resources Corp., including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, volatility of commodity prices, risks associated with the uncertainty of exploration results and estimates, currency fluctuations, dependency upon regulatory approvals, the uncertainty of obtaining additional financing and exploration risk. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/201806
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 14, 2024) - CEO.CA Technologies Ltd. ("CEO.CA"), the leading investor social network in junior resource and venture stocks, shares comprehensive video coverage from the recent PDAC convention in Toronto, Canada.

Founded in 2012, CEO.CA, a wholly owned subsidiary of EarthLabs, Inc. , is one of the most popular free financial websites and apps in Canada and for investors globally - with industry leading audience engagement and mobile functionality. Millions of people visit CEO.CA each year to connect with investors from around the world, share knowledge and view impactful stories about stocks, commodities, and emerging companies.

As a media partner at investor events around the world, CEO.CA provides coverage of the companies shaping the future of mining, meeting with industry leaders to learn more about their vision and strategy.

Meet the Companies Shaping the Mining Landscape:





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Copper:

Gold:

Silver:

Lithium:

Molybdenum:

Polymetallic:

Uranium:

Zinc:

Panels:

Other:

About CEO.CA

The leading community for investors & traders in junior resource & venture stocks. CEO.CA is one of the most popular free financial websites and apps in Canada and for small-cap investors globally -- with industry leading audience engagement and mobile functionality. Since 2012, CEO.CA has brought millions of investors together from over 164 countries to discuss their portfolio holdings and find new investment opportunities. Download our App on iOS or Android marketplace or visit us today at CEO.CA to set up your free account.

CEO.CA is a wholly owned subsidiary of EarthLabs, Inc.

For further information please contact:

CEO.CA

Email:[email protected]

Website: CEO.CA

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"), OTC Best Market "(OTCQX") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement

The information regarding any issuer contained or referred to in any interviews conducted by CEO.CA has been furnished by such issuer directly, and neither CEO.CA nor any of its affiliates or principals assumes any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such information or for any failure by an issuer to ensure disclosure of events or facts which may affect the significance or accuracy of any such information.

No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. This news release contains forward-looking information which involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release may include, but is not limited to, the objectives, goals, future plans, statements regarding exploration results and exploration and/or development plans of companies featured on the CEO.CA platform. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates, the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects, currency risk and the other risks involved in the applicable exploration and development industry, and those risks set out in the public documents of such companies filed on SEDAR or elsewhere from time to time. Undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. CEO.CA 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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/201721
Dubai, United Arab Emirates--(Newsfile Corp. - March 14, 2024) - CMS Prime, a multi-asset broker in the financial industry, proudly announces its recent achievements, receiving several prestigious awards in recognition of its excellence in the forex trading industry. These accolades underscore CMS Prime's commitment to providing unparalleled services and transparent trading conditions to its clients.





CMS Prime Achievements

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Over the years, the company has been recognized with several industry accolades, underscoring its dedication to delivering superior performance.

The accolades include:

Best Execution Broker 2014: Recognized for its exceptional execution of trades, CMS Prime sets the standard for excellence in brokerage services. Best Retail FOREX Broker 2015: Acknowledged for its dedication to serving retail traders, CMS Prime is honored for its commitment to client satisfaction. Best Transparent FOREX Broker 2020: Praised for its transparency and integrity, CMS Prime ensures that clients have access to clear and accurate information about pricing, fees, and trading conditions. Most Outstanding Global Forex Broker 2022: CMS Prime's global presence and unmatched expertise in forex trading are celebrated with this prestigious award, highlighting its significant contributions to the industry. Best Global Customer Support 2022: CMS Prime's dedication to providing exceptional customer service is recognized with this award, demonstrating its commitment to client satisfaction and support. Most Reliable FX Broker 2022: CMS Prime's reliability and trustworthiness in the forex market are honored with this award, reflecting its steadfast commitment to providing a secure and stable trading environment. Best Retail Forex Broker 2022: CMS Prime's excellence in serving retail traders is once again acknowledged with this award, showcasing its ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of individual investors.

With a rich history spanning over two decades, CMS Prime has continually pushed the boundaries of innovation and set new standards for excellence in the industry. At the heart of CMS Prime's legacy are two pivotal moments that have shaped its journey: the adoption of MetaQuotes in 2002 and the pioneering of the stop-loss guarantee in 2006.

In the early 2000s, CMS Prime embarked on a journey that would revolutionize the trading landscape. Recognizing the potential of emerging technologies, CMS Prime made the bold decision to adopt MetaQuotes, then known as FX Charts, making it one of three brokerage firms globally to do so. This strategic move laid the foundation for CMS Prime's future as an industry innovator and positioned it at the forefront of technological advancements in trading platforms.

Pioneering the Stop-Loss Guarantee

Building on its early success with MetaQuotes, CMS Prime continued to push the boundaries of innovation. In 2006, CMS Prime made history once again by pioneering the introduction of the stop-loss guarantee in collaboration with MetaQuotes. This groundbreaking risk management tool transformed the way traders approached their investments, providing unprecedented control and confidence in their trading strategies. The stop-loss guarantee quickly became an industry standard, setting CMS Prime apart as a leader in risk management solutions.

Looking Ahead:

More than 20 years on, the firm remains dedicated to driving innovation and delivering unparalleled value to its clients. With a focus on continuous improvement and a commitment to excellence, CMS Prime is poised to shape the future of finance and empower traders around the world.

As the firm looks ahead to the next 20 years, one thing is clear: CMS Prime will continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in finance and lead the way towards a brighter future for traders everywhere.

About CMS Prime:

CMS Prime is a Global Financial Institution delivering multi-asset online trading solutions through a robust trading technology and infrastructure to over 100 countries across the globe and with over 2 decades of experience.

For more information, please contact:

Hamid R. Mojtahedi

Chief Legal Counsel

+(971) 4 451 9328

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/201587
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 14, 2024) - CanPR Technology Inc. ("CanPR" or the "Company"), a leading provider of technology-enabled immigration services in Canada, is pleased to announce it closed on March 1, 2024 a non-brokered private for gross proceeds of $2.924 million (the "Offering"). Closing of the Offering increases the total funds raised by CanPR to date to $4.5 million. The net proceeds of the Offering will primarily go toward product development and market expansion, as well as for working capital requirements and other general corporate purposes.

The Offering was completed in connection with the previously announced proposed transaction between the Company and General Assembly Holdings Limited (TSXV: GA) ("GA Pizza"), pursuant to which GA Pizza proposes to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of CanPR by way of a reverse take-over (the "RTO"). On closing of the RTO, shareholders of CanPR will own 90.9% of GA Pizza and the resulting entity will continue the business of CanPR as a company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange.

"The CanPR story has resonated with investors who understand the opportunity to disrupt the immigration industry with a technology-enabled solution that leverages artificial intelligence to create a more compelling platform and experience for newcomers," said Co-Founder and CEO Akshat Soni. "Our goal is to become the leading provider within the newcomer segment in Canada and this infusion of capital will help us advance our objective."

The immigration process remains overly cumbersome for newcomers to Canada, and few services exist to help new Canadians integrate once they arrive. CanPR's all-in-one marketplace has been designed to address these challenges; using technology to streamline visa and permanent residency application processes, and then providing access to a suite of post-landing services through its app.

CanPR also connects immigrants with new jobs in Canada. Its SmartCV service optimizes resumes and matches candidates with potential employers where skills shortages exist. By identifying prime candidates and matching them with job prospects, CanPR believes it can help address labour shortages, which are expected to increase as more baby boomers leave the work force - the last of which (more than five million) are expected to turn 65 by the year 20301.

The Subscription Receipts are subject to a statutory hold period until the later of four months plus a day and the date CanPR becomes a reporting issuer. The Subscription Receipts were created and issued pursuant to, and are governed by, the terms and conditions of a subscription receipt agreement dated March 1, 2024 (the "Subscription Receipt Agreement") between CanPR and Odyssey Trust Company, in its capacity as subscription receipt agent and escrow agent. The Subscription Receipt issued pursuant to the Offering will automatically convert, without payment of any additional consideration or further action on the part of the holder thereof, and subject to adjustment in certain events, into one common share of CanPR (each, a "Common Share"), upon the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions precedent, which include the satisfaction of all conditions precedent to the RTO, as further set forth in the Subscription Receipt Agreement.

The securities distributed pursuant to the Offering have not and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 or any U.S. state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States unless the securities have been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and any applicable state securities laws, or in compliance with the requirements of an exemption therefrom.

CanPR's app has surpassed one million downloads and has received thousands of five-star reviews across the Google Play and Apple App stores as a one-stop hub offering comprehensive pre- and post-landing solutions in a convenient and user-friendly environment.

Visit www.CanPR.io to learn more and follow CanPR on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok and YouTube .

About CanPR

CanPR Technology Inc. is a technology platform dedicated to helping immigrants in their journey toward becoming permanent residents of Canada. At CanPR, we offer a range of services to assist with the immigration journey. Our platform provides a comprehensive understanding of the process of immigrating to Canada, completing and tracking immigration applications, connecting newcomers with employers to help them find a job, and post-immigration services to help them settle in Canada. Currently, the platform has over 1,000,000 app installs. CanPR was incorporated pursuant to the Canada Business Corporations Act on June 20, 2022. For more information on CanPR, visit www.canpr.io .

For more information contact:

Kieran Lawler

[email protected]

416-303-0799

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements which constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (together "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the RTO, the business of the GA Pizza after the RTO, and TSXV acceptance of the RTO. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions.

Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflect the Company's management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of the combined company. Among key factors and risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information may include, without limitation, the ability to obtain or delays in securing necessary stock exchange approvals. This forward-looking information may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of the Company and market conditions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected.

________________________

1 Globe and Mail: How the baby boomer exodus will imbalance the Canadian workplace

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/201704
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 14, 2024) - Midnight Sun Mining Corp. (TSXV: MMA) (OTC Pink: MDNGF) (the "Company" or "Midnight Sun") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Darin Wagner to the Company's Advisory Board.

Al Fabbro, Midnight Sun's President & CEO, stated: "As we move forward with the exploration of our flagship Solwezi Project, it is imperative that we continue to bolster our team. The breadth of experience Darin brings, particularly with his experience in Africa and successfully leading a number of M&A transactions, will be invaluable to Midnight Sun. With our recently announced Dumbwa earn-in with KoBold Metals, we gained a world-class partner. We are now building the bench strength of our internal team, to position Midnight Sun for success as we move forward at Solwezi. We are confident in saying that the quality of the individuals involved with our project are a reflection of the quality of the Solwezi Project itself."

Mr. Wagner stated: "It is increasingly rare to find a junior explorer like Midnight Sun with a highly successful exploration team making new discoveries in the stomping grounds of major copper producers. Solwezi is a rare asset amongst junior explorers as evidenced by the strong third-party interest in helping to move the project forward. The recent agreement with KoBold Metals is a hugely significant milestone and shareholders should be excited about what this means for the project. I congratulate Al and his team for their foresight in finding a path to move the project forward, while protecting the upside for Midnight Sun's shareholders in today's challenging markets. As one of those shareholders I am thrilled by the recent developments at Solwezi and looking forward to being a part of the excitement in the months ahead."

Mr. Wagner is a Professional Geologist with extensive experience building and leading exploration stage companies, as well as guiding mineral exploration programs globally. He has been directly involved in a number of M&A transactions and helped to raise several hundred million dollars for mineral exploration since 1999.

In 1999 Mr. Wagner became Vice President, Exploration for New Millennium Metals Corp. which was successfully merged with Platinum Group Metals Ltd. in 2002. Mr. Wagner served as Exploration Manager for Platinum Group Metals through the acquisition, discovery, and initial delineation of the multi-million-ounce Maseve PGE mine in South Africa.

Mr. Wagner became President of Sydney Resource Corp. in 2005 and helped steer the successful merger with Band Ore Resources to form West Timmins Mining Inc. in 2006. He then served as President, CEO, Director, and Qualified Person for West Timmins Mining through the discovery of the high-grade Thunder Creek and 144 gold deposits - which form part of the Timmins West Mine Complex in Timmins, Ontario. He oversaw the acquisition of West Timmins by Lake Shore Gold in an all-share deal valued at $424 million which was completed in 2009.

He then founded Canadian explorer Balmoral Resources Ltd. and served as its President and CEO through a series of gold and base metal discoveries culminating in its 2020 acquisition by Wallbridge Mining Company Ltd. in an all-share deal valued on closing at $160 million. Mr. Wagner was also a co-founder of Falco Resources, a founding director of NewCastle Gold (acquired by Equinox Gold in 2017) and served as an advisor to the management of Nova Royalty Corp. up to its recent acquisition by Metalla Royalty and Streaming. He currently acts as a technical advisor to MAG Silver and to newly listed Dryden Gold.

About Midnight Sun

Midnight Sun is focused on exploring our flagship Solwezi Project, located in Zambia. Situated in the heart of the Zambia-Congo Copperbelt, the second largest copper producing region in the world, our property is vast and highly prospective. Our Solwezi Project is surrounded by world-class producing copper mines, including Africa's largest copper mining complex right next door, First Quantum's Kansanshi Mine. Led by an experienced geological team with multiple discoveries and mines around the world to their credit, Midnight Sun intends to find and develop Zambia's next generational copper deposit.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF MIDNIGHT SUN MINING CORP.

Al Fabbro

President & CEO

For Further Information Contact:

Adrian O'Brien

Director of Marketing and Communications

Tel: +1 604 809 6890

Em: [email protected]

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation that are based on expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections as at the date of this news release. The information in this news release about the timing and ability of the Company and the earn-in agreement with KoBold; and any other information herein that is not a historical fact may be "forward looking statements". Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (which may, but not always, include phrases such as "anticipates", "plans", "scheduled", "believed" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements and are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Neither the Company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake, and assumes no obligation, to update or revise any such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/201660
Washington, D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - March 14, 2024) - The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged 17 individuals for their roles in a $300 million Ponzi scheme that involved Houston, Texas-based CryptoFX LLC and targeted more than 40,000 predominantly Latino investors in the U.S. and two other countries. Todays complaint follows the SECs successful emergency action in September 2022 that halted the CryptoFX scheme and charged its two main principals, Mauricio Chavez and Giorgio Benvenuto.

We allege that CryptoFX was a $300 million Ponzi scheme that targeted Latino investors with promises of financial freedom and life-altering wealth from risk free and guaranteed crypto and foreign exchange investments, said Gurbir S. Grewal, Director of the SECs Division of Enforcement. In the end, the only thing that CryptoFX guaranteed was a trail of thousands upon thousands of victims stretching across 10 states and two foreign countries. A scheme of that size requires lots of participants, and as todays action demonstrates, we will pursue charges against not just the principal architects of these massive schemes, but all those who further their fraud by unlawfully soliciting victims.

After filing the initial charges in this case and obtaining emergency relief, we continued our investigation to identify additional individuals who allegedly played roles in this massive Ponzi scheme, said Eric Werner, Director of the SECs Fort Worth Regional Office. Our efforts bore significant fruit as the charges and allegations today demonstrate.

According to the SECs complaint, CryptoFX purported to trade in crypto asset and foreign exchange markets for investors but was in reality a Ponzi scheme. The SECs complaint alleges that, from May 2020 to October 2022, the 17 charged individuals from Texas, California, Louisiana, Illinois, and Florida, acted as leaders of the CryptoFX network and solicited investors by variously promising that CryptoFXs crypto asset and foreign exchange trading would generate returns of 15 to 100 percent. The complaint alleges that CryptoFX raised $300 million from investors but did not use most of the funds for its claimed trading purposes. Instead, the defendants allegedly used investor funds to pay supposed returns to other investors, to pay commissions and bonuses to themselves and investors, and to fund their own lifestyles. The complaint further alleges that two of the defendants, spouses Gabriel and Dulce Ochoa, continued to solicit investments after the court issued orders to halt the CryptoFX scheme in September 2022, and Gabriel Ochoa instructed two investors to rescind their complaints to the SEC for them to recover their investments. Another defendant, Maria Saravia, allegedly told investors that the SECs lawsuit was fake.

The SECs complaint, filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, charges Gabriel and Dulce Ochoa, Saravia, Gloria Castaneda, Ismael Zarco Sanchez, and Roberto Zavala with violating the antifraud, securities-registration, and broker-registration provisions of the federal securities laws. The complaint charges Gabriel Arguelles, Hector Aquino, Orlin Wilifredo Turcios Castro, Carmen De La Cruz, Elizabeth Escoto, Reyna Guiffaro, Marco Antonio Lemus, Juan Puac, Luis Serrano, Julio Taffinder, and Claudia Velazquez with violating the securities-registration and broker-registration provisions. In addition, the complaint charges Gabriel Ochoa with violating the whistleblower protection provisions. The SEC seeks permanent injunctions, disgorgement with prejudgment interest, and civil penalties against each defendant.

Without admitting or denying the allegations in the SECs complaint, Serrano and Taffinder consented to the entry of final judgments, subject to court approval, that permanently restrain and enjoin them from violating the securities-registration and broker-registration provisions of the federal securities laws. Serrano and Taffinder agreed to pay more than $68,000 combined in civil penalties, disgorgement, and interest.

The SECs investigation was conducted by Jillian Harris, Carol Hahn, and Jamie Haussecker of the Fort Worth Regional Office and was supervised by Jim Etri and B. David Fraser. The litigation is being conducted by Matthew Gulde and supervised by Keefe Bernstein.

If you are an investor in CryptoFX and/or have information related to the CryptoFX scheme and you wish to contact the SEC staff, please reach out to [email protected] or contact the court-appointed receiver in the SECs ongoing action against CryptoFX, Chavez, and Benvenuto, at https://cryptofxreceiver.com, (713) 546-5653, or [email protected]. The SEC encourages investors to check the backgrounds of anyone selling or offering them an investment using the free and simple search tool on Investor.gov. Investors also can learn more about the risks of investing in unregistered offerings by reading alerts issued by the SECs Office of Investor Education and Advocacy.
Brampton, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 14, 2024) - Star Navigation Systems Group Ltd. (CSE: SNA) ("Star" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its joint venture partner FlightPath International ("FPI") has executed a two-year exclusive reseller agreement for the Global Aviation Industry with its' AI partner S3iai ("S3") for an integrated AI and AR interactive immersive OEM training platform. FPI will be the first commercial client to use this newly developed product from S3iai. Star has previously executed a binding LOI with S3iai on February 29, 2024 to acquire majority ownership of S3iai and S3iAI has executed a 3-year licensing agreement with ImagineAR (CSE: IP) to provide the AR technology.

FPI provides commercial airline training on all major aircraft fleet types including Boeing, Airbus, and others serving over 150 airlines in over 60 countries. Major Airlines and Operators served by FlightPath include Air Canada, Ethiopian Airlines, Lufthansa, Transport Canada, and various Military and Government Agencies globally.

Andrew Lucas, CEO of FPI, stated "Cultivating excellence in aviation training requires embracing the transformative power of AI. By integrating artificial intelligence into our training programs, we empower our students with personalized, data-driven insights, creating a dynamic learning environment that adapts to their needs. Harnessing the efficiency and precision of AI not only enhances the quality of education but enhances our commitment to safety and innovation, ensuring our graduates soar to new heights in their careers. In the realm of aviation, embracing AI isn't just a choice; it's the propulsion system that propels us toward a future of unparalleled training excellence."

Randy Koroll - Interim CEO of Star, stated "With our recent executed binding LOI with S3iai for the development of advanced AI solutions for the aerospace industry, we are excited for this first exclusive reseller S3iai contract which will help transform the aviation OEM Training Programs and position FlightPath as one of the global leaders."

About Star Navigation Systems - www.star-navigation.com

Star Navigation Systems Group Ltd. manufactures the In-flight Safety Monitoring System, STAR-ISMS, the heart of the STAR-A.D.S. System. The STAR-A.D.S. System has real-time capability of tracking, performance trends and predicting incident-occurrences which enhances aviation safety and improves fleet management while reducing costs for the operator.

Star's MMI Division (Military and Defence) designs and manufactures high performance, mission critical, flight deck flat panel displays for defence and commercial aviation industries worldwide.

About S3iai

S3iai is a high tech Generative Artificial Intelligence ("AI") company that specializes in developing the Machine Learning Service Stack. S3 has unparalleled expertise in high-performance computing. They are able to support a diverse group of clients in various industries by offering a platform that is intuitive, immersive and has real-time interactions.

About FlightPath International

FPI is a reputable leader in the aviation industry providing the highest standard of Original Equipment Manufacturer ("OEM") training, and customer service for over 20 years. Star looks to leverage FPI's relationships with its customers and benefit from this new integrated partnership by accessing over 150 new FPI customers, MRO and OEM relationships and offering Star A.D.S  solutions to new potential customers and existing FPI customers in Autonomous Aircraft Tracking, Aircraft in Distress tracking along with backward and forward DFDR recordings, Flight Operations Performance, Predictive Maintenance and Safety Protocols.

Forward Looking Information

Certain statements in this news release may constitute "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are statements that address or discuss activities, events or developments that Star expects or anticipates may occur in the future.

When used in this news release, words such as "estimates", "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "projects", "will", "believes", "intends" "should", "could", "may" and other similar terminology are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations and beliefs of Star's management. Because forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, actual results, performance or achievements of Star or the industry may be materially different from those implied by such forward-looking statements.

Examples of such forward-looking information that may be contained in this news release include statements regarding; growth and future prospects of our business; our perceptions of the industry and markets in which we operate and anticipated trends in such markets; expectations regarding the operation of our app; and our future revenues.

Material factors or assumptions that were applied in drawing a conclusion or making an estimate set out in the forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, our ability to execute on our business plan, increase visibility amongst consumers and convert users to revenue producing subscribers and the success of the business of our partners.

Forward-looking statements involve significant uncertainties, should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be an accurate indication of whether or not such results will be achieved.

Should one or more of these factors or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Accordingly, readers should exercise caution in relying upon forward-looking statements and Star undertakes no obligation to publicly revise them to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law.

NEITHER CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Please visit www.star-navigation.com or contact

Randy Koroll, Interim Chief Executive Officer at 1-416-252-2889 x228

[email protected]





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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 14, 2024) - Viscount Mining Corp. (TSXV: VML) (OTC: VLMGF) ("Viscount" or "the Company") and our partner, a wholly owned subsidiary of Centerra Gold Inc. (TSX: CG) (NYSE: CGAU) ("Centerra") are in the planning stages of an initial summer drill program at our Cherry Creek property in Nevada.

The first target is an area with a large soil and rock sample molybdenum and gold geochemical anomaly. The area is underlain gold bearing jasperoid which occurs along the upper and lower contact of the Eureka Quartzite. Jasperoids are iron rich silicious bodies that form when silica floods into a susceptible host rock or contact along with hydrothermal fluids related to a potentially mineralizing event. Not all jasperoids are mineralized, but they are a good indication of mineralization nearby or at depth.

The magnetic anomaly of the first target is dipping moderately to the east and may represent a magnetic dike or porphyry related to the large Eocene age pluton that underlies the entire Cherry Creek mining district. The combined magnetic and molybdenum anomalies area are suggestive of a mineralized porphyry at depth. A porphyry in this area could be the engine driving the silver plus base metal veins, CRD occurrences, and Carlin type gold mineralization in the district.

The second target is to test the continuation of the mineralized Exchequer Fault zone where it extends into the southwest part of our property. The Exchequer Fault is a through-going, deep seated, northeast trending structure that likely served as a plumbing system for the main Cherry Creek district. It has several parallel subsidiary faults, and splays that widen its footprint. These features are likely the source for the gold mineralization on claims to the southwest of Cherry Creek.

Approximately ten Reverse Circulation (RC) drill holes, for 2,500 meters of drilling is planned.

The map below shows the relative positions of the features discussed above and the approximate location of the planned drilling.





Plan View of the Two Overlapping Drill Targets and Features at Cherry Creek

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About Viscount Mining (TSXV: VML) (OTC: VLMGF)

Viscount Mining is a project generator and an exploration company with a portfolio of silver and gold properties in the Western United States, including Silver Cliff in Colorado and Cherry Creek in Nevada.

The Silver Cliff property in Colorado lies within the historic Hardscrabble Silver District in the Wet Mountain Valley, Custer County, south-central Colorado. It is located 44 miles WSW of Pueblo, Colorado, and has year-around access by paved road. The property consists of 96 lode claims where high grade silver, gold and base metal production came from numerous mines during the period 1878 to the early 1900's. The property underwent substantial exploration between 1967 and 1992 and is interpreted to encompass a portion of a large caldera and highly altered sequence of tertiary rhyolitic flows to host deposits with both precious and base metals. This has been demonstrated in the ore historically extracted from the numerous underground and surface mining operations. Based on the accumulated data and feasibility study, Tenneco Minerals made the decision with silver at $5.00 USD an ounce to construct at that time a $35,000,000 USD milling operation for the extraction of the silver reserves at Silver Cliff. Shortly thereafter Tenneco's Mining Unit was sold, and the planned milling operation was abandoned.

The Cherry Creek exploration property is in an area commonly known as the Cherry Creek Mining District, located approximately 50 miles north of the town of Ely, White Pine County, Nevada. Cherry Creek consists of 578 unpatented and 17 patented claims as well as mill rights. Cherry Creek includes more than 20 past producing mines. In January 2021, Viscount entered an exploration earn - in agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of Centerra Gold Inc. Centerra is a Canadian-based gold mining company focused on operating, developing, exploring and acquiring gold and copper properties in North America, Trkiye and other markets worldwide.

For additional information regarding the above and other corporate information, please visit the Company's website at www.viscountmining.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"Jim MacKenzie"

President, CEO and Director

For further information, please contact:

Viscount Investor Relations

Email: [email protected]

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to Viscount Mining's operations, exploration and development plans, expansion plans, estimates, expectations, forecasts, objectives, predictions and projections of the future. Specifically, this news release contains forward looking statements with respect to contemplated drill program and any correlation to any historical results. The Company cannot provide any assurances that the entire drill program described above will be completed. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "projects", "intends", "anticipates", or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or "variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "can", "could", "would", "might", or "will" be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Viscount Mining to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: risks related to the exploration and development and operation of Viscount Mining's projects, the actual results of current exploration, development activities, conclusions of economic evaluations, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future precious metals prices, as well as those factors discussed in the sections relating to risk factors of our business filed in Viscount Mining's required securities filings on SEDAR. Although Viscount Mining has attempted to identify important factors that could cause results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results to be materially different from those anticipated, described, estimated, assessed or intended.

There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements will prove accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Viscount Mining does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/201485
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Trusted by 18 of the cooperative's lender members and counting, Argyle offers native integrations with three TMC preferred partners

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y., March 14, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) Argyle, a platform providing automated income and employment verifications for some of the largest lenders in the United States, has joined The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nations largest independent cooperative network serving the mortgage industry, as a preferred partner. As a member of TMCs Preferred Partner Network, Argyle will provide the cooperatives lender members discounted access to its exemplary customer service and award-winning income and employment verification (VOIE) services, which outperform legacy verification services for a fraction of their cost.

Argyle empowers mortgage lenders to verify income and employment, auto-retrieve paystubs and W-2s and qualify for Day 1 Certaintyall at 60-80% less cost. Its coverage of the U.S. workforce, which includes 99% of the Fortune 1000, is superior to the three largest credit bureaus and delivers hit rates higher than other data providers.

Founded in 2013, TMC empowers mortgage lenders across the country with networking and professional development opportunities and by facilitating the sharing of best practices and technologies that drive market growth, efficiency and profitability. Of the more than 65 U.S. mortgage lenders that switched to Argyle in the last year, 18 are current TMC lender members. Argyle also offers native integrations with three TMC Preferred Partners: nCino, Dark Matter Technologies and FinLocker.

Argyle will make its debut as a TMC preferred partner at the cooperatives The Mane Event conference taking place March 24-26 in Louisville, Kentucky. Argyles Chief Operating Officer Brian Geary will join LMCU Vice President of Mortgage Strategy John Harpst in presenting a case study session chronicling the credit unions time savings, reduced costs and enhanced member experience since implementing Argyle.

Argyles approach to lowering origination costs while enhancing the lender and borrower experience is well aligned with our mission of helping lenders better themselves and the communities they serve, said TMC President and CEO Melissa Langdale. Were pleased to add to our Preferred Partner Network an income and employment verification platform that provides a meaningful competitive edge.

Joining The Mortgage Collaborative feels like coming home, because collaboration with our customers and integration partners has always been at the heart of Argyles journey, said John Hardesty, general manager of Argyles mortgage division. We could not have built the fastest, most cost-effective and most accurate income and employment verification platform without a profound understanding of the practical challenges lenders face every day. We look forward to the opportunity to serve and learn from the exceptional lenders within The Mortgage Collaborative community.

About Argyle:

Founded in 2018, Argyle is the leading provider of direct-source access to income and employment data. As an authorized report supplier for Fannie Maes Desktop Underwriter validation service, a component of Day 1 Certainty, Argyle empowers mortgage lenders to auto-retrieve paystubs and W-2s, understand consumers ability to pay and reduce repurchase riskall at 60-80% less cost. Argyles commitment to innovation is backed by investors including Bain Capital Ventures, SignalFire, Checkr, and Rockefeller Asset Management.

For more information on Argyles industry-leading platform, please visit https://argyle.com/.

To stay up to date on all Argyle news, sign up for our newsletter here: https://argyle.com/blog/.

About The Mortgage Collaborative:

The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC) was founded in 2013 by four notable industry leaders and is the nations largest independent mortgage cooperative network. TMC is singularly focused on creating an environment of collaboration and innovation for small to mid-size mortgage lenders across the country to reduce cost, increase profitability, and better serve the dynamic and changing consumer base in America. For more information, visit https://www.mortgagecollaborative.com/.

Tags: @withArgyle @The Mortgage Collaborative #fintech #mortgage #mortgagelending

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NEWS SOURCE: Argyle



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Copr.  2024 Send2Press Newswire, a service of NEOTROPE, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: 110022SI.05
FILE PHOTO: A smartphone with a displayed NVIDIA logo is placed on a computer motherboard in this illustration taken March 6, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

By Harshita Mary Varghese and Krystal Hu

(Reuters) -Robotics startup Figure said on Thursday it raised $675 million in a funding round from investors including Nvidia, Microsoft and Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos at a valuation of $2.6 billion.

Sunnyvale, California-based Figure also said it signed a collaboration with OpenAI to develop generative artificial intelligence for its humanoid robots.

The launch of ChatGPT by OpenAI has generated interest in AI, with companies investing million of dollars to cash in on the trend.

Other companies involved in the Figure funding include OpenAI Startup Fund, Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund, Parkway Venture Capital, Intel Capital, Align Ventures and ARK Invest.

Brett Adcock, Figure's founder and CEO, said the company will use the funding to develop large language models for robotics, ramp up manufacturing and hire more people.

The startup will also move to Microsoft Azure for AI infrastructure and training, Adcock said.

The AI models Figure develops will be based on OpenAI's latest GPT models, and specifically trained on robotics actions data that Figure has collected so that its humanoid robots can talk with people, see things and perform physical tasks, according to Adcock.

"We've always planned to come back to robotics and we see a path with Figure to explore what humanoid robots can achieve when powered by highly capable multimodal models," said Peter Welinder, vice president of product and partnerships at OpenAI.

Humanoid robots have raised renewed interest from investors as AI-powered software offers more possibilities of how robots interact and work with human. Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk predicted a billion humanoid robots on Earth in the 2040s, as the electric carmaker released its latest humanoid Optimus Gen in development.

Bloomberg first reported last week about Figure raising funding and said that Bezos had committed $100 million through his firm Explore Investments LLC and Microsoft is investing $95 million, while Nvidia and an Amazon-affiliated fund are each providing $50 million.

Last month, Figure signed a partnership with BMW Manufacturing to deploy its humanoid robots in the car maker's facility in the United States.

Figure raised $70 million from investors led by Parkway Venture Capital in its first external round last year.

(Reporting by Harshita Mary Varghese in Bengaluru and Krystal Hu in Los Angeles; Additional reporting by Niket Nishant; Editing by Maju Samuel and Will Dunham)
ELKO  As part of the federal governments Internet for All project, which envisions connecting Americans with affordable high-speed internet, a special program will bring high-speed internet to Nevada homes and businesses through a local-level partnership.

We created a set of program rules, Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program Director Evan Feinman said in a phone interview from his office in Washington. Those rules create some very broad guardrails. And states have the opportunity to chart their own path between those guardrails in a way that makes sense for them.

He said the program is not a top-down federal program thats just picking winners and losers.

Rather, this is a partnership between the federal government and the state government, which will close the digital divide and get every single American home and business access to an affordable, reliable high-speed internet connection.

The program will work with states to develop a plan that makes sense and follows the rule guardrails, he said.

Then, the state will implement that plan, making two major operations happen. The first is a challenge process to fix the state FCC internet access map. That challenge process is the way the state figures out whats correctly and incorrectly categorized on the state map, Feinman said.

Nevada is actually in the middle of that process right now, he added. There is an urgent call to action right now for citizens to make sure their home or business or both are accurately reflected on the map.

Examine map

Speaking about Elko, he said, Your readers should look at the FCC map and make sure that the map accurately shows whether or not they have access to a high-speed internet connection. If they dont, they need to let their local government know that right away, so their local government can let the state broadband office know.

Nevada residents can submit a challenge at beadregister.nv.gov.

Once the state broadband office has identified all the areas that need service, then they will conduct subgrantee selection. In other words, we make a grant to the state of Nevada, the state of Nevada will then make subgrants. Our grant to Nevada was a little over $416 million, he said.

The state will then make subgrants to private sector partners who are internet service providers, to build network out to the about 50,000 Nevada homes and businesses which have no access to the internet.

The program not only assists homes and businesses with a lack of internet but also with a low quality of existing internet access. We need the challenge process to identify the many thousands more who have access to the internet but have it at a low speed. And so once they conduct that process  and ISPs will compete to serve all these different folks  they will pick the winners on the basis of a transparent and open scoring rubric. They will then report those back to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

After the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program ensures the winners followed the process they agreed to, they will receive funds for building internet networks.

All of those networks are going to be built on a reimbursement basis. This is not going to be about getting a check to the ISPs and trusting them that theyre going to get the job done. Were going to have them do the job and then get reimbursed as they go, Feinman said.

Rural network costs

The reason the private sector hasnt solved this problem on its own is the fundamental math problem of building telecommunications networks in rural parts of the country. A mile of fiber in downtown Reno or Las Vegas costs about the same amount as a mile of fiber strung out in a rural part of the state. But you can imagine you can get a lot more customers along that mile of fiber in either of those cities, so the revenue that comes in is quite large, Feinman said. The revenue that youre going to get out of the rural area, you might only pick up two, three or four customers. So, charging them $50, even $100 a month, youre not going to get back what you invested.

He said building the partnerships with internet providers helps to buy down that cost so it makes economic sense for somebody to build and then operate the network. Our customer density is pretty low.

Permits are another significant obstacle facing internet installation in Nevada, he said.

Nevadans know there is a lot of federal land throughout the state. Were working with our partners across the federal government right now to dramatically streamline the approach to permitting that were taking, so we can make sure these networks get built quickly and with a minimum of red tape.

Monitoring, oversight

The last challenge will be ensuring the internet service providers do what the taxpayers have paid them to do, Feinman explained. Were going to have a very robust monitoring and oversight system in place on both ourselves and the state, to make sure that when the taxpayers make a contract and say, Youre going to build network to these folks and get them online, our private sector partner does what they contracted to do.

What does the timeline of this project look like?

We are extremely close to approving the second part of Nevadas initial proposals, Feinman said. They had to get us their plan for how theyre going to do this by the end of last year. And we approved the challenge process portion of their plan.

He said the next step is selecting the providers, known as subgrantees, and putting the areas of Nevada narrowed down in the challenge process out for bid. That will take a couple of months and then they will document all that, and theyll put it out for public comment. Folks will be able to see, heres what the state plans to do and heres how theyre going to get you all online.

He said Nevada then will then absorb that comment and turn their plan in to us at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Well approve it. And theyre off to the races, they can get under contract with internet service providers and start building immediately after that.

But he said it comes back to that challenge process first. I really do want to emphasize the importance of the challenge process. The window closes on March 28.

If the FCC map says someone has internet access when they actually lack it, theres no way for us to know that they need service, he said.

We really do need broad citizen participation to make sure that this thing works and gets everybody. The second thing I think is really important: the eligible challengers are local or tribal governments, nonprofits or ISPs.

As part of the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration has awarded over $35 million to Nevada tribal groups, with $500,000 going to the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone.

A citizen needs to work through their local government or through a nonprofit to get those challenges into the state broadband office. Local government is going to be your best bet, Feinman said.
SHANGHAI , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from english.shanghai.gov.cn:

Shanghai has played and will continue to play a crucial and leading role in China's industrial innovation and upgrading, as well as in deepening reform and opening-up, according to China's 2024 Government Work Report.

Here are highlights of Shanghai's achievements in the past year mentioned in the report and its role in taking more innovative and pioneering measures to make new contributions to the overall development of the country in the coming years.

Government Work Report: The domestically developed C919 airliner commenced operation. The first domestically produced large-scale cruise ship was delivered. China's manufacturing and sales of electric vehicles exceeded 60 percent of the global total.

Facts of reference related to Shanghai :

On May 28, 2023 , the world's first-delivered C919 large passenger aircraft embarked on its inaugural commercial flight, marking the official "takeoff" of China's domestically manufactured large aircraft for commercial operation in Shanghai .

On Dec 24, 2023 , Adora Magic City, China's first domestically built large cruise ship, began its maiden operational trial voyage, positioning Shanghai as a "crown jewel" in the shipbuilding industry.

In 2023, Shanghai's annual export value of electric passenger vehicles surpassed 100 billion yuan ( $13.89 billion ) for the first time, reaching 120.89 billion yuan , an increase of 43.9 percent year-on-year.

Government Work Report: China achieved a nearly 30-percent increase in exports of the "new trio", electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and photovoltaic products.

Facts of reference related to Shanghai :

In 2023, Shanghai's exports of the "new trio" reached 167.79 billion yuan , marking a 42.2 percent increase and accounting for 9.7 percent of the city's total export value during the same period. This surge contributed to the city's overall export growth rate by 2.9 percentage points.

Government Work Report: Promoted the establishment of high-end talent hubs and platforms for attracting and gathering talents.

Facts of reference related to Shanghai :

Statistics showed that last year, Shanghai attracted a total of 172,000 domestic and international talents, representing a 12 percent increase over the previous year, bringing the city's total talent pool to over 6.75 million people. In the next stage, Shanghai will focus on the construction of high-end talent hubs, integrating education, technology, and talent development, with a particular emphasis on creating high-level innovation platforms, establishing efficient institutional mechanisms,and fostering a high-quality talent ecosystem.

Government Work Report: China hosted major exhibitions such as the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the Canton Fair, the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), and the Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE).

Facts of reference related to Shanghai :

The CIIE, hosted by the Ministry of Commerce and the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, and organized by the China International Import Expo Bureau and the National Exhibition and Convention Center ( Shanghai ), is the world's first national import-themed exhibition, which has taken place annually since 2018. Over the past six years, the CIIE has actively served as a platform for international procurement, investment promotion, cultural exchange, and open cooperation, promoting around 2,500 representative new products, technologies, and services, with intended transaction volumes reaching approximately $420 billion . Shanghai will host the seventh CIIE from Nov 5 to 10 .

Government Work Report: To further implement the strategy to enhance the development of the free trade pilot zones, grant more autonomy to the pilot zones, including the Hainan Free Trade Port, and promote reform and innovation in development zones to create new frontiers for opening-up.

Facts of reference related to Shanghai :

The central government has consistently supported bold experimentation, innovation, and autonomous reforms in the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone , the first of its kind in China . With the recent release of the Overall Plan for Fully Aligning with International High-standard Economic and Trade Rules, the Shanghai free trade zone, especially the Lin-gang Special Area, has been endowed with the important task of piloting provisions of high-standard international economic and trade rules such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA). Shanghai will vigorously implement the strategy to enhance the development of the free trade zone, taking the lead in establishing an institutional system and regulatory model that aligns with international high-standard economic and trade rules and accelerating the creation of a national demonstration zone for institutional innovation.

Government Work Report: To promote the resolution of issues related to cross-border data flow.

Facts of reference related to Shanghai :

In January, the Lin-gang Special Area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone released the Trial Measures for the Classified and Graded Management of Cross-border Data Flow, taking the lead in implementing graded management of cross-border data. Such data are categorized into three levels: core data, important data, and general data, focusing on key areas such as intelligent connected vehicles, financial management, and high-end shipping. The Lin-gang Special Area is set to fully leverage its role as an experimental field, grasp international rules, understand enterprise needs, strengthen coordination, strive for greater pioneering efforts, and establish a trustworthy technical support system. The aim is to quickly develop mature and standardized institutional rules in the practice of cross-border data flow, better serving the overall goals of national reform and opening-up.

Government Work Report: To support the economic development advantages of the Beijing - Tianjin - Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta , and the Guangdong -Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to better serve the country's high-quality development.

Facts of reference related to Shanghai :

Since the proposal and implementation of the strategy for integrated development in the Yangtze River Delta in 2018, the overall strength and comprehensive competitiveness of the region have consistently ranked at the forefront nationwide. During the symposium on advancing the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta held in Shanghai on Nov 30 , the region's further integration was highly expected, set to lead in the modernization with Chinese characteristics and play a better leading role in pioneering, demonstrating, and driving the regional development.

Government Work Report: To continue to advance the 10-year fishing ban in the Yangtze River .

Facts of reference related to Shanghai :

In 2021, the national 10-year fishing ban in the Yangtze River was comprehensively initiated. The management area for the fishing ban in the Yangtze River in Shanghai expanded from 1,100 square kilometers to 3,200 sq km. The enforcement of the fishing ban in the Yangtze River in Shanghai has transitioned from primarily relying on human resources to a new phase of intelligent management integrating human resources, technologies, and cross-department collaborations. In the future, it will further integrate with the data from the Yangtze River Delta , enhancing regional coordination and providing a Shanghai solution for intelligent control in the Yangtze River Delta .

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2024-government-work-report-lists-shanghais-achievements-302089251.html

SOURCE english.shanghai.gov.cn
Highest Potential SFR Returns around Vero Beach , St. Louis , Brownsville , Rochester and Augusta ; Rental Margins Increasing in About Two-thirds of Nation

IRVINE, Calif. , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ATTOM, a leading curator of land, property, and real estate data, today released its Q1 2024 Single-Family Rental Market report, which ranks the best U.S. markets for buying single-family rental properties in 2024.

The report analyzed single-family rental returns in 341 U.S. counties with a population of at least 100,000 and sufficient rental and home price data. The analysis for this report incorporated median rents and median home prices collected from ATTOM's nationwide property database, as well as publicly recorded sales deed data licensed by ATTOM (see full methodology below).

View interactive map displaying SFR returns in all 341 counties analyzed

The report shows that the average annual three-bedroom gross rental yield (annualized gross rent income divided by median purchase price) among the 341 counties analyzed is projected to be 7.55 percent in 2024. That is up slightly from an average of 7.39 percent in those same markets a year ago, marking the second year of rising projections after three years of declines.

Investment returns for landlords continue to increase as rents are going up slightly faster than home prices across a majority of the country. From 2023 to 2024, median three-bedroom rents rose more than median single-family home prices in 216, or 63 percent, of the markets analyzed. The gaps were small  usually less than one percentage point  but enough to push rental yields upward.

That has happened amid a combination of market forces spurring demand for rentals. They include a historically tight supply of homes for sale and home-price increases that have slowed but not enough to make buying widely affordable for average wage earners.

"The U.S. home sales market cooled off a good bit last year, with some of the weakest gains over the past decade. But that wasn't enough to make home prices affordable for most workers, which likely fed enough demand to push up rents and yields for investors who lease out single-family properties," said Rob Barber , CEO at ATTOM. "The fact that so few homes are available for sale in many markets clearly further helped increase rental demand for landlords and boost their bottom lines."

Top rental returns in Indian River , St. Lous , Cameron , Monroe and Richmond counties, as well as other parts of Midwest, Northeast and South

Counties with the highest potential annual gross rental yields on three-bedroom properties for 2024 are Indian River County, FL , in the Sebastian - Vero Beach metro area (14.6 percent); St. Lous City, MO, (14.6 percent); Cameron County, TX , in the Brownsville - Harlingen metro area (13.2 percent); Monroe County, NY , in the Rochester metro area (12.8 percent) and Richmond County, GA , in the Augusta - Richmond County metro area (12.7 percent).

The highest potential annual three-bedroom gross rental yields in 2024 among counties with a population of at least 1 million are in Wayne County ( Detroit ), MI (12 percent); Allegheny County ( Pittsburgh ), PA (11.2 percent); Cuyahoga County ( Cleveland ), OH (10.2 percent); Cook County ( Chicago ), IL (10.1 percent) and Riverside County, CA (9.7 percent).

Rental returns increase across majority of nation

Potential annual three-bedroom gross rental yields for 2024 have increased compared to 2023 in 216 of the 341 counties analyzed in the report (63 percent). They are led by Taylor County ( Abilene ), TX (yield up from 7.6 percent in 2023 to 11.3 percent in 2024); Jefferson County ( Birmingham ), AL (up from 8.5 percent to 12.1 percent); Richmond County ( Augusta ), GA (up from 9.6 percent to 12.7 percent); Midland County, TX (up from 8.7 percent to 11.7 percent) and Aiken County, SC (outside Augusta, GA ) (up from 8.4 percent to 11.1 percent).

The biggest increases in potential annual gross rental yields from 2023 to 2024 among counties with a population of at least 1 million are in Riverside County, CA (yield up from 7.4 percent in 2023 to 9.7 percent in 2024); Los Angeles County, CA (up from 5.6 percent to 7.1 percent); Fulton County ( Atlanta ), GA (up from 6 percent to 6.8 percent); Montgomery County, MD (outside Washington, DC ) (up from 4.4 percent to 5.2 percent) and Dallas County, TX (up from 7.4 percent to 8.1 percent).

Metro areas with a population of 1 million of more showing decreases in potential gross three-bedroom rental yields from 2023 to 2024 are led by Kings County , Brooklyn, NY (yield down from 8 percent to 4.4 percent); Cook County ( Chicago ), IL (down from 11 percent to 10.1 percent); Wayne County ( Detroit ), MI (down from 12.8 percent to 12 percent); Miami-Dade County, FL (down from 7.9 percent to 7.3 percent) and Nassau County, NY (outside New York City ) (down from 7.1 percent to 6.8 percent).

Lowest rental returns in San Francisco , San Jose , Nashville and Washington, D.C. , metro areas, along with other western markets

Counties with the lowest potential annual gross returns for 2024 on three-bedroom rentals are Santa Clara County, CA , in the San Jose metro area (3 percent); San Mateo County, CA , in the San Francisco metro area (3.4 percent); Arlington County, VA , in the Washington, DC , metro area (3.8 percent); Williamson County, TN , in the Nashville metro area (3.9 percent) and San Francisco County, CA (3.9 percent).

Aside from Santa Clara County , the lowest potential annual gross three-bedroom rental yields in 2024 among counties with a population of at least 1 million are in Honolulu County, HI (4.1 percent); Fairfax County, VA (outside Washington, D.C. ) (4.2 percent); Kings County ( Brooklyn ), NY (4.4 percent) and Alameda County ( Oakland ), CA (4.4 percent).

Rents rising faster than wages in majority of counties measured

Median three-bedroom rents are rising faster than average wages in 197 of the 341 counties analyzed (58 percent), including Los Angeles County, CA ; Harris County ( Houston ), TX; Maricopa County ( Phoenix ), AZ); San Diego County, CA , and Orange County, CA (outside Los Angeles ).

Average wages are increasing faster than median three-bedroom rents in 144 of the 341 counties analyzed (42 percent), including Cook County ( Chicago ), IL; Miami-Dade County, FL ; Kings County ( Brooklyn ), NY; Queens County, NY , and San Bernardino County, CA.

Rents rising faster than home prices in two-thirds of nation

Median three-bedroom rents are rising faster than median single-family home prices in 216 of the 341 counties analyzed (63 percent). They include Los Angeles County, CA ; Harris County ( Houston ), TX; Maricopa County ( Phoenix ), AZ); San Diego County, CA , and Orange County, CA (outside Los Angeles ).

Median home prices are going up faster than median three-bedroom rents in 125 of the counties analyzed (37 percent), including Cook County ( Chicago ), IL; Miami-Dade County, FL ; Kings County ( Brooklyn ), NY; Queens County, NY , and San Bernardino County, CA.

Wages rising faster than prices in more than half of markets

Average wages are increasing faster than median single-family home prices in 196 of the 341 counties analyzed (57 percent), including Harris County ( Houston ), TX; Dallas County, TX ; Riverside County, CA ; Queens County, NY , and Clark County ( Las Vegas ), NV.

Median home prices are increasing faster than average wages in 145 of the counties analyzed (43 percent). They include Los Angeles County, CA ; Cook County ( Chicago ), IL; Maricopa County ( Phoenix ), AZ); San Diego County, CA , and Orange County, CA (outside Los Angeles ).

Best SFR growth markets include Chicago , Detroit and Cleveland

The report identified 28 "SFR Growth" counties where average wages grew over the past year and potential 2024 annual gross three-bedroom rental yields exceed 10 percent.

The 28 SFR Growth markets include Cook County ( Chicago ), IL; Wayne County ( Detroit ), MI; Cuyahoga County ( Cleveland ), OH; Allegheny County ( Pittsburgh ), PA and Shelby County ( Memphis ), TN.

Methodology

For this report, ATTOM looked at U.S. counties with a population of 100,000 or more and sufficient home price and rental rate data. ATTOM used single-family, home price data from its publicly recorded sales deed data, as well as three-bedroom rental data, collected and licensed by ATTOM. The analysis also incorporated second-quarter 2023 average weekly wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (most recent available).

About ATTOM

ATTOM provides premium property data to power products that improve transparency, innovation, efficiency, and disruption in a data-driven economy. ATTOM multi-sources property tax, deed, mortgage, foreclosure, environmental risk, natural hazard, and neighborhood data for more than 155 million U.S. residential and commercial properties covering 99 percent of the nation's population. A rigorous data management process involving more than 20 steps validates, standardizes, and enhances the real estate data collected by ATTOM, assigning each property record with a persistent, unique ID  the ATTOM ID. The 30TB ATTOM Data Warehouse fuels innovation in many industries including mortgage, real estate, insurance, marketing, government and more through flexible data delivery solutions that include ATTOM Cloud, bulk file licenses, property data APIs, real estate market trends, property navigator and more. Also, introducing our newest innovative solution, making property data more readily accessible and optimized for AI applications AI-Ready Solutions.

Media Contact:|

Megan Hunt

[email protected]

Data and Report Licensing:

[email protected]

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SOURCE ATTOM
A Limited-Time Promo will Offer Families One Free Product (+ Shipping) to Help Reduce Screen Time

KENT, Ohio , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With millions of people hitting the roads and taking to the skies ahead of the solar eclipse, it's safe to assume that kid travelers will spend some of that time on screens. Luckily, Boogie Board  the category creator of reusable LCD writing and drawing tablets  will make it simple for families to secure an authentic screen-free creativity toy that's built to last.

Boogie Board is frequently recognized as a leader in screen-free play solutions.

Families gearing up for eclipse travel will have the chance to snag either one (1) free Sketch Pals Doodle Board (Juno the Beetle character) or one (1) limited-edition Jot Pocket Writing Tablet on myboogieboard.com. Using the promo code ECLIPSE24 at checkout will discount the cost of either product to $0.00 (charging only for shipping and any eligible taxes*).

Boogie Board's paperless reusable writing and drawing products  including its toy collection  are designed to provide a creative, focused, and imaginative play experience during travel and at home. Boogie Board is frequently recognized as a leader in screen-free play solutions, even earning a spot on Screen Sanity's 2023 gift guide, which recognized toys that support children's digital health.

"Millions of families will be traveling for the solar eclipse, and we recognize that many of them are already making a gameplan on ways to keep kids entertained without excessive screen time," said Hunter Morris , VP of Product Strategy and Marketing at Boogie Board. "As a company headquartered in the path of totality, we're excited to extend such steep savings to families who might be traveling to Ohio or other locations for this historic event."

Families will be able to choose one (1) of the following products:

A Doodle Board that Clips: Sketch Pals (Juno the Beetle)

These best-selling clippable, collectible doodle buddies are the perfect travel companion since they easily clip to backpacks, suitcases, or car seats. Simply press Juno's nose to clear the screen. Made with soft and squishy silicone, Sketch Pals feature a tethered stylus to avoid missing pieces.

A Mini Boogie Board Perfect for Carry-Ons: Jot Pocket

This best-selling reusable writing tablet with a 4.5" writing surface is perfect for screen-free doodles and games on the go given its slim design and attached stylus. Kids just push the button at the top of the board to erase. Families can pick one of three fun designs: Unicorn, Bones, or Zigzag.

Connect with Boogie Board on Instagram and Facebook. Plus, share drawings, doodles, and screen-free play moments on social using #myboogieboard.

*One promo code redemption per household. Shipping and eligible taxes to be applied. Offer only valid on myboogieboard.com. Promo code will be turned off after 2,000 orders are fulfilled or after 48 hours, whichever comes first.

About Boogie Board

In 2009, Boogie Board  part of Kent Displays, Inc.  launched the world's first reusable writing and drawing tablet using liquid crystal technology. Since its launch, Boogie Board has continued to redefine how people write. The brand's portfolio of award-winning paperless writing and creativity products for work, home and play promote sustainability and reduce clutter. Boogie Board product solutions encourage everything from organization and productivity to inspiration and imagination. Using the power of LCD technology, Boogie Board products deliver smart tech in a screen-free format  providing an unplugged, enjoyable experience for kids and adults alike. Key product collections include Versa, Blackboard, Jot, Sketch Pals, Magic Sketch, Scribble n' Play and more. Discover more at myboogieboard.com.

About Kent Displays, Inc.

Kent Displays, Inc. (KDI) was founded in 1993 with the goal of developing cholesteric display technology into commercial applications. Born out of research and development from the Liquid Crystal Institute of Kent State University (located in Kent, OH ), KDI's technology developed over the years into two divisions: a consumer products brand  Boogie Board  and a Technical Services Team that develops and scales the production of components using flexible, functional materials to commercial volumes for client partners. Today, KDI's products and technologies can be found in homes and businesses around the world. Learn more at kentdisplays.com.

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SOURCE Kent Displays, Inc.
In the news release, Knix Now Has 99 Wireless Bra Sizes--and Yours could be One!, issued 14-Mar-2024 by Knix over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that in the 10th paragraph, " March 7th " should be " March 14th " and a hyperlink has been added to the text "click here". The complete, corrected release follows:

Knix Now Has 99 Wireless Bra Sizes--and Yours could be One!

Introducing the New Redesigned WingWoman Contour Bra

TORONTO , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Knix is excited to announce the relaunch of their beloved and customer-favorite wireless bra: the WingWoman Contour Bra. For the past two years, Knix has innovated and re-engineered their best selling wireless bra to reflect customer feedback. That means expanding the size range to include 99 sizes, including industry standard sizing and extended band sizing (44 and 48).

In listening to its customers and community, Knix recognized the challenges many women face when it comes to finding the right bra size. Especially as research shows most women have the wrong bra size sitting in their top drawer. Knix has dedicated extensive research and development efforts to upgrading their best selling wireless bra to meet the needs of customers in search of comfortable and dependable seamless bras, t-shirt bras, and wire free bras.

The Future of Wireless Bras

Passionate about upgrading their existing products to ensure they're performing at the highest standards, Knix has built a reputation for having some of the best wireless bras on the market. Confident that wireless bras are the future (no more underwire bras!)regardless of cup size or larger bustKnix constantly demonstrates that the answers are truly in the comments when it comes to making life-changing products for their community.

Knix Ambassadors Celebrate Wire Free Bras

To celebrate the bra relaunch, Knix invited 21 of their Ambassadors, and the Wing Women in their lives, to take part in the launch campaign.

The WingWoman Contour Bra is a wireless bra designed with molded cups, adjustable straps, a plunging neckline, and extra wing support on the sides to prevent spillage. With the introduction of industry standard alpha sizes, customers can easily find a soft and supportive bra fit.

Inclusive Bra Sizing

We've developed an extensive size chart so you can find your perfect fit in our upgraded WingWoman Contour Bra. The wireless bra is offered in band sizes ranging from 28 to 48, and cup sizes A to H, including A, B, C, D, DD, E, F, G, and H cupsfor all shapes and breasts.

The WingWoman Contour Bra launches on March 14th and retails for $65 USD or $75 CAD . This essential wireless bra is offered in an assortment of our core and seasonal colors. To view WingWoman Bra please click here.

About Knix

Knix is a direct-to-consumer intimates and apparel brand. Through innovative products and a community-first approach, Knix is on a mission to empower people everywhere to live unapologetically free. Every product, campaign and image that Knix puts into the world is tied to this mission that has been embedded in the company's DNA since day one. Founded in 2013, by Joanna Griffiths , Knix is one of the fastest growing DTC brands in North America and is globally recognized as an innovator and disrupter within the apparel space.

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SOURCE Knix
Century 21 Real Estate, LLC. Celebrates Appointment of Four Affiliated Brokers and Agents to National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals Leadership Positions

MADISON, N.J. , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Century 21 Real Estate LLC, a subsidiary of Anywhere Real Estate Inc. (NYSE: HOUS), is proud to celebrate the appointment of Nora Aguirre , CEO of The Aguirre Team, CENTURY 21 Americana as the 2024 National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) President. The award-winning industry veteran was installed at the organization's annual Homeownership and Wealth Building Conference in Washington D.C. earlier this week.

A real estate professional for more than 19 years, Aguirre has been honored as a NAHREP Top 250 top Latino agent, recognized as one as one of the top 25 most influential women in real estate by the Women's Council of REALTORS and has led The Aguirre Team to become the #1 team by both AGC and Units within the CENTURY 21 network in the state of Nevada for the last 4 years in a row.*

A veteran of the Nevada Army National Guard, Nora has dedicated her life to serving others. Not only has she helped thousands of families achieve the dream of homeownership, but she is committed to educating the next generation of real estate leaders. From her work advocating for the industry alongside NAHREP to serving as a mentor to newly affiliated agents within the CENTURY 21 System, she has helped to elevate representation and equity within real estate.

In addition to Aguirre's appointment, NAHREP announced the installation of Oralia Herrera , broker-owner of CENTURY 21 TK Realty Inc. as 2024 President-Elect as well as the appointment of Peggy Pratt , affiliated agent with CENTURY 21 North East, and Eva Angelina Romero , broker-owner of CENTURY 21 Capital Properties, to its National Board of Directors.

"For more than 20 years, the CENTURY 21 brand has been proud to work alongside NAHREP in its mission to advance sustainable homeownership for the Hispanic community," said Michael Miedler , president and CEO, Century 21 Real Estate LLC . "We are so proud to see these C21 trailblazers take on their new leadership roles as they continue to deliver the dream of homeownership to Hispanic families across the country. Their dedication to serving others has left an indelible mark on our industry and is what has helped the CENTURY 21 brand become the leader in Hispanic consumer brand awareness.** We look forward to seeing the impact that Nora, Oralia, Peggy, and Eva will continue to make throughout the next year and beyond."

To learn more about the CENTURY 21 value proposition, or to join the ranks of the relentless, please go to century21.com/about-us/contact/media .

* This recognition is determined between 01/01/2020 & 12/31/2023 from data reported to Century 21 Real Estate LLC, as compared to all Nevada -based C21 teams eligible for the C21 Awards program pursuant to applicable rules.

** Study Source: 2023 Ad Tracking Study (Hispanic Audience). The survey results are based on 313 online interviews with a national random sample of adults (ages 18+) who are equal decision makers in real estate transactions and active in the real estate market (bought or sold a home within the past two years or, plan to purchase or sell a home within the next two years) from Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino background/origin. Recognition question based on consumer awareness of brand in question. Results are significant at a 90% confidence level, with a margin of error of +/-2.4%. The study was conducted by Kantar Group Limited, a leading global market research organization, from November 17- December 1, 2023 .

About Century 21 Real Estate LLC

The approximately 135,000 independent sales professionals in approximately 12,000 offices spanning 84 countries and territories in the CENTURY 21 System live their mission every day: to defy mediocrity and deliver extraordinary experiences. By consistently chasing excellence, giving 121% and always elevating, the CENTURY 21 brand is helping its affiliated brokers/agents to be the first choice for real estate consumers and industry professionals worldwide. Century 21 Real Estate has numerous websites to help answer specific consumer needs. They are century21.com, century21.com/global, century21.com/commercial,

century21.com/finehomes and century21.com/espanol.

Century 21 Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Anywhere Real Estate Inc. (NYSE: HOUS), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation, and settlement services.

2024 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. CENTURY 21, the CENTURY 21 Logo and C21 are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Century 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.

Contact:

Erin Siegel

Century 21 Real Estate LLC

[email protected]

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SOURCE Century 21 Real Estate LLC
-Meeting Scheduled, Two Directors Resign

- The Board unanimously recommends Debentureholders vote FOR the Restructuring Transaction and for the Trustee Authorization

- Your vote is important regardless of how many Debentures you own, and we urge you to vote even if you are not able to attend the Debentureholder Meeting

VANCOUVER, BC , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Chemistree Technology Inc. (CSE: CHM) (US OTC: CHMJF) (the "Company" or "Chemistree"), announces that it has filed a Notice of Meeting on SEDAR+ calling an extraordinary meeting of the holders of the 10% senior unsecured convertible debentures of the Company due March 29, 2024 (the "Debentures") to be held on April 5, 2024 , with a record date of March 6, 2024 (the "Debentureholder Meeting"). In conjunction with the planned Restructuring Transaction (as defined below), the Company has accepted the resignations of Nicolas Zitelli and Gina Dickson from their roles as directors of the Company.

THE DEBENTUREHOLDER MEETING

At the Debentureholder Meeting, the Company will put forward the following extraordinary resolutions to the holders of the Debentures (the "Debentureholders"), which are governed by the trust indenture between the Company and Odyssey Trust Company dated March 29, 2019 , as supplemented on January 17, 2022 (the "Indenture"):

(i) To consider and, if deemed appropriate, approve an extraordinary resolution, the full text of which is set forth in Appendix "A" to the management information circular dated March 12, 2024 (the "Circular"), pursuant to which all of the principal of the outstanding Debentures will be settled and all claims of the Debentureholders thereunder will be extinguished in exchange for common shares ("Common Shares") in the capital of the Company (the "Restructuring Transaction"). Pursuant to the Restructuring Transaction, the Company intends to issue an aggregate of 683,700,000 Common Shares at a price of $0.01 per Common Share to Debentureholders. Following the closing of the Restructuring Transaction, the Debentureholders will hold Common Shares representing approximately 90.3% of the outstanding Common Shares, representing 100,000 Common Shares issued for every $1,000 in principal amount of Debentures held.

(ii) To consider and, if deemed appropriate, approve an extraordinary resolution, the full text of which is set forth in Appendix "B" to the Circular, pursuant to which Odyssey Trust Company (the "Trustee"), as trustee under the Indenture, shall have the right and be authorized to accept or consent on behalf of the Debentureholders to any plan of reorganization or restructuring transaction that may be made in any bankruptcy, liquidation, restructuring, or other insolvency proceeding relative to the Company, by taking action of any character in such proceeding without any further extraordinary resolution being required prior to such acceptance or consent being granted (the "Trustee Authorization").

BACKGROUND TO THE RESOLUTIONS

The principal amount of the Debentures, being $6,837,000 , will mature and become due on March 29, 2024 . The board of directors of Chemistree (the "Board") has concluded that the Company will not have sufficient funds to settle the principal amount of the Debentures with cash on maturity and that the Company will not be able to successfully raise the requisite amount of cash necessary to pay the principal amount of Debentures with its current capital structure.

The Company has identified the Restructuring Transaction as an avenue to address these issues and to enhance securityholder value in the long run. The Board believes that the Restructuring Transaction will:

(i) eliminate the Company's convertible debt and debt service obligations, thereby providing the Company with added liquidity;

(ii) allow management additional flexibility to focus on the Company's operations, as opposed to focusing on debt-servicing obligations and repayment;

(iii) increase the strength of the Company's balance sheet;

(iv) provide the Debentureholders with an aggregate ownership stake in the Company of approximately 90%;

(v) allow Debentureholders to participate more effectively and efficiently in the equity upside of the Company; and

(vi) simplify the Company's capital structure.

The Company believes in its growth potential, and it believes the Restructuring Transaction is in the best interests of Debentureholders.

Should the Restructuring Transaction not be approved by the Debentureholders or the Company determines not to proceed with the Restructuring Transaction for any reason, the Company has identified the Trustee Authorization as an avenue to simplify Debentureholder participation in any plan of reorganization or restructuring transaction that may be made in any bankruptcy, liquidation, restructuring, or other insolvency proceeding relative to the Company. By approving the Trustee Authorization, Debentureholders authorize the Trustee to act on their behalf in such proceedings, meaning that the Trustee can make decisions without the need for a further extraordinary resolution from the Debentureholders. If the Trustee Authorization is not approved, the Debentureholders may be responsible for their own costs related to plan of reorganization or restructuring transaction that may be made in any bankruptcy, liquidation, restructuring, or other insolvency proceeding relative to the Company, which may increase the timeline for recovery of the principal amounts of the Debentures.

KEY STEPS TO THE RESOLUTIONS

Chemistree will hold the Debentureholder Meeting to consider the Restructuring Transaction and the Trustee Authorization on April 5, 2024 . Pursuant to the Indenture, an extraordinary resolution approving either of the Restructuring Transaction and the Trustee Authorization is required to be passed at a meeting of Debentureholders in which the holders of not less than 25% of the principal amount of Debentures outstanding on the date of the Debentureholder Meeting are present in person or by proxy. The resolution must be passed by holders of at least 66% of the principal amount of the Debentures present in person or by proxy at the Debentureholder Meeting, or any adjournment thereof. Alternatively, each resolution can be passed, in writing, by the holders of at least 66% of the outstanding principal amount of the Debentures. Each Debentureholder present in person or represented by proxy at the Debentureholder Meeting shall be entitled to one vote in respect of each $1,000 principal amount of Debentures held by such Debentureholder.

About Chemistree Technology Inc.

Chemistree Technology Inc. is a Canadian investment company whose strategy is to focus on opportunistic investments across a broad range of industries, and is seeking to invest in early stage, promising companies where it may be the lead investor and can additionally provide investees with advisory services, mentoring and access to the Company's management expertise. Existing holdings are in a consumer-targeted biotechnology venture, a renewable energy developer in the wind and solar sector ("REVV"), a plant-based wellness company ("FUEL") and an Ontario limited partnership ("ONLP") to take advantage of opportunistic long/short equity opportunities in both potential upside and downside expected price moves. Additional information about the Company, including the documents referenced above, is available at the Company's website www.chemistreetechnology.com and on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca.

"Karl Kottmeier"

President

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Information set forth in this news release includes forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "budget", "scheduled" and "intend", statements that an action or event "may", "might", "could", "should", or "will" be taken or occur, or other similar expressions. In particular, but without limiting the foregoing, this news release contains forward-looking statements pertaining to: the timing and resolutions put forward at the Debentureholder Meeting; receipt of Debentureholder approval for the Restructuring Transaction and the Trustee Authorization; the Company's inability to settle the principal amount of Debentures on the maturity date; the Company's ability to successfully raise an amount to settle the principal amount of Debentures on the maturity date; the Trustee agreeing to act on behalf of the Debentureholders in connection with any insolvency proceeding; the expected growth potential of the Company; and the expected benefits of the Restructuring Transaction, including to enhance securityholder value; and the expected benefits of the Trustee Authorization.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the risks identified in the Company's reports and filings with the applicable Canadian securities regulators, including risks related to the Company's ability to secure Debentureholder approval at the Debentureholder Meeting and the Company's inability to pay the principal amount of Debentures when they become due. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by applicable law.

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SOURCE Chemistree Technology Inc.
WASHINGTON , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC), the leading advocacy organization for dialysis patients nationwide, today released the following statement applauding the passage and enactment of SB 215 in Indiana . The law offers three affordable Medicare supplemental plans (also known as Medigap) to Medicare enrollees under the age of 65  including to patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).

Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC) applauds the passage and enactment of SB 215 in Indiana .

"We are grateful to see Indiana do right by dialysis patients and provide the patient choice and healthcare coverage that all Hossiers deserve," said DPC Board President Andrew Conkling . "For decades, under-age 65 ESRD patients have paid much higher premiums than over-age 65 persons, and this lack of equal treatment based on age has resulted in unaffordable Medigap premiums for under-age 65 Indiana residents. With this legislation, about 2,000 Hoosiers with End Stage Renal Disease who are covered by Medicare, but not by the state Medicaid program, will have access to affordable Medigap coverage that fits their needs regardless of age. We are thankful for the tireless efforts of Senator Kyle Walker and Representative David Abbott in passing this legislation, and we are grateful that Governor Eric J. Holcomb has signed it into law."

Background

Senator Kyle Walker (R-IN-31) championed SB 215 in the Indiana Senate. Representative David Abbott (R-IN-18), a kidney transplant recipient himself, championed a companion bill in the Indiana House of Representatives. Governor Eric J. Holcomb (R-IN) signed into state law on March 11, 2024 .

This legislation finally provides access to affordable Medigap coverage for the approximately 2,000 "non-dual" Hoosiers with ESRD who are covered by Medicare, but not the state Medicaid program. This legislation offers affordable Medigap coverage to Medicare beneficiaries of all ages, granting all dialysis patients in Indiana access to affordable care. In addition, the law ensures wider access to kidney transplants, as two of the now available Medigap plans cover the $1,600 annual inpatient hospital deductible necessary for a kidney transplant. Indiana joins 16 other states that have already adopted Medigap access and affordability laws.

Under Federal law, Medicare beneficiaries age 65 and older are guaranteed access to Medicare supplemental insurance, also known as "Medigap," but beneficiaries under age 65, including many with End-Stage Renal Disease, do not share this protection. Indiana previously did not ensure that Medicare beneficiaries under the age of 65 have access to Medigap plans to cover their substantial out-of-pocket costs. This left approximately 2,000 ESRD patients in the state without an affordable way to cover the remaining 20% that Medicare doesn't cover.

For more information about DPC, click here .

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SOURCE Dialysis Patient Citizens
Financial Statements for 2023

DALLAS , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Elah Holdings, Inc. (OTC: ELLH) has released its audited annual financial statements and disclosure report for the 2023 fiscal year. This report and additional company information can be found at www.elahholdings.com under the Financial Releases section of the website.

About Elah Holdings

Elah Holdings, Inc. (formerly known as Real Industry, Inc.) is a holding company led by experienced business leaders that is seeking to acquire profitable businesses in the commercial and industrial markets to generate sustainable profitability and cash flows, unlock the value of our considerable tax assets, and use creative deal structures that reduce risk and ultimately create long-term value for our shareholders. For more information, visit www.elahholdings.com. Elah Holdings' stock trades on the OTC Pink Market, which is operated by OTC Markets Group, a centralized electronic quotation service for over-the-counter securities under the symbol "ELLH."

Contact:

Michael Hobey

Elah Holdings, Inc.

+1 (805) 435-1255

@elah_inc

www.linkedin.com/company/elah-holdings-inc/

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SOURCE Elah Holdings, Inc.
Texas native brings influential health care leadership experience, strong ENA ties, into new role

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Emergency Nurses Association on Thursday welcomed experienced nursing leader and longtime member Bradley Goettl , DNP, FNP-C, ENP-C, AGACNP-BC, CFRN, FAEN, FAANP, FAAN, FACHE, as its first chief clinical officer.

In his role, Goettl will be responsible for expanding ENA's clinical expertise, voice and impact. Goettl's focus includes providing strategic leadership to the association's research and practice excellence teams, while also identifying external partnerships and programs to advance the emergency nursing specialty.

"Accepting this position as ENA's first chief clinical officer is the best way to celebrate my 20 years of ENA membership," Goettl said. "Now, I have the opportunity to support emergency nurses in the same way ENA has supported me throughout my career."

Goettl, 40, most recently served as the director of advanced practice provider fellowships programs at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and an assistant professor at UT Health San Antonio where he served in an advanced practice leadership role alongside the emergency department's medical director.

In 2023, Goettl was inducted as a fellow to the Academy of Emergency Nursing, American Academy of Nursing and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Among his other accomplishments, Goettl is currently a commissioner with the American Nurses Credentialing Center, he spent three years on the AAENP Board of Directors and was honored as part of ENA Connection's 20 Under 40 Class of 2021.

"Bradley's depth of knowledge and experience, as well as his mindset toward growth and innovation, make him an ideal fit for helping ENA grow its voice and impact," ENA CEO Nancy MacRae said. "His two decades as an ENA member also give him a unique perspective that values the association's support for emergency nurses, and I look forward to his leadership and partnership as we continue to advance excellence in emergency nursing globally."

About the Emergency Nurses Association

The Emergency Nurses Association is the premier professional nursing association dedicated to defining the future of emergency nursing through advocacy, education, research, innovation, and leadership. Founded in 1970, ENA has proven to be an indispensable resource to the global emergency nursing community. With nearly 50,000 members worldwide, ENA advocates for patient safety, develops industry-leading practice standards and guidelines, and guides emergency health care public policy. ENA members have expertise in triage, patient care, disaster preparedness, and all aspects of emergency care. Additional information is available at www.ena.org .

ENA Media Contact:

Dan Campana

Director of Communications

847.460.4017

[email protected]

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SOURCE Emergency Nurses Association
KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- European Wellness, a leading name in health and wellness, announces a groundbreaking collaboration with the Sabah state government, aimed at positioning Sabah as a premier destination for medical wellness tourism on the global stage.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor welcomes and supports the commitment of esteemed stem cell scientist Professor Dato' Seri Dr. Mike Chan , who pledges an unprecedented investment of US$80 million ( RM378.8 million ) to establish a biopharmaceutical manufacturing and research facility at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park. This initiative, endorsed by the Chief Minister, signals a transformative leap towards advancing Sabah's holistic healthcare, medical wellness, and tourism landscape.

Professor Mike Chan , along with his Sabahan wife Professor Dato' Sri Dr. Michelle Wong , underscores their vision to expand operations in Sabah , catering to the ASEAN and Brunei Darussalam - Indonesia -Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-Eaga) markets. With a strategic emphasis on medical wellness and education tourism, this partnership aims to harness Sabah's natural beauty, rich heritage, and European Wellness's expertise to create a holistic healthcare experience.

In the wake of global health challenges impaired by the COVID-19 pandemic, this collaboration marks a pivotal moment in Sabah's journey towards tourism, economic recovery and healthcare excellence. The Chief Minister extends his gratitude to Professor Mike Chan for his unwavering commitment to advancing Sabah's biomedical capabilities.

Professor Mike Chan, in turn, expresses appreciation to the Chief Minister for his visionary leadership and support. Additionally, heartfelt recognition is extended to Datuk Lucy Irene Wong for her instrumental role in fostering dialogue and cooperation between European Wellness and the state government.

As Sabah emerges as a beacon of medical wellness and educational tourism, European Wellness remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering global health and wellness outcomes. Together, it embarks on a transformative voyage towards a healthier, more vibrant future.

Media Contact:

EW Group Media Team

[email protected]

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SOURCE EW Group
Housing and healthcare go hand-in-hand, said Nevada Medicaid Administrator Stacie Weeks. Its a fact that a persons overall health and wellness are impacted by where they live. (Photo: Ronda Churchill/Nevada Current)

Policy, politics and progressive commentary

Nevada Medicaid recently received federal approval to use funds to cover housing and supportive services through Medicaids managed care providers. The pilot program will help an estimated 20,300 Nevadans who had identified themselves as homeless when applying for Medicaid.

As the state implements the program, it is also seeking approval from the federal government to cover housing and other support services for a broader range of Nevadans on Medicaid, via a new Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) waiver opportunity called Section 1115.

Nearly 1 in 3 Nevadans  882,000 people  are covered by Medicaid, a joint state and federal program that provides health insurance for low-income individuals or those with disabilities.

Housing and healthcare go hand-in-hand, said Nevada Medicaid Administrator Stacie Weeks. Its a fact that a persons overall health and wellness are impacted by where they live.

Benefits under the pilot program are a small piece of the puzzle to improve health outcomes and lower the risk of high health care costs that can come from being unhoused, Weeks said.

Every state bordering Nevada except Idaho is experimenting with using Medicaid to fund housing.

Arizona, California, and Oregon have been approved for the new Section 1115 Waivers. Utah was approved to provide housing and nutrition services before the Health-Related Social Needs framework implementation under the Biden administration, according to KFF.

Nationwide, half the states have either begun programs to include housing within Medicaid coverage or, like Nevada, have begun moving in that direction.

Under the Section 1115 waiver Medicaid will cover the cost of rent, temporary housing, and utilities for up to six months, and up to three meals per day for six months. Both contrast with the longstanding prohibitions on Medicaid paying for room and board.

Nevada has attempted to fund housing and supportive services through Medicaid before, but the scope of the legislation was narrower. In 2019, legislators passed a bill that would have allowed Medicaid to provide housing services for behavioral health needs. But the state ran into some state and county administrative challenges implementing the bill because of federal constraints and requirements for that benefit, Ky Plaskon, the public information officer for Nevada Medicaid, said via email.

Instead, the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy, which oversees Nevada Medicaid, shifted its focus to join the other eight states moving forward in getting the Section 1115 waiver.

The bulk (78%) of Nevada Medicaid recipients are covered by managed care plans, which are private insurance companies Nevada Medicaid contracts with. The remaining are covered through a fee-for-service model in which the state pays Medicaid providers directly for each covered service.

In addition to help with rent and food, the services covered under the new pilot program will include specialized case management, housing transition services, and housing-related deposits.

Before the pilot program can begin operating, the four Medicaid managed care plans  Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Healthcare Solution, Molina Healthcare of Nevada, SilverSummit Healthplan, and UnitedHealthcare Health Plan of Nevada Medicaid  will have to submit plans to cover the services to CMS for approval. The companies are expected to submit their plans to cover the services by the end of March.

The four managed care providers for Nevada Medicaid did not respond to inquiries about whether they already provide housing and other wraparound services by the deadline.

Nevada Medicaid is still exploring how best to implement these services for the states fee-for-service population in Medicaid under federal law, Plaskon said via email.

The states Division of Health Care Financing and Policy anticipates completing the Section 1115 waiver to provide housing and other services to a broader portion of Medicaid recipients by the end of the year.

Seeking federal approval through the waiver authority should allow Nevada Medicaid to accomplish the same benefit structure for housing supports and services along with meal services for those experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness due to a behavioral health condition across both fee-for-service and managed care, Plaskon said via email.

Those covered by the managed care plans can contact the plans directly to learn about the types of housing support and meal services available.
BERGEN COUNTY, N.J. , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark invites the community to an enlightening Open House Weekend at Maryrest Cemetery and Mausoleum in Mahwah, NJ , and Christ The King Cemetery in Franklin Lakes - both just 20 miles away from New York City .

Set for Saturday, March 23 , and Sunday, March 24 , from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm , this event offers families a unique opportunity to plan and ensure their loved ones' legacies are honored in a dignified resting place.

In light of recent challenges, the importance of preplanning for a final resting place has never been more apparent. The Open House Weekend aims to alleviate the stress and confusion associated with such decisions by providing expert guidance by caring and professional Memorial Planning Advisors on burial and cremation options, memorialization, and financial planning.

Maryrest Cemetery and Mausoleum, located in picturesque Mahwah, NJ , presents various options, including marble mausoleum crypts, glass cremation niches, and traditional family estate plots. Notably, it houses New Jersey's first natural/green burial section, catering to families seeking an eco-friendly memorial or an alternative to traditional cremation methods.

Christ The King Cemetery offers a minimalist, serene setting with special committal gazebo sections and elegant marble and granite-covered outdoor columbariums for cremation spaces. Its flat markers, set in a rural environment, provide a perfect space for reflection and meditation. The site's magnificent treescape, a comforting destination year-round, captivates visitors with a vivid display of seasonal colors.

This event is especially significant for those who have been holding onto the cremated remains of their loved ones, offering the perfect occasion to secure a deserving resting place.

With a price increase on the horizon set for March 25 , the Open House Weekend provides an opportune moment to secure a sacred space for your loved ones at the most advantageous terms.

We warmly invite you to visit our cemeteries and discover the simplicity and dignity of honoring your loved one's memory. No appointment is necessary.

For more information, please visit www.christthekingcemetery.org and www.maryrestcemetery.org. Don't miss this chance to find peace and solace in a final resting place that reflects your family's values and preferences.

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LANSING, Mich. , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Families, early childhood professionals, and advocates will gather in Lansing on March 20 to urge Michigan lawmakers to prioritize early childhood in the state's FY25 budget.

The second Early Childhood Capitol Day hosted by Think Babies Michigan (TBMI), which is facilitated by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation Michigan Association for the Education of the Young Child (Michigan AEYC), and Mothering Justice, will bring hundreds of community members together to meet with their state representative or senator to ask for their support of paid family and medical leave (FLOC), increased funding for early childhood education, and higher compensation for the early childhood workforce.

These recommendations are being made following Governor Whitmer's proposed FY25 budget, which includes measures such as expanding access to preschool for all and increasing eligibility for child care subsidy. Whitmer's proposal to extend the eligibility of child care subsidy to licensed child care providers' children would be beneficial for those in the early childhood workforce. However, the proposed 10% reimbursement rate increase for child care providers receiving subsidy does not offset the 26% cut that providers experienced last October after the end of COVID relief funding. Failure to reinstate funding could result in the closure of up to 1,200 child care businesses statewide, impacting over 56,000 children and their families. Advocates are also pushing for the Michigan Legislature to join other states in providing paid family and medical leave for every employee in Michigan , allowing workers to take necessary time off to recover from childbirth and bond with their babies without financial hardship.

"The focus of this day will be on the vital need to invest in Michigan's early childhood system," said Sacha Klein , ECIC Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy. "It is crucial for Michigan to have a robust system in place that guarantees every child receives the necessary care during their formative years to set them up for future success in school and in their personal lives."

Families and community members will be joined by Senator Kirstin McDonald Rivet and Emily Laidlaw , Director of the Michigan Child Care Licensing Bureau on the East steps of the State capitol at 12:30 p.m. and will speak on opportunities during this legislative session to make Michigan a state where young children and their families thrive. Prioritizing early childhood education and services will help ensure Michigan's youngest citizens have the quality care they need to thrive and prevent families from having to leave the workforce, further impairing the economy due to the lack of sufficient child care.

Michigan residents are encouraged to learn more about the event by visiting https://www.ecic4kids.org/policy-capitol-day/

"It is imperative that our legislators listen to the needs of their constituents," Toyja Bridges , Child Care Organizer with Mothering Justice said, "effective policy outcomes can't happen without input from those affected."

Think Babies Michigan is a collaborative prenatal-to-three policy initiative made up of over 2,400 families and other early childhood stakeholders who are working together to make Michigan a top state to have a baby and raise a child. Think Babies Michigan is proudly powered by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation.

The Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children promotes high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.

Mothering Justice is a grassroots policy advocacy organization that provides mothers of color in America with the resources and tools to use their power to make equitable changes in policy. We are dedicated to improving the quality of life for families in America by empowering mothers of color to take action on American policy on behalf of themselves and their families.

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SOURCE Early Childhood Investment Corporation
SCRANTON, Pa. , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Munley Law is pleased to announce that five of our Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers were named to the 2024 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers guide.

The following attorneys have been named to the list:

Marion Munley is recognized as one of the country's most prominent and widely respected truck accident lawyers . She is triple-board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Civil Trial, Civil Practice, and Truck Law. This is the fifth consecutive year that Marion has been named to the guide.

Daniel W. Munley is an award-winning trial lawyer. He has been certified by the Association of Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America and board-certified in Truck Accident Law and Civil Trial Practice by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. This is the fourth year Daniel has been named a Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyer.

Caroline Munley has won millions of dollars for personal injury victims across Pennsylvania . She has been certified as a specialist in workers' compensation law by the Pennsylvania Bar Association's Section on Workers' Compensation Law. This is the second time Caroline has been named to the Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers guide.

J. Christopher Munley is widely regarded as a leading personal injury attorney with multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for his injury clients. He is a National Board of Trial Advocacy board-certified Civil Trial Specialist. This is the first time Christopher has been named in the guide.

Robert W. Munley III is a seasoned workers' compensation and personal injury attorney. For decades, he has served thousands of accident victims and workers, winning them multi-millions in verdicts and settlements. This is the first year he has been named to the guide.

Founded in 1959, Munley Law is a national leader in personal injury law. Our injury lawyers have been listed in Best Lawyers in America, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, U.S. News, and World Report's Best Law Firms, and have earned board certification from the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

The Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers list is an elite group of plaintiff attorneys from all over the United States . According to the guide, every lawyer named to the list was recognized because "they bring justice to individuals (or groups of them) for a physical harm they have suffered, as opposed to one that is chiefly financial."

MEDIA CONTACT:

Wendy Lindars

Marketing Manager

(570) 983-3860

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SOURCE Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
CANNES, France , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Realtors and the Manitoba Real Estate Association (MREA) today signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as leaders of the two real estate professional organizations attended the 2024 MIPIM in Cannes, France . MIPIM is the premier real estate event for the international property industry.

The MoU agreement establishes the cooperation of the two Realtor organizations in developing a mutually beneficial relationship for their respective members, setting the stage for increased business opportunities.

"As professionals in the real estate industry, we take pride in providing our knowledge and expertise to clients in Florida , Manitoba and throughout the world," said 2024 Florida Realtors President Gia Arvin . "Florida Realtors and MREA share common goals. We look forward to continuing our partnership and building more connections that increase international business opportunities for all of our members."

As part of the agreement, Florida Realtors and MREA "affirm the value of international collaboration and agree to exchange information in the general field of real estate, promote professionalism in the real estate industry and engage in other activities that provide mutual benefits."

"We are thrilled about the partnership between the Manitoba Real Estate Association and Florida Realtors, aiming to exchange valuable industry information for the benefit of our respective members," said MREA 2023-2024 President Chris Dudeck . "Anticipating the opportunity to highlight Manitoba's exceptional quality of living and affordable homeownership and commercial prospects, we are equally eager to gain insights into Florida's diverse real estate offerings and industry dynamics."

The Manitoba Real Estate Association was founded in 1949 and is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Representing more than 2,800 Manitoba Realtors, MREA uses "its expertise to build, empower and uphold a trusted and sustainable real estate profession to ensure Manitobans value the role that Realtors have in building stronger communities, and in helping Manitobans through the most financially impactful decisions of their lives."

Florida Realtors serves as the voice for real estate in Florida . It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to 238,000 members in 51 boards/associations. Florida Realtors Newsroom website is available at http://floridarealtors.org/newsroom.

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SOURCE Florida Realtors
HAI PHONG, Vietnam , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GoodWe, a leading player in the solar energy industry, has officially commenced operations at its manufacturing plant in Vietnam . Representing a global milestone, the new facility marks the third in the company's manufacturing network.

Covering approximately 14,800 square meters and divided into two phases, the factory will initially specialize in the production of grid-tied and hybrid inverters. Upon reaching full operational status, Phase I's production lines are expected to achieve an annual capacity of 5GW.

Michael Mendik , Country Manager of GoodWe USA & Canada, expressed his enthusiasm for the factory's readiness. He said, "In the North American market, our primary focus is on residential, commercial and industrial sectors. Local production in Vietnam will enhance our price competitiveness and elevate our service offerings, ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality products tailored to the diverse needs of our customers."

The factory, drawing upon over a decade of GoodWe's inverter manufacturing expertise, has fully integrated advanced inverter manufacturing technology and implemented rigorous quality control systems. A range of intelligent manufacturing techniques, including quality traceability and digital monitoring, has been incorporated to ensure the quality and excellence of products.

Daniel Huang , Founder and CEO of GoodWe, said, "We are dedicated to establishing an overseas benchmark factory, showcasing operational excellence, and replicating success across our global markets in the future. The positive impact of this milestone is also on GoodWe's innovation capabilities and its contribution to job creation in the local Vietnamese market."

He also said that this move exemplifies GoodWe's commitment to strengthening its global brand image. "With the opening of the Vietnam factory, we look forward to cultivating expanded customer cooperation opportunities across the key markets such as United States and ASEAN countries, and beyond."

GoodWe is a world-leading PV inverter manufacturer and smart energy solution provider listed on Shanghai Stock Exchange. The company has nearly 5,000 employees worldwide and installations in over 100 countries and regions. GoodWe offers an extensive range of products and solutions tailored for residential, commercial and industrial, and utility-scale PV systems, delivering reliable and high-performance solutions across its entire portfolio. In 2021, GoodWe was recognized as one of the top three hybrid inverter suppliers worldwide by Wood Mackenzie .

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SOURCE GoodWe
The SoftSnap Makes Its Debut at the Inspired Home Show 2024

BROOKLYN, N.Y. , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Gourmia, a leader in innovative countertop kitchen appliances, announced today it will be introducing its new SoftSnap 1-quart automatic soft-serve ice-cream maker in their booth (#N8500) at The Inspired Home Show 2024. The SoftSnap is the world's first all-in-one, home, soft-serve ice cream maker with a built-in cooling system that eliminates the hassle of pre-freezing a bowl or adding salt or ice. TIHS 2024 runs March 17-19 inside Chicago's iconic McCormick Place .

"Consumers everywhere love soft-serve ice cream, and until now, automatic soft-serve ice cream makers were built for commercial use," said Heshy Biegeleisen , Gourmia founder. "Our team combined our experience, innovation, and engineering expertise to develop this new sleek, lightweight, fully automatic, homemade soft-serve ice cream maker. Creating epic desserts has never been easier, more fun, or so economical with the SoftSnap."

With the new Gourmia SoftSnap, making homemade soft-serve ice cream has become a simple, two-step process: add ingredients, and press a button. The SoftSnap does the rest, then dispenses the ice cream with the pull of the handle into a cup or cone. In addition to making perfectly textured soft-serve ice cream, it also easily handles sorbet, yogurt, vegan ice cream and other frozen desserts. Delicious, tasty treats with one easy touch.

The INERT NAME also comes with multiple advanced features that add to the experience and enjoyment of making homemade ice cream. A topping dispenser lets the user easily drizzle sprinkles or chocolate chips on top of their favorite flavor with just the turn of a knob. A digital timer tracks the remaining churn time with a countdown display. The Keep Cool function keeps ice cream chilled and churned, so it's ready to be enjoyed now or later. It even has a convenient cone holder.

The Gourmia SoftSnap Automatic Soft-Serve Ice-Cream Maker (GSI1010) will be available in the second half of 2024.

About Gourmia

Headquartered in Brooklyn, NY , Gourmia is passionate about all things cooking, as they believe it is one of the key pillars of a healthy lifestyle. With decades of small appliance expertise, Gourmia's founders know that cooks are looking for dependable, easy-to-use tools to make their lives easier. Gourmia was named America's #1 Air Fryer brand and the fastest-growing kitchen electrics brand in 2022, according to NPD*. From air fryers to multi-purpose cookers, coffee and tea makers, juicers, and more, the team at Gourmia has taken input from chefs and consumers to make their products the best in their category. All of the company's products are designed to deliver a higher standard of innovation, performance, and value. For additional information, please visit http://www.gourmia.com.

*Gourmia was the #1 Brand in Unit Sales for Air Fryers in the US, Gourmia had the Largest Dollar Share Increase in Total Kitchen Electrics in the US., and Gourmia had the Largest Dollar Share Increase in Cook and Heat Products in the U.S. according to The NPD Group/Retail Tracking Service, for the 12 months ending December 2022 .

PR Contact:

Rita Lee

Copernio

(714) 891-3660

[email protected]

All products/services and trademarks mentioned in this release are the properties of their respective companies.

 2024 Gourmia. All rights reserved.

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SOURCE Gourmia
The round was co-led by Eight Roads Ventures and Denali Growth Partners, with participation from F-Prime Capital and other investors.

BETHESDA, Md. , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- HiLabs, a leading provider of AI-powered solutions to manage dirty data, unlocking its hidden potential for healthcare transformation, today announced a $39 million Series B financing. The round was led by Denali Growth Partners and Eight Roads Ventures, with participation from F-Prime Capital. The capital raise follows rapid customer adoption of its healthcare data ingestion, cleansing, and enrichment platform, MCheck, and will support continued enhancement of the technology as well as recruitment of top-tier talent and expansion of its product teams.

Founded in 2014, HiLabs' mission is to ensure timely access to clean data for payers, providers, and patients at a time when healthcare organizations worldwide are transitioning toward data-driven decision-making. HiLabs' cloud-based MCheck platform ingests, cleans, and enriches critical healthcare information, resulting in significant reduction in healthcare organizations' operational costs and improvement in patient outcomes. The MCheck platform technology, featured in the Journal of the American Medical Association ("JAMA "), supports some of the largest health insurance companies in the US in their efforts to automate and improve administrative processes. The company's provider directory management solution is live in most US states, analyzing data of over 80% of the country's healthcare providers. It is expanding its platform capabilities to include other data types such as electronic medical records and value-based care data.

"Timely and high-quality data exchange between payers and providers is key to reducing care costs, improving outcomes," said Amit Garg , co-founder, and CEO of HiLabs. "As we embrace this next phase of growth, we're thankful for the backing of healthcare-focused investors. We stand poised to propel our AI-technology forward, empowering healthcare organizations to make swift, informed decisions based on data that's not just clean, but readily available when it matters most."

"Payors are increasingly looking for innovative technology solutions to make complex and disparate healthcare data actionable. The HiLabs team really impressed us with their vision, best-in-class product suite and strong customer traction, which is testament to their product-market fit," says Dr. Prem Pavoor , Senior Partner, Head of India and Healthcare Investments at Eight Roads Ventures. "We have closely followed Amit's journey over the past couple of years as he has leveraged the US-India corridor very effectively to build both a top tier leadership team and deep AI/ML talent in their India R&D centers. We look forward to partnering with him and his team in this next, exciting phase of growth."

"We are thrilled to support HiLabs as they continue to solve critical data issues within healthcare," states Jesse Lane , Founder and Managing Member of Denali Growth Partners. "While many discuss the potential of AI, particularly in the healthcare ecosystem, HiLabs is demonstrating real-world impact by leveraging advanced AI techniques to ingest and cleanse data for four (4) of the nation's top ten health payers, along with numerous regional players."

"At athenahealth and in venture, I've seen many approaches to applying data science to healthcare data," said Carl Byers , Partner at F-Prime, previously the CFO of athenahealth for more than a decade. "HiLabs' AI-driven approach to data management not only fills a critical gap in the market but it also enables transformational change among payers and providers to leverage real-time data to improve user experiences, cost, and value."

About HiLabs

HiLabs is a leading provider of AI-powered solutions to clean dirty data, unlocking its hidden potential for healthcare transformation. HiLabs is committed to transforming the healthcare industry through innovation, collaboration, and a relentless focus on improving patient outcomes. For more information, contact [email protected].

About Denali Growth Partners

Denali Growth Partners is a Boston -based growth equity firm with more than $250 million in regulatory assets under management. DGP seeks to partner with rapidly-growing and capital-efficient businesses serving the healthcare and technology ecosystems. DGP helps management teams and companies accelerate growth through capital and strategic resources. Additional information about Denali Growth Partners is available at www.denaligrowth.com.

About Eight Roads Ventures

Eight Roads Ventures is a global proprietary investment firm backed by Fidelity managing over $11 billion of assets across offices in China , India , Japan , the UK , and the U.S. Our 50-year history of investing includes partnerships with over 300 healthcare and technology companies. In May 2022 , Eight Roads launched its first dedicated $250 million healthcare and life sciences fund for India . Eight Roads' India active and exited healthcare partner companies include Ashish Life Science, Bicara Therapeutics, Caplin Steriles, Carestack, Cipla Health, Core Diagnostics, Denali Therapeutics, Doceree, Eywa Pharma, Elucidata, Enko, Enzene Biosciences, Immuneel Therapeutics, Laurus Labs, Medwell Ventures, NOCD, Plasmagen Biosciences, Proximie, OZiva, PharmEasy, Richcore Lifesciences, Specsmakers, Spry, Toothsi, Trivitron Healthcare, and Ujala Cygnus. For more information, please visit www.eightroads.com.

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SOURCE HiLabs
Event organized by CoHNA showcases historical connections and ways to enhance collaboration between the communities

ATLANTA , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A unique, first of its kind event at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights , brought together luminaries from the Georgia state legislature and the Atlanta Hindu and Indian American communities for an evening focused on Building Bridges and Connecting Communities. Organized by the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), the event highlighted the definitive role of the civil rights movement in the U.S , the paths it opened in the years to come for the Hindu and Indian American communities, and the road ahead.

Catch vignettes from the evening here .

"What a powerful event was held. The chains have been broken. The links have been linked. The bridge has been built and now it's time for us to crossover," said the keynote speaker for the evening, Rep. Carl Gilliard , Chairman of the Georgia Black Legislative Caucus. "The history of Black America is the history of America itself, so we are very pleased today to be celebrating it with our friends in the Hindu American community. We grew up inspired by the stories of the great men and women who waged the long battle for equality-stories you see showcased all around us today in this inspiring National Center for Civil rights and Human Rights."

"Diversity and resilience are some of the great strengths of the U.S. and values that both our communities share in abundance, along with the experience of being a minority. There is much to collaborate and learn from each other. I thank CoHNA for bringing us together to strengthen understanding and build new connections," he went on to state.

Addressing the gathering, the Consul General of India in Atlanta , Honorable Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan said, "Living and working right here in Atlanta , Dr. Martin Luther King Jr . drew inspiration from the Ahimsa principles that had guided Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian independence movement in general. The connection continued and grew in the decades that followed, with stalwarts like Rep. John Lewis who strengthened the relationship and potential for collaboration via initiatives like the Gandhi King Scholarly Exchange."

Diverse Voices and Connections

Hindus in the US are now a fast-growing minority group. And contrary to popular belief, they include members from diverse ethnicities , countries of origin and socio-economic backgrounds.

"As a member of both minority communities in the US, I can personally attest to the challenges and labeling we face as well - especially when we seek to speak up for ourselves," said Shri Balabhadra Bhattacarya Dasa , President of Vedic Friends Association and a Hindu spiritual leader. "Growing up in Atlanta as the battle for Civil Rights was being fought, I remain eternally inspired by their actions and the words of leaders like Martin Luther King , Jr. In later years, I was privileged to work alongside pioneering leaders like Maynard Jackson and to give back to my community."

Hinduism became part of the US discourse in 1893, after a powerful address from Swami Vivekananda at the Parliament of World Religions and his subsequent tour of the country. But, lesser known is his stand against segregation  refusing to sit in a "Whites Only" car on a train in Tennessee , to which he had access as a distinguished brown visitor. Swami Vivekananda chose instead to sit in the car reserved for African-Americans. Lala Lajpat Rai , one of the earliest mass leaders of the Indian Independence movement and founder of the Hindu Mahasabha, spent three years in New York (1917-1920), where he developed a lasting friendship with W.E.B DuBois and worked with prominent leaders like Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver .

Strengthening Connections for the Future

Dr. Jagdish Sheth , the Charles H. Kellstadt Professor of Business at Emory University and globally renowned management thinker, spoke at the event about the role of business in connecting communities. "There is great potential for the African American and the Indian American communities to work in partnership with lawmakers to help drive growth and invest in infrastructure required to support Georgia's transition from a regional to a global economy."

The packed room also saw a number of distinguished lawmakers, officials, educationists, and entrepreneurs exchange views on how to build and strengthen collaboration.

"The historical connections and cultural exchange between the African American and Hindu communities offer a great foundation for future collaboration," said Rajeev Menon , Vice President of CoHNA. "As Hindus of North America, we offer our respects to the black community for the pathbreaking work they have achieved over decades. It is only when our communities unite, our fight for freedom strengthens. We stand alongside in the ongoing fight for equality and justice, beyond all barriers of race and religion."

About CoHNA

CoHNA is a grassroots level advocacy and civil rights organization dedicated to improving the understanding of Hinduism in North America by working on matters related to the Hindu community and by educating the public about Hindu heritage and tradition. For more information, please visit https://cohna.org or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cohnaofficial , on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cohnaofficial , and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/cohnaofficial .

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SOURCE Coalition of Hindus of North America
New IAA Auction Center expands company's reach in Eastern Europe

WESTCHESTER, Ill. , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - RB Global, Inc. (NYSE: RBA) (TSX: RBA), the trusted global marketplace for insights, services and transaction solutions for commercial assets and vehicles, today announced that IAA has launched a new Market Alliance with Baltic Auto Shipping in the Eastern European country of Lithuania . This arrangement increases IAA's connectivity with the global buyer market and strengthens the company's presence in Eastern Europe . This alliance will help to broaden the market share of both companies in Lithuania and surrounding countries by enabling buyers in the region to research, bid and buy vehicles more efficiently.

"IAA continues to expand our international network of auction sites with the announcement of our new market alliance in Lithuania," said Scott Guenther, Sr. Vice President of U.S. Operations for IAA. "Baltic Auto Shipping has a strong reputation for customer satisfaction and we look forward to meeting the needs of our Lithuanian buyers through this collaborative relationship."

"We are excited to work with IAA to help streamline the buying experience for our customers looking to import vehicles from the United States to Lithuania ," said Andrejus Presniakovas , President of Baltic Auto Shipping. "In combination with IAA's industry-leading bidding platform, we look forward to being an on-the-ground resource for customers."

About RB Global

RB Global, Inc. (NYSE: RBA) (TSX: RBA) is a leading, omnichannel marketplace that provides value-added insights, services and transaction solutions for buyers and sellers of commercial assets and vehicles worldwide. Through its auction sites in 14 countries and digital platform, RB Global serves customers in more than 170 countries across a variety of asset classes, including automotive, commercial transportation, construction, government surplus, lifting and material handling, energy, mining and agriculture. The company's marketplace brands include Ritchie Bros. , the world's largest auctioneer of commercial assets and vehicles offering online bidding, and IAA , a leading global digital marketplace connecting vehicle buyers and sellers. RB Global's portfolio of brands also includes Rouse Services , which provides a complete end-to-end asset management, data-driven intelligence and performance benchmarking system; SmartEquip, an innovative technology platform that supports customers' management of the equipment lifecycle and integrates parts procurement with both OEMs and dealers; Xcira, a leader in live simulcast auction technologies; and VeriTread, an online marketplace for heavy haul transport.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this release include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by such words as "aim", "anticipate", "believe", "could", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "ongoing", "plan", "potential", "predict", "will", "anticipates", "should", "would", "could", "likely", "generally", "future", "long-term", "foresees", "estimates", "opportunity" or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. These statements are based on our current expectations and estimates about our business and markets, and may include, among others, statements relating to the new Market Alliance in Lithuania , and other subjects of this release on our business and plans regarding our growth strategies, and to our customers and company generally, and other aspects of RB Global's businesses, operations, financial condition or operating results and other statements that are not historical facts. It is uncertain whether any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what impact they will have on the results of operations and financial condition of the combined companies or the price of RB Global's common shares. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on any such statements and caution must be exercised in relying on forward-looking statements. While RB Global's management believe the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, these forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond RB Global's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: results of operations, strategy and plans; potential adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships; our ability to integrate acquisitions (including IAA, Inc. ("IAA")), the diversion of management time on transaction-related issues; the ability of RB Global to retain and hire key personnel and employees; the significant costs associated with the merger; the outcome of any legal proceedings that could be instituted against RB Global; changes in capital markets and the ability of the company to generate cash flow and/or finance operations in the manner expected or to de-lever in the timeframe expected; the failure of RB Global to meet financial forecasts and/or KPI targets; legislative, regulatory and economic developments affecting the business of RB Global; general economic and market developments and conditions; the evolving legal, regulatory and tax regimes under which RB Global operates; unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including, but not limited to, pandemics, acts of terrorism or outbreak of war or hostilities, as well as RB Global's response to any of the aforementioned factors. Other risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements are included in RB Global's periodic reports and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and/or applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities, including the risk factors identified under Item 1A "Risk Factors" and the section titled "Summary of Risk Factors" in RBA's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2024 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 . The forward-looking statements included in this release are made only as of the date hereof. While the list of factors presented here is considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Many of these risk factors are outside of our control, and as such, they involve risks which are not currently known that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed or implied herein. RB Global does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information, future events, changes in its expectations or other circumstances that exist after the date as of which the forward-looking statements were made, except as required by law.

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SOURCE RB Global
Global fertility leader's annual summit brings together physicians, team members across Inception's expansive family of brands

HOUSTON , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Inception Fertility (Inception), the largest provider of comprehensive fertility services in North America , held its Annual Inception Physician Summit in Nashville, Tennessee , February 22-25, 2024 .

This event that brings together reproductive specialists and clinical managers from across Inception's vast network of global fertility clinics, The Prelude Network, to share best practices and resources that make each clinic a leading fertility provider in their respective markets. This included two full days of learning, team building, collaborating, and the field of reproductive medicine. Panel sessions covered topics related to mental health in fertility care, groundbreaking research studies, and using technology to drive the patient and employee experience, among others.

The event also included the coveted Patient Experience Awards, a gathering of physicians and team members across Prelude that celebrates their contributions to providing aspiring parents with the highest level of professional, individualized care  a focal point of Inception's mission.

The Summit was sponsored by leading technology and medical companies committed to furthering the fertility industry, including Diamond sponsor ReUnite RX, a financial support program that partners with select pharmaceutical companies to serve patients who are undergoing fertility treatments. Additional sponsors included Organon, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, CooperSurgical, LabCorp, Igenomix, Vitrolife, Progyny, and EMD Serono.

"It was an honor for ReUnite RX to sponsor the 2024 Inception Physician Summit and be part of an event that not only brought together the brightest minds in reproductive medicine, but to celebrate what they do to improve all aspects of fertility care, most especially the patient experience," says Manish Chhadua, Managing Partner at ReUnite RX. "Inception and ReUnite RX are two companies within the fertility space dedicated to helping more patients access fertility care so they can do what everyone deserves to do  have a family."

"The annual Inception Summit is a great opportunity for our company to come together and celebrate our achievements in patient care, discuss what's at the forefront of fertility medicine, and collaborate on how we can improve everything from accessibility to patient experience  all of what Inception is founded on," says TJ Farnsworth, Founder and CEO of Inception Fertility. "Each year we recognize 5 individuals and one practice for going above and beyond to further our mission, we congratulate each winner on their deserved recognitions and thank every member of the Inception family for all they do every day to guide our patients and deliver the best in care."

The 2024 Patient Experience Awards included the Patient Experience Outstanding Practice Award, Patient Experience Leader Award, CEO's Patient Experience Emerging Leader Award, and Patient Experience Tenet Leaders Awards. Those winners include:

Patient Experience Outstanding Practice Award Winner: Reproductive Medicine Group ( Tampa, Florida )

Patient Experience Leader Award Winner: Vicki Sandel , Managing Director, Aspire Houston Fertility Institute ( Houston, Texas )

CEO's Patient Experience Emerging Leader Award Winner: Alissa Barrie , Director of Patient Experience, Main Line Fertility ( Philadelphia, Pennsylvania )

Patient Experience Leader of the Year Award Winner  Safety: Tayler Landry . Nurse Admin Assistant, Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine ( British Columbia, Canada )

Patient Experience Leader of the Year Award Winner  Compassion: Madlin "Mimi" Pimentel, Medical Assistant, Reproductive Medicine Group ( Tampa, Florida )

Patient Experience Leader of the Year Award Winner  Show: May (Tian) Nguyen , Lab Supervisor, Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine ( British Columbia, Canada )

Patient Experience Leader of the Year Award Winner  Efficiency: Leslie Ali , Nurse, IVFMD ( Miami, Florida )

Those companies within the Inception ecosystem include The Prelude Network, the fastest-growing network of fertility clinics and largest provider of comprehensive fertility services in North America; Pathways Fertility, clinics that provide affordable, individualized and high quality care; MyEggBank, one of the largest frozen donor egg banks in North America; Bundl Fertility, a multi-cycle fertility service bundling program; HavenCryo, a long-term reproductive preservation and storage solution provider and NutraBloom, a premium lifestyle brand with expertly formulated supplements to support individuals' health and wellness goals for preconception.

About Inception Fertility

Inception Fertility (Inception) is a family of fertility brands committed to helping build families. Built by patients for patients, Inception's purpose is to achieve the highest bar in experience, science and medicine in an effort to enhance each patient's experience and achieve better outcomes.

Inception's medical experts are leading pioneers in fertility care. Our doctors are some of the first to use breakthrough assisted reproductive technologies (ART)  including in vitro fertilization (IVF), preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and fertility preservation services  and they continue to lead the industry by building on these technologies by thorough development, research and thought leadership.

Through its growing family of national organizations  which includes The Prelude Network, the fastest-growing network of fertility clinics and largest provider of comprehensive fertility services in North America; Pathways Fertility, clinics that provide affordable, individualized and high quality care; MyEggBank, one of the largest frozen donor egg banks in North America; Bundl Fertility, a multi-cycle fertility service bundling program; HavenCryo, a long-term reproductive preservation and storage solution provider and NutraBloom, a premium lifestyle brand with expertly formulated supplements to support individuals' health and wellness goals for preconception  Inception is working to deliver on its promise to push the envelope of what is possible for exceeding patient expectations.

Media Contact:

Mia Humphreys

239-297-6592

[email protected]

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SOURCE Inception Fertility
The Nevada Wildlife Commissions endorsement Friday of a plan to remove 75% of wild horses and burros from the states public lands, along with its refusal to consider a ban on controversial coyote killing contests, are out of step with the desires of residents and tourists and could hasten efforts to revamp the board, critics say.

The commission is dominated by hunting and ranching interests under a statutory setup that requires it to have five sportsmen, i.e. hunters, fishermen or trappers who have purchased a license in three of the past four years, one rancher, one farmer, one conservationist and one member of the public.

The lopsided membership, critics say, renders the board ineffective and preoccupied with looking out for ranchers and hunters at the peril of the wildlife it is charged with protecting.

Youve got five representatives on this board that represent three and a half percent of Nevada, former Nevada Republican legislator turned lobbyist Warren Hardy, referring to the percentage of Nevadans who purchase hunting licenses each year, told the commission Friday during a meeting in Las Vegas.

A presentation from the Humane Society of the United States, which is represented by Hardy, asserted changing times and perceptions of animal rights have diminished tolerance of wanton killing contests among residents and visitors, and are compromising the integrity of the states legal gambling industry, thereby posing a threat to the economy.

In 2019, hoping to dry up prize money for the events, opponents unsuccessfully argued to Nevada gaming regulators that the contests violate gambling laws.

Commissioners widely applauded the HSUS presentation as the best theyve seen, however, they suggested nothing has changed since the Commission last discarded a proposal in 2021 to end the contests.

Other efforts to end the contests have also failed. In 2015, the Wildlife Commission voted 7-1 to reject a petition seeking to ban killing contests.

The boards allegiance to hunting and ranching interests disregards the desires of the vast majority of the states population, complained Hardy.

This is petitioning that is worthy of a conversation, no matter how long, or how hard it is. This is the democratic process. And you are the board that we are rightfully in front of, not the legislature, Hardy said. In my legislative career, Ive had at least three occasions to vote to change the makeup of this commission. And all three times I voted no or declined to vote at all because I firmly believe in this process,

Hardy added the commissions refusal to engage in rulemaking left him no option but legislative action. A 2023 bill to prohibit the contests died in committee.

For you guys to say were not going to the rulemaking process so you can make your case is frankly not only repugnant, but unprecedented, Hardy said, suggesting their refusal amounted to political cowardice. Youre saying were not going to get consensus, so were not going to do this. So why do you exist?

The Commission is the the least democratic of all state boards or commissions which provide oversight to a public resource, says Dr. Donald Molde of the Nevada Wildlife Alliance.

A legislative effort last year to take a closer look at four commissions that regulate natural resources, including the Wildlife Commission, failed when it was vetoed by Gov. Joe Lombardo. However, the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Natural Resources is scheduled to delve into the Wildlife Commissions actions on April 5.

This will be our first chance to go before a Legislative interim study committee and make our pitch, says Molde, noting a number of states, such as Washington, New Mexico, and Vermont are questioning whether wildlife regulation is evolving with changing attitudes about conservation.

Commissioners complained they were hearing from extremists on both sides, but not from the center.

We are the center, Hardy responded, noting HSUS had already compromised by advocating for an end to coyote contests, but not a ban on hunting the animals.

The Americas Wildlife Values studies of 2018 and 2021 found that about 22% of the U.S. population holds a traditional view that wildlife should be managed and used for the benefit of humans, while 44% believe humans and animals should coexist.

This was a disappointing outcome but completely unsurprising, Patrick Donnelly of the Center for Biological Diversity said following the meeting. Frankly, I dont think this petition ever had a chance. The wildlife commission is hopelessly biased toward people who kill wildlife. Until we reform the commissions composition to truly represent all Nevadans, it will never be a venue for conservation.

Also Friday, the Wildlife commission joined a campaign to urge the federal government to escalate controversial wild horse roundups conducted by the Bureau of Land Management, in a renewed effort to remove about three-quarters of horses and burros from public lands.

The Commission endorsed a letter to BLM director Tracy Stone-Manning from the Coalition for Healthy Lands  ranchers, trappers, and hunters seeking federal funding to remove tens of thousands of wild horses from the states public rangelands and put them in holding pens for life.

A Senate Joint Resolution with similar goals died in the 2021 Nevada Legislature.

The U.S. has close to 70,000 wild horses roaming on BLM land, the government estimates. More than two-thirds  about 45,000, plus another 4,500 burros, are in Nevada. Thats four times as many animals as the states appropriate management level (AML) as calculated by the BLM. The 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act says animals that exceed AML are to be removed from the range.

About 62,000 horses and 2,500 burros rounded up by government contractors are already in BLM holding facilities for the rest of their lives.

Helen Foley, a lobbyist for the American Wild Horse Conservation, noted the Coalitions initiative would require the removal of well over 40,000 animals at a cost of $40 million and another $2 billion to maintain them in holding facilities for their lifetimes.

Foley noted that would leave a density of one horse on 1,100 acres of land, making these significant ecotourism attractions difficult, if not impossible to find for people visiting and spending money. Wild horse roundups and removals represent a failed approach to wild horse management.

Foley and others support sterilization of horses rather than removal.

Fertility control has not been used on a widespread basis, animal advocate Fred Voltz told the commission. Voltz suggested a reasonable path forward for BLM to find more money would be to increase the cost of grazing to market rates, noting livestock represent more than 10 times the number of wild horses and burros.

Nevada has about half a million cattle grazing on federal land. The BLMs grazing charge is $1.35 a month per animal unit  the estimated amount of forage required to feed a 1,000 pound animal.

The extent of damage to Nevadas public lands from livestock and wildlife is largely a mystery because the BLM, which is charged with assessing and addressing the impacts, has reviewed less than half of the land allotted to ranchers in the state, according to data obtained through a public information request by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility.
DENVER , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SSA Ventures announces its newest offering, Cinchio Solutions, a software company that simplifies operations and delivers a world-class guest experience through its enterprise platform. Its products drive revenue and growth for cultural attractions and the larger hospitality industry.

Cinchio Solutions offers a digital platform that can help operators simplify their day-to-day operations in the hospitality industry and increase margins. Its platform helps to unlock insights across all platforms, alleviate staffing pressures and reduce guest friction.

Cinchio Solutions is a subsidiary of SSA Ventures which is focused on investment in the future of hospitality. SSA Ventures was born out of over 50 years of operational partnership from SSA Group with zoos, museums and aquariums across the United States .

This new entity is 100% focused on digital innovation and solutions. Cinchio Solutions can provide:

Digital ordering solutions including mobile and kiosks with centralized menu management;

Inventory management solutions to help reduce waste and provide real-time insights;

Payment solutions and cash management reporting that may simplify accounting tasks and potentially deliver better margins;

Consolidated data reporting for all business verticals with customized reporting tools; and

Customizations to meet your specific needs.

"We believe that Cinchio can harmonize the data within hospitality, optimize software that improves the guest experience and create the personalized experiences we all now expect when we visit the locations and attractions we love," said Ben Dunton , managing director, Cinchio Solutions.

"We've invested in digital platforms and offerings like Cinchio Solutions because we are committed to transforming the future of an overall guest experience," said Sean McNicholas , CEO of SSA Group. "A digital platform and continued innovation will allow us to improve food service and transform our space, like delivering an immersive experience for guests."

For more information, please visit www.cinchio.com.

SSA Group has supported cultural attractions with retail, food and admissions offerings for over 50 years, partnering with more than 90 organizations to bring a high-quality guest experience to millions of families and visitors.

About Cinchio

Cinchio Solutions is a technology company that is transforming the hospitality industry. Their Enterprise Digital Platform allows operators to alleviate staffing pressure and increase margins through streamlined kitchen operations, simplified back of house operations, and unified data insights. Cinchio reduces administrative work so you can focus on what matters. Delight your guests and your operations team with its open integration platform.

About SSA Group

SSA Group partners with cultural attractions across the United States to maximize their mission and streamline the guest experience across exquisite food services, guest-centric retail, and smart admissions. SSA makes visits to cultural attractions easier for more than 20 million families per year. With focuses like sustainability, technology and people, SSA Group brings products you can feel good about, smart technology to create efficiencies and friendly staff to each guests visit. Built by families, for families, SSA Group is a family-owned business headquartered in Denver, CO. To learn more visit: https://thessagroup.com/

About SSA Ventures

SSA Ventures is a forward-focused collective of companies dedicated to revolutionizing the digital, human, and product landscape of hospitality and the guest experience.

Derived from a legacy of excellence and bolstered by 11,000 dedicated employees enriching cultural attractions nationwide, we recognize hospitality's profound influence. Guided by SSA Group, we approach hospitality with ceaseless curiosity, forging into uncharted realms of knowledge and understanding. To learn more about SSA Ventures, visit https://thessagroup.com/ventures.

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SOURCE Cinchio Solutions
HENDERSON, Nev. , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LaiFug, a renowned name in the pet product industry, is thrilled to introduce its latest masterpiece: the LaiFug Orthopedic Memory Foam Pet Bed. Sporting a fresh color palette and available in multiple sizes, the bed boasts a minimalist rectangular design, this bed offers unparalleled comfort and support for dogs, complete with a durable waterproof liner and a removable, washable cover that simplifies maintenance.LaiFug Dog Bed Introduces Groundbreaking Dual-Layer Sponge Design, Featuring Upper Memory Foam and Lower Supportive Sponge Layers.

LaiFug Unveils 318 Orthopedic Memory Foam Pet Bed : A Durable, Waterproof Haven with Removable Washable Cover

This pet bed is crafted using eco-friendly zero-pressure cotton that has passed the stringent SGS formaldehyde test. It maintains its consistency and does not harden or soften with temperature changes. In contrast, conventional memory foam can become extremely rigid in sub-zero temperatures, nullifying its therapeutic effects. To prevent any loss, place your trust in LaiFug's zero-pressure cotton and choose LaiFug for your pet's comfortthe LaiFug Orthopedic Pet Bed is a statement of luxury and environmental responsibility. The therapeutic slow-rebound sponge provides a soft and comfortable sleeping surface, improving the quality of sleep for your furry friend.

The memory foam, engineered to adapt to your dog's body temperature, ensures that your pet experiences a personalized level of comfort. Even in areas not directly in contact with your dog's body, the foam maintains its supportive structure, helping to alleviate pain and joint discomfort.

In a comparative analysis of dog beds within the same price range, a particular model stands out for its larger size and the use of the thickest memory foam. The base layer is crafted with flex support foam, designed to provide the necessary support to keep the spine aligned, allowing the dog's muscles to relax rather than tense up in compensation. This premium foam perfects the mattress's bottom, ensuring long-lasting durability and support for the upper layer.

In contrast, as seen in a comparative video, regular dog beds often lack sufficient thickness, failing to protect the spine of medium to large breeds, and may even cause secondary harm.

A new line of pet bed covers is making waves with its unique design and exceptional durability. These covers not only boast eye-catching colors but also offer resistance against tears and scratches. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, they feature concealed zippers to prevent pet damage.

Moreover, these covers are designed to combat pet shedding and are easily removable for machine washing, ensuring hassle-free maintenance. The waterproof lining, equipped with velcro fasteners, allows for convenient replacement by pet owners. Made from Oxford cloth, renowned for its robustness in outdoor gear like tents and umbrellas, these covers are exceptionally thick and sturdy, offering a 360-degree waterproof coating to safeguard the bed from liquid damage and prolong its lifespan.

Furthermore, the non-slip bottom ensures stability, making it ideal for dogs with limited mobility. Whether it's for indoor comfort or outdoor adventures, these pet bed covers provide both style and functionality for discerning pet owners.

As a responsible pet owner, you want to ensure that your furry friend is comfortable and healthy. One way to achieve this is by providing them with a high-quality orthopedic dog crate bed. These specialized beds offer numerous benefits that can greatly improve your pet's overall well-being.

Supports Joint Health

Orthopedic dog crate beds are designed with supportive materials that conform to your pet's body shape. This helps to alleviate pressure points and distribute their weight evenly, reducing the strain on their joints. This is particularly beneficial for older dogs or those with arthritis or other joint issues.

Relieves Pain and Discomfort

Just like humans, dogs can experience pain and discomfort due to various factors. Orthopedic beds provide extra cushioning and support, which can help alleviate discomfort caused by conditions such as hip dysplasia, muscle stiffness, or post-surgery recovery. By providing a comfortable and pain-free resting place, you can significantly improve your pet's quality of life.

Prevents Bed Sores and Calluses

When dogs spend extended periods lying down, they are susceptible to developing bed sores and calluses. Orthopedic beds are designed with pressure-relieving materials that help prevent these issues. The supportive padding and cushioning reduce the likelihood of pressure points forming, ensuring your pet's skin remains healthy and free from sores.

Enhances Sleep Quality

Just like humans, dogs need quality sleep to stay healthy and energized. Orthopedic beds provide a comfortable and cozy sleeping surface that promotes deep and restful sleep. The supportive materials help align your pet's spine, allowing them to relax and sleep without any discomfort. By improving their sleep quality, you'll notice a happier and more active pet during their waking hours.

Easy to Clean and Maintain

Orthopedic dog crate beds are designed with convenience in mind. They often come with removable and machine-washable covers, making it easy to keep the bed clean and fresh. Regular cleaning helps prevent the buildup of dirt, allergens, and odors, ensuring a hygienic sleeping environment for your pet.

Investing in an orthopedic dog crate bed is a wise decision for any pet owner. Not only does it provide your furry friend with a comfortable and supportive resting place, but it also promotes their overall health and well-being. So, give your pet the gift of a good night's sleep and a pain-free life with an orthopedic dog crate bed.

LaiFug's commitment to creating a safe and high-quality sleeping environment for pets is evident in every detail of the LaiFug Orthopedic Memory Foam Pet Bed. With its combination of ergonomic support, therapeutic benefits, and practical features, this bed is set to become a favorite among pet owners.

Experience the LaiFug difference. Visit www.LaiFug.com today to learn more about the LaiFug Orthopedic Memory Foam Pet Bed with Durable Waterproof Liner and Removable Washable Cover.

LaiFug Unveils 328 Large Orthopedic Premium Memory Foam Dog Bed with Sofa-Style Comfort and Waterproof Liner

This luxurious dog bed boasts a plush and suede sofa design, offering a cozy sleeping environment with a three-bolster layout that provides flexibility for your furry friend to relax in various positions.

The Smart Design of the LaiFug Dog Bed includes:

Suede Fabric Bolster: The soft suede fabric provides cozy support, while the burlap fabric adds a stylish touch to any room.

Non-Skid Bottom: Ensures the bed stays in place, providing stability for your pet.

Wrap-Around Gusset and Carved Plush Center:Provides a cocoon-like sleeping space with plush padding and comfortable edge wrapping, adding extra security and alleviating pet anxiety. Suitable for dogs of all sleeping positions.

Waterproof Protection: The LaiFug Dog Bed comes with a waterproof lining that shields the bed from liquid substances, prolonging the life of the product. The waterproof cover is easily maintained by wiping with a damp cloth.

Ease of Cleaning: The LaiFug Dog Bed is designed with:

Double Protective Covers with Waterproof Liner: Ensures the bed remains dry and clean.

Removable and Machine Washable Cover: Simplifies cleaning for hassle-free maintenance.

Spot Cleaning and Hair Removal: The bed is easy to spot clean and remove hair, with the added convenience of tumble drying on a gentle setting.

Orthopedic Memory Foam: The bed is filled with LaiFug's super high-quality memory foam, which provides maximum comfort and support without flattening. LaiFug's renowned foam promises to retain at least 90% of its shape support for the next three years, ensuring long-lasting comfort for your pet.

Experience the ultimate combination of comfort, style, and convenience with the LaiFug Large Orthopedic Premium Memory Foam Dog Bed. Treat your furry pal to a sofa of her own, complete with a washable and removable suede cover, waterproof liner, and non-slip bottom.

LaiFug Unveils 360 Orthopedic Memory Foam Faux Fur Pet Bed: A Comfortable and Durable Haven for Your Furry Friend

As a dog owner, you want nothing but the best for your furry friend. From nutritious food to regular exercise, you strive to provide them with a happy and comfortable life. One essential item that should be on every dog owner's shopping list is a high-quality dog bed. And when it comes to dog beds, the LaiFug Faux Fur Dog Bed stands out from the rest. Luxurious faux fur design reminiscent of the Viking era, evoking ancient wilderness memories. The soft fur provides gentle comfort for pets' paws and noses, alleviating anxiety.

Crafted with the highest standards of environmental responsibility, the LaiFug Dog Bed is made from 0-pressure cotton that has successfully passed the authoritative SGS 0 formaldehyde test. This ensures a toxic-free sleeping environment for your furry companion. The bed's therapeutic slow-rebound sponge is softer and more comfortable, conforming to your dog's body to provide targeted support and relief from joint pain and discomfort.

Incorporating the latest second-generation memory foam technology, the bed responds to your dog's body temperature, gradually softening and adjusting to create the perfect sleeping surface. Even the areas not in direct contact with your dog's body maintain their supportive structure, promoting a calmer and more relaxed sleep.

The LaiFug Dog Bed is designed for ease of care, with a durable suede cover that withstands tears and scratches. The cover is removable and machine washable, making it simple to keep the bed clean and fresh. A waterproof lining protects the memory foam from liquids, extending the life of the bed and ensuring it remains comfortable for years to come.

For added safety, the bed features a non-slip bottom, preventing it from sliding on the floor and providing stability for older dogs or those with limited mobility.

5 Signs That Indicate Your Dog Needs a New Bed

As a responsible pet owner, it's important to ensure that your furry friend is comfortable and well taken care of. One of the key aspects of their comfort is providing them with a suitable bed. Just like humans, dogs also need a cozy and supportive place to rest and sleep. But how do you know when it's time to replace your dog's bed? Here are five signs to look out for:

1. Visible Wear and Tear

If you notice that your dog's bed is showing signs of wear and tear, such as frayed edges, flattened padding, or exposed springs, it's a clear indication that it's time for a new bed. These signs not only compromise your dog's comfort but can also pose a safety risk.

2. Unusual Odors

Over time, your dog's bed can accumulate dirt, hair, and other debris, leading to unpleasant odors. If you find that no matter how much you clean or wash the bed, the smell persists, it's a sign that it's time to invest in a fresh, odor-free bed for your furry friend.

3. Frequent Restlessness or Discomfort

If your dog seems restless, frequently changes positions, or has difficulty settling down on their bed, it could be a sign that the bed is no longer providing the necessary support. Dogs, especially older ones or those with joint issues, require a bed that offers proper cushioning and orthopedic support.

4. Allergies or Skin Irritations

Just like humans, dogs can also develop allergies or skin irritations. If you notice that your dog is scratching excessively, has red or irritated skin, or is constantly licking their paws, it could be due to an allergic reaction to the materials in their bed. Switching to a hypoallergenic bed can help alleviate these symptoms.

5. Changes in Sleeping Patterns

If your dog suddenly starts avoiding their bed or prefers to sleep on the floor or furniture instead, it's a sign that they are no longer finding their current bed comfortable. Dogs are creatures of habit, so any sudden changes in their sleeping patterns should be taken seriously.

By paying attention to these signs, you can ensure that your beloved pet has a comfortable and restful place to sleep. Remember, a good quality bed is not only essential for their physical well-being but also contributes to their overall happiness and contentment.

For more information or to purchase the LaiFug Dog Bed, please visit LaiFug's official website. Don't hesitate to contact us for any inquiries or assistance.

LaiFug is committed to enhancing the lives of pets and their owners through innovative and eco-friendly products. Upgrade your dog's sleeping arrangements today with the LaiFug Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed  a bed that not only promises a good night's sleep but also supports a healthier, happier life for your four-legged friend.

series foam material Applicable Weight Independent

Waterproof

Cover Pillow Relieves

Joint Pain Suitable

Dog Age 428 High-quality Memory Foam 50-150 lbs    Senior Dogs 422 High-quality Memory Foam 50-150 lbs    Senior Dogs 360 Layered Memory Foam 50-150 lbs  X  Senior Dogs 328 Layered Memory Foam 25-100 lbs    Senior Dogs 318 Layered Memory Foam 25-100 lbs  X  Senior Dogs 218 Egg Crate Foam 25-100 lbs X X X Young Dogs 138 sandwich mesh 25-100 lbs X  X all

About LaiFug

LaiFug, established in 2015, is a pioneering manufacturer of pet home products, with its products being sold to more than one million customers worldwide. LaiFug, its subsidiary, currently has over 20 best-selling pet products in four countries and has been recognized as an Amazon Best Seller numerous times. Despite its growth into a global company offering a wide range of products to cater to various customer needs, LaiFug remains dedicated to the health and happiness of pets. As of 2024, we have adopted a new philosophy and slogan: "Create a better life for animals." Our mission is to provide your beloved pets with the ultimate in comfort and an exceptional quality of life. At LaiFug, we prioritize innovative design and unwavering commitment to excellence. Choose LaiFug for original, high-quality products that prioritize your pet's comfort and happiness. For more information, visit LaiFug's official website https://www.LaiFug.com/, Walmart, tiktok and Amazon. Stay in touch with LaiFug on social media @LaiFugvip.

CONTACT: Jinx Chen , [email protected]

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/laifug-3-family-dog-bed-committed-to-pet-health-and-quality-of-life-302088987.html

SOURCE LaiFug
Agreement will shift an anticipated 300+ port-to-hub shipments per year to fully-electric zero-emission trucks

Lime announces commitment to shipping 10 percent of goods by zero-emission boats by 2030, and 100 percent by 2040 as part of World Economic Forum's Mission Possible Partnership

LONG BEACH, Calif. , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lime, the world's largest operator of shared light electric vehicles, Hight Logistics, and Forum Mobility announced a new deal for zero-emissions port-to-hub shipping for all Lime freight arriving in North America through the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach .

Forum Mobility, a leading zero-emission electric truck charging provider, is providing the electric trucks and charging to Hight Logistics, a family-owned drayage provider in Long Beach, CA. In 2023, nearly 50% of all of Lime's new vehicles and parts globally arrived through Los Angeles ports now covered under the agreement. Lime anticipates the agreement will shift more than 300 port-to-hub shipments to electric, zero-emission trucks annually.

As part of the announcement, Lime is also among the first companies to share its commitment to the World Economic Forum's Mission Possible Partnership commitment to zero-emission international shipping. Under Lime's new commitment, 10 percent of the volume of its goods shipped internationally will be on ships using zero-emission fuels by 2030, on the way to 100 percent of shipments by 2040. Lime hopes that as owners of global cargo it can be among a collection of forward-minded businesses driving the investment and innovation to decarbonize the entire logistics sector.

"We're thrilled to play a leading part in the EV freight transition through this exciting partnership with Hight Logistics and Forum Mobility," said Andrew Savage , VP for Sustainability at Lime. "EV shipping needs demand signals to really get moving, and given our ambitious climate goals, Lime is happy to provide them. Businesses need to prioritize zero-emission hauling and take their Scope 3 emissions seriously, regardless of the new SEC rule that omitted reporting on these massive emissions. We believe firmly in a carbon-free future and we're taking these important steps to decarbonize our shipping logistics on our path to achieving our ambitious net zero carbon goals."

In the last two years, Lime utilized more than 700 truckloads of freight through the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach as it scaled its business and updated its e-scooter and e-bike fleet across North America . As part of the partnership, future shipments will be completed via zero-emissions vehicles. This deal is Lime's first for zero-emission drayage. It will continue to explore similar agreements globally, in particular with its European shipping hub.

The deal aligns with Lime's efforts to decarbonize its business, and its 2030 net zero target , validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative , the top organization for corporate carbon target setting. Lime continues to make strides toward decarbonizing across Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, already achieving a 37% carbon reduction from its 2019 baseline. Lime anticipates a significant further reduction for 2023 and is expected to report on those emissions reductions mid-year.

Lime chose Hight Logistics for its commitment to sustainable freight, competitive pricing and demonstrated ability to provide high-quality drayage services.

"We believe in doing the right thing  and zero-emission trucking is the future in California . Since we made the decision to invest in electric trucks, we've had cargo owners seek us out specifically, wanting to lower their climate impact. Hight Logistics is proud to be able to deliver the goods without the emissions," said Rudy Diaz , CEO of Hight Logistics. "For all cargo owners, if you are looking to decarbonize your supply chain, lower Scope 3 emissions, lower your WAIRE points, or meet climate commitments, our electric truck fleet is ready and growing," Mr. Diaz added.

Zero-emission heavy duty freight is a relatively new but fast growing sector. Rules passed by the California Air Resources Board in April of 2023 require a gradual shift to zero-emission trucks throughout the state. By 2035, the entire drayage fleet, currently consisting of 33,000 class 8 trucks, must be zero emission.

Forum Mobility is developing a network of charging depots in and around ports and on routes to common freight destinations. Forum's staffed and secure depots offer charging, or charging plus a truck together, for a monthly fee -- providing one-stop electric truck solutions to independent owner operators and large carriers alike.

"Zero-emission freight is a generational change, and Hight and Lime are setting the bar for leadership through action. Forum Mobility's mission is to ensure that everyone has the ability to benefit from going zero emission. Forum's principals have decades of experience building electric infrastructure -- we take on the challenges, costs, and operations of infrastructure so truckers and carriers of all sizes can focus on their business and their customers. Hight and Lime are driving the future, and we're proud to support their journey," said Matt LeDucq , CEO and co-founder of Forum Mobility.

About Lime

Lime's mission is to build a future where transportation is shared, affordable and carbon-free. As the world's largest provider of shared electric vehicles, Lime partners with cities to deploy electric bikes and scooters to serve trips under five miles. A Time Magazine 100 Most Influential Company in 2021 and Fast Company Brand that Matters in 2022, Lime has powered more than 500 million rides in nearly 280 cities across five continents, spurring a new generation of clean alternatives to car ownership. Learn more at li.me .

About Hight Logistics

Hight Logistics Inc is a mid-sized logistics company at the forefront of the zero-emissions movement. They specialize in drayage services out of the Long Beach & Los Angeles port complex, providing customers with sustainable transport of their products between port and warehouse. Hight's goal is to help offset the air pollution around the ports and in the greater Los Angeles area, with a greater mission to play a role in creating solutions for the care and maintenance of our world. As a business, they believe they have a moral duty and a responsibility to contribute to the surrounding environment so that future generations can have a safe, stable and clean environment to live in. Learn more at hightlogistics.com

About Forum Mobility

Forum Mobility is a leading zero emission trucking solutions provider. Forum builds and operates heavy duty electric truck charging depots, and provides customers with charging  or a truck plus charging together - to make the transition to zero emission vehicles as easy as possible. Learn more at forummobility.com

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SOURCE Forum Mobility
Collaboration offers optimal manufacturing capabilities to growing global microbiome market

INDIANAPOLIS and YEERONGPILLY, Australia , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- List Biotherapeutics, Inc. ( List Bio ) and Sacco System Australia Pty Ltd (Sacco) today announced a lead share agreement to introduce and mutually recommend each other's microbial development and manufacturing services to prospective customers if one party discovers a project that is better suited to the other party's capability or capacity. No intellectual property will be exchanged between the companies.

Sacco specializes in the development and production of probiotics, postbiotics and live bacterial therapeutics for the agri-food, food supplements and pharmaceutical industry.

List Bio and its sister company, List Labs, specialize in the development and production of innovative bacterial based therapeutic products, including GMP Manufacturing of live biotherapeutic products (LBPs), and other types of microbiome-based therapeutics. Their expertise includes vast experience in purification of bacterially derived proteins and toxins for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, with a catalog of over 100 reagent grade products used in medical research and vaccine development throughout the world. List Labs boasts over 45 years of experience with bacterial derived products and a facility in Campbell, Calif. for manufacturing of early phase clinical trial material.

"This lead share agreement will help us meet the diverse global needs of microbiome therapeutics development and commercialization in a thriving market, where over 100 companies are actively developing more than 240 microbiome modulator candidates," said List Bio President and CEO Jonathan Jo . "We are delighted to expand List Labs and List Bio's integrated cGMP pharma grade anaerobic and spore forming microbe production capabilities to biotherapeutic developers in Europe and the Asia Pacific region through Sacco's strong client base."

Sacco Managing Director John Goebel said, "Sacco looks forward to offering our large-scale fermentation capabilities to any List Bio or List Labs biotherapeutics clients who wish to manufacture probiotics and LBPs in large volume. We are confident that this will be the first of many future strategic alliances as the microbiome market continues to grow."

About List Bio

List Biotherapeutics, Inc. is dedicated to meeting the needs of companies seeking to rapidly and cost-effectively advance live biotherapeutic products (LBPs) through Phase 3 clinical development and commercial manufacturing. Incorporated in October 2021 under its parent company, South Korea -based Genome & Company (KOSDAQ: 314130), List Bio complements the clinical Phase 1 and 2 production capabilities of its sister company, List Labs. Together the companies provide an end-to-end manufacturing solution for LBPs. List Bio plans to expand with additional modalities and custom manufacturing at its site in Fishers, IN , with the buildout capacity to become a top 3 global microbiome CDMO. The company's long-term plan includes a world-class 130,000 sq ft CMO facility that is cGMP compliant with FDA and EMA standards, and that is designed to meet the demands of large-scale manufacturing of aerobic and anaerobic bacterial strains. For more information, please visit our website http://www.listlabs.com or contact Gary Henderson , Director of Business Development at [email protected].

About Sacco System

Sacco System is an international company with deep expertise in research and production of bacteria for food, plant, animal nutrition, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries, built on more than 150 years of tradition, know-how and innovation. Sacco System's Heritage in Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) began in 1948, when Dr Leo Vesely founded Centro Sperimentale del Latte (CSL, integral part of Sacco System group) to improve maternal health and children's nutrition. Operating today in over 110 countries worldwide, Sacco System provides its expertise on probiotic research, development and manufacturing for human wellbeing throughout the entire microbiome landscape.

With its 8 facilities, Sacco System partners with companies in the development, process validation, and finished product manufacturing of probiotics, postbiotics, next-generation bacteria (strict anaerobes) and biotherapeutics (LBPs). Sacco System's expertise lies in tailoring solutions to meet diverse industry needs. Sacco Systems serves as a reliable partner, and offers comprehensive support with a range of services and solutions, including:

Process development & fermentation

Product formulation

In vitro and in vivo trials

Market Expansion

Regulatory Support

Molecular biology & laboratory analysis

Media Contact:

Connor Halverson

That's Nice LLC, on behalf of List Bio

Tel: +1 212 366 4455

Email: connor@thatsnice.com

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SOURCE List Biotherapeutics, Inc.
SAN FRANCISCO , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On Wednesday, March 13 , public employees represented by San Francisco labor unions including Teamsters, IFPTE Local 21, SEIU Local 1021, and more attended 'Strike School' to learn their rights and prepare for a possible strike if City administrators fail to fix the urgent staffing crisis that has resulted in over 3,700 vacant permanent positions. Max capacity at the first Strike School session was reached and unions have more Strike School sessions planned.

Click here for photos and videos available for use.

"At Strike School, we made sure that our members are informed, ready, and prepared for the fight that we have the next couple of months with the City. We want to make sure that the City knows that we are ready and willing to defend public services. We are well over 1,600 members strong just in this theater tonight," said Jamie Lee (she/her), IFPTE Local 21 Bargaining Team Member. "The City needs to fix the hiring process, staff up, and stop sending money to outside contracts. It's time to invest in city workers."

"The vacancy problem continues to grow because the Department of Public Health never addressed it. We simply don't have enough staff to provide the level of care we need without an over reliance on registry and per diem nurses," said Dr. Norlissa Cooper (she/her), RN at San Francisco Hospital and SEIU Local 1021 Bargaining Team Member. "I came to Strike School because I want to know what it will take to pull off a successful strike. Of course we don't want to go on strike. But if we must go on strike to ensure that we have the services and resources to provide care to the residents and visitors of this great cityI will strike to save the lives of my patients."

BACKGROUND : http://www.FixSFNow.org/background

City Unions released a special report last month titled 'Selling Out San Francisco, which demonstrates how private contractors inappropriately manage city services.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/max-capacity-reached-at-strike-school-where-sf-city-workers-consider-striking-as-a-last-resort-to-protect-public-services-302089933.html

SOURCE IFPTE Local 21
WASHINGTON , March 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --

News Advisory:

On Monday, March 18 an important asylum hearing will take place at the Federal Building in El Paso , 700 E. San Antonio St. , Suite 750.

This hearing, which is scheduled to begin at 8:30 am (MDT) , may conclude a 15-year struggle for Mexican journalist Emilio Gutierrez Soto and his son, Oscar who fled Mexico under death threats in 2008, entered the US via a legal port of entry, and declared for asylum using proper, legal practices. During those 15 years, Emilio and Oscar suffered forced separation, two long periods of detention and attempted deportation. They lived under constant threat of deportation during this time.

In late 2023 the U.S. Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) overturned the deportation ruling by former El Paso Immigration Judge Robert S. Hough , clearing a path to asylum for Emilio. The March 18 hearing is expected to affirm the BIA ruling.

In El Paso , and at the court to witness the final asylum hearing will be:

Eduardo Beckett of El Paso , Emilio's immigration attorney along with his clients, Emilio Gutierrez Soto and Oscar Gutierrez Soto .

Lynette Clemetson , Director, Wallace House Center for Journalists and the Knight-Wallace Fellowships, University of Michigan. Emilio was a 2018-2019 Knight-Wallace fellow.

Kathy Kiely . Lee Hills Chair of Free Press Studies at the University of Missouri and plaintiff in the National Press Club Journalism Institute's FOIA case against ICE.

Bill McCarren of the National Press Club in Washington, DC , which has supported Emilio's case over many years. In 2017, the NPC recognized the journalists of Mexico with a John Aubuchon Press Freedom award and invited Emilio to accept the award on their behalf. McCarren, Beckett. Clemetson and Kiely are all members of the National Press Club.

Media wishing to attend the post-hearing briefing should gather outside the Federal Building about 9:45 a.m. To arrange interviews with Emilio or his support team contact Bill McCarren at [email protected] or 202-725-7787.

Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534 or [email protected]

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SOURCE National Press Club
JUNO BEACH, Fla. , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE) today announced that members of the senior management team will participate in various investor meetings throughout March to discuss, among other things, long-term growth rate expectations for NextEra Energy. Investors and other interested parties can access related investor relations materials at www.NextEraEnergy.com/investors.

NextEra Energy, Inc.

NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE) is a leading clean energy company headquartered in Juno Beach, Florida . NextEra Energy owns Florida Power & Light Company, which is America's largest electric utility that sells more power than any other utility, providing clean, affordable, reliable electricity to approximately 5.9 million customer accounts, or more than 12 million people across Florida . NextEra Energy also owns a competitive clean energy business, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, which, together with its affiliated entities, is the world's largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun and a world leader in battery storage. Through its subsidiaries, NextEra Energy generates clean, emissions-free electricity from seven commercial nuclear power units in Florida , New Hampshire and Wisconsin . A Fortune 200 company, NextEra Energy has been recognized often by third parties for its efforts in sustainability, corporate responsibility, ethics and compliance, and diversity. For more information about NextEra Energy companies, visit these websites: www.NextEraEnergy.com, www.FPL.com, www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.

Cautionary Statements and Risk Factors That May Affect Future Results for NextEra Energy, Inc.

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical facts, but instead represent the current expectations of NextEra Energy, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, NextEra Energy) regarding future operating results and other future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of NextEra Energy's control. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements concerning long-term growth rate expectations. In some cases, you can identify the forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as "will," "may result," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "intend," "plan," "seek," "potential," "projection," "forecast," "predict," "goals," "target," "outlook," "should," "would" or similar words or expressions. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are not a guarantee of future performance. The future results of NextEra Energy and its business and financial condition are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, or may require it to limit or eliminate certain operations. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those discussed in this news release and the following: effects of extensive regulation of NextEra Energy's business operations; inability of NextEra Energy to recover in a timely manner any significant amount of costs, a return on certain assets or a reasonable return on invested capital through base rates, cost recovery clauses, other regulatory mechanisms or otherwise; impact of political, regulatory, operational and economic factors on regulatory decisions important to NextEra Energy; effect of any reductions or modifications to, or elimination of, governmental incentives or policies that support utility scale renewable energy projects or the imposition of additional tax laws, tariffs, duties, policies or assessments on renewable energy or equipment necessary to generate it or deliver it; impact of new or revised laws, regulations, interpretations or constitutional ballot and regulatory initiatives on NextEra Energy; capital expenditures, increased operating costs and various liabilities attributable to environmental laws, regulations and other standards applicable to NextEra Energy; effects on NextEra Energy of federal or state laws or regulations mandating new or additional limits on the production of greenhouse gas emissions; exposure of NextEra Energy to significant and increasing compliance costs and substantial monetary penalties and other sanctions as a result of extensive federal regulation of its operations and businesses; effect on NextEra Energy of changes in tax laws, guidance or policies as well as in judgments and estimates used to determine tax-related asset and liability amounts; impact on NextEra Energy of adverse results of litigation; impacts of NextEra Energy of allegations of violations of law; effect on NextEra Energy of failure to proceed with projects under development or inability to complete the construction of (or capital improvements to) electric generation, transmission and distribution facilities, gas infrastructure facilities or other facilities on schedule or within budget; impact on development and operating activities of NextEra Energy resulting from risks related to project siting, planning, financing, construction, permitting, governmental approvals and the negotiation of project development agreements, as well as supply chain disruptions; risks involved in the operation and maintenance of electric generation, storage, transmission and distribution facilities, gas infrastructure facilities, and other facilities; effect on NextEra Energy of a lack of growth, slower growth or a decline in the number of customers or in customer usage; impact on NextEra Energy of severe weather and other weather conditions; threats of terrorism and catastrophic events that could result from geopolitical factors, terrorism, cyberattacks or other attempts to disrupt NextEra Energy's business or the businesses of third parties; inability to obtain adequate insurance coverage for protection of NextEra Energy against significant losses and risk that insurance coverage does not provide protection against all significant losses; a prolonged period of low gas and oil prices could impact NextEra Energy's gas infrastructure business and cause NextEra Energy to delay or cancel certain gas infrastructure projects and could result in certain projects becoming impaired; risk of increased operating costs resulting from unfavorable supply costs necessary to provide full energy and capacity requirement services; inability or failure to manage properly or hedge effectively the commodity risk within its portfolio; effect of reductions in the liquidity of energy markets on NextEra Energy's ability to manage operational risks; effectiveness of NextEra Energy's risk management tools associated with its hedging and trading procedures to protect against significant losses, including the effect of unforeseen price variances from historical behavior; impact of unavailability or disruption of power transmission or commodity transportation facilities on sale and delivery of power or natural gas; exposure of NextEra Energy to credit and performance risk from customers, hedging counterparties and vendors; failure of counterparties to perform under derivative contracts or of requirement for NextEra Energy to post margin cash collateral under derivative contracts; failure or breach of NextEra Energy's information technology systems; risks to NextEra Energy's retail businesses from compromise of sensitive customer data; losses from volatility in the market values of derivative instruments and limited liquidity in over-the-counter markets; impact of negative publicity; inability to maintain, negotiate or renegotiate acceptable franchise agreements; occurrence of work strikes or stoppages and increasing personnel costs; NextEra Energy's ability to successfully identify, complete and integrate acquisitions, including the effect of increased competition for acquisitions; environmental, health and financial risks associated with ownership and operation of nuclear generation facilities; liability of NextEra Energy for significant retrospective assessments and/or retrospective insurance premiums in the event of an incident at certain nuclear generation facilities; increased operating and capital expenditures and/or reduced revenues at nuclear generation facilities resulting from orders or new regulations of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; inability to operate any of NextEra Energy's owned nuclear generation units through the end of their respective operating licenses or planned license extensions; effect of disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the credit and capital markets or actions by third parties in connection with project-specific or other financing arrangements on NextEra Energy's ability to fund its liquidity and capital needs and meet its growth objectives; inability to maintain current credit ratings; impairment of liquidity from inability of credit providers to fund their credit commitments or to maintain their current credit ratings; poor market performance and other economic factors that could affect NextEra Energy's defined benefit pension plan's funded status; poor market performance and other risks to the asset values of nuclear decommissioning funds; changes in market value and other risks to certain of NextEra Energy's investments; effect of inability of NextEra Energy subsidiaries to pay upstream dividends or repay funds to NextEra Energy or of NextEra Energy's performance under guarantees of subsidiary obligations on NextEra Energy's ability to meet its financial obligations and to pay dividends on its common stock; the fact that the amount and timing of dividends payable on NextEra Energy's common stock, as well as the dividend policy approved by NextEra Energy's board of directors from time to time, and changes to that policy, are within the sole discretion of NextEra Energy's board of directors and, if declared and paid, dividends may be in amounts that are less than might be expected by shareholders; NextEra Energy Partners, LP's inability to access sources of capital on commercially reasonable terms could have an effect on its ability to consummate future acquisitions and on the value of NextEra Energy's limited partner interest in NextEra Energy Operating Partners, LP; effects of disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the credit and capital markets on the market price of NextEra Energy's common stock; and the ultimate severity and duration of public health crises, epidemics and pandemics, and its effects on NextEra Energy's business. NextEra Energy discusses these and other risks and uncertainties in its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and other Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, and this news release should be read in conjunction with such SEC filings. The forward-looking statements made in this news release are made only as of the date of this news release and NextEra Energy undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

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SOURCE NextEra Energy, Inc.
Employees from Knoxville and Nashville facilities recognized with personalized semi-trucks at celebratory event attended by leadership including PepsiCo Beverages North America CEO, Ram Krishnan

PURCHASE, N.Y. , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today PepsiCo announced two Tennessee women as honorees in its third annual She is PepsiCo campaign, which spotlights women in frontline careers such as manufacturing, operations, and sales. Timed with Women's History Month, the program aims to increase representation for women in traditionally male-dominated frontline roles by re-branding some of the company's highly visible delivery trucks with the names and faces of She is PepsiCo honorees in place of its iconic brands.

PepsiCo Beverage North America (PBNA) employees Ruthanne Sir of Nashville, Tenn. and Kathy Marks of Knoxville, Tenn. are among the two dozen honorees across the country being recognized in this year's program for their excellence in frontline roles such as truck drivers, mechanics, merchandisers, and warehouse loaders, among others.

"Representation is a powerful force for future generations of women entering the workforce," said Heather Hoytink , President, PBNA South Division. "Through She is PepsiCo, we are celebrating the women on our frontlines, like Ruthanne and Kathy, who are changing the face of our company and our industry. As these trucks travel across Tennessee , we hope to empower the next generation with the knowledge that their career options are unlimited, even in frontline roles."

A 2023 Gartner survey showed that women made up 41% of the total supply chain workforce, up from 39% in 2022.1 However, the same survey also found that when you look specifically at frontline representation in the supply chain workforce, women filled just 31% of these roles.

PepsiCo recognizes the importance of women seeing the opportunities available to them. Beginning today, Tennesseans can be on the lookout for PepsiCo semi-trucks wrapped with Sir and Marks' smiling faces rolling through their communities and bringing PepsiCo-favorite products to store shelves.

Celebrations Across Tennessee

As part of the campaign, the company hosted special truck unveiling events where each honoree will see their name and photo on a PepsiCo truck for the first time alongside their colleagues and local leaders.

Today at the company's downtown Nashville facility, PBNA CEO Ram Krishnan and PBNA South Division President Heather Hoytink joined Ruthanne Sir and dozens of her colleagues, friends and family for a celebration to recognize her for her achievements as part of the company's Nashville Sales team.

"The impact of women in our community every day is immeasurable, and I appreciate PepsiCo for highlighting Nashvillian Ruthanne Sir and other women in front-line roles as part of their She is PepsiCo campaign," said Mayor Freddie O'Connell . "The representation of women in front-line roles is essential. It enriches our community and supports a future where all women have the opportunities they deserve to lead and succeed."

"I am overwhelmed to receive this honor," said Sir, a 63-year-old resident of Nashville who joined the company three years ago. "I hope that seeing my face on this truck will inspire other women in Tennessee to believe in themselves and the power of hard work."

On Wednesday, a similar event and truck unveiling was held at the Knoxville PepsiCo facility to celebrate Kathy Marks , a retired U.S. Air Force veteran and Forklift Operator. The 18 year-company veteran was joined by enthusiastic co-workers, friends and family on hand for this special recognition.

A cancer survivor, Marks represents the strength of women on the frontline and she hopes to encourage other women to pursue similar careers at the company.

"Congratulations to Kathy Marks , an Air Force veteran, 18-year PepsiCo employee, and proud forklift operator," said Mayor Indya Kincannon . "I'm so glad that the She is PepsiCo campaign is focusing on and celebrating the hard work, grit, and get-'er-done spirit of the company's front-line women. A lot of East Tennesseans in the coming weeks will be seeing a photo of Kathy, all smiles and hard at work, thanks to the wraps on the delivery trucks."

"Never give up. If a wall is in front of you, go over it, under it, around it, or knock it down," said Marks, a 60-year old resident of Knoxville . "Your efforts and relentlessness will get you where you want to go."

She is PepsiCo reflects PepsiCo's "A Space to Be You" aspiration to create a collaborative, equitable, and inclusive space where everyone, regardless of what we look like, where we come from, or whom we love, has a voice. This mantra extends to PepsiCo's business partners and the communities it serves and helps drive the company's progress toward its pep+ ambitions, including achieving gender parity in management roles globally, maintaining pay equity, and helping to uplift underserved communities around the world.

Learn more about She is PepsiCo here.

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $91 billion in net revenue in 2023, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com, and follow on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo.

1 https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-06-29-gartner-says-26-percent-of-supply-chain-csuite-roles-now-filled-by-women

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Molly Kunst , [email protected]

Christina Panta , [email protected]

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SOURCE PepsiCo
Recognized strategy and technology leader across government and industry will provide strategic counsel to support Peraton's business objectives.

Underscores Peraton's leadership role as a mission capability integrator.

RESTON, Va. , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Peraton today announced the appointment of Constantine Saab to its Advisory Board. Over an impressive nearly two-decade career at the Central Intelligence Agency, Saab served in many critical senior leadership roles including chief strategy officer, corporate board member, and acting assistant director.

He has extensive experience working in Northern Africa , Europe , the Middle East , and South America .

He is an experienced board director, advisor, and entrepreneur specializing in national security and technology. Saab has also focused on operational growth investments in dual-use strategic technologies over the past five years.

"I'm honored to welcome Constantine to Peraton's Advisory Board," said Stu Shea , Peraton's chairman, president, and CEO. "He is widely respected for his ability to align advanced technologies with mission needs, and as the leading mission capability integrator, his counsel will help Peraton to further drive the outcomes our national security customers need and expect."

Saab earned a master's degree in systems engineering from Virginia Tech and a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Virginia. He is also a graduate of the Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program (AMP191).

Comprised of a group of proven government, military and industry technology experts, Peraton's Advisory Board provides advice and expertise to the company on its strategic direction.

About Peraton

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies that protect our nation and allies from threats across the digital and physical domains. Peraton supports every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, and we serve as a valued partner to essential government agencies that sustain our way of life. Every day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit Peraton.com to learn how we're safeguarding your peace of mind.

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SOURCE Peraton
The app leverages Open Banking and Personetics' AI-powered personalized engagement platform to increase the financial health and viability of small and medium-sized businesses

TEL AVIV, Israel , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Portuguese bank Banco BPI and Personetics today announced the introduction of Pulsoo, an independently branded application that empowers small and medium business (SMB) owners to manage their businesses. In a single pane of glass that can be quickly consulted and queried throughout the business day, Pulsoo provides updates, hyper-personalized insights and recommendations that are tailored to the financial literacy level of SMB owners. Using Open Banking capabilities and the Personetics AI-based engagement platform, Pulsoo is a 360 business insights ecosystem that covers issues such as current accounts, loans, taxation, fiscal planning, employee management, and much more.

Pulsoo is the result of BPI's commitment to focus on the basic role of banks -- helping customers address the financial challenges and needs they face in their daily lives -- combined with a commitment to practical innovation. In partnership with NOS, Portugal's leading telecom, Afonso Fuzeta Eca, BPI's designated Executive Member of the Board and responsible for the Center of Excellence for Innovation and New Business, designed Pulsoo to focus on supporting the SMEs that constitute 90% of all businesses in the country. "Pulsoo will allow companies to ask their accountants and bank managers fewer questions, and instead do much more on a self-service basis. By providing more hyper-personalized value than traditional banking apps, Pulsoo allows business owners to better manage their companies," said Afonso Fuzeta Eca.

Personetics was key to bringing Pulsoo's finance manager to life. Its Engagement Platform enriches businesses' payments, receivables and credit card data and categorizes it in ways that are meaningful for owners. AI, machine learning and natural language programming (NLP) models are applied to the enriched data to generate, manage and deliver dozens of hyper-personalized, easy-to-understand insights and recommendations designed to empower business owners to take intelligent, focused action.

Said Fuzeta Eca, "Personetics accelerated our product development immensely, enabling us to bring Pulsoo to market in only 6 months. In addition, our lively exchanges of ideas with the Personetics team, based on their extensive experience with creating hyper-personalized insights and presenting them in real time, helped make Pulsoo even better."

"We are pleased that BPI's Center of Excellence for Innovation chose to partner with Personetics for Pulsoo, their first public-facing product and delighted to have Personetics personal, AI-driven financial insights and recommendations help the SMEs that are so well-represented in the Portuguese market," said Udi Ziv , CEO of Personetics. "We admire BPI's value-driven approach to innovation and are proud to support those efforts, with advanced analytics and actionable recommendations that can help increase business success."

About BPI

BPI is a financial institution focused on providing retail banking services in Portugal , where it is the fourth largest bank in terms of business volumes, with market share above 11% in loans and in customer funds. BPI is part of the CaixaBank Group, which since the end of 2018 holds the entire share capital. BPI's business is organised into several segments: Retail, Premier, Private Banking, SME, Corporate and Institutional Banking. BPI offers a complete range of financial products and services, adapted to the specific needs of each sector, through a specialised, omnichannel and fully integrated distribution network.

About Personetics

Personetics is the global leader in financial data-driven personalisation, customer engagement, and advanced money management capabilities for financial services. We are creating the future of "Self-Driving Finance," where banks can proactively act on their customers' behalf to help improve their financial wellness, drive deposit growth and ultimately achieve financial goals.

Our industry-leading data analytics solutions harness customer financial transaction data to provide day-to-day actionable insights, personalised recommendations, product-based financial advice, and automated financial wellness programs. We offer solutions for mass market consumer banking, SMB banking, wealth management, and credit card issuers.

We drive business impact for financial institutions by improving relevant product targeting for accurate, efficient cross-selling and upselling. We help financial institutions deepen their customer relationships, increase core deposits and customer retention, expand share of wallet, and boost Customer Lifetime Value.

Personetics currently serves over 135 financial institutions spanning 34 global markets, reaching 150 million customers. We are backed by leading venture capital and private equity investors, with offices in New York , London , Tel Aviv , Singapore , Tokyo , Paris , Madrid , Sao Paulo , and Manila.

Learn more at personetics.com

Media Contact for Personetics

Michal Milgalter

[email protected]

+972-52-3571981

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2362351/Personetics_and_Banco_BPI.jpg

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SOURCE Personetics
Nevada will pay $3.4 million as a legal settlement to a man formerly incarcerated at the Southern Desert Correctional Center who said he received inadequate medical treatment for years that led to long-term health issues.

In 2002, Lewis Stewart, who faced kidnapping and robbery charges, began telling prison staff that he was having difficulty urinating, with pain that was so severe that he had to curl into a fetal position to alleviate it. He received generic medication in response, but his subsequent reports of discomfort in his urethra, testicles and abdominal areas went largely unaddressed.

In 2015, Stewart was transferred to Warm Springs Correctional Center in Carson City  an eight-hour drive from Clark County  where court documents say he received immediate medical care after arriving pale, flushed, sweating and unbalanced.

There, doctors drained more than 14 pounds of fluid from Stewarts bladder and urinary system, and doctors at another correctional facility performed surgery to treat an enlarged prostate. As a result of the years of medical distress, Stewart has suffered stage 3 kidney disease, erectile dysfunction, urine build-up and pain from the surgery.

On Tuesday, members of the states Board of Examiners  a three-member panel composed of the governor, attorney general and secretary of state  approved the $3.4 million settlement to Stewart, who is now in his 80s and is no longer incarcerated.

No amount of money makes anything better for what he had to go through, Cristina Phipps, one of Stewarts attorneys, said in an interview. I think he especially is happy to have some justice, and were happy that he feels a sense of justice and can move on from this and enjoy the rest of his life.

The Nevada Department of Corrections declined to comment.

The sizable settlement represents significantly more money than the state had provided in two other cases involving NDOC last year regarding the use of birdshot rounds in state prisons, but it represents less money than a jury had initially ordered be paid to Stewart.

A six-day jury trial in U.S. District Court last year culminated with Stewart being awarded $4.5 million. NDOC appealed this ruling, but ultimately agreed to the $3.4 million settlement to avoid continued legal costs. Both parties agreed to the settlement in January.

The settlement caps off years of legal disputes between Stewart and NDOC, some of which addressed the controversial topic of qualified immunity, which protects government officials from lawsuits alleging that they violated a plaintiffs rights if their behavior does not clearly violate an established law.

In 2022, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with a lower court that qualified immunity did not apply in this case because the prison staff violated the Constitution by choosing a medically unacceptable course of treatment for the circumstances.

At some point wait and see becomes deny and delay, Judge Eugene Siler wrote in the appeals panel's opinion. Plaintiffs condition sharply deteriorated during his last few years at Southern Desert Correctional Center. Yet prison officials never deviated from their wait and see treatment plan.

Under the settlement terms, Stewart will receive more than $1.4 million, with an additional $1.7 million covering attorneys fees. NDOC will pay for just $500 of the settlement, with the rest coming from a state fund related to personal injury settlements.
New York Times Investigation Exposes GM and OnStar's Lax Privacy Practices

SAN FRANCISCO , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP is investigating automaker General Motors and its OnStar subsidiary for allegedly providing drivers' sensitive driving data to data brokers and insurance companies without their consent.

According to a recent New York Times investigation, GM is tracking drivers' mileage, speed, braking, and acceleration. OnStar Smart Driver data includes the dates and start and end times of trips, the distances driven, and a history of any speeding, hard braking, or sharp accelerations.

GM and OnStar then reportedly sell drivers' data to LexisNexis Risk Solutions, a New York -based global data broker that tracks consumers' driving records. LexisNexis, in turn, analyzes this data and creates a "risk score," which it allegedly provides to insurers.

As a result, drivers may see substantial increases to their auto insurance premiums. In some instances, leading insurers have denied drivers auto insurance altogether.

Most concerning, according to the New York Times, GM and OnStar may have failed to adequately disclose that they track drivers and sell their driving data to third parties. OnStar's privacy policy does not discuss the Smart Driver feature or that the automaker may sell drivers' data to LexisNexis or provide it to auto insurers to determine rates.

We are actively investigating whether GM, OnStar, and LexisNexis may have violated state and federal laws by selling this highly sensitive data without adequate disclosure or consent. If their practices are found unlawful, you may be entitled to money damages and an injunction requiring changes to the companies' privacy practices.

If you purchased a GM vehicle (including Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, or Buick) and have since seen your auto insurance rates increase (or been denied coverage), please contact us today or visit our website at https://www.classactionlawyers.com/gmprivacy.

About Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP

Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe represents shareholders, employees, and consumers in class actions against corporate defendants, as well as shareholders in derivative actions against their officers and directors. Based in San Francisco , the firm litigates cases nationwide.

Contact

Amber L. Schubert

Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP

[email protected]

Tel: 415-788-4220

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SOURCE Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP
Boasts Over 100 Billion Cubic Meters Capacity, Enhances Southwestern China's Clean Energy Supply

BEIJING , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (HKG: 0386, "Sinopec") has announced that the West Sichuan Gas Field, Sinopec's third 100-billion-cubic-meter submarine natural gas field in the Sichuan basin, has been completed, marking another major milestone for its Project Deep Earth  Sichuan and Chongqing Natural Gas Base. The new gas field, with an annual output of 2 billion cubic meters of natural gas and 130,000 tons of sulfur, is set to provide more clean energy for Southwestern China and the regions along the Sichuan-East pipeline.

The Sichuan Basin , rich in natural gas resources, has been the focus of Sinopec's deep-sea oil and gas exploration since 2000, which led to the discovery of the Puguang and Yuanba gas fields. Later, Sinopec Southwest Petroleum Bureau unveiled the formation mechanism and enrichment regularities of the tidal flat facies dolomite gas reservoir and, in 2014, detected the West Sichuan Gas Field, which holds proven geological reserves of over 100 billion cubic meters.

Sinopec overcame challenges such as low porosity and permeability in the West Sichuan Gas Field by pioneering engineering solutions, resulting in high yields with fewer wells. Innovations include a new anti-collapse drilling fluid system and advanced technologies for controlling borehole trajectories in ultra-deep wells over 8,000 meters. Their segmentation technology for ultra-long horizontal wells is now considered world-leading, significantly enhancing the productivity and reserve extraction of individual wells.

The West Sichuan Gas Field, designed and built by Sinopec, features integrated gas extraction and desulfurization processes, ensuring closed-loop desulfurization and efficient green production. The gas field boasts natural gas sulfur recovery rates of over 99.9% and produces gas that meets national standards while ensuring zero wastewater discharge. Additionally, it implements smart technology to enhance safety, risk control, and operation management, reducing carbon emissions.

Sinopec has significantly developed gas reserves in the Sichuan Basin , including the Puguang and Yuanba sour gas fields with over 100 billion cubic meters each, and the Fuling and Weirong shale gas fields, the former being China's first shale gas field that has 10 billion cubic meters of output, the latter holding more than 100 billion cubic meters in reserves. The company has nearly 3 trillion cubic meters of gas reserves in the basin, achieving an annual output of 26 billion cubic meters and a total production exceeding 200 billion cubic meters.

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SOURCE SINOPEC
Spark GHC makes executive appointments for numerous roles, including CEO and President, post sizable growth in 2023 and before the launch of its upcoming fund II in mid-2024.

CLEVELAND , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Spark GHC, a minority owned, U.S. focused private real estate firm, announced today that it has made a slate of executive appointments for key leadership roles post a highly successful 2023 which saw the firm acquire $120 million in hospitality assets and before the launch of its latest fund, Spark GHC Hospitality II, in mid-2024.

Key appointments to note are:

Amit Patel , Chief Executive Officer

Saagar Parikh, President & Chief Investment Officer

Bhavin Patel , Chief Strategy Officer & Head of External Affairs

Bhavesh Lad , Chief Operating Officer & Head of Asset Management

Newly appointed CEO Amit Patel noted: "I would like to thank my co-founders and Principals of Spark GHC for entrusting me as we continue to grow this company into the pre-eminent hospitality real estate firm in North America . The past 15 months were just the start for us as we acquired 8 select service and extended stay hospitality assets spread across the U.S. Midwest and U.S. East coast . We are working diligently to launch our latest fund, Spark GHC Hospitality II, in mid-2024."

Newly appointed President & CIO Saagar Parikh noted: "We are steadfast on acquiring value-add hospitality assets through 2025. We believe there remains a sizable discount in private asset values (over publicly traded assets) due to today's debt markets. Spark GHC is the right buyer because of our experienced team, access to debt, and ability to execute."

About Spark GHC

Spark GHC is a minority owned, U.S. focused private real estate firm focused on developing, acquiring, and operating hospitality, multi-family, and commercial assets. Spark GHC's mission is to improve the daily guest experience through technological innovation, remain strong stewards of the community where assets are located, be a driver of positive culture for our employees to learn and grow, and provide a healthy cash return and diversification benefit to investors and their investment portfolio.

The Spark and GHC family of companies have $300 million in assets under ownership consisting of ~2,500 hospitality keys and multi-family units. Over the past 15 months, the companies have acquired 8 hotel assets and 2 multi-family properties. The companies have successfully exited 7 hospitality assets for an average annual return of 32% and 2 multi-family projects for annual returns of 25%.

Spark GHC was founded by Amit Patel , Bhavesh Lad , Bhavin Patel , Michael J. Smith , and Saagar Parikh. The sponsor team has a diverse background spread across Main Street and Wall Street . Learn more at www.sparkghc.com . Contact them at [email protected].

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SOURCE Spark GHC
MCLEAN, Va. , March 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Steampunk, a public sector-focused systems integrator with a specialized Data Exploitation practice, today announced it has joined the NVIDIA Partner Network (NPN) as a Solution Advisor: Consultant.

Steampunk leverages NVIDIA technology, ranging from GPU hardware and SDKs to pre-trained AI models and scaled inference platforms, to help develop safe and flexible AI applications that meet the changing business landscape needs of its federal clients.

Steampunk's Design Intelligence methodology puts end users and stakeholders at the center by integrating customer experience, efficient program management, and capabilities together - which means end-to-end solutions that bring the highest mission impact.

"Accelerated computing is paramount in today's technology landscape, and joining the NPN program underscores our commitment to operationalizing AI innovation for our customers' missions," said Sean Dillon, CTO, Steampunk. "Steampunk implements NVIDIA technology to adapt cutting-edge AI models and techniques for federal use cases, helping dramatically improve mission outcomes for all customer stakeholders while enhancing AI transparency," said Anthony Robbins, VP of North America Public Sector at NVIDIA.

The NVIDIA Partner Network Program offers a robust set of resources, enabling partners to bring reliable, safe, and scalable AI solutions to customers faster. Steampunk is leveraging NPN resources to help reduce AI development time, incorporate pre-built safety guardrails, enhance predictive and generative capabilities, improve end-user experiences, and drive innovation with its federal government clients.

At NVIDIA GTC, a global AI developer conference running March 18-21 in San Jose, Calif. , Ryan Simpson , NVIDIA Senior Solution Architect, and Mihnea Birisan, Steampunk Data Exploitation Practice Lead, will co-host a session on Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) and its applications in federal use cases (on March 20 th at 1pm EDT ). Register to attend NVIDIA GTC remotely or in person here: https://www.nvidia.com/gtc/?ncid=partn-131453

About Steampunk

Steampunk is a Change Agent in the Federal contracting industry, bringing new thinking to clients in the Homeland, Federal Civilian, Health and DoD sectors. Through our Human-Centered delivery methodology, we are fundamentally changing the expectations our Federal clients have for true shared accountability in solving their toughest mission challenges. As an employee-owned company, we focus on investing in our employees to enable them to do the greatest work of their careers  and rewarding them for outstanding contributions to our growth. If you want to learn more about our story, visit http://www.steampunk.com .

Media Contact:

Robert Pearson , Chief Marketing Officer

[email protected] | 571.344.5538

www.steampunk.com | @steampunk_inc

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SOURCE Steampunk, Inc.
STOCKHOLM , March 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, a study on Improved physical function using a power-enhancing glove in persons with Inclusion Body Myositis was presented at the Global Conference on Myositis in Pittsburgh, USA. The preliminary results show increased hand function and improved physical function for people with impaired hand function during use of Carbonhand.

Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects skeletal muscles with reduced muscle strength and endurance as characteristic symptoms. People with IBM experience challenges in many areas of their lives. Gripping and holding objects as well as fine-motor activities are major parts of the challenges they face. Individuals with advanced IBM have difficulties holding utensils, gripping a glass to drink, holding a toothbrush, dressing, and undressing as well as many other activities of daily living requiring grip.

The study aimed to investigate if a power-enhancing glove is feasible to use in persons with IBM. Data was collected during The Myositis Association's (TMA) patient conference in September 2023 . The study was open to people with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies who perceived hand weakness. The analysis carried out is based on people with IBM. To assess the degree of impairment, Physical function (IBM-Patient Reported Outcome Upper Extremity Function Scale (IBM-PRO), IBM-Functional Rating Scale (IBM-FRS)), pain (numeric rating scale), and grip strength (Jamar) were measured. The study included 40 persons with IBM that had reduced grip strength (kg) (md;range) (3.75;1.3-10.7) and physical function (IBM-FRS 20;2-38, IBM-PRO 23;1-44).

The participants selected three activities that they perceived as difficult. The participants performed the activities and rated their ability to perform the chosen activities on a 5-point scale (0 = "unable to do", 4= "without any difficulty"), first without the glove and then upon using the glove. After testing the glove, the participants answered a series of open-ended questions regarding their perception of the glove.

The result

All activities were perceived as easier to perform with the glove. The conclusion is that people with IBM can perform activities in daily living more independently when using Carbonhand as an assistive device. The three most selected activities, with pre-and post-glove ratings, are shown in Table 1. In the open-ended questions, participants documented that the glove would be beneficial for use in everyday tasks, lifting objects, grocery shopping, stabilizing the hand, and would increase independence.

Table 1. Measures on difficulty in chosen activities without and with

the glove (0="unable to do", 4="without any difficulty").

About the study

The study is initiated by Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden , in collaboration with Louisiana State University and Tulane University Schools of Medicine, New Orleans , United States , Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis , United States , The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Columbus , United States , Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Muskelkranke e.V.", DGM, Taunusstein, Germany , Spierziekten Nederland (Dutch patient association for NMD), Rotterdam, The Netherlands , The Swedish Rheumatism Association, Stockholm, Sweden , and Bioservo AB, Stockholm , Sweden.

About Carbonhand

Carbonhand is a medical device in the form of a grip-enhancing glove that enables people with impaired hand function, like IBM, to regain the ability to use their hands. Sensors in the glove send signals to a sophisticated control system that activates motors that pull on artificial tendons sewn into the glove, creating a natural and dynamic grip. Several studies with more than 300 participants show that people with impaired hand function get a sustained and strong grip with Carbonhand, improving the user's ability to perform activities of daily living.

For more information, please contact

Annika Rydgard, Head of Clinical Projects and Market Access at Bioservo AB

Phone: +46 70 440 41 71

Email: [email protected]

Mikael Wester , Marketing Director at Bioservo AB

Phone: +4670 721 12 80

Email: [email protected]

About Bioservo

Bioservo AB is a world-leading company in wearable muscle-strengthening systems for people who need extra strength and endurance. Our innovative products and systems are designed to improve the quality of life for our users and make them feel safe and independent. The company has a unique global position in soft active exoskeletons for the hand, which give people back the ability to manage their everyday lives and become independent and able to perform their tasks while maintaining health. Bioservo AB is a Swedish limited company headquartered in Kista, north of Stockholm.For more information, please visit www.bioservo.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/bioservo-ab/r/study-shows-improved-hand-function-using-carbonhand,c3945406

The following files are available for download:

https://news.cision.com/bioservo-ab/i/table-1-measures-on-difficulty-in-chosen-activities,c3278007 Table 1 Measures on difficulty in chosen activities https://news.cision.com/bioservo-ab/i/gcom-2024-presentation,c3278171 GCOM 2024 Presentation

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SOURCE Bioservo AB
TORONTO and JOHANNESBURG , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SysAid, a leading provider of IT and Enterprise Service Management solutions is pleased to announce its partnership with BDO in South Africa , part of the BDO international network of public accounting, tax and advisory firms providing professional services in 166 countries, with over 1,776 offices worldwide.

The announcement follows a series of new strategic alliances signed by SysAid in the Dach, ANZ, and Benelux regions, propelling SysAid into a new era of accelerated growth and business momentum. These collaborations bring SysAid Copilot, a comprehensive set of generative AI-powered capabilities and the next-gen of ITSM, to service providers around the globe.

The partnership between SysAid and BDO in South Africa, represents a powerful synergy that promises unparalleled value for organizations looking to increase their productivity. SysAid and BDO SA aim to deliver cutting-edge AI for ITSM (IT Service Management) to companies and industries of all sizes in South Africa .

SysAid Copilot revolutionizes service management with its AI Chatbot for End Users, delivering 24/7 conversational self-service through generative AI. Utilizing organizational data and verified external sources, employees are empowered to resolve issues seamlessly. While admins retain control via the Monitor and Fine-Tune feature, Guardrails establish clear rules for AI Chatbot usage, safeguarding data privacy and compliance standards. Additionally, AI Intelligent Categorization, configurable through an escalation rule, reduces ticket categorization errors by ~40%, while AI Case Summarization provides real-time insights into ticket content and employee sentiment with AI Emotion, enhancing overall service efficiency.

"BDO continues to invest in capabilities that enhance productivity and optimize operating efficiencies which elevate our clients' business propositions," says Khaya Mbanga , Head of Digital Advisory, BDO South Africa. "Our partnership with SysAid will go a long way to bring value to our clients through AI-powered, leading IT service management. We are truly excited about this new venture and the benefits it brings to the South African business landscape".

"We're thrilled to collaborate with BDO as we drive AI-powered transformation in the vibrant South African market, further bolstering SysAid's global expansion," expressed Avi Kedmi , CEO of SysAid. "Our release of SysAid Copilot in January this year has triggered incredible business momentum, a testament to the demand for innovative solutions and a transformation in IT Service Management With a significant client base in this region, our decision to establish a local presence underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional support and orchestrating service management across enterprises with generative AI, empowering staff to focus on value-driven tasks, and advancing organizational productivity."

About BDO in South Africa

BDO in South Africa is the South African member firm of BDO International. BDO is the brand name for the BDO network and for each of the BDO member firms. The global BDO network provides audit, tax and advisory services in 166 countries, with over 115 661 people working out of 1,776 offices worldwide. Service provision within the international BDO network of independent member firms ('the BDO network') is coordinated by Brussels Worldwide Services BVBA, a limited liability company incorporated in Belgium with its statutory seat in Brussels .

About SysAid

SysAid is on a mission to liberate organizations by putting AI to work for them and their people. We orchestrate service management across organizations with generative AI that taps into specialized data accumulated from thousands of customers and millions of users. With zero setup requirements, our conversational AI manages employees' requests, assists with queries, and accelerates the resolution of issues. With intelligence and ease infused into the workday, productivity thrives so that employees can focus on what they're meant to do, and organizations are free to fulfill their purpose.

With over 5,000 customers, SysAid partners with organizations ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 enterprises across 140 countries. For more information, please visit www.sysaid.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1940298/SysAid_v2_Logo.jpg

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City Supports SB 915 as CPUC Approves Expansion of Waymo Robotaxis



SAN FRANCISCO , March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Teamsters Union applauds the City of San Francisco for passing a resolution in support of Senate Bill 915 (SB 915), legislation with strong bipartisan support that will allow California's local governments to regulate autonomous vehicles (AVs). SB 915 was introduced on January 9, 2024 by State Sen. Dave Cortese (D - San Jose ).

"The Teamsters commend the City of San Francisco for passing this important resolution to prioritize public safety," said Peter Finn , Teamsters Joint Council 7 President. "Dangerous AVs cannot be allowed to operate unchecked in our communities. Cities should have the power in their hands to regulate how this technology operates on their streets, and that starts with SB 915."

SB 915 is part of the CARS legislative package on autonomous vehicles that the Teamsters are advocating for in Sacramento to protect good jobs and public safety. The Oakland City Council, Los Angeles City Council, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, and San Mateo County Board of Supervisors all passed resolutions in favor of SB 915 earlier this year. The move by San Francisco leaders is particularly significant because the city has been ground zero in the fight to regulate driverless vehicles. Within the past year and a half, robotaxis in the city have run over pedestrians, blocked first responders from their jobs, reportedly came within seconds of colliding with children, and caused traffic pile-ups.

Despite this, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the Department of Motor Vehicles have refused to implement significant AV safety measures. In fact, the CPUC just approved the expansion of Waymo robotaxis in Los Angeles and San Francisco . Last month Waymo announced a recall of its robotaxi software in response to an incident where two of its robotaxis crashed into the same truck minutes apart.

Teamsters Joint Council 7 represents 100,000 members in 18 local unions across Northern California , the Central Valley , Northern Nevada . For more information, go to teamstersjc7.org.

Contact:

Matt McQuaid (202) 624-6877

[email protected]

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SOURCE Teamsters Joint Council 7
FILE PHOTO: The construction site of "4 Frankfurt" skyscraper is reflected in a shop window in Frankfurt, Germany, July 19, 2023. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach//File Photo

By Amy-Jo Crowley, Emma-Victoria Farr and Pablo Mayo Cerqueiro

LONDON/FRANKFURT (Reuters) - The owners of Aareal Bank have lined up advisers to sell its tech unit, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as the German property lender navigates a global crunch in commercial real estate.

The shareholders, led by Advent International and Centerbridge Partners, recently chose Arma Partners to gauge interest in the division, known as Aareon, the people said. They may tap another investment bank as well, the people said.

Other buyout groups including Blackstone, CVC Capital Partners, Hg Capital and KKR & Co have been eyeing the unit ahead of an auction planned for later this year, one of the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the talks are private.

Aareon, which offers property management software, was valued at 960 million euros ($1.05 billion) when Advent acquired a minority stake in the company in 2020, before taking parent Aareal Bank private last year as part of an investor consortium.

The unit's valuation has significantly increased since then, a second source said, without specifying a number.

Aareal expects the division to generate up to 170 million euros in core earnings this year, up from 100 million euros in 2023, according to its latest guidance.

Aareal Bank, Advent, Blackstone, Centerbridge, CVC, Hg and KKR declined to comment. CPP Investments, another shareholder in Aareal, declined to comment, while Goldman Sachs, also an existing investor, did not respond to a request for comment.

Arma Partners and its parent Mediobanca did not respond to a request for comment.

Wiesbaden-based Aareal Bank is battling a global slump in commercial property values and concerns about lenders' exposure to the sector.

The bank said in February that a quarter of its 4 billion euros in loans for U.S. offices were likely to go unpaid, warning there could be more to come as the property rout takes hold.

The message came just days after agency Fitch downgraded its credit rating to BBB, two notches above junk.

Despite the challenges, the group has said it does not expect to need fresh capital and is targeting up to 350 million euros of operating profit this year.

($1 = 0.9128 euros)

(Reporting by Amy-Jo Crowley, Emma-Victoria Farr and Pablo Mayo Cerqueiro; Editing by Anousha Sakoui and Sharon Singleton)
(Reuters) -An American Airlines flight landed safely at the Los Angeles airport on Wednesday after the pilot reported a possible mechanical issue, the airline said in a statement on Thursday.

The aircraft, a 23-year old Boeing 777 plane according to Airfleets Aviation, took off from Dallas Fort Worth, Texas, and landed at Los Angeles, California, without any incident, American Airlines said.

"The aircraft taxied to the gate under its own power and customers deplaned normally", it added.

"The Boeing 777 blew a tire during takeoff from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate," U.S. regulator Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a statement.

Boeing deferred to American Airlines for information.

(Reporting by Urvi Dugar in Bengaluru; Editing by Savio D'Souza and Shinjini Ganguli)
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 Trevor Hunnicutt and Alexandra Alper

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Steel Corp, which has agreed to be bought by Japan's Nippon Steel for $14.9 billion, must remain a domestically owned and operated American firm, President Joe Biden said on Thursday, opposing the proposed merger.

The United States needs to "maintain strong American steel companies powered by American steelworkers," Biden said.

"U.S. Steel has been an iconic American steel company for more than a century, and it is vital for it to remain an American steel company that is domestically owned and operated," the president added in a statement.

Shares of U.S. Steel tumbled 6.4% to end at $38.26 on Thursday. The company was not immediately available for comment.

Biden called United Steelworkers International (USW) President David McCall on Thursday "to reiterate that he has the steelworkers' back," the White House said. The union welcomed Biden's position.

"Allowing one of our nation's largest steel manufacturers to be purchased by a foreign-owned corporation leaves us vulnerable when it comes to meeting both our defense and critical infrastructure needs," McCall said in a statement. "The president's statements should end the debate: U.S. Steel must remain 'domestically owned and operated.'"

Biden, who is running for re-election this year, has courted unions as a key constituent of political support. McCall expressed appreciation in his statement for the Democratic president's "unfailing support."

The issue has the potential to overshadow an April 10 summit between Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida aimed at boosting the long-standing security alliance between their countries in the face of growing Chinese influence.

It was not immediately clear whether Biden would use any U.S regulatory authorities to scuttle the deal. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), a powerful panel that reviews foreign investments in U.S. companies, has met with the parties to discuss the deal, a person familiar with the matter said.

The committee could recommend that the president block it over national security concerns.

"The CFIUS review process is an independent analysis ... free from political interests unrelated to national security," said Tatiana Sullivan, a CFIUS lawyer with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. "It would be unusual for the President to prejudice that process with his thoughts before CFIUS has concluded their review," she added.

A January filing showed Nippon Steel assuaged U.S. Steel's concerns that the deal might not survive CFIUS scrutiny by committing to "all actions required" to obtaining committee clearance, and to paying U.S. Steel a $565 million breakup fee if it failed to do so.

The White House had said Nippon Steel's proposed acquisition deserved "serious scrutiny" after some U.S. lawmakers said the deal threatens the supply of steel and jobs in the United States.

The Treasury Department, which leads CFIUS, did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and the White House declined to comment on whether Biden planned to use its powers to block the deal.

Nippon Steel clinched a deal to buy the American steelmaker for a hefty premium in December, betting that U.S. Steel would benefit from the spending and tax incentives in Biden's infrastructure bill.

"There are always complications when foreign companies look to buy U.S.-based corporations, and this deal is no different," said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B Riley Wealth in New York.

"In an election year, it will be a heavy lift to get all the stakeholders comfortable with the acquisition of a U.S. manufacturing icon," Hogan added.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt, Alexandra Alper and Jeff Mason in Washington, and Andrea Shalal in Saginaw, Michigan; Additional reporting by Noel Randewich, Ismail Shakil, Abhijith Ganapavaram and Bansari Mayur Kamdar; editing by Jonathan Oatis, Devika Syamnath and Aurora Ellis)
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (left) and ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa at the celebration. (Photo: VNA)

Addressing a ceremony in Hanoi marking the 30 years of the partnership, the PM appreciated the banks support to Vietnam, especially in infrastructure development, poverty reduction, education and health care, particularly in remote, border and island areas.

It is the ADB that has inspired other partners to cooperate and support Vietnam in development, he stressed.

As a developing country with an evolving economy, a modest economic scale, and limited resilience to shocks, Vietnam needs both financial aid and policy consultation from the bank, as well as its assistance in institutional building and perfection, especially the institution for the socialist market-oriented economy, Chinh said.

He suggested the two sides choose specific, focused, key cooperation programmes and projects to help Vietnam grow rapidly, sustainably and inclusively, with no one left behind.

Collaboration priorities should be given to climate change response, green transition, digital transformation, green economy, circular economy and sharing economy, along with emerging sectors like semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and new energy, the leader suggested.

According to a report presented at the event, the ADB has financed about 600 programmes and projects in Vietnam with total funding of nearly 18 billion USD, covering agriculture, rural areas, education, health care, energy and urban infrastructure.

It has also provided 6.45 billion USD for trade transactions through commercial banks in Vietnam.

During the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the ADB granted non-refundable aid worth hundreds of millions of US dollars to help Vietnam purchase protective equipment, upgrade medical equipment, churn out pharmaceutical products, and support small and medium-sized and women-led businesses.

Earlier the same day, PM Chinh received ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa, who is in Vietnam for the celebration.

The PM affirmed that the Vietnamese government always considers the ADB an important, close and reliable development partner, and attributed Vietnams achievements to the banks effective cooperation and support.

For his part, Asakawa emphasised that the ADB always pays attention to and supports Vietnam in socio-economic development, and wishes to work together with the country to launch result-oriented cooperation projects.

The bank can provide financial aid for Vietnam to implement projects in green transition, energy transition and infrastructure, and help the country in emerging industries, he said, suggesting the Vietnamese government work to speed up the implementation of cooperation projects.

Lauding ADB's efforts in mobilising resources of up to 3 billion USD for about 23 projects in Vietnam in the 2023  2026 period, the PM called on the ADB to coordinate with Vietnamese ministries and agencies to quickly put in place specific projects in 2024.

He also proposed the establishment of a joint working group to push ahead with capital cooperation and policy support for Vietnam./.
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

(This March 14 story has been refiled to correct the spelling of Cleveland-Cliffs CEO Lourenco Goncalves' surname in paragraph 9)

By Trevor Hunnicutt and Alexandra Alper

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Steel Corp, which has agreed to be bought by Japan's Nippon Steel for $14.9 billion, must remain a domestically owned American firm, President Joe Biden said on Thursday - expressing explicit opposition to the deal for the first time.

"U.S. Steel has been an iconic American steel company for more than a century, and it is vital for it to remain an American steel company that is domestically owned and operated," the president said in a statement.

It was, however, not immediately clear whether Biden would use any U.S regulatory authorities to scuttle the deal. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), a powerful panel that reviews foreign investments in U.S. companies, has the power to recommend the deal be blocked on national security grounds.

The White House said in December that the proposed acquisition deserved "serious scrutiny" given U.S. Steel's core role in steel production that is critical to national security.

Nippon Steel said in a statement on Thursday that the acquisition would deliver "clear benefits to U.S. Steel, union workers, the broader American steel industry, and American national security."

"We are progressing through the regulatory review, including CFIUS, while trusting the rule-of-law, objectivity, and due process we expect from the U.S. Government. We are determined to see this through and complete the transaction," it said.

The Japanese firm also said in an initial statement that there would be no layoffs and no plant closures until September 2026 under certain conditions but later re-issued its statement to say there would be no layoffs or plant closures as a result of the transaction.

Shares of U.S. Steel sank again on Thursday and have tumbled 18% over two days to $38.26 on concerns that Biden would express his opposition. That's far below the proposed deal price of $55 per share. The company was not immediately available for comment.

Separately, Cleveland-Cliffs CEO Lourenco Goncalves said on Thursday he would consider another bid for United States Steel likely worth no more than $30 per share if the deal with Nippon Steel falls apart.

Cleveland-Cliffs was among the bidders for U.S. Steel.

U.S. opposition to the deal has the potential to overshadow an April 10 summit between Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida aimed at boosting the long-standing security alliance between their countries in the face of growing Chinese influence.

Biden, who is running for re-election this year and has courted unions as a key constituent of political support, also called United Steelworkers International President David McCall on Thursday. He reiterated that he has the "steelworkers' back," the White House said.

McCall said Biden's statements should end debate about the deal.

"Allowing one of our nation's largest steel manufacturers to be purchased by a foreign-owned corporation leaves us vulnerable when it comes to meeting both our defense and critical infrastructure needs," he said in a statement.

CFIUS has met with the parties to discuss the deal, a person familiar with the matter said.

The Treasury Department, which leads CFIUS, did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and the White House declined to comment on whether Biden planned to use its powers to block the deal.

According to a January filing, Nippon Steel has committed to undertaking "all actions required" to obtain CFIUS clearance and to pay U.S. Steel a $565 million breakup fee if it fails to do so.

Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B Riley Wealth in New York, said there were always complications when foreign companies look to buy U.S.-based corporations but Nippon Steel had an uphill battle in particular due to timing.

"In an election year, it will be a heavy lift to get all the stakeholders comfortable with the acquisition of a U.S. manufacturing icon," Hogan added.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt, Alexandra Alper and Jeff Mason in Washington, and Andrea Shalal in Saginaw, Michigan; Additional reporting by Mrinmay Dey, Noel Randewich, Ismail Shakil, Abhijith Ganapavaram, Bansari Mayur Kamdar, Katya Golubkova and Miyoung Kim; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain said on Thursday it had agreed a security package to protect the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands - a British Overseas Territory - in response to the risk violence in Haiti could spread.

The Turks and Caicos Islands are 200 miles (322 km) from Haiti, where a political and social crisis has led to weeks of escalating violence and heavily armed gangs have tightened their grip on the capital Port-au-Prince

The British Foreign Office said the package was designed to "respond to the risk of gang violence and illegal migration from Haiti spilling over into the wider Caribbean".

Britain said it would send equipment for the local police to combat serious crime, coastal sensors, and border security upgrades including surveillance drones. Britain would also source maritime patrol craft to send to the islands.

The safety and security of people in the Turks and Caicos Islands is vital following the terrible escalation of violence we have seen in Haiti," Foreign Secretary David Cameron said in a statement.

In addition to our existing support, these measures will help the brave officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Island Police Force to tackle the threat of illegal migration and gang violence."

A reconnaisance team made up of British border officials and international policing experts had also been sent to assess what further support the islands required, the Foreign Office said.

Britain said the Turks and Caicos Islands had been experiencing a surge in violent crime and last month sent specialist firearams and investigators. In 2022 it deployed a serious crime team there.

"The UK remains committed to supporting a Haitian-led political solution to the escalating violence in the country and the efforts of Caribbean partners to agree a return to security and stability," the British statement added.

U.S. authorities have bolstered security to help U.S. nationals leave Haiti, while in the U.S. state of Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis, an anti-immigration hardliner, said state law enforcement would deploy more than 250 additional officers and soldiers and more than a dozen air and sea vessels to the southern coast "to protect our state".

(Reporting by William James; editing by Barbara Lewis)
ROME (Reuters) -As many as 60 people are feared to have drowned on a vessel carrying migrants across the Mediterranean from Libya to Italy or Malta, the operators of a charity rescue group said on Thursday.

SOS Mediterranee said it rescued 25 people in a "very weak" condition in coordination with the Italian Coast Guard on Wednesday and that two unconscious people were flown to Sicily by helicopter.

The central Mediterranean is one of the world's deadliest migration routes. According to the U.N. migration agency (IOM), almost 2,500 migrants died or went missing attempting the crossing last year, and 226 since the start of 2024.

"The survivors departed from Zawiya, Libya, seven days before they were rescued," SOS Mediterranee posted on the social media platform X.

"Their engine broke after three days, leaving their boat lost (and) adrift without water and food for days. Survivors report that at least 60 people perished on the way, including women and at least one child," it added.

There was no immediate comment from the Italian Coastguard.

The IOM said it was "deeply troubled" by the report.

"Urgent action is needed to strengthen maritime patrols and prevent further tragedies," it said on X.

In a post on X on Wednesday, the SOS Mediterranee said its Ocean Viking vessel had evacuated 25 people spotted using binoculars who were on a rubber boat drifting in the Libyan search and rescue area.

The charity said it picked up a further 113 people, including two children, from a wooden boat and 88 from a packed rubber dingy, in rescue operations on Wednesday and Thursday.

It said it had been instructed to sail to the Italian Adriatic port of Ancona, about 1,500 km (930 miles) away, but had asked for a closer disembarkation port given the poor condition of the migrants, some of whom are on oxygen masks.

Charity groups like SOS Mediterranee and others complain that Italy's right-wing government is obstructing their rescue activities, forcing them to travel to distant ports to disembark migrants and often temporarily impounding their ships.

Italy and other European Union governments are trying to curb the number of sea migrants making the crossing from North Africa, and have offered money or equipment to Libya and Tunisia to stop departures from their shores.

Data from the Italian Interior Ministry record that 5,968 migrants have arrived by sea so far this year, down from 19,937 at the same stage in 2023.

(Additional reporting by Alvise ArmelliniWriting by Keith Weir, editing by Christina Fincher, Nick Macfie and Ros Russell)
FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Ronald Reagan (2nd R) and his advisers meet with an Israeli delegation including Israeli Prime Minister Menahem Begin (3rd L) and Israeli Defence Minister Ariel Sharon (L) in Washington in this September 9, 1981 file handout pic

(Reuters) -A rift between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Gaza red lines has set up a potential showdown between the two leaders, raising questions about whether the U.S. might restrict military aid if Israel goes ahead with a ground offensive in the south of the enclave.

The United States has been a staunch ally of Israel since President Harry Truman became the first world leader to recognize the newly established state in 1948.

But strains have emerged in the normally solid ties over the decades. Here are milestones:

1948

President Harry Truman becomes the first world leader to recognize the newly-established Israel.

1956

Furious at Israel's capture of the Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip from Egypt in a campaign with France and Britain, the administration of President Dwight Eisenhower insists on unconditional Israeli withdrawal and threatens to suspend vital U.S. financial aid to Israel unless it pulls out. It does so.

1967

The U.S. stands behind Israel in its June war with surrounding Arab states. But relations are jolted by Israel's attack in international waters on the Liberty, a U.S. spy ship. Thirty-four American seamen are killed and 174 wounded. Israel apologized, saying it had mistaken the Liberty for an Egyptian ship.

1973

President Richard Nixon rushes to Israel's aid with an airlift of military hardware after Egypt and Syria, which lost territory in the 1967 war, launched a surprise attack on Israel on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur.

1975

The U.S. administration of President Gerald Ford threatens to reappraise U.S. ties with Israel unless it signs a "disengagement" treaty with Egypt to pull back from the Sinai peninsula, captured in 1967.

1979

President Jimmy Carter hosts the signing of a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt, concluded in talks at Camp David. Israel eventually withdraws from the Sinai peninsula.

1981

The U.S. condemns Israel's bombing of Iraq's Osirak nuclear reactor.

1982

In a telephone call to Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, President Ronald Reagan expresses what a spokesman calls "outrage" over Israeli bombing raids in Beirut during a war in Lebanon, and pressures him into a ceasefire.

1990

Secretary of State James Baker says the U.S. is growing weary of Israeli foot-dragging over peace negotiations with the Palestinians and recites a White House telephone number, urging both sides "to call us when you are serious about peace".

1991

President George Bush Sr. pressures Israel to stay out of first Gulf War, concerned that an Israeli attack on Iraq would cause a U.S.-led coalition to disintegrate.

Washington withholds $10 billion in loan guarantees sought by Israel to absorb the immigration of Soviet Jews, piling pressure on Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir to attend the Madrid peace conference. Bush cites the best interests of the peace process in justifying the postponement, and says he will not grant the guarantees unless Israel freezes settlement-building in territories captured in the 1967 war.

1992

Bush approves Israel's loan guarantees request after Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin offers a limited curtailment of settlement-building.

1993

President Bill Clinton hosts a handshake between Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat at the signing of a Declaration of Principles on interim Palestinian self-government.

1998

Clinton hosts a summit between Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Wye River, Maryland. Netanyahu agrees to hand over more occupied land to Palestinian self-rule.

2003

President George W. Bush announces a "road map" peace plan, three years after the start of a Palestinian uprising, setting an outline for an end to violence and return to statehood talks.

2004

Bush tells Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon that "existing major Israeli population centers" - an indirect reference to Jewish settlement enclaves in the occupied West Bank - make it "unrealistic" to expect Israel to return to armistice lines drawn in 1949.

2009

Bush tells Israel's parliament the unbreakable bond between Israel and the U.S. runs deeper than any treaty and is grounded in the shared link to the Bible.

2010

The administration of President Barack Obama is furious with Israel for announcing the building of more settler homes around Jerusalem during a visit by Vice President Joe Biden. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton calls the move "insulting".

2011

Netanyahu lectures Obama in the White House Oval Office days after Obama stated publicly that "the borders between Israel and Palestine should be based on the 1967 lines".

2015

Obama says the international community does not believe that Israel is serious about a two-state solution.

2016

Obama, in the final weeks of his presidency, allows a U.N. Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlement building to be adopted by withholding the U.S. veto. It breaks with a history of U.S. shielding Israel at the United Nations.

2017

Reversing decades of U.S. policy, President Donald Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israels capital. The new U.S. embassy opens there in 2018.

2019

The Trump administration recognizes Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, territory captured from Syria in the 1967 war. The U.S. is the only country to do this.

2023

Oct. 7 - U.S. President Joe Biden offers Israel "all appropriate means of support" after the Palestinian militant group Hamas launches its Oct. 7 attack on Israel from Gaza, and warns "any party hostile to Israel" not to seek advantage.

Dec. 12 - Biden warns Israel it is losing international support because of its "indiscriminate" bombing of Gaza civilians in its war against Hamas militants.

2024

Feb. 8 - Biden says he seeks a "sustained pause in the fighting".

Feb. 11 - Biden tells Netanyahu Israel should not launch a military operation in Gaza's southernmost town of Rafah without a credible plan to ensure the safety of the roughly 1 million people sheltering there.

Feb. 27 - Netanyahu says he has consistently resisted pressure to end the war prematurely and this stand has popular U.S. support.

March 9 - Biden says Israels threatened invasion of Rafah would be his red line for Netanyahu but then backtracks, saying there is no red line and "Im never going to leave Israel." Biden says his message to Netanyahu about civilian casualties is that he is "hurting Israel more than helping" by acting in a way "contrary to what Israel stands for".

March 12 - Netanyahu says Israel will press forward with its military campaign into Rafah.

March 14 - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer calls for new elections in Israel and labels Netanyahu an obstacle to peace. The next day, Biden says that Schumer's concerns are shared by many Americans.

(Compiled by Tom Perry; editing by William Maclean and Mark Heinrich)
Azerbaijan's Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources and COP29 President, Mukhtar Babayev, attends the World Governments Summit, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 12, 2024. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky/File Photo

By Kate Abnett

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Azerbaijan, host of this year's U.N. climate change talks, hopes to upgrade its emissions reduction target in time for the event, the incoming president of the COP29 summit said on Thursday.

Azerbaijan's economy relies on oil and gas, and its existing target - to cut greenhouse gas emissions 35% by 2030 and 40% by 2050 versus 1990 levels - is far short of the net zero level scientists say the world must reach by 2050 to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

Mukhtar Babayev, minister of ecology and natural resources, said his former Soviet nation had started preparations to consider updating its national climate change commitment (NDC).

"It is not only a chance for Azerbaijan, but all other countries to prepare and announce the upgraded NDCs in Baku in November this year," Babayev told a Financial Times conference in London in a recorded interview.

Azerbaijan's announcement comes as Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, sent a letter to all countries asking them to beef up their national climate plans up to 2035, strengthen their 2030 emissions reduction targets and commit more money for climate finance.

"Critically, your NDCs 3.0 (new climate plans) and 2030 targets will collectively determine whether the world can get back on a global emissions trajectory in line with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5C this century, as required by science under the Paris Agreement," he wrote.

Stiell will attend a gathering of countries' climate ministers in Copenhagen next week.

TEST OF RESOLVE

Babayev, who previously spent two decades at Azerbaijan's state-owed oil and gas firm, did not specify what the amended target would be.

Campaigners and some climate scientists have criticised his appointment, for continuing a trend of individuals with deep ties to the oil and gas industry leading global negotiations to combat climate change.

Oil and gas account for 91% of Azerbaijan's exports, according to U.S. data for 2022.

Babayev said Azerbaijan was committed to expand green energy sources to a 30% share of the mix by 2030. The country is rich in untapped wind and solar resources, but today its energy is nearly entirely produced from fossil fuels.

He said he had begun talks with financial institutions, banks, campaigners and the private sector to lay groundwork for a consensus at the summit on raising more finance to help developing nations with the energy transition.

The November meeting in Baku will test governments' appetite to fight climate change after a bumper year of elections from the EU and U.S. to India and South Africa.

COP29 serves as the deadline for countries to agree a new global climate finance goal to help poorer nations cope with worsening climate change.

Last years COP28 climate summit in the United Arab Emirates was led by Sultan Al-Jaber, head of the countrys state-owned oil firm. That summit yielded the first global agreement to transition away from fossil fuels but fell short of the full phase-out more than 100 countries including the EU, U.S. and climate-vulnerable small island states had sought.

(Reporting by Kate Abnett in Brussels, additional reporting by Valerie Volcovici in Washington; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne and Nia Williams)
SARAJEVO (Reuters) -Croatia's lawmakers voted to dissolve parliament on Thursday to pave the way for a parliamentary election that must be held within two months.

The election was originally planned for the autumn, but the government opted to hold it before European Parliament polls in June.

Eleven opposition parties, led by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the environmentalist left-wing Mozemo, had filed a formal request for a dissolution following a wave of protests against policies of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) led by incumbent Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic.

President Zoran Milanovic is expected to officially call the election this week.

The centre-right HDZ has led the government for the past three terms, with Plenkovic as the premier over the last eight years.

(Reporting by Daria Sito-Sucic; Editing by Alison Williams and Alex Richardson)
Jorge Enrique is helped by caregiver Silvia Garcia to walk back home after exercising at a nearby park in Havana, Cuba, March 8, 2024. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

By Anett Rios and Nelson Acosta

HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuban Clotilde Ravelo is inching up on 90 years old, just fractured her hip and, to make matters worse, most of her family have migrated off the island, leaving behind a pressing issue: Who will care for her?

Enter Cuba's fast-growing private sector.

Ravelo's grandchildren - two who live in the United States, one in Spain and another who has stayed in Cuba - have recently brought on a private caregiver to attend her.

Elderly care in Cuba has long been the domain of families - with exceptions for the vulnerable - but as migration and economic crisis unravel the communist-run island's long-held social safety net, some are seeking alternatives in the growing private sector.

"I need help because I fell and I can't walk alone," Ravelo told Reuters from her apartment in the upscale Havana district of Vedado as caregiver Dorayne Gonzalez prepared her for an early morning session of stretching and calisthenics.

Ravelo is among 105 clients who now receive care from the Havana-based Tatamania agency, among the first private businesses in Cuba to attend the elderly, the disabled and sick children.

Her predicament is not uncommon in Cuba.

Nearly one in four on the Caribbean island nation are over 60 years old, according to statistics agency ONEI in 2022. And record-breaking migration in recent years - stoked by widespread shortages of food, fuel and medicine - means many have been left without help at home.

Tatamania President Yadira Alvarez said her company began to fill this void in 2022, the first private caregiver approved after a reform the previous year authorized private companies, forbidden since early in Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution.

The company now provides care in four provinces, including the capital Havana, 24 hours a day and seven days a week in both hospitals and private homes, she said.

Tatamania charges clients between 150 pesos to 220 pesos (47 cents to 69 cents) per hour, depending on the level of care, a rate few in Cuba, where the average monthly state salary is less than 5000 pesos at the current black market exchange rate, can afford.

"Most of our clients are people who live abroad and who can pay for services provided to those they've left behind and vulnerable," Alvarez said.

There is no publicly available data on how many seniors live alone in Cuba. But the government does provide convalescent homes for some, and healthcare, though suffering shortages amid the crisis, is free in Cuba.

Niuva Avila, a University of Havana sociologist who studies the plight of the elderly in Cuba, told Reuters care provided by companies like Tatamania, where she also serves as vice president, should be seen as part of a mix of options available to Cuba's fast-aging population - and not a silver bullet.

"Cuban society is demanding care services for older adults (and) the State is insufficient to meet this demand," she said.

But for the lucky few like Ravelo, private help from her caregiver, Dorayne, has proved a blessing.

"She spoils me and puts up with all my bad habits," she said.

(Reporting by Anett Rios and Nelson Acosta, editing by Dave Sherwood)
By Bansari Mayur Kamdar

(Reuters) - An exchange-traded fund that follows the stock trades of Democratic lawmakers has seen sharp gains since its launch last year, outperforming a Republican-oriented fund, on the back of big bets on megacap technology companies.

The $49 million Subversive Unusual Whales Democratic ETF, the ticker of which is a play on the name of former Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has surged nearly 35% since its launch on Feb. 7 last year.

That compares with a 25.8% gain for the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period and an 18.1% advance in the $12.5 million Subversive Unusual Whales Republican ETF, whose ticker is a nod to Republican senator Ted Cruz.

"NANC has outperformed KRUZ because it tilts toward growth stocks and underweights energy," said Bryan Armour, an analyst at Morningstar, adding that the Republican ETF also favored more value stocks.

AI darling Nvidia makes up near 10% of the Democratic fund, followed by Microsoft Corp, Alphabet Amazon.com, Salesforce and Apple, which constitute about 27.3% of its assets, according to the fund's website.

Meanwhile, energy stocks such as Shell, NGL Energy Partners, ConocoPhillips and Chevron, that are among the top 10 holdings of the Republic ETF have broadly underperformed the market with some falling year-to-date.

The Democratic fund has seen net inflows of $32.8 million year-to-date, according to LSEG Lipper data, while the Republican fund has garnered just $5.8 million.

"We are getting large allocations solely based on performance and the story of what these funds represent: the best information from the best-informed crowd," said Christian H. Cooper, portfolio manager at Subversive Capital, which launched both the funds with financial data firm Unusual Whales.

Congressional trading has been under growing scrutiny and attracted calls to ban lawmakers from trading.

A 2012 law requires lawmakers to disclose their stock transactions as well as that of family members within 45 days.

Pelosi's portfolio that includes Nvidia and Apple, is up 84.3% year-to-date, according to Unusual Whales.

Republican congressman Mark Green's portfolio is up 126% so far this year, after bumper gains last year, while senator Rand Paul's portfolio fell 6.9%.

Total assets of the Democratic fund have grown to $49 million from $6.7 million in one year, while the Republican fund has climbed to $12.5 million from $4.3 million, according to LSEG Lipper data.

Another battle brews as Democrats prepare to face the Republicans in the U.S. presidential elections and primaries this year, with the former wresting for control of the House of Representatives and trying to hold on to their majority of the Senate.

(Reporting by Bansari Mayur Kamdar in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli)
FILE PHOTO: Dutch far-right politician and leader of the PVV party Geert Wilders attends a meeting of Dutch parties' lead candidates, for the first time after elections, in which far-right politician Geert Wilders booked major gains, to begin coalition ta

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - The four Dutch political parties most likely to form a government will resume negotiations on a looser coalition after far-right leader Geert Wilders', who won the election four months ago, acknowledged he lacked the support to take the top job.

Wilders' nationalist PVV party was the clear winner of the Nov. 22 election, but he has since failed to construct a viable coalition as his past anti-Islam and anti-EU rhetoric continued to be a stumbling block for his potential partners.

On Wednesday, Wilders said he was ready to forgo the job of prime minister as he acknowledged he did not have the support of all parties in a potential coalition.

Talks between the PVV, the centre-right VVD and NSC and farmers protest party BBB will now focus on reaching a deal on a technocratic government with looser ties to the parties in parliament, the intermediary leading the negotiations said on Thursday.

This would involve a cabinet of political veterans and outside experts, who would have to seek majorities for their policy proposals.

The Netherlands is usually governed by majority coalitions that nail down their agreements in detailed government pacts.

But more than 100 days of talks have made clear that such a coalition cannot be cobbled together this time, as both VVD and NSC remained reluctant to fully cooperate with Wilders.

(Reporting by Bart Meijer; Editing by Alex Richardson)
FILE PHOTO: European Commissioner Janez Lenarcic speaks to the media as he arrives at an informal EU Development Ministers Council, in Brussels, Belgium February 12, 2024. REUTERS/Johanna Geron/File Photo

By Gabriela Baczynska and Nette Noestlinger

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Air drops and a maritime corridor will not be enough to make up for supplies transported by trucks into Gaza, where people are on the verge of famine, the European Union's top humanitarian aid official said on Thursday.

"On maritime and air routes for humanitarian aid to Gaza, I'll be very clear: we and others are doing that exclusively because Israel is not opening more land routes," said Janez Lenarcic, the EU's humanitarian aid and crisis management chief, adding that land routes were best to get supplies into Gaza.

"There is a risk of famine," Lenarcic told reporters. "We already have a very strong and credible indication that there are pockets of famine already in the Gaza Strip."

Gaza has been effectively sealed off since Israel began its war with Hamas in response to the militant group's Oct.7 attack on Israel.

The United Nations estimates more than half a million of 2.3 million people there are on the brink of starvation. U.N. agencies said earlier this month that child malnutrition levels were "particularly extreme" in the northern part of the enclave.

Lenarcic called for more land entry points from the north, noting that the U.N. delivered food to northern Gaza on March 12 for the first time in three weeks.

"What is needed is very clear: a surge in humanitarian aid into Gaza and its distribution throughout Gaza," said Lenarcic.

'EMERGENCY WARD'

Israel denies obstructing aid deliveries into Gaza. It has blamed failures by aid agencies for delays and has accused Hamas of diverting aid. Hamas denies this and says Israel uses hunger as a weapon in its military offensive.

With international pressure mounting on Israel to address hunger in the enclave, the European Union, the United States, the United Nations, Britain, Cyprus, the UAE and Qatar have been trying to set up a maritime aid corridor from Cyprus.

Two ships carrying about 500 tonnes of humanitarian aid are already en route to Gaza where a U.S.-based charity World Central Kitchen has started building an offloading jetty, which Lenarcic said the U.S. would expand next month.

Lenarcic spoke ahead of a humanitarian conference in Brussels on Monday where he said his EU executive Commission will pledge some 1.8 billion euros ($1.96 bln) towards meeting global needs in 2024.

Last year, EU member states and the European Commission pledged 8.4 billion euros in total, a figure Lenarcic hoped to see matched or topped this year.

The U.N. says a record 300 million people globally are in need of humanitarian help, mostly due to a growing number of armed conflicts, as well as - increasingly - climate change. It estimates the world-wide funding gap at nearly $50 billion.

"Humanitarian aid is like an emergency ward in a hospital. It is the first assistance," Lenarcic said, adding that solving humanitarian crises required addressing their causes.

($1 = 0.9170 euros)

(Reporting by Gabriela Baczynska and Nette Nostlinger, Editing by William Maclean)
Fran Kaufman (R, front), curatorial director of the Liu Shiming Art Gallery, speaks during an inaugural exhibition at the gallery in New York, the United States, March 12, 2024. (Photo by Yu Zheng/Xinhua)

NEW YORK, March 12 (Xinhua) -- A new art gallery honoring the late Chinese sculptor Liu Shiming opened to the public in Midtown, New York City, on Tuesday.

Located on the 5th floor of 15 East 40th Street, the Liu Shiming Art Gallery greeted visitors Tuesday evening with an inaugural exhibition entitled "From The Beginning: Sculpture by Liu Shiming," set to run throughout the summer.

Featuring over 35 pieces, the exhibition offers a glimpse into Liu Shiming's prominent role in modern Chinese sculpture.

Liu, who died in 2010 at the age of 84, was among the first generation of homegrown artists from the People's Republic of China, who mined his grassroots experiences and research into classic Chinese art to create "Chinese methods" of sculpture.

Liu's works often depict ordinary people he knew, such as villagers, herders and opera performers, and vividly record the daily lives of China's countryside residents in the 1960s.

According to Fran Kaufman, the gallery's curatorial director, the gallery is committed to showcasing Liu Shiming's work through solo and combined exhibitions.

A monograph on Liu's work, authored by Richard Vine, former managing editor of the New York-based monthly magazine Art in America, is scheduled for release in early 2025.

A visitor looks at Chinese sculptor Liu Shiming's works at the Liu Shiming Art Gallery in New York, the United States, March 12, 2024. (Photo by Yu Zheng/Xinhua)

A visitor looks at Chinese sculptor Liu Shiming's works at the Liu Shiming Art Gallery in New York, the United States, March 12, 2024. (Photo by Yu Zheng/Xinhua)

Editor: WXL
FILE PHOTO: A Comac C919 plane is displayed at the Singapore Airshow at Changi Exhibition Centre in Singapore February 21, 2024. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo/File Photo

By Tim Hepher and Joanna Plucinska

COLOGNE (Reuters) - Europe's air safety regulator will take whatever time is needed to approve China's C919 passenger jet, its top official told Reuters, dampening Beijing's hopes of quickly breaking into a market marked by jet shortages and a Boeing safety crisis.

China is stepping up regulatory pressure to win foreign backing for its new jet, but industry sources have warned the landmark approvals from Western regulators could take years.

The COMAC C919 narrow body jet - designed to compete with best-selling models of dominant planemakers Airbus and Boeing - entered service in China last May after winning domestic safety certification in 2022.

Luc Tytgat, acting executive director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), said COMAC had initially asked for European approval in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic stopped work. It re-launched the bid in November, requesting that the work be completed by 2026.

"Honestly I don't know if we will be able to do it yet: the plane is too new to us to know how easy or difficult it will be," he said in an interview at EASA's Cologne headquarters.

"Since 2019, things continued to be done in China so we now have to be briefed on the changes," he added.

The comments come weeks after China's state-owned planemaker flew the C919 at the Singapore Airshow as it promotes the jet as a new alternative at a time when Airbus waiting lists are full and Boeing faces production quality concerns over its 737 MAX.

To land significant export deals, COMAC needs to win widespread acceptance of its design from foreign regulators led by EASA and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.

Under an EU-China agreement signed in 2019, European regulators must decide whether to grant their own validation of China's certification of the jet to ensure any imports meet their own safety standards.

Without this approval, the C919 cannot fly in Europe.

"For us it will be a big work to reconnect and go for familiarisation with what the plane looks like today," Tytgat said.

Tytgat's comments suggest EASA is at the "technical familiarisation" stage, which experts say is the first part of a certification process that can last five years or more.

Western regulators have toughened certification of planes since fatal Boeing 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019 exposed flaws in design and oversight. But the scrutiny is expected to be particularly intense for the first jet from a new manufacturer.

Irish budget carrier Ryanair has said in the past it would look at the Chinese jet.

However, so far no European airline has pressed EASA to speed up certification work so that it can place an order, Tytgat said.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) announced at a meeting in Beijing in January that it planned to promote the internationalization of the C919 in 2024.

According to official reports, CAAC will work this year towards obtaining European recognition for the plane. The regulator has not given details of the plan.

China's regulator and its planemaker did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Following its international air show debut in Singapore, COMAC took its planes on a promotional tour of east Asia, landing in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia and Indonesia where it met airline and government officials. The last stop is Malaysia where the planes arrived on Tuesday.

(Reporting by Tim Hepher, Joanna Plucinska, Additional reporting by Lisa Barrington; Editing by Tomasz Janowski)
A person arrives at the offices of Tik Tok after the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill that would give TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance about six months to divest the U.S. assets of the short-video app or face a ban, in Culver Cit

(Reuters) - Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is putting together an investor group to try to buy TikTok, he told CNBC on Thursday.

His comment comes just a day after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would give the short-video app's Chinese owner ByteDance about six months to divest the U.S. assets or face a ban.

TikTok had called the bill a "ban" and urged senators to listen to their constituents before taking any action.

"I think the legislation should pass and I think it should be sold," Mnuchin told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Thursday. "It's a great business and I'm going to put together a group to buy TikTok," he said.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew said on Wednesday that the company will exercise its legal rights to prevent a ban.

(Reporting by Arsheeya Bajwa in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva)
By Michel Rose

PARIS (Reuters) -French President Emmanuel Macron called President Vladimir Putin's Russia an adversary that would not stop in Ukraine if it defeated Kyiv's troops in the two-year-old conflict, urging Europeans to not be "weak" and to get ready to respond.

Macron caused controversy last month after he said he could not rule out the deployment of ground troops in Ukraine in the future, with many leaders distancing themselves from that while others, especially in eastern Europe, expressed support.

"If Russia wins this war, Europe's credibility will be reduced to zero," Macron said in a television interview mostly directed at a domestic audience, after French opposition leaders criticised his comments as bellicose.

Macron said he "deeply" disagrees with the opposition leaders. "Today, deciding to abstain or vote against support to Ukraine, it's not choosing peace, it's choosing defeat. It's different," he said.

Macron's main opposition party, the far-right of Marine Le Pen, abstained in parliament on a vote earlier this week about a security pact France signed with Ukraine, while the hard left France Unbowed party voted against it.

"If war spread in Europe, Russia would be to blame," Macron added. "But if we decided to be weak; if we decided today that we would not respond, it would be choosing defeat already. And I don't want that."

He said it was important for Europe not to draw red lines, which would signal weakness to the Kremlin and encourage it to push on with its invasion of Ukraine. He refused to give details on what a deployment to Ukraine might look like.

"I don't want to do so. I want Russia to stop this war and retreat from its positions and allow peace," he said. "I'm not going to give visibility to someone who is not giving me any. This is a question for President Putin."

"I have reasons not to be precise," he said.

Macron said France would never initiate an offensive against Russia, and that Paris was not at war with Moscow, despite the fact that Russia had launched aggressive attacks against French interests in and outside France.

"The Kremlin regime is an adversary," he said, declining to call Russia an enemy. He also said Putin making threats about nuclear strikes was "not appropriate".

Macron said Ukraine was in a "difficult" situation on the ground and that stronger support from allies was necessary.

"Peace does not mean the capitulation of Ukraine," he said. "Wanting peace does not mean defeat. Wanting peace does not mean dropping Ukraine," he said.

He also said he hoped that the time would come one day to negotiate peace with a Russian president "whoever it might be", for the first time envisaging the possibility of Putin no longer being in charge in Russia.

Macron also said he had not cancelled a planned visit to Ukraine for security reasons. "That's what Russia said. You shouldn't believe them," he said.

(Reporting by Michel Rose; Editing by GV De Clercq, Jonathan Oatis and Bill Berkrot)
Palestinian man Ismail Al-Khlout reads the Koran as he waits to break his fast while sitting on the rubble of his house, which was destroyed during Israel's military offensive as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, during the holy month of Ra

By Mohammad Salem

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (Reuters) - As the evening prayer sounded across Gaza's rubble, the Abu Rizek family broke their day's fast with a shared meal in the wreckage of their home, sadly recalling all they had lost in Israel's military campaign since last year's Muslim holy month.

While the family has managed to scrape together enough food for iftar, the sunset breakfast after a day without eating or drinking, many other people are far less fortunate in the stricken Palestinian enclave where famine looms.

"Last Ramadan was great but this year it's not. A lot of things are not there any more. My sisters, my family. Our house was destroyed. There are still people under the rubble not pulled out," said Um Mahmoud Abu Rizek.

She sat cross legged between tumbled walls of concrete cooking over a fire.

"We only eat soup and canned food. A can of beans. We're so tired of canned food and we get sick of it. My son keeps saying his stomach hurts," she said, recalling the plentiful meals of past Ramadans.

Most years, families gather with friends and neighbours to sit up at night, eating, praying and celebrating together.

"This year there are no neighbours or loved ones. They're not here any more. It's only us and the children left, sitting here. I don't know what will become of us," she said.

RELIANT ON FOOD AID

The war in Gaza was triggered on Oct. 7 when Hamas fighters rampaged into Israel, killing 1,200 people and seizing 253 hostages according to Israeli tallies.

Israel's pounding ground and air offensive since then has killed more than 30,000 people, according to health authorities in Hamas-run Gaza, and displaced most of the 2.3 million inhabitants.

Hopes for a Ramadan ceasefire fell apart with Israel and Hamas arguing over the terms.

With nearly all commercial food imports stopped, most Gaza residents are now entirely dependent on food aid. Many eat only at communal soup kitchens, including for their Ramadan iftar meal.

At one such kitchen in Rafah, people crowded round, holding up plastic bowls for a ladle of food.

"Every day we have 35 pots of food, but 35 pots is not enough. I swear even 70 pots is not enough," said volunteer Adnan Sheikh al-Eid, hoping to be able to feed more of the desperate, displaced people standing in line.

Like Abu Rizek, Eid, could only remember the joy of previous Ramadans. "There used to be decorations, food and drinks. This year there is sadness and despair," he said.

"I am 60 years old and I have never had a Ramadan like this," he added.

(Reporting by Mohammad Salem, writing by Angus McDowall; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
By George Obulutsa and Jonathan Saul

NAIROBI/LONDON (Reuters) -Somali pirates who seized the Maltese-flagged bulk cargo ship Ruen in December may have used the vessel in the takeover of a Bangladesh-flagged cargo ship off the coast of Somalia two days ago, the European Union naval force said on Thursday.

Somali pirates caused chaos in important global waterways for a decade leading up to 2018, but had been dormant until a resurgence of attacks starting late last year.

If confirmed, Tuesday's attack from a confiscated ship would mark a return to a strategy used when pirates were very active.

Visual information showed that at least 12 alleged pirates boarded Abdullah, according to the EU's anti-piracy operation EUNAVFOR.

"It is possible that the origin of the pirates taking part in this hijacked [SIC] is the same as MV RUEN," it said, adding that Abdullah's crew has been reported to be safe.

British maritime security firm Ambrey on Thursday said "it was suspected the vessel may be used as a mothership to conduct further attacks on merchant vessels".

The Ruen - which has a black hull, red deck and a yellow smokestack with a red horizontal stripe - was seen sailing eastward 160 nautical miles (296 km) southeast of Eyl, Somalia, according to Ambrey. The firm advised other vessels in the area to increase vigilance.

The capture of the Ruen was the first successful hijacking involving Somali pirates since 2017, when a crackdown by international navies stopped a rash of seizures in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.

Ransom for the Ruen's kidnapped crew has not been paid, Ambrey said. Media reports say the pirates are holding 17 crew after releasing one for medical reasons.

Data from the Maritime Security Centre - Horn of Africa, the planning and coordination centre for EUNAVFOR, show there have been more than 20 hijackings or attempted hijackings of vessels in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin since November.

(Reporting by Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles, Jonathan Saul in London and George Obulutsa in Nairobi; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Jan Harvey)
FILE PHOTO: The skyline with the banking district is seen during sunset in Frankfurt, Germany, February 27, 2024. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach/File Photo

By Rene Wagner

BERLIN (Reuters) - Investment in Germany by foreign firms was at its lowest level in a decade last year, an IW institute study showed on Thursday, as de-industrialisation fears loomed over Europe's largest economy.

Foreign companies invested only about 22 billion euros ($24.07 billion) in Germany in 2023, according to the study.

Industry contributed over a fifth of Germany's economy, while services contributed 70%, data from the economics ministry shows. The longer-term growth of direct investments could reflect changing business conditions in the country.

Overall net outflows - the difference between investments by German firms abroad and foreign ones in Germany - slowed last year, the institute said, to 94 billion euros. However, the two preceding years, 2022 and 2023, recorded higher outflows.

"The repeated high net outflows indicate that these are not exceptional phenomena, but rather the first symptoms of de-industrialisation," the study said.

High labour and other costs have driven many German companies to relocate parts or all of their business to cheaper locations, such as emerging European economies.

"Politics is making it anything but attractive for companies to invest in Germany," said IW economist Christian Rusche.

This has partly been affected by the fact that government funding programmes - to help companies with high energy costs, taxes or inadequate infrastructure - have been stopped repeatedly and without warning.

"If the political framework conditions remain as they are, de-industrialization could accelerate significantly," he added.

Direct investments are declining worldwide, but not in the European Union, the IW said. In the first nine months of 2023, inflows, including from Germany, jumped 120%.

Around 90 billion euros, or around two-thirds of all foreign investment by German companies, recently flowed into EU member states, primarily the Benelux countries and France.

In contrast, foreign firm hardly invested in Germany apart from "in smaller acquisitions or projects - an indication of the unfavourable location" in terms of global competition, IW said.

($1 = 0.9139 euros)

(Reporting by Rene Wagner; Writing by Miranda Murray; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
Small figurines are seen in front of displayed Tik Tok logo in this illustration taken February 11, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Ilustration/File Photo

ROME (Reuters) -Italy's competition watchdog has fined three units of social media giant TikTok 10 million euros ($10.94 million) in total for inadequate checks on content potentially harmful to young or vulnerable users, it said on Thursday.

TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, and other social media companies including Facebook and Instagram parent Meta Platforms, are under pressure from regulators around the globe to protect under-age users.

The Italian regulator referred to videos showing young people performing a practice known as the "French scar", a challenge popular among users which involves pinching cheeks to leave a lasting bruise on the cheekbone.

"We disagree with this decision", a TikTok spokesperson said in a statement on the antitrust fine, adding that the platform had "long ago restricted visibility" of French Scar videos for under 18s.

Last month, Italy's communications authority AGCOM - a separate regulator - forced TikTok to remove the videos.

The antitrust authority on Thursday said the potentially dangerous videos had also been spread through profiling algorithms.

"TikTok has not taken adequate measures to prevent the spreading of such content, and has not fully complied with the guidelines it has adopted, reassuring customers that the platform is a 'safe' space," the watchdog said.

In the United States, where it has about 170 million users, the social media app faces a ban unless its Chinese owners sell within about six months, under the terms of a draft bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday.

($1 = 0.9142 euros)

(Reporting by Giulia Segreti, Elvira Pollina, editing by Alvise Armellini and Barbara Lewis)
LONDON (Reuters) - Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel's conviction for the murder of an associate more than a decade ago was quashed on Thursday, with a London court ruling that attempts to bribe the trial jury meant the conviction was unsafe.

The musician, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, is one of Jamaica's most popular artists and has collaborated with performers such as Jay-Z and Rihanna.

Kartel, 48, has been in jail in Jamaica since 2011 over the disappearance of his associate Clive "Lizard" Williams, whose body has never been found.

After a 64-day trial in Kingston, one of the longest in Jamaican history, Kartel and three others were convicted in 2014. Kartel was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 35 years, later reduced on appeal to 32-and-a-half.

Last month, Kartel and his co-defendants mounted their final possible appeal at the Privy Council in London, the final court of appeal in Jamaica and some other Commonwealth countries.

Their lawyers argued the trial judge wrongly handled allegations that one juror offered 500,000 Jamaican dollars (around $3,200) to fellow jurors to return not guilty verdicts.

The defendants' appeals were allowed on Thursday, with Judge David Lloyd-Jones saying the trial judge's decision to allow the juror alleged to have offered bribes to continue on the jury was "fatal to the safety of the convictions".

The Privy Council sent the case back to the Court of Appeal in Jamaica to decide whether Kartel and his co-defendants should stand trial again.

(Reporting by Sam Tobin; editing by William James and Chris Reese)
FILE PHOTO: A security personnel walks near barricades on a road in Jantar Mantar as Section 144 of the CrPC is imposed in the area to stop a protest called by farmers who are marching towards New Delhi to press for the better crop prices promised to them

By Shivangi Acharya, Sakshi Dayal and Adnan Abidi

NEW DELHI (Reuters) -Thousands of farmers rode buses and trains from across India to gather on Thursday at a rally in the capital, New Delhi, pressing a demand for higher guaranteed prices for their crops, as they faced down police barricades and tough security.

The rally, days before general elections are expected to be called in an exercise that will see Prime Minister Narendra Modi seek a rare third term, comes a month after police wielding tear gas and water cannons halted a farmers' march outside New Delhi.

"Through this meeting, we want to show government authorities that we are not too far from reaching our goals," Darshan Pal, of a farmers' group, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), told news agency ANI.

"We can surround Delhi whenever we want."

There was no immediate comment from the government or Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) but they have said in the past they are committed to the welfare and prosperity of farmers, who form an influential voting bloc.

Groups of farmers listened to their leaders' speeches while intermittently chanting slogans against Modi and his government, which had stopped the Feb. 13 March at a spot about 200 km (125 miles) from New Delhi, at which the farmers camped.

Police threw up barricades, tightened security, and warned of traffic congestion in preparation for Thursday's rally at the capital's Ramlila Maidan, a popular site for gatherings.

Farmers from states such as Maharashtra in the west and Odisha in the east were undeterred by the high turnout of police and paramilitary.

"This is a one-day event meant to serve as a reminder to Modi government of their unfulfilled promises," said Narendra Singh, a farmer from the northern state of Haryana.

Farmers say the Modi government had committed in 2021 to set up a panel to find ways of ensuring support prices for all produce but had been going slow on it.

They also want the government to honour a promise to double their incomes and act against a federal minister whose son was arrested during similar protests in 2021 after being accused of running over and killing four protesters.

CONCESSION BEFORE ELECTIONS

"Our main demand is a legally guaranteed minimum support price," said 39-year-old Utpal Biswas, from the eastern state of West Bengal. "Today's protest is supposed to last for a day but we will see how it progresses."

With the elections due by May, allowing the farmers to gather in the capital, even though under strict conditions meant to ensure public order, is seen as a concession from the government which has blocked them outside the city in the past.

"Today is an important day because the government has finally come under pressure from farmers and farmer groups," Jairam Ramesh, a spokesperson of the main opposition Congress party, told ANI.

"In the end, they have got permission for a gathering (in Delhi)."

Farmers say at least one protester has died in clashes with police over the last month and dozens more have been injured.

Modi suffered his biggest political defeat two years ago, when a similar year-long protest forced him to repeal some farm reforms.

(Editing by YP Rajesh and Clarence Fernandez)
Esther Joseph, a clothes vendor whose daughter was kidnapped from her school in 2021 and released with ransom, makes a selection of her wares in her home before going to the market in Kaduna, Nigeria, March 12, 2024. REUTERS/Abraham Achirga/File Photo

By Garba Mohammad, Abraham Achirga and Giulia Paravicini

KADUNA, Nigeria (Reuters) -Esther Joseph said she went "almost mad" with anguish when her 13-year-old daughter Precious Sim was kidnapped from a northern Nigeria high school along with other students on July 5, 2021.

In the following days, she tried to go after the kidnappers in the surrounding forest, but army soldiers - alerted by fellow community members - caught up with her and brought her back.

In the end, she sold her meagre possessions - including pots, fans and a television set - and enlisted the help of her brothers and in-laws, as well as local church members, to pay a ransom of 2 million naira ($1,256) and secure her daughter's release.

Precious, kidnapped from the Bethel Baptist High School of Maraban Damish in Kaduna State, came home after one month in captivity, Joseph told Reuters.

The 51-year-old street hawker said that she has not fully recovered yet from the ordeal, and her daughter still suffers from panic attacks.

"Sometimes she gets agitated when you turn the light on. She jerks up in her sleep and runs to hold me. Heavy sounds scare her," she said in an interview in the town of Kaduna, northwestern Nigeria.

Kidnappings at schools in Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, were first carried out by jihadist group Boko Haram, which seized 276 students from a girls' school in Chibok in Borno State a decade ago. Some of the girls have never been released.

But the tactic has since been adopted by criminal gangs without ideological affiliation seeking ransom payments, with authorities seemingly powerless to stop them.

With Nigeria's economy and poverty levels worsening, abductions have become an almost daily occurrence in recent years.

On March 7, 286 students - some as young as eight - and school staff were kidnapped by gunmen in Kuriga, a town in Kaduna State. Local authorities told Reuters on Wednesday that the captors demanded a total ransom of 1 billion naira, or just over $620,000, for their release. On Monday night, around 60 people were abducted in Buda, in the same state, residents said - bringing the total of those kidnapped across the country in the first two weeks of March to nearly 750, according to Amnesty International.

"Kidnapping for ransom has eclipsed other motivations for abductions, especially political reasons," research firm SBM Intelligence said in a July 2023 report.

Speaking about last week's mass kidnapping in Kuriga, Information Minister Mohammed Idris said on Wednesday that the government position was that security forces should secure the hostages' release without "a dime" paid for ransom. Paying to free hostages has been a crime in Nigeria since 2022 and carries a jail sentence of at least 15 years.

The kidnappings are tearing apart families and communities who have to pool their savings to pay the ransoms, often forcing parents to sell their most prized possessions like land, cattle and grain to secure their children's release.

While Precious returned to school and is now studying international relations in her first year of university, many other kidnapping victims drop out after being released, fearing they might be abducted again.

At least 10.5 million children are out of school in Nigeria, the highest number in the world, according to the U.N. children's agency UNICEF. That is due to insecurity, including abductions and a long-running insurgency in the northeast.

Kidnappings are "a major driver of withdrawal of children from schools in northern Nigeria," said Isa Sanusi, director at Amnesty International in Nigeria.

"No parent wants to go through the horror of having children abducted by ruthless gunmen... On and off, schools are closed due to security concerns and the children end up missing out on education. Because girls are usually raped when abducted, many girls have been withdrawn from schools and married off at an early age."

GUNMEN ON MOTORBIKES

SBM Intelligence estimates that 7,000 people have been kidnapped throughout Nigeria since President Bola Tinubu took office in May.

Successive Nigerian governments have deployed soldiers and bombed suspected hideouts used by armed groups, mainly in Kaduna, Zamfara and Katsina states.

But that has not stopped the kidnappings. Gunmen on motorbikes control large swathes of land. Schools in remote rural areas, often unfenced and with minimal, if any, security, are an easy target.

Sanusi said that it was difficult to get accurate figures for school kidnappings. He said that, according to Amnesty's findings, more than 780 children were abducted for ransom in 2021 alone. And as of 2022, more than 700 schools were closed in seven of Nigeria's 36 states.

"Some schools have reopened, while others remain indefinitely closed," Sanusi said.

Emmanuel Audu-Bature, a member of a vigilante group, remembered going to the bush with another vigilante to bring the ransom for his brother-in-law Treasure, 12, to his kidnappers.

"He was the only one left to be released and we had to take the ransom to the forest. In the process we were also kidnapped. After a week they released us, after we too paid a ransom," he said.

Treasure came back home a year later, he said. "We had already given up (hope). But there was this night when my mother-in-law called me and told me: 'Treasure is back'."

($1 = 1,592.9100 naira)

(Reporting by Garba Mohammad and Abraham Achirga in Kaduna, Giulia Paravicini in Nairobi; writing by Silvia Aloisi; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
An AG600M prototype conducts tests in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, in January, to examine its cold resistance. YAO XUDONG/FOR CHINA DAILY

The AG600M, the fire-extinguishing variant of China's AG600 seaplane, is scheduled to gain its type certification this year, according to Aviation Industry Corp of China, the nation's leading aircraft maker.

The State-owned conglomerate said that passing the type certification is the major task for the AG600M project team, and engineers have been working to meet the schedule.

Type certification refers to a set of procedures overseen by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, and is one of the crucial stages any civilian aircraft needs to go through to make sure its design and performance meet related requirements.

After receiving type certification, civilian aircraft also need to gain production certification and airworthiness certification.

So far, four AG600M prototypes have been used in test flights and have carried out fire-extinguishing trial operations in typical blaze scenarios.

In January, two prototypes conducted test flights in an extremely cold environment.

The tests took place at Hulunbuir Hailar Airport in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region and verified the AG600M's capability and performance in freezing temperatures ranging from -20 C to -40 C. The test crew also checked procedures for operations in cold weather, AVIC said.

The company said that in the coming months, the AG600M project team will carry out a series of test flights across the country to meet its schedule of qualifying the aircraft for the type certification before the end of this year.

After the airworthiness certification work, initial deliveries are expected to start before 2025, according to AVIC.

The AG600M model performed its first land-based test flight in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, in May 2022. It carried out its first water-based test flight in Jingmen, Hubei province, in August that year.

It has a maximum takeoff weight of 60 metric tons. In a typical firefighting operation, it will collect 12 tons of water from a lake or sea, which should take less than 20 seconds, and use it to douse fires over an area of about 4,000 square meters, designers said, adding that the plane has a flight range of up to 4,500 kilometers.

The AG600 is China's second amphibious aircraft model after the SH-5, which was developed in the 1970s for military purposes and has long been retired from service.

It is one of three large-size aircraft to emerge from the nation's ambitious effort to become a top-tier player in the global aviation industry, joining the Y-20 strategic transport plane and the C919 narrow-body jetliner. Both the Y-20 and C919 have been in active service.

Tens of thousands of researchers and engineers from nearly 200 domestic institutes, universities and enterprises took part in the design and production work of the plane.

With a length of 37 meters and a wingspan of 38.8 meters, the AG600 is roughly the size of a Boeing 737. It is the world's biggest amphibious aircraft, surpassing Japan's ShinMaywa US-2 and Russia's Beriev Be-200.

The aircraft is designed for both ground and water-based takeoffs and landings. It is capable of rescuing 50 people during a maritime rescue mission, designers said.

Editor: JYZ
FILE PHOTO: A Palestinian worker stands next to boxes of aid stained with blood, at an UNRWA aid distribution center following an Israeli strike, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip March 13, 2024. REUT

By Nette Noestlinger and Gabriela Baczynska

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union's top humanitarian aid official said on Thursday he had seen no evidence from Israel to back its accusations against staff from the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA), which should continue playing a "critical" role in Gaza.

UNRWA, which provides aid and services to Palestinian refugees in Gaza and across the region, has been in crisis since Israel accused a dozen of its staff of involvement in the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks against Israel.

The allegations prompted UNRWA's biggest donor, the United States, and some others to pause funding, putting the agency's future in doubt.

The head of UNRWA earlier this month expressed cautious optimism that some donors would soon return, though U.S. officials said Washington's pause in funding might become permanent due to opposition in Congress.

The EU's executive Commission is a leading UNRWA donor after the United States. It said on March 1 it would pay 50 million euros to the agency, but hold back 32 million euros while it deals with the Israeli allegations.

Janez Lenarcic, the head of humanitarian aid and crisis management at the European Commission, said that neither he nor - according to his knowledge - anybody else at the EU executive, or any other UNRWA donor had been presented with evidence by Israel.

"Even if those allegations, at the end of the day, prove to be true, that doesn't mean that UNRWA is the perpetrator," he told journalists.

In that case, Lenarcic said individual accountability would be in order rather than summary justice - and the "irreplaceable" agency would be asked to clean up and carry on.

"UNRWA has reacted properly, immediately, effectively. It took several measures. There is an investigation. There is a review. We are satisfied so far with all this," said Lenarcic.

"UNRWA has of course a critical role to play here because it has unmatched infrastructure, warehouses, shelters, logistical capacities."

Israel unleashed a war against Hamas in response to the October attack during which fighters killed 1,200 people and captured more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Gaza health officials said on Thursday that more than 100,000 Palestinian had been killed or wounded since Israel launched its military offensive on the enclave.

The conflict in the Middle East exposed divisions in the European Union between countries including Ireland, Spain and Belgium whose governments have been more sympathetic towards the Palestinians, and those of Germany and Hungary who have sided more with Israel.

(Writing by Gabriela Baczynska; Editing by Toby Chopra)
A model of petrol pump and a rising stock graph are seen in this illustration taken January 15, 2024. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/file photo

By Arathy Somasekhar

HOUSTON (Reuters) -Oil prices rose on Thursday to settle at four-month highs as the International Energy Agency predicted a tighter market in 2024 and raised its view on oil demand growth this year.

Brent crude oil futures for May climbed $1.39, or 1.7%, to settle at $85.42 a barrel, the highest close since Nov. 6.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for April rose $1.54, or 1.9%, to end at $81.26, also its highest since early November.

Both benchmarks had chalked up gains close to 3% on Wednesday.

The IEA raised its view on 2024 oil demand growth for a fourth time since November as Houthi attacks disrupt Red Sea shipping but warned that "the global economic slowdown acts as an additional headwind to oil use".

The energy watchdog forecast demand will rise by 1.3 million barrels per day in 2024, up 110,000 bpd from last month, but still lower than growth of 2.3 million bpd last year.

The IEA also cut its 2024 supply forecast and now expects oil supply to rise by 800,000 bpd to 102.9 million bpd this year.

"Demand is staying high, while supplies are getting tighter, particularly on the fuel side. The refining margins are also very strong and a positive for crude demand," said Dennis Kissler, senior vice president of trading at BOK Financial.

The 3-2-1 crack spread, a proxy for refining margins, rose to their highest since mid-September on Wednesday, incentivising more crude processing.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refining facilities continued for a second day on Wednesday, targeting four large oil refineries.

Russia's energy ministry said Russia's seaborne fuel exports fell 1.5% from the previous month in February because of refinery downtime stemming from Ukrainian drone attacks and fires.

The damage to refineries could cut Russian gasoline production by more than 10%, said Kissler.

Meanwhile in the U.S., crude and gasoline inventories plunged last week, government data showed on Wednesday, with sharply higher pump prices expected in the coming weeks as major refinery outages have cut supplies ahead of the summer driving season.

U.S. producer prices rose 0.6% in February, partly because gasoline prices increased by more than forecasts for a 0.3% advance.

Traders now see a 63.5% chance of the Federal Reserve cutting rates in June, according to the CME FedWatch tool, down from 67% prior to the data. Lower interest rates cut consumer borrowing costs, which can boost economic growth and demand for oil.

Near-term growth in global oil and liquids production will be driven primarily by the United States, Guyana, Canada and Brazil, offsetting voluntary production cuts by OPEC+, the U.S. Energy Information Agency forecast on Thursday.

(Reporting by Arathy Somasekhar ion Houston, Robert Harvey in London, Andrew Hayley in Beijing and Trixie Yap in SingaporeEditing by Marguerita Choy, Susan Fenton and Lisa Shumaker)
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas appoints Mohammad Mustafa as prime minister of the Palestinian Authority (PA), in Ramallah, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank March 14, 2024 in this handout image. Palestinian president office/Handout via REUTERS

(Reuters) -Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas named Mohammad Mustafa, an ally and leading business figure as prime minister with a mandate to help reform the Palestinian Authority (PA), the state-run WAFA news agency said on Thursday.

Mustafa's appointment comes after mounting pressure to overhaul and revitalize the governing body of the occupied Palestinian territories and improve its governance in the occupied West Bank where it is based.

As president, Abbas remains by far the most powerful figure in the Palestinian Authority, but the appointment of a new government was a demonstration of his willingness to meet international demands for change in the administration.

Mustafa, who helped organize the reconstruction of Gaza following a previous conflict, was assigned to lead the relief and rebuilding of the area, which has been shattered by more than five months of war, and reform Palestinian Authority institutions, WAFA added.

Mustafa replaces former Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh who, along with his government, resigned in February.

The Palestinian Authority, set up three decades ago under the interim peace agreement known as the Oslo Accords, exercises limited governance over parts of the occupied West Bank, which Palestinians want as the core of a future independent state.

But it may also play a key role in administering Gaza once fighting ends even though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed strong opposition to its involvement in running the enclave.

The PA, controlled by Abbas' Fatah political faction, has long had a strained relationship with Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs Gaza, and the two factions fought a brief war before Fatah was expelled from the territory in 2007.

However it has repeatedly condemned the Israeli invasion of the Strip, following the Hamas-led assault on Israel on Oct. 7, and it has insisted it must play a role in running Gaza after the war.

(Reporting By Ali Sawafta; Editing by Chris Reese and Cynthia Osterman)
FILE PHOTO: Informal miners protest in front of the Ministry of Energy and Mines to demand the repeal of the law that prevents their formalization, in Lima, Peru, March 12, 2024. REUTERS/Sebastian Castaneda/File Photo

By Marco Aquino

LIMA (Reuters) -Peru's Congress has knocked down legislation that threatened to shut down thousands of small-scale mine operations, a move that comes after days of fierce protests from artisanal miners in the major gold producer and global No. 2 copper producing nation.

In a plenary session on Wednesday night, the legislature annulled a government measure applied late last year that set a March 21 deadline for small-scale miners to present a valid mining contract or mining concession, otherwise they would be removed from a national program to formalize small mining operations.

Peru has for years been trying to formalize small-scale gold miners, amid growing international pressure to shed light on the supply chain of the precious metal in South America's top producer. Tensions with big copper miners had also been rising.

The legislation had also granted police more powers to act against small artisanal mines where there was evidence of illegal possession of explosives, amid reports by authorities of clashes and attacks by illegal miners that have left more than twenty people dead in the last two years.

Victor Gobitz, president of the SNMPE union of formal private miners, said the ruling was a "disastrous spur of the moment decision" which he said would encourage mining crimes. He called on the government to "take note."

Small-scale gold miners in Peru often operate unlawfully or with little oversight. They have been spreading into copper also as prices of the red metal have climbed.

Peru produced 99.7 million fine grams of gold in 2023, 2.8% higher than the previous year. Artisan mines extract around 40% of the mineral, according to the government, while industry representatives claim that figure stands at 50%.

"If this law is not repealed, we will go on strike and protest indefinitely," Maximo Becker, president of the National Confederation of Small Miners and Artisanal Miners of Peru (Confemin), told Reuters this week at a protest.

The leader said that his union groups some 500,000 small-scale miners in the country, while about 85,000 are registered for the formalization program, known as REINFO.

"REINFO has failed," said Gobitz, arguing the program helped many small miners to formalize but also allowed illegal miners to invade formal concessions.

Gobitz is also chief executive of Antamina mining, Peru's second-largest copper producer controlled by Glencore, BHP, Teck and Japan's Mitsubishi.

Mining is key to Peru's economy, with 60% of the Andean nation's exports coming from the mining sector, mostly copper.

(Reporting by Marco Aquino; Writing by Steven GrattanEditing by Marguerita Choy)
FILE PHOTO: A paramedic walks onboard as passengers look on, after an incident on a LATAM Airlines Boeing 787, in Auckland, New Zealand, March 11, 2024, in this picture obtained from social media. Brian Adam Jokat/via REUTERS/File Photo

(Reuters) -The movement of a flight deck seat is a key focus of the probe into a sudden mid-air dive by a LATAM Airlines Boeing 787 plane that left more than 50 people injured, aviation industry publication the Air Current reported on Wednesday.

The plane, which was heading from Sydney to Auckland on Monday, dropped abruptly before stabilizing, causing those on board to be thrown about the cabin.

Based on the available information it was understood the seat movement was "pilot induced, not intentionally," the report said, citing a senior airline safety official.

"The seat movement caused the nose down" angle of the aircraft, the publication said, citing another anonymous source who added the possibility of an electrical short was also under review.

Boeing is expected to release a message to 787 operators regarding the incident, the Air Current reported, in a sign a fleet-wide issue could be involved though it said the specific topic was not known to the publication.

Boeing declined to comment on the report, instead referring Reuters to the investigating agencies.

Chile's aviation regulator, which is leading the probe given it involves a Chilean airline flying in international airspace, said the investigation "just got underway" and its investigators had arrived in New Zealand.

LATAM said it "continues to work in coordination with the authorities to support the investigation" and said it was not appropriate to comment on speculation that has circulated.

LATAM is based in Chile and the flight, which had 263 passengers and nine crew members, was due to continue on to Santiago after stopping in Auckland.

The cause of the flight's apparent sudden change in trajectory has not yet been explained. Safety experts say most airplane accidents are caused by a cocktail of factors that need to be thoroughly investigated.

New Zealand's Transport Accident Investigation Commission said on Tuesday it was seizing the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder of the flight, which would provide information about the conversations between the pilots and the plane's movement.

(Reporting by Chandni Shah and Mrinmay Dey in Bengaluru; additional reporting by Natalia Ramos in Santiago; Editing by Jamie Freed)
WARSAW (Reuters) -Polish opposition party Law and Justice (PiS) has asked the top court to declare laws allowing a parliamentary committee to summon the central bank chief for hearings unconstitutional in a bid to block a probe planned by the ruling coalition.

Lawmakers from Prime Minister Donald Tusk's coalition are planning to submit a preliminary motion to put central bank chief Adam Glapinski before a state tribunal by the end of the month. The motion would be dealt with by the constitutional responsibility committee in the parliament and Glapinski could be summoned for hearings.

Glapinski, whose ties to the leader of Law and Justice, the former ruling party, go back decades, has been accused by Tusk's government of not being sufficiently independent.

A motion to the Constitutional Court concerning a procedure at the committee was submitted on March 6, Krzysztof Szczucki, a PiS lawmaker who sits on the committee, told Reuters on Thursday.

"The central bank governor does not respond to the parliament, so the initial proceedings should not be held before the constitutional responsibility committee, it should be a body that would not infringe his independence," Szczucki said.

"The goal is for the process to follow the rules, but we expect it will attempt to harass the central bank governor."

The government has vowed to ensure that those it accuses of wrongdoing during the rule of the previous nationalist administration will be brought to account. It has launched sweeping changes in state media and restore the constitutional court independence.

"The tribunal is so contaminated with lawlessness that it is unable to fulfill its constitutional role, Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz, a lawmaker from Tusk's Civic Coalition party and a member of the constitutional responsibility committee told Reuters.

She did not give a date when the motion to probe Glapinski would be ready."We approach this with a great responsibility, we're conducting analyses, I'm not able to give a specific date when the motion will be ready."

(Reporting by Marek Strzelecki; Editing by Leslie Adler and Alistair Bell)
FILE PHOTO: Fishing boats are moored down the coast from the Paraguana Refining Center (CRP). Picture taken October 2, 2021. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/File Photo

PUNTO FIJO, Venezuela (Reuters) - A power blackout forced Venezuela's largest refining complex, the 955,000-barrel-per-day (bpd) Paraguana Refining Center, to shut down on Thursday, five sources close to its operations said.

Power outages frequently hit Venezuela's aging refineries and oil terminals, suspending the OPEC country's crude processing and exports and causing domestic fuel scarcity.

"There was an electrical problem, which even left the city without power," one of the sources said.

Technicians from state company PDVSA, which operates the complex, were called to a meeting to coordinate action, another source said.

Crude processing from four distillation units at Paraguana, located on the country's west coast and essential for domestic fuel supply, was at about 200,000 bpd before the blackout, according to another source.

A smaller refinery, the 187,000-bpd Puerto la Cruz, remained in service on Thursday, while most plants at the 146,000-bpd El Palito are halted due to planned maintenance.

(Reporting by Mircely Guanipa and Deisy Buitrago, Editing by Marianna Parraga and Nia Williams)
By Jan Lopatka

(Reuters) - Slovakia's new government led by populist Robert Fico launched a planned revamp of public broadcaster RTVS on Thursday in a bid to bring it under direct state control, raising alarm at the television and radio station as well as with EU media.

The proposal, introduced at a press conference and to be sent to parliament for its approval, is the latest step by Fico's government to tighten control over the EU and NATO member country.

It has already dismantled a prosecution office that battled high crime, replaced heads of the police and secret service, and turned foreign policy away from its previous staunch support of Ukraine.

Fico has long railed against critical media and has refused to answer questions from several independent outlets since taking office.

Accusing RTVS of bias in favour of the liberal opposition, Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova said mainstream media including RTVS failed to allow different opinions. The aim of the legislation was to strengthen public service broadcasting, she said.

"For a long time, only one and the same opinion is allowed in mainstream media on topics such as COVID or Ukraine," Simkovicova told the briefing broadcast on television.

"It is not all right that certain opinions are being censored in the public medium."

The proposed law would replace the current RTVS board with members appointed by parliament and the government. A new director could be removed at any time by the board, and not by parliament as in the past.

"This appears to be a thinly veiled attempt to turn the Slovak public service broadcaster into state-controlled media," Director General Noel Curran of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), a group of public media, said in a statement.

"That would be a dangerous step backwards for democracy and for freedom of expression."

The EBU said the proposal went directly against recommendations in last year's EU rule of law report to strengthen independence of the media.

The EBU and public Czech Television in neighbouring Czech Republic both said it went against the EU's forthcoming European Media Freedom Act, especially with the ease in which the director could be dismissed.

RTVS director Lubos Machaj has called the plan a power grab.

"The law has, in my view, a single aim: to seize an independent public medium and subject it to government power," he said this week.

Government officials fended off the criticism, saying the proposal was aimed at ensuring balanced broadcasts and that the law respected the European Media Freedom Act.

(Reporting by Jan Lopatka in Prague; Editing by Nick Macfie)
By Joan Faus

BARCELONA (Reuters) -Spain's lower house of parliament on Thursday approved an amnesty bill for Catalan separatists, clearing a major hurdle for a law set to define Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's second term - and one that has led to protests and annoyed judges.

The approval, by 178-172 votes, is good news for Sanchez after several political setbacks including a COVID face-mask scandal in recent weeks.

The legislation must still be cleared by the conservative-dominated Senate and the conservative People's Party has said it will try to block it.

But any upper house veto could later be overridden by the lower house in a final vote around May or June.

The socialist-led minority coalition government hopes that securing consensus on the controversial bill will help cement its alliance with the small parties it relies on to get legislation passed.

Nonetheless, it decided on Wednesday not to send an already delayed 2024 budget bill to parliament after Catalonia unexpectedly called an election for May 12, amid fears the regional political dispute that prompted that move could spill over to the national congress and hurt its own support.

"We are seeking to end the era of confrontation and open a new era of reconciliation," said socialist lawmaker Patxi Lopez during a heated parliamentary debate.

People's Party leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo said the bill only showed Sanchez's weakness and his "submission" to separatists' demands. The conservatives have argued the socialists' actions imperil the rule of law.

In January, in a humiliating defeat for the socialists, Junts - the Catalan party that sought the amnesty bill in return for backing Sanchez's new term last year - voted against it because it could not guarantee certain separatists, including self-exiled leader Carles Puigdemont, would be covered by it.

"The amnesty responds to a goal... to overcome an erroneous period of judicial and police repression of a political movement," Puigdemont wrote on social media platform X after the vote, underscoring that it was "not an end point" to Catalonia's independence ambitions.

Under a fresh deal reached last week after protracted talks between the socialists, Junts and Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya party, a probe of separatists including Puigdemont over alleged terrorism for leading an activist group that staged a 2019 raid on Barcelona airport is sidestepped.

The bill uses a broader European definition of terrorism with the intention of ensuring those involved can still be covered by the amnesty even if found guilty in Spain.

Junts and some socialists say the prosecution is being led by conservative judges seeking to block the amnesty and spoil an improved relationship between the national government and Catalonia.

The bill's latest version defines terrorism by a 2017 EU directive, meaning it would have to have caused serious human rights violations, something that does not appear to have happened in the case facing Puigdemont.

Junts' officials say it should benefit an additional 150-200 people, and 1,500 people overall, depending on judges' interpretations.

The bill will cover all events related to Catalonia's separatist drive from 2011, including an independence referendum in 2017 which was declared illegal by courts.

(Reporting by Joan Faus; Editing by Aislinn Laing, Hugh Lawson and Andrei Khalip)
FILE PHOTO: Swiss President Viola Amherd, seen here when she was Federal Councillor during a state visit in Bern, Switzerland, November 15, 2023. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo

ZURICH (Reuters) - Swiss President Viola Amherd will meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on Monday to discuss the opening of talks to update the bilateral relationship between Switzerland and the bloc, the Swiss government said.

Switzerland has said unrestricted access to the EU marketplace is the cornerstone of the overhaul, which aims to modernize accords on the single market, and seal new sectoral agreements in areas including electricity and food safety.

In a statement, the Swiss government said Russia's war against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, as well as the commitment of Switzerland and the EU to peace and security would also form part of the talks on Monday.

(Writing by Dave Graham; Editing by Noele Illien)
This photo taken by Zhou Longshan on July 19, 2023 shows egrets at Baiyangdian Lake in Xiong'an New Area, north China's Hebei Province. (Photo by Zhou Longshan/Xinhua)

SHIJIAZHUANG, March 13 (Xinhua) -- When Zhou Longshan started filming birds 10 years ago at Baiyangdian Lake, a major wetland in northern China, he just wanted to record his favorite species -- egrets.

Then things snowballed. In the following years, the teacher became a bird watcher, a volunteer ranger at the lake, a shutterbug documenting over 110 bird species, and an educator popularizing bird-related knowledge among students.

"Sharing bird-protection knowledge with children can make them feel the beauty of their hometown and the importance of birds, and help them cultivate the habit of protecting birds from an early age," he said.

Zhou, 60, is a native of Xixiangyang Village, Anxin County, in the Xiong'an New Area of north China's Hebei Province.

Growing up in the village, a five-minute bike ride from Baiyangdian Lake, he has fond childhood memories associated with the wetland.

"When I was a child, the water in Baiyangdian was limpid. The fish and aquatic plants in the water could be seen clearly. And there were many lotus flowers as well as lotus roots," he said. "I often caught fish with my friends, rowed boats and drank the lake water when I was thirsty."

Between the 1960s and 1980s, however, Baiyangdian suffered severely from industrial pollution. Chemicals carried by sewage poisoned the water and lake beds, decimating the aquatic life. In the 1990s, the lake nearly dried up due to climate change.

When Zhou became a teacher at Xixiangyang Primary School in the 1990s, the stink from the lake could sometimes be smelled from his village. "The lake became stinking, the population and species of fish and birds decreased, and the locals were unwilling to go near the lake," he recalled.

Then, efforts were made to turn the tide and restore the lake to its former state of health. Since the Xiong'an New Area was established in 2017, Baiyangdian's rehabilitation and protection activities have improved greatly.

The local authorities took a series of measures to cope with the situation, such as pollution control, ecological water replenishment and ecological restoration, according to the ecology and environment bureau of the Xiong'an New Area.

Over time, Zhou's interest in birds continued to grow. In 2021, he was appointed as a bird observer by the natural resources bureau of Anxin County, responsible for conducting regular patrols and popularizing bird-related knowledge.

To monitor birds, Zhou would ride a bike to Baiyangdian almost every day before dawn, whatever the weather. He would record the birds appearing at the lake, along with their locations, where they fed and when they migrated, thus providing reference data for staff members of the natural resources bureau of Anxin County.

Although Zhou takes delight in the role, there are still many challenges. Sometimes, he has to navigate earth embankments on his bike. One summer day in 2021, he fell into a ditch with water more than a meter deep, resulting in water damage to his cellphone.

However, these difficult episodes have not undermined Zhou's love of birds. Over the years, he has taken more than 100,000 pictures recording the birds at Baiyangdian.

During his spare time, he reads books on China's birds, discusses with other bird enthusiasts and university professors, and updates his WeChat official account to introduce Baiyangdian to a wider audience.

According to the bureau of natural resources and planning of Xiong'an New Area, as of the end of February, 276 wild bird species have been spotted at Baiyangdian Lake, an increase of 70 since the establishment of the new area.

Tian Yongchang, who works at the natural resources bureau of Anxin County, said that nine avian habitats have been designated in the wetland to better protect the birds. Signs have also been erected and an intelligent habitat-monitoring system has been installed.

A mode of management that incorporates government departments, non-governmental associations and volunteers has also been adopted to mobilize more people to participate in bird-protection work, Tian said.

In 2018, Baer's pochards, a species under first-class national protection, were spotted at Baiyangdian for the first time. And in July 2022, the birds were observed brooding at the lake for the first time, meaning it has become a breeding area for the species.

"The birds at Baiyangdian are not only increasing in terms of population but also in terms of species. The appearance of rare birds signifies that the diversity and stability of Baiyangdian's ecosystem have been improved significantly," Tian said.

Additionally, since the establishment of the new area, the water quality in Baiyangdian has improved from Level V -- the lowest in China's five-tier water assessment system -- to Level III.

These days, Zhou's schedule is growing busier. In addition to his regular patrols near the lake, he is sometimes invited to local schools to give lectures, keeping students informed about birds and how to protect them.

Under his influence, his two grandsons have also developed a great interest in birds. On weekends, after finishing their homework, they watch birds with Zhou, and his elder grandson has become a keen amateur photographer.

Zhou will retire in April. "I will continue patrolling the lake and photographing the birds, to contribute to the protection of birds in my hometown," he said. 

This photo taken by Zhou Longshan on June 8, 2023 shows Baer's pochards at Baiyangdian Lake in Xiong'an New Area, north China's Hebei Province. (Photo by Zhou Longshan/Xinhua)

Editor: JYZ
FILE PHOTO: Chinese and Taiwanese flags are seen in this illustration, August 6, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan dispatched coast guard boats on Thursday to join a rescue mission at China's request after a fishing vessel capsized near the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen islands, amid heightened tension in the sensitive Taiwan Strait.

China claims democratically-governed Taiwan as its own territory, over the island's strong objections, and has stepped up military activities near it in recent years, with almost daily incursions into air defence identification zones.

Authorities on both sides sent the rescue boats after a Chinese fishing vessel capsized in the early hours, Taiwan's coast guard said in a statement, adding that two people were missing, though two had been rescued and two bodies retrieved.

Coast guard chief Chou Mei-wu told a parliamentary committee the boats were sent after Chinese authorities sought help, adding that such requests were common, with 119 people rescued in such efforts over the past three years or so.

"The waters are narrow around the Kinmen-Xiamen (area) and co-operation between Taiwan and China is very important," he said, referring to the neighbours' cities that face each other across the strait.

Taiwan sent four coast guard vessels and its Chinese counterpart six to participate in the rescue effort, the coast guard said.

Last month, China's coast guard began regular patrols around the Kinmen islands close to its coast, after two Chinese nationals died while trying to flee Taiwan's coast guard after their boat entered prohibited waters.

The Chinese fishing boat capsized about 1.07 nautical miles west of Taiwan's Dongding island, the coast guard said, with armed forces stationed there also engaging in the rescue, but did not elaborate.

In a statement, Taiwan's Kinmen defense command said it had not received any request from Chinese authorities to search the island, but added that any survivors found would be handed to the coast guard.

Last week, Taiwan's top China policy-making body urged its giant neighbour not to change the "status quo" around the waters there by sending coast guard boats into restricted areas, saying tension should be "controllable".

(Reporting by Yimou Lee; Editing by Stephen Coates and Clarence Fernandez)
FILE PHOTO: An aerial view of former U.S. President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home after Trump said that FBI agents raided it, in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. August 15, 2022. REUTERS/Marco Bello/File Photo

By Andrew Goudsward and Andy Sullivan

FORT PIERCE, Florida (Reuters) - A federal judge on Thursday denied former U.S. President Donald Trump's request to dismiss a criminal case that charges him with illegally holding onto classified documents after leaving the White House.

The ruling by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon in Florida came just hours after a hearing in which his lawyers argued that the central charge in the case is improperly vague.

Cannon, who was appointed to her post by Trump, ruled that question "warrants serious consideration" but should not be decided at this point.

Trump, the Republican challenger to President Joe Biden in the November election, has pleaded not guilty to a 40-count indictment that accuses him of illegally taking sensitive government documents with him when he left the White House in 2021.

It is one of four criminal cases he faces as he tries to win back the White House.

At the hearing, Cannon also indicated she was unlikely to agree to a separate request by Trump to dismiss the case on the grounds he had deemed the documents to be "personal" rather than government property. That issue could be addressed during the trial, she said.

"It's difficult to see how this gets you to dismissal of the indictment," she told Trump's lawyers.

Trump has filed a flurry of legal motions in his four criminal cases before the election. If he were to win back the presidency, he would have the power to end the two federal cases against him, though he would not be able to stop the two cases brought under state law.

In this case, Trump's lawyers have made five other arguments for dismissal, which could be considered in future hearings that have not yet been scheduled.

The timing of a trial is uncertain. U.S. Special Prosecutor Jack Smith has sought a July start, while Trump suggested August even as he argued a trial should not happen before the election.

Trump's legal maneuvering has yielded some successes in other cases as well.

A federal case that accuses him of illegally trying to overturn his 2020 election loss to Biden is on hold as the Supreme Court considers his argument that he cannot be prosecuted for actions taken as president.

An election subversion case in Georgia state court has been thrown into limbo as a judge considers whether to remove the lead prosecutor for having a romantic relationship with a subordinate.

Trump's trial in the fourth case in New York state, involving hush money paid to a porn star, was due to start on March 25 but could also be delayed.

(This story has been refiled to say Thursday, not Friday, in paragraph 1)

(Reporting by Andrew Goudsward in Fort Pierce, Florida, and Andy Sullivan in Washington; Editing by Scott Malone, Will Dunham, Jonathan Oatis and Daniel Wallis)
ANKARA/BAGHDAD (Reuters) -Senior Turkish and Iraqi officials held high-level talks in Baghdad on Thursday to discuss security issues including potential measures against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in Iraq, an Iraqi foreign ministry statement said after the meeting.

Ties between the neighbours have been rocky in recent years as Ankara has ramped up cross-border operations against PKK militants based in northern Iraq's mountainous regions. Iraq has said the operations violate its sovereignty, but Ankara says it must protect itself and has warned of new incursions.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defence Minister Yasar Guler and intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin met with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and top security officials, the statement said.

Turkey welcomed the Iraqi National Security Council's decision to consider the PKK a "banned organization in Iraq", the foreign ministry statement added.

The two sides also discussed preparations for a planned visit by President Tayyip Erdogan to Baghdad, which is expected "after the holy month of Ramadan", said the statement.

Earlier on Thursday a Turkish defence ministry official told reporters Turkish and Iraqi officials would discuss "developing a common understanding on the fight against terrorism."

The Turkish defence ministry official also said officials from the Turkish army held talks with Iraqi counterparts over the weekend to discuss "measures to increase security of the civilians" in the region where Turkey is conducting operations.

The PKK, designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union, took up arms against the Turkish state in 1984. More than 40,000 people have been killed in the insurgency.

The conflict was long fought mainly in rural areas of southeastern Turkey but is now more focused on the mountains of northern Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.

Turkey has, since 2019, conducted a series of cross-border operations in northern Iraq against the PKK, dubbed "Claw".

(Reporting by Huseyin Hayatsever in Ankara and Ahmed Rasheed in Baghdad; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Nia Williams)
(Reuters) - Russia's staging of elections in occupied territories of Ukraine is illegal and void, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday, urging international partners not to recognise the results.

President Vladimir Putin, who launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine two years ago, is set to win a new six-year term in the March 15-17 vote. This would enable him to overtake Josef Stalin to become Russia's longest-serving leader.

Kyiv's foreign ministry said the electoral campaign in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, all partially controlled by Russia, as well as Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, was another demonstration of Moscow's "continued flagrant disregard for international law norms and principles".

It added in a statement: "Forcing millions of Ukrainian citizens who live in temporarily occupied territories or who have been forcibly transferred to Russian Federation territory to participate in the so-called 'elections' is equally illegal."

The ministry called on Ukrainians remaining in occupied territories not to participate in the vote.

(Reporting by Yuliia Dysa; editing by Alison Williams and Mark Heinrich)
A view of the street from the broken window of the city administration building, which, according to local authorities, was damaged by a Ukrainian drone attack, in Belgorod, Russia March 12, 2024. Mayor of Belgorod City Valentin Demidov via Telegram/Hando

(Reuters) -A senior Ukrainian intelligence official said on Thursday that armed groups he described as Russians opposed to the Kremlin were pressing an incursion into Russian territory and had turned two border regions into "active combat zones".

But the governor of one of the Russian regions hit by the attacks said, after a visit to villages in an area, that hostile troops were no longer there.

Three Ukraine-based groups issued statements saying they were pursuing armed operations in Belgorod and Kursk regions and asking residents to evacuate localities for their own safety.

"Kursk and Belgorod regions are now an area of active combat actions. This is what we confirm," Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for the GUR intelligence directorate, told national television.

"And as stated by the volunteers and rebels, we are talking about Russian citizens who, having no other options, are defending their civil right with arms against the Putin regime."

Vyachslav Gladkov, governor of Russia's Belgorod region, said in an account posted on Telegram that there were no Ukrainian forces in one of the areas that had come under attack.

"I can state that there are no Ukrainian troops on the territory of the region," he wrote in the account posted after midnight local time. "The fighting is taking place outside it."

But Gladkov said the village of Kozinka "was badly hit. The damage is very serious." Residents had been evacuated to places where they were now safe.

Gladkov earlier said that two people were killed and at least 20 injured in attacks by Ukrainian armed forces.

Russian military bloggers had earlier reported that Russian paratroops had been dispatched to Kozinka. Russia's Defence Ministry said it had foiled an attack by the Ukrainian army.

Kursk regional governor, Roman Starovoit, gave few details, but noted on Telegram that "Ukrainian terrorists have not stopped their attempts to bring saboteurs into our territory".

One of the three armed groups, the Freedom of Russia Legion, said on Telegram that in view of the "limited military operation" being conducted in the two regions, it was asking residents of certain towns to leave the area.

' A second, the Siberian Battalion, said it had observed "a mood of panic in the town of Grayvoron -- next to Kozinka - with cars queuing to leave.

Two of the groups had reported launching a cross-border incursion earlier this week.

In the past, Russian officials have cast the groups as puppets of the Ukrainian military and U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, which Moscow says is trying to foment chaos in Russia.

The Freedom of Russia legion and the Russian Volunteer Corps have previously claimed responsibility for other cross-border raids into Russia from Ukraine.

(Reporting by Reuters; editing by Guy Faulconbridge, Ron Popeski and Michael Perry)
FILE PHOTO: The logo of Airbus is pictured outside the Airbus facility in Saint-Nazaire, France, November 7, 2023. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe/File Photo

(Reuters) - United Airlines is close to securing three dozen or more Airbus A321neo jets from aircraft lessors, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday citing people familiar with the matter.

United has been looking for alternatives to Boeing's uncertified MAX 10 planes, which were due for delivery this year and were expected to be the cornerstone of its fleet.

However, a mid-air emergency in January on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 has raised new doubts over its certification. United had ordered 277 MAX 10 jets with options for another 200.

United had approached Airbus about buying A321neo jets as possible alternatives to its MAX 10 order but the planemaker's order book is full through 2030.

On Tuesday, United CEO Scott Kirby said the airline wants A321 jets but would not be willing to overpay for them.

The airline declined to comment on the Bloomberg report.

(Reporting by Pratyush Thakur in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri)
Volunteers prepare to distribute Iftar meals to internally displaced people who fled from their border villages due to ongoing cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, at a school turned into shelter, during the holy month of Ramadan

By Aziz Taher and Ahmad Kerdi

TYRE, Lebanon (Reuters) - For families who fled Israeli bombardment of southern Lebanon, being away from home is especially hard in the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan - a time when they usually enjoy special meals together but this year are scattered by conflict.

"In peacetime, the whole family gathers in one house," said Emad Abdallah, 64, as he broke his Ramadan fast alone at a school sheltering displaced people in the city of Tyre. "But in Ramadan in a time of war, we are suffering from a few things," he said. "For example, you are far from family."

More than 90,000 people have been displaced from the south since October, when hostilities erupted between Lebanon's Hezbollah and Israel - a spillover of the Gaza war that has rumbled on ever since.

Tens of thousands of people have also been displaced across the border in northern Israel.

Abdallah said his wife and three daughters had left their home in the border town of Bint Jbeil early in the conflict. He stayed put for 2-1/2 months, only leaving when the town had emptied out and it was no longer possible to find food.

His family moved three times before finding rented accommodation in Beirut, he said. Abdallah is meanwhile sharing a room with five other people in the collective shelter in Tyre, 25 km (15 miles) from his hometown.

The conflict marks the worst hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel since they fought a war in 2006, commonly known in Lebanon as "the July war".

Local authorities are supplying people at the shelter with their daily iftar, the meal eaten at sundown during Ramadan. Breaking his fast with a ready meal of chicken and potatoes served in a foil tray, Abdallah said he was missing the iftar staples of fresh juices and Lebanese salads.

For Eid al-Fitr, the holiday that concludes Ramadan, the best gift would be "going back to our hometown" and ending the stressful uncertainty of displacement.

"The July war went on for a limited period - 33 days - so we were able to absorb it with less physical and psychological harm," he said.

"Whereas now, there is no horizon. We don't know how long the war will continue and what might happen," he said.

"There's a question being asked by all the displaced: when will we return to our hometowns?"

(Reporting by Aziz Taher and Ahmad Kerdi; Writing by Tom Perry; Edited by Maya Gebeily and Alex Richardson)
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A number of U.S. senators want the chamber to take its time in deciding whether to back a House of Representatives bill that would force Chinese-based ByteDance to divest short video app TikTok within six months or face a ban.

The House voted 352-65 on Wednesday, just eight days after the proposal was introduced. There is broad support in the Senate for taking action to address national security threats from foreign apps like TikTok but no agreement on the right approach.

Senate Commerce Committee chair Maria Cantwell said in an interview with Reuters she wants legislation to address broad concerns about foreign apps that will hold up in court and is not sure the House bill goes far enough.

"We'll probably have a better idea in a week what we think the options are," Cantwell said. "Of course we want to the strongest possible tool and we want it to be the most robust tool we can get." Cantwell said she has thought about holding hearings.

Senator Ron Wyden, a leading Democrat on tech issues, said he is still reviewing the House bill and has "serious concerns about any app that gives the Chinese government access to Americans' private data. I'll also say this: history teaches us that when lawmakers rush to legislate on tech and social media, mistakes get made."

Senator Ted Cruz, the top Republican on the Commerce Committee, told Bloomberg News the bill should be open to a "full amendment process," which could significantly delay any action.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has said only the Senate will review the legislation -- and gave no timeline for action.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew was on Capitol Hill for a second day of meetings with senators on Thursday. He said in a video posted Wednesday on TikTok that has gotten more than 25 million views in less than a day that the legislation if signed into law "will lead to a ban on TikTok in the United States... and would take billions of dollars out of the pockets of creators and small businesses. It will put 300,000 American jobs at risk."

This week, the Senate's No. 2 Democrat Dick Durbin expressed concerns about a TikTok ban. "Cutting out a large group of young voters is not the best-known strategy for re-election, Durbin told reporters.

The House bill has won the backing of some key senators including Senate Intelligence committee chair Mark Warner and the top Republican on the panel Marco Rubio

The pair said they "look forward to working together to get this bill passed through the Senate and signed into law"

The lopsided vote means senators should move quickly, said House Energy and Commerce Committee chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers.

"The overwhelming vote today is a strong signal to the Senate that they need to act," she said.

Some senators say they oppose the House bill including Republicans Rand Paul and Mike Lee but many others have expressed support for acting quickly.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by David Gregorio)
FILE PHOTO: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) speaks during a press conference following the weekly Senate caucus luncheons on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., March 12, 2024. REUTERS/Craig Hudson/File Photo

By Nate Raymond

(Reuters) -U.S. Senate Republicans on Thursday pushed the federal judiciary to rethink a new policy designed to curb the practice of "judge shopping" used by conservative litigants to steer cases challenging President Joe Biden's agenda to judges perceived as sympathetic.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on the Senate floor said he hoped the U.S. Judicial Conference, the judiciary's policymaking body, would reconsider the "half-baked" policy it adopted on Tuesday designed to ensure that cases challenging federal and state laws are randomly assigned judges.

McConnell called it an "unforced error" by the 26-member Judicial Conference, which he said "took the bait" from Democrats who complained about lawsuits by conservative litigants in single-judge courthouses, or divisions, in Texas with Republican-appointed judges.

The Judicial Conference is presided over by conservative Chief U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Roberts.

Under the new policy, lawsuits seeking to block federal or state laws would not remain in such a single-judge division but instead be assigned a judge randomly throughout a larger federal district.

"This will have no practical effect in the venues favored by liberal activists, but Democrats are still salivating at the possibility of shutting down access to justice in the venues favored by conservatives," McConnell said.

In letters sent to several chief judges of district courts affected by the policy, McConnell, of Kentucky, and Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina urged them to continue their existing practices, citing a statute they said gave the local courts sole discretion to decide how cases are assigned.

The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, the judiciary's administrative arm, did not respond to a request for comment.

Republican state attorneys general and activists had seized on local rules in Texas to sue in small courthouses in the state whose one or two judges were appointed by Republican presidents, enabling them to essentially choose judges who have reliably ruled in their favor on issues like abortion, immigration and gun control.

In one of those cases, U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk - an appointee of Republican former President Donald Trump - in the single-judge division of Amarillo, Texas, in April suspended approval of the abortion pill mifepristone.

The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed the pill to remain on the market while it considers an appeal in the case, set for argument on March 26.

The Texas cases prompted calls from Democratic lawmakers, the Biden administration, the American Bar Association and others for the judiciary to ensure cases challenging national policies are heard by a random judge.

Judicial policymakers in announcing the new policy said it promotes public confidence in the courts by ensuring a litigant cannot pre-select a judge by filing in a one-judge division.

The chair of the Judicial Conference's executive committee, conservative U.S. Circuit Judge Jeffrey Sutton, on Tuesday called the policy a "good idea."

But some conservative judges have criticized the policy change, and McConnell on Thursday said it did not address the real issue, which he said is increasing instances of a single judge issuing injunctions blocking federal policies nationwide, rather than just the judge's own jurisdiction.

That occurred frequently during Trump's administration in cases that Democratic state attorneys general and others filed in venues like California's Northern District, but those courthouses have multiple judges who could be randomly assigned cases.

McConnell said rather than working with Republicans to "eliminate a practice that gores the oxen of both parties," Democrats convinced the Judicial Conference to adopt a policy that will "just restrict the access to conservative judges."

McConnell will leave his leadership position following the November elections, in which Republicans hope to retake control of the Senate. In Thursday's speech, he did not call for legislation to reverse the Judicial Conference's policy.

But he warned that "if Republicans see a federal judiciary that is using its procedural independence to wade into political disputes, any incentive we may have to defend that procedural independence will vanish, as well."

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Bill Berkrot, Alexia Garamfalvi and Leslie Adler)
FILE PHOTO: South Korean army K1A2 tanks take part in a joint combat firing drill between South Korean and U.S. troops near the demilitarized zone separating two Koreas, in Pocheon, South Korea, January 2, 2024.The Defense Ministry/Handout via REUTERS/Fil

By David Brunnstrom and Trevor Hunnicutt

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S.-South Korean talks on sharing the cost of keeping American troops in South Korea are on track and ahead of schedule, but the U.S. side does not necessarily see a hard deadline ahead of the November U.S. election, a senior Biden administration official told Reuters.

The two sides named envoys this month to launch a new early round of talks for a deal to take effect in 2026. South Korean media said the aim was for an agreement before any comeback by Donald Trump, who during his presidency accused Seoul of "free-riding" on U.S. military might.

Trump demanded Seoul pay as much as $5 billion a year for the deployment of some 28,500 American troops as part of efforts to deter nuclear-armed North Korea.

The U.S. official said the talks were "very much on track and ahead of schedule."

"I can't say at this moment quite how soon they'll wrap, but we are not seeing major hurdles. And we're seeing a lot of political will on both sides," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"We're fairly confident that our incentives are aligned, and that we will get these negotiations done. So we'd like to make quick progress, but ... don't necessarily see November as a hard deadline."

South Korea began shouldering the costs of U.S. deployments, used to fund local labor, the construction of military installations and other logistics support, in the early 1990s.

The current agreement is set to expire in 2025, with negotiations on a successor pact usually held just before the end of the existing one.

During Trump's presidency, both sides had struggled for months to make progress, before reaching a deal when Seoul agreed to increase its contribution by 13.9%, the biggest annual rise in nearly two decades.

Trump is set to face off against President Joe Biden in the November election.

A senior South Korean presidential official said this week Seoul expects no fundamental shift in relations with the United States even if U.S. voters elect a new president, but hopes to make progress on defense cost-sharing talks and other issues this year.

(Reporting by David Brunnstrom sand Trevor Hunnicutt; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
People visit the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 in Barcelona, Spain, Feb. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

The European Parliament on Wednesday approved the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act with an overwhelming majority in Strasbourg, France.

BRUSSELS, March 13 (Xinhua) -- The European Parliament on Wednesday approved the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act with an overwhelming majority in Strasbourg, France.

The Parliament passed the act with 523 lawmakers voting in favor, 46 against and 49 abstentions.

European Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton welcomed the result, saying that "Europe is now a global standard-setter in AI."

As the first-ever comprehensive legal framework on AI globally, the regulation has adopted a risk-based approach, subjecting higher-risk AI applications to stricter regulation.

Under the new rules, certain AI applications will be prohibited, including biometric categorization systems based on sensitive characteristics, and the untargeted scraping of facial images from the internet or CCTV footage for facial recognition databases.

Additionally, the Act prohibits emotion recognition in workplaces and schools, social scoring, predictive policing, and AI designed to manipulate human behavior or exploit vulnerabilities.

For general-purpose AI (GPAI) systems, the Act requires compliance with transparency requirements, such as adhering to European Union (EU) copyright laws and publishing detailed summaries of the content used for training.

People visit the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 in Barcelona, Spain, Feb. 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

Bird and Bird, an international law firm, noted that negotiations surrounding the AI Act brought several contentious issues to light, particularly regarding the treatment of biometric AI systems.

The company highlighted nuances in the text that could introduce uncertainty within the industry, particularly with regard to prohibitions and restrictions on biometric systems, along with exceptions and caveats.

Furthermore, Bird and Bird identified confusion among businesses regarding obligations related to GPAI models, posing challenges in distinguishing between GPAI models and systems, and understanding their separation from high-risk systems.

"Much work lies ahead that goes beyond the AI Act itself," said Dragos Tudorache, co-rapporteur of the Civil Liberties Committee of the European Parliament. "We must now prioritize bringing this law into action."

The AI Act, pending final endorsement, is expected to come into force in May following its publication in the official Journal.

A participant takes a photo during a forum on the theme of "Computing Power Network: Smarter Network for a Smarter World" during the Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona, Spain, Feb. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

The rules will become fully applicable within 24 months of their entry into force, with specific timelines for different aspects such as bans on prohibited practices, codes of practice, general-purpose AI rules, and obligations for high-risk systems.

Editor: WJH
UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

Report of Foreign Private Issuer

Pursuant to Rule 27a-16 or 15d-16

under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the month of March, 2024

Commission File Number: 001-38376

Central Puerto S.A. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Port Central S.A.

(Translation of registrants name into English)

Avenida Thomas Edison 2701

C1104BAB Buenos Aires

Republic of Argentina

+54 (11) 4317-5000

(Address of principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F  Form 40-F 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):

Yes  No 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):

Yes No 

CENTRAL PUERTO S.A

CALL

TAX ID No.: 33-65030549-9

The General Meeting of Shareholders of Central Puerto S.A. (hereinafter, the Company) is hereby originally called for April 30, 2024 at 11 a.m., being the meeting on second call on the same day at 12 p.m. should the first call fail, which Meetings will be held remotely as described below and to consider the following:

Agenda

1. Appointment of two shareholders to sign the minutes. 2. Consideration of the Annual Report and its exhibit, the Consolidated Income Statement, the Consolidated Comprehensive Income Statement, the Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders Equity, the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement, the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Exhibits, the Individual Income Statement, the Individual Comprehensive Income Statement, the Individual Balance Sheet, the Individual Cash Flow Statement, Notes to the Individual Financial Statements, Brief, Auditor Report, and Statutory Audit Committee Report, all of them for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. 3. Consideration of the income (loss) for the fiscal year and the Board of Directors proposal to assign 7,402,192 thousand ARS to the Statutory reserve and the remaining balance of the retained accumulated income to increase the Optional Reserve for the payment of dividends based on the evolution of the Companys financial position and the Dividends Payment Policy in force, and to delegate on the Companys Board of Directors its partial or total reversal for the payment of dividends and the determination of the opportunity, currency, terms and other terms and conditions for payment, in accordance with the delegation agreed at the Shareholders Meeting. Consideration and approval of payment of the Profit-Sharing Bond stated by Sections 12 and 33 of the Bylaws. 4. Consideration of the Board of Directors performance during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. 5. Consideration of the Statutory Audit Committee performance during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. 6. Consideration of the remuneration of the Companys Board of Directors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 within the limit of profits in accordance with section 261 of the Business Entities Act and CNV Regulations. Consideration of the advanced payment of fees to the Board of Directors for the fiscal year closing next December 31, 2024.

2

7. Consideration of the remuneration of the members of the Statutory Audit Committee for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023; and the fee scheme for the period closing next December 31, 2024. 8. Board of Directors partial renewal. Appointment of 3 (three) directors and 3 (three) deputy directors for the period of 3 (three) fiscal years as per Section 17 of the Bylaws. Continuity of the current Chairman until the appointment by the Board of Directors of the Company. 9. Appointment of the Statutory Audit Committee members and deputy members for the fiscal year closing next December 31, 2024. 10. Consideration of the remuneration of the certifying accountant of the Company regarding the annual accounting documents for the fiscal year 2023. 11. Appointment of the certifying accountant and of the deputy certifying accountant for the fiscal year closing next December 31, 2024 and the fixing of their remuneration. 12. Approval of the Annual Budget for the functioning of the Supervisory Committee. 13. Granting of authorizations.

Notes : Shareholders are reminded of the fact that so as to attend the Meeting they have to submit the book-entry shares certificate issued by Caja de Valores S.A. before the Company until April 24, 2024, as described on point (2) of this Note. In the case of shares deposited in constituent accounts, holders of such shares will have to require such certificate before the corresponding depositor. Taking into account Section 14 of the Companys Bylaws, the Meeting will be held remotely via videoconference in accordance with the terms of such regulations, among others, under the following conditions: (i) to guarantee free access to the meetings to all Shareholders with the right to voice and vote; and (ii) to allow for the simultaneous transmission of sound, images and words during the whole meeting, as well as its recording in digital format. To such effect, it is informed that: (1) the system to be used shall be provided by ZOOM, which can be accessed through the link to be sent together with the instructions on Meeting access and development to the Shareholders informing their attendance via e-mail in accordance with the following. (2) Shareholders shall communicate their attendance to the Meeting with the instruments required by the regulations in force via e-mail addressed to the following e-mail address: [email protected], no later than 3 (three) working days before the Meeting, i.e., until April 24, 2024, inclusive. Unless stated otherwise and to inform the videoconference link, the e-mail address will be the one used by each Shareholder to inform their attendance. (3) In case of acting through proxy, the duly authenticated authorization instrument must be sent to the Company 5 (five) days before the Meeting is held (i.e., until April 22, 2024, inclusive). (4) When entering the Meeting, the following data of the Shareholder must be given: full name or complete corporate name; type and number of ID of human persons, or registration data of the business entities stating where they are registered and their jurisdiction; address, stating its type. Such information shall be also given by the person attending the Meeting on behalf of a Shareholder. (5) When voting, each Shareholder will be asked about the motions proposed so as to cast their vote with audio and image ensuring its verification at any stage; (6) The documentation to be covered is at your disposal on the Comision Nacional de Valores website (Autopista de Informacion Financiera) and (7) Shareholders covered by Section 24 of Chapter II, Title II of CNV Regulations, amended by CNV General Resolution No. 687 dated February 16, 2017 are reminded that they shall inform the Company about their beneficial owners with the scope stated in such resolution. Miguel Dodero is the Company's Chairman as per the Board of Directors Meeting dated May 12, 2023.

Miguel Dodero

Chairman

3

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 14, 2024

Registration No. 333-





UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549



FORM S-8 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933



monday.com Ltd. (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)



State of Israel Not applicable (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 6 Yitzhak Sadeh St.

Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel 6777506 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

monday.com Ltd. 2021 Share Incentive Plan (Full Title of the Plan)

monday.com Inc.

111 E 18 th St.

New York, New York, 10003

(718) 303-1869 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)



Copies to:

Joshua G. Kiernan

Julia A. Thompson Latham & Watkins LLP 555 Eleventh Street, NW, Suite 1000 Washington, DC 20004 Tel: (202) 637-2200 Fax: (202) 637-2201 Shachar Hadar

Efrat Ziv

Matthew Rudolph Meitar | Law Offices 16 Abba Hillel Silver Rd. Ramat Gan 52506, Israel Tel: (+972) (3) 610-3100

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, and emerging growth company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  Accelerated filer  Non-accelerated filer  Smaller reporting company  Emerging growth company 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. 

EXPLANATORY NOTE





Pursuant to General Instruction E of Form S-8, monday.com Ltd. (the Registrant, we or our) is filing this Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the Registration Statement) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) to register 1,667,695 additional ordinary shares, no par value (Ordinary Shares), of the Registrant reserved for issuance under the monday.com Ltd. 2021 Share Incentive Plan (the 2021 Plan) resulting from an automatic annual increase as of January 1, 2024. This Registration Statement hereby incorporates by reference the contents of the Registrants Registration Statements on Form S-8 filed with the SEC on June 10, 2021 (File No. 333-256964), March 16, 2022 (File No. 333-263614) and March 14, 2023 (File No. 333-270515).





PART I

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS

The information called for in Part I of Form S-8 is not being filed with or included in this Form S-8 (by incorporation by reference or otherwise) in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC.

PART II

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT

Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.

The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the information we file with them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this Registration Statement, and later information filed with the SEC will update and supersede this information. We hereby incorporate by reference into this Registration Statement the following documents filed or to be filed with the SEC:

(a) The Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 (File No. 001-40461), filed by the Registrant with the SEC on March 14 , 2024; and

(b) The description of the Registrants Ordinary Shares contained in the Registrants Registration Statement on Form 8-A (File No. 001-40461), filed by the Registrant with the SEC on June 7, 2021, including any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such description.





All documents, reports and definitive proxy or information statements filed pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and certain Reports on Form 6-K furnished by the Registrant to the SEC (which indicate that they are incorporated herein by reference) after the date of this Registration Statement and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents; provided, however, that documents, reports and definitive proxy or information statements, or portions thereof, which are furnished and not filed in accordance with the rules of the SEC shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated herein by reference shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes that statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not constitute a part of this Registration Statement, except as so modified or superseded.

Item 8. Exhibits.

(1) Previously filed as Exhibit 1.1 to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2022 (File No. 001-40461), filed with the SEC on March 14, 2023, and incorporated herein by reference.

(2) Previously filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrants Amendment No. 2 of the Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-256182), filed with the SEC on June 1, 2021, as amended, and incorporated herein by reference.

* Filed herewith.





SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on this 14th day of March, 2024.

MONDAY.COM LTD. By: /s/ Roy Mann Name: Roy Mann Title: Co-Chief Executive Officer By: /s/ Eran Zinman Name: Eran Zinman Title: Co-Chief Executive Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Roy Mann, Eran Zinman and Eliran Glazer and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power to act separately and full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or either of them or his or her or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

NAME POSITION DATE /s/ Roy Mann Co-Founder, Director and Co-Chief Executive Officer March 14, 2024 Roy Mann ( Principal Executive Officer ) /s/ Eran Zinman Co-Founder, Director and Co-Chief Executive Officer ( Principal Executive Officer ) March 14, 2024 Eran Zinman /s/ Eliran Glazer Chief Financial Officer March 14, 2024 Eliran Glazer ( Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer ) /s/ Avishai Abrahami Director March 14, 2024 Avishai Abrahami /s/ Aviad Eyal Director March 14, 2024 Aviad Eyal /s/ Jeff Horing Director March 14, 2024 Jeff Horing

/s/ Gili Iohan Director March 14, 2024 Gili Iohan /s/ Ronen Faier Director March 14, 2024 Ronen Faier



AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned, the duly authorized representative in the United States of monday.com Ltd. has signed this registration statement on March 14, 2024.

monday.com Inc. By: /s/ Eran Zinman Name: Eran Zinman Title: Director




Please see Attachment A for additional information.

With respect to each Reporting Person and General Partner:

(c) On March 11, 2024, 10,752,561 shares of Common Stock held by KV Seed B were distributed to the limited partners and general partners of KV Seed B in a pro rata distribution for no consideration. Of such distributed shares, 5,250,279 shares of Common Stock were received by KVA Seed B. On March 11, 2024, 610,362 shares of Common Stock held by KV Seed B (CF) were distributed to the limited partners and general partners of KV Seed B (CF) in pro rata distributions for no consideration. Of such distributed shares, 209,255 shares of Common Stock were received by KVA Seed B. Of the shares distributed by each of KV Seed B and KV Seed B (CF) to KVA Seed B, all of such shares were subsequently distributed by KVA Seed B to the underlying members of KVA Seed B. Of such distributed shares, 3,982,565 shares of Common Stock were received by VK Services. As a result of such distributions, VK Services is now the direct owner of 16,463,434 shares of Common Stock and KVA Seed B is the direct owner of no shares of Common Stock.

(d) No other person is known to have the right to receive or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or any proceeds from the sale of, the shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by any of the Reporting Persons or the General Partner.

(e) Not applicable.

Item 6. Contracts, Arrangements, Undertakings or Relationships with Respect to Securities of the Issuer .

Second Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement

In connection with the Closing, on August 25, 2021, each of KV Seed B, KV Seed B (CF), and KV V (the KV Funds) entered into a Second Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement (the Registration Rights Agreement) with the Issuer (then known as Vector Acquisition Delaware Corporation), Vector Acquisition Partners, L.P., certain legacy investors of Vector party thereto and certain other investors of Legacy Rocket Lab party thereto, pursuant to which the KV Funds are entitled to registration rights with respect to their shares of Common Stock. The Registration Rights Agreement provides that the Issuer will, within 45 calendar days following the Closing, file with the SEC a shelf registration statement (the Registration Statement) pursuant to Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Registration Statement to be declared effective as soon as practicable after the filing thereof, but no later than the earlier of (a) the 90th calendar day following the filing date if the SEC notifies the Issuer that it will review the Registration Statement and (b) the tenth business day after the date the Issuer is notified by the SEC that the Registration Statement will not be reviewed or will not be subject to further review.

At any time when there is an effective shelf registration statement, the KV funds may request to sell all or a portion of their registrable securities in an underwritten offering and the Issuer will facilitate such offering, provided that the registrable securities proposed to be sold in the offering have a total offering price of at least $50 million. Such demand registration rights are subject to certain issuer suspension periods, limitations on frequency and timing of demands and certain other conditions. In addition, the Registration Rights Agreement grants the KV Funds piggyback registration rights, subject to certain exceptions including that there cannot be an effective shelf registration statement available for the resale of holders registrable securities at such time as piggyback rights are exercised.

The Registration Rights Agreement also includes customary indemnification provisions. Further, the Issuer will bear all expenses incident to registering the securities, including any underwritten offerings, except such expenses shall not include any selling expenses such as underwriters commissions and discounts, brokerage fees, underwriter marketing costs and legal fees incurred by the holders above a specified amount.
Pvt. Angel Gonzales poses for a photo on a path in this undated photo. Gonzales, with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, was reported absent by his unit after leaving Aviano Air Base last week and turned himself in at the U.S. Embassy in Rome on March 14, 2024. (U.S. Army)

A 173rd Airborne Brigade soldier who was AWOL for nearly a week after walking away from Aviano Air Base is in military custody, officials said.

Pvt. Angel Gonzales turned himself in Thursday at the U.S. Embassy in Rome, said Jeff Alderson, a spokesman for U.S. Army Southern European Task Force. Gonzales will be returned to his unit in Germany, Alderson said.

Gonzales, a cannon crewmember stationed in Grafenwoehr, was in Aviano for a routine training exercise, brigade spokeswoman Capt. Jennifer French said Monday.

He was part of a parachute detail on the night of March 7 and left voluntarily during the early morning hours the following day, she said.

The unit searched the immediate area for four days before heading back to Germany, French said.

The Army Criminal Investigative Division was notified last week of Gonzales disappearance, but the agency did not investigate the case because there was no indication that Gonzales was threatened or that a third party was involved, French said.

However, authorities at the U.S. Army base in Vilseck, Germany, did open a missing person case regarding Gonzales, she said.

Stars and Stripes reporter Brian Erickson contributed to this report.
Puerto Rico National Guard Staff Sgt. Fidel Cruz Llanos, 34, attempted to save a man from drowning off a beach in San Juan on Sunday, March 10, 2024, but was also overtaken by the current. His body was recovered Tuesday. (Puerto Rico National Guard)

A Puerto Rico National Guard soldier visiting the beach with his family Sunday drowned after trying to rescue a tourist struggling to swim in the ocean.

Staff Sgt. Fidel Cruz Llanos was last seen about 80 yards from the shore of Condado Beach in San Juan, according to the Coast Guard. Several local, state and federal agencies searched for him, and his body was recovered Tuesday.

The 34-year-old was a National Guard member assigned to the 295th Quartermaster Field Feeding Platoon and a civilian employee for the service, said Siul Lopez, spokesman for the Puerto Rico National Guard.

The 20-year-old tourist, Charles Victor Daniel, from Moline, Ill., also died, the Coast Guard reported. The services Sector San Juan received an initial report from a 911 operator of a person in the water overtaken by the currents and calling out for help.

Maj. Gen. Miguel Mendez, commander of the Puerto Rico National Guard, said these have been difficult days for the great family of the islands Guard.

We mourn the loss of Staff Sgt. Fidel Cruz Llanos who in an act of bravery demonstrated the gallantry that characterizes the members of our organization and the great heart of Puerto Ricans. Fidel jumped into the sea to try to save the life of another, putting his own at risk, demonstrating that selfless service, duty, and personal courage do not stay with the uniform, but are carried with us wherever we go and wherever we go, at all times, Mendez said in a statement.

He described Cruz Llanos, a father of three children, as a helpful, polite, good-hearted person and very committed to his work and the organization.

Members of the Guard stayed at the beach until Cruz Llanos was found, offering aviation and medical resources, as well as social work to the family and emotional and mental health support.

The loss of this brave soldier is a blow that is felt throughout our unit, 2nd Lt. Zamia Lopez, commander of Llanos unit, said in a statement. We are here to offer our unconditional support to his family. May they find comfort in the shared memories and in the legacy of bravery he leaves behind. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Efforts to find Cruz Llanos included a 33-foot Special Purpose Craft from the Coast Guard, an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter from the service and support from the San Juan Office of Emergency Management, Puerto Rico Emergency Management Bureau, Puerto Rico Joint Forces of Rapid Action, Puerto Rico Emergency Medical Services and the National Guard.
The Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base sign outside the main gate of the base in Southern California. (San Diego Union-Tribune/TNS)

WASHINGTON  The Marine Corps fired two commanders at its West Coast infantry school, the service announced Thursday.

Col. Seth MacCutcheon, commander of the School of Infantry-West, and Maj. Nicolas Engle, commander of Reconnaissance Training Company, were both relieved on March 8 by Brig. Gen. Farrell Sullivan, a Marine spokesperson said in a statement.

[The commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Training Command] is committed to ensuring leaders at all levels fulfill their duties to deliver the most highly qualified Marines to the operating forces safely and efficiently, said Maj. Joshua Pena, a spokesman for Marine Corps Training Command, which oversees the school. No additional information is available at this time.

Under federal privacy law, military officials are not required to disclose the reasons for removing or reassigning personnel. Military officials often cite a loss of confidence when commanders are removed from their posts without providing any specifics that led to the decision.

Both units are based out of Camp Pendleton, Calif., but these firings follow other leaders in charge of training programs in the Marine Corps being relieved of duty.

MacCutcheon in July removed Sgt. Maj. Steven Burkett, who had been the top noncommissioned officer at the School of Infantry-West for a little more than a year.

Lt. Col. Michael Masters, who had been the executive officer at Parris Islands Recruit Training Regiment, was removed in September after being arrested on battery and child cruelty charges in Florida.

Masters was the third high-ranking leader at Parris Island removed from his position. Col. Bradley Ward, who had commanded the recruit regiment since July 2021, and his senior enlisted leader Sgt. Maj. Fabian Casillas were fired July 5 for a loss of trust and confidence, the Corps said at that time.

The School of Infantry-West is one of two schools where new Marines must go for the second stage of initial military education after they finish recruit training. The School of Infantry-East is located at Camp Lejeune, N.C. Recruits from areas east of the Mississippi River are usually sent to the North Carolina school while those from west of the river attend the California school.
The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower transits the Suez Canal in November 2023. (Keith Nowak/U.S. Navy)

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower will remain in service through the decades end, shelving plans that once called for the second-oldest Nimitz-class aircraft carrier to leave the fleet as early as 2027, according to Navy officials.

The Navy announced in April 2022 that it would retire the USS Nimitz in 2025. The oldest of the 10 nuclear-powered carriers of the class, the Nimitz had joined the fleet in 1975, just days after the fall of Saigon ended the Vietnam War.

The Nimitz would be followed two years later by the Eisenhower, which was commissioned in October 1977.

As the Navy continues to accept Gerald R. Ford-class carriers, we will remain a ready, agile force to compete and win around the world at any time, the Navy announced in 2022.

Delays in the delivery and production of the Ford-class carriers led to delays in retirement dates for the two Nimitz-class carriers, each pushed back a full year, according to a 2023 Navy announcement. The plan was for the Nimitz to leave service in 2026, and the Eisenhower would retire in 2028.

On Monday, the Navy said the Nimitz would still leave the Navy as planned in 2026. The carrier is now undergoing maintenance at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Wash.

However, the Eisenhower will remain at least through 2029, the Navy said.

The second carrier of the Ford class, the USS John F. Kennedy, would be the first of the projected 10 Ford-class carriers to have a magnet rail system to launch aircraft from its deck. It would take the place of the steam-power catapults now used on carriers.

Development of the launching system and other systems has led to delays, pushing the delivery date of the John F. Kennedy from June 2024 to July 2025.

Though the former USS Enterprise was decommissioned in 2012, it took the Navy until September 2023 to announce a plan to send it to a commercial shipyard to have its eight nuclear reactors defueled and broken down and the radioactive components shipped to safe storage.

Maritime Executive magazine wrote earlier this year that the techniques and timing of the work will impact when a shipyard can start work on a similar dismantling of the Nimitz.

Two additional Ford-class carriers are under construction at the Huntington-Ingalls shipyard in Newport News, Va.: the new USS Enterprise and the USS Doris Miller  named after the Black sailor who received the Navy Cross for heroism at Pearl Harbor in World War II.

The Enterprise is scheduled to be commissioned in 2029. Under earlier plans, its arrival would coincide with the departure of the Eisenhower from the fleet.

But the Navy will now keep the Eisenhower in service, giving the Navy nine Nimitz-class carriers and three Ford-class carriers.

The Doris Miller is slated for commissioning in 2032 and an as-yet-unnamed carrier will be commissioned in 2036.

Mark Cancian, a retired Marine colonel now a senior adviser with the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C., said keeping the Eisenhower beyond the original timeline for its retirement gives the Navy flexibility.

It would help avoid that gap between when you plan on retiring the Eisenhower and when the Kennedy and other Ford-class carriers are ready to deploy, he said.

Cancian said building and dismantling 100,000-ton nuclear aircraft carriers was technologically tricky. Tying the delivery of a new class of carriers to when existing carriers can retire is a complex timeline.

There is tension if you retire carriers on time and there are delays with replacements, he said. You could end up with 10 carriers instead of 11 or 12. To be fair to the Navy, the president is always going to call on them to go anywhere in the world.

If the demand and supply of carriers are inadequate, having enough task forces to deal with multiple conflicts would be tough. The ships require long mid-life nuclear reactor refueling and regular maintenance. The Navys fiscal 2025 budget shows the first of the services class of supercarriers, the USS Gerald R. Ford, will go to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for a $182.2 million electrical upgrade.

But the United States needed carriers to respond to simultaneous threats of Russias invasion of Ukraine, protecting shipping in the eastern Mediterranean and Red Sea from the spillover of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as the increasingly assertive military posture of China in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Eisenhower was called on to move out of its home port in Norfolk, Va., on Oct. 14, joining the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea and guided-missile destroyers USS Gravely and USS Mason to stop Houthi missile attacks on shipping.

The Gerald Ford was stationed in the Eastern Mediterranean, allowing the two carriers to serve as defensive bookends on either side of the Suez Canal, where the Navy said 16% of world commerce flows through on ships.

The Navy plans to build 10 Ford-class carriers to replace the 10 Nimitz-class carriers, which were commissioned between April 1975 and January 2009.

The [Enterprise] delivery date is September 2029. The [Doris Miller] delivery date is February 2032. said Lt. j.g. Luke Bienstock, a Navy spokesman at the Pentagon.

Those are long waits in a world in conflict, Cancian said.

Policy may say, Focus on the Pacific, dont get distracted in the Middle East or Europe,  he said. But the world keeps intruding. We cant say, No, no, were not going to support our allies when there is trouble.

Cancian said one way to deal with multiple challenges is to keep carriers around longer than the original 50 years that they were meant to operate.

As long as commitments remain high, he said. You squeeze some more life out of the carriers we have.
A Navy contractor collects a drinking water sample at Moanalua Preschool in Honolulu on Feb. 27, 2024. (Glenn Slaughter/U.S. Navy)

The Navy is expanding its analyses of water quality in its Hawaii distribution system after people complained last fall of lingering contamination, according to a report released Wednesday.

The Navys preliminary plumbing assessment, completed Feb. 24, examined water heaters and other fixtures in certain homes in military communities on the Navys water system for the Pearl Harbor area. The assessment also analyzed water in several hydrants and in one of the well shafts used to supply the system.

Analyses found no trace of jet fuel, which had contaminated the water system after leeching into the aquifer from a 2021 leak from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on the outskirts of Honolulu.

That spill contaminated a well the Navy used to supply water to roughly 93,000 residents of military housing communities on and near Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

Thousands of people temporarily relocated to area hotels as the Navy flushed the entire system.

Hundreds of affected individuals have filed suit in federal court seeking compensation for medical conditions and other hardships they say arise from the contamination.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in March 2022 ordered the World War II-era facility permanently closed.

Some residents, however, complained last fall and early this year of a sheen on tap water poured into cups. Some have complained of unexplained rashes and other health problems.

The Hawaii Department of Education, which oversees a half-dozen schools on the Navys water system, wrote parents last week to say a state Health Department review of 42 different compounds and screening parameters does not corroborate detection of petroleum in the system.

The Navy had implemented alternate laboratory procedures and expanded a type of analysis that can identify traces of hydrocarbons, according to a Navy news release Wednesday.

Water samples taken last fall and tested by the Navy contained low levels of total petroleum hydrocarbon, or TPH, which refers to hundreds of compounds found in petroleum-based products.

The Navys preliminary assessment notes that TPH are not common drinking water constituents and that there is no established drinking water standard for TPH.

No sample, however, exceeded 266 parts per billion of TPH, which the Hawaii Department of Health uses as its safe drinking threshold, the preliminary assessment states.

The TPH did not originate from JP-5 jet fuel that had been stored at the Red Hill facility, the Navy said.

Water sample results range from non-detect to low level detections, many observed near the limit of detection, the preliminary assessment sates. The sample chromatograms evaluated for advanced analysis of all premise plumbing samples were compared to chromatograms from known standards of JP-5 fuel and diesel fuel and they did not match.

Samples from water heaters and plumbing fixtures did not indicate a sheen or particulate matter consistent with JP-5, or biological growth, according to the assessment.

The Navy remains committed to determining the cause of TPH detections and will continue to closely coordinate with the [U.S. Environmental Protection Agency] and DOH to continue providing safe drinking water, the assessment states.

The Navy announced last week that it was voluntarily extending water monitoring of its water distribution system by a year through April 2025.
A butterfly dines on colorful food at the House of the Butterflies in Bordano, Italy. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes)

For a new perspective on a familiar place, it can help to bring along a kid or two during another visit.

Thats especially true of the Casa della Farfalle, or House of the Butterflies, in Bordano, Italy. My wife and I went there several years after its 2003 opening.

Hundreds of thousands of people from several countries have walked through the three greenhouse-like structures. Austria, Slovenia and Croatia are all just short drives away, and its not much farther from Aviano Air Base, where my two children attend school.

The Casa della Farfalle, or House of the Butterflies, in Bordano, Italy, is a short drive from Aviano Air Base and the borders of Austria, Slovenia and Croatia. It receives plenty of international visitors. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes) Visitors to the House of the Butterflies in Bordano, Italy, make their way along paths through three separate environments based on where the insects normally dwell: Africa, Asia and the Americas. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes)

But while the two-legged visitors are somewhat diverse, the creatures housed at the facility are much more so. And many come from places well beyond Europe.

As the name implies, butterflies are the main attraction and theyre housed in three separate areas based on where they normally dwell: Africa, Asia and the Americas.

The emerald swallowtail, also known as the banded peacock, is native to tropical Asia and uses camouflage to protect itself from enemies. This specimen is at the House of the Butterflies in Bordano, Italy. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes) Though this might look like something from a bad horror movie, the moth shown here at the House of the Butterflies in Bordano, Italy, actually exists and is native to Costa Rica. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes) An owl butterfly at the House of the Butterflies in Bordano, Italy, sucks out some fruit nectar. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes) Sometimes the butterflies and other critters at the House of the Butterflies in Bordano, Italy, allow visitors to get really close to take a look or a picture. This king swallowtail was feeling photogenic. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes) Not all butterflies are colorful and friendly looking as evidenced by this one hanging out at the House of the Butterflies in Bordano, Italy. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes)

Dont expect Disney-like surroundings. The areas are pleasantly filled with various plants for the butterflies and insects to climb or perch on. There are also a few pools for turtles, shelters for other insects or lizards and some glass containers for a few things the center doesnt want roaming around  and neither do visitors.

The leopard chameleon hails from Madagascar. This one appears to have seen his fill of visitors to the House of the Butterflies in Bordano, Italy. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes) The green stick insect, which is native to Thailand, is one of the less vivid residents at the House of the Butterflies in Bordano, Italy. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes) It's feeding time for this bearded dragon, a native of Australia, at the House of the Butterflies in Bordano, Italy. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes) This stick insect blends in well with its environment at the House of the Butterflies in Bordano, Italy. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes)

An array of displays precedes the walk to the animal habitats. Some contain insects displayed in rows, similar to what one might see at a local museum or county fair, though theyre a bit more exotic in this case.

Beetles are among the creatures shown in permanent displays at the House of the Butterflies in Bordano, Italy. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes) Displays at the House of the Butterflies in Bordano, Italy, can be educational for those who want to learn more about various insects and not just see them in action. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes)

Other displays, in various languages including English, describe how butterflies live in their natural environments, and visitors are very likely to learn something.

Although the place cant fully replicate the butterflies natural environment, opportunities to see a butterfly dining on a piece of fruit may be more prevalent than in their real habitats.

This butterfly, native to Africa, chows down on a slice of fruit at the House of the Butterflies in Bordano, Italy. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes)

And from the butterfly perspective, one can imagine those large, lumbering mammals that sometimes get a bit too close are better to deal with than a hungry bird or spider on the prowl.

On the QT

Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. between March and October. This year, opening day is March 16.

Price: Admission to the greenhouses is 9.50 euros for adults, 7 euros for senior citizens and kids 4-10, free for kids 3 and under. It costs 12 euros, 11 euros, 10 euros and nothing, respectively, to see a few additional exhibits. Guided tours can be arranged in advance.

Food: There are few options in Bordano, but the choices increase along the SS-13. Udine is about 20 minutes south and boasts plenty of places for a meal.

Information: +39 344 234 5406; Online: bordanofarfalle.it; facebook.com/bordanofarfalle/?locale=it_IT
The government of Dubai has issued a decree on the Unified Digital Platform for establishing companies in Dubai, in an effort to enhance ease of doing business, a report said.

The platform seeks to integrate various licensing processes in Dubai including those managed by the Department of Economy and Tourism, the Authorities of special development zones and freezones, including the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and other relevant entities, Emirates News Agency, WAM, said.

The decree, issued by Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, will elevate investor experience in Dubai by offering a streamlined channel for accessing information, obtaining licences, and availing other services related to economic activities, the platform seeks to enhance the ease and convenience of investors.

The Decree, which applies to all economic activities in Dubai, also aims to regulate the issuance of licences, permits and approvals in the emirate to enhance clarity and simplicity. It also seeks to help investors overcome obstacles in setting up or operating businesses in Dubai.

It seeks to enhance electronic integration between licensing departments and other key entities to avoid duplication of procedures, and support Dubais digital transformation in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to establish the city as a digital economy hub.

The resolution also outlines various measures to provide a smooth experience for investors including registration on the Invest in Dubai digital platform, unified digital data registration, instant licensing, instant license renewal, one-step fee payment, streamlining of licensing requirements, and the standardisation of procedures, rules and conditions.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is opening a trade finance line of $25 million for state-owned PrivatBank (Kyiv), which will contribute to Privatbank's growing trade finance business, safeguards Ukraine food exports, the financial institution's press service reported on Thursday.

"This new agreement allows us to issue confirmed letters of credit with post-import financing, which in turn gives opportunities for our clients to increase the period of payment deferral for foreign economic contracts. We are confident that all groups of customers who import goods will benefit from this major deal between EBRD and PrivatBank," Board Chairman of PrivatBank Gerhard Boesch was quoted in the release as saying.

With the signing of this agreement, PrivatBank joined eleven other Ukrainian banks with which the EBRD already cooperates under the Trade Facilitation Programme (TFP). Since the beginning of the war, the EBRD's own Trade Facilitation Programme has supported EUR 972 million in 355 trade transactions for the most crucial goods for the Ukrainian economy.

During the signing of the agreement, EBRD First Vice President Jurgen Rigterink pointed out PrivatBank's potential to find its own niche in the trade finance business, with a strong franchise across Ukraine and a focus on business with agricultural producers.

"It in turn will effectively align Privatbank's operations with EBRD standards and thus enhance its privatisation prospects in the future," he added.
National Police patrol the area near the empty National Penitentiary after a small fire inside the jail in downtown Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Thursday, March 14, 2024. This is the same prison that armed gangs stormed March 2 and hundreds of inmates escaped. (Odelyn Joseph/AP)

WASHINGTON  The U.S. military has prepared its naval station in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for a possible influx of Haitian migrants even as gang violence in the country has subsided in recent days, a top operational commander said Thursday.

Army Gen. Laura Richardson, who leads U.S. Southern Command, told senators that her staff has prepped for the worst in case the crisis in Haiti leads to mass migration. Southern Command oversees military activities in Central and South America as well as the Caribbean.

Everything is refreshed  the equipment, everything is ready to go, she said during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing. As we work through all our contingency plans, I assure you that U.S. SOUTHCOM and the Department of Defense are ready to go.

The Guantanamo Bay naval base in Cuba is located about 200 miles from Haiti and has a center to process migrants that is separate from the facility that holds terrorist suspects. The White House is reportedly discussing whether to expand capacity at the migrant center.

Several lawmakers expressed concern this week that droves of Haitians will attempt to flee the country after armed gangs launched widespread attacks on government structures, businesses and homes. Most of Haitis capital, Port-au-Prince, is under gang control and flights are suspended.

[Florida families] are worried about how this instability in the region  to not only include Haiti but all of [the] SOUTHCOM theater  could possibly stoke a mass migration event in my state, said Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla.

An aerial view of Bulkeley Hall at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Bulkeley Hall is the naval station headquarters and administration building. Guantanamo Bay is a logistical hub for U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army, and allied vessels and aviation platforms operating in the Caribbean region of the U.S. 4th Fleet. (Bill Mesta/U.S. Navy)

More than 300,000 Haitians have been displaced since gangs overran the capital on Feb. 29 and unleashed chaos, according to the United Nations.

The U.S. on Wednesday deployed a Marine Fleet-Anti-terrorism Security Team, or FAST, to secure its embassy in Port-au-Prince and flew Marines into the country over the weekend to rescue nonessential diplomatic staff.

Other American civilians, including a Marine Corps veteran, remain trapped in the Caribbean nation.

Richardson said gang violence has been tamped down somewhat in the past couple of days as international negotiations over new political leadership for Haiti continue. The countrys minister, Ariel Henry, agreed to step down earlier this week.

The political solution seems to be working and hopefully that continues on a positive path but if not, we have the contingency plans ready to respond from U.S. SOUTHCOM, Richardson said.

Those plans include a possible evacuation of U.S. citizens in Haiti, she said.

Several lawmakers this week criticized the government for not ordering a rescue mission for all Americans in the country. Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., said he personally orchestrated a helicopter rescue of ten people working at a Haitian orphanage, including eight Americans.

If Americans are abroad and in trouble, I will continue to come to their aid, Mills, an Army combat veteran, said in a social media post on Wednesday.

A State Department spokesperson said the government is providing information to U.S. citizens in Haiti through alerts and its websites. U.S. embassies overseas have rough estimates of how many Americans are in their countries but cannot track exact numbers.

Americans have been advised against traveling to Haiti since March 5, 2020, according to the spokesperson.
Soldiers of the special forces of the Mexican Army show an explosive device used as an antipersonnel mine by the Jalisco Nueva Generacion Cartel (CJNG) in the community of Naranjo de Chila, municipality of Aguililla, Michoacan state, Mexico, on Feb. 18, 2022. (Alfredo Estrella, AFP/Getty Images/TNS)

MEXICO CITY (Tribune News Service)  In one moment, a column of soldiers and military pickups creeps along a dirt road in western Mexico. In the next, a massive explosion sends debris and a body flying.

The ground where a soldier stood seconds earlier is a gaping hole, the aftermath of an improvised land mine planted by one of the regions warring drug cartels.

That soldier was killed and four others were injured in the January explosion, which was captured in a grainy video that circulated on social media. Then last month, four more soldiers died and nine others were wounded when another explosive device detonated in the same region.

So far in March, three laborers have been killed and two others injured by yet another mine, leaving a truck split in half and human remains scattered across a dusty road.

The series of blasts in the Tierra Caliente  an area along the border of Jalisco and Michoacan states that has long been a hot zone for cartel warfare  mark an alarming escalation of violence in Mexico as criminal groups arm themselves with ever-more sophisticated and deadly weaponry. The drug war in Mexico has come to resemble actual warfare.

For years the cartels have been engaged in an arms race, building powerful arsenals that now include grenade launchers, drones rigged with explosives and tank-like vehicles known as monsters that are equipped with machine gun turrets and steel armor.

But the widespread use of improvised land mines is new. Experts blame their rise in part on an influx into Mexico of mercenary fighters from Colombia, where explosives played a central role in a long-running war between leftist guerrilla groups and far-right paramilitaries.

The scourge of conflicts around the globe, abhorred for killing and maiming unsuspecting civilians and lingering hidden for decades, mines provide cartels with a tactical edge on the battlefield and widen the potential for collateral damage.

You can kill more enemies from greater distance and limit direct confrontation, said Tim Sloan, who headed the Mexico City office of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives until 2022. Less members can inflict more bodily harm while in enemy territory.

Some of the devices have tripwires sensitive enough to be set off by pedestrians  not just the heavy armored trucks used by the military or cartels. If a person, cow, vehicle, steps onto the switch it will explode, Sloan said.

Last year, four police officers and two civilians were killed after an anonymous caller sent a tip about a clandestine burial site outside Guadalajara. Hidden along the road were improvised explosive devices, seven of which were set off as a convoy of police vehicles passed.

Amid growing concern about the problem, the U.S. government has increased its support to Mexican law enforcement and the military, donating bomb suits and detection equipment and training Mexican officials how to investigate crime scenes where explosives have detonated.

Mexicos armed forces deactivated 2,241 improvised explosive devices in 17 states between August 2021 and July 2023, according to public records. Most were in Michoacan.

In the Tierra Caliente, where a patchwork of criminal groups is fighting soldiers, the powerful Jalisco New Generation cartel and one another, the new technology has brought fresh terror.

You live in fear every day  of land mines, of drones, of assassins, said a rancher from the outskirts of El Aguaje, a contested town on the front lines of a war between the Jalisco cartel  known by its Spanish initials, CJNG  and an alliance of criminal groups called the United Cartels. You never know where you can safely step.

The rancher, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he is afraid of cartel retribution, said the CJNG controlled the area until about four years ago, when a United Cartels faction from the neighboring municipality of Tepalcatepec began vying for power.

His pueblo, once a prosperous hub of lime farms, became a ghost town of abandoned homes pockmarked with bullet holes. Many residents fled to other parts of Mexico or the United States. The rancher left too, but two years later, after the federal government claimed it had regained control of the region, he returned.

The following day, one of his neighbors, a 79-year-old farmer named Cristobal, died after driving over an improvised land mine. The farmers son was badly injured.

Criminal groups have turned the region into a literal minefield, with a profound impact on daily life. The rancher, for example, said he has avoided a dirt road that winds from El Aguaje to Tepalcatepec ever since an armed man guarding it told him: Go back. You cant pass here and you know why.

The man was from Colombia, the rancher said, part of a growing number of mercenaries who experts say have brought bomb-making technology to rural Mexico.

Theres always been a conflict with shootouts and displacements, but lately you see other kinds of people who arent from here, who have a different accent, said the rancher. Hes heard rumors that the foreigners fabricate improvised land mines and other explosives for the Tepalcatepec cartel leader known as El Abuelo  the Grandfather.

That account squares with Mexican military intelligence records reviewed by The Times that document foreign mercenaries, drone warfare and improvised land mines in the Tierra Caliente. U.S. officials and experts who study Mexicos criminal landscape have tracked similar developments.

John P. Sullivan, an organized crime expert at USCs Safe Communities Institute, said cartels have used improvised explosive devices sporadically since the 1990s, but they have become a mainstay of the conflict unfolding in the Tierra Caliente.

Sullivan said a small number of the mines appear to be military grade, and were probably smuggled into Mexico from the United States or nearby countries that have experienced armed conflict.

In 2018, suspected members of the Gulf cartel were arrested in the northern Mexican border city of Reynosa with two Claymore M18A1 antipersonnel mines  a weapon developed for the U.S. military.

But most of the explosives are improvised, Sullivan said, and probably made with the help of former soldiers and guerrilla fighters from Colombia, where a 2016 peace deal between the government and the nations biggest rebel group, the FARC, left many combatants unemployed. Using connections established through the cocaine trade, Mexican cartels began recruiting fighters for their own cause.

Theyre out of work. So what do they do? Sullivan said. Well, some of them have gone to work for other criminal organizations.

Sloan said: Homemade mortars, land mines, bomblets dropped by drones  all that technology was brought up by former FARC members working mainly with CJNG.

Mexican military intelligence reports leaked by the hacktivist group Guacamaya in 2022 contain multiple references to Colombian mercenaries operating in the Aguililla region of Michoacan. One report, from September 2021, described the head of an armed cell working under El Abuelo as having 26 Colombian guerrilleros at his service in the fight against CJNG.

Another United Cartels boss had hired an additional 10 Colombians for the cause, paying them a weekly salary of around $600, according to the reports, which detail communications by cartel members as well as their battle plans.

The latest violence comes during an election year for Mexico, with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador set to leave office after a six-year term that has been tarnished by record levels of bloodshed. After sweeping into office on a campaign slogan of hugs not bullets and a pledge to end the drug war, he has been unable to lower the murder rate or take back vast swaths of the country that are firmly under cartel control.

Aguililla and neighboring municipalities in the Tierra Caliente have long vexed Mexicos leaders. Frustrated by the inability of government forces to stamp out organized crime, townspeople in some communities have taken up arms in civilian-led militias.

In early 2022, the Mexican military swept into Aguililla, temporarily pushing out the CJNG. Mexican army minesweepers reportedly deactivated more than 250 antipersonnel mines during that campaign. The mayor held a public ceremony to celebrate the government forces bringing peace. Three weeks later, he was assassinated.

According to the leaked intelligence reports, Mexican soldiers heard one CJNG commander order his men to mine the roads around one stronghold and to place the explosives in such a way so they wont sink into the ground from vehicles or people without exploding.

What we want is to see them blown to bits over there, said the commander, identified in the reports as Miguel Angel Fernandez Valencia, also known as M2.

Fernandez Valencia, who was killed in a January 2022 shootout with Mexican soldiers, maintained a stockpile of explosives and bomb-making materials, according to the reports, including 10 sticks of dynamite  referred to as sausages  two sacks of ammonium nitrate fertilizer and electric switches and wiring for detonators.

In Michoacan, mines are increasingly used in tandem with weaponized drones, which Sullivan said give cartels a decisive advantage in tactical engagements.

It makes them more lethal and gives them more flexibility in their attacks, he said. It makes it harder for the military or police or any tactical unit to maneuver, because now its not just two-dimensional warfare on the ground, its three-dimensional warfare from the air.

The crisis recently prompted security officials in Michoacan to form a specialized unit tasked with disposing of bombs.

The units leader, Carlos Roberto Gomez Ruiz, said his team has deactivated 332 devices in just 2 months. Most of them, he said, were discovered inside a single bomb-making workshop.

Gomez said the explosives are cobbled together from gas tanks, pipes, screws, nails and other readily available materials  each one a unique puzzle that can take his unit anywhere from a few minutes to several hours to crack.

Each mission is different, he said.

Gilberto Vergara Garcia, a Catholic priest who serves at the parish in Aguililla, said the new tactics of the cartels amount to terrorism.

They have no right, no justification to create a situation of such imminent danger, he said.

Even if the conflict one day is resolved, all the residue and remnants of war will remain, he said.

The losers are always the locals, because they are the ones who in the end must deal with the terror of a land mine that these groups might forget.

Hamilton reported from San Francisco and Linthicum from Mexico City.

2024 Los Angeles Times.

Visit latimes.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
MV-22 Ospreys park at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, April 19, 2019. (Stars and Stripes)

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan  The U.S. Marine Corps on Thursday reported the first flight of an MV-22 Osprey in Japan since a deadly crash nearly four months ago temporarily grounded the aircraft across the U.S. and Japanese militaries.

The Corps returned its Osprey fleet in Japan to flight status that morning, according to an emailed statement from Maj. Rob Martins, spokesman for the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing on Okinawa.

We had our first flight today just before 9 a.m., Martins said by phone later Thursday. He said at least one Osprey hovered over Marine Corps Air Station Futenma.

The helicopter-plane hybrids were deemed ready to fly March 8 by Naval Air Systems Command based on a meticulous and data-driven approach prioritizing flight worthiness and safety, Martins said in the email.

The Marines, Air Force and Navy lifted the flight ban that followed the Nov. 29 crash in southern Japan that killed eight members of a Yokota-based Air Force Special Operations squadron.

Only the Marines reported their Ospreys flying Thursday in Japan.

Future V-22 flights will only operate after all maintenance, safety and procedural changes have been implemented, Master Sgt. Nathan Allen, a spokesman for Yokotas 374th Airlift Wing, told Stars and Stripes in an email.

The aircraft has two rotating engines that allow it to take off and land like a helicopter but fly as a fixed-wing aircraft.

The timeline for the resumption of flight operations of V-22 operated by U.S. Forces in Japan continues to be closely coordinated between the Government of Japan and the Government of the United States and depends on the operational requirements unique to the units mission profile, Allen said.

The wing doesnt comment on specific flight plans, he added.

A CV-22B Osprey arrives at Yokota Air Base, Japan, April 5, 2018. (Stars and Stripes)

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Japanese Minister of Defense Minoru Kihara confirmed Wednesday they would resume Osprey flights in Japan, according to a readout of their phone conversation released by Japans Ministry of Defense. Japan also grounded its fleet of 14 Ospreys in the wake of the crash.

The ministry in a statement Wednesday said Osprey flight operations in Japan will differ from unit to unit depending on the mission, operational requirements and the status of safety measures.

Going forward, the Ground Self-Defense Force Ospreys and the U.S. military Ospreys in Japan plan to regain their ability to respond to missions in stages, the statement said. Specifically, we will first carry out maintenance and education as indicated as safety measures to prevent the recurrence of the recent accident.

An Air Force investigation of Novembers crash found a materiel failure of a V-22 component, according to a March 8 news release from the Pentagon, which has not identified the component or released the accident report. The released said officials used the time to do a thorough review of the mishap and test risk-mitigation controls.

In Japan, basic flights will start Thursday, carried out at the discretion of unit commanders, according to the Defense Ministry.

This process will not be for all Ospreys to start flying at once, but will be carried out in stages, starting with the aircraft that have completed preparations such as maintenance, its statement said.

During the grounding, Naval Air Systems Command developed risk mitigation controls to assist with safely returning the V-22 to flight, Martins said.

The Marine Corps has accordingly enacted a deliberate plan to comply with new risk management measures, after which we will resume flight operations with all Marine Corps MV-22 squadrons, he said.

Osprey pilots of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing will resume flying after they carefully regain currency and proficiency in their missions, according to the statement.

Safety, both in this process and for the local communities, is our paramount priority, Martins said.

The wings mission will continue with a focus on the safety of Marines, sailors and local communities, wing commander Maj. Gen. Eric Austin said in Martins statement.

The MV-22 is a key to the success of the wing and the III Marine Expeditionary Force on Okinawa and plays a central role in Marines ability to respond in time of crisis and work with allies, Austin said. We are pleased to be flying our MV-22s again, he added.
A mass grave for 12 victims of the My Lai Massacre near Quang Ngai, Vietnam. (Wikimedia Commons)

Early on March 16, 1968, U.S. soldiers descended on hamlets in a coastal province of South Vietnam on a search-and-destroy mission that within a few hours left hundreds of infants, children and other civilians dead.

Some, huddled in groups, were shot execution-style.

Americans only learned of the atrocity well over a year later from news reports, but the full extent of the episode was not known until the Armys Peers Commission published findings of an exhaustive inquiry in the spring of 1970.

Twenty-six soldiers were charged with crimes in the massacre, but only platoon leader Lt. William Calley Jr. was convicted after being found guilty of murdering 22 villagers. His life sentence was later commuted to 42 months.

The Peers inquiry, which mainly probed the extent Army officials covered up the killings, concluded that lack of leadership above all else was the main cause of the massacre, retired Army officers Paul Berg and Robert Rielly wrote in the 2021 book High Ground: The Profession and Ethic in Large-Scale Combat Operations.

The report cited that leaders failed to follow policies, did not enforce policies, failed to control the situation, failed to check, failed to conduct an investigation, and did not follow up, they wrote.

A new hypothesis

But the atrocitys roots lead most clearly to the task force commander who concocted the mission, historian Marshall Poe argues in The Reality of the My Lai Massacre and the Myth of the Vietnam War published late last year.

Poe contends that the massacre would have likely never happened if not for Lt. Col. Frank Barker, the ambitious officer who planned the mission and longed for a battalion command.

Barkers role has been largely overlooked because he was killed in a helicopter crash only a few months after the massacre; he thus faced no court-martial nor could he offer testimony in the subsequent investigation.

Barker was a highly decorated officer whod been in the Army for a long time, and he was well respected, Poe told Stars and Stripes by phone March 4. His actions on the day are really pretty much inexplicable, outside my hypothesis that he was really hoping the [Viet Cong] were in this village and he was going to get a big victory with a big body count.

Poe, who taught history at Harvard and Columbia universities and is founder of New Books Network, pored over nearly 25,000 pages of documents, including hundreds of transcripts generated by the Peers inquiry.

Poe contends that Barker essentially ordered the troops to kill everyone in the hamlet designated by the Army as My Lai (4).

A historian contends that the My Lai Massacre would have likely never happened if not for Lt. Col. Frank Barker, the ambitious officer who planned the mission and longed for a battalion command. (U.S. Army)

Stepping-stone to promotion

Barker had fought in the Korean War and served as a military adviser during his first tour in South Vietnam.

After briefly commanding a battalion in 1967, he was transferred to a desk job. The following year, he was given command of a battalion-sized task force composed of units drawn from the 11th Brigade.

Poe contends that Barker viewed this task force as a stepping-stone to commanding a full-size battalion and further promotion.

Among the personnel in what came to be called Task Force Barker were Calley and his company commander, Capt. Ernest Medina. The men of Medinas Company C killed most of the victims in the massacre, with Calleys First Platoon far and away most culpable, Poe writes.

Barkers task force had twice in February 1968 conducted operations in the Son My area  dubbed Pinkville by the U.S. military  in a hunt for members of the beleaguered 48th Viet Cong Local Force Battalion.

His plan to return to the area a third time, however, was based on dubious intelligence as to the location of the 48th and a mistaken notion about the presence of innocent civilians.

Army investigators were never able to definitively track down the flawed intelligences source.

Capt. Eugene Kotouc, the task force intelligence officer, offered conflicting stories as to the origin of the intelligence, but during one interview he told investigators it came from Barker.

Barker had also apparently come to believe that no civilians would be in My Lai (4) at 8 a.m. because at that time each day all Vietnamese farm peasants go to market at main villages  an assumption that Army investigators, who themselves had tours in Vietnam under their belts, regarded as ludicrous.

Staff Sgt. Nguyen Dinh Phu served as a Vietnamese interpreter for U.S. soldiers during the My Lai Massacre, March 16, 1968. (U.S. Army) A U.S. soldier sets fire to a Vietnamese home during the My Lai Massacre, March 16, 1968. (U.S. Army) An American soldier sets fire to a Vietnamese home during the My Lai Massacre, March 16, 1968. (U.S. Army)

Extreme orders

Barkers superiors apparently had no clear idea about the operation he had planned.

Brig. Gen. Andy Lipscomb, commander of the 11th Brigade, told investigators he had no recollection of it.

Some officers told investigators that Barker had been explicit that he wanted My Lai decimated, with Kotouc and Medina saying he wanted everything burned and all the livestock killed.

In pre-operation briefings Medina gave to Company C, he repeated and even amped up Barkers already extreme orders, Poe writes.

Numerous Company C soldiers testified they understood from Medina that everyone in My Lai was either Viet Cong or Viet Cong sympathizers.

A dozen of Medinas men state unequivocally that he ordered the entire population of My Lai (4) killed, Poe writes.

For all the flawed assumptions underlying the March 16 operation  and the atrocity it would lead to  Barker could have stopped it even as it began to unfold and no Viet Cong returned fire.

What troops found was a village full of old men, women and children, Poe told Stars and Stripes. Now, thats where the operation should have stopped, right there.

The people who did this  that is, the soldiers on the ground  were incredibly badly led, he said. I mean, truly mind-bogglingly badly led by Barker, by Medina, and by Calley and others.

Had responsible people followed the regs and done what they were supposed to have been doing  the operation would have been stopped almost immediately, Poe said. It probably never would have happened.
U.S. airmen with the 5th Munitions Squadron load a joint air-to-surface standoff missile at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Oct. 4, 2023. The State Department this week approved the sale of over 800 extended-range JASSMs to Poland for about $1.8 billion. (Alyssa Bankston/Air Force)

Poland has approval from the United States to purchase about 1,800 missiles in a deal worth nearly $3.7 billion.

The NATO ally will be able to buy missiles of three variants, according to the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which on Tuesday released notifications for each missile type.

They include the AGM-158B-2 joint air-to-surface standoff missile with extended range, or JASSM-ER, which is made by Lockheed Martin. The State Department approved the sale of 821 JASSM-ERs to Poland for about $1.8 billion.

It also approved the sale of 745 RTX AIM-120C-8 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles, or AMRAAMs, for just under $1.7 billion, and 232 RTX AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles for roughly $220 million.

All the costs include related equipment, training and support, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.

The proposed sales will bolster Polands defenses while advancing its air forces ability to operate with other NATO partners, according to the agency.

All three sales will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe, the agency said.

They would not alter the basic military balance in the region, it added.

Polish inventory includes each of the three missiles, which are launched from aircraft. Warsaw was looking to purchase additional supplies.

The approval of the sales was confirmed the same day Andrzej Duda, the Polish president, met with U.S. counterpart Joe Biden in Washington and said all NATO members should raise their defense spending to 3% of gross domestic product.

The bloc must do more to match Russias increase in military spending as the war in Ukraine drags on, Duda said.

NATO members agreed in 2014 to boost their defense spending to 2% of GDP by 2024, after Russia annexed Ukraines Crimean Peninsula. However, many members still fall short of the benchmark.

Poland, which shares a border with Ukraine and is aiming to build the strongest land army in Europe by 2026, isnt one of them. It spends 4% of its GDP on defense, making it No. 1 among the 32 countries in NATO. The U.S. spends above 3% on defense.
NATO forces including Spanish, Polish, French and American tanks, as well as other military vehicles from Turkey and Slovakia, line up before boarding amphibious rigs to cross the Vistula River during an exercise near Gniew, Poland, March 4, 2024. (Jackie Faye Burton/U.S. European Command)

STUTTGART, Germany  A large majority of people living in NATO countries expect allies to come to their defense if their own nation is attacked, but fewer want their forces to defend others, new alliance polling released Thursday shows.

The findings were part of NATOs annual report, which showed strong public support for the alliance in general. But it also revealed mixed feelings about the blocs fundamental creed: that an attack on one member is an attack on all.

Overall, 73% of those polled across the alliance agreed that their country should be defended by other NATO states if attacked. That figure dropped to 61% when people were asked whether they supported their own country coming to the defense of another member.

Sentiments varied among member countries, with eastern flank states such as Poland, Estonia and Lithuania being among the most willing to come to the defense of another. Those countries also had high expectations that others should defend them.

Meanwhile, only 33% of Montenegrins said they were willing to fight for an ally, the lowest among the 32-nation alliance.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg gives remarks March 11, 2024, in Brussels, during a ceremony celebrating the accession of Sweden into the defense alliance. NATOs annual report released Thursday showed a large majority expected their countries to be defended if attacked, but smaller numbers expected their countries to defend others under the same circumstances. (NATO)

In the United States, NATOs most powerful member and the linchpin of the alliances concept of collective defense, 60% of those polled supported American defense of a NATO member under attack. And 70% thought they should be helped by allies if the tables were turned.

Meanwhile, 59% of Germans polled said they would support defending an ally under attack, compared with 73% who expected their country to be defended under similar circumstances.

Still, a large majority of members, 75%, considered NATO important to the future security of their country.

The findings suggest that while a majority of citizens hold NATO in high regard, they could be confused or unaware of the alliances purpose, given the degree of ambivalence about fighting for one another.

The polling also showed that allies are willing to take steps to bolster security, with 77% of respondents showing support for maintaining or increasing defense spending.

The NATO polling was done in November and December, with a margin of error of 3 percentage points.
At a meeting on Thursday, the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine (AMCU) granted permission to PJSC Ukrnafta to concentrate the assets of the Glusco gas station network, according to the companys website.

Now the company has all the legal grounds to sign acts of acceptance and transfer of assets from ARMA, after which it will be able to begin actual management of the Glusco network, Ukrnafta director Serhiy Koretsky wrote on Facebook.

According to him, in general, the arrested corporate rights of 34 enterprises, as well as real estate in the form of gas stations, land plots, etc., are transferred to the companys management.

As reported, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine in May 2022 agreed on ARMAs proposal to transfer to the management of NJSC Naftogaz Ukrainy the seized assets of the Glusco company (until 2018, the Rosneft oil company network), which were associated with Viktor Medvedchuk. Later, ARMA initiated termination with Naftogaz and the transfer of Glusco to the management of PJSC Ukrnafta.

At the end of September 2023, ARMA and Ukrnafta signed an agreement on the management of Glusco, which involves the transfer of 85% of net profits to the state, while Ukrnafta receives 15% for management.
Soldiers conduct a movement with armored vehicles and tanks March 5, 2024, near the Vistula River in Poland during Exercise Dragon 24. The Center for Strategic and International Studies, in a report released Monday, said the U.S. Army should permanently station a brigade in Poland and maintain a similar rotational force in Romania to bolster NATO's defenses. (Jackie Faye Burton/U.S. European Command)

The U.S. Army should permanently station a brigade in Poland and maintain a similarly sized rotational force in Romania, according to new research that argues those steps could help some military families strained by years of long overseas deployments.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies said the threat posed by Russia merits a stronger commitment in Poland, where a more permanent force would stiffen deterrence on NATOs eastern flank.

Poland would provide the most practical and beneficial location to establish a new military base for an (armored brigade combat team) from an operational and political perspective, said the report, which was released this week.

It also recommended that the U.S. station two combat aviation units in Poland. Such a move would essentially transition the Armys rotational force in Poland into a permanent one.

The changes would save money over the long run, given that its cheaper to forward-base troops rather than shuttle large units and their equipment back and forth across the Atlantic Ocean every nine months, the report authors said.

The debate over how to best carry out the military mission in Europe has long centered on the balance between sending troops to the Continent on short-term missions versus offering tours with family in tow.

According to the report, there is evidence that accompanied tours translate into higher morale for soldiers when considering the family separations that come with long rotations away from home.

Rotational deployments also lead to more discipline issues and increased divorce rates, according to the authors, who also cited lower reenlistment rates for units involved in rotational missions.

U.S. Army M109 Paladins take part in a training mission in Torun, Poland, Feb. 22, 2024. A Center for Strategic and International Studies report released Monday recommends the permanent presence of an American armored brigade in Poland to bolster NATO's eastern flank. (Spc. Trevares Johnson)

Establishing a new U.S. base in Poland would have high initial costs and take roughly seven years, but the financial burden of permanently stationed forces would be lower in the long run, the report said.

However, it didnt advocate moving away entirely from the rotational model. For example, rotating an infantry brigade through Romania would maintain flexibility and should be an enduring feature of the Armys force posture, it said.

The service began sending infantry brigades to Romania in the aftermath of Russias 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The analysis builds on other studies in recent years, including one by the U.S. Army War College in 2017 that found rotating armored brigades to Europe was more costly than forward basing.

Other data point to the possibility that the rotational model the Army has relied on in Europe is taking a toll on soldier well-being.

On Monday, Army Times reported that between 2019 and 2021, armored units, which are often involved in frequent overseas rotations, experienced a suicide rate twice as high as that of the rest of the active-duty force.

Since the 2014 invasion of Ukraine by Russia, numerous security analysts have argued in favor of assigning more troops to Europe, such as an armored brigade in Poland.

Army leaders, however, have not publicly signaled much interest, if any, in going in that direction.

With the threat posed by China in the Pacific, there could be pressure on the Army and other services to remain flexible and not overcommit itself in Europe.

China hawks have argued that Europe, given its wealth relative to Russia, should be able to make the military investments needed to carry a larger share of the conventional security burden on the Continent, especially given global demand on the U.S. military.

Other domestic constraints that could affect U.S. force posture in Europe in the years to come include the size of future defense budgets or an isolationist turn in U.S. politics, the CSIS report said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during an interview with Rossiya Segodnya International Media Group Director General Dmitry Kiselev, in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, March 12, 2024. (Gavriil Grigorov/Sputnik, Kremlin pool photo)

Vladimir Putin has led Russia for almost a quarter-century. If he wins reelection for his fifth term as president Sunday, as is virtually certain, he will be eligible for another six years  during which his time in the Kremlin would become longer than Joseph Stalins Soviet leadership  and after that, another six-year term.

Putin, who is 72, will be well in his 80s if he serves out both terms. And theres no reason to suspect he would step down at that point. The working assumption among most Russian watchers is that Putin will be ruler for life. This longevity may be both an asset and a weakness.

Putin, a former KGB spy, was just 46 when he was flung to the top level of politics in 1999, plucked from relative obscurity by an ailing Boris Yeltsin to serve as Russian prime minister and soon became acting president.

One reason he has survived so well is because his style of leadership allows no rivals. Alexei Navalny, Russias strongest and most charismatic opposition figure in years, died in an Arctic penal colony last month, having already survived a poisoning in 2020. Other potential rivals have been killed, like Boris Nemtsov, shot dead on a Moscow street in 2015.

It isnt just liberals who face threats like this, either: Wagner chief Yevgeniy Prigozhin, an outspoken mercenary leader and former ally of Putin, died in flames two months after a short-lived military uprising last year.

Even his nominal rivals in this weekends election are, at best, state-sanctioned nobodies. The only two antiwar candidates, Yekaterina Duntsova and Boris Nadezhdin, were kept from the ballot on technicalities.

Putins long past, and likely future, in power significantly helps him in foreign affairs. When dealing with a country like the United States, where partisan shifts tend to happen every four or eight years, he can grit his teeth and wait for a friendlier leader. He doesnt have the domestic pressures of his most prominent foreign foe, Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has to stay popular to maintain his position.

But what comes after Putin? If Putinism allows no rivals, there is little space for heirs, too. In an essay published in Foreign Affairs this week, Russia watchers Michael Kimmage and Maria Lipman considered whether Putins very strength could serve to be a weakness for the regime he has created.

Forever Putinism has its vulnerabilities. Any regime that promises to live forever cannot let itself be perceived as failing, they wrote. Putins presentation of himself as an omnipotent savior  the only one who can steer Russias destiny  thus presents a long-term risk for the regime.

Putins best-known disciple is Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chairman of the Security Council of Russia. Medvedev served as president of Russia between 2008 and 2012, while Putin served as prime minister the tandem style of leadership designed to help Putin escape term limits. (He changed the law in 2021 so that he didnt need to ride the tandem again.)

Medvedev was once seen as a potential reformer with a softer touch than Putin. Now he is best known for aggressive nationalism and mocking statements about Ukraine and the West. The unhinged nature of some of the messages often shocks, though some analysts say he plays a carefully designed role as the Kremlins court clown who can be used to make Putin look more moderate.

Since Medvedevs initial rise, Putin has not publicly sought out a junior partner, leaving open the question of who he views as a replacement. Some of the obvious candidates, including Medvedev and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, seem to be long shots.

Military leaders like Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu are well known, but their lack of popular support was laid bare during Prighozins Wagner rebellion. Pro-government politicians who have built up fanbases have to walk a tight line. Moscows popular mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, was the nominee for Putins United Russia party in his reelection campaign last year, despite running as an independent before  a move interpreted by critics as designed to stunt his political growth in a city where the ruling party is less popular.

Nikolai Patrushev, Russias Security Council secretary, is considered highly powerful  but he largely stayed behind the scenes until the invasion of Ukraine, when his embrace of hawkish rhetoric made him a prominent voice. The governor of Russias Tula region, Alexei Dyumin, is also not well known in the West, but his background as a former personal bodyguard to Putin who was promoted to high military levels has led to speculation that he could be a favored candidate.

Though other strongman leaders often try to keep it in the family, it is unclear if Putin would follow them. Officially, the Russian president has two daughters. However, he speaks little about them. Though the pair are now referenced in Russian media  both are academics, one focuses on mathematics and the other on genetics  they are not publicly linked to him, offering no sign that either is being groomed for future leadership.

With no real rivals and no clear heir, much of the speculation about Russias future instead focuses on Putins health. Last year, a rumor that claimed Putin had a heart attack spread from a popular Telegram account to major international news outlets, despite a clear lack of proof.

Even if only rumors, such stories reflect a basic fact: Unless something significant changes in Russia, Putin will die in office. As Robert Person, a Russia expert at the U.S. Military Academy, wrote this week, Putin could not walk away from power and enjoy a quiet retirement even if he wanted to.

Putins ability to play the long game has aided him in some of his defining foreign policy acts. While his initial invasion of Ukraine failed, Russia has been able to claw back small gains on the land through sheer persistence as a bloody stalemate fighting wore down Kyiv and its allies. The Russian economy has largely stabilized after the initial shock of Western sanctions.

Many predict that when Putin finally leaves office, there will be a bitter and chaotic power struggle. The days, months and years after Putins departure may be even more turbulent than anyone expects, Person wrote. But just because there is a power struggle, that doesnt mean that the system will ultimately change.

In Foreign Affairs, Kimmage and Lipman theorize that whoever takes over from Putin will ultimately inherit the state he created, with its powerful security services and military. If they are a product of this system, would they really want to change it?

They would not want to see internal strife imperil Russias geopolitical position, and they would not want to give up the ideological constructs Putin has assembled, Kimmage and Lipman wrote. Putin has done enough to ensure that whoever follows him is likely to be his heir. As Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in November, Putins eventual successor may not change Russia that much.

They will be the same, Peskov told Russian television. Or different, but the same.
U.S. M1A1 Abrams tanks are unloaded May 12, 2023, in Grafenwoehr, Germany, for use in the training of Ukrainian troops. A Government Accountability Office report issued Wednesday highlights the Pentagon's challenges in tracking the delivery and end use of weapons sent to Ukraine. (Adrian Greenwood/U.S. Army)

STUTTGART, Germany  The Pentagon doesnt have a full grasp of when U.S. military equipment sent to Ukraine makes it there or what happens once the items arrive, a government watchdog agency found in a new report.

A better system is needed for the Defense Department to monitor the movement of the more than $42 billion in American weaponry that Ukraine has received since the full-scale Russian invasion of February 2022, the Government Accountability Office said Wednesday.

For instance, DOD has been unable to directly observe some sensitive defense articles and has allowed Ukrainian officials to self-report the status of such articles, the report said.

Sometimes items get marked delivered when in fact they are still in transit, the report said. Because the conflict is still ongoing, DOD also had to alter some traditional end-use monitoring procedures.

However, the Pentagon has not assessed the effectiveness of its modified approach, according to the GAO.

By conducting such an assessment, DOD will better understand whether its adjusted monitoring approach ensures that defense articles are used for the purposes for which they were provided, the report said.

The Pentagon generally agreed with most of the findings, which included recommendations for development of various procedures to improve the accuracy of the delivery data.

One finding the Pentagon disagreed with dealt with the need to better document when allegations emerge that weapons werent being used by Ukrainians in the way they were intended.

The GAO, however, said clearer guidance on such matters was needed when it comes to tracking possible end-use violations by Ukraine.

While DOD officials said there had been no credible evidence of diversion of U.S.-provided advanced conventional weapons from Ukraine, it is unclear whether all allegations are being tracked, GAO said.
A U.S. Air Force loadmaster releases humanitarian aid pallets of food over Gaza on March 2, 2024. (U.S. Air Force)

TEL AVIV  For three months, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly celebrated the fall of Hamas in northern Gaza, brushing aside warnings that severe food scarcity and a widening power vacuum were creating a state of anarchy.

But after a recent aid convoy disaster in Gaza City, and amid reports of Palestinian children dying of malnutrition, Netanyahu faces an international reckoning  under growing pressure from the United States to stave off a famine and restore order to the ravaged enclave. The crisis, current and former officials say, stems from Israels failure to develop a workable postwar strategy, or to plan for the consequences of an open-ended military occupation.

Eran Etzion, former deputy chief of Israels National Security Council, said the situation in northern Gaza highlights the depths of the quagmire, the chaos and the inability to simply reinstate any kind of normalcy after the conclusion of the most intensive stages of combat.

Preventing famine is Israels responsibility legally  doing otherwise would be against the norms Israel is pretending to be upholding  but also strategically, in order to avoid international pressure, Etzion added.

Pressure kept building Thursday, as Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) warned that Israel risked becoming an international pariah if Netanyahu remained in power. The striking speech from the highest-ranking Jewish official in the United States was the clearest sign yet of Washingtons exasperation with the Israeli leader and his handling of the war in Gaza.

Yet the chaos in the north raises larger questions that Israels government  torn between a security establishment that is demanding an exit strategy and a coalition whose far-right members hope to occupy the Strip  is not prepared to answer. In an interview with Politico on Sunday, Netanyahu again rejected the idea of handing over power to the Palestinian Authority, seen by Washington as the only viable alternative to Hamas.

When asked about the hunger crisis in northern Gaza, Netanyahu replied: Thats not the information we have. And we monitor it closely. More importantly, its not our policy. Our policies are to put in as much humanitarian aid as we could.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (Kobi Wolf/Bloomberg News)

Israel has been working to weaken UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, which has the most experience providing aid and other services in Gaza. The United States, among other international donors, withdrew funding from the agency in January after Israel accused more than a dozen of its employees of taking part in the Oct. 7 attacks. UNRWA dismissed the workers allegedly connected to Oct. 7 and is investigating the allegations.

More than 150 UNRWA facilities have been hit in the war, and at least 165 staffers have been killed, the agency says. An Israeli strike on a food distribution site in Rafah on Wednesday killed one employee and injured 22 others. Israel said it was targeting a Hamas commander responsible for diverting aid to the group; Hamas identified the man as the deputy head of police in the area.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Thursday that the Biden administration was very concerned about Wednesdays strike in Rafah and wanted to see Israel conduct a swift and thorough investigation as to exactly what happened.

With UNRWA effectively sidelined, the Israeli government is stalling and searching for alternatives, as aid groups and allies warn that time is running out. Many of the 300,000 people remaining in the north skip at least one meal a day and are resorting to eating animal feed and scavenging for wild plants. At least 27 people, mostly children, have died of malnutrition or dehydration in recent weeks, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

If we do not exponentially increase the size of aid going into the northern areas, famine is imminent, Cindy McCain, head of the U.N. World Food Program, said in a statement Monday.

While the United States, Europe and Arab nations are now scrambling to increase assistance through airdrops and a new maritime corridor, the Israeli government is not working to translate the armys significant tactical successes into something sustainable, said Israel Ziv, former head of the Israel Defense Forces Operations Directorate.

The scale of the humanitarian crisis came into focus on Feb. 29, when thousands of hungry Gazans rushed a food convoy in the pre-dawn darkness. Israeli forces opened fire and more than 100 people were killed, according to Palestinian health officials. Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said Israeli forces had only fired warning shots and that most of those killed had been trampled in a stampede. Palestinian doctors said the majority of the victims they cared for had bullet wounds. A group of U.N. experts called it a massacre.

The sequence of events remained unclear, two senior Biden administration officials told The Washington Post, but they said Israel had created the conditions that led to the tragedy. Three days later, in the administrations sharpest rebuke of Israel to date, Vice President Kamala Harris called for an immediate cease-fire and more aid into Gaza  no excuses, she said.

President Joe Biden then announced the construction of a pier off the Gazan coast and the establishment of a maritime corridor for aid, which Israel would be responsible for securing.

This was chaos of Israels own making, said one of the administration officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive conversations. Ultimately, Israel is responsible for the mass hunger and lack of aid going in.

Netanyahu has remained defiant. In a speech Tuesday to the pro-Israel AIPAC lobby, he said the international community cannot support Israel destroying Hamas, then oppose Israel when it takes the actions necessary to achieve that goal.

He also vowed to press ahead with a military operation in Rafah in the south, where some 1.5 million displaced Gazans have sought refuge. The IDF said Wednesday that civilians would be evacuated to humanitarian islands in the center of the territory ahead of an invasion.

Netanyahus government was not involved in the pier project, an Israeli official told The Post, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak with the press. But he said it welcomed the creation of the maritime aid corridor, which Israel has been lobbying for since the first weeks of the ground invasion.

Humanitarian groups and diplomats say deliveries by air and sea are no substitute for sustained, unhindered land access. An average of 500 trucks a day crossed into Gaza before the war; in five months of conflict, Israeli restrictions have kept the daily average well below the 200 that Israel had promised to facilitate. In mid-February, only a handful of trucks crossed on some days, in part because of Israeli attacks on aid convoys and the police forces  the last vestiges of Hamas rule  who protected them. As security collapsed in the north, aid deliveries all but ceased.

Israel has yet to find a new partner on the ground in terms of delivering aid in a better way, the Israeli official said. Down the road, the goal is for there to be someone  who will now be able to maintain law and order surrounding the provision of [aid] and, further down the road, will bring Gaza onto a different trajectory.

Who will lead that effort  and how Israel will find them  remains unclear. And the government has set no concrete timeline for accomplishing the wars main goals: destroying Hamas and returning the more than 100 hostages still held in Gaza.

As long as theres no day after strategy, it creates a situation in which the IDF is starting to go in circles, said Gadi Shamni, a former commander of the IDF Gaza division.

Palestinians search the rubble of a destroyed building following an Israeli airstrike in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza on Feb. 28. (Ahmad Salem/Bloomberg News)

For at least two months, Israel has been partnering with local businessmen to truck in aid to the north. The pilot program, which was mostly kept under the radar until the deadly convoy incident, provides some clues about Israels postwar plans.

The initiative originally involved five Gazan business owners, each allotted 20 trucks per day, said one of the businessmen involved in last months deadly convoy, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive situation. The businessman was contacted last month by COGAT, an arm of the Israeli Defense Ministry, and asked if he could deliver food to the north.

Despite fears of looting, the businessman said, he agreed to take the job, hoping the influx of goods would bring down spiraling prices on Gazas black market. After the disaster on Feb. 29, he stopped organizing convoys. Never look for law and order amid starvation, he said, though he noted that other Palestinian businessmen are still involved in the efforts.

More than 150 aid trucks, mostly from the private sector, entered northern Gaza in the past two weeks, according to COGAT. Under new protocols implemented this month, at the request of the U.S. government, the IDF said in a statement, trucks are inspected at Israels southern Kerem Shalom border crossing, then accompanied by the IDF for some 30 miles on a road along the security fence. The trucks enter through a new crossing  called 96, near Kibbutz Beeri  and continue unaccompanied to northern Gaza.

Six WFP trucks passed through the corridor on Tuesday, Hagari told international journalists Wednesday.

We need to find together, international organizations and other countries, to create an alternative for the north, he said. We will flood Gaza with aid.

But getting trucks into the Strip is only the first in a string of compounding challenges.

The goal is to have more and more containers, but the question keeps coming up of who will receive these containers, who will secure them, who will sort them, and Israel is again and again finding itself back at square one, said Michael Milshtein, former head of the Palestinian division of Israeli military intelligence.

The pilot program for aid distribution has drawn new attention to Netanyahus hazily defined plan for postwar Gaza, released last month, which called for partnering with local entities with managerial experience  widely interpreted as a reference to some of Gazas most powerful families, or clans, who once held sway in different parts of the enclave and have clashed with Hamas in the past.

Hamas warned this week that any Palestinians who would work alongside Israel to provide security for aid convoys would be targeted as collaborators.

Israels attempt to communicate with the leaders and clans of some families to operate within the Gaza Strip is considered direct collaboration with the occupation and is a betrayal of the nation that we will not tolerate, the Hamas-affiliated website al-Majd said, quoting an anonymous military official.

And Hamas is not the only obstacle.

You cannot find a family that can exert that kind of control, said an Israeli official familiar with postwar discussions, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive subject.

Israel has tried to partner with local clans several times  most recently in the 1980s  as alternatives to national movements like Fatah and the Palestinian Authority.

Its been tried, said Ziv, the retired Israeli general, adding that the plan risks turning Gaza into Somalia, with each of the families fighting each other, getting armed, and Israel wont step in.

Without a more feasible long-term strategy, said Milshtein, the former Israeli intelligence official, the Israeli military could find itself occupying Gaza indefinitely  which Washington has said is unacceptable.

Israel is not working to find a partner with whom to work in Gaza, but instead is starting to make all kinds of arrangements with clans, with Palestinian businessmen  waiting for some sort of magic to happen, he said. The idea that any of it could work is an illusion.

Abutaleb reported from Washington. Heba Farouk Mahfouz in Cairo, Hazem Balousha in Amman, Jordan, and Karen DeYoung in Washington contributed to this report.
The opening of natural gas exports may be accompanied by certain restrictions that help maintain its balance, says Artem Petrenko, executive director of the Association of Gas Producers of Ukraine.

"If we take some small quota for gas exports, I don't see how this can affect its balance in Ukraine," Petrenko said during the roundtable talk: "Second year of ban on natural gas exports from Ukraine: consequences and prospects," organized by the Energy Committee of the Verkhovna Rada.

He added that the opening of exports will be an incentive to increase production by private companies, which has shown a significant decline in the last two years.

According to the executive director of the Association, in 2021 private companies set a production record of 5 billion cubic meters, but already in 2022 it fell by 700 million cubic meters, and in 2023 by another 600 million cubic meters.

He named the reasons for the drop in production since the beginning of the war as the consequences of military operations and shelling, primarily in Kharkiv and Poltava regions, where the vast majority of gas is produced, a drop in industrial consumption and a ban on exports.

At the same time, he drew attention to the fact that gas consumption by Ukrainian industry has decreased from approximately 8 billion cubic meters in the last pre-war years to 3.4 billion cubic meters based on the results of 2023.

"The issue of export has now intensified because there is no industry that can buy gas in Ukraine. It is important for any company to have demand for its products. And I don't know a single private company that would be against export," he noted.

At the same time, Petrenko drew attention to the insignificant volumes of gas purchases from private companies of NJSC Naftogaz in 2022 - 250 million cubic meters and the intensification of purchases in 2023 - according to his data, 1.1 billion cubic meters.

According to data from the Ukrainian Energy Customs, published during the roundtable talk, from 2018 to 2021 Ukraine exported only 151 million cubic meters of gas, of which the most in 2021 was 147 million cubic meters worth $47 million. The resource was exported by 14 foreign economic activity entities in five countries, most of all in Hungary - 114 million cubic meters.

At the same time, the moderator of the discussion, chairman of the subcommittee on gas, gas transportation industry and gas supply policy of the energy committee, Andriy Zhupanyn, drew attention to the fact that even in the absence of any restrictions, gas export volumes during the four pre-war years were extremely insignificant, therefore, in his opinion, issues of lifting its ban should be considered.
Camp Bonnevilles days as a military weapons training facility may be over, but at least one federal agency wants to continue using the former U.S. Army post as a shooting range. (ecology.wa.gov)

(Tribune News Service)  Camp Bonnevilles days as a military weapons training facility may be over, but at least one federal agency wants to continue using the former U.S. Army post as a shooting range.

The Clark County Council had a preliminary discussion at its March 6 meeting about signing a new contract with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The federal agencys previous shooting range contract expired in December 2022.

I want to see it well-run. I want to make sure we have a plan in place to clean it up, to improve it, to make sure there are best practices for sound barriers put in place, Council Chair Gary Medvigy said.

Ownership of the 3,400-acre former military base was transferred from the Army to Clark County in 2011. The same year, cleanup activities began on the property, which lies north of Camas and southeast of Battle Ground. The county worked with the state Department of Ecology and Army to remove lead and unexploded munitions left over from nine decades of military training, with the eventual aim of opening it to the public.

That cleanup is now finished, although Ecology is reviewing the work to determine if more is needed and what ongoing maintenance is required. Once Ecology completes this process, the site can be considered for public use.

Medvigy has advocated for other uses of the Camp Bonneville site in the past, including creating a home for veterans. The county will eventually create a master plan for the property. In the meantime, officials say continuing to allow a shooting range is certainly feasible.

Rocky Houston, division manager for Parks and Lands, said a reuse plan was created before the land was transferred to the county. The plan was last updated in 2005.

In there was public shooting ranges and nonpublic, professional shooting range elements, Houston said. The use for the range for the FBI was something discussed and identified. Its not a requirement. Its something that was allowed and considered through that process.

However, Houston said a shooting range impacts other potential uses for the property, which must be considered.

Erik Harrison, program manager for Camp Bonneville, confirmed the land-use agreement allows for a shooting range.

The FBI (has) been a good tenant. ... They are very proactive, they have come to me several times that they want to improve the range. They have the funding for that, Harrison told the council.

Medvigy said he fully supported making improvements to the shooting range as long as the county is reimbursed for its efforts. Medvigy also suggested that no shooting be allowed during nighttime hours, or on weekends and holidays.

I know they want to do nighttime firing, but they shouldnt have it unless its indoors or suppressed. I dont think the sheriffs office has many suppressed weapons, Medvigy said.

Sgt. Chris Skidmore, public information officer for the Clark County Sheriffs Office, said the agency is currently using the Camp Bonneville shooting range. Skidmore said the sheriffs office moved from the English Pit range, which is still used by other law enforcement agencies, to Camp Bonneville in 2021.

The FBI actually built the Camp Bonneville range while the federal government still owned the property before it was transferred to the county. CCSO has used the range by an agreement with the county and the FBI. I am unaware of any plan that would not allow CCSO to use the range at Camp Bonneville, Skidmore said Wednesday.

Neighborhood opposition

Not everyone supports the idea of continuing to use the shooting range. In a March 5 letter to the county and others, local resident Gregory Shaw wrote there are too many downsides to an agreement with the federal agency. He said allowing anyone to use the Camp Bonneville range will only compound environmental damage at the site and interfere with cleanup efforts, delaying future access and uses for the property.

The FBI shooting is loud enough to be easily heard through triple-glazed windows at homes more than 2 miles from the range. This disturbance is magnified by fog, snow or low cloud cover. It is also a major, serious disruption throughout the entire portion of Camp Bonneville once proposed as a public park, Shaw wrote.

He also claimed the FBI has not been a good tenant and has a history of violating the terms of prior agreements. Shaw said the law enforcement agency has used weapons and explosives and trained in areas not allowed under the agreements terms and has invited other agencies to use the property without notifying the county as required.

Once negotiations with the FBI are complete, a draft agreement will be brought before the council for review. Deputy Manager Amber Emery said no date for that review has been set.

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A Marine's conviction for obtaining nude images through deceit on a dating site was overturned by the service's criminal appeals court. The judges ruled that a new trial is warranted because prior rulings misused wire fraud statutes. (Donna Burnett/U.S. Air Force)

A Marine Corps staff sergeant dismissed from the service for posing as a woman on an online dating site to obtain nude images from other women is entitled to a new trial, the services criminal appeals court has ruled.

Justin M. Collettis conduct was despicable and potentially criminal, but the military judge abused his discretion by accepting a guilty plea for wire fraud, the U.S. Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals said in a unanimous decision released Tuesday.

The images in the case involved neither the exchange of money nor traditional property, the court said. The 1952 federal wire fraud statute falls under Article 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. It requires deceptive schemes that deprive a victim of money or property.

Prosecutors argued that the case involved traditional property interests since the victims lost the right to control the exclusive use of the images depicting their bodies.

In a 3-0 decision, the court set aside Collettis plea and sentence.

Colletti was convicted of one specification each of wire fraud, failure to obey a lawful general order and obstruction of justice in a special court-martial on Jan. 4, 2023, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C.

He was given a bad conduct discharge, ordered to forfeit $1,278 in pay per month for 12 months and reduced in rank to E-1.

The case underscores the importance of not believing everything one reads on the internet, especially with respect to dating sites, the judges opined.

Colletti used the website OkCupid, among others, to engage in sexually explicit conversations with two adult women, according to court documents. He posed as Jenicae while also pretending to be Jenicaes florist and lover, Nikki, who was purportedly interested in having a threesome with the targeted women.

Colletti was catfishing for digital nude photos, according to court records. He used a picture of an unidentified woman to pose as Nikki and a series of private, intimate images that his then-girlfriend had shared with him, to pose as Jenicae. The victims sent him the images he sought.

His soon-to-be ex-girlfriend discovered the scheme on his iPhone 11 while Colletti was sleeping on July 4, 2021, court documents state. She reported him to his command.

The appeals court said the nude images involved privacy issues more than property interests.

Imagine if Appellant had used OkCupid to pretend that he was a lesbian in order to fraudulently induce his victims into sending him pictures of them rebuilding a carburetor. Would we be here discussing wire fraud? We think not, they wrote.

Judges should interpret the law as written, not as they wish it were written, the court chided.

And Congress may yet empower the Government to police internet dating sites to ensure that Marines obtain nude photographs from otherwise consenting adults without resorting to loathsome deception, the court wrote. Congress just hasnt done that in the federal wire fraud statute.
The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to move more than 41,000 homeless veterans into permanent housing in 2024 and conduct outreach with up to 40,000 veterans living in cars, parks or on the streets, VA Deputy Secretary Tanya Bradsher said Thursday. (VA.gov)

WASHINGTON  The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to move more than 41,000 homeless veterans into permanent housing in 2024 and conduct outreach with up to 40,000 veterans living in cars, parks or on the streets, VA Deputy Secretary Tanya Bradsher said Thursday.

The VAs initiative involves a combination of rapid rehousing and community-support services that include job training, education assistance and health care, she said.

Weve made progress in tackling this problem, but theres still a long way to go and thats why were setting these aggressive goals, Bradsher said.

For fiscal 2024, VA funding for homeless programs is $3.1 billion, up by more than $400 million from 2023. Funding spans housing vouchers, rental assistance and other forms of support, the VA said.

The VA anticipates it will need $3.21 billion in 2025 for its homeless programs, according to projections in fiscal 2025 budget documents.

Homelessness has been a chronic problem for veterans for many years as service members return to civilian life with physical disabilities from injuries and mental health problems related to combat experiences, the VA said.

The VA has increased efforts in immediate housing placement for veterans in conjunction with services that include mental health counseling, job training and disability benefits.

Housing is wonderful, said Pamela Coleman, a 58-year-old Army veteran in Indianapolis who was pointed by VA to transitional housing when she was at risk of homelessness.

Pamela Coleman, a disabled Army veteran in Indiana, was at risk of homelessness after undergoing surgery and moving out of a relatives home. With help from the Department of Veterans Affairs and a nonprofit community organization, she applied for disability benefits and rented an apartment that she could afford in Indianapolis. (Pamela Coleman)

She was a sergeant who served as a military police officer in Germany. Her military service was from 1985-1991.

With my journey, I was facing some difficulties while staying with a family member after I had to undergo surgery in 2019, said Coleman, who is retired with service-connected disabilities.

The VA referred Coleman to Helping Veterans and Families of Indiana, a nonprofit group, that connected her with temporary housing and counseling and helped provide her with first months rent.

The organization also linked her to a veterans service officer who helped her apply for disability benefits, which she now uses to pay her rent.

Coleman was in transitional housing for nine months and said she relied on Helping Veterans and Families as she sought permanent housing she could afford.

She has turned to the organization since then, when she has faced unanticipated financial needs due to health and other problems, she said.

Ive been able to reach out to them at times to keep the rent paid when I needed extra assistance, Coleman said. The organization also has a food pantry.

The VA said a major focus for awarding community grants in 2024 is on rapid rehousing services, such as the assistance provided to Coleman by Helping Veterans and Families.

The VA said its strategy is to fulfill housing needs quickly and then provide services for ensuring the veteran can keep the housing.

The VA assigns case managers for recently housed veterans to help address risk factors  including job loss, medical conditions and addiction problems  that could lead to a return to homelessness.

One of the VAs measurements for homelessness is a yearly one-night census. The number of veterans experiencing homelessness rose by 7.4% in 2023 from the previous year, according to the VA.

In 2024, the VA is emphasizing its outreach to connect with thousands of unsheltered veterans living in vehicles, parks or on the street.

The VA engaged 40,000 unsheltered veterans in 2023 to inform them of housing, food assistance and other services, according to the agency.

Additional resources often are targeted for unsheltered veterans who are more likely to have a criminal justice history, medical or drug abuse problems, lack of social support from family members and greater financial hardship, the VA said.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) clinched one more National Assembly seat Following a vote recount of 75 polling stations in NA-81 Gujranwala.

As per details, PML-Ns Azhar Qayyum requested that the ballots be recounted, and the Returning Officer (RO) granted his request. Following the vote tally, Azhar Qayyum defeated independent candidate Bilal Aijaz, backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), by a margin of 3197 votes.

After the recounting, Azhar Qayyum secured 110,057 votes while Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) backed independent candidate Bilal Aijaz bagged got 106,860 votes.

It is pertinent to mention here that earlier Bilal Aijaz was declared the winner with 117,717 votes while the PML-N candidate finished as runner-up with 109,926 votes

Aggrieved with the results, Azhar Qayyum approached the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and requested for vote recount.

Earlier on February 26, the PML-N secured another National Assembly seat after a vote recount in NA-154 Lodhran.

As per details, the Returning Officer (RO) ordered the recounting of votes on request of PML-N Abdul Rahman Kanjus request. After the recount of votes, the PML-N candidate emerged victorious with a lead of 7301 votes against independent candidate Rana Faraz Noon.

As per revised results, Abdul Rahman Kanju bagged 127,984 votes while independent candidate Rana Faraz Noon got 120,683 votes.
Urantsetseg Tserendorj was walking home from the same office when she was fatally stabbed across the river at Custom House Quay

A former colleague of murdered office cleaner Urantsetseg Tserendorj has won a 20,000 claim for statutory redundancy after her bosses dismissed her concerns about being out on the streets of the Dublin Docklands late at night after finishing work.

In a ruling on the case, a Workplace Relations Commission adjudicator said the workers former employer, cleaning firm Bidvest Noonan (ROI) Ltd, had taken an appalling attitude in response to legitimate safety concerns voiced by the worker about how having to fetch her car from a public street every night after finishing work at 2am.

The worker, Rodica Buga, was let go in 2022 without any redundancy pay after nearly 20 years with cleaning firm Bidvest Noonan after her employer took the view she had turned down a reasonable offer of redeployment to the offices of financial services firm State Street on Sir John Rogersons Quay in Dublin 2 in 2022.

Her colleague, Ms Tserendorj, had been coming home from the same office when she was fatally stabbed across the river at Custom House Quay, Dublin 1, on 20 January 2021 and died later in hospital. A teenage boy, who cannot be named, is now serving a life sentence for her murder.

Ms Buga, who represented herself before the employment tribunal in January this year, said the transfer arrangement was proposed by the firm as an alternative to redundancy, as the client she had been working for up to that point, stockbroker A&L Goodbody, was closing its offices for renovations and ended the Bidvest Noonan contract.

Although A&L Goodbody let her use a secure underground car park, the same arrangement was unavailable at the State Street office, offering instead to pay the cost of on-street parking, the tribunal heard.

As a woman, she didnt feel that going to her car at 2am every night, parked on the street in the Docklands, would be safe, adjudicator David James Murphy said of Ms Bugas evidence.

She had been attacked ten years ago in the same area when she brought this up in the consultation process, her concerns were ignored, he noted further.

Ms Buga also cited health concerns about what she regarded as a change in duties to disinfect hot-desks at the State Street premises.

Emily Maverley of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC), appearing for the company, submitted that the new work site was only 15 minutes walk from Ms Bugas prior place of work but that the worker refused to try it even for a test week.

Liliana Nastas, an account manager with the firm, told the WRC the firm wanted to retain staff and that a taxi service was available for Bidvest Noonan employees at State Street, but stated that she did not know whether this was ever offered to Ms Buga.

Ms Bugas position had been that it was not ever offered to her.

A memo referring to a July 2022 consultation meeting with Ms Buga which was opened to the tribunal recorded a senior human resources advisor for Bidvest Noonan referring to the complainant raising her concerns.

I do recall Rodica mentioned in the previous meeting the health and safety point where one of our cleaners was attacked coming home from work, the memo read.

In response to this, the incident did not take place in the State Street area; it took place further away. Also, one incident cannot define health and safety as a whole; anyone can be attacked at any point in the day, it read.

In his decision, the adjudicator Mr Murphy wrote that the meeting referred to in the memo was roughly a year and a half after an employee of the respondent was murdered in the IFSC area while on her way home from work.

In the circumstances, it is an appalling attitude to take in response to an entirely legitimate concern raised by a long-standing worker, he added.

The lack of secure parking constituted a serious change in her working conditions, particularly considering the hour of night she would have to walk to her car at, he wrote.

He noted that the employer had produced no evidence to back up its claim at hearing that it offered the Ms Buga a taxi home. Indeed, their own transcripts of meetings would appear to contradict this position, as HR appears to challenge the complainants concern in this regard, he wrote.

The adjudicator ruled Ms Buga had been reasonable to turn down the transfer and was therefore entitled to a redundancy package for her service between January 2003 and August 2022.

Mr Murphy made an order for the payment calculated on the basis of 19 years and seven months service with termination pay of 500 a week  a sum of roughly 20,000, subject to confirmation of PRSI contributions by the Department of Social Protection.

He rejected a second claim by Ms Buga for notice pay, ruing that an appeal hearing which took place after she received notice did not require her notice period to start again
Thomas Tomo Dowling (44), a father of seven who came originally from Finglas, was found unresponsive in the tent of a friend on Loftus Lan

A family photograph of the late Thomas Boyd who was found deceased in a tent on 21st March 2022. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

A homeless man who died in a tent in Dublins north inner city two years ago had only begun living on the streets to reduce the risk of infecting his elderly grandmother with Covid-19, an inquest has heard.

Thomas Tomo Dowling (44), a father of seven who came originally from Finglas, was found unresponsive in the tent of a friend on Loftus Lane behind the Cineworld cinema complex on Parnell Street in the early hours of March 21, 2022.

Relatives of Mr Dowling voiced dismay that he had died just as it appeared he was going to find rented accommodation and turn his life around.

They also expressed concern that he had been placed in a wet hostel by the homeless services a few months before his death just after he had completed a detoxification programme when he had been alcohol-free for nine weeks.

A sitting of Dublin District Coroners Court heard that Mr Dowling, who has a history of heavy drinking and depression, had only begun living in tents and hostels after moving out from his grandmothers house where he had been living intermittently to reduce the risk of infecting her during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The deceaseds sister, Helen Dowling, told the inquest that she had last spoken to her brother by phone on March 10, 2022, when she learnt that he had been approved to receive a homeless housing assistance payment.

However, Ms Dowling said he had problems in getting hold of his social worker around the same time, while she had been unable to contact him the following week after his phone was seized after he had been arrested.

14/03/'24 Aaron Walker, left and Dylan Walker, sons of the late Thomas Boyd Dowling with a picture of their late father pictured leaving the Dublin District Coroner's Court this evening after the inquest into the death of their father. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

Asked by coroner Clare Keane about her brothers physical health at the time, Ms Dowling said he was grand as he always managed to function despite problems with his health and addiction.

Ms Dowling, who was accompanied by a large group of relatives, said his death was absolutely unexpected by every one of us.

She told the coroner that her family were aware he had been living in a tent in the Phoenix Park.

Ms Dowling said when she had read about a homeless male being found dead in a tent in the inner city that she thought straight away that it could not be her brother.

I thought: Thats not Thomas as hes up in the Phoenix Park, she recalled.

She gave evidence that her brother felt safer staying in a tent than in some homeless hostels because they were full of drugs and alcohol.

Ms Dowling also highlighted how the first hostel he had been placed in after completing a detoxification programme with the Simon Community was a facility where residents could drink alcohol.

The inquest heard he had been staying in a dry hostel in Dublin for several days about a week before his death but had lost his bed in the facility by being a no show on March 14, 2022.

In a statement, another homeless person, Shauna Baxter, who had also been living in a tent on Loftus Lane, said she and a friend had found Mr Dowling unresponsive in a tent belonging to her cousin when they arrived back to the area in the early hours of March 21, 2022.

Ms Baxter said the deceased had been in the company of a couple and an older man in the tent the previous evening.

The inquest heard Mr Dowlings skin had turned blue and there were signs of rigor mortis by the time emergency services were alerted indicating that he had been dead for a while.

Garda Kiva McGing gave evidence of finding drug paraphernalia including needles around the tent but no drugs.

Garda McGing said there were no CCTV cameras on Loftus Lane and gardai had been unable to trace the last movements of the deceased.

However, she stated there was no suspicion of foul play in relation to Mr Dowlings death.

Garda McGing said other witnesses would not identify the couple who had been in the tent with Mr Dowling and they had never been traced, while the older male would not confirm he was with the deceased on the day he died.

Dr Keane said postmortem results showed Mr Dowling had died as a result of alcohol and mixed drug intoxication.

The coroner said tests showed he had consumed various drugs including cocaine and heroin in combination with a toxic level of alcohol.

Dr Keane said cocaine was known to cause sudden cardiac arrest regardless of the quantity or frequency of use of the drug.

She said she saw deaths from cocaine toxicity all the time but added: Im not sure how well understood that is.

Although Mr Dowlings relatives had expressed surprise that he had taken heroin as he had always told them he would not inject needles into his body, Dr Keane said the postmortem had found three needle puncture marks on his forearm which were consistent with intravenous injections.

His son, Dylan, remarked: We knew he would take everything else but news that he took heroin is a shock.

Returning a verdict of misadventure, Dr Keane said Mr Dowlings death was a horrible reminder of what addiction is.

Following the inquest, another sister, Michelle Dowling said: He could have stayed with various family members but he wouldnt as he felt he was a burden on them because of his problems with alcohol. If he had got his own place, which he was about to, he would have been happy.

Her sister, Helen, added: Our brother's death shows how easy it is for homeless people to slip between the cracks and die.
He was found in possession of items including Viagra and condoms upon his arrest.

An Irishman who flew to London hoping to meet a six-year-old girl to abuse has been jailed for nearly seven years.

Adrian OReilly, 49, was caught in a police sting operation after the child turned out to be an undercover detective.

O'Reilly came to police attention in January 2023 when he exchanged 'vile' messages with an undercover officer posing as a young girl, Snaresbrook Crown Court heard.

He expressed his desire to to meet and abuse the young girl and flew to London from Dublin airport on 29 March last year.

O'Reilly arranged to meet up with the youngster in Stratford - but to his horror he was met by a team of Met officers.

He was found in possession of items including Viagra and condoms upon his arrest.

OReilly, of Dublin, admitted arranging or facilitating the commission of a child offence.

He was jailed for six years and nine months and handed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.

Detective Constable Ed Hickford, who was part of the team who caught OReilly, said:

'Our pursuit of those who engage in illegal sexual activity with children is relentless and we will use a range of tactics to identify and arrest those responsible.

'In this case, OReilly thought he was communicating with a person who was offering access to a young girl. His messages were vile and he endorsed these by getting on a plane and flying to London with the intention to carry out this abuse.

'However, he was greeted by my team who arrested him and compiled a wealth of evidence which left him with no choice but to plead guilty.'
Omar Abu Khater (20) was heavily addicted to cannabis at the time, and smoking up to 20g a day.

A young man caught with cannabis claimed he had bought it in bulk because he had got it for a cheap price.

Omar Abu Khater (20) was heavily addicted to cannabis at the time, and smoking up to 20g a day.

Judge Dermot Dempsey fined Khater 300 and jailed him for four months.

The defendant, of Poddle Close in Crumlin, admitted possession of cannabis, and was found guilty of possession of cannabis for sale or supply at Tankardstown, Balbriggan, on December 19, 2022.

Garda Cian OConnor told Swords District Court he came across Khater acting suspiciously outside a pub.

He was told he was going to be searched and Khater handed over a bag of cannabis, which he said was for his personal use.

Khater was taken to Balbriggan garda station, and gardai found five more bags of cannabis after he got out of the garda car. The value of the drug was 340.

In his evidence, Khater said he bought the cannabis in bulk because it was cheaper, and he was smoking up to 20g of cannabis a day at the time.

He claimed the drug was in separate bags when he bought it.

Judge Dempsey said he was satisfied Khater had the cannabis for sale or supply.

Defence solicitor Fiona DArcy said Khater was no longer smoking and he had not been in trouble since this incident in 2022.
On Thursday morning, Russian occupation forces attacked Shevchenkivsky district of Kharkiv with an S-300 missile, Head of the regional military administration Oleh Synehubov said.

"The occupiers attacked Shevchenkivsky district of Kharkiv with an S-300 missile. As of this moment, there are no casualties. There is damage to non-residential civilian premises. The inspection of the site by specialized services continues," Synehubov said in his Telegram channel.

Earlier it was reported about an explosion in Kharkiv.
Lee Brophy (26) is accused of causing a total of 6,000 damage to two tills during the course of the burglary.

Lee Brophy is accused of damaging two cash tills in the incident

A young man who allegedly broke into one of south Dublins best-known public houses has been sent forward for circuit court trial.

Lee Brophy (26) is accused of causing a total of 6,000 damage to two tills during the course of the burglary.

He was served with the book of evidence when he appeared on bail before Blanchardstown District Court.

The accused, with an address at Kiltalown Path in Tallaght, is charged with trespass with intent to commit an arresable offence at An Poitin Stil, Main Street, Rathcoole, Co Dublin, on February 9, 2022.

Mr Brophy is further accused of two counts of criminal damage at the same time and location.

It is alleged that the accused, without lawful excuse, damaged two electronic cash tills, each worth 3,000, during the pub break-in.

A state solicitor said that the book of evidence was ready and had been served on the accused, who goes forward to the present sittings of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge David McHugh gave Mr Brpohy the formal alibi caution, which must be provided to all accused persons going forward for trial.

The judge also assigned defence solicitor Daniel Cahalane and one junior counsel on free legal aid.

Judge McHugh further ordered that a video copy of an interview which gardai conducted with the accused be handed over to his legal team.

Mr Brophy has not yet indicated how he intends to plead to the charges.

The defendant was remanded on the same bail terms, to appear before a court in the Criminal Courts of Justice later this month.
OReilly appeared before Bray District Court on Thursday dressed in a green hoodie, black jeans and runners, and carrying a black and white cap

Karl O'Reilly (40) from Granard, Co Longford, arrives in Bray Court to face charges of false imprisonment. Photo: Owen Breslin.

A man has appeared in court charged with the alleged false imprisonment of a 31-year-old woman in a van this week.

Karl OReilly, 40, with an address in Granard, Co Longford, was charged with two counts of false imprisonment, two threats to kill or cause serious harm, one count of assault and one over the possession of a knife.

One charge of false imprisonment and one charge of threatening to harm relate to February 28 this year at a location in Co Longford.

The other charges of false imprisonment, threatening to harm and possession of a knife relate to March 12 in Arklow, Co Wicklow.

The charge of assault relates to the period from February 28 to this Tuesday, March 12.

Bray District Court in Co Wicklow (PA)

OReilly appeared before Bray District Court on Thursday dressed in a green hoodie, black jeans and runners, and carrying a black and white cap.

The court heard that when charged and cautioned, he replied no thanks.

An application for bail was made and opposed by An Garda Siochana; the judge refused bail due to the seriousness of the allegations.

Detective Sergeant Donal OSullivan of Arklow Garda Station said that the woman in question, whose identity is not being disclosed in line with a judges request, had flown back to England on Thursday.

The court heard that OReilly contested the allegations when interviewed by gardai.

Gardai requested that OReilly be remanded in custody given the seriousness of the alleged offences.

Judge Nicola Andrews said it was appropriate to refuse bail, stating that allegations are extremely serious.

OReilly is next due to appear before Bray District Court via video link on March 21 at 10.30am.

OReilly, a father of three who is originally from Clondalkin in Dublin, returned to Ireland around two years ago after living in the UK for 17 years.
He was held on the ground and was shouting f**k you and b******s while he was being removed

A Donegal man had to be forcibly removed from a courtroom after he was jailed for setting fire to his sisters rented home.

Glen Friel (24) of no fixed abode, appeared at Donegal Circuit Court sitting at Letterkenny Courthouse on Thursday for sentencing.

Friel was charged with arson after setting the house his sister was renting on fire at Straleeny, Killybegs on April 22, 2020.

Judge John Aylmer sentenced Friel to five years in prison with the final two years suspended meaning he will serve three years.

After the sentence was passed, Friel started shouting no, Im not going to prison and jumped out of the witness box and ran to the top of the courtroom, resulting in Judge Aylmer having to leave his seat.

Prison officers and Gardai restrained Friel who continued shouting while attempting to break free.

He was held on the ground and was shouting f**k you and b******s while he was being removed.

He also continued to kick out at the staff while he was removed from the courtroom and taken to the custody suite.

Friel was expected to sign a bond to keep the peace for the duration of the suspended sentence, but following the outburst, it was decided that the bond would be signed in front of the prison governor instead.

The charge of arson is in relation to setting the house his sister was renting at Strenelly, Killybegs on April 22, 2020.

The house was rented from Colm Doherty and was valued at 130,000.

The court heard the cost of damage to the house amounted to 79,450.

Garda Sergeant Stuart Doyle gave evidence that Friel came to his sisters house and was looking to stay because he was waiting on money.

He was looking to buy drugs and wanted his sister to give him money to buy drugs and alcohol.

The court heard that Friel asked his sister to sell her body to get money for drugs and told her to go along with his plan or he would have to kill her.

Following this, he barricaded himself into the property by putting a chair and chest of drawers across the door to stop it being opened and started smashing things up inside the house.

His sister had left the house, and after starting fire to it, Friel also fled the scene.

The fire service attended the house and determined that the fire was started in a bedroom at the rear of the house.

Friel was arrested and during interview, he made certain admissions and admitted smashing up the house.

He said he wanted to start the fire because it brings him joy and revenge.

He admitted to starting the fire with a lighter but said he did not start the fire in the bedroom.

He said he was being an a**hole and said he wanted to mess the house up in some way as she was a bitch to me that day.

However, the court heard that he did express some remorse and said I do feel a bit angry but I am sorry at the same time.

Photographs of the scene showing smoke damage and overall damage to the house was presented to the court.

The court heard that Gardai had been engaging with the owner of the house but he did not want to come to court or give a victim impact statement.

Barrister for the defence, Mr Colm Smyth, SC, said his client had a number of issues including post-traumatic stress disorder and had been living homeless in Dublin when he was apprehended.

The court heard that Friel was a troubled individual who had suffered after his brother took his own life when Friel was aged just nine and he was also sexually assaulted.

Friel took to the witness stand and said he was very sorry to the owner of the house and said he would go to all his upcoming appointments.

Mr Smyth asked Judge Aylmer to be as lenient as possible and said he has expressed a desire to get his life back on track with the various services that are willing to treat him.

Mr Smyth added if he does not engage he will end up in a very compromised position or his life could be cut short.

Passing sentence, Judge Aylmer said the accused was before the court on a plea of guilty to arson, the offence being that he set fire to a house destroying its contents and the house itself.

He said the house was worth 130,000 and was insured but the contents were not.

Judge Aylmer said arson was a very serious offence which must include a level of deterrence and carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The judge said he considered the incident to be quite premediated albeit contemplated within a relatively short time frame and came about in order to get at his sister who was refusing to provide him with money for alcohol and drugs.

Judge Aylmer said the offence was in the mid range of offending which warranted seven years in prison before mitigation.

He said the mitigation that has been identified is that he co-operated to a significant degree with the investigation, had entered an early plea of guilty and had expressed remorse.

Judge Aylmer added that it was very clear from the psychiatric report that Friel is a very troubled young man who had a very adverse experience in his childhood.

The court heard that he was in care as a young person and the judge said it appears he resorted to polysubstance abuse at a young age while labouring under post traumatic stress disorder.

However, Judge Aylmer noted that the probation service found him to be completely uncooperative and had not engaged with them.

He also said Friel has previous convictions but are minor and this offence seems to be a leap into a different quantum.

He said it is regrettable that Friel had not cooperated with the probation service as it had left the court limited in what they can try to do, but added he is clearly in need of intensive rehabilitation.

Judge Aylmer said the court takes the view that the sentence has to reduced to take into account mitigation and he reduced the sentence to one of five years.

With having regard for the psychiatric report, Judge Aylmer said he hoped that after some years in custody and abstaining from drugs, Friel will come around to a frame of mind that will allow him to engage with the service.

He said he would take a chance on him and suspend the final two years of the five year sentence and ordered him to enter into a bond of 100 and ordered him to abstain completely from drugs and alcohol for the duration of the suspended sentence.

He also ordered that in the 12 months prior to his release, he must engage with the probation service.

He was also ordered Friel to engage with mental health services while in prison and on release for a period of two years.

The court heard that Friel has been in custody on the matter since January and Judge Aylmer gave credit for all time spent in custody.

Following the outburst by Friel, Judge John Aylmer thanked the prison service and Gardai for removing Friel from the courtroom and ordered that the bond be entered into before the prison governor.
On the way to custody, McKeown became aggressive and spat in the back of the cell van numerous times

An alcoholic drug addict who admitted stealing a Poppy Appeal collection box three days before Armistice Day was handed a four-month jail sentence yesterday.

Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena, heard that on November 8 last year, at around 7am, Scott McKeown (28) went into the Vivo shop on Antrim High Street and while he paid for goods at the first till, he walked towards the second till and lifted a Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal collection box while the staff member was distracted.

A prosecuting lawyer told the court that although there was no official confirmation as to how much was in the box, it had been in place for about three weeks and so was estimated to contain 80.

Based on CCTV footage and staff recognising McKeown, the defendant was arrested. Although he denied stealing the box, he later entered a guilty plea to a charge of theft.

In a separate case, the court heard how police officers were called to McKeowns house at Thyme Park in Antrim due to an ongoing altercation, but, as a result of enquires, he was arrested for breaching bail conditions.

On the way to custody, McKeown became aggressive and spat in the back of the cell van numerous times. He later entered a guilty plea to criminal damage.

Defence counsel Brendan Kearney conceded that the theft case is the most concerning but emphasised that McKeown had entered guilty pleas to both matters at the earlier opportunity.

Jailing McKeown, District Judge Nigel Broderick said the probation report makes for very poor reading, given the assessment that, being addicted to drugs since his teenage years, he is not suitable for probation, theres a lack of motivation and a chaotic lifestyle.

District Judge Broderick imposed sentences amounting to four months.
William McDonnell (50) pleaded guilty at a sitting of Longford District Court

A Longford man with an appalling list of 125 previous convictions has been told he could be facing a spell behind bars after he was caught stealing suitcases off a train.

William McDonnell (50) Sandylane Apartments, Richmond Street, Longford pleaded guilty at a sitting of Longford District Court to theft at Longford Train Station on August 25 last year.

Sgt Enda Daly, in outlining the States case before Judge Bernadette Owens, said gardai identified McDonnell from CCTV removing a large orange suitcase on the day of the incident.

He said the luggage, which also contained a smaller, red suitcase inside, was packed with clothes and toiletries.

A follow up search was carried out in the aftermath of the incident, but no property was recovered.

In defence, solicitor John Quinn said his client was effectively a broken man who, despite his limited means, was willing to recompense his victim.

Unfortunately, Willie is well known to the court, he said, when details surrounding McDonnells 125 previous convictions were read out.

He is living alone now and lost his (deceased) son 18 months ago. He is living on social welfare now, but if given the chance, he would be willing to put something together towards the cases that were taken from the train.

Mr Quinn also told of how McDonnell, who appeared in court with a walking stick, was in very poor health.

McDonnell was also charged and pleaded guilty to a separate shoplifting offence at Dealz, Market Square, Longford on October 17, 2022.

That, the court was told, resulted in the theft of grocery items, including an energy drink and batteries.

In summation, Judge Owens said the suitcases theft was the incident she viewed to be most serious and one she described as being particularly mean by how it left the victim entirely bereft of their belongings.

Mr McDonnell has an appalling list of previous convictions and without any doubt, he is in custodial sentence territory, she said.

Judge Owens added those comments were ones which were also predicated on McDonnell having previously been afforded the benefit of two suspended sentences by the court.

That said, she stressed how the court had to assess the proportionality of any sanction handed down and ordered McDonnell to return to court in July with 250 in compensation.

That (order) is without making any promises to Mr McDonnell, she said. And I might be persuaded not to impose a custodial sentence.

McDonnell was remanded on bail to a sitting of Longford District Court on July 16.
Sean Meehan is refusing to change his stance on his modular despite a threat of being sent to prison

A Tipperary man at the centre of a stand-off with authorities over his modified log cabin has said he is willing to lay down in front of a digger to prevent his home being demolished.

Sean Meehan (66) from New Inn, Co Tipperary was told to have his bags packed ready for prison, if he didn't remove the cabin by the deadline of Thursday March 14.

Speaking to the Irish Independent on deadline day, Mr Meehan said that, despite being somewhat panicked by the situation, he is willing to take a stance and lay down in front of any machinery that might arrive to demolish his home.

He also said that, as he has no idea when a demolition team may arrive on site, he is willing to batten down the hatches.

Tipperary man refusing to demolish log cabin

"Im panicking about the whole situation, said Mr Meehan on Thursday. Now that it has come (the deadline), from here on in, probably 6.30 in the morning or something, they will arrive on in.

"What do I do? But if they have a digger or machinery, I will probably lay down in front of it, he said.

Mr. Meehan is due back before Cashel District Court on April 4. From there he will be transferred to Limerick prison to serve a four month prison sentence if he doesnt comply with the courts ruling to have the cabin removed by today.

Mr Meehan told the Irish Independent that he is apprehensive about what events might unfold today, but is certain about one thing; he will not be taking down the log cabin.

This is not about me anymore. There are so many people out there that have found themselves in a similar situation facing the prospect of homelessness.

"Im feeling pretty apprehensive about today. I never asked for all of this. I just want to live out my life with my two dogs Lady and Jess and my cat Oscar.

"But today is my deadline and I am absolutely not taking down my home. If I take it down I am homeless but if I dont take it down I am homeless and in jail. I dont know how this will work out but Im still willing to take a stand on this.

As Mr. Meehan has now run out of time to demolish the cabin, the demolition order has now come into place leaving Mr. Meehan fearful that the council could appear any day at any time to take down his home.

Sean Meehan's log cabin in New Inn, Co Tipperary.

Im panicking a bit to be honest because my understanding is because my deadline to remove the cabin was today, I think that means the demolition order has now kicked in today, so they can now come in at any time and demolish my home.

They can arrive at any time and theres no way they will advertise to me when they plan on arriving to demolish the cabin so Im going to have to batten down the hatches and stay indoors.

"Now that the demolition order is against it, what happens to my personal stuff inside the cabin when they come to demolish it with bulldozers? I dont have anywhere to store my things. What will they do? Will they just throw my things out in the rain? I dont know what will happen, sighed Mr. Meehan.

Tipperary County Council have offered to take the land off me and build a home for me on that land, explained Mr. Meehan. But I turned it down as the house and my land would then solely become the property of Tipperary County Council which means I could not pass my land on to my children.

"Ive already gone through enough with the threat of losing my home, I dont want to lose my land too.

Mr. Meehans planning ordeal came about after he went through a divorce and was forced to sell his home. As he couldnt afford to buy a new house or rent anywhere, Mr. Meehan moved into a mobile home on land that he owned.

Sean Meehan at his log cabin in New Inn, Co Tipperary.

However, Mr. Meehan fell sick with bronchitis as his mobile home became uninhabitable during the winter due to the cold. As Mr. Meehan could not afford to move, he tried to make the mobile home more habitable by cladding it in timber and insulating it.

As Mr. Meehan went to go get planning permission he was faced with yet another health scare when he found a growth on his prostate. Planning permission was put on hold as Mr. Meehan concentrated on getting better.

"My GP actually wrote a letter for me to send to Tipperary County Council to explain that I was having treatment. But the following week I received a letter from the council to say they were still going ahead with the proceedings against me, explained Mr. Meehan.

Sean was told his log cabin aesthetically looked bad and devalued other properties in the area. Photo: Save Sean's Cabin Facebook Page

Since then, Mr. Meehan has made a full recovery, but has been in Cashel District Court four times. The last time Mr. Meehan went to court on December 14 he was given the ultimatum of removing the log cabin or be sent to jail.

Since Mr. Meehan made the decision to not remove his log cabin by today, his solicitor warned him Sean, expect the worst. The worst is exactly what Mr. Meehan is expecting. He has found a friend who is willing to take his two dogs, Lady and Jess and his cat, Oscar while he serves his four month prison sentence. His prison bag is also packed ready at the door.

"I am ready to walk into prison with my head held high, said Sean proudly. I can walk in there knowing I have done nothing to hurt anyone and if me going to prison means being able to help someone else in a similar situation down the line then I will do it. I will take the stand.

Mr. Meehan admitted he had many a sleepless night leading up to todays deadline. But he added the overwhelming support he has received has been absolutely amazing.
Garda Aaron Cawley (43) had denied a charge of causing criminal damage to the wing mirror of a car belonging to Ciara Cawley

A garda, who was charged with causing damage to his ex-wifes car has been found not guilty in at Sligo District Court.

Garda Aaron Cawley (43) of Rathbraughan Park, Ballytivnan had denied a charge of causing criminal damage to the wing mirror of a car belonging to Ciara Cawley on January 1st 2022.

In dismissing the case, Judge Brendan OReilly said the prosecution had failed to discharge the burden of proof.

Ciara Cawley, led by Mr Leo Mulrooney BL (prosecuting) instructed by Elisa McHugh, State Solicitor, told the court she lived at 22 Old Bundoran Road with her two sons who are (13) and (10).

Their father is Aaron Cawley and the couple are separated, the court heard.

The court heard that Ms Cawley was awoken by the door bell ringing around 2 am on New Years Day.

There was also banging on her front door.

She got her mobile phone and rang the gardai and ran into the front bedroom.

There was more ringing at the door and she heard a loud bang.

The gardai arrived within minutes and when she opened the front door she saw a flower pot on the ground near her car.

Her wing mirror was pushed back and it had clay on it from the flower pot.

When she started the car the wing mirror would not fold back.

She spoke with the gardai and later that day got an e mail from Aaron Cawley apologising for his behaviour saying he missed his children and was asking for her forgiveness.

The email added that it would not happen again.

The witness confirmed that she got an estimate from a garage saying it would cost 375 to fix the mirror.

Ciara Cawley agreed under cross-examination from Mr Keith OGrady (defending) instructed by Mr Mark Mullaney, Solicitor that the garage did not see the car and that she ended up trading it in.

Sergeant Kenneth Gallagher told the court that he saw that a large blue flower pot had been knocked over and the contents spilled out when he arrived on the scene.

Ciara Cawley told him that someone had rung her doorbell many times but she was too afraid to look out the window.

He added that he saw that the passenger side wing mirror had been damaged.

There was a fingerprint on the glass of the wing mirror and it was preserved for a Scenes of Crime Garda.

This was around 2 am and at around 4 am the defendant came to the garda station and spoke to him and Garda Kevin Costello, the court heard.

He was not wearing his customary glasses and had drink taken but was compos mentis, said Sergeant Gallagher.

Aaron Cawley told the gardai he remembered having an argument with his current girlfriend and went walking.

The defendant was interviwed under caution and when asked about the alleged incident at his ex wifes home he said it must have been him.

He added that he would put it right. The defendant did not sign the interview notes.

Sergeant Gallagher agreed under cross examination from Mr OGrady that Ciara Cawley had not identified Aaron Cawley .

Sergeant Zelia OConnor gave corroborative evidence to the previous witness.

She agreed under cross-examination that damage was caused to the flower pot.

The witness said she had been at another scene of an abandoned car and did not see anyone near Ciara Cawleys house when she arrived with Sgt Gallagher. .

She added that while she took the report of the alleged incident it was Sergeant Fergal Flynn who was the investigating officer.

Sergeant OConnor said she was at the scene of the alleged incident but had no involvement with the defendant at the station.

The witness confirmed that a piece of plastic had been placed over the wing mirror to allow for a technical examination but she did not know the results of that examination.

The witness agreed that they did not have a PSV officer to inspect the alleged damage as a serving member would do it

She agreed in answer to a question from Judge OReilly that the scene was not preserved and the area was not taped off.

Garda Kevin Costello told the court he was on duty in the public office at Sligo Garda Station on January 1 2022 when Aaron Cawley entered.

The defendant said he wanted to speak to gardai.

Garda Costello asked Sergeant Gallagher for assistance and they both sat down with the defendant who was upset.

His speech was slurred but he was not overly drunk.

In a cautioned statement the defendant said he believed he was responsible for causing criminal damage to his ex-wifes car and that he must have done it..

The defendant added that he had messed up.

Scenes of crime officer, Garda Derek Healy said he took a lift card off a fingerprint off the window of Ciara Cawleys vehicle but nothing of evidential value came back.

The wing mirror was covered by a plastic bag by Gardai.

In cross-examination, Mr OGrady pointed out that a plastic shopping bag was tied to the wing mirror of the alleged injured partys car.

Garda Healy said gardai got a negative report when they sent off the finger print for analysis and he had driven to Dublin with the sample.

Mr OGrady asked if the gardai had the report of the analysis and the witness said he did not have it with him.

It would have gone to the investigating officer and Garda Healy believed the investigating officer was Garda Zelia OConnor.

Mr OGrady said that the defence had not seen a shred of evidence and a man was on trial in circumstances where a fingerprint may not have been examined.

In reply to a question from Judge OReilly, the witness agreed that the scene of the alleged incident was not preserved and members of the public would have had access to the scene.

Sergeant Fergal Flynn said he became the investigating officer into the alleged incident on January 3 and he met with the alleged injured party on January 5, took a statement from her.

Mrs Cawley forwarded on an email she had received from Aaron Cawley to him.

Sergeant Flynn told the court that he and Detective Sergeant Martin McHale later arrested Aaron Cawley at his home on suspcion of causing criminal damage to a vehicle at Old Bundoran Road on January 1 2022.

The defendant made no reply when the charge was put to him.

The defendant was brought to Ballyshannon Garda Station for questioning.

Sergeant Flynn and Detective Sergeant McHale interviewed the defendant who denied taking responsibility for the alleged criminal damage caused to the wing mirror of Ciara Cawleys vehicle.

The defendant was shown photos of the scene of the alleged incident.

When he was shown the email he sent to his ex-wife the defendant said he wanted to see his children and he could bang on the door of their house every day if he wished.

He said he did not have much faith in the gardai and that he had not spoken to his ex-wife in a long time.

Sergeant Flynn added that he had a report on the fingerprint taken at the scene and it stated that there was not enough detail from the scene to be of evidential value.

Mr OGrady said this was the first time that anything had been heard from the forensic people.

When Mr OGrady asked for the date of the report, the sergeant said there was no date on it.

Mr OGrady asked when the DPP had decided to prosecute and the witness said it was on February 7 and he had completed a file.

The sergeant agreed that it was not best practice to preserve potential evidence by a plastic shopping bag overnight.

Sergeant Flynn agreed with Mr OGrady that Ciara Cawleys vehicle was not examined by a garage.

Mr OGrady added that for the first time the sergeant had learned that the garage never saw the vehicle.

Mr OGrady asked if the State were proceeding with the case as they had not proved criminal damage in his opinion.

Sergeant Flynn replied that Ciara Cawley said the wing mirror did not align and that was her evidence.

Judge OReilly said there was no invoice or statement on headed notepaper and nothing to confirm that damage was shown to anyone in the garage for the stated amount of 375..

Mr OGrady said the defendant should not be convicted of criminal damage as it had not been proven.

Judge OReilly said it was an essential part of any allegation that damage would be proven.

Mr OGrady submitted a person could not be convicted of criminal damage when there was no evidence of such.

In response, Mr Mulrooney said to use an analogy, a charge of assault causing harm usually has a medical report but in law there was no need as a judge had to be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt from a person giving evidence.

He added that damage can be proved without an expert witness.

And just because there is no expert witness does not mean there is no evidence, he said.

Ciara Cawley had given evidence of clicking in the wing mirror which had clearly been disturbed and that was evidence of damage and a court could convict on that basis.

Mr OGrady said the case was taken on the basis that specific damage was caused and that had clearly not been proven.

There was a lack of evidence and no identification.

Judge OReilly said that in a criminal prosecution of this nature there needed to be proof that damage was done in the first place.

There was no invoice for 375 .

Also, even if there was evidence of damage, there was no evidence that the defendant had committed that damage.

The judge added that it would be unsafe to rely on what Mr Cawley said in the garda station.

The garda evidence was that he was drunk and he was not invited to sign the garda notebook.

The forensic report on the fingerprint had not been available until today and it was inconclusive.

Also, the scene of the alleged incident had not been secured.

The judge said it would be totally unsafe to convict Mr Cawley and the State had failed to discharge the burden of proof.

The case was dismissed.
It is a quarter of a century since Fr Sean Fortune took his own life on the eve of standing trial for child sexual abuse charges.

Fr. Sean Fortune, the priest who was accused of child sexual abuse, and was later found dead in his house in New Ross, Wexford.

Wednesday, March 13, is 25 years to the day when notorious priest, Fr Sean Fortune died by suicide at his home in New Ross.

Days before he was due before Wexford Circuit Court on 29 charges of sexual abuse against eight young males  between June 1981 and December 1987 in Co Wexford  the serial abuser took his own life.

The groundbreaking Ferns Report in 2005 detailed 26 separate cases of sexual abuse by Fr Fortune against specific individuals including rape, masturbation and oral sex.

The Inquiry concluded that there were inexcusable and dangerous failings in the handling of Fr Fortune's career and the many complaints made against him and if guidelines for priestly training had been followed he would never have been ordained.

The former Poulfur priest, who had abused children and teenagers not only in the Fethard on Sea area, but also in Wexford town, where he was a seminarian at St Peters College, and also in Northern Ireland, left behind a trail of destruction and devastation wherever he went.

In total The Ferns Report recorded more than 100 cases of abuse, the Gorey priest having accounted for an astonishing percentage of those recorded. The total number of his victims remains unknown and may never be known.

Fr Sean Fortune during his courtcase in Wexford in 1999. Photo; PJ Browne

Today Fethard on Sea is a united community.

It is a place forged and made stronger following decades of division, a division sown in part with the arrival of Fr Fortune in 1981.

A priest with an uncanny ability to tap into the division which took root with the Fethard Boycott.

The church in the hollow, in Poulfur where masses were said in the 1700s in Penal times, has stood since the 1800s as a place of worship.

It was there and in Duncannon where he assisted a priest for a time, that parishoners first came to see a tall, gangly man. A joke figure.

But within a year of arriving in the Fethard area he had infiltrated almost every organisation, with St. Mogues GAA and Fethard Macra na Feirme resisting his attempts to join these organisations.

The scheming priest got money out of each and every one. He targeted old age pensioners whom he relieved of their life time savings to purchase a flashier car to suit his increasingly lavish lifestyle.

Tragically, money wasnt the only thing he took. Over the course of six terrible years he stole the innocence of the entire area.

He raped and committed sexual assault on scores of children and teenagers at the parochial house overlooking the church, at Fethard castle and at numerous other locations.

He did this by compromising children and teenagers through making them feel that they were unable to speak about the horrendous things he did to them, having blamed them for the abuse.

Over decades he used his god given power to abuse them at his will. He did all this and was ordained despite Church authorities knowing his propensity for sexual abuse on male youths.

Fr Sean Fortune pictured in December 1995.

The winding roads of the Fethard and Poulfur areas were his playground as he kerb crawled with a collar and soutane as societal skeleton keys.

He had access to almost all houses and despite the efforts of some, the silence of many and the cosy, incestuous power of Church and State ensured that he was able to continue abusing in plain sight.

With a weak, compromised bishop, struggling with alcohol dependency over him, Fr Fortune destroyed the lives of countless young men within a radius of the parochial house.

For some it was their first experience of a sexual relationship. For others the things he did to them stayed with them until their dying day.

Tormented, many took their own lives. Today, life is a daily struggle for many and for some life has moved on to a place of peace and happiness, hard won.

The village of Fethard is today a success story, not only because of the businesses that have thrived, not only because it is an attractive tourist destination, but because of the character of its people and the quality of its school.

It is because of these and more the community has thrived out of adversity. It has done so despite the best efforts of a demented, sex craved priest.

Today, the community is one that looks forward, while always conscious of the past. Many of its inhabitants in their fifties and sixties look around and dont have to look too far  they pass the graveyards and they know the stories which are etched in stone.

The past is alive. The truth is never far from their lips and their minds.

Everybody knows something should have been done, but nothing was done, at least by those who had the power to do it.

The church still stands but many avoid it, especially members of those families who have been ravaged by suicide.

This is due to no fault of any priest after Fr Fortune. The Catholic Church today has made great efforts to ensure the protection of children and yet what began with the downfall of Fr Fortune and his removal from priestly duties, continues and is reflected in a diminished church, a church with a shadow over it.

A shadow that has yet to be lifted and in this era of great rupture for the Catholic Church, when diocesan and parochial houses are having to be sold, and in the very church where Fr Fortune gave his so-called inspiring sermons, there have been requests as recently as last month for envelopes to be stuffed with cash to keep the lights on.

In Fr Fortunes days it was a different Poulfur and the church coffers were full. He drove nice cars and was able to buy the affections of his often unwitting victims.

He was the worst in human nature but he would not have been able to do what he did without the tacit consent and the turning of blind eyes of his superiors at a time when the Church was arguably at its most hierarchical and unaccountable.

In this series of articles over the next seven days on the terrible legacy of Fr Fortune and church authorities at the time, we speak to victims and activists.

We give voice to people who recall the Ireland they grew up in. Whose lives were utterly changed by that Ireland.

This article in no way demeans the great work that individual priests do, day in, day out, across the diocese and world, rather it is to give voice to victims, for whom  at this 25 year remove from Fr Fortunes death in a lonely dwelling in New Ross  the shadow has not lifted.

Helplines: If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, click here for more information https://www.independent.ie/service/helplines-40487532.html
This is testament to their ongoing determination in targeting those who are causing harm and disruption to our communities on a daily basis

A man has been arrested as electric scooters and bikes, motorbikes, scramblers, a quad bike as well as cash and drugs worth more than 40,000 were seized in a major Garda operation targeting e-bike criminals in Dublin.

The man, in his 20s, is currently being quizzed in a Garda station in West Dublin following the day of action today that saw searches carried out by gardai attached to Clondalkin and Ballyfermot Garda stations.

Local gardai were supported by specialist and intelligence units attached to the DMR Metropolitan Region as they tackled individuals involved in crime utilising electric modes of transport.

Some of the drugs and cash on display

The primary focus of the operation surrounded the unlawful use of e-bikes, scramblers and e-scooters which has caused potential harm and disruption to members of the local communities in the Clondalkin and Ballyfermot area, gardai said in a statement this afternoon.

During the course of the operation gardai seized to electric scooters, 10 electric bikes, two stolen high-powered motorbikes, five scrambler/motorbikes and one quad bike.

A total of 8,800 in cash, believed to be the proceeds of crime, as well as 36,000 of cannabis herb and 4,800 Alprazolam tablet were also seized.

During the course of the search operation, a male in his 20s was arrested and is currently detained pursuant to Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 at a Garda station in West Dublin, gardai said.

Chief Superintendent McNulty of the DMR West Division said the actions of gardai in this operation, is testament to their ongoing determination in targeting those who are causing harm and disruption to our communities on a daily basis.
The footage shows gangs of young men chasing each other across the street in broad daylight

A man was rushed to hospital yesterday after suffering serious injuries during a machete attack in the latest violent incident on Dublins Talbot Street.

The attack occurred in broad daylight at around 4.30pm on the city centre street  in almost the exact same location where American tourist Stephen Termini (57) suffered serious injuries last year.

CCTV shows men flee scene after latest machete attack on Dublins Talbot Street

Footage shows two groups of men chasing each other across the street during a rainy afternoon in the city, with some appearing to be armed.

Passers-by with umbrellas are seen going about their business when the violence suddenly erupts, with hooded and masked individuals backing away from unseen assailants.

One person can be seen being chased across street to the corner of Store Street which is where Termini was attacked during an incident in July that created headlines across the country.

The melee then spills back out onto the middle of Talbot Street before the gang run off in the direction of Connolly train station.

Before the footage cuts out, one man can be seen running along Talbot Street after the others with what appears to be an implement in his hand.

One witness told the Sunday World the attackers were carrying machetes and that blood stains were visible on the street following the attack.

Gardai said they had have arrested two men in relation to a public order and assault incident on Talbot Street yesterday.

One man, aged in his 20s was removed from the scene to the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries, gardai said.

Two men, aged in their 20s were arrested at the scene and were detained under Section 4, Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a garda station in the city centre.

One man has since been charged and is due to appear before Criminal Courts of Justice this morning Thursday, March 14. The second man was released without charge and a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Gardai added that investigations are ongoing.

In July 2023, US tourist Stephen Termini suffered serious injuries after being kicked and punched in the head at the same spot.

The attack was just one of a spate of violent incidents in the city last summer that led to the Justice Minister allocating an additional 10m in overtime to gardai.

However, later that year, in November, video of an alleged incident posted on social media appeared to show a man armed with machete-like weapon hitting another man standing on the same street.

In the video clip an attacker appears to deliver blows to his victims arms and legs and a pool of blood is visible on the footpath after the attack ended.

The man stayed on his feet and briefly grappled with another assailant after being punched in the head as well.

He was attacked after the man carrying the weapon chased another man during the chaotic scene before walking back down and launching the assault.

The victim managed to stay on his feet and is seen in the clip making his way back towards the Connolly Station direction after the attack ends

The attackers are then seen sprinting down Gardiner Street against on-coming traffic.

The victim of the stabbing was later identified as a 36-year-old Eastern European man.

Garda investigations also established that he was stabbed in the leg during the attack.

The weapon used in the attack was recovered by gardai.
Zelenskyy: Ukraine, EU must do everything to start talks on Ukrainian membership in EU in first half of 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said both Ukraine and the European Union must do everything to start negotiations on Ukrainian membership in the EU in the first half of 2024.

"I held several meetings on our international work. First, the European Union. Next steps towards full membership. Yesterday, the European Commission finalized the Negotiating Framework. Next, we are waiting for the decision of European leaders on its approval. It will be an important and strong signal for both Ukraine and the entire European community to do everything possible to start negotiations as early as during the Belgian presidency in the first half of this year," Zelenskyy said in a video address.

This, in his words, "this should be our common pace, both for Ukraine and the EU. We have a clear sequence of steps and I am confident that we can achieve the result."

The head of state also said he held a meeting "on the American vector of our policy. We discussed how to give more proper impulses to our work with partners and joint pressure on the Russian state throughout this year."
Gardai have since arrested a suspect in relation to the incident and he remains in custody

A young woman has been hospitalised after she was stabbed and allegedly sexually assaulted in Kerry this morning.

The victim was seriously injured during the suspected random attack at her home in Tralee shortly after 9am.

Gardai have since arrested a suspect in relation to the incident and he remains in custody in the Kerry division.

At this stage gardai believe a man broke into the residential property on Maine Street in the town before subjecting the woman to an alleged serious sexual assault.

The female, aged in her 20s, was also stabbed with a sharp implement during the incident.

The suspect subsequently fled the scene and emergency services were notified, leading to a significant policing response in the area.

An ambulance rushed the woman to University Hospital Kerry where she is being treated for serious but non-life threatening injuries.

University Hospital Kerry in Tralee

Local gardai have been carrying out inquiries to locate the suspect and he has since been arrested.

He can be questioned for up to 24 hours before he must either be charged or released form custody pending a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Its understood that the attacker also injured himself during the assault and suffered a stab injury.

The suspect is an Irish national and at this stage there is no indication that he was known to the victim, leading detectives to believe it was a random attack.

The woman is currently being treated for stab wounds and will also undergo an examination at a Sexual Assault Treatment Unit.

In a statement a garda spokesman said: Gardai are currently at scene of an ongoing incident that occurred at a residential property on Maine Street, Tralee this morning Thursday 14th March, 2024.

At approximately 9.30am, emergency services alerted Gardai of an alleged assault of a woman. The woman, aged in her 20s has been taken to University Hospital Kerry to be treated for her injuries.

The scene is currently preserved and investigations are ongoing.

Gardai added that one male has since been arrested and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 and at a Garda station in the Kerry Division.
I'm not going to allow this to happen, it shouldn't happen, and I will stand with you on it

Fianna Fail senator Eugene Murphy has told locals gathered at a public meeting in Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon, that they are not one bit racist to object to refugees being brought into the area.

It follows reports that there are plans to build 167 modular homes for 686 Ukrainian refugees across four sites in the county, including two in Roscommon Town, and one in both Boyle and Ballaghaderreen.

Hundreds of members of the public have sent submissions to Roscommon County Council over the plans and a public meeting was held last week.

At one gathering called to address the proposals, Senator Murphy said it was absolutely, 100pc right, in everybody's mind, to say, no, we cannot take anymore.

Senator Murphy recalled how there had been an accident outside a house in the area and they had waited an hour in the road to get a guard.

So, my point to you on that is, if you're going to increase the population significantly in any town, surely you need a full time garda station. The first thing that must come to Ballaghaderreen is a 24-hour garda station.

The second thing is, there must be back up for the doctors and the schools. The money has to be pumped in, you cannot take any more people.

I'm not going to allow this to happen, it shouldn't happen, and I will stand with you on it.

He then told those gathered that 90pc of the people are right in what they're saying here tonight.

And you should not feel anyway guilty about saying it, he declared. And I am going to say to you straight up now, it cannot be allowed to continue this way around this town and around this area.

And I can't be more honest, people know me. I come into this town every second week and take reps (representations) from people the whole time, people do come to me, and I know this town very well.

And it's taken more than its fair share of people and you're not being one bit wrong and you're not being one bit racist and saying we've had enough. And I've been straight, plain, honest and upfront with you.

Earlier this month the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) revealed plans to install 167 modular homes across four sites in Co Roscommon.

In Ballaghaderreen, the proposed site is beside Oakwod Private Nursing Home and will consist of 47 units to house 206 people.

The make up of the site is proposed as 18 three bedroom units and 29 two bedroom units.

In Boyle, the proposed site is at Greatmeadow and will consist of 50 four bedroom units to house 200 people.

Two sites are proposed in Roscommon Town with 20 four bed modular homes proposed to be built to the rear of the Lidl Supermarket to house 80 people.

The final site is proposed at Lisard, Lisnamult, Roscommon Town and the site will consist of 50 four bed units to house 200 people.

The plans were presented to Roscommon County Council earlier this month by the Local Government Management Agency and the organisation is now seeking feedback from the council on the plans.

Hundreds of members of the public have sent submissions to the council and it is understood those submissions will be used to form part of the feedback from the council to the Department.

Deputy Claire Kerrane has been engaging with the council about the plans and said it is her understanding that if the council does not recommend the plans, the developments will not go ahead.

"Over 400 submissions have gone in from Ballaghaderreen, she said. This is real people power in action.

Last month, Senator Murphy said hotels who take in Ukrainian refugees shouldnt be able to close their services, like restaurants or cafes, to the rest of the public.

A Fianna Fail meeting was told that Roscommon hotels should keep any services they provide to the public in operation even if they take in refugees.

During a debate on immigration at the private parliamentary party meeting, there were calls for this condition to be included as part of any Government grant or public money they receive.

Politicians have previously privately criticised hotels who close amenities to the public once they accommodate refugees.

Mullingar TD Robert Troy told colleagues there is a need for a streamlined asylum seeker process.

He said immigration is having an impact on communities and tourism and there is a need for further supports as Irish people have been very generous to people fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Equality Minister Roderic OGorman was criticised by Galway TD Eamon OCuiv, who said he had difficulties in getting information from not just the minister but other Green ministers.

TDs Jim OCallaghan and James OConnor, as well as Donegal Senator Niall Blaney, also spoke on the issue.

Politicians at the meeting emphasised that any migrants coming in who need help should be helped.

Ukrainian children should be accepted into rural schools, the meeting heard.
"Todays attack on one of the very few remaining UNRWA distribution centres in the Gaza Strip comes as food supplies are running out

Palestinian children wait to receive food during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan in the southern Gaza Strip. Photo: REUTERS/Mohammed Salem.

Israel said on Wednesday that its airstrike on a UN food distribution centre in southern Gaza killed a Hamas commander who had been targeted but Palestinian health officials said it also killed four more people including a UN worker.

The Israeli military said the strike killed Mohammad Abu Hasna, whom it described as a Hamas militant who provided intelligence to the group on Israeli troops' positions and was "also involved in taking control of humanitarian aid and distributing it to Hamas terrorists."

The name Mohammad Abdel-Halim Abu Hasna appears on the list of five fatalities from the strike, provided by Gaza health officials.

There was no immediate confirmation from Hamas that he was a member of the group now battling against Israeli forces in Gaza.

Earlier, the main UN agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) said one of its facilities had been hit in Rafah, an area in southern Gaza where more than half of Gaza's 2.3 million population is sheltering.

At least one UNRWA staff member was among the five killed and 22 others were injured, the agency said and the facility's coordinates had been shared with the Israeli military.

"Todays attack on one of the very few remaining UNRWA distribution centres in the Gaza Strip comes as food supplies are running out, hunger is widespread and, in some areas, turning into famine," said UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini.

Hamas has denied Israel's accusations and says Israel is using famine to pressure the Palestinian population.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday he was determined to have UNRWA replaced by other agencies without harming aid distribution, citing alleged links between the agency and Hamas militants.

In Washington, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at a news briefing said he had not yet received details of the incident but said Israel must protect safety of humanitarian workers despite tough conditions.

"You're in a war zone. You have a terrorist group that is firing from hospitals, from schools from apartment buildings, but the Israeli military, the Israeli government have a responsibility and an obligation to do everything possible to ensure that the humanitarians can do their jobs," said Blinken.

AID

With the Gaza war now in its sixth month, The UN has warned that at least 576,000 people in Gaza  one-quarter of the population  are on the brink of famine and global pressure has been growing on Israel to allow more access to the enclave.

On Tuesday, the United Nations used a new land route to deliver food to northern Gaza for the first time in three weeks.

"We have been taking efforts to facilitate more aid into northern Gaza," Israeli government spokesperson Tal Heinrich told journalists on Wednesday. "This was a pilot to prevent Hamas from taking over the aid as they often do."

The US, Jordan and others have conducted airdrops of aid in Gaza and on Tuesday a ship carrying 200 tonnes of aid left Cyprus in a pilot project to open a sea corridor to deliver supplies. While UN officials have welcomed new aid routes, they stress there is no substitute for land access.

Since the Gaza war began, violence has also risen in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, with stepped up Israeli military raids and Palestinian street attacks.

On Wednesday, Israeli officials said a 15-year-old Palestinian stabbed a soldier and a guard at a checkpoint between the West Bank and Jerusalem before being shot dead.

In separate incidents, Israeli forces killed two Palestinians during a raid in Jenin, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA said, while a 13-year-old Palestinian was killed by Israeli forces on the outskirts of Jerusalem, in what Israeli police described as a violent riot.
He came in and said, Im a white belt. Im here to learn. I dont know anything about making movies or acting, and I want to learn

Conor McGregors co-star in the Roadhouse remake, Jake Gyllenhaal, has said he was impressed by the Dubliner and his acting skills.

The veteran actor told how McGregor, who is making his acting debut in the film, set to be released on Prime Video on March 21, arrived on set willing to learn.

I think we all had great respect for the fight game, Gyllenhaal told MMA Junkie. Same thing with Conor when he came to the movie set.

He came in and said, Im a white belt. Im here to learn. I dont know anything about making movies or acting, and I want to learn.

That type of humility in that space, I tried to bring the same way in the opposite end. I dont know that much about the fight game. I have great respect for it, and I wanted to learn.

Gyllenhaal features in a poster for the new movie

Although the movie hasnt been released to the public yet, it has received positive reviews from critics, and Gyllenhaal recalled one moment during filming when he realised the Irishman was actually a good actor.

Mostly Ive worked with a lot of ex-fighters, he explained, but theyve learned how to be stunt people so in that sense, they know how to fake fight, Gyllenhaal said.

I think Conor had a learning curve in learning how to fake fight. Also, I worked with Chandler, too, which is kind of interesting. Both in the sequences we did. I remembered taking a hit in a movie. Youre not taking it; youre selling it.

"Being head-to-head with Conor, the first shot we shot was that head butt, and that was his first time just staring me in the eyes and I was like, Oh st.

During an interview on My Mom's Basement with Robbie Fox in March 2023, McGregor described how he enjoyed the movie-making process, although it was very tough.

"'ll tell you what I enjoyed the most, he said. The fact that now everything else seems easy. Because 15-hour days on set, memorising lines. You're memorising the lines and practicing before you even go on set, so it's a lot of hard work."

He added: "And I was doing my own stunts. But leaving it, doing this show, going to training camp, preparing for fights, shooting content for all these companies, everything seems so much easier

With his acting debut in the bag, McGregor is refocusing on his long-awaited return to the Octagon this year with two potential fights lined up.

McGregor hasnt fought since July of 2021 when he broke his leg in the trilogy match against Dustin Poirier.

But he has vowed to make his return on June 29 at International Fight Week against Michael Chandler, before appearing at The Sphere in September to take on Nate Diaz.

This is even though UFC chief Dana White has already shot down both prospects and indicated that hes not even sure if McGregor will fight at all this year.
There is no robust evidence Kainga Ora activities impact house prices in surrounding areas, a leader in the state housing agency says.

But a Rotorua councillor disagrees, referencing locals terrible, sad and upsetting stories and offering to arrange for property experts to take the agency through the evidence.

The exchange came as representatives of the countrys biggest landlord addressed Rotorua Lakes Councils Community and District Development Committee on Wednesday.

Kainga Ora had about 900 homes in Rotorua and is making a major push to build more with 500 homes in the pipeline for 2024/25  two-thirds of those new builds.

The scale of the building programme had some residents fearing Rotorua becoming the social housing capital of New Zealand, councillor Don Paterson said.

Kainga Ora deputy chief executive, Central, Daniel Soughtton told the meeting a lower proportion (about 2.5 per cent) of Rotoruas housing was publicly owned compared to the national average of 4 per cent.

The large build you are seeing right now in your community is helping this community catch up to where other places are.

Planned and being constructed Kainga Ora properties in Rotorua. Orange projects are the consenting stage, green are being constructed and black are in the early planning stage. Graphic / Kainga Ora.

He also said there was no robust evidence Kainga Ora activity impacted the housing market in terms of prices.

There is actually a positive effect. Where we have been upgrading and growing our housing as part of the Canterbury recovery following the earthquake, the surrounding areas actually did better in terms of property prices compared to those that didnt have that level of investment.

Councillor Conan OBrien said the robust evidence councillors had was from living in Rotorua.

We accept the emails, we listen to our constituents, we get the phone calls. We listen to some very terrible, sad and upsetting stories by people affected by some of the things you are not directly responsible for, I respect that. Personal behaviour is personal responsibility.

OBrien said he would be happy to organise a meeting for Kainga Ora to hear from local real estate agents and rental agencies to talk them through the evidence.

I hope that would be robust enough for you.

Zero forced evictions

Kainga Ora Bay of Plenty regional director Darren Toy said in the last six months 38 households in Rotorua had been causing us a bit of grief.

Complaints varied from noise issues, property care and disruptive behaviour. Toy said most were resolved with communication and formal meetings while more serious issues followed the Residential Tenancies Act process.

He said it was actively issuing breach notices but had not forced any evictions from Kainga Ora or other properties in the past two years.

We have had some moved on after discussions with them, Toy said. Without having to formally evict them.

OBrien said he believed some people impacted poor Kainga Ora tenant behaviour no longer complained to the council because they were numb to the issues.

$240m investment

Toy said the agency would invest $240 million in Rotorua in the 2024/25 year.

We are targeting locals. Local subcontractors, local builders, local suppliers.

There were no confirmed housing growth plans past that year until the Government-commissioned independent review of Kainga Ora was complete.

This was expected by the end of the month.

Given the number of projects happening in Rotorua, it was taking a city-wide approach to community engagement rather than project-by-project.

A map of all developments in the city could be viewed on its website.

Paterson, who instigated inviting the agency to the meeting, said he believed the number of builds contributed to a community perception.

Rotorua Lakes Councillor Don Paterson. Photo / Laura Smith.

The whole rationale behind this [meeting] was to try and put these perceptions behind us so we can move on  a fair amount of [the perceptions] are just, because of what they have gone through.

People think the only building that is going on here is community housing  they are worried we are being turned into, the term that is being bandied about, the social housing capital of New Zealand.

Paterson said while this was unfair, that was the perception.

Council district development general manager Jean-Paul Gaston about half the consents coming to council were for government-assisted builds.

He said bringing the city up to the national average of public housing was quite important.

Rotorua had about 1.5 per cent of the countrys population, 2.5 per cent of beneficiaries and 3.3 per cent of the housing register.

Rotoruas higher unemployment and socioeconomic positioning drove housing need, he said.

By the numbers: Rotorua public housing

- 2.5 per cent: Public housing in Rotorua housing stock, compared to about 4 per cent nationally

- About 950 households are on the Ministry of Social Development register, 250 in emergency housing

- 200 on the register were 55 or older

- 150 homes tenanted since July 2022, most from coming motels and temporary housing - family groups prioritised

- 130 homes built since June 2022

- 12 vacant Kainga Ora homes

- 500 houses in the pipeline for 2024/2025. Of these, 332 were new builds and the rest existing stock renewals

- $240 million: Total planned Kainga Orainvestment in 2024/2025 year.

Source: Kainga Ora

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
A former judge who ruled on Teina Pora's compensation deal says it is well known that eyewitness identification evidence can be unreliable.

The Criminal Cases Review Commission Te Kahui has launched its first systemic inquiry, which will investigate how eyewitness evidence is used to identify defendants.

Problems with identification evidence have featured in some of the country's highest-profile wrongful conviction cases.

Former high court judge Rodney Hansen was involved with compensation claims for two such cases - Teina Pora and Alan Hall - and he says eyewitness accounts were among the most persuasive evidence a prosecution could bring to court.

"The evidence from someone, whether they're independent or not, who says 'I saw so-and-so running away from the scene of the crime', for example, well that's highly compelling evidence, if the evidence is accepted."

But the King's Counsel says it's also well established that this sort of evidence can be flawed.

"People can make mistakes over identification, which is the reason why the law has for many, many years now required judges to warn juries to take the utmost care and tread with the utmost caution."

Hansen retired from the judiciary a decade ago after sitting for 14 years, but says the rules and practices around eyewitness evidence doesn't seem to have changed much since his time on the bench. Any inquiry into the eyewitness evidence can only be applauded, he says.

Hansen describes such evidence as being "a peripheral issue" in Pora's case, but says it's a significant factor for Hall - his conviction for the murder of Paul Easton was quashed after 37 years, because police hid and changed information garnered from witnesses.

Alan's brother Geoff Hall welcomes the inquiry and says it will help prevent future miscarriages of justice. He's particularly pleased it's promising to look into police procedures.

"What they did to those eyewitness statements [in Alan's case] was despicable," he says.

"Where were the procedures then? Where were the layers of supervisors above the people that were doing this to say, 'Hey, no, stop'? None of that was in place back in the eighties."

No one should have to experience what his family - and the Easton family - went through, Hall says.

"What they do and what they find in this inquiry can help a long way to prevent wrongful convictions, like Alan's."

A matter of race

The inquiry will also examine other factors that can make witness identification evidence unreliable, including cross-racial identification.

Te Kahui chief executive Parekawhia Mclean says some Maori people in particular have been wrongly identified as perpetrators by Pakeha.

"There is research and literature that has identified identification being different between different races," she says.

"We think that's particularly important here in a New Zealand context. It's tended to be less accurate, so we wanted to explore that more through this inquiry."

The commission is going into the inquiry with an "open mind", Mclean says.

However, she notes there is clearly room for improvement given the number of high-profile wrongful conviction cases - and the number of applications the commission has received - which includes problems with witness identification evidence.

Police say they are aware of the inquiry and will co-operate "as and when required".

"It would not be appropriate for police to comment further while the inquiry is underway," says a spokesperson.

-Soumya Bhamidipati/RNZ.
An event aimed at celebrating breastfeeding and normalising it as part of everyday life is being held in Tauranga.

The annual Big Latch On is a well-known international event held each year.

Groups of breastfeeding mums and their whanau come together at registered locations around the world to latch on their child all at the same time.

The event aims to celebrate breastfeeding and its health benefits and normalise breastfeeding as part of everyday life, says organisers of the local event.

The Western Bay of Plenty Breastfeeding Coalition (Ukaipo ki te rohe Hauauru) will be hosting this years Big Latch On at Papamoa Plaza on Friday, April 12, from 10.30am  12.30pm.

The Big Latch On has been running for 19 years, started by Womens Health Action in 2005.

This is a global event that started right here in New Zealand.

The Big Latch On aims to support parents in their communities on their feeding journeys, by creating safe and accepting spaces. It provides an opportunity for parents to connect with and meet new friends and receive support and information from local services.

We welcome all mama and their whanau to come and celebrate with us. Join in the fun, friendship, be in to win spot prizes, partake in light refreshments, be entertained and receive helpful and supportive information and resources to assist you in your breastfeeding journey.

As part of this event, we are also supporting the PROJECT UPLIFT campaign, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting womens confidence, comfort and dignity across the Pacific and South-East Asia, through bra donations.

We would appreciate if you have any recycled maternity bras that you would like to donate  bring along on the day and place in the donation box.

Do you have any recycled maternity bras?

Bring along on the day and donate to a worthy cause.

Recycling bras to women in need | www.projectuplift.org.nz
More than 2500 submissions have been received on an iwi bid to have National Park Village and its railway station renamed Waimarino.

It is one of the largest number of submissions received by Nga Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa New Zealand Geographic Board.

The three-month public consultation on the two proposals from Uenuku and the iwi collective Te Korowai o Wainuiarua closed last month.

The proposal to change the unofficial recorded place name National Park to the official place name Waimarino received 2088 submissions.

National Park is the village on the western edge of Tongariro National Park in the central North Island.

The proposal to rename National Park Station to Waimarino Railway Station received 489 submissions. The station is on the North Island Main Trunk railway line, behind the village.

The Geographic Board has not yet made public the number of submissions for and against.

It will consider the submissions at its next hui/meeting on April 30.

Board secretary Wendy Shaw says either the Board itself or the Minister for Land Information will make the final decision.

The railway station was opened in 1908 and was named Waimarino Railway Station until 1926 when NZ Railways changed the name to National Park Railway Station. Iwi researchers also claim Waimarino as the original name of the village.

The 180 or so permanent residents of National Park village are divided over the iwi proposal, some saying there is no evidence that Waimarino was the original name of the village.

The iwi collective Te Korowai o Wainuiarua, representing hapu in the area affiliated to the iwi Uenuku, Tamahaki and Tamakana, says Waimarino refers to the calm waters pooling on the plains as they come down from the maunga.

A Geographic Board report says the proposers consider their voice has yet to be heard in the last 100 years of debate on the name of the village and railway station.

It says the proposers state they continue to refer to National Park village as Waimarino Pa or Waimarino kainga.

The Board has declined proposals several times in the 1950s and 1960s to alter one or both names to Waimarino because of local opposition to the proposals, potential for confusion with other Waimarino names used for other areas and the established use of the name National Park.

The proposal includes letters of support for the name change from Owhango-National Park Community Board, Ruapehu District Council, Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand, Tongariro-Taupo Conservation Board, KiwiRail, Visit Ruapehu and some locals.

The Board says the proposal material also includes evidence of opposition to the proposals from some local residents and the National Park Business Association.

Shaw says collective submissions are counted separately.

If we receive a petition or multiple signatories to a submission, each name is counted as a separate submission.

"For example, 10 names would become 10 submissions. It would be noted in the report to the Board that these submissions were made collectively.

Shaw says final decisions are not based on how many submissions a proposal receives, but rather the reasons provided in submissions, and the Boards role in upholding its relevant statutory functions and aligning with good place-naming practice.

In 2013, the Board received 2608 submissions on the proposals to make Te Ika-a-Maui and Te Waipounamu official alternative names for the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Shaw says this is the largest number of submissions the Board has received.

In other recent public consultations, the Ngati Maika proposal to change the name Maxwell to Pakaraka received just more than 500 submissions in 2021 and the Ngati Kahu-o-Torongare proposal to alter the name of Kamo in Whangarei to Te Kamo received 651 submissions in 2023.

In 2009, the controversial proposal to change the name of Wanganui city to Whanganui, adding the h at the request of local iwi, received nearly 850 submissions during the three-month submission period.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
People travelling over the Kaimai Range via State Highway 29 are being warned to expect delays.

Night time road closures are being planned for for five nights, starting Saturday, March 17, through to Thursday, March 21.

NZTA says the closure will be from 8pm to 3.30am to allow for resurfacing works to take place.

"The closure points on the western side (Waikato) are at the SH29/24 and SH29/28 intersections and on the eastern side (BOP) at the SH29/Cambridge Rd intersection," says an alert from the roading agency.

"Emergency services will have access at all times, residents can access their property from the relevant side of the closure (worksite is between SH28 and Kaimai Summit)."

The alternative route is as follows: South: all vehicles: SH28, SH5, SH30, SH33, SH2 via Rotorua South: light vehicles: SH28, SH5, SH36 via Rotorua North: SH24, SH27, SH26, SH2 via Karangahake Gorge.
Russian occupiers carried out missile and air strikes on radio engineering facilities in Sumy region, as a result, television and radio broadcast transmitters in Sumy, Shostka, Bilopillia and Trostianets were temporarily disabled, and interruptions in mobile communications are also possible in the region, the regional military administration said.

"Russian criminals carried out missile and air strikes on radio engineering facilities in Sumy region. Television and radio broadcasting transmitters in Sumy, Shostka, Bilopillia and Trostianets were temporarily disabled. Due to the damage, part of the region's territory (temporarily) cannot receive Ukrainian television and radio signals. Interruptions with mobile communications are possible," the administration said on the Telegram channel on Thursday.

The administration's head, Volodymyr Artiukh, said the consequences of the strikes are currently being analyzed, and plans are being formed to restore television and radio broadcasting.

"Do not give in to panic and information provocations. Switch to alternative means of communication, trust only trusted sources of information," he said.
The Cheyenne County Republican Convention will be held at the Security First Bank meeting room, March 22, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., featuring guest speaker Paul Strommen, Candidate for Senate District 47.

At the County Convention, party officers and delegates are elected to represent Cheyenne County at the Republican State Convention, to be held on May 18, 2024, at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln, NE,

All state rules and forms governing the County Convention process can be found on the Nebraska GOP website at ne.gop. Registered delegates will be the only people allowed to vote at the convent...
In the month of March, Hometown Liquor will be offering Round-Up Program dollars to the Sidney Raiders Music Booster Club. Last month's Round Up Program benefitted the Sidney FFA chapter with a donation of $1,532.00. The program allows for Hometown customers to round up to the next dollar, or

more, if they wish to benefit the featured program for the month.

"It's important to us that the Round-Up Program focuses on children's programs in Cheyenne County that might not have benefactors.", said Natalie Lucero of Hometown Liquors. "Children are always an important investment. No matter the...
March 17-23 2024, marks National Ag Week, an event dedicated to increasing public awareness of agriculture's vital role in society. The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) wants you to spread the word about this important event by becoming an Ag Influencer. Here's how to do it.

How it works

The program is designed for college students or interns who are looking for experience in communication and community-building. The ACA has created an Ag Influencer toolbox with digital resources, ideas and tips for encouraging your friends and followers to show their appreciation for the country's farm...
IS NEBRASKAS CURRENT TAX SYSTEM BROKEN?

Yes, Nebraskas current tax system is broken beyond repair according to Mark Bonkiewicz, one of three EPIC Option spokespersons. Mark has been presenter at several Town Halls in Sidney, and most recently presented on February 26th in Gurley, and February 27th in Oshkosh and Brule. The number of Nebraska property owners who are disgusted with our current property  income  inheritance tax burden in our state continues to increase on a weekly basis.

For years, Nebraska legislators have promised to reduce the property tax burden yet have failed to bring actual hard dollar relief. In 202...
SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb.  Women who are seeking a college education are invited to apply for scholarships from Panhandle Business and Professional Women (BPW).

Panhandle BPW is part of a national foundation that advocates for gender equality in the workplace and supports the development of female business professionals. Chartered in 1981, Panhandle BPW is one of the largest BPW organizations in the state. Through annual fundraisers, the Scottsbluff-based chapter proudly presents $1,000 scholarships to non-traditional female students.

To apply, the applicant must be at least 25 years old by Ja...
Carrie C. Balfour, age 89, of Sidney, NE went to be with Jesus on the morning of March 8, 2024. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, March 15, 2024 at Faith Methodist Church in Sidney, NE with Pastor Corey Jenkins officiating. The casket will be closed and services will conclude at the church. Inurnment will follow at a later date. Services will be livestreamed on the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel Facebook page and recorded for later viewing on our website.

Friends may stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Event Center, 1212 10th Avenue, Sidney, NE on Thursday from 1-6:00 P.M. to leave condolences for the family.

You may view Carrie's Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at http://www.gehrigstittchapel.com. Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Carrie's care and funeral arrangements.

Carrie was born in Nebraska City, NE on August 1, 1934 to Elmer and Cordelia (Fields) Conkling. She grew up and went to High School in Nebraska City. Carrie was very active in High School. She was the FHA President, Snow Queen Attendant, Homecoming Attendant, played the oboe and glockenspiel in the band and was the 1951 FFA Sweetheart. In 1949, her sophomore year, she met her lifelong love, Robert R. Balfour. She was not allowed to ride on his Harley, so their dates were with the 1931 four door Chevy.

After HS, Carrie went to Cottey Women's College. Then Peru State College. Then finally graduated from University of Nebraska, Lincoln with a BS in Home Economics. With one semester to go, She and Robert (Bob) got married. June 11, 1955. Carrie went back to school, finished her degree, then they headed to Paris Island, SC. Bob was in the Marine Corp, Carrie taught 8th grade science in Beufort, SC. In 1957, Bob's Marine service took them to Barstow, CA. They lived in a small house on a farm. In exchange for them "watching the farm" and stacking the hay, they received free rent. In 1957 they had Robert Jr. In 1958 they had Rodger.

In 1958, Carrie found herself headed to Omaha with her young family. Carrie stayed busy in Omaha by volunteering as an Assistant Den Mother for Cub Scouts, singing in the church choir, and being active in PEO. She must not have been too busy because she had 4 more children before moving to Sidney in 1968. Carrie drove 400 miles in a station wagon with 6 little kids and her mother.

In 1969, Carrie had her 7th and final child, Mary. Carrie spent the rest of her life in Sidney. She was known in Sidney for her involvement as a youth choir director at the Light Memorial Presbyterian Church, room mother at South Ward Elementary, substitute teacher, census worker, polling place volunteer, her musical "Hat Show", delivering Meals on Wheels, singing with the Fort Sidney Colonels, and singing at various wedding and funerals. Carrie loved to sing. Musicals have always been her favorite movies/shows. Carrie may have been best known as the Matriarch of Balfour Family Fireworks.

In 1984, with 7 kids, community activities, and wife responsibilities, Carrie and Bob purchased Sidney Floral. Every arrangement was made with love. Customers were like family to her. Every customer received special service. Many of her customers and employees became lifelong friends.

Besides her family and music, Carrie's love was the mountains. Right after fireworks were finished, she and Bob would go to their small cabin in the mountains. The mountains were her "little slice of heaven."

Carrie was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Cordelia Conkling, her beloved Uncle Herbert Fields and her Aunt Carolyn, her only sister Marvel Gillespie and a great grandson.

Carrie is survived by her loving husband, Robert R. Balfour, her children: Robert R. Balfour Jr. and wife Janine of Boise, ID, Rodger Balfour of Sidney, NE, Brian Balfour and wife Susan of Casper, WY, Janelle Balfour in Burns, WY, Martha Gibbs of Sidney, NE, Ross Balfour and wife Sage of San Antonio, TX, and Mary Meyer of Sidney, NE. 23 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Carrie also had 3 foreign exchange students that called her mom as did numerous kids in the neighborhood.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to Folds Of Honor and PEO in honor of Carrie. If you are thinking of attending the service, the family is asking that you wear purple. Carrie loved the color purple.
Richard A. Bruns

Richard A. Bruns, age 81, of Lodgepole, NE, passed away peacefully in Sidney on Saturday, March 2, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family while enjoying a rodeo event. Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at the Evangelical Free Church in Sidney, NE with Pastor Kyle Larson officiating. Cremation has been held and services will conclude at the church. Services will be livestreamed on the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel Facebook page and recorded for later viewing on our website.

Friends may stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel on Friday from 1-6:00 P.M. to leave condolences for the family.

You may view Richard's Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at http://www.gehrigstittchapel.com. Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Richard's care and funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lodgepole Fire Department, PO Box 181 Lodgepole NE 69149.

A lifelong resident of the Lodgepole area, he was born on July 26, 1942, to the late Arthur and Nellie Bruns on their cherished family farm. Richard was the beloved brother of Frances Grasz, Henry Bruns, and Elvie Bruns.

Richard's life was forever changed when he met Donna Nish on a train ride to Omaha. They were united in marriage on March 30, 1970, and began their journey together by making their home in Grandma Bruns' house in Lodgepole. The couple was blessed with two sons: Jeff and Scott.

A true farmer at heart, Richard found joy in the simple pleasures of life - spending time with his family, tending to the farm, and caring for his cattle. He cherished moments shared with his family and grandchildren, taking them horseback riding and fishing at "Papa's Pond." Those fortunate enough to ride alongside him would often hear him sing the auctioneer's song, a testament to his lively spirit and love for his work.

Richard began his career farming south of Lodgepole at a very early age. He was driving tractors, milking cows, helping take care of the farm animals all before he was even able to see over the steering wheel. Richard then joined the railroad gang in his early twenties. After dedicating 37 years of service, Richard retired from the Union Pacific Railroad. Retirement afforded him the opportunity to return to the farm, where he spent his days from sunup to sundown.

Richard is survived by his wife, Donna; his sons Jeff Bruns and wife Krista from Sidney, NE, Scott Bruns and wife Shelley from Springer, NM; seven grandchildren, Kaela Cole, Katelin Riley and husband Lane, Kyler Cole, Samantha Bruns, Tucker Bruns and wife Samantha, Cheyenne Burrell and husband Timothy, and Justin Bruns and wife Kodie; and his four cherished great-grandchildren; Clayton, Miles, Briggs, and Brooklyn Riley; soon to be two more great grandchildren Cheyenne and Tim are expecting Beau Branson Burrell any day and Tucker and Samantha are expecting Heath Aaron Bruns in June. His one brother Henry Bruns; and his in-laws Bill and Carol Nish, Allen and Margo Wilder, and Linda Bruns. He also leaves behind six nieces and five nephews.

He was preceded in death by his siblings Elvie Bruns and Frances Grasz.

Richard will be fondly remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his love for farming, and the joy he brought to all who knew him. He will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
In 2021 the Fufeng Group, a Chinese food manufacturer, bought 300 acres of farmland near Grand Forks, North Dakota in order to build a milling plant. They paid 2.6 million dollars for the land. That land is only twelve miles from the Grand Forks Air Base, which is home to some of America's most sensitive military secrets. Last year both the BBC and NPR reported that the Chinese had already purchased 380,000 acres of farmland in the United States.

After the purchase of land was made near the Grand Forks Air Base, a memo circulated throughout the air base classifying the purchase as a na...
In early 1866, the Joint Committee of Fifteen on Reconstruction in the 39th Congress wrestled with the idea that they must write a 14th Amendment to address certain issues:

Who is a citizen? How does the country's laws apply to former slaves and slave owners? Will former Confederate officials hold elected office now in the Union? Will former slaveholders receive any compensation for the loss of their property? Who will pay the Confederacy's debts?

Most important, who will rule supreme: state governments or the federal government?

The Joint Committee members wanted an all-encompassing...
As result of shelling in Nikopol, already five casualties reported, among them child

Russian occupiers are shelling Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk region, there are already five casualties in the city, including a seven-year-old boy, one wounded was hospitalized, Head of the regional military administration Serhiy Lysak said.

"In the morning, the enemy has been attacking Nikopol. There are already five casualties in the city. Among them is a seven-year-old boy. He will be treated on an outpatient basis. A 43-year-old man and two 74-year-old women will recover at home. One wounded woman, 73 years old, was hospitalized. Her condition is moderate heaviness," he said in his Telegram channel on Thursday.

As a result of the shelling, several multi-storey buildings and city infrastructure were damaged.
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Trader Joes mini canvas tote is the latest item to cause a stir on social media, so much so that resellers are taking advantage of the hype.

The mini totes are offered in four colors  blue, red, green, and yellow  and they are all in high demand. The bags, retailing for $2.99, have been advertised by third-party sellers for hundreds of dollars in some cases.
NATO Secretary General calls on allies to hurry up with supplies of ammunition to Ukraine

Alliance members must demonstrate political determination in supporting Kyiv and quickly supply the ammunition Ukraine needs, Alliance Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday.

Stoltenberg said at a press conference that Ukraine needs more support, and they need it now. They don't have enough ammunition; the NATO has the capabilities to provide what Ukraine needs.

He said now they need to demonstrate the political resolve to do this. All allies must make full use of their resources and deliver quickly, he said.
Syracuse, N.Y, -- The federal government wants to hear from you on what it should look at as it launches an environmental study of Micron Technologys proposed semiconductor plant in the town of Clay.

The Army Corps of Engineers will hold whats called a scoping session Tuesday night, to determine the scope of the environmental impact statement it will prepare on the Micron project. The Army corps has already determined that the proposed project may significantly affect the quality of the human environment and is legally required to investigate further.

The Army corps can grant or deny the permit Micron would need to build the massive complex at the White Pine Commerce Park, at the corner of Route 31 and Caughdenoy Road.

Tuesdays public meeting will start at 7 p.m. in the board room of the Clay Town Hall, 4401 Route 31.

If scoping session sounds familiar, thats because Onondaga County held one last year on the Micron project. That session was to set the parameters for the New York state environmental review process. That report is expected to be done in the spring.

The Army corps is obligated to do its own study because Micron hopes to get federal funding. Under the National Environmental Policy Act, the federal government must conduct an environmental review of large projects it undertakes or funds.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo has warned that NEPA reviews could slow down the chip plants planned by several large chip-makers. Congress could waive the NEPA requirements, but hasnt.

While Tuesdays session will help shape the scope of the study, many of the potential impacts have already been identified by the Army corps, including land use, water resources, plant and animal habitat, solid waste and hazardous materials, air quality, and greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. The study will also include the impact on two species of endangered bats found on the site by a Micron consultant last year.

The Army corps is charged with protecting wetlands, and the agency has determined that Micron would fill in 244 acres of federally regulated wetlands and more than a mile of federally regulated streams and ditches. Micron has told the Army corps that it will develop a compensatory wetland mitigation plan to offset permanent losses of those wetlands and streams.

Micron announced in October 2022 it had selected White Pine for largest memory chip plant in the nation. The company said it would invest up to $100 billion to build four fabrication plants, or fabs, over 20 years. The fabs would eventually employ 9,000 people, Micron said. Another 40,000 spinoff jobs could be created, a state-funded study said.

If you cant make Tuesdays hearing, you can submit written comments to celrb-micron.public.comments@usace.army.mil or by mail to:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District

Attn: Ms. Margaret Crawford

7413 County House Road

Auburn, NY 13021
Former Star Wars child star Jake Lloyd is in a mental health facility, his mother revealed in a new interview.

Lisa Lloyd, whose son played a young Anakin Skywalker in the 1999 prequel movie, Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace, told Scripps News that Jake was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2008. She said he talked about living in different realities and seeing people with black eyes, plus appeared to suffer from a neurological condition called anosognosia, which causes a patient to be in denial about their symptoms.

He didnt think he needed to take medication because he wasnt sick, she said. He didnt think he needed to go to the therapist because theres nothing wrong with him.

Lisa said that Jakes condition got worse after his sister, who appeared as an extra in The Phantom Menace, died in 2018. He suffered a full-blown psychotic break in March 2023 and has spent the last 10 months in a mental health rehabilitation facility, according to Scripps.

Jake has since shown improvement and can watch movies again, she said, including the recent Charlie and the Chocolate Factory film Wonka. He also watched Rosario Dawsons Star Wars spinoff series, Ahsoka, on Disney+.

He loves all the new Star Wars stuff, she said. People think Jake hates Star Wars. He loves it.

According to Deadline, she shot down theories that Jakes mental illness was caused by fan backlash to The Phantom Menace, which followed Anakin as he meets Obi-Wan Kenobi and other Star Wars characters, decades before the young Jedi became the evil Darth Vader. Lisa said theres history of schizophrenia on Jakes fathers side of the family.

It would have happened anyway, she said. I believe that it was genetic. And his psychiatrist also agrees that Jake was going to become schizophrenic.

I protected him from the backlash. He was just riding his bike outside, playing with his friends. He didnt know. He didnt care. Everybody makes such a big deal about that. And its rather annoying to me because Jake was a little kid when that came out, and he didnt really feel all that stuff because I didnt let him online.

Jake Lloyd was one of the most well-known child actors of the 1990s, appearing in Jingle All the Way as Arnold Schwarzeneggers son, plus roles in ER, Apollo 11, The Pretender, and multiple Star Wars video game. He retired from acting shortly after The Phantom Menace came out, when he was 10 years old.

Jake, now 35, previously made headlines in 2015 when he was arrested following a high-speed chase that ended in a crash in South Carolina. He spent 10 months in jail, according to Deadline.

Billy Baldwin feuding with 90s movie co-star: I have so much dirt on her

Star Wars-themed Upstate NY campsites are the summer vacation you are looking for
Liverpool, N.Y.  A 14-year-old boy threatened to shoot up Liverpool High School, sending the school into a lockout after leaving a voicemail just before noon Wednesday, according to State Police.

The boy in the message said, Im about ready to come up there and shoot that school up, bro, according to the court papers filed in state Supreme Court.

Police identified the boy by his voice and phone number, investigators said in the court papers. The boy told troopers he was upset that his older brother was arrested Friday for making similar threats against the school, they said.
Syracuse, N.Y.  What began five years ago as a crazy idea to create a funky TV cooking show and build a food-based media brand based in Central New York is now ready for some national exposure.

Spatchcock Funk, created by Matt Read and Alex DeRosa, will debut a ten-episode season this month on PBS station WCNY in Syracuse. The series of half-hour episodes has already been picked up by several PBS stations across the country, from Rochester and Buffalo to Atlanta and Denver. It is available to be broadcast or streamed in many other markets nationwide.
Syracuse, N.Y.  The over-hyped, under-performing DeWitt film studio built with $16 million of state taxpayers money is finally being put to better use.

No more waiting for the occasional movie producer to shoot a scene there. Saab Inc., the Swedish defense and aerospace company, which has an office building next door, is buying the film hub from Onondaga County for just over $5.9 million.
A roundup of conversations we're having daily on the site. Subscribe to the Reckon Daily for stories centering marginalized communities and speaking to the under-covered issues of the moment.

A husband and wife staying at a migrant shelter in New York City were charged for allegedly resisting arrest following a video-recorded confrontation with police officers in what advocates are calling one of the latest instances of human rights abuse in emergency refuges.

The video, which was first obtained and published by the New York Times, showed two officers confronting Yanny Cordero, 47, of Venezuela, while he was holding his one-year-old son on Friday. Cordero is shown pinned against a closed elevator door and surrounded by witnesses.

In the video, an officer is seen using what appears to be a stun gun on Cordero and then punches him in the face. His wife, Andrea Parrar, 22, is heard crying and seen trying to shield him from police. The man filming says in Spanish, This is abuse! Someone asks in Spanish, Where are the human rights? In the continuing struggle, a third officer punches Cordero twice in the face before he is subdued to the ground.

Cordero and Parrar were charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and obstructing government administration, police said. Cordero was also charged with acting in a manner injurious to a child under 17.

Murad Awawdeh, the president and CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition, said they are troubled by the recorded confrontation and called on the district attorney to look into this incident of brute force.

Individuals in the Citys care must be actually cared for  and not hurt  by staff or police, Awawdeh said in a statement.

According to authorities, New York City police responded to a report of a dispute with an intoxicated man who was threatening staff members at a city-run shelter in the Jamaica, Queens borough.

Cordero, who does not speak English, told the Times that the dispute started after he returned to the shelter with food purchased outside. He said he was not under the influence and hadnt been drinking because he had work the next day.

He said a shelter employee appeared to tell him that he couldnt take food up to his room. He said he used a translation app on his phone to tell them that he was going to eat in the cafeteria when another worker was called over and punched him in the face. The police were called during the altercation.

The City must hire shelter staff who are culturally competent and bilingual or multilingual to ensure that communication breakdowns dont lead to avoidable misunderstandings that escalate into violence, Awawdeh added.

Concerns about human rights violations and poor living conditions in migrant shelters have risen in the last few years as cities like New York and Chicago struggle to take in refugees bussed in from Texas under Gov. Greg Abbotts Operation Lone Star. Hostile staff, bad food and filthy conditions were among some of the complaints issued by migrants in these temporary shelters. Others have battled colds in leaking tents.

In Boston, where shelters have been quickly established in dozens of communities to meet the rising numbers of new arrivals, migrants face mistrust and hate from neo-Nazis demonstrating outside shelters and people against what they call handouts.

Responding officers said they gave Cordero multiple warnings to hand his son to someone else but he refused. The boy was unharmed and childrens services responded to the incident, officials said.

The family was reunited on Monday and relocated to a shelter in Brooklyn after they requested a new placement, NBC News reported.

In an unrelated press conference on Tuesday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said the officers took appropriate action.

Those officers had to get that child from him so that child was not going to be in danger. All of this is on body-worn camera, Adams said. He was violent, he was volatile, they had to take that necessary action and based on our review, those officers took appropriate action.

Migrant advocates requested that Adams refrain from spreading inflammatory, unproven information about this case.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP)  A New York state trooper who was charged with manslaughter after shooting an unarmed motorist to death following a high-speed chase was acquitted on Wednesday.

Trooper Anthony Nigro testified during his nonjury trial this week that he feared for his life when he fired two shots at James Huber, 38, of North East, Pennsylvania, as the chase came to an end on a downtown Buffalo street. After Nigro blocked Hubers car with his cruiser, Huber refused to get out of his car and then began accelerating backward when Nigro reached in through a window to try to pull him out, Nigro said.

I felt like I was going to get sucked underneath the vehicle, this man was going to kill me, Nigro, 40, testified.

The Feb. 23, 2022, shooting followed a 45-minute pursuit that began on the New York State Thruway in Brant and reached speeds exceeding 100 mph (161 kph), authorities said.

Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, brought the charges against Nigro following a review by her office, which has the authority to investigate the lethal use of force by law enforcement. Prosecutors accused Nigro of acting out of anger, not fear.

Judge James Bargnesi found Nigro not guilty. Nigros attorney said afterward that the case never should have been brought.

He did what we expect heroic troopers to do: He put himself in harms way to solve a dangerous threat, John DAlessandro told reporters.

Hubers sister left the courtroom without commenting.
Rosatom directly involved in armed aggression against Ukraine, should be subject to sanctions - Minister of Energy in U.S. Congress

The Rosatom State Concern is directly involved in armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, and international sanctions should be imposed on it, Minister of Energy of Ukraine Herman Haluschenko said in a statement.

"Rosatom was directly involved in the planning, preparation and financing of Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine," noted Haluschenko's statement, heard at a meeting of the U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee on Europe, where on March 12 a hearing was held on the possibility of imposing sanctions against Rosatom and ending the global dependence of the world's nuclear energy on Russia.

The statement, in particular, emphasizes that Rosatom employees also took a direct part in the seizure of the Chornobyl and Zaporizhia nuclear power plants.

"During the hearings, congressmen reviewed evidence of Rosatom's actions aimed at manipulating its dominant position due to the dependence of other countries on Russian nuclear technologies. Congressmen were also provided with information about the company's abuse of its influence, including to evade U.S. sanctions and support a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine," the Ministry of Energy's release on its website on Thursday explained the essence of the statement during the hearing.

Congressmen agreed that the United States, allies and partners must develop a dedicated strategy to provide business certainty, expand and diversify civil nuclear supply chains, and counter the disruptive actions of Russia, Iran and other hostile states, the release said.
The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime.
MFA: We urge Ukrainian citizens in occupied territories not to participate in pseudo-elections of Russian President, countries - to refrain from recognizing them

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine calls on Ukrainians living in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine or forced to stay on Russian territory not to participate in the "pseudo-elections" of the President of the Russian Federation, and foreign states and international organizations not to send international observers and refrain from recognizing their results.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry also urged Ukrainian citizens to avoid crowded places near "polling stations" and the military infrastructure of the Russian occupation forces for their own safety, given the Russian authorities' proclivity for provocations.

In its statement, the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine notes that forcing millions of Ukrainian citizens who live in temporarily occupied territories or who have been forcibly transferred to Russian Federation territory to participate in the so-called "elections" is equally illegal.

This, combined with the absence of any signs of compliance with generally recognized democratic principles and election standards in the Russian Federation, as well as the elimination of opponents of the Russian authorities, calls into question the objectivity and legitimacy of any results of these pseudo-elections, the ministry noted.

Thus, Ukraine calls on foreign states and international organizations not to send international observers to participate in yet another farce that the Kremlin is passing off as a presidential election, organized by it, in particular, on the sovereign territory of Ukraine, to refrain from recognizing the results of these "elections," and warns that all violators of Ukrainian legislation will be brought to justice.

The Foreign Ministry stressed that Russia's dictatorship has long had nothing to do with democracy, including open and competitive elections. Vladimir Putin, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on suspicion of committing serious war crimes, has been in power for 24 years, not through the free expression of the people's will, but through manipulation of the Russian Federation's Constitution, total propaganda, the destruction of all manifestations of political competition and political violence, including the assassination of significant independent political figures.

The continued preservation of Putin's aggressive and revanchist regime poses an unprecedented challenge to Europe, Central Asia, and other parts of the world that may be affected if Russian terror and chaos spread further. Ignoring this will only heighten the threat to international peace and security. We urge the international media and public figures not to assist the Kremlin in creating the illusion of an electoral process and to refrain from referring to this farce as elections in the language of democratic states, the Foreign Ministry stated.

Thus, Ukraine urges the democratic world to reaffirm its respect for human life, the rule of law, and democratic values by maximizing its support for our country and the Ukrainian people in the fight against Russian terror, as well as its support for the UN Charter's purposes and principles through continued unwavering non-recognition of Russia's occupation of Ukraine.
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Colombia, South America | Partying in the heartlands of Pablo Escobar



Its been a ritual that some of us classmates meet once in a year (sometimes its twice in a year). Thanks to our professions we all travel quite a bit. So, we meet once in the US or in a different country or for sure in India.



Basically, we meet at least once in a year. The characters of this story are 4-guys who love to wander, travel, party more than they love to work. Lol!



A quick introduction of the team:



1. Bala- Lives in Hyderabad

2. Sethu- Lives in Bay Area, California (Also, happens to be brother-in-law of Bala)

3. Vijay- Lives in Princeton, New Jersey

4. Yours Truly- in the beautiful "wadiyon" of PNW area- Seattle, Washington



Bala travels to US on a holiday once a year and we meet in some location in the US or travel outside of the US. He visited my home in Seattle in June 2022. And, this time he was hell-bent on going out of the US for a boys trip. When he visited me in Seattle in 2022, these three gents had gone to Puerto Rico, and I could not make it as I had work related travels within US.



This trip, which was planned for June 2023, Bala proposed that we do two countries:



1. Panama, Central America

2. Colombia, South America



I immediately jumped at this idea and wanted to make both trips and confirmed to him in April when Bala was booking his US tickets that I will make it.



However, my sister planned a trip to Seattle around the same time, so I had to tweak my plan and told them I can join only after my sisters family leave. So, I was confirmed for one of the two proposed locations and told Bala to plan for Colombia as Stage 2 as I was super keen to visit Colombia as I am a huge fan of Narcos series on Netflix and ever since I saw that mind-boggling series which was based on the true story of the biggest drug kingpin in entire world Pablo Escobar, its been on my bucket list.



After the basic questions cleared like how safe is it to travel to a location like Colombia as I keep seeing news of tourists getting kidnapped for ransom. Bala convinced me they won't kidnap middle class folks like us as we are not the "target" crowd as they are only after the rich Americans. That said, I decided to take the risk and agreed on their plan. On hindsight, the entire travel experience was smooth and I felt Colombia is safe and a welcoming place.



The final plan



 Bala would fly from Hyderabad to SFO and he along with his BIL would fly to Panama City and spend a week there.

 Vijay would join in at Cartagena, Colombia and since he had work related time restrictions, he would spend just 3-days with us in Cartagena and fly back to Miami where he was supposed to be on official work and then fly back home to New Jersey.

 I would also fly from Seattle to Cartagena and spend a week with them in Colombia and fly back to Seattle.



Colombia Plan



Cartagena, Colombia: 3-Days

Medellin, Colombia: 3 Days

Bogota, Colombia: 2 Days



Cartagena- It's pronounced as Car-te-hena.



Medellin- It's pronounced as Medi-jin.



Bogota- It's pronounced as Bogo-tha



Bala did all the research and convinced us that Colombia would be safe country to travel and also booked Airbnbs at all 3-locations.



Seattle-Cartegena- That's a long distance I travelled to meet my pals.







Our domestic sojourn within Colombia- Cartagena, Medellin and Bogota.







Intro of tourists (Left-Right)- Yours truly, Vijay, Sethu and Bala











Partying on Speed Boat in Cartagena.



I have been thinking of penning down this photo-log for a while but, I happen to do nice local weekend trips so often that they and as they take precedence and the older activity is put in the back-burner. Thats exactly what happened to the plan of penning down this amazing trip which happened during the long weekend of July 4th in 2023.Its been a ritual that some of us classmates meet once in a year (sometimes its twice in a year). Thanks to our professions we all travel quite a bit. So, we meet once in the US or in a different country or for sure in India.Basically, we meet at least once in a year. The characters of this story are 4-guys who love to wander, travel, party more than they love to work. Lol!1. Bala- Lives in Hyderabad2. Sethu- Lives in Bay Area, California (Also, happens to be brother-in-law of Bala)3. Vijay- Lives in Princeton, New Jersey4. Yours Truly- in the beautiful "wadiyon" of PNW area- Seattle, WashingtonBala travels to US on a holiday once a year and we meet in some location in the US or travel outside of the US. He visited my home in Seattle in June 2022. And, this time he was hell-bent on going out of the US for a boys trip. When he visited me in Seattle in 2022, these three gents had gone to Puerto Rico, and I could not make it as I had work related travels within US.This trip, which was planned for June 2023, Bala proposed that we do two countries:1. Panama, Central America2. Colombia, South AmericaI immediately jumped at this idea and wanted to make both trips and confirmed to him in April when Bala was booking his US tickets that I will make it.However, my sister planned a trip to Seattle around the same time, so I had to tweak my plan and told them I can join only after my sisters family leave. So, I was confirmed for one of the two proposed locations and told Bala to plan for Colombia as Stage 2 as I was super keen to visit Colombia as I am a huge fan of Narcos series on Netflix and ever since I saw that mind-boggling series which was based on the true story of the biggest drug kingpin in entire world Pablo Escobar, its been on my bucket list.After the basic questions cleared like how safe is it to travel to a location like Colombia as I keep seeing news of tourists getting kidnapped for ransom. Bala convinced me they won't kidnap middle class folks like us as we are not the "target" crowd as they are only after the rich Americans. That said, I decided to take the risk and agreed on their plan. On hindsight, the entire travel experience was smooth and I felt Colombia is safe and a welcoming place. Bala would fly from Hyderabad to SFO and he along with his BIL would fly to Panama City and spend a week there. Vijay would join in at Cartagena, Colombia and since he had work related time restrictions, he would spend just 3-days with us in Cartagena and fly back to Miami where he was supposed to be on official work and then fly back home to New Jersey. I would also fly from Seattle to Cartagena and spend a week with them in Colombia and fly back to Seattle.Cartagena, Colombia: 3-DaysMedellin, Colombia: 3 DaysBogota, Colombia: 2 DaysIt's pronounced as Car-te-hena.It's pronounced as Medi-jin.It's pronounced as Bogo-thaBala did all the research and convinced us that Colombia would be safe country to travel and also booked Airbnbs at all 3-locations. Last edited by mobike008 : 13th March 2024 at 00:24 .
WTF?! In a case of a home (farm?) scientist who tried to play God, an 80-year-old Montana rancher has pleaded guilty to a near decade-long attempt at creating a giant sheep hybrid with the aim of selling the gargantuan animal so it could be hunted.

Arthur "Jack" Schubarth of Vaughn, Montana, is the owner and operator of Schubarth Ranch, which purchases, sells, and breeds "alternative livestock" such as mountain sheep, mountain goats and various ungulates. His main customers are captive hunting operations, aka shooting preserves or game ranches.

Having possibly watched one too many horror movies, Schubarth and at least five other individuals decided to try to create a much larger hybrid species of sheep between 2013 and 2021, the idea being that it would bring higher prices from the shooting preserves.

Possible Frankenstein fan Schubarth began his abominable quest by shipping parts of the largest sheep species in the world, Marco Polo argali (Ovis ammon polii), from Kyrgyzstan into the US, which he did without declaring the importation. The average male of the species can weigh more than 300 pounds, with horns stretching more than five feet in length  not the sort of thing you'd find at a petting zoo, basically.

Marco Polo argali are also protected internationally by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, domestically by the US Endangered Species Act, and are prohibited in the State of Montana to protect native sheep from disease and hybridization, writes the Department of Justice.

Ignoring the risk that he could create an ungodly monster that might destroy mankind, Schubarth sent the genetic material from the Marco Polo argalito a lab to create cloned embryos. Schubarth provided a deposit of $4,200 for the cloning in 2015 and received 165 cloned embryos on November 22, 2016.

The rancher then implanted the embryos in ewes on his ranch, resulting in a single, pure genetic male Marco Polo argali that he named "Montana Mountain King" or MMK.

MMK's semen was used to impregnate ewes of other species, all of which were prohibited in Montana, in the hope of creating larger, more valuable hybrids for hunting.

To sell these genetically confused sheep and move them in and out of the state, Schubarth forged veterinary inspection certificates. MMK semen was sold directly to sheep breeders in other states so they could start their own hybrid farms.

"In pursuit of this scheme, Schubarth violated international law and the Lacey Act, both of which protect the viability and health of native populations of animals," said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD).

For each felony count, Schubarth faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and three years of supervised release.
SpaceX has been given the go-ahead by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to proceed with its third Starship test flight. Scheduled for March 14th at 8AM ET, this marks a significant milestone in SpaceX's continued efforts to advance its Starship program.

(Photo : SpaceX from Unsplash)

SpaceX is planning to launch 24 Starlink satellites on Falcon 9 rocket. The liftoff will start from Cape Canaveral, a usual spot for such events.

Securing Approval from FAA

After securing approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), SpaceX is gearing up for its third Starship test flight. The launch is scheduled for March 14th, with a 110-minute launch window opening at 8:00 AM ET.

Given the unpredictability of previous attempts, enthusiasts are advised to rise early to witness the event, as launches could be canceled or occur at the start of the window.

The FAA has granted license authorization for the third launch of the @SpaceX Starship Super Heavy vehicle. The FAA determined SpaceX met all safety, environmental, policy and financial responsibility requirements. Learn more at https://t.co/EkZUsgWYNm. #FAASpace  The FAA  (@FAANews) March 13, 2024

FAA announced that SpaceX has fulfilled all safety, environmental, and financial requirements for its upcoming Starship test flight. While the initial two Starship launches achieved certain mission objectives, both ended in explosions.

Also Read: FAA Concludes SpaceX's Second Starship Test Investigation, Requiring Corrective Actions Before Future Launches

The first launch not only caused substantial damage to the launchpad but also resulted in a 385-acre debris field, with concrete fragments thrown up to 2,680 feet from the site and igniting a 3.5-acre fire.

Before the second attempt last spring, the FAA issued a list of 63 corrective actions for SpaceX to address concerns such as propellant leakage.

The second flight test of Starship marked significant milestones and yielded invaluable data, driving the rapid advancement of the spacecraft.

These tests remain crucial experiments, conducted not in a controlled laboratory or on a test stand, but in a real flight environment with actual flight hardware, aimed at maximizing our understanding and progress.

SpaceX's Third Launch

SpaceX has outlined a shift in strategy for its upcoming third launch, opting for a splashdown in the Indian Ocean rather than a location closer to Hawaii, as in previous attempts. This decision aims to facilitate in-space engine burns while prioritizing public safety.

The upcoming third flight test seeks to capitalize on insights gained from previous flights while pursuing several ambitious goals.

These include executing a successful ascent burn for both stages, operating and closing Starship's payload door, demonstrating propellant transfer during the upper stage's coast phase, initiating the first-ever re-light of a Raptor engine in space, and orchestrating a controlled reentry of Starship.

Additionally, a new trajectory will be employed, directing Starship to splash down in the Indian Ocean. This revised flight path allows for the exploration of innovative techniques such as in-space engine burns, all while prioritizing public safety.

The iterative development strategy, characterized by its quick and continuous improvement cycle, serves as the foundation for SpaceX's groundbreaking innovations such as Falcon, Dragon, and Starlink.

This ongoing process of enhancement is vital as we strive to construct a fully reusable transportation system capable of ferrying crew and cargo to Earth orbit, aiding humanity in lunar exploration, and eventually facilitating voyages to Mars and beyond.

Related Article: SpaceX Dragon Capsule Reaches ISS with 7,000 Pounds of Supplies

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Known as a leading manufacturer in the transportation sector, Thomas Built Buses recently marked a significant achievement by delivering its 1,000th electric school bus. This milestone not only demonstrates the company's commitment to sustainability but also underscores its continuous efforts to innovate in the field of transportation.

(Photo : Thomas Built Buses)

All-electric. Zero emissions. Built for a sustainable tomorrow. The Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley isnt just ahead of its time. Its right on schedule.

Delivering Its 100th Electric School Bus

Thomas Built Buses has achieved a significant milestone by delivering its 1,000th electric school bus. Electrek reported that this achievement highlights the company's commitment to sustainability and innovation in the transportation sector.

Headquartered in High Point, North Carolina, Thomas Built Buses is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck North America, a leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles.

By embracing electric technology, Thomas Built Buses is contributing to a cleaner and more environmentally friendly future for school transportation systems across the country.

The company recently announced the delivery of its milestone electric school bus, the Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley, to the Meriwether County School System in Georgia.

The Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley is equipped with a standard battery capacity of 244 kWh and boasts 295 peak horsepower, providing ample power for efficient and reliable operation.

It features advanced technology such as over-the-air battery management software updates and bilateral vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability, enhancing its performance and flexibility.

With the ability to charge in just two to three hours using a DC fast charger and a range of up to 150 miles on a single charge, the Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley is well-suited for urban and suburban routes.

Its spacious design, capable of accommodating up to 81 passengers, makes it an ideal choice for transporting students safely and comfortably.

Eco-Friendly Solutions for Schools

This milestone delivery by Thomas Built Buses not only showcases their leadership in the realm of electrified transportation but also underscores their commitment to providing eco-friendly solutions for school districts across the nation.

By embracing the latest advancements in electric vehicle technology, the company is not only reducing harmful emissions but also contributing to the creation of a more environmentally conscious future for generations to come.

Meriweather Schools, situated southwest of Atlanta with 2,400 students from pre-K to 12th grade, welcomed its first electric school buses with the introduction of the Jouley models. These eight buses will replace a portion of the district's current fleet of 46 diesel buses.

Also Read: GreenPower Unveils Electric School Bus 'Mega BEAST' With a Massive 300 Miles of Range

The acquisition was made possible through full funding from the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean School Bus grant program. Additionally, the district has applied for an additional four buses through the same program.

Meriwether County's proactive approach in leading the integration of electric school buses in Georgia is noteworthy. The 1,000th Jouley's involvement in fostering a cleaner future for the students marks a significant milestone for the initiative.

Related Article: Ford Introduces an Electric Type A School Bus

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Despite the absence of several familiar apps present on iOS and macOS, the Apple Vision Pro platform continues to see limited interest from major developers. However, it seems that the widely used VLC media player will soon be available on visionOS.

(Photo : VideoLAN)

VLC Media Player 3.0.18 update focuses on improving the app's security, stability, format support, and compatibility.

Expanding Reach Through Vision Pro

VLC's decision to develop an app for the Apple Vision Pro platform marks a significant step in expanding the accessibility of its popular media player.

While Vision Pro may currently lack some of the well-established apps commonly found on iOS and macOS devices, VLC's commitment to making its media player available on the new platform underscores its dedication to reaching a broader audience.

VideoLAN president Jean-Baptiste Kempf stated through an interview with Lowpass that this move not only enhances the versatility of Vision Pro but also provides users with access to a trusted and widely used media playback solution.

To commemorate VLC's milestone of five billion downloads, Kempf shared that VideoLAN, the organization responsible for the app, has been diligently working on adapting VLC for Apple Vision Pro. He mentioned that VLC has already been optimized to operate seamlessly on the Vision Pro platform.

Regrettably, it may take some time before the app is ready for release on the App Store. Kempf acknowledged that there isn't much incentive to prioritize the development of a visionOS app at the moment, citing the limited user base as a primary factor.

He expressed uncertainty about the existence of a compelling use case for the app, highlighting the relatively small number of Vision Pro owners.

Other Confirmations

The president of VideoLAN also expressed openness to the idea of creating a VLC app for Meta's Quest headsets. However, the initiative was halted as there are already numerous high-quality players available for the platform, rendering the development redundant for the time being.

As the development of VLC 4.0 progresses, Mac Rumors reported that there have been unexpected delays noting that the app's core has undergone a complete rewrite.

Recent nightly builds have shifted the focus to content, showcasing a revamped user library view instead of the default player window. However, Kempf cautioned that certain alterations might be reversed prior to the official launch of the app.

Also Read: VLC Media Player 3.0.18 Update: Improved Adaptive Streaming Support, Format Changes, Crash Fixes, and More

The ongoing popularity of VLC offers insights into the media landscape. VLC is known for its versatility in playing various media files, likened to a Swiss Army Knife for its ability to handle different codecs.

However, many users rely on it to watch downloaded movies and shows, some obtained from questionable sources.

As streaming services raise prices, reduce content, and limit features, they may push users towards piracy. Last year, piracy websites saw a 12% increase in visits, reaching 141 billion, highlighting a growing trend away from official streaming platforms.

Related Article: YouTube App for Vision Pro is Coming, Google Confirms, But Would Take Long

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TikTok CEO Shou Chew has urged users to safeguard their constitutional rights shortly after the House approved a bill that could ban TikTok in the United States. Chew also hinted at TikTok's intention to legally challenge the bill if it becomes law.

"We will not stop fighting and advocating for you. We will continue to do all we can including exercising our legal rights to protect this amazing platform that we have built with you," Chew said in a video posted on X.

"I encourage you to keep sharing your stories, share them with your friends, share them with your family, share them with your senators. Protect your constitutional rights. Make your voices heard," he added.

US House Approves Bill that Could Ban TikTok in the US

Chew has also expressed concerns that the bill, if enacted, would result in a ban of TikTok in the US, echoing the intentions stated by its sponsors.

The bill, titled the "Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act," garnered bipartisan support in the House shortly after its introduction.

If passed into law, the bill would compel ByteDance, TikTok's parent company based in China, to sell TikTok to a US entity within six months or face removal from US app stores and web hosting services.

Last week, TikTok took the initiative to notify its more than 170 million US users, urging them to contact their representatives regarding the potential ban. The notifications stirred controversy, with lawmakers criticizing TikTok for what they perceived as interference in the legislative process.

Chew argued against the ban, saying it would only consolidate power among a few dominant social media companies. This sentiment was echoed by former President Donald Trump, who previously attempted to compel ByteDance to divest TikTok's US operations.

The House passed the bill on Wednesday, with 352 lawmakers voting in favor and 65 opposed. Supporters of the bill emphasized that the goal is not to eliminate TikTok but to prevent a Chinese firm from having access to a large amount of American data, thus posing a national security threat to the US.

Read Also: TikTok Photos: New App Exclusively for Sharing Photos Appears Amid Ban

Joe Biden Supports the TokTok Ban Bill

President Joe Biden's expressed willingness to sign the bill has boosted its prospects, although its fate hinges on the Senate's deliberation on legality and free speech issues.

Despite being incorporated in the US, TikTok's affiliation with ByteDance has raised apprehensions about potential exploitation by the Chinese government. Data security and the risk of foreign influence are central considerations in the legislative debate.

US lawmakers remain skeptical of TikTok's assurances regarding the protection of American user data from Chinese access. While the primary objective of the legislation is to compel TikTok's separation from ByteDance, the company argued that the bill's underlying objective is a complete ban on its operations in the US.

Last year, legislators initiated measures to enhance federal oversight of TikTok and other apps associated with US adversaries, drawing criticism for potential infringements on free speech rights.

However, the landscape shifted significantly last week with the introduction of new legislation targeting TikTok by leaders of key House committees.

Related Article: Donald Trump: US TikTok Ban Risks Empowering 'Enemy' Facebook





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Boeing is instructing its employees to take immediate steps to address operational issues following a report by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that exposed shocking production flaws from the company.



Stan Deal, the head of Boeing's commercial aviation division, conveyed this directive to the company's workforce in response to findings from an FAA audit prompted by a safety incident on an Alaska Airlines flight earlier this year.



"As we conduct quality stand downs across our company, your improvement ideas have been invaluable. We have used your feedback, and those from our regulator and customers, to take immediate actions to strengthen our safety and quality. These actions are central to a comprehensive plan we will soon deliver to the FAA," Deal said in an official statement.

Deal Urges "Immediate Actions" From Boeing Employees

Deal emphasized the importance of addressing feedback from employees, regulators, and customers to enhance safety and quality standards.



He highlighted the company's commitment to implementing swift actions to strengthen operations, a crucial component of a comprehensive plan Boeing intends to submit to the FAA in response to the regulator's recent directives.



The FAA audit, conducted extensively at Boeing's Renton factories in January and February, revealed several instances of non-compliance related to production and quality control processes.



Deal outlined steps taken by Boeing to rectify these issues, including additional inspections, employee training sessions, compliance checks, and toolbox audits. The company is also planning further audits to ensure full compliance with regulatory standards.



In addition to the FAA audit, Boeing underwent a comprehensive review of its Safety Management System (SMS) by a panel of industry experts mandated by the US Congress.

Read Also: Boeing Faces Delivery Delays as 50 Jets Encounter Fuselage Issues, CEO Acknowledges Quality Concerns





Overly Complicated

The panel's report identified areas where Boeing's procedures were deemed overly complicated and recommended streamlining processes to improve safety outcomes. Boeing said that it is actively working to address these recommendations and simplify its operations.



To strengthen safety and quality standards company-wide, Deal emphasized the importance of employees meticulously adhering to manufacturing procedures and promptly reporting any safety hazards or quality issues they encounter.



He highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce traveled work in factories and enhance collaboration with suppliers to ensure first-pass quality.



"We have more to do and you play an important role. The quality stand downs have been a great platform to surface ideas and we have more of those planned this month. Meanwhile, please continue to raise concerns, anonymously or otherwise, via Speak Up. Thank you for strengthening our commitment to compliance and ensuring safety and quality in all that we do," Deal said in a statement.



While Boeing's efforts to address production flaws are noteworthy, the company's reputation has been compromised by a series of safety incidents and manufacturing issues, raising concerns about its ability to maintain stringent quality standards.

Related Article: FAA Initiates Formal Investigation into Boeing 737 Max 9 Door Plug Incident





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Oracle has recently unveiled a major upgrade to its corporate software lineup. The latest move sees the incorporation of generative artificial intelligence (AI) features across its suite of software offerings, intensifying its competition with industry giant Microsoft and other tech firms vying for dominance in the business software sector (via Reuters).

Oracle Adds New AI Features

Oracle, a key player in cloud-based software solutions, announced on Thursday its strategic implementation of AI features aimed at streamlining various business processes.

These additional features are designed to assist users in tasks ranging from generating reports to summarizing complex data and even drafting job descriptions. This proactive step highlights Oracle's dedication to providing efficient solutions for businesses relying on its software for finance, supply chain management, and human resources functions.

Despite entering the cloud computing market relatively later than some competitors, Oracle has made substantial investments to bridge the gap. With a focus on catching up to corporate software rivals such as Microsoft, Oracle has allocated significant resources, including billions of dollars in Nvidia chips and strategic partnerships with AI startups like Cohere.

Read Also: Netflix CEO Says AI is a Tool, Not a Replacement for Filmmakers

Oracle's Expanding AI Capabilities

What sets Oracle's AI system apart is its tailored approach to specific tasks, with approximately 50 identified features optimized for various functions. These include writing product descriptions based on inventory data and summarizing lengthy negotiations with suppliers.

However, to maintain accuracy and mitigate the risks associated with AI-generated content, Oracle emphasizes the necessity of human oversight in reviewing the output before finalization.

Steve Miranda, Executive Vice President of Applications Development at Oracle, highlighted the controlled rollout of the AI features, underscoring the company's commitment to addressing potential issues. Miranda emphasized that Oracle does not plan to charge extra for these innovative features, signaling a customer-centric approach to technology adoption.

Earlier this month, Oracle made headlines with the announcement of the general availability of the Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) Generative AI service.

This service integrates large language models from Cohere and Meta Llama 2, offering multilingual capabilities and improved GPU cluster management options. Customers can leverage OCI Generative AI service both in the Oracle Cloud and on-premises, further expanding its accessibility and applicability.

In Other News

In parallel developments, Microsoft is set to release AI tools on April 1 aimed at enhancing cybersecurity operations.

The introduction of Microsoft's Copilot for Security, which has been undergoing trials with corporate partners like BP Plc and Dow Chemical Co, underscores the broader industry trend of incorporating AI into critical business functions.

As Oracle and Microsoft vie for market dominance through their AI-driven solutions, businesses stand to benefit from an array of innovative tools designed to streamline operations and bolster cybersecurity defenses.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

Related Article: Microsoft to Release AI-Powered Cybersecurity Tool

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Maggioni with Prince Khaled and Alkhoshaibi at the meeting.

Raimondi Cranes, a heritage manufacturer of intelligently-designed scalable heavy lifting solutions, has announced the appointment of Luigi Maggioni as its new Group Chief Executive Officer.

An industry veteran with 16 years of experience in European manufacturing, Maggioni is widely acknowledged as one of Europes leading senior executives.

As former CEO of TK Elevator overseeing nine countries, his career achievements include extensive experience in managing global large-scale enterprises and corporate internationalization, alongside effective M&A, said the company in a statement.

The Board of Directors, represented by Raimondi Chairman Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, together with Executive Vice Chairman Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, formalized Maggionis appointment during their official visit to company headquarters in Milan, Italy.

The key appointment builds on Raimondis recent corporate invigoration programme, including the launch of the company vision and brand identity.

On the production front, the Italian group saw a significant number of new models rolled out, with the wider aim of increasing global market share.

Welcoming him into the fold, Prince Khaled said: "Maggioni joins Raimondi Cranes bringing with him years of high-level executive experience. His recruitment reflects the companys intentions to focus on upward trajectory and an overall business transformation."

"His appointment is in line with the companys vision, aiming for an intersection of innovation and exemplary quality," stated Prince Khaled.

Building on Raimondis evolution and its mission of becoming the most responsive global leader in heavy lifting solutions, Maggionis CEO role extends to the entire conglomerate, including subsidiaries in Turkey and across the Middle East, he added.

Strategically, Maggioni will initially focus on maximising production efficiency, quality control excellence, and aggressive expansion under the Made in Italy hallmark.

Additionally, drawing on various segment strengths, he intends to purposefully unify the wider group, thereby unlocking further growth potential.

Shortly after Maggionis appointment, Raimondis senior leadership team welcomed additional new recruits, meant to bolster and execute tailored operational and financial strategies, to better harness competitive advantages.

"I welcome this role as both a personal and corporate opportunity to carve out a new path for one of Europes homegrown manufacturers," said Maggioni, remarking on his appointment.

"I am proud to be joining a heritage entity like Raimondi, founded on a prestigious past. The current day company has a fresh approach to innovative R&D, and is steadfast in its core values," he stated.

"I firmly believe in the vision of the Raimondi Board of Directors. I am committed to injecting energy and momentum into activating the larger conglomerates mission, with the support of an experienced group of multinational team members," noted Maggioni.

"The passion, vigour, and determination, coupled with a strategic business development plan of action, will facilitate the internationalisation of the brand while increasing the market share," he added.

Maggioni said his upcoming plans include building out digital operations, mastering the after-sales offer and other initiatives. Further, M&A and consolidations will be key strategies to advance the conglomerate's overarching vision, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has said he believes the upcoming presidential elections in Russia, due on March 15-17, will not be free and fair.

"Free and fair elections are core to any democracy. And the elections in Russia will not be free and fair. Because we know already that opposition politicians are in jail, some are killed, and many are in exile. [] So, we can say actually before the elections that they will not be free and fair," he told a press conference at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels on Thursday.

The Secretary General also noted that "to have free and fair elections, you need competition, you need different lists, you need an open discussion, and you need a free and independent press."

"There is no free and independent press in Russia, media outlets are suppressed or expelled. President Putin has held power in Russia for decades. No one expects Russia's elections this week to bring any change in the Kremlin," he said.

Stoltenberg also described Russia's attempts to organize any part of an election in occupied regions of Ukraine as "completely illegal, violating international law."

He recalled that the OSCE monitored the previous elections in 2018 and "stated clearly that restrictions on fundamental freedoms and candidate registration resulted in a lack of genuine competition in the Russian elections."

"And there are no reasons to believe that this has improved since 2018. On the opposite, it's even less open and free now than it was in 2018. So, the right to participate in fair and free elections is a fundamental part of any democratic society. But Russian citizens cannot count on freedom and fairness, because opposition politicians are dead, in jail or exiled, and the press is not free," the Secretary General said.
A recent study has demonstrated that genetically modified cows can potentially increase insulin production, presenting a new avenue for addressing insulin scarcity and reducing treatment costs for diabetes patients worldwide.

Insulin Production from Transgenic Cows

Led by researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the Universidade de Sao Paulo, this development provides insights into novel methods for insulin production.

Diabetes, a chronic condition characterized by inadequate insulin production or ineffective use of insulin, affects millions globally. While some individuals can manage the condition through lifestyle changes or oral medication, others, particularly type 1 diabetics, rely on injectable insulin to survive.



However, access to insulin remains a challenge for many, with cost and availability issues prevalent, especially in low- and middle-income countries.



The study showcases the development of a transgenic cow capable of producing human insulin in its milk. Matt Wheeler, a professor at the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, highlights the significance of leveraging the mammary gland's innate protein production capabilities to address insulin shortages.



The genetically modified cow, engineered to express human proinsulin specifically in mammary tissue, demonstrates the feasibility of harnessing nature's efficiency to produce vital medical proteins.

Read Also: Yogurt Gets Nod from FDA: Limited Evidence Suggests Reduction in Type 2 Diabetes Risk





Inserting Human DNA Proinsulin into Cow Embryos

The process involved the insertion of human DNA encoding proinsulin into cow embryos, followed by implantation into surrogate cows. While the initial lactation yielded a smaller quantity of milk than anticipated, both proinsulin and insulin were detected - a testament to the cow's remarkable ability to process the protein.



Despite the challenges encountered, researchers remain optimistic about the potential for future generations of transgenic cows to produce insulin more efficiently.



"In the old days, we used to just slam DNA in and hope it got expressed where you wanted it to," Wheeler said in a statement.



"We can be much more strategic and targeted these days. Using a DNA construct specific to mammary tissue means there's no human insulin circulating in the cow's blood or other tissues. It also takes advantage of the mammary gland's capabilities for producing large quantities of protein."

Looking ahead, the team envisions the establishment of purpose-built herds comprising transgenic cows and bulls, capable of meeting global insulin demands.



With the right infrastructure and regulatory approvals in place, transgenic cows could emerge as a viable alternative to existing insulin production methods, offering scalability and cost-effectiveness.



Wheeler envisions a future where even a modest-sized herd could produce enough insulin to meet national demands, while larger herds could supply the world's needs within a year.

While the prospect of transgenic cows revolutionizing insulin production holds promise, significant challenges lie ahead. Scaling up production, ensuring product safety and purity, and obtaining regulatory approvals are critical steps that must be addressed before transgenic insulin becomes widely available.



"Our goal was to make proinsulin, purify it out to insulin, and go from there. But the cow basically processed it herself. She makes about three to one biologically active insulin to proinsulin," Wheeler said. "The mammary gland is a magical thing."



The findings of the study were published in the Biotechnology Journal.

Related Article: Biotech Startup Wants Insulin More Affordable: How Can 'Biosimilar' Make a Difference?





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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made headlines again, this time for his appearance at a military demonstration showcasing a new battle tank.

State media KCNA reported on Thursday that Kim oversaw the event, expressing "great satisfaction" at the tank's performance during its inaugural display.

The demonstration, held on Wednesday, aimed to evaluate the combat capabilities of tank crews and familiarize them with various tactical missions.

North Korea Conducts Mock Tank Battles

According to KCNA, the 105th Tank Division emerged victorious in the mock battle, a unit with historical significance as it occupied Seoul during the Korean War.

In a rare sight, Kim Jong Un was photographed driving the tank himself, surrounded by troops. The imagery, released by KCNA, captured the leader's involvement in the military activities.

The timing of the demonstration coincided with the conclusion of joint military drills between South Korea and the United States, known as the Freedom Shield exercises.

These drills, according to South Korean authorities, included a joint live-fire exercise featuring tanks, armored cars, and FA-50 fighter jets. While South Korea maintains that these exercises are purely defensive, North Korea views them as "provocative" and "reckless" rehearsals for war.

Read Also: Putin Warns: Russia Technically Ready for Nuclear War if U.S. Deploys Troops to Ukraine

North Korea's Increasing Military Drills

Kim Jong Un's presence at the demonstration follows a recent artillery firing drill by the Korean People's Army near the border. North Korea's display of military prowess comes amid escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula.

Additionally, North Korea showcased its long-range artillery systems earlier, highlighting its capability to strike South Korea with minimal warning and cause significant casualties.

The country's ground forces, as described by military experts, are substantial, with over a million active-duty personnel organized into various corps, including infantry, mechanized, armored, and artillery.

Moreover, North Korea's military arsenal includes a significant number of medium and light tanks, as well as indigenous and foreign variants of light tanks. The North Korean Army possesses T-54/55, Type 59, and T-62 tanks, among others.

Kim Jong Un's appearance at the military demonstration underscores North Korea's ongoing commitment to showcasing its military capabilities. The event also highlights the continued tensions on the Korean peninsula, despite diplomatic efforts to ease hostilities.

North Korea and Russia

Meanwhile, South Korea's defense minister reported last month that North Korea's weapons facilities are "operating at full capacity" to make weapons for Russia, helping with its war efforts in Ukraine (via CNN).

The South Korean assessment sheds new light on the critical role North Korea is playing in resupplying Moscow's war efforts, at a time when Ukraine's demand for important military resupplies is being stymied in Europe and the US.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

Related Article: Report: North Korea Is Developing AI Tech for COVID, Nuclear Energy, Surveillance, War Games

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Swedish researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have revealed a groundbreaking truck front design aimed at drastically reducing car-truck collision risks.

This latest development comes as a response to recent revisions in European Union regulations, which have enabled the implementation of potentially life-saving changes in truck design.

Lowering the Risks of Truck-car Collisions

Truck-car collisions have long been a concern due to the disproportionate danger they pose to car occupants. Statistics reveal that between 14-16% of all car occupant fatalities in both the EU and the US involve heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).

Alarmingly, car occupants are the victims in 90% of these incidents. The sheer mass, geometry, and stiffness of large trucks amplify crash severity, often leading to devastating consequences for those in passenger vehicles, even at moderate speeds.

The new truck front design from Chalmers University of Technology focuses on a crucial aspect - protecting the passenger car cabin during head-on collisions. Traditional truck designs have not addressed this issue adequately, prompting researchers to rethink how trucks and cars interact in crashes.

Read Also: European Safety Agency Warns Against Touch Screens in Cars, Advocating Return to Physical Buttons





Adding Critical Safety Features to Truck Fronts

This innovative design incorporates features such as an energy-absorbing aluminum honeycomb structure, which is designed to distribute and reduce impact forces.



Thanks to relaxed EU regulations concerning truck lengths, designers now have greater flexibility to integrate such safety features. Additionally, efforts are underway to optimize the truck's front further, aiming to deflect cars away from the truck's forward path and enhance overall safety measures.

Tests conducted by the Swedish Transport Administration have yielded promising results, demonstrating a 30-60% reduction in passenger car compartment deformations with the new truck front.

Deadly Truck-related Accidents

In addition to the innovative truck front design, attention has been drawn to alarming statistics regarding truck-related accidents. In 2021 alone, 5,700 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes, marking an 18% increase from the previous year.

Despite representing only 9% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes, large trucks accounted for 10% of total vehicle miles traveled. Moreover, 117,300 large trucks were involved in injury crashes in 2021, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures.

Looking ahead, Trafikverket aims to incorporate crash tests for trucks into Euro NCAP consumer tests by 2030, while Euro NCAP plans to commence safety testing of trucks, including crash tests, from 2024 onwards. These initiatives reflect a concerted effort to enhance road safety and mitigate the devastating impact of truck-related accidents on global roadways.

With continued research, collaboration, and innovation, the new truck front design from Swedish researchers offers hope for a future where road travel is safer for all motorists.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

Related Article: Tesla Autopilot Case to Return to Court with New Evidence on 2018 Fatal Crash

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Italy's antitrust regulator has recently taken a firm stance against TikTok, issuing a hefty fine of 10 million euros ($10.94 million) for the platform's failure to adequately moderate content.

The move highlights growing concerns among governments over the safety of social media platforms and their impact on users, particularly minors and vulnerable individuals.

Italy Fines TikTok Over Failed Content Moderation

The Italian Competition Authority (ICA) announced on Thursday that it has fined three TikTok units, including Irish TikTok Technology Limited, British TikTok Information Technologies UK Limited, and Italian TikTok Italy Srl. The decision comes after an investigation revealed serious shortcomings in TikTok's content moderation practices.

According to the ICA, TikTok has not implemented appropriate mechanisms to monitor content published on its platform, especially content that may pose risks to the safety of minors and vulnerable users.

Specific challenges, such as the "French scar" challenge, were identified as potentially threatening the psycho-physical safety of users. Despite adopting guidelines and reassuring consumers of a 'safe' platform, TikTok has failed to fully comply with these standards.

"TikTok has not taken adequate measures to prevent the dissemination of such content, not fully complying with the Guidelines it has adopted and which it has made known to consumers by reassuring them that the platform is a 'safe' space," the Italian authority said.

One of the key issues highlighted by the ICA is TikTok's recommendation system, which relies on algorithmic user profiling to select and promote videos to users.

This system, while aimed at increasing user interactions and platform usage, has been criticized for promoting potentially harmful content and exerting undue influence on users' behavior.

Read Also: Apple is Now Allowing EU Users Download Apps from Websites, Bypassing App Marketplaces

More Governments Push to Rebuke TikTok

The fine imposed by the ICA underscores the growing pressure on social media companies to prioritize user safety and take proactive measures to address harmful content. TikTok, which has become increasingly popular among young users, must now reassess its content moderation policies and invest in robust measures to ensure a safer online environment.

The action taken by the Italian regulator is part of a broader trend of governments and regulatory bodies cracking down on social media platforms over concerns related to content moderation, privacy, and national security. In the United States, lawmakers recently approved legislation requiring TikTok to sever ties with its Chinese parent company or face a nationwide ban.

Similarly, countries like India, Australia, and Taiwan have implemented bans or restrictions on TikTok due to security concerns and the dissemination of inappropriate content. In Europe, the European Union institutions and several member states have banned TikTok from government devices, citing cybersecurity threats.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

Related Article: US House Passes Legislation That Could Ban TikTok Amid National Security Concerns

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Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is spearheading an initiative to acquire ByteDance's TikTok, as bipartisan legislation poses a potential threat to its presence in the United States.

However, this does not sit well with China, especially since it is now urging the US to stop suppressing the platform amid tensions between the two big nations.

Will the TikTok buyout push through?

House Passes Bipartisan Bill

The House of Representatives recently approved a bipartisan bill that, if enacted, would compel ByteDance to sell its flagship global app or face a ban on TikTok within the U.S.

Mnuchin expressed support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of U.S. ownership of TikTok.

"This should be owned by U.S. businesses. There's no way that the Chinese would ever let a U.S. company own something like this in China," Mnuchin said via CNBC.

Related Article: TikTok CEO Tells Users to 'Protect Your Constitutional Rights' After House Vote Against the Social Media Platform

TikTok's Political and Strategic Significance

TikTok's extensive reach in the U.S., with an estimated 170 million users, has raised concerns among lawmakers about its potential to provide the Chinese government with undue influence.

Major tech investors have echoed these concerns, labeling the platform as a threat to national security.

Uncertainty Surrounding Ownership

While ByteDance's valuation was $220 billion in 2023, the valuation of TikTok alone remains unclear. TikTok's algorithm, developed in China, is considered its most valuable asset. Selling TikTok without its algorithm could diminish its appeal to potential buyers.

Interested Buyers and Mnuchin's Involvement

Apart from Mnuchin's efforts, other parties, including former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, have shown interest in acquiring TikTok.

Mnuchin's recent investment in stabilizing New York Community Bancorp underscores his financial capabilities in such endeavors.

China's Response to Legislative Actions

China has criticized the U.S. for its attempts to restrict TikTok and urged it to cease its actions. The Chinese government contends that the U.S. has failed to demonstrate TikTok's threat to national security and views the legislative actions as self-serving, per Bangkok Post.

Potential Escalation of U.S.-China Tensions

The bill's passage in the House of Representatives could escalate tensions between the U.S. and China, particularly if it is enacted into law.

Despite recent efforts to stabilize relations between the two countries, issues such as trade and technology continue to strain diplomatic ties.

The future ownership of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain amidst legislative challenges and geopolitical tensions. Mnuchin's initiative to acquire TikTok reflects broader concerns about national security and foreign influence in the tech sector.

The legislative process will continue to unfold, and TikTok's fate and its impact on U.S.-China relations will continue to be closely monitored.

Read Also: Italy Antitrust Watchdog Slaps TikTok with 10 Million Euro Fine Over Content Moderation Failures

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Over the years, Apple's Siri has evolved to streamline various tasks, from sending messages hands-free to navigating complex settings with just a voice command.

While the Cupertino giant provides a basic overview of Siri's capabilities, there are numerous hidden voice commands that many users may not be aware of.

The iPhone 16 is expected to welcome more AI enhancements for this digital assistant, but before that, let's explore nine of these hidden gems that can enhance your iPhone experience.

Locate Your Parked Car with Ease

Ever found yourself wandering through a crowded parking lot, searching in vain for your parked car? With Siri's assistance, this scenario becomes a thing of the past. Simply ask Siri to "Get me directions to my car," and it will launch the Maps app, guiding you back to your vehicle's location.

By leveraging your iPhone's connection to other devices and tracking your traveling speed, Siri provides accurate directions, even in sprawling parking facilities.

Related Article: Apple Siri: Data Operations in San Diego to Close Down, What Does This Mean for You?

Set Location-Based Reminders

The Reminders app is a valuable tool for managing tasks throughout the day. With Siri, you can create location-based reminders effortlessly. For instance, saying "Remind me to pay my internet bill when I get home" prompts Siri to create a reminder that triggers upon your arrival home.

This feature utilizes location data stored in Contacts or Maps, ensuring timely reminders tailored to your daily routine.

Seamless Language Translation

Apple's Translate feature, integrated into Siri, offers quick translations of words and phrases in multiple languages. By simply asking Siri to "Translate (phrase) in (language)," you can receive instant translations and even hear them spoken aloud.

Whether you're conversing with someone in a foreign language or brushing up on your language skills, Siri makes language translation effortless.

Track Loved Ones with Find My

Siri seamlessly integrates with the Find My app, allowing you to locate not only your Apple devices but also those of family and friends. By asking Siri, "Where is (contact name)?" you receive real-time location updates for the designated individual.

This feature is invaluable for staying connected and ensuring peace of mind, especially in emergency situations.

Hands-Free Alarm Management

Stop your iPhone alarm in its tracks without lifting a finger by commanding Siri to "Turn off my alarm." Whether your phone is out of reach or buried under blankets, Siri's voice activation eliminates the need for manual intervention. Additionally, simply saying "Hey, Siri" silences the alarm instantly, providing a hassle-free wake-up experience.

Effortless Device Restart

When faced with software issues or sluggish performance, rebooting your iPhone can often resolve the issue.

Instead of navigating menus manually, instruct Siri to "Restart my phone," followed by confirming the action. This hands-free approach streamlines the restart process, ensuring smoother device operation.

Retrieve Saved Passwords Instantly

Accessing saved passwords across your Apple devices is a breeze with Siri's assistance. By asking Siri to "Show me the password for (app/website)," you're promptly directed to the relevant password page in your settings.

With Face ID or Touch ID verification, you can effortlessly retrieve and manage your credentials on the go.

Enjoy Hands-Free Web Reading

Siri enhances your browsing experience by reading articles aloud, provided they're compatible with the Reader View feature. Simply request Siri to "Read this to me" or "Listen to this page," and it will narrate the content in real-time.

Adjust the speaking rate to your preference using the Listen to Page icon for a customized listening experience.

Activate Siri Instantly

With iOS 17, Siri activation becomes even more seamless. Instead of the traditional "Hey, Siri" prompt, a simple "Siri" command activates the digital assistant, eliminating unnecessary syllables. This streamlined approach enhances voice interaction, allowing for quick and intuitive commands.

For Apple Health users, there are also Siri commands you must know to take advantage of health-related insights.

Read Also: New Report Claims Apple Is Training Siri to Answer Complex Questions Accurately

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Retailers worldwide are combatting a rising tide of refund fraud, a sophisticated scheme that costs the industry billions annually.

According to CNBC, the police responded to a reported theft at an Amazon warehouse in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on May 4, 2023.

The case uncovered a web of deceit orchestrated by refund fraud syndicates like Rekk. These organizations recruit employees, exploit lenient return policies, and utilize social media platforms to perpetrate fraudulent activities.

Inside the Fraudulent Schemes

Refund fraud operates on various fronts, from impersonating customers to falsifying returns. Fraudsters manipulate retailers into issuing refunds for products never returned, exploiting lax return policies.

In return, employees receive bribes or kickbacks for facilitating these fraudulent transactions, exacerbating the problem. Such illicit activities have led to significant financial losses for retailers, prompting heightened vigilance and countermeasures.

Related Article: Amazon Takes Legal Action Against REKK for Exploiting Return System, Scheming to Get Refunds on High-Value Items

The Rise of Refund Fraud Syndicates

Refund fraud syndicates like Rekk operate as organized businesses, offering refund services for a fee. These groups boast thousands of followers on encrypted messaging apps, promote their services, and target major retailers.

Through strategic manipulation of return processes and false claims, these syndicates siphon significant sums from retailers annually, posing a substantial threat to the industry's integrity and profitability.

Addressing the Challenge

Retailers and law enforcement agencies are increasingly cracking down on refund fraud.

Legal actions, such as Amazon's lawsuits against fraud rings and individual perpetrators, demonstrate a commitment to combating this pervasive problem. Additionally, retailers are implementing stricter return policies, leveraging technology to monitor and detect fraudulent activities, and collaborating with law enforcement to dismantle fraud syndicates.

Last year, a survey by the National Retail Federation and Appriss Retail found that retail fraud has ballooned into a massive problem in the industry, resulting in over $101 billion in losses.

The Role of Social Media

Social media platforms have become breeding grounds for refund fraud promotion, with TikTok, Reddit, and Telegram serving as hubs for fraudsters. These platforms facilitate the dissemination of fraudulent methods, recruitment of participants, and promotion of illicit services.

Despite platform moderation efforts, fraudulent activities persist, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts between platforms, law enforcement, and retailers to mitigate the spread of refund fraud.

How Fraudsters Attack

Fraudsters employ a range of tactics, including false package claims and mail-in fraud, to exploit retailers' return processes. These schemes not only defraud retailers but also compromise customer trust and contribute to rising operational costs.

Retailers aim to safeguard their businesses and customers against refund fraud through coordinated efforts, including employee training, enhanced fraud detection systems, and legal recourse against perpetrators.

Read Also: Amazon Introduces AI-Powered Product Page Creation Tool for Sellers, Streamlining Listing Process with External Links

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Every year on March 14th, math enthusiasts worldwide come together to celebrate Pi Day, commemorating the mathematical constant  (pi).

From college students to renowned scientists, people indulge in the festivities, reveling in the marvels of this infinite number and its practical applications.

We know this popular math term since arithmetic was introduced in elementary days, but what actually is the origin of this celebration?

Exploring the Significance of Pi

Pi, denoted by the Greek letter , represents the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. With a value of approximately 3.14, pi plays a crucial role in various disciplines, including physics, engineering, and astronomy. Its significance dates back thousands of years, tracing its origins to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Babylon, and China.

Related Article: National Pi Day 2023: Fun Facts About Pi and Why It is Celebrated

A Brief History of Pi Day

Pi Day traces its roots to 1988 when physicist Larry Shaw initiated celebrations at the Exploratorium science museum in San Francisco. However, it wasn't until 2009 that the holiday gained national recognition when Congress designated March 14th as Pi Day.

Notably, this date coincides with the birthday of renowned physicist Albert Einstein, adding an extra layer of significance to the festivities, per AP News.

Unraveling the Mysteries of Pi

The utility of pi extends beyond its mathematical definition, finding practical applications in various real-world scenarios. From calculating the circumference of circles to determining antenna alignment and spacecraft trajectories, pi's versatility knows no bounds. Notably, NASA relies on pi for mission-critical tasks, including orbit calculations and spacecraft navigation.

Pi Day Celebrations Across the Globe

Pi Day festivities encompass a wide array of events, ranging from educational activities to culinary delights. Institutions like Nova Southeastern University host engaging events like "Mental Math Bingo" and offer free pizza to participants.

Meanwhile, establishments like Michele's Pies seize the opportunity to delight customers with an assortment of sweet and savory pies.

"Every year Pi Day provides us with a way to celebrate math, have some fun and recognize how important math is in all our lives," Jason Gershman, chair of NSU's math department, said.

Honoring Einstein's Legacy

March 14th holds special significance beyond Pi Day, as it marks the birthday of iconic physicist Albert Einstein. Einstein's groundbreaking theories, which frequently utilized the concept of pi, continue to inspire scientists and enthusiasts worldwide. His profound insights into the nature of the universe serve as a fitting tribute on this auspicious day.

Embracing Imperfection

In the words of esteemed physicist Stephen Hawking, "One of the basic rules of the universe is that nothing is perfect."

While pi may be an infinite and seemingly flawless number, its existence reminds us of the beauty found in imperfection. As we celebrate Pi Day, let us embrace the inherent imperfections that make our world truly remarkable.

As Pi Day approaches, mathematicians, scientists, and even those who love mathematics should look back at how far the subject has reached by now. It's about time to reminisce about the boundless wonders of pi.

Whether indulging in a slice of pie or pondering the mysteries of the cosmos, there's nothing wrong in reveling in the magic of mathematics and its profound impact on our lives.

Read Also: 9 Siri Voice Commands You Can Do on Your iPhone

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Thursday (Mar. 14), SpaceX successfully launched its Starship rocket on its third test flight, signaling progress in the advancement of this ambitious spacecraft.

The launch occurred around 9:25 a.m. ET from SpaceX's Starbase facility near Boca Chica, Texas. During this test flight, Starship achieved a greater distance than in previous trials, sustaining flight for roughly an hour before meeting its conclusion above the Indian Ocean.

Dan Huot, SpaceX's communications manager, acknowledged during the company's webcast that the intended splashdown into the water was regrettably unsuccessful, according to CNBC. Acknowledging the outcome, Huot stated, "We have lost Ship 28," marking a setback in the mission. Nevertheless, the successful launch denotes a significant stride for SpaceX in completing prototype testing and preparing for operational Starship launches.

The SpaceX Starship spacecraft lifts off from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, on March 14, 2024. SpaceX on Thursday carried out the third test launch of Starship, the world's most powerful rocket that is vital to NASA's plans for landing astronauts on the Moon and Elon Musk's hopes of eventually colonizing Mars. (Photo : CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

Elon Musk Celebrates Successful Test Flight

Earlier in the flight, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk congratulated the team, remarking, "SpaceX has come a long way," via X (formerly Twitter). Notably, the rocket company celebrated its 22nd anniversary on the same day, according to AP News. NASA chief Bill Nelson also commended SpaceX for the successful test flight, expressing enthusiasm for the progress made in space exploration.

Designed for full reusability, the Starship system holds promise as a novel means of transporting cargo and passengers beyond Earth. It plays a pivotal role in NASA's Artemis moon program, with SpaceX entrusted with a multibillion-dollar contract to utilize Starship as a crewed lunar lander.

SpaceX's developmental approach for Starship emphasizes continuous improvement, drawing from insights gleaned from previous flights. This iterative strategy, known as "recursive improvement," aims to realize a fully reusable rocket capable of delivering payloads to the moon and Mars.

Read Also: NASA's Picture of the Day Features a Stunning Portrait of the Cosmic Bird 'Seagull Nebula'

Despite challenges encountered in earlier test flights, SpaceX remains steadfast in advancing Starship technology. Musk has earmarked approximately $2 billion in investment for Starship development in 2023.

Crewed SpaceX Flight Coming Soon?

Standing at an impressive 397 feet when fully assembled on the Super Heavy booster, Starship is the tallest and most powerful rocket ever launched. Equipped with 33 Raptor engines, the booster provides the initial thrust for the rocket's ascent.

The Starship, measuring 165 feet tall and powered by liquid oxygen and liquid methane, features six Raptor engines. The rocket system requires over 10 million pounds of propellant for launch. While no crew participated in this flight test, SpaceX anticipates conducting numerous missions with the Starship before considering crewed flights.

TechTimes previously reported that the third SpaceX test flight aimed to leverage prior flight insights while pursuing several ambitious objectives, including executing successful ascent burns for both stages, operating and closing Starship's payload door, and demonstrating propellant transfer during the upper stage's coast phase.

The latest SpaceX flight highlights the firm's dedication to creativity and ground-breaking advancements in space exploration as it continues efforts to establish a fully reusable space transportation system.

Related Article: Biden's NASA FY 2025 Budget Supports US Moon Mission, Climate Leadership

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Zelenskyy, in his talk with Scholz, tells of AFUs needs in armored vehicles, artillery and air defense

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone call with Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz.

Zelenskyy thanked the head of the German government and the people of Germany for their continued comprehensive support for Ukraine, which was enshrined in the bilateral security agreement, Zelenskyys press service reported.

The leaders discussed further political, economic and defense cooperation between Ukraine and Germany.

Zelenskyy welcomed the approval by the European Commission of the draft Negotiating Framework on Ukraine's accession to the European Union.

"Ukraine has completed all four legislative steps set out by the European Commission in the Enlargement Package, which is the basis for the approval of the Negotiating Framework. Now it is up to the member states. The prompt reaction of our partners will demonstrate their commitment to Ukraine's accession to the EU," the President of Ukraine said.

The leaders also discussed the development of defense cooperation both at the level of states and at the level of defense companies. Special attention was paid to the issue of localization of defense production in Ukraine.

It is noted that the President also conveyed the priority needs of Ukrainian defenders in armored vehicles, artillery and air defense. He thanked Germany for joining the Czech Republic's efforts to purchase artillery rounds for our country.

In addition, the President of Ukraine and the German Chancellor also exchanged views on the outcomes of the conference in support of Ukraine held in Paris on February 26 and coordinated positions ahead of the Weimar Triangle leaders' meeting. On Friday, Olaf Scholz will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Berlin.

The leaders also discussed the organization of the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC-2024) in Berlin in June.
Disappearance of little Emile: the child's bones have been discovered, announces the prosecution

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Pension payments will be reduced in real terms, and changes to the social security system for the new fiscal year will be

The employment rate of people with disabilities required by companies will be raised to 2.5% or more.

Journal de l'Afrique - Second reading of the New Constitution in Togo, a setback in the face of opposition pressure?

The execution of young Palestinian men in Khan Yunis...a crime filmed by the killer who failed to bury the evidence

Massive destruction by Israeli bombing that targeted the home of the Abu Aoun family in the Maghazi camp in the central Gaza Strip

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Hebei Chongli received more than 4.4 million tourists in the first full snow season after the Winter Olympics

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China Eastern Airlines will add new and expanded routes to many airports in Guangdong during the 2024 summer and autumn flight season

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In response to the 2024 issue, the maximum speed for large trucks on expressways will be increased to 90km/h

Sonko and the Senegalese... How did they make change despite the obstacles?

A rule so that appearances do not deceive: the EU legislates against 'greenwashing'

Commemoration of victims on 2nd anniversary of liberation of Bucha; many civilians killed in Russian military invasion

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Until May 22: a court in Moscow arrested four accused of the terrorist attack in Crocus

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Antibes: an orca dies at Marineland park, the second death in five months

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 Communities 2019 - Privacy

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At the moment, one case of the Russian Armed Forces using a North Korean KN-23 missile to shell Kharkiv has been officially confirmed, but there is reason to believe that Russian troops used such missiles to strike the region at least twice more, said Oleksandr Filchakov, head of the regional prosecutor's office.

"Now in our region, one case of the use by the Russian Federation of the North Korean KN-23 missile, it is called Hwasong-11, has been officially recorded. We have received relevant conclusions from both national and international experts confirming that on January 2 of this year, this North Korean missile hit apartment building No. 1 on Independence Avenue ... We are now awaiting the results of the forensic military examination, after which we will be able to say that there are more such cases," Filchakov said at a briefing on Thursday.

He demonstrated one of the rocket fragments that the Russian Armed Forces used on February 7 in the attack on Slobodsky district of Kharkiv. "You can see there is a marking here. February 11 is the name of the North Korean military plant that produces these missiles," Filchakov said.

According to him, since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, 50 cases of the use of North Korean missiles have been recorded in six regions of Ukraine, including Kharkiv region.
Protect Earth instead of colonising Mars, Obama says



Paris, March 14 (AFP) Mar 14, 2024



Humanity must preserve Earth before dreaming of colonising Mars because even nuclear war and unbridled climate change cannot make the red planet more liveable, Barack Obama said Wednesday.

Speaking at a renewable energy conference in the French capital Paris, the former US president mentioned Silicon Valley "tycoons, many of whom are building spaceships" that could take humans to Mars.

"But when I hear some of the people talk about the plan to colonise Mars because the earth environment may become so degraded that it becomes unliveable, I look at them like, what are you talking about?"

"Even after a nuclear war, Earth would be more liveable than Mars, even if we didn't do anything about CC (climate change) it would still have oxygen -- as far as we can tell, Mars does not," Obama said.

"I would rather us invest in taking care of this planet here," he continued, saying space exploration should be for gathering knowledge and discovery rather than creating new living space for humanity.

"We were designed for this place, and it would be good if we kept this place in a way that's liveable," he concluded.

During his hour-long talk, Obama discussed his climate record at the White House between 2009 and 2017.

As for his successor and potential future president Donald Trump, a long-time climate sceptic who withdrew the United States from the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement, Obama said the facts spoke for themselves.

Obama was speaking as a special guest at the opening the Powr Earth Summit, a gathering organised by two renewable energy entrepreneurs and attended by industry players.
EU visit seeks to soothe S.America worries about deforestation trade rules



Brussels, Belgium, March 14 (AFP) Mar 14, 2024



The European Union's environment commissioner is to visit three South American countries from Friday to reassure them on looming changes to the bloc's import rules banning products derived from deforestation.

The trip by Virginijus Sinkevicius to Paraguay, Ecuador and Bolivia addresses concerns Latin American exporters have about the new rules, passed in 2022 and coming into effect from the end of December this year.

It follows visits Sinkevicius has already made to Brazil and Colombia to talk through the new rules with authorities.

Under the law, importers of products into the EU need to show that they come from "deforestation-free supply chains", and that the products are not made on land deforested after 2021 -- with geolocation data provided by farmers linked to satellite imagery.

Its scope covers palm oil, cattle, soy, coffee, cocoa, timber and rubber as well as derived products such as beef, furniture and chocolate.

"Some of the countries affected are asking for discussions on the details," Sinkevicius told journalists before the trip.

"Paraguay has been quite vocal in criticising" the European Union Deforestation Regulation, he said.

Sinkevicius acknowledged the new rules "bring changes compared to the way we traded in the past" but defended the law as "a turning point in the global fight against deforestation and forest degradation".

The EU is offering its trading partners technical and financial support to set up the necessary tracking systems, he noted.

"All the work has been done in a very, very close cooperation with third countries. And those efforts will continue for as long as they are needed," he said.

Illegal production has spurred massive deforestation in countries such as Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Mexico and Guatemala.

The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that an aggregate area of land bigger than the European Union, or around 420 million hectares (more than one billion acres), has been deforested around the world over the past three decades.

High-risk exporting countries would have nine percent of products sent to the EU checked, while lower-risk ones would have lower proportions scrutinised.

Companies found violating the law could be fined up to four percent of annual turnover in the EU.
Swiss urged to use succession to boost women, environment at central bank



Zurich, March 14 (AFP) Mar 14, 2024



The departure of Thomas Jordan as the chairman of the Swiss National Bank has triggered a lively debate about using the succession to push reform at the central bank, including boosting the number of women and greening its investment portfolio.

After leading the SNB for a dozen years -- during which he confronted numerous challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic and the rescue of Credit Suisse -- Jordan unexpectedly announced at the beginning of the month he will step down in September.

The SNB's Governing Board has yet to tip its hand about its choice of successor, but Jordan's deputy since August 2022, Martin Schlegel, is seen as most likely to step into his shoes.

"Often in the past the Vice Chairman has taken over when the incumbent Chairman has left their post, suggesting that Martin Schlegel could be the next SNB leader," Adrian Prettejohn at Capital Economics said in a recent market commentary.

Schlegel, 47, has spent his professional career at the Swiss central bank since obtaining a doctorate at the University of Basel.

Since joining in 2003, he has worked in the analysis of financial and monetary markets, as well as currency and gold operations, and at the BNS branch in Singapore. He has participated on International Monetary Fund projects.

But besides his professional CV, "very little is known" about the "rather reserved and unassuming" Schlegel except that he's a runner, remarked RTS, the national radio and television broadcaster.

- Opportunity for reform -



The chairman of the central bank is appointed by Switzerland's government, the Federal Council, following a recommendation by the SNB's Governing Board. Traditionally, the vice chairman is promoted to the top job.

There have been calls to reconsider this practice.

"In our view, the Vice-Chairman should not automatically be appointed Chairman," said a report by the SNB Observatory, a group of outside economists from academia and business that promotes public debate about monetary policy.

It noted with Schlegel having been appointed two years ago, and Antoine Martin this year, the three-member "Governing Board is inexperienced by historical standards."

Socialist lawmaker Samuel Bendahan, who is also an economics professor at the University of Lausanne, said "the Federal Council isn't obliged to bow to that tradition" which he considers to be in a similar vein to the "logic of hereditary monarchies".

"They can take someone from outside" he told AFP.

Bendahan would like to see the government choose someone who will break with what he sees as SNB's overly free-market policies and said it is an opportunity to appoint a woman to the Governing Board.

All three members of the board are currently men, while one of four "alternate members" is a woman.

Bendahan said "we can't be a modern country without correcting" the extreme under-representation of women in the SNB.

According to the SNB's data, women account for nearly one third of its staff, but only 17.1 percent of managerial positions.

The SNB has repeatedly come in for criticism for its lack of parity, including last year when Andrea Maechler stepped down from the Governing Board, the first and only woman to have served on the bank's top body.

The SNB Observatory also called for the central bank's Governing Board to be enlarged to promote more debate from wider viewpoints.

Sergio Rossi, a macroeconomics and monetary policy professor at the University of Fribourg, called for the SNB to "green its portfolio" of assets, thus acting as an example to banks and insurance companies.
Main points of Spain's amnesty law for Catalan separatists



Madrid, March 14 (AFP) Mar 14, 2024



Spain's parliament on Thursday approved a deeply divisive law to grant amnesty to Catalan separatists involved in the botched secession bid of 2017.

Here is a summary of the key points of the text:

- Who will it affect? -

This law aims to "put an end to judicial processes and sentences affecting anyone, without exception, who took part in the independence campaign" including the "consultation in Catalonia on November 9, 2014 and the referendum of October 1, 2017".

On both dates, Catalonia held a symbolic, non-binding referendum on independence in defiance of the Spanish courts.

The law will apply to anyone convicted or sought by the justice system in connection with either event and will mean all charges against them are dropped.

The government estimates the move will affect more than 400 people.

- Period of validity -

"This organic law amnesties acts classified as offences... that took place between November 1, 2011 when the events of the independence campaign began and November 13, 2023."

In the previous draft, the initial date was January 2012 but the separatists wanted to include the last two months of 2011 to cover the start of the process that led up to the symbolic declaration of independence of October 27, 2017.

- Which offences are covered? -

"A precise and detailed definition of the acts eligible for amnesty has been drawn up to ensure legal certainty," it says, pointing to "the organisation and holding of the consultation and the referendum but also... the preparation of the referendum, different protest actions to allow it to be held, or to demonstrate opposition to the prosecution or conviction of officials".

- Defining 'terrorism' -

One of the main problems with an earlier draft of the bill, which was rejected by MPs on January 30, was its reference to "terrorism", with the hardline separatist JxCat party saying the wording did not offer sufficient protection against prosecution on terror charges, notably its leader Carles Puigdemont, who fled into exile after the botched secession bid.

A month later, Spain's top court said it was opening a probe into Puigdemont on "terrorism" charges over his alleged links to a group called Democratic Tsunami that led a string of protests after Spain jailed 13 separatist leaders, which included blockading Barcelona airport.

JxCat had wanted to remove the "terrorism" reference but the Socialists refused.

In order to avoid the bill being overturned by the Constitutional Court or the European Court of Justice, the new version removes the concept of "terrorism" as defined by Spain's penal code and instead used that laid out by international law under the European directive of 2017 and the European Convention on Human Rights.

- When will it come into force? -

Once the courts are approached, they will have "a maximum of two months" to order the individual's "immediate release" and to order the "rescinding of arrest warrants and detention orders.. national, European and international" and to put an end "all custodial sentences, civil rights limitations and fines".

This means Puigdemont will be able to return quickly to Spain without fear of arrest. His fate has been central to the text of the law which was jointly drafted by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialists and the separatist parties.

- Justification for the law -

"Application of the law is necessary but at times it is not enough to resolve a long-running political conflict," the text says, describing the legislation as "one more step along a difficult path but one which is both brave and conciliatory".

Presented since the outset as a tool for "social cohesion" in Spain, this law is above all vital for the future of Sanchez's left-wing legislature which was only able to resume office in November thanks to the support of the Catalan separatist parties, with the amnesty law its quid pro quo.

Without their ongoing support, Sanchez's minority government will find it very difficult to push any legislation through parliament.
The Freedom of Russia Legion, the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC) and the Siberian Battalion have announced a massive attack on Putin's military in Kursk and Belgorod regions, and therefore opened a humanitarian corridor for civilians and Russian military personnel from 21:00 today to 7:00 on March 15.

We see that Putin's troops are hiding between civilians, so our task is to ensure maximum security for the local population. In this regard, we are providing a humanitarian corridor for civilians and the Russian military from 21:00 today to 7:00 on March 15 to leave these settlements unhindered, says the statement of the RVC, the Freedom of Russia Legion and the Siberian Battalion, published on the Telegram channel.

The volunteers warned that after that they would launch a massive attack on Putin's military in the settlements indicated on the map in the photo.

They again called for the urgent evacuation of residents of settlements in the border areas in connection with the limited military operation on the territory of Kursk and Belgorod regions.

Earlier, the Freedom of Russia Legion, the RVC and the Siberian Battalion appealed to the governors of Kursk and Belgorod regions to immediately declare the evacuation of civilians, stressing that civilians should not suffer from the war.
Over the past day, the aviation of the Ukrainian Defense Forces has attacked four areas of concentration of personnel, weapons and military equipment of the Russian occupiers.

This is reported in the operational information on the Russian invasion as of 6:00 p.m. on Thursday on the page of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the Facebook social network.
The pandemic forced millions of people to share working spaces with their partners or spouses while shut in their homes. For some, such as former FBI trainee Seth Markin, the close proximity led to temptation.

Markin, who had pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 15 months in prison by a federal judge for trading on confidential information about Merck & Cos 2021 takeover of Pandion Therapeutics. He learned about the deal from his former girlfriend, a lawyer, while the two were sharing an apartment during the pandemic.

US District Judge Edgardo Ramos in New York rejected Markins claim that his girlfriends discussion of her difficulties working on the merger justified his trading.

A former FBI trainee has been jailed for 15 months. Credit: AP

Nothing that she did I believe is in any way a reason for you to have done what you did, Ramos said on Wednesday.
In 3AWs first radio ratings survey without Neil Mitchell in three decades, the station has lifted its overall share in the Melbourne market, with his successor Tom Elliott besting Mitchells final survey.

Elliotts first survey as Mornings host netted a 16.8 per cent share, up from 16.3 in the final survey of 2023, according to figures from ratings agency GfK in the period from January 14 to February 24.

Neil Mitchell was replaced by Tom Elliott on 3AW Mornings. Credit: The Age

The former Drive host on the Nine-owned talkback station was up against a familiar voice in Raf Epstein, formerly Drive host on ABC Radio Melbourne who moved to Mornings in September. Epsteins first survey outing in 2024 netted a 7 per cent share, a decline of 0.9 percentage points. Nine also publishes this masthead.

Elsewhere on ABC Radio Melbourne, Ali Moores first survey as permanent Drive host delivered a marginal gain of 0.2 percentage points, up to a 5.8 per cent share. Jacqui Felgates first survey as Drive host on 3AW delivered an 8.2 per cent share, down 2 points overall.
Tabcorp boss Adam Rytenskild has abruptly stepped down after a board investigation following an allegation he used sexually inappropriate language about a female regulatory official.

Rytenskild, who has held executive positions at the wagering giant since 2010 and had been chief executive since the group demerged from its former cash cow, the Lottery Corporation, in 2022, resigned after a meeting with the board on Wednesday following a probe led by an external law firm at the boards direction.

Tabcorp CEO Adam Rytenskild said he did not recall making the alleged remark. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer

Three sources who were not authorised to speak publicly said the investigation was launched two weeks ago after the board received a complaint from a staff member which alleged Rytenskild had made a sexual comment about an official working at a gambling regulator.

Two sources said the comment was in reference to a looming decision that would affect the profitability of the business. The sources said Rytenskild said he would perform a sexual act on the regulator if the decision went in the companys favour.
More than 100 staff members at State Library Victoria have written to its chief executive expressing anger at the postponement of a series of writing workshops, claiming the events were scrapped because of the pro-Palestinian views held by the writers hosting them.

The Teen Writing Bootcamps, which were to be conducted by six writers - four of whom had publicly expressed strong opposition to Israels war in Gaza - were suddenly cancelled last week without giving the hosts or attendees a clear reason for the move. A statement from the library at the time said the events were postponed due to concerns around the safety of participants, presenters and facilitators.

Four of the six writers who had been contracted to run the Teen Writing Bootcamps for State Library Victoria (clockwise from top left) Ariel Slamet Ries, Omar Sakr, Alison Evans and Jinghua Qian. Credit: Marija Ercegovac

Three sources working at the library with knowledge of the events have told this masthead the workshops were postponed because of the political views held by the writers.

Soon after the decision was made to postpone the workshops, State Library Victoria chief executive Paul Duldig told a meeting attended by about 30 staff that social media posts about Israels war on Gaza made by one writer, Omar Sakr, prompted the postponement, according to one source who attended the meeting.
Just days after staging the biggest runway of its eight-year history and achieving a world-recognised sustainability benchmark, one of the co-founders of athleisure brand P.E Nation has announced she is leaving the company.

Claire Greaves (formerly Tregoning) confirmed via a statement on Thursday that she is stepping down from her day-to-day role at the brand, which she founded 10 years ago with friend Pip Edwards. Edwards will continue as creative director of the business, which is majority owned by Sydney-based Hotsprings.

P.E Nation co-founders Pip Edwards (left) and Claire Greaves in 2022. Credit: Steven Siewert

Claire Greaves has made the decision to step out of the day-to-day running of the business, a company spokeswoman said in a statement. Claire will remain on the board and will retain her shareholding as the company continues to thrive in the very creative, visionary hands of Pip Edwards.

The statement confirmed months of rumours that Greaves had left the business, with reports that during a long leave of absence last year, her office at P.E Nations headquarters in Sydneys Alexandria had been reassigned for other purposes. At the time, it was understood Greaves had taken leave for personal reasons and was spending time in Byron Bay, where she is behind Sun Ranch, a luxury guesthouse in a refurbished 1980s home just outside the tourist town.
The states schools standards boss has flagged a major overhaul of the HSC that could include digitised exams and a rethink of the use of essays.

NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) chief executive Paul Martin backed the release of more data on student performance at schools but cautioned against anything that could be used to form more league tables to rank schools.

Chief executive Paul Martin said the NESA board needs to consider a number of future options for the HSC. Credit: Rhett Wyman

Speaking at the Sydney Morning Heralds Schools Summit on Thursday, Martin said he wanted to see a modernisation of the HSC, which has not faced major changes in about 23 years.

I definitely believe we need to reform and make some changes to the HSC, he said.
This isnt the first time Stark has spoken about how poor mobile phone coverage in the regions is putting farmers and their staff at risk. Her mobile service is with Telstra, and she estimates she gets reception on only about 5 per cent of her property. In March last year, one of her farmworkers was alone on the property when he was crushed by his ute, breaking his collarbones and injuring his chest. Jon Elder died in a farming accident earlier this year. With no phone reception, he was also unable to call. Luckily, he was able to get a text through to his wife in town, only to find no calls were going through to triple zero at all due to work on the network. Eventually, his wife was able to get through and he survived.

In 2022, one of Starks neighbouring farmers fell from a height on one of his properties, 60 kilometres from Narromine. The accident left him with eight fractured vertebrae, fractured ribs, a punctured lung, a fractured skull and broken nose, cheekbone and eye socket. He was forced to drag himself to his ute and, adrenaline fuelled, was able to drive himself two kilometres to a group of workers to get help. All because he couldnt get phone service. In a message to Telstra at the time, the farmer said on X, formerly Twitter, that he was faced with the terrible decision of either lying there in agony until he was eventually discovered, or drive himself.

Loading We should be able to go about our day knowing that if something goes wrong, we have the confidence that we can call for help, he said at the time. Back then, Stark told her neighbour it was only a matter of time before someone died. Now she hopes speaking out about her tragedy can inspire governments and telcos to improve regional networks. NSW Farmers board member and Rural Fire Serve volunteer Alan Brown, of Wagga Wagga, said lack of mobile coverage was not just a pain for his farming work  but could be seriously dangerous when fighting fires. Farmers tend to be working on their own quite a lot and away from help, so mobile service is vital, he said.

Im a group captain with the Rural Fire Service and we have lots of problems with fire, especially in the mountains and difficult country in difficult terrain where the phone just drops out constantly and its certainly a real problem for us when were trying to fight fires. Farmers have one of the highest fatality rates in the country with 23 farming related deaths in 2022, second only to road and rail drivers. Farmers are also worried about what the looming switch-off of 3G services will mean for their existing coverage as Telstra prepares to switch off the network and move fully to 4G and 5G this year. The federal government will be conducting an audit to map out black spots in the network, and has committed to $1.1 billion in funding to improve regional telecommunications, a spokesperson for Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said. A spokesperson for Telstra said, given how vast and sparsely populated the country was, it was difficult to guarantee coverage to all areas through towers.
Jean Huang walked into treatment room No.4 at her inner Sydney beauty salon for a breast filler procedure and came out on an ambulance stretcher with a machine trying to resuscitate her.

Two days later, on September 1, 2017, her life support was turned off. The 35-year-old had been declared brain-dead from an overdose of local anaesthetic lidocaine during her augmentation.

Jean Huang died after a breast procedure at a Chippendale clinic in 2017. Credit: Facebook

Jie Shao, a 40-year-old Chinese national, was charged with manslaughter over Huangs death. Shao denied the charge but admitted to the lesser offence of recklessly administering poison endangering life.

In Downing Centre District Court on Thursday, a jury found Shao guilty of manslaughter after less than four hours of deliberations.
Seven people who spent three days stranded in Western Australias flood-ravaged remote outback have been rescued by helicopter and returned to Kalgoorlie, ending a mammoth multi-agency recovery effort.

The group, which comprised two elders, an adult woman and four children, were spotted waving at the police air wing on Wednesday afternoon beside a bogged vehicle about 220 kilometres south-west of Tjuntjuntjara community.

The travellers were found within hours of police searching in WAs remote, rain-soaked outback on Wednesday. Credit: WA Police

WA Police began a wide-scale search for the travellers on Tuesday, who left Boulder on Sunday in a two-car convoy bound for the remote Aboriginal community about 700 kilometres north-east of Kalgoorlie.

But efforts had been hampered by flooding and wild weather, which had rendered an aerial search for the group too dangerous and prevented authorities from mobilising on the ground.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. Croatia and Azerbaijan are discussing cooperation in the sphere of demining, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of the Republic of Croatia Damir Habijan said in an exclusive interview with Trend, as he attended Azerbaijan-Croatia business forum in Baku.

We have held a business forum and the 3rd Joint Commission between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Croatia for Promotion of Economic Cooperation. 31 companies from Croatia came with this delegation. We talked about demining process, because, unfortunately, Croatia, has experience in that field due to the war in 1990s. DOK-ING company from Croatia has some kind of connections. And I hope that as a result of this business forum and the joint commission, we will be signing some contracts in the future, said the minister.

Habijan pointed out that the Croatian side is holding talks with Azerbaijans Ministry of Culture on possible cooperation in rebuilding the cultural heritage in Azerbaijans liberated lands.

Croatia, unfortunately, also has experience in this sphere due to the earthquake that hit Zagreb and Sisak four years ago. So, our companies are specialized in rebuilding cultural heritage, he noted.

The minister went on to add that the sides signed the protocol of the 3rd Joint Commission for Promotion of Economic Cooperation.

I think that this joint commission was very productive. I hope that it will be the base for future contracts and future business results between Azerbaijan and Croatia, noted Habijan.

Green energy cooperation

Croatia and Azerbaijan have great potential to cooperate in the green energy sphere, Habijan said.

He noted that the European Union aims to become the first climate neutral continent by 2050 and it is also the obligation of Croatia.

We aim to install 2500 megawatts of renewable energy sources by 2028. Aside from the solar and wind energy, it also includes geothermal energy. We have allocated 75 million euros to research of geothermal potential in Republic of Croatia. So, I think there is a great potential for cooperation in this sphere between Azerbaijan and Croatia, said the minister.

Habijan believes that there is also big potential for cooperation in hydrogen energy development.

I think the potential is very big. The pipelines planned to be constructed from Croatia towards Hungary and Slovenia are also adapted for hydrogen transportation. We have hydrogen energy development strategy by 2050, he added.

As for the upcoming COP29 to be held in Baku this November, the minister expressed confidence that the Croatian side will be a part of the event.

Because the green transition and the renewable energy sources are really important for Croatia as a part of European Union. So, we are dedicated to that aim and due to that, we will absolutely be the part of COP29 and we're looking forward to that, noted Habijan.

The minister went on to add that Croatia is open for cooperation in every sphere.

"There is a big ground for cooperation. We're talking about a lot of spheres, including economy, infrastructure, health, education and also tourism. At this moment, we don't have direct flights between Azerbaijan and Croatia. Meanwhile, representatives of Podravka, a food processing and pharmaceutical company from Croatia are here in Baku and I'm looking forward for the future contracts," he said.

Emphasizing very good and friendly cooperation between the two countries, Habijan noted that there is a need to enhance, to improve these relations.

"The Azerbaijan-Croatia business forum held in Baku was a great opportunity to strengthen our relations, especially when we talk about business and economy. We need to diversify the economic cooperation," he added.

Gas infrastructure expansion

Croatia has allocated about 459 million euros to its building pipeline infrastructure towards Hungary and Slovenia, Damir Habijan said.

In 2021, we opened an LNG terminal on the Island of Krk. At this point, we are extending its capacity from 2.9 to 6.1 billion cubic meters of natural gas. We have also allocated about 459 million euros to building pipeline infrastructure, one towards to Hungary and one towards to Slovenia. When coming to the Ionian Adriatic Pipeline (IAP), it's a shorter way to Hungary and Slovakia and also to Slovenia for Azerbaijani gas, he said.

Habijan pointed out that Croatia is supporting also the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) and the Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP).

We expect to finish building the gas pipeline towards Slovenia and Hungary by 2026. We also want to build a southern interconnection to Bosnia and Herzegovina. We have allocated a huge amount of funds to expand the capacity of our LNG terminal and to build our pipeline infrastructure, the minister added.

Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn
The Australian government has launched an unprecedented intervention in Japans domestic politics, marshalling nine foreign governments to pressure Tokyo over international child abductions.

In a letter to Japans minister of foreign affairs and minister of justice signed last year by the ambassadors of Australia, Belgium, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, the coalition of governments urged Tokyo to pass laws to bring it into line with its international obligations.

Australias ambassador to Japan, Justin Hayhurst. Credit: Viola Kam

The letter followed an investigation by this masthead and 60 Minutes, which revealed that dozens of Australian children had been abducted by a Japanese parent and protected by a legal system that gives that parent total control over the child, including cutting off all contact with their foreign family.

In February, it was revealed the number of Australian children abducted in Japan has since grown to 89. There are hundreds more from Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Washington: They were there to talk about classified documents, but somehow US President Joe Bidens mind had turned to Mongolia.

Something about being handed a bow and arrow during a visit and embarrassing his host. Pure luck, I hit the goddamn target, Biden recalled. Not so much the Mongolian leader. The poor son of a bitch couldnt pull it back. I was like, Oh, God.

Then US vice president Joe Biden, standing next to then Mongolian prime minister Sukhbaatar Batbold, tries archery in Mongolia. Credit: AP

He has a large storehouse of stories, this president, and he shared them freely during interviews with prosecutors late last year. Biden described giving an oration in law school on a case he had not read and lying his way into an exclusive club in Delaware. He recounted his time with former president Barack Obama and trying to save his ass from manipulative generals. He boasted of building a solar facility in Angola.

What any of that had to do with Bidens handling of secret papers was not always clear, but transcripts of his five hours with special counsel Robert Hur released this week opened a window into a president not often seen by the public lately. He was funny and folksy, chatty and charming, quick and quirky. In a sometimes meandering stream of consciousness, he took prosecutors on a colourful tour of his life with the occasional disquisition on the history of the Gutenberg printing press and Richard Nixons 1960 election defeat.
The only time the United States House of Representatives moves so quickly is when it needs to act to keep the government open, or when it declares war. This week, the House declared war on China by seeking to put TikTok out of business in the US.

ByteDance, TikToks parent company, was shocked, reportedly believing that when President Joe Biden opened his TikTok account in time for the Super Bowl, the threats that had dogged the company for years were finally in abeyance.

Devotees of TikTok protest the bill outside the Capitol in Washington. Credit: AP

They were wrong.

In August 2020, the then president, Donald Trump, fighting for his political life against Biden, was reeling from the COVID pandemic  which he blamed on China  and prosecuting his trade war with Beijing. He invoked emergency economic powers to issue an executive order placing sanctions on TikTok, banning the app, and demanding that China sell the company to American interests.
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. The XI Global Baku Forum with the participation of current and former leaders, ministers, and Nobel laureates has kicked off, Trend reports.

Organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, the forum will discuss ways to address the pressing issues facing the modern world.

Since its creation with the support of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Global Baku Forum has relied on effective discussions and constructive dialogue.

With experience in attracting high-ranking guests from around the world, including heads of state and government, ministers, former presidents, and senior officials of international organizations, the forum serves as a bridge for cooperation and innovation in addressing current global challenges.

This year's forum will be dedicated to a wide range of issues, including geopolitics, sustainable development, technology, and cultural diplomacy, under the theme "Restoring a Fractured World".

As in previous years, the XI Global Baku Forum is ready to host distinguished figures from various fields, discussing different spheres and perspectives to further enrich international dialogue and strengthen intercultural understanding.

The forum's goal is to contribute to collective efforts in the pursuit of "Restoring a Fractured world," stimulating targeted activities through the collective experience and ideas of the guests.

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The University of Wyoming Extension will host a one-day conference on season extension and small-scale food production at Sheridan College Saturday, April 6.

The conference, which is supported by the Wyoming Department of Agricultures Specialty Crop Program, is part of UW Extensions Harvest Wyoming initiative. Event partners include the Barnyards & Backyards team, Wyoming Food Coalition, Sheridan College and UWs Growing Beginning Farmers and Ranchers program.

Workshops will highlight season extension structures, pest management, hydroponics, Wyoming soils, pollinator habitats, a producer panel and more. Weather permitting, attendees will also have the option to participate in a low tunnel build in Sheridan Colleges agriculture field lab.

This conference is for anyone who is curious about how to maximize their growing season, says Micah Most, a UW Extension educator and co-organizer of the event. This will be an excellent opportunity for folks to come interact with experts, to ask their questions and to connect with other individuals in the community.

Speakers include Adam Bunker of Papa Joes Produce and several other local producers, as well as experts from UW Extension, Sheridan College, the Wyoming Department of Agriculture and the Popo Agie Conservation District.

The conference is organized into three concurrent tracks; attendees can attend any sessions of their choice.

The registration cost is $30 per participant. For those who register by March 26, lunch will be provided. Late registrants are welcome to attend, but are not guaranteed a meal. To register, visit https://bit.ly/harvest-wy-24.

Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Whitney Building at Sheridan College, located at 1 Whitney Way. Opening remarks begin at 8:50 a.m. and sessions start at 9 a.m. The event concludes at 3 p.m.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. The Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad Ahmed Attaf exchanged views on necessary steps to further deepen ties between Algeria and Azerbaijan with Azerbaijani President's Special Representative Elchin Amirbayov on behalf of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad said, Trend reports.

According to the ministry, the meeting between Attaf and Amirbayov hailed the dynamics of relations between the two countries and emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation in broader spheres and directions, especially in the economic sphere.

"During the conversation, it was noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and these steps coincide with this historic event.

The parties also discussed recent events in their regions and exchanged views on aspects related to energy transition in the context of the results of the 7th Summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), which was recently hosted by Algeria," the ministry's information stated.

The ministry also informed about the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which Azerbaijan will host in November of this year.

To note, the decision to host COP29 in Azerbaijan was officially announced in Dubai on December 11, 2023.



On January 4, 2024, Mukhtar Babayev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, was appointed as President of COP29.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. The creation of a unified cultural platform with Turkic states is an important step in strengthening interaction and cooperation, Azerbaijan's Minister of Culture Adil Karimli said during an international conference themed "Study and Preservation of the Historical and Cultural Heritage of the Turkic World from the Perspective of UNESCO" at ADA University, Trend reports.

"The creation of a unified cultural platform among Turkic states is a very important step. The states possess rich cultural heritage, so it is important to promote and preserve cultural heritage through the creation of a unified platform," the official noted.

Karimli also emphasized that the leaders of Turkic states actively participate in various discussions and dialogues, contributing to the development and preservation of cultural heritage.

"As for the rich Turkic cultural heritage, the natural heritage of Turkic countries is also of great importance. We must protect our cultural heritage and conduct research, promoting ideas in this direction. Moreover, international conventions should also be taken into account," the minister added.

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Analysis shows Illinois March 19 primary is least competitive in at least two decades

On March 19, voting will conclude in primary contests for hundreds of seats in the Illinois legislature and in the states court system. But most of those contests are uncompetitive.

Statewide, 88 percent of judicial and state legislative primaries feature either a single candidate or no one running at all. This is the highest number of uncompetitive primaries for those seats in at least 20 years, according to a Capitol News Illinois analysis of data going back to 2004.

The number of primaries with no candidates running at all is similar to years past, about 33 percent. But the number of primaries with a single person running has jumped to 55 percent, from 46 percent in 2020.

John Shaw, director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, said Illinois primary participation mirrors a national trend and is partially stoked by growing political polarization and state redistricting practices. The state process for drawing legislative districts is a partisan one by law, meaning many districts have been drawn in a way that favors one party over the other.

While thats made primaries increasingly important in districts that lean heavily in favor of one party over the other, its also helped reinforce a trend of parties choosing not to run candidates in districts that were not drawn in their favor.

The only battle is the primary, Shaw, a former congressional reporter, told Capitol News Illinois.

Shaw said the expectation of candidates to work across the aisle has decreased in recent decades, meaning that parties lean into ideology more.

It is not good for governance when candidates run unopposed in a primary or general election, Shaw said.

For about 65 percent of state legislative and judicial seats, only one partys primary has any candidates running, with most of those primaries featuring a single candidate.

While many of those races will likely be uncompetitive in the general election as well, the number of contested seats could grow beyond what the primaries indicate via a political appointment process. The political parties have until June 3 to select a person to run on the partys behalf in races where the primaries did not produce a winning candidate.

Long-term trends

John Jackson, a professor at the Paul Simon Institute, said the stark divisions in party control are driven by party realignment and polarization, which have resulted in fewer candidates running on politically moderate platforms.

That started nationally, then trickled down to state, even now to local, he said.

Jackson, who works at an institute founded by and named for a conservative Democratic senator, noted this trend only emerged in the past few decades.

There used to be moderates in the Republican party and moderates in the Democratic party, Jackson said. They were much more heterogeneous than they are.

In Illinois, thats led to stark partisan divides that also fall squarely along urban-rural lines. The city of Chicago remains the center of Democratic power in a democratically controlled state. Republicans have few primary candidates in the city and no serious challengers to most Democrats running.

Rural Illinois, meanwhile, remains almost unrepresented by the states Democratic party in the legislature or on the bench, with few Democratic candidates filing to run on rural primary ballots.

Only one legislative seat is competitive for both Democrats and Republicans: the 76th House District. This district contains most of the city of DeKalb as well as stretches of DeKalb, LaSalle and Bureau counties. The districts current representative  Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa  is not running for reelection, and two Republicans and three Democrats are vying to replace him.

The legislative primaries that have drawn the most candidates include two four-way Democratic contests in the Chicago area  the 20th Senate District in the city and the south suburban 79th House District  and one four-way Republican contest in the 53rd Senate District.

Judicial elections

While there are primaries for 82 judicial positions across the state, about 85 percent of them feature either one or no candidate on the ballot. Just over half feature a single candidate across both major party primaries.

Part of this is due to the high number of races in Cook County  a very Democratic area  which operates the second largest court system in the nation.

But the low number of interested candidates can be partially explained by shifting career goals among lawyers, according to Elizabeth Monkus, senior research attorney at the nonprofit judicial reform advocacy group Chicago Appleseed Center.

People come into the profession with different goals than they used to, Monkus said.

Monkus noted that there are more people interested in what she called movement lawyering, where an attorney furthers political and social goals through legal advocacy, rather than working as a trial lawyer or working on criminal cases.

If youre working to change the world, judges have less power to do that than you might expect, Monkus said.

 Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of print and broadcast outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.
This is National Sunshine Week  and not because we have an extra hour of daylight following the start of daylight saving time Sunday.

Sunshine Week is an initiative launched by the American Society of News Editors in 2005 to promote conversation about the importance of open government and freedom of information. The date coincides with the March 16 birthday of James Madison, known as the Father of the Constitution for his role in drafting and promoting the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Freedom of the press is one of the freedoms protected in the First Amendment. Without access to information, however, news organizations cant properly fulfill their responsibility to keep the public informed.

One of the key ways we gather information is by attending meetings of village and school boards, where elected officials make decisions about everything from how much to spend on street resurfacing to how many teachers to employ next year. The Illinois Open Meetings Act requires boards to conduct their meetings in public, with a handful of exceptions.

The District 86 Board recently was the subject of an Open Meetings Act complaint filed by Hinsdale resident Dale Kleber, who contended the boards discussion of superintendent goals in closed session was a violation. The Illinois Attorney General agreed. As a result, the board rightly approved policy revisions, limiting closed session discussion to goals only as they are specifically related to the superintendents performance.

The board also announced last week that it was releasing video from a portion of that closed session meeting. Unfortunately that announcement was prefaced with comments about how the board was going above and beyond in releasing the video, as the AGs ruling was nonbinding. That hardly follows the spirit of the Open Meeting Act  or Sunshine Week.

Another law promoting open governance is the Freedom of Information Act, which allows journalists and private citizens to file a request for public documents, which must then be provided if they do not fall under a handful of exceptions. One approach to FOIA requests is to provide only that information that is required by law to be released. Government bodies that are truly committed to transparency take the opposite approach by providing all the information they can, unless prohibited by law.

The internet certainly has increased access to information for everyone, and the village and the communitys two school districts all have sections on their websites where interested citizens can find a wealth of information. Heres a summery of what is available on each site.

 District 86

The FOIA portal on the district website at http://www.hinsdale86.org allows residents to submit FOIA requests and review a log of FOIA requests that have been filed and, in many cases, responsive documents. Several public documents are posted on the districts website, including salary and compensation reports, annual budgets and collective bargaining agreements with teachers, support staff and service employees.

 District 181

The FOIA section on the district website at http://www.d181.org includes a guide to filing a FOIA request and a request form, along with a log of requests and responses dating back to July 1, 2014. Public documents posted on the website include contracts with teachers and support staff, budgets, annual comprehensive financial reports and salary and benefit reports.

 Village of Hinsdale

The village has a Transparency section on its website at http://www.villageofhinsdale.org that provides a FOIA request form. Public documents linked to the page include budgets, financial audits, property tax information and salary information for village staff.
22,217 electoral bonds purchased by donors





NEW DELHI :

STATE Bank of India (SBI) on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that a total of 22,217 electoral bonds were purchased by donors between April 1, 2019 and February 15 this year, out of which 22,030 were redeemed. In a compliance affidavit filed in the apex court, the SBI said as per the courts direction, it has made available the details of electoral bonds to the Election Commission of India before the close of business hours on March 12. It said details, including date of purchase of each electoral bonds, names of the purchaser and the denomination of the bonds purchased have been furnished. The affidavit, filed by SBIs Chairman Dinesh Kumar Khara, said the bank has also furnished to the EC details like date of encashment of the electoral bonds, the names of political parties which received the contributions and the denominations of the bonds. A total number of 22,217 bonds were purchased during the period April 1, 2019 till February 15, 2024. At Kumar Khara, said the bank has also furnished to the EC details like date of encashment of the electoral bonds, the names of political parties which received the contributions and the denominations of the bonds. A total number of 22,217 bonds were purchased during the period April 1, 2019 till February 15, 2024. At the time of collating the information for the ECI, the details were segregated as below, it said. The affidavit said between April 1, 2019 to April 11, 2019, a total of 3,346 electoral bonds were purchased and 1,609 redeemed. It further said from April 12, 2019 to February 15 this year, a total of 18,871 electoral bonds were purchased and 20,421 were redeemed.

The State Bank of India has ready records in which the date of purchase, denomination and name of buyer were recorded, and (in relation to the political parties) the date of encashment and the denominations of the bonds encashed were recorded, the affidavit said. It said in compliance with the apex courts directions, a record of this information was made available to the EC by hand delivering in digital form (password protected) before the close of business hours on March 12. As per direction no. (b), the date of purchase of each electoral bond, the name of the purchaser and the denomination of the electoral bond purchased has been furnished. In terms of direction no.(c), the date of encashment of the electoral bonds, the name of political parties who have received the contributions and the denomination of the said bonds has also been furnished, the affidavit said. It said the aforesaid data has been furnished in respect of bonds purchased and redeemed between April 12, 2019 to February 15, 2024. The electoral bonds were sold and redeemed in phases during this period and phase IX started from April 1, 2019. The number of bonds set out in the application included (by oversight) the bonds that were purchased during the period commencing April 1, 2019 and not from April 12, 2019, it said.

The affidavit also contains as annexure a copy of letter as proof of service of data sent by the SBI to EC. The amount of the electoral bonds which were not encashed by the political party within the validity period of 15 days during this period have been transferred to Prime Ministers National Relief Fund, as per the Gazette notification no.20 dated January 2, 2018, reads the letter sent by the SBI to the poll panel. On March 11, a five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud had dismissed the SBIs plea seeking an extension of time and ordered it to disclose the details of electoral bonds to the EC by close of business hours on March 12. The apex court had also directed the EC to publish the details shared by the bank on its official website by 5 pm on March 15. In a landmark verdict delivered on February 15, a five-judge Constitution bench had scrapped the Centres electoral bonds scheme that allowed anonymous political funding, calling it unconstitutional and ordered disclosure by the EC of donors, the amount donated by them and the recipients by March 13.
CM dedicates Rani Awanti Bai Lodhi State University in Sagar





Our Correspondent

Sagar,

Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav in a glittering function digitally launched Veerangana Rani Awanti Bai Lodhi Vishwavidalaya at Sagar at PTC ground on Wednesday. He pressed the remote button to inaugurate the State University. He announced that this State University will start functioning from this session. He announced many gifts for Sagar district, including building of the University. Food and Civil Supply Minister Govind Singh Rajput, Ex-Minister and MLA Gopal Bhargava, MP Rajbahadur Singh, MLA Shailendra Jain, Virendra Singh Lodhi, Mayor Sangita Tiwari, District Panchayat President Heera Singh Rajput, Municipal Corporation President Vrindavan Ahirwar, District Panchayat Vice-President Devendra Singh Thakur, Womens Commission former Chairperson Lata Wankhede and others were present. Addressing the gathering, CM Dr Yadav said that MP is the centre point of entire country for education. Since ancient time, Lord Krishna attained education at Ujjain at Sandipani Ashram. Dr Hari Singh Gaur founded the first University of the State in Sagar.

He supported the demand for awarding Bharat Ratna to late Dr Hari Singh Gaur who was renowned educationist. Sagar is the only district where two universities have been founded. Around 52 days back, the State Government decided to start State University at Sagar and named it in honour of great warrior queen Rani Awanti Bai Lodhi. In colleges and University, future of nation is shaped up. College students should not only have degree but skill also so that they get job or become self-reliant. Under NEP, entire education system is being revamped and credit to this vision goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. CM Dr Yadav said that on January 20 he announced opening of Ayurveda College at Sagar and in this function he announced that this college will be named after Acharya Shri Vidyasagarji Maharaj. He announced for naming of roads at Badtooma on name of Sant Ravidas. On demand of local public representatives, CM announced for starting science faculty at graduate level at Govt College at Kesli and PG science in Govt college at Makronia, Banda. On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced financial aid of Rs 5 lakh to small child named Mohit Rajput from Sironja village for kidney transplant.

He directed Collector Deepak Arya for sending proposal for financial aid for treatment of cancer patient 13-year-old Omprakash Kachi. Minister Govind Rajput said that when Central University was opened at Sagar, local students were happy but were not given admission. Hence, after a long wait and struggle of 13 years by students, leaders, state University at Sagar has been started. He requested the Chief Minister to forward proposal of residents of Sagar for Bharat Ratna to Late Dr Hari Singh Gaur. MLA Shailendra Jain delivered welcome address and thanked for opening of the State university. MP Rajbahadur Singh, Lata Wankhede thanked CM Dr Yadav for opening of State Universty at Sagar which would be of great help to students of Sagar and Damoh district. Prior to it, CM Dr Yadav inaugurated the function by Kanya Pujan and lighting the traditional lamp. He was accorded grand welcome by decorating him with a big size garland by dignitaries.
GHRIET Nagpur to hold ICACEBD-24 from 15th





Business Reporter

G H Raisoni Institute of Engineering and Technology (GHRIET), Nagpur, is gearing up to welcome delegates from around the world for the highly anticipated International Conference on Advance Communication, Energy and Big Data (ICACEBD-24), scheduled for March 15 and 16, 2024. The primary objective of ICACEBD-24 is to foster the advancement of cutting-edge research in the fields of Intelligent Computing, Advance Communication, Energy, and Big Data. This conference serves as a pivotal platform for academicians, scientists, and emerging researchers to engage in profound discussions and exchange innovative ideas, thereby keeping abreast of the latest developments across various domains.

The response to ICACEBD-24 has been overwhelming, with a remarkable influx of submissions from researchers and scholars spanning the globe. With over 265 papers received, the organising committee faced the arduous task of selecting the most promising contributions. Accepted and presented papers will be submitted to the Scopus Indexed Proceedings for publication.
No HC relief for Congress.. Refuses to stay IT proceedings for recovery of outstanding tax





NEW DELHI,

DELHI High Court on Wednesday upheld an order of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) refusing to stay a notice issued by the Income Tax department to the Congress party for recovery of outstanding tax of more than Rs 100 crore. A bench of Justices Yashwant Varma and Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav said, there was no reason to interfere with the ITATs March 8 order. The bench had reserved its order on Tuesday after hearing the submissions on behalf of the Congress and the I-T Department.

The Congress approached the High Court after ITAT dismissed the partys application seeking a stay on the February 13 notice of the I-T Department initiating recovery proceedings against it. The assessing officer had raised a tax demand of more than Rs 100 crore for the assessment year 2018-19 when the income was assessed to be more than Rs 199 crore. The counsel for the Congress had urged the court to grant it some protection otherwise the party would collapse. The I-T Departments counsel had informed the court that the original tax demand stood at Rs 102 crore and together with interest it rose to Rs 135.06 crore.

He said Rs 65.94 crore stands recovered now. The tribunal had dismissed the stay application saying,  we do not find that the recovery notice under Section 226(3) of the Act issued by the assessing officer on February 13, 2024 is lacking in bona fides, so as to require us to intervene. The party had earlier said the I-T tribunal order freezing its funds was an attack on democracy as it had come just ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
People from SC, ST, OBC biggest beneficiaries of Govt schemes: Modi





NEW DELHI,

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that people from disadvantaged sections like SCs, STs and OBCs are the biggest beneficiaries of his Governments welfare schemes as he accused the previous Congress dispensations of neglecting them and never appreciating their role in the countrys progress. Speaking at the launch of the PM-SURAJ national portal, he cited the election of Ram Nath Kovind and Droupadi Murumu, who come from Dalit and tribal communities respectively, as president to assert that the BJPs efforts to ensure that those from deprived sections reach top positions will continue. The Opposition made every effort to ensure their defeat, he said. Prime Minister Modi told the gathering that consisted of people from disadvantaged groups, How can anyone say I have no family when I have brothers and sisters like you. Modi said that the biggest beneficiaries of schemes like free ration, free medical treatment, pucca houses, toilets and Ujjwala gas connection are the people on the periphery, the deprived segments. SCs, STs, OBCs are the biggest beneficiaries of Government welfare schemes for the poor. Now we are working with the goal of saturation in these schemes, the Prime Minister said.

The Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan and Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (PM-SURAJ) national portal aims to provide credit support to eligible individuals across the country including those from Scheduled Castes and backward classes and sanitation workers. This initiative is set to facilitate financial empowerment and enable entrepreneurship opportunities for the most disadvantaged sections of society. PM Modi said one lakh beneficiaries from deprived sections have been given Rs 720 crore assistance till now. He said the SURAJ portal will facilitate financial assistance to the disadvantaged sections of society, similar to direct benefit transfers from other Government schemes, and the process will be free from middlemen, commissions and recommendations. Such a system of DBT was unimaginable during the previous Governments, he said. The Prime Minister also spoke about the distribution of Ayushman Bharat Cards and PPE kits to Safai Mitras engaged in sewer and septic tank cleaning. Talking about the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, the Prime Minister said that it cannot be achieved without the development of the deprived segments.

He said that he has broken away from the mindset of the past and it is being ensured that facilities available to others like gas connection, bank accounts, toilets, etc. Are also provided to Dalits, backwards, deprived and tribals. The Prime Minister pointed out that many generations of deprived segments were wasted in just arranging for the basic amenities. After 2014, the Government reached the segments devoid of any hope and made them partners in the nations development, he said. The Prime Minister also mentioned schemes for nomadic and semi-nomadic communities and NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem) scheme for Safai Karamcharis. Talking about the elimination of the inhuman practice of manual scavenging, he pointed out that 60,000 sufferers have been given financial assistance so that they can rebuild a life of dignity. The Government is making all possible efforts to empower the SC, ST and OBC communities, PM Modi said and informed that the assistance provided to them by various institutions has been doubled in the last 10 years. Lakhs and crores of rupees were only associated with scams during the previous Governments, he said and affirmed spending the money for the welfare of Dalits and the deprived and for the development of the country. He mentioned increasing scholarships for SC, ST and OBC youth, reservation of 27 percent seats for OBC in the all-India quota of medical seats, making inroads for OBC students in the NEET examination, and assistance from National Overseas Scholarship for students from underprivileged communities to pursue Master and PhD degrees abroad.

He added that the amount of national fellowship has also been increased to help students pursue PhD in science-related subjects. The Government is also giving priority to employment and self-employment of youth from deprived sections, the Prime Minister said, highlighting the Mudra Yojna which has provided financial assistance worth about Rs 30 lakh crore to the poor including SC, ST and OBC communities. He also touched upon the Standup India Scheme and Venture Capital Fund Scheme that promote entrepreneurship in SC and ST categories. Keeping in mind the entrepreneurship among Dalits, our Government has also launched the Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission, he said. Referring to policies for the benefit of Dalits and deprived communities, the prime minister said, This is a testament to our commitment to provide dignity and justice to the underprivileged. Modi gives you this guarantee, this campaign of development and respect for the deprived class will intensify in the coming five years. With your development, we will fulfil the dream of Viksit Bharat. He also interacted with some of the beneficiaries from different parts of the country.
President Droupadi Murmu visits Aapravasi Ghat in Port Louis





PORT LOUIS,

PRESIDENT Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday paid tributes to the brave Mauritian ancestors at Aapravasi Ghat and International Slavery Museum here. Murmu is here on a three-day state visit during which she was the chief guest at the countrys National Day celebrations on Tuesday. On Wednesday, President Droupadi Murmu paid tributes to the brave Mauritian ancestors at Aapravasi Ghat and International Slavery Museum in Port Louis, the President of India posted X. President Murmu climbed the same 16 stone steps from where the first indentured workers from India began their new lives in Mauritius, nearly two centuries ago. President Murmu was warmly welcomed at both sites by performers of Bhojpuri Geet Gawai and Sega, unique musical traditions of Mauritius, the post read on X. Aapravasi Ghat is where the modern indentured labour diaspora began.

In 1834, the British Government selected the island of Mauritius to be the first site for what it called the great experiment in the use of free labour to replace slaves. Between 1834 and 1920, almost half a million indentured labourers arrived from India at Aapravasi Ghat to work in the sugar plantations of Mauritius, or to be transferred to Reunion Island, Australia, southern and eastern Africa or the Caribbean. President Murmu successfully wraps up her 3-day State visit to Mauritius: PRESIDENT Droupadi Murmu successfully concluded her State visit to Mauritius on Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs said. Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth accorded a warm send-off to the President at the airport, as she wrapped up the historic visit.

The Intercontinental Slavery Museum is one of the key recommendations of the Truth and Justice Commission of Mauritius, which established public platforms in 2009 to investigate the legacy of slavery and indentured labour from colonial times to the present day. It was the worlds first truth commission specifically dedicated to slavery. Her presence at the 56th anniversary of the Independence and 32nd anniversary of the Republic of Mauritius marks a momentous occasion for the India-Mauritius special partnership, the Ministry of External Affairs said. Murmu was also conferred with the honorary degree of Doctor of Civil Law by the University of Mauritius, demonstrating the depth of bilateral ties.
iyris (formerly RedSea), a sustainable AgriClimate Tech business, has signed an MoU with Magrabi Agriculture, a leading Egyptian fresh produce provider, for using iyris' innovative solutions in its farming practices.

The strategic MoU covers sales of iyris cutting-edge technologies - including its award-winning SecondSky greenhouse covers and data platform, and access to all upcoming iyris innovations to Magrabi Agriculture, for deployment in its Egyptian farming facilities and to support its international operations.

Magrabi Agriculture will benefit significantly from using iyris' innovative solutions in its farming practices. SecondSky covers alone can reduce energy consumption by over 40%, water use by 30%, and profitability by 28% - potentially transforming Magrabis farming operations, improving its sustainability and profit margins, and enhancing produce quality.

Pure-play technology company

iyris recent strategic rebrand from RedSea has cemented its transition to a pure-play technology company, focusing on the commercialisation and development of AgriClimate technology solutions.

The announcement also follows iyris appointment of Bruno De Oliveira as VP East Africa & Egypt to bolster its operational team in the region, following increased customer demand.

Oliveira said: I am thrilled to announce this MoU with our valued partners at Magrabi Agriculture. This builds on our rapid growth in Egypt  a market that knows, firsthand, the impact of accelerating climate change, and where growers can benefit from our suite of AgriClimate technologies. Todays news shows our commitment to partnering with sustainable operators  and we are excited to have Magrabi in our portfolio of esteemed, market-leading partners.

The MoU is a major step in advancing commercial farming in the region, and hot climates globally. The partnership reinforces iyris' exceptional regional reputation and its engagement success with the largest growers in target market countries. The growers recognise the potential impact and improved profitability that iyris technologies bring to agricultural practices.

The partnership will build on iyris presence  with 30 hectares of iyris SecondSky roofs already installed on a major government-owned site in Egypt.

Key drivers

Ehad El Maghraby, Director of Planning & Development at Magrabi Agriculture, stated: Innovation, quality and resource efficiency are key drivers across the Magrabi business. In iyris, we have a partner that has developed a suite of hot climate agriculture technologies that will contribute significantly to our capability to sustainably serve our international client base.

iyris technologies are targeted to hot climate agriculture, extending the growing season, reducing crop inputs and improving the quality of produce delivered, and that aligns completely with our business objectives. We are excited about how this partnership will enable us to grow our business and meet the increasing need to supply high quality produce to all our export markets that have suffered from the impact of increasing high heat on yield.

iyris sustainable agriculture technologies are now deployed and used by growers in eleven countries across five continents.--TradeArabia News Service
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. A joint contribution must be made to rebuilding a fractured world, President of Albania Bajram Begaj said at the opening ceremony of the XI Global Baku Forum, Trend reports.

"We are already facing a European crisis. Our security policies need to be unified. Albania is situated where several geopolitical interests converge. However, we live in a cooperative nation.

We are committed to regional security and ready to play our part. The world is experiencing fragmentation not only between states, but also within them. The time has come when we must move forward in dialogue and cooperation, promoting sustainable development and peace, Begaj emphasized.

Organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, the XI Global Baku Forum is being held on March 1416.

Approximately 400 world-famous people are attending the event, including previous and present international leaders, ministers, and Nobel Prize recipients.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. The world's attention will be focused on Azerbaijan at COP29 (the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change), UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a letter addressed to the XI Global Baku Forum participants, Trend reports.

"COP29 will focus on financial resources. We are ready to share our experience with Azerbaijan.

Today's meeting of the Global Baku Forum will discuss issues of joint security and stability. Azerbaijan is at the crossroads of its future. It would be good to see the countries of the South Caucasus around the world during the visit this November. The UK continues to change and expand for mutual prosperity. The UK will be by Azerbaijan's side for a successful COP29," the letter also says.

Meanwhile, the XI Global Baku Forum is attended by representatives of many countries and prestigious international organizations, including more than 350 guests from over 70 countries.

To note, the Forum, which will last until March 16, will host global discussions on the results of COP28 and preparations for COP29. It will consider factors that pose threats to the new world order, as well as security issues and prospects for peace, building sustainability in a fractured world, its impact on the global world, discuss ways to address the challenges facing humanity, and address conflicts and mega-threats shaking the world, including climate, food, and nuclear security.

At the same time, there will be discussions on the role of military and economic alliances in global governance, regional perspectives, the European Union and its relations with its neighbors, youth policy, ways to build resilience to global challenges, inequality, natural resource scarcity and migration issues, artificial intelligence, and new security paradigms in the age of drones and cyberweapons.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Appleton Partners Inc. MA trimmed its position in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR  Free Report) by 4.6% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 13,798 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 665 shares during the quarter. Appleton Partners Inc. MAs holdings in Broadridge Financial Solutions were worth $2,839,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. American Century Companies Inc. raised 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 worth $1,270,000 after purchasing an additional 788 shares during the period. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS raised its holdings 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 worth $2,433,000 after purchasing an additional 992 shares during the period. Raymond James Trust N.A. raised its holdings in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 126.2% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 3,384 shares of the business services providers stock worth $527,000 after purchasing an additional 1,888 shares during the period. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board raised its holdings in 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 worth $82,000 after purchasing an additional 500 shares during the period. Finally, Allianz Asset Management GmbH raised its holdings in 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 worth $1,981,000 after purchasing an additional 1,487 shares during the period. 89.36% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts recently commented on BR shares. Royal Bank of Canada raised their target price on Broadridge Financial Solutions from $212.00 to $239.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, February 2nd. Evercore ISI raised their price target on Broadridge Financial Solutions from $226.00 to $230.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, December 5th. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on Broadridge Financial Solutions from $175.00 to $180.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, December 8th. StockNews.com raised Broadridge Financial Solutions from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Finally, Raymond James raised their price target on Broadridge Financial Solutions from $205.00 to $214.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, February 2nd. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $203.17.

Insider Buying and Selling at Broadridge Financial Solutions

In other Broadridge Financial Solutions news, insider Douglas Richard Deschutter sold 22,722 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $199.00, for a total transaction of $4,521,678.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 44,680 shares in the company, valued at $8,891,320. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other news, insider Douglas Richard Deschutter sold 22,722 shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $199.00, for a total transaction of $4,521,678.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 44,680 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,891,320. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, President Christopher John Perry sold 6,643 shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $200.17, for a total transaction of $1,329,729.31. Following the sale, the president now directly owns 59,282 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,866,477.94. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 62,917 shares of company stock worth $12,660,561 over the last 90 days. Company insiders own 1.60% of the companys stock.

Broadridge Financial Solutions Trading Down 0.5 %

Shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions stock opened at $202.98 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $23.90 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.36 and a beta of 0.99. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $201.55 and a 200-day moving average price of $191.11. The company has a quick ratio of 1.40, a current ratio of 1.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.77. Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. has a twelve month low of $133.97 and a twelve month high of $210.24.

Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE:BR  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 1st. The business services provider reported $0.92 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.89 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $1.41 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.40 billion. Broadridge Financial Solutions had a return on equity of 41.12% and a net margin of 10.82%. The firms revenue was up 8.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.91 earnings per share. Equities research analysts anticipate that Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. will post 7.72 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Broadridge Financial Solutions Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 5th. Investors of record on Friday, March 15th will be given a $0.80 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 14th. This represents a $3.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.58%. Broadridge Financial Solutionss dividend payout ratio is currently 55.75%.

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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CoreCivic, Inc. (NYSE:CXW  Get Free Report) CEO Damon T. Hininger sold 50,525 shares of CoreCivic stock in a transaction on Friday, March 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $14.62, for a total value of $738,675.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 820,262 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,992,230.44. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link.

CoreCivic Price Performance

CoreCivic stock opened at $14.76 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73, a quick ratio of 1.60 and a current ratio of 1.60. CoreCivic, Inc. has a 52 week low of $7.84 and a 52 week high of $15.38. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.66 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.02 and a beta of 0.81. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $14.38 and a 200-day moving average of $13.21.

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CoreCivic (NYSE:CXW  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 7th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.23 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.40 by ($0.17). CoreCivic had a return on equity of 4.70% and a net margin of 3.56%. The business had revenue of $491.25 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $489.62 million. On average, sell-side analysts expect that CoreCivic, Inc. will post 1.3 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages have weighed in on CXW. StockNews.com cut CoreCivic from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, February 22nd. Wedbush lifted their price objective on CoreCivic from $17.00 to $18.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, February 9th.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on CXW

Hedge Funds Weigh In On CoreCivic

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Boston Partners raised its holdings in shares of CoreCivic by 13.7% during the 3rd quarter. Boston Partners now owns 2,910,746 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $33,343,000 after buying an additional 351,508 shares in the last quarter. Trexquant Investment LP bought a new stake in CoreCivic during the 3rd quarter worth $792,000. Jennison Associates LLC bought a new stake in CoreCivic during the 3rd quarter worth $1,052,000. FMR LLC grew its position in CoreCivic by 0.6% during the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 8,597,388 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $96,721,000 after acquiring an additional 53,395 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund bought a new stake in CoreCivic during the 3rd quarter worth $744,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.89% of the companys stock.

CoreCivic Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

CoreCivic, Inc owns and operates partnership correctional, detention, and residential reentry facilities in the United States. It operates through three segments: CoreCivic Safety, CoreCivic Community, and CoreCivic Properties. The company provides a range of solutions to government partners that serve the public good through corrections and detention management, a network of residential reentry centers to help address America's recidivism crisis, and government real estate solutions.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. The Turkic nations should develop a strategy of cooperation to preserve the Silk Road's cultural heritage, Chairman of Azerbaijan's State Tourism Agency Fuad Naghiyev said during an international conference themed "Study and Preservation of the Historical and Cultural Heritage of the Turkic World from the Perspective of UNESCO" at ADA University, Trend reports.

The Great Silk Road is a significant part of human history, particularly for the Turkic peoples, having existed for over 1.5 millennia. The Turkic states need to develop joint strategies to protect the cultural heritage of the Silk Road and stimulate the development of tourism, the official noted.

Naghiyev emphasized that in this regard, it's necessary to strengthen partnerships with international organizations such as UNESCO and the UN in the field of tourism, implement joint projects, and hold events dedicated to the history of the Silk Road.

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Neville Rodie & Shaw Inc. cut its stake in shares of Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR  Free Report) by 11.1% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 8,000 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 1,000 shares during the period. Neville Rodie & Shaw Inc.s holdings in Equity Residential were worth $489,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in EQR. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. lifted its position in Equity Residential by 39.3% in the third quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 234,022 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $13,739,000 after purchasing an additional 65,982 shares during the period. Banque Cantonale Vaudoise boosted its stake in shares of Equity Residential by 128.7% in the third quarter. Banque Cantonale Vaudoise now owns 11,372 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $668,000 after buying an additional 6,400 shares in the last quarter. Adage Capital Partners GP L.L.C. grew its holdings in Equity Residential by 12.5% during the third quarter. Adage Capital Partners GP L.L.C. now owns 743,250 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $43,636,000 after acquiring an additional 82,773 shares during the period. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund acquired a new position in shares of Equity Residential during the 2nd quarter worth $24,600,000. Finally, Acadian Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in Equity Residential during the third quarter worth about $83,000. 84.79% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Equity Residential Stock Performance

Equity Residential stock opened at $63.30 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 0.30, a quick ratio of 0.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $60.51 and a 200-day moving average of $59.65. The stock has a market cap of $24.03 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.77, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.70 and a beta of 0.84. Equity Residential has a 52 week low of $52.57 and a 52 week high of $69.45.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Equity Residential ( NYSE:EQR Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 30th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.82 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.00 by ($0.18). The company had revenue of $727.50 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $725.07 million. Equity Residential had a return on equity of 7.43% and a net margin of 29.07%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 4.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.94 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Equity Residential will post 3.8 EPS for the current fiscal year.

A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on EQR shares. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a buy rating and issued a $70.00 price target on shares of Equity Residential in a research report on Thursday, February 22nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft assumed coverage on Equity Residential in a report on Tuesday, January 30th. They issued a hold rating and a $64.00 price target for the company. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price target on shares of Equity Residential from $60.00 to $59.50 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, November 17th. Barclays lowered their price objective on Equity Residential from $69.00 to $67.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, February 20th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada increased their target price on Equity Residential from $65.00 to $66.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, February 1st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Equity Residential currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $65.68.

Check Out Our Latest Report on EQR

Insider Activity

In related news, CAO Ian Kaufman sold 716 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $57.80, for a total transaction of $41,384.80. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 23,949 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,384,252.20. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other Equity Residential news, COO Michael L. Manelis sold 1,639 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, February 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $59.43, for a total transaction of $97,405.77. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 31,053 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,845,479.79. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CAO Ian Kaufman sold 716 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $57.80, for a total transaction of $41,384.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 23,949 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,384,252.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 3,280 shares of company stock worth $192,335. 1.69% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

About Equity Residential

(Free Report)

Equity Residential is committed to creating communities where people thrive. The Company, a member of the S&P 500, is focused on the acquisition, development and management of residential properties located in and around dynamic cities that attract affluent long-term renters. Equity Residential owns or has investments in 305 properties consisting of 80,683 apartment units, with an established presence in Boston, New York, Washington, DC, Seattle, San Francisco and Southern California, and an expanding presence in Denver, Atlanta, Dallas/Ft.

Further Reading

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Appleton Partners Inc. MA decreased its holdings in Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT  Free Report) by 3.3% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 46,538 shares of the medical technology companys stock after selling 1,596 shares during the period. Appleton Partners Inc. MAs holdings in Medtronic were worth $3,834,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other large investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Missouri Trust & Investment Co raised its position in Medtronic by 209.0% in the 2nd quarter. Missouri Trust & Investment Co now owns 309 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 209 shares in the last quarter. Hartford Financial Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of Medtronic by 425.0% during the third quarter. Hartford Financial Management Inc. now owns 315 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 255 shares during the period. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. raised its holdings in Medtronic by 317.0% in the third quarter. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. now owns 367 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 279 shares in the last quarter. Fairfield Bush & CO. purchased a new position in Medtronic in the second quarter worth approximately $32,000. Finally, Certified Advisory Corp acquired a new position in Medtronic during the 1st quarter worth approximately $31,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 80.75% of the companys stock.

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Medtronic Stock Performance

Shares of MDT opened at $85.08 on Thursday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $85.69 and its 200-day simple moving average is $80.53. Medtronic plc has a 12-month low of $68.84 and a 12-month high of $92.02. The firm has a market cap of $112.96 billion, a PE ratio of 27.09, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.93 and a beta of 0.76. The company has a current ratio of 2.30, a quick ratio of 1.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46.

Medtronic Announces Dividend

Medtronic ( NYSE:MDT Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 20th. The medical technology company reported $1.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate 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 period last year, the firm posted $1.30 EPS. Medtronics revenue for the quarter was up 4.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts predict that Medtronic plc will post 5.2 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 12th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 22nd will be paid a dividend of $0.69 per share. This represents a $2.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.24%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 21st. Medtronics dividend payout ratio is presently 87.90%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, EVP Sean Salmon sold 30,695 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $85.13, for a total value of $2,613,065.35. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 48,289 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,110,842.57. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, EVP Brett A. Wall sold 4,997 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $82.17, for a total transaction of $410,603.49. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 28,910 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,375,534.70. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP Sean Salmon sold 30,695 shares of Medtronic stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $85.13, for a total value of $2,613,065.35. Following the completion of 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 owned by insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

MDT has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Truist Financial lifted their price objective on shares of Medtronic from $87.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 21st. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating and set a $92.00 price objective on shares of Medtronic in a research report on Wednesday, February 21st. Oppenheimer increased their price objective on Medtronic from $89.00 to $92.00 and gave the company a market perform rating 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 note on Wednesday, November 22nd. Finally, Mizuho increased their price target on shares of Medtronic from $95.00 to $98.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 21st. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Medtronic currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $94.91.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on MDT

Medtronic Profile

(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.

Further Reading

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Rempart Asset Management Inc. trimmed its holdings in shares of Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) by 0.4% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 401,117 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 1,775 shares during the quarter. Wells Fargo & Company accounts for about 4.1% of Rempart Asset Management Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 12th largest position. Rempart Asset Management Inc.s holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $19,743,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in WFC. Norges Bank purchased a new position in Wells Fargo & Company during the 4th quarter worth $2,049,693,000. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC lifted its position in Wells Fargo & Company by 129,312.1% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 26,287,479 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,085,410,000 after acquiring an additional 26,267,166 shares during the period. Capital International Investors lifted its position in Wells Fargo & Company by 69.1% during the 2nd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 61,833,769 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,638,987,000 after acquiring an additional 25,268,032 shares during the period. Renaissance Technologies LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 1,478.6% in the 1st quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 8,390,611 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $406,609,000 after buying an additional 7,859,100 shares during the period. Finally, Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board acquired a new position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company in the 1st quarter valued at about $345,861,000. 72.47% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a hold rating and issued a $51.00 price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a report on Tuesday, January 9th. Robert W. Baird reiterated a neutral rating and set a $55.00 price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research note on Monday, January 8th. Barclays boosted 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. Raymond James upped their price target on Wells Fargo & Company from $55.00 to $58.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 16th. Finally, Odeon Capital Group lowered Wells Fargo & Company from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $48.80 price target for the company. in a research report on Thursday, January 18th. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $51.43.

Wells Fargo & Company Stock Down 0.8 %

Shares of NYSE WFC traded down $0.44 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $57.38. The company had a trading volume of 4,920,633 shares, compared to its average volume of 18,943,459. The company has a market capitalization of $205.27 billion, a PE ratio of 12.00, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.18 and a beta of 1.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.24, a current ratio of 0.88 and a quick ratio of 0.88. Wells Fargo & Company has a 1-year low of $35.25 and a 1-year high of $58.44. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $51.24 and its 200 day simple moving average is $45.90.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 12th. The financial services provider reported $0.86 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.16 by ($0.30). The company had revenue of $20.48 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $20.30 billion. Wells Fargo & Company had a net margin of 16.60% and a return on equity of 12.40%. The firms revenue was up 2.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.67 earnings per share. On average, analysts predict that Wells Fargo & Company will post 4.72 earnings per share for the current year.

Wells Fargo & Company Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 2nd were paid a $0.35 dividend. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.44%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, February 1st. Wells Fargo & Companys payout ratio is currently 29.05%.

About Wells Fargo & Company

(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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Neville Rodie & Shaw Inc. reduced its position in The Toronto-Dominion Bank (NYSE:TD  Free Report) (TSE:TD) by 3.2% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 8,676 shares of the banks stock after selling 288 shares during the period. Neville Rodie & Shaw Inc.s holdings in Toronto-Dominion Bank were worth $561,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

A number of other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in Toronto-Dominion Bank by 1.8% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 72,384,265 shares of the banks stock worth $4,361,876,000 after purchasing an additional 1,303,730 shares during the period. Headinvest LLC purchased a new position in shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $129,000. Citigroup Inc. grew its stake in Toronto-Dominion Bank by 102.6% in the 3rd quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 940,077 shares of the banks stock valued at $56,898,000 after acquiring an additional 476,076 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. raised its position in Toronto-Dominion Bank by 18.9% during the third quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 223,904 shares of the banks stock worth $13,489,000 after acquiring an additional 35,532 shares during the period. Finally, Deutsche Bank AG lifted its holdings in Toronto-Dominion Bank by 2.3% during the third quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 7,594,720 shares of the banks stock valued at $457,658,000 after purchasing an additional 167,796 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 51.52% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

TD has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Scotiabank cut shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from a sector outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 20th. Bank of America cut Toronto-Dominion Bank from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, December 18th. CIBC cut Toronto-Dominion Bank from a sector outperform rating to a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, November 22nd. Jefferies Financial Group started coverage on shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank in a report on Thursday, February 22nd. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, December 4th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $89.33.

Toronto-Dominion Bank Price Performance

TD opened at $60.81 on Thursday. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $60.35 and its 200 day moving average price is $60.37. The Toronto-Dominion Bank has a 12-month low of $54.69 and a 12-month high of $66.15. The firm has a market cap of $107.81 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.99, a PEG ratio of 1.87 and a beta of 0.86. The company has a current ratio of 0.99, a quick ratio of 0.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09.

Toronto-Dominion Bank Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, April 30th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, April 9th will be paid a $0.7519 dividend. This is a positive change from Toronto-Dominion Banks previous quarterly dividend of $0.75. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, April 8th. This represents a $3.01 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.95%. Toronto-Dominion Banks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 45.73%.

Toronto-Dominion Bank Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Toronto-Dominion Bank, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial products and services in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, U.S. Retail, Wealth Management and Insurance, and Wholesale Banking.

Further Reading

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. Zangezur corridor must be opened, Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) Binali Yildirim told reporters, Trend reports.

"This is also reflected in the ceasefire agreement. After the resolution of the Karabakh conflict, Armenia has an opportunity to withdraw its country from the blockade. Armenia should amend its Constitution, abandon its aspirations for independence, and get rid of the Mount Agrydag symbol," Yldrm stressed.

To note, according to the trilateral statement signed on November 10, 2020, by agreement of the parties (Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Russia), the construction of new transport communications connecting the western regions of Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic should be ensured.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. During the last anti-terror operation, military ammunition including heavy weapons and armored vehicles, with a cost and worth close to 1 billion US dollars, was destroyed and taken as trophies. During the Second Karabakh War, military trophies and what was eliminated during the war had a cost was close to 5 billion US dollar, said President Ilham Aliyev as he addressed the opening ceremony of the 11th Global Baku Forum on Fixing the Fractured World in Baku, Trend reports.

The question is: Where did Armenia get all that money? Of course, it's clear that all the weapons they were using against us were given to them free of charge, the head of state underscored.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. Now, when Karabakh issue is closed, we are very close to peace, said President Ilham Aliyev as he addressed the opening ceremony of the 11th Global Baku Forum on Fixing the Fractured World in Baku, Trend reports.

And Azerbaijan is ready to continue the peace process. Meetings at the level of the foreign ministers of both countries have now resumed, and we think that peace is reachable. That is what we want. We restored historical justice and international law. And now it's time to put an end to hostility in the region, the head of the state underlined.
The sale has already begun and is ending at midnight tomorrow, so you better strap into some planning and hope everyone can really pull together to get this trip in the air.
You can get one for your next smoko by heading to their website and giving them a phone call. It works just like filling up your car with gas at a prepay tank: You scan your EFTPOS card first, then the doors open and you take as many pies as you want. The machine knows how many pies you take, and charges you accordingly.
Village attacked

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IMPHAL, Mar 14 : After a gap of some days, Kuki militants attacked a Meitei village under Sugnu police station this night.

Tangjeng Khunou under Sugnu police station was attacked using bombs and sophisticated guns from Leisan Kuki village.

There is no report of any injury among the Meetei villagers.

The security personnel deployed in the area and the village volunteers also didn't retaliate.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. Talking about international reaction, unfortunately, I have to mention the position of one country, which is absolutely in contradiction with the international community, and this is France, said President Ilham Aliyev as he addressed the opening ceremony of the 11th Global Baku Forum on Fixing the Fractured World in Baku, Trend reports.

I regret it very much because relations between Azerbaijan and France since the beginning of the 1990s developed in a positive direction. But the reaction of the French government to the Second Karabakh War and the anti-terror operation was absolutely inadequate.

There were attempts to bring this issue to the Security Council of the United Nations and to impose sanctions on Azerbaijan. There was an act of vandalism in France, in the city of Evian, which used to be a sister city to one of the cities of Azerbaijan, and the monument of Azerbaijani poetess Natavan was vandalized, President of Azerbaijan underscored.
Stress, anxiety and depresion among adolescents due to the ethnic clash in Manipur

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Vidula Abhyankar (under the guidance of Dr Sumaila Parveen, Prof Dept of Psychology, LPU)

INTRODUCTION

Everyone experiences stress to some degree. The way we respond to stress, however, makes a big difference to our overall well-being. Stress can be defined as a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives. Typically, the bad stress, also known as Distress has the potential to do more damage to a persons mental and physical well-being. According to a qualitative study on perceptions of stress, stressors and coping mechanisms among urban adolescents in India conducted by Dr GV Krishnaveni and others in 2021 for National Institute of Health India, adolescents in India are exposed to a wide range of stressors in their daily lives.

Anxiety disorders are characterized by unrealistic or irrational fears that cause significant distress or impairments in functioning. (Butcher, Hooley, Mineka, 2019) According to Bernstein, in a study of 988 adolescents, female gender, somatic complaints, history of physical and sexual abuse, poor grades, use of street drugs, and family history related to depression were among factors that differentiated adolescents reporting high anxiety from those reporting low anxiety. (Bernstein, et al.,1989)

Depression is the common cold of mental disorders; most people will be affected by depression in their lives either directly or indirectly, through a friend or a family member. The incidence of depression rises sharply during adolescence-a period of great turmoil for many people. Approximately 15-20% adolescents experience major depressive disorder at some point. (Avenevoli et al. 2008, Lewinsohn & Essau 2002)

According to the World Health Organisation, Depressive disorder (also known as depression) is a common mental disorder. It involves a depressed mood or loss of pleasure or interest in activities for long periods of time. Depression is different from regular mood changes and feelings about everyday life. It can affect all aspects of life, including relationships with family, friends and community. It can result from or lead to problems at school and at work. Depression can happen to anyone. People who have lived through abuse, severe losses or other stressful events are more likely to develop depression. Women are more likely to have depression than men.

Adolescence represents an important time for building identity, setting clearer goals, and planning for the future (Johnson et al., 2014). Rapid changes and growth in adolescence make them sensitive to heightened stress within the family, interpersonal relationships, socio-economic status, and education (Steinberg, 2014). Adolescents go through physical, biological, social, and intellectual transformation, and adjustments must be dealt with concurrently. Experiencing Stressful Life Events and being at risk of violence at this stage in their lives can disrupt this transition, affect adaptive capabilities, and make their adjustment burdensome, leading to adverse health outcomes (McMahon et al., 2020).

Experiences of traumatic stress are prominent in adolescence and can have deleterious effects on healthy development and psychosocial wellbeing (Ponnamperuma& Nicolson, 2018). In adolescence, social relations are vital and can thus have a protective role against the harmful effects of such events (Washington et al., 2017). Studies have shown that there may not be a direct association between experience of hardship, stress, and mental health, but the link is modified by different factors (Huang et al., 2021; LeMoult et al., 2019).

Demography of Manipur

Historically, the Meitei dynasty ruled the independent kingdom of Manipur. The region has been prone to ethnic violence for decades, ever since the king of Manipur, Bodh Chandra, signed an accord with the Government of India to become a part of the newly independent Nation of India in 1949. After Manipur formally joined India, it became a Union Territory in 1956 and finally a full State, with Governors, in 1972. The traditional conflict was between the Naga and Kuki tribes, but the recent violence has been between the Meiteis and Kukis.

The cultural distance widened with almost all the tribes coming under the Christian fold by the 1930s (Ministry of Development of North East Region ARC- 7th Report, Chapter 12). Further the conflict widened between Meiteis and Kukis caused by the influx of immigrants from Myanmar following the assimilation of Manipur into India. The States population rapidly increased with the arrival of new residents from Myanmar, with the demographic shifts leading to structural changes in land holdings and jobs.

Ethnic clashes in the past: There is considerable tension among the tribes over land and boundaries and violence between Nagas and Kukis took a toll of more than 2000 lives during the 1990s. In the southern parts of the State Hmars, Paites and other tribes have been waging violent struggles partly for local hegemony and partly for their own enclave in the form of a Union Territory called Zomiland.

Recent Meitei-Kuki ethnic clash from 03 May 2023 till date as a stressor for Adolescents : All the tribes in hills have got Scheduled Tribe Status, while Meiteis are in General Category, hence the Meitei groups also have been demanding ST status for last 15 years. According to the affidavit submitted by Union Home Secretary in the Supreme Court, large-scale violence broke out in the State of Manipur on 03.05.2023 after a Tribal Solidarity March undertaken by All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM) in opposition to the demand for inclusion of the Meitei community in the list of Scheduled Tribes. Thereafter large-scale violence broke out in the State of Manipur, and due to the violence, many residents of Manipur lost their lives and several others got seriously injured, their houses and properties were burnt down due to arson and many of them were rendered homeless. Moreover, incidents of violence and heinous crimes against women have come to light.

The intensity of violence rose ten folds in the months that followed as both communities started their own systems of armed village defence volunteers who started guarding each village boundaries. Since all schools and colleges were closed with immediate effect, adolescents were engaged in acting as village defence volunteers to keep vigil at respective village borders. Many adolescents had to flee with their families in search of safer places to stay.

Due to the mass exodus that followed many of these innocent people found themselves being thrown out of their houses, their valuables looted, their houses/shops burnt down and destroyed using heavy equipment such as Bulldozers, Cranes and Earth Movers overnight without any provocation. The displaced families were gradually moved to various Government schools/Sports stadiums which were converted into transit Relief Camps.

NEED FOR THE STUDY

Previous studies on mental health of adolescents in India concentrate on onset of stress, anxiety and depression due to academic stress (Jayanthi, et. al., 2015) or stress caused due to natural calamities such as earthquakes (R Mondal, S Sarkar, et. al.,2013), cyclones and so on. There is not much literature published on the effects of armed conflicts, ethnic clashes, or riots on adolescents in terms of onset of Stress, Anxiety and Depression. Further, there is not much published literature on Anxiety, Depression and Stress among adolescents of Manipur as the ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities are unprecedented and still ongoing in the State. There is a need to study the impact of traumatic experiences that these adolescents have undergone during the ongoing ethnic clashes and understand whether there is a prevalence of symptoms related to Anxiety, Depression and Stress in them. Also, there is a need to understand other factors associated with the traumatic experiences such as gender and its influence, if any, on the mental status of the adolescents. It will be worthwhile to understand if there is any correlation between Stress, Anxiety and Depression experienced by the adolescents displaced or living in affected areas of Manipur.

(To be contd)


Since its inception through Karl Marx in 1843 in the Contribution to the Critique of Hegels Philosophy of the Right, the debate over whether religion is the opium of the masses has been raging across the globe for a very long time, and the fume shows no signs of waning till date. Marx was of the view that religion was not only used by those in power to oppress the workers, but it also made them feel better about being oppressed when they couldnt afford real opium. The most uncompromising critic of religion in modern times firmly believed that religion provided a Page 5 illusory escape from the troubles of the real world.

The newly launched book, Is Religion Opium of the Masses? (A Brief History of the Evolution of Religion) by Sankar Prasad Mitra is a scholarly and encyclopaedic addition to this unending debate. At the launch of the book at Oxford Bookstore, all the speakers, while not subscribing fully to the Marxian view, did highlight how religion has been used by some people for centuries and in most countries to divide and oppress others, blissfully forgetting the unifying role of religion propagated since antiquity by countless sages, monks, religious preachers, philosophers, intellectuals, and social reformers. Mitra does not boast of being a specialist in this field, as his field of study has been civil engineering and his profession is in a related field, but the cosmopolitan ambience in which his childhood was nurtured has gone a long way in inculcating in him a love and passion for the beneficial side of religion and respect for all faiths and beliefs in communities all over the world. Significantly, the book has been dedicated to millions of people who have suffered from the days of the Hunter-Gatherer and are still suffering simply because some people have been of the view that their Almighty is superior to the gods of others. The author rues the fact that religion has been the most commonly used tool for persecution and exploitation down the ages, and religious sentiment among people has been often misused for the purpose of creating social and communal strife with battle cries like Jihad, Dharma Yuddhya and Crusade.

As direct inspiration behind the writing of the present book, the author cites a few factors: his passion for history since childhood; his long stay in Mumbai, which helped him get familiar with the culture, customs, and religious practices of many communities; his extensive travels in many countries; and his visits to a great number of museums, libraries, and bookshops around the world. In addition to these, he also attended many seminars and conferences relating to religion and history and got to interact with many people, which helped suffuse him with an extensive worldview and the historiography of many religions and cultures. Starting from how and why the religions of the different communities evolved through the ages, the writer goes on to show in the subsequent chapters the close link between the evolution of mankind and the progress of civilisation with that of religions in the different parts of the world. In the process, he dwells on a host of issues like the origin of ancient deities, Mother Goddess, the cult of the phallus, Father God, and countless other deities and rituals; the commencement of great civilisations and organised religions; the arrival of priests and demi-gods; the contributions of religions to the progress of civilisation and in bringing peace and stability to society; conflicts among believers of different religions; and, finally, Marxs view on religion. Browsing through the pages, one gets to know encyclopaedic knowledge about the different courses of history across the world and across ages while embarking on a quest for the origin and development of religion from its embryonic stage.

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Mitra strongly pushes for the point that ancient deities were conceived from the need for safety, security, and survival, along with gratitude, reverence, or awe. But, he argues, religions were born from other needs. When a number of people started living together in a group, for the sake of maintaining peace and harmony in the group, some common codes were introduced, whose violation would result in the disintegration of that group. Over a period of time, such codes turned into religion. It is true that all major religions of today have gifted humanity with lofty philosophies and subtle thought processes preached and practised by saints, prophets, and religious gurus of all communities and enshrined in books like the Torah, Zenda Avesta, the Vedas, the Upanishads, Tripitaka, the Bible, the Quran, etc. But, the author feels, the vast masses in ancient times did not bother with or understand spirituality in religion; it was there to be pondered over or imbibed by the educated or enlightened few. In the past and even at present, people in general worship gods and goddesses for making their lives safe and secure and to avoid the fury of unnatural or unknown forces. However, the existential need for finding and worshipping deities, common codes, and spirituality all got mixed up over time, and todays religions are a combination of all these phenomena that have evolved down the ages since the arrival of man on earth. It is not merely by presenting dry facts and unrelenting analysis and logic that the author tries to buttress his point, but a great number of interesting and amazing facts and anecdotes are introduced to make the narrative readable. While discussing, for example, animal worship, the writer mentions that the gods of Egypt had human bodies with animal heads; the mother goddesses of Mesopotamia had animal companions; the symbols of zodiac signs are animals; and Hindus worship Hanuman and Naga with full reverence. As per Greek historians, during Alexanders invasion of India, many tribes in Punjab used to carry serpent totems on battlefields.

Although the main force behind the emergence of religions in the early stages was safety and survival issues, the concept of spirituality has become an integral part of all religions in todays world. Moreover, with the passage of time, necessary reforms have been introduced in many religions to cope with the changing scenario and challenges of society. The disintegration of religions would have taken place had they not been protected by their inherent strength to face reforms or change. Religion has survived because it has not merely been opium or a tool of oppression, as Marx argued. On the contrary, all major religions in the world have greatly contributed through their uplifting ethical and spiritual contents, cherished and propagated in religious tomes and by religious preachers and reformers. Since ancient times, religion has been an inspiration for all great cultures, works of art, and branches of human knowledge and understanding like literature, painting, music, sculpture, mathematics, philosophy, engineering, and what not. Devotion to God has led to the emergence of great architectural works like the amazing temples of Madurai and Angkor Wat, mosques at Mecca, churches at the Vatican or Seville, and many Buddhist monasteries in the most inaccessible locations. But the spread of education, new socio-economic structures, rationalism, economic freedom, and the fundamental rights of individuals in todays world have contributed greatly to the decline in the influence of religions in the affairs and activities of man and society in a positive way. The writer points out that religious fundamentalism is on the rise in many parts of the world, largely because of the lack of education and poor job opportunities in those areas. Such unfortunate trends do not augur well for any society, and they are undoing the benevolent legacy of religion around the world. Not fully willing to buy Marxs logic, the author in the concluding pages does not, however, feel hesitant to state that with rapid technological developments, the collapse of old social order, speed of travel, the cosmopolitan nature of educational institutions and workplaces, and the growing assertion of individual choice and voice, religion will gradually lose its relevance, especially among educated classes.

Religious passion is bound to lose its steam in todays world, at least in its external form, where a Peruvian Christian husband and his Korean Buddhist wife see their child tying the knot with one whose parents are an Arab Muslim and a Canadian Jew. But the author does not forget to juxtapose the fact that out of 7.79 billion people in todays world, the total number of followers of the four major religions is around 5.9 billion. Many of these people may be mildly religious or even atheist, but the number of staunch supporters is overwhelming, and a society without religion is unimaginable and unforgivable. The writer believes that rapid changes in all fields will surely affect the way religion has influenced human life and activities, but his statistics hint at a different story. In the vortex of such confusion, the answer to Marxs opinion remains as elusive as ever.
Reliance Industries has signed an agreement to acquire 13.01 per cent equity stake of Viacom 18 Media Private Limited (Viacom18) held by Paramount Global through its two subsidiaries for an aggregate consideration of Rs 4,286 crore.

Viacom18 is a material subsidiary of TV18 Broadcast Limited. Reliance Industries currently holds Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares of Viacom18 representing 57.48 per cent equity stake (on a fully diluted basis).

Post the completion of this transaction, Reliance Industries equity stake in Viacom18 will increase to 70.49 per cent (on a fully diluted basis). The acquisition is not a related party transaction and none of the companys promoter/promoter group/group companies have any interest in the acquisition, Reliance Industries said in a filing.

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On February 28, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), Viacom 18 Media Private Limited (Viacom18) and The Walt Disney Company (Disney) announced the signing of binding definitive agreements to form a joint venture (JV) that will combine the businesses of Viacom18 and Star India.

As part of the transaction, the media undertaking of Viacom18 will be merged into Star India Private Limited (SIPL) through a court approved scheme of arrangement. In addition, RIL has agreed to invest at closing Rs 11,500 crore ($ 1.4 billion) into the JV for its growth strategy.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) demonstrates a biased position towards Azerbaijan, said Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmet Hajiyev during the first panel session of the XI Global Baku Forum on Fixing the Fractured World in Baku, Trend reports.

He noted that PACE encourages Islamophobia.

"Azerbaijan is working to build a stable region," Hajiyev emphasized.

The XI Global Baku Forum is attended by representatives of many countries and prestigious international organizations, with more than 350 guests from more than 70 countries.

The forum, which will run by March 16, will participate in global discussions about the outcomes of COP28 and the preparation for COP29. It will discuss causes endangering the evolving world order, including security concerns and peace possibilities, as well as initiatives to promote stability in a tumultuous global landscape and the consequences. Additionally, it will investigate solutions to handle impending issues, tackle critical conflicts and megathreats, and cover climate, food, and nuclear security concerns.

Moreover, discussions will encompass the role of military and economic alliances in global governance, regional viewpoints, relationships with the EU and neighboring states, youth policies, strategies for enhancing resilience against global challenges, and addressing issues of inequality, natural resource scarcity, and migration dynamics. Additionally, the forum will delve into the emergence of new security paradigms in the era of artificial intelligence, drones, and cyberweapons.

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Amid the intensifying crisis after the Reserve Bank of Indias curb, Paytm confirmed that its services as a payment option remain active and fully operational.

In light of recent inquiries and speculations concerning Paytms availability as a payment method on service providers including Uber, Swiggy, Zomato and other platforms, Paytm has come forward to address and clarify the situation for its users and stakeholders.

The notion that Uber or any service provider is discontinuing Paytm as a payment option is incorrect, stated a Paytm spokesperson.

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Our payment gateway continues to process transactions for Uber as well as other service providers as a key payment aggregator, and we proudly maintain our status as a preferred payment partner. Additionally, users have the option to use Paytm UPI for their transactions.

In addition to reaffirming its role with service providers, Paytm clarified that, The RBI directive pertains to Paytm Payments Bank. Nevertheless, the Paytm Payments Bank wallet remains an available payment method for digital services, allowing users to use their existing balance, though they will not be able to add funds or receive credits (outside of cashback or refunds) after March 15.

The company also addressed concerns related to the use of Paytm across other popular applications.

Our engagement with all service providers remains unchanged. Users can continue to use their Paytm Payments Bank wallet across popular apps, provided the wallet balance covers the transaction. If the balance is insufficient, users have until March 15th to top up their wallets according to recent regulatory directives. Direct loading from some external merchants is being adjusted, ensuring transactions can still be completed with a sufficient wallet balance, the Fintech company said in a statement.

Paytm was committed to ensuring that its users across the country continue to enjoy the convenience and reliability of its services, irrespective of the evolving regulatory environment, it said.

The companys efforts to comply with the RBIs directives while minimising impact on user experience underscore its dedication to customer satisfaction and regulatory adherence, the company stressed.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday reiterated that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will not be implemented in Kerala

Terming the CAA as anti-constitution and an enactment that makes Muslims second class citizens, Pinarayi Vijayan said it poses a challenge to the idea of India and that the contentious legislation grants legal validity to religious discrimination.

Addressing the media in Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayan said he wont bend his knees and remain silent in the face of central action. Congress has been criminally silent on the citizenship issue. What is the national position of the Congress against the CAA? Did Rahul Gandhi, who is doing Nyay Yatra, not know about this, he asked.

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He said Kerala is ready to legally oppose CAA and take further action.LDF government approached the Supreme Court to confirm that Kerala would not implement the Citizenship Amendment Act. Kerala is the first state to move a plea against CAA in the Supreme Court. The state will initiate further legal action soon, said CM Vijayan.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Thursday, reached Ayodhya on a one-day visit and worshipped at Ram Mandir and Hanumangarhi, wishing for the welfare, happiness, and prosperity of the country and the people of the state.

Upon his arrival in Ayodhya, the Chief Minister proceeded directly from Saket College helipad to Hanumangarhi, where he performed the aarti of Lord Hanuman.

Notably, during his visit, the Chief Minister took a moment to inquire about the well-being of the head priest.

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Following his worship at Hanumangarhi, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath proceeded to offer prayers to Ram Lalla. He also engaged with officials on the temple premises and sought information about the arrangements in place.

Notably, this visit marked the Chief Ministers first appearance in Ayodhya for the month of March. Previously, after the consecration on January 22, he assessed the arrangements on January 23, and later joined the cabinet for darshan and worship on February 11.
Continuing his attack on the BJP- led union government over CAA implementation, Delhi Chief MInister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday accused the Centre of not being able to provide sufficient employment to the youth, further questioning as to from where will the government create jobs for the influx of people from the neighbouring countries.

In a reaction to Home Minister Amit Shahs comments against him, Kejriwal said, Country is more important, Home Minister has called me corrupt, criticised me, but he did not answer any of the questions raised by me.

During his video address, he further said,All the governments in our country have been unable to provide employment to our youth, then from where will they get homes and employment for people of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan?

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Earlier today, on Kejriwals statement yesterday that giving citizenship to refugees will increase thefts and rapes, the Union Home Minister said, The Delhi CM has lost his calm (aapa kho baithe hain) after his corruption was exposedHe is doing vote bank politics. Shah said he does not know that all these people have already come and were living in India. If he is so concerned, then why doesnt he talk about Bangladeshi infiltrators or oppose the Rohingyas? He is doing vote bank politics He has forgotten the background of partition and should meet the refugee families, he has pointed out.

Kejriwal further took a dig at the Centre saying, ration cards were falling short in Delhi. On one hand, the central government has not allowed to issue fresh cards, but on the other, wants to give ration cards to Pakistanis, he added.

Migration that will take place after implementation of CAA, will be bigger than migration that took place during Independence, he claimed, alleging that the central government was making it legal for illegal immigrants to enter India by bringing the CAA.

Kejriwal further alleged that Rohingyas came here after formation of BJP government at Centre in 2014, further raising questions as to what could have been the reason behind them entering India, is it because of governments failure or, did they come with the connivance of government.

He also raised doubts over women and the countrys safety and security in this connection.

He reiterated that the government must bring back those 11 lakh industrialists and businessmen who left India, claiming they will bring new factories and provide employment.

Referring to the notification of the CAA rules by the Centre on Monday, Kejriwal addressed a press conference on Wednesday to explain how the CAA was a very dangerous law for the country and it should be withdrawn.

This morning, Home Minister Amit Shah issued a statement on the press conference I held yesterday. To answer the same, I am addressing you today. I heard the statement from the honourable Home Minister. In his entire statement he did not answer even a single question that I had raised yesterday. He has only abused me, Kejriwal is corrupt Leave me, I am not important. The country is important, 140 crore people of the country are important and let us talk about them, the AAP chief said.

Today, the BJP is saying that the act will be applicable only on people who entered India before 2014, but it will eventually be extended to 2019 and then 2024, because the intruders are entering India on a regular basis, the Delhi CM claimed.

Meanwhile, he shared a post on the X in response to the protest by immigrants from Pakistan outside his house today and expressed, Pakistanis are allowed to protest outside my house with full police protection and respect, and farmers of this country are not even allowed to come to Delhi? Tear gas shells, sticks, rods, and bullets on Indian farmers? And so much respect for Pakistanis?

The government fund is made up of our money, it is the money of 140 crore people of India, it is our tax money. We, the people of India, have paid the taxes, not the people of Pakistan or Bangladesh. You (BJP) cannot spend that hard earned money on settling the people of Pakistan and Bangladesh in India, the AAP chief added.
Listing out the achievements of the double-engine government in the state, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Samajwadi Party during his visit to Ambedkar Nagar. The Chief Minister said that the leaders in the previous governments nurtured mafias to make a fast buck.

The Chief Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 4,977 development projects worth Rs 2,122 crore at the Civil Line Ground, Ambedkar Nagar. Enumerating the development works of the double-engine government, the Chief Minister said, Before 2017, mafias used to capture land in Ambedkar Nagar, but today no mafia can seize land or harass girls because they know that Yamraj (God of Death) has laid a trap for them at the next intersection.

CM Yogi was supported vociferously by the people on the actions taken by his government against the dreaded mafias and gangsters in the state. Stressing the role of the double-engine government in curing mafias in UP, the CM asserted that his government would never tolerate anyone depriving the poor and the underprivileged of their right to live.

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Additionally, the CM inspected the exhibition organised at the event venue. He inaugurated two private industrial development projects here. He also conducted a feeding programme for children and talked to some of them about their education. He honored beneficiaries of various schemes, including investors, in Ambedkar Nagar.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the construction of the Ram Temple was unimaginable in Ayodhya during the tenure of the Samajwadi Party government. He added: These people wanted to change the name of your district as well. They even rechristened Kannauj Medical College, which was named after Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar. We have decided to restore its original name. Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar was the architect of the Constitution and there could be no compromise on the name of the college.

The Samajwadi Party is anti-Dalit. This is the same party that caused the Guest House scandal and called for the removal of memorials built in the name of great Dalit leaders, but the double-engine government built Panch Teerth in the name of Baba Saheb. Our government has provided housing to 4 crore people. We provided houses for both the poor and devotees and also got the Ram Temple built in Ayodhya, Yogi added.

The CM further said that people here are the beneficiaries of housing, tablets, appointment letters, and other development schemes, among others. Had there been no double-engine government in the state, 56 lakh poor people in UP would not have been able to get houses, he asserted.

The Samajwadi Party failed to provide these benefits due to the ongoing tussle between chacha and bhatija, the Chief Minister remarked. He said that as soon as they would get elected, the familys extortion business would resume and people would again be deprived of the benefits of public welfare schemes. Today, every needy person is getting the benefits of poor welfare schemes without any discrimination.

The CM remarked that when the government prioritises public welfare, initiatives like these materialise with ease. Conversely, when individuals in power solely concentrate on their family interests rather than the publics, corruption taints welfare schemes aimed at the impoverished. He pointed out that prior to 2014 nationwide, and before 2017 in Uttar Pradesh specifically, the government neglected the needs of the poor, focusing solely on personal and familial gains. Modi ji emphasises that the 1.4 billion people of India are my family. The public is my family; we are committed to ensuring their security and prosperity, Yogi said.

The CM said that certificates were issued to two entrepreneurs of Ambedkar Nagar for setting up industries. Ambedkar Nagar received investment proposals worth over Rs 6,000 crore. This means that direct and indirect employment will be available to 10,000 people here. The amount of development work done has never happened before.

The central and the state governments have been working together for the past ten and seven years, respectively. This has resulted in a continuous flow of investment in the state, which, in turn, has ensured overall development, employment opportunities, and providing benefits of welfare schemes to the poor. Our endeavour is focused on enhancing the pace of development manifold, the CM added.

Describing Ambedkar Nagar as a neighboring district, the CM said that the Gorakhpur Link Expressway is passing through Ambedkar Nagar. As a developed UP is necessary for a developed India, a developed Ambedkar Nagar is necessary for a developed UP, and the double-engine government is necessary for a developed Ambedkar Nagar. Goddess Lakshmi always sits on the lotus. Her blessings are necessary for the Modi government, Yogi remarked.

The CM further informed that the foundation stone of a Nursing College has also been laid in the Ambedkar Nagar Medical College. This will provide facilities for further education to girls in courses like BSc and MSc Nursing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin his campaign in the two Telugu states with a roadshow tomorrow in the Malkajgiri Lok Sabha constituency adjacent to Hyderabad while campaigning for BJP candidate Etela Rajender.

On 16 March, the prime minister will address a public rally at Nagarkurnool and on 18 March, he is slated to hold another rally at Jagtial. This is Modis second visit to Telangana in a month. The BJP has declared candidates for all but two of the Lok Sabha seats in the state.

On 17 March, the prime minister will hold the first rally in Andhra Pradesh for the NDA after TDP rejoined the alliance. The public rally will be held at Boppudi village in Chilakaluripet.

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For the first time after a decade, the prime minister will share the dais with TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu and JSP leader Pawan Kalyan. The leaders will send out a message to the voters as there are concerns about vote transfer on the ground.
The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) has reportedly issued notices to firms and establishments which were involved in financial transactions with the firm EXalogic Solutions,owned by Kerala Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayans daughter Veena Vijayan.

The notices were issued under section 217(2) of Companies Act, based on the inspections conducted on the bank accounts of Exalogic Solutions.

The SFIO has asked these companies to produce all the documents related to the transactions made by them with the Exalogic Solutions at the SFIO office at Chennai by March 15. It is learnt around 12 companies have received notice from the SFIO in Kerala alone

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The SFIO has asked these companies/institutions to produce the copies of contracts, work order and invoice related to products or services provided by the Exalogic Solutions.

The SFIO has reportedly found that more than 10 firms had done substantial translations with the Exalogic Solutions during 2016-17.

The Income Tax Interim Settlement Board (ITISB) has earlier found that the Cochin based Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd,(CMRL) has paid 1.72.crore to Kerala CMS daughter Veena Vijayans firm EXalogic Solutions without providing any service to them.
Ankita Lokhande, the versatile actress known for her compelling portrayals, is gearing up to embody the character of Yamunabai in the upcoming film Swatantrya Veer Savarkar. In a recent interview with ANI, she shared insights into her role and what drew her to it.

Describing Yamunabai, Lokhande emphasized her as a quintessential representation of Indian womanhood. She highlighted Yamunabais resilience and unwavering support for her husband, even during his incarceration in the infamous Kala Pani. Through Yamunabais character, Lokhande aims to shed light on the strength and determination inherent in every Indian housewife, especially during times of adversity.

Delving into her preparation for the role, Lokhande expressed her admiration for Yamunabais often overlooked contributions to Indias struggle for independence. She emphasized the importance of portraying such unsung heroes with authenticity and respect, acknowledging the weight of responsibility that comes with it.

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Lokhande also shared her experience working alongside Randeep Hooda, who plays the titular role of Veer Savarkar. She praised Hoodas meticulous approach to character portrayal, which greatly aided her own performance.

When asked about her decision to take on the role, Lokhande credited her friend Sandeep Singh, the films producer, for introducing her to the project. Recognizing her strength in portraying strong, women-centric characters, Lokhande felt compelled to embrace the opportunity to depict Yamunabais story on screen.

Directed by Randeep Hooda himself, Swatantrya Veer Savarkar promises to be more than just a biopic. It aims to offer a daring retelling of Indias armed revolution for independence, with a focus on pivotal figures like Veer Savarkar and their contributions to the freedom struggle.

The films trailer, with its powerful imagery and impactful narration, sets the tone for an epic cinematic journey. It teases the audience with glimpses of historic meetings between influential leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Veer Savarkar, while hinting at the political intrigue of the era.

Produced by Zee Studios, Anand Pandit, Sandeep Singh, Randeep Hooda, and Yogesh Rahar, Swatantrya Veer Savarkar boasts a talented cast including Randeep Hooda, Ankita Lokhande, and Amit Sial. Scheduled for release on March 22nd, 2024, in both Hindi and Marathi, the film is poised to make a significant impact on Indian cinema.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday declared that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will not be enforced in the state and questioned the silence of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the issue.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi have not yet reacted to the implementation of CAA.

The Kerala CM further asserted that the state will not bow down and neither it will remain silent over the issue of CAA.

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He stated that CAA is a threat to the idea of India and validates religious discrimination.

His remarks holds significance as they come after Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that states have no choice but implement CAA since citizenship is a Centres subject.

Earlier on Monday, the central government had notified the rules for the implementation of CAA more than four years after it was passed by the Parliament in December 2019.

The law seeks to grant Indian citizenship to persecuted Hindus, Sikhs, Parsis, Jains, Buddhists and Christians  but not Muslims  who migrated to India before December 31, 2014.

The Opposition parties have accused the Modi government of giving religious angle to the citizenship.

Reacting to its implementation, the Congress party had said that the government wants to make it a Hindu-Muslim issue.

Shashi Tharoor, the Congress MP from Keralas Thiruvananthapuram, Tuesday said that if INDIA blocs government comes to power it withdraw the provision.

Tharoor said he would have welcomed the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) if Muslims were not excluded from seeking citizenship under the law.

I must say, if the INDIA alliance and the Congress party come to power, we will withdraw this provision of the law beyond any shadow of a doubt. Its going to be in our manifesto. We will not support introducing religion into our citizenship and into our nations life, Tharoor said, the Congress leader said.
The Chhattisgarh Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, has successfully completed three months in office on March 13.

In celebration of this achievement, Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh, along with cabinet ministers, officials, and citizens from across the state, conveyed their good wishes and congratulations to Chief Minister Sai at his residence.

Embracing the spirit of fellowship, Chief Minister Sai received the well-wishes of the people and emphasised the importance of their continued support for the states development.

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A diverse array of individuals, including Education Minister Brijmohan Agrawal, Industry Minister Lakhanlal Dewangan, Finance Minister O P Choudhary, Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma, as well as BJP MLAs and public representatives gathered at the Chief Ministers residence in Raipur to extend their congratulations.

Citizens from various corners of the state also joined in expressing their appreciation for the Chief Ministers efforts towards the welfare of the people.

BJP leader Anurag Agrawal stated that within a period of mere three months, the Vishnu Deo Sai government has made significant strides in fulfilling its promises, with many already realised under PM Narendra Modis guarantee, while others are set to be fulfilled in the near future.

Notable accomplishments include the sanctioning of 18 lakh houses for impoverished families under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and the disbursal of Rs 655 crore as the first installment to eligible women under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana.

The state government has allocated Rs 13,320 crore to 24.72 lakh farmers under the Krishak Unnati Yojana, coupled with a pending bonus for paddy procurement amounting to Rs 3716 crore. The Sai government has paid Rs 31,914 crore to 24.72 lakh farmers in lieu of procuring 145 lakh metric tonnes of paddy at the support price. Farmers are receiving a support price of Rs 3100 per quintal for paddy, which is the highest in the country, and for up to 21 quintals per acre.

The state government has made several significant decisions, including increasing the collection rate of tendupatta from Rs. 4000 to Rs 5500 per standard bag.

The budget for the financial year 202425 is dedicated to the development, prosperity, and well-being of Chhattisgarh.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. The UN should solve issues peacefully, but it does not, chairman of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly and member of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center Volkan Bozkir said during the first-panel session on "Fixing the Fractured World" within the framework of the XI Global Baku Forum, Trend reports.

He stated that a reevaluation of the UN's role is imperative.

"We must understand what has caused the world to break apart. The UN's institutions are working hard, but we want the organization to step in and resolve political issues. Already, the UN is operating in secrecy. Important matters are not considered by this organization. The issues of the XX century must be moved to the XXII century.

The lands of Azerbaijan were occupied by Armenia. Azerbaijan liberated them militarily because there was no chance for peace negotiations. Unless international institutions try to solve the problem peacefully and take responsibility, each country will solve its own problems.

Armenia is now receiving support from France. Is France attempting to assist her? No. While thinking exclusively about its domestic policy, it is taking steps to use this factor in the election," Bozkir added.

To note, Baku is hosting the XI Global Baku Forum organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC).

The event is attended by about 400 world-renowned professionals, as well as former and current world leaders, ministers, and Nobel Prize winners.

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Farmers from several parts of the country, mainly from Punjab, on Thursday gathered in large numbers at the iconic Ramlila Maidan in Delhi for the Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat organised by the farmer unions to push their demands and to protest against those government policies they feel are not in their favour.

They pledged to continue with their protest till their demands are met.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha, (SKM), which gave the call for the Mahapanchayat, urged the farmers to convert the ongoing farmers and workers struggle into a big peoples movement to protect their livelihood from corporate.

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Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait, who was also present on the occasion, told reporters that the meeting of the farmer unions has sent a message to the government that the farmers are united, and their issues must be resolved through talks, and this agitation is not going to end till then.

An appeal was also made by the farmer unions with a call given by the Mahapanchayat to observe March 23, 2024, as Save Democracy against the alleged anti-people policies of the Central government across all villages across the country.

The farmer unions have also been camping at the Haryana-Punjabs Shambhu and Khanauri borders since February 13, with their primary demand of a legal guarantee of MSP.

The initial call was given by the two farmer unions to head towards Delhi Delhi Chalo, while the farmers were stopped from moving ahead before they could enter Haryana.

The Central government, so far, held four rounds of talks with the farmer leaders, but they did not reach any conclusion, despite Centre assuring a guaranteed purchase of five crops at MSP, if the farmer starts to cultivate crops other than wheat and paddy.

The government also proposed another round of talks. However, they are yet to take place.

Meanwhile, Delhi witnessed traffic snarls around the central areas close to the Ramlila grounds in the wake of security being stepped up for checking vehicles in the central parts of the city.

The traffic moved at a snails pace in parts of central Delhi as several diversions were in place in view of mahapanchayat at the Ramlila maidan.

Traffic was also reportedly affected at ITO, Delhi Gate, and near Sarai Kale Khan, including some other places.

The police had put in place adequate security personnel at and around the main venue for the event, while cops also managed the movement of traffic to reduce problems for the commuters.
In another political development ahead of the announcement of the poll schedule for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Lok Sabha MP from Patiala and former Congress leader Preneet Kaur on Thursday joined the BJP at the partys headquarters in the national capital.

Kaur, who is a four-time MP and a former Union minister, was welcomed into the party fold at the BJP headquarters in Delhi by BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde, party leaders Tarun Chugh and Sunil Jhakhar.

Kaur is the wife of former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh who also left Congress in 2022 and joined the BJP. Notably, she was suspended for indulging in anti-party activities and helping the BJP.

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Addressing a press conference, Kaur praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his development works in the country.

I am happy that today I am joining the BJP. In the last 25 years, I have worked in the Lok Sabha and the Legislative Assembly. Today, the time has come when everyone should come together and look at the works of PM Modi and his policies, like the Viksit Bharat Programme. I have full confidence that under the leadership of PM Modi, we will be able to keep our country safe and take it forward, she said.

Tawde said the inclusion of leaders like Preenet Kaur in the party will make it stronger in Punjab.

Preneet Kaur ji is a parliamentarian who has proved her potential by working on many committees. When such people come to BJP, especially in Punjab where public mentality is being formed against the state government, it makes us strong. BJP is emerging in the mind of a common Punjabi. The development of Punjab as desired by PM Modi will become stronger with Preneet Kaur ji, he said.

On joining the BJP, Kaur in a post on X said, Grateful to Honble PM @narendramodi ji, HM @AmitShah ji and National President @JPNadda ji for inducting me into the @BJP4India today. I have worked selflessly my whole life for the people of Punjab and the country & will continue to do so.

Kaur was elected to the 13th Lok Sabha in 1999 and was re-elected to the 14th Lok Sabha in 2004.

Kaur won the elections in 2009 and 2019 and was re-elected to the Lok Sabha.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday suffered major injuries after she met with an accident, her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) said.

The chief minister has been admitted to the state-run SSKM hospital in Kolkata for treatment. She was later seen coming out of the hospital on wheel chair and leaving in her SUV.

Pictures shared by the TMC showed blood rolling down her face from a deep cut on her forehead.

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Our chairperson @MamataOfficial sustained a major injury. Please keep her in your prayers, the TMC said..

Our chairperson @MamataOfficial sustained a major injury.

Please keep her in your prayers pic.twitter.com/gqLqWm1HwE  All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) March 14, 2024

While the TMC has not revealed how and where she met with the accident, it is being said she sustained the injuries at her residence.

Earlier on January this year, Mamata Banerjee had suffered minor head injury after her car met with an accident while returning to Kolkata from Burdwan. However, she refused to see a doctor at that time.

In September 2023, Mamata injured her waist and legs while disembarking from the helicopter in Spain. The chief minister had to undergo microsurgery for the ligament.

In June last year, Banerjees helicopter had made an emergency landing near Siliguri following air turbulence.

The chief minister had apparently sustained injuries after the helicopter landed, and was taken to the SSKM Hospital in Kolkata for a checkup.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh proclaimed on Thursday that the NDA was poised to return to power with a resounding mandate, a sentiment echoed not just within India but worldwide.

Speaking to party members in the Barpeta district, Assam, Singh extolled the NDAs unity under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership likening it to a tightly-knit family striving for a common purpose. He expressed assurance in securing over 400 seats in the upcoming elections, reaffirming Modis steadfast leadership.

The defence minister emphasised that the NDAs political pursuits are driven solely by the nations welfare rather than personal gain highlighting Indias enhanced global stature and Modis transformative leadership. He credited NDA workers for the nations progress through various government schemes, particularly lauding the successful vaccination campaign which extended support to over 100 countries.

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Under Modis dynamic stewardship, Singh predicted Indias ascent to one of the top three global powers by 2027, citing sustained development efforts. He outlined significant infrastructure initiatives such as nationwide electrification, universal access to tap water, and the Ayushman Bharat scheme providing free healthcare up to Rs 5 lakh, all aimed at eradicating poverty.

Looking forward, Singh envisioned a prosperous India poised to become a leading global force by 2047. While acknowledging past governments contributions, he hailed Modis development pace as unparalleled.

He reaffirmed the BJPs steadfast commitment to Indias journey towards prosperity, urging all citizens to unite in realizing this shared vision of a prosperous nation.
A panel on One Nation One Election led by former President Ram Nath Kovind tasked to explore the possibility of simultaneous national and state assembly elections, submitted on Thursday its report to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan here.

Former President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind who heads High-Level Committee (HLC) on One Nation, One Election presented the report on simultaneous elections in the country to President Droupadi Murmu along with members of the HLC including Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, Minister of State (I/C) for Law and Justice Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad among others, a statement from the Rashtrapati Bhavan said.

Earlier in January this year, the High Level Committee on One Nation, One Election had invited public suggestions on the issue.

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The Committee has also taken into consideration suggestions by six national parties, 33 State parties and seven registered unrecognised parties on holding simultaneous elections.

The report also includes suggestions by the Law Commission of India.

The Narendra Modi government has long been pushing for simultaneous state and national elections. Last year, a committee was formed to explore the possibilities of holding Lok Sabha and Assembly elections simultaneously.

Apart from the former President, the committee comprises Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, former Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, former Chairman of 15th Finance Commission N K Singh, former Lok Sabha Secretary General Subhash C Kashyap, Senior Advocate Harish Salve and former Chief Vigilance Commissioner Sanjay Kothari.

Lok Sabha and Assembly elections used to be held simultaneously in India until 1967. However, some state assemblies were dissolved prematurely in 1968 and the practice was stopped.

One Nation One Elections was also part of the ruling BJPs 2014 Lok Sabha election manifesto.
President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday appointed retired bureaucrats, Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, new Election Commissioners, the Ministry of Law and Justice said in a gazette notification.

In exercise of powers conferred by section 4 of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 (Act No. 49 of 2023), the President is pleased to appoint Shri Gyanesh Kumar, IAS(Retd.) and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, IAS(Retd.) as Election Commissioners in the Election Commission of India, with effect from the date they assume charge of their office, the notification said.

The selection of the Election Commissioners comes five days after the resignation of Election Commissioner Arun Goel.

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Earlier in the day, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury disclosed to mediapersons that a three-member committee, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has picked retired IAS officers Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu as the new Election Commissioners.

The sole Opposition member on the panel to select Election Commissioners, Chowdhury, after attending the meeting at the Prime Ministers residence, said, One Mr Gyanesh Kumar from Kerala and one Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu have been selected as Election Commissioners.

The selection panel, chaired by the PM, has a Union minister and Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Chowdhury, as its members.

Gyanesh Kumar is a 1988 batch IAS officer of Kerala cadre while Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, also from the 1988 batch, is from the Uttarakhand cadre.

Sandhu previously served as the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand in 2021, and later held the position of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Chairperson.

Kumar served as the Secretary of the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Shri Ram Teerth Trust. Additionally, he led the J&K desk at the Home Ministry in 2019 during the abrogation of Article 370. He retired as Secretary from the Ministry of Cooperation.

Based on the recommendation of the selection committee, the President appointed the two members of the poll panel.

Two vacancies of election commissioners arose following the resignation of Arun Goel on March 8 and Anup Chandra Pandeys retirement earlier on February 14. This left Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar as the sole member of the poll authority.

Chowdhury expressed reservations about the absence of the Chief Justice of India from the selection committee and noted a lack of transparency in the narrowing down of over 200 candidates to just six by the search committee led by the Law Minister.

I asked for the short list of the candidates and they provided a list of 212 candidates yesterday evening and today morning was the meeting time, they did not even give time to go through all the candidates It was impossible for me to know about the background of people, he said, adding that ten minutes before the appointment they again gave him only six names.

I didnt agree with the procedure of selecting the election commissioners. I have submitted my dissent note there. In this committee, the government already has the majority in the selection team. From the government side, two members and from the opposition side, only one member in the team, then what was the use of the meeting, he expressed his displeasure.
Gyanesh Kumar is a 1988 batch IAS officer of Kerala cadre while Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, also from the 1988 batch is from Uttarakhand cadre.

After the meeting of the selection committee to pick the Election Commissioner, the Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, In this committee, the government has the majority.One Mr Kumar from Kerala and one Mr B. Sandhu from Punjab have been selected as Election Commissioners.

Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Sukhbir Singh Sandhu was to retire this month. Senior IAS officer Gyanesh Kumar worked as a secretary at the ministry of cooperation.

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Mr Chowdhury was part of the panel chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to select two Election Commissioners to assist Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar as the poll body prepares for the upcoming Lok Sabha election. Besides the Prime Minister and Mr Chowdhury, Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the meeting.
The Tibetan community in the region has demanded that the Chinese government stop the construction of a hydroelectric dam on the Drichu river in Derge town in Dege County in Sichuan in Southwest China.

According to Tibetan leader Jamyang Bhutia, the chairman of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress in Mirik in Darjeeling, over 1000 Tibetans were arrested in one day in Derge as there were unprecedented protests against the construction of the dam very recently. Bhutia said that the proposed Gangtuo hydropower station would force the displacement of thousands of people living in the area.

The proposed dam would also cause significant environmental harm and destroy six monasteries, including the Wonto monastery founded in the 14th century, which has one of the finest examples of Tibetan, Buddhist murals, and is a great historical and cultural significance, Mr Bhutia said on the side-lines of a peace rally in Siliguri the community organised a few days ago to mark the 65th anniversary of the Tibetan peoples uprising against Chinas occupation in Tibet in 1959.

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People from the Tibetan community came in from the northeast zone, including nearby places like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Mirik, Odlabari in the Dooars, Gangtok in Sikkim and Salugara in Siliguri, marched in the peaceful protest rally that started from Salugara and ended at Biswadeep hall on Hill Cart Road in Siliguri.

The protestors strongly condemned the brutal crackdown and urged the international community to call upon China to free the protesters and halt the construction of the dam.

Tibet remains an occupied territory under tight military surveillance. Since 2008, over 160 Tibetans have self-immolated in protest against Chinas repressive policies. United Nations experts have raised alarms about the forced separation of one million Tibetan children from their families for assimilation into Chinese colonial boarding schools, Mr Bhutia said.

As Tibet has consistently been ranked as one of the least free countries in the world by freedom houses with little to know information making its way out, Tibetans inside Tibet have shown extraordinary courage. Language, culture, history and identity are under threat in Tibet, but resistance is as strong as ever, he said.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday distributed appointment letters to 39 sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs), 41 deputy superintendents of police (DSPs) and 16 treasurer/account officers selected by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission.

For the first time, any commission and board has completed the selection process in just nine months. The selection process was completely fair and transparent without any recommendation or interference. Those who tried to tamper with the integrity of the examination suffered the consequences. Their houses were raided and properties confiscated.

The government has decided to teach all those who play with the future of the youth a fitting lesson, he said.

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Notably, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has provided government jobs to more than 6.5 lakh youth under Mission Rojgar in the last seven years.

He remarked: The overall perception changes when the government works with honesty. You must have seen that those who faced identity crisis in the state earlier, proudly say today that they belong to Uttar Pradesh. The transformation has been facilitated by the governments decision-making process.

Addressing the newly selected candidates, the Chief Minister said,  You have 30 to 35 years to serve the public and to seek their blessings for a bright future.

He added, As a result of our effective action plan, jobs and employment have been provided to crores of youth in the state while the states per capita income and GDP have increased significantly. Also, UP has emerged as the countrys second-largest economy. Such a thing happens when the government acts with honesty.

He urged the newly selected candidates to discharge their role as the engine of the government.

Today, technology has improved a lot. By the time you come to the field, we will have succeeded in digitizing all the revenue functions. Even after this, cases of revenue-related disputes will arise. In such a situation, to settle these matters, you will have to stay in your tehsil and focus. Also, the pendency will have to be resolved in a time-bound manner.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated further, Our responsibility should be to provide justice to the underprivileged people. We should stand with them. The role of Deputy SP is essential in maintaining law and order and resolving revenue-related matters. They must regularly visit the police station and watch every activity including preparation of the charge sheet.

Expressing confidence in the newly selected candidates, he said, You will take forward the pace of work of the state government with honesty. Also, keep in mind the interests of the public and make quick decisions so that you come out with an image of an officer of good administration. He also congratulated all the newly selected candidates on joining the administration.

The event was graced with the presence of the Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna, Chief Secretary Durga Shankar Mishra, Additional Chief Secretary Appointment Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Additional Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar, DGP Prashant Kumar, Principal Secretary Home Sanjay Prasad etc.

Meanwhile, the newly selected candidates expressed gratitude to CM Yogi for completing the transparent and time-bound examination process

Akash Priyadarshi of Prayagraj, who was selected for the post of Deputy SP, said, This recruitment process has been completed by the government and the Public Service Commission fairly and transparently. For this, I am very grateful to the Chief Minister and the Chairman of the Public Service Commission.

Smriti Rana, who was selected first for the post of Deputy SP, said, Im grateful to CM Yogi for providing the appointment letter and completing the examination process with complete transparency within nine months.

Anubhav Rajarshi of Kanpur has also been selected for the post of Deputy SP. He said, The swift completion of the examination process has culminated in the reception of my appointment letter today. I am committed to embracing the guiding principles of success shared by Chief Minister Yogi.
An inmate at a de-addiction and rehabilitation centre in Mohanlalganj, on the outskirts of Lucknow, was found dead on Thursday morning.

The inmate was found hanging from the window of a private ward in the centre.

A resident of Rajajipuram, the deceased (name withheld on request) had been admitted to the de-addiction centre on March 7.

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The family has blamed Vipin Tiwari, the manager of the centre, for the incident and said that he had been harassing the deceased.

The police spokesman said that the investigation would cover all aspects of the incident, including the familys allegations.

The body has been sent for post mortem.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. Azerbaijan will host COP29 at the end of the year, an event crucial in terms of making decisions that will affect everyone in the world, said co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC) Vaira Vike-Freiberga during XI Global Baku Forum on Fixing the Fractured World, Trend reports.

"The topics discussed during the Global Baku Forum are pertinent to everyone on the planet. Our emphasis on "Fixing the Fractured World" highlights the need for people and countries to take actions that will help resolve global problems," she stressed.

To note, Baku is hosting the XI Global Baku Forum organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre (NGIC).

The event is attended by about 400 world-renowned professionals, as well as former and current world leaders, ministers, and Nobel Prize laureates.

During the previous Global Baku Forum convened in March 2023, numerous countries and prominent international organizations were in attendance.

The event saw the participation of presidents from four countries, prime ministers from two countries, six parliament speakers and ministers, heads of five UN organizations, 25 former presidents, 21 former prime ministers, and deputy foreign ministers from 23 countries. Notably, 360 representatives from 61 countries made the Forum a memorable gathering.

The decision to hold COP29 in Azerbaijan was officially announced in Dubai on December 11, 2023, enabling Azerbaijan to host the above event in November.

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Responding to the criticism made by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremos outburst stemmed from his partys alleged exposure in corruption cases and said if he is concerned about national security that he must talk about Bangladeshi infiltrators.

Arvind Kejriwal this week reiterated his earlier remarks on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) stating that more migration will now take place than what happened after independence. He further claimed that law and order will collapse and subsequently lead to a rise in thefts, robberies, and rapes.

In an interview with ANI, Amit Shah said, The Delhi Chief Minister has lost his temper after his partys alleged corruption got exposed.

He (Kerjiwal) is unaware that all these people have already taken refuge in our country. They are living in India. Those who arrived in our country by 2014 will get citizenship, Shah said.

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And if he is concerned, why does he not talk about Bangladeshi infiltrators? Why does he not protest against Rohingyas? It is because they are doing vote-bank politics. He will face a very tough time during elections in Delhi that is why he is doing vote-bank politics. Are Rohingyas and Bangladeshi infiltrators not taking our jobs? He is just raising his voice against minorities of Jains, Buddhists, and Parsis, the Union Minister said.

He will have to face great difficulty in the Delhi elections. Are Rohingyas and Bangladeshi infiltrators not taking our jobs? He is just raising his voice against minorities of Jains, Buddhists, and Parsis, he added.

Amit Shah further said that leaders like Arvind Kejriwal have no sympathy for those who came here after being persecuted in their countries.

They have forgotten the background of the Partition. These refugees came here after leaving their property worth millions behind. Why wont we listen to their problems? They dont get jobs and education here. Why wont we express sympathy with them? It was not their decision to partition the country. It was the Congress which decided that and they promised them citizenship. Now they are backtracking on their promises, he said.

On March 11, the Union Home Ministry notified rules for the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), days ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections scheduled.

CAA aims to provide Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants  including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians  who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014.
As the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) takes centre stage in the countrys political arena, the nuances of its implementation resonate deeply within the diverse fabric of our nation. Framed by the NDA government, the CAA seeks to grant Indian nationality to specific religious groups who are minorities facing persecution in neighbouring Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, its implications, particularly concerning the countrys largest minority community, have stirred a complex tapestry of emotions, emphasising the delicate equilibrium needed to address issues of citizenship, religion, and political dynamics.

The roots of the CAA trace back to 2019, a year marked by protests and sectarian violence that erupted following its initial enactment. The delay in implementation, attributed to the unrest and the global Covid-19 pandemic, has now given way to renewed tensions and demonstrations. The governments spokesperson emphasises that the law aims to provide refuge to persecuted minorities in the three neighbouring countries, dismissing concerns as misconceptions. Yet, the fears expressed by rights activists and Indias largest minority group persist, especially in light of a proposed national register of citizens. This register, the sizeable minority group fears, could disproportionately affect them.

The timing of the laws implementation, just before the Lok Sabha election, adds another layer to the unfolding narrative. Critics, including the main opposition Congress party, argue that the announcement is strategically motivated to influence the upcoming elections. The regional dynamics in states like West Bengal and Assam, home to segments of the countrys largest religious minority population, further amplify concerns of potential polarisation and communal tensions, emphasising the need for a nuanced approach to citizenship laws. Protests have already erupted in Assam and Tamil Nadu, with opposition parties calling for strikes and demonstrations.

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The diversity in responses from various regions, such as the candlelight march in Chennai and the call for protests in Kerala by the ruling Left Democratic Front there, highlights the multifaceted nature of Indias sociopolitical landscape. Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayans statement condemning the law as communal and divisive underscores the need for unity in opposing what is perceived as a threat to the fundamental principles of the Constitution. As India grapples with the implementation of the CAA, it stands at a crossroads where decisions not only impact the present but also shape the nations future trajectory.

The governments assertion that the law is intended to grant citizenship, not revoke it, demands scrutiny and transparent processes to allay the fears of the minority community. In a country known for its rich diversity, the need for preserving the ethos of secularism and inclusivity is paramount. The ongoing debate surrounding the citizenship law reflects the nations complex identity and the challenges inherent in balancing religious freedoms, minority rights, and political considerations. As we delve into this discussion, it underscores the importance of fostering dialogue, understanding, and a collective commitment to upholding the principles that define the very essence of India.
In March 2017, just two months after Donald Trump entered the Oval Office, author John Michael Chambers published his book Trump and the Resurrection of America: Leading Americas Second Revolution. According to Chambers book, however, the globalists trembled as Trump and this movement threatened their totalitarian world government. American resurrection, eh? Extreme optimism, one could say.

Forget about concerns like climate and nuclear war threats; it is commonly believed that Trumps four years at the helm of America not only helped to bring about a post-truth era more vividly, but that his administration also, maybe, made the United States more divided. However, one thing is certain: even after his exit, Trump was never written off, and he has undoubtedly been revived recently, as a rematch with Joe Biden will occur in the November 5 presidential elections. Eight months is a long enough period in politics, but as of now, most of the credible polls conducted since January indicate that either Trump is leading the contest or its too close a race.

Recently, a New York Times poll garnered a great deal of media attention; it showed Trump leading by five points, 48-43 per cent, as of the beginning of March. With a 38 per cent approval rating, Bidens unpopularity has reached new heights. Many voters are tilting towards Trump, particularly among the demographics that Biden led in 2020. They include women and black voters. Maybe primarily for this reason, Biden currently appears to be losing in the key swing states. As it is well known, a few such swing states essentially determine the outcome of US presidential elections.

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According to a recent article by Osita Nwanevu in The Guardian, Biden and the Democrats are sleepwalking towards a Trump victory. Maybe. Maybe not. But if Trump is elected to a second term, will it be the biggest political resurrection in history? Its not so simple to assess. There have been incredible political resurrections of Lenin, Churchill, and Charles De Gaulle, in addition to the spectacular political comebacks of Deng Xiaoping, Napoleon Bonaparte, Silvio Berlusconi, or Robert the Bruce at various moments in history.

Lenins may be the greatest comeback of all; having been exiled to Siberia for sedition, spending ten years in Western Europe observing Russian politics from a distance, winning a civil war, having the entire royal family shot, and founding one of the two superpowers that defined the 20th century and fundamentally altered the course of history. Before World War II, Churchills disagreements with his Conservative party prevented him from holding office for ten years. However, in 1939, when Adolf Hitler invaded Poland, embattled Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain brought his opponent into the Cabinet.

Churchill soon succeeded Chamberlain as prime minister and went on to become one of the most recognisable figures in British history, spearheading the counteroffensive against Hitlers Nazis. After commanding the French government in exile during World War II, Charles De Gaulle returned to lead the provisional government after liberation in 1945; therefore, his first time in office already marked a comeback. After stepping down in January 1946, De Gaulle was out of office for the next twelve years. After a failed military coup in French Algeria in 1958, he was called back to power.

And he established the Fifth Republic, became the first French president to be elected by direct universal suffrage the following year, and held the office of president of France until 1969. Furthermore, an American president who held office for two non-consecutive terms existed more than a century ago. He was Grover Cleveland, a Democrat, but, like Trump, a native of New York as well. Cleveland first won the presidential race in 1884 and lost to Benjamin Harrison in 1888. Frances Cleveland, his wife, instructed the staff to remember their preferences and take care of everything as they were leaving the White House, saying, We are coming back four years from today. Indeed, they were. Cleveland defeated Harrison in a rematch four years later, in 1892.

Im not sure whether anyone in the Trump family mentioned anything to any White House employees in January 2021. However, in his last hours as president, Trump said to his followers, So just a goodbye. We love you. We will be back in some form, perhaps in the vein of the Frank Sinatra classic My Way. However, Trump, who was twice impeached, faces significant obstacles in his quest for president. Right now, there are numerous court proceedings brought against him. Fraud, defamation, Sexual Assault, Hush money, Election subversion, the Mar-a-Lago documents Trump is accused of 91 felonies in all, which are being heard by two state courts and two different federal districts.

Any of the charges might result in his serving a jail term. Many observers thought that Nikky Haleys prolonged pursuit of a Republican nomination was due to her waiting for a certain resolution in any of the ongoing judicial proceedings. Cases concerning whether Trump ought to be removed from the ballot in 2024 due to a novel legal argument involving the Fourteenth Amendment have been filed in more than thirty states. While the trial concerning his attempted coup in 2020 has now been postponed by the Supreme Court, the timelines of the other cases are still uncertain. It was almost unimaginable not too long ago that a former president or a presidential nominee of a major party would seriously be in legal peril. But Today, merely keeping track of the many cases against Donald Trump requires a law degree, a great deal of attention, or both, as per David A. Grahams recent opinion in The Atlantic.

However, as several credible polls indicate, Biden faces an uphill task to defeat Trump. Though US policy could have remained the same had a Republican president taken office, Bidens standing on the Israel-Hamas conflict may have hurt his support base, especially with some devoted Democratic voters. And, over immigration, which remains a top concern for numerous people, Biden has effectively acknowledged that Trump is correct over the state of the border. American voters are also very much concerned about Bidens age, especially in light of his public displays of awkward memory lapses, such as forgetting the name of Hamas, mixing the president of Egypt for the president of Mexico, and French president Emmanuel Macron for the late president Francois Mitterrand.

Its possible that Republican special counsel Robert Hur, who was investigating Bidens handling of classified documents, carried out a political hit job. Hurs report made special mention of Joe Bidens significantly limited memory, alleging that the 81-year-old had trouble recalling, among other things, the years he was vice president and the exact day his son Beau had died. But Trump is also not a young man  he is merely three years younger than Biden. And there are plenty of examples of Trumps awkward memory lapses, even as the American president. Nonetheless, public opinion counts during an election.

And American voters appear to be more concerned about Bidens age and memory than they are about Trump. Overall, the results of the elections in November are still up in the air. Yes, it might be one of the biggest political resurrections in history if Trump wins. But given his disgraceful exit in 2021, even Trumps candidature against Biden four years later represents a significant political comeback in contemporary history.

(The writer is Professor of Statistics, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata.)
In the wake of Prabowo Subiantos recent victory in Indonesias Presidential election, the world is brimming with anticipation and scepticism. The former special-forces general turned President-elect envisions a more influential Indonesia, echoing calls for the nation to step into the spotlight of South-East Asia and global affairs.

As the dust settles, observers are left pondering the potential trajectory of his foreign policy. One striking aspect of President-elect Subiantos approach is his emphasis on bolstering defence and military ties with Western nations. The lifting of the ban by the United States in 2019 marked a turning point, allowing Mr Subianto to fortify connections dating back to his infantry training in the 1980s.

His subsequent shopping spree for Western weaponry signals not just a modernisation drive but a strategic alignment with major global players, including America, France, Britain, Turkey, and Australia. However, Mr Subiantos penchant for bold and sometimes erratic initiatives raises concerns about the consistency of Indonesias international engagement. A case in point is his recent peace plan for Ukraine, which drew parallels with President Vladimir Putins playbook and left Indonesian diplomats uneasy. To navigate the complex terrain of global diplomacy, Mr Subianto will need a skilled foreign minister capable of providing coherence to Indonesias foreign policy initiatives.

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Another pivotal consideration is the potential for a tilt towards authoritarianism under Mr Subiantos leadership. This prospect has not escaped the watchful eye of the international community, which values the democratic norms established since the fall of Suharto in 1998. While recent erosions under outgoing President Jokowi have been noted, the hope remains that Indonesias commitment to democracy will withstand any authoritarian impulses from the new administration. Mr Subiantos promise to continue Jokonomics ~ the drive for infrastructure investment and green metals like nickel ~ suggests a foreign policy strategy anchored in economic pragmatism. Wooing China, a crucial supporter for such ventures, becomes imperative. Despite past anti-China sentiments, Mr Subianto now expresses positivity towards the Asian giant. However, reconciling this stance with potential encroachments into Indonesian waters or managing disputes with the West poses a delicate challenge.

One of the greatest uncertainties lies in Mr Subiantos ability to navigate the intricate web of competing loyalties inherent in Indonesias non-aligned stance. While he asserts that Indonesia has only friends and no enemies, the reality is more nuanced. The prospect of Chinese vessels encroaching further into Indonesian waters or facing American protectionism against Chinese content in Indonesian electric vehicles presents a diplomatic tightrope that Mr Subianto must skilfully walk. Mr Subiantos vision for Indonesias enhanced global role holds promise, but the devil, as they say, is in the details. Striking the right balance between East and West, democracy and pragmatism, will define his legacy and shape Indonesias standing in the world. The international community watches, aware that the choices made in Jakarta will reverberate far beyond its borders.
Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has said that Israel will not be able to eliminate Hamas even if it enters Rafah, a local media outlet reported.

You have failed to achieve any of the wars targets; even the Rafah operation will not offer you an image of victory. You will not be able to get rid of Hamas or the resistance, Nasrallah said on Wednesday in a televised speech on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, showing solidarity with Hamas, the Gaza-ruling Palestinian faction.

Nasrallah said that Israel had failed to achieve its biggest goal  to eliminate Hamas at the beginning of the war. After nearly six months of war, Israelis are negotiating with Hamas through mediation, local TV channel al-Manar reported.

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He claimed that Hamas is negotiating on behalf of all Palestinian factions, and it aims to reach a halt to the Israeli aggression against Gaza and not only a ceasefire.

The Lebanon-Israel border has been witnessing increased tension since October 8, 2023, after Lebanese armed group Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets toward Israel in support of the Hamas attack on Israel the previous day, prompting Israel to respond by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon.
As the US House of Representatives passed legislation that could lead to a ban on TikTok that is being used by over 170 million Americans, it was the Indian government which first took the decision to block the Chinese short-video making platform in the world.

On June 29, 2020, TikTok, controlled by Chinese giant ByteDance, was banned in India.

The country then was one of the largest markets for the social media platform outside of China.

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The government blocked TikTok along with 59 other Chinese apps citing security concerns. Since then, the country has banned more than 300 Chinese apps, including WeChat, Shareit, Helo, Likee, and others. The government has also blocked several betting and loan apps in the last few years, which were traced to Chinese links.

All these apps were found violating Section 69 of the IT Act and contained materials which were deemed as a threat to Indias sovereignty and integrity.

After the ban, TikTok sacked its entire India staff  about 40 employees.

In 2020, the Indian Army also asked its personnel to delete 89 mobile apps, that included several Chinese apps, from their smartphones to curtail leakage of information.

TikTok is considered a security threat because of its links to the Chinese government and lawmakers and officials have said that Beijing can access data on people through the app.

TikTok has argued that the data on Americans is stored in the US.

In November last year, Nepal announced a ban on TikTok , saying that its content were detrimental to social harmony.

Meanwhile, India now has reached more than 250 million users on short-form video platforms, with around 70 per cent of them coming from tier-2 cities and other semi urban and rural centres  often from middle and high-income backgrounds, according to latest reports.
Have an interesting bit of news youd like to see in the Along the Way column? Email it to Bella Ramirez at bramirez@thesunchronicle.com .
Al Yah Satellite Communications Company, the UAEs flagship satellite solutions provider, and e& UAE have teamed up to enable voice, texting and data satellite connectivity for standard smartphones.

As per the MoU signed between the two entities, e& UAE is set to become the first telecom operator to partner with Yahsat under its Direct-to-Device (D2D) strategy.

Through this partnership, e& UAE and Yahsat will work together on a range of innovative projects aimed at revolutionising satellite connectivity.

First of many agreements

Ali Al Hashemi, Group CEO, Yahsat, said: This is the first of many agreements we hope to reach with key industry players as part of our D2D strategy. We are discussing a whole host of areas where we aim to collaborate, which includes developing the ecosystem as part of our recently launched D2D strategy  Project SKY.

Masood M Sharif Mahmood, CEO, e& UAE, said: This partnership with Yahsat unlocks a new era of global connectivity. We're proud to be the first operator to join Yahsat's D2D vision and leverage our networks to bring seamless, anytime-anywhere connectivity to people everywhere. This is a significant step towards bridging the digital divide and realising our shared vision of a connected future.

The partnership will see the two companies joining forces on Yahsats planned Low Earth Orbit (LEO) D2D system, which is designed to provide seamless connectivity (including voice, texting, and data) for standard smartphones. This technology will offer unprecedented levels of connectivity and accessibility for users around the world.--TradeArabia News Service
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. The Global Baku Forum is essential for stability and restoration in the world, said former president of Latvia Egils Levits during the sidelines of the XI Global Baku Forum on Fixing the Fractured World," Trend reports.

According to him, Azerbaijan regained its territories from occupation while referencing international law. He emphasized that the Armenian occupation had persisted in Azerbaijani territories for over three decades.

"Azerbaijan attempted to resolve this matter peacefully for years and, as a result, took action to liberate its lands from occupation, in accordance with international law," the former Latvian president said.

Speaking about the importance of the XI Global Baku Forum, Egils Levits said that this forum, which has been held for many years, is very important for stability and reconstruction in the world.

The XI Global Baku Forum is attended by representatives of many countries and prestigious international organizations, with more than 350 guests from more than 70 countries.

The forum, which will run by March 16, will participate in global discussions about the outcomes of COP28 and the preparation for COP29. It will discuss causes endangering the evolving world order, including security concerns and peace possibilities, as well as initiatives to promote stability in a tumultuous global landscape and the consequences. Additionally, it will investigate solutions to handle impending issues, tackle critical conflicts and megathreats, and cover climate, food, and nuclear security concerns.

Moreover, discussions will encompass the role of military and economic alliances in global governance, regional viewpoints, relationships with the EU and neighboring states, youth policies, strategies for enhancing resilience against global challenges, and addressing issues of inequality, natural resource scarcity, and migration dynamics. Additionally, the forum will delve into the emergence of new security paradigms in the era of artificial intelligence, drones, and cyberweapons.

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NED BRISTOL, a retired editor of The Sun Chronicle, contributes columns to the newspaper. You can reach out to him at news@thesunchronicle.com.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. Member of the House of Lords, Baroness Manzila Uddin, has sent a congratulatory letter to President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of his landslide victory in the extraordinary presidential election, Trend reports.

Will be updated

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The Immediate Chain system is an automated trading platform designed using artificial intelligence technology. This Immediate Chain review will investigate this trading bot in detail to find out if it helps simplify the whole trading process.

Ever since its launch in the market, the Immediate Chain trading software has caught the attention of many including crypto experts. Many reviews are available online that present mixed opinions about this trading platform and its efficiency. Some state that Immediate Chain is safe, efficient, affordable, and simple to use while some reported that the system is not worth it. So, a detailed analysis is necessary to verify the genuineness of this system.

Visit Immediate Chain

This Immediate Chain review has been written to provide a complete guide on this platform. As you keep reading, you will understand the A to Z aspects of this trading bot. Dive right in to see if this trading software is suitable for your crypto trading goals and then make an informed decision.

Here is a quick summary of the main facts of Immediate Chain.

Immediate Chain - Facts Overview

Trading Bot Name Immediate Chain Platform Category Trading platform Bot Version Ai Platform Type Web-Based Minimum Deposit $250 Success rate High success rate Trading Fees Zero Account Fees None Deposit/ Withdrawal Fees None Payout Time 24 Hrs Supported Digital Assets Cryptocurrencies, stocks, forex, and more Mobile App Compatibility Yes Free Demo Account Yes Customer Support Availability 24/7 Trading Modes Automated and manual Official Website Click Here

What Is Immediate Chain?

Immediate Chain is a free and automated crypto trading platform that has been integrated with the latest artificial intelligence technology and advanced mathematical algorithms to help execute profitable crypto trades.

This trading platform also provides top-notch tools and strategies that can be used to evaluate market trends and patterns, compare price data, monitor price movements, provide alerts, and generate valuable signals. Immediate Chain does all the tasks automatically thereby saving time and ensuring accuracy.



Click Here To Try Immediate Chain For Free!

How Does Immediate Chain Work?

The Immediate Chain trading platform works by utilizing the latest technologies like artificial intelligence to streamline trading and make the trading experience seamless. The system scans market data, trends, and patterns around the clock, spots profitable opportunities, connects with exchanges, and automatically conducts trades.

This trading platform collects vast amounts of market data in real time and then examines them. Once this is done, the platform spots beneficial trading opportunities that can be executed to make huge profits. After this, the system sends signals to exchange accounts. Here, the buying and selling of cryptocurrencies and other assets are carried out.

The system comes with two modes namely, manual mode and automated mode. Savvy traders can use the manual mode and customize trade settings such as parameters according to their trading goals, skills, and market conditions. Traders can mention the exact price points and other aspects for executing and exiting trades. So, based on the preferred settings, the system will function. The demo mode can be opted for by novice traders to navigate the website, learn to trade and develop skills and strategies without spending real money.

The automated mode of the Immediate Chain app allows emotion-free trading thereby helping make informed trading decisions. So, this is how the bot works to ease trading and grab the right opportunities.

Immediate Chain Registration Process

Here are the simple steps that you have to follow to begin live trading on the Immediate Chain trading software:

 Step 1- Create an account on the Immediate Chain trading platform

The first step in the account opening process is to provide basic details such as your name, email ID, phone number, and a strong password. During this process, you neednt provide identification details. Once the creator approves your account, you can use your free Immediate Chain account and access the simple dashboard.

 Step 2- Deposit a minimum of $250 as initial capital

The next step is to fulfill the requirement of initial capital. The minimum deposit is $250 which is used to provide full access and activate options for manual and automated modes of trading. To make the deposit, you can use any of the available payment options. Traders can also use the demo account and do virtual trading to explore the system and learn to trade.

 Step 3- Set up and configure your trading account

The third step in trading is to set up and configure your Immediate Chain trading system. For this, select the crypto assets that you want to trade. You can also customize different settings of the software such as parameters, trading time, and so on as required.

 Step 4- Enter live trading

Once the above-mentioned steps are completed, you can begin live trading on the Immediate Chain trading platform. Seasoned traders can opt for the manual mode while beginners can use the automated mode and trade different assets.

Register On Immediate Chain For Free!

Immediate Chain Main Features

The Immediate Chain trading software comes with a set of advanced features to ensure smooth and profitable trading. The following are the main features that are said to make it unique:

 Supports Different Cryptocurrencies And Other Assets

The Immediate Chain platform provides the opportunity to trade a wide variety of financial assets including cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, etc., and other assets like stocks, commodities, forex, and CFDs. So, the system lets buyers and sellers expand their portfolios and reduce risks.

 Advanced Technologies And Algorithms

The next important feature of the Immediate Chain trading bot is that it has been integrated with advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and sophisticated algorithms that help accurately analyze crypto markets and generate precise trade signals.

 Complete Control Over Funds

The Immediate Chain system ensures complete control over funds. This means that traders can deposit funds depending on their requirements and withdraw them at any time without any hassles.

 Collection Of Real-time Market Data

One of the main features of the Immediate Chain platform is that it collects real-time market data that is used to carry out the whole trading process with ease. The data is stored safely and used to analyze market trends, price movements, market risks, and so on.

 Free Demo Account

This trading platform provides a free demo account that can be used by beginners to enter virtual trading on the platform. The main aim of this feature is to let traders explore the system, learn trade strategies, develop skills, and evaluate the crypto market without risking real money.

Immediate Chain- Cost, Minimum Deposit, and Profit

The Immediate Chain trading bot offers a free registration process along with a free trading journey. While doing research, we found that you have to deposit a minimum of $250 to begin live trading on this software. This initial capital can be deposited via any available payment services. Traders can increase the deposit depending on their risk tolerance, trading skills, financial goals, and market conditions. The payout time is 24 hours and can be done anytime without any hassles. With the right strategies and reliable market conditions, high profits can be made.

Trade Now With Immediate Chain For Free

Immediate Chain Customer Reviews

Customer reviews are one way to verify the genuineness of any trading platform. The user responses to Immediate Chain have been positive until now and no complaints have been reported. Honest reviews and opinions of this trading software are available on legitimate crypto forums and other sources. Satisfied traders have commented that the platform is simple to use and helps make immense daily profits. Some reported that risk management on the platform is easy and the system offers timely alerts. From these Immediate Chain customer reviews, the system seems safe.

Is Immediate Chain Scam or Legitimate?

Several factors help determine the legitimacy of a trading system. These include website design, safety measures followed, technologies used, integration of advanced tools and features, payment methods supported, partnership with trusted brokers, and so on.

When it comes to Immediate Chain, the official platform is well-organized and offers a user-friendly interface and a simple dashboard. So, the platform can be navigated easily. Next, the system is equipped with advanced technologies and algorithms that help analyze the crypto market and generate accurate signals with ease. Automation also comes under this through which the system does all the work.

Immediate Chain follows strict safety and security measures and has also been integrated with fortified encryption technology to protect user data. Different payment methods that are safe and fast are also available. It has partnered with reliable brokers, contributing to the systems genuineness. The success rate is high and the customer reviews so far are positive. All these aspects point to the legitimacy of the Immediate Chain platform.

Immediate Chain Countries Eligible

At the moment, the Immediate Chain platform is accessible in most countries across the globe where local laws and regulations allow trading activities. These countries include:

 United Kingdom

 Sweden

 Netherlands

 Finland

 Poland

 Canada

 Australia

 South Africa

 Norway

 Switzerland

 Slovenia

 Slovakia

 Mexico

 Brazil

 Spain

 Germany

 Taiwan

 Thailand

 Hong Kong

 Japan

 Belgium

 Malaysia

 Singapore

 Vietnam

For the complete list, access the official Immediate Chain website where you can also get to know about regions where the platform is restricted for use.

Try Immediate Chain For Free!

Immediate Chain Cryptocurrencies Supported

One of the main aims of the Immediate Chain platform is to provide traders access to a wide variety of asset classes. This is why this trading software supports different cryptocurrencies and other assets like stocks, forex, commodities, and CFDs. the mainstream crypto assets that can be bought and sold through this platform are listed below:

 Bitcoin (BTC)

 Ripple (XRP)

 Montero (XMR)

 Ethereum (ETH)

 Litecoin (LTC)

 Binance Coin (BNC)

 Cardano (ADA)

 Polkadot (DOT)

 Dash (DASH)

 Ethereum Classic (ETC)

Immediate Chain Review - Bottom Line

From our analysis, the Immediate Chain trading platform seems to be a legitimate trading software for trading different cryptocurrencies. The system has been equipped with sophisticated technologies like artificial intelligence and advanced algorithms that help streamline the whole trading process. As of now, many traders have been able to make huge daily profits using Immediate Chain suggesting that this trading bot is safe and efficient.

As per the Immediate Chain reviews available online, this trading system is easy to use, offers a safe and simple registration process, is affordable, supports different cryptocurrencies and other assets, and provides several payment options. The interface is user-friendly and the dashboard is simple. The demo mode feature lets explore the platform and learn trading without any financial commitments.

It enables you to trade Bitcoin as well as other cryptocurrencies with the greatest amount of convenience. Immediate Chain has many reviews on Trustpilot, most of which are positive. But the robot has about 4 out of 5 ratings which makes it in good standing.

The minimum deposit required to begin trading on Immediate Chain is just $250 and no extra charges apply. The funds are under the complete control of the traders and can be withdrawn at any time. The system follows strict safety protocols and has been integrated with advanced encryption technology. Taking all these into account, Immediate Chain seems to be a genuine crypto trading bot that is worth giving a try.

Visit Immediate Chain

Immediate Chain - FAQs

Is it easy to open an account on Immediate Chain?

Yes. It is easy to set up an account on the Immediate Chain platform. The account setup process is also free of charge.

Can the Immediate Chain trading system be used on mobile phones?

The Immediate Chain platform is compatible with all mobile phones, laptops, desktops, and tablets.

Is Immediate Chain available in all countries?

Currently, the Immediate Chain platform is available in most countries except regions where local laws restrict trading. These countries include Iran, Cyprus, the United States, Israel, and France.

What are the services offered by Immediate Chain?

Immediate Chain automatically does trading for you and also connects you to trusted brokers who will assist you throughout your trading journey.

What about Immediate Chain customer support?

The Immediate Chain customer support team is available round-the-clock to solve all your queries and concerns.
Gurugram-based startup AHODS Technologies won the 'Uber Sustainovate startup challenge held in Bengaluru. The company developed an on-demand hydrogen retro-fitment kit, aimed at addressing Indias sustainability goals.

The startup challenge aims to encourage efforts by Indian companies towards building sustainable mobility solutions for India. The team won a prize of Rs 1 crore.

Pune-based Govidyouth Mobility Limited with its developed EV range extender came second, while Gurgaon-based Metz Energy Pvt Ltds e-trike (tricycle) with a dedicated loading bay was adjudged as the third-best solution around sustainable mobility. Uber Sustainovate received applications from over 140 startups in the country, which went through three jury rounds.

The competition was organised in partnership with Startup India and Nasscom AI, and was designed to award startups that produced the best workable ideas to help accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility in the country. The top three companies will receive mentorship from Uber Indias tech leadership on best practices, innovation and scaling.

The Uber Sustainovate is a medium of hope and a testament to the possibilities that lie ahead in our journey toward a greener future. The challenge laid out todayto find the most innovative solutions that steer us towards zero tailpipe emissionsis critical. It mirrors our own aspirations within Karnataka and, by extension, India, to cultivate a landscape where sustainable mobility is not just an option but a way of life, said Karnataka Minister for Large and Medium Industries M.B. Patil.

Uber has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 and has been working with governments, partners, think-tanks and others to address global sustainability challenges. Uber Sustainovate was designed to provide a platform for visionary startups that are eager to turn their ambition into action.

Uber has also taken various steps over the past years in its push to net-zero emissions, including placing Indias largest ever EV order, with Tata Motors, for 25,000 Xpres-T compact sedans to be delivered by 2025, while also signing MoUs with EV financing companies, and charging infrastructure companies.

We saw a whole host of bright and futuristic ideas from over 140 startups from all parts of the country. It is extremely encouraging to see Indian startups lead innovation globally in terms of sustainable mobility, and we are supporting them in their endeavour, said Manikandan Thangarathnam, senior director of engineering, and Head of the Bangalore Tech Center, Uber.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. Many organizations operating on the European continent and some universal international organizations are experiencing a crisis, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmet Hajiyev told reporters, Trend reports.

He made a comment during his participation in the XI Global Baku Forum on Fixing the Fractured World.

"In PACE, inclinations toward Islamophobia, racism, and discrimination are being strengthened. We see the prevalence of such inclinations there instead of holding fair conversations, ones targeted at fixing the present problems in Europe," Hajiyev said.

To note, the XI Global Baku Forum is attended by representatives of many countries and prestigious international organizations: more than 350 guests from more than 70 countries.

The Forum, which will run until March 16, will host global discussions on the outcomes of COP28 and preparations for COP29. It will consider the factors that pose threats to the new world order, as well as security issues and prospects for peace, building resilience in a fractured world, its impact on the global world, discuss ways to address the challenges facing humanity, and touch on conflicts and mega-threats shaking the world, including climate, food, and nuclear security. At the same time, there will be discussions on the role of military and economic alliances in global governance, regional perspectives, the European Union and its relations with its neighbors, youth policy, ways to build resilience to global challenges, inequality, natural resource scarcity and migration issues, artificial intelligence, and new security paradigms in the age of drones and cyberweapons.

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Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), on Thursday, signed a contract with construction major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for the supply of 14 communication and electronic warfare (EW) sensors and systems worth about Rs 847 crore.

These systems will be installed on three cadet training ships of the Indian Navy.

This collaboration between BEL and L&T exemplifies the strong partnership between the two companies and underscores the broader cooperation within the Indian industry, BEL said in a statement.

According to the company, the successful execution of this contract will involve the participation of several micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Besides, BEL also got other orders worth Rs.1,092 crore following the last disclosure on February 13. These orders include the supply of LRUs (line-replaceable units) for T-70 & T-90 Tanks, communication systems for the Indian Navy, and other spares and services.

The PSU company has received orders worth Rs 32,716.33 crore this financial year.
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting under the central government has banned 18 OTT platforms. These include Uncut Adda, Dreams Films and Prime Play. They have been banned for posting obscene and vulgar and pornographic content despite repeated warnings.



Additionally, 19 websites, 10 apps and 57 social media accounts linked with these OTT platforms have also been disabled for public access in the country. The I&B Ministry, in a statement, said, "A significant portion of the content hosted on these platforms was found to be obscene, vulgar, and portrayed women in a demeaning manner. It depicted nudity and sexual acts in various inappropriate contexts, such as relationships between teachers and students, incestuous family relationships, etc."

The banned OTT platforms include Dreams Films, Voovi, Yessma, Uncut Adda, Tri Flicks, X Prime, Neon X VIP, Besharams, Hunters, Rabbit, Xtramood, Nuefliks, MoodX, Mojflix, Hot Shots VIP, Fugi, Chikooflix and Prime Play.

The ministry also said that the platforms were in violation of Sections 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act, Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.

The ban was executed after consulting with relevant Ministries/Departments of the Government of India, domain experts, and relevant experts in women's rights, and child rights.
Observing that the name and photographs of Sharad Pawar cannot be used by the Ajit Pawar faction for political gains, the Supreme Court on Thursday sought a response from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by the Maharashtra deputy chief minister on a plea of the veteran Maratha leader alleging misuse of his popularity by the rival camp.

The top court took note of the submissions of senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for Sharad Pawar, that the faction-led by his nephew Ajit Pawar was riding piggyback on his good will and the Maratha stalwart did not need left handed compliments from rivals.

"Once you (Ajit Pawar faction) have chosen to go separate ways, then you use your own identity only," a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and K V Viswanathan told senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for the camp led by the deputy chief minister.

"We need a categorical and unconditional undertaking that the name, pictures of Sharad Pawar will not be used (by your party)," the bench said, adding an affidavit to this effect be filed by this Saturday.

The bench listed the plea for further consideration on March 19.

"Now, you two are two different entities and so you use your own identity only," Justice Kant told the faction led by Ajit Pawar.

"We need a categorical undertaking from you that there shall be no overlapping in your political party. You can issue a public notice with a wide publicity that as far as you are concerned you are not (politically) related to him," the bench said.

A senior lawyer appearing for the Ajit Pawar group claimed there might have been unverified and random misuse of the name and pictures of the veteran leader just to malign the deputy chief minister's political outfit.

The bench said it will consider these submissions at the next hearing.

At the outset, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, also appearing for the Ajit Pawar group, said the main plea of Sharad Pawar against the February 6 order of the Election Commission recognising the Ajit Pawar faction as the real NCP was already listed next week and the two issues can be taken up together "to avoid duplication".

Singhvi opposed the submission, saying there was no duplication as here the issue of misuse of the goodwill of Sharad Pawar has cropped up.

"I have a minimalistic request. How can you (Ajit Pawar faction) use the clock (the poll symbol of original NCP) and also Sharad Pawar's photograph. This is a deception," Singhvi said.

He referred to the alleged statement of a senior leader of the Ajit Pawar group that photographs of Sharad Pawar and the clock' symbol can be used for gaining political benefit in rural areas.

"Look at these posters. There is the clock and there is Sharad Pawar's photo. It is what is called a left-handed compliment to me. I do not want a left-handed compliment," Singhvi said, adding Free and fair election is a part of democracy and hence the part of basic structure of the Constitution.

"To this extent, he (Singhvi) is right. Why are you using his (Sharad Pawar's) photographs? If you are so confident, then use your own photographs," the bench said.

It asked the Ajit Pawar faction to control its workers.

"When election comes, you (Ajit Pawar group) need his name... since now you have an independent identity, you must proceed with that only," the bench said.

Earlier, the top court had directed that the Election Commission's order of February 7 allotting 'Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar' as the party name for the Sharad Pawar faction will continue till further orders.

It had also sought a response from the Ajit Pawar faction on Sharad Pawar's plea against the February 6 order of the poll panel recognising the Ajit Pawar-led bloc as the real NCP.

The bench, which appeared critical of the EC's February 6 order, said, "The order says both of you (factions) violated the party constitution, both of you went against the 'aims and objective' and yet no one is disqualified. Just imagine what would happen to the voters who voted for you."

Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar had on February 15 held that the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar was the real NCP and that the anti-defection law cannot be used to stifle internal dissent.

The speaker had dismissed the disqualification petitions filed by the two factions against each other's legislators.

Narwekar noted that the Ajit Pawar group had an "overwhelming legislative majority" of 41 out of 53 party MLAs when it decided to join the Shiv Sena-BJP government in Maharashtra in July 2023.

The Ajit Pawar group was, thus, the "real political party" when the factions emerged, the speaker said.

The Election Commission had on February 7 declared the Ajit Pawar faction as the real NCP and also allotted the party's 'clock' symbol to the group.

Pawar senior had founded the NCP with former Lok Sabha speaker Purno Sangma and Tariq Anwar in 1999 after their expulsion from the Congress.
A Delhi court on Tuesday extended the judicial custody of jailed AAP leader Manish Sisodia in a corruption case related to the alleged Delhi excise scam.

Special Judge M K Nagpal extended Sisodia's custody till March 22 after he was produced before the court on the expiry of his remand.

The judge passed the order after the CBI counsel claimed that investigation was at a crucial stage, and if released on bail, Sisodia may hamper the ongoing probe or flee from justice.

The judge also heard arguments on an application filed by some accused in the case objecting to the commencement of arguments on the framing of charges.

Citing Supreme Court judgements, defence advocate Nitesh Rana told the court there cannot be further investigation once the trial has commenced and the trial commences after charges have been framed.

"Therefore, till the completion of the investigation there cannot be argument of charge," Rana told the judge.

The accused moved the application following CBI's submission that it may file a supplementary charge sheet in the matter.

The judge reserved the order on the application and is likely to pronounce it on March 22.

The CBI and the ED have alleged that irregularities were committed while modifying the Delhi Excise Policy 2020-21, undue favours were extended to licence holders, licence fee was waived or reduced and licences were extended without the competent authority's approval.

The beneficiaries allegedly diverted "illegal" gains to the accused officials and made false entries in their books of account to evade detection.

Sisodia was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26, 2023 for his alleged role in the "scam".

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Sisodia in a money-laundering case stemming from the CBI FIR on March 9, 2023 after questioning him in Tihar Jail. Sisodia resigned from the Delhi cabinet on February 28, 2023.
On March 12, a week after signing an electoral pact with the BJP in Tamil Nadu, actor-politician R. Sarath Kumar disbanded his party All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi (AISMK) and merged it with the BJP. The merger happened in the presence of BJP State President K. Annamalai who welcomed Sarath Kumar into the party. This is just the beginning. This is not my decision, but, the decision of the people, said Sarath Kumar.



As the actor merged his party with the BJP, Tamil social media platforms got busy rolling out memes trolling the actors decision to merge his party. A former Rajya Sabha MP and a MLA from Tiruchendur, Sarath Kumar on Wednesday clarified that it was his conscious decision and he doesnt care about memes or criticisms.

Who is Sarath Kumar?

Called as Supreme Star, actor Sarath Kumar began his political career in 1996. It was the era when the Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK was hugely unpopular following her foster son V.N. Sudhakaran's grand wedding ceremony. Actors like Rajinikanth, Sarath Kumar and others backed the DMK and the G.K. Moopanar-led Tamil Maanila Congress combine and campaigned for the front. The TMC-DMK alliance swept the polls.

He contested the 1998 Lok Sabha polls from Tirunelveli constituency on a DMK ticket and lost. Subsequently, Sarath Kumar was nominated to the Rajya Sabha on a DMK ticket by then party chief M. Karunanidhi. Later, Sarath Kumar fell out with the DMK only to join the AIADMK led by Jayalalithaa. In 2006, after he had a difference of opinion with Jayalalithaa, Sarath Kumar floated his own political outfit All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi (AISMK). Hailing from one of the majority communities in the South, Sarath Kumar had the backing of the Nadars in Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi region.

With this strength in 2011, he joined the AIADMK alliance and won from the Tenkasi constituency as MLA. In 2016 again, he contested assembly polls from Tiruchendur constituency on AIADMK ticket against DMK strongman Anita R. Radhakrishnan and lost.

Sarath Kumar has not been very active in politics since then as most of his supporters had quit his outfit to join either of the two Dravidian majors. During the 2021 assembly elections, he was part of an alliance led by Kamal Haasans Makkal Needhi Maiam and was allotted 26 seats.

On March 12, when he joined the BJP, its State President Annamalai said, He called me at 2am in the night to confirm that he is merging his party with the BJP. He joined the party unconditionally with the sole purpose of supporting our prime minister.

But, what pushed Sarath Kumar to go for this conscious decision?

While there were several media reports that his daughter Varalakshmi was summoned by the NIA in a drug case, she dismissed it claiming it to be false. Incidentally, one of her former personal assistants, Adilingam, lodged in the Puzhal prison now was accused of dealing with drugs, arms and ammunition.

But political circles in Chennai are abuzz with the stars newfound bonhomie for the BJP. Incidentally, in 2017, Sarath Kumar was summoned and questioned by the Income Tax department for taking Rs.2 crore towards the 2016 election expenditure from a businessman in Chennai. On May 9, 2017, the principal director of income tax (PDIT) sent a note to the director-general of income tax investigation, detailing the way cash was distributed to voters in the run-up to the 2016 assembly polls.

In an exclusive report, THE WEEK in 2019 wrote how cash for votes played a huge role in buying the people's mandate during the 2016 assembly general elections. A note from the Income Tax department accessed by THE WEEK then revealed how money was distributed for buying votes.

The note from PDIT cites documents seized in December 2016 from a businessmans office in Chennai. During the investigation, Sarath Kumar also came under the Income Tax scanner. Sarath Kumar, who contested from the Tiruchendur constituency in AIADMK ticket, had allegedly taken Rs. 2 crore which was acknowledged by his daughter Rayane as per the PDIT note. In April and May 2017, the IT department recorded the sworn statements of both Rayane and Sarath Kumar, in which they admitted to having received Rs 2 crore from a businessman. The cash was received by my daughter who informed my staff about it. The sum of Rs 2 crore was received towards acting and producing a film. I would account it as income in 2016-17 and pay the necessary tax at the earliest, he told the IT officials as per the PDIT note.

According to highly placed sources in the state BJP, Sarath could not pay the Income Tax dues as he did not have many cinema opportunities in the recent past. Also, the interest towards the Income Tax fine amount had bloated turning into a huge burden for the family. Incidentally, his wife Radhikas media company, Radan Media Works, had also come under the IT scanner during the past decade.

While the BJPians in Tamil Nadu feel that Saraths entry into the party could help them get the Nadar community votes in Tirunelveli, Tenkasi region, the Supreme star seems to be the new film star from Tamil Nadu to have come out clean after getting into the BJP washing machine.
The protesting farmers will hold a 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on Thursday where a resolution will be passed to intensify the fight against the Centre's "pro-corporate and dictatorial policies".

The 'Mahapanchayat' is being organised by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), which spearheaded the 2020-21 farmers' agitation, to press the Centre to accept the farmers' demands, including a law on the minimum support price (MSP).



SKM leader Darshan Pal told reporters that the farmers from different parts of the country would go to Delhi in buses and trains instead of tractor-trolleys and that the meeting would be peaceful. The organisation has also appealed to the general public, including students, to show their support by attending the 'Mahapanchayat'.

"Elections or no elections, we have nothing to do with that. Our struggle will continue till our demands are met," Pal added. He said the aim was to put pressure on the political parties to include their demands in the election manifestos.

The farmers have also announced that they would hold a foot march from Uchana to Jind before the Mahapanchayat. They would then take a train from Jind to Delhi. Though the majority of farmers will come to the Ramlila Maidan by train, buses and other vehicles have been arranged to carry the protestors. These vehicles will carry stickers and flags of the organisation to ensure hassle-free transportation to the protest site, the SKM announced.



Meanwhile, the Delhi Police have allowed a gathering of 5,000 protestors but no tractors at Ramlila Maidan. Elaborate security arrangements have also been made to avoid heavy traffic jams in Delhi. The police have also issued a traffic advisory for the commuters to avoid roads leading to central Delhi, they said.



Deputy Commissioner of Police (central) M Harsha Vardhan told PTI that farmers are allowed to hold the 'Mahapanchayat' with the gathering not exceeding 5,000. He said the farmers had given them the undertaking where they were asked to not come with tractors, without any weapons and also promised that they would not hold any march in Delhi.



The farmers have also been asked to vacate the ground soon after the culmination of their programme after 2.30 pm. Strict action will be taken against those who break the rule. "We hope the SKM leadership will abide by the undertaking they have given to us," the DCP said.



Traffic advisory



According to a Delhi Traffic Police statement, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Barakhamba Road, Bahadurshah Zafar Marg, Tolstoy Marg, Asaf Ali Road, Jai Singh Road, Swami Vivekanand Marg, Sansad Marg, Netaji Subhash Marg, Baba Kharag Singh Marg, Minto Road, Ashoka Road, Maharaja Ranjeet Singh flyover, Connaught Circus, Bhavbhuti Marg, DDU Marg and Chaman Lal Marg are likely to be affected due to the farmers gathering in Delhi.



The advisory said the traffic may be diverted on Delhi Gate, Mir Dard Chowk, Ajmeri Gate Chowk, Guru Nanak Chowk, Kamla Market, Paharganj Chowk, Jhandewalan roundabout, Maharaja Ranjeet Singh flyover from Barakhambha Road to Guru Nanak Chowk, Barakhamba Road, Janpath Road, KG Marg crossing and round about of GPO (Gol Post Office) from 6 am on Thursday.



The Delhi traffic police also advised the people going towards ISBT, railway station or airport to carefully plan their travel with sufficient time at hand.


The parents of some girl students appearing for Class X examination in a Gujarat school have alleged that the administrator of the exam centre forced their wards to remove hijab before a paper, prompting the education department to take action against the school official.

According to the parents, the incident occurred at Lions School, a private school in Ankleshwar town in Bharuch district, on Wednesday before the mathematics paper. Following the allegation, the state education department on Thursday ordered the removal of the exam centre administrator, Ilaben Suratiya, who is also the principal of that school.

The action against her was taken by District Education Officer Swati Raol, after she met the parents of these girl students, officials said. The Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB), which conducts the Class X exams, made it clear that there are no specific rules about the clothes worn by the examinees, and they can appear for the exam in any "decent" attire.

Talking to reporters, a parent said, "The school principal and other staff harassed the girl students, including my own daughter, by asking them to remove their hijab ahead of the exam. My daughter cried for three hours after returning home. It happened with nearly a dozen girls yesterday. We want the authorities to take action against those involved in this act."

Lions School has been selected as one of the exam centres by the GSHSEB. As per the rules, it is compulsory to have CCTV recording of each and every classroom, where students write their exam papers.

According to the parents, one such CCTV footage accessed by them showed that some women supervisors asked two Muslim girl students to remove their hijabs. The women can be seen collecting the hijab from the two students.

When confronted by the parents, Suratiya told them that she asked the girls to remove the hijabs because their faces were not clearly visible in the video recording.

"As per the rules, the faces of all the students must be clear in the video recording. That's why we had asked the girls to remove their scarves before the exam so that we don't have to disturb them during the exam and others also don't get disturbed," Suratiya said.

After meeting the parents, Raol ordered the removal of Suratiya as the exam centre administrator and ordered a probe into the incident.

"I have seen the CCTV footage and the parents also gave their application to me in this regard. I have ordered an inquiry into the incident and also started the process to change the exam centre administrator because I found merit in the complaint. There are no specific instructions or guidelines from the board about the attire to be worn during exams," said Raol.

Exam Director of the GSHSEB, M K Raval, said students can appear for the exam wearing any decent attire. "There are no specific rules about clothes to be worn during exams. Students can wear any decent attire. Any woman supervisor can check the identity of a female student ahead of the exam by matching her face with the photo on the receipt. After that, we have no issues," Raval said.
Trinamool Congress chairperson and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sustained 'major injuries' on Thursday. She underwent a few stitches and medical tests in a government-run hospital in Kolkata before doctors found her stable to be discharged.

The X handle of All India Trinamool Congress had posted a few pictures of the chief minister which showed her bleeding from the forehead.

According to sources, she was admitted to SSKM hospital in Kolkata. The pictures appeared to be taken from the hospital.

"Our chairperson @MamataOfficial sustained a major injury. Please keep her in your prayers," the post read.

TMC national general secretary and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee got her admitted to the hospital, party sources revealed.

"She fell somewhere inside the home and was immediately shifted to the hospital. She was bleeding from the forehead and stitches were required," her brother Kartik Banerjee told a Bengali news channel, reported PTI.

BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar wished her speedy recovery. "Our prayers are with her for a quick return to good health," he tweeted.
Former bureaucrats Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar have been named as the new election commissioners by a panel led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The two posts fell vacant after the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey in February and the surprise resignation of Arun Goel last week.

In exercise of powers conferred by section 4 of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 (Act No. 49 of 2023), the President is pleased to appoint Shri Gyanesh Kumar, IAS(Retd.) and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, IAS(Retd.) as Election Commissioners in the Election Commission of India, with effect from the date they assume charge of their office, said an official notification.

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who is a member of the selection committee, said six names came up before the panel and the names of Sandhu and Kumar were finalised by a majority of members.

The two will join Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on the commission.

Chowdhury said he had given his dissent note on the selection, raising questions over the procedure. He said he had sought the names of the shortlisted candidates for the posts in the Election Commission but was provided 212 names the night before the committee met. Ten minutes before the appointment they again gave me just six names, he said.

The six names shortlisted were that of Utpal Kumar Singh, Pradeep Kumar Tripathi, Gyanesh Kumar, Indevar Pandey, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, Sudhir Kumar Gangadhar Rahate, all former bureaucrats.

Both Kumar and Sandhu are 1988-batch officers of the Indian Administrative Service and belonged to the Kerala and Uttarakhand cadres, respectively. Kumar retired as secretary of the cooperation ministry in February, while Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, was former Chief Secretary, Government of Uttarakhand.

During his tenure in the home ministry, Kumar oversaw the abrogation of the Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. In 2014, as the resident commissioner of Kerala in Delhi, he was deputed by the state government to evacuate 46 nurses stuck in Erbil in war-torn Iraq. The operation was successful with the evacuation of 183 Indians, 70 from Kerala, from Iraq. Kumar, an IIT-Kanpur graduate, is a postgraduate in economics from the Harvard University.

Sandhu, a former chief secretary of Uttarakhand, is learnt to have overseen the ideation for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in the state. He is an MBBS from the Amritsar Medical College and also has a master's degree in history.

The first task before the new election commissioners will be to ensure the successful conduct of the Lok Sabha polls which are slated to be held in April-May this year.

With PTI inputs
Days ahead of the announcement of Lok Sabha poll schedule, the high-level committee, headed by former President Ramnath Kovind, submitted its report on holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies. The panel proposed to hold the Lok Sabha and assembly polls simultaneously in the first phase, and later, the local body polls along with these two, to bring about a transformation of the electoral process in the country.

For the first phase, the move would need constitutional amendments but no ratification by half of the states. The amendments would need ratification by half of the states if the local bodies and panchayat polls were also to be held along with the general elections.

The BJP has already set in motion the agenda for the next government as it is confident that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will come to power for the third time. The party is likely to make simultaneous elections part of its manifesto as it did in the previous polls.

However, 15 political parties including the Congress, the Left parties, and the TMC, opposed simultaneous elections saying it was against the federal structure. The proposal received the support of 32 political parties including the BJP, BJD, JD(U), and the NCP.

What is the raison d'etre for holding simultaneous polls?

The panel argued that frequent elections burden the government exchequer and if the expenditure incurred by political parties is also added, these figures will be even higher. Asynchronous elections cause uncertainty thwarting supply chains, business investments and economic growth. Frequent use of government officials and security forces adversely affect discharge of their duties. Frequent imposition of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) causes policy paralysis and slows down the pace of the developmental programmes, the report observed.

Holding of elections once every five years would result in mitigation of social disharmony and conflict, which is often observed during elections.

How will the simultaneous elections be held?

As the first step, simultaneous elections will be held for the Lok Sabha and the state legislative assemblies. For this, no ratification by the states will be required for the constitutional amendment.

In the second step, elections to the municipalities and the panchayats will be synchronised with the Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly polls in such a way that elections to these local bodies will be held within hundred days of holding elections to Lok Sabha. This move will, however, require ratification by not less than one-half of the states.

What happens in case the Lok Sabha or state assembly is dissolved before its five-year tenure or has a hung house?

The panel suggested that in the event of a hung house or no-confidence motion, fresh elections should be held to constitute the new Lok Sabha or state legislative assembly for the unexpired term of the house. Those polls will be termed as mid-term elections. Where fresh elections are held for the state assemblies, then such new legislative assembly unless sooner dissolved, shall continue upto the end of the full term of the House of the People.

What steps have been proposed for holding simultaneous elections?

The panel has recommended the preparation of a single electoral roll and electoral photo identity cards (EPIC) for use in elections to all three tiers of government. For this, amendments in the Constitution will have to be made to enable the Election Commission of India to prepare a single electoral roll and EPIC. These amendments will require ratification by not less than one-half of the states.

For other logistical requirements, the Election Commission of India will plan and estimate in advance in consultation with the State Election Commissions, and take steps for the deployment of polling personnel, security forces, EVMs and VVPATs so that free and fair simultaneous elections are held in all the three tiers of the government, the report said.

What are the constitutional amendments needed?

The committee recommended amendments to the Constitution to enable simultaneous elections in two steps. Three sets of constitutional amendments will be needed. For Lok Sabha and the state legislative assemblies, no ratification by the states will be required for the constitutional amendment. Amendments in Articles 82 A and 324 A will have to be made for this.

But in case of elections to the municipalities and the panchayats, ratification by not less than one-half of the states will be needed.

Even for the purpose of preparation of a single electoral roll and electoral photo identity cards (EPIC) for use in elections to all the three tiers of the government, amendments in Article 325 of the Constitution are recommended. These amendments will require ratification by not less than one-half of the states.

Who were the panel members?

Apart from Kovind, the other members of the committee were Home Minister Amit Shah, former Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, former Lok Sabha secretary general Dr. Subhash C. Kashyap, former chairman of the 15th Finance Commission N.K. Singh, senior advocate Harish Salve, and former Chief Vigilance Commissioner Sanjay Kothari.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. The world's attention will be focused on Azerbaijan at COP29 (the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change), UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a letter addressed to the XI Global Baku Forum participants, Trend reports.

"COP29 will focus on financial resources. We are ready to share our experience with Azerbaijan.

Today's meeting of the Global Baku Forum will discuss issues of joint security and stability. Azerbaijan is at the crossroads of its future. It would be good to see the countries of the South Caucasus in the world during the visit this November. The UK continues to change and expand for mutual prosperity. The UK will be by Azerbaijan's side for a successful COP29," the letter also says.

Meanwhile, the XI Global Baku Forum is attended by representatives of many countries and prestigious international organizations: more than 350 guests from over 70 countries.

To note, the Forum, which will last until March 16, will host global discussions on the results of COP28 and preparations for COP29, will consider factors that pose threats to the new world order, as well as security issues and prospects for peace, building sustainability in a fractured world, its impact on the global world, discuss ways to address the challenges facing humanity, address conflicts and mega-threats shaking the world, including climate, food and nuclear security.

At the same time, there will be discussions on the role of military and economic alliances in global governance, regional perspectives, the European Union and its relations with its neighbors, youth policy, ways to build resilience to global challenges, inequality, natural resource scarcity and migration issues, artificial intelligence, and new security paradigms in the age of drones and cyberweapons.

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Russian ambassador to India Denis Alipov told a state-owned news agency on Thursday that unlike western countries, Russia doesnt impose political terms and conditions on friend India.

Alipov told TASS: Russia was a pioneer on the way of making production local and transferring military technologies in compliance with Indias modern requirements. We have long implemented and are successfully developing what Western countries are just beginning to do.

However, as compared to some of them, we do not set political terms to Indian partners.

Even with 36 per cent of the military supplies, Russia continues to be Indias top military supplier.

The ambassador was responding to a question that India had cut down on its buying of Russian military equipment.

A report by leading think-tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) on Monday said that although the top seller of weapons to India, Russia made up for only 36 per cent of Indias buys right nowthe first time since 196064 that it made up less than half of Indias arms imports.

Alipov added: Such pronouncements are a twisting of facts. India seeks to develop its own defence sector. The emphasis in the sphere of military-technical cooperation is on the Make in India and Self-Reliant India initiatives that stipulate maximally local production and the acquisition of the latest technologies. This shapes the policy towards diversifying cooperation with foreign partners. Russia holds a leading place among them and is the top partner in terms of some indicators.

India has already produced almost 1,000 T-90 tanks and 300 Su-30MKI planes under licences. The practice of setting up joint ventures and business partnerships is also expanding. BrahMos missile systems are the most successful example of this. The Indo-Russian Rifles Joint Venture is also in operation to produce AK-203 assault rifles.

We are building up dialogue in R&D and working on the prospects of jointly entering the markets of third countries. As compared to Western countries, Russia is ready for maximally full transfer of advanced technologies, he added.

The slide in Russian buys is also indicative of a conscious Indian effort to wean away from dominant dependence on Russia besides the fact Russias weapon selling capability is somewhat curtailed by its ongoing war in Ukraine.
In a rare scenario, Chinas journalists association on Thursday condemned and criticised the authorities for harassing media persons at the site of an explosion in Sanhe City, near Beijing. The state media criticised the authorities for pushing the journalists away, who came to report the deadly explosion that claimed seven lives.

Legitimate interviews are a journalists right...authorities should not simply and brutally obstruct the media journalists from performing their duties in a normal manner to control public opinion, read a statement issued by All-China Journalists Association (AJCA), a communist party-backed group.

Videos that emerged on social media revealed two men in black uniforms blocking the camera of a reporter from state television CCTV as she attempted to conduct a live interview.

The locals also joined the police in blocking the media persons from entering the site.

Firefighters work the scene of an explosion in Sanhe city in northern China's Hebei province | AP

Reportedly, the blast, that occurred in the northern province of Hebei on Wednesday, killed seven people and injured around 27 others. The suspected gas leak explosion had affected a series of buildings near the affected site.

After raising harassment allegations, the city officials have issued an apology. A statement on the city officials website expressed deep regret over the treatment of the CCTV reporters and other media workers.

The authorities also said that due to the suspected gas leak, they were concerned about the journalists and citizens and it was not an attempt to harm any.

The poor communication skills of our frontline staff and their rough and simplistic methods caused misunderstandings among journalists and doubts among the public, resulting in a negative social impact, it said.

Due to concerns of social stability and national security, news is highly controlled in China. However, it is unusual for state journalists to be prevented from reporting in public.

"If mouths are covered during a prominent public safety incident such as this, what can be said of other public incidents? asked the association.

Earlier, there were instances of foreign reporters being harassed, including physically, by ordinary citizens who say foreign journalists are out to smear China's image.
After PM Ariel Henry's exit, uncertainty remains in Haiti's future as political parties reject the plan to create a presidential council that would manage the transition.

The transitional council would be responsible for selecting an interim prime minister and a council of ministers that would set a new path for the Caribbean country gripped with gang violence.

Due to the violence, life in Haiti has come to be standstill with schools and shops remaining closed, disrupting the common life.

High-profile Haitian politicians declined to participate in the proposed council. The Caribbean Community regional political bloc-Caricom gave the organisations, that were offered positions on the council, until Wednesday to submit the names of people who would represent them. However, no list was submitted on Wednesday.

Among the politicians, who declined, include Himmler Rbu, former colonel of Haiti's army and president of the Grand Rally for the Evolution of Haiti, a party that is part of a coalition awarded a spot on the transitional council. Rbu said in a statement that the party prefers a judge from Haiti's Supreme Court to assume the reins of power.

The nine-member council has seven positions with voting powers.

The remaining two non-voting positions would go to a member of Haiti's civil society and its religious sector.

Votes were offered to Pitit Desalin, Jean-Charles' party; EDE/RED, a party led by former Prime Minister Claude Joseph; the Montana Accord, a group of civil society leaders, political parties and others; Fanmi Lavalas, Aristide's party; the January 30 Collective, which represents parties including that of former President Michel Martelly; the December 21 Agreement, a group that backed Henry; and members of the private sector, reported the Associated Press.

Meanwhile, Henry remains in Puerto Rico as gang attacks have shuttered the country's airports.

The gang violence intensified on February 29 in Haiti during the absence of Henry. The PM was away in Kenya to push for the UN-backed deployment of a Kenyan police force.

Meanwhile, Jean Charles Mose, an ex-senator and presidential candidate who has teamed up with former rebel leader Guy Philippe, announced his rejection of the proposed council backed by the international community.

At a news conference on Wednesday, Mose insisted that a three-person presidential council he recently created with Philippe and a Haitian judge should be implemented.

(With PTI inputs)
On March 13, the US House of Representatives passed a bill that could result in a nationwide ban on the popular video app TikTok. There is already a ban on using the app on devices owned by the US federal government. The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act would force TikTok to sever all ties with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a ban from mobile app stores, including the Apple App Store and Google Play and web-hosting services in the United States. To avoid the ban, TikTok needs to find a buyer that satisfies the US government within six months.

The bill enjoyed huge bipartisan support in the House, evident from the 352-65 vote, and now heads to the Senate, but it could get stalled in the upper chamber. However, the overwhelming support it enjoyed in the House was extraordinary, especially in a bitterly-partisan election season. Communist China is Americas largest geopolitical foe and it is using technology to actively undermine Americas economy and security, said Speaker Mike Johnson after the vote. Opponents of the bill, though far fewer in number, also represented an unusual bipartisan coalition, ranging from hardline Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene to progressive Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Libertarians and progressives chose to oppose the bill, arguing that it affected First Amendment freedoms, targeted a specific company and that it would give the president unrestricted powers to intervene in the social media spectrum.

The House chose to pass the bill, despite intense lobbying and massive protests by TikTok and its users who say the ban would infringe on their constitutional right to free expression and would hurt businesses and content creators. Many lawmakers complained that they had to shut down their office phone lines after being inundated with calls from aggrieved TikTok users. They said the unprecedented lobbying efforts only added to their fears about the app and its Chinese ownership. One key reason for this is the national security implications of the app.

Early this week, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the head of the 18 intelligence agencies in the US, released its annual threat assessment in which there were references to China interfering in US elections through TikTok. It spoke about TikTok accounts run by a Chinese propaganda arm reportedly targeting candidates from both political parties during the midterm election cycle in 2022. The report said China might attempt to influence the upcoming elections, too, to sideline critics of China and magnify societal divisions in the US. It also pointed out that China now has more capabilities to run such covert operations.

The Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) recently identified three potential sources of danger from TikTok. It said the app could be part of a Chinese government plan to sway US politics; it could be used to collect personal data and it could be used to inject malicious software onto American devices. The CSIS particularly flagged the third one as the most significant threat.

TikTok is not available in China, where Douyin, another app owned by ByteDance with far more restrictive protocols, is more popular. Many members of the Congress expressed concern that the Chinese government could force ByteDance to share personal data from TikTok. Under existing Chinese laws, ByteDance will have to comply. Moreover, since this is an election season, there is also worry that Beijing could employ TikToks powerful algorithms to spread propaganda and influence results. While TikTok has assured lawmakers that the user data is safe, what perhaps prompted the lawmakers to take an extreme stance were the reports that China-based employees of the app have the ability to access nonpublic data about US subscribers. TikTok, meanwhile, says its US user data is held in Singapore.

Interestingly, a large number of Republican lawmakers broke with their partys presumptive presidential candidate Donald Trump in supporting the ban. When he was president, Trump had tried to shut TikTok down. He called the app a threat to national security and said that the Chinese government was using the app to spy on Americans. He signed an executive order to ban TikTok unless it was bought by an American company. ByteDance responded by reaching an agreement with Oracle and Walmart to form a US-based company to get around the order. But Trump's move was ultimately blocked by a federal court on First amendment grounds. When Biden became president, he revoked Trump's order. Trump now seems to have made a complete U-turn on the issue. There are a lot of young kids who will go crazy without TikTok. There are a lot of users, he told CNBC the other day.

There seems to be a couple of reasons behind Trump's latest opportunistic pivot, especially since his conservative backers and national security hawks are all in support of the ban. The first one is purely about the numbers. There are about 170 million Americans who use TikTok and a majority of them are under 30. It is a demographic group that usually goes with Biden, but many of them are angry now, especially about Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict and his climate policies. Biden, meanwhile, has announced that if the bill to ban TikTok reaches his table, he would sign it. The White House even provided lawmakers technical support while drafting the bill. And Trump sees an opening as he believes that it would be crazy to go after TikTok in an election year and alienate a key voting bloc, despite the obvious national security challenges.

The second thing is about Trump's friendship with hedge fund manager Jeff Yass, who owns a 15 per cent stake in ByteDance, worth $33 billion. The billionaire megadonor is closely associated with the right-of-centre think tank Club for Growth, which supports TikTok. The group and Trump had a falling out during the 2022 midterms, but it seems they have made up. While speaking at the Clubs retreat held last week at Palm Beach, Florida, Trump said he and the organisation's president David McIntosh were back in love. Trump also met Yass during the retreat. Former senior Trump aide Kellyanne Conway has been roped in by the Club for Growth to lobby on behalf of Tik Tok. A polling she conducted on the issue showed that nearly half of independents and 40 per cent of Republicans would not vote for a candidate who supported a ban on TikTok. Conservative talk show host Steve Bannon, who was a former Trump campaign strategist, alleged that Trump's decision to oppose the ban was influenced by the prospect of funding from Yass.

Trump, however, gave the reason that apart from alienating a considerable section of voters, he also did not want Facebook to be all powerful in the social media landscape following TikToks ouster. Without TikTok, you can make Facebook bigger and I consider Facebook to be an enemy of the people along with a lot of the media, said Trump. He is still angry about Facebook suspending his account for two years following the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021. Conway has also been forcefully making the argument against giving Mark Zuckerberg, who owns Facebook and Instagram, a free run on the social media scene. I wonder how many in the Congress have considered it for themselves and not just for the presidential race. If Zuckerberg owns Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, we might as well not even launch a campaign, she said. Still, Trump has not actively campaigned to kill the bill, considering its national security implications.

The bills death could, however, happen in the Senate, though. The upper house appears more circumspect than the House on the issue. Republican Senator Rand Paul has indicated that he would block the bill from being passed unanimously, which means that Majority Leader Chuck Schumer will have to schedule a floor vote. Floor time is hard to come by in the Senate, and many committee chairs are already pushing for their favourite pieces of legislation, which might stall the TikTok bill. And Schumer appeared non-committal about a quick floor vote.

Meanwhile, the Chinese government is likely to object to any sale of TikTok. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said the attempted ban would inevitably come back to bite the US itself. This kind of bullying behaviour that cannot win in fair competition disrupts companies' normal business activity, damages the confidence of international investors in the investment environment, and damages the normal international economic and trade order, he said.

Moreover, very few buyers would be able to purchase the app outright, or even its American business, pegged at more than $50 billion. It could also run into monopoly and antitrust investigations and litigation, further complicating the already murky election season.
Chennai, 14th March 2024: His symptoms and investigations revealed a serious condition known as Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH) - a condition characterised by elevated blood pressure in the lung arteries associated with blood clots originating from deep veins in the lower limbs or pelvis. These blood clots can dislodge and travel in the venous system to the lung arteries. When diagnosed early, this is typically treated with anticoagulation for up to six months. If the blood clots are not absorbed they transform into scar tissue narrowing or blocking the arterial branches supplying both lungs. The risk of developing CTEPH is higher with delayed or under anticoagulation, with repeated episodes of pulmonary embolism, or in some patients with genetic susceptibility to form clots more readily. Once CTEPH is established, the mean life expectancy is less than three years.



With progressive deterioration in his medical condition, the pressure in his lung arteries was over fourfold from normal. At this level of pulmonary hypertension, the right side of the heart starts struggling to pump adequate blood into the lungs. In a remarkable turn of events, a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Kumud Kumar Dhital, Director of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (CVTS) Program at Kauvery Hospital Vadapalani, intervened to save the patient's life by offering the only curative therapy for this condition. The team included interventional cardiologists, radiologists, intensive care experts, surgeons, and pulmonologists, meticulously assessing the complex situation before getting on to a high-stakes surgical procedure. The procedure, called Pulmonary Endarterectomy involves general anaesthesia, placement on the heart-lung machine, cooling the body down to 20 degrees Celsius and then stopping all blood circulation in the body for brief periods of 20 minutes to surgically visualise and meticulously extract the chronic scar tissue from within the lung arteries.



At the end of the procedure the pulmonary pressures were reduced to within the normal range. The patient spent minimal time in the intensive care unit before being transferred to a regular ward where he made an uneventful recovery before hospital discharge. He is already experiencing a remarkable improvement in his symptoms and exercise capacity. He can now expect a normal quality of life and prognosis, except for having to remain on lifelong anticoagulation therapy.



This successful case underscores the expertise and collaborative approach of the medical team at Kauvery Hospital Vadapalani in tackling complex cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions, offering hope to patients facing similar challenges.



Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-founder and Executive Director of Kauvery Group of Hospitals, expressed his congratulations to Dr. Kumud Kumar Dhital and the entire medical team for their remarkable expertise and dedication. He also commended the patient for their journey from Africa to Kauvery Hospital, highlighting their trust in our institution's adherence to international clinical standards. Dr. Selvaraj reiterated the hospital's unwavering commitment to providing care that meets the highest international clinical standards.



(Disclaimer : The above Press Release is provided by HT Syndication and PTI will not take any editorial responsibility of this content.). PTI PWR

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AHMEDABAD, India, March 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CEPT University held its fourth annual CEPT Research Symposium from February 22  24, 2024, kick-started with a students' Symposium on Feb 22. A group of CEPT faculty members as well as researchers and professionals from across the country participated in the thematic panels and lectures over the two days.





In his inaugural address Dr Tridip Suhrud, Provost, CEPT University emphasised the importance of research conferences and the role that the Universities play in providing such platforms. Discussing the solitary nature of any research work and the importance of these platforms where a community of scholars and peers come together, he set the tone for the proceedings of the two-day event. He also reflected upon the intention behind the robust PhD program at CEPT University and how CEPT encourages scholars who are committed to ideas and self-propelled research.



In his welcome note, Dr Rutul Joshi elaborated on the idea behind the symposium. He highlighted how the annual Symposium is designed to showcase the advanced academic and professional research at the University, providing a platform for sharing research findings and experiences, as well as for learning from peer and expert reviews and discussions.



On the first day, a keynote lecture was delivered by Dr Nirmal Kishnani on 'Form Follows Systems: A Research Perspective'. This was followed by the three thematic panels showcasing works in architectural research (Frameworks of Analysis in Creative Disciplines), data assimilation and analytical methods (Fielding Data, Architecturally), and processes of setting up the research inquiry (From question to conclusion); curated by Professor Vishwanath Kashikar, Professor Shreyank Khemalapure, and Professor Meghal Arya respectively, along with their invited peers.



Day two opened with a keynote lecture by Mr Srikanth Vishwanathanon on 'Urban Governance and instruments of change'. The thematic panels of the day focused on transit oriented cities (The Implementation Challenge for the Inclusive Transit Oriented Cities), gender and urban mobilities (Gender and Mobility), and housing rights (Equity and Informality in Housing Access) curated by Dr Rutul Joshi, Dr Nitika Bhakuni, and Professor Ravi Sannabhadti, respectively, along with their invited peers.



The symposium witnessed over a hundred participants, elaborate scholarly discussions, and promising future dialogue.



For more information, please visit: https://cept.ac.in/



Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2361693/CEPTResearchSymposium2024.jpg



Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2323005/CEPTUniversity_Logo.jpg



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

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Jaipur, Mar 14 (PTI) The Rajasthan government on Thursday announced a 2 per cent reduction in VAT on petrol and diesel and a 4 per cent hike in dearness allowance of employees and pensioners ahead of the general elections.

The decisions will become effective from Friday morning.

The government announced a 4 percentage point hike in dearness allowance of employees and pensioners on the lines of the Centre.

The decisions were taken in the state cabinet meeting held here on Thursday evening.

Speaking with reporters after the meeting, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said, "There were discrepancies regarding the prices of diesel and petrol in Rajasthan. We have removed this anomaly and have reduced the VAT rate by two per cent."

He said that due to two per cent reduction in VAT on petroleum products and steps taken by oil marketing companies, the prices of petrol and diesel will come down in the state.

The Chief Minister said that the reduced prices on petrol and diesel will be applicable from 6 am on Friday, March 15. This will put a burden of approximately Rs 1500 crore on the state government.

"We have removed the anomalies and also made diesel and petrol cheaper."

Similarly, the cabinet decided to increase the dearness allowance of state employees by 4 percentage points.

Sharma said, "In line with the central government employees, we have increased the dearness allowance by four per cent. 50 per cent dearness allowance will be payable from January 1, 2024."

"Earlier, 46 per cent dearness allowance was being given to the state government employees. We have increased it by four per cent to 50 per cent."

About eight lakh employees and 4.40 lakh pensioners will benefit from the decision. This will put an additional burden of about Rs 1,640 crore on the state government annually.
New Delhi, Mar 14 (PTI) Financial services firms like Bajaj Finance, Piramal Enterprises, and Edelweiss Group together purchased electoral bonds worth Rs 123 crore between April 1, 2019 and January 2024.

Piramal Enterprises, PHL Finvest Pvt Ltd and Piramal Capital and Housing Finance bought bonds worth Rs 60 crore during the period.

It was followed by three entities of Edelweiss Group, subscribing to Rs 40 crore bonds, while Bajaj Finance purchased bonds worth Rs 20 crore, as per the details published by the Election Commission of India on Thursday evening.

Gold loan financier Muthoot Finance subscribed electoral bonds worth Rs 3 crore during the period.

However, the names of the recipient political parties were not disclosed.

When reached, these companies did not offer immediate comment.

As per the direction of the Supreme Court, the State Bank of India (SBI) on Tuesday evening submitted to the Election Commission the details of entities, which had purchased the now-scrapped electoral bonds and political parties which received them.

The SBI has issued electoral bonds worth Rs 16,518 crore in 30 tranches since the inception of the scheme in 2018.

The Supreme Court, however, in a landmark verdict on February 15 scrapped the Centre's electoral bonds scheme that allowed anonymous political funding, calling it "unconstitutional" and ordered disclosure by the EC of donors, the amount donated by them and recipients.
New Delhi, Mar 14 (PTI) Paramount Global has agreed to sell its 13 per cent stake in its Indian TV business to Reliance Industries for Rs 4,286 crore, the Indian firm said Thursday.

In a stock exchange filing, Reliance said it has signed a binding agreement with two subsidiaries of Paramount Global to acquire 13.01 per cent equity stake of Viacom 18 Media Private Limited held by Paramount Global.
Chennai, Mar 14 (PTI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Thursday urged the Centre to release the pending wage amount of Rs 1,678.83 crore under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme to Tamil Nadu so that payments can be made to 24.21 lakh workers.



Stalin, who wrote to Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Giriraj Singh in this connection, said that Tamil Nadu has provided 86 per cent of work under MNREGS -- an important scheme that ensures the livelihood of people in rural areas -- to women.



The chief minister said the state was also at the forefront at the national level in providing employment to people with disabilities under the scheme.



The chief minister referred to the payments under the MNREGS that have not been disbursed by the Centre from December 2023 to February 2024 and said that 24.21 lakh workers are awaiting their pending wages, which total 1,678.83 crore.



"Therefore, I request that the total wage liability amount of Rs 1,678.83 crore accumulated may be disbursed to the workers immediately," Stalin said in the letter.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. Azerbaijan has made amendments to the "List of posts of the highest special rank in customs bodies" approved by the decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated December 10, 2004, Trend reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree in this regard.

According to the decree, the head of the State Customs Committee - Major General of the Customs Service, was added to the list.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan is to address the issues arising from the decree.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Jaipur, Mar 14 (PTI) The central government has approved a sum of Rs 114.80 crore for Rajasthan under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) programme, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said on Thursday.

The funds will give impetus to MSME enterprises of the state and help enhance their capacity. The funding will also help in meeting the financial needs of micro, small and medium enterprises towards achieving the goals of Developed India-Developed Rajasthan, the chief minister said.

The RAMP programme is being run by the Centre for the MSME sector from 2022. Under this, a strategic investment plan was sent by the state to the central government, on which the state has got approval for an amount of Rs 114.80 crore.

Industry and Commerce Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said that the funds received under the RAMP programme will help in achieving the goals of the schemes and programmes run by the state and central governments for MSMEs.

This will also help in creating a positive environment for industrial investment in the state.
New Delhi, Mar 14 (PTI) Collaborating on a massive show like "Game of Thrones" and now on an equally complex adaptation like "3 Body Problem" is not easy or without fights, says co-creator David Benioff who is happy to reteam with DB Weiss on the highly anticipated sci-fi series.

Joining the equation is Alexander Woo, known for his work on the popular HBO series "True Blood".

Like "Game of Thrones", adapted from George RR Martin's sweeping fantasy saga, Netflix's "3 Body Problem" is based on Chinese author Liu Cixin's bestselling sci-fi novel series of the same name, which many believed was unfilmable before the trio took on the challenge.

"Sometimes we all agree and that's easy. Sometimes we disagree, and then we have to argue about it. And for me and Dan, our experience has been that when we disagree on something, one person normally is more passionate about the argument and the person with the most passion wins.

"And when Alex joined us, we just kind of kept doing the same thing. We just split everything up between the three of us," Benioff told PTI in a roundtable interview.

Benioff said while people assume that they easily split up duties while collaborating, reality is "a lot sloppier than that".

"We don't fight that often. But every now and then, if there was a big battle scene, or some big killing on 'Game of Thrones', we both wanted it. Those would be the fights about who will write the last half of the episode," he added.

Behind the scenes, Benioff said they would discuss every little detail before a big death.

"I remember the big one (fight) we had was at the very end of season one (of 'Game of Thrones') when Ned Stark is beheaded. And we knew that we wanted to cut out of the scene in the episode right before you see his head fall off, but do you see the blade actually go into the neck or do you see it stop like right before the neck.

"We had this long and boring fight about exactly which frame it should end on. We settled on a frame where you just see the blade starting to enter, so that no one would think that he's actually alive. We wanted people to know that Ned Stark dies here, but we didn't want to show all the blood and spine or any of that stuff."

"3 Body Problem" is described as a thrilling story that redefines sci-fi drama with a complex and layered narrative that spans hundreds and thousands of years. Considered one of the most successful books in the genre, the novel was translated into English in 2012 and became an instant hit. It became the first Asian novel ever to win a Hugo Award for best novel.

In the story, things are set in motion when a young scientist, disillusioned with humanity, decides to contact an alien civilisation during 1960s China. Her decision has reverberations across space and time.

Weiss said there is a lot of darkness in the story, which spans three books, but it also offers an insight into how people learn to overcome problems and work together.

"It is about how people learn from their mistakes and turn themselves around, even if they've made terrible mistakes in their past... We have tried to tell the story by sticking to the characters and their motivations and what they were experiencing and events that were happening in the story rather than try to take a top down approach and say, 'Well, this is indicative of the world we are in right now'."

"3 Body Problem", set to launch on Netflix with its eight-episode first season on March 21, features an ensemble cast of Sea Shimooka, Benedict Wong, Tsai Chin, John Bradley, Eiza Gonzalez, Liam Cunningham, Jess Hong and Jovan Adepo.

Unlike the fantasy genre, Benioff said the science fiction genre has never been his "favourite genre". But he took up "3 Body Problem" as the story is about life and about humanity trying to survive in a very cold and dark universe.

"I wasn't necessarily drawn to it because I know anything about physics or because I care that much about particles colliding with each other. I really fell in love with the human story. That was our biggest motivation, with this television retelling of the story."

Woo, also known for his work on shows such as "Manhattan", "Sleeper Cell", "LAX" and "Wonderfalls", hopes they have delivered a worthy adaptation of the novel series to the fans of the books.

"This is what we did most of the pandemic. David, Dan and I met for the first time at the end of February 2020. And then we didn't see each other in person for another two years. But we saw each other on Zoom every day, and wrestled with all these difficulties and challenges of how to tell a story that spans billions of years.

"No one's ever tried that on television before. How to tell a story with so much science, that no one's tried this before? And I hope we found a way that's enjoyable for the audience," he said.

"3 Body Problem", like "Game of Thrones", is mounted on a massive budget, something Woo believes was necessary due to the sprawling nature of the story.

"The reader of the novel is imagining something of a scale unlike anything they've ever read before. So the viewer of the show has to be treated to an experience that they've never seen before. And that it's going to be a big budget, that's going to cost money. If you're going to actualise all the things that you've been imagining as a reader on a screen, that's a big responsibility to do justice to what Liu Cixin wrote," he said.

Benioff said he hopes to get to the end of the saga through their series.

"If Netflix gives us the number of seasons we need to get to the end, people will care enough about these characters and about their fate," he added.
Washington, Mar 14 (PTI) A 27-year-old Indian student died after his watercraft collided with another in the US state of Florida, according to media reports.

Venkataramana Pittala from Telangana was driving a rented Yamaha personal watercraft (PWC) that collided with another PWC operated by a 14-year-old boy from the South Florida mainland on Saturday, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Pittala was a graduate student at Indiana University Purdue University in Indianapolis set to graduate in May, according to a GoFundMe page set up to raise funds to send his mortal remains back to his family in Telangana.

Personal watercraft are tandem boats often referred to as Jet Skis, the name of a popular model manufactured by Kawasaki.

It is unclear if anyone else was injured, the Miami Herald newspaper reported.

The teen was listed as uninjured in the FWC report. It lists arrests as pending", the Keys Weekly reported.

The FWC released an incident report on Monday with the names of the two people involved but no details on what transpired.

This is a two vessel (PWC) accident resulting in one fatality, the report states. The vessels collided with each other.

According to FWC, 14 is the minimum age to operate a personal watercraft in Florida.

The report doesnt state whether authorities have determined fault. Both personal watercraft were rented, it said.
Copenhagen (Denmark), Mar 14 (AP) Denmark wants to increase the number of young people doing military service by extending conscription to women and increasing the time of service from 4 months to 11 months for both genders, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Wednesday.

We do not rearm because we want war. We are rearming because we want to avoid it, Frederiksen told a press conference. She said the government wants full equality between the sexes.

Denmark currently has up to 9,000 professional troops on top of the 4,700 conscripts undergoing basic training, according to official figures. The government wants to increase the number of conscripts by 300 to reach a total of 5,000.

The country is a member of the NATO alliance and a staunch supporter of Ukraine in its war against Russia's invasion.

Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen stressed that Russia does not pose a threat to Denmark.

But we will not bring ourselves to a place where they could come to do that, Lokke Rasmussen said.

All physically fit men over the age of 18 are called up for military service, which lasts roughly four months. However, because there are enough volunteers, there is a lottery system, meaning not all young men serve.

In 2023, there were 4,717 conscripts in Denmark. Women who volunteered for military service accounted for 25.1 per cent of the cohort, according to official figures.

Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the new system would require a change in the law, which he said will happen in 2025 and take effect in 2026.

The security policy situation in Europe has become more and more serious, and we have to take that into account when we look at future defence, Lund Poulsen said. A broader basis for recruiting that includes all genders is needed," he said, adding it will create "a more versatile and more complete defence.

Under the plan for which there likely is a majority in the Danish parliament, conscripts will first spend five months in basic training, followed by six months in operational service along with supplementary training.

In 2017, neighbouring Sweden instituted a military draft for both men and women because the Swedish government spoke of a deteriorating security environment in Europe and around Sweden. The Scandinavian country had previously abolished compulsory military service for men in 2010 because there were enough volunteers to meet its military needs. It never had a military draft for women before.

Norway introduced a law in 2013 applying military conscription to both sexes. (AP) PY

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Washington, Mar 14 (PTI) A US Congressional committee has announced that it will hold a hearing on March 20 on the recently held elections in Pakistan after over two dozen lawmakers expressed concern over the fairness of the polls.

The title of the hearing is Pakistan After the Elections: Examining the Future of Democracy in Pakistan and the US-Pakistan Relationship.

The announcement on the hearing on Pakistan scheduled for March 20 comes after more than two dozen lawmakers expressed concerns over the fairness of the February 8 polls.

The elections were marred by the allegations of vote rigging. Jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party says the new government was formed by stealing its mandate.

Though more than 90 independent candidates backed by Khan's PTI won the maximum number of seats in the National Assembly, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) led by former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto struck a post-poll deal and formed a coalition government last week.

Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu has been asked to testify before the Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Lus alleged involvement in the cipher controversy adds significance to his testimony.

The purported cipher (secret diplomatic cable) contained an account of a meeting between US State Department officials, including Lu and Pakistani envoy Asad Majeed Khan last year.

Khan alleged that Lu threatened to destabilise his government during a March 2022 meeting with Asad Majeed Khan. The US consistently dismisses these allegations as unfounded.

On March 20, the House Foreign Affairs Committee is also scheduled to consider a resolution which expresses support for democracy and human rights in Pakistan.

The resolution calls on the President and the Secretary of State to work with Pakistan to ensure democracy, human rights, and the rule of law are upheld; and urges Islamabad to uphold democratic institutions, human rights, and the rule of law, and respect the fundamental guarantees of due process, freedom of press, freedom of assembly, and freedom of speech of the people of Pakistan.

It condemns attempts to suppress the people of Pakistans participation in their democracy, including through harassment, intimidation, arbitrary detention, or any violation of their human, civil, or political rights; and condemns any effort to subvert the political, electoral, or judicial processes of Pakistan.
Colchester (UK), Mar 14 (The Conversation) Russians head to the polls this week in a presidential election that will almost certainly result in Vladimir Putin decisively winning yet another six-year term. When he does, it will make him the longest-serving leader since Joseph Stalin. Advance polling indicates he will earn 75% of the vote and face little or no meaningful opposition.

His three main opponents are each polling at 5% or less, while any candidate thought likely to attract significant support  or who would use the campaign to robustly oppose the war in Ukraine  has been banned, imprisoned or killed.

Despite the clear path to victory for Putin, the Kremlin reportedly spent more than 1 billion (850 million) on propaganda in the lead up to the elections. Much of this budget was allocated to infotainment to promote nationalism, unity and traditional values.

But why would a regime in the midst of a war, that has cost Russia more than US$200 billion (156 billion) feel the need to put so much effort into a sham election?

Putin may be trying to avoid the same pitfalls of other dictatorships such as Iran which saw record low turnout of 41% in its recent parliamentary elections, the lowest since its 1979 revolution, reflecting widespread disillusionment with the Islamic regime.

The same could be said for Venezuela, which registered a turnout of 31% for its 2020 parliamentary elections. Putin is certainly trying to avoid any perceptions of illegitimacy, or a large protest vote in the wake of the death of his biggest opponent, Alexei Navalny.

Yet why bother to hold elections at all? Research has shown that while elections can pose some risk to dictatorships in the short term, they can also help prolong autocracies. Despite all the questions over their validity, they are often presented in such as way as to lend the winner a degree of legitimacy  both at home and internationally  and it also helps the regime gather intelligence on its popularity.

But Putin seems to be going beyond the usual autocratic project of trying to project the popularity of his regime. Over the 24 years of his rule, elections have become an opportunity for Russians to demonstrate their loyalty to the regime. They are a spectacle, similar to a military parade, and indicative of Putins new totalitarian hold on Russia.

Though authoritarianism is on the rise, only a very few regimes are considered totalitarian today  among those that are, North Korea stands out  with its one-party state run by the Kim family dynasty. Maintaining totalitarian rule requires a great deal of effort by the state to mobilise the public to be fervent supporters of the regime. Most totalitarian regimes also consume large amounts of resources to constantly spy on their people.

Authoritarian regimes may use propaganda and some degree of surveillance and repression but, for the most part, autocracies are willing to accept an apathetic and complacent public that is unwilling to rock the boat.



How Putin deals with dissenting scum



But things have changed in Russia, since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Within a month of launching the invasion, Putin was issuing warnings against those who didnt support his war aims.

Any people, and especially the Russian people, will always be able to distinguish the true patriots from the scum and the traitors, and just to spit them out like a midge that accidentally flew into their mouths, Putin said.

As the war moves into a third year, Putin knows he may need to call on more Russians to fight. As a result, propaganda has been intensified throughout Russian society to reinforce parallels with the great patriotic war (the second world war) which, for Russia, was an existential crisis, and which every school pupil discovers as their countrys finest hour.

Patriotic education is also designed to instil contempt for Ukrainian statehood and students and teachers have been encouraged to denounce any opposition to the war.

Public employees who depend on the state, have been asked to take part in anti-Ukrainian rallies. Citizens have also been encouraged to inform on neighbours who oppose the war.

Russia used to tolerate a moderate degree of dissent, but this is no longer the case. And the punishments have also changed. Rather than face a fine for protesting or speaking critically of the regime, these offenders now attract prison time.

After Russian human rights activist Oleg Orlov claimed that Russia had become totalitarian in February, he was sentenced to two and a half years in prison. Prison sentences have not just become more common, they are longer, too. Activist and journalist Vladimir Kara-Murza was sentenced to 25 years in prison for denouncing the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Police raids have also become more common. In the past, it was only notable critics of the regime who could face arrest. Today, any citizen who expresses dissent can face retribution.

Weeks after Russias invasion of Ukraine, the Duma passed legislation to make it a crime to refer to the war in Ukraine as anything other than a special operation  with a 15-year prison sentence levied at those convicted.

Undoubtedly, since the invasion, Russia has demanded active support from its citizens, not just acquiescence. With the upcoming elections taking place, abstaining and being uninterested in politics is no longer tolerated. Even the occupied parts of Ukraine are being strongly encouraged (by armed men) to vote. Putin wants to win in a landslide, and these elections are designed to be a coordinated and absurd display of his popularity. (The Conversation) NSA

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Brighton (UK), Mar 14 (The Conversation) Can you pass me the whatchamacallit? Its right over there next to the thingamajig.

Many of us will experience lethologica, or difficulty finding words, in everyday life. And it usually becomes more prominent with age.

Frequent difficulty finding the right word can signal changes in the brain consistent with the early (preclinical) stages of Alzheimers disease  before more obvious symptoms emerge. However, a recent study from the University of Toronto suggests that its the speed of speech, rather than the difficulty in finding words that is a more accurate indicator of brain health in older adults.

The researchers asked 125 healthy adults, aged 18 to 90, to describe a scene in detail. Recordings of these descriptions were subsequently analysed by artificial intelligence (AI) software to extract features such as speed of talking, duration of pauses between words, and the variety of words used.

Participants also completed a standard set of tests that measure concentration, thinking speed, and the ability to plan and carry out tasks. Age-related decline in these executive abilities was closely linked to the pace of a persons everyday speech, suggesting a broader decline than just difficulty in finding the right word.

A novel aspect of this study was the use of a picture-word interference task, a clever task designed to separate the two steps of naming an object: finding the right word and instructing the mouth on how to say it out loud.

During this task, participants were shown pictures of everyday objects (such as a broom) while being played an audio clip of a word that is either related in meaning (such as mop  which makes it harder to think of the pictures name) or which sounds similar (such as groom  which can make it easier).

Interestingly, the study found that the natural speech speed of older adults was related to their quickness in naming pictures. This highlights that a general slowdown in processing might underlie broader cognitive and linguistic changes with age, rather than a specific challenge in memory retrieval for words.

How to make the findings more powerful



While the findings from this study are interesting, finding words in response to picture-based cues may not reflect the complexity of vocabulary in unconstrained everyday conversation.

Verbal fluency tasks, which require participants to generate as many words as possible from a given category (for example, animals or fruits) or starting with a specific letter within a time limit, may be used with picture-naming to better capture the tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon.

The tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon refers to the temporary inability to retrieve a word from memory, despite partial recall and the feeling that the word is known. These tasks are considered a better test of everyday conversations than the picture-word interference task because they involve the active retrieval and production of words from ones vocabulary, similar to the processes involved in natural speech.

While verbal fluency performance does not significantly decline with normal ageing (as shown in a 2022 study), poor performance on these tasks can indicate neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers.

The tests are useful because they account for the typical changes in word retrieval ability as people get older, allowing doctors to identify impairments beyond what is expected from normal ageing and potentially detect neurodegenerative conditions.

The verbal fluency test engages various brain regions involved in language, memory, and executive functioning, and hence can offer insights into which regions of the brain are affected by cognitive decline.

The authors of the University of Toronto study could have investigated participants subjective experiences of word-finding difficulties alongside objective measures like speech pauses. This would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the cognitive processes involved.

Personal reports of the feeling of struggling to retrieve words could offer valuable insights complementing the behavioural data, potentially leading to more powerful tools for quantifying and detecting early cognitive decline.



Opening doors



Nevertheless, this study has opened exciting doors for future research, showing that its not just what we say but how fast we say it that can reveal cognitive changes.

By harnessing natural language processing technologies (a type of AI), which use computational techniques to analyse and understand human language data, this work advances previous studies that noticed subtle changes in the spoken and written language of public figures like Ronald Reagan and Iris Murdoch in the years before their dementia diagnoses.

While those opportunistic reports were based on looking back after a dementia diagnosis, this study provides a more systematic, data-driven and forward-looking approach.

Using rapid advancements in natural language processing will allow for automatic, detection of language changes, such as slowed speech rate.

This study underscores the potential of speech rate changes as a significant yet subtle marker of cognitive health that could aid in identifying people at risk before more severe symptoms become apparent. (The Conversation)



NSA

NSA
London, Mar 14 (PTI) The UK government on Thursday issued a new "more precise" definition of extremism in response to increased threats since the October 2023 Hamas terror attacks in Israel and to protect liberal democratic principles against extreme right-wing and Islamist extremists.

Extremism in the UK is now defined as the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, that aims to: negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others; or undermine, overturn or replace the UKs system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights; or intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the results in the first two categories. The previous definition, introduced in 2011 under the governments Prevent strategy, defined extremism as "vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and belief".

UK Levelling Up and Communities Secretary Michael Gove said the update was needed to safeguard the UK as a multi-national, multi-ethnic, multi-faith democracy success story, which is stronger because of its diversity.

But our democracy and our values of inclusivity and tolerance are under challenge from extremists. In order to protect our democratic values, it is important both to reinforce what we have in common and to be clear and precise in identifying the dangers posed by extremism, said Gove.

The pervasiveness of extremist ideologies has become increasingly clear in the aftermath of the 7 October (2023) attacks and poses a real risk to the security of our citizens and our democracy. This is the work of extreme right-wing and Islamist extremists who are seeking to separate Muslims from the rest of society and create division within Muslim communities, he said.

They seek to radicalise individuals, deny people their full rights, suppress freedom of expression, incite hatred, and undermine our democratic institutions, he added.

The minister said the new measures will ensure that the government does not inadvertently provide a platform to those setting out to subvert democracy and deny other peoples fundamental rights. He also indicated it marks the first in a series of measures to tackle extremism and protect British democracy.

The new definition is not statutory, does not create new powers and has no effect on the existing criminal law of the country, but instead applies to the operations of the government itself. It will be used by ministerial departments and officials alongside a set of engagement principles to ensure they are not "inadvertently" funding or legitimising groups or individuals who attempt to advance extremist ideologies.

Since the October 2023 Hamas terror attacks in Israel, the government said concerns have been raised about the wide-ranging risk of radicalisation.

The Community Security Trust recorded 4,103 antisemitic incidents in the UK since the attacks in 2023, an increase of 147 per cent compared to 2022, and Tell MAMA (Measuring Anti-Muslim Attacks) recorded a 335 per cent increase in anti-Muslim hate cases in the last four months.

As indicated by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Parliament on Wednesday, the aim is to ensure the government has the tools it needs to effectively counter extremism. A new counter-extremism centre of excellence has been established in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to provide leadership for the cross-government counter-extremism community, ensure consistent application of the definition and engagement standards, and take the lead on producing strategic assessments of extremism.

The government said the new unit will draw on the expertise of the Commission for Countering Extremism as well as counter extremism policy fellows to ensure the very best academic insight in shaping the anti-extremism approach.

The new definition, which draws on independent reviews, clarifies extremism involves advancing or promoting an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, a high bar that only captures the most concerning of activities. It is not about silencing those with private and peaceful beliefs and will it affect free speech, which will always be protected, the government reiterated.

The threat to Britain from extremists includes those who may not use violence directly yet target our core values, so it is welcome that this updated definition includes those who seek to undermine or replace liberal democracy. Greater clarity in defining extremism can underpin a concerted approach across civil society to protect our country, said Lord John Walney, UKs Independent Adviser on Political Violence and Disruption.
Vatican City, Mar 14 (AP) Pope Francis says he has no plans to resign and isn't suffering from any health problems that would require doing so, saying in a new memoir he still has many projects to bring to fruition.

Francis, 87, made the comments in an autobiography, Life: My Story Through History, which is being published on Tuesday, the 11th anniversary of his installation as pope. Extensive excerpts were published on Thursday in the Italian daily Corriere della Sera.

In the memoir, written with Italian journalist Fabio Marchese Ragona, Francis traces key moments of his life and their intersection with world events (World War II, Argentina's military dictatorship and Vatican intrigue) and how they together inform his priorities as pope.

Significantly, he addresses recurring speculation about his health problems, criticism from conservatives and what both may mean for the future of his pontificate. Such questions have always surrounded the papacy but the prospect of a papal resignation only became a reality with the late Pope Benedict XVI's historic 2013 retirement.

Francis, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, has been battling bronchitis, the flu and a cold on and off this winter and for the past two weeks has asked an aide to read most of his speeches.

He had a chunk of his large intestine removed in 2021 and was hospitalised three times last year, including once to remove intestinal scar tissue from previous surgeries to address diverticulosis, or bulges in his intestinal wall.

In his memoir, he stressed that the papacy is a job for life but that if a serious physical impediment occurs, he has already penned a letter of resignation that is being held in the Secretariat of State.

But this is, I repeat, a distant possibility, because I truly do not have any cause serious enough to make me think of resigning, he said. Some people may have hoped that sooner or later, perhaps after a stay in the hospital, I might make an announcement of that kind, but there is no risk of it: Thanks be to God, I enjoy good health, and as I have said, there are many projects to bring to fruition, God willing."

Francis acknowledged that critics inside the Vatican and out have accused him of destroying the papacy and have tried to block the reforms that he was mandated by cardinals to enact as a result of his 2013 election.

There was a strong desire to change things, to abandon certain attitudes, which, sadly, have proved difficult to eradicate, he said. Needless to say, there are always some who wish to put the brakes on reform, who want things always to stay as they were during the days of pope kings.

In the memoir, Francis doubled down on his recent decision to allow Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples and denied that the criticism that erupted could split the church. Africa's bishops as a whole, as well as individual conservative bishops around the world, have said they would not follow the new directive.

I just want to say that God loves everyone, especially sinners. And if my brother bishops, according to their discernment, decide not to follow this path it doesn't mean that this is the antechamber to schism, because the church's doctrine is not brought into question, Francis said.

He reaffirmed his support for civil unions while ruling out gay marriage, saying it is right that these people who experience the gift of love should have the same legal protections as everyone else.

He reasoned that Jesus spent time with people who lived on the margins of society and that is what the church should be doing today with members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Make them feel at home, especially those who have been baptized and are in every respect among God's people," he said. "And those who have not been baptized and would like to be, or who would like to be godfathers or godmothers: let them be welcomed, please; let them follow a careful pathway to personal discernment. (AP) GRS

GRS
Kathmandu, Mar 14 (PTI) Seven more Nepalese citizens serving the Russian Army in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war have died in the last week, taking the total number of deaths to 19, the foreign ministry said on Thursday.

Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs latest update on the toll came two days after Deputy Prime Minister Kaji Shrestha asked Russia to share a list of Nepalese citizens serving the Russian Army in the ongoing Russian--Ukraine war but stressed that complications remained in bringing them back from the war zone.

He also met the Russian Ambassador to Nepal Aleksei Novikov on Tuesday over the matter when the latter called on him.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the deaths of seven more Nepali nationals who were fighting from the Russian side in the Russia-Ukraine war.

"With the deaths of 7 more Nepalese citizens with the Russian Army, the total number of such cases have touched 19," said the statement.

The ministry said that the deaths of Nepali nationals in the Russian Army come even as the Nepal government has banned the recruitment of Nepali nationals in foreign armies except for those countries with whom Nepal has signed a traditional agreement.

The ministry has extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed in Ukraine.

The ministry said it has once again requested the Russian government to provide compensation to the kin of deceased soldiers, to provide treatment to those injured in the war and to repatriate those recruited illegally into the Russian Army.

Nepal government has placed top priority on the works relating to repatriating those Nepalese nationals who have been recruited into the Russian Army, the ministry said.

Hundreds of Nepali citizens are reported fighting for the Russians against Ukraine. A small number of Nepali citizens are serving in the Ukrainian Army too, but both conflicting nations have not shared the details with the government of Nepal.

On March 7, Shrestha held a telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and raised the concerns of the Nepali side.

Shrestha also reportedly said that he wants to visit Russia and take stock of the condition of the Nepali nationals in Russia.

He said he is keen to know how Nepali nationals were duped and brought to Russia and talk to Russian officials to resolve the issue.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a law approving the agreement between the Government of Azerbaijan and the United Nations Organization on holding the 13th session of the World Urban Forum in Baku in 2026, Trend reports.

To note, this agreement was signed on December 22, 2023, in Baku.

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Islamabad, Mar 14 (PTI) Pakistan on Thursday urged India to comply with the timeline stipulated in the pre-notification of flight testing of ballistic missiles as it took note of the first flight test of India's indigenously developed Agni-5 missile.

Responding to a question about India testing a missile capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that Islamabad had taken note of the Indian missile test on March 11 as New Delhi shared its advance notification to Islamabad.

However, she said India did not follow the three-day timeline stipulated in Article 2 of the Agreement on Pre-notification of the 'Fight Testing of Ballistic Missiles'.

The agreement on pre-notification we believe must be complied with in letter and spirit, she said.

On Monday, India successfully carried out the first flight test of an indigenously developed Agni-5 missile capable of deploying multiple warheads under its 'Mission Divyastra', joining a select group of nations having such a capability.

The missile with 'multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle (MIRV)' tested from APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha accomplished the designed parameters, according to the Defence Ministry in New Delhi.

Agni-V missile has a range of up to 5,000 km and it can bring almost the entire Asia including the northernmost part of China as well as some regions in Europe under its striking range.

India has already carried out several tests of Agni 5 but it was for the first time that the flight test was carried out with MIRV.
London, Mar 14 (PTI) Sanjay Bhandari, a consultant in the defence sector wanted in India on alleged tax evasion and money laundering charges, on Thursday won permission to appeal against his extradition order by the High Court in London.

Then UK Secretary of State, Suella Braverman, had ordered Bhandaris extradition to face criminal proceedings in India last year following a Westminster Magistrates Court ruling in November 2022.

However, the 62-year-old businessman, who offered consultancy services to defence manufacturers bidding for Indian government contracts through his firm Offset India Solutions, had sought permission to appeal against the verdict of District Judge Michael Snow in the High Court. The case will now proceed to a four-day substantive hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice in London later this year.

I am satisfied that the grounds are reasonably arguable, ruled Justice Pushpinder Saini at the conclusion of a half-day renewal appeal hearing on Thursday.

Bhandari, represented by Janes Solicitors, had sought to appeal against the lower court verdict on eight grounds, three of which were granted in a court order by Justice Robert Jay last October and four others were approved during this week's hearing.

Grounds 3, 4 and 5 raise serious arguments which are worthy of consideration by the full Court. The further evidence will be considered at the substantive hearing de bene esse, without prejudice to the Respondents (government of India) case that it is not decisive, reads Justice Jays order from last year.

Besides these grounds, which cover issues of human rights under Article 3 of the European Convention, reversed burden of truth and delays in system, Justice Saini further granted permission to appeal under grounds 1, 2 and 6  which he said is relevant to ground 5 as it deals with the prospect of lengthy pre-trial detention in an Indian prison ahead of an extradition hearing.

The basis for the appeal was that the District Judge had erred in his conclusions that the offences were extradition offences and a prima facie case had been established against Bhandari.

He [Snow] erred in both his conclusions that the conduct would constitute offences in this jurisdiction, and that there is admissible evidence to establish a prima facie case for each offence, note Bhandaris barristers Edward Fitzgerald and James Stansfeld.

The government of India, represented by barrister Alex du Sautoy for the UK's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), had argued there was no merit in any of the renewed grounds of appeal and permission ought to be refused.

The case concerns two extradition requests from the Indian authorities, the first concerning an allegation of money laundering, contrary to Section 3 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002 in India. The second request concerns an allegation of wilfully attempting to evade a tax, penalty or interest chargeable or imposable under the Black Money Act 2015 contrary to Section 51 of that act in India.

Bhandari, who was resident in India for tax purposes at the time in 2015, is accused of concealing overseas assets, using backdated documents, benefiting from the assets not declared to the Indian tax authorities and then falsely informing the authorities that he did not possess any overseas assets. He denies the allegations against him and has been fighting his extradition since the first request was certified by the UK Home Office in June 2020.

The CPS, on behalf of the Indian authorities, has argued that Bhandari's conduct amounts to "fraud by false representation" in the British jurisdiction which will now be subject to a High Court challenge.
Islamabad, Mar 14 (PTI) Pakistan's newly elected President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday welcomed the recent interaction between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province chief minister, who belongs to the jailed ex-premier Imran Khans party, terming it as a good beginning in political reconciliation.

On Wednesday, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur of Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party met Sharif and discussed various issues about the restive province.

This was the two leaders' first meeting after they took charge of their respective posts earlier last week.

Gandapur also Sharif asked for a meeting with Khan, to which the prime minister apparently responded positively and agreed to address the concerns of the chief minister.

This came after the Punjab province government  led by Maryam Nawaz of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and arch-rival of Khans PTI  on Tuesday imposed a two-week ban on all public visits, meetings and interviews at the high-security Adiala Jail at Rawalpindi, where the former prime minister Khan is lodged since last August.

Zardari, 68, who was elected president with the support of Sharif's PML-N party, said in a statement that the outreach was a good beginning.

It is high time we start thinking of working towards healing the divisions Pakistan has been going through, he said, referring to Khan's allegation that Sharif's PML-N stole the mandate in the February 8 elections.

The president said he had always advocated for prioritising Pakistan above all else, and it was time we give people hope in the democratic process by showing them it could work.

Sharif returned to power after the election, but Khan and his party have alleged that the PML-N and its coalition partners, along with the powerful establishment, have stolen its mandate in the polls.

Last week, Gandapur abstained from welcoming Sharif when the prime minister visited Peshawar, the capital of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. He also said that he does not accept the PML-Ns government.

Gandapur is considered a hawkish PTI leader, and his meeting with the prime minister is an apparent shift in the party's policy to cooperate with the federal government.
Bijapur, Mar 14 (PTI) A Naxalite wanted in more than 100 cases, including murder and abduction, and carrying a reward of Rs 8 lakh was arrested in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, police said on Thursday.



Sudhakar alias Undam (55), who was active as a divisional committee member of Maoists, was apprehended in a forest between Gundam and Puvarti villages during an operation by security personnel on Tuesday, an official said.

The operation involving personnel from the District Reserve Guard (DRG), 210th battalion of CoBRA, an elite unit of CRPF, and local police, was launched from Basaguda police station, he said.

A native of Gaganpalli village in Basaguda area, Sudhakar had joined the outlawed CPI (Maoist) as a PLGA (People's Liberation Guerilla Army) member in 1996 and then served in various capacities. He led the supply team of the West Bastar Division of Maoists between 2006 and 2008, he said.

Warrants in at least 108 Maoist-related cases, including murder, attempt to murder, and abductions, were pending against him at different police stations in Bijapur district, the official said, adding that he carried a reward of Rs 8 lakh.
Kolkata, Mar 14 (PTI) Disgruntled TMC leader Arjun Singh on Thursday said he would return to the BJP after he was denied a party ticket from the Barrackpore Lok Sabha seat which he represents.

Singh also claimed that a "top TMC leader" would join the saffron party along with him.

Singh had quit the BJP and rejoined TMC after being elected from the seat in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

He had earlier quit the Trinamool Congress ahead of the previous Lok Sabha elections. In 2022, he returned to the TMC but did not resign as MP.

"When I joined the Trinamool Congress in 2022, I was promised that I would be re-nominated as the TMC's candidate from the Barrackpore Lok Sabha seat. But the party did not keep its promise and betrayed me. So, I have decided to return to the BJP," he said.

The TMC, which announced its candidate list on Sunday, nominated state minister Partha Bhowmick from the Barrackpore Lok Sabha seat.
New Delhi, Mar 14 (PTI) The Media Foundation has awarded the Chameli Devi Jain Award for Outstanding Woman Media Person for 2024 jointly to independent journalist Greeshma Kuthar and Ritika Chopra of The Indian Express.

An independent jury comprising senior journalist and columnist Radhika Ramaseshan (Chair), award-winning journalist and author Mariyam Alavi, and Down to Earth managing editor Richard Mahapatra selected the winners from more than 65 entries of women journalists, a statement from the Media Foundation said.

Kuthar has been awarded for her deeply-researched long-form investigative reporting from conflict areas such as Manipur, the statement said.

"Her reportage has a strong focus on the social and cultural impact of national political narratives on Indias marginalised communities," the jury observed.

Chopra has been awarded for her in-depth investigative stories in the fields of education and government policy.

The award presentation will take place on March 15 at 6 pm at the India International Centre, CD Deshmukh Hall.

It will be followed by the BG Verghese Memorial Lecture, to be delivered by TN Ninan, editor and author, on 'Work and Wages: Old Challenges in the Age of Automation and AI'.

The award is named after freedom fighter and community reformer Chameli Devi Jain who was imprisoned during Indias Independence movement.

It is presented annually to those practising impactful journalism in fields such as social development, politics, gender justice, human rights, health, conflict and consumer values.

Last year, the award was received by Dhanya Rajendran, co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of The News Minute.
Hamirpur (HP), Mar 14 (PTI) Thirty-four new cases of diarrhoea were reported in Tauni Devi block of Hamirpur district on Thursday taking the total caseload in the area in the past four days to 404, officials said.

Of the total 404 patients, 105 are active cases of which five patients are undergoing treatment at Tauni Devi Hospital, said Hamirpur Chief medical Officer (CMO) Dr RK Agnihotri, adding that the rest have recovered.

As per a latest report, four water samples of the area have been found unfit for human consumption and further details are awaited, he added.

He appealed to the people to drink only boiled water to remain healthy and fit.

The Himachal Pradesh government on Wednesday constituted a team of health experts to investigate the reasons behind the diarrhoea outbreak in Tauni Devi, the officials said.

The team interacted with the patients at Tauni Devi Civil Hospital and also collected water samples from the affected areas, they said.

The district health department team has also sent stool samples of the patients from affected areas to Medical College, Tanda, for testing.

The diarrhoea outbreak is reported in 31 villages of 13 panchayats including villages of Gwaradu, Lohakhar, Tauni Devi, Chahad, Tapre, Bari, Mahade, Ghalot, Siswa, Barin, Khandehra, Ladayoh and Jhanikkar, the officials said.

"Three days ago I suddenly felt pain in my abdomen followed by vomiting after which I started taking medicines at home, but when I got to know that diarrhoea has spread on a large scale, I went to the hospital on Monday," a male patient in his 30s told PTI.

It is for the third time that a diarrhoea outbreak has been witnessed in Hamirpur district in the past 14 months. In January 2023, about 1,000 people were affected by diarrhoea in the Rangas area of Nadaun, the assembly constituency of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

Diarrhoea again spread for the second time in ten panchayats adjoining Hamirpur town in June 2023.
Pathanamthitta (Kerala), Mar 14 (PTI) Facing intense criticism for his controversial allegations against the BJP regarding the 2019 Pulwama attack, Congress MP Anto Antony on Thursday claimed he did not say that Pakistan had no role in that.

Speaking to a TV channel, Antony said he did not say that Pakistan had no role in the attack during the press conference held here Wednesday.

He said that it was the reporters who asked about Pakistan's role and he had not expressed any opinion on that.

On Wednesday, when a reporter raised the issue of Pakistan's involvement in the Pulwama attack, the Pathanamthitta MP had responded sharply, asking, "What involvement did Pakistan have in the Pulwama blast?"

Antony, the Congress candidate for the Pathanamthitta Lok Sabha seat which he has represented since 2014, said that his response "was interpreted by those present there according to their self interest and intelligence."

He claimed that it was the then Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik who had in an interview said that the sacrifice of the CRPF jawans in the attack was used for political gains.

He contended that what Malik had said was 100 per cent correct.

"Satyapal Malik publicly levelled the allegations. Why has no sedition case been lodged against him?" Antony asked.

He was reacting to BJP state president K Surendran's remarks that the Congress MP had insulted the country by denying Pakistan's role in the Pulwama terror attack.

Surendran had said Antony should be charged with sedition and arrested.

Antony further claimed that what he had said in the press conference the previous day was that those ruling the country would go to any extent for achieving political gains.

"As far as I am concerned, I stand by what I have said," he added.

The Pulwama attack took place on February 14, 2019 when a convoy of vehicles transporting CRPF personnel on the Jammu Srinagar National Highway was targeted by a suicide bomber in a vehicle at Lethapora in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir. The attack resulted in the deaths of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.
Pathanamthitta (Ker), Mar 14 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in this southern Kerala town on Friday to campaign for candidates of the BJP-led NDA in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.



Modi, who will arrive here at 10.30 am, will address a public meeting. Party sources said one lakh people will be present at the venue.



The prime minister will be received by BJP state chief K Surendran, Kerala in-charge of the party Prakash Javadekar, state General Secretary George Kurian and Pathanamthitta district President V A Sooraj.



The meeting will be attended by NDA's Lok Sabha candidates V Muraleedharan (Attingal), Anil K Antony (Pathanamthitta), Sobha Surendran (Alappuzha), and Baiju Kalasala (Mavelikkara), the sources said.



In addition to them, leaders including Padmaja Venugopal, who recently joined the BJP after quitting the Congress, and state and local party leaders will attend the meeting, they added.



The police have implemented a ban on the flying of drones and comparable devices within a 3 km radius of the Municipal Stadium and Pramadam Indoor Stadium here under Section 39 of the Kerala Police Act to ensure the Prime Minister's security.



Drones, remote-controlled microlight aircraft, aeromodels, paragliders, paramotors, hang gliders, hot air balloons, kites, and other similar devices are banned from use until 10 p m on Friday in the area.



Earlier, the party had announced that Modi would visit Pathanamthitta on March 17 to campaign for the NDA's candidates and Palakkad on March 15, but the plan was changed later.



Party sources have now said that the Prime Minister will undertake the visit to Palakkad on March 19, where he is likely to hold a roadshow.



The official social media pages of the BJPs Palakkad and Pathanamthitta district committees have announced Modis fourth and fifth visits to the state within a span of three months.
Chennai, Mar 14 (PTI) The Coast Guard on Thursday began docking ships in-house for repairs as a slipway at the Chennai Port Authority here has been refurbished.



A Coast Guard Ship 'ICGS C-435' was formally docked at the slipway in the presence of Inspector General Coast Guard, Eastern Region Commander, Donny Michael, on the occasion.



A slipway is a ramp on the shore that helps move ships or boats to and from the water, so that repairs and maintenance can be carried out.



The Coast Guard has leased the facility from Chennai Port to dock its Fast Patrol Vessels and Interceptor Boats, which form the major chunk of its fleet.



"The slipway will give a boost to in-house repair facilities of the Coast Guard leading to faster turnaround of ships undergoing repairs at Chennai," an official release here said today.



The operationalisation of the slipway is also part of long term endeavour of the Coast Guard to create and operate indigenous infrastructure for repair of ships, thereby reducing dependence on other agencies.



The Coast Guard has an ambitious plan to augment the maintenance facilities with the operationalisation of the slipway, the release added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. Zangezur corridor must be opened, Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) Binali Yildirim told reporters, Trend reports.

"This is also reflected in the ceasefire agreement. After the resolution of the Karabakh conflict, Armenia has an opportunity to withdraw its country from the blockade. Armenia should amend its Constitution, abandon its aspirations for independence, and get rid of the Mount Agrydag symbol," Yldrm stressed.

To note, according to the trilateral Statement signed on November 10, 2020, by agreement of the parties (Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Russia), the construction of new transport communications connecting the western regions of Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic should be ensured.

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Gurugram, Mar 14 (PTI) A 25-year-old woman was injured in Silokhera village here after her husband allegedly attacked her with a knife during an argument, police said on Thursday.

The incident took place on Wednesday night. The woman, Bulti Das, is being treated at a hospital, they said.

Deepak Das was arrested after a case was registered at the Sector-40 police station, police said.

They said that Deepak was a labourer and Bulti a domestic help. The couple lived in a rented accommodation in Silokhera.

There was an argument between them and Deepak in a fit of rage attacked Bulti with a knife and injured her, police said. People reached their house after hearing the woman's cry for help.

Deepak, who had fled, was apprehended and booked for attempt to murder, police said.
Hyderabad, Mar 14 (PTI) The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Telangana on Thursday arrested two more government officials in connection with its ongoing investigation into an alleged scam in the sheep distribution scheme of the state government.



The two accused officers, Anjilappa and Krishnaiah, were arrested today, a release by the ACB said.





The officials allegedly colluded and conspired with private persons and resorted to illegal acts and violations while discharging their duties, according to the release.





The ACB had earlier arrested some government officials in connection with the alleged scam.



The previous BRS government had launched the sheep disribution scheme in 2017 to strengthen the rural economy.
Westerly, RI (02891)

Today

Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low 37F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low 37F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
HaGaon HaRav Shimon Galei got up and grabbed the microphone. It was a totally spontaneous moment that left tears of emotion in the eyes of the thousands in attendance. It was in the middle of the Amud HaYomi Siyum at the Armon Hotel in Stamford. Hagaon HaRav Hillel David, shlita, had just finished speaking when suddenly, before the MC, Rabbi Leibish Lish, could step in and introduce the next speaker, the gaon and tzaddik, Rav Galei, grabbed the microphone and exclaimed, Rabbosai! I want to tell you something very important. A siyum masechta is a time when there is a great eis ratzon in shomayim. If this is said about any siyum, how much more so, a siyum being made by thousands! Now is the time for all of us to daven for Klal Yisrael who are undergoing great difficulty and for all our personal tefillos as well.

Rav Shimon then began singing, Shaarei shomayim pesach, a song where we beg Hashem to open the gates of heaven and shower us with bracha from His infinite otzar, treasure house of bracha. The tangible emotion and feeling of Rav Shimon reverberated throughout the hall and the crowd joined him, raising their voices in song. Soon, everyone was on their feet singing, davening. The emotion reached a crescendo and it was clear to anyone there that they were indeed tapping into a unique eis ratzon. The emotion, the tefillos, the tears that were shed, defy description.

The truth, however, is that this exalted moment at the Amud HaYomi siyum was a microcosm of the eis ratzon that characterized the entire Shabbos Dirshu Convention this year. Every believing Jew knows that there is nothing that invokes rachmei shomayim more than the koach haTorah. Over the course of Shabbos Dirshu, not only was Torah celebrated by more than a thousand lomdei Dirshu and their families, Torah was being learned in every free minute!

As HaGaon HaRav Yechiel Mechel Steinmetz, shlita, the Skverer Dayan of Boro Park, so eloquently highlighted during his shalosh seudos drasha, I must confess, I have never seen anything like it! I woke up on Shabbos morning at about 5:00a.m. I went downstairs and couldnt believe my eyes! There were people learning all around the lobby and in the large room designated for learning. Where do you have a Shabbos convention where the program ended the night before at close to 1:00a.m. and then, by 5:00a.m. the next morning people are horeving over their Gemaras? Only at a Dirshu convention where limud haTorah with goals and tests never stop for anything!

Throughout the Shabbos, the extended Dirshu family reveled in spending time with like-minded people traveling the same exalted road of life where their homes and every waking minute is influenced and shaped by goals of learning, reviewing and constant accountability through testing that so exemplifies a Dirshu Yid.

The inaugural Amud HaYomi siyum on Masechta Brachos, held on Thursday night in the Armon Hotels main ballroom, was a self-contained event that was open to the public, and the public came en masse. The standing-room only crowd was permeated with a profound sense of simcha. This was especially evident after HaRav Shlomo Eliezer Katz, a prominent Amud HaYomi maggid shiur delivered the hadran and entire assemblage burst into song and dance. The large orchestra and wonderful zemiros elevated the atmosphere. The simcha reached its climax when the leading Gedolim, led by Rav Shimon Galei and Rav Hillel David, joined hands, dancing with the Nasi of Dirshu, Rav Dovid Hofstedter. Chairs were spontaneously removed to make room for dancing on the floor and the simcha, the pure, unadulterated simcha, joy and ecstasy that come from a sense of accomplishment was tangible.

The event began with an important drasha delivered by Rav Hillel David, shlita, Rav of Kehillas Yeshiva Shaarei Torah, Yoshev Rosh of the Vaad Roshei Yeshiva of Torah Umesorah, and a member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Agudas Yisroel.

Rav David brought out the unique qualities of the Amud HaYomi, explaining, An amud is not just half a daf, it is an AMUD! In a way, there is much more in an amud than in a blatt Gemara. When one is limited to learning one amud per day, he has a chance to truly understand the concepts and the lomdus inherent in the Gemara. There is no amud throughout Shas upon which one cannot say an entire shiur. No one should be afraid of learning the Amud HaYomi because he will be learning less. In truth, he is learning much more! If you utilize the Amud HaYomi to understand the amud, to look at a Tosafos or Maharsha in order to truly grasp the concepts, I can tell you that every amud in Shas will be akin to learning kol haTorah kulo! When one learns the amud well and reviews it, it is a different amud. This simcha is not just your personal simcha, it is OUR simcha, a simcha for all of Klal Yisrael!

HaRav Mordechai Zev Wosner, shlita, Rav of Khal Machazeh Avrohom of Boro Park and a grandson of HaGaon HaRav Shmuel Wosner, shlita, was then called upon to begin Shas. Rav Wosner related how his illustrious grandfather, one of Dirshus most enthusiastic supporters, referred to Rav Hofstedter as a gadol hador in harbotzas haTorah and expressed his amazement that one individual should merit to attain such zechuyos.

The Nasi of Dirshu, Rav Dovid Hofstedter, then delivered a seminal drasha.

Rav Dovid began with a basic question. Why Amud HaYomi? Baruch Hashem, thousands have embarked on this new limud of Amud HaYomi. It is a historical moment that comes by perhaps once in a hundred years. Why now? We already have so many wonderful programs.

The Medrash tells us that on the day the Mishkan was erected, the foundation of heaven and earth stabilized. Until then, the foundation was unstable. Why? The Torah had already been given on Har Sinai. Still, that was insufficient. When the Mishkan was built, Hashem rested His Shechinah on the Mishkan and taught Torah to Am Yisrael. Until then, the world had been wobbly, in a state of flux.

With great feeling, Rav Hofstedter exclaimed, Without Torah, the world trembles! We need more and more Torah in the world!

Rav Hofstedter then shared a personal moment, Both my parents, zichronom lvracha, and yblch, my in-laws are Yidden from the shearis hapleita. They lost everything and rebuilt from scratch.

I was one of the few children of survivors who merited a grandfather who survived. When I was a child, we would go visit my Zeidah on Friday night. He would reminisce about the world of Europe that was no more. He would talk about the suffering during the holocaust and with great pain in his voice, would ask, What did the Yidden in America and Canada do when they were killing six million Yidden? In an agonized, heart-aching voice, he would ask, Were they going to the ballgames?

As a child, I remember thinking about the suffering of the Yidden during the holocaust and remember feeling sorry for those Yidden who could have done something, and had to live the rest of their lives with the knowledge and pain that perhaps they didnt do as much as they could have

Rav Hofstedter reached the climax of his drasha and passionately asked the audience that was listening with bated breath, I ask with koved rosh and pain, What are WE doing, when rl, thousands of our fellow Yidden are being slaughtered and killed?! What are we doing when there are so many fresh widows and orphans, children crying for their parents and parents crying for their children, wives crying over the loss of their husbands and mothers crying over the loss of their children??!

There is so much that we CAN do! Let us take some responsibility upon ourselves. Let us here now declare, blev shaleim, that we will invest every ounce of our strength, our neshama, our hearts and accept upon ourselves to learn the Amud HaYomi! From Dan to Beer Sheva, from Monsey to Melbourne, from one end of the world to the other, there should be no place where the Amud HaYomi is not learned with clarity, with chazara. Let us now be mekabel as one man with one heart! In this zechus, may we merit to see that Hashem is King and greet Moshiach!

The keynote address was delivered by HaRav Shimon Zev Meisels, shlita, Rav of Khal Beirach Moshe of Kiryas Yoel and a son-in-law of the Satmar Rebbe, Rav Aharon Teitelbaum, shlita.

Rav Shimon began by describing a personal feeling. There is something intangible about true simcha. For example, a chasunah. A person can hire the best caterer, the best party planner, the best band but that doesnt necessarily provide the spark of simcha that characterizes a true Yiddishe simcha. Then, you enter a wedding held at the simplest of halls with a one-man band and simcha is permeating the atmosphere! You can touch it! It is there. Simcha is intangible. Standing here tonight, I feel profound simcha everywhere. You can touch it! It is alive! The hall wasnt even set up for dancing, but the spontaneous dancing happened anyway. When there is true simcha no explanation is needed. Everyone feels it.

Perhaps, Rav Meisels continued, this outpouring of simchas haTorah that everyone is feeling is rooted in one word, kevius. Kevius means every day, no matter what. The korban tamid was sacrificed daily and it is so important that bringing it can even push off an issur of kareis. Why? Because the Gemara says that if it is tadir, consistent, it is totally different.

If I may say so, Rav Meisels extrapolated, the success and simcha we feel tonight is because Dirshu represents the concept of kevius, of consistency, of everyday no matter what. To come every day to a shiur, to learn an amud every day, no matter what is going on in your life, when a person consecrates time for learning, when his wife and children know that when he is learning his amud, his daf, his kevius, whatever it is, that time is sacrosanct, the world stops, that is the success of Dirshu. The Maharsha writes that being mevatel a kevius is akin to chillul Shabbos. THAT is how important kevius is.

After Rav Meisels stepped down, the music began. The chairs and tables were removed and the most simchadig, uplifting dancing took place. The dancing went on and on, and it was clear that it was the koach haTorah, the koach of the Amud HaYomi, that was the fuel powering the dancing.

Language pales when trying to describe a Dirshu Shabbos. How can physical words encapsulate something so spiritual, so intangible?! The sefarim teach us that Shabbos is the achdus of creation, it is the time when everything comes together harmoniously as one. That is perhaps the best way to describe the Dirshu Shabbos.

On Shabbos Dirshu, every shevet of Klal Yisrael came together as one  Ashkenazim and Sefardim, bnei Yeshiva and baalei battim, Chassidim and Litvishe bnei Torah  with no boundaries, only unity, achdus forged by the power of Torah, the ultimate unifier of Klal Yisrael. Upon entering the lobby, you were greeted by the sight of a Chassidishe yungerman bedecked with a shtreimel and white socks, discussing a complex Tosafos with a Litvishe yungerman wearing a short jacket and a tie. It was so normal because superficial boundaries do not exist at Mattan Torah where everyone is kish echad blev echad.

Between Kabbalas Shabbos and Maariv, HaGaon HaRav Nissan Kaplan, Rosh Yeshivas Daas Aharon, recounted how, an apikorus once asked the Chofetz Chaim, Why do we make such a big deal over the fact that Hashem took us out of Mitzrayim with great miracles? Wasnt He the One Who put us into Mitzrayim?! Wouldnt it have been better had He simply NOT put us there and then we wouldnt have needed all the miracles of taking us out?

The Chofetz Chaim explained that we would never have become what we became, the exalted, holy Jewish Nation without Mitzrayim. Hashem put us into Mitzrayim to enable us to grow, to purify ourselves, to become a totally different nation, the am hanivchar as a result of our difficult experiences there.

Rav Kaplan explained, Learning in Dirshu, participating in the sometimes rigorous, relentless Torah learning with accountability and tests, makes a person into a totally different person! It builds and transforms you into a person on a totally different level!

One of the highlights of Shabbos was shalosh seudos, a climax of the divrei chizuk and hisorerus. A special atmosphere of great thirst for more divrei Torah and more chizuk permeated the atmosphere during shalosh seudos.

Harav Yitzchok Zalman Gips, Rav of Khal Birchas Avrohom and a longtime Dirshu maggid shiur, said, It is traditional to begin a drasha with the word, Bireshus. Let us stop for a second and think from whom are we asking reshus to speak? I am standing here asking reshus from Yidden of whom I am ashamed to be in their presence! People who are learning day and night, taking tests and have instant recall of so much of Shas!

Rav Gips then stressed the uniqueness of the convention. This is a convention where people fight to gain entry. Why? So that they can listen to drashos throughout Shabbos! Where else do we find such a thing?! Even where each person stayed was dictated by Torah. The large Armon Hotel was not large enough to accommodate the crowd and as a result the Marriott, a short distance away, was also booked. Those with the highest test scores stayed in the Armon while the others  who also excelled with great test scores  stayed in the Marriott. Where in the world is there a convention where Torah is the legal tender?!

Hagaon HaRav Shlomo Eisenberger, shlita, Rosh Yeshivas Telshe, delivered very poignant remarks and chizuk. He told a story that depicts the unique koach haTorah. A yungerman who was a talmid of Rav Shmuel Berenbaum, Rosh Yeshivas Mir, was faced with a great difficulty. His wife had been diagnosed with cancer and the doctors were giving a negative prognosis for recovery. He came to Rav Shmuel and begged him to daven for her. What can I do? asked Rav Shmuel, I am not a baal mofeis

A while later, however, she went into remission and miraculously recovered. The yungerman returned to Rav Shmuel and asked, What happened? How could it be that against all odds she survived?

Rav Shmuel replied, When you left, I was ois mentsch. I didnt know what to do. I opened my Gemara, looked at Abyah and Rava and said, Abaye and Rava. We are friends for over forty years. For over forty years, I have learned your Torah! I am busy with you all the time. I never asked you for anything in return. Now I am going to ask for something. Please send a refuah to the wife of this yungerman!

That, exclaimed Rav Eisenberger, is the koach of Torah!

Rav Yechiel Mechel Steinmetz brought out the tremendous impact on the family wrought by the learning of a Dirshu husband and father.

He said, We all know how difficult it is to fulfill the commandment of vlimadetem es beneichem, to teach ones own child Torah. When a father learns in a Dirshu program, the very fact that his father is always running to learn, to chazar, to take a test, sets the best possible example for children to learn by example. This is true regarding grandfathers as well. Dirshu, Rav Steimentz announced with deep feeling, is the best segulah for shalom bayis. The respect that a wife and children have for a husband and father who learns with Dirshu is impossible to describe. It transforms the home!

The final speaker at shalosh seudos was HaRav Moshe Benzion Weinberger, RM at Yeshivas Shalom Shachne and Rav of the Agudas Yisrael of Flatbush.

Rav Weinberger related a story of how, in the 1940s, Rav Elya Meir Bloch went to a sefarim store seeking to buy a Ketzos Hachoshen. The proprietor told him, I am selling you the last Ketzos ever to be sold in America. There is no way any yeshivos will grow here

The proprietor was not wrong! thundered Rav Weinberger. At that time, according to the natural order of things it was impossible for Torah to rebuild in America. But Torah is not natural! Torah is above teva. According to teva, yeshivos wouldnt thrive, but Torah is above nature!

I think we can say the same about Dirshu. I dont think anyone in their wildest dreams, including Rav Dovid Hofstedter, could have predicted the growth of the dream that is Dirshu. The success of this dream is because Torah is above and beyond nature! To see yungeleit with such hasagos! Before Mincha a yungerman brought shelishi for 7,400 blatt Gemara to be learned within a year! He then gave the aliyah to his chavrusah who introduced him to Dirshu. Is that teva? No! Dirshu is a miracle!

After an entire Shabbos replete with chizuk and simcha, a Dirshu participant related, I felt so full, so satisfied from all that I had seen and heard. Still, the Gemara says, that even when someone is satisfied from a seudah, there is always room for something sweet and the melava malka and siyum were sweeter than sweet!

Prior to the explosion of climactic dancing at the end of the melava malka, the assembled had the zechus to hear inspiring messages from the chairman, HaRav Zev Smith, shlita, Hagaon HaRav Dovid Goldberg, shlita, Rosh Yeshivas Telshe, Rav Dovid Hofstedter, shlita, Nasi Dirshu and HaRav Nissan Kaplan, shlita.

After the siyum on Masechta Bava Kama and enthusiastic dancing, Rav Dovid Goldberg was asked to address the assemblage. Rav Dovid Goldberg touched on the difficult times of war in which we are living when Jewish blood is being spilled. He quoted a letter written by the Telsher Rav, Rav Avrohom Yitzchok Bloch, hyd, in 1940, when the churban of Europe had already begun. Despite the terrible gezeiros, Rav Bloch, based on the shirah of Haazinu, wrote that although Jewish blood seemed to be hefker with the nations doing whatever they wanted to the Yidden, still the tzaddikim will step in and never relent in their quest to teach and spread Torah. Even in that precarious time, the Telsher Rav urged more yeshivos to be opened and more Torah to be taught, cautioning against any slackening off due to the difficulties.

This is the call of the hour, said Rav Goldberg with great animation. The Amud HaYomi program was started just before the terrible gezeiros of Simchas Torah. We have to keep at it, we have to hold on to the Amud HaYomi and any other Torah learning! We have to spread Torah more and more. Hashem wants to bring yeshuos to Klal Yisrael but when there is slackening off in Torah learning, He is, as it were, prevented from saving us.

Rav Goldberg than spoke about what he had witnessed over Shabbos. When you come to a Dirshu Convention, you see chavrei Dirshu approaching Rav Hofstedter saying, Dirshu changed my life! The simcha that you see, is a simcha that permeates the entire home. In a world that is running headlong after gashmiyus, here you see people doing the opposite, running after ruchniyus because they have found a taam in learning!

Rav Dovid Hofstedter made an impassioned plea that we rededicate ourselves to Torah with every fiber of our being.

He wondered, There is so much Torah in the world, so much Torah being learned in our times. We know that Chazal teach us that Torah protects and saves us. Why, however, are we still facing such a difficult, dangerous matzav? Why are the Yidden in Eretz Yisrael in danger and the Yidden in chutz laaretz also in danger due to resurgent antisemitism?

If an ill person goes to the doctor, Rav Hofstedter explained, the doctor prescribes medication and instructs him to take a certain amount thrice daily. What happens if looks at the instructions as optional? Sometimes he will take, sometimes he wont. Sometimes he will take it once a day and sometimes twice, sometimes half a dose and sometimes a full dose He wont get better!

It is not enough to perfunctorily learn Torah just to be yotzeh. We dont just do the daf in a short amount of time. A Yid has to have a kesher with Torah, a deep, unbreakable bond with Torah! That is the essence of a Dirshu Yid! It is our responsibility to make a true kesher with Torah, not a blatt here, a blatt there, but to really understand, learn, chazar and retain what we have learned. That is why we are here!

Rav Nissan Kaplan took up Rav Dovid Hofstedters theme, saying, There is still more to be done!

He explained that the quality of a persons learning is exponentially multiplied when he learns without any break. He explained that learning for one hour, taking a break and then another hour is just learning for two hours. If a person learns for two hours straight, without a break, it has the power of four hours of learning. When one learns four hours straight it has the power of 16 hours, etc. You cant make hot water for a coffee, he exclaimed, if you keep pulling the plug on the kettle before it boils!

He called on the lomdei Dirshu to try their utmost to learn without breaks. Even when you need a bit of rest, keep the learning on a lower flame, but dont ever turn off the switch! The quality of the learning and its ability to impact the nefesh is infinitely greater when done with retzufos. Let us all make a kabbalah before leaving this evening to increase our learning with retzufos, without a break and thus our Torah will have the ultimate potency.

Rav Kaplan also called on lomdei Dirshu to invest special effort in tefillah and chessed. With the power of Torah, tefillah and chessed, our kehillah kedoshah of Dirshu can invoke such rachamim and transform the entire world!

After bentching, wellsprings of simcha flooded the hall. One would have thought that an exhausting Shabbos would have drained every one of their koach to dance, but no. The simcha flowed over, and for hours, deep into the wee hours of the night, circles and circles of Dirshu learners danced, celebrating their unique bond with the Torah!

Perhaps Rav Weinberger expressed the feelings of all present when he said during shalosh seudos, I was introduced as the neilah of the Shabbos, the last speaker of the Shabbos. I beg to differ. I am the afikomen of the Shabbos! Chazal say, we eat the afikomen so that the taam, the taste of matzah should remain in the mouth. The taam of this wonderful Shabbos will remain in our mouths for eternity!
Hunter Biden on Wednesday rejected an invitation from House Republicans to appear for a public hearing next week alongside former business associates, an inquiry his attorney dismissed as a carnival side show.

In a letter obtained by The Associated Press, Abbe Lowell, the presidents sons attorney, blasted Republicans efforts to bring his client before a public hearing after he had sat for a nearly seven-hour deposition last month.

Your latest stepthis March 6 invitationis not a serious oversight proceeding, Lowell said in the letter. It is your attempt to resuscitate your Conferences moribund inquiry with a made-for-right-wing-media, circus act.

The invitation sent last week from Rep. James Comer, the chairman of the House Oversight Committee, included three of Bidens former business associates, all of whom are currently facing their own legal challenges.

Your idea of congressional fact-finding is, amazingly, to have Mr. Biden appear with the discredited witnesses you continue to promote, Lowell continued.

The committees 14-month investigation into the Biden family has primarily focused on Hunter Bidens overseas work in countries such as Ukraine and China. While lawmakers have unearthed ethically questionable behavior by the presidents son and other family members, Republicans have yet to produce evidence of misconduct by Joe Biden while in public office.

The dismissal of the invitation comes after Hunter Biden and his lawyer insisted late last year that he appear for a public hearing instead of the private deposition, citing concerns that GOP lawmakers would distort his interview. The two sides ultimately agreed to a sit-down testimony first, followed by a public hearing.

But Lowell said that his client would only appear for a hearing if it were a legitimate exercise of congressional authority that also looks into efforts by family members of former President Donald Trump to trade off their fathers name while in the White House.

(AP)
Geert Wilders, whose anti-Islam, anti-immigration rhetoric swept him to a stunning victory in the November election, said Wednesday he doesnt have the support of his prospective coalition partners to become the next Dutch prime minister.

Wilders took to X, formerly Twitter, to say that I can only become premier if ALL parties in the coalition support that. That wasnt the case.

His comment came after media reported, citing unnamed sources, that a breakthrough in coalition talks announced Tuesday night was that the leaders of all four parties involved in drawn-out coalition negotiations would remain in parliament.

That sets up the likelihood of some sort of technical Cabinet made up of experts. While it now looks like Wilders will not lead the government, he and his Party for Freedom will remain the driving force behind the next administration.

Wilders did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. Other leaders involved in the talks also did not immediately comment.

But Wilders later added another comment on X to say that, one day, he still wants to be prime minister. Dont forget: I will still become premier of the Netherlands, he said. With the support of even more Dutch people. If not tomorrow, then the day after tomorrow. Because the voice of millions of Dutch people will be heard!

After the Nov. 22 elections, Wilders party holds 37 seats in the 150-seat lower house of the Dutch parliament. The four parties in government talks hold a combined 88 seats, giving them a comfortable majority. Polls since the election show that support for Wilders party continues to grow.

After two decades of trenchant opposition, Wilders seemed to have a shot at leading a nation that long prided itself on its tolerant society, but he has stepped aside in the interests of pushing through most of his agenda.

I really wanted a right-wing Cabinet. Less asylum and immigration. Dutch people number 1, Wilders said on X. The love for my country and voter is bigger and more important than my own position.

The rise of the populist far right in a polarized political landscape has been underway for years in Europe but Wilders election victory still came as a shock to the Netherlands and well beyond.

Wilders has often called for a ban on mosques, Islamic schools and the Quran, but in a concession to his prospective coalition partners in January, he withdrew draft legislation to implement the bans.

The Netherlands is not alone in seeing a shift to the right.

Far right parties also are expected to make significant gains in June elections for the European Unions parliament and Portugals inconclusive result in Sundays election thrust the populist Chega  or Enough  party into a possible kingmakers role. Chegas leader, Andre Ventura, has made common cause with other right-wing parties across the continent.

Wilders spent Monday and Tuesday in talks with the leaders of the center-right Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy, populist Farmer Citizen Movement and centrist New Social Contract.

With New Social Contract leader Pieter Omtzigt ruling out joining a majority Cabinet led by Wilders, the four parties now will likely look at other options  a Cabinet made up of experts and politicians or a minority Cabinet propped up by support from Omtzigts party.

The Netherlands could turn to Italy for a model of how to move past its political stalemate. Italy has a history of resorting to technical governments headed by figures outside the political party mainstream. These experts are called on to guide the country through a particular period, often due to economic instability or political gridlock, before fresh elections are held.

The most recent such government was headed by Mario Draghi, the internationally respected former European Central Bank chief who was called on to shepherd Italy through the second half of the COVID-19 pandemic and reboot economic growth.

Despite his broad-based support, Draghis coalition collapsed in July 2022 and fresh elections were called that were subsequently won by Premier Giorgia Meloni of the far-right Brothers of Italy and her right-wing allies.

(AP)
Senator Ted Cruz appeared on Hannity Tuesday night to discuss FBI Director Christopher Wrays recent testimony regarding the heightened risk of terror attacks. Cruz emphasized that Wrays warning should be taken seriously, stating, The FBI Director is exactly right. The terror threat to this country is enormous. It is greater than it has been at any time since September 11th.

Cruz highlighted the issue of illegal immigration, citing the 10.4 million people who have crossed the border illegally since President Joe Biden took office. He noted that border patrol agents are actively searching for terrorists among the migrants, stating, They have called for terrorists to carry out acts like October 7th. On October 7th, 1200 people were murdered in Israel and what these terrorists are calling for is the same kind of mass murder here in the United States.

Cruz placed blame on Biden and Congressional Democrats, declaring, They are complicit. They refuse to do anything to stop it. He also revealed that the Biden Administration has secretly flown over 320,000 illegal immigrants from their home countries into the US, stating, We know that because of a lawsuit under the Freedom of Information Act, not because Biden revealed it willingly.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. With the resolution adopted on March 13, the European Parliament has once again demonstrated its biased stance towards Azerbaijan, as the statement of the Azerbaijani Parliament says, Trend reports.

According to the source, the statement refers to the European Parliament resolution "On closer ties between the European Union and Armenia and the need for a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia".

''Instead of dealing with the problems and challenges facing the people of European countries, the European Parliament has finally turned into a representative of the Armenian lobby and Azerbaijanophobic, Islamophobic, chauvinistic, and racist forces,'' the statement reads.

The statement notes that over the years, we have repeatedly witnessed the persistent refusal of the European Parliament to recognize and support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan. However, the current campaign against the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country shows that the European Parliament has already openly moved to attack Azerbaijan. Proof of this is the open threats and demands against Azerbaijan contained in the resolution, the obvious support and attempts to "resurrect" separatism, the deliberate ignoring of Armenia's military provocations on the conditional border, the labeling of France's steps aimed at aggravating the situation in the South Caucasus as support for reforms in the army, and many other points.

"Another preposterous phenomenon is that the European Parliament is trying to disguise this attack on Azerbaijan with words about "the need for a peace agreement." While negotiations on a peace agreement are underway between Azerbaijan and Armenia, this resolution, which completely contradicts the essence of the processes, can be characterized as a blow to the peace agreement. We declare to the European Parliament that there is absolutely no need for such'support' from its side and recommend that it focus its 'efforts' on other directions," the statement reads.

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In a bid to unseat influential Squad member Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, former Wall Street banker Marty Dolan has announced his candidacy for the 14th Congressional District seat in New York. Dolan, 66, aims to replicate Ocasio-Cortezs 2018 upset victory, which ousted veteran Congressman Joe Crowley.

Dolan criticizes Ocasio-Cortez and her fellow socialists for their approach to the economy, crime, and the migrant crisis, stating that their policies have led to bail reform a disaster, criminals running free, and scarce resources directed to (non-sanctuary) immigrants coming from all over the world. He emphasizes the need to address these issues in the context of a ballooning $34 trillion federal debt and the citys 14% marginal tax rate.

Despite Ocasio-Cortezs popularity and pop culture fame, Dolan believes her support may be waning, citing concerns from constituents about her effectiveness. He faces a daunting task, as Ocasio-Cortez has $5.7 million in campaign funds, while Dolan has raised just $58,000, mostly from personal loans.

Dolans platform includes advocating for a federal value-added tax and luxury goods sales tax to reduce the national debt and state pension liabilities, allowing states like New York to lower income taxes. He also criticizes Ocasio-Cortezs role in Amazons abandoned headquarters plan and her support for diversity initiatives.

This challenge marks a significant political upheaval, as the Democratic Socialists of America have a strong foothold in the city. If successful, Dolans victory would deal a significant blow to the progressive movement.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
US President Joe Biden on Wednesday renewed another 120-day sanctions waiver for Iran only six weeks after three US soldiers were killed by Irans proxies.

Bidens signature on the waiver released up to $10 billion in frozen funds to the ayatollahs, the Washington Free Beacon reported.

The State Department claims that the funds can only be used for humanitarian needs but Republicans have pointed out that the waivers enable Iran to divert funds to terror activities, including funding Hamas in its war against Israel.

By waiving the application of sanctions, the Administration is maintaining a financial lifeline for the Iranian regime, even as it continues to support terrorist organizations around the world, Rep. Bill Huizenga (Mich.) and three GOP House colleagues wrote to the Biden administration earlier this week.

Iran, the lawmakers argued, has a history of lying about humanitarian transactions. There is no reason to think that they will not try to skirt these restrictions again. Additionally, money is fungible, and the waiver and subsequent transfer will free up billions in funds that Iran can now spend on its terrorist proxies, nuclear activities, and military.

Richard Goldberg, a former White House National Security Council member who worked on the Iran portfolio, said the latest version of the sanctions waiver is substantially different than the one issued during the Trump administration. The Biden version, he said, gives Iran far more leeway in how the money is used.

This is not the same waiver for Iraqi electricity imports that has been issued since 2018. This is an Iran sanctions relief waiver that allows Tehran to access money and use it for budget support, including debt payments and import subsidies, said Goldberg, a senior adviser for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank.

The fact that the administration will not even tell the American people how much money Iran has accessed over the last four monthsmoney that subsidized three American soldier deaths and nonstop attacks on the American Navyshould prompt the U.S. Senate to immediately pass the No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act and send to the presidents desk, he said, referring to legislation that would cut off Irans access to previously frozen funds.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Ryanair has announced that it is suspending all flights to and from Israel, just a month after resuming operations. The airline stated that the decision was due to being forced to operate at the more expensive Terminal 3 at Ben Gurion International Airport, which would result in higher airfares for passengers.

Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson criticized the airport for keeping the low-cost Terminal 1 closed and charging fees that were never agreed upon.

The suspension will affect flights to 26 destinations throughout Europe and could last through the Yomim Noraim in the fall. Wizz Air and Easyjet will continue to operate flights to Europe in place of Ryanair.

Ryanair initially suspended flights to and from Israel due to the outbreak of war on October 7 and the risk of rocket attacks on Ben Gurion Airport from the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. However, the airline resumed flights on February 1 as the threat of rocket attacks decreased with Hamas depleted rocket supply and damaged military capabilities.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
In a speech marking Ramadan, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah asserted that Israel will ultimately lose the war in Gaza, even if it enters Rafah. Directing his comments at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Nasrallah declared, Even if you go to Rafah, you have lost the war.

Nasrallah emphasized that Gazas residents will not surrender to Israel, despite the massacres, and will continue to embrace the resistance. He questioned, Who are you negotiating with if Hamas has been defeated?

Addressing internal Israeli debates, Nasrallah pointed to the political crisis with the Charedim serving in the IDF, predicting that it would lead to the collapse of the state. He also referenced Opposition Leader Yair Lapids remarks that the IDF lacks sufficient manpower to wage a war on the northern front.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
In an interview with the BBC, Itay Regev, a former Hamas hostage freed in late November, shared harrowing details of his captivity experience. Regev, kidnapped from the Nova music festival on October 7, described his captors as very, very vicious and recounted the brutal treatment he received.

Regev recalled the terrifying kidnapping, where terrorists sprayed fleeing vehicles with bullets without any mercy, injuring him and his sister Maya. He shared the heart-wrenching moment when Maya said goodbye, fearing she wouldnt survive.

I saw my sister Maya injured and crying. Maya also that day said goodbye to me and told me if I come out of this alive, tell our parents that she loves them. This is a day I will never forget for the rest of my life, he said.

Regev said it was like a big party when he was brought into Gaza as a captive. In Gaza, Regev endured horrific conditions, going 54 days without a shower and living in constant fear. His captors subjected him to physical abuse, including slapping and spitting, during a surgery to remove a bullet without anesthesia or painkillers.

We were very, very hungry. I didnt have a shower for 54 days. My captors were very, very vicious. They didnt care. I had wounds in my legs, big holes in my legs, he said. And you lived there in a horrific sense of fear. Every second that you live with this feeling is a terrible feeling, that you dont really know if youre going to wake up in the morning, or in a minute, if a missile is going to fall on you, if theyre going to come in with a Kalashnikov and start spraying us with bullets. The conditions are very, very difficult there.

Regev emphasized the urgent need to release the remaining 134 hostages, stating, The hostages have been there for five months now. The answer is unequivocally, no [the international community] is not doing enough. He advocates for doing whatever the cost to secure their release, emphasizing, Its peoples lives.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Senior Biden administration officials told Israeli security officials that the US will back Israel in targeting high-value Hamas targets in and underneath Rafah but not a large-scale invasion, Politico reported on Wednesday evening.

In other words, the Biden administration will support surgical counterterrorism operations in Rafah rather than an all-out war, a strategy it claims can still decimate Hamas while minimizing civilian casualties and avoiding scenes that have led to souring public opinion on Israels campaign and Bidens handling of the war.

The US has asked Israel to present a plan to protect the large civilian population in Rafah but according to the report, Israel has yet to produce such a plan. Two Israeli officials said that the IDFs plan to protect the 1.3 million Gazans in the city is still being developed.

According to military intelligence briefed to the White House, Biden administration officials doubt that Israel plans to invade Rafah soon.

Theyd have to do some repositioning of forces, and that has not happened, said a Defense Department official. Its not imminent.

The DOD official claimed that Israel has stalled the Rafah operation due to US opposition. Israel is going to do what Israel decides to do. Its kind of like trying to predict the weather, he said. But has the message sent been heard? Yes.

However, all officials quoted by Politico stressed that Israels plan could change anytime.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Natwest sale: M&C Saatchi has been tasked with attracting a new generation of investors

Ministers have called on the advertising agency behind Margaret Thatchers Labour Isnt Working campaign from the 1970s to drum up support for the NatWest share sale this summer.

M&C Saatchi has been tasked with attracting a new generation of investors and will publicise the sale along with the market research firm Walnut Unlimited.

A Government spokesman said yesterday: We have brought M&C Saatchi and Walnut Unlimited on board for their extensive expertise.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said in November that he aims to sell more of the taxpayers 33pc stake in NatWest.

The lender  then RBS  was given a 45billion bailout in 2008, leaving the Government with an 80 per cent stake that has been gradually whittled down.
Glencore has come under attack from an activist investor who has told the mining giant to move its main listing from London to Australia.

In a stinging letter, Australian hedge fund Tribeca Investment Partners wrote to Glencores board with a list of proposals to boost the share price.

Top of the agenda was shifting the listing to Sydney, where the fund believes Glencore would receive a better valuation.

In the letter seen by the Financial Times, Tribeca said: London is no longer the home of mining.

The London Stock Exchange has a comparatively low appetite for mining investment and is no longer suitable as the companys primary bourse.

Having a dig: Australian hedge fund Tribeca Investment Partners wrote to Glencore's board with a list of proposals to boost the share price

Tribeca said Glencore had provided shareholder returns of 9 per cent since listing in 2011, versus 95 per cent for mining rivals BHP and 126 per cent for Rio Tinto.

Tribeca controls approximately 234million of Glencore through shares and derivatives, according to sources.

The comments are the latest hammer blow for London, which is increasingly coming under strain from companies looking to list elsewhere.

Two years ago, the FTSE 100 lost Anglo-Australian mining giant BHP after it decided to call it quits.

Shareholders had been concerned about the companys complicated dual listing structure and opted to move Down Under.

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And the worry is that history could repeat itself.

A decision for Glencore to jump ship would cause further misery to the London market, which has seen a steady flow of firms hanging up their hats.

Building materials group CRH, which had been a member of the FTSE 100, and the Irish construction firm Kingspan both de-listed last year.

Travel giant Tui and gambling giant Flutter have both said they will do the same later in 2024.

But its not just the listing that the activist investors are concerned with.

Tribeca has also urged Glencore to abandon a plan to spin off its profitable coal business following its takeover of Canadas Teck Resources business for 5.6bn.

We firmly oppose such divestiture and call on the board to retain these world class assets, Tribeca said in a letter to Glencore.

Not only does retention align with the companys long-held commitment to industry-leading policy, but also strategically supports its earnings profile and the delivery of value to shareholders, it added.

The Australian hedge fund also suggested increasing dividends by discontinuing share buybacks and divesting a minority stake in Glencores lucrative trading division via an initial public offering instead of spinning off its coal business, the FT said.

Glencore declined to comment on the letter.

Last month another activist investor unleashed an extraordinary attack on Glencore, calling for chief executive Gary Nagle to be ousted.

In a letter to the board, Bluebell Capital branded Nagle as an Austin Powers-style Mini-Me version of the companys former boss Ivan Glasenberg, who remains a top shareholder with a 10 per cent stake.

Bluebell, which has also recently publicly criticised oil giant BPs green energy strategy, said it has sold its stake in Glencore and has no plans to reinvest after losing faith in Nagle.

Over the past 12 months, Glencores shares have plunged 12 per cent.

In February the group slashed its dividend after earnings halved because of the easing of turmoil in global commodity markets which was triggered by Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Glencore cut shareholder payouts to 1.3billion, from 5.6billion a year earlier, as the trader focuses on driving down debt.
Shell chief executive Wael Sawan's netted 7.9million in pay in 2023, including 5.3million in bonuses, the oil giant's latest annual report shows.

Sawan was appointed to the top job at Shell at the beginning of 2023, replacing Ben van Beurden, who received total remuneration of 9.7million pounds in 2022.

Shell's profit fell 30 per cent to around $28billion (21.9billion), it reported last month, marred by lower chemicals and refining profit margins, and slower fuel sales due to sluggish global economic activity.

The FTSE 100 firm on Thursday also revealed it would water down its existing environmental commitments in response to weaker power sales.

A report from Bloomberg claims Shell is preparing to axe 20 per cent of its deals team, which has several hundred employees handling mergers and acquisitions for the firm.

In the money: Shell chief executive Wael Sawan's netted 7.9m in pay in 2023

Sawan was appointed on a salary of 1.4million, a pay component typically outstripped by additional performance-related payments.

On 1 January 2014, Sawan and Sinead Gorman, Shell's finance chief, received a salary increase of 3.9 per cent. Their salaries for 2024 are 1,455,000 and 961,000, respectively.

According to an analysis by New Global Witness, it would take the average UK worker 227 years to earn the sum Sawan made last year.

Jonathan Noronha-Gant, senior fossil fuels campaigner at Global Witness, said: 'Shells CEO million pay packet is a bitter pill to swallow for the millions of workers living with the high costs of energy. Our reliance on Shells dirty oil and gas make them rich whilst the rest of us get poorer.

Pay: Charts showing pay levels for two top brass at Shell

'Nothing highlights our broken energy system more than the Shell boss receiving 227 times more money than an average UK worker.

'Whilst energy executives celebrate making billions from the war in Ukraine, millions of people struggle to heat or feed themselves. We need our politicians to prioritise their people and not the polluters who fund them.'

Last week, rival BP clawed back 1.8million from former chief executive Bernard Looney's 2023 pay package following his dismissal on 13 December for failing to disclose past relationships with employees.

On Thursday, Shell also confirmed it had lowered its target for reducing the intensity of its overall carbon emissions by 2030, citing expectations for lower power sales.

In an annual update on its energy transition strategy, the energy giant reaffirmed its ambition to become a net-zero emitter by 2050.

Shell said it will target a 15 to 20 per cent reduction in net carbon intensity of its energy products by 2030, compared with 2016 intensity levels. It had previously aimed for a 20 per cent cut.

Last month, Shell announced plans to hand more cash back shareholders, with a further 2.8billion in share buybacks lined-up for this quarter.

Shell increased its dividend by 4 per cent from the previous quarter to $0.344 per share, representing a 20 per cent increase on an annual basis.

It marked the seventh increase since its historic dividend cut in the wake of the pandemic.

Last year, Shell's profits were dampened as oil prices fell after hefty increases in 2022 in the aftermath of Russias invasion of Ukraine, with oil trading at about $82 a barrel on average through last year, against $100 in 2022.

Shell shares rose 0.4 per cent or 10.00p to 2,537.50p on Thursday, having risen nearly 3 per cent in the last year.

BP shares were up 0.68 per cent or 3.3p to 488.30p on Thursday, having fallen around 8 per cent in the last year.
Vistry plans to increase the number of properties it builds this year, thanks to booming demand for its affordable homes busniess.

The property developer told investors on Thursday it expects to build 17,500 more homes in 2024, up from the 16,118 delivered in 202.

In September, Vistry announced it was merging its housebuilding division with its partnership business to focus on addressing the under-supply of affordable homes.

Property developer Vistry expects to build 17,500 homes in 2024 as demand for affordable homes grows

Its partnership model - which sees it partner with registered providers, local authorities and the private rented sector to build homes - now accounts for two thirds of sales.

Chief executive Greg Fitzgerald said: As a leading Partnerships business, the group is committed to creating quality new homes through the development of sustainable new communities and places people love.

'We see high demand for mixed tenure housing and regeneration across the country and are uniquely placed to deliver on this market opportunity, helping address the countrys acute need for housing.

Despite challenges in the market, Vistry reported an adjusted pre-tax profit of 419million in 2023, up marginally from 418.million the previous year, and beating analyst forecasts of 406million.

By contrast, rival Persimmon earlier this week said it would built fewer houses this year after posting a bigger-than-expected 52 per cent slump in 2023 profit.

Similarly, Taylor Wimpey reported that its earnings had almost halved in 2023.

Builders suffered a slowdown in demand for homes in 2023 as rising mortgage rates put buyers off, while firms have also been hit by the rising cost of materials and wages.

Consequently, last year saw a significant drop in the number of new homes built and sold.

Contracts awarded for construction projects in the UK fell by 11.1billion to 69.2billion in 2023 after a record prior year, with residential housebuilding deals slumping by 13 per cent, according to industry analysts Barbour ABI.

RBC equity analyst Anthony Codling said: The partnership model is working well for Vistry. The visibility of volumes provided by contracts shields it from the vagaries of the open market.

'The speed at which Vistry has transitioned to partnership sales, which made up 67 per cent, of completions in FY2023 is impressive and the Group remains confident of achieving its three medium term goals: 40 per cent ROCE , 800m operating profit and 1bn return to shareholders.

There is still a way to go, and the partnership market is not immune from (funding) headwinds, but Vistry has entered Spring with a spring in its step.

'In our view the valuation is full and is pricing in perfect delivery of the Group's goals, therefore on a sector relative basis we believe investors can find better value and upside elsewhere.

Vistry shares rose 0.45 per cent on Thursday morning, having risen 47 per cent in the last year.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 12. Azerbaijan is a unique model of multi-ethnicity and harmonious multiculturalism, an article about the international scientific conference "Embracing Diversity: Tackling Islamophobia in 2024" held in Baku, released in the French La Gazette du Caucase online newspaper, said, Trend reports.

"As a result, it was decided to begin an annual tradition of conducting international conferences in this country dedicated to the topic of Islamophobia, with the goal of monitoring and combating anti-Muslim rhetoric and activities," the article explained.

The article mentioned that the conference began with a plenary session in which speakers emphasized that the current year has seen a significant increase in anti-Muslim sentiments around the world, as evidenced by the media, social networks, and acts such as the burning of the Quran in Sweden and the publication of offensive cartoons of Prophet Muhammad in Denmark.

The piece also noted how European governments, particularly France, frequently characterized the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia as one between a Christian and a Muslim country.

According to the article, this misrepresentation is intentionally fueled by French right-wing groups, who use it to make people believe in the 'clash of civilizations', the 'global Islamist conspiracy', and the act of vandalism against the statue of Azerbaijani poetess Natavan in Evian serves as a vivid illustration of this Islamophobia.

The article also pointed out that during the visit to Azerbaijan's Shusha, declared the cultural capital of the Islamic world for this year, conference participants were able to see the damage caused by the Armenian occupation.

Besides, the publication stressed that the conference held in Baku laid the groundwork for the development and implementation of practical solutions to combat this global problem.

"We need to develop programs and projects to counter discriminatory messages in the media, to raise general public awareness, especially among youth, advocate our positions to policymakers, and expand and apply legal instruments to eradicate Islamophobia. This will undoubtedly be the task of future conferences," the publication said.

The article noted that the idea of this conference is to "go beyond just intellectual discourse and formulate concrete strategies for a more tolerant and inclusive future.".

Thus, the goal is not only to raise awareness but also to develop specific actions, the article added.

To note, the conference dedicated to the 2nd anniversary of the International Day Against Islamophobia was held on March 89 in Baku under the joint organization of the International Center for Multiculturalism, the Center for the Analysis of International Relations, the G20 Interfaith Forum, and the Baku Initiative Group.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Vanguard Group Inc. decreased its holdings in Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM  Free Report) by 0.2% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 387,273,901 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 969,576 shares during the quarter. Exxon Mobil accounts for approximately 1.1% of Vanguard Group Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 10th biggest holding. Vanguard Group Inc. owned 9.77% of Exxon Mobil worth $45,535,665,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. KB Financial Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Exxon Mobil during the 1st quarter worth about $27,000. IMA Wealth Inc. increased its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 720.0% during the 2nd quarter. IMA Wealth Inc. now owns 369 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $40,000 after purchasing an additional 324 shares in the last quarter. FWL Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Exxon Mobil during the 4th quarter worth about $43,000. Turim 21 Investimentos Ltda. increased its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 222.5% during 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 in the last quarter. Finally, DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Exxon Mobil during the 3rd quarter worth about $49,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.53% of the companys stock.

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Exxon Mobil Stock Up 1.3 %

Shares of NYSE XOM traded up $1.40 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $109.72. The companys stock had a trading volume of 6,978,336 shares, compared to its average volume of 18,429,098. The company has a current ratio of 1.48, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. Exxon Mobil Co. has a fifty-two week low of $95.77 and a fifty-two week high of $120.70. The stock has a market capitalization of $435.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.18, a PEG ratio of 3.98 and a beta of 0.96. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $102.52 and a 200-day simple moving average of $105.89.

Exxon Mobil Announces Dividend

Exxon Mobil ( NYSE:XOM Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, February 2nd. The oil and gas company reported $2.48 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.20 by $0.28. Exxon Mobil had a net margin of 10.45% and a return on equity of 18.51%. The company had revenue of $84.34 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $90.03 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $3.40 earnings per share. The firms revenue was down 11.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts predict that Exxon Mobil Co. will post 9.12 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, March 11th. Investors of record on Wednesday, February 14th were paid a $0.95 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, February 13th. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.46%. Exxon Mobils dividend payout ratio is presently 42.74%.

Insider Activity at Exxon Mobil

In related news, VP Darrin L. Talley sold 2,400 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.00, for a total value of $252,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 30,189 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,169,845. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other Exxon Mobil news, VP Leonard M. Fox sold 12,000 shares of Exxon Mobil stock in a transaction on Monday, December 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $102.65, for a total transaction of $1,231,800.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 220,678 shares of the companys stock, valued at $22,652,596.70. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, VP Darrin L. Talley sold 2,400 shares of Exxon Mobil stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 22nd. The stock was 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 of the companys stock, valued at $3,169,845. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.04% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

XOM has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Mizuho cut shares of Exxon Mobil from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $117.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Wednesday, January 3rd. TD Cowen raised shares of Exxon Mobil from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $115.00 price objective on the stock in a report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Erste Group Bank reissued a hold rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a report on Friday, December 22nd. Redburn Atlantic raised shares of Exxon Mobil from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $116.00 to $119.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 9th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on shares of Exxon Mobil from $134.00 to $127.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, December 8th. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $127.53.

Read Our Latest Research Report on XOM

Exxon Mobil Profile

(Free Report)

Exxon Mobil Corporation engages in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in the United States and internationally. It operates through Upstream, Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products segments. The Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas.

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Moss Adams Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 61.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 730 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 278 shares during the period. Moss Adams Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $392,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in LLY. Thompson Investment Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the 3rd quarter worth $27,000. Retirement Group LLC boosted its stake 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 worth $27,000 after buying an additional 35 shares during the last quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the 2nd quarter worth $33,000. Legacy Financial Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the 3rd quarter worth $35,000. Finally, Optiver Holding B.V. purchased a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the 3rd quarter worth $36,000. 81.38% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Eli Lilly and Company Stock Up 0.2 %

NYSE:LLY traded up $1.44 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $756.39. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,284,081 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,367,645. The stock has a market capitalization of $718.69 billion, a P/E ratio of 130.16, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.61 and a beta of 0.34. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $700.28 and a 200-day moving average of $621.43. The company has a current ratio of 0.94, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.69. Eli Lilly and Company has a 52-week low of $321.44 and a 52-week high of $800.78.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 6th. The company reported $2.49 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.30 by $0.19. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 15.36% and a return on equity of 51.22%. The company had revenue of $9.35 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.95 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $2.09 earnings per share. Eli Lilly and Companys revenue for the quarter was up 28.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 12.41 earnings per share for the current year.

Several equities analysts recently weighed in on the company. Bank of America lifted their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $800.00 to $1,000.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, March 1st. TheStreet raised Eli Lilly and Company from a c+ rating to a b rating in a research note on Friday. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating and set a $815.00 price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Tuesday, February 20th. Truist Financial upped their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $650.00 to $850.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 7th. Finally, DZ Bank cut Eli Lilly and Company from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $820.00 price objective on the stock. in a research note on Wednesday, February 21st. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Eli Lilly and Company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $677.62.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Eli Lilly and Company

Insider Buying and Selling at Eli Lilly and Company

In other news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 34,538 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 9th. The shares were 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 in the company, valued at $63,004,019,910.04. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Insiders sold 195,055 shares of company stock worth $125,254,657 over the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile

(Free Report)

Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company 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; Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes; and Zepbound for obesity.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report).

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Birmingham Capital Management Co. Inc. AL raised its position in McDonalds Co. (NYSE:MCD  Free Report) by 3.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 36,463 shares of the fast-food giants stock after buying an additional 1,130 shares during the quarter. McDonalds comprises about 4.0% of Birmingham Capital Management Co. Inc. ALs portfolio, making the stock its 4th largest position. Birmingham Capital Management Co. Inc. ALs holdings in McDonalds were worth $9,606,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of McDonalds by 51.9% during the 3rd quarter. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 123 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 42 shares during the last quarter. Spartan Planning & Wealth Management bought a new stake in shares of McDonalds during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Retirement Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of McDonalds during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Authentikos Wealth Advisory LLC bought a new stake in shares of McDonalds during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $45,000. Finally, Compass Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of McDonalds during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $45,000. 67.60% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on the stock. Citigroup reduced their target price on shares of McDonalds from $327.00 to $310.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, February 6th. BTIG Research downgraded shares of McDonalds from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 6th. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price target on shares of McDonalds from $325.00 to $335.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, December 7th. HSBC assumed coverage on shares of McDonalds in a research report on Wednesday, December 20th. They set a buy rating and a $317.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Robert W. Baird reiterated an outperform rating and set a $315.00 target price on shares of McDonalds in a research report on Tuesday, February 6th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twenty-two have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $320.10.

Insider Activity at McDonalds

In other news, insider Joseph M. Erlinger sold 4,583 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $290.70, for a total value of $1,332,278.10. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 8,187 shares in the company, valued at $2,379,960.90. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.27% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

McDonalds Trading Down 3.5 %

Shares of McDonalds stock traded down $10.18 on Wednesday, reaching $284.13. The stock had a trading volume of 2,111,433 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,063,319. McDonalds Co. has a 1 year low of $245.73 and a 1 year high of $302.39. The company has a market cap of $205.16 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.43, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.18 and a beta of 0.72. The businesss 50 day moving average is $293.04 and its two-hundred day moving average is $280.87.

McDonalds (NYSE:MCD  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, February 5th. The fast-food giant reported $2.95 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.83 by $0.12. McDonalds had a net margin of 33.22% and a negative return on equity of 171.96%. The firm had revenue of $6.41 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.45 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $2.59 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 8.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts anticipate that McDonalds Co. will post 12.38 EPS for the current fiscal year.

McDonalds Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 15th. Investors of record on Friday, March 1st will be paid a $1.67 dividend. This represents a $6.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.35%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 29th. McDonaldss dividend payout ratio is currently 57.74%.

McDonalds Profile

(Free Report)

McDonald's Corporation operates and franchises restaurants under the McDonald's brand in the United States and internationally. It offers food and beverages, including hamburgers and cheeseburgers, various chicken sandwiches, fries, shakes, desserts, sundaes, cookies, pies, soft drinks, coffee, and other beverages; and full or limited breakfast, as well as sells various other products during limited-time promotions.

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RNC Capital Management LLC lowered its stake in Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM  Free Report) by 6.9% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 83,341 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 6,189 shares during the quarter. RNC Capital Management LLCs holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $9,799,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. raised its holdings in shares of Exxon Mobil by 83.0% during the 3rd quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 1,269,030 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $149,213,000 after acquiring an additional 575,649 shares during the period. Qsemble Capital Management LP raised its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 34.3% in the 3rd quarter. Qsemble Capital Management LP now owns 4,700 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $553,000 after buying an additional 1,200 shares during the period. Meyer Handelman Co. raised its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 5.9% in the 3rd quarter. Meyer Handelman Co. now owns 390,975 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $45,971,000 after buying an additional 21,895 shares during the period. Flputnam Investment Management Co. raised its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 36.0% in the 3rd quarter. Flputnam Investment Management Co. now owns 87,395 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $10,276,000 after buying an additional 23,148 shares during the period. Finally, HB Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 41.3% in the 3rd quarter. HB Wealth Management LLC now owns 160,807 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $18,908,000 after buying an additional 46,987 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.53% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In other news, VP Leonard M. Fox sold 12,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, December 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $102.65, for a total value of $1,231,800.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 220,678 shares in the company, valued at approximately $22,652,596.70. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other 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 completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 30,189 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,169,845. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, VP Leonard M. Fox sold 12,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $102.65, for a total transaction of $1,231,800.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 220,678 shares in the company, valued at approximately $22,652,596.70. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.04% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Exxon Mobil Stock Up 1.5 %

XOM traded up $1.66 on Wednesday, hitting $109.98. 8,456,655 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 18,459,471. Exxon Mobil Co. has a 12 month low of $95.77 and a 12 month high of $120.70. The company has a market cap of $436.38 billion, a PE ratio of 12.35, a PEG ratio of 3.98 and a beta of 0.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a current ratio of 1.48. The stocks fifty day moving average is $102.52 and its 200-day moving average is $105.89.

Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, February 2nd. The oil and gas company reported $2.48 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.20 by $0.28. The company had revenue of $84.34 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $90.03 billion. Exxon Mobil had a return on equity of 18.51% and a net margin of 10.45%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 11.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $3.40 earnings per share. Equities research analysts predict that Exxon Mobil Co. will post 9.12 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Exxon Mobil Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, March 11th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, February 14th were paid a dividend of $0.95 per share. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.46%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, February 13th. Exxon Mobils payout ratio is presently 42.74%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Redburn Atlantic upgraded shares of Exxon Mobil from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $116.00 to $119.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 9th. UBS Group dropped their target price on Exxon Mobil from $133.00 to $132.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, January 23rd. TD Cowen raised Exxon Mobil from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $115.00 target price for the company in a research report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating and issued a $120.00 target price on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research report on Monday, February 5th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on Exxon Mobil from $134.00 to $127.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, December 8th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $127.53.

Read Our Latest Report on Exxon Mobil

About Exxon Mobil

(Free Report)

Exxon Mobil Corporation engages in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in the United States and internationally. It operates through Upstream, Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products segments. The Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas.

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Berkshire Hills Bancorp (NYSE:BHLB  Get Free Report) was downgraded by research analysts at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a sell rating in a note issued to investors on Tuesday.

Several other equities research analysts have also recently weighed in on BHLB. Seaport Res Ptn upgraded shares of Berkshire Hills Bancorp from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, January 29th. Piper Sandler upgraded shares of Berkshire Hills Bancorp from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $24.00 target price for the company in a research note on Wednesday, January 10th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their price target on shares of Berkshire Hills Bancorp from $24.00 to $25.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 30th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and issued a $26.00 price target on shares of Berkshire Hills Bancorp in a research report on Friday, January 26th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and four have given a hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $25.00.

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Berkshire Hills Bancorp Trading Up 0.5 %

NYSE BHLB opened at $22.16 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.93, a quick ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. Berkshire Hills Bancorp has a 1-year low of $18.07 and a 1-year high of $26.77. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $23.00 and its 200-day simple moving average is $21.93. The company has a market capitalization of $966.62 million, a PE ratio of 13.85 and a beta of 0.86.

Berkshire Hills Bancorp (NYSE:BHLB  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 25th. The savings and loans company reported $0.47 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.49 by ($0.02). Berkshire Hills Bancorp had a net margin of 11.24% and a return on equity of 9.48%. The firm had revenue of $142.15 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $109.05 million. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.64 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Berkshire Hills Bancorp will post 2.07 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling at Berkshire Hills Bancorp

In other Berkshire Hills Bancorp news, Director Michael Zaitzeff sold 51,910 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $25.18, for a total value of $1,307,093.80. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 2,665 shares of the companys stock, valued at $67,104.70. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other Berkshire Hills Bancorp news, Director Michael Zaitzeff sold 51,910 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $25.18, for a total value of $1,307,093.80. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 2,665 shares of the companys stock, valued at $67,104.70. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Baye Adofo-Wilson sold 10,074 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, March 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $22.19, for a total transaction of $223,542.06. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 223,862 shares of company stock valued at $5,219,346. 0.90% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Berkshire Hills Bancorp

Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in BHLB. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Berkshire Hills Bancorp by 22.4% during the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 8,833 shares of the savings and loans companys stock worth $256,000 after buying an additional 1,617 shares during the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC increased its holdings in Berkshire Hills Bancorp by 16.2% in the 1st quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 8,357 shares of the savings and loans companys stock valued at $242,000 after buying an additional 1,162 shares during the period. Citigroup Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Berkshire Hills Bancorp by 2.9% during the 1st quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 47,577 shares of the savings and loans companys stock valued at $1,378,000 after purchasing an additional 1,329 shares during the last quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. grew its holdings in shares of Berkshire Hills Bancorp by 14.9% during the 1st quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 14,862 shares of the savings and loans companys stock valued at $431,000 after purchasing an additional 1,932 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can grew its holdings in shares of Berkshire Hills Bancorp by 66.2% during the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 31,848 shares of the savings and loans companys stock valued at $936,000 after purchasing an additional 12,684 shares during the last quarter. 82.24% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Berkshire Hills Bancorp Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc operates as the bank holding company for Berkshire Bank that provides various banking products and services. It offers various deposit accounts, including demand deposit, interest-bearing checking, regular savings, money market savings, time certificates of deposit, and retirement deposit accounts; and loans, such as commercial real estate, commercial and industrial, consumer, and residential mortgage loans.

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Investment analysts at StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of USD Partners (NYSE:USDP  Get Free Report) in a report issued on Tuesday. The firm set a hold rating on the transportation companys stock.

USD Partners Trading Up 11.3 %

Shares of USDP opened at $0.25 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $8.27 million, a P/E ratio of 6.13, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.22 and a beta of 1.35. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $0.20 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $0.32. USD Partners has a 12 month low of $0.09 and a 12 month high of $4.25.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On USD Partners

Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. UBS Group AG raised its holdings in shares of USD Partners by 12.0% during the first quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 21,671 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $130,000 after purchasing an additional 2,316 shares during the period. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SA acquired a new position in shares of USD Partners during the first quarter valued at about $147,000. Susquehanna International Group LLP raised its holdings in shares of USD Partners by 145.1% during the first quarter. Susquehanna International Group LLP now owns 24,868 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $75,000 after purchasing an additional 14,724 shares during the period. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of USD Partners by 201.3% in the 1st quarter. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 30,227 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $182,000 after acquiring an additional 20,194 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE raised its holdings in shares of USD Partners by 6.9% in the 1st quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 136,097 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $820,000 after acquiring an additional 8,749 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 5.36% of the companys stock.

USD Partners Company Profile

USD Partners LP acquires, develops, and operates midstream infrastructure assets and logistics solutions for crude oil, biofuels, and other energy-related products in the United States and Canada. It operates through two segments, Terminalling Services and Fleet Services. The Terminalling Services segment owns and operates Hardisty terminal, an origination terminal for loading various grades of Canadian crude oil onto railcars for transportation to end markets; Stroud terminal, a crude oil destination terminal, which is used to facilitate rail-to-pipeline shipments of crude oil located in Stroud, Oklahoma; Casper terminal, a crude oil storage, blending, and railcar loading terminal located in Casper, Wyoming; and West Colton Terminal, an unit train-capable destination terminals that trans load approximately 13,000 barrels per day ethanol and renewable diesel received by rail from producers onto trucks.

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Chesapeake Financial Shares (OTCMKTS:CPKF  Get Free Report) and Citigroup (NYSE:C  Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, valuation, risk, dividends, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership and earnings.

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Chesapeake Financial Shares and Citigroups revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Chesapeake Financial Shares $82.72 million 1.02 $10.12 million $2.15 8.37 Citigroup $78.49 billion 1.41 $9.23 billion $3.99 14.48

Citigroup has higher revenue and earnings than Chesapeake Financial Shares. Chesapeake Financial Shares is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Citigroup, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Analyst Recommendations

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Chesapeake Financial Shares 0 0 0 0 N/A Citigroup 1 5 10 0 2.56

This is a breakdown of current ratings and target prices for Chesapeake Financial Shares and Citigroup, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Citigroup has a consensus target price of $57.03, suggesting a potential downside of 1.26%. Given Citigroups higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Citigroup is more favorable than Chesapeake Financial Shares.

Profitability

This table compares Chesapeake Financial Shares and Citigroups net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Chesapeake Financial Shares 12.52% 11.11% 0.73% Citigroup 5.88% 6.49% 0.51%

Dividends

Chesapeake Financial Shares pays an annual dividend of $0.62 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.4%. Citigroup pays an annual dividend of $2.12 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.7%. Chesapeake Financial Shares pays out 28.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Citigroup pays out 53.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Citigroup has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years. Citigroup is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Risk and Volatility

Chesapeake Financial Shares has a beta of 0.46, indicating that its share price is 54% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Citigroup has a beta of 1.5, indicating that its share price is 50% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

3.7% of Chesapeake Financial Shares shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 69.3% of Citigroup shares are held by institutional investors. 39.5% of Chesapeake Financial Shares shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 0.1% of Citigroup shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Summary

Citigroup beats Chesapeake Financial Shares on 11 of the 16 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Chesapeake Financial Shares

(Get Free Report)

Chesapeake Financial Shares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Chesapeake Bank that provides various banking products and services for individuals and businesses in the United States. The company accepts interest and noninterest checking, savings, and money market accounts; and variable-rate and fixed-term money market accounts, as well as certificates of deposit. It also offers mortgage, and single-family residential and residential construction loans; commercial loans, which include owner-occupied commercial development, retail, builders/contractors, medical, service and professional, hospitality, nonprofits, marine industry, and agricultural and seafood loans; and consumer and other loans. In addition, the company provides merchant processing, accounts receivable financing, wealth management and trust, and mortgage banking services, as well as cash management services. Chesapeake Financial Shares, Inc. was founded in 1900 and is based in Kilmarnock, Virginia.

About Citigroup

(Get Free Report)

Citigroup Inc., a diversified financial service holding company, provides various financial product and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions worldwide. It operates through five segments: Services, Markets, Banking, U.S. Personal Banking, and Wealth. The Services segment includes Treasury and Trade Solutions, which provides cash management, trade, and working capital solutions to multinational corporations, financial institutions, and public sector organizations; and Securities Services, such as cross-border support for clients, local market expertise, post-trade technologies, data solutions, and various securities services solutions. The Markets segment offers sales and trading services for equities, foreign exchange, rates, spread products, and commodities to corporate, institutional, and public sector clients; and market-making services, including asset classes, risk management solutions, financing, prime brokerage, research, securities clearing, and settlement. The banking segment includes investment banking; advisory services related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, restructurings, and corporate defense activities; and corporate lending, which includes corporate and commercial banking. The U.S. Personal Banking segment provides co-branded cards and retail banking services. The Wealth segment provides financial services to high-net-worth clients through banking, lending, mortgages, investment, custody, and trust product offerings; and to professional industries, including law firms, consulting groups, accounting, and asset management. The company was founded in 1812 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

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Tyler Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:TYL  Get Free Report) COO Jeffrey David Puckett sold 2,609 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, March 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $423.10, for a total value of $1,103,867.90. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 6,925 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,929,967.50. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink.

Tyler Technologies Stock Down 1.6 %

NYSE TYL opened at $421.15 on Thursday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $429.79 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $408.75. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a current ratio of 0.86 and a quick ratio of 0.86. Tyler Technologies, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $319.18 and a fifty-two week high of $454.74. The stock has a market capitalization of $17.81 billion, a PE ratio of 108.27, a PEG ratio of 4.22 and a beta of 0.82.

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Tyler Technologies (NYSE:TYL  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 14th. The technology company reported $1.39 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.33 by $0.06. Tyler Technologies had a return on equity of 8.85% and a net margin of 8.50%. The company had revenue of $480.94 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $483.34 million. Equities analysts expect that Tyler Technologies, Inc. will post 6.77 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts have recently commented on TYL shares. Piper Sandler upped their target price on Tyler Technologies from $480.00 to $520.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, February 16th. DA Davidson upped their target price on Tyler Technologies from $412.00 to $434.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, February 22nd. JMP Securities reaffirmed a market outperform rating and issued a $490.00 target price on shares of Tyler Technologies in a research report on Friday, February 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on Tyler Technologies from $500.00 to $526.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, February 15th. Finally, Needham & Company LLC increased their price target on Tyler Technologies from $475.00 to $500.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, February 15th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $457.86.

View Our Latest Report on Tyler Technologies

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its stake in shares of Tyler Technologies by 7.6% in the 3rd quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 1,205 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $465,000 after acquiring an additional 85 shares during the last quarter. Thematics Asset Management grew its holdings in Tyler Technologies by 5.0% during the 2nd quarter. Thematics Asset Management now owns 29,150 shares of the technology companys stock worth $12,140,000 after acquiring an additional 1,385 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. grew its holdings in Tyler Technologies by 2.1% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 3,163,096 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,317,335,000 after acquiring an additional 66,422 shares during the period. MCF Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Tyler Technologies during the 3rd quarter worth about $1,737,000. Finally, Federated Hermes Inc. grew its holdings in Tyler Technologies by 4.6% during the 3rd quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 138,383 shares of the technology companys stock worth $53,435,000 after acquiring an additional 6,026 shares during the period. 91.28% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Tyler Technologies

(Get Free Report)

Tyler Technologies, Inc provides integrated information management solutions and services for the public sector. It operates in two segments, Enterprise Software and Platform Technologies. The company offers platform and transformative technology solutions, including cybersecurity for government agencies; data and insights solutions; digital solutions that helps workers and policymakers to share, communicate, and leverage data; payments solutions, such as billing, presentment, merchant onboarding, collections, reconciliation, and disbursements; platform technologies, an application development platform that enables government workers to build solutions and applications; and outdoor recreation solutions, including campsite reservations, activity registrations, licensing sales and renewals, and real-time data for conservation and park management.

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Primerica, Inc. (NYSE:PRI  Get Free Report) COO Gregory C. Pitts sold 3,759 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, March 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $245.43, for a total value of $922,571.37. Following the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 3,379 shares of the companys stock, valued at $829,307.97. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website.

Primerica Stock Up 0.8 %

PRI opened at $248.63 on Thursday. Primerica, Inc. has a 52 week low of $155.68 and a 52 week high of $254.40. The stock has a market cap of $8.66 billion, a PE ratio of 15.66 and a beta of 1.06. The business has a 50 day moving average of $234.53 and a 200-day moving average of $214.38.

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Primerica (NYSE:PRI  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 13th. The financial services provider reported $4.25 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $4.27 by ($0.02). Primerica had a net margin of 20.37% and a return on equity of 27.83%. The company had revenue of $726.34 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $723.64 million. During the same period last year, the business earned $3.49 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 5.7% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts anticipate that Primerica, Inc. will post 17.75 EPS for the current year.

Primerica Increases Dividend

Primerica declared that its board has authorized a share buyback plan on Thursday, November 16th that authorizes the company to buyback $425.00 million in shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the financial services provider to reacquire up to 5.8% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are generally an indication that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, March 12th. Investors of record on Wednesday, February 21st were given a dividend of $0.75 per share. This represents a $3.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.21%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, February 20th. This is a positive change from Primericas previous quarterly dividend of $0.65. Primericas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 18.89%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

PRI has been the subject of several analyst reports. Truist Financial increased their target price on Primerica from $260.00 to $275.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, February 15th. Raymond James cut Primerica from a strong-buy rating to a market perform rating in a report on Monday, February 12th. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on Primerica from $215.00 to $245.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, March 1st. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their price objective on Primerica from $230.00 to $255.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Friday, February 16th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded Primerica from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, March 7th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Primerica has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $243.20.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Primerica by 44.1% in the 3rd quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 84,938 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $16,479,000 after purchasing an additional 25,981 shares in the last quarter. James Investment Research Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Primerica in the 3rd quarter worth $1,054,000. Alps Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Primerica in the 3rd quarter worth $6,098,000. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Primerica by 48.6% in the 3rd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 61,535 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $11,938,000 after purchasing an additional 20,137 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Brandywine Global Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Primerica by 94.0% in the 3rd quarter. Brandywine Global Investment Management LLC now owns 32,737 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $6,351,000 after purchasing an additional 15,865 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 90.56% of the companys stock.

Primerica Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Primerica, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial products and services to middle-income households in the United States and Canada. The company operates in four segments: Term Life Insurance; Investment and Savings Products; Senior Health; and Corporate and Other Distributed Products.

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Shares of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (NYSE:IHG  Get Free Report) have earned an average recommendation of Reduce from the seven analysts that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, four have issued a hold recommendation and one has assigned a buy recommendation to the company.

Several analysts have weighed in on IHG shares. StockNews.com cut shares of InterContinental Hotels Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, February 29th. Sanford C. Bernstein cut InterContinental Hotels Group from a market perform rating to an underperform rating in a report on Wednesday. Jefferies Financial Group cut InterContinental Hotels Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday. Finally, Societe Generale cut InterContinental Hotels Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, February 7th.

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InterContinental Hotels Group Stock Performance

Hedge Funds Weigh In On InterContinental Hotels Group

IHG opened at $106.57 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $17.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.34, a PEG ratio of 1.73 and a beta of 1.29. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $99.04 and its 200-day simple moving average is $85.81. InterContinental Hotels Group has a twelve month low of $63.12 and a twelve month high of $112.08.

Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. CWM LLC raised its holdings in InterContinental Hotels Group by 621.2% during the 3rd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 375 shares of the companys stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 323 shares during the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP lifted its holdings in InterContinental Hotels Group by 1,900.0% in the third quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 780 shares of the companys stock valued at $58,000 after buying an additional 741 shares during the period. New York State Common Retirement Fund bought a new position in InterContinental Hotels Group in the third quarter valued at approximately $73,000. GAMMA Investing LLC acquired a new stake in InterContinental Hotels Group during the 4th quarter worth $74,000. Finally, Parallel Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of InterContinental Hotels Group by 15.8% during the 4th quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 828 shares of the companys stock valued at $75,000 after acquiring an additional 113 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 5.91% of the companys stock.

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, Garner, avid hotels, Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Iberostar Beachfront Resorts, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, and Candlewood Suites brand names.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov met with President of the Republic of Albania Bajram Begaj, who is on a visit to Baku, the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers said, Trend reports.

The importance of the XI Global Baku Forum was stressed throughout the meeting, and the President of Albania's participation in the event was greatly appreciated.



Satisfaction was expressed with the progression of relations between the two countries. It was emphasized that Azerbaijan and Albania also engage constructively inside international organizations.



The decisions made in connection with the inauguration of the Azerbaijani embassy in Albania and the Albanian embassy in Azerbaijan were viewed as evidence of the high degree of bilateral ties.



Furthermore, both sides expressed hope that the intergovernmental agreement on economic cooperation reached earlier this month during the Albanian Prime Minister's visit to Azerbaijan will help to strengthen connections in trade, economics, and investment.

The parties noted the favorable outcomes of cooperation in the energy sector, as well as the significance of the TAP project in this context, and praised Albania's position as a transit country in the supply of Azerbaijani gas to Europe.

The importance of fostering cooperation in the tourism industry was also addressed.

Furthermore, the parties discussed matters concerning the expansion of relations between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.

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Shares of Cushman & Wakefield plc (NYSE:CWK  Get Free Report) have received an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the five research firms that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, one has issued a buy recommendation and one has issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. The average 12 month price objective among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $10.58.

A number of equities analysts have commented on the company. Raymond James increased their target price on Cushman & Wakefield from $11.00 to $12.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 25th. UBS Group decreased their price objective on Cushman & Wakefield from $11.00 to $9.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 22nd. Finally, Wolfe Research raised shares of Cushman & Wakefield from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $12.00 target price for the company in a report on Friday, December 8th.

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Cushman & Wakefield Price Performance

Shares of NYSE CWK opened at $9.75 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.85, a quick ratio of 1.17 and a current ratio of 1.17. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $10.16 and a 200 day moving average of $9.05. The firm has a market cap of $2.22 billion, a PE ratio of -57.35 and a beta of 1.34. Cushman & Wakefield has a one year low of $6.24 and a one year high of $11.76.

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE:CWK  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, February 20th. The company reported $0.45 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.39 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $2.55 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.78 billion. Cushman & Wakefield had a negative net margin of 0.37% and a positive return on equity of 11.87%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 3.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.46 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts predict that Cushman & Wakefield will post 1 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling at Cushman & Wakefield

In other news, insider Nathaniel Robinson sold 40,000 shares of Cushman & Wakefield stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $9.99, for a total transaction of $399,600.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 40,427 shares in the company, valued at approximately $403,865.73. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, insider Nathaniel Robinson sold 40,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $9.99, for a total value of $399,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 40,427 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $403,865.73. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, major shareholder Tpg Gp A, Llc sold 7,734,954 shares of Cushman & Wakefield stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $9.74, for a total transaction of $75,338,451.96. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 17,098,001 shares in the company, valued at approximately $166,534,529.74. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.19% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Cushman & Wakefield

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans lifted its position in Cushman & Wakefield by 258.8% in the first quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 7,049,508 shares of the companys stock valued at $74,302,000 after buying an additional 5,084,634 shares during the last quarter. Rush Island Management LP acquired a new position in shares of Cushman & Wakefield in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $28,113,000. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. boosted its position in shares of Cushman & Wakefield by 251.1% during the 4th quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. now owns 3,462,163 shares of the companys stock worth $37,391,000 after purchasing an additional 2,476,102 shares during the period. Capital Research Global Investors purchased a new position in shares of Cushman & Wakefield during the 1st quarter worth approximately $38,190,000. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its holdings in Cushman & Wakefield by 47.5% in the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 5,515,078 shares of the companys stock valued at $58,126,000 after purchasing an additional 1,776,929 shares during the last quarter. 90.47% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Cushman & Wakefield Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Cushman & Wakefield plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides commercial real estate services under the Cushman & Wakefield brand in the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates through Americas; Europe, Middle East and Africa; and Asia Pacific segments.

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USANA Health Sciences, Inc. (NYSE:USNA  Get Free Report) Chairman Kevin Guest sold 11,011 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, March 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $49.00, for a total transaction of $539,539.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman now owns 10,491 shares in the company, valued at approximately $514,059. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link.

USANA Health Sciences Stock Performance

USNA opened at $50.08 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $966.54 million, a P/E ratio of 15.18, a P/E/G ratio of 1.50 and a beta of 0.90. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $48.94 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $51.82. USANA Health Sciences, Inc. has a 52-week low of $44.01 and a 52-week high of $69.60.

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USANA Health Sciences (NYSE:USNA  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 6th. The company reported $0.87 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.52 by $0.35. USANA Health Sciences had a net margin of 6.93% and a return on equity of 13.49%. The firm had revenue of $221.08 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $206.70 million. Research analysts forecast that USANA Health Sciences, Inc. will post 2.73 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

USNA has been the topic of several research analyst reports. DA Davidson lowered their target price on shares of USANA Health Sciences from $53.00 to $48.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, February 22nd. StockNews.com upgraded shares of USANA Health Sciences from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, January 12th.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on USANA Health Sciences

Institutional Investors Weigh In On USANA Health Sciences

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Lazard Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of USANA Health Sciences during the 2nd quarter valued at about $47,000. Quest Partners LLC purchased a new stake in USANA Health Sciences in the 4th quarter worth approximately $66,000. FMR LLC increased its holdings in USANA Health Sciences by 71.6% in the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 1,057 shares of the companys stock worth $66,000 after acquiring an additional 441 shares in the last quarter. CWM LLC increased its holdings in USANA Health Sciences by 49.6% in the 4th quarter. CWM LLC now owns 1,267 shares of the companys stock worth $68,000 after acquiring an additional 420 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Point72 Hong Kong Ltd purchased a new stake in USANA Health Sciences in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $69,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 52.62% of the companys stock.

About USANA Health Sciences

(Get Free Report)

USANA Health Sciences, Inc develops, manufactures, and sells science-based nutritional, personal care, and skincare products in the Asia Pacific, the Americas, and Europe. The company offers USANA nutritional products that comprise essentials/CellSentials, such as vitamin and mineral supplements that provide a foundation of total body nutrition for various age groups; optimizers consisting of targeted supplements that are designed to meet cardiovascular, skeletal/structural, and digestive health needs; and food that include meal replacement shakes, snack bars, and other related products.

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Headinvest LLC bought a new position in shares of AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE:AVB  Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund bought 1,008 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock, valued at approximately $169,000.

Several other large investors have also made changes to their positions in AVB. Pinnacle Bancorp Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of AvalonBay Communities in the 3rd quarter valued at $26,000. Quarry LP boosted its holdings in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 255.6% in the 2nd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 192 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $36,000 after acquiring an additional 138 shares during the last quarter. Castleview Partners LLC boosted its holdings in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 1,542.9% in the 3rd quarter. Castleview Partners LLC now owns 230 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $39,000 after acquiring an additional 216 shares during the last quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 316.7% in the 3rd quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 225 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 171 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Lindbrook Capital LLC boosted its holdings in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 53.7% in the 3rd quarter. Lindbrook Capital LLC now owns 312 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $54,000 after acquiring an additional 109 shares during the last quarter. 88.71% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Activity at AvalonBay Communities

In related news, EVP Joanne M. Lockridge sold 1,750 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $185.10, for a total value of $323,925.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 21,907 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,054,985.70. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, EVP Joanne M. Lockridge sold 1,750 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $185.10, for a total value of $323,925.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 21,907 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,054,985.70. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CFO Kevin P. Oshea sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $185.65, for a total transaction of $928,250.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 31,308 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,812,330.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.42% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms have recently commented on AVB. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $191.00 price objective on shares of AvalonBay Communities in a report on Thursday, February 22nd. KeyCorp reiterated a sector weight rating on shares of AvalonBay Communities in a research note on Friday, January 5th. Wolfe Research cut shares of AvalonBay Communities from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 2nd. Mizuho decreased their target price on shares of AvalonBay Communities from $188.00 to $185.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, February 28th. Finally, Truist Financial cut shares of AvalonBay Communities from a buy rating to a hold rating and boosted their target price for the company from $202.00 to $203.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 16th. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, AvalonBay Communities currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $196.34.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on AVB

AvalonBay Communities Price Performance

Shares of NYSE AVB opened at $186.24 on Thursday. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $178.87 and a 200-day simple moving average of $177.28. The stock has a market capitalization of $26.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.43, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.44 and a beta of 0.92. The company has a quick ratio of 1.44, a current ratio of 1.44 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68. AvalonBay Communities, Inc. has a 52 week low of $153.07 and a 52 week high of $198.65.

AvalonBay Communities (NYSE:AVB  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, February 6th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.70 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.73 by ($1.03). The business had revenue of $704.71 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $701.67 million. AvalonBay Communities had a net margin of 33.56% and a return on equity of 7.98%. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $2.59 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts predict that AvalonBay Communities, Inc. will post 10.84 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

AvalonBay Communities Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 15th. Investors of record on Thursday, March 28th will be issued a $1.70 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, March 27th. This represents a $6.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.65%. This is a positive change from AvalonBay Communitiess previous quarterly dividend of $1.65. AvalonBay Communitiess dividend payout ratio is currently 103.82%.

AvalonBay Communities Company Profile

(Free Report)

As of December 31, 2023, the Company owned or held a direct or indirect ownership interest in 299 apartment communities containing 90,669 apartment homes in 12 states and the District of Columbia, of which 18 communities were under development. The Company is an equity REIT in the business of developing, redeveloping, acquiring and managing apartment communities in leading metropolitan areas in New England, the New York/New Jersey Metro area, the Mid-Atlantic, the Pacific Northwest, and Northern and Southern California, as well as in the Company's expansion regions of Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte, North Carolina, Southeast Florida, Dallas and Austin, Texas, and Denver, Colorado.

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Wesbanco Bank Inc. lowered its position in Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK  Free Report) by 10.0% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 6,638 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 737 shares during the period. Wesbanco Bank Inc.s holdings in Rockwell Automation were worth $1,898,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Cyndeo Wealth Partners LLC increased its holdings in Rockwell Automation by 0.8% in the 3rd quarter. Cyndeo Wealth Partners LLC now owns 4,880 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,395,000 after purchasing an additional 38 shares during the last quarter. Cohen Lawrence B increased its holdings in Rockwell Automation by 0.5% in the 3rd quarter. Cohen Lawrence B now owns 8,319 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,378,000 after purchasing an additional 38 shares during the last quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. increased its holdings in Rockwell Automation by 24.2% in the 3rd quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 195 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $56,000 after purchasing an additional 38 shares during the last quarter. Burney Co. increased its holdings in Rockwell Automation by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter. Burney Co. now owns 4,515 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,487,000 after purchasing an additional 39 shares during the last quarter. Finally, XML Financial LLC increased its holdings in Rockwell Automation by 2.7% in the 3rd quarter. XML Financial LLC now owns 1,549 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $443,000 after purchasing an additional 40 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.84% of the companys stock.

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Insider Transactions at Rockwell Automation

In other news, VP Brian A. Shepherd sold 637 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $262.87, for a total transaction of $167,448.19. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 5,088 shares in the company, valued at $1,337,482.56. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, VP Brian A. Shepherd sold 637 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $262.87, for a total transaction of $167,448.19. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 5,088 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,337,482.56. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, VP Scott Genereux sold 500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $280.52, for a total transaction of $140,260.00. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 4,383 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,229,519.16. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 17,877 shares of company stock worth $5,058,772 over the last ninety days. 0.68% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms recently weighed in on ROK. Oppenheimer dropped their target price on shares of Rockwell Automation from $324.00 to $300.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, February 1st. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on shares of Rockwell Automation from $357.00 to $320.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, February 1st. Berenberg Bank reaffirmed a hold rating and set a $290.00 price objective (down from $330.00) on shares of Rockwell Automation in a research report on Wednesday, March 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on shares of Rockwell Automation from $262.00 to $230.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, February 2nd. Finally, Mizuho decreased their price objective on shares of Rockwell Automation from $300.00 to $265.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, February 1st. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $306.64.

Get Our Latest Stock Report on Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation Trading Up 0.2 %

NYSE ROK opened at $284.38 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a current ratio of 1.25. The firm has a market cap of $32.59 billion, a PE ratio of 27.06, a P/E/G ratio of 2.64 and a beta of 1.43. Rockwell Automation, Inc. has a one year low of $252.11 and a one year high of $348.52. The firms fifty day moving average is $288.36 and its two-hundred day moving average is $286.39.

Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 31st. The industrial products company reported $2.04 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.62 by ($0.58). Rockwell Automation had a net margin of 13.35% and a return on equity of 37.22%. The business had revenue of $2.05 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.08 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $2.46 earnings per share. Analysts expect that Rockwell Automation, Inc. will post 12.36 earnings per share for the current year.

Rockwell Automation Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, March 11th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 20th were paid a dividend of $1.25 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, February 16th. This represents a $5.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.76%. Rockwell Automations dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 47.57%.

Rockwell Automation Company Profile

(Free Report)

Rockwell Automation, Inc provides industrial automation and digital transformation solutions in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. The company operates through three segments, Intelligent Devices, Software & Control, and Lifecycle Services. Its solutions include hardware and software products and services.

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Lavras Gold Corp. (CVE:LGC  Get Free Report) Director Rowland Wallace Uloth acquired 49,300 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, March 8th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of C$1.10 per share, with a total value of C$54,230.00.

Rowland Wallace Uloth also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Tuesday, January 23rd, Rowland Wallace Uloth acquired 8,500 shares of Lavras Gold stock. The shares were purchased at an average price of C$1.12 per share, for a total transaction of C$9,520.00.

Lavras Gold Trading Up 4.3 %

LGC opened at C$1.21 on Thursday. The companys 50 day moving average is C$1.01 and its 200-day moving average is C$1.14. Lavras Gold Corp. has a 1-year low of C$0.21 and a 1-year high of C$1.79. The company has a current ratio of 18.00, a quick ratio of 11.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76. The company has a market cap of C$62.13 million and a P/E ratio of -24.20.

About Lavras Gold

Lavras Gold Corp. operates as a junior exploration company in southern Brazil. It engages in the exploration and development of the Lavras do Sul gold project covering an area of approximately 22,000 hectares located in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The company was incorporated in 2021 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

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Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky trimmed its holdings in shares of HDFC Bank Limited (NYSE:HDB  Free Report) by 28.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 174,020 shares of the banks stock after selling 69,000 shares during the period. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentuckys holdings in HDFC Bank were worth $10,269,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the business. Cetera Investment Advisers lifted its stake in shares of HDFC Bank by 3.1% in the 2nd quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 5,908 shares of the banks stock valued at $412,000 after purchasing an additional 179 shares during the period. FinTrust Capital Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of HDFC Bank by 36.4% in the 3rd quarter. FinTrust Capital Advisors LLC now owns 693 shares of the banks stock valued at $41,000 after purchasing an additional 185 shares during the period. Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC lifted its stake in shares of HDFC Bank by 114.4% in the 2nd quarter. Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 403 shares of the banks stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 215 shares during the period. Foster Victor Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of HDFC Bank by 5.9% in the 3rd quarter. Foster Victor Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 4,031 shares of the banks stock valued at $239,000 after purchasing an additional 223 shares during the period. Finally, KB Financial Partners LLC lifted its stake in shares of HDFC Bank by 7.6% in the 1st quarter. KB Financial Partners LLC now owns 3,290 shares of the banks stock valued at $202,000 after purchasing an additional 232 shares during the period. 17.24% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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HDFC Bank Stock Performance

HDB opened at $56.99 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.78, a current ratio of 0.52 and a quick ratio of 0.52. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $56.75 and a 200 day moving average price of $59.58. HDFC Bank Limited has a 1 year low of $52.16 and a 1 year high of $71.39. The stock has a market cap of $106.00 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.59, a P/E/G ratio of 1.44 and a beta of 0.87.

HDFC Bank Company Profile

HDFC Bank ( NYSE:HDB Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, January 16th. The bank reported $0.82 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.71 by $0.11. The firm had revenue of $8.62 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.67 billion. HDFC Bank had a net margin of 17.34% and a return on equity of 15.98%. Equities research analysts anticipate that HDFC Bank Limited will post 2.72 earnings per share for the current year.

(Free Report)

HDFC Bank Limited provides banking and financial services to individuals and businesses in India, Bahrain, Hong Kong, and Dubai. The company operates in three segments: Wholesale Banking, Retail Banking, and Treasury Services. It accepts savings, salary, current, rural, public provident fund, pension, and demat accounts; fixed and recurring deposits; and safe deposit lockers, as well as offshore accounts and deposits, and overdrafts against fixed deposits.

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Shares of Ferrexpo plc (LON:FXPO  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as GBX 49.62 ($0.64) and last traded at GBX 55 ($0.70), with a volume of 4236909 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at GBX 51.40 ($0.66).

Ferrexpo Stock Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a current ratio of 5.86 and a quick ratio of 2.20. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 78.27 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 77.82. The company has a market cap of 316.54 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 239.77, a PEG ratio of -0.18 and a beta of 1.39.

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Ferrexpo Cuts Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 23rd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, January 25th were paid a $0.03 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, January 25th. This represents a dividend yield of 3.6%. Ferrexpos payout ratio is presently 1,363.64%.

Ferrexpo Company Profile

Ferrexpo plc, together with its subsidiaries, mines for, develops, processes, produces, markets, exports, and sells iron ore pellets to the metallurgical industry. It operates two mines and a processing plant near Kremenchug in Ukraine; a port in Odessa; a fleet of vessels operating on the Rhine and Danube waterways; and an ocean-going vessel, which provides top-off services.

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Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky lowered its stake in John Bean Technologies Co. (NYSE:JBT  Free Report) by 6.5% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 119,007 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 8,330 shares during the period. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky owned approximately 0.37% of John Bean Technologies worth $12,512,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of JBT. American Century Companies Inc. bought a new position in John Bean Technologies in the third quarter valued at about $251,000. 2Xideas AG bought a new position in John Bean Technologies in the third quarter valued at about $10,714,000. OLD National Bancorp IN grew its position in John Bean Technologies by 7.6% in the third quarter. OLD National Bancorp IN now owns 2,249 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $236,000 after acquiring an additional 158 shares during the last quarter. Creative Planning bought a new position in John Bean Technologies in the third quarter valued at about $207,000. Finally, The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company grew its position in John Bean Technologies by 32.0% in the third quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 16,948 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,782,000 after acquiring an additional 4,105 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 98.19% of the companys stock.

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John Bean Technologies Stock Performance

Shares of JBT stock opened at $104.80 on Thursday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $99.40 and its 200-day moving average price is $102.67. John Bean Technologies Co. has a 12 month low of $89.96 and a 12 month high of $125.88. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.57, a PEG ratio of 1.62 and a beta of 1.29. The company has a current ratio of 2.27, a quick ratio of 1.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43.

John Bean Technologies Announces Dividend

John Bean Technologies ( NYSE:JBT Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 21st. The industrial products company reported $1.40 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.36 by $0.04. John Bean Technologies had a return on equity of 12.15% and a net margin of 33.53%. The firm had revenue of $444.60 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $445.81 million. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.49 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up .8% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts forecast that John Bean Technologies Co. will post 5.16 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 25th. Investors of record on Monday, March 11th will be paid a $0.10 dividend. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.38%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 8th. John Bean Technologiess dividend payout ratio is currently 2.12%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, Robert W. Baird reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $121.00 target price on shares of John Bean Technologies in a research report on Monday, January 22nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, John Bean Technologies has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $121.00.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on JBT

John Bean Technologies Company Profile

(Free Report)

John Bean Technologies Corporation provides technology solutions to food and beverage industry in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. It offers value-added processing that includes chilling, mixing/grinding, injecting, blending, marinating, tumbling, flattening, forming, portioning, coating, cooking, frying, freezing, extracting, pasteurizing, sterilizing, concentrating, high pressure processing, weighing, inspecting, filling, closing, sealing, end of line material handling, and packaging solutions to the food, beverage, and health market.

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George Weston Limited (TSE:WN  Get Free Report) Director Willard Galen Garfield Weston sold 23,113 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, March 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$181.51, for a total transaction of C$4,195,261.43.

Willard Galen Garfield Weston also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Monday, March 4th, Willard Galen Garfield Weston sold 32,100 shares of George Weston stock. The shares were sold at an average price of C$176.68, for a total transaction of C$5,671,431.21.

On Thursday, February 29th, Willard Galen Garfield Weston sold 79,200 shares of George Weston stock. The shares were sold at an average price of C$144.88, for a total transaction of C$11,474,503.92.

George Weston Stock Down 0.1 %

Shares of WN opened at C$182.75 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of C$24.59 billion, a PE ratio of 17.29, a P/E/G ratio of 1.70 and a beta of 0.38. The business has a fifty day moving average of C$173.45 and a 200 day moving average of C$162.35. George Weston Limited has a 52-week low of C$144.41 and a 52-week high of C$184.97. The company has a quick ratio of 0.73, a current ratio of 1.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 158.23.

George Weston Announces Dividend

Analysts Set New Price Targets

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 15th will be given a dividend of $0.713 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 14th. This represents a $2.85 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.56%. George Westons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 26.96%.

A number of brokerages have issued reports on WN. TD Securities increased their price objective 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. BMO Capital Markets increased their target price on George Weston from C$172.00 to C$185.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, March 1st. Scotiabank lowered their target price on 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. Royal Bank of Canada increased their target price on George Weston from C$216.00 to C$218.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, February 29th. Finally, 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 research report on Wednesday, November 22nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, George Weston presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of C$201.00.

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About George Weston

(Get Free Report)

George Weston Limited provides food and drug retailing, and financial services in Canada. 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 and healthcare services, health and beauty products, apparel, general merchandise, and financial services.

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PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk (OTCMKTS:UNLRY  Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest in February. As of February 29th, there was short interest totalling 1,300 shares, an increase of 550.0% from the February 14th total of 200 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 4,500 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.3 days.

PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk Price Performance

Shares of UNLRY opened at $3.33 on Thursday. PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk has a 1-year low of $3.35 and a 1-year high of $6.08. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $3.91 and its 200 day moving average price is $4.34.

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PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk Company Profile

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Further Reading

PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk manufactures, markets, and distributes consumer goods in Indonesia. It offers soaps, detergents, dairy based foods, ice creams, savories, soy sauce, cosmetic products, tea-based beverages, and fruit juices. The company provides its products under the Axe, Bango, Buavita, Cif, Citra, Clear, Clear Men, Close Up, Cornetto, Dove, Feast, Feast, Glow & Lovely, Hellmann's, Jawara, Knorr, Lifebuoy, Lipton, Love Beauty & Planet, Lux, Magnum, Molto, Paddle Pop, Pepsodent, Pond's, Pond's Men, Populaire, Rexona, Rinso, Royco, SariWangi, Seru, Simple, St.

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A record $46 million was raised through Islamic philanthropy for nearly 2 million refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) in 23 countries during 2023, an almost 20% increase from 2022. Donations were received during a year that saw a record number of emergencies, according to a new report released today.

In the same year, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, received funding to cover less than 50 per cent of its global budget, making the contributions more crucial than ever.

Most support

Among the countries receiving the most support through Zakat and Sadaqah contributions  obligatory and voluntary giving in Islam  are:

Lebanon, the country hosting the largest refugee population per capita in the world

Syria, where the crisis has forced more than 12 million people to flee their homes, making it one of the largest displacement crises in the world

Yemen, which is suffering one of the worlds most acute humanitarian crises.

With nearly 50% of refugees coming from member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), UNHCR has worked with Islamic organisations to develop specific tools for donors to support refugees from Muslim countries, including the Refugee Zakat Fund. Zakat is a mandatory donation that Muslims give to eligible beneficiaries such as the poor, debtors and stranded travellers.

The start of the holy month of Ramadan coincides with 13 years since the start of the crisis in Syria. More than 7.2 million Syrians are still displaced in their own country while more than 5 million Syrian refugees are hosted in five neighbouring countries.

Significant contributions

Islamic philanthropy for refugees continues to gain momentum, with donations to UNHCR almost doubling over the past two years. Although it represents a relatively small proportion of UNHCRs income, it provides significant contributions to some of the worlds most underfunded displacement situations.

UNHCR launches its annual Ramadan appeal, which invites donors to extend the Ramadan table to those in need.

Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, said: This month is traditionally characterised by moments of joy, of gratitude, of family, of communal gatherings around the Ramadan table. Yet, escalating and brutal violence around the world has deprived countless families of moments like these.

Displaced people

I think of the millions of Sudanese refugees who have been forced to experience Ramadan away from home  of those displaced in Yemen, the enduring plight of Syrian, Afghan, Rohingya and other refugees.

The holy month ends in mid-April, just before the first anniversary of the Sudan conflict, which has displaced more than 8 million people. Well over 500,000 have fled to neighbouring Chad, where the refugee population has doubled since the conflict began. Support from UNHCRs Sadaqah Jariyah programme has allowed water points to be installed in newly-built refugee settlements, putting an end to long journeys to find water and helping to keep refugees  especially women and girls  safe.

UNHCR welcomes support from all faiths and all faith-motivated contributions that aim to assist vulnerable refugees and others in need of protection; this includes Islamic philanthropy.--TradeArabia News Service
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. France is demonstrating toxic lobbying against Azerbaijan, French Senator Nathalie Goulet said during the panel session within the XI Global Baku Forum, Trend reports.

"We are seeing the failure of the international community. The reality is that international law is not effective. France is witnessing toxic lobbying against Azerbaijan. The OSCE Minsk Group did everything necessary to leave the dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia unresolved. The existence of "real politics" presents challenges. Extremism is spreading throughout the world. We must stop it. The role of civic society should be strengthened," she said.

To note, the XI Global Baku Forum is attended by representatives of many countries and prestigious international organizations: more than 350 guests from more than 70 countries.

The Forum, which will run until March 16, will host global discussions on the outcomes of COP28 and preparations for COP29. It will consider the factors that pose threats to the new world order, as well as security issues and prospects for peace, building resilience in a fractured world, its impact on the global world, discuss ways to address the challenges facing humanity, and touch on conflicts and mega-threats shaking the world, including climate, food, and nuclear security. At the same time, there will be discussions on the role of military and economic alliances in global governance, regional perspectives, the European Union and its relations with its neighbors, youth policy, ways to build resilience to global challenges, inequality, natural resource scarcity and migration issues, artificial intelligence, and new security paradigms in the age of drones and cyberweapons.

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Toyota Industries Co. (OTCMKTS:TYIDY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest in February. As of February 29th, there was short interest totalling 3,900 shares, a growth of 85.7% from the February 14th total of 2,100 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 12,400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.3 days.

Toyota Industries Stock Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS TYIDY opened at $97.75 on Thursday. The firms 50-day moving average price is $92.14 and its 200-day moving average price is $83.13. Toyota Industries has a 12-month low of $50.16 and a 12-month high of $106.84.

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Toyota Industries Company Profile

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Toyota Industries Corporation manufactures and sells textile machinery, materials handling equipment, automobiles, and automobile parts in Japan and internationally. The company operates through Automobile, Materials Handling Equipment, and Textile Machinery segments. It provides vehicles; gasoline and diesel engines for automobiles and industrial equipment; turbochargers and foundry parts; car air-conditioning compressors; car electronics comprising DC-DC converters, rear inverters, on-board chargers, DC-AC inverters, and charging and discharging systems; batteries; and stamping dies, including automotive and lift truck stamping dies.

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M&T Bank Co. (NYSE:MTB  Get Free Report) EVP Doris P. Meister sold 3,961 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, March 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $143.60, for a total value of $568,799.60. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 5,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $718,000. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link.

M&T Bank Trading Down 0.0 %

Shares of MTB stock opened at $143.19 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $23.86 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.07, a P/E/G ratio of 1.26 and a beta of 0.79. The company has a quick ratio of 0.99, a current ratio of 0.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. M&T Bank Co. has a fifty-two week low of $108.53 and a fifty-two week high of $148.23. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $137.66 and a 200-day simple moving average of $130.16.

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M&T Bank (NYSE:MTB  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, January 18th. The financial services provider reported $2.74 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.10 by ($0.36). M&T Bank had a net margin of 21.49% and a return on equity of 11.59%. The company had revenue of $3.32 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.27 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $4.57 EPS. On average, analysts forecast that M&T Bank Co. will post 13.88 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

M&T Bank Dividend Announcement

Hedge Funds Weigh In On M&T Bank

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 29th. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 4th will be issued a $1.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 1st. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.63%. M&T Banks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 32.95%.

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of MTB. Raymond James & Associates lifted its stake in shares of M&T Bank by 7.0% during the first quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 134,655 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,692,000 after purchasing an additional 8,765 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its position in shares of M&T Bank by 112.8% in the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 82,957 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,658,000 after buying an additional 43,979 shares during the period. US Bancorp DE boosted its position in shares of M&T Bank by 9.4% in the first quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 15,149 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $303,000 after buying an additional 1,304 shares during the period. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in shares of M&T Bank by 7.6% in the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 59,394 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,187,000 after acquiring an additional 4,175 shares in the last quarter. Finally, AlphaCrest Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of M&T Bank in the first quarter worth about $306,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.86% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

MTB has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Piper Sandler lowered their price target on M&T Bank from $156.00 to $152.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, January 19th. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $160.00 target price on shares of M&T Bank in a research report on Friday, January 19th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut shares of M&T Bank from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $145.00 price target for the company. in a research report on Monday, December 18th. DA Davidson reiterated a neutral rating and set a $159.00 target price on shares of M&T Bank in a research report on Wednesday, March 6th. Finally, Barclays boosted their target price on M&T Bank from $150.00 to $170.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, January 2nd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $149.71.

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M&T Bank Company Profile

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M&T Bank Corporation operates as a bank holding company for Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company and Wilmington Trust, National Association that engages in the provision of retail and commercial banking products and services in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Commercial Bank, Retail Bank, and Institutional Services and Wealth Management.

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CoreFirst Bank & Trust bought a new position in shares of The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report) during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 1,022 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $56,000.

A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of SCHW. Beacon Pointe Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Charles Schwab by 54.2% during the second quarter. Beacon Pointe Advisors LLC now owns 135,940 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $7,705,000 after buying an additional 47,792 shares during the last quarter. Bamco Inc. NY lifted its stake in shares of Charles Schwab by 0.5% in the 3rd quarter. Bamco Inc. NY now owns 8,102,475 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $444,826,000 after purchasing an additional 42,588 shares during the period. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Charles Schwab by 43.2% during the third 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 bought a new stake in Charles Schwab in the second quarter valued at about $13,488,000. Finally, 180 Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Charles Schwab by 6.1% during the third quarter. 180 Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 32,214 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,769,000 after buying an additional 1,843 shares during the last quarter. 81.61% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages have recently issued reports on SCHW. Citigroup lowered shares of Charles Schwab from a buy rating to a neutral rating and decreased their price target for the company from $75.00 to $70.00 in a report on Wednesday, January 10th. StockNews.com cut Charles Schwab from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Thursday, March 7th. JMP Securities restated a market outperform rating and issued a $77.00 price target on shares of Charles Schwab in a report on Thursday, January 18th. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a neutral rating and set a $71.00 price objective (up previously from $70.00) on shares of Charles Schwab in a report on Wednesday, January 3rd. Finally, Raymond James lowered their target price on Charles Schwab from $78.00 to $75.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, January 18th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $69.92.

Charles Schwab Trading Up 1.0 %

Shares of Charles Schwab stock opened at $67.17 on Thursday. The Charles Schwab Co. has a 1 year low of $45.65 and a 1 year high of $71.40. The company has a market capitalization of $119.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.44, a P/E/G ratio of 1.30 and a beta of 1.00. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $64.82 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $60.53. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 0.43 and a quick ratio of 0.43.

Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW  Get Free Report) last issued 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 firm had revenue of $4.46 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.49 billion. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 26.90% and a return on equity of 21.33%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 18.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.07 earnings per share. Research analysts forecast that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.34 EPS for the current year.

Charles Schwab Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 23rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 9th were issued a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.49%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, February 8th. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio is currently 39.37%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Charles Schwab news, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 16,390 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, January 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $63.94, for a total transaction of $1,047,976.60. Following the transaction, the chairman now owns 61,331,688 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,921,548,130.72. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other news, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 16,390 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, January 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $63.94, for a total value of $1,047,976.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman now directly owns 61,331,688 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,921,548,130.72. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, 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 sale, the chief financial officer now owns 37,611 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,425,533.39. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 202,607 shares of company stock worth $13,214,499 in the last quarter. Corporate 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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Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB  Free Report) by 1.1% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 130,528,372 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after buying an additional 1,412,821 shares during the quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. owned approximately 0.09% of Schlumberger worth $7,609,804,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Acadian Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Schlumberger during the first quarter worth about $25,000. Cetera Investment Advisers raised its holdings in Schlumberger by 35.3% in the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 39,287 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,623,000 after acquiring an additional 10,240 shares during the last quarter. Dakota Wealth Management purchased a new position in shares of Schlumberger during the 1st quarter worth $232,000. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Schlumberger during the first quarter worth $419,000. Finally, Baird Financial Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Schlumberger by 2.9% in the first quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 112,003 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $4,627,000 after purchasing an additional 3,209 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.43% of the companys stock.

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Schlumberger Trading Up 1.9 %

SLB opened at $52.57 on Thursday. Schlumberger Limited has a 12-month low of $42.73 and a 12-month high of $62.12. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 1.32 and a quick ratio of 1.00. The stock has a market capitalization of $75.04 billion, a PE ratio of 18.00, a P/E/G ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 1.59. The firms fifty day moving average price is $49.48 and its 200 day moving average price is $53.57.

Schlumberger Dividend Announcement

Schlumberger ( NYSE:SLB Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 19th. The oil and gas company reported $0.86 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.84 by $0.02. Schlumberger had a return on equity of 21.97% and a net margin of 12.68%. The business had revenue of $8.99 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.96 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.71 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 14.1% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts expect that Schlumberger Limited will post 3.54 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 4th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, February 7th will be issued a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.90%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 6th. Schlumbergers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 34.25%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms have commented on SLB. Benchmark restated a buy rating and issued a $68.00 price target on shares of Schlumberger in a report on Monday, March 4th. Barclays cut their price target on shares of Schlumberger from $77.00 to $74.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, January 22nd. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $66.00 price objective on shares of Schlumberger in a report on Thursday, February 8th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on Schlumberger from $69.00 to $70.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, January 22nd. Finally, Susquehanna restated a positive rating and issued a $77.00 price objective on shares of Schlumberger in a report on Tuesday, February 13th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Schlumberger has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $70.87.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on Schlumberger

Insider Activity

In related news, CFO Stephane Biguet sold 6,250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $53.86, for a total value of $336,625.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 163,515 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,806,917.90. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other Schlumberger news, CFO Stephane Biguet sold 6,250 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $53.86, for a total value of $336,625.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 163,515 shares in the company, valued at $8,806,917.90. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Abdellah Merad sold 50,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $48.52, for a total transaction of $2,426,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 261,507 shares in the company, valued at $12,688,319.64. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 178,441 shares of company stock valued at $8,972,947. 0.26% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Schlumberger Profile

(Free Report)

Schlumberger Limited engages in the provision of technology for the energy industry worldwide. The company operates through four divisions: Digital & Integration, Reservoir Performance, Well Construction, and Production Systems. The company provides field development and hydrocarbon production, carbon management, and integration of adjacent energy systems; reservoir interpretation and data processing services for exploration data; and well construction and production improvement services and products.

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Hippo Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HIPO  Get Free Report) CAO Anirudh Badia sold 1,735 shares of Hippo stock in a transaction on Monday, March 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $18.39, for a total value of $31,906.65. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 122,454 shares in the company, valued at $2,251,929.06. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink.

Hippo Stock Down 2.8 %

Shares of NYSE:HIPO traded down $0.52 on Thursday, reaching $18.33. The company had a trading volume of 15,029 shares, compared to its average volume of 176,080. Hippo Holdings Inc. has a twelve month low of $6.64 and a twelve month high of $20.39. The stock has a market capitalization of $437.85 million, a P/E ratio of -1.62 and a beta of 1.50. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $11.21 and a 200 day moving average price of $9.55.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On Hippo

Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Royal Bank of Canada bought a new position in Hippo during the first quarter valued at about $34,000. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank bought a new position in Hippo during the second quarter valued at about $37,000. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC increased its stake in Hippo by 60.0% during the third quarter. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC now owns 2,080 shares of the companys stock valued at $39,000 after acquiring an additional 780 shares during the period. UBS Group AG grew its stake in shares of Hippo by 219.1% in the 2nd quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 49,453 shares of the companys stock valued at $43,000 after purchasing an additional 33,957 shares during the period. Finally, Citigroup Inc. grew its stake in shares of Hippo by 985.3% in the 2nd quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 3,462 shares of the companys stock valued at $57,000 after purchasing an additional 3,143 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 30.85% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered their price target on Hippo from $19.00 to $16.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 15th.

Read Our Latest Report on HIPO

About Hippo

(Get Free Report)

Hippo Holdings Inc provides home protection insurance in the United States and the District of Columbia. Its insurance products include homeowners' insurance against risks of fire, wind, and theft; and personal and commercial insurance products. The company distributes insurance products and services through its technology platform; and offers its policies online, over the phone, or through licensed insurance agents.

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Horace Mann Educators Co. (NYSE:HMN  Get Free Report) General Counsel Donald M. Carley sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, March 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $35.11, for a total transaction of $175,550.00. Following the transaction, the general counsel now directly owns 29,627 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,040,203.97. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink.

Horace Mann Educators Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:HMN traded down $0.11 during trading on Thursday, hitting $34.74. 45,659 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 201,591. The company has a quick ratio of 0.09, a current ratio of 0.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. The company has a market cap of $1.42 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.57 and a beta of 0.27. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $35.48 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $32.78. Horace Mann Educators Co. has a 52-week low of $27.81 and a 52-week high of $38.29.

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Horace Mann Educators (NYSE:HMN  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, February 7th. The insurance provider reported $0.84 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.65 by $0.19. The firm had revenue of $402.90 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $394.40 million. Horace Mann Educators had a net margin of 3.02% and a return on equity of 5.71%. As a group, equities analysts predict that Horace Mann Educators Co. will post 3.15 EPS for the current year.

Horace Mann Educators Increases Dividend

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Horace Mann Educators

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 29th. Investors of record on Friday, March 15th will be issued a $0.34 dividend. This represents a $1.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.91%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 14th. This is a positive change from Horace Mann Educatorss previous quarterly dividend of $0.33. Horace Mann Educatorss payout ratio is presently 125.93%.

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. increased its holdings in Horace Mann Educators by 6.5% in the 3rd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 502,862 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $14,774,000 after acquiring an additional 30,908 shares in the last quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund purchased a new stake in Horace Mann Educators in the 3rd quarter worth $664,000. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in Horace Mann Educators by 95.3% in the 3rd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 185,712 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $5,456,000 after acquiring an additional 90,607 shares in the last quarter. GSA Capital Partners LLP increased its holdings in Horace Mann Educators by 19.3% in the 3rd quarter. GSA Capital Partners LLP now owns 39,624 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $1,164,000 after acquiring an additional 6,399 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Assenagon Asset Management S.A. purchased a new stake in Horace Mann Educators in the 3rd quarter worth $6,124,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 99.28% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities analysts have issued reports on HMN shares. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised shares of Horace Mann Educators from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and raised their price target for the stock from $33.00 to $40.00 in a research report on Monday, January 29th. TheStreet raised shares of Horace Mann Educators from a c rating to a b rating in a report on Wednesday, February 7th.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on HMN

Horace Mann Educators Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Horace Mann Educators Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an insurance holding company in the United States. The company operates through Property & Casualty, Life & Retirement, and Supplemental & Group Benefits segments. Its Property & Casualty segment offers insurance products, including private passenger auto insurance, residential home insurance, and personal umbrella insurance; and provides auto coverages including liability and collision, and property coverage for homeowners and renters.

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Arden Trust Co trimmed its position in Sempra (NYSE:SRE  Free Report) by 14.9% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 18,178 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 3,187 shares during the quarter. Arden Trust Cos holdings in Sempra were worth $1,358,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in SRE. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Sempra by 101.8% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 62,117,948 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $4,225,884,000 after acquiring an additional 31,334,782 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its position in Sempra by 101.4% during the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 24,206,231 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,646,750,000 after buying an additional 12,184,568 shares in the last quarter. FMR LLC increased its position in Sempra by 147.0% during the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 14,360,225 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $976,926,000 after buying an additional 8,546,205 shares in the last quarter. Newport Trust Company LLC increased its position in Sempra by 104.0% during the 3rd quarter. Newport Trust Company LLC now owns 14,416,527 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $980,756,000 after buying an additional 7,348,746 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank acquired a new position in Sempra during the 4th quarter valued at about $1,000,291,000. 84.83% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Activity at Sempra

In other Sempra news, VP Trevor I. Mihalik sold 57,571 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, March 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $70.59, for a total transaction of $4,063,936.89. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 10,922 shares of the companys stock, valued at $770,983.98. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other news, CEO Jeffrey W. Martin sold 34,190 shares of the firms 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 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 at this link. Also, VP Trevor I. Mihalik sold 57,571 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, March 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $70.59, for a total value of $4,063,936.89. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 10,922 shares of the companys stock, valued at $770,983.98. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 156,622 shares of company stock valued at $11,089,713. 0.24% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

SRE has been the topic of a number of research reports. BMO Capital Markets raised Sempra from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and increased their price objective for the company from $76.00 to $84.00 in a report on Thursday, January 11th. StockNews.com lowered Sempra from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Tuesday, February 20th. Barclays increased their price objective on Sempra from $76.00 to $77.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, January 22nd. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on Sempra from $75.00 to $73.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, November 21st. Finally, LADENBURG THALM/SH SH initiated coverage on Sempra in a report on Wednesday, January 3rd. They issued a buy rating and a $81.50 price objective on the stock. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and ten 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 $81.83.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Sempra

Sempra Price Performance

SRE stock traded down $0.69 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $70.13. 262,820 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,784,571. The stocks 50 day moving average is $71.85 and its 200 day moving average is $71.66. Sempra has a 12-month low of $63.75 and a 12-month high of $79.51. The company has a market cap of $44.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.78, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.04 and a beta of 0.71. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.85, a current ratio of 0.54 and a quick ratio of 0.49.

Sempra (NYSE:SRE  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 27th. The utilities provider reported $1.13 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.11 by $0.02. Sempra had a return on equity of 9.45% and a net margin of 18.26%. The firm had revenue of $3.49 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.01 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.17 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 1.0% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts expect that Sempra will post 4.83 EPS for the current year.

Sempra Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 15th. Investors of record on Thursday, March 21st will be issued a $0.62 dividend. This represents a $2.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.54%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, March 20th. This is a boost from Sempras previous quarterly dividend of $0.60. Sempras dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 49.69%.

Sempra Company Profile

(Free Report)

Sempra operates as an energy infrastructure company in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Sempra California, Sempra Texas Utilities, and Sempra Infrastructure. The Sempra California segment provides electric services; and natural gas services to San Diego County.

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Baron Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWM  Free Report) by 8.0% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 3,532 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after acquiring an additional 262 shares during the period. Baron Wealth Management LLCs holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF were worth $709,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in IWM. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC lifted its stake in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 113,180.6% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 334,806,395 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $58,376,843,000 after purchasing an additional 334,510,840 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley raised its position in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 34.8% in the third quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 19,634,415 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $3,470,187,000 after buying an additional 5,063,767 shares in the last quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund boosted its position in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 11.1% during the 3rd quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund now owns 11,206,000 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,980,548,000 after acquiring an additional 1,115,400 shares during the last quarter. Empower Advisory Group LLC increased its position in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 0.5% in the third quarter. Empower Advisory Group LLC now owns 7,445,800 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,315,971,000 after purchasing an additional 33,773 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Jones Financial Companies Lllp raised its stake in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 2.4% in the third quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 7,106,992 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,256,090,000 after purchasing an additional 164,788 shares in the last quarter.

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iShares Russell 2000 ETF Stock Down 1.5 %

IWM traded down $3.00 during trading on Thursday, reaching $202.71. The stock had a trading volume of 11,996,763 shares, compared to its average volume of 39,454,945. The business has a 50-day moving average of $198.24 and a 200-day moving average of $187.05. iShares Russell 2000 ETF has a one year low of $161.67 and a one year high of $210.41.

iShares Russell 2000 ETF Company Profile

iShares Russell 2000 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell 2000 Index (the Index). The Index is a float-adjusted capitalization weighted index that measures the performance of the small-capitalization sector of the United States equity market and includes securities issued by the approximately 2,000 smallest issuers in the Russell 3000 Index.

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Lennar (NYSE:LEN  Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday. The construction company reported $2.57 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.21 by $0.36, Briefing.com reports. The firm had revenue of $7.31 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.39 billion. Lennar had a return on equity of 15.84% and a net margin of 11.51%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 12.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $2.12 earnings per share.

Lennar Stock Down 3.0 %

Shares of LEN traded down $5.00 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $160.50. The company had a trading volume of 594,631 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,000,860. The company has a market capitalization of $45.07 billion, a PE ratio of 12.03, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.14 and a beta of 1.52. The company has a current ratio of 6.12, a quick ratio of 1.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11. Lennar has a one year low of $98.56 and a one year high of $167.49. The companys fifty day moving average price is $153.73 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $133.88.

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Lennar Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, February 7th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, January 24th were issued a $0.50 dividend. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.25%. This is a boost from Lennars previous quarterly dividend of $0.38. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, January 23rd. Lennars dividend payout ratio is currently 14.53%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

LEN has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Raymond James upped their target price on Lennar from $150.00 to $165.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, December 19th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price objective on Lennar from $138.00 to $158.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 18th. JMP Securities increased their price objective on Lennar from $150.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock a market outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, December 19th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price objective on Lennar from $114.00 to $137.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a report on Monday, December 18th. Finally, Wedbush reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $130.00 price objective on shares of Lennar in a report on Tuesday, March 5th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $140.94.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Lennar

Insider Transactions at Lennar

In related news, CFO Diane J. Bessette sold 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $147.73, for a total transaction of $1,477,300.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 260,556 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $38,491,937.88. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other news, CFO Diane J. Bessette sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $147.73, for a total value of $1,477,300.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 260,556 shares of the companys stock, valued at $38,491,937.88. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, VP Mark Sustana sold 37,304 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $146.38, for a total value of $5,460,559.52. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 18,694 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,736,427.72. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 9.36% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Lennar

A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of LEN. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Lennar by 10.7% during the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 12,184 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $989,000 after acquiring an additional 1,173 shares during the last quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Lennar by 6.8% during the first quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 9,499 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $771,000 after acquiring an additional 602 shares during the last quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. raised its holdings in shares of Lennar by 172.1% during the first quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 14,925 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,256,000 after acquiring an additional 9,440 shares during the last quarter. Prudential PLC acquired a new position in shares of Lennar during the first quarter valued at approximately $1,711,000. Finally, Moors & Cabot Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Lennar during the first quarter valued at approximately $200,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.87% of the companys stock.

About Lennar

(Get Free Report)

Lennar Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a homebuilder primarily under the Lennar brand in the United States. It operates through Homebuilding East, Homebuilding Central, Homebuilding Texas, Homebuilding West, Financial Services, Multifamily, and Lennar Other segments. The company's homebuilding operations include the construction and sale of single-family attached and detached homes, as well as the purchase, development, and sale of residential land; and development, construction, and management of multifamily rental properties.

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Telia Company AB (publ) (OTCMKTS:TLSNY  Get Free Report) saw a large increase in short interest during the month of February. As of February 29th, there was short interest totalling 19,900 shares, an increase of 56.7% from the February 14th total of 12,700 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 87,700 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days.

Telia Company AB (publ) Stock Up 2.1 %

OTCMKTS TLSNY traded up $0.10 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $4.81. The stock had a trading volume of 65,356 shares, compared to its average volume of 39,221. Telia Company AB has a 1 year low of $3.78 and a 1 year high of $5.53. The stock has a market cap of $9.46 billion, a PE ratio of 240.50 and a beta of 0.40. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $4.89 and a 200 day moving average price of $4.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.73, a current ratio of 0.99 and a quick ratio of 0.95.

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Telia Company AB (publ) (OTCMKTS:TLSNY  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, January 26th. The technology company reported ($0.16) earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of $2.17 billion for the quarter. Telia Company AB (publ) had a net margin of 0.32% and a negative return on equity of 0.51%. On average, research analysts expect that Telia Company AB will post 0.29 earnings per share for the current year.

Telia Company AB (publ) Cuts Dividend

Telia Company AB (publ) Company Profile

The business also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, May 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, April 12th will be paid a dividend of $0.0963 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, April 11th. Telia Company AB (publ)s dividend payout ratio is presently 1,100.00%.

(Get Free Report)

Telia Company AB (publ) provides communication services to businesses, individuals, families, and communities in Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia. It offers mobile, broadband, television, and fixed-line services; and networking, cloud and security, mobility, enterprise mobile network, contact center, managed mobility services, collaboration solutions, enterprise telephony, Internet of Things (IoT), carrier ethernet, dedicated internet access, wavelengths, IP Transit, dark fiber, and colocation solutions.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. The UN and its institutions must be reorganized, President of the 57th session of the UN General Assembly Jan Kavan said during a panel session within the framework of the XI Global Baku Forum, Trend reports.

"International law is no longer recognized and is significantly corrupted. As a result, everyone approaches their challenge from their own point of view. We witness disputes and religious intolerance all throughout the world.

Governments and civil society must work together to achieve peace. The issue with the International Court is similar in that it wants to leave the best. It is a somewhat paradoxical scenario, he added.

To note, the XI Global Baku Forum is attended by representatives of many countries and prestigious international organizations: more than 350 guests from more than 70 countries.

The forum, which will last until March 16, will host global discussions on the outcomes of COP28 and preparations for COP29, will consider the factors that pose threats to the new world order, as well as security issues and prospects for peace, building resilience in a fractured world, its impact on the global world, will discuss ways to address the challenges facing humanity, and will touch on conflicts and mega-threats shaking the world, including climate, food, and nuclear security. At the same time, there will be discussions on the role of military and economic alliances in global governance, regional perspectives, the European Union and its relations with its neighbors, youth policy, ways to build resilience to global challenges, inequality, natural resource scarcity and migration issues, artificial intelligence, and new security paradigms in the age of drones and cyberweapons.

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Metals Acquisition Limited (NYSE:MTAL  Get Free Report) shares shot up 3.4% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $13.45 and last traded at $12.93. 4,729 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 69% from the average session volume of 15,185 shares. The stock had previously closed at $12.50.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms recently issued reports on MTAL. National Bank Financial began coverage on shares of Metals Acquisition in a report on Thursday, December 14th. They issued an outperform rating and a $14.00 price target on the stock. Scotiabank began coverage on shares of Metals Acquisition in a report on Monday, March 4th. They issued a sector outperform rating and a $14.50 price target on the stock. Finally, Eight Capital set a $15.00 price target on shares of Metals Acquisition and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, December 6th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, Metals Acquisition presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $13.92.

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View Our Latest Analysis on MTAL

Metals Acquisition Trading Up 1.0 %

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

The company has a quick ratio of 0.23, a current ratio of 0.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.45. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $12.05 and its 200 day simple moving average is $11.41.

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in MTAL. BlackRock Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Metals Acquisition during the 2nd quarter valued at $49,594,000. Platinum Investment Management Ltd. bought a new position in shares of Metals Acquisition during the 2nd quarter worth about $20,938,000. Sprott Inc. bought a new position in shares of Metals Acquisition during the 3rd quarter worth about $17,970,000. CI Investments Inc. bought a new position in shares of Metals Acquisition during the 3rd quarter worth about $6,676,000. Finally, Berkley W R Corp increased its holdings in shares of Metals Acquisition by 455.8% during the 1st quarter. Berkley W R Corp now owns 412,302 shares of the companys stock worth $4,214,000 after purchasing an additional 338,121 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.10% of the companys stock.

Metals Acquisition Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Metals Acquisition Limited focuses on operating and acquiring metals and mining businesses. The company operates the CSA copper mine in Cobar, Australia. Metals Acquisition Limited is headquartered in Saint Helier, Jersey.

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West Paces Advisors Inc. decreased its stake in shares of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK  Free Report) by 73.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 153 shares of the asset managers stock after selling 425 shares during the period. West Paces Advisors Inc.s holdings in BlackRock were worth $99,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of BLK. OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N A bought a new stake in BlackRock during the 2nd quarter worth about $26,000. West Tower Group LLC acquired a new position in BlackRock during the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new position in BlackRock in the second quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Tyler Stone Wealth Management acquired a new position in shares of BlackRock during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $33,000. Finally, Exchange Traded Concepts LLC raised its stake in shares of BlackRock by 671.4% during the 3rd quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC now owns 54 shares of the asset managers stock worth $35,000 after purchasing an additional 47 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.01% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

BLK has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. BNP Paribas upgraded shares of BlackRock from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $885.00 target price on the stock in a report on Tuesday, December 12th. TD Cowen upgraded shares of BlackRock from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $819.00 to $938.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 16th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their target price on shares of BlackRock from $719.00 to $793.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded BlackRock from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $708.00 price target on the stock. in a research report on Friday, December 15th. Finally, UBS Group raised their price objective on BlackRock from $720.00 to $818.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 10th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, BlackRock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $785.73.

BlackRock Trading Down 0.4 %

Shares of BlackRock stock opened at $826.04 on Thursday. BlackRock, Inc. has a 52-week low of $596.18 and a 52-week high of $845.00. The stock has a market cap of $123.03 billion, a PE ratio of 22.63, a PEG ratio of 1.82 and a beta of 1.37. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $800.23 and a 200-day moving average of $734.15. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a quick ratio of 3.48 and a current ratio of 3.48.

BlackRock (NYSE:BLK  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, January 12th. The asset manager reported $9.66 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $8.84 by $0.82. BlackRock had a net margin of 30.81% and a return on equity of 14.74%. The firm had revenue of $4.63 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.65 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $8.93 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that BlackRock, Inc. will post 39.73 EPS for the current year.

BlackRock Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 22nd. Investors of record on Thursday, March 7th will be given a dividend of $5.10 per share. This is a boost from BlackRocks previous quarterly dividend of $5.00. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, March 6th. This represents a $20.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.47%. BlackRocks dividend payout ratio is currently 55.88%.

Insider Transactions at BlackRock

In other BlackRock news, General Counsel Christopher J. Meade sold 18,000 shares of BlackRock stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $282.54, for a total value of $5,085,660.60. Following the transaction, the general counsel now owns 11,914 shares in the company, valued at $3,366,142.24. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, General Counsel Christopher J. Meade sold 18,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, January 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $282.54, for a total transaction of $5,085,660.60. Following the sale, the general counsel now owns 11,914 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,366,142.24. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Rachel Lord sold 36,059 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $818.06, for a total transaction of $29,498,425.54. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 17,004 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,910,292.24. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 100,511 shares of company stock valued at $71,864,028. Company insiders own 1.06% of the companys stock.

About BlackRock

(Free Report)

BlackRock, Inc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks.

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Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky cut its stake in shares of Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL  Free Report) by 5.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 189,840 shares of the companys stock after selling 11,889 shares during the quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentuckys holdings in Colgate-Palmolive were worth $13,499,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in CL. OFI Invest Asset Management bought a new position in shares of Colgate-Palmolive during the third quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Quarry LP grew its holdings in Colgate-Palmolive by 48.2% in the 2nd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 446 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 145 shares in the last quarter. Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management LLC grew its holdings in Colgate-Palmolive by 142.0% in the 3rd quarter. Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management LLC now owns 496 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after buying an additional 291 shares in the last quarter. West Tower Group LLC bought a new position in Colgate-Palmolive in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $36,000. Finally, McCarthy Grittinger Financial Group LLC bought a new position in Colgate-Palmolive in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $37,000. 78.36% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Colgate-Palmolive Trading Up 0.5 %

Colgate-Palmolive stock opened at $89.20 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 8.59, a current ratio of 1.11 and a quick ratio of 0.71. The company has a market capitalization of $73.42 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.09, a PEG ratio of 3.36 and a beta of 0.42. Colgate-Palmolive has a one year low of $67.62 and a one year high of $89.36. The companys fifty day moving average price is $83.89 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $77.97.

Colgate-Palmolive Dividend Announcement

Colgate-Palmolive ( NYSE:CL Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Friday, January 26th. The company reported $0.87 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.85 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $4.95 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.89 billion. Colgate-Palmolive had a net margin of 11.82% and a return on equity of 509.75%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 6.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.77 earnings per share. On average, analysts forecast that Colgate-Palmolive will post 3.48 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, January 22nd were given a dividend of $0.48 per share. This represents a $1.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.15%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, January 19th. Colgate-Palmolives payout ratio is 69.06%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Colgate-Palmolive news, EVP Gregory Malcolm sold 8,930 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $85.35, for a total transaction of $762,175.50. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 8,043 shares in the company, valued at $686,470.05. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, CEO Noel R. Wallace sold 50,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $83.15, for a total value of $4,157,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 274,179 shares in the company, valued at $22,797,983.85. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP Gregory Malcolm sold 8,930 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $85.35, for a total transaction of $762,175.50. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 8,043 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $686,470.05. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 232,371 shares of company stock valued at $19,505,099 over the last three months. 0.34% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on CL. Raymond James raised Colgate-Palmolive from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $91.00 price objective for the company in a report on Monday, January 29th. StockNews.com lowered Colgate-Palmolive from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, February 20th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on Colgate-Palmolive from $88.00 to $90.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, January 18th. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on Colgate-Palmolive in a report on Friday, March 1st. They issued a buy rating and a $93.00 target price for the company. Finally, TheStreet upgraded Colgate-Palmolive from a c+ rating to a b+ rating in a report on Friday, January 26th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Colgate-Palmolive currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $87.31.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Colgate-Palmolive

About Colgate-Palmolive

(Free Report)

Colgate-Palmolive Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells consumer products in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments: Oral, Personal and Home Care; and Pet Nutrition. The Oral, Personal and Home Care segment offers toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, bar and liquid hand soaps, shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants and antiperspirants, skin health products, dishwashing detergents, fabric conditioners, household cleaners, and other related items.

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Compass Wealth Management LLC decreased its position in Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:CFG  Free Report) by 25.7% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 21,775 shares of the banks stock after selling 7,525 shares during the quarter. Compass Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Citizens Financial Group were worth $722,000 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. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in Citizens Financial Group by 23.1% during the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 10,537 shares of the banks stock worth $478,000 after purchasing an additional 1,980 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. grew its holdings in Citizens Financial Group by 29.7% during the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 53,879 shares of the banks stock worth $2,442,000 after purchasing an additional 12,350 shares during the period. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS grew its holdings in Citizens Financial Group by 6.6% during the first quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 57,027 shares of the banks stock worth $2,585,000 after purchasing an additional 3,531 shares during the period. Yousif Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Citizens Financial Group by 9.3% during the first quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 71,237 shares of the banks stock worth $3,229,000 after purchasing an additional 6,060 shares during the period. Finally, Blair William & Co. IL boosted its holdings in shares of Citizens Financial Group by 1.5% during the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 38,619 shares of the banks stock worth $1,751,000 after acquiring an additional 586 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.67% of the companys stock.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Citizens Financial Group news, insider Craig Jack Read sold 4,508 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, March 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $33.54, for a total value of $151,198.32. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 43,885 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,471,902.90. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 0.53% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

CFG has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Citigroup upgraded shares of Citizens Financial Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $36.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Monday, February 5th. UBS Group boosted their target price on shares of Citizens Financial Group from $37.00 to $38.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 18th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price objective on shares of Citizens Financial Group from $33.00 to $35.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Thursday, January 18th. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price objective on shares of Citizens Financial Group from $33.00 to $35.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, January 18th. Finally, TheStreet raised shares of Citizens Financial Group from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 26th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have given a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $35.00.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Citizens Financial Group

Citizens Financial Group Stock Performance

Citizens Financial Group stock traded down $0.63 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $33.67. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,335,864 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,851,814. Citizens Financial Group, Inc. has a 12-month low of $22.77 and a 12-month high of $34.79. The company has a market capitalization of $15.45 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.03 and a beta of 1.36. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a current ratio of 0.88. The firms fifty day moving average price is $32.34 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $29.34.

Citizens Financial Group (NYSE:CFG  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 17th. The bank reported $0.34 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.60 by ($0.26). Citizens Financial Group had a return on equity of 7.40% and a net margin of 13.19%. The company had revenue of $2 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.25 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down 9.2% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts predict that Citizens Financial Group, Inc. will post 3.3 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Citizens Financial Group Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, February 14th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, January 31st were paid a $0.42 dividend. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.99%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, January 30th. Citizens Financial Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 54.02%.

Citizens Financial Group Company Profile

(Free Report)

Citizens Financial Group, Inc operates as the bank holding company that provides retail and commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, corporations, and institutions in the United States. The company operates in two segments, Consumer Banking and Commercial Banking.

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Compass Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG  Free Report) by 1.0% in the 4th quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 19,354 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after buying an additional 190 shares during the quarter. Compass Wealth Management LLCs holdings in EOG Resources were worth $2,341,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. State Street Corp boosted its position in shares of EOG Resources by 2.8% in the first quarter. State Street Corp now owns 36,299,584 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $4,161,014,000 after purchasing an additional 1,005,328 shares during the period. Capital Research Global Investors boosted its position in shares of EOG Resources by 11.0% in the second quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 33,923,655 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $3,882,219,000 after purchasing an additional 3,348,650 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of EOG Resources by 1.1% in the third quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 12,937,070 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $1,639,903,000 after purchasing an additional 145,691 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its position in shares of EOG Resources by 3.1% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 12,183,166 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $1,391,507,000 after purchasing an additional 368,745 shares during the period. Finally, Ameriprise Financial Inc. boosted its position in shares of EOG Resources by 8.4% in the third quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 11,532,527 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $1,462,966,000 after purchasing an additional 892,951 shares during the period. 89.21% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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EOG Resources Trading Up 0.6 %

Shares of NYSE EOG traded up $0.76 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $123.33. The company had a trading volume of 763,435 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,301,554. The businesss 50-day moving average is $114.50 and its 200-day moving average is $121.82. The company has a current ratio of 2.44, a quick ratio of 2.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. The stock has a market cap of $71.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.42, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.37 and a beta of 1.39. EOG Resources, Inc. has a 52 week low of $98.52 and a 52 week high of $136.79.

EOG Resources Announces Dividend

EOG Resources ( NYSE:EOG Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, February 23rd. The energy exploration company reported $3.07 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.14 by ($0.07). The company had revenue of $6.36 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.18 billion. EOG Resources had a return on equity of 25.38% and a net margin of 31.40%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 5.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $3.30 earnings per share. Equities analysts expect that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 11.31 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, April 30th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, April 16th will be issued a dividend of $0.91 per share. This represents a $3.64 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.95%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, April 15th. EOG Resourcess payout ratio is 27.98%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts have recently commented on the stock. Piper Sandler lowered their target price on shares of EOG Resources from $153.00 to $141.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, March 7th. Susquehanna lowered their target price on shares of EOG Resources from $164.00 to $147.00 and set a positive rating on the stock in a report on Friday, January 26th. KeyCorp lowered their target price on shares of EOG Resources from $157.00 to $147.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, January 11th. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their target price on shares of EOG Resources from $165.00 to $163.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company downgraded shares of EOG Resources from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and decreased their price target for the company from $150.00 to $130.00 in a research note on Thursday, December 14th. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $141.80.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on EOG

About EOG Resources

(Free Report)

EOG Resources, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, and natural gas and natural gas liquids. Its principal producing areas are in New Mexico and Texas in the United States; and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The company was formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Company.

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Green Alpha Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE  Free Report) by 8.8% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 16,223 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 1,311 shares during the quarter. Alexandria Real Estate Equities comprises about 1.5% of Green Alpha Advisors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 12th biggest holding. Green Alpha Advisors LLCs holdings in Alexandria Real Estate Equities were worth $2,057,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Fulton Bank N.A. purchased a new stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities during the 4th quarter valued at about $252,000. DNB Asset Management AS raised its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 2.4% during the 4th quarter. DNB Asset Management AS now owns 28,262 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,583,000 after acquiring an additional 660 shares during the period. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio raised its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 2.3% during the 3rd quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 293,332 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $29,363,000 after acquiring an additional 6,537 shares during the period. Phoenix Holdings Ltd. bought a new stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities during the third quarter valued at approximately $663,000. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP raised its position in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 42.0% during the third quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 17,464 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,748,000 after buying an additional 5,168 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.36% of the companys stock.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Alexandria Real Estate Equities news, Chairman Joel S. Marcus sold 7,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated 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 $51,080,658.96. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, CEO Peter M. Moglia sold 3,200 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $122.90, for a total transaction of $393,280.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 249,683 shares in the company, valued at $30,686,040.70. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Chairman Joel S. Marcus sold 7,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $118.92, for a total value of $891,900.00. Following the sale, the chairman now owns 429,538 shares in the company, valued at approximately $51,080,658.96. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.96% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms recently weighed in on ARE. StockNews.com lowered shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Wednesday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft began coverage on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a report on Tuesday, January 30th. They issued a buy rating and a $140.00 target price for the company. JMP Securities reissued a market outperform rating and issued a $140.00 target price on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a report on Wednesday, January 31st. Wedbush reissued 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, Mizuho lifted their price objective on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $145.00 to $154.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 3rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Alexandria Real Estate Equities has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $137.13.

Read Our Latest Report on ARE

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Stock Down 2.8 %

Shares of ARE stock traded down $3.55 on Thursday, hitting $121.64. The stock had a trading volume of 426,370 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,056,364. The company has a quick ratio of 0.26, a current ratio of 0.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $122.52 and a 200 day moving average price of $113.89. The company has a market cap of $21.28 billion, a PE ratio of 231.84, a P/E/G ratio of 2.90 and a beta of 1.05. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. has a one year low of $90.73 and a one year high of $135.45.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE:ARE  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 30th. The real estate investment trust reported ($0.54) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.29 by ($2.83). The firm had revenue of $757.22 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $740.16 million. Alexandria Real Estate Equities had a net margin of 3.59% and a return on equity of 0.46%. The businesss revenue was up 13.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $2.14 earnings per share. Research analysts anticipate that Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. will post 9.47 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 15th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, March 28th will be issued a $1.27 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, March 27th. This represents a $5.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.18%. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess dividend payout ratio is presently 940.76%.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Profile

(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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St. Louis Financial Planners Asset Management LLC decreased its position in shares of Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM  Free Report) by 1.2% during the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 15,822 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 200 shares during the quarter. Exxon Mobil makes up approximately 1.5% of St. Louis Financial Planners Asset Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 25th biggest position. St. Louis Financial Planners Asset Management LLCs holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $1,582,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of XOM. KB Financial Partners LLC acquired a new position in Exxon Mobil during the 1st quarter worth $27,000. IMA Wealth Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Exxon Mobil by 720.0% in the 2nd quarter. IMA Wealth Inc. now owns 369 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 324 shares during the period. FWL Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Exxon Mobil in the 4th quarter valued at $43,000. Turim 21 Investimentos Ltda. lifted its stake in shares of Exxon Mobil by 222.5% in the 1st quarter. Turim 21 Investimentos Ltda. now owns 574 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $47,000 after purchasing an additional 396 shares during the period. Finally, DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. acquired a new position in shares of Exxon Mobil in the 3rd quarter valued at $49,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.53% of the companys stock.

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Exxon Mobil Stock Up 1.3 %

Shares of Exxon Mobil stock traded up $1.47 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $111.00. 11,646,411 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 18,496,287. The company has a 50 day moving average of $102.65 and a two-hundred day moving average of $105.91. Exxon Mobil Co. has a fifty-two week low of $95.77 and a fifty-two week high of $120.70. The company has a current ratio of 1.48, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. The stock has a market cap of $440.43 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.49, a P/E/G ratio of 3.98 and a beta of 0.96.

Exxon Mobil Dividend Announcement

Exxon Mobil ( NYSE:XOM Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Friday, February 2nd. The oil and gas company reported $2.48 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.20 by $0.28. Exxon Mobil had a net margin of 10.45% and a return on equity of 18.51%. The business had revenue of $84.34 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $90.03 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $3.40 EPS. Exxon Mobils revenue was down 11.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Exxon Mobil Co. will post 9.12 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, March 11th. Investors of record on Wednesday, February 14th were paid a $0.95 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, February 13th. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.42%. Exxon Mobils dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 42.74%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

XOM has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and issued a $120.00 price target on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research note on Monday, February 5th. TD Cowen upgraded shares of Exxon Mobil from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $115.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Erste Group Bank restated a hold rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research report on Friday, December 22nd. Mizuho cut shares of Exxon Mobil from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $117.00 price objective for the company. in a research report on Wednesday, January 3rd. Finally, UBS Group lowered their price objective on shares of Exxon Mobil from $133.00 to $132.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $127.53.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on XOM

Insider Activity at Exxon Mobil

In related news, VP Leonard M. Fox sold 12,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $102.65, for a total value of $1,231,800.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 220,678 shares in the company, valued at approximately $22,652,596.70. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other Exxon Mobil news, VP Leonard M. Fox sold 12,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $102.65, for a total transaction of $1,231,800.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 220,678 shares in the company, valued at $22,652,596.70. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, VP Darrin L. Talley sold 2,400 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.00, for a total transaction of $252,000.00. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 30,189 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,169,845. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.04% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Exxon Mobil Profile

(Free Report)

Exxon Mobil Corporation engages in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in the United States and internationally. It operates through Upstream, Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products segments. The Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas.

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Riverwater Partners LLC boosted its position in shares of Danaher Co. (NYSE:DHR  Free Report) by 13.8% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 2,248 shares of the conglomerates stock after purchasing an additional 273 shares during the quarter. Riverwater Partners LLCs holdings in Danaher were worth $520,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. State Street Corp boosted its position in shares of Danaher by 3.2% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 27,962,346 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $6,718,427,000 after purchasing an additional 866,600 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its position in shares of Danaher by 18.6% in the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 24,930,281 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $6,185,203,000 after purchasing an additional 3,905,449 shares in the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Danaher by 96,490.5% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 23,287,013 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $6,180,839,000 after purchasing an additional 23,262,904 shares in the last quarter. Capital International Investors lifted its position in Danaher by 20.4% during the 2nd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 14,029,348 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $3,366,677,000 after acquiring an additional 2,377,625 shares during the period. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in Danaher by 4.3% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 13,459,741 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $3,221,386,000 after acquiring an additional 559,056 shares during the period. 76.71% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts have commented on the company. Wolfe Research assumed coverage on Danaher in a research report on Wednesday, December 13th. They set a peer perform rating for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted 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. TheStreet upgraded Danaher from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research note on Friday, December 8th. KeyCorp lifted their price objective on Danaher from $260.00 to $290.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, February 1st. Finally, StockNews.com lowered Danaher from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 31st. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $266.00.

Danaher Trading Down 1.7 %

NYSE DHR traded down $4.23 on Thursday, reaching $251.12. The stock had a trading volume of 765,948 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,688,166. The firm has a market capitalization of $185.75 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.98, a P/E/G ratio of 3.84 and a beta of 0.84. The company has a quick ratio of 1.37, a current ratio of 1.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. Danaher Co. has a 12-month low of $182.09 and a 12-month high of $259.00. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $242.65 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $231.18.

Danaher (NYSE:DHR  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, January 30th. The conglomerate reported $2.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.91 by $0.18. The company had revenue of $6.41 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.10 billion. Danaher had a return on equity of 12.25% and a net margin of 17.26%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 10.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $2.87 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Danaher Co. will post 7.63 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Danaher Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 26th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, March 28th will be given a $0.27 dividend. This is a positive change from Danahers previous quarterly dividend of $0.24. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, March 27th. This represents a $1.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.43%. Danahers payout ratio is presently 15.02%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Danaher

In other news, Director Teri List sold 3,289 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $248.32, for a total transaction of $816,724.48. Following the sale, the director now owns 19,726 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,898,360.32. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, SVP Daniel Raskas sold 23,757 shares of the 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 transaction, the senior vice president now owns 38,102 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,601,704. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director Teri List sold 3,289 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $248.32, for a total value of $816,724.48. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 19,726 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,898,360.32. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 32,957 shares of company stock valued at $8,265,802 over the last quarter. 11.10% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Danaher Company Profile

(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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Beach Investment Counsel Inc. PA decreased its stake in shares of ONEOK, Inc. (NYSE:OKE  Free Report) by 93.4% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 17,307 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 246,179 shares during the quarter. Beach Investment Counsel Inc. PAs holdings in ONEOK were worth $1,215,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in shares of ONEOK by 10.3% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 59,237,038 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $3,757,405,000 after purchasing an additional 5,525,010 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. boosted its stake in shares of ONEOK by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 46,311,090 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,858,320,000 after acquiring an additional 285,789 shares during the period. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of ONEOK by 118,109.3% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 22,562,603 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,482,363,000 after acquiring an additional 22,543,516 shares during the period. Deutsche Bank AG boosted its stake in shares of ONEOK by 37.7% during the 3rd quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 13,292,341 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $843,133,000 after acquiring an additional 3,636,660 shares during the period. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of ONEOK by 9.5% during the 3rd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 10,255,430 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $650,502,000 after acquiring an additional 889,110 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.87% of the companys stock.

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Insider Transactions at ONEOK

In other ONEOK news, Director Wayne Thomas Smith purchased 2,700 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 1st. The stock was bought at an average price of $75.25 per share, with a total value of $203,175.00. Following the acquisition, the director now owns 2,700 shares of the companys stock, valued at $203,175. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other ONEOK news, Director Eduardo A. Rodriguez sold 800 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $70.29, for a total value of $56,232.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 25,154 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,768,074.66. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Wayne Thomas Smith bought 2,700 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, March 1st. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $75.25 per share, with a total value of $203,175.00. Following the acquisition, the director now owns 2,700 shares in the company, valued at $203,175. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 0.29% of the stock is owned by insiders.

ONEOK Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:OKE traded down $0.55 during trading on Thursday, reaching $76.57. 1,323,934 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,042,797. The companys 50 day moving average is $71.75 and its two-hundred day moving average is $68.55. The firm has a market capitalization of $44.66 billion, a PE ratio of 13.90, a PEG ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 1.65. The company has a quick ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.29. ONEOK, Inc. has a 52 week low of $55.91 and a 52 week high of $78.37.

ONEOK (NYSE:OKE  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, February 26th. The utilities provider reported $1.18 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.21 by ($0.03). The company had revenue of $5.24 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.57 billion. ONEOK had a net margin of 15.04% and a return on equity of 22.57%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.08 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that ONEOK, Inc. will post 4.95 earnings per share for the current year.

ONEOK declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a share repurchase program on Wednesday, January 17th that permits the company to repurchase $2.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization permits the utilities provider to reacquire up to 4.9% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are generally an indication that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued.

ONEOK Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, February 14th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, January 30th were issued a dividend of $0.99 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, January 29th. This represents a $3.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.17%. This is a boost from ONEOKs previous quarterly dividend of $0.96. ONEOKs payout ratio is 71.35%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several brokerages have recently commented on OKE. Seaport Res Ptn upgraded ONEOK from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, February 8th. Citigroup lifted their target price on ONEOK from $73.00 to $83.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, March 5th. StockNews.com upgraded ONEOK from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, March 6th. Bank of America upgraded ONEOK from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their price target for the company from $72.00 to $83.00 in a research note on Monday, December 4th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price target on ONEOK from $69.00 to $76.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, November 16th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $79.22.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on OKE

ONEOK Company Profile

(Free Report)

ONEOK, Inc engages in gathering, processing, fractionation, storage, transportation, and marketing of natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGL) in the United States. It operates through four segments: Natural Gas Gathering and Processing, Natural Gas Liquids, Natural Gas Pipelines, and Refined Products and Crude.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. President of the 57th session of the UN General Assembly Jan Kavan told Trend he's confident of COP29 (the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change) success in Azerbaijan.

He made the remark on the sidelines of the XI Global Baku Forum.

The official emphasized his high hopes on COP29.

The last two events generated issues that were not resolved, and Azerbaijan must now bring this to a logical conclusion. It will be challenging because many people refuse to take responsibility. However, Azerbaijan is in a very favorable situation to overcome these difficulties, Kavan said.

To note, the XI Global Baku Forum is attended by representatives of many countries and prestigious international organizations: more than 350 guests from more than 70 countries.

The forum, which will last until March 16, will host global discussions on the outcomes of COP28 and preparations for COP29, will consider the factors that pose threats to the new world order, as well as security issues and prospects for peace, building resilience in a fractured world, its impact on the global world, will discuss ways to address the challenges facing humanity, and will touch on conflicts and mega-threats shaking the world, including climate, food, and nuclear security. At the same time, there will be discussions on the role of military and economic alliances in global governance, regional perspectives, the European Union and its relations with its neighbors, youth policy, ways to build resilience to global challenges, inequality, natural resource scarcity and migration issues, artificial intelligence, and new security paradigms in the age of drones and cyberweapons.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. The European Parliament is influenced by the Armenian diaspora, Chairman of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) Volkan Bozkir told Trend.

He emphasized that the European Parliament cannot digest Azerbaijan's victory.

"The major focus remains on the liberation of Azerbaijani lands that had been under Armenian seizure for three decades. The unprecedented presidential election held in these territories on February 7 this year was a watershed occasion. The European Parliament's hostile position towards Azerbaijan only hurts their interests since they lose a trustworthy and reliable partner in Azerbaijan," the chairman said.

The XI Global Baku Forum is attended by representatives of many countries and prestigious international organizations with more than 350 guests from more than 70 countries.

The forum, which will run by March 16, will participate in global discussions about the outcomes of COP28 and the preparation for COP29. It will discuss causes endangering the evolving world order, including security concerns and peace possibilities, as well as initiatives to promote stability in a tumultuous global landscape and the consequences. Additionally, it will investigate solutions to handle impending issues, tackle critical conflicts and megathreats, and cover climate, food, and nuclear security concerns.

Moreover, discussions will encompass the role of military and economic alliances in global governance, regional viewpoints, relationships with the EU and neighboring states, youth policies, strategies for enhancing resilience against global challenges and addressing issues of inequality, natural resource scarcity, and migration dynamics. Additionally, the forum will delve into the emergence of new security paradigms in the era of artificial intelligence, drones, and cyberweapons.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Leo Varadkar has ruled out participating in RTE celebrity show Dancing With The Stars.

Mr Varadkar, a known fan of the programme, cited poor balance and co-ordination as reasons not to enter.

However, the Taoiseach hinted that a former winner of the programme could be entering politics.

Asked by reporters if he would consider participating in the show, he said: No, god no. No that would not be something Id ever consider, no.

Balance and co-ordination would not be my best strengths, unfortunately.

This seasons Dancing With The Stars final will take place on St Patricks Day.

Mr Varadkar said the final is wide open between the remaining contestants

Speaking in Washington DC, he cryptically added: Even though I will never be entering Dancing with the Stars, dont underestimate the ability of people who have been winners to enter politics.

He also suggested that Justice Minister Helen McEntee might be the best Cabinet minister to enter the show.
Sinn Fein would turn Irelands friends into enemies, Leo Varadkar has claimed.

The Irish premier said that while the Government and his Fine Gael party are willing to co-operate with Sinn Fein, he is not willing to form a coalition with the opposition party.

He also said a Sinn Fein government would make Ireland broke again.

Mr Varadkar made the comments to reporters ahead of a black-tie gala in Washington DC, where Sinn Fein vice-president and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeill will address attendees.

The Ireland Funds national gala is a major part of the Taoiseachs week-long visit to the US for St Patricks Day celebrations.

Asked if his stance on Sinn Fein had changed recently, Mr Varadkar said: No, not in terms of forming a coalition with them.

Were willing to co-operate with them on certain issues and we do, and certainly were willing to co-operate in relation to Northern Ireland.

I very much like and respect the First Minister, but forming a coalition in Ireland, forming a sovereign government, is a different thing.

I firmly believe that Sinn Fein would make Ireland broke again if they pursue their economic and trade policies.

I know theyll tell one thing to business leaders but theyre telling a very different thing to the Irish people.

And if theyre telling the Irish people the truth, their economic policies will be deleterious for us.

And I think when it comes to foreign policy, that theyll turn our friends and enemies, that will be a very serious matter.

You know, whether its supporting separatism in Spain, whether its already making an enemy of (European Commission) President (Ursula) von der Leyen by looking to veto even though shell probably get reappointed.

If you look at Cuba, Venezuela, which theyre very quiet about here (in the US), their position of Palestine here and Israel, I think a lot of countries that are friends of ours at the moment will be turned into enemies under Sinn Fein.
US President Joe Bidens heart is in the right place over the conflict in Gaza, the Irish premier has said.

Leo Varadkar is in Washington DC for a week of engagements which will involve meeting Mr Biden.

The Taoiseach has said he will tell the the US president that Irish people strongly believe there should be an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Asked by reporters if this years traditional visit to the White House was difficult due to the US administrations position on the Middle East conflict, Mr Varadkar said it presented a new aspect to the engagement.

He said: Obviously, in Gaza its catastrophic and a great concern.

I have to say, I believe President Bidens heart is in the right place there.

I know hes working with Egypt, with Qatar, with Saudi Arabia and other countries in the region, the Jordanians, to try and get Israel and Hamas to agree to a ceasefire.

So Im keen to hear from him what his perspective is, but also to put across the very strong view of the Irish people that there should be an immediate ceasefire, so the hostages can be released, so that medicine and food thats desperately needed can get into Gaza.

But what we need beyond that is a pathway towards a just and lasting piece.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. I have high expectations for the XI Global Baku Forum, said Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Maimunah Mohd Sharif to Trend on the sidelines of the forum.

"I hope that we can find solutions to global challenges. Additionally, I advocate for a more cohesive approach toward addressing the climate agenda. We must exchange knowledge and learn from one another on these matters," she said.

The XI Global Baku Forum is attended by representatives of many countries and prestigious international organizations, with more than 350 guests from more than 70 countries.

The forum, which will run by March 16, will participate in global discussions about the outcomes of COP28 and the preparation for COP29. It will discuss causes endangering the evolving world order, including security concerns and peace possibilities, as well as initiatives to promote stability in a tumultuous global landscape and the consequences. Additionally, it will investigate solutions to handle impending issues, tackle critical conflicts and megathreats, and cover climate, food, and nuclear security concerns.

Moreover, discussions will encompass the role of military and economic alliances in global governance, regional viewpoints, relationships with the EU and neighboring states, youth policies, strategies for enhancing resilience against global challenges, and addressing issues of inequality, natural resource scarcity, and migration dynamics. Additionally, the forum will delve into the emergence of new security paradigms in the era of artificial intelligence, drones, and cyberweapons.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has met with Assistant UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, who arrived in Azerbaijan to participate in the XI Global Baku Forum, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend.

During the discussion, parties discussed collaboration with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and offered their perspectives on the present regional situation.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov emphasized the importance of working with UNHCR to address the humanitarian repercussions of the last Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, hence improving living conditions for Azerbaijani nationals who have been displaced as a result of Armenian aggression. He delivered updates on the region's post-conflict condition, focusing on ongoing rehabilitation and development efforts in the freed areas.

Highlighting that the "Great Return" program, focused on facilitating the dignified return of Azerbaijani citizens to liberated territories, stands as a key priority for the nation, Jeyhun Bayramov also underscored Azerbaijan's keenness to sustain collaboration with UNHCR across various fronts.

Furthermore, the minister provided updates on the arrangements for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), suggesting that several collaborative initiatives with UNHCR could be coordinated during COP29.

Ruvendrini Menikdiwela emphasized that the UN High Commissioner for Refugees is ready to provide all possible support to the country within the framework of the return of IDPs to their native lands.

Various topics of shared interest were also addressed during the discussion.

The decision to hold COP29 in Azerbaijan was officially announced in Dubai on December 11, 2023, enabling Azerbaijan to host the above event in November.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov has met with Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the press service of the Cabinet of Ministers told Trend.

During the meeting, the significance of the XI Global Baku Forum as an authoritative platform for discussing contemporary global issues was underscored.

It was highlighted that one of the Forum's panels focused on health issues, with satisfaction expressed regarding the longstanding and productive cooperation between Azerbaijan and WHO.

Asadov discussed fundamental reforms implemented in Azerbaijan's healthcare system. He highlighted that one of the state policy priorities outlined by President Ilham Aliyev is the advancement of healthcare, ensuring the provision of quality, globally standardized, and accessible medical services to the population.

It was stressed that healthcare programs and projects in Azerbaijan align with WHO priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The sides discussed the prospects of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the WHO.

Azerbaijani Health Minister Teymur Musayev also took part in the meeting.

The XI Global Baku Forum gathers representatives from numerous countries and esteemed international organizations, with over 350 guests from 70 nations. The forum, running until March 16, engages in global discussions on COP28 outcomes and COP29 preparation, addressing threats to the world order, security, peace, and stability. It also explores solutions for impending issues, conflicts, and megathreats, covering climate, food, and nuclear security. Discussions extend to military and economic alliances, regional perspectives, EU relations, youth policies, resilience strategies against global challenges, inequality, resource scarcity, migration, and emerging security paradigms in the age of AI, drones, and cyberweapons.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with the Chief of Operations of the International Organization for Migration, Ugochi Daniels, who is on a visit to the country to participate in the XI Global Baku Forum, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend.

The meeting discussed prospects of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), including issues related to preparations for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) to be held in the country this year.

Bayramov noted Azerbaijan's close cooperation with IOM as well as with other UN specialized structures, noting in particular the implementation of joint projects to improve legislation and institutions in the field of migration.

The minister also informed in detail about the country's peace initiatives in the post-conflict period.

Highlighting Azerbaijan's hosting of COP29 this year, Jeyhun Bayramov underscored the significance of collaboration across various spheres concerning climate change and migration. He highlighted Azerbaijan's readiness to cooperate with the IOM in these areas.

Ugochi Daniels congratulated Azerbaijan on the future COP29 and wished success in this activity. It was noted that IOM is ready to provide all possible support for this process.

During the meeting, the sides also exchanged views on other matters of mutual interest.

The decision to hold COP29 in Azerbaijan was officially announced in Dubai on December 11, 2023, enabling Azerbaijan to host the above event in November.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Rishi Sunak sent a letter to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports.

"His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Congratulations on this 11st Meeting of the Baku Global Forum.

This forum comes at an important time. Baku hosts COP29 in November, where the eyes of the world will be on Azerbaijan as never before. I know you will rise to the challenge and deliver an excellent event with typical hospitality.

The Global Stocktake at COP28 in Dubai demonstrated the need for urgent action. This year, attention will be on Azerbaijan to turn the ambitious commitments we agreed into action. Together we must drive forward energy transitions and reduce global emissions, by phasing out fossil fuels and accelerating the phase out of unabated coal power. We must also continue to improve climate resilience for vulnerable countries. As a fellow producer of oil and gas, the UK unsterstands the need to chart the course for a just energy transition that secures the future of our people and our planet, respecting the Paris commitment to limiting global warning to 1.5 degrees.

There will be an intense focus on finance at COP29. We need to deliver an ambitious outcome on the New Collective Quantified Goal that incorporates wider sources of finance in order to move from billions to the trillions needed for climate action. The UK would welcome Azerbaijan`s coordination with the UAE and Brazil to ensure that each COP continues to increase ambition on the previous summit. We stand ready to support Azerbaijan in its preparations, sharing our own experience of hosting COP26 in Glasgow.

Azerbaijan lies on the trade routes for goods valued worldwide. The UK will continue to support the opening of new connections, across the Caspian to Central Asia and across Turkiye and the Black Sea into Europe. At this 11th Baku Global Forum, your guests might reflect on the common principles and values which protect our shared security and prosperity  principles and values under assault from many sides today, enshrined in the UN Charter.

Azerbaijan stands at the crossroads of its future. At this moment, you have an historic opportunity to end decades of conflict with Armenia. The world welcomed your joint statement in December: it would be even more powerful to come to Baku this November with a peace agreement signed and secured and the countries of the South Caucasus committed to tackling together the shared challenges of climate and energy, water, and food security.

We do not take for granted that such opportunities will remain open or come again. Some would rather draw the world back into armed conflict and competition instead of hard-won peace and collaboration that respects the interest of all. As the world moves through this volatile and uncertain phase, we look to Azerbaijan to seize an opportunity that can secure stability and certainty.

Relations between the UK and Azerbaijan continue to grow deeper and broader, in support of our shared interests in mutual prosperity and security. At the end of 2024, the UK will be there to support you in making COP a success in Baku. I hope by then you will have achieved lasting peace with Armenia, and we can welcome a new era for partnership and cooperation between our two countries. I wish you all productive discussions", the letter says.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 15. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has arrived on a visit to Azerbaijan, Turkish Foreign Ministry says, Trend reports.

On March 15, the minister will take part in a trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Turkiye, Azerbaijan and Georgia.

It was reported that current global events within the framework of regional cooperation will be discussed at the meeting.
This morning the BEST & BRIGHTEST denizens of our www.TonysKansasCity.com blog community noticed Mayor Q advocating for Prez Biden's approach to confronting violent time.



A close read reveals the top KCMO politico previewing new action to target gunmakers.

Here's the word . . .



"Traffickers purchasing legally through gun shops in the surrounds and gun shows flood our communities with high-capacity weapons. This is how teens and felons get guns in Kansas City every day.



"There are responsible laws that can make us safer.



"Support people who want to save our lives and our childrens lives."

Here are the basics of the talking points he's sharing on Twitter . . .



 New gun laws, like the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act signed by Pres. Biden, work in getting crime guns and traffickers off our streets



 Gun shows/shops sold items like AM-15s to then-20 and 21 year olds as they trafficked dozens of high-capacity guns onto our streets





 Teens dont get guns out of thin air. Traffickers flood guns into the hands of minors and felons on our streets



 Efforts to limit federal gun laws, like in Missouri, endanger us all



 Cooperation between the ATF and local law enforcement saves lives in Kansas City

########

You decide . . .


Warning . . .



The deets here are important but also very sad, disturbing and soul crushing whilst the money doesn't really make this situation any better given that so many more Kansas youngsters remain at risk with very little interest or progress in improving the social safety net . . . Here's the word:



"Gov. Laura Kelly and top leaders of the Kansas Legislature approved the settlement during a brief public meeting Tuesday after conferring with state Attorney General Kris Kobachs top deputy in private for 30 minutes. The lawsuit was filed in 2017 in Wyandotte County in the Kansas City area by the boys mother, maternal grandmother and adult sister, and a district court trial was scheduled for April 2025.



"The boy, Adrian Jones, was living with his father, Michael Jones, and his stepmother, Heather Jones, in Kansas City, Kansas, when he died. Both are serving 25 years-to-life prison sentences for his murder, and authorities said the boy was beaten and locked naked in a shower stall for months as a closed-circuit surveillance camera recorded his deteriorating condition."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Kansas will pay $1 million over the murder of a boy torture victim whose body was fed to pigs Kansas will pay $1 million to settle a lawsuit over a 7-year-old boy's murder in 2015 alleging that the state's child welfare agency should have removed him from an abusive home before he was starved and tortured and his body was fed to pigs.

Kansas will pay $1M over KCK 7-year-old's brutal death Kansas will pay $1 million to settle a lawsuit over 7-year-old Adrian Jones' murder, alleging the state should have removed him from an abusive home.

Developing . . .
The American ambassador sent a message that Greece is NATO's key ally, even speaking of an irreplaceable partner and ally that plays a critical role in defending the alliance's southeastern flank

At the East Macedonia & Thrace Forum, the US Ambassador to Greece George Tsounis, announced that on April 4, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will be at the Oval Office where he will meet with US President Joe Biden, ANA reports.

The President of the United States loves Greece and the Greeks very much, and we always stand by you, he conveyed. Starting his speech at the Forum, he emphasized that US-Greece relations continue to historically be at their highest level, and the bilateral cooperation in Alexandroupolis is a key aspect of this relationship. He noted that the 5th US-Greece Strategic Dialogue held in Washington in February further developed this relationship and expressed the common will of the two countries to continue promoting their common goals for peace and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Western Balkans, and the Black Sea region based on shared democratic values.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons License: CC-BY-SA Copyright: ChristosV
Theres no more sunny days with record-breaking high temperatures forecasted for the Golden Horseshoe throughout the rest of the March break, but there is some consolation.

Well, were still above seasonal, summed up Environment Canada meteorologist Trudy Kidd in a Thursday afternoon interview.

And those above-seasonal temperatures are expected to just last out the March break before some of the coldest weather of the month is forecasted to arrive with the new week to usher the kids off to school.

Wednesdays summerlike weather was near record-breaking throughout the Golden Horseshoe.

For instance, at Pearson Airport in Mississauga, yesterday was not record-breaking, but it was the second-warmest March 13th on record, advised Kidd.

According to Environment Canada, Wednesdays high was 20.6 degrees C, just 0.8 C from the high of 21.4 C listed for 1990.

Similarly, Hamiltons mark of 20.3 C was just under its record for the day of 21.8 C, also set in 1990.

The high today (Thursday) out of Pearson is forecasted at 11 C with highs of 10 C on Friday, 9 C on Saturday and 6 C on Sunday.

Kidd said a low-pressure system approaching the GTA  through Lake Erie, just south of Lake Ontario is responsible for the cloudier, cooler (though still above normal) weather.

Were already getting the cloud from that low-pressure system, she said in the noon Thursday interview, adding that it is forecasted to bring with it 10 to 15 millimetres of rain tonight into (Friday) morning and then still leaving us stuck under some more clouds.

After that low moves on, she said, another low coming in Saturday on a more northerly trek through Lake Superior and through northeastern Ontario will be responsible for another cool-down, down to a high of 6 C on Sunday and highs of only 2 C on Monday and Tuesday, with overnight lows well below the freezing mark.

Although that would mark the coldest stretch of the month, its not that far from normal highs and lows for mid-March.

Its quite typical for a month like March to see some big swings and bouncing around between above normal, normal and below, said Kidd.

You just have to look back to the last two years, where the highs for today (Thursday, March 14), for instance, hovered near the freezing mark.
Jamaica has been known for its stunning beaches and vibrant music scene. Yet, there is a gem on the island that you should not miss: Kingston, the culture capital of Jamaica. This city, bustling with life, offers a unique blend of history, art, and music that tells the real story of the Jamaican spirit.

In Kingston, you can explore museums that showcase the island's rich heritage, including the famous Bob Marley Museum. You will find streets lined with art galleries where local artists share their vision of the world. Music pulses through the city's veins, with reggae beats filling the air from dawn till dusk.

But Kingston's heart lies in its people. Friendly faces greet you at every corner, ready to share stories that paint a picture of their daily lives and traditions. Here, you can taste authentic Jamaican cuisine, a feast for your senses, at local eateries that have been perfecting their recipes for generations.

So, why Kingston is the culture capital of Jamaica? Let's see!

The Heartbeat of Music

Kingston resonates with the rhythms of reggae and dancehall music, genres that have put Jamaica on the global map. This city is home to the legendary Bob Marley Museum, once the residence of Marley himself. Here, you can walk through the rooms where Marley lived and created some of his most influential music. Studios like Tuff Gong continue producing music far beyond Jamaica's shores.

Every corner of Kingston hums with music, from street performers to live shows in cozy venues. It is in Kingston where the soul of Jamaican music beats the loudest, inviting you to immerse yourself in its rich history and present.

A Canvas of Street Art

Kingston is a living gallery where its streets are adorned with colorful murals. Artists from across the island come to Kingston to leave their mark on the city's walls, turning them into canvases that capture the spirit of Jamaican life. These artworks range from portraits of cultural icons to abstract representations of the island's struggles and triumphs.

Walking through the city, you encounter an outdoor museum that is free and open to all, showing the creativity and passion of the Jamaican people. This explosion of color and expression makes Kingston a must-visit for art lovers.

Related Article: 5 Wicked Facts About Jamaica

The Flavor of Kingston

In Kingston, your taste buds embark on an adventure with every meal. The city is famed for its culinary diversity, offering everything from street food to high-end dining experiences. Ackee and saltfish, Jamaica's national dish, taste even more delightful when savored in its capital. Local eateries and food stalls serve up dishes like jerk chicken, curried goat, and patties, each bite bursting with flavor.

Kingston also hosts food festivals throughout the year, celebrating the island's love affair with food. Dining in Kingston explores Jamaican culture through its most delicious traditions.

A Journey Through History

Kingston is a city deeply rooted in history. The National Gallery of Jamaica provides a sneak peek into the island's past through its extensive collection of art, spanning from the Taino people to contemporary works. Sites like the Devon House tell the stories of Jamaica's colonial past and the wealth generated by sugar plantations.

Meanwhile, Port Royal, once known as the "wickedest city on earth," offers a peek into the lives of pirates and privateers who once called it home. Through its museums and historical sites, Kingston invites you to journey through time, uncovering the layers that have shaped Jamaica.

Read Also: You Have to Experience These Cultural Activities When You're in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula
The US has strongly advised against travel to Haiti, urging American citizens to leave as soon as possible due to increasing violence. Haiti, a Caribbean island next to the Dominican Republic, is facing a severe crisis.

Starting in early March, a well-known gang leader began an armed revolt against Prime Minister Ariel Henry, attacking government buildings and freeing prisoners to join their cause. Despite Henry resigning on March 11, violent clashes between gangs persist.

Crisis in Haiti: US Warns Citizens to Leave

In recent years, Haiti has been more famous for its gang violence than its stunning beaches. The situation has worsened to the point where the US State Department issued a "Do Not Travel" alert, its highest warning level, typically reserved for war zones or under strict government control. This warning highlights the dangers of kidnapping, with Americans often targeted, and violence near the Port-au-Prince airport and in traffic jams.

As of the start of March, Haiti declared a state of emergency. The US Embassy in Haiti is doing what it can to help Americans leave but admits options are limited. According to The Street, embassy staff were evacuated earlier in the week, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Jamaica discussing the crisis with other leaders. Americans in Haiti are advised to fill out a crisis form on the embassy's website, stay alert, avoid crowds, and be ready to stay indoors for a long time if violence erupts nearby.

Despite the turmoil, Haiti's Labadee remains a stop for some cruise ships, contrasting the severe warnings and the country's current state of insecurity.

Related Article: The Most Dangerous Countries For American Tourists Revealed

Flights and Cruises to Haiti Suspended Due to Violence

The U.S. has strongly advised against traveling to Haiti after a rise in gang violence. The country declared an emergency last week. For a long time, the U.S. State Department has marked Haiti as a "Do Not Travel" area. Recent attacks, including one on Haiti's main airport, have made the situation worse.

As shared by USA Today, because of the danger, American, JetBlue, and Spirit airlines have stopped their flights to Haiti. They are also letting passengers change their flights without extra fees. American Airlines allows changes for flights up to March 15, JetBlue until March 22, and Spirit through April 15.

Despite the warnings, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises still plan to stop in Labadee, Haiti. This place is far from the violence in Port-au-Prince. The cruise lines have not canceled any trips yet. They are watching the situation closely and have private security to keep guests and crew safe. Guests are told to stay within the resort area for their safety.

The U.S. Embassy in Haiti has said helping Americans in Haiti is tough right now. They suggest people fill out crisis forms and join the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for updates. The U.S. military has also helped move embassy staff for safety reasons.

Read Also: Israel Assures Tourist Safety, Appeals for International Visitors
MyDesertSafariDubai.com Unveils Exclusive Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr Packages: The Perfect Way to Celebrate the Long Weekend



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The holy month of Ramadan is auspicious for all the Muslims of the world. It is the time when followers of Islam introspect and engage in the customs and traditions of the sacred Ramadan. During this pious month of the year, people break their fast with their friends and family members and seek the blessings from the Almighty by indulging in charity. Taking cognizance of this auspicious month of the year, MyDesertSafariDubai.com has crafted special packages for locals and visitors to soak in the beauty of the desert and feel a connection with nature and the Almighty.

We are excited to announce the launch of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr packages. We have designed the packages to allow the locals and tourists make the most of the long weekend during Ramadan. With our packages, people can enjoy desert safari adventure in Dubai while maintaining a balance between fun and faith. The timings of the desert safari are arranged in such a way that our guests can offer prayers, break their fast, and take their pre-dawn meals. These packages allow to drink in the beauty of the sunset and sunrise view in the desert, enjoy traditional iftar, and indulge in cultural activities.

MyDesertSafariDubai.com has programmed the packages to cater to every travelers need. We offer the choice of a morning desert safari, evening desert safari, and an overnight desert safari for the convenience of our guests. We also allow guests to offer prayer and participate in iftar. From thrilling dune bashing to sandboarding, quad biking, relaxing camel riding, photography with a falcon, cultural programs, and traditional iftar in a Bedouin-style camp, our guests are going to enjoy the safari itinerary for sure.

Along with fun and adventure, the safety of our guests is important to us. We understand that its festival time and no one would like to get injured while taking our desert safari. To ensure this, MyDesertSafariDubai.com follow stringent safety measures and best-in-class health care practices set by the Dubai Tourism Department Thus, we not only offer best value for money, but also a peace of mind for our guests.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. Minister Teymur Musayev met with officials of the World Health Organization (WHO) - Director of the Department of Public Health, Environment and Social Determinants of Health Maria Neira and Director of the Department of Infectious Diseases, Environment and Health of the WHO Regional Office for Europe Robb Butler, members of the COP29 negotiating group, at the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Trend reports, referring to the Azerbaijani Health Ministry.

Teymur Musayev noted that Azerbaijan closely cooperates with the World Health Organization.

"Azerbaijan values this partnership greatly. Over the past year, various cooperative initiatives have been effectively implemented in our country and at the regional level," the minister emphasized.

He also noted that President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attaches great importance to further expansion of cooperation with the organization and mentioned the meeting of the Head of State with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during his visit to Azerbaijan to participate in the XI Global Baku Forum.

Additionally, it was noted that Azerbaijan will host the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in November this year.

"President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev emphasized that the decision to hold COP29 in our country, taken with the unanimous support of the international community, shows great confidence in Azerbaijan. According to the head of state, Azerbaijan, organizing this event, is determined and intends to contribute to the process of combating climate change at the global level and, through successful actions at the national level, to the process of green transition," Musayev said.

During his speech, Teymur Musayev mentioned that regular meetings with the heads of the relevant structures of WHO give additional impetus to the relationship.

"At the same time, it contributes to the deepening of cooperation between the Ministry of Health of Azerbaijan and the World Health Organization," the minister stated.

The heads of WHO departments thanked for the warm reception and highly appreciated the importance attached by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to cooperation with the World Health Organization. Expressing satisfaction with participation in the XI Global Baku Forum, the guests noted its excellent organization.

"The heads of WHO departments also noted that holding COP29 in Azerbaijan is a great achievement for Azerbaijan. It was underlined that the structures of the World Health Organization led by them are ready to provide comprehensive assistance to Azerbaijan in the process of chairing the COP29 and holding the event.

During the meeting, the sides also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest," the statement of the ministry says.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. BilgeAdam, Turkey's leading technology business with over 27 years of experience in software development, system integration, and technological services, is launching operations in Azerbaijan, the country's Ministry of Digital Development and Transportation told Trend.

"As part of their visit to Azerbaijan initiated by the Innovation and Digital Development Agency last year, representatives of the company, among 19 leading Turkish companies, got acquainted with the local business environment and evaluated cooperation formats," the ministry said. "As a result, BilgeAdam will establish its branch here, initially starting operations in collaboration with the Technest scholarship program implemented by the Innovation and Digital Development Agency."

"Thus, the company will participate in projects aimed at developing human capital in the ICT sector, offering its technological solutions and strong academic expertise. It's expected that the company will expand its activities and service area in Azerbaijan in the near future. On February 22, a meeting was held between representatives of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency and BilgeAdam. During the discussions, potential steps and goals to be taken within the framework of cooperation were identified," the ministry added.

To note, BilgeAdam will officially commence its activities in Azerbaijan in collaboration with Technest starting in April.

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Belgium will allocate EUR 200 million to the Czech Republic's initiative to quickly deliver hundreds of thousands of artillery shells to Ukraine.

Thats according to Prime Minister of Belgium Alexander De Croo, who broke the news via X, Ukrinform reports.

"We can never match the sacrifice Ukraine is making every day. But we can give President Zelensky what he requested - more ammunition to fend off the Russian aggressor. Belgium will fund the Czech initiative for EUR 200 million," he wrote.

According to De Croo, more ammunition will arrive in Ukraine in the coming weeks.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, due to the fact that Europe is not delivering on its promise to send a million artillery shells to Ukraine by March, the Czech Republic finds it necessary to look for supplies outside the European Union.

In particular, Canada will join the Czech initiative and allocate CAD 30 million for the purchase of ammunition for Ukraine outside of NATO.

The Netherlands is allocating more than EUR 100 million to this end as well.

In total, 15 countries support the purchase of ammunition for Ukraine beyond Europes borders.
Bulgarian Defense Minister Todor Tagarev has announced the successful dispatch of 100 armored personnel carriers to Ukraine, marking a significant milestone in Bulgaria's support for Kyiv.

He announced this at a briefing on Thursday, Ukrinform reports, citing Novinite.

The operation to transport the armored vehicles commenced on January 29, with the first convoy of 30 wagons departing on March 7. Minister Tagarev praised the dedication of the 240 military personnel involved in the operation, which incurred costs exceeding BGN 170,000.

Acknowledging criticism regarding the delay in aid delivery, Tagarev defended the logistical complexities involved, suggesting that while a week could have been saved, further acceleration was unfeasible.

He also emphasized the importance of ongoing support for Ukraine, stressing that Bulgaria remains vigilant in monitoring the situation and maintaining preparedness in the face of regional challenges.

On July 21, the Bulgarian parliament voted to send about 100 armored personnel carriers to Ukraine along with weapons and spare parts.
Sweden will join the initiative of the Czech Republic to purchase ammunition for Ukraine from third countries, allocating EUR 30 million to this end.

Thats according to a statement released by the Embassy of Sweden in the Czech Republic, Ukrinform reports.

"Sweden is joining the Czech initiative to supply Ukraine with much needed artillery ammunition with 30 million  (approx 755 million CZK)," reads the Embassys Facebook posting.

Recently, Sweden announced the 15th, largest aid package to Ukraine in the amount of 7.1 billion Swedish kroner (about $683 million).

As Ukrinform reported earlier, Czech President Petr Pavel declared on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference that Prague had found beyond EU borders about 800,000 artillery rounds (500,000 155mm rounds and 300,000 122mm shells) that EU members could purchase for Ukraine. Several nations have already supported the initiative.

In February, during a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, French Minister of Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu announced together with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius a coalition to support Ukraine's air defense capabilities.

France and Germany lead the coalition, which includes 15 countries. Its efforts will be aimed at strengthening Ukraines air defense potential in the war unleashed by Russia.

Photo: parezja.pl
EU High Representative Josep Borrell thanked the USA for providing a new package of military aid to Ukraine and noted that Ukraine's victory in the fight against Russian aggression depends on the strength and reliability of transatlantic ties.

Borrell made the statement in Washington during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, according to Ukrinform, referring to the EEAS press service.

"High Representative Borrell stressed the need for more, faster and sustained military assistance to Ukraine. He commended the US for their latest decision on additional military aid and stressed that victory for Ukraine rested on the maintenance of our strong transatlantic bond," the report reads.

Top EU and U.S. diplomats also discussed coordinating efforts to seek a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, including global engagement in international initiatives such as the Ukrainian Peace Formula.

Read also: EU members agree to donate EUR 5B in military support to Ukraine

"The High Representative recalled the EUs commitment to long-term support for Ukraine, now totalling EUR 138 billion, with more to come, and informed his US counterpart about latest developments on Ukraines EU accession path," the press service wrote.

Alongside the situation in Ukraine, Josep Borrell and Antony Blinken discussed developments in the Middle East, Haiti, and Venezuela, as well as ways to strengthen the EU-U.S. partnership at a crucial time for global diplomacy.

As reported earlier, today the ambassadors of the EU member states agreed in principle on the reform of the European Peace Facility and the creation within its framework of a special instrument for providing military aid for Ukraine in the amount of EUR 5 billion for 2024.

Yesterday, the United States announced a new $300 million security assistance package for Ukraine. It includes Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, ammunition for HIMARS, 155mm artillery shells, including high-explosive and cluster munitions, as well as 105mm rounds. In addition, the package includes 84 anti-tank systems, ammunition for small arms, explosive munitions for eliminating obstacles, as well as spare parts for military hardware and other auxiliary equipment.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. Holding COP29 in Azerbaijan is an indicator of the great credibility of the country, Head of the Environmental Education and Monitoring Public Union Gamza Yusubova told Trend.

According to her, it is also one of the key indicators of Azerbaijan's transition to a green economy.

"Such events are held in developed countries. Azerbaijan meets all the criteria at the highest level," she said.

Yusubova noted that President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev defined a policy on green energy.

"Our country is making great efforts to improve in this industry, with a goal of producing 30 percent renewable green energy by 2030. Enhancing green energy production remains a top objective for Azerbaijan," Yusubova said.

The head of the public union further mentioned that the country possesses significant potential in renewable energy sources. Not only Karabakh but also East Zangezur and Nakhchivan, have been designated as green energy zones.

The decision to hold COP29 in Azerbaijan was officially announced in Dubai on December 11, 2023, enabling Azerbaijan to host the above event in November.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. A total of 80-85 percent of the Azerbaijan Cybersecurity Center graduates manage to find work in their specialty immediately upon completion of training, Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan Samir Mammadov said at the 'Visa Cashless Forum  Digital Azerbaijan' held in Baku, Trend reports.

According to him, the Azerbaijan Cybersecurity Center, created jointly by the ministry and the Israeli Technion Institute, demonstrates impressive results in terms of the employment of its graduates.

Speaking about the large percentage of center graduates employed in their specialty, the official emphasized that this statistics not only emphasizes the high level of training of specialists but also focuses on the growing market need for qualified experts in the field of cyber security.

"In the next three years, the center plans to attract about a thousand people to study, he added.

To note, the Visa Cashless Forum is one of the main events of Visa, covering markets in Ukraine, Georgia, the CIS, and Southeastern Europe. It involves experts in digital payments and financial technologies.

Meanwhile, Visa (NYSE: V) is a global leader in the electronic payments industry. Visa processes payment transactions between consumers, businesses, and financial and government institutions in more than 200 countries and territories. Its mission is to unite the world through an innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payment network to promote consumer well-being and business and economic prosperity.

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New Mexico State University's quest for a new president takes an unexpected turn as the Board of Regents rejects all finalists.

The search for a new president at New Mexico State University (NMSU) has hit a snag as the Board of Regents rejects all five finalists identified last month. The decision, announced during Monday's meeting, marks a significant setback for the university, which has been without a permanent president since April.

Board's Decision and Statement

Ammu Devasthali, the Board Chair, expressed the board's decision, stating, "After careful consideration, I do not believe that any of the current finalists fully meet the needs of New Mexico State University at this critical juncture. Finding the right leader is paramount. While the presented candidates possess impressive qualifications and are assets to their respective institutions, we have yet to see the next leader of our university." The rejection signals a desire for a more suitable candidate to lead NMSU through its current challenges.

The decision comes after all five candidates visited NMSU's Las Cruces campus, engaging in forums with students, employees, and other stakeholders. Despite their qualifications, the board deemed none of the candidates as the ideal fit for the university's needs.

READ ALSO: Nancy Cantor, National Higher Education Leader, Appointed President of CUNY Hunter College

Restarting the Search Process

With the rejection of all finalists, New Mexico State University now faces the task of restarting its presidential search process from scratch. This setback prolongs the university's period without a permanent president, adding to the uncertainty surrounding its leadership.

The decision to reboot the search process underscores the importance of selecting the right leader to guide NMSU through its current challenges and into the future. The board's commitment to finding a suitable candidate highlights the significance of this leadership position in shaping the university's trajectory.

As NMSU embarks on a fresh search for its next president, stakeholders await the outcome, hopeful that the chosen leader will possess the vision, skills, and experience necessary to steer the institution towards continued success.

Impact and Future Outlook

The rejection of all finalists for the presidency at NMSU not only extends the uncertainty surrounding the university's leadership but also raises questions about the search process itself. Stakeholders, including students, faculty, and alumni, may express concerns about the efficacy and transparency of the selection process.

Moving forward, the Board of Regents must address these concerns and ensure that the new presidential search process is conducted with thoroughness and inclusivity. The university community will closely monitor developments, eager to participate in the selection of a leader who will uphold NMSU's mission and values while navigating the challenges ahead.

Despite the setback, there is optimism that the rebooted search process will yield a candidate who can inspire confidence and lead NMSU towards a bright and prosperous future. The university remains resilient, and with the right leadership in place, it will continue to fulfill its commitment to excellence in education, research, and service to the community.

RELATED ARTICLE: New Presidents and Provosts Appointed at Various Educational Institutions
Northland College in Wisconsin is on the brink of closure as it urgently seeks a $12 million lifeline from donors.

The small, private liberal arts college, renowned for its emphasis on environmental studies, announced its precarious financial situation on Monday. Officials warned that without the necessary funds by April 3, the college may have to shut down.

Financial Instability and Declining Enrollment

A comprehensive review conducted by the Board revealed Northland College's lack of sufficient resources and financial stability to sustain its operations beyond the current academic year. Despite its reputation for excellence in environmental studies, the college has faced challenges, evident in its enrollment figures. In fall 2022, Northland enrolled 518 students, a slight decrease from its peak enrollment of 645 students in fall 2017.

Public financial documents indicate that Northland has operated at a deficit for most of the last decade, exacerbating its financial woes. The college's operating expenses have consistently exceeded its revenue, contributing to its precarious financial state. This persistent deficit has made it increasingly difficult for Northland to maintain its programs and operations effectively.

READ ALSO: Donor Support Soars for US Higher Education Amidst Debate Over Influence

Urgent Fundraising Efforts and Challenges

The college's plea for financial assistance reflects a common dilemma faced by institutions on the brink of closure. Last year, The Kings College in New York made a similar appeal, seeking $2.6 million from donors to address immediate needs. Despite the urgency of the situation, the fundraising effort fell short, resulting in months of uncertainty before the college eventually ceased operations.

Northland College remains determined to avoid a similar fate. Funds raised from the current fundraising campaign will support a transition year and the exploration of a new operational model. Despite the challenges ahead, the college is committed to providing regular updates and ensuring the well-being of its campus community during this critical time.

Exploring Solutions and Path Forward

In addition to urgent fundraising efforts, Northland College is exploring various solutions to address its financial challenges and chart a path forward. The college administration is actively seeking potential partnerships and collaborations with other institutions to strengthen its financial position and ensure its long-term sustainability. These efforts aim to diversify revenue streams, reduce operating expenses, and enhance the college's competitiveness in the higher education landscape.

Furthermore, Northland is engaging with its stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and donors, to garner support and input in developing strategies for overcoming its financial crisis. The college remains optimistic about its ability to overcome this adversity and emerge stronger, reaffirming its commitment to providing a quality education and fulfilling its mission of fostering environmental stewardship and sustainability.

RELATED ARTICLE: Fontbonne University Announces Closure After 15 Years of Enrollment Declines
Two professors from the University of Pennsylvania, along with the Penn Faculty for Justice in Palestine group, have taken legal action against the institution. They seek to prevent the university from providing documents to the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce for its antisemitism investigation.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on Saturday, alleges that the committee demanded various categories of information from UPenn, including protected student files under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Additionally, the committee requested documents related to an annual scholarly event focused on Palestinian literature, organized by one of the professors named in the lawsuit, Huda Fakhreddine. The legal action follows previous reporting by The Daily Pennsylvanian student newspaper on the matter.

Fakhreddine, an Arab American and associate professor of Arabic literature at UPenn, was involved in organizing the September Palestine Writes literature festival at the university. The festival sparked controversy even before the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. The other professor involved in the lawsuit is Eve Troutt Powell, the Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Professor of History and a former president of the Middle East Studies Association.

READ ALSO: Harvard Fails to Meet Subpoena Standards in Antisemitism Probe

Argument Presented in the Lawsuit

According to statements in the lawsuit, the plaintiffs argue that the request for documents from the House committee was not a subpoena but rather a letter asking for voluntary compliance. They assert that UPenn had the right to refuse compliance to protect its community. However, the university chose to comply with the committee's request, allegedly influenced by concerns of anti-Semitism. The plaintiffs claim that UPenn has already started producing documents in response to the committee's letter.

Response from House Committee and University

A spokesperson for the House committee declined to provide a comment on the matter at this time. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the university stated on Tuesday that UPenn had not yet been served with the lawsuit and had no further comment.

Implications of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit filed by the UPenn professors and the Penn Faculty for Justice in Palestine group raises questions about academic freedom, privacy rights, and the university's obligations to comply with congressional inquiries. It also highlights the tensions surrounding discussions of Middle Eastern politics and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on college campuses, particularly in the context of allegations of anti-Semitism. The outcome of the legal action could have significant implications for how universities engage with congressional investigations and navigate sensitive issues related to free speech and academic inquiry.

The lawsuit could potentially set a precedent for how universities balance their obligations to protect student privacy and academic freedom with demands from external entities, such as congressional committees. It may also prompt discussions within the academic community about the appropriate boundaries of governmental oversight and intervention in university affairs. Overall, the case underscores the complex intersection of legal, political, and ethical considerations inherent in higher education governance and policymaking.

RELATED ARTICLE: Columbia President and Board Chairs To Face Congress Over Handling of Campus Antisemitism Crisis
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, March 14. Kazakhstan and the UK have signed a roadmap for a strategic partnership in the field of critical minerals, Trend reports.

The document was signed as part of the visit of Vice Minister of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan Iran Sharkhan to the UK to participate in the "Mineral Processing and Circular Economy" business forum (March 11-15, 2024).

As the ministry noted, the signed roadmap opened a new chapter of Kazakh-British relations on sustainable minerals.

In addition to this, during the business forum a meeting was held between Iran Sharkhan and Minister of State for Industry and Economic Security of the UK, Nusrat Ghani.

Iran Sharkhan noted the main basic principles of Kazakhstan, such as "raw materials in exchange for technology and entry into the global value chain." He also invited British companies to take part in investment projects in Kazakhstan.

In turn, Nusrat Ghani assessed the work of the two parties towards the formation of a long-term partnership. The minister noted with satisfaction the signing of the roadmap, which is an important landmark event in transferring the current interaction in the field of critical raw materials between London and Astana to a practical level.

The event also included B2B meetings, where entrepreneurs from Kazakhstan and the UK were able to discuss a wide range of issues related to the development of bilateral cooperation in the field of critical raw materials and specific project proposals.

Meanwhile, the volume of trade turnover between Kazakhstan and the UK amounted to $1.18 billion in 2023. The volume of trade turnover decreased by 36 percent compared to the same period in 2022 ($1.84 billion).

At the same time, in the structure of trade turnover, exports to the UK for the above period amounted to $702 million, which is 52 percent less than from January through December 2022 ($1.46 billion).

In addition, imports from the UK from January through December 2023 increased by 24.5 percent and amounted to $478.6 million. For 2022, imports amounted to $384.3 billion.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Mar, 2024) Most of the capital goods monitored by China's statistical authorities registered higher prices in early March compared with late February, official data showed Thursday.

Of the 50 major goods classified in nine categories, including seamless steel tubes, gasoline, coal, fertilizer, and some chemicals, 27 reported higher prices in this period, and 21 saw price declines, while the prices of two remained unchanged, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed.

During this period, hog prices went up by 4.4 percent, according to the NBS data.

These figures, released every 10 days, are based on a survey of nearly 2,000 wholesalers and distributors in 31 provincial-level regions across the country.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan, Dr . Reza Amiri Moghadam on Thursday said that there is a strong possibility that the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will be finalized in the upcoming visit of the President of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi to Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Mar, 2024) Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan, Dr . Reza Amiri Moghadam on Thursday said that there is a strong possibility that the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will be finalized in the upcoming visit of the President of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi to Pakistan.

He said that from the upcoming visit of the Iranian president to Pakistan, there will be several bilateral economic and trade agreements between the two countries. He said that the agreements will further strengthen the mutual economic and trade relations along with promoting the bilateral business between the two countries.

Dr. Reza Amiri Moghadam made these remarks during his visit to the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) at the invitation of President ICCI, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawri here on Thursday.

The Iranian ambassador said that the current bilateral trade volume between Pakistan and Iran is $2.5 billion, which has increased by 11 percent in the last 11 months.

He said that after the FTA and bilateral agreements between the two governments for the promotion of mutual trade, there is a strong possibility of doubling the mutual trade between Pakistan and Iran to reach $5 billion in the next few years.

He said that the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline is a huge facility for the people of Pakistan on behalf of the government of Iran, which will benefit both the domestic and industrial sectors of Pakistan.

He said that Iran completed its section of the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline in 2009 at a cost of $1 billion, bringing it to Pakistan's border to help resolve the country's energy problems. Iranian Envoy said that Iran is already trading with Turkey, Turkmenistan, Iran and Azerbaijan in the sector of energy and gas and Pakistan can also adopt the procedure adopted with these countries.

Dr. Reza Amiri said that Iran has a banking channel with Turkey, Bahrain, and Iraq, and Pakistan can follow this procedure.

He said that Pakistan and Iran need to have strong air, maritime, and sea links, which will strengthen the economic relations between the two countries. He said Pakistan will also be connected to regional and global trade with these connections.

The Ambassador emphasized the closeness of maritime links between the two countries, especially Karachi and Gwadar and Chabahar and Bandar Abbas ports. He said that Gwadar and Chabahar should be declared as sister ports.

He said that it is the era of trade links and at this time both countries need to connect with regional and global trade through these ports.

He said that the Pakistan-China Trade Corridor and BRI projects also have strong prospects for economic and trade integration.

He said that the world is currently being connected and both countries can make their place in the global trade market by connecting to the North-South and East-West trade corridors. He said that both countries can be connected with markets of Central Asian and European markets.

He said that Pakistan and Iran can fulfill 70 percent of each other's needs by engaging in mutual trade. He highlighted that Iran imports halal meat and Pakistan can do a lot of work in this sector.

The ambassador said that Iran is issuing electronic visas to Pakistani businessmen and easing the process of getting visas. He said that the relations between the business community of Pakistan and Iran, especially Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Tehran Chamber of Commerce and Industry, should be further improved.

Meanwhile addressing the forum, the President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ahsan Zafar Bakhatwri said that Pakistan and Iran's trade volume exceeds $2.5 billion annually, with Pakistan selling rice and other products to its neighbor, while people living in the border area of Balochistan save money by buying Iranian food and goods from traders across the border.

He said that as part of a five-year trade cooperation plan for 2023-2028, Pakistan and Iran aim to increase the annual trade volume between the two countries to $5 billion.

President ICCI said that the two countries are also members of various regional and international fora such as the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Iran's forthcoming full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) further facilitates expanded interaction and collaboration between Pakistan and Iran.

He said that fostering deeper people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in science and technology will be pivotal.

Ahsan said that Infrastructure improvements are crucial to facilitate increased barter trade, while the issue of high tariffs from the Iranian side and the absence of credible payment mechanisms need to be resolved.

Meanwhile addressing the gathering organized by ICCI, Secretary General, United Businessman Group Zafar Bakhtawri and Group Chairman, Founder Group ICCI, Khalid Iqbal Malik also highlighted the different aspects of Pakistan-Iran ties.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Mar, 2024) Federal minister for Petroleum Musadiq Malik on Thursday said that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has made a strategy for development in Urban and Rural Centers across the country.

He said as for development in rural centers, farmers were needing water, seeds and fertilizer, therefore the PM has decided to ensure to provide fertilizer on subsidized rates to the farmer.

Secondly, the government will provide imported seeds to the farmers so they can increase production. To resolve the issue of water, the government provide solar tube wells to the farmers meet the requirements of cultivation, . He said if all these three ingredients are provided to the farmers, his growth will largely increase.

He said the government will also encourage the farmers to make small agricultural industrial farms and this would be a start of green revolution in the country.

For urban centers, the prime minister has directed that the banks must be asked to provide small loans to youth and Small medium enterprises (SMS) for their businesses.

He said the government has decided to organizes Boot Camps to train the fresh students coming out of the universities so they can compete at international level in the field of artificial intelligence.

The government if required will invite master trainers from abroad to train the children, said Malik adding the PM has strictly asked to make a sustainable progamme.

He said the government has decided to open schools following the model of Danish school to provide free of cost education to the intelligent students from poor segment of society.

The government will send those bright students to the worlds top class universities for education at governments expense.

Responding to a question, he said that the circular debt was 2310 billion rupees and there is no increase in the debt as off now and will remain the same by the end of the year.

He said the government is working to decrease the cost of production of electricity to provide cheap electricity however an operation against power theft will be started to provide relief to the people.

He said the government will ensure gas availability during Sehar & Aftar times in the month of Ramazan.
JAKARTA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Mar, 2024) -- Two people have been killed in a flash flood in Pekalongan regency in Indonesia's Central Java province, a local disaster management official said Thursday.

Heavy rain hit the area on Wednesday night, causing the flash flood, which broke the river embankment and submerged residential areas, head of the Pekalongan disaster management agency Budi Raharjo said.

The two victims were a mother and her child, who were discovered next to the wreckage of a house after being carried away by the flooding water.

A total of 20 houses were damaged with two buildings of worship, a school, and a bridge destroyed in the flood.

The flood has now subsided, and 61 people were still staying at an evacuation center because their homes were damaged. The government has provided logistic support and established public kitchens.
Desperately needed aid operations in Gaza must be protected from Israel's attack, the UN's top aid official has warned, amid reports on Thursday that Palestinians were killed and injured while waiting for supplies in Gaza City

UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Mar, 2024) Desperately needed aid operations in Gaza must be protected from Israel's attack, the UN's top aid official has warned, amid reports on Thursday that Palestinians were killed and injured while waiting for supplies in Gaza City.

Six Palestinians reportedly died in the Gaza City incident and 83 more were wounded as they waited for aid trucks to arrive at Kuwait Roundabout, according to news reports.

The development came after relief chief Martin Griffiths condemned the Israeli bombardment on Wednesday of a warehouse and food distribution centre in southern Rafah which killed at least one employee of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) and injured 22 others.

"Devastating news for our colleagues in Gaza who have borne so much loss already, and for the families they were trying to help," the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator said in a post on X.

"How are we to maintain aid operations when our teams and supplies are constantly under threat? They must be protected. This war has to stop."

In a statement shortly after the attack, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said that the warehouse hit in the Israeli attack was located in eastern Rafah and was one of the agency's very few remaining distribution points.

Food supplies are running out, hunger is widespread and, in some areas, turning into famine, Mr. Lazzarini said, before insisting that the coordinates of the facility had been shared with all parties to the war.

Graphic photos from the warehouse showed a box of supplies covered with blood near the entrance to the facility. But there was minimal damage to supplies there which were still being sent out, according to UNRWA.

In Washington, the White House has called for a swift investigation into an Israeli airstrike on a UN food distribution facility in Gaza,

The White House has called for a swift investigation into an Israeli airstrike on a UN food distribution facility in Gaza, Reuters reports.

Israel claimed the strike killed a Hamas commander whom it targeted, and Palestinian health officials said it killed four more people, including a UN worker.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters the United States is very concerned about the strike and called for a swift investigation by the Israelis as to exactly what happened.

The UN agency also warned that reported Israeli plans to transfer 1.

4 million Palestinians from Gaza's southernmost city to camps or so-called 'humanitarian islands' further north would be apocalyptic.

The proposal comes amid ongoing deep concerns expressed by the international community about an impending Israeli invasion of Rafah, five months since intense bombardment began.

"Where are you going to evacuate people to, as no place is safe across the Gaza Strip, the north is shattered, riddled with unexploded weapons, it's pretty much unliveable," said Juliette Touma, UNRWA Director of Communications.

Enough is enough. Any further escalation would be absolutely apocalyptic.

According to UNRWA, at least 165 UNRWA team members have been killed including while in the line of duty in Gaza since 7 October. More than 150 facilities have been hit, among them many schools.

In a related development, an NGO ship remained moored off the Gaza coastline on Thursday after setting out from southern Cyprus on Tuesday, along a new humanitarian sea lane.

The initiative is a joint mission involving UN-partner World Central Kitchen and the search-and-rescue charity Open Arms, reportedly in coordination with the Israeli authorities and the international community. The aim is to deliver 200 tonnes of relief supplies to northern Gaza once a jetty is built south of Gaza City.

A separate plan involving the U.S. military involves delivering two million meals a day by ship to the enclave via a temporary floating structure which has yet to be built.

Although new aid routes by sea and airdrops are welcome, UN relief agencies have insisted repeatedly that they are no substitute for supplies transported by land.

Famine is imminent in Gaza, UN aid teams have warned, particularly in the north of the enclave, where aid convoys have been sporadic at best, amid ongoing fighting and bombardment, repeated access refusals and a breakdown in law and order.

A World Food Programme (WFP) six-truck convoy reached northern Gaza on Tuesday after being given access through a gate in the security fence separating the enclave from Israel, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

The convoy's cargo was earlier checked at Kerem Shalom crossing further south before it was allowed to proceed north, according to the IDF, which added that more than 1,000 aid packages had been airdropped into the Gaza Strip by foreign countries in the last week.

APP/ift
ISTANBUL, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Mar, 2024) China and Taiwan jointly launched a rescue mission on Thursday after a fishing vessel from the mainland capsized overnight in waters between the mainland and the island nation, resulting in the death of two crew members, while the two others are still missing.

The boat, identified as Min Long Yu 61222, sank at 2.58 a.m. (1858GMT, Wednesday) in waters southwest of Dongding Island which is part of the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen County.

The cause of the incident is not known yet, Beijing-based daily Global Times reported.

Around 6 a.m. (2200GMT, Wednesday), Chinese authorities sought help from Taiwan Coast Guard, which joined the rescue mission.

The fishermen are said to be from the Zhangzhou area of eastern Chinas Fujian province.

China put into service six helicopters, sea rescue vessels, and patrol ships to conduct search and rescue missions within a radius of 37.

4 kilometers (20 nautical miles) from where the ship sank, the report said.

Taiwans four vessels joined the Chinese maritime authorities for the rescue mission.

According to Taiwans Coast Guard Administration, two crew members are still missing.

It said a joint operation saved two of the six crew members but that two others were already dead when pulled from the water, Focus Taiwan news website reported.

The incident came almost a month after two Chinese fishermen lost their lives in the same area on Feb. 14. Beijing accused Taiwan of forcing the vessel out of waters which led to its sinking

Taiwans Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling has apologized for the Coast Guard's shortcomings in evidence collection during the fatal boat chase.

"This incident was profoundly tragic, and we wish to express deep sorrow, regret, and condolences," Kuan told lawmakers on the island nation.
Washington, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Mar, 2024) CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) Dr. Hisham bin Saad Aljadhey has met with several officials from U.S. companies specialized in food, drug, medical devices and equipment.

The meetings went over the roles and responsibilities of SFDA and its support of the private sector in light of the promising development opportunities available in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, primarily those related to the localization of the drug and pharmaceutical industries as well as food safety and genetics technologies sectors.

The meetings were held on the sidelines of the 25th session of the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF) as part of the SFDAs endeavor to enhance investment opportunities and engage in the know-how dynamics of the industry and the challenges facing investors and business community.
The departure of Thomas Jordan as the chairman of the Swiss National Bank has triggered a lively debate about using the succession to push reform at the central bank, including boosting the number of women and greening its investment portfolio

Zurich, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Mar, 2024) The departure of Thomas Jordan as the chairman of the Swiss National Bank has triggered a lively debate about using the succession to push reform at the central bank, including boosting the number of women and greening its investment portfolio.

After leading the SNB for a dozen years -- during which he confronted numerous challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic and the rescue of Credit Suisse -- Jordan unexpectedly announced at the beginning of the month he will step down in September.

The SNB's Governing Board has yet to tip its hand about its choice of successor, but Jordan's deputy since August 2022, Martin Schlegel, is seen as most likely to step into his shoes.

"Often in the past the Vice Chairman has taken over when the incumbent Chairman has left their post, suggesting that Martin Schlegel could be the next SNB leader," Adrian Prettejohn at Capital Economics said in a recent market commentary.

Schlegel, 47, has spent his professional career at the Swiss central bank since obtaining a doctorate at the University of Basel.

Since joining in 2003, he has worked in the analysis of financial and monetary markets, as well as currency and gold operations, and at the BNS branch in Singapore. He has participated on International Monetary Fund projects.

But besides his professional CV, "very little is known" about the "rather reserved and unassuming" Schlegel except that he's a runner, remarked RTS, the national radio and television broadcaster.

- Opportunity for reform -

The chairman of the central bank is appointed by Switzerland's government, the Federal Council, following a recommendation by the SNB's Governing Board. Traditionally, the vice chairman is promoted to the top job.

There have been calls to reconsider this practice.

"In our view, the Vice-Chairman should not automatically be appointed Chairman," said a report by the SNB Observatory, a group of outside economists from academia and business that promotes public debate about monetary policy.

It noted with Schlegel having been appointed two years ago, and Antoine Martin this year, the three-member "Governing Board is inexperienced by historical standards."

Socialist lawmaker Samuel Bendahan, who is also an economics professor at the University of Lausanne, said "the Federal Council isn't obliged to bow to that tradition" which he considers to be in a similar vein to the "logic of hereditary monarchies".

"They can take someone from outside" he told AFP.

Bendahan would like to see the government choose someone who will break with what he sees as SNB's overly free-market policies and said it is an opportunity to appoint a woman to the Governing Board.

All three members of the board are currently men, while one of four "alternate members" is a woman.

Bendahan said "we can't be a modern country without correcting" the extreme under-representation of women in the SNB.

According to the SNB's data, women account for nearly one third of its staff, but only 17.1 percent of managerial positions.

The SNB has repeatedly come in for criticism for its lack of parity, including last year when Andrea Maechler stepped down from the Governing Board, the first and only woman to have served on the bank's top body.

The SNB Observatory also called for the central bank's Governing Board to be enlarged to promote more debate from wider viewpoints.

Sergio Rossi, a macroeconomics and monetary policy professor at the University of Fribourg, called for the SNB to "green its portfolio" of assets, thus acting as an example to banks and insurance companies.
Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam.
The Central African Economic and Monetary Community, CEMAC, marks its 30th anniversary this week but by some measures has little to celebrate. The bloc says member countries conduct most of their trade with outside countries and have made little attempt to break down economic barriers between them, leaving CEMAC the least developed and poorest economic bloc in Africa.

Officials say the Central African Economic and Monetary Community remains the least integrated economic bloc in Africa, despite its very strong economic and social potential.

CEMAC officials say member countries conduct more than 80 percent of their foreign trade with Europe, China and Russia  and only 4 percent with each other.

The CEMAC countries -- Cameroon, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Congo, Gabon and the Central African Republic --- created the bloc in 1994 to promote the free movement of goods and persons across borders and promote regional integration.

Sylvestre Michel Nkou is an economic adviser to the Congo government and CEMAC. He spoke during celebrations marking the economic bloc's 30th anniversary in Yaounde Thursday.

Nkou says CEMAC member states should emulate the Economic Community of West African States, in which civilians and merchants move from one country to the other without fear of police harassment, brutality or the confiscation of their goods. He says poverty will be reduced in central Africa and the economic bloc will cease to become the poorest on the continent when integration becomes a reality, not a political slogan.

Nkou said CEMAC countries continue to erroneously believe that each state can develop on its own. He said CEMACs close to 70 million population constitute a large market which remains underused.

Achingale Queen Anyifuet, an international relations scholar at Cameroon's International Relations Institute, says insecurity, Boko Haram conflicts affecting Chad and Cameroon, political tensions and armed attacks in the CAR and the military juntas in Chad and Gabon have diverted the CEMAC leaders attention from economic development.

"If you look at the rankings of Ease to do Business countries in the world, the CEMAC region is far below," saod Achingale. "Out of the 197 countries, Cameroon which is the first [among CEMAC states], is ranked 167, so there is a lot to do. We have to put in place programs that address the key roots of conflicts, we have to look at security, ensuring a stable environment which is very key to economic development. We need to promote peace, which is one of the objectives of CEMAC."

Achingale said the World Banks Ease of Doing Business report quantitatively measures the ease of doing business in countries around the world, focusing on business regulations and property rights protections.

Thierry Ndong, an expert in regional integration and analyst working with CEMAC, says the regional economic bloc has also failed to create a regional airline, build roads linking capitals of CEMAC member states and create a regional stock exchange.

Ndong says a program to develop an economic zone in the border towns of Kye-Ossi, in Cameroon, Bitam in Gabon and Ebebiyin in Equatorial Guinea is among failed projects initiated by CEMAC officials. He says he is surprised that CEMAC keeps money to organize seminars to evaluate nonexistent projects that were initiated 15 years ago as a sign of economic integration without consulting the people who are the main beneficiaries.

CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadera, who is also the CEMAC president, is expected to address issues concerning the underdevelopment of the economic bloc in a March 16 message.
Chinas state-owned plane manufacturer is facing industry skepticism over its claims that its newest passenger aircraft, the C919, can break the passenger-jet duopoly of Boeing and Airbus.

COMACs promotional tour through the fast-growing aviation markets of Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Indonesia ended in Malaysia on Wednesday, according to Chinas official Xinghua news agency. At each stop, the Shanghai-headquartered enterprise presented its C919 to potential buyers as a viable alternative to the Airbus 320 and Boeing 737.

International and regional tourism is expected to reach, then surpass pre-pandemic levels in many Southeast Asian countries this year, according to analysts who cautioned that subsequent growth may hinge on Chinas economy making a full recovery.

The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) expects the demand for passenger aircraft in the Asia-Pacific market to increase over the next two decades from 3,314 to 9,701 planes, according to Chinese state media.

But Skift, a travel industry research site, quoted the executive chairman of Air Lease, one of the largest aircraft lessors in the world, saying the company isnt planning to buy any C919 jets.

The CCP [Chinese Communist Party] and COMAC are very interested in selling the C919, said Steven Udvar-Hazy at the aviation industrys Wings Club in New York on February 29. But its a one-way dating relationship.

Brendan Sobie of Sobie Aviation, an aviation industry consultancy in Singapore, told CNBC, Its still early days to know if COMAC can shake up the duopoly.  We are not likely to see a C919 overseas order of significance in the near term.

As the C919 tour progressed, COMAC said its goal was to showcase the aircraft and lay the groundwork for future market expansion in Southeast Asia.

The C919 is certified only by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, which approved it in September 2022. The narrow-body jet entered commercial service with China Eastern Airlines last year in May.

COMAC says it has more than 1,000 orders for the C919, but most of those are from Chinese airlines and aircraft lessors. At the Singapore Airshow, COMAC took orders from Tibet Airlines, a Chinese entity, for 40 C919 single-aisle planes. Boeing and Airbus planes are sold out through the end of the decade, according to Bloomberg.

China has said it wants to secure broader international recognition for the C919 and plans on pursuing European Union Aviation Safety Agency certification.

Boeing and Airbus executives say theyre not worried about the aircraft that was shown for the first time outside China at the Singapore Airshow February 20-25.

The C919 is not going to rock the boat in particular, Christian Scherer, chief executive officer of Airbuss aircraft commercial business, said at a media roundtable on the sidelines of the industry event.

Scherer added the C919 was a legitimate effort by China but is not very different from the Airbus and Boeing aircraft.

Dave Schulte, Boeings commercial marketing managing director for Asia-Pacific, said airlines in Southeast Asia may consider ordering C919s, according to Barrons.

However, he warned that COMAC will face the same supply-chain disruptions as Boeing and Airbus as post-pandemic demand for air travel increases. Assembled in China, the C919 relies heavily on components, including engines, from companies outside China such as GE and Honeywell International.

After Singapore, COMAC took the C919 to Vietnam from February 26-29 for its own airshow followed by a two-week progression of shows in Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Tan Wan Geng, COMACs board chair, described Vietnam as an important international aviation center in Southeast Asia and predicted increased exchanges and cooperation between his operation and Vietnam's aviation industry.

In Singapore, Tibet Airlines ordered 10 ARJ21 jets, the C919s smaller predecessor, and China's Henan Civil Aviation Development and Investment Group ordered six ARJ21s.

Cambodia's State Secretariat of Civil Aviation Undersecretary of State and spokesman Sinn Chanserey Vutha said last week that Cambodia supported the entry of C919 and ARJ21 jets into the aircraft market.

"This is a good sign for the aircraft market," he told Chinas official Xinhua while attending the demonstration flight event.

Nguyen Thien Thong, a leading expert in aviation engineering in Vietnam, told VOA Vietnamese in a February 28 telephone interview that it is unlikely that airlines in Vietnam will purchase or lease the COMAC aircraft in the near future.

The founder of the Aviation Engineering program at Van Lang University said that adding one more airline supplier to their current fleets of Airbus and Boeing would complicate maintenance, management and operations while increasing costs.

I dont think it is effective, added the former head of the Aviation Engineering Department at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology.

Udvar-Hazy, the Air Lease executive chairman, pointed to a lack of support infrastructure needed to make the C919 commercially viable in international markets, according to Skift. He added the Chinese jet also lacks technical support training.

Without that, he said, theres no export market.
China's high tariffs on Australian wine could be lifted within weeks, according to an interim statement from Chinese authorities saying the duties are no longer necessary.

When diplomatic friction between Australia and its biggest trading partner was at its most intense, Beijing imposed 220% taxes on bottled wine from Australia.

Chinese authorities said Australia was guilty of anti-competitive behavior, but analysts believe Chinas economic measures were meant as a punishment.

The value of Australian wine exports to China fell from more than $662 million at their peak to just $6.6 million last year.

Last October, Beijing agreed to a review of the tariffs. That decision came after the previous conservative government in Canberra referred the tax issue to the World Trade Organization in late 2021.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has now recommended in an "interim draft determination" that the tariffs be removed.

China said Thursday that Foreign Minister Wang Yi, will visit Australia for the first time in seven years. He is scheduled to hold talks with the Australian foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, in Canberra next Wednesday.

Wang's visit was welcomed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. He told reporters Thursday there had been significant progress in removing trade impediments.

Australias Labor government - elected in May 2022 - has sought to defuse tensions with China over human rights, democracy in Hong Kong, Taiwan and the origins of COVID-19.

One by one, Chinese restrictions on Australian barley, beef, coal and cotton have been lifted.

Mitchell Taylor, managing director of Taylors Wines in South Australia, told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. Thursday that he hopes the wine tariffs will soon end.

We are cautiously optimistic," he said. "This is terrific news and I must say our trade minister Don Farrell has done a great job in rebuilding trade relations with our largest trading partner. But at the same time, we have lost our market share to the French and the Chilean winemakers.

China is, by far, Australia's largest trading partner, accounting for almost one-third of Australias total global trade.

Earlier this month, a Canberra government-backed task force was announced to help Australia's wine industry, which has suffered under Chinese tariffs and an international oversupply of red wine.
With increasingly frequent and vocal expressions of frustration, U.S. President Joe Biden appears to be distancing himself from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has vowed that international pressure will not prevent Israel from achieving total victory in its war against Hamas.

The rift is fueling speculation that the U.S. might restrict the supply of American weapons, particularly if Netanyahu moves to finish the job against Hamas in Rafah, where more than a million displaced Palestinians are sheltered.

Placing conditions on military aid would be Washingtons strongest leverage to affect Israels conduct of the war, which has killed more than 31,000 Palestinians according to Gazas health ministry.

While U.S. media have quoted anonymous administration sources saying they are considering that option, officially the White House has declined to entertain hypotheticals.

The president has been very clear about our position on Rafah, national security adviser Jake Sullivan said during Tuesdays White House briefing. A military operation in Rafah that does not protect civilians, that cuts off the main arteries of humanitarian assistance, and that places enormous pressure on the Israel-Egypt border, is not something that he can support.

Biden himself was ambiguous about whether invading Rafah would cross a red line, saying he would never abandon Israel. At the same time, he rebuked the Netanyahu government for the way it has gone after Hamas following the militant groups Oct. 7 attack that killed 1,200 people in Israel and took more than 240 hostage.

The defense of Israel is still critical, so there's no red line [where] I'm going to cut off all weapons, so they don't have the Iron Dome to protect them, he said in a recent interview with MSNBC, even as he underscored that Israel cannot have 30,000 more Palestinians dead.

However, the president is telegraphing his rebukes. Caught on a hot mic while speaking to a Democratic senator last week, Biden said that he has told Netanyahu they are heading for a come to Jesus meeting, an expression for having a blunt conversation.

Told by an aide that he could be heard, Biden said, Good. Thats good.

Electoral goals

Bidens increasingly public criticism of Netanyahu comes as he ramps up his campaign for reelection in November. The president faces competing constituencies within his Democratic base.

He cannot afford to give Republicans an opportunity to capture pro-Israel votes. But he also needs to stop progressive Democrats, young voters, Muslim and Arab Americans from abandoning him, as threatened by the significant portion of voters in some Democratic primaries who marked their ballots uncommitted to signal their outrage at the presidents support for Israel.

To address his domestic politics and foreign policy goals, Biden is performing a political amputation of Bibi, said Laura Blumenfeld, a senior fellow at Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies, using a nickname for Netanyahu.

The goal, Blumenfeld told VOA, is to separate what Biden considers Netanyahus toxic war policies from the state of Israel so that the president can follow his political instincts: to protect Israel from further attacks and facilitate the release of hostages without sacrificing his moral core.

Bidens souring on Netanyahu may not be enough to appease pro-Palestinian Americans, particularly if a cease-fire isnt secured soon. Uncommitted voters say they would abandon the president even when Biden surrogates point out that the Republican presumptive nominee, Donald Trump, known for his anti-Muslim rhetoric and policies, is likely to give Israel freer rein over its war conduct.

I've lived through four years of Trump, said Samraa Luqman, co-chair of the Abandon Biden campaign in Michigan. Palestinians, she told VOA, cannot live through another Joe Biden presidency.

Trump has avoided stating an explicit position on the war other than saying in a Fox News interview that Israel must finish the problem and that the horrible invasion by Hamas would have never happened if he were president.

Netanyahu hits back

In response to Bidens criticism that Netanyahu is hurting Israel more than helping Israel, the prime minister hit back, saying in an interview with Politico that he has the support of the Israeli people.

If Biden meant that Im pursuing private policies against the majority, the wish of the majority of Israelis, and that this is hurting the interests of Israel, then hes wrong on both counts, Netanyahu said.

Only 15% of Israelis want Netanyahu to stay in office after the war ends, according to a poll by Israel Democracy Institute. But 56% believe that continuing the military offensive is the best way to recover the hostages.

In general, Israelis are focused on toppling Hamas, said Jonathan Rynhold, head of the Department of Political Studies at Israels Bar-Ilan University. To them, protecting civilians and providing humanitarian aid are details, he told VOA. They don't understand the significance in America.

Distrust in Netanyahu

Earlier this week, an annual threat assessment released by the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) cited deepening "distrust of Netanyahu's ability to rule" since the war broke. The prime ministers viability as leader may be in jeopardy, the report said.

Its clear that the U.S. administration is going after Netanyahu, said Nimrod Goren, senior fellow for Israeli Affairs at the Middle East Institute.

As the process toward a political transition in Israel begins, Goren told VOA, the U.S. is an actor in it.

The ODNI report noted that a different, more moderate government is a possibility, drawing ire from Israeli officials who felt snubbed earlier this month when Israeli war Cabinet member Benny Gantz was received by Vice President Kamala Harris, Sullivan and Democratic congressional leaders.

Many see Gantzs invitation to Washington as a sign of the administrations support, should the popular centrist politician become Israels next prime minister.

Asked by VOA if Gantzs visit is a signal that the administration is looking forward to an Israeli government without Netanyahu, national security communications adviser John Kirby flatly said, No.
U.S. President Joe Biden plans to express concern over Nippon Steel's proposed $14.9 billion purchase of U.S. Steel, a person familiar with the matter said on Wednesday, pushing the U.S. company's stock nearly 13% lower on bets the deal could face greater political opposition.

The issue has the potential to overshadow an April 10 summit between Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida aimed at boosting the long-standing security alliance between their countries in the face of growing Chinese strength.

In December, Nippon Steel clinched a deal to buy the 122-year-old iconic U.S. steelmaker for a hefty premium, betting that U.S. Steel would benefit from the spending and tax incentives in Biden's infrastructure bill.

However, several Democratic and Republican U.S. senators have criticized the deal, citing national security concerns or raising questions about why the two companies did not consult U.S. Steel's main union ahead of the announcement.

Donald Trump, Biden's rival in the November U.S. presidential election, has said he would block the acquisition of U.S. Steel if elected. The White House said in December the deal needed to be carefully scrutinized given U.S. Steel's core role in producing a material that is critical to national security.

The White House declined to comment on Wednesday, but a person familiar with the matter said Biden would issue a statement about the planned acquisition before Kishida arrives for his state visit.

U.S. officials and lawyers have drafted the statement, and the White House has privately informed the Japanese government of Biden's decision, according to the Financial Times, which first reported the news.

Japan's top government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi declined to comment on the report. "The Japan-U.S. alliance is stronger than ever, and the two countries will continue to work together ... in the field of economic security," Hayashi, chief cabinet secretary, told reporters on Thursday, echoing recent remarks by Japanese officials.

Matthew Goodman, a trade and economics expert at Washington's Council on Foreign Relations think tank, said the issue could overshadow the summit and be damaging for Kishida, who is already struggling politically at home.

"A prime minister of Japan has to demonstrate that he has the U.S. relationship not only under control, but that he's enhancing it," Goodman said. "So, to the extent this runs counter to that narrative politically at home, it's problematic."

Goodman said he thought the case of the acquisition being a risk to U.S. national security was "dubious" and questioning investments from a supposedly trusted security partner could be very damaging to the relationship.

"It's much more to do with politics in an election year when both nominees are appealing to support from steel workers and unions," he said of Biden and Trump.

In a joint statement, Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel said they welcomed the Biden administration's scrutiny of the transaction, as "an objective and comprehensive review of this transaction will demonstrate that it strengthens U.S. jobs, competition, and economic and national security."

Goodman said there have been long-standing concerns in the United States about Japanese labor practices and "non-support for unionization of workers in Japanese-owned factories in the U.S. well beyond steel."

The companies said they have had "active, dedicated discussions with the United Steelworkers, which are ongoing."

U.S. Steel, founded in 1901 by some of the biggest U.S. magnates, including Andrew Carnegie, J.P. Morgan and Charles Schwab, became intertwined with the industrial recovery following the Great Depression and World War II.

Last year, the Pittsburgh-based company launched a formal review of its strategic options after rebuffing a takeover offer from steelmaker Cleveland-Cliffs.

Its shares had come under pressure following several quarters of falling revenue and profit, making it an attractive takeover target for rivals looking to add a maker of steel used by the automobile industry.

U.S. Steel shares closed 12.8% lower at $40.86 on Wednesday, well below Nippon's offer of $55 per share.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken heads to the Philippines next week, following a recent trade mission there by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. The visit comes amid escalating tensions between the Philippines and China over maritime disputes in the South China Sea.

"Secretary Blinken will travel to Manila to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to our Philippine allies" and "promote peace and stability in the South China Sea," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said during a Thursday briefing.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has announced his meeting with Blinken on March 19, with a focus on issues of cooperation and security.

"The secretary's visit will also underscore the importance of our strong bilateral ties, which for 75 years, have been critical to advancing our shared vision for a free and open connected, prosperous, secure and resilient Indo-Pacific region," Miller said.

During Commerce Secretary Raimondo's trade and investment mission to Manila this week, she announced plans to invest more than $1 billion in the Philippines' tech sector and help double the number of semiconductor factories in the country. Washington's move is seen as boosting Manilas chip sector amid intense competition with Beijing.

Blinken will start his trip late Thursday, heading first to Vienna for a meeting of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs. His trip will include a stop in Seoul where South Korea is hosting a Summit for Democracy.

The meeting between Marcos and Blinken is set against a backdrop of increasing tension over territorial disputes in the South China Sea between Manila and Beijing. Marcos has committed to upholding the Philippines' maritime claims, following Chinese President Xi Jinping's call for military preparedness for potential sea conflicts.

A recent collision near the waters around Second Thomas Shoal (known as Ren'ai Shoal in China) has further strained the relationship between the two countries. The rich fishing ground is about 200 kilometers (124 miles) from the nearest Philippines island and 1,500 kilometers (932 miles) from China.

On March 5, the Philippine Coast Guard said Chinese ships carried out dangerous maneuvers and fired water cannons on Philippine vessels, causing multiple collisions, and damaging at least one Philippine vessel.

China accused the Philippines of intruding on its territory "without the permission of the Chinese government." A PRC spokesperson said the Chinese foreign ministry "has lodged solemn representations with the Philippines and expressed strong protest."

According to an international tribunals legally binding decision issued in July 2016, Second Thomas Shoal is located within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, and China has no lawful maritime claims to the waters around the low-tide feature.

Beijing has rejected the ruling, claiming "indisputable sovereignty" over most of the South China Sea.

The United States said it stands with the Philippines. The State Department issued a strong statement on March 5 to condemn "the PRCs repeated obstruction of Philippine vessels" and said Beijings actions "show disregard for the safety and livelihoods of Filipinos and international law."

The White House has announced that it will host Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio for an official visit on April 10. Japanese media outlet The Asahi Shimbun reported that leaders from Japan, the United States and the Philippines are planning a summit in Washington around that time.
On March 13, the United States House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed bipartisan legislation that gives ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, six months to sell the TikTok app to a non-Chinese owner. A failure to comply would lead to TikToks ban from app stores and webhosting services in the U.S.

The U.S. lawmakers say ByteDance may be using the app to collect data on Americans and pass it on to the Chinese government. The apps algorithms also are capable of influencing public opinion in the United States, where the platform has about 150 million users.

ByteDance, which spent about $21.3 million on federal lobbying trying to influence Washington decision-making, denies any connection with the Chinese government and will likely oppose the bill in court, claiming it violates the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution (freedom of speech). The legislations fate in the Senate is uncertain, as it has both supporters and opponents who raise concern the ban could be seen as an act of censorship, The Wall Street Journal reported.

This bill is not about censorship, its about the inverse of censorship, which is propaganda and foreign propaganda pitting Americans against Americans, said the legislations co-author Mike Gallagher, a Republican representing the state of Wisconsin.

Beijing criticized the bill, accusing the U.S. of engaging in unfair competition, disrupting businesses and sabotaging economic and trade order in the world.

In a comment to CNN on March 13, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said:

In recent years, though the U.S. has never found any evidence of TikTok posing a threat to the U.S. national security, it has never stopped going after TikTok.

That is false.

There is abundant evidence directly refuting the denials by ByteDance and the Chinese government of TikToks ability to influence U.S. public opinion and prompt Americans to act.

For example, ByteDance recently tried stopping the U.S. bill by directing millions of American TikTok users to call their Congressional representatives offices and protest the potential ban. So many Americans did so that the calls overwhelmed the lawmakers communication lines, CyberNews reported.

TikToks gross stunt proved our point, said Ashley Hinson, a Republican representing the state of Iowa, during the March 13 debate. What if on Election Day TikTok sent out an alert saying our elections were canceled?

The evidence, which Chinas foreign ministry claims the U.S. has never found, includes the following:

Mandiant Threat Intelligence reported in June 2019 that the Peoples Republic of China created a network of hundreds of inauthentic multilanguage accounts across social media, including on TikTok, attempting to physically mobilize protesters in the U.S.

As part of this campaign, short videos on TikTok and other platforms discrediting Chinese dissidents and U.S. officials were created and promoted to the feeds of U.S. citizens. Many of the videos provided the targeted individuals' contact information and home addresses, Mandiant said.

In 2021, the PRC sponsored a campaign that targeted Asian Americans with thousands of posts urging them to protest the profiling of Asians in the U.S. on April 24 in New York City. The posts, illustrated with a large wrist smashing the whites, urged Asian Americans to fight back. Mandiant observed later reports saying that the protest was successful, with other minority groups joining the Asian Americans.

In 2022, after the U.S.s diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing, the PRC hired a U.S. PR firm to discretely recruit TikTok and other social media influencers in the U.S. to amplify Chinas positive image, including by spreading disinformation and misinformation, the U.S. government cyber security agency CISA reported in its Tactics of Disinformation bulletin.

TikTok was launched in 2016. By that time, the Chinese government had already ramped up its cross-platform social media disinformation, researchers at Harvard University, Stanford University and the University of California, San Diego wrote in a joint study.

The PRC hired as many as 2 million people to spread its disinformation and misinformation, the study said. This group, also known as the 50 Cent Party, annually produced about 448 million social media posts fabricated by the Chinese government, the study said.

ByteDances announcement in January that it is launching its own generative artificial intelligence model, called LEGO, added to the concerns over TikToks potential. The model embedded in the TikTok app demonstrates precise identification and localization of specific regions in images or moments in videos, CyberNews reported.

Yet the most damning data linking ByteDance with the PRC government comes from the March 2023 intelligence report by the Australian Senate's Select Committee on Foreign Interference through Social Media.

Headlined TikTok, ByteDance, and their ties to the Chinese Communist Party, the report details evidence tracing the origins of the parent company and its app to the Chinese government and the governments ongoing control of both:

Our research confirms beyond any plausible doubt that TikTok is owned by ByteDance, ByteDance is a PRC company, and ByteDance is subject to all the influence, guidance and de facto control to which the Chinese Communist Party now subjects all PRC technology companies.

We show how the CCP and PRC state agencies have extended their ties into ByteDance to the point that the company can no longer be accurately described as a private enterprise.

These findings draw on previously unexamined sources and contradict many of TikToks public statements. The most significant findings, in our view, relate to how TikToks capabilities may be integrated with what Chinas leader Xi Jinping describes as the Partys external discourse mechanisms.

Fifteen countries and the European Union have partially or fully banned TikTok, labeling the app a threat to national security.

On February 19, the European Union opened an investigation into ByteDance and TikToks suspected breach of content rules, specifically in targeting minors with algorithmic systems that may stimulate addictive behaviors and rabbit hole effects.
China on Thursday said the U.S. House of Representatives' approval of a bill that would force TikTok to sever ties with its Chinese parent company or be banned in the United States follows "entirely the logic of a bandit."

The short-video app has soared in popularity worldwide but its ownership by Chinese technology giant ByteDance  and alleged subservience to Beijing's ruling Communist Party  has fueled concern in Western capitals.

On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill that would force TikTok to divest from its parent company or face a nationwide ban.

The bill is yet to pass the Senate, where it is expected to face a tougher test to become law.

"The bill passed by the United States House of Representatives puts the United States on the opposite side of the principles of fair competition and international economic and trade rules," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a regular press conference.

"If so-called reasons of national security can be used to arbitrarily suppress excellent companies from other countries, then there is no fairness and justice at all," he said.

"When someone sees a good thing another person has and tries to take it for themself, this is entirely the logic of a bandit.

"The United States' handling of the TikTok incident will allow the world to see more clearly whether the United States' so-called rules and order are beneficial to the world, or whether they only serve the United States itself."
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, March 15. Kazakhstan has again extended the ban on the export of liquefied petroleum gas from the country for a period of six months, Trend reports.

The corresponding decision was made by the interdepartmental commission on foreign trade policy and participation in international economic organizations, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin.

Previously, the ban was adopted in order to prevent the flow of liquefied petroleum gas to border countries and the emergence of a shortage in the domestic market.

In addition to this, a decision was also made to extend the ban on the import of wheat by road, rail, and water transport for six months.

According to the commission, there still remains a threat of the implementation of "gray schemes" for the import of wheat into Kazakhstan and its re-export by road from the border regions of Russia. Exceptions are made for railway deliveries to flour mills and poultry enterprises for the production of their own products and consumption. Imported wheat cannot be sold on the domestic and foreign markets.

To note, the order of the former Minister of Agriculture of Kazakhstan Yerbol Karashukeyev to introduce a ban on the import of wheat by road for a period of six months came into force on April 10, 2023.
Online nationalism has been surging in China in recent weeks, with a growing band of cyber nationalists targeting the countrys first Nobel laureate in literature, Mo Yan, and the largest bottled water producer, Nongfu Spring.

The online attacks against Nongfu Spring began after prominent nationalist billionaire Zong Qinghou, the founder of the companys key competitor, Hangzhou Wahaha Group, passed away on February 25.

Some netizens began comparing Zong with Nongfu Springs founder, Zhong Shanshan, the richest person in China, and it quickly grew into an all-out attack against Nongfu Spring. Some online nationalists claimed packaging of Nongfu Springs products contains Japanese elements, accusing him of being pro-Japan, while others focused on allegations that Zhongs son is a U.S. citizen.

If the successor of Nongfu Spring is an American, this companys ideology is unacceptable, wrote one Chinese netizen on Chinas popular social media platform Weibo.

I cant accept that an American becomes the richest man in China, another netizen Liu Jia-nan wrote on Weibo. Even if I cant change anything, me and my family can definitely stop buying Nongfu Springs products.

The call for boycotting Nongfu Springs products has affected the companys stock, which dropped more than 6% since the attacks began last month. Amid the turmoil, Chinese media outlets reported that Zhong Shanshan stepped down as legal representative of one of Nongfu Springs subsidiaries on March 11.

Chinese Nobel laureate Mo Yan, whose real name is Guan Moye, also came under attack from a self-proclaimed nationalistic blogger last month. Wu Wanzheng, who runs the account Truth Telling Mao Xinghua on Weibo, announced on February 27 that he planned to sue Mo for violating the Heroes and Martyrs Protection Law in China, which carries a maximum three-year jail sentence if found guilty.

In the indictment shared by Wu on Weibo, he accused Mo of glorifying the Japanese invaders in his novel Red Sorghum, which tells the story of a Chinese family during the Second Sino-Japanese War.

He also claimed that Mo tried to smear heroes and martyrs of the Peoples Liberation Army during the Chinese Civil War in another novel. Wu demanded that Mo apologize, offer an equivalent of $0.14 U.S. dollars to each Chinese citizen as compensation, and have his books removed from shelves across China.

Mo and Nongfu Spring are not the only targets of Chinese nationalists online attacks in recent years. Several Chinese and global brands, including Chinese sportswear manufacturer Li Ning and Western brands such as H&M, Nike and Adidas, have come under fire for either having designs that resemble Japanese soldiers uniforms during World War II or for boycotting cotton from Chinas Xinjiang region.

Some experts say for Chinese people engaging in online activities, wielding the flag of nationalism is like a protective shield.

Those people choose their targets very carefully and they know they can drive a lot of online traffic to themselves, Dali Yang, a political scientist at the University of Chicago, told VOA in a phone interview.

He said in some cases, Chinese nationalists may feel a moral righteousness when they target certain businesses or individuals. Unless the situation becomes too excessive, the overall environment would generally be permissive toward people who engage in these activities, Yang said.

And while there used to be mechanisms to prevent content on Chinese social media from becoming too nationalistic, online content regulators are focused more now on removing critical opinions that may be deemed unpatriotic or sensitive by Chinese officials.

There is no resistance to nationalistic content on the Chinese internet, and the reason why Chinese authorities dont remove nationalistic content online is because its in line with the governments narrative, Eric Liu, a former Weibo moderator and an editor at U.S.-based bilingual news website China Digital Times, told VOA by phone.

After facing threats from the nationalistic blogger, Mo participated in an event with British writer Abdulrazak Gurnah in Beijing earlier this week, which was covered by several Chinese state media outlets. Chinas state broadcaster CCTV also reportedly conducted an interview with the celebrated writer.

Separately, some Chinese netizens have come out to urge nationalists to stop targeting Nongfu Spring, while several state-controlled media outlets across China have published opinion pieces to call on nationalists to stop the witch hunt against another business owners in China.

Despite efforts from state media to push back against the online attacks, some observers said its unlikely the Chinese government will try to stop this trend. The government would have punished those online nationalists if they want to stop these targeted online attacks, Murong Xuecun, a prominent Chinese novelist, told VOA by phone.

Chinas free speech environment is already in a bad shape after a decade under Xis rule, and if the trend of targeted online attacks continues, the free speech environment in the country will likely further deteriorate, the novelist said.

In addition to a deteriorating free speech environment, Liu at China Digital Times said this trend may create a chilling effect for many Chinese internet users. The online environment in China will deteriorate to a point where many internet users may be concerned about becoming the target of such attacks, he told VOA.
European Union countries agreed on Wednesday to provide $5.48 billion for military aid to Ukraine as part of a revamp of an EU-run assistance fund, handing Kyiv a timely boost as its forces struggle against Russia's invasion.

Ambassadors from the EU's 27 member countries agreed to the overhaul of the European Peace Facility (EPF) fund at a meeting in Brussels after months of wrangling, with EU heavyweights France and Germany at the center of much of the debate.

"The message is clear: We will support Ukraine with whatever it takes to prevail," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell posted on social media platform X after the decision.

The fund operates as a giant cashback scheme, giving EU members refunds for sending munitions to other countries.

France, a strong promoter of European defense industries, had insisted on a strong "buy European" policy for arms eligible for refunds. Other countries said that requirement would inhibit efforts to buy worldwide to get weapons to Ukraine quickly.

Germany, by far Europe's biggest bilateral donor of military aid to Ukraine, had demanded such donations be taken into account in determining the size of countries' financial contributions to the fund.

Diplomats said a compromise was found that allows flexibility on "buy European" rules and takes into account part of the value of bilateral aid when calculating members' financial contributions.

"This is yet another powerful and timely demonstration of European unity and determination in achieving our common victory," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said. "We look forward to the final decision being approved at the next EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting."

The final text says the scheme should give priority to the European defense industry while "exceptionally allowing for flexibility in cases where it cannot provide within a time frame compatible with Ukrainian needs."

The compromise will allow the fund to help finance a Czech initiative to buy hundreds of thousands of desperately needed artillery shells from countries outside Europe, according to diplomats.

The EPF has already been used to allocate $6.7 billion to military aid for Ukraine, according to the EU.

Borrell proposed last year creating a new cash pot specifically for aid to Kyiv - the Ukraine Assistance Fund -- inside the EPF, with a budget of up to $5.4 billion per year for the next four years.

That prompted a prolonged debate about rules for future aid, eventually leading to Wednesday's agreement.

The compromise includes measures to satisfy Hungary, which has previously blocked payouts from the EPF and said it does not want its contributions to finance arms for Ukraine.

Under the deal, its contributions will be used to fund military aid to other countries, according to EU officials.

"Ukraine needs more arms and equipment. We will provide them in sufficient quantities and in a coordinated manner," said Hadja Lahbib, the foreign minister of Belgium, the current holder of the EU's rotating presidency. "Europe is true to its commitments. Our freedom is at stake."
Former U.S. treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin said Thursday he is going to put together an investor group to try to buy TikTok, a day after the House of Representatives voted to ban the popular video app in the U.S., if its China-based owner doesnt agree to sell it.

Mnuchin, who served in former president Donald Trumps Cabinet, told CNBC that TikTok, with more than 170 million U.S. users, "should be owned by U.S. businesses. There's no way that the Chinese would ever let a U.S. company own something like this in China."

Mnuchin offered no details on who else might be included in an investor group or TikToks possible valuation. TikTok is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chinese technology firm ByteDance Ltd.

The House, acting on concerns that TikToks current ownership and usage in the U.S. poses a national security threat to the U.S., voted 352-65 to demand the sale. The fate of the legislation in the Senate is uncertain.

Senate lawmakers said they would thoroughly review the House-approved measure. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has said that he'll have to consult with relevant committee chairs to determine the bill's path.

President Joe Biden has said if Congress passes the measure, he will sign it.

TikTok has denied that it can be used as a tool of the Chinese government. The company has said it has never shared U.S. user data with Chinese authorities and won't do so if it is asked. The U.S. government also has not provided evidence that shows TikTok shared any such information with Chinese authorities.
The international community moves to open a maritime humanitarian corridor to Gaza. When open, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says it would enable the distribution of 2 million meals a day. The Syrian civil war has faded from the headlines but is far from over. On the thirteenth anniversary of the war, rebel militaries and families on the front lines say battles there are intensifying, and increasingly deadly. Police in Nigeria have ordered the creation of a new base for officers and the deployment of special forces in a remote village in northwest Kaduna state, where nearly 300 school students were abducted by armed bandits last Thursday.
Haitis opposition and civil society groups are busy negotiating who will represent them on the transitional council to govern violence-plagued Haiti.

The proposal was announced Monday after a seven-hour meeting of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders, Haiti opposition groups, civil society and diaspora representatives in the Jamaican capital, Kingston. The Haitians participated via videoconference, unable to travel because of the closure of Port-au-Princes international airport.

Under the plan, six people representing various Haitian political coalitions will be on the transitional council, along with a seventh from the private sector. The seven will be voting members.

There will also be two nonvoting members  one from civil society and one from the interfaith community  according to CARICOM. The council will select an interim prime minister and prepare to hold the next presidential elections.

While some political parties have remained silent about who will represent them, others made announcements on Wednesday.

The Montana Accord group said economist and politician Fritz Alphonse Jean would represent them on the council. The December 21 Accord group proposed former Chamber of Deputies lawmaker Vickerson Garnier.

Meanwhile, the January 30 Collective group was unable to agree on its representative. The EDE, RED and Konpwomi Istorik (Historical Compromise) umbrella group selected Marie Ghislaine Mompremier, Haitis minister of women and womens rights.

Fanmi Lavalas, the party of former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, said it was still discussing its representative. But Pitit Dessalines, led by ex-Senator Jean Charles Moise, rejected CARICOMs plan and insisted its three-member transition council plan should be adopted.

The private sector has not publicly said whether it intends to name a representative. However, its members noted the importance of the private and economic sectors participation in any plan to move Haiti forward.

The civil society group named Florida resident Pierre Jean Raymond Andre as its member-observer on the council.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said early Tuesday afternoon that under the terms of Mondays agreement, "we expect that the members of the transitional council will be appointed in the next 24 to 48 hours.

The council will take the step to appoint an interim prime minister in the near future after that, Miller said at the daily briefing.

But inside Haiti it was unclear Wednesday whether the transitional council would be operational by Thursday.

VOA asked White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre what would happen if the Haitian groups didn't come to an agreement within the 48-hour time frame outlined in the CARICOM plan.

We will let the Haitian people speak to their efforts and timelines, Jean-Pierre said. We remain committed to supporting Haitians and their efforts to create the Transitional Presidential Council to restore security and pave the way to free and fair elections.

But inside Haiti and in the Haitian diaspora, CARICOMs plan was not sitting well.

Supporters of rebel leader Guy Philippe, a former senator, took to the streets of Jeremie, in Haitis south, to protest the plan.

Its time for us to take our destiny in hand! a female protester who declined to give her name told VOA. We want Guy Philippe, not CARICOM!

Philippe led a coup against Aristide in 2004. He ran unsuccessfully for president in 2006, then won a seat in Haitis Senate in 2016.

Before his swearing-in ceremony, Philippe was arrested and deported to the United States, where he stood trial and was convicted of money laundering. He returned to Haiti in November 2023 and announced a peaceful revolution.

Philippe also formed an alliance with the collective of armed gangs called Viv Ansanm that is led by notorious gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, known by his nickname Barbecue.

Cherizier has said the gangs back Philippe and will not accept any plan put forth by CARICOM.

While many Haitians support Philippe, he also has numerous political enemies, including current government ministers who are members of Aristides Lavalas party.

Philippe is ineligible to serve on the transitional council because he is a convicted felon.

"I think the United States and the vast majority of the international community would find [a Philippe presidency] deeply worrisome, and we would have serious concerns about that, a senior State Department official said Tuesday.

In Miami, the Haitian diaspora expressed trepidation.

We dont need the old rats [longtime politicians] at all, Sonondieu, a Haitian man shopping at a Little Haiti supermarket, told VOA. We dont need old guys, we need new politicians.

A female customer who declined to give her name criticized CARICOM for taking a lead role in solving Haitis political impasse.

Its like they sold Haiti, without us even knowing about it, she said.

There has been a lot of disinformation about Haitian participation in the Kingston meeting on social media as well. Superstar DJ Michael Brun posted a message on X saying, Haiti  unnamed / unvoiced stakeholders.

In reality, public statements about finding a solution for Haitis problems by the United States, CARICOM, the international community and the United Nations are in alignment with what Haitians say they want for themselves.

Haitians should be able to choose their leaders and determine their future, Jean-Pierre said at the White House.

Nonetheless, since President Jovenel Moises assassination in July 2021, Haitian stakeholders and political actors have been unable to agree on the way forward.

White House Correspondent Anita Powell and State Department Bureau Chief Nike Ching contributed to this report. Mackenson Charles reported from Jeremie, Haiti; Luckson Saint-Vil reported from Miami.
The husband and two daughters of an American journalist jailed in Russia are in Washington this week to call on the U.S. government to do more to help secure the reporters release.

Alsu Kurmasheva, a dual U.S.-Russian national, has been jailed in Russia since October 2023 on charges of failing to register as a so-called foreign agent and spreading what Moscow views as false information about the Russian army.

Kurmasheva is a Prague-based editor at the Tatar-Bashkir service of VOAs sister outlet Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, or RFE/RL. The journalist and her employer reject the charges, which carry a combined maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

Since Kurmashevas jailing, her husband, Pavel Butorin, has consistently called for her immediate release. He and their daughters traveled from Prague to Washington this week as part of the campaign to secure Kurmashevas release.

Im here because I think that the U.S. government can and should do more for her release, Butorin told VOA.

Butorin is the director of Current Time TV, a Russian-language TV and digital network led by RFE/RL in partnership with VOA.

While in Washington, Butorin met with State Department officials, but he did not specify to VOA what was discussed during those meetings.

We are making  I will say, cautiously  some progress toward the designation of Alsu as a wrongfully detained American journalist, Butorin said. I appreciate the support and attention that Alsus case has been given by the administration.

For months, Butorin, RFE/RL and international press freedom groups have called on the State Department to declare Kurmasheva wrongfully detained, which would open up additional resources to help secure her release.

Russias embassy in Washington did not immediately reply to a VOA email requesting comment.

Kurmasheva is one of two American journalists jailed in Russia.

The other  The Wall Street Journals Evan Gershkovich  has been jailed in Russia since March 2023 on espionage charges that he, his employer and the U.S. government deny. The 32-year-old is set to mark one year behind bars on March 29.

The State Department has declared Gershkovich wrongfully detained.

A State Department spokesperson said U.S. officials have pressed the Russian government for access to Kurmasheva, but those requests have not yet been granted.

We are deeply concerned about Alsu Kurmashevas detention, the spokesperson told VOA in a statement.

The Department of State continuously reviews the circumstances surrounding the detentions of U.S. nationals overseas, including those in Russia, for indicators that they are wrongful, the spokesperson said regarding a potential wrongful detention determination.

Ive been, again, assured that Alsus case is a priority. Ive heard U.S. officials say that they do think that she is a political prisoner, and theyre working hard on her release, Butorin said.

Butorin added that the most just resolution would be for Moscow to drop the charges against his wife, who initially traveled to Russia in May 2023 for a family emergency. Her passports were confiscated when she tried to leave the country in June, and she was waiting for them to be returned when she was detained in October.

The charges are absurd  spurious. Shes not a criminal. We know her as a devoted mother to her daughters, Butorin said. He added that the situation has taken a toll on their two children.

My daughters have had to grow up very quickly over these past nine months. Its been an incredibly stressful situation for our family, he said. They want their mother back.
Websites and social media accounts affiliated with Somalias al-Shabab militants continue to operate and spread the groups messages despite a relentless effort by Somalias government to shut them down.

At least two such websites that were recently closed were quickly back up and running after being re-registered and securing new domains. Also operating are al-Shabab affiliated social media accounts, mainly on Telegram and Facebook, that constantly re-emerge as soon as recognized accounts are closed.

Meanwhile, al-Shababs two main radio outlets continue to broadcast in Somalia.

The Somali government has within the last year and half prioritized curtailing al-Shababs online media presence to reduce the groups reach and influence.

Government officials have confirmed to VOA for the first time that there are dedicated teams at Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agency, or NISA, that monitor and alert tech companies for removal of extremist content.

It was a difficult task when we started, it needed knowledge, skills and a lot of work, says Deputy Information Minister Abdirahman Yusuf al-Adala. We trained people with the necessary skills, special offices have been set up, equipment has been made available, and legislation has been passed by the parliament. More than a year later, we are in a good position, we believe we have achieved many of our targets.

Al-Adala says he believes removing known accounts that had thousands of followers is a significant achievement.

VOA learned from security sources that on Dec. 26, 2023, the Somali government secured a court order to shut down and seize the domains of websites and social media accounts suspected to have been owned by, used by or affiliated with al-Shabab.

At the end of January, the government reported it shut down 20 WhatsApp groups and 16 websites allegedly affiliated with the U.S.-designated terrorist organization.

The Somali government said the groups and websites violated all international counter terrorism legislations, and posed an imminent threat to both national and international security.

The move did not come without protest. One website that was shut down, Somalimemo, says it is an independent news site and serves the Somali people, and has no affiliation with any organization, group, government or any other political side.

Somalimemo, which has regularly published al-Shabab statements and speeches, criticized what it characterized as the Somali governments attempts to target Islamic media.

An al-Shabab radio affiliate, Al-Furqaan, which operates in areas controlled by al-Shabab, said it did not receive a notification from NISA before its websites were shut down. It said the move contradicts the governments official position that it respects freedom of media. Al-Furqaan has continued its radio broadcasts.

The shutdowns have not stopped al-Shabab from disseminating its messages. After the January closures, the groups media workers quickly adapted, creating new social media accounts and tweaking domain names to get back online.

Al-Shabab adapts

Mohamed Gulaid is an internet trust and safety researcher and member of the Integrity Institute who worked previously with Facebooks parent company, Meta. He says al-Shabab and similar extremist groups employ various tactics to avoid government crackdowns and stay online.

These strategies include using long multimedia content (video, audio) in Somali, he said. Content moderation tools often struggle with long-form content and languages like Somali due to limited training data.

Gulaid said al-Shabab also makes heavy use of platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, where moderation is difficult because of encryption and depends on reporting from trusted partners and more manual investigations.

The last strategy for al-Shabab is to open many anonymous accounts where they post links to videos posted on other websites that don't have content moderation or their own websites, he said.

Adam Hadley is the executive director of Tech Against Terrorism, a non-profit based in London that focuses on disrupting the use of the internet by terrorist groups.

He says al-Shabab is one of the most sophisticated actors in terms of the ways that it uses the internet to share its material.

In any given week, around 20 to 25% of the content we find on the internet has likely been created by al-Shabab, he said. It's essentially the largest single producer of terrorist material on the internet.

Disinformation

The government said apart from publishing al-Shabab ideology, the websites spread misinformation and disinformation by misrepresenting the views of the Somali government, claiming the country is under attack from crusaders, and slandering the government as apostate even though Somalias constitution is based on Islamic law.

Al-Shabab consistently engages in misinformation, often exaggerating their operational impact and overstating their influence or control, Gulaid said.

When it comes to disinformation, al-Shabab often manipulates broader themes such as nationalism and the lack of service delivery by the Somali government to further their agenda. They portray themselves as more effective and a nationalist force safeguarding Somalia's sovereignty.

Defectors say al-Shabab spends a lot of money translating these messages into English, Arabic, Swahili and Amharic.

Hadley says another al-Shabab tactic is to share so-called news material related to the group but obscured as generic news activity and news articles on various websites.

Much of this content is quite subtle and nuanced, and it takes quite a lot of time to establish that this type of material is in fact misinformation or fake news, he said.

In one particular case, we found an entire news website that had a suspicious concentration of material that there was pro al-Shabab and pro al-Qaida.  At no point did we find any obvious graphic or violent material on this site. It was almost pretending to provide a news service.

He says convincing platform companies to remove the materials can take months. He warns that the effort also requires careful analysis and investigation to avoid the risk that legitimate political speech could be affected.

Contacted by VOA, a spokesperson for Meta sent a brief statement, saying We do not allow terrorist groups on our platforms, so we ban al-Shabaab accounts.

Meta also said under its Dangerous Organizations and Individuals policy, it removes content that glorifies, supports, or represents such people and groups whenever the company becomes aware of it.
Israels military reported Thursday conducting ground operations and airstrikes in the central and southern parts of the Gaza Strip.

The Israel Defense Forces said the operations included carrying out raids in Khan Younis that destroyed rocket launchers.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that Israel must make the welfare of Palestinian civilians job No. 1 in its conduct of the war against Hamas in Gaza.

"We look to the government of Israel to make sure this is a priority. Protecting civilians, getting people the assistance they need, he told reporters after a virtual meeting with international counterparts.

That has to be job No. 1, even as they do what is necessary to defend the country and to deal with the threat posed by Hamas.

The top U.S. diplomat met via video conference with ministers from Cyprus, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, the European Union and the United Nations to discuss a new maritime corridor for aid into Gaza.

When established, this corridor will enable the distribution of up to 2 million meals every single day, as well as medicine, water and other critical humanitarian supplies, Blinken said.

The U.S. military has dispatched a ship to the Mediterranean to build a temporary pier on the Gaza shoreline to provide passage for more aid trucks but says the dock may take two months to be completed.

On Wednesday, the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, said at least one of its staff members was killed and another 22 were injured when Israeli forces hit a food distribution center in the eastern part of Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip.

Blinken said this incident shows the imperative of having much better and consistent deconfliction with humanitarian workers.

Ciaran Donnelly, vice president of crisis response for the International Rescue Committee, told reporters in a briefing that the recent use of airdrops to deliver food is unsafe, highly expensive, ineffective, and undignified for the people who have to scramble to receive it on the ground.

It is very much a last resort for aid agencies in crises around the world and should not be the first option for agencies in Gaza, he said.

Relief efforts

A Spanish charity ship carrying more than 200 metric tons of humanitarian food aid set is on its way from Cyprus to Gaza, the latest effort to feed tens of thousands of Palestinians who the United Nations has said are starving.

The food, gathered by World Central Kitchen, the charity founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres, was on a barge being towed by a ship belonging to the Spanish aid group Open Arms and headed to an undisclosed location on the Gaza coast. The 400-kilometer voyage was expected to take two to three days after launching Tuesday.

A second vessel was being loaded in Cyprus to soon make the same trip, Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos told state radio. Speaking later in Beirut, Kombos said, "We are working towards the safe arrival of the first shipment and then the safe distribution."

"If all goes according to plan ... we have already put in place the mechanism for a second and much bigger cargo, and then we'll be working toward making this a more systematic exercise with increased volumes," he said.

The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza reported on Wednesday that 88 more Palestinians were killed in Israels offensive during the past day. Since the war began in early October, the total number of Palestinians killed is at least 31,272, with another 73,000 injured, according to the ministry. It does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

Israel began its military campaign to wipe out Hamas after Hamas fighters crossed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people taking about 250 people hostage.

State Department Bureau Chief Nike Ching and White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this article. Some material in this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
As Syria's conflict enters its 14th year, analysts say a permanent political resolution for the war-torn country remains elusive.

Despite gradually recapturing most of the territory previously held by anti-government rebels, forces loyal to the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and their Russian and Iranian allies remain engaged in several battles, particularly in the northwestern part of the country, where rebels and Turkish-backed groups still control some territories.

In the northeast, U.S.-backed Kurdish-led forces control a large swath of territory, some of which they liberated from the Islamic State terror group.

"It is hard to imagine a sustainable political resolution in Syria while the fighting is still raging," said John Saleh, a Washington-based Syria researcher.

"The complex nature of the Syrian conflict makes it extremely challenging to find viable solutions. This is a multifaceted war, and ending it requires an international consensus, which is clearly hard to get," he told VOA.

Protest becomes civil war

A protest movement that started in 2011 against the Assad regime quickly turned into a civil war that has killed more than 300,000 people and displaced more than 13 million people at home and abroad, according to the United Nations. Other war monitors, including the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, put the death toll at 500,000.

The United Nations said this week that 16.7 million people inside Syria need humanitarian assistance.

"More than 90 percent now live in poverty, the economy is in free fall amid tightening sanctions, and increased lawlessness is fueling predatory practices and extortion by armed forces and militia," said Paulo Pinheiro, chairperson of the U.N. Independent International Commission of Inquiry for Syria.

The commission said in a report released this week that in recent months, the country has experienced a wave of violence not seen since 2020, warning that parties to the conflict have carried out attacks against civilians and infrastructure that amount to war crimes.

UN-led efforts

Last week, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for bringing an end to the war through the implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 2254. Adopted in 2015, it aims to end the Syrian conflict by pursuing a political transition. The U.N. also has sponsored several rounds of talks between government and opposition representatives with the objective of drafting a new constitution for the country.

But David Adesnik, director of research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said U.N.-led peace talks on Syria have not shown any signs of viability in recent years.

"The regime is content to create the illusion of cooperation by having the talks drag on endlessly. Assad feels no real pressure to bend after the Arab League welcomed him back into the fold, despite his continuing atrocities and total lack of contrition," he told VOA.

Last year, the Arab League readmitted Syria into the regional bloc after a suspension of nearly 12 years over the Assad government's brutal crackdown on antigovernment protesters in 2011. Several Arab countries in the region also have restored ties with Assad in recent years, including Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and others.

"Almost all Arab countries have abandoned U.N.- and Western-led efforts to advance change in Damascus, whether through constitutional reform or isolation," said Joshua Landis, director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma.

The Captagon factor

More than a decade of conflict has shattered Syria's economy, which has led to a flourishing enterprise that depends on drug trafficking and other illicit activities.

As a result, experts say the country, particularly regime-held areas, has become a regional hub for the production and smuggling of Captagon, which is a cheaply produced, addictive, amphetamine-like drug.

"When we talk about a political settlement  particularly under U.N. Resolution 2254  in Syria, countering illicit networks affiliated with the regime should be part of the conversation," said Caroline Rose, a senior analyst at the New Lines Institute.

"However, it shouldn't be perceived as the 'gateway' or initial step that can lead to greater progress towards a settlement," Rose told VOA. "Captagon has been used as a low-hanging fruit in normalization discussions, which has proved to be a failed tactic, as the regime has not made any meaningful concessions in reducing its role in the trade or stemming the flow."

Adesnik of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies shared similar views.

"The Jordanians have learned an unpleasant lesson about Arab efforts to reconcile with Damascus," he said. "What Amman wanted most was an end to Captagon trafficking, which has only gotten worse while the Syria-Jordan border region has become more violent."

With Russia, a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, blocking resolutions that target the Syrian regime and given the defeat of antigovernment rebels, "there is little prospect of solving the Syria crisis except on Assad's terms," Adesnik said.

"But this shouldn't mean giving up," he said. "The U.S. and Europe should toughen sanctions and do whatever they can to deprive Assad of the revenue to cause more damage."
The White House said Friday that Russia's sanctioning of 200 U.S. citizens is a reminder of the "danger of an autocrat like [Russian President Vladimir] Putin."

A Voice of America reporter was among the U.S. citizens sanctioned by the Russian government on Thursday.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Thursday that it was sanctioning Jeff Seldin, who covers national security at VOA. Seldin was among several reporters, including some from The Washington Post and The New York Times, to be included in this latest spate of sanctions against U.S. citizens.

In total, 227 American citizens were included in this round of sanctions over what the Russian government said was anti-Russian activity.

Entry to the Russian Federation is closed to 227 Americans involved in the development, implementation and justification of the Russophobic course of the current U.S. administration, the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement on its website.

The announcement came just one day before the beginning of presidential elections in Russia that President Vladimir Putin is almost guaranteed to win, due to the intimidation or jailing of most potential opponents.

At a White House press briefing Friday, national security communications adviser John Kirby said the sanctions are "consistent with the Kremlin approach" to journalists and the crackdown on free speech that "Putin finds offensive or inimical to his own selfish interests."

The action, said Kirby, underscores "the danger to Americans who may be in Russia and the need not to be there. It also shows "the real danger of an autocrat like Putin and what he's really after," Kirby said.

Other journalists who were sanctioned included The Washington Posts Joseph Marks, Joseph Menn, Ellen Nakashima and Tim Starks. Robert Worth from The New York Times was also on the list.

Seldin directed VOA to the outlets public relations team.

VOAs mandate is to provide accurate, objective, and comprehensive news and information to every part of the world, the outlet said in a statement. We stand by Jeffs reporting and will not be deterred from serving our audience in Russia.

Seldin isnt the first VOA journalist to be sanctioned by Moscow. VOAs former acting director, Yolanda Lopez, was sanctioned by the Russian government in May 2023.

Government officials, including U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, were included on the new list.

We are deeply concerned by the Kremlins escalating attempts to restrict freedom of expression and media freedom in Russia, a State Department spokesperson told VOA in a statement.

In the strongest possible terms, we condemn the Kremlins continued attempts to intimidate, repress, and punish independent journalists and civil society voices, including through the use of censorship laws to punish criticism of Russias brutal war, the statement continued.

Moscow also sanctioned a slew of professors from various universities including Harvard, Yale and Columbia.

For Peter Clement, who teaches courses on Russian security policy at Columbia, being included in this round of sanctions didnt come as a shock.

I wasnt surprised. Its consistent with past Russian policy to issue what they view as reciprocal sanctions, Clement told VOA.

The Kremlin has blocked more than 2,000 Americans from entering Russia in what it says is a response to U.S. sanctions against Russian individuals and companies.

The United States and other Western countries have hit Russia with a massive wave of sanctions in response to its war against Ukraine.

VOA White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report. Some information came from Agence France-Presse.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, March 14. Kazakhstani citizens will be able to return their money from QIWI wallets with a balance in rubles through a simplified procedure, Trend reports, referring to the QIWI Bank JSC.

"In response to multiple requests from QIWI wallet owners for assistance, the QIWI Kazakhstan team, in collaboration with the Russian Deposit Insurance Agency, has initiated the process of devising a scheme to refund funds from wallets holding balances in rubles, dollars, and euros. We anticipate productive cooperation with the agency and hope to soon provide you with news regarding the simplified and jurisdictionally adapted format for the return of your funds," the statement reads.

On February 21, the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) revoked the license of QIWI Bank.

The official announcement stated that this action was prompted by the bank's breach of federal laws governing banking activities as well as regulations set by CBR. Consequently, over the past 12 months, the regulator has applied measures to the bank five times, including imposing restrictions on specific operations on two occasions.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The medical aid group Doctors Without Borders said this week that Nigerias northwest region is experiencing catastrophic levels of malnutrition and disease outbreaks as it copes with a decline in humanitarian support.

The aid group, known by its French initials MSF, said that while heavy conflict continues to affect both the northeast and northwest regions of Nigeria, the humanitarian needs of the northwest have yet to be met under the national response plan.

In a media statement, MSF said that the region has more than 500,000 cases of severe acute malnutrition and that 854 children admitted to its facilities last year died within 48 hours of their arrival.

MSF blamed the failure of authorities and donor partners to formally recognize the crisis in the northwest for delaying a much-needed response.

Abdullahi Mohammed Ali, the head of MSFs Nigeria mission, said the aid group has been raising the alarm for a few years.

"But the region has never been included in the U.N. humanitarian response plan, Ali said. We're deeply concerned given the seriousness of the humanitarian crisis in this region  a home to around 50 million people. The levels of malnutrition and outbreak of diseases are catastrophic in the context of persistent and relentless violence."

Northwest Nigeria has been plagued by armed gangs of bandits who often kill, loot and take hostages. MSF said that last year alone, more than 2,000 people were killed in hundreds of reported attacks.

But humanitarian aid groups have largely focused their attention on the northeast, site of the long-running Boko Haram insurgency, where Nigerian forces are stepping up attacks against the Islamist militant groups.

Ali said the situation improved briefly in the northwest last year.

"We saw a little improvement in 2023, with a few actors mobilizing to provide support to vulnerable people, he said, but this is far from being enough, and medical aid is just a drop in the ocean.

We would like to see a collective and concerted strategy by both the humanitarian community and the Nigerian government in order to scale up the humanitarian response plan," Ali said.

MSF said it treated 170,000 children in the northwestern states of Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and Kano last year for severe acute malnutrition  a 14% rise compared with the previous year.

Nigerias humanitarian affairs ministry did not respond to calls for comment.

An official who did not want to be named said the investigation of the humanitarian affairs minister, Betta Edu, has affected planned responses to humanitarian emergencies. President Bola Tinubu suspended Edu in January over alleged misappropriation of public funds. On Wednesday, Nigeria's parliament asked the president to hasten the suspended minister's probe.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store announced on Thursday plans to raise the nation's defense spending this year to equal 2% of its GDP.

Norway was initially set to meet the goal in 2026 but will hit the goal early amid a potential threat from what the prime minister called a "dangerous and unpredictable" Russia.

The 2024 defense budget, initially expected to be about $8.75 billion, will be raised in a spring budget bill, Store said, without providing a specific figure. In 2022, Norway's defense budget accounted for 1.57% of the nation's GDP, according to NATO.

On Thursday, Store met with political rivals in parliament to discuss plans for long-term military strategies, the results of which are expected to be presented on April 5.

"The security policy situation is serious," Store said in a statement. "We have to live with a more dangerous and unpredictable Russia, probably for a long time."

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, triggering fears among Russia's neighbors. Norway and Russia share a nearly 200-kilometer-long border in the Arctic.

Norway's decision comes before the upcoming NATO summit, set to take place in July. Store said Norway's increased defense budget will send a "powerful message" that the nation's spending goals will align with other allies.

Denmark announced similar plans to raise its budget Wednesday, saying it would be increased by $5.9 billion over the next five years, which would allow it to reach the NATO goal by next year, rather than 2030 as initially planned.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said in February that 18 NATO members could meet the 2% target this year. Sweden officially joined the security alliance last week, bringing the number of members to 32.

According to Reuters, more countries are emphasizing meeting the NATO spending goal after recent comments from Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who said the U.S. wouldn't protect NATO members that didn't spend enough on defense.

Some information in this report came from Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
During a trade mission visit to Manila this week, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo announced plans to invest more than $1 billion in the Philippines tech sector and help double the number of semiconductor factories in the country.

Observers say the pledge and visit highlight the Southeast Asian nations growing importance to Washington and will also help reduce the Philippine economys reliance on China.

"U.S. companies have realized that our chip supply chain is way too concentrated in just a few countries in the world," Raimondo said in remarks at a business forum on Tuesday.

"Forget about geopolitics. Just at that level of concentration, you know the old adage, Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Why do we allow ourselves to be buying so many of our chips from one or two countries? That's why we need to diversify," Raimondo said.

American business executives from 22 businesses, including Alphabet's Google, Visa and Microsoft, joined Raimondo on the trip.

Possible expansion of chip industry

JC Punongbayan, resident economist and columnist of the online news website Rappler.com, said that while the Philippines is one of the key centers in the global electronics industry chain, it does not yet have the ability to manufacture smartphone or computer chips. The Philippines currently has 13 semiconductor factories that focus on assembly, packaging and testing.

"This commitment by the U.S. government to boost the local semiconductor industry is a welcome development because right now, even if semiconductors have figured prominently in trade statistics, these are not high value-added. So basically, we import a lot of components and then export them after assembly and packaging, Punongbayan told VOAs Mandarin Service.

Hopefully, these investments by the U.S. government and private sector partners will enable the Philippines to export higher value-added goods in the future," he said.

Punongbayan believes that at a time when the Philippines is working hard to amend its regulations and hoping to attract more foreign direct investment, the promised investment from U.S. companies could provide a strong boost to the capital-starved country.

"We have had some difficulties when it comes to attracting foreign investments. And in fact, from 2020 to 2023, foreign direct investments dropped by more than 6% on an annual basis. So, we really need these investments in order to boost the economy, Punongbayan said.

And the billion-dollar investment pledge of the U.S. is several times the actual foreign direct investments that have come in recent years  in fact, almost nine times the foreign direct investment from the U.S. in 2023. These are very crucial to Philippine development, he said.

During Raimondos two-day visit, U.S. companies committed to invest in the digital and energy sectors, areas that are in line with Manila's overall development plans and will help the Philippines' industrial upgrading and transformation, Punongbayan said.

Defense and economy

Dindo Manhit, president of the Stratbase ADR Institute for Strategic and International Studies, a policy think tank in the Philippines, said that over the years, the Philippines' economic growth has been mainly driven by strong consumption.

These investment commitments by U.S. companies will accelerate local economic growth, Manhit said, benefiting both the public and private sectors and positively affecting areas such as the Philippines' manufacturing supply chain and business process outsourcing.

He said these investments could also allow Manila to fully understand that strengthening its alliance with Washington will not only bring it defense assistance but also economic security.

"Because we all share values, democratic values. We value jobs for people. In the case of the Philippines, imagine if we can create jobs that could provide better income for Filipinos, Manhit said. Then we will see the strong partnership with the U.S. not limited to national security only, but also economic security."

Washingtons pledges of economic support for the Philippines comes at a time of rising tensions between Manila and Beijing over sovereignty disputes in the South China Sea.

Earlier this month, Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo warned that Manila is facing severe "economic coercion" from China. He also said the Philippines relies heavily on trade relations with China and hopes to expand economic and trade connections with other countries, including establishing formal free trade agreement negotiations with the European Union as soon as possible.

Punongbayan said that despite the disputes in the South China Sea, Manila continues to import a large amount of goods from China, which is the largest source of the country's trade deficit. That shows how difficult it is for the country to decouple its economy from China, and why it is imperative for Manila to lessen its dependence on Beijing.

Greater interest from the United States to invest in the Philippines is a step in the right direction, he said.

"If we import a lot from China, then indirectly we are boosting China's economy at the same time. And of course, part of the revenues coming from these payments to China will go to the Chinese government, Punongbayan said. So indirectly, in a way, the Philippines is funding China's incursions in the West Philippine Sea.

Manhit, however, said compared with other Southeast Asian countries, the Philippine economy is not very dependent on China.

According to recent poll by Stratbase ADR Institute for Strategic and International Studies, the country Filipinos most want to maintain good economic relations with is the U.S., followed by Japan, while China ranks at the bottom.

He said the poll not only shows that China does not have as strong an economic influence on the Philippines as Beijing claims, but also that Filipinos are unanimously willing to expand economic cooperation with countries that share common democratic values, or values of human rights and the rule of law.

Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has denied he is seeking to oust Western influence in Africa, as new analysis suggests the Kremlin's military intelligence arm has taken over activities of the disbanded Wagner Russian paramilitary group on the continent.

In a television interview broadcast in Russia on March 13, Putin dismissed claims that Moscow is seeking to displace France as the major partner of countries such as Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.

"We have not ousted anyone. It's just that the African leaders of certain countries made agreements with Russian economic operators, wanted to work with them and did not want to work in certain areas with the French. It wasn't even our initiative, it was an initiative of our African friends," Putin said.

"We are not instigating anyone and do not seek to turn anyone against France. To be honest, overall, we do not have national tasks at the Russian state level there. We're just being friends with them, that's all," the Russian president added.

'Regime survival package'

In the past decade, analysts say Moscow has sought to extend its influence in Africa through the deployment of Russian forces  often under the guise of paramilitary fighters  and arms deals with African governments, in return for access to resources.

A recent analysis by Britain's Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) suggests that Russia has rebranded the former Wagner paramilitary group as an expeditionary corps which is now under the control of Moscow's military intelligence arm  known as the GRU  and is offering what it calls a "regime survival package" to autocratic governments in Africa.

"At a time when many Western states were trying to economically isolate Russia following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Putin saw the development of economic ties with Africa and the Middle East as a means to sanction-proof Russia, and he had a pitch for the leaders of these states," the report said.

"It centered on the proposition that the 'international rules-based order' advocated for by the West structurally favored Western interests, whereas Russia's emphasis on sovereignty would offer a mutually beneficial partnership. The reality  as Russian officials acknowledged internally  was a renewed Russian colonialism," the RUSI report added.

Wagner rebranded

Wagner fighters have been deployed in several African countries, including Libya, Sudan, Central African Republic, Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali. They have frequently been accused of committing widespread human rights abuses.

In June 2023, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine was struggling to make progress, Wagner's chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin, led a failed mutiny against Moscow, accusing the defense ministry of depriving his fighters of ammunition. Wagner was disbanded shortly afterward. Two months later, Prigozhin died in a suspicious plane crash.

That left a dilemma for the Kremlin: What to do about Wagner's operations in Africa?

"After that so-called mutiny, the decision was made that it would be better to have it more in-house rather than outsourced," said Oleksandr Danylyuk, an associate fellow at RUSI and a co-author of the report.

The analysis shows that Moscow has rebranded the Wagner group as the expeditionary corps of the GRU, Russia's military intelligence agency, with a target of recruiting a further 40,000 troops to serve in the force. Its aim is to secure Russian interests overseas  including access to resources such as oil, gas and minerals  while also reducing Moscow's vulnerability to Western sanctions.

Russia colonialism

"What they're doing is just expanding colonialism in the Global South countries. And right now they are very much focused on African countries, but they have plans for Latin America as well, some Asian countries. They will also have political technologists, media experts, intelligence officers who are specialized in political warfare, economic operations. So, pretty much everything to be able not only to infiltrate those Global South countries, but also to establish pro-Russian regimes there," Danylyuk told VOA.

The RUSI report says Russia helped to foment military coups in parts of Africa and is now seeking to displace Western influence.

Mali

France and other European nations sent troops to Mali in 2013 to help fight an Islamist insurgency. They were withdrawn in 2022 after successive military coups and a breakdown in relations between Paris and Bamako. A 12,000-person United Nations peacekeeping force also pulled out last year at the request of the junta government.

Several hundred Russian-backed fighters are now in Mali supporting the military junta under interim President Colonel Assimi Goita. Moscow also has backed military governments in Niger and Burkina Faso, and is supporting General Khalifa Haftar in Libya against the unity government under Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh.

'Plausible deniability'

The pretense that Wagner was a private army separate from the Kremlin allowed Russia to deny involvement in its Africa operations. "Many of the operations being conducted were either at the expense of other states or violated U.N. Security Council resolutions," according to the RUSI report.

"The problem for the Expeditionary Corps is that it risks the removal of this plausible deniability It appears that Russia has finally decided to explicitly challenge the international system rather than pretend to comply with it."

Western challenge

The authors of the report warn that Russia's expansion of operations in Africa could have serious consequences for Europe and the West.

"Through persistent instability, Russia can push migration into Europe, creating the conditions to pursue political destabilization," the report warns. "Leverage over natural resources is also expanding. Perhaps most problematic, however, is how the pitch for values is giving Russia access to communities that interface with a range of extremist beliefs."
Russias defense ministry said Thursday it destroyed 15 Ukrainian drones and eight missiles, while officials in a Russian region bordering Ukraine said one person was killed and several others injured by a Ukrainian drone attack.

Vyacheslav Gladkov, the regional governor of Belgorod, said preliminary information indicated a man in a car was killed in the attack while several other people were injured.

Gladkov said another drone crashed into a tree, with a blast wave damaging two houses but causing no injuries.

The Russian defense ministry said it intercepted 12 of the drones over the Belgorod region and three others over the Kursk region of western Russia.

In Ukraine, Oleh Synehubov, governor of the eastern Kharkiv region, reported a Russian missile strike.

Synehubov said there were no reported casualties from the attack.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Moscow is prepared to use nuclear weapons if its sovereignty or independence is threatened, warning the U.S. again that if it sends troops to fight in Ukraine it would be considered a major escalation of the conflict.

Putin said in an interview with state television that there has been no need for the use of nuclear weapons in Russias two-year invasion of Ukraine and that he does not think the world is headed to a nuclear confrontation. He described U.S. President Joe Biden as a veteran politician who understands the danger of nuclear warfare.

But Putins remarks appeared to be one of his recurring messages to the West that it intends to protect its territorial gains in Ukraine and was ready to use nuclear weapons in case of a threat to "the existence of the Russian state, our sovereignty and independence."

All that is written in our strategy, we haven't changed it," he said.

In an apparent reference to NATO allies that support Kyiv, Putin also declared that "the nations that say they have no red lines regarding Russia should realize that Russia won't have any red lines regarding them either."

But he also said that in the U.S. there are enough specialists in the field of Russian-American relations and in the field of strategic restraint. Therefore, I don't think that here everything is rushing to [nuclear confrontation], but we are ready for this."

White House National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said Russias nuclear rhetoric has been reckless and irresponsible throughout this conflict. It is Russia that brutally invaded Ukraine without provocation or justification, and we will continue to support Ukraine as they defend their people and their sovereign territory from Russian aggression.

A senior White House official said, As we understand it, Mr. Putin was restating Russias nuclear doctrine that they will use nuclear weapons if their sovereignty is threatened so this isnt a new stance for them. We have not seen any reason to adjust our own nuclear posture, nor any indications that Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon in Ukraine.

Biden has repeatedly said the U.S. has no intention of sending U.S. troops to fight alongside Kyivs forces, although French President Emmanuel Macron recently would not rule out the possibility of Western troops joining the stalemated conflict that has no end in sight.

Western countries have, however, continued to arm Ukraine, with the U.S. this week cobbling together $300 million worth of ammunition, anti-aircraft missiles, artillery rounds and some anti-armor systems from its military stockpiles in a new tranche of aid to help Kyivs forces. But a much broader $60 billion aid package that Biden supports is stalled in Congress.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly address Wednesday that defeating the Russian invasion is a matter of survival for democratic systems.

Ukraine is capable of defending itself, given sufficient support, Zelenskyy said. And having defended ourselves, we can ensure that no other international criminal will be tempted by aggression like Putin. We can protect life and we must do so.

On the battlefield, Ukraines military used drones to target Russian oil refineries Wednesday, damaging a site in the Ryazan region.

Pavel Malkov, regional governor in Ryazan, said an attack at an oil refinery there caused a fire and some injuries, according to preliminary reports.

Officials in the Leningrad region said Russian air defenses shot down a Ukrainian drone as it approached a refinery and that there was no damage.

The attacks were part of a wave of Ukrainian drones launched into Russian territory for the second consecutive day.

Alexander Gusev, governor of the Voronezh region that borders Ukraine, said Wednesday that air defenses shot down more than 30 Ukrainian drones overnight.



VOA White House correspondent Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report. Some information was provided by Agence France-Presse and Reuters
Spain's Parliament approved on Thursday a controversial amnesty bill aimed at forgiving crimes  both proven and alleged  committed by Catalan separatists during a chaotic attempt to hold an independence referendum in the region six years ago.

Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has promoted the amnesty as a way to move past the 2017 secession attempt by the then-leaders of Catalonia, a northeastern region centered around Barcelona where many speak the local Catalan language as well as Spanish.

However, the bill has also met opposition from millions of Spaniards who believe that the people who provoked one of Spain's biggest political crises should face charges including embezzlement and promoting public disorder.

Sanchez has already pardoned nine jailed Catalan independence leaders, a move that helped heal wounds at little political cost. But the amnesty is proving to be much more divisive.

The bill was passed by 178-172 votes in favor in the 350-seat lower house of Parliament.

The secession crisis erupted in 2017, when a regional administration led by Carles Puigdemont staged a referendum on independence, defying orders from the national government and a ruling from Spain's top court that doing so violated the constitution. Madrid sent in police in an attempt to stop the referendum, which were opposed by protests that turned violent.

The Catalan Parliament declared independence on Oct. 27 that year but it failed to garner any international support. Puigdemont and several other senior officials later fled Spain.

Hundreds or thousands of people in Catalonia face the threat of prosecutions related to the referendum or protests, and Puigdemont and other leaders remain abroad.

Recent court probes have accused the former regional president of terrorism for allegedly masterminding massive protests that clashed violently with police and closed roads, train lines and the Barcelona airport in 2019.

Sanchez agreed to the amnesty to secure the backing of two Catalan separatist parties, after an inconclusive national election last July turned them into kingmakers.

The conservative opposition accuses Sanchez of selling out the rule of law in exchange for another term in the Moncloa Palace and has organized major street protests during recent months.

Socialist party parliamentary spokesman Patxi Lopez defended the bill Thursday as a move to seek a page-turning "reconciliation" with Catalonia.

The opposition Popular Party leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo hit back saying that "this is not reconciliation but submission."

It was not clear whether the deal will add stability to Sanchez's minority government: Junts, a separatist party led by Puigdemont, has said they would vote for Sanchez to form a government in return for the amnesty, and nothing more.

The bill still faces a number of procedural hurdles. The Senate, which has a conservative majority is expected to reject it, which would mean that Parliament's lower house will have to vote for it a second time to push it through.

Sanchez's party has had a very hard time crafting a bill that satisfies the separatists and which will surely be highly scrutinized by the courts. Parliament rejected an earlier version of the bill in late January when Junts said it didn't do enough to protect Puigdemont. The bill then went back to a parliamentary committee, where it was tweaked to suit Junts' needs.

Puigdemont now lives in Belgium, where he has become a European Parliament member. A fugitive from Spanish justice, he calls himself a political exile.

Thursday's vote comes a day after Catalonia's regional leader called early elections. That decision added more uncertainty to Spanish politics and led to Sanchez canceling plans for a 2024 budget because of the difficulty he would have had trying to get the support of the two separatist parties during election time.

Spain granted a sweeping amnesty during its transition back to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975. But legal experts are divided over the constitutionality of an amnesty for the Catalan separatists. Its legal critics say that it violates the principle of equality among Spaniards by favoring those of one region.

The government says the amnesty could help hundreds of people, while the pro-independence Catalan organization Omnium Cultural says it should benefit some 4,400 people, mostly minor officials and ordinary citizens who either helped to organize the referendum or participated in protests.

The application of the amnesty will be decided by the courts on a case-by-case basis.
An Afghan education official says Taliban authorities may permanently close girls' secondary schools, promoting religious schools known as madrasas as an alternative.

The Taliban shut down girls' secondary schools in 2022, citing "religious and cultural" concerns.

Taliban officials defend the ban, insisting they are working to create a suitable educational environment for older female students.

Schools may never be reopened the way they were under the occupation, an official at Afghanistans Education Ministry told VOA on Tuesday, referring to the 2001-2021 U.S. military presence in the country.

Principally, there is no difference between a school and a madrasa, the official said, asking for anonymity because the Taliban have banned their members from speaking to VOA.

If the purpose is education, it can be attained as much in madrasas as in schools, so there should be no insistence only on schools.

Religious studies rather than diverse subjects

However, the U.N. and human rights activists worry that madrasas, focused on religious studies, cannot fully replace traditional schools that deal with diverse subjects.

I am concerned that the quality of education in these institutions does not adequately prepare girls or boys for higher-level education and professional training to join an effective workforce in the future, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a report to the Security Council this month.

While girls secondary schools have remained closed for about two years, the United Nations has reported a surge in newly registered madrasas across the country.

The U.N. reported over 7,000 registered madrasas in Afghanistan, with roughly 380 designated for girls.

There are no age restrictions for girls attending the seminaries, Taliban officials have confirmed.

Recruitment of madrasa teachers continued following the promulgation in July 2023 of the Taliban leaders decree mandating the recruitment of 100,000 new madrasa teachers by the end of 2023, Guterres said in his report.

'Gender apartheid'

Pashtana Dorani, a U.S.-based Afghan womens education activist, said the Taliban have already replaced schools with religious seminaries.

They have created their own system, Dorani told VOA, expressing concerns about potentially extremist teachings in madrasas.

The Taliban are widely accused of enforcing a gender-apartheid aimed at erasing women from most public spheres.

In addition to educational restrictions, Afghan women are banned from most jobs and even entry to some public places like parks and sport centers.

Last year, the all-male Taliban cabinet barred womens beauty parlors.

Male Taliban officials say their policies are aligned with the aspirations of all Afghans.

"Far-reaching consequences"

Last year, education ended for more than 330,000 Afghan girls as they passed grade six exams. They joined more than 3.7 million girls who are banned from secondary schooling, according to aid agencies.

This short-sighted decision has far-reaching consequences, Salam Al-Janabi, a spokesperson for the U.N. Childrens Fund, or UNICEF, said to VOA.

Already plagued by some of the worst maternal health indicators, Afghanistan is heading toward far worse public health crises because of the Talibans educational restrictions, experts warn.

Keeping girls out of schools causes $500 million in economic losses for Afghanistan annually, UNICEF calculates.

For the sake of the children and for the sake of the countrys economy, health system and security for years to come, said Al-Janabi, we urge the de facto authority to allow all children, at all levels of schooling, to resume learning immediately.
Donald Trump arrived Thursday at a federal courthouse in Florida, where a judge will hear arguments on whether to dismiss the criminal case accusing the former president of hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate after he left the White House.

The motorcade carrying the 2024 Republican presumptive presidential nominee arrived shortly before the hearing was set to begin before U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who was nominated to the bench by Trump.

The dispute centers on the Trump team's interpretation of the Presidential Records Act, which they say gave him the authority to designate the documents as personal and maintain possession of them after his presidency.

Special counsel Jack Smith's team, by contrast, says the files Trump is charged with possessing are presidential records, not personal ones, and that the statute does not apply to classified and top-secret documents such as those kept at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

The Presidential Records Act "does not exempt Trump from the criminal law, entitle him to unilaterally declare highly classified presidential records to be personal records, or shield him from criminal investigations  let alone allow him to obstruct a federal investigation with impunity," prosecutors wrote in a court filing last week.

It was not clear when Cannon might rule, but the outcome will determine whether the case proceeds or whether, as Trump's lawyers hope, it is thrown out before ever reaching a jury  a rare action for a judge to take.

Cannon is also expected to hear arguments Thursday on a separate but related Trump team motion that says the statute that forms the bulk of the criminal charges  making it a crime to willfully retain national defense information  is unconstitutionally vague as it applies to a former president.

It is not surprising that defense lawyers are seeking dismissal of the case based on the Presidential Records Act given that the legal team has repeatedly invoked the statute since the FBI's August 2022 search of Mar-a-Lago.

The law, enacted in 1978, requires presidents upon leaving office to transfer their presidential records to the U.S. government for management  specifically, the National Archives and Records Administration  although they are permitted to retain personal records, including diaries and notes that are purely private and not prepared for government business.

Trump's lawyers have said that he designated as personal property the records he took with him to Mar-a-Lago, which prosecutors say included top-secret information and documents related to nuclear programs and the military capabilities of the U.S. and foreign adversaries.

Cannon has suggested in the past that she sees Trump's status as a former president as distinguishing him from others who have held onto classified records.

After the Trump team sued the Justice Department in 2022 to get his records back, Cannon appointed a special master to conduct an independent review of the documents taken during the FBI's Mar-a-Lago search. That appointment was later overturned by a federal appeals court.

More recently, even while ruling in favor of Smith's team on a procedural question, Cannon pointedly described the case as the "first-ever criminal prosecution of a former United States President  once the country's chief classification authority over many of the documents the Special Counsel now seeks to withhold from him (and his cleared counsel)  in a case without charges of transmission or delivery of national defense information."

Trump faces 40 felony counts in Florida that accuse him of willfully retaining dozens of classified documents and rebuffing government demands to give them back after he left the White House. Prosecutors in recent court filings have stressed the scope of criminal conduct that they say they expect to prove at trial, saying in one that "there has never been a case in American history in which a former official has engaged in conduct remotely similar to Trump's."

They allege, for instance, that Trump intentionally held onto some of the nation's most sensitive documents  only returning a fraction of them upon demand by the National Archives  and then urged his lawyer to hide records and to lie to the FBI by saying he no longer was in possession of them. He's also charged with enlisting staff to delete surveillance footage that would show boxes of documents being moved around the property.

The hearing is the second this month in the case in Florida, one of four prosecutions Trump confronts as he seeks to reclaim the White House this year. Cannon heard arguments on March 1 on when to set a trial date but has not ruled yet. Both sides have proposed summertime dates for the trial to begin.
Britain's government outlined plans on Wednesday to stop foreign states from owning newspapers, potentially giving ministers the power to block Abu Dhabi-backed RedBird IMI's bid to buy The Daily Telegraph.

The battle over one of Britain's most famous newspapers has raised questions about the independence of the media and the role of foreign investors acquiring ownership of politically influential assets.

The Telegraph has close connections with Britain's governing Conservative Party and the political struggle for ownership of the 168-year-old newspaper is as much about power and influence as it is about money.

Stephen Parkinson, the culture minister in the House of Lords, said the government would make changes through an amendment to legislation going through parliament to prevent foreign states from having ownership of British newspapers.

"We will amend the media merger regime explicitly to rule out newspaper and periodical news magazine mergers involving ownership, influence or control by foreign states," Parkinson told the Lords.

The proposed changes to the law would in effect block the Telegraph's takeover bid by RedBird IMI as currently structured, one government official said.

RedBird IMI  run by former CNN boss Jeff Zucker but which has the majority of its funding from Abu Dhabi  declined to comment.

The deal is already under a separate investigation based on existing laws, but the new plan is more explicitly targeted at preventing foreign state control.

The right-leaning Telegraph is nicknamed the "Torygraph" for its long-standing support for the Conservative  or Tory  Party. Former Conservative prime ministers such as Winston Churchill and Boris Johnson have written for it.

The contest for ownership of the Telegraph is playing out against the backdrop of an unpopular Conservative Party, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, that is set to lose the next election expected later this year, according to polls.

Pressure had been building on the government after Tina Stowell, a former Conservative leader in the Lords, proposed an amendment to the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill that would give parliament a veto on foreign governments taking over British media organizations.

Her amendment had won the support of more than 100 members of parliament who cited concerns including the possibility of editorial interference and censorship.

Having forced the government to come up with their own plan, Stowell withdrew her amendment.

The new ban on foreign control is expected to be put to a vote in the House of Lords in the next few weeks. It would have to be passed there and in the lower House of Commons before the new rules would come into force.

Parkinson said the new measures would create a new obligation for the government to refer any relevant media merger to the Competition and Markets Authority watchdog.

If the CMA determined that the merger "has resulted, or would result, in foreign state ownership, influence or control over a newspaper enterprise," then the government would be legally required to order the merger be blocked or unwound.
Before the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022, Tavrisky Christian Institute (TCI) in Antonivka, a town on the bank of the Dnipro River in the Kherson region, had one of the most extensive Christian libraries in eastern Europe.

Its pastor and rector, Valentyn Syniy, told VOA that in partnership with the U.S. Pioneer Bible Translators, it started a Bible translation project in Ukraine. Since 2014, it has also supported many Ukrainians who fled the Russian occupation of Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions.

Most of TCIs 40 staff members and 300 students had to flee after the Russian troops occupied the TCI campus in early March 2022. Russian troops turned the campus into a military base, looted computers and equipment, and burned or threw away Bibles and other books, Syniy says. When retreating ahead of a Ukrainian offensive, they shelled the campus, reducing it to rubble.

"Russian soldiers called us sectarians and our faith false, the Protestant pastor said. Because the seminary had Ukrainian and English-language books, Syniy said, Russians also called them "Nazis" and "American agents."

Syniy said several pastors who stayed behind were detained and beaten by the Russians, who told them that "sectarians" have no place in Russia and should be buried alive. Russia has illegally annexed many of its occupied territories in eastern Ukraine.

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the Russian military has killed at least 39 priests, pastors and monks; destroyed, damaged or looted at least 640 churches, monasteries, mosques, synagogues, theological institutions and other places of worship, said Viktor Yelensky, head of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience.

"The 39th victim is a 58-year-old pastor from the city of Kupiansk, Kharkiv region, who was killed yesterday in his Protestant Church of Jesus Christ during the Russian air raid of Kupiansk, said Yelensky during an online discussion at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on February 29.

He said that Russian troops deliberately killed several priests and pastors, targeting Protestants and priests of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, whom they see as rivals to the Russian Orthodox Church.

According to a Ukrainian Institute for Religious Freedom report, dozens of Ukrainian priests and pastors were arrested, arbitrarily detained, tortured and deported. Ukrainian Protestants, who make up only about 4% of the Ukrainian population, are disproportionally targeted for their faith.

"During the Russian occupation, believers of evangelical churches in Ukraine [Pentecostals, Baptists, Adventists, Charismatics, etc.] are particularly affected. Russian soldiers repeatedly threatened the total physical destruction of all evangelical believers, calling them "American spies," "sectarians," and "enemies of the Russian Orthodox people," says the report.

Clash of values: religious freedom vs. restrictions

Western religious scholars argue that Ukraine and Russia diverged in their attitudes toward spiritual freedom after gaining independence from the Soviet Union.

Catherine Wanner, a professor of history, anthropology and religious studies at the University of Pennsylvania, said Ukraine adopted one of the most liberal and pluralistic approaches to religion. In contrast, Russia chose to restrict and regulate religious life, giving a preferential status to the Russian Orthodox Church.

Since its invasion of Crimea and portions of Donbas in 2014, Russia brought its repressive practices into the Ukrainian pluralistic environment, according to the US Department of State 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom, including widespread regional bans on minority religious groups, such as evangelical Christians, Roman and Greek Catholics.

Other practices included illegal imprisonment, physical abuse and disappearances of religious leaders, and the deliberate destruction or seizure of religious buildings.

After the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia's forces intensified these practices and carried them into other occupied areas. Borys Gudziak, metropolitan-archbishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, recently said, "There is no active Catholic priest in the occupied territory, Greek or Latin rite." He spoke during a recent discussion at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

He said that religious institutions that do not actively support the occupying regime are "destined for annihilation."

Wanner said eastern and southern Ukraine was a "stronghold of Protestant presence" in Ukraine. The Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, now partly under Russian occupation, were home to thriving new communities of Baptists and evangelical Christians, built primarily with the help of U.S. missionaries.

"There were things such as the Christian university, a variety of seminaries, publishing houses that serve not only Protestant communities within Ukraine but even more broadly within the former Soviet Union," she said.

Role of the Russian Orthodox Church

The Russian Orthodox Church is not a mere observer of religious persecution in Ukraine, Wanner said, it is President Vladimir Putin's partner.

"We have the rise of not just Christian nationalism, but indeed Orthodox nationalism and the Russian Orthodox Church as a rather energetic supporter of this war," she said.

Wanner said it provides an ideological basis for the Russian state's imperial encroachments.

"Putin posits together with Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church that there is something like Russian world, Ruski Mir, Russian space, that is founded and grounded in a shared eastern confessional tradition, Wanner said. And it creates a historical and spiritual common space that just as it should be governed religiously by the Moscow Patriarchy, it should be governed by the Kremlin in a political and especially in a geopolitical sense.

Speaking in 2022, Patriarch Kirill was quoted as saying to the Russian soldiers to whom he was giving a blessing during the sermon that dying in the war of aggression washes away all sins."

Gudziak said that out of 300 Orthodox bishops, "not a single one had spoken out against the war."

Ukrainian authorities say that through the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, formerly of the Moscow Patriarchate, Moscow exerts its influence on Ukrainian priests and believers to act against the Ukrainian state.

Ukraine's security service, the SBU, reported in late 2023 that it had initiated 68 criminal proceedings against UOC representatives since the war began, bringing charges such as treason, collaboration, aiding and abetting an aggressor country and public incitement to religious hatred among the others.

According to the SBU, Ukrainian citizenship was revoked for almost two dozen UOC representatives who held Russian passports and spread pro-Kremlin propaganda about the war.

At the same time, Patriarch Kirill accused Ukraine of an "anti-church smear campaign," "seizures of churches with the use of brutal violence against the clergy and believers" and "falsified criminal cases, pressure on the episcopate from the secret services."

This reaction was triggered by the plans of the Ukrainian parliament to adopt legislation that requires religious organizations with "ties to the aggressor country" to sever those links.

We need help to be free again

Ukrainian religious leaders and scholars say they see no way to reinstate religious freedom in the occupied territories of Ukraine other than to return them to Ukrainian control.

"We could freely worship and study in independent Ukraine. We could teach new pastors for Ukraine and had more than 200 students from other countries who studied in our programs. Now, our pastors are getting arrested and tortured in the occupied territories. We want to be free again, said Syniy.

Syniy, whose institute first moved to western Ukraine and now plans to move to Kyiv, said he prayed for his students and staff to return to Antonivka to rebuild its campus and continue their work there.

"But we will only be able to return to our campus near Kherson when this territory is liberated, and the Russians will not be able to shell us anymore. And for this, we need the military, financial and prayer support from our U.S. brethren," he said.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, March 14. Vice President and Corporate Secretary of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Ludger Schuknecht visited Uzbekistan to hold high-level meetings and discuss projects under development, as well as organize the AIIB Annual Meeting in Samarkand in September this year, Trend reports, referring to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

During his visit, Ludger Schuknecht had productive meetings with Jamshid Khodjaev, Deputy Prime Minister, Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade, and also Chairman of the AIIB Board of Governors, as well as Ilkhom Makhkamov, Minister of Transport and Bobur Usmanov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. The topics of discussion included AIIB's projects under development as well as the start of preparations for the Annual Meeting.

Meanwhile, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Jin Liqun, President of AIIB, at the bank's headquarters in Beijing in January this year. During the meeting, a three-year investment program was signed. The visit of the President of Uzbekistan underscored the key role of AIIB in the country's efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

"We have successfully held constructive and productive discussions with our partners in Uzbekistan. I am encouraged by the country's commitment to progress and its willingness to engage in fruitful discussions, especially in the run-up to the AIIB Annual Meeting," Vice President Ludger Schuknecht noted.

A visit to Samarkand was one among the vice president's major highlights. He visited the SilkRoad Samarkand Congress Center, the site of the upcoming Annual Meeting, escorted by Samarkand's Deputy Khokim, the head of the executive branch. In addition, Schuknecht explored the city's historical monuments and became acquainted with the local way of life by sampling regional specialties that showcased the diverse culinary traditions of this remarkable area.

To note, today AIIB's investment portfolio in Uzbekistan amounts to more than $3 billion invested in 13 projects in the spheres of energy, transportation, green finance, and water infrastructure.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill Wednesday that would force short-video app TikTok, used by about 170 million Americans, to separate from its Chinese owner, ByteDance, or face a ban. VOA Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson says the Senate may not approve the bill.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish official in the United States, called on Israel Thursday to hold new elections, saying he believes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lost his way in the countrys bombardment of Gaza.

Schumer, long an ally of the Jewish state, said Netanyahu risks making his country a pariah in world affairs.

Since Hamas killed 1,200 people in Israel in a shock October 7 attack and took about 240 people hostage, Israels counteroffensive has killed more than 31,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The conflict has displaced half the enclaves 2.1 million people and leveled homes and buildings.

Schumer, the top Democrat in Congress, said Israel, in its air and ground attack on the narrow territory along the Mediterranean Sea, has been "too willing to tolerate the civilian toll in Gaza, which is pushing support for Israel worldwide to historic lows."

He said the "Israeli people are being stifled right now by a governing vision that is stuck in the past."

"As a democracy, Israel has the right to choose its own leaders, and we should let the chips fall where they may, Schumer said. But the important thing is that Israelis are given a choice. There needs to be a fresh debate about the future of Israel after October 7.

"In my opinion, that is best accomplished by holding an election," he said.

U.S. President Joe Biden has ignored the calls by some other world leaders for an immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, now in its sixth month. But for weeks, Biden, a staunch Israel ally, has pushed Netanyahu to control his countrys attack on Hamas to limit civilian casualties and work out terms of a six-week truce and the release of more hostages.

In a hot-mic moment while speaking to lawmakers after his State of the Union address last week, Biden promised a "come to Jesus" moment with Netanyahu over the prime ministers conduct of the war.

But talks on the limited halt in fighting stalled last week in Cairo.

After Schumers Senate speech, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said there would be no immediate change in U.S. policy toward the conflict, which has included sending arms to Israel.

Kirby said the U.S. would stay focused on making sure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself while doing everything that they can to avoid civilian casualties and, of course, we're still focused  laser focused  on trying to get a temporary cease-fire in place so that we can get the hostages out and get more aid into Gaza for famished Palestinians.

That's where our head is right now, Kirby concluded.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, the top Republican in the chamber, rebuked Schumer for his suggestion that Israel hold new elections.

It is grotesque and hypocritical for Americans who hyperventilate about foreign interference in our own democracy to call for the removal of the democratically elected leader of Israel, McConnell said.

This is unprecedented, he said. We should not treat fellow democracies this way at all.

Schumer said Netanyahu, who has long opposed Palestinian statehood, is one of several obstacles in the way of the two-state solution favored by the United States. Schumer also blamed right-wing Israelis, Hamas and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Schumer said that until none of them has a key role, "there will never be peace in Israel and Gaza and the West Bank."

It is not certain how Schumer's unusually direct call for a new election will be received in Israel. The next parliamentary elections are expected in 2026 but could be held before then.

Michael Herzog, Israels ambassador to the United States, called the speech counterproductive to our common goals on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

Israel is a sovereign democracy, Herzog said. It is unhelpful, all the more so as Israel is at war against the genocidal terror organization Hamas, to comment on the domestic political scene of a democratic ally.

Many Israelis hold Netanyahu responsible for failing to stop the October cross-border raid by Hamas, but the Israeli leader has refused to answer questions about any security shortcomings and said any intense review of security failures on October 7 must wait until after the war ends.
A U.S. special envoy on Wednesday urged Panama to stop Iranian ships from flying its flag, which allows Tehran to evade sanctions imposed by Washington.

The small Central American nation is the world leader in offering flags of convenience, which allow shipping companies to register their vessels in countries to which they have no link  for a fee and freedom from oversight.

"Iran and actors related to Iran are trying to evade sanctions here in Panama. They're trying to abuse Panama's flag registry," said Abram Paley, U.S. deputy special envoy for Iran.

Paley was visiting the country "to ensure Panama's shipping registry and jurisdiction is not abused by entities attempting to evade our sanctions on Iran."

According to the Panama Maritime Authority, the country has registered 8,540 ships, or 16 percent of the global fleet.

Washington suspects that Iran uses some of them to transport oil or its derivatives, so that it can bypass sanctions.

Iran has been under crippling U.S. sanctions since Washington's 2018 withdrawal from a landmark nuclear deal.

According to Paley, at least six ships flying the Panamanian flag have violated these sanctions since January.

The U.S. government accuses Iran of financing Yemen's Houthi rebels and other organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas with the revenue it receives from oil sales.

Experts say that rogue ship owners use the flag of convenience to bypass environmental regulations and labor laws and even conceal entirely who owns a specific ship.

"We expect that the Panamanian government will continue to work with us based on their domestic laws and international obligations," said Paley.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday visited a clinic that performs abortions in the Midwestern state of Minnesota in a show of Democratic support for womens reproductive rights.

Her office said it was the first time one of the top two U.S. leaders had ever visited such a medical facility.

The right to abortion remains a volatile issue ahead of the November national election in a country where typically more than 80,000 abortions are performed every month, even in the time since the U.S. Supreme Court two years ago overturned a nearly five-decade-old ruling that said women had a constitutional right to the procedure.

According to various studies, the number of U.S. abortions has dropped only incrementally since the ruling, even though 14 of the countrys 50 states have banned the procedure. Instead, women seeking to terminate pregnancies in states where it is illegal have traveled to states where abortions are still legal or have obtained medications to end their pregnancies at home.

Former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, has often boasted to his supporters that he appointed three conservative justices to the Supreme Court who were part of the 6-3 majority that overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision and was "proud to have done it."

Some Republican lawmakers have pushed for further abortion restrictions, such as limiting medical abortions. Trump has yet to weigh in with specific proposals, realizing that Democrats have won numerous elections and referendums supporting abortion rights since the Supreme Court ruling.

With that backdrop, Harris has been the most vocal Democrat in supporting abortion rights, traveling to several states while campaigning for reelection on the ticket led by President Joe Biden. She has called it a Fight for Reproductive Freedoms tour.

"In this environment, these attacks against an individual's right to make decisions about their whole body are outrageous, and in many instances, just immoral," Harris said at a Planned Parenthood facility in St. Paul, Minnesota. "How dare elected leaders believe they are in a better position to tell women what is in their best interest."

Ahead of her visit, about two dozen protesters gathered outside, holding signs with slogans such as Life is a human right, Theyre killing babies here and The real war on women. A heavy police and Secret Service presence surrounded the building in anticipation of the vice presidents arrival.

While Harris has been outspoken in specific support of abortion rights, Biden, a devout Catholic, has in a sense been more restrained.

At his State of the Union address before Congress and a national television audience a week ago, Biden said that if voters sent him "a Congress that supports the right to choose, I promise you I will restore Roe v. Wade as the law of the land again."

He invited Kate Cox, a Texas mother who was denied emergency abortion care and had to travel out of state to receive an abortion, as one of his guests for the annual speech.

What he did not say was the word abortion, even though it was in his prepared text for the evening.

Kellie Copeland, executive director of Pro-Choice Ohio, told NBC News, "It was wonderful to see Kate Cox and her story be uplifted, and, you know, condemn that she had to leave her state to get an abortion.

"But then to not say the word? Copeland said of Biden. I think it implies that it's taboo, and it's not. It was the health care that she needed. And it's the health care that many women, trans and nonbinary people have every right to."
Chinese drone maker DJI is expanding in the U.S. with its first flagship store in New York City amid allegations of links to human rights abuses and ties to Chinas military.

DJIs first concept North American store on New Yorks Fifth Avenue welcomes customers into a futuristic, minimalist space to shop. The company describes itself on its website as the world's leader in civil drones and creative camera technology.

"We continue to see growing consumer demand throughout North America as we expand our consumer product portfolio," said Christina Zhang, senior director of corporate strategy at DJI.

Headquartered in Shenzhen, China, the company was founded in 2006. DJI, also known as Da Jiang Innovations, has become the worlds largest drone maker, having achieved global dominance in less than 20 years. The company now supplies 70% of the world's consumer drones and nearly 80% of U.S. consumer drones.

Abuse allegations

On March 5, the day of DJIs official store opening in New York, the Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP), a Washington research and advocacy group, released a report titled Surveillance Tech Series: DJIs Links to Human Rights Abuses in East Turkistan.

The report accuses DJI of being involved in mass surveillance and rights violations against Uyghur, Kazakh, Kyrgyz and other Muslim communities in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, which the group calls East Turkistan.

DJI is directly involved in mass surveillance schemes in East Turkistan and has supplied public security agencies with tools to surveil and target Uyghurs, Kazakh, and Kyrgyz people, the UHRP report said. Xinjiang public security departments entered into seven procurement orders with DJI that were worth nearly US$300,000 between 2019 and 2022.

The report stated that DJI sells drones to Xinjiangs paramilitary organization, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, which the U.S. government sanctioned because of its connection with serious rights abuses against ethnic minorities in Xinjiang.

Other documents show tenders worth US$47,000 for DJI drones for the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, the UHRP report stated.

The report also said that a DJI drone captured footage of dozens of individuals, seemingly Uyghur prisoners, blindfolded and shackled at a train station in southern Xinjiang. The video, first released on YouTube in 2019, garnered widespread media attention.

Its unethical to support a company that knowingly engages in egregious rights violations, Nuzigum Setiwaldi, the reports author, told Voice of America.

The U.S. and several Western parliaments have accused China of genocide in Xinjiang, targeting Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim populations. The U.N. human rights office released a report saying the human rights violations in Xinjiang may amount to crimes against humanity. China criticized Western nations for spreading "lies" about human rights in Xinjiang and Tibet.

A spokesperson from DJI told VOA the company has not engaged in any activities, including sales distribution and product development, that violate or abuse human rights.

Like other manufacturers, we do not have control over how our products are used as they are available off the shelf, wrote a DJI spokesperson in an email response. However, we have demonstrated  through years of investments in product safety and security initiatives  that our products are developed for peaceful and civilian use only.

Chinese military company or not?

In 2022, The Washington Post reported that DJI obscured ties to Chinese government funding.

In the same year, the U.S. Department of Defense classified DJI as a "Chinese military company." As of January, DJI remains on the list of such companies operating in the United States. The department said it maintains companies on the list to counter China's Military-Civil Fusion strategy, which supports the modernization of the Chinese army.

Reuters reported that former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, who ran the U.S. Justice Department from 2015 to 2017 and is now with the Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison law firm, wrote a letter to the Defense Department last July on behalf of DJI, urging the removal of her client from the Pentagon's Chinese military companies list.

In her letter, Lynch cited the importance and urgency of such a move because of the wide use of and dependence on DJI products by a variety of U.S. stakeholders.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) warned in January that Chinese-made drones posed significant risk to U.S. national security and critical infrastructure.

[T]he PRCs 2017 National Intelligence Law compels Chinese companies to cooperate with state intelligence services, including providing access to data collected within China and around the world, CISA said in its cybersecurity guidance on Chinese manufactured drones or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

However, DJIs spokesperson told VOA that DJI is not a Chinese military company.

According to DJI, the company remains one of the few drone companies that clearly denounce and actively discourage the use of drones in combat.

We do not pursue business opportunities for combat use or operations. Our distributors, resellers and other business partners globally have also committed to following this policy when they sell and use our products, DJI spokesperson said.
By Kate Bartlett

JOHANNESBURG  South Africas president has slammed a request by the countrys main opposition party that the U.S. help monitor upcoming elections. The governing party says the request is misguided given issues with the Wests own polls.

A letter by South Africas leading opposition party, the Democratic Alliance or DA, to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other Western governments asking for help monitoring South Africas May 29 election, caused a political furor this week.

South Africa is well-regarded as having held free and fair polls in the past, but the DAs letter asks for foreign help to safeguard the integrity of what it notes will be the most crucial election in 30 years of democracy.

A new poll this week showed the governing African National Congress getting just 39% of the vote, which would mean losing its majority for the first time, since 1994 in the first post-apartheid elections.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said the DAs letter was disingenuous as the country has always employed international election observers and accused the opposition of trying to mortgage the countrys sovereignty to foreign powers.

South African International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor said, "To write such a letter, particularly to countries that don't have observation and very low participation rates in their elections, is rather surprising and a demeaning attitude about South Africa."

Meanwhile, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, an ANC spokesperson, said the Wests own elections have not always been without controversy.

Despite our impeccable track record of running free and fair elections in South Africa, weve never sought to comment on the elections in the West, even when their own citizens question the credibility of their electoral processes, she said.

While she did not mention the U.S. directly, some South Africans have pointed to disputes over American elections; for example in 2000 when George W. Bush beat Al Gore, and in 2020 when Donald Trump falsely declared the election had been stolen.

Asanda Ngoasheng, a political analyst, said the U.S. had its own political troubles.

I think its ironic that the DA has sent the letter that it sent because in the United States former President Trump is still to this day challenging their last election, she said.

Asked to respond to the backlash, DA shadow minister for international relations Emma Powell doubled down.

It is clear however that the ANCs ferocious response to the request made by opposition parties for observer support is because the ANC themselves have something to hide, she said.

The U.S. has distanced itself from the controversy.

David S. Feldmann, mission spokesperson at U.S. Embassy Pretoria told VOA, South Africa is a sovereign democracy that runs its own electoral processes. The Independent Electoral Commission has a longstanding and excellent reputation for conducting free and fair elections.
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA  A suspect has been arrested in the fatal stabbing attack on three Coptic Orthodox Church monks at a monastery in South Africa, police said Wednesday.

The monks were killed Tuesday at the Saint Mark the Apostle and Saint Samuel the Confessor Monastery in Cullinan, a town east of the capital, Pretoria. A fourth person was beaten with an iron rod before escaping and hiding in the monastery, police said.

The suspect arrested was a 35-year-old man. Police did not provide his name or other details. He is to appear in court on Thursday.

The motive for the attack was unclear. It appeared that nothing was stolen from the monastery, police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said in a statement.

Police had said Tuesday that they were seeking multiple suspects.

Deadly attacks on churches and other places of worship in South Africa are rare.

The Coptic Orthodox Church has its headquarters in Egypt and dioceses in several countries. It is one of the oldest Christian communities in the world and has been the target of deadly attacks by Islamic militants in Egypt and elsewhere.

The attacks in Egypt have subsided recently amid tighter security around Christian places of worship in the Muslim-majority country.

The Coptic Orthodox Church named the monks killed in South Africa as Hegumen Takla el-Samuely, Yostos ava Markos and Mina ava Markos. All three were Egyptian nationals.

The Coptic Orthodox Church of South Africa said that el-Samuely was the deputy of the local diocese.

The Coptic church has its own pope, currently Pope Tawadros II. The South African diocese said he was aware of the attack and was "waiting to be informed of its causes."

The Egyptian ambassador to South Africa visited the monastery following the attack, the Coptic Orthodox Church of South Africa said. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said it was in communication with the embassy in South Africa.
Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry said early Friday that Israeli fire killed 20 people and wounded 155 waiting to receive desperately needed aid in the besieged territory, but Israel said the reports were "erroneous".

Efforts mounted on Thursday to get more aid into the devastated Palestinian territory, where fighting still rages after mediators failed to reach a truce for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The health ministry said in a statement that citizens had gathered at a roundabout in Gaza City in the north when they were fired upon by Israeli forces, revising upward an initial toll of 11 killed and 100 wounded.

Mohammed Ghurab, director of emergency services at a hospital in northern Gaza, told AFP there were "direct shots by the occupation forces" on people who had gathered at the roundabout to wait for a food truck.

An AFP journalist on the scene saw several bodies and people who had been shot.

The Israeli military denied it had opened fire on the crowd of Gazans waiting for aid.

"Press reports that Israeli forces attacked dozens of Gazans at an aid distribution point are erroneous," it said in a brief statement, adding that it was "analyzing the incident seriously".

- 'No alternative' -

UN agencies have warned of famine in Gaza, which Israel besieged after the unprecedented attack by Hamas militants on October 7.

The humanitarian emergency has forced some countries to use airdrops and sea routes for aid supplies because of limited land access to Gaza via Jordan, Israel and Egypt.

The Spanish aid vessel Open Arms, towing about 200 tonnes of food, was nearing Israel's coast after departing Cyprus on Tuesday, the Marinetraffic website showed on Thursday.

Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said a second, bigger vessel was being readied for the maritime aid corridor, which will be complemented by a temporary pier to be built off Gaza by US troops.

However, the air and sea missions are "no alternative" to land deliveries, 25 organisations including Amnesty International and Oxfam said in a statement.

Dire shortages have left many scrambling for scraps of aid, among them Mokhles al-Masry, 27, who was displaced from Beit Hanoun to Beit Lahia in northern Gaza.

"There is no food, nothing to feed our children. We can't even find a bottle of baby milk. We've been wandering around since early morning, hoping that a plane would drop parachutes," he said.

Amnesty's secretary general, Agnes Callamard, said the decision to build the pier, could enable the provision of more than two million meals a day, suggested that the international community seemed to accept that the war will drag on.

- Netanyahu doubles down -

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doubled down on Thursday on pledges to invade Rafah in the south, where most of Gaza's population has sought refuge and Israel is threatening a ground assault.

"There is international pressure to prevent us from entering Rafah and completing the job," Netanyahu said.

"I will continue to repel the pressures and we will enter Rafah... and bring complete victory to the people of Israel," he said during a visit to a field intelligence base.

Around 1.5 million Palestinians have sought refuge along Gaza's southern border with Egypt in and around Rafah.

Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said late Wednesday a "significant" number of them would need to be moved "to a humanitarian island that we will create with the international community".

The Israeli military said on Thursday it was "raiding Hamas's hideouts and military strongholds" in southern Gaza's main city of Khan Yunis.

In central Israel, police said a Gaza-raised Palestinian had stabbed a soldier in a shopping centre. The soldier shot his attacker dead before dying from his injuries, they said.

- 'Qatari pressure on Hamas' -

The war began with the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel that resulted in about 1,160 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official figures.

Israel has carried out a relentless campaign of bombardment and ground operations in Gaza in retaliation, killing at least 31,341 people, most of them civilians, according to Gaza's health ministry.

Hamas militants also seized about 250 Israeli and foreign hostages, dozens of whom were released during a week-long truce in November. Israel believes about 130 of the captives remain in Gaza and that 32 are dead.

Activists and families of Israeli hostages kept up pressure for their negotiated release, again blocking a Tel Aviv highway in protest on Thursday.

And, in a sign of mounting US exasperation with Netanyahu, US Senate leader Chuck Schumer called for a snap election in Israel, describing the veteran hawk as one of several "major obstacles" to a two-state solution and peace.

Washington and other powers have called for a reformed Palestinian Authority to take charge of all Palestinian territories after the war.

The White House welcomed Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas's appointment of Mohammed Mustafa, a long-trusted adviser on economic affairs, as prime minister three weeks after his predecessor resigned.

US, Egyptian and Qatari mediators failed to broker a new truce in time for Ramadan but Netanyahu said Thursday there was now "Qatari pressure on Hamas".

"As of this moment, there has been no real response from Hamas. They are still clinging to unacceptable demands," he told representatives of hostages' families.

"As a result of our pressure... and also with your help, we are seeing -- for the first time -- Qatari pressure on Hamas."

The war has resulted in severe shortages of medical supplies across Gaza, with only a fraction of hospitals partially functioning.

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said aid had been delivered to Al-Aqsa hospital in central Gaza, which he said was "struggling with water, sanitation, hygiene and waste management".

Two of the hospital's warehouses were being used to shelter 7,000 displaced people, Tedros said.

bur-jsa/imm/pbt/cwl
Watch export statistics clearly show that the USA is back as a major industry force. As confirmed by The Mercury Project, after a 17-month downturn, retail sales of watches and jewellery in the country are growing once again

Could the industry-wide obsession with China have run its course? For several years now, watchmaking and jewellery industry leaders have been fixated on markets in the Far East, where the tigers have been roaring with unrestrained ferocity. And who can blame them, given the extraordinary potential of the region, which is inexorably shifting the centre of gravity of global growth. However, the Covid pandemic reshuffled the deck, at least for a while. Although everyone expected the Chinese dragon to rebound in spectacular fashion, its return has proved less vigorous than anticipated, largely due to the prolonged lockdown. Chinese economic growth barely exceeded 5% in 2023, and forecasts for the current year are even more pessimistic, with GDP expected to grow by a modest 4.6%, according to a Reuters survey. Swiss watch export statistics provide a glimpse of this trend: although 2023 ended with a 7.6% increase in shipments of watch products to China compared to the previous year, which aligns with the average across all markets, a comparison with 2021 still shows a decline of nearly 7%.

Tiffany in New York  Benjamin Jopen

While the statistics provided by the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH) do not reflect sales to end customers, they nevertheless point to an unmistakable general trend. Data for the United States is particularly telling, with a 7% increase in exports last year compared to 2022 and, more significantly, a 35% increase over two years. In absolute figures, at the end of last year the United States represented a market worth CHF 4.2 billion in terms of watch exports, compared to CHF 2.8 billion for China. Not long ago, in 2020, this order was reversed, with an all-powerful China occupying first place (CHF 2.4 billion), ahead of the United States (CHF 2 billion) and Hong Kong (CHF 1.7 billion). Crossing the Pacific, the outlook could not be more different. The trend observed in the United States is consistent with the economic climate and the performance of the stock market. The feeling of wellbeing that can currently be observed there is probably a contributing factor. We have seen a gradual acceleration throughout the quarter, peaking in December, notes Burkhart Grund, CFO of Richemont, referring to the groups Q4 results for the 2023 financial year. This provides a perfect demonstration of the positive results from the American market, where the group achieved sales growth of 8% at constant exchange rates, exceeding 10% in December.

The rush to the Big Apple

The Mercury Projects survey on watch and jewellery retail sales in the United States notes a particularly favourable holiday season for the sector. In a year marked by concerns about inflation, rising interest rates and household debt, American consumers were back in watch and jewellery boutiques at the end of 2023, the consulting firm explains. In December alone, sales increased by 5.6% compared to the previous year, after a 3.1% increase in November, helping to boost the last quarter. For 2023 as a whole, the Mercury Project puts watch and jewellery retail sales slightly down by 2.2% to $96 billion, a result very close to the record $99 billion recorded in 2022.

Cartier on 5th Avenue  Harold Wainwright

To illustrate its point, the Mercury Project also cites the results of Watches of Switzerland in the United States, up 8% in the last quarter of 2023, as well as those of Walmart, the USAs number two in the sector, with estimated annual sales of $3.3 billion in 2022. From November 2023 to the end of January 2024, Walmarts watch and jewellery turnover increased by 4%. The favourable climate in a market that is once again easily the biggest consumer of Swiss watch exports is clearly incentivising investment. Uncle Sam has overseen the opening of countless new stores in recent months, many of them in New York, where everyone is rushing to establish a presence. Cartier has just opened its third point of sale there, while Chanel has launched an exclusive watch and jewellery boutique on 5th Avenue. They are joined by A. Lange & Sohne and Panerai, now on Madison Avenue, as well as Breitling, IWC, Swarovski and Citizen. Breitling and Tiffany have launched major refurbishment projects. In 2024, its not just the elections that are causing a buzz!
An elite French university was dragged into the national spotlight on Wednesday as its director quit over alleged domestic violence and a pro-Palestinian demonstration sparked accusations of anti-Semitism.

Mathias Vicherat, director of the prestigious Sciences Po school in Paris, said he was stepping down after being ordered to stand trial in a domestic violence case.

Students demanded his resignation after he and his partner Anissa Bonnefont were briefly detained in December, each accusing the other of domestic violence.

Sciences Po, founded in 1872, is a hugely influential cornerstone of French elite education and a cradle of political power.

Its alumni list features President Emmanuel Macron and several former French and foreign leaders, as well as top names in literature, media, culture and fashion.

Vicherat, 45, said he was resigning to "protect" the school from any fallout from the domestic violence case.

"What counts here is not me but the institution," he said.

Accusations of violence against him had been made in a "vague manner", Vicherat said, and the legal system would "allow the facts to be established".

The criminal case was brought by prosecutors, as neither Vicherat nor his former partner filed any legal complaint.

- 'People would step down' -

The Paris prosecutors' office confirmed that both had been served a summons on charges of reciprocal domestic violence "leading to an incapacity to work of more than eight days".

The case will go to trial in the autumn, added a source close to the investigation who asked not to be named.

Vicherat already stepped aside temporarily in January after a preliminary investigation was launched and students blockaded the school, protesting against what they said was "impunity" for people committing "sexual and sexist violence".

Sciences Po students welcomed his decision to quit but regretted that the matter had dragged on for so long.

Lachlan, an Australian exchange student who declined to give his last name, said: "If something like this happens in my country, people would step down quite quickly."

A French student, who declined to give her name, said Sciences Po "should apply the values that they advertise".

Sciences Po's reputation had already been tarnished when Vicherat's predecessor Frederic Mion was accused of covering up incest allegations against star political scientist Olivier Duhamel.

After Mion resigned in 2021, Vicherat took over, saying the fight against sexual violence was an "absolute priority".

Meanwhile, more controversy struck the Sciences Po campus after around 100 students occupying the main lecture hall as part of a pro-Palestinian demonstration on Tuesday were accused of barring entry to a Jewish student and insulting her.

The student, a member of the Union of Jewish Students in France (UEJF) that claims a national membership of 15,000, was greeted with shouts of "Don't let her in, she's a Zionist", the union said on X.

- 'Unspeakable and perfectly intolerable' -

The incident sparked condemnation at the highest level of government, with Macron telling Wednesday's cabinet meeting that the remarks were "unspeakable and perfectly intolerable".

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and Higher Education Minister Sylvie Retailleau went to the Sciences Po Foundation's board to "underline the seriousness" of what happened and urged the university to remain a "place of teaching" and "healthy debates", its management said.

The management added it was taking legal action over anti-Semitic acts and said it regretted a "hardening" of relations between students and the "embedding of an unacceptable poisonous climate".

But students on the ground said the government should be more circumspect in its condemnation.

"It's really sad that unverified information is taken directly to the French president," said one student who declined to be named. "We don't tolerate any form of anti-Semitism."

Another student told AFP that the Jewish student had been denied access to the lecture hall because "she previously intimidated pro-Palestinian students" at the protest.

The student had been the only representative of the Jewish student union to be barred from entering.

"Other UEJF members were able to take part in the debates," said the student, who declined to give her name.

France is home to the world's largest Jewish population after Israel and the United States, as well as Europe's biggest Muslim community.

The country has seen a rise in pro-Palestinian protests since militant group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, sparking a retaliatory Israeli military campaign in the besieged Palestinian territory of Gaza.

Anti-Semitic acts in France have also increased, according to the Council of Jewish Institutions in France.

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A United States special envoy on Wednesday urged Panama to stop Iranian ships from flying its flag, which allows Tehran to evade sanctions imposed by Washington.

The small Central American nation is the world leader in offering flags of convenience, which allow shipping companies to register their vessels in countries to which they have no link -- for a fee and freedom from oversight.

"Iran and actors related to Iran are trying to evade sanctions here in Panama. They're trying to abuse Panama's flag registry," said Abram Paley, US deputy special envoy for Iran.

Paley was visiting the country "to ensure Panama's shipping registry and jurisdiction is not abused by entities attempting to evade our sanctions on Iran."

According to the Panama Maritime Authority, the country has registered 8,540 ships, about 16 percent of the global fleet.

Washington suspects that some of them are used by Iran to transport oil or its derivatives, to bypass sanctions.

Iran has been under debilitating US sanctions since Washington's 2018 withdrawal from a landmark nuclear deal.

According to Paley, at least six ships flying the Panamanian flag have violated these sanctions since January.

Panama's Deputy Foreign Minister Vladimir Franco said on social media platform X that he had met with Paley for talks on "maritime cooperation" between the two countries.

The US government accuses Iran of financing Yemen's Huthi rebels and other organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas with the revenue it receives from oil sales.

Experts say that rogue ship owners use the flag of convenience to bypass environmental regulations and labor laws and even conceal entirely who owns a specific ship.

"We expect that the Panamanian government will continue to work with us based on their domestic laws and international obligations," said Paley.

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US Vice President Kamala Harris toured an abortion clinic Thursday, highlighting the key election issue of reproductive rights in what is believed to be the first such visit by a president or vice president.

"We have to be a nation that trusts women," the Democrat said as she met staff at the Planned Parenthood center in Saint Paul in the Midwestern state of Minnesota.

"These attacks against an individual's right to make decisions about their own body are outrageous," said Harris, who is the first female, Black and South Asian vice president in US history.

The landmark visit is part of Harris's nationwide tour focusing on the emotive issue following the conservative-dominated US Supreme Court's 2022 decision to reverse the nationwide right to abortion.

US President Joe Biden's reelection campaign has highlighted the issue as a vote winner, with his Republican rival Donald Trump repeatedly claiming credit for picking the justices who enabled the decision.

Twenty-one states brought in full or partial abortion bans since the Supreme Court decision, while some Republicans are pushing for a nationwide ban.

About two dozen anti-abortion protesters rallied outside the clinic Harris visited, holding signs that read "Planned Parenthood = Abortion" and "Abortion is not health care."

Harris described abortion opponents as "extremists."

She praised staff at the clinic, saying they had "dedicated their lives to the profession of providing health care in a safe place that gives people dignity."

- 'Extreme' -

A White House official said Harris would hear stories during her visit about "how Minnesota has been impacted by extreme abortion bans in other states," with women having to travel out of state for the procedure.

Biden fiercely defended reproductive rights in his annual State of the Union address to Congress last week, warning Republican anti-abortion lawmakers of the "power of women."

He also pledged to resist any attempt to bring in a federal abortion ban and said he would push to enshrine the right to the procedure in law if he wins a second term.

The White House has highlighted the erosion of reproductive rights in the United States since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 ruling which had protected abortion access nationwide.

Biden is a devout Catholic, but as president he has stood firm in his support for abortion access.

Such protections have prevailed on every state ballot initiative related to the issue since Roe was overturned, giving Democrats hope it will be at the front of voters' minds in November.

First Lady Jill Biden hosted two figures in the reproductive rights fight for the president's speech last week.

One was Kate Cox, a Texas mother who sued last year for the right to an abortion, but was forced to travel out of state for the emergency termination of her nonviable pregnancy.

Also present was Latorya Beasley of Alabama, whose in-vitro fertilization process was interrupted when the state's supreme court ruled last month that frozen embryos should be considered children.

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Kate Middleton hasn't been seen in public since her mysterious abdominal surgery, and the recent scandal over a photoshopped portrait of the Princess of Wales with her children has sown wild conspiracy theories about her whereabouts and the reasons for her long absence. One of them once again drew attention to Rose Hanbury, Prince William's "country mistress." Internet users and some journalists have speculated that the future king is cheating on his wife, although there is still no direct evidence of this  only rumors that have been circulating since 2019 when the network first started talking about the "affair" William and Rose.

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"The kingdom was worried about Kate Middleton's disappearance. Now, Internet detectives are suggesting that Kate's absence may be related to the affair of her husband, the future King of Britain, William," comedian and showman Stephen Colbert said bluntly on Tuesday's episode of his evening show. This was reported by the New York Post .

If not for a suspicious photo of Catherine with a bad photoshop, no one would have started talking about William's "betrayal" again. However, the lack of adequate communication from the palace has provoked a series of speculations around Hanbury, Middleton, and the prince.

Who is Rose Hanbury?

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Hanbury, 39, is a member of William and Kate's inner circle. Her connection to the royal family goes back generations, as her grandmother, Lady Elizabeth Lambart, was one of the bridesmaids at the wedding of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1947.

Since 2009, Rose has been married to David Rocksavage, 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley. The couple lives in the family estate in Norfolk, Houghton Hall, not far from Anmer Hall, the estate of William and Kate.

The Marquis and Marquess are known to be in touch with the Prince and Princess of Wales. The former attended the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, as well as the coronation of King Charles III in May 2023. Their 15-year-old son, Lord Oliver Cholmondeley, was one of the guests of honor at the coronation, along with Prince George, the eldest son of William and Kate. The couple has two other children: Oliver's twin Alexander Hugh and eight-year-old Iris Marina Aline.

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Before her marriage, Hanbury worked as a research assistant for Conservative MP Michael Gove. She also pursued a career in modeling but gave it up after her marriage. Today, Hanbury's official title is the Marquess of Cholmondeley.

Rumors of Prince William's infidelity

Rumors of an alleged affair between William and Rose Hanbury made a lot of noise back in 2019 when it was first talked about. It was reported then that the Marquess of Cholmondeley was allegedly a friend of Kate Middleton, and they had a falling out in 2019. Whether this is true or just another guess by journalists remains to be seen.

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In 2022, the Instagram gossip account Deuxmoi posted a message claiming that the British royal couple's "extramarital affair is an open secret." The post did not specify that it was about William, but fans drew this conclusion. The prince's lawyer denied all the speculation, calling it "false and very harmful."

Moreover, it is rumored that William's "betrayal" was the reason why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle "left" the royal family. The situation, as described in the rumors, was as follows: Markle allegedly found out that William was having an affair with Rose Hanbury and immediately went to Kate Middleton, telling her that tolerating infidelity was disrespectful to herself.

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Kate, on the other hand, knowing full well about her husband's infidelities, decided to go to William and asked him to have a conversation with her brother to "reason with Meghan Markle." William did just that. Rumor has it that he did not speak well of Meghan, and was slapped in the face for it. Eventually, this scandal led to the loudest royal quarrel of the century.

As you know, on January 16, Kate Middleton was hospitalized for abdominal surgery. Representatives of Kensington Palace reported at the time that the 42-year-old Princess of Wales would stay in the hospital for about two weeks, after which she would not appear in public until Easter. The mysterious illness sparked many rumors among fans of the British royal family, but the circumstances became even more strange after a photo of Catherine with her children was published on Mother's Day.

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Journalists found out that the photo was "fake." They even conducted an investigation and published the image's metadata, which proved that the photo was photoshopped. However, the most interesting thing is that after removing the badly edited image, the palace refused to publish the original one, because it probably doesn't exist.

Later, fans of the royal family discovered another possible sign of editing in a recent photo of the Welsh couple. The picture shows Prince William and Kate Middleton leaving Windsor Castle. However, the bricks behind the car do not match the color of the bricks seen through the car window.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Feud Phantasm Forgiveness Season 2 Episode 8 Editors Rating 2 stars * *  Previous Next  Previous Episode Next Episode  Photo: FX

Truman Capote died in Joanne Carsons Bel Air home on August 25, 1984. Decades after first having dreamed up his Proustian magnum opus, Answered Prayers, he left behind no discernible manuscript of said project. There were bits and pieces, yes. Snippets and jotted ideas  some semblance of chapters. Even those who have read the posthumously published version of Answered Prayers (primarily a collection of published excerpts, La Cote Basque included) know it to be not just unfinished but arguably fragmented. You get the sense that Capote may never have figured out how best to string together his many ideas for this ambitious endeavor.

If youre watching Feuds finale episode (or reading this recap) thinking, We know this, and?, youre not alone. We have known and seen this and seem to be (re)treading familiar ground with very little that adds to this fictionalized retelling of what remains, even in hindsight, as a petty feud blown out of proportion. So what can Feud: Capote vs. the Swans offer us in its final installment that doesnt feel like a rerun of things weve seen and heard for the past seven episodes? Not much, as it turns out, though writer Jon Robin Baitz tries his best to offer a fitful epilogue for this meta meditation on the end of an era and the difficulty of writing endings  and apologies, in turn.

And so, with this final episode, Phantasm Forgiveness, Feud season two takes a stab at imagining what the many versions of Answered Prayers could have been, offering us examples of what Capotes oft-promised triumphant treasure trove of literary gossip could have looked like. Equal parts eulogy for a time gone by and thinly veiled narrative versions of Im sorry, these vignettes of P. B. Jones (Capotes autobiographical protagonist) and his swans are, as Capotes ghostly mother taunts him throughout the episode in drunken bouts of hallucinatory hazes, of varying quality.

Theres no discernible raison detre, as Jessica Langes Lillie Mae puts it at one point. She could well be talking about Phantasm Forgiveness, which borrows the picaresque structure of Answered Prayers to reunite Truman (a.k.a. P. B. Jones) with his swans after setting up the novel and episode as a good-bye to their time together. Truman, egged on by Jack once more (now dating a much younger man whos all too eager to meet Truman) gets to writing an opener that finds his characters gathered back at La Cote Basque before the famed restaurant closes its doors. As Truman tells Jack, he knows hes seeking forgiveness and can only hope his swans understand hes offering them a heartfelt apology. From La Cote, P. B. Jones surveys his friends and then daydreams about possible endings for everyone (but Babe). Lets look at the endings Truman dreams up.

C.Z. a.k.a. Kiki

Given how close C.Z. and Truman remained, it makes sense that Trumans imagined sojourn with Sevignys laced-up socialite (who, lets not forget, once posed nude for Diego Rivera!) would be a road-trip romp out west. But not before C.Z. berates Truman for having so soiled his reputation and his friendships. It wasnt just that hed aired everyones dirty laundry. It was that hed done so without an ounce of the literary flair  let alone the literary success  that wouldve made it worth it. Two-dimensional cave scratchings, she calls his writing. Thats what he shouldve apologized for.

Its all rather didactic, both for Capote and for Baitz, a way to vocalize what Feud has been presumably showing us this entire time. That it then leads to a spur-of-the-moment trip out west, where C.Z. and Truman end up gifting C.Z.s infamous Rivera nude portrait to a random bar outpost in the desert, feels, well, light. Or, as Lilli Mae puts it, rather stiff. Lets try and make it a little less fruity, she venomously suggests. Maybe a drink will help. Yes, in Baitzs imagination, Capotes alcoholism is figured by his mothers ghost; he has little agency in all of it, merely accepting drinks from her without much protestation.

Slim a.k.a. Lady Ina Coolbirth

The drinking leads Truman to conjure up a happenstance meeting with Slim, who spews angered bile Trumans way in the middle of the streets of Manhattan. Shes clearly still furious over what he wrote. But all she needed, it seems, was a way to let it all out. After the screaming match, she allows Truman to follow her home, where shes packing her very expensive china ahead of her upcoming move. Not that anyone will care about it where shes going: Why not smash it, then? Truman insists; no better way to release all that anger, no? If the plate smashing that follows feels cliched and a bit beneath Capotes literary prowess, its because it does have the feel of a rather stilted reconciliation, the kind a drunken writer would resort to if hed hope to make the most easily achievable reconciliation.

Lilli Mae, here standing in as Trumans literary conscience, insists he tries harder and plumb deeper. Maybe some pills will help. Okay, so maybe shes less his literary conscience than his unconscious, all guilt and baseless desires wrapped into ghostly recriminations.

Lee (as herself)

As one of the few swans who was name-checked as herself in the original La Cote Basque, Lee here again needs no alter ego. Truman first imagines her dining with Jackie, whom she clearly despises, thinking her more famous sister purloined everything she ever wanted and prided herself on. But her encounter with Truman finds the hustler turned writer gifting his former friend the memoir shed always hoped to write  and goes one step further, offering to help her get rid of her most recent mistake (that husband of hers who cruises for boys left and right). Channeling Capotes more mordantly morbid sensibility, this vignette finds Truman and Lee planning on poisoning her husband, Herbert Ross, with a shot of nicotine to the back of the ear  a trick Truman had learned long ago  and which would, perhaps, free Lee to find her footing once more.

These phantom chapters are proof that Truman is losing his grip on reality  and has, perhaps, also lost touch with the literary Zeitgeist. We keep seeing him trying to write in his New York City apartment as Lilli Mae (and later Ann Woodward) taunts him. His mother eggs him to confront their own family history. He should write about her, the Black Swan. Wouldnt her suicide make for a juicy tale? Why has he shied away from it? Might Answered Prayers be a way not to merely atone for what he did to Babe and her friends, but a way to avenge his mother, to eulogize the world she so desperately wanted to belong to and yet could never feel at home in? As ever, all of these theories are merely thrown into the ether and not examined further; instead, we see Truman going out west to spend time with Joanne, where hell hopefully finish the book. Or maybe he has finished but has decided to burn it at the behest of Anns fashionable ghost? Thats the image Feud gives us: a completed manuscript burnt to a crisp as Capote hopes that gesture will allow him to keep his soul.

But we know what happened after all: He did go west. He did try to write more. He failed. He drank. He (as Feud tells it) imagined seeing his mom and Ann taunting him. He almost drowned. And then eventually died. Since wed already witnessed much of this last week, Phantasm Forgiveness mostly skips through Capotes final days and Joannes slight guilt at not being able to help him in the end.

This brings us to 2016. Thats the year Capotes ashes (part of Joannes estate) were auctioned. Kate Harrington, who we imagine was able to benefit from Trumans stewardship after all, is shown trying to nab them but ultimately loses the bid to an unknown buyer in New York. The swans, dressed to the nines as in their prime, look on, aghast in their ghostly presence at what their beloved city has become (Nothings a little like New York anymore. Not even New York), and exit into a white light as if their time has finally come now that Trumans ashes will return him to the city he so loved. Theyve not been reunited with him, alas, but now, thanks to Baitz and this show, they will be further tied to his legacy. It all amounts to a rather maudlin swan song, literary fan fiction given the prestige-TV treatment. Its a series that should have heeded Capotes love of the short story and embraced a brisk brevity that would have made its retelling all the more impactful.

I dont want love; I want forgiveness, Truman says at the start of the episode. Its unclear whether Feud rewards the late writer with either, both within the tale here being told or in 2024, when audiences may be first introduced to the In Cold Blood author. He is given the final word on this feud with his swans (Sevignys C.Z. had said as much in last weeks episode), but I dont know that Baitz eventually settles on a particularly satisfying final word for him.

Wit vs. Beauty

 Ill admit, Im struggling to see any cemetery scene these days without flashing back to Saltburn, though here, at least Truman kept his clothes on while lying next to Babes plot.

 If nothing else, let Feud remind audiences (and casting agents!) of Demi Moores dazzling screen presence. Her Ann Woodward may have been the swan we spent the least amount of time with, but my God, did she make every gesture and every scathing line feel like an event. And in her scenes in this episode, with fabulous black, almost funereal ensembles, shes never looked as great.

 Im never one to begrudge more airtime for Jessica Lange, here doing her best in a bit role as Trumans mother, but did we really need to see those flashbacks where a young Truman is locked out of his mothers bedroom as she seduces a new beau to understand why a drunken grown-up Truman spent his life pursuing women who would serve as surrogate mothers and yet who clearly harbored a distaste for him and his effeminacy?

 If Im taking anything away from Feuds finale episode, its the constant fear that someone will critique my writing as frilly, which I long thought would have been a compliment. However, as Lange delivered, it does feel like the worst review any writer could get.
We open on the St. Louis skyline, the impressive shape and shimmer of the Gateway Arch front and center. Its hardly Tokyo, but it suggests a parallel urban-sprawl environment. Zoom out further, and well be at a dull, steadily bustling airport terminal. Jake has just landed, and his sister, Jessica (Sarah Sawyer), is there with a corny sign in hand to pick him up. Soon they are out on the wide-open American highway, welcomed home by a cascade of garish billboards and getting real about Jessicas depression for just a second  all a cursed precursor to a long-awaited (and dreaded) Adelstein reunion that has all the makings of an Ari Aster movie.

And the cringe cranks up to 11 the second Jake and Jessica roll up on their childhood home. Jakes mom (Jessica Hecht) meets them at the front door with a lilting, put-upon mothers rasp in her voice and a passive aggressive didnt think youd show with her hug hello. Jakes dad (Danny Burstein) is hanging lights in the backyard for the big 60th-birthday bash when Jake walks up on him for another warm but awkward greeting. I passed over the international dateline, so its kind of like going back in time, Jake says in a feeble attempt to keep the mood light. If only such a thing were possible, his dad replies.

Things go on like this for the rest of the night. Jake puts on a good show for his folks, drawing a crowd with jokes about subway groping clubs and yakuza mob bosses getting thrown out of their windows in Tokyo  all the while fielding pointed responses like youve been missed and a not-so-impromptu job offer from one of Jakes heroes, a senior editor at the St. Louis Dispatch.

When you lose track of who you used to be, its harder to get home, he advises Jake. But maybe the reporters who get away from home are happier that way, Jake retorts. Maybe. Or maybe they just got lost. What might otherwise be a helpful invitation to keep one foot at home, to remember your roots as grounding for the path forward, lands more like a prophecy, even as Jake goes through the motions of a good eldest-son speech to close out his dads big night. He emphasizes his dads huge heart, big enough for everyone, and quietly undercuts it with a whole thing about being taught to work with your full heart. The old everything I am is what you taught me to be, so there type of thing you end up half-telepathically broadcasting to your parent at some point in your 20s.

Later on, Jake and his dad share the last beer of the night by the fire, and they both talk around whats really nagging at them. Dad comes on strong with talk of moving home and raising a family, but the American suburban plan for happiness isnt really his chief concern. Jake asserts he is happy in Tokyo, and thats when it comes out. Thats the whole thing, son, his dad says. Its over there. And we dont know because were not a part of it. Jake says he wants to change that, but is that something hes capable of when so much of his life is about running from his familys baggage? From the minute Jake landed on American soil, hes been looking for confirmation that Jessica is fine, her depression is under control, and his parents are gliding happily into their golden years. And the more hes confronted with the realities of his familys life, the harder it is for him to make space for them, whether at home or a million miles away.

Back in Tokyo, Ishidas funeral draws all the major friends and enemies of Chihara-kai out into the light. A couple of yakuza in the crowd act as our Greek chorus, giving us the lay of the land, such as it is: Ishida was cautious. He kept things on the table. Hayama, not so much. The arrangement is temporary until Old Man Tanaka chooses a new oyabun for Chihara-kai. Meanwhile, Tozawas numbers are growing. I feel we may have to bow our heads, one says. Or we will end as Ishida did.

From day one, Hayama has been an exceptionally obtrusive presence, but all his swag and blunder are completely dwarfed in the face of Tozawa, who shows up to the funeral like hes the thundering sky itself, dishing out rain overhead. Take your hand off me or Ill tear out your throat. Hayamas knee-jerk reaction to Tozawas thinly veneered, cool-as-ice threat clearly demonstrates to everyone in attendance that Hayama is an angry little boy in a serious mans strategic brawl.

That bastard! Hayama exclaims at dinner later on. Well return the favor at his funeral. Sato, tell the men to get their weapons. One last time, Sato tries in vain to calm Hayama down and get him to take the logical route of action. Wait to attack when they have proof of Tozawa being behind the hit. Otherwise, theyll alienate the other gumis. Never one to pass up on an opportunity to twist the knife further, Hayama calls Sato a coward in front of everyone and demands Kaito, in particular, agree with him. Sato cedes to Hayamas authority immediately, but its time to get Kaito out of his crosshairs.

Later on, Sato gets a moment alone with his brother. I know you want to be part of something that matters, he tells Kaito. That seems to be enough to get him to listen. Sato fills him in on the incident with Ota in Nagano. Whats more, he lied to you, Sato says. I was never Tozawas next target. Hayama said that to get you to attack him. Kaito has turned to a surrogate brother who has no concern for his life. If I find a way to get out, tell me you will go, Sato says. Kaito barely nods in the affirmative. It is not exactly confidence inspiring, making it all the more inevitable when Hayama kicks Sato around on the roof later on and banishes him in front of the whole clan. Its an aggravating moment, but also a sense of relief that we can cut to the chase with these two and get closer to the final showdown for the heart of Chihara-kai and the fate of Tokyos floating world.

Samantha is hanging back and plotting her next moves at home when Katagiri and Nagata show up with more questions. Nagata plays the heavy hand, asking why Sam never told them the gunmen at her club had matching tattoos. And why is the press saying she was in an affair with Ohno when she told them he was just a client? Katagiri comes in with the good cop pleasantries. Samantha is not under investigation; theyre just trying to fill in the blanks. They leave with confirmation of the tattoos, and Katagiri has a productive chat with their surviving shooter, now in custody. As luck would have it, hes also the kid who had a shot at Katagiri and didnt take it at their first yakuza raid. That ones on you, the kid says of Ishidas hit. Once you and that woman busted my gumi, I had nowhere to go. No money. Nothing. You think someone like me can get another job? Economic desperation makes criminals of us all, and Katagiri surely knows the difference between a predator and someone making the best of the cards theyve been dealt in life, but hes got some blanks to fill in and a Tozawa to bust.

It only takes double homicide to get the death penalty, he tells the kid coldly, between slow, luxurious drags of a cigarette. Four people were killed. But if you cooperate, its possible to drop to manslaughter. Twenty years or death. With that, Katagiri gets the location of the gun used to kill Ishida. Everythings lined up to get an official statement from their witness; they just need to get him to the courthouse in two hours without a scratch.

Unfortunately, the best we can do is get the witness assassinated via hitman on motorcycle. With their witness gone and no one left in the department they can trust, Katagiri and Nagatas last lead is the surveillance tapes. Against all odds, Katagiri catches a call from Marge in Accounts Payable at the Southern Minnesota Medical Center, inquiring about a past-due surgery bill for Mr. Tanaka.

Jessica is interviewing Jake for her school paper when the phone rings at the Adelstein residence. Its Katagiri with their promising new lead and a huge favor to ask. Jakes got to catch a same-day flight to Minnesota to see what he can see about this phone call to Tozawa. His family is visibly shook, but Dads going to put in a call to someone he knows at the SMMC, get Jake in with the head of hepatology over there. Jake gets in to see Dr. Walker at the SMMC immediately, and the conversation is pretty aboveboard until Jake notices Walkers watch. Now, how does a frumpy liver doctor end up with a Vacheron Constantin?

Heres the thing, says Jake. I would like to write a story about how great you are and how great SSMC is. Id rather not write a story about that watch and how it was a gift from a high-level Japanese gangster who flew in, jumped the waiting list, and went under your knife. But if you dont help me, I will. Cutting right to the chase, shooting from the hip, so to speak. Took that Gateway to the West thing a little literally this trip home, didnt we, Jake?

And it works. Moments later, Jake lays out the whole scene on the phone with Katagiri. It turns out Tozawa was able to skirt his no-fly ban and get to America for a liver transplant (a central plot point of the real Jake Adelsteins memoir, for those keeping score). Dr. Walker described Tozawa to Jake  covered in tattoos head to toe, barely spoke English, there were guards outside the OR and Recovery. The patient was listed as Spenser Tanaka (S.T.). After the surgery, the Japanese guys in suits gave Walker a quarter-million-dollar watch and told him they would appreciate his discretion. It was Tozawa, all right. The only question remains: Who helped him skirt the no-fly ban?

Its a question that needs answering fast. With Tozawa closing in, Katagiri needs Jake back in Tokyo immediately, not four days from now, when hes scheduled to fly back. It looks like hes going to miss the big interview at Sarahs school and disappoint his sad family once again. Be safe, is the last thing his exasperated father says to him on the phone as Jake breaks the news that hes already gone.

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 I cant be the only one who was stoked to see Sato and Sam back together. And it seems like the post-coitus clarity they share at the top of the episode helps them both make some tough decisions and plot-moving steps forward. Those decisions dont lead to great results for either of them, but hey, at least were getting somewhere, right? For Samantha, getting the club back up and running is going to be a lot harder than she thought. The insurance money isnt coming anytime soon, and a meet-up with old Onyx pal Luna (to see about hiring her girls back at Onyx for a brief interim) turns to disaster when a bunch of photographers close in on them in public. The straights are coming up pretty dire here until Samanthas old frenemy Akira, the host, shows up on her TV screen, bragging about his riches and connections as a newly minted TV personality. Is this a legit new source of funds or another bad idea doomed to sour into a raw deal?
The Russian Volunteer Corps unit has advanced "several tens of kilometers " deep into Russian territory and captured prisoners. They were handed over to the Ukrainian side to replenish the exchange fund.

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This was reported by the Chief of Staff of the RDC, Alexander, call sign Fortuna, in a commentary to the Telegram channel "We Can Explain". The military noted that the operation had been prepared for several months. It involves, among others, units that have returned from the Avdiivka sector.

According to Oleksandr, the RDC has no losses in the Belgorod region, but the Russian Federation has them "both in manpower and equipment, but we will talk about specific figures later."

"The RDC does not deal with terrorist attacks on the territory of the Russian Federation. But we always say that people directly involved in the hostilities, in the Russian attack on Ukraine  these can be high-ranking officers, decision-makers, weapon developers and designers, suppliers, representatives of some commercial structures that sponsor the "SVO"  we consider all these people to be an absolutely legitimate target, as they are all war criminals," the RDC representative emphasized.

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As reported by OBOZ.UA:

- New videos of Russian volunteers ' attacks on the occupier's equipment have been posted online. The attack took place with the help of Ukrainian-made drones. Two amphibious assault vehicles (BMD-2) were destroyed.

- The day before, it became known that military clashes between volunteer formations and the regular army of the Russian Federation were taking place in five settlements in the Kursk and Belgorod regions. The raid by the RDC and the Freedom of Russia Legion is timed to coincide with the so-called presidential elections in Russia.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Jordan White encouraged dancers to keep their knees relaxed as he bounced his way through the Swing Dance workshop at Little Island Creamery Friday night.

"Use the pulse!" he said.

Little Island Creamery, located on Puget Island, has been expanding their venue's activities to include Sunday family movies, live music and a variety of dance styles. Owner Kathleen McDonald, reached out to White through social media advertising.

The class started at 7:30 p.m., after the cows had been milked. According to McDonald, the milking goes better if it's quiet on the second level of the barn. The cows get upset hearing loud noises overhead during milking. Event attendees agree to keep activities quiet until after 7:15.

Jordan White was introduced to swing dancing by a friend who invited him to a Portland dance club. As a musician and artist, he was immediately inspired by the social environment.

"As a youth, I didn't have much opportunity to partner dance or listen to a variety of music styles. I was taken with the casual and friendly environment of the dancing as well as the classy sounds of swing. It was a new experience for me."

White patiently demonstrated the steps to the Shim Sham, a commonly performed routine danced at Swing Dance events. Shim Sham was inspired by tap dancers from the 1930's. Its lively stomps and simple steps can be done by beginners and experienced dancers alike.
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The Affordable Care Act, a law once derided and demonized by Republicans as a big government power grab, is becoming a politically untouchable part of the American safety net, with more than 45 million people now relying on its provisions for health coverage.
At the festival of "Russian film" to be held in Paris and Taverna, they want to show the legendary Ukrainian film Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors by Serhiy Paradzhanov as part of "Russian culture." The event is organized by the Other Russia association, and this year it is dedicated to the late "oppositionist" Alexei Navalny.

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The Embassy of Ukraine in France expressed a strong protest over the use of Ukrainian films at the festival of "Russian films." Diplomats consider this a blatant case of cultural appropriation and call on the French authorities to take measures to restore justice, Ukrinform reports.

"Culture continues to be cynically used to legitimize Russian aggression. It is known that for years this festival of "Russian films" has relied on the support of the Russian authorities . Obviously, despite the seemingly formal change of emphasis by the organizers, their methods remain largely unchanged," the embassy commented.

Meanwhile, the organizers of the festival, who are supposedly "good Russians," urge their guests to "discover and rediscover the best of Russian cinema, past and present." It is known that the Russians plan to show Paradzhanov's film under a changed title, "Horses of Fire."

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"We believe that even in these troubled times, despite the violence of the current government, it is necessary to continue to protect and promote Russian culture, in particular in the field of cinema," the Russians say in their invitation to the festival.

This situation is an example of how Russia is trying to appropriate Ukrainian culture and history. It is important that the international community is aware of this problem and takes measures to counter it, Ukrainian diplomats emphasize.

What is known about the movie Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors?

 The 1964 film is based on the novel Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors by Ukrainian writer Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyy.

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 The film was directed by Serhiy Paradzanov, a prominent Ukrainian film director of Georgian origin.

 Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors is considered one of the masterpieces of world cinema.

 The film was shot in the style of Ukrainian folk art, using traditional costumes, scenery, and music.

 The film has won numerous awards at international film festivals and was banned in the USSR from 1972 to 1988 due to its "nationalistic" nature.

 The film tells the love story of Ivan and Marichka, two young people from a village in the Ukrainian Carpathians. Their love falls victim to cruel customs and family feuds. Ivan dies at the hands of a nymph, and Marichka, unable to bear her grief, throws herself into a whirlpool.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, this is not the first time that Russians have "stolen" Ukrainian films. Last year, for example, they decided to translate the famous Ukrainian film Luxembourg, Luxembourg without permission and upload the clumsy result to pirate resources.

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Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
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Opinion RecipesTikTok Adam Liaw on why viral recipes are complete garbage (except maybe this one) The key ingredient for a viral recipe is engagement, and that can be both positive and negative, writes Adam Liaw. Adam Liaw March 13, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Ive made no secret of the fact that I think viral recipes are, almost without exception, complete garbage. This is mainly because they have nothing to do with food, nor quality, nor, ironically, even popularity. Open your social media app of choice these days and youll be assaulted by folks of varying cooking ability gurning at the camera as they slap ingredients down on chopping boards with speed and force and hiss at you about the latest viral recipe theyre copying from some other foodslap content creator. Virality in the online world is driven by algorithms, and algorithms dont care how your food tastes, how much it costs, whether its easy to make, or whether its even edible at all. The key ingredient for a viral recipe is engagement, and that can be both positive and negative. Adam Liaw: Beyond the chicken breast and the transparently false story that led to its virality, I surprisingly dont mind Marry me chicken as a recipe. iStock There are many ways to drive engagement. One of the most effective is negging, where a video will tell you that something youve been doing your whole life  like peeling a banana  is wrong and youre an idiot for peeling a banana like a normal person. Then psychology takes over, and you suddenly find yourself indignantly watching the video just so you can prove that youre not an idiot after all.

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Yes, you can eat whole bananas, skin and all - here's how Another is hacking, where a video will promise that theyve discovered a secret shortcut, like slicing a mango by pushing it on the edge of a wine glass, even though that is quite possibly the stupidest imaginable way of slicing a mango. Algorithms dont care about stupidity. In fact, they relish it. If thousands or millions of people hate-watch the banana peeling or mango slicing video and better yet, comment to tell the foodslapper how impossibly idiotic their method is, thats all engagement, baby! But then phase two of the virality spiral begins because millions of foodslappers who have seen the sweet, sweet engagement that the initial (very stupid) video produced become desperate for a taste of that engagement and make their own videos promising to try out the hack from the previous video because the all-powerful algorithm is now prioritising videos of stupid banana peeling.

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Now millions of people are watching banana-peeling videos even though everyone already knows how to peel a banana and nobody is planning on actually changing the way they peel a banana anytime soon. Then we just repeat the cycle with everything from baking dry pasta with feta and mixing peanut butter into instant noodles to smashburger tacos and butter boards until all food is meaningless, nothing matters any more, and we sink slowly into the abyss. Six TikTok cooking trends that are actually worth trying So imagine my surprise, then, when my editor wrote to me asking if Id seen the Marry me chicken recipe that went viral on TikTok with the added qualification, It looked horrendous. I hadnt, but anyway *record scratch* thats how I ended up here, writing to you about a viral recipe from TikTok.

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The premise of Marry me chicken is that this dish, if made correctly, will cause the person you make it for to marry you [citation needed]. Story aside, the TikTok dish begins with a veloute made with tomato paste and chicken stock, which is then used to braise chicken breasts, before being finished with cream and sun-dried tomatoes. Theres a lot to unpack here, but let me start with the obvious negative. Almost all viral videos come out of America, which happens to be the country that is most responsible for ruining food globally. One of Americas major food crimes is its absurd predilection for braising chicken breast. Ive seen more than a few American viral videos that spruik the hack of shredding your completely dry, stringy, braised-to-death chicken breast by using electric hand beaters. Ill pause here for a moment so you have time to stop screaming.

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Let me say unequivocally, no good can come of braising chicken breast. It can be poached to retain its natural moisture, but braising it is a recipe for disaster, which is to say, a recipe for viral American food. Literally any other cut of chicken  thigh fillets, wings, drumsticks, or cutlets on the bone  would be a better choice. Let me say unequivocally, no good can come of braising chicken breast. That said, beyond the chicken breast and the transparently false story that led to its virality, I surprisingly dont mind Marry me chicken as a recipe. Its just a variation of Tuscan chicken, an old favourite, although not actually from Tuscany. There are some ways that it could be made a little better and more simply, but I particularly like the fact that it is playing to my years-long efforts to bring sun-dried tomatoes back into mainstream use.

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The man who died in the Ballarat gold mine collapse has been remembered as a loving father of four.

Kurt Hourigan, a 37-year-old miner from Bruthen in Gippsland, died and a 21-year-old colleague from Ballarat is fighting for his life in hospital after rock collapsed on them 500 metres underground at the Ballarat Gold Mine on Wednesday afternoon.

Ballarat gold mine collapse victim Kurt Hourigan. Credit: Facebook

The Age spoke with a friend representing Hourigans immediate family who asked for privacy.

Relative Reece Hourigan wrote on social media, I still cant believe you are gone. I have always looked up to you. Thank you for all the good and bad memories we have shared together.
Proponents of nuclear power for Australia are driven by ideology rather than common sense, according to WAs Energy and Climate Action Minister Reece Whitby.

When the climate change debate first began, the cynics and the deniers were urged to listen to the science and listen to the facts, Whitby told a business lunch on Thursday.

WA energy, environment and climate action minister Reece Whitby. Credit: Peter de Kruijff

And he wants the same approach on the nuclear question.

The fact is that on every measure, nuclear makes no sense as a solution for us. Australia and Western Australia is the last place it makes any sense at all.
Polish farmers estimate their losses at about 70 billion zlotys and demand payment from the European Union's war fund. In particular, the trade union demands that Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Minister of Agriculture Czeslaw Siekerski begin the process of obtaining these funds from Brussels.

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This demand was made public by the Solidarity farmers' union. It was this organization that organized the blockade of the Polish-Ukrainian border and protests across Poland on February 9.

"Today, the Solidarity trade union filed an application with the Ministry of Agriculture demanding to protect the border from the uncontrolled influx of Ukrainian agri-food products and to cancel the Green Deal. At the same time, we want to see protective measures for all sectors of agriculture. We demand that 15 billion euros be allocated from the war fund for this purpose," said Tomasz Obrzanski, head of the organization.

According to Polish farmers, such assistance is urgent, as their financial situation has been very bad for three years. They also say that their warehouses have accumulated a significant balance of grain, and they need "fast" cash to avoid bankruptcy."

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In addition, the union said that it had filed a complaint with the prosecutor's office to suspect the police of committing a crime during the March 6 protest in Warsaw near the parliament. At that time, law enforcement officers used tear gas and batons in response to the aggressive and provocative behavior of some protesters who threw cobblestones and pyrotechnics at the police.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, recently, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk met with Polish farmers who had organized protests. The government and the strikers did not reach any agreements, so the blockade will continue.

At the same time, Poland finally made a decision to import food from Russia and Belarus. The lower house of parliament approved a resolution to impose sanctions on agricultural products from Russia and Belarus, and as a result, Poland will demand such a decision at the European level.

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Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Extraordinary powers given to police to set up COVID-era-style borders at 22 points around Western Australia to stop drugs from entering the state have stopped just 5 grams of cannabis from getting in.

That disappointing figure was revealed in parliament in response to questions from opposition justice spokesman Tjorn Sibma the same week wastewater testing data was released showing meth and cannabis use in WA was skyrocketing.

Just 5 grams of cannabis have been stopped from entering the state under extraordinary border laws. Credit: iStock

In the eight months since border search powers were made available to police, they have been established just seven times  once at Albany Port, twice at Esperance Port and four times at Perth Airport.

During those operations, 53 vehicles and 17 people were searched, but just 5 grams of cannabis was found in a vehicle at Albany Port.
Dallas: Confined to an iron lung after contracting polio as a child, Paul Alexander earned a law degree, wrote a book about his life, built a big following on social media and inspired people around the globe with his positive outlook.

Alexander died at the age of 78 at a Dallas hospital this week, said Daniel Spinks, a longtime friend. He said Alexander had recently been hospitalised after being diagnosed with COVID-19 but he did not know the cause of death.

Attorney Paul Alexander chats with caregiver and friend Kathryn Gaines as he drinks coffee and she eats breakfast beside his iron lung at his home in Dallas. Credit: AP

Alexander contracted polio in 1952, aged six. He became paralysed from the neck down and began using an iron lung, a cylinder that encased his body as the air pressure in the chamber forced air into and out of his lungs. He had millions of views on his TikTok account.

He loved to laugh, Spinks said. He was just one of the bright stars of this world.
First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska became a guest of the Kontenta podcast, hosted by seven-year-old Polina Medvid and 21-year-old Masha Kravets, daughter of actress and TV presenter Olena Kravets. According to the video description, it was a sincere and frank conversation between the wife of the Ukrainian president and children and young people about mental health and how to support it through music, visual art, and creative practices.

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Zelenska shared her atypical interview with the young, but already so grown-up Polina and her co-host Masha on her personal Instagram page. Commenters were touched by what they read and saw, comparing the First Lady to Princess Diana, who also paid a lot of attention to children.

"Polina is seven years old, and she already has a method to calm down during an air raid. In the shelter, together with her classmates, she draws and makes things. "My creativity saves me," says the brave, grown-up girl Frankly speaking, I would like to talk to Polinka about creativity without reference to the war  just as a child with dreams. I would like to answer young people's questions about their experiences of love or study, but the war has broken into these areas as well," Olena said.

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According to the first lady, she and Polina and Masha had a very sincere and warm conversation. As you can see from the video, all three of them were open and smiled a lot, although at times the topics were unfortunately not very funny.

"We had a sincere conversation, during which we discussed with the girls how to deal with anxiety and fears, and touched upon the topic of supporting loved ones when they are feeling bad. We also talked about whether meditation and breathing practices help, and how to support mental health through art," Zelenska said.

The full podcast, which lasted almost 30 minutes, was posted on the YouTube channel "Are You OK?"

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Meanwhile, Zelenska's page is collecting the first feedback in the comments section. In particular, as we wrote above, one of the subscribers noted: "Mrs. Zelenska can be called the Ukrainian Princess Diana." As you know, Lady Dee was called the queen of human hearts for her extraordinary love for children and her help, mostly moral, to everyone who needed it.

Other commenters also left: "What a cool and awesome first lady we have," "Thank you to our Lady for her work and help to those who need support," "How beautiful," "I felt warm from the video."

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that he had held several meetings on international work. In particular, the head of state discussed the next steps towards Ukraine's membership in the EU, and spoke with American partners about cooperation between Kyiv and Washington and pressure on Russia.

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He said this in his address to Ukrainians and the world at the end of the 749th day of the war. The President noted that Ukraine is waiting for the decision of European leaders to approve the negotiation framework that was approved by the European Commission the day before.

"It will be important for both Ukraine and the entire European community - an important and strong signal - to do everything possible to start negotiations during the Belgian presidency in the first half of this year. This should be our common pace, both for Ukraine and the EU. We have a clear order of steps and I am sure we can achieve results," he emphasized.

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Zelenskyy also said that the meeting on the American direction of our policy was "more strategic."

"It was about how to give more right impulses to our work with partners and joint pressure on the Russian state throughout this year. To win here, in Ukraine, in this confrontation with Russian terror is a matter of survival for democratic systems, it is a matter of what democracies are capable of," the Head of State noted.

He emphasized that Ukraine is capable of defending itself with sufficient support.

"And by protecting ourselves, we will be able to ensure that no other international criminal will be tempted by aggression like Putin. We can protect lives and we have to do it," the President summarized.

On March 12, the European Commission approved a negotiation framework for Ukraine's accession to the European Union. The proposal is now to be considered by the EU Council.

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Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that this step is evidence of Ukraine's achievements, our transformation and the fact that Ukraine will definitely be a member of the EU.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olga Stefanishyna said that our country has carried out the necessary reforms required for the next steps in the EU accession process. Laws related to the rule of law, counteracting the influence of oligarchs and fighting corruption were adopted.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine commented on the situation in the Kursk and Belgorod regions of Russia, which includes the Freedom of Russia Legion, the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC), and the Siberian Battalion. Thus, the intelligence service stated that active hostilities are ongoing there.

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This was reported by a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Andrii Yusov, in a commentary to Suspilne. It should be noted that the soldiers reported that they had entered the Russian border on March 12.

"According to our data, active hostilities are taking place in the Kursk and Belgorod regions," he said.

Also, the DIU Telegram channel published an intercepted conversation from the Hraivoron direction in Belgorod region, where a civilian reported arriving at the local administration.

"The district administration is on fire, it almost flew into the office," the Russian said.

Earlier, the RVC reported that the fighters managed to advance several dozen kilometers deeper into the territory of the Russian Federation. Also, the RVC Chief of Staff, Alexander "Fortuna," said that the fighters managed to capture the occupiers, who were handed over to the Ukrainian side to replenish the exchange fund.

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The RVC also announced new raids on Russian territory: "We have a large number of different scenarios with varying degrees of readiness."

According to "Fortuna", the RVC has no losses in the Belgorod region, and "as for Russia, their losses are both in personnel and equipment," but specific figures will be announced later.

Earlier it was reported that in the Kursk and Belgorod regions, clashes between volunteer groups and the regular army of the Russian Federation continue. The Freedom of Russia Legion announced the destruction of CB warehouses in the Kursk region.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, military clashes between volunteer groups and the regular army of the Russian Federation are taking place in five settlements in the Kursk and Belgorod regions. The raid by the RVC and the Freedom of Russia Legion is timed to coincide with the so-called presidential elections in Russia.

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Over the past week, the Russian terrorist army has reduced the number of attacks in Donetsk region. Compared to the end of February 2024, the number of clashes decreased by 13%.

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The occupiers' progress slowed down after they captured Avdiivka and a number of small settlements. This was reported by the UK military intelligence on social network X.

According to British intelligence, in February, the average number of Russian attacks per week in the Donetsk region reached 600. Last month, Putin's terrorists managed to take control of Avdiivka and several other villages to the west of the city.

The agency also noted that in the coming weeks, the terrorist country Russia will continue to restore its forces and launch attacks on priority areas in eastern Ukraine. Therefore, the overall situation at the front will remain tense.

British intelligence added that Russian troops will continue to attack simultaneously in several sections of the front line. However, the occupiers are focusing their main efforts west of Avdiivka and Maryinka. These areas account for 60% of all enemy attacks.

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As a reminder, the Russian occupation army's offensive in the Avdiivka sector stalled after it captured Avdiivka and several villages beyond in February. The fact that the Russian offensive has slowed down was influenced by the fact that the Ukrainian Armed Forces units defending this section of the frontline received ammunition.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, the deputy commander of the 3rd Separate Mechanized Brigade Maksym Zhorin said that the occupiers cannot break through the Ukrainian defense behind Avdiivka. They are "erased" by Orlivka, suffering huge losses there.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Banner County

Good morning! Typical spring weather here in western Nebraska. Nice and pleasant, windy, with rain and snow!

This week and weekend many people will be celebrating St. Paddys Day; here is to you and your fun and safety if you are one of them.

I have a little green St. Paddy gnome that my cat George has gotten a hold of several times this past month. His little four leaf clover and buckle have been glued on more than once. Darn cat.

The schoolhouse has very little going on compared to how their weeks usually go. Tomorrow, March 15th, there will be no school and Sunday the students participating in the Close Up program will be heading to Denver International Airport for their trip to DC and NYC. They will return the following Sunday.

This is such an educational trip and I would encourage all students to go when they have the opportunity. I know from personal experience that it is well worth it. Safe travel to you all.

On the 19th, the Quiz Bowl students will compete at Creek Valley. Good luck and be safe!

For the rest of us, here is a little of what is happening in the area beginning on Thursday, March 14th

In Mitchell, the FFA class will be holding a Labor Auction with a meal and a silent auction beginning at 6:30 p.m. March 14 with the regular auction beginning at 7 p.m. This will take place in the Mitchell elementary school gym.

The Midwest Theater will start the weekend movie at 1:30 p.m. and the movie is The Muppet Movie celebrating its 45 year anniversary. It will play again that evening at 7 and on the 16th at 7 p.m. and the 17th at 1:30 p.m. Also at the Midwest on the 16th at 1:30 p.m., the Marx Brothers will perform in the classic 1933 film Duck Soup.

On Saturday morning, up north in Alliance at the recreation center, there will be a Shamrock Shuffle 5K run beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Also on Saturday, the Winter Farmers Market will be at the Legacy of the Plains Museum between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

If you have never been to the French Door Antique Mall in Sidney here is a good chance to check them out. They will have their Spring Open House between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday. Some great displays!

UMF of Nebraska will host a Penny Carnival beginning at 11 a.m. at 2302 Frontage Road in Scottsbluff.

Heading further north up in Harrison at the Agate Fossil Beds, there will be a Hands On Science experience in conjunction with the Oglala Lakota College. This will begin at noon Saturday, and they are located at 301 River Road.

At 2 p.m. Satuday, the Gering Library will be celebrating St. Patricks Day between 2 and 4 p.m. with many activities and snacks.

Last but not the least on the 16th, the American Legion in Bayard at 5 p.m. will host Nite On The Town and everyone is welcome.

On Sunday the 17th, Happy St. Patricks Day!

In Kimball, Beer and Loathing, 206 Chestnut St., will celebrate St. Paddys Day all weekend. See ad on Page A2.

On Monday, March 18th Tinker Tots for ages 3-5 will be between 6 and 7 p.m. at the Gering Library. Also there, the informational class American Wines/Wine 101 will be at 6 p.m. on the 18th and 19th and Wine 201 Latin American Wines will be on the 18th at 6 p.m. Contact information is 308-436-7433.

Tuesday, the 19th there will be a live performance at the Midwest Theater. Hotel California- The Original Eagles Tribute will begin at 7 p.m.

On the following day, there will be a workshop titled Tree Pruning & Community Forestry, hosted by the NPNRD between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the Carpenter Center in Gering, 116 Terry Blvd, RSVP at 308-632-2749.

Well. There you go, all I know. Have a great week and take care until next time. Barb Cross at 436-7152.
A search warrant resulting in multiple Kimball arrests was executed on March 9 at separate residences by the Kimball County Sheriffs Office. The sheriffs department was assisted by the Kimball police and the Nebraska State Patrol.

A traffic stop in the 600 block of Burg Street produced stolen items as well as a white powdery substance on the person of Jordan Crews. Crews, 27 was arrested and charged for possession of a controlled substance (meth) and possession of stolen property with a bond of $5,000.

Arrested as a result of the search warrant was Christopher Hughes, 36, for bond violation. No bond was set for Hughes.

The search warrant also was served on 307 Myrtle St., where Kimberly Randles was staying, produced nine pipes with residue and a black container with a green leafy substance. According to the affidavit, Randles, 52, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance (meth) a felony. Joseph Robinson, 34, was arrested for an unrelated burglary incident.

Randles has bonded out but Hughes, Crews, and Robinson remain in Kimball County Jail.

In an unrelated I-80 traffic stop by the Nebraska State Patrol, Rich Christopher, 44 was arrested for DUI second offense, no interlock for a DUI offender to breathe into, open container and speeding.

Mug shots of those arrested appear above this report.
Vivienne Clarke

The medical director of a refugee agency has called for a managed emergency centre in Dublin for arriving international protection applicants which would provide safe and secure services.

The current conditions for arrivals in tents on Mount Street were unmanaged, uncontrolled and inhumane, Dr Angela Skuce told RTE radios Today with Claire Byrne show.

People with kidney and heart disease had been staying in tents and had to be moved to hospital, she added.

Dr Skuce, who works for Safety Net Primary Care, an organisation that provides services for refugees, said Ireland needed to provide a managed emergency shelter for arriving asylum seekers. "I think the health care response has been really good," she said. "But there's just a limit to what you can do in the current unmanaged environment.

"So we think that what we need to provide as a country is a managed emergency shelter with sanitation, on-site security to keep people safe, and staff on site so that they can identify and respond to problems as they emerge.

Dr Skuce said that it had been a tense number of weeks as the situation for the people in tents was getting increasingly concerning. It was just not possible to keep people safe and to provide adequate care in circumstances that were so unmanaged.

There are no on-site hygiene facilities, there's no toilet that they can access at night and there are no washing facilities. And the situation actually is quite inhumane. And although we are doing the best that we can. It's not something that we want to see continue.

The people who were arriving were already vulnerable because of the circumstances where they've come from, the journey that they've made to get here and then for them to arrive and not be made welcome and to be left in very exposed circumstances is not safe. And it's not something that, that they would want to see continue.

We've seen people with kidney disease, heart disease, back pain, diabetes, but because of their circumstances, because they perhaps haven't had access to health care for a long time, and because they're now living in circumstances where they're cold and wet and stressed a lot of the time, a lot of the conditions are more advanced and more severe than we would normally see.

Dr Skuce pointed out that Safety Net was providing outreach services most days and referred people with serious problems to emergency departments.

But we have seen other people with severe chronic disease that's not as acute who have not needed to go to the emergency department, who are living in those tents. It could take a week or two before they receive treatment."

Meanwhile, the chief executive of homeless service Mendicity, Louisa Santoro, has described the significant deterioration in recent weeks of conditions for international protection applicants who are living in tents off Mount Street in Dublin city.

The situation certainly won't be getting any better. And as the weeks go on, unless we have to have a much more urgent response, she told RTE radios News at One.

Not all of the people who were accessing services from Mendicity were international protection applicants, she said. People were going to Mount Street because they felt there was safety in numbers

So they're going there purely for the sense of safety and probably better accesses or pathways to services.

Ms Santoro said she did not understand why there appeared to be different categories of homelessness. The people in tents on Mount Street could not be defined as anything other than homeless, but they could not access homeless services.

I can't understand if we have an existing infrastructure that is paid for through public funding and public money, that that is not being utilised to its fullest effect, particularly as the situation deteriorates near Mount Street.

There was an outreach service that was resourced and was extremely experienced and in their own stated mandate, she said. They say they engage with adults who are sleeping rough and support them in short-term homeless accommodation. That's clearly not happening on Mount Street.

Coordination of services was important and there needed to be a better shared service approach.

Labour councillor Dermot Lacey told the same programme that it was unacceptable that people were living in tents when there were buildings such as Baggot Street hospital and vacant office blocks that could be utilised. Any moves to do that would be supposed by the council, he said. The problem was the different agencies involved, there needed to be a coordinated approach.
Roadworks on a dangerous junction at Frenchpark in Roscommon are due to begin next week.

The junction, located on the N5 in the centre of the village, intersects the R361 Boyle to Castlerea road, and it has been the scene of multiple road traffic accidents.

The safety works in the village are due to commence next Tuesday, March 19 and they will continue for six weeks.

The roadworks will take place between Monday and Friday from 8am to 6pm.

Sinn Fein TD Claire Kerrane said it is is positive news for local people and the area.

She stated she is pleased that engagement with Roscommon County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has led to the project commencing.
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

The nicest day of the forecast, with an egg-cellent Easter Sunday expected with partly sunny skies and mild highs near the 60-degree mark. .

Tonight

Clouding up with a bit of rain arriving late...after midnight.
Former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Thursday that he will put together an investor group to buy TikTok after the House passed a bill that would ban the popular video app in the U.S. if its China-based owner does not sell its stake.

During an interview on CNBCs Squawk Box," Mnuchin, who served under President Donald Trump, said he had spoken to a bunch of people about creating an investor group that would purchase the popular social media company. He offered no details about who may be in the group or about TikToks possible valuation.

This should be owned by U.S. businesses," Mnuchin said. Theres no way that the Chinese would ever let a U.S. company own something like this in China.

TikTok did not respond to a request for comment.

The House bill, passed by a vote of 352-65, now goes to the Senate, where its prospects are unclear. Lawmakers in the Senate have indicated that the measure will undergo a thorough review. If it passes in the Senate, President Joe Biden has said he will sign it.

House lawmakers acted on concern that TikToks current ownership structure is a national security threat. Lawmakers from both parties and administration officials have voiced concerns that TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, could be compelled by Chinese authorities to hand over data on American users, spread pro-Beijing propaganda or suppress topics unfavorable to the Chinese government.

TikTok, for its part, has long denied that it could be used as a tool of Chinese authorities. The company insists it has never shared U.S. user data with the Chinese government and will not do so if asked. To date, the U.S. government also has not provided evidence that shows TikTok shared such information with authorities in China.

Asked whether the Mnuchin consortium could assuage national security concerns about TikTok, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said the administration was focused on providing context and information to the Senate.

The fight over the platform takes place as U.S.-China relations have shifted into strategic rivalry, especially in areas such as advanced technology and data security, seen as essential to each countrys economic prowess and national security.

If passed and signed into law, the House bill would give ByteDance 180 days to sell the platform to a buyer that satisfies the U.S. government. It would also bar ByteDance from controlling TikTok's algorithm, which feeds users videos based off their preferences.

In addition to Mnuchin, some other investors, including Shark Tank star Kevin OLeary, have voiced interest in buying TikTok's U.S. business. But experts have said it could be challenging for ByteDance to sell the platform to a buyer who could afford it in a few months.

Big tech companies are best positioned to make such a purchase, but they would likely face intense scrutiny from antitrust regulators, which Mnuchin emphasized.

I don't think this should be controlled by any of the big U.S. tech companies. I think there could be antitrust issues on that, he said during the interview. This should be something that's independent so we have a real competitor. And users love it, so it shouldn't be shut down.

He also said the app would need to be rebuilt in the U.S. with new technology.

In many ways, social media companies have become battlegrounds for partisan disagreements about how to control disinformation while protecting free speech. Mnuchins effort to buy TikTok comes as Trump and his allies have long complained about what they see as social media muzzling conservative voices.

Trump himself has voiced opposition to the House bill, saying that a ban on TikTok would help its rival, Facebook, which he continues to lambast over his 2020 election loss. Some other Republicans who oppose the bill say the U.S. should simply tell Americans about the security concerns with TikTok, but let them decide if they want to use the platform.

Meanwhile, some Democrats have expressed concern about singling out one company when other social media platforms also collect vast amounts of data on users. Opponents of the bill also say it would disrupt the lives of content creators who rely on the platform for income and run afoul of the First Amendment, which protects free speech.

This isn't the first time a TikTok sale has been in play.

When Mnuchin was Treasury secretary, the Trump administration brokered a deal in 2020 that would have had U.S. corporations Oracle and Walmart take a large stake in TikTok on national security grounds.

The deal would have also made Oracle responsible for hosting all TikToks U.S. user data and securing computer systems to ensure national security requirements are satisfied. Microsoft also made a failed bid for TikTok that its CEO, Satya Nadella, later described as the strangest thing" he had ever worked on.

Instead of congressional action, the 2020 arrangement was in response to a series of executive actions by Trump targeting TikTok.

But the sale never went through for a number of reasons. Trumps executive orders got held up in court as the 2020 presidential election loomed. China also imposed stricter export controls on its technology providers.

Associated Press journalists Matt O'Brien, Aamer Madhani and Ali Swenson contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - A bill that could lead to a ban of TikTok in the U.S. passed the House by a vote of 352 to 65, with all three members of Congress who serve Berks County voting yes.

The bill would give TikTok's owner, Chinese tech firm ByteDance, the option to sell its stake in TikTok within six months or face a ban.

"It's pretty huge, right? TikTok has 170 million users," said Jodi Radosh, a communications and media professor at Alvernia University.

In a statement, Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan said in part:

"I took this vote because I believe there could be real and present threats to individual Americans, to communities, to this democracy and to our way of life if TikTok data remains within the grasp of the Chinese Communist Party."

Congressman Dan Meuser said in part:

"The national security interests posed by China-based TikTok outweighed my concerns about the details of the bill."

"Many legislators are worried that this is a national security risk and then on the other hand, we have others that are saying this is a violation of our First Amendment rights," said Radosh.

In a statement to the Associated Press, a TikTok spokesperson had said in part that TikTok hopes the Senate considers the impact on the economy.

"I guess the big question here is who's going to buy TikTok. We have a couple big players," said Radosh.

The bill that could ban TikTok in the United States now moves on to the Senate for consideration.

President Biden has said he supports it.
WEST READING, Pa. - St. Patrick's Day falls on the weekend this year. Many businesses say it's a perfect opportunity to celebrate in a big way.

"We are doing a St. Paddy's Day bar crawl and it's our first one here in West Reading," said Adam Cocuzza, owner of Nitro Bar, West Reading Motor Club & Say Cheese!

More than a dozen bars and restaurants will be taking advantage of the day falling on a weekend by participating in the event.

"I think every bar owner has gotten some extra stouts, probably some extra Irish whiskeys, definitely some extra food, [and a] few extra staff hands for sure," Cocuzza said.

They're also bringing in extra trash cans along the avenue in West Reading and security to make sure things stay fun but don't get out of control.

Cocuzza says they'll be keeping a close eye on their guests. "Each bar has got tried and true savvy bartenders and bar managers that are watching for that sort of thing, making sure not to overserve people, to not allow overserved guests in."

Berks County DUI Enforcement Coordinator, Sgt. David Bentz, says police are preparing for the weekend too, planning extra DUI patrols and checkpoints around the county.

"We do see an increase in DUI, and more particularly than that we see an increase in not only injuries, but deaths, resulting from crashes related to DUI," said Bentz. "That's why we want to target and get out there and hopefully prevent a couple crashes just to keep people safe; that's our goal."

Bentz says the goal is never to prevent fun, only to prevent tragedy. "If you know you're going to go out and be drinking, Lyft, Uber and all those rideshare options are great in 2024."

"We as bar owners are also never afraid to call someone a taxi or an Uber to make sure that they get home safer," added Cocuzza.
London Book Fair director calls for more cultural exchange

Xinhua) 08:38, March 14, 2024

A booth displaying China-themed books is seen at London Book Fair in London, Britain, March 12, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

"We're delighted to see an increase (in participation) this year from China. Hopefully, this year is a building block for further Chinese participation here at London book fair," Rapley told Xinhua in an interview.

LONDON, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Cultural exchange is especially important during uncertain times, and books help build the bridge between different civilizations, the director of the London Book Fair (LBF) said this week.

Gareth Rapley said he is "delighted" to see an increase in participation by Chinese publishers at the LBF after COVID, showcasing a vast array of talent from China.

"We're delighted to see an increase (in participation) this year from China. Hopefully, this year is a building block for further Chinese participation here at London book fair," Rapley told Xinhua in an interview.

London Book Fair 2024, one of the world's biggest, kicked off on Tuesday. First launched in 1971, the three-day event is expected to attract over 30,000 publishing professionals and 1,000 companies from around the globe.

This year, around 50 Chinese publishers are showcasing more than 3,200 types of Chinese-themed books, covering a wide range of areas including politics, culture, academic works, and trending topics such as low-carbon and artificial intelligence (AI).

"I think books provide a platform for literacy skills, education, understanding, and helping to create dialogue (between different cultures)," said the LBF chief.

A guest attends the publishing forum on the "China's Academic Sharing and Dissemination Around the Globe" and book launch of the "China Perspective" Series at London Book Fair in London, Britain, March 12, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

A participant talks with a staff member at a booth displaying China-themed books at London Book Fair in London, Britain, March 12, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The Russian terrorist army is trying to actively use FPV drones in southern Ukraine. However, thanks to the successful struggle of Ukrainian military personnel, the enemy's potential is being reduced.

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In particular, the destruction of the drone control center in the Kinburn Spit area has led to a significant reduction in the number of drone attacks. Natalia Humeniuk, a spokesperson for the Southern Defense Forces of Ukraine, said this during the telethon.

According to her, even the Russian occupiers and propagandists recognize the effective drone work of Ukrainian troops. At the same time, the Southern Defense Forces noted that the geographical location helps the defenders, as the right bank of the Kherson region is higher than the left.

"Drone work in our area of responsibility is very effective, even Russian bloggers have noted this. We can see and observe a certain panic among them because we are well-versed in the drone component. In addition, we have geography on our side and the right bank, which is higher than the left, allows us to use electronic warfare more effectively than the enemy. At the same time, they are also trying to saturate the air with FPV drones," noted the spokesperson for the South Command.

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Humeniuk also emphasized that the destruction of the drone control center near the Kinburn Spit in the Mykolaiv sector significantly reduced the number of attacks using FPV drones.

"The destruction of the drone control center in the Kinburn Spit area, which was located on a civilian vessel, led to a significant decrease in the use of FPV drones in the Mykolaiv sector  Ochakiv, Kutsurubska community," said Humeniuk.

As a reminder, the Ukrainian military conducted an air strike on an enemy control center. It was located on the tanker "Mechanic Pogodin".

Earlier it was reported that Russian occupation forces tried to conduct a sabotage and reconnaissance operation under the cover of night and approach the right bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson region near Antonivskyi Bridge. The enemy subversive reconnaissance group was sent for this task from the left bank by motorboat.

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Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
EASTON, Pa.  During its meeting Wednesday night at city hall, Easton City Council received a report on "deeply troubling allegations" made against the Easton Police Department by a councilmember.

"This is the first time I've been forced to respond to an allegation of racism, political corruption and socioeconomic bias by a person of leadership and trust in our community," said Easton Police Chief Carl Scalzo.

The allegations, Scalzo said, were made by Councilmember Taiba Sultana following her July 31, 2023, arrest in which she was charged with misdemeanor simple assault and summary harassment offenses by the city's police department.

Easton councilwoman running for state rep gives update on assault case Taiba Sultana said Wednesday that Northampton County District Attorney Stephen Baratta approved her for the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program.

Last week, Sultana was approved for a program that, if completed, will expunge her record. Since the arrest, Sultana has made various allegations against the Easton Police Department involving her arrest.

Scalzo said Sultana's allegations "are not factual."

"I know it; the officers on the scene that day know it," Scalzo said. "Ms. Sultana's family knows it, and most importantly, Councilwoman Sultana, you know it."

"...There was absolutely no political influence in the actions of the department in handling this call," Scalzo stated.

The police chief later played body camera video of Sultana's arrest, saying that showing the footage was necessary to regain the community's trust in light of the accusations Sultana made against the police department and city. [View video of Wednesday's City Council meeting.]

"I genuinely believe there are real-life consequences to making statements such as those made by Councilwoman Sultana," Scalzo said. "My officers will have to deal with those negative consequences for the foreseeable future and attempt to convince the public those statements are invalid."

Following the video presentation, Mayor Sal Panto offered his support.

"What we saw there was compassion and concern, and that is the way we want you (the police) to act," Panto said. "I can't find any fault....The men and women of our department deserves the accolades...not criticism that is unfounded."

Prior to Scalzo's presentation, Panto offered a prepared statement.

"As a result of the wrongful public allegations leveled against me and our police chief by a sitting member of council, I feel compelled to respond to the unfounded allegations leveled at us," Panto said.

The mayor said it would behoove councilmembers to conduct themselves "in a respectful manner" as representatives of the city when discussing city departments, such as the police department.

"Our views about police officers are very important," Panto said. "They get told and accepted by other people."

The mayor later in the same speech addressed comments made by Sultana at previous council meetings.

"I believe public speech reflects a person's character, the character of our City Council and the character of our city," Panto said. "I feel negative comments about our employees, other public officials and residents in general are inappropriate. At the last City Council meeting, I was yelled at and called a liar."

Panto then directly responded to Sultana's allegations that the city is corrupt.

"Our police department makes the arrests and hands them off to the district attorney's office," he said. "We are not involved politically and are not involved at all."

Sultana did not directly respond to the video, Scalzo's presentation or Panto's comments. During a portion of the meeting for committee reports, Sultana read a prepared statement on the death of Breonna Taylor, a Black woman who was fatally shot by police in her Kentucky apartment on March 13, 2020.

"This stands as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted injustice that persists in our society," Sultana read. "...Breonna's death marked by the unwarranted use of force and disregard for human life serves as a painful symbol of systemic racism and police brutality...Breonna's story is not just about one individual, it is a reflection of the broader issues of racial inequality and injustice that continue to plague our communities."

Later in the meeting, Sultana again read her same statement about Taylor. At one point, she interrupted Panto when he was speaking, leading the mayor to say she did not have the floor and "was out of order."

Following Wednesday's meeting, Sultana said in a statement to 69 News, "The court has already reached a decision regarding my case, requiring me to undergo ARD and then dismissal. The mention of the body camera footage was highly inappropriate and deeply hurtful to my family."

"The unblurred face of my daughter and the mention of my son's name were both breaches of privacy," she stated. "It was unprofessional for this to be brought up, as the released body cam footage does not disprove any political motivations but simply confirms that the incident occurred, something I never denied."

"The matter has been settled in court, and I am now obliged to proceed with the ARD (a rehabilitative program) process," the statement continued. "My family has already endured significant trauma, and the release of this footage has reopened old wounds, causing us to relive the distressing experience once again."

"My heartfelt sympathies go out to the families who refrain from seeking justice out of fear of humiliation when unjust events occur to them," Sultana concluded.
ALLENTOWN, Pa.  The Lehigh County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday voted to approve more than $500,000 in improvements to voting equipment and training for poll workers.

"Here in Lehigh County, we have fair, tight, secure elections," said Commissioner Ron Beitler. The improvements, Beitler said, would make a system "even more tight."

Dubbed the Voter Registration Advancement Project, the series of improvements include additional/replacement high-speed central scanning equipment, a subscription to online interactive poll worker training and election management software. In addition, the system will see software and battery upgrades as well as the purchase of an extended warranty.

The upgrades will "improve the efficiency of ballot processing," according to board documents.

"Training is a big part of this," said Beitler.

Board President Geoff Brace addressed the centralized tabulating of county votes in the county government building.

Instead of counting votes at the location where they are cast, Brace said a centralized tabulation process makes sense. Not only does the county have individuals specifically trained to count votes, but each vote starts as a paper vote, which makes it easier to recount if necessary.

"You can watch all of the ballots tabulated from the municipalities right herea much higher level of transparency," Brace said.

"We did not decentralize; I'm not comfortable with that," Brace said, although he said the county office of voter registration has jurisdiction over such decisions.

"It's just my two cents," Brace added.

The commissioners voted to add the purchases to the 2024-28 capital plan. Amendments to the plan must be created via ordinances and voted on by the commissioners.

The Election Integrity Grant Program will provide the funds to purchase the equipment and make the upgrades.

Muhlenberg College bonds

In other news, the board of commissioners introduced a resolution authorizing the Lehigh County General Purpose Authority to issue bonds for no more than $105 million to Muhlenberg College.

The bonds will help the college complete projects "to benefit the community and the college." The project addresses are the campus of the college, including but not limited to 2400 and 2230-2238 W. Chew St., and 2309, 2259, 2255, 2267 and 2251 W. Turner St.

Commissioner Beitler spoke about the "importance of Muhlenberg to the West End of Allentown and the Lehigh Valley in general."

"(There is a) good public purpose to this," he said.

The board also voted to adopt a second ordinance amending the 2024-28 Lehigh County capital plan to include a purchase. This time, the purchase was for an upgraded HVAC germ reduction system for the Lehigh County Jail.

According to the ordinance and supporting documents, the $257,878 proposed system will "reduce airborne and surface contaminants, purify the air and surfaces, reduce harmful gasses, and enhance health and quality of life."

Commissioner Jeffrey Dutt discussed "how important it is to have something like this in an area where people are housed."

"It's an important thing to take place," he said of the upgrade.

Commissioner April Riddick agreed with Dutt.

"Just because they're in jail doesnt mean they don't have a right to quality care," she said.

Beitler said HVAC systems like the one being discussed are "more important than ever" as the ages of prison populations increase.

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency grant will fund the project.

Behavioral health program

Lastly, the commissioners voted to approve a resolution for the county's fifth program year under the contract with Magellan Behavioral Health of Pennsylvania Inc.

MBH is the county's behavioral health managed care organization that administers the county's HealthChoices behavioral health program.

Commissioner Brace offered a reminder of "how extensive this contract is in our community."

He said the program offers school-based programs in the county's elementary, middle and high schools, suicide help and reentry help for those formerly incarcerated.

"This particular contract shows what we can do when we work with our community partners," said Dutt.

The commissioners voted to adopt the resolution.
BETHLEHEM, Pa.  At an interactive town hall meeting Wednesday night, the City of Bethlehem sought input from residents regarding the potential construction of a community center on its Southside.

Labeled a "community caucus," Wednesday's meeting at the Northampton Community College Fowler Center was part of Bethlehem's Community Anthem Project. The initiative asks residents to create short videos expressing their "thoughts, dreams and ideas" for a new Southside community center  as well as answer questions about what makes the city so special to them.

Residents in attendance were divided into two groups as part of a corporate-style workshop managed by Chris Kroner, a principal at Boston-based MASS Design Group. They were asked to discuss services they would like in a future community center and possible locations for the facility.

"Before we even try to make assumptions, we want to hear your voices," Kroner said.

One woman suggested a center with high-quality child care. Another resident suggested dance classes be offered.

They wrote their dreams down on paper, and they could submit videos, too.

"I love dancing," said resident Mike Garcia. "Music is great, and it brings everybody together, and these kids need something to keep them active."

Garcia grew up in Northampton Heights, a former borough along East Fourth Street that no longer exists. He'd like to see the center there.

"I feel, being a lost community, to have it come back again, to call it Northampton Heights," recommended Garcia.

Resident Anne Evans knows where she doesn't want it.

"Just to have a place that's not on Third or Fourth Street, which is loud," Evans said.

She'd prefer somewhere near the Greenway, a popular place for biking and walking.

"The city kind of underestimated how much the Greenway would become a place for people to walk to the grocery store," she said.

Eric Fontanez, who works for Bethlehem Area School District, has hopes for classes for homeowners.

"I call these 'DIY' classes, like hands-on repairing things, because sometimes we have homeowners, and it's really expensive to hire a contractor," Fontanez said.

When financial troubles shut down the Southside's branch of the Boys & Girls Club in 2017, many residents felt the area had lost an important source of youth recreation. But as the process to build a new community center begins, a sense of optimism has returned among Southside residents.

"The energy in this room is phenomenal, and the leadership of this program has me optimistic and so grateful for the future," said resident Carlos Diaz.

"I am just excited that a community center is coming to the Southside of Bethlehem," said Angela, a community activist.

The proposed community center is in its early stages and has no set design, cost or location, but Kroner has vowed to "build momentum" for the project by continuing to work with residents and city officials throughout the process.

If you missed Wednesday night's meeting, don't worry. Residents can still participate in the efforts to collect feedback about the future community center.

The city is accepting videos now through Sunday.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Lehigh Valley remains a hot rental market, and that's affecting affordability.

A new report out from RentCafe found the region to be the third hottest small rental market in the country.

The current occupancy rate in the Lehigh Valley is at 96.1%, which is 3% higher than the national average.

And on average, there are 10 people competing for the same unit, versus seven nationally.

"We just can't find enough places. There are way more people who need affordable housing, or housing at all, then there is actual places," said Marc Rittle with New Bethany in Bethlehem.

Rittle, who is also a commissioner for the Bethlehem Housing Authority, says a lack of new supply across the region has caused rents to skyrocket over the last two years.

In that time, New Bethany has also seen a 98% increase in folks using the food pantry, and 30% increase in the use of the soup kitchen.

"A starter for like a one bedroom, you're paying easily $1,400. Probably $1600 -$1800. Some easily could be like $2000 a month," Rittle said.

RentCafe data show the average rent in the Lehigh Valley is now just under $1,650.

On Tuesday in a Senate hearing, U.S. Sen. John Fetterman talked about the housing crisis facing the state, citing the Lehigh Valley specifically.

"Rents for the average one-or-two-bedroom apartments are up to as much as $1,000 a month in Indiana County, $1,200 a month in Montour County, and $2,000 a month in the Lehigh Valley," Fetterman said.

In turn, homelessness has also increased drastically, Rittle says, and while local governments are working hard to tackle the issue, those fixes aren't instant.

"Support for affordable housing can't keep escalating at the same rate that the cost of living is going up," Rittle said.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - A man has been accused of attacking and killing another man in Allentown in 2023.

John Albert Garner, 25, of Allentown, is charged with homicide and aggravated assault, both first-degree felonies, according to a news release from the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office.

Garner was arraigned Thursday and is in custody and is being held without bail, the DA's office said.

At 10:20 a.m. July 9, 2023, Allentown Police were called to the 300 block of N. 16th St. to assist city paramedics with a male who was reported to be in cardiac arrest. The man who called 911 said he had not heard from Alexander Mason Price for several days and went to Prices residence to check on him and found Prices body on the floor of his room, according to the news release.

Price, 29, died from blunt force head trauma and his death was ruled a homicide by Lehigh County Coroner Dan Buglio, according to the DA's office.

The DA's office says the investigation revealed that Garner attacked Price and caused the fatal injuries.

A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for 1:15 p.m. March 28 in Lehigh County Central Court. The affidavit of probable cause is sealed for 60 days.
NAZARETH, Pa. - Nazareth's Nicole Ayers is one of the millions of small business owners who use TikTok.

"I woke up and it was like 1.6 million views," she told us last summer.

She now tells us the social media app has been key in growing her business.

"It does have a better reach because it's the latest shiny nickel as opposed to Facebook, which has been out there for a while," said Brian Yount of Allentown-based digital marketing firm NuStream.

The company has clients who use TikTok as a marketing tool. Yount says TikTok is king in capturing online users' attention.

But time could be ticking for the 150 million American users of TikTok.

Citing a national security threat, The U.S. House voted to ban it from American users if the Chinese-owned app isn't sold.

"It's going to majorly impact small businesses who are dependent upon that. Many of the larger businesses haven't really risked that much of their budgets," Yount added.

Yount said at least one of their smaller clients, a medical company, is very concerned about what a ban would do to her business.

Ayers, who has nearly 16,000 TikToK followers, and half a million likes, says if the Senate and President Biden agree to the online ban, it will be a real-world blow in reaching new customers.

"There's only so many pools that you can jump to that are similar to that. It's tough swimming for whoever used that and was dependent on that as their marketing tool," Yount added.
The American Red Cross is shining its spotlight on people in the Lehigh Valley who lead the way with selflessness.

The organization's Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter honored community members at its annual Heroes Breakfast on Thursday morning.

69 News' Karin Mallett was the emcee.

Most of this year's seven honorees are veterans, with one person celebrated for being a good Samaritan.

Organizers say it's heartwarming to see so much humility in one place.

"This is one of my favorite days of the year," said Peter Brown, executive director of the American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter. "You walk out of the building sort of floating on air because it just lifts you up, and to have a room full to honor these people who tell you they don't deserve to be recognized, but we all know that they do"

The Lehigh Valley Heroes Breakfast raises funds for the programs and services of the American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter.
PHILADELPHIA  The U.S. Marshals Service Eastern Pennsylvania Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force is asking for the publics help in finding a fourth suspect in a Philadelphia shooting at a SEPTA bus stop that injured eight teenagers.

On Tuesday, the Philadelphia Police Department issued a warrant for attempted murder and related charges for Asir Boones role in the shooting, according to a news release from the U.S. Marshals Service.

The U.S. Marshals Service says it is offering up to a $5,000 reward for information leading to Boones arrest. The reward will be processed immediately upon arrest and not upon conviction, according to the news release.

Boone is 5-foot-6 and weighs approximately 140 pounds, the U.S. Marshals Service said. He has black hair and brown eyes.

He is known to frequent the Olney section of Philadelphia and his last known address was in the 500 block of west Manheim Street in Germantown, according to the news release.

A deadline has come and gone for Asir Boone to turn himself in. We are now asking for the publics assistance to further our investigation while also warning that anyone supporting Boones flight will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, said Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Clark.

Tips can be called in to the U.S. Marshals Philadelphia Tipline at 1-866-865-TIPS(8477) or at www.usmarshals.gov.

Three people have been taken into custody in the shooting.

U.S. Marshals say Jermahd Carter, 19, was taken into custody. He was wanted for attempted murder, firearms violations, and related charges in relation to the shooting.

Two other suspects, Ahnile Buggs and Jamaal Tucker, were arrested over the weekend for their alleged roles in that shooting last Wednesday. They're both facing attempted murder and other charges.
MIAMI (AP)  Neglect, abandonment and destruction have been the fate of thousands of segregated cemeteries across the country where African Americans  from former slaves to prominent politicians and business owners -- were buried over many decades.

In the past few years, growing awareness and the discovery of graves underneath parking lots, schools and even an Air Force base have spurred preservation efforts among state and local governments as well as community members who want to rebuild ancestral links that are spiritually crucial.

In Washington, D.C., members of a historically Black sorority recruited an expert who helped find the 1919 burial site of one of the sororitys founders, hidden from view in an overgrown, badly neglected section of Woodlawn Cemetery.

In Miami, Jessie Wooden bought a historically segregated Black cemetery also suffering from neglect. He and his brother, Frank  who works as caretaker  have a powerful motive for trying to restore the cemetery: it houses the gravesite of their mother, Vivian, who died when Jessie was an infant.

When we got here it looked like a jungle, Frank Wooden said. Some people had to jump the fence to get in to see their loved one.

When sites of sacred cultural memory are desecrated, it adds additional trauma to the indignity of being segregated even in death, said Brent Leggs. He is executive director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund and senior vice president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Those groups have played major roles in bringing awareness to the threats to cemetery preservation, such as vandalism, abandonment, ownership disputes and development. The groups provide technical expertise, as well as legal and preservation advocacy.

Theres growing awareness among the public that cemeteries are not these haunted, scary places, but they are parks to be experienced as sites of reflection and commemoration," Leggs said.

At Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery in Miamis Brownsville neighborhood, community members now stop by to say thanks and bring cold water to workers who are weeding, cleaning and repainting crypts, some dating to the late 19th century.

After Jessie Wooden serendipitously met an aunt when he was in his late 40s and learned about his mother's resting place, he tried to visit but found the vast graveyard overgrown, snake-infested and surrounded by debris.

Now, when he comes to work, he walks past the crypts and spreading banyan trees to pray at his mothers grave.

All my life I didnt know her. All I knew that mom was gone, Wooden said. For me to be able to come where shes resting at and be able to just to say a little prayer and talk to her, oh, that means so much to me.

Marvin Dunn, emeritus professor at Florida International University and historian of race relations in Florida, remembers childhood visits to his great-grandmothers grave for yearly spring clean-ups, when he helped out marking the site with Coke bottles.

It was the ritual, Dunn said. My grandmother, especially, would not have allowed that grave not to be cleaned once a year.

Dunns great-grandmothers burial grounds belonged to a church, and those cemeteries have been more likely to survive, he said. But where entire communities were uprooted, privately owned cemeteries on newly valuable land were often sold to developers with little to no objection  leading to hundreds of thousands of Black graves that might never be found again.

Where we bury our dead remains a part of our history, a part of our lives, a part of our souls, Dunn said. Not knowing where your ancestors are at, you cant have that connection ... And thats a tragic loss.

In 2022, Congress passed the African-American Burial Grounds Preservation Act as a program within the National Park Service; efforts are ongoing to ensure funding. Last year, Florida passed a bill to fund restoration of historic Black cemeteries. Dunn says the state should also help families gain access to privately owned graveyards.

Dignity is the biggest thing, said Antoinette Jackson, a University of South Florida professor. She leads the African American Burial Ground & Remembering Project in the Tampa area, where Black cemeteries were discovered in recent years under a corporations parking lot and a schools campus.

Elsewhere in Tampa, an estimated 800 graves of Black people remain from the Zion Cemetery, founded in 1901 as the citys first burial ground for Blacks. The Tampa Housing Authority is redeveloping a housing complex built atop some of the graves, said Leroy Moore, the authoritys chief operating officer.

Use of ground-penetrating radar confirmed the graves location, leading to closure of five buildings over the burial ground, relocation of 32 families and efforts to preserve the area and create a genealogy research center.

Youve got to know your history, Moore said.

In Miami, the Wooden brothers are trying to restore those family and community ties one crumbling gravesite at a time.

People can be proud, you know, where their loved ones are buried at. And they can be  proud to come and visit again, Jessie Wooden said as Frank painstakingly brushed dirt off a nearby crypt. Were open, were visiting, were burying, I mean, were getting things done.

In Washington, in the summer of 2018, members of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority were trying to get things done  namely to locate the final resting place of one of its 22 founding members, Edna Brown Coleman.

The tragic circumstances of Brown Colemans death in September 1919 had been uniquely woven into the sororitys legacy. According to its lore, Edna Brown held some of the first meetings in her living room before graduating from Howard University at the top of her class.

She met and fell in love with Frank Coleman, a founder of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and became pregnant, but died while giving birth, along with the baby. They were buried together.

Since then, the Colemans story has lived on. A marriage between members of the two organizations is dubbed a Coleman Love story. But the whereabouts of Ednas burial site remained a mystery.

To find it, the sorority tapped Marjorie Kinard, resident historian of Washington, D.C.s alumni chapter of Delta Sigma Theta who first pledged as a student at historically Black Livingstone College in the 1960s.

When I hung up the phone, I got right on it, she said.

Filled with wonder and excitement at her new assignment, Kinard quickly confirmed that Brown Coleman was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery, a 22.5-acre cemetery in Washington.

Opened in 1895, Woodlawn contains about 36,000 burial sites, many of them prominent Black Americans, such as Blanche K. Bruce, a U.S. Senator from Mississippi from 1875 to 1881, and playwright and educator Mary Powell Burrill.

But once volunteers opened the gates for a small contingent of sorority members to find their forebear, Kinards awe turned to dread. The grass was overgrown, with shrubbery and weeds that hadnt been cut in months, or even years. Some tombstones were strewn about haphazardly.

Desecration is an unfortunate reality, such as in the case of Moses Macedonia African Cemetery in Bethesda, Maryland. Advocates of the Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition are mired in a legal battle to keep a developer from selling the land on which the cemetery once stood. The case is being weighed in the Maryland Supreme Court.

In the town of Roslyn, New York, on Long Island, a librarian named Carol Clarke recently found the site where members of the Salem African Methodist Episcopal Church had been reinterred after a wealthy family purchased a plot of land to build a chicken coop in 1899.

At Woodlawn, hidden beneath the shrubbery overgrown over Brown Colemans tombstone was the revelation that the sorority founders full name was Mary Edna Brown Coleman.

Soon it was discovered that two founders of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority -- Sarah Meriwether Nutter and Marjorie Arizona Hill  were also interred at Woodlawn. Kinard reached out to another sorority leader, and together they began Woodlawn Collaborative Project, an initiative designed to ensure that the grounds are never again neglected.

We were just happy that the cemetery was alive and well, Kinard said.

Sands reported from Washington. AP reporter Curt Anderson contributed from Tampa, Florida.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
The Americans are planning to open the first plant outside the United States to produce missiles that play a decisive role in the war against Ukraine waged by Russia at an Australian military base. These are 227 mm GMLRS guided missiles, which are launched from M142 HIMARS rocket artillery systems.

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This was reported by The Wall Street Journal. The journalists emphasized that the White House is seeking to establish several lines of production of critical weapons in allied countries, also in view of the growing competition with China and Russia.

"Rapid consumption of munitions in Ukraine and the Middle East - from missiles to artillery shells - has limited the ability of the U.S. industrial base to meet demand and replenish depleted stockpiles," the publication said.

According to the publication's interlocutors, the attempt to build the plant in Australia provides a glimpse of how Washington's weapons strategy can unfold around the world, as well as the difficulties faced by the United States and its allies in increasing munitions production.

In this context, the problem of strategic competition between the United States and China and Russia is also meant. U.S. officials say they are satisfied with the pace and speed of Australia's efforts.

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"Given the growing competition, precision munitions such as GMLRS and PrSM are becoming increasingly important. It is critical that we have hot production lines to deliver them on a large scale," said Pentagon spokesman Jeff Jurgensen.

According to Australian officials, the first batch of about a dozen Australian-built GMLRS will be tested by the end of next year. And by the end of the decade, Australia intends to produce thousands of missiles annually.

It is noted that initially, the GMLRS will consist of imported components, but later Canberra wants to focus on the production of key missile parts domestically, including rocket engines and warheads. Other types of missiles may also be produced at some point.

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However, according to the WSJ, finding a skilled workforce may be a challenge, given that Australia already has a shortage of engineers. Developing new supply chains could be equally challenging, as some systems, such as rocket engines, are already in short supply. Even determining the best way to transport missile components overseas may take practice.

"The United States and its allies need to produce as much munitions as possible and as quickly as possible. Production capacity can also matter during a conflict, which means that the more production sites, the better," said former Pentagon official Zach Cooper.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, in the fall of 2023, the United States announced a new $150 million military aid package for Ukraine. Among other things, it included additional GMLRS missiles for HIMARS and ammunition for the NASAMS anti-aircraft missile system.

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The Ukrainian Armed Forces destroyed a Russian Tor missile worth about $25 million with a GMLRS missile. The defeat took place last October in the area of the temporarily occupied Kakhovka in Kherson region.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
TOMIOKA, Japan (AP)  The U.S. and Japanese militaries will resume flights of Osprey aircraft in Japan after completing necessary maintenance and training following a fatal crash in southern Japan last November, officials said Wednesday.

The Osprey aircraft, which can take off like a helicopter and then fly like an airplane, has had a troubled history, including numerous crashes.

Japan's Defense Ministry said the two countries had discussed the resumption of Osprey flights in Japan since the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command announced last Friday that the aircraft was approved to return to service after an unprecedented part failure led to the deaths of eight U.S. service members in the crash in Japan.

The entire U.S. Osprey fleet was grounded Dec. 6, a week after that crash. Japans military also grounded all of its 14 Ospreys.

Japan's Defense Ministry said that each of the U.S. forces will have separate return-to-flight schedules and that Japan and the United States closely discussed a timeline for the resumption of Osprey flights in Japan. Aircraft that have completed necessary maintenance and training will return to flight as early as Thursday, the ministry said.

It said the crash was caused by a part problem, not a faulty Osprey design, and that similar problems can be prevented in the future by taking steps to mitigate the identified cause. It did not provide further details.

The Osprey flights will be limited to areas around their bases for the time being, the ministry said, in an apparent effort to address the safety concerns of residents in Okinawa, where most of the U.S. military Ospreys in Japan are deployed. There has been vocal opposition there to the aircraft.

Okinawa is home to Marine Corps Air Station Futenma and its 24 MV-22B Ospreys, and where half of the American troops in Japan are based.

Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki objected to the planned return to flight operations, saying there was not sufficient explanation about the cause of the accident. He told reporters Wednesday that he was informed by Japanese defense officials about the plan, but no detailed explanation was given.

This is absolutely unacceptable and we cannot allow this to happen, Tamaki said.

He said he planned to ask both the Japanese government and the U.S. military to keep Ospreys on the ground until they fully disclose the cause and safety measures. Okinawa will also request scrapping of the aircraft's deployment, he added.

In Kagoshima, where the Self-Defense Force's Ospreys are planned for deployment, prefectural officials cited residents' safety concerns and sought details about the cause and safety measures, but defense officials declined to do so until the U.S. military issues an investigation report, NHK public television reported.

Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara said the United States had given an adequate explanation of the cause of the crash and provided detailed information about the accident.

The crash was the second fatal Osprey accident in months and the fourth in two years. Before clearing the Osprey, U.S. officials said they put increased attention on its proprotor gearbox, instituted new limitations on how it can be flown and added maintenance inspections and requirements that gave them confidence it could safely return to flight.

The officials did not identify the specific component that failed because the Air Forces crash investigation has not been completed, but said they now have a better  but not complete  understanding of why it failed.
Advancing gender and leadership in higher education

A group of ten Wits University staff and students recently attended the Afretec Gender in STEM Workshop in Kigali, Rwanda.

Hosted by the University of Rwanda and Carnegie Mellon University-Africa, the workshop that took place from 19  21 February 2024, addressed the importance of inclusion in the STEM sector.

Rodney Genga, Associate Professor in Wits Academic Development Unit, and Professor Samuel Laryea, Head of the School of Construction Economics and Management at Wits, led a session on Professional Development and Career advancement.

Wits PhD student Alisha Badal presented an excellent paper on Strategies for Successful Grant Writing and Research Funding.

In her address, Professor Ruksana Osman, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic at Wits, highlighted the importance of Women in Academic Leadership.

Professors Lizelle Van Dyk and Mary Evans participated in a panel discussion on Work-Life balance and navigating challenges in academia while Boitumelo Moletsane and Sphamandla Zulu presented on Building Effective Mentorship and Networking Relationships.

Wits members of the Afretec Inclusion and Diversity Pillar, Dr Nokulunga Ndlovu and Professor Heila Jordaan (Wits Afretec Programme Manager) acted as moderator and MC respectively.

The workshop was also attended by representatives of the five other partner universities in the Afretec Network, a pan-African collaboration of technology-focused universities, and issues of common concern for women in STEM and in academia were discussed and solutions sought.

For more information contact Wits Afretec Project Manager, Professor Heila Jordaan, at heila.jordaan@wits.ac.za.

About the Afretec Network

Afretec seeks to develop inclusive technology leaders who will lead the projects, start the companies, and provide the capacity in both the private and public sectors to drive inclusive digital transformation and the creation of thousands of dignified jobs.

The Network focuses on the rapidly developing information and communication technologies (ICT) that support advances in education, agriculture, health, government, and more (edtech, agtech, mhealth, egovernment, etc.) and enable inclusive digital transformation throughout African economies and societies.

In line with the goals of Afretec the network consists of 4 pillars:

Knowledge Creation

Teaching and Learning

Build Entrepreneurship

Inclusion and Diversity

Universities in the Afretec Network:
Political theorist Achille Mbembe named 2024 Holberg Prize Laureate

The Holberg Prize is one of the largest international prizes awarded annually to an outstanding researcher in the humanities, social sciences, law or theology.

The Cameroonian scholar Achille Mbembe is Research Professor of History and Politics at the Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research (WiSER), at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. He will receive the award of NOK 6,000,000 (approx. EUR 525,000) during a 6 June ceremony at the University of Bergen, Norway.

Mbembe is one of the most read and cited scholars from the African continent and receives the prize for his pioneering research in African history, postcolonial studies, humanities, and social science over four decades. Both as an academic and as a public intellectual, he is known for his ability to bridge existing thinking on colonialism and decolonisation with pressing questions on topics such as contemporary migration regimes, global citizenship, restitution and reparation, technology, climate change and planetary futures.

As a historian and a political philosopher, Mbembe has been most concerned about the entanglement of Europe and its former colonies. Using Africa as a point of departure for a mode of thinking that is continuous with multiple and interlocking lineages, he has revealed the extent to which the continent is a living laboratory of thought forms and ideas, a vast world of invention, imagination and creativity.

As a critical theorist, his deliberations on the global order have left an enduring mark far beyond debates on postcolonialism. Drawing on African experiences, Mbembe has played a major role in advancing thinking beyond identity and difference, particularly through concepts such as necropolitics, the universal right to breathe, or the earthly community, which speak to the ongoing struggles for recognition and repair as well as care and dignity in a racialized world.

Originally written in French, Mbembes books and numerous articles have been translated into seventeen languages. His key books include On the Postcolony (2000/2001), Out of the Dark Night (2010/2021), Necropolitics (2016/2019), Brutalism (2020/2024) and The Earthly Community: Reflections on the Last Utopia (2022), as well as the groundbreaking Critique of Black Reason (2013/2017)a philosophical study of the meaning of Blackness as it historically emerged. In Necropolitics, Mbembe examines how power structures wield control over life and mortality, shaping the very fabric of existence for oppressed communities.

Describing the key purpose of his work, the Laureate asks: What are the conditions for rethinking the world in a way that opens up alternative ways of inhabiting it, of being-in-common and of nurturing a planetary consciousness? How to think an open future that moves beyond the history of race, colonialism and segregation with which the present is so deeply entangled, Mbembe continues. These questions have been at the heart of my research over the span of my career. Behind them lurks an even bigger issue, that of life futureshow can life be repaired, reproduced, sustained and cared for, made durable and universally shared?

Mbembes oeuvre goes beyond a particularized notion of decolonization to a universalist recentring of the human, says Holberg Committee Chair Heike Krieger. For him, this involves a dedication to facing historical truth, while learning and remembering across South-North divides.

Congratulations to Professor Achille Mbembe, an outstanding scholar, historian, political philosopher, critical thinker and one of the worlds foremost intellectuals. This award serves as a testament to the distinguished contribution that Professor Mbembe has made to contemporary scholarship, which will undoubtedly inspire generations of scholars in years to come said Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University.

About the Laureate

Achille Mbembe is Research Professor of History and Politics at the Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research (WISER), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. He is also the Director of the Innovation Foundation for Democracy. He was educated in Cameroon and in France where he obtained his PhD in History at the Universite Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne and a a Diplome d'etudes approfondies (DEA) at the Institut d'etudes politiques de Paris.

Mbembe has taught at various universities in the United States, including Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of California at Berkeley and at Irvine, Yale University, Duke University and Harvard University. A winner of the Ernst Bloch Award and the Gerda Henkel Prize, he is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a Fellow of the British Academy.

Mbembe holds Honorary Doctorates from the Paris 8 University (France), the Catholic University of Louvain (Belgium) and the University of Bergen (Norway). His work has been translated in 17 languages (English, Spanish, Italian, German, Dutch, Portuguese, Arabic, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Turkish, Romanian, Polish, Slovenian, Catalan, Finnish, and Mandarin). His latest book is La communaute terrestre (Editions La Decouverte, Paris, 2023).

About the Holberg Prize

Established by the Norwegian Parliament in 2003, the Holberg Prize is one of the largest annual international research prizes awarded for outstanding contributions to research in the humanities, social science, law or theology. The Prize is funded by the Norwegian Government through a direct allocation from the Ministry of Education and Research to the University of Bergen. Previous Laureates include Julia Kristeva, Jurgen Habermas, Manuel Castells, Onora ONeill, Cass Sunstein, Paul Gilroy, and Sheila Jasanoff. To learn more about the Holberg Prize, visit: https://holbergprize.org/en. For press photos, biography, Committee citation, expert contact information, and more, see: http://holbergprize.org/en/press-room.
Moss Adams Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 61.5% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 730 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 278 shares during the period. Moss Adams Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $392,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of LLY. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company during the 4th quarter valued at about $3,416,206,000. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 102,752.2% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 5,446,026 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,992,374,000 after acquiring an additional 5,440,731 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley grew its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 44.1% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 12,059,204 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,411,740,000 after acquiring an additional 3,691,436 shares in the last quarter. Imprint Wealth LLC grew its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 53,716.8% during the 2nd quarter. Imprint Wealth LLC now owns 1,751,200 shares of the companys stock valued at $175,120,000 after acquiring an additional 1,747,946 shares in the last quarter. Finally, T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. purchased a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company during the 4th quarter valued at about $445,944,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.38% of the companys stock.

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Eli Lilly and Company Stock Performance

Shares of LLY stock traded up $1.44 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $756.39. The stock had a trading volume of 1,284,081 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,367,645. Eli Lilly and Company has a fifty-two week low of $321.44 and a fifty-two week high of $800.78. The firm has a market cap of $718.69 billion, a PE ratio of 130.16, a PEG ratio of 1.61 and a beta of 0.34. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.69, a current ratio of 0.94 and a quick ratio of 0.73. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $700.28 and its 200-day simple moving average is $621.43.

Insider Activity at Eli Lilly and Company

Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 6th. The company reported $2.49 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.30 by $0.19. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 15.36% and a return on equity of 51.22%. The firm had revenue of $9.35 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.95 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $2.09 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 28.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Eli Lilly and Company will post 12.41 earnings per share for the current year.

In other Eli Lilly and Company news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 1,180 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $645.60, for a total transaction of $761,808.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 99,542,630 shares in the company, valued at approximately $64,264,721,928. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Insiders sold 195,055 shares of company stock worth $125,254,657 over the last 90 days. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms have weighed in on LLY. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $815.00 target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Tuesday, February 20th. Barclays upped their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $680.00 to $810.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, February 7th. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $805.00 to $950.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, February 16th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $700.00 to $825.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, February 6th. Finally, Truist Financial upped their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $650.00 to $850.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a 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 company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $677.62.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on LLY

About Eli Lilly and Company

(Free Report)

Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company 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; Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes; and Zepbound for obesity.

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AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE:AVB  Get Free Report) EVP Joanne M. Lockridge sold 1,750 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $185.10, for a total value of $323,925.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 21,907 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,054,985.70. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link.

AvalonBay Communities Trading Up 1.3 %

NYSE:AVB opened at $186.24 on Thursday. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $178.87 and a 200-day moving average price of $177.28. The stock has a market cap of $26.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.43, a P/E/G ratio of 3.44 and a beta of 0.92. The company has a current ratio of 1.44, a quick ratio of 1.44 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68. AvalonBay Communities, Inc. has a 12 month low of $153.07 and a 12 month high of $198.65.

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AvalonBay Communities (NYSE:AVB  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 6th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.70 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.73 by ($1.03). The company had revenue of $704.71 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $701.67 million. AvalonBay Communities had a return on equity of 7.98% and a net margin of 33.56%. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $2.59 earnings per share. Equities analysts predict that AvalonBay Communities, Inc. will post 10.84 EPS for the current year.

AvalonBay Communities Increases Dividend

Institutional Investors Weigh In On AvalonBay Communities

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 15th. Investors of record on Thursday, March 28th will be given a dividend of $1.70 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, March 27th. This is a positive change from AvalonBay Communitiess previous quarterly dividend of $1.65. This represents a $6.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.65%. AvalonBay Communitiess payout ratio is currently 103.82%.

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC increased its stake in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 8.2% during the first quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 1,485 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $369,000 after purchasing an additional 113 shares in the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC grew its stake in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 18.0% in the 1st quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 2,007 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $499,000 after buying an additional 306 shares during the last quarter. Prudential PLC bought a new position in AvalonBay Communities during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $704,000. Cetera Investment Advisers raised its stake in AvalonBay Communities by 54.4% during the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 5,260 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,306,000 after buying an additional 1,853 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. boosted its holdings in AvalonBay Communities by 7.8% in the first quarter. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. now owns 12,461 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,095,000 after acquiring an additional 901 shares in the last quarter. 88.71% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

AVB has been the subject of a number of research reports. Mizuho cut their price objective on AvalonBay Communities from $188.00 to $185.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, February 28th. Barclays upgraded shares of AvalonBay Communities from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and upped their price target for the company from $194.00 to $204.00 in a research report on Tuesday, February 20th. KeyCorp restated a sector weight rating on shares of AvalonBay Communities in a research report on Friday, January 5th. Morgan Stanley upgraded AvalonBay Communities from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $175.00 to $191.50 in a research report on Monday, February 26th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada restated a sector perform rating and issued a $185.00 target price on shares of AvalonBay Communities in a report on Friday, February 2nd. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $196.34.

View Our Latest Report on AVB

About AvalonBay Communities

(Get Free Report)

As of December 31, 2023, the Company owned or held a direct or indirect ownership interest in 299 apartment communities containing 90,669 apartment homes in 12 states and the District of Columbia, of which 18 communities were under development. The Company is an equity REIT in the business of developing, redeveloping, acquiring and managing apartment communities in leading metropolitan areas in New England, the New York/New Jersey Metro area, the Mid-Atlantic, the Pacific Northwest, and Northern and Southern California, as well as in the Company's expansion regions of Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte, North Carolina, Southeast Florida, Dallas and Austin, Texas, and Denver, Colorado.

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Calix Limited (ASX:CXL  Get Free Report) insider Catriona Deans acquired 50,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, March 12th. The stock was bought at an average cost of A$1.73 ($1.15) per share, with a total value of A$86,500.00 ($57,284.77).

Calix Stock Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.55, a quick ratio of 1.77 and a current ratio of 4.04.

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Calix Company Profile

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Further Reading

Calix Limited, an environmental technology company, provides industrial solutions to address global sustainability challenges in Australia, Europe, the United States, and South East Asia. Its solutions include ACTI-Mag for biogas and wastewater; AQUA-Cal+, a water conditioner for shrimp farming and lake remediation; BOOSTER-Mag, an agricultural solution for increased yield, fertilizer usage, insect/pest management, and fungal control; and low emissions intensity lime and cement (LEILAC) for cement and lime companies to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions.

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Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (TSE:CP  Get Free Report) (NYSE:CP) Senior Officer Nadeem Velani sold 1,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, March 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$122.15, for a total transaction of C$183,225.00.

Nadeem Velani also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Wednesday, March 13th, Nadeem Velani sold 1,000 shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City stock. The shares were sold at an average price of C$123.30, for a total transaction of C$123,300.00.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Trading Up 0.8 %

CP stock opened at C$123.13 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of C$114.81 billion, a PE ratio of 29.25, a P/E/G ratio of 2.32 and a beta of 0.76. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited has a 12 month low of C$94.45 and a 12 month high of C$123.37. The firms 50-day moving average is C$111.80 and its 200 day moving average is C$105.05. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 53.85, a current ratio of 0.53 and a quick ratio of 0.42.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Dividend Announcement

Canadian Pacific Kansas City ( TSE:CP Get Free Report ) (NYSE:CP) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, January 30th. The company reported C$1.18 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of C$1.12 by C$0.06. Canadian Pacific Kansas City had a net margin of 31.28% and a return on equity of 9.65%. The company had revenue of C$3.78 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of C$3.66 billion. On average, research analysts anticipate that Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited will post 4.3406308 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 29th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, March 28th will be issued a dividend of $0.19 per share. This represents a $0.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.62%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, March 27th. Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys payout ratio is 18.05%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms recently issued reports on CP. Raymond James upped their price target on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$116.00 to C$120.00 in a research note on Monday, January 22nd. Stephens increased their target price on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$78.00 to C$83.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, January 4th. Sanford C. Bernstein increased their target price on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$112.00 to C$117.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Monday, February 5th. CIBC reduced their target price on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$126.00 to C$124.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, January 31st. Finally, Barclays increased their target price on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$115.00 to C$120.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 10th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Canadian Pacific Kansas City presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of C$116.00.

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Canadian Pacific Kansas City Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada and the United States. The company transports bulk commodities, including grain, coal, potash, fertilizers, and sulphur; and merchandise freight, such as energy, chemicals and plastics, metals, minerals and consumer, automotive, and forest products.

Further Reading

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CoreFirst Bank & Trust bought a new stake in The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund bought 1,022 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $56,000.

Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. State Street Corp increased its stake in Charles Schwab by 0.7% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 60,391,016 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,422,963,000 after purchasing an additional 398,367 shares during the period. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA increased its stake in Charles Schwab by 26.3% in the 3rd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 29,775,952 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,634,700,000 after buying an additional 6,195,934 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Charles Schwab by 1.5% in the 1st quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 27,050,168 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,413,244,000 after buying an additional 391,238 shares during the period. Morgan Stanley lifted its holdings in Charles Schwab by 62.5% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 22,255,649 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,853,005,000 after buying an additional 8,563,389 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank bought a new position in Charles Schwab in the 4th quarter worth about $1,325,555,000. Institutional investors own 81.61% of the companys stock.

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Charles Schwab Stock Up 1.0 %

Shares of SCHW opened at $67.17 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $119.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.44, a PEG ratio of 1.30 and a beta of 1.00. The Charles Schwab Co. has a 52 week low of $45.65 and a 52 week high of $71.40. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $64.82 and its 200-day moving average price is $60.53. The company has a quick ratio of 0.43, a current ratio of 0.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82.

Charles Schwab Dividend Announcement

Charles Schwab ( NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 17th. The financial services provider reported $0.68 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.64 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $4.46 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates 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 quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.07 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.34 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently declared 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 yield of 1.49%. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio is presently 39.37%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

SCHW has been the subject of a number of research reports. JMP Securities reiterated a market outperform rating and issued a $77.00 price target on shares of Charles Schwab in a report on Thursday, January 18th. TD Cowen started coverage on Charles Schwab in a research note on Thursday, January 4th. They set a market perform rating and a $77.00 price target on the stock. Barclays lifted their price objective on Charles Schwab from $64.00 to $68.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, February 21st. Citigroup cut shares of Charles Schwab from a buy rating to a neutral rating and dropped their target price for the stock from $75.00 to $70.00 in a report on Wednesday, January 10th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group restated a neutral rating and issued a $71.00 price target (up previously from $70.00) on shares of Charles Schwab in a report on Wednesday, January 3rd. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $69.92.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on SCHW

Insider Buying and Selling at Charles Schwab

In other Charles Schwab news, insider Nigel J. Murtagh sold 29,991 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, March 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $67.80, for a total value of $2,033,389.80. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 81,446 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,522,038.80. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, Director Carolyn Schwab-Pomerantz sold 9,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $65.29, for a total value of $587,610.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 585,057 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $38,198,371.53. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, insider Nigel J. Murtagh sold 29,991 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, March 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $67.80, for a total value of $2,033,389.80. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 81,446 shares in the company, valued at $5,522,038.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 202,607 shares of company stock valued at $13,214,499. Corporate 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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Synovus Financial (NYSE:SNV  Get Free Report) and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (OTCMKTS:IDCBY  Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, institutional ownership, earnings, valuation, profitability, analyst recommendations and risk.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of current ratings and recommmendations for Synovus Financial and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Synovus Financial 0 4 8 1 2.77 Industrial and Commercial Bank of China 1 0 1 0 2.00

Synovus Financial presently has a consensus target price of $39.00, suggesting a potential downside of 0.06%. Given Synovus Financials stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities analysts plainly believe Synovus Financial is more favorable than Industrial and Commercial Bank of China.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

Profitability

79.9% of Synovus Financial shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.6% of Synovus Financial shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

This table compares Synovus Financial and Industrial and Commercial Bank of Chinas net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Synovus Financial 15.74% 14.95% 1.06% Industrial and Commercial Bank of China 23.98% 9.96% 0.84%

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Synovus Financial and Industrial and Commercial Bank of Chinas top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Synovus Financial $2.16 billion 2.65 $543.71 million $3.46 11.28 Industrial and Commercial Bank of China $209.49 billion 0.87 $53.57 billion $2.78 3.69

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China has higher revenue and earnings than Synovus Financial. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Synovus Financial, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Dividends

Synovus Financial pays an annual dividend of $1.52 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.9%. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China pays an annual dividend of $0.71 per share and has a dividend yield of 6.9%. Synovus Financial pays out 43.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China pays out 25.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Synovus Financial has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio.

Risk & Volatility

Synovus Financial has a beta of 1.39, suggesting that its stock price is 39% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China has a beta of 0.18, suggesting that its stock price is 82% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Summary

Synovus Financial beats Industrial and Commercial Bank of China on 13 of the 18 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Synovus Financial

(Get Free Report)

Synovus Financial Corp. operates as the bank holding company for Synovus Bank that provides commercial and consumer banking products and services. It operates through four segments: Community Banking, Wholesale Banking, Consumer Banking, and Financial Management Services. The company's commercial banking services include treasury and asset management, capital market, and institutional trust services, as well as commercial, financial, and real estate lending services. Its consumer banking services comprise accepting customary types of demand and savings deposits accounts; mortgage, installment, and other consumer loans; investment and brokerage services; safe deposit services; automated banking services; automated fund transfers; internet-based banking services; and bank credit and debit card services, including Visa and MasterCard services. The company also offers various other financial services, including portfolio management for fixed-income securities, investment banking, execution of securities transactions as a broker/dealer, trust management, and financial planning services, as well as provides individual investment advice on equity and other securities. The company was founded in 1888 and is headquartered in Columbus, Georgia.

About Industrial and Commercial Bank of China

(Get Free Report)

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides banking products and services in the People's Republic of China and internationally. The company operates through Corporate Banking, Personal Banking, and Treasury Operations segments. The Corporate Banking segment offers financial products and services to corporations, government agencies, and financial institutions. Its products and services include trade financing, deposit, corporate wealth management, custody, and various corporate intermediary services, as well as corporate loans. Its Personal Banking segment provides financial products and services to individual customers. This segment's products and services comprise personal loans and cards, deposits, and personal wealth management and intermediary services. The Treasury Business segment is involved in the money market transactions, investment securities, and proprietary and foreign exchange transactions businesses. It also offers e-banking services, investment banking, financial leasing, and insurance services. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited was incorporated in 1984 and is based in Beijing, the People's Republic of China.

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Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Co. reduced its stake in Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR  Free Report) by 0.8% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 24,846 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 193 shares during the period. Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Co.s holdings in Digital Realty Trust were worth $3,344,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Schechter Investment Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 18.5% in the third quarter. Schechter Investment Advisors LLC now owns 3,269 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $396,000 after acquiring an additional 511 shares in the last quarter. Credit Suisse AG increased its holdings in Digital Realty Trust by 65.0% in the second quarter. Credit Suisse AG now owns 755,372 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $86,014,000 after buying an additional 297,681 shares during the last quarter. Shelton Capital Management increased its holdings in Digital Realty Trust by 753.5% in the third quarter. Shelton Capital Management now owns 17,897 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $2,166,000 after buying an additional 15,800 shares during the last quarter. O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in Digital Realty Trust by 145.2% in the third quarter. O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC now owns 11,753 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,422,000 after buying an additional 6,959 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cambridge Trust Co. grew its holdings in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 5.0% during the third quarter. Cambridge Trust Co. now owns 21,888 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,649,000 after purchasing an additional 1,040 shares during the last quarter. 99.71% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts have issued reports on the company. Raymond James raised their price objective on Digital Realty Trust from $140.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, February 16th. StockNews.com lowered Digital Realty Trust from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Friday, February 16th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on Digital Realty Trust from $125.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, February 8th. HSBC started coverage on Digital Realty Trust in a research note on Friday, December 1st. They set a reduce rating and a $112.00 target price for the company. Finally, Citigroup increased their target price on Digital Realty Trust from $154.00 to $160.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, February 29th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $136.53.

Digital Realty Trust Price Performance

NYSE DLR traded down $1.60 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $141.11. The stock had a trading volume of 486,618 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,084,797. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has a 52-week low of $86.33 and a 52-week high of $154.18. The company has a market cap of $44.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 48.43, a P/E/G ratio of 3.30 and a beta of 0.54. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $141.48 and a 200 day simple moving average of $133.37. The company has a quick ratio of 1.14, a current ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92.

Digital Realty Trust Dividend Announcement

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 issued a dividend of $1.22 per share. This represents a $4.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.46%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 14th. Digital Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 164.31%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Digital Realty Trust

In other Digital Realty Trust news, Director Jean F. H. P. Mandeville sold 3,400 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, March 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $145.50, for a total transaction of $494,700.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 8,413 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,224,091.50. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. 0.39% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Digital Realty Trust Profile

(Free Report)

Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, the company's global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data meeting place and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx) solution methodology for powering innovation and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges.

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U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB  Get Free Report) and First National of Nebraska (OTCMKTS:FINN  Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, valuation, risk, dividends, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership and earnings.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of current ratings and target prices for U.S. Bancorp and First National of Nebraska, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score U.S. Bancorp 0 12 8 0 2.40 First National of Nebraska 0 0 0 0 N/A

U.S. Bancorp presently has a consensus target price of $45.35, suggesting a potential upside of 4.32%. Given U.S. Bancorps higher probable upside, equities research analysts plainly believe U.S. Bancorp is more favorable than First National of Nebraska.

Earnings and Valuation

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio U.S. Bancorp $40.62 billion 1.67 $5.43 billion $3.28 13.25 First National of Nebraska N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

This table compares U.S. Bancorp and First National of Nebraskas top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

U.S. Bancorp has higher revenue and earnings than First National of Nebraska.

Profitability

This table compares U.S. Bancorp and First National of Nebraskas net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets U.S. Bancorp 13.36% 14.89% 1.04% First National of Nebraska N/A N/A N/A

Volatility and Risk

U.S. Bancorp has a beta of 1.04, suggesting that its stock price is 4% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, First National of Nebraska has a beta of 0.35, suggesting that its stock price is 65% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

75.4% of U.S. Bancorp shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 1.1% of First National of Nebraska shares are held by institutional investors. 0.2% of U.S. Bancorp shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 41.7% of First National of Nebraska shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Summary

U.S. Bancorp beats First National of Nebraska on 8 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks.

About U.S. Bancorp

(Get Free Report)

U.S. Bancorp, a financial services holding company, provides various financial services to individuals, businesses, institutional organizations, governmental entities and other financial institutions in the United States. It operates through Wealth, Corporate, Commercial and Institutional Banking; Consumer and Business Banking; Payment Services; and Treasury and Corporate Support segments. The company offers depository services, including checking accounts, savings accounts, and time certificate contracts; and lending services, such as traditional credit products and credit card services, lease financing and import/export trade, asset-backed lending, agricultural finance, and other products. It also provides ancillary services comprising capital markets, treasury management, and receivable lock-box collection services to corporate and governmental entity customers. In addition, the company offers asset management and fiduciary services for individuals, estates, foundations, business corporations, and charitable organizations. Further, it provides investment and insurance products to its customers principally within its domestic markets, as well as fund administration services to mutual and other funds. Additionally, the company provides corporate and purchasing card, and corporate trust services. Furthermore, it offers trust and investment management, merchant and ATM processing, mortgage banking, insurance, and brokerage and leasing services. U.S. Bancorp was founded in 1863 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

About First National of Nebraska

(Get Free Report)

First National of Nebraska, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for First National Bank of Omaha that provides various banking products and services. The company offers checking, savings, and individual retirement accounts; certificates of deposit; and credit cards. It also provides personal loans and lines of credit; auto loans; mortgage loans; home equity lines of credit and loans; small business loans and lines of credit; small business administration loans; and commercial lending solutions. In addition, the company offers treasury management, debt consolidation, financial planning, retirement planning, wealth management, merchant, and payroll services; and personal, commercial, and farm insurance products. Further, it provides solutions for agribusiness, commercial real estate, healthcare, transportation, and correspondent banking; investment services, such as capital market and institutional asset management; and digital banking services. First National of Nebraska, Inc. was founded in 1857 and is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.

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Arcadium Lithium (NYSE:ALTM  Get Free Report) and AirBoss of America (OTCMKTS:ABSSF  Get Free Report) are both basic materials companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, risk, profitability, institutional ownership, earnings, analyst recommendations and valuation.

Profitability

This table compares Arcadium Lithium and AirBoss of Americas net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Arcadium Lithium N/A N/A N/A AirBoss of America N/A N/A N/A

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Arcadium Lithium and AirBoss of Americas gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Arcadium Lithium $1.21 billion 4.31 $1.70 billion 1.58 3.06 AirBoss of America N/A N/A N/A $0.40 9.61

Analyst Recommendations

Arcadium Lithium has higher revenue and earnings than AirBoss of America. Arcadium Lithium is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than AirBoss of America, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

This is a breakdown of current recommendations and price targets for Arcadium Lithium and AirBoss of America, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Arcadium Lithium 0 0 0 0 N/A AirBoss of America 0 1 1 0 2.50

AirBoss of America has a consensus price target of $29.00, suggesting a potential upside of 645.50%. Given AirBoss of Americas higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe AirBoss of America is more favorable than Arcadium Lithium.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

96.8% of Arcadium Lithium shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 16.5% of AirBoss of America shares are owned by institutional investors. 3.4% of Arcadium Lithium shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Dividends

Arcadium Lithium pays an annual dividend of 6.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 124.0%. AirBoss of America pays an annual dividend of $0.18 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.7%. Arcadium Lithium pays out 379.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. AirBoss of America pays out 45.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend.

Summary

Arcadium Lithium beats AirBoss of America on 5 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Arcadium Lithium

(Get Free Report)

Arcadium Lithium plc engages in the production of lithium chemicals products in the Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. It offers battery-grade lithium hydroxide, lithium carbonate, butyllithium and high purity lithium metal for electric vehicles, electronics, agricultural, industrial, greases, polymers, pharmaceutical, battery, and aerospace applications. The company also owns interest in various properties located in Argentina, Canada, and Western Australia. Arcadium Lithium plc was founded in 1944 and is based in Shannon, Ireland.

About AirBoss of America

(Get Free Report)

AirBoss of America Corp., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells rubber-based products in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through AirBoss Rubber Solutions and AirBoss Manufactured Products segments. The AirBoss Rubber Solutions segment involves in the manufacture and distribution of rubber compounds and rubber compounding related chemicals for various application in automotive, heavy industry, rollers, conveyor belting, defense, construction and infrastructure, mining, transportation, and oil and gas industries. The AirBoss Manufactured Products segment offers anti-noise, vibration and harshness dampening parts, and personal protection and safety products, including rubber, synthetic rubber, and rubber-to-metal bonded products to eliminate or control undesired vibration and noise for use in automotive, electric vehicle, heavy truck and off-highway, industrial and defense industries. It also provides protective equipment to military, law enforcement, industrial providers, and first responders; and healthcare protective equipment, personal respiratory protective products, chemical, biological, radioactive, nuclear and explosive protective equipment, rapid deployment negative pressure isolation shelters, and cold weather combat footwear under the AirBoss Defense brand name. The company was formerly known as IATCO Industries Inc. and changed its name to AirBoss of America Corp. in April 1994. AirBoss of America Corp. is headquartered in Newmarket, Canada.

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Park National Corp OH lowered its stake in UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH  Free Report) by 1.7% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,267 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after selling 40 shares during the period. Park National Corp OHs holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $1,194,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Robbins Farley bought a new position in UnitedHealth Group in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. NewSquare Capital LLC lifted its position in UnitedHealth Group by 340.0% in the 3rd quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 66 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 51 shares in the last quarter. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL bought a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group during the 1st quarter valued at $35,000. Annapolis Financial Services LLC lifted its holdings in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 38.6% during the 3rd quarter. Annapolis Financial Services LLC now owns 79 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $40,000 after buying an additional 22 shares during the period. Finally, WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group during the 2nd quarter valued at $39,000. 85.69% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

UNH has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating and set a $591.00 price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a report on Friday, January 19th. Oppenheimer reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $610.00 target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a report on Wednesday, January 17th. Barclays began coverage on UnitedHealth Group in a report on Wednesday, March 6th. They issued an overweight rating and a $551.00 target price on the stock. Piper Sandler cut their price target on UnitedHealth Group from $584.00 to $581.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, January 17th. Finally, Stephens reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $605.00 price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research note on Thursday, February 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating, fifteen have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, UnitedHealth Group currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $579.33.

UnitedHealth Group Trading Down 0.3 %

UNH opened at $488.00 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $449.90 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.47, a P/E/G ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 0.54. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 12 month low of $445.68 and a 12 month high of $554.70. The company has a current ratio of 0.79, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $511.40 and a 200 day moving average of $518.06.

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 12th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $6.16 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $5.98 by $0.18. The company had revenue of $94.43 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $92.13 billion. UnitedHealth Group had a return on equity of 26.39% and a net margin of 6.02%. The firms revenue was up 14.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $5.34 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts forecast that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 27.79 EPS for the current year.

UnitedHealth Group Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 19th. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 11th will be paid a $1.88 dividend. This represents a $7.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.54%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 8th. UnitedHealth Groups payout ratio is currently 31.54%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other UnitedHealth Group news, CAO Thomas E. Roos sold 858 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $525.79, for a total value of $451,127.82. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 32,289 shares of the companys stock, valued at $16,977,233.31. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, EVP Erin Mcsweeney sold 1,236 shares of UnitedHealth Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, March 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $483.48, for a total transaction of $597,581.28. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 9,364 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,527,306.72. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CAO Thomas E. Roos sold 858 shares of UnitedHealth Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $525.79, for a total transaction of $451,127.82. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 32,289 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $16,977,233.31. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.35% of the stock is owned by insiders.

UnitedHealth Group Profile

(Free Report)

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated operates as a diversified health care company in the United States. The company 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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Rowlandmiller & PARTNERS.ADV acquired a new stake in Manulife Financial Co. (NYSE:MFC  Free Report) (TSE:MFC) during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm acquired 5,063 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $112,000.

Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of MFC. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. raised its stake in Manulife Financial by 8.8% in the third quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. now owns 5,507,589 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $100,922,000 after buying an additional 446,233 shares in the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its stake in Manulife Financial by 44.0% in the third quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 86,268 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,577,000 after buying an additional 26,369 shares in the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA raised its stake in Manulife Financial by 1.3% in the third quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 9,445,466 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $172,663,000 after buying an additional 119,192 shares in the last quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. acquired a new stake in Manulife Financial in the third quarter valued at $248,000. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its stake in Manulife Financial by 7.8% in the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 10,680,517 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $195,240,000 after buying an additional 775,135 shares in the last quarter. 45.02% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts have recently weighed in on MFC shares. Royal Bank of Canada raised Manulife Financial from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, December 12th. TheStreet raised Manulife Financial from a c+ rating to a b rating in a report on Thursday, December 21st. Desjardins raised Manulife Financial from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, February 15th. BMO Capital Markets raised Manulife Financial from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and boosted their target price for the company from $31.00 to $35.00 in a report on Thursday, February 15th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group initiated coverage on Manulife Financial in a research report on Thursday, February 22nd. They issued a buy rating on the stock. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $33.33.

Manulife Financial Price Performance

NYSE MFC traded down $0.11 on Thursday, hitting $24.18. 75,463 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,415,446. The firms 50-day moving average price is $22.74 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $20.43. Manulife Financial Co. has a fifty-two week low of $17.07 and a fifty-two week high of $24.89. The firm has a market cap of $43.66 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.58, a P/E/G ratio of 0.88 and a beta of 1.08.

Manulife Financial (NYSE:MFC  Get Free Report) (TSE:MFC) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, February 14th. The financial services provider reported $0.68 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.63 by $0.05. Manulife Financial had a return on equity of 15.98% and a net margin of 10.42%. The company had revenue of $10.96 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.57 billion. On average, research analysts predict that Manulife Financial Co. will post 2.71 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Manulife Financial Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 19th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, February 28th will be given a dividend of $0.298 per share. This is a boost from Manulife Financials previous quarterly dividend of $0.26. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 27th. This represents a $1.19 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.93%. Manulife Financials payout ratio is presently 61.66%.

Manulife Financial Company Profile

(Free Report)

Manulife Financial Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial products and services in the United States, Canada, Asia, and internationally. The company operates through Wealth and Asset Management Businesses; Insurance and Annuity Products; and Corporate and Other segments. The Wealth and Asset Management Businesses segment offers investment advice and solutions to retirement, retail, and institutional clients through multiple distribution channels, including agents and brokers affiliated with the company, independent securities brokerage firms and financial advisors pension plan consultants, and banks.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MFC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Manulife Financial Co. (NYSE:MFC  Free Report) (TSE:MFC).

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A booth displaying China-themed books is seen at London Book Fair in London, Britain, March 12, 2024. [Xinhua/Li Ying]

"We're delighted to see an increase (in participation) this year from China. Hopefully, this year is a building block for further Chinese participation here at London book fair," Rapley told Xinhua in an interview.

LONDON, March 13 (Xinhua)  Cultural exchange is especially important during uncertain times, and books help build the bridge between different civilizations, the director of the London Book Fair (LBF) said this week.

Gareth Rapley said he is "delighted" to see an increase in participation by Chinese publishers at the LBF after COVID, showcasing a vast array of talent from China.

"We're delighted to see an increase (in participation) this year from China. Hopefully, this year is a building block for further Chinese participation here at London book fair," Rapley told Xinhua in an interview.

London Book Fair 2024, one of the world's biggest, kicked off on Tuesday. First launched in 1971, the three-day event is expected to attract over 30,000 publishing professionals and 1,000 companies from around the globe.

This year, around 50 Chinese publishers are showcasing more than 3,200 types of Chinese-themed books, covering a wide range of areas including politics, culture, academic works, and trending topics such as low-carbon and artificial intelligence (AI).

"I think books provide a platform for literacy skills, education, understanding, and helping to create dialogue (between different cultures)," said the LBF chief.

A guest attends the publishing forum on the "China's Academic Sharing and Dissemination Around the Globe" and book launch of the "China Perspective" Series at London Book Fair in London, Britain, March 12, 2024. [Xinhua/Li Ying]

Rapley has visited China's biggest cities Beijing and Shanghai, and said he was impressed by the hospitality of the Chinese people, the rapid development of infrastructure and the country's rich culture and history.

"It's a beautiful country and I'm looking forward to coming back this summer for the Beijing International Book Fair," he said.

According to Rapley, China and Britain have maintained "a great trade relationship", especially in the publishing industry.

"I think cultural exchange and dialogue, as we've seen over many centuries, are important aspects. As humans we are all different, from one country to the next and within our own countries as well, so that cultural exchange is an important part of fostering relationships and building awareness," he said.

A participant talks with a staff member at a booth displaying China-themed books at London Book Fair in London, Britain, March 12, 2024. [Xinhua/Li Ying]

Commenting on AI, which presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the publishing industry, Rapley said it is "an existential threat" to creative content and to writers of all genres. Copyright needs to be protected with fair use of new technology, he stressed, adding that however, AI technology can enhance data, business and operations.

(Source: Xinhua)
Chen Wei, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress, is part-time Vice-President of Chongqing Federation of Industry and Commerce. She is also Chairperson of Chongqing SocialCredits Technology Co., Ltd. During this year's NPC session, Chen proposed promoting the high-quality development of the nation's digital economy, and securing a good business environment, under the rule of law.

During a meeting of Chongqing's delegation of NPC deputies, she said, "Building a digital Chongqing means discovering suitable approaches to urban management and industrial upgrading for megacity governance. That has provided a good stage to many private enterprises, with strong technological innovation capabilities."

Chen, elected a delegate to the 13th National Women's Congress of China last year, said she will call on fellow women scientific and technological workers to keep up with the trend of digitalization. She also said she hoped women will participate in the digital economy, with a more open, international vision, and that women will contribute to China's high-level self-reliance in science and technology.

Photos from Interviewee

(Source: Women of China)
For Precious Skinner, her TikTok account is more than a place to post videos; it's a source of income for her family. She said the app has given her a chance to build a savings and a community of supporters.
Claim vexatious complaint prompted 4 month councillor police probe  Labour fire back at shallow versions of Trump & Kim Jong Un

Two Wrexham councillors have issued an extraordinary joint statement after revealing they were subject to a four month police investigation.

Earlier this week Wrexham.com reported that no criminal proceedings are being pursued, with the councillors now asking Is the Labour Party locally involved in this attempt to silence democratically elected councillors?.

Their statement has prompted an equally remarkable retort from local Labour, with Group Leader Cllr Dana Davies firing back, calling the Council Leader Cllr Mark Pritchard and Cllr Marc Jones shallow versions of Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un, both driven by ego, riding roughshod over the law and ignoring what matters to the people they should be serving, and detailing five fact responses.

The full lengthy statements from both are below, as the gloves are clearly now off in a messy, fraught, previously non-public dispute.

Investigation

As we reported on Tuesday, North Wales Police Detective Inspector Dean Jones said: a subsequent referral was made to the Crown Prosecution Service, who made a decision that no criminal proceeding would be pursued in relation to the matter.

The investigation appears to related to the failed Judicial Review attempted by Council Leader Cllr Mark Pritchard, Plaid Group Leader Cllr Marc Jones and former Group Leader of the Conservatives Cllr Hugh Jones  plus an associated Motion to Full Council attempt.

The three councillors subject of the investigation were informed this week that the police activity had ceased, with a meeting held at Llay police HQ.

The councillors have also confirmed the Municipal Journal report, that there was an accusation of malfeasance in public office, made to police by an unknown person or entity.

Back in November their identities were accidentally revealed by Wrexham Council in a redaction error in an FOI response over the Judicial Review attempt.

All 56 Wrexham councillors were confidentially told at the time: In August 2023 legal proceedings were commenced in the name of Wrexham County Borough Council by three elected members without any express or implied power to do so.

As we reported there was an also an attempt to bring a Motion to Full Council, yet in an FOI response the council said that did not exist.

However, in a confidential report to all councillors on October 3 the Legal Officer said: The three councillors also submitted a Notice of Motion for consideration by Council on 27 September 2023, seeking approval of their unauthorised actions in retrospect and for the Council to pay the costs of instructing external legal advisors along with the defendants (Welsh Government) costs in the event the JR2 application was unsuccessful.

The details now emerging give added context to the Local Development Plan debate and vote, which contained a reference to being jailed, as tensions ran high some councillors walked out of the chamber as the LDP finally passed.

Issues around the LDP and various legal challenges have been sensitive subjects, with cautious approaches in Audit, and ruled out of scope in other meetings.

Since then a third Judicial Review is in the works, with the two councillors now identifying that they are connected to that move, where they are hoping a statutory appeal case in the planning court plus a separate case in the Court Appeal where they hope to overturn the vote to adopt the LDP will be successful.

The full joint statement from Cllrs Mark Pritchard and Marc Jones is below:

The news that the police and Crown Prosecution Service are taking no further action regarding a complaint against three Wrexham councillors is very welcome. In our opinion, this was a vexatious and groundless complaint by someone acting on behalf of vested interests and against the interests of Wrexham. Because councillors challenged the Local Development Plan, which does not deliver what local communities need, we have been subject to all manner of threats  senior officers have talked of councillors being jailed if they dont vote the right way, Welsh Government civil servants have threatened us with legal costs and there have been complaints made to the police and Ombudsman against us. But this is now about more than planning alone. Its about democracy and who runs Wrexham Council. If a majority of councillors vote twice to say this Local Development Plan is not what we need, then that shouldve been good enough. If members vote against officer recommendations and vote in the way they want to support their communities, they should not enter the council chamber under threat of jail. But a cabal of powerful people needed to impose this plan on Wrexham and, as weve seen, they stop at nothing. Weve been under police investigation for more than four months. It was a cynical attempt to silence us, to bully and intimidate elected councillors who are standing up for their communities. Who are we up against? Its clear that the seven big housing developers want this LDP to go through and so to does the Welsh Government because challenging their authority is clearly not allowed. But there are other local allies who have been part of this. How else do we explain why the local Labour parliamentary candidate for Wrexham knew about this police investigation before we did? Was he a part of this cabal and, if not, who told him? Is the Labour Party locally involved in this attempt to silence democratically elected councillors ? This has been a difficult and stressful time for ourselves and our families. The accusation of malfeasance in public office carried a potential maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Throughout this, we have tried to do the right thing. We have followed independent legal advice and we will continue to challenge powerful people who are not acting in the best interests of Wrexham Thats why we are taking them to court through a judicial review, and we suspect thats what is upsetting those who have tried to silence us. To go to court we have to pay a barrister. Thats not cheap and thats why were raising funds from people in the community to make sure Wrexham has a voice in this process. Theyve tried to shut us up but we will not be silenced and will have our day in court. Democracy should not be silenced by the powerful. If you want to support the campaign for democracy in Wrexham, please donate whatever you can: https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/wrexham-councillors-threatened/

After receiving that statement Wrexham.com invited Andrew Ranger and Labour Group Leader Cllr Dana Davies for comment.

Cllr Davies provided the following reply, below in full:

What this joint statement demonstrates is that these two senior Wrexham Councillors, Cllrs. Mark Pritchard and Marc Jones, are very apt at creative writing, and their goal in actively distributing disinformation is to confuse the public. This is a serious cause for concern when the taxpayers of Wrexham are entitled to facts and truth. These two councillors are Wrexhams shallow versions of Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un, both driven by ego, riding roughshod over the law and ignoring what matters to the people they should be serving.

I will speak to the facts and truth. Fact: North Wales Police do not refer vexatious and groundless complaints to the Crown Prosecutions Services. They refer a file full of evidence to determine if that evidence meets the CPSs very high threshold for prosecution. Fact: Statutory Officers, in their professional advice to Councillors at Decembers Council meeting, listed several potential consequences if Councillors refused to accept the Court Orders imposed on Wrexham County Borough Council (WCBC) as a result of the High Court decision in November 2023. These potential consequences are very much linked to the legal Contempt of Court framework. The public may remember that to avoid voting on these Court Orders, the Plaid Cymru Councillors present at this meeting left the Chamber and many other Councillors across the Tory and Independent political groups voted to abstain. It was widely reported at the time that our taxpayers would foot the 100k bill awarded against the Council, and it should be recognised that these costs do not include all the additional costs incurred by WCBC as part of this LDP long-running and still-continuing saga. Fact: Public sector organisations that are funded by public money can only spend your money in a lawful way. They are bound by what is known as Financial Procedural Rules. There is a clear process whereby any unlawful expenditure can be recovered from elected officials, and as all expenditure goes through an internal and external audit process, unlawful expenditure is easily identifiable. I personally raised these procedural rules and the re-invoicing of unlawful expenditure at the recent budget debate at Februarys Council meeting to seek assurance that any liability for unlawful expenditure would not sit with Wrexham taxpayers. It is reassuring to know that WCBC has very robust Financial Procedural Rules in place. Fact: The accusation of a cabal of powerful people to impose the plan is sensationalism at best. The plan was imposed by a High Court judge in the form of Court Orders and in compliance with the 2006 U.K. Government legislation. It is useful to know that Wrexham Councillors could have withdrawn the plan at any point during the Examination in Public process, and in compliance with the 2006 legislation, WCBCs LDP was sitting in the EIP process from November 2018 to January 2023. This begs the obvious questions as to why your senior Councillors did not a) successfully withdraw the LDP from the process at any point during that 4-year period, b) decide to act outwith the legislation, which has resulted in you, the taxpayer, picking up the bill. Fact: The who knew and when question. I would refer the two senior Councillors to Cllr. Carrie Harper (Plaid), as I have recently understood that she was chasing details of the police investigation as early as December 2023. In my view, the behaviour of some Councillors at WCBC has created a toxic environment. I have witnessed a coordinated active hunt for whistleblowers and officers regularly coming under attack for providing their statutory professional advice. This is not sustainable, and with this in mind and at the direction of the Chief Executive, members are currently receiving support from the Welsh Local Government Association to develop a process of positive behaviour for elected members. I am really hoping, although not yet convinced, that this work delivers a successful outcome for the people of Wrexham. In closing, Local Labour Councillors will continue to act lawfully, abide by the Code of Conduct and our Declaration to Public Office, and we will always speak truth to power. We support and respect all investigations by internal and external bodies, and we champion truth, facts, transparency, and accountability. True democracy only exists if the rule of law is upheld. Mr Justice Eyre said it best in his Court judgement dated 29th November 2023, The Court is only concerned with the lawfulness of the decisions. All must remember that the Council is set up by law. Obligations and powers do not depend on some form of abstract democracy but upon statute. It is inevitable that some Councillors will find it irksome to perform some statutory duties or that they will be unhappy with some elements of a decision which the Council is obliged to take.

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Retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors set for Future Proofing Fund grants of 5k-10k

Hundreds of micro, small and medium-sized businesses in Wales will soon be able to apply for Welsh Government funding designed to help them to reduce their running costs.

Grants of between 5,000 and 10,000 will be available to eligible businesses in the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors.

Welsh Government say the 20 million Future Proofing Fund will help businesses strengthen their future trading position by increasing profitability through investment in renewable energy technology, improvements to the fabric of their premises, and upgrades to systems or machinery to reduce energy use.

Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said: The ongoing cost-of-living and cost-of-doing-business crises continues to present difficulties to businesses across Wales.

These grants will help micro, small and medium sized businesses from the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors to make some significant changes in the way they run their operations so they can adapt for the future.

Finance Minister Rebecca Evans said: In tough times, we want to help businesses get their bills down for good. This new fund will help reduce running costs with practical support that aids long term business planning.

We are also providing a fifth successive year of support for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses with their rates bills, at a cost of 78 million. This builds on the almost 1 billion of support provided in rates relief schemes to these sectors since 2020-21.

The grants will be paid up to 75 per cent of project costs or 10,000, whichever is the lesser amount. It is expected that the business will contribute the remaining 25 per cent from other sources. The fund is open to businesses located in Wales (either headquartered or have an operating address in Wales) and which employ people in Wales.

An eligibility checker will open in mid-April 2024 and applications will open in May 2024.

(Archive picture of Economy Minister Vaughan Gething)

[email protected]
On March 15, 2024, grassroots organizations of Long COVID patients, allies, and other COVID cautious members are planning a Long COVID awareness day in Washington DC at the Lincoln Memorial. Their stated purpose is to raise awareness of the crisis caused by the COVID pandemic. Specifically, they are calling for change, action, and transparency from our government and healthcare officials.

The World Socialist Web Site was contacted by Paul Hennessy, one of the organizers of the event, because of our principled stand on the pandemic and the need for an international elimination strategy and call for deployment of massive resources for public health to address the crisis caused by COVID and Long COVID.

In the process we were introduced to Julie Lam, a photographer and founder of the non-profit organization, MaskTogetherAmerica. She has used her experience as a professional photographer and her work in advertising to promote mask wearing at the start of the pandemic.

In 2021 she contracted COVID and developed Long COVID, which has caused continued and significant debilitation. She gave this interview to discuss her work, her own experiences with Long COVID, and the political failings of the Biden administration.

Benjamin Mateus (BM): Despite what President Biden said at the State of the Union Address, the pandemic is behind us, COVID and Long COVID continue to plague the US and the rest of the world.

The World Socialist Web Site has been covering and documenting the pandemic from the beginning. We have raised the issue of the need to eliminate the virus and fund public health. But these require international cooperation, meaning that the reason the pandemic still remains with us has more to do with political brinksmanship and prioritizing profits over lives than the challenges posed by the biological and epidemiological characteristics of the global outbreak.

Julie Lam [Photo by Julie Lam]

Certainly, the issue of Long COVID has emerged as a great detriment to the population. On March 15, various grass roots organizations, led by an ally of Long Haulers, Paul Hennessy, are planning a Long COVID demonstration in DC at the Lincoln Memorial.

You are a founder of the all-volunteer organization, MaskTogetherAmerica, and will be speaking in DC. Maybe with that introduction, can you discuss the aims of the demonstration, and tell us who you are and how the pandemic has impacted you?

Julie Lam (JL): We were very honored to be approached by Paul asking us to be speakers at the LCDC demonstration. I have been working with a list of advisors.

I am certainly not a scientist. Im not in public health either. My background is in the arts. I used to work in advertising. I jumped into this at the start of the pandemic like so many other people. I wanted to use my skill sets to convey how the pandemic was impacting regular people. I interviewed and photographed them everywhere I went.

My background was in television. Im not as used to the different social media formats. I have won numerous awards creating campaigns for corporate America, big companies like TD Ameritrade, American Express and Motorola. I used to work at Ogilvy and Mather [the New York City-based British-owned advertising and public relations agency].

But I retired some time ago because my son was dealing with school, and it was very challenging to find help. As a mom, I gave up everything to take care of him. Hes now in college.

When the pandemic finally reached the US in early 2020, New York became the epicenter, I just threw myself into all of this. I had recently completed my masters in writing, and thought I could help give voice to what was taking place. Fast forward, it has been four years weve been working on this project. It is all volunteer work. Everyone who has been helping MaskTogetherAmerica are volunteers.

Julie Lam at work, taking pictures in New York City [Photo by Julie Lam]

I do the bulk of the work, like the interviews and writing and posting on Instagram or Facebook. We have people volunteer to be administrators and editors to expand our reach. We also create these educational forums featuring experts and scientists so they can share the real science, provide accurate guidelines and answer peoples questions, information that people arent getting from our government. To prepare myself, I have even taken a crash course in public health through free classes that were being offered by Cornell.

Much of this drive in the beginning stemmed from a friend of mine who died early on from COVID. He was a Mount Sinai surgeon and served on the front line of the pandemic. And it was such a shock to me. I just said, I cant just sit on the couch and do nothing. So, I just went into the streets.

BM: He was one of the first health care workers who became infected.

JL: Yes, Barry Webber is one of the first. [Died on April 18, 2020, at the age of 67] He died at home. He had sent his wife and children away so they wouldnt get infected. At the time there were no mask requirements in the emergency room where he was working. Tragically he died alone, like many others.

Workers masked against COVID in NYC, 2020 [Photo by Julie Lam]

In the apartment building where I live, so many people got sick. A lot of the people who worked in the building also contracted severe COVID. I even brought them masks to wear. Initially, I didnt really believe in masking. And now you can see all these portraits of people in masks that I took in 2020. I went everywhere to interview people on the street and through these discussions I hoped to empower them to share the message and possibly influence their own circle of friends and colleagues. I didnt have the capital to invest in a massive campaign.

As I said, I initially didnt believe in masking. But my friends in Hong Kong sent me boxes of masks and told me to wear them. They had gone through SARS1 in early 2000 and they said that this is SARS2 basically.

BM: They knew then that SARS1 was airborne.

JL: They knew. And many of their medical personnel died. They were trying to warn everyone across the world, but we didnt listen.

My friend had sent me a box of masks, and I thought I better start masking. I even gave masks to the workers in my building. Some refused to take them. They said they didnt believe in masking and wouldnt wear them. And I remember talking to this young man who was only 39 years old. He politely refused the mask I offered him. He contracted COVID and fell so ill that he was out for a month. A few months after he supposedly recovered from COVID and came back to work, he suddenly died in his sleep. He never woke up. And he doesnt even get counted as a victim of COVID. I really dont believe in the numbers that the CDC puts out, like how many people died from the disease.

I used to be so trusting of them. We trusted the vaccines, the guidelines, and we promoted them. We did a huge production where people submitted their videos and I put them together to encourage people to get vaccinated. And then I saw Biden say that after we have the vaccine, we didnt have to wear masks anymore. And during the first Omicron wave, Fauci went on television and told everyone that during the holidays, if youre vaccinated and your families are vaccinated, you shouldnt worry about gathering. [Between Bidens address in mid-May 2021 and Faucis comments in mid-December 2021, approximately 210,000 Americans died of COVID. Another 190,000 died by mid-March 2022, in the first Omicron wave. In total, 400,000 Americans succumbed in less than one year after the great unmasking promoted by the White House and CDC.]

I took the vaccines. However, I had a severe reaction to the second dose of Pfizers COVID vaccine. I have an auto-immune disorder and it worsened my IgA nephropathy [an immune-related kidney injury]. I developed severe hematuria [blood in the urine] and went from stage 1 to stage 2 chronic kidney disease. My nephrologist prescribed Tarpayo, the only steroid made for IgA patients, but it costs about $16,000 per month. My insurance denied the coverage. I was able to apply for patient assistance and was approved a free supply.

I had gone to see my family on Christmas 2021 and became infected by a family member and afterwards developed Long COVID. I became another Long Hauler. My symptoms are sleep-apnea and Sjogrens, which is an immune syndrome that gives me very dry eyes and mouth.

I still believe in raising awareness about vaccination even though some people cant take them. I was able to convince my doctor to give me the booster but that was the last time because they had damaged my kidneys. And they didnt prevent me from developing Long COVID.

BM: Right. The vaccines, overall, are very safe. But they dont prevent infections. They reduce severity of disease and death from an infection. Thats why a vaccine-only strategy is so flawed, especially when immunity is short-lasting. Thats why the continued masking, cleaning indoor air, and aggressive public health initiatives are so important.

But this initiative needs to be a global initiative. You cant stop the pandemic in just one country. We all want to resume life without masks and worries, but there is a pandemic that continues to rage. However, the policy in play, which is being promoted by Biden and company, is get back to work, regardless of the dangers or consequences. Bury the pandemic!

Did you watch the State of the Union Address? Long COVID was never mentioned.

JL: The pandemic is not under control. It is the abandonment of prevention. It is the abandonment of people. Thats what I took from his speech. He completely ignored the millions of people who are suffering from Long COVID. Were expendable to him.

Vax-and-relax is the strategy the government has taken on. The CDC just dropped isolation because they wanted people to go back to work. And they wanted to have life back as usual again. But thats not the case for people who are suffering from chronic illness triggered by COVID infection. Those people are not okay.

There is a huge problem with health care in this country. We have uncontrolled drug prices. The insurance costs are insane. The cost of my medications is astronomical. I would have to sell my house to get them if I wasnt able to get them on an assistance program, and that was no easy task. The process took some time. There was so much paperwork I had to deal with and a long wait time before they approved it. I am fortunate that my husband has a good job, and he has good insurance. But even then, they wouldnt cover it.

The Long COVID crisis means a lot of people need comprehensive long-term care. They need to see a lot of specialists. It took me two years to get a diagnosis of my Long COVID eyes that developed after I had COVID. Two years and so many doctors later before I was finally told I had Sjogrens triggered by COVID.

So, I have this diagnosis but then what? Theres no treatment for Sjogrens. Theres nothing that can make me feel better. And having an eye issue as a photographer and writer means the end of my career, right?

Biden really doesnt get it. You cant say that the pandemics under control.

You have to talk about Long COVID and the mass disabling event that is a world crisis. You have to acknowledge how many people are getting affected by this, how many young people are getting affected. This means organ damage for these young people. If children die from COVID, that also means they will develop chronic health issues too.

People will listen to the president. If Biden is saying that the pandemic is over, peoples attitude will adapt to this. He is sending a horrible message to the world. Its not just to Americans. The rest of the world also look up to America for guidance. This is a wrong message for this whole crisis. He is being very irresponsible. Very shortsighted.

BM: It is important to note that this isnt ignorance on his part. Its purposeful. He is catering to the financial markets. He called himself a capitalist. He owes his career to supporting corporations. He wants to sell a fantasy spewing banality that things are getting better in the US.

JL: One of the things that should happen is a fight for paid sick leave for workers. Instead of dropping isolation, people who are ill should be allowed to stay home and receive pay. I really believe that isolation is an important mitigation tool to stop the spread of the virus. I think the CDC dropping isolation right before the State of Union was done to support Bidens lies that the pandemic is under control even though we just had the second largest wave in January.

It was just a massive public relations effort to make Biden look good in front of the cameras and make the claim that businesses can get their workers back to work. COVID is still a threat. But then he cant raise the issue of Long COVID if he wants to put a check mark next to his list of Missions Accomplished.

Dr. Robi Tamargo [Photo by Julie Lam]

But its easy to silence people who are sick and dealing with chronic illnesses. Just for my team that is going down to DC to speak at the demonstration, I must worry about Dr. Robi Tamargo coming from Florida, who is so sick from repeat bouts of infections and multiple hospitalizations from COVID. Im worried she will get another infection on the plane ride. It is very difficult for usthe chronically disabled from Long COVIDto go to DC to protest because it takes every ounce of effort to just get through our days. Im already having tremendous anxiety just thinking about wearing my mask on this long train ride and staying in a hotel over the weekend. It isnt easy for us to travel alone. It is a huge effort for all of us.

I dont know how many people will show up for the Long COVID demonstration, but I have all these people that have stepped up with me for MaskTogetherAmerica. I am going to do my best to be there for all the people that cant make it.

BM: Four years in, where are we with Long COVID with regards to getting a valid diagnosis and approved disability ratings, treatments, ongoing studies, and, generally, acceptance by the health care systems?

JL: We are still dealing with gaslighting. Many people without good health insurance arent going to be able to get a diagnosis. Theyre not going to get through the process. It took me two years. Initially I had shooting pain in my eyes. My doctor kept sending me to different specialists, but nothing materialized. I added 10 more doctors to my list and the costs of all these visits and evaluations were exorbitant.

BM: From what I have heard, most are told there is nothing wrong with them. They cant help them. Go see someone else.

JL: Maybe. I cant speak for everyone, but I know that people are not getting paid for the care they need. Theyre being bounced around. And from my own personal experience, I told my primary care provider to stop sending me to another specialist.

Though I qualified for the assistance program for Tarpayo, I didnt take advantage of it because by the time the approval came, I had joined a medical trial for a drug called Vera. It is an immune modulator. But because it is a randomized controlled trial, I could be receiving a placebo.

For my Sjogrens, my rheumatologist started me on a nasal spray called Tyrvaya (varenicline) to treat dry eyes. But it caused such severe insomnia I had to stop the treatment. I couldnt sleep for a few days. But thats just more proof that theres no treatment for my condition. My rheumatologist said that Im not alone either. She has a lot of other patients who also come to her after having COVID.

BM: Long COVID is complex disease process and weve never seen it on this scale. But we have to figure it out. It requires research. It requires investment. But they say there is no money for these trials and experiments. Together with this, we must prevent Long COVID through preventing COVID.

JL: I wanted to add that what upset me about the CDCs COVID guidance is they have lumped COVID together with flu and RSV, which is so wrong. When you say that the symptoms are mild, like cold symptoms, youre basically minimizing the severity of the impact on the organ system.

It sends a message that its not really that serious, which will discourage people from taking the vaccines and treatments. If I want to increase vaccination uptake and masking, Id be showcasing long haulers. Just like the anti-smoking campaign showcased people with incurable cancers caused by smoking. Interview the families of people who died of COVID. Speak to people struggling with Long COVID. Let them tell their stories. It would be very sincere and authentic. I really believe that public health needs to be grounded in authenticity. You need to be truthful.

BM: I think your comments are very powerful and will resonate with readers of the interview.

Dr. David Putrino from Mount Sinai, who had conducted extensive work with Long COVID patients, recently mentioned in a webinar held by the New York State Insurance Fund on Long COVID, that the prevalence of Long COVID seems to be higher among more affluent layers. But he did state that this was a reporting bias, meaning the working class and low wage earners dont have access to health care nor understand why they feel poorly. The issues we are raising today must be taken deeper into the working class, where the impact of the pandemic has been made more invisible than among those who can afford to traverse the health care landscape.

JL: I can tell you that I have been the reporter for COVID. Look behind me at the faces of masked individuals and multiply that by four years. I have talked to thousands of people. I met people in the subway. I talked to them on their way to work.

They have lost their memories. They lost their taste and smell. They are terrified. They dont want to get COVID again. Thats why they were wearing masks.

But they keep on getting the message from the government that it is milder now. All these strains are milder. All these lies that they got from the government are confusing the world. Instead of putting out posters in subways to tell people you should protect your health by wearing a mask, they did nothing for these people who are just getting sicker and sicker.

Over the four years Ive seen so many people getting multiple infections. Dr. Tamargo, a clinical psychologist in Jacksonville, Florida, who will be speaking at the demonstration, has been infected seven times. Their immune system has been so damaged. Its a horrible thing that our government has done to people, and they really dont care.

BM: And as you noted, what happens in the US is copied and duplicated in other countries. This is not an American issue. Its an international issue.

JL: Yes, international. Ive traveled to UK and Berlin recently. Nobody is wearing masks. But I talked to an Uber driver. He said their situation is better than in the US because they have a social network. If they get sick and disabled, they can get housing, food and paid leave while they recover. But if you talk to a restaurant worker or Uber driver here in the US, these people cant afford to be sick.

BM: Any final comments youd like to make?

JL: I think there are two things we really need urgently. We need to have a proactive prevention strategy. Our government needs to endorse a proactive prevention strategy which means we also need them to provide the mitigation tools for people.

Lastly, they cant say they are serious about Long COVID unless they embrace a serious mitigation strategy.

I listened to the entire subcommittee hearing on Long COVID and all these politicians agreeing that Long COVID is a health crisis. This is serious. Bernie Sanders said that this is the biggest thing in our country right now. But on the other hand, you see them all without masks and not taking COVID seriously.

BM: Its political theater.

JL: Thats a perfect way to put it. I always said that whatever these people are doing is all for show. I dont buy it, what they are trying to sell.

BM: Thank you, Julie for your time. I look forward to hearing you speak at the demonstration.
Through bullying and what was a kidnapping in all but name, Washington and Ottawa have unceremoniously ousted Ariel Henrythe man they imposed on the Haitian people as their prime minister and continued to staunchly support for almost three years as he imposed savage IMF measures and refused to call presidential or parliamentary elections.

In what was the culmination of a week of imperialist intrigue, Henry announced his impending resignation in a video released late Monday night from the US territory of Puerto Rico, where he is currently stranded.

On Tuesday, March 5, Henry had tried to return to Haiti via the Dominican Republic from a diplomatic mission to Kenya, where he signed a bilateral agreement authorizing an imperialist-backed military-security intervention in the Caribbean island-nation to be led by the Kenyan police.

Haiti's Ariel Henry with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken last year [Photo: Haitis regjering]

But the Dominican Republic, no doubt acting on Washingtons orders, refused to let Henrys plane land. Once it was rerouted to Puerto Rico, the Haitian prime minister was confronted with a US State Department missive delivered in mid-air demanding that he resign. On Henrys arrival in San Juan he was met by US Secret Service agents and for hours prevented from deplaning.

Over the next few days, representatives of the US, Canada and Francethe imperialist powers that head the UNs so-called Core Group of nations in regards to Haitimade clear that they now view Henry as a liability who needs to be shunted from office.

Matters came to a head at a meeting Monday in Kingston, Jamaica, convened by Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders and attended by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken physically, as well as by various Haitian political leaders, and by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau virtually. Henry, who the US, Canada and France had installed in office in July 2021 following the bloody assassination of his predecessor, Jovenil Moise, was demonstrably excluded from the proceedings. The deliberations, which continued for some eight hours, agreed to establish a broad-based seven-person unelected presidential transitional council, including representatives of Haitis corrupt business and political elite, the Roman Catholic Church and civil society.

The purpose of this mechanism, over whose composition bitter wrangling has now erupted, is to provide a fig leaf of popular support for the latest imperialist-backed military-security intervention in the Western Hemispheres poorest country.

With Henry apparently balking at his sudden dismissal, Trudeau administered him a final tongue-lashing by phone. Not long thereafter, Henry issued his video declaration announcing, as had been demanded, that he would resign as prime minister just as soon as the transitional council is formed.

After the meeting, Blinken declared with unmatched cynicism, Only the Haitian people can, only the Haitian people should determine their own future. Not anyone else.

On the contrary, Henrys swift dismissal as Haitis head of government proves yet again that Washington views Haitis political leaders, whether elected or unelected, as valets to be dismissed at its convenience, and treats the impoverished Haitian people with criminal indifference and hostility.

This is imperialism showing its true colours. The rules-based order incessantly invoked by Washington, Canada and their European allies consists of the rules they dictate and choose to observe or break as they please.

Although on a decidedly smaller scale, the lawlessness on full display with Henrys ouster is of a piece with the outright criminality of Washingtons unstinting support for Israels genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza and reckless escalation of war with Russia irrespective of the threat of a nuclear conflagration. As the World Socialist Web Site explained at the beginning of the year, All the red lines that demarcate civilization from barbarism are being effaced. The motto of capitalist governments is: Nothing that is criminal is alien to us.

Haiti has suffered more than a century of repeated imperialist occupations, regime-change operations and outright plunder. US Marines were deployed to the country between 1915 and 1934 to ensure stability. They did so by making sure Haitis debts to US banks were repaid and by brutally suppressing a widespread peasant insurgency.

The national army trained during the US occupation served as the central base of support for the three-decade-long Duvalier dictatorship, which terrorized the population with a regime of repression and torture from the late 1950s until the toppling of Baby Doc Duvalier by a mass popular uprising in 1986. Washington was a staunch backer of the dictatorship, which was viewed as an important Cold War ally in the Caribbean akin to that of the Somoza family in Nicaragua. After Duvaliers overthrow, the US sought to maintain it under conditions of an insurrectionary movement among Haitian workers and the rural poor.

US and Canadian troops occupied Haiti for several years beginning in 1994 and intervened again in 2004 to remove the democratically elected president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide. In ousting Aristide, Washington and Ottawa collaborated with far-right gangs with close ties to the old Duvalier regime and its fascistic security police, the Tonton Macoutes. After Haiti was struck by a horrific earthquake in 2010, which devastated the capital and claimed well over a quarter of a million lives, the imperialists once again deployed troops to the island nation. Behind pledges of humanitarian aid, they continued their push for neo-liberal economic restructuring to wring more lucre from the Haitian people. In 2015/16, the Obama administration and Ottawa, under the newly-elected Trudeau Liberal government, intervened to manipulate the election process to ensure that Moise, the chosen successor of Michel Martelly, a far-right figure with close ties to the old Duvalier-ist wing of the bourgeoisie, came out on top.

Protesters calling for the resignation of Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry run after police fired tear gas to disperse them in the Delmas area of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Monday, Oct. 10, 2022. [AP Photo/Odelyn Joseph]

It is this imperialist subjugation and plunder, facilitated by all factions of the corrupt and cowardly Haitian bourgeoisie, that has produced the social calamity now engulfing Haiti. More than half of the countrys 11 million people are dependent on food aid. Health care and other basic social services are non-existent. With over 80 percent of Port-au-Prince under the control of heavily armed gangs, commerce and trade are at a virtual standstill.

Biden, Blinken, Trudeau and their advisers are not organizing another occupation of Haiti by foreign security forces because they are moved by such scenes of human misery. They have proven over the past six months that they are more than prepared to supply the weaponry and political cover for Israel to massacre defenceless men, women and children indiscriminately.

If they are anxious to restore bourgeois law and order in Haiti it is because they fear that the worsening humanitarian crisis in a country just 700 miles from Miami could result in a flood of tens, if not hundreds of thousands of refugees, into North Americas twin imperialist powers and during a US election year. They also fear the crisis in Haiti could destabilize the Caribbean region. Military forces in the Dominican Republic are working with vigilantes to violently expel Haitians seeking refuge in the Dominican side of the island of Hispaniola.

An additional concern is the loss to US global prestige produced by the collapse of a country in the Caribbean, which Washington and Ottawa have long considered their backyard and exploited brutally for well over a century.

Biden and Trudeau are contracting out to Kenya and several other African and CARICOM countries the task of imposing order in a country marked by the starkest social inequality, rather than deploying US and Canadian troops directly to suppress the Haitian masses. This is not only because they are preoccupied with their war against Russia and preparations for war against Iran and China. They know there is seething hatred for both US and Canadian imperialism among the Haitian people, which could turn any direct intervention into a bloody debacle.

That opposition however must be led by the working class in opposition to all factions of the Haitian ruling class and its big business and petty bourgeois political representatives.

The pseudo-left in North America as well as the US Democratic Partys Congressional Black Caucus continue to promote Aristide and the forces around his Parti Fanmi Lavalas as a progressive opposition to imperialism and the most rapacious sections of the Haitian bourgeoisie. In fact, Aristide, who gained widespread support by delivering fiery speeches denouncing inequality and political repression while still a priest, was the instrument utilised by imperialism to smother the mass movement that overthrew the Duvalier dictatorship in 1986 and continued in the face of the military coup that ousted his first government in 1991 just seven months after he swept the presidential polls.

Once expelled from office, Aristide made no appeal to the Haitian masses to resist, nor to the international working class. Instead, he directed the Haitian masses, including those living in the diaspora, to appeal for intervention by the imperialist powers, that is, those principally responsible for suppressing the democratic and social aspirations of the Haitian people.

After Aristide had grovelled before Washington for several years and agreed to implement IMF austerity and limit his presidency to the remaining year and a half in his five-year term, US President Bill Clinton ordered the Marines to place him back in power in Port-au-Prince.

His second administration (2001-2003) was even more pathetic, with his government serving as a toady of the IMF. When he was kidnapped by the US military and expelled from the country, there was little to any reaction in the Bidonvilles (the poorest slums) that once had been the bastions of his electoral support.

On Tuesday, representatives of the Parti Famni Lavalas were once again working with Washington and Ottawa to cobble together a new right-wing, pro-imperialist government.

No section of the Haitian bourgeoisie is capable of waging a genuine struggle to secure the democratic and social interests of the long-suffering Haitian masses. Haitis misery can only be ended through the adoption by the working class throughout the region of the program of Permanent Revolution in alliance with their class brothers and sisters in the imperialist centres.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Australian Minister for Defence Richard Marles in Brisbane for AUSMIN talks, July 28, 2023 [Photo by DoD by Chad J. McNeeley / CC BY 2.0

Amid reports that civilians in Gaza are starving to death for lack of food, the Australian Labor government is one of a relative handful maintaining a freeze on funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Given that UNRWA is the primary international agency delivering and administering aid to besieged Gaza, the freeze means the Labor government is directly aiding Israels use of starvation as a weapon of war.

The Australian finances tied up by the freeze are minimal, reflecting the contempt of the government for the Palestinians of Gaza, whose bombardment by Israel it has supported.

According to government statements, an emergency aid grant of just $6 million is all that is frozen. That was part of a pitiful pledge made by Foreign Minister Penny Wong last January, during a tour to Israel in which she fawned over architects of the genocide, such as President Isaac Herzog, while cynically presenting her trip as a humanitarian effort. The $6 million is a top up on an annual commitment of only $20 million.

Beyond the direct consequences of the limited funding being withheld, the Labor government is once again marching in lockstep with the US administration of Joe Biden, which is financing and overseeing the genocide. Australia is lending legitimacy to the US and Israeli orchestrated UNRWA freeze, under conditions where the pretexts used to justify the withholding of aid have been exposed as Zionist concoctions.

Over the past week, both Canada and Sweden have announced they will resume funding to UNRWA. Asked on Monday whether Australia would follow suit, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese avoided a direct answer, but made clear enough that the freeze would not be lifted.

As has become his speciality, Albanese shed crocodile tears, while maintaining his governments full alignment with Israel. The government, he said, was giving consideration to the range of support that can be given, including through other forms as well, in terms of essential food and lifesaving delivery there.

What that consists of, Albanese did not say, but his remarks were similar to those of Biden officials. To cover over their complicity in the starvation policy, the US has carried out a handful of food aid drops and announced plans for the construction of a pier off Gaza, while holding the line on the UNRWA freeze.

It was left to Assistant Defence Minister Matt Thistlethwaite to spell out the Labor governments real line. As cited in the Australian Financial Review, Thistlethwaite indicated that the government would wait until the investigation had finished before making any decision about restoring aid.

He declared: Australia cannot be involved in funding organisations that have members involved in terrorist activity. So, theres an investigation going on into that and well make a decision once that investigation is completed.

That was just a straight repetition of Israeli government propaganda. In January, when Israel first blared allegations that UNRWA employees had participated in the October 7 Hamas military action, the story was already threadbare. It rapidly emerged that the handful of individuals allegedly involved were not even necessarily UNRWA employees, but had at some point posted in UNRWA-related social media groupings that anyone could join.

Thistlethwaites comments followed media stories about an UNRWA report prepared last month. It reportedly found that employees of the agency had been held under arduous conditions in Israel and had been bullied through threats and coercion into making false statements about UNRWA involvement in October 7. In other words, Israel had effectively tortured United Nations employees to concoct propaganda lies.

That only confirmed the fraudulent character of the Israeli accusations. Suddenly aired months after October 7, they were a transparent response to a finding by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that Israel had a plausible case to answer that it was committing genocide in Gaza.

In addition to striking back against the United Nations, the hysterical allegations and demands for a funding freeze were in line with a longstanding Zionist hostility to UNRWA. Israeli leaders have for decades denounced UNRWA for helping to keep Palestinian refugees in the West Bank and Gaza, rather than arranging for their refuge elsewhere and facilitating Zionist plans to openly seize those Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The Labor government dismissed the ICJ finding, with Wong and Albanese blandly declaring that they did not accept the premise of the South African case that Israel was committing genocide. They then immediately joined the US and other Israeli allies in imposing the UNRWA funding freeze.

In early February, after imposing the freeze, Wong admitted that there was no objective basis for the decision, other than the lurid Israeli accusations. The government, Wong acknowledged, was not in full possession of the facts, even as she declared the freeze would continue indefinitely.

The continuing attack on UNRWA is yet another exposure of the Labor governments cynical efforts to distance itself from Israeli mass murder in Gaza. Throughout October, Labor leaders enthusiastically supported the bombardment, insisting that it was an expression of Israels right to defend itself. That line has persisted, but amid growing opposition, Labor leaders have shed cynical crocodile tears over the massive casualties.

Speaking at the Australian Financial Review Business Summit on Tuesday, Wong again put on a display of doublespeak. After October 7, Wong said, the world was rightly very sympathetic to and consolidative with Israel at that time. But she echoed Bidens warning over the weekend that unless Israel changes its course, it will continue to lose support. The world was horrified at the current situation, the loss of innocent civilian life and the scale of the humanitarian crisis.

But, Wong reminded the audience that Australia was part of the US-led Five Eyes alliance, which was and remained supportive of the existence of the State of Israel.

Bidens expressions of concern over the mass death in Gaza come as his administration continues to supply the bombs inflicting the carnage. Australia, as a middle order imperialist power, is also playing a direct role.

In November, Declassified Australia reported that the joint US-Australian Pine Gap military facility was being used to target Israeli strikes on Gaza. The Department of Defence and the government have refused to comment.

Australia has also directly aided US-led strikes in Yemen, in response to attempts by Houthi rebels to block military supplies passing through the Red Sea to Israel. And the Albanese government has backed the US attempts to escalate the genocide into a broader conflict targeting Iranian-linked forces throughout the region, hailing American bombing operations in Iraq and Syria.

Over recent days, another disturbing expression of Australian complicity has been reported in the press. Desperate Palestinians, who fled Gaza after being granted permission to travel to Australia, have reported their visas suddenly being canceled. Those affected had already paid large sums to travel to Australia, and are now stranded, unable to return to Gaza and allowed to stay in neighboring countries such as Egypt only for a short period.

For all its attempted evasions, the Labor government is a party to the worst war crimes of the past eighty years. This month, a group of lawyers referred the Albanese government to the International Criminal Court, calling for an investigation into its complicity in genocide. As the lawyers stated: Australia has supplied Israel with military equipment, intelligence data, and significant and ongoing political support.
A US Marine HIMARS system at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. (Credit: US Marines) [Photo: US Marines]

The US Defense Department will send another $300 million in weapons to Ukraine, amid growing warning signs that the US-NATO war with Russia is on the verge of a significant escalation.

In an interview published Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia's nuclear forces are ready in the event of a full-scale war between Russia and NATO.

Asked by an interviewer from Rossiya-1 television and news agency, Are we really ready for nuclear war? Putin replied, From a military-technical point of view, we are, of course, ready.

Putin continued, Our nuclear triad is more modern than any other triad, and only we and the Americans have such a triad. We have made much more progress here. Ours is more modern, with all the nuclear components.

Putin concluded, 'But this does not mean that, in my opinion, they [NATO] are ready to start this nuclear war tomorrow. If they want to? We are ready.

Putins remarks were a response to statements by five NATO countries, France, Canada, Lithuania, and the Netherlands, expressing their openness to sending NATO troops to fight Russia in Ukraine. On Saturday, Polish foreign minister Radek Sikorski, declared that sending troops to Ukraine was not unthinkable.

To this, Putin replied, If, say, Polish troops enter the territory of Ukraine, as it sounds, to cover the Ukrainian-Belarusian, say, border or in some other places in order to free up Ukrainian military contingents to participate in hostilities on the contact line, then I think that Polish troops will never leave there.

The growing calls within NATO for the direct deployment of NATO troops to Ukraine come amid the backdrop of a series of military debacles for the Ukrainian armed forces.

Last month, the Ukrainian military was forced to retreat from the city of Avdiivka, and then retreated once again under the pressure of continued Russian offensives.

In testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines painted a devastating picture of the current state of Ukraine's armed forces.

Ukraines retreat from Avdiivka and their struggle to stave off further territorial losses in the past few weeks have exposed the erosion of Ukraines military capabilities with the declining availability of external military aid, she said. Without that assistance, it is hard to imagine how Ukraine will be able to maintain the extremely hard-fought advances it has made against the Russians.

The Zelensky government is desperately seeking to drum up soldiers for its army, which has been depleted by massive casualties. Ukraines parliament is set to vote later this month on a new recruitment bill that would set the framework for the recruitment of another half-million people.

The advanced US military hardware sent to Ukraine has not changed the tide of the battle. While Ukraine appears to have so far fielded 30 US Abrams battle tanks, three have already been destroyed, mostly through the use of anti-tank drones.

Despite a series of devastating battlefield losses, Ukraine continues to carry out strikes deep inside Russia. For the second day in a row, Ukraine carried out drone strikes on Russian energy refineries hundreds of miles away from the Ukrainian border, accounting for approximately 10 percent of Russia's refinery capacity.

The Biden administration has called on Congress to pass more than $60 billion in funding for Ukraine. On Wednesday, the funding appeared to move closer to passage after a campaign, led by the Democratic Party, to advance the bill in the House despite opposition from House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon, in its announcement of another $300 million in weapons to Ukraine, declared that its accounts for Ukraine weapons funding are overdrawn by $10 billion.

The European Union, meanwhile, announced that it would send another $5 billion in weapons to Ukraine through the so-called European Peace Facility. Other NATO countries are expanding their funding of the war on an individual basis, with Denmark announcing Tuesday that it would send a $340 million weapons package.

While the Biden administration has publicly ruled out sending troops to Ukraine, there are growing calls within the US political establishment for such a move. In an interview with Radio Free Europe, retired US Army Colonel Alexander Crowther called for the proposal to be taken seriously.

Ukrainians are running out of soldiers, just like we did in 1944, when in Europe, we took cooks and handed them rifles and said, You are now an infantryman, he said. And so Ukraine is at the point where theyre having to do that.

He added, If you could get Americans or Western Europeans, or whoever, running a very tight air-defense system to knock down all those missiles - the Kinzals and all the Iskanders that are coming across the [Dnieper] River - if you could do that, that would be very helpful, and it wouldnt threaten any Russian life.

He concluded, Youd have to be really clear to Putin [and] say, Were sending people to Ukraine, theyre not going to be doing offensive combat against you... Anything that crosses the Dnieper is dead.... Its not a no-fly zone, its air defense.
On Wednesday, the US House of Representatives passed, by a significant bipartisan majority, a bill that will shut down or force the sale of the video-sharing app TikTok by its Chinese owners. The right-wing, authoritarian and anti-Chinese legislation, which was moved unanimously by the House Energy and Commerce Committee less than a week ago, was approved by a vote of 352 to 65.

The TikTok Inc. logo is seen on their building in Culver City, Calif., Monday, March 11, 2024 [AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes]

In the lower chamber of the US Congress, where nearly every bill stalls in gridlock, Democrats came together with Republicans in a supermajority to fast-track the passage of the bill, which asserts without substantiation that TikTok is a threat to US national security because it is owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, and thereby enables the Chinese government to spy on the American public.

After its passage, Republican Representative Mike Gallagher from Wisconsin, who wrote the bill with Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois, said, TikTok cannot continue to operate in the United States under its current ownership structure.

The bill, called the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, will now move on to the US Senate where there is also considerable support for it. However, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal, passage by the Senate is uncertain, because of questions about possible changes to the bills language, uncertainty about leaders positions and internal Senate dynamics.

When asked how the Senate would vote on the TikTok ban, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Democrat from New York, declined to say whether he would bring it up for a vote and said he would consult with Democratic committee chairs, according to the Journal report.

President Joe Biden already said on Friday that he would sign the bill if Congress passed it. On Wednesday, during a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, We hope the Senate takes action and takes this up very quickly.

TikTok is the most rapidly adopted app in the history of computer technology. Launched in 2016 by ByteDance, it achieved 100 million worldwide users within a year. This number grew to nearly 2 billion users by 2023. By comparison, it took Facebook nearly twice as longapproximately 13 yearsto achieve the same number of global users as TikTok. The TikTok app has been downloaded more than 4 billion times.

In the US, monthly active users are reported to have reached 170 million in 2023. More than forty-five percent of these users are between the ages of 18 and 34, which is approximately equivalent to the entire demographic of 77 million Americans. Users over the age of 18 are estimated to be on TikTok an average of 55.8 minutes per day, a span of time greater than any other social media app.

In a video posted on social media platforms on Wednesday evening, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew said, Over the last few years we have invested to keep your data safe, and our platform free from outside manipulation. We have committed that we will continue to do so.

Chew and other representatives of TikTokthe ByteDance subsidiary was incorporated in the Cayman Islands and has offices in Los Angeles and Singaporehave repeatedly pointed out that the platform does not share data with the Chinese government. In his video, Chew made it clear that if the legislation is signed into law, it will lead to a ban of TikTok in the United States. Even the bills sponsors admit that thats their goal.

Chew also pointed out that TikTok is used by 7 million small businesses, and shutting it down will eliminate approximately 300,000 jobs in the US. Some estimates say that TikTok generated $24.2 billion in US GDP and drove $14.7 billion in small-business revenue in 2023.

The language in the House bill states that TikTok must divest from ByteDance within 180 days of its passage or face fines of up to $500 per user, or a total amount of $85 billion. Additionally, while the bill specifically mentions TikTok and ByteDance, the law can be used to shut down, in a similar manner, any other social media app with more than 1,000,000 users which is deemed a threat to national security for being a vaguely defined, foreign adversary controlled application.

It is a measure of the extreme crisis of the American political system that such a bill can win such widespread support of both political parties while it is universally opposed by the broad public. The bill to ban TikTok brings together in a unified way the anticommunism and rapid drive of the American ruling class to war with China, with attacks on democratic rights and the desperate effort to impose censorship on social media platforms that are influencing the views of wide layers of the population, especially young people.

The hysterical and unproven denunciations of the Beijing government for using TikTok to conduct electronic surveillance of the American public are aimed both at whipping up support for war with China and covering up the fact, for which there is ample evidence, that the US government itself has been spying on US citizens for decades, in complete violation of Fourth Amendment rights.

The timing of the passage of the legislation is no doubt connected to the fact that Democrats, Republicans and the corporate media are losing the battle over the official narratives about the US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine and US support for Israels criminal operation in Gaza.

While opponents of the TikTok ban have pointed to the bills infringement on First Amendment rightsmillions of young people are learning the truth of what is happening in the wars sponsored and armed by the US government through videos on TikTokthe Democrats and Republicans supporting it are clearly seeking to shut down this avenue to news and information.

A report in the New York Times on Wednesday said that, while there was no unified support for the ban just few months ago, concern among lawmakers has grown even more in recent months, with many of them saying that TikToks content recommendations could be used for misinformation, a concern that has escalated in the United States since the Israel-Hamas war began.

Democrat Krishnamoorthi told the Times, It was a lot of things in the interim, including Oct. 7, including the fact that the Osama bin Laden Letter to America went viral on TikTok and the platform continued to show dramatic differences in content relative to other social media platforms.

Aware that young people are opposed to the ban, Donald Trumpwho previously attempted and failed to ban the platform with executive orders in the run-up to the 2020 elections and while he was Presidentsaid on CNBC that TikTok is a national security threat but, There are a lot of young kids on TikTok who will go crazy without it.

According to a report in the Washington Post, Trumps reversal is partially the product of a lobbying campaign connected to a GOP megadonor with connections that reach into Trumps inner circle. The Post report goes on to say that Trump supporter and billionaire Jeff Yass owns 15 percent of ByteDance, which would amount to roughly $40 billion of the companys $268 billion valuation. Trump claimed on CNBC that he and the GOP donor never mentioned TikTok in their conversation.

However, the Post report says, Trump and his aides have spoken about TikTok to people with direct financial ties to Yass. Yass is the biggest donor to the conservative organization Club for Growth, which is currently paying former Trump senior counselor Kellyanne Conway to defend TikTok on Capitol Hill, and which recently reconciled with Trump after a feud last year. Conway has also spoken to Trump about the importance of defending the social media app, according to two other people familiar with the matter, who also spoke on the condition of anonymity to reflect private deliberations.
Brazil is facing a new wave of the COVID-19 pandemic driven by the uncontrolled spread of the more infectious and vaccine-resistant JN.1 variant of Omicron. Cases and deaths have risen by 56 and 28 percent respectively in the last two weeks, with the week of February 25 to March 2 recording 70,000 cases and 253 deaths, figures that represent a huge underestimation of the real toll.

Brazilian anti-COVID activists handing out PFF2 masks and raising awareness about airborne transmission [Photo: @qualmascara]

While many who voted for Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the 2022 presidential election anticipated a change from the open policy of herd immunity pursued by the administration of the fascistic ex-president Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022), the new Workers Party (PT) government is continuing and deepening Bolsonaros policy.

At the end of February, the World Socialist Web Site spoke to four anti-COVID activists from Brazil, who have been speaking out mainly on X/Twitter, denouncing this situation and demanding that the Lula government implement science-based public health measures.

In the face of the media and government blackout on the pandemic, and particularly the debilitating effects associated with Long COVID, through X/Twitter and other social media they have been able to learn more about the scientific aspects of the pandemic and the disease, exchange information and join thousands of other people around the world still concerned with a pandemic that is far from over.

The second part of the interview will be published tomorrow.

People are absolutely in the dark

Lawyer Juliana Stamm worked intensively at the beginning of the pandemic to register hundreds of homeless people for the Bolsonaro governments emergency aid program. During the Lula administration, faced with the data blackout and other negligent measures, she began to make a number of inquiries about the pandemic from the federal government utilizing freedom of information laws.

One of the inquiries was about the number of tests carried out: [Last year] I asked a question via the freedom of information law, [and they said] that in 2021 we had 21 million PCR tests carried out and reported. In 2022, we had 6 million and by September 2023 there were less than 1.8 million tests.

At the end of February 2023, shortly after Lula took office and in the midst of a wave of infections in Brazil, the new government ended the daily reporting of data on the pandemic, which became weekly. The blackout of information on the pandemic is also made clear, according to Juliana, by the discontinuation of SARS-CoV-2 monitoring in sewage water: Under the Bolsonaro government, as bad as it was, and it was a disaster, there was a rudimentary program by the National Waters Agency for sewage water monitoring, very limited, it was something like half a dozen points in Brazil. The last sewage water report is from November 2022.

She continued: I thought: the program already exists, it will be resumed and improved under the Lula government because thats all we need. And I asked, via a freedom of information inquiry: what has been done with this program and what will be done with it? And the answer I got was hilarious. They said that in fact it was a measure that proved to be very effective in the epidemiological surveillance of SARS-CoV-2, but that they were awaiting authorization from superiors to re-implement it. That was in June and so far, we have nothing. And the quality of the data has only decayed, so much so that COVID tests are now being reported as severe acute respiratory syndrome. So, the quality of the data got worse and worse.

In conclusion, Juliana said: Since the policy that has taken hold is one of you by yourself, then at least there should be transparency of data so that we can make an assessment of the circumstances. This is absolutely non-existent in Brazil. People are absolutely in the dark.

Practice shows that nothing will come from the Lula government

Beatriz Klimeck, who at the end of last year completed a doctoral thesis on the negligence of the World Health Organization (WHO) on the aerosol transmission of the new coronavirus and is now doing post-doctoral research at the University of California, San Diego on air quality, also believes that, regarding monitoring of the pandemic , what was done [by the Bolsonaro government] would have been done [by the Lula government]. She continued: If there was monitoring [under the Bolsonaro administration], there was a structure for it. I dont see a scenario that could have been so different. Why? Because the reopenings in many places were very much the same.

In fact, particularly since the second deadly wave of the pandemic in early 2021, governments of all political stripes have carelessly reopened businesses and schools. This includes the Workers Party (PT) state governments in Brazils Northeast region, which at the beginning of the pandemic applied limited measures to curb the spread of the new coronavirus, but then abandoned any effort in this direction.

Regarding vaccinations, Beatriz commented that We dont see Lula, for example, taking or talking about the booster dose, or him and other members of the government, such as health minister Nisia Trindade, wearing masks.

In the governments campaigns, there is only a recommendation for the elderly and people in risk group to wear a mask. Theres not one person from the government doing this... How are they going to talk about air quality if they dont have a purifier? How can we expect a campaign on air quality if the events continue to take place in crowded places, without masks or ventilation? Practice shows that nothing will come of it.

What the Lula government is doing is the bare minimum

Graphic designer Fernanda Giulietti associated the Lula governments negligence regarding the pandemic with a similar attitude in other areas, such as education, saying: I dont know if I expected much from the Lula government, not just in this area, but in others. If we take one of the health issues itself, we can see what is happening with the crisis of the Yanomami indigenous people. It had major repercussions at the beginning of last year, and the problem still hasnt been resolved.

She was referring to ominous data published at the end of February showing that in 2023, the first year of Lulas government, the number of Yanomami killed (363) was higher than in 2022, the last year of Bolsonaros government (343).

On indigenous issues, health, education and other areas, what the Lula government is doing is the bare minimum, according to Fernanda.

Fernando Santos, who was infected with COVID in April 2021 and, after what he described as a mild case, suffers with various symptoms of Long COVID, exemplified what Fernanda pointed out by exposing the Lula governments claim to follow what is recommended by the WHO: I think its a very comfortable position when the health ministry says its following the WHO recommendations, which are very broad and serve for [very different countries like] Brazil, Indonesia and the US.

Its very common to mention a recommendation out of context. The WHO also recommends abandoning the bivalent vaccine platform and using the monovalent vaccine platform, it also recommends wearing a mask in healthcare environments. Brazil does not follow any of these recommendations. With regard to vaccination with the monovalent vaccine, Brazil is already lagging behind countries like the US and the European Union, but also Chile and Mexico. This is incoherent. He also recalled that the bivalent vaccine for children was not purchased by the Lula government.

The WHO has also done the minimum on the aerosol transmission of COVID

The WHO played a particularly criminal role in two key moments of the pandemic: by neglecting the aerosol transmission of COVID during the first months of the pandemic, and in May of last year, when it declared the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency without any scientific basis. This last decision was welcomed by the Lula governments health minister, Nisia Trindade, in a public statement.

Brazil's health minister, Nisia Trindade, with WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Lula and Jarbas Barbosa, director of the Pan American Health Organization . [Photo: @nisia_trindade]

The study Beatriz carried out for her doctoral thesis shed even more light on the criminal nature of the WHOs decision. According to her, all the decisions related not only to the use of masks, but also to the amount of isolation days, [are made] within the WHO and the CDC as if they were bodies that are separate [from society], that are neutral, that are there to defend our best interests.

Comparing the WHOs stance with that of the Lula governments health ministry, Beatriz said: When it had to admit its mistake, that in fact transmission was by aerosol, it did the minimum, perhaps in the same way as Brazils health ministry, which is to put it somewhere hidden on its website. But there was a campaign to say that [transmission] wasnt [by aerosol], and there wasnt a campaign to say that it was.

Particularly in relation to the protocols that should be implemented due to the fact that COVID is transmitted by aerosol, Beatriz stated: The WHO has never recommended the use of FFP2 [masks]... mainly because its scary. In a letter from a businessman that I included in my thesis, he asks the CDC: Are you going to say that it is spread by aerosol, and what about all the surface protocols that are being implemented to get people back [to work]? That cant happen, the companies are scared to death. In this sense, you cant not think about class, you cant not think about who makes the decisions and what their interests are.

For her, workplace safety also involves the quality of the air that workers breathe. This implies structural change: If were talking about air quality in a broader sense, then we have to talk about structural change. With what budget? With the spending ceiling? Its all very connected to these interests, which are also interests of the WHO, also of these organizations that are under pressure. If the CDC changed the isolation time to five days because the president of Delta Airlines was complaining, we can imagine other decisions that happen all the time.
On Wednesday, 119 public school teachers in Flint called in sick, forcing the cancellation of classes across the school district. The job action was initiated by rank-and-file educators to oppose the unilateral decision by the Democratic Party-controlled school board to overturn their labor agreement and renege on promised pay increases.

Flint teachers protest outside of school board meeting on Wednesday, March 13.

The agreement, reached last October between district officials and the United Teachers of Flint (UTF), included the first pay increase after years of wage freezes and other concessions agreed to by the UTF. For years, teachers have eked by on salaries as low as $38,000 a year, barely above the poverty level.

On January 17, the school board voted unanimously to abrogate the contract. Large numbers of teachers turned out to protest at the last school board meeting in mid-February, where Board President Joyce Ellis-McNeal said the district had a $14 million deficit and had to be fiscally responsible.

Teachers organized the sickout after frustration exploded over the UTF leaderships refusal to call a strike and its impotent protests, including organizing a vote of no confidence in the school board. Poorly paid teachers face overcrowded classrooms and the challenges of teaching in a city where almost 70 percent of the children grow up in poverty, five times the US average, according to the University of Michigan Center for Poverty Solutions. These challenges were made worse by the lead poisoning of the citys water supply 10 years ago, which has led to an increase in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and other learning disabilities.

After the sickout, the UTF and Michigan Education Association leaders moved in to shut down the job action. Union officials held a press conference Wednesday afternoon where they announced that schools would reopen Thursday. MEA Uniserv Director Bruce Jordan and UTF President Karen Christian claimed that the union would call an official strike if the Flint Board of Education does not resolve the dispute over a settlement agreement, but they did not publicly announce a date.

Later Wednesday evening, educators protested outside of the school board meeting. We feel that [the abrogation of the contract] was a slap in the face, one Flint teacher told the World Socialist Web Site. We dont feel appreciated; we are undervalued. Children will not get the services that they need for a quality education. In some areas, half of the teachers are substitutes and are not qualified.

Subs have no teacher training. Some get emergency certifications, and many are not certified at all. Substitutes dont have to graduate from college, they only need a certain amount of credits. They have to take a skills test and a background check, and they can be a teacher. In our building, four of 10 teachers are substitutes. She added, Many teachers work second jobs. Imagine working for 10 years and making under $40,000 a year. Almost all the younger teachers are working second jobs.

Protesting teachers at Flint school board meeting

Kinya Williams told the WSWS, We are standing up for the kids. We need certified teachers in the classrooms. They cant attract teachers if the pay is so low. We want reciprocity. We want to be able to meet at the table and have a fair exchange. The district should come to an agreement.

Joelle Jordan said, There was a pay cut, and there is no way I can financially make it. So I got another job in retail too. I would leave school, go straight to the retail store and work, sometimes to 11:00 p.m. Then Id get up in the morning and do it all over again. It was exhausting, it was hard. I did my best to show up for my students. Im not the only one. There are teachers all over this district that work extra jobs.

A hypocritical statement by the school board attacking the sickout for hurting our scholars more than anyone else provoked a firestorm of opposition from residents of Flint who know what sacrifices teachers make. Responding to this statement on the Flint Community Schools Facebook page, one commentator wrote: This message is so tasteless and Im actually appalled that you all took the time to comprise it instead of taking time to stand with those who are the most valuable parts of your team! Theyre not striking for fun but guess what? As a PROUD graduate of Flint Schools, Im glad some of the best teachers equipped me to stand toe to toe with you in their fight for what they deserve!

Jerry White, the Socialist Equality Partys candidate for US vice president in the 2024 elections, issued a statement on X/Twitter supporting the teachers.

I call on educators and all workers across Michigan, the US and internationally to support their fight against poverty wages, overcrowded classrooms and relentless budget cutting, White said.

He added, A chief proximate cause of the accelerating school cuts is the Biden administrations decision to end all Federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds, which expire in September 2024. The relief money, totaling roughly $190 billion, was meant to help schools address needs arising from COVID-19, including making up for learning loss during the pandemic.

At the same time, the Biden administration and both corporate controlled parties agreed to spend a record $886.3 billion for the US military. The White House is seeking tens of billions more to fund Israels genocide in Gaza and to escalate US imperialisms military conflict with Russia and China, which threatens the world with nuclear annihilation.

White concluded by stating, Workers around the world face the same fight, and these struggles should be coordinated through the expansion of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees. We call on all workers throughout Flint, across Michigan and beyond to support the Flint educators.

The working class confronts a political fight against both Biden and Trump and the two parties of austerity, war and dictatorship. The Socialist Equality Party is fighting for socialism, the expropriation of the financial corporate oligarchy and a vast redistribution of wealth to meet social needs, not private profit.
The following lecture was given by World Socialist Web Site International Editorial Board Chairman David North at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor on Tuesday, March 12.

On February 25, 2024, Aaron Bushnell, 25 years old, committed suicide in front of the Israeli Embassy in Washington D.C. Shortly before 1:00 p.m., as he approached the embassy, Aaron live-streamed a statement. He said:

I am an active duty member of the United States Air Force. And I will no longer be complicit to genocide. I am about to engage in an extreme act of protest. But compared to what people have been experiencing in Palestine at the hands of their colonizersits not extreme at all. This is what our ruling class has decided will be normal.

Upon arriving at the embassy, Aaron doused himself with a flammable liquid which he ignited. He shouted Free Palestine! as he was engulfed in flames. A Secret Service officer, who had been called to the scene, aimed a gun at the young man and ordered that he get on the ground. Other officers arrived and used fire extinguishers to quell the flames. Aaron was transported to a local hospital, where he died of his burn injuries seven hours later, at 8:06 p.m.

Aaron Bushnell

As is to be expected, the Biden administration has issued no official statement on the suicide. President Biden, who concludes every speech with the refrain, May God protect our troops, has not said a word let alone expressed regret over the death of Aaron Bushnell, a member of the US Air Force.

For the most part, the allies of the Israeli state and pro-Zionist media outlets have downplayed the event and denigrated Aaron as a sick individual whose suicide lacks any political or social significance.

But this is not the response of the overwhelming majority of the worlds population. Countless millions have seen the event, either as a video or photograph, and it has evoked, as it should, shock, sorrow and sympathy. The death of a young man, and in such a horrifying way, cannot but profoundly affect healthy human emotions.

However, the sorrow evoked by the death of Aaron Bushnell and respect for his idealism and sincerity must not extend to justifying and praising his suicide, let alone recommending such a self-destructive act of extreme protest as an effective form of political opposition to the Gaza genocide and, more generally, the crimes of imperialism.

Those who are now endorsing Aarons suicide, and thereby encouraging, directly or indirectlyand Cornel West is among themits emulation, are not only irresponsible. They are contributing to the demoralization and political disorientation of the opposition to the Gaza genocide and the broader struggle against imperialist war. They are counterposing the futile protest of the individual martyr to the building of a politically conscious mass movement of millions that is necessary to stop and put an end to imperialist barbarism and the capitalist system upon which it is based.

I will expand on this criticism in the course of these remarks. But I first want to place Aarons death in its broader social context.

The precise circumstances of Aarons death were, of course, exceptional. But suicide itself is not an unusual cause of death in the United States. This is an important fact that must not be overlooked.

In 2021, suicide was the eleventh leading cause of death in the United States. A total of 48,183 Americans died of suicide. There were 1.7 million suicide attempts. The age-adjusted suicide rate was about 14 per 100,000 individuals. There were, on average, 132 suicides per day, and I am sure that many of you here know of co-students, friends, who have passed through a serious personal crisis and perhaps even succeeded in taking their lives. White males accounted for over 69 percent of suicide deaths in 2021, while African American men accounted for 8.3 percent of suicides. Male suicides were just about four times more frequent than female suicides. The highest rates of suicide are among adults between the ages of 25 and 34, and 75 to 84.

Soldiers and veterans comprise a significant segment of the victims of suicide in the United States. The substantial rise of suicides among soldiers has been clearly related to this countrys continuous involvement in wars.

A study released in 2014 showed that the suicide rate rose from 12.1 to 18.1 to 24.5 per 100,000 person-years of active duty in the years 2004-05, 2006-07, and 2008-09, respectively. The Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Service Members also found that suicide risk was associated with being white, male, having a junior enlisted rank, having been recently demoted, and being currently or previously deployed,[ 1 ] a description that largely applies to Aaron Bushnell.

Another study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders in 2013, reported a dramatic increase in suicides within the Air Force, which in 2010 reached their highest rate in 27 years.[ 2 ] This trend has continued. In 2020, there were 109 suicides by Air Force personnel. Included in this figure were those on active duty, reservists and members of the Guard. There were 72 suicides in 2021 and 91 in 2022. During the first two quarters of 2023, the Air Force reported 46 suicides. It is the single largest cause of death among members of the Air Force.

In assessing the cause of suicides in the Air Force, the 2013 study in the Journal of Affective Disorders noted that only one quarter of active Air Force personnel who die by suicide have ever deployed to a combat zone, and less than 7% have directly experienced combat. However, the report did find a sense of regret or remorse or feeling bad about what I did was related to suicidal impulses among Air Force personnel. While such feelings were especially notable among those who had direct combat experience, the extent to which such feelings are present among a broader group of military personnel remains unclear.

This factor should be taken into account in assessing the suicide of Aaron Bushnell. This does not deny the very strong political impulse and intentions underlying his actions but contributes to an understanding of the wider social context of the experiences that led to his death.

The Intercept has established that Aaron Bushnell posted on Reddit using the handle acebush1, and it reported:

The acebush1 Reddit user joined the military soon after posting about their financial struggles at the beginning of the pandemic. On March 19, 2020, acebush1 inquired about becoming a Uber Eats driver. The following month they posted asking for financial help: HELPCant get stimulus or unemployment benefits, about to run out of money.

In May 2020, Aaron enrolled in the Air Forces Basic and Technical Training program. He was eventually stationed at the Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. He was trained as a cyber-defense operations specialist with the 531st Intelligence Support Squadron.

In August 2020, according to Intercept, he reposted a video of a military aircraft, adding a heading which indicated amazement at what the Air Force was able to do. However, his postings make clear that his attitude toward the Air Force and his own political conceptions were undergoing a significant shift to the left. He expressed sympathy with an Alabama prison strike and posted a meme image of the anarchist philosopher from the 19th century Max Stirner. The Intercept reports: In 2023, acebush1 made a post with the title Free Palestine! and linked to a video of an activist takeover of UAV Tactical Systems, a drone company operated in part by the Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems.

In June 2023, acebush1 wrote:

Im sticking it out to the end of my contract as I didnt realize what a huge mistake it was until I was more than halfway through, and I only have a year left at this point. However it is a regret I will carry the rest of my life.

Keep in mind the factor of regret among Air Force personnel who have taken their lives or have attempted to take their lives. In another statement, responding to a question posted on the r/Airforce subreddit, in which a user asked whether veterans, if they had to do it over again, would still have enlisted, Intercept reports acebush1s answer:

Absolutely not. I have been complicit in the violent domination of the world, and I will never get the blood off my hands.

Although Aaron was not, based on the information currently available, directly involved in the combat operations of the Air Force, he clearly perceived himself as bearing moral responsibility for the crimes committed by the United States and shared a sense of guilt, which the study referenced in the Journal of Affective Disorders identified as a significant factor in suicides among Air Force personnel.

To the extent that this sense of guilt contributed to Aarons suicide, it testifies to his moral integrity. Moreover, it deeply implicates the existing social orderthe vast societal structure of economic, political and ideological oppression and criminality, rooted in capitalismin the death of Aaron Bushnell. All explanations of Aarons death that concentrate only on his personal psychological state, as if the personal develops in isolation from the social, are false. External factors, those arising from social and political conditions, were the principal and decisive cause of Aarons death. This is the most important fact of all about Aarons suicide.

Why did Aaron decide that suicide was the necessary and only response to crimes committed by the Israeli state and its sponsors in the Biden administration? Why did he decide to respond in such an individual way to what is clearly a political situation?

It is in the examination of this question that the tragedy of Aarons death and the most difficult problems of contemporary society are revealed. Even the most complex social problems, arising from the interconnected global economic and political relations, mediated through class interests and affecting every human being on the planet, are generally experienced and commonly interpreted in individual terms.

This tendency is not merely an expression of an error in personal judgment. The nature of capitalismso-called private enterprisereinforces the conception of society as simply an aggregate of isolated individuals.

It was first Marx who, in the process of elaborating the materialist conception of history, challenged and refuted this conception, writing in 1845 that the essence of man is no abstraction inherent in each single individual. In its reality it is the ensemble of social relations.[ 3 ]

The individualistic character of daily life and the associated sense of personal isolation and alienation that it fosters acquire an especially malignant character in a period of political reaction, such as our period, in which the bonds of social and class solidarity are eroded. In a series of articles written in 1912, Evgeni Preobrazhenskythe Marxist revolutionary, Bolshevik, and later a major figure in the Left Opposition led by Leon Trotsky, and ultimately a victim of Stalins purgesdefined suicide as a form of social murder carried out by society, which is especially prevalent when the class struggle is suppressed.

Evgeni Preobrazhensky

He wrote:

The high percentage of suicides in an epoch of counter-revolution and social disorder is also easy to explain in terms of the point of view we have been discussing. During a buoyant epoch people rally more closely to achieve common goals, the isolation of the individual is reduced to a minimum, and the powerful forces of collective support the individual in his life and struggle. A complete opposite picture prevails during an epoch of disintegration, when old associations fall apart and the new have yet to emerge, when the centrifugal forces of society prevail over the centripetal. The powerless individual, when facing society, loses his equilibrium and perishes with the first encounter with adverse circumstances, which at a different time would have had no essential consequences for him.[ 4 ]

Preobrazhenskys analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of the interaction of the personal, social and political factors that led to Aarons suicide. Aaron, according to information published by the Washington Post, was raised in a religious compound in Orleans, Massachusetts, known as the Community of Jesus. This group has been accused of abuse dating back to the mid-1970s by former members. Aaron broke from the group in 2019. He subsequently, under the pressure of financial problems exacerbated by the pandemic, entered the military.

It did not take long before he was repelled by its culture of indifference and brutality. He moved in the direction of left-wing politics, and, as is often the case, he initially established associations with various middle class political tendencies.

The Israeli assault on Gaza occurred at a point when Aaron was only beginning to work through, in political terms, the consequences of his break from religion and reactionary American nationalism. To borrow and rephrase the appropriate words of Preobrazhensky, Aarons old associations had fallen apart, but the new had only begun to emerge.

Thus Aaron sought through an act of individual self-sacrifice to bring the horror of Gaza to an end. He did not see another means of achieving his noble purpose. He was appealing, through his personal martyrdom, to other individuals. He saw no other way to translate his personal grief and outrage into effective action. The decision to register his personal protest by ending his own life expressed the incompleteness of Aarons intellectual break with a religion-influenced world outlook, as well as the absence of an understanding of the objective contradictions of capitalist society that not only underlie capitalist-imperialist barbarism, but also provoke the eruption of class conflict and create the potential for the world socialist revolution.

Again, these limitations in Aarons development were not of a purely personal character, but, rather, a manifestation of prevailing social, political and intellectual conditions. Aaron was born on the eve of the 21st century, almost a decade after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, a political and social catastrophe that was the outcome of the betrayals of working class struggles by Stalinism, Social Democracy and the class collaborationist trade unions within the United States and internationally. Significant and sustained manifestations of organized working class struggle had virtually disappeared in the United States. Aaron would not have witnessed a significant strike during the first 20 years of his life.

Moreover, the suppression of class struggle by the trade union bureaucracies, allied with the Democratic Party, was accompanied by the virtually unanimous repudiation of Marxism by the university-based intelligentsia. The historic association of socialism with the working class was dismissed, as was the perspective of socialist revolution. Left politics was reinterpreted in a manner that focused not on the decisive question of social class but on various forms of personal identity. This had the effect, and still has the effect, of strengthening the influence of the reactionary and demoralizing outlook of individualism.

It is important to pay tribute to Aarons idealism. His personal sacrifice must not be forgotten. But honoring his memory requires that the appropriate political lessons be drawn from his death. Toward this end, it is an inescapable political obligation to subject to the harshest criticism efforts to glorify Aarons suicide, even to the point of asserting that personal martyrdom is an effective strategy and tactic in the struggle against the genocide being carried out by the Israeli state.

The most disturbing of the attempts to justify Aarons suicide is the essay by journalist Chris Hedges titled Aaron Bushnells Divine Violence. It has been published by Scheerpost, Consortium News and various other online sites. The essay consists of a mixture of religious mysticism, middle class utopianism, political disorientation, historical falsification and the glorification of irrationalism.

Defining the suicide in religious terms, Hedges begins his essay by proclaiming that Bushnells death pitted violence against radical evil. Rather than identifying the social classes, economic interests and geo-political strategies that are driving the war, Hedges dissolves a real socio-economic phenomenon into a spiritual abstraction, radical evil, which is also commonly known as the Devil. On this basis, Hedges shifts responsibility for the war away from governments and politicians, and the social class in whose interests they are acting, to humanity in general. Aaron Bushnell, Hedges states, died for our sins. Thus, by implication, all mankind is responsible for the crimes of American imperialism, NATO and its Israeli allies.

Having mystified the conflict, Hedges imagines the possibility of the transformation of the American military into a force for good.

He asks:

Shouldnt, in a just world, the U.S. fleet break the Israeli blockade of Gaza to provide food, shelter and medicine? Shouldnt U.S. warplanes impose a no-fly zone over Gaza to halt the saturation bombing? Shouldnt Israel be issued an ultimatum to withdraw its forces from Gaza? Shouldnt the weapons shipments, billions in military aid and intelligence provided to Israel be halted? Shouldnt those who commit genocide, as well as those who support genocide, be held accountable?

These simple questions are the ones Bushnells death forces us to confront.

One is entitled to ask Hedges, by way of a response to his questions, In what church, synagogue or mosque are we to pray for the realization of this just world? His questions are not simple. They are simply absurd. Why would they be asked by any intelligent person who had any sense of political reality? Hedges questions posit a world as imagined by liberals, in which all would be well if only evil was replaced by good. It is essentially the philosophy of all protest politics.

But the questions make no sense. Why, in the just world imagined by Hedges, would there be a need for war planes, no-fly zones, and ultimatums? The only way Hedges simple questions make any sense is if one imagines U.S. imperialism as a changeable and potential force for good. Israel, on the other hand, is conceived of as the manifestation of pure and unchangeable evil. The Christian and bigoted overtones of this hypothesis are clearly apparent.

In support of his moral appeal for a benevolent US imperialism, Hedges claims that The coalition forces intervened in northern Iraq in 1991 to protect the Kurds following the first Gulf war. Hedges seems to have forgotten that the Gulf War of 1991 marked the beginning of the violent eruption of American imperialism that accompanied the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis were killed in the course of that war. The declaration of a no-fly zone had nothing to do with protecting the Kurds. The policies pursued by the first President Bush were dictated entirely by his evaluation of the tactical interests of the US Army in the midst of the invasion of Iraq.

The most reprehensible sections of Hedges essay are those in which he fervently argues in support of Bushnells self-immolation as a potent political message.

He declares, It jolts the viewer out of somnolence. It forces the viewer to question assumptions. It begs the viewer to act. It is political theater, or perhaps religious ritual in its most potent form.

Hedges unqualified endorsement of Bushnells suicidemaking himself, in effect, not only an accomplice after the fact in the young mans death, but also an instigator of future protest suicidesproceeds from a completely false depiction of political reality. Based on what Hedges writes, one would assume that Aaron committed suicide under conditions of mass indifference to the slaughter of Gazans, in which there was no indication of popular opposition to the mass killings of Palestinians. Therefore, under such conditions of universal apathy, what was left to Aaron but to sacrifice his life, to subject himself to dreadful violence in a desperate attempt to arouse some visible level of concern for the people of Gaza?

But, contrary to the situation as imagined and fabricated by Hedges, the Israeli onslaught has been met with mass protests all over the world. There have been innumerable demonstrations, which, in some cases, have involved hundreds of thousands of people. It should be added that in many cases large numbers of Jews have participated in and even organized substantial protests.

Thousands attend a protest organzied by Jewish Voice for Peace in New York City

The problem that has limited the effectiveness of the protests has not been public indifference but the absence of a political perspective and strategy upon which the struggle against the genocide in Gaza, and, more broadly, against the preparation of the imperialist powers for a third world war and the use of nuclear weapons can be based.

The protests have remained within the confines of the existing structures of bourgeois politics, directed not toward the independent political mobilization of the working class against capitalist rule but, rather, to the application of pressure on bourgeois governments to change their policies.

This, in fact, is the political orientation favored by Hedges. He references earlier incidents of self-immolationwith special emphasis on those that occurred historically in Tunisia, South Vietnam and Tibetas examples of the effectiveness of ritual suicides. These individual self-sacrifices, he writes, often become rallying points for mass opposition.

Now, it is true that there have been cases in which such a dramatic event has triggered or intensified protests. But there is no case in which the ritual suicides contributed to an effective strategy for the revolutionary transformation of society. In fact, in two of the three cases he cites, in South Vietnam and Tibet, self-immolations have been carried out by reactionary political forces and exploited for its own purposes by American imperialism.

For example, in 1963, the immolation of the Buddhist monk Thich Quang uc set into motion a train of events utilized by the Kennedy administration to overthrow the existing Diem regimewhich was viewed as incapable of waging an effective struggle against North Vietnam and the National Liberation Frontand to bring a military junta to power.

As for the immolations in Tibet, they are guided by the interests of Washington, which encourages the separatist movement as a weapon against China. There is nothing remotely progressive about this movement. And in the case of Tunisia, where the suicide of a young worker triggered mass protests, a decade later the very personnel that were overthrown, the same political forces that were overthrown in the first wave of protests, are now back in power.

But Hedges cannot contain his enthusiasm. Self-immolations, he writes, are sacrificial births. They presage something new. They are the complete rejection, in its most dramatic form, of conventions and reigning systems of power.

Not true. Such acts are nothing of the sort. Depending on the circumstances, they may be aimed at achieving a change in the personnel of the existing regime. Or, and this is more commonly the case, they hope to exert pressure for a change in existing policy by those who currently hold power.

They are not consciously directed toward the overthrow of existing property relations, the smashing of the capitalist state and its institutions, and the transfer of power to the working class.

On the contrary, in the most fundamental sense, the acts of ritual suicide are fundamentally incompatible with the perspective of socialism and socialist revolution. The program of socialist revolution is formulated on the basis of a scientific analysis of the socio-economic structure of society. The fundamental driving force of social revolution is not inchoate and desperate rage but an understanding of the objective contradictions of the world capitalist system and the mass social action that is guided by the comprehension of these contradictions.

Hedges, however, rejects a rational understanding of political reality as ineffective. He invokes the theologian Reinhold Niebuhrs celebration of a sublime madness in the soul and his claim that nothing but such madness will do battle with malignant power and spiritual wickedness in high places. This is nothing but a glorification of political irrationalism, which actually expresses an orientation to the right, not to the left. Right-wing politics is closely aligned with irrational sentiments. Genuinely progressive, left-wing, socialist thought is aligned with science.

Hedges concludes his essay with the following declaration:

Divine violence terrifies a corrupt and discredited ruling class. It exposes their depravity. It illustrates that not everyone is paralyzed by fear. It is a siren call to battle radical evil. That is what Bushnell intended. His sacrifice speaks to our better selves.

To put the matter bluntly, Hedges essay speaks to the pessimism, intellectual bankruptcy and essentially reactionary character of middle class pseudo-leftism, i.e., the ideological conceptions that generally predominate on university campuses.

In 1940, in the course of an internal party political struggle against an anti-Marxist tendency that had emerged in the American section of the Fourth International, Leon Trotsky noted that the greatest social revolution in historythe conquest of power by the Russian working class in October 1917, an earthshaking eventwas led by the party whose activity began not with the throwing of bombs but with the defense and elaboration of dialectical materialist theory.

Trotsky was referencing the long struggle that had been waged by Russian Marxists, dating back to the 1880s, against the terrorist methods advocated by the Russian populists. At that time, the Marxists polemicized against the carrying out of terrorist attacks on government officials. This was a practice different in many ways from the act of suicide, which was not being advocated at that time by any serious political tendency. But there are certain critical elements of the arguments advanced against terrorist acts that are entirely relevant to the rejection of suicidal political theater as promoted by Hedges.

The essential issue is that the politics of terrorism substituted the heroic act of an individual for mass action by the working class. Terrorist assassinations, even when the victim was the head of state, could not bring about a radical transformation of society. One tyrant would be replaced by another tyrant. Moreover, rather than raising the political consciousness of the masses, terrorist acts relegated them to the position of passive spectators observing the conflict between assassins and police authorities.

I will conclude by recalling a tragic incident that occurred on the eve of World War II, in November 1938.

A Polish-born Jewish immigrant youth living in Paris, by the name of Herschel Grynszpan, 17 years old, assassinated a Nazi diplomat at the German embassy by the name of Ernst vom Rath. The act was not carefully prepared. The subsequent investigation indicated that Grynszpan, outraged by the Nazi persecution of Jews and the suffering of his own family, went to the German embassy to take revenge. He had not chosen a specific individual as his target. He had no experience in politics. Grynszpan shot the first official that he encountered, and, unluckily for vom Rath, he was that individual.

The assassination had far-reaching and infamous consequences. Hitlers regime decided to exploit the assassination to violently escalate attacks on German Jews. Within hours of vom Raths death on November 9, 1938, the Nazis launched the anti-Jewish pogrom that became known as Kristallnacht.

Grynszpan, who had been immediately arrested, was subjected to furious denunciationsnot only from the fascists but also from the left Popular Front government, supported by the Stalinist Communist Party, which denounced the youth for undermining relations between France and Germany and weakening the left government.

The only voices raised in defense of Grynszpan were those of Leon Trotsky and his supporters in France. But Trotsky, in a magnificent essay, defended Grynszpan against his persecutors, while making clear his rejection of the terrorist method chosen by the young man. He was responding to a political assassination carried out against a fascist official, not a suicide. But Trotskys criticism of Grynszpans act, which cost Grynszpan his own life, retains immense relevance. Trotsky understood the teenagers hatred of the representative of fascism and the desperation he felt.

However, Trotsky recognized his own responsibility, as a revolutionary leader, to strongly counsel the youth against emulating Grynszpans act. He wrote, and this essay was unique in its time:

In the moral sense, although not for his mode of action, Grynszpan may serve as an example for every young revolutionist. Our open moral solidarity with Grynszpan gives us an added right to say to all the other would-be Grynszpans, to all those capable of self-sacrifice in the struggle against despotism and bestiality: Seek another road! Not the lone avenger but only a great revolutionary mass movement can free the oppressed, a movement that will leave no remnant of the entire structure of class exploitation, national oppression, and racial persecution. The unprecedented crimes of fascism create a yearning for vengeance that is wholly justifiable. But so monstrous is the scope of their crimes, that this yearning cannot be satisfied by the assassination of isolated fascist bureaucrats. For that it is necessary to set in motion millions, tens and hundreds of millions of the oppressed throughout the whole world and lead them in the assault upon the strongholds of the old society. Only the overthrow of all forms of slavery, only the complete destruction of fascism, only the people sitting in merciless judgment over the contemporary bandits and gangsters can provide real satisfaction to the indignation of the people. This is precisely the task that the Fourth International has set itself. It will cleanse the labor movement of the plague of Stalinism. It will rally in its ranks the heroic generation of the youth. It will cut a path to a worthier and a more humane future.

Leon Trotsky

These words resonate in our own time andchanging what needs to be changed in accordance with the circumstancespowerfully sum up the political lessons that should be drawn from the tragic death of Aaron Bushnell.

For those of you who really want to fight; who are outraged and horrified by what we are witnessing every day; who realize that even as we speak there are children and even infants dying in Gaza who are not allowed drinking water, have no food, are living in utterly inhumane conditions; and who feel outrage and indignation to watch the president of the United States justify these actions and even say, Well, we mustnt have another 30,000 Gazans deadperhaps 5,000, perhaps 10,000 more, 15,000 more, but not 30,000. Thats too much even for Biden.

Those of you who are sickened by what you see, what are the political conclusions you are going to draw? What is required to put an end to this? Not individual acts of vengeance, not personal acts of self-sacrifice, but a turn to the only social force which actually has in its power, in its objective role in the whole process of capitalist production, in its position in the forces of production, its potential economic strength, its global character, the ability to bring capitalism to its knees, to destroy the very foundations of militarism.

This is the task our party has set itself, what we seek to do through the publication of the World Socialist Web Site, through the activity of the International Youth and Students for Social Equality, and through the present candidacy of Joseph Kishore for president of the United States and Jerry White for vice president, as the candidates of the Socialist Equality Party. We are using this campaign to educate and politically prepare workers, young people and students for the struggles which will and must unfold, to enable them to participate in and lead the struggles of the working class and impart to that powerful coming movement a genuine revolutionary perspective.

So transform your anger and outrage into effective political action, into the determination to master Marxist theory, to learn the lessons of history, to acquaint yourself with the great revolutionary struggles of the last century.

And I say this with some urgency, because not that much time is left. If you have been following the news, there are active discussions for the intervention of NATO in Ukraine. Biden and his colleagues and co-conspirators in NATO are playing Russian Roulette with the danger of nuclear war. They have demonstrated their indifference to the possibility of mass death, in their attitude toward COVID, in the way in which they have sacrificed in pursuit of Americas global strategic interests hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian lives, in their willingness to consider the use of nuclear weapons as an acceptable form of military conflict.

We are confronted with great political questions and challenges. They can be solved. But to solve them, we must build a revolutionary party. This party must win the allegiance of the great masses of the working class. Thats the basic, fundamental lesson we must draw from the death of Aaron Bushnell and from a comprehension of the crisis of our times.
Two mainstay venues of the Sundance Film Festival are at risk after their owner declared bankruptcy. Metropolitan Theaters Corporation, a Los Angeles-based company that operates both the Redstone 8 and the Holiday Village Cinemas 4 in Park City, Utah, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on February 29.

According to its bankruptcy filing, Metropolitan holds nearly $8 million in loans and owes more than $300,000 to the landlords of its 15 theaters. The bankruptcy is Chapter 11, meaning the company would attempt to reorganize its assets rather than liquidate.

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Planning for Sundance 2025 is still under way and its possible that the reorganization may leave one or both theaters open. However, any loss could be a blow. This year, the festival consciously cut down on the number of venues it operated, ceding the Yarrow to Slamdance. It also stopped using the MARC or the Temple after Covid. More screenings moved to Salt Lake City as a result.

Redstone Cinema 1 at Kimball Junction on January 19, 2013 in Park City, Utah. WireImage

While the Redstone and Holiday Village theaters arent primary premiere locations, as the citys only commercial multiplexes they support much of the festivals volume. The Holiday Village hosts almost all P&I screenings.

When reached by IndieWire, a Sundance rep said the festival is in the very early stages of planning for the 2025 festival, which includes its venues. It is early in its timeline and process, but the festival is monitoring what Metropolitan does next.

The Metropolitan bankruptcy filing impacts 15 theaters. In addition to the two in Park City, they include five theaters in Santa Barbara (which also serve the Santa Barbara Film Festival). Metropolitan president Dave Corwin told the Santa Barbara Independent that he expects two of those theaters, the Arlington and the Metro 4, to be unaffected since the company owns their properties. For other Metropolitan theaters, he hopes the company can become solvent via lease renegotiations.

Ideally, there is no change, but depending on what happens, theoretically, there could be some downsizing or change in facilities, but we will see down the line, he told the outlet.

An industry source said that in most Chapter 11 cases involving theaters, closure is determined case-by-case and that some Metropolitan theaters are expected to remain open. The source also speculated that Sundance would lobby hard to ensure the Park City locations are among them.

But according to the bankruptcy filings (via KSL.com and KPCW), Metropolitan owes about $313,000 in debt to various landlords and spends $2.6 million annually to maintain its leases across Southern California, Colorado, and Utah. In addition, it is indebted to affiliate ATP for $2.1 million after it took on some Metropolitan debt in 2021 and loaned the company more money in 2023. It also owes $5.2 million to Santa Barbara-based American Riviera Bank and has an outstanding loan balance of $500,000 from a Covid Economic Injury Disaster Loan.

Metropolitan once owned the historic Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles, which opened in 1926. The photo was taken in Aril 2020, in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. Los Angeles Times via Getty Imag

Metropolitan is a family-owned company with over 100 years of history in Southern California, having once operated some of downtown Los Angeles most historic silent movie theater and vaudeville palaces, as well as being a pioneer in the advent of Spanish-language cinema in 1960s Los Angeles. Metropolitan did not return IndieWires request for comment.

Metropolitan is one of many exhibitors that didnt recover after Covid. Arclight Cinemas and Pacific Theaters closed its doors permanently back in 2021, and Cineworld, parent company of Regal Cinemas, also declared bankruptcy last year.

Last year, we did 20 percent better than we did in 2022, Corwin told the Santa Barbara Independent, but that was still 20 percent less than we did in 2019.

The next hearing on the Metropolitan bankruptcy case will be held April 16 in downtown Los Angeles.

Additional reporting by Tom Brueggemann.

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He has a huge stone hanging from his neck, a grayish one with a hole. Thats the way he found it. It already had the hole. The only thing I did was get a string to hang it around my neck. Its been with me ever since. I must have been seven years old... Maybe eight. Ive only changed the string a few times. Its like Ive got the hills with me all the time, he said. The man talking is American writer Chris Offutt of Lexington, Kentucky. Hes the king of grit lit, tales from the hills and hollers, the violent and desperate rural noir stories about the working class who live in small, painfully impoverished towns, shamelessly marginalized, light years away from any kind of dream, including the American one. I always wondered why there werent any books about people like me. Where were we? Did we even exist? I like to think that Im writing for people who are just like me, looking to see themselves reflected and feeling like they belong, said Offutt as he tucks the stone back inside his shirt and buttons up.

In Spain, we first heard about Offutt  a man with a striking mane and an air of curiosity mingled with occasional bewilderment  from My Father, the Pornographer: A Memoir (February 2016). In this book, he tells the story of growing up with his father, Andrew Offutt, a larger-than-life and eccentric character, an unsung writer of 400 novels who shared living quarters with at least 18 other authors amid a clutter of pornography, both physical and abstract. Offutt embarked on his literary journey telling stories about desolate and forsaken places, like his debut novel, Kentucky Straight (1992). Years later, he created a character  Mick Hardin  to explore these settings, its injustices and enigmatic allure, and delve into his own self-discovery. Yes  Im Mick. He doesnt represent the people who live there. Hes someone whos moved away but still has a foot in the door, seeing things from both inside and out, said Offutt. Its no coincidence that Mick Hardin is a military veteran. Sometimes, a military career is the only way out for a kid from a certain part of America. I enlisted at 17 with three other friends.. None of us got very far  I didnt even pass the physical.

He isnt in Appalachia on this February day; instead, hes seated at a table in a Barcelona hotel. He says that Barcelona is a sophisticated and beautiful city that knows who it is. You know, its funny, folks around here are pretty clear about their roots. Everyones got a story about a relative who came from a town just like mine. But in the U.S., its different. People tend to escape their pasts and focus only on social status. Its like once you reach the top, you try to erase where you started from. You dont want anything to drag you down. He thinks that the image we, out of the U.S., hold of his country stems from its middle-class writers, specifically the upper middle class. These people have connections and the assurance that if needed, they can easily get financial help and carry on with life, regardless of setbacks. Ninety percent of American writers are that type of people. They dont know what its like to enlist in the army at 17 just to get three meals a day and a bed.

Code of the Hills (2023) is the most recent of the Mick Hardin series, which can be properly called noir novels. They really are, said Offutt. But its funny that theyre called noir, because nothings ever that simple, nothings just black and white. I like to think my novels delve into the grays. The third novel in the series forces Mick to face up to the way of life he thought hed escaped. Back in the hills of Kentucky after a two-year absence, hed planned to touch down briefly before heading to Corsica, marking the end of his 20-year Army career. Mick visits his sister Linda, the county sheriff. I kind of like the idea of them being siblings. Usually, the main cop has a sidekick or a junior partner, but its never his sister. Its more like someone he can easily ditch if things go south. But what if you have to work with family, right? he asks. Hardin is a version of Offutt, and if Hardin is alone its because Offutt is too. Writers spend 80% of our lives in front of a page, completely alone.

And yet, Offutt doesnt want it any other way. I love the feeling that when I write, its like opening a door and stepping right back into that place. All my problems just vanish when I start writing. And I keep going back there, every single time. Its like going back to my idea of the hills. Thats what he calls his hometown in Kentucky  the hills. He still visits the house where he grew up from time to time. The last time, he ran into a friend who had just gotten out of prison. That sort of stuff happens there. Offutt shouted out to his friend: I thought your father was back from the dead! You two are identical! What about his obsession with forests? Mick Hardin likes to lie down in the middle of the forest and just go to sleep. I do it too, said Offutt. Im going to tell you something Ive never told anyone, he says, swallowing. I go to the forest and I lie down on the ground and wait to fall asleep, and I sleep, for a while, to wake up and observe the miracle, the trees, the birds...

He gets emotional talking about it and wipes away a tear. The world just feels so magical to me. Were here, surrounded by all this beauty. Picture waking up in the forest, right? Youre still kind of groggy, trying to figure things out, and then you feel that warm sunlight on your face... Hear the trees rustling, and the birds singing... Offutt loves birds and says he has a special relationship with them. Sometimes he just walks through the forest looking for birds. That would be in Lafayette County, Mississippi, where he now lives. Far from the Kentucky hills but still close to the forest. I feel at peace there, said the guy who became a writer after reading Harriet the Spy, the childrens classic by the indefatigable Louise Fitzhugh. Oh, yeah, I read it and then I started carrying a notebook with me, just like the protagonist, to jot things down. He smiles and takes a small notebook and pen out of his pocket. I still do it.

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PORTSMOUTH  One of the grandest houses in Portsmouth at the turn of the 20th century  now home to St. John's Masonic Lodge No. 1  was the residence of young socialite Marion Hackett.

Her exhausting schedule is detailed in three scrapbooks created between 1903 and 1912 and donated to the Portsmouth Athenaeum in 1993.

The home of Portsmouth socialite Marion Hackett was built for her family in 1892 at the corner of Middle Street and Miller Avenue. Purchased by the Masons (St. Johns Lodge No. 1) in 1920, the building was designed by Boston architect Harry B. Ball.

"She was having a good time," Athenaeum Librarian Robin Silva said of Hackett, who did not marry until she was 28. "She had a lot of friends. And she went on a lot of dates."

Silva said cataloging the scrapbooks has given her and other Athenaeum staff members a day-by-day look at what life was like among the upper crust of Portsmouth in the decade before World War I.

In three scrapbooks preserved at the Portsmouth Athenaeum, Marion Hackett kept meticulous record of her social life. This name tag from a 1911 bridge match bears her signature. The albums are filled with mementos of theater and concert outings, charity and sporting events, and calling cards from members of Portsmouths upper crust in the decade before World War I.

The ephemera includes photographs, invitations, newspaper clippings, calling cards, postcards, letters, and theater and concert programs.

"I'm working on 1912 now, the end of the third scrapbook," Silva said. "All of Marion's friends are married and having children, and she's still dating. She goes out to concerts and the theater in Boston. She goes over to the Navy Yard often and has dinner aboard ship. She goes to dances at the Navy Yard  she calls them hops. And bridge parties. Bridge was such a big deal then."

Marion Hackett, whose father Wallace served as Portsmouth mayor in 19071908, is shown as a child (back row, second from right) celebrating President George Washingtons birthday.

Ultimately, Hackett (1886-1971) would meet U.S. Navy Lt. Robert Emmet Rogers and marry him in Portsmouth on Aug. 29, 1914.

He would whisk her away to Annapolis, Maryland, where they would raise two children. Marion's parents, former Portsmouth Mayor Wallace Hackett and Abbie Main Winchester Hackett, would eventually follow their daughter to Maryland.

The yellow-brick home they built at the corner of Miller and Middle street in 1892 would be purchased by the Masons and converted to a lodge in 1920. A large classical auditorium was added to the rear of the building in 1928.

Marion Hackett Rogers (1886-1971) led a very active social life in Portsmouth right up until her marriage at 28 in 1914 to U.S. Navy Lt. Robert Rogers, who was assigned to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

The scrapbooks came to be in the possession of Marion's childhood friend Frances Healey (1886-1962), who lived in a house in Hampton Falls later occupied by New Hampshire Gov. Wesley Powell and his wife, Beverly. It was Beverly that donated the albums to the Athenaeum.

Athenaeum Photographic Collections Manager James Smith is cataloging the photos and postcards from the scrapbooks; Athenaeum Archivist Katy Sternberger is processing the letters.

Smith recently posted on social media a Valentine Marion received in 1912.

"Like many of the young Portsmouth women mentioned in her scrapbooks, Marion married an United States Navy officer stationed at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard," Smith wrote in the post.

Silva said Marion Hackett witnessed the end of an era at the shipyard  the social whirl before the first world war broke out in 1914.

"After that, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard becomes all about building submarines," she said.

The first submarine constructed at the shipyard was launched in April 1917, just as the United States entered the war.

The family of Marion Hackett likely attended this 1900 celebration of the Civil War defeat of the confederate warship Alabama by the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard-built USS Kearsarge in 1864. The ribbon is preserved in a scrapbook the Portsmouth socialite kept, now part of the Portsmouth Athenaeum collections.

Marion's friend Frances Healey, who would become the keeper of the scrapbooks, went on to attend Wellesley College and traveled throughout the world.

Athenaeum Proprietor Peter Randall lived across the street from her on Kensington Road in Hampton Falls when he was growing up.

"She had sheep and was kind to us boys who roamed her property," Randall said.

"Frances traveled when she was younger and was in Hollywood where she met Florence Ryerson Clements and convinced her to move to Hampton Falls," Randall said.

Clements, the co-writer of the script for the 1939 movie "The Wizard of Oz," hired Randall to do yard work. He recalls meeting theater and film star Helen Hayes at Clements' home, a converted mill.

Randall said that Healey's property had three waterfalls, a 19th-century mill and a small chapel.

The 1963 Hampton Falls annual report's cover featured a drawing of "The Chapel of the Little Gate to the City of Gladness" and was dedicated in memory of Healey, who had died the year before.

Marion included numerous photos of Frances in the scrapbooks.

A 1911 calling card from Frances to Marion appears to use the friends' nicknames for each other: "For Polly with love and a Merry Christmas from Fanny."

Nicknames and first names are sprinkled throughout the albums, all written in Marion's handwriting, which Silva described as "abysmal." That made it very difficult to identify people in photographs.

"I used city directories, and sometimes looked up names in the newspaper, but nicknames won't show up in the newspapers," Silva said. "Marion only used last names for older people or married friends."

So far, the Athenaeum's online archives now include more than 500 entries and images under Marion Hackett's name.

"It's a bit like being a voyeur in a person's life  like a peek into a time that is so different from now," Silva said.

The Portsmouth Athenaeum, 9 Market Square, is a membership library and museum founded in 1817. The research library and Randall Gallery are open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. For more information, call 603-431-2538 or visit www.portsmouthathenaeum.org.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: At the Athenaeum: Socialites scrapbooks showcase Portsmouths upper crust
Benedict Cumberbatch regularly draws rave reviews for his acting work and has appeared opposite many big names. His work in the upcoming Netflix series Eric opposite a big blue monster puppet got him particularly emotional though, the star shared in London on Thursday.

We had this fantastic operator Olly and his team creating this incredible life-size  for a monster  thing, he said in a surprise appearance on stage at the Next on Netflix showcase in central London. It was fantastic. Those guys really know what theyre doing. And there was so much humor in what he was doing, which totally might not work through the whole piece, but at times, its going to be great. And he was very inventive.

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Cumberbatch was touched by the hard work going into the fluffy monster. I literally cried the day I realized what he was doing, which must have been about four months in. He showed me the headgear, and I put it on, he shared. He has this thing across his eyes, which relays four different camera points that are static camera shots to show him the acting space that hes in. So hes seeing himself move through space. Hes not seeing where hes going himself. Hes seeing the image that youre seeing as a viewer, but from static points, and having to deliver a performance while not falling over or bumping into things.

Cumberbatchs takeaway: Its a miraculous skill. So we formed a very close bond.

Set in 1980s New York, Netflix describes Eric, which co-stars Gaby Hoffman and Ivan Howe, as an emotional thriller from Abi Morgan following the desperate search of a father (Vincent, played by Cumberbatch) when his nine-year-old son, Edgar, disappears one morning on the way to school. Vincent is one of New Yorks leading puppeteers and creator of the hugely popular childrens television show, Good Day Sunshine, and he struggles to cope with the loss of his son.

Vincent becomes increasingly distressed and volatile, according to the show description. Full of self-loathing and guilt around Edgars disappearance, he clings to his sons drawings of a blue monster puppet, Eric, convinced that if he can get Eric on TV, then Edgar will come home. As Vincents progressively destructive behavior alienates his family, his work colleagues and the

detectives trying to help him, its Eric, a delusion of necessity, who becomes his only ally in the pursuit to bring his son home.

At Thursdays Netflix event, Cumberbatch was asked what topics the six-episode Eric, set to debut on the streamer later this year, tackles. It is rooted in a lot of real-world issues, looking at parenthood, looking at marriage, looking at mental health, looking at the AIDS pandemic, but also the ongoing crises of homophobia, of racism in institutions, the star said. Theres a lot going on, and yet it does speak to our world. Its not cramming stuff in that were not, sadly, all too familiar with.

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Its St. Patricks Day time again, which means only one thing for a lot of horror movie fans: Mainlining the Leprechaun films for yet another year. Yes, its a tradition, and for manyviewers that tradition still hasnt lost its charm, but lets be real: Its not all there is.



While the Leprechaun films have their value as products of a particular place and time in the horror landscape, they can get repetitive, not to mention culturally insensitive, along the way, which might lead some fans to go in search of other scary movies that embrace Irish culture, performers, and even the landscapes of the Emerald Isle. If youre one of those fans, were here to help. Here are a dozen Irish horror movies (meaning both movies set in Ireland and movies made by Irish filmmakers) worth checking out this St. Paddys Day.

Rawhead Rex (1986)

If you want to move into other areas of Irish horror while still retaining at least a little of the cheesiness of Leprechaun, George Pavlous Rawhead Rex might be your gateway. Based on a Clive Barker short story and made from his screenplay, its the story of an Irish community stalked by the title creature, a massive monster from the depths of folklore who kills anything and anyone in his path and can only be defeated by a mysterious ancient weapon. The merging of folk horror with old-fashioned creature featurebulky monster suit and alldidnt work well for initial audiences, but the film has gained a cult following for a reason. For all its silliness, there are moments of genuine savage intensity in here, and theyll stick with you.

The Hallow (2015)

One of several films on this list to tackle some version of changeling folklore, The Hallow announced director Corin Hardy (The Nun) to the world with loads of creepy atmosphere and imagery. The film, which is about a family who moves into a secluded Irish country house so the researcher dad (Joseph Mawle) can have a look at the local plant life, is an icky descent into madness fueled by a strange, alien-looking fungus that keeps creeping in, driving the whole community mad as a local legend seems to be coming to life around them. Its a twist on classic Irish folk horror tropes thats perhaps at times a little too familiar, but makes up for that familiarity with some truly squirm-inducing effects work.

A Dark Song (2016)

One of the best single-location horror films to emerge in the 21st century so far, Liam Gavins A Dark Song is an intimate, tense chiller that begins with a very straightforward premise. A grieving mother (Catherine Walker) convinces a grumpy magician (Steve Oram) to help her perform a months-long, extremely strict ritual from a well-known occult text, so she can summon a guardian angel who will connect her with her dead son. On the page, its a movie about two people following an instruction manual to the letter. On the screen, thanks to two great performances and some very clever visuals, its a meditation on grief, determination, and the tricky nature of real magic.

The Devils Doorway (2018)

Irish horror and Catholic horror are two subgenres bound to intersect at various points, and one of the most interesting crossovers in that realm is this film from director Aislinn Clarke. A found footage affair following two priests investigating a supposed miracle at a Magdalene asylum, The Devils Doorway gets a lot of mileage out of the interplay between the skeptical, disillusioned priest and the true believer, and takes its story to some truly dark, uncomfortable places. Its one of the lesser-seen found footage films of the post-Paranormal Activity boom, and it deserves a bigger audience.

The Hole In The Ground (2019)

Another riff on a changeling story, Lee Cronins The Hole In The Ground takes a very direct approach to the metaphor of losing a child by manifesting it as a literal sinkhole threatening to swallow up a single mothers (Seana Kerslake) world when she realizes her son isnt who he appears to be. That metaphor, and what Cronin does with it, might feel a little heavy-handed to some viewers, but the tension the film creates is still palpable, and Kerslakes performance does the rest.

Boys From County Hell (2020)

Working-class people taking on the supernatural is always fun with the right cast, and Boys From County Hell absolutely delivers on that front. In the film, a group of friends and coworkers get roped into a battle with an old Irish legend that may have been the inspiration for Dracula. It overcomes certain predictable formulas through the sheer force of chemistry between its stars, which include former Derry Girls scene-sealer Louisa Harland andHawkeyes Fra Fee.

Caveat (2020)

Damian Mc Carthys Caveat begins with one of the most unsettling premises youre likely to find in modern horror: A man (Johnny French) is asked to look after a woman in an old house, with the caveat that he has to be chained into a harness that will only let him walk so far in any direction within the confines of that house. Naturally, this and other strange occurrences prompt him to investigate his surroundings, and what happens next is one of the wildest indie horror rides of the last five years. Caveat is 88 minutes of pure, strange tension, and its best to go into it as blind as possible.

Let The Wrong One In (2021)

A loose spoof of Let The Right One In, this horror-comedy follows what happens when a young man named Matt (Karl Rice) encounters his estranged brother Deco (Eoin Duffy), whos just been unwittingly turned into a vampire during a drunken night out. This problem, naturally, ignites a series of events that neither of them is prepared for, including a would-be vampire hunter (Anthony Stewart Head), a coven of bloodsuckers out to take over the town, and more. In some ways, its exactly what you think it is, but when a horror-comedy works this well, that doesnt really matter.

You Are Not My Mother (2021)

Another changeling narrative, as the title suggests, Kate Dolans You Are Not My Mother might seem to be trafficking in something quite familiar. As the film digs deeper into the emotional journeys of its characters, though, its clear that theres still a lot to be mined from this particular bit of folklore. The story of a girl (Hazel Doupe) who must navigate the strange shifts in her family dynamic when her mother disappears and then reappears as a changed woman, its full of creeping dread, wonderful character moments, and very palpable tension.

The Cellar (2022)

Like a lot of horror films, The Cellar begins with the premise of a family moving into a creepy old house where weird stuff starts happening. Unlike a lot of other horror films, The Cellar moves into a supernatural mystery centered on, of all things, an ancient mathematical formula that may or may not be able to summon demonic beasts from another dimension. Elisha Cuthbert gives a wonderful performance as a mother pushed to the edge by her daughters disappearance, and the films ability to merge classic Irish haunted house tropes with something much more cosmically terrifying is certainly convincing.

Mandrake (2022)

If you want an Irish horror film that will drag you deep down in folklore and the damp, dark countryside, look no further than Mandrake. The story follows a probation officer (Deirdre Mullins) whos tasked with looking after a recently released murderer (Derbhle Crotty) with a bloody reputation among the locals. Its a scary assignment to begin with, but when things start to get spooky, the film weaves an atmosphere thats truly the stuff of nightmares.

Unwelcome (2023)

Weve had several changeling stories on this list, but Unwelcome is the first to feature another Irish legend: The Red Caps. The film follows a couple (Hannah John-Kamen and Douglas Booth) who move to an inherited home in Ireland after London proves too rough a place to start their new family. Soon they find that local superstitions and some truly unsettling contractors are plaguing their every waking moment, but of course, the superstitions are more than just old beliefs that die hard. It might take a while to get going, but once the creature elements of this one kick in, its a lot of fun, and might send you running to the internet to do some folklore research of your own.
An Italian court sentenced Marco Sacco and his restaurant manager Raffaella Marchetti on charges of culpable negligence and trading harmful foodstuffs

Getty Stock image of Lake Mergozzo in Italy

A Michelin star chef in Italy has been sentenced to nearly three months in jail after serving raw clams infected with the norovirus to over 50 guests at a wedding.

An Italian court handed down a prison sentence of two months and 20 days with a conditional suspension to chef Marco Sacco, 59, and his restaurant manager Raffaella Marchetti for culpable negligence and trading harmful foodstuffs, according to U.K. newspaper The Sunday Times, Irish Star and Italian news outlet La Repubblica.

The court also ordered them to pay over $21,000 (20,000) in damages to the couple, their guests and to cover legal fees, per the The Sunday Times.

The ruling was related to a wedding reception held in 2021 at the chefs Piccolo Lago di Verbania restaurant  which boasts two Michelin stars  alongside Lake Maggiore in northern Italy.

Related: 241 People Sickened in Norovirus Outbreak Linked to North Carolina Sushi Restaurant

During the festivities, the wedding guests were served a raw clam risotto. After their meal, several people who ate the dish complained that they began experiencing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, dysentery and abdominal cramps and some were forced to seek treatment at the hospital, per the outlets.

The incident was investigated by Italian police who determined that the guests had been infected with the norovirus  which had been found in the raw clams in the risotto dish, per the outlets.

Related: What to Know About the Highly Contagious Norovirus  and How to Avoid It

The norovirus, also known as the stomach bug, is a contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The CDC noted that people can get the norovirus from eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with it or having direct contact with someone with norovirus.

In court, Sacco argued that his supplier should be held accountable for the incident as the clams served in the risotto dish had been contaminated with the norovirus prior to entering his kitchen. The clams had been imported in sealed packets from an Italian company from France, according to The Sunday Times.

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He also insisted to the court that food safety procedures were followed closely and claimed that he had previously served more than 3,000 dishes that were similar using the same supplier at his restaurant, per Sky News.

The chef indicated that he plans to appeal the courts verdict and continue business. He told the Corriere della Sera newspaper, per the The Sunday Times, Next week we will reopen after the winter break here on the lake. We have a spectacular new menu.

Chef Igles Corelli from Italy's Gambero Rosso Academy, told the Times that the case has put a spotlight on serving raw foods like clams, tartare and carpaccio, which he noted are always problematic, and said that restaurants should be wary of running the risk when serving dishes like those in the future.



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Im blessed, you know, having everybody get along and come together for the greater good of the kids, McDermott said

Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic; Eric LaCour/BFA.com; Steve Granitz/FilmMagic Dean McDermott; Lily Calo; Tori Spelling

Dean McDermott's ex Tori Spelling and new girlfriend Lily Calo are on good terms.

The Chopped Canada star, 57, was first spotted with his Calo in October 2023 after seemingly splitting with Spelling in June, when he posted  then deleted  a breakup announcement on Instagram. Now, however, he says Spelling and Calo "get along fabulously."

Im blessed, you know, having everybody get along and come together for the greater good of the kids, he told Page Six, referring to his and Spellings five children: Liam, 17, Stella, 15, Hattie, 12, Finn, 11, and Beau, 7. I just, Im so blessed. Its a beautiful thing.

If I do the right things and I live an estimable and respectable life, you know, I get these wonderful gifts in my life, he added.

Splash news Dean McDermott and Lily Calo photographed in Los Angeles on March 13, 2024

Related: Dean McDermott Shares Steamy Kiss with Lily Calo at LAX Before Tori Spelling's Neighborhood Hostage Incident

Last week, Spelling, 50, was captured on camera giving McDermott and Calo a hug and a kiss on the cheek as she greeted them during an event at Dave & Busters in Los Angeles for one of Spellings kids. The actress and Conscious Community Global executive were also photographed playing side-by-side on one of the arcade games.

The Beverly Hills, 90210 alum has also moved on and was spotted kissing Ryan Cramer, the CEO of Santa Monica-based agency Neuron Syndicate Inc., in November.

Despite the two exes going their own ways, McDermott shared with Page Six that Spelling is still his biggest fan and continues to support him from afar on maintaining his sobriety journey. He described her as caring, empathetic and someone who wants the best for everybody sometimes at the expense of her happiness.

Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images Stella Spelling (left), Tori Spelling, Beau Spelling, Dean McDermott, Finn Spelling and Hattie Spelling in Universal City, California on June 10, 2023

Related: Dean McDermott Says He Was 'Drinking a Fifth of Tequila Every Night' and Wanted to Die Before Treatment for Addiction

You know, she just wants me to be happy. Bottom line. And shes such an incredible woman that way, McDermott told the outlet. Shes one of the most generous people Ive ever met in my life.

The Pretty Hard Cases actor also shared that Calo has also played a major role in helping him maintain his sobriety and has been a great support in recent months. He further shared that things are going really well in their relationship.

McDermott announced his separation from Spelling in a since-deleted social media post in June writing, "It's with great sadness and a very very heavy heart that after 18 years together and 5 amazing children, that @torispelling and I have decided to go our separate ways, and start a new journey of our own.

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In November, he opened up to the Daily Mail about the demise of their 18-year marriage. He revealed that the couple hadn't been sleeping in the same bed anymore, and their marriage was characterized by anger andyelling.

It ended up with me drinking a fifth of tequila every night, seven days a week, and a handful of narcos [narcotics] by myself with, you know, a beautiful family in the other room, he said. That's what it led to and that's what led to the brokenness. I couldnt do it anymore. I couldnt live that life anymore.



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The talk show host recalled bringing her daughter to a place she visited as a child with her family

Arturo Holmes/WireImage Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore has a special place in her heart for Hawaii.

On Wednesday, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson appeared as a guest on The Drew Barrymore Show, where the two discussed a variety of topics, including what The Aloha State means to them.

I have a personal connection with Hawaii, she told the former WWE wrestler, 51, whose Samoan mother was born there.

The Drew Barrymore Show/Ash Bean

Related: Drew Barrymore Surprises Dwayne Johnson by Dressing Up as His Meme: 'I Love So Many Things About You'

It's the first place that I ever traveled to. And it's the first place that my mother ever took me to on vacation. And she took me with her father and I wrote a chapter about it in my book called the 'Royal Hawaiian,'  Barrymore, 49, said.

Johnson asked if thats where the Charlies Angels alum had stayed, as her book is also the name of an iconic hotel located on Honolulus Waikiki Beach.

She confirmed that it was indeed where her family stayed during their visit.

And then recently I was on a surfboard with my daughters and I looked over and there was the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and it was the most full circle moment of my life because as a 6-year-old girl that went there, I was a young girl myself. I love that you are transporting people to your homeland and honoring your family, Barrymore said.

Mark Seliger

She had been referring to Johnsons latest endeavor, Papatui  a men's personal care brand featuring skin, hair, body and tattoo care products made with cleaner ingredients and focused on performance.

Thank you so much for saying that, with Papatui, it's beautiful. Thank you for sharing that, Johnson replied.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE ahead of the brands March 10 launch, the Black Adam actor discussed how he came up with the name for the skincare line.

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I remember telling my team, I'm getting ready to take the girls back to Hawaii. Let me go back there and let me just sit in that aloha spirit that I always talk about, the father of three said. And out of that, something really cool happened.

He recalled how his Samoan grandfather always smelled amazing and was always well-groomed.

His nickname for Johnson was "Tui."

And I thought, Okay, let's start there. There's something interesting there, he said. The actor then added Papa for his favorite role  proud girl dad.

They also played a game called The Fanny Five.

Related: Dwayne Johnson Channels '90s 'Young Rock' with Fake Hair, Fanny Pack and Christmas Serenade About 'Camel Toes'

The Drew Barrymore Show/Ash Bean; Dwayne Johnson/Twitter Drew Barrymore

Dressed as The Rocks viral black turtleneck and fanny photo, Barrymore reached into her pouch to pull out questions.

One was, Do you think that you can do five squats with me on your back? which he completed with ease.



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Disclaimer: The article contains mentions of murder and suicide. Readers discretion is advised.

Travel vlogger Gabby Petitos autopsy report revealed that she died by strangulation. Petito, 22, went missing after she left on a four-month cross-country tour with her fiance Brian Laundrie in July 2021.

Strangely, Laundrie returned home to Florida at the beginning of September alone, reported The New York Times, after which Petitos family reported her missing. As an investigation began, all suspicion fell on her fiance, who also disappeared shortly after. Authorities ruled him a person of interest, believing that he was the last person to have seen her alive.

On September 19, 2021, the FBI found Gabby Petitos remains at a campground near the Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. According to CNN, the coroner ruled Petitos cause of death to be strangulation and the manner of death a homicide.

Authorities then began looking for Brian Laundrie as a possible murder suspect. However, the weeks-long manhunt for Laundrie ended on October 20 after the discovery of his remains at Carlton Reserve in Florida. He died by suicide of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, per The New York Times. The FBI had also found the suspects notebook next to the body, which revealed a detailed confession claiming responsibility for Petitos death.

What did Gabby Petitos autopsy report reveal?

According to Fox 13, Gabby Petitos autopsy report confirmed the manner of death to be homicide. Teton County Coroner Dr. Brent Blue ruled the cause of death to be manual strangulation/throttling, per CNN. Dr. Blue also stated that Petitos death occurred about three to four weeks before authorities discovered her body at a campground in Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming on September 19, 2021.

However, by then, Petitos fiance, Brian Laundrie, the prime suspect in her death, had also gone missing. All suspicion fell on Laundrie after he returned to his home in Florida without the 22-year-old vlogger on September 1, 2021. His parents alleged that the 23-year-old left for a hike in a local Florida nature reserve shortly after Petitos family officially was reported missing. He never returned.

The New York Times stated that on October 20 of that year, the FBI found Laundries remains in the Carlton Reserve in Florida. Near his body, they also found a notebook and a backpack belonging to him. A Sarasota medical examiner eventually ruled that Laundrie died by suicide. His cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

Moreover, the FBI disclosed that the contents of Brian Laundries notebook revealed that he was responsible for Gabby Petitos death. It consisted of a detailed confession claiming responsibility for the vloggers death. Per Fox News, He wrote in the notebook, I ended her life.

The outlet reported that Laudrie called Petitos death merciful, alleging that it is what she wanted, but I see now all the mistakes I made. I panicked. I was in shock. He further claimed to have killed the 22-year-old because she injured herself during a tragic fall in Wyoming. The note said, From the moment I decided, took away her pain, I knew I couldnt go on without her.

In the note, Laundrie also wrote, Please do not make life harder for my family. They lost a son and a daughter. The most wonderful girl in the world. Gabby Im sorry. The FBI claimed after killing Petito, Laundrie sent fake text messages from her phone to cover up the crime. They believed he also stole her debit card.

In March 2022, Gabby Petitos parents filed an emotional distress complaint against the Laundries in March 2022, per People Magazine. They claimed Brian Laundries parents knew the truth behind their daughters disappearance. The Petito family claimed that they also knew about the whereabouts of her body as detectives searched for weeks.

The complaint alleged that the Laundries helped Brian conceal Gabby Petitos murder and were making plans for him to flee the country. It said that Laundrie made a frantic telephone call to his parents, Chris and Roberta, soon after strangling Petito to death. He allegedly told them about the events.

Recently, Chris Laundrie acknowledged in his deposition that their son told them, Gabbys gone, according to Fox13, WPTV, and WFLA. He claimed they had no idea what their son meant and alleged that it was all mumbled. However, Christ recalled that Brian asked for their help and an attorney. He said, I told him [Brian], Yeah, Ill help you. Ill call Steven Bertolino, and just stay put. And then I asked him again, and he just said, Just help me. And I said, Yeah, Im going to, so stay calm. Stay put. And he hung up.

Several true-crime episodes, including CBS 48 Hours, have previously chronicled Gabby Petitos death at the hands of her fiance, Brian Laundrie. A movie titled The Gabby Petito Story also covers the case.

The post Gabby Petitos Autopsy Report: How Did the Travel Vlogger Die? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
While Milton was heartbroken over the news of Brew Angels Brew Pub closing last year, a new brewery and restaurant called The Prost Office Brewery is gearing up to welcome visitors in its place in the new few weeks.

Brothers and U.S. Air Force veterans Sam Howell and Brandon Howell came up with The Prost Office as a fun way to pay tribute to the buildings history as the old Milton Post Office at 6821 Caroline St. Brew Angels was Miltons first brewery and was founded by brewer Sean McCool and his father, Greg McCool, which they sold to Blackwater Entertainment in 2022.

While its new owners are playing into the old-school feel of the building, with a jukebox, arcade games and pool tables, they are bringing a modern and renovated look to it.

The "Prost Office," a pun off the historic building's former identity as a post office, is based around the German expression "Prost" commonly used as a toast, like the English expression "Cheers." In Germany and other German-speaking countries, saying "Prost" is a traditional way to raise a glass and wish good health or well-being before taking a drink, The Prost Office website explains. The Howells plan to create that same sense of comradery in their brewery.

The historic Milton post office, which most recently housed the now closed Brew Angels Brew Pub, at 6821 Caroline Street in downtown Milton on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. A new brewery and restaurant is planned to take its place early next year.

"At The Prost Office Brewery, we believe in crafting more than just beer; we create experiences that bring people together. Nestled in the heart of Milton, Florida, our brewery is a place where people can gather for great beers, delicious food, and a good time," The Prost Office website states.

The handcrafted Prost Office beer will also be new to Milton. The brothers are working on brewing their own signature batches of beers and ciders, including a stout, IPA, porter and lager, that will be available in about a month, Sam Howell said.

In the meantime, they will be filling their 24 beer taps with guest brews, including regional brews from Louisianas Abita Brewing Company and Georgias SweetWater Brewing Company, and international beers like Irelands Guinness.

To pair with the beverages, The Prost Office will open with a limited menu of simple pub fare, including a pulled pork sandwich with house made slaw, poutine, jumbo pretzels with beer cheese, cheese curds and chicken wings. To tie in with the post office theme, they will also offer a First Class burger made with certified Angus beef coming in at almost a half-pound and with customizable toppings.

While these pub foods will serve as the menu staples, they are looking to the Milton community to guide them on what other food items they would like to see.

Our goal is to get the customers and the community involved in building our menu, Sam Howell told the News Journal Wednesday.

Opening the brewery was a seemingly perfect fit for the brothers, who dreamed of opening a cidery together after both retiring from the military. When Sam Howell saw that Brew Angels was up for sale, the timing felt right to continue to build the brewerys legacy in downtown Milton.

In addition to the indoor taproom, they will have outdoor seating in the front and back yards of the building.

While they do not yet have a firm date for opening day, updates and information can be found on The Prost Office Brewery Facebook page and website.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: The Prost Office Brewery is coming soon to downtown Milton
A London appeals court on Thursday (Mar. 14) overturned the murder conviction of Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel, ruling that the 2014 guilty verdict was tainted by allegations that one juror attempted to bribe others.

The ruling came more than a decade after Kartel  a popular Jamaican artist who has worked with Rihanna, Jay-Z and others  and three others were convicted in Kingston, Jamaica of the 2011 killing of an associate named Clive Lizard Williams, whose body was never found.

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In the decision, the appeals court ruled that the judge overseeing the 2014 trial had made a fatal error: allowing the jury to proceed to a verdict despite news that one of the jurors had attempted to bribe others. That juror was not removed, and soon after the jury returned a guilty verdict.

There should have been no question of allowing Juror X to continue to serve on the jury, the appeals court wrote Thursday. Allowing Juror X to continue to serve on the jury is fatal to the safety of the convictions which followed. This was an infringement of the defendants fundamental right to a fair hearing by an independent and impartial court.

The decision came from the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, a London court that decides last-resort appeals from certain countries belonging to the Commonwealth of Nations, including Jamaica.

The ruling overturned Kartels conviction and his 32-year prison sentence, but he could still face a retrial on the same accusations. The appeals court said that Jamaican courts would decide whether such a trial will take place.

Kartel  along with co-defendants Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones and Andre St John  faced a 64-day jury trial in early 2014 over accusations that they had killed Williams after he failed to return two unlicensed firearms they had lent him.

But on the final day of the trial, the judge was told that Juror X had attempted to persuade another member of the jury to acquit the defendants by offering bribes of 500,000 Jamaican dollars (roughly $3,200 US).

After receiving that information, the judge was faced with an unusually difficult choice. Because another juror had already been discharged over a separate issue, the only choice was to end the trial entirely after weeks of testimony or allow the case to continue to a verdict.

It might have been possible simply to discharge a miscreant juror and to allow the remaining members of the jury to return verdicts [but] that was not possible here, the appeals court wrote Thursday.

Though the appeals court said it had considerable sympathy with the judges dilemma, it said the decision to proceed with the problematic juror had been a serious irregularity that would result in a miscarriage of justice if allowed to stand.

In coming to this conclusion, the Board is mindful of the very serious consequences which may flow from having to discharge a jury shortly before the end of a long and complex criminal trial, the appeals court wrote, noting that England has statutes aimed at dealing with such situations.

However, in the absence of such a provision  and there is no such provision in Jamaica  there will be occasions on which, as in the present case, a court will have no alternative but to discharge a jury and end the trial in order to protect the integrity of the system of trial by jury, the court wrote.

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"If you find a cat that seems abnormal, please do not touch it and contact the city or police," authorities told the public

HANDOUT/Nomura Plating/AFP via Getty Footprints believed to be from a cat that fell into a tank containing toxic hexavalent chromium at the plating factory in Fukuyama, Hiroshima

A cat fell into and escaped a toxic and potentially deadly container in Fukuyama, southwestern Japan, on Sunday. The city has since released public health warnings, reports The Washington Post, CBS News and the BBC.

On Sunday night, a Nomura Plating factory worker uncovered a trail of yellow-brown paw prints that were traced back to the toxic container. Later, surveillance footage confirmed the cat escaped the container that held a plating solution containing the acidic carcinogen hexavalent chromium, per Japanese outlet Asahi Shimbun Digital. The 11-foot-tall tank was filled at approximately 70% of its capacity, and a sheet was placed over it, which was then turned over, according to Asahi Shimbun.

After the company had discovered the footage, they told local authorities about the missing cat. "The incident woke us up to the need to take measures to prevent small animals like cats from sneaking in, which is something we had never anticipated before," said a Nomura Plating spokesperson, reports the BBC.

Related: Bookmark This: Common Household Items that Could Poison Your Pet

According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the toxin can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, lung cancer, and blindness. Additionally, the factory staff is required to wear rubber gloves and masks when working close to the liquid.

If people swallow the substance, different symptoms can occur, including heart failure, gut, liver, and kidney damage, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and in some cases death, reports Britains Health Security Agency.

The toxic chemical is also known as the source of the contamination problem in Hinkley, Calif. This 1952-1996 incident notably inspired the movie Erin Brockovich  which starred Julia Roberts.

HANDOUT/Nomura Plating/AFP via Getty Footprints believed to be from a cat that fell into a tank containing toxic hexavalent chromium at the plating factory in Fukuyama, Hiroshima

It is still unclear whether the cat had ingested the substance or is still alive. At the time of this publication, there have been no sightings of the cat.

However, public officials announced: "If you find a cat that seems abnormal, please do not touch it and contact the city or police," reports Asahi Shimbun.

Related: Cancer-Causing Slime  the Same Substance in 'Erin Brockovich'  Found on Michigan Highway

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Fifty years ago, dengue was only a public health issue in a few remote tropical areas. The virus has since spread to over 100 countries, making it a global concern. Nowadays, the many tourists vacationing in these regions raise the risk of spreading the disease upon their return home. The presence of the tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) in Spain since 2004 has further raised concerns as it can transmit the virus and lead to local outbreaks.

In a world thats going through a global transformation, the way we travel will also change forever, said Manuel Linares Rufo, president of the Fundacion iO, an organization specializing in tropical and travel medicine. Taking care of your own health and that of others is crucial. A straightforward example highlighting the upcoming changes is what to do upon your return. In the past, it was a time for relaxation. Now, after visiting dengue-prone areas, stay vigilant for a week. Avoid tiger mosquito bites to prevent potential local outbreaks in your area.

The arrival of infected travelers in Spain provides a way to monitor the progression of the disease. In September 2022, a rise in dengue cases was observed in tropical regions after a severe outbreak in Cuba during the pandemic. The previous year, dengue had reached epidemic levels in many warm regions worldwide.

The incidence of dengue continues to skyrocket throughout the world, but especially in the Americas, said Marta Diaz, head of the imported pathology and international health unit of Madrids Carlos III Hospital. January and February were unusually busy months for us, even though cases usually drop at the beginning of the year. It has been quite remarkable.

A worker fumigates a school playground in Brazil. Associated Press/LaPresse (APN)

A recent report from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), covering data from November 2023 to January 2024, highlights high incidences of dengue globally. In January 2024, over half a million dengue cases and over 100 dengue-related deaths were reported globally. America is the hardest-hit continent, with over 550,000 cases in January, triple the count from the same month in 2023. Most countries in the region, with exceptions like Chile and Uruguay, report over 100 cases per 100,000 people.

The outbreaks severity prompted Brazil to initiate the worlds first public health vaccination campaign against the disease. The vaccine, named Qdenga, is manufactured by the Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda and has been approved in Europe since late 2022. The vaccine is given in two doses, three months apart. The first shot provides good protection after 14 days and lasts for several months, said Natividad Tolosa of the Spanish Association of Vaccinology (AEV), at an informational event on dengue held in Barcelona by the National Association of Health Reporters (ANIS).

The available data shows that the vaccine is slightly over 61% effective. It demonstrates higher efficacy against serotypes 1 and 2, but lower against 3 and 4, all present in American countries. This vaccine has been newly introduced in Spain for travelers going to high-incidence areas with a risk of severe symptoms based on their medical backgrounds.

Dengue infection can be asymptomatic, but typically shows up with flu-like symptoms and a rash. Around 1 in 20 cases can progress to a severe or hemorrhagic condition, which has a high mortality rate. The virus is transmitted through mosquito bites, not person-to-person contact. In tropical regions, Aedes aegypti is the main mosquito species responsible for infections, being a more effective carrier compared to the tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus).

After dengue, chikungunya is the most imported disease in Spain. Its transmitted by mosquitoes and causes intense joint pain (chikungunya means doubled over in Tanzania). The virus has been circulating in countries like Brazil, Paraguay, Mali, Burkina Faso and India. In January 2024, there were around 10,000 global cases with no reported deaths. Chikungunya incidence remains stable compared to 2023.

A significant shift in trend is underway with the spread of Zika, another virus transmitted by mosquitoes. Zikas spread was minimal after the major American outbreak in 2015-2016. Reported cases of Zika are increasing, especially in countries like Thailand  a hotspot for Spanish travelers  where it surged by nearly 300%, said Marta Diaz.

Nerea Irigoyen is a researcher specializing in the Zika virus and group leader in the Department of Pathology at the University of Cambridge. Incidences have been minimal after the major epidemic eight years ago, which can be attributed to natural immunity developed by the population. However, this immunity wanes over time. Studies indicate a faster decline than anticipated, raising the possibility of an uptick in cases, said Irigoyen. Zika is a virus that generally causes similar but milder symptoms than dengue and chikungunya. Zika poses a significant risk during pregnancy, leading to microcephaly and brain damage in the unborn baby. It is sexually transmitted.

To prevent transmission of dengue, chikungunya and Zika through mosquito bites, use repellents and mosquito nets, wear long sleeves and pants, and sleep in air-conditioned rooms. Avoid sleeping with windows open so mosquitos dont get in.

Measles is another infectious disease that is on the rise in many parts of the world, including Europe. Its not related to tropical diseases, but the rise in cases underscores the importance of maintaining vaccination rates above 95% to prevent outbreaks initiated by imported cases, said Manuel Linares.
The verdict for Richard Sotka came "exactly one hour" after a jury began deliberations after a four-day trial

Rhonda Cegelski/Facebook

A man in Wisconsin was convicted of killing his girlfriend and her female friend nearly 14 months after their murder.

Brown County court records reviewed by PEOPLE show that Richard Sotka, 49, was convicted of two counts of first-degree intentional homicide with the use of a dangerous weapon on Monday in connection to the deaths of Rhonda Cegelski, 58, and Paula O'Connor, 53.

In addition to one homicide charge having a domestic abuse modifier, Sotka was also convicted of three counts of felony bail jumping, two counts of misdemeanor bail jumping, and one count of criminal damage to property.

The verdict came "exactly one hour" after a jury began deliberations after a four-day trial, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

Brown County Richard Sotka mugshot

Related: Fla. Woman Accused of Murdering Mom and Cutting Victim's Heart Out to 'Inspect' It: 'She Was Mean to Me'

According to WLUK, although he faces two life sentences, Judge Beau Liegeois can choose "to set a date Sotka could first ask for parole, or decide he would never be eligible for release."

A previous press release from the Green Bay Police Department shows that officers first learned of Cegelski and O'Connor's death after being dispatched to Cegelski's home on the morning of January 29, 2023.

The women had been found dead at the home by Cegelski's daughter and a friend, per the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Sotka shared the home with Cegelski, who had invited O'Connor over the night prior, according to WBAY.

Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Richard Sotka is seen talking to his defense attorney in court

Related: Hospital Patient Allegedly Kills Woman He'd Never Met Before on Floor Where Both Were Getting Treated

The news station reports that Sotka testified during the trial that they were all "having a good night" until things changed after he got out of the shower and saw the women kissing. He said during the trial that he "became jealous and felt humiliated by them."

In his police interview, Sotka said he then "snapped" and fatally stabbed both women with a large knife multiple times.

According to the Green Bay Press-Gazette, officers discovered Sotka's GPS monitor when they responded to the home, which he was required to wear for charges "related to stalking, violating a restraining order, domestic abuse battery, and disorderly conduct" in a separate incident.

The outlet reports that officials discovered Sotka was in Arkansas using data from a tracking device on the truck he was driving, which belonged to his employer.

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Law enforcement in Arkansas arrested Sotka during a traffic stop on January 29, 2023, just before 3:00 p.m., according to the Green Bay Police Department's press release.



His sentencing is scheduled for May 20.

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The Duchess of Sussex has revealed a surprise new project titled American Riviera Orchard

Karwai Tang/WireImage Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the Invictus Games One Year To Go Event on February 15, 2024 in Whistler, Canada.



Meghan Markle dropped her surprise new project on a sentimental calendar date.

On Thursday, the Duchess of Sussex, 42, launched a new website and Instagram page for what appears to be a lifestyle brand called American Riviera Orchard, marking her return to social media with the new venture. The update came on a poignant date  the fourth anniversary of what Prince Harry dubbed the "freedom flight" from Canada to Los Angeles in their Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan.

On March 14, 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, along with their son Prince Archie and Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, flew from Vancouver Island, where they were staying as the couple transitioned out of their roles as senior working royals in the U.K., to L.A.

Viewers got a glimpse of the video that Prince Harry, 39, recorded on the plane ride shared in Harry & Meghan, where he said, "We are on the freedom flight. We are leaving Canada and we are headed to Los Angeles. Shh!"

Harry panned the camera to show "Grandma" Doria, their dog Pula and Meghan holding Archie, who was then 10 months old.

Andrew Chin/Getty Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend Invictus Games Vancouver Whistlers 2025's One Year To Go Winter Training Camp on February 14, 2024 in Whistler, British Columbia.

Related: Meghan Markle Returns to Instagram! The Duchess of Sussex Launches Surprise New Venture

"This is the current situation thanks to another amazing friend who weve never met but who believes in us and wants to help," Prince Harry said in the video, referring to director Tyler Perry, who offered his Beverly Hills home to the family as they got settled in the U.S.

Perry spoke about his friendship with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in the Harry & Meghan docuseries, where he sweetly revealed that the couple later asked him to be the godfather to their daughter Princess Lilibet, who was born in California in 2021.

Meghan and Prince Harry eventually settled in Montecito after relocating to her home state four years ago, and California is a key theme in the Duchess of Sussex's new venture. American Riviera Orchard's name itself seems to nod to Santa Barbara, the California town where the Sussex family lives. Travel & Leisure reported that Santa Barbara has been known as the "American Riviera" for over 100 years "because of its temperate climate and lush landscapes, as well as its robust food and wine culture."



American Riviera Orchard/Instagram Meghan Markle appears in a video for American Riviera Orchard on Instagram posted on March 14, 2024.

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American Riviera Orchard's logo also features Montecito, the name of the neighborhood where they currently reside.

The project's first Instagram Story shows Meghan picking flowers and cooking in a kitchen to the tune of "I Wish You Love" by Nancy Wilson, and the general website features a waitlist signup to stay looped about "products, availability and updates," promising something similar to The Tig, the lifestyle blog Meghan created in 2014 before shutting it down in 2017 during her courtship with Prince Harry.



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Mellon Foundation President Elizabeth Alexander, on a visit to the Watts Towers in January, says monuments are a critical part of the civic landscape. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

You could say Elizabeth Alexander was raised among monuments. Growing up in Washington, D.C., she was surrounded by them. When she was a toddler, her parents took her to the March on Washington in 1963, where hundreds of thousands of protesters brought ebullient life to the steps of the temple-like Lincoln Memorial. When she was a girl, someone told her that the obelisk-shaped Washington Monument was actually "God's pencil." As a student, she took field trips to the various memorials whose designs were inspired by Classical architecture. Of these structures, she says she grew to understand "something about their scale and awe."

She also came to realize everything monuments could distort and elide.

In the capital, where the breadth of the nation's history is presumably honored, in a city that in the early 1970s was largely populated by Black people, any depiction of them was exceedingly rare. Most prominent was the Emancipation Memorial in Lincoln Park, unveiled in 1876, which shows a slave laborer kneeling at the foot of Abraham Lincoln, who wields the Emancipation Proclamation in one hand.

Read more: Commentary: Goodbye, guy on a horse. A new wave of monument design is changing how we honor history

The sculpture has long been criticized for the ways it whitewashes the role played by Black activists in bringing an end to slavery. Alexander, who grew up near Lincoln Park, where she'd often walk with her mother, says she felt the figure looked abject. "He doesn't look free," she says. "It's the kneeling supplicant with the great white savior."

Which is why she also clearly remembers the moment when that monument received a counter. In 1974, the National Council of Negro Women installed a sculpture in honor of educator and civil rights leader Mary McLeod Bethune across the plaza from Lincoln (which was rotated to face her). It was the first monument to honor an African American and a woman on public land in D.C.

The monument to Mary McLeod Bethune in Washington, D.C., was designed by Robert Berks. (Linda Davidson / The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Monuments remain a critical part of Alexander's polymathic life.

A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in poetry in 2006 for her collection "American Sublime," monuments have materialized in her verses:

Growing up in Washington,



I rode D.C. Transit, knew Senators,



believed the Washington Monument



was God's pencil because my friend Jennifer said so.

She has also scrutinized their meanings. In her 2022 essay collection, "The Trayvon Generation," Alexander analyzes the racist roots of the Confederate Memorial Carving at Stone Mountain in Georgia  and notes that monuments are never simply a thing of the past. "Monuments put forth ideas and look forward, even when their content is historical," she writes. "They chart future value by what they revere."

Alexander's work even appears in a monument. In September, the Washington National Cathedral inaugurated a pair of stained glass windows designed by artist Kerry James Marshall that depicts peaceful protest. Adjacent to the windows is Alexander's poem "American Song": "A single voice raised, then another. We / must tell the truth about our history."

But it is in her post as president of the Mellon Foundation, a position she has held since 2018, where she has had her greatest influence. Alexander has helped put the weight of this powerful New York City foundation behind initiatives to study, preserve and recontextualize monuments  as well as remove them when their communities no longer deem them appropriate. In November, Mellon announced it would commit $250 million to its Monuments Project  on top of the $250 million it had already put toward this effort when Alexander launched it in 2020.

The project is incredibly ambitious, a national effort to make sure that the commemorative landscape "more accurately tells our collective histories." It has led to shifts  big and small  in how public places are presented and what is even considered a monument. In Idaho, a $1.5 million grant from Mellon is supporting the physical preservation of El Milagro, a labor camp built by the Farm Security Administration in 1939 that housed migrant workers from around the U.S. and the world. In New Jersey, the foundation contributed $350,000 toward the creation of a monument to honor abolitionist Harriet Tubman, installed last spring. In Kansas, it helped fund the relocation of a 28-ton boulder that was sacred to the Kaw Nation to parkland owned by the Kaw.

A poem by Elizabeth Alexander appears below a pair of stained glass windows by Kerry James Marshall at the National Cathedral. (Carolina A. Miranda / Los Angeles Times)

Alexander says monuments are a critical part of the civic landscape. For one, they are public  their forms and their messages absorbed by anyone who happens across them. "You're saying this is a focal point," she says. "This is where we meditate, where we worship, where we are."

And where we are reflects a stunning lack of diversity  not simply in terms of gender or race but in the histories that monuments honor and the forms that they take. (So much marble and bronze.) In 2021, Monument Lab, a Philadelphia nonprofit that studies monuments (and has received funding from the Mellon Foundation), published its "National Monument Audit," which analyzed almost 500,000 monument records across the country.

Read more: Artist Kerry James Marshall's National Cathedral windows honor the light of protest

It found that monuments to war outnumbered those to other causes and those to white men likewise outnumbered everyone else. Among the top 50 individuals honored in public monuments were Confederate leaders including Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson and Nathan Bedford Forrest, a Confederate general who was the first grand wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. Junipero Serra, the controversial Franciscan friar who established the mission system in California, also was on the list.

Monument Lab's researchers found that there were more recorded monuments to mermaids (22) than to U.S. congresswomen (2). "The story of the United States as told by our current monuments misrepresents our history," concluded the report.

A statue of Junipero Serra that once stood before Ventura City Hall is transported to its new home at the Mission Basilica San Buenaventura. (Michael Owen Baker / For The Times)

Alexander notes that Mellon doesn't decide which monuments to preserve or which to take down. "We don't go to places and say, 'Time to reckon,'" she explains. "We look for places where they are reckoning and we try to support what they are trying to do."

This has included supporting projects that don't always fit the classic (Western) definition of a monument. At the Japanese American National Museum in downtown L.A., for example, Mellon has supported a project called Ireicho, led by USC professor Duncan Ryuken Williams, that centers on a book. It weighs 25 pounds and contains the names of the more than 125,000 Japanese Americans who were incarcerated during World War II. Visitors can make an appointment to stamp the book as a gesture of acknowledgment.

"There are so many ways we mark spaces to tell stories," says Alexander. "This monument is a book."

One of the more intriguing projects has been the relocation of the boulder sacred to the Kaw, an Indigenous tribe that once inhabited Kansas but is now headquartered in Oklahoma. The Sacred Red Rock (Izhujewaxobe in the Kanza language) is a red quartzite boulder that once sat at the confluence of the Kansas River and the Shunganunga Creek east of Topeka.

In 1929, however, city leaders in Lawrence, Kan., relocated the monolith to a park in Lawrence as a way of commemorating the city's 75th anniversary. To add insult to injury, they affixed a plaque to its surface to honor the city's white founders. There was no mention of the Kaw, who had been forcibly removed from the area in the 19th century.

Read more: 'There's our family name': Sacred book honors Japanese Americans incarcerated during WWII

In January 2020  months before monuments had become a hot-button issue in the wake of George Floyd's death  a group that included Kaw leaders, artists and historians began to conduct research and hold community workshops about the Sacred Red Rock. This led to a demand by the Kaw that the rock be returned. In 2021, a Lawrence commission approved the request, and a $5 million grant from the Mellon Foundation helped relocate it last summer to Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park, a Kaw-owned site southwest of Topeka.

"We have been separated from our grandfather for more than 150 years," said Jim Pepper Henry, vice chair of the Kaw Nation, upon the occasion, "and we look forward to being reacquainted."

Alexander says the project has been an important one  since it not only reconsiders the nature of monuments, it is a way of surfacing a history that had been overwritten. "Folks hold on to the stories of their people no matter what," she says. Part of her aim with the Monuments Project is to help make those stories more visible.

Elizabeth Alexander with Rosie Lee Hooks, director of the Watts Towers Arts Center. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

On a blustery January afternoon, I catch up with Alexander at the Watts Towers, where conservators from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art are working on securing pieces of the towers' elaborate facades. In 2019, Mellon contributed $500,000 toward conservation of Simon Rodias legendary complex  a DIY art project that has since become an icon of Watts and, more generally, of Los Angeles.

Rosie Lee Hooks, director of the Watts Towers Arts Center, says that to some people in the community, the towers are more important than the Statue of Liberty. "It wasn't floated in," she says. "It was built by an immigrant over a period of 33 years. It's in the community, it's a part of the community and the community is very involved."

For Alexander, the towers represent an opportunity to support a monument that was built organically from the ground up rather than installed in top-down fashion. They also represent something more personal.

Read more: L.A.'s memorial for 1871 Chinese Massacre will mark a shift in how we honor history

The daughter of the first Black secretary of the Army and a historian who taught at George Washington University, Alexander is a writer and scholar whose academic stints include running the Boutelle-Day Poetry Center at Smith College and the African American studies department at Yale University. Her work, regardless of the silo she's working in, often straddles an array of themes  social, political and artistic.

Her poems have examined the imagined lives of Black historical figures, and her 2004 collection, "The Black Interior," brought together powerful essays on Black domesticity and what it means for Black people to witness episodes of violence against them. In 2009, she wrote and recited a poem  "Praise Song for the Day"  at President Barack Obama's inauguration. Seven years later she was once again a Pulitzer finalist (in biography) for her book "The Light of the World: A Memoir," a lyrical meditation on the untimely death of her husband, Ficre Ghebreyesus, an artist and chef.

In 2015, she left academia to work at the Ford Foundation, helping shape that organization's grant-making efforts in the area of art and culture. Three years later, Mellon invited her to interview for the position of president. The idea for the Monuments Project was generated over the course of those interviews.

Elizabeth Alexander says monuments like the Watts Towers are about community: "Nobody has to pay to be outside." (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Alexander's interest in monuments is certainly intellectual and political, inspired by the notion of "caretaking the history and spirit of a place" and giving voice to groups whose stories have been erased or overlooked. In addition, the looming possibility of another Trump presidency  he has described Confederate monuments as "beautiful"  has given the Monuments Project an added urgency. "We are working with burning intensity," she says.

But her interest in the subject is also drawn from her lifelong interest in art, and the way a great work can move us in surprising, confounding ways.

Alexander made her first pilgrimage to the Watts Towers in the late 1980s, before she had completed graduate school, after learning that the site was an important source of inspiration to celebrated L.A. assemblage artist Betye Saar. "Betye Saar's work has been so important to me," says Alexander. "The work felt like poems. She has such an understanding of the power imbued in objects."

Read more: Sweet symbolism for Obama's poet

Alexander finds similar power in Rodia's towers, which are embedded with bits of tile, broken dishes and even corn cobs  "things that have previous lives and they carry spirit and memory, and are about people making something out of that which has been discarded." Things, ultimately, that carry stories that aren't part of the official record.

The towers appear in a poem Alexander wrote titled "Stravinsky in L.A.," which was published in her 1996 collection, "Body of Life":

The Watts Towers aim to split



the sky into chroma, spires tiled with rubble



nothing less than aspiration.

With her work at Mellon, she hopes to make that aspiration stand for several more generations. "I can't believe that it's my job," she says. "I can help preserve this sacred space."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Michael B. Jordan Got Super Candid About The Loneliness He Struggles With And What He Wants In A Partner

Michael B. Jordan got candid about the loneliness of being single on a recent episode of the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast.

Cindy Ord / Getty Images for Vanity Fair

You might remember that the 37-year-old was last linked to Lori Harvey. The former couple was first photographed together in November 2020.

Hollywood To You / GC Images

They dated for about a year and a half before calling it quits in June 2022.

While neither of them directly addressed their breakup at the time, Michael joked about it on SNL last year. During his opening monologue, he said, "Most people after a breakup are like, 'I'm going to get in better shape.' But I was already in Creed shape! So, I had to be like, 'All right, I guess I'll learn a new language.'" He told the world, "Estoy en Raya"  referencing the celebrity dating app, Raya. John Shearer / Getty Images

When Jay Shetty asked about the best and worst parts of being Michael B. Jordan, the actor said he loves being Uncle Mike to his niece and nephew. As for the negatives, he said, "I love multitasking; I love juggling, the balancing act that I do. The worst part is the loneliness that comes with that."

On Purpose with Jay Shetty / Via youtube.com

"There's a loneliness that I have. The responsibility that you have is isolating, and the weight is isolating. So I think the worst part of that is the feeling like nobody really understands, and sometimes falling into the spaces of just being alone, feeling alone."

On Purpose with Jay Shetty / Via youtube.com

Jay asked how Michael finds love as one of People's former Sexiest Men Alive.

On Purpose with Jay Shetty / Via youtube.com

With a laugh, he replied, "I revert back to the last question. It's very lonely!"

On Purpose with Jay Shetty / Via youtube.com

Michael said he flips "back and forth between wanting partnership and then not knowing what's the best partner for me." He explained that bringing a partner into his world isn't easy. "And it's not just, 'I love you, you love me, that should be enough,' right? It's not quite that simple. Finding the right person to understand all of me, but then all that comes with me, as well."

On Purpose with Jay Shetty / Via youtube.com

The actor said it's also about balance: being available to support a partner while juggling his career. Additionally, being willing to step back from work at times.

Eli Ade / MGM / Courtesy Everett Collection

"The sacrifice, the compromise that comes with a partnership and a relationship, and understanding how to make that all work, sometimes it gives me anxiety and pause."

On Purpose with Jay Shetty / Via youtube.com

He also said there's a part of him that hasn't fully experienced life yet. Visiting Japan last year was one of the only times he went on a trip for fun rather than traveling for work, which often requires press and rigid schedules.

On Purpose with Jay Shetty / Via youtube.com

"I'm looking forward to that part of my life... I gotta start living. I've sacrificed, and I've zoned in for so long. I owe it to myself a little bit to do that... I'm not 'looking' [for a partner], but it would take a very special person to understand and grow with me," he concluded.

On Purpose with Jay Shetty / Via youtube.com

You can watch the full interview below (they start talking about relationships at the 1 hour, 15 minute mark):
The worst part of that is the feeling like nobody really understands," Jordan said during an appearance on the 'On Purpose with Jay Shetty' podcast

Michael B. Jordan is getting candid about romance.



During an appearance on Monday's episode of the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast, the actor and filmmaker admitted he goes "back and forth between wanting partnership and then not knowing what's the best partner for me."

"Bringing them into my world, what I got going on, isn't easy," Jordan, 37, added of his busy lifestyle. "And it's not just, 'I love you, you love me, that should be enough,' right? It's not quite that simple."

For the actor, "Finding the right person to understand all of me, but then all that comes with me, as well" would be paramount for him to consider another romantic relationship. (Jordan was most recently linked to Lori Harvey, whom he split from circa June 2022 after dating for a year and a half.)

"And understanding that balance between wanting to be available and there for that person, while I'm juggling everything else. And feeling okay to put the other part of my businesses down," Jordan said of his perspective on a potential future partner.

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Daniele Venturelli/WireImage; Stefanie Keenan/Getty Michael B. Jordan in Beverly Hills, California, on March 27, 2022; Lori Harvey in Los Angeles on April 20, 2022

Related: Michael B. Jordan's Dating History

The conversation came about when host Jay Shetty asked what Jordan considers the best and worst parts of himself.

After raving about being "Uncle Mike," the actor said, "I love multitasking; I love juggling, the balancing act that I do. The worst part is the loneliness that comes with that."

"There's a loneliness that I have. The responsibility that you have is isolating, and the weight is isolating," he continued. "So I think the worst part of that is the feeling like nobody really understands, and sometimes falling into the spaces of just being alone, feeling alone."

Asked how he, as the former PEOPLE Sexiest Man Alive, finds love, Jordan joked to Shetty, 36, "I revert back to the last question. It's very lonely!"

In all seriousness, "The sacrifice, the compromise that comes with a partnership and a relationship, and understanding how to make that all work, sometimes it gives me anxiety and pause," he said.



Jay Shetty Podcast/ YouTube Michael B. Jordan on the 'On Purpose with Jay Shetty' podcast on March 11, 2024

Related: Michael B. Jordan Is PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive 2020: 'The Women in My Family Are Proud of This One'

The Black Panther star also acknowledged that "there's a part of" him "that really has not really lived life yet." For example, he hasn't "really traveled as much for fun," with the exception of his trip to Japan last spring.

"I'm looking forward to that part of my life ... I gotta start living. I've sacrificed and I've zoned in for so long. I owe it to myself a little bit to do that," he said.

And while he's "not looking" for a romantic partner, he would welcome the right one into his life.

"But it would take a very special person to understand and grow with me," Jordan said, noting in addition, "I want a family [eventually]."

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15-year-old Kaylee Gain is fighting a brain bleed following a fight that broke out near a St. Louis County high school on Friday

GoFundMe Kaylee Gain via GoFundMe

A Missouri teenager is fighting for her life after she allegedly sustained brain injuries in a fight near a St. Louis County high school.

According to the local station KSDK, 15-year-old Kaylee Gain has been hospitalized since the violent brawl on Friday with major brain bleeding and swelling. The girls family has started a GoFundMe campaign to pay for her medical needs, and wrote that the familys life was shattered when their only daughter was assaulted outside of a North County high school.

She was left alone on the ground to convulse before EMTs arrived on the scene," her family alleges in the fundraiser. "She was admitted to one of the local hospitals in Saint Louis with a skull fracture and frontal lobe damage.

Gain is in critical condition, the family adds, and says she is fighting hard to stay alive and heal but this is only the beginning of a very uphill battle for Kaylee and her family.

Her mother and father are staying by her side night and day hoping to bring her back to the Kaylee they know and love, the GoFundMe, which has raised more than $215,000 of its $500,000 goal thus far, states. Your support would help with lost wages and piling up medical bills due to intensive care treatment.

According to St. Louis County police, the fight took place on Norgate and Claudine drives just blocks away from Hazelwood East High School, where several of the students involved in the brawl attend school, per the NBC affiliate.

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A video of the fight went viral on social media and circulated on outlets such as TMZ hours after it happened. The footage shows a girl having her head slammed into the ground several times by another girl. Police were called shortly after and Gain was immediately transferred to a local hospital.

On Saturday, police stated that a 15-year-old suspect was arrested and is now being held by St. Louis County Family Court on assault charges, but their name will not be released due to their age.

The New York Daily News reported that the assailant in the attack may be charged as an adult, but John O'Sullivan with the St. Louis County Courts told KSDK that its too early to know.

The Hazelwood School District issued a statement via Facebook on Saturday, writing that it will offer emotional and crisis support to students in need.

It is a tragedy anytime children are hurt. Bullying and fighting in the community is an issue for which we all need to take ownership and work towards a resolution for the sake of our children, it read.

This isnt the only violent incident for St. Louis County students in the past week. On Tuesday, 14-year-old Justin Brooks died after being stabbed just minutes after Jennings Junior High School dismissed for the day, the Kansas City Star reported.

The Jennings School District released a statement following the deadly attack, local station KMOV reported.

Related: Police Searching for Suspects in Fatal Stabbing of 14-Year-Old Boy Killed After Leaving Middle School

Unfortunately, we lost our JSD student. Please keep our families in your prayers during this time, the school district stated. We will be on-site tomorrow at the junior high with members of the crisis team to support the students, staff and family during this incredibly difficult time.

St. Louis County police do not believe the stabbing was random and have not made any arrests as of Wednesday, according to the Star.

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ANCHORAGE, Alaska  For the past five years, Alaskas annual Iditarod sled dog race has gone off mostly free of controversy, as teams of dogs and their mushers braved the elements in the 1,000-mile (1,609-kilometer) test of endurance across the frozen wilderness.

This year the deaths of three dogs during the race  and five more during training  have refocused attention on the darker side of Alaskas state sport and raised questions about the ethics of asking animals to pull a heavy sled for hundreds of miles in subzero temperatures.

Dog mushing has a long and storied tradition in Alaska that harkens back to its Native peoples and frontier spirit, however, and while there are calls to end the race forever, supporters say the Iditarod should remain as a celebration and reminder of a time not so long ago when the main way to travel was by sled.

Dallas Seavey (7), of Talkeetna, Alaska, won the 2024 race, which was marred by several dog deaths. via Associated Press

Archeological evidence suggests dogs were used to pull sleds long before Alaska Natives had contact with other cultures, said Bill Schneider, the former president of the Alaska Historical Society, retired archivist for the University of Alaska Fairbanks and a recreational musher at age 78. Alaska Natives long depended on sled dog teams to move their supplies as they migrated seasonally to where the resources were, fishing or hunting or trapping.

It wasnt until the early 1970s that the Iditarod was established with the help of Joe Redington Sr., who saw it as a way to save both sled dog culture and the Alaskan husky breed, which were being eclipsed by snowmobiles. Each March dozens of sled teams  many with 16 dogs in harness  make the arduous journey from the city of Anchorage to Nome, on the states far west coast.

The three dogs that collapsed and died during the race this year were all part of different teams. One perished just 200 feet (60 meters) from entering a village. Life-saving efforts failed in all three cases, and necropsies have not provided causes of deaths. More tests will be conducted, officials said.

All three mushers withdrew from the competition, pursuant to race rules. They were fairly inexperienced, with two rookies and one in his second race.

A sled-dog team waits to be hooked up to their sled for the 2024 Iditarod. via Associated Press

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and another animal rights group, Humane Mushing, say more than 100 dogs have died over the 51-year history of the Iditarod, which has always declined to provide a number.

Melanie Johnson, a PETA senior manager, said the deaths show that mushers must stop putting their dogs in danger and the race needs to end.

These are not super dogs; theyre not indestructible pieces of sporting equipment, she said.

They are just like any other dog, and all they want is to live and enjoy love and companionship, Johnson added. But the Iditarod continues to push them beyond their capabilities, and as a result, dogs continue to suffer and die.

Iditarod officials did not respond to several messages from The Associated Press seeking comment. CEO Rob Urbach has rejected PETAs stance on the race in the past as inflammatory and grossly inaccurate, while acknowledging that the criticism creates a difficult dynamic for them. Iditarod organizers are trying to change the narrative, he said, and continuing to promote dog wellness, nutrition, training and breeding.

After the winner came in Tuesday in Nome, Urbach told the Anchorage Daily News that the dog fatalities were obviously very disheartening for our community. Officials are waiting on full necropsy reports and will act based upon the results, he added.

If we can learn anything, we will, Urbach said. When we get all the reports back, well see if theres anything. I can assure you if we do, well apply those learnings.
"From the beginning of this investigation, Owasso Police observed many indications that this death was the result of suicide," the Owasso Police Department said in a Wednesday statement

Go Fund Me Nex Benedict

The death of nonbinary teen Nex Benedict following a school fight has been ruled a suicide, the Owasso Police Department shared in a Facebook announcement.

Benedict died on Feb. 8, one day after a fight at Owasso High School in Oklahoma. The 16-year-old high school sophomore, who used they/them pronouns, and their death has amplified the countrys growing increase of anti-LGBTQ+ violence and bullying.

From the beginning of this investigation, Owasso Police observed many indications that this death was the result of suicide, the Owasso Police Department wrote in the Facebook post. However, investigators did not wish to confirm that information without the final results being presented by the Oklahoma Medical Examiner's Office.

On Feb. 7, the teen was attacked and assaulted by other students in the school bathroom. Benedict was then taken to a local hospital later that day, per the school nurse's recommendation. At the hospital, Nex explained to the police what happened inside the bathroom, per footage obtained by ABC News.

Nex revealed that they threw water on a group of girls who were bullying them, which led to a physical altercation in which Nex said they "blacked out."

The following day, the teenager died. At the time, the Owasso Police Department said that their death was not a result of trauma. The authorities said that the assessment was based on preliminary information from the medical examiners office.

Owasso Police Department via AP Nex Benedict on Feb. 7, 2024 in Owasso, Okla.

Related: Police Say Nonbinary Okla. Student 'Did Not Die as a Result of Trauma,' Family Says Teen Was Attacked by Group

After Nex's death, the Benedict family released a statement through their lawyer, Jason Biby, reported News on 6. "The Benedicts know all too well the devastating effects of bullying and school violence, and pray for meaningful change wherein bullying is taken seriously and no family has to deal with another preventable tragedy," the statement read.

"Notwithstanding, the family is independently interviewing witnesses and collecting all available evidence," the family said, per News on 6. "The Benedict Family calls on all school, local, state and national officials to join forces to determine why this happened, to hold those responsible to account and to ensure it never happens again."

On Feb. 25, Owasso High School students walked out of their classrooms to honor Benedict and demonstrate their solidarity with the schools LGBTQ+ community, according to ABC News. A GoFundMe in Nex's memory was also launched.

Two weeks after Benedicts death, multiple vigils were held across the country to remember Benedict. Additionally, more than 350 advocacy groups and LGBTQ+ activists called for the immediate removal of an Oklahoma state superintendent, Ryan Walters.

J Pat Carter/Getty People attend a candlelight vigil for 16-year-old nonbinary student Nex Benedict on February 24, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Related: Advocacy Groups Call for Removal of Okla. School Superintendent Following Nex Benedict's Death

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Representatives from the Owasso Police Department, the Oklahoma Medical Examiner, and the attorney for the Benedict family did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for more information on Wednesday.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.



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Actor Pierce Brosnan is being fined after pleading guilty to venturing into an off-limits thermal area of Yellowstone National Park.

The 70 year-old former James Bond actor has been ordered to pay a fine of $500, and an additional community service payment of $1000 to the Yellowstone Forever Geological Fund, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorneys Office in Wyoming. Brosnan must make this payment by April 1, according to court records.

Brosnan landed in hot water with state authorities after he posted a picture of himself standing at Mammoth Hot Springs, a fragile piece of land where scalding water sits just below the surface.

He was first cited by state authorities for the petty offense of violation of closures and use limits, in December. This offense was dismissed by U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie Hambrick.

The U.S. Attorneys Office had asked the court for a 2 years probation sentence for the actor, and to levy a maximum fine of $5,000.

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Pierce Brosnan's legal troubles in Wyoming are coming to an end.

On Thursday, the "James Bond" star, 70, entered a guilty plea for walking off the designated path in one of Yellowstone National Park's thermal areas in November 2023, according to court documents filed in Wyoming's U.S. District Court and obtained by USA TODAY. Brosnan was issued the violation notice  as well as a second for allegedly violating a closure at Mammoth Hot Springs  on Nov. 1, 2023.

Brosnan was fined $500 for straying off the trail and ordered by a judge to pay $1,000 to the nonprofit organization Yellowstone Forever. The court dismissed his second violation.

The Irish actor and his lawyer appeared virtually at the arraignment Thursday morning. He previously pleaded not guilty to both violations in January, according to court documents obtained by USA TODAY.

USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Brosnan for comment.

Pierce Brosnan called walking off a designated trail in Yellowstone National Park "an impulsive mistake."

Brosnan took to Instagram on Thursday to apologize for his misstep.

"As an environmentalist I have the utmost respect for and love of our natural world. However, I made an impulsive mistake - one that I do not take lightly - when entering a thermal area covered in snow in Yellowstone National Park to take a photograph," he wrote in the post's caption. "I did not see a 'No Trespassing' sign posted that warned of danger nor did I hike in the immediate area."

He added: "I deeply regret my transgression and offer my heartfelt apologies to all for trespassing in this sensitive area. Yellowstone and all our National Parks are to be cared for and preserved for all to enjoy."

Yellowstone National Park's website instructs visitors to "always walk on boardwalks and designated trails," as the areas help protect walkers and the "delicate thermal formations." Additionally, water from the hot springs can cause "severe or fatal burns" upon contact.

Casting 007: Pierce Brosnan says Cillian Murphy would be a 'magnificent' James Bond

According to IMDBPro, Brosnan was filming the upcoming Richard Gray film "The Unholy Trinity"  which also stars Samuel L. Jackson and David Arquette  on a film ranch in Montana just north of the national park around the time of the incident.

Brosnan's last appearance as James Bond was in 2002's "Die Another Day," after which Daniel Craig took the helm as 007 between 2006 to 2021, beginning with "Casino Royale" and ending with "No Time to Die. In 2022, Brosnan officially entered the DC Universe with the Dwayne Johnson-starring "Black Adam," in which he played Kent Nelson.

In "Black Adam," the magical gold Helmet of Nabu transforms Nelson into Dr. Fate, a character Brosnan proudly boasted is the most powerful sorcerer in the pantheon of superheroes" in an October 2022 interview with USA TODAY.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pierce Brosnan pleads guilty to violation at Yellowstone National Park
Leonid Volkov (Navalny confidante and author of Putinland) attends a discussion at the 2022 Frankfurt Book Fair on October 18, 2022 in Frankfurt, Germany.

A close associate of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny accused Russian President Vladimir Putins henchmen on Wednesday of being behind a brutal attack that left him hospitalized.

Police said an assailant attacked Leonid Volkov on Tuesday as he arrived in a car at his Vilnius home, where he lives in exile. The attacker smashed one of his cars windows, sprayed tear gas into his eyes and hit him with a hammer, police said.

Volkov suffered a broken arm and for now he cannot walk because of the severe bruising from the hammer blows, according to Navalnys The Anti-Corruption Foundation. He was hospitalized, but later released, and vowed Wednesday to keep up his work.

We will work, we will not give up, 43-year-old Volkov said in a short video posted on Telegram on Wednesday, speaking with his arm bandaged and in a sling. It was a characteristic bandit greeting from Putins henchmen. This seemed to be a reference to both Putins thuggish style and his stint as a deputy mayor of St. Petersburg in the 1990s when it was considered one of the most criminal cities in Russia. Police have launched a criminal investigation.

Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuanias foreign minister, called the attack shocking. He wrote on X, formerly Twitter: Relevant authorities are at work. Perpetrators will have to answer for their crime.

President Gitanas Nauseda, speaking to reporters, said: I can only say one thing to Putin nobody is afraid of you here.

But the attack in fact underlined a sense of insecurity felt not just by Russian dissidents abroad, but also the many to have fled Belarus seeking safety in Lithuania, Poland and elsewhere.

Unfortunately Belarussian people cant feel safe even being abroad, the Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who lives in exile in Lithuania, said. I think the aim of such attacks is to paralyze people, to paralyze democratic movements.

Pavel Latushka, a former Belarusian culture minister who is now in exile in Warsaw and receives constant threats, said it is evident that all boundaries have been breached, and crimes can be committed within the territories of European Union member countries.

The attack took place nearly a month after Navalnys unexplained death in a remote Arctic penal colony. He was Russias best-known opposition figure and Putins fiercest critic. Navalny had been jailed since January 2021 and was serving a 19-year prison term there on the charges of extremism widely seen as politically motivated.

Opposition figures and Western leaders laid the blame on the Kremlin for his death  something officials in Moscow vehemently rejected.

His funeral in the Russian capital on March 1 drew thousands of supporters, a rare show of defiance in Putins Russia amid an unabating and ruthless crackdown on dissent, as Navalnys widow Yulia vowed to continue her late husbands work.

Volkov used to be in charge of Navalnys regional offices and election campaigns. Navalny ran for mayor of Moscow in 2013 and sought to challenge Putin in the 2018 presidential election. Volkov left Russia several years ago under pressure from the authorities.

Last year, Volkov and his team launched a project called Navalnys Campaigning Machine, aiming to contact as many Russians as possible, either by phone or online, seeking to turn them against Putin ahead of the March 15-17 presidential election.

Not long before his death, Navalny urged supporters to flock to the polls at noon on the final day of voting to demonstrate their discontent with the Kremlin. His allies have been actively promoting the strategy, dubbed Noon Against Putin, in recent weeks.

Russian independent news outlet Meduza said it interviewed Volkov several hours before the attack and asked him about risks for Navalnys team. The key risk is that we will all be killed, Meduza quoted Volkov as saying.

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I want to show you something cool, says James Ector, co-owner of Karma Records in Indianapolis. Wearing a dark hoodie over a Cheap Trick T-shirt, he grabs a Ziploc baggie from an old filing cabinetcovered with generations of stickersand slides out a black-and-white photo. A customer brought this in to us. Thats Van Halen.

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Ector points to the man in the middle, who looks like Billy Joel but is actually a local DJ popular in 70s and 80s, and hes flanked by four guys who looked like theyve been up all night. Theyre all holding T-shirts and visors emblazoned with the Karma logo. On the far end is Indiana native David Lee Roth, looking both painfully hungover and ready for the next party.

This would have been their first tour, when they were opening for Black Sabbath, he says.They stopped by Karma. That was the culture of record stores in the 70s and 80s, when you would have these big acts stopping by. Everybody has been in here: Ozzy, Megadeth, Bush, Ace Frehley. We had Twenty One Pilots before they got popular. This photo was taken just a few feet away from where Ector is sitting this afternoon, and he points out the exit sign in the photo thats still hanging on the wall.

The comparison shows just how much this particular location of Karma Records has changed over the yearsand just how little. For one thing, the back room is much narrower, after they moved the wall back a few feet to maximize retail space. You couldnt fit four musicians side by side now. Also, up and down the short corridor, the walls are adorned with Sharpie graffiti from clerks long gone, who established a loose tradition of signing the wall on their last day on the job. There are messages as old as 1980 and as recent as 2018.

James Ector (Credit: Stephen Deusner)

This location of Karma Records, situated east of downtown Indianapolis since 1975, is arguably the flagship of a once-great empire. In the 1970s and 80s, there were more than 30 Karmas around the Midwest, mostly in Indiana but with a few in Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois. That made it the largest independent record store chain in the country. The recession and the digital revolution shuttered most of them, leaving fewer than 10 stores standing. There were Karmas everywhere, to the point where people thought we were a national chain. But we werent. It was all independent. We were a big part of Indiana for a long, long time.

Ector started working here in 1996, right at the heyday of CDs, and he and a business partner bought this Karma and two others in 2000. A music nerd ever since he first heard Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band, he has watched rock trends and technologies come and go. We bought this place and then everybody gets high-speed internet and starts downloading everything. It wasnt the easiest time, but people kept supporting us. Thats what got us through.

Karma Records has remained a neighborhood institution, easily identified by its Pink Floyd mural facing East Washington Street. We get a lot of regulars in here. We know their names, and they know ours. Its like Cheers. There are people whove been shopping here since the 1970s. They remember when the place opened. Theyve had kids who shop here, and now they have grandkids who shop here. It just shows how important music is to everybody. Its amazing to be part of that.

Few record stores manage to hang around for more than 50 years, fewer still in the same location. With its backroom graffiti, deep LP stock (theres an original pressing of Big Stars Radio City behind the counter!), stickers on every surface, and original promotional posters for the Eagles and the Grateful Dead, Karma Records has the feel of a museum, which Ector says is appropriate. Thats the thing about musicthe way it can take you back. A song can instantly take you back to a specific moment in your life, more than anything else can. I think records have that kind of meaning, too.

(Credit: Stephen Denser)

SPIN: How do you find your records?

Most of them come from walk-ins. Or people will contact us, and well go to their house if its a bigger collection. Its exciting because you never know what somebodys going to have. We see a lot of variety in collections around here. You might have a Paul Anka or a Floyd Cramer record, but then therell be a Madonna or a Judas Priest in the same collection. Its a bit of everything that comes in here. You have no idea whats going to come through the door.

Whats the most expensive record youve ever sold?

We have a customer who brought in some Beatles box sets. I think they came out in 78, with every album in the set. There was a French version, a Japanese version, a U.K. version. And none of them had been opened. Those can go for a lot of money. I think the U.S. version was about $1,500. But the stuff people really love is the stuff thats three or four or five dollars. One of the great things about vinyl becoming so popular again is that a new generation of people are listening to stuff they never wouldve listened to otherwise. Theyre probably not going to stream Kansas on their phones, but when they can buy something for a couple of bucks, theyre more likely to give it a try.

Whats the rarest?

Theres a lot of neat stuff that comes through in collections, and you never know what somebodys going to have when they walk in. This came in the other day. [Ector pulls a record from a slot near the wall, gingerly rubber-banded between two pieces of cardboard.] Uncle Funkenstein. Its an Indiana private-press jazz album from 83. Its sealed, so its never been played before. When it came in, I thought, Oh, that looks interesting. When I looked it up, I came across this jazz community page, and people were talking about it. They said its so rare that a lot of people think it doesnt actually exist. Its one of those kinds of records. Indiana has this incredibly weird jazz history. Its really wild. Some of that stuff goes for crazy money. We have it listed for $3,500, but I dont feel comfortable having it out on the floor. Accidents happen.

(Credit: Stephen Denser)

Whos the most famous person who came into your store?

There was one day when I was working with Shawn, whos been here for 25 years, and these two guys came in. Just normal guys. One of them went over to the records, and the other guy said he was looking for the Twisted Sister documentarywhich is fantastic, by the way. He had a really strong accent, and he mentioned they were just in town on their way someplace else. He told me where he was from and said hes in this band. He holds out his pass, and its Ghost.

Favorite album?

Thats hard, but I think The Wall is my all-time favorite album. There are a lot of other ones that are right up there, but if I had to pick one, that would be it. A lot of people now are like, youre either a Roger Waters guy or a David Gilmour guy. I love them both, but seeing The Wall tour was amazing, where they slowly built the wall throughout the entire show.

Is that why you have the mural out front?

Back in the 80s they did that mural, but it got painted over. But Ive wanted to do it again because its the perfect wall for The Wall. All the bricks are the right size. When they were getting ready to repaint the building again, I asked the landlords if theyd be willing to let me redo the mural. They said sure, so we got an artist to come out and do it. I love that album so much, so its great, but its very recognizable. Everybody knows The Wall.

Any advice for someone who wants to open a record store?

Well, the first thing I would say is, you just have to love music for it to be that important to you. But Im guessing if youre starting a record store, you do love music enough to make it your life. Its not easy. Owning your own business is tough, and starting up a new business is even harder. Its all about putting in the time and appreciating it and loving it. I think thats advice for any field.

To see our running list of the top 100 greatest rock stars of all time, click here.
The royal family seems to be operating under the assumption that the Kate Middleton Photoshop scandal will just go away. Unfortunately, they are being called out for their somewhat shady practices when it comes to the images they distribute even though they were given the opportunity to correct the situation.

Phil Chetwynd, the global news director of Agence France-Presse (AFP), drew a line in the sand with Kensington Palace after examining their relationship with them and the photos and information they relay to them. He told BBC Radio 4s Media Show, via Deadline, that they were not a trusted source, and the doctored image raised a red flag for them. Chetwynd also accepted responsibility for AFP not vetting the image more carefully because it violated our guidelines.

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Prince William, Kate Middleton.

Like with anything, when youre let down by a source the bar is raised  We sent out notes to all our teams at the moment to be absolutely super more vigilant about the content coming across our desk  even from what we would call trusted sources, Chetwynd added. The agency, along with the Associated Press and Reuters, allowed Kensington Palace to correct the situation ahead of the kill notice, but they did not reply. The action is something normally reserved for a photo from the North Korean news agency or the Iranian news agency.

Chetwynd also issued a warning to the royal family that their way of operating with the media will not be tolerated, especially in an age where people have a heightened awareness of misinformation. One thing thats really important is you cannot be distorting reality for the public. Theres a question of trust, he concluded. And the big issue here is one of trust, and the lack of trust and the falling trust of the general public in institutions generally and in the media. And so its extremely important that a photo does represent broadly the reality that its seen in.

The news directors insight only highlights what Prince Harry has been telling royal fans all along: the royal family has been manipulating the media for years. There was open willingness on both sides to trade information, he told 60 Minutes in January 2023. And with a family built on hierarchy, and with [Camilla] on the way to being queen consort, there was gonna be people or bodies left in the street.

With concerns about Kates health and her whereabouts, the Duke of Sussexs words feel almost ominous now. Hes spoken his truth, and now, some of the worlds most trusted news agencies are also calling the royal family out.

Before you go, click here to find out which tell-all books expose major royal family secrets.

Finding Freedom, Lady in Waiting

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Sugarloaf resident Zackary Dourousseau has been charged with kidnapping and rape, authorities said

Getty

Authorities have charged a Sugarloaf, Calif., man for kidnapping and rape after a teenager escaped from his home, where she alleges she was held captive for six days and assaulted.

Zackary Dourousseau, 26, was arrested on March 7 by deputies from Big Bear Sheriffs Department, the police said in a statement. He has been charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment and statutory rape.

Police said Dourousseau allegedly picked up the victim  a 17-year-old girl  on the evening of March 1 before driving her to his apartment and "asked her for sex." They said that after she refused, she was held captive for six days.

While held captive, police said that Dourousseau allegedly provided the teenager "with little food and water" and "made her consume large amounts of alcohol." According to the police, he forced her "to have sex with him in exchange for her freedom."

The victim was able to escape after Dourousseau allegedly "held [her] inside of his locked vehicle" while he was at work. The police said that once she got out, she ran to a nearby business for help and the employees notified the authorities.

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A witness who hid the girl in the backroom until deputies arrived said the victim was extremely frazzled when she came in and wasnt adequately clothed, NBC affiliate WOWT reported.

She didnt share much, the witness told the outlet. She wasnt talking too much or sharing too much. But it is winter up in Big Bear, and she wasnt adequately clothed. So, you could kinda tell that something was off.

According to the police, Dourousseau was taken into custody at West Valley Detention Center and is scheduled to appear at the San Bernardino Superior Courthouse on March 18.

Online records for the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department reviewed by PEOPLE show that he was released on bail on Wednesday. He has entered a plea of not guilty, according to online court records for the Superior Court of California, San Bernardino County. He has been assigned a public defender but a name was provided.

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The post How to Get Tickets to Megan Thee Stallions Summer 2024 Tour appeared first on Consequence.

Houstons No. 1 hottie, Megan Thee Stallion, is hitting the road for a summer tour. Consisting of more than 30 shows, Hot Girl Summer Tour will take her through the US, UK, and Europe. The fun is set to begin in mid-May.

Get tickets here, and read on for more details  including pre-sale ticket info and codes.

Get Megan Thee Stallion Tickets Here

What Is Megan Thee Stallions Next Tour?

Megan Thee Stallions first-ever headlining tour is an international affair, kicking off in Minneapolis on May 14th before hitting cities like New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Memphis, and New Orleans. Shell then head to Glasgow, Manchester, Paris, Amsterdam, and more European cities before wrapping the currently announced string of shows in London. The tour also includes a hometown stop in Houston on June 14th, as well as festival appearances at Boston Calling, Bonnaroo, BottleRock Napa Valley, and more.

Who Is Opening for Megan Thee Stallion on Tour?

Grammy-nominated artist GloRilla will serve as a special guest on the Hot Girl Summer Tour.

How Can I Buy Tickets to Megan Thee Stallions Next Tour?

A Live Nation ticket pre-sale is scheduled for Thursday, March 21st at 1:00 p.m. local time (use access code KEY), with a public on-sale following on Friday, March 22nd at 10:00 a.m. local time.

Once tickets are on sale, fans can look for deals or get tickets to sold-out shows via StubHub, where orders are 100% guaranteed through StubHubs FanProtect program. StubHub is a secondary market ticketing platform, and prices may be higher or lower than face value, depending on demand.

For international dates, secure your seats on viagogo.

If youre attending Megan Thee Stallions Hot Girl Hotties Tour in 2024, use Booking.com to save 15% off travel and accommodations.

What Are Megan Thee Stallions Tour Dates?

Check out Megan Thee Stallions confirmed 2024 tour dates below, and get tickets here.

05/14  Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center ^

05/17  Chicago, IL @ United Center ^

05/18  Detroit, MI @ Little Caesars Arena ^

05/21  New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden ^

05/22  Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center ^

05/24  Napa, CA @ BottleRock Napa Valley Festival

05/26  Boston, MA @ Boston Calling Festival

05/28  Baltimore, MD @ CFG Bank Arena ^

05/30  Memphis, TN @ FedEx Forum ^

06/01  Atlanta, GA @ State Farm Arena ^

06/04  Raleigh, NC @ PNC Arena ^

06/06  Hollywood, FL @ Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino ^

06/08  Tampa, FL @ Amalie Arena ^

06/10  New Orleans, LA @ Smoothie King Center ^

06/11  Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center ^

06/13  Austin, TX @ Moody Center ^

06/14  Houston, TX @ Toyota Center ^

06/16  Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival Festival

06/17  Denver, CO @ Ball Arena ^

06/19  Phoenix, AZ @ Footprint Center ^

06/21  Los Angeles, CA @ Crypto.com Arena ^

06/22  Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Garden Arena ^

07/04  Glasgow, UK @ OVO Hydro

07/05  Manchester, UK @ Co-op Live

07/07  Paris, FR @ Zenith

07/10  Amsterdam, NL @ Ziggo Dome

07/11  Cologne, DE @ Lanxess Arena

07/14  Dublin, IE @ 3Arena

07/16  Birmingham, UK @ Utilita Arena

07/17  London, UK @ The O2

07/27  Washington DC @ Broccoli City Festival

^ = w/ GloRilla

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The Tokyo Vice Season 2 Episode 8 release date and time have been revealed. The episode will air on HBO Max. Created by J.T. Rogers, this crime drama series centers on Jake Adelstein, who becomes the first foreign-born journalist at a major publication in Japan. He finds himself in dangerous circumstances as he starts investigating the dark and treacherous underworld of Japan.

Heres when the episode is coming out.

When is the Tokyo Vice Season 2 Episode 8 release date and time?

The Tokyo Vice Season 2 Episode 8 release date is March 21, 2024.

The Tokyo Vice Season 2 Episode 8 estimated release time is:

12:00 A.M. Pacific Standard Time (PST)

3:00 A.M. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

9:00 A.M. British Summer Time (EST)

10:00 A.M. Central European Standard Time (CEST)

Where to watch Tokyo Vice Season 2 Episode 8

Viewers can watch the upcoming episode on HBO Max.

To watch Episode 8, you can purchase a subscription plan for HBO Max streaming services. HBO Max subscription plan will offer viewers access to its complete library consisting of hundreds of television shows and movies. The HBO Max (With Ads) subscription plan is priced at $9.99 a month while the HBO Max (Without Ads) subscription plan is priced at $15.99 a month. For a better streaming experience, viewers can also opt for the ultimate subscription plan priced at $19.99 a month.

This series is inspired by Jake Adelsteins novel Tokyo Vice: An American Reporter on the Police Beat in Japan. Creator J.T. Rogers is the executive producer of Tokyo Vice, along with John Lesher, Michael Mann, Alan Poul, Ansel Elgort, Emily Gerson Saines, Jake Adelstein, Kayo Washio, Brad Caleb Kane, Destin Daniel Cretton, and Ken Watanabe.

The official synopsis for Tokyo Vice Season 2 reads:

A first-hand account of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police beat following Jake Adelstein, an American journalist who embeds himself into the Tokyo Vice police squad to reveal corruption. Based on Jake Adelsteins non-fiction book of the same name.

Netflixs new TV and movie releases for March 11-17 2024 include Lindsay Lohans Irish Wish, the fourth season of Miraculous:

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Paramount Pluss new TV and movie releases for March 11-17 2024 include the film Sleeping with Other People and Season

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Peacocks new TV and movie releases for March 11-17 2024 include the film Trolls: Band Together and its special Sing

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Amazon Prime Videos new TV and movie releases for March 11-17 2024 include Invincible Season 2 Part 2, the romantic

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The post Tokyo Vice Season 2 Episode 8 Release Date & Time on HBO Max appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Spoiler alert! The following story contains details about the series finale of FX's "Feud: Capote and the Swans" (now streaming on Hulu).

Nearly 20 years ago, Tom Hollander auditioned to play Truman Capote in the 2006 biopic "Infamous."

The role ultimately went to Toby Jones. But as fate would have it, Hollander got another shot to play the literary icon in Ryan Murphy's FX series "Feud: Capote and the Swans," an eight-episode drama about a rift between the writer and a group of New York socialites, who inspired his dishy (and some would say slanderous) novel "Answered Prayers." The show follows Capote until his death from liver disease at age 59 in 1984. (The unfinished book was published two years later.)

"I'm now, of course, thrilled that I didn't get it," Hollander says of the earlier film. "This 'Feud' version is a sort of elegy; it's the last phase and the dark journey that he took. I couldn't have played that then. The right things happen at the right moment."

In the opening scene of the series finale, Truman Capote (Tom Hollander) visits the grave of his best friend, Babe Paley (Naomi Watts).

The series finale, which premiered Wednesday, is "a fantasy of how things might have been," the British actor says. In the episode, Capote imagines himself apologizing to (and healing with) each of the Swans, played by stars including Naomi Watts, Calista Flockhart and Demi Moore. In one sequence, he goes on a desert getaway with C.Z. Guest (Chloe Sevigny); in another, he smashes plates with an embittered "Slim" Keith (Diane Lane).

USA TODAY spoke with Hollander, 56, about the finale and more. (Edited and condensed for clarity.)

Question: From your research, do you think Truman Capote felt genuine guilt for what he did to the Swans? Or did he simply miss the lifestyle that came with them?

Tom Hollander: Im not entirely convinced that he did feel guilty, because I dont think he felt he had anything to be guilty about. I know what we were trying to communicate in the finale, and that was about forgiveness. If you ask for forgiveness, does that presume guilt? I dont know. He desperately missed his friends: As you see in the show, he calls Babe (Paley) repeatedly and begs to be friends again. But at other moments, he felt defiant and enraged that theyd gotten so angry when he was merely being himself  the person they all had known for years. Why, suddenly, should they be so surprised? Why should they be so vain?

In a fantasy sequence during Episode 8, Truman (Tom Hollander, left) helps Slim (Diane Lane) find catharsis before she leaves New York.

The episode wrestles with this idea that some things are beyond forgiveness. Do you believe that?

Some people say that if you dont forgive, then its only yourself that youre hurting. Forgiveness allows us to release ourselves from the pain and the anger of the hurt. So for that reason, forgiveness is to be encouraged. But I bear a whole lot of grudges, and I don't intend to let them go. In a sense, they define the way you think you should be treated. We all need to know how much we can take and where we need to draw the line. Its the way that people have made us feel in the past that helps you find those boundaries. It's probably healthier for your heart to forgive, but you dont want to forget.

Babe (Naomi Watts, left), C.Z. (Chloe Sevigny) and Slim (Diane Lane) band together against Truman's seeming betrayal.

What did you find most fascinating about "Answered Prayers"?

I felt the writing was not as good as in his great period. He lost some of the humanity and sensitivity; it was coarser than what hed done when he was younger, which was so nuanced and elegant and compassionate. A lot of that isn't in "Answered Prayers," because it's so (scandalous) and mean. If the writing had been better, maybe people wouldnt have gotten so cross. If hed written the ladies more beautifully, maybe they wouldnt have been so outraged about having their secrets uncovered.

Tom Hollander at the New York premiere of "Feud" in January.

The finale ends with a title card saying that the real-life Joanne Carson (played by Molly Ringwald) read three unpublished chapters of the book. What do you think happened to those?

I dont know; Im not an authority on any of it. Wouldnt it be lovely to think they had been written, and that there was this great work that was somehow lost and could maybe be found? But I think if it had been there, it would have been found by now. I worry that he simply never got down to it, or threw them away because he knew it wasn't good enough.

I imagine he would've loved all the intrigue around those chapters and his ashes, which were bought by a mystery bidder at auction in 2016.

Exactly, youre right. He wouldve loved all of that.

"I was nervous to take on the part," Tom Hollander says of playing Truman Capote. "I felt a big responsibility."

After six months of moving and speaking like Truman, does he still haunt you in any way?

At the moment, he does. I still find myself doing some of his hand movements. It was a big deal for me playing Truman: Eight episodes is a long time (to inhabit someone), and Ive rarely been asked to perform such beautiful things. So I do miss him. When a character is in your body and heart for long enough, then you miss them like a friend when you dont do it anymore. You walk down the road with them all that time, and then eventually you have to wave goodbye at the crossroads.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tom Hollander on 'Feud' finale, whether Capote felt guilty about Swans
A Montana man pleaded guilty before a federal judge to two felony wildlife crimes for an almost decade-long effort to create giant sheep hybrids to sell the species to hunting facilities, the U.S. Department of Justice announced this week.

Eighty-year-old Arthur "Jack" Schubarth of Vaughn, Montana, is the owner and operator of Sun River Enterprises LLC  also known as Schubarth Ranch  a 215-acre "alternative livestock" ranch, according to a March 12 press release from the DOJ.

Schubarth conspired with at least five other individuals between 2013 and 2021 to genetically engineer a larger hybrid sheep species that would garner higher prices from shooting preserves, according to the release, which cites court documents in his case.

PHOTO: First Peoples Buffalo Jump in Vaughn, Montana, a National Historical Site formerly known as Ulm Pishkun State Park. (Greg Vaughn/Getty Images)

"This was an audacious scheme to create massive hybrid sheep species to be sold and hunted as trophies," Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) said in the release.

Schubarth faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count.

MORE: Python farming could offer one of the most sustainable sources of meat in the world, according to a new study

To genetically engineer the sheep species, the DOJ said Schubarth imported parts of Marco Polo argali sheep, which is the largest sheep species in the world, from Kyrgyzstan into the U.S. without declaring the importation.

Schubarth sent genetic material from the argali sheep to a lab to create cloned embryos, which he then implanted in a female sheep on his ranch, according to the DOJ, which produced a single, pure genetic male that Schubarth named the "Montana Mountain King," or MMK.

To create several hybrid sheep, Schubarth then used MMK's semen to artificially impregnate various species of female sheep, the DOJ said.

PHOTO: Bighorn Sheep young ram portrait near Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. (Vw Pics/VWPics/Universal Images Group vi)

"The kind of crime we uncovered here could threaten the integrity of our wildlife species in Montana," Ron Howell, Chief of Enforcement for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), said in the release.

Schubarth and the unnamed conspirators wanted to sell the larger and "more valuable" genetically hybrid sheep to captive hunting facilities, primarily in Texas, according to the DOJ. In order to move the hybrid sheep across state lines, Schubarth "forged veterinary inspection certificates, falsely claiming that the sheep were legally permitted species," the federal agency said.

MORE: 100-year-old giant alligator snapping turtle disappears on North Carolina highway to reptile expo

Schubarth also sold MMK's semen directly to sheep breeders outside of Montana, according to the DOJ, and illegally obtained genetic material from wild-hunted Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in Montana for interstate commerce.

MORE: How scientists discovered 7,000 humpback whale deaths using AI technology: Study

On Tuesday, Schubarth pleaded guilty before a federal judge in Great Falls, Montana to conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and substantively violating the Lacey Act.

"In pursuit of this scheme, Schubarth violated international law and the Lacey Act, both of which protect the viability and health of native populations of animals," Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim said.

The Lacey Act prohibits trade in wildlife, fish, and plants that have been illegally taken, possessed, transported, or sold.

80-year-old man pleads guilty to genetically engineering giant hybrid sheep in 'audacious scheme,' DOJ announces originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The pink sands and clear waters of Elafonisi are part of just one of the best beaches in Crete - ZAZAMAZA

Crete  the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean and Greece's largest  is (justly) famed for its beautiful coastline fringed by mirror-clear seas: from endless swathes of sand framed by lofty dunes and tiny, difficult-to-reach coves, to busy resorts where cocktails are served to sunbeds and tropical havens with palm trees and cool river lagoons, the megalo nisi has a beach to suit every taste. Beaches are clean, and many have been awarded the Blue Flag which guarantees certain facilities, including showers and toilets. Watch out for strong currents when the weathers bad  never, ever swim if theres a red flag flying.

For further Crete inspiration, see our guides to the island's best hotels, restaurants, nightlife and things to do. For further inspiration plan the perfect Greek island-hopping holiday with our itinerary.

Balos

The pale pink-and-white shell-strewn sands and shimmering turquoise waters of this lagoon in northwest Crete (known locally as the Cretan Caribbean) are a magnet for tourists. Don't be surprised if more than one person asks: Did you know Prince Charles and Princess Diana came here during their honeymoon? Children will love the sea, which is shallow and warm, but its less fun for adults who have to wade out several hundred metres to swim. For best views make the (long) hike on foot: be careful on the steep track down to the beach.

Getting there: From April to October there are boats from Kissamos (Kavonisi).

The lagoon beach of Balos has the rather impressive moniker of the 'Cretan Caribbean' - arkanto

Elafonisi

With its pretty pink sands separated from the mainland by a shallow lagoon, Elafonisi was once Cretes best kept secret. Even now (except for the height of summer) this beach, 82 kilometres (50 miles) north of Chania is rarely crowded. This is a nature reserve, home to a profusion of rare plants including sweet-scented pancratium lilies. Most people stay on the main curve of beach which has sunbeds and parasols  to find a secluded spot head for the island itself where sun beds arent allowed.

Getting there: Take a boat from Paleohora or drive over rough roads from the village of Vathi.

Elafonisi used to be a secret known only to locals but now the appeal of these pink-shaded sands is getting attention - JNemchinova

Xerocambos

From the mountain town of Ziros the spectacular road loops through the cleft-like gorge of Lamnoni to Xerocambos's sandy beaches far below. Mazida Ammos shallow waters and fine sand make it popular with local families and there are several more toddler-friendly coves near the Dolphin and Akro Giali taverns along the seafront. Beneath the hill-top Agios Nikolaos church, Argilos (clay) beach is popular with health lovers who slap on the soft, mineral-rich mud said to be good for the skin.

Getting there: Theres a mountain route via scenic villages Armeni and Ziros, or the winding road from Zakros.

The shallow waters of Xerocambos make it popular with local families, and there are several toddler-friendly coves nearby - BISTRASTOIMENOVA

Vai

Think this idyllic little beach framed by palm trees looks familiar? This is where those Bounty bar adverts were filmed in the 1970s - and theres still a real sense of entering a tropical paradise when you drive through Europes largest palm forest (more than 5,000 trees) to reach this pristine sandy cove 25 kilometres (15 miles) east of Sitia. Sadly, the small beach and its adjacent restaurant are over crowded in July and August so its best to visit outside of those months. Note that the car park is expensive.

Getting there: Drive or take the bus from Sitia to Vai.

A forest of Cretan date palms provide the backdrop to the stunning Vai beach - Georgios Tsichlis/Gatsi

Paleochora

The fancifully dubbed bride of the Libyan sea was a haven for hippies in the Sixties and the resort has kept a lot of that laidback vibe (along with some of the hippies). Whitewashed houses draped in oleander and bougainvillea are an elegant backdrop for the long, gently shelving sandy beach of Pachia Ammos, which is ideal for families (but watch out for currents when weather is bad). The western part of the beach has been (unofficially) colonised by nudists.

Getting there: Buses run regularly (in season) from Chania and there are boats from Sougia (April-October).

Paleochora's gently shelving beach has retained the laid-back vibe conjured up by hippies in the Sixties - VLADIMIRS GORELOVS

Falasarna

A web of narrow roads  surrounded by greenhouses and the elephantine trunks of ancient olive groves  leads to this sprawling resort at the western base of Cape Gramvousa (and within easy hiking distance of the major Hellenistic-era port of Ancient Falassarna). The wide sandy cove, backed by fragrant thyme and sage, and small dunes spiked with marram grass has plenty of parasols and sun beds. Waters are shallow and clear enough to make it easy to spot the occasional (fish-friendly) reef.

Getting there: From April to October theres a (limited) bus service from Kastelli.

The cove that makes up Falasarna beach is perfumed by the thyme and sage that grows around it - Mustang_79

Preveli

This pretty beach a short drive from Plakias is like a (tiny) slice of Costa Rica: The deep, green river fringed by palm trees pours out between the tall and dramatically rugged clefts of Kourtaliotis gorge, and empties into an icy lagoon where the brave can bathe (the water also cools water temperatures along the shoreline). Trees provide plenty of shade and there a small beach cafe serving snacks and ice creams.

Getting there: Leave the car in the carpark near Preveli Monastery and hike here, or take a boat from Plakias or Agia Galini.

You can be forgiven for thinking you've found a little bit of Costa Rica at Preveli beach - Georgios Tsichlis/Gatsi

Matala

Once the Roman port of Gortys, Matalas's gold sand beaches shelter in an enclosed bay framed by a caves that were carved out of the cliffs by the Romans. Matala was another Sixties hippie hangout - Joni Mitchells Carey is about her time spent here (Matala's Kymata restaurant was the song's 'Mermaid Cafe'). Crowds flock here in June for the (free) Matala music festival, and to browse the warren of small cafes and shops behind the port selling locally crafted items and arty souvenirs.

Getting here: Drive or take a bus to Mires. There are also three or four buses a day from Heraklion.

The Matala music festival attracts visitors in June but the golden beach is a stunner all year round - Stefan Laws/traumschoen

Frangokastello

Home of the legendary Drosoulites warriors who died fighting here in 1828, Frangokastellos massive (said to be haunted) Venetian castle makes a picturesque backdrop to the resorts gently shelving sandy beach. Toddlers love this tree-lined beach  the water is clear, sand is soft and there are cafes selling drinks and ice cream  but beware of sudden sandstorms caused by frequent winds. A 10-minute walk along the beach leads to Orthi Ammos, a peaceful spot renowned for its extensive sand dunes.

Getting there: Buses connect Frangokastello with both Plakias and Hora Sfakion.

The Venetian castle  which is apparently haunted  adds a wonderful backdrop to the peaceful Frangokastello sands - SIETE VIDAS

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.
Simu Liu, starring in a new movie out Friday called Arthur The King, took home the best souvenir from his time shooting the movie in the Dominican Republic three years ago.

His adorable rescue dog Chopa.

People magazine has an exclusive with the actor (and our favorite Ken from The Barbie Movie) where Liu explains how he was able to adopt Chopa from another country. Liu had asked to foster Chopa and after a few days he said, "I don't think I'm ever going to be separated from her ever again."

"I was going through that pretty much as we were shooting those scenes. We were trying to get all the paperwork through, and I feel like I'm doing the same forms over and over again. It was just a very, very difficult and arduous process," says Liu. "She missed her connecting flight, and I found out in the air in between my flight from Miami to L.A. that she had not gotten on the plane."

Related: Actor Joey King Says Adopting Her Shelter Dogs Has 'Given Her Life Purpose'

Chopa was eventually reunited with her new dad and he goes on to talk about what her new life is like.

"On set, "she's a great trailer dog, and she loves people," says Liu, who also moved into a new house a couple years ago. "So much of the home is really designated for Chopa. She probably uses more of the furniture than I do, and she's a big homebody. She's definitely living a princess life."

Awwww! There's basically nothing better than a very handsome guy expressing love for his pet. As my grandmother always used to say, "You can tell a lot about a man about how he treats animals."

Liu shared this Instagram post about his new movie about two weeks ago.

View the original article to see embedded media.

The post reads in part, "We spent three months in the Dominican Republic hiking, trekking, climbing, biking and kayaking to make this film and its all there on the screen. itll make you want to run ten miles and then hug your pets as hard as you can.its based on a true story of an adventure racing team that encounters a stray dog halfway through an intense race, and is a love letter to everything from the strength of the human spirit to the unbreakable bond that we share with our furry companions. i promise itll be a good time!"

It will make you want to hug your pets? I know what movie I'll be seeing this weekend!

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.
A hybrid sneaker mashing up the Air Jordan 2 and Air Jordan 3 has quietly began making its way to retailers.

The upper of the Air Jordan 2 sits atop the sole unit of the Air Jordan 3 for a rather simple but new arrangement. It follows the lead of a Air Jordan 1 and Air Jordan 2 hybrid that released in 2015, although Michael Jordan actually wore such a makeup after returning from a broken foot during his second season in the NBA.

More from Footwear News

Varsity Red rings in the Air Jordan 2/3s debut, as the namesake color forms the sockliner, tongue Wings logo, trim and portions of the heel. White then forms the rest of the sneaker, including an off-white midsole, with the exception of a grey outsole.

Joining the Air Jordan 2 and Air Jordan 3 invokes a crucial early moment in Jordans relationship with Nike. He hated his second signature shoe, thinking it was too ugly and bulky, and was considering leaving the brand once his contract was up. The Air Jordan 3, Tinker Hatfields first design for the franchise, helped convince him to stay  and the AJ3 has always trumped its direct predecessor in popularity.

Undefeated put the Air Jordan 2/3 Varsity Red up for sale Tuesday on its website with no fanfare, and all but a mens size 8 have sold out. A wider release through the Snkrs app and other retailers has yet to be announced but should likely come soon. Pricing is set at $160.

Air Jordan 2/3 Hybrid Varsity Red

Air Jordan 2/3 Hybrid Varsity Red

Air Jordan 2/3 Hybrid Varsity Red

Air Jordan 2/3 Hybrid Varsity Red

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. Hes previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that ball is life and doesnt fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

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Dutch far-right politician and leader of the PVV party Geert Wilders reacts as he meets the press as parties' lead candidates meet to begin coalition talks in The Hague, Netherlands, November 24, 2023.

Anti-Islam firebrand Geert Wilders said Wednesday he doesnt have the support of his prospective coalition partners to become the next Dutch prime minister.

Wilders took to X, formerly Twitter, to say that I can only become premier if ALL parties in the coalition support that. That wasnt the case.

His comment came after Dutch media reported that a breakthrough in coalition talks announced Tuesday night was that the leaders of all four parties involved in drawn-out coalition negotiations would remain in parliament.

That sets up the likelihood of some sort of technical Cabinet made up of experts. While it now looks like Wilders will not lead the government, he and his Party for Freedom will remain the driving force behind the administration after sweeping to a stunning victory in the Nov. 22 elections.

Wilders did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

His decision to put aside his leadership ambitions appears to be the breakthrough that negotiator Kim Putters alluded to a night earlier after two days of behind-closed-doors negotiations.

While the exact contours of a new coalition Cabinet remain unclear, Putters believes that the parties are now ready to hammer out a deal. Putters was writing up a report Wednesday that he will present to lawmakers on Thursday. He also invited the four leaders to more talks Thursday morning.

My expectation is that these parties will take the next step in the Cabinet formation, Putters told reporters Tuesday night.

After two decades of trenchant opposition, Wilders seemed to have a shot at leading a nation that long prided itself on its tolerant society, but he has stepped aside in the interests of pushing through his agenda.

I really wanted a right-wing Cabinet. Less asylum and immigration. Dutch people number 1, Wilders said on X. The love for my country and voter is bigger and more important than my own position.

The rise of the populist far right in a polarized political landscape has been underway for years in Europe but Wilders victory in the Nov. 22 election still came as a shock to the Netherlands and well beyond.

Wilders has often called for a ban on mosques, Islamic schools and the Quran, but in a concession to his prospective coalition partners in January, he withdrew draft legislation to implement the bans.

The Netherlands is not alone in seeing a shift to the right.

Far right parties also are expected to make significant gains in June elections for the European Unions parliament and Portugals inconclusive result in Sundays election thrust the populist Chega  or Enough  party into a possible kingmakers role. Chegas leader, Andre Ventura, has made common cause with other right-wing parties across the continent.

Wilders spent Monday and Tuesday in talks with Putters, and the leaders of the center-right Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy, populist Farmer Citizen Movement and centrist New Social Contract.

They were good talks and produced results. I have drawn my conclusions, Putters, a former Senator for the center-left Labor Party, told reporters. Once lawmakers have digested his report, they will hold a debate week to decide what happens next.

Wilders did not speak to reporters after the two-day meeting wrapped up, nor did Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius, the new leader of the Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy, or VVD, who replaced four-term Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

With New Social Contract leader Pieter Omtzigt ruling out joining a majority Cabinet led by Wilders, the four parties now will likely look at other options  a Cabinet made up of experts and politicians or a minority Cabinet propped up by support from Omtzigts party.

The Netherlands could turn to Italy for a model of how to move past its political stalemate. Italy, which is known for its revolving-door governments, has a history of resorting to technical governments headed by figures outside the political party mainstream. These experts are called on to guide the country through a particular period, often due to economic instability or political gridlock, before fresh elections are held.

The most recent such government was headed by Mario Draghi, the internationally respected former European Central Bank chief who was called on to shepherd Italy through the second half of the COVID-19 pandemic, reboot economic growth and make sure the country was able to take full advantage of the EUs COVID-19 recovery funds.

Despite his broad-based support, Draghis coalition of national unity collapsed in July 2022 and fresh elections were called that were subsequently won by Premier Giorgia Meloni of the far-right Brothers of Italy and her right-wing allies.

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Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center (MOESC) recognized 14 senior students from client school districts for their academic success and school and community service at the annual Franklin B. Walter Scholarship Award Program on March 12.

Three students were awarded $500 scholarships each based on their school grades, test scores, activities and an essay detailing the positive impact of one educator on their lives. All students read their tributes aloud and introduced their Positive Impact Person to the audience of over 100 people; including family members and school administrators.

MOESC Superintendent Kimmel (right) presents the Franklin B. Walter Scholarship to (from left) Luke Tinnermeier, Justin Gibson and Parker Bartlett.

Winners of the $500 scholarships made possible by the Mid-Ohio ESC Board of Governors in memory of Robert H.. Whitney were awarded to: Justin Gibson, Madison Local Schools; Parker Bartlett, Mount Gilead EVS; and Luke Tinnermeier, Galion City Schools.

Whitney served public education for 60 years, including as board president of the Lexington Local Board of Education for 40 years from 1964-2024.

Others honored as Franklin B. Walter Scholarship Award nominees included: Jillian Mariotti, Northmor; Jaylin Branham, Plymouth-Shiloh; Zoe Daniels, Clear Fork Valley; Jakob Fishel, Crestline; Beau Gantz, Highland; Kendall Guegold, Lucas; Lillian Neumann, Bucyrus; Cora Palmer, Lexington; Santana Saavedra, Mansfield; Aiden Shilliday, Crestview; and Dylan Sweitzer, Pioneer CTC.

These 14 students truly represent the best of the best in the region, and I want to congratulate them on their many accomplishments," MOESC Superintendent Kevin D. Kimmel said. "I also want to thank the individuals that the students selected as their Positive Impact Person. This is quite an honor to know that you have made a difference in these students' lives.

The three scholarship winners will be nominated by Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center to represent their county at the state Franklin B. Walter program, which will take place in Columbus on April 15. Students will be notified later this month if they were selected.

Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center provides specialized academic and support services to 13 school districts and over 20,000 students in Crawford, Morrow and Richland Counties. Client districts receive services from curriculum, gifted and special education consultants, speech pathologists, psychologists, special education teachers, occupational therapists and physical therapists.

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Three students awarded Franklin B. Walter scholarships
Customers line up at Los Tacos No. 1 in New York's Times Square. The chain has found success emulating Tijuana-style taquerias. (Gustavo Arellano/Los Angeles Times)

When Im in New York, the thing I love to do more than anything is eat.

Slabs of roast pork, skin as brittle and sweet as toffee and bathed in vinegar garlic sauce at Dominican spots in Washington Heights. Cheesy, cheap pizza slices in Midtown Manhattan. West African buffets. Katzs Deli. Bodega-bought chopped cheese sandwiches. Who needs the Guggenheim when there are street vendors from nearly every continent except Antarctica around Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights?

One thing I dont look for? Mexican food.

There are a lot of wonderful spots across the Big Apple, from fine dining to storefronts specializing in the dishes of Puebla and Hidalgo, Mexican states that have sent immigrants to New York for decades. But when Im in the city, I'm hungry for cuisines that arent that common in Southern California (Haitian, Russian, Uruguayan) or are simply better back East (halal carts, Irish pubs, Nepalese dumplings). Besides, I live in Orange County, which has great Mexican food and is two hours north of the border and an hour south of Los Angeles. Going out for Mexican in New York would be like swimming in the ocean when my parents' house already has a pool.

So my friends found it odd when I told them that I was going to explore New York's Cal-Mex scene during a visit last month.

Read more: 38 classic Mexican restaurants essential to Los Angeles

For about the past 40 years, Californians nostalgic for their home states take on Mexican food  especially burritos, chile verde and colorado, and taco trucks  have tried to replicate what theyre missing in New York, to middling results. Right now, however, the metropolis is having a Cal-Mex moment.

Birria de res  stewed beef  is on menus across town after it truly hit Southern California last decade. Chefs are eschewing factory-made corn and flour tortillas in favor of handmade, mirroring a nationwide trend we also kicked off. New York, like Los Angeles, has become a de facto suburb for Mexico Citys hip set, with culinary ideas flowing among the three cities.

What interested me more this time were restaurants that not only wanted to make the Mexican meals Californians like, but to also mimic the aesthetics of eateries that sell it. Are expat Californians that desperate for home and New Yorkers that interested in the foodways of a state they otherwise dismiss as a cultural backwater?

It seems the answer to both is si.

A greasy al pastor burrito at Super Burrito in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The restaurant seeks to mimic the Mission burritos of San Francisco (Gustavo Arellano/Los Angeles Times)

The first place I visited was Super Burrito in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn. Owner Eugene Cleghorn, a San Francisco native, opened the original location in Rockaway Beach in Queens in 2020 with a Frisco friend. They claimed they couldnt find a good Mission-style burrito  the foil-wrapped edible bricks that the Chipotle chain made nationally famous and that originated in San Franciscos historic Latino quarter.

I took the L train from Manhattan and found ersatz Cal-Mex the moment I got off at Bedford Avenue. There's an outpost of Dos Toros, an OK burrito chain started by two brothers from Berkeley in 2009, for the same reasons Cleghorn cited, that now has locations across New York and in Washington, D.C. A few blocks away is Border Burrito, whose awning advertises California Style Mexican Food when the menu is more Tex-Mex  fajitas, nachos and something called Chicken Arizona.

Super Burrito is a street over, and I was initially impressed by its attempt to conjure up San Francisco. Its color scheme is orange and black, like the Giants. Laminated tables seem plucked out of a Mission District taqueria. A poster of the Golden Gate Bridge at night hangs from a wall. There's even a first aid poster featuring Dodgers great Clayton Kershaw as the choking victim who needs help  because you cant have San Francisco without a weak-salsa jab at L.A., I guess.

A first aid poster featuring Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw as a choking victim is part of the decor at Super Burrito in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, which seeks to project a San Francisco vibe. (Gustavo Arellano/Los Angeles Times)

The fantasy didnt hold up, though. The clientele was mostly hipsters, and there weren't many of them. A traditional Mission-style burrito shop allows eaters to customize their order from a galaxy of ingredients beyond beans, rice and meat. At Super Burrito, sour cream, poblano peppers and avocados were it, and cost extra. My al pastor burrito had as many pineapple chunks as an upside down cake and was so greasy I could only stomach half of it. Why did an eatery that claims to rep the City by the Bay in the City That Never Sleeps offer the French fry-stuffed burritos of San Diego, the smothered burritos of New Mexico and queso from Austin?

In the end, Super Burrito was about as San Fran as Tommy Lasorda.

Read more: Column: For cramped New York, an expanding dining scene

My next stop was Los Tacos No. 1 in Times Square. Friends from New York who know what great Cal-Mex is and have rolled their eyes at the wave of NYC pretenders over the years have long raved about the chain, started by friends from Brawley and Tijuana who missed the look and feel of borderland taquerias. A line poked out the front door when I arrived around 3 in the afternoon. Stanchions placed outside suggested it would grow only longer.

Los Tacos No. 1 did a good job of simulating Tijuana-style taquerias. People leaned on white-tiled counters while noshing on their tacos. An ice-filled cooler near the entrance contained bottles of soda. Workers yelled above the din in various accents of Spanish. Nortenas blared. The sparse menu  four meats served as tacos, quesadillas, tostadas and mulitas  was painted on the wall.

But I didnt think of the border metropolis while I scarfed down yummy tacos de pollo asado and carne asada, wrapped in butcher paper as if they were a flower bouquet. I thought of "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," which is playing across 43rd Street at the Lyric Theater. Los Tacos No. 1 was the Broadway version of Cal-Mex  enjoyable and well made, sure, but too elaborate of a production. Perfect for newbies, ultimately soulless for those of us who know better.

Tacos of charbroiled chicken and carne asada at Los Tacos No. 1 in Times Square (Gustavo Arellano/Los Angeles Times)

When I returned to California, I hit up my friend Steven Alvarez, with whom I had enjoyed a delicious, fancy Mexican dinner on my trip. He's an English professor at St. Johns University who teaches taco literacy  the idea that eaters can decipher Mexican cuisine by investigating the stories behind each ingredient and the people making it.

A lot of California folks come here to visit or live, and California sets their mexpectations, he jokingly texted at first. The Arizona native was more forgiving about Cal-Mex in New York than I was.

Folks bring a sense of home when they come here, to make home here, and making that belonging happen through food is pivotal for comfort, Alvarez said.

True. But we in Southern California rightfully ridicule New Yorkers who come to L.A., call our corner stores "bodegas" and declare they can't find any good bagels. It's ridiculous when Americans go to another part of the country and declare that the food there is not only beneath them but also worthy of being replaced. And it's just sad when locals buy the bull that the usurpers sling.

It could've been worse in Gotham, I guess. New York City doesn't have any In-N-Outs ... yet.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of exam season, a special visitor brought comfort and joy to students at Swanwick Hall School in Derbyshire, United Kingdom. An award-winning Dalmatian dog accompanied his owner, a 17-year-old A-level student, to the school to support the students. This Dalmatian visiting school provided a much-needed break for the teens from the pressures of studying.

Award-winning Dalmatian Hero visits school to calm stressed-out students

Three-year-old Hero, an award-winning Dalmatian, recently visited Swanwick Hall School in Derbyshire, BBC reported. He became a literal hero for stressed-out Year 12 and 13 students as he offered them support before their A-level exams. His 17-year-old owner, an A-level student Tilly, accompanied him. Tilly and Hero spent time in the classroom, aiming to help classmates relax amidst exam pressures.

Notably, Hero and Tilly showcased their talents at Crufts 2024, competing in the Post Graduate Dog category. They clinched the top spot in the category, outperforming 23 other Dalmatian dogs to secure the first prize.

Tilly described Hero, saying, Hes so in tune with everyones emotions. He just knows  how youre feeling. If youre sad, hell just come to you and he wont leave you alone. Hell pester you for the whole day until youre happy and smiling.

In addition, Tilly said Hero has a wonderful personality and a delightful temperament.

You see him and it just brightens up your whole day. Hes just so happy, so waggy, she further stated.

Moreover, Tilly expressed that Hero was an excellent companion for her. Thus, she brought him along to her school to uplift her fellow students spirits.

A 17-year-old boy in his final year of A-level studies, Jonny, acknowledged the current pressure of exams but found solace in Heros presence. After a challenging exam, Jonny found it comforting to spend time with Hero for relaxation and stress relief.

The post Dalmatian Visits UK School To Help Students With Stress appeared first on DogTime.
When putting the finishing touches on a towering bowl of fresh fettuccine or a heaping slice of classic lasagna, there's only one ingredient you need: good Italian cheese. From gooey mozzarella to sharp asiago, there is no shortage of delicious dairy products at your disposal. But when it comes to topping a dish, you'll likely be focused on two common options  Parmesan and romano. You're probably familiar with both of these Italian staples, which can be grated, shredded, or sliced. Many Italian dishes call for one, or both, of these cheeses, and you might even spot them blended together in a single package on the shelves of your local grocery store.

While parmesan and romano look similar when grated  and are sometimes even interchangeable  they are two distinct cheeses with unique flavors and textures. The main difference is driven by their dairy source. Parmesan is made from cow's milk while romano is made from sheep's milk, which drives the distinct tastes in each product. Parmesan is also aged much longer than romano, which gives it an extra crumbly texture.

Read more: 11 Of The Best Cooking Tips From Bobby Flay

All About Parmesan Cheese

Cheese wheels on shelves - barmalini/Shutterstock

Parmesan cheese is crafted from cow's milk combined with bacteria cultures and an enzyme called rennet, which causes the mixture to congeal. After curds are formed, cheesemakers heat this early-stage product and pour it into a mold. Once the cheese is molded into a wheel, it is soaked in a salty solution and then left to age. Parmesan is aged for at least 12 months, although some varieties are aged for multiple years. The final product is a white cheese with a golden-yellow rind.

Generic Parmesan cheese should not be confused with certified Parmigiano Reggiano, a Parmesan variety that is produced in a specific region of Italy. The Italian government strictly monitors the production practices and product quality of a Parmesan before awarding it the Parmigiano Reggiano label. The cheese is often left to mature for three years or more.

Whether it's authentic Parmigiano Reggiano or an American substitute, Parmesan cheese packs a punch of substantial flavor. Salty, rich, and slightly nutty, Parmesan is an excellent savory addition to a dish, and can also be eaten on its own. Because the age of Parmesan will often dictate what it tastes like, the different levels of aging create strikingly different cheeses; typically, older cheeses will become more crumbly and hold a more intense flavor.

Romano: Made From Sheep's Milk

Cut of pecorino romano - FVPhotography/Shutterstock

The process for making romano is quite similar to Parmesan, with one major caveat: romano is usually made with sheep's milk. Like Parmesan, the raw milk is cultured, turned into curds, and then pressed into molds. The cheese is then aged for at least six months. This process results in a hard, white cheese that has a distinctive black rind.

Like Parmesan, romano cheese also has an official Italian variety: Pecorino Romano, which is only produced in Sardinia in central Italy. Pecorino Romano is always made with sheep's milk; confusingly, American-made romano can also be made with cow's milk. Because sheep's milk contains different fatty acids than cow's milk, Pecorino Romano has a much sharper and stronger taste than Parmesan. Generic versions of romano using cow's milk might have a milder taste that is more in line with Parmesan.

In the kitchen, romano is known for its distinctive sharp taste that has a hint of spiciness. Like Parmesan, it's a hard cheese ideal for grating and crumbling. It's often used as a shredded pasta topper to add a bold taste to a dish and won't be obscured or hidden by a rich tomato sauce. If you're using romano as a substitute for Parmesan, you may want to find a milder variety made with cow's milk, otherwise, expect a stronger taste if you're using the sheep's milk Pecorino Romano.

Read the original article on Daily Meal.
When you're traveling to a new place, it can be difficult to distinguish the authentic spots from the tourist traps. So redditor u/BigBoiBen444 asked, "What are some major tourist traps in your country, and what precautions can you take to avoid them?" Here's what some people had to say (and I'm taking notes for my next European vacation).

1."If you're planning a trip to Croatia, don't bother with Dubrovnik. It's extremely pretty from afar...but far from pretty. The Old Town is just one mess of tacky cafes, restaurants catering to tourists, and tour agencies. People almost had to line up to navigate their way through the narrow streets because so many cruise ships were docked. And it was even a struggle to see the landmarks because crowds of people were hovering around with selfie sticks in the air."

u/Sisyphusmanny Getty Images

2."Avoid the Heathrow Express in London. You pay a lot more for only a slightly faster journey to the airport. Just look online or ask a hotel staff member how to get to the airport another way. They will help you get the right and much more affordable ticket."

u/thepurplescope Getty Images

3."Throughout Italy, try to avoid restaurants on big, popular squares or near major tourist attractions. If the menu features multiple languages and/or photos of the food, that's another red flag. If there are waiters outside telling you to come eat, it's a universal sign that the restaurant in question is a tourist trap."

4."Hallstatt, Austria. If youve seen photos of it online (they're all taken from the same two angles), then youve seen the town. It is pretty, but it's overrun by tourists and cheap souvenir shops. There are so many more authentic villages by lakes in that region. You can skip Hallstatt altogether."

5."Leicester Square in London. It's not just touristy...it actually is a tourist trap designed to rip you off. Most of the bars are very expensive, the restaurants are horrible, and you can find higher-quality versions of everything sold in the area for a lower price elsewhere. Sure, it might be nice to walk through, but just don't spend any money there."

u/HarryBlessKnapp Getty Images

6."In Paris, don't go to any restaurant near a big tourist attraction like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, etc. You will likely eat frozen food at an absurdly high price. Stick to restaurants on side streets and quieter areas instead."

u/Oxygen0796 Getty Images

7."If you're visiting Tuscany, avoid the torture museums that are scattered around the various medieval towns. They are poor attempts to scare (and scam) tourists. If you've seen one, you've seen them all."

u/Liscetta Getty Images

8."In Spain, if a restaurant is serving lunch at noon, chances are it's a tourist trap. Here, we eat lunch between 2:30 and 4 p.m. As a rule of thumb, look for locals. If no locals are eating there, avoid it."

u/Sky-is-here Getty Images

9."Mykonos and Santorini are just tourist traps shaped like islands. Greece is filled to the brim with amazing islands. You don't have to spend a fortune visiting Santorini and Mykonos when there are literally thousands of other islands that are just as beautiful, much cheaper, and almost empty of tourists."

u/skidadle_gayboi Getty Images

10."In Brussels, avoid the street called Rue des Bouchers/de Beenhouwersstraat and the surrounding neighborhood. Tourists are tricked into thinking it's a maze of cute pedestrian streets, but actually, you will find the worst restaurants in town there. The menus are written in 12 different languages, and the waiters try to hail you inside. They are totally overpriced, touristy eateries to avoid."

u/gregyoupie Getty Images

11."Oktoberfest in Munich. Avoid it, especially the Hofbrauhaus. Travel to one of the smaller cities in Bavaria instead. I'd suggest going to the Allgau, where there's a brewery in every village."

u/JoeAppleby Getty Images

12."I lived in Berlin for a decade, which is home to plenty of tourist traps. The biggest one, IMO, is Checkpoint Charlie. The museum is mediocre, the 'actors' you can take photos with are incredibly expensive, and the fake Soviet merch can be found for much cheaper elsewhere."

u/Ka1ser Getty Images

13."The Bran (Dracula) Castle in Romania is overrated. It's just like any other castle in the mountains of Transylvania, except more expensive and crowded to visit."

u/Skrew11 Getty Images

14."For Iceland, its the blue lagoon. It's way too expensive (4060 euros for a visit) in a country that boasts so many natural hot springs. Not only is the entrance fee hefty, but everything there is expensive, from the massages to 20-euro avocado toast."

u/ElOliLoco "When I visited Iceland in 2019, the Blue Lagoon was 100 euros, so I skipped it and ate a nice dinner instead. I still visited three other natural hot springs for free." u/keepmoving2 Getty Images

15."Take it from an Italian and don't spend much time in Venice. It is extremely overpriced and caters to tourists who don't know any better. Don't plan on doing your shopping there, and don't eat out in fancy restaurants. Above all, don't order fish or seafood a la carte. Restaurants are constantly trying to scam tourists for hundreds of euros because in fine print, the menu says the price is per 100 grams, not per plate."

u/avlas Getty Images

16."Temple Bar in Dublin is huge with tourists, but it's massively overpriced. Thankfully, there are countless other pubs in the city, many of them just steps from Temple Bar."

u/TheYoungWan Getty Images

17."In Edinburgh, be aware that the Royal Mile is very touristy. It's nice to visit at dawn while it's still quiet to enjoy the view, but don't buy anything there. It's all expensive. Also, I don't think it's worth the price to go inside the castle. You can get good views of the Royal Mile and the rest of the city from the parking lot."

u/CrocPB Getty Images

18."In Copenhagen, avoid eating in Nyhavn. Definitely feel free to go there to walk around and enjoy the views, but don't sit down at a restaurant. It's expensive, and you can easily find better food close by."

u/Vorherrebevares Getty Images

19."In Spain, walk away from any restaurants that serve paella for dinner. We only eat paella at lunch, folks, and that is a sign of a tourist trap. And if there are photos of the food out front, that's a bad sign."

u/DaTrickster Getty Images

20."In Amsterdam, stay away from the 'smartshops.' They sell products that they claim contain THC, but the truth is that smartshops do not sell weed. If you're not buying that THC from a coffee shop, it's probably a scam."

u/rBles Getty Images

21."In Paris, don't pay to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower. You'll be shelling out 25 euros and waiting, when you can get the same view for free from the roof of Printemps Haussmann department store."

u/aleriant Getty Images

22."In Portugal, the Algarve can be very touristy. Here's what to avoid and what to seek out instead, from someone who is from there: Stay away from the main towns, especially Albufeira, which is full of crowded beaches, tons of British tourists, and bars. Instead, visit the area around Sagres and the Vicentina Coast, which is dotted with castles and gorgeous scenery. Monchique, Aljezur, Loule, and Tavira are great places to visit for nature and small, traditional villages."

u/H_Doofenschmirtz "Im from Portugal, and everyone loves going to the Algarve on holiday. I can understand some of the hype because the beaches are great and you can pretty much count on good weather, but it is seriously overrated. Everything is crowded, the food is not that good, and everything is expensive. Instead, I would recommend the coast of Alentejo, which has the same nice weather, much better food, and nicer people and is all around more fun." cerealkillerM Getty Images

23."In Budapest, never, ever hail a cab from the street. Instead, go with a ridesharing app like Bolt and use that. I've gotten into a lot of uncomfortable and shady situations by hailing street cabs."

u/ValiumD Getty Images

24."In Athens, all of Monastiraki Market near the Acropolis is filled with tacky tourist shops with overpriced, poor-quality souvenirs. Not to mention, there are tons of pickpockets in the square and the narrow roads around it. Don't bother stopping here."

u/Vaseline13 Getty Images

25."When in Barcelona, don't bother visiting Las Ramblas. It's just a street filled with stereotypical 'Catalan' shops that really have nothing to do with the culture here (restaurants serving frozen paella, flamenco shops, and overpriced crap). Locals avoid these places like the plague and would never eat anywhere on Las Ramblas."

u/AleixASV Getty Images

26."The Champs-Elysees in Paris. It's an impressively big avenue, but it's just made up of overpriced stores, crowded sidewalks, and pickpockets. The only reason to go near this street is to see the Arc de Triomphe."

u/MartelFirst Getty Images

27."Pisa, Italy. It's basically just a photo opportunity that is severely overcrowded by tourists and street vendors. Once you've taken the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa picture, there's not much else to do. Sienna, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, and Lucca are all way-better places to spend your time in the region."

u/lucretiusT Getty Images

What's an overhyped, touristy attraction in your home city that travelers might want to avoid? Tell us in the comments!

Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
The returning of Nazi-looted artwork isnt always the smoothest process. Just ask Alain Monteagle, a 77-year-old retired history teacher whos been trying to retrieve one stolen painting for 17 years.

Back in 2007, the Netherlands restituted Isaac van Ostades Unloading the Hay Wagon to the heirs of John and Anna Jaffe. But because of an issue with paperwork, the family has still not received the painting, The New York Times reported on Wednesday.

More from Robb Report

We, the heirs, are regarded in the Dutch system as crooks who are eager to make money on a sale, not as victims of looting, Monteagle told the Times. The longer this goes on, the more complicated it becomes, and eventually there will be no one to receive the painting who saw it before the war.

The piece was originally acquired by the Jaffes. The British-Jewish couple lived in France and owned art by Rembrandt, Goya, and other masters. After the couple died, the Nazis seized their artwork, and Unloading the Hay Wagon was eventually sold to Hitlers second in command, Hermann Goring. After the war, the painting was mistakenly returned to the Netherlands, where it was displayed in a museum for decades.

Monteagle, a great-grandnephew of Anna Jaffe, has spent years trying to recover his familys missing artworks. The retrieval of the van Ostade seemed like it would be simple, with the Dutch Restitution Commission taking just a year to say that the painting should be returned to the Jaffe heirs. But that requires validation from a civil-law notary, and the one working on this case says he hasnt received the required paperwork to complete the transaction.

This is my longest-lasting case ever, Maarten Meijer, an hourly contractor with the Dutch Cultural Heritage Agency, told the Times. I do have some of the documents, but not 100 percent.

Meijer would like to see the case wrap up, and Monteagle said he doesnt blame Meijer personally. But both seem quite frustrated by the Dutch bureaucracy thats left them in this pickle for almost two decades. Since 2007, three of Monteagles older relatives have died while waiting for the restitution of the van Ostade, and theres just one surviving family member who remembers seeing the painting before the war.

I feel some indignation now, Monteagle said. Im worried that I wont see it before I die, either.

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Over the weekend, freeriders from around the world traveled to San Jose, Costa Rica for the Fireride Mountain bike festival.

One of these riders was Tom Cardy. Watch the British YouTube stars highlights of the event below.

In this video, riders sessioned the jump line and competed in long and high jumps. Even in the stifling 90-degree heat, the riders had a blast competing. Perhaps the wildest moment was when Jerrell Webster knocked the bar off of the high jump doing a backflip.

The Fireride Festival, not to be confused with the similarly named music festival, is a Latin American Freeride Festival. It is fully a party with food, DJs, and even a jumpside pool. 2024 was the first time Fireride went to Costa Rica, having previously been held in Mexico.

The riding scene in Latin America is growing, and it is great to see different countries show off their unique riding and culture.

Tom Cardy is a British Rider and YouTuber. See the hijinks that ensued when Tom built a large backyard jump below.

Related: "There's Enough There" -Mountain Biker Seconds Before Misjudging Speed On Jump

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If you could chose to be anyone else, who might that be? If you are English, you might not chose to be a swaggering cockney geezer named Harry Clarke who talks like an extra from a Guy Ritchie movie circa 2002. Yet if you are Philip Brugglestein, a lonely gay tongue-twisted mid-westerner adrift in New York, Clarkes blokey braggadocio might be more appealing. After all, Brugglestein can effortlessly nail the Dont get your knickers in a twist-style mockney chat  even from when he was young, and as he tells us in the opening sentence of David Cales shapeshifting monologue, he could always do an impeccable English accent.

Billy Crudup, Emmy-winning star of The Morning Show, plays 19 different people in this one-man show which was an off Broadway hit in 2017. We first meet him as Brugglestein, who from the age of eight has always felt much more himself when talking in a strangulated, camp aristo English lilt, much to the horror of his homophobic parents. After their deaths, Brugglestein completely gives into this upper-crust English fantasy, wafting around New York pretending to be have been born in Elstree, until on a whim he follows a stranger through Manhattan to the Paramount Hotel and presents himself as Harry Clarke. From that point on, the line between both personas (or is that three?) become as blurry as a badly taken photograph as Brugglestein/Clarke insinuates himself into the life of this stranger  an obscenely wealthy insurance broker named Mark Schmidt.

Part of the fun for the viewer is watching the way the pretence quickly snowballs: Clarke tells Schmidt he is Sades former tour manager, prompting an excited Schmidt to invite him onto his yacht to meet his mum, a Sade obsessive. More interesting, though, is the involuntary nature of Brugglesteins divided selves. Crudup, who is extraordinary, lays bare the perpetual inner Jekyll and Hyde tussle as the greasily confident Clarke wins out against the self-torturing Brugglestein, seducing and possibly falling in love with Schmidt (a closet gay and ferocious alcoholic) while also bedding his sister and mother. Where the drama of other great fictional conmen such as Tom Ripley lies in the tension between their amorality and calculating charm, here it manifests in the fractured pathology of a man so damaged by his abusive father he has no coherent self left at all.

Yet the unstable, performative nature of identity, and its analogous resonance for theatre  the ultimate con trick  are familiar conceits. To be fair, Crudup masterfully embeds them within a truly riveting performance, switching with dizzying precision between simpering young women, hoity-toity boat captains and Upper East Side matriarchs, not to mention his characters predominant two selves, in what most of all is a triumph of technique.

Coles monologue, though, is boxed in by its central idea: while, with its high-gloss blend of excess, madness and fabulous wealth, it flirts with the trappings of a thriller, there is precious little actually at stake. The audience is always in on the deception, and nor does Brugglestein ever deceive himself. You find yourself waiting for a sting that never comes.

Until May 11; theambassadorstheatre.co.uk

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Wolverine has been a pioneer since its humble origins in the late 1800s. The brand, born in Rockford, Mich., was propelled to global success by embracing innovation at every turn. Beginning with perfecting a process in its tannery that produced soft, pliable leather, Wolverine produced incredibly durable shoes that outperformed the competition.

As it found its niche in the work boot space, Wolverine continually pushed to improve the performance of its footwear to keep its customers comfortable and protected on the job site. Alongside its core business, the brand also has garnered a following among people looking for everyday lifestyle styles. Honoring its heritage, Wolverines popular 1000 Mile collection offers footwear that is inspired by archival patterns and highlights old-world craftsmanship and attention to detail.

More from Footwear News

Wolverines 140th Anniversary 1000 Mile Boot. Daniel K Van Duinen

An American Dream

Wolverines story began in 1883 when entrepreneur G.A. Krause started a small leather tannery in Michigan, and staffed it with a team of workers. Fulfilling the needs of that time, the fledging company produced work boots and gloves.

In 1901, Krause brought electricity to the city of Rockford, where he planted a new shoe factory that was soon cranking out 300 pairs a day. Six years later, the businessman  who by that point had been joined by his sons  established the Wolverine tannery, giving the factory a direct supply of durable, yet pliable shell horsehides for its shoes.

In 1914, the Krauses introduced what would eventually become an iconic product  the 1000 Mile boot, whose name was inspired by its long-lasting wear. Over the next several years, Wolverine grew into a household name, with the help of a national sales force (a novel concept at that time) and a national ad campaign.

Roaring Twenties

By 1921, business was booming, prompting the company to change its name to the Wolverine shoe and Tanning Co. In 1928, employees were invited to buy shares in the company in one of the countrys first profit-sharing plans.

After weathering some lean years during the Great Depression, Wolverine rebounded in the 1940s. The company supplied pigskin gloves for the U.S. Navy during World War II, and later  following the Allied victory  decided to go all in on pigskin as horses had become scarce. A newly built factory in Rockford began producing what became known as pigskin suede, and G.A.s son Victor had the idea to use the material to make soft suede casual shoes.

The Wolverine 1000 Mile x Dragons Milk boot. Rudy Malmquist/Courtesy of Wolverine Worldwide

Dog Days

In 1958, the Hush Puppies brand was born, taking its unique name from the treats that Southerners gave their dogs to calm their barking. Before long, an estimated one in 10 American adults owned a pair of the suede shoes.

In a testament to its success, the company  now renamed Wolverine Worldwide Inc.  made its debut on the New York Stock Exchange in 1965.

Acquisition Mode

Building on the success of its Wolverine and Hush Puppies brands, the company sought out new opportunities. In 1994, it debuted a Cat footwear line under a licensing agreement with construction equipment giant Caterpillar.

Wolverine added the Merrell outdoor brand to its portfolio in 1997, which was followed one year later by a licensing deal with Harley-Davidson. In 2003, the company acquired Sebago, known for its classic boat shoes, but later sold the brand in 2017. In 2006, Wolverine inked a footwear licensing deal with Patagonia. Chaco also joined the companys roster in 2009 as a new acquisition.

Wolverine snapped up Collective Brands Performance + Lifestyle Group in 2012, a move that beefed up its brand roster with Saucony, Stride Rite and other major names.

Boots from Wolverines 1,000 Mile Collection Wolverine

Reviving an Original

In 2009, Wolverine brought back its classic 1000 Mile boot in a bid to capture a share of the demand for casual footwear with an Americana aesthetic. To celebrate the boots 140th anniversary in 2023, the brand introduced a special-edition 1000 Mile style made from Horween leather and featuring a vintage Wolverine label on the tongue.

In recent years, Wolverine has also continued its dominance in the work category, trumpeting the slogan, Were not good because were old; were good because weve stayed good, to underscore its longevity and history of performance innovations and quality craftsmanship.

To support its customer base, the brand created Project Bootstrap, an initiative that advocates for skilled trades and aims to inspire and nurture the next generation of tradespeople.

Who Owns Wolverine?

Wolverine remains under the Wolverine Worldwide Inc. banner. Today, the publicly traded company, still headquartered in Rockford, also owns Bates, Chaco, Saucony, Sweaty Betty, Merrell, Hush Puppies, Hytest, Soft Style, Wolverine Leathers and the Stride Rite Childrens Group.

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The countries that are the happiest also tend to have higher levels of gender equality.

Each year, the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network produces the World Happiness Report, a list that determines which countries in the world are the happiest. In the annual list of the happiest countries in the world, countries like Iceland, Finland, Sweden, Norway, and New Zealand made the cut.

These countries not only have the honour of being dubbed one of the happiest countries on Earth, but according to the World Economic Forums Global Gender Gap Report, they also have the most gender equality.

Since 2018, these countries have ranked high on both reports, modelling how improved gender equality can directly contribute to the nations happiness. The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network reportedly measures a countrys happiness through six factors - social support, income, health, freedom, generosity, and absence of corruption.

Meanwhile, the WEF calculates the gender gaps in different countries by analysing four factors, including economic opportunities, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment. Through their research, theyve determined social policies, the happiness of families, and womens career mobility have all been key components to Nordic countries achieving higher gender equality in their respective societies.

Iceland, Sweden, Finland, and Norway have generous paid leave policies that make balancing work and family life a little easier and more flexible for parents. Norwegian parents - both men and women - reportedly have the right to 49 weeks of parental leave at full pay, or 59 weeks at 80 per cent pay. Both parents have 15 weeks for themselves, but for the last 19 weeks, the pair can split the time between them in whichever way they desire.

Those living in the aforementioned Nordic countries also have access to some of the most affordable child care in the world, and the WEF noted that this is a leading factor in the happiness of women and families. With increased federal financing for daycare, Norway has enabled mothers to return to the workforce in droves.

Norway isnt the only country that has seen a record number of mothers in the workforce. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Sweden has the highest percentage of mothers in the workforce out of 38 countries.

But it isnt just Nordic countries enjoying the fruits of gender equality. New Zealand has notably made legislative strides to shrink its gender wage gap. Although the country already has one of the smallest gender wage gaps in the world, at a low 14 per cent, Bloomberg reports that the countrys government introduced measures requiring 900 companies to report their gender pay gaps.
People line up to collect water in buckets and containers after Haiti's Prime Minister Ariel Henry pledged to step down following months of escalating gang violence, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti March 12, 2024.

A proposal to install new leadership in Haiti appeared to be crumbling Wednesday as some political parties rejected the plan to create a presidential council that would manage the transition.

The panel would be responsible for selecting an interim prime minister and a council of ministers that would attempt to chart a new path for the Caribbean country that has been overrun by gangs. The violence has closed schools and businesses and disrupted daily life across Haiti.

Moise Jean-Charles, an ex-senator and presidential candidate who has teamed up with former rebel leader Guy Philippe, told Radio Tele Metronome that he would not participate, according to the station.

Jean-Charles did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Meanwhile, Philippe, who helped lead a successful revolt in 2004 against former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide and was recently released from a U.S. prison after pleading guilty to money laundering, said no Haitian should accept any proposal from the international community.

In a video posted Tuesday on social media, Philippe accused the community of being complicit with Haitis elite and corrupt politicians and urged Haitians to take to the streets.

The decision of Caricom is not our decision, he said, referring to the regional trade bloc whose leaders presented the plan to create a transitional council. Haitians will decide who will govern Haiti.

Other high-profile Haitian politicians declined to participate in the proposed transitional council. Among them were Himmler Rebu, former colonel of Haitis army and president of the Grand Rally for the Evolution of Haiti, a party that is part of a coalition awarded a spot on the transitional council.

He said in a statement that the party prefers that a judge from Haitis Supreme Court assume the reins of power.

Rebu added that the party is ashamed and angry upon seeing the search for positions of power that do not take into account the responsibilities attached to them.

Caribbean leaders who announced the plan for the transitional council did not respond to messages for comment.

The plan emerged late Monday following an urgent meeting involving Caribbean leaders, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and others who were searching for a solution to halt Haitis crisis of violence.

Hours after the meeting, Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced Tuesday that he would resign once the council was in place, saying that his government cannot remain insensitive to this situation.

Henry remains locked out of Haiti because gang attacks have shuttered the countrys airports. He is currently in Puerto Rico.

The gang attacks began Feb. 29, when Henry was in Kenya to push for the U.N.-backed deployment of a Kenyan police force. The deployment has been temporarily suspended.

My concern is that the longer there is a power vacuum and an effort to figure out a way forward on the political side, every day that delays resolutions, many, many people are dying, said William ONeill, the U.N.s independent expert on human rights in Haiti.

Armed men in the capital of Port-au-Prince have set fire to police stations and stormed the countrys two biggest prisons, releasing more than 4,000 inmates. Among those who fled are gang leaders of at least seven communities, according to a new report by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti, known as BINUH.

As of March 10, gunmen attacked, looted or torched at least 30 state institutions, more than 600 homes and private businesses and nearly 500 public and private vehicles, BINUH said.

Gangs also have attacked neighborhoods in a rampage that has left scores dead and more than 15,000 homeless. More than 130 people were killed between Feb. 27 and March 8. Meanwhile, at least 40 gang members were killed between Feb. 29 and March 10, according to BINUH.

This is absolutely catastrophic, ONeill said. I describe Port-au-Prince now as an open-air prison. There is no way to get out: land, air or sea. The airport is still not functioning.

By Tuesday, the attacks were subsiding, with some businesses and banks reopening, although schools and gas stations remained closed. Public transportation restarted, and more Haitians could be seen Wednesday going about their business.

While some activity has resumed, many people are still concerned that gangs might resume their attacks.

Caricom gave the organizations that were offered positions on the council until Wednesday to submit the names of people who would represent them. As of midday Wednesday, no list had been submitted.

The nine-member council has seven positions with voting powers.

Votes were offered to Pitit Desalin, Jean-Charles party; EDE/RED, a party led by former Prime Minister Claude Joseph; the Montana Accord, a group of civil society leaders, political parties and others; Fanmi Lavalas, Aristides party; the Jan. 30 Collective, which represents parties including that of former President Michel Martelly; the Dec. 21 Agreement, a group that backed Henry; and members of the private sector.

The remaining two nonvoting positions would go to a member from Haitis civil society and its religious sector.

It was not immediately clear who be awarded a position on the council if it was rejected by certain political parties.

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London always has lots to offer visitors and residents alike, from new shops (its called a nation of shopkeepers after all) to restaurants to its renowned theater and, of course, art. Here, a few of the latest.

What to See

Kruger: Thinking of You. I Mean Me. I Mean You.

More from WWD

American artist Barbara Kruger is taking over Serpentine South with her first solo institutional show in London in more than 20 years that features her strong and visceral visual language. The exhibits span from installations and moving images to multiple soundscapes to comment on how consumers engage with digital content.

Unravel: The Power and Politics of Textiles in Art

Mounira Al Solh, Paper Speakers, 2020.

Fifty artists from around the world are coming together to tell the tale of how textiles remain political via a series of sculptures and hand-stitched collages at the Barbican. The artists include Pacita Abad from The Philippines; Magdalena Abakanowicz from Poland; Igshaan Adams from South Africa; Arpilleristas from Chile, and more.

Sergej Jensen: Older Works and Shadow Paintings

Sergej Jensen: Older Works and Shadow Paintings

Danish artist Sergej Jensen is returning to the White Cube gallery in Londons Bermondsey for the first time since 2016 to showcase more than 50 paintings that play with textiles and fabrics such as burlap, linen, silk and wool.

What to Watch

King Lear

Marc Brenner

Come not between the Dragon and his wrath, says King Lear in the classic William Shakespeare play, which has taken on many lives in popular culture, from Joseph L. Mankiewicz House of Strangers in 1949 to the loosely compared HBO hit show Succession. At the Almeida Theatre, Danny Sapani takes on the role of the king, while his daughters are played by Akiya Henry, Gloria Obianyo and Faith Omole.

FutureQueer

What would a fully queer world look like? At the Kings Head Theatre, its 2071 and world queer domination has taken over, with a statue of George Michael in Londons Hampstead Heath; Starbucks owning Pride, and the Olympics adding two new categories: voguing and lip syncing. Playwright and performer Alexis Gregory finds out if the grass is really made out of rainbows as he takes on life with one powerful tool, a vintage Donna Summer vinyl record.

Manon

Manon

Manon, a young woman who falls in love with Des Grieux, comes to find that nothing in life is fair, especially not when its to do with love and riches. Shes sold to the highest bidder by her brother Lescaut and is on the run for her life in this tragic ballet.

Where to Eat

Bellazul

Bellazul

Simone Serafini, previously a head chef at Cecconis, Cacciaris and 5 Hertford Street, has opened a Mediterranean restaurant, Bellazul, that takes inspiration from Italian, Greek and Moroccan cuisine. The menu includes grilled roast beer black poulet noir served with crumble potato; a lamb Moroccan tagine with Moroccan bread, and a baked cod filet served with porcini mushrooms, potato, tomato and clams.

43 Blandford St, London, W1U 7HF

Sumosan Twiga

Sumosan Twiga

From sushi to handmade pasta, Sumosan Twiga is the place in Londons Knightsbridge to find the unlikely combination of the two cuisines. The restaurant sits next to all the luxury stores  its got Audemars Piguet, Prada and Hermes as neighbors. The menu includes salt-crusted baked sea bass; red king prawns gnocchetti, and marinated lamb cutlets with aji panka, marjoram and pico de gallo.

165 Sloane St, London, SW1X 9QB

Donia

Donia

Donia, the Filipino restaurant in Kingly Court, is the brainchild of those behind the Filipino ice cream parlor Mamasons. However, this time around, its adobo mushroom croquetas; aubergine and tomato ensalada with pomme Anna  as well as a desserts list that of course includes ice cream.

Kingly Ct, Carnaby St, Carnaby, London, W1B 5PW

Where to Treat Yourself

Soeur

Soeur

French contemporary brand Soeur has opened their first store in London on 37 Redchurch St., which was designed by architect Gilles Viard. The store is over 1,000 square feet across three floors and uses polished concrete with exposed brickwork for its interiors with steel rails, oak shelves and a vintage brutalist bench.

37 Redchurch St, London, E2 7DJ

Potato Art Studio

Amid all the noise London has to offer, Potato Art Studio in Marylebone is offering citygoers something more wholesome in the name of arts and crafts. The studio hosts furball painting sessions and candle making classes, as well as making perler beads and cream gels.

7 Durweston St, London, W1H 1EP

The Bulgari Spa

The Bulgari Spa

The spa at the Bulgari Hotel in London is more than 20,000 square feet with a 25-meter swimming pool that features green and gold mosaic and a vitality pool that is covered in gold leaf tiles. There are more than 10 treatment rooms, as well as a steam room.

171 Knightsbridge, London, SW7 1DW

Best of WWD
In Virginias capital, a not-so-old house gets some new-old tricks.

DANE TASHIMA; Styling: PAGE MULLINS

Ashley Taylor knew his wifes tastes well: elegant, traditional, andwhen it came to architectureas Georgian as possible. So when he spotted the "For Sale" sign on a tree-canopied lot in Richmonds Windsor Farms neighborhood, he wasnt sure the mid-1960s redbrick house with tall, skinny columns that were tacked on like an afterthought would cut it. His wife, Gail, also loves a home thats timeless and well proportioned. "But when he gets a spark about something," she says, laughing, "good luck!"

Fortunately, that spark had merit. The house had a strong presence and was on a desirable lot, so as any good lawyer does before making his case, Ashley did a little preemptive researchnamely, a call to Dan Ensminger, a Richmond-based architect the family had worked with previously. After a quick drive-by viewing, Ensminger confirmed via a cocktail-napkin sketch that a few tweaks could Georgian up the facade. Reassured, Ashley made the pitch to his wife, who actually didnt need very much convincing.



DANE TASHIMA; Styling: PAGE MULLINS Homeowner Gail Taylor stands in the entry, where the walls are covered in Schumacher's Marcel and the table is dressed in Tarsila fabric by Lorenzo Castillo V for Kravet.

"It was definitely a house I had noticed before. I loved how it sat on this shady lot with a circular drive," Gail recalls. "But it wasnt exactly living up to its potential. You wouldve expected a more classic feel." It had a disjointed floor plan and dated interiors, including the kitchens dropped ceiling with fluorescent lights. "It was very sixties and seventiesand not in a good way," she adds.



Gail says their goal was "to add back the character," which they set about doing initially with the help of Ensminger and then later with Richmond-based designer Elly Poston Cooper of Elly Poston Interiors.



DANE TASHIMA; Styling: PAGE MULLINS

After Ensminger reconfigured the front exterior and entryway, adding a pediment above a new portico and a more formal front hall, the family moved in. They made do with the choppy flow for nearly 10 years while raising two sons, who are now juniors in college, and a daughter, now a high school senior. Life was busy enough without a major renovation. "We knew there would be a second phase, but living with the homes awkward twists and turns gave us a better feel for what was needed," says Gail. The pause also allowed for their "tastes to fluctuate some," she adds. "I realized I wanted to meld contemporary with traditional, and thats where Elly came in."

DANE TASHIMA; Styling: PAGE MULLINS Cooper chose a performance velvet for the 20-foot banquette. It's so big you don't want to have to re-cover it, she says.

Coopers eye for infusing fresh flair with measured restraint is evident throughout the new addition across the back of the house. The family room showcases an expansive bank of windows anchored by a 20-foot-long aubergine velvet banquettedefinitely a statement piece and initially a stretch for Gail. "But Elly blends it in so well. She helped me embrace color in ways I never thought I would," she says.



While the Taylors had always loved art, Gail credits Cooper for encouraging them to add some fine art photography to their collection, specifically the family rooms centerpiece black-and-white by Bastiaan Woudt. "I call her 'Meditating Woman.' Shes such a calming presence and so beautifully natural. I love that my kids see that positive representation of Black womanhood," says Gail.



DANE TASHIMA; Styling: PAGE MULLINS An equally sturdy fabric adorns the chairs in the breakfast nook, where dogs Biggie and Ivy hold court.

The family room opens to a new patio and outdoor living space, with a heated ceiling, a fireplace, and a concrete coffee table thats "big enough for the hugest cheese board, says Cooper. All are a boon for the consummate entertainers, who often host Ashleys law firm and clients as well as guests for kids celebrations. "The girls from our sons high school got dressed for prom here," says Gail.



DANE TASHIMA; Styling: PAGE MULLINS Two Visual Comfort & Co. pendants mimic the custom hood's brass strapping.

The overhaul entailed a brand-new kitchen with a custom zinc-and-brass hood "bringing the wow factor and Euro-pean vibes," says Cooper, plus a breakfast area, pantry, and mudroom. They also created an office for Ashley where the old kitchen had been, "just in time for COVID, Gail quips. "Little did we know we would be living, working, and doing school from home. But now we can all five be here without feeling like were right on top of each other."



DANE TASHIMA; Styling: PAGE MULLINS Cooper cloaked the pantry in Farrow & Ball's Brinjal (No. 222)

Given Gails affinity for jewel tones, Cooper imbued the powder rooms with wallpaper pizzazz and glazed the pantry in a saturated raisin purple. "Its a dark space, so we leaned into it. The high gloss bounces the light around," notes the designer.



DANE TASHIMA; Styling: PAGE MULLINS Inspired by the Taylors' love of a statement, Cooper enveloped the dining room in a scene from Susan Harter Muralpapers.

In the adjacent dining room, they countered that jazziness with antiques and flouncy taffeta curtains that "feel like Charleston or New Orleans," says Cooper, who loves the old-world sophistication of a scenic wallpaper. "Its so magical and serene. I gravitate toward spaces that have a sense of place and time."

DANE TASHIMA; Styling: PAGE MULLINS Cooper painted cabinets in the laundry room in Benjamin Moore's Gray Huskie, 1473.

They still havent gotten to phase three of the renovationtackling the upstairs bedrooms and perhaps adding a poolbut for now, the home has more than overcome what Ashley calls "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air feel that initially gave him pause. For Gail, the exterior facelift, better flow, and artful blending of eras lent it the gravitas it was lacking. "The house functions so well yet is so pretty, she says. "Elly opened up my style to pattern and color. I never thought I could have two burly boys in a house and still have this much beauty."



DANE TASHIMA; Styling: PAGE MULLINS The comfy outdoor living space features an antique hutch for storing throw pillows and party essentials.

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Read the original article on Southern Living.
We wish it was real too.

Adobe

McDonald's just proved to the world that we all love the scent of its delicious French fries. So much so that we're willing to spritz it on every day.

On March 6, McDonald's Japan shared an image on its X (formerly known as Twitter) account teasing what appeared to be a small line of perfumes that mimic the scent of its delicious French fries. According to Siliconera.com, the image showed a line of three fragrances: plum nori seaweed salt, garlic black pepper mayo seasoning, and one that will simply smell like salted McFries.

In the image, the McFries scent appeared in packaging that looks just like what you'd get your fries in at any McDonald's around the world, while the brand's other two scents come in packaging that looks like its Shaka Shaka Potatoes packaging. The Shaka Shaka Potatoes, Fresh Plaza explained, are well-known locally for coming with customizable seasonings, which customers put in the bag and shake to ensure an even flavor distribution. Several outlets were quick to jump on the news of McDonald's releasing a French fry scent, and social media fans were immediately going wild.

But, there's a catch. Sadly, none of this is real. As a spokesperson for McDonald's Japan shared with Food & Wine via email, "The image was posted as part of a promotion for the limited-time flavored fries product, and we would like people to enjoy the scent of fries and flavors. This perfume is not actually manufactured or sold.

But maybe, just maybe, all this attention will push McDonald's to make it a reality? After all, as of the time of this writing. the tweet has more than 21 million impressions and thousands of comments.

And, as Siliconera additionally pointed out, McDonald's Japan does indeed love to release limited merch to get its fans going. That includes its collaborations with Kirby and Pompompurin for a set of Happy Meal toys, a Spy x Family Happy Meal set, and its celebration of Hello Kittys 50th Anniversary.

Related: McDonald's Announces Anime-Themed 'Immersive Dining Experience'

Moreover, McDonald's wouldn't be the first fast food company to drop a custom fragrance. In 2023, KFC launched a fried chicken scent known as "Eau Duardo" in a package that resembled a drumstick. In 2012, Pizza Hut released a pizza scent simply titled "Pizza Hut Perfume" (beautiful in its simplicity, really) that came with "top notes of freshly baked, hand-tossed dough," and in 2015, Burger King Japan unveiled its scent called "Flame-Grilled Fragrance," which it promised smelled just like its famous Whopper, complete with toppings. The scent went live on April 1, but no, it was no joke, but it was only available for a single day.

Others have dabbled in similar pursuits, including Shake Shack, which released two scented candles in 2022 called "Burger In The Park" and "Shake & Fries." And even McDonald's U.S. released a candle pack back in 2020. The pack included a set of six custom scented candles in glass containers, inspired by Quarter Pounder ingredients: Bun, Ketchup, Pickle, Cheese, Onion, [and] 100-percent Fresh Beef that burger lovers can burn together for maximum deliciousness. One can only hope this new French fry scent becomes reality too, so we can wear it while lighting our burger-scented candles for a full experience. For now you'll just have to rub some French fries all over yourself to suffice.



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Read the original article on Food & Wine.
WAITSFIELD  The news last December for Lawsons Finest Liquids was unexpected: The Mad River Valley beer maker was named 2023 Craft Brewery of the Year by Brewbound, a nationally recognized craft-beer industry trade publication.

We didnt know this was coming, said the brewerys new CEO, Adeline Druart. We were shocked, surprised, excited.

Yet she and founding brewer Sean Lawson also knew they had set Lawsons Finest Liquids up for that kind of success. Druart noted that Brewbound bases its Brewery of the Year honor on factors including growth, innovation and a succession plan for future security, all things that Lawsons had been accomplishing in recent years.

Theyve been able to see all the growth, Druart said, noting that Lawsons experienced a double-digit increase in retail sales last year. Its great beer, the finest beer, but its also very impactful. Brewbound cited Lawsons major achievements for community, innovation, quality, and the expansion of its mission-led leadership team.

Adeline Druart, CEO of Lawson's Finest Liquids, and founding brewer Sean Lawson sit at the Waitsfield taproom Jan. 23, 2024.

The brewery is driven by values and purpose, according to Lawson. Since opening its spacious Waitsfield taproom in 2018, Lawsons has reached 100% of solar-powered operation. The company pays employees a livable wage plus benefits that Lawson said covers 90% of medical and dental costs.

That allows Lawsons to eschew tips for employees, so the company puts any extra money customers leave toward local charities. Lawsons has donated more than $2 million to 300-plus Vermont nonprofit organizations in the past five years, including $400,000 in 2023.

The national craft-beer scene has struggled since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with sales numbers yet to reach pre-pandemic levels. That impact has been felt in beer-intensive Vermont, where Collaborative Brewing, a Waitsfield-based competitor of Lawsons, closed two years ago. A once-heralded brewery in Morrisville, Lost Nation Brewing, paused making beer.

Druart noted that 15 years ago as craft brewing was taking off in Vermont, customers would line up outside the nearby Warren Store to purchase the latest specialty bottles from Lawsons Finest Liquids. That urgency has passed, she said, but Lawsons is trying to position itself to weather that change.

What were seeing today is like maturity, according to Druart. We have matured in our industry, so it is going through a cycle of rightsizing itself.

The Lawson's Finest Liquids taproom in Waitsfield on Jan. 23, 2024.

Taking the lead at Vermont Creamery

The gleaming, high-ceilinged, wood-and-glass taproom Lawson and Druart spoke from on a winters afternoon is miles  more figuratively than literally  from the brewerys beginning in 2008 in a cramped, dank outbuilding at Lawsons home a short drive away.

Riding the popularity of Lawsons signature India pale ale, Sip of Sunshine, and complex brews often featuring that other golden elixir Vermont is known for  maple  the brewery began to build a sizable audience of beer lovers and garner international attention for its creations. The taproom near the Big Picture Theater & Cafe in Waitsfield opened just over five years ago, reflecting the gradual, cautious but ultimately enormous growth Lawsons Finest Liquids experienced over the past decade.

The biggest move by the company since then came last September. Lawson and his wife, Karen Lawson, stepped back from their leadership roles so Druart could take charge as Lawsons Finest Liquids CEO.

A plate of 5th Quarter rillettes at the Lawson's Finest Liquids taproom in Waitsfield on Jan. 23, 2024.

Druart grew up in eastern France, near Switzerland, and attended a national dairy school to study cheesemaking. Despite her inability to speak English she wanted to move to the U.S. to pursue her career as a cheesemaker. She took an internship at Vermont Creamery and said she fell in love with Vermonts people, culture and food.

Druart worked her way up at Vermont Creamery, eventually becoming president at the socially conscious business. In 2017, she helped the company integrate with Land OLakes following its acquisition by the major dairy conglomerate.

After 20 years at Vermont Creamery, however, Druart wondered what was next.

A Mad River Maple ale at Lawson's Finest Liquids in Waitsfield on Jan. 23, 2024.

Science and craft come together

Druart attended a roundtable discussion of CEOs in Vermont where Lawson mentioned he was looking for a unicorn to succeed him  a business leader overseeing a world-class product at a company with a purpose-driven mentality to give back to the community that nurtures it. That was exactly the type of business Druart had hoped to move on to, but just as Lawson wasnt sure such a person existed, Druart said associates told her she wouldnt be able to find such a place in tiny Vermont.

The Lawsons, who had been looking for awhile to move on from their day-to-day operation of the brewery, interviewed what Sean Lawson called four talented candidates. Adeline, he said, was clearly the standout.

Lawson said Druarts philosophy aligned with what drives Lawsons. He said she has experience in leading a founder-run company that grows into something much larger, understands a business centered on consumer-package goods, and worked with a world-class product at a company with a reputation for an outstanding people culture.

While Druart helped transition Vermont Creamery to corporate ownership, Lawson anticipates no such move for his company. We built the business to thrive, he said, not to sell.

The move from a cheesemaker to a beer maker even keeps Druart in the field of fermentation. The science and craft, she said, comes together."

A Double Sunshine double India pale ale at the Lawson's Finest Liquids taproom in Waitsfield on Jan. 23, 2024.

Good culture of diversity

Druart is the rare yet increasingly common woman in leadership in the brewing world. The Vermont Brewers Association has three women  president Kara Pawlusiak of Simple Roots Brewing in Burlington; secretary Heather Kraemer of Kraemer & Kin in Alburgh; and treasurer Nina Hurley of Good Measure Pub & Brewery in Northfield  in its four executive positions. The Pink Boots Society, a professional organization that encourages women in the field of brewing, began a Vermont chapter in 2022 and this month brewed a double IPA called Brewtifully Bold in conjunction with Lawsons.

Just over half of the staff at Lawsons is female. We have a great culture of diversity, according to Druart.

She said only about 10% of the top 50 craft brewers in the U.S. have female CEOs. Druart values her new role for that reason and because it represents the socially driven way of doing business that Lawsons aims for.

If you want to be a brand that speaks to diversity, Druart said, you have to represent the consumer landscape that you want to talk to.

The brewery at Lawson's Finest Liquids in Waitsfield on Jan. 23, 2024.

Reaching a more diverse audience is part of Lawsons plan to thrive in the otherwise flat craft-brewing industry. Lawson said the growth of breweries has been immense  the number climbed from 1,500 when he began more than 15 years ago to more than 10,000  but the COVID-19 pandemic and increased popularity in canned spirits and flavored malt beverages competing for share of stomach has cut into that once-thriving craft-beer industry.

There are so many options that its overwhelming, according to Druart.

Last year, Lawsons began selling its flagship Sip of Sunshine IPA in 19.2-ounce cans and introduced a new IPA called Hazy Rays. Lawsons increased its distribution, and its products can be found in nine states. Druart said the company will continue to grow in areas where it belongs and not just chase shiny new innovation.

Druart said the company wants to make sure consumers know they are drinking good beer they can feel good about. Lawsons has a equity/inclusion/diversity board that continually reviews company policies. The brewery will continue to talk with customers about how Lawsons values align with their own  that the sustainability of a brewery completely powered by solar energy fits the lifestyles of many of those who drink Lawsons products.

We know who we are, Druart said. The brand is really strong since day one.

As the companys new CEO, Druart plans to make sure the brand stays strong as the craft-beer industry lurches into an uncertain era. She evoked the name of Lawsons signature brew in expressing her view of Lawsons as it heads into the future.

We are the sunshine story in a changing environment, Druart said.

Tuscan artichoke soup at the Lawson's Finest Liquids taproom in Waitsfield on Jan. 23, 2024.

If you go

WHAT: Lawsons Finest Liquids taproom/restaurant

WHEN: Noon-7 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; noon-8 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: 155 Carroll Road, Waitsfield

INFORMATION: (802) 496-4677 www.lawsonsfinest.com

Contact Brent Hallenbeck at bhallenbeck@freepressmedia.com.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Lawson's Finest Liquids in Waitsfield VT named brewery of the year
While visiting Seoul in 2023, food icon Gordon Ramsay spoke to Korean YouTuber Cho Seung-yeon about his food preferences and experiences exploring global cuisine. When asked about some of the locations with the best food in the world, Ramsay was quick to describe a trip to Laos' countryside. "The food was just off the charts," he gushed to Cho. Ramsay explained that traveling around the world to sample different kinds of foods challenges his palate, but Laos particularly sticks out in his mind.

Ramsay added that Vietnam was another food lover's paradise where he fell in love with the cuisine. "Such a humble approach to eating incredible food," he explained, before adding Madrid to his list of great food in unique destinations. In the interview with Cho, Ramsay encourages flavor-seeking travelers to get off the beaten paths and explore locations that aren't typically listed in the usual tourist guidebooks. For a chef who has bagged numerous awards and has made a significant mark in the culinary industry, Ramsay's suggestions are taken with heed.

Read more: 25 Most Popular Snacks In America Ranked Worst To Best

A Cuisine Bursting With Flavor

salad served in Laos - QQDesign/Shutterstock

Travelers visiting Laos will find themselves faced with salads made with papaya fruit and fresh greens, ample servings of sticky rice, and plenty of dishes packed with herbs and spices. Lovers of grilled fish and flavorful meats will be in heaven, and fans of all things chilies will be pleased to sample some of Laos' more well-known recipes like jaew bong, a flavorful dip made of hot peppers; and khao poon, a brothy soup packed with curry, pork or fish, and an assortment of vegetables.

Can't splurge on plane tickets to Laos? We got you. Whip up a sour and spicy batch of jeow som to slather on top of tonight's steak dinner, or use a bamboo steamer to make a hearty serving of sticky rice that can accompany your lunchtime mains or be turned into a sweet dessert with coconut milk and fresh slices of mangos. After a few bites of these flavorful recipes, you, too, will move this cuisine onto the list of your favorites.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (R) and Governor of Texas Greg Abbott (L) during a meeting at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, March 13, 2024.

Britains Conservative government said Wednesday that the party does not plan to give back 10 million pounds ($12.8 million) it received in the past year from a donor who made comments about a Black lawmaker that have been condemned as racist.

The government is under pressure from some of its own lawmakers to return the donation from business executive Frank Hester. He reportedly said in a 2019 company meeting that Diane Abbott, Britains longest-serving Black legislator, made him want to hate all Black women and that she should be shot.

Hester, chief executive of healthcare software firm The Phoenix Partnership, was the Conservative Partys biggest donor in 2023. His company has been paid more than 400 million pounds ($510 million) by the National Health Service and other government bodies since 2016.

After the comments were published by The Guardian newspaper, Hester acknowledged that hed been rude about Diane Abbott but denied being racist. In a statement on social media, he said racism is a poison that has no place in public life.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak initially criticized Hesters comments  first reported Monday  as unacceptable, but it was almost 24 hours before the prime ministers spokesman labeled the remarks racist.

Sunak told lawmakers in the House of Commons on Wednesday that the alleged comments were wrong, they were racist. He added that Hester had rightly apologized for them, and that remorse should be accepted.

Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake told broadcasters that the Tories would not give back the money Hester had given to the party. He told Sky News that clearly the comments were racist, but that it was right to keep the donation because Hester is not a racist, and he has apologized for what he said.

Asked by the BBC whether the party would take more money from Hester, Hollinrake said: As I now understand the situation, yes.

But Andy Street, the Conservative mayor of Englands West Midlands region, told BBC radio that if it were up to him, I would think about the company I kept and I would give that money back.

Nus Ghani, a senior Conservative lawmaker and junior business minister, said on social media: Zero tolerance on racism is just a slogan in todays politics.

Opposition politicians lambasted Sunak over Hesters remarks during Prime Ministers Questions in Parliament Wednesday.

Is the prime minister proud to be bankrolled by someone using racist and misogynist language? asked Labour Party leader Keir Starmer.

Scottish National Party lawmaker Stephen Flynn accused Sunak of putting money before morals.

Britains political parties are trying to build up funds for election campaigns later this year. Figures from the Electoral Commission show the Conservatives received 9.8 million pounds ($12.5 million) from individual and corporate donors in the final three months of 2023, and the main opposition Labour Party 6 million pounds ($7.7 million).

Hester and his company gave the Conservatives 10 million pounds in 2023, the Electoral Commission said. The party received a donation of the same size as a bequest from the late supermarket tycoon John Sainsbury, who died in 2022.

Parliamentary records show Hesters firm also loaned Sunak a helicopter to use for a trip in December, at a value of 15,900 pounds ($20,000).

The Guardian published further alleged remarks by Hester on Wednesday. It said hed told a crowded staff meeting that Indian employees could sit on the roof of a nearby train if there wasnt enough room.

Sunak defended taking money from Hester, saying ultimately he has been donating to the most diverse Cabinet in history, led by the first non-white prime minister.

Abbott, 70, was elected to the House of Commons in 1987 representing an area of east London, becoming Britains first Black woman member of Parliament. She sits as an independent after being kicked out of the Labour Party caucus last year for comments that suggested Jewish and Irish people do not experience racism all their lives.

She called Hesters comments frightening, especially since two British lawmakers have been murdered since 2016. The government said last month it would step up politicians security because of rising tensions over the Israel-Hamas war.

Police in London said they were assessing the matter after their parliamentary liaison and investigation team was contacted about The Guardians initial report.

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An explosion at a Southern California FBI training facility Wednesday injured 16 sheriff's department Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team members, authorities said.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) SWAT team was conducting its annual joint exercise with the agency's bomb squad at the Jerry Crowe Regional Tactical Training Facility, which is operated by the FBI, in Irvine, OCSD Sgt. Frank Gonzalez told Fox News Digital.

POLICE FATALLY SHOOT SUSPECT NEAR LAS VEGAS, FIND 3 DEAD WOMEN AT SCENE

The explosion occurred indoors just before 1 p.m., he said, and the blast injured 16 SWAT team members.

Authorities gather Wednesday at an FBI training facility in Irvine, Calif., where an explosion injured SWAT team members of the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

One member sustained a leg injury which required surgery but was non-life-threatening, Gonzalez said. Another person sustained an injury to his back and another to the leg, but did not require surgery, Gonzalez added.

Another 13 people were taken to local hospitals after complaints of dizziness and ringing in their ears.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Of the 13, many were treated and released, Gonzalez said. The events leading up to the explosion were unclear. The cause of the blast is still under investigation.

The FBI was not involved in the incident, Gonzalez said.





Original article source: 16 sheriff SWAT team members injured from explosion at Southern California FBI training facility
An explosion at a police training facility during an exercise sent 16 SWAT officers to hospitals, California sheriffs officials reported.

The blast took place Wednesday, March 13, at the FBI Special Agent Jerry Crowe Regional Tactical Training Facility in Irvine, the Orange County Sheriffs Department said in a news release.

An explosion occurred during a joint exercise with the departments bomb squad, officials said.

Ambulances took 15 SWAT officers to hospitals and one drove himself to a hospital, officials said.

One officer suffered leg injuries requiring surgery, and two others had superficial leg and back injuries, officials said. The other 13 reported dizziness and ringing in their ears.

Authorities told KTLA some kind of canister exploded during the exercise.

The device was part of the training. As far as what they were doing when it happened, that I dont know, Sgt. Frank Gonzalez told KCAL.

The explosion took place around 1 p.m., the station reported.

The blast remains under investigation by the FBI and sheriffs office, officials said.

Irvine is about a 40-mile drive southeast of downtown Los Angeles.

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Police are investigating a homicide after an 18-year-old was killed in a daylight shooting in Fall River Thursday morning.

Officers responded to the area of Rock Street and Franklin Street around 11:40 a.m. after receiving reports of gunshots, the Bristol County District Attorneys office says. Responding officers found 18-year-old Colus Jamal Mills-Good, of Fall River, suffering from gunshot wounds.

Mills-Good was treated at the scene before being transported to Saint Lukes Hospital in New Bedford, where he succumbed to his injuries, the DAs office says.

The investigation into the homicide is extremely active and no further information about the facts of the probe can be disseminated at this time, the Bristol County DAs office said in statement. If and when arrests are made, this office will send out a follow up media announcement.

The Department has activated post crime impact teams, who will remain in the immediate area for the next several days, Fall River Police stated. We have requested that our partners from the Massachusetts State mPolice Community Action Team expend some resources in the area as well.

Anyone with information about the deadly shooting is asked to contact the Fall River Police at 508-324-2796. Anonymous tips can also be provided by calling 508-672-TIPS (8477).

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  Two men have been arrested for a burglary in Buffalo, while one was charged for a string of burglaries throughout this year, the Buffalo Police Department said Thursday.

The arrests were made on March 7 during a burglary on the 2100 block of South Park Avenue, where one suspect was found on the roof and another was found in the basement. Damage on site was estimated around $15,000.

26-year-old Drayton Hall and 27-year-old Walter Dixon, both of Buffalo, are charged with the following:

third-degree burglary, one count

second-degree criminal mischief, four counts

fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, one count

possession of burglars tools, one count

third-degree criminal trespassing, one count

In addition, Dixon was charged in connection to three additional burglaries. The first was at a convenience store on Jefferson Avenue on Jan. 14, the second at a restaurant on Abbott Road on Feb. 11, and the third at a restaurant on Hertel Avenue on Feb. 28.

For those, Dixon is charged with the following:

third-degree burglary, three counts

third-degree grand larceny, one count

fourth-degree grand larceny, one count

third-degree criminal mischief, two counts

fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, three counts

fourth-degree criminal mischief, one count

petit larceny

The investigation is ongoing, police said.

Latest Local News

Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Two Charlotte residents who authorities said were members of a drug trafficking organization have been sentenced for trafficking large amounts of cocaine.

According to the U.S. attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, Carlos Hernandez Landeiro, 33, and Holly Christine Furlough, 31, both of Charlotte, were each sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release.

A third person in this case, identified as Dante Rashaun Ramseur, 44, of Hickory, was previously sentenced to 121 months in prison followed by six years of supervised release, officials said.

MORE FROM QUEEN CITY NEWS

Crime & Public Safety

According to court documents, authorities determined that Ramseur was distributing large quantities of cocaine in the Hickory area. Investigators determined that the cocaine was supplied to Ramseur by Landeiro and Furlough. In February 2023, authorities said Landeiro and Furlough tried to deliver cocaine to Ramseur, which he then intended to sell to an undercover officer.

Later that day, law enforcement said they executed a search warrant at Landeiro and Furloughs home. During the search, law enforcement said they seized 26 kilograms of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, a money counter, and more than $120,000 in cash.

In September 2023, Landeiro and Furlough pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine near a school. Both are in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Joe Kent, center, speaks during a rally for Jan. 6 defendants on Sept. 18, 2021. He unseated a more moderate Republican in the 2022 primary, and then narrowly lost the general election. Nathan Howard/Associated Press

Two federally convicted participants in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol contributed to the congressional campaigns of Republican Joe Kent, a Donald Trump loyalist who has indulged in conspiracy theories about the attack that day and suggested most of the imprisoned rioters deserve pardons.

Last June, David Charles Rhine, an accounting firm owner from Bremerton, Washington, contributed $250 to Kents 2024 congressional campaign, as well as $375 to a joint fundraising committee that Kent runs with Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.). He had previously given $250 to Kent in 2021, when Kent first ran for Congress unsuccessfully.

That donation followed the Department of Justices conviction of Rhine in April on four misdemeanor charges related to his conduct at the riot. Those charges were: entering or remaining in a restricted federal building; disorderly conduct in a restricted federal building; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building; and demonstrating in a Capitol building. Rhine, who was carrying two pocketknives and pepper spray when he entered the Capitol, was sentenced to four months in prison in September.

In addition, Alexander Sheppard, a resident of Powell, Ohio, just outside Columbus, contributed $500 to Kent in February 2022. The DOJ convicted Sheppard, one of the first rioters to enter the Capitol, on five criminal counts in January 2023, including a felony for obstructing an official proceeding. In September, Sheppard was sentenced to 19 months in prison.

Sheppard entered the Capitol through a smashed window, crossed multiple police lines aimed at stopping the mobs advance, and yelled at officers guarding the speakers lobby just outside the House chamber, according to the DOJ. Im here with some goddamn heroes, and we just shut down Congress! he recorded himself saying in a video at the time. They called an emergency session, they said were too scared, theyve shut down Congress. Lets fucking go!

Three days later, according to the DOJ, Sheppard wrote a message about the then vice president on social media, saying that [w]e shouldnt hang Mike Pence. Firing squad!

In late January, HuffPost reported that during the 2022 election cycle, Kent had received $8,600 in donations from Carlos Ayala, an alleged Jan. 6 rioter. His campaign told HuffPost that it would not return Ayalas donations, because Kent respected his right to due process. Mr. Ayala is innocent until proven guilty, said Erin Van Natta, a Kent campaign spokesperson.

Sheppard and Rhine, however, have been convicted in federal court. Kents campaign did not immediately reply when asked Thursday whether he would return the donations.

Kent, a veteran of the U.S. Special Forces, is trying to unseat Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D), who defeated him in the 2022 general election in Washington states 3rd Congressional District.

Gluesenkamp Perez has already begun making an issue of Kents ties to the right-wing fringe of the Make America Great Again, or MAGA, movement.

Like the members of the January 6 mob, Joe Kent is an angry, dangerous man who only believes in democracy if his side wins, Gluesenkamp Perez told HuffPost in a statement Thursday.

Kent has endorsed many of the election-denying conspiracy theories promoted by Trump. He has insisted that the 2020 election was rigged and stolen,embraced the unfounded notion that the FBI orchestrated the Capitol riot, and promoted Trumps 2024 presidential run as a way to ensure pardons for an untold number of Jan. 6 defendants he sees as unfairly accused.

In the 2022 Republican primary in the 3rd Congressional District, Kent unseated then-Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, one of just 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump after the Jan. 6 attack. Trump had carried the 3rd District, which encompasses southwestern Washington state, by 4 percentage points in 2020. But thanks in part to the support of moderate Republicans, Gluesenkamp Perez, an auto repair shop owner, defeated Kent in the 2022 general election by less than 1 percentage point.

Kent has two Republican competitors in the August primary: Leslie Lewallen, a Camas city councilor, and Leslie Nick French of Camas. As of the end of 2023, Kent was the far-and-away fundraising leader.
PAROWAN, Utah (ABC4)  Two hikers were rescued at Valentine Peak Wednesday after being found hundreds of feet off the trail in steep terrain.

At approximately 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, Iron County Search and Rescue responded to the trail to search for the hikers, the SAR team said. An Iron County Sheriffs deputy was reportedly at the scene first and immediately started hiking to the hikers last known GPS location.

READ NEXT: $5M worth of meth, fentanyl seized after Iron Co. deputies check on stopped car

SAR arrived shortly after and began their ascent up the trail, SAR said. Meanwhile, the deputy reportedly found the hikers, located approximately 400 feet off the trail in steep terrain.

They were cold, wet, and not prepared for the changing weather conditions, Iron County SAR said on social media.

Courtesy Iron County Search and Rescue

Courtesy Iron County Search and Rescue

Courtesy Iron County Search and Rescue

Courtesy Iron County Search and Rescue

Courtesy Iron County Search and Rescue

Courtesy Iron County Search and Rescue

Courtesy Iron County Search and Rescue

The deputy said he provided the female hiker with an emergency blanket and the male hiker with a coat.

SAR were able to assess the location of the hikers and deputy, and found a route off the trail with somewhat level terrain to reach them. Once they got to the hikers, SAR said they provided them with dry clothing, hand and feet warmers, and gloves. The female hikers socks were drenched, and her feet were painfully cold, SAR said.

SAR removed the womans shoes and socks, warmed her feet, gave her dry socks, and wrapped them in plastic to ensure they remained dry during their descent. They all arrived back safely, SAR said.

We want to remind everyone of the importance to have proper gear if you plan to recreate, especially during this time of year. The valley temps may be mild but when you get into the higher elevations, the weather can drastically change, SAR said. Were thankful the hikers called us sooner rather than later, so we could get them warmed and down before it got dark and much colder.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
ATHENS, WV (WVNS)  The 2024 West Virginia Academic Showdown will be hosted by Concord University.

The competition will be at Concord University from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2024.

Concord University Esports to take flight in competition against Air Force Gaming

Concord is looking forward to welcoming some of the most accomplished students in West Virginia in the subject areas of math, history, sports, fine arts and more this weekend. We are proud to be one of the higher education institutions hosting this years Academic Showdown in partnership with the West Virginia Department of Education, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, West Virginia Public Broadcasting, and the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and History. We are appreciative of the support we have received to host this challenging and fun event that will test West Virginia students knowledge. Kendra Boggess | Concord University President

Concord University enters MOU agreement with Level-Up Program for high school students

The West Virginia Academic Showdown was created in 2022 as a way for high school students in the state to participate in regional matchups in a head-to-head competition. The competition allows the students to demonstrate their academic abilities that include determination and hard work.

The event has grown since its creation, and more teams, including more local teams, will be seen in 2024 than previous years.

More information about the 2024 West Virginia Academic Showdown can be found by contacting Lora Woolwine, Executive Assistant to the President, by email lwoolwine@concord.edu. or by phone at 304-384-5224.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
FILE - Chow Hang-tung, vice chairperson of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, speaks during a news conference in Hong Kong on Sept. 5, 2021. Three former organizers, including Chow, of Hong Kongs annual vigil in remembrance of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown on pro-democracy protests lost their bid to overturn their conviction Thursday, March 14, 2024, over their refusal to provide authorities with information on the group under a national security law.(AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File)

HONG KONG (AP)  Three former organizers of Hong Kongs annual vigil in remembrance of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown on pro-democracy protests lost their bid to overturn their conviction Thursday over their refusal to provide authorities with information on the group under a national security law.

Chow Hang-tung, Tang Ngok-kwan and Tsui Hon-kwong were core members of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China before it disbanded under the shadow of the Beijing-imposed law in 2021. They received a sentence of 4 1/2 months last year  widely seen as part of a crackdown on dissidents following massive pro-democracy protests in 2019.

The alliance was long known for organizing candlelight vigils in the city on the anniversary of the Chinese militarys crushing of the 1989 protests in Beijing. Critics said its shutdown reflected that civil liberties were shrinking despite promises they would be kept intact when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

Before the group dissolved, police had sought details about its operations and finances in connection with alleged links to pro-democracy groups overseas. Police accused the group of being a foreign agent. But the group refused to cooperate, arguing police were arbitrarily labelling pro-democracy organizations as foreign agents.

Judge Anna Lai at the Court of First Instance dismissed their appeal Thursday, saying she was satisfied that there was ample evidence to support the convictions.

Last December, their lawyer argued in an appeal hearing that the activists were denied a fair trial because they had not been shown the full evidence that suggested the group was a foreign agent.

During previous legal proceedings at the lower court, some crucial details, including the names of groups that were alleged to have links with the alliance, were redacted. The court ordered a partial redaction of some information after prosecutors argued that a full disclosure would jeopardize an ongoing probe into national security cases.

After reading the unredacted materials, Lai said the omission was done properly. Their non-disclosure would not have caused any unfairness to the appellants, she wrote in her ruling.

She added the prosecution was not required to prove that the alliance was a foreign agent in this case.

Under the security laws implementation rules, the police chief can request a range of information from a foreign agent.

Chow and two other former alliance leaders, Lee Cheuk-yan and Albert Ho, were charged with subversion in a separate case under the sweeping law in 2021. It was still unclear when their trial would begin.

The annual vigil organized by the alliance at Hong Kong's Victoria Park was the only large-scale public commemoration of the June 4 crackdown on Chinese soil for decades. It was attended by thousands each year until authorities banned it in 2020, citing anti-pandemic measures.

After the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions last year, the park was occupied instead by a carnival organized by pro-Beijing groups to celebrate Hong Kongs handover in 1997. Those who tried to commemorate the event near the site were detained. Many others marked the day in private ways under the chilling effect brought by the tough law.

__

This story has been correct that the ruling was made by the Court of First Instance, not the Court of Appeal.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Three people were reportedly shot in the Cherokee neighborhood Thursday afternoon.

Memphis Police responded to a home on Amarillo Street near Sharpe Avenue just before 4 p.m. Thursday.

According to police, a woman and two men were shot. Both men went to the hospital in critical condition, while the woman went in non-critical condition.







Memphis Police have not released information on the possible suspect.

If you have any information on this shooting, call CrimeStoppers at (901) 528-CASH.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Tensions are rising between Argentina and Venezuela. Javier Mileis government announced diplomatic proceedings against Nicolas Maduros government after he closed Venezuelan airspace to Argentine planes. The decision came three days after the United States completed the seizure of a Venezuelan plane held in Buenos Aires since June 2022. The Boeing 747-300 belonged to a U.S.-sanctioned Venezuelan company. The crew, suspected of ties to Iran, was detained in Argentina in 2022 but later released.

The conflict between the two countries started nearly two years ago when the plane landed in Argentina after a stop in Venezuela. The plane was carrying auto parts from Mexico and was grounded in Buenos Aires by an Argentine court, preventing the 19 Venezuelan and Iranian citizens aboard from leaving the country while they were under investigation. The aircraft previously belonged to the Iranian company Mahan Air but had been sold to Emtrasur, a subsidiary of the Venezuelan airline Conviasa. Both companies had been sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury for allegedly supporting terrorist groups.

The transfer between two U.S.-sanctioned companies raised suspicions in Washington, who alleged a violation of U.S. Department of Commerce rules regarding aircraft sales. Argentina complied with a confiscation order, leading to the planes grounding. The crew was released after an Argentine judge found insufficient evidence to charge them. Maduro subsequently criticized former President Alberto Fernandez, whom he once considered an ally, causing a political stir in Argentina.

After nearly two years on the ground, the plane was moved from Buenos Aires to the United States in February as part of a judicial cooperation agreement. Prior to its departure, a Venezuelan diplomat in Buenos Aires raised Argentinas hackles by breaching security at Ezeiza International Airport to photograph the Boeing 747-300. The diplomat was declared persona non grata and left Argentina within 48 hours, as reported by the Efe news agency.

They stole our plane... Milei the bandit stole the plane from Venezuela, Maduro said in a televised statement about the Argentine president. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said that Argentina had committed an act of piracy and theft against his country, posting on X that Venezuela exerts full sovereignty of its airspace, and repeats that no aircraft, coming from or going to Argentina, may fly over our territory, until our company is duly compensated for the damage caused.

Sources from the Argentine Foreign Ministry told EL PAIS that the ministry learned on March 4 that the Venezuelan aeronautical authority had restricted Aerolineas Argentinas from flying over the Maiquetia region in northern Venezuela. The restriction was initially set for February 8-10, but has remained in place since February 13. Our sources said this action by the Maduro government was an unjustified, unilateral coercive measure, and retaliation against a court decision that has nothing to do with the Milei administration.

On March 12, the Argentine government said it had initiated diplomatic proceedings against Venezuela without giving more details. Authorities have not publicly explained these actions, but Foreign Ministry sources confirmed that on March 8, Argentina formally protested Venezuelas decision to suspend overflight permits for Argentine airlines in Venezuelan airspace. Presidential Spokesman Manuel Adorni simply said, Argentina wont be extorted by friends of terrorism.

The Argentine Foreign Ministry has not responded to our questions on this issue and Adorni offered no more details in his daily briefing on March 13. Adorni later responded to the Maduro regime, which called Argentina a neo-Nazi government: What can you expect from a donkey other than a kick? The truth is that from a government of dictators the only thing you can expect are questions that do not even deserve an answer... It saddens us that the Venezuelan people have been governed by these madmen for such a long time.

The Argentine government also said that Venezuelas decision has a very high economic cost for passengers because it will add thousands of dollars to ticket prices. The decision primarily affects Aerolineas Argentinas routes to and from New York, Miami and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. But the airline estimated that only minimal route changes will be needed, with a slight increase in fuel consumption.

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Stockbridge police say three young men found with gunshot wounds outside a shopping center were shooting at each other.

Officers were called to the Mays Corner shopping center on North Henry Boulevard around 9 p.m. Wednesday. When they arrived, they found two men with gunshot wounds inside a red Pontiac in the middle of the parking lot.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Police say a third man, also shot, ran from the scene, crossed over Highway 138 and walked into a Popeyes restaurant, where he called for help.

Investigators have not confirmed how the men are all connected, but say they were shooting at each other and that the public is not in danger.

Police returned to the scene Thursday to collect more evidence. They plan to review surveillance video from the parking lot to determine what led to the gunfire.

The three men were rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital where theyre being watched closely by officers, police said in a news release. All victims were described as alert.

TRENDING STORIES:

Cedric and Tracy Davis live nearby and shop in the plaza often. The violence has them worried about their family.

Its kind of not surprising because things are building up around here, Cedric said. And not everybody that you want in the neighborhood is coming to the neighborhood now.

It really makes me want to move out of the area, honestly speaking, Tracy said. Weve been thinking about it for a while now  moving out.

The shopping center is anchored by a Dollar General store and other businesses. They were all open on Thursday.

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IN OTHER NEWS
A third man has been arrested after law enforcement officers were shot at last year, Allegheny County police announced.

The shooting took place on Feb. 27, 2023, at 1:45 p.m.

PHOTOS: Heavy police response in Stowe Township after 2 attorney general agent cars shot at

Two attorney generals agents and a local police officer were shot at before the suspect vehicle fled. No one was hurt in the shooting.

>> 2 attorney general agents, local police officer shot at in Stowe Township

The vehicle was found hours later in Mount Washington.

Jarrell Saunders, 39, was arrested on Thursday in McKeesport. He is charged with arson, receiving stolen property and carrying a firearm without a license.

Saunders is the third suspect to be arrested.

>> Man accused of shooting at attorney general agents arrested after SWAT situation in Penn Hills

Eric Durah Jr., 25, was arrested during a SWAT situation on March 16, 2023, and Bruce Harvard, 24, was arrested on Feb. 27, 2024.

>> 2nd man charged after law enforcement officers shot at in Stowe Township

All three suspects are in the Allegheny County Jail.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

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Jaromir Jagr bobbleheads for Penguins promotion stolen; team offering contingency plan Neighbors work together to free deer from plastic jug stuck on its head Project to connect 3 Pittsburgh neighborhoods getting underway VIDEO: Downed wires cause major delays on Pennsylvania Turnpike near Monroeville ago DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
Sahra Wagenknecht, non-attached member and Federal Chair of the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), gives a press statement in the Paul Loebe Building. A data leak at the recently formed German political party Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) has given unauthorized people access to information on thousands of donors and subscribers to a newsletter. Carsten Koall/dpa

A data leak at the recently formed German political party Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) has given unauthorized people access to information on thousands of donors and subscribers to a newsletter.

A party spokeswoman confirmed a corresponding report by Der Spiegel news magazine on Thursday.

According to the report, up to 35,000 people are affected, including 5,000 donors with email addresses and amounts and 30,000 newsletter subscribers with their email addresses.

The spokeswoman said that these are contact people of the BSW, which was founded in October as an alliance by Sahra Wagenknecht, former doyenne of the hard left in Germany.

According to the current state of knowledge, the donor data of the BSW, which officially became a political party in January, are not affected.

The public prosecutor's office and the responsible data protection authority were informed immediately, the spokeswoman said.

The organization has also contacted its service providers and had security measures reviewed, she added.

Der Spiegel referred to a list that the magazine itself obtained. It records payments from donors to the BSW that were entered on a form on the BSW website up to January 13. It includes names, email addresses and details of whether the donation was more or less than 500 ($547). In the case of donations below this limit, exact amounts were also usually noted.

The party spokeswoman clarified that no further personal data were noted on the file available to Der Spiegel, including bank account details.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, the highest ranking Jewish member of the U.S. government, delivered an extraordinary speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate on Thursday that criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus handling of the war in Gaza and called for new elections in Israel.

Republicans in the United States and leaders in Israel swiftly denounced his remarks.

It is highly inappropriate and simply wrong for Senator Schumer to be calling for new elections in Israel, House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell concurred. It is grotesque and hypocritical for Americans who hyperventilate about foreign interference in our own democracy to call for the removal of a democratically elected leader of Israel. This is unprecedented, he said in his own statement.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. (Mariam Zuhaib/AP)

But many Democrats who have been calling on President Biden to pressure Netanyahu to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza, applauded Schumers remarks.

"This is a gutsy, historic speech from Leader Schumer. I know he didn't arrive at this conclusion casually or painlessly," Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii wrote in a message posted on X.

Schumer, long one of Israels staunchest supporters in Congress, placed blame on Hamas for starting the war with its Oct. 7 attack on Israel that killed nearly 1,200 people. But Schumer also echoed many within his party in describing Israels retaliation, which has left more than 30,000 Palestinians dead, as disproportionate.

Here are 5 key lines from Schumers speech:

Netanyahu has lost his way

While taking pains to note that he has had a long relationship with Netanyahu and that he respects his devotion to Israel, Schumer added that the prime minister has lost his way by allowing his political survival to take precedence over the best interests of Israel."

Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah

Many Democrats have expressed the widely held global view that Israel needs to be more mindful of civilian casualties as it battles Hamas militants in Gaza. On Thursday, Schumer said that sentiment was itself a threat to Israels existence.

He has been too willing to tolerate the civilian toll in Gaza, which is pushing support for Israel worldwide to historic lows. Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah, he said.

Calls for a new election

While Israel normally holds elections every four years, under the rules of its parliamentary democracy, new elections can be called when a simple majority in the Knesset, its governing legislature, dissolves itself and calls for new ones to be held.

Schumer said Thursday that the time had come for such a move.

"At this critical juncture, I believe a new election is the only way to allow for a healthy and open decision-making process about the future of Israel, at a time when so many Israelis have lost their confidence in the vision and direction of their government," Schumer said, adding that the timing of a new election should take place once the war starts to wind down.

Reiterates call for a two-state solution

"The only real and sustainable solution to this decades-old conflict is a negotiated two-state solution  a demilitarized Palestinian state living side-by-side with Israel in equal measures of peace, security, prosperity, dignity and mutual recognition," he said.

Schumer added that the U.S. should demand that its support for Israel be linked to a commitment to a future Palestinian state.

We should not be forced into a position of unequivocally supporting the actions of an Israeli government that includes bigots who reject the idea of a Palestinian state, he said.

Palestinian Authority President Abbas must step down

Schumer also said in his speech that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who leads Palestinians in the West Bank, needed to be replaced by someone younger.

"For there to be any hope of peace in the future, Abbas must step down and be replaced by a new generation of Palestinian leaders who will work towards attaining peace with a Jewish State, Schumer said.

In fact, Abbas made a gesture in that direction on Thursday, naming Mohammad Mustafa as his successor.
5 things to know about the potential TikTok ban

The House voted overwhelmingly in favor of legislation Wednesday that could potentially ban TikTok in the U.S.

If enacted, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act would force ByteDance, TikToks China-based parent company, to sell the app or be banned from U.S. app stores and web hosting services.

Here are five things to know about the potential TikTok ban:

TikTok is not yet banned

While the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act easily passed the House in a 352-65 vote, there are several more steps that would need to occur for the popular app to face a ban.

The bill needs to pass the Senate

The TikTok bill still needs to pass the Senate, where it faces greater resistance despite growing pressure on the chamber to take up the legislation.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Wednesday the Senate will review the legislation when it comes over from the House but did not commit to a course of action.

The top members of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Sens. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), touted the strong bipartisan vote in the House and said they look forward to working together to get this bill passed through the Senate and signed into law.

However, several of their colleagues from both sides of the aisle have voiced opposition or hesitation.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) described the bill as a draconian measure that stifles free expression, tramples constitutional rights, and disrupts the economic pursuits of millions of Americans, while Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) argued that privacy issues exist beyond TikTok.

We dont have only a TikTok problemwe have a Big Tech privacy problem, Markey said on X, formerly known as Twitter. From Meta to Amazon to Discord, US-owned companies are preying on children & teens for profit. We dont need to ban TikTok to fix their invasive practices.

He instead urged the Senate to take up his bipartisan update to the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act.

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) also appeared hesitant Wednesday, noting the potential political drawbacks of passing a bill that could ban TikTok.

Successful politics is addition and multiplication, and cutting out a large group of young voters is not the best-known strategy for reelection, Durbin said.

Biden has said he would sign the bill

If the bill passes the Senate, President Biden has said he would sign it into law.

After the successful vote in the House on Wednesday, the White House said it was glad to see this bill move forward and urged the Senate to take swift action.

As we have said  this bill is important, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters aboard Air Force One.

We welcome ongoing efforts to address the threat posed by certain technology services operating in the United States that put at risk Americans personal information and broader national security, including through the manipulation by foreign powers of Americans views and beliefs, she added.

ByteDance would have roughly five months to sell TikTok before a ban takes place

Even if the bill is signed into law, TikTok would not be banned immediately.

The apps China-based parent company ByteDance would have more than five months  165 days  to divest from TikTok before facing a ban from U.S. app stores and web hosting services.

Former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Thursday that he is putting together a group to buy TikTok. Mnuchin served under former President Trump, who unsuccessfully attempted to force the sale of the app using an executive order in 2020.

I think the legislation should pass, and I think it should be sold, Mnuchin said on CNBCs Squawk Box, adding, Its a great business, and Im going to put together a group to buy TikTok.

A ban may face court challenges

The potential TikTok ban may also face court challenges, like those that bogged down Trumps attempt to force ByteDance to divest from the app.

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), who was one of the 65 House lawmakers to vote against the legislation Wednesday, suggested that it was likely to be struck down in court over First Amendment concerns.

There are two key principles why the courts would strike this down if the Senate took this up, Khanna told MSNBC. Its not the least restrictive measure of protecting peoples data and privacy.

You could pass an Internet Bill of Rights. You could do things like a financial penalty. A ban is extreme, and you have to have the least restrictive means, he continued.

Secondly, you need, under the Supreme Court, an alternative means of communication, Khanna added. It is very hard to reach TikToks almost billion users, particularly international users, for Americans, and I dont think the court would think that there are alternative means of communication here.

Several free speech and civil liberties groups, such as the American Civil Liberties Union, the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, have similarly expressed concerns that the bill would violate the First Amendment.

Rebecca Klar contributed

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The City of Austin said it continued making progress for those experiencing homelessness in Austin through the Housing-focused Encampment Assistance Link (HEAL) Initiative.

The city said it has provided shelter and social services to 43 people at the Northbridge and Southbridge shelters, and seven other people were also currently receiving assistance at the Marshalling Yard Emergency Shelter.

According to the city, it recently launched its 18th HEAL Initiative effort since its approval in February 2021. So far, the city said the initiative has focused on areas near the East Cesar Chavez Street corridor between U.S. Interstate 35 and North Pleasant Valley Road.

HEAL Initiatives close homeless encampments that pose the highest public health and safety risks, the city said. The HEAL Initiative is one element of the Citys broader effort to address homelessness and return public spaces to their intended uses. Since HEAL began in June of 2021, 737 individuals have moved from high-risk encampments to the Citys bridge shelters.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
A Rock Hill man will spend most of the next two decades in prison after a York County trial jury convicted him of a sexual assault on a disabled girl.

York County Judge Dan Hall sentenced Xavier Lamar Holbrooks, 55, to the maximum of 20 years without parole allowed for second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor. South Carolina law requires Holbrooks must serve at least 85 percent of the 20-year sentence, or 17 years, before he is eligible for release.

The trial at the Moss Justice Center in York started Tuesday and ended late Wednesday after the jury deliberated more than two hours. DNA played a key role in the case because testimony wasnt allowed from the victim.

Prosecutors: Vulnerable victim not competent to testify

The victim was 13 years old at the time of the 2021 assault, said prosecutor Misti Shelton, 16th Circuit assistant deputy solicitor. She has severe intellectual disabilities, Shelton said.

We felt very strongly about pursuing a conviction after knowing how vulnerable she was, Shelton said after court. This conviction brings justice to one of the most vulnerable victims I have ever encountered.

Shelton and assistant solicitor Landon Finnie were able to get a conviction against Holbrooks despite not being able to use testimony from the victim because the judge ruled before the trial started the victim was not competent to testify.

The Herald does not identify victims of sexual crimes. Shelton said trial testimony showed Holbrooks knew the victims family.

DNA makes the case

Without a victim able to testify, prosecutors used DNA evidence to make the case. Testimony from DNA experts from the State Law Enforcement Division showed Holbrooks was a contributor to the DNA found on the victim, Shelton said.

Trial testimony showed the chain of DNA evidence collected after the incident in 2021 through the DNA testing that linked Holbrooks, Shelton said.

Holbrooks denied the charges and went to trial as is his right under the law. He did not testify.

Efforts to reach Holbrooks lawyers from the 16th Circuit Public Defenders Office for comment about the verdict and sentence were unsuccessful Thursday.

Holbrooks has 10 days to appeal the conviction and sentence.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  SmokeSlam, the new barbecue cooking contest coming to Tom Lee Park from May 16-18, has confirmed a total of 59 teams are set to compete.

Mempho Presents made the announcement on Wednesday. The registered teams range from 11 states, some are as far as Wisconsin and Arizona.

SmokeSlam: New Tom Lee Park barbecue contest name revealed

Thirty-nine teams will compete in all three categories, including whole hog, ribs, and pulled pork.

There will be 33 teams competing in the whole hog contest, 46 in pulled pork, and 56 in ribs.

In addition to the SmokeSlam BBQ festival, the World Jr. BBQ League will host a youth BBQ competition and award $25,000 in prizes.

I cant wait to see what these young pit masters cook up this May, said Melissa Cookston, Founder of World Junior BBQ League.

Only individuals who are members of WJBL and between the ages of 14 and 18 or currently enrolled in high school may participate in the WJBL competition at SmokeSlam. More information can be found here.

SmokeSlam organizers say the idea behind the festivasl was that it could be a place for the whole family to enjoy a day or weekend of food, fun, activities, and interactive demonstrations.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
GULF SHORES, Ala. (WKRG)  A handful of little dogs are now safe and being cared for.

Super sweet, super loving they come right up to strangers, Angela Eib with Angies Dog House said.

How Mayor Sandy Stimpson took cues from Taylor Swift to tease Mobile Civic Center demolition

Over the weekend, six dogs were found near the Pine Beach Trail Head on Fort Morgan Road darting in and out of traffic.

Werent really sure if they ran off from somebodys backyard through a gate or fence, Carl Wittstruck with Gulf Shores Police said. They were somehow related.

After a search, no owner was found. All six were carted off to the Police Department and scanned for microchips but none were found. Then a post on social media announcing the find quickly went viral according to Wittstruck.

We were glad but overwhelmed by the number of phone calls from people from the community willing to help, Wittstruck said.

What a TikTok ban would mean for local star MamaTot

Now that the 72-hour legal hold has expired, two of the dogs have found homes with members of the Gulf Shores Police Department. The remaining four are now being accessed and vetted at Angies Dog House. Eventually, they will be available for adoption in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut or Michigan.

The reason we take them up north is their laws are better, Eib said. So often we hear but Im a good dog owner and Im not denying that at all. There are amazing dog owners here. The problem is the laws are not there to help the amazing dog owners.

We may never know whether they were dumped, abandoned or ran away, but at least for now, they all have a better chance of a new life.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
March 14 (UPI) -- Six Massachusetts eighth-graders face criminal charges for their alleged participation in a "mock slave auction" and racist comments aimed at Black students on Snapchat, officials said Thursday.

All six juveniles, between 13 and 14, were charged with threats to commit a crime, Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni told local news media. Two of the teenagers were charged with interference with civil rights, and one was charged with witness interference.

The charges alleged the group in early February held a "mock slave auction" on Snapchat in which they could "bid" on two Black classmates.

Gulluni said the students "expressed hateful and racist comments, including notions of violence toward people of color, racial slurs, derogatory pictures and videos, and a mock slave auction directed at two juveniles known to them."

The group was reported to Southwick Regional School authorities on Feb. 9, and all students involved were suspended "as an emergency removal per state law," on Feb. 12 Gulluni said.

Because of their ages, the names of the students involved were not disclosed.

"There is no question that the alleged behavior in this case of these six juveniles is vile, cruel and contemptible," Gulluni said. "Seeing it, and facing the reality that these thoughts, that this ugliness can exist within middle-school students here in this community in 2024 is discouraging, unsettling and deeply frustrating."

Superintendent of Schools Jennifer Willard said in a statement to local media that the school district on Feb. 12 sent an email informing parents of the "highly inappropriate and racist conversation on Snapchat that involved students at Southwick Regional School."

"We can assure the community that the district does issue consequences in accordance with our school code of conduct in these types of circumstances," the statement read. "As stated in our original email to the community, the district firmly believes that racism and discrimination have no place in our school community."

Allyson Lopez, a Springfield resident, told local news that her 13-year-old daughter was one of the targets of the mock slave auction.

"If they have this level of hate in them now at this tender age of 13 and 14, it worries me," she said. "I know this is not something we can just walk away from."
Educational exposure of ideas, assumptions or hypotheses, based on proven facts" (which need not be strictly current affairs) Value in judgments are excluded, and the text comes close to an opinion article, without judging or making forecasts , just formulating hypotheses, giving motivated explanations and bringing together a variety of data

In Russia, all possibilities for peaceful resistance to the dictatorial and warlike course of its leaders have not yet been exhausted. This is the opinion of Archpriest Andrei Kordochkin, 46, who in early 2023 was suspended as parish priest of the Cathedral of Saint Mary Magdalene in Madrid, Spain for his opposition to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. According to Kordochkin, it is time to study the example of Martin Luther King, the civil rights activist of the 1950s and 1960s who led the peaceful resistance movement against the Vietnam War and nuclear weapons.

By order of Kiril, the patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, Kordochkin had to abandon the parish that he had watched grow for almost two decades, from its embryonic form (in the premises of an old fruit shop in the Spanish capital) and all the way to a solid cathedral. He now resides in Germany.

From there, Kordochkin officiated at a religious ceremony for Alexei Navalny, the opponent of Vladimir Putin who died in February in an Arctic prison. The service was broadcast on YouTube and followed by more than half a million people. He was one of the priests who demanded that the politicians body be returned to his mother.

I think that in Russia we have not yet exhausted the potential for non-violent resistance, says Kordochkin. In the United States, during the Vietnam War, there was significant popular resistance to mobilization. From my comfortable existence in Europe, I cannot give advice to Russians in Russia, but that does not mean that they should limit themselves to being spectators. We must study all forms of non-violent resistance, including Martin Luther King, he says, highlighting the work of Russian volunteers who are helping people avoid the draft or who are caring for refugees from Ukraine.

Born in Leningrad and educated at Oxford, Archpriest Kordochkin is preparing an academic work in Germany on religious, ecclesiastical and philosophical aspects of the war in Ukraine. One of his objects of study is the cult of death, he explains in a telephone conversation.

Kordochkin has come under the jurisdiction of the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in Brussels, and is the co-founder of a website, mir-vsem.info, where Orthodox anti-war sectors express their positions and try to help priests expelled from their parishes or prosecuted for expressing their convictions.

Father Andrei experienced Russias attack on Ukraine in February 2022 as a personal matter, since half of his parishioners in Madrid were Ukrainians. It was as if the Russian government had attacked my parish and I had to defend my community, says Kordochkin, one of the nearly 300 Orthodox priests who spoke out against the war in March 2022, before the Russian Federation criminalized such gestures.

Prayer for the victory of Holy Russia

In September 2022, an increasingly belligerent Patriarch Kiril ordered the parish priests of his organization to say a prayer for the victory of Holy Russia in their liturgical services. The dissident priests modified the prayer, replacing the word victory with the word peace, or else completely ignored this prayer that calls for the restoration of unity in the countries of Holy Russia and associates the concept of Holy Russia with a territory larger than the Russian state.

The Prayer for Holy Russia has had little impact in the Orthodox parishes of Europe. A joint statement from the Spanish Episcopal Assembly and the Russian Orthodox Church of Spain and Portugal underlined the pain caused by Russias invasion of Ukraine, described the war as repugnant and called for intensifying prayer for peace throughout the world, especially in Ukraine, to stop the violence and rebuild universal brotherhood. The contrast between this language and that of the Patriarch of Moscow is evident.

One of the latest priests to be punished in Russia for their anti-war attitude is Alexei Uminski, a popular archpriest and parish priest of a Moscow church who was expelled from the Orthodox Church by an ecclesiastical court. Uminski (like Kordochkin) has been welcomed by the Patriarchate of Constantinople. The theologian Andrei Kuraev has also taken refuge in Europe.

It is not the first time in history that a church defends war, emphasizes Kordochkin, who recalls that the commandment thou shalt not kill is subject to two interpretations: one that gives absolute value to the prohibition and one that grants it a relative value in the name of a just war, a concept currently under discussion that dates back to Saint Augustine.

In the Soviet Union, slogans such as peace in the world or no war were maintained even during the war in Afghanistan, explains the priest. The official rhetoric was one of peace, and it is incredible that those Soviet slogans are being criminalized today, he exclaims. Kordochkin sees big differences between the late Soviet era in which he grew up and today. The generations that experienced war have disappeared, the idea of war has been romanticized, and identity problems linked to the disintegration of the USSR have arisen.

The Russian government searched for a new ideology with a sacred element that could unite society and found it in the cult of victory in World War II. In this way, the Russian state has built a kind of civil religion, a doctrine that can unite all members of society whether they are religious or not. They chose war, they declared themselves heirs of victory, and that is the basic principle of that civil religion, he says. The visualization of that doctrine is the Moscow Armed Forces Cathedral, which introduces symbols and elements of the history of the Soviet Union inside a place of prayer, and thus bestows a sacred sense to them and, in a broader sense, globalizes war itself. The pro-Russian guerrillas from eastern Ukraine appear in the decorative mosaics of that temple, which was inaugurated in 2020.

So the Orthodox Church has participated in the construction of a doctrine that, like an external body, is then introduced into the church, where it is artificially fertilized and then consecrated, explains Kordochkin. This is the Russian world, a term from the 11th century that is identified with the idea of Holy Russia and consecrates war.

The processes within the church are also those of society. If we do not listen to the voices of those who do not share the official agenda, it does not mean that those voices do not exist, explains the priest, who says he has received a video with funeral services in memory of Navalny held in a Russian province before a narrow circle of parishioners. A new underground church? It is impossible to know the number of these cases.

War and dictatorship are synonymous, Kordochkin continues. If the dictatorship falls, the war ends; if the war ends, the dictatorship ends. Russian political emigrants are divided over how to act. I dont know if there is a formula to end the dictatorship within Russian society, but those who fear the instability of the dictatorship and seek its stability must be reminded that the dictatorship is an unstable formula that can collapse in a matter of hours. The Romanian leader Nicolae Ceausescu felt very safe shortly before his political and physical end [in 1989], and nobody thought that the USSR would disappear so quickly [in 1991]. We should not judge by appearances, he says. I cannot call for revolution, but I can remember the words of Luther King [citing John F. Kennedy]: Those who make a peaceful revolution impossible make a violent revolution inevitable.
Six juveniles in Massachusetts were charged in a racial online bullying incident that involved "heinous" language, threats of "violence toward people of color" and a mock slave auction, the district attorney for Hampden County said.

Students from Southwick, about 104 miles southwest of Boston, allegedly participated in a "hateful, racist online" Snapchat discussion between Feb. 8 and Feb. 9, Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni said in a statement on Facebook.

Gulluni said he became aware of the incident on Feb. 15 and immediately called on the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit to investigate.

On Thursday, at the conclusion of the investigation, the district attorney authorized members of the Detective Unit and the Chief of the Juvenile Court Unit to pursue criminal charges against the juveniles.

All six were charged with threat to commit a crime, the district attorney said. Two of those juveniles were also charged with interference with civil rights, and one of the two was additionally charged with witness interference.

"Hatred and racism have no place in this community. And where this behavior becomes criminal, I will ensure that we act, and act with swift resolve, as we did here, to uncover it and bring it to the light of justice," Gulluni said. "There is no question that the alleged behavior of these six juveniles is vile, cruel, and contemptible."

Gulluni said he has met personally with the victims and their families.

"As I have described, through the work of my offices investigators, and the work in court yet to come, we intend to appropriately punish those whose alleged behavior displayed a capacity for such hatred and cruelty and, ultimately, amounted to chargeable criminal conduct," he said.

The chat was created by a group of 8th-grade students from Southwick Regional School, Gulluni said. The discussion involved some of the juveniles expressing "hateful and racist comments, including notions of violence toward people of color, racial slurs, derogatory pictures and videos, and a mock slave auction directed at two particular juveniles," he said.

On Feb. 9, the existence of the chat and some of its language was reported to school authorities.

Several students involved, including the six who were charged, were suspended as an emergency removal, per state law, on Feb. 12, according to the district attorney. Three days later, several students were formally suspended including two for 25 days and one for 45 days, he said.

The school district did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday.

The district attorney initiated forward-looking steps to "prevent future harm, encourage empathy, and build stronger communities free of hate."

They include a curriculum around hate and bullying being delivered to the Southwick school community and a partnership with the attorney general's office to create a program that addresses and remediates the harmful forces of bigotry, racism and bullying in schools.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Six more people have been arrested in an investigation into a conspiracy to steal funds from a pre-settlement company.

Last week, Bibb County sheriff officials confirmed to Channel 2 Action News that Isis Anderson, Leviticus Blash, Jayvean Cummings, Latisha McCrary, Devontae Shivers, and Calvin West in connection to the scheme to steal money from Elite Pre-Settlement LLC.

None of their charges have been specified.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

According to the reports, the representatives claimed their company had many undisclosed funds stolen by fraudulent means.

Authorities discovered that 37-year-old Jennifer Croom Denton, a former Ken Nugent Law Firm employee, made false settlement claims to obtain checks from the pre-settlement company.

Investigators added that multiple individuals also made fake settlement claims to obtain checks.

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Officials said the individuals cashed the fraudulently obtained checks.

In November, over 20 people, including Denton, were arrested in the investigation.

Authorities have not said if there will be any additional arrests.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the Bibb County Sheriffs Office at 478-751-7500.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
The average annual temperature in the hottest country on the planet is roughly 84.6 degrees Fahrenheit (29.21 degrees Celsius). Atlantide Phototravel / Getty Images

Did you know that some places on Earth can get so hot that local wildlife has evolved specifically to survive the extreme conditions? In these regions, the heat isn't just a summer wave; it's a constant presence.

This survival strategy is not an isolated phenomenon but a common trait among the flora and fauna in the hottest countries in the world.

There are many ways to measure the heat and average annual temperatures in these scorching-hot regions. But focusing on the mean surface air temperature  which averages daily highs and lows over a period to provide a consistent measure of warmth  offers a reliable way to compare the relentless heat affecting both deserts and rainforests.

1. Mali

The title of the hottest country in the world goes to Mali. The West African country experiences a predominantly hot desert climate, particularly in the northern regions, while the southern parts have a semi-arid climate that receives very little rainfall.

The average annual temperature in Mali is approximately 84.6 degrees Fahrenheit (29.21 degrees Celsius).

Seasons

During Mali's hot season, which spans from April to June, its extreme temperatures can soar, occasionally reaching or surpassing 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius). Such severe heat poses considerable challenges to daily life and agriculture, particularly in Mali's vast northern territories.

Climate Change

The West African nation faces significant challenges due to climate change. Rising temperatures exacerbate droughts, desertification and water scarcity, impacting agricultural productivity and food security.

The country's vulnerability to climate-related hazards underscores the importance of implementing adaptation measures, such as sustainable land management practices, water conservation efforts and community resilience-building initiatives.

2. Burkina Faso

In West Africa, Burkina Faso is a landlocked country characterized by a varied climate that transitions from a Sahelian semiarid region in the north to a more humid tropical savanna in the south. It has an average yearly temp of 84.7 degrees Fahrenheit (29.26 degrees Celsius)

Temperatures across Burkina Faso can vary significantly, with the north experiencing more extreme heat. During the hot season, which spans from March to May, temperatures in some parts of the country can climb to over 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius).

Climate Change

The country's vulnerability to climate change is evident in the increasingly irregular rainfall patterns and more frequent extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, which pose significant risks to food security, water resources and the well-being of its people.

Burkina Faso has embarked on various adaptation and mitigation strategies, including large-scale reforestation projects, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and investments in renewable energy to reduce reliance on biomass and improve energy security.

3. Senegal

Senegal, located at the westernmost point of Africa, experiences a tropical Sahelian climate, marked by distinct dry and wet seasons due to its positioning on the fringe of the Sahara Desert to the north and the more humid West African coast to the south.

Despite a piping-hot yearly average temperature of 84.02 degrees Fahrenheit (28.9 degrees Celsius), the country's climate experiences fluctuating rainfall and temperature, influenced by its diverse geography, which includes arid deserts, fertile plains and a verdant southern region.

Seasons

The country's rainy season spans from June to October, with the majority of the annual rainfall occurring during this period. The dry season, from November to May, is characterized by the hot and dry harmattan winds blowing from the northeast. These winds can carry fine dust from the Sahara, reducing air quality and visibility.

Climate Change

Climate change has significantly impacted Senegal, leading to higher temperatures, unpredictable rainfall and higher sea levels, endangering coastal areas and Dakar. These shifts intensify drought, land degradation and biodiversity loss, affecting agriculture and food stability.

In response, Senegal has implemented various adaptation and mitigation strategies to combat climate change, including promoting sustainable agriculture practices and implementing coastal protection measures.

The Great Green Wall initiative, aimed at tackling desertification across the Sahel region, includes Senegal in its efforts to plant a vast belt of trees from Senegal in the west to Djibouti in the east.

4. Mauritania

In the heart of Northwest Africa, Mauritania's climate is sculpted by its expansive deserts, which push the average yearly temperature to 83.9 degrees Fahrenheit (28.82 degrees Celsius).

Mauritania's vast interior, encompassing regions like the Adrar and Tagant, endures the brunt of this heat, thanks to the Sahara Desert.

Seasonal Harmattan winds offer a fleeting chill, albeit with a haze of dust and sand that challenges air quality and visibility. The Atlantic Ocean provides some cooling along the coast, but its effort is barely enough against the prevailing heat.

The architecture here, designed for maximum ventilation and shade, mirrors the community's resilience, as does the adaptive flora and fauna.

Climate Change

As with other countries on this list, the trend of increasing temperatures in Mauritania over recent decades signifies the impact of climate change.

With hotter months becoming more common in recent years, this warming trend reflects a global pattern of rising temperatures attributed to anthropogenic factors like pollution and deforestation.

5. Tuvalu

Tuvalu, a small island nation in the Pacific Ocean, experiences a tropical climate with relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year and high humidity levels.

The archipelago is situated just south of the equator, which contributes to its warm and stable climate, with an average annual temperature of 83.5 degrees Fahrenheit (28.6 degrees Celsius), making it warm but comfortable due to the oceanic breezes.

Seasons

The climate in Tuvalu is characterized by two main seasons: a wet season from November to April, marked by heavier rainfall and occasional tropical cyclones, and a dry season from May to October, with less precipitation and more moderate conditions.

The annual rainfall varies across the islands but typically ranges from 79 to 118 inches (about 2,000 to 3,000 millimeters), essential for replenishing freshwater supplies and supporting local agriculture and subsistence fishing practices.

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Tuvalu's proximity to the international date line  an imaginary line between the North and South Poles, marking where the calendar date shifts by one day when crossing east or west or vice versa  means it is one of the first countries to experience the new day.

6. Djibouti

With an average yearly temp of 83.3 degrees Fahrenheit (28.49 degrees Celsius), this small country in the Horn of Africa is characterized by its arid and semi-arid climates.

Situated at the junction of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, Djibouti experiences extremely high temperatures, particularly in its inland areas, where conditions are predominantly desert.

The country's climate can be broadly categorized into a hot desert climate (BWh) in most of the country  including the coastal areas  and a semi-arid climate (BSh) in the northwest and parts of the highlands.

Temperatures in the interior desert regions can soar above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) during the day for much of the year, with some of the highest recorded temperatures exceeding 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius) in the summer months, particularly in places like the Danakil Depression, one of the lowest and hottest areas on Earth.

The high temperatures and scarcity of rainfall in Djibouti pose significant challenges to water resources, agriculture and overall sustainability. The country's limited arable land and freshwater resources restrict agricultural productivity, making it heavily reliant on imported food and water for its population.

7. The Gambia

The Gambia in West Africa boasts a tropical climate characterized by a distinctly hot dry season and a rainy season influenced by the African monsoon. Coastal areas enjoy moderated temperatures due to the proximity of the ocean, while the interior experiences higher heat levels.

The country maintains consistently warm conditions throughout the year, with an average yearly temperature of 83.1 degrees Fahrenheit (28.38 degrees Celsius).

Seasons

The tropical climate of The Gambia is marked by two primary seasons: dry and rainy.

During the dry season, typically from November to May, the weather is characterized by hot and arid conditions, minimal rainfall and clear skies. Inland regions experience particularly high temperatures, often exceeding 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius).

However, humidity levels remain relatively low, providing respite, especially along the coast where the ocean breeze offers relief.

On the other hand, the rainy season, lasting from June to October, brings heavy rainfall and increased humidity. Monsoon rains are vital for agriculture and replenishing water sources.

Rainfall varies across the country, with coastal areas receiving less precipitation compared to inland regions. The heightened humidity during this period amplifies the perception of heat, particularly in the interior.

Perks of the Coastal Region

The country's coastal areas benefit from the tempering influence of the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in slightly milder temperatures and less extreme weather conditions compared to inland regions.

8. Maldives

The Maldives occupy the eighth spot on the list of scorching hot countries, with an average temperature of around 82.6 degrees Fahrenheit (28.11 degrees Celsius).

This temperature is relatively consistent due to the region's tropical monsoon climate, with minimal variation in maximum and minimum temperatures throughout the year.

Climate Change

Climate change poses significant challenges to the archipelago state known for its low-lying islands, including increased coastal erosion, more intense and frequent weather events like storms and coral bleaching affecting marine biodiversity.

The nation has been proactive in addressing these challenges, with former President Mohamed Nasheed highlighting the urgency by stating that the country could be submerged if carbon emissions continue at their current rate.

In 2009, Nasheed held an underwater cabinet meeting to highlight the threat of climate change and rising sea levels to the country. The meeting, conducted with officials in scuba gear under the sea, aimed to draw global attention to the urgency of addressing climate change.

9. Benin

This West African country exhibits a climate ranging from humid in the south to arid in the north. While the average yearly temp is approximately 82.4 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius), there is some fluctuation throughout the region.

The tropical climate in Benin fluctuates between 82 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (28 and 32.2 degrees Celsius). In the north, temperatures from February to May often spike to around 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius).

Coastal areas like Cotonou benefit from the moderating influence of the sea, which leads to more consistent temperatures year-round due to cooling sea breezes. This results in a prolonged rainy season, enriching the region's biodiversity.

From November to February, rainfall decreases during the dry season, but the climate remains relatively mild compared to inland areas, thanks to the ocean's stabilizing effect. This creates a distinct weather pattern for coastal regions, contrasting the harsher climates found further inland.

As with most places on Earth, climate change has intensified temperature fluctuations and altered rainfall patterns in Benin, impacting agriculture and water resources.

10. Palau

Nestled in the western Pacific Ocean, this archipelago is distinguished by its equatorial climate, which is marked by high temperatures and humidity throughout the year.

The average annual temperature in Palau hovers around 82.2 degrees Fahrenheit (27.9 degrees Celsius), with little fluctuation between the warmest and coolest months. This stable temperature is characteristic of Palau's tropical rainforest climate, which also brings about significant rainfall annually.

Seasons

The islands experience a wet season from May to November, characterized by heavier rainfall and occasional storms, including the risk of typhoons, particularly from June to December. Monthly rainfall can exceed 18 inches (457 millimeters) during this period.

From December to April, the dry season sees a reduction in rainfall, making it an ideal time for tourism.

Threats to a Tropical Paradise

Palau's oceanic surroundings contribute to its moderate climate, with sea temperatures consistently around 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius), providing ideal conditions for marine life and coral reefs.

These reefs, crucial to Palau's biodiversity and economy are sensitive to changes in sea temperature and acidity.

Climate change poses a significant threat to Palau, primarily due to rising sea levels and the increasing intensity of weather events. Palau's low-lying islands are vulnerable to flooding, coastal erosion and habitat loss.

Disputes Around the Record for Highest Temperature

Libya once held the record for the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth, with a reading of 136.4 degrees Fahrenheit (57.8 degrees Celsius) in 'Aziziya in 1922. However, this record was decertified by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 2012 due to evidence suggesting it was an erroneous reading made by an inexperienced observer.

The current official highest recorded temperature is 134.1 degrees Fahrenheit (56.7 degrees Celsius), measured on July 10, 1913, in Furnace Creek Ranch, Death Valley, in the United States.

This revision followed a detailed investigation that concluded the El Azizia record could be inaccurate by as much as 44.6 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius), due to factors such as the asphalt-like surface over which the measurement was taken, which did not represent the native desert soil accurately.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.

Original article: 7 of the 10 Hottest Countries in the World Are on 1 Continent

Copyright  2024 HowStuffWorks, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a System1 Company
More than 300 area eighth-graders will embark on an immersive occupational journey during the Welcome to the Real World and Career Exploration experience from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Friday on Carl Sandburg Colleges Galesburg campus, according to a news release.

The event, hosted by Sandburg in cooperation with the University of Illinois Extension and Regional Office of Education No. 33, is to inspire students aspirations and prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of the future while introducing them to diverse career options.

(sandburg.edu)

The Welcome to the Real World portion of the event simulates the implications of career choices and financial decisions, empowering students with a better understanding of how their choices can impact their financial futures.

In the Career Exploration portion, students will hear from a panel of professionals in a variety of career paths, allowing them to learn about necessary education and training, connect with these industry experts and gain invaluable insights into how they achieved success in their careers. The career panel will be moderated by Abby Colvin with the Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development.

The event once again will include a variety of industry partners providing hands-on demonstrations. Participating groups include:

Carl Sandburg College information technology department

Carl Sandburg College Welcome Center

Eagle View Community Health

F&M Bank

Galesburg Area Vocational Center

Galesburg Fire Department

Galesburg Police Department

Illinois Department of Corrections

John Deere

Knox County Clerk and Recorders Office

Local Union 91

Midstate Manufacturing

Porter-Hay Insurance

Region Office of Education No. 33 (child development)

Yemm Automotive

This partnership between Sandburg, the U of I Extension and ROE No. 33 underscores the commitment of these organizations to provide students with exceptional opportunities for growth and learning. More than 100 volunteers will be part of helping area students throughout this career experience, the release says.

For more information or to assist with the event, contact Tracy Engstrom, coordinator of career development at Sandburg, at 309-341-5246 or tengstrom@sandburg.edu or Shelby Carlson from the U of I Extension at srcarls2@illinois.edu.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
GROVETON, Texas (KETK)  A Groveton ISD employee has been arrested after allegedly altering education records without authorization, affecting the top 10% class ranking.

Texarkana PD: Man arrested after investigation reveals suggestive messages with minors

Mugshot of Breanna Faye Abshier

According to an affidavit, Breanna Faye Abshier, 35, was arrested and charged with tampering with a government record. Abshier reportedly changed student grade point averages and class rankings.

Authorities said though her job duties as a registrar did authorize her to make grade changes within the system she reportedly made over 145 changes without the teachers authorization beginning in the 2021-2022 school year. By doing so, Abshier tampered with student class averages, affecting their semester average bumping down students from the top 10% ranking.

Groveton ISD said Abshiers employment was terminated and the school has cooperated with law enforcement. The district said they have started an investigation of potentially affected records for all students grades 6-12.

Groveton ISD is working diligently to correct the alterations and to ensure the accuracy of each students educational record, Groveton ISD said.

Any parents with questions or concerns about their childs educational records is asked to contact Mr. Dillard at 936-642-1473 extension number 8001 or email at jim_dillard@grovetonisd.net.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
African country's citizens fighting for Israel in Gaza will be arrested upon return, foreign minister says

South Africa's foreign minister said any of her country's citizens who travel to fight in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in the Gaza Strip will face arrest when they return home, a move that is sure to further the deteriorating relations between both nations.

Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor made the comment earlier this week at a Palestinian solidarity event attended by officials from South Africas ruling African National Congress party.

"I have already issued a statement alerting those who are South African and are fighting alongside or in the Israeli Defense Forces: We are ready. When you come home, we are going to arrest you," Pandor said, to rapturous applause from the audience.

US-ISRAELI CITIZEN WHO WAS KIDNAPPED ON OCT. 7 CONFIRMED DEAD, IDF SAYS

In December, the foreign ministry said that the government was concerned that some of its citizens or permanent residents had joined the IDF to fight in Gaza. They could face prosecution if they hadnt been granted permission to do so under South Africas arms control laws, the ministry warned.

Those with dual South African-Israeli citizenship could be stripped of their South African citizenship, the foreign ministry said.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

South Africa has been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause and has accused Israel of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip as Israeli soldiers continue to battle Hamas following the terror group's Oct. 7 attacks on the Jewish state.

South Africa has charged in the International Court of Justice that Israel is committing genocide.

In January, U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., criticized South Africa for bringing a genocide case against Israel, saying the African nation should focus on quelling unrest on its own continent.

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., speaks at a press conference alongside the families of Israelis being held hostage by Hamas.

"And now South Africa bringing that kind of trial. Maybe South Africa ought to sit this one out when theyre talking about criticizing the behavior of another nation. Sit out!," Fetterman said while speaking at the Orthodox Union luncheon in Washington, D.C.

Israel has denied any claims that it has enforced an apartheid state on Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

It was not clear how many South Africans have fought for Israel during the current conflict.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: African country's citizens fighting for Israel in Gaza will be arrested upon return, foreign minister says
The attack on a Russian opponent on Tuesday night in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, has raised fears of infiltration by Russian secret services in the Baltic countries. The Lithuanian government accuses the Kremlin of being behind the attack in which Leonid Volkov, a former assistant to the late Alexei Navalny, was injured. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have repeatedly warned in recent years of Moscows intentions to carry out destabilizing actions on their territory and to persecute Russian citizens sheltering there.

Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, the only three former Soviet republics that are part of the EU and NATO, are in a period of maximum tension with their expansionist neighbor. In addition to having emerged as some of the strongest defenders of the Ukrainian cause in Brussels, the three countries, especially Estonia and Latvia, have ethnically Russian minorities  which the Kremlin insists are discriminated against  and have been threatened by Moscow countless times since the invasion of Ukraine.

In the last two years the three Baltic republics have arrested dozens of Russian citizens accused of spying or preparing attacks on the orders of the Kremlin. A couple of months ago, the European Parliament launched an investigation into Tatjana Zdanoka, a Latvian MEP suspected of having worked for Moscow for the last 13 years. Last year, Latvian authorities arrested a dozen people for their alleged links to Russian espionage.

In the case of Estonia, Kaja Kallas, the prime minister, announced in late February that the Baltic countrys security forces had aborted a hybrid operation by Moscow on its territory. Kalles, who has had a search and arrest warrant against her issued by the Kremlin for the destruction of Soviet monuments  a move that also affects dozens of other Baltic politicians  reported the arrest of a dozen people who worked for the Russian secret services and damaged the vehicle of Interior Minister Lauri Laanemets.

The head of the Estonian Security Service, Margo Palloson, stated that some of the defendants had been recruited by Moscow through social media, and that Russian authorities did not care what might happen to them. They used them as tools, Palloson told Estonian public television. In January, the Estonian government also announced the arrest of a university professor who was allegedly spying for Russia.

The leaders of the three Baltic republics not only fear destabilizing actions. In recent weeks they have expressed concern about the possibility that Russia might dare to attack them directly, or even invade a small portion of their territory, to test NATOs principle of collective defense, a cornerstone of the Alliance.

Impunity in the heart of Europe

The Kremlin has demonstrated countless times that its agents can act with impunity in the heart of Europe. Former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko was poisoned in 2006 by his own people in the United Kingdom with an isotope of polonium, in one of the first murders orchestrated by the Kremlin in European territory after Vladimir Putin came to power. The main suspect, Federal Security Service agent Andrei Lugovoi, is today a lawmaker in the Russian Parliament. In 2018, Sergei Skripal, another former spy who had betrayed Moscow, was poisoned in southern England, along with his daughter Yulia, with Novichok (the same nerve agent that was used against opposition leader Navalny in Siberia in 2020).

In Germany, Austria, France, Belgium and Spain, Russian deserters and dissidents, several of them Chechens, have also died violently in recent years in attacks in which investigators have blamed the Kremlin.

British police collected samples after the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal in March 2018 in Salisbury. Ben Stansall (AFP)

Although Russian attacks on European territory have occurred over the past two decades, the large-scale war in Ukraine has completely disrupted the network of spies that the Kremlin had painstakingly deployed in Europe and the rest of the West since the end of the Cold War. Hundreds of employees in Russian diplomatic offices on EU territory have been expelled in the last 24 months, accused of being undercover espionage agents.

Kevin Riehle, an expert in intelligence services at Brunel University in London and former counterespionage advisor to various U.S. administrations, explained in a recent analysis that Russian intelligence activity has been greatly diminished by the expulsions of its covert personnel throughout Europe, but that the most significant change has occurred in the objectives pursued by its intelligence. According to Riehle, Russian espionage in Europe is now focused more on the tactical level than on the strategic one, trying to influence, for example, the main countries that supply weapons to Ukraine.

One of the most notorious incidents was the arrest in December 2022 of Carsten Linke, an employee of German foreign intelligence, who was leaking reports to Russia until Berlin was alerted by British espionage. Another very prominent case was that of Olga Kolobova, known as Maria Adela Kuhfeldt Rivera, an alleged jewelry designer who rubbed shoulders with the most select circles of the NATO Joint Forces Command in Naples. The spy disappeared in 2018, just after the Skripal poisoning. Russian spy agents have also infiltrated European politics. The German magazine Der Spiegel and the Russian magazine The Insider revealed that a lawmaker from the far-right party Alternative for Germany was coordinating with Moscow to protest against aid to Ukraine.

Speaking from Bulgaria on Wednesday, former Russian lawmaker Guennadi Gudkov asked European governments to guarantee the security of the exiled opposition following the attack in Lithuania. A hunt has been declared against the most prominent representatives of Russia in exile, said Gudkov, who worked in security agencies before devoting himself to politics and now assures that the Russian Federal Security Service has created a special department to counter the influence of opponents abroad, individuals that the Kremlin considers enemies.
The traditional role of the doctor's receptionist could be transformed with AI - Maskot/Maskot

The NHS will roll out artificial intelligence (AI) receptionists under new plans to cut the number of missed hospital appointments.

The technology, which books appointments and predicts who will not attend, is set to be used by 10 NHS trusts across England after a successful pilot in Essex.

The AI programme, created by tech firm Deep Medical, uses insights including peoples jobs, childcare commitments, live traffic and weather updates to determine who is most unlikely to show up and maximise doctors time.

NHS leaders plan to tackle the 7.6 million waiting list by clamping down on the one in 20 hospital appointments that are lost to Did Not Attends (DNAs).

In 2023, eight million, or 6.5 per cent, of the 124.5 million outpatient appointments in England involved a no-show.

The softwares creators, an AI expert and junior doctor turned clinical entrepreneur, claim their product can predict DNAs with 90 per cent accuracy.

Through machine learning, the programme is then able to populate a doctors patient list for the day to include additional patients.

For example, it would calculate 21 people for 20 consultant slots on the basis that one person would not turn up.

If all 21 did attend, the doctor would claim the extra time back spent working in lieu, which is also factored into future scheduling.

Savings forecast

In the pilot at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, the programme reduced DNAs by 30 per cent over a six-month period, with just 377 people not turning up for an appointment.

It meant an extra 1,910 people were seen and is forecast to save the trust 27.5 million in a single year.

The cost of missed appointments across the whole country is about 1.2 billion, according to the NHS.

Hospitals in London, Newcastle, Northampton, Surrey and Devon are among those set to benefit and more are likely to sign up, it is understood.

The highest proportion of DNAs occur in physiotherapy, with 11 per cent of slots missed

This is followed by cardiology at 8.9 per cent, ophthalmology at 8.8 per cent, and trauma and orthopaedics at 7.9 per cent.

Dr Vin Diwakar, the national director for transformation at NHS England, said the use of AI to help reduce the number of missed appointments is another example of how new technologies are helping to improve care for patients.

Not only can these technologies help to free up doctors time to treat more patients and reduce waiting times for planned care, it means a significant amount of money can be invested in frontline care rather than lost to missed appointments, he added.

Last week Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced 3.4 billion of funding for the NHS to double its investment in new technology.

Transformative

Lord Markham, the health minister, said: Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we deliver healthcare, and this technology will help cut waiting lists and allow hundreds of thousands more patients to be seen every year.

Alongside this, it will free up doctors time, deliver quicker test results, and save tens of millions of pounds every year.

These kind of benefits are exactly why AI forms a central part of our 3.4 billion plan to boost productivity in the NHS  alongside a wider package to replace outdated IT systems and unlock up to 35 billion in savings.

A separate pilot at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust uses process mining to help them see how well their processes are working, revealing bottlenecks and other areas of improvement.

They looked at DNAs and identified a spike in last-minute cancellations after two text reminders had been sent.

As a result it was agreed that messaging patients two weeks before an appointment and then four days before was most effective, as it meant they could cancel earlier and re-book in plenty of time.

DNAs for those patients dropped from 10 per cent to four per cent, the NHS said.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
A Florida district judge assigned to oversee Donald Trumps classified documents case is attracting criticism given that it was Mr Trump himself who elevated her to the bench.

Aileen Cannon is the federal judge with the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida overseeing the Espionage Act and obstruction of justice case against Mr Trump, whos charged with the illegal possession of classified documents at his Florida estate after leaving the White House in January 2021 and for impeding efforts by the US government to reclaim them.

According to the indictment, Mr Trump allegedly attempted to hide boxes of classified documents following a grand jury subpoena that ordered their return.

Mr Trumps aide Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos de Oliveira were also indicted and have also moved to dismiss the charges against them.

All men have pleaded not guilty.

If the former president is convicted, Judge Cannon will be tasked with handing down a sentence to the very man who nominated her to that position.

Mr Trump was charged with 37 felony counts related to the mishandling of presidential records, including highly sensitive national defence information, since his departure from the White House in January 2021.

On 1 August 2023, Mr Trump was indicted on four counts in the federal probe led by Mr Smith into Mr Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

He has insisted that he is an innocent man in angry statements and postings to Truth Social, alleging that he is the victim of rabid wolves and the weaponisation of the justice system by the corrupt Joe Biden administration, even as the indictment revealed photos of boxes of files stacked high in the glitzy ballrooms and bathrooms of his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach.

Angela Noble, the courts chief clerk, insisted that normal procedures were followed in assigning Judge Cannon to the case.

However, Judge Cannon came under fire for delivering rulings widely considered favourable to Mr Trump over the course of the investigation into the classified documents.

After the FBI executed a search warrant in August 2022 to enter Mar-a-Lago and search for classified documents, lawyers for Mr Trump filed a complaint arguing that the search had been illegitimate and unconstitutional.

Judge Cannon subsequently issued an order prohibiting the US government from further review and use of any of the materials seized from Mar-a-Lago for criminal investigative purposes.

The ruling attracted concern in legal circles as an unprecedented instance of a federal judge assuming the authority to halt a pre-indictment criminal investigation into a suspect. Her ruling was later reversed by the US Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit.

In 2022, Judge Cannon also sided with Mr Trumps request that an independent special master be appointed to review the documents before they could be examined by the Justice Department, a decision that was branded deeply flawed by Mr Trumps own former attorney general Bill Barr.

After appointing special master Raymond Dearie, Judge Cannon then overruled a number of his procedural proposals and sided with Mr Trumps attorneys on several key points.

The appeals court ruled that Judge Cannon had improperly exercised equitable jurisdiction and directed her to stand down from the case.

US district judge Aileen Cannon (Southern District of Florida/Wikimedia Commons)

Slate legal analyst Mark Joseph Stern called that decision one of the most humiliating appellate smackdowns in recent history, a total demolition of literally every action that Cannon had taken from the outset of the case, also labelling the judge a venal mediocrity. He also suggested that the total lack of principle and evident incapacity to experience shame was likely to prove beneficial to Mr Trump.

On 14 March 2024, Mr Trump joined his attorneys inside a federal courthouse in Florida for a hearing on his attempts to throw out criminal charges stemming from his retention of classified documents stashed at his Mar-a-Lago property.

In two of their motions to dismiss the case, lawyers for the former president argued that his charges under the Espionage Age are unconstitutionally vague and that the Presidential Records Act protects him from prosecution.

The motions to dismiss the case add to his growing list of attempts to evade the 91 criminal charges against him in four separate criminal cases in four jurisdictions.

Mr Trumps attorneys have argued in court filings that Mr Trump had virtually unreviewable authority to designate presidential records as personal ones, and that the National Archives and US Department of Justice were unauthorized to retrieve records that Mr Trump was given unreviewable discretion to label personal before he left the White House.

On 14 March, Judge Cannon suggested those arguments are premature.

The former president never deemed those records as his personal ones, prosecutor Jay Bratt told the judge.

Not only is it premature, it never happened, Mr Bratt said. He doesnt say there, I can show you this because its personal. ... In fact, hes saying the opposite.

Prosecutors with the office of special counsel Jack Smith previously argued in court filings that the documents recovered from Mar-a-Lago are indisputably presidential, and that the Presidential Records Act (PRA) would still apply to any classified information discovered at his residence. The former president is not charged for violating the PRA.

Nothing in the PRA leaves it to a president to make unilateral, unreviewable, and perpetually binding decisions to remove presidential records from the White House in a manner that thwarts the operation of the PRA  a statute designed to ensure that presidential records are the property of the United States and that they are preserved for the people, prosecutors wrote.

Mr Smith has proposed a trial should start on 8 July, while Mr Trumps attorneys have suggested that a trial should start on 12 August, if at all.

Judge Cannon is of American-Cuban descent and was born in Cali, Colombia, in 1981. She was raised in Miami where she attended the Ransom Everglades School, then Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, and then the University of Michigan Law School.

She clerked for an appellate judge in Iowa for one year after graduating, then worked for the corporate law firm Gibson Dunn in Washington DC, from 2009 to 2012 and then as a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of Florida, based out of Fort Pierce, from 2013 to 2020.

Following her nomination by Mr Trump, she was confirmed as a federal judge by the US Senate in November 2020 in the dying days of his one-term administration.

Her appointment to the bench came just 12 years after she first qualified to practice law, the minimum experience the American Bar Association requires nominees to have.

Judge Cannon is a registered Republican, has been a member of the conservative Federalist Society since 2005 and reportedly donated $100 to Florida governor Ron DeSantiss gubernatorial election campaign in 2018.
Ukraine's military continues to use the Patriot air defense system in designated areas of the front line, Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk said on March 14.

His statement came after Forbes reported on March 9 that Russia had allegedly destroyed two Patriot launchers near Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, for the first time since the start of all-out war. The Ukrainian military did not comment on these claims.

Oleshchuk said the Air Force apply "all available tools" to counter Russian aircraft.

Previous reports indicate that 13 Russian warplanes were downed in February and two more in March. This list includes 12 fighter bombers, two Su-35 fighter jets, and a rare A-50 military spy plane. Another A-50 aircraft was reportedly downed in January.

Yuri Ihnat, the Air Force's spokesperson, attributed this success to air defense systems supplied by Ukraine's allies, which reportedly can be moved closer to the border or the front line after a decision of the military leadership.

Read also: Ukraine destroyed 13 Russian military aircraft in 2 weeks. How?

The Air Force commander said in early March that Ukrainian military managed to attack Russian planes at a distance of over 150 kilometers.

The loss of the aircraft led to a "significant" decrease in the number of Russias guided bomb strikes, the weapons that Ukraine is not yet able to counter, according to Oleshchuk.

Russia's total losses during the all-out war amount to about 672 aircraft  347 planes and 325 helicopters, according to Ukraine's General Staff.

The General Staff's figure could not be independently verified.





Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Nicolas Godin at a Berlin concert marking the reissue of the album "Moon Safari". Gerald Matzka/dpa

In January 1998, two previously unknown French musicians named Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoit Dunckel released their first album together. "Moon Safari" soon became a massive success and turned the duo into stars.

About a quarter of a century later, Air's "Moon Safari" is considered one of the most influential works of the electronic genre.

To mark the 25th anniversary, Air are playing the groundbreaking album live in full for the first time on tour. They are also releasing an extended deluxe edition with lots of bonus material.

"Moon Safari is about the nostalgia for our childhood," said Godin in a recent interview with British newspaper The Times.

"In the 70s they told us that by the year 2000 we would all be in spaceships and we believed them. We imagined that by the time we were 30 we would be living in space. Then it didn't happen, so 'Moon Safari' was a way for us to go back to that vision"

The predominantly instrumental album is a dreamy musical journey that sounds like a futuristic space fantasy from the 1970s - distantly related to Christian Bruhn's music for the science fiction animated series Captain Future.

Air mixes electronic and organic sounds, soft, analogue synthesizers, warm guitar sounds and occasional vocal melodies to create a wonderfully light, relaxed feel-good collection of songs.

According to Godin and Dunckel, their musical influences include Maurice Ravel, Claude Debussy, John Barry, Ennio Morricone, Burt Bacharach and Portishead.

Their fusion of easy listening, atmospheric ballads and psychedelic sounds creates a fantastic soundscape.

From the dreamy "La femme d'argent" to the danceable hit "Sexy Boy" and the ballad "All I Need" sung by Beth Hirsch to "Le voyage de Penelope", it's a rare album where each of the 10 songs really is a gem.

"Moon Safari", which was recorded in a small flat in the Montmartre neighbourhood of Paris, is a fantastic album and rightly appears again and again in lists of the best electronica and 90s albums.

The "Moon Safari - 25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition", which is now being released a year late, contains remixes, interesting demos and live recordings on a second CD.

Highlights include a live cover of the legendary Funkadelic classic "Maggot Brain" and the live version of "J'ai dormi soul l'eau" from Air's brilliant, but initially ignored debut EP "Premiers Symptomes".

A Blu-ray also includes the original album in Spatial Dolby Atmos and Mike Mills' documentary film "Eating, Sleeping, Waiting & Playing" from the first Air tour in 1998. The "Moon Safari - 25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition" is a successful new edition for fans. However, the original songs will remain a treat no matter which edition you listen to.

A quarter century after the album's original release, Air's "Moon Safari - 25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition" arrives on March 15. Warner Music Group/dpa

Air is performing the entire album live in full as part of an international tour. Gerald Matzka/dpa
Passengers at Heathrow Airport following disruption from an air traffic control computer failure - LUCY NORTH/PA

Airlines and airports first learnt of a massive air traffic control meltdown last summer from news reports instead of official communications, an inquiry has revealed.

A computer system failure at National Air Traffic Services (Nats) last August saw hundreds of thousands of peoples flights disrupted, a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) report has revealed.

The regulator-commissioned inquiry criticised Nats for poor communication during the failure, which happened after air traffic control software encountered an extremely rare black swan bug and shut itself down as a safety precaution.

The incident saw UK skies effectively closed for most of bank holiday Monday, Aug 28. Knock-on delays spilled into the rest of that week and disrupted 700,000 peoples holidays.

Jeff Halliwell, the CAA inquiry chairman, found that Nats communications were so poor that some organisations first learnt of the meltdown through news reports.

The smaller airports and airlines generally reported receiving information later than the larger ones, and a number of them heard about the incident initially from the media rather than from NERL [Nats parent company] or other official channels, the inquirys report said.

Not only were hundreds of thousands affected by the Nats system failure, but Mr Halliwells inquiry found that this was possibly more [people] than necessary as a direct result of the companys poor communication.

Tim Alderslade, the chief executive of trade association Airlines UK, hit out at Nats on Thursday morning for its poor preparation for such a widespread computer system failure.

This report contains damning evidence that Nats basic resilience planning and procedures were wholly inadequate and fell well below the standard that should be expected for national infrastructure of this importance, he said.

We welcome the committees plans for further investigation to provide recommendations so that this kind of catastrophic failure is not allowed to happen again.

Misinformation about passenger rights

The inquiry panel found evidence of misinformation about passenger rights, with leaflets handed out by some airlines claiming passengers had to make their own plans to get home.

In most cases airlines are responsible for finding alternative flights and accommodation for passengers whose flights are disrupted.

During last summers disruption, passengers were forced to shoulder the very considerable costs of hotels and alternative flights themselves, with the panel noting that the stress and anxiety caused was at least as serious as the financial burden.

Mr Halliwells report, originally scheduled for publication in January, goes into more detail about the wider impact of the August meltdown than Nats own findings, which were published last year.

Around 300,000 people had their flights cancelled. A further 95,000 were caught up in delays of three hours or longer, and 300,000 more were affected by shorter delays.

On the day of the air traffic control failure, it took 90 minutes for the on-call engineer to arrive on-site in order to perform the necessary full system restart which was not permitted remotely, the report said.

Rob Bishton, the chief executive of the CAA, said the report would help the public understand what went wrong, what worked well in response to this, and importantly what action can be taken to improve the UKs aviation system for the future.

More than 1,500 flights entering UK airspace were cancelled on 28 Aug, according to data aviation company Cirium.

Hundreds more, including some long-haul flights, were axed the following day with passengers being forced to sleep on the floor in airports overnight.

300,000 people had their flights cancelled and a further 95,000 were caught up in delays of three hours or longer - LUCY NORTH/PA

CAA officials plan to release two more reports into the failure, one focusing on how Nats communicated with airlines and passengers about the meltdown and the other looking at how the monopoly air traffic control provider is regulated.

The root cause of Augusts system meltdown was a software glitch, described as an extremely rare black swan event.

A flight plan uploaded to a Nats computer system by a French airline triggered the glitch, causing the system to shut itself down.

The airline had done nothing wrong, the CAA inquiry found, and the fault lay solely with the computer software.

Corrupt data

If Nats system detected what it thought was corrupt data, it was programmed to generate a warning and stop working as a safety precaution.

A backup version of the system kicked in but its software also contained the glitch, meaning that the backup system also shut down within 20 seconds of being called upon.

The Telegraph revealed last summer that immediately before the system crash in August, Nats had accused the CAA of delaying much needed modernisation of our physical and airspace infrastructure after the regulator approved a budget plan that was less generous than it hoped for.

The pay packet of Martin Rolfe, Nats chief executive officer, was worth 1.3 million in 2022.

Michael OLeary, the chief executive of Ryanair, called for Mr Rolfe to be sacked as a result of the flight chaos last year.

Mr OLeary said: The fact that key Nats engineers were sitting at home during one of the peak travel weekends, combined with findings that Nats has a fundamental lack of pre-planning, documentation, and coordination, clearly demands senior management changes.

He added: Overpaid Nats CEO Martin Rolfes position is untenable. He should be removed, and somebody competent employed to run UK ATC, to ensure its engineers are at work during busy weekends and to ensure that Nats has a management team delivering a functional ATC system with adequate pre-planning, documentation, and coordination.

A Nats spokesman said the air traffic control company has cooperated fully with the independent panel appointed by the CAA to review the events of Aug 28 and its repercussions.

We will continue to respond constructively to any further requests to support the panels ongoing work. We have not waited for the panels report to make improvements for handling future events based on learning from the experience of last year.

These include a review of our engagement with our airline customers, our wider crisis response and our engineering support processes.

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 Syl Hotel was also attacked in 2019 (file photo)

Somali security forces say they have ended the 12-hour siege of a hotel in the capital Mogadishu by killing all five of the gunmen involved.

Three soldiers were killed and 27 people injured, including three members of parliament and the government spokesperson.

Jihadist group al-Shabab attacked the Syl Hotel, which is popular with government officials on Thursday night.

The Somali government is yet to comment on the ordeal.

The state broadcaster posted on X, formerly known as Twitter and said "security forces have neutralized all terrorists".

At least two separate explosions were reported before the militants stormed the hotel.

It is not clear how the gunmen managed to access the hotel which is near the highly guarded presidential palace.

Al-Shabab said earlier that fighters were in control of the hotel and were shooting "workers and officers of the... government".

Resident Farah Ali, who lives near the president's office, told Reuters: "We first heard a huge blast, and then gunfire followed. We understand the fighters are inside [the hotel] for we hear exchange of gunfire."

"Several gunmen forced their way into the building after destroying the perimeter wall with a heavy explosion," a security officer told AFP.

Hassan Nur, who escaped by scaling a wall, said: "I don't know about the casualties but there were many people inside when the attack started."

Other witnesses reported seeing police arriving within minutes of the attack, which triggered a gun battle with militants.

Attacks had reduced in recent weeks amid heightened security after the government intensified its military offensive against the Islamist group.

Al-Shabab controls large parts of southern and central Somalia.

The group is affiliated to al-Qaeda and has waged a brutal insurgency for nearly 20 years against the UN-backed government in Somalia.

Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Thursday met defence officials to plan how to reclaim lost territory, Somalia's national news agency Sonna reported.

It is a proscribed terrorist group by countries including the UK and US. The US has intervened militarily to fight against the group.

Its fighters are known for targeting hotels, including the Syl Hotel in 2019.

In 2022, the group stormed the Villa Rays hotel in the capital, killing at least 14 people.

Three years before the storming of the Villa Rays hotel, at least 26 people, including a prominent journalist and several foreigners, were killed in an attack on the Asasey hotel in the port of Kismayo, southern Somalia.

Map
The bill mandates pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) charge health insurers the same rate they pay pharmacies for medications, but opponents say this could raise price for consumers. (iStock/Getty Images Plus)

The sponsor of HB 238 said its a way to ensure pharmacists, particularly small ones serving rural areas, get fair reimbursement for dispensing drugs.

Opponents say the bill could increase costs for consumers and potentially have other long-term impacts.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Phillip Rigsby, R-Huntsville would require that pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), third parties that administer pharmacy benefits for health insurance plans, pay pharmacies the price of a prescription set by the state, plus a dispensing fee of $10.64.

Rigsby, a pharmacist by trade, said that pharmacies, especially local ones, are losing money by filling prescriptions, because PBMs set reimbursement rates. When reimbursement is less than the cost, he said, pharmacies cant pass on the difference to patients. They can either continue dispensing the medication and absorb the loss or stop stocking it.

Is that good health care for the citizens of Alabama? In either scenario, the outcome is poor. One, the pharmacy eventually cannot pay its costs to continue in business and closes, or the patient does not get their medicine, Rigsby said.

The bill passed the House Insurance committee last week on a voice vote. It is awaiting a vote by the Alabama House of Representatives.

The bill would require that health insurance companies reimburse PBMs the $10.64 dispensing. Health insurance plans could pass those costs on to the patient, either through higher premiums or higher co-pays.

The legislation would also prevent PBMs from invoicing health benefit plans at a different rate than what they reimburse pharmacies for prescription drugs, mandating that PBMs bill the health insurer the same amount they pay the pharmacy. That means they cant charge health insurance plans one price for a medication and then pay pharmacies a different price for the same medication.

Robin Stone, executive director of Alliance of Alabama Healthcare Consumers, an organization made up of employers in the state that lobbies state government on their behalf, said the provision would force PBMs to eat the cost of doing business by guaranteeing that pharmacists cant lose money on prescriptions they file.

This bill is for pharmacists, its about pharmacists, its sponsored by pharmacists and the only people, the only group that comes out on top of this are pharmacists because theyre going to be making more money, Stone said.

Rigsby said the fee was mischaracterized as a tax added to every prescription. He said nowhere does it say the word tax in the bill, nor does it state that the patient will be charged a fee on top of their prescription.

If any citizen hears the word tax, instantly that creates a negative feeling, and they knew it would, Rigsby wrote in an email statement.

Neah Scott, legislative counsel for the Retirement Systems of Alabama, which manages health and retirement plans for state employees and retirees, said the bill would be a major change in how [RSA does] reimbursements.

RSA uses a PBM and can currently negotiate prices. They can also negotiate rebates, which she said brings the cost of insurance down and benefits the members.

Once all payers in the state are paying those average costs, whats to stop the manufacturers from realizing that and just kind of creeping up the cost, when they know everybodys got to get reimbursed at whatever the pharmacies pay for the drugs? she said.

She said they are still running estimates to better understand the impact, but she said they expect it will increase the cost of the program in the short-term and are concerned about potential long-term effects.

At the end of the day, its what the plan pays, and how the plan is funded is by employers members, so if those costs come up, we have to figure out how to address that, Scott said.

Scott said that would either be through raising premiums or asking the Legislature for more funding after the Alabama Employees Retirement System board meeting Tuesday.

Stone said that every health care provider has a cost of doing business. If this bill passes, he argued that other health care providers could seek guarantees of profitability.

If this bill passes, and it guarantees them that they cannot lose money on any prescription that they [fill]. Well, then its obvious that theyre going to be profitable at their business, Stone said. You cant lose money, the only thing you can do is make money.

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This story was updated at 9:21 a.m. to clarify that RSA uses a PBM.

The post Alabama prescription drug bill sparks debate over price impact appeared first on Alabama Reflector.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Metro Nashville Police Department is searching for a woman who has not been seen by her family in almost a year.

Jennifer Bell, 38, was reported missing around Feb. 2 out of Nashville. According to detectives, the last time she had contact with her family was in July 2023, when she reportedly met her mother at a Shell Gas Station off Dickerson Pike to get gas money.

Missing Missouri student: New video helps piece together where Riley Strain went after leaving Broadway bar

The vehicle that Bell was driving was later found abandoned on July 24, 2023, over 300 miles away near the 8000 block of Lee Road 179 Salem in Lee County, Alabama. The Lee County Sheriffs Office said it is now assisting in the search for Bell.

(Courtesy: Lee County Sheriffs Office)

Bell has green eyes and strawberry blond hair, is about 5-feet 2-inches tall and weighs around 140 pounds.

UNSOLVED TENNESSEE: Find more of the states cold cases, missing persons, and other mysteries 

According to Bells cousin, Carla Sullivan, she was last seen with her in Nashville. Sullivan picked her up from work and took her to meet her boyfriend.

Our hope is that shes run off with prince charming, Sullivan said. Reality says she never left Alabama, which I will leave that to everybody else to figure out.

Sullivan went on to talk about the impact her disappearance has had on their family. Bell is a mother of three children and her family hasnt been able to rest since she first went missing.

They urge everyone to take another look at Bells photo and report any sightings of her to authorities.

Her children miss her and we all miss her, Sullivan said.

We contacted the Lee County Sheriffs Department for more information on the finding of Bells vehicle and await for their call back. Sullivan believes more can be done in her disappearance, and that her family wasnt notified about Bells vehicle being found until last week.

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact the Lee County Sheriffs Office at 334-749-5651 or the Metro Nashville Police Department at 615-862-8600.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
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

Israel asks and the United States gives. All of it. Since the war began, the flow of weapons  including precision missiles and bunker buster bombs  has not ceased, going through congressional control only on two occasions. That is in stark contrast with the freezing of aid to Ukraine thanks to a Republican blockade in Congress that the White House is barely able to evade. There is only one thing Netanyahu doesnt ask for or want: advice. When he receives it, he ignores it. And even more so if this advice is formulated in public, as Europeans usually do.

There are many forms of leverage that Washington could use to subdue such a surly prime minister, but it chooses not to use any of them. Let us imagine for a moment that it stops sending weapons, renounces its veto in the Security Council, withdraws the air and maritime forces that are preventing escalation in the Red Sea and the Mediterranean and monitoring Syria, Iraq and Iran; and that it even increases the punishment against settlers who terrorize Palestinians in the West Bank and the politicians who represent them in Netanyahus government and in the Knesset. None of these tools has been used by Biden to moderate an unfriendly government that is extremist and hostile to his presidency, and willing to facilitate Trumps campaign so that the recommendations of compassion and common sense are replaced by applause for the permanent occupation of Gaza, the expulsion of its inhabitants and the establishment of new Jewish colonies in Palestinian territory.

The last U.S. message is no longer advice but a red line; that is, an order from Biden that Netanyahu does not intend to follow. It is about Rafah, which Israel will only be authorized to invade if it has a credible plan to protect the population. The patience of the White House seems infinite: since Israel does not have a plan, lets create it with the launch of humanitarian aid by parachute or through a maritime corridor organized by our allies. It is a slow and insufficient initiative and also tragically contradictory in light of the bombs being supplied by the United States, which fall along with the flour, the canned food and the medicines.

Netanyahu has also drawn his own red line, which challenges Bidens. It is the entry into Rafah without conditions, essential for the destruction of Hamas. He calls it a total victory, but what it really represents is his own political survival and his judicial lifeline. He admits a pause before attacking, but not the six-week truce that Washington wants and even less the definitive one that Hamas is asking for. That would be a personal defeat for him, even if disguised as Israels defeat.

Despite the neglected advice on Rafah, Biden has insisted on reaffirming the dogma on Israels security as a state policy for Washington, as if it were possible to blow and sip at the same time. There are those who choose to view such a paradoxical warning as a surreptitious threat to limit military aid strictly to weapons of self-defense and not to kill Palestinians. It would be the first and most decisive step to convince Netanyahu, but it is hard to believe that such a weak father can win this fight against such a spoiled son.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A passenger on an Alaska Airlines flight from San Diego International Airport to Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia was arrested earlier this month, the airline said.

On March 3, the Alaska Airlines Flight 322 passenger, who appeared to be confused, attempted to access the flight deck in a non-violent manner, the airline told FOX 5 in a statement.

The passenger was noncompliant, which prompted our flight crew to enlist off-duty law enforcement officers to help restrain him, Alaska Airlines said.

9 experiences in San Diego that are a must, according to National Geographic

The flight, which was on a Boeing 737, continued to Dulles International Airport without incident and landed safely around 3:30 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Alaska Airlines confirmed Virginia law enforcement arrested the passenger who has been banned from traveling with the airline.

The FAA will investigate the incident.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Last year the council said it had no plans to clean the statue

A bid is being made to protect a statue of Scotland's national bard Robert Burns from attacks by "organic growth".

An application has been made to clean and repair the category B listed structure in Dumfries town centre.

It would see the removal of lichens, algae and moss which have formed on the statue.

It is also being recommended that a chemical treatment is applied annually in an effort to deter their return.

Last year Dumfries and Galloway Council said it had no plans to clean or restore the statue which has overlooked the High Street since 1882.

That followed complaints that it appeared to be in a "bad way" - particularly compared with a recently restored fountain in the town.

At the time, the local authority said it did not intend to carry out any work but it is now seeking permission to repair and clean the statue which was last restored in 2010 and cleaned in 2018.

A report to the planning committee said parts of it were covered with "large infestations" of organic growth.

There is also evidence of graffiti, "staining from an unknown liquid" and some lettering has been damaged.

The statue was unveiled in Dumfries in 1882

The statue was created by eminent Scots sculptor Amelia Paton Hill and carved by Italian craftsmen in Carrara.

Permission is being sought to clean it and then apply a biocide to help prevent future growth.

This would be repeated on an annual basis in an effort to reduce any risk of further deterioration in its condition.

Historic Environment Scotland has been consulted and has not objected to the plan.

Follow the BBC for the South of Scotland on X. Listen to news for Dumfries and Galloway on BBC Sounds.
ALGER COUNTY, Mich. (WJMN)  An Alger County jury only deliberated for one hour before delivering a guilty verdict for Jon Everett McNally Young on charges of child abuse and witness intimidation.

The abuse happened on Dec. 7, 2022, in Munising Township according to Alger County Prosecutor Robert Steinhoff. A former Child Protective Services worker testified that Young had dragged his 11-year-old son from his bed in the early morning hours, hitting his head on the floor and hitting him with a belt 11 times.

Steinhoff said the abuse gave the child significant bruising across the childs body.

Were told the witness intimidation charge stems from when the CPS official attempted to interview the son, and Young grabbed the child by the arm and said, this is how far this has come. If I go to jail for this tonight, I go to jail for this tonightbut I love you. Steinhoff said at that point, neither CPS or Michigan State Police officers had mentioned jail.

At the trial, Young took the stand in his own defense. The prosecutor did not provide us his explanation of himself, but did say that under cross-examination Young fully admitted what he had done, including his intent to teach the child a lesson in pain.

After the trial Steinhoff said, We are very pleased the jury chose to take a stand on this abuse. No child should have to endure this; my office made a determination that this conduct far exceeded reasonable parental discipline and spilled into the realm of brutality and torment, and the jury agreed.

Youngs sentencing hearing is set for May 14.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJMN - UPMatters.com.
Haley Gierach, a senior at AlWood High School, served as a Page for a Day recently in the Illinois House of Representatives. She was the guest of State Rep. Dan Swanson (R-Alpha).

Haley Gierach, a senior at AlWood High School, served as a Page for a Day recently in the Illinois House of Representatives. She was the guest of State Rep. Dan Swanson (R-Alpha).

I always enjoy having students come to the Capitol to see first-hand how the General Assembly works, Swanson said. It was great having Haley visit us today.

She is active in many different activities at AlWood, including band, choir, theater, scholastic bowl, yearbook and art clubs, and is the treasurer of the schools National Honor Society chapter. After graduation she is headed to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater to study communications.

To find out more about the General Assembly and information about upcoming events on Swansons legislative website, visit here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
Warsaw will neither encourage nor prevent the return of Ukrainian refugees to Ukraine, Polish Ambassador to Kyiv Jaroslaw Guzy said in an interview with Deutsche Welle published on March 13.

Poland hosts around 1 million Ukrainians who fled from Russia's all-out war, the highest number of all countries. The UN records approximately 6 million refugees residing abroad as a result of Russian aggression.

When asked whether Poland plans to contribute to the return of refugees to Ukraine, Guzy said that the country would remain "absolutely neutral on this issue," referring to the opinions of Polish politicians and the Ukrainian community.

"This is a matter of Ukrainian citizens' decision who are in Poland. Whether they decide to return or not," the ambassador said.

He admitted that Warsaw might be interested in the presence of Ukrainian refugees "from the point of view of the Polish labor market," saying that some employers can convince them to stay.

"But these are not things to which the Polish authorities will react in any way," Guzy said.

In late January, Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna said Ukraine was discussing with its partners how to handle the return of Ukrainian refugees from abroad in the future.

"Definitely, it is not Ukraine's direct position that Ukrainians should go back, and therefore, any aid to them should be reduced. Absolutely not. This is an ongoing discussion," she said.

Polish President Andrzej Duda signed in February an act on the protection of Ukrainian refugees, extending the legality of their stay until June 30.

Read also: 6/10 Ukrainian refugees hope to return, study says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A fiery protest in Port-au-Prince. The Haitian capital is now controlled by gangs and racked by violence - REUTERS

Jimmy Barbecue Cherizier poses in front of cameras jostling for the best shot of Haitis most powerful man.

The gang leader and former policeman is wearing a khaki combat vest, frayed at the bottom, with a barbarians tag sewn crudely on the front.

His black beret sits atop a sweating brow, Bluetooth headphones resting above.

Hanging by his side is a powerful assault rifle of the sort you might find in the hands of elite Western counter-terrorism units.

There is no way of telling where this heavily modified weapon comes from. But if recent evidence is anything to go by, it may very well have slipped quietly down Floridas Miami River to the Caribbean.

Gang leader Barbecue pictured during a press conference holding a powerful assault rifle -the sort you might find in the hands of elite Western counter-terrorism units. - RALPH TEDY EROL/REUTERS

Haiti is now in the grip of a round of violence so severe that its prime minister is trapped helplessly abroad while people like Barbecue  named for his propensity to burn people in their homes  take charge.

The state is retreating, and gangs like his now rule over a growing number of people in Haitis population of 11 million.

Haitis descent into anarchy has been long and complex. But what Western officials describe as a massive uptick in American weapons is undoubtedly fuelling the violence.

The guns are hidden in clothes and food packages inside small boats laden with remittance packages sent by migrants in the US to their families back home.

They include belt-fed machine guns, armour-piercing sniper rifles, AK47s and the AR15-type guns like the one Barbecue carries, according to a recent UN report.

Popular handguns selling for $400-$500 at federally licensed firearms outlets or private gun shows in the US can be resold for as much as $10,000 in Haiti, the report said.

Higher-powered rifles such as AK47s, AR15s and Galils are typically in higher demand from gangs, commanding correspondingly higher prices.

A screengrab from a news programme shows the kind of packages used to hide illegal weapons and smuggle them into Haiti - PBS

The sound of guns like these jolted Muhamed Bizimana  who works in Haiti with Care, an NGO  on the morning of Feb 29, when the latest round of violence began.

A smattering of gunfire has become routine for those who remain living and working in the Haitian capital. This was anything but.

Everybody was panicking. The level of intensity of gun shooting was abnormal, Mr Bizimana told The Telegraph.

Later in the day, hospitals were flooded with people hit in the crossfire of a turf war that would lead to the resignation of Ariel Henry, who had ruled unelected as prime minister since his predecessor was assassinated.

Children hit by bullets in their sleep

Children [were] hit by bullets in their sleep, Sandra Lamarque, an aid worker with Medecins Sans Frontieres, said.

The countrys leading newspaper, Le Nouvelliste, described the outbreak of violence as a cortege of fire, blood, corpses, incalculable damage and fear.

As the fighting raged, videos began circulating of Barbecue announcing that rival gangs were joining together to depose Mr Henry, who was out of the country trying to drum up international aid to restore security in Haiti.

We will use all strategies to achieve this goal, Barbecue said. We claim responsibility for everything thats happening in the streets right now. Charred bodies were later seen lying in the streets.

The gangs broke into a prison and released 4,000 inmates to reinforce their strength, before attacking the citys airport and main port, and torching at least a dozen police stations.

Armed members of the Haitian gangs stand guard at a roadblock in Port-au-Prince - ODELYN JOSEPH/AP

The country is now on a precipice, but Haitis troubles started long ago.

Slaves threw off French colonial control with a revolution in 1804 and the island was then forced to pay reparations to its former colonists. The independence debt crippled the country for almost 150 years, plunging it into financial ruin despite it being rich in resources.

This, coupled with dictatorships, power vacuums, natural disasters and unsuccessful international interventions, left Haiti the poorest nation in the Americas.

The 2010 earthquake alone killed around 220,000 people and left the country in ruins.

Since then, internal turmoil and a mass exodus of Haitians has created the conditions for large-scale illegal shipments of weapons from the US to flood the country.

Organised networks across the Caribbean use straw man purchasers to buy every kind of gun, targeting retailers in the US states that have the loosest gun control.

They are then funnelled to Florida inside tightly bound packages of supposed daily essentials that are stacked in warehouses on the banks of the Miami River for delivery.

The weapons reach Haiti and the rest of the Caribbean concealed among thousands of packages sent home by exiles - PBS

US customs officials have little chance. One officer recently admitted it would take his entire team a month to search all the packages in a single warehouse.

Small shipping companies then send the packages on their way before they land somewhere along Haitis 1,700-mile coastline, which is barely monitored by whats left of the official coastguard and police.

Checks in ports are limited, and there are exemptions for customs checks. Those include being part of the Episcopal Church, which was at the centre of a recent arms smuggling ring that saw at least one priest charged.

Joly Germine, 31, the self-described king of what the US described as the notoriously violent gang 400 Mawozo, directed a major arms smuggling operation from his prison cell in Haiti.

Working with his Florida-based former girlfriend Eliande The Queen Tunis, 45, he trafficked weapons including AK47s, AR15s, an M4 Carbine rifle, an M1A rifle, and a .50 calibre rifle into Haiti.

Gang kings downfall left a power vacuum

In February, the couple admitted gun-trafficking charges, as well as the laundering of ransoms paid for US hostages, and were both jailed. Their downfall left a power vacuum in Haiti filled by Barbecue, the architect of the current crisis.

The rise in guns entering Haiti from America is mirrored across the Caribbean, which is facing an explosion in the murder rate. Mexico tried to sue US companies last year to compensate for the homicides, a result of deliberate business practices by the US gunmakers.

Haiti is now a shadow of a state, racked by violence and anarchy with little light at the end of the tunnel.

On Monday, after initially declaring his determination to remain in power, Mr Henry agreed to resign following the installation of [a transition] council.

Im asking all Haitians to remain calm and do everything they can for peace and stability to come back as fast as possible, the former prime minister said in a video statement.

Americans were promptly airlifted from the US Embassy and additional forces were brought in to secure the diplomatic compound in Port-au-Prince.

Mr Henry had travelled to Kenya last month to rally support for a UN-backed international force of 1,000 police officers to be deployed to Haiti.

He tried to return home, but was unable to land, and instead headed for Puerto Rico, a US territory, where he remains.

The 74-year-old former neurosurgeon may be wise to stay in exile. His predecessor was killed just weeks after ordering unofficial drug and weapons running airstrips to be destroyed.

US and West urged to tread carefully

Meanwhile, US officials said members of the transitional council should be appointed this week after talks in Jamaica between Caribbean leaders and Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, who pledged an additional $133 million in security and humanitarian aid.

What will happen next is unknown, but experts have urged the US and the international community to tread carefully and not inflict more damage on the embattled country.

This is the worst cycle of violence that Haiti has seen for decades and it is a pivotal, and potentially transformative moment, said Rosa Freedman, the professor of law, conflict and global development at the University of Reading..

The last thing Haiti needs is another international intervention... the minute there are boots on the ground by peacekeepers, or foreign forces who dont speak the language its just going to perpetuate these cycles, Prof Freedman added.

This is a country that has been failed by the international community, not because the international community has left it alone, but actually, because the international community has intervened so much.

Dan Foote, who quit as US special envoy to Haiti in 2021 over the Biden administrations decision to deport Haitian migrants to the collapsed state, agrees.

He said if the US and others try to impose another leader, he fears there will be a level of violence not seen in Haiti since the revolution.

We are not Americas property

Haitians in Port-au-Prince told The Telegraph they were fed up with the US meddling. The United States treats Haiti as its courtyard, like their own little state, Mackenson Emile, 29, a student, said.

Food, water and medical supplies in the capital are now scarce. Six local hospitals have already been forced to close.

The level of violence really picked up with many people getting gun wounded, a lot of rape, sexual violence towards women, young boys, said NGO worker Mr Bizimana.

Louis-Henri Mars, the executive director of peace-building group Lakou Lape, based in Port-au-Prince, said he has avoided going downtown since the latest eruption of violence.

Theres been a lot of shooting and the gangs occupy the space, and, you know, by the time you are identified youre already picking up a bullet, he said. I have seen dead bodies in the street over the past few days ... I dont know how they were picked up in the end or if they have been picked up.

Mr Bizimana said his colleagues children have been completely traumatised by what they have seen going to or coming home from school. You can sense trauma on peoples faces whenever you interact with them... they live under a complete state of fear of what will come next.

The latest round of grim violence is also being used abroad to call for a dictatorial crackdown of the kind now rapidly spreading in Latin America.

Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador, called for the gangs to be obliterated while sharing a disturbing, unverified video which purported to show a gang member eating the flesh of one of his victims as they cooked on the fire.

No way out for desperate population

For Haitians, there is little opportunity to escape apart from on packed fishing boats making the treacherous and illegal journey to the US.

A parole visa scheme has been held up by the US Congresss stalemate over migration and Ukraine funding.

At a gathering in Port-au-Prince to celebrate the prime ministers resignation, Emile, the student, told The Telegraph: Almost nobody can live in this country.

The resignation of Henry doesnt change anything for me. Today in this country the street vendors cant work, students cant go to college, kids cant go back to school.

Prof Freedman said her remaining contacts stuck in Haiti have a now distant dream of simply going back to work, raising their families and having a nice dinner with friends.

I was messaging one of them. He said, Im sitting with some other friends, were drinking beer, because what else is there to do right now?

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
A Boeing 777, like this one, heading to Los Angeles international Airport made an emergency landing there after the crew aboard reported a mechanical issue Wednesday evening. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

March 14 (UPI) -- A Boeing 777 heading to Los Angeles international Airport made an emergency landing there after the crew aboard the American Airlines flight reported a mechanical issue Wednesday evening.

Although several reports mentioned a "blown tire" on the aircraft, a company spokesperson said that "the pilot reported a possible mechanical issue prior to landing," according to USA Today.

American Airlines Flight 345, which departed from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, set down at LAX just before 9 p.m. local time No one was injured.

The incident highlights a week filled with mishaps for Boeing and United Airlines.

On Tuesday, a United Airlines Boeing 777 taking off from San Francisco International Airport had to make an emergency landing at LAX after losing a tire. A week earlier, an American Airlines flight out of San Francisco made an emergency landing at LAX because of problems with the plane's hydraulic system.

On Tuesday, a United Airlines flight aboard a Boeing 777-300 was redirected after taking off from Australia. Over the weekend, on Sunday, more than 50 people were hurt when a LATAM Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner traveling from Sydney to Auckland experienced a "mid-air" drop.

Air Current reported Wednesday that the movement of a flight deck seat was the focus the resulting probe, adding the investigation into that case is being led by Chile's aviation regulator.
An American nonprofit that has raised millions of dollars for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East  commonly known as UNRWA,  is being sued by 10 survivors and family members of slain victims of the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks on southern Israel who argue the U.S.-based group knowingly provided material support for Hamas and terrorist activities for years.

The lawsuit was filed earlier this month in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware on behalf of Lishay Lavi, Noach Newman, Adin Gess, Maya Parizer, Natalie Sanandaji, Yoni Diller, Hagar Almog, David Bromberg, Lior Bar Or and Ariel Ein-Gal against the UNRWA USA National Committee., claiming that UNRWA USA and UNRWA are "[i]nextricably [l]inked" in supporting Hamas.

"501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations generally do good work. They feed the hungry, help the poor, and house the homeless. But on some very rare occasions, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization finances an international terrorist plot that kills over 1,200 innocent people," the lawsuit says. "This case involves one of those rare occasions."

More than 1,200 Israelis were killed, more than 6,900 civilians are estimated to have been injured, and hundreds more were taken hostage when Hamas launched a surprise attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

WHITE HOUSE PREPARING IN CASE CONGRESS MAKES UNRWA FUNDING PAUSE PERMANENT

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.

"During this attack, Hamas terrorists brutally beat, tortured, raped and murdered men, women, and children. But Hamas did not carry out these attacks alone. Rather, they were financed and aided by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and Defendant UNRWA USA National Committee, Inc. ("UNRWA USA")," the suit says.

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Earlier this year, the Israeli government accused 12 UNRWA employees of having directly participated in the Oct. 7 attacks, prompting the U.S. and at least a dozen other countries to temporarily suspend funding to the agency amid a United Nations investigation.

But Mark Goldfeder, one of the attorneys for the plaintiffs, told Fox News Digital that UNRWA USA did not suspend sending money to UNRWA until March 1.

"Way too little, way too late. They funded it up until the point, even after the reports came out of UNRWA staff literally participating in the massacre," Goldfeder said Wednesday. "Even after the United States suspended its own UNRWA donations, even after all of that, they continued fundraising, and they continued sending money."

Protesters hold signs and flags in front of the UNRWA office in Jerusalem calling for its expulsion from the city on Feb. 5, 2024.

"This is the largest private donor to UNRWA, and they have been materially and knowingly, actively, systematically using their quote unquote, charity, to operate a terrorist financing scheme in violation of federal law," Goldfeder said. "And it's gotten to the point where the evidence is so overwhelming that even UNRWA USA has now suspended donations to UNRWA because they couldn't deny it publicly anymore, but they knew all along what they were doing, and they need to be held accountable."



The complaint alleges that UNRWA USA "has been and is fully aware that UNRWA works with and for Hamas, providing operational and financial support for their activities, and UNRWA USA aids, abets, and provides material support for those activities under the guise of humanitarian assistance."

"UNRWA USA collects donations in the United States and then transfers nearly all its funds to UNRWA, which has significant operations in the Gaza Strip," the lawsuit says. "Once the funds reach the Gaza Strip, UNRWA redistributes those funds to Hamas members on their payroll, some of whom are directly engaged in acts of terrorism, including but not limited to, the October 7th atrocities; to schools that are used to store Hamass weapons and other equipment; and to the production of educational materials that promote violence against Jews, including the destruction of the state of Israel."

Fox News Digital reached out to UNRWA USA for comment on the lawsuit, but they did not immediately respond.

AMERICAN SURVIVOR OF HAMAS ATTACK ON MUSIC FEST RETURNS TO SEE ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTS IN US: 'I DON'T FEEL SAFE'

The lawsuit alleges that UNRWA USA "raises and transfers such funds knowingly, willfully, and with the intention that the funds be used by a designated foreign terrorist organization and its members for terrorist purposes" and "knowingly, willfully, and intentionally works directly and indirectly in confederation and agreement with UNRWA, Hamas, and other terrorist organizations to provide material support to the designated foreign terrorist organizations and their members and for their terrorist activities."

The complaint also states that in addition to having "common missions, finances, and activities," UNRWA USA and UNRWA "also employ overlapping staff." It cites posts on social media platform X in which UNRWA USA described an UNRWA employee as a freelance content producer for UNRWA USA and described UNRWA employees as "colleagues." The lawsuit also states that UNRWA USA board member Karen AbuZayd was appointed UNRWA commissioner-general in 2005, and that in April 2006 she "stated that she commonly met with Hamas and would continue to do so."

The plaintiffs accuse UNRWA USA of violating the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Alien Tort Statute.

A group of seven Republican senators penned a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland last month demanding the Justice Department open a criminal investigation into UNRWA USA, its principals and its leadership "for knowingly providing material support to foreign terrorist organizations, including Hamas."

"This support facilitated and continues to facilitate terrorism, including the October 7 terrorist attack," the letter penned by Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Marco Rubio, R-Fla., Roger Marshall, R-Ks., Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., Rick Scott, R-Fla., Pete Ricketts, R-Nebraska, and Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., said.

According to its 2021 annual report, UNRWA USA dispersed nearly $5 million in donations to UNRWA that year, making the organization UNRWAs largest institutional donor. In 2004, the senators also noted, the then-UNRWA Commissioner-General Peter Hansen said in an interview, "I am sure there are Hamas members on the UNRWA payroll and I dont see that as a crime."

"That assessment is incorrect. It is in fact a crime," the Feb. 15 letter from the senators said.

Thousands of people led by the families of hostages march into Jerusalem on the fourth and final day of the "United for the Release the Hostages" march on March 2, 2024, in Jerusalem. The march began at the site of the Nova Festival at Re'im.

In tandem with the civil litigation seeking monetary damages, Goldfeder told Fox News Digital he hopes the DOJ picks up the criminal probe and holds UNRWA USA accountable.

EXPERTS SLAM LEAKED UNRWA REPORT CLAIMING ISRAEL COERCED WORKERS INTO MAKING FALSE STATEMENTS: 'RIDICULOUS'

On Feb. 13, the Senate passed a controversial $95 billion national security supplemental package to assist Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific. It contains a provision that would block funding from going to UNRWA. The Biden administration said it was waiting on the results of the United Nations investigation into UNRWA to decide on whether to resume funding.

Growing bipartisan opposition to the relief agency prompted the White House to explore alternative ways to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza should Congress permanently halt UNRWA funding. The U.S. is UNRWA's largest donor, usually contributing between $300 million to $400 million annually.

Lavi, an Israeli citizen, is suing after her husband, Omri Miran, was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7 and still remains held hostage. Newmans brother, David Yair Shalom Newman, was killed by Hamas terrorists at the Nova music festival. They both are and were U.S.-Israeli dual citizens.

Diller, Parizer, Bromberg and Or, dual U.S.-Israeli citizens, and Sanandaji, a U.S. citizen visiting from New York, all managed to escape Hamas attack on the Nova festival after fleeing by car and foot  in some cases for hours  while under heavy gunfire and were forced to witness friends and fellow attendees being massacred. Ein-Gal, an Israeli citizen, was asleep on Zikim Beach when swarms of terrorists began infiltrating the coast by boat but managed to escape the attack alive. Gess, a U.S. citizen, and Almog, an Israeli citizen, were not home on their kibbutzes when Hamas attacked but witnessed the massacre of their community members on a shared WhatsApp group loved ones used to beg for help.

"They have been through hell. Each of them have been through their own individual hell, and they are still, many of them, in hell," Goldfeder said of the plaintiffs.

Around 10% of UNRWAs Gaza employees have links to the Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist organizations, and 50% have close relatives who belong to those groups, according to UN Watch.

"UNRWA has demonstrated time and time and time again that they are utterly, morally bankrupt. UNRWA is Hamas. In 2004, they admitted that they have Hamas on their payroll and they don't think that's a crime. Well, they're wrong. Under American law, that is a crime. That's material support for terror," Goldfeder said.





Original article source: American nonprofit tied to UNRWA sued by Oct. 7 survivors for 'aiding and abetting' Hamas terrorists
Little is known about the new brand

The Duchess of Sussex has launched what appears to be a new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard.

The surprise unveiling was made on Thursday with a new Instagram account and web page containing few details.

Meghan closed her former lifestyle brand, The Tig, upon her engagement to marry the Duke of Sussex.

Since stepping back from official royal duties, she has embarked on media ventures, many aimed at female audiences.

There are few details about the new brand available.

The American Riviera Orchard Instagram account features a brief, grainy video showing hands arranging flowers, Meghan stirring a pot in a kitchen, and a woman in a ballgown standing at the end of a long colonnade.

The website includes the brand logo and a prompt to sign up for a waiting list.

The bio section of the Instagram account, which already has tens of thousands of followers, simply says "by Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex" and "Established 2024".

Her official Instagram account has not been updated.

The part of California where Meghan, Prince Harry and their children live is often referred to as the "American Riviera".

US media report there is a pending trademark application for "American Riviera Orchard", showing that the brand plans to sell home goods, such as decanters and kitchen linens, as well as preserved foods such as marmalades and jams.

The application also mentions cookbooks.

The 42-year-old former Suits star has recently been in the public eye more in the US.

She spoke last week about bullying on social media at the SXSW festival, a few days before a US judge threw out her half-sister's defamation lawsuit against her.
As American as apple pie might be a popular expression, but when it comes to the pie preferences of actual Americans, theres a lot of variation.

In honor of Pi Day on March 14 (which many have come to associate with the delicious dessert as much as the mathematical constant), the folks at Google shared the most uniquely searched pies in every state in the month leading up to the holiday.

Google

Once we started looking at the data, we realized there were so many pies wed never heard of  vinegar pie!  and wondered what the variation would look like across states, Katie Seaton, trends data curator at Google, told HuffPost. So, for the timely holiday, we thought it would be fun to pull together a map of favorite flavors around the states, so people can see which flavor comes out on top for their state.

The map includes many classics like apple pie, which dominated in California, Oregon, Nevada, and Wyoming, and lemon meringue pie, which won out in Vermon and North Dakota. But there were also some hyper-local favorites like Derby pie in Kentucky

And while we might primarily associate pie with dessert, the Google map reveals no shortage of love for savory options.

People love a savory pie! said Sabrina Elfarra, data storytelling and trends analysis at Google. We had heard of shepherds pie, but spaghetti pie from Minnesota was new to us. Of the sweet pies, Kool Aid pie in Tennessee was a surprise contender. It was fun to see the diversity of taste through this map.

Anna Efetova via Getty Images

The Google team also shared some other insights about Americans pie-related preferences and inquiries.

For example, the most searched pie recipes in the U.S. overall are for chicken pot pie, shepherds pie, apple pie, key lime pie and pecan pie. The top trending pie recipes  which reflect the queries that jumped significantly in traffic in a short period of time  are potato pie, oatmeal cream pie, banoffee pie, salmon pie and million dollar pie.

Seaton and Elfarra said they hope people feel encouraged to move outside their comfort zones on Pi Day. And maybe we can all try approximately 3.14 new types of pies.

Related...
Orcas, also known as killer whales, are renowned for working in groups. Together they attack sea lions, seals and in recent times even sailboats and private yachts. However, teamwork is not for Starboard, who prefers to act alone. This is the first killer whale in history that has been observed individually hunting a great white shark and devouring it in just two minutes. The staggering predation was captured by a group of scientists off the coast of Mossel Bay (South Africa) and marks an unprecedented behavior that highlights the killer whales remarkable dexterity and super-predatory abilities. The findings were published in the African Journal of Marine Science on Friday.

The marine biologist, Alison Towner of Bangor University (Wales, UK) is a great white shark specialist in the region. Thanks to her monitoring of these large predators, together with her team she managed to identify that since 2017 a pair of killer whales hunted and killed sharks off the coast of South Africa, driving large numbers out of their natural settlement spots. They published their findings in the same journal in 2022 and kept documenting the behavior, until they came across the orca Starboard, whose name is derived from a wound on a dorsal fin. The team observed that Starboard acted alone and managed to incapacitate and consume a 2.5-meter shark in a remarkable two minutes. The moment when Starboard swiftly hunted down my favorite species of shark was both devastating and powerful, explains Towner. In these interactions, at least two other sharks were killed by orca attacks, as evidenced by the nearby discovery of a second 3.5-meter carcass.

Photographic sequence of a killer whale individually attacking a great white shark. Christiaan Stopforth, Drone Fanatics SA

By hunting together, killer whales can circle prey and use their collective intelligence and brawn to attack. Though they can tackle large animals individually, this is the first case involving one of the worlds largest predators. The adroitness with which Starboard devoured the shark suggests remarkable skills, as the research team found that killer whales are showing a strong preference for extracting and consuming livers, which are rich in lipids. This remarkable discovery has been described as specialized feeding behavior. The observations add more layers to the fascinating story of killer whales and their capabilities as intelligent predators, says Towner. Although she concedes that it cannot be speculated that this signals a change in hunting strategy, she does believe that it is likely to be a technique previously used. Killer whales can quickly learn new hunting techniques on their own or from others, she adds.

Paul Tixier, a marine biologist at the University of Victoria in Canada, says that great white sharks in this region have a low-risk perception of orcas because hunting them is novel behavior. These dynamics could lead to selection pressures if sharks continue to perceive killer whales as a low risk. Great white sharks are classified as a vulnerable species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

Despite the startling discovery, the occurrence has also raised concerns among experts. The finding, they explain, raises critical questions about the impact and ecological repercussions that predation by killer whales may have on shark populations in the region. The decline of sharks in the oceans causes cascading impacts on marine ecosystems due to an imbalance in predators, explains the author. For this reason, they believe it is essential to understand the ecological dynamics for marine conservation efforts.

Specialists point to the need for further research on the causes, but suggest human pressures as a possible cause of the orcas displacement. Especially for activities such as hunting and fishing. Great white sharks are displaced and survival and relocation patterns carry potential risks, such as the overlap with fishing or human encounters in remote coastal areas further east, Towner points out. This species serves as an important biological flux of nutrients between ecosystems, and therefore abandonment of an area or reduced foraging success can have long-term consequences on the nutrient cycle.

A second great white shark attacked by killer whales that was found offshore near the scientists sightings. Christiaan Stopforth, Drone Fanatics SA

Esther Jacobs, of the marine conservation initiative Keep Fin Alive, acknowledges that while she was astonished to see the predation, she was also concerned about the profound impact it could have on the marine ecology. Both the author and Jacobs suggest that given the scenario of changing environmental conditions, constant ecological monitoring is essential to establish adaptive conservation strategies. Collaboration with shore-based observers, boat-based tourists and various organizations played a critical role in capturing crucial data and video recordings of predation occurrences and might also be critical in conservation efforts.

They conclude that more research is required to better understand the long-term implications of these interactions between killer whales and great white sharks. Tixier points out that a key strategy is to determine the total number of killer whales feeding on great white sharks and whether they all belong to the same population or to several ones. Despite my admiration for these predators, I am more and more concerned about the marine ecological balance, admits Jacobs.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  AI was a hot topic at the 2024 SXSW Conference, from AI marketing tools to AI-generated films, self-driving cars and more.

(KXAN Photos/Cora Neas)

(KXAN Photos/Cora Neas)

At the SXSW Creative Industry Expo, a booth run by the Office of Ethical and Humane Use and Salesforce asked expo attendees to determine tasks they would trust to AI, and which they would only trust to a human.

Will Artificial Intelligence help or will it harm?

For Humans, participants said analysis, creative work, decision-making emotional work, and performing final checks. For AI: starting a project, code writing, organizing and processing data and making recommendations.

(KXAN Photos/Cora Neas)

(KXAN Photos/Cora Neas)

However, a number of panels at the event covered topics around how those tools can be safely and ethically used.

Spotting AI deepfakes with AI-based tools

At a nearly full SXSW session March 8, Laura Plunkett, executive director of a startup incubator Comcast NBCUniversals LIFT Labs, asked Ben Coleman, CEO of deepfake detection platform Reality Defender, to talk about his companys mission to safeguard reality from AI-created content.

Generative AI, or programs that can create text, images, sounds and videos from a user-provided prompt, are growing in complexity. With the rise of such tools and the ease of accessing them, comes real risks to individuals, businesses and society, according to Coleman.

Youd have to be living under a rock for the last two years to not see a lot of the chaos happening around us with deepfakes and generative AI, Coleman said.

Laura Plunkett (left), executive director of Comcast NBCUniversals LIFT Labs, and Ben Colman (right), CEO of Reality Defender, speak at a March 8, 2024 SXSW session. (KXAN Photos/Cora Neas)

Coleman and Plunkett discussed some negative uses of AI, such as faked video statements by world leaders and generated nude images of celebrities. However, neither took a stance on the technologys morality, proffering Colemans tools as a solution.

Were really careful to avoid saying AI is good or bad. Many of our use cases are fantastic; were solving diseases and supply chain challenges, Coleman said. What were offering is another check to indicate to consumers that what theyre viewing was generated by AI.

Reality Defenders technology uses AI to detect, and alert its user, if content was generated by a program. Falsified images are a concern, but Coleman warns that voice cloning poses a massive fraud risk. Prior to launching Reality Defender, Coleman worked for an investment bank that was hit by a voice fraud attack.

Its a cat and mouse game, Coleman said. If youre just thinking about your lives, the amount of decisions, money transfers and permissions that are committed through voice are astronomical. But by next year youre going to have real-time video communications [attacks].

AI and Ethics

On March 13, Eliza Strickland, senior editor for technology news website IEEE Spectrum, interviewed Michael Spranger, president of Sony AI, before an audience at the SXSW session Ethics in an AI World: Better to be Seen or Unseen?

Eliza Strickland (left), senior editor for IEEE Spectrum, interviewed Michael Spranger (right), president of Sony AI, on March 13 at a SXSW conference session. (KXAN Photos/Cora Neas)

According to Spranger, the terms seen and unseen were created by Sony Head of AI Ethics Alice Xiang. These terms describe a balance between privacy and inclusion in a dataset used by an AI model. As an example, Strickland mentioned facial recognition software used by law enforcement.

You may not want your data used in certain datasets, said Spranger, about the concept of being unseen.

In contrast, to be seen by an AI model means to be included in its dataset. Between being seen and unseen is a third concept of missing  if a demographic is underrepresented in a dataset, then real-world harm could emerge, Coleman said, such as a self-driving car not properly detecting and reacting to underrepresented people.

We want AI to work on everyone properly, Coleman said. There is no silver bullet, but there are a number of different mitigation degrees.

Coleman urged the audience to continue the conversations around AI ethics beyond the conference, and for the AI community to adopt stronger ethical standards.

I think that this shows all sorts of benefits for humanity, but I think humanity doesnt trust the technology, particularly for its very benefits, Coleman said. It feels almost like we have to restart what were doing, and learning about the mistakes of the past, but then also looking forward and moving forward with conviction and with courage.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Tik Tok offices shown in California after U.S. Congress passes bill to divest in Chinese owner

By Mike Scarcella

(Reuters) - U.S. lawmakers want to force a sale of TikTok by its Chinese owner or ban it from app stores, which legal experts said would set up a showdown with the social media company over the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment free speech protections.

While the bill itself does not say anything about speech, the proposal has alarmed civil rights advocates, TikTok and users of the app, all of whom could sue to block the proposal if it becomes law.

Legal experts said opponents of the law could argue it infringes free speech by preventing users from expressing themselves and businesses from using the app to promote their products. TikTok has already beaten back a similar attempt to ban its use in the U.S. state of Montana, although the state is appealing that ruling.

Jameel Jaffer, executive director of the Knight First Amendment Institute called the measure "censorship  plain and simple" in a letter that his group and others sent this week to lawmakers.

A court that agrees with that assessment would apply strict scrutiny, meaning the government would have to prove it has not violated speech rights. This hurdle would make it more likely for the law to be blocked.

The bill's promoters have argued it has nothing to do with speech but merely regulates a commercial activity by requiring TikTok's Beijing-based owner ByteDance to sell the U.S. operations, denying China easy access to users' data.

The bill had strong bipartisan support in the U.S. House but still must clear the U.S. Senate, which could rework the proposal. U.S. President Joe Biden, whose re-election campaign uses TikTok, has said he supports the proposal.

If the bill becomes law, and users and TikTok sue to block enforcement, a key part of any legal challenge will be the court's view of the standard applied in reviewing the law.

Legal experts said if the government winds up fighting a First Amendment case under the strict scrutiny standard, it must prove national security or some other compelling government interest is at stake. It will also have to prove the law was "narrowly tailored" to address that particular issue.

Critics spot a weakness in the government's potential case on this point: Washington thus far has seemed unconcerned about abuse of users' data by other social media platforms.

Plenty of companies such as Meta Platform'sFacebook collect, store and share users' data, but the government has never treated that activity as a national security threat or enacted data protections.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation's David Greene said that if the U.S. were really concerned about China and data privacy, it would push legislation that applies to all social media companies, not just TikTok.

The government would need to convince a court the measure is not a limitation on speech but a regulation of a commercial transaction and a way to protect national security.

The government would argue that TikTok could continue to operate and U.S. users continue to use it, just not under Chinese ownership, so the law's effect on speech was "incidental" and permitted.

In November, a U.S. federal judge in Montana blocked Montanas effort to ban TikTok within the state. TikTok and some users filed a pair of First Amendment lawsuits challenging the proposed ban, which had been set to take effect in January.

U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy issued a preliminary injunction halting the states ban, saying it "violates the Constitution in more ways than one" and "oversteps state power." Montana, backed by Virginia and 18 other states, is challenging the order on appeal.

"The law is not narrowly tailored, nor does it leave open any alternative channels for targeted communication of information," Molloy wrote.

(Reporting by Mike Scarcella; Editing by Tom Hals and David Gregorio)
Angela Rayner denies any wrongdoing over her supposed 'two homes', saying confusion arose from her family 'trying to look out for each other'

Angela Rayner has revealed that she spent eight months in intensive care with her baby son, as she said confusion around her supposed two homes arose from her family trying to look out for each other at a difficult time.

Labours deputy leader has been embroiled in a row over whether she should have been liable for capital gains when she sold her home in Vicarage Lane, Stockport, in 2015.

Ms Rayner has been accused of providing false information about her living circumstances by putting two different addresses on official documents.

She has denied wrongdoing and has insisted she lived there, paid the bills there and was registered to vote there right until she sold the property.

Ms Rayner registered the former council house in Stockport, which she bought under the Right to Buy scheme in 2007, as her main address on the electoral roll.

As a result, when she sold the property in 2015, making a profit of 48,000, she was not liable to pay capital gains tax on that money.

Angela Rayner sold her former council house in Stockport in 2015 for 48,000 - RYAN JENKINSON/STORY PICTURE AGENCY

But weeks after marrying Mark Rayner in 2010, she had re-registered the births of her two youngest children at his address on Lowndes Lane, just over a mile away.

That raised questions over whether she moved in with her now estranged husband but did not update her address on the electoral register.

Speaking at a press gallery lunch in Westminster, she said that when she sold her house on Vicarage Road, she took legal advice as well as advice from a tax expert.

There was no capital gains tax to pay, and I havent done anything that would suggest that that would be the case, she said.

When asked whether she could clear up the confusion about which house she was living at, she said: Vicarage Road was my principal property but when my children were born we would spend time at Lowndes Lane.

Youve got to understand I had a teenager and I had two babies. My son was born at 23 weeks, I spent eight months in intensive care with him. I wasnt really bothered about where my clothes were on a certain night or anything.

But my house was Vicarage Road. I paid all my bills there. Thats my home, but I did spend time at Lowndes Lane at times. Of course I did. And then when I sold Vicarage Road, I lived at Lowndes Lane because I didnt have a house. And I registered there when I moved in there.

I had a very poorly child that was born at 23 weeks that I was told to switch the life support machine off. So it wasnt that there was a big conspiracy or of wanting to deceive or anything of that nature. It was a family trying to look out for each other [during] very difficult circumstances.

Angela Rayner said Vicarage Road was her principal property but she would spend time at Lowndes Land (above) - RYAN JENKINSON/STORY PICTURE AGENCY

Ms Rayner said that her brother has also stayed at her house on Vicarage Road at various different points, adding: My brother helped me as well. My brother had served in Iraq and came back. He had some very challenging times from that, he lost his job. It was really difficult for him.

It came as Ms Rayner and Sir Keir Starmer appeared to be at odds over whether to restore the whip to Diane Abbott amid the Tory donor racism row.

Labours deputy leader said on Wednesday that she would like to see Diane back in the party, becoming the most senior figure to offer an olive branch to the MP but added that the Labour Party has to follow its procedures.

Meanwhile, Sir Keir rejected calls to return the Labour whip to Ms Abbott. He said the party absolutely needed to put an arm around the Hackney MP after Frank Hester, the Tory donor, allegedly made racist and misogynistic comments about her.

He said her suspension over anti-Semitism claims was an entirely different issue and the two things should not be conflated.

Ms Abbott was stripped of the Labour whip last year after suggesting in a letter to The Observer that Jewish people do not suffer racism all their lives. She has sat as an independent ever since.

Ms Abbott apologised for the remarks, claiming that they were a first draft sent to the newspaper in error.

Sir Keir is facing pressure from all corners of the party to lift her suspension after it was claimed that Mr Hester, the Tories biggest donor, said she made him want to hate all black women and should be shot.

On Wednesday evening, Yvette Cooper, Labours home secretary, became the latest senior party figure to weigh in, saying that she wanted to see the review into Ms Abbotts re-admittance speeded up.

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Animal rescue groups are still waiting to hear if the Oregon Department of Agriculture might change its mind about implementing a new fee structure about a month after some 200 individuals spoke during a public hearing about the proposal.

The Animal Rescue Entity licensing program came from Senate Bill 883 in the 2019 Legislature requiring the Agriculture Departments state veterinarian to take over the enforcement and licensing of animal rescues in the state.

Currently, animal rescue entities pay $375 a year for a license.

Under the proposed rules the fee would be calculated by a combination of a license fee, the number of physical locations operated by the rescue and the total number of animals transferred into a rescues custody during the previous year. Organizations like shelters would pay $300 while foster-based rescues would pay $225.

The rescue groups also would pay new animal transfer fees based on a sliding scale of how many animals they care for. Rescues would pay $100 for providing care for up to 50 animals, $200 for 51-100 animals, $600 for 101 to 250 animals, $1,200 for 251 to 500 animals, and $2,000 for 501-1,000 animals.

I personally see no benefit to rescuing animals from this fee increase, said Leann Garrison, a board member of Willamette Valleys Meow Village.

Knikki Ledford-Swartwout with Neonatal Kitten Rescue of the PNW feeds a three-week-old kitten.

The Department of Agriculture declined to speak about the proposed changes ahead of the 5 p.m. Friday deadline to submit public comment. The department said it is accepting written comments via email until then.

Meow Village cares for hundreds of animals a year. Garrison said the organization prides itself in never saying no to a cat in need. They routinely take in more than 1,000 cats a year, so their fee would jump to $2,200.

The proposed changes, Garrison said, could mean rescues hesitating to take in animals in need.

We never want to be in a situation thinking Is this our 501st cat? Is that our 1001? Constantly being aware of that fee schedule will change our dynamics, Garrison said. It would be a very sad thing for us.

Kittens ranging from one to three weeks old are kept in a temperature and climate controlled area at Neonatal Kitten Rescue of the PNW in Jefferson.

It is a concern echoed by several other local rescues like the Salem-based Neonatal Kitten Rescue of the Pacific Northwest. Pamela VanZanten and Knikki Ledford-Swartwout have fostered kittens in need of baby-bottling for years.

In November, they became their own nonprofit and were ready to become a licensed rescue by kitten season when they can take in up to 60 cats. Those plans are temporarily on pause as they wait to see what the Department of Agriculture decides.

VanZanten said the proposed fee changes ignores the realities of area rescues which are mostly volunteer-based and run with limited budgets. The formula for kittens is expensive, she said. This year, Ledford-Swartwout also took in a litter of puppies, spending more than $600 on puppy formula for four puppies.

Then there is the cost of spaying and neutering, and fees for microchips, vaccines and other care. The adoption fees, at times, dont cover the expenses, VanZaneten said.

Its really pressurizing us, said VanZanten. Im not sure they (the Department of Agriculture) understand that we arent corporations or big businesses. Were just private citizens who are trying to do the right thing.

Pamela VanZanten with Neonatal Kitten Rescue of the PNW in Jefferson holds one to three week old kittens.

The disconnect also is felt by Keitha Romine with Keitha's Kittie Rescue.

Romine said Keitha's remains the only licensed cat rescue in Linn County. The change would be "devastating" she said, potentially adding an extra $600 to her licensing fee.

Adoption fees for the rescue are $140 for kittens. That's about what it costs to have them spayed or neutered, vaccinated and tested.

The Humane Society of the United States sent a letter to the Department of Agriculture expressing concerns with the proposed fee increase, saying Oregon rescue groups would find the fees "onerous" and that Oregon's shelters and rescues already are overburdened.

Rescues groups in Marion County also filled a hole when the Oregon Humane Society stopped taking stray cats in November of 2022.

The Humane Society cited numbers from the Shelter Animals Count database, saying Oregon had more than 48,000 cats and dogs entering its shelter and rescue system last year.

"In the face of the shelter capacity crisis here in Oregon, the proposed fees will place an additional, unsustainable strain on our animal rescue entities across Oregon, and an untold number of animals could be at risk as a result," wrote Kelly Peterson, Oregon senior state director with the HSUS.

Five kittens at Meow Village in Salem are about three and a half weeks old.

Dianne Lugo covers the Oregon Legislature and equity issues. Reach her at dlugo@statesmanjournal.com or on Twitter @DianneLugo

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon animal rescue groups ask state to rethink fee changes
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  People gathered in Grand Rapids Thursday morning to honor the legacy of social justice leader Cesar E Chavez.

The 24th annual event was originally scheduled to be a march, but rain caused a change in plans. Instead, there was a program at Potters House Chapel. Attendees held up flags and signs and wore commemorative T-shirts.

Chavez was a civil rights activist who fought for better labor conditions for farmers. He also was a prominent voice in the Latino community and worked on campaigns against racial and economic discrimination.

Karla Perez, a fifth grader at Burton Elementary, holds up her handmade flag at the Cesar E. Chavez March in Grand Rapids on March 14, 2024.

A portrait of Cesar Chavez is displayed at a March 14, 2024, event in Grand Rapids honoring his legacy.

A portrait of Cesar Chavez is displayed at a March 14, 2024, event in Grand Rapids honoring his legacy.

Event organizers said it was about bringing people together and a way to advocate for bills that would allow people to get a drivers license regardless of their citizenship or immigration status.

It is always important that we celebrate and we advocate. To celebrate Cesars birthday, it is always about people, and advocate for those people that cannot drive legally in our streets, said Lupe Ramos-Montigny, the chair of the Committee to Honor Cesar E. Chavez, which organized the event.

The program was followed by a unity luncheon at Maya Mexican Grill.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
A new documentary uses Frida Kahlo's letters and diary entries to tell the artist's story. Illustration: Jianan Liu/HuffPost; Photo: Getty Images; Amazon Prime

FridaKahlois arguably the most culturally significant figure out of Mexico. There are plenty of contenders, but really, who else from the country has had their face emblazoned onto every object imaginable, been the subject of countless exhibitions, books, art, and films, and inspired me to dress up as sexy Frida Kahlo for Halloween one year?

Like Selena Quintanilla, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis, Frida Kahlo is an enigmatic cultural icon whose artistry and image left a seismic imprint on the world  and whose tragic personal stories deepened their lore, leading to constant retellings of their story.

This week, we get yetanother with Frida, a documentary (out March 14 on Amazon Prime) by filmmaker Carla Gutierrez that recounts the life of the influential 20th century surrealist painter who has become a feminist symbol for rebellion, courage, resilience, and passion in her native Mexico and far, far beyond.

While other documentaries on the artist have stuck to a standard narrative style, with scholarly interviews adding perspective to various aspects of her life, Gutierrez relies on letters and diary entries, effectively allowing Kahlo to tell her story in her own words as animated images of her artwork move fluidly on screen alongside photos and archival footage. Other important figures in her life also add context to her lore via letters, including her husband and fellow artist Diego Rivera and her lover, the Marxist revolutionary Leon Trotsky.

As it often goes with ubiquitous cultural figures, Kahlos story is understood by a series of bullet-point events: the horrifying bus accident that destroyed her body, her tumultuous relationship with Rivera, his affair with her sister Christina, the way she channeled herself into her art, her many lovers both male and female, and the strength of her convictions through it all.

So much so, that you have to ask: What more can be mined from her history? How do you tell a story thats already been told so many times? What more can we learn?

I was one of those people [that asked this], says Gutierrez. Her life has been examined a lot. I know that there are people that have gone to see the movie that they were like, But do I really need to watch another film?

Figures like Kahlo have a tendency to become paper dolls, flattened over time into one-dimensional figures that people can spiritually project themselves onto. As we make copy after copy of these figures, their souls can be lost; their humanity, faults, and heart overpowered by their image. They become T-shirts at Target sold during Womens History Month, a throw pillow that says feminist in sequins, or a spokes-figure for girl power thats been watered down to the most palatable, serviceable product in the age of girlbossery.

How do you treat this iconic symbol that is a flattened version of somebody that is really full and human and complex and not perfect? asked "Frida" filmmaker Carla Gutierrez. Illustration: Jianan Liu/HuffPost; Photo: Getty Images; Amazon Prime

Despite comprising a fifth of the U.S. population, Latinx people struggle for opportunities to tell their stories in publishing, Hollywood and other media. Figures who hold a meaningful place within a culture and peoples identity are an easier sell to when you wash away their prickly parts. Kahlo, especially, has been commodified to the point of near erasure of her actual self, and that opens herself and others up to exploitation when bad people are in control of her story.

In a 2017 New York Times essay, Salma Hayek recounted the sexual harassment she suffered at the hands of Harvey Weinstein while shooting the 2002 film Frida. Weinstein, Hayek revealed, threatened to shut down production if the actress didnt perform a fully nude sex scene with her co-star Ashley Judd.

Hayek wrote: Since those around me had no knowledge of my history of Harvey, they were very surprised by my struggle that morning [of the shoot.] It was not because I would be naked with another woman. It was because I would be naked with her for Harvey Weinstein. But I could not tell them then.

The scene was seemingly only meant to satisfy Weinsteins own perversions. Though he denied those allegations, Kahlos bisexuality was exploited to force Hayek into performing a nude sex scene. Its an extreme case, but an example still of how parts of Kahlos identity are manipulated to benefit others in a way the artist herself would most likely be against.

Frida Kahlo was queer woman and staunch communist who despised America, gringos, consumerism and the elitist, faux intellectualism that plagued the art scene. She talked shit, loudly and openly. That doesnt align with the way she has been packaged and sold since her death. Sadly, the plainest version of such a complicated, fiery personality is the one that sells most.

To tackle that, Gutierrez decided to show the world through her perspective, noting that she hadnt seen a film that had really focused on her voice completely.

How do you treat this iconic symbol that is a flattened version of somebody that is really full and human and complex and not perfect? she adds. She is a symbol of female empowerment. Shes a symbol of queer openness and passion for life. We only see kind of limited, very heroic aspects of them. And to present a fuller picture, that was our intention from the very beginning.

Gutierrez says Kahlos letters and diary offer an insight into her inner life that is rarely understood or explored, and it filled her as a filmmaker with a sense of responsibility to give Kahlo back that life, especially when those written words offer such a deep window into the person. No recordings of Kahlos voice exist, Gutierrez tells me, but she shared often and openly.

Through this format, Gutierrez allows audiences to know not just the what to her story, but Kahlos distinct perspective and the ways in which she was deeply affected by the happenings of her life.

She was talking to people that she felt really close to so she was really honest with her emotions in those letters and then in her diary as well, says Gutierrez. So it was a possibility of getting really intimate with her. Theres a closeness that you feel when you can really hear her personality through the way that shes expressing herself ... Thats how we approached putting together the visual narrative; always seeing what happened to her through her eyes.

In Frida, Gutierrez doesnt shy away from the full version of the artist, but rather embraces her and allows her to reclaim her story by removing herself as much as possible. If we are to tell her story again, and those of other prominent Latinx figures, thats the least they deserve as human beings who lived and breathed and left their mark on the world.
Anti-Kremlin militias on March 14 made another appeal to civilian residents on the Russian side of the Russo-Ukrainian border to evacuate, warning of new attacks.

The fighters launched cross-border incursions into Russia's Belgorod and Kursk oblasts on March 12, allegedly resulting in clashes with Russian forces in several settlements.

The Freedom of Russia Legion, the Siberian Battalion, and the Russian Volunteer Corps published the appeal on their Telegram channels this evening, promising to maintain a humanitarian corridor from 9 p.m. on March 14 until 7 a.m. on March 15.

A "massive attack" on Russian government forces will follow, the militias said, publishing a map marking the settlements in Kursk and Belgorod oblasts where their military operation will supposedly take place.

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The towns and villages marked on the map include Tyotkino, Glushkovo, Sudzha, Krasnaya Yaruga, Grayvoron, Borisovka, Shebekino, Valuyki, Shelayevo, and Urazovo.

"We see that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's troops are hiding among civilians, so our task is to ensure maximum security for the local population," the militias says, calling on civilians to "save your lives and the lives of your children."

Ukraine's military intelligence spokesperson Andrii Yusov said that Russian authorities are preventing the evacuation of citizens from the areas where the hostilities are taking place.

Based on intercepted conversations, "transport hubs are surrounded by law enforcement officers, there are roadblocks, there are threats of fines and loss of employment," Yusov said on television.

The village of Tyotkino appears to be an important center of the hostilities. The anti-Kremlin militias claimed to have taken control of the settlement on March 12, while Russian forces alleged they had repelled attacks by "Ukrainian saboteurs" and "terrorists."

The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims.

According to Yusov, the militias are comprised of Russian citizens under Ukrainian defense forces, but their incursions into Russia are not taking place under Kyiv's orders.

"On the territory of the Russian Federation, they act absolutely autonomously, on their own, and pursue their social and political program tasks," Yusov told the media.

Read also: What do we know about the Siberian Battalion that reportedly crossed into Russia?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A federal appeals court on Thursday denied ex-Trump adviser Peter Navarros bid to stay out of prison while appealing his conviction for refusing to comply with a congressional subpoena related to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit largely affirmed the trial judges ruling last month that Navarros appeal does not raise a substantial question of law and therefore doesnt warrant his release.

The federal appeals court also found that for Navarros arguments on executive privilege to raise substantial questions, it would have required former President Trump to have invoked said privilege  which the court said did not happen here.

Even if executive privilege were available to appellant, it would not excuse his complete noncompliance with the subpoena, the appeals court wrote in a two-page order. Appellant makes no claim of absolute testimonial immunity, nor could he.

A properly asserted claim of executive privilege would not have relieved him of the obligation to produce unprivileged documents and appear for his deposition to testify on unprivileged matter, the court order continues.

Navarro, 74, was convicted last year on two counts of contempt of Congress  one for failing to produce documents related to the Jan. 6 probe and another for skipping his deposition. He was sentenced to four months in prison.

Former Trump advisor Peter Navarro

Former Trump advisor Peter Navarro 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. (Greg Nash)

The former Trump economic adviser has been ordered to report to a Miami prison Tuesday, which would make him the first key Trump adviser to serve jail time over efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, who oversaw Navarros trial, had barred his attorneys from using executive privilege as a defense after finding he failed to prove privilege was ever invoked by Trump.

In court filings, Navarros attorneys said his defense was hamstrung by the open question of whether a president can direct his subordinates not to testify before Congress. Navarro himself told the judge during his sentencing he had an honest belief that privilege had been invoked, prompting him to ignore the House Jan. 6 committees requests for documents and an interview.

The Hill requested comment from Navarro attorney Stanley Woodward.

At trial, federal prosecutors said Navarro showed utter disregard for the House panels probe and utter contempt for the rule of law.

The committee was investigating an attack on the very foundation of our democracy, Assistant U.S. Attorney John Crabb said. There could be no more serious investigation undertaken by Congress.

Former White House adviser Steve Bannon was convicted on two counts of contempt of Congress last year, too, and sentenced to four months in prison. But a different judge ruled he could remain free pending appeal. Bannons appeal was argued in November; he still has not served any time.

Top Stories from The Hill

Navarro told reporters after his conviction last year that he expects his case to reach the Supreme Court over the questions it raises regarding executive privilege for high-ranking White House staff.

I am willing to go to prison to settle this issue. Im willing to do that. But I also know that the likelihood of me going to prison is relatively small, because we are right on this issue, Navarro said at the time.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A federal appeals court on Thursday denied former Trump White House adviser Peter Navarros bid to remain out of jail while he appeals his criminal conviction for defying a subpoena from the Jan. 6 select committee.

A three-judge panel ruled Navarro had failed to present substantial questions of law that might result in his conviction being overturned.

Navarro has long argued that former President Donald Trump asserted executive privilege to prevent Navarro from testifying or providing documents to the Jan. 6 select committee. But the judge who presided over his trial, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, rejected that argument, noting that Navarro presented no evidence that Trump had done so. The appeals court agreed.

[T]he argument presupposes that privilege has actually been invoked in this case in some manner by the President, the judges wrote in a two-page order. That did not happen here

The panel included Judges Patricia Millett, Cornelia Pillard and Robert Wilkins.

Unless Navarro seeks and wins Supreme Court intervention, he could be in prison by next week. Hes been ordered to report by March 19. Navarro would be the first adviser directly connected to Trump to face jail time for conduct related to efforts to subvert the 2020 election.

Even if Navarro had shown that Trump did invoke executive privilege, however, the appeals court panel concluded that it would not undermine Navarros conviction since his such a claim would be overcome by the Jan. 6 committees imperative need for evidence.

The panel also noted that even if executive privilege was a legitimate reason to ignore aspects of the Jan. 6 committees subpoena for documents, it would still not excuse his decision to defy the entire set of the committees demands, which included seeking documents and testimony on unprivileged subjects.

The House held Navarro in contempt in April 2022 for refusing to appear for a deposition or provide documents to the panel. The Justice Department charged Navarro with two counts of contempt of Congress several weeks later. A jury convicted Navarro on both counts last September.

Navarro is the second former Trump adviser convicted on federal charges for defying the Jan. 6 committee. Steve Bannon was convicted by a jury after a 2022 trial  but the judge in his case, Carl Nichols, agreed to allow Bannon to remain free pending appeal.
ST. LOUIS  The Archdiocese of St. Louis has announced relocation plans for St. Louis Catholic Academy after the current academic school year.

St. Louis Catholic Academy will move to the former campus of La Salle Charter School, located at 1106 North Jefferson Avenue in the Carr Square neighborhood.

The Archdiocese says the property has a rich Catholic history. St. Bridget of Erin parish was established on the site in 1853. It was also the grounds of a Catholic community school from 1970 to 2012.

Hailstorm causes major damage in St. Charles County

This building will provide a viable, turnkey setting in which the Archdiocese of St. Louis can deliver state-of-the-art, quality education in a renovated space that has a long legacy of Catholic education, said the Archdiocese in a news release.

In addition to this decision, the Archdiocese of St. Louis is planning to close two elementary schools after the 2023-24 school year. FOX 2 first learned of the possibility of school closures late last year due to low enrollment and budgeting challenges.

The changes come as the Archdiocese also launched an All Things New plan last year to consolidate 178 individual parishes into 134 parishes.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
A month before being shot dead in his official car, in October 1963, U.S. president John F. Kennedy approved the launch of satellites to warn of the greatest disaster imaginable: the explosion of an atomic bomb. In 1967, this surveillance program called Vela detected mysterious bursts that did not come from Earth, but from outer space. The matter was kept in a drawer until, years later, it was learned that those signals were the most powerful type of radiation in the universe, possibly arriving from outside our galaxy. A new way of observing the universe had been accidentally discovered: gamma-ray astronomy.

Invisible to the human eye, gamma rays are ubiquitous and allow us to study the most violent phenomena in the cosmos. In a brief instant, gamma ray bursts release more energy than all the stars in the universe combined, explains Peter Michelson, an astrophysicist at Stanford University and the brain behind the Fermi gamma-ray space telescope. Fermi was launched in 2008 by NASA to continue the surveillance work started by Cold War satellites in a more scientific way. In a matter of hours, the Fermi team of more than 400 scientists from 17 countries can detect a new source of gamma rays, locate its origin and alert other space and ground telescopes to observe it. The researchers in charge of the main scientific instrument on board the Fermi met for the first time in Spain to discuss their new objectives, such as understanding a third of all signals, which are of unknown origin.

Representation of a supernova. NASA

Short bursts of gamma rays last fractions of a second. They happen just as two neutron stars  which are so dense and compact that a single teaspoon weighs a billion tons  collide. Long bursts, lasting a few minutes at most, occur when a star about 30 times larger than the sun reaches the end of its life and explodes, creating a supernova. The outer layers are blown off as the core collapses in on itself. The force of gravity is so strong that it forms a point of infinite density: a black hole. If the black hole also rotates on itself, which almost always happens, it produces a burst of gamma rays as powerful as what an entire galaxy produces, says Michelson. No atomic bomb would be even remotely capable of producing a similar amount of energy.

Irish astrophysicist Deirdre Horan, a member of the Fermi science team, explains: Gamma rays are also one of the types of radiation that fluctuates the fastest and most dramatically; to the point that some sources turn the sky into a disco. Its fascinating how nature can create something like this, she adds. The researcher is referring to pulsars, rotating neutron stars that emit periodic flashes with such accuracy that they can be used as chronometers to measure  with very high precision  other phenomena, such as the radiation produced by the Big Bang, 13.7 billion years ago.

The Fermi operates 24 hours a day, every day of the week. From its orbit, more than 310 miles from the Earths surface, it can cover the entire sky every three hours. Since its launch, it has identified more than 7,000 sources of gamma rays from inside and outside the Milky Way. Its findings show that Earth is a tiny dot in space literally surrounded by gamma-ray sources, many of them pulsars of exquisite punctuality. Some signals come from dizzying distances, such as gamma light that was emitted 12.5 billion years ago, when the universe was almost a newborn. Due to the accelerated expansion of the cosmos, this object is already 25 billion light years away, meaning that to reach it you would have to travel at the speed of light for almost twice the total age of the universe.

Charged atomic particles constantly bombard Fermis equipment. Although in theory, the space telescope was built to last only five years, its inventors and builders made sure to give it large solar panels that continue to function despite losing efficiency due to the constant radioactive bombardment. On at least one occasion, the telescope has had to skirt around pieces of space debris that could have knocked it out forever. The scientific team, which is meeting until Friday at the Institute of Theoretical Physics in Madrid, estimates that Fermi could last for another decade. It is crucial that it continues to work: without it, humanity would be blind to this type of gamma rays; there is no successor in sight.

Illustration of the Milky Way with the two gamma-ray bubbles discovered by the 'Fermi' telescope. NASA

Spanish astrophysicist Miguel Angel Sanchez Conde will be the new scientific coordinator of the Fermi-LAT collaboration. One of its main objectives is to use the telescope to try to identify dark matter. It would be a discovery that would take us directly to Stockholm to collect the Nobel Prize, he says.

Dark matter makes up 25% of the entire universe, but no one has been able to observe it or determine what it is made of. Many of the unidentified sources could be small halos of dark matter that are annihilating, and in doing so emit gamma rays, says Sanchez. This possibility could fit with some current proposals to explain dark matter, such as weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPS).

One of the biggest mysteries facing the team is right in the center of our galaxy, explains Sanchez. In this place there is a black hole  Sagittarius A*  with a mass four million times greater than the sun. Since 2010, we have been capturing a constant signal from the galactic center. But in the other galaxies that have supermassive black holes in the center, we do not see anything similar. Its an excess of gamma rays that we simply cannot understand. No one knows why this is happening, but new studies are published almost every day on this problem. There are already thousands of studies on this mystery, says the researcher.

In 2010, Fermi discovered a gigantic bubble-like structure located just above and below the center of our galaxy. The two lobes are so enormous that it would take 50,000 years to cross them from end to end, traveling at the speed of light. Fourteen years later, these Fermi bubbles remain one of the greatest mysteries of our cosmic environment.

It is possible that they are the remains of Sagittarius A*s last feast when it swallowed a gas cloud about six million years ago. Or the enigma may be related to the constant gamma ray signal being emitted from the galactic center and which, in turn, could be due to the annihilation of dark matter, argues Sanchez.

For Horan, another great moment will come in approximately a month, when three large terrestrial gravitational wave detectors  LIGO, Virgo and Kagra, in the U.S., Europe and Japan, respectively  begin to operate. Theyre going to send out alerts as soon as they detect a gravitational wave, but normally you dont know where its coming from. Fermi has a huge field of view and can help a lot. Its very exciting to see if we can pick up electromagnetic signals as a counterpart to gravitational waves. Theory tells us that two colliding black holes should not emit gamma rays. But if they are two neutron stars, we could see them. This happened in 2017, and it was like, Oh my God, we caught one! We will probably see many more now, she says.

For Michelson, all possibilities are open. I think there are things out there that we havent even imagined; and theorists have a lot of imagination.

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Boards set up outside the storefront of Drumbeat, a Native American goods store located in Phoenix, display missing people posters of Indigenous people from tribal nations across Arizona. Reva Stewart displays the missing person posters to help raise awareness. Photo by Shondiin Silversmith | Arizona Mirror

In the 10 months since Arizona officials announced an investigation into massive Medicaid billing fraud, theyve maintained the abuse was mostly limited to a small share of the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System: behavioral health providers that exploited the agencys fee-for-service plans.

But the agency acknowledged this week that fraud also spread into its managed care organizations, which oversee 90% of AHCCCS servicesmeaning the crisis ultimately affected the agencys entire provider ecosystem, not just those highlighted as the epicenter of the scandal.

Gov. Katie Hobbs office told AZCIR this week that similarities in suspected fraud patterns exist across both fee-for-service and managed care, but that it is still hard to determine the full scope of this crisis.

The revelations follow a series of AZCIR inquiries to better understand AHCCCS decisions to quietly waive key provider screening requirements and other safeguards during the pandemic, several of which the agency did not disclose for the nearly two years they were in effect.

The changes relaxed standard protocols to vet AHCCCS providers, allowing a host of provider types beyond behavioral health operators to get taxpayer-funded reimbursements without undergoing standard screenings like fingerprint checks and site visits, according to documents obtained by AZCIR. AHCCCS also opted to halt routine audits and license verifications to detect and remove unqualified providers.

Fraudulent billing has cost Arizona taxpayers at least $2 billion, with the scandaland the states responseharming more than 7,000 people and disproportionately affecting Indigenous communities. The true breadth remains unclear, however, in part because state leaders managing the response have not been forthcoming with the public, including lawmakers.

Officials lack of transparency raises questions about how effectively they are addressing the root causes of what Attorney General Kris Mayes has dubbed one of the largest scandals in state history. It also undercuts confidence in a system that is designed to support the states most vulnerable populations.

Since state officials launched investigations in May 2023, agency leader Carmen Heredia has publicly stated that she does not believe managed care had been compromised. When addressing state lawmakers as recently as this January, she made no reference to fraud within managed care or COVID-era changes that may have contributed to the crisis.

The Attorney Generals Office declined to comment on the policy changes or their impact, citing its ongoing investigation.

A meaningful accounting of the crisis and its origins is urgently needed, according to Alan Johnson, chief assistant state attorney for the 15th Judicial Circuit in Florida. Johnson has spent eight years grappling with corrupt addiction treatment operators and state neglect alongside his colleagues.

I can recognize a mess when I see one, he said, urging policymakers to examine where licensing and regulation systems broke down. Its a mess in Arizona.

Medicaid agencies use screening measures like site visits and fingerprint checks to guard against bad actors, particularly when it comes to provider types considered prone to fraud, waste or abuse. These issues were a primary driver of improper Medicaid payments nationally in the years leading up to the pandemic, costing taxpayers an extra $10 billion.

When the federal government declared COVID a public health emergency in March 2020, it allowed AHCCCS and Medicaid programs nationwide to waive certain pre-enrollment screenings.

AHCCCS adjusted its provider enrollment portal accordingly that June, meaning moderate- to high-risk providersfrom hospice and behavioral health facilities to attendant care and non-emergency medical transportno longer needed to undergo site visits or fingerprint checks. The agency also disabled a feature that terminated providers with expired licenses within 180 days.

Internal documents obtained by AZCIR show that AHCCCS chief information officer Dan Lippert, who signed off on the portal changes, was aware the tweaks would allow minimally vetted providers entering the system to remain there for a long time unless the agency intervened.

Yet AHCCCS failed to fully detail the changes to managed care organizations, which account for the vast majority of its member services. By May 2022, when it finally circulated a messaging toolkit that alluded to the agencys nearly two-year suspension of provider terminations, AHCCCS had already resumed standard provider screening and enrollment protocols.

That meant almost two years passed before AHCCCS informed managed care organizations of changes that allowed nefarious providers to more easily enter and remain active within AHCCCS provider portal. Had they been fully briefed on the policy changes, they could have considered employing additional fraud-prevention measures, such as more frequent audits.

Key internal divisions of AHCCCSsuch as the agencys Office of Inspector General or the Division of Member Provider Servicesalso could have implemented extra checks, such as prepayment reviews. But despite repeated pressing from AZCIR, the agency would not say whether it had alerted staff in those offices to the changes.

AHCCCS decision to pause screenings, audits and other safeguards coincided with a surge in enrollment, as a federal law barred Medicaid programs from dropping members during the public health emergency.

At the time, public health officials believed the benefits of increasing access to health care outweighed the possible harms of temporarily relaxing rules. Connecting vulnerable populations to care was particularly urgent in Arizona in the early months of the pandemic, when local tribal communities were among the hardest-hit in the United States.

It was a tradeoff that we had to make at that point, said Naomi Fener, director of population health at Families USA, a nonprofit health advocacy group that has supported Medicaid expansion. We had to make a lot of really tough decisions with very little information.

The scale of Arizonas behavioral health crisis became evident in May 2023, when state and federal leaders gathered to announce a sweeping investigation into Medicaid fraud. Scammers had exploited the American Indian Health Plan, they said, and used the fee-for-service plans unique reimbursement structure to reap outsized profits under the guise of treatment.

From 2020 to 2022, AHCCCS member rolls increased by more than 30% to 2.5 million people, with behavioral health claims skyrocketing from $132 million to $668 million over the same period. Agency staffing levels remained flat, however, leaving AHCCCS without the personnel to investigate fraudulent claims in a timely manner, according to a 2022 Auditor General report.

The massive fraud schemes perpetuated by bad actors are the largest that have targeted a single demographic population in recent U.S. history, according to Melissa Rumley, spokesperson for the Office of Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Though the state has suspended payments to nearly 300 behavioral health providers facing credible allegations of fraud, AZCIR previously found that leaders failed to anticipate the full impact of the resulting closures, which have put members of an already susceptible population at further risk of relapse, abuse, homelessness and even death.

Given that Arizona funnels more general fund dollars toward AHCCCS than anything other than education, its not surprising that fraudsters targeted the agency, said Dr. Dan Derksen, a professor of public health, medicine and nursing at the University of Arizona.

Combined with COVID-era health care trends, such as a shift toward telemedicine, the policy changes created an environment where folks could fill-in-the-blank for services that were never rendered, Derksen said.

Its a big program, and theres a lot of money, Derksen added. Its kind of like, why rob banks? Its where the money is.

The rapid expansion of AHCCCS member rolls made the agency even more susceptible to abuse, according to Gary Alexander, a director at the Paragon Health Institute, a health policy research group founded by a former Trump administration official.

The bigger something gets and the more complex something gets, the greater the chance for fraud, Alexander said, adding that while the flexibilities were in effect AHCCCS should have gone in with a scalpel to monitor for improper billing.

In June 2021, one year after the waiver went into effect, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a bulletin outlining how states should step up monitoring and oversight of managed care organizations and provider screening protocols. The guidance followed a report by the Government Accountability Office calling on CMS to better coordinate with states to implement the requirements.

AHCCCS provider screening requirements remained relaxed for the next 10 months.

Officials are still contending with the fallout of the COVID-era decision to relax enrollment and screening protocols.

When AHCCCS returned to pre-pandemic policies in April 2022, it had identified 13,702 providers that did not have an active license on file, according to agency spokesperson Heidi Capriotti. The agency has since removed more than 44,000 providers that failed to revalidate their enrollment in the provider portal.

To stem improper payments, AHCCCS has halted new registrations for four of the 17 provider types that were able to enroll without undergoing site visits, including behavioral health outpatient clinics and residential facilities. The freeze for those providers will continue through June 8, 2024.

Though officials have publicly held that fraud is largely limited to AHCCCS division of fee-for-service, managed care organizations last year reported the highest number of suspected fraud, waste and abuse incidents since at least 2016, agency data obtained by AZCIR shows.

The trend started its climb in 2019, three years after AHCCCS assumed oversight of behavioral health services from the Arizona Department of Health Services. Capriotti said AHCCCS does not have data that would indicate the interagency move directly contributed to increased fraud.

Arizona lawmakers introduced new legislation in 2024 that aims to strengthen oversight and enforcement of behavioral health providers by revising how some are defined, and increasing penalties for violations. But Alan Johnson, the chief assistant state attorney in Florida who dealt with similar fraud, cautioned against enacting reforms before there is a complete understanding of the crisis and its origins.

If you do it in a way thats haphazard, you will have unintended consequences, Johnson said. You will have (treatment providers) that will tamp down the effectiveness of the legislation.

Its likely that AHCCCS and federal public health experts will begin examining the impact that provider screening and enrollment flexibilities had on program integrity once agencies finish updating their member rolls, said Natasha Murphy, director of health policy at the Center for American Progress.

Some efforts are already underway. In late 2022, the Government Accountability Office published a report exploring risks posed by provider enrollment waivers and flexibilities. It found that CMS should maintain, rather than waive, fingerprint-based criminal background checks during future public health emergencies.

A report by CMS evaluating the impact of COVID-era waivers is anticipated in summer or fall 2024.

This article first appeared on Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

The post Arizona leaders have misled the public about the scope of the states Medicaid fraud crisis appeared first on Arizona Mirror.
After refusing to have committees take up two bills that would enshrine access to contraceptives in state law, Arizona Republicans on Wednesday blocked a Hail Mary effort by Democrats to force a hearing on the legislation.

Each deemed the Right to Contraception Act, the identical bills in the states House and Senate that would guarantee Arizonans access to any drug, device or biological product intended for use in the prevention of pregnancy, including Plan B emergency contraceptives.

Democrats say such defenses are necessary in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court striking down Roe v. Wade, which has emboldened Republicans to take aim at a range of reproductive protections.

But Republicans, which have single-seat majorities in each chamber, have refused to assign the bills to any committees, blocking them from progressing or even having a hearing on either chambers floor. So on Wednesday, Democrats led a vote to amend each chambers rules and allow them to bring the bills to an immediate vote. Every single Republican voted against the change.

While casting her vote in favor of the rule change, Democratic state Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, sponsor of the House version of the bill, said she felt like she was out of options.

I have been here for four sessions ... and not once have any of my bills been heard in committee or reached the floor, she said, adding, The topic of this bill is so important that I believe it deserves a hearing. It is a topic that is relevant, it is a topic that deserves robust conversation, and it is a topic that most of the people in Arizona support.

Under threat of being gaveled if she mentions contraceptives Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton artfully explains why Arizona needs the Right to Contraception Act. Although more than 80% of the United States supports access to birth control, every House Republican voted no. https://t.co/8xT6geiY2ypic.twitter.com/qqU9vnTW98  Arizona House Democrats (@AZHouseDems) March 13, 2024

Stahl Hamilton had to be careful not to mention the words contraceptives or abortion, as House leadership warned her she would be immediately gaveled down if she did, Arizona House Democrats noted in a post on X.

Democratic state Sen. Priya Sundareshan, the sponsor of the Senate version of the bill, said Arizonans shouldnt be satisfied with Republicans claims that contraception access isnt on the chopping block  yet.

Make no mistake, if Arizona Republicans retain control of the legislature, Arizonans will remain under threat of losing access to the full range of reproductive health care, from contraception to abortion to IVF, she said in a statement Thursday.

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) warned Thursday that Arizonans will remember this when they head to the polls in November.

First, it was abortion, then it was IVF, now, they are refusing to protect contraceptives. This has never been about family planning  its 100% about control and power, DLCC president Heather Williams said. Arizonans and the rest of the country deserve leaders who fight for their full spectrum of rights, not those who work in lockstep to block them.

Republicans were largely silent on the effort Wednesday, with only House Majority Leader Leo Biasiucci addressing it on the floor.

There are processes and a way for bills to go through the House, the Republican said.

But Arizona Senate Majority Leader Sonny Borrelli dismissed the need for the legislation in comments to The Arizona Mirror last week.

Theyre creating a controversy that doesnt exist, he said, adding, Nobody has any kind of plan to ban any contraceptives.

But in another comment, Borrelli revealed what he truly thinks about people relying on contraceptives to prevent pregnancy.

Like I said, Bayer Company invented aspirin. Put it between your knees, he said, seemingly suggesting abstinence.

He appeared to be channeling a 14-year-old remark from the late Foster Friess, once a major Republican party donor. In 2012, Friess rattled off the same head-scratching line during an MSNBC appearance.

Back in my days, they used Bayer Aspirin for contraception. The gals put it between their knees and it wasnt that costly, he said. He later apologized for the comments, saying it was a joke and that he didnt actually believe that was a prescription for todays birth control practices.

Borrelli has not offered the same apology. When asked by HuffPost if, like Friess, he was also joking, he said hed attributed the suggestion as his grandmothers advice to my sisters. In a follow-up email he reiterated: There have been NO conversations or plans to BAN any contraceptives.

It may be true that Arizonas current legislative body isnt weighing a ban on contraceptives, but its not an outlandish thing for Democrats to anticipate. Weeks ago, Missouri Republicans renewed their efforts to block Medicaid from covering Plan B and intrauterine devices, known as IUDs. Last year, Iowas attorney general suspended a program covering emergency contraception for survivors of sexual assault. And despite assurances like those coming from Borrelli, Republicans in Arizona and beyond refuse to legally protect access to contraception.

Related...
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Members of the Arkansas delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives all voted in favor of a bill that would mandate the sale of the popular social-media app TikTok.

TikTok is owned by the Chinese company BtyeDance. Critics have argued that the company has ties that are too close to Chinas government amidst concerns about data privacy.

Arkansas lawmakers vote to approve House funding bill looking to avoid government shutdown

Arkansas representatives joined 348 House members in favor of the bill, which was opposed by 65 members, indicating bipartisan support. President Joe Biden said he would sign the bill into law if it passed in the Senate.

Rep. French Hill (AR- 02) said his vote was to protect Arkansas from the Chinese Communist Party.

This is not about targeting TikTok  my vote today was about protecting central Arkansans and Americans from surveillance and manipulation by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Hill said, adding TikTok is using CCP dominated technology that is being leveraged to gather massive amounts of data on American citizens, posing a major national security risk.

House plows ahead with TikTok bill despite Trumps opposition

Rep. Rick Crawford (AR  01), who is chair of the House CIA Subcommittee, spoke about the CCP threat to national security.

From storing Americans biometrics when they use TikTok filters, to accessing financial data and location information, and more, the amount of personal data the CCP has on Americans is alarming, and it is a national security threat, Crawford said. Whats more, allowing a Chinese owned app to maliciously operate within our borders is a gateway for foreign espionage and malicious impacts that can be weaponized at a moments notice.

US Rep. Steve Womack of Arkansas fends off challenge from state lawmaker in GOP primary

Rep. Steve Womack (AR-03) spoke about the difference between voting to ban the app and voting to protect Americans as the app gathers mass amounts of data from its users.

I realize there are millions of TikTok users across the country, including our district, Womack said. I want these users to understand that our goal with this bill is not to ban TikTok. Our goal is to protect users by separating apps from foreign adversaries, which in this case is the Chinese Communist Party.

Two Arkansas women go viral on TikTok sharing their story of recovery

Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04) posted his take on the legislation on social media the night before the Wednesday vote.

The bill we are voting on tomorrow will block foreign adversaries from using apps like TikTok to surveil, target, and manipulate Americans online, Westerman posted. It does not outright ban TikTok or other social media platforms. Instead, it forces TikTok to make a choice: sever ties with ByteDance and sell the app to a buyer with no ties to the CCP, Russia, Iran, or North Korea, or face prohibition in U.S. app stores.

Arkansas lawmakers join with House Republicans to pass border security act

The next step for the bill is a Senate vote. It is expected to go through a careful review prior to a vote taking place.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  After questions from the state legislature over new language, the Arkansas Board of Corrections is investigating its contract with its own lawyer hired for lawsuits against the state.

On Tuesday, the board went before lawmakers to ask for them to sign off on a contract with the special counsel that the board retained in order to sue the state over a new law that shifted authority of the secretary of corrections and two undersecretaries away from the board to the governors office.

Earlier this year, a judge granted them the authority to hire outside counsel. The attorney general is currently appealing that ruling.

Judge rules in favor of Board of Corrections in ongoing legal battle sparked by push to add prison beds

Right now, the board owes its attorney more than $130,000. To pay out that amount, though, takes the states approval, and during the meeting, lawmakers discovered what the described as a significant error from the boards presentation.

Sen. Ben Gilmore (R-Crossett) said the error was language added to the contract that wouldve held the state liable.

We cant put the state in that kind of position and nor should the board of corrections, Gilmore said. Why they were asking us to do that certainly is problematic.

Court backs Arkansas Board of Corrections, maintains boards powers over secretary firing

The board agreed to internally investigate this and tabled the ratification they originally needed from the legislature.

The boards attorney, Abtin Mehdizadegan, sent the following information in an email:

I was the only person to sign that document at that time. From there, I asked that the marked-up copy be transmitted to Chad Brown. I expectedas is normal in all contract negotiationsthat if Mr. Brown had a concern with any revisions, that he would identify them and we could work on a compromise. I thought the compromise that I submittedadding if applicable after the sovereign immunity and Claims Commission clauseswas eminently reasonable. Again, no court has ever addressed whether 711 constitutes a waiver of sovereign immunity; and because I suspect that this issue may arise in the future, I wanted to preserve the status quo without making any admission either way. Far from me trying to change the terms of the agreement, the procurement document as presented sought to alter the terms. But again, I expected that any issue in the procurement would be addressed by the procurement manager before anything was submitted to the ALC. But because the timeline provided was exceedingly short, and because I was in and out of the office, I did not have time to call my client to discuss. Unbeknownst to me at the time, Mr. Magness signed the agreement and Chad Brown simply forwarded it on to the State. Due to the expedited timeframe, I did not have an opportunity to speak with my client before this all happened, and I believe the expedited timeframe is the likely culprit for any misunderstanding.



At bottom, however, it is not lost on meand it should not be lost on your viewersthat the Board is challenging a law passed by the legislature, signed by the Governor, and defended by the Attorney General. While Amendment 33 is intended to protect substantive policy issues from political attack, I am not surprised that the same legislature may be looking for reasons to avoid paying a legal bill. My hope is that all relevant parties recognize the value in proper, competent, and unconflicted counsel representing both sides in a lawsuit of constitutional magnitude. I look forward to clearing my name and answering any legitimate questions that the ALC may have.

Arkansas Constitution expert breaks down potential impact of Board of Corrections, governors office feud

Gilmore said the next step is for the board to investigate the contract changes, adding that there is no timeline yet for when that report is due.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
An Arkansas man has been sentenced to prison after he traveled to North Carolina to have sex with a 5-year-old, prosecutors say.

Cannon Earl Kress, 50, was sentenced to 20 years in prison Thursday for distribution of child pornography.

In October 2022, Kress started a Kik group where members posted child sexual abuse images and videos and talked about their sexual interests in children. Investigators said an undercover detective joined the group and downloaded some of the child sexual abuse videos Kress had uploaded to the group.

The detective and Kress messaged on Kik, which is when Kress said he was interested in engaging in illicit sexual acts with a 5-year-old girl. Kress, along with the detective, arranged to meet and have sex with the child.

RELATED: What online platforms are kids and teens using and how can they do it safely?

On Nov. 2, 2022, Kress arrived in Hickory for that purpose. Law enforcement met him there and arrested him.

Investigators also found child sexual abuse videos on Kresss phone.

Kress pleaded guilty on Oct. 10, 2023 to distribution of child pornography. He was given the maximum 20-year sentence partly because of his trip to Hickory.

When Kress is released from prison, he will be required to register as a sex offender and will be under supervised release for the rest of his life. Hes also required to pay an $18,000 fine.

(WATCH BELOW: Man charged for prior rape amid investigation into child abuse, police say)
Russia has launched approximately 50 North Korean Hwasong-11 ballistic missiles across six Ukrainian regions, Ukrainian law enforcement reported on March 14.

Ukrainian defense news outlet ArmyInfrom cited Oleksandr Filchakov of Kharkiv Prosecutor's Office.

Read also: UN cannot confirm Russias use of North Korean ballistic missiles in attacks on Ukraine  Secretary Generals

Filchakov described the Hwasong-11 as a "very low quality" missiles, noting it has an inferior guidance system and a range of up to 700 kilometers, compared with the Russian Iskander missile's 250-kilometer range. According to the report, there have been numerous instances of these missiles exploding mid-flight.

Read also: Russia has received millions of artillery shells from North Korea

Kharkiv local authorities have officially confirmed only one instance of Russia's use of these missiles. However, Filchakov mentioned two additional uses of Hwasong-11 on Feb. 7, as evidenced by markings visible on the debris from the missiles Russia used in the attack on that day.

In early January, White House National Security spokesman John Kirby said that Russia started using North Korean missiles to strike at Ukrainian territory.

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
MASON, Texas (KXAN)  A man was convicted and sentenced Feb. 28 on two first-degree felony arson-related charges and three others in connection with a February 2021 fire that destroyed a 111-year-old courthouse in Mason County.

Nicholas Miller (McLennan County Sheriffs Office)

Documents showed Nicholas Jarret Miller would serve 75 years in state prison related to the charges, which all run concurrently.

PAST COVERAGE | The heartbeat of our community: Whats next for the fire-damaged Mason County courthouse

According to court documents, Miller pleaded guilty to four of the charges, which included:

unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon

burglary of a building

unauthorized use of a vehicle

one count of arson intended to damage a habitat/place of worship.

Miller pleaded not guilty to one of the arson charges, according to court documents.

The trial for Miller, which required a change of venue to a separate courthouse, began Jan. 23 in Brady, Texas. He was found guilty on that arson charge.

According to Texas penal code, arson is when a person starts a fire, regardless of whether the fire continues after ignition, or causes an explosion with intent to destroy or damage.

For each arson charge, Miller received a sentence of 75 years in prison, as well as 10 years related to the unlawful possession of a firearm charge and two years each for the burglary charge and unauthorized use of a vehicle charge.

Toward his sentence, Miller has a jail credit of 1,119 days.

According to court documents, Miller has a right to appeal each of the sentences.

The restoration of the Mason County Courthouse has been underway for the past two years, with the building expected to re-open later in 2024.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Q: Im writing regarding Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. FLL has been on the decline for years with worsening congestion when you drop and pick people up, more and more delayed flights, and significant loss of routes such as European routes. The congestion Ive experienced has occurred three to four times from December to now, one time on a Saturday morning around 9 but most of the time between 7 and 8 p.m. on a weeknight as I was picking people up. Also, if you land at the airport and call an Uber, sometimes you end up waiting close to 30 minutes because the car is stuck in airport traffic.

It was great having the option to fly to Europe from FLL, especially for those of us that dont want to go to Miami. As a whole, the airport is underperforming and its not clear why. I look at an airport like Tampa International and I see an airport thats run exceptionally well. I recently flew to Zurich from Tampa and it was an amazing experience.

Who holds the administrators at FLL accountable for how the airport is being run? FLL continues to be ranked one of the worst airports.  Anil Nasta, Fort Lauderdale

A: Anil, I have been frustrated for years by the traffic pattern at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, which requires drivers to pass through every terminal before exiting. The pace is often excruciatingly slow.

However, I didnt know that FLL was ranked one of the worst airports in the country. Among the reports you sent were surveys from GeneraliTravelInsurance.com, which ranked FLL in the top 10 for airports with the most delays, and SimpleFlying.com, which listed the airport as being the most delay-prone in the United States, with about a third of flights late in 2023.

I forwarded these to Arlene Satchell, public information officer for the Broward County Aviation Department. She explained that the department, which runs FLL and North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines, is responsible for maintaining safe airport environments  that includes runways, hangars, airfield surfaces and terminal buildings. She said flight delays and cancellations are out of the departments control.

As an airport, FLL itself does not operate flights (thats the function of the airlines) nor does it have responsibility for managing the airspace in which aircraft operate; thats the responsibility of the Federal Aviation Administration. As such, many factors outside of FLLs control can contribute to flight delays and cancellations, which result in the unfavorable reliability scores in the surveys mentioned above, including weather, FAA air traffic control management initiatives and airline operational issues (staffing, crew time-outs, etc.), Satchell said. That said, BCAD is taking a closer look by doing preliminary research on these types of unfavorable surveys/lists/rankings to try to ascertain if there are any steps we can take as an airport operator with our partners on the federal or state level to help mitigate this trend.

Lets take a look at the other airport problem spots you mentioned.

CONGESTION

The airports popularity may be a boon for employment and local businesses, but drivers are feeling the pain as they attempt to drop off guests or find them outside terminals that are often thick with travelers and two- or three-deep with cars. In 2004, the airport hosted 20.8 million passengers; in 2023, there were about 35 million, according to Satchell.

Similar to trends in the surrounding off-airport communities, FLLs terminal roadway system has seen increasing vehicular traffic over the years, Satchell said. Additionally, post-pandemic FLL has seen an uptick in onsite parking demand, which contributes to the overall traffic flow/congestion, especially at the airports exit. However, the timeframe highlighted by the reader is during the typical peak annual winter holiday/spring travel season, when its not unusual for our airport roadways to be congested due to the increased volume of passenger drop-off/pickup activity.

Satchell said the airports older 1980s roadway system wasnt designed to accommodate this peak volume of vehicle traffic activity. Thats for sure! Fortunately, Satchell said help is on the way through several upcoming projects, including a reconfiguration of the exit roadway leading out of the parking garages on to Terminal Drive, widening of the Terminal Driveway at the east end of Terminal 4, installation of new traffic control devices, and a new Bus Slip ramp for authorized vehicles.

INTERNATIONAL ROUTES

It is true that the airport has lost several international routes. Norse Atlantic Airways left for Miami International Airport last year, citing the need for a deeper customer pool. And Southwest Airlines is abandoning its FLL nonstops to the Caribbean and Costa Rica, moving them to Orlando beginning this summer.

According to Satchell: While FLL enjoys a very healthy international air service portfolio, it is always disappointing to lose any international service. As FLLs operator, BCAD has doubled its efforts to regain these service routes and attract others. Additionally, in the case of Southwest Airlines relocation of the majority of its FLL international service to Orlando International Airport, we plan to continue working with and encouraging the carrier to inaugurate/reinstate international flight activity in the future.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Although it is Broward County-owned and operated, Satchell points out that the airport is a self-supporting agency and does not use local tax dollars for its operations. It relies on fees paid by the airlines that use the airport and rent revenues from tenants such as restaurants and retailers, as well as on aviation-related businesses that operate on the grounds.

Mark Gale is the chief executive officer of the countys airports. Hes at mgale@broward.org. He reports to Monica Cepero, county administrator. Her email is mcepero@broward.org.

HOW TO COPE

As a frequent traveler and airport picker-upper myself, Ive discovered several strategies that make these visits a little easier. Here are a few.

Take Tri-Rail or Brightline. You will have to make a connection by bus or car, but at least you wont have to worry about parking or getting stuck in traffic.

Drop off passengers at Arrivals and pick up at Departures. The theory is that crowds of cars pile up at Departures as flights are getting ready to leave, making the Arrivals terminal potentially less crowded at that moment. This strategy is not discouraged by airport officials.

Travel on off days. At FLL, thats Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Bring carry-on luggage. This can help you avoid long waits at baggage claim.

The full list of hacks I came up with is at SunSentinel.com/airporttips.

Some of us love to travel, some of us just endure it to get to where we want to go. Whatever your attitude, we have to deal with the airports we have. All we can do is get there early and pray that our plane is leaving on time that day. The rest is out of our control.

Got a question about life in South Florida? Send to Lois at AskLois@sunsentinel.com.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The email came in late on a Friday.

The Austin Independent School District message on Dec. 8 was for parents with children at Akins High School  the subject line: Arrest of former Akins Tutor.

Earlier that day, Austin ISD police arrested Isaiah Xavier Smith, a man hired by the local nonprofit Austin Partners in Education to tutor at Austin ISD schools. The district told parents Smith had been arrested on a felony charge of indecency with a child by contact tied to a report out of Akins.

But parents did not know that, at the same time, a state investigation was ongoing into Smith over a similar allegation in nearby Lee County. A KXAN investigation found that Smith, a former juvenile corrections officer at the Texas Juvenile Justice Departments Giddings State School, got a job at Austin Partners in Education, all while being investigated by the agency.

In late February, sparked by KXANs investigation, Texas Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, sent a letter to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and Texas Education Agency requesting an explanation of how Smith could move from one juvenile education setting to another. Bettencourt is now promising to file new legislation after the head of the Texas Education Agency revealed another gap in the laws meant to prevent individuals who have harmed minors from having access to students.

From Giddings State School to an Austin high school

Smith started his assignment with Austin Partners in Education at Akins in September 2023. By October, Austin ISD said its police department was investigating the tutor. According to an Austin ISD police investigator, one of the high school students reported Smith touched him inappropriately in a computer lab. Police arrested him on Dec. 8 related to the Akins students outcry.

Former Austin ISD tutor was banned from working in state juvenile detention centers

The Investigation Timeline

Aug. 15, 2022 Smith starts as a Juvenile Corrections Officer(JCO) at Giddings State School

Sept. 26, 2022- Smith is terminated as a JCO at Giddings State School.

Sept. 27, 2022 TJJD Office of Inspector General begins investigating Smith for sexual misconduct. Days later, TJJD flags Smith in the agencys database.

July 2023 TJJDs OIG confirms an administrative violation of abuse had occurred and that Smith had had an inappropriate relationship with a youth as defined by the Texas Family Code (Chapter 261.405). OIG also referred the case for further review to the Special Prosecution Unit (SPU), which led to criminal charges.

September 2023 Smith begins tutoring for Austin Partners at Education on the Akins campus.

Oct. 25, 2023 Austin ISD student makes a report of sexual misconduct by Smith. AISD terminates Smiths access to the districts campuses.

Dec. 8, 2023 Austin ISD Police arrest Smith

Dec. 2023 Smith is formally made ineligible for juvenile corrections or probation professional certification.

Jan. 10, 2023 Smith is indicted for Improper Sexual Activity with a Person in Custody and Indecency with a Child related to the outcry at Giddings State School.

More than a year before, in August 2022, Smith started work as a juvenile corrections officer at Giddings State School. According to officials with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, or TJJD, Smith was fired not even two months into his job.

Smith was dismissed from his job for turning off his body-worn camera, which, according to TJJD, was a fireable offense. The body-camera violation was discovered after TJJD began reviewing video footage as a part of a sexual misconduct investigation that began into Smith in September 2022.

Agency officials said one of the minors at Giddings made a report that Smith touched his private parts.

In July 2023, TJJDs Office of Inspector General concluded Smith had an inappropriate relationship with a youth and that abuse occurred. The OIG also referred the case for further review to the Special Prosecution Unit, which led to Smith being indicted in January 2024.

The agency said despite the ongoing investigation, it put a flag on Smith in its database, ICIS, within days of the allegation of sexual misconduct being made in September 2022. The flag alerted anyone in the juvenile justice system to contact TJJD before hiring him.

Former Austin ISD tutor and juvenile corrections officer faces more charges of indecency with children

The flag had been on Smiths record in TJJDs database for nearly a year when he began working as a tutor at Akins High School. However, according to agency officials, the database where TJJD flagged Smith is only accessible to other juvenile justice facilities in the state. The Texas Education Agency, public and private schools, and educational non-profits do not have access.

Austin Partners in Education has yet to clarify to KXAN whether Smith disclosed his previous work history at TJJD or the allegations he faced before being hired as a tutor. TJJD officials told KXAN the nonprofit would not have known about the ongoing investigation through a routine background check.

Although Smith was flagged in the TJJDs database days after allegations of misconduct were made at Giddings, agency officials told KXAN he was not formally made ineligible for certification as a juvenile corrections or probation officer until December 2023, after he was already under investigation for a sexual misconduct allegation at Akins.

Smiths court-appointed attorneys in Lee and Travis counties did not respond to KXANs request for comment. Smith, who is currently in Travis County jail, sent a letter to KXAN addressing some of the allegations against him. KXAN is working to verify the claims in Smiths letter.

In the letter, Smith told KXAN, I am in a legally binding settlement agreement with TJJD that has wiped any disciplinary record that I have, and that listed me as ineligible for rehire after I appealed a disciplinary decision.

According to TJJD officials, the agency and Smith went to mediation after his termination, allowing him to resign for personal reasons in October 2022. The agency said Smith was still flagged in its database, alerting other juvenile detention facilities to call TJJD before hiring.

The mediation did not stop the independent OIG investigation of the alleged sexual misconduct. Once that OIG investigation was completed and had an affirmative finding of an [abuse, neglect, and exploitation] violation, TJJD was able to change Smiths status to ineligible to rehire,' agency officials told KXAN.

The cracks in Texas Do Not Hire registries

Texas Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, interviews with KXAN Investigative Reporter Kelly Wiley. (KXAN Photo/Chris Nelson)

When I saw the story, I said, I had to act, and I had to act by asking the two agencies what happened here, Sen. Bettencourt said.

In last years regular session at the Capitol, lawmakers, including the Houston senator, passed Senate Bill 1849. The bill, introduced by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, required the Department of Information Resources to create one giant search engine combining the data about neglect findings from all child-serving state agencies  including Texas Education Agency, The Department of Family Protective Services, Health and Human Services and TJJD.

In a letter sparked by KXANs reporting, Bettencourt asked the leaders of TEA and TJJD, What exactly went wrong in the protections we established that allowed Xavier Smith to be passed from one juvenile education setting to another?

TJJD-TEA-Letter_Download

In response, Education Commissioner Mike Morath and TJJD Executive Director Shandra Carter told the lawmaker Smith was hired as a tutor at Akins before the law became effective. SB 1849 went into effect on Sept. 1, 2023, the same month Smith was assigned to Akins High School as a tutor.

Morath and Carter shared that the search engine SB 1849 requires is still being designed and developed, more than six months after the bill requiring it became law. The bill did not specify a deadline for creating the search engine.

The Texas Department of Information Resources, which is building the database, told KXAN its now in the assessment and design phases. The agency said it does not expect to complete the project until the end of 2024 and added,  it is difficult to determine a precise end date.

As bureaucratic as that is, that is the way state government works, Bettencourt said. Theres a failure here, no question, and this person should have never been around young people ever again in their life.

Man accused of molesting child while tutoring at Austin ISD

TJJD said that since the fall of 2023, its reviewed previous employees who were terminated with cause to flag them as not eligible for certification retroactively. The agency told KXAN school districts and other agencies could call the agency for a reference check to ask about a persons status while the larger search engine is developed.

This problem will be fixed

Despite the abuse report at Akins, Smith is not listed on the TEAs Do Not Hire database. Bettencourt asked about this in his letter to the agency head.

According to Morath, Smiths name is not in the database because state law does not require school districts to report alleged misconduct to TEA if the allegations are against a contractor like Smith. The law also does not give TEA the authority to investigate contractors and put them on its Do Not Hire registry, even if reported, according to TEA officials.

By including contractors in statute, it would strengthen TEAs authority to require school districts to report to the agency abuse and inappropriate incidents between students and contractors that occur and the placement of those contractors on the Do Not Hire registry, Morath wrote in a letter back to Bettencourt.

TEA officials confirmed it did not receive a report from Austin ISD about Smiths alleged misconduct at Akins.

In the last decade, multiple state laws have addressed how people with documented sexual misconduct allegations jump from one child education setting to another. That includes House Bill 3 in 2019, which created TEAs Do Not Hire registry, and Senate Bill 7, requiring school superintendents to report misconduct to the State Board of Education Certification.

Bettencourt, who authored SB 7, said he would introduce a bill in the next legislative session to require school districts to report contractor misconduct and give the TEA the authority to investigate and put contractors on its Do Not Hire registry when the allegations are substantiated.

The school districts should be reporting it anyway. Texas State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston

Its really infuriating to me to see this type of problem, but I am determined, and I know my colleagues  Senator Kolkhorst  [are] determined to stamp it out, and well do it again in the next legislative session, Bettencourt said. This problem will be fixed one way or the other by the next legislative session.

Investigative Photojournalist Chris Nelson, Director of Investigations & Innovation Josh Hinkle, Digital Executive Producer Andrew Schnitker, Graphic Artist Christina Staggs, Reporter Sam Stark and Digital Director Kate Winkle contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
The Titanic leaves Southampton, England, April 10, 1912, on her maiden voyage. An Australian billionaire has relaunched plans for a replica version of the Titanic.

An Australian billionaire has relaunched plans for a replica version of the Titanic.

Clive Palmer  an Australian businessman and a former parliament member  claims the so-called Titanic II will be far, far superior than the original and hopes the ship can set sail with passengers in style and luxury, Forbes reported.

According to Palmers statement, the ships maiden voyage is planned for June 2027, where it will follow its predecessor and first sail from Southampton, England, to New York. Following this, Titanic II will circumnavigate the world and bridge a century with a voyage of unparalleled elegance.

Is Titanic II historically accurate?

Aside from technological upgrades and updated navigation and safety systems, the replica ship looks and acts on par with its original version.

Titanic II will weigh around 56,000 tons, comprising nine decks  with 835 cabins  designed to recreate the grandeurs of its namesake. In addition, the vessel will extend about 833 feet (269 meters) long and 105 feet (32.2 meters) wide, per the statement.

It will also feature four smoke stacks similar to its original, but will run on a diesel engine instead of a coal-powered model.

CNN added that the ship will cater up to 2,345 passengers, with nearly half of them reserved for first-class passengers.

According to Forbes, Blue Star Line, Palmers company, is planning to recreate the iconic grand staircase, theater, casino, smoking room and class-based dining rooms for the planned ship.

A spokesperson told CNN that passengers are encouraged to dress for the 1900s  but its not required. Plus, third-class passengers will be authentically served mash and stew while sitting in a shared mess hall. However, alternative meals will be available.

Is this Palmers first attempt at Titanic II?

According to The Guardian, this is the third time Palmer has attempted to recreate the original Titanic.

The billionaire first announced plans in 2012  the 100th anniversary of the Titanics sinking  to build the ship for a 2016 departure. But the project was docked in 2015 amid payment disputes between the Chinese company Citic and one of Palmers businesses.

In 2018, the project was again announced for a 2022 sailing, but Palmer claimed the COVID-19 pandemic halted its progression.

The statement said that the project this time will have a partnership with ship design and marine engineering company Deltamarin, as well as with companies V.Ships Leisure for project support and Tillberg Design for interior design. The latter company helped to create the Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary 2 ocean liners.

We are getting the best ship-builders, designers and engineers in the world back on deck to build Titanic ll, per Palmers statement.

How much will this cost?

Palmer stated that the project is estimated to be between $500 million and $1 billion. Despite this, hes not worried about the cost.

Ive got more money now, he said to The Guardian.

Regardless of the end cost, Palmer envisions the replica as a symbol of peace among issues of war.

He said in the statement, Titanic ll is something that can provide peace. It can be a ship of peace between all countries of the world. ... Titanic ll will be the ship where those dreams come true.
Becoming a United States citizen is possible with the process of naturalization. If someone born outside of the U.S. meets certain requirements they can apply for citizenship in a very simple and straightforward process that consists in filling out a form with personal data, sending some documents and passing the U.S. citizenship test. However, this could be more complicated for those with unique circumstances or language barriers, as it is a requirement to speak basic English. Heres how the process works:

Requirements

To be eligible, one must be at least 18 years old at the time of the application, be able to read, write and speak basic English, and has to be of good moral character. The applicant also must belong to one of the following categories.

Lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) for five years

Married to a U.S. citizen

U.S. military service member (active duty or veteran)

Child of a U.S. citizen

How to apply for U.S.citizenship

First, one must determine if they are eligible to become a U.S. citizen. An easy way of doing it is using the Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet Instructions, provided by USCIS. It includes a step-by-step guide to know if someone can continue with the naturalization process.

Once knowing if they are eligible, they have to fill out Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, which can be done online. For this, the applicant needs a USCIS account that will also allow to pay the filing fee online, check the status of the application, manage contact information and more.

The N-400 form is filled with personal details such as name, address, date of birth, and contact information. Additionally, applicants must provide information about their immigration and residency history, including details about their Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), travel outside the United States, and any criminal history.

Applicants are also required to disclose their marital history, employment status, and information about their children, if applicable. The form includes sections where individuals can provide details about their ability to read, write, and speak English, as well as their understanding of U.S. history and government.

Along with the completed N-400 form, applicants must submit supporting documentation, such as a photocopy of both sides of their Green Card (if applicable), photographs, and fees. The N-400 form and its accompanying documentation are reviewed by USCIS as part of the naturalization process to determine an applicants eligibility for U.S. citizenship. If applicable, the applicant then will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment.

After the preliminary process, USCIS will schedule an interview to complete the naturalization process. The interview includes the U.S. Citizenship Test which consists of up to 10 oral civics questions out of 100, with applicants required to answer at least six correctly. The questions cover American government, history, and integrated civics. USCIS provides resources for applicants to study, and accommodations are available for individuals with medical disabilities. Failing any part of the test will lead to retaking it within 60 to 90 days, and if unsuccessful again, restarting the entire process.

How long does it take?

The naturalization process typically takes around nine to 11 months, subject to various factors. Professional guidance may be sought to improve the chances of success in the test.

After passing the test, the applicant will receive a notice to take the Oath of Allegiance, which they will have to do, after which the process will be finished and the applicant will become a U.S. citizen. The USCIS has a list of rights and responsibilities new U.S. citizens should exercise, honor, and respect.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
An Atlanta doctor was found liable Wednesday for emotional distress, invasion of privacy, and fraud after the grieving parents of a decapitated newborn baby sued him for posting videos of their childs lifeless body on Instagram.

Both Dr. Jackson Gates and his business, Medical Diagnostic Choices, entered a default judgement Wednesday after they failed to respond to a civil complaint filed by Jessica Ross and Treveon Isaiah Taylor Sr., the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported, citing records.

Now Gates is on the hook for damages, but a Georgia judge is yet to set a date to determine just how much hell have to pay up.

Its the latest development in the horrific fallout of the death of Treveon Isaiah Taylor Jr., who died from a broken neck at childbirth in July after he suffered from the rare birth complication shoulder dystociawhere one or both of babys shoulders become locked in the mothers pelvis.

Man Who Killed 3 at Georgia Golf Course Strikes Deal to Avoid Death Penalty

The Clayton County Medical Examiner ruled the childs death a homicide two months later, and his parents sued the hospital and doctor who delivered the child, accusing them of trying to cover up possible missteps.

In that lawsuit, they claimed that hospital staff discouraged them from having an autopsy done and wrapped the baby tightly with his head propped on top of his body when they asked to see himnever alerting them that the child was decapitated. Theyve called for a criminal probe into the incident and, through an attorney, claimed their obstetrician applied excessive traction on the babys neck during childbirth.

The parents said they paid Gates $2,500 to conduct a private autopsy to see if it would shed more light on what happened. That proved to do more harm than good, however, as they claimed Gates posted three graphic videos of their infant sons postmortem examination on his public Instagram account, which has since been set to private.

Taylor and Ross lawsuit reportedly said the sight of their childs body and head on social media made them feel shock, anger, humiliation, and outrage.

The parents filed a lawsuit against Gates in September, and the doctor never acted in retaliation to it. He declined to comment on the case to the Journal-Constitution on Thursday.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Two Alabama parents are suing a preschool for racial discrimination and retaliation after they say their then 2-year-old  the only Black pupil in his class at the time  kept getting disciplined far more often than other students and was eventually expelled.

In 2021, Lee and Aletta Williamson enrolled their son in Heritage Preschools, a private Christian day care system in Homewood, Alabama, when he was 2 months old, according to a lawsuit filed last month.

The majority-white school takes children as young as 6 weeks old, and they can attend until theyre 6 years old. The Williamsons son attended through July 2023, when he was expelled  a move the family considers retaliation for complaining about discrimination.

Lee and Aletta Williamson have filed a lawsuit against Heritage Preschools, a private Christian school in Alabama. (Photo: Getty Images)

The family thought they could trust Heritage to care for and educate their child because Heritage holds itself out as a family-owned school that provide[s] safe, loving, Christ-centered care. They were wrong, according to the complaint.

The Williamsons began noticing issues last May after their child got promoted to the class of a teacher identified in the lawsuit as Caroline Harmon based on his developmental progress, the document says.

The child hardly ever got into trouble before May 2023, when he was switched to Harmons class, but the lawsuit claims the teacher immediately began writing up behavior reports accusing [the child] of misbehavior.

The Williamsons received around 30 behavior reports about their sons behavior within a three-week period, according to the lawsuit, which also accuses Heritage of punishing Black kids for behavior for which its other non-Black students dont get punished  like sitting under a desk, for example.

Harmons assistant teacher secretly told the Williamson about the discriminatory discipline, and the parents met with administrators, who placed the child on the preschool equivalent of probation for four weeks rather than addressing the parents concerns.

Harmon continued to single out the child for discipline during that period, and when it ended, the Heritage administrators told [the] parents that they would be removing [their son] from the school because of his behavior, as reported by Ms. Harmon, according to the lawsuit.

At first, the school gave the Williamsons two weeks to find alternative care, but administrators changed their tune when the parents complained of discrimination and threatened legal action, the lawsuit claims.

Heritage retaliated by kicking him out the same day, according to the document.

You dont know what it felt like to hear them tell us that [their] job is to keep [their] teachers safe and the other children safe, Aletta Williamson told AL.com. Hes a baby. He is a baby.

Other Black Families Complained About Schools Discrimination

The suit also claims the school was well aware of the discriminatory discipline since at least 2021 but allowed it to continue.

A CBS affiliate station in Birmingham, Alabama, covered a story in January 2023 detailing abuse, neglect and discriminatory discipline that had taken place at Heritage Preschools, according to the complaint.

These are small boys, these are literal children, the Williamsons attorney, Artur Davis, the Williamsons attorney, told AL.com.

When you take on the role of educating and training preschool children, youre assuming a difficult task and responsibility. We understand that. But when you exercise your authority one way for little white children, and you exercise your authority another way for little Black children, particularly Black boys, thats a violation of the law, Davis told AL.com, adding that his office has also gotten other reports of discriminatory behavior from other Black families.

The CBS affiliate story included a mom named Briana Merriweather, whose Black son attended a Heritage school. Merriweather, who told the outlet that she felt the school treated her child like a stereotypical violent Black child while treating other students as just a little hard to deal with, said her son reported a teacher hitting him and telling him to shut up, according to the complaint.

The child soon began having nightmares, wetting the bed and behaving erratically.

Ms. Merriweather recounted that Heritage officials accused her son of calling a teacher by an inappropriate name. When she asked to see video footage of the incident, officials initially agreed to the request but then backtracked, telling her that it would be better if the facility simply separated from the family, according to the Williamsons lawsuit.

Heritage Preschools CEO, Larry Vann, told AL.com in a statement, Heritage Preschools has very high standards that we hold ourselves to. We take these allegations very seriously. We are looking forward to the opportunity to refute the allegations contained in this filing, which is currently being addressed by our attorneys. We do not comment on pending litigation, however, we adamantly deny these allegations and we are looking forward to vindicating ourselves in the court of law.

Hes a Baby: Alabama Preschool Frequently Punished Black Toddler for Behavior That Non-Black Students Got Away with  Then Expelled Him When His Parents Complained, Lawsuit Says
PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  A teenager accused of attempted murder on a school bus in May of 2023 accepted a plea deal on Thursday.

16-year-old Kaden Holland  also known as Baby K  appeared in court a week after a judge ruled that he should stand trial as an adult. His trial had initially been scheduled for March 18.

As part of the deal, the state recommended that he serve 60 years suspended all but 25 years.

His official sentencing will be scheduled for some time in May.

Baby K to stand trial as adult for attempted murder on school bus in Prince Georges County

According to the Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD), Holland and two other teenagers ran onto a school bus and started to attack a student.

PGPD said that Holland tried to shoot the victim three times, but the gun jammed.

Three other teens were also arrested and indicted in the incident, including a girl who was charged with planning the attack.

Prosecutors said that Holland was on the run for almost a month after the incident before he was arrested.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Fading politicos are the new pin-ups. We sold out the Royal Albert Hall quicker than the Foo Fighters, boasted Alastair Campbell last month, about his podcast with Rory Stewart, The Rest is Politics, which tours arenas this autumn. Other Left/Right double-acts  Ed Balls and George Osborne, for instance  have tried in vain to replicate Stewart and Campbells podcasting success.

But their latest rivals might manage it: in A Muslim & a Jew Go There (Instinct), Sayeeda Warsi, the Tory peer, amiably and compellingly butts heads on the topics of the day with David Baddiel, a comedian increasingly in demand as a commentator on anti-Semitism since the publication of his Jews Dont Count (2021). Like most podcasts, its taken a little bedding-in.

The first episode was criticised for being too matey, and theres still a degree of that. Baddiels joshing about Warsis supposed crush on David Cameron led to some embarrassing mock-flirting. (Warsi: Posh white boys is not my thing, David! Baddiel: I like to think its dark Jewish boys. Flustered laughter all round.) But this instalment was a step up, seeing the pair lock horns over Britains response to the war in Gaza, protests, anti-Semitism and new legislation.

Surely, said Warsi, it would be wrong to legislate specifically against anti-Semitic hate: We do not in this country make community-specific legislation because thats when you make bad law. I agree  and I dont, said Baddiel. Using a catch-all word like extremism is the problem Different types of extremist will require different definitions, will they not? Anti-Semitism manifests in a different way to, say, homophobia, he suggested. When the series works  and it mostly works very well  each contentious point is immediately reframed, countered with new information. Theirs is a yes, and sort of debate.

That said, Baddiel mentioned that hed been told off for interrupting Warsi in the first episode. Ironically, he was the one cut off here. Taking exception to the way Warsi compared the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, he began: Ukraine did not, of course, begin by attacking Russia and killing 1,200 Russians, and so therefore but he was silenced by a voice wittering about kettles, an intrusive advert that dropped onto the episode like an anvil onto Wile E Coyote. It was an appallingly sloppy mistake from podcast company Acast. Transitions matter.

The Food Programme delves into the delicious world of spices - Alexandre Morin-Laprise/Moment RF

Only an idiot would just cut to something unrelated mid-sentence, and so therefore  have you heard about the spice scandal? Spice, bane of Britain. Spice, scourge of our streets. Zombie-like spice-users dont stop to wonder about the substances theyre introducing to their bodies. By they, I mean you and me. Im not talking about the notorious cannabinoids, Im talking about cumin, saffron and black pepper. Chalk dust can be added to garlic, brick dust can be added to paprika, as we learnt in The Food Programme (Radio 4), in which Jaega Wise  whos previously hosted episodes on Buckfast and Spam  lifted the lid on the lies in your larder.

In a good old-fashioned bit of consumer journalism, Wise tested 61 spice products sold in shops and online. Seven turned out to be dodgy. People who are buying [UK food brand] Bodrum oregano are getting a lot of olive leaves in their herbs. Bodrums owners promised to investigate this in full as quickly as they can. (While Amazon has pulled three products following the programmes investigation, I see Bodrums oregano is still being sold by Asda.) Uncovering this sort of thing is the work of the National Food Crime Unit. One day, someone will make a TV drama about the NFCU, and itll be bigger than NCIS.

The units existence is largely down to the horsemeat-scandal-era campaigning of Prof Chris Elliott, from Queens University Belfast, a surprisingly fiery interviewee. He has made it his mission to take the bad guys out of the food system. Casting directors: call Adrian Dunbar. Its easy to take The Food Programme for granted. Its plodded along for decades, tackling topics that often, on paper, look parodically dull (The story of the digestive: from grain to biscuit). But next months shake-up to Radio 4s schedule will see it granted a longer weekly slot, a sign its valued at the top.

If youve never listened, start with the eye-opening July 30, 2023 edition (Feeding Your Brain: A Users Guide) which convinced me to start taking daily cod liver oil. It explained how specific fatty acids fight inflammation in the brain, with studies proving their effectiveness at combating everything from dementia to prison violence  studies infuriatingly ignored by successive governments. Food, as they say, for thought.

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.
There are high levels of bTB infection in cattle in the west of England, according to the government

The government has proposed its next phase of eradicating bovine tuberculosis (bTB).

There are high levels of infection in cattle in much of the west of England, according to the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs.

A five-week consultation has been launched to seek views on the targeted culling of badgers as well as the increased use of vaccination.

The Environment Secretary said culling badgers had "proved highly effective."

Tens of thousands of cattle are culled in England every year due to bTB.

According to the latest statistics, bTB infections in cattle decreased by 66% in Gloucestershire and 37% in Somerset after four years of widespread badger culling.

Both counties were the first to have cull zones introduced in 2013.

The government has proposed to cull and vaccinate badgers to combat the spread of bTB

If the plans are approved, culling would continue in targeted areas until the spread of the disease improves further, following an annual review by Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer.

Badger vaccination would also be used to maintain the spread.

'No easy answers'

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said: "There are no easy answers in the battle against TB, but badger culling has proved highly effective and needs to remain a key part of our approach.

"Our strategy has led to a significant reduction in this insidious disease, which we will continue to cull in areas where the evidence confirms it is required, as well as making use of vaccinations."

Ms Middlemiss said: "Our strategy to eradicate bovine TB in England is turning the tide on this disease with the lowest number of new bTB breakdowns in nearly 20 years.

"We are making good progress to eradicating the disease by 2038 as we have committed to do.

"The proposals set out today will ensure this downward trend continues, and all culling decisions taken under the new targeted approach will continue to be led by the very best scientific and epidemiological evidence."

The consultation will close on 22 April.

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and, X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.
Video above: Famous Florida eagle pair welcomes new baby eaglet

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Americas national bird is flying once again after it was struck by a vehicle earlier this month.

A bald eagle was rescued after colliding with a car on Route 4 in Calvert County in Maryland on March 9, the Calvert County Sheriffs Office said. When the driver stopped the car, they discovered the bird survived the impact but was lodged into the vehicles front grille.

Somebody better come get their chicken: Florida deputy fends off aggressive turkey during traffic stop

The sheriffs office shared photos of the eagle stuck to the car with one of its wings spanning across the front of the vehicle.

Image courtesy of the Calvert County Sheriffs Office

Image courtesy of the Calvert County Sheriffs Office

Calvert County Animal Control and the sheriffs office said they rushed into action to save a bald eagle!

After the eagle was safely removed, it was examined and found to be in good health and was released back into the wild.

Another photo shows an animal control officer holding the eagle as it appears to crack a smile.

Thanks to ACO [Animal Control Officer] Neel and all who helped rescue this wonderful creature! the sheriffs office wrote on Facebook.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Attendees crowd the Austin Convention Center during the South by Southwest Film and Interactive Festivals on Saturday, March 11, 2023, in Austin, Texas. Multiple bands that were expected to perform at the festival have pulled out of the lineup because of the U.S. Armys super sponsorship of the event. | Jack Plunkett

Multiple bands that were expected to perform at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival have pulled out of the lineup because of the U.S. Armys super sponsorship of the event and the nations support of Israels war on Hamas.

The festival set in Austin, Texas, has reportedly lost dozens of artists and bands in protest of the sponsorship, claiming it has supplied weapons supporting their violent oppression of the Palestinian people.

The organization, Austin For Palestine Coalition called for the protest and boycott of the festival back in February, according to Fox News.

SXSW must disinvite Raytheon (RTX), its subsidiary Collins Aerospace, and BAE Systems to the conference and festivals in the city of Austin, the organization wrote in an Instagram post. Raytheon, Collins Aerospace and BAE Systems have direct ties to the arming of Israel, supporting their violent oppression of the Palestinian people. Raytheon manufactures missiles, bombs, and other weapon systems for the Israeli military to use against Palestinians.

Why did bands pull out of SXSW festival?

The Hill reported that Kneecap, an Ireland-based rap trio scheduled to perform at the festival, called the sponsorship depraved in light of the war on Gaza.

The group posted a statement on X saying, We cannot in good conscience attend an arts festival that has the U.S. Army as a super sponsor and is platforming RTX (formerly Raytheon), Collins Aerospace and BAE Systems, the very companies selling the weapons that have murdered 31,000 Palestinians, over 21,000 of them women and children.

Another artist who pulled out of the festival, Shalom, took to Instagram to say, theres always a right thing to do and its almost never as complicated as the establishment wants you to believe. And sometimes it costs you a dream, but a dream is a dream and not a life.

Lambrini Girls, a U.K. indie band said in their statement on the event, We cant affiliate ourselves whatsoever with SXSW. Without our solidarity becoming totally inauthentic.

What did Gov. Abbott say in response to SXSW protest?

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott responded to the news of bands pulling out of SXSW writing that Austin remains a headquarters for the Army Futures Command.

Bands pull out of SXSW over U.S. Army sponsorship. Bye. Dont come back. Austin remains the HQ for the Army Futures Command. San Antonio is Military City USA. We are proud of the U.S. military in Texas. If you dont like it, dont come here, Abbott posted on X.

Bands pull out of SXSW over U.S. Army sponsorship.



Bye. Dont come back.



Austin remains the HQ for the Army Futures Command.



San Antonio is Military City USA.



We are proud of the U.S. military in Texas.



If you dont like it, dont come here.

https://t.co/t3RyQgLRKN  Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) March 12, 2024

In a response to Abbotts post, SXSW released a statement supporting performers that chose to withdraw from the event and emphasized that they do not agree with Abbott and encourage diverse thoughts on the issue.

The Dallas Morning News reported that the festival runs from March 8-16 this year with a typical attendance of over 300,000 people with more than 1,500 musical acts performed last year.
Capt. Kurt Balagna, commanding officer of the Gold crew of the Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Ohio (SSGN 726), addresses the wardroom during an operations brief on Jan. 21, 2021. Balagna was removed from command on March 8.

Bangor-based submarine USS Ohio's commanding officer (gold crew), Capt. Kurt D. Balagna, was removed from command on March 8, the Navy said.

According to a statement issued by the Navy on Wednesday, the commander of Submarine Group 9, Rear Adm. Nicholas R. Tilbrook, relieved Balagna due to "a loss of confidence in his ability to command."

"Navy commanding officers are held to high standards of personal and professional conduct. They are expected to uphold the highest standards of responsibility, reliability and leadership, and the Navy holds them accountable when they fall short of those standards," the Navy said in the statement.

The Navy didn't explain details of why Balagna was removed from his duties.

The prospective commanding officer Capt. Andrew Cain has assumed duties as commanding officer of the Ohio-class guided-missile sub, according to the statement.

Capt. Kurt D. Balagna, commanding officer of the gold crew of the Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Ohio (SSGN 726), was relieved due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command.

Balagna, a Farmington, Illinois native, enlisted in the Navy in 1992 as a Nuclear Electronics Technician. He earned a Master of Engineering Management from Old Dominion University, a Master of National Security and Strategic Studies degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering at the University of Illinois.

His previous leadership duties include being the Executive Officer on USS Virginia (SSN 774), the Virginia Class action officer and Executive Officer of the Tactical Analysis Group at Submarine Development Squadron TWELVE, Commanding Officer of USS Annapolis (SSN 760), and deputy division chief for Strategy and Campaign Planning within the J5 Plans and Policy Directorate, United States Strategic Command. He also served as the director of the Submarine Officer Advanced Course and Basic Course at Naval Submarine School.

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: USS Ohio submarine Capt. Kurt D. Balagna removed from command
If the attorneys for Five Star Bank get their wish, a federal judge will put the restaurant businesses owned by Katherine Mott into what is known as a "receivership."

Should a receiver be appointed by the court, the individual would have oversight of the finances and bank accounts of Mott's various businesses, including Monroe's Restaurant in Pittsford and Crescent Beach in Greece, which Mott was reopening, as well as her wedding venue businesses.

The move isn't necessarily punitive. Instead, as Buffalo attorney Terrence Connors said in an interview, an independent receiver can help a business restructure and find a sold financial footing.

"The goal of the receivership is to really get the business back on track," said Connors, who has been involved in civil litigation with court-appointed receivers.

Typically, Connors said, a receiver intervenes when a company is in "financial distress." The receiver "has to look to see whether it's run properly," he said.

Western New York-based Five Star Bank alleges in a lawsuit that Mott and a business partner, Robert Harris, engaged in a check kiting scheme that cost the bank $18.9 million.

The lawsuit alleges that millions were transferred between banks, with money withdrawn from Five Star that wasn't available. A check-kiting scheme involves duping banks by making deposits with checks from other institutions when the money isn't actually available.

Five Star Bank is seeking three times the amount of the alleged damages, a legal tactic common in civil litigation. To receive such an award, the bank would need to convince a judge why it is deserved. The damages amount isn't necessarily three times the alleged loss, but can be based on judicial decisions about the severity of negligence.

Rochester-area lawyer Avik Ganguly said plaintiffs seeking a receiver, as is Five Star Bank in this case, want to recoup the alleged losses back so they need the accused business to get the finances in order. "It's in their interest to see the business do well and not fold," Ganguly said.

This week Five Star Bank said it had also notified law enforcement officials about the allegations. Should that lead to criminal charges  right now the allegations are just claims in a civil lawsuit  the dual cases could be complicated, Ganguly said.

"It's difficult as a criminal defendant also answering a civil lawsuit," he said. For instance, any defenses or responses used in the civil lawsuit could become fodder in a criminal case.

Neither Connors nor Ganguly are involved in the Five Star Bank lawsuit.

In federal court in western New York civil lawsuits are automatically routed into a mediation attempt. That has happened with the Five Star Bank lawsuit but that does not impinge on the request for a receiver, which can go ahead during mediation.

David Rothenberg, an attorney for Mott, declined to comment Wednesday, as did David Burch Jr., an attorney for Five Star Bank.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Bank accusing Crescent Beach owner Katherine Mott of fraud wants receiver
The leader of Haitis most powerful gang may now be the most powerful person in the country, which has been thrust into chaos by rival gangs calling for Prime Minister Ariel Henry to step down.

"The people are desperate. They're in a desperate situation," former NFL star Jack Brewer, who now works as the chairman of the Jack Brewer Foundation and is on the board of the GEO Group, said of the situation in Haiti in an interview with Fox News Digital. "You have a massive brain drain going on, where anybody who has the ability to leave, they leave, and then you leave the voiceless and the most poor and vulnerable. Those are the ones that are left to suffer."

Brewer, who has worked over a decade in Haiti on multiple causes, is not surprised by the recent unrest in the country. His comments come as Haiti has been plagued by renewed violence and unrest over the last few weeks. The country's powerful gangs have attacked government targets, burned police stations and raided prisons, leading to the release of thousands of inmates.

At the center of the chaos is 46-year-old Haitian gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, known by the nickname "Barbecue." He runs a gang coalition called the G9 Family and Allies, which has risen to become perhaps the most powerful gang in Haiti.

CONGRESSMAN EVACUATES 10 AMERICANS FROM CRIME-RAVAGED HAITI, SLAMS BIDEN FOR 'PATTERN OF ABANDONMENT'

Armed gang leader Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier and his men in Port-au-Prince, Haiti March 5,2024.

Cherizier previously served as an officer with the Haitian National Police before becoming a gang leader, but his notorious reputation started even during his time in law enforcement, including allegations he was responsible for the 2018 La Saline massacre, when at least 71 people were killed and 400 homes were burned down. It earned him the nickname "Barbecue," according to The Associated Press, though Cherizier claims the name came from his mother's work as a fried chicken street vendor.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"In America, you don't associate law enforcement, former law enforcement, with gangs," Mark Montgomery, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Fox News Digital.

But that reality is different in Haiti, Montgomery explained, noting that Haiti's gangs are more akin to old American gangs of the 19th century that tried to run neighborhoods in New York City. A more modern-day comparison would be Mexican drug cartels, though Montgomery noted that cartels are dependent on a specific revenue stream and control more defined territory, while gangs in Haiti are more scattered and use multiple avenues of illegal activity to fund their operations.

Cherizier runs what is potentially the most powerful of hundreds of gangs, Montgomery said, with the group having control of both maritime and aviation checkpoints that allow for both revenue streams as a result of ransom payments and the ability to bring in large amounts of weapons.

That control also allows Cherizier to benefit from the large amounts of U.S. aid flowing into Haiti. Montgomery argues it is inevitable some of that money and other assistance will fall into the hands of gangs.

US DEPLOYS MARINE ANTI-TERRORISM UNIT TO HAITI TO PROTECT EMBASSY

But Cherizier's ambitions seemingly became even greater in recent weeks. The gang leader said this month the ultimate goal was to overthrow Henry's government. That statement also came with threats. Cherizier said continued support for the prime minister by the "international community" would "lead us directly to a civil war which will end in genocide."

For his part, Henry agreed to resign last month before an apparent change of heart led him to travel abroad in search of support for a United Nations peace-keeping force to be deployed to Haiti to combat gang violence. He has since been held up in the Dominican Republic, where Tuesday he again vowed to step down and allow for a transition of power.

"The government that I am leading will resign immediately after the installation of (a transition) council," Henry said in a video address, according to a report from Reuters. "I want to thank the Haitian people for the opportunity I had been granted.

"I'm asking all Haitians to remain calm and do everything they can for peace and stability to come back as fast as possible."

But that instability may be part of the point for Cherizier, Montgomery said, arguing the gang leader "flourishes on instability" and could seek to "keep the country as unstable as possible."

As for whether Cherizier's end goal could be to take over political power in the country, Montgomery noted that the gang leader's "methodology" would not "give him a path to prime minister or president."

BLINKEN TO MEET WITH CARIBBEAN LEADERS AS HAITI'S VIOLENT CRISIS GROWS

"He does do things that make you think he wants popular support," Montgomery added. "They do a little bit of Robin Hood  redistribution of wealth. But he also supports people ransacking banks, stores and shopping malls."

Eddy Acevedo, the chief of staff to the president and CEO of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, told Fox News Digital the situation in Haiti has been brewing for some time.

"The instability in Haiti did not occur overnight. For years, even before President Moise was assassinated, the situation continued to deteriorate and, unfortunately, now that there is all this attention, it may be too late," Acevedo said.

With the situation reaching a breaking point, Acevedo argued Cherizier has tried to position himself as "being a man of the people, but this could not be more wrong."

"After he left the police force, his leadership of the G-9 gang led to several other massacres across the country and has been responsible for over 1,800 killings and injuries," Acevedo, a former national security adviser for USAID, said. "Due to these vicious atrocities, Barbeque was sanctioned in 2022 by the U.S., Canada and the U.N. Security Council."

US MILITARY AIRLIFTS NONESSENTIAL STAFF FROM EMBASSY IN HAITI, BOLSTERS SECURITY AMID ONGOING GANG VIOLENCE

Brewer argued that Cherizier benefits from quite a bit of popular support.

"This is not a guy that's looked at as like this bad guy that everybody wants to overturn.  There's a big chunk of that country that absolutely love him, that he feeds, that he takes care of," Brewer said.

Gang leader Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier speaks into his phone before a mission as two of his men watch in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, March 5, 2024.

Realities on the ground, such as Cherizier's popular support, are facts that U.S. and international leaders fail to understand, Brewer said, arguing U.S. policy in Haiti will continue to fail the country's people. Those failures will continue to become a bigger issue for the U.S., Brewer said, arguing the instability will lead to a continued flow of migrants to the southern border.

"I said two years ago, if we don't do something in Haiti, the crisis is going to get to the point where they're going to flood our borders, and every criminal and the baddest people in Haiti will come to the United States of America," Brewer said. He argued that reality has already come true in the two years since and will only continue to get worse in the coming years.

The only solution, Brewer said, is for the U.S. military to intervene, arguing the U.S. could easily defeat the gangs and create a new level of stability in the country.

"We're talking about funding Ukraine, we need to be funding this scenario that's on our border," Brewer said. "I think it would take us three days. I think in three days you could have all of these thugs wiped out and stability back."

From there, Brewer argued for a "Corps of Engineers" that could provide a base for the country to rebuild and to help its people gain critical skills that would elevate it toward a brighter future.

"If you don't do that, you'll never rebuild this nation," Brewer said. "That's where all of our money should be going, not to these other far-fetched ideas that may work in other countries."





Original article source: Who is 'Barbecue,' the gang leader wreaking havoc in Haiti?
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey on Wednesday said she would issue pardons for tens of thousands of people convicted of misdemeanor marijuana charges going back decades in the latest example of a state ambitiously seeking to forgive low-level drug offenders.

If approved, the pardons will apply to all adult Massachusetts state court misdemeanor convictions before March 13, 2024, for possession of marijuana or Class D substance. Most people will not need to take any action to have their criminal records updated, according to the Democrat and former state attorney general.

The pardons only take effect if the Governors Council approves Healeys decision. Pardons would become effective immediately after the council votes, although it would take time to update criminal records.

Healey described the pardons as the most sweeping by a governor since President Joe Biden pardoned federal marijuana possession convictions and called on governors to follow suit. Healey said the pardons would apply to those arrested as far back as the 1970s war on drugs and earlier.

A pardon essentially acts as forgiveness initiated by the governor for a conviction. It does not automatically seal or expunge criminal records. Healey said the pardons are a simple matter of justice.

Massachusetts decriminalized possession for personal use back in 2008, legalized it in 2016, yet thousands of people are still living with a conviction on their records  a conviction that may be a barrier to jobs, getting housing, even getting an education, she said.

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell, a fellow Democrat, said she supports Healeys effort. She said convictions for simple marijuana possession can have lifelong consequences.

These consequences are only compounded when you consider that a disproportionate number of those who have been arrested and convicted for marijuana possession are Black and brown people, she said.

There were close to 69,000 civil or criminal violations for marijuana possession issued in Massachusetts from 2000 through 2013, according to a report by the Cannabis Control Commission, the panel charged with administering the legal cannabis market in Massachusetts.

The administration estimated the pardons announced Wednesday could end up benefitting hundreds of thousands of people.

Daniel Vazquez said he could not be happier about the action Healey is taking, saying the pardons will help those who are in the same position he was as a teenager when he was arrested and eventually ended up in a juvenile detention facility for marijuana possession.

The 36-year-old Malden resident said the amounts of pot he possessed at the time of his arrests were less than what can be legally purchased now.

For 20-some-odd years of my life this was the monkey on my back that I couldnt avoid or get away from. It was always something I had to live with, said Vazquez who eventually got his records sealed and now works in the legal marijuana industry. That pardon will definitely open a lot of doors economically for others who are in my position or once were in my position and are still afraid to come out of the shadows.

The pardons do not apply to other marijuana-related convictions such as possession with intent to distribute, distribution, trafficking, or operating a motor vehicle under the influence or convictions from jurisdictions outside Massachusetts, including federal court.

In 2016, Massachusetts voters approved a question legalizing pot, the same year voters in California and Nevada also legalized recreational marijuana.

In the years since 2016, a bustling legal pot industry has sprouted up in Massachusetts, even as the drug remains illegal at the federal level.

In December, Biden pardoned thousands of people who had been convicted of the use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia.

The White House said at the time that Bidens latest round of executive clemencies was meant to rectify racial disparities in the justice system. Biden had said his actions would help make the promise of equal justice a reality.

Decembers action was meant to build on a similar round of pardons issued just before the 2022 midterm elections of those convicted of simple possession on federal lands.

At the time, Biden called on governors to issue similar pardons for those convicted of state marijuana offenses, which reflect the vast majority of marijuana possession cases.

As a Democratic candidate for governor in 2022, Healey indicated that she would heed Bidens call. Other states have made similar moves.

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee signed legislation in 2022 legalizing and regulating recreational marijuana and providing for the automatic expungement of prior marijuana possession charges.

In 2022, Missouri voters approved a constitutional amendment legalizing marijuana and calling for the expungement of records of past arrests and convictions for nonviolent marijuana offenses, except for selling to minors or driving under the influence.

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced in 2022 that thousands of residents convicted of cannabis possession would have their records cleared using an automated erasure method. Records in about 44,000 cases would be fully or partially erased.

Also in 2022, a month after Biden did the same under federal law, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announced she was pardoning an estimated 45,000 people convicted of simple possession of marijuana.

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Joe Weathersby shows a display of pioneer-era muskets and rifles at last year's Yesterfest in downtown Bastrop, which returned after a five-year absence. The City Council approved $20,000 to again fund the event this year.

The Bastrop City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to spend $20,000 from the hotel occupancy tax fund to sponsor Yesterfest this year.

Yesterfest is a daylong festival celebrating Bastrops pioneer spirit and will take place on May 25 at Pine and Water streets. Yesterfest was a yearly tradition that took over four blocks of Main Street but had not been held in recent years. Last year, the city brought back the festival at a reduced cost. According to a staff report, former Main Street Manager Nancy Wood and the Bastrop Old Town Visitor Center are working to make this years festival a bigger affair.

Yesterfest has a unique history with the city of Bastrop. Its almost 30 years old, Wood said at the meeting. Were pretty excited about  growing it and looking at what we can do next year.

City Manager Sylvia Carrillo said that Yesterfest will be funded by hotel occupancy tax funds allocated by the city to Visit Bastrop, which markets the city as a tourist destination. Visit Bastrop is typically given $75,000 in HOT funds.

Visit Bastrop is reworking its HOT fund distribution system toward a reimbursement system. In a staff report, Carrillo said the reimbursement system would prevent events like Yesterfest from happening.

Visit Bastrop board member Shawn Anthea-Pletsch suggested during the council meeting a system that involves direct city funding for events like Yesterfest. She said large grants from Visit Bastrops HOT funds make it difficult to fund smaller events.

Carrillo said the $20,000 requested was needed as seed money to get the event started.

Mayor Pro Tem John Kirkland said that if Visit Bastrop does run out of money, its funds can be refilled by a vote from the City Council.

Despite the questions surrounding funding, Yesterfest fans can still breathe easy. The event is happening no matter what.

These (events) are what make Bastrop authentic, Council Member Cynthia Meyer said. Its so important to keep this and grow this and fund this.

The City Council also unanimously approved $1,300 of HOT funds for the Corvette Invasion, a corvette car show happening July 19-20. The event's website bills the car show as the biggest Corvette car show in Texas. The Corvette Invasion will be funded by HOT funds directly from the city.

In other action, two Bastrop homes received historical landmark status. The council unanimously approved granting landmark status to 1301 Church Street and to the Willis O. Miley House. The council also unanimously voted to remove the requirement of a public hearing before the City Council for historical landmark considerations.

After meeting in executive session, the council also approved an addendum to Carrillos employment agreement that extends the amount of time that a city manager can live outside of Bastrop by eight months. During this time, the city manager is expected to look for a home in Bastrop.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Bastrop City Council OKs funding for Yesterfest in May
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS)  On February 28, 2024, plans were released for the City of Beckley to become the nations first Inclusive Recovery City.

The citizens of Beckley said they were blindsided by this information.

At a council meeting on Tuesday night, council members and citizens brought forth their concerns about the project to Mayor Robert Rappold.

Christie Lilly is just one of many residents that questioned Rappold on his motives. According to Lilly, Seed Sowers, the company organizing the Inclusive Recovery City charter, along with Mayor Rappold, did not express enough focus on active recovery to citizens.

City of Beckley could host first business incubator at WJLS building

Its all justits very, not one of them ever talks about real recovery, said Lilly.

At around noon on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, Mayor Rappold sent out an email to council members, saying in quote, Due to the unexpected public and Council input in opposition to IRC, I have informed Jay Phillips that I will not be signing the charter. The March 19th Ceremony is cancelled.

Jay Phillips is the Executive Director of Seed Sower, Inc.

Beckley Police Department K9 retires

There was so much opposition to it, not only from citizens but also from council members as well, and as the Mayor of Beckley, golly, Im not going to ignore that, said Rappold.

The dedication ceremony scheduled for March 19, 2024, at West Virginia Institute of Technology was indeed cancelled.

Mayor Rappold said if Seed Sowers Inc wished to go forth with the initiative, that they will not have the support of the City of Beckley.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
(This article has been updated with the identity of the driver who was killed.)

A man died Thursday when the pickup truck he was driving left the roadway and struck several trees on Illinois 15 in Belleville.

Keith McGinness, 47, whose last known address was Knight Bridge Lane in Edwardsville, died in the accident, according to St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Belleville police were dispatched at 10:59 a.m. to Illinois 15 eastbound near Allsup Drive after a report of a single vehicle accident, said Lt. Col. Mark Heffernan, assistant police chief.

When the officers arrived on scene they located a gray 2015 GMC pickup truck that had left the roadway to the right and struck several trees, Heffernan said. Belleville Fire and Abbott EMS also responded to extricate and treat the driver who was the only occupant in the vehicle.

Heffernan said witnesses told police the truck involved in the accident was traveling at a high rate of speed and was having difficulty maintaining its lane prior to the crash.

The Belleville Police Departments Crime Scene Unit was also on scene to investigate the crash, Heffernan said.
Sen. Bernie Sanders and other progressive lawmakers introduced legislation this week that would make a 32-hour workweek the new U.S. standard.

The Vermont independent said that reducing the typical workweek from 40 hours was not a radical idea, considering the advancements in productivity in recent decades.

It is time to reduce the stress level in our country and allow Americans to enjoy a better quality of life, Sanders said. It is time for a 32-hour workweek with no loss in pay.

The bill, called the Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act, would reduce the federal overtime threshold from 40 hours down to 32. That means many employers would have to start paying time-and-a-half wages once hourly workers hit 32 hours in a week rather than 40, the standard since 1938.

The bill would also mandate time-and-a-half pay when workers log more than eight hours in a day, and double pay when they log over 12  further discouraging employers from working their employees more than eight hours a day, four days a week.

A similar proposal was sponsored on the House side by Democratic California Rep. Mark Takano, who in a statement called it transformative legislation that will be a win for both workers and workplaces. Takano has been pushing for a 32-hour workweek since 2021.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), pictured here, and Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) introduced legislation that would make a 32-hour workweek the new standard. Via Associated Press

The legislation has no chance of passing the GOP-controlled House and only slim odds in the Democratic-controlled Senate, where more centrist Democrats are likely to balk at changing wage-and-hour law. But the legislation highlights a priority for some progressive lawmakers and labor unions  giving workers more leisure time with their loved ones.

During a Thursday hearing on Capitol Hill, Sanders joked to Republicans that his bill probably wont be passing tomorrow. But he said his hope was that Congress would debate an idea that has not been discussed for decades and decades.

Shawn Fain, the president of the United Auto Workers union, said at the hearing that many autoworkers end up with hip and shoulder replacements due to their long hours on the factory floor. He said that no worker reaches the end of their life and wishes that they had worked longer or made more money.

They wish theyd had more time, Fain said.

Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana, said that he had no problem with Fains union trying to negotiate a 32-hour workweek with automakers like Ford and General Motors. (The UAW had proposed but not secured such a standard during its historic strike against the Big Three last year.) But Cassidy said the government shouldnt be wading into the matter.

Employers would be forced to eliminate full-time positions in favor of part-time ones, Cassidy said. If a business wants to voluntarily try a 32-hour workweek for themselves, federal law already allows it.

Shortening the workweek was once a top priority of the labor movement in the U.S., especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries, as average weekly hours shortened from more than 70 in the early 1900s to around 40 in the 1930s, according to one historians estimate. Progress stalled out after the enactment of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, the landmark federal law establishing time-and-a-half pay when workers spend more than 40 hours per week on the job.

The number of hours worked in a year continued shortening through the 20th century in other advanced countries, thanks largely to government requirements for various forms of paid time off. Americans work more hours than their peers in Europe, according to data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development  likely because the U.S. is the only advanced country that doesnt require employers to offer paid parental leave, paid vacation or paid holidays.

While both the Sanders and Takano bills would lower the Fair Labor Standards Acts overtime threshold, the two bills are not exactly the same. The Senate bill stipulates that an employer may not reduce the total workweek compensation rate, an attempt to keep workers total take-home pay the same while reducing their hours, essentially giving covered employees an hourly raise. The House bill has no such language.

Cassidy said that the Sanders proposal would amount to the government setting wages.

Its something that the federal government would do in terms of wages not seen since the New Deal, Cassidy told HuffPost.

As for the idea of a shorter workweek, Cassidy said, 40 hours is what people have adjusted to.
Four on the Floor

In a new bill, Senator Bernie Sanders is pushing for a 32-hour work week that wouldn't result in a pay markdown.

As Sanders announced in a statement, the bill is geared towards helping ensure that "workers share in the massive increase in productivity driven by artificial intelligence, automation, and new technology."

The bill would amend and update the 1938 Fair Labor Standards Act to change the full working week from 40 hours to 32 over the course of the next four years, with mandated pay increases and lowering of total hours staggered out over that period. It would also require overtime pay to be time-and-a-half for any workday lasting longer than eight hours.

While it's hard to imagine any representatives funded by significant business interests going for such a proposal, advocates for the four-day workweek remind us that the working world has been at such a crossroads before.

"A hundred years ago, critics of the five-day workweek predicted doom, as they worried that a weekend would set the United States economy back," Vishal Reddy, the executive director of WorkFour, a national four-day workweek campaign, said in the statement. "Instead, it helped launch us to the front of the global pack by creating a thriving middle class."

As Reddy claims, enacting the four-day work week wouldn't just benefit workers financially, either.

"Once the four-day workweek becomes a reality," he said, "every American will have nearly six years returned to them over their lifetime."

Chamber Of Commerce

The concept of getting years back from work is certainly provocative, though some academic critics suggest that a squeezing effect could occur during four-day workweeks in which employers increase surveillance and deadlines in an attempt to extract even more labor in shorter amounts of time than before.

Then again, AI is supposed to, as the language of the bill's announcement alludes to, streamline work more than ever before  so really, the main arguments against it would come from parties invested in keeping people working long hours and weeks.

As such, Republicans have trashed the independent senator's bill as being anti-business.

"Workers will be the ones who would pay  not get paid extra," Senator Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican, told The Hill. "The government mandating a 32-hour workweek requiring businesses to increase pay at least an extra 25 percent per hour, would frankly destroy some employers."

While that very much sounds like a "them" problem, Cassidy's insistence that there's "no such thing as a free lunch" will likely ring true with enough members of both parties that the bill will be dead on arrival  but that doesn't mean its introduction isn't an important step toward making fairer working hours a reality.

More on politics: Republicans Lose Their Minds After Hearing Space Camp Has a Trans Employee
In this post-pandemic era, many employees work remotely. Logging on from home can help people manage their professional and personal responsibilities, allowing someone to pick up their children from school, for example, or squeeze in a workout during a lunch break.

But remote work has also blurred the line that marks where the workplace ends and home begins, with many workers hopping back online throughout the evening and into the night to complete their assigned tasks before a deadline. The struggle to achieve that elusive work-life balance remains.

An employers policies and workplace culture have a huge impact on how you are able to juggle work and a personal life, but the country you reside in also plays a decisive role. Laws regarding paid leave vary considerably across the globe, as does the average number of hours that workers put in.

Compare the Market Australia, a company that provides comparisons of insurance rates, recently ranked 40 countries by the work-life balance they offer. Each nations 2024 standing was determined by eight factors: the average number of hours worked per year, minimums regarding paid annual leave and sick leave, maternity and paternity leave lengths and rates, and the countrys happiness score, based on Gallup World Poll surveys.

Each of the factors was weighted equally when producing the final score, Hannah Norton, a spokesperson for Compare the Market, told HuffPost.

Nations in Europe dominated the entire first half of the list, which indicates that the region does a great job of supporting employees in maintaining a positive work-life balance, Norton said.

Spain clinched the No. 1 spot, offering workers 30 days of annual paid leave and six (or more) weeks of paid sick leave, while also paying parents 100% of their salaries during their leaves. Most notably, Spain extends similar leaves to both mothers (16 weeks) and fathers (12 weeks), and grants significantly more leave to dads than most other countries. The next most generous paternal leaves are found in neighboring Portugal (five weeks at 100%) and Slovenia (four weeks at 100%).

The first 20 countries on the list are:

Spain. Luxembourg. France. The Netherlands. Finland. Bulgaria. Slovenia. Estonia. Lithuania. Austria. Portugal. Sweden. Denmark. Poland. Italy. Romania. Belgium. Hungary. Latvia. Greece.

All of these countries offer 20-30 paid vacation days and six or more weeks of paid sick leave annually. Bulgaria offers the most maternity leave by far: 58 weeks at 90%. Greece offers no paternity leave at all, while the Netherlands, Sweden, Italy and Romania offer only one week.

People in Germany (which does not rank in the top 20 overall) work the fewest hours annually, averaging 1,340.9. Workers in Denmark are next, logging 1,371.6 hours, followed by Norwegians at 1,424.6. Denmark also achieved one of the highest scores on the happiness index, topped only by Finland. Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Austria were high scorers as well.

South American countries (none of which appears in the top 20 overall) earned the top three slots for the most hours worked. Colombians log the most, with 2,405.5 hours a year  1.8 times as many as German workers. Mexico (with 2,226.3 hours) and Chile (with 1,962.8 hours) are close behind.

In the U.S., the average for workers falls between their South American and European counterparts, at 1,810.9 hours worked per year. But it is our dismal lack of paid leave  annual, sick and family  that earned us the very last spot on the list overall. Canada and Ireland also ranked toward the bottom, Norton said.

Surprisingly, then, the U.S. performed reasonably well when it came to happiness score  the nation was 14th out of 40 countries for this factor, with a happiness score of 6.89, Norton said.

While we may be relatively happy overall, the early years of parenthood are a time of intense pressure for many U.S. families, who struggle to care for their children and make a living without the guarantees of paid leave or subsidized child care.

Sherry Leiwant, a co-founder and co-president of A Better Balance, an organization that advocates for workers, described the situation to HuffPost: At present, only 27% of private sector workers in the U.S. have access to paid family leave, which translates to almost 100 million U.S. workers without any access to paid family leave.

Yet these numbers have improved dramatically, Leiwant explained. In 2010, only 12% of private sector workers had access to paid family leave. These battles have been won not in boardrooms but in state legislatures, with 13 states plus Washington, D.C., having passed laws guaranteeing some weeks of family leave paid at a portion of a workers salary.

Still, the situation remains a crisis, Dawn Huckelbridge, the director of Paid Leave for All, an advocacy organization, told HuffPost.

As it stands, the United States is one of seven countries in the world that guarantees no form of paid leave for its people, she said. Only 1 in 4 of us have paid family leave through our jobs  and among the lowest-paid workers, its only 6%.

A mother returning to work just days after giving birth is a uniquely American phenomenon, Huckelbridge said. And the repercussions can be devastating. Families face losing their housing or food security if they are forced to take unpaid leave or quit their jobs to care for a family member.

Paid leave, on the other hand, not only protects families from poverty, but keeps women connected to the workforce.

Paid leave is a tool for public health; it reduces infant and maternal mortality and postpartum depression, it improves physical and mental health for whole families and communities, Huckelbridge said.

Though critics often suggest that paid leave would be bad for business, advocates say that the opposite is true.

Paid leave enables employers to offer a benefit to their workers at very little cost to them, Leiwant said. The advantage for smaller or less profitable businesses is especially strong since those employers dont have the resources to offer a strong paid family leave benefit and cant compete on this important employee benefit with larger employers who can offer it.

Because the premiums for such programs (in the states where they have been enacted) are spread out over all workers and employers, they remain low and affordable for businesses, Leiwant noted.

The cost of premiums has been consistently small because it is spread out over all workers and employers in the state to pay benefits only when there is a covered need, she continued.

Premium costs have remained low in all states (under 1%) and if premiums were spread out among all U.S. workers the costs would be similarly low for a national program.

Both Leiwant and Huckelbridge noted that the estimated economic loss of not having paid leave on a national level is around $22 billion per year.

Nearly every other country in the world has figured this out, Huckelbridge said. If we want to remain competitive in the world and a 21st century economy, we cant afford not to pass paid leave.

Related...
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) published a proposal Thursday to prioritize the conservation of greater sage-grouse on public lands  aiming to reverse habitat loss for an iconic bird of the U.S. West and restore the health of surrounding ecosystems.

The proposal, a draft environmental impact statement, analyzes several alternatives for managing the greater sage-grouse habitat on BLM-administered public lands in 10 states: California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.

Greater sage-grouse, known for their unique spiked plumage and chunky, round bodies, have long been suffering from habitat loss due in part to the effects of climate change, including drought conditions, more frequent wildfires and invasive species, according to the BLM.

These birds  which once numbered in the millions but have now plunged to fewer than 800,000  rely on a Mountain West shrub called sagebrush and may require up to 40 square miles of intact landscape to stay healthy, the agency explained.

The majesty of the West and its way of life are at stake, BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning said in a statement. Sagebrush lands are places where people work and play, and they are the headwaters for the Wests major rivers.

Protecting sagebrush, a critical source of food and habitat, is therefore essential not only for the birds, but also for other species, including mule deer, pronghorns and pygmy rabbits, the bureau noted.

The BLM in total manages the biggest single share of sage-grouse habitat in the U.S., encompassing almost 67 million acres of a 145-million-acre total.

The six alternatives within the draft environmental impact statement build upon plans that the BLM adopted in 2015 and revised in 2019, while incorporating updated science and adjusting for changing climate conditions.

In drafting these options, the BLM considered about 1,900 comments during an initial public scoping period, as well as information shared by federal, state, local and tribal entities.

The bureaus preferred plan of action, also known as the fifth alternative, focuses on balancing greater sage-grouse conservation with public land use. This alternative lies between the most restrictive protection plan and the option that has the loosest limits on energy and mineral development.

The preferred alternative would keep new fluid mineral leasing open, with very few no-surface-occupancy stipulations in so-called Priority Habitat Management Areas. New mining of saleable materials, which include construction resources such as sand, gravel, dirt and rock, would be closed in most priority habitat areas, aside from the expansion of existing pits.

For wind and solar development and major rights-of-way projects, this alternative would have less direct avoidance and provides more opportunities for considering compensatory mitigation  the creation of habitat elsewhere to offset adverse impacts.

The other five alternatives included in the draft provide a range of options regarding mineral leases, oil and gas leasing, wind and solar facility development, livestock grazing and wild horse and burro herd management.

The most restrictive option, the third alternative, would grant the most stringent protections to greater sage-grouse. The BLM would shutter its habitats to new mineral leasing and livestock grazing, while eliminating overlapping wild horse and burro management zones.

While acknowledging that this option would provide the strongest defense for sage-grouse, the BLM analysis stressed it would also result in making public lands unavailable to grazing and require increased fencing to separate federal and nonfederal properties.

Such measures, the analysis argued, could result in possible habitat fragmentation, increased collision risks, increased opportunities for [greater sage-grouse] predators. A reduction in grazing, meanwhile, could result in a buildup of fine fuels and increase wildfire risk, the document added.

In response to the draft environmental impact statement, certain conservation and sportsmens groups praised what they deemed a renewed commitment to safeguarding the intricate web of life supported by the sagebrush ecosystem.

For those of us that live in the West, we realize how important it is to take this birds steep decline seriously, Alison Holloran, executive director of Audubon Rockies, said in a statement. We need to make some meaningful changes and double-down on working together to conserve the bird and ensure a future for the West.

Bobby McEnaney, director of nature for Natural Resources Defense Council, characterized the greater sage-grouse as a bellwether for the entire Mountain West ecosystem.

These urgently needed protections will go a long way toward heading off the extinction of this iconic species, McEnaney said. Theres more to do, but this is an important step toward protecting the sage grouse and the resources it relies upon.

Kaden McArthur, government relations manager for Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, emphasized the need for healthy sagebrush ecosystems for the survival of other species that rely on that core habitat such as pronghorn and mule deer.

But representatives of other conservation groups slammed the bureau for its preferred alternative selection, noting that other options favored millions more acres of protective designation.

The proposed areas of critical environmental concern offer hope that some habitat will be protected, but what is proposed is far too small to recover the sage grouse, Steve Holmer of the American Bird Conservancy said in a statement.

Randi Spivak, public lands policy director at the Center for Biological Diversity, stressed that the BLMs preferred option will fail these iconic birds once again and keep them on an extinction trajectory.

This does virtually nothing to strengthen protections, ensuring the grouse will continue their downward spiral, Spivak added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
In one of the most memorable exchanges of the night, a wide-eyed President Joe Biden recoiled from Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) on his way to the podium to deliver his State of the Union address. Adorned with a MAGA hat, Greene handed Biden a button bearing the words, Say her name: Laken Riley.

Riley was the 22-year-old college student allegedly murdered near the University of Georgia campus by an illegal immigrant. In an unscripted moment during his speech, Biden responded to Greenes heckling and held up the pin. An innocent young woman who was killed by an illegal. Thats right, he said, saying Rileys name but mispronouncing it as Lincoln.

Outrage ensued, and no, not because the president couldnt articulate the name of the murdered young woman, but because he used the term illegal.

We were shocked to hear the president echo the words of anti-immigrant extremists, complained the National Immigrant Justice Center. Conflating immigration status with criminality is racist and dehumanising.

If the alleged killer hadnt been in the country illegally and then released on parole, Riley would still be alive today. Thats not conflating immigration status with criminality. Thats just a fact.

I wish he hadnt engaged with Marjorie Taylor Greene and used the word illegal, said Representative Pramila Jayapal, as if Greenes status as an attention-seeker made a tribute to Riley less important. Like Greene or not, Biden wouldnt have mentioned Riley if it hadnt been for her.

Notably absent in all this pearl-clutching is any concern for Riley, her family, or the establishment of law and order that might prevent such tragedies from occuring in the first place.

Following Bidens speech, Rileys mother posted on Facebook, Biden does not even KNOW my childs name. She added, If you are going to say her name (even when forced to do so) at least say the right name!

Two days after the State of the Union, Biden went on MSNBC for clean-up. When an interviewer brought up the illegals incident, Biden jumped in. Undocumented, undocumented person. And I shouldnt have used illegal, the president said. Im not going to treat any of these people with disrespect. Even, apparently, those arrested for murder.

Democrats have long fixed on illegal immigrant and illegals as passe terms used by racists and bigots. Referring to people who arrived or are living in the US illegally as illegals was once common but is far less so today, particularly among Democrats who more fully embraced immigrant rights issues during Trumps presidency, reports the Associated Press. And while its been more than 10 years since the AP decided to drop the term illegal immigrant, its certainly true that the politically correct language became supercharged in the age of former President Donald Trump.

Language policing is one of the things the left does best. If you dont read any right-of-center news outlets, youve probably spent the last few days thinking about Bidens dehumanising use of illegals rather than whats to be done about illegal immigrants committing crimes.

Homeless has become unhoused. Disabled became the ludicrous differently-abled, and now advocates have settled on person with disabilities. No matter that homelessness, or houselessness, or whatever you want to call it, is on the rise. And dont worry about putting in enough handicapped parking spots as long as you call them the right thing (accessible, not handicapped).

Language is always evolving, and not all evolutions are bad. But those who hyperfixate on language policing do so intentionally to control their rivals. Think of the campus activists who want to shut down speakers who use the wrong pronouns. Whenever theres a story about a transgender woman raping inmates in a womens prison, legacy media outlets are always sure to defer to the rapists pronouns.

A Biden spokesperson said on Monday that the president never apologised for using the term illegal, but that is beside the point. Whether he apologised or merely used a different word, Biden played along with the lefts gotcha games, something that should be a lesson for the rest of us. Dont let them shame you for forgetting to thumb through your Dictionary of Approved Words before speaking. All they want to do is shut you up.

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It is entirely understandable that, with aid agencies warning daily of the dire predicament facing Palestinian civilians in Gaza, world powers should be looking for novel ways to alleviate their suffering.

One of the key contributing factors to the suffering of Palestinians caught up in the Gaza conflict  or so the aid agencies claim  are the numerous difficulties aid convoys are experiencing in their efforts to provide adequate humanitarian relief.

Whether it is the rigorous checks being applied by the Israel Defence Forces, who control the main supply routes and are rightly concerned about weaponry and other supplies being diverted to Hamass terrorist network, or desperate Palestinians looting the convoys the moment they enter Gaza, ensuring an orderly and even distribution of food and medicine to those in need is proving to be enormously challenging.

The issue is further complicated by the politics at play, with aid agencies claiming that Israel is deliberately obstructing deliveries as a form of collective punishment against the Palestinian people. The Israeli government, meanwhile, insists that more than 14,000 trucks of aid have entered Gaza in the five months since the conflict started, more than sufficient to keep endemic hunger at bay.

The dispute, which has recently resulted in claims that Palestinians are dying of starvation  a claim that is bitterly rejected by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu  has now led both the US and the European Union to explore alternative options for guaranteeing Gaza adequate aid supplies.

Yesterday, a Spanish ship towing a barge loaded with 200 tonnes of food supplies left the Cypriot port of Larnaca, destined for Gaza as part of a European Union initiative to open a sea corridor to Gaza.

In addition, US President Joe Biden has dispatched a humanitarian aid ship to Gaza and said that American forces would build a temporary floating pier to allow vital supplies to be provided to the enclave.

Just how much of an impact these initiatives will have on the aid crisis in the immediate future is questionable. The Pentagon says that it could take around 60 days before the pier at Gaza is operational  by which time the war could well be over.

It is also far from certain that the Israeli military will guarantee safe passage for aid ships sailing from Cyprus, even if they claim to be operating under the EUs aegis.

The last time a similar shipping operation was attempted in 2010  when the so-called Gaza Freedom Flotilla, a group of six merchant ships organised by the Free Gaza Movement, sought to deliver aid  it ended with several of the flotilla passengers being killed when the ships were stormed by Israeli forces.

The Israeli authorities insist that they support the current initiatives to establish sea corridors. Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant has even suggested that they could help expedite Israels ultimate goal of destroying Hamas, declaring the process is designed to bring aid directly to the residents and thus continue the collapse of Hamass rule in Gaza.

There is, though, another way of viewing the initiative, one where, instead of alleviating the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, it leads to a major escalation in hostilities.

One of the Wests key objectives since Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists launched their murderous assault on Israel on October 7 has been to confine hostilities to the immediate environs of the Gaza Strip. This policy has been undermined by attempts by other Iranian-backed groups, such as the Houthi rebels in Yemen, and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, to expand the scope of the conflict.

The mere presence of US forces in such close proximity to Hamass Islamist fiefdom may encourage these groups to launch direct attacks, thereby obliging Washington to engage militarily in the Gaza conflict.

Another important consideration is that much of the data being provided by humanitarian groups to support the contention Gaza faces widespread famine is being provided by Hamas itself, whose primary goal is to discredit both Israel and its allies.

Meanwhile, the UNs own credibility to act as an honest broker on Gazan aid issues has been shot to pieces by the allegation that several Palestinian members of UNRWA, its preeminent aid organisation in the territory, actively participated in the October 7 massacre.

While their motives may be admirable, therefore, the US and EU need to be careful that, while seeking to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, they are not walking into a deadly trap set by Hamas and their Iranian backers.

Tehran has already demonstrated its desire to escalate the Gaza war into a regional conflict by encouraging the Houthi attacks against merchant shipping in the Red Sea, most of which relies on Iranian-made missiles and drones. There is nothing Iran would desire more than to see the US and its allies drawn into another messy Middle East conflict, irrespective of the disastrous impact such an outcome might have on the plight of ordinary Palestinians.

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Like the budget of an individual or a household, the budget of a government or a political party reflects its values and priorities.

The proposed federal budget of the Biden administration is not likely to be implemented in full, given the opposition of the Republican majority in the House, even if all Democrats in Congress supported it. But the budget blueprint is useful nonetheless, for what it says about the groups that are influential in the Democratic party  and the potential divisions within it.

Like Labour in the UK and various social democratic parties in Europe, Americas Democrats have morphed in recent decades from an alliance of factory workers and farmers into an alliance between mostly-white, college-educated professionals and members of nonwhite ethnic groups, both native and immigrant.

In the cities in which Democrats are concentrated, low wages and the high cost of living have driven out many working-class Americans to cheaper peripheral areas or other states. What remains in Democratic downtowns is a three-tier society, with a tiny number of the super-rich at the top, a large minority of college-educated professionals and managers in the middle, and a group of low-paid, often welfare-dependent household servants and service sector workers at the bottom, a group constantly expanded by unskilled immigration.

Once you understand the class dynamics in Democratic electoral heartlands, otherwise puzzling features of the Biden budget can be explained. For example, Biden proposes to do more to help Americans obtain student loans. Ever since becoming president, Biden has made student loan relief a priority, boasting that over 3.7 million Americans have had student debt canceled by his administrations actions.

Only about 13 percent of Americans have student loan debt. That is hardly surprising, in 2022 because fewer than 38 percent of Americans have four-year college degrees, while only 14 per cent have a masters degree, doctorate, or professional degree. The majority of American adults have no formal education beyond high school, technical school, or some college.

Why not address auto loan debt that working-class people struggle to pay, instead of student loan debt for the relatively privileged economic elite? The answer is that the college-educated are a much higher percentage of the Democratic electorate (48 per cent) than of the American public (38 per cent).

Moreover, women now outnumber men at American universities at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Seventy per cent of single women vote for Democratic candidates, while a majority of married women vote for Republicans. Bidens student loan program thus rewards a critical Democratic constituency.

But roughly half of American college graduates today have jobs that do not require college degrees. Why do Democrats like Biden want more young Americans to get useless diplomas? Here, too, the answer has to do with politics. University professors and administrators are one of the most Democratic constituencies in American society. In 2023, according to one survey, half of professors identify as liberal, 17 per cent as moderate, and 26 per cent as conservative.

More student loans therefore translate into more money for overwhelmingly-Democratic college faculty and staff, who in turn recycle the federal student loan money their institutions receive in part by donating predominantly to Democratic candidates.

Green energy tax breaks are another subsidy to affluent Democrats. In order to get a variety of clean energy tax credits, American tax-payers in 2023 have to itemise their taxes and also fill out IRS Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits. Most Americans in the bottom 90 per cent of the income distribution do not itemise; only a majority of the few in the 90th-100th income percentile do.

The people who get federal tax breaks for their expensive all-electric Teslas or their tax-subsidized solar water heaters are among the wealthiest in the United States. Meanwhile, the higher costs of oil and natural gas that result from the lefts campaign to shut down fossil fuel production function as a regressive tax on working-class Americans as well as American industry.

What about child care? While Democrats along with many Republians support some kind of program for short-term paid family leave, most Democrats support only long-term funding for child care outside of the home, in public or commercial day-care centers, with not a penny for stay-at-home mothers or other family caregivers.

The Democratic partys hostility to homemakers is the result of an alliance of radical feminists, who see defamilisation (the liberation of women from child and family care) as the goal, and lobbyists for employers. Organised business in the US has long sought a larger, looser labour market in which child care enables most mothers of young children to work outside of the home for wages. Along with increased immigration, greater entry of mothers into the workforce promises to allow companies to increase output and profits without having to wage raises or invest in expensive labour-saving technology.

In 2020, Biden campaigned for the presidency claiming that nobody making less than $400,000 a year would pay higher federal taxes. In 2021, this was clarified to mean above $400,000 for individuals and above $450,000 for households. Now Biden has repeated his promise that taxes will be raised only on the wealthy, defined as those making more than $400,000 a year.

Here is the weakness in Bidenomics. The program depends on the super-rich subsidising both the college-credentialled professional elite below them and the working poor who work for the professionals. But there is an accelerating exodus of billionaires and businesses from high-tax, high-spending Democrat-dominated states like California and New York to states like Florida and Texas with no state income taxes.

Even wealthy Democratic donors may rebel against paying exclusively for ambitious Democratic spending plans like Bidens  all to ensure that a corporate lawyer-medical doctor couple who make $350,000 in combined income a year do not have to pay more in taxes themselves. Republicans in Congress are only one obstacle to Bidens gentry-friendly spending plans, then. The Democratic rich may be another.

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KYODO NEWS - Mar 14, 2024 - 17:59 | All, Japan

Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force said Thursday that it has been unable to determine the exact cause of the engine troubles that caused a deadly crash involving one of its helicopters off an island in the southern prefecture of Okinawa in April 2023.

In its investigative report on the accident, which killed all 10 personnel on board, the GSDF described the nearly simultaneous engine failures as an "unprecedented event." However, it will fully resume operations of the same type of helicopter, although no date has been specified.

The force also pledged to take necessary measures to prevent any similar accidents from happening again, such as strengthening flight safety surveillance.

"Taking the accident seriously, we will thoroughly ensure the safety of our flights, with the determination to avoid any loss of human life in the future," Gen. Yasunori Morishita, chief of staff of the GSDF, said at a press conference.

The UH-60JA helicopter disappeared from radar at 3:56 p.m. on April 6 last year, 10 minutes after taking off from a base on Miyako Island in Okinawa Prefecture, with no abnormalities reported. The incident was the deadliest ever involving a GSDF aircraft.

After analyzing the wreckage and recovered flight recorder of the helicopter, which had two engines, it was noted that both saw a sudden reduction in power before the crash, making it difficult for the chopper to "maintain altitude," the report said.

The engines were supposed to serve as backups to each other but the output fell in both, one after the other, within 90 seconds of the helicopter crashing, in an event that "has never before been reported," the report added.

No links were found concerning the problems both engines experienced, GSDF officers told reporters. The right engine was hit by a "rollback," a rare failure that gradually decreases an engine's output, which was not mentioned in the aircraft's handling manual.

Rollbacks generally occur due to an engine experiencing fuel supply shortages or due to some other abnormality in the control system, according to the officers.

The report, meanwhile, concluded that the cause of the left engine's failure could not be specified. The GSDF also ruled out factors such as those involving weather conditions and daily maintenance work as possible causes of the accident.

The GSDF currently operates 39 UH-60JAs, which were first deployed in 1997 to transport relief supplies to natural disaster-hit areas and conduct rescue activities, the officers said. Drills involving the aircraft partially resumed in June 2023.

Related coverage:

Japan's GSDF fails to determine cause of helicopter crash in 2023
WASHINGTON  Facing the prospect that they may never be able to impeach President Joe Biden, House Republicans are exploring a pivot to a different strategy: issuing criminal referrals against him and those close to him.

In recent weeks, a political and factual reality has set in on Capitol Hill. Despite their subpoenas and depositions, House Republicans have been unable to produce any solid evidence of wrongdoing by Biden and lack the votes in their own party to charge him with high crimes and misdemeanors, the constitutional standard for impeachment.

Instead, top GOP lawmakers have begun strategizing about making criminal referrals against Biden, members of his family and his associates, essentially sending letters to the Justice Department urging prosecutors to investigate specific crimes they believe may have been committed.

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The move would be largely symbolic, but it would allow Republicans in Congress to save face while ending their so far struggling impeachment inquiry. It has the added appeal for the GOP of aligning with former President Donald Trumps vow to prosecute Biden if he wins the election.

And it would avoid a repeat of the humiliating process House Republicans, who have a tiny and dwindling majority, went through last month with the impeachment of Alejandro N. Mayorkas, the homeland security secretary. After initially falling short of the votes to impeach Mayorkas, Republicans barely succeeded on the second try, only to realize that the Democratic-controlled Senate was poised to quickly acquit him  or even dismiss the charges without a trial.

Theres nothing that Ive heard in the last couple of weeks that says that we are anywhere close to having the votes for impeachment, said Rep. Kelly Armstrong, R-N.D., the author of the resolution authorizing the impeachment investigation.

Armstrong said he believed criminal referrals were the much more likely outcome. Armstrong suggested House Republicans could make referrals regarding alleged violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act in connection with international business deals by Hunter Biden, the presidents son, and suggested that the Justice Department investigate accusations of obstruction.

Im still interested in why we havent gotten better answers on the whole-of-government approach to obstructing all of these investigations, Armstrong said.

Republicans say they are not finished with their investigation, and could still change course and decide to hold an impeachment vote. They have scheduled a public hearing next week with former business partners of Hunter Biden, though Biden himself has refused to appear.

In an interview, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, the Judiciary Committee chair, said he was also demanding audio recordings of President Biden that were part of the special-counsel investigation by Robert K. Hur into his handling of classified documents.

Criminal referrals, Jordan said, were among the options on the table as the House GOP moves forward.

Rep. James R. Comer, R-Ky., chair of the Oversight Committee, has repeatedly suggested in recent weeks that issuing criminal referrals could mark the end of the impeachment inquiry, rather than an impeachment vote.

At the end of the day, what does accountability look like? It looks like criminal referrals. It looks like referring people to the Department of Justice, Comer said in a recent interview with Fox News Sean Hannity. If Merrick Garlands Department of Justice wont take any potential criminal referrals seriously, then maybe the next president, with a new attorney general, will.

The shift to exploring criminal referrals came after Comer had what his aides say was a chance meeting last month with Trump in Florida. A spokesperson for Comer would not comment on what was discussed, but said that while having lunch with Vernon Hill, a banker who has donated to Trumps campaigns, the chair unexpectedly ran into Trump and they had a brief 10-minute conversation.

The potential change in strategy also comes as Republicans have lost seats in the House, making impeachment all the more unlikely. With the departure next week of Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., the party will be down to 218 votes in the House, a bare majority of the 435-member body.

On Thursday, Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed that Republican leaders were discussing the possibility of criminal referrals.

In a brief interview at the Capitol, he made clear that impeaching Biden was not his top priority at the moment, saying hed been a little busy with appropriations. But he said House leadership would consider whether to issue criminal referrals.

Theres more deliberation to be done on it  thats for sure, he said.

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., and a close ally of Trump, has been among those arguing for House Republicans to issue criminal referrals against Biden and his family members.

He deserves them, Gaetz said of Biden.

Gaetz added that it was clear that Republicans did not have the votes for impeachment.

I dont think that a sufficient number of Republicans hold the view I do that a bribe can be consummated through a payment to a family member, said Gaetz, who has alleged that Hunter Bidens income from overseas companies was little more than a bribery scheme. But he added that should Trump win election, he could install new personnel atop the Justice Department who could pursue prosecutions based on the Republicans referrals.

The DOJ is about to change hands, Gaetz said. Its about to be under new management.

Criminal referrals would be a politically easier move for House Republicans than impeachment. They do not require a vote of Congress or even carry any legal weight. Comer could simply draft a letter laying out the allegations.

The Democratic-run special House committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol made major headlines in the last Congress with its criminal referrals of Trump. (He was later charged by the Justice Department with crimes related to the plan to overturn the 2020 election.)

Delegate Stacey Plaskett of the Virgin Islands, the top Democrat on the Judiciary panel on the weaponization of government, said Republicans were merely trying to salvage a flailing investigation. Republicans took a brutal blow when one of the key pieces of evidence they touted was discredited by the Justice Department.

They realize that they dont have the votes for an impeachment because they dont have the evidence, Plaskett said. But they recognize that by a criminal referral, its going to take some time, if theres a referral, for it to work through the Justice Department, which gives them additional fodder during the election cycle. Theyre just trying to create some kind of false equivalency between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, which is not there.

Even some Republicans said a referral against Biden might not make sense, citing the Justice Departments policy against prosecuting a sitting president.

We dont refer a seated president for criminal charges, said Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif. He added that Republicans can refer the presidents family members based on evidence theyve discovered, but most of what weve discovered they already knew.

Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., who as a member of the Oversight Committee participated in the closed-door deposition of Hunter Biden, said he believed the investigation had clearly crossed the threshold of reasonable suspicion of the Biden family but had not yet established probable cause that the president had committed a crime.

If our investigation reveals that impeachment is not a righteous pursuit, perhaps a criminal referral is, Higgins said.

But Higgins also suggested House Republicans could simply let the voters decide.

Its a much heavier lift for impeachment. So I would say that no matter what the Oversight Committee does, the American people are going to have an opportunity in November to make a decision.

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President Joe Biden issued a statement on the death of transgender Oklahoma teen Nex Benedict, whose Feb. 8 death a day after a fight at Owasso High School was ruled a suicide Wednesday.

Jill and I are heartbroken by the recent loss of Nex Benedict, Biden said in a statement Thursday. Every young person deserves to have the fundamental right and freedom to be who they are, and feel safe and supported at school and in their communities. Nex Benedict, a kid who just wanted to be accepted, should still be here with us today.

In memory of Nex, Biden said, we must all recommit to our work to end discrimination and address the suicide crisis impacting too many nonbinary and transgender children.

Bullying is hurtful and cruel, and no one should face the bullying that Nex did, Biden said. Parents and schools must take reports of bullying seriously. My prayers are with Nexs family, friends, and all who loved them  and to all LGBTQI+ Americans for whom this tragedy feels so personal, know this: I will always have your back.

A candlelight vigil for 16-year-old nonbinary student Nex Benedict (J Pat Carter / Getty Images file)

The president closed his message by telling LGBTQ youth that they can call or text 988, the National Crisis Hotline, and dial the number 3 to talk to a counselor who has been specifically trained to support LGBTQ youth.

Nex, who was transgender and used he and they pronouns, according to friends and family, was involved in a fight at Owasso High Schools West Campus on Feb. 7. Nex told police three students jumped him after he threw water on them because they were bullying him and his friend for the way they dressed. Sue Benedict, Nexs mother, told the Independent that Nex had previously told her he was bullied due to his gender identity.

On Feb. 8, Sue Benedict called 911 and told the operator that Nexs hands were posturing, which refers to an involuntary movement that can indicate abnormal brain activity, according to audio of the 911 call that the Owasso Police Department released last month. She also said the teens eyes were rolled in the back of his head and his breathing was shallow, and she worried that he had a brain injury from the fight at school. Nex was transported to St. Francis Childrens Hospital and pronounced dead.

The Oklahoma medical examiners office released a summary report Wednesday that found Nex died by suicide, with a probable cause of death from the combined toxicity of two drugs, one of which is available over the counter and the other by prescription. The full report will be released March 27, according to the medical examiners office.

Lt. Nick Boatman, a spokesperson for the Owasso Police Department, said in an email Thursday that the departments investigation wont be concluded until investigators present their findings to the Tulsa County District Attorneys Office. The district attorney will then determine what charges, if any, could be filed against other students involved in the fight with Nex.

LGBTQ youth face a disproportionate risk of suicide, according to research. A 2022 survey of about 28,000 LGBTQ young people conducted by The Trevor Project, an LGBTQ youth suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization, found that more than 40% of respondents ages 13 to 24 said they seriously considered attempting suicide in the previous year, including half of trans and nonbinary respondents.

Those rates were higher for respondents in Oklahoma, with 48%, saying they seriously considered suicide in the past year, including 55% of trans and nonbinary youth. Of respondents in Oklahoma, 16% said they attempted suicide in the past year, including 20% of trans and nonbinary youth.

The Department of Education opened a federal investigation into Owasso Public Schools earlier this month for allegedly failing to address previous complaints of discrimination from students. The investigation was opened following a complaint from the Human Rights Campaign, the countrys largest LGBTQ rights group.

If you are an LGBTQ young person in crisis, feeling suicidal or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call the TrevorLifeline now at 1-866-488-7386 or the Rainbow Youth Project at 1-317-643-4888.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
By Jason Lange

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden had a marginal 1 percentage point lead over Donald Trump ahead of the November presidential election as each candidate secured enough support from their parties to appear on the ballot, a new Reuters/Ipsos poll found.

Some 39% of registered voters in the one-week poll, which closed on Wednesday, said they would vote for Biden, a Democrat, if the election were held today, compared with 38% who picked Republican former President Trump. Biden's lead was within the survey's 1.8 percentage point margin of error.

Many voters remain undecided, with 11% saying they would vote for other candidates, 5% saying they would not vote, and 7% saying they did not know or refusing to answer.

Both candidates carry significant liabilities in the first U.S. presidential election rematch in nearly 70 years, with voters concerned about Biden's age -- 81 -- and Trump's upcoming four criminal trials, including on charges of trying to overturn his 2020 election defeat.

The poll, which surveyed adults nationwide, included many ways to measure support for Biden and Trump, 77, and most pointed to a close race.

Trump had a marginal lead among all respondents, but Biden's lead among registered voters was significant because people who are already registered to vote are more likely to do so in November. Only two-thirds of eligible voters turned out in the 2020 presidential election in which Biden defeated Trump.

In the seven states where the election was closest in 2020, a group that could again prove pivotal in November, Trump led Biden 40% to 37% among registered voters. While nationwide surveys give important signals on who America will vote for, just handful of competitive states typically tilt the balance in the U.S. electoral college, the ultimate decider in presidential elections.

With many voters unenthused by either Trump or Biden, the new poll showed independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr backed by 15% of registered voters should he appear as a third candidate on the ballot, down from 17% in a January survey.

It appeared that Kennedy could siphon similar shares of votes from Trump and Biden. When poll respondents were asked to choose between Trump and Biden without any other options, Biden led 50% to 48% among registered voters, with 2% refusing to answer the question.

While Trump easily defeated former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley in the Republican Party's party nominating contest, clinching enough delegates on Tuesday to be the party's candidate, he has vulnerabilities among independents and even within his own party.

Only about 37% of Haley's supporters plan to vote for Trump now that she has dropped out of the Republican contest, the poll found. Some 16% said they would vote for Biden and the rest said they would vote for someone else or not vote at all.

Following a controversial ruling by a conservative court in Alabama that the frozen embryos used in fertility treatments should be considered children, the new poll showed only a quarter of registered voters agreed with that view, while 57% disagreed and the rest were unsure.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll collected responses online nationwide from 4,094 U.S. adults, including 3,356 registered voters. It had a margin of error of 1.8% for registered voters and 1.7% for all respondents.

(Reporting by Jason Lange; Editing by Scott Malone and Leslie Adler)
US President Joe Biden said he was 'heartbroken' by the death of non-binary teen Nex Benedict (Brendan SMIALOWSKI)

US President Joe Biden called for an end to discrimination Thursday after an autopsy found a nonbinary teenager died by suicide a day after clashing with three other students.

The case of Nex Benedict, 16, from Oklahoma, had drawn widespread outrage and calls for change in the way trans and nonbinary people are treated.

"Nex Benedict, a kid who just wanted to be accepted, should still be here with us today," Biden said in a statement, adding that he and First Lady Jill Biden were "heartbroken" by the teen's death on February 8.

"Nonbinary and transgender people are some of the bravest Americans I know. But nobody should have to be brave just to be themselves."

Democrat Biden called for work to end discrimination and to address the "suicide crisis impacting too many nonbinary and transgender children."

"Bullying is hurtful and cruel, and no one should face the bullying that Nex did," he said.

Benedict identified as nonbinary, a term used by people who see their gender identity as falling outside the categories of "man" and woman," according to the GLADD advocacy group. Many nonbinary people also consider themselves transgender.

Benedict reported being in an altercation with three girls in a restroom in their high school in the city of Owasso.

Benedict was seen by a school nurse but was sent home and police were not contacted until Sue Benedict, the student's grandmother and legal guardian, phoned later in the day from a hospital emergency room.

In a video released by police, Nex Benedict told police from a hospital bed that Nex had poured water on three girls after being mocked over "the way that we dress... All three of them came at me."

The following day Nex Benedict fell ill at home, was rushed back to the hospital, and died.

Sue Benedict and others told local media the teen had been bullied by fellow students for more than a year, including over the way that they dressed.

An autopsy report released Wednesday said found a toxic mix of pharmaceutical drugs, US media reported.

The US Education Department said on March 1 it was opening an investigation into whether the school district had failed to respond appropriately to "sex-based harassment."

The case tapped into a growing culture war over gender issues in an increasingly polarized United States.

Oklahoma is one of a number of Republican-controlled states that have passed laws prohibiting students from using bathrooms not in alignment with their sex at birth.

It also bans gender-affirming care for minors.

dk/acb
US President Joe Biden speaks during a campaign event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Brendan Smialowski)

President Joe Biden said on Thursday he opposed the proposed sale of US Steel to Japan's Nippon Steel, in a move that could annoy Washington's close Asia-Pacific ally Tokyo.

Biden's intervention comes less than a month before he is due to host Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a state visit to the White House to underscore ties.

"It is important that we maintain strong American steel companies powered by American steel workers. I told our steel workers I have their backs, and I meant it," Biden said in a statement.

"US Steel has been an iconic American steel company for more than a century, and it is vital for it to remain an American steel company that is domestically owned and operated."

The deal remains under US federal security review.

Biden's statement comes as the Democrat tries to woo US unions ahead of November's presidential election, in which he will compete for working class voters with Republican former president Donald Trump.

US Steel is based in Pittsburgh in the key battleground state of Pennsylvania, which Biden will need to win again as he did in the 2020 election if he is to beat Trump.

The two companies unveiled Nippon's planned $14.1 billion acquisition of Pittsburgh-based US Steel in December but it immediately faced opposition from several quarters.

The White House said at the time that the deal should be closely investigated, warning that it could have national security implications.

The firms in December asked the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) -- an interagency body established to review foreign takeovers of US firms -- to evaluate the deal.

Unions have reacted with fury to the proposed deal, despite the combined company's vow to honor contract agreements between US Steel and the United Steelworkers (USW) union.

In December the USW ripped the proposed deal as reflective of a "greedy, shortsighted attitude" of US Steel, which dates to 1901, and questioned the ability of Nippon to honor contracts.

At the time the transaction also drew bipartisan howls on Capitol Hill, with Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman calling the deal "absolutely outrageous."

Trump-allied Ohio Senator JD Vance and two other Republicans asked Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who chairs CFIUS, to block the deal, calling domestic steel production "vital to US national security."

dk/bfm
Joe Biden hailed the beginning of $3.3bn in infrastructure spending on US projects on Wednesday to right historic wrongs with efforts to reconnect city neighborhoods riven by interstate highways that plowed with particular impunity through many Black, brown, Asian American and Hispanic communities decades ago.

The US president was in Milwaukee, where he traveled to announce new infrastructure investment and officially open his election campaigns Wisconsin office in the vital swing state.

Democratic party campaigns in Wisconsin are typically run from the state capital, Madison, whereas the Biden re-election campaign has picked Milwaukee, the more industrial and diverse city on Lake Michigan, where 40% of residents are Black. The Republicans will hold their convention in Milwaukee in July.

Biden is striving to make an impact on the campaign trail in a number of swing states this week after his fiery State of the Union speech last week.

He travels to Michigan on Thursday, part of the blue wall, along with Pennsylvania, where Biden was born and has made more campaign trips than any other state.

Donald Trump flipped all three states to win the White House in 2016, but Biden took them back four years ago and almost certainly needs to hold them if he is to secure a second term.

Related: Biden slightly behind Trump but voters views of economy improve, poll shows

Biden and Trump unofficially clinched their parties respective nominations on Tuesday night after more primary wins, and expect to be officially anointed at their party conventions this summer.

The rare presidential election rematch, the first since 1956, comes while Trump is due in court later this month for the first-ever criminal trial of a former US president, with more to come as he faces 91 criminal charges across four cases at federal and state levels.

On Wednesday, the White House declared that $3.3bn in federal funding is being allocated in more than 40 states, originating from the Biden administrations 2021 infrastructure legislation, to help areas divided by transportation infrastructure decades ago and [that] have long been overlooked.

Biden announced a $36.6m federal grant on his Milwaukee visit to upgrade sidewalks and create cycle lanes, greater access to mass transit and more greenery in the South 6th Street area of Bronzeville, a historic majority African American neighborhood.

Biden said the construction of interstate highways there led to the demolition of roughly 17,000 homes and 1,000 businesses, disproportionately impacting Black and poor neighborhoods in the 1960s, with a losses of prosperity and opportunities that still reverberate today.

Related: Could the US highways that split communities on racial lines finally fall?

He pledged to right historic wrongs and, in the process, deliver environmental justice to disadvantaged neighborhoods.

The US transportation department estimates that at least a million people and businesses in the US were displaced by decades of harmful urban renewal projects in the buildout of the federal highway system, a statement from the White House said.

Biden said: The story of Bronzeville here in Milwaukee is one we see all across the country. Our interstate highway system laid out in the 1950s was a groundbreaking connection of our nation, coast to coast  but instead of connecting communities, it divided them.

He added: These highways actually tore them apart  along with redlining, they disconnected entire communities from opportunities, sometimes, in an effort to reinforce segregation.

Biden also took a jab directly at Trumps conduct in dealing with the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, when he was president.

My predecessor failed at the most basic duty any president owes the American people  the duty to care, he said.

The Associated Press contributed reporting
(Bloomberg) -- United States Steel Corp. plunged for a second day after President Joe Biden said the company should retain American ownership, coming out against a takeover by Japans Nippon Steel Corp. despite the risk of upsetting a key ally.

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The stock dropped as much as 11%, and has lost about a fifth of its value in the past two days, when news first broke that Biden would express concern about the deal. The shares are now trading at levels last seen before the Nippon deal was announced in December, suggesting investors are increasingly skeptical about its chances of success amid an ongoing federal review.

US Steel has been an iconic American steel company for more than a century, and it is vital for it to remain an American steel company that is domestically owned and operated, Biden said in a statement. It is important that we maintain strong American steel companies powered by American steel workers. I told our steel workers I have their backs, and I meant it.

Bidens statement marks a rare presidential intervention in a transaction that outside an election year would have drawn less public scrutiny. Despite its storied history, US Steels role in the economy has diminished over several decades, a period during which producers in Asia have risen to dominate the global steel market. And while Nippon Steels proposed $14.1 billion acquisition targets an iconic business name, a takeover in the US commodities industry by a company based in a friendly country is hardly unusual.

Biden was silent on the pending review of the deal by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, or Cfius, and stopped short of an outright pledge to block it. Cfius is led by the Treasury Department, and has the power to approve, block or amend the deal on national security grounds, or send it to Biden for a decision.

Our transaction delivers clear benefits to US Steel, union workers, the broader American steel industry, and American national security, Nippon Steel said in a statement on Thursday evening. No other US steel company on its own can meet this challenge while also meeting antitrust requirements.

Timna Tanners, an analyst at Wolfe Research LLC, said the deal suffered from the unfortunate timing of being brokered in the midst of an election in which both candidates have vowed to bolster domestic manufacturing and use their power to stop jobs from going overseas.

The deal is facing a much more difficult chance of going through now that Biden has come out against it, she said. Its an alarming precedent that the US government is setting.

US Steel fell about 6% in New York on Thursday, dropping more than 30% below the $55 a share being offered by Nippon Steel. US Steel did not immediately respond to request for comment.

Even though its share of the market has shrank, US Steel carries heavy symbolic value. It is based in Pennsylvania, Bidens birth state and a battleground in the presidential election, and embodied the nations economic might in the 20th century.

Read: No Labor Agreement, No Deal: Steel Union Draws Line for Nippon

The announcement of Japanese companys acquisition triggered opposition from Republican and Democratic lawmakers as well as the influential United Steelworkers union. Bidens allies have urged the administration to kill the deal over national security concerns and the threat to unionized steel jobs.

The White House issued Bidens statement as he campaigns in Michigan and Wisconsin, two Midwestern industrial strongholds that are crucial for him to win in November. Presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump is vying for the same blue-collar workers in those states as Biden and has pledged to block the deal outright.

Biden moved against the deal as he prepares to host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a White House state dinner on April 10. The US president has looked to Japan as a bulwark against China in the Asia-Pacific region, but his opposition to the deal deal could strain the two countries relationship.

Read: Cliffs CEO Says His US Steel Deal Is Absolutely Gone

Bloomberg has reported previously that the Biden administration is examining Nippon Steels connections to China in its review of the US Steel deal, as it looks to ratchet up pressure on Beijing.

Bidens comments on Thursday also drive home the influential position of the steelworkers union and its president David McCall. Talks between Nippon Steel and the USW have been rocky so far: the union is seeking written guarantees about honoring all labor contracts, while the company is offering at least $1.4 billion in additional capital spending as a sweetener. Nippon Steel has said it will honor all agreements US Steel has with the USW.

Read: US Steel Takeovers Fate May Hang on the Words of a Union Boss

Its not clear what impact, if any, Bidens statement will have on the Cfius review. The Treasury Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Senator Bob Casey, a Pennsylvania Democrat who faces reelection in November, praised Biden for his commitment to maintaining an American steel industry but did not explicitly oppose the Nippon Steel sale, only saying he would work like hell against any deal that leaves our Steelworkers behind. Some stakeholders have concerns that US Steel might shutter facilities and cut jobs without a capital infusion.

John Fetterman, Pennsylvanias other Democratic senator, cheered on Bidens statement, posting jam this up on X, formerly Twitter.

(Updates with Nippon statement, in sixth paragraph.)

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U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during a campaign event at Montgomery County Community College Jan. 5, 2024 in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

U.S. Steel should remain a domestically owned and operated company, President Joe Biden said Thursday, implicitly rejecting an attempt by the Japanese company Nippon Steel to buy the iconic U.S. manufacturer.

Biden issued a brief written statement Thursday morning that did not name Nippon, which announced a deal in December to acquire Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel.

It is important that we maintain strong American steel companies powered by American steel workers, Biden said. I told our steel workers I have their backs, and I meant it. U.S. Steel has been an iconic American steel company for more than a century, and it is vital for it to remain an American steel company that is domestically owned and operated.

The White House in December called for serious scrutiny of the $14.1 billion deal, which is under review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, an executive branch body.

Pennsylvanias U.S. Sens. Bob Casey and John Fetterman, both Democrats, have opposed the deal and applauded Bidens statement.

Pennsylvania workers are the American steel industrys greatest asset, Casey said in a news release. I have long held concerns that this sale could be a bad deal for our workers, and I share President Bidens commitment to maintaining an American steel industry. My number one priority is protecting union jobs in the Mon Valley and Ill work like hell against any deal that leaves our Steelworkers behind.

Fetterman tweeted a screenshot of a Reuters headline indicating Biden would oppose the deal and added his own encouragement to block the deal.

Jam this up, he wrote. Stand with (the United Steelworkers union.) Steel is national Security. Thank you @POTUS for standing with these union members and steel communities like mine.

U.S. Steel has two steel mills in Arkansas, both near Osceola in Northeast Arkansas.

U.S. Steel purchased Big River Steel in 2020. The project, which exceeded $1.3 billion, was touted as the largest economic development project in state history and benefitted from hundreds of millions in state tax incentives.

In 2022, the steel giant broke ground in Osceola on a separate next-generation highly sustainable and technologically advanced steel mill, billed as the largest private development in Arkansas history at $3 billion.

In a statement, United Steelworkers International President David McCall said the union welcomed Bidens comments and shared his concerns over the deals long-term implications.

Allowing one of our nations largest steel manufacturers to be purchased by a foreign-owned corporation leaves us vulnerable when it comes to meeting both our defense and critical infrastructure needs, McCall said. The presidents statements should end the debate: U.S. Steel must remain domestically owned and operated.

Representatives for U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

Review process unclear

A website bearing the imprints of both U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel says no jobs will be lost as a result of the transaction.

But that pledge is nonbinding, according to an aide to a senator opposed to the deal, and skeptics worry the promise is mere lip service.

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It is unclear exactly what power the administration holds to block the deal.

The CFIUS review process is somewhat secretive and not well understood. The interdepartmental committee is chaired by the Treasury secretary and is composed of other high-ranking presidential appointees, including the attorney general and secretaries of Homeland Security, Commerce, Defense, State and Energy.

Casey, Fetterman and U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, a Democrat from Western Pennsylvania, wrote a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen shortly after the deals announcement in December asking CFIUS to block the deal for national security concerns.

The committee should consider whether the merger would cede control of a key domestic industry to a foreign interest, they wrote.

While Nippons home country of Japan is not a foreign adversary, the company does business and operates facilities in China, the lawmakers added. A Commerce Department investigation also determined Nippon sold some products below market value, they said.

We question whether a foreign company that has been found to be dumping steel into the U.S. market at prices below fair market value is the best buyer for U.S. Steel, the Pennsylvania Democrats wrote. Of further concern, Nippon Steel has facilities in the Peoples Republic of China, a foreign adversary of the U.S.

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U.S. Steel as a global economic force has diminished since its height as the worlds first billion-dollar corporation in the early 20th century. In 2020 and 2021, it was the 27th-largest steel producer in the world, according to a list compiled by the international trade group World Steel Association. The same list ranked Nippon fourth. But the company still represents a major industry, especially in Pennsylvania. Winning over the companys unionized workforce could be crucial to Bidens campaign in the key swing state this year.

Deputy Editor Hunter Field contributed to this report.

The post Biden says its vital for U.S. Steel to remain owned and operated by Americans appeared first on Arkansas Advocate.
Editors note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal.

Central Florida resident Javier Guillan said his familys $500,000 budget to buy a house doesnt go as far in the Maitland area as he had hoped.

Some of these [listed] houses are move-in ready, but they arent up to date at all, said the artist.

Guillan, 38, predicts getting a new home up to date will take a great deal of investment, which is why he is cheering a couple of proposed tax credits aiming to help first-time homebuyers. Anything we can get back from our upfront costs  of course it would help, he said.

Photos: Best cities for St. Patricks Day celebrations 2024

Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journals website.

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President Joe Biden on Thursday drew attention to anti-LGBTQ discrimination and urged schools and parents to take reports of bullying seriously, a day after the Oklahoma State Medical Examiners Office ruled the death of 16-year-old Nex Benedict a suicide.

Biden said he was heartbroken by the recent loss of Nex Benedict, a nonbinary teen who died a day after a fight with other students in an Oklahoma high school bathroom early last month.

On Wednesday, Oklahoma officials released a one-page summary autopsy report that listed the teens probable cause of death as diphenhydramine and fluoxetine combined toxicity.

Diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, is an over-the-counter antihistamine used for allergy relief. Fluoxetine is an FDA-approved antidepressant sold as Prozac.

Calling nonbinary and transgender people some of the bravest Americans he knows, Biden noted Nex was just a kid who wanted to be accepted and who should still be here with us today.

Shortly after the release of the report, which doesnt offer details on the amount of drugs in the teens system, LGBTQ rights groups demanded more answers from Oklahoma authorities and repeated calls for a full and complete investigation into the teens death.

Nex Benedicts family and the entire state of Oklahoma deserve far more answers and accountability from those charged with keeping Nex and all youth safe, Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD, told the Daily News in an email.

After the release of the medical examiners findings, Owasso Police said investigators saw many indications that this death was the result of suicide from the beginning of the investigation, reiterating a Feb. 21 statement that the teen had not died as a result of trauma.

Nex, who friends said identified as transgender and used both he and they pronouns, died a day after a violent confrontation with three other students in a bathroom at Owasso High School.

Bodycam footage released by Owasso Police last month shows the teen telling an officer they got jumped by people who had been antagonizing them at school.

Nex was speaking with the officer from a hospital room next to their mother, Sue Benedict. The officer appeared to discourage Nex and their family from reporting the incident.

The teen was later released and went home, but the next day their mother called paramedics to say her childs breathing was shallow and their eyes were rolling back, according to a 911 call.

Nex died one day after being beaten unconscious in a school bathroom, and following more than a year of bullying and harassment at school, said Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign.

According to Robinson, several Owasso Public Schools students and parents have since come forward to criticize a culture of bullying and harassment that is pervasive in the district. They also said many within the school had actual knowledge that it was occurring and took no steps to fix it.

No one should face the bullying that Nex did, Biden said Thursday, calling the behavior hurtful and cruel.

In memory of Nex, we must all recommit to our work to end discrimination and address the suicide crisis impacting too many nonbinary and transgender children, he said. My prayers are with Nexs family, friends, and all who loved them  and to all LGBTQI+ Americans for whom this tragedy feels so personal, know this: I will always have your back.

_____
KYODO NEWS - Mar 14, 2024 - 17:09 | All, Japan

Former Japanese lawmaker and YouTuber GaaSyy was given a suspended prison term Thursday for charges including habitually intimidating celebrities online.

The Tokyo District Court sentenced the 52-year-old defendant, whose real name is Yoshikazu Higashitani, to three years in prison, suspended for five years. Prosecutors had sought a four-year prison term for the former upper house lawmaker.

"Although the defendant argues his actions were carried out with a sense of justice, the threats were made for the purpose of making money through distributing videos," Presiding Judge Koji Saeki said in handing down the ruling.

According to the ruling, GaaSyy intimidated Japanese actor Go Ayano, 42, and three other individuals on YouTube between February and September 2022. He also threatened Ayano and another individual in February last year in an attempt to make them drop their criminal complaints filed against him.

"I will continue to hold feelings of apology toward the victims and pledge never to do the same things again," GaaSyy said at the court prior to the ruling. GaaSyy admitted to the charges at his first trial hearing held last September.

Although his defense lawyer denied in the trial that the defendant's actions amounted to habitual threats, the judge recognized they were habitual, as his YouTube video uploads continued for a long period of time and his actions were deemed professional.

GaaSyy became a popular YouTuber, posting videos about celebrity scandals on his channel. He was elected on the ticket of a minor opposition party under the proportional representation system in July 2022, but was expelled from the House of Councillors last March for not attending any parliamentary sessions.

GaaSyy was placed on an international wanted list at one point, as he had been in the United Arab Emirates. Japanese police arrested him upon his return last June.

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Ex-lawmaker, YouTuber GaaSyy released on 30 mil. yen bail

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President Joe Biden will announce his opposition to the sale of U.S. Steel to Japanese-based Nippon Steel today during a speech in Michigan  a statement that casts serious doubt on the sale of the storied American firm.

U.S. Steel has been an iconic American steel company for more than a century, and it is vital for it to remain an American steel company that is domestically owned and operated, Biden will say, according to a statement from the White House.

The statement is the strongest yet from the White House on the deal, going further than Bidens economic adviser Lael Brainard, who said in December that the deal deserves serious scrutiny. And it highlights the political dilemma the administration faces as it reviews the sale of an iconic American firm during election season where steel workers are a sought-after voting bloc for both parties.

Former President Donald Trump has already come out in opposition to the deal, saying he would block it on his first day back in office.

The Japanese government, which has lobbied for the sale, says that it feels election year politics are at the heart of Bidens statement.

As long as the [U.S.] is in a campaign, we see a huge difficulty out there in completing the deal, said a Japanese government official, granted anonymity to discuss the pending deal, although the company is trying so hard.

Bidens statement, itself, does not kill the deal. The sale is currently under review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S., and the White House has not indicated that Biden would seek to directly intervene in that ongoing process.

Even so, any eventual decision from the committee will have to go back to the White House for review, so Bidens statement could indicate that he will view any agreement that comes out of CFIUS harshly. The Japanese government says it continues to push Biden to allow the national security review to go on uninhibited.

Whether or not [Bidens] words mean killing the deal remains to be seen, said the Japanese government official, since there might be some technical questions. And of course we hope it doesnt mean the end of the deal.

A key sticking point for the deal has been opposition from the United Steelworkers union, whose members in Midwestern swing states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin could be decisive in Novembers elections for president and control of the Senate. Biden will mention steel workers in his speech today opposing the deal.

It is important that we maintain strong American steel companies powered by American steel workers, he will say. I told our steel workers I have their backs, and I meant it.

USW has pushed Biden behind the scenes to block the deal, and issued a statement Thursday saying it "welcomed" his statement.

"The presidents statements should end the debate: U.S. Steel must remain domestically owned and operated," the union said. President Biden told USW members he has our backs, and theres no question that he meant it. Were grateful for his unfailing support and his ongoing commitment to advancing the interests of working families and their communities.

The Japanese government, however, remains hopeful that if Nippon can come to an agreement with the union, opposition from the White House could soften.

Nippon is really committed to sincere talks with USW to resolve this conundrum, said the Japanese official, and they will not easily give up, we believe.

The pending deal could become a diplomatic headache for Biden when Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visits Washington next month. Its still unclear if Kishida will make the deal a key aspect of his visit, the Japanese official said, though this issue is pretty important for us.
President Joe Biden says that he and First Lady Jill Biden are heartbroken by the death of nonbinary teenager Nex Benedict in Oklahoma.

In a statement released by the White House, Mr Biden said that all young people should have a fundamental right and freedom to be who they are and feel safe at school.

It comes after the Oklahoma Medical Examiner concluded that 16-year-old Nex had died by suicide. The teenager was beaten by other students inside a school bathroom on 7 February, at the Owasso High School in Oklahoma. They died the following day.

The presidents statement read: Jill and I are heartbroken by the recent loss of Nex Benedict.

Every young person deserves to have the fundamental right and freedom to be who they are, and feel safe and supported at school and in their communities. Nex Benedict, a kid who just wanted to be accepted, should still be here with us today.

The statement continued: Nonbinary and transgender people are some of the bravest Americans I know. But nobody should have to be brave just to be themselves.

Mr Biden said that all young people should have a fundamental right and freedom to be who they are and feel safe at school (REUTERS)

In memory of Nex, we must all recommit to our work to end discrimination and address the suicide crisis impacting too many nonbinary and transgender children.

Bullying is hurtful and cruel, and no one should face the bullying that Nex did. Parents and schools must take reports of bullying seriously. My prayers are with Nexs family, friends, and all who loved them  and to all LGBTQI+ Americans for whom this tragedy feels so personal, know this: I will always have your back.

To LGBTQI+ young people across the country  you are loved exactly as you are.

According to the Medica E report, acquired by The Independent on Wednesday, the 16-year-olds manner of death was suicide, while the probably cause was listed as Diphenhydramine and Fluoxetine combined toxicity.

Diphenhydramine and Fluoxetine are commonly known as Benadryl and Prozac.

Nex, whose family say used them/they pronouns, died one day after a fight with three girls inside a high school restroom, during which they suffered severe head injuries, according to the Owasso Police Department.

The teenager collapsed at home the day after the incident and was later pronounced dead in hospital.

A vigil for Nex Benedict, a nonbinary teenager who died in Oklahoma (THE OKLAHOMAN)

Nex had been bullied at the school for being openly nonbinary, their mother Sue Benedict told The Independent. The bullying had begun, Ms Benedict said, at the beginning of the 2023 school year after Republican state lawmakers passed a bill that required public school students to use bathrooms that matched the sex listed on their birth certificates.

The family previously said they were conducting an independent investigation into the death, and said that the facts surrounding the case were troubling at best.

Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said: As parents, we send our kids to school expecting that they will be safe and cared for. Nex was failed by so many and should still be here today.

We hold their family in our hearts as they grapple with the devastating reality that their beloved child, a teen with a bright future, is no longer making this world a brighter place. Nex died one day after being beaten unconscious in a school bathroom, and following more than a year of bullying and harassment at school. This is heartbreaking.

We reiterate our call for a full and complete investigation. Young people in Oklahoma and across the country deserve to be safe and respected at school.

Nearly 58 per cent of of LGBT+ youth in Oklahoma felt unsafe at school, according to a 2022 survey from the Human Rights Campaign. Less than half of trans and gender nonconforming students in Oklahoma believe teachers and staff care about them, compared to two-thirds of trans youth in other states, the survey found.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or alone, you can call or text 988, the US National Crisis Hotline, and dial 3 to talk to a counselor who has been specifically trained to support LGBTQI+ youth.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A bill moving its way through the legislature would remove some language referencing gender identity from the states mandated family life curriculum and change antidiscrimination provisions in the teacher code of ethics.

Brought by Tullahoma Sen. Janice Bowling, SB2766 would shorten the Teacher Code of Ethics, removing a distinct reference to preventing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and instead opting for broader phrasing.

Currently, the Teacher Code of Ethics enshrined in law in Tennessee states teachers will not discriminate against students on the basis of race; color; creed; disability; sex; national origin; political or religious beliefs; family, social or cultural background; or sexual orientation.

Bowlings bill would shorten that list by removing the language family, social, or cultural background; or sexual orientation from the Code. The bill would instead use the phrase family background; or the students membership in a protected class under federal or state law.

Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom

During a Senate Education Committee meeting Wednesday, March 13, Bowling said the bill was meant to clean up language in the law and be more inclusive of all students.

It will revise language preventing the discriminating against students on certain specified bases to generally prohibiting educators from discriminating against students who are members of a protected class under federal and state law, and it removes the definition of gender identity from the family life curriculum, she said.

Still from Senate Education Committee on Weds., March 13, 2024 (Source: Tennessee Senate)

Current state law defines gender identity, as it relates to the family life curriculum, as the same definition it carries in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illnesses (DSM-5), the professional reference book for the American Psychiatry Association. Bowlings bill would remove that definition from the introductory section of state law on the family life curriculum.

However, Sen. Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis) found the measure to be more discriminatory than not, asking Bowling what the purpose of the bill really was.

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If these folks are already protected, why are we making these changes? she asked.

Bowling said the purpose of the bill was to remove language that was in and of itself discriminatory.

Its saying that only those students should not be discriminated against, should not be talked to rudely, should not be kept from doing things when, in fact, this kind of cleans up the code, Bowling said. Obviously, a teacher should not treat any student unfairly, so this is cleaning up that code.

Akbari said it seemed to her that the existing code was making sure those students were protected, and the better way to approach the law was to add to it, but Bowlings proposed changes could potentially exclude some folks who were previously protected.

Bowling reiterated that her bill was very inclusive, in that it protected everyone.

When asked by Akbari why Bowling wanted to remove the definition of gender identity from the family life curriculum, Bowling only answered by saying that the definition was contained in the DSM-5 and was classified as a mental disorder.

Still from Senate Education Committee on Weds., March 13, 2024 (Source: Tennessee Senate)

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Akbari then said removing the definition would be exclusionary.

It was placed in the curriculum for a reason, and I think that as we talk about individuals and who they are and what makes them unique, certainly, taking out the concept and the definition of gender identity in and of itself excludes an entire segment of the population, she said. Are you saying that you are removing that because gender identity is a mental disorder?

What this bill does is make all school children included in being able to do things. It doesnt differentiate between people. I think part of our culture has become so discriminatory because, in the eyes of some, because everybody has a label. I think if we were to return to the fact that we are people, that we are students, that we are adults, that that would be a very helpful thing for everyone, Bowling said.

Akbari countered by saying having a label wasnt exclusionary but descriptive, adding she hoped the state wouldnt move backwards.

Identifying someone for their uniqueness is not exclusive of other people, she said. Its like when we talk about equality: its not pie. Everybody can have a piece of their share of what they believe.

By saying the state wont acknowledge those differences in students, Akbari said that seemed more discriminatory than how current law states.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

When you take out something as specific as gender identity youre doing a real harm to students and adults alike across this state, she said.

Bowlings bill ultimately passed the Senate Education Committee 6-1-2, sending it onto the committee on calendar  the last stop before it hits the full Senate floor.

The House version of the bill, brought by Rep. Gino Bulso (R-Brentwood) will be discussed at the March 19 meeting of the House K-12 Subcommittee.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Bill would give Pease developers upper hand over local communities

March 13  To the Editor:

All residents of towns surrounding Pease International Tradeport should take notice: HB 1513 was discussed by House Committee on Resources, Recreation, and Development on March 13 at 10 a.m. This bill, introduced by one sponsor, Rep. Mark McConkey of Carroll County, completely strips away local representation on the Pease Development Authority Board of Directors! Future appointment to the PDA Board of Directors would be made by the governor and executive council. No longer would the towns surrounding Pease International Tradeport have any role in the appointment of PDA Directors, thus overturning the original PDA articles of incorporation.

May I remind readers of the recent joint venture proposal by Kane Commercial Real Estate and Procon Construction to bring national and international air cargo distribution to the Pease Tradeport. This proposal was ardently supported by PDA Executive Director Paul Brean in a major media/public relations campaign.

A coalition of concerned citizens representing all towns on the perimeter of the Tradeport opposed the Kane-Procon proposal on the grounds that it would have a profound impact on the quality of life for Seacoast residents. The principle issue was the well-known preference of air cargo carriers to operate at night when airways are not crowded by commercial and private air travel. This would mean exposure to the loud noise of takeoffs and landings causing repeated arousal from sleep. Vetted published medical studies have convincingly demonstrated that frequent nocturnal awakening results in impaired performance in both schools and workplaces. Fortunately, the locally-appointed members of the PDA Board of Directors listened carefully to the arguments pro-and-con; local advice and consent of democracy worked; and the proposal was withdrawn.

But now it seems likely that Carroll County Rep. McConkeys HB 1513 is a blatant attempt on behalf of industry to circumvent local advice and consent by stripping the PDA Board of locally-sponsored appointees! Good for development, but bad for Seacoast Quality of Life and self-determination.

Clinton Frederick Miller II MD

Rye

Editor's note: The House Committee hearing this bill voted against it unanimously. It now goes to the full House for a vote.

A bill before the New Hampshire House would undermine local communities' oversight of Pease Tradeport by taking the power to appoint board members away from Portsmouth, Newington and Greenland and giving it to the governor and executive council.

A two-state solution is in Americas best interest

March 10  To the Editor:

Last Monday, I attended the Portsmouth City Council meeting on the resolution calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. Im not Jewish or Muslim. Im just an American looking for a Middle East strategy that puts America first. This starts with a cease-fire leading to a two-state solution. This may not be ideal for Israel or the Palestinians, but these folks are not my primary worry. My chief concern is us. Im 68 and have supported U.S. Middle East policy since sitting in a gas line as a 17-year-old during the first oil embargo. I spent my entire career in the airline industry where over the years ever-tightening security measures were put in place to thwart terrorist threats. I was working in New York City when the attacks on our soil on September 11 unfolded. I accepted these circumstances in support of our foreign policy objectives in the region. But, after 50 years, the expenditure of blood and treasure has not worked for America and I fear that we will continue to be at risk if we don't alter our approach.

Our long-term national economic and security interest lies in a stable Middle Eastone that aligns U.S. interests with a broader group of regional allies, including Israel. Stability could go a long way to defuse Iran and enhance our position relative to 21st-century adversaries: Russia and China. The timing and circumstances may now be right for us to support a two-state solution that guarantees Israels existence while giving Palestinians a home state. It won't be easy but I believe it's a must for us.

The passion expressed on both sides on the violence in Gaza during the city council meeting reminded me of my late father. He was a teenager in Nazi-occupied Greece during WWII. Before he passed in 2011, he took me to a spot in his Greek village where he recounted the execution by firing squad of 40 men and boys randomly rounded up from the local civilian population by the German army. They were executed in retribution for the killing of one German by the Greek resistance force. The Germans made no distinction between innocent civilians and armed resistance fighters. For them, the value proposition was one German was equal to 40 innocent civilians. As I was listening to the debate that night, I wondered what is our value proposition for innocent Palestinian lives?

James T. Lalos

Portsmouth

Horrified by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s third party challenge

March 13  To the Editor:

As a devoted protege of JFK, a lifelong supporter of his uncle Ted, and and a great admirer of his father Bobby, Im horrified by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s Third Party challenge to Joe Biden.

Im also deeply alarmed by his potential danger to our democracy, our nation, and our reputation as a country. Is he blind to Joe Bidens platform that mirror's JFKs values?

RFK Jrs uncles and father inspired me and a generation of young Americans to join the Peace Corps, serve our country, and build respect for the United States around the world.

RFK Jr.s dangerous intrusion into our national election seriously risks a return of Donald Trump to the White House, thus undermining everything his uncles and father worked so hard to achieve.

Go back to where you belong, RFK Jr., promote environmental conservation and the important work that is urgently needed to reverse the climate change that threatens our planet.

To continue your misguided political campaign threatens our future.

Malcolm Odell

Exeter

The writer was in the first group of Peace Corps volunteers to serve in Nepal from 1962 to 1967.

Emmett Soldati will fight for reproductive rights on executive council

March 11  To the Editor

My name is Emma Dolan and I am a certified birth doula and childbirth educator in theseacoast; and I volunteer as an abortion doula at the Lovering Health Clinic in Greenland, NH.

As a doula I am a non-medical support person, and in my volunteer position I hold hands and comfort people as they have procedural abortions.

It is not uncommon for patients traveling as far as the Mount Washington Valley down toGreenland as there are no other alternatives. This speaks to the immense lack of access to reproductive care especially in our rural communities.

We need Emmett Soldati as an executive councilor as he knows the importance of and will fight for the funding of existing abortion clinics, and will work to make abortion and reproductive healthcare more accessible to communities up north, instead of defunding them as the majority of our Executive Council is doing.--

Emma Dolan

Dover

What will the next insurrection look like?

March 12 -- To the Editor:

What will the next insurrection look like? Is it being planned now? Who will be in charge? Trump? Trump's henchmen? Flynn or Bannon? Or the gaggle of right wing, anti-American nutcases with which he surrounds himself? Which institutions are they planning to attack? How? Armed or unarmed? Can they out-do what they have already done and, more importantly, are they going to try?

Robert Stein

Rye

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This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Bill would empower Pease developers over local communities: Letters
Mother RowVaughn Wells, right, and stepfather Rodney Wells, center, speak at the Tennessee Capitol on Thursday, March 14, 2024 in opposition to a bill that would rescind some policing changes made in Memphis after their son, Tyre Nichols, died following a police beating in January 2023. Rep. Justin Pearson, left, introduced them at the news conference. (AP Photo/Jonathan Mattise)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  Legislation designed to undo police traffic stop reforms set in place after the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols by officers last year is now headed to Republican Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee's desk, despite emotional pleas to abandon the measure from Nichols' family and accusations that the proposal is extreme government overreach.

For weeks, the Republican-controlled Tennessee Statehouse has remained steadfast in overturning an ordinance adopted by the Memphis city council, which included outlawing so-called pretextual traffic stops for minor violations like a broken taillight. The bill would apply statewide, prohibiting any local limits on any traffic stops when an officer observes or has reasonable suspicion that someone in the car has violated a local ordinance or state or federal law.

House Republicans approved the measure last week and Senate Republicans adopted that proposal Thursday with just the chambers' six Democrats voting opposed.

I pleaded with the sponsor to not run this, said Sen. London Lamar, a Democrat from Memphis, whose district includes where Nichols was killed. Because its a slap in the face. Not only for our city council, but all the local governing bodies in this state, because were telling them you are not smart enough to decide policies to help govern your own city.

This is extreme government overreach, Lamar added.

Nichols death in January 2023 sparked outrage and calls for reforms nationally and locally. Videos showed an almost 3-minute barrage of fists, feet and baton strikes to Nichols face, head, front and back, as the 29-year-old Black man yelled for his mother about a block from home.

Five officers, who are also Black, were charged with federal civil rights violations and second-degree murder and other criminal counts in state court. One has pleaded guilty in federal court. The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating how Memphis Police Department officers use force and conduct arrests, and whether the department in the majority-Black city engages in racially discriminatory policing.

Yet even as numerous members inside the majority-white Tennessee Statehouse expressed shock and outrage over Nichols' death at the time, many of those same lawmakers have largely criticized how Memphis  a majority Black city  has managed its crime rates and expressed distrust over the response from Black city leaders.

If we dont do this, we will further endanger our community, said Sen. Brent Taylor, the Republican bill sponsor from Memphis.

Gov. Lee has not publicly commented on the legislation, but to date, the Republican has never handed down a veto since taking office.

Memphis' city council enacted their changes with the support from activists and Nichols' family. The changes were made after many pointed to an officer's incident report that claimed Nichols was stopped for driving into oncoming traffic but that was later refuted by Police Chief Cerelyn CJ Davis, who said there was no evidence Nichols was driving recklessly.

Memphis is an independent city, so to speak. Its not like any other city in Tennessee. Its majority Black," Rodney Wells, Nichols stepfather, told reporters Thursday. "Fair is fair. We worked too hard to get this passed for it to be overturned like this.

Taylor defended moving forward with the legislation over the Nichols' objections, arguing it was in the best interest of everyone to have closure.

As a funeral director and as someone who has seen death daily for 35 years, I understand better than most the pain and suffering that this family is going through, Taylor said. As much as I empathize with the Wells family and Tyre Nichols family and the loss of Tyre, we cant let that empathy cloud our judgment in protecting 7 million Tennesseans.
The United Farm Workers is facing allegations of fraudulent conduct from one of the largest agricultural companies in the world, days after the historic union successfully organized a small part of the multibillion-dollar business.

In a first for the labor union, UFW was certified for organizing 640 California workers at Wonderful Nurseries  North Americas largest grapevine nursery. The organizing victory is UFWs largest and third successful election petition in California under a controversial new law allowing farmworkers to provide their union vote via card check, a method to lessen retaliation from employers.

The Wonderful Nurseries certification is a step toward UFW reclaiming a piece of its heyday, labor experts say. The grapevine nursery is a part of the Wonderful Company empire, a Los Angeles-based private enterprise, which includes Wonderful Pistachios, Fiji Water, Halos mandarins and flower delivery service Teleflora.

Wonderful is a giant among agricultural employers similar to a Walmart or McDonalds in retail or fast food, said Ana Padilla, executive director of the UC Merced Community and Labor Center.

But a major headache now looms for UFW, with Wonderful Nurseries contesting the election results and contending it has hundreds of workers on its side. The nursery company alleges UFW organizers misled almost half of the farmworkers who signed union authorization cards and claims the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board should have never certified the election.

We place the highest priority on the protection of farmworkers, which is why the UFW should be held fully accountable for their wholesale exploitation of workers in this process and why the Agricultural Labor Relations Board should never have certified the vote given all the allegations of fraud they knew about, said Rob Yraceburu, president of Wonderful Nurseries, in an emailed statement.

UFW maintains the Wonderful Nurseries allegations are categorically false, and no signatures were collected under false pretenses. On Thursday, the UFW filed charges with the ALRB that Wonderful Nurseries has coerced workers into making false statements.

The union declined to respond to the specifics of the Wonderful allegations.

It would be a great disservice to our lawyers if we presented the facts to The Sacramento Bee before the ALRB, said Antonio De Loera-Brust, a UFW spokesperson.

A hearing on the dispute will likely be scheduled before March 25. A decision on the hearing could take months.

For now, Wonderful Nurseries employees are at odds on how UFW conducted itself. About 51% of workers signed cards for union representation, according to an Agricultural Labor Relations Board filing.

Some workers say the labor union leveraged a federal grant program to gain their trust and eventual signatures. Others say UFW was completely truthful during its organizing campaign and the anti-union backlash coming from workers stems from a fear of employer retaliation and the potential of losing their jobs.

How did UFW get workers to sign union cards?

The dispute centers around UFWs work to help farmworkers receive one-time $600 relief payments through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm and Food Worker Relief Grant Program.

The program, which began in March 2023, provided 14 nonprofit organizations with roughly $670 million to issue the relief payments. Some of these nonprofits chose to partner with other organizations to reach more workers.

UFW was authorized through the UFW Foundation, a separate nonprofit that advocates for farmworker issues, to inform and process applications for workers in Arizona, California and Washington.

Wonderful Nurseries alleges UFW used this money to entice employees to attend meetings and eventually secure their union signatures on cards. The company has allegedly submitted 148 written declarations from employees who signed union authorization cards, feel misled and now want their votes revoked, according to a filing by the Agricultural Labor Relations Board.

Wonderful Nurseries says these declarations were collected after employees approached the company on how to revoke their votes.

We engaged people to assist employees in understanding their rights and prepare their legal declarations, Yraceburu said in a statement.

The Sacramento Bee reviewed nearly all the declarations with employee names redacted. The majority cite a similar narrative that occurred between March 2023 and February 2024, with unnamed employees saying they were persuaded by coworkers or union organizers to attend a meeting to learn about a one-time $600 relief payment.

From there, the stories slightly differ, with most employees saying they were informed about the federal program and the union and then signed cards or papers to receive the $600 but not to join a union. Some allege UFW rushed them to sign documents or pretended to work for Wonderful Nurseries. And a few say they never provided their signature to any document.

UFW denies it gathered signatures on its union cards by misleading workers. The union also maintains that all the cards have clear language explaining that workers are signing to make UFW their union bargaining representative.

When asked if the union persuaded workers to attend meetings to learn about the federal grant program or if the union spoke about the program and unionizing on the same days, De Loera-Brust did not comment and pointed to the upcoming hearing.

We have those facts and we will present them through the appropriate process, he said.

Workers experiences with organizers

Four Wonderful Nurseries workers spoke to The Bee to provide their experiences with UFW organizers.

Three workers, who now want their vote revoked, say they merely attended meetings and signed cards for the $600 relief payments and never wanted to join a union. They described feeling tricked and lied to by UFW organizers, while also pointing to the 3% dues that would be required by joining. They also struggled to recall specifics of when they met up with UFW organizers and if the cards they signed contained wording to make UFW their union bargaining representative.

Edenilson Alas, a 26-year-old Salvadoran, said he could not recall when he provided his signature on a union card, or if it contained any explicit language, but said he attended a meeting about the federal grant program at a church in Delano. He later received his $600.

But Alas says a union was never discussed at this meeting. He is not necessarily against the union, but he said the main issue was the trickery used to obtain his signature.

If I was told what I was signing to be part of this then, I would have never taken the $600, Alas said.

Alas and the two other workers said they obtained a Bee reporters phone number through their supervisor. Each one said they reached out voluntarily. During a phone interview, one woman was overheard asking a person near her how to respond to at least two questions.

A fourth worker, who was connected to The Bee through UFW, pushed back against her coworkers claims of trickery and fraud.

The middle-aged woman, who asked The Bee not to use her name due to fear of employer retaliation, said she attended a UFW meeting late last year. She said UFW discussed both the federal grant program and unionizing in the same meeting, but organizers clearly represented themselves and all the language on the cards and other documents were explicit.

Everything was explained very clearly and what it meant to bring a union to the company, she said.

Part of the differences of opinion among workers may stem from the use of third-party labor contractors. Big farming companies, like Wonderful Nurseries, often use contractors to supply them with workers. This system leads to some workers receiving more benefits and higher salaries than others.

Its not fair that people hired directly through the company go against the union because they have benefits, they have sick days and they have a medical plan, the middle-aged worker said.

Wonderful Nurseries staunchly defended its workplace culture.

They (UFW) seem unaware that Wonderful Nurseries is known for its exemplary culture that sees people return year after year and has an impeccable record of no harassment or discrimination claims, Yraceburu said in the email statement.

The female worker added that the anti-union rhetoric coming from workers stems from fear being spread by consultants recently hired by the company. The consultants spoke negatively of the union, the need to pay dues and that unsuccessful bargaining can lead to losses of jobs, according to the worker.

If theres anyone saying that they were tricked, its because they have fear of losing their job, she said.

UFW said it is also hearing from workers that Wonderful Nurseries is insinuating a union could mean job loss. But the labor union noted employers are often careful to not cross the legal line.

This has had a significant chilling effect, and workers are feeling a lot of pressure and are certainly intimidated by what the company is doing, De Loera-Brust said.

Wonderful Nurseries denied that workers are facing any pressure from employers or any third-party labor contractors to push back against unionization efforts.

We have consistently and actively communicated to workers that they have every right to organize if they choose to do so, which stands in complete contrast to the UFWs efforts to mislead and coerce farmworkers to get votes, Yraceburu said in the emailed statement.

Victor Narro, project director for the UCLA Labor Center and a national expert on immigrant rights, could not speak to the specifics of organizing at Wonderful Nurseries but said the companys argument is a common one. He said across industries employers will try to delegitimize union elections by saying workers were coerced or misled into signing.

But the process itself will determine whether those claims are true, Narro said.
Its not often that Republican-sponsored bills in Kentuckys legislature get voted down in committee.

Even more rare: Two such bills were denied committee approval by a majority GOP committee Thursday.

House Bill 255, which would relax certain child labor laws to expand the hours that 16- and 17-year-olds can work during school weeks, received five yes votes in the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Tourism and Labor. Six votes were needed for it to advance.

Moments later, House Bill 367 suffered the same fate. That measure would change food stamp eligibility for able-bodied adults in a way that proponents say closes abused loopholes, but food security advocates warn will take SNAP benefits away from people who need them.

The bills may not be totally dead and gone, though.

Committee chairman Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, said a special called committee meeting for Friday could revive both bills. Theyre not currently on the agenda, Wise said, but he told the Herald-Leader he would talk to both bill sponsors and to see what they wish to do.

Late Thursday afternoon, an agenda for the meeting showed that House Bill 255 would be reconsidered by the committee but House Bill 367 would not.

Both bills underwent some amount of change in committee substitutes presented Thursday.

House Bill 255 still repeals the limit on children working no more than six hours a day and 30 hours a week during school weeks and prohibits state labor officials from setting child labor regulations that exceed minimum federal protections.

However, the committee substitute tweaked the original bill to reinstate a ban on 16- and 17-year olds from working between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

The latest version of House Bill 367 was pared down in the committee sub presented by sponsor Rep. Wade Williams, R-Earlington. Gone is the requirement for able-bodied adults on or applying for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to prove their total assets are below $2,750 in order to legally access that assistance.

However, the bill retains language that bars the Cabinet for Health and Family Services ability to waive work requirements and loosen SNAP eligibility standards for economically distressed counties and for the whole state if unemployment rises to 10% or higher.

Dustin Pugel, a senior policy analyst at the left-leaning Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, said the existing language still leaves 16,000 adults at-risk of losing food assistance immediately.

Among a group of Kentuckians in attendance at the committee to push back against House Bill 367 was Nicki Stacey, president of the Hazel Green Food Project, a food bank in eastern Wolfe County.

You cant be pro-life if youre going to starve them once theyre here, Stacy told the Herald-Leader.

The lines at Stacys food bank often leak out all the way onto the nearby Mountain Parkway.

She said many of those who use the food bank services in her Eastern Kentucky county dont have the time to navigate the paperwork that would be required to prove theyre poor enough for food stamps should the House Bill 367 get passed.

While Democrats and others criticisms of both bills have been well-documented, the pushback from Republicans in committee was new.

I probably shouldnt have had a lot of the jobs I had when I was growing up, being able to drive equipment before I was 16, hay baling work and different things like paper routes before six in the morning. I guess I just dont quite understand it, Wilson said when explaining his no vote on House Bill 255

The two other Republicans who joined the committees two Democrats in voting no on that bill said that they could change their mind later in the legislative process.

As for House Bill 367, some Republicans were straightforward in their displeasure.

Four Republicans on the committee voted no for the bill. Sen. Jason Howell, R-Murray, said the bill flies in the face of work the General Assembly has undertaken to address the benefits cliff issues that disincentivize earnings increases.

It places another wedge between people who are working and are trying to do what is best for them and what we want them to do policy-wise for the commonwealth, Howell said.

It throws another wedge in there to keep them down in a lower economic demographic, keeps them from being able to build any well to build any assets. It broadens a cliff that they have to jump over and drag their families over.

Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, said that the result was part of the process in the legislature. He didnt discount the potential for either to be revived and eventually pass the Senate.
SOUTH JORDAN, Utah (ABC4)  Investigators are saying a threat made toward Bingham High School on Wednesday, March 13 is not credible and that the message came from outside the State of Utah.

On Wednesday night, the South Jordan Police Department confirmed it was investigating the threat after a Utah student reported receiving a threatening message from someone in Washington state.

Authorities quickly determined the alleged threat was not directed specifically to Bingham High School and did originate from out of state. As such, police said the threat was not credible and classes at Bingham High will be held on a regular schedule.

Ogden school employee arrested after video shows sexual abuse of student, police say

South Jordan Police Department alerted authorities in Washington State about the threat. Law enforcement in Washington then reportedly located the minor responsible for spreading the threat, described only as a digital image depicting a threat of violence against BHS.

The Jordan School District said student safety remains the districts top priority. The South Jordan Police Department previously said extra officers would be posted at the high school as a precaution.

Earlier this week, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed a bill raising penalties for making threats toward a Utah school, real or otherwise. Threats were previously considered a Class A Misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail. The new bill enhances the penalty to a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in state prison.

If prosecutors the threat came from a student, the student also faces suspension or even expulsion from school.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
The average person catches two to four colds a year, which means most of us will suffer through roughly 200 colds in our lifetime.

With so many snotty struggles ahead of us each year, what remedies can we rely on to help us feel better fast? And do any of those viral cold cures weve seen online actually work?

Thats what we  Raj Punjabi and Noah Michelson, the co-hosts of HuffPosts Am I Doing It Wrong? podcast  recently asked Dr. Natasha Bhuyan, a family physician and medical director of OneMedical.

I have patients ask me all the time about [unusual] cold cures because they want to get better fast, Dr. Bhuyan said. One of the things Ive heard about recently is garlic cloves up the nose. I think its this idea of garlic cloves acting as a decongestant. Garlic cloves up the nose can actually be really dangerous and can really irritate your nasal passages.

Other unorthodox remedies shes encountered involve an unexpected article of clothing.

The other things Ive heard about have always been related to socks, she revealed. One [remedy] is go to bed wearing wet socks. The other is put sliced up potatoes inside your socks and go to bed. Its this thought that itll pull the cold virus into your feet and out of your body.

Despite how popular these so-called treatments may be, theres no evidence that any of them work.

Some of these remedies, at best, you laugh at them, but at worst, they can really be dangerous for people, Dr. Bhuyan noted.

So how can we safely find some relief if weve been struck down by a nasty cold?

The studies on vitamin C are pretty mixed, Dr. Bhuyan said. Theyve found that if you take vitamin C regularly, you might be able to reduce the duration of a cold by half a day. Does that mean that everybody should go out and start taking a vitamin C supplement? Not exactly, because even within those studies, they found there were differences on the optimal dose. Reaching for vitamin C at the first sign of a cold likely wont help. Taking vitamin C regularly might help shorten a colds duration if you get a cold, but you see thats couched in a lot of ifs, and it might not be worth the bang for your buck.

What about taking zinc?

The zinc trials are not that great and the reason why is because zinc actually tastes pretty terrible, Dr. Bhuyan said. So, if youre trying to do a trial and giving half the people zinc and half the people a placebo, the placebo group knows they have a placebo because we cant make a compound that tastes as terrible as zinc.

Zinc also comes with a lot of side effects.

People can get nausea from taking zinc on an empty stomach. People can get upset stomachs. All of those things point to zinc coming with its own risks.

However, it might actually help shorten a cold, even if only by a day or two.

There are trials that show that if you take zinc at the first sign of a cough or a cold or youre feeling a scratchy throat, [taking] 10 to 15 milligrams of zinc might reduce the duration of a cold, Dr. Bhuyan said.

Dr. Bhuyan told us that if we want to try a particular remedy, its always a good idea to chat with our doctor first, and, ultimately, our best weapons to feel better when we have a cold are the simplest ones  and theyre both free.

Water is helpful because it can help break up your mucus. Staying hydrated and giving yourself water is a good idea, Dr. Bhuyan advised. It doesnt necessarily mean its going to stave off the cold or prevent the cold, but I tell people rest and fluids is really the key.

We also chatted about what happens if we eat dairy when we have a cold, why a hot toddy might not be the best drink choice if were feeling under the weather, 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, tips for taking care of your teeth, pooping like a pro, secrets to booking and staying in a hotel, how to deal with an angry person, cooking tips from celebrity chef Jet Tila, shocking laundry secrets. 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.

Related...
FORT MILL, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  South Carolina leaders announced Stanley Black & Deckers Fort Mill plant will close this year with 192 jobs on the chopping block.

Stanley Black & Deckers Pleasant Road warehouse said theyll close up shop sometime between early May and the end of the year. Company officials notified the state on Monday.

The plant makes DEWALT cordless power tools, along with other personal power tools items, at that location.

US wholesale prices picked up in February in sign that inflation pressures remain elevated

According to a 2007 news release, the company was opening the 345,000-square-foot plant with a projected $31 million investment in the community and an estimated 500 jobs.

In 2007, Stanley Black & Decker Global Tools and Storage President Jeff Ansell said the company operated 30 manufacturing plants.

Currently, the companys website boasts 50 plants nationwide.

This weeks filing was the first mention of a Rock Hill-area plant this year. Already, 11 South Carolina plants have made the layoff list.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
KYODO NEWS - Mar 14, 2024 - 15:00 | All, Japan

A Japanese court on Thursday sentenced former ruling Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Mito Kakizawa to two years in prison, suspended for five years, for an illegal campaign finance offense related to a Tokyo ward election in April last year.

The Tokyo District Court ruling said the former senior vice justice minister made payments, or offered to do so, totaling some 2.8 million yen ($19,000) to 10 people including incumbent assembly members that constituted bribes in connection with the Koto Ward mayoral election, in which a candidate he backed won.

"His criminal acts were malicious crimes and shook the people's confidence in the fairness of elections, which is the basis of democracy," Presiding Judge Katsuko Mukai said in handing down the ruling. Prosecutors had sought a prison term of two years without suspension.

Calling him "self-centered," Mukai said Kakizawa, 53, sought to strengthen his influence and position within the LDP by trying to give the candidate, Yayoi Kimura, a former LDP lawmaker, an advantage in the mayoral race.

Mukai said Kakizawa led and organized the illegal financing by giving instructions to his secretaries. Such acts should be "strongly condemned" and resulted in the public's "distrust in politics including at the national level," the judge said.

The judge also criticized him for appearing not to have shown sufficient remorse for violating the election law.

In the trial, Kakizawa admitted to the charges at his first hearing but effectively exercised his right to remain silent during cross-examination and refrained from commenting on his motivation for the illegal campaign financing.

According to the ruling, around February to October last year, Kakizawa provided a total of around 2.2 million yen to seven people, including former and incumbent Koto assembly members, while offering payments totaling 600,000 yen to three others.

The ruling also said Kakizawa conspired with Kimura to post a paid online advertisement during the mayoral race campaign at a cost of around 370,000 yen in another violation of the election law.

Kakizawa, who was serving his fifth term as a House of Representatives member, was arrested in December and stepped down as a lawmaker following his indictment.

If his verdict is finalized, he would lose his right to vote in and to stand for elections for the period during which his sentence is suspended.

Kimura, 58, who has been indicted without arrest in the case, resigned as mayor in November after accusations over her use of the advertisement surfaced.

Related coverage:

Kishida Cabinet support rate hits fresh low at 20% over funds scandal

LDP agrees to amend rules to strengthen governance amid funds scandal

Japan LDP No. 2 may have tried to hide massive political funds usage
U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken and Czech Foreign Minister, Jan Lipavsky, discussed support for Ukraine over the phone on March 13, a message on State Department website said.

"The Secretary and the Foreign Minister reaffirmed our countries resolute support for Ukraine as it defends itself from Russias aggression and discussed coordination on Czechias defense modernization," the State Department reported.

Read also: Czechia can purchase 200,000 additional artillery shells for Ukraine  PM Fiala

Continued humanitarian support to Palestinian civilians and Taiwans meaningful participation in the international arena were also discussed.

800,000 artillery shells for Ukraine purchased as part of the Czechias initiative will be supplied at the front in the near future, Ukraines Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on March 3.

These shells could reach Ukrainian battlefields as early as June, said Tomas Pojar, a national security adviser to the Czech Prime Minister, on March 12.

Read also: US announces first Ukraine military aid package since late 2023

Czechia had purchased 800,000 artillery shells from third countries to be delivered to Ukraine within a few weeks, German newspaper Bild reported on March 11.

Czech President Petr Pavel announced the possibility of purchasing 800,000 shells for Ukraine on Feb. 17. He stated that he found half a million units of 155-millimeter ammunition and 300,000 of 122-millimeter ammunition. Pavel did not name the countries that agreed to sell shells. A number of European countries joined his initiative.

Ukraine plans to purchase shells from South Korea and South Africa with the value of the contract being about $2 billion, Ukrainian power bloc representative told NV.

It was announced on March 7 that the Allies collected all the necessary money to purchase shells.

Read also: Ammunition under Pragues initiative could reach Ukrainian battlefields in June  Czech PM adviser

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday said lawlessness, insecurity, and desperation remain hurdles to delivering much-needed humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza who are caught in the crossfire between Israeli soldiers and Hamas militants.

Blinken said these grim factors cause people to charge trucks delivering aid within the Gaza Strip, believing it may be their only chance to get food.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken holds a news conference at the State Department Harry S. Truman headquarters on March 13, 2024, in Washington, DC.

"You have situations where aid goes in and then people immediately charge at the trucks and you see looting. You see criminals get in the act," Blinken said. "And again, just ordinary civilians who, in the absence of sufficient aid, may believe that their only chance to get a piece of bread is to go at the one truck they see coming in."

Blinken said food prices and the sense of lawlessness would abate when people Gazans have a "sustainable, predictable confident supply of assistance going in."

BIDEN WARNED ABOUT MEDDLING IN ISRAELI POLITICS AFTER INTEL REPORT SAYS NETANYAHU'S LEADERSHIP IN JEOPARDY

Blinken made no mention of Hamas operatives being complicit in the looting, even though officials both in the U.S. and Israel have raised concerns that the terrorist group was siphoning off deliveries meant for civilians.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Others have pushed back on this claim. Bill Deere of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) told NewsNation in December that there was "no hijacking" of supplies by Hamas.

"The fact of the matter is  all of this is closely watched by both Israel and the United States from the moment it enters the Rafah border crossing or Kerem Shalom all the way to its delivery to people in need," Deere said in December.

David Satterfield, the top U.S. Envoy to Israel, said Israel had not provided sufficient evidence to either him or the Biden administration of "diversion or theft of assistance."

But Satterfield did concede that Hamas does "shape where and to whom assistance goes."

Fox News Digital has reached out to the State Department for comment.

ISRAELI GOVERNMENT BLOC SPLITS, POSSIBLE EARLY SIGN OF POSITIONING FOR ELECTION AS GAZA WAR RAGES ON

Blinkens comments come nearly a week after President Biden announced that the U.S. military would be building a port in Gaza for delivering humanitarian aid.

The port, which officials have said will be complete within two months, is expected to provide 2 million meals per day, as well as medicine, water, and other critical humanitarian supplies, Blinken said.

IDF soldiers work in the operations room for the army's Coordination and Liaison Administration (CLA) for Gaza, which works to ensure the flow of aid into the strip.

He emphasized that the port is a complement, not a substitute, for other ways of getting humanitarian assistance into Gaza.

"But this will help close the gap, and its part of our all of the above strategy to make sure that were doing everything possible by every means possible, to surge support to those who need it be land, by sea, by air," he said.

Gazas Hamas-run Health Ministry said more than 31,000 Palestinians have been killed since Oct. 7, though Israel has disputed these figures. The ministry doesn't differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count, but says women and children make up two-thirds of the dead.

Some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed in southern Israel during the Hamas-led incursion on Oct. 7 that sparked the war. Around 250 people were abducted. Hamas is believed to still be holding about 100 hostages.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: Blinken says criminal gangs' and ordinary civilians looting humanitarian aid in Gaza, doesn't mention Hamas
Flags stand as part of an installation in support of more research, treatment options and funding for colorectal cancer Wednesday on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The blue flags represent the more than 27,400 people under the age of 50 projected to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2030. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

March 13 (UPI) -- Thousands of blue flags are blanketing the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in front of the U.S. Capitol through March 22 to support more research, funding and treatment options for colorectal cancer.

The 27,400 flags represent the number of people, under the age of 50, projected to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2030, according to Fight Colorectal Cancer, which provided the United in Blue installation.

At a rally held Tuesday amid the flags, lawmakers demanded more federal funding for colorectal cancer, while announcing a $20 million research program with the Defense Department.

Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn., and others who have advocated for early detection, also called for legislation to make it easier for patients to get screened through their health insurance.

"As a colorectal survivor, I am dedicated to bringing the voices of colorectal cancer patients across the country onto the national stage," Green wrote in a post on X.

Thousands of blue flags are blanketing the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in front of the U.S. Capitol through March 22, to support more research, funding and treatment options for colorectal cancer. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

Great to be at the United in Blue rally this morning to raise awareness for colorectal cancer. As a colorectal cancer survivor, I am dedicated to bringing the voices of colorectal cancer patients across the country onto the national stage. Thank you for having me! pic.twitter.com/mmcGO1ussp Rep. Mark Green (@RepMarkGreen) March 12, 2024

"I served in the Middle East multiple tours. I got exposed to the burn pits, and I got diagnosed with two primary cancers simultaneously," Green said during a speech at the rally. "I ignored the symptoms. And nine years ago, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. I did the radiation and lost a foot-and-a-half of my colon."

Information about colorectal cancer are displayed on toilet seats as part of an installation Wednesday in support of more research, treatment options and funding for colorectal cancer on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

Rep. Donald Payne, Jr., D-N.J., called Tuesday's annual United in Blue event "a tribute to the survivors, caregivers and champions in our fight against colorectal cancer."

"We must bring more awareness and secure more resources to fight this deadly disease," Payne, who lost his father to the disease, wrote in a post on X.

An installation of 27,400 blue flags Wednesday on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., represent the number of people under the age of 50 projected to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2030. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

This morning, I joined Fight CRC at the annual United in Blue event. It is a tribute to the survivors, caregivers and champions in our fight against colorectal cancer. We must bring more awareness and secure more resources to fight this deadly disease. pic.twitter.com/78AeRL1tmV Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (@RepDonaldPayne) March 12, 2024

Thousands of blue flags cover the National Mall in Washington, D.C., during Colorectal Cancer Awareness month. The flags represent the more than 27,400 people under the age of 50 projected to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2030, as memorials honor those who have died. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

"After my father's death, I went for my first colonoscopy," Payne told the crowd Tuesday. "I probably wouldn't have gone had he not succumbed to the disease. But when I had my first colonoscopy, they found 13 polyps. So I was on my way."

The installation of the United in Blue flags serve as a reminder to Americans during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month to get regular screenings, Fight Colorectal Cancer said.

The installation also comes as researchers announced Wednesday that a new blood test -- that screens for colorectal cancer in average-risk individuals who have no symptoms -- accurately detected malignancy during trial in 83% of those confirmed to have the disease, which kills on average 50,000 people every year.

While the blood test's accuracy for colorectal cancer is similar to stool-based tests, it is lower than a colonoscopy. Still, researchers say it will save lives.

"Blood-based screening tests are more acceptable to people than colonoscopy and stool tests and likely will increase screening compliance," said Dr. William Grady, medical director of Fred Hutchinson's Gastrointestinal Cancer Prevention Program in Seattle.

And, he said, "This would lead to fewer colorectal cancer-related deaths."
The BMW logo can be seen on the trunk lid of a car at the Dresden branch. Robert Michael/dpa

German car manufacturer BMW has become more profitable in the past year thanks to price increases and a shift towards more expensive models.

While turnover climbed by 9% to 155.5 billion ($169 billion), thanks to increased sales, operating earnings before interest and taxes rose by almost a third to 18.5 billion, the group announced in Munich on Thursday.

The operating margin in automotive engineering, the company's most important division, rose by 1.2 percentage points to 9.8%. Analysts had expected an even better figure. The share price fluctuated significantly after the announcement, at one point falling by almost 3%.

On balance, BMW's net profit fell by around a third to 12.2 billion.

In the previous year, however, a billion-euro valuation effect resulting from the complete takeover of the Chinese joint venture BBA had inflated profits. This year, shareholders are to receive a dividend of 6 for each DAX-listed ordinary share. This is 2.50 less than in the previous year, but slightly more than had previously been estimated by experts.
Boeing security footage, which may have offered insight into how a door panel blew off an Alaska Airlines plane mid-flight, was overwritten and is now lost, according to a letter published Wednesday from the National Transportation Safety Board.

To date, we still do not know who performed the work to open, reinstall, and close the door plug on the accident aircraft, wrote NTSB Chairman Jennifer Homendy in her letter to the Senate Commerce Committee, essentially accusing the company of trying to hide information. Boeing has informed us that they are unable to find the records documenting this work.

The NTSB had requested the footage as part of its ongoing investigation into Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, which experienced a door panel blowout at an altitude of 16,000 feet just minutes after takeoff from Portland, Ore. on Jan. 5.

No one was hurt in the incident, but the blowout left a gaping hole in the side of the Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft. It also raised new questions into how regulators declared the plane safe for takeoff.

In a preliminary accident report, the NTSB determined that all four bolts meant to secure the panel had been missing when the plane departed, suggesting the bolts had been removed but not reinstalled.

In her letter Wednesday, Homendy wrote that the plane had underwent rivet repairs at Boeings Renton, Washington, facility in September 2023 prior to delivery to Alaska Airlines, and that the door plug was, in fact, removed for rivet repair work.

She noted that the NTSB had requested Boeing provide documentation of the work done, as well as a list of 25 door crew employees, but the company informed them they were unable to find these records.

Boeing offered a statement Wednesday to ABC News, saying the company will continue supporting the NTSBs investigation in the transparent and proactive fashion we have supported all regulatory inquiries into this accident.

We have worked hard to honor the rules about the release of investigative information in an environment of intense interest from our employees, customers, and other stakeholders, and we will continue our efforts to do so, the statement added.

Its been a bumpy couple of months for Boeing, to say the least. During the fallout from the Alaska Airlines incident, the company has been under intense scrutiny and experienced several other incidents with various aircraft  although experts say its still safe to fly.

Over the weekend, a former Boeing employee-turned-whistleblower, who was raising concerns about quality-control and safety issues in the companys production line, was found dead in South Carolina from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.
Boise police investigated a social media threat Thursday morning that was believed to be directed at Boise High School, but found the threat had originated outside of Idaho, according to the agency.

Boise High School Principal Deborah Watts sent an email to families and staff members that said the threat was brought to the attention of school administrators Thursday morning. Watts said parents who choose to keep their kids home could inform the district, and the absence wouldnt count toward the districts attendance rule. The district said Boise police recommended to continue school operations as normal but that they would provide extra support at the school.

In an update sent later in the morning, the district said police had found the original social media threat referred to a BHS but did not originate in Idaho and was similar to one sent in another state.

Please know our first priority each and every school day is the safety and security of our students and staff members, the email from High School Principal Deborah Watts said in the email. The Boise School Districts policies and procedures help us to accomplish this important priority.

Boise police spokesperson Haley Williams told the Idaho Statesman in a message that the threat appears to be the same as one made in Alabama. Williams said the agency completed its investigation pending new information.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A Jackson County judge has denied a request for a bond reduction for one of the two men charged in the January shooting at Crown Center.

Brian Favela, 22, filed the motion for bond reduction on Monday, March 11.

According to court records on Thursday, Jackson County Judge Jerri Zhang denied any change in the bond, finding that the clear and convincing evidence is that the current conditions are the least restrictive to secure appearance and safety.

Favela and 23-year-old Joel Olivas collectively face 26 felony charges.

Nashville police looking into dozens of tips regarding missing Missouri student

Both suspects face three counts of unlawful use of a weapon, six counts of armed criminal action, first-degree terroristic threat and three counts of first-degree harassment.

Both Olivas and Favela are affiliated with the East Side Gang, according to prosecutors.

Both men are now due back in court on Monday, March 18, at 2 p.m. for an arraignment hearing.

According to court documents, on Wednesday, Jan. 17, Kansas City police officers responded to a shooting just after 5:30 p.m. at Crown Center.

When officers arrived on scene they located multiple victims, along with approximately 13 witnesses that were present on the first floor during the shooting.

Officers located the crime scene near the food court and cleared Crown Center to make sure there were no additional victims or suspects. Crown Center closed for the night and those that were not victims or witnesses were escorted out of the area.

A total of six people were injured in the shooting, according to court documents, including three victims not involved in the disturbance between two groups.

Prosecutors say a dispute erupted into gunfire inside the Crown Center shops.

Reward increased to $50K to find missing Prairie Village woman

Authorities arrested Olivas at Kansas City International Airport the next day when they say he was trying to catch a flight to Seattle.

Both suspects are being held on a $500,000 cash bond.

Crime scene investigators located 54 spent shell casings, found live rounds on the ground and recovered eight spent bullets and 22 bullet fragments.

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All the items were preserved as evidence and recovered. The shell casings were primarily located between The Coterie Theatre and Sheridans Ice Cream on the first floor of Crown Center.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Book returned to library in New York over 50 years overdue

SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. (WPIX)  A library on Long Island, New York, was in shock when a Dr. Seuss book was returned after more than five decades.

A couple walked into the Smithtown Library with a copy of Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories, according to one of the librarys recent social media posts. The library said the book was first checked out in 1966, though a closer look at the check-out card appeared to show it was last checked out on April 30, 1970.

A library on Long Island was in shock when a Dr. Seuss book was returned after more than five decades. (Credit: The Smithtown Library/Facebook)

Close to $2,000 in late fees have accrued since the book was last checked out, but the library said it will waive them.

Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories, written by Dr. Seuss  real name was Theodor Seuss Geisel  was released in 1958.

According to Random House Childrens Books, the book presents three modern fables, featuring tales about greed (Yertle the Turtle), vanity (Gertrude McFuzz), and pride (The Big Brag).

In no other book does a small burp have such political importance! said Random House, referring to a part of the first storys plot.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Rock samples taken by Swiss miner Arcore offer a glimpse into the potential mineral riches around the Bosnian town of Lopare (ELVIS BARUKCIC)

In northeast Bosnia's rolling hills, the local community is torn between fears of environmental ruin and hopes of riches from huge deposits of the critical minerals Europe needs for its green transition.

The area around Lopare sits on an estimated 1.5 million tonnes of lithium carbonate, 94 million tonnes of magnesium sulfate and 17 million tonnes of boron -- the stuff used to make everything from electric cars to wind turbines and electronics.

The potentially game-changing deposits could be a rare boon for this poverty-stricken corner of southeast Europe, with Bosnia's economy having largely stagnated following a devastating war in the 1990s.

Bosnia's fiery Serb leader Milorad Dodik has called the project -- which would be located in the country's Serb statelet -- "an opportunity for development that should not be missed".

But simmering local opposition over what would be a sprawling open-pit mine has threatened to pull the plug on the project as some fear the potential environmental fallout.

Lopare's city council voted in December on a motion against the project.

"More than 90 percent of residents are against it," said Lopare mayor Rado Savic.

"People are afraid of leaks of toxic materials," he said. "We are clear, we do not want such a mine here."

Environmental groups have launched a petition against the project.

"Everywhere in the world where there are these kinds of mines there is also, sooner or later, pollution to the groundwater and air," said Snezana Jagodic Vujic, the leader of a local environmental association.

In neighbouring Serbia, mass protests over a Rio Tinto lithium mine near the Bosnian border pushed the government to revoke permits for the multi-billion project in 2022.

- $1.1 billion -

Vladimir Rudic, the director for the Bosnian subsidiary of Swiss mining company Arcore AG, accused the opponents of the project in Lopare of "sowing panic".

"The operating conditions will be absolutely controlled," he told AFP.

Arcore hopes to break ground in the area by 2027.

"These are exceptionally interesting quantities of raw materials for the European Union supply chain," Rudic said.

The company said the mine would earn annual revenues of one billion euros ($1.1 billion) and create 1,000 direct jobs and more than 3,000 indirect ones.

The project aims to export around 10,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate annually by 2032 -- enough to make between 150,000 and 200,000 rechargeable batteries, according to experts.

The EU currently depends on China for 97 percent of its magnesium needs.

With the EU phasing out the sale of new fossil fuel cars by 2035, Europe hopes to be able to extract 10 percent of critical raw materials from its own soil by the end of the decade.

Bosnia is a candidate to join the EU.

Lopare is a deposit with "low content" lithium that nevertheless remains "interesting", said Rudic, noting that the larger presence of magnesium and boron guaranteed the mine's future "stability".

- 'Covered in dust' -

Arcore is hoping to secure rights to operate the concession for 50 years, but it has yet to receive the necessary permits from Bosnian authorities.

An environmental impact study must be carried out before any operation breaks ground, along with a period of consultation with the local population.

But for resident Jovan Jovic -- an unemployed pharmacist from Lopare -- little will likely change his mind.

"The town will be covered in a huge layer of dust, not to mention the impact on groundwater," he told AFP.

Milivoje Tesic, a 63-year-old Bosnian Serb war veteran, went even further, vowing to "physically defend" his land from the mine.

"If we become Kuwait, then okay," said Tesic.

"But show me an example where a foreign investor came into a country and made progress."

rus/cbo/ds/lth
KYODO NEWS - Mar 14, 2024 - 22:19 | All, Japan, World

The Japanese government said Thursday it will provide the International Atomic Energy Agency about 18.5 million euros ($20 million) and affirmed with visiting IAEA chief Rafael Grossi its commitment to continue cooperating over the release of treated radioactive water from the disaster-hit Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea.

Grossi visited Japan this week for the first time since the country began releasing the wastewater into the Pacific Ocean in August last year, a process which has also been monitored by the U.N. nuclear watchdog.

During talks with the IAEA director general in Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida vowed to continue to work with the IAEA and "broaden the international community's understanding" on the water discharge "with a high level of transparency," according to the Japanese government.

The discharge from the Fukushima Daiichi plant remains a controversial issue, with China imposing a blanket import ban on seafood products from Japan. Tokyo has urged Beijing to lift the restriction immediately.

Grossi told Kishida that he confirmed during his trip to Fukushima Prefecture on Wednesday that the water release is being carried out safely and as planned, in full accordance with international standards, according to the government.

Recalling his meeting with local authorities and fishermen on Wednesday, the IAEA chief told a press conference in Tokyo that he perceived "satisfaction" regarding data indicating "no harmful effects on the environment" so far.

"They are counting on the IAEA to stay there to continue its permanent and independent work as a means to provide this credible assurance that everything is going as it should," he said.

Japan expects to dispose of over 1.3 million tons of the treated water, which has been pooled in over 1,000 tanks, as a key step in decommissioning the plant, crippled by a severe nuclear accident triggered by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

The water, processed to remove most radionuclides except tritium, is diluted with seawater to one-40th of the concentration permitted under Japanese safety standards before being released via an underwater tunnel 1 kilometer off the power plant.

Grossi inspected the plant's water sampling facilities and the procedure of diluting and releasing the treated water on Wednesday, to ensure the liquid is released as planned and the levels of tritium in the water are extremely low.

In July 2023, the IAEA submitted a report to Japan, concluding that the water release aligns with global safety standards and that the discharge would have a "negligible radiological impact on people and the environment."

Grossi and Kishida also agreed during their meeting to bolster cooperation over the peaceful use of nuclear energy and nonproliferation of nuclear weapons.

The IAEA chief separately met Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, who announced the financial aid to IAEA following their talks.

The aid is intended to support IAEA's efforts to utilize nuclear technology to tackle global challenges such as climate change, food security and public health, Kamikawa said, citing insect pest control method using radiation and crop improvement programs as examples.

Related coverage:

Japan, IAEA agree to keep working together on treated Fukushima water

China demands Japan start Fukushima treated water compensation system

China's nuclear plants released tritium above Fukushima level in 2022
A Boston City Council member is asking to grant handicapped parking privileges to pregnant women and new moms.

Dorchester City Councilor John Fitzgerald is the one who first came up with the idea. He says women who are in their third trimester or have given birth in the last six months should have access to a placard.

Fitzgerald says he got the idea from his wife who dealt with mobility issues during her three pregnancies.

I remember the day when my wife, well into pregnancy said at the time in probably slightly more colorful language that she should be able to park in handicap spots given her condition, Fitzgerald said at Wednesdays city council meeting. I only imagine it would help. If you said, Let me take the weight off your shoulders a bit. Let me shorten the distance you have to go, he said.

FitzGeralds hearing order mentions walking difficulties for pregnant women due to back pain or swollen feet as well as potential associated medical conditions.

It does not suggest adding more handicapped parking spaces in the city.

What we have to do is be mindful of the people who have handicap placards now and that were not infringing on any of their rights, he added.

This proposal is being co-sponsored by two other council members who are young fathers.

Now you extrapolate that out and think when you have your second child and third child and you are trying to get your 2-year-old out of the car while dealing with being pregnant in the third trimester and the effects that come with that Fitzgerald added.

Boston 25 News spoke with several new mothers in Boston who believe the measure would be very helpful.

I could have used that. I could still now, said Maggie Fiore, who gave birth six weeks ago. It would be great to not have to circle the block when youre that big and uncomfortable.

I think it sounds like a great idea, said Sarah Pelley, who gave birth eight weeks ago. Its tough for sure.

Not everyone is on board with the idea in a tightly packed city where even handicapped parking spaces can be coveted.

Handicap people are handicap, but a pregnant woman, thats not handicapped, said Norine Shults. Its what nature brings.

Advocates for people with disabilities, residents with handicap placards, pregnant women, and new moms will be invited to testify at an upcoming hearing to share their thoughts.

Its unclear when the measure will go before the city council and when there will be a public hearing.

Illinois and Texas are two states that have parking policies explicitly for pregnant women.

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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Speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives David Osborne gaveled the House into session on the first day of the 2024 Kentucky General Assembly in Frankfort, Ky. Jan. 2, 2024

FRANKFORT  Kentucky House Democrats said they felt like they were shut out during floor debate on House Bill 2, also known as the school choice bill.

HB 2 would put a constitutional amendment to the voters of Kentucky, asking if they want to change the constitution to allow the legislature to fund non-public schools like private and charter schools.

Democrats wanted to bring up concerns on whether this would open the door for school vouchers if it appears on the ballot and approved by voters. House Speaker David Osborne wouldnt allow it.

We are boxed in here with the realities of what were allowed to talk about, and what we're not allowed to talk about when it comes to this ballot measure and what were asking the citizens of Kentucky to vote on, Rep. Chad Aull, D-Lexington, said.

The tense debate over HB 2 lasted went on for two hours, but the bill ended up passing the House on a 65-32 vote Wednesday afternoon. The bill now goes to the Senate.

If the bill passes both chambers, it could be one of up to four constitutional amendments that Kentucky voters could vote on in the fall.

HB 2 is one of at least 20 constitutional amendments that the legislature has proposed to appear on the November ballot. But its one of the issues the majority party has said is a priority, even before the session started.

Supporters said that the bill isn't a policy decision, but an opportunity to let the legislature consider other education options for Kentucky families.

Rep. Suzanne Miles, R-Owensboro, is the bill's primary sponsor and said that there's no funding or enabling legislation in the bill.

If the amendment makes it on the ballot and is approved by voters, Miles said she hopes it opens more educational opportunities for Kentucky

"I would like to see every child in the Commonwealth of Kentucky to have the very best access and level playing field to seek the ability to live the American dream," Miles said.

Since the Kentucky Supreme Court ruled public tax dollars cant be diverted to private or charter schools, Republicans are taking it into their own hands to expand school choice for families.

The school choice movement is a trend that other Republican states have followed. States including Iowa, Arkansas, Utah, and Florida have instated education savings accounts for K-12 students that give parents money they can use to put their children into an educational center other than a public school.

If the bill passes and is approved by voters, its likely a bill outlining the Republican majority's school choice program would follow in the 2025 legislative session.

The bill was fast-tracked this week. Its hearing was scheduled upon House adjournment on Tuesday, less than an hour before the chamber was supposed to gavel in, drawing backlash from Democrats.

Rep. Rachel Roarx, D-Louisville, said the bill is a "Pandora's box" that grants the General Assembly the authority to propose and consider a variety of legislation that Kentuckians won't anticipate if they simply vote 'yes' on the amendment

Kentucky State Representative Rachel Roarx voiced her opinion on the House rules on the first day of the 2024 Kentucky General Assembly in Frankfort, Ky. Jan. 2, 2024

"Without knowing what those things could be, I think it's really difficult to grant confidence to (this) constitutional amendment," Roarx said.

Others expressed concern the bill would open the door to take away opportunities from public schools and fund private schools who get to choose the students they accept.

"This amendment could divert dollars away from small and rural districts where they don't even have private schools," Rep. Josie Raymond, D-Louisville, said.

Rep. Ashley Tackett Laferty, D-Martin, said the legislature should instead focus on public schools that are in desperate need of funding for resources such as student resource officers, transportation and teacher raises

But Rep. James Tipton, R-Taylorsville, said Kentucky voters will be able to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision with their vote.

"Are we fearful that they might not agree with us, that they might agree with whatever the particular position is?" Tipton asked. "My thought today is going to be to put my faith and trust in the voters of the Commonwealth Kentucky to make this decision."

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: School choice bill passes Kentucky House after tense debate
DENVER (KDVR)  The Denver Sheriff Department is searching for a boy who escaped from custody Wednesday morning.

The department said the escape occurred at about 10:30 a.m. while returning to the Gilliam Youth Services Center on North Downing Street in Denver.

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The Denver Police Department has also joined the search. The juvenile was being held on low-level charges, according to the sheriffs department.

The escape is currently under investigation. Anyone with information about the juveniles whereabouts is asked to call 720-913-2000.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
EAST ELMHURST, Queens (PIX11)  An 8-year-old boy was hit and killed by a pickup truck while walking with his mother and brother in a crosswalk in Queens Wednesday, police said.

The crash happened at the intersection of 31st Avenue and 100th Street in East Elmhurst around 4:15 p.m., according to the NYPD.

Man threw flaming container at people in NYC subway station: police

The pickup truck driver was turning left from 31st Avenue onto 100th Street, failed to yield, and hit the 8-year-old and his 10-year-old brother, according to NYPD Chief of Transportation Philip Rivera.

The 8-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. The 10-year-old boy suffered a wrist injury. The 37-year-old mother was not hurt, according to police.

The 52-year-old driver of the pickup truck stayed at the scene after the crash and was the first person to call 911, according to Rivera. The driver was taken into custody and will be charged, Rivera said.

This incident, as tragic as it is, was avoidable, Rivera said. When making turns, especially left turns, you must always yield to both vehicles and pedestrians. Take an extra second. Make sure the intersection and the crosswalk is clear before completing your turn. Because of this poor decision, a family trying to enjoy a beautiful day will never be the same.

Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
A Bradenton husband and wife are accused of spending over $220,000 of a Palmetto air conditioning companys money to buy guns, fancy dinners and a luxury SUV, according to court documents.

The Manatee County Sheriffs Office arrested John and Melissa Mathis, 52, on Feb. 2 after detectives said the couple used company funds from Spartan Air Solutions to make personal purchases.

The couple worked as office managers at the business and had access to a company credit card and checking account, which they used for unauthorized and fraudulent activity, according to investigators.

In total, detectives say John and Melissa Mathis systematically and jointly defrauded Spartan Air out of over $220,000 in 2023.

This fraudulent activity came in the form of several high-dollar purchases that Spartan Air Solutions owner, Levi Courtney, said John and Melissa were not authorized to make.

I gave John the reigns to run and manage their own department, not the freedom to buy and spend money on whatever they pleased, Courtney said in an interview with the Bradenton Herald.

Couple scammed Palmetto AC company, deputies say

Derek Byrd, an attorney representing John and Melissa, said he did not wish to comment while the case is pending.

Detectives say Courtney provided over 100 pages of financial documents that showed the couple using the company credit card and checks to make expensive purchases.

In an affidavit, detectives said, it is clear that both John and Melissa Mathis inappropriately and recklessly used business funds that they had access to for legitimate purchases to fund their luxurious lifestyle at the expense of Spartan Air.

Courtney told the Bradenton Herald in a phone interview Tuesday that he reported John and Melissa to the Manatee County Sheriffs Office sometime after discovering a purchase for a luxury SUV.

What is the couple accused of buying?

According to the sheriffs office, the couple made a series of extravagant purchases, including:

$82,000 for a down payment on a 2023 Lexus LX 600 SUV

$28,198 for a vacation with Celebrity Cruises

$5,999 for a Sig Sauer P226 X-Five Scandic 9mm pistol

$899 for a Sig Sauer 365XL Rose 9mm pistol and ammunition

$4,879 undisclosed at Lexus of Sarasota

$2,500 for an illegitimate paycheck made from Melissa to John Mathis

$1,043 for Next Level Marine repairs

$1,000+ for several luxury hotels and dinners in various towns

$478 for passports for luxury cruise

John and Melissa are charged with scheming to defraud in the amount of $50,000 or more as well as criminal conspiracy, according to the sheriffs office.

The couple was released from jail on Feb. 3, according to the sheriffs office. The two entered a plea of not guilty on Feb. 8, court documents show.

John and Melissa are set to be arraigned on April 5 at 9 a.m., according to court records.
The Central Florida Saint Baldricks event invites people to shave their heads in solidarity of children diagnosed with cancer.

The event just doesnt raise awareness, participants also raise money through community pledges and other fundraisers.

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Professional hairstylists will be there to make sure you get a clean shave and for those with longer locks to donate.

Every dollar raised helps fund more research to advance treatments and find cures for pediatric cancer.

Read: Next stop Paris: Orlando native qualifies for U.S. Olympic Boxing Team

On Sunday, March 17, local firefighters will come together at City Citrus Craft in Lake Mary in support of Orange County Fire Rescue Engineer Steve Kibler, who lost his son Camden in 2008 to cancer at just five months old, as well as the many other families in the fight against pediatric cancer.

Camden would have turned 16 last month, said Kibler. We continue to channel our grief into something positive to help other families, understanding how devastating these diagnoses are. Weve raised more than $308,000 over the years, surpassing all of my expectations. We will continue our mission in the hopes that one day, there is a cure for pediatric cancer and no other families have to endure the pain of these diagnoses.

Read: Lake Eola fountain lit up Orange for multiple sclerosis awareness

All ages can participate in the signature Brave the Shave event - with parents permission for those under 18.

Some of this years participants include Orange County Fire Rescue, Orlando Fire Department, Seminole County Fire Department, Oviedo Fire Department, Lake County Fire Department and Lake Mary Fire Department.

The St. Baldricks Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity dedicated to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers.

Read: N Sync reunites on stage at Justin Timberlake concert; performs Paradise

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LIMA (Reuters) - Brazil is interested in exporting soy, corn and other products through Peru's China-controlled Chancay port, Peruvian Economy Minister Jose Arista said on Thursday, according to state news agency Andina.

Brazilian Planning Minister Simone Tebet visited the port, still under construction, earlier this week and spoke with Arista about the possibility of using it as an export route, Andina reported.

It would offer Brazilian exporters the opportunity to send goods by truck to the Peruvian port for shipping to Asia via the Pacific Ocean, cutting the transit time by about two weeks.

Shipping from the port provides an alternative to the Panama Canal, where ships have encountered delays and logjams due to the impact of dry weather conditions on the canal's water levels.

The Peruvian terminal, the first under Beijing's control in South America, will also serve as a crucial gateway for China to the region.

Arista said Tebet plans to speak with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva about the port's potential for Brazil and hopes to arrange a visit by Lula to meet with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte about enabling integration between the two countries through the port.

Brazil's agriculture and planning ministries did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Brazil's planning ministry said on Monday in a statement before Tebet's visit that the Chancay port is part of a program its government has been developing to improve logistics integration with countries from South America.

The port terminal, costing an initial $1.3 billion, is 70% completed, Andina reported. Majority owner Cosco Shipping Ports has said the port is set to open at the end of this year.

The port will open with four docks but could expand to up to 15, Andina said.

Arista on Thursday confirmed the government in Lima is looking to create a special economic zone in the north of the capital to develop Chancay, in addition to creating a customs headquarters at the port.

(Reporting by Marco Aquino; Additional reporting by Andre Romani in Sao Paulo; Editing by Anthony Esposito, Jan Harvey and Jamie Freed)
Britain shows off a laser weapon that could take out drones for as little as $13

The UK has showcased its new laser weapon, DragonFire.

The weapon is highly accurate and cheap, the Ministry of Defence said, costing just $13 a shot.

Lasers could prove an effective new form of air defense against military drones.

The UK's Ministry of Defence has released new footage of its laser weapon DragonFire being tested.

The video showed the laser-directed energy weapon, or LDEW, system successfully shooting an aerial target in tests off the coast of Scotland in January.

The weapon "has proven itself in testing and has the very real potential for it to transform the UK's Defence capability," the MOD said in a statement.

The UK's new laser weapon, DragonFire, in a video released in March 2024. MoD

In a statement in January, the defense ministry said the weapon was so accurate it could hit a small coin at a range of 1 kilometer (0.6 miles), but its maximum range remains classified.

And compared to other air defense systems it's cheap, with the DragonFire costing around $13 a shot, the MOD said, compared to air defense missiles that can cost millions of dollars each.

The MOD released an animation sequence showing a hypothetical scenario where a Royal Navy ship used the DragonFire to take out a small enemy ship and then three drones  one by blowing it up and two by disabling their control systems in precision strikes.

A DragonFire laser takes out a drone in an animation sequence released by the UK MOD on March 11, 2024. MoD

The weapon delivers "significant operational advantage by delivering enhanced air defence capabilities to the frontline, while reducing expendable ammunition costs and reducing risks of collateral damage," the MOD said on the release of the new footage.

The UK isn't the only country developing laser weapons systems, with the US, China, and Israel working on models of their own.

The weapons could be particularly effective in countering drone attacks, with drones being used increasingly to attack and surveil enemy positions in the conflict in Ukraine, and by militants in the Middle East to attack cargo ships.

But there are also shortcomings, analysts say. It's unclear how effectively lasers work in conditions where there's heavy cloud cover.

They also require a lot of energy to sustain the power to burn through targets, and need extensive cooling systems, Iain Boyd, director of the Center for National Security Initiatives at the University of Colorado, wrote in The Conversation.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The UK government is seeking a ban on foreign state ownership of British newspapers (HENRY NICHOLLS)

A UK government proposal to ban foreign states from owning British newspapers looks set to scupper plans for an Abu Dhabi-led bid to take over the Telegraph Media Group (TMG).

But even if the Telegraph plan by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, goes nowhere, rival groups are looking to tighten their grip on UK media.

According to The Telegraph, Rupert Murdoch's giant News Corp and the Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT) have held talks about a potential joint takeover of the Telegraph titles.

- Who owns what? -

Three companies -- DMG Media (part of DMGT), News UK (the British arm of News Corp) and Reach -- dominate 90 percent of the UK national newspaper market, according to a 2023 report by the Media Reform Coalition.

The three groups also account for more than 40 percent of the total audience reach of the UK's 50 largest online news brands.

DMG Media titles Metro and The Daily Mail and News UK's The Sun are the dominant brands in the newspaper market.

- DMGT -

Jonathan Harmsworth is the great-grandson of the founder of The Daily Mail and the chairman and sole owner of DMGT.

It controls 40 percent of the UK's national newspaper market through The Daily Mail, its weekly sister paper The Mail on Sunday, the "i" and the Metro freesheet.

If DMG Media buys the Telegraph titles, it would mean that a single publisher would be close to controlling half of all national UK newspaper circulation.

- News UK -

US-Australian billionaire Rupert Murdoch's News UK, which publishes The Sun, The Times and their Sunday titles, controls one-third of the UK's newspaper market, according to the Media Reform Coalition study.

Murdoch's son Lachlan has since taken over as chairman of parent company News Corp, but his father is still believed to be closely involved in operating the family's global media empire.

- Reach -

Reach's brands include national titles The Mirror, Daily Express, Daily Star and Daily Record in Scotland, as well as major local titles The Manchester Evening News, The Liverpool Echo and WalesOnline.

As Trinity Mirror, it bought up a number of local, regional and national titles before rebranding.

- Lebedev Holdings Limited -

The Russian-born son of a former KGB agent and oligarch, Evgeny Lebedev owns London's Evening Standard newspaper and the largest share of ownership in The Independent online newspaper.

In 2020, he was nominated to the House of Lords by former prime minister Boris Johnson, becoming Baron Lebedev of Hampton in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and of Siberia in the Russian Federation.

- TMG -

Brothers David and Frederick Barclay bought the Telegraph titles in 2004 after building a business empire of real estate, retailing and hotels, including The Ritz in London.

In 2009 The Telegraph was lauded after it launched an investigation into MPs' expenses claims based on millions of leaked documents.

But the titles, which traditionally supported the Conservative party, built up debts and last year Lloyds bank sent in receivers to take control of the Telegraph titles and the Spectator magazine, known as the "Tory bible" and formerly edited by Boris Johnson.

- Scott Trust -

The Guardian newspaper, owned by Guardian Media Group, has only one shareholder -- the Scott Trust, which receives more than half of its revenue from readers.

According to the Media Reform Coalition report, The Guardian & Observer websites and apps had 7.3 million users in 2022, roughly 10.9 percent of the UK population.

- Tech giants -

Global tech giants own huge swathes of the spaces and technologies that are used to fund, find and access media content online, the report said.

Meta and Google command around four-fifths of all online advertising spending in the UK, giving these two tech giants unparalleled power over how online news is found and funded, the report said.

- Largest audiences -

According to Ipsos, the BBC, with an audience of 38 million, was the most popular news website in the UK in January 2024.

It was followed by The Sun (24.3 million), The Mail Online (22.8 million), The Mirror (22.6 million) and The Guardian (21.2 million).

The Independent had an audience of 20 million, The Telegraph was at 15.1 million, Metro at 13.9 million, The Daily Express at 13 million and The Times and Sunday Times at 11.5 million.

srg/phz/js
Susan Higginbotham was living her dream in retirement in France, a friend told the court - FAMILY

A British womans dream retirement in rural France ended in her murder when a psychotic neighbour killed her after she asked to borrow some Sellotape, a court has heard.

Susan Higginbotham, 67, was found dead in September 2021 at her home in Esclottes, a village of just 150 people around 35 miles east of Bordeaux.

She had been attacked by her neighbour, Hichame Bahloul, 42, who on Wednesday was sentenced to 30 years in prison. The court was told he wanted to be sent to jail for life to get away from his family.

The Lot-et-Garonne assize court heard Ms Higginbotham had asked Bahloul for some Sellotape before he attacked her.

Before that, she was reportedly on polite speaking terms with him, and there were no reports of conflicts between them.

Bahloul told the court that he went to Ms Higginbothams house with some cord, which he used to strangle her before punching and kicking her in the chest.

Killer took pleasure in violence

The killer reportedly suffers from several psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, and has spent many years in psychiatric hospital care. He attacked many people during that time, including patients and nursing staff. He took pleasure in it, said the prosecution.

But at the time of the fatal attack, he had been back living with his parents in Esclottes for six months. He said after he killed Ms Higginbotham that he had committed murder as a way to get away from his family and to be jailed.

Bahlouls lawyer said: I have a client who feels safe in prison and wants to stay there. He struggles with freedom.

The state prosecutor demanded a life sentence after Bahloul told the court: If you let me out, Ill do it again.

One of Ms Higginbothams friends, who travelled from the UK to testify, told the court: Sue was a very pleasant person, she took care of people a lot, and was very open.

She had had a successful career, as a financial director, then as a company representative; she had worked very hard.

She really wanted to be happy in France when she moved in 2016, and I think she was. She was living her dream. She was funny. I miss her a lot.

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.
KYODO NEWS - Mar 14, 2024 - 08:57 | All, World

The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bipartisan bill that could ban TikTok across the country if the extremely popular video-sharing app's Chinese parent company does not sell its stake.

The overwhelming support for the bill, which passed in a 352-65 vote with backing from 197 Republicans and 155 Democrats, represents the latest example of strong concern in Washington over a potential grave threat posed by China to U.S. national security.

The lawmakers fear that TikTok owner ByteDance could hand over to the Chinese government the personal information of some 170 million of the app's users in the United States, given that the Asian country's national security laws require companies to cooperate with intelligence gathering.

It remains unclear if the Democratic-controlled Senate will bring the measure up for a vote, and if so, whether it would be approved. If enacted, the legislation would prohibit TikTok in the United States unless the Chinese technology firm divested from the social media platform within about six months.

Senate lawmakers have suggested they will first carry out a thorough review of the bill, dubbed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.

President Joe Biden, a Democrat, has vowed to sign the bill if both chambers pass it, although his 2024 reelection campaign last month joined TikTok, which has become one of the world's most popular social media platforms, particularly among younger generations.

China has reacted harshly to the development, saying the United States has found no evidence of TikTok posing a national security threat and accusing Washington of disrupting normal business operations.

TikTok has also consistently denied the possibility of sharing user data with the Chinese Communist Party.

Related coverage:

FEATURE: Social media trends driving Britain's Japanese literature boom

FEATURE: Female DJs beating the odds in Japan's boys' club EDM scene
A Brooklyn fruit stand manager died after nearly seven years in a coma that resulted from being sucker-punched while riding his bicycle through Bedford-Stuyvesant in 2017, his family said Wednesday.

Father and husband Domingo Tapia had been hospitalized and unresponsive since he was clocked in the face while riding from his grocery store job along Fulton St. in June 2017.

He suffered a fractured skull and was put in a medically-induced coma.

The kids have still not been able to understand the situation fully, the victims wife Esther Diaz told the Daily News on Wednesday, a day after the mans death.

Thanks to him, my kids dont have someone to support them  to support the family, the 40-year-old widow said of the attacker.

Tapias hospitalization forced Diaz to raise their boys without a father while working overtime to make up for the loss of income, she said.

She added that she wants to see Tapias attacker, Gary Anderson, charged with murder.

We woke up and our mom says that our dad didnt make it, Tapias 13-year-old son told NBC News through a translator. The boy was just 7 when his father was attacked.

Anderson was convicted of felony assault in the case and sentenced to three years in prison. Authorities said he was back on the street six months later.

But Tapias death could trigger homicide charges against Anderson, officials said.

Police say the medical examiner has to determine a cause of death, a step needed before they can potentially pursue murder charges against Anderson just to be completely sure that he died as a result of his injuries in the 2017 punch.

Cops would then bring the findings to the Brooklyn district attorney, who would decide whether or not to pursue charges.

We offer our condolences to Mr. Tapias loved ones, said a spokeswoman for Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez. We are reviewing the matter.

Police initially believed Tapia was the victim of a hit-and-run driver. But a video viewed later by cops captured the shocking assault as the family man rode his bicycle along the street.

Tapias survivors are applying with the Mexican consulate for financial aid to help pay for his funeral, his wife said.

Diaz said her younger child developed emotional issues after the attack on his dad, which came when he was just 7.

He was always sleeping. He was always tired. He cant play like other kids or do anything exciting because it was found that he had a disease called heart murmur, she said.
Brother of Indiana mom who died on flight from Dominican Republic reveals cause of death: report

The autopsy results for an Indiana mother of two who died in February on a flight home from her vacation in the Dominican Republic have reportedly been released.

A forensic pathologist told Stefanie Smith's family that the 41-year-old woman died of natural causes; specifically, a carotid artery dissection in her neck, her brother Chris Volz said in an interview with ABC News.

"It was truly a tragic medical event that happened," he told the outlet, adding that the autopsy did not suggest foul play.

Smith was on an American Airlines flight from Punta Cana headed to a connection in Charlotte, North Carolina, when she suddenly began convulsing soon after takeoff, forcing the plane to divert to Turks and Caicos, as her friend, Maria Yannotti, previously told Fox News Digital.

AMERICAN TEXTED FRIEND JUST BEFORE DYING ON FLIGHT FROM DOMINICAN REPUBLIC AFTER RESORT VACATION

Stefanie Smith, 41, was on American Airlines Flight 2790 from Punta Cana to Charlotte, North Carolina, when she started convulsing and died.

"Her boyfriend had told us that they were getting ready to  get altitude, or they hadn't been in the air very long. But he said that he looked over at her, and her head was tilted back in her seat. Her eyes were rolled in the back of her head, and he thought she was just making fun of them. They normally joke around  like that," said Yannotti, who was on the trip to Punta Cana with her fiance, Smith and Smith's boyfriend.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"And he said, Next thing you know, she was convulsing," Yannotti added.

FAMILY OF INDIANA MOM WHO DIED ON AA PLANE REMAIN WITH UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

Stefanie Smith died suddenly aboard a flight home from Punta Cana, where she had been on vacation for a week.

Smith's boyfriend asked flight attendants for help, and they began performing CPR, to no avail.

The Turks and Caicos Island Police announced that day they received a call at 6:12 p.m. from "the Air Traffic Control Tower requesting medical assistance for a 41-year-old female, who at the time was receiving [CPR]." Authorities dispatched a medical team and police to the scene and transported Smith to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, where she was pronounced dead.

INDIANA MOTHER APPEARED FIT AND HEALTHY BEFORE SUDDENLY DYING ABOARD AA FLIGHT, FAMILY AND FRIENDS SAY

Stefanie Smith began convulsing on the plane right home from Punta Cana.

Just before her plane took off, Smith texted Yannotti at 4:55 p.m., asking Yannotti to remind her to call once she reached her connection in Charlotte because she had "a funny story" to tell.

Yannotti said Smith and her boyfriend went with them on the trip to celebrate Yannotti's fiance's birthday.

Maria Yannotti, who said she has known Stefanie Smith for nearly two years because their partners are friends, went on to describe her friend as a "ball of energy" and "the life of the party."

"Everything she had, I had," Yannotti said. "We ate about the same meals. We drank about the same drinks. You know, it wasn't like [any]body was belligerent. [W]e just had our nice drinks by the pool and by the beach. I mean, most of the time, we watched them open the bottles right in front of us. We were having a great time. We played beach volleyball. We swam."

Yannotti, who said she has known Smith for nearly two years because their partners are friends, went on to describe her friend as a "ball of energy" and "the life of the party."

"She's definitely one of a kind. She was a ball of energy. She was always willing to help somebody, excited, always smiling. When I met her  I just knew we were going to click because she was a personality like myself. She was just full of life. I mean, she would give anybody a shirt off her back. Sometimes she would put  people before herself, and she loved to have a good time. Loved to laugh  sing karaoke. Just the life of the party."

Smith leaves behind an 18-year-old son and 16-year-old daughter. Her body is expected to be flown back to the United States next week, ABC reported.





Original article source: Brother of Indiana mom who died on flight from Dominican Republic reveals cause of death: report
A Broward County middle school teacher is accused of kissing a student  and having that same girl inappropriately touch her  while school was in session.

Felicia Sharonda Smith, 39, was arrested Wednesday after Hollywood police responded to Driftwood Middle School, 2751 N. 70th Terrace on a tip about inappropriate contact between the teacher and a student.

Smith admitted to detectives that she developed a maternal relationship with the student at the beginning of the year  and kissed the child on school grounds, according to police.

The student, whom police didnt name as she is a minor, also told investigators that she was forced to inappropriately touch Smith.

Started with a mark on neck

The inappropriate behavior came to the attention of police after a mark  thought to be a hickey  was found on the girls neck, an arrest report says.

The girls uncle, her legal guardian, told investigators his niece initially said she was hit in the face with a football by a boy. But her uncle suspected that the mark was intentional, so he contacted the school to find out what happened  and why he wasnt notified.

Upon meeting with administrators, he learned that his niece hadnt gone to gym class for weeks, the report states. Instead, the girl had been hanging out with Smith, who had a planning period at the same time.

Smith, according to the report, told the girls uncle that she already had the mark when she had come to her classroom. At that point, he believed the hickey was caused by another student.

Told a different story at home

He took his niece home because he felt uncomfortable keeping her at the school, the report states. But when they arrived home, the girl began to cry and admitted that Smith had given her the hickey  and forced her to touch her inappropriately.

The girl told investigators that she had been skipping gym class to vent to Smith, whom she viewed as a mother figure, according to the report. She said she feared telling her uncle because she was scared Smith would lose her job.

The teacher, the girl said, touched her at least three times, even pulling her into a closet and kissing her, the report says. The girl said she knew that what Smith was doing was wrong, but she didnt want to upset or disappoint the teacher.

When questioned, Smith denied kissing the girl, taking her into a closet and inappropriately touching her, according to police. She also stated that the hickey occurred after she kissed the girls cheek and told her that she loved her.

Smith is listed on the middle schools website as a language arts teacher. She faces charges of lewd and lascivious molestation and lewd and lascivious battery. She was being held at the North Broward Bureau as of Thursday afternoon, jail records show.

The safety of our students is always our top priority. Broward County Public Schools is fully cooperating with the Hollywood Police Department in its investigation, school district spokesperson Keyla Concepcion said in a statement. The teacher has been reassigned away from the school and students pending the outcome of the case.
A teacher at a Broward Catholic private school sexually assaulted a teenage student during an out-of-state field trip, say federal prosecutors. Court documents indicate that he may have groomed the girl for months.

Boris Fernando Bastidas, 35, was arrested Thursday and is charged with coercing or enticing a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity and traveling in interstate commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct.

He appeared in Fort Lauderdale federal court Thursday morning. Courts records indicate that hes being held in pre-trial detention. It wasnt immediately clear if he had retained an attorney.

According to a criminal complaint, Bastidas maintained an inappropriate romantic and sexual relationship with the 15-year-old girl from July 2023 through February.

Bastidas was a teacher at Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory, a private Catholic school in Hollywood. According to a post on the schools Instagram, he was the schools social studies department chair  and the 2023 Educator of the Year.

Bastidas fell on the radar of FBI Miami Field Office agents after the girls mother reported an allegation of statutory rape on Feb. 12. The teenager told investigators that Bastidas was her freshman year teacher and that they grew close when she asked him for advice.

The following day, agents searched the girls phone, the complaint states. The girl said she communicated with Bastidas through their school email accounts, but they later moved their conversations to their personal emails and phones.

Youre not just a student..

When interviewing school administrators, agents uncovered that the school had received multiple Instagram messages tipping them off about allegations of a sexual relationship between Bastidas and the student, according to the complaint. The messages instructed the school to review deleted emails dating back to July 2023.

Administrators were able to recover the exchanges and saved them onto a USB flash drive they provided to the FBI, the complaint says. They also stated that they met with Bastidas about the tips, and he denied the allegations.

Bastidas later met with the administrators again, and they read out several of the emails he had sent, according to the court documents. During that meeting, Bastidas called the emails an error in judgment.

Youre one of the best students ive had, so I cant judge you, Bastidas wrote to the girl. But youre not just a student at this point.

The court documents didnt make clear exactly when that meeting with administrators took place. But in a statement, head of School Judith Mucheck said the school acted quickly:

When we became aware of the allegations we conducted an investigation and he was terminated immediately.

In one of the messages between the pair, which were included in the complaint, the student pointed out the issues that can arise from talking through the school email.

Do you think its a wise move to write this on our school accounts? she said.

Probably not, Bastidas responded.

In their frequent exchanges, Bastidas and the girl discussed meeting up, court documents show. The teen said the only way Bastidas could see her during the summer was when she was working at Publix, but he said that was the dangerous and not so smart thing to try and do.

That, however, didnt stop Bastidas, according to the complaint. He continued planning to see the girl and instructed her to have someone pick her up late.

I suppose not making it too late wont cause too many questions, he said in a message.

Bastidas and the teen referenced meeting up, kissing and holding hands at a Dunkin Donuts. But their conversations, records show, turned increasingly sexual.

Messages  and the girls statement  revealed that Bastidas sexually assaulted the teen during a school field trip to New York, according to the complaint.

The 15-year-old girl, agents say, had taken photos of herself and sent them to the teacher. Bastidas had also provided the teen with gifts, including a bracelet, necklace, t-shirts and a keychain.

Im going to truly corrupt you... Bastidas wrote in one of the messages.
HOBART - Residents in District 24 will see a new face on Brown County Board. Voters will choose who will become the new board member during the nonpartisan April 2 election.

Incumbent Richard Schadewald is not seeking reelection. Vanya Koepke and Ross Toellner are running for the seat.

Areas north and west of County J in Hobart and western Howard make up District 24.

The Press-Gazette asked both candidates to answer five questions with word counts up to 100 or 150 words and to provide their background information. Here is what the candidates had to say. Their responses were edited lightly for clarity. (i) denotes incumbent. The candidates are listed in the order they will appear on the ballot.

Information about your polling place and registering to vote can be found on the MyVote Wisconsin website at myvote.wi.gov/en-us.

Ross Toellner

Ross Toellner

Age: 35

Occupation: Business educator at Bay Port High School

Highest education level attained: Master's in school counseling from Lakeland University

Relevant experience : High school business teacher for 12 years, treasurer for a $500,000 nonprofit organization for 8 years, former president of Wisconsin Marketing Education Association, and shift lead at St John's homeless shelter.

Campaign website: www.rosstoellner.com

Vanya Koepke

Vanya Koepke

Age: 31

Occupation: Operations manager at Schneider National

Highest education level attained: Bachelor's in political science and public administration from UW-Green Bay

Relevant experience : Hobart Village Board trustee, innovative leader at Schneider National, Green Bay Police and Fire Commissioner, UW-Green Bay student government president

Campaign website: www.voteforvanya.com

Why are you running for County Board?

Toellner: As a lifelong native of Brown County, I have found the area to be an amazing place to grow up and to start my family. My three main goals to improve Brown County are to make taxpayers' money work for them, increase awareness on mental health, and continue to keep our county clean and sustainable.

Koepke: Ever since being adopted from a Russian orphanage at the age of 10, I have had a mentality of giving back and serving people in my community. In turn, as I build on my volunteer, private-sector, appointed and elected office experience, I am ready to take my experiences to help make Brown County the best it can be.

What makes you the better candidate?

Toellner: I am a great candidate, because I want to listen to my constituents. I believe in the power of listening over giving an opinion. As I am not an expert in any of the fields that are a part of Brown County, I believe in trying to retain and recruit the best employees we can. I want the expert knowledge from our employees so that we as a team can better the lives of the people of Brown County.

Koepke: My experience as a Green Bay Police and Fire Commissioner, my experience as a Hobart Village Board Trustee and my record of listening and delivering for those who elected me is something I look forward to bringing to the Brown County Board.

What two issues do you feel most need to be addressed in Brown County, and how would you address them?

Toellner: Mental health is an overarching theme of my campaign. I believe if we, as a community, can continue to work on the mental health crisis, it could save us money in so many different ways. To start, if we are able to work with people on their mental health situations, often times they would not be put in situations where they would be put in the Brown County Jail. The Brown County Jail is becoming overpopulated and we will need to create an addition to the building to have enough space in the facility. Supporting mental health will keep people out of jail, from doing drugs and opioids, and all kinds of abuse.

I also believe in getting the most for our dollar and finding the best solutions for big problems in small incremental changes. The county budget is tight and we need to find solutions to increasing wages and services.

Koepke: The opioid crisis and roads. Both of these areas have to be addressed through fiscal responsibility, collaboration, and public and private partnerships. I will continue to listen to constituents, meet with experts and find creative solutions.

What are the areas for growth you see in your specific district?

Toellner: We in District 24 have a lot to look forward to in the coming years. We are lucky enough to have a new overpass over Highway 29 that is allowing more growth both residentially and commercially. I want to keep the suburban feel with amenities around us that are needed. I believe in green space and parks and will work to retain and create those areas with our local municipalities.

I also want to work on the Duck Creek Trail that will connect Pamperin Park to New London. This trail has been on the agenda for a few years and disputes between Hobart and the Oneida Nation have slowed progress. I look forward to working with both groups to move this forward.

Koepke: We have the opportunity to finish the Duck Creek Trail that will connect Howard's Pamperin Park, Hobart and Oneida. This project is way behind schedule and I have been an advocate, collaborator and planner of this initiative for two years. Trails should be open for all, as they help with recreation and community connection.

We must also grow District 24 in how the county supervisor interacts with constituents online and in person. I have done both well and will grow this area of representation through continued listening sessions, community events and online interaction.

How do you plan to build involvement and communication with residents?

Toellner: I want to hear from all of my constituents. My cell phone number is 920-655-8287. I will give it to anyone and everyone. Listening is 80% of a conversation and I genuinely want to hear from the people what they would like to see happen.

I know that I will never have all of the answers. We hire people for Brown County to be experts in their field, I am not hired for that. I am hired by my constituents to listen to them and work for them. I cant always promise that I can give the results people want, but I will always try to do what is best for the community.

I want everyone to know that if you have issues, questions, or concerns with Brown County, to call, email or text me. I am open to hear your thoughts.

Koepke: I have hosted over 20 monthly listening sessions as a Hobart Village Board trustee. I will continue to host listening sessions, attend community events and look for creative ideas from the people I represent. My online presence allows for additional ways for constituents to work with me in building a community of belonging for all.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Brown County Board District 24 Toellner, Koepke Q&A
A Brunswick man is under arrest, accused of killing his 5-month-old son.

The baby boy died last June at a home on Odyssey Lake Circle.

At the time, police said his father, Daniel Hudson, told investigators that the baby had fallen from the bed.

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Read: Human remains found the backyard of a home in Northwest Jacksonville

Medical examiners later determined the baby died of blunt force trauma to the dead.

Detectives believe Hudson is responsible.

He was arrested on March 14 and charged with aggravated assault, aggravated battery, cruelty to children, and murder.

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EU member states on Wednesday agreed to add five billion to a central fund to pay for weapons sent to Ukraine.

The move provides a welcome boost for Kyiv as support from its other major backer, the United States, wavers and its outgunned forces struggle to hold back Russia.

Belgium, which holds the EU's rotating presidency, said ambassadors from the bloc's 27 nations had agreed "in principle" on the plan to support arms supplies to Kyiv in 2024 with five billion euros.

In the wake of Moscow's 2022 invasion, the European Union for the first time agreed to fund weapons deliveries to a country at war.

Since then it has committed 6.1 billion from its centralmainly to reimburse part of the cost of arms sent by member states to Ukraine.

The push to bolster the EU fund by an extra five billion was delayed for months amid wrangling from Germany and France.

But according to Politico, "a big chunk of the contributions to the Fund will not actually be in the form of new cash.

"In fact," the magazine writes, "EU countries can discount their bilateral weapons shipments as contributions to the fund. Germany has already said that it wont pay 1.2 billion but will instead count its own arms shipments as its contribution."

Compromise

Berlin insisted its bilateral support for Ukraine should be offset against its contribution, and Paris demanded that only weapons produced in Europe should be reimbursed.

Diplomats said Germany, the largest contributor to the fund, had struck a compromise with Brussels to offset a percentage of its own bilateral support against the fund.

Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmygal welcomed the additional money.

(With newswires)



Read more on RFI English



Read also:

The 136bn price tag on Ukraine's path to joining the EU

EU unveils 1.5 billion defence programme as Ukraine war persists

EU leaders reject Macron's suggestion that sending troops to Ukraine is possible
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A Buffalo man was sentenced to serve 156 months in connection to drug trafficking, the U.S. Attorneys Office announced Thursday.

Maurice London of Buffalo was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

A search warrant was executed at Londons residence in June of 2022. Law enforcement found 144 grams of fentanyl, $13,416 in cash, five cell phones, 72 grams of lidocaine, drug paraphernalia, suspected Suboxone strips, 30 grams of crack cocaine, 6 grams of methamphetamine, and 5.6 grams of THC.

Londons drug trafficking activities were first investigated in April 2021 before law enforcement conducted four controlled purchases of fentanyl and cocaine from London in 2022.

Latest Local News

Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 is a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  In November, Buffalo schools felt reading and math proficiency was not where it should be. With only one percent of black and African American third graders with an economic disadvantage doing math on grade level.

The district hoped to see progress and the latest numbers were released to the public on Wednesday.

We looked at the 37 elementary schools that we have in the district, close to half of those schools have already at the midyear point got their children to benchmark level, I dont know if that has ever happened, said Buffalo public schools Superintendent Dr. Tonja Williams.

The key focus for school leaders  economically disadvantaged third graders who nationally were the hardest hit in literacy and math skills when they were taken away from the classroom in 2020 because of COVID.

On Wednesday the district released a lengthy report outlining the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills, often called DIBELS.

In the beginning of the year, only 33% of economically disadvantaged children read at grade level.

In three months that number only increased by a single percentage point, which accounts for about 50 students.

The percent of students who are significantly below or intensive are decreasing, which is what we want to see. It means theyre increasing in proficiency. They may not be proficient yet, but it doesnt mean that they wont be. Perhaps by the end of the year or in the next year or so they will get there, said Chief Academic Officer Anne Botticelli.

The numbers improved more drastically for math skills. In November only 26 economically disadvantage children were proficient, that has now grown to over 160 students.

We are targeting students who are on that bubble that we know we can move to proficiency. So were really going to be working with the schools to get lists of students and then check in regularly to see how those students are progressing, continued Botticelli.

The end of the year goal is to have 39% of economic disadvantage third graders at benchmark reading level and 16% on grade level in math. Theres still a long way to go but the district says this is great progress.

We want people to see that what we are doing is making a difference. I want them to feel comfortable that when they come to our schools, students are being taught this through the science of reading. They are getting the skills developed and they get the support that they need to become proficient readers. So, its important for us to share that information and data is the easiest way to do it, concluded Botticelli.

There will be another presentation and discussion on the end of year test results in June, thats when we can expect the full picture and if BPS met their student proficiency goals.

To see the full update from BPS, click here.

Latest Local News

Dillon Morello is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has been part of the News 4 team since September of 2023. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
After months of delays, 100 Bulgarian armored personnel carriers are on their way to Ukraine by rail, Bulgaria's Defense Minister Todor Tagarev confirmed on March 14.

Tagarev initially said on Feb. 2 that the armored personnel carriers were on the way to Ukraine, but news emerged on Feb. 20 that the delivery had been delayed, as the Bulgarian Defense Ministry was asking NATO to cover the transport costs.

Bulgaria's parliament approved two tranches of military aid to Ukraine on Dec. 8, 2023, including the delivery of the armored vehicles free of charge, together with armaments and spare parts.

The suggestion to dispatch the vehicles, acquired during the final years of Bulgaria's communist regime, was made public and ratified by the National Assembly in the summer of 2023.

The total cost of the transportation exceeded 170,000 leva ($95,000) and involved 240 military personnel, according to Tagarev.

While the minister did not specify when the entire group of armored personnel carriers would arrive in Ukraine, he said the first train left on March 7 and has since arrived in Ukraine.

According to Bulgarian news outlet News.bg, the vehicles are being reported in sets of six.

Tagarev admitted that "with better organization, the armored personnel carriers could have been sent faster," News.bg reported.

Initially a hesitant partner, Bulgaria has become increasingly supportive of Ukraine as the war has progressed. In its December decision, the country's parliament greenlit not only the armored vehicles but also the supply of Soviet-era air defense missiles to Ukraine.

Read also: The Invisible War: Inside the electronic warfare arms race that could shape course of war in Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A visitor looks at Chinese sculptor Liu Shiming's works at the Liu Shiming Art Gallery in New York, the United States, March 12, 2024. (Photo by Yu Zheng/Xinhua)

A worker checks the growth of seedlings at an intelligent seedling breeding base in Shuangxing Village of Xianlong Town, southwest China's Chongqing, March 12, 2024. With a total area of 4,608 square meters, the intelligent seedling breeding base yields 12,000 mu (about 800 hectares) of rice seedlings per year. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Rescuers work on the site of an explosion in Yanjiao of Sanhe City, north China's Hebei Province, March 13, 2024. Seven were killed and 27 others injured following an explosion in north China's Hebei Province on Wednesday, local authorities said Thursday.

The blast, suspected to have been caused by a gas leak, occurred at 7:54 a.m. Wednesday at a shop in Yanjiao township in the city of Sanhe, according to the city's emergency management bureau. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

A drone photo shows a cargo ship docking at Qingdao Port in east China's Shandong Province, March 13, 2024. The total import and export of goods in Qingdao grew 5.4 percent year on year to 125.8 billion yuan (about 17.49 billion U.S. dollars) in the first two months of 2024, according to the local customs administration. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)

A woman reacts in front of the rubble after Israeli strikes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on March 13, 2024. The Palestinian death toll due to the ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has climbed to 31,272, reported the Gaza-based Health Ministry on Wednesday. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua)

This photo taken on March 13, 2024 shows a C919 commercial aircraft, manufactured by Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC), on display at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Selangor state, Malaysia. The static display and demonstration flight of the China-manufactured commercial aircraft ARJ21 and C919 were held here on Wednesday. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)
Bulgarian Defence Minister Todor Tagarev stated on 14 March that the Bulgarian side had completed the shipment of all armoured personnel carriers (APC) promised to Ukraine last year.

Source: bTV, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Tagarev stated that the APC's first echelon, consisting of 30 wagons, left for Ukraine on 7 March. "The last one has already left," the Bulgarian minister of defence said, without specifying when it would arrive in Ukraine.

Tagarev stated that 26 pieces of special equipment, 247 military personnel, and civilians from the Logistics Support Command, Ground Forces, and Bulgarian Military Police Service took part in the transportation.

"The total cost of the project exceeded 170,000 lev (approx. 86,920)," he specified.

Background:

In November 2023, the National Assembly of Bulgaria ratified an intergovernmental agreement between Sofia and Kyiv, which provided for the supply of 100 written off armoured personnel carriers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Bulgaria to Ukraine.

However, the delivery of the promised armoured personnel carriers was delayed due to concerns about the cost of transportation.

Earlier, Bulgarian officials stated that the transfer of APCs to Ukraine would begin in September-October 2023.

The APCs have been in the warehouse of the Bulgarian Ministry of Internal Affairs since the 1980s. This is the first time that the Bulgarian side has handed over armoured vehicles to Kyiv directly, rather than through intermediaries, as it had done before.

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Alfred Cannan previously told politicians the report would be "unintelligible" due to redactions

The findings of an independent investigation into bullying allegations will be published, the Isle of Man's chief minister has confirmed.

The report found Health Minister Lawrie Hooper MHK "had not met the threshold" to be in breach of the government's code of conduct.

Alfred Cannan told the House of Keys on Tuesday the report would be "unintelligible" due to the levels of redactions required but MHKs could access it via the Freedom of Information process.

A request has been submitted and the document is expected to be released in the coming days.

In June, Annette Baker, the former vice chairman of the Health Services Consultative Committee (HSCC), resigned after claiming Mr Hooper had created a "toxic and adversarial environment".

Mr Cannan then launched an investigation after complaints were made to both him and the HSCC.

Lawrie Hooper was cleared of bullying allegations following an independent investigation

In Tuesday's sitting, Onchan MHK Julie Edge called for the full report from the investigation, of which Mr Cannan had the only copy, to be published for greater "transparency".

Mr Cannan has confirmed the findings will be published in accordance with the Freedom Of Information Act and any personal data provided by witnesses would be redacted to protect their privacy.

Ms Edge said she was pleased her "persistence in questioning this report for greater transparency... has paid off".

It was "good news" it will be published "despite initial resistance from the chief minister", she said.

"Here's hoping there are minimal redactions," she added.

Why not follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X? You can also send story ideas to IsleofMan@bbc.co.uk

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The German Bundestag has rejected a resolution on the supply of long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine.

Source: European Pravda; Bild

Details: 495 Bundestag MPs voted against the supply of German Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, and 190 supported it.

The issue of supplying Ukraine with Taurus missiles was raised by the opposition CDU/CSU faction.

As reported by the media, the resolution calls on the German government to "finally satisfy the Ukrainian request for the supply of Taurus cruise missiles from the available reserves of the Bundeswehr to the maximum possible volume and without delay".

Earlier, Britta Haelmann, the co-chair of the Green Partys parliamentary group in the Bundestag, stated that the political force would reject the proposal of the opposition CDU/CSU faction on providing Ukraine with long-range Taurus missiles.

Background:

On 22 February 2024, the Bundestag also did not support the opposition resolution calling for providing Ukraine with Taurus.

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The German parliament's lower chamber, the Bundestag, on March 14 voted against supplying Ukraine with long-range Taurus missiles to fight Russia in its all-out war.

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.

Of the 687 lawmakers who participated in the vote, 494 voted against the delivery, with 188 voting in favor and five abstaining.

This is the third time the Bundestag voted against delivering Taurus missiles to Ukraine. The motion, submitted by the opposition parties Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union in Bavaria (CSU), was also voted down in January and February.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats (SPD) opposed the motion to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine, as well as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the socialist Left Party.

Johann Wadephul, the CDU's deputy parliamentary group leader, criticized the SPD's stance and the delay in supplying weapons to Ukraine.

"Again and again, their supposed prudence has only ever fueled Mr. (Vladimir) Putin in his aggression against Ukraine. That is the result," Wadephul said.

The representatives of the Greens and the Free Democratic Party (FDP), who sit in the government with SPD, said that they do not support CDU/CSU's motion but agreed on the demand to deliver long-range weapons, such as Taurus missiles, to Ukraine.

"We are all aware of the consequences of this decision. And we, as the Greens, will not let anyone deny us, not even the Chancellor," Agnieszka Brugger, the Greens' member, said, adding that the party would "carefully weigh up all the risks" of the decision.

Germany's parliament supported a motion to deliver unspecified long-range weapons to Ukraine on Feb. 22, the same day it rejected sending Taurus missiles.

Unlike Germany, both the U.K. and France have supplied Ukraine with its Storm Shadow and SCALP missiles with a range of over 250 kilometers (155 miles).

Read also: Opinion: Europe has a Russian fossil fuel addiction

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
After torrential rains last month in Southern California, a concrete slab the size of a school bus washed up on Junipero Beach in Long Beach. (Kelvin Kuo / Los Angeles Times)

Long Beach residents are accustomed to seeing debris on their beaches in the aftermath of inclement weather. So Annette Freuhan wasn't the least bit fazed when she woke up the day after the torrential rains in early February to see a concrete slab the size of a bus washed ashore on Junipero Beach.

"The ocean is pretty powerful," said the 80-year-old homeowner. As Freuhan spoke, she could see a bulldozer clearing up smaller debris on the beach surrounding the concrete block. "I don't see it as being unusual because we have had whole huge trees that sometimes wash up."

Tree trunks, littered beer bottles, even the wreckage of a sunken ship  Freuhan has seen it all over the last seven years in her home overlooking Bluff Park.

But this particular concrete slab sparked several questions. What is it? Where did it come from? How did it make it to the beach? And how, exactly, would the city get rid of the thing?

To answer the third question first, apparently concrete can float. (The American Society of Civil Engineers hosts an annual concrete canoe competition.) According to Archimedes' principle, a buoyant object just needs to displace more water than it weighs. And concrete is a pretty common material used in the boating business.

As for the first question, Todd Leland, the marine manager of Long Beach's Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, said the hulking slab "is a dock structure, it's made of concrete and Styrofoam plastic products." Leland believes a weakness in that particular dock was exposed during last month's storms, and the flood of water from the L.A. River flowing into the marina only made things worse.

"We believe [the concrete] is from a private marina in a state of disrepair... [But] with any debris that ended up on our beachfront, we can't be 100% sure," he said.

The likely suspect is the Harbor Light Marina adjacent to the nearby Hotel Maya. When contacted, the hotel responded that it leases the marina from the city, and the Harbor Island Yacht Club subleases it from the hotel.

"Harbor Light Marina had a contractual responsibility for management and maintenance for the marina," the Hotel Maya said in a statement by email. The hotel added that the yacht club "recently decided not to renew its sublease for the marina."

The yacht club declined to comment, but on its website it stated that it has "not been able to negotiate a lease extension with the Hotel Maya and the hotel has decided to close the marina." Without a space to accommodate their vessels, they are "in the process of moving the fleet back to San Diego."

Setting aside the question of who was responsible for the lack of maintenance, there's still the matter of disposing of this concrete. Leland estimates the block weighs somewhere between one to two tons; city workers have been inching the block across the sand.

"We've taken the last couple of weeks to slowly move the concrete about two miles from the west beach to our east beach maintenance location for a contained demolition and haul-off," said Leland. The demolition might take days because they have to be careful not to pollute as they break down the concrete and Styrofoam.

Leland said they're prepared to deal with all sizes of waste; because of the way the tides flow, Long Beach is on the receiving end of the water and trash that run down the L.A. River. In its budget for 2024, the city reported removing 3,500 metric tons of waste in river debris during 2023, 42% more than the year prior. So far this year, the city has already collected 1,600 metric tons from the storms that hit Southern California. The city estimates that it spends $1 million a year disposing this waste.

It's costly and time-intensive to deal with the pollution washing up on the beach, not to mention disruptive to local ecosystems.

Richard Ambrose, a professor of environmental health sciences at UCLA, said there are animals such as beach hoppers, sand crabs and worms living in the sand that can get crushed by large pieces of debris or even the vehicles removing waste.

"In general, from the ecological point of view, it's better not to be driving on the beach or bringing heavy equipment down," Ambrose said. But leaving the waste on the beach isn't really an option, either; it's also bad if animals ingest plastics and other waste.

Climate change could also increase the taxpayer costs associated with managing marinas and coastal regions, according to Ambrose. "We need to plan for having more extreme events like we've just had and to make sure that the infrastructure is ready," he said. That's just in the short term; in the long term there may be other concerns as well. "As the sea level gets higher and higher, there's infrastructure that hasn't been exposed to big waves in the past or flooding."

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Private discussions about the future of Rishi Sunak are reported to have been held in recent days - Edward Massey/CCHQ

Cabinet ministers have discussed whether the Conservatives might be forced to replace Rishi Sunak before the next general election, according to a report.

Private discussions about the future of the Prime Minister have been held in recent days, Bloomberg reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.

Ministers reportedly considered whether a caretaker leader would help to stem the feared surge in support for Labour in the coming months.

Those involved in the talks are said still to be supportive of Mr Sunak and do not want a change in leadership now, with no clear rival having emerged who could replace him.

But two senior Cabinet ministers reportedly said that if a candidate did emerge who could take over without a full leadership contest having to be held, Mr Sunak would probably be removed.

The discussions reported by Bloomberg are said to have been prompted by broader concerns about his political judgment and against a backdrop of waning support.

One poll, conducted by Savanta in the days after Jeremy Hunt, the Chancellor, set out his economic plan, put the Tories at their lowest level of support in the polls since the resignation of Liz Truss.

It comes as the Prime Minister faces a fresh political headache over his handling of a racism row involving major party donor Frank Hester.

Mr Hester, who gave the Tories 10 million last year, allegedly said of Diane Abbott that she makes you want to hate all black women and that she should be shot.

On Tuesday, Mr Sunak described the comments, reportedly made in 2019, as racist and wrong. Downing Street had previously declined to categorise the remarks as racist, instead calling them clearly unacceptable.

The Conservatives are facing mounting pressure to hand back Mr Hesters money, including from Sir Keir Starmer and Andy Street, the Tory West Midlands mayor.

Last weeks Budget, seen as an opportunity to boost the partys popularity in election year, appears to have failed to cut through with voters.

The Tories faces an electoral test at the beginning of May with the local elections, with current polling suggesting that the party is likely to sustain heavy losses.

Members of the 1922 Committee executive urged Mr Sunak earlier this week to go long and call the election in the autumn, rather than in May to coincide with local elections.

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Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert!

CALIFORNIA CONGRESSMAN WARNS OF NIPS AND TUCKS TO THE FIRST AMENDMENT

A California congressman is sounding the First Amendment alarm, after the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives voted Wednesday to ban the social media app Tik Tok unless the company sheds its Beijing-based owner ByteDance.

Rep. John Duarte, R-Modesto, was one of just two California Republicans to vote against the bill, which passed with overwhelmingly bipartisan support.

I think we need to be very, very careful, making small nips and tucks on the First Amendment, he told The Bee in an interview.

Duarte said that he thought long and hard about the bill, looked at the debate over the issue, attended a top secret congressional briefing on the topic, and ultimately arrived at the decision that the bill just did not meet his standard for a yes vote.

Youre talking about freedom of speech issues, he said.

He said that he was opposed to singling out a single company, like ByteDance, just because some people disagreed with the speech on their platform.

Tik Tok is a forum where many Americans exercise their freedom of speech, he said.

The bill still has to make it through the Senate, which is controlled by Democrats.

The Senate will review the legislation when it comes over from the House, said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in a statement.

THE LATEST ON CALIFORNIAS CONGRESSIONAL ELECTIONS

Via Gillian Brassil...

The Associated Press has projected which Sacramento and Fresno area congressional candidates will advance from the March 5 primary. Heres where results stood as of 2 p.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday in races with more than two candidates: The top two vote-getters regardless of party in California primary elections move on to the Nov. 5 general election.

Californias 1st Congressional District: Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Richvale, and Democrat Rose Penelope Yee, a financial advisor, will advance. With 80% of the votes counted, LaMalfa had 66.3% and Yee had 23%. A Democrat took the remaining votes.

Californias 3rd Congressional District: Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Roseville, and Democrat Jessica Morse, a wildfire resiliency specialist, will advance. With 81% of the votes counted, Kiley had 54.8% and Morse had 43.2%. A no-party-preference contender took the remaining votes.

Californias 4th Congressional District: Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, and Republican John Munn, a farmer and rancher, will advance. With 79% of the votes counted, Thompson had 62.8% and Munn had 30.7%. A Democrat and a no-party-preference contender took the remaining votes.

Californias 5th Congressional District: Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Elk Grove, and Democrat Mike Barkley, a lawyer, will advance. With 88% of the votes counted, McClintock had 58.6% and Barkley had 32.8%. A no-party-preference contender took the remaining votes.

Californias 6th Congressional District: Rep. Ami Bera, D-Elk Grove, and Republican Christine Bish, a realtor, will advance. With 72% of the votes counted, Bera had 52.8% and Bish had 19.9%. Four contenders from various parties took the remaining votes.

Californias 7th Congressional District: Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Sacramento, and Republican Tom Silva, a veterans program coordinator, will advance. With 74% of the votes counted, Matsui had 57.5% and Silva had 31.4%. A Democrat took the remaining votes.

Californias 9th Congressional District: Rep. Josh Harder, D-Tracy, and Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln, a Republican, will advance. With 70% of the votes counted, Harder had 52.7% and Lincoln had 28.5%. Two Republicans took the remaining votes.

Californias 13th Congressional District: Rep. John Duarte, R-Modesto, and former Assemblyman Adam Gray, D-Merced, advanced in an uncontested race. It is a November toss-up, analysts say.

Californias 20th Congressional District: Assemblyman Vince Fong, R-Bakersfield, and Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux, a Republican, will advance. With 92% of the votes counted, Fong had 41.3% and Boudreaux had 24.8%. Nine contenders from various parties took the remaining votes. Theres a special election here too; the primary is March 19.

Californias 21st Congressional District: Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, and Republican Michael Maher, an aviation business owner, advanced in an uncontested race.

Californias 22nd Congressional District: Rep. David Valadao, R-Hanford, and former Assemblyman Rudy Salas, D-Bakersfield, will advance. With 97% of the votes counted, Valadao had 33% and Salas had 30.6%. A Republican and a Democrat took the remaining votes. It is a November toss-up, analysts say.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

This is not an attempt to ban TikTok. Its an attempt to make TikTok better. Tic-tac-toe, a winner. A winner.

- Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, defending the House bill that would ban Tik Tok unless the company sheds its Chinese ownership.

Best of The Bee:

On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 352-65 to ban the social media app TikTok in the U.S. unless its parent company  Beijing-based ByteDance  agrees to sell it, via Andrew Sheeler .

California lawmakers and labor leaders are calling for change within the states workplace safety agency following a four-month Sacramento Bee investigation into the organizations hiring practices, via Maya Miller .

Californias economy should grow somewhat faster than the nations, though its unemployment rate will remain above the national average, a new forecast by the UCLA Anderson School said Wednesday, via David Lightman .

Sacramento and cities across California caught a break from the states water regulator this week after the agency faced criticism that its water conservation rules were too complicated and costly to meet, via Ari Plachta .

More than a quarter of homeless Californians are Black, nearly four times the states Black population, according to a report that details the crisis of homelessness among the minority group, via Darrell Smith.
Snacks such as Flamin' Hot Cheetos may soon be banned in California schools. A bill proposed in the state assembly seeks remove foods from schools that contain artificial ingredients like red 40, blue 1 and titanium dioxide. Many child-focused foods like chips and cereals contain these ingredients.

Cheetos varieties, including the popular and spicy Flamin' Hot version, and other chips such as Doritos include colorings red 40, yellow 5 and yellow 6  all on the list of ingredients that would be banned if the bill is enacted. Cereals like Froot Loops and Fruity Pebbles also include these yellow and red dyes as well as blue 1. Candies like Jolly Ranchers also contain these ingredients.

Some soups, mac and cheese brands and other foods can contain titanium dioxide, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, which has long advocated for the banning of foods with the substance and synthetic dyes.

In existing California law, the state's education department must uphold nutritional guidelines when serving food on campus. Free lunch and breakfast is available to all all students kindergarten through 12th grade in the state.

The current rules state foods given to students must be a fruit, vegetable, dairy, protein or whole grain item. The rules also set standards for calories, sugars and fats in these foods.

Democratic California Assembly Member Jesse Gabriel wants to amend the rules so that all schools  public, charter or a state special school  cannot sell or provide foods with blue 1, blue 2, green 3, red 40, titanium dioxide, yellow 5 and yellow 6.

In a social media post announcing the bill, Gabriel said these chemicals are "linked to serious health concerns including DNA damage, cancer, hyperactivity, and neurobehavioral issues from food served to students."

A 2012 study by the National Institutes of Health found red 3 causes cancer in animals and red 40, yellow 5 and yellow 6 have been found to be contaminated with carcinogens like benzidine, which can increase risk of developing cancer.

Blue 1, red 40, yellow 5 and yellow 6 cause hypersensitivity reactions  an exaggerated immune response to allergens  and rodent studies of yellow 5 were positive for genotoxicity, which cause cell mutations that could lead to cancer, according to NIH.

NIH recommended that since these dyes don't improve nutrition of foods, they should be removed. They said, however, more toxicity testing is required.

The Food and Drug Administration approves the use of dyes in foods and requires evidence that a color additive is safe before being added to products. It also requires manufactures to include on product labels which of these ingredients are used.

The administration has sent out warning letters when dye usages were not disclosed  like when yellow 6 in dehydrated papaya or blue 1 in noodle products were undeclared. They have a list of products have have received warnings for not declaring use of these ingredients.

The FDA says they cannot be absolutely certain of the risk of these ingredients due to limits in sciene. "Therefore, the FDA must determine  based on the best science available  if there is a reasonable certainty of no harm to consumers when a color additive is used as proposed," the administration says. "The FDA does not approve the use of a color additive that is found to induce cancer in people or animals."

The FDA looks at several factors when considering these ingredients, including the amount that would typically be consumed and the immediate and long term effects.

In 2023, California became the first state to ban four food additives  red dye no. 3, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil and propyl paraben  according to CBS San Francisco.

These additives are used in foods like Peeps, the sugar-coated marshmallow treats typical sold at Easter. An original version of that bill included titanium dioxide, which is found in Skittles, but it was amended in the Senate and taken out of the legislation.

The European Union has banned several food additives that are allowed in the U.S., including titanium dioxide, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, azodicarbonamide and propylparaben.

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Californias fast food council will convene this week with a major question in play: Who is actually eligible for a mysterious exemption to the new minimum wage law that takes effect next month?

The council is preparing to meet for the first time just weeks after Bloomberg reported Panera Bread franchisee and Gov. Gavin Newsom donor Greg Flynn may have been behind a carve-out for bakery restaurants that produce and sell bread as a standalone menu item.

In response, the Newsom administration said its own legal experts did not believe Panera is exempt from the wage hike. The governors office suggested the word produce  which the Assembly bills creating the council and establishing the minimum wage do not define  means restaurants must bake their bread entirely on-site for the carve-out to apply. Panera makes its dough at central locations and delivers it to retailers for baking.

Flynn, who owns 24 Paneras in California, has said he will abide by the new $20-per-hour wage. But it is unclear what will happen at the more than 160 remaining Panera locations throughout the state.

And no one, including bill author Assemblyman Chris Holden, D-Pasadena, has been willing to pinpoint who asked for the very specific bakery exemption. None of the parties involved in the measure have explained which establishments it might apply to or why bakeries should not have to pay workers the new higher wages.

John Logan, a professor of labor and employment at San Francisco State, called the bakery exemption bizarre because it is so narrow without specifying why it is necessary or explaining which restaurants it does and does not cover.

Ive not heard any big reasons why they should be exempt, Logan said. If the purpose is to deal with poverty-level wages, poor benefits and poor working conditions amongst a specific group of workers, Panera Bread workers have just as bad conditions, just as low wages as many of the fast food workers who clearly will benefit from this legislation.

Newsom spokesman Alex Stack suggested the council, along with California Labor Commissioner Lilia Garcia-Brower, may have a role in determining who will need to abide by the new minimum wage. He said the group does have the authority to develop recommendations clarifying which kinds of restaurants are subject to the new law. Stack cited another exemption, related to restaurants located inside grocery stores, as one that could also require some clarification.

But a member of the council, who spoke to The Sacramento Bee on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the talks, said they do not anticipate the council will determine who is party to the exemption.

Workers who do not think they are being paid enough after the new minimum wage law takes effect on April 1 will be able to file lawsuits under the Private Attorney General Act, which allows employees to receive civil penalties for labor code violations. Workers could also report labor law violations to the Labor Commissioners Office.

Inaugural fast food council meeting

The nine-member council  made up of fast food franchise and industry representatives, employees and worker advocates  will gather in Oakland on Friday, the legal deadline for members to come together.

Newsom appointed seven members of the council, and the Senate Rules Committee and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Hollister, selected two labor leaders. There are two additional non-voting members from the California Governors Office of Business and Economic Development and the California Department of Industrial Relations.

The governor signed Assembly Bill 257 in 2022 to create the the council, and fast food companies and franchise owners quickly moved to challenge it with a 2024 ballot measure campaign. Labor advocates, mostly represented by Service Employees International Union, and industry leaders in 2023 brokered a compromise that led fast food companies to drop the initiative to repeal AB 257.

Holden picked up AB 257 in 2022 from former San Diego Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher after an earlier version died in 2021. Last years deal required him to revise his 2023 follow-up measure, Assembly Bill 1228.

The bill would have held fast food companies and franchise owners jointly liable for workplace abuses. Holden and labor advocates agreed to remove joint liability in exchange for a $20-per-hour fast food worker minimum wage and allowing a weakened version of the council to move forward.

Members can develop pay standards, but direction around other issues needs to go through the administrative rule-making process, subject to approval by state labor agencies and the labor commissioner.

The minimum wage and council recommendations apply only to fast food restaurants with 60 or more locations nationwide.

The agenda for the first meeting includes a swearing-in ceremony, a discussion of the councils function and time for public comments. Nick Hardeman, chief of staff to former Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins of San Diego, will chair the council as a member unaffiliated with the fast food industry or labor.

Were looking forward to the first convening of the fast food council and getting to work on fulfilling the duties as outlined in the bill, Hardeman said in a statement. That work will include bringing together diverse sectors of the fast-food industry, listening to stakeholders, and establishing a process for making decisions.
The Dixie Fire burns near Highway 70 on July 21, 2021, in the Feather River canyon in Plumas County. The blaze is the largest-single source wildfire in California history.

The insurance that property owners turn to when everyone else turns them down has hit a new record.

In February, the California FAIR Plan wrote more than 15,000 new policies, its president Victoria Roach told lawmakers Wednesday. That was the most ever. And is on top of another 12,000 the state-created insurer issued in January.

We continue to grow at a very rapid rate, Roach said during an Assembly Insurance Committee hearing.

In all, the nonprofit  established by the state as an insurer of last resort  has about 373,000 property policies, a figure that includes both homes and businesses. The total has more than doubled since September of 2019.

The accelerating expansion is the latest sign of Californias unstable insurance market. In the wake of destructive and expensive wildfires in recent years, major insurers have restricted or paused new business and have told many policyholders their coverage would not be renewed. Others have decided to pull out of the state completely.

That has left residents with fewer or no choices for fire coverage. The FAIR Plan is supposed to be an all-else-failed option. Yet now, Roach said, it is quickly moving to be the first resort for many homeowners.

That includes properties that are not even in areas at high risk of wildfires. Those made up about 40% of the insurers new business in September, Roach said.

Were seeing a lot of growth in the no-or-low wildfire hazard areas. She attributed it to residents having fewer options in the current insurance market.

Assemblyman Jim Wood, a Healdsburg Democrat, gave his own personal example at the hearing. He said his in-laws were on the FAIR Plan  at least recently  even though they live in a Los Angeles suburb.

The historic uptick comes as Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is unveiling regulatory changes this year with the goal of increasing coverage options for residents, particularly in communities at risk of wildfires.

Michael Soller, a spokesman for the Department of Insurance, said reducing the number of policies held by the insurer is at the core of Laras strategy.

A growing FAIR Plan is a problem, Soller said, not just for FAIR Plan policyholders but for our entire state.

Even though the insurer is not a state agency and is not taxpayer funded, any major payout it has to make still could hurt homeowners.

The likelihood of that happening is increased because the FAIR Plan issues policies, no matter where properties are located. Consequently, it has a large number of homes in areas with high wildfire risks.

The FAIR Plan has cash reserves and insurance to help cover the cost of losses. However, if those losses exceed the reserves and insurance then the FAIR Plan can ask the companies that write policies in California to help pay for the remainder. That could lead to more policies that arent renewed and to higher premiums for residents.

It feels like a big gamble in many ways, Wood said.

Roach agreed, adding the insurer was one large wildfire away from needing that emergency action.
BEIJING, March 14 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday called on the United States to stop the unreasonable suppression of companies from other countries, following a U.S. bill targeting the short-video app TikTok.

The U.S. side should earnestly respect the market economy and the principle of fair competition, and provide an open, fair, just and non-discriminatory environment for enterprises from all countries, said He Yadong, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce.

Relevant parties should strictly abide by Chinese laws and regulations, and China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, He told a press briefing.

Earlier this week, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill that would require TikTok to divest from its parent company, Chinese tech giant ByteDance, or face a nationwide ban in the United States. 
District attorney Mike Hestrin, who has charged 34 suspected fentanyl suppliers with murder, in Riverside, Calif. on March 5, 2024. (Jessica Pons/The New York Times)

Just about every state in America has cracked down on fentanyl distribution, by stepping up arrests and increasing prison sentences. But few places are as aggressive as Riverside County, California, in prosecuting people who supply fatal doses of fentanyl.

Since late 2021, the Riverside County district attorney, Mike Hestrin, has charged 34 suspected fentanyl suppliers with murder and is said to be the first prosecutor in California to achieve a guilty verdict from a jury in a fentanyl-related homicide trial.

People are being devastated by this drug, said Hestrin, who has been the district attorney in Riverside County, a sprawling area east of Los Angeles, for nine years.

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Riverside County has a reputation for aggressively prosecuting crimes (a prosecutors paradise, one local defense lawyer calls it). And like Riverside, some other counties  like San Diego and Placer, near Sacramento  that have also brought murder charges against fentanyl suppliers have sizable numbers of conservative-minded voters who tend to favor more punitive approaches to crime.

But even in the liberal bastion of San Francisco, the district attorneys office has been preparing to investigate fentanyl deaths as possible homicides, which would be a big shift in the citys approach to drug-related crimes.

Prosecution of street dealers is faulted by some critics as a misguided return to the aggressive approaches of the 1990s, which failed to curb drug use and swelled state prison populations with low-level distributors and people who were addicted to drugs.

Using the same strategy we used in the 1990s and suggesting that it is appropriate and effective in 2024 is not a thinking persons argument, said Cristine Soto DeBerry, founder of Prosecutors Alliance, which supports progressive approaches to criminal justice in California.

Whats more, in California, such prosecutions rest on unsettled legal ground, experts say, because prosecutors have been working around the fact that California does not have a law that specifically allows fentanyl deaths to be charged as murders.

Yet even amid such legal uncertainty, such prosecutions are gaining traction across California, a reflection of the publics anguish over fentanyl, which is a leading cause of death in the United States.

Federal prosecutors can charge someone with distributing fentanyl with a death resulting, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison. But the federal authorities do not have the capacity to pursue every street-level dealer, leaving state and local officials to come up with their own responses to what has emerged as a nationwide public health crisis.

Many of the fentanyl cases that have been prosecuted in California involved people who thought they were buying pain pills like oxycodone or Percocet but ended up with pills containing fentanyl. Illicit drugs like cocaine are also being mixed with fentanyl, which is inexpensive to manufacture and highly addictive.

Prosecutors say that if they can prove that a suspected dealer knew that the drugs contained fentanyl and could be fatal, then they can charge the person with murder.

But unlike many other states, California does not have a law that classifies fentanyl deaths as murder. So in bringing murder charges, the prosecutors have gotten creative, borrowing from a legal theory used to prosecute drunken drivers.

Its called the Watson murder rule, named after a California drunken-driving case dating back more than 40 years, in which courts determined that if an individual knowingly disregards the dangers of driving drunk and kills someone, it can equate to murder.

In Riverside County, people who prosecutors say knew the drugs they were selling or providing were lethal and supplied them anyway have been charged under the same theory of second-degree murder.

Prosecutors look to text messages and other communications to show that the person supplying the fentanyl was aware of the risks. But this evidence can be hard to find because the person may not always express that knowledge in writing.

Defense lawyers say this definition of murder is overbroad and unconstitutional because the California legislature has not created a law that designates fentanyl deaths as murder.

So is it murder to sell someone a pack of cigarettes since you know that cigarettes can kill? said Michael Duncan, a defense lawyer in Riverside County who represents a man sentenced to 15 years to life in prison in November for supplying fentanyl to a 26-year-old woman, Kelsey King.

A jury found Duncans client, Vicente David Romero, guilty of second-degree murder, which prosecutors said was the first time a jury in California had convicted someone of a fentanyl-related murder charge.

Prosecutors said Romero had split a pill, which he knew to contain fentanyl, with King. Duncan said his client had looked for help for King, which is not behavior consistent with murder.

Romeros conviction is being appealed.

The power to define the crime of murder belongs to the Legislature, Duncan said. Not to courts and not Mr. Hestrins office.

Of the 34 cases where murder charges have been filed in connection with fentanyl deaths in Riverside County, Romeros is the only one that has resulted in a murder conviction by a jury. In another of those cases, a jury found the defendant guilty of involuntary manslaughter. Six other cases have resulted in plea agreements in which the charges were reduced to voluntary manslaughter. There are 24 cases still pending.

In San Francisco, fentanyl is a volatile issue in a city that has historically taken progressive approaches to illegal drugs, emphasizing treatment and rehabilitation over prison.

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, who was appointed in 2022 after her progressive predecessor, Chesa Boudin, was recalled by voters who were frustrated by crime in San Francisco, is taking a harder line on dealers.

In an interview, she said not every overdose death  there were about 800 last year  could be investigated as a potential homicide because of constraints on resources and lack of evidence.

But Jenkins said bringing homicide charges in even a few cases would send a message that we will not let you get away with killing our most vulnerable.

Jenkins said that a task force of prosecutors and police officers was being trained on how to build a homicide case and that she didnt expect them to be ready to bring charges until this summer.

In San Diego County, District Attorney Summer Stephan said she had brought murder charges sparingly  against a total of four people since 2017  compared with lesser charges in the roughly 500 fentanyl sales cases her office handled just last year.

Even if the dealer isnt charged, Stephan said, she wants to be able to provide the families of the deceased with as much information as possible.

These families feel like their soul has been ripped out of their chest, she said. They want to know what happened.

Parents whose children died from fentanyl are a driving force behind new laws and stepped-up prosecutions just as the parents of drunken-driving victims swayed the nation to crack down on alcohol-fueled traffic deaths decades ago.

Hestrin, said his decision to start pursuing murder charges had been inspired by his conversations with a local parent, Matt Capelouto, whose 20-year-old daughter, Alexandra, died from fentanyl in December 2019. Home from college, she had taken half a pill that she believed was oxycodone. But it was a counterfeit pill that contained a lethal dose of fentanyl.

Matt Capelouto, who owns a print shop in Temecula, a city in Riverside County, said he had initially been told by investigators that his daughters death appeared to be an accidental overdose and that there was no crime involved.

Capelouto requested a meeting with Hestrin.

He asked me, Why isnt my daughters death a murder? Hestrin recalled. And my answer was, I dont have a good answer.

Capelouto now serves as president of an advocacy group, DrugInducedHomicide.org, which has been pushing states to crack down on street-level drug dealing.

Hestrins investigators were unable to find enough evidence to show that the person who sold Alexandra Capelouto the pills knew they contained fentanyl and that the pills were lethal  elements necessary to prove second-degree murder.

The dealer was eventually charged in federal court, where the penalties for fentanyl sales are stiff. In 2023, he pleaded guilty to possession of fentanyl with the intent to deliver and was sentenced to nine years in prison. As part of the plea agreement, he admitted to knowing that the pills had contained fentanyl or some other federally controlled substance.

We cant get ahead of this situation until we can hold drug dealers responsible, Matt Capelouto said.

c.2024 The New York Times Company
Authorities in San Bernardino County say a 15-year-old boy, who reportedly had autism, should have received needed mental healthcare in the days and weeks before deputies shot and killed him.

The incident unfolded March 9 shortly before 5 p.m. when deputies with the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department responded to a 911 call about a domestic disturbance in the 13400 block of Iroquois Road in Apple Valley, according to a department news release.

The tense moments, which lasted only about seven seconds, were caught on a deputys body-worn camera.

The footage shows the boy, Ryan Gainer, charging a deputy with the bladed end of a 5-foot-long garden tool moments before the deputy fatally shot him.

In published reports, the familys attorney said the teen was autistic and experiencing a mental health episode at the time he was killed and that authorities were aware of that fact.

The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department is not telling the whole truth, said the familys attorney. These officers should be investigated and probably prosecuted for the murder of Ryan Gainer.

Southern California man busted with arsenal of firearms, ammo and explosives

On Wednesday, Sheriff Shannon Dicus held a press conference about the deadly encounter.

There were plenty of times to offramp Ryan and get him the healthcare and mental healthcare that he needed, Dicus said. In my opinion, based on the frequency of times in which law enforcement had to be involved for Ryans familys sake and Ryans sake prior to the shooting, I think thats the important piece that we need to talk about here.

Body-worn camera shows an incident that led to the shooting death of a 15-year-old Apple Valley boy. (SBSD)

Ryan Gainer, 15, seen here in this undated photo. (BNCLLAW)

Previously, Dicus said that the social safety net for those experiencing mental illness needs to be strengthened and that he sympathized with the teens family, as well as my deputies who will struggle with for their entire lives.

While some have criticized the deputys response, saying less-lethal rounds could have been used, others believe that in a split second, gunfire was justified.

Seeing that video, I dont know how much of a choice he had not to do what he did, Gabler said of the deputys actions. A very, very dangerous job and he had to go home to his family as well.

Johnson, though, says he wonders if the whole situation could have been handled differently.

Even though the law covers that for them, what he did, was there an alternative way of dealing with it? I mean, a stun gun? he said.

According to authorities, law enforcement had responded to the home five other times for issues involving the teen.

The fatal shooting remains an ongoing investigation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
When Californians were first pitched, in 2008, on the idea of a high-speed rail line connecting San Francisco and Los Angeles, the price tag was an estimated $33 billionand about 75 percent of those costs would come from federal taxpayers or private sources, the Los Angeles Times editorial board assured its readers at the time.

On Tuesday, the project's CEO told state lawmakers in Sacramento that another $100 billionyes, in addition to what state and federal taxpayers have already contributedwill likely be needed to finish the project. Meanwhile, there's still no timeline for when passengers will be able to take the train due to ongoing environmental reviews, Sacramento-based KCRA reported.

At the state Senate Transportation Committee hearing where High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Brian Kelly delivered the expensive news, at least one lawmaker asked the obvious question: "How do we get the public on board with something," asked state Sen. Kelly Seyarto (RMurrieta), "that has this much of a downside funding wise?"

Kelly, of course, told lawmakers to just keep throwing money in the hole. "It feels impossible until it's not and then you grind, you do the work, you perform better and you deliver," he said.

Or you give up, walk away, and stop wasting public moneywhich is what California should have done a long time ago.

In an interview with Reason last year, Kelly effectively admitted that the original $33 billion estimate was unmoored from reality. It was an estimate made "before any work was done. None of the environmental work was done, none of the design work was done," he said. "It was an estimate based on paper."

But isn't that the point of making estimates? What good is an estimate done after the work is completed?

It should be obvious by now that the original low-ball estimates were meant to convince voters and state lawmakers to buy into the idea, so the sunk-cost fallacy could finish the job. If Kelly's updated estimates are correct and the project needs another $100 billion to be complete, lawmakers should pull the plug now.

And is there any good reason to believe these estimates? A New York Times investigation in 2022 found that the project was burning through $1.8 million every single day. Despite that, "according to projections widely used by engineers and project managers, the train could not be completed in this century," the paper reported.

Before advising voters to support the project back in 2008, the Los Angeles Times acknowledged that projections by Reason Foundation (the nonprofit that publishes this website) were probably right. "If voters approve Proposition 1a, it seems close to a lead-pipe cinch that the California High-Speed Rail Authority will ask for many billions more in the coming decades, and the Legislature will have to scrape up many millions of dollars in operating subsidies," the paper's editorial board wrote.

The only part of that prediction that hasn't come true is the bit about the operating subsidiesbecause the train still isn't close to operating. Magical thinking caused politicians and the media to back this boondoggle in the first place, and more than 15 years later, incredibly, the spell still hasn't broken.

The post California's High-Speed Rail Needs Another $100 Billion. That's a Great Reason Not To Build It. appeared first on Reason.com.
Rail workers, city leaders, and small business owners brought their fight for rail safety to Capitol Hill Thursday.

No one should have to die at work, Vince Verna, vice president and national legislative representative at the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, said.

Verna is calling for Congress to pass rail safety legislation.

He wants the law to require a two-person crew.

A certified locomotive engineer and certified conductor are essential to rail safety, he added.

Clarence Anthony, the president of League of Cities, is also calling for more regulations on the rail industry.

A derailment can be a devastating blow to a community, Anthony said.

Anthony says in many cases it takes communities years to recover from a derailment.

Its not only a community safety issue. We recognize that. Its also an economic issue in those communities, Anthony said.

Right now there are two rail safety bills in the house with support from both Democrats and Republicans but they are stalled.

We see continued derailments and incidents every single day, Rep. Donald Payne, (D-N.J.) said.

New Jersey Democratic congressman Donald Payne and Ohio Democratic congresswoman Emilia Sykes blame rail industry lobbyists for stopping the bill.

While we see bigger profits for the railroads, meaning more dividends for shareholders, said Payne.

There has been a complete lack and utter void of rail safety conversations here in the House, Sykes said.

Similar legislation in the Senate is also at a dead stop.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
TALLAHASSEE  A week after Florida lawmakers approved sharp new restrictions on ethics complaints filed against public officials, calls are increasing for Gov. Ron DeSantis to veto the measure to guard against corruption.

Nine organizations signed onto a letter sent Thursday to DeSantis while local ethics officials and open government organizations are endorsing another pushing the governor to reject the legislation approved shortly before Floridas 2024 session adjourned last week.

Whether intentional or not, the ethics bill creates an unreasonable barrier and deterrent for members of the public seeking to assist... with ethics enforcement, according to the letter signed by the Campaign Legal Center, Common Cause of Florida, Florida Rising, the states NAACP, Florida Ethics Institute and others.

This bill allows unethical conduct to continue unchecked, thereby diminishing public trust in the Sunshine State, the groups add.

"Personal knowledge" standard a focus

The measure (SB 7014), approved by wide margins in the Republican-controlled House and Senate, prohibits both state and local ethics commissions from pursuing any investigation unless a complaint comes from someone with personal knowledge of wrongdoing and is willing to identify themselves by name and file under oath.

Anything short of that would be considered hearsay, prohibiting commissioners from investigating alleged violations.

The change also eliminates complaints based on investigative reports that appear in the media and bars local ethics panels from self-initiating investigations, forcing them to act only when a complaint arrives.

In a recent high-profile case in Miami-Dade County, a self-initiated ethics investigation by that countys panel led to the criminal indictment of ex-Miami City Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla.

These requirements, if implemented into law, could prevent the investigation of ethics complaints predicated upon news articles and reports exposing public corruption, reads a letter to DeSantis from the Ethics Institute, Integrity Florida, and several ethics commissioners from around the state.

Governor Ron DeSantis awaiting Florida ethics bill

The legislation hasnt yet been sent to DeSantis. But that will happen in the coming weeks, with the governor having 15 days to act after receiving the measure.

Sen. Danny Burgess, a Zephyrhills Republican and chair of the Senates Ethics and Elections Committee, proposed the changes in an amendment on the Senate floor. With 2024 an election year, the tactic of filing complaints to discredit candidates appeared to be a driver of the legislation.

House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, also said the stricter personal knowledge standard was needed to thwart complaints from being weaponized.

I put my former prosecutor hat on and we dont charge people with crimes unless we have something other than inadmissible hearsay, said Renner, a former assistant state attorney.

Of course, the legislation stops even an investigation from being started unless the complainant has first-hand knowledge of a potential ethics violation. That standard, critics say, will keep many dubious actions by public officials from being reviewed.

How it passed and what it does

Jacksonville City Council member Matt Carlucci, who helped form that citys ethics commission more than 30 years ago, and is a former chair of the state ethics panel, ridiculed how the bill was passed without a chance for the public to weigh in.

He also said the personal knowledge standard would undermine many complaints.

Personal knowledge makes it sound like you have to have been there when the ethics violation occurred, seeing it with your own two eyes, Carlucci told the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida. Generally, people who violate ethics dont exactly invite friends or members of the public to attend their bad behavior.

Carlucci said DeSantis could improve his standing with voters with a veto.

He would broaden his appeal to a lot of people who make up the centrist part of our world... the people that are real productive citizens, theyve lost so much faith in all sorts of government. He has a chance to redeem the political process with a veto."

John Kennedy is a reporter in the USA TODAY Networks Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jkennedy2@gannett.com, or on Twitter at @JKennedyReport.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: DeSantis' decision: Veto or sign Florida ethics enforcement overhaul bill?
State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters will pay $4,200 to the Ethics Commission for late filing of campaign reports.

State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters is paying a total of $4,200 for filing campaign reports late.

The Republican already has used campaign funds to pay $1,200 to the Ethics Commission for two late reports. He signed a settlement last week to pay $3,000 more.

The settlement covers a dozen so-called "last-minute" contribution reports filed one to five days late in 2022. It reduces what he still owed by more than half. He was given 60 days to pay.

Walters and his campaign also agreed to attend training on filing requirements and to correct contributor information on past reports. His chief adviser, Matt Langston, did not respond to a request for comment.

Walters in 2022 was on the GOP primary and runoff ballots and the general election ballot.

Under ethics rules, a candidate has 24 hours to report most donations over $1,000 accepted in the last two weeks before an election. The exception is donations deposited on Election Day or the day before.

More: Ryan Walters ordered to pay Oklahoma Ethics Commission over campaign report violations

The late fee for failing to file a continuing report of contributions is $200 a day, up to $1,000. The fee is not considered a fine.

Walters had been ordered to pay $7,800 to the Ethics Commission for filing 14 reports late in 2022. One of those orders, for $1,000, was rescinded after his campaign explained the report involved fixing a donor's name "to make sure we weren't misleading anybody."

He paid $200 in December for one of those late reports but wanted a hearing on the others. The settlement makes the hearing moot.

He also was told to pay $1,000 for a late report filed in 2023. That report involved a $5,000 donation from a controversial political action committee. He made the payment Feb. 2.

The 1776 Project PAC made the $5,000 donation on Oct. 31, 2022. It says on its website it is "committed to abolishing critical race theory ... from the public school curriculum."

Walters was supposed to report the donation within 24 hours. He reported it instead in a "last-minute" filing on Oct. 27, 2023, almost a year late.

Ryan Walters had not disclosed all campaign donations, made mistakes, according to earlier reports

That filing came two months after The Oklahoman reported he had not disclosed all his campaign donations and made mistakes on others.

The Oklahoman discovered the issues by comparing what Walters reported getting with what PACs and others reported giving.

Walters' contests would have been heard by an administrative law judge at the state Capitol. The administrative law judge could have affirmed, set aside or modified the late fees. Walters could have gone to Oklahoma County District Court if the administrative law judge ruled against him.

Negotiating the settlement was Stephanie McCord, the deputy director and general counsel at the Ethics Commission. Her last day there was Friday.

She told The Oklahoman Friday that the settlement requires his campaign to amend "reports to correctly reflect contributors, including those with 'x.'"

Walters' pre-general election report lists more than a dozen donors with an "x" before the last names, a mistake that prevents accurate searches of his contributions.

Walters is in his first term. He has continued to accept donations to his 2022 campaign, which is allowed. He had raised close to $800,000 as of Dec. 31, according to his latest report.

He reported having $71,055 left.

Candidates frequently have trouble meeting filing deadlines, particularly for "last-minute" reports, but few to the same extent.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Late campaign reports cost state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters
Photo by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy/Illustration by Jim Small | Arizona Mirror

What

was originally sold as a way to ensure state legislators from rural Arizona wouldnt have to go broke trying to do the job now appears to go far beyond paying living expenses for lawmakers who have to travel to Phoenix  and has created a gigantic pay gap at the Capitol.

Thanks to a massive bump in subsistence pay granted to rural lawmakers in 2021, legislators who dont live in Maricopa County are now earning several times more than their colleagues who live in the metro Phoenix area.

According to the Arizona Mirrors analysis of legislative pay records, there were 35 legislators who hailed from outside Maricopa County in 2023. They collectively were paid more than 4 times as much in per diem subsistence payments than the 59 lawmakers who live in the states most populous county.

The average per diem payment to Maricopa County lawmakers for the year was about $5,700. Lawmakers from the other 14 counties were paid more than $45,500 on average. Thats on top of the $24,000 salary that all legislators earn.

There were 30 lawmakers who earned at least twice as much in subsistence and mileage pay in 2023 than they did in annual salary.

It has to be addressed, said GOP strategist and lobbyist Chuck Coughlin. You cant have two classes of lawmakers.

The disparity in pay can be seen acutely in three legislative districts that include parts of Maricopa County and other counties, and where lawmakers from multiple counties represent the same district.

Take District 23, which stretches from the West Valley down to Yuma County. Rep. Mariana Sandovals home in Goodyear means she was paid $6,440 in per diem; Sen. Brian Fernandez and Rep. Michele Pena live in Yuma, and collected almost $44,000 and $39,000, respectively.

The same scene was replayed in District 15, which covers the far southeast portion of Maricopa County and the northern portion of Pinal County. Sen. Jake Hoffman lives in the Maricopa County portion of Queen Creek, so his per diem amounted to $5,180 for the year. But his seatmates, Reps. Neal Carter and Jacqueline Parker, live in San Tan Valley in Pinal County. Carter earned more than $43,000, while Parker took home just shy of $50,000 in subsistence pay. (Parker was initially elected from Maricopa County, but moved to Pinal County shortly before the 2023 legislative session.)

And in District 25, which also goes from the West Valley to Yuma County, Rep. Tim Dunn was paid almost $44,000 in subsistence because he hailed from Yuma, while Rep. Michael Carbone and Sen. Sine Kerr, who both live in Buckeye, each got less than $6,000 for per diem pay.

In all, the combination of the subsistence pay increase and the longest legislative session in state history at 203 days, meant more than $2.4 million was paid to Arizona lawmakers for daily subsistence pay and travel to the Capitol during 2023. Most of that was for per diem pay, the vast majority of which went to out-of-county lawmakers.

Rep. Jennifer Pawlik said the difficulty of living on a legislators salary was among the reasons she decided not to seek reelection this year. The Chandler Democrat, a retired teacher, said she has been teaching part-time at a state university as a side hustle to help make ends meet.

Im an avid reader but I dont buy books any more, I go to the library, she said. I get my clothes second hand instead of going to the mall.

Data visualization made with Flourish

Arizona lawmakers are paid an annual salary of just $24,000, a figure that hasnt changed since 1998, when voters approved an increase from the $15,000 salary that was implemented in 1980. State law requires that voters approve pay increases for elected officials, but they have rejected six pay raises for legislators since 1998, most recently in 2014.

Since then, they turned their efforts to increasing subsistence payments as a way to pay themselves more without having to win voter approval.

The subsistence payments had remained unchanged since 1984: legislators from Maricopa County received $35 per day they worked at the Capitol, and those from outside the county received $60 daily to cover their costs.

But those rates were proving to be inadequate for legislators who live outside of Maricopa County, most of whom have to find a place to live in the Phoenix area  particularly during the annual legislative session  so they dont have to commute from their home, which may be several hours away.

In 2019, then-Gov. Doug Ducey vetoed a bill that sought to increase the per diem rates for all legislators, saying that lawmakers should have written it so it didnt apply until after the 2020 election.

After some retooling, the proposal came back in 2021, but was limited only to lawmakers who live outside of Maricopa County. It allowed those legislators to receive the highest per diem that the federal government pays traveling workers for Phoenix, which at the time was $207 a day. The new pay, which took effect after Ducey took the rare step of letting it become law without his signature, also allowed that per diem rate to increase annually as the federal government updated its numbers.

When lawmakers showed up to the Capitol in January 2023, rural legislators were receiving $238 in per diem pay for every day they worked. In October, when the per diem rates were updated to match the federal rate, that pay jumped to $251.67 per day.

Legislators also get reimbursement for travel to and from the Capitol. For the 2023 session, they were paid 62.5 per mile. (As with the per diem pay, that was increased in October 2023 to the new federal rate, which is 65.5 per mile.)

Data visualization made with Flourish

Pawlik supported the legislation increasing the per diem pay for rural lawmakers, but said its clearly not working as intended. Rents in the Phoenix area have been rising, but the average rent in Phoenix for a one-bedroom apartment is about $1,300, according to Apartments.com, and no one who supported the proposal thought the lawmakers it would affect would receive so much money.

Obviously, those who live outside Maricopa County have to have a place to stay, she said. But when people are getting $40,000, that might be too much.

Sandoval lives in Maricopa County but represents a district that spans parts of four counties. And while her two seatmates live in Yuma County and make far more in per diem payments, she said she has struggled to get approval for traveling around her district to meet with constituents.

All travel that isnt to or from the Capitol has to be approved by the GOP House speaker, Ben Toma.

Its a whole packet of documents that I have to submit to plead my case. And sometimes, they dont get approved, she said. But I still go, to serve my constituents.

Sandoval said the inequity in pay is a problem that needs to be solved because working as a legislator simply isnt sustainable for most people, given the demands of the job.

This is why you cant have working people represent working people, she said.

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The post Capitol pay gap: Rural lawmakers are paid twice as much as their Maricopa County peers appeared first on Arizona Mirror.
A shipping vessel left China for Brazil while sporting some new improvements last Augusta pair of 123-feet-tall, solid wings retrofitted atop its deck to harness wind power for propulsion assistance. But after its six-week maiden voyage testing the green energy tech, the Pyxis Ocean MC Shipping Kamsarmax vessel apparently had many more trips ahead of it. Six months later, its owners at the shipping company, Cargill, shared the results of those journeys this weekand it sounds like the vertical WindWing sails could offer a promising way to reduce existing vessels emissions.

Using the wind force captured by its two giant, controllable sails to boost its speed, Pyxis Ocean reportedly saved an average of 3.3 tons of fuel each day. And in optimal weather conditions, its trips through portions of the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans reduced fuel consumption by over 12 tons a day. According to Cargills math, thats an average of 14 percent less greenhouse gas emissions from the ship. On its best days, Pyxis Ocean could cut that down by 37 percent. In all, the WindWings average performance fell within 10 percent ts designers computational fluid dynamics simulation predictions.

[Related: A cargo ship with 123-foot WindWing sails has just departed on its maiden voyage .]

In total, an equally sized ship outfitted with two WindWings could annually save the same amount of emissions as removing 480 cars from roadsbut that could even be a relatively conservative estimate, according to WindWings makers at BAR Technologies.

[W]hile the Pyxis Ocean has two WindWings, we anticipate the majority of Kamsarmax vessels will carry three wings, further increasing the fuel savings and emissions reductions by a factor of 1.5, BAR Technologies CEO John Cooper said in a statement on Tuesday.

The individual success of Pyxis Ocean is encouraging news, but thats just one of the 110,000-or-so merchant ships in the world. On top of that, ports are currently designed to accommodate shipping vessels traditional proportionsthat 125-feet of height added by WindWings could potentially complicate docking in many locations. According to Jan Dieleman, president of Cargills Ocean Transportation business, theyre already working to address such issues.

Cargill is creating ways for all [wind assisted propulsion] vesselsnot just the Pyxis Oceanto operate on global trade routes, they said in this weeks announcement, adding that the company has begun talking to over 250 ports to figure out the logistics needed to accommodate such ships.
A caribou skull is seen on Feb. 21, 2012, on the frozen tundra in Bering Land Bridge National Preserve. (Photo provided by National Park Service)

A caribou skull is seen on Feb. 21, 2012, on the frozen tundra in Bering Land Bridge National Preserve. The preserve is part of the range historically used by the Western Arctic Caribou Herd. That herd and other major herds across North America are undergoing steep and nearly simultaneous declines. (Photo provided by National Park Service)

Alaska subsistence hunters struggling with caribou declines and lost hunting opportunities got a message at a gathering in Anchorage last week: They are not alone.

Across the circumpolar north, caribou herds in North America and reindeer herds in Eurasia are declining, and in some cases dramatically. In eastern Canada, herds that used to be huge have crashed spectacularly. The George River herd, which numbered over 800,000 and was North Americas largest herd in the 1990s, has declined by 99%, down to 7,200 animals and yet to show signs of recovery even though hunting was halted in 2013.

Caribou cross the Kanektok River in the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge on Aug. 25, 2009. The Mulchatna caribou herd, which ranges in the refuge, has declined sharply since the 1990s. (Photo by Allen Miller/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

Caribou cross the Kanektok River in the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge on Aug. 25, 2009. The Mulchatna caribou herd, which ranges in the refuge, has declined sharply since the 1990s. (Photo by Allen Miller/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

The Bathurst herd of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut has declined at a similarly spectacular rate, from 450,000 in 1986 to an estimated 6,240 by 2021; phased hunting restrictions culminated with a total hunting ban in 2016. Other Canadian barren-ground herds have declined by 60% to 80% and are listed by that nations government as threatened or endangered, as are Canadas boreal and mountain caribou in farther south regions.

That puts into perspective declines in key Alaska herds, said biologist Tim Fullman, one of the experts making presentations at the All-Council meeting of the Federal Subsistence Board and its regional advisory councils. Those Alaska herds include the Western Arctic herd, which has declined by two-thirds since the early 2000s, the Mulchatna herd, which has declined 94% since the 1990s, and the Nelchina herd, which has declined 83% in the same period.

In all, caribou numbers in the seven largest of Alaskas 31 caribou herds have fallen from over 900,000 to 525,000, the lowest number since 1986, Fullman said.

When I first came here, I used to say we have more caribou than we have people in the state of Alaska. But that no longer is the case, said Fullman, who is a biologist with the Wilderness Society and is also a member of the Western Arctic Caribou Herd Working Group.

Along with Fullman, U.S. Geological Survey biologist Heather Johnson and retired Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologist Jim Dau described the continent-wide trends in presentations at the meeting.

There are a few notable exceptions in Alaska to the widespread declines, they noted. The Porcupine Caribou Herd that straddles the Alaska-Canada border in the Arctic region reached a historic high in 2017, the last year a census was taken. The Central Arctic and Teshekpuk herds fluctuated but experienced recent increases.

Caribou cross water in Bering Land Bridge National Monument on July 21, 2012. (Photo by N. Herber/National Park Service)

Caribou cross water in Bering Land Bridge National Preserve on July 21, 2012. (Photo by N. Herber/National Park Service)

But the decline trend is dominant across North America. Climate change and development, both of which alter habitat, have been cited as likely reasons for widespread declines.

Though predators like wolves and bears have been blamed for some herds problems, Dau said he was skeptical about that as an explanation.

Ill tell you, its hard for me, though, to believe that all of these caribou declines in Alaska are just a coincidence or that theyre all just because we have high wolf and brown bear numbers, said Dau, who lives in Kotzebue and worked for decades monitoring the Western Arctic herd. If it was predators, I could see, you know, one or two herds going down, others coming up, but were not seeing that.

Among the most worrisome for subsistence harvesters is the trend in the Western Arctic Caribou Herd, traditionally among North Americas biggest. The herd size now stands at 152,000, according to the most recent count, down from a high of about 490,000 in 2003. That has led to recommendations for much-reduced hunting.

Dau said there is compelling evidence that climate change is at least partly responsible for the declines.

He believes, based on his observations, that the icing events that are becoming more frequent as the climate warms were tipping points for the Western Arctic herd. And he used photographs of dead caribou found in iced-over sites to illustrate his point; ice created by winter rains is known to lock away the food that the animals eat.

Retired Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologist Jim Dau, who studied the Western Arctic Caribou Herd for decades, speaks on March 7, 2024, at the annual meeting in Anchorage of Alaska's 10 regional subsistence advisory councils. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Retired Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologist Jim Dau, who studied the Western Arctic Caribou Herd for decades, speaks on March 7, 2024, at the annual meeting in Anchorage of Alaskas 10 regional subsistence advisory councils. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

In years with a lot of icing events, the caribou were often skinny by the end of winter, he said. I think there was plenty of food under the snow for the caribou to eat, because in years when icing didnt seem bad, caribou were in good shape.

Wilbur Howarth of Noorvik, a member of the Northwest Arctic Subsistence Regional Advisory Council, backed up Daus assessment.

Ive seen it. In November. I dont like rain because were so far out there and it freezes, and the caribou are almost starving, he said. The climate change is a big factor to not only our caribou in our region, but all the mammals, the fish, whats going on right now.

Winter is not the only season in which warming has created problems for the Western Arctic herd, Dau said. The summer insect season appears to have been extended by two to three weeks, meaning more harassment, more obstacles for the animals as they try to eat and put on fat and more chances that mother-calf pairs get separated, he said.

Climate change can feed into other negative forces, Dau, Fuller and Johnson said. Spread of woody shrubs onto tundra terrain not only displaces the lichen, mosses and other tundra plants that caribou eat, it draws moose and other wood-chomping animals, as well as the wolves and bears that prey on them.

Even if the widespread declines are unrelated to climate change or human activity and are instead natural fluctuations from which caribou can recover, the herds will need access to their full habitat and range if they are to do so, Dau said. I think the critical resource to ensure the long-term sustainability of caribou is space, he said.

The trend in Alaska, however, is in the other direction. Within the space that major caribou herds use, development exists, is spreading or is proposed to spread.

The Porcupine herd famously crowds into the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for calving and for summer insect relief. That area has long been proposed for oil development, and leases were sold there at the end of the Trump administration. However, actual exploration work is on hold.

The Central Arctic herd shares territory with existing oil fields, and that oil development is slated to spread as Santos prepares to build the Pikka project near the Colville River Delta.

Two caribou in the Teshekpuk herd are seen on June 27, 2014, in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. (Photo by Bob Wick/U.S. Bureau of Land Management)

Two caribou in the Teshekpuk herd are seen on June 27, 2014, in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. (Photo by Bob Wick/U.S. Bureau of Land Management)

The Teshekpuk herd is named for the vast Teshekpuk Lake, the North Slopes largest lake. Along the shores of that lake, which is within the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, or NPR-A, those caribou gather to give birth to and nurture their young. But the northeastern section of the NPR-A is increasingly being developed for oil production. ConocoPhillips huge Willow project, being built in the region, in particular is seen by some as a threat to the Teshekpuk herd. The Projects impacts to caribou and subsistence harvesting of caribou, particularly associated with roads and pipelines, has been consistently identified as a key concern by the community of Nuiqsut, which relies heavily on caribou for their sustenance and is located closest to the Project, said the last years Bureau of Land Management record of decision giving the Biden administrations go-ahead for Willow development.

For the Western Arctic herds habitat, the main development that is looming is the proposed 211-mile road that would provide access to the remote Ambler mining district in Arctic Northwest Alaska. The Ambler Access Project would enable commercial mining at multiple sites along its corridor, resulting in more truck traffic and more habitat fragmentation across the Western Arctic herds range, Dau said.

Roads have been found to affect caribou movement across North America and in Alaska in particular. Recent research by Johnson and her colleagues found negative reactions among the Central Arctic herd to North Slope oilfield traffic, and past research has shown that animals in the Western Arctic herd have trouble crossing the 52-mile road that connects the Red Dog mine to its Chukchi Sea port.

Dau brought up what he said was another development threat to Alaskas caribou: the Bureau of Land Managements possible cancellation of protections for 28 million acres of wildlife habitat.

The proposal is to end what are known as D-1 designations, so named for a provision in the 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, that he said were established to prevent development from harming subsistence harvests of wild foods.

The proposal was launched at the end of the Trump administration; that administration had already removed D-1 protections from some other lands in Alaska. Removal of the designation would allow mining and other development to proceed. After President Joe Biden took office, the Department of the Interior paused the process, citing some legal deficiencies.

A caribou is seen on June 12, 2013, in Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. (Photo by Zak Richter/National Park Service)

A caribou is seen on June 12, 2013, in Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. (Photo by Zak Richter/National Park Service)

U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, are strong advocates for removal of D-1 designations from the 28 million acres, as proposed by former Interior Secretary David Bernhardt. Murkowski and Sullivan, in a statement, called the D-1 protections outdated barriers to what should be multiple uses of those lands. But numerous tribes and environmental groups are urging the Biden administrations Department of the Interior to keep the protections in place.

Dau urged caution in any future development decisions.

Regardless of whether these declines are natural or if theyre manmade, I cant recall a time when its been more important to protect caribou and their habitat than right now, he said.

Correction: The frequency of the All-Council meeting was incorrectly stated in the original version of this article.

The post Caribou declines causing angst for Alaska hunters are part of wider North America trend appeared first on Alaska Beacon.
by Xinhua writer Gao Wencheng

BEIJING, March 14 (Xinhua) -- A recent report by British consultancy Brand Finance highlighted China's ascent to the third position in the Global Soft Power Index for 2024. This leap underscores China's growing charm and burgeoning influence on the global stage.

Brand Finance defines soft power as a country's ability to influence and attract international actors rather than coerce them. While interpretations of soft power differ, it generally represents a country's appeal, influence and charisma, as opposed to the awe and dread associated with hard power.

China's surge in soft power can be attributed to various factors. To begin with, the ascent has much to do with the appeal and innovation of traditional Chinese culture. As Joseph Nye, an American political scientist who coined the term soft power, put it, one of the sources of China's soft power is traditional Chinese culture, which remains attractive.

Recent events like Year of the Dragon celebrations at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York have once again showcased the charm of Chinese culture and captivated audiences worldwide. Such elements as language, traditional medicine, Tai Chi and calligraphy have also gained popularity overseas.

Meanwhile, modern Chinese culture is also trending. Productions like "The Three-Body Problem" and "The Wandering Earth" have garnered international traction, and Chinese games like "Genshin Impact" have successfully entered overseas markets.

Another driver is the robust new momentum of China's development, whose spillover effect has created more opportunities for the world. The success of online retail platforms like Temu and Shein and the international recognition of Chinese electric vehicles serve as good examples.

China's emphasis on innovation-driven development has positioned it at the forefront of crucial fields like digital technology and renewable energy. That not only boosts China's economy but also offers quality products and services that meet the needs of global consumers, fostering a shared sense of progress and prosperity.

Also propelling China's soft power is the increasing global recognition of the principles it upholds and practices as a responsible major country.

Through China's engagement in promoting multilateral cooperation and its consistent efforts to address pressing international challenges, resolve regional conflicts and push for a fairer global governance system, the world sees a country committed to the common good of humanity.

China's development model also serves as a viable alternative for many developing nations in their quest for modernization, offering valuable insights into balancing political stability, economic growth and social governance.

The tangible results yielded from the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and other Chinese proposals have continuously strengthened the world's appreciation of China's positive national image and contributed to the ongoing enhancement of China's soft power.

For example, the China International Import Expo and other Chinese exhibitions "reflect the desire of China to cooperate with other countries to achieve common interests in a way that reflects joint development for China and the world," said Diaa Helmy, secretary-general of the Cairo-based Egyptian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, adding that "those initiatives and expos are an indication that China opens its arms to all to achieve win-win cooperation."

Consistency between words and deeds defines China's soft power. This is precisely why China is poised to synergize its growing soft and hard power and make more contributions to world peace and development. 
Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) is ahead of Republican David McCormick in Pennsylvanias closely watched Senate race, according to a poll released Thursday, though his lead has narrowed since February.

The Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey in Pennsylvania found Casey with 45 percent support to McCormicks 41 percent in a potential general election match-up, while another 14 percent were undecided.

When undecided voters are forced to make a pick of which candidate they lean toward, Caseys support climbs to 52 percent, and McCormicks to 48 percent.

While the incumbent holds a 4-point lead, its a narrower margin than the 10-point gap recorded in February, when Casey pulled in 49 percent to McCormicks 39 percent.

McCormick ran unsuccessfully for retiring Sen. Pat Toomeys (R-Pa.) seat back in 2022, losing the Republican nomination to Mehmet Oz  who in turn went on to lose in the general to current Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.).

Now, McCormick is back for another shot at the upper chamber, teeing up a faceoff with Casey in the general as Republicans try to flip the Keystone States seat. The election handicapper Cook Political Report rates Caseys seat as a leans-Democratic.

The primary for the Senate race is slated for April 23.

Independent voters break significantly for Casey, 42 percent to 29 percent, with another 29 percent undecided, according to the new poll.

A notable 9 percent of former voters for Donald Trump plan to split their ticket to vote for the Democratic senator, while just 3 percent of Biden voters said theyd vote for McCormick.

Biden and Trump this week both scored the delegates they need to clinch their respective party nominations. In a general election test, the poll found Trump had 47 percent of Pennsylvania voters to Bidens 43 percent.

The poll was conducted March 10-13 among 1,000 registered voters and has a credibility interval, which is similar to a polls margin of error, of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPMs Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version.

Spot The Easy Mark

Donald Trump is facing more than half a billion dollar in civil judgments that threaten his personal finances, and hes running behind Biden in campaign fundraising. While Trump has always been an easy mark from a national security perspective, the new cash crunch brought on by his big court losses makes him even more vulnerable to outside influence, whether thats foreign adversaries, lobbying campaigns, or the personal intervention of big donors protecting their own interests.

Trumps big reversal on whether to effectively ban TikTok in the U.S. is not the first time Trump has flipped his position on TikTok when it would benefit a billionaire donor, but Trumps own personal financial position is considerably weaker now than it was then.

Chris Hayes went a bit deeper on the the ways in which Trumps compromised position can and will dictate policy choices, but in ways that are unpredictable, fleeting, purely transactional, and which wont line up neatly or consistently.

.@chrislhayes: Part of Trump's appeal in 2016 was the lie that his personal wealth would allow him to self-fund his campaign and make him immune to outside influence.



That's even less true today. Trump is strapped for cash, and his political positions are up for sale. pic.twitter.com/N9ZXnvgNoD  All In with Chris Hayes (@allinwithchris) March 14, 2024

More on this from Brian Beutler: Trumps Corruption-Policy Nexus Comes Into Focus.

I have to resist the temptation to include in Morning Memo a reminder every damn day that the Trump Republican Party has no party platform.

The divorce of policy from ideology and ideology from policy has been a long time coming in the GOP. Its not a Trump creation, but it did pave the way for Trump. It creates laboratory conditions for graft, fraud, undue influence, and transactional politics in which the public interest is largely an irrelevance. It is a foundational element of authoritarian politics. Everything is for sale, and the strong man is the seller.

TikTok Bill Faces Tough Road In Senate

The House-passed bill forcing Tik Toks Chinese parent to divest its U.S. operation or face a ban in the states faces uncertain prospects in the Senate. It doesnt appear likely the Senate will pass the House bill as-is, but what emerges from the Senate and whether it can pass the House again remains a work in progress.

In the meantime, a smart David Sanger piece on how the current approach on the Hill doesnt really address the underlying security threat: In the four years this battle has gone on, it has become clear that the security threat posed by TikTok has far less to do with who owns it than it does with who writes the code and algorithms that make TikTok tick.

Georgia RICO Counts Tossed

A significant win for some of the defendants, including Donald Trump, in the Georgia RICO case, where the judge agreed that some of the counts in the indictment were too vague as a matter of law and dismissed six of the 41 counts.

Atlanta District Attorney Fani Willis can re-file those counts with more specificity if she chooses to and has the facts to do so. But for now chalk this up as a victory for the defense team.

Keep On Confessing, Bub

Ahead of a daylong hearing today in the Mar-a-Lago case to argue over two of Trumps frivolous motions to dismiss, the man continues to provide evidence against himself:

Trump: I took [the documents] very legally. And I wasnt hiding them. pic.twitter.com/WBAZ25bLLX  Acyn (@Acyn) March 14, 2024

The Full CNN Interview With Brian Butler

Trump Employee 5 spills the tea on the Mar-a-Lago coverup:

Red Alert

Former OAN reporter Christina Bobb, a Big lie proponent who touted the Arizona 2020 audit and as Trumps attorney was deeply entangled in the Mar-a-Lago classified documents coverup, is being installed at the new Trump-controlled RNC as a as senior counsel for election integrity.

TPMs Election Threat Mini-Series

Our newest reporter, Khaya Himmelman (welcome, Khaya!), has compiled an introductory series of posts about the threats to the upcoming election and some of the attempts to address those threats:

These types of stories will be a big part of Khayas coverage this year, so if you have tips on threats to election workers, Big Lie proponents embarking on new crusades, voter suppression, and the like, you can send them to our tip line. Put Welcome, Khaya! in the subject line so she can spot them. Thanks in advance!

2024 Ephemera

CO-04 : District-switching Rep. Lauren Boebert wont run in the Colorado special election to finish the term of the resigning Rep. Ken Buck, but will instead finish out her term representing the CO-03 and continue to run in the regular election to fill Bucks seat for a full term.

OH-Sen : Democrats are meddling in next weeks GOP Senate primary by boosting Trump-backed Republican Bernie Moreno, whom they consider a weaker general election opponent for Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH).

Vice President Kamala Harris will be the first president or vice president to tour an abortion clinic when she visits Minnesota today.

Essential Reading

Nikole Hannah-Jones for NYT Mag: How the colorblindness trap hijacked a civil rights ideal

Hmmm 

The Guardian: Alexander Smirnov, the former FBI informant indicted for spreading lies about the Bidens and Burisma, was paid $600,000 in 2020 by a U.S. company that is connected to a UK company owned by Trump business associates in Dubai.

The Tropiest Of Political/Journalistic Tropes

Alexandra Petri on the maddening if everyones mad, you must be doing something right trope embraced as validation by assholes everywhere.

Do you like Morning Memo? Let us know!
Neal Lloyd was arrested in October, police said

A man has been charged with inciting racial hatred in relation to comments posted online last year.

Neal Lloyd, 61, of St Andrews Road, Castleford, was arrested on 20 October, Counter Terrorism Policing North East said.

The comments are alleged to have related to the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Mr Lloyd was bailed shortly after his arrest and is due to appear before magistrates in Leeds on Friday.

Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk.
Celebrate and discover at Shades of Beauty!

Augustana College invites women to share, discover and celebrate their beauty! Director of Student Inclusion and Diversity Ashley Allen spoke with Our Quad Cities News about the Shades of Beauty Summit.

For more information, click here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah (ABC4)  South Salt Lake City Council member Paul Sanchez was arrested on suspicion of criminal trespassing Wednesday night after being censured by the council last week.

According to jail dockets, Sanchez was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail around 8 p.m. and is facing a criminal trespassing charge.

PREVIOUS STORY: South Salt Lake City Council member censured for social media posts

Police say they arrested him at the South Salt Lake City Hall after they provided [him] with a written notice of trespass and he allegedly said officers will have to arrest him as he was not going to leave, the probable cause stated.

The City Council unanimously voted to censure Sanchez on March 6, suspending him from several council activities and communications, including participating in council meetings in person. He instead is required to attend via Zoom.

On Wednesday, at 7 p.m., the first City Council meeting was held since the official censure.

The city said Sanchez was served a trespass notice when he violated the censure and arrived to attend the City Council meeting in person.

Because he refused to leave City Hall, made clear his verbal intention to enter the building, and blocked an entrance he was arrested, the city said.

Sanchez told ABC4 he has been super critical of the city online through his social media platforms. I feel like the only way to expose the truth is to put public pressure on it, he said.

He continued to say it is also within the other elected officials rights to use their social media to give their side of the issue.

What isnt within their right is to tell me I cant show up to City Council meetings, Sanchez said. Im a duly elected official and I have the constitutional right to say whats on my mind covered by the First Amendment. And whats also covered by the First Amendment is for me to do my job and to show up and to be in council meetings.

The censorship came after Sanchez performed a series of social media actions that the council deemed violations of several rules, including the requirements of treating other council members with respect and refraining from posting personal attacks on social media.

The council adopted these rules in order to promote respectful and civil interactions with members of the public, city staff, and other elected officials and to provide an appropriate atmosphere in which to conduct necessary city business, the city said.

Sanchez, however, says that the censure was not just regarding his social media posts but was part of an effort to silence him after he called attention to alleged corruption within the city. He said he will not rest until he holds several elected city officials accountable for betray[ing] their oaths and committing heinous transgressions.

He also says he plans on filing a restraining order against the South Salt Lake Police Department.

While it is unfortunate that the city has been forced to take these actions, we are obligated to conduct city business in a safe environment and protect the City Council members and staff  as well as the residents and community members who attend the City Council meetings, the city said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
The Central Bucks School board has taken its first step to dismantle a controversial policy that restricted classroom conversations and displays considered partisan.

The board on Tuesday approved a first reading of the revised Policy 321 which outlines political activities for employees that removes language adopted last year. The board could hold a second, final vote on the policy next month.

The Central Bucks School board has taken its first step toward reversing a policy that restricted classroom discussions and displays considered partisan

More new CBSD news Central Bucks to pay suspended teacher, attorneys $425k, remove references to report

Policy 321 is one of a handful of controversial directives adopted by the previous GOP-controlled board over the last two year that contributed to a bitter divide in the community. The new Democratic-majority suspended those policies after taking control in December, fulfilling a campaign promise.

The vote to revert to the policys original language was 5-1 with James Pepper voting no. Pepper was among the previous GOP-majority board members who approved changing the policy. Board member Rick Haring was absent.

Under the policy updated in January 2023 were restrictions of teacher discussions and displays of political, sociopolitical, sexual orientation, gender identity or religious beliefs not directly part of their curriculum."

The previous board contended the policy was not aimed at restricting free expression or silencing marginalized students, but a protection against indoctrination or endorsement of partisan, political or social policy matters.

The ACLU of Pennsylvania and the nonprofit legal group Education Law Center expressed concerns that it was overbroad, discriminatory and plainly intended to chill educators support for LGBTQ students.

The original language of Policy 321 restricted district employees from engaging in political activity using district resources, property, and equipment and prohibited such activity during work hours while performing assigned duties.

Board member Heather Reynolds expressed her support for returning to the previous policy language, stating that the district doesnt need a policy for neutrality.

She pointed out that ignoring the real world and avoiding conversations and situations students will encounter doesnt help them. She added that educators are the ones the community should trust to guide such discussions.

Ignoring tough issues doesnt make them go away. Our kids will lose if we do that. We must prepare them for the real world, she added. Neutrality doesnt do that. Only courageous and compassionate conversations will.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Central Bucks starts to reverse policy restricting partisan talk, displays
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) The Champaign Rotary Club is on mission to fight drug addiction in the community.

Champaign Rotary will be setting up a committee and were going to be learning how to distribute Narcan, how to deal with the used drugs that people have in their medicine cabinets so that we can neutralize them, said club President, Carol Timms.

Timms said they they are joining a national effort by teaming up with Larry Kenemore, the chair of Rotary Action Group for Addiction Prevention in North America.

The increase of addiction and overdose is actually in the 14 to 18 year olds. Its a 169% increase, Kenemore said.

Donate a pint, drink a pint: Riggs hosting blood drive with ImpactLife

Part of the plan includes setting up drug drop off boxes around Champaign County, where anyone can dump both drugs on the street or old medications from the medicine cabinet.

He has some bottles that have active charcoal in them. You put the opioids in there and they instantly are neutralized, Timms said.

Timms said it is something that will help everyone in the community.

The issues is that if you dump your used opioids in the toilet, it gets into our water system, she added.

Kenemore said we need more Kloxxado and Narcan, which reverse opioid overdoses, in the community to help save lives.

Piatt Co. firefighters propose tax bump for daytime help

John Hopkins University research shows that you need a minimum of 20% in your community to save some lives, 40% in your community to save a lot of lives, he added.

Kenemore said their goal is to achieve two main things: changing lives and saving lives.

Champaign Rotary is still working out the details for when and where theyll place the drug disposal kiosk. Kenemore says theyve already implemented this program in Kansas, Michigan and California.

The national project is called SMART. Each letter represents a piece of the mission: S- School education, M-Medicine and drug disposal, A- Awareness, R-Recovery and T-Treatment.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Chicago police looking for 3 men after aggravated robbery on CTA Purple Line train

CHICAGO  Chicago police are asking for help finding three people in connection with an aggravated robbery earlier this month on a CTA Purple Line train.

Just before 6 p.m. on March 1, three people approached someone, beat them and took their property near the Adams and Wabash stop.

Read more: Latest Chicago news headline

According to Chicago police, one of the three men implied they had a weapon.

Anyone with information is asked to call Mass Transit detectives at 312-745-4706.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Representatives of the Chinese Defence Ministry and the North Atlantic Alliance held their eighth meeting in Beijing on 13 March as part of the military dialogue on security policy.

Source: European Pravda; NATO; Chinese Defence Ministry

Details: The Chinese statement said the parties exchanged views on "defence exchanges between China and NATO, international and regional situation."

The Alliance indicated that their delegation was headed by Major General Dacian-Tiberiu Serban, Director of the Cooperative Security Division, and the Chinese delegation was led by Major General Yao Qin, Deputy Director of the International Military Cooperation Office.

"Topics covered at the meeting included: the global and regional security landscapes, with emphasis on Russias illegal invasion of Ukraine; maritime security; and issues of common concern," NATO said in a statement.

Representatives of the alliance separately stressed the importance of such negotiations, which are "a valuable forum to address shared concerns and interests and to foster transparency".

The talks took place a week after Sweden joined NATO by becoming its 32nd member. Before that, the last round of military-level talks between China and NATO took place in February 2023 at the Alliance's headquarters in Brussels.

In December, the heads of the US and Chinese armies held their first video conference talks in a year and a half.

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(Bloomberg) -- China pledged central government funds to encourage consumers and businesses to replace old goods and equipment, a pillar of its plan for economic growth of about 5% this year.

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The action plan aims to increase spending on equipment in sectors such as industry, agriculture, transport, education and health care by at least 25% by 2027 compared with last year, the State Council said in a statement on Wednesday. It also intends to double the recovery of older cars and raise that of used home appliances by 30% during the period.

The program will get support from the central government budget alongside tax breaks and targeted lending from banks, the cabinet added. The statements didnt specify the amount of government funding for the program, which was first mentioned by President Xi Jinping in February as a way of boosting demand for goods.

Chinas 2024 growth target is seen as ambitious because the economy faces weak domestic demand caused by a housing slump and low confidence among businesses and consumers. Those forces are also leading to deflation, which is increasing tensions over Chinas exports.

The plan should add 0.7 percentage points of growth each year until 2027, said Pantheon Macroeconomics Chief China Economist Duncan Wrigley. Most of the boost will come from support for car purchases, he said.

The action plan includes incremental support each year up to 2027, putting a floor under domestic demand and providing space for industrial restructuring and resolving property sector issues without resorting to a big credit stimulus, he added.

Officials are drafting rules and standards for rolling out the car replacement program, which could be launched in the second quarter, Chinese media outlet Cailian reported Thursday, citing sources in the industry whom it didnt name.

China stocks fluctuated on Thursday, with the benchmark CSI 300 Index closing down 0.3%. The yuan traded onshore slipped 0.08% to 7.1927 versus the greenback.

Read More: China Sets GDP Goal That Needs Policy Support From All Fronts

Ding Shuang, chief economist for Greater China and North Asia at Standard Chartered Plc, said the equipment upgrade and consumer goods trade-in program may be the closest well get in terms of direct stimulus targeting consumers. Addressing manufacturing overcapacity that has sparked growing tensions with trade partners may also be part of the considerations behind the initiative, he said.

We are in an election year for a number of countries, he said. The competitive prices of Chinese products could indeed trigger more tensions with trading partners.

I believe policymakers also took into consideration the de-globalization trend, the investigations into some of Chinas products and government subsidies, Ding said.

In October, the European Union launched an inquiry into whether China was providing illegal financial support for the electric vehicle industry. Beijing later launched an anti-dumping investigation into brandy imported from the EU, a move seen as a retaliation against France, which supported the EV probe.

Further Spending

If China spends around 800 billion yuan ($111 billion) to provide a subsidy of 20% for purchases of upgraded cars, major home appliances and equipment, it could induce further spending of that amount this year, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. economists estimated in a recent report.

The State Council, which co-ordinates Chinas government ministries, said equipment upgrades would focus on industrial equipment and items such as residential elevators. Consumer goods trade-ins will target home decoration products besides appliances, it said.

Chinas state planning agency, the National Development and Reform Commission, said that it would work with relevant authorities to increase fiscal, financial, taxation, and other policy support for the equipment plan, without giving an amount for the support.

Meanwhile, an economist who advises the government said China needs to boost domestic demand and adjust its industrial policy to counter rising criticism from the US and Europe.

We should pay serious attention and recognize that this could be an important development in geopolitics, Huang Yiping, dean of the National School of Development at Peking University, said during an online forum before the action plan was published.

A widespread protectionist wave against Chinese products would be bad for Chinas future development and innovation, he said.

--With assistance from Fran Wang.

(Updates with details, economists comments.)

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"BYD is an entrepreneurial story, a market-led success story. This is not a story of the government created a company that dominates the EV market," Bill Russo, AmCham Shanghai Automotive Committee Chair told Xinhua.





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The US House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill that would force TikTok to divest from its parent company or face a nationwide ban (Michael M. Santiago)

Steve Mnuchin, the former US treasury secretary under Donald Trump, said Thursday he was preparing a buyout bid of TikTok, as Beijing blasted a bill moving through Congress that would force the sale of the Chinese-owned video-sharing app.

TikTok has soared in popularity worldwide, but its ownership by Chinese technology giant ByteDance -- and alleged subservience to Beijing's ruling Communist Party -- has fuelled national security concerns in Western capitals.

On Wednesday, the US House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill that would force TikTok to divest from its parent company or face a nationwide ban.

The bill is yet to pass the Senate, where it is expected to face a tougher test in order to become law.

The White House has said President Joe Biden would sign the bill -- known officially as the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act -- if it reaches his desk.

Mnuchin on Thursday said he is putting together a team of investors to buy TikTok from its Chinese owners, once the bill passes.

"I think the legislation should pass and I think (TikTok) should be sold," Mnuchin, an investment banker who led the Treasury Department throughout Trump's term in office, told CNBC.

Mnuchin said TikTok was "a great business and I'm going to put together a group to buy" the embattled app.

"This should be owned by US businesses. There's no way that the Chinese would ever let a US company own something like this in China," he said.

China has blocked Western online platforms such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) for years on its heavily-censored internet.

TikTok didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.

Mnuchin gave no further details on his plan, nor the investors he was trying to assemble.

ByteDance, which is privately run, has major US shareholders including investment giants Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and General Atlantic as well as Silicon Valley stalwart Sequoia Capital.

Hedge funder Jeff Yass is also a major investor in ByteDance and is reported by US media as being among those lobbying against the bill.

In a turnaround from his earlier stance, Trump this week said he is against the bill, but denied accusations that he changed his tune because Yass is donating to his campaign.

Any divestment of TikTok, either as a whole or just its US operations, would be a huge challenge, notably in the courts, and a transaction that only the world's richest companies could afford.

Any attempt by a US tech giant to buy TikTok, with its 170 million US users, would almost certainly face intense antitrust scrutiny.

- 'Bandit logic' -

Beijing sharply criticized the bill giving no indication that it would allow a sale of TikTok from ByteDance.

"The US should truly respect the principles of a market economy and fair competition (and) stop unjustly suppressing foreign companies," Beijing's commerce ministry spokesperson He Yadong said at a press conference.

"China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests," he said, adding a call for Washington to "provide an open, fair, just, and non-discriminatory environment for foreign companies to invest and operate in the US."

At a separate press briefing, foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said the vote "runs contrary to the principles of fair competition and international economic and trade rules".

"If so-called reasons of national security can be used to arbitrarily suppress excellent companies from other countries, then there is no fairness and justice at all," Wang said.

"When someone sees a good thing another person has and tries to take it for themselves, this is entirely the logic of a bandit."

TikTok has consistently denied that it is under the control of China's Communist Party.

Its CEO Shou Zi Chew has urged users to speak out against the vote, and several TikTok creators interviewed by AFP voiced opposition to the proposed ban.

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(Bloomberg) -- China called on the US to stop unreasonably suppressing TikTok, as the app used by 170 million Americans moves to the center of lingering tensions between the superpowers.

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The US should respect the market economy and the principle of fair competition, Commerce Ministry spokesman He Yadong said at a regular press briefing in Beijing on Thursday. China will take all measures to resolutely defend its lawful rights and interests.

Speaking at a separate briefing in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said the US hasnt shown that TikTok is a threat to national security.

The handling of the incident by the US will allow the world to see more clearly whether the so-called rules and order of the US are for the benefit of the world or only serve the US itself, Wang added.

Read More: US House Passes Bill That Would Force TikTok Sale or Ban It

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed a bill to ban TikTok in the US unless its Chinese owner sells the video-sharing service, mounting the most serious challenge yet to an an app critics call a national-security threat.

If it becomes law, the bill will force a fresh showdown with China, whose leaders came out against a sale when President Joe Biden previously pressed TikToks owner ByteDance Ltd. to sell. Biden has said hed sign the legislation if it passes. The bill now moves to the US Senate.

Relations between China and the US have stabilized since Biden met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in California in November, repairing a relationship that frayed for much of 2023.

Chinas Commerce Ministry also hit out at the US after Biden pledged to look into a petition from a group of unions asking his administration to review Beijings subsidies for shipbuilders.

The accusations are unfounded, He said, and Washington shouldnt blame Beijing for issues in its shipbuilding industry.

Read More: Biden Eyes Chinese Shipbuilding Subsidies as Tensions Simmer

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China warned the US that a ban on TikTok would come back to bite Washington as lawmakers approved a bill on Wednesday that could lead to the Chinese-owned video-sharing app being banned nationwide.

Ahead of Wednesdays vote by the US House of Representatives, the Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned the proposed ban, calling it an act of bullying.

Although the United States has never found evidence that TikTok threatens US national security, it has not stopped suppressing TikTok, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said.

He said a ban on the app disrupts companies normal business activity, damages the confidence of international investors in the investment environment, and damages the normal international economic and trade order.

In the end, this will inevitably come back to bite the United States itself, Mr Wenbin said, according to AFP.

US lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have long expressed concern about the Byte Dance-owned app, citing national security concerns.

Republican and Democrat lawmakers from many US states have expressed concerns that the Chinese government could force TikToks Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to hand over the data of US citizens using the app.

TIkToks owner Byte Dance has however rubbished such claims.

Now, the bill passed in the US House into the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act with bipartisan support may lead to a nationwide ban of the app.

In a rare show of bipartisanship, the bill passed on a 352-65 vote with 50 Democrats and 15 Republicans voting in opposition.

The bill now heads to the Senate, where it is unclear whether it may pass with enough support.

Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer said he would consult with relevant committee leaders to see what their views would be regarding the bill.

President Joe Biden has said he would sign the bill if it reaches his desk.

If the bill were signed into law, it would ban TikTok from US app stores unless the video-sharing platform  used by over 170 million Americans  is sold by ByteDance within a stipulated time of about six months.

The social media apps chief Shou Chew said the company has invested in keeping user data safe and our platform free from outside manipulation.

Mr Chew warned that if the bill were to be passed into law, it could impact hundreds of thousands of American jobs and take billions of dollars out of the pockets of creators and small businesses.
There is just one thing wrong with the Swiss chocolate company Nestle: it sells too much chocolate. That seems to be the view of one of its large investors, Legal & Generals investment management arm, which has ganged up with a shareholder action group to table a resolution at Nestles AGM in April committing the company to switch from selling chocolate to healthier products. Most graciously, it adds that it is not ordering Nestle to divest from its chocolate business entirely.

There is an obvious question which flows from this: why, if you have a moral objection to people eating chocolate, why did you buy the shares of a chocolate company in the first place? I dont imagine, for example, that the Methodist church invests its ministers pensions in, say, in Heineken. So why doesnt Legal & General sell its stake and invest its clients money in beansprout-makers instead?

But then, I suppose, if it couldnt throw its weight around at company AGMs, it wouldnt be able to demonstrate how it was seeking to build a better society, as it puts it on its website  a mission statement which pointedly appears a little above the objective of earning its clients a decent return on their investments.

It is little wonder that so many people are retiring on inadequate pensions when the people managing them are more interested in reforming society under their personal principles than they are in making money for pensioners. From debanking Nigel Farage to dumping oil and gas companies, capitalism in Britain seems to have been infiltrated by do-gooders who will jump on any leftish bandwagon that happens to be passing.

I say leftish because no-one could accuse them of being quite anti-capitalist. Their commitment to solving social problems seems to stop short when it comes to one popular issue on the left: the yawning gap between the wealthiest one per cent and the rest of society. No amount of posturing on social issues stopped Legal & General paying its executive directors, Sir Nigel Wilson and Jeff Davies, 3.96 million and 2.41 million respectively in 2022. They are heading for a more profitable retirement than my  very minor  holding in Legal & General shares is earning me: they are down 5 per cent since I bought them.

The good news is that investors seem to have had enough of fund managers using their money for the purposes of moralising. Last year, investors pulled 2.5 billion out of investment funds which advertise their ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) credentials. ESG funds, as a result, have been some of the poorest performers over the past few months. As enlightened investors are learning, using your retirement savings to change the world comes at a hefty cost.

But none of us  even those of us who would run a mile from an ESG fund  can afford to be smug. Shareholder action, and wider protest against some of our largest companies, is having a deleterious performance on the economy. We have ended up with a Conservative government which thinks nothing of imposing hefty windfall taxes on oil and gas companies  even to the point, in some cases, of wiping out their profits altogether. It is little wonder that we have ended up desperate for imported gas, and with our heavy industries forced to pay five times as much for their energy as do their US competitors.

Nestle, of course, is not a British company, even if it makes some of Britains most popular chocolate bars. But our economic prospects look pretty grim when we have pension fund managers trying to stop companies doing what they do best. Pension funds should be demanding they drop the ethical guff and start earning better returns.

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Model and actress Christie Brinkley was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer, while attending the checkup of one of her daughters, she said Wednesday.

While the doctor checked her daughter, Brinkley decided to ask him to take a quick look at her.

"It wasn't my appointment so I wasn't going to say anything but at the VERY end I asked if he could just look at a little tiny dot I could feel as I applied my foundation," Brinkley wrote in a post on Instagram. "He took a look and knew immediately it needed a biopsy!"

The doctor determined she had basal cell carcinoma, which millions of people are diagnosed with each year, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Almost all basal cell carcinomas can be successfully removed without complications if there's early detection and treatment, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Brinkley said her case was caught early. "And I had great doctors that removed the cancer and stitched me up to perfection like an haute couture Dior," she wrote.

Brinkley urged her followers to be diligent with sun protection. She said she got serious about it late, but is now focused on applying SPF 30 and wearing long sleeves and hats with wide brims. Brinkley also called regular total body checks a must.

Most skin cancer cases are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, tanning beds or sunlamps, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency advises staying in the shade, covering up outside and using sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher whenever the UV index is 3 or higher. Local UV index information is available on the Environmental Protection Agency website.

"So make your own good luck by making that check up appointment today," Brinkley wrote. "And slather up my friends!"

Why a judge dismissed some charges against Trump, others in Georgia election case

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Watch: Schumer says Netanyahu "has lost his way," calls for election in Israel
WASHINGTON  Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) on Thursday called on Israel to make significant course corrections in Gaza, urging the country to protect civilians, allow in humanitarian aid and hold new elections, in a huge rebuke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government.

Palestinian civilians do not deserve to suffer for the sins of Hamas and Israel has a moral obligation to do better. The United States must do better, Schumer said on the Senate floor.

Netanyahu, Schumer continued, has lost his way by allowing his political survival to take precedence over the best interests of Israel.

The Netanyahu coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel after Oct. 7. The world has changed  radically  since then, and the Israeli people are being stifled right now by a governing vision that is stuck in the past, he added.

Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish official in American history and the first Jewish Senate majority leader, has been a staunch supporter of Israel following the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas and the military campaign to return Israeli hostages being held in Gaza. His speech on Thursday was a seismic shift in his approach to the conflict. The New York senator has been under growing pressure from progressives who believe Israel needs to do more to prevent the loss of innocent lives in Gaza, where the death toll has reportedly topped 30,000.

Beyond calling for new elections, Schumer staked out a new position in support of President Joe Bidens administration using alternative tools  including potentially conditioning aid  to put increased pressure on the Netanyahu government.

If extremists continue to unduly influence Israeli policy, then the administration should use tools at its disposal to make sure our support for Israel is aligned with our broader goal of achieving long-term peace and stability in the region, Schumer said.

Last week, eight members of the Democratic caucus sent a letter to Biden urging him to enforce federal law by requiring Netanyahus government to stop restricting humanitarian aid access to Gaza or lose U.S. military aid to Israel.

Federal law is clear, and, given the urgency of the crisis in Gaza, and the repeated refusal of Prime Minister Netanyahu to address U.S. concerns on this issue, immediate action is necessary to secure a change in policy by his government, the senators wrote in the letter.

Netanyahu, the leader of the right-wing Likud party, is currently in his third stint as Israels prime minister, but this one is different than the previous two. He most recently came to power in 2022 on the back of a coalition that included extreme far-right political parties, some with roots in the fascistic terrorist movement led by the late Rabbi Meir Kahane. Netanyahus coalition partners are fanatics who question democracy, support the full annexation of the West Bank and endorse pogroms against Palestinians.

Schumer explicitly called out Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir as the extremist elements in Netanyahus government who must go. He declared that both ministers, who represent far-right settler parties, openly support violence by settlers in the West Bank against Palestinians.

As long as they hold their positions of power, no true progress will be made, Schumer said.

In his speech Thursday, Schumer also pointed the finger at Hamas, calling on the militant group to agree to a deal to release Israeli hostages and expressing frustration with media coverage that was critical only of Israel. Furthermore, he chided protesters of Israels military campaign who have failed to acknowledge the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas.

It bothers me deeply that most media outlets covering this war, and many protesters opposing it, have placed the blame for civilian casualties entirely on Israel, Schumer said. All too often, in the media and at protests, it is never noted that Hamas has gone to great lengths to make themselves inseparable from the civilian population of Gaza by using Palestinians as human shields.

Senate Democrats arent completely united in the U.S. approach to Israels war in Gaza, however. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), to the delight of Republicans who have criticized him in the past, has emerged as a staunch supporter of Israels military campaign, including its plans to enter the Gaza Strips southern city of Rafah.

I dont believe we should be intervening in any of that, Fetterman told HuffPost on Thursday, in a break with Schumer. I wouldnt want any nation, even our closest allies, to have influence on our elections.

Republicans similarly criticized Schumer for calling on Israel to hold new elections.

Israels unity government and security cabinet deserves the deference befiting a sovereign democratic country, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said on the Senate floor shortly after Schumer spoke.

It is grotesque and hypocritical for Americans who hyperventilate about foreign interference in our own democracy to call for the removal of a democratically elected leader of Israel, he added.

During a press conference at a GOP retreat in West Virginia, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) called Schumers message highly inappropriate.

Its just plain wrong, for an American leader to play such a divisive role in Israeli politics, while our closest ally in the region is in an existential battle for its very survival, he said.

The clash over U.S. support for Israels military campaign in Gaza will continue next week ahead of a key deadline to fund parts of the federal government, including the State Department. Democrats are pushing to restore funding to UNRWA, the United Nations main Palestinian relief agency. The U.S. paused its support for the agency after Israel accused 12 of the agencys workers of participating in the deadly Oct. 7 Hamas attack.

Republicans want to make the pause permanent, however, complicating negotiations over a deal needed to avert a partial government shutdown.

Jonathan Nicholson contributed reporting.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Transit advocates are expected to turn up the heat on city officials during a City Council hearing Wednesday over promised bus lanes.

Advocates argue that Mayor Eric Adams has not complied with the Streets Plan law, which mandated that the city build 30 miles of bus lanes. The Adams administration completed 5.2 miles of bus lanes in 2023, less than 20% of whats mandated.

Advocates also said that buses have gotten slower.

Congestion pricing is also expected to be discussed during the meeting. While New York and New Jersey battle it out in court, New Yorkers are getting ready to dig deeper for driving their car or taking a rideshare below 60th Street.

Westfield breaks lease with MTA at Fulton Center transit hub over safety concerns

The MTA promised that the money generated from congestion pricing would be funneled into subway and bus improvements.

Gov. Kathy Hochul defended congestion pricing on The View, saying, Were at a crisis. I can walk faster in heels now weve got a public safety problem as well.

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who approved the plan in 2019, weighed in on it in an op-ed piece this week. He said in part, What impact will an additional $15 entry surcharge have on New York Citys recovery in this moment  when the migrant crisis, crime, homelessness, quality of life and taxes are all pressing problems? More important, the policys success hinges on peoples confidence that mass transit is a safe alternative.

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.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A Clearwater man accused of vandalizing a LGBTQ+ pride mural in south Florida faced a bench warrant after nearly missing his own arraignment.

A Palm Beach County judge issued the warrant for Dylan Brewer, 19, after neither he nor his attorney showed up to the hearing.

The warrant was recalled literally seconds before the hearing adjourned because Brewers attorney appeared on his behalf via Zoom, according to a release from the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council. The organization said he showed up about two hours into the proceedings.

Prime suspect in Madeline Soto murder case gets spring trial date, court records say

The attorney told the court he was late because he filed to wave the arraignment earlier this week, but it did not make it onto the court docket.

An arraignment is when a defendant appears before the court to acknowledge the charges against them and enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. If it is waived, the defendant does not have to appear before the court. Instead, their attorney will submit a written plea on his behalf.

Court records documented Brewers lengthy no-show and indicated the bench warrant was recalled. The clerk noted the warrant never left the clerks office.

Brewer is scheduled to appear in court for a status hearing on April 30.

Previous report: Clearwater man vandalized LGBTQ+ pride mural in south Florida, police say

Last month, Brewer was accused of intentionally performing multiple burnouts in an intersection painted to look like the LGBTQ+ pride flag, according to Delray Beach police. Witness video posted to social media sparked outrage.

Several clips sent to police showed dark-colored pickup truck leaving black marks across the intersection as its tires squealed, police said.

Brewer was charged with criminal mischief (over $1,000) and reckless driving. He faces up to five years in prison if convicted of felony criminal mischief and up to a year for the misdemeanor charge.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
CLEARWATER, Fla. - A former employee of a preschool in Clearwater is facing some disturbing allegations.

Noel Savoy, 56, is charged with nine counts of child abuse, stemming from incidents involving five victims all around one-year-old at Kid City USA preschool and daycare, the Clearwater Police Department said.

Wednesday, a judge set her bond at $45,000 total  $5,000 for each count. The judge also said she cant have any contact with the victims or anyone under the age of 18, other than her children, if she has any. It wasnt determined in court whether she had any children of her own.

RELATED: Clearwater child care worker fired, arrested after handling multiple babies in rough manner: Police

Clearwater police said officers were called to the preschool located on McMullen Booth Road on Feb. 14 after an employee saw Savoy handling children in a rough manner. Officers arrested Savoy on Tuesday. Police said she admitted to detectives that her actions were wrong and couldve resulted in injuring the children.

According to her arrest affidavit, the centers security cameras show Savoy "yanking" infants in and out of cribs by their arms, then carrying and dragging the infants by only their arms.

The court documents also allege Savoy pushed a one-year-old for no reason, knocking her to the floor. She also allegedly pulled a one-year-olds skirt, knocking her to the floor and forcing the child into a seated position, the affidavit said.

The affidavit continues, saying Savoy slammed a nine-month-old into a seated position on the floor. Savoy, according to the court documents, also stepped on an infants hand and while the child tried to free his hand, Savoy knocked him over with her foot and then pulled him off the ground by his arm.

READ: Lakeland family grieving after 3-year-old shot, killed inside car outside apartment complex

"We need to be our kids advocates, and we need to listen to them," Dr. Wendy Rice, a third-party child psychologist who also specializes in parenting, said.

"If your child comes home from daycare and has something to say about how he or she is being treated or a friend, I would first say, I believe you. Thank you so much for telling me, and then maybe name their feeling  that must have been scary, or, that was brave of you to tell me. Something like that and say, I'd love to hear more about what happened and really give them your attention. Put your phone down and just listen and believe them," Dr. Rice said.

She said its also important to pay attention to your childs body language, especially if they cant communicate with you.

"Of course, you want to look for bruises, look for discomfort. If you have normally a cuddly child who's now pushing you away or is flinching, you know, if there's any change in your child," she said.

Dr. Rice said its also important to do as much research on the facility and its employees as you can.

MORE: Teen killed in accidental shooting in Tampa: Deputies

"I think we want the sort of the equivalent of nanny cams as much as possible  We want to know what quality control the daycares do. What is the level of qualifications of their employees? How does supervision work? How many adults are in a room with the babies and children at one time? I think those are some questions that you ask because you're dealing with little kids who mostly aren't going to be able to report anything, especially in this case it sounds like theyre infants, preverbal," Dr. Rice said.

Savoy was fired from the center in February. She doesnt have any criminal history, and she had worked in other child care facilities previously. Clearwater Police are still investigating the incidents.

When FOX 13 knocked on Kid City USAs door on Wednesday, no one answered. When we called, we were hung up on.

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Home Secretary James Cleverly has been accused in a Lords debate of "throwing out democratic norms to give his mate a job" over the transfer of policing powers in the West Midlands to the region's mayor.

Opponents of the move argue it is being pushed through without the consent of other local authorities, and with an initial decision being taken without legally-required public consultation.

Simon Foster - the Labour police and crime commissioner (PCC) overseeing the West Midlands force - has mounted a legal challenge to the transfer, which is set to see his role scrapped following mayoral elections in May.

That ballot will decide whether the sitting Conservative mayor Andy Street - incumbent since the post's creation - will continue in the office inheriting the PCC powers.

Andy Street wrote to James Cleverly proposing the merger

Mr Street wrote to the Home Secretary in November requesting the power transfer - an option that became available under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act passed last year.

The mayor said he had acted because crime in this region has more than doubled and that he could not allow it to go on any longer.

Elected mayors in London and Greater Manchester are responsible for the police in their respective areas, a situation also pointed out by Mr Street.

Mr Cleverly later that month decided to proceed with the transfer, which was signed off by MPs on 26 February.

Before that, however, it emerged that a legal requirement to seek the views of the public had been overlooked, prompting a six-week consultation programme in December and January. That process concluded with Mr Cleverly again deciding to back the transfer.

Parliament heard that of the 7,103 responses received, 50% disagreed with the transfer plan, 46% supported it, while the remaining 4% did not know.

However, Sarah Hannett KC, representing Mr Foster, has branded the consultation "wholly deficient", adding it "fails to seek any informed views as to the impact on the residents of the West Midlands".

Alan Payne KC, for the Home Office, said in written arguments that the resources put into the consultation showed the exercise was "taken seriously".

Mr Foster's legal challenge argues the transfer is unlawful and will reduce democratic accountability.

The Home Secretary's decision to press ahead with the move was condemned when it was considered by the House of Lords on Wednesday, with peers backing by 137 to 54 a so-called regret motion, whereby members may formally express their opposition to legislation without actually stopping it.

Labour peer Lord Bach, a former PCC for Leicestershire, said: "I believe the throwing out of democratic norms in order to give your mate a job that he wants is the most grievous ground for the regret motion."

Responding, Home Office minister Lord Sharpe of Epsom said: "It is unfortunate that the initial decision was made without knowledge of the statutory requirements but the appropriate steps were taken to ensure the decision to make this order was not made until the requirements had been met."

Making the case for the transfer of powers to the mayor, he argued it would "help facilitate a whole system approach to crime reduction".

The minister added: "It preserves the democratic accountability that underpins the PCC model and at the same time it reduces the risk of competing democratic mandates within the West Midlands Combined Authority area, providing greater clarity for the electorate on who is responsible for public service functions in their area.

"We are simply transferring the exercise of policing governance functions from one directly elected role to another."

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URUMQI, March 14 (Xinhua) -- During this year's eight-day Spring Festival holiday, Bauerjan Serek, a trader from the Kazak ethnic group who for more than 10 years has been doing business in the port city of Horgos, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, enjoyed bumper profits.

He had no time to rest after the holiday, devoting himself instead to the restructuring of his business, with his company aiming to sink more money and resources into a venture in Central Asian countries.

"Over the next 10 years, the Central Asian region is where we can 'dig gold,'" Bauerjan Serek said in an upbeat tone.

As one of China's closest ports to Central Asia and Europe in terms of land transport, Horgos was once a busy passage used by traders traveling along the ancient Silk Road. Its role as a border passage dates back more than 140 years. Horgos lost much of its shine after caravans faded into history, but the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), proposed by China in 2013, has revitalized this famous old port.

Horgos means "a place where wealth can be accumulated" in the Kazakh language. Many say this meaning resonates with what Horgos is becoming today -- a regional hub of trade and commerce and a true testament to the positive impact of the BRI.

Ten years ago, the then 31-year-old Bauerjan Serek quit his job and moved to Horgos, which at that time was like a construction site in his eyes, given that it was brimming with new high-rise developments and filled with opportunities. This man, who had no prior experience in foreign trade, started his business in a small shop of 30 square meters. He believed that an economic boom in Horgos, which boasts a suitable geographical location and good weather conditions, was inevitable -- especially after the BRI was proposed.

Over the past decade, Bauerjan Serek's shop has expanded to more than 100 square meters, and is now located in a prominent position on a Central Asian-style street in Horgos. The shop contains vast arrays of goods from countries along the Silk Road Economic Belt, such as red wine from Georgia, candy from Russia, honey from Kyrgyzstan, and flour and cooking oil from Kazakhstan.

Bauerjan Serek switched between Mandarin, Kazakh and Russian as he introduced products to customers in his shop. When receiving VIPs, he starts by treating them to mineral water sourced 7,000 meters underground in Georgia, a product he very recently introduced in China. "In order to survive here, our products must have their own unique characteristics. Why would tourists come to Horgos if there were no international goods?" he said.

One of Bauerjan Serek's proudest achievements over the past decade has been the sale of a particular product from Kazakhstan in Xinjiang. "The company producing this product is the largest producer of candy and chocolate in Kazakhstan. At first, this company turned its nose up at Horgos," Bauerjan Serek recalled. "With the rapid development of both the port city and the huge Chinese market in recent years, I finally became the agency representing this brand in Xinjiang."

Bauerjan Serek earned his "first bucket of gold" thanks to the economic boom in Horgos. After a mutual visa exemption agreement between China and Kazakhstan took effect, and in particular, following various preferential policies introduced in the Horgos section of the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone, Bauerjan Serek is upbeat about the prospects of his company over the next 10 years.

According to Pi Lyuping, mayor of Horgos, the Horgos section of the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone is making every effort to develop a new model of cross-border economic, trade and investment cooperation, relying on its advantages as a national logistics hub.

"Last year, I imported 36 truckloads of goods worth more than 10 million yuan (about 1.41 million U.S. dollars) through the land port, mainly from Central Asian countries," Bauerjan Serek said. "Now I have set up an international cargo transportation company in Almaty, Kazakhstan. It is mainly engaged in the automobile export business."

Bauerjan Serek added that his company in Kazakhstan had purchased 15 Chinese-made trucks, including 10 special equipment carriers and five car carriers, specifically to transport vehicles from Horgos to Central Asian countries and Europe.

In 2023, the commercial vehicle export volume via Horgos reached 304,000, an increase of 307.5 percent year on year, and accounting for more than half of the total of such exports through Xinjiang ports.

"Over the past decade, I mainly did import business. However, my focus will shift to the export trade during the next 10 years," Bauerjan Serek revealed.

Bauerjan Serek added that he values the greater business opportunities created by Chinese companies going global. "My company in Kazakhstan specializes in the export of Chinese products. So how can my business go bad?" 
When I served as Territorial Veterinarian for the Guam Department of Agriculture, I saw a steady stream of brightly colored roosters shipped to our little island in the Western Pacific jammed in U.S. Postal Service boxes. The flightless birds made a 6,000-mile journey, without food or water, from places like eastern Kentucky, middle Tennessee, and south Alabama.

Why? For cockfighting.

During my final five years of service to the Guam Department of Agriculture (2018  2022), I saw nearly 12,000 fighting birds land on our shores. The pro-cockfighting governor didnt do a thing about it, even though transporting a fighting animal is a federal felony.

Thats why its so important to cut it off at the source, and why I support SB 243 introduced by Sen. Greg Elkins, R-Winchester, to make cockfighting a felony in Kentucky. That policy is overdue.

Kentucky is an epicenter of the American and global cockfighting industry, with major traffickers shipping birds all over the world. A strong state law, with felony-level penalties, will shut down 90 percent of this industry.

I can offer a unique expert perspective as a meat eater, a rancher, a hunter, a veterinarian, and a staunch advocate of animal agriculture. I strongly oppose cockfighting and heres why: Animal agriculture is a noble enterprise, providing sustenance for billions of people and livelihoods for millions (including thousands in our state). Cockfighting, on the other hand, is a disgrace and a crime, providing no benefit to anyone but the people who enjoy animal bloodletting and who illegally wager on staged fights between birds armed with knives or curved ice picks on their legs.

I grew up on a ranch and embraced animal agriculture long before I became a veterinarian. Cockfighting bears no resemblance to animal agriculture. There are no standards of care, there is no proper utilization of the animals, there is no service or value to the American consumer. Animal abuse is built into the marrow of cockfighting, and mutilation of animals is its very purpose.

If we in animal agriculture do not distinguish between this kind of evil and proper and acceptable uses of animals, we will see people turn away from animal agriculture.

We know fighting arenas are strewn throughout Kentucky. Last year, Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK) conducted undercover investigations and founded an informants network, and along with Animal Wellness Action, the groups released a list of 16 cockfighting arenas from Butler to Pike counties that have illegally operated in the state.

SHARK obtained drone footage from numerous cockfighting arenas with hundreds of cockfighting enthusiasts dispersing after learning of the surveillance. The organizations released the actual coordinates of these fighting venues  a first-ever disclosure of this number of fighting arenas in any state in the nation. While enforcement has stepped up, law enforcement is hobbled by an archaic state statute that provides only misdemeanor penalties for these malicious crimes.

We also know that cockfighting is a public health issues, as the presence of the fighting pits and the cockfighting breeders is particularly alarming in light of the Avian Influenza virus that has spread to Kentucky and 47 other states.

The connection between cockfighting and avian diseases is detailed in a scientific report from me and my veterinarian colleague Jim Keen, D.V.M., Ph.D.. There have been 15 introductions of vND into the United States since 1950, 10 of which occurred via the illegal smuggling of game cocks across our southern border from Mexico. (Virulent Newcastle disease is endemic in Mexico and all of Latin America.) Just three of those outbreaks cost the federal government more than $1 billion.

Before working for the Guam Department of Agriculture, I served as a full Colonel who led the U.S. Veterinary Command. I traveled throughout Asia and saw the ugly face of cockfighting in the Philippines, Vietnam, and other Asian nations.

There is simply no other rationale for the shipment of very expensive adult roosters from Kentucky to these Pacific Rim territories and nations. Guam has no commercial poultry industry, and no show-bird industry, so the movement of thousands of birds from breed types used for cockfighting from Kentucky is illegal contraband under federal law.

Kentucky has been an outlier on cockfighting, having some of the weakest penalties in the nation for this malicious crime against animals and civil society. The excuse-making must stop. I ask all state lawmakers in Frankfort to get behind S. 243 by Republican Senator Greg Elkins.

Cockfighting has thrived in Kentucky because for too long, we didnt take it seriously enough. Lets turn that around right away.

Col. Thomas Pool is senior veterinarian with Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy.
[Source]

Earning a college degree still pays off financially, even as the return on investment varies by major and some demographic groups, a new study shows.

Key points:

College degree holders, on average, enjoy an annual return on investment (ROI) of 9.88% for women and 9.06% for men, surpassing the returns from the stock market.

Engineering and computer science majors lead the pack with median returns exceeding 13%, while fields like education and humanities fall on the lower end with returns at less than 8%.

Female and minority graduates tend to experience slightly higher returns than their male and White counterparts, respectively.

The details:

A recent analysis of 5.8 million Americans published in American Educational Research Journal concluded that despite rising college costs and shifting job markets, a college degree remains a viable investment.

The study, co-authored by Liang Zhang from New York University and Xiangmin Liu and Yitong Hu from Rutgers University, utilized data from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey spanning from 2009 to 2021.

It considered factors such as wage differentials, tuition expenses, financial aid, job earnings during college and opportunity costs associated with delaying full-time employment.

While college degrees offer superior returns compared to the stock market, disparities exist across majors, with higher returns seen in STEM fields and lower returns in education and humanities. Despite robust early returns, a slight decline in ROI was noted over time, due to escalating college expenses outpacing earnings growth for graduates.

Female graduates generally yield higher returns than male counterparts across all majors and minority graduates also experience slightly higher returns than white graduates.

What the researchers say:

Trending on NextShark: Karaoke inventor Shigeichi Negishi dead at 100

Zhang emphasizes the importance of selecting majors wisely, suggesting additional training or education for fields with lower returns and advocating for targeted financial support for essential but less lucrative majors.

Given the substantial gap in returns across college majors and the anticipated job growth in the information technology and health sectors, these trends will likely continue before reaching a new equilibrium, Zhang explained. That would have a profound impact on higher education as an industry and on individuals who are making decisions about where and what to study.

Why it matters:

Public skepticism toward the value of a college degree in the U.S. has grown due to rising tuition costs and a changing workforce. Recent declines in college enrollment underscore the urgency of addressing affordability and making the value of higher education more apparent to the public.

Trending on NextShark: How South Korea's grandmas are returning to school

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A view of the Colorado House of Representatives on Jan. 24, 2024. (Quentin Young/Colorado Newsline)

The U.S. Supreme Court ruling in a Colorado case over former President Donald Trumps eligibility to hold office might seem to have foreclosed efforts to disqualify him. But it did not  not according to some of the most prominent experts on the matter.

What follows is an overview of several methods by which state lawmakers, citizens and members of Congress might yet, in light of the ruling, deprive an insurrectionist candidate of an electoral path to the presidency. Each option represents an extraordinary course of action. But Trump is an extraordinary threat against whom every possible defense must be mounted, even in states, like Colorado, where the electorate is sure to reject him at the polls. This pursuit is not solely about preventing Trump from winning. Its also about refusal to sanction in any way an autocratic adversary of the country. Would a state allow Jefferson Davis on the presidential ballot, even if he were sure to lose? If not, neither should it allow Trump.

The court reversed a Colorado Supreme Court opinion that Trumps actions around the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol disqualified him from the ballot under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits a person who engaged in insurrection after taking an oath to support the Constitution from holding office again. The justices said that state enforcement of Section 3 against federal officeholders and candidates could create a patchwork of results that it wouldnt permit, and that only Congress has the responsibility to enforce the provision by appropriate legislation. They were worried about the chaos that could result from this or that state disrupting a national presidential election.

Trump disqualification

Find every Newsline article about the Trump 14th Amendment case here.

Since there is no chance the current Congress would enact legislation to enforce Section 3 against Trump, the all-but-certain Republican nominee for president this year, many observers took the Supreme Court ruling to have eliminated the possibility of barring him from the ballot.

Not so, say some legal scholars.

In an amicus brief filed with the Supreme Court in the Colorado case, the constitutional law scholars and historians Vikram Amar, professor at UC Davis School of Law, and brother Akhil Amar, professor at Yale Law School, noted that the Electoral College system gives states broad constitutional authority to structure presidential elections, including their own ability bar ineligible candidates from the ballot.

Even were this Court to reverse the Colorado Supreme Court, Colorado could seek to reinstate its ruling against Trump on independent state-law grounds, they wrote. A state tomorrow may amend its existing laws to encompass the conduct of Donald Trump in 202021.

A state Legislature, in fact, could adopt word-for-word the 14th Amendments disqualification clause and enforce it as a state statute.

Akhil Amar, author of numerous books on the Constitution, affirmed this view after the Supreme Court ruling.

Today, tomorrow, Colorado, if it wanted, for the general election, could say, We dont want people on our ballot who are insurrectionists as a matter of state law, he said on his podcast, Amaricas Constitution.

Some legal experts I spoke to said the Supreme Court might step in to prevent a state doing under its own authority what the court said a state couldnt do under federal authority. But most asserted that such a state would have the Constitution on its side.

As a matter of federal constitutional law, I dont think anything in last weeks ruling at all forecloses state-law devices, said Vikram Amar in an email.

Conservative constitutional scholar Michael Stokes Paulsen, professor of law at the University of St. Thomas, agreed.

Nothing in the Constitution  and nothing in the Supreme Courts decision in Trump v. Anderson  prevents a state from providing, strictly as a matter of state law, that a particular individual shall not be entitled to receive the vote of that states electors and shall not be permitted on an election ballot, he wrote in an email.

It is as if the Supreme Court justices had never heard of the 'electoral college.'

 Michael Stokes Paulsen, professor of law at the Universty of St. Thomas

Paulsen is an experts expert on these matters, particularly after he and William Baude last year published an influential account of the sweep and force of Section 3. Since Article II of the U.S. Constitution gives states plenary power over the manner in which its electors are chosen, a state could decide that certain people cant receive votes, Paulsen said.

With or without Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment, and notwithstanding what the Supreme Court has said about it, the states, including Colorado, could essentially re-adopt the same decision to exclude a candidate, as a matter of their Article II independent constitutional authority. The Courts decision in Trump v. Anderson could thus be rendered totally irrelevant, he said.

Paulsen thinks the Supreme Court opinion, unanimous in reversing the Colorado ruling, was a colossal blunder  It is as if the Supreme Court justices had never heard of the electoral college.'

Gerard Magliocca, a constitutional law professor at Indiana University who testified at trial last year as part of the Colorado Section 3 lawsuit, during a phone interview suggested a variation of this approach that centers on electors rather than the ballot. A state could pass a statute saying that after a judicial process that determined a presidential candidate to be an insurrectionist, the candidate would be deprived of electoral votes in that state.

Youre not saying the person cant appear on the ballot, Magliocca said. They can appear on the ballot. You can vote for them. But theyre not going to get the electoral votes.

That way, it wouldnt be a legislature simply barring a candidate. It would involve an independent process in state court to determine under state law whether a candidate is eligible to receive electoral votes.

Any state that tries to block insurrectionist presidential candidates must navigate the particulars of its own laws. In Colorado, for example, a little-known state Constitution provision might be a factor. When the new state of Colorado adopted its Constitution in 1876, the document included a set of territory-to-state transition laws under the heading Schedule. These provisions are all but forgotten and almost completely obsolete. But one of them, Section 20, says that the electors of the electoral college shall be chosen by direct vote of the people.

Scholarship on Section 20 is scarce, but Dave Kopel, adjunct professor at the University of Denvers Sturm College of Law, has studied it. In a phone interview this week, he said that, partly because of its particular language, he doubted Section 20 would preclude the Legislature from adopting a provision that would block an insurrectionist presidential candidate.

There is a question of whether Section 20 is also obsolete.

Bill Christenson of Washington, D.C., holds a sign that says Failed Coup outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Feb. 8, 2024, when justices heard oral arguments in a case over whether former President Donald Trump should be disqualified from holding public office under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. (Chase Woodruff/Colorado Newsline)

But even if Section 20 did constrain the Legislature, the provision could be overcome through an amendment on the ballot in November, the success of which would afford the added benefit of popular legitimacy. Vikram Amar alluded to such an approach last month in a commentary published in Justias Verdict. Colorado voters, he wrote, could put an initiative on their ballot for later this year that makes clear that under the state constitution no election for presidential electors shall include on the ballot electors pledged to support any candidate who has engaged in insurrection.

If further attempts to block Trumps candidacy do emerge, the sooner the better, because the Supreme Court ruling appears to have left open the possibility that a President-elect Trump could face an objection when Congress convenes in January.

Theres not a mention of the elephant in the room, which is what happens on Jan. 6, 2025, when Congress counts electoral votes. Can Democrats opt to not count votes for Trump on the grounds that hes an insurrectionist? Richard L. Hasen, professor of law at UCLA, wrote in Slate.

Magliocca said the Jan. 6 potentials left open by the court are a serious problem. Democrats could refuse to count votes and justify it by saying they were enforcing the Constitution.

The Supreme Court did not foreclose that option, Magliocca said.

A move to block Trump at that late stage would be politically explosive at a volatile moment. But Democrats would be obligated to assert whatever power they had to shield the White House from an insurrectionist occupant if he made it that far in the electoral process.

State action now could help avoid the need for them to do so.

President Joe Biden beat Trump by 13 points in Colorado in 2020, and hes expected to carry the state again this year. But blocking Trump in the state would be about much more than symbolism. The Colorado lawsuit to disqualify Trump under Section 3 influenced other states, such as Maine, in their own anti-insurrectionist actions. Colorado proved itself a leader at an emergency moment in the nations history, and thats the spirit by which it can yet contribute as much as possible to the defense of democracy.

Allowing Trump another term would ratify a shift from constitutional to authoritarian government. The fascist Trump will scrap 235 years of constitutional order, and its hard to see how the country would soon recover. The higher the stakes, the more that principle is substance. The greater the danger, the more that courage and fortitude  not just functionality  are the essence of public service.

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected one way to block Trump. But other ways are available to those who hope to see democracy survive.

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The post Colorado can still block Trump appeared first on Colorado Newsline.
REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (WCMH)  The new Reynoldsburg branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library is set to open its doors this spring.

The library, located at 1402 Brice Road, will open to the public on April 24 after a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m.

How to get free eclipse glasses from Columbus libraries

The new branch will be opening at the site where the previous Reynoldsburg branch was located. The original library was built in 1980 and was expanded to 19,800 square feet in 1990. The former library was demolished in 2022, and the new library will roughly double the size of its predecessor at 39,200 square feet.

Before the new library opens its doors, the temporary Reynoldsburg branch, located at 1308 Brice Road, will close on April 13. The Columbus Metropolitan Library suggests customers visit nearby locations, such as the librarys Barnett and Whitehall branches, until the new Reynoldsburg branch opens.

Before the closure of the temporary location, the Columbus Metropolitan Library is offering Reynoldsburg customers the chance to sign their names to a commemorative panel beginning April 1 that will be installed at the new branch.

Construction delayed for new Linden library, current location to remain open

The temporary location is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The library is closed on Sundays.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
The Columbus area gained more than 18,000 residents in the year ending July 2023.

The Columbus area gained more than 18,000 residents in the year ending last July, the biggest gain since before the COVID pandemic, according to the latest Census estimates.

But despite some population stability in the Midwest, most Ohio metro areas continue to shed residents, led by the Cleveland area, which has now lost more than 25,000 people in the past three years.

Census: Columbus among just six of top 15 cities to gain population in COVID's first year

The 10-county Columbus metropolitan area grew by 18,205 residents to 2,180,271 as of July 1 of last year, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Thursday morning. It was the biggest jump since 2019 to 2020, although the Census cautions against using earlier data because of a change in methodology.

How did Columbus compare with other Ohio cities?

Central Ohio led the state in population growth, while most Ohio metro areas continued their population exodus.

Behind the Columbus area's 18,205 new residents was Cincinnati, with 12,854 new residents; Dayton, with 1,649 residents; Akron, with 887 new residents; and Canton, which welcomed 3 more residents over the year.

Ohio's eight other metro areas continued to shed population: Lima down 259 residents; Mansfield (197); Sandusky (644); Springfield (122); Steubenville (677); Toledo (378); Youngstown (679) and Greater Cleveland (1,769), capping a three-year population decline of 25,183.

Since 2020, the Cleveland, Lima and Sandusky areas have lost more than 1% of their residents while the Steubenville/Weirton, West Virginia area population has declined 2.7%.

Is Columbus a boom town?

While Columbus saw a healthy population bump over the year, Thursday's data should put to rest, at least for now, any talk of central Ohio being one of the nation's fastest-growing areas. From July 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023, the Columbus area added 38,376 residents, a 1.79% increase. While that leads Ohio and is above the national average of 1.02%, it's nowhere near the top of U.S. metro areas.

More: Columbus home construction drops to five-year low despite housing shortage

During the same time period, Columbus' 1.79% population growth was dwarfed by Austin, Texas, whose population grew by 7.5%; Boise, Idaho (7.1%); Charlotte, North Carolina (5.1%); Fort Myers, Florida (9%); Jacksonville, Florida (6.2%); Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (12.4%); Naples, Florida (7.2%); Provo, Utah (8.4%); Raleigh, North Carolina (6.5%); Sarasota, Florida (8.6%); and a host of smaller metro areas, most of them in the South and West.

Central Ohio's population growth so far this decade also trailed several Midwestern cities including Indianapolis (2.2%); Des Moines, Iowa (3.65%); Fort Wayne, Indiana (2.1%); and Springfield, Missouri (3.1%).

What Ohio counties saw the biggest jumps?

Delaware County again led the state last year in population growth, with 5,110 new residents, followed by Franklin (4,333), and Butler (3,315) counties.

Measured by percentage growth, however, Union County paced Ohio with 4.1% growth. Five of the top six counties to lead Ohio in percentage gain, in fact, are in central Ohio: Union, Madison, Delaware, Pickaway and Fairfield.

Despite all the recent focus on Licking County growth, so far at least, the business growth hasn't translated into a population boom. Licking County saw growth, but isn't leading the state, or even central Ohio, in new residents.

What exactly is the 'Columbus Metropolitan Area'?

The Census bureau defines metro Columbus as a 10-county region consisting of Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Hocking, Licking, Madison, Morrow, Pickaway, Perry and Union.

What about the rest of the country?

The nation's three largest metro areas  New York, Los Angeles and Chicago  were also the three biggest population losers last year. Los Angeles lost 71,037 residents, New York shed 65,549 and Chicago lost 16,602.

Not surprisingly, Sunbelt retirement communities led the nation in population growth last year, led by the literal retirement community of The Villages in Florida, whose population rose 4.7% over the year. Other areas to see at least a 3% population jump were Lakeland, Florida (3.8%), Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (3.7%), Ocala, Florida (3.4%) and Port St. Lucie, Florida (3.1%).

The Census Bureau noted in its report that while the South continued to see the nation's biggest gains, this was the first time since 2020 that more counties in the Midwest experienced gains (542) than losses (513).

Domestic migration patterns are changing, and the impact on counties is especially evident, Lauren Bowers, chief of the Census Bureaus Population Estimates Branch, said in a news release.

Areas which experienced high levels of domestic out-migration during the pandemic, such as in the Midwest and Northeast, are now seeing more counties with population growth. Meanwhile, county population growth is slowing down out west, such as in Arizona and Idaho.

What do the population numbers mean for Columbus?

While last year's rise in population helps, the Columbus region's inability to attract more residents in recent years could take a toll on its economy, cautioned economist Bill LaFayette, owner of the central Ohio economics firm Regionomics. In his annual state-of-the-economy forecast in January, LaFayette warned that the region's weak job growth in recent years could be due to its slow population growth.

"We are using up all our workers," LaFayette said.

"We can hope that the slowdown in population growth is a temporary impact of the pandemic," he said. "But our regions shift from a big net importer of population from domestic origins to a net exporter to domestic destinations is really troubling."

Area builders this week released a report showing that a lack of housing availability is hurting the region's ability to grow.

jweiker@dispatch.com

@JimWeiker

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus area leads Ohio in population growth
Adam Schiff carried all nine Bay Area counties in his bid for U.S. Senate, even though his congressional district lies more than 300 miles south. The result marked a major shift in California politics. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

For a long time, life in California had certain rhythms.

Winter snow in the Sierra. Springtime blooms in the desert. And come election season, a built-in, often insurmountable edge for Bay Area candidates seeking statewide office.

The drifts have piled up, from Tahoe to the Tehachapis. Months of rainfall promise a stunning floral display across the Southland. But that Northern California advantage? It vanished in the U.S. Senate contest on March 5.

Rep. Adam B. Schiff, whose Southern California district lies more than 300 miles away, easily carried the Bay Area on his way to a primary victory over fellow Democrats Katie Porter and the region's own Barbara Lee. He is quite likely to win the Senate seat in November against the opponent he helped push to a November runoff, sacrificial Republican Steve Garvey.

"It's a paradigm shift," Garry South, a longtime Democratic strategist, said of Schiff's nine-county Bay Area sweep.

Geography  where a candidate calls home  used to be a major factor in political success in California. Now it's largely an afterthought, and that change could scramble campaign calculations forever.

Some were convinced Lee, who has represented Oakland in Sacramento and Washington for more than three decades, would have an upper hand in the bitterly contested Senate race. She was the only major Northern California Democrat facing Schiff and Porter, who hails from Orange County.

But Lee managed no better than a third-place finish anywhere in the Bay Area, save for Alameda County  her political base  where she placed second but still lost to Schiff by double-digits.

Read more: Column: Katie Porter goes MAGA, claiming California's election was rigged. It wasn't

That's because any regional advantage has apparently been wiped away by the nationalization of politics, by the everywhere reach of social media and, especially, the star-making capacity of TV news, which has turned personalities like Schiff into political celebrities far beyond their native turf.

(Schiff also got a big boost from the childish taunts of Donald Trump and a censure by the Republican-run House, which not only raised his profile but turned Schiff into a hero to many Democrats.)

Historically, candidates from the Bay Area enjoyed an advantage in statewide races because people there tended to be more politically active and more attuned to their elected officials. Residents also turned out in greater numbers than voters elsewhere in California, offering a lift to those candidates they were most familiar with.

"You hardly ever hear a conversation about politics standing in line at a Starbucks in Southern California," said Ace Smith, who has run campaigns in the Bay Area and statewide for more than four decades. "But you hear those conversations in Northern California."

That may be a generalization, but history bears out the gist of what Smith suggested. The Bay Areas long-standing, outsize influence in state politics has boosted the careers of, among others, Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom and Dianne Feinstein, all of whom prevailed over rivals from California's more populous southern half.

It's been particularly tough going for House members running statewide. In over a century, just a handful managed to make the leap to the Senate.

That's because most of them spent their careers toiling in relative anonymity. Venture just a few blocks outside one of California's congressional districts  there are 52 of them, spread over 1,000 miles from north to south  and a visiting lawmaker could just as well have been a member of the witness protection program.

Raising money, building name recognition, scaring up a decent-sized crowd were all stiff challenges for any representative who ventured too far from home.

But things changed dramatically in recent years. A viral moment or headline-making turn on the Washington chat show circuit  where Schiff seems to enjoy semi-permanent residence  can now transform the most obscure member of Congress into a household name.

Read more: Column: A land of flaming liberalism? Senate results contradict California stereotype

In fact, it might be said the path to statewide political success no longer runs through the hillsides of San Francisco, the flats of Oakland or the sprawl of Silicon Valley.

As Porter  of whiteboard fame  and Schiff demonstrated, reputations can be made and careers may be more fruitfully built in the TV studios of Washington, on the House floor or inside the committee rooms where inquisitions are broadcast from Capitol Hill.

Bob Shrum, a veteran Democratic strategist, once said a political rally in California consists of three people gathered around a television set. He was referring to the power of advertising, the only effective way to reach voters in a nation-state with tens of millions of voters.

A slight update may be needed, to account for technological changes. A television set, one could say, or the smartphone voters cradle in the palm of their hand.

But Shrum's general observation, on the political power of the small screen, is truer than ever.

Get the latest from Mark Z. Barabak

Focusing on politics out West, from the Golden Gate to the U.S. Capitol.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Gandhi wrote, The need of the moment is not one religion, but mutual respect and tolerance of devotees of the different religions. As incendiary rhetoric, hate and religious discrimination spread amid the tragic Israel-Hamas conflict, its time for colleges to teach religious tolerance and acceptance.

Nearly six in 10 (55.8%) of college students have completed diversity, equity and inclusion training, according to a recent Anti-Defamation League study, while other research shows two-thirds of faculty have done so. But most schools and colleges do not train employees and students regarding religious tolerance and acceptance.

Fewer than one in five college students (18.1%) in the aforementioned ADL survey reported they had participated in a religious acceptance training such as an antisemitism lesson. Since May, the federal government has intensified calls for colleges and schools to do more to protect people of faith.

The White House and the U.S. Department of Education have launched campaigns for colleges to offer religious acceptance and anti-discrimination training and offered educational resources. Incidents of religious hate and violence continue to spike.

Antisemitic incidents on college campuses have risen 700% since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, driving the total number of reported instances of hate to more than 900 between 2019 and February 2024, according to Hillel.

From October to December 2023 alone, Muslim civil rights groups recorded nearly 3,600 complaints regarding anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian incidents, a 178% rise from a year ago, according to The Council on American-Islamic Relations.

Most young people, however, have trouble even identifying religious discrimination. Consider a 2021 study by the American Jewish Committee. It found over half of Americans between 18 and 29 years old, the biggest college age bracket, could not define antisemitism, and another study indicated that 22% of millennials knew little to nothing about the Holocaust.

Americans are often just as clueless about discriminating against other people of faith, including Muslims and Sikh men, who have long faced prejudice, suspicion, violence and fear when they have been conflated.

A 2019 Pew Research Center survey found that 52% of Americans know not much or nothing at all about Islam, despite Judaism, Christianity and Islam being Abrahamic religions. Half of Americans also do not personally know anyone Muslim.

The only means to stop hate are communication and education. To see the shoes of Nazi victims is a way to imagine walking in them at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.  4,000 loafers, booties, heels and so on  piled hauntingly high.

To meet and speak with someone different increases trust. Non-Muslim Americans who know a Muslim are more likely to have a positive view of Muslims and less likely to think Islam promotes violence more than other religions, Pew research found.

Other studies show that simply reading a literary novel  a work of fiction!  about different people builds empathy and understanding. So, imagine the good that would come from colleges formally teaching people religious acceptance.

Colleges already educate new students on everything from how to avoid unsafe situations with intimacy and alcohol to other types of anti-discrimination training.

But college administrators took decades to comply with the VI and IX portions of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, which eventually birthed diversity, equity and inclusion training. So, its no surprise colleges have been slow to adopt training to discourage discrimination against people of faith, despite 20 years of federal reminders that Title VI and IX also extend to religious categories.

As smoke billows above Gaza, one fact remains clearer than the Red Sea: In America, where 82% of Gallup poll respondents say they are religious or spiritual and 47% are pious, true academic inclusion training means both embracing our sameness as a people of faith and celebrating our differences.

David A. Armstrong is the president of St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens. The universitys Interfaith Leadership Institute is developing and implementing training for employees and students to combat antisemitism and Islamophobia and foster religious acceptance, drawing partly on the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museums educational curriculum.
SELMA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  Tickle your funny bone while supporting the family of fallen Selma Police Officer Gonzalo Carrasco Jr. at this stand-up comedy event.

The Selma Police Foundation announced they will be holding a Comedy Show Benefit to help Carrascos family travel to Washington DC for National Peace Officers Week.

Fallen Selma officers former police partner speaks about 1st anniversary

The comedy show will feature Juan Garcia with special guest Roberto Rodriguez, and it will be held on Friday, March 22 at the Selma Arts Center, located at 1935 High Street. The social hour will begin at 6 p.m., and the show will begin at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $50 and anyone interested in purchasing one can visit the Selma Arts Center website. Seats are limited to 200, so the public is encouraged to act fast.

Officials say all proceeds from the event will benefit the Carrasco familys memorial visit.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
When a relative stopped attending church, Latter-day Saint Alba Lucia Letelier asked her husband about his own faith, Whats going on with you?

Thats when he admitted the extent of his own spiritual doubts, following years of immersion in the words of several online skeptics. Alba had not been aware of any of this and at first resisted his entreaties to spend time listening to these same people.

But her husband pressed her to be open-minded, and Alba eventually acquiesced, dedicating substantial time over the following weeks to skeptical podcasts.

Looking back on the experience, Alba now recognizes implicit messaging in these forums guiding listeners in a specific direction. Immediately, she recalled, this binge of cynical content was crushing and devastating  leading her within weeks to conclude everything about her faith was dark and awful.

I went from A to B really quickly, Alba said. I was completely done. She soon announced to her family that not only was she done attending church, she no longer believed in God.

In an interview about her return to faith, Alba remembers how she used to tell people that religion was something people made up so that maybe life isnt so sad when someone dies, or maybe people have more of a sense of belonging  so that life is a little bit easier to handle.

Alba Lucia Letelier in 2021. | Camera Shy Lehi

Albas journey of restoring a relationship with God and membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of a growing collection of stories where people describe regaining their faith. A number of these stories involve people who heard and believed critical arguments about church history or faith generally.

The shift to suspicion

When Landon Hedin was introduced to a list of questions assailing his beliefs, he remembers starting to feel nauseous. Since this came by way of a trusted friend, he said it felt like punching me in the gut.

Wade Brown similarly encountered what were said to be some facts about his faiths history. He took an analytic approach at the time: It was strictly an intellectual pursuit.

I was 99% sure that everything was bogus  everything religious Id been taught, Wade remembers soon deciding.

New openness

German scholars Heinz Streib and Barbara Keller describe rapid conversion or deconversion as reflecting a crisis paradigm of shifting beliefs that lead to a new self and new behavior, in whats often taken for granted to be a one-time and supposedly permanent event. This can lead to a new kind of certitude and firm conviction.

Despite his first reaction, Landon similarly came to believe what his friends questions were suggesting. How do they not see this? he recalls asking himself. Its so blatantly obvious, you know?

When other friends and family would encourage Landon to be open to other ideas from scripture or faith leaders, he would push back, You cant just read that  redirecting people back to some negative vignette in church history, and demanding people explain what the church would say about that.

After several years, Landon started to get bored with this routine, which he said consumed my life and would make me more angry.

Even after his own rapid change in perspective, Wade still trusted and admired his believing father and remembers posing questions from time to time. But I wasnt really looking for answers. I was looking to knock down anything that could tell me I was on the wrong path.

One day, Wade came across his dusty old set of scriptures, untouched in years. On a whim, he said, Why not?

He plopped them open and read 14 words: You have not applied your hearts to understanding, therefore you have not been wise.

The words hit hard. I just let that kind of work itself through me. I think that opened the door, just a half-inch of daylight.

Still, Wade remembers telling his father, Dad, theres just too much contradictory evidence. Theres just a mountain of evidence between me ever believing again. Its impossible.

Not in a billion years would I think Id ever go back to the temple again, he recalls thinking. I just said, Its impossible, since theres a mountain of garbage that I cant get through.

Shortly after, Wade came across Jesus teaching in Matthew, If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you shall say unto this mountain remove hence to yonder place and it shall remove, and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Wade Brown and family.

What if Im wrong?

Although people return to faith regularly, this is often not the perception of those who have left. In their review of reconversion stories, BYU-Idaho researchers Sarah and Eric dEvegnee describe this common sense of impossibility, and how it can be disrupted by various new experiences.

Alba described a turning point when she reflected more on her familys future, and realized, I have just definitively decided something that people that have lived much longer with much more knowledge and wisdom have been debating throughout human history  namely, the existence of God.

How could I possibly know with such certainty with the very limited amount of knowledge that I have? This was a question that, she reasoned, was ultimately not just for her, but on some level, for everybody after me, my children, my grandchildren. Im making a decision for them right now.

At about this same time, Alba remembers hearing about a new archaeological discovery that contradicted one of the common attack lines against the veracity of her prior beliefs. If this one thing is wrong, what else could I be wrong about?

Even while still doubting shed ever actually be capable of truly believing the way she had before, Alba resolved to attempt something that felt doable: OK, Im going to live my life as if I believe in God.

She began to spend more time seeking answers and deepening her spiritual connection. Yet each time she interacted with her husband, Alba said, it would take five minutes of him being like, Yeah, but what about this, this, this  and thats ridiculous, before shed respond, Youre right. Oh my, Im a crazy person. And everybody in this church is a crazy person, and I just need to get out of here.

I would have to start over, Alba said, describing how she would have to again remember what she had been feeling and thinking the prior week in her time alone with God and his words.

Not limiting yourself

Alba spoke of an older mentor who patiently spent a lot of time with her, and pointed her toward other faithful writing about these challenging questions, which led her to feel a flood of spiritual reassurance and power that I hadnt felt in a long time.

I knew I was onto something, she said. Maybe God is real.

Dont ever get to a place where youre so confident that you dont need to know more, Wade shared from his experience. Dont cap yourself. Dont put a lid on your knowledge because it can totally turn things around. It really did for me.

But early on, Wade also recalls thinking he had to have many of his spiritual concerns settled before he approached God. Thats just wrong, he said. I should have known thats wrong. Nobody told me that. Thats just how I interpreted it.

Who and what to believe

Scholar Terryl Givens cautions those who expect historical information alone to resolve significant spiritual matters. Because the past is a distant world, and because all narratives are based on perspectives and questions not our own, most history cant even answer historical questions. It certainly cant answer the most important religious ones.

In the introduction to their book, The God Who Weeps, Terryl and Fiona Givens write that humans are confronted with appealing arguments for a Divinity that is a childish projection  and for scriptures as so much fabulous fiction. And in the same moment, there is also compelling evidence that a glorious Divinity presides over the cosmos, with our ultimate conclusion dependent not on the evidence, but on what we choose, deliberately and consciously, to conclude from that evidence.

Streib and Keller likewise describe people grappling over questions of faith not as passive receptacles of information, but rather as active subject(s) who are continually making meaning in a gradual and rational process of acquiring and testing new behaviors that influence what they eventually come to believe and feel toward their faith.

Scholar John Barbour of St. Olafs College similarly writes how reconversion narratives often demonstrate the process of reflection and reinterpretation by which faith can be recovered in good conscience.

Arguments against emotion

One of the big things that people talk about when you leave the church, the young mother Alba said, is that you cant rely on your feelings.

You can really brainwash yourself into feeling anything, and you can will yourself to believe anything, she would often hear.

Any mention of feeling spiritual peace, Alba said, some discredit completely as made-up feelings, urging, dont rely on that. Consequently, each time she would have a new positive experience, Alba would revert to skepticism, saying, Well, I cant rely on emotions, because those are fake.

This kind of separation between thinking and feeling, says researcher Sam Hardy, is not aligned with decades of psychological science.

The brain isnt built that way, he adds. Emotions have a cognitive component and thought has an affective component.

Hardy points to the work of pioneering neuroscientist Antonio Damasio, who studied people with damage to emotional centers of the brain and observed how much healthy decision-making was compromised.

Terryl Givens adds, We trust our emotions for the most important transactions in life: how to treat other people, our sense of right and wrong, what is beautiful or virtuous or worthy of emulation.

Reason, unfettered from human feeling, by contrast, he says, has led to as many horrors as any crusaders zeal.

Gradual learning

As Alba kept seeking, she began to recognize a spiritual peace she ultimately decided she could trust. I wanted more of that.

It was really, really slow, Alba said. I just needed to kind of do it a little bit at a time.

If I want to know if God existed, maybe I should try praying to him. If I want to learn about Christ, maybe I should read about him  read what he taught and said.

She decided to focus on one question at a time, like, first, Heavenly Father. Is he real?

And then, Jesus Christ? Was he a real person? And then, was he a savior? What does that mean, to be a savior?

Like a new convert, she describes feeling like she was learning these truths for the first time. She tried to be patient with herself, while facing some of the bigger things a little bit at a time.

Wade, who had spoken of the mountain of issues he needed to confront, said, For me, it didnt change overnight.

Being in motion, not sitting still, not closing doors, is the key to everything in life, he added. Thats the way anything works, not just God reaching into your life, but any happy experiences.

Although Alba wasnt sure she was ready for a church calling, she accepted a chance to teach children and had some comforting spiritual experiences helping children with disabilities.

That was a perfect thing for me, and my fragile little testimony that was slowly growing.

Much, much more

I studied and prayed. A lot, Alba said, describing how she eventually received strong witnesses of the truths that I was slowly relearning. She said it took two years to gain the conviction I had lost and much, much more.

Andres and Alba Letelier at the Provo Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, August 2022. | Luz Fonseca

Wade now compares his earlier analytical approach to a Mozart expert who knows everything about the musicians personal history, about him as a human being, about his intellect, about his musical style, everything about his music, how it came to him, how he composed it, how he expressed it on paper.

But when asked, OK, whats your favorite Mozart symphony? you come to find out hes not in the habit of listening to much of his music.

So, he asks, does he really know Mozart?

Everything came flooding back.

When his child wanted to prepare for baptism, Landon had grown tired of feeling angry and separated from people he loved. He decided to ask for an impromptu meeting with the bishop after her interview. Although they didnt explore all his questions, this man was clear about what he did and didnt know. What Landon remembers most was the feeling.

The feeling I had when I walked out of that meeting with my bishop. It wasnt just like, maybe Ill go back.  No, it was like  I was in.

Landons daughter noticed he was crying after the visit and asked, Daddy, whats wrong?

Nothing was wrong, he said. As he began attending church again, Landon said that the coolest thing is everything that I had learned on my mission and more, just everything came flooding back, including scriptures I used to know.

There is an obvious peace.

Landon Hedin and his children on Feb. 6, 2023.

Recently, Landon was able to baptize his daughter and stepdaughter. Now, his sons and both daughters have asked him for what they call Daddys blessing.

My daughter will send scriptures to me like, Dad, I read this scripture.

Its sad that she felt like she couldnt do that before, he said. But, its so cool that she does it now.

Landon Hedin and fiancee Carlye Montague with their children.

Dont be so easily convinced theres malice.

In his own story of returning to faith, historian Don Bradley highlighted the unbalanced intellectual consequences of focusing on exclusively negative sorts of questions.

Im not saying that we shouldnt give those things consideration, he added, only cautioning against allowing them to exclusively guide our focus.

Dont just stop there, Wade also tells others now. Theres so much more to know  Theres always more context. Theres always more to the story.

Just like in a marriage, whatever you focus on, is amplified, he said. So, its so important where we place our focus.

Dont be so easily convinced that theres malice, Wade added. So often theres not, and theres a mountain of good stuff.

Wade Brown and family.

Dan Ellsworth, who leads an online support group helping people on their faith journeys, cautions that online spaces which actively work to create a cynical and angry emotional baseline arent neutral spaces, and instead often encourage people to interpret information through a lens of grievance.

He adds, If our emotional baseline is healthy and happy, humans are more likely to see the world in a way that is generous and charitable.

A faith reborn

In the book Faith is Not Blind, Bruce and Mary Hafen write of how faith can grow stronger after encountering complexity. The ability to acknowledge ambiguity, an important step in our spiritual development, is not a final form of enlightenment  it is only the beginning, they write.

Resolving a faith crisis can be an authentic source of great spiritual growth, they continue, citing the poet T.S. Eliot: We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started, and to know the place for the first time.

Alba said her faith became 100 times deeper and better and more real  something that I fought for, and that I valued a lot more.

One of the most common themes across stories of reconversion, according to the BYU-Idaho researchers, was something about refinding God, rekindling their relationship with God.

Relationships are rekindled with other believers too. I had feared there would be something punitive in the process of coming back, Bradley says. Couldnt have been further from the reality.  Its been a marvelous, beautiful, experience.

Open to being surprised

I always thought to myself, like theres no way to come back. Now, Wade added, I hope to be someone who can tell those people, hey, there is a way.

When it comes to complex faith journeys, he said, I intimately understand the heartache and the trauma and the struggle.  I dont dismiss anybody questioning and feeling hurt. I get it, I absolutely get it.

My encouragement is just to leave a little crack open  never say never.

This is the second in a series exploring stories of people who come back to faith.
ATHENS, WV (WVNS)  Dozens of women came together at Concord University Wednesday evening to host a Womens Empowerment Conference.

The conference was hosted by Tri Sigma Sorority & Concords Women and Gender Studies program.

The conference was held for the first time the last year to great success.

When given the opportunity to host it again, Tri Sigma member Madison Addar said it was something they wanted to do.

It was kind of a trial run at first. But its just been a really good opportunity for all of us to get together and gain a sense of value and empowerment, Addar said.

New details revealed about Ghent toll booth fire victims

The conference hosted several female speakers, each with a unique story to tell.

Through each story, the speaker was able to speak on how they felt empowered in their own life.

Vice President of Advancement Sarah Turner said this event is a great example of young women learning empowerment through cooperation.

Taking that time to celebrate each other. To talk about, as women, what we deal with and overcoming adversity and celebrating those successes, Turner said.

Beckley Inclusive City Recovery project gets axed

The event culminated with a final speech from Dr. Anita Skeen.

Skeen is a West Virginia native, a renowned author and professor, and a Concord Alumna.

Skeen believes events like this serve as a building block. One where women can find empowerment on current and future situations.

Trust your instincts. Trust your instincts and believe you can do it. The quote I gave them Eleanor Roosevelt that has guided me is You must do the thing that you think you cannot do, Skeen said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
A worker assembles battery packs onto a vehicle at the BYD battery factory in Manaus, capital of Amazonas state, Brazil, March 12, 2024. BYD Brazil was established in 2014. In addition to marketing zero-emission electric forklifts, trucks, vans, and passenger cars in the Brazilian market, the company has set up the electric bus chassis factory and solar panel factory located in Campinas, as well as the battery factory located in Manaus to meet local market demands.

The battery factory in Manaus focuses on assembling lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs, providing reliable new energy power for electric buses domestically in Brazil. (Xinhua/Wang Tiancong)

Workers operate on the production line at the BYD battery factory in Manaus, capital of Amazonas state, Brazil, March 12, 2024. BYD Brazil was established in 2014. In addition to marketing zero-emission electric forklifts, trucks, vans, and passenger cars in the Brazilian market, the company has set up the electric bus chassis factory and solar panel factory located in Campinas, as well as the battery factory located in Manaus to meet local market demands.

The battery factory in Manaus focuses on assembling lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs, providing reliable new energy power for electric buses domestically in Brazil. (Xinhua/Wang Tiancong)

Workers operate on the production line at the BYD battery factory in Manaus, capital of Amazonas state, Brazil, March 12, 2024. BYD Brazil was established in 2014. In addition to marketing zero-emission electric forklifts, trucks, vans, and passenger cars in the Brazilian market, the company has set up the electric bus chassis factory and solar panel factory located in Campinas, as well as the battery factory located in Manaus to meet local market demands.

The battery factory in Manaus focuses on assembling lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs, providing reliable new energy power for electric buses domestically in Brazil. (Xinhua/Wang Tiancong)

Workers test battery capacity at the BYD battery factory in Manaus, capital of Amazonas state, Brazil, March 12, 2024. BYD Brazil was established in 2014. In addition to marketing zero-emission electric forklifts, trucks, vans, and passenger cars in the Brazilian market, the company has set up the electric bus chassis factory and solar panel factory located in Campinas, as well as the battery factory located in Manaus to meet local market demands.

The battery factory in Manaus focuses on assembling lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs, providing reliable new energy power for electric buses domestically in Brazil. (Xinhua/Wang Tiancong)

An aerial drone photo taken on March 12, 2024 shows the BYD battery factory in Manaus, capital of Amazonas state, Brazil. BYD Brazil was established in 2014. In addition to marketing zero-emission electric forklifts, trucks, vans, and passenger cars in the Brazilian market, the company has set up the electric bus chassis factory and solar panel factory located in Campinas, as well as the battery factory located in Manaus to meet local market demands.

The battery factory in Manaus focuses on assembling lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs, providing reliable new energy power for electric buses domestically in Brazil. (Xinhua/Wang Tiancong)

Workers operate on the production line at the BYD battery factory in Manaus, capital of Amazonas state, Brazil, March 12, 2024. BYD Brazil was established in 2014. In addition to marketing zero-emission electric forklifts, trucks, vans, and passenger cars in the Brazilian market, the company has set up the electric bus chassis factory and solar panel factory located in Campinas, as well as the battery factory located in Manaus to meet local market demands.

The battery factory in Manaus focuses on assembling lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs, providing reliable new energy power for electric buses domestically in Brazil. (Xinhua/Wang Tiancong)

A worker operates on the production line at the BYD battery factory in Manaus, capital of Amazonas state, Brazil, March 12, 2024. BYD Brazil was established in 2014. In addition to marketing zero-emission electric forklifts, trucks, vans, and passenger cars in the Brazilian market, the company has set up the electric bus chassis factory and solar panel factory located in Campinas, as well as the battery factory located in Manaus to meet local market demands.

The battery factory in Manaus focuses on assembling lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs, providing reliable new energy power for electric buses domestically in Brazil. (Xinhua/Wang Tiancong)

Workers test the battery packs at the BYD battery factory in Manaus, capital of Amazonas state, Brazil, March 12, 2024. BYD Brazil was established in 2014. In addition to marketing zero-emission electric forklifts, trucks, vans, and passenger cars in the Brazilian market, the company has set up the electric bus chassis factory and solar panel factory located in Campinas, as well as the battery factory located in Manaus to meet local market demands.

The battery factory in Manaus focuses on assembling lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs, providing reliable new energy power for electric buses domestically in Brazil. (Xinhua/Wang Tiancong)

Workers operate on the production line at the BYD battery factory in Manaus, capital of Amazonas state, Brazil, March 12, 2024. BYD Brazil was established in 2014. In addition to marketing zero-emission electric forklifts, trucks, vans, and passenger cars in the Brazilian market, the company has set up the electric bus chassis factory and solar panel factory located in Campinas, as well as the battery factory located in Manaus to meet local market demands.

The battery factory in Manaus focuses on assembling lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs, providing reliable new energy power for electric buses domestically in Brazil. (Xinhua/Wang Tiancong)

A worker operates on the production line at the BYD battery factory in Manaus, capital of Amazonas state, Brazil, March 12, 2024. BYD Brazil was established in 2014. In addition to marketing zero-emission electric forklifts, trucks, vans, and passenger cars in the Brazilian market, the company has set up the electric bus chassis factory and solar panel factory located in Campinas, as well as the battery factory located in Manaus to meet local market demands.

The battery factory in Manaus focuses on assembling lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs, providing reliable new energy power for electric buses domestically in Brazil. (Xinhua/Wang Tiancong)
U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev. told theGrio that he is very concerned about the impact [the act poses] to small businesses and content creators.

Some members of the U.S. House of Representatives are standing firm on their opposition against a bill that would ban TikTok.

U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., told theGrio that banning the app will take away free speech for 170 million Americans.

A lot of the videos on the app are questioning the political establishment, money in politics, and our policy in Gaza, noted the progressive Democratic lawmaker. He added, There needs to be a platform where people express their views.

Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., told theGrio that if TikTok is banned, It could open Pandoras Box.

If we are forcing the sale of social media companies, how does that affect things in the future? shared the conservative firebrand.

On Tuesday, 352 House members voted to pass the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, with only 65 members opposing the bill.

ByteDance, the Chinese parent company that owns TikTok, will have six months to divest from the app if enacted into law. If ByteDance fails to terminate its ownership and sell the app to another company, TikTok will be banned in the U.S.

WASHINGTON, DC  MARCH 13: Participants hold signs in support of TikTok outside the U.S. Capitol Building on March 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives will vote Wednesday on whether to ban TikTok in the United States due to concerns over personal privacy and national security unless the Chinese-owned parent company ByteDance sells the popular video app within the next six months. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

The bipartisan bill was introduced earlier this month by U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., and Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., who are members of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.

Lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle argue that TikTok poses a risk to national security and is allegedly tied to the Chinese Communist Party. If the act is passed into law, legislators argue it would protect Americans from the risk of having sensitive data compromised by using the app.

U.S. Rep. Becca Balint, D-Vt., who voted for the TikTok ban legislation, told theGrio that after speaking with some of her constituents, she learned they are very uncomfortable with the amount of data that big tech companies and social media [have] on them.

During a U.S. Senate hearing in March 2023, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew refuted claims that the app is tied to the Chinese Communist Party. On Wednesday, he posted a video to TikTok calling the vote disappointing.

Despite concerns from lawmakers about data privacy, Chew told TikTok users, We have invested to keep your data safe and our platform free from outside manipulation. He added, We will continue to do so.

U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., was one of the minority House members to vote against the bill. She took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to argue that the U.S. needs comprehensive data privacy legislation  not narrow policy that targets one platform that millions rely on to get news, make a living & build community.

U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev., also voted in opposition to the bill and took to TikTok shortly after the vote to share a message with business owners and content creators.

Nevada Rep. Steven Horsford (above) confirmed with theGrio that he met with Republican Sen. Tim Scott on Monday to discuss police reform and plans to reach out to other Republican colleagues. (Photo: Rod Lamkey-Pool/Getty Images)

In a short clip, the Congressional Black Caucus chairman said he is very concerned about the impact [the act poses] to small businesses and content creators.

In Nevada alone, more than 28,000 small businesses use TikTok in order to promote their business, Horsford explained.

On March 21, 2023, TikTok shared a post on its website celebrating the more than 150 million Americans using the popular social media platform, which is nearly half the nations total population.

Some TikTok users are influencers who rely heavily on the app for monthly income. Now that the future of the app hangs in the balance, their ability to make money on the platform is at risk.

In his Wednesday video, Chew argued that the bill would take billions of dollars out of the pockets of creators and small businesses.

Khanna told theGrio that there is a misperception that TikTok is used by teenagers or Gen-Z who are sitting on their couch scrolling through hours of videos and are addicted to the app.

The congressman, whose district includes Silicon Valley, said he has met several creators, teachers, lawyers, historians, and the like who are doing good things and informing the public about necessary information.

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) speaks during a House Committee on Oversight and Reform hearing on gun violence on Capitol Hill on June 8, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Andrew Harnik-Pool/Getty Images)

We have to tell their stories, said Khanna.

Now that the bill has passed in the House, it will need to pass in the U.S. Senate and be signed into law by President Joe Biden.

On Friday, President Biden told reporters at Joint Base Andrews, If they pass it, Ill sign it.

Rep. Khanna said that even if the Senate were to pass the controversial statute, he believes the U.S. Supreme Court would strike it down.

The Supreme Court has said that you have to have the least restrictive means for regulating the First Amendment, said Khanna. You could protect peoples data privacy without banning the app.

The Democratic lawmaker added, Just because something is owned by foreign investors doesnt mean that it isnt allowed in the United States.

Never miss a beat: Get our daily stories straight to your inbox with theGrios newsletter.

The post Congressional members concerned TikTok ban will harm entrepreneurs, content creators appeared first on TheGrio.
Connecticut day care worker accused of throwing toddler six feet in air into wall

A now-former Connecticut day care worker has been arrested for allegedly tossing a 2-year-old child against a wall, causing a head injury, according to reports.

The director of Town & County Early Learning Center in Middletown allegedly saw surveillance video of Kristie Kovarcik, 47, picking up a child by the shirt and throwing the toddler on Jan. 12, according to FOX61.

"Upon observing the incident involving Ms. Kovarcik on our internal camera monitoring system, we immediately initiated an internal investigation, notified the appropriate state authorities, and terminated the employee," the day care center said in a statement to FOX61.

The child's head hit the wall upon landing, according to an arrest warrant obtained by the local television station. Investigators reportedly observed a red bruise above the victim's right eye.

1-YEAR-OLD KILLED IN REPORTED ATTACK BY DOG, CONNECTICUT POLICE SAY

Kovarcik told investigators she "just kind of lost my cool" and felt like handling the children's behaviors had been difficult for her. She called the classroom "chaotic" and said she did not feel like she had the day care's support, according to FOX61.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Court documents obtained by PIX11 state the young child was launched "through the air like a piece of luggage." Prosecutors say the child flew about six feet before hitting the wall.

OFF-DUTY CONNECTICUT COP WHO PUNCHED MOTORIST IN ROAD RAGE INCIDENT WILL KEEP JOB

Investigators went back to previously recorded surveillance footage, where they allegedly found at least two additional incidents involving Kovarcik, including forceful shoving and lifting another child by the shirt, the Greenwhich Time newspaper reported.

Kovarcik had worked at the day care since 2019, and was immediately fired following the incident. She was arrested on Feb. 26 and charged with risk of injury to a minor and reckless endangerment. She is scheduled to appear in court on April 2.





Original article source: Connecticut day care worker accused of throwing toddler six feet in air into wall
Construction of a makeshift jetty on the Gaza coastline can be seen in new satellite images as the Hamas-controlled territory awaits a temporary port that President Biden said the U.S. military will build to help ferry humanitarian aid to the devastated Palestinian population.

The satellite images taken by Maxar show that construction on a jetty began on Sunday just south of Gaza City along the Al Rashid highway. The jetty, which currently extends approximately 164 feet (50 meters) from the shoreline, will reportedly receive an aid shipment from Cyprus.

The charity World Central Kitchen said it is building the jetty to offload a shipment of almost 200 tons of food for Palestinians in need. The food is currently on a ship en route from Larnaca, Cyprus, the charity wrote on social media on Tuesday.

The construction comes as Gaza awaits a temporary port that Biden announced during his State of the Union address last week in the hope of carving out a sea route for food and other aid. The Pentagon has said the construction of a massive floating pier will take weeks and require as many as 1,000 U.S. troops.

GAZA AID FROM US, OTHERS FALLING SHORT AS CRIICS SAY BETTER AND CHEAPER WAYS: NOBODY KNOWS WHATS GOING ON'

In this March 11 image, construction has already begun on the jetty on the Gaza coastline.

Other world leaders have also stated their concern over how to bring humanitarian aid to the Palestinians in Gaza.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

In this March 12 image, construction on the makeshift jetty continues south of Gaza City.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said the floating pier is "expected to be completed in two months."

In this March 13 image, construction of the jetty extends into the sea.

WORLD, UN SIGNAL NO EXIT FOR CIVILIANS CAUGHT UP IN GAZA WAR: 'POLITICALLY TOXIC'

"What shall we do during those two months? Shall more children continue to die until this port is constructed," he asked during a joint press conference with his Spanish counterpart, Jose Manuel Albares, in Cairo.

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Meanwhile, the U.S. and other countries have also been airdropping food into northern Gaza in recent weeks to help alleviate the situation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: Construction of Gaza jetty for humanitarian aid seen in satellite images
NORFOLK  A Circuit Court judge who had ordered Norfolk Commonwealths Attorney Ramin Fatehi to appear before her to explain why he shouldnt be held in contempt for remarks he made in her courtroom has canceled the hearing.

Judge Mary Jane Hall wrote in an order filed Tuesday that the hearing was no longer needed because Fatehi had apologized for the words that he used during a Feb. 27 criminal court hearing.

The court has accepted that apology and considers further proceedings to punish the contempt to be unnecessary, Hall wrote.

Fatehi, who was elected commonwealths attorney in 2021, declined to comment Wednesday.

Hall issued the order requiring him to appear before her March 15 and explain why he shouldnt be held in contempt just hours after the Feb. 27 hearing in which she alleged that hed used insulting language toward her.

In the initial order, the judge wrote that Fatehi had openly insulted and resisted the powers of the court and engaged in acts calculated to embarrass, hinder, or obstruct the court in the administration of justice. She also wrote that he had taunted her when he said, Thats the second error of law that you have committed.

Hall wrote in the order filed this week that the professional rules for lawyers in Virginia require that they treat all judges and court personnel with respect, and avoid inappropriate displays of emotion or unbecoming language.

Contemptuous displays by lawyers in the courtroom directed at the presiding judge invite the rest of the bar and the public to lose confidence in our judicial process, the judge wrote. Whether a court commits its second or twenty-second error of law, counsels response to a ruling must not erode the publics confidence in the justice that they may receive from the courts. Advocacy and zeal must never cross into insolence and disrespect.

Jane Harper, jane.harper@pilotonline.com
The Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday brushed aside an attempt by its own chairman to soften a controversial anti-crime bill, instead sending the bill to the Senate floor largely intact.

House Bill 5, dubbed the Safer Kentucky Act by its sponsors, would toughen much the states criminal code, adding new penalties for the homeless, shoplifters and vandals, as well as carjackers, fentanyl dealers and violent offenders, the last of whom would go to prison for the rest of their lives after three strikes.

The bill now proceeds to the full Kentucky Senate. If the Senate passes it, the House must agree to relatively minor changes the Senate committee approved on a 7-to-3 vote.

Senate Judiciary Chairman Whitney Westerfield, a longtime criminal-justice reform advocate who is leaving office this year, argued passionately at an earlier committee hearing on Tuesday in favor of his own rewritten version of the bill.

Sen. Whitney Westerfield, R-Crofton

Westerfields proposed substitute would have narrowed the bills mandate for longer prison sentences to fewer and more specific felony charges.

And Westerfield, R-Fruit Hill, would have given local police more latitude to steer homeless people toward shelters and mental health programs rather than have officers cite or arrest them for unlawful camping, as the bill currently requires.

One of the few items Westerfield managed to get added to the bill were restorative justice programs that seek the rehabilitation of offenders and reconciliation with crime victims. The bill now contains language creating a local advisory committee in each county on juvenile restorative justice, to help at-risk youths deal with their behavior.

After a brief spike during the COVID-19 pandemic, the violent crime rate has fallen in Kentucky and nationally, according to crime data Westerfield presented to his committee. Kentucky actually has one of the countrys lowest violent crime rates, he said.

But Westerfields GOP Senate colleagues, supported by police and prosecutors, said they nonetheless preferred to advance a crime bill that was closer to the original.

What actually passed the Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday was based on a substitute offered by Sen. John Schickel, R-Union, a retired law enforcement officer who said the General Assembly has gone too far in recent years trying to rehabilitate criminals at the expense of public safety.

Sen. John Schickel

We really dont know what makes us safe. But we do know what justice is, Schickel said.

And when someone carjacks a car, theres no consequences, he said. When somebodys camping out in your front yard, and theres no consequences or people are ruining your neighborhood with open drug use and things like that, that causes a community to spiral down.

Schickel said the meat and potatoes of his version of the bill consisted of three parts:

 Creating a three strikes and youre out rule for violent felony offenders. Kentuckians convicted of violent felonies on three separate occasions would face life imprisonment with no possibility of parole for the third offense.

The bill also would expand the definition of violent offenses, for which offenders must serve at least 85% of their prison sentences, to include more crimes. Those new offenses include attempted commission of a capital or Class A felony, first-degree burglary, second-degree robbery, first-degree arson, first-degree strangulation, carjacking and first-degree wanton endangerment when it involves the firing of a gun.

 Adding the crime of unlawful camping to charge homeless people who remained on streets, sidewalks, parks, under bridges or blocking entrances to homes, businesses or public buildings, with the intent to sleep or camp. A first offense would be a violation with a $250 fine. Future offenses would be a Class B-misdemeanor.

People would be prohibited from sleeping in their vehicles at one location for more than 12 hours.

Local governments would be required to enforce the unlawful camping ban or risk penalties from the states attorney general.

 Elevating the offense of first-degree fleeing or evading police up one criminal charge level depending on the severity of the circumstances.

For example, first-degree fleeing or evading police would be elevated from a Class D to a Class C felony, and the defendant would have to serve at least half of the five- to 10-year prison sentence. This would include people driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or whose flight created or caused a substantial risk of injury or death to others, or who were fleeing after an act of domestic violence.

At Thursdays hearing, Sen. Karen Berg, D-Louisville, said that as an emergency room doctor in Louisville, she has witnessed the carnage of teenagers suffering gunshot wounds.

The prevalence of guns and the availability of guns for our children has skyrocketed. We have 13- and 14-year-old children with access to guns that are shooting each other, Berg said. Does this bill do anything to address access to guns for our minors in this state? Does it make any effort to curb that?

It does not. That would not be germane to the bill, replied the crime bills lead sponsor, Rep. Jared Bauman, R-Louisville. That would be a separate bill, access to guns for juveniles.

Groups from the political right and left spoke in opposition to the bill at this weeks committee hearings. They cited its estimated cost of more than $1 billion over the next 10 years and concerns over the dozens of overcrowded jails around Kentucky that already are overwhelmed with local inmates and state prisoners.

Joey Comley of Elizabethtown, who is Kentucky director of the conservative criminal-justice group Right on Crime, said the bills sponsors dont have any Kentucky-based research to show that the state is suffering through a crime wave that would make the legislation either necessary or successful.

Louisville Public Media has reported that a long list of academic studies and media reports cited by Bauman, the lead sponsor, in many cases had nothing to do with the bills contents. Also, the list appears to have been copied from a 2023 paper by the Georgia Center for Opportunity that recommends crime solutions for the city of Atlanta, not the state of Kentucky.

I believe Kentucky is safe, Comley told the Senate committee. Thats why I chose to live here after 20 years of living abroad and living in a number of other states. I chose to raise my family here.

Any comprehensive criminal justice overhaul like House Bill 5 requires Kentucky data, he added.

Lacy Boling, executive director of Paducah Cooperative Ministry, told the committee, House Bill 5 puts a boot on the neck of Kentuckians who are already in distress.

Boling said her groups transitional housing shelter holds at least 40 women every night. She said shes offended by the bills unlawful camping language that would charge people with a crime for being homeless in public, including the women she serves.

I guess my concern is, are these the criminals were talking about? Boling asked.

Is Caitlin, who waited 14 months to be approved for subsidized housing, is she the criminal were talking about? Is Crystal, who works overnight at a full-time job and still cant afford housing, is she the criminal? Are the 30 families displaced from the Noble Lodge (Apartments) closing in McCracken County on a cold winter afternoon, are these the criminals?

The legislature should provide more affordable housing assistance rather than criminalize people for being out on the streets, Boling said.

Among its many other provisions, the bill would:

 Elevate criminal charges by one offense level for adults convicted of engaging in a conspiracy with minors.

 Expand Kentuckys death penalty eligibility to include murder of a first responder  such as a police officer, firefighter or emergency medical worker  who was killed in the line of duty.

 Deny probation, parole or other forms of conditional release for people who are convicted of a crime in which they used a gun if they were previously convicted of a felony, or if they knew or should have known the gun was stolen, or if they were on any form of conditional release already.

 Require at least one person to attend a youths juvenile court hearings alongside the youth, or else be fined up to $500 and ordered to perform up to 40 hours of community service.

 Expand the definition of first-degree manslaughter to include the sale of fentanyl or fentanyl derivatives if the use of the drug by the buyer led to their death.

 Reduce the level of property damage necessary for a charge of first-degree criminal mischief, a Class D felony, from $1,000 to $500. If the defendant repairs or replaces the damaged property, the charge can be reduced to a misdemeanor.

 Create the Class B felony of carjacking, or stealing someones motor vehicle away from them by means of force or intimidation.

 Clarify a shopkeepers privilege that would allow business owners and their employees to use a reasonable amount of force necessary to protect themselves and prevent the escape of a suspected shoplifter theyve detained or the loss of goods from their businesses. This is intended as a criminal and partial civil shield.

At Westerfields request, the Senate committee added language to specify that retailers could not use deadly force to stop shoplifters from escaping their store with merchandise.

 Prevent charitable bail organizations, such as the nonprofit Louisville Bail Project, from posting $5,000 or more in bail to secure an inmates release from jail. It also would prohibit the nonprofit groups from posting bail for inmates charged with certain crimes, such as domestic or dating violence or felonies designated as violent offenses.

Safer Kentucky Act could cost $1 billion over next decade, economic policy group says

KY House sends controversial anti-crime bill to Senate. What changed, what stayed in?
A marker on the north shore of Straits of Mackinac indicates where a pipeline enters the water Tuesday, July 25, 2017 in St. Ignace, Michigan. Just west of the iconic bridge are two oil pipelines laid in 1953 that span the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac, the 5 mile-wide strip of water separating Lakes Michigan and Huron that is whipsawed by currents unlike anywhere else in the Great Lakes.

Line 5 has become a household name in the Great Lakes region, creating intense concern over its potential risk to water quality and its infringement on tribal rights.

This weekend a documentary will open in select theaters nationwide highlighting the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewas long history of activism and resistance as well as its ongoing legal battle with Enbridge Energy over the Line 5 oil pipeline. "Bad River" will show at AMC Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa as well as in Madison, Ashland and Chicago.

Here, we break down what you need to know about its history, its controversies and its legal battles.

Who owns the pipeline?

Enbridge Energy, headquartered in Calgary, Canada, owns the Line 5 oil pipeline, which has been in operation since 1953. Enbridge is North America's largest pipeline company, transporting about 125 million gallons of crude oil and liquids every day.

What is the Line 5 pipeline used for?

Enbridges Line 5 pipeline transports 450,000 barrels per day of crude oil and 80,000 barrels of natural gas liquids, which are refined into propane. The oil company earns up to $2 million per day from the pipeline.

The pipeline crosses 645 miles, starting at Enbridges Superior Terminal. It travels through northern Wisconsins Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland and Iron counties, crosses Michigans Upper Peninsula, goes under the Straits of Mackinac, and heads down Michigans Lower Peninsula to refineries in Sarnia, Ontario.

Line 5 supplies 45% of the petroleum needed by refineries in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Ontario and Quebec. It provides up to 55% of Michigans propane needs and 65% of the Upper Peninsula's needs.

Does Line 5 go under the Great Lakes?

The Line 5 pipeline runs for approximately 4.5 miles across the lake bottom of the Straits of Mackinac between Lakes Michigan and Huron.

Great Lakes tribes and environmental groups worry that an oil spill in the Straits would devastate the region because it is considered the worst spot in the Great Lakes for an oil spill because of the location and the strength of the currents. In 2018, a ships anchor struck the Line 5 pipeline and damaged it. A second anchor strike in 2020 damaged anchor supports on the pipeline, causing a temporary shutdown.

Has Line 5 ever leaked?

Line 5 has leaked 35 times in its roughly 70-year tenure and released a total of more than 1.13 million gallons of oil into the environment, according to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration database.

More: Oil contaminated soil found near Enbridge's Line 5, one mile outside Bad River Band reservation

Why is Line 5 controversial?

Environmental groups and tribes across the region say that the Line 5 pipeline, which was meant only meant to last 50 years, is one of the biggest threats to the Great Lakes. Tribes across the region contend that the oil pipeline is infringing on tribal sovereignty and treaty rights, and have urged the Biden administration to speak out against the pipeline.

A sign opposing Enbridge's pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac is shown Tuesday, September 27, 2016 in St. Ignace, Michigan. Environmental groups and tribes across the region say that the Line 5 pipeline is one of the biggest threats to the Great Lakes.

So far, the U.S. federal government has been silent.

The Canadian government has continued to throw its support behind the oil giant, filing amicus briefs on behalf of Enbridge that cite a 1977 treaty that prevents the interruption to the flow of oil between the U.S. and Canada. A member of the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's administration has said that "the operation of Line 5 is non-negotiable," as reported by The Canadian Press.

Line 5 has even garnered attention from the United Nations. Last year, an advisory body recommended that the two countries shut down the pipeline, and asked Canada to reconsider its support.

More: Great Lakes tribes teach 'water is life. But theyre forced to fight for a voice in safeguarding it.

What court cases surround Line 5?

Enbridge has been locked in legal battles in both Wisconsin and Michigan.

The Bad River Band filed a lawsuit against Enbridge in 2019, asking the company to remove the pipeline, which is operating on 12 miles of its land with an expired easement. Tribal officials chose not to renew the easement fearing the environmental damage from a leak or rupture.

In June 2023, a federal district court ruled that the Canadian oil giant was trespassing on the Bad River Band's land and must remove its Line 5 pipeline from the Band's land within three years or face a shutdown. Both sides appealed the decision. Enbridge contends the judge didnt have the authority to threaten a shutdown order and that the company is not trespassing on the Band's land. Tribal officials insist three years is too long.

The two parties are awaiting a ruling from a federal appeals court that heard oral arguments in February. They are also waiting to see whether the U.S. federal government files an amicus brief on behalf of the fossil fuel company or Bad River Band.

In March, Enbridge published an open letter to the Band offering $80 million to settle past disputes and saying it is committed to working with the Band to find solutions to their differences. In a letter to the Band explaining the lawsuit, Bad River Band Chairman Robert Blanchard said that "the $80 million is just a drop in the bucket of profitEnbridge has earned from its trespass so far. Our homeland, our treaty rights, and our way of life are not for sale."

More: A new chapter of a very old story: Documentary shows Bad River Band's fight against Line 5

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel oppose the pipeline. Whitmer revoked the easement in 2020, soon after she entered office. Nessel sued Enbridge in 2019 to decommission the pipeline. After the case was litigated in state court for more than a year, Enbridge filed a motion to move it to federal court. A federal appeals court will weigh arguments on whether that case belongs in state or federal court on March 21 in Cincinnati.

What will happen if Line 5 is shut down?

Enbridge argues that thousands of jobs and billions in economic output will be lost if Line 5 is shut down. The company also says oil prices would rise and Ohio refineries would be put at risk.

However, one report, from PLG Consulting in Chicago, found that the energy market could adapt without shortages or price increases. Another report by Environmental Defence Canada found that shutting down Line 5 would raise prices by under 2 cents per liter.

More: 'Bad River' documentary about Wisconsin tribe's struggle for rights premieres Friday

Is Enbridge replacing Line 5?

Enbridge has proposed building a replacement tunnel where the pipeline runs through the Straits of Mackinac. The project would replace the existing dual pipelines, which lie on the lakebed exposed to the elements and other risks like anchor strikes, with a single pipeline that will be housed in a tunnel bored through rock and buried beneath the lakebed.

The controversial replacement project has received two key permits from Michigan state agencies, which are being challenged by environmental groups and tribes. It is awaiting one more from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

A marker on the north shore of Straits of Mackinac indicates where a pipeline enters the water Tuesday, September 27, 2016 in St. Ignace, Mich. Just west of the iconic bridge are two oil pipelines laid in 1953 that span the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac, the 5 mile-wide strip of water separating Lakes Michigan and Huron that is whipsawed by currents unlike anywhere else in the Great Lakes.

Enbridge has also proposed rerouting Line 5 around the Bad River Band's land. The new 41-mile section would go further inland in Ashland and Iron counties. However, the Band questions whether Enbridge will complete the project and are still concerned about environmental damage as the reroute would sit in the Bad River watershed.

The oil company is awaiting permit approvals it applied for in 2020 from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the reroute around the Band's land.

How much of a presence does Enbridge have in the U.S.?

The Calgary-based company operates more than 17,800 miles of oil pipeline across North America. Slightly more than 52% operate in the U.S.; the remainder operate in Canada. The company transports roughly 30% of the crude oil produced in North America and moves about 20% of all natural gas consumed in the United States.

Enbridge has pipelines other than Line 5 that run through the Great Lakes basin. The Line 3 pipeline runs just under 1,100 miles from Edmonton, Alberta, through North Dakota and northern Minnesota, stopping in Superior. Like Line 5, the Line 3 replacement and expansion project also faced strong resistance from Ojibwe tribes and environmental groups. The company faced many challenges during the construction of the new pipeline, like fines for aquifer breaches and water quality violations as well as a criminal misdemeanor charge for using state waters without permission.

Enbridge also operates Line 78, formerly known as Line 6B. Line 6B burst in 2010 near Marshall, Michigan, causing the Kalamazoo River oil spill, one of the largest inland oil spills in U.S. history. Line 78 runs from Pontiac, Illinois, through northwestern Indiana and southern Michigan to Sarnia, Ontario.

Caitlin Looby is a Report for America corps member who writes about the environment and the Great Lakes. Reach her at clooby@gannett.com or follow her on X @caitlooby.

Please consider supporting journalism that informs our democracy with a tax-deductible gift to this reporting effort at jsonline.com/RFA or by check made out to The GroundTruth Project with subject line Report for America Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Campaign. Address: The GroundTruth Project, Lockbox Services, 9450 SW Gemini Dr, PMB 46837, Beaverton, Oregon 97008-7105.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: As Enbridge's Line 5 keeps making news, we break down the issues
Some military families may have been forced to pay the full cost of their prescriptions up front  a financial burden that can total thousands of dollars  at some of Tricares in-network retail pharmacies in the wake of a cyberattack on Change Healthcare, the nations largest commercial prescription processor.

Meanwhile, military pharmacies are still struggling to return to normal operations nearly a month after the Feb. 21 hack began disrupting regular operations at thousands of pharmacies around the world. Change Healthcare disconnected its systems from other parts of the medical ecosystem in an attempt to limit the attacks impact.

Most retail pharmacies have restarted filling and refilling patients prescriptions after much of Change Healthcares network regained function March 8, according to officials from Optum, the UnitedHealth Group subsidiary that oversees Change Healthcare. That includes successfully verifying that a customers insurance will help cover the cost of each medication.

Not so for military pharmacies.

Change Healthcare is still working with Defense Health Agency officials to reestablish the connection with military pharmacies, a company spokesperson told Military Times on Wednesday.

Defense Health Agency spokesman Peter Graves confirmed that on-base pharmacies have not returned to normal and are still manually processing prescriptions.

For now, that means customers will continue to see longer wait times at military pharmacies.

Military pharmacies will give priority to urgent prescriptions, followed by routine prescriptions, Graves said in an email to Military Times. Each military hospital and clinic will continue to offer pharmacy operations based on their local manning and resources. Please be patient while pharmacies take longer than usual to safely fill prescription needs.

One military pharmacy, run by the 19th Medical Group at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, told customers March 12 to come prepared with approval letters from Tricare or Express Scripts if they are requesting non-formulary medications.

Please understand there are extended wait times due to the system outage and the pharmacy will be busier than usual, the medical group said on Facebook. We remain without a timeline for a return to full functionality and will continue to provide updates as the situation changes.

Defense Health Agency officials acknowledged that some beneficiaries may have been asked to pay full price for their prescriptions at Tricares in-network retail pharmacies affected by the Change Healthcare outage. Those customers should file a claim for reimbursement with Tricare, Graves said.

Those who are still affected by problems at their retail pharmacy still have the option of taking their prescription to their local military pharmacy, where they can receive medication without a co-pay.

Beneficiaries can also contact other retail pharmacies in the Tricare network to find one thats not affected by the outage, or choose the Tricare Mail Order Pharmacy, which hasnt been impacted.

Change Healthcare has provided workarounds for pharmacies to help customers ensnared in the problem, including launching manual processes to submit information, checking eligibility for prescriptions, clearing prior authorizations and filling prescriptions.

The company also told Military Times it has begun sending temporary funds to providers, such as pharmacies, to help offset their costs until Change Healthcares operations return to normal.
Do you have a burning desire to be the next real-life James Bond?

GCHQ, the UKs largest intelligence agency, is looking for new recruits and has released a new visual puzzle to test the skills of anyone interested in a role.

Aimed at those who think and see the world differently, the puzzle has been released as part of a recruitment drive as the agency launches a new page on professional networking site LinkedIn.

The puzzle, created in collaboration with artist Justin Eagleton, is aimed at those who think and see the world differently and who can bring a new perspective to problem-solving, the agency said in a statement Wednesday.

Puzzles are at the heart of our vital work, reads the statement. These skills represent our historic roots in cryptography and encryption and continue to be important to our modern-day mission to keep the country safe.

There are 13 clues of letters that spell out a message, the agency added.

The puzzle published Wednesday. - GCHQ

The answer to the puzzle has been released on the new GCHQ LinkedIn page.

The agency, now based in the town of Cheltenham, is perhaps best known for its operations during World War II, when it relocated to Bletchley Park, 50 miles northwest of London.

Among its staff was Alan Turing, who famously decrypted coded German messages sent using the Enigma cipher machine.

The puzzle is part of a recruitment drive by the agency, which says it offers a number of different careers, some of which do not require a degree.

GCHQ director Anne Keast-Butler said the agency needs the right mix of minds to deal with the challenges of a complex world.

For us, that means bringing in people with different backgrounds, different experience, different insights, different knowledge, and creating a team where all of us can play our part. For us, its clear that that diversity is mission critical, said Keast-Butler.

So were on a journey to make sure that we reach out and connect to people whove never thought of working with us. And today were launching on LinkedIn as a way of starting to showcase a little bit more of the work that we do and some of the amazing people who work at GCHQ.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
MOGADISHU, March 14 (Xinhua) -- The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has committed to a smooth security transition ahead of exiting the country by the end of 2024.

The African Union special representative for Somalia, Mohamed El-Amine Souef, said ATMIS is fully committed to the transition process, which will culminate in the transfer of full security responsibilities to the Somali Security Forces by the end of December.

Souef stressed that the progressive transfer of security responsibilities to the Somali security forces must be accompanied by adequate support in other critical areas to consolidate the hard-won gains made in securing Somalia.

"It is therefore imperative that all partners align their efforts and support Somalia to ensure smooth coordination and a successful transition that promotes its long-term stability and development," he said in a statement issued Wednesday evening in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.

The AU mission has so far withdrawn 5,000 troops from Somalia and handed over 13 military bases to the Somali security forces during the first and second phases of the drawdown, which concluded in 2023.

The third phase, targeting 4,000 troops, is scheduled for the end of June ahead of ATMIS' exit from Somalia in December.

Souef said that open and constructive discussions have already begun with the Somali government, taking into consideration the lessons learned from the previous phases as part of the planning process. 
Editors Note: This article was published by the blog The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak on March 14, 2024, and has been re-published by the Kyiv Independent with permission. To subscribe to "The Counteroffensive," click here.

Dilaver Saidakhmetov's grandfather wasnt a practicing Muslim, but that didnt stop him building a mosque.

After decades of Soviet authorities burning Islamic literature and shutting down Islamic schools, Crimean Tatars were deported in the hundreds of thousands to Central Asia and Siberia in 1944. So almost none of the Crimean Tatars who returned to Crimea in the 1970s were very devout Muslims.

But that didnt stop them building mosques, and slowly trying to regain their heritage. When Crimean Tatars returned, they built mosques wherever they could, said Dilaver.

The story of Crimean Tatars and how they used Islam to protect their heritage and culture is one chapter in a wider story of how people in Ukraine are protecting and preserving their identity and heritage against Russian aggression.

The month of Ramadan, which began this week, is the holiest month in Islam, and it is especially significant for Crimean Tatars. For decades, Soviet policies prevented Crimean Tatars from being able to study their language or practice their religion openly. So for many, private religious rituals conducted in the home and away from the reach of the Soviet government, like the fasting of Ramadan, enabled them to preserve Crimean Tatar culture.

And the mosques were built less out of religious devotion, and more to root themselves in the land they had been forced from decades before. For many Crimean Tatars, Islam was important as an identity and expression of their culture and community, in addition to being a set of religious beliefs.

Crimean Tatar muslims pray in the Great Khan Mosque in the city of Bakhchisaray in Crimea, Ukraine, on Oct. 4, 2014. (Max Vetrov/AFP via Getty Images)

The Counteroffensive went to Kyivs only mosque to speak with Dilaver, the leader of a Ukrainian Islamic organization, on the first day of his fast.

Despite his naturally cheerful disposition, it is difficult to mark such a significant celebration outside of his homeland and without his fellow Crimean Tatars: Crimean Tatars dont understand how not to live in Crimea. Even for me this is very difficult, said Dilaver, who is in exile in Kyiv, where he has been since Russia annexed his homeland in 2014.

Dilaver emphasizes how important this month of Ramadan is for Crimean Tatars, a unique ritual grounded more in identity and a longing for home than a strictly religious ritual.

Most Crimean Tatars have not been practicing Muslims, but basically all Crimean Tatars have always, well for the most part, fasted during Ramadan, almost as if it is an entirely separate thing, he explained. This is something that really only Crimean Tatars understand.

Through fasting during Ramadan, Crimean Tatars were able to hold onto their religion without formal, public places of worship  a private, quiet echo of historical religious traditions.

Today, mosques in occupied Crimea like the one Dilavers grandfather built are regularly infiltrated with spies and their Friday prayers are monitored by Russian occupying authorities, while Crimean Tatars are subjected to house raids and arrests on made-up charges, often with a spurious religious basis.

Read also: Opinion: Its time to reform Ukraines state-owned enterprises

After Crimean Tatars were deported from Crimea in 1944, they were banned from returning until the 1970s and subject to policies of Russification, which ordered Crimean Tatar books to be burnt and their mosques to be destroyed. The Soviet government then brought Russians to resettle in Crimea.

When the Crimean Tatars returned, life was not as the same as before the deportation  many Crimean Tatars had died before they could return and the people that did survive saw their homeland completely changed. In 2014, after the Russian annexation of the peninsula, around 10,000 Crimean Tatars, Dilaver being one of them, fled Crimea again.

The Soviet policies prohibiting Islamic education and teaching led to the loss of what Dilaver calls "traditional Islam" in Crimea, or the Islam that was native to Crimean Tatars in earlier times. This opened the door for Islamic missionaries from Turkey and Saudi Arabia, which has led to the rise in the numbers of different types of Islam in Crimea in the present day.

(When Crimean Tatars returned from deportation) the level of religious knowledge was practically zero. The memory of that religious tradition that we had before was actually lost. Therefore, people tried to get this religious knowledge from somewhere else. And these influences from Saudi Arabia, from Turkey, from Egypt, from some other countries, they penetrated the Crimean community, so to speak, Dilaver explains.

Islam as an identity, rather than a set of beliefs, became the way that many Crimean Tatars saw themselves in relation to others.

When I was little, you know how we differentiated people? We thought that... everybody who is Muslim is a Crimean Tatar and everybody who is not Muslim is automatically Russian, but of course they were not all Russians, there were Ukrainians, etc. But, to us, the distinction was purely religious, Dilaver laughed again and continued to explain.

Muslims celebrate Maghrib and Iftar in a mosque in Kyiv, Ukraine, on March 12, 2024. (Adri Salido/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The significance of Islam to the Crimean Tatar identity is rooted in history: Islam played a key role in uniting the different ethnic groups in Crimea under the Crimean Khanate which ruled in the 15th century.

The Crimean Tatars are the result of over 30 different ethnic groups blending together over centuries; these groups included the Cumans, Tavri, and Scythians, according to Mavile Khalil, a researcher whose work currently focuses on Crimean Tatar identity.

The multicultural history of Crimea has also shaped how Crimean Tatars worship, Dilaver explains: Crimean Islam has specific features... pluralism and tolerance of other peoples views.

Although Dilaver says that religious tradition native to Crimea was lost with the deportation of Crimean Tatars, a culture of pluralism is something that still shapes their religious rituals.

It is traditional for Muslims to make food before the first day of the fast of Ramadan and make enough to give to one another. But, Dilaver said, pluralism is integrated into the Crimean tradition, and they give food to anyone regardless of their religion.

Dilavers parents, who were born in Uzbekistan, did not pray five times a day and did not attend the mosque on Fridays, however Islam and its rituals are still woven into so many of Dilavers happy childhood memories. He recalls vividly the first time he saw his parents fasting for Ramadan.

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I remember that it was winter, it was snowing and it was cold. I remember how my mom woke up in the middle of the night and was cooking some food for her and my dad. And then well, it starts to happen every day, you realize that something is off right? And then, we had the first conversation about Ramadan, and we, as children, asked, Can we fast too? Dilaver smiles and laughs warmly.

In his childhood Dilaver remembers asking his mother why, during Ramadan, Crimean Tatars always eat yantiks and chebureks, a flour flatbread with a filling, folded in two and made in a pan.

Firstly, yantiks can keep you full for a long time and they are quick and easy to make, but his mother also explained that it was a tradition that began when they returned to Crimea after deportation and life was hard. Many of them were not able to find work but they always had flour and with a few other ingredients you can make a yantik.

This is really an image from my childhood, the yantiks, the morning, the dark outside the window, your parents preparing something and eating in the kitchen, you listening to their conversation. You, of course, have to make sure that you have your coffee before sunrise, without coffee Crimean Tatars Dilaver waves his hand, as if to say "you dont even want to know."

Dilaver will not be eating yantiks in Crimea to break his fast, but he does not give up hope that one day he might.

Ten years have passed (since Crimea was occupied), but then I remember my grandfather, who lived without it for 33 years, and I have as an incentive for patience that I hope that someday it will change, he said, adding a common Muslim phrase meaning if God wills it.

Inshallah.

Editors Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Despite the persistent housing crisis in San Diego, county supervisors announced they are making significant strides in meeting state housing production goals.

Tara Lawson Remer, a San Diego County Supervisor, stated, Most jurisdictions cant meet those goals, and the county in three years is on track to do two-thirds of our housing production set for 10 years.

This progress translates to 3,350 new housing permits in unincorporated San Diego. Lawson Remer emphasized that while this is a substantial number, the county is carefully considering the type of developments it permits.

Carlsbad addressing contentious homeless facility residents call a crime hub

We are doing great, but you are not going to necessarily make some folks happy when they were used to bulldoze some of our beautiful open spaces and now we are asking them to build the right kind of housing people actually need in San Diego, Remer added.

However, Lori Holt Pfeifer from the Building Industry Association expressed concern that the current policies might be pushing residents into neighboring Riverside County.

Furthermore, Pfeifer highlighted that while the county is assisting efforts in urban areas, rural and urban rural interface areas are being neglected in terms of permitting opportunities.

Their policies are preventing the building in the rural areas, and they dont have to be that rural. In Valley Center, there are five casinos and Im pretty sure a lot of those people would like to live where they work, Pfeifer noted.

Looking ahead, Lawson Remer outlined that transport hubs and affordable housing will be her top priorities for development permits.

Make a home here you get a job  you want to move here. That is the kind of housing we need, not a lot of traffic and sprawl, Lawson Remer emphasized.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
In perhaps the most Texas thing ever, a couple announced their pregnancy through a photo shoot inside an H-E-B grocery store.

Pop of Color Images shared photos on Facebook on Monday, March 11, of the couple and their H-E-B-themed announcement.

Groceries for THREE please, the San Antonio photographer said in the post.

KENS reported the expectant father, Jacob Alvarado, has worked at an H-E-B warehouse for 11 years. He and his partner, Zoey Medley, are expecting their first child.

The couple held an H-E-BABY onesie in some photos, which were taken in the baby aisle of the grocery store. Their shopping cart appeared full of necessary items, including diapers, additional onesies and dill pickles  for the cravings, of course.

Some photos also included a Prego spaghetti sauce jar, an item the photographer said was important for the pregnancy photo shoot.

When Zoey found out she was pregnant, she came up with the idea to do a pregnancy announcement at H-E-B, the photographer told KENS. She wanted to include H-E-B products in the shoot as well as a Prego jar. We couldnt forget the Prego jar!

In the comments of the post, H-E-B congratulated the couple and complimented the Prego sauce photos.

The photographers post has received hundreds of shares and comments.

These pics are adorable!!! Love this idea!! one person commented.

Absolutely the CUTEST PICS EVER another commenter said.

Baby Alvarado is due in October, according to the photos.

A Texas staple, H-E-B has more than 420 stores throughout Texas and Mexico.

Bride surprises groom with one of his favorites: Waffle House. See the unique reception
The two juveniles charged in connection to the mass shooting at the Chiefs victory rally were 16 years old at the time of the shooting.

The shooting one month ago killed Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a 43-year-old mother and local disc jockey, and two adults separate from the teens have been charged in connection with her death. Dozens more people were injured by gunfire or while fleeing the area near Union Station as the celebration wrapped up.

Two days after the shooting, the two teens were charged with gun-related offenses and resisting arrest.

The Office of the Juvenile Officer acts as a prosecutor for criminal cases brought against minors. Proceedings are held in family court.

At the time, the office declined to disclose their ages or the exact charges.

On Thursday, the legal counsel for the Circuit Court of Jackson County confirmed the two juveniles were 16 at the time they were charged. The court has yet to provide more information about the specific charges the teens are facing or about the way the teens are connected to the shooting incident.

The two teens are being held in the Juvenile Detention Center.

Several cases related to the mass shooting have been filed.

On Feb. 20, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker charged Lyndell Mays, of Raytown, and Dominic Miller, of Kansas City, with second-degree felony murder, armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon.

Mays was in a verbal argument with another person that he had no prior history or connection with. That argument quickly escalated and Mays drew a handgun, Baker said.

Almost immediately, others, including Miller, pulled their firearms.

While both men were charged with murder, evidence shows that it was gunfire from Millers firearm that struck and killed Lopez-Galvin, Baker said.

On Wednesday, federal charges against three Kansas City men were announced.

The defendants are 22-year-old Fedo Antonia Manning, 21-year-old Ronnel Dwayne Williams Jr. and 19-year-old Chaelyn Hendrick Groves.

Manning faces a 12-count criminal complaint accusing him of one count each of conspiracy to traffic firearms and engaging in firearm sales without a license, and 10 counts of making a false statement on a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives form.

Williams and Groves, who were charged in the same complaint, both face one count each of conspiracy to make false statements in the acquisition of firearms, aiding and abetting the making of false statements in the acquisition of firearms, and making a false statement to a federal agent.

In a separate case, Jose L. Castillo faces one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in Jackson County. He allegedly picked up a handgun following the mass shooting.

Castillo was convicted in July 6, 2016, of a felony for conspiracy to distribute marijuana in U.S. District Court in Kansas, according to court documents. Under Missouri law, its against the law for a person convicted of a felony to possess a firearm.
Editor's Note: This story describes in graphic detail the abuse of a person at the hands of a former Pearl police officer. Discretion is advised.

A former Pearl police officer pleaded guilty Thursday to forcing a detainee to lick his own urine from the floor of a holding cell, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a press release.

The plea announcement came the same day City of Pearl officials announced the incident occurred and that the officer had been terminated.

Michael Christian Green, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of acting under color of law to deprive a person of his civil rights. Green faces a maximum penalty of 12 months in prison, the release states.

Former City of Pearl, Miss., police Officer Michael Christian Green walks out of the federal courthouse in Jackson, Miss., Thursday, March 14, 2024, after pleading guilty to a federal misdemeanor charge after authorities said he forced a man he had arrested to lick urine off the floor of a jail cell.

The news release states a federal magistrate judge will determine the sentence.

According to court documents, Green responded to a disturbance at a Sams Club on Dec. 23, 2023, and arrested a man.

Once the man was booked, security footage from the holding cell showed him attempting to tell Green he needed to urinate. The court records state that after not receiving a response, the man urinated in a corner.

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Court documents say that when Green was later told about the urine, Green threatened to beat the arrestee with a phone. The report states that Green also commanded the arrestee to lick the urine up.

According to the court records, while standing in the doorway of the holding cell, Green commanded the man to get on the ground and suck it up. Green then removed his phone from his duty vest and filmed the man, who complied.

Court documents say when the man began the action, he gagged three times in the process. When the arrestee would gag, Green responded with statements such as dont spit it out and lick that [expletive] up. Drink your [expletive] piss.

After returning to the booking area, the man repeatedly vomited in a garbage can, the report says.

In a Thursday news conference, Pearl Mayor Jake Windham said Green worked with the Pearl Police Department for approximately six months and had some personnel issues, but nothing like this.

This type of behavior in my opinion  is just despicable, Windham said.

Pearl Mayor Jake Windham addresses the internal investigation into a former police officer who forced an arrestee into licking his own urine off a holding cell floor at a Thursday news conference at Pearl City Hall in Pearl.

More on: Former Pearl police officer accused of 'bullying arrestee into licking urine off floor'

Green was relieved of his duties on Dec. 27, 2023.

I dont understand how you treat someone like that, Windham said at the news conference. The proper thing to do was to take the gentleman to the restroom and to not do anything of this magnitude and violate his civil rights.

During the Thursday press conference, Windham extended his apologies to the victim and the victims family for the negligent and horrible type of treatment from an officer of the law.

He said the department handled the matter with tremendous care.

We hold our officers to a higher standard than this, and its upsetting to having to be exposed to incidents like that, Windham said.

Former Pearl chief resigns: Pearl mayor says state auditor's office investigating office of police chief who resigned

This combination of file photos shows, from top left, former Rankin County sheriff's deputies Hunter Elward, Christian Dedmon, Brett McAlpin, Jeffrey Middleton, Daniel Opdyke and former Richland police officer Joshua Hartfield appearing at the Rankin County Circuit Court in Brandon, Miss., Monday, Aug. 14, 2023. The Mississippi sheriff who leads the department where former deputies pleaded guilty to a long list of state and federal charges for the racist torture of two Black men has asked a federal court to dismiss a civil lawsuit against him, Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.

The city has engaged Attorney Candace Gregory, a former federal prosecutor and director of Mississippis Public Integrity Division, to supplement the citys internal investigation, Windham said. Gregory is said to be in the process of reviewing the police department's policies and procedures along with providing training assistance.

The Dec. 23 incident happened months after six former Mississippi law enforcement officers in Rankin County  some of whom called themselves the "Goon Squad"  pleaded guilty to all state charges for the torture and abuse of two Black men, one of whom was shot in the mouth.

Windham said that the Pearl Police Department handled their investigation promptly.

We handle things swiftly around here. I think theres a stark contrast between the Pearl Police Department in this incident and the Goon Squad, Windham said.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Pearl MS police officer abuses detainee, violates civil rights
The Kyiv Pechersk District court extended the detention of Roman Hrynkevych, who is under investigation for a large-scale defense procurement corruption scheme, by one month, Ukrainian media outlet Suspilne reported on March 14.

Hrynkevych is one of the five suspects, including his father Ihor, who allegedly supplied Ukraine's Defense Ministry with low-quality military clothing, causing the ministry to lose Hr 1.2 billion ($31 million).

The court arrested Hrynkevych in January and ordered to keep him in custody until March 17 with an alternative to post bail set at Hr 500 million (around $13 million).

According to Suspilne, the court extended Hrynkevych's detention until April 17 and reduced the bail to Hr 469 million ($12.2 million).

The prosecutor, Oleksandr Levchuk, said that Hrynkevych's detention must be extended as the suspect could go into hiding from the court and flee the country.

"If Hrynkevych stays outside the prison, he will destroy the evidence, the original documents, and he will influence the witnesses and the drivers who transported the goods," Levchuk said.

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Hrynkevych's advocates said they would appeal the court's latest decision.

Earlier, Ihor Hrynkevych, Roman's father, also had his detention extended until March 29. He was arrested on Dec. 30, 2023, while allegedly attempting to bribe an official from the State Bureau of Investigation.

Ihor Hrynkevych's companies were one of the leading suppliers of the Defense Ministry, winning 23 tenders. The contracts were not completed as the supplied goods were said to have been unusable by the Ukrainian military.

The Defense Ministry announced on Jan. 17 that it had terminated the last contract with the businessman's companies.

Since the beginning of the Russian full-scale invasion, Ukraine's Defense Ministry has been involved in several corruption scandals.

The two most notorious scandals, one regarding inflated prices for food supplies and the other connected to low-quality winter jackets, prompted the dismissal of former Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov.

Read also: Investigative Stories From Ukraine: Another procurement scandal spotlights Defense Ministry contractor

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WASHINGTON  A federal appeals panel refused Thursday to postpone Peter Navarros imprisonment while the While House trade adviser to former President Donald Trump appeals his conviction for contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena, potentially putting him behind bars on Tuesday.

Navarro told USA TODAY he would appeal to the Supreme Court.

The three-judge D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously ruled Thursday that Navarro was unlikely to win his appeal.

Navarro has not shown that his appeal presents substantial questions of law or fact likely to result in reversal, a new trial, a sentence that does not include a term of imprisonment, or a reduced sentence of imprisonment that is less than the amount of time already served plus the expected duration of the appeal process, Judges Patricia Millett, Cornelia Pillard, and Robert Wilkins ruled.

The decision sets up a possible Supreme Court challenge for Navarro to appeal his conviction and sentence.

Navarro was convicted in September for refusing to testify or provide documents to the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta on Jan. 25 sentenced the outspoken aide to four months in jail and fined himi $9,500.

The Bureau of Prisons scheduled Navarro to report for detention by 2 p.m. Tuesday in Miami  unless the Supreme Court intervenes.

Here's what we know about Navarro's case:

Former Trump White House official Peter Navarro talks to the media as he arrives at U.S. Federal Courthouse in Washington on Jan. 25, 2024.

What is Peter Navarro arguing at the appeals court?

Navarro argued that Trump had asserted executive privilege to keep their communications confidential and block his testimony. But Mehta found no evidence Trump invoked executive privilege.

Even if Trump had asserted the privilege, Navarro would have still had to appear before the committee and invoke the privilege, Mehta ruled. The committee could have asked him questions unrelated to Navarros communications with Trump, including his efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

Mehta ordered Navarro to be jailed pending his appeal because the issues he was raising were potentially doubtful or frivolous.

The appeals court rejected Navarros argument that the assertion of executive privilege is either automatic or not one for the courts to decide because Mehta found it wasnt invoked.

That did not happen here, the appeals panel wrote.

The appeals court also ruled that even if executive privilege were invoked, Navarros indictment still wouldnt necessarily be dismissed because of the imperative need for evidence, the judges wrote.

Trump supporters participate in a rally in Washington, Jan. 6, 2021 that some blame for fueling the attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Why did the House Jan. 6 committee want to question Navarro?

The House committee sought to question Navarro because, in his 2021 book "In Trump Time," Navarro described a scheme to delay certification of President Joe Biden's 2020 election that he called the "Green Bay Sweep" and said it was the "last, best chance to snatch a stolen election from the Democrats jaws of deceit."

The committee said in its letter to Navarro that he had said Trump and "more than 100 members of Congress were 'on board with the strategy.'"

The committee also said Navarro released a three-page report on his website that repeated claims of purported fraud in the election that have been discredited by state and local officials.

Steve Bannon, former President Donald Trump White House Chief Strategist, speaks to media prior to the start of the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC 2024, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.

Who else was charged with contempt in the Jan. 6 investigation?

Navarro was one of four people the House voted to recommend the Justice Department prosecute during the Jan. 6 probe.

Political strategist Steve Bannon was also convicted, sentenced to four months in jail and remains free while he appeals.

But the Justice Department decided against charging former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and former deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Peter Navarro will have to fight Jan. 6 case from jail: Appeals court
Spotters reported tornadoes touched down late Wednesday in rural areas in Wabaunsee, Shawnee and Jackson counties in northeast Kansas, according to the National Weather Service's Topeka office.

No injuries were reported.

Initial indications were that three tornadoes had touched down, and the National Weather Service was sending out teams Thursday to survey damage from each, said Sarah Teefey, meteorologist for the weather service's Topeka office

The Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Office shared on its Facebook page this photo posted by Aaron Payzant showing a tornado on the ground late Wednesday near Alta Vista in that county.

Structural damage reported in Wabaunsee County and near Rossville

But at least six tornadoes and hail up to baseball size were reported starting around 8 p.m. Wednesday by trained spotters and sheriff's office personnel in Wabaunsee County, with no cities being struck, the Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Office said on its Facebook page.

"There has been damage reported to structures in the rural area," that page said. "Officers are still making assessments at this time."

Those twisters included a large tornado reported at 7:54 p.m. Wednesday to be on the ground near Volland, an unincorporated community about five miles southwest of Alma in Wabaunsee County.

Matt Flanagan, a meteorologist for the weather service's Topeka office, said a rancher reported five barns were damaged near Volland,

A nearby house escaped being damaged, he said.

Damage was also reported to at least one structure near Rossville in northwest Shawnee County, Flanagan said.

A tornado touched down in Wabaunsee County on Wednesday night.

The weather service's Topeka office said tornadoes were reported to be on the ground at 8:39 p.m. near Rossville and at 9:07 p.m. near Hoyt in southwest Jackson County.

Sirens were sounded in areas that included Topeka to warn people of the storm that brought the tornado near Rossville.

Apparent tornado was Shawnee County's first since 2019

The tornadoes came on an evening when severe storms and high winds swept through much of northeast Kansas, triggering a flurry of tornado warnings and severe thunderstorm warnings.

The weather service's Topeka office issued eight tornado warnings late Wednesday, Teefey said.

None of the storms passed through Topeka, though the weather service said the capital city subsequently saw 0.1 inches of rain reported early Thursday.

A tornado touched down late Wednesday near Rossville in northwest Shawnee County, the National Weather Service's Topeka office said in this announcement posted on its website.

Wednesday's tornado near Rossville appeared to have been Shawnee County's first tornado since a twister measuring at EF-0 on the Enhanced Fujita scale touched down just east of Rossville on May 21, 2019. Damage that day was confined to trees and power lines.

Contact Tim Hrenchir at threnchir@gannett.com or 785-213-5934.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Officials: Wabaunsee County saw at least six tornadoes late Wednesday
OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG)  A Crestview man was killed around 9:40 Wednesday morning after he was involved in a single-vehicle crash, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

According to a release, the pickup truck was negotiating a curve on State Road 123 to begin traveling north on State Road 85.

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The crash report said the driver, a 41-year-old from Crestview, Florida, failed to take the curve, crossed all lanes of State Road 85 and struck a tree, the release said.

Troopers say the victim was wearing a seatbelt.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Work crews for power provider Evergy are working around the clock to repair downed power lines in Kansas and Missouri on Thursday following a round of severe weather.

27 News spoke with Evergy to learn the extent of the damage caused to the local power grid by the thunderstorms and tornadic activity on the night of March 13. A mixture of storms, strong winds and hail caused widespread damage across northeast Kansas.

Evergy spokeswoman Courtney Lewis told 27 News the power companys system did extremely well during the violent storms. In total, Evergy reported 3,770 outages across its service areas in Kansas and Missouri with around 290 customers still without power by 11:30 a.m. on March 14.

Evergy crews worked through the night to restore power  some crews currently going on 14 hours on the scene, Lewis said. Its paid off as most of the remaining outages are no more than a handful across a few areas.

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(Photo Courtesy/Gabriel Johnson)

(Photo Courtesy/Gabriel Johnson)

(Photo Courtesy/Gabriel Johnson)

(Photo Courtesy/Gabriel Johnson)

Lewis said the hardest-hit place was the area around Rossville where a tornado is attributed as causing nine power distribution poles to be damaged Wednesday night. The loss of these poles caused more than 850 Evergy customers in the area to lose power. This number shrunk to around 40 customers by 10 a.m. on Thursday with crews working to restore power to the last of the customers impacted by the storm.

Evergy crews from Manhattan, Emporia, and Lawrence are assisting the crews in Rossville, and we expect to have all 9 poles repaired today, Lewis said.

Massive hail hits parts of Kansas and Missouri

You can keep track of current outages being reported by Evergy by checking out its outage map online. You can report outages to Evergy by using this link.

For more weather 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.
An advertisement for a Chinese mobile phone brand is seen in Yangon, Myanmar, March 15, 2024. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua)

YANGON, March 14 (Xinhua) -- With their innovative features and reliable performances, Chinese smartphones are reshaping the way people in Myanmar live and work.

Aung Aung, a 31-year-old IT technician in Yangon, has been relying on his Chinese smartphone for the past two years to stay connected in an ever-growing digital world and carry out his daily tasks.

"I use a Redmi Note 11 smartphone. I bought this device because of its advanced features and competitive price," he explained.

"It's an indispensable one for me," he said, adding that all of his previous smartphones were also Chinese brands.

For Alex Nway Oo, a 21-year-old university student in Yangon, her Chinese smartphone is necessary for academic success.

"With its expansive storage capacity and fast internet connectivity, I can join online classes and seminars. I can also virtually make friends with students from different countries," Alex Nway Oo said.

"For students like me who are on a tight budget, the affordable price of Chinese smartphone also makes it accessible," she said.

U Nyo, a 48-year-old rice farmer from a village in Bogale township of Ayeyarwaddy region, said, "My smartphone is a Vivo brand. It is the first new touch-screen phone I have ever had."

Ko Naing, a 32-year-old sales driver in Yangon, said, "I use an Oppo phone. I use it to contact my customers. With its long battery life and durable build, I can rely on my device to keep my tasks running smoothly, even during busy days."

Chinese smartphone brands like Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, Redmi, and Realme have dominated Myanmar's mobile phone market for years.

Ma Yamin Paing, a manager of Phone King Mobile Shop in Yangon, told Xinhua that Chinese brands such as Infinix, Tecno and Honor are the bestsellers in her shop.

"Customers choose Chinese smartphones because of their designs and advanced features, including cameras and memory," the manager said. 
NASHVILLE, Tenn.  Crews are searching a Nashville riverbank Thursday for potential clues around the disappearance of missing Missouri student Riley Strain.

Stran, a 22-year-old and student at the University of Missouri, disappeared Friday night after leaving a bar in downtown Nashville.

On Thursday, crews with the Metro Nashville Police Departments Urban Search & Rescue team searched along the Cumberland River. Investigators say Strains phone last pinged near that area.

Nashville Police Sgt. Bob Nielsen said there werent any new developments on Strains whereabouts from Thursdays searches. He told Nashville media members Thursday there is not any indication of crime or foul play in connection with Strains disappearance.

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Nielsen says police will recanvass the area around the riverfront and see if there are additional videos to review or additional people to check with on Strain.

This is strictly a missing person investigation at this point, said Nielsen. Right now, all of our resources are dedicated toward finding him. Were utilizing all of our detectives and resources in looking for him.

Authorities released more surveillance videos on Wednesday, capturing Strains final moments before his disappearance. The videos were captured just moments after Strain was kicked out of country music star Luke Bryans bar.

One piece of surveillance footage, timestamped just before 10 p.m. on the night of Strains disappearance, shows him crossing a street and heading toward the Cumberland River.

Police are also checking with people in nearby homeless camps and business owners for information. FOX 2 will update as more information becomes available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
By Antonio Bronic

DUBROVNIK, Croatia (Reuters) - Croatia's historic city of Dubrovnik aims to lure back locals priced out by high tourist prices with a plan next month that includes banning new private rental permits, following the example of other popular destinations across Europe.

Dubrovnik, famed for its Baroque churches, Renaissance palaces and spectacular location on the Adriatic's rocky coastline is a stop-off point for holiday cruises and attracts millions of global visitors that bring in much-needed revenues to the nation's economy.

But the success of the UNESCO World Heritage site has come at a price. Tourists clog the narrow streets and push up rents. Locals occupy just 30% of the Old Town's accommodation.

Before the break-up of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, and Croatias independence war, some 5,000 residents lived there. Today, 1,200 remain.

"Young people will depart us, they will leave to some other places because it will be impossible to live in Dubrovnik," Mayor Mato Frankovic told Reuters.

The city council is expected in April to pass a regulation banning new rental permits in the Old Town and its surrounding area, Frankovic said. The move is part of the city's obligation to meet certain UNESCO rules, he said.

The city has already begun buying apartments that will be offered to young families under a 10-year lease, and will ban the short-term lease of flats in large apartment buildings. In 2018, it limited the number of tourists from cruises to 4,000 at a time.

"We shall protect the town's historic foundations and enable the people to live and spend time there," Frankovic said.

Other European authorities are also seeking to reclaim cities for local inhabitants. Portugal, for instance, has been acting to lower housing prices.

In Dubrovnik, not everyone agrees on the need for change.

Vedran Miovic, of the Hedera Estate agency that manages some 150 units in Dubrovnik, says private accommodation is "much better for the community" compared with big hotels and resorts, which he said only benefited big foreign funds.

Old Town resident Marija Trojenovic, however, welcomed the plans.

"Bring back people to the town because people make the town," she said.

(Reporting by Antonio Bronic, writing by Daria Sito-Sucic; Editing by Edward McAllister and Barbara Lewis)
The political arm of Crooked Media, a media company founded by former Obama staffers, is pouring money into battleground states ahead of the November elections.

Vote Save America, a hybrid political action committee, is looking to offset 2023, a down year for progressive political fundraising, by donating to grassroots organizations early to have the greatest impact ahead of the 2024 contests.

The group will be giving out at least $160,000 each month through November to various grassroots organizations that will utilize the cash influx to boost voter registration and door-knocking, according to Shaniqua McClendon, Crookeds vice president of political strategy.

McClendon said voters normally give directly to candidates, which means voting groups often get neglected, something that Vote Save America seeks to address.

As people are not paying attention to those groups, we wanted to make sure that they are getting money, McClendon said in an interview with The Hill.

In February, when the groups voter engagement program started, they identified and donated to four grassroots organizations, giving them $30,000 each.

Ohio Organizing Campaign was one of the beneficiaries. In the Buckeye State, Vote Save America hopes to help Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) secure his reelection bid.

Along with helping the senator secure his fourth term, the Ohio Organizing Campaign will also help out with three other House races and the states Supreme Court election.

We want our audience to pay a lot more attention to down-ballot races, McClendon said. But especially in state Supreme Court races, weve seen the way that conservatives have leveraged the courts in their favor.

In Wisconsin, Vote Save America wants to help President Biden and Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D) win the state.

The group has donated money to Power to the Polls Wisconsin, which is focused on mobilizing Black voters in the Milwaukee area and building connections with the electorate early so that by the time we get to October, November, these conversations wont be coming out of the blue and they will have been like long term sustained conversations, McClendon said.

In Montana, Vote Save America helped out Western Native Voice, as part of efforts to reelect Sen. Jon Tester (D) and help Democrats keep control of the upper chamber.

Western Native Voice engages Native voters in the state, who McClendon said will be a huge part of Testers push to win in November.

We want the people who are part of that community to be the people who are engaging that community, McClendon said.

The last beneficiary of the February donations is Down Home North Carolina because of their focus on turning out voters in rural communities. Democrats increasingly see the state as key to Bidens reelection strategy in November.

Its really hard to win by only focusing on cities, and even if you cant win all those rural areas, just increasing turnout for Democrats in those places [is] really important, McClendon said.

By November, Vote Save America will give out $1.5 million to various voter-engagement organizations in at least 12 different states, according to McClendon.

Crookeds efforts and impact have grown over the years. The organization said it has raised $55 million since 2018.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The SpaceX Starship Flight 3 Rocket launches at the Starbase facility on March 14, 2024 in Brownsville, Texas. The operation is SpaceX's third attempt at launching this rocket into space. The Starship Flight 3 rocket becomes the world's largest rocket launched into space and is vital to NASA's plans for landing astronauts on the Moon and Elon Musk's hopes of eventually colonizing Mars.

YouTube is flooded with fake livestream accounts airing looped videos of "Elon Musk" supposedly promoting crypto schemes . Although not the first time to happen, the websites layout, verification qualifications, and search results page continue to make it difficult to separate legitimate sources from the con artists attempting to leverage todays Starship test launch its most successful to date, although ground control eventually lost contact with the rocket yet again.

After entering search queries such as Starship Launch Livestream, at least one supposed verified account within the top ten results takes users to a video of Elon Musk standing in front of the over 400-feet-tall rockets launchpad in Boca Chica, Texas. Multiple other accounts airing the same clip can be found further within the search results.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAdBaxAQSI8

Dont miss your chance to change your financial life, a voice similar to Musks tells attendees over footage of him attending a previous, actual Starship event. This initiative symbolizes our commitment to making space exploration accessible to all, while also highlighting the potential of financial innovations represented by cryptocurrencies.

...to send either 0.1 Bitcoin or one Ethereum or Dogecoin to the specified address. After completing the transaction within a minute, twice as much Bitcoin or Ethereum will be returned to your address. It is very important to use reliable and verified sources to scan the QR code and visit the promotion website. This will help avoid possible fraudulent schemes. Please remember administration is not responsible for loss due to not following the rules of our giveaway due to incorrect transactions or the use of unreliable sources. Don't miss your chance to change your financial life. Connect Cryptocurrency wallet right now and become part of this amazing opportunity. You will receive double the amount reflected in your Bitcoin wallet. This initiative symbolizes our commitment to making space exploration accessible to all while also highlighting the potential of financial innovations are represented by cryptocurrencies. So let us embark on this remarkable journey to financial independence and cosmic discoveries Fake Elon Musk

Its unclear if the audio is AI vocal clone or simply a human impersonation, but either way oddly stilted and filled with glitches. A QR code displayed at the bottom of the screen (which PopSci cropped out of the video above) takes viewers to a website falsely advertising an Official event from SpaceX Company offering an opportunity to take a share of 2,000 BTC, among other massive cryptocurrency hauls.

There are currently multiple accounts mirroring the official SpaceX YouTube page airing simultaneous livestreams of the same scam clip. One of those accounts has been active since May 16, 2022, and has over 2.3 million subscribersroughly one-third that of SpaceXs actual, verified profile. Unlike the real companys locale, however, the fake profile is listed as residing in Venezuela.

[Related: Another SpaceX Starship blew up .]

Scammers have long leveraged Musks public image for similar con campaigns. The SpaceX, Tesla, and X CEO is a longtime pusher of various cryptocurrency ventures, and is one of the worlds wealthiest men. Likewise, YouTube is a particularly popular venue for crypto grifters. In June 2020, for example, bad actors made away with $150,000 through nearly identical SpaceX YouTube channels. Almost exactly two years later, the BBC noted dozens of fake Musk videos advertising crypto scams, earning a public rebuke from the actual Musk himself. The crypto enthusiast outlet BitOK revealed a campaign almost exactly the same as todays scams around the time as the November 2023 Starship event .

Update 3/15/24 12:40pm: YouTube spokesperson confirmed that the company has "terminated four channels in line with our policies which prohibit cryptocurrency phishing schemes. According to YouTube, video uploads are monitored by a combination of machine learning and human reviewers.
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  Wednesday morning, Columbus State Universitys Special Education Program hosted its third annual Exceptional Science Fair to provide a unique and interactive learning experience for students with learning disabilities in Muscogee county.

The event was held at the Oxbow Meadows Environmental Center, as a collaborative effort between Columbus State University (CSU) and the Muscogee County School District. To offer students with learning disabilities the opportunity to engage in hands-on science activities.

Mary Hendricks a Professor of Special Education at Columbus State University, says the science fair promotes inclusivity and accessibility in education, regardless of their learning abilities.

They have created and developed science experiments for elementary students in self-contained classrooms in Muscogee County School District. We also have another group of CSU teacher candidates in special education that created and adapted textbooks that they put together, edited, wrote, and then they were doing a story time with the children from the elementary school as well, shared Hendricks.

All of the activities and experiments showcased at the fair are curated by CSU students enrolled in the special education program. This hands-on approach provides students with experience that they cant learn in a classroom.

Mortoria Neblett, a student teacher at CSU told WRBL that her favorite thing about working with the students is the flexibility of learning how to each exceptional learners capabilities.

It gave me the opportunity to pretty much get my feet into the water to experience what Im going to be dealing with because in special education, theres a lot of things that you cant expect. You cant be trained on how to deal with different disabilities because you dont know what to expect. So working in a school district allows me to get my foot in the water and it kind of gives me a heads up for what Im getting myself into, shared Neblett.

Hendricks tells WRBL that programs like these are crucial to help combat the special education teacher shortage in Columbus. She encourages those interested in adding their self-contained classrooms to the rotation series to contact CSUs Center for Quality Teaching and Learning.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
CURLS founder and CEO Mahisha Dellinger has dived into the beverage industry with the recent launch of a new product that promotes physical and mental health.

On March 8 (aka International Womens Day), Dellinger introduced her latest business venture, Huzzy Smart Sips, which aims to energize, protect, and cleanse different internal organs like the liver and gut with natural elements, according to a press release. The idea originated from her noticing a lack in the marketplace for consumers who are social drinkers but want to remain health-conscious.

Im making a change on how Im going to drink, she told her Instagram followers in a Jan. 1 video. Im going to drink more responsibly and less regrettably. What does that mean? Well, I know that drinking while it gives you a good feeling in the moment is horrible for your liver, its not good for your heart and it definitely isnt good for your gut. But I still know I like to go out and have a social drink with my friends and I like to feel a natural euphoric feeling, a splash after a stressful day. So when I couldnt find anything on the market, I decided to create it.

The Mind Your Business with Mahisha host and star developed the non-alcoholic libation concept to not only uplift women from all walks of life but to also keep the topic of health at the forefront, especially mental health. Through a partnership with the Sad Girls Club, a Black-woman-founded online platform and community built to help women suffering from mental issues, the groundbreaking drink will provide 1,000 Huzzies the chance to experience professional mental health services. In addition, 1% of the products proceeds will be donated to support the organizations efforts as well.

Huzzy Smart Sips has six flavors: Berry Banger Margarita, Spill The Tea-Long Island, Pow Wow Moscow, Golden Elixir Whiskey Fixer, Honey Pop Lemon Drop and Siesta Sipper Sangria. A single goes for $5.99 and a four-pack costs $19.99. The ingredients for the beverages are 100% natural and include blended organic teas, fruit extracts, antioxidants, adaptogens, and nootropics like passion flower & lions mane extract, per the press release.

The Asian and African evergreen shrub Ashwagandha, known to combat stress, was left out due to its harmful side effects on the liver and gut. To further push the envelope on it being a resourceful drink with a positive impact, Dellinger took precautions to ensure her collection is vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, low carb, low calorie, zero refined sugar, and caffeine-free. Customers instead will still feel a buzz due to the adaptogens and nootropics, but will be ready to take on the next day since Huzzy Smart Sips is hangover-free guaranteed.

Huzzy Smart Sips embodies a lifestyle choice that prioritizes health, wellness, joy, and social responsibility, Dellinger said in a press release. Its our mission to provide a celebratory experience that aligns with sober living, offering a guilt-free alternative to alcohol while making a meaningful impact on the community, all within an accessible price range.
FRANKFORT  Cursive writing lessons could soon be making a reappearance in Kentucky schools.

Common Core, the federal education initiative adopted in 2010, dropped cursive education, but the Kentucky legislature is considering a bill to reverse that.

Senate Bill 167 would require cursive writing to be taught in elementary schools starting in the 2025-26 academic year.

Students would become proficient in cursive by fifth grade.

The bill, whose primary sponsor is Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, passed the Senate last week on a 37-1 vote.

During discussion about the bill on the Senate floor, Tichenor said cursive has been proven to improve communication skills and stimulate creativity and learning.

Kentucky Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield

"We are producing students currently who are cursively illiterate in their own language and are not able to read a card from grandma or from primary source documents," Tichenor said.

There was some controversy when Common Core cut cursive out of its standards, and it's been a debate ever since for K-12 schools.

Some say cursive is a thing of the past. Others say cursive learning is still important because it can affect literacy skills, school performance and provide other benefits.

So, why did Common Core decide to make the cut? With paper being traded more and more for laptops and tablets, learning how to type became more important for students.

While the Kentucky Education Association, Kentucky School Counselors Association and National Education Association have neutral stances on the bill, there's still national debate on whether schools should still teach cursive writing.

About 20 states include cursive in public school curriculum.

Drew Faust, president emerita of Harvard University and the Arthur Kingsley Porter University Research professor, said learning cursive is important because it allows people to understand the past, especially for those who research and study primary documents.

She wrote a piece for The Atlantic about encountering the absence of cursive instruction when she discovered her undergraduate students couldnt read manuscripts in her Civil War History class.

Faust said when most of her students couldnt write or read cursive, she would have to choose research projects that were based on printed materials.

She said she doesn't believe cursive is important solely for understanding the past. It also has benefits for the mind and body, she said.

Cursive is a way of embodying your thoughts and stimulating some kinds of mental engagement through the physical act of writing, Faust said.

Should kids learn cursive writing? Submit your letter to the editor here.

Brenda Rapp, a professor in the Department of Cognitive Science at Johns Hopkins University, said handwriting in general lets people learn new letters faster compared to just visually seeing them or typing them on a keyboard.

"Writing by hand will activate a different set of brain areas than typing, and probably more brain areas than typing or just visually seeing, and that may be some of the basis for why you get some of the benefits," Rapp said.

Rapp said, although she isn't against cursive, requiring its instruction could leave some kids behind who struggle with motor skills.

"I think that consideration needs to be given or thought needs to be given for children for whom this will be a challenge, even if overall it might be helpful," Rapp said.

Reach reporter Hannah Pinski at @hpinski@courier-journal.com or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @hannahpinski.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Cursive writing lessons could be returned to Kentucky public schools
As Tennessee authorities continue their search for missing University of Missouri student Riley Strain this week, the Cumberland River has become a key setting in the unfolding drama.

But, is the Cumberland River really dangerous?

The Office of Emergency Management has launched boats on the river twice as part of a coordinated search for Strain, 22, with the Metro Nashville Police Department. The university student was last seen Friday walking near Gay Street and 1st Avenue, according to Nashville Fire Department spokesperson Kendra Loney.

His friends reported him missing the next day.

The area where Strain was last seen was in a brushy area with cliffs that would make it nearly impossible for the missing student to have fallen into the river, Loney said, but the failed boat searches on Tuesday and Wednesday have raised some serious concerns about the safety of river, itself, concerns that one Nashville business owner couldn't help but raise.

The Cumberland River spans 688 miles, cutting a path through southern Kentucky and Middle Tennessee before connecting to the Ohio River. It runs through two major cities: Clarksville and Nashville. There are eight dams along the river, and the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency notes that it is often used by large barges for transporting goods.

Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency Captain Josh Landrum said the Cumberland River presents several dangers to people, especially at night and in cold temperatures.

"Undertows can be present anytime there is wind and strong currents in river systems. However, typically through the downtown area, the river is narrow, and the river current is the greater danger. A strong river current alone could cause even a good swimmer difficulty in getting back to the shoreline if they were to fall in," Landrum said.

Cumberland Kayak & Adventure Company operations manager Dylan Schultz said there are several variables that could cause even more danger for those navigating the river.

Among those issues is how fast the water travels.

Water velocity on March 8, when Strain was last seen, was measured at 3.81 feet per second, according to United States Geological Survey (USGS) data. Velocity peaked at 10:30 a.m. on March 9, when it was measured at 4.0 feet per second.

"Day-to-day, the current varies," Schultz said. His company operates along a three-mile stretch of the Cumberland between Shelby Park and the downtown area. "It's not usually at a level where it is swift, but it would be difficult to swim against the current."

For those who are curious, the Cumberland's current runs west and northwest through Nashville, Schultz noted.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration defines swift currents as those with speeds of up to 8 feet per second.

But water velocity isn't the only factor to consider on the river. Depth is also important.

On March 8, the USGS reported that the river was 24.66 feet deep at 10 p.m. It has since changed, with the water level rising to 20.71 feet as of 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, the USGS said.

Despite those readings, Schultz said much of the Cumberland River is shallow enough to stand in. He estimates the average person can stand in the river anywhere between 10-15 feet from shore.

But, watch out, 'it does drop off quickly," he warned.

Perhaps the biggest challenge someone in the river might face, especially at night, comes from the transportation barges that float along the Cumberland combined with low air temperatures.

On March 8, temperatures were as low as 56 degrees, officials said. Landrum pointed out that water temperatures would have been in the 50-degree range, making hypothermia a possibility, especially if someone is unable to get out of the water quickly.

Riley Strain, 22, was last seen by friends at a Broadway bar on Friday, March 8, 2024 while visiting Nashville from the University of Missouri, authorities say.

So far, the searches at the Cumberland have proven unsuccessful as local officials continue to hunt for the missing student.

Strain is 6'5" tall with a thin build, blue eyes and light brown hair.

Strain was last seen at 9:52 p.m. Friday on Gay St. after drinking downtown. An MNPD helicopter searched that area today, including the riverbank. Detectives on the ground also searched, but to no avail. The investigation as to his whereabouts is active. https://t.co/gyhVeJo0Wh  Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) March 11, 2024

He was out with a group of Delta Chi fraternity brothers Friday night when he got kicked out of Luke Bryan's bar at about 10 p.m. He hasn't been seen or heard from since.

The bar has said on social media that it is cooperating with authorities to aid in the investigation.

Anyone with information about Strain's whereabouts is asked to call Metro Police at 615-862-8600.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Cumberland River in Riley Strain case highlights river's dangers
People wait to receive food relief during Ramadan in Gaza City, on March 13, 2024. The Palestinian death toll due to the ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has climbed to 31,272, reported the Gaza-based Health Ministry on Wednesday. (Photo by Mohammed Ali/Xinhua)

People wait to receive food relief during Ramadan in Gaza City, on March 13, 2024. The Palestinian death toll due to the ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has climbed to 31,272, reported the Gaza-based Health Ministry on Wednesday. (Photo by Mohammed Ali/Xinhua)

A man returns after receiving food relief during Ramadan in Gaza City, on March 13, 2024. The Palestinian death toll due to the ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has climbed to 31,272, reported the Gaza-based Health Ministry on Wednesday. (Photo by Mohammed Ali/Xinhua)

Volunteers prepare free food during Ramadan in Gaza City, on March 13, 2024. The Palestinian death toll due to the ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has climbed to 31,272, reported the Gaza-based Health Ministry on Wednesday. (Photo by Mohammed Ali/Xinhua)
A sentencing date has been set for Alex Murdaugh for his federal financial crimes.

The convicted double murderer and disgraced Hampton County attorney, who pleaded guilty to a battery of federal financial crimes, will be sentenced April 1, 2024.

The sentencing will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the J. Waties Waring federal courthouse in Charleston.

On Sept. 18, 2023, Murdaugh pleaded guilty to 22 federal financial crimes, including wire fraud, bank fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud.

Last March, Murdaugh was convicted of murdering his son Paul and wife, Maggie, at the familys property, Moselle. At that trial, prosecutors from the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office said that Murdaughs motive was to avoid the looming storm of discovery for his financial crimes.

He is currently serving two concurrent life sentences in the South Carolina Department of Corrections for their murders.

On the stand, Murdaugh denied murdering his wife and son, but admitted to over a decade of thefts from his clients, close friends and the law firm that his family had found over a century before.

This is a breaking news story. Check back here for more updates.
Consequences of the Russian attack on the Kryvyi Rih high-rise

March 14 has been declared a day of mourning in Kryvyi Rih after five civilians were killed and over 50 injured in a Russian attack on two high-rise buildings on March 12, the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration head, Serhiy Lysak, reported.

17 of the injured, including seven children, remain in hospital, he said.

In total, 71 residents were injured, including 12 children, the citys Defense Council head, Oleksandr Vilkul, said.

Read also: 3 children among 8 fighting for their lives in Kryvyi Rih after Russian attack kills 3, injures 44

Russians fired guided missiles - presumably X-59 - at Kryvyi Rih, hitting two residential buildings on March 12. Early reports indicated 44 people injured, including ten children. The youngest victims are a two-month-old boy and an 11-month-old girl.

A 47-year-old woman died in the hospital on March 13, after a search operation was completed.

The death toll climbed to five as a deceased man was found while clearing the rubble on one of the damaged houses floors.

Read also: Three dead, nine people saved from rubble after Russian attack on Kryvyi Rih

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Here we go again, springing forward for Daylight Saving Time.

There has been much written, discussed and debated regarding DST for years. Its time to put this issue behind us and end it.

There are statistics available that point to the majority of Americans supporting the effort to end DST now. That number is growing each year.

The editorial cartoon in the April 24, 1971 is promoting the start of daylight-saving time in Nashville. It is letting readers know that they need to set their clocks forward one hour as they go the bed that night.

In a poll taken by Economist/YouGov last March, 6 in 10 Americans (62%) said they would like to stop changing their clocks. In a 2023 survey from Payless Power it was a smaller majority of 57%, although 83% of the respondents believed that daylight saving time failed to achieve its original goal of conserving energy, wrote C.A. Bridges for the USA TODAY Network Florida on March 6.

Since its up to our members of Congress, maybe its time to contact your senators and representatives to encourage them to end it now!

Carol Duncan, Nashville 37215

Editor's note: Mr. Smith's letter received many responses from readers. You can find them here:"If you prefer Wisconsin's politics to Tennessee, you can return to the Badger State"

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Daylight Saving Time: Stop making Americans change their clocks
Ukrainian emergency workers carrying the body of a civilian killed in the Russian attack on Sumy. Photo: Ukraines State Emergency Service

The body of one more civilian has been retrieved from the rubble of a house in the city of Sumy, hit by a Russian Shahed loitering munition on 13 March, bringing the death toll from the attack to 3.

Source: Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne

Quote from a Suspilne correspondent: "The body of one more person has been retrieved from the rubble of a five-storey building in Sumy, which was attacked by a Russian drone on 13 March."

Photo: State Emergency Service

Details: The Russian attack has already claimed the lives of 3 residents, with 14 more injured.

Photo: State Emergency Service

Background: On the night of 12-13 March, Russian forces attacked Sumy with Shahed loitering munitions, one of which hit an apartment building. Early reports indicated that two people had been killed and eight injured.

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The death of Oklahoma student Nex Benedict has been ruled a suicide, according to a medical examiners report released Wednesday.

The 16-year-old, who was transgender and used he and they pronouns, according to friends and family, died Feb. 8, a day after a fight at Owasso High School. His name has become a rallying cry among LGBTQ activists, who argue that an onslaught of legislation targeting the community has made schools less safe for queer and trans students like Nex.

Nex had reportedly told his mother that he faced bullying at school over his gender identity, and body-camera footage released last month by police from the hours after the school fight shows Nex lying in a hospital bed. In the video, he tells a police officer how three students jumped him after he threw water on them because they were bullying him and his friend for the way they dressed.

Nex Benedict outside the familys home in Owasso, Okla., in Dec. 2023. (Sue Benedict via AP file)

The Owasso Police Department released preliminary information from an autopsy report on Feb. 21 that they said shows Nexs death was not the result of trauma. Days later, a spokesperson for the department clarified that the fight had not been ruled out as having contributed to or caused his death.

The medical examiners report listed a probable cause of death as combined toxicity from two drugs, one of which is available over the counter and the other by prescription.

In a statement posted on its Facebook account Wednesday, following the release of the medical examiners report, the Owasso Police Department wrote, in part: From the beginning of this investigation, Owasso Police observed many indications that this death was the result of suicide. However, investigators did not wish to confirm that information without the final results being presented by the Oklahoma Medical Examiners Office.

Margaret Coates, the superintendent for Owasso Public Schools, acknowledged Nex's cause of death on Wednesday and encouraged students struggling with the news to seek school counseling.

"The loss of Nex, a member of the Ram Family and the Owasso community, is devastating," Coates wrote in a letter to families and educators that was shared with NBC News. "We understand that the information released today may bring up additional thoughts, feelings and emotions for students and staff members."

An attorney for the Benedict family, Jacob Biby, said in a statement Thursday that Nex's loved ones don't want the suicide ruling to overshadow other findings by the medical examiner, which include multiple contusions, lacerations and abrasions on his head and neck.

"Rather than allow incomplete accounts to take hold and spread any further, the Benedicts feel compelled to provide a summary of those findings which have not yet been released by the Medical Examiners Office, particularly those that contradict allegations of the assault on Nex being insignificant," the statement said. "As outlined in the full report, the Medical Examiner found numerous areas of physical trauma over Nexs body that evidence the severity of the assault."

Owasso High School students organized a walkout on Feb. 26 to protest what they described as a pervasive culture of bullying that often goes unpunished. Kane, one of the organizers of the walkout who asked to go by first name only to protect his privacy, said at the time that students had speculated that Nex may have died by suicide. But, to Kane, who is nonbinary, the key contributing factor to Nexs death was bullying.

Theres been bullying issues. This time, the bullying has gone so far that a student has passed, Kane said ahead of last months walkout. To me, it doesnt matter if Nex passed from a traumatic brain injury or if they passed from suicide. What matters is the fact that they died after getting bullied, and that is the story for so many other students. Ive been close to ending it myself because of bullying. Its not new for so many students.

LGBTQ advocates and the medical community have long warned that queer youths face disproportionate rates of suicidal ideation.

In a survey conducted in 2022 by The Trevor Project, an LGBTQ youth suicide prevention organization, more than 40% of LGBTQ people age 13-24 said they seriously considered attempting suicide in the previous year, with trans and nonbinary respondents reporting even higher rates. That same survey of approximately 28,000 LGBTQ young people found 14% had attempted suicide within the past year, including 1 in 5 transgender respondents.

Earlier this month, the Department of Education opened an investigation into whether Nexs high school failed to appropriately respond to sex-based harassment. The investigation was opened after the nations largest LGBTQ advocacy group, the Human Rights Campaign, filed a complaint with the department after Nexs death. A spokesperson for Owasso Public Schools, Brock Crawford, said at the time that the investigation was not supported by the facts and is without merit.

Kelley Robinson, the president of the Human Rights Campaign, reiterated Wednesday the organization's call for an investigation into Nex's death.

"Nex was failed by so many and should still be here today," she said in a statement. "We hold their family in our hearts as they grapple with the devastating reality that their beloved child, a teen with a bright future, is no longer making this world a brighter place."

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.

If you are an LGBTQ young person in crisis, feeling suicidal or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call the TrevorLifeline now at 1-866-488-7386 or the Rainbow Youth Project at 1-317-643-4888.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Though grievances filed by Rockview state prison inmates were denied, advocates are still pushing for action after inmates reported a noose fashioned from an extension cord was seen inside the office where corrections officers are stationed.

Inmates told the Pennsylvania Prison Society the noose was displayed on Nov. 24 in the officers bubble, which Prison Society prison monitoring director Noah Barth described as the central security area in a housing unit.

When confronted by Black inmates, the Prison Society was told corrections officers laughed when they said they were celebrating Black Friday. About 45% of the prisons population is Black.

At least two inmates filed grievances with the prison. One told the Prison Society he was subjected to intimidating and racist remarks, while another said he felt he faced retaliation and aggressive cell searches.

The prison interviewed staff and inmates as part of its investigation into at least one of the grievances, Pennsylvania Department of Corrections communications director Ryan Tarkowski wrote Wednesday in an email to the Centre Daily Times. The allegations were found to be unsubstantiated and the grievance requests were denied.

Its not publicly known if there is a camera inside the office where the noose was reportedly hung. Tarkowski declined to say if any potential footage was reviewed as part of the investigation, writing he cant divulge the details of security in our facilities.

Two corrections officers and a sergeant were removed the unit, but Barth said they returned to the block on a somewhat regular basis. Tarkowski did not respond to a question about potential discipline.

Moving officers to another block while an investigation is underway is certainly a necessary first step, Barth said. The fact that the officers are reported to regularly be present on the unit again and making intimidating and/or racist remarks is deeply troubling.

Depending on the outcome of that investigation, I think that there are likely more serious personnel consequences that should be considered. If this is not taken seriously and acted upon, I think it sends a signal both to the incarcerated population and the rest of the staff that racist and/or intimidating actions are tolerated.

A message left Thursday with the Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association was not immediately returned.

The CDT submitted Thursday a request under the states Right-To-Know Law for all reports and documentation gathered as part of the investigation. The DOC has five business days to provide an interim response.

By virtue of what they are tasked with doing, there is necessarily a certain level of security and protected information, Barth said. However, it has become a culture that is totally opaque to public view.
Lawyers are continuing to take statements from people with information about a Summerfield murder, despite the disappearance of the defendant, who skipped court earlier this week on the day his trial was scheduled to begin.

During a hearing Thursday morning, Assistant State Attorney Janine Nixon told Circuit Judge Peter Brigham that she had filed motion to compel testimony from a man who she felt could offer details about the 2018 shooting death.

The man, Charlie Wesley Young III, was scheduled for an interview with Nixon last week, but failed to appear. Young was in court on Thursday. At the podium, he told the judge he missed the interview because he doesn't have reliable transportation and has multiple medical aliments.

Assistant State Attorney Janine Nixon

With his right arm in a sling due to surgery, Young told the judge his intention is not to defy the court, but to participate in any way he can. Nixon and defense lawyer John Kruse agreed to question Young at a location provided by the judge in the courthouse.

Before leaving court, Nixon asked Young if he knew the whereabouts of the defendant, Brandon Lee Brown. He said no. Young said Brown is his cousin.

On the run

On Monday, a jury was supposed to be selected to hear the case against Brown, who is charged with second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder with a firearm, attempted robbery with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Out of jail on $180,000 bond since 2023, Brown was a no-show for trial and the judge has issued a warrant for his arrest.

Brown, 38, is accused of shooting two men, Anthony Brady and Zondrey Sesler, at a Summerfield residence. Brady died at a local hospital.

The Summerfield man was on the run and he was later captured by U.S. Marshals. Brown's brother was also arrested, but prosecutors later dropped the charges.

In custody: Man arrested in fatal Jan. 12 shooting outside Marion Oaks barbershop

Anyone with any information on Brown's location can call Crime Stoppers at 368-7867.

Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: No defendant? No delay. Proceedings ongoing in murder trial
A recent study indicated 11 percent of 12th graders have used delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, or delta-8, the first time teen usage of the drug has been documented nationally.

The study, posted Tuesday in the journal JAMA and funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), found that among the high school seniors who reported using delta-8, which is legal for all ages in some areas, 90 percent said they have also used marijuana.

The NIH pointed out its Monitoring the Future study was given to students in classrooms, meaning it could represent an undercount as drug use can cause teenagers to miss school.

What is delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 comes from hemp, which is found in cannabis plants. Not much is known about its specific effects.

Delta-8 is chemically synthesized, and what has been happening recently is that companies have been synthesizing delta-8 THC and putting it in a number of different types of consumable products like gummies and in vapes, said Adam Leventhal, author of the study and executive director of the USC Institute for Addiction Science.

The NIH said delta-8 likely has similar effects to the primary THC component, delta-9, which makes people feel high from pot.

The study is the first time usage among teens has been widely documented, as delta-8 has only recently become popular.

2023 was the first year that a question about this substance was included. We cant really deduce whether prevalence is increasing, decreasing or staying the same, right? Because its only after you ask a question for the first time and then ask it for a few years can you determine whether there is like a broader trend over time, said Sheila Vakharia, deputy director of research and academic engagement for Drug Policy Alliance.

Why is it popular?

Delta-8 has no federal minimum age requirement for purchase, making it very accessible, as it can be ordered online or in gas stations, the NIH said. The Food and Drug Administration put consumer warnings on the product in 2022.

Eleven percent is a lot of people  thats at least one or two students in every average-sized high school class who may be using delta-8. We dont know enough about these drugs, but we see that they are already extremely accessible to teens, said Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

The study found that popularity also corresponds with which region of the U.S. a student is in.

The South and Midwest had the most 12th graders using delta-8, at 14 percent and 15 percent, respectively. In the North, 10 percent were using the substance, compared to only 5 percent in the West.

Notably, 14 percent of 12th graders in states that have not legalized weed reported having used delta-8, compared to only 8 percent in states that have, with experts saying black markets could be having an effect on use.

How did it become legal for teens?

It is possible that delta-8 has so far slipped under the radar because hemp is used in other manufacturing products, and lawmakers have mostly focused on regulating delta-9.

There was a federal legislation, which is referred to as the Farm Bill, that legalized manufacturing of hemp forms of the cannabis plant, Leventhal said. One of the reasons for that is hemp can be used in textiles, but part of the policy didnt necessarily call out other types of intoxicating chemicals as being prohibited.

The legislation prohibited products from containing more than 0.3 percent of delta-9, which was the most commonly known THC at the time.

Delta-8 was something that was left open and, since 2018, the development and synthesis of delta-8 THC and other types of psychoactive chemicals from the hemp plant is something that is increasing, Leventhal said

What does the future look like?

The national trends documented by the Monitoring the Future survey provide critical information for research and policy to keep pace with new developments in the market for cannabis products, which has seen considerable change in recent years, said Richard Miech, co-author of the NIH study.

Vakharia said it is important that further studies are done  both on delta-8s rate of use, as well as really diving into its effects.

We also need studies where people under controlled conditions are consuming those substances, and then we can monitor their effects as well, because thats the kind of research that happens in a lot of these types of drug studies, Vakharia said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A Delta flight traveling from Dallas to New York was diverted to Atlantas airport Thursday after a passenger was found with a lighter on the plane.

Delta officials said the incident happened on a Delta Flight 420 from Dallas/Fort Worth at 12:15 p.m. It was supposed to land in New York at 4:30 p.m.

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation clarified that one passenger had a lighter on the plane.

That person was removed from the plane and taken to the hospital for evaluation.

Channel 2s Veronica Griffin was live at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport on WSB Tonight at 11 p.m. Thursday where she spoke with travelers.

You wonder how they got through TSA, said Dough Puza, a traveler.

An emergency was declared to help air traffic control get the aircraft in safely.

A lighter is a very dangerous thing. Im glad they at least addressed it. People just dont realize flames and airplanes dont get along, said Puza.

Thats what the airlines should do. And passengers should understand things are going to come up and planes are going to get diverted. Just be on your best behavior and great manners, said Kat Puza.

The plane landed in Atlanta around 3:30 p.m. and resumed its flight to JFK this afternoon.

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There were 92 passengers and five crew members on the plane.

The airline thanked passengers onboard for understanding and apologized for the delay.

Delta airline issued the following statement Thursday afternoon:

Delta has zero tolerance for unruly behavior and will work with law enforcement authorities to that end. We appreciate the civility and understanding of the remainder of our Dallas to New York customers and apologize for the delay in their travels.

Delta did not identify the person who had the lighter or say what charges that person might be facing.

Channel 2 Action News reached out to the FBI for more information but has not heard back.

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Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Rep. John Garamendi (D-Calif.) sent a letter to the Air Force this week demanding answers to their concerns about the extraordinary cost of the Sentinel nuclear missile program, which has ballooned in price over the years and is facing at least a two-year delay.

In the letter, provided exclusively to The Hill, the Democratic lawmakers said Sentinel has lacked some of the basic building blocks for good program management and noted concerns about aggressively pursuing deployment of the program.

The duo urged a greater investigation of the missile program after a January breach of the Nunn-McCurdy Act, which requires a Pentagon review after a programs cost exceeds a certain threshold.

We have spent billions of dollars and a decade of time; yet we are no closer to a stable cost or schedule for the Sentinel program, Warren and Garamendi wrote in the letter. The extraordinary cost and delay of the Sentinel program demands the Air Force properly and honestly provide clarity on every part of the program as the Department considers the requirements of the Nunn-McCurdy provisions.

The letter is addressed to Kristyn Jones, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for financial management and comptroller  who is also performing the duties of undersecretary of the Air Force. The lawmakers are demanding answers to several questions about the program by March 27.

The Sentinel program will replace the nuclear-armed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), 400 of which are scattered across the rural Western U.S. in underground silos.

The project was first estimated at around $60 billion in 2015 but has continued to rise in cost projections, with the Nunn-McCurdy breach coming after estimates soared to around $131 billion.

Sentinel, which the Air Force had planned to begin fielding in 2030, is still in its early stages, with defense contractor Northrop Grumman operating off an initial $13 billion research and testing contract. The rising costs have spurred concerns on Capitol Hill, though Congress remains mostly united behind modernizing its land-based ICBMs along with the rest of the nuclear triad.

The Air Force says the rising costs are related to the vast real estate development component of the program, which includes constructing new utility lines, support buildings and other construction projects across nearly 40,000 square miles of land.

Most of the work is expected at the Air Force bases Malmstrom in Montana, Minot in North Dakota and F.E. Warren in Wyoming.

Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall last year described Sentinel as the biggest thing the department has ever done and noted the program was struggling. Despite the concerns, the military branch has pledged to continue funding Sentinel and the 2025 budget request this week offered more than $3 billion for the program.

In the letter, Warren and Garamendi raised concerns about how the original cost estimates for Sentinel were reached, arguing if they had looked at whether Minuteman could be extended through 2040 or 2050, it likely would have been cheaper to life-extend those systems rather than replace it with Sentinel, which the Air Force chose to keep until 2075.

They also argued that the Air Force could maintain Minuteman even longer if testing were shifted away from destructive tests that destroy components of the missile system.

This is a self-inflicted problem that can be addressed by changes in the Air Forces approach to testing, they wrote.

The lawmakers, who have long been critical of the program, pushed for the Air Force to consider the role of life-extending Minuteman III to maintain ICBMs and called for more innovative solutions, noting that the Pentagon review is required to consider cheaper alternatives in light of the Nunn-McCurdy breach.

The scope and scale of this overrun requires thorough analysis, they wrote. This analysis of alternatives must include a reassessment of assumptions made to this point.

It is imperative that the Air Force think critically and creatively about the way forward, they continued. Given its scale and expense, nothing about this program should be seen as predetermined and we must evaluate every decision to determine if the expense truly provides for the national defense.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
This photo taken on March 14, 2024 shows an international freight train preparing to depart from Harbin international container center station in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

HARBIN, March 14 (Xinhua) -- A new international freight train route linking Harbin, the capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, with Tilburg in the Netherlands, has been launched, becoming the first China-Europe freight train service connecting the border province with a city in the Netherlands.

A cargo train loaded with 1,300 tonnes of amino acid in 55 containers departed from the station of Harbin international container center on Thursday, marking the inauguration of the service, according to the China Railway Harbin Group Co., Ltd.

This photo taken on March 14, 2024 shows an international freight train preparing to depart from Harbin international container center station in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

The train will travel 10,257 km via the port of Manzhouli and arrive at Tilburg in 15 days. "Compared with sea shipping, the new cargo train service will cut short the delivery time by two-thirds with the distance shortened by half," said Liang Chuan, head of the station. According to data, the number of China-Europe freight trains and the cargo volume they transported from and to Heilongjiang skyrocketed by 161.5 percent and 151.6 percent year on year, respectively, in the first two months of this year.

An aerial drone photo taken on March 14, 2024 shows an international freight train preparing to depart from Harbin international container center station in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

This photo taken on March 14, 2024 shows an international freight train preparing to depart from Harbin international container center station in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

An aerial drone photo taken on March 14, 2024 shows an international freight train departing from Harbin international container center station in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

An aerial drone photo taken on March 14, 2024 shows an international freight train departing from Harbin international container center station in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)
CINCINNATI, Ohio  Democrats are resuming the controversial practice of meddling in Republican primaries in the hopes of advancing candidates they believe to be weaker opponents in a general election, this time spending to elevate Donald Trumps choice in Ohios U.S. Senate primary next week.

Senate Majority PAC, a group closely aligned with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, is behind another super PAC, Duty and Country, thats on TV in Ohio with an ad touting Trumps endorsement of car dealer and blockchain entrepreneur Bernie Moreno, Politico first reported. The ad calls Moreno too conservative for Ohio with the aim of boosting him with GOP primary voters just days before voting ends Tuesday.

Senate Majority PAC confirmed its all part of a $2.7 million digital and TV ad buy highlighting Morenos Trump ties.

When Ohio voters head to their polling place they deserve to know the truth about Bernie Moreno  and the truth is that Moreno is a MAGA extremist who embraced Donald Trump, just like he embraced his policies to ban abortion nationwide and repeal the ACA, said spokesperson Hannah Menchhoff.

A video of the ad posted on YouTube Wednesday has since been removed.

Ohio is one of the countrys top Senate battlegrounds this year, with Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown fighting for another term in a state thats trended redder since Brown was first elected in 2006. Besides Montana, Ohio is the best chance Republicans have to retake the Senate.

Senate Majority PAC has meddled in Montanas primary, too, funding a PAC that ran ads against the expected GOP nominee, Tim Sheehy.

Businessman Bernie Moreno is Trump's pick for U.S. Senate in Ohio. Trump is coming to the state Saturday to rally for Moreno ahead of Tuesday's primary. Associated Press

Tuesdays primary features three Republicans who are generally polling against each other within the margin of error: Moreno, state Sen. Matt Dolan and Secretary of State Frank LaRose. Dolan, who is often considered to be the stronger general election candidate, has surged at the last moment, apparently worrying Democrats enough to spend on helping Moreno. A poll this week from Emerson University found Dolan pulling ahead of Moreno, 26% to 23%, with 32% still undecided.

The prospect of Sherrod Brown going up against Republican Matt Dolan in November has Chuck Schumer so worried that hes injecting millions of dollars into Ohio, aimed at dragging Bernie Moreno across the finish line in Tuesdays Republican primary, said Chris Pack, the spokesman for the pro-Dolan PAC Buckeye Leadership Fund.

Trump is also concerned  the former president and presumptive GOP presidential nominee announced a last-minute rally Saturday to help Moreno. Ohios primary is the first major test of Trumps endorsement since the 2022 midterms, when many of his preferred candidates proved to be too extreme to beat Democrats.

Morenos campaign compared Democrats strategy to the way they underestimated Trump and the MAGA movement in 2016.

Democrats constantly underestimate the America First movement at their own peril, Morenos campaign said in a statement to HuffPost. They thought President Trump would be easy to beat in 2016 and then they got their clocks cleaned when he demolished Hilary Clinton. The same thing is going to happen to Sherrod Brown this year. Bernie is a threat to the establishment in both political parties, which is why the RINO establishment, the entire swamp, and leftwing media have been attacking him with lie after lie since the moment he launched his campaign.
A Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric vehicle charges at a public charging station in 2021. Photo by Christopher Furlong | Getty Images

Arizona Democrats are calling on President Joe Biden to pass the strongest-ever federal clean air regulations as Republican proposals in the state legislature continue to threaten efforts to reduce pollution.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Sens. Flavio Bravo and Juan Mendez were joined by advocates for environmental justice and public health as they urged the Environmental Protection Agency to finalize its proposed clean car standards this month to better support a nationwide movement towards electric vehicles.

Last April, EPA proposed ambitious standards to reduce harmful emissions from cars and trucks starting with model year 2027, encouraging a gradual move towards an emissions free future. The proposed regulations include reductions to tailpipe emissions that would ensure that a larger percentage of the new cars sold in the U.S. are all-electric by 2032.

The EPA projects that, through 2055, the standards would avoid nearly 10 billion tons of CO2 emissions  more than twice the emissions produced by the U.S. in 2022.

Mendez said the transition to electric cars that produce less emissions is not only an environmental imperative, but also an economic opportunity that would benefit all Arizonans. The switch is predicted to generate over thousands of new, well-paying jobs and attract big investors to the state, he said..

Whats truly remarkable is that, already, 78% of these investments have been announced since January 2021, signaling a clear trend towards sustainable transportation solutions, Mendez said.

A year ago, LG announced that it would be investing $5.5 billion to build a battery manufacturing complex in Queen Creek to produce electric vehicle batteries. A few months later, in June 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy announced its plan to loan KORE Power $850 million to build a battery cell manufacturing plant in Buckeye.

And with new manufacturing facilities comes thousands of jobs for Arizonans, the senators said. Bravo said that, as of 2022, there were over 61,500 Arizonans working in clean energy  a figure that has only grown since then.

However, to get the most out of this influx of economic interest in our state, Mendez said Arizona needs federal regulations that support a shift away from polluting gas-powered vehicles.

To fully realize the potential of this economic opportunity, we need to increase our speed on Route Zero, Mendez said. Thats why, today, we are calling on the EPA and the Biden administration to strengthen clean car standards, ensuring the strongest possible vehicle pollution safeguards for automobiles that are going to be produced from 2027 through 2032.

Route Zero is a nationwide initiative geared at eliminating automobile emissions while promoting eco-friendly transportation and policy on both the state and federal levels. It refers to the end goal of zero emissions, or reaching a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced and the amount that is removed from the Earths atmosphere.

The current abundance of greenhouse gasses in our atmosphere has led to the warming of the planets surface, placing every ecosystem in danger.

Environmental advocates have rallied behind calls for a switch to electric vehicles in recent years as-powered cars are one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gasses in America. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the average gas-powered vehicle creates nearly five times the amount of emissions than the typical electric vehicle produces each year. The disparity is even greater in Arizona, where its estimated that gas-powered vehicles emit six times as much CO2 as electric vehicles.

However, Mendez emphasized that this transition requires more action than simply opting for a new set of electric wheels and limiting pollution from gas-powered vehicles.

Our journey to zero emissions doesnt stop at clean car standards. We must also invest in electric vehicle infrastructure, including charging stations and grid updates, Mendez said.

As a start, the federal government began showing its support for a greener future for Americas roads in November 2021, when it invested $7.5 billion in creating a national network of 500,000 electric vehicle chargers through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

But Biden has since indicated that he intends to roll back parts of the EPA proposal to limit tailpipe emissions, giving car manufacturers more time to limit the amount of emissions produced by the total amount of cars they sell.

The Biden administrations hesitation to finalize the EPAs proposal has opened the door for state-level opposition, like those in Arizona that work to end vehicle emissions testing and monitoring altogether.

The senators were joined by Ylenia Aguilar, environmental advocate and southwest organizer for Moms Clean Air Force, and nurse Paloma Greenwald of the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, who both offered insight into the importance of clean air regulations outside of the economic impact.

Greenwald said that as a health professional, she sees the impact air pollution has on her patients every day, and knows that communities are desperate for relief.

These stronger federal standards will significantly reduce air pollution, fine particles in the air that can wreak havoc on our health, and lead to better health outcomes, particularly for children and vulnerable populations, she said. That is why we need the EPA to finalize these clean car standards this month.

According to the American Lung Association, Black and Brown communities are disproportionately impacted by pollution, with a higher risk of premature death by particle pollution than white communities.

Aguilar stressed the urgency of the issue considering its impact on the nations most vulnerable communities, calling the EPAs proposed standards a key part in the efforts to address environmentally caused health issues.

Weve accepted this status quo of living with dirty, harmful air for too long, and now we have an excellent tool to improve that  and we need it done now, she said.

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The post Democrats push for strongest ever vehicle emissions standards, transition to EVs appeared first on Arizona Mirror.
Democrats are meddling in Ohios Senate GOP primary at the 11th hour to boost Bernie Moreno, the candidate former President Donald Trump endorsed to face vulnerable Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown.

Duty and Country PAC, a group affiliated with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, is spending over $2.5 million to air with a TV ad that heavily touts Morenos support from Trump and calls him too conservative for Ohio. It will begin airing on Thursday and is set to run through Tuesdays primary.

The group is funded by Senate Majority PAC, the top Democratic outside group focused on Senate races. The apparent goal of the ad is to boost Moreno with GOP voters, and their interference in the race is a sign that they believe he would be the weakest candidate in the general election. Ohio, one of three Democratic-held seats up for election in states Trump won in 2020, is one of the most critical races to the Senate majority.

When Ohio voters head to their polling place they deserve to know the truth about Bernie Moreno  and the truth is that Moreno is a MAGA extremist who embraced Donald Trump just like he embraced his policies to ban abortion nationwide and repeal the ACA. Senate Majority PAC spokesperson Hannah Menchhoff said in a statement.

Moreno is in a crowded and competitive race with Secretary of State Frank LaRose and state Sen. Matt Dolan.

The spot, which will air on broadcast and cable TV stations across the state, says Moreno would support a national abortion ban and a repeal of Obamacare. Donald Trump needs Bernie Moreno. Ohio doesnt.

Polling shows a tight race for the primary. Dolan, the only one of the three candidates who did not seek Trumps endorsement, topped an Emerson College survey released Wednesday. In recent days, hes secured the endorsement of former Sen. Rob Portman and Gov. Mike DeWine.

Moreno has endorsements from Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio).

In a statement, Moreno campaign spokesperson Reagan McCarthy invoked Democrats' general feeling in 2016 that Trump would be the easiest candidate for Hillary Clinton to beat. "The same thing is going to happen to Sherrod Brown this year," McCarthy said.

Intervention in GOP primaries has become a popular Democratic tactic in recent years. In 2012, then-Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) famously boosted then-Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.) through the primary and then defeated him in the general election.

More recently, Senate Majority PAC attacked GOP Senate candidate Chuck Morse in New Hampshire ahead of the 2022 primary, helping Don Bolduc, who struggled to raise money, capture the nomination. Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan beat Bolduc that November by 9 percentage points.

The New Hampshire involvement was part of a broader effort by national Democrats to help more controversial Republicans  many of whom had ties to Trump and had falsely refuted the 2020 election results  to win primaries to help Democratic prospects in the general election.
Plaintiffs and others shows a banner in front of Sapporo Hight Court in Sapporo, Hokkaido, northern Japan Thursday, March 14, 2024. A banner reads " Unconstitutional judgement by high court, too. Marriage Equality Now." The Sapporo High Court ruling said that not allowing same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the same benefits as straight couples violates their fundamental right to have a family. (Kyodo News via AP)

TOKYO (AP)  A Japanese high court ruled Thursday that denying same-sex marriage is unconstitutional and called for urgent government action to address the lack of any law allowing for such unions. Plaintiffs and the LGBTQ+ community in Japan cheered it as giving them hope for change toward equality.

The court does not have the power to overturn the current marriage law, which has been interpreted to restrict marriage as between a man and a woman. Government offices may continue to deny marriage status to same-sex couples unless the existing law is revised to include LGBTQ+ couples or a new law is enacted that allows for other types of unions.

The Sapporo High Court ruling said not allowing same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the same benefits as straight couples violates their fundamental right to equality and freedom of marriage. The case was brought by three same-sex couples who appealed three years ago after a lower court recognized the unconstitutionality of excluding same-sex couples from marriage equality but dismissed compensation claims for their suffering.

A lower court issued a similar ruling earlier Thursday, becoming the sixth district court to do so. But the Tokyo District Court ruling was only a partial victory for Japans LGBTQ+ community calling for equal marriage rights, as it doesnt change or overturn the current civil union law that the government says defines marriage as between a man and a woman.

Five previous court decisions in various cities said Japans policy of denying same-sex marriage is either unconstitutional or nearly so. However, unlike the Sapporo ruling Friday, none of the district-level courts clearly deemed the Japanese government's existing policy to reject same-sex couples unconstitutional.

Sapporo High Court Judge Kiyofumi Saito said the constitutional freedom of marriage is about partnership between two human beings, and the right to marry should equally protect couples of different and same sexes. With their exclusion, same-sex couples have experienced significant disadvantages, suffering or loss of identity, the judge said.

Disallowing marriage to same-sex couples is a discrimination that lacks rationality," the ruling said. But allowing same-sex marriage creates no disadvantage or harm to anyone, it said.

A plaintiff, Eri Nakaya, said the traditional definition of marriage repeatedly made her feel that same-sex couples are treated as if they do not exist.

"The ruling clearly stated that same-sex couples have the same right as others and deserve to live in this country, and reminded me it's okay just to be me, she said.

Japan is the only member of the Group of Seven nations that still excludes same-sex couples from the right to legally marry and receive spousal benefits.

Support for marriage equality has grown among the Japanese public in recent years, but the governing Liberal Democratic Party, known for its conservative family values and reluctance to promote gender equality and sexual diversity, remains opposed to the campaign.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters that the government planned to closely watch the public opinion and parliamentary debate, as well as pending court cases because an introduction of same-sex marriage closely affects family values of the people."

In the Tokyo ruling, the court said that the right to marry, have a family and enjoy advantages marriage brings  such as tax deductions and social security benefits  are guaranteed for everyone, and that lack of the legal right to same-sex couples deprives them of their basic right.

The Tokyo ruling also acknowledged the right for anyone to live based on their sexuality and sexual identity, and that traditional family values and marriage are changing, and equality of same-sex marriage is increasingly accepted in international and corporate communities. The court said the governments lack of effort to implement legal marriage equality is not unconstitutional, but expressed hope for the parliament to enact a law for same-sex marriage.

Marriage equality is now recognized in dozens of countries, not only in Western countries like Greece and the United States but also in Asia, with Nepal allowing same-sex marriage registration starting in 2023.

The eight Tokyo plaintiffs said they are frustrated by Japan's slow change. A lawyer, Makiko Terahara, said they planned to appeal Thursday's decision to a high court.

While Japans conservative government has been criticized as stonewalling diversity, recent surveys show a majority of Japanese back legalizing same-sex marriage. Support among the business community has rapidly increased.

Tokyo enacted an LGBTQ+ awareness promotion law in June that critics said was watered down. The Supreme Court separately ruled that Japans law requiring compulsory sterilization surgery for transgender people to officially change their gender is unconstitutional.

___
Amid the chaos and violence taking place in Haiti, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced steps he's taking to "stop potential influx of illegal immigration" from the Caribbean nation.

Located southeast of Florida, Haiti is about 600 miles from Miami. Boats of immigrants fleeing the country are common on Florida shores.

On Feb. 29, a boat carrying 24 men, women and children from Haiti was stopped in the Sebastian Inlet in what law enforcement authorities said was a disrupted smuggling attempt.

Smuggling attempt stopped: Smuggling attempt stopped in Sebastian Inlet; 24 Haitian people taken from fishing boat

Here's what you should know about what's happening in Haiti and DeSantis' announcement.

What's happening in Haiti?

Late Monday, Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced plans to resign while he was stranded in Puerto Rico.

Heavily armed gangs have taken control of and attacked the country's infrastructure, including Haiti's only international airport.

Henry said he would stay in his post until a transitional council is created and an interim premier named.

Over the weekend, the U.S. military airlifted some nonessential personnel from the American Embassy.

Conditions are continuing to deteriorate in the country. The U.N. and other aid groups said food and water supplies are dwindling. The ongoing violence, a political crisis and a drought have left an estimated 5.5 million Haitians  roughly half the entire population  in dire need of humanitarian assistance, according to the U.N.

It is clear that Haiti is now at a tipping point, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said Monday. "We are deeply distressed it is already too late for too many who have lost far too much at the hands of criminal gangs.

Henry's government declared a state of emergency after gangs attacked the countrys largest prison in Port-au-Prince, allowing about 3,500 inmates to escape.

US State Department lists Haiti as 'do not travel' destination

Haiti has been declared a Level 4: Do Not Travel destination by the U.S. State Department since before the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise in 2021.

The Level 4 travel warning is "due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and poor health care infrastructure," the State Department said.

The U.S. Embassy in Haiti repeated that warning on Sunday, urging Americans not to travel there.

Haiti travel: Is it safe to travel to Haiti right now? What travelers should know

'Lucky to get out': Author Mitch Albom among a group of 10 Americans rescued

Free Press columnist Mitch Albom with Knox, 8, an orphan from the Have Faith Haiti mission.

Author Mitch Albom was among a group of 10 Americans rescued Tuesday from Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Albom is a longtime columnist for the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network.

Albom had gone to Haiti to visit the Have Faith Haiti Mission & Orphanage he has run since a devastating 2010 earthquake ravaged the country's infrastructure and killed at least 100,000.

Others remain trapped in the country.

"Many other Americans, Canadians and others are still stuck in Haiti in an extremely volatile situation and they need help getting out and it seems very little is coming from our governments," Albom said.

The rescue was a collaborative effort between Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., who reached out to Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., an Army veteran who has played a role in getting Americans out of other countries in dangerous situations. McClain said she contacted Mills after failing to get any other help.

"We tried to use the government channels. ... We tried to go through the proper channels, McClain said. No one was calling us back. We couldnt get any answers.

What is Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis doing to prevent illegal immigrants from Haiti?

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In anticipation of a "potential influx of illegal immigrants from Haiti," DeSantis announced Wednesday he was sending additional assets to the Keys and Florida's southern waters.

Given the circumstances in Haiti, I have directed the Division of Emergency Management, the Florida State Guard, and state law enforcement agencies to deploy over 250 additional officers and soldiers and over a dozen air and sea craft to the southern coast of Florida to protect our state.

"No state has done more to supplement the (under-resourced) U.S. Coast Guards interdiction efforts; we cannot have illegal aliens coming to Florida, DeSantis said.

Manpower, equipment adding to Operation Vigilant Security in Florida

The additional personnel and equipment ordered Wednesday is in addition to the "security and surveillance assets" already in place as part of Operation Vigilant Security in South Florida and the Keys to stop illegal immigration at sea.

Here's the breakdown of what DeSantis will be sending:

Florida Department of Law Enforcement: 39 additional officers.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: 23 additional officers with eight additional seacraft.

Florida National Guard: 48 additional Guardsmen with four additional helicopters.

Florida Highway Patrol: 30 additional officers with an additional aircraft and drones for surveillance.

Florida State Guard deployed to help stop illegal immigration

DeSantis also authorized the deployment of 133 soldiers with the Florida State Guard to the Keys.

What is the Florida State Guard? Florida State Guard helps during disasters. 13 things to know about volunteer group

DeSantis: Florida has a 'right and duty to defend its territory and people'

"Illegal immigrants feel empowered to enter the sovereign territory of the United States because of the federal governments refusal to diligently enforce our immigration laws and protect the integrity of the border," according to a news release issued by DeSantis.

"When a state faces the possibility of invasion, it has the right and duty to defend its territory and people. Under Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida will act."

Contributors: Todd Spangler, Kirkland Crawford, Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY Network

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Florida Gov. DeSantis trying to stop illegal immigrants from Haiti
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis administration wants to know if any Floridians stranded in Haiti need to be rescued, as the Caribbean nation faces its worst political and security crisis in decades.

But exactly how the state plans to help remains unclear, with State Department officials warning it is not safe for U.S. citizens to attempt a departure from the country in light of the ongoing crisis.

DeSantis office said in a press release Thursday that Floridians in Haiti could fill out an online questionnaire to let the state know of immediate needs and where they need to be rescued from. His office did not immediately respond when asked what state officials would do once the information is collected.

We will do everything possible to help Floridians and Americans who are in need of help in Haiti, Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said in a statement. I encourage those with needs to visit the portal today.

READ MORE: DeSantis to respond to potential Haitian migration wave

The governor previously contracted with private organizations to fly U.S. citizens out of Israel last year, just days after Hamas attack on the country on Oct. 7.

That operation provided Floridians in Israel with an opportunity to leave despite many commercial airlines canceling flights out of the countrys main airport, out of fear that incoming rocket fire from Hamas could endanger aircraft.

By contrast, any rescue mission in Haiti would be riskier for the state, as heavily armed gangs continue to challenge the Haitian government to turn the countrys capital, Port-au-Prince, into a war zone.

The international airport in Port-au-Prince has been under regular gunfire. The main roadways out of the capital are under gang control. And armed groups have orchestrated a jailbreak of nearly 4,000 inmates, many of them murderers and kidnappers and gang leaders.

While the Haiti National Police are fighting back, it is not entirely clear who is in charge, with the countrys prime minister, Ariel Henry, resigning earlier this week to defer to a transitional government that has not yet formed.

The chaotic situation has led President Joe Biden to send U.S. military personnel this week to protect U.S. diplomats and facilities on the island. He said Thursday that U.S. Armed Forces personnel will remain in Haiti as long as the security environment requires.

The State Department has also directed U.S. citizens who remain in Haiti to a U.S. government intake form on the embassys website.

We are in contact with a number of American citizens in Haiti, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters on Monday. I do want to reiterate that we have had a Level 4 travel alert for Haiti for more than four years now, making very clear to American citizens that, number one, they should not travel to Haiti, that it is not safe to travel to Haiti; and number two, that they are  if theyre in Haiti, they should leave as soon as its safe for them to do so.

Its not safe for a number of them to leave right now, and theyre not able to leave right now because the airport has been damaged and commercial carriers have suspended flights, Miller continued, so what we are asking U.S. citizens to do today is to register through our crisis intake form, which you can get to through the embassys website, and we will communicate with them the best information we have when we have it.

DeSantis signals to potential rescue missions

In Florida, the DeSantis administration is collecting names, contact information and the locations of Floridians who might be stranded in the conflict zone. One of the questions on the states intake form is from where do you need rescue, asking people to provide state officials with a pin or coordinates of the location.

The governors office did not immediately respond when asked if it has been in contact with any individuals in Haiti or if the administration intends to partner with other organizations to help with the states rescue efforts.

When DeSantis sought to rescue Americans from Israel, he partnered with several private organizations that helped the state identify Americans who were seeking to flee the war zone.

Those rescue flights are estimated to have cost Florida taxpayers approximately $32 million. The price tag included payouts to three separate organizations  ARS Global Emergency Management, TAD Recovery Services and Echo 1 Emergency Logistics Inc.

ARS  which has also helped the governor carry out the states controversial migrant relocation program  was the primary contractor leading the Israel rescue flights.

In addition to the three private vendors, the state also partnered with Project Dynamo, a Tampa-based nonprofit that specializes in bringing U.S. citizens home from conflict zones around the world.

It is unclear whether any of those organizations will be involved in any effort related to Haiti.
As the political and economic situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate, Governor DeSantis announced Wednesday that he would send hundreds of Florida State Guard troops and police officers to the states southern coast to prevent migrant landings.

For quite some time, the State of Florida has been dedicating significant resources to combat illegal vessels coming to Florida from countries such as Haiti, Governor Ron DeSantis said. We cannot have illegal aliens coming to Florida.

DeSantis order will result in aircraft and boats being sent with the troops, and more than 100 additional personnel sent to the Florida Keys.

Haiti has effectively been without a government since the assassination of its president in 2021. Its prime minister has promised to hold elections, only to delay the plans again and again, citing security issues.

In the meantime, gangs have taken over the capital Port-au-Prince, and launched assaults on each other, civilians and institutions like the airport and the Central Bank.

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Thats caused many to flee the island when given the chance  if they ever get it.

In 2022, members of Haitis Special Olympics delegation disappeared during the event in Osceola County. Indian River deputies made arrests after a boat carrying dozens of people was discovered in the lagoon.

WFTV spoke to a former police officer in Haiti who came to Orlando through Mexico in February. He said he believed he would be killed if he remained in his country.

Prominent members of the Haitian-American community were quick to criticize the governors heavy-handed approach Wednesday, and called on DeSantis to erect a temporary settlement to house migrants who flee for safety, instead of sending them back.

Read: Florida bakery owner stuck in Haiti with unknown number of Americans after gangs close airport

Some people are, you know, selling everything they have just for maybe one person of a family to get out, Greater Haitian American Chamber of Commerce President Jean Perpillant said, calling the sending of troops a tragedy.

He said some people paid the very gangs causing the chaos to help them leave, only to be abandoned once they reached US shores.

Follow-up emails to DeSantis office and the Biden administration werent returned Wednesday.

A town hall event to discuss the situation in Haiti and the resources available to those in Central Florida will be held Friday, March 15, at 8 p.m. at 7200 Lake Ellenor Drive near Pine Castle.

Read: Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer seeks input from Pulse survivors, victims families on permanent memorial

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Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced Florida will deploy additional law enforcement resources to the southern regions of the state in anticipation of a possible wave of Haitian migrants as the Caribbean country struggles amid street violence and political instability.

More than 200 additional state law enforcement officers and about 50 National Guard members will be deployed to South Florida and the Keys, DeSantis said, alongside more than a dozen aircraft and ships.

For quite some time, the State of Florida has been dedicating significant resources to combat illegal vessels coming to Florida from countries such as Haiti, DeSantis said in a statement. No state has done more to supplement the (under-resourced) U.S. Coast Guards interdiction efforts; we cannot have illegal aliens coming to Florida.

The response comes as violence remains rampant on the streets of Port-au-Prince. As much as 80 percent of the capital is under the control of gangs, according to the United Nations, and about 3,500 of the citys prisoners have been released after organized breakouts.

The Biden administration has floated using Guantanamo Bay as a migrant processing center for Haitians interdicted at sea during the dangerous 700-mile journey to Florida, CNN reported Wednesday. The same processing center was used for Haitians fleeing the country after devastating 2010 earthquakes.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced Tuesday that he will resign, endorsing a U.S.-backed plan for a transitional government that has come under fire from Haitian politicians.

The U.S. also announced $300 million in funding for a Kenyan-led multinational security force last week, which allies hope can quell the gang violence. The U.S. government has urged all Americans to leave Haiti, evacuated the U.S. Embassy last week, and deployed a group of Marines to protect it.

The security plan was enacted by a United Nations Security Council resolution last year but remains delayed due to Henrys resignation and ongoing political instability.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Last week, Donald Trump filed a new motion to delay his Manhattan prosecution for falsifying business records to cover up an election interference scandal before the 2016 election. The new filing is so pathetically weak that NBC Legal Analyst Lisa Rubin called Trumps new motion the Hail Mary to end all Hail Marys.

Trumps desperation to avoid criminal accountability is showing. With the 2024 election looming, he doesnt want America to know whether 12 ordinary jurors think he committed crimes connected to his 2016 cover up. Its the crux of Manhattan DA Alvin Braggs election interference case.

Back in October 2016, mere weeks before the presidential election, Trump hid from voters his alleged one-night stand with adult film star Stormy Daniels. He feared the scandal would derail his wobbling campaign in the days immediately following the release of the infamous Access Hollywood tape. In it, Trump said that as a celebrity, he could do anything he wanted to women, including to grab them by the p***y.

So Trump made a hush money payment to Stormy Daniels via his then-lawyer Michael Cohen. Trump feared that, if released, Daniels story would be a one-two punch that could TKO his presidential prospects. Eight years later, he now has the same concern about a jury verdict in the case.

Once an election interferer, always an election interferer.

To keep voters from seeing that, Trump wants the 2016 election interference prosecution in New York adjourned  that is, delayed for weeks or months  pending the Supreme Courts decision on presidential immunity in the federal prosecution for his attempt to overturn the 2020 election.

Lets look at three weaknesses in Trumps newest attempt at using delay to keep from the voters information they want about his guilt or innocence.

First, he doesnt and cant make a direct immunity claim like he has in Jack Smiths January 6 case in DC. In New York, he surrendered that claim last year when he unsuccessfully sought to remove the case to New York federal court in an early attempt to delay the prosecution.

The problem was that his removal claim was based on exactly the same argument as his potential immunity claim, and he lost the argument in federal court. You only get one bite at the apple when you fail making a legal argument and the ruling becomes final.

Trump had argued in seeking removal that when he wrote checks to Michael Cohen in 2017 to reimburse him for his 2016 payments to Stormy Daniels, and when he mischaracterized those reimbursements as legal fees, he was acting in his official capacity as president. Last July, federal district court judge Alvin Hellerstein rejected that borderline frivolous claim, ruling that Trump was acting personally, not as president.

There went Trumps more valuable, even if legally weak, claim that he was immune from prosecution for writing the checks because he was performing an official presidential function.

Trump and his lawyers apparently realized their error too late. In November, they dropped their appeal of Judge Hellersteins decision like a steaming potato left too long in the microwave. Nonetheless, dismissing the appeal didnt salvage the claim for purposes of a future assertion of immunity.

Thats why Trumps present motion is a bank shot aimed at the same side pocket. Trumps new motion says that while he may not be immune, any statements that he made while president are immune from being used against him  as if presidents are divinely anointed so that every word they utter while in office is surrounded by a halo of untouchability.

Now theres a clunker of a legal argument. Trumps motion cites no authority  because there is none  for the preposterous proposition that in a case where a former president has waived immunity, his statements cannot be used against him. It looks very much like hes trying to renew a claim that he has already surrendered.

Second, even if there were some authority suggesting that a presidents official statements could not be introduced against him in a trial, Trumps motion fails to cite any statement that relates to his official duties. Every statement he cites is connected to covering up a sex scandal for the purpose of interfering with the 2016 election.

Hush money paid to an adult film star, as Judge Hellerstein wrote, is not related to a President's official acts.

Third, Trump failed to submit or give notice of his motion by February 22, the deadline the New York court set for submitting all pretrial motions. Ten days earlier, Trump had already filed for a Supreme Court suspension of his DC election interference trial pending review of the immunity claim to which he now hitches his new, fabricated argument in New York. At that point, if he wanted to preserve his right to raise this new claim in the New York court, he should have alerted it that he would be filing the new motion if the Supreme Court agreed to consider his claim of immunity.

Lets be honest. Trumps real target is not Judge Merchan but the U.S. Supreme Court, where he can always count on votes from reactionary Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito. A stay motion, however, takes votes from five Justices.

Trump getting five votes would not be shocking after the courts recent action reading the Disqualification Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment out of the Constitution to keep insurrectionist Trump on the Colorado ballot, and after the courts decision to hear the immunity case. Even so, Trumps new motion in New York is so lame that action by the court granting Trump more delay would effectively cripple its last claim to legitimacy.

The nation needs a Supreme Court that preserves what little right to public trust it has remaining. Call us naive, but we are hopeful that Trumps ridiculous new plea for delay will fail to get five justices votes, and his New York trial will start as scheduled on March 25.
Washington State Patrol detectives continue to look for witnesses to a crash that killed a pedestrian last year near Lind.

The incident happened at around 3:30 a.m. on State Route 395 on Oct. 20, 2023. The vehicle involved may have been a white passenger car.

WSP says its possible the driver did not know their car hit someone, or they may have known and left the scene.

The victims body was discovered in the road by officers who were driving in the area.

Detectives are looking for possible witnesses or information about anyone who may have hit something in the area.

They are also looking for anyone who may have seen someone walking along SR 395 before the crash.

If you have information that could help with the investigation youre asked to contact WSP Detective Lewis Stevens at 509-904-5102 or email Lewis.Stevens@wsp.wa.gov.
A booth displaying China-themed books is seen at London Book Fair in London, Britain, March 12, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

"We're delighted to see an increase (in participation) this year from China. Hopefully, this year is a building block for further Chinese participation here at London book fair," Rapley told Xinhua in an interview.



LONDON, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Cultural exchange is especially important during uncertain times, and books help build the bridge between different civilizations, the director of the London Book Fair (LBF) said this week.

Gareth Rapley said he is "delighted" to see an increase in participation by Chinese publishers at the LBF after COVID, showcasing a vast array of talent from China.

"We're delighted to see an increase (in participation) this year from China. Hopefully, this year is a building block for further Chinese participation here at London book fair," Rapley told Xinhua in an interview.

London Book Fair 2024, one of the world's biggest, kicked off on Tuesday. First launched in 1971, the three-day event is expected to attract over 30,000 publishing professionals and 1,000 companies from around the globe.

This year, around 50 Chinese publishers are showcasing more than 3,200 types of Chinese-themed books, covering a wide range of areas including politics, culture, academic works, and trending topics such as low-carbon and artificial intelligence (AI).

"I think books provide a platform for literacy skills, education, understanding, and helping to create dialogue (between different cultures)," said the LBF chief.

A guest attends the publishing forum on the "China's Academic Sharing and Dissemination Around the Globe" and book launch of the "China Perspective" Series at London Book Fair in London, Britain, March 12, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

Rapley has visited China's biggest cities Beijing and Shanghai, and said he was impressed by the hospitality of the Chinese people, the rapid development of infrastructure and the country's rich culture and history.

"It's a beautiful country and I'm looking forward to coming back this summer for the Beijing International Book Fair," he said.

According to Rapley, China and Britain have maintained "a great trade relationship", especially in the publishing industry.

"I think cultural exchange and dialogue, as we've seen over many centuries, are important aspects. As humans we are all different, from one country to the next and within our own countries as well, so that cultural exchange is an important part of fostering relationships and building awareness," he said.

A participant talks with a staff member at a booth displaying China-themed books at London Book Fair in London, Britain, March 12, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

Commenting on AI, which presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the publishing industry, Rapley said it is "an existential threat" to creative content and to writers of all genres. Copyright needs to be protected with fair use of new technology, he stressed, adding that however, AI technology can enhance data, business and operations. 
The Department of Homeland Security says that any illegal immigrants arriving by boat, including from Haiti, face "immediate repatriation"  amid brewing concerns about a potential migrant wave coming from the conflict-plagued country.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, DHS said it is "monitoring the situation in Haiti and coordinating closely with the State Department and international partners."

The Caribbean nation has seen a significant escalation in violence as gangs have overrun the capital, burning police stations and attacking the main airport. Gangs have also raided some of the largest prisons, releasing thousands of inmates.

DESANTIS SENDS SOLDIERS, AIRCRAFT TO PROTECT FLORIDA FROM ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS BOATS AMID HAITI UNREST

The increased violence raises the possibility of a new wave of migrants coming from the country, both at the southern land border, where migrants surged into Del Rio in 2021 in the thousands, and by boat.

On Wednesday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced he is sending soldiers and officers, as well as aircraft and boats to "protect" the state from vessels carrying illegal immigrants.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"Given the circumstances in Haiti, I have directed the Division of Emergency Management, the Florida State Guard, and state law enforcement agencies to deploy over 250 additional officers and soldiers and over a dozen air and seacraft to the southern coast of Florida to protect our state," he said.

In its statement, DHS stressed that migration flows through the Caribbean "remain low."

"All irregular migration journeys, especially maritime routes, are extremely dangerous, unforgiving, and often result in loss of life. DHS will continue to enforce U.S. laws and policy throughout the Florida Straits and the Caribbean region," a spokesperson said.

The spokesperson also stressed that those caught at sea would be immediately returned.

A U.S. Coast Guard boat pulls up next to a sailboat containing approximately 150 migrants on July 21, 2022, in Islandia, Florida. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

HAITIAN PRIME MINISTER ARIEL HENRY TO RESIGN AMID LOW-SCALE CIVIL WAR, BOWING TO INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE

"U.S. policy is to return noncitizens who do not have a fear of persecution or torture or a legal basis to enter the United States. Those interdicted at sea are subject to immediate repatriation pursuant to our longstanding policy and procedures. The United States returns or repatriates migrants interdicted at sea to The Bahamas, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti."

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 65 migrants were repatriated on Tuesday after the agency stopped a boat near the Bahamas. So far, the Coast Guard has repatriated 131 migrants this fiscal year.

The administration has said it is implementing "consequences" for illegal entry while expanding what it says are lawful migrant pathways. Haitians are also eligible for a controversial parole program that allows up to 30,000 nationals from Haiti, as well as Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua, to fly into the U.S. each month.

On Tuesday, Rebecca Zimmerman, assistant secretary of defense for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs, told lawmakers that the Pentagon is "alert" to the possibility of a mass migration event, but it has also not yet seen large numbers.

"I think youre right that the driving conditions in Haiti could very well press more people," she told Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla. "We recently approved some additional assistance we could provide to the Coast Guard."

Fox News' Bradford Betz and Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.





Original article source: DHS warns Haitian illegal immigrants arriving by boat face immediate repatriation
Should the Labour whip be restored to Diane Abbott, as she reportedly requested yesterday in the House? Or to put it another way, is one racial offence best remedied by turning a blind eye to another? The answer lies in the ideology.

The tale of two Abbotts began last April, when the Hackney MP wrote to The Observer claiming that Jews were unable to suffer racism, only prejudice, like redheads. Rightly, Sir Keir Starmer suspended her. One might have thought that her stalwart support for Jeremy Corbyn should have put her beyond the pale already, but that might have been a little close to the bone for Sir Keir, himself Corbyns longest-serving cabinet member (for reasons, he now says, of Brexit).

The tale continued this week, with Tory donor Frank Hester wishing for Abbott to be shot. These twin cultural markers are as clear as any of the swampish peripheries of the contemporary race wars. It is not my intention to adjudicate between the two different offences, but rather to shed some light on the question now facing Sir Keir: What to be done about Diane Abbott?

Her bizarre comments about Jews and redheads were rooted in Critical Race Theory, which sprouted in the American academy of the Sixties and Seventies before creeping out into wider culture. It teaches that racism is a feature of the power structures of society, not a shadow in a private heart. This sleight-of-hand means that people can be racist simply because of their privilege, regardless of the content of their characters. And this ideology has always had a problem with Jews.

In 1970, the psychologist Patricia Bidol-Padva popularised the notion that racism equals prejudice plus institutional power. Because black people are structurally disempowered, she posited, they cannot be racist. And because Jews supposedly wield superhuman levels of power and influence, any prejudice towards them  even the Holocaust, which explicitly categorised the Jews as a subhuman race (Untermenschen) and imposed race hygiene (Rassenhygiene)  cannot be labelled racism.

It is this ideology that led to Whoopi Goldbergs absurd comments in 2022 that the Holocaust was not about race as it involved two groups of white people. And it seems to have led to Abbotts letter, which sought to deprive Jews  the only people to have faced existential persecution in every century of their existence  of their history of victimhood, which was claimed only for blacks.

Thus Abbott, despite her subsequent apology, has proven herself able to ventriloquise the most divisive racial ideology with one side of her mouth and demand restitutions for her victimhood with the other. Herein lies the problem.

Radical Critical Race Theory is fast becoming the foremost conceptual vehicle for anti-Semitism in the west. In 2014, after a black man was shot in Ferguson, Missouri, demonstrators chanted from Ferguson to Palestine, occupation is a crime, and held placards stating, Ferguson is Palestine. In 2018, when orthodox Jews were being attacked in Brooklyn, New York, the director of a black community group explained it as a reaction to Jewish hyper-whiteness.

In 2020, after the killing of George Floyd, Jewish shops were destroyed, synagogues were sprayed with free Palestine and f--- Israel graffiti, a statue of a Swedish diplomat who had saved Hungarian Jews from the Nazis was defaced with anti-Semitic slogans, and dark conspiracy theories sprouted about Israelis training the racist American police. In France, a Black Lives Matter rally descended into cries of dirty Jews, echoing the chants that filled the same streets during the Dreyfus affair a century before. And outside the Israeli embassy in London, progressives and Islamists rallied against the Jewish state on October 7 itself, when the Jews were guilty only of getting massacred.

Since the Hamas atrocities, this radicalism has been unleashed with a vengeance. Its racial wing forms a common denominator between progressives and Islamists, both of whom are pitted against the racist and imperialist west.

This week, Sir Keir returned the whip to Andy McDonald, who had been suspended for using the phrase from the river to the sea. Whatever the rights and wrongs of that decision, the Abbott case is a different order of offence. Your course of action, Sir Keir, should be obvious.

Jake Wallis Simons is the author of Israelophobia

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Authorities in Gaza call it a massacre. The Israeli military maintains its forces were acting in self-defense.

In the early hours on Feb. 29, thousands of Palestinians gathered on a stretch of seaside road in Gaza City to receive a much-anticipated aid shipment.

By dawn, over 100 were dead and hundreds more injured, according to Gazan health authorities. The Israeli military says the majority were trampled or run over in the chaotic surge on the 30 trucks, but witnesses say the civilians were killed by Israeli soldiers, shot by gunfire and tank artillery shells.

Israel lies about the flour massacre, Salama Maroof, head of the government media office in the Gaza Strip, wrote on X on March 3, asserting that people who died and were wounded were hit by bullets from its tanks, and some of them were shot by more than one bullet.

For many the incident turned up the international outrage at the wars humanitarian cost, as deadly force appeared to have been deployed against a desperate and hungry civilian population.

Image: People mourn at Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City (AFP - Getty Images)

NBC News used open-source video filmed at the scene, clips of drone footage released by the Israel Defense Forces, footage from NBC News crew in Gaza, and 10 interviews by phone and on the ground with eyewitnesses and health workers at Al-Shifa Medical Complex, where some of the several hundred casualties were taken, to piece together what happened over a mile-long stretch of road in the hours before dawn that day.

Frustration has long been mounting against the Israeli military for what many see as its role in severely restricting aid at border crossings and with ongoing aerial bombardments and ground operations that have made it difficult, and often impossible, to deliver aid.

The day before, talk circulated among Gaza Citys residents about an aid convoy arriving overnight. Crowds of people began to gather in Sheikh Iljin, a beach neighborhood in the citys south. Down the coastal boulevard of Al-Rashid Street, eyewitnesses said that by nightfall, thousands of people had gathered, clustered around bonfires.

This convoy was unusual. Rather than being delivered by the United Nations or another international aid agency, it was arranged by Palestinian businessmen and escorted by Israeli tanks to secure the humanitarian corridor, according to IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. He said in a filmed statement later on Feb. 29 that aid had been delivered this way the previous four days.

An IDF review of the events released March 8 aligned with the timeline witnesses gave NBC News, saying that the convoy and accompanying tanks crossed the checkpoint at 4:29 a.m., and a minute later, troops fired warning shots east, followed by opening fire toward suspects a few meters away from an IDF tank.

However, the accounts diverge about the nature and intensity of the shooting, and how people were killed and injured.

When the crowds continued to advance, the IDF said in a statement on Friday, soldiers perceived them as a threat, and the troops fired precisely toward a number of the suspects to remove the threat.

Shukri Filfil, a local videographer who was at the scene, said he arrived at the Al-Nabulsi roundabout on Al-Rashid Street, along with a crowd of about 70 people, just after 4 a.m. Shortly before the food trucks arrived at 4:28 a.m, he said, Israeli tanks began to move into the area. Then the shooting started, Filfil said.

The shooting was continuous for around three minutes, nonstop, he said. Panic swelled as the shooting intensified, according to multiple witness accounts and video.

Filfil said he hid behind a block and heard people screaming, A tank, a tank, it is still here, as a stampede surged.

Gazas Health Ministry said 118 people were killed and more than 700 wounded.

The IDF did not respond to a request for comment from NBC News about the allegations from the U.N., doctors, eyewitnesses and health authorities that most of the injuries were caused by shooting, rather than trampling as the IDF suggested.

After a flurry of separate, sometimes contradicting accounts of what happened, the IDF later that same day released a sequence of silent, shortened video clips of thermal imagery drone footage in black and white that appeared to show crowds rushing toward aid trucks and then dispersing in different directions. NBC News was able to geolocate the footage to Al-Rashid Street south of Al-Nabulsi roundabout, but could not independently confirm the date of filming.

#                              pic.twitter.com/ugB5ZCHm8n    (@AvichayAdraee) February 29, 2024

In the first clip, the drone pans along the street and zooms in and out on large numbers of people crowding around what look like several aid trucks, while others mill around nearby. The next clip shows a different stretch of the same road, with aid trucks traveling northward along the left lane and stationary IDF tanks in the right.

IDF video released Feb. 29 shows bodies lying on the ground between what appear to be aid trucks and IDF tanks. (IDF)

Viewers do not see what happens between the two clips, but by the second clip, multiple bodies are visible on the ground between the trucks and IDF tanks, several lying close to, in front of and between the two tanks visible in the footage. It is not clear whether the people are injured or dead.

The footage then cuts to a third clip that shows people rapidly moving away from the aid trucks. Some appear to be crawling as they head in the direction of the beach, toward lower ground. A final, blurrier segment shows another aid truck driving but completely surrounded by people, with some on its roof as it moves.

In another segment from IDF video released Feb. 29, people rapidly move away from what look like aid trucks and onto lower ground on the beach. (IDF)

NBC News requested the unedited drone footage from the IDF, which it did not provide.

Aligning with the accounts of eyewitnesses, footage released by Al Jazeera shows people climbing over sandbanks toward safety amid the sound of gunfire. Red streaks of tracer ammunition, used to help soldiers aim, are seen several times above the crowd. NBC News geolocated the video to about 200 yards south of the roundabout, but could not determine the exact time it was filmed.

              ##_ pic.twitter.com/7VOHuZ2ygI    (@AJArabic) February 29, 2024

Filfil said gunfire from the tanks caused a stampede as people fled to safety.

He added that although there was a stampede, those always occurred around the arrival of food trucks. The crowd that morning, he said, was less people than usual due to the trucks late arrival.

It was as a result of the continu[ous] shooting, he said, referring to the scale of death.

An NBC News crew filmed the grim aftermath at daybreak. Injured people were transported by donkey cart or carried on wooden pallets. Others were laid out onto the flatbed of an aid truck repurposed to carry those who were killed.

Momin Abuowda, a Gaza City resident, told NBC News he saw abandoned bags of flour soaked in blood. A video shared on social media showed a man sifting through the sand, trying to salvage some grains of rice.

The next day, a doctor and eyewitnesses who spoke to NBC News disputed Israels account of the scale of the shooting, reporting seeing hundreds of victims of gunshot wounds and exploding artillery shells at local hospitals.

Most of these injuries were the result of gunshots, injuries as a result of explosions of artillery shells and tank shells, said Dr. Mohmmed Mahmoud Eghrad, an emergency room doctor at Al-Shifa Medical Complex, Gazas largest hospital.

The injuries he saw were not consistent with pushing or trampling, he added, estimating that 70% of them would require surgery medics were unable to perform due to the lack of medical supplies at the hospital.

Though doctors and witnesses discussed artillery injuries, the IDF did not mention the use of artillery shelling in the incident on Feb. 29 and did not respond to a request for comment about the use of tank artillery.

Israeli-manufactured Merkava tanks are widely used by the IDF, which are equipped with 120 mm tank guns, along with a machine gun and a rocket launcher, said retired Army Lt. Gen. Stephen Twitty, a former deputy commander of U.S. European Command.

As they exit the muzzle, 120 mm artillery shells explode into thousands of fragments. One manufacturer described the shells as capable of devastating anti-personnel lethality.

Zaid Abed Alal, 36, from Gaza City, who was injured in the incident, was told by doctors at Al-Shifa that he had multiple fractures, both in his ankle and in his upper legs.

I took a tank shell at the bottom of my foot. It penetrated up and took the flesh and the bones, he said, showing NBC News his leg. He worried that it would have to be amputated, and added that bullets from two other gunshot wounds remained inside his body.

All this just for a sack of flour, he said.

Image: A woman sits among Palestinians at Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City (AFP - Getty Images)

Georgios Petropoulos, a U.N. aid worker who heads the Gaza office, said he saw more than 200 people injured at Al-Shifa, many of them with gunshot wounds and amputations, as well as injured children as young as 12.

The U.N.s spokesperson for the secretary-general, Stephane Dujarric, said their teams found that a large number of the victims had been injured by gunshots, although he did not specify how many as they had not, at that point, inspected the bodies of those who had died.

On March 2, the IDF said it was launching an investigation to reduce the risk of such a tragic incident from occurring again.

Israel continues to escort aid convoys into Gaza. And by March 2 Gazan health authorities said dozens of people had been killed in an incident surrounding an aid convoy at Kuwaiti roundabout, also in Gaza City. Another two days later, the IDF confirmed that it again had fired on people surrounding an aid convoy, in order to disperse the crowds of Gazans scrambling for aid.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
(WHTM)  Its one of those urban legends that pops up again and again, that somewhere, sometime, in some governing body in the United States (usually a state legislature, though the U.S. Congress figured in at least one telling) an attempt is made to pass a law stating that the numerical value of Pi should be 3.0. The underlying aim of these stories is usually to poke fun at the scientific ignorance of members of one or both political parties, but every one of these stories is either a hoax or a myth!

Except for that one time

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In 1897 an Indiana physician who dabbled in mathematics, Edward (or Edwin) Goodwin, was convinced he had found a solution to a problem that had challenged and frustrated mathematicians since Anaxagoras of Clazomenae first proposed it around 450 BCE. The problem, called Squaring the Circle, asks whether you can produce a square of equal area to a given circle using just a compass and a straightedge.

In 1882 German mathematician Ferdinand von Lindemann published a rigorous mathematical proof that squaring the circle is impossible. But either Goodwin never learned of the proof, or decided to ignore it and press on. He actually managed to get his theory published in the prestigious American Mathematical Monthly. (It should be noted it appeared in the Notes and Queries section where the general public could send submissions, and that it was listed with the disclaimer Published by the request of the author.)

Want to celebrate Pi Day? Check out these pizza pie-related products

Goodwin persuaded his local state representative, Taylor I. Record, to introduce A bill for an act introducing a new mathematical truth on January 18, 1897, which would make Goodwins method for squaring a circle part of Indiana law. (The bill also did a little name-dropping, mentioning the proof having been already accepted as contributions to science by the American Mathematical Monthly, the leading exponent of mathematical thought in this country.

Not knowing what to do with it, the legislature referred the bill to the House Committee on Canals. By 1897 the canal era was pretty much at its end, and the Committee on Canals was often called the Committee on Swamplands. Perhaps the bill was referred to the Committee to give them something to do. What they did was kick the can over to the Committee on Education. That committee, for reasons unknown, reported favorably on the bill, and on February 6. 1897 it passed the House 67-0.

Its National Look for Circles Day!

The bill was on its way to the Indiana Senate. But as it happened, the day the House voted on it, they had a visitor-Clarence Abiathar Waldo, head professor of Mathematics at Perdue University, and president of the Indiana Academy of Science, who had come to lobby for University Funding. He was given a copy of the bill and asked if he wanted to meet the author. Waldo, as he later wrote, replied that he was acquainted with as many crazy people as he cared to know.

The Senate prepared to vote for the bill, by sending it to the Committee on Temperance. One wonders if they thought the bill would strike a blow for or against the temperance movement. Waldo, meanwhile, was meeting with senators, explaining what was wrong with the bill, and urging them to vote against it.

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At this point, you may be wondering where the value of Pi enters into this legislation. Pi is the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter, and is 3.141592 out to-who knows? Its an infinite or irrational number; you can keep dividing and dividing, and never reach its end. (The current record, set in 2022, is 100 trillion digits. It took some of Googles most powerful computers 157 days to work that out.)

In an article posted on the website of the University of Waterloo (Ontario) in 1998, Alex Lopez-Ortiz worked through the mathematics cited in the bill and found it produces different values for Pi, ranging from 3.2 to 9.24.

By now word of Bill 246 was getting around, and had been dubbed the Indiana Pi Bill. Legislators were catching on to the fact they were making fools of themselves in the public eye by pushing this bill forward.

So, when the bill finally went before the Senate, there was a great deal of merriment at its expense, coupled with a realization that its just not a good idea to rewrite science by legislation. It was moved that the bill should be postponed indefinitely, a procedural move to kill a motion without taking a direct vote on it.

Reading, math scores fell sharply during pandemic, data show

So the Indiana Pi Bill went down in defeat, science and mathematics were saved, and a template was created for hoaxes and spoofs in the future.

To read Prof. Waldos account of the bill, click here.

To read the University of Waterloo article explaining the math errors, click here.

To read about computing Pi to 100 trillion digits, click here.

To read some of the Pi=3 spoofs, click here and here.

Heres the Indiana Pi Bill in its entirety, whether you want it or not:

HOUSE BILL NO. 246

A bill for an act introducing a new mathematical truth and offered as a contribution to education to be used only by the State of Indiana free of cost by paying any royalties whatever on the same, provided it is accepted and adopted by the official action of the legislature of 1897.

Section 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana: It has been found that a circular area is to the square on a line equal to the quadrant of the circumference, as the area of an equilateral rectangle is to the square on one side. The diameter employed as the linear unit according to the present rule in computing the circles area is entirely wrong, as it represents the circles area one and one-fifths times the area of a square whose perimeter is equal to the circumference of the circle. This is because one-fifth of the diameter fils to be represented four times in the circles circumference. For example: if we multiply the perimeter of a square by one-fourth of any line one-fifth greater than one side, we can, in like manner make the squares area to appear one fifth greater than the fact, as is done by taking the diameter for the linear unit instead of the quadrant of the circles circumference.

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Section 2. It is impossible to compute the area of a circle on the diameter as the linear unit without trespassing upon the area outside the circle to the extent of including one-fifth more area than is contained within the circles circumference, because the square on the diameter produces the side of a square which equals nine when the arc of ninety degrees equals eight. By taking the quadrant of the circles circumference for the linear unit, we fulfill the requirements of both quadrature and rectification of the circles circumference. Furthermore, it has revealed the ratio of the chord and arc of ninety degrees, which is as seven to eight, and also the ratio of the diagonal and one side of a square which is as ten to seven, disclosing the fourth important fact, that the ratio of the diameter and circumference is as five-fourths to four; and because of these facts and the further fact that the rule in present use fails to work both ways mathematically, it should be discarded as wholly wanting and misleading in its practical applications.

Section 3. In further proof of the value of the authors proposed contribution to education, and offered as a gift to the State of Indiana, is the fact of his solutions of the trisection of the angle, duplication of the cube and quadrature having been already accepted as contributions to science by the American Mathematical Monthly, the leading exponent of mathematical thought in this country. And be it remembered that these noted problems had been long since given up by scientific bodies as unsolvable mysteries and above mans ability to comprehend.

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The popcorn, soda and candy aisles at Publix go right back to the supermarkets roots.

Thats because the Florida supermarkets roots stretch back to a movie theater company called Publix Theatres Corporation. Grocer George Jenkins liked the name of the once-popular chain so much, he took it.

And so Publix the grocery store was born.

Jenkins recounted the story about the supermarket names origins in a speech he included in his 1979 memoir, The Publix Story.

Talk about the ultimate movie theater concessionaire.

How Publix got its name

Publix founder George Jenkins opened the first Publix supermarket in Winter Haven in 1930. Publix Food Store got its name from the unrelated Publix Theatre Corporation that ran a chain of movie theaters in the U.S., including a number in Florida, in the 1920s, Jenkins had said.

The name Publix was borrowed from a chain of theaters which was operating throughout Florida at the time. Most of them were closing up, and I liked the sound of the name so I just took it for my store, Jenkins wrote.

Who knew?

And here we thought Jenkins branded Publix as the publics supermarket. Thats what Tony Diego believed.

And he was close to Jenkins, too.

I thought he got it because he wanted it to say Publix so it would be for the public, Diego, a Miami Beach store manager in the 1970s who rose to an executives position before retiring in South Miami-Dade, told the Miami Herald in a text.

The grocer adopting a movie theater chains name bemused the longtime Publix champion.

I never heard that and I talked to Mr. Jenkins quite a bit, Diego said.

Publix founder George Jenkins in uniform standing behind the cash register at work in a Publix history archive photo. Jenkins founded his chain of Publix supermarkets in Florida in the 1930s.

Publix spokeswoman Lindsey Willis confirmed the origin of the name by sharing a page of company history.

The first store Mr. George opened was in downtown Winter Haven, Florida. The idea for the name came from a chain of theaters Mr. George was fond of. He liked the name, so he decided to open his own store with the corporate name Publix Food Stores, Inc. Doors opened on Saturday, Sept. 6, 1930, Publix notes.

The Georgia-born Publix founder died in Lakeland at age 88 in 1996.

That first Publix Jenkins opened was, indeed, theatrically inspired. The Winter Haven store had an Art Moderne design, which would be used in many Publix supermarket locations through the years, as well as terrazzo floors and air conditioning  a rarity in 1930. The fancy Publix theater chain movie palaces were also air-conditioned, Jenkins observed.

MORE: Publix looked like that? See the supermarket in the days before Pub Subs and BOGOs

Publix founder George Jenkins with customers in 1961.

About Publix Theatres

The Olympia in downtown Miami in 1926, when it was opened under the operation of the Publix Theatres Corporation.

Publix Theatres was founded in New York City as an affiliate of Paramount Studios in 1925, according to the Florida Memory website of the State Library and Archives of Florida.

By 1929, Publix had the most powerful theater company in the United States because they modeled their business after large corporations, the Florida archive said.

The Florida headquarters for Publix Theatres was in St. Petersburg and the corporation operated about 20 theaters in the state from the mid-1920s to the early-1930s, including The Olympia in downtown Miami.

Publix Theatres also ran other theaters in Miami: the Fairfax Theatre, which it had acquired in 1929, the Hippodrome and the Paramount.

Other Florida Publix theaters were the Stanley, Ketler and Arcade in West Palm Beach; the Tampa Theatre in Tampa; the Florida Theatre in St. Petersburg and Jacksonville; and locations in Lake Worth, Gainesville and Daytona.

At its peak by 1929, the company ran 1,200 Publix theaters around the U.S., including in New York City and Chicago, and in the South, Midwest and Northeast. The chain operated in Canada, too. An estimated two million people daily patronized a Publix theater to see a Hollywood film, Carolina Theatre  one of its still existing theaters in Charlotte, North Carolina  reported on its website.

Although the success of Publix Theatres in Florida was short-lived due to the stock market crash of 1929, Publix had a significant influence on Floridas theater market because of the high standards the company established and the availability of their theaters, according to Florida Memory.

After the Great Depression in 1929, Publix began to shut down its operations. The Publix-Paramount Corporation was reorganized by 1935.

By that point, the Publix name would live on as the unrelated, but observant, supermarket chain.

Today, there are 1,407 Publix stores in eight states, with the majority of stores  884  in Florida, as of Feb. 26, 2024, according to data firm, Scrape Hero.

Publix storefront in Pinecrest, in South Miami-Dade, Florida, on July 29, 2018.

READ MORE: A ginormous Publix just opened in the Florida Keys. Take a look inside the new store

Miamis Olympia theater

File photo of opening night of the 2008 Miami International Film Festival at The Olympia Theater at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Miami. The Olympia was once run by Publix Theatres Corporation. The 1920s chain was going out of business by the time Publix supermarket founder borrowed the Publix name for his grocery chain in 1930.

Some of Publix theaters have survived under different owners and managers.

Take a Miami landmark, for example.

The Olympia opened on Flagler Street as a silent movie palace in 1926 as one of the Publix theaters. Over the years the venue hosted movies, plays and live performances by icons including Elvis Presley, who played on stage in 1956. The Marx Brothers, Gypsy Rose Lee, Etta James and B.B. King also appeared at the Olympia.

By 1970, the Olympia faced demolition. Businessman Maurice Gusman bought the theater and it was renamed in his honor. Gusman donated the property to the city of Miami in 1975.

The Miami Herald staff photo that ran to accompany a review of Jimmy Buffetts concerts at the Gusman Theater in downtown Miami on Aug. 14-16, 1978. These concerts were recorded and form much of a classic live double-album release of Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band, You Had to Be There. The album was released in time for holiday sales in 1978.

Jimmy Buffett performed at the Gusman on Aug. 14-16, 1978, and those concerts were recorded and form much of what appeared on the late Coral Reefers famed first live double album, You Had to Be There, released in October 1978.

After numerous renovations and management teams, the Gusman hosted Miami Film Festival screenings as well as concerts by Johnny Cash, Luciano Pavarotti, Carly Simon and Bryan Adams from the 1990s into the 2000s.

In 2014, the theater regained its original Publix-era Olympia name. In 2020, faced with more costly repairs and a shutdown during the COVID pandemic, the management company gave the city control over Olympias operations. The Art of the Brick: An Exhibition of LEGO Art is running at the Olympia through May 12 this year.

How other Florida supermarkets were named

Heres how some of Publixs Florida supermarket competitors got named:

Southeastern Grocers, parent company to the Jacksonville-based Winn-Dixie, was acquired by Aldi in 2023. The merger was completed in March 2024.

 Winn-Dixie dates its origins to the family of William Milton Davis who bought Miamis Rockmoor Grocery on Dixie Highway in 1925. The Davis family also bought a chain of stores they called Table Supply. After the senior Davis died in 1934, his sons acquired Winn & Lovetts chain stores in 1939. In 1955, Winn & Lovetts bought 117 Dixie Home Stores and the name Winn-Dixie was born. Aldi announced earlier in March it had completed its acquisition of Southeastern Grocers, the Jacksonville parent company of Winn-Dixie.

Aldi storefront in the Coral Reef Shopping Center at 15033 S. Dixie Hwy. in Palmetto Bay, Florida.

 Aldi was founded by brothers Karl and Theo Albrecht in 1946 after they served in World War II. Their mother gave them a small Albrecht store she had opened in Germany in 1913. They grew her store into a chain of hundreds in Germany and in 1962 introduced the name Aldi as a syllabic abbreviation for Albrecht Diskont. Aldi opened its first U.S. store in Iowa in 1976, according to Business Insider.

Twenty of Sedanos 35 markets in Florida  including stores in Miami-Dade, Broward and Orlando  have indoor cafes and seating where shoppers can order sandwiches, empanadas, milkshakes, pastries and croquetas.

 Sedanos started as a 4,000-square-foot bodega opened by Cuban exile Rene Sedano in Hialeah in 1961. In 1962, fellow Cuban exile Armando Guerra Sr. bought the store from Sedano, kept the name, and in 1971 he encouraged a family member by marriage, Manuel Herran, to move to Miami and help with the store. Guerra and Herran grew the supermarket business into the nations largest Hispanic-owned supermarket chain. There are now 35 Sedanos in Miami-Dade and Broward counties and Orlando.

Milams Market at Pinecrest Center, 11701 S Dixie Hwy. in Pinecrest. This store once was a Publix.

 Milams Market was founded by Thomas Milam and his son Allen Milam in 1984. Father and son opened their first store at the corner of Red Road and Bird Road in west Coral Gables. That store has since been joined by six others, in Sunny Isles Beach, Pinecrest, Coconut Grove, Miami Springs, another market in the east Gables and a liquor store in the Grove.

MORE: Your supermarket is rolling out new things this year. What to expect at Miami stores
The Ministry of Digital Transformation has open-sourced the code of the Diia app, Ukraines e-government platform, and other countries can now use it to create their own public service apps.

This has been reported by the press service of the Ministry of Digital Transformation.

IT specialists and governments in other countries will now be able to study the logic of the app and use the code to create digitised public services based on it.

"IT specialists will be able to use the best solutions to create analogues of Diia and their own applications based on the open source. To do this, you will need to sign up for the public licence," the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry explained that initially, in addition to the general code for the apps server and mobile parts, they have added one document and one service to each to demonstrate the logic behind Diia's data handling. For this purpose, they chose a driving licence and a police clearance certificate.

The list of services and documents to be tested will be expanded in the future.

"The code does not contain access to registers. If you want to test the logic of Diia's operation, fictitious users with synthetic data have been uploaded to the test environment specifically for this purpose," the ministry said.

You can read more about the open-source Diia code and sign up to the public licence here.

Background:

The Cabinet of Ministers adopted a resolution permitting the Diia code to be made public, and the app will now become an open-source product.

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DILLON, S.C. (WBTW)  A Dillon County man found not guilty in a 2016 murder case appears to be headed for a trial in a second killing, according to the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office.

Prosecutors are preparing to go to trial in a case against Taquan Manning, who is accused of shooting and killing Tylon McCall, 32, on May 20, 2023. It happened at the Food Mart on Highway 34 W. in Dillon.

Manning was previously found not guilty in the 2016 murder case, but no details about the case were immediately available from authorities. Its also unclear when the next trial could begin.

Authorities charged Manning was charged with murder, attempted murder, malicious injury to property and use of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime after McCalls killing, which authorities said happened while he was out of jail on bond on the previous murder charge. He was wearing an electronic ankle monitor but the device had not been monitored since December 2022.

Manning was also charged with attempted murder in a separate incident that happened on May 10, 2023, in the 600 block of W. Hampton Street in Dillon, police said. The victim in that incident told police he was on his front porch when he heard tires screeching before a vehicle passed by with someone shooting out of the front passenger and back passenger windows.

Nobody was injured in that incident, according to the release.

* * *

Dennis Bright is a Digital Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
A train company has submitted plans for a new direct rail service between London and north Wales.

The new planned operation, led by train supplier Alstom, is said to offer passengers new direct links, quicker journeys and "more competitive fares".

Services are proposed to run between London Euston and Wrexham up to five times per day in each direction from next year.

The application will be submitted to the Office of Rail and Road later.

Where will the service connect Wrexham to?

The train service would stop at Milton Keynes, Nuneaton, Coleshill Parkway, Walsall, Darlaston, Wolverhampton, Telford Central, Shrewsbury and Gobowen.

Avanti West Coast is to withdraw its current daily return service between London Euston and Shrewsbury in June.

Alstom's proposed new operation is named Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway (WSMR), and is being developed in partnership with consultancy SLC Rail.

It comes 13 years after the train company Wrexham & Shropshire - which operated between London Marylebone and Wrexham via Shrewsbury - ceased trading due to losses.

The service would stop at Milton Keynes, Nuneaton, Coleshill Parkway, Walsall, Darlaston, Wolverhampton, Telford Central, Shrewsbury and Gobowen

WSMR would operate on an open access basis, meaning it would not receive any taxpayer-funded subsidies and will take on all revenue risk.

UK rail minister Hew Merriman said: "These exciting proposals could see better connections for communities across north Wales and the Midlands, including direct services to London from Shrewsbury, Telford and Wrexham.

"Competition delivers choice for passengers and drives up standards, which is why we continue to work with industry to help make the most of open access rail."

How often will the new Wrexham train run?

The proposed WSMR services could begin as early as 2025 and is expected to create around 50 new jobs, mainly based in North Wales and the Midlands.

The service will run five trains per day in each direction, Monday to Saturday, with four in each direction on a Sunday.

Alstom is the largest private rail operator in North America but if its WSMR plans get the go ahead, it will be the first time it has run services in the UK.

The company's managing director in the UK and Ireland, Nick Crossfield, said: "As the country's leading supplier of rolling stock and train services, it makes perfect sense that we now move into operating our own fleet to serve passengers directly.

"Having been part of the fabric of UK rail for two centuries, we're excited to enter this new era as an open access operator."

Avanti West Coast is to withdraw its current daily return service between London Euston and Shrewsbury in June

SLC Rail managing director Ian Walters said: "From the Welsh borders to the Midlands, our routes will forge new connections, linking overlooked regions of England and Wales with direct services to and from London.

"Delighting the customer will be at the forefront of what we do. We want WSMR passengers to experience a new excellence in customer service on board our intercity trains."

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Shock and anger follow the latest development in the case against a Georgia officer who was convicted in the fatal shooting of a Black veteran suffering a mental crisis.



The Georgia Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday that Dekalb County Officer Robert Chip Olsen will have his conviction overturned. The decision comes nine years after he shot and killed Anthony Hill, an Air Force veteran. Hill was reported to have been suffering a mental episode,having been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and PTSD following his time in the service, his family told 11Alive News.

The day of the shooting, he wasnt actively taking his medication and was acting strangely outside his home. Neighbors in the complex called the police looking to get him help, but we know how most mental health checks go when the cops are involved.

Video footage of the moments before the shooting shows Hill naked and appearing to be in distress as he ran toward the officer. Oslen is accused of firing two shots at Hill, who died on the scene.

Olsen was convicted of aggravated assault, violation of oath of public office and making false statements despite his self-defense claims. Now, hes set to be free.

Read more from WSB-TV:

We reverse Olsens convictions on aggravated assault and violation of oath by a public officer based upon a violation of the (DeKalb County Police Departments Use of Force Policy), the court said in its ruling Tuesday. We conclude further that, although the evidence was legally sufficient to sustain Olsens conviction on aggravated assault such that he may be retried on that count should the State opt to do so, the evidence was legally insufficient with respect to the crime of violation of oath by a public officer based upon a violation of the UFP. Tuesdays ruling said certain parts of the countys use of force policy conflict with Georgias law governing self-defense, making the countys provisions null, void and of no force or effect to the criminal charges lodges against (Olsen), the opinion said.

Hills sister, Tamara Giummo, said she was shocked to get a call from the Dekalb County District Attorneys Office to learn that the man who killed her brother will see his freedom.

She told 11Alive she didnt even know Olsen was currently seeking an appeal to his conviction.

It just brings back the feelings of losing [Anthony], like pulling off a scab of a wound you just wont let heal, Giummo said. He was supposed to have help, and this happened to him. He deserves justice.

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Jonah, Nineveh and the Great American Eclipse of 2024

There have been two solar eclipses: The first occurred on August 21st, 2017, and the second one will occur on April 8th, 2024.

It appears that these two eclipses mark a giant "X marks the spot" on America. What does this mean? What might the God of Israel be saying to America?

The Bible tells us that God uses the sun, moon, and stars for "signs and seasons":

Then God said, "Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years... Genesis 1:14

In Bible prophecy, events with the sun represent God's dealings with gentile nations, and events with the moon represent God's dealings with Israel.

In 2017, the eclipse crossed over seven cities named Salem in America -- a warning to America concerning Jerusalem.

The second eclipse will cross over seven cities named Nineveh in America:

-Nineveh, Texas

-Nineveh, Missouri

-Nineveh, Indiana

-Nineveh, Ohio

-Nineveh, Pennsylvania

-Nineveh, Virginia

-Nineveh, New York

What IS the warning to America? Is God's judgment coming? What does America need to repent of? To decode this warning sign, we need to turn to the book of Jonah to understand Jonah's message to ancient Nineveh.

Jonah was spewed out by the great fish and he washed up on the shore. Then he was obedient to God and he went to Nineveh to proclaim a message of repentance:

And Jonah began to enter the city on the first day's walk. Then he cried out and said, "Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!" Jonah 3:4

Thus, a 40-day countdown began for the people of Nineveh to repent. Nineveh's guilt was concerning the Assyria's oppression against the Jewish people, taking them into captivity to Assyria and exiling them from their homeland, Israel.

Background on Nineveh

Nineveh was the capital city of Assyria. In modern-day terms, ancient Nineveh is on the eastern bank of the Tigris River, close to the modern-day city of Mosul in Iraq.

In 721 B.C. Assyria swept down out of the north, captured the Northern Kingdom of Israel, and took the ten tribes into exile. The Assyrians then occupied the towns and villages of Northern Israel.

Archeological scholar, Donald Wiseman, former curator at the British Museum and leading expert on Assyrian culture, has speculated that a solar eclipse did occur over Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian empire.

Solar Eclipse Preceded Jonah's visit to Nineveh

What's not mentioned in the book of Jonah but is recorded in Assyria's historical record and is known to NASA and modern astronomers is that before Jonah's visit a solar eclipse occurred.

The first Assyrian eclipse was on June 24, 791 B.C., and covered 74% of the sun.

The second solar eclipse was on June 15, 763 B.C., and covered 98.7% of the sun.

According to the Assyrian writings cited by Wiseman, the Ninevites would see a solar eclipse as a precursor to God's judgment:

"the king will be deposed and killed, and a worthless fellow will seize the throne...rain from heaven will flood the land...the city walls will be destroyed."... At least once when there was a total solar eclipse, the Assyrians cried, "Nineveh shall be overthrown!"

Tom Hobson, chair of Biblical Studies at Morthland College, observes

The Assyrian nation was weak and in chaos in the decade around 760 BCE... They had one earthquake (one sign of divine wrath). There was a famine from 765-758 BCE. Assyria was losing battles and losing territory to its enemies. There were domestic riots....

(Does this sound like the current condition throughout Europe and the USA today?)

Now was a perfect time for a prophet from far away to arrive on the scene and command a response.

What was the result of Jonah's preaching? The ancient city, with up to 1.5 million people, repented!

So the people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them. Then word came to the king of Nineveh; and he arose from his throne and laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.

And he caused it to be proclaimed and published throughout Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything; do not let them eat, or drink water. But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily to God; yes, let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands.

Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish?

Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way, and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it. Jonah 3:5-10

Two Biblical Principles

1. The purpose of God bringing judgment upon the nations is to bring them to repentance! Repentance about what? We will come back to that!

2. God always precedes forthcoming judgment by sending warnings through the prophets.

He warns, He warns, He warns, and then He waits to see if there is repentance. He judges if there is no repentance. As we see in the story of Jonah, the LORD can change His mind about His planned judgment: IF there is a national repentance!

Application: What Does America Need to Repent of?

Joel chapter 3:1-3 prophecies to us when and how the tribulation period will begin. It deals with God's covenant He made with His people, the children of Israel. The God of Israel tells us clearly and directly WHY He judges the nations in Joel 3:1-2

"For behold, in those days and at that time, When I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; And I will enter into judgment with them there On account of My people, My heritage Israel, Whom they have scattered among the nations; They have also divided up My land. Joel 3:1-2
MANILA, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Two people have died in a fire that engulfed over 50 houses in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, the Bureau of Fire Protection said Thursday.

Firefighter Jess Lawrence Acoba told reporters that the victims were trapped in the flame that broke out at around 11:53 p.m. local time on Wednesday.

He said one of the victims is a female, and the other one has yet to be identified.

It took firefighters almost two hours to extinguish the blaze. 
Seen from the runways of Floyd Bennett Field, the skyline of Manhattan is visible in the distance (Charly TRIBALLEAU)

Gusts of wind lash the runways of a former airfield in New York as migrant families with children slowly walk across, eyeing the city's world-famous skyline off in the distance.

The field, described by aid workers as in the "middle of nowhere," is providing emergency shelter for 1,800 migrants, a potent symbol of the immigration crisis facing the American metropolis.

Asylum seekers flanked by hangars and runways tell AFP they want to "start over from scratch."

Many of the migrants at Floyd Bennett Field come from Latin America and Africa, but some are from China and Russia.

In large tents, with additional shared areas for eating and doing paperwork, up to 500 families sleep side-by-side in cramped, subdivided spaces.

"It's a bit difficult," says David Fernandez, 32, from Ecuador, describing cold, noisy conditions and the site's distance from the city.

Manhattan's skyscrapers are visible from the runways, but still more than an hour away on public transport.

There are no shops or other services in the immediate vicinity.

"We can't complain, because they're helping us... We have a roof over our heads to rest under, and blankets," Fernandez says stoically, happy that his son, 11, and daughter, seven, got into a Brooklyn school.

- Humanitarian crisis -

In November the Fernandez family left their home in Ecuador, which has been gripped by drug violence.

After almost two weeks journeying through Central America and a two-and-a-half day bus ride from Texas, they finally arrived in New York.

"I have to stay in the camp until I can find a house and a job," says Fernandez, one of the 2.4 million to have illegally crossed from Mexico into the United States in 2023, creating a political divide between Democrats and Republicans in a presidential election year.

The long white tents of Floyd Bennett Field are cordoned off behind metal fences.

And while New York Mayor Eric Adams has called the situation a "humanitarian crisis" -- fanned by Texas Governor Greg Abbott busing in migrants who arrive in his state -- the Big Apple is no stranger to newcomers.

During the 20th century, New York was the port of entry for millions of immigrants and in 1979 it committed legally to shelter all of the city's inhabitants.

But since spring 2022, authorities have scrambled to provide emergency accommodation for more than 180,000 people from as far afield as Venezuela, Senegal and Russia, among other countries.

More than 65,000 people are at one of the more than 210 migrant shelters which include hotels, gymnasiums and "humanitarian centers" like the airfield camp.

- 'No privacy' -

"Many of them arrived without having a friend or neighbor to help them," says Victoria Marin, a Brooklyn resident who organizes blankets and warm clothing for migrants at the site.

"Each time we've come, we've had 40 to 50 people running towards the car and asking for blankets, coats, shoes, food, strollers, suitcases."

The decision to house people at the isolated facility has been criticized.

"Floyd Bennett Field is not at all an appropriate place to house homeless families with children," says Dave Giffen, director of the non-profit Coalition for the Homeless.

"They're out really in the middle of nowhere on the edges of Brooklyn... There's no privacy... The showers and toilets are in separate tents outside the sleeping quarters," he says.

In January, authorities had to evacuate the camp due to a winter storm, relocating migrants to a local high school for the night.

Students there were unable to attend classes the next day, angering parents and officials.

New York City has been "left alone" by national and state authorities, Giffen says, and now it "wants to discourage migrants from coming to New York."

- 'A safe country' -

The city's health department, which operates the center, insists newcomers are fed, receive medical care, and get help from social workers to apply for asylum, seek training and employment, and send their children to school.

Bus service has also been established to simplify travel to New York.

Mayor Adams, a Democrat, has repeatedly said the city "is running out of space," criticizing President Joe Biden for failing to provide federal aid to assist or expedite work permits for asylum seekers.

"My aim is to work, to study, to free myself from (relying on) the government, and to fight for my children," says Venezuelan Maricruz Figueroa, 30, as she walks across the runway wearing a jersey emblazoned with the word "Brooklyn."

"The most important thing is that this is a safe country," adds Luis Moreno, from Ecuador. "A country of opportunities, where there is no crime like the third-world country that I come from."

arb-cdf/gw/bjt/mlm
ONTONAGON COUNTY, Mich. (WJMN)  Michigan Department of Natural Resources says 63-year-old Paul Boehm of Ontonagon is lucky to be alive after falling repeatedly through the weakening ice of Lake Gogebic on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 13.

At about 4:30 p.m. CDT, DNR Conservation Officers Jennifer Hanson and Zach Painter were notified by Negaunee Regional Dispatch that a man had gone through the ice near Merriweather in Bergland Township. According to the press release, local temperatures had reached the low 50s by Wednesday afternoon.

A lakefront homeowner, Sue Barrette, who lives along Old M-28 near the Hoop N Holler Tavern, had called emergency dispatch after hearing Boehm yelling and seeing him crawling on the ice.

She said she saw him sprawled out on the ice and a few moments later, saw him break through, and observed only his head above water, Hanson said. She tried to reach him by paddle board but was unsuccessful due to a layer of ice that had him trapped in deeper water.

When Hanson arrived, Boehm was well over 100 yards offshore. His wife would later tell police his ice shack was located a mile out onto the ice. Conservation Officer Painter and Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Maxinoski of the Wakefield Post waded through waters near shore and attempted to help Boehm by throwing him a line with an ice rescue bag, but he could not pull himself out of the ice. The two officers reached Boehm.

Firefighters from the Bergland Volunteer Fire Department rowed a rowboat from shore up to the ice. After the firefighters got out, Maxinoski pulled the boat over the ice to where Painter and Boehm were. They then secured Boehm in the boat. Boehm was taken first by Sonco Ambulance and later by Beacon Ambulance to Aspirus Ironwood Hospital in Ironwood.

Boehm was released from the hospital late Wednesday evening and was reportedly resting at home, complaining of minor ailments, including raw and numb fingers and bruised legs.

Quick and effective action certainly helped save this mans life, said Lt. Ryan Aho of the Michigan DNR Law Enforcement Division. This is an example of how things can go wrong quickly and turn into a life-threatening situation.

Conservation officers remind ice anglers that there is no specific thickness of ice deemed to be safe. Always be prepared and cautious whenever venturing out onto the ice, especially early or late in the winter or during spells of warm weather.

You can find DNR ice safety tips here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJMN - UPMatters.com.
For the first time, were hearing from the doctor accused of posting pictures of a decapitated baby to his social media page.

Dr. Jackson Gates spoke exclusively to Channel 2 investigative reporter Ashli Lincoln about why he decided to make the posts.

On Wednesday, a Fulton County judge decided he was liable because he hasnt responded to a lawsuit since it was filed in September.

The independent pathologist told Lincoln that it was news to him when he learned the judge ruled he was liable for posting pictures of a decapitated baby to his social media page without consent from the babys parent.

I found out from you when you called me and asked me did I know the judge had made a default judgment against me. I was dumbfounded, Gates said.

Parents Jessica Ross and Treveon Taylor filed two lawsuits over their babys death.

One is against Southern Regional Medical Center staff and their OBGYN for allegedly lying and attempting to cover up that their baby was decapitated during childbirth.

The other lawsuit is against Gates for posting images of the babys autopsy to his social media page.

We just want justice for our son. They lied to us. They aint let us touch him. We dont like it, we just want justice for our son, Ross said during a news conference last month.

What were your intentions behind making that post? Lincoln asked Gates.

TRENDING STORIES:

I take my affirmation to the HIPPA oath extremely serious, Gates said. I felt a need to expose this because I was just as shocked, like many people are, expressing emotional concern, Gates said.

Attorney Roderick Edmund, who represents the babys parents, said Gates has yet to respond to their lawsuit and told Lincoln that it was egregious for Gates to post those images.

Im trying my best to seek a civil defense attorney, Gates said.

Gates said hes not intentionally avoiding litigation. He said its been impossible to hire an attorney who would represent him.

I was dumbfounded that I dont have anybody now, Gates said.

He said he did not violate HIPPA by making the posts because he never identified the baby.

I feel extremely attacked. My business is suffering. Im all on the media, people are saying, You did this, as if I cut the babys head off, Gates said.

Gates maintains he was only trying to advocate for what had been done to Baby Treveon.

I just feel like this is an attack on me when Im trying to expose a homicide that was the most horrendous I ever seen in my life, Gates said.

Again, this is a default judgment because Gates did not respond to the lawsuit. The case will now go to trial where either a judge or a jury will decide how much money should be awarded to the family.

Gates said hes pleading for an attorney to represent him.

RELATED NEWS:
The judge overseeing Donald Trump's Georgia election interference case tossed out a spate of criminal charges against the former president and his allies Wednesday.

In a 9-page ruling, Judge Scott McAfee dismissed six counts in the sprawling racketeering indictment against Trump and his co-defendants, including former chief of staff Mark Meadows and attorney Rudy Giuliani, citing insufficient details undergirding the charges. Three of the counts were against the former president, who now only faces 10 charges.

"As written, these six counts contain all the essential elements of the crimes but fail to allege sufficient detail regarding the nature of their commission, i.e., the underlying felony solicited. They do not give the Defendants enough information to prepare their defenses intelligently," McAfee wrote, according to NBC News.

The dismissed charges related to the defendants' alleged solicitation of Georgia officials to violate their oaths of office.

McAfee determined that the indictment's language was too "generic" and failed to specify the exact part, oath and constitution  state or federal  the defendants had been accused of pressuring the officials to breach.

His decision is "pretty straightforward" and, as it stands, "shouldn't affect the case at all," Atlanta defense attorney Andrew Fleischman told Salon.

"Even if you went to trial and got convictions on those, along with the RICO count, they would probably, what's called, merge," Fleischman said, explaining that someone could be charged with the same crime "five different ways" but later be convicted of just one, all-encompassing crime.

One of the quashed charges pertained to Trump's infamous call to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, asking the official to "find" just enough votes for him to edge Joe Biden out of his electoral victory in the state. Another charge was connected to a letter Trump sent Raffensperger pressuring him to "decertify" the 2020 election results.

"The Courts concern is less that the State has failed to allege sufficient conduct of the Defendants  in fact it has alleged an abundance," McAfee wrote. "However, the lack of detail concerning an essential legal element is fatal."

The problem is that the oaths that prosecutors hinged the charges on are "very vague," Melissa Redmon, a University of Georgia School of law professor and former Fulton County and Clayton County prosecutor, told Salon.

Unlike other public officials who have some greater specificity in their oath  like prosecutors' vow to "carry out their duties without fear or favor," Redmon explained, Georgia officials like those implicated in the case generally "just take an oath to support the constitution of Georgia and the United States Constitution."

For the dismissed counts to have remained in the indictment, prosecutors would have needed to "point to a clause, an article or a paragraph that says you're not supposed to do this particular thing that [the defendants are] alleged to have done, or that they were trying to get the public officials to do," she said.

Trump and the co-defendants impacted by the Wednesday ruling, including Giuliani, Meadows and lawyer John Eastman, have pleaded not guilty. The decision places Meadows in "the best position," Redmon added, because one of his two charges was dismissed.

McAfee did leave open the possibility of Fulton County, Ga. District Attorney Fani Willis' office pursuing a reindictment expanding the six scrapped counts with more details. He also permitted the relevant events connected to the counts to remain "overt acts" in the larger racketeering indictment.

That means "prosecutors will still be able to present the story about the phone call, the presentation to the state Senate committee, and the effort to overturn the elections played out by those various parties," Redmon said.

The decision also leaves Willis with three main "prospects" for how she can move next, she added.

First, Willis could request within 10 days an "immediate review" from an appellate court to hear the case, which McAfee indicated he would be likely to grant in his Wednesday order, Redmon said. That would further lengthen the case's timetable because the appeals court has 45 days to inform the state of whether they will hear it, and then the appeal must take place.

Willis could also "find that language" McAfee seeks from the relevant oaths that public officials were allegedly asked to violate and wait six months, per Georgia law, to reindict those charges with greater specificity. Or, Redmon said, she could accept the judge's ruling and move forward with the case.

"It's just as likely that she will accept the judge's ruling and just proceed with the case without those charges in the indictment as she may reindict it if there's a particular clause of the state or federal constitution that she can directly relate to that conduct being a violation of," Redmon said.

But reindicting the case would be "dumb," Fleischman said. "If she reindicts, that would be a big mistake because that would offer an opportunity for people to ask to be re-arraigned."

Rearraignments would allow parties in the case to file motions again, with new information, like cell phone and other evidence that may not have been previously introduced, he explained. That would pose a risk to the disqualification matter regarding Willis and a prosecutor in her office that the judge is currently evaluating.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

McAfee is expected to rule this week on whether Willis should be disqualified from the case, following allegations from a defendant's attorney that Willis financially benefitted from an improper relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade, whom she hired to her office to assist in the election interference case.

The "big takeaway" from the judge's Wednesday order is that "it doesn't gut the case" and it "doesn't really affect it," Fleischman said. "The only way it could have a negative impact is if they reindict and open the door for more motions and more delay."

The order is also entirely "unrelated" from the motion to disqualify Willis from the case, he said, noting it "doesn't really tell you anything one way or the other."

The only way they could relate would be if, like in Wednesday's order, McAfee feels the matter is "also a close question" and indicates similar thinking on granting whichever side he rules against the opportunity to appeal before the case is tried, Redmon added.

Considering the potential time frame, "along with the other motions that still have to be heard," the earliest the case will go to trial "will be towards the end of the year," Redmon predicted.

"I don't think it's likely to begin before the election in November, though," she said. "More than likely, I think next year is a safer bet."
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Scientists are warning dog owners of a potentially fatal dog parasite found in a portion of the Colorado River that runs through California  the furthest west it has ever been found.

The parasite is a flatworm most commonly referred to as a liver fluke. It was known to be exclusive in Texas and other states surrounding the Gulf Coast, though in recent years the parasite has been found migrating into western states.

In 2018, Utah became the furthest western state after an outbreak infected 12 dogs in Moab. At least two dogs died from the infections within weeks of being infected.

Potentially damaging wind gusts and heavy snow for Utah Thursday

Dogs can die from this infection, so we are hoping to raise public awareness that its there, said University of California, Riverside nematology professor Adler Dillman. if youre swimming in the Colorado River with them, your pets are in peril.

The worm can cause a disease known as canine schistosomiasis which impacts the liver and intestines of dogs. Dillman explained the worm lays eggs which the immune system tries to deal with. Hard clusters of the immune system eventually form and cause organ failure. Other symptoms include a loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, profound weight loss and signs of liver disease.

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health veterinarian Emily Beeler said if your dog starts showing these symptoms to take them to a vet for immediate care.

Historic Utah jail cell transformed into Airbnb by local family

Its a good precaution to ask your veterinarian for a simple fecal test, said Beeler. Treatment typically involves the use of multiple medications and close monitoring of the dog by a veterinarian.

While the infection is potentially deadly to our furry loved ones, the parasite is mostly harmless to humans. Dillman explained the flatworm can cause swimmers itch, an irritating red rash where it penetrates the skin, but it isnt known to cause infection. Additionally, the parasite is not likely to infect drinking water.

Compared to other pathogens these worms are fairly large, said Dillman. They can easily be filtered out with common water purification strategies.

The best way to prevent your dog from being infected is to keep them from drinking straight from rivers or public water spaces. Parasite aside, Dillman said there are other chances for disease such as Giardia.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
A widowed mother lost her beloved senior dog to an arson attack earlier this month. Now her son is fundraising to protect her Phoenix home.

Duke, a 16-year-old pit bull and mastiff mix, died after receiving burns on roughly 70% of his body. He was doused with gasoline by an unknown attacker and lit on fire as he slept on the morning of March 5, according to owner Roscoe Gillum and authorities.

This was the second of two fires at the property near 27th Avenue and Van Buren Street.A 2021 fire destroyed 35 feet of the south Phoenix homes fencing and the left side of a shed. Gillum said it left the property and Duchess, a 9-year-old female Doberman, vulnerable to further attacks. The 24-year-old U.S. Navy servicemember said his 49-year-old mother remains in distress as the family fears the two incidents are related.

"She doesnt feel safe at the house, and neither does my dog, Duchess," Gillum said. "There's just a lot of expenses and we're hoping that the community can support us right now."

Duke is seen in this undated photo. The pitbull and mastiff mix dog was killed March 5, 2024 by burning at his Phoenix home

Gillum has set up a GoFundMe seeking donations to help replace the shed, fortify fencing and install a security system to prevent another attack.

A call about the fire came as Gillum's mom was working a night shift. The two dogs were on a mattress in the backyard when the assailant struck. Only Duchess managed to flee. "He was a fighter to the end," Gillum said of Duke, mentioning how the dog struggled to lift his head.

The severity of Duke's burns left the family no other recourse but to euthanize him, Gillum said.

The crime-solving nonprofit Silent Witness is offering a $4,000 reward in the case. Tipsters may call 480-WITNESS (480-948-6377) or 480-TESTIGO (837-8446) for Spanish. Tips may also be submitted anonymously at silentwitness.org.

'She won't be the same after this'

Although Duke was an older dog, Gillum said he still had a lot of life in him. It was "love at first sight" when Gillums mom laid eyes on Duke, then 3, at the Ahwatukee Farmers Market.

Dukes former owner could no longer care for him, so she took him in, serving the pooch home-cooked meals.

"Theyre like family members, just because of how much they mean to us," Gillum said.

Duke was also a comfort to Gillum as a high schooler when his dad died in 2015. As Gillums three younger sisters joined the military, Duke was always there for their mom.

"We never felt like there was any danger because we knew that Duke was there to protect her. Even as he got older, he still had a lot of youth," Gillum said. "So, it's tough now that hes not around."

The humans in Dukes life arent the only ones missing him. Duchess longs for her "best friend," Gillum added.

"She won't be the same after this. I don't know if any of us are going to be," Gillum said.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix dog was set on fire in second arson case at home, owner says
Another Dolphins defensive starter is heading elsewhere.

Safety DeShon Elliott, who started 15 games in Miami last season, is signing a two-year deal worth $6 million with the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to Bleacher Report.

The Dolphins signed Elliott to a one-year deal last offseason and he won a training camp competition to start alongside Jevon Holland. Elliott recorded 82 tackles, seven pass breakups and one interception.

This week, Miami agreed to terms with former Buffalo Bills safety Jordan Poyer on a one-year deal.

Elliott is the fifth Dolphins defender who has agreed to sign elsewhere this offseason, joining defensive tackles Christian Wilkins (Las Vegas Raiders) and Raekwon Davis (Indianapolis Colts), safety Brandon Jones (Denver Broncos) and outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (Minnesota Vikings).

The Dolphins have also lost full- or part-time contributors in cornerback Xavien Howard, inside linebacker Jerome Baker and defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah, who have been released.

Miami, though, has retooled its defensive personnel in the first week of free agency. The Dolphins have signed or agreed to terms with seven defensive players, most notably inside linebacker Jordyn Brooks, safety Jordan Poyer and cornerback Kendall Fuller.
DOLTON, Ill.  The embattled leader of two south suburban governments is being accused improperly firing three employees who refused orders to retaliate against her political opponents or failed to show sufficient loyalty.

Tiffany Henyard is the mayor of Dolton and supervisor of Thornton Township. WGN Investigates has reported extensively on concerns over her lavish spending, leadership style and lack of transparency.

Samysha Williams was the head of Doltons permit and licensing department until August of 2022 when her lawsuit claims she was wrongfully terminated after refusing orders to link campaign donations with the village permitting and licensing process.

Henyard instructed Williams to withhold permits to Dolton residents and business owners unless they donated to Henyards campaign, Williams lawsuit reads.

Several residents, business owners and even the villages former police chief have told WGN Investigates they felt loyalty was a litmus test for Henyard.

Soon after Henyard took office in April of 2021, several Dolton trustees began questioning her spending and demanded further accountability and transparency. Williams lawsuit said Henyard would openly tell village employees were at war with trustees and instructed them to deny trustees requests for records under the Freedom of Information Act.

Dolton mayor says disgruntled employees behind sexual misconduct claim

The people that supported her didnt have any issues with getting things they need, Williams said in an interview with WGN-TV. Talk to her, get meetings. The people she didnt want to have licenses or go along with her or support her couldnt get a meeting, couldnt get permits. They couldnt get anything.

The lawsuit claims the antagonism went further when she was asked to practice muting opposing trustees microphones ahead of meetings.

You have employees who didnt go along with the program and if theres any type of perceived disloyalty, theyre let go, Williams attorney, Matthew Custardo, said.

A second lawsuit filed by Karen Johnson, a Dolton public works assistant, said she was fired for refusing to do campaign work while on the job. Henyard asked Dolton employees to campaign on her behalf, go door-to-door and make calls while at work and during working hours, Johnsons lawsuit alleges.

Johnson said pressure built as negative stories about Henyard began to appear in the media including a report that a sex offender was hired as a code enforcement officer. Johnsons lawsuit said she was fired for violating Doltons policy on computer use after she looked-up information about.

A third lawsuit has been filed by Sandra Tracy, who was the manager of Thornton Townships human resources department.

Tracy claims soon after Henyard was appointed supervisor in 2022 she demanded dirt on all township employees. She said she refused because sharing some information would violate employees privacy rights.

Tracy said she was soon demoted and locked-out of the township building. The lawsuit claims Tracy continued to work from her car in the township buildings parking lot or at home for the next three months.

The Whitley Agency, which handles public relations for Dolton and Thornton Township, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
SEOUL, March 14 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's export of information and communication technology (ICT) products rose for the fourth straight month in February due to solid demand for locally-made semiconductors, government data showed Thursday.

ICT products shipment soared 29.1 percent over the year to 16.53 billion U.S. dollars in February, continuing to grow since November 2023, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

Semiconductor export surged 62.9 percent to 9.96 billion dollars in February, keeping a double-digit growth for the fourth consecutive month.

Display panel shipment increased 18.7 percent to 1.55 billion dollars on robust demand for panels used for TVs and mobile phones, but mobile phone export dropped 21.3 percent to 810 million dollars.

Shipment for computers and peripherals gained 14.0 percent to 750 million dollars, but communications equipment export decreased 6.7 percent to 200 million dollars.

Import for ICT products shrank 6.7 percent from a year earlier to 10.29 billion dollars in February, sending trade surplus in the ICT industry to 6.24 billion dollars.

Import for chips and display panels went up last month, but import for mobile phones and computers dwindled in double digits. 
Don Lemon Says Elon Musk Canceled His New X Talk Show After Interviewing Him: Elon Musk Is Mad At Me | Photo: Dia Dipasupil via Getty Images

Don Lemon and Elon Musk are feuding after initially agreeing to launch a show on X, formerly known as Twitter. Lemon, who worked at CNN for 17 years before parting ways with the network in 2023, was set to start a talk show on Musks social media platform. However, the former CNN anchor is now saying Musk is disgruntled after being interviewed for the first episode of the show.

Elon Musk has canceled the partnership I had with X, which they announced as part of their public commitment to amplifying more diverse voices on their platform, Lemon tweeted on March 13. He informed me of his decision hours after an interview I conducted with him on Friday. That interview will remain the premiere episode of The Don Lemon Show on Monday, March 18.

Lemons representative, who spoke with Variety, said the 58-year-old journalist is ready to bring legal action against Musk if necessary.

Don has a deal with X and he expects to be paid for it, If we have to go to court, we will, the rep told Variety.

In another video Lemon posted on X, he said his show will still be broadcast on X despite his feud with Musk.

Elon Musk is mad at me, Lemon said in the clip. This does not change anything about the show except for my relationship with Elon and X, and there is a whole lot that went down, and Im gonna tell you about it in the coming days.

He added, Apparently, free speech absolutism doesnt apply when it comes to questions about him from people like me.

Elon Musk canceled #TheDonLemonShow Watch on YouTube and listen everywhere on Monday March 18. pic.twitter.com/AAhnvcY0ny  Don Lemon (@donlemon) March 13, 2024

Musks company responded with a statement posted to the X Business account page.

The Don Lemon Show is welcome to publish its content on X, without censorship, as we believe in providing a platform for creators to scale their work and connect with new communities, the company stated. However, like any enterprise, we reserve the right to make decisions about our business partnerships, and after careful consideration, X decided not to enter into a commercial partnership with the show.

X is a platform that champions free speech, and were proud to provide an open environment for diverse voices and perspectives. The Don Lemon Show is welcome to publish its content on X, without censorship, as we believe in providing a platform for creators to scale their work  Business (@XBusiness) March 13, 2024

Musk also posted a statement on his personal X account, saying Lemons approach was basically just CNN, but on social media.'

That approach, according to Musk, doesnt work, as evidenced by the fact that CNN is dying.

And, instead of it being the real Don Lemon, it was really just Jeff Zucker talking through Don, so lacked authenticity, Musk said. All this said, Lemon/Zucker are of course welcome to build their viewership on this platform along with everyone else.

His approach was basically just CNN, but on social media, which doesnt work, as evidenced by the fact that CNN is dying. And, instead of it being the real Don Lemon, it was really just Jeff Zucker talking through Don, so lacked authenticity. All this said, Lemon/Zucker are  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 13, 2024

Lemon reminded his followers that Musk publicly encouraged him to join X with a new show. The veteran journalist said Musk and his team pursued the deal in numerous conversations and made significant commitments about the support X would provide for the show, according to Variety.

I made the decision to work with them in a unique partnership that I believed would ultimately assure that my work would be available to the most people, in the largest possible venue, Lemon added. I took Elon and his management teams word that they, for the first time, were interested in working directly with new and diverse voices.

Lemon still plans to make the Musk interview available on YouTube, as well as on X and multiple podcast platforms.

This will be just the first of many episodes of The Don Lemon Show. While Elon goes back on his word, I will be doubling down on my commitment to free speech and I cannot wait to get started, he said in his statement.

Lemon also said he doesnt see any issue with the interview he did with Musk.

There were no restrictions on the interview that he willingly agreed to, and my questions were respectful and wide-ranging, covering everything from SpaceX to the presidential election, he said. We had a good conversation. Clearly he felt differently. His commitment to a global town square where all questions can be asked and all ideas can be shared seems not to include questions of him from people like me.

As Blavity reported, Lemon announced plans for his own media company in January.

Ive heard you and I am back, bigger, bolder, freer, he wrote at the time. My new media companys first project is The Don Lemon Show. It will be available to everyone, easily, whenever and wherever you want it, streaming on the platforms where the conversations are happening. And youll find it first on X, the biggest space for free space in the world.

Lemon was let go from CNN following his comments regarding former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, who he said is past her prime.

CNN and Don have parted ways, former CNN Chairman and CEO Chris Licht said in a statement at the time, the New York Times reported. Don will forever be a part of the CNN family, and we thank him for his contributions over the past 17 years. We wish him well and will be cheering him on in his future endeavors.
Mr Trump has pleaded not guilty in all of the criminal cases against him

A Florida judge has rejected a motion from former US President Donald Trump to dismiss a classified documents case against him.

His attorneys argued the criminal charges under the Espionage Act were unclear.

But Judge Aileen Cannon said ruling in favour of Mr Trump would have been an "extraordinary step".

She will rule later on another Trump motion arguing that ex-presidents are shielded from record-keeping rules.

Mr Trump, who has already pleaded not guilty to 40 criminal charges in the matter, attended Thursday's hearing.

On his social media platform, Truth Social, he described the case as a witch hunt while noting that "big crowds" had shown up outside the court in Fort Pierce.

In a separate case on Thursday, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg asked for a 30-day delay in the former president's trial in New York on charges of business fraud over a hush money payment to an adult film star.

The New York trial was due to begin on 25 March, but Mr Bragg said his office needed time to examine 31,000 pages of evidence that it recently received from federal prosecutors.

In the Florida case, prosecutors allege Mr Trump retained classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.

They say he obstructed the justice department's efforts to retrieve the files and turn them over to the National Archives.

At Thursday's hearing, Judge Cannon, a Trump appointee, heard a motion from his lawyers to dismiss the case on the grounds that criminal charges relating to the Espionage Act were "unconstitutionally vague".

That law makes it illegal for unauthorised people to retain national defence information.

But Judge Cannon said after the hearing that the motion was premature and should be decided during a jury trial.

In a written briefing, special prosecutor Jack Smith's team had called the Trump lawyers' argument "meritless".

The judge did not make an immediate decision on the other motion by Mr Trump's lawyers to have the case thrown out, but said she would issue a ruling "promptly".

The other motion relates to the Presidential Records Act, which requires documents to be turned over to the National Archives.

Lawyers for Mr Trump have argued that he had the right to have the documents because he had "unreviewable discretion" to designate these classified records as personal documents.

But Judge Cannon sounded sceptical of that motion, too. She suggested that the defence may have a valid argument, but that it should be tested at trial.

Mr Trump's lawyers have also filed a number of other bids to dismiss the case, which will be heard at a later date.

Both sides in the Florida case say that the trial, currently scheduled for May, will need to be postponed.

Mr Smith, the special prosecutor, would like the trial to start in July, while Mr Trump's team has suggested August.

In addition to Mr Trump, his co-defendants, aide Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira, were also present during the hearing.

The former president allegedly had boxes of classified material in a shower, a bathroom, a ballroom and his bedroom at his Florida club.

Prosecutors say some of the documents covered nuclear weapons programmes and US vulnerability to military attack.

As well as the Florida and New York criminal cases, Mr Trump faces charges of election interference in Georgia.

However, that case has been delayed pending a decision about alleged conflict of interest in the prosecutor's office.

He has also been charged by special prosecutor Mr Smith with conspiracy and other crimes in Washington DC in connection with the US Capitol riot on 6 January 2021.

That case is on hold pending a US Supreme Court ruling on whether presidents are immune from criminal prosecution. The top court will hear arguments on 25 April.
Prosecutors and Donald Trumps lawyers clashed again Thursday in federal court in Florida over his proposals to dismiss charges the former president mishandled classified documents after leaving the White House.

Trump, who attended the hearing, contends he is immune from prosecution, claiming that parts of the Espionage Act prohibiting the retention of national defense records is too vague to enforce and that he converted the classified documents from classified to personal records before leaving the White House so he could keep them.

The cobbled-together attempt by the Special Counsels Office fails as applied to President Trump, lawyers Todd Blanche and Christopher Kise wrote in a filing.

But Thursday evening, U.S. District Judge Eileen Cannon, a Trump appointee, denied Trump's motions attacking the "vagueness" of the Espionage Act, while leaving the 2024 Republican frontrunner room to argue the issue again later. She didn't immediately decide his claims over the Presidential Records Act.

Justice Department special counsel Jack Smiths team contends Trump doesnt know what hes talking about.

Trumps claims rest on three fundamental errors, all of which reflect his view that, as a former President, the Nations laws and principles of accountability that govern every other citizen do not apply to him, prosecutors wrote.

Cannon also needs to set a new trial date. The judge is expected to postpone the tentative trial date of May 20 because of disputes in the case and has said it will probably be later than the prosecutions proposal of July 8. Trumps lawyers suggested an Aug. 12 start but urged her to postpone the trial until after the November election.

More: Judge rejects Donald Trump's vagueness argument for tossing out Florida documents charges

Behind the federal courthouse in Fort Pierce, Florida, former President Trump's SUV pulls in to the underground garage during past visits, people gather to greet him on March 14, 2024.

What charges does Trump face in the classified documents case?

Trump faces 40 counts of hoarding national defense documents at Mar-a-Lago, his Florida estate, and then conspiring with two of his employees  personal valet Walt Nauta and property manager Carlos De Oliveira  to hide them from federal authorities. Each of the three has pleaded not guilty.

More than 300 classified documents were recovered more than a year after Trump left the White House, most under subpoena in June 2022 or during an FBI search in August 2022.

"The classified documents Trump stored in his boxes included information regarding defense and weapons capabilities of both the United States and foreign countries; United States nuclear programs; potential vulnerabilities of the United States and its allies to military attack; and plans for possible retaliation in response to a foreign attack," the indictment said. "The unauthorized disclosure of these classified documents could put at risk the national security of the United States, foreign relations, the safety of the United States military, and human sources and the continued viability of sensitive intelligence collection methods."

Trump is charged with 32 counts of willful retention of national defense information, along with conspiracy to obstruct justice, withholding a document, corruptly concealing a document and making false statements.

Trump says he is immune and that he designated classified records as 'personal'

Trump posed several arguments for Cannon to dismiss the charges. For one, Trump contends he is immune from prosecution because decisions about moving the documents happened when he was president.

The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments about immunity April 25 in Trumps other pending federal case, on charges he tried to steal the 2020 election. A federal judge and the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals previously ruled Trump has no shield from federal charges.

Trump has also argued he designated the hundreds of records with classified markings on them as personal records so he could keep them after leaving the White House. And he contends that, under the Presidential Records Act, any disputes over records should be handled as a civil matter rather than criminal.

Trump also argues the section of the Espionage Act being wielded against him for storing classified records is unconstitutionally vague.

As the Court already observed, President Trump was once the countrys chief classification authority and his retention of the documents was not unauthorized because he designated them as personal records," Trump's lawyers wrote in a filing.

People gather to greet former President Trump's SUV as he pulls in to the underground garage of the federal courthouse in Fort Pierce, Florida, on March 14, 2024.

Prosecutors say Trump's 'alchemy,' turning classified documents into personal records, is 'false'

Prosecutors opposed each of Trumps demands to dismiss the case.

The Espionage Acts prohibitions are clear and a former president should understand the paramount importance of protecting the countrys national security and military secrets, prosecutors argued.

Trumps vagueness argument is meritless, prosecutors wrote in a filing. The statutes prohibitions are clear.

Prosecutors also said the documents are indisputably presidential, rather than personal as Trump claims. Prosecutors said Trumps argument that records are transformed into personal records by the alchemy of removing them from the White House is false.

The Presidential Records Act "does not exempt Trump from the criminal law, entitle him to unilaterally declare highly classified presidential records to be personal records, or shield him from criminal investigations  let alone allow him to obstruct a federal investigation with impunity, prosecutors wrote in a court filing.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump lawyers, prosecutors clash fight over classified records charges
Former President Donald Trump reversed his position on TikTok this week, coming out against a bill to ban the app or force its sale shortly before the House of Representatives voted Wednesday morning to do just that.

While in the White House in 2020, Trump attempted to ban the app from the United States unless it sold itself to an American company. At the time he said Chinese ownership gave Beijings authoritarian government access to the personal information of American users.

"This data collection threatens to allow the Chinese Communist Party access to Americans personal and proprietary information  potentially allowing China to track the locations of federal employees and contractors, build dossiers of personal information for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage," Trump wrote.

TikTok said it would never hand over that information. It has spent $1.5 billion building Project Texas, which is supposed to stop any effort by the Chinese government to access the data of American users by confining that information to U.S. servers. But some Americans remain concerned that ByteDance would have to hand over that data if ordered by Chinese authorities.

On Monday, Trump told CNBC that he now opposes taking action to separate either the CCP from TikTok or TikTok from American users.

Frankly, there are a lot of people on TikTok that love it, Trump said in an interview with CNBC posted Monday. There are a lot of young kids on TikTok who will go crazy without it. There are a lot of users, a lot of good, and theres a lot of bad with TikTok.

Trump's comments came less than two weeks after reports that he met with a billionaire conservative donor who is part-owner of the parent company,

Trump is now the presumptive Republican presidential nominee and his campaign has not commented directly on the relevance of Trump's meeting with the donor, but there are other possible explanations for Trump's flip flop, including his antipathy for Facebook and its creator Mark Zuckerberg, and a desire to appeal to TikTok's users and investors.

Trump's comments echo Republican complaints about Facebook

The TikTok Inc. logo is seen on their building in Culver City, Calif.

Trump said that banning TikTok would benefit rival Facebook, and I consider Facebook to be an enemy of the American people. He criticized Facebook parent company Meta CEO Mark Zuckerbergs donations during the 2020 election to nonprofits that help local election offices improve their technology, educate voters, train poll workers, and get out the vote.

That echoed a Truth Social post last Thursday in which Trump alleged Facebook cheated in the last election and referred to Zuckerberg as Zuckerschmuck," a nickname that borrows the Yiddish word schmuck to insult Zuckerberg, who is Jewish. That drew condemnation from CNN Anchor Dana Bash for being "offensive."

In a statement Tuesday, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said, "The President also shares concerns about Facebook, which we know has been used to manipulate millions of users and interfere in the 2020 election." Neither Trump on Truth Social nor Cheung in his statement provided any evidence of this interference.

Republicans in Congress held a hearing in February that targeted Zuckerbergs giving to the Center for Tech and Civic Life and the Center for Election Innovation and Research. The right often refers to these donations as "Zuckerbucks"  a nickname denounced by the Anti-Defamation League for evoking antisemitic tropes.

Republicans say that private money should not be funding election administration, and Trump argues that Zuckerberg's philanthropy should be considered illegal campaign contributions. The bipartisan Federal Election Commission decided unanimously in 2022 that the donations are not illegal campaign contributions.

A writer for the Cato Institute, a right-leaning think tank, wrote in 2022 that Zuckerberg's donations did not influence the outcome of the 2020 election.

From Capitol Hill: Congress plows ahead with bill targeting TikTok against Donald Trump's wishes

Trump's new stance aligns with conservative advocacy group

On March 1, Trump met with billionaire Jeff Yass at a donor retreat for Club for Growth, a conservative advocacy group that has opposed Trump's impeachment, according to ABC News, which said it obtained a video clip from the meeting. Yasss investment company, Susquehanna International Group, bought a large stake in ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, in 2012.

Yass is also a major donor to the Club for Growths super PAC, one of the players in the 2024 election that funds many of Trumps allies in the House and Senate. Yass gave $23.5 million to Club for Growth Action from 2017 to 2020, during Trump's time in office, and has given $33.5 million since 2021, according to the latest records from the Federal Election Commission.

Trump and many congressional Republicans were nonetheless very critical of TikTok at that time.

Shou Chew, CEO of TikTok, listens during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing about Big Tech and the Online Child Sexual Exploitation Crisis on January 31, 2024, at Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

David McIntosh, the president of Club for Growth, wrote a 2023 op-ed advocating against banning TikTok and gave a presentation in January on the political risk of restricting or banning TikTok, according to National Review. Former Trump aide Kellyanne Conway is working for Club for Growth to advocate in Congress for TikTok, according to Politico.

A bill in the House to force China to divest from TikTok or face a ban passed 352 to 65 on Wednesday with strong bipartisan support. Proponents argue that China's involvement with the social media app is a threat to national security.

Americas foremost adversary has no business controlling a dominant media platform in the United States," said Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wisconsin, who heads the House's select committee on the Chinese Communist Party. "TikToks time in the United States is over unless it ends its relationship with CCP-controlled ByteDance.

TikTok said in a statement after the bill passed: "This process was secret and the bill was jammed through for one reason: It's a ban. We are hopeful that the Senate will consider the facts, listen to their constituents, and realize the impact on the economy, 7 million small businesses, and the 170 million Americans who use our service."

Many TikTok users also oppose a ban, including communities of activists for causes such as disability rights.

From 2023: Meta to restore Trump Facebook and Instagram accounts, reversing Jan. 6 Capitol attack ban

Trump's view aligns with the interests of TikTok investors and users

The real story behind TikTok is money and politics, said James Lewis, a China expert and senior vice president at the nonpartisan Center for Strategic and International Studies.

TikToks Chinese parent ByteDance valued itself at more than $200 billion last year when it bought back shares from existing investors. It recently launched a new share buyback. Its goal is to go public, Lewis said, but the value of TikTok in an initial public offering would be undercut by a TikTok ban in the U.S.

A smartphone screen of logos of online platforms including Google, Facebook, Linkedin, Amazon and Tiktok

The investors in TikTok would like to cash out, Lewis said. They would like to do an IPO."

Wealthy investors like Yass hold a lot of sway with politicians, due to their importance to the economy and their ability to donate to political campaigns, Lewis said.

According to ABC News, although Trump clashed with the Club for Growth over endorsements in Republican primaries, Trump spoke highly of Yass and McIntosh at the group's recent donor retreat, saying, "We're back in love."

Yass did not comment for the ABC News story, but he previously told The Wall Street Journal, "TikTok is about free speech and innovation, the epitome of libertarian and free market ideals. The idea of banning TikTok is an anathema to everything I believe.

There may be other executives in Trump's orbit who have ties to TikTok. Oracle CEO Safra Catz served on Trump's transition team in 2016. The business software giant scored a $1.5 billion agreement in 2022 to serve as ByteDances trusted technology provider to relocate all Americans user data to servers in the U.S.

Trump's stance could benefit his other interests

Trumps personal business and political interests could also be in play, according to China expert and Ohio State University professor Oded Shenkar.

By aligning himself with TikTok, which is popular with young people, Trump could attract a more youthful demographic to his businesses, including a new line of gold sneakers, and generate support from younger voters.

He could also gain favor with Beijing.

The Chinese government and state-linked entities spent more than $5.5 million at Trump Tower in New York and two of Trumps hotels in Washington and Las Vegas while he was president, according to public documents and internal financial records obtained by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee.

TikToks owners substantial lobbying efforts in the US suggest that they would highly value Trumps conciliatory position towards them, Shenkar said.

Trump campaign is now recalibrating

In his statement Tuesday, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung revised Trump's stance again, saying he is concerned about TikTok but not backing the bill before Congress.

"President Trump made clear in his CNBC interview this week that he viewed Chinese ownership of Tik Tok as a national security threat, while at the same time appreciating it is an app used and liked by millions of Americans," Cheung wrote.

"That's why the President took strong action in 2020 to protect the privacy and data of American users of Tik Tok as well as establish a framework for Congress to follow to protect Americans from the threats posed by Chinese-owned technology companies operating in the United States," he wrote.

"President Trump believes Congress must take action to protect the security and privacy of American users on all social media platforms."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Does Trump want to ban TikTok? What's behind his flip-flopping
Thick smoke billows from an explosion on the Israel-Gaza border, as seen from Sderot. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa

The Israeli army says it killed dozens of fighters in Gaza in the past day, amid shelling from the Gaza Strip on Israeli border towns reported in a statement on Thursday.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said a mortar shell was fired from the central section of the strip towards the Nahal Oz kibbutz near the border the previous day, though it fell inside the Gaza Strip.

Rocket alarms sounded in several border towns on Wednesday, according to the IDF.

"IDF aircraft struck and eliminated the terrorists responsible for firing the failed mortar shell toward Kibbutz Nahal Oz that fell inside Gaza," the statement said.

Several armed Palestinians were killed in further incidents in the Gaza Strip, according to the IDF.

The army also continued operations in the south of the Gaza Strip and troops found and destroyed rocket launchers in the Hamad neighbourhood of Khan Younis, it said. "Two identified terrorists" were killed, the army said.

Hamad is home to a new residential area financed by Qatar. Israel said Hamas fighters were hiding there and that soldiers had also found weapons stored there.

So far, Israel's ground and air offensive in Gaza has killed 31,341 people, in a war triggered by the October 7 massacre by militants from Palestinian Islamist Hamas and other extremist groups. They killed more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and kidnapped more than 200 and took them to Gaza.

The latest death toll from Gaza includes 69 people killed in the past day according to the health authority in the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by Hamas.

A further 100 people were injured, bringing the total number of injured to more than 73,100, with more than two thirds of these women and minors.

The figures could not initially be independently verified.

As the war rages on, Israel is facing growing criticism abroad for the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and soaring death toll.

Palestinians perform funeral prayers behind the bodies of those who were killed in Israeli attacks, outside the morgue of Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir El-Balah. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Palestinians surround the bodies of those who were killed in an Israeli air strike near a warehouse of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), at Al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  A driver accused of hitting and killing a bicyclist in Abilene then fleeing the scene has been arrested.

Luciano Tapia, 28, of Abilene was taken into custody on an Accident Involving Death charge Thursday in connection to the incident, which took place on the 1600 block of S 14th Street just before 11:00 p.m. Wednesday.

Police say Tapia allegedly struck a bicyclist, only identified as a 41-year-old male, then fled without rendering aid.

UPDATE: Fatal vehicle-bicycle collision in South Abilene

Tapia was later identified by a piece of his vehicle that was left at the scene, according to police. He now remains held in the Taylor County Jail on a $40,000 bond.

The bicyclists identity will be released once next-of-kin is notified.

No further information is available at this time.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
A Russian drone hit a residential building in Vinnytsia Oblast on the evening of March 14, killing one person and injuring at least four others, Governor Serhii Borzov reported on Telegram.

In an earlier message, Borzov said that three people had been hospitalized. "Four people were hospitalized," and "one person died," Borzov said later in the evening.

"All services are working at the scene," and the clearance of debris is ongoing, Borzov said.

Vinnytsia Oblast lies in the central-western part of Ukraine, some 300 kilometers (180 miles) from the front line.

The announcement of the latest attack came amid an air raid alert in the region and a warning from the Air Force that Shahed-type "kamikaze" drones are moving west.

Explosions were heard also in the neighboring Khmelnytskyi Oblast, Suspilne reported.

Read also: Russian attacks on Sumy Oblast town injure 4

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The San Jose Police Department arrested a man and a woman accused in six recent bank robbery-related incidents in several California cities, including two in Sacramento, authorities said.

A 37-year-old Antioch man, Brandon Lopez, is accused of a robbery and attempted robbery in Sacramento, both on Feb. 20. He attempted to rob a bank in the 5700 block of Folsom Boulevard in East Sacramento and is accused of swiping money from an establishment in the 1300 block of 21st Street in midtown, said Officer Anthony Gamble, a spokesman for the Sacramento Police Department.

The two locations are home to bank branches for Wells Fargo and Chase, respectively.

The Antioch man is suspected of collaborating with Tamara Bush, a 43-year-old Antioch woman, who allegedly served as a getaway driver in all six incidents, San Jose police said.

During some of the incidents, Lopez allegedly furnished a note reading: I need all the money in both your drawers. Be quick. No Games, police said.

The San Jose Police Department say a man accused of six bank robbery related incidents across California, including in Sacramento, furnished this note to bank tellers before allegedly stealing money.

On Feb. 12, police were called to the 500 block of West Capitol Expressway in San Jose for a report of a robbery in which Lopez gave a note to a teller and demanded money, San Jose police said in a news release. Hes accused of stealing more than $1,000 and fleeing on foot.

In addition to Sacramento and San Jose, police said Lopez is accused of similar crimes in Modesto, Milpitas and Fremont.

Officers executed a search warrant March 6 at Lopezs home in Antioch and said they found an unregistered loaded Glock firearm and ammunition.

Both suspects are held without bail in Santa Clara County Main Jail. Both were arraigned March 8 in Santa Clara Superior Court. They will face charges in other counties as well, police said.

Anyone with information about these suspects is asked to call San Jose Police Department Detective Clifford Grodin at 408-277-4166 or email him at 4591@sanjoseca.gov.
The Netherlands is heading towards a partially technocratic government four months after far-right leader Geert Wilders swept to a stunning election win, but without the anti-Islam firebrand as prime minister.

The four parties thrashing out a coalition deal have agreed to keep talking about an "evenly mixed" cabinet composed of people from inside and outside politics, according to a keenly awaited report released Thursday.

The leaders of the four right-wing parties are "striving for a good, balanced mix of ministers from inside and outside politics", said the report drawn up by Kim Putters, the "informer" charged with overseeing the fractious talks.

"Based on the discussions held, I consider it wise to strive for a split of, for example, fifty percent of people with political ties and fifty percent from outside" in the cabinet, Putters recommended.

The four party leaders, including Wilders, have agreed to retain their roles as members of parliament and not take ministerial jobs.

Wilders, who has struggled to convince other parties to serve under him, announced Wednesday that he would not be prime minister but also voiced his displeasure.

"I don't actually think that's how it should be in a democracy," he told reporters.

He said he had decided to step aside "no matter how much it hurts, no matter how unfair, and no matter how constitutionally incorrect" it may be.

The last time the Netherlands had an "expert" government was in 1918 but the concept of a technocratic government is familiar to some other European countries, especially Italy.

Since the 1990s it has become common to call in unelected outsiders at times of crisis in Italian politics, notably in 2021 when European Central Bank Mario Draghi became PM.

It is not immediately clear how the system would work in the Netherlands, or who would end up leading the European Union's fifth-largest economy.

"A decision on the office of prime minister will have to be taken at a later dates," the report recommended.

- 'Do not forget' -

The next step however will be more talks between the four parties -- Wilders's Freedom Party (PVV), the farmers' party BBB, the centre-right Liberals (VVD), and the anti-corruption NSC.

Negotiations between the four have been difficult, with sniping on social media and major concerns over the PVV's anti-Islam, anti-EU policy positions.

Last month, NSC leader Pieter Omtzigt stormed out of the talks amid unbridgeable differences with Wilders, plunging the whole process into chaos.

Wilders said that one of the four party leaders had said "no way" when it came to having him as prime minister -- this is widely believed to be Omtzigt.

But Putters appears to have smoothed ruffled feathers, gathering the four leaders at a country estate in the central Dutch countryside.

Opinion polls show that support for Wilders and his PVV party has only grown since his election win, when he clinched 37 seats out of 150 in the Dutch parliament.

Some surveys have him gaining as many as 50 seats if an election were held again, giving him an even more powerful position.

"Do not forget: I will become prime minister of the Netherlands one day. With the support of even more Dutch," Wilders posted on X, formerly Twitter.

"If not tomorrow, then the day after tomorrow. Because the voices of millions of Dutch will be heard!"

The far right is increasingly performing well in elections in Europe but has struggled to translate votes into power as other parties refuse to work with them.

In Portugal's elections last weekend for example, anti-immigration party Chega was the big winner, soaring to 48 seats from just 12 in last elections in 2022.

Chega has demanded to be part of a coalition government but the leader of the centre-right Democratic Alliance -- which won the election -- has repeatedly ruled out cooperation.

ric/jhe/js
CARACAS, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan authorities have thwarted a new plot to assassinate President Nicolas Maduro and overthrow the government, Attorney General Tarek William Saab said Wednesday.

Authorities uncovered the plot after threats against Maduro were made by telephone and on social media during his visit to the city of Maturin, in northeast Monagas state.

Preliminary investigations revealed "evidence of a new conspiracy" against the Venezuelan government, he said, adding that two suspects have been arrested.

In January, the attorney general's office said it foiled five plots to assassinate Maduro between 2023 and 2024. 
Dutch PVV far-right leader Geert Wilders arrives at the House of Representatives to attend a meeting with other parties in The Hague. Bart Maat/ANP/dpa

Just under four months after the parliamentary elections in the Netherlands, there has been a breakthrough in the coalition talks to form a right-wing government.

Geert Wilders, the far-right, anti-Islam icon who came out on top in the November polls, gave up his months-long bid to become prime minister on Wednesday, saying it was the only way to form a right-wing coalition.

The shape of that government began to emerge on Thursday, although it was still unclear who would the lead the country as prime minister.

Kim Putters, the parliamentary negotiator who has led the talks among the potential coalition partners, said Wilders' Party for Freedom (PVV) and three other parties - the liberal-conservative VVD, the agrarian BBB and the centre-right newcomer NSC - had agreed in principle on a minimum level of cooperation.

This loose alliance was being described as an "extra-parliamentary" Cabinet, as it would also include experts from outside of the political parties.

The details on how this alliance would work are still open and yet to be negotiated. No such government has been seen in the Netherlands before, and even long-time observers of Dutch politics were scratching their heads as to what exactly was being put forward.

But Wilders' decision to forego being prime minister was no great surprise in the Netherlands.

It had been clear for some time that two of his potential partners could not accept Wilders as head of government. Still, he had vowed to press ahead despite the long odds.

His Party for Freedom won the parliamentary elections in November with 37 of the 150 seats, but he needed the help of at least two other parties to have a majority. A minority government was seen as untenable.

The talks between the four bickering parties collapsed in January. Parliament then tasked Putters with finding out if there was any hope of achieving of a coalition, which set off a fresh phase of talks.

Despite the progress, there is still a chance that the novel "extra-parliamentary" Cabinet will never come to fruition. Parliament will pour over Putters' proposal next week.

The four parties must also formally agree on a government programme.

In the case of migration and asylum policy, this will probably be simple as all sides want a significant tightening up. However, spending priorities, climate protection and foreign policy are likely to be problematic.

Then suitable people must be found both inside and outside politics who can and want to implement the programme and join the Cabinet. And then there is still the big question of who will become prime minister.

Dutch Informer Kim Putters addresses a speech during the presentation of his final report on the government formation. Robin Van Lonkhuijsen/ANP/dpa
Dwelaniyah Robinson was fatally injured at his home near Durham in 2022

A mother accused of murdering her three-year-old son said she could not remember how many times she caned him on the day he died, a court has heard.

Dwelaniyah Robinson suffered 19 cane-like injuries shortly before he collapsed at his home near Durham in November 2022, prosecutors said.

Christina Robinson, 30, told Newcastle Crown Court she caned him in accordance with her religion as he was being "disobedient" by playing with his food.

She denies murder and child cruelty.

The court has heard Dwelaniyah collapsed at his home in Ushaw Moor shortly before 16:00 GMT on 5 November 2022.

Warning - this article contains distressing content

His mother said she hit him with a bamboo cane about an hour before as he was "messing around" with his food when she had told him not to.

Ms Robinson, who was a follower of the Black Hebrew Israelites, said the Bible preached using a rod to correct children so she thought hitting him was the "right thing".

Christina Robinson denies murder and child cruelty

Prosecutor Richard Wright KC asked her if she was responsible for all 19 so-called "tramline" injuries on his chest and legs.

Ms Robinson, who is originally from Tamworth in Staffordshire, said she accepted she struck him across the chest but she said she could not remember how many times.

She said it was more than a single blow but she had not been counting and could not now remember.

Judge Mr Justice Garnham asked her if it might have been as many as 19, to which Ms Robinson replied: "I don't believe so, no".

'Flinches and winces'

Mr Wright asked her if she caused eight cane-like marks on Dwelaniyah's shin, to which Ms Robinson said: "I couldn't say, I don't remember to be honest".

The prosecutor also asked her three times how she "felt" about hitting her son, to which she replied: "I believed I was doing the correct thing".

Mr Wright asked her how Dwelaniyah reacted when she was "beating him".

Ms Robinson said she "couldn't say for certain" as it was a "long time ago" but it was possible he gave "flinches and winces".

Christina Robinson is on trial at Newcastle Crown Court

The court has heard Dwelaniyah had suffered extensive scalding to his lower body on 19 October which Ms Robinson said she accidentally caused when she was rinsing him with a hot shower.

She said she tried to treat him rather than seeking medical help because she felt "ashamed" and thought it would "look really bad" for her.

Jurors were shown the showerhead she used to cause the scald marks, with Ms Robinson telling them she knew the shower could get too hot if the mixer tap was turned too high.

Ms Robinson said she checked the temperature of the water before applying it to her son and it was fine and she did not feel any heat from the shower or any hot splashes on herself as she showered her son.

'Doesn't warrant punishment'

Mr Wright said Dwelaniyah's injuries were the "textbook of a child that's been forcibly immersed into a bath of hot water" to which Ms Robinson replied that "doesn't make any sense" as "that's just not what happened".

The prosecutor asked if she lost her temper and was disciplining Dwelaniyah for soiling himself but Ms Robinson denied that and said "toilet training accidents don't warrant punishment".

The court heard she did not seek any medical help for her son's burns despite knowing he was in pain as she was "ashamed" and did not think medical professionals would believe her account of how he got injured.

Mr Wright said it would have been in Dwelaniyah's "best interest" to go to hospital but she had prioritised herself.

"Yes unfortunately I did put my feelings first," Ms Robinson said.

'Going off scriptures'

The court heard she sent messages to a man she was having an affair with saying Dwelaniyah would get a "major ass-kicking" and he would "get exactly what he deserves" after he scattered vitamin tablets on the floor.

Ms Robinson said she was "just venting" but admitted she slapped the three-year-old after he had finished picking up the pills.

Mr Wright asked why, when he was severely injured with the burns, she still wanted to punish him.

"I was going off the scriptures and there is a scripture that says correct the child so I did that," Ms Robinson said, adding: "I felt it was best to correct a child whenever a child was wrong."

Pathologists said Dwelaniyah's death was caused by a combination of the burns and a brain injury caused by a violent shaking moments before he collapsed.

Ms Robinson said she would not have had the "strength" or "energy" to shake her son that day as she had low iron caused by pregnancy, having become pregnant in September 2022 from a sperm donor.

She said she was "completely clueless" as to how her son died but believed it was a "choking incident".

'Heated situation'

Mr Wright said she was "irritated" by her son and had "had enough" of the "inconvenience" of him.

Ms Robinson said none of that was true, adding she "loved" and "cared for" him.

She said it took more than 20 minutes for her to call an ambulance after he collapsed because it was a "heated situation" and she was panicking, adding she was trying to save his life by performing CPR.

She admitted giving multiple lies to police but said she was "afraid" and did not think she would be believed if she told the truth.

The trial continues.

Follow BBC North East on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.
(Reuters) - Egypt's foreign minister called on Israel on Thursday to open its land crossings to let more aid into the Gaza Strip and said Egypt was continuing efforts to agree a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and a hostage-prisoner exchange.

Humanitarian relief has so far mainly been channelled through the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza and the nearby, Israeli-controlled crossing of Kerem Shalom, but aid officials say the quantity delivered is far less than needed.

Egypt's military has recently taken part in air drops of aid into Gaza as the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave has deteriorated.

Aid officials, however, say land transport is the only effective way of scaling up deliveries to meet needs quickly. Much of the aid provided by international donors has been stockpiled at Al Arish in the north of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.

"Israel controls six other crossings that it should open," Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry told a press conference during a visit by his Spanish counterpart to Cairo.

"There is a long line of trucks waiting to enter but are subject to the procedures of vetting that must be complied to so that the trucks can enter safely, that the drivers are not targeted, that they are received on the other side," Shoukry said.

"We have the capacity to increase the number of trucks but the authorisation has to come," he added.

Egypt, which fears the displacement of Palestinians crowded near its border with Gaza, has previously said Israel was blocking aid. Aid officials say their inability to distribute aid within Gaza because of Israel's military campaign is a major impediment.

Israel denies obstructing aid deliveries into Gaza. It has blamed failures by aid agencies for delays and has accused the Islamist group Hamas of diverting aid. Hamas denies this and says Israel uses hunger as a weapon in its military offensive.

Gaza health authorities say more than 31,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its offensive in response to an Oct. 7 attack by Hamas which left some 1,200 people dead and at least 250 hostages captured.

Egypt alongside Qatar has been trying to mediate between Israel and Hamas to reach an agreement for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners.

Attempts to strike a deal ahead of the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan this week fell through.

"We are working to reach a ceasefire, and release hostages and Palestinian prisoners," Shoukry said, declining to give further details.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said Spain had the backing of more than 90 countries for an international peace conference to deliver a two-state solution for the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.

(Reporting by Nayera Abdallah in Dubai; Writing by Aidan Lewis, Editing by William Maclean)
The new team of Trump loyalists in charge of the Republican Party have spent years promoting the former presidents lies about the 2020 election. With the 2024 election around the corner, theyre set to pursue an agenda built on false claims of election fraud.

As dozens of Republican Party staffers have been purged in recent days and an incoming team takes power, much of the media attention has focused on new party co-chair Lara Trump  who has said of Joe Bidens presidency, I dont think he won it fair  and Christina Bobb, the far-right news anchor with a history of rejecting the 2020 election results, and who is now the partys senior counsel for election integrity.

But the culture of election denialism starts at the top. Michael Whatley, the new Trump-endorsed chair of the party, is the former GOP general counsel and chair of the North Carolina GOP. He falsely claimed immediately after the 2020 election that there had been massive fraud nationwide.

We do know that there was massive fraud that took place, he said during a late-November radio interview, CNNand CBS News reported last month. We know that it took place in places like Milwaukee and Detroit and Philadelphia.

When reporters asked why he kept alleging that election fraud had occurred, Whatley claimed that all you have to do is look at the stories that were seeing out of Philadelphia, the Detroit area, were seeing out of Milwaukee, egregious violations of election law. And theres no question why it puts these elections at risk.

When accepting the job of party chair, Whatley bragged of working with then-chair Ronna McDaniel to build the partys election integrity program from scratch as general counsel, and said the Republican National Committee would be focused like a laser on getting out the vote and protecting the ballot. He added: If our voters dont have confidence that our elections are safe and secure, nothing else matters.

Whatley has also flirted with conspiracy theories about the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack, as CNN notes. A month after the attack, he falsely claimed that most of the people that have been arrested were not necessarily Republican voters. Just days ago, the Raleigh News & Observer also reported that Whatley had failed to denounce a particular Republican candidate for state House even though the candidate had ties to neo-Nazis.

Whatley has since acknowledged Bidens election  meeting an extremely low bar. And when asked by CNN about his past comments, he appeared to dramatically walk back his remarks, saying that changes to voting by mail in 2020 weakened safeguards and led to distrust by many. Nonetheless, multiplereports have indicated that Trump favored Whatley for the top job because of his focus on supposed election fraud and how Republicans will prevent it.

Specifically, Whatley won Trumps favor by describing the North Carolina GOPs 2020 poll watcher program. Trump has said that Whatley will stop Democrats from cheating, The New York Times reported, citing unnamed sources. (Whatleys pitch was made easier, no doubt, because Trump won North Carolina in both 2016 and 2020.)

Ironically, Whatleys own election as chair of the North Carolina Republican Party used electronic voting machines, and it led to claims of wrongdoing. Even assuming that election was legitimate, the GOPs new chair has a decadeslong history with sharp-elbowed election fights: One of his first jobs in politics was in Broward County, Florida, as part of a team of lawyers fighting for George W. Bush in the contested 2000 presidential election against Democratic nominee Al Gore. After the Supreme Court intervened and Bush won the White House, Whatley got a job in Bushs Department of Energy.

It was really the first time that Republicans got down into the trenches and fought, Whatley said in 2021, per The Associated Press. We knew if we were not there, they were going to steal it. He later became a lobbyist for energy companies and Lockheed Martin, and then an early Trump supporter, The Washington Post reported.

Key to Whatleys goal of building out the RNC election integrity units will be the new top bureaucrats at the party: Chris LaCivita, Trump campaign co-manager and now reportedly RNC chief operating officer, and Sean Cairncross, former RNC COO and now reportedly LaCivitas deputy.

The Post reported that the new leadership will be even more aggressive when it comes to challenging voter ID and signature verification laws in court  a posture that LaCivita, whos best known for the Swiftboat attacks against Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry in 2004, described as much more offensive and much less defensive.

Charlie Spies, an experienced Republican election lawyer, will reportedly take over as chief counsel. LaCivita said Spies was actively involved in election litigation, in the papers words.

With Bobb in the mix as an election integrity lawyer, things are likely to get quite a bit more active.

Formerly a host on the far-right channel One America News Network, Bobb developed an unusual working relationship with the Trump campaign, eventually becoming an attorney for Trump and at one point claiming to the Justice Department that there were no more classified documents at Mar-a-Lago when, in fact, there were. That episode itself drew Justice Department scrutiny of Bobb, NBC News and The New York Times reported.

After the 2020 campaign, she played a volunteer role in the Trump campaigns efforts to overturn the election results, reportedly working closely with Rudy Giuliani on the effort to assemble false electors for Trump in states where he lost to Biden but contested the legitimacy of the results. She left OAN in 2022 and began working at a Trump-affiliated political action committee.

While an anchor at OAN, she simultaneously ran a group that donated money to the politicized audit of the 2020 election results in Maricopa County, Arizona. That group, Voices and Votes, also paid for out-of-state lawmakers to visit the audit  which Bobb then reported on for OAN. Bobb was later named in an ongoing defamation suit from the voting machine maker Dominion. In 2022, Politico noted that Bobbs name appeared in metadata for a draft executive order instructing the military to seize voting machines nationwide.

Bobb was reportedly present at the Trump teams Willard Hotel command center ahead of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Perhaps most notably, when Trump-supporting rioters attacked the Capitol that day, Bobb tweeted a message for then-Vice President Mike Pence in the middle of the attack, urging him to accede to Trumps and the rioters demands and block the certification of Bidens win.

@VP @Mike_Pence can solve this now by sending it back to the legislators, Bobb wrote. She later appeared on white nationalist Stew Peters show and agreed with his contention that traitors that have stolen our country should face trial for treason.

Bobb had another message on Tuesday: Im honored to be a part of the new team at the RNC.

Related...
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  An Elma man is facing a child pornography charge after facial recognition technology was used on photos that were from 2013, the U.S. Attorneys office said Wednesday.

Authorities said that they received a referral from the Queensland Police Service in Australia about what appeared to be newly produced and unidentified child exploitation material in January 2023, which allegedly included 47 images of a female victim.

Authorities said that facial recognition technology was then used to identify the the victim, which led to a search warrant of the home of 53-year-old Matthew A. Steele after metadata determined the type and serial number of the camera. It was also found that the photos were allegedly created in March 2013.

At Steeles home, authorities said they found several photos of the child victim in several different rooms as well as the camera used to take them.

Steele is charged with production and distribution of child pornography. If convicted, he faces a minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years.

Latest Local News

Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
In his latest racist outburst, multihyphenate billionaire Elon Musk joined other conservative pundits in accusing Haitian migrants of being "cannibals," arguing that they shouldn't be allowed to move to the US.

The news comes after political unrest in the island nation came to a head this week. On Monday, Haiti's prime minister Ariel Henry agreed to resign if other Caribbean nations were to form a transitional government on behalf of the country. The statement angered Haitians, triggering mass protests, with tires being burned in the streets.

Meanwhile, Musk took to his social media platform X to further unverified and sensationalist claims of cannibalism arising out of the conflict, as NBC reports.

Case in point, today, the mercurial CEO tweeted a link to a video that claimed to show evidence of cannibalism in Haiti in response to the report.

The video was promptly taken down by X, Axios reports, which stated that the video had violated its rules.

In other words, even Musk's own social media company isn't willing to support his increasingly racist anti-immigration posts.

Ever since Musk took over the company formerly known as Twitter, hate speech has flourished on the platform. The billionaire has spread his own share of misinformation as well, from bogus COVID-19 data to false information about the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Musk has also made plenty of his own racist remarks on his platform. In January, he argued that Black students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have lower IQs and therefore shouldn't become pilots  ridiculous claims that were met with horror by civil rights groups.

Most recently, the billionaire took aim at the people of Haiti, playing into debunked tropes.

Over the weekend, Musk tweeted "cannibal gangs..." in response to a clip by right-wing commentator Matt Walsh about unrest in Haiti.

"Civilization is fragile," he wrote in response to another since-deleted video, which claimed to show footage of a "cannibal gang eating body parts."

This week, Musk joined right-wing commentator Ian Miles Cheong, who argued on X earlier this week that there were "cannibal gangs in Haiti who abduct and eat people."

"If wanting to screen immigrants for potential homicidal tendencies and cannibalism makes me 'right wing,' then I would gladly accept such a label!" an incensed Musk wrote in a reply to a separate post in which Cheong complained about the NBC report. "Failure to do so would put innocent Americans in [sic] mortal risk," he added, failing to provide any evidence for his outlandish claims.

As experts have since pointed out, the posts were likely the result of gang propaganda campaigns designed to stoke fear, as NBC reports. While it's still possible that the odd gang leaders are indeed capable of such ghoulish acts, generalizing these claims is not only misleading  a State Department spokesperson told the broadcaster that it had received no credible reports of cannibalism  but even clearly playing into racist tropes that date back to colonial times.

There's also the issue of basic human decency. Through no fault of its residents, Haiti is in crisis; instead of wondering how the country he immigrated to could help, Musk is punching down at the most extreme examples of social dysfunction he can find online.

"It is very disturbing that Elon Musk would repeat these absurdities that do, indeed, have a long history," Yale University professor of French and African diaspora studies Marlene Daut told NBC.

In short, it's yet another troubling sign of Musk's descent into extreme right-wing circles, while using his considerable following and social media network to further conspiracy theories and racist disinformation.

"A whole population is getting blamed for what some psycho gang members are doing," Washington-based lawyer and moderator of the subreddit r/Haiti, told NBC. "It is racist. It is dehumanizing."

More on Musk: Elon Musk Deletes Tweet Saying Ex-Wives Responsible for Collapse of Civilization
Elon Musk and other right-wing influencers are being accused of spreading disinformation about Haiti, claiming that some of the countrys citizens are engaging in cannibalism as civil unrest persists.

Earlier this week, Mr Musk posted an unverified video to his social media platform X, which showed unsubstantiated claims of cannibalism in Haiti. The social media company took down the video after it became clear that the claims could not be confirmed and likely stemmed from disinformation. The Independent reached out to X for comment.

Despite the lack of verification, other prominent right-wing individuals were posting the allegations as well.

Ian Miles Cheong took to X to write about how cannibal gangs in Hait allegedly abduct and eat people. After an NBC News article about the claims was published stating the allegations were unsubstantiated, Mr Cheong appeared to continue posting the claims.

The Haitian Barbecue is the only potluck where all your enemies are very much invited to attend as part of the meal, he wrote in one post. Never ask the chef what Haitian barbecue sauce is made of, he said in another.

Dom Lucre, another social media personality, tweeted a video of the alleged cannibalism that has now been deleted by the platform.

The recent rumours likely gained traction after a report was published by the Daily Express, a British tabloid, quoting an unnamed source regarding the cannibalism claims as the country continues to plunge into a state of emergency.

Even so, the unnamed source added, Cannibalism is not widespread, but definitely an indication of the worsening situation. It definitely happens on a few occasions. The reporter did not say they had witnessed cannibalism themselves.

The US State Department told The Independent it has not received any credible reports about cannibalism. A spokesperson continued: People should seek fact-based verification of sensational claims from credible sources before sharing on social media.

According to NBC News, Doctors Without Borders and Human Rights Watch also said they had no information regarding cannibalism in the country.

The claims are circulating as Haiti continues to experience a serious crisis in which its government is on the brink of collapse.

Earlier this month, gangs incited a series of attacks in Port-Au-Prince, the countrys capital, including at the main international airport and seaport, both of which are now closed. The armed groups have claimed responsibility for burning several police stations and freeing thousands of prisoners from the countrys national prison which was set on fire on Thursday.

The countrys former Prime Minister Ariel Henry was unable to return to the country after the attacks started and has been in Puerto Rico for about a week. He announced his intentions to resign from his post on Tuesday and global leaders are planning a multinational security support mission thatll involve choosing his replacement.
WASHINGTON  Time may be finally running out on the filibuster, the signature dilatory tactic in the Senate embraced by some as a protector of minority rights and reviled by others as an outdated weapon of partisan obstruction.

With the announcement by Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona that she will not seek reelection, the filibuster is now on track to lose the two senators who preserved it in 2022 over the objections of the rest of their party. She and her fellow filibuster defender, Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, who is also retiring, left Democrats just two votes short of ending the filibuster when it came to voting law changes that were backed by a majority.

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Perhaps just as significantly, Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who has enthusiastically deployed the filibuster to his advantage for decades, is stepping down from his top party leadership post, reducing the influence of one of the chief practitioners and defenders of filibuster maneuvering.

Depending on how the November elections shake out, the pressure to reduce the power of the procedural tool  which effectively requires 60 votes to move any legislation forward in the Senate  could be substantial.

It is going to be challenged, said Manchin, who sided with McConnell and Senate Republicans to block fellow Democrats from rewriting the Senate rule book.

Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., the majority leader, said as much recently when he suggested his party could try again to change the filibuster rules for voting rights legislation if Democrats wind up in control of the Senate, the House and the White House next year.

When people attempt  courts or legislators  to take away voting rights, particularly of the most disenfranchised people, we have an obligation to do everything we can to restore those voting rights, Schumer said after the decision by Sinema, now an independent, to relinquish her seat given her daunting reelection challenge.

Once rarely used, the filibuster has become a routine part of Senate life and has kept significant legislation bottled up. It was central to efforts to blockade civil rights legislation in the past but in recent years has ensnared gun control, health care and other social policy measures.

Under current Senate rules, most legislation is subject to a 60-vote threshold in order to pass. And with the two parties typically divided so narrowly, it gives the minority significant power to block measures that otherwise have majority backing.

Filibuster proponents say it is one of the defining attributes of the Senate that distinguishes it from the House, a crucial tool that forces bipartisanship and makes sure the views of the minority are heard.

I think having to get 60 votes is a good exercise, and it makes the most extreme ideas hard to pass, said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. Thats a good thing.

Its detractors say it has outlived its usefulness and essentially puts the Senate under minority rule by thwarting the will of the majority on big issues. They want to see it jettisoned, particularly given increased political polarization and the difficulty of achieving compromise in Congress.

Americans see the dysfunction in the Senate, and the cause is directly related to the lack of majority rule, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. All the rigmarole, the time-consuming, arcane rules that have simply been abused recently. It may have made sense at a time when people agreed to disagree and then move forward. But now people are not agreeing to anything.

The Senate has been chipping away at the filibuster for decades, providing alternative ways to pass tax legislation, for instance, on simple majority votes  a process both parties have employed to enact economic measures. Democrats eliminated the 60-vote threshold for judicial and executive branch nominations in 2013 after they were frustrated by Republican filibusters against President Barack Obamas appeals court nominees. Republicans later ditched the filibuster against Supreme Court nominees in 2017 to place conservative nominees on the court.

But the most significant recent attempt to gut the filibuster against legislation fell short in January 2022. Democrats, stymied on a voting rights bill that they said was needed to overcome voter suppression efforts in the states, tried to establish a new Senate precedent that would override the requirement for a supermajority vote on bills specifically related to election laws, saying such bedrock measures merited special status.

McConnell led the charge against the procedural change, warning that it would destroy the Senate. When Sinema announced her retirement, he credited her with preserving the filibuster.

The institution of the Senate is only as strong as the people willing to defend it, McConnell said. History will remember that with the Senates defining feature under grave threat, Sen. Kyrsten Sinemas wisdom and devotion to this body rivaled that of her most seasoned colleagues.

McConnell said repeatedly over the years that he had no intention of getting rid of the filibuster, and he resisted demands from President Donald Trump to jettison it to make it easier to push through conservative priorities.

With McConnell exiting leadership at the end of the year, the race is on to replace him. Both of the leading contenders, Sens. John Thune of South Dakota and John Cornyn of Texas, say they are committed to keeping the filibuster alive.

Thune has raised the likely possibility that a filibuster exception for voting rights, for instance, would quickly lead to exceptions for other topics, eventually eliminating the tactic altogether.

In an interview, Cornyn said he, too, was determined to keep the right to filibuster in place.

I think the filibuster has saved the Senate from becoming the House, where purely partisan majorities can pass legislation, he said. Im an institutionalist.

But if Trump triumphs in November and Republicans hold the House and capture the Senate, the Senate leader would undoubtedly face calls to eliminate or weaken the filibuster to push through conservative legislative proposals over Democratic opposition. Those calls may be hard to resist.

In any event, lawmakers in both parties are considering the future of the filibuster with the departures of Manchin and Sinema, and with McConnell moving to the leadership sidelines.

The handwriting is on the wall, Blumenthal said. Its history.

c.2024 The New York Times Company
An endangered eel that was spotted swimming in a puddle in a road is thought to have been stranded by a flood, according to a nature group.

The creature, believed to be a European eel, was caught on camera by a postman on Ringwood Road in Verwood, Dorset, on 23 February.

Richard Holgate snapped the photos while on his post round.

Dorset Wildlife Trust said the animal was usually found in freshwater, like rivers and ditches.

Upon noticing the creature slithering in the puddle, a fisherman who happened to be nearby helped Mr Holgate catch it in a Royal Mail tray.

He said it was then released into a lake near the road.

Dorset Wildlife Trust identified the species as a European eel, which has been classed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species.

"[They are] capable of wriggling through wet grass to reach other areas of water, so presumably it has been stranded by a flood situation from the lakes and recent weather at Moors Valley," the charity said.

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2240.
Left to right: Enid City Commissioner Derwin Norwood, Commissioner Judd Blevins, Mayor David Mason and Commissioner Ron Stallings, take their oaths of office May 1, 2023, during the city council meeting at Enid City Hall.

An Oklahoman in Enid is gaining national attention after NBC News published a story about the city commissioner.

The man, Judd Blevins, 42, represents Enid's Ward 1 commissioner seat, and some of the city's residents want to remove him from office amid claims he's tied to a white nationalist group.

Here's everything we know.

Who is Judd Blevins?

Judd Blevins was elected to the Ward 1 seat in February 2023 by a mere 36 votes  422 to 386.

Blevins campaign material said he was a Marine who returned home to take over the family business. Blevins touted his Republican credentials in the non-partisan council race.

More: An Oklahoma town has been struggling with voter apathy, white nationalism on a national stage

Judd Blevins' alleged ties to white supremacy group

After Blevins announced his bid for office, the Enid News & Eagle published a story about Blevins quoting several groups who said he was a white nationalist. The newspaper was criticized, and several of Blevins' supporters went public with their defense.

The Enid News & Eagle's reporting surfaced an article written in March 2019 for Right Wing Watch, a research project of People for the American Way, which accused Blevins of being the Oklahoma state coordinator for Identity Evropa  identified as a white nationalist group by the Southern Poverty Law Center  which was formed in 2016, renamed to American Identity Movement in 2019 and disbanded in 2020.

Enid News & Eagle reported that Blevins refused to comment on the accusations, but did provide a statement via email calling the publication a "George Soros funded leftist outlet."

Can Enid remove Judd Blevins from office?

In October 2023, the group Enid Social Justice Committee launched a recall petition in an effort to oust Blevins.

The group said it launched the petition to "correct a grievous error." Organizer Kristi Balden, the group's chair, said the residents of Ward 1 weren't informed about who Blevins was and that voters deserved to make a new decision on him.

Now, a recall election is set for April 2. If he's voted out, Blevins would be replaced by Cheryl Patterson, the only other person in the race for Ward 1 in Enid.

Judd Blevins responds to recall election

In a text to The Oklahoman about the recall election, Blevins said:

"I could have chosen the easy way out. I could have caved in to the demands of insane leftists, like most other elected officials would have. But I chose to place my future in the hands of voters because I am confident they are going to re-affirm the decision they made a year ago. That I am the best to represent them."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Enid's Judd Blevins to face recall election amid white supremacy claim
President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua meets with Singaporean Ambassador to China Peter Tan in Beijing, capital of China, March 14, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

BEIJING, March 14 (Xinhua) -- President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua met with Singaporean Ambassador to China Peter Tan in Beijing on Thursday.

Fu said that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, China-Singapore relations have been upgraded to an all-round high-quality future-oriented partnership, opening a new chapter in bilateral relations.

Xinhua is willing to deepen exchanges and cooperation with Singaporean media, jointly tell the stories of win-win cooperation and people-to-people ties between the two countries, and contribute to the high-level development of China-Singapore relations, he added.

Fu introduced the World Media Summit and the Belt and Road Studies Network, and welcomed the Singaporean side to continue to actively engage in relevant activities.

Noting that Xinhua has a glorious history and significant influence, Tan said media cooperation is indispensable for the development of bilateral relations, and the Singaporean Embassy in China is willing to promote media exchanges between the two countries. 
For more than a decade, various posts on Reddit and across social media have claimed that in the early 1990s, the then-heir apparent for the leadership of North Korea, Kim Jong Il, used fake passports to take his young son, future Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, to visit Disneyland:

(@historyinmemes/X)

Another post on X (formerly Twitter), by the account @VisionaryVoid, stated the same claim this way:

The story goes that Kim Jong-Il and Kim Jong-Un, in an attempt to keep their identities concealed, acquired counterfeit Brazilian passports to gain access to international destinations, including the famous Disneyland theme park in the United States. This purported escapade was seen as an unusual and somewhat ironic move for the leaders of a secretive and isolated regime like North Korea.

Due to the various confirmed reports about members of the Kim ruling family using fraudulent passports to travel internationally, and with some, but not all, family members reportedly having visited Tokyo Disney Resort (but not Disneyland in the U.S.), this story could do with separating fact from falsehood.

Articles on the Tokyo Disney story published by U.K. news outlets Express and Telegraph, and by Al Jazeera, cite Japanese news outlets NHK and the widely read newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun. In 2011, Yomiuri Shimbun reported that on May 12, 1991, Kim Jong Un and another boy thought to be his older brother Kim Jong-Chul entered Japan using fake Brazilian passports. They were reported to have stayed in the country for more than a week, visiting Tokyo Disney on multiple occasions during that trip. According to Express:

The future leader was eight years old when he made the trip from the rogue state to Tokyo's Walt Disney inspired resort, according to Japanese broadcaster NHK. They alleged that a number of covert tricks, illegal actions and steps were taken to ensure Kim's safety. Reports stated that Kim Jong-un and another boy, believed to be his older brother, Kim Jong-Chul, visited the attraction "a number of times" in 1991. The siblings were said to have entered Japan on May 12, 1991, using Brazilian passports and left more than a week later, according to newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun.

The reports said that although NHK claimed the two boys were accompanied by up to 10 adult officials from North Korea, there was no evidence that the boys' father Kim Jong Il  who ascended to North Korean leadership in 1994 and died in 2011 at age 70  was among those adults, nor is there any evidence to suggest the family visited any Disney theme park located in the U.S. or any other Disney location throughout the world, aside from the Tokyo Disney theme park.

Separately, Reuters reported that in the late 1990s, Kim Jong Il and then-teenaged Kim Jong Un used fraudulent Brazilian passports. Both passports carried the stamp "Embassy of Brazil in Prague," and were issued Feb. 26, 1996. The subjects in the photographs used for the faked documents were confirmed as Kim Jong Un and his father, of whose birthplaces were listed as Sao Paulo, Brazil. Per Reuters:

"They used these Brazilian passports, which clearly show the photographs of Kim Jong Un and Kim Jong Il, to attempt to obtain visas from foreign embassies," one senior Western security source said on condition of anonymity.

Kim Jong Un's older half-brother, Kim Jong-Nam, entered Japan illegally in 2001 along with his wife, then-4-year-old son, and another woman who was believed to be either a relative or nanny, according to The Guardian and multiple outlets. They were headed to Tokyo Disney, with Jong-Nam traveling on a fake passport from the Dominican Republic. The family was detained by immigration officials at Tokyo's Narita International Airport for attempting to enter the country on false documents before being deported to Beijing. Kim Jong-Nam reportedly never made it to Tokyo Disney on that trip.

An article published by The Japan Times on May 4, 2001, said:

A man detained by immigration officials at Narita airport on suspicion of trying to enter Japan illegally has admitted he is the oldest son of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, Japanese public security officials said Thursday. The officials quoted the man, who confirmed that he is Kim Jong Nam, as saying he wanted to visit Tokyo Disneyland. ... South Korean sources in Japan said it was "highly likely" that the detained man was Kim, adding that Kim has entered Japan before on a fake passport.

As the eldest son of Supreme Leader Kim Jong Il, Jong-Nam was considered the heir apparent before reportedly being exiled to China due to the incident at Narita Airport, which is said to have embarrassed his father, thus leading to Jong-Nam's swift replacement by his younger sibling Jong Un in the line of succession.

On Feb. 13, 2017, Jong-Nam was assassinated at Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur International Airport at the behest of his younger brother Jong Un. The Wall Street Journal showed security footage from the airport, in which two females could be seen carrying out the attack on Jong-Nam, after he had his face swiped with a cloth said to be soaked in the deadly nerve agent VX.

Sources:

Author, No. "Son of North Korean Leader Detained at Narita Airport." The Japan Times, 4 May 2001, https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2001/05/04/national/son-of-north-korean-leader-detained-at-narita-airport/.

Berlinger, Joshua. "VX Nerve Agent Used to Kill Kim Jong Nam, Police Say." CNN, 24 Feb. 2017, https://www.cnn.com/2017/02/23/asia/kim-jong-nam-vx-nerve-agent/index.html.

Faulconbridge, Guy. "Exclusive - North Korean Leaders Used Brazilian Passports to Apply for Western Visas: Sources." Reuters, 27 Feb. 2018. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKCN1GB2AZ/.

"Https://Twitter.Com/Historyinmemes/Status/1656426885637632003." X (Formerly Twitter), https://twitter.com/historyinmemes/status/1656426885637632003. Accessed 7 Mar. 2024.

"Https://Twitter.Com/VisionaryVoid/Status/1761445343860809900." X (Formerly Twitter), https://twitter.com/VisionaryVoid/status/1761445343860809900. Accessed 7 Mar. 2024.

"Japan Expels North Korean Leader's Son." Washington Post, 17 Jan. 2024. www.washingtonpost.com, https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2001/05/04/japan-expels-north-korean-leaders-son/ed6c37be-aa3c-4081-9ebe-663e99632675/.

Kim Jong-Un: North Korean Leader's Secret Visit to Disneyland under False Identity Exposed | World | News | Express.Co.Uk. 3 May 2020, https://web.archive.org/web/20200503030350/https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1276988/kim-jon-un-news-dead-secret-visit-disneyland-false-identity-north-korea-asia-undead-spt.

"Kim Jong-Un 'Secretly Visited Tokyo Disneyland as a Child.'" The Telegraph, 22 Dec. 2011, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/8972975/Kim-Jong-un-secretly-visited-Tokyo-Disneyland-as-a-child.html.

North Korea and the Brazil Passports: Why Were They Used by the Kims? 1 Mar. 2018. www.bbc.com, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-43242596.

Park, Ju-Min. "Five Years Ago, North Korean Leader's Brother Pleaded for His Life." Reuters, 15 Feb. 2017. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN15U1OR/.

"The Moment Kim Jong Nam Was Attacked: CCTV Footage." WSJ, https://www.wsj.com/video/the-moment-kim-jong-nam-was-attacked-cctv-footage/D4AAC6B7-60BE-4457-8B20-093F3F063197. Accessed 7 Mar. 2024.

The Seoul Times. https://theseoultimes.com/ST/?url=/ST/db/read.php?idx=3052. Accessed 7 Mar. 2024.

Watts, Jonathan, and John Gittings. "Little General Gets Marching Orders on Trip to Disneyland." The Guardian, 5 May 2001. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/may/05/northkorea.
The organizer of Malaysias Good Vibes Festival is seeking over $2 million in damages from the 1975 after frontman Matty Healys on-stage protest against the countrys anti-LGBTQ laws resulted in authorities canceling the event.

The shutdown resulted in numerous bands and small businesses on the bill  including local artists and global acts such as the Strokes  kicked to the curb. A legal counsel for Future Sound Asia, the agency behind Good Vibes Festival, issued a letter addressing a breach of contract on behalf of the 1975 that requests the band provide compensation for the agencys losses after the cancellation of the annual, three-day event.

More from Variety

According to the letter issued Aug. 8, the band has a limited number of days to present compensation. A representative for the band declined Varietys request for comment.

They entered into a binding contract with Future Sound Asia to perform and the position of Future Sound Asia, among others, is that this contractual obligation was breached, writes Future Sound Asia attorney David Matthew in a statement provided to Variety. Further, Mr. Healys representative categorically provided a pre-show written assurance that Mr. Healy and The 1975s live performance shall adhere to all local guidelines and regulations during their set in Malaysia. Unfortunately, the assurance was ignored.

Matthew continues, [The 1975s] actions have had repercussions on local artists and small businesses, who relied on the festival for creative opportunities and their livelihoods.

The 1975 performed in the countrys capital city, Kuala Lumpur, on July 21 where Healy addressed the countrys views on same-sex marriage and said he had made a mistake in booking a show in the country.

I dont see the fucking point of inviting the 1975 to a country and then telling us who we can have sex with, Healy said before cutting the concert, a headlining slot at Good Vibes Festival, short. Im sorry if that offends you, and youre religious but your government are a bunch of fucking r. I dont care anymore. If you push, Im gonna push back. Im not in the fucking mood.

After making his point, Healy kissed his male bandmate  bassist Ross MacDonald  on stage, resulting in the group getting banned from performing in Malaysia. Being LGBTQ in the country is illegal, with laws strictly enforced and queer people frequently subject to hate crimes. Shortly after, the entire festival was canceled.

Best of Variety
"All of a sudden, the plane took a nosedive down," Brian Jokat told NBC News

BRETT PHIBBS/AFP via Getty The LATAM Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane at Auckland Airport.

A passenger on board the LATAM Airlines flight LA800 that experienced a "strong shake" mid-journey on Monday is speaking out about the scary incident.

Brian Jokat, 61, was sitting in a window seat when the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner suffered a sudden mid-air movement while flying from Sydney to Auckland, New Zealand. A total of 50 people aboard the flight, which was carrying 263 passengers and nine flight and cabin crew members, were injured.

"Everything was going well," passenger Jokat told NBC News. Then all of a sudden, the plane took a nosedive down. He added, People were flying out of their seats, hitting the roof, being thrown back four or five aisles back.

DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty A stock photo of a LATAM plane sitting at a gate at Los Angeles Airport.

Related: Matthew McConaughey, Wife Camila Were on Flight That 'Dropped Almost 4,000 Feet,' Hospitalized 7: 'Chaos'

Jokat said he had his seatbelt on, which he thinks saved him from being injured, adding that that wasn't the case for the person in the aisle seat of his row. I saw him lying on the ceiling looking down at me, he said. He was fully out-stretched."

And then bang, I looked behind and everyone was falling off the ceilings, he added.

Admitting he used to rarely wear his seatbelt throughout the entire flight, Jokat insisted that those days are over. I will always keep my seatbelt on. Because what I saw in that plane was people flying like ragdolls."

After the mid-air incident, the flight landed safely at Auckland Airport at 4:26 p.m. local time.

Related: United Airlines Flight's Nose Dive That Came Within 800 Ft. of Pacific Ocean Was Due to Pilot Error: Officials

Boeing told PEOPLE in a statement on Tuesday, We are thinking of the passengers and crew from LATAM Airlines Flight 800, and we commend everyone involved in the response effort. We are in contact with our customer, and Boeing stands ready to support investigation-related activities as requested.

On Monday, the Chile-based airline shared a press release, confirming the plane had experienced a "strong shake during flight." The airline stated 10 passengers and three cabin crew members were "taken to a medical center to confirm their health condition, with the majority discharged shortly after."

"Only one passenger and one cabin crew member required additional attention, but without any life-threatening risks," the statement continued. "LATAM is working in coordination with the respective authorities to support the investigations into the incident."

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Hato Hone St John, an emergency medical service, confirmed to PEOPLE in a statement on Monday that their ambulance crews assessed and treated approximately 50 patients after arriving at Auckland Airport. Most of the injuries were moderate to minor. However, one passenger was left in a serious condition.

The flight was scheduled to make a stopover in Auckland on its way to its final destination Santiago, Chile.

LATAM Airlines said in a statement, "For passengers continuing their journey to Santiago, Chile, flight LA1130 has been scheduled for March 12, 2024, departing from Auckland at 20:00 local time. LATAM provided affected passengers with food, accommodation, and transportation due to the flight cancellation."

"LATAM Airlines Groups priority is to support the passengers and crew members of the flight, and apologize for any inconvenience and discomfort that this situation may have caused. They also reiterate their commitment to safety as an uncompromising value within its operational standards," the airline continued.

New Zealands Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has since confirmed it is "in the process of gathering evidence relevant to the inquiry, including seizing the cockpit voice and flight data recorders."

"The accident involving LATAM flight LA800 occurred in international airspace," TAIC said in a statement Tuesday. "Under the International Convention on Aviation, the Chilean accident investigation authority, the Direccion General de Aeronautica Civil (DGAC), is responsible for investigating the accident and it has confirmed it has opened an investigation.

"The DGAC has requested the assistance of the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC)," the department added.



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Read the original article on People.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday issued a rule to slash toxic emissions from commercial sterilization facilities that have posed an increased lifetime cancer risk to residents who live near them. These facilities release fumes of ethylene oxide, labeled by the federal agency as one of the most potent cancer-causing chemicals.

Ethylene oxide, a flammable, colorless gas, is used to sanitize medical and dental equipment to reduce the risk of infection, and fumigate certain food products. Long-term exposure to ethylene oxide can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat and damage to the brain and reproductive system.

The new rule will place stricter limits on how much ethylene oxide commercial sterilizers can release into the outside air, eventually eliminating about 90% of ethylene oxide emissions nationwide, according to the EPA. An analysis by the environmental group Union of Concerned Scientists, found about 13 million people live near these facilities, and these emissions pose a disproportionate risk to poor and minority communities. In Texas, residents say a plant in Laredo has contributed to the citys elevated rates of cancer.

Facilities would be required to install pollution-control equipment, conduct continuous emissions monitoring and file quarterly reports to the EPA.

Reducing cancer in communities exposed to toxic air pollution has been a prime focus of the Biden administrations environmental agenda. The new rule will address emissions at nearly 90 commercial sterilization facilities, including some in Texas, that are owned and operated by approximately 50 companies.

Prior regulations on commercial sterilizers that use ethylene oxide did not account for the EPAs latest research. In 2016, the agency concluded that ethylene oxide was 30 times more carcinogenic than previously thought.

We have followed the science and listened to communities, EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a press release. Weve arrived at a historically strong rule that will protect the most exposed communities from toxic air pollution while also ensuring that there will be a process that safeguards our nations critical supply of sterilized medical equipment.

A 2021 investigation by ProPublica and The Texas Tribune revealed the EPAs yearslong failure to inform communities, including Laredo, a city of 254,000 on the Texas-Mexico border, of their risks to the cancer-causing chemical. The Texas Department of State Health Services conducted two cancer assessments in 2022 examining cancer rates from 2006 to 2019 in Laredo and found a higher rate of acute lymphocytic leukemia, breast cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma compared to cancer rates elsewhere in the state.

We were completely unaware. And to this day, I think many still are not fully aware of what's right there and how dangerous this chemical is, said Tricia Cortez, a Laredo resident and executive director of the environmental nonprofit Rio Grande International Study Center on Thursday.

The ones who suffer most are our everyday people who live and work right next to these facilities.

Cortez said that her community has been waiting a long time for EPAs new rule and that their decision to reduce emissions means a lot to her and her community.

In 2022, Earthjustice sued the EPA on behalf of environment and community groups including the Rio Grande International Study Center for not updating the rules in nearly a decade and leaving communities unaware of the risks.

Following news reports, the EPA revisited its rules last year to limit the toxic chemical. The federal agency conducted public hearings, webinars and meetings to hear from communities and their health concerns. It also published an analysis of the industrys self-reported emissions data that showed about a quarter of the nearly 100 commercial sterilizers, including the one in Laredo, were exposing nearby residents to unacceptable cancer risks from ethylene oxide. The agency also published risk maps and other information online for each of the high-risk facilities.

Overall, I am pleased this rule will protect the health of communities while still considering the importance of medical sterilization devices to hospitals, doctors, and patients, said U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, in a press release.

Scott Whitaker, president and CEO of the Advanced Medical Technology Association, a group that lobbies for the interests of medical device manufacturers, said in an email Thursday the group is still examining the new rules full impact, but warned that new regulations could cause problems for patients by creating treatment and surgical delays.

There are three broad areas we have emphasized throughout the rulemaking: adequate time to implement, flexibility in technologies to remove emissions, and the ability to achieve EPA targets that would not force resubmission of medical devices for FDA approval, Whitaker wrote.

EPA is assuring the medical industry that these new rules will not impact access to sterilized medical equipment. Harold Wimmer, president and CEO at the American Lung Association, praised the federal agency for striking a balance between new measures for limiting pollution and the need for safe and clean medical supplies.

No one should have to live with elevated cancer risk because of air pollution in their community, Wimmer said in a press release.

The new rule will evaluate if facilities are complying based on their cap or allowable amount of emissions they can release into the air per pollutant as stated in their state permits.

What we know is that these facilities are often releasing more than what they are stating. [The EPAs] revised its risk assessment to look at how much a facility is allowed to emit and as a result is more stringent standards, which we think is a major positive, said Marvin C. Brown IV, a senior attorney at the nonprofit Earthjustice.

While Brown sees EPAs new rules as a great first step, he said he was disappointed to see that the agency will not require commercial sterilization facilities to obtain a Title V source permit, which requires a review from federal regulators in addition to state regulators and more opportunities for public participation.

The rules go into effect shortly after it is published in the Federal Register. Facilities will have two years to install monitoring and pollution controls and another 180 days to demonstrate compliance. If facilities need more time they can petition states and the EPA for an extension.

In the past, the states environmental regulator, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, has disagreed with the EPAs science assessment of ethylene oxides dangers to health and the environment. The agency launched its own review of the chemical in 2020, which ruled that it was significantly less toxic than the federal agency had found. TCEQ attempted to enact a new standard that could allow plants to emit more of the chemical, but the EPA rejected the standard in 2022.

Richard Richter, a spokesperson for the TCEQ, said the agency will implement the new standard and facilities will be required to comply with the new rule.

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.
UPDATE 2: The missing 2-year-old boy has been located and is safe, according to the El Paso Police.

UPDATE 1: Authorities are no longer looking for the Dodge Journey and believe that Miguel Angel Montoya may now be driving a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt with Texas Plates of TX-TRH6179.

The El Paso Police Department stresses the urgency of locating Miguel Montoya and Kenji Montoya. The Police Department says any assistance from the public is greatly appreciated.

Make: Chevrolet

Model: Cobalt

Year: 2008

Color: Red

Plate: TX-TRH6179

ORIGINAL: EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The El Paso Police Department issued a local amber alert Thursday morning, March 14 for a missing 2-year-old boy.

The Crimes Against Persons unit is seeking assistance in locating Kenji Adonis Montoya, 2, and his father, Miguel Angel Montoya, 29.

The Police Department says on Wednesday, March 13, Miguel Montoya brandished a weapon and fled the scene with Kenji Montoya in a grey 2020 Dodge Journey SUV on the 7200 block of North Loop in El Pasos Lower Valley.

Kenji Montoya, 2. Photo: EPPD

Miguel Angel Montoya. Photo: EPPD

Kenji Montoya was last seen wearing a Spiderman long-sleeve shirt and jeans. He is two feet and a half inches tall and has brown hair and brown eyes.

Miguel Montoya was last seen wearing a black leather jacket, a black Dragon Ball Z hat, and a blue shirt. He is five feet, six inches tall, and has brown hair and brown eyes.

Miguel Montoya is currently wanted by the Police Department on a felony criminal warrant for domestic violence.

The Police Department says the situation is urgent and poses a serious risk to the safety and well-being of Kenji Montoya.

If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Miguel Montoya or Kenji Montoya, contact the El Paso Police Department by dialing 911, Crimes Against Persons (915-212-4040) or Crime

Stoppers of El Paso (915-566-8477) to stay anonymous.

The publics assistance is crucial in ensuring the safe return of Kenji Adonis Montoya and apprehending Miguel Angel Montoya. Any information, no matter how small it may seem, could be vital in this case. We urge anyone with information to come forward promptly. Please stay vigilant and help spread the word to aid in the swift and safe resolution of this urgent matter, the Police Department said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Mayor Eric Adams said New York City is called "The Port-Au-Prince of America."

Mayor Eric Adams said on Wednesday that New Yorkers refer to the Big Apple as The Port-Au-Prince of America, a dubious claim that was later flagged on X for being untrue.

In the post, the Mayor was responding to the political crisis in Haiti as the Caribbean nation faces growing turmoil and has become overrun by violent gangs.

He voiced his support for the Haitians living abroad and in the Big Apple.

We call New York City the Port-Au-Prince of America, Adams tweeted. We feel the pain our Haitian neighbors feel as the situation grows dire. To the people of Haiti and our own Haitian community here in New York City, know that we stand with you today and always.

The Mayor included a link for those seeking travel assistance for family members living in Haiti.

Mayor Eric Adams faced backlash online after claiming NYC is the Port-Au-Prince of America. Andrew Schwartz / SplashNews.com

The post, however, was later flagged by Community Notes, the platforms fact-checking service.

The user-generated response was to pin a blunt notice stating: Not one person has ever said this before Eric Adams.

The note includes a link to a Wikipedia page Nicknames for New York City  where the name of the Haitian capital cannot be found.

Later, Community Notes added links to Google searches for Port-Au-Prince of America which yielded no results until you added Adams  which shows the mayors tweet.

New Yorkers and other social media users put the mayor on blast over the puzzling comment.

Ive never heard anyone, anywhere, at any time, call NYC the Port-au-Prince of America, actor Clifton Duncan responded.

The mayors tweet was flagged by Xs Community Notes. Mayor Eric Adams/X

Eric, could you show us a single example  in audio or video or text  of someone referring to NYC as the Port-Au-Prince of America? Before today, one user said.

Some are saying that Yonkers is the Ulaanbaatar of the New York City metropolitan area, someone quipped, referencing the capital of Mongolia.

Everyone knows New York City is the Updog of the East Coast, another joked.

When asked for comment on the Mayors post, a city hall spokesperson said, Its a shame that the Post is focused on a link to a Wikipedia page instead of Mayor Adams efforts to support those in Haiti and New York who are struggling.

We feel the pain our Haitian neighbors feel as the situation grows dire, the mayor added. Vanessa Carvalho/Shutterstock

According to NYC Planning, more than 82,000 New York City residents were born in Haiti.

Other major foreign-born populations in the city include 425,000 born in the Dominican Republic; 171,000 from Jamaica; 150,000 from Mexico; 141,000 from Guyana; 128,000 from Ecuador; and 99,000 from Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, the US Marine Corps deployed an anti-terrorism unit to protect the US Embassy in Haiti as the chaos in the streets closed schools and businesses and disrupted daily life across the country.

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry, 74, announced Tuesday that he planned to resign once a transitional presidential council was created just hours after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with leaders in Jamaica to discuss the situation.

However, a proposal to install a new government appeared to fall apart on Wednesday when some political parties rejected a plan that would establish presidential council manage the transition of power.

American officials are preparing for a potential influx of Haitian migrants fleeing the violence.
ZHENGZHOU, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing called for efforts to foster new quality productive forces during an investigation and research tour in central China's Henan Province on Wednesday and Thursday.

Zhang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, demanded accelerated steps to build up enterprises that use specialized and sophisticated technologies to produce novel and unique products, so as to develop new quality productive forces.

He also urged concrete action to improve emergency management capabilities at the grassroots level. 
Eugene School District 4J has opened the application process for an interim superintendent.

Applications are open for the Eugene School District 4J interim superintendent position, the first step in the process to replace Superintendent Andy Dey after he and the district mutually agreed to separate.

The district opened the application process Wednesday morning. It will close at 5 p.m. Monday. The form states the preferred start date is April 1, but is negotiable, potentially allowing the new interim superintendent three months of transition time while Dey is still at 4J.

The application form also lists eight qualities the board discussed in its meeting Monday:

Experience leading a school district in Oregon. Values and listens to employee groups. Is willing to learn about the history of the district in order to assist the district inmoving forward. Understands the complexities of the Eugene School District, like size, history,and situational context. Is someone who can help stabilize, make people feel confident that we aremoving in a good direction, and help with healing. Is a candidate who shares the values of the district as demonstrated in ourpolicies and practices. Has strong executive skills like communication, management, and reporting. Has experience in working collaboratively with the many important communitypartners in Eugene.

Dey's separation officially begins June 30. The board voted unanimously Monday to approve the mutual separation after a reported internal investigation, letter of reprimand and series of recent executive session meetings.

The 4J school board held a short special meeting Wednesday evening, hosting a public forum to solicit desired criteria in an interim superintendent. Four people spoke. Much of the meeting was spent waiting for the speakers, who said they were not prepared to speak, to fill out forms to speak.

Board chair Maya Rabasa said the board will take the comments from the public hearing into consideration while reviewing applicants. She said the board will conduct interviews for the interim position next week.

Miranda Cyr reports on education for The Register-Guard. You can contact her at mcyr@registerguard.com or find her on Twitter @mirandabcyr.

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Eugene 4J schools opens applications for interim superintendent
Emmanuel Macron reiterated his position that sending Western ground troops into Ukraine should not be ruled out - LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP VIA GETTY

Europes credibility will be destroyed if Russia is allowed to win in Ukraine, Emmanuel Macron has warned, as he defended his refusal to rule out sending troops to the country.

If Russia wins the war in Ukraine, Europes credibility would be reduced to zero, he said in a prime-time interview on his stance on the conflict.

The French president invoked Winston Churchills call to maintain the sinews of peace as he defended his earlier comments suggesting Western ground troops could be deployed to Ukraine.

Churchill famously called on the UN to keep Russia in check in 1946 supported by the whole strength of the English-speaking world and all its connections.

Ukraine war is existential for Europe

The war in Ukraine is existential for our Europe and for France, Mr Macron said in the interview on France 2 and TF1.

Do you think that the Poles, the Lithuanians, the Estonians, the Romanians and the Bulgarians could remain at peace for a second [in the event of a Russian victory in Ukraine]? he asked. If Russia wins this war, Europes credibility would be reduced to zero.

Asked to clarify his stance on sending ground troops, the French president said: We will never go on the offensive, we will never take the initiative.

France is a force for peace ... Today, in order to have peace in Ukraine, we must not be weak, and so we must look at the situation lucidly and say with determination, strong will and courage that we are ready to use all the means at our disposal to achieve our objective, which is that Russia should not win.

The French leader reiterated his position that sending Western troops into Ukraine should not be ruled out, but said that todays situation does not require that.

All options are possible

Were not in that situation today, Mr Macron said, but added that all these options are possible.

There is an escalation on the part of Russia and we are simply saying regarding that escalation we are prepared to respond, he said.

Mr Macron said anybody advocating limits on aid to Ukraine chooses defeat.

He said there had been too many limits in our vocabulary since the Russian invasion in February 2022.

Two years ago we said we would never send tanks. We did. Two years ago, we said we would never send medium-range missiles. We did, he said.

In a post-interview statement, the French president said Russia would not halt its territorial ambitions if it wins its war in Ukraine, posing a threat to the neighbouring countries of Moldova, Romania and Poland.

Russia has become a power that wants to expand and its clear that it will not stop there, Macron posted on X. If we abandon Ukraine, if we let Ukraine lose this war, Russia will surely threaten Moldova, Romania, Poland.

The live interview, to be broadcast by TF1 and France 2, came after the French parliament debated the countrys Ukraine strategy.

Both the National Assembly and the Senate approved in symbolic votes the 10-year bilateral security agreement signed last month between Mr Macron and Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president.

Mr Macron is set to meet Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, and Donald Tusk, the Polish prime minister, in Berlin on Friday in a summit meant to show unity.

The French president appeared isolated on the European stage after his remarks at a Paris conference on Ukraine prompted an outcry from other leaders.

We will not abandon Ukraine

Mr Scholz, in particular, appeared to contradict his French counterpart, saying participants had agreed there would be no ground troops on Ukrainian soil sent by European states.

French officials later sought to clarify Mr Macrons remarks and tamp down the backlash, while insisting on the need to send a clear signal to Russia that it cannot win in Ukraine.

Speaking at the National Assembly, Gabriel Attal, the prime minister, said Mr Macrons message has been very clear: we will not abandon Ukraine and we are not ruling out any option on principle.

France is not waging war against Russia and rejects any escalation, Mr Attal said, and he added: We dont set ourselves limits against Russia, which doesnt set any [limits] for itself.

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The European Commission is expected to submit a proposal for quantitative restrictions on grain imports from Russia and Belarus next week, amid protests by European farmers and calls from Ukraine to take this step.

Source: European Pravda; RMF FM

Details: An unnamed European diplomat told RMF FM that the European Commission's proposal would include quotas on food products from Russia and Belarus. The EU wants to avoid a full embargo, fearing global price fluctuations and its negative impact on the world's poorer countries.

Transit of Russian and Belarusian agricultural products will continue to be allowed, the article says.

"Until now, there have been no quantitative restrictions on grain imports from Russia, while such restrictions exist for Ukrainian imports. This decision has become increasingly difficult to support from a moral and political point of view," writes RMF FM.

The data from the European Statistical Office indicates that more than 1.5 million tonnes of grain were imported to the EU in 2023, compared to 970,000 tonnes in 2022. Thus, the problem with Russian agricultural products has become real.

Background:

In February, the Latvian parliament adopted a temporary import ban on agricultural products from Russia and Belarus until at least July 2025. Latvia said the move is aimed at severing economic ties with Russia and Belarus and complements EU sanctions.

On 8 March, the Polish Sejm adopted a resolution calling for sanctions to be imposed on imports of Russian and Belarusian food products.

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A general view of a plenary session of them European Parliament. The European Parliament gave the green light to a flagship new artificial intelligence (AI) regulation on Wednesday, paving the way for the law's final adoption by EU member states. Philippe Stirnweiss/European Parliament/dpa

The European Parliament will sue the European Commission over its decision to release EU funding for Hungary, dpa has learned.

Thursday's decision was taken in a closed-door meeting between European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and the leaders of the parliament's seven political groups.

The lawsuit was recommended on Monday by the parliament's legal affairs committee.

The case concerns the decision by the commission in December to unfreeze 10.2 billion ($11.2 billion) earmarked for Hungary that had been held back due to rule of law concerns.

The EU executive said at the time that it was releasing the money because Budapest had "taken the measures it committed to take." But parliamentarians accuse the commission of turning a blind eye to ongoing problems.

Around 21 billion of EU money remains withheld from Hungary, said the commission press release announcing its decision in December.

The case will be heard in the European Union's highest court, the European Court of Justice.
A general view of a plenary session of them European Parliament. The European Parliament gave the green light to a flagship new artificial intelligence (AI) regulation on Wednesday, paving the way for the law's final adoption by EU member states. Philippe Stirnweiss/European Parliament/dpa

The European Parliament will sue the European Commission over its decision to release EU funding for Hungary, dpa has learned.

The decision was confirmed following a closed-door meeting on Thursday between the parliament's president, Roberta Metsola, and the leaders of the parliament's seven political groups.

The lawsuit was recommended on Monday by the parliament's legal affairs committee.

The case concerns the decision by the commission on December 13 to unfreeze 10.2 billion ($11.2 billion) earmarked for Hungary that had been held back due to rule of law concerns.

The EU executive said at the time that it was releasing the money because Budapest had "taken the measures it committed to take." But parliamentarians accuse the commission of turning a blind eye to ongoing problems.

Around 21 billion of EU money remains withheld from Hungary, said the commission press release announcing its decision in December.

In a press release at the time, Belgian EU lawmaker Philippe Lamberts, one of the Green group leaders, said: "It seems that the Commission is willing to let slide, for political purposes, the fact that Hungary is no longer a democracy."

On December 12, a day before the commission announced it was releasing the funds, Balazs Orban - an aide to Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban but no relation - suggested to Bloomberg that Budapest might lift its veto on EU aid to Ukraine if the commission unblocked EU funding to Hungary.

The case will be heard in the European Union's highest court, the European Court of Justice.
Diversity is our strength! Michael Gove announced to the House with his characteristic gusto. He then proceeded to list all the ways in which freedom of expression, the safety of public officials, community cohesion and the rule of law were having to be sacrificed to the great Moloch which is also apparently our guide and protector.

Mr Goves gentle Aberdeenshire lilt becomes more Wee Free Pastor as he lists bad things. He looks more worn these days and so the sprightly Pob-meets-Tigger vibe which he once gave off naturally has given way to a more stentorian tone. That, and his ministerial beat now involves attempting to combat the triumph of extremism rather than setting up academies or helping hedgehogs as it did in more carefree days.

Playing the voice of reason opposite Pastor Gove was an unusually subdued Angela Rayner, who was replete in a multicoloured dress redolent of a cracked iPhone screen. Specifically she wanted to know how it was that the Government had managed to fund a series of groups dedicated to its overthrow and replacement with either a Nazi state or a caliphate.

An unusually subdued Angela Rayner played the voice of reason opposite Michael Gove - UK Parliament/Maria Unger

The good Pastor switched on the charm with a response that was pure Lurpak: he thanked the shadow secretary of state, told her how much hed enjoyed meeting her yesterday, he welcomed her, he even agreed with her! But he didnt answer the question.

This Govian evasion lasted for almost an hour and a half; Armando Iannucci-worthy lines like we are setting up a Counter-Extremism Centre of Excellence in my department as a world-leading authority, were delivered with a straight face.

Over to the Father of the House Sir Peter Bottomley who as befits the Chambers link to the past, immediately mentioned Sir Oswald Mosley.

Several MPs were concerned that the new guidance might prove too all-encompassing. They had a point. For instance, the definition includes those who overturn or undermine the UKs system of parliamentary liberal democracy. One wonders how elastic this is meant to be; the police, the House of Lords, lobbyists, journalists, those of us who sometimes look at Westminster and think actually, you know what, lets give absolute monarchy a go? Still, hopefully the backlog of prosecutions starting with King John will mean we sketch-writers will be quite low down the list.

There was an inevitable intervention from George Galloway who, coherent as ever, described the statement as being part of a culture war wallpaper: the love child of Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and the Ayatollahs. Gove again spread the Lurpak on thick: he congratulated Galloway on his victory in Rochdale and praised his oratory skills. Against all odds, Storm George had been subdued.

Claire Hanna of the SDLP wondered whether those calling for a united Ireland would fall under the new banner. Gove, who is about as unionist as it gets without actually morphing into Sir Edward Carson, oiled his bat once more. With no hint of irony, he hailed Ms Hanna and her separatist colleagues as part of a long and proud tradition.

Mr Gove washed away Joanna Cherrys concerns about the unintended consequences for gender-critical feminists with another bucket of oil. Ms Cherry, said Gove, represented the best of the SNP. This, though true, was a dubious compliment  like being world champion at tic-tac-toe.

Once again, Gove showed himself a master of the Commons, managing to make a bill about offence positively charming.

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Erick Adame said he's doing a "hard reset" on his life and career after he was fired from NY1 in 2022.

The former New York City meteorologist who was fired after nude videos from an adult website were leaked to his boss revealed that hes doing a hard reset of his life and career  and hes still forecasting the weather.

Former NY1 weatherman Erick Adame took a much-needed break from social media in November and has since moved in with some friends in Syracuse as he hopes to get back on his feet and track down a full-time job after his embarrassing public firing from the network in 2022.

Im taking a step back, Im able to exhale, which is freaking awesome, Im getting some sleep and I do have a new part-time job here, Adame said, smiling and sipping a glass of red wine in a video posted on his Instagram page Saturday.

Adame said he left the Big Apple a little over a month ago.

While he worked several part-time jobs  including a gig as a mailman with the USPS and substitute teacher in the Bronx  before he decided the city was simply unaffordable for someone not working full time.

Adame appeared confident and optimistic about his future. Instagram/@erickadameontv

In Syracuse, where he said he lived for roughly 10 years and considers a home, hes applying for jobs and Im just hoping that its going to happen soon.

It may not be on TV, it might be something else  were trying a little bit of everything  but a full-time job would be ideal, he said, adding that he doesnt know what the future will bring.

Hes calling the move a hard reset  just starting new, new place, new everything, just focusing on me. Adame said hes started going back the gym and been taking care of himself mentally.

The Emmy-nominated weatherman for Spectrum News NY1 was fired in 2022 after his boss was sent nude photos of him. erickadameontv/Instagram

The respite has given Adame time to work on his year-old weather app  Weather with Erick  which he called a passion project.

Hes even built a small weather studio in his apartment.

The subscription service offers daily forecasts and did you know facts about the weather. Adame said hes also working on a weather consulting element.

The Emmy-nominated weatherman for Spectrum News NY1 was fired in September 2022 after someone took photos and video of him on an adult streaming website and forwarded them to his employer.

Adame has launched a subscription-based weather app and hopes to land a full time job soon, he said. erickadameontv/Instagram

Adame said in an interview months later he believes a mystery voyeur became obsessed with distributing nude images of him in an apparent effort to embarrass him in a case of revenge porn.

Adame could not immediately be reached by The Post for comment.
Filip Ganczak, employee of the Institute of National Remembrance in Poland, stands in front of the courtroom before the start of the trial against an ex-Stasi employee for murder 50 years ago at the Moabit Criminal Court. Sebastian Gollnow/dpa

A former officer in communist East Germany's notorious Ministry of State Security, or Stasi, went on trial for murder on Thursday over the 1974 fatal shooting of a Polish man at Berlin's Friedrichstrasse train station.

The man from the eastern city of Leipzig, a former Stasi lieutenant who is now 80 years old, stands accused by prosecutors of having killed 38-year-old Czesaw Kukuczka "with a targeted shot to the back from a hiding place" as he crossed the border to West Berlin on March 29, 1974, according to the indictment.

At the time of the crime, the German officer is said to have belonged to a Stasi operative group and to have been tasked with "neutralizing" the Pole.

The slim man, dressed in a burgundy turtleneck under a grey-blue jacket and jeans, looked into the audience with interest. As public prosecutor Henrike Hillmann read out the charges, he made a few notes.

He will not comment on the allegations in court, his defence lawyer Andrea Liebscher explained. "I can tell you that my client denies the allegation," she explained at the start of the trial.

According to a court spokeswoman, the trial relating to the fatal shooting at the busiest border crossing between East and West Berlin will be recorded due to its "outstanding historical significance" for the Federal Republic of Germany. The audio recordings will be made available to the state archives.

Two public prosecutors from Poland and a historian who was involved in investigating the case also attended the start of the trial. "I feel emotionally connected to the case because I have been researching it since 2016," said historian Filip Ganczak, who travelled from Warsaw for the start of the trial.

The investigation into the case made no progress for many years. According to the Berlin public prosecutor's office, however, it was not until 2016 that a decisive clue regarding the identity of the shooter was obtained from the Stasi archives.

According to the co-plaintiffs' lawyers, the decisive factor for this new assessment was a European arrest warrant for the accused following persistent enquiries on the Polish side.

The arrest warrant led to a review of the case, explained lawyer Thomas Walther, who represents one of the victim's sons.

However, according to a spokesman, the authorities initially assumed that the offence was manslaughter. In this case, the offence would have been time-barred. In the meantime, however, the public prosecutor's office believes the criterion of malice aforethought has been fulfilled, hence the charge of murder.

Three children - a daughter and two sons - as well as a sister of the Polish man who was killed are appearing as co-plaintiffs in the trial.

For the daughter's lawyer, Hans-Jurgen Forster, the case shows one thing above all: "It is not abstract that murder is not time-barred."

A Berlin detective inspector, who was given the old files for the new investigations, was the first witness to testify on Thursday. He explained how the case was reclassified as a murder.

Stasi officials had allegedly granted Kukuczka permission to leave the country and even accompanied him to the border crossing at the railway station.

However, as he passed the last checkpoint there in the early afternoon of March 29, he was killed by the fatal shot.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, courts in Berlin prosecuted a number of former East German soldiers, police and high-ranking officials for killing people trying to escape the country. A total of 130 people were convicted.

But Thursday's case marks the first prosecution in two decades, and the first time that an East German official has been accused of murder - instead of a lesser charge - for a death at the former border, according to historian Gerhard Salter.

The investigation into Kukuczka's death picked up in 2016 after files in the Stasi archives revealed the identity of the suspected shooter, according to Sebastian Buchner, a spokesman for the public prosecutor's office in Berlin.

A lawyer for the victim's family, Hans-Jurgen Forster, said he pressed authorities to bring murder charges in the case, citing an order signed by then-Stasi boss Erich Mielke.

The defendant has not commented publicly on the allegations against him.

The district court has initially planned a total of seven trial days. A verdict could be reached on May 23. The trial is due to continue on April 4 with the hearing of an eyewitness.
Peter Navarro, a White House trade advisor to former president Donald Trump, was sentenced to four months in prison for contempt of Congress (Anna Moneymaker)

Peter Navarro, a White House trade advisor to former president Donald Trump, lost his bid on Thursday to stay out of prison while he appeals his contempt of Congress conviction.

Navarro, 74, was found guilty of two counts of contempt in September for refusing to testify before the congressional panel that investigated the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol by Trump supporters.

Navarro, a Harvard-educated economist, was sentenced to four months in prison after a two-day trial in Washington before a federal jury.

He was ordered to report to a prison in Miami on March 19 but asked to remain free while appealing the conviction.

A three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit unanimously rejected his request on Thursday.

"Appellant has not shown that his appeal presents substantial questions of law or fact likely to result in reversal, a new trial, a sentence that does not include a term of imprisonment, or a reduced sentence of imprisonment," they said.

Navarro could make a last-ditch appeal to the Supreme Court to stay his jail sentence but the nation's highest court is unlikely to hear the case.

Navarro would be the first senior Trump advisor to spend time behind bars for actions stemming from the former president's efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

Navarro refused to appear for a deposition before the House of Representatives committee that investigated the January 6 attack on Congress and declined to supply documents to the panel.

He is the second close Trump ally to be convicted of contempt of Congress for defying subpoenas from the House committee.

Steve Bannon, one of the masterminds behind Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and victory, was also found guilty of contempt of Congress.

Bannon was sentenced to four months in prison but remains free pending an appeal.

Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for November's White House contest, was scheduled to go on trial in Washington on March 4 on charges of conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

His trial has been put on hold, however, until the Supreme Court hears Trump's claim that as a former president he is immune from criminal prosecution.

The Supreme Court has scheduled arguments in the immunity case for April 25.

Trump, 77, was impeached for a second time by the House after the Capitol riot -- he was charged with inciting an insurrection -- but was acquitted by the Senate.

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FILE - Former Trump White House official Peter Navarro, followed by demonstrators, leaves the U.S. Federal Courthouse in Washington, Jan. 25, 2024. An appeals court Thursday, March 14, denied Navarros bid to stave off his jail sentence on contempt of Congress charges for refusing to cooperate with a congressional investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Navarro has been ordered to report to a federal prison by March 19. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

WASHINGTON (AP)  An appeals court denied Trump White House official Peter Navarro 's bid to stave off his jail sentence on contempt of Congress charges Thursday.

Navarro has been ordered to report to a federal prison by March 19. He argued he should stay free as he appeals his conviction for refusing to cooperate with a congressional investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

But a three-judge panel of the federal appeals court in Washington, D.C. disagreed, finding his appeal wasn't likely to reverse his conviction. His attorneys declined to comment but have previously indicated he would appeal to the Supreme Court.

Navarro was the second Trump aide convicted of contempt of Congress charges. Former White House adviser Steve Bannon previously received a four-month sentence but a different judge allowed him to stay free pending appeal.

Navarro was found guilty of defying a subpoena for documents and a deposition from the House Jan. 6 committee. He served as a White House trade adviser under then-President Donald Trump and later promoted the Republicans baseless claims of mass voter fraud in the 2020 election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden.

Navarro has said he couldnt cooperate with the committee because Trump had invoked executive privilege. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta barred him from making that argument at trial, however, finding that he didnt show Trump had actually invoked it.
COLOMBO, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe stressed the need to expand the tourism industry beyond coastal areas to strengthen the country's economy, according to a statement from the President's Media Division (PMD) on Thursday.

Wickremesinghe made the remarks at the function to mark the handing over of an ecological park in Galle in southern Sri Lanka to the public on Wednesday, according to the PMD.

The PMD said the president highlighted the significance of the south in driving tourism promotion within the country, particularly outlining plans to develop Galle into a major tourist destination.

Construction of the park, which commenced in 2021, has transformed a 14-acre fallow field into a vibrant recreational space, it said.

The project encompasses various features such as a lake, walking paths, iron bridges, a children's park, market stalls, and ecosystems, with electricity sourced from solar lighting.

A program aimed at marketing the crops and other products of the local community to visitors will also be launched as part of this initiative, according to the PMD.

Tourism is a key source of foreign income in Sri Lanka, which received over 1.48 million tourists in 2023, an increase of 106.6 percent from 2022, and plans to attract 2.3 million tourists in 2024. 
By Joanna Plucinska and Tim Hepher

COLOGNE (Reuters) - The acting head of Europes aviation regulator has warned the agency would suspend its indirect approval of Boeings jet production if warranted, but told Reuters he felt reassured that the planemaker is tackling its latest safety crisis.

In an interview, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency's (EASA) acting executive director, Luc Tytgat, gave the first public indication that international cooperation underpinning global airplane production was being tested as rarely before by the ongoing crisis over Boeing's best-selling 737 MAX series.

Asked on Wednesday if EASA would be prepared to stop recognising U.S. approvals declaring that Boeing jets are built safely, Tytgat said: "If need be, yes".

Boeing has been under mounting pressure over factory controls since Jan. 5, when a door plug tore off a 737 MAX 9 jet in mid-air in an incident blamed on missing bolts.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said last week an audit of Boeing and supplier Spirit AeroSystems found multiple instances of poor controls.

Under a transatlantic pact, the FAA and EASA regulate the factories of their respective planemakers - Boeing and Airbus - and recognise each other's safety approvals.

If one side loses confidence in the other's compliance checks, it can call for consultations and, if those fail, suspend recognition after a pause of 30 days.

Such steps are rare, however.

"All the tools must be implementable as soon as we see the justification or situation that requires us to take appropriate measures," Tytgat said, adding that no such action was imminent.

EASA's influence over the design of Boeing planes has grown following two MAX crashes, but it has relatively few ways to increase its monitoring of the production of existing Boeing models other than the drastic option of suspending recognition.

Pressed on what would push EASA to go that far, Tytgat said, speaking only for himself: "More fatal accidents in the future".

The FAA did not comment directly on Tytgat's remarks but a spokesperson reiterated the agency's earlier statements that Boeing must commit to real and profound improvements.

Boeing declined comment.

'REASSURED' ON BOEING

Tytgat did not see any immediate threat to Boeing's production certification, however.

"We don't see why (it) cannot be maintained today. It is more (about) the oversight and monitoring conditions that are in place."

Tytgat said he held a discussion with senior Boeing executives on Friday that was reassuring.

"I have seen a change in the management. They put a lot of weight on quality controls, product quality and I was really reassured about the willingness of the top management to change .... production quality control," he said.

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said on Monday it would take action if it saw a reason to halt Boeing production.

A decision by either of the world's two most powerful aviation regulators to halt production approval of each other's export industries would take the safety crisis into uncharted territory and likely stir political reactions, experts said.

Relations between the U.S. and European agencies have improved but still bear bruises from an earlier crisis over fatal crashes of MAX jets in 2018 and 2019, which led to worldwide groundings and pressure over designs from EASA, they said.

Aerospace analyst Nick Cunningham of Agency Partners said Tytgat's comments "could be interpreted as a warning shot across the bows of the FAA," this time over production controls.

Tytgat said EASA was "working extremely well" with its U.S. counterpart.

The European agency said it had been invited for the first time by the FAA to join an audit of Boeing as an observer later this year, after U.S. inspectors attended a recent European audit of an Airbus plant in the United States.

"This will be the first time and can be seen as a significant step forward in the mutual confidence-building," Tytgat said in a follow-up email following the interview.

(Reporting by Joanna Plucinska, Tim Hepher; Additional reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and Mark Potter)
EXETER  A local mother who ran to remove diversity, equity, inclusion and justice teaching in SAU 16 schools was defeated at Tuesdays election.

Peggy Massicotte lost her bid for the Exeter seat on the Exeter Region Cooperative School Board to incumbent Bill Gauthier by a vote of 3,377-1,682.

Peggy Massicotte

While Gauthier won all six towns, the race was competitive until the results from Exeter came in.

In Exeter, Gauthier overwhelmingly beat Massicotte by a vote of 1,602-507.

I want to congratulate Bill on winning, hes a very nice man, she wrote in a text message on Wednesday. Exeter is a Democratic machine, and he had a lot of support.

Bill Gauthier

Gauthier, the current chair of the board, said he was "thrilled" by the support and confidence placed in him to "continue the work I've been doing."

"I will continue to listen and take action, ensure that everything is going as we planned, and we will continue to be transparent and clear in the communication," he said.

Massicotte was behind a Change.org petition that calls for public schools to remove DEIJ, which was brought to SAU 16 in 2021. She also made it a focal point of her campaign.

SAU 16 is teaching division and identity politics to children and that is terrifying, she added. Parents really need to pay attention.

According to her petition, Massicotte said DEI initiatives promote an inflexible ideology categorizing groups as oppressors or oppressed.

This way of teaching has proven to be dangerous and should immediately be removed from public schools, the petition stated. DEIs concepts are not inclusive and instead force exclusion and division within education.

Exeter Town Meeting results: Exeter voters approve $17.5M public safety complex

Gauthier defended DEIJ on the campaign trail, stating it has had a positive influence on SAU 16 by helping students from all backgrounds. SAU 16 was the first school district in New Hampshire to hire a full-time DEIJ director.

The SAU 16 vision statement for DEIJ states the goal is to "prioritize equitable school experiences and outcomes for all learners through anti-oppressive mindsets and curriculum that centers on positive identity development, empathy, and justice in stewardship of our global community."

Massicotte said shes not a political person, but wants whats best for all children.

She said she has no plans to run again as she has been pushed out of the SAU 16 community.

Someone at the deliberative session said, Children deserve the icing, not just the cake," she said. "I 100% agree, however, in Exeter all the icing has been taken away.

Gauthier previously said he ran for a second term to continue improving transparency and communication with the board and ensuring kids at all levels get the best education.

To me, whats most important is that every student gets the ability to be their best, he said. When students graduate from Exeter High School, we want them to be their best selves.

Gauthier said he is energized by the work the board has done in the past three years, including navigating uncharted waters during COVID-19. But, he said that theres more work to do.

"We've done a wonderful job the last couple of years with the budget and we want to stay on track," he said. "Making sure that we're giving high value in return to the taxpayers while also keeping our schools in great shape."

In other contested races on the Exeter Region Cooperative School Board, incumbent Amy Ransom defeated Jackie Tassinari by a vote of 2,928-1,633 for the Newfields seat.

Tammy Gunst, who ran unopposed for the Stratham seat, won the position handily with a vote of 4,073.

Unopposed and unwavering: Molly Cowan secures third term on Exeters Select Board

Who won SAU 16 School Board races?

Exeter School Board

Heather Ikemire and Tim Reed, both of whom ran unopposed, were elected to the Exeter School Board.

Stratham School Board

Jennifer Scrafford and Paul Tusini defeated Jessica Kliskey and write-in candidate Kathleen Peck in the four-way race for two seats on the school board.

Newfields School Board

Jane Walsh defeated Jackie Tassiniari with a vote of 452-296 for a three-year term on the School Board.

East Kingston School Board

Paul Doyle, who ran unopposed, won the three-year term on the School Board.

Kensington School Board

Cheryl McDonough defeated Nicholas Sebasteanski with a vote of 165 to 4 for a three-year term on the School Board. Both were write-in candidates.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Exeter Co-op voters reject anti-DEIJ candidate: Gauthier reelected
Since at least 2016, a brave, determined, and stalwart group of psychologists and other mental health professionals have been trying to warn the public about Donald Trumps obvious unwellness and pathological behavior. Based on mountains of public evidence of Trumps behavior and what he has encouraged in others, these mental health experts concluded that the corrupt twice-impeached ex-president, a sexual assaulter as confirmed by a court of law, aspiring dictator, and defendant who is now facing hundreds of years in prison appears to be a sociopath if not a full-on psychopath.

In following through on their ethical obligations, the duty to warn the public about a uniquely powerful and dangerous person such as Donald Trump, these mental health professionals risked their careers, reputations, and yes, even personal safety. If members of Congress, then President Trumps cabinet officials, senior law enforcement, and others with the power to contain the dangerous ex-president had listened to them and acted accordingly, the country would not be on the precipice of Trump's return to power where he will, as threatened and promised, become Americas first dictator.

As seen in the last few weeks and months, Donald Trumps dangerousness is rapidly escalating. At his rallies and other events, Donald Trump is exhibiting obvious and repeated examples of challenges in his speech, language, and memory. In a widely read series of conversations here at Salon, Dr. John Gartner, who is a prominent psychologist and contributor to the bestselling book "The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump: 27 Psychiatrists and Mental Health Experts Assess a President," has been warning that Trump is apparently suffering from dementia or some other type of brain disease.

Gartner summarizes this as: Not enough people are sounding the alarm, that based on his behavior, and in my opinion, Donald Trump is dangerously demented. In fact, we are seeing the opposite among too many in the news media, the political leaders and among the public. There is also this focus on Biden's gaffes or other things that are well within the normal limits of aging. By comparison, Trump appears to be showing gross signs of dementia. This is a tale of two brains. Biden's brain is aging. Trump's brain is dementing.

One of Dr. Gartners colleagues, Dr. Harry Segal, who is a senior lecturer at Cornell University and Weill Cornell Medical School, has gone so far as to suggest that Donald Trump should withdraw from the 2024 Election and seek immediate medical help.

Dr. Gartner is far from alone in his concerns and warnings.

In attempt to raise public awareness, Dr. Gartner has created a new petition at Change.org.: We diagnose Trump with probable dementia: A petition for licensed professionals only.

At the time of this writing, hundreds of verified mental health and other medical professionals have signed the petition. This group includes some of the leading experts in their respective disciplines. Some of these signers have also offered detailed comments about what they have concluded, based on the obvious evidence, is Donald Trumps increasing cognitive difficulties, and why he is therefore unfit for office.

In this, our third conversation about Donald Trumps apparent cognitive problems, Dr. Gartner continues to document the ex-presidents behavior, explains the importance of the growing consensus by medical professionals that Trump is apparently experiencing cognitive challenges, and warns that the ex-president should not be given access to classified information because he is untrustworthy and easily manipulated by malign actors.

This conversation has been edited for clarity and length.

Several weeks ago, we began our series of conversations here about Trumps obvious cognitive challenges and how they appear to be getting worse at a rapid pace. It is all unfolding as you predicted.

Our conversations are starting to feel like a weekly dementia round-up. Trump keeps proving my point. This weeks lowlights include more phonemic aphasias. Here are a few examples I have noted. We have becrumb a nation. All comp-ply-ments to Joe Biden. I know Poten. "He cant cam-pay." He cant campaign. We will expel the wald-mongers.

We had more examples where Trump couldnt complete a sentence and strung the fragments together incoherently. Its worth noting that his demeanor changes dramatically at these moments. At one point, Trump was making nonsense sounds, struggling to form even a single word. At one of his events, he said Well re-ve-du. Ohhhh.. At that moment, Trump took a long-defeated sigh, and looked up at the ceiling blankly, looking confused and de-energized. Finally, Trump is sometimes reduced to simply vocalizing nonsense sounds that are not words at all like an infant. For example, at a recent rally Trump said "Gang, boom. This is me. I hear bing". Trump is literally babbling nonsensically and his followers at these rallies, or interviewers on right-wing media, are nodding their heads in appreciation like he makes sense. This is deeply disturbing.

I am continuing to catalogue examples of what to me, clearly appear to be his cognitive decline. I just gave you some examples from last week, but there are more. Ron Filipkowski has a super-cut reel on Twitter that shows 30 examples of gross cognitive slippage from the last week alone. 30! How much more evidence do we need before the mainstream media starts asking the question: Is Trump showing signs of dementia?

You have started a petition at Change.org where medical professionals can sign and offer a comment if they have come to the preliminary conclusion that Donald Trump is exhibiting signs of apparent cognitive decline. Why did you take this step? What has the response been like?

I knew medical and mental health professionals were seeing what I was seeing: flagrant and increasingly frequent signs of dementia, signs that really can't be that easily confused with anything else, and signs that aren't subtle. We're seeing them week after week, and they are getting worse and worse. And no one is saying anything! I had to find a vehicle to give other medical and mental health professionals a chance to express their professional opinions and have a voice. That was the purpose of the petition. At this point, the petition has over 300 verified signatures. Those numbers are going to grow because the petition has only been available for about a week, or so. These licensed professionals, many of them experts in this subspecialty, are making the medical case, point by point with concrete behavioral examples, that Trump's behavior strongly suggests dementia.

The petition includes signers from the faculties of the countrys best medical schools. These are people who know what theyre talking about.

These experts are desperate to warn the public, because they see the signs of Trumps cognitive decline through the eyes of years of training and experience.

They know better than anyone the alarming implications of what we are all seeing with our own eyes. Its maddening to them that no one with the right letters after their name is sounding the alarm. The licensed professional experts who signed this petition are medical whistleblowers, risking their reputations and their livelihoods to warn the country of looming catastrophe. Lots of my good colleagues begged off signing this petition, admitting to men that they were afraid of potential reprisals, both professional and personal. These signers are heroes in my book.

Why do you think the American mainstream news media, for the most part, is staying away from this issue of Trumps obvious aberrant behavior? Why are they not talking in clear and explicit terms about what all of us can see?

I really don't know what their motivation is. Sometimes I'm very cynical, and I just think that these media outlets are owned by huge corporations that are inherently conservative and right-wing. Sometimes I just think they're cautious. In Jennifer Rubin's column in the Washington Post, she called out her colleagues in the media for harping on Bidens age and while remaining silent about Trump's increasingly obvious cognitive decline. She mentioned our conversations here as a model for how the story should be reported. But Rubin is an outlier. I want to shame the American news media into covering Trump's readily apparent cognitive decline. We are imperiled as a country and a people. I want to make enough noise so the media cant keep ducking the question.

The press has flogged the non-story of Bidens age to death. Yes, Bidens old. So am I. He forgets names and dates. So do I, and so do most of the people in my age cohort. So what? To say were less able because of these blips is just plain ageism, pure and simple. News flash: We senior citizens have something you young whippersnappers dont: the wisdom and judgment that comes from experience. Most societies revere their elders but we ridicule ours.

Meanwhile, the press edits out the most disordered parts of Trumps speeches or normalizes his behavior with innocuous euphemistic words, like rambling The press is pathologizing the normal in the case of Biden and normalizing the pathological in the case of Trump. Its perverse.

How do you rebut the obvious, and at this point tedious, pushback that you and your colleagues are violating the so-called Goldwater Rule?

It has become a type of blanket denial, this hiding behind the Goldwater Rule. Apparently, no matter what symptoms we are seeing, no matter how much evidence there is, and no matter how many people with direct contact with Trump say that there is a serious problem with his precipitous decline, medical and mental health professionals are supposed to ignore it and treat the whole matter as some type of unknowable thingbecause we didnt meet personally with Trump. Does that make sense to you? Obviously, Donald Trump is not going to submit himself to a psychiatric examination from neutral parties who are real experts and then give them permission to report their findings to the public. Ultimately, the people who have the expertise to explain what appears to be happening with Trump's mind and brain are forbidden from commenting on it.

We are the only medical specialty or profession of any kind under a permanent gag order, and all because Barry Goldwater embarrassed the American Psychiatric Association when he sued a magazine in 1964 for some ill-advised psychiatric opinions they quoted. And if a mental health professional has the courage to speak the truth, they're told that what they have to say is entirely invalid because of this antiquated ethical precept. First of all, we really should make a distinction between invalid and unethical.

If you want to argue that I'm being unethical for diagnosing Donald Trump, well thats one argument we can have. But that doesn't mean that I'm not accurate in my diagnosis. Looking at the petition, these are very serious and expert people, real professionals with decades of experience, who have reached the conclusion based on the available evidence  which is overwhelming  that Donald Trump appears to be showing signs of probable dementia. One can potentially argue that they shouldn't be speaking publicly about this, but one cannot reasonably deny their expertise or the evidence. So, in the end, who are you going to believe? Medical experts with years of experience, making fact-based arguments based on observable data who are literally risking their careers to warn the public or the MAGA apologists and propagandists?

What is the consensus that has been reached by the medical professionals who have signed your Change.org petition?

Trumps a classic case of dementia. He ticks all the boxes. Hes shown a precipitous decline from his baselineHe once had a rich vocabulary and spoke in polished paragraphs. And he shows the classic disturbances in memory, language, behavior, and motor performance that we see in dementia patients. If Trump were their patient or my family member, they would urgently refer him for an emergency neuropsychiatric evaluation. And under no circumstances would a patient showing this level or organic cognitive decline be capable of being president.

Donald Trump commands the support of tens of millions of people. His most diehard followers exhibit the behavior of being in a cult. Trump exalts in being a de facto cult leader. In terms of the leader-follower dynamic, what will happen to our society if Trump, given his apparent cognitive and emotional and intellectual difficulties, were to become president again?

It is a national emergency. If Trump were to take back the White House, the American people would be living in what would be the equivalent of an insane asylum. The leader would be like a mad king, and everything would make no sense. The country would be ruled by the chaos emanating from President Donald Trump. Most people cannot imagine how bad it is going to be when Donald Trump has absolute power. The American people are going to have a collective nervous breakdown if Trump takes back power.

If Donald Trump is in fact suffering from some type of cognitive deterioration as you and your colleagues have initially concluded, how would this impact his impulse control? The ability to self-censor his thoughts and speech for example? To behave responsibly and self-regulate?

There's a lack of awareness about his own behavior from Trump. Many of the experts who signed the petition made that observation. Trump makes these gross verbal errors, talking in gibberish and nonsense, but he has such confidence that he keeps going. He just barrels through without embarrassment or being self-conscious about his obvious problems. Because of his severe personality disorder, he's always lacked a capacity for self-awareness and critical self-reflection about hideous behavior. But now, hes oblivious to the fact that his mind appears to be rapidly deteriorating before our eyes.

Donald Trump does not have a moral core. He has demonstrated that repeatedly through his decades of life. But now it appears that Trump is having problems with self-regulation. That is a horrible combination, one that results in chaotic random evil behavior. In the end, Trump's apparent inability to self-regulate is just an aggravating factor that magnifies all the other pathologies that we've seen thus far.

Donald Trump, because of his status as the de facto Republican presidential nominee, is poised to begin receiving classified intelligence briefings. Should Trump have access to this information?

We know that Trump will sell the information to the highest bidder. Given Trump's character, that would be the case excluding any neurological problems. Trump has no loyalty to the United States. He is only loyal to his own self-interest  and based on his behavior perhaps Vladimir Putin too. If someone is charged with multiple indictments for stealing classified documents, you probably shouldnt give them more classified documents.

To that point. Trump just met with the autocratic leader Viktor Orban of Hungary. Trump openly admires Putin and other political gangsters, thugs, and tyrants. Given your conclusion, how easy would it be to manipulate Donald Trump?

Very easy. We're not talking about a demented Ronald Reagan, who still loved America, and in the end wanted to do right for the country. Donald Trump has shown himself to be a traitor who will do anything he can to hurt the country for his own benefit. That is Trump's default position. Were Trump to become president again, how hard would it really be for our foreign adversaries to manipulate a president who can already be won over with simple ego-stroking and bribes, but is now also experiencing obvious cognitive decline?

Donald Trump, because hes fundamentally corrupt at his core, attracts confidence men, de facto psychopaths, and swindlers into his inner circle. In a vulnerable demented state, there are going to be lots of people working for Trump who are being paid by foreign governments and other hostile interests to manipulate him to do things that are favorable for them and not America.

Do you believe that President Biden should directly engage these questions about Trump's mental and emotional health? If one of his advisors or some Democratic Party campaign consultant reached out to you, what would you tell them?

President Biden has always done better when he's gotten more aggressive. The State of the Union speech was a great example of this. Why wouldnt Biden and the Democrats not inveigh against the real dangers presented by Trumps severe cognitive decline? I would argue theyre obligated to. Its the truth! And people need to know.

Otherwise, the Republicans control the false narrative, focusing on Bidens age when we should be focusing on Trumps dementia.

Beyond any clinical observations or evaluations, as a human being, how are you feeling watching Trump behave like this?

It's terrifying. This is a nightmare scenario. I have been speaking to my colleagues and also those medical professionals who have contributed to the petition and they are telling me that they are scared too. They're all saying that this person is uniquely incapable of being president because on top of his malignantly narcissistic personality, he now appears to be losing his cognitive abilities. Can you imagine a worse combination? I'm learning to be more spiritual and to give more trust to the universe. That's the only way I'm surviving. We must continue to sound the alarm. Those of us who can see what is going on with Trump's obvious cognitive challenges must not let ourselves be gaslit into thinking that this is all somehow normal. We are not hallucinating or imagining things. Donald Trump is dangerous and becoming even more so. Thats obvious to anyone paying attention.
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain unveiled a new definition of extremism on Thursday to counter a surge in hate crimes, raising some concerns it would inhibit free speech and unfairly target Muslim groups.

WHY IS THE GOVERNMENT DOING THIS?

The previous definition was in a 2011 counter-terrorism strategy programme known as Prevent. The government said this needed to be updated after a surge in antisemitic and anti-Muslim hate crimes since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.

Earlier this month Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that Islamist and far-right extremists were seeking to undermine Britain's democracy.

Communities minister Michael Gove, whose department has produced the new definition, said a more precise version was needed to address the threat.

Currently, no groups have been defined as extremist.

WHAT IS THE NEW DEFINITION?

The update defines extremism as: "the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, that aims to: negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others;

Or undermine, overturn or replace the UKs system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights;

Or intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the results in (1) or (2)."

WHAT DOES BEING LABELLED EXTREMIST MEAN?

The government says a team of impartial officials will carry out a "rigorous" assessment in the next few weeks before announcing which groups will be labelled extremist.

Any group categorised such will be banned from receiving government funding or any other government support. Groups can seek a judicial review in the courts.

The government hopes that labelling a group extremist will make the public and other bodies shun them. Gove said it was not about banning groups but making clear who the government should not engage with.

However, Thursday's change creates no new powers and has no criminal impact. The groups would still, for example, be able to meet and hold demonstrations.

That is different to those which are specifically banned under terrorism laws, where being a member of a proscribed group or encouraging support for it is a criminal offence. Some 80 international groups are banned by Britain as terrorist organisations including Hamas.

WHAT DO CRITICS SAY?

Some critics say the policy is an assault on free speech, and could come to include those who hold gender critical views or those who oppose abortion.

Others say it will be counter-productive, targeting those who simply express strongly held opinions, particularly Muslims, or will be used to silence those with whom the government disagrees.

Those who have voiced concern range from the Archbishop of Canterbury, former government advisers and relatives and victims of militant attacks in Britain, to those within Sunak's own Conservative party.

However, the government says there will be a high bar for defining a group as extremist, targeting those neo-Nazi or radical Islamist groups which promote an ideology based on hatred or violence but fall short of committing criminal offences.

Gove has said the change would not silence those with peaceful views or affect free speech.

(Reporting by Michael Holden; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Thousands of Indian farmers gathered in New Delhi on Thursday to demand higher guaranteed prices for crops, intensifying a campaign launched a month ago.

Here is a look at the controversy.

WHEN DID THE LATEST PROTESTS BEGIN?

Thousands of farmers from the northern state of Punjab launched a "Delhi Chalo" (Let's go to Delhi) march on Feb. 13, setting out for the capital in trucks and tractors loaded with bedding and food.

Security forces in riot gear, however, used teargas and water cannons to force them to halt about 200 km (125 miles) short of their destination, where they have camped since.

Sporadic clashes have broken out between protesters and security forces over the last few weeks, with farmers blaming police aggression for the death of one protestor and saying dozens more have been injured.

WHAT ARE FARMERS DEMANDING?

Farmer groups are seeking guarantees, backed by law, of more state support or a minimum purchase price for crops.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, following a similar year-long protest, had repealed some farm reform laws in 2021 and committed to setting up a panel to find ways to ensure support prices for all produce. Farmers accuse the government of going slow on that commitment.

Protesters also want the government to honour a promise to double their incomes and are demanding that the government ensure at least a 50% profit over their overall cost of production besides waiving their debt.

In addition, they have sought action against a federal minister whose son was arrested during the 2021 protests for allegedly running over and killing four protesters.

HAVE FARMERS FROM OTHER STATES EXTENDED SUPPORT?

Over the last month, farmers have sought to intensify their protests several times, calling upon brethren across the country to hold tractor rallies, burn effigies of ministers, move to Delhi by trains and buses, and block railway lines.

These plans, however, have made little impact, and the protest has remained limited to three sites north of Delhi where farmers were first stopped.

Leaders said the gathering on Thursday will be more diverse, with participants from other northern and central states. Farmer groups in southern and western India also plan to join.

WHAT HAS THE GOVERNMENT OFFERED?

The leaders of farmers' unions and the government have held four rounds of talks, all in February, but have failed to reach agreement.

During the last meeting, the government proposed minimum support prices to farmers who diversify their crops to grow cotton, pigeon peas, black matpe, red lentils, and corn, but leaders rejected this offer, demanding that other grains also be covered.

Modi and his government have not commented on the latest assembly of farmers in New Delhi but have, in the past, said they are committed to the welfare and prosperity of farmers and are ready to discuss all issues.

(Compiled by Sakshi Dayal; Editing by YP Rajesh and Andrew Cawthorne)
Explosions rocked Belgorod, Russia, the pro-Kremlin Telegram channel BAZA claimed on March 14.

Local residents said they witnessed smoke in the area near the railway station in the city center.

Read also: One dead, two injured in drone attack on Russias Belgorod, Russian officials claim

Local authorities have not yet commented on the incident. A missile threat was earlier declared in Belgorod.

Russian air defenses allegedly shot down eight drones over the region in the morning, according to the regional governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov. Six people were injured and one man was killed in the attack, Gladcov claimed. A drone hit a car on the highway, eyewitnesses said.

The Russian Defense Ministry earlier claimed to have destroyed 14 drones with their air defense systems, including 11 over Belgorod Oblast and four over Kursk Oblast.

Read also: Sochi airport on fire: Russians claim training exercise

Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC) called on residents of Belgorod and Kursk oblasts to evacuate immediately and announced that they would open fire on military targets in these oblasts in response to Russian shelling of Ukraine, Denis Nikitin, head of RVC said on March 14.

The Freedom of Russia Legion, the Russian Volunteer Corps, and the Siberian Battalion, all composed of Russian citizens, crossed the border into Russia on March 12. They announced the start of an operation to liberate the Russian Federation from dictatorship. According to preliminary data, it is taking place in Russias Belgorod and Kursk oblasts.

The Russian Freedom Legion later announced its control over part of the village of Tiotkino in Kursk Oblast, with the advance ongoing. The ASTRA Telegram channel, citing sources, reported that at least four Russian soldiers were killed, and nine others wounded in massive drone attacks and volunteer raids on March 12.

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin referred to the volunteer raid in an interview with propagandists, labeling it an attempt to disrupt the elections in Russia and gain leverage in the upcoming peace talks.

Read also: FSB claims detention of four RVC members in St. Petersburg

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
Communities Secretary Michael Gove says the activities of some groups will be assessed against the new definition

A new definition of extremism will block certain groups from government funding and meeting officials.

Communities Secretary Michael Gove set out the changes in the House of Commons.

What is the new definition of extremism?

It says extremism is "the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, that aims to:

1. negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others; or

2. undermine, overturn or replace the UK's system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights; or

3. intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the results in (1) or (2)"

The government said it was "narrower and more precise" than the previous definition, which was introduced in 2011.

Which groups might be on the extremism list?

Groups that meet the definition will be blocked from government funding and meeting officials.

Mr Gove listed organisations that he said were a cause for concern under the new definition and would be assessed. They are:

Patriotic Alternative

Anti-extremism campaign group Hope Not Hate describes Patriotic Alternative as the UK's largest fascist group.

Some of its followers were involved in the group National Action, which was subsequently banned under terrorism laws.

Patriotic Alternative says its is promoting a patriotic view of the UK - but its critics say followers regularly espouse Nazi thinking.

British National Socialist Movement

British National Socialist Movement has been described in Parliament as a white supremacist group that originated in 1968.

Muslim Association of Britain

The Muslim Association of Britain (MAB) was described by Michael Gove as the UK affiliate of the Muslim Brotherhood, an international and complex network of Islamist organisations.

Islamism is a political ideology that believes that predominantly Muslim countries should be run according to a form of government drawn from Islam's holy book, the Quran.

Islamism has many branches. Some Islamist groups are so extreme they are also terrorist - but that is not true for every such organisation.

The MAB denies it is an affiliate group and says it has long worked within the law and alongside agencies including the police.

In 2015, then PM David Cameron commissioned a report into the Muslim Brotherhood including any activities in the UK.

Cage

Cage emerged as a campaign group against the "War on Terror" that was launched by President George W Bush in the wake of the 2001 attacks on the US.

It explicitly campaigned against what it said were abuses perpetrated against Muslims in Afghanistan and elsewhere - but its critics say it was often acting for terrorism suspects.

It has never been accused of involvement in terrorism and one of its founders has repeatedly won legal cases where he has been accused of involvement in suspect groups.

MEND

Mend, Muslim Engagement and Development, is a Muslim campaign group that tries to encourage people to get more involved in politics and is active in opposing policies that critics say perpetuate a them-and-us victim mentality.

The organisation says it legitimately campaigns to protect the rights of British Muslims and has said it will take the government to court if it is named as extremist.

Responding to Mr Gove's announcement, MEND said the new definition was a "blatant attack on civil liberties", while the Muslim Association of Britain described it as "blatant effort to stifle dissenting voices".

Cage said it would "challenge the government's deep dive into authoritarianism". Patriotic Alternative said it was a "dangerous step toward a totalitarian state".

The government said there would be a "high bar" to being classed as extremist and the policy would not target those with "private, peaceful beliefs".

Groups and individuals labelled extremist will have the right to seek reassessment and submit new evidence to a review.

Organisations or individuals added to the list will not be criminalised, unlike terrorist groups.

A new Counter-Extremism Centre of Excellence will be launched to gather intelligence and identify extremist groups.

Why is there a new definition of extremism?

Mr Gove told MPs that the UK's values were "under challenge" from extremist groups, which were radicalising young people.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas had led to a "terrible increase" in antisemitic and anti-Muslim hate crimes, Mr Gove added.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak warned that democracy was being targeted by extremists and there were "forces here at home trying to tear us apart".

Labour leader Keir Starmer said Mr Sunak was "right to advocate unity and to condemn the unacceptable and intimidatory behaviour".

What have critics said about the extremism definition?

Concerns have been raised that the new definition could deepen divisions.

Zara Mohammed, head of the Muslim Council of Britain, told BBC Newsnight it could lead to the "unfair targeting of Muslim communities".

London Mayor Sadiq Khan told BBC Radio 4's World at One: "I fear it's going to divide communities and send people underground, rather than us having the opportunity to debate with them, educate them and bring them on the right path."

Some Conservative MPs have suggested people like anti-abortion campaigners, or those with gender-critical views, could end up being captured by the new definition.

But Mr Gove said that "we cherish free speech in this country" and that conservative religious beliefs will not be infringed upon, nor environmental protest groups or anti-trans or pro-trans activists.

Others have pointed out that the new definition does not create a criminal offence.

Jonathan Hall KC, the government's independent terrorism legislation reviewer, said there could be unintended consequences. For example, groups not deemed extremist could say they had been "cleared" by the government.

The move to redefine extremism has also been criticised by three Conservative ex-home secretaries, who have warned against using extremism to score political points in a general election year.

UPDATE 15 March: This piece has been updated to reflect that Michael Gove described the MAB as an affiliate of the MB and that they deny any such link.
Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, speaks outside BBC Broadcasting House in London,

Ministers have unveiled a new extremism definition under which certain groups will be blocked from government funding or meeting officials.

It will apply to, but not criminalise, groups that promote an ideology based on "violence, hatred or intolerance".

Communities Secretary Michael Gove said a surge in extremism since the Israel-Gaza war posed "a real risk" to the UK.

Civil liberties advocates, community groups and MPs have criticised recent government rhetoric on extremism.

Zara Mohammed, head of the Muslim Council of Britain, told BBC Newsnight the definition would lead to the "unfair targeting of Muslim communities".

The government's independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, Jonathan Hall, has warned the new policy "could undermine the UK's reputation because it would not be seen as democratic".

It is not known which groups the government proposes to label as extremist, though it has promised to publish a list in the coming weeks and suggested Islamists and neo-Nazis will be targeted.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stood outside Downing Street and said there were "forces here at home trying to tear us apart".

Discussing pro-Palestinian protests that have taken place since the Hamas attacks in Israel, he said: "On too many occasions recently, our streets have been hijacked by small groups who are hostile to our values and have no respect for our democratic traditions."

Under the new definition, which comes into force on Thursday, extremism is "the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, that aims to:

negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others; or undermine, overturn or replace the UK's system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights; or intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the results in (1) or (2)."

The previous definition, introduced in 2011 under the Prevent strategy, described extremism as "vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and belief".

The government says the new one is "narrower and more precise" and will help "clearly articulate" how extremism is "evidenced" in behaviours.

It also says there will be a "high bar" to being classed as extremist and the policy will not target those with "private, peaceful beliefs".

Organisations or individuals added to the list will not be criminalised, unlike terrorist groups. Instead, they will be barred from contact with government and will not be able to receive government funding.

Alongside the redefinition, a new unit - the Counter-Extremism Centre of Excellence - has been set up, to gather intelligence and identify extremist groups.

Groups and individuals labelled extremist have the right to seek reassessment and submit new evidence to a review.

If they still disagree, they can challenge the government's decision through a potentially costly judicial review.

Announcing the change, Mr Gove said "our values of inclusivity and tolerance are under challenge from extremists".

"In order to protect our democratic values, it is important both to reinforce what we have in common and to be clear and precise in identifying the dangers posed by extremism."

'Tinkering' not enough

Critics have warned a new definition could worsen community tensions and expose ministers to legal challenges if left too broad.

Mr Hall told the BBC: "Every attempt to update the definition of extremism has failed because it's never clear what you're trying to prevent by defining extremism."

"What we see is a move away from people who are doing bad things, towards people who think bad things or have a bad ideology."

Azhar Qayum, CEO of Muslim Engagement and Development, said "delegitimising lawful dissent in this way is itself undermining liberal democratic principles" and that he had "placed the government on legal notice".

Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner, who also serves as shadow communities secretary, said extremism was a "serious problem that needs serious action" and that "tinkering with a new definition is not enough".

"The government's counter-extremism strategy is now nine years out of date, and they've repeatedly failed to define Islamophobia," she said.

In an open letter published in the Guardian on Sunday, former home secretaries Priti Patel, Sajid Javid and Amber Rudd urged the Conservatives and Labour to "work together to build a shared understanding of extremism and a strategy to prevent it that can stand the test of time, no matter which party wins an election".

"In the run-up to a general election, it's particularly important that that consensus is maintained and that no political party uses the issue to seek short-term tactical advantage," they said.

Brendan Cox, husband of murdered MP Jo Cox and founder of Survivors Against Terror, who also signed the letter, said the new definition was "not the scorched earth policy that we feared a few weeks ago".

He added there were "some constructive elements" to it but that the government's approach had been "mismanaged and mishandled".
F. McLintocks Saloon in Arroyo Grande abruptly shut down this week  devastating longtime fans of the iconic restaurant.

After over 40 years of service, we are sad to say we closed the doors to our Arroyo Grande McLintocks Saloon, its parent company announced on Instagram on Wednesday night.

The restaurant  part of a family-owned Central Coast group  would have celebrated its 40th anniversary May 1.

We appreciate and thank you all for your support and patronage over the years, the post said. We are sad to see this location go. However, we look forward to serving you at one of our other F. McLintocks locations and Thursday night farmers market.

The restaurant chains other locations in Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo will remain open, according to the post.

News of the sudden closure saddened many who took to social media to share their memories of the establishment.

So sad!! That was the place to go back in the 90s! one commenter said on Instagram. Lines out the door.

That was our go-to place for so many years, another said. Stood in line to get in.

A few mentioned that friends who worked there had apparently gotten no advance notice of the closure.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the Arroyo Grande restaurant at 133 Bridge Street was closed up, with the doors locked and the business animal trophies moved from the walls down to the tables. No closure notice was posted on the door.

A bobcat with eyeglasses is one of the many eclectic decorations at the Shell Beach restaurant.

Why did iconic Arroyo Grande restaurant close?

Multiple attempts to get further comment from F. McLintocks representatives were unsuccessful Wednesday.

Calls made to the San Luis Obispo McLintocks during its normal open hours went unanswered, and the voicemail box was full. Nobody on duty at the Shell Beach saloon and restaurant Wednesday night was authorized to speak about the Arroyo Grande closure.

Owner Toney Breault and vice president Jay Britton did not respond to multiple Tribune requests for comment as of Thursday morning.

Britton did share some information on the Up & Adam podcast by Adam Monteil on Wednesday.

During a segment, Britton said sales impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic closures, escalating costs of operation and along nearby bridge construction project, which limited access to the restaurants parking lot, all played a minor role in the decision to close the restaurant.

Ultimately, however, the company wanted to strengthen the position of its other F. McLintocks restaurants and businesses, and to focus on the upcoming national release of a new McLintocks product: its well-known beans, he said.

Tunny Ortali, left, Bruce Breault, and Toney Breault of F. McLintocks inside their Shell Beach restaurant January 22, 2004.

First McLintocks opened in Shell Beach in 1973

Breaults father, Bruce Breault and Tunny Ortali opened the first McLintocks Saloon & Dining Hall in Shell Beach in 1973. It specializes in steaks, barbecue and meals served family style.

The company opened restaurants in San Luis Obispo in 1975 and Arroyo Grande in 1984.

As it rose to popularity, the business has also faced its share of trials over the years.

After 23 years of serving barbecue and more in a Paso Robles location, McLintocks closed that location in 2020 saying the pandemic had doomed the business there.

In 2023, the downtown San Luis Obispo spot had to temporarily shutter for a month after the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control suspended its license due to multiple violations, including operating a disorderly house.

The company also owns Franks Famous Hot Dogs and Buffalo Pub & Grill in San Luis Obispo.
Executives of the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix have raised the prospect of their races being staged on a Saturday permanently after the jackpot success of this years events.

The opening races of the 2024 Formula 1 season took place on a Saturday this year, due to the Islamic holy month of Ramadan starting on Sunday 10 March.

To avoid a clash, the race in Jeddah was brought forward a day to 9 March, and as per FIA rules which dictate a minimum of seven days between races, the season-opener in Bahrain was on Saturday 2 March.

With qualifying therefore moving to Friday, Bahrain GP CEO Sheikh Salman bin Isa al-Khalifa commented that the sold-out success of the Friday-Saturday combination could result in talks with F1 chief Stefano Domenicali over a permanent move.

This train of thought was echoed by Saudi GP CEO Martin Whitaker, who confirmed that talks with Domenicali over the future scheduling of the event had taken place.

Asked if the Jeddah race could move permanently to a Saturday, Whitaker told RacingNews365: Absolutely. Weve actually had this conversation. My chairman, Prince Khalid, spoke with Sheikh Salman and Stefano in Bahrain on this very point.

"Its a good idea. The teams find it easier, its good for them, with a lot of the personnel back home on Sunday.

"Thats one of the beauties of being in the Middle East in that you can get a flight at two oclock in the morning and be at Heathrow at six oclock, or Paris, or wherever you want to go to in Europe.

F1 races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia (pictured) could move to a Saturday on a permanent basis (Getty Images)

Whitaker added that Bahrain was a jackpot success in terms of numbers, with 100,000 attending the three days of the race in Sakhir and a record race-day total of 37,000.

"There are a huge number of benefits in running the event on the weekend of the country, Whitaker added.

I think weve got something which could work, and theres no doubt, looking at Bahrain this year, Im absolutely convinced by that.

"Im sure Sheikh Salman will tell you this, but that race was the success it was, and I suspect they hit the jackpot in terms of the numbers, because of the weekend issue."

Max Verstappen won the opening two races with ease as Red Bull continue their dominant form. The next race of the 2024 season takes place at Albert Park in Melbourne, Australia next weekend (22-24 March).
TUNIS, March 14 (Xinhua) -- An explosion of gas cylinders injured 35 people in Rades district in the southern suburbs of the Tunisian capital Tunis, private radio station Mosaique FM reported Thursday.

Among the injuries, four people are in critical condition with severe burns, Moez Triaa, the spokesman for the Civil Protection Department, was quoted as saying.

The explosion, which occurred at 6:20 a.m. local time (0520 GMT) in a gas filling center owned by a national oil distribution company, was caused by a gas leak during the process of filling gas cylinders, according to Triaa.

The leaked gas from one of the filling pipes ignited a fire, subsequently causing several gas cylinders to explode, said the spokesman.

Firefighters have successfully extinguished the blaze, according to the official. 
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating an American Airlines flight that reported a flat tire after departing a Dallas area airport Wednesday.

The FAA said an American Airlines Boeing 777 landed safely at the Los Angeles International Airport around 8:45 p.m. PDT Wednesday after it reported a flat tire after taking off from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. The FAA said it will investigate the incident.

American Airlines said the airplane landed without incident in Los Angeles after the flight crew reported a possible mechanical issue. The airline noted the pilots received an indication that pressure was low in one of the planes tires.

The aircraft taxied to the gate under its own power and customers deplaned normally, the airline said in a statement.

This comes about a week after a United Airlines Boeing 777 lost a tire on takeoff from San Francisco International Airport. It cut its planned flight to Osaka International Airport in Japan short and landed at Los Angeles International Airport after the crew reported a landing gear issue.

The FAA is also investigating that incident.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Yahoo Sports

Jason Fitz is joined by Senior NFL Reporters Charles Robinson and Jori Epstein to go behind the scenes on the latest rumors and news around the NFL. The trio start with takeaways from the NFL owner's meetings as Jori was on the ground in Orlando. The hosts discuss the fallout of the new kickoff rule (are rosters going to change because of it?), the two Christmas Day games and what the heck Jerry Jones was doodling in his notebook. Next, it's time to pull out the crystal ball as the hosts attempt to look into the future for some key quarterbacks, starting with Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy. McCarthy's draft stock has been skyrocketing lately as some rumors emerged that he could go as high as second overall. Charles gives his thoughts and what he's hearing from GMs around the league before moving onto Brock Purdy and whether San Francisco will be willing to pay him when the time comes. Charles dives deeper into the 2024 quarterback class and why every prospect has a massive red flag, and Jori gives us the latest on the Dak Prescott contract negotiations, which seem to be heading in the wrong direction. All signs are pointing towards Dak hitting free agency next offseason. Finally, Fitz wraps things up by asking about Deion Sanders' comments about choosing where his sons get drafted and whether or not player empowerment could be ascending to a new level with the emergence of NIL.
Gov. Tim Walz and officials from Rosemount, the University of Minnesota, Greater MSP and Dakota County were all smiles Thursday morning as they announced Meta, the parent company of Facebook, will open an $800 million data center in Rosemount.

The data center is to be constructed on a 280-acre parcel of UMore Park, span over 700,000 square feet and will bring in 1,000 construction jobs.

In addition to the construction jobs, the data center also will support 100 positions in the long term, Walz said. It starts to position Minnesota as a place where we are attracting high tech industry, Walz said.

Im the guy who gets to issue the license plates, Walz joked as he revealed a Minnesota license plate that read META IN MN.

Rosemount Mayor Jeff Weisensel said, The $800 million investment will undoubtedly shape the future of our city and bring about positive change and opportunities for our community.

In addition to the well-paying jobs this data center will bring to Rosemount, it will contribute millions in local tax revenue supporting our communitys growth.

Perfect home for Meta

Bradley Davis, director of data center community and economic development for Meta, said Rosemount is the perfect home for Meta because if offers access to infrastructure, renewable energy and community partners. The data center will help serve the companys needs for artificial intelligence computing power.

Metas Rosemount data center will be optimized for AI workloads as part of a highly advanced infrastructure that helps bring our technologies and services to life, Davis said. These buildings and the hardware inside them will help people connect to friends, family, find communities and grow business.

Once the data center is up and running, it will be powered by Xcel Energy and supported by 100 percent renewable energy, Davis said. Rosemount is now our home and we look forward to having a strong, mutually beneficial relationship for years to come.

Ryan Long, president of Xcel Energy Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, said Thursday that in Minnesota, Xcel is at 40 percent renewable energy and over 70 percent carbon-free.

We have a plan in front of the Minnesota Utilities Commission to add thousands of additional megawatts of renewables over the next 5-10 years, Long said. We expect that Meta will grow to be among our largest customers on our system.

Agriculture benefits

The Rosemount City Council approved a final site and building plan for the data center in December. The project, previously code named Project Bigfoot, met some resistance from residents who expressed concerns about environmental impacts, a lack of transparency and Meta as the end-user of the data center.

Councilmember Tami Klimpel, a resident of the area, said at the time she also had concerns, but they had been addressed in the approved proposal.

We have spoken with other communities who have seen and touted the benefits of Metas commitment to being not only a good, but a great community partner, Mayor Weisensel said Thursday.

The sale of the 280-acre parcel at UMore Park was approved by the University of Minnesotas Board of Regents in September.

Spanning some 4,772 acres, UMore Park was bought by the federal government in the 1940s to be used as a gunpowder manufacturing facility. After World War II, the land was given to the University of Minnesota and used as a research site.

We are so excited to have Meta as the first in what will eventually be a light industrial business park, said Leslie Krueger, assistant vice president for planning, space and real estate at the University of Minnesota.

Krueger went on to say that the data center is a double win for the state as the funds from the land sale will be used by the university to invest in its Future of Advanced Agricultural Research in Minnesota initiative.

The FAARM initiative aims to develop an agricultural research and teaching complex that will help farmers and industry navigate sustainable food production.

I dont know if my colleagues at Meta knew they were advancing agricultural research as well as cutting-edge technology, Krueger said.

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A woman was identified as a child pornography victim in images taken a decade ago with the help of facial recognition technology and a tip from Australian police, according to court documents.

Now, a man accused of taking the photos at his New York home from 2011 through 2013 has been arrested, federal prosecutors have announced.

A criminal complaint charges Matthew A. Steele, a 53-year-old Elma resident, with production and distribution of child pornography, according to a March 13 news release from the U.S Attorneys Office for the Western District of New York.

Steele was a former classmate of the womans father, she told a detective after she was located in September 2023, according to court documents.

McClatchy News contacted a federal public defender appointed to represent Steele for comment on March 14 and didnt receive an immediate response.

The woman is located

In January 2023, the Department of Homeland Securitys Cyber Crimes Center was alerted to 47 images involving the sexual exploitation of a child following a referral from the Queensland Police Service in Australia, prosecutors said.

When Australian police discovered the photos, they appeared to be newly produced before federal investigators in the U.S. later learned the images werent new, an affidavit says.

In September, a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) criminal analyst examined the photos in an effort to identify the child, according to the affidavit.

The analyst noticed the girl had dermatological markings on her face and used facial recognition technology to search for her online, the affidavit says.

Thats when the investigator believed photos of a Montana resident on Facebook and Instagram matched the images of the child, according to the affidavit.

Then, Montana authorities located the woman and spoke with her during a recorded interview in September, the affidavit says.

The woman told detectives that she was the child in the photo and that she knew who was behind the camera, according to the affidavit.

She said it was Steele, who she said she used to consider an uncle while explaining Steele and her father used to be really close and attended school together, the affidavit says.

This is something Ive tried to suppress for years, the woman told detectives.

She also told them that Steele lived in or near Buffalo, according to the affidavit. Elma, where Steele lives, is about a 15-mile drive east from Buffalo.

According to the criminal complaint, Steele produced sexually explicit material of the woman when she was a child from July 2011 through July 2012.

Additionally, some of the images were created in March 2013, prosecutors said.

These images contained metadata that helped HSI determine the type and serial number of the camera used, according to prosecutors.

When HSI agents executed a search warrant of Steeles home, they found photos of the woman as a child in different rooms, prosecutors said.

They also observed the layout and the decor of the residence, which matched some of the images from the Queensland Police Service, according to prosecutors. Agents also located the camera used to take the images.

On March 13, Steele appeared in federal court for a detention hearing and was ordered to be detained by a judge, prosecutors said.

In ordering his detainment, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy wrote that no conditions of releasing him will reasonably assure the safety of any other person and the community.

12-year-old in library bathroom sees man recording her, Florida cops say. Hes charged

Firefighter caught filming 14-year-old girl showering and is arrested, Texas cops say

Former priest accused of molesting 15-year-old girl with cancer while giving blessing

Man tracked 14-year-olds phone, took bus from Florida to sexually assault her, feds say
Claim:

Climate change activist Greta Thunberg deleted a 2018 tweet claiming climate change will "wipe out" all of humanity by 2023.

Rating:

Rating: Mixture

What's True:

Thunberg did delete a tweet from her account from 2018 that read, "A top climate scientist is warning that climate change will wipe out all of humanity unless we stop using fossil fuels over the next five years." However 

What's False:

 This tweet, and the underlying article, never actually asserted that humanity would end in the year 2023.

On March 13, 2024, a right-wing X (formerly known as Twitter) account that regularly goes viral posted a screengrab purporting to show a deleted 2018 tweet from climate activist Greta Thunberg. That tweet, which quoted from a now-deleted article, said: "A top climate scientist is warning that climate change will wipe out all of humanity unless we stop using fossil fuels over the next five years."

The existence of this deleted tweet went viral in March 2023 as well. Climate skeptics have jumped on the deleted tweet as evidence of climate alarmism, insinuating that Thunberg's tweet suggested that, if climate science was accurate, humanity should be extinct at the time of this reporting.

Several problems exist with that narrative. First and foremost is the fact that the tweet and the article it linked to never said that humanity would vanish in 2023. Second, and also of crucial importance, is the "top climate scientist" referenced in the underlying article never actually said what these reports asserted him to have said. Here, Snopes untangles the controversy.

Did Thunberg Delete the Tweet?

Yes, on June 21, 2018, Thunberg tweeted a link to a now deleted article on the website GritPost bearing the headline, "Top Climate Scientist: Humans Will Go Extinct if We Don't Fix Climate Change by 2023." The GritPost article rehashed content originally published on Forbes about a seminar given by James Anderson, a Harvard University professor of atmospheric science, at the University of Chicago in 2018.

As reported by Forbes, Anderson's talk focused on the need for a massive effort to curb climate change over the next five years:

People have the misapprehension that we can recover from this state just by reducing carbon emissions, Anderson said in an appearance at the University of Chicago. Recovery is all but impossible, he argued, without a World War II-style transformation of industryan acceleration of the effort to halt carbon pollution and remove it from the atmosphere, and a new effort to reflect sunlight away from the earth's poles. This has to be done, Anderson added, within the next five years.

The assertion that humanity would collapse as a result of this inaction stemmed from statements Forbes attributed to Anderson about declining Arctic ice:

"The chance that there will be any permanent ice left in the Arctic after 2022 is essentially zero," Anderson said, with 75 to 80 percent of permanent ice having melted already in the last 35 years. "Can we lose 75-80 percent of permanent ice and recover? The answer is no."

Based on Internet Archive records, the GritPost article to which Thunberg linked was deleted sometime after July 2020. Thunberg deleted her tweet sometime after March 7, 2023. Thunberg did not respond to Snopes' request for comment.

Did the Tweet Say What People Claim It Said?

The claim that a top climate scientist allegedly predicted the collapse of humanity in 2023 has been popular with climate skeptics since Anderson allegedly made the claim in 2018. The Forbes article and Thunberg tweet were both widely lampooned for their alarmism at the time. When 2023 came and humanity still persisted, these same actors were ready to relish the moment, as summarized by Newsweek:

[Charlie] Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, on March 12, 2023, wrote: "One of the best headlines of the year so far 'Greta Thunberg deletes 2018 tweet saying world will end in 2023 after world does not end.'" Filmmaker [Dinesh] D'Souza, on March 12, 2023, added: "Climate Radical Greta Thunberg Caught Red Handed: Deletes 2018 Tweet That Says World Will End Without Action by 2023." [Brigitte] Gabriel, founder of ACT for America, on March 11, 2023, also said: "Greta Thunberg deleted this tweet because it exposes her for being a fraud. Make sure the entire world sees it."

All of these tweets misread the claim repeated by Thunberg, GritPost and Forbes. The point, as these individuals or outlets reported, was that humanity had to reach certain carbon emission benchmarks by 2023, or else catastrophic events decades to centuries later would be guaranteed because of feedbacks in the climate system. As Forbes described:

The answer [to the question "can we lose 75-80 percent of permanent ice and recover"] is no in part because of what scientists call feedbacks, some of the ways the earth responds to warming. Among those feedbacks is the release of methane currently trapped in permafrost and under the sea, which will exacerbate warming. Another is the pending collapse of the Greenland ice sheet, which Anderson said will raise sea level by 7 meters (about 23 feet).

Conflating the years scientists claim to be so-called "tipping points" with the year in which the end result of those tipping points is supposed to emerge is a rhetorical tactic common in climate-denial circles. Snopes has previously reported on the imprecise quotes contained in a 1989 Associated Press article misused in a similar way.

Did the Climate Scientist Say What the Tweets Said?

Regardless of any Thunberg tweet, the claim allegedly made by Anderson that "the chance that there will be any permanent ice left in the Arctic after 2022 is essentially zero" has also recently been shared as evidence of climate "fraud," suggesting Anderson made a failed prediction:

This aged well.

"The chance that there will be any permanent ice left in the Arctic after 2022 is essentially zero," Harvard scientist James Anderson in 2018.https://t.co/JwjNksjnyY  Rita Panahi (@RitaPanahi) March 14, 2023

The Forbes article was the only place in which the content of Anderson's seminar was reported, but Anderson told The Associated Press that he never made that argument, and that his words were wildly misinterpreted in media reports:

"That is a complete fabrication of what I said," Anderson wrote, referring to the claims he said humanity would be wiped out in five years. He said that during the seminar, he was displaying the most recent observations of Arctic sea ice volume  specifically the ice floating on the Arctic Ocean  and made the statement that "the current observed rate of floating ice loss volume, there will be no floating ice remaining by 2022." The focus of the statement was on the floating ice volume and the observed rate of disappearance at that time, he said. "Thus the statement was clear to those in attendance that the reference was to floating ice volume in the data shown on the slide, not arctic ice in general," Anderson clarified, adding, "so, the 'wiping out of humanity by 2022' is a total distortion of what I said or meant at the University of Chicago colloquium in 2018. I would never make such a statement."

The Bottom Line

Thunberg deleted a tweet that repeated an imprecise paraphrase of a climate scientist's 2018 seminar talk. While it is factual that she deleted this tweet, claims that the tweet argued humanity would end in 2023 are false. As such, we rate this claim as a "Mixture" of truth.

Sources:

McMahon, Jeff. "We Have Five Years To Save Ourselves From Climate Change, Harvard Scientist Says." Forbes, https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffmcmahon/2018/01/15/carbon-pollution-has-shoved-the-climate-backward-at-least-12-million-years-harvard-scientist-says/. Accessed 17 Mar. 2023.

Norton, Tom. "Fact Check: Did Greta Thunberg Delete Claim That Humanity Will End by 2023?" Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2023, https://www.newsweek.com/fact-check-did-greta-thunberg-delete-claim-that-humanity-will-end-2023-1787420.

"Posts Distort 2018 Greta Thunberg Tweet on Climate Danger." AP NEWS, 16 Mar. 2023, https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-greta-thunberg-deleted-tweet-675395214080.

Top Climate Scientist: Humans Will Go Extinct If We Don't Fix Climate Change by 2023. 1 May 2018, https://web.archive.org/web/20180501150731/https://gritpost.com/humans-extinct-climate-change/.


Claim:

A black-and-white photo authentically shows a woman named "Madam Violet," who, in the 1880s, was twice voted the scariest woman alive in the U.K.

Rating:

Rating: Miscaptioned

For more than a decade, an ominous image has been doing the rounds on social media, allegedly depicting a photo of a Victorian-era woman identified only as "Madam Violet," who was said to have twice been voted the scariest woman in the U.K. during the 1800s.

According to one version of the caption, which often accompanies the black-and-white image, posted to Facebook March 13, 2013:

Madam Violet, queen of the notoriously dark Edinburgh vampire hive, was twice voted Most Scary Woman in the UK - in 1882 and 1884.

(Creepyworld/Instagram)

In 2016, a blog post on the website Spooky Moon went into greater detail about the woman featured in the creepy image, offering the supposed backstory of "Violet Spears" along with additional photographs as proof, titled, "Not Sorry: The Story of Madam Violet and the Edinburgh Vampire Hive":

Violet Spears was born to moderately prosperous farmers, on the outskirts of Elgin, Scotland, in 1839. ... Of a dramatic mindset at an early age, Violet loved to draw, sing, and act for her family. Nonetheless, her first career was of the usual sort: she married 33-year-old farmer Henry Fitzpatrick at the age of 15, and had four children (including a set of twins) by the time she was 22. ... On the second anniversary of her husband's death, Violet disappeared. Her children were working the family farms by this time. ... In 1876, medium and hypnotist Madam Violet began to attract notoriety in Edinburgh. By this time, the charasmatic spiritualist had gathered a small group of followers, whom she affectionately referred to as her "hive." Her seances had become more and more elaborate, using elements of phantasmagoria to awe her guests. Blood ritual was introduced gradually, with clients being asked to donate small amounts of blood to help "connect to the spirits." Violet would drink the small goblet of commingled blood. She reported that it made her euphoric, that "this element, returned to me, had been missing the whole of my life." ... Some reports say that Madam Violet was "voted the most scary woman in England" in 1882 and 1884. As Violet never left Scotland, this is logistically unlikely. There was a mention of her in The Scotsman in 1881. An attendee of one of her seances described her as "most comely and frightening."

Several of the black-and-white photos that accompanied that post reportedly featured Madam Violet at various points throughout her life. One image allegedly depicted the subject as a young woman, while another showed her older and dressed in what appeared to be royal garments. Another photo depicted her supposedly taking part in a seance among a well-dressed group of people. Also included in the blog was a photo of a headstone for Violet Fitzpatrick who, according to the engraving on the stone, lived from 18391930.

But one merely has to scroll to the bottom of the Spooky Moon post for the truth:

RESEARCH NOTES: Much of this article was sourced from the book Vampires of Scotland by  oh, who am I kidding. I totally made this up. I saw this photo with its fake caption, and was sad it wasn't for real. The pictures (except for the seance) are Polish actress Mari Jaszai. The headstone and some early life details are from this guy's genealogical research.

While it's true that actress Mari Jaszai was the real-life actress shown in several of the photos on the Spooky Moon blog post, she came from Hungary, not Poland. Jaszai spent much of her life working with Budapest's National Theatre, and there is no evidence to suggest she was a vampire queen who spent any time leading a Scottish vampire hive in Edinburgh, nor is she the woman depicted in the viral pic of the "scariest woman alive" in the U.K.

In reality, the viral pic is actually photographic artwork by U.S. artist Christine Elfman created in 2008. The Spooky Moon post links to another blog from 2011, titled Morbid Anatomy, which also showcases the black-and-white photograph of the woman, with a headline offering the following crucial detail: "Cabinet Cards / Storydress II, Albumen Print Photographs of Life-size Paper Mache and Plaster Sculpture, Christine Elfman, 2008."

Speaking exclusively to Snopes, the artist Elfman gave us the backstory of how her artwork "Storydress II" was created.

From 2004 to 2008, I made and photographed the sculpture that viewers later named Madam Violet. Her dress is my great-grandmother's stories that I recorded, typed, tore, and paper-mached as a dress. Her hands were mine, cast in plaster; and her head I sculpted. I developed the wet-plate collodion negatives in a smaller adjacent room in the attic that someone had painted black and labeled 'bat cave' decades ago. It's as if the future interpretations of the photographic subject were unknowingly there from the beginning.

Elfman admitted to Snopes she was intrigued by the viral nature of her original artwork that "took on a life of its own."

"Interestingly, the same mysterious, unfixed qualities that inspired the creation of my photograph led to the circulation of wild rumors about it, through which it was used as visible evidence of the invisible or supernatural," she said. "This albumen print cabinet card took on a life of its own when people shared it online out of context. People found the nameless or mysterious image and wanted to believe that it was proof of a vampire spiritual medium," she continued, noting how the various online theories about her mysterious artwork likely mirrored people's real desires:

"I've always thought this was a fitting twist to the project, my photograph had become anonymous, decontextualized like all the other old photographs that had inspired it, with so much left to interpretation. The comments and controversies that arose in online forums reflected a wide range of viewers' underground desires: vampires, ritual blood sacrifice, spiritualism, doom metal, trance obsession porn, Jesus's babysitter. When the photograph is anonymous and out of context, they see it as evidence of something they want to believe in."

So, as it turns out, the spooky Victorian-era photo does not show an image of Scottish vampire queen Madam Violet, but is instead a paper-mache sculpture, titled "Storydress II," inspired by the artist's great-grandmother. Owing to that information, the sculpture presented in the image was never voted the scariest woman alive in the U.K., much less if she were actually a vampire of the undead.

Snopes has previously posted about vampires and historical rituals surrounding their hunting by humans, as well as burial traditions surrounding their demise.

Sources:

"10 Places Where It Seems Like Vampires Are More Than Myth." Atlas Obscura, https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/favorite-vampire-places. Accessed 11 Mar. 2024.

"---." Atlas Obscura, https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/favorite-vampire-places. Accessed 11 Mar. 2024.

"CHRISTINE ELFMAN." CHRISTINE ELFMAN, https://www.christineelfman.com. Accessed 8 Mar. 2024.

Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/BLY5Trgho1R/. Accessed 8 Mar. 2024.

Kultura | 0 | Irta: admin |. 2014 dec 27 |. Hires magyar nok  Jaszai Mari szineszno - Montazsmagazin. 27 Dec. 2014, https://montazsmagazin.hu/hires-magyar-nok-jaszai-mari-szineszno/.

Log in or Sign up to View. https://www.facebook.com/login/. Accessed 8 Mar. 2024.

Ltd, White Fuse Media. Christine Elfman | Reframing Photography. https://www.reframingphotography.com/resources/christine-elfman. Accessed 8 Mar. 2024.

Not Sorry: The Story of Madam Violet and the Edinburgh Vampire Hive | Spooky Moon. https://spookymoon.com/wp/?p=7450. Accessed 8 Mar. 2024.

Theresahpir. "Theresa's Haunted History of the Tri-State: Madam Violet, Vampire Queen." Theresa's Haunted History of the Tri-State, 1 Oct. 2015, https://theresashauntedhistoryofthetri-state.blogspot.com/2015/10/madam-violet-vampire-queen.html.

Vampire | Characteristics, History, Powers, Folklore, & Facts | Britannica. 8 Mar. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/topic/vampire.

Vampire Myths Originated with a Real Blood Disorder | Queen's Gazette. https://www.queensu.ca/gazette/stories/vampire-myths-originated-real-blood-disorder. Accessed 11 Mar. 2024.

"Vampires: Real Origins, Legends & Stories." HISTORY, 16 Nov. 2023, https://www.history.com/topics/folklore/vampire-history.

"---." HISTORY, 16 Nov. 2023, https://www.history.com/topics/folklore/vampire-history.
Claim:

The Red Cross provides migrants traveling north to the Southwest U.S. border a pamphlet that includes a map and "self-care messages."

Rating:

Rating: True

Context:

The pamphlets are specifically provided by the International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC), not the U.S.-based American Red Cross. A spokesperson for the ICRC told Snopes by email that the organization "does not prevent nor does it encourage migration." Rather, it aims to "help prevent and mitigate the humanitarian consequences that migration can bring  including separation and loss of family contacts, disappearances, serious medical issues and even death."

In the U.S., the American Red Cross is perhaps best known for its blood-donation drives and for providing aid following natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires. Its humanitarian efforts are "part of a global network dedicated to relieving human suffering," according to the organization's website.

In other words, the American Red Cross is just one of many chapters under the umbrella of the international Red Cross and Red Crescent network. That vast network includes three central parts. One of those parts is the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which has published that it has 20,000 staff members in over 100 countries who are meant to help those "affected by armed conflict and violence."

Conflict and violence are two reasons families and persons might migrate, according to the website for the American Red Cross. Three other mentioned reasons for migration include human rights violations, a lack of economic prospects and natural disasters.

This brings us to the rumor at hand, which claims the "Red Cross" is providing maps and resources to migrants who plan to continue moving north through Central America and Mexico with the goal of reaching the Southwest U.S. border.

For example, on Feb. 6, 2024, X user @PecanC8 posted an image of one such map. The user wrote of the image, "Remember this next time the Red Cross asks for money. That will be a hard no from me." Many other users posted the same claim and sentiment on X, Instagram and Facebook.

Red Cross is providing migrants with maps & resources to travel to the US border. Packets distributed in Mexico stamped with the American Red Cross logo outline routes, shelters and tips to complete the journey. Remember this next time the Red Cross asks for money. That will be pic.twitter.com/DlQhxciKcU    C8  (@PecanC8) February 6, 2024

It's true the ICRC  not the American Red Cross  provides to some migrants either printed or digitally downloaded pamphlets. Those materials include a map that on one side shows the Southwest U.S. border, Mexico and Central America, as well as "self-care messages" for survival, health and communication needs on the reverse side. At the same time, this statement of fact has quite a bit of context behind it. Importantly, context regarding hot-button American political issues like immigration is often missing from both online discussions and cropped screenshots of fact-check ratings posted on social media.

Statements from American Red Cross and ICRC

Both the American Red Cross and ICRC told Snopes by email the Red Cross "does not prevent nor does it encourage migration." Rather, they said they aim to "help prevent and mitigate the humanitarian consequences that migration can bring  including separation and loss of family contacts, disappearances, serious medical issues and even death."

A spokesperson for the ICRC continued, "The map and safe-care messages are not instructions on how to migrate; our approach to migration is strictly humanitarian. We provide information about ways to reduce risk and where to find lifesaving assistance. It is essential to prevent the loss of lives and to promote a humanitarian approach. Addressing the needs of this vulnerable population is a shared responsibility, of the authorities in the countries of origin, transit and destination, and of the international community."

One word was repeated several times in our correspondence with the ICRC: "lifesaving."

A spokesperson for the American Red Cross also added, "Erroneous claims and incendiary misinformation can have very real consequences on the ability to provide humanitarian aid. We encourage the public to verify what they see, read and hear before sharing."

Pamphlet Side One: The Map

The ICRC website provides downloadable links for the pamphlet in several languages, including an English-language PDF file. The material was first made available in 2015.

The map's legend includes colors for climates and markers for free services, train routes and rivers. Beyond that, the map is very limited in that it does not include roadways or any other markings.

"The maps and self-care messages are not instructions on which routes or transport migrants should use," the ICRC spokesperson told Snopes.

The free services marked on the map include eight types of locations for basic needs, including shelters, food, medical assistance, free phone calls, internet services, help regarding orientation and information, transportation and orthopedic care.

Out of the 87 total locations marked on the map, only five were marked as containing transportation services. Those five locations are all located in Honduras and Panama, well over 1,000 miles from the U.S.

"We work to reduce the factors that contribute to the vulnerability of the migrant population," the ICRC spokesperson said. "Access to information reduces the risks and mitigates the humanitarian consequences that migrants face, particularly the most vulnerable. Knowing the location of a shelter or medical services, for example, can make a significant difference to a migrant and in some cases can save their lives."

Pamphlet Side Two: 'Self-care Messages'

The opposite side of the pamphlet displaying "self-care messages" mostly provides humanitarian information. For example, some of the pamphlet advises how migrants can avoid medical emergencies and death, while other parts advise them about their rights and to keep in touch with their family during their journey.

The pamphlet advises that, if migrants dangerously attempt to ride on the outside of a freight train for example, they should take special care to prevent injuries and death.

"While onboard a freight train or any other freight vehicle, it is recommended that you remain seated," the pamphlet reads, in one of several tips about surviving freight train rides. "Be careful and look out for any branches, electrical cables or tunnels that could hit you or cause you to fall. Sit where you can hold on to something."

Additionally, the pamphlet provides information for migrants who have become a victim of "sexual violence" and advises they drink water, avoid drowning in rivers, avoid traveling in extreme temperatures, memorize important telephone numbers and take special care of their identification documents, among other helpful tips.

Where Can Migrants Obtain Printed Pamphlets?

The ICRC spokesperson told Snopes it provides paper versions of the pamphlets "in shelters, food distribution sites and healthcare clinics run by the National Red Cross Societies, as well as to other organizations that conduct activities related to people who are migrating." They also said they "collaborate with different authorities in the Mexico and Central America to deliver self-care messages and information on essential services available to migrants."

How Many Pamphlets Have Been Distributed?

In 2020, the ICRC reported for the year 2019 it had printed and distributed 10,000 of the paper pamphlets containing the map and "self-care messages." It also sent 10,600 digital "self-care messages" via WhatsApp.

During the same year, the website for U.S. Customs and Border Protection published data saying its officials had encountered around 800,000 migrants during the 2019 calendar year.

Snopes was unable to locate similar data regarding pamphlet distribution for a more recent year. Further, and importantly, we were unable to obtain annual download numbers for the digital versions of the pamphlets.

Was American Red Cross Involved with the Pamphlet?

Snopes asked the American Red Cross if its specific U.S.-based chapter of the Red Cross was ever involved with the pamphlets provided for migrants. In response, a spokesperson for the organization told us its logo was once visible on the pamphlet for a limited period of time during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The American Red Cross logo came off the pamphlet at the conclusion of our term-limited COVID-19 program," the spokesperson told us by email. "The American Red Cross [had] partnered with the Mexican Red Cross to support COVID-related health and hygiene for migrants."

What Does American Red Cross Do for Migrants?

The American Red Cross provides "basic aid" on an "as needed" basis at the U.S.-Mexico border and in U.S. cities. On its website, it says, "As a humanitarian organization, we do not turn away anyone in need."

Depending on the circumstances, the American Red Cross might provide relief supplies and training. Supplies and services can include food, water, comfort, health services, mental health support, cots, blankets, hygiene items, first aid kits and towels.

In other words, the organization seeks to meet the basic and immediate needs of people who potentially just completed a journey of well over 1,000 miles. Phones have also been provided "in some cases," so migrants can "reconnect with family members back home to let them know they're safe, all according to the American Red Cross website page titled, "How Does the American Red Cross Help Migrants, Refugees and Asylum Seekers?"

How is American Red Cross Funded?

As previously noted, some online users who were negatively critical of the Red Cross effort to minimize injuries and deaths of migrants said they would no longer donate to the organization, apparently referring to the American Red Cross.

According to the website for the American Red Cross, it primarily receives financial support "from voluntary public contributions and cost-recovery charges." The organization also specifies while it "does not receive federal funding on a regular basis," it does sometimes, "under limited circumstances," receive some state and federal funds.

Sources:

"How Does the American Red Cross Help Migrants, Refugees and Asylum Seekers?" American Red Cross, https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/how-does-the-american-red-cross-help-migrants.html.

Jones, Kelly. "Yes, the Red Cross Has Provided Maps to Migrants Traveling towards the U.S. Border." KGW.com, 12 Mar. 2024, https://www.kgw.com/article/news/verify/immigration/yes-the-red-cross-has-provided-maps-to-migrants-traveling-towards-the-us-border/536-677f0581-b629-4243-b515-2e1606af45f2.

"Mexico: Migration and Displacement." International Committee of the Red Cross, 11 June 2020, https://www.icrc.org/en/document/mexico-migration-and-displacement.

"Mexico y Centroamerica: mensajes de autocuidado impresos y digitales para personas migrantes." Comite Internacional de la Cruz Roja, 20 Mar. 2019, https://www.icrc.org/es/document/mexico-personas-migrantes-reciben-por-whatsapp-mensajes-de-autocuidado-para-prevenir-los.

"Migration & Refugee Crisis." American Red Cross, https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/international-services/migration-and-refugee-crisis.html.

"Our Federal Charter." American Red Cross, https://www.redcross.org/about-us/who-we-are/history/federal-charter.html.

@RedCross. X, 26 Mar. 2023, https://twitter.com/RedCross/status/1640061932148277253.

"Southwest Border Migration FY 2019." U.S. Customs and Border Protection, https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/sw-border-migration/fy-2019.

"Southwest Border Migration FY 2020." U.S. Customs and Border Protection, https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/sw-border-migration-fy2020.

The Global Red Cross Network. https://www.redcross.org/about-us/who-we-are/history/global-red-cross-network.html.

"Where We Work." International Committee of the Red Cross, https://www.icrc.org/en/where-we-work.
Claim:

In 1994, then-U.S. Sen. Joe Biden said in an interview, If Haiti  a God-awful thing to say  if Haiti just quietly sunk into the Caribbean or rose up 300 feet, it wouldn't matter a whole lot to our interests.

Rating:

Rating: Correct Attribution

Context:

The selected quote is missing key context. Biden was discussing U.S. military intervention around the world and comparing its interests in Haiti to those in other countries, like Bosnia.

On March 12, 2024, an archival video of then-U.S. Senator Joe Biden went viral, in which he purportedly said, "If Haitia God-awful thing to sayif Haiti just quietly sunk into the Caribbean or rose up 300 feet, it wouldn't matter a whole lot to our interests."

The video, which was reportedly from 1994, appeared to show Biden sitting in an interview, as by the end of his remarks, someone attempts to interject with a question before the clip cuts.



(Screenshot via X)

Biden did indeed say the above words, though the clip is missing important context. He was discussing reasons for U.S. military intervention into different countries and discussing American interests in Haiti versus Bosnia as an example. As such we rate this as a "Correct Attribution."

The interview took place in September 1994 alongside Republican Rep. Mike Castle, and was conducted by journalist Charlie Rose. The full video is available on Rose's website.

While the clip apparently was intended to show Biden's purported callousness about the people of Haiti, he was actually making a larger point about U.S. interests around the world. At the beginning of the interview, Rose asked Biden, "Senator Biden, is the United States going to invade Haiti, and is that a wise move?" Biden responded, "I don't know, and I think it's probably not wise."

In 1991, Haiti's first popularly elected president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, was overthrown in a military coup. Three years laterand around a week after this interviewthe U.S. government under President Bill Clinton would send 20,000 U.S. troops to the country to help restore Aristide to power.

Biden began his response by establishing the consequences of invading Haiti:

My concern is if we invade Haiti is not that we will not be able to very rapidly dispatch the present government there, or the dictatorship that's there. That'll be done quickly and, I think, with very little physical loss of life. But, then we're put in a position not unlike Mike and I faced as Congresspersons in Somalia, where there's a need to then reestablish a government. That's the hard part.

He responded to a question from Rose about whether Clinton would look weak in the eyes of the world were Congress to prevent him from invading Haiti. Biden argued that Clinton would have to make a compelling case for it, and how it would serve U.S. interests (emphasis, ours):

Charlie, it doesn't matter much anymore. The truth of the matter is, no one doubts our power. We don't have a superpower arrangement where we are in  where there's any power in the world that  the president of the United States could be turned down tomorrow on almost anything, and no nation in the world is going to say, ''Aha, the United States is weak.'' No one is going to fool around with the 800-pound gorilla. [...] Quite frankly, if we decided tomorrow to go into anywhere or not go into anywhere, it's not going to change the calculus of NATO; it's not going to change the calculus of the Russians; it's not going to change the calculus of the Chinese; and they're the things that matter to us. The distinction between Bosnia and Haiti, for example. If some of us are right on Bosnia, that this ethnic cleansing has the potential to rear its ugly head in Ukraine in, in, in, in Belarus in the former Soviet Union, where they have major arsenals of nuclear weapons, where they have long histories of national wars, where ethnicity dominates; that is of phenomenal potential consequence to the United States. If Haiti  a God awful thing to say  if Haiti just quietly sunk into the Caribbean or rose up 300 feet, it wouldn't matter a whole lot in terms of our interest.

Later in the interview, Biden talked about being questioned on his lack of support and the racial dynamics behind it, as well as the politics involved in Clinton's decision (emphasis, ours).

Rose: But are you saying then that the only reason that the president might be thinking about invading Haiti is because of politics? Biden: [...] You have a large group, a large constituency in the United States of America looks and says, ''Now wait a minute. Y'all went into Grenada for 40, 100, 70, not 500 medical students. And here there are thousands of blacks being persecuted, killed, death squads, and you're not doing anything.'' Clearly, Haiti is no more or less in the interest of the United States than Grenada. So what you have [is]  for example, a leading editor of a paper in the Delaware Valley [...] asked their reporters to come down and talk to me and said, ''Why is Biden so concerned about Bosnia, and not about Haiti? Is it because blacks are involved in Haiti  blacks are what are at stake in Haiti, and in Bosnia they are Europeans, whites?'' There is that notion abroad in the Congress, in the country. It's not substantially different than when Lech Walesa came along and all the Poles in the State of Delaware and the United States of America focused, or when Israel is in trouble and the American Jewish community and those who believe strongly in Israel focus. You can list, throughout our history, circumstances where our, our multi-ethnic community looks to things happening in a constituency that they are from, represent, or feel, having a stake in. [...] There's a different political dynamic here, and that is that there is a large constituency in America that is saying, ''Hey wait a minute. Is the reason you're not paying attention over there because those folks are black folks?'' Rose: Right. Biden: I think Somalia worked that way, don't you, Michael, I mean in terms of how people respond? Castle: I think so.

Ultimately, Biden did say the above words about Haiti, but did so to make a point about U.S. interests around the world and whether he supported military intervention into their political affairs.

Sources:

"Bill Clinton Once Enjoyed a Bright Legacy in Haiti. Then the 2010 Earthquake Struck." The Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2020, https://pulitzercenter.org/stories/bill-clinton-once-enjoyed-bright-legacy-haiti-then-2010-earthquake-struck. Accessed 14 March 2024.

"Milestones: 19932000." Office of the Historian. https://history.state.gov/milestones/1993-2000/haiti#:~:text=President%20Clinton%20approved%20Carter's%20mission,entry%20on%20to%20Haitian%20soil. Accessed 14 March 2024.

"Politics in Delaware." Charlie Rose. charlierose.com, https://charlierose.com/videos/25686. Accessed 14 March 2024.


A cat snuck into a factory in Fukuyama, Japan, and fell into a toxic-chemical vat before escaping.

The city alerted residents, and officials advised them not to pet any abnormal-looking cats.

The factory plans to enhance security measures to help prevent future animal intrusions.

Officials in Fukuyama, Japan, alerted the city after a cat snuck into a metal-plating factory and fell into a toxic vat before escaping.

The factory, Nomura Plating, plans to ramp up security measures to prevent animals from causing problems in the future.

On Monday morning, a tan-colored trail of paw prints was found leading away from an 11-foot-tall vat of metal-plating solution containing hexavalent chromium, Japan's Asahi Shimbun newspaper reported.

Breathing in the toxic chemical, also known as chromium 6, can lead to swelling of the lungs and airways, and touching it can cause ulcerations, the UK Health Security Agency says.

A factory spokesperson told Agence France-Press that "the incident woke us up to the need to take measures to prevent small animals like cats from sneaking in, which is something we had never anticipated before."

Asahi Shimbun reported that surveillance footage showed the cat leaving the factory on Sunday night.

The factory said part of a sheet over the vat looked to have been partially turned over, allowing the cat to fall in, the newspaper said.

The factory did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

A spokesperson told AFP that the factory immediately told police, city officials, and neighboring buildings about the escaped cat.

In turn, the city's environmental division warned residents of the potential health risks, urging them to keep their distance if they spotted the toxic cat.

Exposure to hexavalent chromium can lead to an increased risk of lung, nose, and sinus cancers, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry says.

"If you find a cat that seems abnormal, please do not touch it and contact the city or police," the environmental division said, Asahi Shimbun reported.

City officials also provided guidance to elementary schools near the factory, advising children not to pet any cats that looked unwell, Japan's Nippon TV News reported.

As of Thursday, the cat's whereabouts were still unknown, though the city's environment division told AFP that it may have died from chemical exposure.

Read the original article on Business Insider
University of Utah student Emely Sanchez, who has federal student aid, studies for anatomy at the J. Willard Marriott Library at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, March 13, 2024.

As of Wednesday, the University of Utahs financial aid office had received just one students ISIR, short for Institutional Student Information Record, from the Department of Education. ISIR is a personalized record that helps a college or university determine an applicants eligibility for federal student aid programs.

Utahs flagship university, like thousands of others across the country, is anxiously waiting for ISIR data, which will enable it to assemble financial aid packages for thousands of prospective students, which will enable the applicants to decide where they will attend college.

The delay is tied to the Education Departments update of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. The Education Department worked to streamline the applications but the rollout, expected in October, didnt occur until December. Once the forms were released online, there were complications that resulted in the forms being taken down multiple times, which delayed families access to online forms and posed challenges for families that were unable to fix mistakes in forms they had submitted.

It has resulted in far fewer FAFSA submissions, according to the National College Attainment Networks FAFSA tracker. In Utah, 11,827 Utah high school seniors had submitted federal financial aid applications as of March 1, down 25.8% from the previous academic year, according to NCAN data.

Steve Robinson, senior associate vice president for enrollment management at the University of Utah, said the impact of the delays has been pretty significant.

Literally, I have one ISIR. This is because the Department of Education is still processing all the FAFSA submissions that are coming in. Theyve had so many significant delays and slowdowns that its taking them a while. Our hope is that, and what the department saying, we will start getting larger batches of these ISIRs over the next several weeks and our hope is that we can catch up to where we were last year at this time, he said.

In recent years, the university informed students receiving needs-based awards in February. Now were probably looking at April, Robinson said.

The university is urging students to wait and be patient, Robinson said.

This is a transition year and they did make FAFSA much easier to use. I mean, its much shorter, he said.

Every college and university in the country is dealing with the delays, he said. Theres no one thats exempt from it, Robinson said.

The universitys financial aid office has been preparing for the Education Department to send ISIR data by testing its technology so the data can be processed as efficiently as possible, enabling the office to notify students about their offers immediately by email, which will be followed by a letter mailed to their homes, Robinson said.

The university is anticipating that 28,000 first year students will apply for admission this year but not all apply for financial aid or opt to attend the university. This academic year, 5,560 first-year students started classes in fall 2023.

Robinson said another complication is any student who applies whose parent does not have a Social Security number must apply on paper forms and those forms will not be processed until the Department of Education starts sending the electronic ISIR data to colleges and universities, which will mean further delays for those students.

The biggest thing Im concerned about right now is that we may have some students just walk away from higher ed completely, that they have just decided that its too much, especially right now, he said.

Andrea Morse, University of Utah scholarship program coordinator, helps Isaac Denison with a scholarship question at the Financial Aid Office at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Denison has also applied for federal student aid.

Depending on the term, 54% to 65% of U. students receive federal financial aid, Robinson said.

Isaac Denison, a junior in the U.s College of Engineering, said he attempted to complete FAFSA forms in January only to be told the application would be delayed another month. I went back to apply in mid-February. I have applied to FAFSA before, but it has, at most, taken me two hours spread out over a couple of days. This year, I checked four or five times over three months before finally being allowed to apply. I submitted the section applicable to myself, but I still have no idea if Ive completed the application, and no idea how or where to check, he said.

Denison said he does not anticipate he will receive financial aid from any federal program. Ive expected aid in the past, but I have given up placing hope in this program. My current student aid comes from the University of Utah and several private and corporate donors, he said.

Meanwhile, at Salt Lake Community College, the college does not plan to push back admission deadlines as a result of the FAFSA delays, according to Ryan Farley, associate vice president of student enrollment.

Regarding financial aid, well be adjusting scholarship and other aid deadlines as necessary. But similar to admissions, we already award aid well into the semester, even removing any late fee if the financial aid is in process.

The main point is simply well hold the student harmless for any ill effects the delay in receiving ISIR data causes, Farley said.

Financial aid applications are pictured at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, March 13, 2024.
Rui Miguens de Oliveira, Angola's minister of industry and commerce, speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Luanda, capital of Angola, March 6, 2024.(Xinhua/Dai He)

LUANDA, March 14 (Xinhua) -- "China's presence and collaboration at various levels -- state level, public enterprise level and private business level -- have been crucial for our industrial relaunch," said Rui Miguens de Oliveira, Angola's minister of industry and commerce, in a recent interview with Xinhua.

Regarding Angola's industrialization process, Rui Miguens expressed gratitude for China's strong support in the post-war rebuilding and construction of new infrastructure.

The minister emphasized that the participation and presence of Chinese companies and financial resources were fundamental for the initial recovery of destroyed infrastructure, such as bridges, roads, energy transmission lines and water supply systems. "All of these are infrastructures necessary for general economic and social development, but particularly essential for our industry," he said.

Rui Miguens noted that following the restoration of infrastructure, Angola witnessed investments from Chinese private companies in various industrial sectors, bringing new vitality and showcasing Angola's industrial potential to the world.

"The fact is that, at this moment, the largest private investors in Angola are likely Chinese investors. They are the best example of Angola, where it is possible to invest, create jobs, establish industries, and allow entrepreneurs to earn profits honestly," he said.

More than 400 Chinese companies currently operate in Angola, with investments exceeding 24 billion U.S. dollars. Many of these companies are engaged in industrial production, running factories that produce construction materials, plastics, daily-use products, steel, batteries, and other items.

"I was very impressed with the level of development I found in Chinese society and found the model that China has for industrialization, bringing large sections of the population that were previously just rural into the industry," he said.

Rui Miguens believed that China's high-tech manufacturing and industrial development have benefited ordinary households, thereby improving people's lives, and Angola can learn from China's industrialization experience to improve the income of its people.

Since China and Angola established diplomatic relations 41 years ago, Angola has emerged as China's second-largest trading partner in Africa, with bilateral trade reaching 23 billion U.S. dollars in 2023. Chinese companies have rebuilt or constructed new 2,800 km of railways, 20,000 km of roads, over 100,000 social housing units, more than 100 schools, and more than 50 hospitals in the southern African nation.

In the past decade, cooperation between China and Angola under the Belt and Road Initiative has yielded fruitful results, Rui Miguens said, describing the initiative as promoting economic and social development on the African continent and helping Africa integrate into global trade.

It enables nations to leverage their capabilities and potential, ultimately aiming for global well-being, the minister said. He also highlighted the initiative's potential contribution to peace, in addition to promoting social development among countries.

"We have been able to develop trade between various nations in such a way that it is mutually beneficial, benefiting all parties in a balanced and fair manner. We will be able to have more peace in the world, which is very necessary for us to develop our lives and have well-being for all humanity," he said. 
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) said a neighbor helped a woman escape her apartment while she was being burgled.

On Wednesday around 5:45 p.m., officers responded to an apartment in the 4500 block of Colony Ct. in Woodlawn for a burglary.

Fairfax County police find 34 pounds of marijuana, Adderall, more in drug investigation

FCPD said the woman was home alone when the suspect pushed his way through the unlocked front door and started assaulting her. The neighbor heard what was happening and helped the woman escape and get her to safety.

When officers arrived, they saw the suspect leaving the womans apartment. When the suspect saw the officers, he went back into the apartment. Eventually, officers arrested him and took him into custody.

Police identified the suspect as Deon Omar Traynham, 32, of Alexandria.

FCPD took Traynham to the hospital for injuries unrelated to the burglary. While an officer was escorting him, Traynham kicked them multiple times.

Leesburg police arrest, charge man for possessing child pornography

Traynham will be charged with burglary with intent to commit assault, abduction, assault and battery, assault on a law enforcement officer and obstruction of justice. He was held without bond.

Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to call (703) 246-7800.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
FAIRVIEW, Okla. (KFOR)  Who shot a woman with what is being called a stray bullet while sitting in her home is still a mystery in Fairview.

The school Superintendent, Craig Church, is promising to help a woman cover medical expenses, if hes the one who shot her, according to his attorney.

Stray bullet hits woman; Superintendent says hes possibly responsible

News 4 first reported about this earlier this week that Church told the Major County Sheriff its possible he is responsible. Church says, he was hunting coyotes in the area, around the time the shooting happened.

Police confirm, the bullet is lodged in the womans chest and until it can be removed, investigators wont know whos responsible.

The Sheriff says Church is cooperating with investigators at this time.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
A family of four was found dead inside their Texas home after a mysterious house fire, and now investigators believe they may have been killed, outlets reported.

On the morning of March 8, firefighters and police responded to the scene on San Antonios south side and arrived to find a home engulfed in flames, officials told WOAI.

Police said four people were found dead: 44-year-old Alfredo Pescador, 40-year-old Blanca Pescador, 19-year-old Leslie Pescador and a 13-year-old boy who was not publicly identified because theyre a juvenile.

The victims were all family members, a husband and wife and their two children, KENS reported.

The house was completely destroyed.

Authorities have revealed little about the fire since it happened, but soon after, they announced they were carrying out a homicide investigation.

At least one of the victims, Leslie Pescador, died from a gunshot wound, the Bexar County Medical Examiners Office told WOAI.

Blanca was a loving and amazing mom who her entire world revolved around her kids and (being) a good wife, her family wrote on a Gofundme page.

Leslie was an honors student at a local college, and her younger brother was an amazing kid, family said. Only god knows why things had to happen this way.

Witnesses reported hearing an explosion from the home as it burned, with one neighbor saying it was a big enough explosion to shake the whole house, the San Antonio Express-News reported.

The family was supposed to go to El Paso earlier in the week for a family emergency, but they never left, the neighbor told the newspaper.

Two elementary school teachers found dead in home in murder-suicide, Texas cops say

Armed man trying to sexually assault woman shot and killed by cops, Texas police say

High-speed crash in stolen car leaves 2 teens dead after police chase, Texas cops say

Cold-blooded partygoers record woman dying after shooting at rave, Texas cops say
In the summer of 2022, a 79-year-old suffering from dementia walked out of his Bluffton-area assisted living home and was never again seen alive. As the family of Jack Tribble asked for the publics help, his missing persons photo was seen on newspapers, websites and TV screens across the Lowcountry. The search ended two weeks later, when authorities found his body about a half-mile away from where he was last seen  but little was known at the time about how the patient got out of the secured building unnoticed.

Now, Tribbles family has taken a prerequisite step toward suing The Palmettos of Bluffton assisted living facility, located on S.C. 170 east of Sun City. Allegations laid out in new court filings involve a construction worker, a smartwatch and a handful of careless mistakes that reportedly contributed to the patients fatal disappearance. All claims made in the pre-lawsuit documents are inherently one-sided, as the defendants have yet to respond to the accusations made by the plaintiffs attorneys.

After extensive search efforts around Bluffton following his disappearance Aug. 23, 2022, Tribble was found dead Sept. 6 in a heavily wooded, swampy area less than half a mile from The Palmettos. An autopsy indicated he had died two days prior from environmental exposure that led to acute bronchopneumonia.

Tribble had Lewy body dementia, a common form of the condition that can lead to memory lapses, decreased decision-making skills and movement issues as those seen in patients with Parkinsons disease. Relatives said he experienced auditory hallucinations and had a significant history of wandering.

Filed March 5 in Beaufort County civil court, documents allege Tribble bypassed the facilitys passcode-activated doors by following a contracted construction employee outside. The filing says multiple people, including nursing staff, saw the man leaving the building but failed to act until hours later.

Legal filing casts a wide net

In addition to The Palmettos, records for the forthcoming lawsuit name a number of defendants: National HealthCare Corporation (NHC), the billion-dollar conglomerate in charge; its subsidiary NHC/OP, L.P. and partners in Bluffton and Tennessee; The Palmettos executive director Heather Wiegand, director of nursing Ersha Henderson and nurse KLee S. Latham; as well as Hendrick Contracting and Home Design, Inc., a Tennessee-based business whose employees were doing repairs in the building at the time of Tribbles disappearance.

Plaintiffs for the wrongful death case will be Tribbles wife Margaret and his brother, who are represented by a Columbia attorney with a focus in medical malpractice.

NHCs partners directed inquiries to the companys corporate headquarters in Murfreesboro, TN, which did not respond by deadline via email. Other defendants, including Hendrick Contracting and multiple staff members at The Palmettos of Bluffton, could not be reached.

Wiegand, the facilitys executive director, said on Tuesday afternoon she could not comment due to the pending litigation.

The Palmettos assisted living home along S.C. 170 north of Bluffton Parkway, as photographed on March 12, 2024 in Bluffton. National HealthCare Corporation, the residences parent company, owns dozens of health care facilities across the country, including 18 specializing in elder care and respite in South Carolina.

How did he slip by?

Tribble was admitted to The Palmettos in February 2022, some time after his dementia diagnosis. His family, including his wife Margaret, could no longer care for him by themselves due to his confusion and strong desire to wander, the court filing says.

Relatives claim they repeatedly warned nursing staff of these dangers. An assessment completed a week after Tribbles arrival noted the patient was independently mobile, had a history of wandering and exhibited a desire to leave the facility.

Family members gave staff at The Palmettos a GizmoWatch 2, a smartwatch with cell service that would allow relatives to keep in contact with Tribble and track the mans location. The patients treatment sheet advised nurses to ensure he wore the watch daily, according to the pre-suit.

In August 2022, employees from the Hendrick contracting company began repair work at The Palmettos. Documents say the nursing staff gave the facilitys passcode to the construction crews.

One of those crew members used the code to unlock an exit around 5:43 p.m. on Aug. 23, the filing says. Tribble followed behind him through two doorways and into the parking lot, being captured on outdoor surveillance video as he walked toward the roadway.

A photo taken inside The Palmettos assisted living facility in Bluffton shows a keypad-locked door that separates the dedicated, secured patient quarters from the rest of the facility. Family of Jack Tribble, 79, allege the patient easily bypassed the security measure, following behind a construction worker who wrongfully received the passcode from staff.

Later investigation by the Bluffton Police Department revealed that worker and two Palmettos employees personally witnessed Mr. Tribble outside of the facility, the documents allege, but none of those three people alerted management or attempted to redirect Tribble back inside.

The 79-year-old patient then began walking alongside the bustling Highway 170  and was reportedly seen by another staff member on his way home from work. Bluffton police later interviewed the employee, who said he messaged his supervisor about the supposed sighting once he was home.

But his supervisor did not act on that text, the filing says. Employees at the facility allegedly failed to notice Tribble was gone until 8:36 p.m., almost three hours after he walked out. They notified law enforcement at 8:48 p.m., according to public call logs from the Bluffton Police Department.

Court documents note Tribble was not wearing his GPS smartwatch at the time of his disappearance. After leaving The Palmettos parking lot, he was never seen alive again.

Around 5:43 p.m. on Aug. 23, 2022, 79-year-old Jack Tribble followed a contractor out of The Palmettos assisted living center in Bluffton. He was found dead 14 days later about a half-mile away from the facility. The Palmettos campus, at right, photographed on March 12, 2024, is located along S.C. 170 north of Bluffton Parkway.

The search for Tribble in the following weeks involved on-foot search parties, helicopters, drones, ATVs and K-9 units. Police suspended their search efforts when officers had saturated the immediate area about six days after the initial call, according to previous reporting. A spokesperson for Bluffton police said bloodhounds lost the mans scent at Okatie Highways intersection with Bufflehead Lane, about a half-mile south of The Palmettos.

Wandering is not uncommon

While indisputably tragic, the 79-year-olds death was far from rare. A December investigation by the Washington Post  which highlights Tribbles story  estimates more than 2,000 elderly patients wandered from assisted living homes nationwide between 2018 and 2023, resulting in nearly 100 deaths in the 40 states where records were provided.

The outlets investigation into assisted living facility standards also showed statewide regulations in South Carolina lag behind those of most other states. While Columbias state legislature is one of only a few nationwide that has mandated specific staffing ratios (current state law sets the minimum at nine personnel for every resident, with the number of required nurses increasing for evening and overnight shifts), S.C. health care workers are not required to complete a fixed amount of training hours, either annually or upon their hiring.
Therese Mattingly's two children were playing in the sand while the family was vacationing in Florida last month when suddenly "it just became chaos and horror," the mother told "Good Morning America."

Sloan Mattingly, 7, and her brother, Maddox Mattingly, 9, were both buried when the hole they were digging at the Lauderdale-by-the-Sea beach collapsed on Feb. 20, authorities said. Maddox was uninjured but Sloan died at the hospital, her family and police said.

PHOTO: Therese and Jason Mattingly, parents of 7-year-old Sloan Mattingly, speak with ABC News, Mar. 13, 2024. (ABC News)

Now, her parents are speaking out for the first time to honor their daughter and raise awareness about beach safety ahead of spring break.

"We're the people that other parents or family members kind of roll their eyes at because we're a little overprotective most of the time and think of everything," Therese Mattingly told ABC News correspondent Erielle Reshef in an exclusive interview from the family's home in Fort Wayne, Indiana. "When we go to the beach, we think of water safety. And this never, ever once crossed my mind."

TOMORROW: A @GMA EXCLUSIVE: Parents of 7-year-old girl who died after getting buried in sand at Florida beach speak out to @eriellereshef: When we go to the beach, we think of water safety. And this never, ever once crossed my mind." What they want other parents to know & more. pic.twitter.com/MCvj10LXp7  Good Morning America (@GMA) March 14, 2024

Watch the Mattinglys' full interview on "Good Morning America" Thursday at 7 a.m. ET.

Her husband, Jason Mattingly, told "Good Morning America" that the day had been "perfect" up until then.

"We were just relaxing," he said. "We were just getting ready to end our day there. And then that's when the incident happened."

PHOTO: The sand hole 7-year-old Sloan Mattingly fell into on Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach. (WPLG)

Therese Mattingly said the collapse happened "really fast."

"That part just hurts really bad because it didn't matter that we were literally right there," she said. "It was just a hole, and then there's nothing."

MORE: Girl dies after getting buried in sand at Florida beach

Many beachgoers came over to help as they frantically dug the children out, from helping dig to calling 911, the parents said. Therese Mattingly said once they pulled out Maddox, who was buried up to his chest, a nurse stayed with him while she continued to dig for Sloan.

"Everyone tried their hardest. And unfortunately, it didn't work out in our favor," Jason Mattingly said.

PHOTO: Seven-year-old Sloan Mattingly's bedroom. (ABC News)

The father said the sand collapse happened in an instant.

"It's kind of a blur, and it's probably maybe in my mind protecting itself, but it just happened so fast," he said. "And in my mind I had her in my hands, but the weight of the sand was too much."

"It didn't matter that we were literally right there," Therese Mattingly added. "It was just a hole. And there's nothing."

Sloan, who was a first grader at Lafayette Meadows School, was "a beam of light," and pure "joy," her mother said.

"She would come out in the morning and she would fist pump you right out of bed," Therese Mattling said.

She was a fan of Taylor Swift and loved to make friendship bracelets for her family, friends and teachers, her mother said while wearing some that her daughter had made.

PHOTO: Therese Mattingly, mother of 7-year-old Sloan Mattingly, speaks with ABC News, Mar. 13, 2024. (ABC News)

Maddox and his sister were each others' "built-in best friends," though he became an only child "just all of a sudden," Therese Mattingly said.

"I think he's holding a lot in," she said when asked how he is doing. "There's a lot of things we have in motion to help him with that and to help us help him."

"I think he'll always be a little different now, but we're willing to do whatever we need to do to make sure he has the help to kind of process this and move forward with Sloan in his heart," Jason Mattingly added.

MORE: Family speaks out to warn others after deadly tubing accident in Aruba

Jason Mattingly said the support they've received from friends, family and strangers who have reached out from across the globe have helped in the weeks since Sloan's death.

"The love and support that we received is overwhelming," he said. "We've read every letter. We really appreciate all the support."

The family hopes that by speaking out about what happened to Sloan, they can help prevent another family from going through the same tragedy.

"I don't know what steps to take in order for that to happen -- for, you know, signage or lifeguards or patrol," Therese Mattingly said. "But hopefully we can make some sort of change from this."

Chris Vincent, mayor of Lauderdale by the Sea, thanked the family for working with them to inform others about what can happen with sand holes.

First and foremost, our heavy hearts remain with Sloans family, Vincent said in his statement. As a father myself, I cant fathom what they are going through. I want to thank them for staying in contact with us as we develop a national public safety campaign in Sloans memory. We will share it with as many coastal communities as possible to help prevent another unimaginable tragedy. Were also discussing how we monitor our beach, a local Ordinance to ban digging on our beach, and the best way to honor Sloan.

According to Karen Daniels, a physicist at North Carolina State University who studies how sand moves, for safety she advises beachgoers not to go deeper than the knee of the smallest person when digging a sand hole. If the hole is too deep, the walls can collapse, covering a person in the sand, she said. The sand can be heavy and impede a person from lifting themselves out of a hole to breathe, she added.

Daniels recommends that if you're burying a friend in the sand, it's better not to dig but to cover the friend with sand at the ground level so the foundation is sturdier. Additionally, she advises people to watch out for deep sand holes when walking on the beach as a fall in a deeper hole could lead to a broken limb.

Family of Sloan Mattingly, 7-year-old girl who died after getting buried in sand, speaks out originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
Police said an Ohio father is accused of using a cattle prod on two of his children for disciplinary purposes, according to reports.

The 34-year-old man from Florence Township, Ohio, was arrested March 13 following an investigation into reports of abuse, the Sandusky Register reported.

McClatchy News is not naming the suspect to protect the identities of the children.

The cattle prod was used on two children, ages 7 and 8, as punishment, WKYC reported.

Cattle prods emit electric shocks and are used to move livestock.

Ive never seen anything like this, Detective Dan Orzech told the Sandusky Register.

I dont know what would compel someone to use a cattle prod on children, Erie County Sheriff Paul Sigsworth told WJW.

The father has been charged with three counts of domestic violence and three counts of child endangering, according to Erie County jail records.

The 34-year-old had been previously arrested and accused of domestic violence, WKYC reported.

He is being held on a $90,000 bond, records show.

Florence Township is about a 45-mile drive southwest of Cleveland.

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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A father fatally shot his son at a hospital in Sebring on Thursday before turning the gun on himself.

According to the Highlands County Sheriffs Office, the incident began after a 66-year-old man brought his adult son to AdventHealth Sebring.

Prime suspect in Madeline Soto murder case gets spring trial date, court records say

Reportedly, the father was having difficulties with his son, who was being somewhat combative, HCSO wrote in a release.

Emergency room staff admitted him to a mental health room. At around 11:26 a.m., The father drew a handgun and fired shots at the wall in an apparent attempt to get other people out of the room, according to the sheriffs office.

He then shot his son, who was laying in a hospital bed, before turning the gun on himself. Both men died at the site of the shooting and HCSO said no bystanders were injured.

The incident sent the hospital into lockdown and ambulances are being diverted to another hospital as deputies investigate.

AdventHealth Sebring released the following statement:

Following the incident that occurred in the Emergency Room at AdventHealth Sebring late Thursday morning, we want to reassure everyone that no team members were harmed. We continue to offer confidential mental health resources and our chaplains are currently on site to support our AdventHealth Sebring family.



Team members from nearby AdventHealth facilities have also been brought in to allow those employees who were working at the time of the incident to return home.



AdventHealth Sebring will continue to support the Highlands County Sheriffs Office as they investigate. The Emergency Room at AdventHealth Sebring has resumed normal operations. Lauren Rozyla, AdventHealth West Florida Media Communications Manager

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
SEOUL, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Four local and foreign carmakers in South Korea will voluntarily recall some 232,000 vehicles for manufacturing defects, the transport ministry said Thursday.

Hyundai Motor will recall 113,916 units of five different models, including Ioniq 5, for software error in the integrated charging control unit as well as 61,131 vehicles of Avante due to the shortage of durability in headlights, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Kia Corp. will recall 56,016 vehicles of EV6 to repair software error in the integrated charging control unit together with 126 units of Ray for the unmarked airbag warning.

Stellantis Korea will fix reverse lights, installed higher than standard, on 527 units of Jeep Cherokee, and for defects of high-voltage batteries, recall 148 units of Jeep Wrangler PHEV.

Tesla Korea will recall 136 units of two different models, including Model 3, due to the defective warning sound for pedestrians during low-speed driving or reversing.

Vehicles owners can visit repair and service centers to replace faulty parts free of charge. 
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The Federal Bureau of Investigation Oklahoma City Field Office is seeking the publics help in locating a fugitive.

According to authorities, in February 2023, a grand jury in the Northern District of Oklahoma charged Dale Ako with two counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country and Abusive Sexual Contact of a Minor in Indian Country. His trial was scheduled for 07/17/2023. In June 2023, Ako violated the terms of his pretrial release and absconded.

Severe Storms Likely in Southeastern Oklahoma Thursday

FBI says Ako is a 32-year-old American Indian Male, 5 6 in height, 135 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on Akos whereabouts is asked to contact the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office at (405) 290-7770. You may also submit an anonymous tip online by visiting tips.fbi.gov.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Those being returned to Haiti face an uncertain future

At the Dajabon border crossing between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, a constant stream of trucks pulls up carrying undocumented Haitian migrants, who are being deported back to their home country.

They are being sent to a nation in the grip of its most acute humanitarian crisis since the devastating earthquake in 2010, which killed hundreds of thousands.

"I'd been in the Dominican Republic for three years," yelled construction worker, Michael Petiton, "they came into my house and took me from my home."

He worked hard, he insisted, doing a job most Dominicans did not want. Now he is back in Haiti with only the clothes on his back and a few tools he managed to salvage in a rucksack.

Michael Petiton says he had been working in the Dominican Republic

Haiti's already precarious situation has quickly deteriorated over the past weeks as gangs have launched coordinated attacks on key facilities to force the resignation of the country's prime minister.

In total, more than 350,000 people have been internally displaced in Haiti - more than 15,000 of them in the last fortnight.

Yet here at the border crossing, the Dominican authorities have been sending back hundreds of undocumented Haitians every day.

Dominican soldiers unlock the wrought-iron doors, order out dozens, and send them across the Massacre River into Haiti.

Some of the immigrants are furious, shouting indignantly in Spanish and Creole. Others are resigned, holding their children or a few possessions in their arms.

The message the Dominican Republic appears to be sending is no matter how bad things become at home, Haitians should not seek refuge on Dominican territory.

Last month, the country's president, Luis Abinader, demanded in an appearance before the United Nations Security Council in New York that the international community step up aid to Haiti and deploy a multinational force there.

He urged the UN to "fight together to save Haiti", but warned that if no help was forthcoming, his country would "fight alone to protect the Dominican Republic".

Questioned last week about the possibility of receiving Haitians fleeing unrest, Mr Abinader categorically ruled out accepting refugee camps on Dominican soil.

Those being returned to Haiti face real uncertainty.

"The current situation in the capital city, Port-au-Prince, is a humanitarian catastrophe for its three million inhabitants, and more specifically for women and girls," said the UN Population Fund (UNFPA)'s Haiti representative, Philippe Serge Degernier.

Undocumented Haitians migrants continue to be deported

The widespread gang violence has forced many hospitals to close and others are not functioning as fuel and essential medical supplies are held up by the criminal groups.

Mr Degernier told the BBC that just one of the 15 hospitals his organisation supports was currently working.

"They're overwhelmed," he said. "We have estimated that about 3,000 women will not have access to maternity in order to give birth unless the situation calms down soon."

The hope was that some degree of calm might return after the beleaguered prime minister, Ariel Henry, finally acquiesced to the diplomatic pressure and the bloodshed, and resigned.

Gang violence has surged in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince

While the violence has abated a little since the announcement on Monday, few have any doubt that it could flare up again at any moment.

Haiti's crisis runs far deeper than the resignation of one man. Earlier this week, the US State Department had said that it expected a transitional council to be in place within two days.

There is still little sign of one.

Rather, there is a power vacuum where the Haitian government is supposed to be, and deep divisions over who would sit on an interim administration.

So while most people in the capital, Port-au-Prince, were glad to see the back of their unelected prime minister, many lament the lack of a clear successor.

"Henry's resignation is a good thing, he wasn't doing anything good for the country," Ms Benjamin, a stallholder, told the AFP news agency. "Now we must unite to pull Haiti out of this impasse."

"Ariel Henry was the biggest obstacle we had. He had to go," added another resident, Emmanuel. "But we should have had a proper plan in place to replace him."

The country's main gang leader, Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier, has reportedly criticised the deal setting up the transitional administration and there is some speculation that the gangs will want an amnesty for the violence they have carried out.

The gangs are notorious for targeting the civilian population

Jimmy Cherizier may well have designs on becoming Haiti's leader himself, as do a number of others with criminal pasts and questionable credentials.

For the UN Population Fund's representative in Haiti, though, one horrific aspect of the violence has been largely overlooked in the current crisis: the gangs are increasingly using rape and sexual abuse as weapons of war.

They often target women living in areas held by their rivals or even in their own territory as a way to spread fear.

"Last year, more than 5,000 women were raped or victims of sexual abuse, and that is unfortunately a very tiny part of the iceberg," explains Mr Degernier.

Most of the time women dare not go to the hospital to be treated, he says, for fear of retaliation, which "can sometimes even include the woman's murder".

That is the country which awaits the deported Haitian immigrants. Their future has rarely looked so uncertain or dangerous.

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Peter Navarro, an adviser to former president Donald Trump, speaks to the press after being found guilty of contempt of Congress in September. Navarro must report to federal prison on March 19 after a panel of judges rejected his bid to stay out of prison while he appeals his conviction. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

March 14 (UPI) -- Former Trump administration official Peter Navarro must report to prison after a panel of judges rejected his bid to delay his sentence.

Three federal appeals court judges ruled Navarro had "not shown that his appeal presents substantial questions of law" that could result in his conviction being overturned.

Navarro, who served as a trade adviser to Trump, was ordered to report to federal prison in Miami by 2 p.m. on March 19. His lawyers have indicated he will appeal his case to the Supreme Court.

The Justice Department in 2022 charged Navarro with two counts of contempt of Congress for defying a Jan 6. select committee relating to his involvement in Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. He was found guilty on both counts in September.

He has attempted to hold off his sentencing while he appeals the ruling, arguing that former President Donald Trump asserted executive privilege to prevent him from testifying or handing over documents to the Jan. 6 committee, but U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta rejected his argument, noting Navarro presented no evidence Trump had done so.

The appeals court panel determined that even if Navarro had executive privilege, it would not undermine his conviction since such a claim would be overridden by the committee's "imperative need for evidence."

Navarro is the second former Trump adviser convicted on federal charges for defying the Jan. 6 committee and will likely be the first to serve prison time. Former White House strategist Steve Bannon was convicted in 2022, but a separate judge in the case ruled Bannon could remain free pending appeal.
A Burnsville woman has been federally indicted on allegations of straw purchasing multiple guns eventually used in the killing of three Burnsville first responders last month by the man who was prohibited from having them.

Ashley Anne Dyrdahl, 35, has been indicted on 11 counts including conspiracy, straw purchasing and making false statements for procuring five firearms on behalf of 38-year-old Shannon Cortez Gooden. The two AR-15 style firearms used in the Feb. 18 shooting were purchased by Dyrdahl on Jan. 5 and Jan. 25, respectively, this year  just weeks before Gooden shot and killed officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, both 27, and firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth, 40, before he fatally shot himself.

"Now today we can answer the questions Minnesotans have been asking since Feb. 18," U.S. Attorney Andy Luger said at a news conference Thursday.

"Ashley Dyrdahl didn't shoot anybody, make no mistake," said Drew Evans, superintended of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). "But Ashley Dyrdahl handed him the guns, and for this she must be held accountable."

Evans said the BCA's broader investigation into the shooting is "still very active and ongoing," but the probe into how Gooden acquired the guns he used has since been "broken off" from the investigation.

Luger said that Dyrdahl is in the process of surrendering to U.S. Marshals and will make her first appearance at 3 p.m. before a federal magistrate judge in St. Paul. He said his office will not seek pretrial detention.

According to the indictment:

In 2016, Dyrdahl began a relationship with Gooden, and by at least 2019 knew that he had previously been convicted of second-degree assault, a felony, which precluded him from owning firearms. In 2019, she filed a letter in support of Gooden's petition to restore his firearm rights in which she acknowledged his conviction and crime. That petition would later be denied.

"Despite knowing of Gooden's felony status, between September of 2023 and January of 2024, Dyrdahl purchased five firearms from two different federal firearms licensees (FFLs) and knowingly and intentionally transferred the firearms to Gooden," the indictment said.

As part of the conspiracy, the indictment alleges Gooden sent Dyrdahl text messages of firearms he wanted her to buy for him. She would then place the orders at the FFLs and filled out federal Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms forms stating that she was the actual buyer of the firearms, and that she was not planning to transfer them to a felon. During a text mesage exchange between Dyrdahl and Gooden, the two discussed background checks and other questions from firearm sellers, in which Dyrdahl allegedly told Gooden, "We just gotta make sure we're smart about all this ya know?"

According to the indictment, among the firearms Dyrdahl bought and transferred to Gooden at his direction were three semiautomatic AR-15style firearm lower-receivers. One of these was a Franklin Armory FAI-15 .300-caliber semiautomatic firearm that was equipped with a binary trigger. A firearm with a binary trigger fires one shot when the trigger is pulled, and another when the trigger is released, effectively doubling the rate of fire. Dyrdahl also purchased a .300-caliber barrel for the lower receiver.

Dyrdahl knew that Gooden was loading the semiautomatic AR-15style firearms with .300 Blackout ammunition, which is a heavier load ammunition that has an increased potential for lethality, prosecutors said.

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A conviction in 2008 for second-degree assault in Dakota County prohibited Gooden from possessing firearms or ammunition. In August 2020, Gooden petitioned the court unsuccessfully to regain his right to a gun. He said that he wanted to protect himself and his family, according to court records.

Noemi del Carmen Torres told the Star Tribune this week that she was the first of five people called by prosecutors on Tuesday for questioning before the grand jury's secret proceedings. She said she was asked Gooden's history of possessing firearms and whether he would have been able to force her to buy any guns on his behalf.

"No, I don't want any of that because I feel like he was gonna kill me," Torres said in an interview, noting that Gooden was abusive toward her. "I feared for my life, and that's what I told them."

One of the firearms seized by law enforcement was bought illegally in what is commonly called a "straw purchase," according to the owner of the gun shop where the weapon was obtained weeks before the shooting. John McConkey told the Star Tribune last month that an AR-15 lower receiver was picked up by the purchaser at the Modern Sportsman Gun Shop and Range in Burnsville, roughly 6 miles from where Gooden lived. McConkey said at the time that he did not know whether that weapon was fired during the standoff.

Dakota County Attorney Kathryn Keena joined the law enforcement leaders during the presentation as well. Her office is reviewing the BCA's report.

Travis Riddle, special agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) in St. Paul, was scheduled to appear, as was Burnsville Fire Chief BJ Jungmann and Burnsville Police Chief Tanya Schwartz.

This is a breaking news update. Come back to Startribune.com for more details.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) have urged the Polish authorities to thoroughly investigate the deliberate interference by Polish law enforcement officers with the work of Ukrainian journalists from Ukrainska Pravda and Rayon.in.ua news outlets in carrying out their editorial tasks.

Source: a statement by IFJ-EFJ

Quote: "Since the beginning of 2024, Ukrainian journalists investigating Polands economic ties with Russia and Belarus have faced deliberate obstruction of their activities by Polish law enforcement officers."

Details: It is noted that journalists from the online media outlets Ukrainska Pravda and Rayon.in.ua have faced serious obstacles to their professional work, ranging from vehicle searches to confiscation of equipment. Arrests and deportations have also been reported.

"The IFJ and the EFJ are alarmed by such persistent obstruction of the work of Ukrainian journalists in Poland that poses serious threats to the safety of journalists and the press freedom itself," the statement said.

The federations also urged the Polish authorities to take immediate measures to protect journalists, particularly to cancel the deportation of Yurii Konkevych and Oleksandr Pyliuk.

Read also: How Poland replaces Ukrainian agricultural products with Russian ones  investigation by Ukrainska Pravda

Background:

On 27 February, Ukrainska Pravda reporter Mykhailo Tkach reported an incident involving his detention by the police. Some Polish media outlets have also pointed to a connection between these two events.

Mykhailo Tkach was working with a camera operator near the Polish-Belarusian border (the Podlaskie Voivodeship borders with Belarusian territory), shooting footage about the transit of freight between Poland, Russia and Belarus.

Police officers approached him, showed him their ID, took him to the police station and searched his car and equipment before finally letting him go after four hours of questioning that involved special services.

Sevgil Musaieva, Editor-in-Chief of Ukrainska Pravda, noted that the issue was only resolved after news about it spread and the Ukrainian embassy in Poland was involved.

The Polish police initially denied detaining media representatives, but later acknowledged it. They explained that, before detaining the journalist Mykhailo Tkach from Ukrainska Pravda and his cameraman near the Polish-Belarusian border, they received a report from a 'concerned resident' about two men photographing and using a drone near the railway tracks in the village of Goyszyn in ukow County.

On 13 March, Ukrainian news agency Rayon.in.ua reported that two journalists who were investigating Poland's trade with Russia had been detained in Poland.

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Every so often our Conservative Government awakes from its policy slumber, twitches, and, perhaps by pure instinct, does a useful and conservative thing. It may not be perfect; it may not go far enough; but at least it is going in the right direction.

So it was with Michael Goves announcement of a new definition of extremism. It has been criticised, including by people I respect, but still he is trying to do something important and something conservatives should want done.

Lets take a step back. Extremists, however defined, should in my view be entitled to their views as long as they dont advocate violence. But many of us simply dont understand why people who dont seem to like this country, its history, or the Western civilisation of which it is a part so often seem to show up as advisers to government bodies, appear on quango boards, or receive public money.

This didnt happen in the past. During the Cold War, Britain always had smallish groups of Marxist-Leninists who wanted to smash capitalism and overthrow the government, often in league in some way with the Soviet Union or its proxies.

No-one remotely thought that such people should be invited into government counsels or get public funds. The government didnt have to justify that policy: it was entirely taken as read. It wouldnt be now: in our litigious society many would see their exclusion as unreasonable discrimination, there would be endless judicial reviews, and inevitably some would get through the net.

At that time, too, and hard though it is to believe now, we still had a small-c conservative Civil Service which still understood certain verities about how to conduct government in the best interests of the nation.

We cant take that for granted nowadays. As we can see from the seeming reluctance of Home Office staff to police our own borders, far too many people have been marinated in a broth of identity politics, of doubts about our own values and history, and of assumptions about the equality of all value systems. There is huge illiteracy about religion and belief, unique in history, meaning that officials are often unable to understand what is a well-founded system of religious belief and what is actual extremism.

We cant rely on the old informal ways to keep extremists out of government. Yet governments are perfectly entitled to choose who they want to work with. If a Conservative government doesnt want to be advised by extremists, if it doesnt want state policy to be undermined by advisers telling public authorities the opposite, and if it doesnt want to spend the publics money on any of these people, then that is entirely reasonable.

This is what Gove, it seems to me, is trying to achieve. The existing definition of extremism is too broad and is often implemented by people who dont really agree with it  so it is rightly being tightened so there is less room for doubt. We need to have a system for defining organisations as extremist and therefore not to be invited into government or otherwise interacted with by state authorities  so Gove is creating one.

None of this has legal force: its guidance for government. Nor is it about freedom of speech. It doesnt ban any organisation.It doesnt stop anyone saying anything. It just means that, on the basis of what an organisation says or does, the government can decide not to interact with it, appoint its representatives to quangos, or give it taxpayers money. I cant see what is wrong with that. Indeed, I approve of it.

Now nothing is without risk and it is right to be concerned about two aspects. The first is that officials in practice take all the decisions about which organisations go on the blocked list. Its crucial that ministers supervise properly and have the final say  all the more so since the new definition catches ideologies based on intolerance, which to my mind is rather too broad, particularly in progressive hands.

The other is the risk that we are creating a weapon which a Labour government will use in a different way, to block our allies and friends, and to squeeze out, for example, gender-critical or anti-abortion groups from public life.

That is a risk  except that Labour is going to do this anyway. Its very clear that it intends to double down on the Equality Act, bring in a new Race Equality Act, adopt a broad definition of Islamophobia, and much more.

In a democracy, the correct way to stop this is not to have a Labour government in the first place. But if the electorate so chooses, as seems all too likely, we cant reasonably argue that Labour shouldnt have the right to be advised by people who agree with its policies.

Of course these steps only deal with part of the problem. In particular, we still need to use existing laws better to ensure public order and security on our streets. But its a start. So well done Michael Gove. Now, please just junk your dreadful Renters Reform Bill, and I really will start applauding.

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Fiorentina's Antonin Barak (R) scores his side's first goal of the game during the UEFA Conference League round of 16 second leg soccer match between Fiorentina and Maccabi Haifa FC at Artemio Franchi Stadium. Massimo Paolone/LaPresse via ZUMA Press/dpa

Fiorentina nudged into the Conference League quarter-finals after a 1-1 home draw with Maccabi Haifa secured a 5-4 aggregate victory on Thursday.

Antonin Barak headed home in the second half in Florence and Anan Khalaili's goal two minutes from time came too late for the Israelis.

Fenerbahce went through 3-1 on aggregate despite suffering a 1-0 defeat in Istanbul to Saint Gilloise.

PAOK Salonika beat Dinamo Zagreb 5-1 on the night and 5-3 overall in an impressive turnaround in Greece, Konstantinos Koulierakis' goal on 72 minutes making the difference before Andrija Zivkovic's penalty.

Viktoria Plzen against Servette went to penalties after no goals in either leg, but the Czechs eventually prevailed 3-1 in the shoot-out.

Four more ties are taking place later on Thursday.

Fiorentina's cristiano Biraghi and Maccabi Haifa's Frantzdy Pierrot (R) battle for the ball during the UEFA Conference League round of 16 second leg soccer match between Fiorentina and Maccabi Haifa FC at Artemio Franchi Stadium. Massimo Paolone/LaPresse via ZUMA Press/dpa

Fiorentina's Antonin Barak celebrates his side's first goal of the game during the UEFA Conference League round of 16 second leg soccer match between Fiorentina and Maccabi Haifa FC at Artemio Franchi Stadium. Massimo Paolone/LaPresse via ZUMA Press/dpa
(FOX40.COM)  A fire broke out at the Yolo Food Bank in Woodland mid-day on Thursday, according to the Woodland Fire Dept.

A picture taken by a witness and shared with FOX40.com shows a large plume of smoke in the sky.

Police search for man accused of indecent exposure, peeping incidents in Davis

Fire officials said the fire was reported around 12:20 p.m. and that they are not aware of any injuries.

The Yolo Food Bank is located at 233 Harter Ave. in Woodland.

A wind advisory is in effect throughout most of Northern California, including Yolo County, through Friday evening.

This article will be updated as more information is made available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
DINUBA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  Fire crews in Dinuba had to force their way into a carwash after they found flames coming from the building Thursday morning, according to the Dinuba City Fire Department.

Dinuba City Fire Department

Dinuba City Fire Department

Dinuba City Fire Department

Dinuba City Fire Department

Dinuba City Fire Department

The Dinuba City Fire Department with assistance from Tulare County Fire and Reedley City Fire say they were at a commercial structure fire at the corner of Crawford Avenue and El Monte Way.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
UPDATE: @ 7:59 a.m.

Two businesses are damaged after an early morning fire in Dayton.

>>PHOTOS: Heavy smoke showing as firefighters battle Dayton business fire

Dayton firefighters and police officers were dispatched at 2:39 a.m. to the 900 block of Patterson Road on initial reports of a structure fire.

News Center 7s Xavier Hershovitz is providing LIVE updates from the scene on News Center 7s Daybreak.

Photos and video from the scene show heavy smoke when Hershovitz arrived and two businesses suffered heavy damage.

We had pretty heavy fire showing at the back at the center part of this (building). We tried to make it inside the structure and the fire was too heavy, said David Wright, Dayton Fire District Chief.

>>Its pouring out of the front door; 911 caller describes Dayton house fire

He said firefighters had to fight the fire in a defensive operation and the roof of one of the businesses collapsed.

It looks like the firewalls have kept it from going left to right, he said. We think weve got two businesses affected.

Wright said firefighters are expected to be there for most of the morning.

Both businesses were closed at the time of the fire.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Photo from: Adam Ewry/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Adam Ewry/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

-INITIAL STORY-

Several firefighters have responded to a fire at a Dayton business early Thursday morning.

>>PHOTOS: Heavy smoke showing as firefighters battle Dayton business fire

Dayton firefighters and police officers were dispatched at 2:39 a.m. to the 900 block of Patterson Road on initial reports of a structure fire.

News Center 7s Xavier Hershovitz is at the scene and is providing LIVE updates on News Center 7s Daybreak.

Video and photos from the scene show heavy smoke at a business. The front of one business suffered heavy damage.

A fire chief told Hershovitz at the scene that conditions were so bad that they could not get inside.

Initial scanner traffic indicated that heavy fire came from the back of the building.

Dayton Police have also blocked traffic at Wilmington Pike and Patterson Road.

We will continue to provide updates on this story.

Photo from: Adam Ewry/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Adam Ewry/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff
YANGON, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's traditional Thingyan festival (water festival) was submitted to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in March 2023 and the approval comes through at the end of this year, Aye Aye Thin, director of the National Museum (Nay Pyi Taw) told Xinhua on Thursday.

The Thingyan festival, the most significant annual festival in Myanmar, has been held since ancient times.

Water festival is called Thingyan in Myanmar and is celebrated in the middle of April. 
FS Productions/Getty Images)

Quality Journalism for Critical Times

Over the next decade, Florida plans to spend $1.5 billion on the healthcare initiative lawmakers prioritized during this years legislative session, and which is now in the hands of Gov. Ron DeSantis, who would have to approve the program.

Senate President Kathleen Passidomo spearheaded the package of Live Healthy bills (SB 7016, SB 7018, SB 330, and SB 1758) aimed at retaining and attracting healthcare workers to the state, increasing innovation in the industry, establishing behavioral health teaching hospitals and providing some services to Floridians with disabilities.

Although lawmakers negotiated how much money the initiative would cost, it received nearly unanimous support from both chambers. DeSantis has until March 27 to act on the bills.

Here is the breakdown of the funds attached to the initiative based on the legislation and staff analyses:

SB 7016: Health Care

The money dispersed through SB 7016, the bill carrying most of the funds, would be spent in a variety of ways from increasing the number of residencies so medical school graduates can finish their training in the state (which would cost $50 million) to expanding the telehealth minority maternity care program (which would cost more than $23 million).

Approximately 61% of the funds earmarked in the bill would go toward increasing the reimbursement rate service providers receive for Medicaid patients, meaning the amount of money Florida pays healthcare providers for taking patients covered by Medicaid. Pediatric and adult obstetrics physicians, dental service providers, private duty nursing services and occupational, physical and speech therapists would get a higher reimbursement rate.

Amid a shortage of healthcare workers, Florida also plans to broaden the tuition reimbursement assistance programs for people in medical fields, including dentists and social workers, based in rural and underserved areas. For example, primary care physicians could get up to $20,000 in a year to pay off their student loans, under the program. This portion of SB 7016 has a price tag of $38 million.

SB 7018: Health Care Innovation

The innovation component of the "Live Healthy" initiative establishes a 10-year loan program for projects that implement innovative technology, create workforce pathways, and increase public access to healthcare. A council within the Florida Department of Health would oversee the loan program. FDH would get $250,000 to kickstart the council before July and an additional million once the 2024-2025 fiscal year starts for the council's operations. Until 2033-2034, the Florida Legislature must pour $50 million each year into the loan fund.

Applicants approved for loans would have up to 10 years to pay the state back. The loan could cover up to half of the project costs or up to 80 percent if it would serve people in rural or underserved areas or those on Medicaid.

SB 330: Behavioral Health Teaching Hospitals

Florida needs 587 psychiatrists to meet the demand for mental health services in the state, according to the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration. SB 330 addresses the shortage by establishing a behavioral health teaching hospital designation for facilities to train mental health service providers, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, social workers and family and marriage counselors.

Although hospitals can apply for the designation, the bill outlines four hospitals and universities to serve as pilots: Tampa General Hospital in collaboration with the University of South Florida, UF Health Shands Hospital and UF Health Jacksonville in collaboration with the University of Florida and Jackson Memorial Hospital in collaboration with the University of Miami.

The bill has a $300 million award grant that would be distributed among the hospitals with the designation over three years. Additionally, each hospital could train up to 10 residents in behavioral health specialties. The funds set aside for the residency slots total $6,000,000. Each slot would get $150,000.

USF would also get an additional $5,000,000 to establish the Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce to produce research and policy analysis and create best practices for the training of mental health professionals.

SB 1758: Individuals with Disabilities

SB 1758 earmarks $38,852,223 to fund services for Floridians with disabilities on the waitlist for the iBudget waiver Medicaid program. The program provides at-home and community-based services for people with disabilities, but people who need the services and advocacy groups have raised concerns about the long waitlist. The average wait time for enrollment in the waiver program is 8.6 years, according to a staff analysis of the bill.

The post FL set to spend $1.5 billion in variety of health care programs; heres where the funds would go appeared first on Florida Phoenix.
School-age children affected by the water crisis in Flint, Mich., nearly a decade ago suffered significant and lasting academic setbacks, according to a new study released Wednesday, showing the disasters profound impact on a generation of children.

The study, published in Science Advances, found that after the crisis, students faced a substantial decline in math scores, losing the equivalent of five months of learning progress that hadnt recovered by 2019, according to Brian Jacob, one of the studys authors. The learning gap was especially prevalent among younger students in third through fifth grades and those of lower socioeconomic status. There was also an 8 percent increase in the number of students with special needs, especially among school-age boys. But the study notes that there remain many unanswered questions about whether it was the lead in the water directly or broader community trauma that contributed to the academic decline.

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In the study, researchers analyzed standardized test scores from kindergarten through 12th grade across 10 Michigan districts, looking at student outcomes from 2007 through 2019.

Researchers found negative academic effects in these areas for years to come after the crisis, though they found limited or no effects on reading achievement or daily attendance.

Its a substantial reduction in their achievement. Its a tragedy, said Jacob, a professor of education policy and economics at the University of Michigan. Its a massive case of government failure in one of its basic jobs to help ensure the physical well-being of its citizens.

In 2014, Flints emergency manager switched the citys water source in an effort to save money, but officials did not ensure there were corrosion-control chemicals in the new water supply. Residents quickly began complaining of contaminated water coming from their taps. But the city of majority-Black residents, where a third of the population lives in poverty, was ignored. Nearly 100,000 Flint residents were exposed to lead through their home water sources, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It has been long known that lead is a dangerous neurotoxin with no safe level of exposure. Even low levels of lead in blood are associated with developmental delays, difficulty learning and behavioral issues, according to the CDC. In more severe cases, the effects of lead poisoning can be permanent and disabling. Childhood exposure to lead can cause long-term harm.

Reached by The Washington Post on Wednesday, Flint Community Schools said it could not make a representative available to comment on the study by the time of publication.

Since learning is a cumulative process, when a students learning is severely disrupted - due to circumstances outside of their control - it can affect the childs ability to learn more advanced material in the future, Jacob said. It can create a vicious cycle that could be a challenge to remediate.

But researchers were puzzled to find that children who werent directly exposed to contaminated water at home still faced academic challenges, suggesting there were society-wide ripple effects. Communities that go through crises like this may have mental and traumatic scars, including for children. It can have an impact on students ability to succeed academically whether their homes had contaminated pipes, the study found.

While there could be other reasons to explain why there were no differences in impact for those in homes with higher levels of lead in drinking water and those in homes with the safer copper pipes - for example, people may have consumed contaminated water from outside sources - researchers also pointed to stress, anxiety, depression and fear following the crisis, which could have had negative impacts on students ability to succeed.

Mary Rourke, a psychologist who has worked with children and families, said all people are sensitive to their environments and situations around them, especially children.

They havent yet built up a sophisticated arsenal of coping strategies, and theyre actually more affected by their environment. They have less of an independent ability to navigate the world, said Rourke, who is an associate professor of clinical psychology at Widener University.

The Flint water crisis may have forced children and parents into survival mode, which might have made things like the everyday routine of school less of a priority, she said, especially if they were more worried about whether they were going to have the most basic of needs like clean water.

Rourke said childrens care systems may have been compromised during the crisis, because the parents responsible for their environment were facing their own fear, panic and anger.

The adults in the world at the time that this crisis broke, and probably for a good deal of time afterward, were paying attention to things that can feel more important in the moment than schoolwork and homework, said Rourke, who was not involved in the new study. Education is critically important, but survival and making sure that the water system isnt poisoned is a pretty big deal.

Young children tend to be more impacted by leads toxicity compared with adults because they absorb more proportionally, and their bodies are rapidly growing and developing, said Katarzyna Kordas, an associate professor in the department of epidemiology and environmental health at the University at Buffalo.

People are generally exposed to lead through deteriorating lead-based paint, lead-contaminated dust in older buildings and contaminated water, soil and air, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The new study is just the latest in the growing literature linking childhood lead exposure to developmental delays and a childs subsequent ability to thrive. Some research links early childhood lead exposure to lower IQ points, while low levels of lead in childrens blood can negatively affect test scores for years to come, according to other studies, especially for poor, minority children.

Kordas, who was not involved in the study and who has also researched toxic metals and child development, was not surprised by the findings. She cited previous research explaining how socioeconomic factors can determine neurodevelopmental outcomes as much as lead exposure can.

Lead exposure is still important, but other factors matter a lot, especially those that stem from disadvantage or social injustice, she said. In Flint, especially as the crisis continued, impacts on the social fabric of the community are a strong potential explanation for the declining scores and climbing special needs.

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Just south of Pensacola in the Florida panhandle, Laura Palmer-Cobb lives with her family in a place she calls Zootopia.

Her Gulf Breeze home, just west of the Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve, is constantly visited by four-legged creatures and night critters, she said, prompting her to put out a Ring Doorbell camera to catch a glimpse of the action.

We have been in our home for almost 4 years; after living here for a few months and (seeing) our first bear, we knew we had to get a Ring Camera, Palmer-Cobb told McClatchy News. So, we have it all over the house, (mainly) for catching the wildlife!

Since then, Palmer-Cobb has been sharing videos of the animals that visit Zootopia on her Facebook page, from possums and raccoons to foxes and bears.

On March 12, her camera caught something a little extra special  a flock of bears, she said.

In the video, a large female black bear walks into the frame and sniffs the chair sitting on the edge of a concrete slab.

Shes soon joined by a smaller bear, which may be her cub, as she walks over to a water bowl intended for a stray cat that visits the home.

Their movements trigger a motion light on the outside shed, and the smaller bear walks right up to the camera, giving it a sniff.

We have bears come through several times and it is always difficult to know if its the same ones or not, Palmer-Cobb said. We do seem to watch the babies grow up!

Back in February, the camera on the front of their house captured two black bears as they crossed from the back yard into the neighborhood and across the street.

The bears were particularly interested in the chair and water bowl outside the home, the video shows, and Palmer-Cobb said her family put those out for the stray cat, who theyve named Blue.

(We put) a chair so I can sit with her at night and hand feed her, Palmer-Cobb said. The raccoons are scared of no one so when I feed her, sometimes they try and come up and eat what Im giving her! Always on guard when the sun goes down. Ive put out toys for Blue and the raccoons and opossums will play with them!

Shes shared some of these interactions on Facebook.

In one video from March 9, Blue sits quietly on her chair while a possum snoops around underneath her, at one point looking up at the chair and sniffing. The two dont interact, and eventually the possum walks away for a drink of water.

The Georgia native said she didnt know they would encounter so much wildlife when they moved south, but now its one of her favorite things about their home.

I just want to say that I absolutely love it; its scary and beautiful at the same time, Palmer-Cobb said. There is nowhere else that I would rather live!

Gulf Breeze is about a 200-mile drive west from Tallahassee.

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Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) tried to defend Donald Trump over his handling of classified documents by basically lying about where the former president stored the boxes of material he took from the White House.

However, Comer ended up getting roasted by Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a fellow member of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.

Comer lamented to conservative commentator Sean Hannity on Tuesday that Trump, who is running for president again, was being treated unfairly in the federal criminal case over the documents, which were eventually seized from his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, because they were only in one location behind a locked door.

Comer: You look at how Donald Trump is treated. He had documents in one location behind a locked door. pic.twitter.com/zPa7x3TFuU  Acyn (@Acyn) March 13, 2024

However, Comers claim was bogus, and Moskowitz helpfully came to his aid with a super-cut showing the places where boxes of classified documents were found at Mar-a-Lago. He captioned the clip: I spy with my little eye, more than one.

The super-cut showed that boxes of White House documents were in a variety of places, including a bathroom that was accessible to the public and in a ballroom.

I spy with my little eye, more than one https://t.co/s2bHGvvC3Vpic.twitter.com/uxveDpT2YE  Jared Moskowitz (@JaredEMoskowitz) March 13, 2024

Comers defense of Trumps storage practices came on the same day that special counsel Robert Hur testified before the House Judiciary Committee about President Joe Bidens retention of classified documents.

Hurs report noted that there were major differences between the two investigations, according to The Associated Press.

For instance, Bidens team returned the documents after they were discovered, and the president voluntarily sat for an interview and consented to searches of his homes, while Trump is accused of having aides and lawyers conceal the documents despite government requests for their return and attempting to have potentially incriminating evidence destroyed.

Moskowitz has become something of a thorn in Comers side during their time on the House Oversight Committee, with the Florida Democrat often mocking each attempt Comer makes to connect Biden to some kind of crime.

Last month, after the Justice Department indicted an FBI informant who was key to the GOPs attempt to impeach Biden, Moskowitz trolled Comer by posting a GIF of the you sit on a throne of lies line from the holiday comedy film Elf.

In November, Comer called him little Moskowitz.

The Florida Democrat countered the childish taunt by noting that, yes, hes short and added, This is the first true thing Comer has said all year, its been hard for me to grow.

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Last year, when the Florida Legislature passed a law restricting public access to Gov. Ron DeSantis travel records, we called it an assault on transparency in government.

That still holds true. How can Floridians hold this governor, or those who follow, accountable for their actions if we arent allowed to know about trips that are taxpayer-funded and even on state planes? Keeping that information secret undermines trust in government and throws open the door to potential abuses.

Now a lawsuit, brought by the Washington Post in Leon County and challenging the constitutionality of the travel-records law, has brought to light allegations that only make the case for disclosure stronger  while also making us wonder why the governor is trying so hard to keep his travel information secret.

Such concerns are particularly relevant this week, which happens to be Sunshine Week, held March 10-16. This is the time of year we celebrate the publics right to know and we advocate for government transparency. As this case highlights, those are concepts the DeSantis administration seems increasingly determined to ignore. The administration has been slow-walking public records requests for years. Florida is known for its Sunshine Law, the cornerstone of our open government, but that distinction is eroding under this governor.

In the travel records case, top aides for DeSantis allegedly stopped the release of his taxpayer-funded travel records even though the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said releasing the records posed no risk to DeSantis. Thats according to sworn statements from two former FDLE officials, as first reported by the Washington Post.

Former FDLE chief of staff Shane Desguin alleged in court documents that DeSantis officials stopped the release of about 600 records that would have told the public who traveled with the governor on the state plane and where it went.

The administration apparently then retaliated against those within government who advocated for making the records public, according to court records. As the Miami Herald reported on the court case: When Desguin and other officials pushed back on the decision, one was denied a promotion, another was placed on leave and Desguin was forced to resign, he and his former deputy chief of staff alleged.

When the law was passed last year, the main reason given was the governors security. Even though other governors administrations had made travel records public, DeSantis travel was, apparently, special  perhaps because he was planning a run for president, although presumably he would have qualified for Secret Service protection at some point.

At the time, the governor told Politico that, although the measure may not have been his idea, he was getting frequent threats.

Florida lawmakers, no doubt enamored of the idea that a DeSantis presidency might offer long coattails, decided to give their rising political star the equivalent of a cloak of invisibility, keeping his travel records out of the public eye. DeSantis, of course, signed the bill into law.

So much for Floridas long history of government in the sunshine, which goes all the way back to 1967 and beyond.

Floridas open-government laws are under attack, as we have noted for years. This case is simply one more piece of evidence that a place once known for its sunshine is increasingly embracing the shadows.

When legislators last year granted the governor such broad secrecy, they made our problems worse. They also did taxpayers a serious disservice. Floridians should know what their governor is up to. Any exceptions to that should be narrow, not a blanket excuse.

Secrecy is bad for trust in government. It erodes faith in elected officials and public institutions. It offers one more reason for voters to check out and stop caring, and thats bad for democracy.

The cure for those problems? Open records, more scrutiny and, yes, more sunshine.

Click here to send the letter.
Americans are paying the price for an irresponsible Florida state health official and a slow-to-act CDC amid a measles outbreak, where the ignoring of early warnings and the flouting of science-based guidance echoes what we see in the COVID-19 pandemic. This time, though, the virus is well known and has an incredibly effective vaccine. Yet most of the country seems to be in a watch-and-wait mode  all while we are stumbling into a looming disaster with measles.

Florida officials are providing scant details on the size and scope of the measles outbreak, deeply worrying experts, and leaving everyone in the dark. State and local health officials and health professionals should lead regardless of action by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, because what is happening in Florida will most assuredly not stay in Florida.

The Florida outbreak is a reminder that complacency and lack of proactive measures can lead to devastating consequences. Its important to realize that even a small pocket of unvaccinated individuals can help trigger a widespread outbreak.

Vaccines from over 10 years ago also do not guarantee 100% immunity, as protection wanes in a significant fraction of people. Nevertheless, only 13 of the 50 U.S. states have a 95% level of two-dose MMR vaccination, the minimum level needed for herd immunity protection. Furthermore, measless high degree of airborne contagiousness can leapfrog over herd immunity.

Outbreaks can still be possible in any state because vaccination levels are not uniformly high. Why? Even if a state achieves a 95% vaccination herd immunity threshold overall, large outbreak clusters are still possible in places where individuals arent vaccinated. For example, 95% vaccination coverage can mean 99% in some areas but only 20-50% in other communities  which could allow for explosive outbreaks.

The global experience with measles should not be ignored. Measles infections have spread across London with almost 1,000 cases in England and Wales in the first few weeks of the year, even though the UK had previously eliminated measles in 2017. If it can happen in the UK, measles can get much worse in the U.S.

The immediate effects of a measles infection can include high fever, cough, runny nose, red/watery eyes, and a characteristic rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body, and in severe cases, can lead to pneumonia and even death.

There is also long term risk. Notably, measles may also induce immunity-amnesia  wiping out part of a bodys immune system memory archives of how to fight previous infections. As a result, measles survivors could become more vulnerable to other infections.

Florida leaders are largely ignoring the measles outbreak, with calls for Florida surgeon generals resignation over inaction towards measles. Meanwhile, waiting for the CDC to recover its professional voice is not an option. It is imperative that state and local officials, and healthcare professionals, take immediate action to stop measles.

State and local officials should mobilize vaccine drives and must issue stronger guidance to quarantine when necessary. Health systems should provide education for professionals and community members to recognize cases clinically and stress immediate isolation. A laissez-faire attitude towards measles is essentially reckless endangerment.

The lessons learned from the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic should remind us of the importance of swift clear warnings and decisive action to prevent the spread of infectious diseases nationwide.

Kavita Patel, M.D. MSHS, is a professor of medicine at Stanford University and former White House health policy director in the Obama administration. Eric Feigl-Ding, Sc.D., is an epidemiologist and chair of the public health department at the New England Complex Systems Institute. Yaneer Bar-Yam, Ph.D. is president of NECSI and co-founder of the World Health Network.
Shura Council Condemns Iraqi Federal Supreme Court Ruling

The Shura Council of Kurdistan Region on Thursday released a statement on the recent Iraqi Federal Supreme Court ruling.

"The decision made by the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court, in contravention of the constitution and laws, establishes it as a superior authority above all other powers, leading to a multitude of unfavorable consequences, encompassing legal, political, and social dimensions," the statement said.

The statement also mentioned that the decisions made by the Federal Court led to the boycott of the parliamentary elections of the Kurdistan Region, scheduled for June 10, by the communities of Turkmen, Assyrian, and Chaldean.

The Shura Council of the Kurdistan Region has expressed concern that the communities' boycott of the elections will lead to political problems in the Kurdistan Region. This is because the parliament formed after the elections will not include representatives from these communities. Therefore, it is essential for the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court to adhere to the Constitution, exercise its privileges as outlined in the Constitution, and avoid infringing upon the privileges of other branches of power.

As per Article 36 of the Kurdistan Parliamentary Election Law, five seats were reserved for Chaldeans, and Assyrians, one for Armenians and five for Turkmens, but the Federal Supreme Court of Iraq annulled the 11 seats on Feb. 21.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on March 3, set June 10 for parliamentary elections.

Every four years, Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections are held to elect the 111 members. The election was first held in 1992 and the most recent election was held in 2018.

Dawid Salman, the Director of the Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission, previously told Kurdistan24 that there are 3.6 million eligible voters in the Kurdistan Region.
PHNOM PENH, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Thursday launched seven new gamma dose rate monitoring stations across its capital and borderline provinces in a bid to strengthen environmental radiation monitoring capabilities.

Donated by the European Union, the MIRA gamma dose rate monitoring systems were installed in the capital Phnom Penh and the provinces of Ratanakiri, Oddar Meanchey, Koh Kong, Preah Sihanouk, Kampot and Kep, with a spare system standby for replacement.

Cambodian Minister of Mines and Energy Keo Rottanak said these will bolster national capabilities for early response, safeguarding public health and safety, and environmental protection.

"The establishment of these stations in Cambodia advances our commitment to nuclear safety, safeguarding our environment and protecting our citizens from the harmful effects of radiation in case of nuclear accidents or radiological emergencies occurring in the region," he said at the launching event in Phnom Penh.

"With the increasing use of nuclear technology and the potential for radiation exposure, we must have the necessary infrastructure in place to monitor and assess radiation levels in our surroundings," Rottanak said. "The equipment we inaugurate today empowers us with real-time data, enabling proactive decisions to safeguard public health and the environment."

The MIRA gamma dose rate monitoring systems were designed to measure gamma radiation levels in various environmental settings accurately, and each station is connected to Cambodia's central early warning radiation monitoring network and management center.

Each station provides real-time data for timely decision-making and effective management of radiological events or emergencies at both national and regional levels through the ASEAN radiological data exchange platform hosted by the Office of Atoms for Peace in Thailand.

"This initiative reflects the EU's commitment to improving emergency preparedness, response capabilities, and coordination to effectively address health and ecosystem threats at both national and international level," EU ambassador to Cambodia Igor Driesmans said. 
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Just three members of the House of Representatives Florida delegation voted Wednesday against the bill that could potentially ban TikTok in the U.S.

Their views span the political spectrum, from progressive to firebrand conservative, but all are skeptical of its potential impacts on freedom of speech and question whether the bill is ready.

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The legislation, Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Application Act, would require TikToks Chinese-owned parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app or divest from it within six months of its passing. The measure promises harsh penalties for companies like Apple and Google if they offer it in their app stores. It would also would penalize internet companies that host the app.

Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Orlando) was the only Florida Democrat to oppose the legislation. Frost, the first member of Generation Z in Congress, announced his intention to vote no ahead of the vote.

Lets be clear that I am deeply concerned about our foreign adversaries accessing our private data online, but this bill is not the comprehensive reform we need to reign in Big Tech and protect Americans from harm and manipulation, Frost said in a statement. I refuse to spring a TikTok ban on my constituents who, under the neo-fascist control of Governor DeSantis, rely on social media for income, information, and community.

Frost said the bill infringes on the Constitutional right to freedom of speech and called the proposed 6-month deadline to sell the app nearly impossible and unrealistic.

Just 50 Democrats in the House opposed the legislation. Rep. Lois Frankel (D-West Palm Beach) did not participate in the vote.

From left to right: Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Niceville), Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Orlando), and Rep. Greg Steube (R-Sarasota). (AP photos)

Two Florida Republicans voted against the bill.

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Niceville) said he opposed the measure because House leadership did not allow time for revisions before putting it up for a vote.

Banning TikTok is the right idea, Gaetz wrote on X. But this legislation was overly broad, rushed and unavailable for amendment or revision. This is no way to run a railroad (or the internet).

Rep. Greg Steube (R-Sarasota) believes the bill could be used to target conservative political speech online.

Whos to say that this president, Joe Biden, isnt going to say that Truth Social is influenced by somebody in Russia or the Chinese Communist Party? Steube mused Wednesday while speaking to Newsmaxs Rob Schmitt. And now this new power has been given to President Biden. Hes going to shut down and divest Truth Social from being able to communicate to their base right months before an election.

Steube went on to say the timing of the effort to pass the bill is very suspect.

In a thread posted to X, he called TikTok a dangerous app controlled by Chinese interests, but acknowledged the measures broad language could have consequences that extend beyond the short-form video app.

If you think this hypothetical is far-fetched, I simply ask: what from the past 8 years gives you any confidence that President Biden and the Democrats will not abuse this authority and weaponize it against conservatives? Steube said on X.

President Biden said hell sign the bill if it makes it to his desk. However, the measure faces an uphill battle with Democrats razor-thin majority in the Senate. Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) recently expressed hesitation in bringing the legislation to the Senate floor.

Its not just Senate Democrats who have concerns. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) opposes the measure and blocked a similar bill last year.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
A 27-year-old Florida woman traveling to the Bahamas on a cruise ship was found dead in her cabin, police said. The Royal Bahamas Police Force said it was investigating the unidentified woman's death and that an autopsy will be conducted to determine how she died.

Police on the island of Grand Bahama were told Monday the woman was found unresponsive in her cabin on an unidentified cruise line en route to the nation in the West Indies, the agency said in a statement Tuesday.

Medical personnel on the ship performed CPR on the woman, police said. They weren't able to revive her, and she was declared dead.

Officers found a substance suspected of being cocaine in the cabin and arrested an unidentified 32-year-old Florida man on an unspecified charge, police said.

Port Lucaya Marina is seen in Freeport, Bahamas, on Feb. 6, 2011. / Credit: Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post via Getty Images

In the Bahamas, 18 killings in January spurred the U.S. Embassy in the capital of Nassau to urge Americans to exercise caution in parts of the country.

"Murders have occurred at all hours including in broad daylight on the streets," the embassy said on its website.

The U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory because of the violence. In response, the Bahamian government said the killings did not reflect the country's safety and announced new initiatives to reduce crime.

"The safety and security of everyone is of paramount importance to us and we are confident that The Bahamas will remain safe and welcoming for millions of visitors to continue to enjoy the magic and beauty of our beautiful islands," the prime minister's office said in a statement.

According to figures released by the country's tourism ministry, over 9.6 million people visited the country last year, an increase from 2022.

Most of those tourists over 7.9 million people arrived in the country by sea, an increase from over 5.5 million in 2022, the tourism ministry said.

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A woman has been found dead inside a cabin of a cruise ship en route to The Bahamas, with police finding suspected cocaine on board.

The 27-year-old woman from Florida, who has not been officially named, was found unresponsive on the Margaritaville at Sea cruise line on Monday afternoon, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said.

The ships medical staff performed CPR, but there were no vital signs of life and she was pronounced dead.

Police have now arrested a 32-year-old man, also from Florida, in connection to the case. A quantity of suspected cocaine was also confiscated from the cabin.

Authorities have not revealed what relationship the suspect and deceased woman may have and neither of their identities have been released.

An investigation into the death is ongoing on the island of Grand Bahama, and an autopsy will be carried out to determine the exact cause of death.

A spokesperson for the cruise line Margaritaville at Sea told FOX 35 that, after learning of the death on board the ship, our medical staff immediately provided support and assistance to the travelling companion of the deceased guest.

The travelling companion reported the death, which reportedly occurred overnight. All appropriate authorities were notified, including the FBI, as is standard procedure regarding such events within the cruise industry.

We are fully cooperating with the FBI and its investigation.

The spokesperson added that the ship had departed from Palm Beach last Sunday for a two-night sail to Freeport in The Bahamas before returning to Palm Beach on Tuesday.

Upon the ships arrival in Palm Beach, the FBI was provided full access to the ship, they added.

The Independent has contacted the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Margaritaville at Sea for further information.

The incident comes at a time when the Bahamas tourism industry is facing trouble as a string of murders have fuelled safety concerns.

In total, 18 murders have been recorded in the capital in the first month of 2024, the US Embassy in The Bahamas said in a release. The embassy has advised people to take extreme caution in the eastern part of New Province Island and to be aware of their surroundings.

Shortly after this warning, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation released a statement saying that the government of The Bahamas is alert, attentive and proactive to ensure that The Bahamas remains a self and welcoming destination.

The rating of The Bahamas has not changed; we remain a level 2 alongside most tourism destinations, the agency said, adding that over nine million visitors were welcomed to the country in 2023.

The incidents described in the January 2024 US Embassy crime alert do not reflect general safety in The Bahamas, a country of 16 tourism destinations, and many more islands, the ministry said.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Applications for campers to attend Flying Horse Farms are due this Friday.

Flying Horse Farms is a medical specialty camp in Mount Gilead that enables children with a wide range of serious illnesses to heal, grow, and have fun, all free of charge.

Campers attend Flying Horse Farms without their families for approximately one week, live in cabins, and participate in traditional summer camp activities under medically customized supervision.

For more information including registration, click here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Following back-to-back years of healthy snowpack, the scientists who monitor Utahs snow and downstream flows are cautiously estimating that the Great Salt Lakes water levels could rise around 1.2 feet this spring.

In its March monthly report, the Utah Snow Survey said that the Great Salt Lake could see 870,000 acre-feet of water entering the lake between April and July. This could boost elevation in the struggling lake by more than a foot, although this forecast could be impacted by a number of factors.

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Jordan Clayton, supervisor of the Utah Snow Survey, said that the 870,000 acre-feet figure is the middle value in a range of possible outcomes. He described it to ABC4 as a conservative figure.

If I had to guess, Id guess that the 870,000 [acre-feet] figure is going to be a low number, he said. It could be a lot less than that, it could be a lot more.

Looking at the spread of possible outcomes in the Utah Snow Survey report, the highest figure listed is roughly double the middle number  or 1.5 million acre-feet of water entering the lake. The low-end figure is 485,000 acre-feet of water flowing into Great Salt Lake.

This is the first year that the Utah Snow Survey is forecasting inflows into the Great Salt Lake. The information is meant to help water managers make critical decisions, but Clayton says that theres substantial uncertainty surrounding these forecasts.

The uncertainty stems from Utah Snow Survey not being able to take into account water management actions upstream, such as withdrawals and diversions for reservoir storage. The model also assumes the weather this spring will be normal for this time of year. Any major storm or dry spell could have major impacts.

Additionally, theres also uncertainty in the lake level rise prediction, as Clayton notes it is greatly affected by management of the berm that separates the northern and southern arms of the Great Salt Lake.

Healthy snowpack, fuller reservoirs

Last winter left Utah with a record snowpack, and this year, the three major watersheds that empty into the Great Salt Lake are again seeing above average snowpack. These major basins are the Jordan River, the Weber River, and the Bear River.

One of the things we are seeing is that the reservoirs in those basins are a lot more full than they were last year at this time, Clayton said.

Across the state, reservoirs are sitting around 82% full, thats up from 52% full this time last year. As Clayton explained it, since there isnt so much reservoir space to fill up this spring, theres hope more water makes its way downstream and into the Great Salt Lake.

Weve really done a lot or replenish our reservoir supply because of last years runoff conditions and how good they were, he said. We also did a good job as a state conserving water so that less water was removed from those reservoirs. What that means for the Great Salt Lake is that a much larger percentage of the snow that we have right now will be able to make it to the Great Salt Lake downstream.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Measuring a child's waist-to-height ratio is critical to accurately detect obesity in young people, say researchers - ISTOCKPHOTO

Measure your childrens waist rather than their weight to see if they are fat, scientists have said.

A childs waist-to-height ratio is a more useful way to measure fat in children than the traditional body mass index (BMI) method, a new study has revealed.

Experts analysed 7,237 children aged nine and followed them for 15 years, measuring waist-to-height ratios and BMIs at nine, 11, 15 and 24 years old.

The researchers concluded that waist measurements detected excess fat mass and distinguished fat mass from muscle mass in children and adolescents more accurately than BMI.

Children of the 90s study

BMI has been the go-to tool for calculating if people of all ages are obese or overweight for more than a decade.

The study, called the Bristol project and part of the Children of the 90s study, was carried out by the universities of Bristol, Exeter and Eastern Finland.

Their findings could be the first step towards changing the guidelines to measure fat in children, with researchers calling it critical to accurately detect obesity in young people.

Rates of obesity among 10 and 11-year-olds in England have soared since the Covid pandemic.

More than two in five children in Year 6 are now overweight or obese.

Severe complications

Prof Julian Hamilton-Shield, a consultant paediatrician at the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, told the BBC that his weight management clinic was now seeing a lot more patients with obesity-related diseases.

We are seeing more severe levels of obesity and we are seeing more severe complications, he said.

So in order to be able to pick that up, we need to have good measures that tell us more about peoples health.

The study did not look at adults so could not say whether it was more effective for them as well, but others have criticised BMI because, for example, it would say a rugby player with large muscle mass was obese.

Parents should not be discouraged

Prof Andrew Agbaje, the lead author, from the University of Eastern Finland, said waist-circumference-to-height ratio was an inexpensive way to determine excess fat mass without implicating muscle mass.

This study provides novel information that would be useful in updating future childhood obesity guidelines and policy statements, he said.

The average waist-circumference-to-height ratio in childhood, adolescence and young adulthood is 0.45; it does not vary with age and among individuals like BMI.

Parents should not be discouraged by the BMI or weight of their children, but can inexpensively confirm whether the weight is due to increase in excess fat by examining their childs waist-circumference-to-height ratio.

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FILE - San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrates a hit on Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. The 49ers are planning to cut their longest tenured player by releasing defensive tackle Arik Armstead in a salary cap move. A person informed of the team's decision said Armstead will be released and hit the open market after the start of the new league year, Wednesday, March 13, 2024. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team has not announced the move. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, File)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP)  Arik Armstead's unemployment lasted roughly a day.

The Jacksonville Jaguars agreed to terms with the former San Francisco defensive tackle on a three-year, $51 million contract Thursday, a person with knowledge of the decision said. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither side had announced the move.

The 49ers released Armstead to create salary cap space when the new league year began Wednesday. He will now switch coasts and reunite with Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke, who drafted Armstead with the 17th overall pick in 2015.

If he can stay healthy, Armstead should provide a huge addition for a team that ranked 25th in the league last season with 40 sacks. Armstead will be asked to line up between standout pass rushers Josh Allen and Travon Walker and provide the kind of middle push the team has been missing for years.

The Jaguars wouldn't have been in a position to land Armstead had they brought back receiver Calvin Ridley. But when Ridley agreed to sign with rival Tennessee on a four-year, $92 million deal Wednesday, the Jags had the flexibility to get the 6-foot-7, 290-pound defender.

Armstead had five sacks in 12 games in the regular season in 2023 and added one more in the playoffs. He has 33 1/2 sacks in 116 games in the regular season, and his eight career sacks in the postseason are the second most in Niners history.

The 30-year-old Armstead was hampered by injuries the past two seasons, playing only 21 regular-season games in that span because of injuries to his knee and foot. He played through a torn meniscus in his right knee in the postseason and had surgery after the Super Bowl.

Armstead was due a $17.4 million base salary this season and would have counted $28.4 million against the cap, leading the Niners to release him.

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
A recently fired police lieutenant has filed a lawsuit against Fresno Police Department saying he was terminated as retaliation for not being a good ol boy, according to his attorney.

Ignacio Ruiz Jr. said the Fresno Police Department used a routine fender bender involving his patrol car as a means to fire the 46-year-old lieutenant about two years after he was promoted, according to a civil rights complaint filed in federal court of the California Eastern District on March 7.

The Fresno Police Department and city of Fresno declined to address the lawsuit, saying they do not comment on ongoing litigation.

Ruiz, who was fired on Valentines Day, was on the outs with the departments administrators because he wasnt toeing the line to maintain some of Fresno polices discriminatory policies, according to Kevin Little, a Fresno attorney representing the former lieutenant.

This (crash) got blown way out of proportion and (Ruiz) thinks its because he was not one of the good ol boys, Little said.

Lt. Ignacio Ruiz Jr. receives a lieutenants badge from Fresno police Chief Paco Balderrama, according to tweet from the chief on Feb. 2, 2022.

The civil complaint said Ruiz was the subject of an unfair and tainted investigation for the dent in his patrol car. That included untrue rumors the damaged car somehow resulted from him having an affair with a married Clovis woman, according to the complaint.

Little said the affair was made up by other officers, and administrators said Ruiz was being dishonest during the Internal Affairs investigation about what was an unremarkable crash in a patrol car while Ruiz was off duty.

Under the law, all we have to prove is that this (retaliation) was a motivating reason, Little said. We feel confident that we can prove that.

Ruiz had about 25 years in the department and had an unblemished record before the investigation, according to Little.

Balderrama placed the lieutenants badge on Ruiz around Feb. 2, 2022, according to a tweet by the chief.

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of promoting Sgt. Ignacio Ruiz to Lieutenant, the tweet said. He is a 23-year veteran with a masters degree whos proven himself a great leader in various difficult assignments.

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of promoting Sgt. Ignacio Ruiz to Lieutenant. He is a 23-year veteran with a masters degree whos proven himself a great leader in various difficult assignments. Lt. Ruiz will be our evening field commander in the Southwest Policing District. pic.twitter.com/RXRVXdEjP6  Chief Paco Balderrama (@BalderramaPaco) February 2, 2022

Ruiz, in a claim for damages, has said the departments discriminatory practices include a lack of properly maintained data for stops made by police under Assembly Bill 953 of 2015, according to the complaint. If audited, the data would show a disproportionate amount of stops for people of color  especially those who are Hispanic or Black.

The complaint also cites multiple incidents of racially bias conduct among the leaders of Fresno Police Department, including officers who routinely referred to officers of color as being part of the Mexican Mafia, a reference to a street gang also known to operate in the U.S. prison system.

The Fresno Police Department, according to the complaint, is divided along racial lines between white officers and Hispanic officers.

Ruizs complaint says he has had conversations with other high-ranking Hispanic officers who shared similar stories of a department that favors less qualified white officers.

The complaint includes the names of seven ranking officers as defendants, including Balderrama, Deputy Chief Mindy Casto, Capt. Joe Alvarez, Capt. Tom Rowe, Lt. Anthony DeWall, Lt. Sean Biggs and Sgt. Joshua Knapp.

Many more officers are named as potentially being called to testify.

Ruizs complaint says the departments problems date back to former chief and current Mayor Jerry Dyer, who led the department for 18 years.

The claim cites past lawsuits filed by former officers who also alleged racism and mistreatment by Dyer as an examples of history of mismanagement in Fresno Police Department. A 2011 lawsuit that cited racist treatment was settled out of court.

The Ruiz complaint requests a jury trial with the amount of damages to be determined at trial, including loss of wages and compensation for pain and suffering.

Ruiz declined to speak with The Fresno Bee. He instead offered a written statement.

The rank-and-file police officers and everyone in Fresno deserve quality leaders who sincerely care about their well-being, the statement said in part. They are people who have families and friends who deeply care for them.
A woman who used to work at the Chatham County Detention Center has been fired after officials say she helped bring drugs into the facility.

Chatham County sheriff officials said on Tuesday that deputies arrested Indonesia Bell and charged her with conspiracy to violate the Georgia Controlled Substance Act.

According to the investigation, Bell was a contract worker for Summit Food, a food services company partnered with the Chatham County Detention Center.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

As part of an ongoing investigation into the possibility of drugs entering the facility, officials said agents performed a shakedown in the kitchen on the day of Bells arrest.

Following the investigation, officials said they interviewed Bell and learned that she had been accepting payments from detainees family members and associates. She was then arrested and fired from her job.

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This arrest is part of the facilitys unwavering commitment to combat illicit activities within its premises, particularly drug smuggling, which will not be tolerated under any circumstances, officials said.

Investigators added that more charges and arrests are likely to follow.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
MATTHEWS, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A former Gaston County Sheriffs deputy was arrested on kidnapping and assault charges earlier this month, officials confirmed with Queen City News.

According to court documents, Edward G. Stivala, of Gastonia, was arrested on March 3 by the Matthews Police Department for an alleged domestic incident the night before.

Officers said they were called for a domestic dispute in the Elevation Church parking lot on Independence Blvd. Police said the 33-year-old Stivala and the victim were driving in Matthews when he reportedly struck her on the left leg multiple times with an open hand.

Further, documents show she told officers that when she wanted to get out of the car, the suspect continued to drive around town without letting her exit.

More from Queen City News

GASTON COUNTY

The victim was eventually dropped off in the church parking lot, and the responding officer told her to call Stivala to meet at the police department. Though Stivala said he was an hour away, he arrived at the station about 15 minutes later.

When Stivala arrived, officers said it appeared he had purposely smashed his head into the steering wheel, leaving an imprint. He reportedly had multiple weapons on him when he was arrested, and all of his Gaston County Sheriff-issued gear was turned into the office.

He was hired by the Gaston County Sheriffs Office in July 2023, Gaston County officials said, and his employment ended the day of the arrest.

Stivala has been charged with second-degree kidnapping, assault on a female, and interfering with emergency communication. He was held on a $2,000 bond, which was posted on March 4.

His next court appearance is slated for March 19.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
JAKARTA, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Inactive Supreme Court Secretary Hasbi Hasan was sentenced to 13 years and eight months in prison, as well as a fine of 1 billion rupiah (about 64,000 U.S. dollars), for a bribery case of 11.2 billion rupiah (about 715,000 dollars), at the Corruption Crime Court in Jakarta on Thursday.

Prosecutor for the Corruption Eradication Commission Ariawan Agustiartono said that Hasan's acceptance of bribes to conduct the bankruptcy case to win the case at the Supreme Court's cassation level for Heryanto Tanaka, the debtor of the Intidana savings and credit cooperative (KSP), was proven.

Hasan violated the Criminal Code Law, Agustiartono said.

In addition, Hasan will have to pay compensation of 3.88 billion rupiah (about 250,000 dollars) within a month of the court's decision, failing which the state will seize his property. 
Former North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory has resigned from his position as national co-chair of the centrist group No Labels.

News of the Republican ex-governors resignation follows an announcement from the group Friday that it would move forward with a Unity presidential ticket. Details on who will be on that ticket were not provided in the groups announcement.

But the reasons for McCrorys departure are not yet known. Asked by The News & Observer about his reasoning, McCrory said, it was time to leave and pursue other opportunities.

The Wall Street Journal first broke the news on McCrorys departure on Wednesday. It reported that McCrory declined to comment on his decision but noted that he had been traveling extensively on behalf of the organization and wanted to spend more time with his family.

No Labels, which has existed since 2010 and is known for its work in creating the Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan group in the U.S. House, last year jumped to the foreground when it started setting up state political organizations to get ballot access for a yet-unnamed third-party candidate.

It obtained official recognition as a political party in North Carolina in August, allowing voters across the state to register with it in addition to the Democratic, Republican, Green or Libertarian parties. The group has not yet qualified to appear on ballots in all 50 states.

No Labels has been teasing that theyd run a presidential candidate for months, to the chagrin of some, who say that it could pull votes away from the major partys presidential nominees, Democratic President Joe Biden and Republican former President Donald Trump.

But No Labels has previously said that it would not field a presidential candidate in November unless it saw a viable path to victory. It touts itself on its website as a group that seeks common sense solutions for all of Americans and that speaks truth to partisanship

Its unclear who the group plans to put forward, and it did not immediately respond to a request from comment from The N&O on Thursday.
An 80-year-old former officer with communist East Germany's secret police, the Stasi, holds a folder in front of his face at the start of his trial at the state court in Berlin, Thursday March 14, 2024. The former officer went on trial Thursday over the killing of a Polish man at a border crossing in divided Berlin 50 years ago. (Sebastian Christoph Gollnow/dpa via AP)

BERLIN (AP)  An 80-year-old former officer with communist East Germany's secret police, the Stasi, went on trial Thursday over the killing of a Polish man at a border crossing in divided Berlin 50 years ago.

The defendant, whose name has not been released in keeping with German privacy rules, is charged with murder before the state court in Berlin.

He did not speak as the the trial opened, but his lawyer said that her client contests the accusations against him, German news agency dpa reported. There are no formal pleas in the German legal system.

Prosecutors announced their indictment in October.

The case goes back to March 29, 1974, when a 38-year-old Polish man allegedly took a fake bomb to the Polish Embassy to threaten officials to allow him to leave to West Berlin and the Stasi decided to pretend it was authorizing his departure.

He was provided with exit documents and accompanied to a border crossing at the Friedrichstrasse railway station in East Berlin, according to prosecutors.

The defendant  who was 31 at the time  was tasked with rendering the Polish man harmless, prosecutors have said. After the Pole had passed the final checkpoint, the suspect allegedly shot him in the back from a hiding place.

The court has scheduled seven trial sessions through May 23.

Authorities made little headway with the case until a decisive tip on the identity of the shooter emerged in 2016 from the Stasi's voluminous archives, dpa reported. Prosecutors initially suspected the case would amount to manslaughter, which unlike murder falls under the statute of limitations in Germany.

East Germany built the Berlin Wall in 1961, preventing most of its citizens from traveling to the West. Many tried to escape by tunneling under it, swimming past it, climbing or flying over it. At least 140 people died in the attempt.

The heavily fortified border was opened on Nov. 9, 1989, a key moment in the collapse of communism in Europe. Germany was reunited less than a year later.
SARDIS, Miss.  The former chief of police for Sardis, Mississippi, reportedly departed after a pay dispute.

According to the Panolian newspaper, former Sardis Police Chief Chris Franklin expressed his concerns about low wages in his resignation letter. Sardis Police officers make $17 an hour.

I will be resigning from the Sardis Police Department. Due to the lack of funding, it has become impossible to safely staff the police department and keep the citizens safe, Franklin wrote.

Chief John Lantern has taken over since Franklins departure. In addition to Franklins resignation, two more officers also departed, leaving Sardis with just four full-time officers to serve the town.

Sardis Mayor Richard McCarty says it shouldnt all be about money.

TN Senate passes bill to undo Memphis traffic stop ordinance

We have some good police officers, putting their lives on the line every day for what they do. Is it enough? No, it would never be enough, McCarty said. Today they are making $17 an hour, thats not including their benefits. Our full-time officers, depending on where they live, they get to take their vehicles home, so that adds to what they are making.

Carol Lewis moved from Chicago to Sardis. She says some parts of the town need more police attention.

Sardis is a small town. I thought I was moving to something quiet and relaxing, but you still got shootings! she said.

Lewis is on board with the idea of giving officers a raise.

They should get paid more money because they are out here, and it is some nut cases out here that will stand behind some bushes and shoot at you, Lewis said.

McCarty says that the pay increase in neighboring towns makes it hard to retain police as they can earn more just a short distance away.

McCarty told WREG that since Lantern took over, no major crimes have occurred. McCarty added that the Panola County Sheriffs Department helps with security at night.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Former Trump Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has said that hes putting together an investor group to possibly buy TikTok.

A bill passed the House of Representatives on Wednesday that would force the Chinese company owning the social media app, ByteDance, to either sell the company or face a US ban.

I think the legislation should pass and I think it should be sold, Mr Mnuchin said on CNBC on Thursday morning. Its a great business and Im going to put together a group to buy TikTok.

If the legislation passes the Senate, the Biden administration has indicated that the president would sign it. Both Republicans and Democrats have noted the apps reach and Chinas possible ability to influence its users  TikTok estimates that it has about 170 million account holders in the US. Other tech investors have argued that TikTok has a negative influence.

Mr Mnuchin, who didnt specify who the other investors would be, heads Liberty Strategic Capital, which has connections to ByteDance  SoftBank Vision Fund invested in the company in 2018 and is a limited partner in Liberty, CNBC noted.

This should be owned by US businesses. Theres no way that the Chinese would ever let a US company own something like this in China, Mr Mnuchin told the broadcaster.

Its not clear if Beijing would let ByteDance sell TikTok, which has lobbied aggressively against the bill, to a US buyer. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew has suggested that the app will not be sold to an American buyer.

BREAKING



Former Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin tells @andrewrsorkin that hes interested in buying TikTok and is putting a group of investors together.



He wouldnt tell Andrew which investors are in his group.



Worth noting that former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick has also pic.twitter.com/T9aqXPKGmE  Yashar Ali  (@yashar) March 14, 2024

On Thursday, the Financial Times reported that Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for Chinas foreign ministry, called the bipartisan push against the app revealed a robbers logic.

While ByteDance was valued at $220bn last year, a sale price of the American part of the firm would likely be lower, according to CNBC.

TikToks algorithm deciding what users see on the platform was created in China and is one of the main concerns of lawmakers and other US critics  but a sale without it would make it less attractive to possible buyers.

On Sunday, The Wall Street Journal noted that former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick was looking at possible deals with a number of partners.

During his time in the Trump administration, Mr Mnuchin was part of a government that also took an adversarial stance against China and TikTok, leading to the apps partnership with Oracle. But former President Donald Trump has since revealed that hes now against a TikTok ban.

The Independent has reached out to TikTok for comment.
Fox News host Brian Kilmeade and Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) clashed on air Thursday over a potential TikTok ban in the United States and the ownership of the company.

Paul joined Kilmeade on Fox & Friends just after the House passed a bill that could ban TikTok in the U.S., handing the Senate the task of deciding whether the controversial legislation will land on President Bidens desk. The bill would force TikToks China-based parent company, ByteDance, to divest itself of the app or face removal from U.S. app stores.

Supporters of the bill say it aims to protect national security by preventing ByteDance from sharing U.S. user data with the Chinese government and seeking to influence American users to suit Beijings interests.

Kilmeade asked Paul whether countries like Russia, China, North Korea and Iran should own influential platforms like TikTok.

Paul pushed back on Kilmeades questioning, arguing that in reality, 60 percent of TikTok is owned by international investors, 20 percent is owned by the two Chinese software developers who began the business, and the last 20 percent is owned by the apps employees, 7,000 of whom are American.

So its a very diverse ownership, its not owned by the Chinese government, Paul said in the interview highlighted by Mediaite.

He argued that TikToks leadership doesnt have ties to the the Chinese government and that its CEO, Shou Zi Chew, is Singaporean.

So, this is an international corporation, and like every other international corporation, they deserve their day in court. You cant just take the property, he said.

Paul added that he has issues with the Chinese government and the Saudi authoritarians, but he said businesses cant be banned just because they have an unsavory government.

Kilmeade and Paul then began talking over one another as the Fox News host insisted that the popular app was owned by the Chinese government.

No, they dont  see, youve just told a lie, Brian, Paul said. You cant say on TV something that is a lie about a company.

Kilmeade called for his producers at Fox News to cut away from the interview immediately.

On Tuesday, Paul said the proposed ban makes no sense since the app is already banned in China.

So, were going to emulate the Chinese communists by banning it in our country? he said in an interview on The Hill on NewsNation.

Its currently unclear whether the Senate will bring up the House-passed TikTok legislation, but Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said he will review it when it comes over from the lower chamber.

Biden said last week he would support a bill banning TikTok if Congress passes the legislation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Cyril Hanouna, who has derided "a relentless campaign against my programmes," sits alongside producer Lionel Stan as he faces lawmakers (Alain JOCARD)

A controversial French media baron and his star presenter were grilled this week by lawmakers over their right-wing content that has attracted millions of euros in fines and huge audiences.

CNews, often described as France's answer to Fox News, is owned by one of the country's most powerful businessmen, Vincent Bollore, a conservative billionaire who runs the telecoms behemoth Vivendi.

Along with controversial talkshows on sister channel C8, CNews reflects a rightwards shift in French politics, often airing views against immigration, Islamism and "woke" leftists, and promoting "traditional" family values.

On-air statements -- such as blaming a rise in bed bugs on immigrants or a graphic that described abortion as "the world's leading cause of mortality" -- have triggered regular reprimands from the TV watchdog and some 7.5 million euros in fines.

But it attracts large audiences, with CNews nipping at the heels of France's leading news channel, BFMTV.

In a rare public appearance on Wednesday, Bollore was questioned by lawmakers in the National Assembly.

The 71-year-old, who also owns the Canal Plus film production company, denied imposing any "ideology" on the stations, and said his stations' only interest was in "telling the truth".

But he affirmed his strong Catholic faith and opposition to abortion in deeply personal terms -- revealing his regret over allowing a partner to abort a pregnancy.

"I was weak... I let myself go along with it. There isn't a day that goes by when I don't think about that life that I helped to wipe out," he said.

- 'A lobby' -

On Thursday, it was the turn of C8's star presenter Cyril Hanouna, who hosts one of the most controversial talkshows on French TV, "Touche pas a mon poste" ("Don't Touch My TV").

He earned the station a record fine of 3.5 million euros for an episode in 2022 when he launched a foul-mouthed tirade live on air against a left-wing deputy who had criticised Bollore.

Hanouna came out fighting in the National Assembly, saying he believed there was "a sort of lobby that means people want to see me taken off the airwaves".

"There's a relentless campaign against my programmes, we know it. I bother people," said Hanouna.

Bollore has been gradually expanding his empire. As well as Groupe Canal, he has bought Paris Match magazine and radio station Europe 1.

There was uproar last year when a far-right editor was appointed to run the recently-acquired Journal du Dimanche (JDD), France's only Sunday paper.

The new editor Geoffroy Lejeune previously ran far-right weekly Valeurs Actuelles, which was found guilty of racist hate speech in 2021 for a fictional story and cartoons depicting one of the country's most prominent black MPs as a nude slave in chains and an iron collar.

But far-right views have found increasing purchase across France, particularly in rural areas seen as left behind by the government.

Surveys show strong support for anti-immigrant views, and analysts say far-right leader Marine Le Pen has her best chance yet of being elected president in 2027.

Her National Rally Party (RN), now led by her 28-year-old youthful protege Jordan Bardella, is according to polls well ahead of President Emmanuel Macron's ruling party in June's EU elections.

pr-er/sjw/cw
Former Washington state Speaker of the House Frank Chopp announced his retirement from the Legislature Wednesday after 30 years as a lawmaker in the statehouse.

As I leave legislative office, I am excited for the next generation of leaders carrying on this work, as I continue to advocate and organize efforts in the public interest as a public citizen, Chopp said in a news release. As people know about me, I am not the retiring type.

Chopp, a Democrat from Seattle, spent 20 years as the Speaker of the House. He stepped down from that role in 2019, and Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, was chosen for the post.

Leaving the House

Several other Washington lawmakers also have announced their departure from the statehouse.

Rep. J.T. Wilcox, R-Yelm, announced at the end of the legislative session this year that he would be retiring after 14 years. The lawmaker stepped down from his position as the House Minority Leader at the end of the 2023 legislative session.

While Rep. Joel Kretz, R-Wauconda, did not make a formal announcement that he would leave the Legislature, a press spokesperson notified reporters on March 4 that he would not be running for reelection. The lawmaker is vacating his seat after first being elected to the office in 2004.

Rep. Spencer Hutchins, R-Gig Harbor, announced in February that he would not run for a second term.

Over time, it has become clear that stepping away is the right thing to do for my family, Hutchins said in a news release.

Leaving the Senate

A number of state Senators will not be returning to Olympia.

Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig, D-Spokane, is not running for reelection this year after first joining the Legislature in 2010. The lawmaker was elected majority leader in 2018.

Part of being a good leader is knowing when it is time to step aside and let others lead, Billig said in a news release March 4.

Rep. Marcus Riccelli, D-Spokane, announced that he will run for Billigs seat, leaving Riccellis seat in the 3rd Legislative District open.

Longtime Sen. Sam Hunt, D-Olympia, announced in February that he would retire from the state Legislature after more than 20 years. The lawmaker started out as a staffer in the Legislature in 1980.

Rep. Jessica Bateman, D-Olympia, announced the next day that she will run for Hunts seat, leaving her 22nd Legislative District seat open for the 2024 election.

The day before the session adjourned this year, Sen. Lynda Wilson, R-Vancouver, announced that she would be leaving the Legislature after 10 years.

Its been such an honor to serve the people of our beloved state, particularly my neighbors in southwest Washington, Wilson said in a news release, but I am looking forward to having more time to be a mother, grandmother and small-business owner, as I was a decade ago.

The most senior Senator in the statehouse is also stepping down from her position early.

Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Des Moines, will retire later this year before her term officially expires in 2026.

It has been my privilege to serve the people of the 33rd Legislative District and the people of the State of Washington for the last 29 years, Keiser said in a news release March 5. I am in awe at the amazing progress we have made together in this institution over the last few decades.

Running for higher office

Some lawmakers will run for higher offices this year, leaving their seats open for the upcoming election.

In June, Sen. Mark Mullet, D-Issaquah, announced he would run for governor, leaving his seat in the state Senate open for the 2024 election. His gubernatorial campaign has so far raised more than $1 million, according to the Public Disclosure Commission. Mullet was first elected to the Senate in 2012.

Sen. Kevin Van De Wege, D-Lake Sutherland, also announced in June that, after 17 years is the legislature, he is running for Commissioner of Public Lands, a seat being vacated by Hilary Franz, who is running for Congress. That will leave Van De Weges Senate seat in the 24th Legislative District open for the 2024 election.

Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber, R-Republic, announced she is running for Congress in Washingtons 5th District, after U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers announced she is retiring. Maycumber has served as a House Representative since 2017.

Additionally, Rep. Kelly Chambers, R-Puyallup, will vacate her seat to run for Pierce County Executive this fall.. Chambers has served in the Legislature since 2019.

The candidate filing period with the Secretary of State for the 2024 election starts May 6 and ends on May 10.
France is taking aim at fast fashion, especially from China (Christophe ARCHAMBAULT)

France's parliament on Thursday backed a string of measures making low-cost fast fashion, especially from Chinese mass producers, less attractive to buyers.

The vote makes France the first country in the world "legislating to limit the excesses of ultra fast fashion", said Christophe Bechu, minister for the ecological transition.

Key measures include a ban on advertising for the cheapest textiles, and an environmental charge slapped on low-cost items.

The French clothes market has been flooded with cheap imported clothes, while several homegrown brands have declared bankruptcy.

But the main arguments put forward by Horizons -- the party allied to President Emmanuel Macron submitting the draft law -- were environmental.

"Textile is the most polluting industry," said Horizons deputy Anne-Cecile Violland, saying the sector accounted for 10 percent of greenhouse gas emissions and was a major polluter of water.

She singled out Chinese company Shein and its "7,200 new clothing items per day" as a prime example of intensive fashion production.

France will apply criteria such as volumes of clothes produced and turnover speed of new collections in determining what constitutes fast fashion, according to the law.

Once the law comes into force -- which still requires a vote in the Senate -- precise criteria will be published in a decree.

Fast fashion producers will be forced to inform consumers about the environmental impact of their output.

A surcharge linked to fast fashion's ecological footprint of five euros ($5.45) per item is planned from next year, rising to 10 euros by 2030. The charge cannot, however, exceed 50 percent of an item's price tag.

Violland said the proceeds from the charge would be used to subsidise producers of sustainable clothes, allowing them to compete more easily.

A measure to limit advertising for fast fashion was also approved, although conservative lawmaker Antoine Vermorel-Marques remarked that "a ban on advertising for textiles, especially fashion, spells the end of fashion".

An initiative brought by left-wing and Green party deputies to include minimum penalties for producers breaking the rules as well as import quotas and stricter workplace criteria in the industry into the new law was struck down.

High-end fashion is a cornerstone of the French economy thanks to leading global luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermes, Dior and Cartier.

But the French lower-end fashion segment has lost ground to European rivals Zara, H&M and, more recently, to Chinese behemoths Shein and Temu.

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The French Senate on March 13 overwhelmingly supported a security deal between Paris and Kyiv after it was approved by the parliament's lower chamber a day earlier.

The agreement, signed at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Feb. 16, was the third time a bilateral security agreement based on commitments made by G7 countries had been signed after Ukraine signed agreements with the U.K. and Germany. Other states have finalized similar deals since then.

The 10-year security agreement includes French commitments to deliver more munitions and provide up to 3 billion euros ($3.3 billion) in military aid to Ukraine in 2024.

Some 293 members of the Senate voted in support of the deal. Twenty-two senators voted against it, namely lawmakers from the communist parliamentary group.

"Turning our back on Ukraine would mean turning our back on our values, betraying the trust of our allies, showing weakness," said French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal during the debate, according to France 24.

The French National Assembly supported the agreement on March 12 as 372 lawmakers voted in favor, 99 were against, and 106 abstained or were absent.

The French Defense Ministry recently released a list of aid donated to Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022, and announced that France has committed more than 3.8 billion euros ($4.16 billion) in security assistance to Ukraine.

Although France has committed a comparably smaller portion of its GDP than countries like Germany or Poland, Macron has recently called for more decisive steps to support Ukraine, even not ruling out sending troops.

Read also: Zelensky: As long as Ukraine holds, French army can stay in France

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
JAKARTA, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Two foreign nationals on the Indonesian holiday island of Bali were killed on Thursday after the villa they were staying in was hit by a landslide, police told local media.

The accommodation situated in Penebel in Tabanan Regency was swept away by severe rain on Thursday, an area prone to flooding and landslides in the rainy season.

Penebel Police Chief I Gusti Kade Alit Mudiarsa said that one of the deceased had been identified to be an Australian woman. She was killed alongside her traveling partner whose national identity remained unknown, said Mudiarsa, adding that the two victims have been transferred to a hospital in Denpasar, Bali's capital.

Indonesia frequently experiences hydrometeorological disasters during the rainy season. 
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  On Wednesday Fresno Unified and ForeFront Power completed a solar project that is expected to save the district over 40 million dollars.

Community members came together at Hoover High School to celebrate the completion and ribbon cutting of the large solar project.

Super excited to see the completion of what has basically been a 7 year in the planning project which is designed to provide green energy in the city of Fresno, said Fresno Unified Superintendent Bob Nelson.

The project is expected to save the district millions of dollars for years to come.

Over the lifetime of the system which is about 20 years its going to save the district about 40 million dollars which go directly back to support kids in classrooms, said Nelson.

ForeFront Power is a leading developer in industrial-scale solar energy projects.

The 17.5 megawatts district-wide solar energy and storage portfolio includes 40 different projects with solar canopies and energy storage across 31 district sites in Fresno County.

Through a power purchase agreement, ForeFront Power provided all of the upfront costs of the projects, and the district didnt have to use any bond funds.

Additionally the district gets to become a leader in sustainability and also provide a renewable energy-related curriculum to its students through these projects operating and serving as living labs, said Nate Smith-Ide, who is the Senior Manager of ForeFront Power.

The project also serves as a lab where students can see renewable energy in action.

The way that it works mechanically pretty much is that the sun hits the solar panels just like it would at your home if you have a solar installation on your roof and then the energy is converted and then flows through the wires at the school, said Smith-Ide.

The solar projects produce energy that is sold to the district at rates that are lower than what PG&E charges.

As utility rates continue to go up Nelson says this project allows them to have a fix cost, while also prioritizing the right things instead of worrying about utility costs.

Nelson says the solar panels also serve other uses that benefit the community.

Its a green energy solution, this is the equivalent of taking 36 hundred cars off the road annually, and also it provides shade in all of our parking lots across the city, said Nelson.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
Russia's FSB has announced that it detained four alleged members of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC) in St. Petersburg on March 14.

Read also: Raid in Russias Kursk and Belgorod oblasts may last until sham presidential elections  Russian Freedom Legion

The FSB claims the detainees were planning to poison humanitarian aid intended for Russian troops in Ukraine with a highly toxic chemical substance. They also allege the group conducted reconnaissance of critical infrastructure in St. Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast, possibly for future terrorist attacks.

The FSB's investigative service has initiated criminal cases against the detainees for their alleged "participation in the activities of a terrorist organization," which is how Russia classifies the RVC.

The Freedom of Russia Legion, the Russian Volunteer Corps, and the Siberian Battalion, all composed of Russian citizens, crossed the border into Russia on March 12. They announced the start of an operation to liberate the Russian Federation from dictatorship. According to preliminary data, it is taking place in Russias Belgorod and Kursk oblasts.

Read also: Russian Volunteer Corps calls on Belgorod and Kursk residents to evacuate immediately

On the evening of March 12, the RVC announced a second entry into the Russian Federation to bring closer the moment of death to Putin and the entire Kremlin regime.

The Russian Defense Ministry reported the neutralization of 234 Ukrainian saboteurs in the Belgorod and Kursk oblasts.

Read also: Russian Freedom Legion volunteer reveals purpose of operation in Russian Federation

The Russian Freedom Legion announced on March 12 its control over part of the village of Tiotkino in Kursk Oblast, with the advance ongoing. The ASTRA Telegram channel, citing sources, reported that at least four Russian soldiers were killed, and nine others wounded in massive drone attacks and volunteer raids on March 12.

These units announced on March 13 strikes on military positions in Belgorod and Kursk, urging the population of these regions to evacuate immediately.

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin referred to the volunteer raid in an interview with propagandists, labeling it an attempt to disrupt the elections in Russia and gain leverage in the upcoming peace talks.



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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The Georgia woman who was allegedly killed in North Myrtle Beach might have had an intimate relationship with the man who is accused of killing her.

Bornold Eberhart, 42, has been arrested and charged with murder for allegedly killing Kristin Laymon, 53. He is being held at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center without bail.

Laymon was last seen alive getting on an elevator by herself on the ground floor of the Club Wyndham, 410 South Ocean Boulevard, at 2:12 a.m. on Sept. 23.

Laymon and Eberhart came to the Club Wyndham Ocean Boulevard together on Sept. 22, NMBPD Lt. Mike Swarthout said at a press conference on Thursday.

He said he does not think the pair was in a relationship but thinks they could have been intimately involved. They shared a hotel room that weekend.

On early Sept. 23, Laymon and Eberhart got into a fight. Layman got on the elevator alone later that morning. Detectives believe she was killed that morning.

Eberhart returned to Georgia on Sept. 24 and detectives believe he had Laymons body in the trunk of his car, according to The Sun News. Laymons body was found outside Atlanta on March 9. Her cause of death has not been released.

Laymons daughter reported her mother as missing on Oct. 9, according to police documents. She had not heard from her mom since Sept. 22 had not seen any bank activity in that time either. Laymons bank account was overdrawn, had a $1,000 bitcoin charge and Laymon had received multiple emails notifying her of the overdrawn bank account.

Her daughter said this was unusual as her mother was financially responsible and did not use bitcoin.

The Duluth Police Department contacted NMBPD on Nov. 8 about Laymon. Swarthout said Laymons daughter saw the charge for the hotel in her bank account and that led detectives to North Myrtle Beach.
Kenya on Thursday said it was pausing a much-needed deployment of 1,000 police officers to Haiti, as the Caribbean nation cripples under weeks of gang violence and social unrest.

Abraham Korir SingOei, Kenyas principal secretary at the foreign ministry, said deploying police officers would be contingent on the "ground situation" in Haiti.

"[T]here has to be an authority that can be the basis for a police deployment, that enjoys constitutional authority in Haiti," SingOei said.

The pause in deploying troops came as a plan to create a transitional presidential council in Haiti seemed to be moving forward Thursday, albeit on rocky terrain.

A majority of Haitian parties and coalitions submitted the names of those charged with overseeing the transition to a new government, Caribbean officials said Thursday.

Caribbean leaders, as well as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, met in Jamaica earlier this week to address the dire situation in Haiti and announce plans to create a nine-member council. Shortly after the meeting, Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry agreed to resign once the council was created.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

WHO IS BARBECUE THE GANG LEADER WREAKING HAVOC IN HAITI?

After the announcement, violence subsided somewhat, but flared up again late Wednesday and early Thursday as armed gangs attacked a police academy. There were also reports of a fire at the National Penitentiary in downtown Port-au-Prince, one of two prisons attacked more than a week ago. It wasn't immediately clear if anyone was injured or killed in the blaze or how it started.

Meanwhile, Jimmy "Barbeque" Cherizier, leader of a gang alliance, has threatened political leaders who take part in the transitional council.

"Don't you have any shame?" Cherizier said in a rambling 7-minute audio message shared Thursday morning on the messaging platform WhatsApp. "You have taken the country where it is today. You have no idea what will happen."

"I'll know if your kids are in Haiti, if your wives are in Haiti ... if your husbands are in Haiti," he said in an apparent threat to their families. "If you're gonna run the country all your family ought to be there."

In his remarks, Cherizier said the resignation of Henry was only "a first step in the battle" for the island nation of around 11 million.

Haitis capital and other areas have become overrun by powerful gangs that control around 80% of the nations capital, Port-au-Prince.

Late last month, gunmen launched a series of attacks on key state institutions, including police stations, the main international airport and Haiti's two biggest prisons, where more than 4,000 inmates were freed. Scores of people have died in the attacks, and more than 15,000 people have been left homeless.

Armed gang leader Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier and his men are seen in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, March 5, 2024.

Henry, the prime minister, was in Kenya when the attacks began to try and secure a U.N.-backed deployment of a police force from the East African country. He remains in Puerto Rico, unable to return home.

Schools, gas stations and airports remain closed in Haiti's capital and beyond, although public transportation has resumed, and a growing number of Haitians have been seen on previously empty streets.

Earlier this week, the U.S. evacuated non-essential personnel from its embassy in Haiti. Troops remain stationed there to shore up security at the embassy.

Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh said Thursday there were no plans at this time to evacuate U.S. citizens from other parts of the country or to send in ships, aircraft, or other assets.

"Our focus is making sure that our personnel in the embassy are safe," she said Thursday. "And thats why youve seen an increase in our security posture there."





Original article source: Gang leader Barbecue threatens politicians involved in transition council as Kenya pauses police deployment
GASTONIA, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Police say a man seen in a video was targeting cars in a Gaston County neighborhood, breaking into a home and holding a family at gunpoint.

Gaston County Police dont believe the victims knew the suspect. Investigators say the incident March 3 seems to be a random crime, but what the suspect is accused of stealing appears to be targeted.

Desperate neighbor?

A peaceful community may have fallen prey to one of its own neighbors.

Pretty friendly people around here, said Derek Jordan, who lives in a neighborhood close to Brindle Street off York Highway.

Who knows what the persons motive was, but it seems they were pretty desperate, said Jordan.

Young Gastonia boy granted wish to be cop for a day loses cancer battle

Police believe the suspect may live nearby, but they dont believe his victims knew him.

They said, You not heard what happened? said Bienvenido Alegria, a local pastor who was a victim. He said, OK, but three minutes ago, kept coming. He said, Nobody move.

Alegria was sleeping when he says the man broke into his house, pointed a gun at his roommates heads and stole the pastors power tools out of his truck.

Were scared, maybe we move from here, Alegria said.

Police believe the same suspect was caught on camera just hours before, rummaging through another neighbors car, stealing iPhones, and pulling a cart down the road.

Im not sleeping really good these days because I think about it, they dont catch him, said Ramiro Martinez, whose wifes car was broken into. He could come back, you never know what will happen.

Where are the tools?

The crimes have neighbors worried, especially for their children.

Thats really aggressive holding a family at gunpoint, when hear about crimes like that you just kind of wonder wheres this persons humanity? asked Jordan.

Police did not give specifics on this case but say in general power tools are easy to resale and hard to trace because victims often dont keep track of their serial numbers for those items.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
GASTON COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A Gastonia pastor who also teaches at a Christian school in Dallas has been arrested in a human trafficking investigation, according to the Gaston County Sheriffs Office (GCSO).

Deputies say 65-year-old Frank Johnson was arrested as part of an ongoing sex offender and human trafficking investigation. He is charged with Solicitation of Prostitution.

Frank Johnson (GCSO)

Johnson is a pastor at Hands and Feet Fellowship, in downtown Gastonia, according to the churchs social media.

Union County employee arrested, charged with soliciting prostitution: Sheriff

He is also employed as a middle school science teacher at Community Christian Academys Dallas Campus, where he also hosts a school-sponsored podcast called Our Morning Take.

Johnsons bio on the schools website says that over the years he has tutored children in several subjects, including math, science, Bible, music and chess.

Queen City News has reached out to both the church and the school for comment and a status of employment, but has yet to hear back.

Johnson was given a $1,500 unsecured bond and was released on bond a few hours after his arrest. He is expected in court the morning of Tuesday, May 7.

Anyone with information on this case or the ongoing investigation is asked to call GCSO Sergeant Matt Helton at 704-869-6856.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
California Gov. Gavin Newsoms office has broken its silence on the staffing crisis at Cal-OSHA. But former agency employees say theyre underwhelmed by the governors vague response to a four-month Sacramento Bee investigation into the troubled worker safety agency.

The administration actively prioritizes worker safety and protection, wrote Erin Mellon, Newsoms communications director, in an email Wednesday afternoon. The written statement came after The Bee published an article highlighting the governors continued silence on the staffing issues.

In partnership with the legislature, Governor Newsom has bolstered CalOSHAs operations by over $92 million to hire and retain more staff  with nearly $50 million specifically allocated to boost enforcement efforts to protect frontline workers, Mellon wrote. CalOSHA remains intensely focused on hiring in this tight labor market and launching new efforts, including a statewide recruitment campaign, to fill vacancies and bolster enforcement.

Cal-OSHA is experiencing a staffing crisis. Heres how that endangers California workers

Garrett Brown, who worked previously for Cal-OSHA as an industrial hygienist and special assistant to the agencys chief, said he was disappointed in the lack of urgency in the governors statement. He was looking for an acknowledgment from Newsom that, This is an all-hands-on-deck moment. This is a hair-on-fire moment, Brown said.

Ellen Widess, the former chief of Cal-OSHA who worked closely with Brown, agreed that Newsom could and should use his bully pulpit to call attention to the urgency around worker health and safety in California.

The governor has in his power, you know, moral persuasion about the importance of health and safety. To drive us to be that world-class economy that he boasts of, Widess said. He has to express that. He has to convey that urgency to the Labor Secretary, to the head of DIR, to all of the hiring bureaucracy.

Chris Kuhns, a former special investigator with Cal-OSHAs Bureau of Investigations, also said he was disappointed with the governors boilerplate response. Past promises to fix the staffing issues, he said, have so far gone undelivered..

Its the same old thing, over and over again, Kuhns said. Nothing seems to be changing.

Kuhns and Widess both agreed that the first thing Newsom should do to improve the situation is appoint a new permanent chief of Cal-OSHA. The division has operated under interim leader Debra Lee ever since former chief Jeff Killip departed in January.

Brown added that extra money in the budget wont solve the staffing crisis on its own. .

You can keep adding positions, and therefore budget allocations, Brown said. But unless you fill those positions, its meaningless in terms of actual enforcement and impact for the workers of California.

Troubles with human resources have plagued the Department of Industrial Relations ever since it lost its direct hiring authority in a nepotism scandal with a previous director, Christine Baker. The states cryptic and lengthy merit-based hiring process also weeds out prospective candidates who cant afford to wait weeks or months to receive an offer from Cal-OSHA.

Doubling down on recruitment also isnt the silver bullet, Brown argued.

Its sort of a distraction to say, Okay, were going to do more recruitment. The problem is not recruitment or promotion, Brown said. The problem is the hiring process itself, he continued, and the failure to perform on the part of the HR staff.

Brown suggested Newsom could instruct CalHR to temporarily reassign some human resources officers to DIR and Cal-OSHA. That way, the team could process applications much quicker.

Assemblymember Liz Ortega, D-Hayward, said she had no comment on the governors response. Instead, she doubled down on her intent to conduct an audit of Cal-OSHA.

Im concerned that the average Californian may be paying more for a traffic violation than employers pay for a workplace safety violation, Ortega wrote in a message to The Bee on Wednesday. She previously said that the governors office contacted her shortly after the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee hearing she hosted on Feb. 7.

Senator Dave Cortese, D-San Jose, said he hopes and expects that Newsom and his office will have more to say about the Cal-OSHA staffing issue in the near future.

The governors staff is justifiably proud of the resources theyve provided in the budget. Theyve done fine on the budget side, wrote Cortese in a message to The Bee. Hopefully next they will demand that all vacant positions are actually filled by HR.

That is yet to happen.

Want state worker news in your inbox? Sign up for our weekly newsletter using the module below or by emailing mmiller@sacbee.com.
JERUSALEM  As the U.S. leads a united effort with other nations and international agencies aimed at getting more aid into the war-torn Gaza Strip, critics say the aid coordination is a mess and convoys are being attacked, with the bulk of what is being sent not even reaching the most vulnerable.

Over the past two weeks, more than 500 bundles containing hundreds of thousands of meals have been airdropped into the enclave by countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt and France, as well as the U.S. On Tuesday, a ship packed with almost 200 metric tons of food set sail for the Strip from Cyprus. Facilitated by the World Central Kitchen, an NGO that provides food aid, the ship is set to reach the enclaves shores on Thursday, though it is unclear how it will unload with no pier or harbor.

Israeli and U.N. officials have expressed concern that both the airdrops and the maritime efforts are inefficient and ineffective, and do not negate the need for someone on the ground to ensure it reaches those who really need it. There has also been criticism from Gazans, who say the aid is self-serving and, in some cases, not appropriate for their needs.

WORLD, UN SIGNAL NO EXIT FOR CIVILIANS CAUGHT UP IN GAZA WAR: 'POLITICALLY TOXIC'

A plane drops humanitarian over Gaza City on March 9, 2024.

"I dont think anyone really knows what is going on, and we are only hearing complaints that it is not enough, that it is not going to the right people and that it is too little too late," Khaled Abu Toameh, a Palestinian affairs analyst based in Jerusalem, told Fox News Digital.

"I havent seen one person saying that this is great and now we are happy," he said, adding that there have only been complaints from the people in Gaza that the food being sent is expired or that it is not Halal, he claimed.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Pallets of U.S. aid lined up to be dropped over Gaza by U.S. Central Command.

Multiple videos shared online over the past week showed Palestinians criticizing the airdrop initiative, complaining that the food being dropped was not appropriate and that it was being done for each countrys own self-interest.

One video showed a Palestinian man complaining about the items contained inside the airdropped packages, saying the food being distributed by the U.S. was not suitable for Arabs. In another short clip, a man identified as Ibrahim from Gaza filmed himself throwing the American aid package into the trash, stating: "I dont want aid from a country that is an accomplice to our starvation and genocide."

Another video showed Palestinian men running to retrieve the airdropped packages and there were reports from inside the Strip that at least one person had been killed by the falling aid.

Wes J. Bryant, a retired master sergeant and senior special operations joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) in the elite special warfare branch of the U.S. Air Force, said that based on video footage, the airdrops appeared to have been carried out hastily and over significant urban areas, which was in contrast with standard U.S. Air Force protocols.

US ARMY BOATS DEPART FOR GAZA ON MISSION TO BUILD FLOATING PIER FOR FOOD DELIVERIES

"This is a concern and would not be done in any setting that a U.S. Drop Zone controller were present  unless absolutely needed," he said. "These packages are typically pallets with loads of boxes of supplies, secured by netting, and with a chute that deploys upon being pushed out the aircraft ramp. They are very heavy and even when chutes are deployed, they still come in hard and can be deadly."

Bryant said he was confused by footage of the drops and believes that a trusted source should have been solicited on the ground, "not only assist with any drops but corral populace for safety."

Jamie McGoldrick, the U.N.'s humanitarian coordinator ad interim for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, told Fox News Digital that while he welcomed any initiative to get more food into the Strip, especially into the north, via whatever means, the sea and air efforts were not cost-effective or efficient.

"A plane load of 20 or 18 tons of aid costs about $180,000, that is very expensive, and it is about half the weight of an average truck that can take about 20 and 30 kilos of aid, or about 20-30 metric tons, so you can see the cost differentials," he said. "Trucks are much, much cheaper, and you can get much more for your money."

McGoldrick said the problem with the airdrops was there was no guarantee where the packages would land and if the people who really needed them would be able to intercept them. He also said that while the maritime initiative was "great," there would also be a need to transfer the aid using trucks and on roads that were "prone to looting and ransacking."

URBAN WARFARE EXPERT SAYS ISRAELI MILITARY TAKING UNPRECEDENTED STEPS TO PROTECT GAZA CIVILIANS

He said a more effective option would be for Israel to open up more land crossings in order for Gaza to be "flooded" with food aid, which would reduce the overall basic needs of the people, reducing the need for looting and thus allowing aid agencies to help those who are more vulnerable.

On Tuesday, COGAT, the Israeli military unit that coordinates civilian matters with the Palestinian Authority, announced that it had allowed six trucks filled with aid to enter Gaza via a newly opened crossing in the northern part of the Strip.

A statement by the World Food Program confirmed that enough food for 25,000 people had been successfully delivered to Gaza City for the first time since Feb. 20, but also warned that this  as well as other aid efforts  were not enough.

Israeli army spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari confirmed to Fox News Digital on Thursday reports that the army was working on a plan to "flood" Gaza with humanitarian aid and was consulting with CENTCOM on how exactly to do this.

"With people in northern Gaza on the brink of famine, we need deliveries every day and we need entry points directly into the north," the U.N. agency said in a statement.

Shimon Freedman, COGATs international media spokesperson, told Fox News Digital that Israel had not placed "any limits on the amount of aid going in" and that the main barrier was in distributing the aid.

ISRAEL REJECTS UN, AID AGENCIES CRITICISM THAT GAZA IS ON BRINK OF STARVATION: 'NO SHORTAGE OF FOOD'

"In terms of what is standing in the way of more aid, it is an issue of distribution not inspection," he said, adding that COGAT, which monitors the situation on the ground from its base in southern Israel, was "happy to coordinate more convoys to the north."

An UNRWA tent camp in Khan Yunis, Gaza, on Nov. 27, 2023.

Israel currently inspects all aid going into Gaza at two land crossings  one in Nitzana, where the aid then enters the Strip via the Rafah crossing from Egypt, and the other at Kerem Shalom, on the border with Israel. Once inside, it is up to international aid agencies, including those affiliated with the United Nations, to distribute the goods among the needy even as the situation on the ground has become more volatile with armed groups, including Hamas, stealing the aid.

He said Israel has been working to increase and streamline its inspections and now had the ability to process as many as 44 trucks an hour. More aid trucks are entering Gaza than previously, Freedman said, describing how over the past few weeks up to 200 truckloads of aid were just left waiting for aid agencies to distribute the goods.

Freedman said that over the past two weeks, Israel had coordinated with the U.S. and its partners more than 30 airdrops with some 500 packages reaching the northern part of the Strip.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken holds a news conference at the State Department Harry S. Truman headquarters on March 13, 2024 in Washington, DC.

On Wednesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, perhaps reacting to the criticism regarding aid deliveries, spoke to the press following a video conference call with representatives from Cyprus, the U.N. and other interested parties, and noted that they were coordinating efforts to get the maritime corridor "up and running."

Blinken told reporters that "The bottom line is we need to see  as weve described it, we need to see flooding the zone when it comes to humanitarian assistance for Gaza."

The U.S. has been the largest provider of aid to Gaza, handing out more than $180 million in assistance to Palestinians there since Oct. 7.





Original article source: Gaza aid from US, others falling short as critics say better and cheaper ways: Nobody 'knows what's going on'
Hope is fading for the imminent return of the international crew of the cargo ship hijacked by the Houthis in November, with a senior Filipino diplomat saying he does not expect a release until the war in Gaza is over, while the Houthis say the fate of the sailors is now in Hamas hands.

A Houthi-owned helicopter hijacked the Galaxy Leader cargo ship on November 19 in the Red Sea, as rebel gunmen laid siege to the vessel and took the ships crew of 17 Filipinos, two Bulgarians, three Ukrainians, two Mexicans and a Romanian hostage.

Its now been more than 116 days since the hijacking, and according to a senior Filipino government official, there is no indication that the Houthis are open to releasing them until the hostilities end.

Theres really not much that can be done to influence them, because the word we get from the Houthis is  that they will keep holding the ship, and all the crewmen, until we see an end to the hostilities in Gaza, said Eduardo de Vega, the Filipino foreign affairs official overseeing millions of Filipino migrant workers.

Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been striking ships in the Red Sea since late last year, which they say is revenge against Israel for its military campaign in Gaza.

The Houthis said Thursday they had handed over the decision about the release of the Galaxy Leader to Hamas.

The ship and its crew are in the hands of the brothers in the Hamas resistance movement and the Al-Qassam Brigades, Houthi spokesman Nasr Al-Din Amer told CNN, saying there were direct and ongoing discussions with Hamas about whether to release them. We have no claims of our own regarding this vessel, he said.

De Vega said the Houthis potentially also want official recognition of them as the government of Yemen in exchange for the hostages, but thats unlikely to happen.

It will be difficult for any government to recognize a government which attacks ships on the sea, said de Vega. So, he said, there is no point to negotiate, except to ensure humane conditions for the hostages.

The Galaxy Leader cargo ship is escorted by Houthi boats in the Red Sea in this photo released November 20, 2023. - Houthi Military Media/Reuters

The Philippines sends nearly half a million seafarers worldwide throughout the year, making up more than one-fifth of maritime manpower. The large numbers mean Filipinos are disproportionately exposed to the dangers posed by Houthis targeting ships in the Red Sea.

Following the hijacking, video released by the militant group showed Houthi commanders greeting the crew and promising to treat them as guests.

Anything that you need we are ready to provide it for you, one of them is heard telling the seafarers in the clip.

De Vega says that the crew is being fed  some have even reported weight gain  and theres no indication of violence. Theyre allowed brief, weekly calls with their families, although the identities of the hostages have been kept from the public.

Most of the crew, and all the Filipinos, are being held on the ship itself and have some freedom to move around on deck. Some other crew members, he said, have at times been held onshore.

I think its in the interest of the Houthis to treat them well. Those people are victims, at the end of the day, said Mohammed Al-Qadhi, a Cairo-based Yemeni conflict analyst. They dont want them to create a bad image about themselves.

The Philippines does not have official direct diplomatic contact with the Houthis, but works through an honorary consul, a Yemeni national given special status to represent the Philippines, who was able to visit the hostages in January, de Vega said.

But since the honorary consul is in Aden, home to the internationally recognized Saudi-backed government of Yemen that are rivals to the Houthis, de Vega said its a labyrinthian maze to get access.

Al-Qadhi suggests that even when the war is over, the Houthis may not immediately release the hostages.

They dont want to give concessions right now without getting anything in return, so, I think its not likely that they are going to be released unless there is a bigger deal being orchestrated, internationally, regarding Gaza or even with the Houthis themselves, he said.

At the time of the attack, the Galaxy Leader was operated by Japanese company Nippon Yusen, also known as NYK Line. It is owned by Ray Car Carriers, a company linked to Israeli national Abraham Ungar, according to maritime risk management firm Ambrey Analytics. CNN reached out to both companies for comment.

Normally used to transport vehicles worldwide, the giant roll-on/roll-off vessel has now become a tourist attraction for curious locals who are shuttled out to the massive vessel in small boats.

According to satellite data, about two weeks ago, it was moved from about two kilometers offshore, to just 500 meters now from Yemens western port city of Hodeidah.

First fatal attack

Yemen has been plagued by years of civil war, deepened by foreign proxy rivalries, and remains one of the Middle Easts poorest nations.

Years of conflict have sparked one of the worlds worst humanitarian crises, leaving hundreds of thousands dead, Yemen divided and parts of the country in famine.

The Houthi attacks on merchant shipping have impacted one of the worlds busiest trade arteries through the Suez Canal, forcing many companies to redirect vessels and crew on the much longer route around Africa.

Data shared by Ambrey Analytics indicates there have been nearly 100 incidents involving hostile activity towards ships in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait area since the beginning of the conflict.

Twenty-three ships have been physically damaged by Houthi missiles or drones and injuries among crew members have been reported on three vessels following such attacks. One ship  the British-flagged Rubymar  has sunk almost completely following a strike by a Houthi missile in late February.

The United States and Britain have conducted multiple rounds of air strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen since February but that has not stopped the attacks.

Two Filipinos and a Vietnamese crew member were killed in a Houthi strike on the M/V True Confidence on March 6. The vessel was hit by a Houthi anti-ship missile and fire quickly spread on board. The remaining crew was rescued by the Indian Navy, which took them to Djibouti for treatment.

Eleven Filipino seafarers who survived the deadly Houthi attack on the commercial ship True Confidence arrived at Manila International Airport on March 12, 2024. Two Filipino crew members remain in Djibouti to receive medical treatment. - Eloisa Lopez/Reuters

Following the strike, Houthi spokesperson Yahya Sarea said the ship was targeted because it was American.

Operations in the Red and Arab Seas will not stop until the aggression stops and the siege on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip is lifted, he said.

The bodies of those presumed dead remain onboard the ship and are now being transferred to the nearest port, according to de Vega.

One family is still holding hope. Until they see the remains of the loved one, they continue to hold hope. Miracles do happen, he said.

Most of the Filipino crew members on board returned to Manila on Tuesday, reuniting with their families after their ordeal at sea.

It is saddening and horrible because we were together [for a long time] and suddenly this [attack] happened. Its very painful for us, especially for the families, Mark Dagohoy, one of the ships crew members, told journalists after their return.

The fatal strike has marked a significant escalation of the Houthis attacks on Red Sea shipping that has endangered the lives of ordinary seafarers working thousands of miles away from their families on weeks or months-long stints at sea.

Crew members, mostly from the Global South, on board vessels now passing through the Red Sea face the risk of death, injury and capture as Western navies deploy costly anti-ship missiles and other weapons to intercept the Houthi attacks.

Industry standards dictate that crew are supposed to be paid double time for work in designated warlike or high-risk areas, and they should also have the right to say no to the journey and be repatriated at the companys cost.

At the time of the attack, the ship was officially owned by a Liberian-registered company, but according to the Financial Times, it had been sold by an American private equity firm, Oaktree Capital, just days earlier.

Oaktree Capital declined to comment when asked about whether it had links to the vessel.

De Vega says initial indications are that the crew was given the choice not to proceed, but its not clear if they knew the ship had US ties when they boarded.

[Crew] are frequently transferred from ship to ship. Its the manning agency, which decides that and they had full trust in the manning agency. [Crew] as a general rule might not even be aware of the ownership of the ship that theyre traveling on, de Vega said, though ideally, they should be.

CNN has reached out to the ships manager, Third January Maritime, for comment.

CNNs Celine Alkhaldi and Paul P. Murphy contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
ANKARA, March 14 (Xinhua) -- A plane of the Turkish Stars, the aerobatic demonstration team of the Turkish Air Force, crashed in Turkiye's central province of Konya on Thursday, killing a military personnel, the Turkish broadcaster NTV reported.

The pilot managed to eject before the crash, which occurred during the aircraft's landing, and was subsequently taken to the hospital for medical treatment, NTV said.

Vahdettin Ozkan, the governor of Konya, told the broadcaster that the NF-5 training aircraft crashed in the air base. A military personnel, who was working at a construction site in the base, was killed during the incident, he added. 
The logo of the Russian oil company Rosneft, photographed at the PCK refinery in Schwedt an der Oder. Patrick Pleul/ZB/dpa

The lawsuits against the trustee administration of the Russian oil company Rosneft's shares in the large PCK refinery in the German state of Brandenburg are currently on ice.

At the request of the parties involved, the proceedings for the first and second extension of the trusteeship have been put on hold, a spokeswoman for the Federal Administrative Court in the eastern city of Leipzig said on Thursday.

Rosneft has not yet filed a complaint against the third extension, which was announced on March 7.

Against the backdrop of the Russian war against Ukraine, the federal government effectively took control of Rosneft Deutschland and RN Refining & Marketing in September 2022 with the trusteeship.

The companies are majority owners of the important PCK refinery in Schwedt in Brandenburg to the north-east of Berlin and two other plants. The measure is limited to six months in each case and has since been extended three times.

The court spokeswoman said that the proceedings will now be suspended until the parties involved request a continuation.

The background to the applications to suspend the lawsuits is the discussion about a possible sale of the Rosneft shares. The German government hopes that Rosneft will withdraw from the refinery business in Germany and is pushing for the Russian state-owned company to sell its majority stake. The renewed extension of the trusteeship has bought six months of time.

A year ago, the Federal Administrative Court declared the first phase of the trusteeship order by the Federal Economy Ministry to be lawful and dismissed Rosneft's claims.
Members of the Bundestag debate during a plenary session of the German Bundestag. Britta Pedersen/dpa

The German conservative opposition has once again failed with a parliamentary motion calling on Berlin to supply German Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine after a majority of lawmaker voted against it on Thursday.

A total of 687 lawmakers took part in the vote, with 494 voting against, 188 in favour and five abstentions. The conservative CDU/CSU parliamentary group has 197 lawmakers.

The Taurus system is characterized by its long range of 500 kilometres and high precision. The weapon makes it possible to destroy Russian ammunition depots, protected command centres and vital war infrastructure far behind the front line.

The 19-kilometre-long Kerch Bridge was repeatedly cited as an example. It connects Crimea, which was annexed by Moscow in 2014 in violation of international law, and the Russian mainland.

Opponents of a delivery say it has the potential to escalate the conflict and drag Germany into the war.

Boris Pistorius, German Minister of Defence, attends a plenary session of the German Bundestag. Britta Pedersen/dpa
Members of the Bundestag debate during a plenary session of the German Bundestag. Britta Pedersen/dpa

The German conservative opposition has once again failed with a parliamentary motion calling on Berlin to supply German Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine after a majority of lawmaker voted against it on Thursday.

A total of 687 lawmakers took part in the vote, with 494 voting against, 188 in favour and five abstentions. The conservative CDU/CSU parliamentary group has 197 lawmakers.

The Taurus system is characterized by its long range of 500 kilometres and high precision. The weapon makes it possible to destroy Russian ammunition depots, protected command centres and vital war infrastructure far behind the front line. It could even target Moscow.

The 19-kilometre-long Kerch Bridge was repeatedly cited as an example. It connects Crimea, which was annexed by Moscow in 2014 in violation of international law, and the Russian mainland.

Opponents of a delivery, most prominently German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, say it has the potential to escalate the conflict and drag Germany into the war.

The CDU/CSU, on the other hand, vehemently campaigned in the Bundestag on Thursday in favour of helping Ukraine with the delivery of the cruise missiles.

Deputy CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader Johann Wadephul said that determination and clarity were needed in supporting Ukraine. Addressing Scholz's Social Democratic Party (SPD), he said: "Their supposed prudence has only fuelled {Russian President Vladimir] Putin's aggression against Ukraine time and time again. That is the result."

Agnieszka Brugger, deputy chairwoman of the Green parliamentary group, announced that the Greens - who are in coalition with Scholz's SPD and the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) would not vote in favour of the CDU/CSU motion, but she said she was in favour of the demand.

In contrast to the senior coalition partner, the FDP and the Greens have been in favour of a delivery of the Taurus missile system to Ukraine for months. Scholz, on the other hand, had argued that the cruise missiles could only be deployed with the participation of German soldiers, which would increase the risk of Germany being drawn into the war in Ukraine.

SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mutzenich defended Scholz's opposition to the delivery of the Taurus system. These times of change are "not for political gamblers," he said using the term Scholz coined, "Zeitenwende," or turning point.

Scholz promised a major "Zeitenwende" in Germany's defence policy shortly after Russia launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than two years ago.

"What is needed is reason, prudence and clarity. And that is what the federal chancellor is doing in the deliberations he has head of government," said Mutzenich.

The other opposition parties, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the hard-left Die Linke (The Left), also opposed sending the missile system.

Nancy Faeser, German Minister of the Interior and Home Affairs, attends a plenary session of the German Bundestag. Britta Pedersen/dpa

Annalena Baerbock (L), German Foreign Minister, and Boris Pistorius, Minister of Defence, greet each other during a plenary session of the German Bundestag. Jonathan Penschek/dpa
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz leaves the plenary chamber of the German Bundestag after the questioning of the Federal Government. Michael Kappeler/dpa

The German conservative opposition has once again failed with a parliamentary motion calling on Berlin to supply German Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine after a majority of lawmakers voted against it on Thursday.

A total of 687 lawmakers took part in the vote, with 494 voting against, 188 in favour and five abstentions. The conservative CDU/CSU parliamentary group has 197 lawmakers.

The Taurus system is characterized by its long range of 500 kilometres and high precision. The weapon makes it possible to destroy Russian ammunition depots, protected command centres and vital war infrastructure far behind the front line. It could even target Moscow.

The 19-kilometre-long Kerch Bridge was repeatedly cited as an example. It connects Crimea, which was annexed by Moscow in 2014 in violation of international law, and the Russian mainland.

Opponents of a delivery, most prominently German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, say it has the potential to escalate the conflict and drag Germany into the war.

The CDU/CSU, on the other hand, vehemently campaigned in the Bundestag on Thursday in favour of helping Ukraine with the delivery of the cruise missiles.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz nonetheless promised Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky continued support "in the military sphere."

Scholz discussed the political, military and humanitarian situation in Ukraine in a telephone conversation with Zelensky on Thursday, according to government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit.

He assured him that Germany would continue its support "in close coordination with European and international partners."

On Friday, Scholz plans to meet French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Berlin - against the backdrop of massive Franco-German differences on Ukraine policy.

Macron had recently not ruled out the deployment of troops on the ground in Ukraine, to which Scholz publicly objected on several occasions. "As German chancellor, I will not send soldiers from our Bundeswehr to Ukraine," he made clear.

Deputy CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader Johann Wadephul said during the Taurus debate that determination and clarity were needed in supporting Ukraine.

Addressing Scholz's Social Democratic Party (SPD), he said: "Their supposed prudence has only fuelled [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's aggression against Ukraine time and time again. That is the result."

Agnieszka Brugger, deputy chairwoman of the Green parliamentary group, announced that the Greens - who are in coalition with Scholz's SPD and the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) would not vote in favour of the CDU/CSU motion, but she said she was in favour of the demand.

In contrast to the senior coalition partner, the FDP and the Greens have been in favour of a delivery of the Taurus missile system to Ukraine for months.

Scholz, on the other hand, had argued that the cruise missiles could only be deployed with the participation of German soldiers, which would increase the risk of Germany being drawn into the war in Ukraine.

SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mutzenich defended Scholz's opposition to the delivery of the Taurus system. These times of change are "not for political gamblers," he said using the term Scholz coined, "Zeitenwende," or turning point.

Scholz promised a major "Zeitenwende" in Germany's defence policy shortly after Russia launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than two years ago.

"What is needed is reason, prudence and clarity. And that is what the federal chancellor is doing in the deliberations he has head of government," said Mutzenich.

The other opposition parties, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the hard-left Die Linke (The Left), also opposed sending the missile system.

Members of the Bundestag debate during a plenary session of the German Bundestag. Britta Pedersen/dpa

Nancy Faeser, German Minister of the Interior and Home Affairs, attends a plenary session of the German Bundestag. Britta Pedersen/dpa

Annalena Baerbock (L), German Foreign Minister, and Boris Pistorius, Minister of Defence, greet each other during a plenary session of the German Bundestag. Jonathan Penschek/dpa
The Hapag-Lloyd containership "Berlin Express" is moored at Burchardkai in the Port of Hamburg. Marcus Brandt/dpa

Following the slump in profits in 2023, German container shipping company Hapag-Lloyd expects earnings to decline again in 2024.

"We have made a satisfactory start to the current financial year, but the economic and political environment remains volatile and challenging - especially in view of the current situation around the Red Sea," the Hamburg-based company said on Thursday when presenting its annual report for the previous year. "We therefore anticipate an overall decline in earnings for 2024."

The executive board therefore expects earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) to be in a range of a loss of 1.1 billion ($1.2 billion) to a gain of 1.1 billion. By comparison, EBIT in 2023 was 2.5 billion, compared to 17.5 billion in 2022, which was a record for the company.

Major shipping companies including Hapag-Lloyd are increasingly avoiding the shortest sea route between Asia and Europe through the Red Sea amid attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on commercial vessels and sailing around South Africa's Cape of Good Hope instead.

The Houthis say they want to force an end to the Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip, which followed the unprecedented massacre by the Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas in Israel on October 7. However, many of the ships that have come under fire have no connection to Israel.

Meanwhile, the supervisory board of Hapag-Lloyd extended the contract of chief executive Rolf Habben Jansen ahead of schedule. Instead of running until 2027, the contract now runs until the end of March 2029.

"Rolf Habben Jansen has done an excellent job for Hapag-Lloyd for almost a decade," said the chairman of the supervisory board, Habben Jansen's predecessor Michael Behrendt. "He has continuously developed the company strategically, significantly internationalised it and kept it safely on course for growth despite occasional rough seas."
A general view of the Tesla factory in Gruenheide. After an attack on the power supply of the electric car manufacturer Tesla, the factory is back on the grid after a power cut lasting several days. It could take some time to ramp up production. According to a report by "Table Media", Tesla boss Musk visited the plant near Berlin on Wednesday. The car manufacturer did not comment on this on Tuesday. Carsten Koall/dpa

The small town of Grunheide outside Berlin has suggested scaling down plans by Tesla to massively expand its electric car factory there.

On Thursday, the municipality presented proposals for a new version of the development plan. The amended plan, which was posted on the Grunheide town website, still needs to be publicly displayed before community representatives can vote on it.

In a non-binding referendum three weeks ago, the residents of Grunheide voted against the clearing of 100 hectares of forest.

Grunheide's mayor, Arne Christiani, suggested that almost 50 hectares of forest be preserved and the expansion scaled down. With this suggestion, he added, the municipal administration was taking citizen's the wishes of the citizens into account.

Tesla had made this change possible by deferring some aspects of the development, the carmaker said on Thursday evening.

Tesla is focusing on the storage areas as well as production-related ancillary facilities necessary for climate-neutral logistics at the plant, it said.

Tesla had originally also wanted to build a freight station, warehouses and a daycare centre on an area next to the factory premises.

Tesla now also says it will not need more water for its expansion, in contrast to earlier projections. The company said it is prepared to forego water volumes for the first expansion stage and is negotiating with the local water provider.

The Strausberg-Erkner Water Association (WSE) supplies 170,000 people in the area and has a contract to supply the Tesla facility with up to 1.8 million cubic meters of water per year.

Tesla's European Gigafactory in Grunheide has proven divisive since before it even opened in March 2022.

It employs around 12,000 people in an area that has been eager to attract investment, but there has also been apprehension surrounding Tesla's environmental and labour policies.

Tesla has rejected allegations of causing ecological damage.
The Postbank logo can be seen at a branch. Marijan Murat/dpa

The German trade union verdi is keeping up the pressure with further strikes ahead of the third round of collective bargaining for the postal bank, Postbank, verdi announced on Thursday.

Employees in branches and call centres across Germany are once again being called out on strike for Friday and Saturday, verdi said.

"We expect a significantly improved offer from the employers in the next round of negotiations," verdi negotiator Jan Duscheck said. The negotiations are to continue on Monday in the city of Frankfurt.

Verdi is demanding 15.5% more money for around 12,000 employees in the Deutsche Bank Group, the parent company, with a Postbank collective agreement, but at least a salary increase of 600 ($656).

The Deutsche Bank Employees' Association (DBV) wants 14.5% more money for employees at Postbank, Postbank Filialvertrieb, PCC Services and BCB.

Due to planned branch closures, verdi is also pressing for long-term job security by extending the protection against dismissal until December 31, 2028.

Deutsche Bank plans to close up to 250 of the 550 Postbank branches by mid-2026, including staff cuts.

Shortly before Christmas, Deutsche Bank pledged to refrain from compulsory redundancies for employees covered by collective agreements at its retail bank in Germany until the end of September of the current year.

According to verdi, in the second round of collective bargaining on February 26, the employer side offered a further extension of the protection against dismissal up to and including June 2026 with a total term of the agreement of 29 months, as well as an increase in salaries of 5% from June 2024 and a further 2% from July 1, 2025.
THE HAGUE, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Dutch politician Geert Wilders said Wednesday that he is unlikely to become prime minister of the yet-to-be formed new Dutch government even though his far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) has won the elections.

"I can only become Prime Minister if all parties in the coalition support it," Wilders said on social media platform X. "That was not the case. I would like to have a right-wing cabinet, with less asylum seekers and less immigration."

The PVV won the general elections in the Netherlands on Nov. 22, 2023, by a landslide, and negotiations on a center-right-wing majority government started afterwards, involving the center-right party New Social Contract (NSC), the rightist People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and the farmers movement BoerBurgerBeweging.

Normally, the largest party in the Dutch elections delivers the prime minister in a majority government. This time it's different, because both NSC and VVD have expressed serious reservations about joining a majority government with the PVV.

In mid-February, former politician Kim Putters was appointed as explorer in the second round of the negotiations between the four parties. He was tasked with investigating the most viable form of government.

Putters is expected to present his final report of the second round of the negotiations on Thursday. 
FILE PHOTO: The stalled sale of one of GermanyOs most expensive apartments is at the center of the nation's worst real-estate crisis in decades

FILE PHOTO: The stalled sale of one of GermanyOs most expensive apartments is at the center of the nation's worst real-estate crisis in decades

By Iain Withers

CANNES, France (Reuters) - Germany is midway through a four-year real estate crisis that will lead to more losses and distressed sales of unwanted properties, the head of Commerzbank's real estate business told Reuters.

The euro zone's largest economy is in the grip of its worst property slump since at least the 2007-9 global financial crisis, after a sharp rise in borrowing costs and a higher proportion of riskier lending tipped the sector into one of Europe's biggest downturns.

"We believe we are at half-time right now, after two years of crisis, with two years of crisis in front of us," Henning Koch, the chief executive of Commerz Real said at this week's MIPIM property conference in the French Riviera city of Cannes.

Koch expects more investors to pull cash from the sector and more property owners to become forced sellers. "We are still seeing a hard, long way to go," he said.

Commerz Real, a fully owned subsidiary of Commerzbank, is a major owner of German real estate and has around 34 billion euros ($37 billion) of property assets globally.

The wave of distress working through the German real estate industry has provided the firm with buying opportunities, Koch said, adding he was tracking the planned sales of multiple projects owned by the collapsed Austria-based property group Signa.

"We clearly look at those situations. You want to buy out of insolvency because you have a safe legal haven and framework," he said, but added that pricing needed to reflect market realities.

European Central Bank supervisors again warned this week that commercial real estate (CRE) was "particularly vulnerable" to recent rate rises.

Analysts say that big banks' exposure in the United States and Europe is manageable and most have provisioned for a bigger deterioration in their property loan books.

Investors have put some specialist lenders under the microscope, however.

Germany's Deutsche Pfandbriefbank (PBB) has seen its shares and bonds tumble over concerns about its property exposure, including to the United States where office vacancy rates have jumped since the pandemic.

PBB made big writedowns on its property loans last week.

Gerhard Meitinger, PBB's head of real estate finance Germany, told Reuters in Cannes that he believed office prices in less-desirable "secondary" locations may have a further 10% to fall in Germany, but that the market was "close to the bottom".

Meitinger said the lender was extending more loans to help property owners cope, with the proportion of extended loans rising to 50%, up from 30% prior to the pandemic.

The bank, he said, is less exposed than alternative lenders such as asset managers and insurers that undertook more risky lending.

($1 = 0.9126 euros)

(Reporting by Iain Withers; Editing by Tommy Reggiori and Sandra Maler)
Members of the Bundestag debate during the 157th session of the Bundestag, in Berlin Thursday, March 14, 2024. Topics include the vote on the delivery of the Taurus cruise missile to Ukraine and a debate on the Citizens' Council's recommendations on food policy, the election of a federal police commissioner and the reform of the Federal Police Act. (Britta Pedersen/dpa via AP)

BERLIN (AP)  German lawmakers on Thursday rejected a new call by the opposition for the government to send Taurus long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine, a day after Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended his refusal to supply the weapons.

The main center-right opposition bloc has sought to keep up pressure on the issue and exploit divisions in Scholz's unpopular three-party coalition, even as the German leader tries to put a lid on the debate. On Wednesday, he told lawmakers that prudence is a virtue and rejected suggestions that he doesn't trust Kyiv.

Parliament's lower house, or Bundestag, rejected the opposition Union bloc's motion by 495 votes to 190, with five abstentions.

Germany has become the second-biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the United States, but 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.

His position has frustrated the conservative opposition and parts of Scholzs own coalition. The criticism didnt diminish after Scholz finally offered a detailed explanation last month, pointing to his insistence that Germany must not become directly involved in the war.

Lawmakers last month urged the government to deliver further long-range weapons to Ukraine but voted down a previous opposition call explicitly urging it to send Taurus missiles.

Critics reject Scholzs argument that Taurus missiles could only be used responsibly with the involvement of German soldiers, whether inside or outside Ukraine. That, he said Wednesday, is a line that I as chancellor do not want to cross.

The supposed prudence has always only fueled Mr. (Russian President Vladimir) Putin in his aggression against Ukraine  that is the result," opposition lawmaker Johann Wadephul told lawmakers. He will only retreat if he is only forced to. Either we enable Ukraine to win the war or we will lose with it. There is no third way.

Rolf Mutzenich, who leads the parliamentary group of Scholz's Social Democrats, suggested that the debate was being driven by domestic political motives.

Germany is the country that, after the United States, does most for Ukraine, he said.

A senior lawmaker with the Greens, one of Scholz's junior coalition partners, made clear that her party continues to back sending Taurus missiles but rejected what she called shop-window motions by the opposition. Agnieszka Brugger noted that any decision can only be made by senior ministers.

But she said that hesitation and procrastination also can ultimately contribute to escalation and rejected Scholz's attempts to shut down the debate. She said that France and Britain have sent similar missiles and that hasn't meant a further escalation.
When you're a young journalist, you're taught to look for the oddities in life because those are the stories that people want to read.

The old maxim says you don't write stories when a dog bites a man  happens all the time.

But if a man bites a dog ...

On Monday, in Frankfort, a man bit a dog ... so to speak.

Senate Judiciary Chairman Whitney Westerfield was preparing to hold a hearing on House Bill 5, the big crime bill that is going to cost you billions of dollars but really wont cure crime, and he did something that rarely happens in the state Capitol.

He did something right.

Westerfield prepared a committee substitute bill and then he told us about it in advance.

Westerfield posted the entire 76-page document on his X feed giving everyone an opportunity to pore over it, figure out what it does and to show up in committee the next day when he brought it up for a vote.

It would have allowed families of murder victims to ask that the gun used to kill their loved ones be destroyed rather than auctioned; it would have limited the number of crimes that would have made people who commit them subject to the three-strike rule; and he would have made clear that someone convicted of car-jacking couldnt be convicted of first-degree robbery for the same crime.

Westerfields changes would have made the bill better  but not as good as it could have been if Westerfield did what he really wanted to do.

He would have gotten rid of the provisions that enhance penalties for those who are convicted of three violent crimes, struck the provision that criminalizes homelessness, and eliminated the clause that outlaws charitable bail organizations, among other things.

The "bottom line is that these provisions are not data driven, in Kentucky or anywhere else, and, to varying degrees, these provisions are expensive and unnecessarily harsh, he told me.

Unfortunately, his changes failed.

Westerfield is something of an oddity in the Republican Party.

Hes not a knee-jerk reactionary on most issues, especially those involving criminal justice, and he refuses to fall in line and defend Donald Trump and his lies about the 2020 election or turn a blind eye to the criminal or just plain nasty things the former president has done.

One day, Westerfield and those like him may be mentioned in the same breath as the ivory-billed woodpecker, the Western Black Rhinoceros and Matt Bevins political career.

Extinct. Kaput.

Its for that reason, it shouldnt surprise us that Westerfield did what is right by publishing his proposed changes in advance. It also shouldnt surprise us that Westerfield isnt running for reelection.

Heres what normally happens in Frankfort.

A committee chairman posts a bill for passage in his committee. He opens the discussion by announcing he has a committee sub, which is essentially a rewritten bill that few people have seen at that point  normally a few legislators, a lobbyist or two who agree with the committee chairman, and the bill drafter.

After the sponsor of the bill presents the committee sub, people who come before the committee to testify about the measure. Many of them say things like, I prepared my remarks addressing the bill as it was first introduced. Because I havent yet seen the committee sub, I dont know if any of these remarks are on point.

Then, the committee passes the committee substitute without anyone in the room other than the committee members, the bills sponsor and a couple of friendly lobbyists having seen the new bill  and many of the committee members have only had a few minutes to look at the substitute.

Legislative staff members will often tell reporters who are trying to inform the public about what is going on in Frankfort that they arent allowed to see the committee substitute until AFTER the committee passes it.

I asked Westerfield why it is so often done that way.

I think the primary reason its not done more often is because of time. Sometimes edits happen to bills and subs closer to the meeting, he said.

He suggested committee chairmen could require that amendments and substitutes be filed 24 hours or even 48 hours in advance, giving people an opportunity to review the new provisions.

Hes kinder than I am.

Having watched this dance for 30 years, Id say legislators dont do what Westerfield did more often because they like to work in the dark, when no one can see what theyre doing. They dont want you to see their bills in advance because if you speak up loudly, you can force them to back off.

Knowledge is power and they know this. And they dont want you, the voter, to have power.

Why else would the Republican supermajority speed bills through the process  sometimes passing bills on the floor the same day they pass them out of committee? And why would they do that early in the legislative session, when there is no need to rush things through.

Westerfield acknowledged one reason for keeping the rewritten bills secret until the last minute: thats politics.

But he doesnt see that as a good reason to cut the public out of the process.

I believe proposed substitutes should be shared publicly, especially on contentious bills, with as much lead time prior to the meeting as possible, he said.

Hes right, but it's not going to happen.

The politicians love their power too much and they're not going to give it away. But I didn't have to tell you that; it's a case of a dog biting a man.

Joseph Gerth can be reached at 502-582-4702 or by email at jgerth@courierjournal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky Republican did what all lawmakers should do. Be transparent
Lake County Sheriff Don Bell speaks before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023. (Photo by Nicole Girten/Daily Montanan)

Theres nothing more insincere than an arsonist saying to a fire department: You gonna put some water on that?

But thats kind of the situation Montanans are faced with when considering what will happen in less than two months time in Lake County and the Flathead Reservation.

In slowly unfolding disaster that has had plenty of time to be solved, Lake County has said repeatedly that it cannot afford to pick up the law enforcement tab on the bulk of the reservation without a little help from the state. The Lake County Commissioners have rightly argued theres too few people paying for too few officers on too much land.

Their demands have been simple and straightforward: Either help out with the cost or take over law enforcement.

Give credit to Rep. Joe Read, R-Ronan, and Sen. Greg Hertz, R-Polson, who both tried to broker a deal that will keep law enforcement in this particular corner of Indian Country at a level that serves the public and helps the county. Ronan and Hertz led the effort for the state to kick in at least $5 million during the next biennium to fund law enforcement so that Lake County could continue to staff law enforcement.

However, Gov. Greg Gianforte, also a Republican, had different plans when he took his veto pen to legislation that allocated money and seemed to solve the problem. Instead, the governor cut $4,999,999 and left Lake County with an insulting 100 pennies to provide law enforcement on the Flathead Reservation.

That leaves the Confederated Salish-Kootenai Tribes and $1 to figure it out a solution.

And now, as the moments tick away and law enforcement in the future remains uncertain, Gianforte is encouraging federal and tribal officials to work with Lake County to identify a solution prior to his declaration.

Isnt that wonderful that our governor is encouraging everyone else besides his own office to do what he refused?

Gianforte will be forced by law, which has been in place for almost as long as the governor has been alive, to declare the law enforcement agreement dissolved, and then Flathead Reservation will enter a period in which the state, county and federal governments will have all abandoned people who pay taxes, are citizens, and have a reasonable and historic expectation of law enforcement.

As many messes as Republicans in the Legislature have created, this is one where they actually stepped up, understood the problems, listened to the counties, and spent money only to have it die by the veto pen of the governor.

Its hard to imagine this sort of thing happening in almost any other place in Montana, but because its an issue relegated to Indian Country, it somehow is everyone elses problem. If Miles City or Dillon lost law enforcement, I have to think thered be a radically different response. So why is it different now?

The person most responsible for this mess has been the person least likely to help. Gianforte has couched his criticism of Lake County law enforcement as a concern about how state funds would be spent: In other words, he wasnt certain that it would be used to help the people on the reservation.

Thats not just a slap in the face to the people who depend on law enforcement on the Flathead Reservation, who deserve protection, its also an insult to the law enforcement which has provided service there for decades; at one point Gianforte even said it was a model.

Now, he cant trust them?

The state has a $2 billion surplus which was funded mostly on the backs of residents paying property taxes. The very least some of that money could do is help provide the most basic law enforcement service that any Treasure State resident would come to expect  and Gianforte would still have $1,995,000,000 left over to admire, collect, or crow about (whatever one does with billions).

Sadly, it may just take an act of Congress  a budget allocation for more FBI and BIA officers  to solve this problem that could have been solved by the Gianforte administration just being reasonable.

Keep in mind: The governors solution was as impractical as it was insulting. $1 for law enforcement on the reservation  take it or leave it.

Lake County did the only thing it could by walking.

The post Gianforte cant be bothered to fix a mess he created on the Flathead Reservation appeared first on Daily Montanan.
LONG ISLAND, N.Y. (PIX11)  The estranged wife of Gilgo Beach murder suspect Rex Heuermann is giving him the benefit of the doubt until she hears all the evidence at trial, according to her lawyers.

Heuermann is accused of killing four women on Long Island between 2007 and 2010. The former New York architect was arrested last year after investigators caught a break in the case in 2022.

But Asa Ellerup said she still does not believe he is capable of the slayings while acknowledging nobody deserves to die that way. Ellerup said she still visits the alleged serial killer while hes awaiting trial.

I will listen to all of the evidence and withhold judgment until the end of trial. I have given Rex

the benefit of the doubt, as we all deserve, Ellerup said in a statement through her attorneys.

Gilgo Beach murders: Inside the investigation that led to Rex Heuermanns arrest

Heuermann was formally charged in the killing of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, months after having been labeled the prime suspect in her death when he was arrested in July in the deaths of three other women, Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Costello.

Police say the breakthrough came from DNA extracted from hair at the scene. A hair found with Brainard-Barnes remains is genetically similar to a DNA sample taken from Heuermanns ex-wife. During the period when Brainard-Barnes disappeared in 2007, Heuermanns ex-wife and his daughter were staying out of town at a hotel in Atlantic City, the indictment and her attorney confirmed.

Brainard-Barnes left her hometown of Norwich, Connecticut, on July 9, 2007, and headed to Manhattan for sex work, with plans to return the following day, according to friends who became concerned when she uncharacteristically stopped using her phone.

But the 25-year-old never came back.

Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to the murders and is being held without bail.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
The estranged wife of Rex Heuermann, the accused Gilgo Beach serial killer whos been charged with a quartet of murders, said in a statement Wednesday that her husband is not capable of carrying out the grisly crimes hes accused of.

Asa Ellerup added in a statement through her lawyers that shes giving Heuermann the benefit of the doubt until she can hear prosecutors present evidence in his criminal trial.

I will listen to all of the evidence and withhold judgment until the end of trial, she said, adding that she extends her heartfelt sympathies to the slain womenknown as the Gilgo Fourand their families.

Nobody deserves to die in that manner, she said.

Its a pivot for Ellerup, who filed for divorce from Heuermann less than a week after he was arrested in July and appeared to be distancing herself from the murder suspect. Theyve been married for 27 years.

Gilgo Beach Killings Suspect Rex Heuermann Charged in Fourth Murder

That divorce has yet to be finalized, however, and Ellerup now appears poised to support her estranged husband until shes shown hard proof that she should do otherwise.

Ellerup said in her statement that shes visited Heuermann on a weekly basis at the Suffolk County Jail since he was busted last summer.

A spokesperson for the Suffolk County Sheriffs Office threw cold water on that claim, however, telling the New York Post that it was not an accurate description. Instead, the spokesperson said Ellerup had been logged as a visitor just seven times in seven months.

Heurmann has been charged with the slayings of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Amber Costello, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes, whose remains were found on the Long Island beach in 2010. Hes also been tied to other murders but not charged.

Ellerup does not face any criminal charges, with investigators saying each alleged murder occurred when she was out of town. One of her attorneys, Bob Macedonio, told 48 Hours in September that she had no idea any of this was going on.

Nobody wants to think that theyve been living with, sleeping next to a serial killer for the past 25 years, he said.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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MINNEAPOLIS  Ashley Dyrdahl, the sometime girlfriend of Shannon Gooden, was indicted for allegedly buying the weapons used in the shooting of three first responders in Burnsville, authorities announced Thursday.

Dyrdahl "conspired with Shannon Cortez Gooden to place firearms in Gooden's hands, despite the fact Gooden could not legally own or possess firearms," U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger's office said.

/ Credit: U.S. Attorney's Office

Police say Gooden killed Burnsville police officers Matthew Ruge, Paul Elmstrand and paramedic Adam Finseth during a standoff last month. Drydahl was Gooden's on-again, off-again girlfriend.

"The indictment makes it clear that Dyrdahl and Gooden knew exactly what they were doing," Luger said. "That he could not purchase firearms because he was a convicted felon. So instead, he would pick out specific weapons and she would buy them in violation of federal law  placing powerful weapons in the hands of a violent, convicted felon."

The indictment alleges Dyrdahl bought five guns for Gooden between September 2023 and January 2024, including two AR-15-style weapons used during the standoff.

/ Credit: U.S. Attorney's Office

Luger announced the indictment at 11 a.m. at the U.S. Courthouse in Minneapolis. He was joined by Burnsville Fire Chief BJ Jungmann, Burnsville Police Chief Tanya Schwartz and other law enforcement leaders.

"We will never stop seeking justice for Matt, Paul, Adam and their families," Schwartz said.

Dyrdahl made an initial appearance before a federal judge in St. Paul at 3 p.m. She pleaded not guilty to all 11 counts, including conspiracy and making false statements in addition to straw purchasing. She will be released from custody with conditions. She faces up to 15 years in prison.

Ashley Dyrdahl / Credit: John Autey/St. Paul Pioneer Press

Authorities were answering a domestic assault call on Feb. 18 when Gooden opened fire. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the investigating agency, said Gooden fired off more than 100 rounds during the standoff.

According to the indictment, Gooden was convicted of second-degree assault in Dakota County in 2008, which prevented him from legally owning guns. Dyrdahl knew Gooden's conviction precluded him from owning firearms, even writing a letter in 2020 in support of restoring his gun rights.

"The consequences of this disregard for public safety are beyond comprehension," Luger said.

RELATED: ATF agent on dangers of straw purchasers: "They are on the same level as the actual trigger pullers"

Gooden died by suicide after killing the first responders, authorities said.

The U.S. Attorney's Office convened a federal grand jury in the investigation into the shooting. Noemi Torres was subpoenaed to testify on Tuesday. She's the mother of three of Gooden's children.

The public funeral for all three responders was held in late February.

Court records show long history of domestic incidents

Dyrdahl's relationship with Gooden goes back about 15 years, but their first child together was born in 2016. Court filings say their relationship turned volatile the following year.

According to documents, Dyrdahl filed an order of protection against Gooden alleging domestic assault.

She accused him of head-butting her and throwing her down the stairs. The order was dismissed because Dyrdahl failed to appear in court.

The following month, Gooden called police and accused Dyrdahl of showing up to a child exchange drunk with their son in the car. She was convicted of DWI in the case; she also has a previous DWI conviction.

A few days after that incident, the two established custody and how much time each of them would spend with the child. Then in 2020, Dyrdahl was a character witness for Gooden when he petitioned to have his gun rights restored through the courts.

"Shannon has stayed on track with his life and his goals," she is quoted in the petition as saying.

The county attorney opposed the petition, citing, among other reasons, Dyrdahl's earlier filing for an order of protection.

Gooden's ex says Dyrdahl is the only person she knew who would've bought him a gun

Two days after testifying in front of a grand jury, Noemi Torres, Gooden's ex-girlfriend doesn't understand why anyone would ever give him guns.

Torres said the only person she knew would buy him a gun would be his girlfriend, Ashley Dyrdahl.

Torres was in a relationship with Shannon Gooden for 10 years.

"I never bought him a gun," Torres told WCCO.

She told the same thing to a federal grand jury and that he never forced her, but she said Gooden did ask about having a gun in the home.

"I feel like having a firearm in the house would have been stupid of me to do that knowing he's abusive to me," Torres said.

Torres sighs with relief and is grateful that her children were not harmed that day. But, she says her 12-year-old daughter is having a hard time moving past that tragic day.

"Her constantly what ifs, if she would have been able to speak to the officers, or if her dad would have listened to her," she said.

Torres is hoping therapy can help as her children continue to heal.

Trump team reacts to Georgia judge's Fani Willis ruling

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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer calls on Israel to hold election to replace prime minister
Dog owners in Glencoe will soon have a place for people and their pets to enjoy outdoor activities.

The city recently announced that it had received a $20,000 Smalltown USA grant to construct a dog park. The target date for completion, weather permitting, is June 1, according to council member Jeff Little.

It will be initially located on a couple of city-owned acres just across the bridge from Wilson Park, where there are youth baseball and softball fields, a youth soccer field, lighted basketball and tennis courts, a sand volleyball court, a splash pad, pavilions for party rental and playground equipment.

This is the site that's been selected for a new dog park in Glencoe, funded by grant money.

However, Little said plans are already being formulated for a potential expansion.

Little said the city made the decision a few years ago to, for the first time as far as he knows, hire a grant writer, Lana Bellew.

We're trying to bring new stuff to Glencoe and Lana has been wonderful in helping us get a lot of grants, he said.

Little said Mayor Chris Hare had designated him to serve as the liaison with Bellew on grants, and that she'd contacted him late last year about the opportunity for the dog park.

He described himself as a big dog lover, and noted that if people try to walk their dogs on the city's walking track, it can potentially cause situations with the dogs wanting to lick children who pass by.

I told Lana, 'That sounds awesome, let's do it,' Little said. I ran it by the mayor and the rest of the council and they were positive on it.

So the grant application was submitted; Bellew later notified him that Glencoe had made the cut and then that it had gotten the money.

Little described the location chosen for the park as beautiful, and said work there has already started.

We've got the first part of it cleared out, he said. Now, we've got to go in and identify which trees we want to keep and which ones we want to have cut down and the stumps removed. The (recent) rain has not been our friend, though.

As for what the park will offer once done, Little said he and Bellew are looking at different ideas, with an eye on more potential grant money.

We're looking at other dog parks throughout Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee, to see what they have that works, he said. There's no need to reinvent the wheel.

Preliminary plans include benches, an obstacle course for dogs, watering and shade stations and, of course, cleanup bags for poop.

The park will also be enclosed by a 6-foot fence to discourage any canine jumpers.

Little said the city is now looking at clearing more land to expand the park past Phase 1. He said local residents have shared ideas, such as separate areas for small and large dogs.

He said it's also just one piece of the puzzle in trying to upgrade the city's parks as a whole, noting that Bellew and council member Cody Rampey, who supervises parks and recreation, are collaborating on grants for potential new park equipment, including handicap accessible equipment which he said is needed.

The goal, Little said, is to make Glencoe a viable location.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: New dog park planned to open this summer in Glencoe
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) laid into President Biden and former President Trump on Thursday, accusing both of not having a real plan to save Social Security.

Earlier this week, Trump commented on Social Security and Medicare, saying there is a lot you can do in terms of entitlements in terms of cutting. The remarks opened him up to criticisms from Biden, who vowed on the campaign trail that he would never allow it to happen.

Responding to this fight, Fox Businesss Stuart Varney asked Cassidy for his thoughts on the state of Social Security. Varney noted that full Social Security trust funds are projected to be depleted if nothing is done.

First, Joe Bidens plan, which has no political chance of passing whatsoever, will result in a 24 percent cut to Social Security. Period. Thats under current law, Cassidy said. And frankly, Trump doesnt have a real plan either.

Projections from the Congressional Budget Office have estimated that Social Security benefits could be reduced by at least 20 percent if no changes are made to the program. Recent projections show Social Security trust funds becoming depleted some time in the 2030s.

Cassidy shared his proposed plans for saving Social Security, modeled after how other countries maintain their retirement funds. The senators plan would involve the creation of an investment fund, separate from the Social Security Trust Fund.

You set up a fund separate from the Social Security Trust Fund, put 1.5 trillion in it, invest it in the stock market just like 401(k)s do and allow it to grow over time. Thats what like the Canadian pension fund does, Cassidy told Varney. Every national fund around the world does it except for Social. If we did it for Social, we could actually bail out social and make the program better.

[Beneficiaries] would be part of the group and the individual would repeal that 24 percent cut in benefits, which right now Joe Biden and Donald Trump frankly are going to enforce on the American people because their plans have no political chance of passing, Cassidy added.

Varney questioned Cassidy on what would happen if the stock market goes down in his proposed plan. Cassidy argued investing in the economy has averaged a return of 8.5 percent since 1929, further adding, If the economy sinks, weve got bigger problems than Social Security.

Cassidy explained his proposal, which he refers to as his Big Idea, earlier this month in a letter to the editor in the Wall Street Journal.

This isnt a radical idea. Its already used by the federal government in the Thrift Savings Plan, as Messrs. Keeley and Puzder point out, and elsewhere, including the Wisconsin Retirement System, the U.S. National Railroad Retirement Trust and Canada Pension Plan, wrote Cassidy. Other countries use the U.S. stock market for their retirement and sovereign wealth funds, but the U.S. doesnt.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham singed a bill Tuesday intended to curb air pollution, but Republicans and fossil fuel industry supporters said the measure could raise gas prices for New Mexico drivers up to 50 cents per gallon.

House Bill 41, Clean Transportation Fuel Standards, would incentivize producers of high-carbon fuel like oil and gas to buy credits from generators or importers of low-carbon fuels to offset the overall pollution intensity of fossil fuel production.

It was intended to cause fossil fuel producers to invest in cleaner forms of energy and would call on the Environmental Improvement Board to devise regulations for lowering air pollution from cars and trucks. The legislation targeted reductions in such carbon emissions by 20 percent by 2030 and 30 percent by 2040 from 2018 levels.

More: Tax package could expand renewable energy in New Mexico; Fossil fuels also supported

The bill was supported by Lujan Grisham and her cabinet, including the New Mexico Environment Department which would carry out its requirements, throughout the 2024 Legislative Session despite strong disapproval from the Republican Party.

New Mexico GOP Chair Steve Pearce upon the bills signing said it followed similar efforts in other left-leaning states like California and would unfairly burden New Mexico consumers at the pump. He argued the governor and her followers intended to curb the use of fossil fuels in favor for electric vehicles.

"Once again, Gov. Lujan Grisham is leading from behind California," Pearce said. How out-of-touch is this governor and the Democratic legislature to expect New Mexicans to pay $4 a gallon for gas when so many can barely afford to feed their families? Is the governor's strategy to make gas so expensive that New Mexicans start accepting her electric vehicle mandate?

More: New Mexico capital outlay: Here's what your county and city gets

Lujan Grisham said the bill would address pollution and help New Mexico meet its goals of addressing climate change, while stimulating the economy and creating new jobs in the clean energy by increasing investments in that sector.

Clean fuel standards not only decrease emissions and move us toward our climate goals, but also diversify our economy and attract new businesses to our state, she said in a statement after signing the bill into law.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham speaks with attendees at Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, June 1, 2022 in Carlsbad.

The NMED estimated the program would create 1,600 full-time jobs and 2,300 construction jobs, generating $470 million in wages and bringing $240 million in capital investment to the state from companies supporting by the credits.

More: 'Renewable' geothermal energy boosted by bill passed by New Mexico House

Transportation was the second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the state, according to NMED, following only oil and gas production.

The administration touted its efforts to reduce such emissions, adopting various regulations throughout Lujan Grishams tenure that were aimed at curbing transportation emissions and propping up the states electric vehicle network

This program establishes a market-based approach to reward those entities that decide to produce and import clean fuels here in New Mexico, said NMED Cabinet Secretary James Kenney. In order to receive a clean fuel credit, you must reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

More: 'Clean fuels' bill advances in New Mexico Senate, to make oil companies pay for pollution

Larry Behrens with oil and gas advocacy group Power the Future said the bill would stymie the fossil fuel industry in New Mexico. He argued New Mexico was the second-highest oil producer in the U.S. and its leaders should bolster the industry that accounted for almost half of the states revenue in the last fiscal year.

As a national leader in oil production, New Mexicos leaders should do all they can to support our energy industry, Behrens said. Instead, Santa Fe politicians want to copy failed policies that punish families by driving up prices.

Environmental groups were quick to celebrate the bills passage, arguing on the day of the signature that the clean fuel standards would take meaningful action to limit environmental damage believed the result of fossil fuel pollution.

More: 2024 Legislative session wrap up: Here's how energy and environment bills fared

The introduction of low-carbon alternative fuels, like biodiesel, is a key step in reducing carbon emissions in the transportation industry and will deliver cleaner air and improved health outcomes in real time for New Mexico communities, said Samantha Kao with Conservation Voters New Mexico.

We still have a lot of work to do in combating climate pollution and decarbonizing our transportation sector, but this bill is a critical steppingstone in helping us get to a 100% clean energy future.

Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on the social media platform X.

This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Republicans say clean fuel standard will raise New Mexico gas prices
The Maldives, a popular destination among Indian tourists, is now facing a significant drop in visitors from India, leading to a sharp decline in tourism revenue. Reports indicate that India has slipped to the sixth position in terms of visitor numbers in 2024, a stark contrast to its previous top ranking in 2023. This downturn has sparked concerns within the local tourism sector about the economic implications for the island nation in the Indian Ocean.

The backlash against the Maldives began after three Maldivian officials made derogatory remarks about India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media. This followed Modi's posts showcasing the scenic Lakshadweep Islands on India's west coast. These remarks soured relations and contributed to the decline in Indian tourist arrivals.

According to statistics from the Maldives Tourism Ministry, in 2023, over 1.7 million tourists visited the Maldives, with more than 209,000 of them being Indians. However, the number of Indian visitors has seen a notable decrease compared to previous years. In 2022, over 240,000 Indians visited, while in 2021, the number was over 211,000. Despite being open to international tourists during the pandemic, with nearly 63,000 Indian visitors during that time, the Maldives has seen a significant drop in Indian arrivals in 2024.

Tourism industry experts warn of the adverse impacts of dwindling Indian arrivals, with estimated losses ranging from USD 1.8 billion to USD 2 billion. Travel agencies and operators relying on Indian tourists report an alarming 80% decline in revenue.

The significance of the Indian market for Maldives tourism during off-peak seasons cannot be overstated. Indian travelers tend to visit the Maldives during hot seasons, compensating for the drop in European arrivals. Without Indian tourists, occupancy rates suffer, making India a crucial market for the Maldives.

It's not only Indian passport holders who have boycotted the Maldives; affluent Indian-origin travelers from other countries have also decreased in numbers. The resumption of direct flights between Hanimaadhoo International Airport in the Maldives and Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, India, is hoped to revive Indian tourism to some extent.

There's a growing realization that repairing relations with India is crucial for the Maldives' tourism industry and overall economy. Any further deterioration in relations could have dire consequences. Sun.mv emphasizes the need for humility and wisdom in navigating diplomatic relations to avoid further harm to the Maldives' fragile economy.

Indian Military Withdraws from Maldives Amid Pro-China Shift
Terrance Truth Ruth, a professor in the School of Social Work at N.C. State University, is once again running to be Raleighs next mayor.

Ruth, 41, placed second against Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin in 2022, capturing 41% of the vote.

We will be prepared to face the challenges of tomorrow by inspiring Raleigh to make different choices today, he said in a news release. Our biggest challenges require long-term solutions. Long-term solutions are generated only when a city, not a small segment of a city, is invested in the process and the outcomes.

An education consultant and former executive director of the North Carolina NAACP, Ruth has never held public office. In the news release, he says his candidacy will be anchored on three principles: security, representation and change.

In his 2022 candidate questionnaire, Ruth said he was in favor of bringing Citizen Advisory Councils, or CACs, back and would not vote to increase the police departments budget, instead putting funding toward an alternative crisis response program.

Four years ago the Raleigh City Council disbanded its 18 citizen advisory councils in a surprise vote without notice, The News & Observer previously reported. Last month, in another surprise motion, made by City Council member and former CAC chair Christina Jones, the City Council brought them back.

Who else is running?

Baldwin has said shell announce in the spring whether she will run for re-election.

My intent, at this point, is to run again, Baldwin has told The N&O. Weve still got work to do. And we need leadership. Ive led on issues from affordable housing to transit, and Im finally seeing results. And I dont want to see things go sideways.

The filing period for candidates for Raleigh mayor and City Council runs July 5-19. The election is Nov. 6.

Those who have declared they intend to file for mayor include:

Corey Branch, Raleigh City Council member

Janet Cowell, former Raleigh City Council member and former state treasurer

Delmonte Crawford, activist

Paul Fitts, mortgage broker

James Shaughnessy IV, Pre-law student
A kite-maker prepares kites with election symbols of Indian political parties at his shop ahead of India's general election

MUMBAI (Reuters) - A government-appointed panel on Thursday recommended India hold elections to state assemblies and the national parliament at the same time, saying the process would increase transparency and inclusivity and improve governance and growth.

The panel, appointed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in September, submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday, days before an election date is expected to be set.

The report will not affect the upcoming elections, which have to be held by May, as a "one nation, one election" law will have to be passed by parliament and ratified by states, many of which are ruled by Modi's rivals and have opposed the idea as they say it violates India's federal politics.

Nearly one billion voters are eligible to vote in the general elections, but polls to the 28 state assemblies are spread out as they take place when their five-year terms end.

"Asynchronous elections cause uncertainty and instability, thwarting supply chains, business investments and economic growth," the panel, led by former president Ram Nath Kovind, said.

The nine-member panel said it found that real GDP growth was higher when simultaneous polls were held, compared to a decrease when they were not.

Simultaneous polls used to be the norm in India, but the cycle was disrupted decades back, resulting in the current staggered system.

The panel recommended that as a first step, simultaneous elections be held to the lower house of parliament and state assemblies, with the terms of state assemblies being curtailed or extended to synchronise with parliamentary elections.

In the second phase, elections to local bodies such as municipalities and village councils would be held within a hundred days of state and national elections.

Modi and his ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have pushed for combining state and federal elections as it would also help cut the cost of conducting polls in the world's most populous country and ensure politicians are focused on governance rather than electioneering.

(Reporting by Shilpa Jamkhandikar and Arpan Chaturvedi; Editing by YP Rajesh and Sharon Singleton)
Governor Kristi Noem, Republican of South Dakota, smiles as she concludes her remarks at the 2024 CPAC event in National Harbor, Maryland, on 23 February.

Governor Kristi Noem, Republican of South Dakota, smiles as she concludes her remarks at the 2024 CPAC event in National Harbor, Maryland, on 23 February. Photograph: Rex/Shutterstock

The South Dakota governor, Kristi Noem, a contender to be named Donald Trumps presidential running mate, was sued over a video in which she promoted a cosmetic dentistry company showing off work on her own teeth.

Related: CPAC: Noem and Stefanik lead charge of the wannabe Trump VPs

Travelers United, a consumer advocacy group, filed suit in Washington DC on Wednesday, accusing Noem of advertis[ing] a product or service without disclosing that she has a financial relationship with that company.

The aim, the group said, was to force Noem to make corrective disclosures on all social media posts where she promotes products or services.

In the five-minute video, Noem says: Im the governor of South Dakota and had the opportunity to come to Smile Texas to fix my teeth, which has been absolutely amazing.

Saying her teeth needed fixing after a biking accident, Noem says she consulted Smile Texas  a Houston company which advertises itself as Official Dentist of the Miss Texas USA Pageant  several years ago  by Zoom but could not find time for an appointment.

Having found the time, and singing the praises of Dr [Bret] Davis and Dr [Mackenzi McAfee-]Dooley, Noem says the company finally gave me a smile I can be proud of and confident in as she pursues her career in politics, where everything is speaking and interviews and giving speeches.

I want when people look at me to hear the words that I say and not be distracted by something that Im wearing or how I look or even my appearance. I want them to focus on my thoughts and ideas and what we can do to really make this country better.

So for me being able to have a confident smile and have my teeth be something thats not a distraction, but actually is appealing to people will be helpful because I think that itll make sure that were focused on really the right points that I want to make and make sure that that confidence shines through. I love it.

In its suit, Travelers United said: Kristi Noem is the governor of South Dakota for a living but seems to have taken up work as a social media influencer as of 12 March 2024.

Companies, like Smile Texas, pay influencers, like Kristi Noem, to promote their product or service to her followers  Sitting politicians do not typically work as part-time social media influencers.

Residents of Washington DC, the suit said, could see Noems video on platforms such as X, Facebook, Instagram or Truth Social (owned by Trump), then fly to Texas for treatment.

Noem, it said, had made no disclosure that this is an advertisement or that she received any free or discounted medical procedures in exchange for this social media advertisement, which appeared to have been filmed at Smile Texas headquarters.

Related: South Dakota tribe bans governor from reservation over US border comments

The suit also cited social media comments questioning why Noem was advertising a private company. Noem, the suit said, is a smart woman who knew that laws apply to advertising disclosure on social media  but she never fixed any of her posts promoting Smile Texas.

Travelers United would like to make clear this lawsuit is merely a lawsuit over the lack of advertising disclosure. Governor Kristi Noem has had many accomplishments in office and Travelers United hopes that after correcting her social media posts she continues to do her job of making her great state even better.

The suit asks that Noem be enjoined from advertising on social media without disclosing that she is advertising and seeks statutory and punitive damages as well as payment of costs.

The Guardian contacted Noem for comment.
ALABAMA (WHNT)  Governor Kay Iveys office says residents may experience issues on some state websites due to a cyber attack that began Tuesday.

According to a news release from the governors office Wednesday, some Alabama state government websites may be experiencing issues due to a denial of service attack that began Tuesday afternoon.

Joe Wheeler EMC offering reward for stolen ground wires

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency says a denial of service attack, often appreciated as a DoS attack, happens when regular users are unable to access information systems, devices, or network services due to the actions of a malicious third party. These kinds of attacks normally affect things like email services, websites, or online banking but can affect any service that relies on a computer or network.

The agency said DoS attacks are done by flooding the targeted host or network with traffic until the target cannot respond or simply crashes, preventing access for legitimate users.

Gina Maiola, Director of Communications for Governor Iveys office said there has been no breach of the states computers and no information has been accessed due to the attack.

In conjunction with the states carrier, the Alabama OIT is actively working to mitigate the attack, which may cause some state websites to be slow temporarily, she said about the attack Wednesday.

News 19 reached out to the governors office for more information on the origin of the attack but Jeremy Ward with Alabamas Office of Information Technology (OIT) said the situation is still under investigation at this time.

This is an ongoing issue and OIT is unable to respond with exact details as the situation is still in the process of being investigated and resolved, he said.

This is a developing story and News 19 will provide updates as they become available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
Russian forces attacked the city of Nikipol in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on March 14 injuring five people, including a child, the region's governor Serhiy Lysak reported.

Nikopol in southeastern Ukraine and nearby settlements are regular targets of Russian attacks due to their proximity to Russian positions.

A 73-year-old woman was hospitalized with moderate injuries. A seven-year-old boy, a 43-year-old man and two women, both 74, will be treated at home, the governor said.

Several high-rise buildings and urban infrastructure were damaged as a result of the morning attack.

Russia attacked Nikopol district with drones and shelled settlements with artillery on March 13, according to local authorities. No casualties were reported.

Two days before, a Russian missile strike against a nine-story building in Kryvyi Rih in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast killed five people and wounded 50, Lysak said. A total of 17 residents are in hospital, including seven children.

Read also: 5 children killed in single attack: We should never forget what Russia did

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A lack of PPE during the Covid pandemic meant some GPs wore repurposed bin bags for aprons, a public inquiry has heard.

Dr Chris Williams, deputy chairman of the Royal College of GPs, told the Scottish Covid Inquiry that doctors felt they did not have the "tools for the job" early on in the pandemic.

Dr Williams said there was a feeling the PPE guidance was based on what was available rather than appropriate.

Some GPs also bought higher-grade face masks online instead of using NHS ones.

Scotland's Covid public inquiry is investigating what happened during the country's response to the pandemic and work out what lessons can be learned for future public health emergencies.

The supply and distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) is one focus of the independent probe and the Royal College of GPs gave evidence that it was an area of concern for some of its members.

Dr Williams, who works at a surgery in the Highlands, said he heard "lots of expressions of anxiety and nervousness about PPE".

He added: "I had experience of aprons that were repurposed bin bags; not easy to put on and take off without shedding droplets.

"Some of these [PPE] items were not at the level we hoped for. There were many instances where people did not have a full set of PPE."

He added: "We felt as if the guidance we were given about PPE was tailored to what was available. I don't think there was confidence that they had the right armour on - the right tools for the job."

Dr Williams said members of the community dropping off handmade masks and painters overalls helped to bolster supplies of PPE.

WHO guidelines, which currently recommend health staff wear a full gown and visor.

In the first few months of the Covid pandemic there were reports of shortages of some coronavirus protective equipment in the NHS.

It came at a time when global demand for items such as gloves and masks was at unprecedented levels.

In 2021, it was revealed more than one billion items of PPE had been issued by Scotland's health service since the start of the pandemic.

Buying their own masks

Dr Carey Lunan, a former chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs, told the inquiry there were "concerns about the quality, quantity and reliability" of PPE supplies.

She added: "At the time there was a lot of concern among members about - is this the right level of PPE for the work we are doing?

"Many GPs chose to purchase their own [higher grade] FFP3 masks because they did not feel adequately assured that the fluid-resistance masks [issued by the NHS] would give them adequate protection."

The inquiry before Lord Brailsford continues.
Sir Brandon Lewis says he will not be standing as a candidate at the next general election

A former chairman of the Conservative Party says he will not be standing as a candidate at the next general election.

In a letter, Sir Brandon Lewis said he had notified the chairman of the Great Yarmouth Conservative Association of his intentions.

First elected as MP for Great Yarmouth in 2010, he said the decision was not made "easily".

He said he was proud of "the small part I have been able to play in public life".

Sir Brandon became the chairman of the Conservative Party in 2018 and has held eight ministerial roles, including Lord Chancellor, the justice secretary and the secretary of state for Northern Ireland.

In his resignation letter, Sir Brandon recounted highlights from within Great Yarmouth including the rejuvenation of the town centre, a capital injection to improve sea and flood defences and the recent opening of Herring Bridge saying it had been a "culmination of an outstanding team effort". On Thursday it emerged the 121m bridge has been closed until further notice while faults are investigated.

Witham MP Priti Patel said on social media that Sir Brandon had served his constituents and the British people "with distinction in Parliament and in Government".

"We entered Parliament together in 2010 and he has been an outstanding colleague and a good friend," she said.

Sir Brandon said he would continue to serve his constituency until Parliament is dissolved.

"A new chapter awaits but as this one closes," he said. "I thank my family for the unwavering support.

"My success and challenges have been theirs and I cannot thank them enough for being by my side through it all."

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830
Greece is reconsidering sending up to 32 launchers and 175 missiles to Ukraine.

Ukraine's air defenses are strained by Russia's fusillades.

Greece may give away its S-300 air defenses for the superior US-made Patriot.

Greece is reconsidering sending Ukraine its Russian-made S-300 air defense missiles, a turnabout that comes after a Russian military struck close to its leader during a visit to Ukraine. Ukraine would undoubtedly welcome any potential transfer since its air defenses are under tremendous strain from unrelenting Russian bombardments.

Greek media reported on Monday that Greece might provide Ukraine with its S-300PMU-1 system if it obtains the superior US-made MIM-104 Patriot. Greek officials had ruled out supplying the S-300, initially purchased by Cyprus in the 1990s but ultimately delivered to Crete to defuse a crisis with Turkey. Athens has supplied Kyiv infantry fighting vehicles and small arms since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

The list of advanced weapons that countries initially denied Ukraine is long and includes F-16s, M1 Abrams tanks, and ATACMS missiles. The conversation around the Greek S-300 is changing, said George Tzogopoulos, a senior fellow at the Centre International de Formation Europeenne.

"What is new is the change in the tone of the national media coverage about such a possibility," Tzogopoulos told Business Insider. "Greece's priority is its defense. As long as Greek defense needs are satisfied, the policy of swap deals will continue. The deeper Greek-American military collaboration goes, the more likely the Greek government will give new 'green lights' to US requests."

Warnings that Ukraine's existing stockpiles of Soviet-era air defenses, including its inherited S-300s, are nearing depletion made headlines in April 2023.

Frederico Borsari, a defense expert at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), told Insider the potential delivery of Greek S-300s "acquires even more relevance considering the recent destruction of at least one M903 launcher for the Patriot PAC-2 air defense system by a Russian Iskander-M ballistic missile."

The United States, Germany, and the Netherlands supplied Ukraine with Patriot missiles, which had success shooting down Russian Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and several Russian military aircraft. Ukraine may have lost at least one Patriot launcher  not an entire system  in a Russian Iskander missile strike outside the eastern city of Pokrovsk on Mar. 9; this claim could not be independently confirmed. The Russian defense ministry identified the destroyed launcher as a Ukrainian S-300.

There were already credible theories in January that Ukraine had relocated Patriots near the front lines, enabling them to shoot down a dozen Russian fighter jets in February.

"The loss showed the consequences of not changing location frequently in the context of a much faster detection-engagement cycle enabled by ubiquitous drones integrated with fire capabilities as part of multi-level reconnaissance-strike complexes," Borsari said.

Russia attacked Ukraine's Odesa on Mar. 6 while Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was visiting. A Russian missile exploded a mere 500 meters from the convoy he was traveling in with Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Zelensky.

"The Odesa military strike was a personal shock for the Greek delegation visiting Ukraine," Tzogopoulos said. "But strategic decisions are not made on the grounds of personal experiences. Greece values its strategic relationship with the US, which is how the new tone of the media discussion about sending S-300s to Ukraine could be better framed."

While Ukraine's capacity to continue fighting against Russia's invasion depends on many factors, Tzogopoulos pointed out that Greece's contribution could "acquire new significance" if it transfers S-300s. Greece is estimated to have 32 launchers and up to 175 missiles it could provide.

"Important as it will be, such a decision can hardly be considered a game changer, though," Tzogopoulos said. "Ukraine already possesses that type of long-range surface-to-air system and will benefit by seeing the number of its batteries increase  not by acquiring a new type of weapon."

Although it certainly won't be a new capability, the particular S-300 variant in Greece's possession could benefit Ukraine.

Borsari of CEPA pointed out that Greece's S-300PMU-1 variant is more capable than the S-300PS variant typically operated by Ukraine.

"The S-300PMU-1 relies on an upgraded battery's radar module with improved detection, tracking, and engagement capabilities (comprising the 30N6E fire control radar and 76N6E low-level early warning/acquisition radar  and potentially the battalion-level 64N6E acquisition radar) and can fire the 48N6E missile besides the usual 5V55 series," Borsari said.

Borsari added, "The latter has better kinematics, a longer range (up to 150 km), and a larger warhead. It uses a combination of radio command guidance and semi-active radar homing guidance and is effective against a wide target set, from cruise missiles and fast jets to ballistic-type threats." Kinematics refer to the flight paths that can be flown to intercept an incoming missile or aircraft.

Given the "attrition suffered" by Ukrainian S-300 systems so far in this war, Borsari believes that even a "limited number of launchers" could be "very useful" for Kyiv.

"If radars and spare interceptors are also included in the package, that would be a significant addition to Ukraine's air and missile defense," Borsari said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) said former President Trumps opposition to a bill that could ban TikTok did not influence her decision to vote against the bill Wednesday.

I havent spoken to Donald Trump about the bill. These were my own conclusions, and I made the vote based on my own conclusions and by reading the bill myself, Greene told CNNs Manu Raju in a brief interview after voting against the legislation Wednesday.

House lawmakers passed a bill 352-65 on Wednesday that would force ByteDance, TikToks China-based parent company, to divest the app within 165 days or face a ban in the United States.

The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which still must pass the Senate, had overwhelming support from members of both parties. It was originally introduced by Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), the top lawmakers on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.

Trump, who once vowed to ban TikTok as president, has recently voiced opposition to the legislation, suggesting it would empower Facebook and Mark Zuckerberg. The former president was banned from Facebook following the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

Theres a lot of good and a lot of bad with TikTok. But the thing I dont like is, without TikTok you can make Facebook bigger. And I consider Facebook to be an enemy of the people, along with the media, Trump said Monday on CNBCs Squawk Box.

Trump also bashed Facebook and Zuckerberg in a post last week on Truth Social, the former presidents social media website.

If you get rid of TikTok, Facebook and Zuckerschmuck will double their business, Trump said. I dont want Facebook, who cheated in the last Election, doing better. They are a true Enemy of the People!

Greene, one of Trumps closest allies in Congress, insisted Trumps opposition to the bill did not dictate her vote.

You know, he has his opinion on the bill, and he can voice it, so it doesnt mean that were all robots. We make our own decisions and mine was to vote no on this bill based on everything I just told you, Greene told Raju.

Greene said on the House floor earlier Wednesday that her opposition to the legislation stemmed, at least in part, from her experience being banned from other social media platforms.

I rise today as the only member of Congress that has ever been banned by social media, Greene said on the House floor, as the lower chamber prepared to vote on the bill.

Twitter banned me  banned my personal account on which I was campaigning for Congress, raising money and using my free speech to inform the voters in my district they can vote for me, she continued. This was not by a company owned by China. This was by American-owned Twitter.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Greenpeace activists protest against investment policy of the DWS Investment's with red oil drums in front of the company's headquarters in Frankfurt. Boris Roessler/dpa

Activists from the environmental organization Greenpeace protested on Thursday morning in front of the headquarters of Deutsche Bank asset management company DWS Investment in Frankfurt.

The activists had brought 25 red oil barrels from which some 200 litres of an oil-like substance were poured onto the street to protest the fund's investment policies, Greenpeace said.

Activists also displayed banners with slogans including "No money for climate killers!"

In a study published on Thursday, Greenpeace looked at the investments of Germany's four largest funds in fossil fuel companies. Greenpeace claims DWS was ranked last in the industry when it came to implementing promised climate protection measures.

DWS rejected the accusations.

"It is shocking that nine years after the adoption of the Paris Climate Agreement, not a single one of the asset managers analysed has a Paris-compliant investment policy and the worst climate sinners are being blithely financed," said Greenpeace financial expert Mauricio Vargas.

Deutsche Bank's asset management firm DWS has long been accused of marketing so-called green financial products as more environment-friendly than they actually are, a practise known as greenwashing.

At the beginning of February officials from Germany's public prosecutor's office searched the premises of DWS, following an initial search conducted in May 2022. DWS has always rejected the greenwashing allegations.

DWS says the group last year introduced investment restrictions for companies with an excessive share of revenue from coal mining or electricity generation as well as for all companies that continue to expand their coal-related activities. "Over the course of the year, we significantly reduced our investments in companies that fall within the scope of the Coal Directive," it said.

"As part of our engagement activities we have set out our expectations towards portfolio companies regarding a complete coal phase-out from EU/OECD countries by 2030 and asked them to publish their transition plans for the coal phase-out," DWS added.

However, the implementation of the coal directive in certain portfolios, such as mandates of large investors, is dependent on approval by third parties. "Accordingly, there are still some coal developers/coal companies in these portfolios, as implementation can only take place once these authorisations have been granted by the clients," the company said.

Greenpeace activists protest against investment policy of the DWS Investment's with red oil drums in front of the company's headquarters in Frankfurt. Boris Roessler/dpa

Greenpeace activists protest against investment policy of the DWS Investment's with red oil drums in front of the company's headquarters in Frankfurt. Boris Roessler/dpa
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff says a changed mindset this season is helping him strike a surprisingly optimistic tone despite his team's sluggish start to its 2024 campaign.

After Mercedes low-key start in Bahrain, last weekends Saudi Arabian GP exposed a significant weakness in the W15's high-speed cornering capabilities, while bouncing has also reared its ugly head, and so far, the Brackley squads engineers remain without a clear explanation for the problem.

The issue offers Mercedes dim prospects in the short-term, but a calm and composed Wolff is fending off the frustrations that plagued previous challenging seasons.

The Austrian is keeping his full faith in his teams ability to overcome the early hurdle, and its a shift in attitude that suggests a new approach to Mercedes recovery efforts.

I've changed my mindset, he said in Jeddah, quoted by Motorsport.com. I don't think that additional pressure on all of us makes it better.

I think we have a problem with the physics. It is not by lack of trying or by the mindset or the motivation or energies. All of that is there, and I can see the buzz in the organisation.

As racers, when we have such [disappointing] results, you're feeling down, but we're trying to change that with the right motivation for the week that comes.

That's why we are believing that we can turn this around. We believe that our organisation can dig ourselves out. I'm 100% sure we can.

While Mercedes' current on-track performance might seem reminiscent of past struggles, Wolff insists there's a crucial distinction this time around: the team's understanding of the car's underlying concept has significantly improved.

Mercedes may be on the right track with the car's overall design, but specific technical details or adjustments are needed to unlock its full potential.

We had so many unknowns in the last year, he said. Where we started, we said, okay this could be a reason and this could be a reason and this could be a reason. And we fixed that.

I can see from the sensors that we have what we needed. But there is still this behaviour of the car in a certain speed range, where our sensors and simulation say this is where we should have the downforce, and we are not having it.

This team has not been overconfident. We are probably the other way around. We see that glass half empty always. And that attitude stays, but this is also the attitude to fix it.

While Mercedes has inherited a wealth of knowledge and lessons from its troubles in the past two years, Wolff acknowledged that applying its learnings and resolving its current limitations wont propel its W15 to the head of the grid.

It is a different confidence that I have in the group this time around, he said. At a certain stage, you're basically ticking all the boxes of the unknown, and where we are today, it's pretty clear where it points to. It's just my feeling that we will come on top.

Is this good enough to beat a Max [Verstappen] in a Red Bull? No, it's not. But at least bringing ourselves into a position of fighting for podiums and being right there, I'm 100% sure we are going to get there.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
The television industry has changed an astronomical amount since 2005, but one of the few constants has been the unstoppable force that is Greys Anatomy. For 20 seasons, the show has been one of TVs biggest hits and, for just as long, diminished for its outstanding achievements.

Its easy to forget that Greys Anatomy began its run with Emmy nominations aplenty and has served as a titan of the television industry. Long before the show became easy fodder for Redditors to scoff at, it revitalized the primetime soap opera, providing a last gasp for watercooler network TV. Its almost too good at the craft, making its two-decade run seem effortless. But its actually incredible.

Greys Anatomy is both a primetime soap opera and a procedural, two genres that rarely receive esteem and are often criticized for predictable redundancy. But its a mistake to classify Greys in the same space as Chicago Med or NCIS. Theres nothing wrong with a good procedural, but the truth is, when the lights go off for the Chicago franchise that will be the end. Greys Anatomys legacy will long survive its run, made immensely clear by the fact that, 20 years in, the shows peak still runs circles around its peers.

So, why then, is the dynamic series often reduced to a guilty pleasure?

Kate Walsh, Chandra Wilson, Camilla Luddington, and Stefania Spampinato Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images

Guilty pleasure implies theres some reason to be ashamed, something requiring you to justify your enjoyment. Its the implication that something isnt unironically good, but a little treat to enjoy between serious endeavors. Sure, Greys Anatomy is indulgent and messy, but that doesnt inherently make it lowbrow. The show is iconic in many ways, and has been so influential on the TV landscape.

It may seem unremarkable now, but to open your pilot episode on the naked butt of Derek Shepherd, who our protagonist, Meredith Grey, had just slept with, is a brazen move defiant of then-network TV standards. Its one that was still provocative when NBCs This Is Us semi-replicated it in its own pilot, 11 years later. In Greys Anatomys eighth season in 2011, Cristina Yang had an abortion simply because she did not want a baby, a daring move for a network drama, one that arguably helped open the door for shows like Scandal, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and A Million Little Things, which had their own groundbreaking plots, to follow.

Greys Anatomy Interns 14 Worst Screw-Ups, Ranked

And, before The Summer I Turned Pretty used popular songs for its major emotional beats, Greys Anatomy was there to make sure that youll never hear Breathe (2 AM) or How to Save a Life the same way again.

Its not just important TV, its simply good. Authenticity bleeds through Greys, creating an immense, beautiful world of heartache, laughter and relatability. By the time Greys Anatomy addressed a post-Roe v. Wade world in its 19th season last year, it felt like a natural evolution of a show that has rarely shied away from the reality of the twisted world its based in, and one that was determined not to lose its edge, even if it has lost its luster.

Early on, Greys made upping the ante its brand, expertly mixing nuanced emotions with explosive stunts, teetering on a tightrope without ever falling. Sure, when you consider that one hospital encountered a bomb, a shooting, and a plane crash, you might think its incredulous that anyone ever takes the show seriously. But its in the follow-through that Greys shows its cards.

Caterina Scorsone, Ellen Pompeo, Terrika Hinton, and Chandra Wilson Mitch Haaseth/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

Greys Anatomy wasnt the first primetime soap to elevate the stakes with a dramatic spectacle, after all. Dallas Who Shot JR? arc may be one of the most infamous stunts on TV, while the bomb heard around the world on Melrose Place is an expert season-ending cliffhanger. And a grocery store shooting was Desperate Housewives best-ever episode, one that scored Felicity Huffman an Emmy nom and led to annual disaster episodes.

Greys has never been afraid to upend its status quo, and its major swings rarely miss. The show spent much of its seventh season exploring the ramifications of the hospital shooting, while the plane crash radically shifted the foundation of the show from Season 9 on, allowing characters to grieve and explore trauma in nuanced ways often ignored within the genre.

Even the three-episode arc that watched Meredith drown, visit the afterlife, and come back to life in Season 3 is more profound than a simple February sweeps stunt. Exploring the suicidal tendencies that simmered at Merediths core in such a grandiose way encapsulated her arc without minimizing the complexities of a serious issue. Shes perhaps one of TVs most fascinating characters, rarely given a moment to chew scenery. Subtlety is the key to Meredith, and thats what makes her role as the lead so impactful. While complex leads are a dime a dozen on TV today, it was especially rare to see a female star exude such rigidity then, and in many ways, now.

The shows biggest jump-the-shark moment may have also been its most impressive, too. Killing off Derek in the 11th season, Greys Anatomy rebuked the happily ever after fans of the early seasons may have expected. Certainly a product of the shows unprecedented run, losing long-standing characters became inevitable. But to kill off Derek was more than a stunt. Its a decision that reverberated through the entire show, redefining every moment that led to his death, and allowing the show to enter the unknown.

Patrick Dempsey and Ellen Pompeo ABC

I have to give credit to Desperate Housewiveswhich killed off Susan Mayers main love interest Mike Delfino just episodes from the series finalefor pioneering this bold move, but Greys got to do what Desperate Housewives didnt have time to: explore what happens next.

In an era of short-lived shows, Greys Anatomy is something special. And its 12th season proves that. In the aftermath of Dereks devastating death, Meredith puts her life back together through a season-long journey that quite easily serves as her most compelling arc since the shows early days. After years of stagnation, the show breathed new life into itselfand its protagonist.

The Queens Giving a Middle Finger to Sexismand Changing Wildlife TV

Few series get to experience a second wind at all, yet alone in the 12th season. Theres one particular episode that stands out: Guess Whos Coming to Dinner (Season 12, Episode 5), the shows 250th episode. As Meredith comes face-to-face with the doctor who operated on a dying Derek, her dormant grief explodes in agonizing anger, creating an uncomfortable and impactful episode. Its a stunning hour of television that takes place almost entirely in the confines of a dinner party, and one that couldve entered Emmy conversations if the awards hadnt begun dismissing the series seasons before.

Few shows have one good season, let alone 12. Sure, some could argue that the show overstayed its welcome, coasting on its familiar facade in some recent seasons, but that doesnt change the simple truth at the core. Many of those who dismiss Greys Anatomy would have done so even if the show ended in its prime. After all, just look at its ABC peers Lost and Desperate Housewives, both of which premiered the same iconic TV season, the former a pivotal event series while the latter repopularized the primetime soap opera.

Despite the fact both shows ended near each other with six and eight seasons, respectively, Lost has firmly held its role atop the TV totem pole, while Desperate Housewives has largely been lost to history. Desperate Housewives was the highest rated show on TV in its first two seasons, and ended its run still a staple for the network, but is rarely discussed with the same reverence. And I dont want to hear the rebuttal that Desperate Housewives fell off in quality, as that would imply Losts best days werent far behind it too, by the end. If Greys Anatomy had ended during this era, would it also have just faded away from cultural memory?

Greys Anatomy is a show created by a woman, for women, damning it to life as a guilty pleasure despite its merit. No, this isnt my Barbie monologue moment, but lets ask ourselves: What female-skewing show is universally agreed upon as a titan of the genre?

Caterina Scorsone, Ellen Pompeo, Terrika Hinton, and Chandra Wilson Mitch Haaseth/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

This Is Us is dismissed as Mom TV that exists just to make you cry. Sex and the City is treated as though the shoddy vapidity of And Just Like That defines the entire series. Perhaps the closest weve gotten to respect for the genre and its audience is Big Little Lies. But it would genuinely be scary if even an HBO limited series starring some of Hollywoods most esteemed actresses couldnt garner respect. You shouldnt need such four-quadrant appeal to stand out when even ABCs risk-averse police procedural The Rookie gets more praise on r/Television than peak Greys Anatomy.

Its not about competing with the Better Call Sauls of the world, but being accepted in conversation as objectively good, without qualifiers. Greys Anatomy is not a guilty pleasure, nor has it ever been. It should be no surprise that a multi-Emmy award winning series created by TV great Shonda Rhimes with standout actors like Sandra Oh is nothing short of a masterpiece.

Its important to respect the shows all-powerful legacy, even if you dislike Greys Anatomy or find it outside your personal interests. Without it, the television industry would no doubt be in worse straits. So if youre a fan of the soapy drama, dont be a wallflower about it. You are guilty of nothing except good tasteand persistence. Four hundred episodes is an impressive commitment.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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A proposal to reintroduce grizzly bears to part of Central Idaho has roiled tensions, with advocates saying the action is decades late and critics claiming its a step toward gruesome maulings.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed options to reintroduce grizzlies in the Bitterroot ecosystem of Idaho and Montana after a Montana federal judge ruled that agency officials did not adequately assist bear recovery there. The area was identified in the early 1990s as one of several recovery zones for the species, which remains under endangered species protections in the contiguous United States.

But unlike other recovery zones, the Bitterroot hasnt seen a rebounding grizzly bear population in the last three decades. And some in the area would like to keep it that way.

This is not an experiment, this is a death sentence in the making, read one comment submitted 11 times by different Lemhi County residents and anonymous commenters.

An Idaho Statesman analysis of hundreds of comments found a roughly even split between those in favor of a reintroduced bear population, those who want to aid grizzlies in repopulating the area naturally and those who want the government to scrap the project. The public comment period for the project closes March 18.

Idaho leaders have been outspoken critics of grizzly bear protections in recent years, petitioning the federal government to remove the bears from Endangered Species Act protections.

Gov. Brad Littles office and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game told the Statesman that state agency comments on the project are being coordinated through the Governors Office of Species Conservation. Officials with the Office of Species Conservation told the Statesman they are still organizing agencies input into a cohesive comment.

Critics call grizzly proposal a death sentence

Already, some prominent groups have supported natural repopulation, allowing grizzlies  which have occasionally been documented traveling through the Bitterroot in recent years  to make their way to the ecosystem on their own. The Idaho Conservation League has called for a natural rewilding, and Patagonia outdoor gear company has placed social media ads promoting the nonprofits recent grizzly event. The Idaho Wildlife Federations North Idaho Field Representative Kyle Maki told the Statesman his organization is heavily leaning towards supporting natural repopulation.

Steve Nadeau, a retired Idaho Department of Fish and Game large carnivore biologist and author of the book Journey of the Bitterroot Grizzly Bear, spoke about grizzlies during the Idaho Conservation League webinar Thursday. Nadeau told the Statesman an enhanced natural recovery could include constructing wildlife crossings or implementing policies that improve wildlife corridors and reduce potential bear mortality.

If theyre looking at natural recovery as an option, there needs to be a focus on keeping these critters alive, Nadeau said. If you just kill one female by accident or on purpose as a control action, you just set back recovery for decades.

Some online commenters said they believe grizzlies are already permanently living in the area or will be soon without human intervention.

Its going to happen faster than you think, John Oetinger wrote. Theres little benefit in speeding it up, and youre just going to irritate people and waste money.

Many opponents said grizzly reintroduction would turn Idaho into a predator pit, reduce wild deer and elk populations, threaten livestock and pose a danger to residents and outdoor recreators.

Introducing grizzlies into a rural community is tantamount to a despotic ruler keeping standing armies among the people in times of peace and quartering armed troops among them, Cindy Coping wrote.

Nadeau, who served as a game warden in the Bitterroot ecosystem and studied grizzlies in Glacier National Park, refuted some of those concerns. He said food sources are abundant in the Bitterroot, and grizzlies are unlikely to have an outsized impact on deer and elk.

As for human-bear conflicts, Nadeau said the Bitterroot population would likely remain so small that chances of even seeing a bear are scant.

Bears are incredibly, incredibly adaptive and incredibly afraid of humans, and theyre doing all they can to avoid us, Nadeau said.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  As the City of Austin approaches its midyear budget review, advocacy groups like Vocal Texas and the Texas Harm Reduction Alliance, were outside City Hall Thursday asking for additional funding for homelessness services.

I was homeless. I never thought in a million years I would be homeless but I ended up finding myself homeless at a point. I was homeless for two years, said Vernon Jarmon, who participated in Thursdays rally.

Austin City Council approved a record-large $5.5 billion budget last year. But financial leaders with the City of Austin cautioned Austin City Council late last month about assigning additional dollars to programs until the city can better understand a possible budget deficit for the 2024 fiscal year.

That possible deficit was caused by an unexpected dip in sales tax revenue, they said.

The Citys Financial Services Department said its short $8.5 million so far this fiscal year in predicted sales tax revenue and suggested if that revenue stream remains flat, the deficit could go up to $15.4 million by the end of the fiscal year. The fiscal year starts October 1.

City of Austin could see budget deficit, headed for fiscal cliff with ARPA funding

We built our FY 24 budget assuming 4% sales tax growth so flat is not good enough. If our sales tax remain flat against that 4% assumption that we made in the budget, we are going to have a budget deficit that well need to deal with, said City of Austin Chief Financial Officer, Ed Van Eenoo. Those budget discussions will happen in the next couple of weeks.

Playing into that conversation are programs city council asked the budget office to roll back around to midyear, some of which havent had funding fully assigned to them yet. One that was a focus of Thursdays rally  tenant stabilization.

It is one of the most urgent priorities in our city right now, said Kathy Mitchell with Equity Action.

The groups outside of City Hall Thursday want the city to prioritize homelessness services during its midyear budget review  like that tenant stabilization program.

Were human. We want to help one another. We want to see people be happy, be able to get the service that they need here in Austin, said Jarmon.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
GROVE, Okla.  Grove students set out to change their community and raised over $173,288.99 for the Community Crisis Venter, smashing last years record.

Changing Our World or COW is a student-led project that picked the Community Crisis Center as its charity to raise money for this year. The center provides help for domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking victims in Ottawa and Delaware counties.

Students eclipsed last years year record of $63,064.

Since its inception in 2017, COW Week has now, raised more than $340,000 for local charities.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
TOOELE, Utah (ABC4)  Recently unsealed court documents reveal the 9-year-old boy accused of shooting and killing his father in Tooele City may have also used a tomahawk-style hatchet in the gruesome attack.

According to the court documents, emergency crews originally responded to the home located near 400 South and 300 West on reports of a possible suicide attempt. Upon arrival, they found the 32-year-old father with a gunshot wound to the head. He was taken to a local hospital where he died the next morning.

ORIGINAL STORY: 9-year-old arrested, allegedly shot and killed family member

Upon further investigation, the man was found to have several lacerations on his face, hands and arms. Medical personnel at the hospital told investigators the lacerations appeared to be defensive wounds.

Investigators said there were six other people in the home with the man and his son, including four other children under the age of 11. The victim and his son had reportedly gone to their shared bedroom early the night of the incident due to behavior problems.

The victims son later emerged from the room and said that his dad was bleeding from the head and was dead, one warrant states.

Police reported finding a handgun under the bed with one bullet missing from the magazine. A tomahawk-style hatchet covered in blood was also allegedly found under the bed with the gun. According to the court documents, authorities also reportedly discovered a shell casing in the corner of the bedroom and bullet holes in a window curtain and above the window frame.

With the execution of the search warrants, police seized a cellphone and tablet the 9-year-old was reportedly using immediately before the alleged homicide. The boy and others in the home reportedly told investigators he had regular access to the devices to play games and contact people.

High winds are expected across the Wasatch Front, heres a timeline of what to expect

Occupants of the home describe the suspect as spending a lot of time on these devices, consuming content, watching videos and playing video games, a warrant said. There have been instances where the suspect has viewed videos that were deemed not age-appropriate and shared details of these videos with other children in the home, resulting in discipline.

Court documents also said the suspect preferred to play video games that were particularly violent in nature, with one game incorporating the same weapons in gameplay as allegedly used in the assault.

Detectives said the particularly gruesome, violent methods used in the assault were inconsistent with the age of the suspect and actions typically taken or even known about by children of a similar age.

An investigation into the case is still ongoing.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
An armed member of the G9 and Family gang patrols a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on 11 March.

An armed member of the G9 and Family gang patrols a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on 11 March. Photograph: Odelyn Joseph/AP

As Haiti has again plunged into violent chaos, images of gang members bearing high-powered rifles, pump-action shotguns or automatic weapons in the streets of Port-au-Prince have become ubiquitous.

But this weaponry is not made in Haiti, a country with no firearms or ammunition manufacturing capabilities.

It is an arsenal that largely comes directly from the US, with most guns, experts say, likely to have originated from states with lax firearm laws, and many trafficked into Haiti from Florida.

Related: Haiti: what caused the gang violence and will it end now the PM has quit?

This clandestine trade has left Haitis gangs with a vast cache of illegal arms and much greater firepower than the countrys dispirited and underfunded police force.

A 2020 estimate published by Haitis disarmament commission estimated there could be as many as 500,000 small arms in the country, with just 38,000 of those legally registered. The number, analysts say, is now likely to be even higher following an uptick in trafficking operations in recent years.

A large portion of these, said Robert Muggah, a security expert and co-founder of the Igarape Institute security thinktank, are obtained in the US by straw purchasers (buyers who obtain the guns on behalf of the smugglers). The weapons are largely bought in states with weak gun regulations such as Florida, Arizona, Texas and Georgia.

Easily accessible firearms from the US are one of several factors that are deepening Haitis instability, Muggah said. The abundance of high-powered rifles, handguns and ammunition is dramatically amplifying the power of criminal gangs who easily outgun Haitis depleted national police and modest security agencies. They are also playing a key role in driving-up high rates of sexual violence, violent assaults, kidnapping and internal displacement.

A number of recent seizures have laid bare the relative ease with which traffickers operate. In February, US prosecutors secured guilty pleas for two senior members of the 400 Mawozo  the gang which became internationally notorious with a 2021 kidnapping of 17 Christian missionaries from Ohio who were visiting an orphanage in Port-au-Prince.

Investigators discovered an arsenal of at least 24 firearms including AK-47s, AR-15s, an M4 carbine rifle and a military grade .50 caliber sniper rifle, following purchases at several gun shops in the Florida cities of Miami, Orlando and Pompano Beach, according to an unsealed indictment.

Joly Germine, a 31-year-old leader of 400 Mawozo, directed specific requests for high-powered weapons via WhatsApp messages sent from a Haitian prison. The requests were made to US citizens in Florida, including Germains romantic partner, and the weapons were then stuffed in garbage bags, loaded into large barrels and hidden under clothes, shoes and Gatorade ready for shipment.

To the extent that the traffickers succeed, it is because of the massive volume of goods that move across borders Matt Schroeder

In July 2022, authorities in Haiti seized a haul of 17 semiautomatic weapons, a 12 gauge shotgun, four pistols and 15,000 rounds of ammunition stuffed in a shipment from Florida and bound for a Haitian Episcopal church, which enjoys certain customs exemptions.

None of the smuggling techniques or concealment methods are innovative, unique or require expertise, said Matt Schroeder, a senior researcher at Small Arms Survey. To the extent that the traffickers succeed, it is because of the massive volume of goods that move across borders and the difficulty of thoroughly screening every shipment.

US authorities have made efforts to ratchet up enforcement in recent years, including expanding homeland security operations in Florida, the creation of a new regional taskforce with other Caribbean community states, as well as harsher punishments for straw purchases included in bipartisan gun laws from 2022.

But, said Muggah, the results, while making some headway, are probably only scratching the surface.

It is widely assumed that authorities in both countries are only seizing a fraction of the total volume of firearms and ammunition entering the country, either by land, air or sea, he said.

Crucially, the Haitian governments customs and border forces remain chronically under-resourced. A recent report published by the UNs office on drugs and crime found that Haitis national police border patrol unit has just 294 officers, while the countrys coast guard has only 181 personnel and a single operational vessel. Haiti has 1,770km of coastline and a 392km land-border with the Dominican Republic.

Related: Womens bodies weaponized: Haiti gangs use rape in spiraling violence

As a result there has been a proliferation in routes of illegal arms traffic, according to a number of recent UN security council reports reviewed by the Guardian. These include shipments from Florida into Port-au-Prince and to the northern cities of Port-de-Paix and Cap-Haitien, and land smuggling routes over the border with the Dominican Republic following shipments made to two key ports.

UN researchers have also identified 11 clandestine airstrips throughout the country, many of which were developed for humanitarian purposes following a catastrophic earthquake in 2010 but are now barely monitored. Some, according to satellite images referred to in the report, are contained within large private properties.

The UN security council report, published in January, cautions that there are as many as 30 US registered private aircraft based in Haiti, which are difficult to track if they travel below 18,000 feet as Federal Aviation Administration regulations mean they do not require official flight plans.

The reality is that so long as there is high supply and demand for firearms and ammunition, they will continue to be trafficked from the US to its neighbors, including in Haiti, said Muggah. This is not just because of the tens of thousands of firearms retail outlets in the US, but also the persistent appetite from the hundreds of criminal gangs across the Caribbean.
In this article, we will take a look at 15 Best Golden Visa Programs in 2024. You can skip our detailed analysis and go directly to the 5 Best Golden Visa Programs in 2024.

Immigration, as a response to various economic and geopolitical challenges, has been on the rise in recent years. While these issues are indeed significant enough to prompt movement across countries, the contemporary pursuit of obtaining citizenship is also motivated, to some extent, by investment opportunities. Given that the world's wealthy possess the financial resources to invest, countries have a strong incentive to attract them. The influx of foreign direct investment into a country is bound to provide a boost to its economy. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that numerous programs offering either permanent residency or citizenship have emerged over the years, aptly dubbed as 'Golden Visas'.

To check out the best citizenship by investment programs, read our article 13 Countries with the Best Citizenship by Investment Program in the World.

Golden Visa Programs: A Source of Revenue

The significance of these programs is evident from the substantial revenue they have generated for host countries. According to the 2022 report by COMPAS (Center on Migration, Policy & Society), investments through residency-by-investment programs resulted in a 20 billion influx of funds through 2019. Prior to the onset of Covid-19, these 'Golden Visas' were generating 3 billion annually. Major recipients included the UK, Spain, Portugal, and Greece. Since then, the market for such programs has continued to expand. While conducting a macroeconomic analysis of these programs as a proportion of GDP may not yield meaningful results due to their relatively small scale compared to larger economies, examining their impact within the context of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) can provide valuable insights. For instance, some residency-by-investment programs, like those in Portugal and Greece, have contributed 10% to 15% of their FDI over the years.

Story continues

It is therefore not surprising that the Immigration Consulting Services Market has not only experienced growth in previous years but is also poised for further expansion. The market, valued at US $1.42 billion in 2022, is projected to reach $2.11 billion by 2029, with a forecasted Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.73% over the period from 2023 to 2029. Consultancies are actively sought for various immigration pathways, including work, study, investment options, and more.

Investment Abroad

Investment abroad, whether through direct investment or via exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and stocks, has become increasingly common. Many US companies, attracted by tax incentives and lower labor and manufacturing costs, have expanded their investments overseas, particularly in Europe. This has resulted in a significant shift from $580 billion in investments in 1982 to an astonishing $6.4 trillion today. Similarly, individuals, particularly wealthy ones, are drawn to various tax advantages and are increasingly participating in Golden Visa programs. These programs not only provide access to lucrative markets but also offer pathways to permanent residency and, ultimately, citizenship. Their investments extend beyond real estate and donations to include stocks and ETFs.

Firms such as The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE: SCHW) and JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) play a crucial role in assisting individuals seeking investment management services abroad. For instance, The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE: SCHW) offers guidance on identifying international ETFs and mutual funds to diversify portfolios. According to The Charles Schwab Corporation's (NYSE: SCHW) 2023 ETFs and Beyond Study, which surveyed 2,200 investors, there is a growing preference for ETFs. The study revealed that 95% of current ETF investors are planning to increase their ETF holdings in the future.

Similarly, JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is among the leading financial firms that consistently enhance their ETF offerings, providing investors with a competitive range of international investment options. This ensures the creation of diversified and profitable portfolios. Heres what Carillon Eagle Growth & Income Fund had to say about the performance of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) in its fourth quarter 2023 investor letter:

PNC Financial and JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) performed well due to more benign inflation data, which the market likely interpreted as a sign that a recession is now less likely to occur. Recall that historically speaking, banks are hyper-cyclical stocks and typically will trade lower if investors foresee a recession, because recessions tend to trigger loan losses.

15 Best Golden Visa Programs in 2024

Methodology

To compile our list of the 15 Best Golden Visa Programs in 2024, we extensively research various sources to identify available programs. We evaluate each program based on its minimum cost and time to permanent residency, ranking them according to the lowest cost and shortest time period. We assign a weighted average to these metrics, with a higher weight (0.6) given to cost and a lower weight (0.4) to time. The list is then presented in descending order of weighted-averaged rankings.

Note: We exclude programs that do not lead to permanent residency or citizenship.

The values in currency are subject to change depending on the current exchange rate.

By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that uses a consensus approach to identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The website tracks the movement of corporate insiders and hedge funds. Our top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 stock index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years ( see the details here ). So, if you are looking for the best stock picks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders.

Let us now take a look at the 15 Best Golden Visa Programs in 2024.

15. Hungary

Minimum Cost of Investment Rank: 17

Time Required to Permanent Residency Rank: 20

Insider Monkey Weighted Average: 18.2

Hungarys Guest Investor Program is the Golden Visa, through which individuals can make a minimum investment of 250,000 in investment certificates issued by a real estate fund registered with the National Bank. De facto residence of three consecutive years would make the investors eligible for permanent residency, which can also be turned into citizenship in about 8 years. Other options include a direct 500,000 investment in Hungarian residential real estate, as well as a donation of 1 million to an institution of higher learning to support educational, scientific, artistic, or creative industries.

14. Taiwan

Minimum Cost of Investment Rank: 29

Time Required to Permanent Residency Rank: 1

Insider Monkey Weighted Average: 17.8

Taiwans Golden Visa Program is considered one of the best in 2024, offering individuals the opportunity to invest in either government bonds or local businesses. The minimum investment amount starts at NT$15 million (approximately $480,000) in local businesses, leading to the creation of five local jobs, and goes up to NT$30 million for government bonds. Permanent residency is granted immediately to those who make the investment, and citizenship can also be attained in 5 years. However, for citizenship, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in Mandarin Chinese and renounce their original citizenship.

13. Mauritius

Minimum Cost of Investment Rank: 26

Time Required to Permanent Residency Rank: 1

Insider Monkey Weighted Average: 16

Offering the right to live, work, and retire in the country, Mauritius's Golden Visa program (Permanent Residency Program) is among the best programs in 2024. Investing a minimum amount of US $375,000 in a variety of designated real estate projects would result in immediate permanent residency for the applicant. After seven years of continuous residency-- five for Commonwealth nation citizens and two for those who invest US $500,000--citizenship can also be obtained.

12. Greece

Minimum Cost of Investment Rank: 17

Time Required to Permanent Residency Rank: 14

Insider Monkey Weighted Average: 15.8

Greeces Golden Visa Program, launched in 2013 for non-EU citizens and their families, stands out as one of the most popular European and best Golden Visa programs in 2024. This scheme provides an opportunity for investment in multifarious options, including real estate properties valued at a minimum of 250,000. Permanent residency is usually obtained in 2-4 months, with citizenship achievable in about 7 years. The application process also considers the applicant's spouse, children under 21 years, as well as the parents of the applicant and spouse.

11. Barbados

Minimum Cost of Investment Rank: 22

Time Required to Permanent Residency Rank: 1

Insider Monkey Weighted Average: 13.6

Barbadoss Special Entry and Residence Permit (SERP) is a type of Golden Visa that offers two forms of permanent residency. One is permanent residence indefinite, which calls for a hefty investment of US $2 million, along with proof of a net financial worth greater than $5 million. The other option is permanent residence in 5-year intervals, requiring a minimum investment of $300,000, as well as proof of sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependents. Dependents can include immediate family, including children under 18 and those older who are university students and financially dependent on the applicant. Time to permanent residency is immediate, and citizenship can also be achieved in 5 years.

10. Malta

Minimum Cost of Investment Rank: 12

Time Required to Permanent Residency Rank: 15

Insider Monkey Weighted Average: 13.2

The Permanent Residency Program offered by Malta provides a quick way to settle down in the country. The conditions for the scheme require applicants to possess at least 500,000 worth of assets, 150,000 of which should be invested in liquid financial assets. Furthermore, applicants must either purchase or rent residential property in the country. If the property is being purchased, it must be worth at least 350,000 (with 300,000 of it located in South Malta or Gozo), or if it is rented, it should cost 12,000 annually (10,000 if it is in South Malta or Gozo). Additionally, the program mandates a 28,000 contribution to the Maltese economy for purchased residential properties and 58,000 for leased ones. A 2,000 donation to a non-governmental organization is also required. The non-refundable administration fee amounts to 40,000. Permanent residency can be attained immediately after the completion of the application process, which takes about 6-8 months. Citizenship can also be gained over a period of 5 years, provided the applicant resides in the country during that time.

9. Latvia

Minimum Cost of Investment Rank: 5

Time Required to Permanent Residency Rank: 25

Insider Monkey Weighted Average: 13

This, one of the best Golden Visa Programs available for investors since 2010, has attracted many investors, leading to a peak of 2,500 approved applicants in 2014. This trend is not surprising given the low-cost requirement of the program. The minimum investment of only 50,000 in a Latvian company that pays 40,000 annually is the lowest-cost route available. Other investments of 250,000 and 280,000 in real estate, interest-free bonds, and bank deposits are also available. Time to permanent residency takes 5 years, and citizenship is achieved even later, with 10 years of physical residency and knowledge of Latvian history and culture.

8. Costa Rica

Minimum Cost of Investment Rank: 8

Time Required to Permanent Residency Rank: 20

Insider Monkey Weighted Average: 12.8

Costa Ricas Investor Visa program stands as yet another one of the best Golden Visa programs in 2024. Wishful applicants have the choice of investing in real estate, forestry projects, or a local business. The minimum investment option is available in the case of forestry projects, where the amount is only US $100,000. For the other two cases, a figure of $150,000 is required. The time for permanent residency is 3 years, and while citizenship can be attained after continuous residency in the country for 7 years, it is also contingent upon proficiency in Spanish and knowledge of the countrys history and culture.

7. Colombia

Minimum Cost of Investment Rank: 2

Time Required to Permanent Residency Rank: 25

Insider Monkey Weighted Average: 11.2

Colombia offers investors two visas, M-6 and M-10, which grant them renewable temporary residency for 3 years, and after 5 years, lead to permanent residency. Under these visas, investors can either invest in real estate or in a business. The lowest investment requirement corresponds to 100 times the Colombian monthly minimum wage for a new or old business under the M-6 visa. This figure approximates to $33,800 in 2024. The real estate investment requires an investment equal to 350 times the monthly minimum Colombian wage. Citizenship can be obtained within 10 years, provided the applicant has not been away from the country for more than 365 consecutive days and has a substantial command of Spanish.

6. Dominican Republic

Minimum Cost of Investment Rank: 13

Time Required to Permanent Residency Rank: 1

Insider Monkey Weighted Average: 8.2

Another great Golden Visa that can entice many investors due to its low cost and very quick permanent residency process (immediately upon approval of the application) is available, providing potential applicants with various participation routes. A US $200,000 investment in an already established business in the Dominican Republic, term deposits in the countrys banks, securities trades in the country, or real estate are the available options. Permanent residency is renewable after four years, and citizenship can be attained in 2 years.

Click to continue reading and see our 5 Best Golden Visa Programs in 2024.

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Disclosure: None. 15 Best Golden Visa Programs in 2024 is originally published on Insider Monkey.
By Sarah Morland

(Reuters) - An uneasy quiet hung over Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince on Wednesday after the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, a 74-year-old neurosurgeon who came to power after the assassination of the country's last president.

The news was met with some celebration as well as uncertainty over the response by armed gangs, the future of a planned security mission, Henry's replacement and the country's eventual elections, set to be the first since 2016.

2021

President Jovenel Moise is assassinated on July 7, days after appointing Henry his new prime minister, replacing Claude Joseph, who eventually steps aside after saying Henry's appointment should pave the way for elections.

Moise had postponed a parliamentary vote set to take place in 2019 to September 2021, triggering mass protests.

Henry fires a prosecutor seeking to charge him as a suspect in Moise's killing; international diplomats back him and encourage him to form an inclusive government. Gangs led by Jimmy "Barbeque" Cherizier block the country's main fuel terminal for weeks, seeking to force Henry's resignation.

2022

Henry survives a shooting attempt at a church in Gonaives. U.S. congressmen push President Joe Biden to stop supporting Henry as elections remain uncertain.

As gangs grow their power, turf wars leave hundreds dead, with harrowing reports of mass rapes of women and girls, houses set on fire and people burned alive.

Cherizier's alliance again blocks the main fuel terminal for weeks, leaving transport frozen and hospitals without key energy stores. In October, Henry's government formally seeks an international force to help police fight the gangs.

2023

The terms of Haiti's last senators expire. Henry appoints a transition council to prepare for elections and has promised to step down by February 2024.

With growing violence and police and international support largely absent, a group of Port-au-Prince residents in April lynch and set fire to a dozen suspected gang members. This launches a deadly vigilante justice movement known as Bwa Kale.

Cherizier in September calls for armed overthrow of Henry's government.

A year after Henry's initial request, the U.N. approves a plan to deploy an international security mission to Haiti, based on voluntary contributions. Kenya offers to lead the force but faces legal obstacles.

The U.N. estimates that by year-end nearly 5,000 have been killed and close to 300,000 internally displaced. In three more months, this figure will have surged past 360,000.

2024

Feb. 7 - Anti-government protests break out ahead of the date by which Henry had promised to step down and when Haitian presidents are traditionally sworn into office.

Feb. 19 - A Haitian judge investigating Moise's assassination charges about 50 people, including Moise's widow and former Prime Minister Claude Joseph, who say the charges are political persecution.

Feb. 29 - Henry leaves a Caribbean summit in Guyana, where leaders say he agreed to elections by August 2025, while Cherizier warns of a "battle" to topple his government.

March 1 - Henry signs a reciprocal security agreement with Kenya's president, intended to allow Nairobi to follow through on its pledge to lead the planned security force. Cherizier tells families to keep kids home to avoid "collateral damage."

March 3 - Henry's acting prime minister in Haiti declares a state of emergency after violent clashes damage communications, police stations are torched and armed men break thousands out of prison.

March 5 - Cherizier threatens "civil war" if Henry does not step down and international leaders continue to back him.

Neighboring Dominican Republic blocks Henry's flight from New Jersey from landing in their territory, pushing him to land in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico.

Caribbean leaders meet online with representatives from Haiti's government and opposition.

March 6 - Washington calls on Henry to "expedite" a political transition and says it is not helping him return to Haiti, while denying reports officials urged him to resign.

March 8 - A day after Haiti's main cargo port shuts down, heavy gunfire sounds near the National Palace. U.S. officials later say Henry's resignation is "decided" today, though he does not formalize this until Monday evening.

March 11 - Regional leaders gather in Jamaica for high-level talks. CARICOM is first to announce Henry's resignation pending the installation of a temporary replacement and presidential council set to take over certain presidential powers.

By evening, Henry, still in Puerto Rico, tenders his resignation in a video address. The council's membership remains unclear.

(Reporting by Sarah Morland. Editing by Gerry Doyle)
A plan for a transitional Haitian government backed by the U.S. and other regional allies was rejected by Haitian political leaders Wednesday, calling into question efforts to stabilize the countrys government.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced he will resign from his post Tuesday, endorsing a plan for a presidential council that would select the countrys next leader as Haiti struggles against rampant gang violence and political instability.

The council  negotiated among the U.S., Kenya, Caribbean states and other regional governments this week  requires members to not run for president, not be charged with crimes and support a Kenyan-led multinational police force backed by the U.S.

Some of Haitis top political leaders rejected the plan, citing opposition to its requirements, specifically the support to a multinational security force.

Former Haitian Sen. Jean Charles Moise and former rebel leader Guy Philippe said Wednesday that their three-person transition council instead should be implemented.

We are not going to negotiate it, Moise declared at a press conference. We have to make them understand.

Phillippe also denounced the plan, tying the council to Haitis corrupt political leadership, and urged Haitians to protest in the streets.

The decision of CARICOM is not our decision, he said, referring to the regional governmental body called the Caribbean Community. Haitians will decide who will govern Haiti.

Philippe led a coup against former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in 2004 and was recently released from U.S. prison for money laundering. He is not eligible to be a member of the council due to his criminal record and stated intention to run for president.

A senior State Department official told reporters Tuesday that the U.S. would not want Philippe to lead the country after the council organizes elections.

I think the United States and the vast majority of the international community would find that worrisome, the official said. We would have serious concerns about that.

The exact members of the nine-person council have not been announced, though the group will have representatives from most of Haitis political groups, as well as representatives from its civil and religious sectors.

Rampant gang violence quickly increased in Port-Au-Prince in late February, when Henry left for Kenya to establish and organize the multinational police mission. The violence forced the U.S. government to urge all Americans out of the country and evacuate the U.S. Embassy, where it deployed a group of Marines.

Henry has not returned to Haiti due to the violence and fears he could be assassinated, and he is staying in Puerto Rico. The violence has fueled instability that has plagued Haiti since former President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in 2021.

The U.S. has committed $300 million for the security force, with a third of the funds being used to directly reimburse Kenya for its contributions, a senior State Department official said Tuesday. The security plan was enacted by a United Nations Security Council resolution last year.

Deployment of the security force has been delayed due to Henrys resignation, but the State Department said it still believes the plan will move ahead.

In our conversations with Kenyan officials, both sides have stressed the importance of moving to deploy as quickly as practicable, the official said. We remain confident that the mission will go forward, and in all the conversations, Kenyan officials have said that they intend to go forward.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Tires burn during a demonstration following the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on March 12, 2024 (Clarens SIFFROY)

Gunfire rang out Thursday in Haiti's capital and "bandits" set a police official's house ablaze, ending three days of relative calm as politicians pressed on with talks to form an interim governing body.

The country has been convulsed for two weeks by a gang uprising, with the well-armed groups saying they wanted to topple Prime Minister Ariel Henry, an unpopular and unelected leader.

Amid the conflict, which has come with warnings of famine and civil war, bodies have littered the streets in recent days as social order melted away.

Overnight Wednesday into Thursday and during the morning hours, a lull in fighting was broken as automatic weapons fire boomed in Port-au-Prince, which is 80 percent controlled by gangs.

"I heard shots all night. I did not sleep a wink," said a resident of Vivy Mitchell on the outskirts of the capital, who declined to give her name out of fear of reprisal.

Just outside Port-au-Prince, "bandits looted and then set fire to the residence of the director general of police" in Santo, the national police union said, adding that an officer was shot and wounded in the courtyard of police headquarters near the airport.

Overwhelmed by the violence, Haitian authorities extended a nighttime curfew until Sunday.

Shots also broke out Thursday near the shuttered Toussaint Louverture Airport, where repairs were underway after gangs attacked it and other key infrastructure earlier this month.

US cruise operator Royal Caribbean said it was pausing stops in Labadee, on Haiti's northern coast and far from Port-au-Prince, "out of an abundance of caution."

- PM steps down -

Embattled Prime Minister Henry had agreed to step aside after an emergency meeting Monday that brought together parties including the US, UN and Caribbean representatives, yielding a blueprint for Haitians to form a governing Transitional Presidential Council until elections can be held.

The transitional body is to have seven voting members drawn from political parties and the private sector, and is supposed to quickly name an interim prime minister.

But on Wednesday, powerful gang leader Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier vowed to keep fighting even though Henry agreed to step down as the armed groups had demanded.

"We are going to continue the fight for Haiti's liberation," the former policeman, currently under UN sanctions, told Spanish-language network W Radio.

Six of the organizations tapped to make up the interim governing body have picked their representative and notified CARICOM, the regional Caribbean body that took part in the crisis meeting, several sources told AFP.

But a small leftist party called Pitit Desalin has balked at taking part, and talks are underway to find another party or group to replace it, these sources said.

Another group, loyal to Henry, could not agree on a single delegate and wants to name three people to the transitional body, the sources added.

- Crisis and lawlessness -

Haiti has not held an election since 2016 and there is currently no president or parliament.

President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in 2021 and has not been replaced. Henry, appointed by the president shortly before the assassination, has led Haiti since then in an atmosphere of crisis and lawlessness, with rampant gun battles, kidnappings and sexual violence.

Henry has been stranded in Puerto Rico since early this month after a visit to Kenya, where he hoped to nail down details of a plan for Nairobi to lead a UN-approved police force to restore order in Haiti.

He announced late Monday he would resign when the transitional council is stood up.

But a special advisor to Henry told CNN Thursday that under the Haitian constitution, only Henry and his cabinet can appoint the transitional council.

"We will not deliver the country to just a group of people without following the procedure," advisor Jean Junior Joseph said. "We must stay inside of the law and set a good example."

US Republican candidate Donald Trump meanwhile spread false information about the crisis online, posting that "hundreds of thousands of people are pouring into our country from Haiti. They are headed to Florida."

His 2017-2021 presidency, as well as his current White House run, have been characterized by hard-line immigration policies and xenophobic rhetoric.

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By Harold Isaac

PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) -A powerful gang leader in Haiti has issued a threatening message aimed at political leaders who would participate in a planned transition council, as fires broke out amid a fresh surge of violence in the Caribbean nation's capital.

Nearby countries bolstered their border security and withdrew staff from embassies while plans to send a long-awaited international security force remain uncertain.

After unpopular Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced on Monday he would step down once the council was in place, the capital, Port-au-Prince, was initially quieter, but violence appeared to be flaring up again as of late Wednesday, with a shootout in one neighborhood and an attack on the police academy early on Thursday.

A fire broke out at the main penitentiary, emptied of prisoners by armed men earlier this month. Thick black smoke earlier billowed out from the facility, but the fire appeared to be out by Thursday afternoon, when local media showed heavily armed police entering the partially blackened site filled with mounds of trash.

Reuters could not immediately establish if any people had remained in the jail or what sparked the blaze.

A police union said the national police chief Frantz Elbe's house had also been set on fire on Thursday. It did not say whether anyone had been hurt or give details on Elbe's whereabouts.

Haiti is struggling to resolve a long-running political and humanitarian crisis. Heavily armed gangs have taken over much of the capital, and rights groups have reported widespread killings, kidnappings and sexual violence. Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced.

Henry, who was never elected, had been appointed prime minister by President Jovenel Moise in 2021, shortly before Moise was assassinated. Henry repeatedly postponed elections.

The comments from gang alliance head Jimmy "Barbeque" Cherizier were recorded on Wednesday and distributed via a rambling seven-minute audio message widely shared on Thursday morning on messaging platform WhatsApp.

"Don't you have any shame?" said Cherizier, directing his remarks at politicians who he said were looking to join the council. "You have taken the country where it is today. You have no idea what will happen," he added.

"I'll know if your kids are in Haiti, if your wives are in Haiti ... if your husbands are in Haiti," he said in an apparent threat to their families. "If you're gonna run the country all your family ought to be there."

In his remarks, Cherizier said the resignation of Henry was only "a first step in the battle" for the island nation of around 11 million.

Haiti's government again extended a nightly curfew through Sunday, in an order signed by acting Prime Minister Michel Boisvert. Henry has been stranded abroad since trying to return from a trip to Kenya to secure support for a security mission.

Regional bloc CARICOM has detailed the political parties and other social sectors set to make up the nine-member transition council that will take over from Henry. Negotiations over the council were brokered by Caribbean leaders and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, but formal appointments are yet to be made.

On Wednesday, the leader of a party declined an offer of a voting member of the council, backing instead an alternate three-member transition council that would empower former coup leader Guy Philippe, who was recently imprisoned in the United States and is seeking an amnesty for gang leaders.

EMBASSY REDUCTIONS

With Haiti's political future in limbo and the timing of the long-delayed Kenyan-led security mission unclear, the already sparse international presence in Haiti has been further receding.

Canada announced a reduction to its embassy staff that will leave only essential employees in the country, and said the embassy was temporarily closed to the public. That follows similar drawdowns by the United Nations and at the U.S. embassy.

The country's main cargo port said that despite military reinforcements, it would not receive vessels until further notice, as it assesses damages to containers and infrastructure.

Major passenger cruise line Royal Caribbean Group also suspended for a week its regular visits to Labadee, its private resort in northern Haiti.

Fearing a spread of instability in the region, Britain said it was bolstering security in the Turks and Caicos Islands, an overseas territory, as did the governor of the U.S. state of Florida. The Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispanolia with Haiti, closed its shared border with Haiti last year and has regularly deported Haitians.

The U.S. southeast coast guard said, "At this time, irregular migration flows through the Caribbean remain low."

Dominican media reported that aviation authorities in a press conference rejected a U.N. statement claiming that an airbridge would be set up from the country to bring humanitarian aid to Haiti, maintaining the airspace would remain closed.

Aid group Mercy Corps said Port-au-Prince residents were being reduced to "forced nomads," seeking refuge from shootings in temporary shelters with family or strangers and battling constant uncertainty, food shortages, trauma, illness and overcrowding.

Marie Love Elucien, 25, who lost her home and shop due to gangs, told Mercy Corps that she was most afraid for her young daughter: "I'm worried she's going to have a fit and become paralyzed because every time she hears the shots she jumps and screams.

"She cries incessantly and no one can touch her; she becomes hysterical and uncontrollable," she said.

More than 360,000 people are internally displaced in Haiti, according to U.N. estimates.

Gina Antoine, a 43-year-old pregnant mother of three, told Mercy Corps that she was exhausted from moving between neighborhoods and could not run anymore.

"We face inhumane situations daily, walking among corpses. Gangs can attack at any moment," she said. "I have nowhere else to go. I wish everything could return to normal."

(Reporting by Harold Isaac in Port-au-Prince; Additional reporting by Sarah Morland in Mexico City, David Ljunggren in Ottawa and Deborah Sophia in Bengaluru; Writing by David Alire Garcia and Sarah Morland; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien and Leslie Adler)
UPDATE 8:25 a.m.: Most of the damage is roughly 5 miles southwest of Alma. Sheriffs Office deputies, Emergency Management and the county Road and Bridge department are currently inspecting the damage, according to Wabaunsee County Emergency Management. More updates will be provided as they become available.

TOPEKA (KSNT)  On Thursday, the Wabaunsee County Sheriffs Office shared pictures of last nights storm.

At 7:43 p.m. on Thursday, the National Weather Service issued tornado warnings for Wabaunsee, Geary and Morris Counties. Shortly later at 7:50 p.m., a tornado was reported on the ground in Alma heading northeast.

According to the sheriffs office, at least half a dozen tornadoes were confirmed by spotters and sheriffs office staff. They say damage has been reported to structures in the rural area of the county.

Photo provided courtesy of the Wabaunsee County Sheriffs Office.

Photo provided courtesy of the Wabaunsee County Sheriffs Office.

Photo provided courtesy of the Wabaunsee County Sheriffs Office.

Photo provided courtesy of the Wabaunsee County Sheriffs Office.

Photo provided courtesy of the Wabaunsee County Sheriffs Office.



The sheriffs office reports that no cities in the county were struck by tornadoes.

Wabaunsee County Emergency Management will be making a full damage assessment first thing in the morning, according to the sheriffs office.

Tornado Warning in multiple Kansas counties

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.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
A group of wealthy US homeowners spent $565,000 (441,000) to build protective sand dunes near their properties - only to have the barriers wash away in days.

The group in Salisbury, Massachusetts, trucked in about 14,000 tonnes of sand in hopes of protecting up to 15 homes.

Those protections washed away, however, and residents now hope the state will help fund a more permanent solution to safeguard their seaside homes.

About 9,000 people live in Salisbury, near the New Hampshire border.

In a Facebook post, Salisbury Beach Citizens for Change said $565,000 was collected from property owners, resulting in the placement of the sand.

But when a large storm hit just days later, much of the barrier washed away. In a separate post, the group said the dunes had prevented some houses from being "eaten up".

"The sacrificial dunes did their job," the group said. "The shock was it happened three days after the project was finished."

Tom Saab, the head of Salisbury Beach Citizens for Change, told the BBC that the group had "begged" Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and the state to help re-fortify the beach after a particularly brutal storm in December 2022.

He alleged that they had "refused to help" and had left their properties vulnerable to flooding and storm damage. Their inaction, he said, had forced the community to fund the short-term fix.

"A project of this magnitude should have been done by an engineering company or the state and federal government," Mr Saab added. "But our little volunteer group from Salisbury pulled off a minor miracle."

A spokesperson for Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation said in a statement that the agency had closed two points of beach access due to the storm damage, has met regularly with the community and "will continue to work with them to address the impacts of erosion at the Beach".

The department added that in recent months it had made repairs, placed sand to restore dunes and removed unsafe structures to enhance local protections.

But local residents allege the state of Massachusetts - which regulates the beach - needs to do more to find a long-term solution.

"The residents that repaired the dune in front of their property actually helped both the city and the state," Salisbury Beach Citizens for Change wrote on Facebook. "Now it's their turn to step up to the plate."

The homeowners group now plans to install snow fencing and plant dune grass, which could help prevent sand from blowing away in the future. The project is expected to cost at least $1.5m, but it is unclear where the money will come from.

"Sacrificial sand buys time, but it does not buy permanence," Bruce Tarr, a Republican state senator who represents the area, told NBC News. "Obviously, this has been a very difficult year, we haven't been able to stay ahead of it, but we need to continue to work together and use the tools that are available."

Salisbury Beach Citizens for Change held a meeting this week to discuss the project and other solutions with other state officials.

The group has also faced criticism for their efforts.

"Throw down all the sand you want," one man commented on Facebook. "Mother nature decides how long it will protect your homes."

According to a report released by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) last year, about one in four Americans live in coastal areas that are "highly vulnerable to natural disasters".
A business owner in Hall County is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from his customers by making unauthorized charges to their credit cards.

In late January, Flowery Branch police say they received a report of unauthorized credit card charges made at Pallet Liquidations, located at 5540 Atlanta Highway in Flowery Branch.

The victim told police she gave her credit card to the owner of Pallet Liquidations, Jeffery Manders, 54, of Auburn, Georgia, and bought flooring from him in October 2023.

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In the following weeks, she discovered that her credit card had been charged two other times for approximately $3,700 each time.

One of those two unauthorized charges was made by a credit card terminal at Half Price Outfitters, a second business operated by Manders at the same address.

Through their investigation, police located two other victims with similar complaints about unauthorized credit card transactions and six attempted unauthorized credit card transactions.

The two additional victims told police they had ordered flooring from the business in October of 2023 and paid for it, but never received the products they bought.

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After their initial purchases, their cards were charged without authorization.

On March 11, investigators served a search warrant on Manders charging him with felony theft by deception, misdemeanor theft by deception, four counts of financial transaction card fraud, and six counts of attempted financial transaction card fraud.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
What happened with Creeky Tiki?

Its a question thats been on the lips of people who noticed the downtown San Luis Obispo bar and restaurant has been somewhat mysteriously shut up for months.

At first, the messaging was that the business was preparing for renovations  in fact, the business website still reads Creeky Tiki in San Luis Obispo is currently closed for remodel as of Wednesday.

But that no longer appears to be the case. In recent days, the Higuera Street business began sporting a for lease sign in its large front window, indicating a more permanent end to what was once a popular downtown spot.

So what happened?

When reached for comment Wednesday, former owner Bill Hales  whose company, ASH Management, has operated a number of downtown bars and restaurants over the years  said the business closed about a year ago.

Hales and several partners formed Creeky Corp. to purchase the business in 2014.

The owners of the buildings have some remodel plans, but we just feel the downtown environment, as far as restaurants are concerned, is not for us at this time, Hales told The Tribune.

Building owners want to renovate downtown SLO property

As of Wednesday, a listing for the 2,373-square-foot Creeky Tiki space was online on the Richardson-Sothebys International Real Estate website, though no leasing price was listed.

Prime retail location (in) downtown San Luis Obispo, the listing reads. Creekside patio negotiable.

On Wednesday, listing agent Bill Carpenter said the restaurant space was put on the market just in the last week.

Its available, and we are happy to show it to an interested restaurant or retail business, he told The Tribune.

According to Carpenter, the property owners have planned to renovate the five buildings along the corner of Higuera and Chorro streets for some time.

The Davis family bought those buildings  which beside Creeky Tiki also house The Network Shopping Center, Avanti and other businesses  as part of an estate sale in 2018.

Carpenter said the family put together some beautiful plans for the property that called for a new four-story, mixed-use development, but those faced pandemic delays and some push-back from the city, so theyve since been set aside.

They are still in the process of trying to figure out what they want to do, Carpenter said.

That seems to have put Creeky Tiki is a difficult spot, as in the meantime it needed costly upgrades to its kitchen, but the business owners didnt want to commit money without a long-term plan, he added.

It kind of went round and round, Carpenter said. Right now our goal is to rent that to a retailer, possibly short-term. Maybe a restaurant.

Carpenter said the leasing price was left open-ended because it would depend on how long a potential tenant wanted to commit to the space. He added that market rate in the downtown area is generally about $3 to $4 per square foot.

What happens to Creeky Tiki liquor licenses?

Hales said his company will continue to hold Creeky Tikis liquor licenses for a little bit longer, though it will probably use them for a business outside of downtown San Luis Obispo at some point.

As of Monday, the businesss three liquor licenses  two for on-sale general eating spaces and one for catering  were all still listed as active, though they are set to expire in July, according to the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control website.

No disciplinary action or history was listed for the business on the ABC website, though it did note that operating restrictions were in place on the licenses. Further details on what those restrictions are were not immediately available.

The Tribune has requested records related to the license, but under state law, the department has up to 10 days to determine if those records are available to the public.
What happens next with TikTok?

The video social media app isnt disappearing from smartphones anytime soon. The legislative process is still in its early stages after the Houses passage of a bill mandating a sale by the apps Chinese owner, ByteDance, or be banned. Next, the bill is heading to a skeptical Senate, after which President Joe Biden would need to sign it into law. Even after that, it might not happen.

Heres what to expect.

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When will the bill go to the Senate?

The next step in the legislative process is consideration by the Senate, which could also make changes to the text of the legislation.

Several senators have already raised concerns about the legislation as it is currently written. For example, because the bills text explicitly names TikTok and ByteDance, some are worried it could violate a part of the Constitution that bars Congress from targeting specific entities with legislation. (The bills supporters say this will not be an issue.)

Several prominent senators who could help decide whether the legislation moves forward have been noncommittal. Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, the Democratic leader, hasnt said if he will bring it up for a vote. His spokesperson did not respond to a question about his plans.

Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, said in a statement that she would be speaking with Senate and House colleagues to try to find a path forward that is constitutional and protects civil liberties.

Will TikTok be banned immediately if the bill becomes a law?

Biden said last week he would sign the bill if Congress passed it. But even if he does, it would not result in an immediate ban.

ByteDance will have six months to find someone to buy the app. If ByteDance finds a buyer that satisfies the government within that time period, the ban will never take effect. If not, app stores and internet hosting companies will no longer be allowed to offer TikTok for download or send updates to the app.

How likely is it really that we lose access to TikTok in the United States?

A ban becomes more likely if TikTok cant find a buyer who can afford a price tag likely to be in the tens of billions of dollars, according to analysts. Thats likely to be difficult.

A sale or divestiture could also hinge on whether ByteDance is willing to sell or spin off TikToks whole global footprint or only its American operations. The legislation forbids a connection between the two companies after a sale, raising complications if a U.S. TikTok needed access to the parent companys algorithms or other global versions of the app.

A ban could also result from the Chinese government blocking TikToks sale. China has criticized the new legislation, and Beijing appeared to take steps in 2020 that would give it the ability to block the transfer of TikToks algorithm.

Could anything delay a ban?

If the House bill becomes a law, TikTok or someone else will probably challenge its legality in court. A possible ban could be delayed while they fight that legal battle with the government. And a judge could ultimately scrap the legislation entirely.

Will TikTok disappear from my phone if it is banned?

The bill that passed in the House on Wednesday does not appear to include any way for the government to remove the TikTok app from your phone. The bills sponsors did not immediately respond to a question about what would happen to versions of the app that were already installed on smartphones.

But its block of app stores and hosting services from sending updates to the app or assisting in the maintenance of the app could degrade the service for existing users even if TikTok is already installed, and the app could quit working altogether.

What will happen to my TikTok posts?

TikTok is required under the law to let you download your videos and other content.

c.2024 The New York Times Company
In this article, we look at 15 NATO members with the largest militaries. You can skip our detailed analysis on European countries racking up their defense in response to Russias invasion of Ukraine and head over directly to the 5 NATO Members with the Largest Militaries.

Russias invasion of Ukraine sent shockwaves around the world, most notably in Europe, where war has returned to the continent after decades of peace. Several countries in the region have begun taking emergency measures to bolster their defense amid turmoil in the neighborhood. Finland and Sweden have joined NATO, Paris is considering increasing the size of the countrys reserve military personnel, while Poland has vowed to recruit about 150,000 new troops over the next decade.

Defense spending in Europe reached $480 billion in 2022 - a 30-year high. Military expenditure of NATO countries, inclusive of the United States and Canada  the two North American members  was also 0.9% higher than in 2021 to total $1.2 trillion. Final figures for 2023 are still awaited, but according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Europes arms imports over the last five years (2019-2023) had grown 94% compared to 2014-2018. The United States is the origin of 55% of all arms imported by Europe between 2019 and 2023.

The situation in Ukraine, coupled with growing calls from NATO and the United States urging member states to increase their military spending in order to meet NATOs target of members committing at least 2% of their GDP on defense has created a boom for armament manufacturers. Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) posted a revenue of $67.6 billion in 2023, at an increase of 2.4% compared to the previous year. Its net earnings have also grown from $5.7 billion in 2022 to $6.9 billion in 2023.

Several NATO members are bolstering their aerial capabilities by procuring advanced fighter jets, one of which is Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT)s fifth-generation fighter, F-35. Canada last year announced to purchase 88 F-35s in its bid to meet NATOs spending expectations and enhance Arctic security. This was preceded in December 2022 by Germany clinching a $8 billion deal with the United States for the procurement of 35 F-35 fighters. Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT)s stock price has gained 9.4% since Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Story continues

RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX)s revenue is also soaring. The company generated a whopping $68.9 billion figure last year  3% higher than in 2022. It had received orders worth over $3 billion tied with replenishing Kyiv as of October 2023, and has been lined up by numerous NATO members as well that are looking to enhance their national security. RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX) signed a $1 billion contract with Hungary in 2022 to supply its air defense missiles to the European country. It is also reportedly in talks with French aerospace manufacturer Safran over the latter buying its flight control units. RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX) was recently listed as the third best aerospace and defense stock to invest in by Insider Monkey.

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC), seeing a sustained demand for its weapons, has projected around $41 billion in sales for 2024. In June last year, the company modernized the air defense capabilities of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania under a $14.3 million fund provided by the United States. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) is also cooperating with Danish company, Terma, on providing electronic warfare training in Northern Europe. The companys share price has increased 16% since the beginning of Russias invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.

Dave Keffer, the chief financial officer for Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC), made the following remarks in the the companys Q4 2023 Earnings Call:

On the demand side, we ended 2023 with over $84 billion in backlog, a new record for our company. All four of our segments generated a full-year book-to-bill ratio over one-time sales. We also continued to deliver strong top-line results with Q4 sales of $10.6 billion, up 6% compared to the fourth quarter of 2022. Full-year sales were even stronger, up over 7% at $39.3 billion, or roughly $300 million higher than our latest guidance. These top-line results were enabled not only by the strong demand environment were seeing among our customers, but also by our ability to ramp on new programs, expand our workforce, and convert our backlog into sales.

15 NATO Members with the Largest Militaries

Photo by Joel Rivera-Camacho on Unsplash

Methodology

While the size of a military has played a critical role throughout history, the evolution of technology has significantly altered the landscape of warfare forever. Therefore, to rank the 15 NATO members with the largest militaries, we have considered five metrics  active military personnel, aircraft, tanks, submarines, and strategic warships which include destroyers, frigates and corvettes.

We observed where countries ranked on each metric, and based on that, assigned them scores. For instance, there are 32 NATO members. If a country ranked 1st on active military personnel, it received a score of 1 (32/32); if it ranked third, it got a score of 0.94 (30/32), and so on. This was done for all metrics, and finally the scores for each metric were aggregated to get a final overall score. The 15 NATO members with the largest militaries are ranked in ascending order of their overall scores.

Data has been sourced from 20 Largest Armed Forces in the World Ranked by Active Military Personnel, 15 Countries with the Most Battle Tanks in the World, 20 Largest Air Forces in the World Heading into 2024, 15 Navies with the Most Submarines in the World, and Global Firepower Index 2024.

By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a similar consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders.

Lets now head over to the list of NATO countries with the largest militaries.

15. Bulgaria

Active Military Personnel: 37,000

Aircraft: 65

Tanks: 215

Submarines: 0

Strategic Warships: 7

Score: 2.39

We begin with Bulgaria, which has an active manpower of 37,000 troops, and another 3,000 personnel in the reserve force. The military is equipped with a sizable fleet of aircraft and battle tanks as well. Bulgaria spent 1.84% of its GDP on defense expenditure in 2023, and is inching closer to NATOs 2% spending target. According to a survey held last year, 83% of Bulgarians prefer their country to increase defense expenditure.

14. Portugal

Active Military Personnel: 24,000

Aircraft: 104

Tanks: 34

Submarines: 2

Strategic Warships: 2

Score: 2.48

Portugal is among NATO members with the largest militaries. In addition to the 24,000 active military troops, Lisbon has a large reserve force of 211,700 personnel as well. According to the Global Firepower Index, over 125,000 Portuguese reach military age each year. The country has two submarines and two corvettes to meet its naval needs, while its air force has 104 aircraft.

13. Norway

Active Military Personnel: 23,250

Aircraft: 110

Tanks: 36

Submarines: 6

Strategic Warships: 6

Score: 2.71

A key strength of the Norwegian military is its advanced aircraft fleet, which includes 30 F-35 fifth-generation fighter jets, with another 12 on order, according to FlightGlobal. The country also boasts 36 battle tanks, while on the naval front, it is equipped with six submarines and six corvettes. Norway spent 1.67% of its GDP on defense expenditure in 2023.

12. Netherlands

Active Military Personnel: 41,380

Aircraft: 171

Tanks: 18

Submarines: 3

Strategic Warships: 6

Score: 2.84

The Netherlands has one of the most powerful militaries among NATO members, primarily due to the countrys investments in air power. Its current fleet of aircraft includes 26 F-16A and 26 F-35A, among several other jets and combat helicopters. In addition to the 41,380 active troops, the Netherlands also has close to 7,000 reserves and 5,000 paramilitary personnel. The country spent 1.7% of its GDP on defense last year. With its economy crossing the $1 trillion mark, Amsterdam can look to further increase military spending to meet NATOs 2% goal.

11. Romania

Active Military Personnel: 81,300

Aircraft: 140

Tanks: 345

Submarines: 0

Strategic Warships: 10

Score: 2.94

Next up on our list of NATO members with the largest militaries is Romania, which is set to grow further in size in terms of manpower. In January this year, defense minister Angel Tilvar told a media group about wanting to recruit an additional 20,000 troops amid security challenges in the region. The country currently has 55,000 personnel in its reserve force. Romania is also well equipped when it comes to battle tanks and aircraft. Its strategic warships comprise three frigates and seven corvettes.

10. Canada

Active Military Personnel: 68,000

Aircraft: 395

Tanks: 74

Submarines: 4

Strategic Warships: 12

Score: 3.58

Canada is one of the two North American members of NATO, along with the United States. In addition to the 68,000 active military soldiers, Canada also has a reserve force of 27,000 personnel. Over 423,000 Canadians reach military age annually. The country boasts a large fleet of aircraft and has a sizable number of battle tanks. It is also well-covered on the naval side with four submarines and 12 strategic warships.

9. Poland

Active Military Personnel: 202,100

Aircraft: 275

Tanks: 612

Submarines: 1

Strategic Warships: 2

Score: 3.71

Poland is one the strongest NATO members due to its large military. Mateusz Morawiecki, the countrys prime minister, vowed in November 2022 to make Poland the most powerful military in Europe in the next few years as Warsaw plans on recruiting an additional 150,000 troops by 2035 to further increase its manpower  which is already the third largest among NATO members. The Polish military has a sizable fleet of battle tanks and military aircraft as well, but lacks strength on the naval side.

8. Spain

Active Military Personnel: 133,282

Aircraft: 393

Tanks: 327

Submarines: 3

Strategic Warships: 11

Score: 3.81

Spain spends only 1.26% of its GDP on defense expenditure, which is the third lowest among all NATO members, excluding Iceland which has no armed forces. Despite that, Spain has one of the largest militaries in the alliance with an active manpower of over 133,000 troops and a reserve force of 15,150 personnel. The country plans on doubling its military expenditure from current levels by 2029. It is among the few countries in the world to have an aircraft carrier. You can read more on this in our article, 12 Countries Have Aircraft Carriers But Only One Has A $13.3 Billion Warship.

7. Italy

Active Military Personnel: 165,500

Aircraft: 506

Tanks: 200

Submarines: 8

Strategic Warships: 17

Score: 4.10

Italy is regarded as among the most powerful militaries in the world, and its troops have been recognized world over for their contributions to global peacekeeping missions. It is among NATO members with the largest militaries, having an active manpower of over 165,000 troops. A key strength of the Italian military is on the naval front, where it boasts 2 aircraft carriers, 4 destroyers, 8 submarines, and 13 frigates.

6. Germany

Active Military Personnel: 181,600

Aircraft: 394

Tanks: 295

Submarines: 6

Strategic Warships: 17

Score: 4.16

Germany is sixth on our list of NATO countries with the largest militaries. It has a sizable manpower of 181,600 active troops, and also has another 34,000 personnel in reserves. The country spent 1.57% of its GDP on defense expenditure last year, and can look to further increase spending and enhance regional security given that it is the third largest economy in the world, valued at $4.43 trillion in 2023.

Click to continue reading and see the 5 NATO Members with the Largest Militaries.

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Disclosure: None. 15 NATO Members with the Largest Militaries is originally published on Insider Monkey.
There was no weed at the weed store. It was supposed to be the grand opening of a Brooklyn pop-up shop for the Travel Agency, a cannabis dispensary with a flagship store in Manhattans Union Square. The smaller satellite store was a strategy to build name recognition. Theres going to be more and more dispensaries every day, Travel Agency president Arana Hankin-Biggers tells me. The quicker we can get people into the store, the better it is for the brand.

Its a crowded market. If youve walked down a street in New York recently, youve likely seen a ton of stores selling weed. The Travel Agencys main location has been one of just 16 stores operating with a license in New York City since cannabis became legal in the state. But getting a license can be a cumbersome process. And unfortunately, on the day it was meant to open in mid-January, the Brooklyn location was still waiting for its licensewhich is why there was no weed in sight, just empty display cases.

Would-be customers would have no shortage of other options. Estimates vary, but there are over 1,000, if not several thousand, unlicensed stores in the city. City government is supposedly cracking down on illegal dispensaries. In the meantime, following the weed rules isnt easy: The legal stores face a number of challenges that the unlicensed stores do not.

In March 2021, New York state legalized adult-use cannabis through the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act. In addition to legalizing the recreational use of the compound, the MRTA also created the Office of Cannabis Management to provide governmental oversight and regulation of cannabis retail. The OCM prioritized giving licenses to people with prior convictions or members of communities affected by the war on drugs.

Businesses that fit certain criteria could apply, and in November 2022 the OCM approved a small number of licenses for conditional adult-use retail dispensaries. The number of licenses, especially relative to the demand for them, remains small. According to a webinar held by the office in mid-January, the board has received applications from a little over 4,300 retail dispensaries across the state and was hoping to approve a mere 250 of them soon. Even the states governor is fed up with how long its taking.

And after all that, a license doesnt mean that a business can just open up shop wherever. Much like bars, there are rules. Legal dispensaries cant be too close to schools, places of worship, and other legal dispensaries. These stipulations can make finding a piece of real estate to rent all the more difficult. (Housing Works Cannabis Co. has taken over an old Gap building on Broadway to sell weed.)

When it comes to getting the store into actual operation, there are several additional things the OCM requires. Its very involved, Hankin-Biggers tells me. For one, all legal dispensaries must use licensed processors and growers. The products themselves have to be tested by a licensed laboratory, and each has a QR code so that customers can see test results. God forbid, if something goes wrong with a batch, theres a way to recall it. Youre not going to get that in an illicit place, says Sasha Nugent, the retail manager of Housing Works Cannabis Co. Some non-licensed stores do their due diligence. Jason Coello, the owner of MetroBud NYC, which does not have a state-sanctioned cannabis license, tells me he tests all products in-house and gets weed directly from growers to ensure that the product is safe. But in many cases, customers may not know where their product is coming fromand they have to take the stores word for it that it is doing that testing.

The OCM also requires trained vendors, or budtenders, to be stationed in the stores in order to help patrons determine the best product for their needs. Licensed stores hype up this aspect of the experience. A lot of people come into our dispensary and have never been in a legal or any dispensary in their lifeits their first experience, Hankin-Biggers says. Its really confusing for customers and consumers, but we do our best to educate folks.

All of this can make for a more expensive productnot to mention, New York places a 13 percent retail tax on cannabis products. Many customers have ranted about the prices and quality: The citys dispensaries tend to draw from statewide cultivators, so products undoubtedly pale in comparison to the oft-worshipped weed.

For a licensed dispensary in New York City, you better believe you are going to be paying those New York City prices, one customer wrote in a Google review for the Travel Agency. The stores are well aware of these complaints. Travel Agency representatives are active on the stores Yelp page, responding to almost every review, positive or negative.

80 dollars for something that smelled like real gasoline was poured on it, another wrote about Housing Works Cannabis Co. (The stores owners responded to this complaint, noting that they strive to offer diverse products with prices ranging from $10 to $60, collaborating with local farmers to ensure quality.)

Licensed stores have limited ways to entice skeptical customers. The OCM has strict requirements for how these places can promote their cannabis. They cant display cannabis in windows, and although customers can inspect potential products, the budtender does most of the handling. You cant see anything from the street, really. At both Housing Works and the Travel Agency, most of the inventory is kept in a back area akin to a mailroom.

Dispensaries also cant offer promotional rates on their products. Licensees cannot advertise giveaways, discounts, price reductions, points-based reward systems, or customer loyalty programs including, but not limited to, by using the words sale, free, price drop, or discount on a menu, in any communications to customers, or elsewhere, the rules read. That is, you wont find any BOGO or $20 Off Tuesday deals at legal dispensaries. The stores have to get creative, establishing membership programs where customers can get early access to products and events. (Becoming a member requires merely signing up via emailregulations prohibit any sort of loyalty of frequent-shopper programs.)

And when it comes to paying, credit cards are rarely an option, whether or not youre shopping at a licensed store. Major banks and credit card companies have restricted cannabis purchases because the product is still federally illegal. Legal dispensaries in New York accept PIN debit cards, ACH transfers, and even cashand for those who dont carry cash, there are ATMs on the premises.

Many of the legal dispensaries, in an attempt to differentiate themselves from non-licensed stores, incorporate social justice causes into their businesses. (This is also an asset while getting a license approved.) The Travel Agency has a partnership with the Doe Fundwhich provides housing, work, and educational opportunities to those with a history of homelessness, incarceration, and substance abuse. Housing Works Cannabis Co. is a subsidiary of the larger Housing Works nonprofit, which fights AIDS and homelessness in the city. Conbud, a legal dispensary on the Lower East Side, specifically hires formerly incarcerated individuals. Both Housing Works and the Travel Agency noted that they also employ people with prior cannabis convictions.

The weed PR people I spoke to were adamant that in spite of the challenges, they are succeeding with their licensed stores. At Housing Works, they say they see about 1,000 people a day and 60 percent of patrons become repeat customersa stat that indicates that the store is building brand recognition and community. According to Hankin-Biggers, the Travel Agency has met and exceeded its sales projections. And more than a month after originally expected, the second Travel Agency has finally opened its bright doors, ushering customers in through a cloud-painted foyer and toas it promises its customersan elevated experience.
(Bloomberg) -- Vice President Kamala Harris will visit a health center in Minneapolis where abortions are performed, underscoring a determination by Democrats to make reproductive rights a centerpiece of the 2024 election campaign.

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Harris on Thursday plans to tour the center, which also provides birth control and other services, and talk to the staff, according to a White House official.

President Joe Biden in his State of the Union address last week assailed his Republican rival, Donald Trump, over his efforts to restrict abortion. Trump appointed three conservative justices to the US Supreme Court, which in 2022 overturned the Roe v. Wade decision that for nearly half a century had affirmed a constitutional right to the procedure.

The trip to Minnesota, which was reported earlier by the New York Times, marks the sixth stop of the vice presidents Fight for Reproductive Freedoms tour, the White House said.

Several states swiftly enacted abortion bans in the wake of the Supreme Courts decision. That energized voters who opposed or had misgivings about the prohibitions and they helped propel Democratic candidates to victory in the 2022 midterm elections and in races last year.

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Vice President Kamala Harris will visit a Planned Parenthood clinic that performs abortions in Minnesota on Thursday, according to two White House officials, as abortion access continues to be a key issue in the upcoming election.

Her visit, first reported by NBC News and confirmed by POLITICO, will mark the first time a vice president or president has been to a clinic that provides the procedure.

A White House official said Harris will walk through through the facility and give remarks to reject proposals to enact a national abortion ban, outline how the Biden-Harris administration has worked to safeguard reproductive freedoms, and highlight how advocates and elected leaders in states like Minnesota have worked to protect reproductive rights since the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

It comes as part of her nationwide Fight for Reproductive Freedoms tour, which was announced in December and kicked off in Wisconsin on the 51st Anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Harris has made stops in Arizona, California, Georgia and Michigan, as abortion and contraception access are becoming a key part of President Joe Bidens reelection strategy.

Aides say the tour has been meant to focus on states that have rolled back abortion access, those that are blueprints for how to protect and defend the rights and those with active fights and legislation.

Since the overturning of Roe, Harris has been the administrations leading voice on the fight to shore up reproductive access across the country. According to the White Houses count, she has met with hundreds of state legislators from more than 40 states since Dobbs, along with hundreds of providers, and women who have been impacted since the ruling came down.

In January, Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill protecting abortion and other reproductive rights in his state after Democrats took control of both chambers of the states Legislature this year.

The trip to Minnesota also comes as Biden and Harris have committed to visiting every battleground state in March. The White House announced on Thursday morning that Biden would be traveling to Nevada and Arizona next week.

Harris is also expected to speak at a campaign reception in St. Paul before returning to Washington, according to the White House.
Ciran Stapleton confronted knifeman Matthew Lennox in the school corridor, as pupils hid under desks

A knifeman who put a school into lockdown for nearly two hours has been detained indefinitely in a secure psychiatric hospital.

Matthew Lennox entered St Joseph's Catholic High School, in Slough, on 27 March last year, with a large knife tucked into his waistband and telling staff he had a gun. One year later, the headteacher who confronted him has spoken out for the first time.

Just after 11:00, a member of staff looking out of an office window noticed a young man walking through the school gates who looked different to the other sixth-formers.

Until that moment it, had been a normal Monday morning.

Headteacher Ciran Stapleton came in at 06:30, meeting the site managers and other staff members before pupils arrived.

Morning assemblies and classes were followed by break time, when sixth-formers came and went through the gates, using their magnetised lanyard passes

But then, the man, in a baggy tracksuit, hat and hooded jumper, with a small bag around his chest, marched straight past reception, towards the student entrance to the school.

"He's told me he's got a gun," one of the office staff told Ciran.

'Almost rocking'

In that moment, Ciran had no fear - just a resolute determination to protect his students.

He found the man in a corridor and confronted him.

"Everything about it - about him - was wrong," Ciran says.

"He was erratic and jumpy, almost rocking.

"If I didn't engage him eyeball-to-eyeball at any point, he started to panic, looking around as if someone might come up behind him."

The man, Lennox, had a knife hidden in the back waistband of his trousers and kept his hand inside the bag at his chest, which could, Ciran feared, conceal the gun.

Just yards away, science teacher Chris Robinson had been settling his Year 8 class down after break.

When 10 short, shrill rings rang around the school, Chris and his pupils wondered if it was a lockdown drill, like one they had held just a few weeks before.

Chris locked the classroom door and pulled down the blinds as his pupils hid underneath their desks.

In just a few seconds, the school went from being abuzz with the noise and movement of break to being utterly silent.

Science teacher Chris Robinson was just metres away from where the intruder stood outside his classroom door

Outside Chris's classroom door, Ciran was trying to engage with Lennox.

"I thought, the only way I'm going to get through this is to try and keep him calm before the cavalry comes," Ciran says.

He tried to keep him talking, asking about the music and video games he liked.

But the strength of the sense of injustice he felt from previous run-ins with the police soon became clear.

"He thought that because he'd been hurt, he wanted to hurt," Ciran says.

"It was actually a very sad situation. And really there was something very human, very vulnerable, in what we were dealing with.

"He didn't need a punch in the face - he needed time to be listened to."

Sixth-former Michelle thought it was a drill, until she saw police officers through the window of her classroom door

After minutes of tense conversation, Ciran heard a muffled alarm go off inside Lennox's bag - and spotted a red light and loose wires spilling out.

"I just thought, 'This is it, I'm going to die,'" he says, fearing Lennox had some kind of bomb.

After a few agonising seconds, Lennox revealed it was merely an alarm to remind him to take his medication.

But he told Ciran he was ready to die - and everyone else was going to "go down" too.

Chris could hear the voices just outside his classroom door.

'Survival instincts'

By that time, staff had been sent an email saying the incident was not just another a drill. Around the school, others were having the same realisation.

Michelle and other pupils in the sixth-form room had been assuming it was another drill - but they then caught a glimpse of police officers through a window.

"At that point, your survival instincts really kick in," Chris says.

He moved quietly to sit with his back to the door, checking it was locked, while Lennox stood just beyond it.

Bodies thumped

Ciran was not sure anyone had been able to call the police. But 25 minutes after confronting Lennox, he heard heavy footsteps and the rustling "whisper" of high-vis jackets approaching.

Suddenly, Lennox's chest was alive with a mass of red dots from officers' Tasers.

He told Ciran to stand back, out of harm's way - because "I want you to be all right".

And the next moment, armed officers tackled Lennox "with the force of a professional rugby team", Ciran says.

Chris felt the impact as bodies thumped against the door.

After officers had led Lennox away, Ciran was offered a glimpse of the knife , which had a blade "about the size of an A4 piece of paper".

No-one was hurt in the incident - but Ciran has "no doubt" it was a close call.

"He was here to make a statement," he says.

Police took their time to ensure the whole school was secure, finally lifting the lockdown after an hour and 45 minutes.

'Really brave'

Afterwards, in his office, Ciran found pupils, parents and even a disorientated grandmother who had been in a meeting with the school as the chaos unfolded.

Last month, after finding Lennox, 25, from West Drayton, in London, unfit to plead and stand trial, a judge at Reading Crown Court gave him a hospital order with restrictions, under the Mental Health Act.

She reportedly commended the staff at St Joseph's for their bravery.

A year on, the school is back to normal - but Chris says some pupils still worry about that day.

"A few students have struggled with it," he says.

"They've been really brave - and I couldn't be more proud of them."
Town officials in the small coastal community of Nahant are issuing a public health alert following the discovery of dozens of dead birds.

The carcasses of multiple aquatic bird species have been appearing on the shoreline of Short Beach.

According to MassWildlife officials, preliminary test results indicate that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is to blame.

Samples from about 20 birds have been sent to the National Veterinary Services Lab for confirmation testing.

A sign posted at the entrance of the beach advises people to not touch or remove the birds.

I have been avoiding walking on the beach for a little bit, said dog owner Danielle Kaetzer. I definitely dont want the dogs near it.

Avian influenza viruses do not normally infect humans, but those who come in contact with deceased birds are encouraged to disinfect clothing and shoes.

A spokesperson with the United States Department of Agriculture issued the following statement to Boston 25 News:

If contact does occur, immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. The same is recommended after:

Having direct contact with animals, their food, or supplies, waste/feces.

Cleaning up after animals, including any body fluids or waste.

Leaving areas where animals are housed (even if you did not touch an animal).

MassWildlife officials said there have been other presumptive positive bird flu cases in the region.

The public is asked to report sick, dead, or dying domestic or wild birds

Conclusive test results from the bird samples collected in Nahant are expected to come back in three to four weeks.





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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The Benton Franklin Health District gave 15 failing grades in food safety inspections of restaurants and other businesses selling food in the Tri-Cities area from March 2-8.

They included three restaurants with scores of 100 or more of the most serious red points. One of those, a sushi restaurant, was temporarily closed by the health district. It has reopened.

The health districts food safety team gave passing grades on 62 inspections, with 26 of those awarded perfect scores.

In the districts routine inspections, businesses or organizations that receive at least 35 points for the more serious red violations are required to have additional inspections and must meet a tougher standard on those.

To pass followup inspections, they must have fewer than 25 red points and fewer than 10 repeat red points for previous issues.

Scores of 85 or more red points result in establishments remaining on probation until they pass two follow-up inspections, the first one within 72 hours.

Red violations are those most likely to cause food-borne illnesses, such as improper temperature control of food, lack of adequate handwashing or bare-hand contact with foods.

Blue violations are low risk factors related to the cleanliness and physical condition of an establishment.

No notice is given before the inspections.

Businesses may have separate inspections of business lines with different health safety risks, such as grocery sales and a deli that prepares food.

Inspection results are posted online so residents can look up the status and the details of any violations of individual restaurants or check other businesses.

Go to bit.ly/BFHDinspections. Click on the business name and then on the date of the inspection on the right half of the next page. Look for the Violations tab.

Failed inspections

Ahava Coffee Co., 9425 Sandifur Parkway, Pasco, Follow-up March 7 (10 Red, 0 Blue)

Notes: Improper cold holding (>45F).

Amarilis Meat Market, 1088/1086 George Washington Way, Richland, Follow-up March 8 (15 Red, 5 Blue)

Notes: Lack of active managerial control (no certified food protection manager on staff), lack of conformance with approved procedures.

Anthonys Restaurant, 550 Columbia Point Drive, Richland, Routine March 4 (35 Red, 10 Blue)

Notes: Improper cooking temperatures or unattended cooking and hot holding (undercooked chicken patties), improper cold holding (>45F).(10

Birrieria Colima Y Michoacan, 404 W. Lewis St., Pasco, Routine March 7 (105 Red, 0 Blue)

Notes: Lack of active managerial control (too many red points), improper hand washing (worker did not use soap), improper cooling procedures, improper hot holding (<130F), room temperature storage or improper use of time as a control.

Birrieria Colima Y Michoacan, 404 W. Lewis St., Pasco, Follow-up March 8 (50 Red, 0 Blue)

Notes: Improper cooling procedures, room temperature storage or improper use of time as a control.

Boiada Brazilian Grill, 8418 W. Gage Blvd., Kennewick, Routine March 8 (135 Red, 8 Blue)

Notes: Lack of active managerial control, food worker cards not 100%, inadequate handwashing facilities (primary sink for bar area did not have adequate hot water; no soap in employee restroom), not properly disposing of potentially unsafe food (opened ham without date marking; 79-degree steaks on meat cutting table were discarded during inspection), raw meat improperly stored, improper cooling procedures, improper hot holding (<30F), room temperature storage or improper use of time as a control, improper cold holding (>45F) (some items in buffet line were not cold enough), lacking a proper consumer advisory (for some steak that may be served not fully cooked), lack of conformance with approved procedures.

Coba Fam, 6481 W. Skagit Ave., Kennewick, Routine March 7 (50 Red, 3 Blue)

Notes: Lack of active managerial control (no certified food protection manager on staff), inadequate handwashing facilities (no soap at handwashing sink), improper cooling procedures, lack of conformance with approved procedures.

Donitas Tacos, 316 N. 20th Ave., Pasco, Follow-up March 8 (25 Red, 0 Blue)

Notes: Improper handwashing (worker taking orders on touch pad and handling a debit card did not wash hands before preparing food).

El Punto Del Sabor, 6481 W. Skagit Ave., Kennewick, Routine March 4 (75 Red, 0 Blue)

Notes: Lack of active managerial control (too many red points), inadequate handwashing facilities (employee used warewashing sink), improper cooling procedures, room temperature storage or improper use of time as a control, lack of conformance with approved procedures.

Fiesta Mexican Restaurant, 8524 W. Gage Blvd., Kennewick, Routine March 6 (45 Red, 0 Blue)

Notes: Inadequate handwashing facilities, improper hot holding (<130F), improper cold holding (>45F).

La Cantina, 2735 W. Court St., Pasco, Follow-up March 8 (35 Red, 0 Blue)

Notes: Inadequate handwashing facilities (trash can blocked kitchen sink, and no towels in busser area), improper cooling procedures.

La Casita, 6481 W. Skagit Ave., Kennewick, Routine March 4 (40 Red, 0 Blue)

Notes: Lack of active managerial control (no certified food protection manager on staff), improper cooling procedures, lack of conformance with approved procedures.

The Lodge At Columbia Point, 530 Columbia Point Drive, Richland, Routine March 6 (45 Red, 0 Blue)

Notes: Room temperature storage or improper use of time as a control, improper cold holding (>45F), lack of conformance with approved procedures.

Sushi House, 6627 Burden Blvd., Pasco, Routine March 7 (100 Red, 20 Blue)

Notes: Lack of active managerial control (lack of employee knowledge cited), inadequate handwashing facilities (one handwashing sink blocked with a strainer holding food), food obtained from unapproved source (no information on site for source of some fish; parasite destruction records provided only from Pacific Seafood Co.), not properly disposing of potentially unsafe food, improper raw meat handling procedures, raw meat improperly stored, room temperature storage or improper use of time as a control, accurate thermometer not provided or used, lack of conformance with approved procedures. Establishment was closed until invoices verifying source of fish products was available. It has reopened.

Taqueria 3 Pueblos, 1212 N. Fourth Ave., Pasco, Follow-up March 7 (35 Red, 0 Blue)

Notes: Food worker cards not 100%, raw meat improperly stored, improper hot holding (<130F).

Wendys, 930 George Washington Way, Richland, Routine March 8 (35 Red, 7 Blue)

Notes: Inadequate handwashing facilities (water not hot enough in one handwashing sink), room temperature storage or improper use of time as a control.

Passed inspections

AFC Sushi at Fred Meyer, 101 Wellsian Way, Richland, Routine March 7 (25 Red, 0 Blue) (Hazard analysis of critical control points 0 Red, 0 Blue) (Additional hazard analysis of critical control points 10 Red, 0 Blue)

Badger Mountain Elementary School, 1515 Elementary St., Richland, Routine March 5 (0 Red, 10 Blue)

Beckys Coffee Corner, 1120 Meade Ave., Prosser, Routine March 8 (10 Red, 0 Blue)

Bobablastic, 6481 Skagit Ave., Kennewick, Routine March 4 (15 Red, 0 Blue)

Boys & Girls Club, 823 Park Ave., Prosser, Routine March 8 (5 Red, 0 Blue)

Bradys Brats & Burgers, 6481 W. Skagit Ave., Kennewick, Routine March 7 (0 Red, 5 Blue)

Brothers Cheese Steaks, 8524 W. Gage Blvd., Kennewick, Routine March 6 (20 Red, 0 Blue)

Buriram Bites, 6481 W. Skagit Ave., Kennewick, Routine March 7 (0 Red, 0 Blue)

Busy Bee Diner, 1505 W. Kennewick Ave., Kennewick, Routine March 5 (15 Red, 0 Blue)

Carmichael Middle School, 620 Thayer Drive, Richland, Routine March 5 (0 Red, 0 Blue)

Chipotle, 3631 Plaza Way, Kennewick, Routine March 7 (0 Red, 0 Blue)

Chipotle Mexican Grill, 2673 Queensgate Drive, Richland, Routine March 5 (0 Red, 0 Blue)

Chukar Cherries, 320 Wine Country Road, Prosser, Routine March 8 (15 Red, 0 Blue)

Circle K with Subway (Food service), 12231 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick, Routine March 7 (0 Red, 0 Blue)

Coffee Bean, 840 Stevens Drive, Richland, Follow-up March 8 (0 Red, 0 Blue)

Cooper Wine Co., 35306 N. Sunset Road, Benton City, Routine March 7 (5 Red, 0 Blue)

Delicious Crepes & Waffles (Mobile), 6481 W. Skagit Ave., Pasco, Routine March 7 (15 Red, 0 Blue)

Domanico Cellars, 236 Port Ave., Prosser, Routine March 8 (10 Red, 0 Blue)

El Charrito, 130 N. 10th Ave., Pasco, Follow-up March 8 (0 Red, 0 Blue)

Emerald Of Siam (Caterer), 1314 Jadwin Ave., Richland, Routine March 5 (0 Red, 0 Blue)

The Endive, 4001 Kennedy Rd West Richland, Routine March 5 (10 Red, 5 Blue)

Fidelitas Wines, 51810 N. Sunset Road, Benton City, Routine March 7 (10 Red, 0 Blue)

Five Guys Burgers & Fries, 2671 Queensgate Drive, Richland, Routine March 5 (0 Red, 0 Blue)

Fujiyama Japanese Steak House, 2522 Queensgate Drive, Richland, Follow-up March 5 (0 Red, 0 Blue)

Hamilton Cellars, 55410 N. Sunset Road, Benton City, Routine March 7 (0 Red, 0 Blue)

Headstart, 313 Third St., Benton City, Routine March 7 (0 Red, 5 Blue)

Hightower Cellars, 19418 E. Private Road 583 N.E., Benton City, Routine March 7 (5 Red, 0 Blue)

Hills Restaurant & Lounge, 24 Vista Way, Kennewick, Routine March 5 (30 Red, 0 Blue)

Hongs Mongolian, 1218 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Kennewick, Routine March 6 (20 Red, 3 Blue)

KCs Biscuits and BBQ (Mobile), 6481 W. Skagit Ave., Kennewick, Routine March 7 (0 Red, 3 Blue)

Ki-Be High School Kitchen, 1205 Horne Drive, Benton City, Routine March 7 (10 Red, 0 Blue)

La Cocina, 720 N. 20th Ave., Pasco, Follow-up March 8 (0 Red, 0 Blue)

Layered Cake Artistry, 117 W. Kennewick Ave., Kennewick, Routine March 7 (0 Red, 0 Blue)

Lewis & Clark Elementary School, 415 Jadwin Ave., Richland, Routine March 5 (0 Red, 0 Blue)

Lil Firehouse Coffee, 895 Stevens Drive, Richland, Routine March 8 (15 Red, 3 Blue)

Little Randys Diner, 104 W. First Ave., Kennewick, Routine March 7 (10 Red, 5 Blue)

Mi Lindo Nayarit, 1315 N. Fourth Ave., Pasco, Follow-up March 7 (0 Red, 0 Blue)

Mis Raices Cafe, 2521 W. Kennewick Ave., Kennewick, Follow-up March 5 (0 Red, 0 Blue)

Orchard Elementary School, 1600 Gala Way, Richland, Routine March 5 (0 Red, 0 Blue)

Picante Mexican Taqueria, 20 S. Auburn St., Kennewick, Routine March 7 (30 Red, 0 Blue)

Porters Real Barbecue, 1080 George Washington Way, Richland, Routine March 8 (0 Red, 0 Blue)

Richland Food Mart, 500 George Washington Way, Richland, Routine March 5 (20 Red, 13 Blue)

Rivers Edge High School, 975 Gillespie St., Richland, Routine March 5 (0 Red, 0 Blue)

Richland School District Early Learning Center, 1525 Hunt Ave., Richland, Routine March 4 (0 Red, 0 Blue)

S&S Hospitality, 9221 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick, Routine March 7 (25 Red, 10 Blue)

Safeway Store, 1803 George Washington Way, Richland, Routine March 7 (Bakery 0 Red, 0 Blue) (Deli 25 Red, 0 Blue) (Meat 0 Red, 0 Blue)

Shaka Cafe, 1230 Meade Ave., Prosser, Routine March 8 (25 Red, 5 Blue)

Some Bagels Too, 810 S. Washington St., Kennewick, Routine March 7 (0 Red, 0 Blue)

Southern Belles Espresso, 412 Riverstone Drive, Richland, Follow-up March 8 (15 Red, 0 Blue)

Sterlings, 890 George Washington Way, Richland, Routine March 6 (25 Red, 0 Blue)

Subway, 1824 George Washington Way, Richland, Routine March 6 (0 Red, 0 Blue)

Tri-Cities Food Bank, 712 10th St., Benton City, Routine March 7 (0 Red, 0 Blue)

Taco Bell, 1825 George Washington Way, Richland, Routine March 6 (10 Red, 0 Blue)

Trejos Mexican Restaurant, 1833 W. Court St., Pasco, Follow-up March 7 (5 Red, 0 Blue)

Trejos Taco Factory, 6481 W. Skagit Ave., Kennewick, Routine March 4 (10 Red, 0 Blue)

Wake Up Call, 4898 W. Hildebrand Blvd., Kennewick, Routine March 7 (0 Red, 3 Blue)

Zips, 1123 Lee Blvd., Richland, Routine March 8 (20 Red, 7 Blue)
A Mi-8 helicopter carrying 20 people has crashed in Russia's Magadan Oblast, killing at least two people, according to some reports, while others indicate one fatality.

Source: Russian Far Eastern Transport Prosecutor's Office; Russian Telegram channels

Quote from the prosecutors office: "Early reports indicate that the cause of the incident was an engine malfunction."

Details: The helicopter crash occurred at 11:05 local time, approximately 75 km from the town of Evensk in the Severo-Evensky district of Magadan Oblast.

The Mi-8, operated by Dalnerechensk Avia, was transporting employees from a gold mine en route from the Kvartsevy landing site to Omsukchan Airport.

On board the aircraft were 20 people, including 3 crew members. Various Russian Telegram channels report one or two fatalities. Search and rescue operations are currently underway.

Why this is important: There has been an increase in aircraft accidents in Russia following the imposition of sanctions against Russia due to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This has been attributed to a shortage of necessary parts previously imported from Western countries.

Background:

A month ago, a Mi-8 helicopter crashed in Karelia.

Radio Liberty's Russian Service reported that an Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft had crashed near Severny air base in Ivanovo Oblast, Russia, on 12 March. There were eight crew members and seven passengers on board.

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Social media posts are repeating a far-right conspiracy theory that President Joe Biden voting rights.

The claim of a secret program was amplified by X's CEO Elon Musk in a March 5, 2024 post sharing an article from Britain's Daily Mail. Musk added in a comment: "This administration is both importing voters and creating a national security threat from unvetted illegal immigrants. It is highly probable that the groundwork is being laid for something far worse than 9/11. Just a matter of time."

Screenshot of an X post taken March, 12 2024

Similar false and misleading claims spread elsewhere on X, Instagram and by outlets including Fox, and Newsmax. It was also amplified by former president Donald Trump, who made misleading remarks during his Super Tuesday victory speech (archived here), and by Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a former Trump spokesperson.

A surge of crossings at the US-Mexico border has made migration a defining issue of the 2024 presidential election, with Trump and other Republicans blaming Biden for the problem.

The latest claims stem from a report (archived here), by the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS), a group that supports stricter immigration policy. It is based on information the group obtained through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit (archived here) filed against US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The CIS claims that more than 320,000 migrants took "secretive flights" into the United States in 2023 by receiving authorization through the CBP-One mobile app (archived here).

Although this statistic does represent the number of migrants permitted entry via a humanitarian parole program, many of the online claims surrounding it are false, said a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson, White House spokesperson and an independent expert.

Not a secret

"The CHNV parole processes are public; claims of a secret program are false," a DHS spokesperson told AFP in a March 12, 2024 email.

In 2023, Biden exercised presidential parole authority (archived here), expanding a program for migrants -- allowing up to 30,000 people per month from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to stay in the US for two years.

According to the report, the CBP did not disclose the airports where migrants arrive. However, the agency releases monthly statistics highlighting how many people from these countries were allowed to enter the US (archived here). Through the end of January 2024, over 357,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans arrived lawfully and were granted parole since Biden authorized the program -- 30,000 more than the number reported in December 2023 (archived here).

The program was announced by Biden (archived here), DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas (archived here) and published on the DHS website on January 5, 2023 (archived here).

Migrants vetted

In addition to undergoing background checks, participants must have sponsors in the US and meet other eligibility criteria, the DHS spokesperson said.

White House spokesperson Angelo Fernandez Hernandez also addressed claims that migrants are unvetted in a March 6, 2024 X post, describing them as "categorically false," (archived here).

"Working within its authorities, the Admin has expanded lawful pathways for orderly and humane migration. Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans have a US sponsor and are thoroughly screened before being authorized to travel to the US," he said.

Additionally, the United States is not responsible for a migrant's travel costs, nor is it guaranteed they will be allowed to stay. They could be denied parole after arriving at an official point of entry, for a variety of reasons, according to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (archived here).

The CIS report also conflates Biden's policy with family reunification parole. But Colleen Putzel-Kavanaugh, an associate policy analyst at the Migration Policy Institute said these two programs are "very separate."

Family reunification parole is available by invitation only to approved petitioners from select countries (archived here). Several parole programs allow individuals to enter and live in the United States for a temporary period, "and we think that what gets confusing is that app is used for multiple different programs for multiple different reasons," she said.

Non-citizens cannot vote

Putzel-Kavanaugh agreed it would not be fair to call any of these flights secret." Nor does it allow parolees to vote, as they are not naturalized citizens, she told AFP on March 12.

Although they can obtain work permits for a limited time, "for the parole program, there is no pathway to citizenship right now," she said.

Read more of AFP's reporting on misinformation surrounding migration here.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Winds are ramping up across Utah, particularly in areas north of Salt Lake from Davis County to Box Elder County. While the time for battering down the hatches may have come and passed, its not too late before the peak winds hit.

Here is a timeline of what to expect from todays winds.

Thursday, March 14

9 a.m.  12 p.m.

Winds are expected to start increasing along the I-15 corridor from 9 a.m. to noon At first, the National Weather Service said the winds will have little to no impact on travel or residential areas. As the day progresses, however, winds will start blowing harder before reaching their peak.

A timeline for high winds along the Wasatch Front. (Courtesy: NWS)

PEAK WINDS

12 p.m.  12 a.m.

For about 12 hours, winds are expected to be at their peak beginning at about noon on Thursday. During this time, winds are expected to blow at a constant 30+ miles per hour, depending on location. In areas between Ogden and Bountiful, there is a high chance of hurricane-force gusts exceeding 70 miles per hour.

The National Weather Service said the strongest gusts are likely to arrive Thursday evening into early Friday morning.

These high winds may move loose debris, down trees and cause power outages. Travel along highway roads such as I-15, US-89, Legacy Parkway and West Davis Highway will be particularly difficult. The Utah Department of Transportation issued an emergency warning for these areas, cautioning high-profile vehicles and those with trailers from traveling at high speeds on the highway.

READ NEXT: Rocky Mountain Power prepares for potential outage amidst strong winds

Friday, March 15

12 a.m.  9 a.m.

Winds are expected to start dying down into Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service, but winds will still be strong overnight. Winds will still be blowing a high speeds during the Friday morning commute, so officials advise using caution and to travel wise on the way to work and school.

The winds are expected to remain moderately impactful throughout the morning until about 10 a.m. The National Weather Service said will then rapidly quiet down into Friday afternoon and return to little or no impact speeds.

Many of the high wind alerts and warnings will expire by noon Friday.

How to prepare for the high winds

The time for preparing for the strongest winds is quickly closing. There is a limited opportunity before the peak winds to secure any outdoor furniture and loose objects that could blow away in the strong gusts. The National Weather Service also suggested securing doors and windows.

If you must drive in the high winds, the National Weather Service advises driving with two hands on the wheel, brace for crosswinds and be aware of flying objects.

As power outages are possible, Rocky Mountain Power recommends assembling or restocking emergency preparedness kits. Kits should include water, non-perishable food, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, blankets, a first aid kit, cash, special items for those in need and more.

During a power outage, be sure to keep freezers and refrigerators closed and disconnect electronics and appliances to avoid damage from potential electrical surges.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
As the real estate investment landscape continues to evolve, investors seek stable returns and diversification through Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). Among the myriad of options available, two REITs stand out for their exceptional performance and strategic positioning in the market. Let's take a look at each.

Federal Realty Investment Trust

Federal Realty Investment Trust (NYSE:FRT) owns and manages a portfolio of 102 mixed-use properties and open and shopping centers in top suburban markets, including Boston, Chicago, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Silicon Valley, and Washington, D.C.

Federal Realty currently pays a quarterly dividend of $1.09 per share, equating to an annualized dividend of $4.36 per share and giving its stock a yield of about 4.3% at the time of this writing.

In addition to its high yield, Federal Realty owns the longest record of dividend growth in the REIT industry, sitting at an incredible 56 consecutive years.

Don't Miss:

Investing in real estate just got a whole lot simpler. This Dara Khosrowshahi-backed startup will allow you to become a landlord in just 10 minutes, and you only need $100.

Commercial real estate has historically outperformed the stock market, but few investors have the capital or resources needed to invest in this asset class. A platform backed by industry giant Marcus & Millichap is changing that, allowing individuals to invest in commercial real estate with as little as $5,000.

Realty Income

Realty Income (NYSE:O) is the 5th largest global REIT with a portfolio of more than 15,450 commercial properties. It boasts a world-class tenant base, including FedEx, Walgreens, Dollar General, CVS, Walmart, and Tractor Supply.

Realty Income currently pays a monthly dividend of $0.2565, equating to an annualized dividend of $3.078 per share and giving its stock a yield of about 5.9% at the time of this writing.

Like Federal Realty, Realty Income is a dividend aristocrat. It has raised its annual dividend for 29 consecutive years and is currently on track for 2024 to mark the 30th consecutive year with an increase.

Story continues

Read Next:

Commercial real estate has historically outperformed the stock market, but few investors have the capital or resources needed to invest in this asset class. A platform backed by industry giant Marcus & Millichap is changing that, allowing individuals to invest in commercial real estate with as little as $5,000.

Collecting passive income from real estate just got a whole lot simpler. A new real estate fund backed by Dara Khosrowshahi gives you instant access to a diversified portfolio of rental properties, and you only need $100 to get started.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

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This article 2 of the Best REITs Money Can Buy originally appeared on Benzinga.com

 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson addressed Republican senators at their annual retreat on March 13, where he floated the idea that the long-obstructed Ukraine aid package could be made into a loan or lend-lease program for the benefit of U.S. taxpayers, the Hill reported on March 14.

The U.S. Senate approved a $95 billion funding package in the early morning of Feb. 13 that contained $60 billion in aid for Ukraine, but it still faces an uphill battle in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

NBC reported on March 9 that House Republicans are working on their own version of the bill to speed up the delivery of assistance to Ukraine, with one version including treating nonmilitary aid to Ukraine as a loan.

The Hill's article appeared to suggest this version could be gaining some traction.

"Johnson told senators that the House will send a Ukraine aid package to the Senate but floated the idea of making it a loan or lend-lease program so U.S. taxpayers would not be shelling out tens of billions of dollars without any expectation of getting a return," the Hill said.

Johnson reportedly cautioned the senators that the legislation sent by the House "will look substantially different than the $95 billion foreign aid package the Senate passed last month."

Johnson did not mention "whether such a Ukraine aid package would include tough border security reforms," the Hill said, citing senators who were present at the discussion.

The Speaker did, however, reportedly discuss the REPO Act, which concerns utilizing seized Russian sovereign assets for a Ukraine support fund.

Meanwhile, House Democrats have started the process of collecting signatures to bypass Johnson and force a vote on a Ukraine aid bill via a discharge petition, though this strategy is unlikely to be successful.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: EU ambassadors approve $5.5 billion for Ukraine defense fund in 2024

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Hillary Clinton and Hamiltons Lin-Manuel Miranda are reportedly stepping into the spotlight for President Bidens campaign, hosting a Broadway-themed fundraiser together.

The April 3 event will be held at a performance of Suffs: The Musical, which Clinton is co-producing, The New York Times reported Thursday. Representatives for Bidens reelection campaign and Miranda didnt immediately return ITKs request for comment.

The Broadway musical, which opens next month, follows suffragettes in the years leading up to the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote.

Former Secretary of State Clinton is a longtime Broadway superfan. In 2018, her political action organization, Onward Together, held a contest that awarded the winner a chance to join Clinton for a Broadway play and chardonnay.

Miranda has been an outspoken Biden supporter. In 2020, the Mary Poppins Returns actor starred in a Spanish-language ad to boost support for Biden among Puerto Ricans living in Florida.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The 100-year-old Historic Hampton Carousel will reopen to the public on March 23, Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck announced Wednesday night.

A grand reopening ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. that day, he said.

Tuck said to celebrate the reopening, there will be free rides all day. Other activities include face painting, make-and-take crafts, and a DJ and dance activities with Kbana Blaq. There will also be several food trucks for those who want to purchase food.

Its a day full of fun for families of all ages, as we celebrate the repair of a Hampton icon, the location of family outings, dates, marriage proposals and other cherished memories, he said.

The structure at Carousel Park near the Virginia Air and Space Science Center and Hampton River has been closed since the summer of 2022 for repair work. Ohio-based Carousels and Carvings recently wrapped up work on repairing the structure.

The carousel, one of only 170 functioning antique wooden carousels in the United States, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It contains 42 oil paintings, 30 mirrors, a 1914 Bruder band organ, 48 hand-carved wooden horses, and two upholstered, hand-carved wooden chariots. It was built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company and installed at Buckroe Beach Amusement Park in 1920. It was disassembled in 1985 when the amusement park closed and was restored and installed in its present location downtown in 1991.

Last year, City Council debated whether to relocate the carousel from its waterfront site. The Downtown Hampton Development Partnership recommended moving the structure to allow for redevelopment.

City officials also had concerns about flooding at the current location, and the city sought public input on alternative locations where it could be relocated.

But proposals to move the carousel were met with public backlash, with many feeling it belonged in its current location. The council ultimately decided against relocation.

The historic carousel is operated by the Hampton History Museum, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, but closed on Mondays. Rides are regularly $1. According to a news release from the city, it closes from Jan. 1-March 31 each year, but is opening a little early this year.

Josh Janney, joshua.janney@virginiamedia.com
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Austin Police Department is investigating after someone damaged a hundreds-year-old tree with historic ties in downtown Austin.

The Treaty Oak is the sole remaining tree from the Council Oaks, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. The Council Oaks were a set of trees recognized as the place where Stephen F. Austin  dubbed by some as the founder of Texas  signed a boundary line agreement with area Native Americans.

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department confirmed Wednesday the historic Treaty Oak tree in downtown Austin had been vandalized. (KXAN Photo/Kelsey Thompson)

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department confirmed Wednesday the historic Treaty Oak tree in downtown Austin had been vandalized. (KXAN Photo/Kelsey Thompson)

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department confirmed Wednesday the historic Treaty Oak tree in downtown Austin had been vandalized. (KXAN Photo/Kelsey Thompson)

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department confirmed Wednesday the historic Treaty Oak tree in downtown Austin had been vandalized. (KXAN Photo/Kelsey Thompson)

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department confirmed Wednesday the historic Treaty Oak tree in downtown Austin had been vandalized. (KXAN Photo/Kelsey Thompson)

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department confirmed Wednesday the historic Treaty Oak tree in downtown Austin had been vandalized. (KXAN Photo/Kelsey Thompson)

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department confirmed Wednesday the historic Treaty Oak tree in downtown Austin had been vandalized. (KXAN Photo/Kelsey Thompson)

In the present day, it resides along Baylor Street in downtown Austin. On Wednesday, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department confirmed to KXAN the tree had been vandalized. A gash-like mark along the trunk of the tree was visible when KXAN visited the site.

[PARD] is determining impacts and keeping the trees health as the primary focus, a PARD spokesperson said in an email. The vandalism has been reported to the Austin Police Department.

The spokesperson added city officials are expected to deliver an update on the trees status when new information is available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Twenty-odd years ago, a small group of influential business leaders sat down at the historic Lunch Box restaurant. Across the street, they could see the bus station. Nearby, the City Rescue Mission.

A block north was the downtown library, which at that time was the de facto day shelter for homeless people in Oklahoma City.

"So you could sit in the Lunch Box and just watch this parade of stereotypically homeless-looking people walking back and forth," said Dan Straughan, who back then was a vice president at United Way.

The bankers, lawyers and oilfield executives sitting at that table, seeing the city's mostly uncoordinated response to poverty, resolved that there had to be a better way to serve the homeless population. That conversation was the genesis of the Homeless Alliance, a nonprofit that has grown to be the nexus for several homeless resource agencies, and also offers a day shelter and cafeteria for those who need it.

Straughan was asked to run the new venture. Now after two decades leading the Homeless Alliance as executive director, Straughan will retire in April.

Meghan Mueller will become president and CEO of the Homeless Alliance when Straughan retires. After taking some time off, he said he may come back to help the organization raise money.

Dan Straughan, executive director of the Homeless Alliance, sits in the nonprofit's cafeteria. Hanging in the background is the historic sign for the now-closed downtown restaurant Lunch Box, where the idea for the Homeless Alliance was forged.

Two decades finding help and homes

A lot has changed in the past 20 years. The Lunch Box is long closed, but the memory of that historic lunch meeting was preserved when Straughan asked that its historic sign be given to the Homeless Alliance. It now hangs in the shelter's cafeteria.

Back then, Oklahoma City didn't even have a day shelter.

"At that time, all the overnight shelters put people out during the day under the assumption that they'd be looking for housing or accessing services, or going to work or whatever," Straughan said.

On top of that, he described the public transportation system as "less than robust," which made it hard for people who needed services to get where they needed to go.

"And then you had 100-plus government, nonprofit and faith-based organizations working with the population, but none of them were working together," he said. "It was really clear the things we needed to do was build a day shelter, build a one-stop-shop multi-agency resource center, provide the IT infrastructure that would allow all those agencies to share data on shared clients so we knew what each other was doing."

It has become a two-pronged attack on homelessness. On one hand, the Homeless Alliance helps the individual person get government services, get a job and even a home. The nonprofit also lauds its mission to "rally our community to end homelessness."

"I think there's a lot of things people can do to help, but the main thing would be to recognize that those people that you see on the street, they are not the 'stranger.' There are mothers and fathers and brothers and sisters and sons and daughters. They're our neighbors. And we have a responsibility as a community to do the best we can by them."

Dan Straughan, left, and Cale Powers look Jan. 25 at the areas their team will cover during the Oklahoma City Point-In-Time survey, coordinated by the Homeless Alliance, to count the homeless population.

Those dual missions are on display constantly. On a recent Sunday night, Straughan said someone got mad and broke several windows at the shelter. Instead of calling the cops, "we're trying to get somebody into housing so that they don't have these sorts of issues," he said.

But he also realizes there is an economic impact on the city.

"And frankly, if you have an awareness at all, there's a bit of a moral injury there, right? You drive under an overpass and there's three people sleeping under the bridge and you think to yourself, or I do anyway, 'my city can do better than that. We can do better than that,'" said Straughan.

The biggest and most important change Straughan has noticed over the past 20 years has been the stigma attached to homelessness. It's gotten better, due in large part to Homeless Alliance ventures like the street magazine Curbside Chronicle, whose vendors sell thousands of copies each month around Oklahoma City.

"That's 12,000 positive interactions between a homeless person and not-homeless person every month," Straughan said. "I think that and the content, educating people about homelessness, has done more to change that perspective broadly in the community than just about anything."

Curbside founder Whitley O'Connor said he struggled to get support for the paper until he met with Straughan.

"And so he literally was the only person in town who gave us a shot to actually do it," O'Connor said.

Dan Straughan, executive director of the Homeless Alliance, stands in the free clothing room for at-risk and homeless veterans at the Homeless Alliance WestTown Resource Center in Oklahoma City.

Since then, Curbside has grown into its social enterprise role with a flower shop and apparel store; each business provides low-barrier employment to people transitioning out of homelessness.

"It's hard to believe that MAPS for Housing happens without Dan. It's hard to believe there's a day shelter or emergency night shelter without Dan. A lot of what other agencies have accomplished are off the back of Dan's work," O'Connor said. "He's very humble; I don't think he quite understands the impact he's had, or would be willing to own the impact he's had. But generally speaking, over the past 20 years in terms of social services, it'd be really hard to argue that anyone has done more for the community and more for the people of Oklahoma City than Dan."

More: 'Nobody dies': OKC groups urge people in homelessness to come to shelters during arctic cold

Straughan's support of Curbside shows how business-minded he is when tackling these problems. The first employee he hired for the Homeless Alliance, Jennifer Gooden, told The Oklahoman that he tried to bring a business perspective to an intractable social problem.

"I always liked that angle, but I also felt like it was more than that," said Gooden, who now is president of the Biophilia Foundation, an organization that directs grants toward conservation and land restoration. "Dan did bring a business perspective to it, but he just never lost the heart that's absolutely essential for this kind of work."

A lasting impact

When someone retires, there's an impulse to measure the balance of their work. Straughan says he's accomplished a lot of what he wanted to accomplish. Despite Oklahoma City's population growing, the homeless numbers have stayed pretty much the same  a fact that other large cities can't claim.

His housing-first strategy has led to the impressive Key to Home Partnership, which made headlines by not only clearing out homeless encampments but immediately giving those people a place to live.

Dan Straughan, executive director of the Homeless Alliance, is the last to speak Nov. 22, 2022, during public comments at the Oklahoma City Council meeting with proposed homelessness ordinances on the agenda.

But there's still much more work to do, he said.

"Our mission, from the day we started, is rallying the community to end homelessness," Straughan said. "I haven't quite gotten there yet. It may have been an aspirational goal, but it's still the goal of the agency, and it will beafter I go."

To Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, Straughan's impact is clear.

Dan Straughan, director of the Homeless Alliance, is pictured May 31, 2023, as he talks about the results of the 2023 Point in Time survey of the homeless population in OKC.

"Dan Straughan is an institution. Its hard to imagine meeting the challenge of homelessness in OKC without Dans knowledgeable, pragmatic and effective approach. During his tenure, per capita homelessness in OKC has dramatically declined. People wonder how weve managed to keep our overall number of people in experiencing homelessness essentially flat over the last 15 years even while our citys population soared. Its because Dan was always pushing policymakers in the right direction," Holt said.

"Hes innovative and hes persuasive. Think about homelessness without Curbside, or housing first, or MAPS 4. Dan was in the middle of all of that. Hes just so good at what he does. Well miss him but we wish him all the best in the next chapter."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Homeless Alliance Executive Director Dan Straughan to retire
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)- For centuries in both Europe and the United States, debutante balls have been a tradition, one brought to modern consciousness by the popularity of Netflixs Bridgerton.

But these coming out balls have different meaning depending on who you talk to.

Imagine being a young girl of around 17 and putting on a beautiful white ball gown, being introduced into society by your loving father and dancing a ballroom dance with your handsome escort.

Sounds like a fairytale, right?

For many girls right here in Augusta, its a reality and a long standing tradition.

Debutante is a French word meaning female beginner.

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Its a tradition that began when young girls of marriageable age from wealthy families were introduced to society. It was a bit of a matchmaking event that dates back nearly 250 years.

The first debutantes were around 1780 with, like you said, Queen Charlotte and King George. And it was a mixture of, for the most part, to celebrate her birthday as a party, but also to help clean up the monarchs image, said Brittany Noel Corbin, a guest curator at the Lucy C. Laney Museum of Black History and a former debutante.

She added that a young ladys coming out evolved into an annual ball out of necessity.

Courtesy: Getty Images.

Historically, young ladies were brought to court to represent the society in front of the Queen as ready for marriage, ready for suitors. And then, Ive read a few places, that over time there were so many women coming to Court, she brought it all into one and made the ballhad a debutante ball. It was one of the first times you see it.

The ball was called The Queen Charlotte Ball. It continued until 1976, when Queen Elizabeth II discontinued it in an attempt to modernize the monarchy. But it was brought back in the early 2000s by the Duke of Somerset.

Debutante balls became popular in the United States around the same time. The idea was the same- introduce wealthy young ladies to society as ready for marriage.

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As we look at America, some of the first ones that you see are in New York, in Louisiana, and then they start popping up a little bit more in major cities like Chicago, Atlanta, Philadelphia, said Corbin.

The oldest debutante ball that is still in existence is the Christmas Cotillion in Savannah, Georgia. It was first held in 1817.

Courtesy: Getty Images.

These debutante balls may seem a bit archaic to us now, but back then for women of all classes, finding a good husband was a top priority.

Women couldnt own property, couldnt even inlooking at Americacouldnt open banking accounts until around the mid 20th century, explained Corbin. But women needed to be married to be able to have finance, to be productive people in society and have things. And so a lot of that was attached to that. That was their livelihood, how they succeeded.

These coming out balls were held for heiresses and socialites, all primarily white women. But debutante balls have a long history within the African American community as well.

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WJBF NewsChannel 6s Dee Griffin is a former debutante. She said African American Debutante Balls have been around for a long time.

Cotillions have been going on for generations, but in the black community they can be traced back to the Ethiopian balls back in the 1700s. And then the 1800s, the black debutantes in New Orleans Illinois..

(AP Photo/Marty Lederhandler).

These balls were also introductions to society for young black girls, but Corbin said that the goals were much different than their white counterparts.

It was also a way for black families, not only the young ladies, to be a part of this uplift movement and really combat the stereotypical views of what people thought about black people in America. To have your daughter presented society and your family be a part of these organizations and the event as big as a ball, it really meant something.

Corbin explained one of the major stereotypes the events tried to fight was what the black core family looked like.

The stereotypical views of men being absent from the home. You dont see that in the debutante balls, and it kind of reinforces family and black love to some extent, the way I look at it.

The black debutante balls were designed to education young African American women and to prepare them for life in the society they lived in.

Toni Dean is the Program Manager at the Lucy C. Laney Museum and a former debutante.

She said education is why black debutante balls were so important, especially during and after the Civil Rights Movement.

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We were dealing with a disaggregated world and we were dealing with a world that in many ways still thought of black Americans as inferior. So a lot of these balls were started to help women with their deportment, to help them be able to function in the world, to be able to be good citizens, to be able to have the social skills, that community service, all those things that strengthen a community.

Dean added that the balls were also to help boost the confidence of young black women in a world where they were held to white standards of beauty.

Everybody looked different. Everybody had different experiences. Everybody had different talents and skills, and all of those were celebrated. So when you came, it was like just a celebration of our culture and not that any person or any look or any style was better, she said.

The desire to learn how to be successful in society is why, in 1963, 6 teenage girls at A.R. Johnson Junior High School went to one of their teachers, asking to start a debutante club.

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They knew that we were getting ready to go into a desegregated world. And because of that, they wanted to learn how to function properly in this new world, explained Dean. And so they saw something in Mrs. Rosa Beard about her leadership skills or her ability to be able to connect and guide. And so they went to her and asked her to help them do that.

Rosa Tarver Beard was born in Blythe, Georgia in 1919. She married Ernest Beard in 1948 and they had 4 children.

Courtesy: Rev. Cheryl Beard.

She earned a Bachelors degree in Home Economics and Natural Science from Paine College in 1942. She went on to earn her Masters in Education and Chemistry from Columbia University in New York in 1951.

She taught for 41 years, starting at Bettis Academy and Junior College in Trenton, South Carolina and continuing at C.T. Walker Elementary, A.R Johnson Junior High and T.W. Josey High Schools.

Her youngest daughter, Reverend Cheryl Beard said being an educator was extremely important to her mother.

Rosa T. Beard was certainly a master educator. She was one who certainly took her career seriously, and working with young people and dedicated herself to that, with great sacrifice.

Community was important to Rosa T. Beard as well.

But also a community activist and wanting to uplift her community, from involvement in organizations like the NAACP as a lifetime member, Rev. Beard explained. She was one of the founding members of the Shiloh Community Center who saved that old orphanage in the Turpin Hill community.

Rev. Beard said that when those 6 young ladies approached her mother about starting the debutante club, she didnt think twice.

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She had already actually begun an organization that mostly catered to the young men. There were a few young women who were part of the Rocket Club at A.R. Johnson. And then these young ladies who had observed all of that, as well as had had an experience on a field trip where they were among Caucasian kids in Atlanta and realized, Oh, the world is changing.'

The Debutante Club, later called the Augusta Adult Society, was renamed the Rosa T. Beard Debutante Club in 1990.

Courtesy: Rev. Cheryl Beard.

The girls who took part learned about etiquette, social graces, how to act in public and how to dress properly.

They also went beyond these lessons, out into their community by giving their time to local charities and nonprofit organizations.

Corbin, Dee, Dean and Rev. Beard were all Debutantes and for all of them it was a family tradition.

The debutante tradition is long in my family. My sister was a debutante before me. My cousins were debutantes. My cousin Pamela, I remember going to her cotillion, Dee explained.

Dee was a debutante in 1988. She said the experience was really special.

Dee Griffin as a debutante in 1988.

One of my fondest memories is dancing with my dad and the rehearsals and stepping on each others feet and just the nervousness of that night. And I remember, also prior to the cotillion, being at home and practicing the waltz with my dad in the living room and curtsying and trying to get it just the perfect curtsy and my dad being right there by my side, she smiled.

Corbin believes being a debutante helped her come out of her shell and through the club she made lifelong friends.

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Im a very shy person. But thats one thing with debutantes, it really created a safe space for me to be with my fellow sisters. At least five of the young ladies went to my high school and we really bonded and ended up many of us ended up going to the same college together and really kept this relationship up, Corbin said.

Dean was also a debutante in 1988 and said it was the biggest class of debs, even now. One of her favorite parts of being a debutante were the monthly meetings.

Courtesy: Rev. Cheryl Beard.

And it would just be so exciting to go into the room with all these young women. Everybodys just excited about whatever the activity was, she said. Sometimes the activity was a speaker whos going to tell us something about life skills or college. Being able to be active in the community. Our activities sometimes were going out into the community, to the hospitals, nursing homes to interact with people.

Rev. Beard likes to think shes been a deb her whole life, having helped with the organization for as long as she can remember.

And as you would expect- she was a debutante too.

It was something to look forward to. To be engaged with my friends and classmates that I had known all of my school life as well as to meet other young ladies throughout the city from other schools and other communities. For us to just share this special time together for two year our last two years of high school, she remembered.

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The women agree that being a part of the Rosa T. Beard Debutante Club impacted them throughout their lives.

I was able to partake in a lot of things that probably I wouldnt have thought of if it had not been for the Debutante Club and especially being in a leadership role, explained Dee. I learned how to conduct meetings and also stand out as a leader for others and to be that guiding light for others. Because we had advisors who really led the way with grace and class and intelligence, and so they wanted us to be the same way.

RTBDC 2023 Awardees. Courtesy: Rev. Cheryl Beard.

It showed me structure. It showed me order. It showed me the power of a vision, Dean said.

Mrs. Beard had a big impact on them as well.

I remember how I wanted to be like these women and be like Rose T Beard and be a leader. And being someone that not just the youth, but people looked up to and wanted to emulate or learn from, said Corbin.

Rev. Beard took over as CEO of the Rosa T. Beard Debutante Club after her mother stepped away.

She felt that she was ready to let things go. She knew the work that I was doing in Memphis. And so she asked if I would just for even long distance, just kind of be her presence with the club, not necessarily move back, she laughed. But I felt a calling in my life and actually knew before that, that at some point I would come back to Augusta.

The Debutante Club has played such a big role in lives of hundreds of young women in the CSRA, that the Lucy C. Laney Museum of Black History created an exhibit to honor it, which runs until April 30th.

From Rosa T. Beard Debutante Club exhibit at the Lucy C. Laney Museum.

The museum put out a call to former debutantes to collect memorabilia for the display.

We have young ladies coming by to bring gowns and gloves and tiaras and shoes. And then we will also have an interactive piece, so youll be able to look at footage of cotillion and lots and lots of images, Corbin explained.

Many traditions that are hundreds of years old, are now considered out dated and old fashioned. But debutante balls are still thriving, especially for upper class young women.

The women all believe that there is still a place for them in society and that the confidence and values they instill in necessary.

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Its everything from learning the next steps to if youre going to school and learning finances and learning business and learning how to be productive people in society, that also go out and volunteer and help their community. So I think theres always a need for groups that do that, said Corbin.

Showing girls that theyre special and theyre unique and showing girls that they do have a place in the world, said Dee. You deserve the best. You deserve to be honored. You deserve the white ball gown and the white satin gloves and the beautiful hairstyles and the tiaras.

Courtesy: Rev. Cheryl Beard.

Its about being a good citizen. Its about living a full, balanced life. Its about, like I said, giving back to your community, being able to develop your skills and talents. Its being able to learn what success and achievements are in this world that are not just connected to money and class, Dean explained.

For Rev. Beard, the Rosa T. Beard Debutante Club is all about the work the young women do during the year and the confidence and connections they gain.

The debutante club is not just about a cotillion. Thats our annual culminating event, she said. The fact that we celebrate that rite of passage in a cotillion ball is just a little icing on the cake.

The official opening of the Rosa T. Beard Debutante Club Exhibit is on Sunday, March 17 at 3 p.m. at the Lucy C. Laney Museum of Black History.

Thats just part of your Hometown History.

Photojournalist: Dania Alawir.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
HOPKINTON  The unlicensed breeder who surrendered 27 golden retrievers to animal welfare officials will face fines of $1,945 for violating town dog ordinances, but not criminal charges, Police Chief Mark J. Carrier announced Thursday.

Breeder Peter Reynolds has 10 days to either pay the fine or contest the charges in court. Reynolds was cited for seven counts of having an unlicensed dog for the seven adult dogs at his Alton Bradford Road house  the 20 puppies didn't need licenses because they were younger than six months, five counts of failing to confine a female dog in heat and one count of not having a kennel license.

More: Unlicensed breeder in Hopkinton surrenders 2 dozen golden retrievers

Runty

Reynolds will not face criminal animal-cruelty charges, Carrier said, because the dogs were neither injured nor starved.

After surrendering the dogs to the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the agency agreed to return three of the adult dogs to Reynolds, according to RISPCA president Wayne Kezirian. The other four adult dogs and 20 puppies will eventually be placed for adoption, and the agency has been flooded with more than 150 offers to adopt.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Hopkinton fines unlicensed Golden Retriever breeder $1,945
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 17-year-old teen was arrested and charged with credit card/debit card abuse after using a stolen debit card at a Whataburger early Monday morning, March 11, according to the Horizon City Police Department (HCPD).

HCPD says that at 2:51 a.m. Monday, March 11 officers responded to the Whataburger located at 13910 Horizon Boulevard about a fraudulent use of a debit card.

Officers were advised by the victim that he had received a notification from his bank stating that his card had been used at a Whataburger, according to HCPD.

HCPD says the victim told officers that he then discovered his wallet had been stolen from his vehicle sometime during the night and did not know who it might have been.

Officers conducted their investigation, and with the help of Whataburger employees, identified Elijah Rivers, 17, and his vehicle of being at the restaurant and using the card to pay.

Rivers was found at his home along with the vehicle described by witnesses. He was arrested without any further incident.

Rivers was transported to the El Paso County Detention Facility by HCPD and given a $2,000 personal recognizance bond.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
This was a horrific crime. Lancaster man accused of killing 65-year-old in her home

LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Harriet Mahaffey was only 65 when she was gunned down inside her home on Stewart Place in Heath Springs. Authorities said her alleged killer, Lloyd Caldwell Jr., 23, was her neighbor.

Now, let me be clear. This was a horrific crime, a horrible crime that nobody had an explanation of why it took place, said Lancaster County Sheriff Barry Faile.

Mahaffeys death was merely a crime of opportunity, authorities explained.

The family comes and finds their loved one lying on the floor. The woman had been shot multiple times. There were 11 shell casings located near the body, Faile said during a news conference on Wednesday morning.

PREVIOUS: Arrest made after defenseless woman shot, killed in Lancaster County home, sheriff says

Lloyd Caldwell Jr. has been charged with murder and several other offenses related to Mahaffeys death. Authorities said he stole her 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee after committing the crime and thats how he was found.

The Violent Crime Task Force immediately started searching for the vehicle and received credible reports that the vehicle had been spotted in Chester, South Carolina, and also in the Charlotte region days after. The suspect was located at a home in Chester County and, also the vehicle was recovered at the same time, Faile said.

Authorities said, evidence implicating Caldwell was obtained during the several searches conducted by investigators.

MORE FROM QUEEN CITY NEWS

Crime & Public Safety

Investigators are working to find out a motive  as well as how the suspect got in the house as there were no signs of forced entry.

He did make mention of a verbal altercation in the roadway, but we dont have anything to corroborate that, Faile said.

Caldwell was booked into the Lancaster County Detention Center just before noon Sunday.

Warrants charging him with murder, first-degree burglary, grand larceny of more than $2,000, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime were served upon him.

Bond was denied by a magistrate Sunday afternoon. He will see a circuit judge at a later date.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
In this article, we will be taking a look at the 20 countries with the best healthcare in 2024. If you do not want to learn about the market dynamics in global healthcare, head straight to the 5 Countries With the Best Healthcare in 2024.

In 2024, the landscape of global healthcare continues to evolve, with certain nations standing out for their exemplary healthcare systems. From cutting-edge technology to comprehensive coverage and accessible services, these countries epitomize excellence in healthcare delivery. Factors such as efficiency, affordability, and quality of care contribute to their recognition as leaders in the field.

Transformative Trends and Market Dynamics in Global Healthcare

The global healthcare sector is experiencing significant transformation driven by technological advancements, demographic shifts, and evolving patient needs. In 2024, key trends shaping the future of healthcare delivery include the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) for streamlining processes, sustainability practices, remote technologies for care delivery, and innovative strategies to address rising costs.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), signed in 2010 in the US, aimed to increase insurance coverage, improve quality of life, control costs, and provide access to healthcare services for US citizens. However, it has faced criticism for quality, coverage, and costs.

Europe's healthcare, on the other hand, is diverse, with countries managing their systems independently. Healthcare spending in the European Union stood at approximately 1.5 trillion in 2022. Key players like Germany and France spend over 11% of their GDP on healthcare. Europe is known for its universal healthcare systems emphasizing accessibility and quality. Managed Entry Agreements (MEAs) have been crucial in regulating pharmaceutical prices in European healthcare systems, enhancing efficiency, and patient access to quality care.

Financial statistics reveal the scale and growth projections of the global healthcare market. The global healthcare services market reached $7.98 trillion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 6.3% from $7.5 trillion in 2022. It is projected to reach $9.82 trillion by 2027 with a CAGR of 5.3%. In 2015, OECD countries spent an average of 9% of GDP on healthcare, with the US having the highest rate among industrialized nations at almost double this value.

Story continues

Trends and Projections in Pharmaceuticals, Costs, and Telemedicine

The global hospital pharmaceuticals market is poised to reach $330 billion by 2029, with the oncology segment leading in market share and growth rate. Pharmaceutical spending, covering prescription medicines and self-medication, has surged, surpassing GDP growth in many countries. In nations like Greece, Italy, Austria, and France, pharmaceutical spending per capita is notably high, reflecting diverse healthcare needs and funding sources. Global spending on medicines reached $1.5 trillion in 2023, with total global healthcare spending expected to soar to $10.2 trillion.

The pharmaceutical market is expected to expand by 6.19% from 2024 to 2028, reaching $1,470 billion, fueled by new drug launches and increased utilization of existing drugs. Despite challenges such as rising business costs and evolving threats, the United States leads in pharmaceutical revenue share. Initiatives like reduced taxes and lower drug prices are anticipated to spur growth. The relationship between pharmaceutical spending and GDP is complex, influenced by factors such as healthcare economic development levels and government policies.

Research and development expenses remain substantial, with the United States dominating global pharmaceutical spending in 2021. China and India exhibit significant growth in the pharmaceutical industry, stimulating economic activity through employment opportunities and tax revenue generation.

Meanwhile, rising healthcare costs, particularly pronounced in the US, have outpaced general inflation rates. Healthcare services increased by 114.3% from 2000 to June 2023, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which added an estimated $200 billion annually to US healthcare expenditure for treatment and prevention. These escalating costs have led to a 2.4-year drop in US life expectancy from 2019 to 2021, far exceeding declines in other OECD countries.

Telemedicine is emerging as a critical component of global healthcare, with the market projected to soar from USD 87.41 billion in 2022 to USD 449.01 billion by 2032. North America dominates, with a market share of USD 41.85 billion in 2022, expected to grow at a CAGR of 17.2% from 2023-2030. Overall, the telehealth & telemedicine market is forecasted to reach $285.7 billion by 2028, with a robust CAGR of 23.

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), a global healthcare leader with over 135 years of history and a workforce exceeding 150,000, is committed to improving healthcare access worldwide. Its contributions to pharmaceuticals and medical devices cover a range of health conditions. Recently, the company refreshed its visual identity to emphasize its dedication to healthcare innovation. Divided into Innovative Medicine and MedTech segments, Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) focuses on introducing advanced, personalized healthcare solutions. It targets a 5-7% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for 2025-2030. In the near term, it expects 5-6% operational sales growth for 2024, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) forecasted at $10.55-$10.75. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) underscores its commitment to advancing science and technology to drive market growth and innovation in Innovative Medicine, aiming for at least 3% operational sales growth in 2025.

Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE: CAH), based in Dublin, Ohio, is a major player in the global healthcare industry. It serves a wide range of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, pharmacies, and physician offices, with its distribution, manufacturing, and data solutions. The company focuses on product innovation, exemplified by solutions like the NTrainer System 2.0 for newborns. Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE: CAH)'s innovation center, Fuse, drives product development, emphasizing ethical business practices globally.

In fiscal 2024 Q1, Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE: CAH) reported a revenue of $54.8 billion, a 10% increase from the previous year. Despite a GAAP operating loss due to a goodwill impairment, non-GAAP operating earnings rose by 35%, with non-GAAP diluted EPS up by 44%. Notable achievements include launching the Kangaroo OMNI Enteral Feeding Pump, initiating a $500 million share repurchase program, and contributing to COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts.

20 Countries With the Best Health Care in 2024

A smiling healthcare professional, treating a patient with the PLEX platform.

Our Methodology

We developed a thorough method to rank countries with the best healthcare in 2024. We combined different rankings like the LPI, CEOWorld Health Index, US News Ranking, and WHO index into one score. This gave us a complete picture of each country's healthcare. Then, we ranked the countries from lowest to highest based on this combined score.

Here is our list of the 20 countries with the best healthcare in 2024.

20. Sweden

Insider Monkey Score: 35.12

Sweden boasts one of the world's top healthcare systems, marked by robust infrastructure and substantial expenditure, reaching 11.5% of its GDP in 2020. With a population of around 10 million, Sweden ensures universal healthcare coverage with minimal user charges Prioritizing prevention, Sweden allocates 3.3% of its healthcare spending to prevention programs, exceeding the EU average.

19. Denmark

Insider Monkey Score: 35.34

Denmark's healthcare system, funded by a progressive income tax, provides universal access. Health spending surpasses 25% of the EU average per person, with 84% from public funds. Healthcare expenditure is 10.4% of GDP, with 10.5% in 2020. The main causes of treatable deaths are colorectal and breast cancer. Preventable deaths are slightly below the EU average. Out-of-pocket spending is 14%, and around 40% have private insurance. Funding is distributed through tax revenues to regions and municipalities.

18. Switzerland

Insider Monkey Score: 36.30

Switzerland's healthcare is renowned for universal coverage and quality, spending $8049 per capita on health, making Switzerland stand among the countries with the best healthcare in 2024 . Health expenditure is 11.3% of GDP, with 4.4 doctors and 18.4 nurses per 1,000 population. Preventable mortality is lower than the OECD average at 94 per 100,000, and treatable mortality at 39 per 100,000. Diabetes prevalence is below the OECD average. In 2016, total health expenditures were 12.2% of GDP, with 62.8% publicly financed. Despite good outcomes, costs are relatively high. The system is funded through premiums, taxes, and out-of-pocket payments, highly decentralized with cantons playing a key role.

17. Germany

Insider Monkey Score: 36.32

Germany boasts one of the world's top healthcare systems, with around 88% covered by statutory health insurance and 11% by private insurance. Health expenditure is approximately 11.25% of GDP. Common diseases include cardiovascular diseases, cancer, respiratory diseases, and mental health disorders. The system is funded through general wage contributions and supplementary contributions, with 13.5% of spending out-of-pocket in 2017.

16. Belgium

Insider Monkey Score: 36.37

Belgium boasts a strong healthcare system with good access to high-quality services, contributing to its population's good health and long life expectancy. Spending 10.9% of GDP on healthcare in 2023, Belgium is among the top EU healthcare spenders. With $6600 spent per capita on health, it exceeds the OECD average. Preventive care is notable, with 56% of women screened for breast cancer, and a lower obesity prevalence at 21.2%. Public spending is high, covering around 78% of healthcare costs, with out-of-pocket expenses similar to the OECD average of 18%.

15. Finland

Insider Monkey Score: 36.4

Finland's healthcare system is strong, with health spending per capita slightly above the EU average at EUR 3,036 in 2017, making Finland stand among the countries with the best healthcare system. Health expenditure is 10% of GDP, with 75% covered by public funding. Common diseases include prostate, childhood leukemia, and various cancers. Preventable mortality is close to the EU average, with alcohol-related deaths and cancer being major concerns.

14. Norway

Insider Monkey Score: 36.57

Norway's healthcare system is renowned for its universal coverage funded through taxes and payroll contributions. Spending $7771 per capita on health, exceeding the OECD average, it accounts for 7.9% of GDP. With 5.2 doctors and 18.3 nurses per 1,000 population, Norway surpasses OECD averages. The system includes primary, ambulatory, mental health, and hospital care, with municipal management of primary care and state-owned regional authorities overseeing specialty care. About 10% of the population has private insurance for faster access to private providers.

13. Netherlands

Insider Monkey Score: 37.15

The Netherlands' healthcare system is robust, spending $6729 per capita on health, exceeding the OECD average. Health expenditure is 10.2% of GDP, higher than the OECD average. Lung cancer is a significant contributor to preventable deaths. The system offers essential services with decreasing waiting times and low out-of-pocket payments. With 3.0 hospital beds per 1,000 population, slightly below the OECD average, the Netherlands emphasizes a strong primary care system.

12. France

Insider Monkey Score: 37.69

France's health expenditure stand at 11.31% of GDP, funded through various sources including payroll taxes and state subsidies. Key health indicators include a fertility rate of 1.85, a life expectancy of 86 years for females and 83 years for males, and an infant mortality rate of 2.7 deaths per 1,000 live births. Common diseases include a 17% obesity rate, with child mortality at 3.2 per 1,000 live births and maternal mortality at 8 deaths per 100,000 live births. Public financing covered 77% of health expenditures in the country.

11. Luxembourg

Insider Monkey Score: 38.70

Luxembourg's healthcare system is robust, spending EUR 3,742 per capita in 2019, above the EU average, making Luxembourg stand among the countries with the best healthcare in 2024. Mortality rates from treatable causes have declined, but concerns remain over smoking and heavy alcohol use. Recent statistics show health expenditure at EUR 4,182 per capita in 2021, 5.7% of GDP, with a focus on prevention and significant public expenditure funded by social security contributions.

10. South Korea

Insider Monkey Score: 38.96

South Korea's health expenditure stand at 9.7% of GDP. Transitioning to government-mandated universal health coverage, 96.3% of the population is covered by national health insurance. Common challenges include chronic diseases like COPD, asthma, and uncontrolled diabetes. The country faces a higher death rate compared to the OECD average. South Korean hospitals have a significant number of beds, with 12.77 per 1,000 population, second only to Japan.

9. Japan

Insider Monkey Score: 39.04

Japan's healthcare system, Social Health Insurance (SHI), offers universal coverage, funded by 5% of salaries with a 70% government contribution. Health expenditure is 11.9% of GDP. Prioritizing preventive care, Japan provides free screenings and prenatal programs. Healthcare spending rose by 3.1% in 2011 due to the aging population and advanced care. Efforts focus on proper care delivery, with emphasis on primary care to address challenges posed by an aging population and reduce access disparities.

8. Israel

Insider Monkey Score: 39.47

Israel's healthcare system provides universal coverage through four independent health plans. Spending 7.4% of GDP on healthcare in 2023, below the OECD average, it's efficient and innovative. Increased private-sector health spending results in higher out-of-pocket expenses. The pandemic drives significant funding for health tech companies, with $14.7 billion raised in new funds in the first half of 2021. Out-of-pocket spending, 22% of total health expenditures in 2016, covers voluntary health insurance, adult dental care, and pharmaceuticals.

7. China

Insider Monkey Score: 39.68

China, standing seventh among the countries with the best healthcare in 2024 has established a comprehensive healthcare system aiming for universal coverage and basic medical service access. Over 95% of its population, exceeding 1.35 billion people, are covered by basic medical insurance (BMI), making it the world's largest healthcare security network. In 2022, healthcare expenditure surpassed 8.5 trillion yuan, with a government subsidy of CNY 550 per person for resident medical security in 2020.

6. Italy

Insider Monkey Score: 44.01

Italy's healthcare system, the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), offers universal coverage for citizens and legal residents, funded through national and regional taxes. It's decentralized, with 19 regions managing health services. Italy ranks second globally after France in healthcare quality, boasting high life expectancy and low infant mortality. Health expenditure, at 8.7% of GDP in 2019, is lower than in Western Europe, with 74% funded publicly. Common diseases include cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and respiratory disorders.

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Disclosure. None: The 20 Countries With the Best Healthcare in 2024 is originally published on Insider Monkey.
House Republican leadership appears to be officially backing down from their demand for lawmakers to address border security before any further aid was passed to support Ukraine in its war against a Russian invasion.

The news was made on Thursday at the House Republican retreat, with Speaker Mike Johnson telling reporters that bills to further fund both Ukraines defence and Israels military effort against Hamas would be brought up separately in the coming weeks. There was no indication that Republicans would continue baulking at the idea of passing either of them without first striking some kind of deal on immigration reform or border security that could pass both chambers of Congress.

In December of last year, Mr Johnson had made that demand explicit, telling the White House in a letter: [S]upplemental Ukraine funding is dependent upon enactment of transformative change to our nations border security laws.

But legislation that would have at least made an effort at reaching that transformative change died in the Senate after House Republicans made clear that the bill, a bipartisan compromise hammered out by negotiators from both parties with GOP leader Mitch McConnells blessing, was dead on arrival in the lower chamber. The legislation would have allowed President Joe Biden to shut down the US asylum intake system were daily illegal border crossings to pass a certain threshold. Donald Trumps demand for Republicans to kill the bill to prevent his opponent from scoring a political victory in an election year is widely credited with much of the GOP opposition in the House.

The news on Thursday is a reversal of Mr Johnsons previous stance and a sign that he could face newfound resistance from the far right in the months ahead.

One member of his caucus, Marjorie Taylor Greene, as recently as January said that she would trigger a vote on a motion to remove Mr Johnson from his position as speaker if he were to put a bill to fund Ukraines military on the House floor.

We cant fund Ukraine, she told NBC News, adding that it was an absolute no-go .... a reason to vacate.

Mr Johnson could be in for a tough political fight if Ms Greene or another Republican brings a motion to vacate against him; the GOPs majority in the House is now down to just five votes, thanks to the sudden resignation announcement of Rep Ken Buck.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., joined by fellow Republicans, speaks during a news conference ahead of the State of the Union at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, March 6, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. (AP)  House Republicans huddled in West Virginia on Thursday for a strategy-planning retreat designed to unify the often-fractious conference as they head into the final months before the November election.

One problem: Many didn't bother to show up.

It was the first annual retreat for House Speaker Mike Johnson since he took the speaker's gavel late last year after former Speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted from office in a historic move that left Republicans deeply divided and mired in dysfunction.

Johnson does not currently appear at risk of suffering the same fate. But he is trying to figure out how to guide his razor-thin majority through a series of legislative hurdles that divide Republicans, including how to provide military aid for Ukraine, finish government funding and reauthorize a federal surveillance program  all while trying to make a case that voters should reelect a House GOP majority.

Johnson said his message to the Republicans was simple: We have to stand together, stick together, get the job done, deliver for the American people.

Democrats have expressed growing confidence they can retake the House in November, but Johnson promised that lawmakers would be in a better mood next January if Republicans could sweep the House, Senate and White House.

But many Republican members did not hear that message. A broad swathe of the conference declined the trip to the Allegheny Mountains, where The Greenbrier, a 700-room resort, had been rented out for a few days of team-building exercises.

Several Republicans this week said they excused themselves to spend time with family or attend events in their home districts.

We spent far too many days in Washington because of the speaker debacle and appropriation negotiation  all important, but I just really need to spend time in the district, said Rep. Marc Molinaro, a New York Republican.

Others were more blunt. I just dont see it as valuable, said Rep. Eli Crane, an Arizona Republican who frequently defies leadership.

The annual retreat is designed to be a strategy-planning session, but also a chance to build comradery and personal relationships outside the busy halls of the Capitol, said Rep. Lisa McClain, a Michigan Republican who holds a junior position in GOP leadership.

I think it's really disappointing, McClain said of the absences. I know for me I wouldn't miss it. It's fun. It's a good time.

The turnout underscored how Republicans have been hobbled by conflict since taking the majority last year, though Johnson in a series of news conferences put a positive spin on their time in the majority, casting the House as a bulwark against the agenda of President Joe Biden and Democrats.

Major conservative wins are not easy to come by, obviously, but we are delivering for the American people nevertheless, he said.

GOP leaders repeatedly pointed out they are working with a historically thin majority that is only getting smaller. Rep. Ken Buck, a Colorado Republican, plans to resign next week, leaving Republicans unable to move bills along party lines if more than two Republicans defect. The GOP majority will be down to 218-213.

The dynamic has forced the speaker to reach across the aisle to pass practically any legislation. The House this week approved 352-65 a bill that would lead to a nationwide ban of the popular video app TikTok if its China-based owner doesnt sell its stake.

Johnson is also in the midst of negotiations on spending bills, including for defense and the Department of Homeland Security, that could settle a government budget debate that has stretched since the fall of last year. Johnson is also mulling how to advance aid for Ukraine through the House.

He is facing heavy political pressure on all sides. Democrats have launched an effort to force the aid package to the House floor. Hardline conservatives have vowed to forcefully oppose any aid for Kyiv. And centrist Republicans are becoming restive as they await action.

Bucking Johnson, eight Republicans have already signed onto a discharge petition  a procedural tool that can circumvent the speakers control over which bills come up for a vote. But the effort would need far more support  from at least 218 members  to be successful.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian soldiers are suffering from shortfalls of ammunition. The Pentagon announced this week it will send about $300 million in weapons to Kyiv after finding some cost savings in its contracts, but the military remains deeply overdrawn and needs at least $10 billion to replenish all the weapons it has pulled from its stocks to the desperate fight against Russia's invasion.

It's dire so we need to pass it soon, said Rep. Michael McCaul, the Republican chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

McCaul is working with a group of senior Republicans on potentially adding provisions that would turn funding for Ukraine's government into loans, as well as legislation that would allow the U.S. to tap frozen Russian central bank assets to compensate Ukraine for damages from the invasion. The idea has been circulating for weeks among Ukraine supporters in the House, though there has been little sign of progress.

The speaker expressed support for sending wartime funding to Ukraine but insisted to reporters he would only address it once the House settles government funding  a stance that could delay any action well into April as lawmakers ready to take a two-week break at the end of March.

Many Republicans also want to include border policy with the funding  a demand that ties it to one of the most fraught issues in American politics, and one that has held up the assistance since fall of last year.

I think we need to secure our border, McClain said. I owe it to my constituents and to Americans to take care of our house."
The U.S. House is drafting its own Ukraine aid bill which will look substantially different than from the one passed by the Senate, House Speaker Mike Johnson said, speaking to Republican senators, U.S. political website The Hill reported on March 14.

Johnson told reporters that he would work on an aid package for Ukraine.

No one wants Vladimir Putin to prevail, he said.

Im of the opinion that he wouldnt stop at Ukraine and go all through the way through Europe. There is a right and wrong there, a good versus evil in my view, and Ukraine is the victim here.

Johnson told senators that the House of Representatives would propose making support for Kyiv a loan or lend-lease program so that U.S. taxpayers would not spend tens of billions of dollars without any expectation of repayment.

Read also: House Democratic Leader urges republicans to pass Ukraine aid bill by March 22

He also spoke about including something similar to the REPO for Ukrainians Act proposed by Republican Mike McCaul, which provides for the confiscation of Russian sovereign assets and deposit the proceeds of liquidated property into a Ukraine support fund.

Johnson did not say whether such a Ukraine aid package would include tough border security reforms that could face opposition from Senate Democrats.

Republican Senator John Cornyn, who voted for the aid package passed in the Senate, said the seizure of Russian assets to aid Ukraine was a great idea.

Ive heard the Speaker now say Were not going to leave Ukraine empty-handed, or words to that effect, Cornyn said.

After hearing from Johnson, Cornyn said hes pretty optimistic about the House sending a Ukraine aid package to the Senate.

Read also: Pentagon plans to allocate $300 million to Ukraine as part of its 2025 U.S. Defense Budget

The U.S. Congress has not yet approved a $60 billion aid package for Ukraine. The Senate supported the bill on Feb. 13, but the House of Representatives has yet to consider it. CNN reported that the House may consider the aid package in late March or April.

Johnson promised a timely vote on extending aid to Ukraine following a meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House on Feb. 27.

During the meeting with congressional leaders from both parties, Biden emphasized the urgent need to allocate the aid for Ukraine.

Speakers of 23 parliaments and President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola have called on U.S. Johnson to introduce a bill that would allocate $60 billion to help Ukraine, the Ukrainian Parliament Chairman, Ruslan Stefanchuk, who initiated the letter of appeal, reported on Feb. 28.

Read also: House Democrats strive to fast-track vital Ukraine aid against some GOP resistance

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Get out and experience Indiana's natural environment with these events around the state this weekend and beyond.

From bats and salamanders, to weed removal and woodpeckers, there are plenty of opportunities for Hoosiers to learn about the state's flora and fauna as they explore Indiana's natural areas.

Friday, March 15

You Pick Hike, 8 a.m. at Lincoln State Park: Choose a trail at the park and an invasive species to pick. Invasive species make up a huge percentage of the greenery in the park this time of year, so they are easy to find.

Slimy Sallies, 2 p.m. at Potato Creek State Park: Learn why slime helps salamanders survive at Potato Creeks nature center. Meet a live tiger salamander and create your own slime to take home.

Origins of Indiana State Parks, 3 p.m. at McCormick's Creek State Park: Learn how McCormicks Creek State Park become the first state park in Indiana.

Timber! Understanding the Timber Rattlesnake, 4 p.m. at Brown County State Park: Meet at the nature center to get a close look at Indianas most venomous snake. Learn the history of timber rattlesnakes and how Hoosiers can share the state park with these animals. Program involves a live feeding, which may not be suitable for all guests.

Cyclists ride bikes Tuesday, June 27, 2023, along Fall Creek Greenway Trail, east of Binford Boulevard in Indianapolis.

Saturday, March 16

Migratory Bird Walk, 9 a.m. at Overley-Worman Park: Join a naturalist and explore what birds are migrating through Indiana this spring.

Weed Wrangle, 9 a.m. at Raccoon SRA (Cecil M Harden Lake): The Wabash Invasive Removal Project will be removing invasive plants from the park while teaching landowners how to do the same at home. Speakers and volunteers from the Parke-Vermillion Soil Health Alliance, Purdue Extension, and Indiana Department Of Natural Resources will be on hand to teach and assist folks in removal of invasive species.

Whats that waterfowl? Young birders walk, 11 a.m. at Eagle Creek Parks Ornithology Center: Walk the 2-mile Coffer Cam loop and learn identification tips for various ducks, geese and swans. Hosted by Indiana Audubon and Indiana Young Birders Network, this is a free event, but attendees must pay the park entrance fee.

Bats!!, 1 p.m. at O'Bannon Woods State Park: Meet at the parks nature center to learn about Indianas bat species.

Woodpecker Walk, 1 p.m. at Fort Harrison State Park: The parks naturalist will talk about the variety of woodpeckers that are heard and seen throughout the park. Meet at the Delaware Lake parking lot for a 2-mile hike.

Maple Syrup, 2 p.m. at Potato Creek State Park: Learn how to tap your own trees and check out historic photos of the sugar camp that used to be at Potato Creek. Meet at the nature center.

When is the next full moon: Here's when March's Worm Moon rises in Indiana

Sunday, March 17

Wildflower Hike, 8 a.m. at Lincoln State Park: Meet at the Col. Jones Home in Gentryville to see and learn about spring wildflowers.

Wetlands Awakening Walk, 10 a.m. at Indiana Dunes State Park: An easy, 1-mile hike with a naturalist to discover the creatures and plants starting to appear this spring.

Anuran Identification, 1 p.m. at Fort Harrison State Park: Join a naturalist to learn how to identify various frogs and toads as their breeding season begins. Meets at the visitor center for a 45-minute presentation.

The Science of Rainbows, 1 p.m. at Patoka Lake: Staff at the parks nature center will explain how rainbows are formed and why no one can ever find the end of one.

Public meetings and events later this month

Stop the Water Steal, Tuesday, March 19, 3 p.m. at the West Lafayette Public Library: Hosted by Stop the Water Steal. Lebanon Mayor Matt Gentry will take questions from the public about the LEAP Pipeline project.

Centerpoint Energy public evidentiary hearing, Wednesday March 20, 10:30 a.m. at the PNC Center, 101 W. Washington Street, Room 222, Indianapolis. The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission will conduct a public hearing regarding cost recovery and allocation issues related to costs incurred by CEI South pursuant to its precedent agreement with Texas Gas Transmission,

Environmental Racism in Indy neighborhoods, Sunday, March 24, 11:45 a.m. at All Souls Unitarian Church: An Indiana University researcher will share findings about how environmental contamination plagues certain neighborhoods in the city more than others. The event is open to the public and will stream online at https://zoom.us/j/94385152883.

Lookout Towers of Indiana presentation, Tuesday March 26, 6 p.m. at Otis Park: RSVP required by March 22. Learn about Indianas lookout towers, the history of their use and which ones still have public access.

Annual Outdoor Adventure Class, Saturday, March 30, 9:30 a.m. at Holliday Park: Central Indiana Wilderness Club is hosting this class featuring a variety of topics including selecting gear, trail safety, camping, backcountry ethics and pooping in the woods. RSVP here: ciwclub.org/event-5469832

Get your events featured in the weekly calendar

If you have upcoming events related to the environment or outdoors, send them to karl.schneider@indystar.com.

Karl Schneider is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach him at karl.schneider@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @karlstartswithk

IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Explore Indiana outdoors and environment this weekend with these events
NEW YORK  The elected officials behind a legal push to block Mayor Eric Adams administration from housing migrants at Floyd Bennett Field voiced outrage Wednesday after learning their court challenge had been quietly dismissed a week earlier.

Court records show Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Peter Paul Sweeney ruled against Republican Queens City Councilwoman Joann Ariola and Brooklyn Democratic Assemblywoman Jaime Williams on March 6, but the same court database still does not include the documents that would likely include Sweeneys legal opinion for doing so.

Ariola and Williams filed a lawsuit last year seeking to block Adams from housing migrants at the former Brooklyn airfield, contending that the site is prone to flooding and too dangerous. On Wednesday, they slammed Sweeney for his decision  and what they view as a lack of transparency.

I am appalled by Judge Sweeneys decision to dismiss our case, and disgusted to learn that he did so without notifying either party or the public, Williams said in a written statement Wednesday. We would love to know why he feels it is prudent to place 2,000 human beings in a flood zone in the middle of a National Recreation Area. This is a disgrace and an insult to every taxpaying citizen [who] resides in the area around Floyd Bennett Field, and a disservice to the people who are being forced to live in this compound.

For nearly the entirety of Adams time in office, he and his administration have struggled mightily to house the more than 180,000 migrants whove flooded into the five boroughs. The crisis has caused the citys homeless population to explode and has cost taxpayers billions of dollars to address.

With shelters bursting at the seams, Adams has had to get creative in housing the migrants, which led him last September to announce that the city had entered into a lease agreement with the federal government to use Floyd Bennett Field, with the city subsequently erecting several shelters and the state covering the tab.

The initial announcement almost immediately resulted in backlash, with many elected officials and advocates warning that the location was a recipe for disaster given its proximity to Jamaica Bay and an evacuation route. It also led to the lawsuit from Ariola and Williams.

To all those seeking to turn Floyd Bennett Field into a migrant base camp: We will not sit idly by and allow you to destroy our city, Ariola said at the time. We will fight.

President Bidens administration, which Adams has criticized for months for what he sees as its poor response to the migrant crisis, granted the city permission to use Floyd Bennett last August in a deal that Gov. Kathy Hochul helped get to the finish line.

Its not ideal, but we are doing the best we can with what theyve given us, Adams' Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol said just prior to migrants moving into the airfield.

Whether Justice Sweeneys court decision from last week will ultimately stand is unclear. John Ciampoli, the lawyer representing Williams and Ariola, said Wednesday they want to appeal, but he wont know if they will until he sees the decision itself. He said typically the parties to a lawsuit are notified directly by the court once a decision is rendered, but that didnt happen in this case. Instead, he found out by checking the court records online.

I cant help but think that its wrong, he said of the decision. But I havent read it so I dont know.

Ariola demanded Wednesday that Sweeney publish the memorandum explaining exactly why he has decided this way.

We will continue to do what we can to push for an immediate closure of the tent complex at Floyd Bennett Field, she said.

Its unclear why the documents have not been made publicly available. A woman at the judges chambers said the documents arent in his office and have been sent to the clerk.

_______
HOUSTON - A Houston man was sentenced to more than 50 years in prison for the deadly shooting of an acquaintance in broad daylight in 2019, announced Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg.

Cory Cornell Parker, 32, was convicted of murder by a Harris County jury after a four-day trial and was sentenced to 77 years in prison on Tuesday for killing 30-year-old Marcus Ealy on Aug. 22, 2019.

CRIME: Suspected serial rapist with HIV arrested in Carrollton; police police there are more victims

According to the Harris County DA's Office, Parker and Ealy had known each other since high school and ran into each other in the parking lot of a mutual friends apartment complex near Willowbrook Mall around 10:20 a.m. The motive behind Parker's actions remains unclear, but Ealy did not have any weapons when he was shot in the chest.

Cory Cornell Parker

Nearby neighbors saw Parker leaving the scene in a dark-blue 1980s-era Chevrolet Caprice after they heard the gunshot and ran to help Ealy.

Marcus Ealy

Deputies with the Harris County Sheriffs Office interviewed witnesses and charged Parker with murder. He was later arrested.

FOX 26 Houston is now on the FOX LOCAL app available through Apple TV, Amazon FireTV, Roku, Google Android TV, and Vizio!

"Marcus Ealy was a great uncle and a beloved member of a large extended family who was a big part of the lives of a lot of kids, not just his own nieces and nephews," Assistant District Attorney Heather Axline said. "This was an absolutely senseless killing, and theres no reason this young life should have been taken so abruptly."Parker must serve at least half of the prison sentence before he is eligible for parole.

Parker must serve at least half of his prison term before becoming eligible for parole.
Hundreds of people have been rescued from a scam centre in the Philippines that made them pose as lovers online.

Police said they raided the centre on Thursday and rescued 383 Filipinos, 202 Chinese and 73 other foreign nationals.

The centre, which is about 100km north of Manila, was masquerading as an online gambling firm, they said.

South East Asia has become a hub for scam centres where the scammers themselves are often entrapped and forced into criminal activity.

Young and tech-savvy victims are often lured into running these illegal operations, which range from money laundering and crypto fraud to so-called love scams. The latter are also known as "pig butchering" scams, named after the farming practice of fattening pigs before slaughtering them.

These typically start with the scammer adopting a fake identity to gain their victim's affection and trust - and then using the illusion of a romantic or intimate relationship to manipulate or steal from the victim. This often happens by persuading them to invest in fake schemes or businesses.

Thursday's raid near Manila was sparked by a tip-off from a Vietnamese man who managed to flee the scam centre last month, police said.

The man, who in his 30s, arrived in the Philippines in January this year, after being offered what he was told would be a chef's job, said Winston Casio, spokesman for the presidential commission against organised crime.

But the man soon realised that he, like hundreds of others, had fallen prey to human traffickers running love and cryptocurrency scams.

Those trapped in the Bamban centre were forced to send "sweet nothings" to their victims, many of whom were Chinese, Mr Casio said - they would check in on their recipients with questions about their day and if and what they had eaten for their last meal. They would also send photos of themselves to cultivate the relationship.

Mr Casio said those running the scam centres trapped "good looking men and women to lure [victims]".

On 28 February, the Vietnamese man escaped the facility by climbing up a wall, crossing a river, and seeking refuge at a farm. The farm owner then reported it to the police.

There were signs of torture on the man, including scars and marks from electrocution, said Mr Casio, whose team visited the man early this month.

Mr Casio added that several others have tried to escape but were always caught.

Police also seized three shotguns, a 9mm pistol, two .38 calibre revolvers, and 42 rounds of live ammunition from the centre.

Authorities are still in the initial stages of the investigation as most of those rescued from Thursday's raid are still "shaken", he said.

In May last year, Philippine authorities rescued more than 1,000 people who were held captive and forced to run online scams inside a freeport zone in Clark, a city also north of Manila - in what remains its biggest bust to date.

A UN report last August estimated that hundreds of thousands of people from around the world have been trafficked to Southeast Asia to run online scams.

The BBC has previously spoken to people who have fallen victim to these criminal networks.

Many have said they travelled to South East Asian countries such as Cambodia and Myanmar in response to job ads and promises of perks. They are trapped once they arrive, and threatened if they refuse to participate in the scams. Escapees and survivors have alleged torture and inhuman treatment.

Governments across Asia, from Indonesia to Taiwan, have expressed alarm at the rise in these scam centres. Foreign embassies in countries like Cambodia and Thailand, for example, have issued warnings to their citizens to beware of being lured into scam centres.

China issued public rewards for warlords who were running scam centres across the border in Myanmar - these centres were run by Chinese mafia families and targeted Chinese nationals. Many of those arrested have been handed over to China in recent months.
In this article, we will be taking a look at the 20 countries that spend the most on healthcare. If you do not want to learn about the global health market, head straight to the 5 Countries That Spend the Most on Healthcare.

The allocation of healthcare expenditures is a critical indicator of a nation's commitment to the well-being of its citizens. In exploring the topic of countries that spend the most on healthcare, we delve into a complex landscape shaped by factors such as economic prowess, healthcare infrastructure, and governmental priorities. By examining the top spenders in healthcare, we gain insight into the various approaches nations employ to ensure access to quality medical services and address the evolving needs of their populations.

Global Healthcare Services Market Overview

The global Healthcare Services market was valued at USD 11.3 trillion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 19 trillion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 8.96% during the forecast period. Global healthcare spending outside the US is expected to grow at a faster rate than within the US, with China planning to add 20,000 hospitals in the next decade to increase access to healthcare. Brazil, with universal health care covering 75% of the population, presents significant investment opportunities due to rising medical inflation in the private sector.

Top countries with the best healthcare include the United Kingdom, known for its National Health Service (NHS) providing comprehensive healthcare services. Germany offers high-quality healthcare with a strong emphasis on research and technology. Switzerland is known for its efficient healthcare system and high life expectancy. Sweden provides universal healthcare with a focus on preventive care and patient outcomes. Japan offers advanced medical technology and high standards of care.

In the US, health care is a significant industry with over 145 million members covered by the top 5 health insurance companies. The country has seen consolidation in the healthcare sector, with declining hospital bed numbers and increasing cross-border M&A activity. The US spends more on health care compared to other countries, with financial statistics indicating that Americans spend more on health within three days than a person in the Central African Republic does in a year.

Story continues

Navigating Healthcare Challenges and Opportunities in the United States

If you're 65 years old, there are high chances that you'll live for another 10 or 20 years. But about 95% of older adults like you will likely have at least one long-term health issue, like heart disease or Alzheimer's, during this time. This is a big deal because this year, the US is hitting a peak in the number of 65-year-olds. Many people don't realize how much money they'll need for healthcare once they retire, and that's a problem.

A Protected Retirement Income and Planning Study found that a whopping 84% of working Americans don't see health as a big deal when planning for retirement. But the reality, according to the Alliance for Lifetime Income and Cannex Financial Exchanges Ltd., is different. They say that 38% of retired Americans aged 45 to 75 retired because of health issues. In short, healthcare costs can add up to tens of thousands of dollars during your retirement years.

In the United States, healthcare costs have been going up fast. Between 2000 and June 2023, the prices of everything went up by about 81%, but healthcare costs shot up by 114%. The COVID-19 pandemic has made things worse. Even as we move towards a stage where COVID is more like the flu, it's still costing a lot to treat and prevent it. McKinsey estimated that the US will spend an extra $200 billion every year on COVID-related healthcare.

In 2022, nearly half of the total healthcare spending in the US went to doctors and hospitals. And get this: in 2020, the US spent almost a fifth of its entire economy's worth (GDP) on healthcare. But despite all this spending, the US healthcare system doesn't seem to be delivering great results. Life expectancy in the US dropped by 2.4 years from 2019 to 2021, while in other similar countries, it only dropped by 0.3 years.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) is a leading healthcare company committed to improving people's health globally. With a history spanning over 130 years, Abbott has built a diverse portfolio of market-leading products tailored to long-term healthcare trends. Their strategy emphasizes balanced diversity, with four major businesses across different regions and customer groups. About half of Abbott's sales come directly from consumers, making it highly consumer-facing in the healthcare industry.

In the fourth quarter, Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT)'s medical device sales were robust, driven by the success of the FreeStyle Libre glucose monitoring device, which brought in $1.4 billion in sales alone, marking a 25.5% increase from the previous year. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) aims to achieve annual FreeStyle Libre sales of $10 billion by 2028. Despite a slightly lower profit forecast for 2024, Abbott's quarterly profit met analyst expectations at $1.19 per share. However, the diagnostic segment experienced a revenue decline due to reduced COVID-19 testing-related sales, although it remained in line with estimates at $2.5 billion. Abbott anticipates an adjusted profit range of $4.50 to $4.70 per share for 2024, slightly below analyst estimates.

AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN) is a leading pharmaceutical company renowned for its innovative cancer treatments like Tagrisso and Lynparza. It emphasizes precision medicine and collaborations to accelerate drug development. AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN) plans to invest in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and digital health solutions. Financially, in FY 2023, AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN) saw a 17% increase in product sales to $17,145 million, with total revenue reaching $45,811 million. Key achievements include new medicine approvals and growth in oncology, cardiovascular, research, and rare disease sectors. AstraZeneca expects continued growth in revenue and core earnings per share for FY 2024.

20 Countries That Spend the Most on Healthcare

A smiling healthcare professional, treating a patient with the PLEX platform.

Our Methodology

For our methodology, we have ranked the countries that spend the most on healthcare based on their GDP share in healthcare as of 2020. For the accuracy of data, we have relied on The Global Economy.

Here is our list of the 20 countries that spend the most on healthcare.

20. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Health Spending as Percent of GDP: 9.84%

Bosnia and Herzegovina's healthcare system is complex, with multiple entities and funds overseeing it, making Bosnia and Herzegovina stand among the countries that spend the most on healthcare. Public spending on health exceeds regional and EU averages, with about one-third being private, mainly through out-of-pocket payments. The country faces significant health challenges, including high rates of non-communicable diseases and tobacco consumption. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted life expectancy.

19. El Salvador

Health Spending as Percent of GDP: 9.85%

El Salvador, with a population of 6.4 million, is focused on improving its healthcare system and reducing mortality rates. In 2020, it saw an estimated 7506 excess deaths, highlighting a death rate of 116 per 100,000 population. The Ministry of Health operates 31 hospitals and 372 health units, while ISSS manages 11 hospitals and 71 health units. Maternal mortality has decreased to 31 deaths per 100,000 live births, though challenges persist, especially in healthcare access and quality for the poor and rural residents.

18. Argentina

Health Spending as Percent of GDP: 9.98%

Argentina, one of the countries that spend the most on healthcare, invests heavily in healthcare, with expenditure reaching 9.98% of GDP in 2020. Mortality rates have fluctuated over the years, with notable increases during economic crises, impacting vulnerable groups like the poor, elderly, and women. Public healthcare financing correlates with lower death rates, emphasizing the significance of state investments.

17. New Zealand

Health Spending as Percent of GDP: 10.03%

New Zealand's healthcare system, predominantly government-funded (85%), provides free or subsidized services, yet certain groups face health disparities. The annual healthcare budget in May 2021 was $17.3 billion. Southern Cross Healthcare leads the private sector, collaborating with the public system.

16. Brazil

Health Spending as Percent of GDP: 10.31%

Brazil's healthcare system is a significant focus, with 10.31% of GDP spent on healthcare, making it Latin America's largest market. Spending has increased steadily, with per capita spending targeted to rise from $848 in 2020 to $1,165 by 2030, focusing on infrastructure and underserved areas. Mortality rates have decreased, with some fluctuations during the COVID-19 crisis, impacting different regions and demographics.

15. Australia

Health Spending as Percent of GDP: 10.65%

Australia prioritizes healthcare, with significant spending amounting to $241.3 billion in 2021-22, or $9,365 per person, representing 10.65% of the country's economic activity. Government funding covers 72.9% of this expenditure, with the Australian government contributing $105.8 billion and state/territory governments $70.2 billion. Australia boasts higher numbers of practicing doctors and nurses per 1,000 population compared to the OECD average but fewer hospital beds. Life expectancy stands at 83.3 years, three years above the OECD average, with favorable preventable mortality rates and self-reported health status.

14. Spain

Health Spending as Percent of GDP: 10.71%

Spain allocates 10.71% of GDP to healthcare, with cardiovascular diseases being a major cause of death, particularly ischaemic heart disease in men and cerebrovascular diseases in women. In 2022, Spain reported 464,400 deaths, with circulatory system diseases contributing significantly. Life expectancy is high at 83.4 years, the EU's highest, with progress seen in healthy life-years and reduced disability-adjusted life-years.

13. Malta

Health Spending as Percent of GDP: 10.84%

Malta's healthcare system, funded through taxes, emphasizes public healthcare, boasting high life expectancy and good health outcomes. It offers both public and private services, with eight public hospitals, including Mater Dei Hospital, and three private hospitals on the main island. Despite spending less per capita compared to the EU average, Malta's healthcare expenditure is significant, making Malta stand among the top countries that spend the most on healthcare. The COVID-19 mortality rate in Malta was 46% lower than the EU average by August 2021. The country's death rate is 8.6 per 1,000 population. Public healthcare is free for Maltese citizens and EU residents with a Malta Health Card, while private health insurance is required for non-EU citizens.

12. Japan

Health Spending as Percent of GDP: 10.9%

Japan prioritizes healthcare exceeding the OECD average. With abundant medical resources, including 2.6 doctors, 12.1 nurses, and 12.6 hospital beds per 1,000 population, Japan surpasses OECD standards. It boasts a low mortality rate from heart disease at 29.4 deaths per 100,000 population. Healthcare covers the entire population, with 85% of spending covered by mandatory prepayment and lower out-of-pocket expenses than the OECD average. Japan's high life expectancy of 84.5 years and lower preventable mortality highlight its effective healthcare system.

11. Belgium

Health Spending as Percent of GDP: 11.06%

Belgium invests significantly in healthcare, with public expenditure funded by government schemes and compulsory insurance covering around 43.07%. Despite this, many households face financial strain due to out-of-pocket payments, with nearly 260,000 experiencing hardship in 2020. The government is working to reduce these payments, especially for low-income individuals. Belgium's health expenditure as a percentage of GDP has been consistently high since 1980, reflecting its commitment to healthcare.

10. Maldives

Health Spending as Percent of GDP: 11.35%

The Maldives prioritizes healthcare spending, with low mortality rates and significant investment in healthcare infrastructure. In 2020, it allocated 11.35% of its GDP to health expenses, with a healthcare spending per capita of $800. The country's population was around 514,438 in 2020, and it falls under the upper-middle-income category according to the World Bank. The focus remains on maintaining a robust healthcare system to cater to diverse health needs.

9. Micronesia

Health Spending as Percent of GDP: 11.56%

Micronesia had a GDP per capita of $3,571.34 in 2021 with healthcare expenditure reaching 11.56% of GDP. Neonatal mortality stands at 24.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, and under-five mortality at 115,224 persons. The country prioritizes child health indicators like care-seeking for acute respiratory infections and diarrhea treatment. Progress is evident in maternal and newborn health, with 100% of deliveries attended by skilled personnel and high postnatal care rates. Micronesia has also made strides in sanitation and drinking water services, ensuring a significant portion of the population has access to basic facilities.

8. Kiribati

Health Spending as Percent of GDP: 11.64%

Kiribati, with a population of 126,463 in 2020, had a GDP per capita of US$1,606 in 2021, with health expenditure comprising 11.64% of GDP, making Kiribati stand eighth among the countries that spend the most on healthcare. Despite challenges in death registration data quality, the under-five mortality rate stands at 48.2 deaths per 1,000 live births. Monitoring death rates by cause, age, and sex is crucial for health trend analysis, although accuracy is hampered by data quality issues.

7. Lesotho

Health Spending as Percent of GDP: 11.78%

Lesotho has invested in healthcare, prioritizing it in public expenditure, but faces challenges in health workforce development and deployment, with a density of 20.72 doctors, nurses, and midwives per 10,000 population in 2020, below the WHO threshold. Health outcomes are poor, with high HIV/AIDS prevalence, low life expectancy (54 years), and malnutrition. Donor funding, primarily grants, significantly finance the health sector, with support from partners like UNICEF and the World Bank. Initiatives such as "Test and Treat" for HIV/AIDS and performance-based financing have improved healthcare utilization and key health indicators over time.

6. Switzerland

Health Spending as Percent of GDP: 11.8%

Switzerland stands sixth among the top countries that spend the most on healthcare, spending $7,179 per capita, 11.8% of GDP, higher than the OECD average. With 4.4 hospital beds per 1,000 population and abundant medical staff, Switzerland excels in health indicators, boasting lower obesity rates and preventable mortality. Its universal healthcare system mandates private health insurance for residents, covering most medical services with patient cost-sharing. Public financing contributes 62.8% of health spending, with a mix of public and private funding.

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Disclosure. None: The 20 Countries That Spend the Most on Healthcare is originally published on Insider Monkey.
The federal firearms case accusing President Joe Bidens son, Hunter Biden, of lying about his previous drug use to obtain a handgun is expected to go to trial in early June, a judge in Wilmington, Delaware decided.

At a status conference on Wednesday, District Judge Maryellen Noreika set a tentative start date for the week of 3 June for the trial.

Hunter Biden was indicted on three felony gun charges, falsifying a firearms application, lying to a federally licensed gun dealer and possession of an illegally obtained gun, in September.

Prosecutors allege that Hunter Biden unlawfully possessed a Colt Cobra 38S revolver for 11 days in October 2018, after he falsely claimed on a federal gun purchase form that he didnt use drugs.

Under federal law, an unlawful drug user cannot legally possess a firearm.

Now, Hunter Biden is facing up to 25 years in prison and fines of up to $750,000 on the charges.

The charges came after a Justice Departments nearly four-year-long investigation into Hunter Bidens business dealings, personal conduct and more.

Last year, federal prosecutors initially struck a plea deal with Hunter Biden  under the terms of the deal, Hunter Biden had agreed to plead guilty to two tax misdemeanours for failing to pay his taxes on time in 2017 and 2018. In exchange, prosecutors would not charge with him a gun possession violation.

Hunter Biden departs the Capitol following a closed deposition with members of the Republican-led House Oversight Committee (Reuters)

In that case, Hunter Biden is facing nine tax-related criminal charges accusing him of skipping out on more than $1.4m in taxes while enjoying a lavish lifestyle of exotic cars, drugs, escorts and girlfriends.

The presidents son has pleaded not guilty to the charges in both cases.

Hunter Biden is currently set to go on trial in the California case on 20 June, with the Delaware case now pitted to take place just days earlier.

In Wednesdays court hearing, Justice Department prosecutors said their case will likely last three to four days while the defence said theirs will take two days.

However, Hunter Bidens attorney told reporters that they dont expect the case to make it to trial. The defence has filed multiple motions arguing that the case should be dismissed because part of the plea deal is still valid.

They also allege that Mr Weiss is merely bending to the will of Republican critics who are weaponising the case in a bid to damage his fathers re-election campaign.

Judge Noreika has yet to rule on the motions.

Wednesdays hearing came the same day that Hunter Biden rejected an invitation from House Republicans to testify in a public hearing in the lawmakers flailing impeachment inquiry into his father.
A federal judge has scheduled Hunter Bidens trial to start June 3 in Delaware on three charges of lying about having an addiction to drugs when he bought a gun in 2018  two weeks before a second trial on tax charges is set in California.

U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika set the trial date during a phone conference Wednesday. The trial comes after she rejected a plea deal last July that would have potentially allowed the presidents son to avoid jail time on gun and tax charges.

Noreika still has to rule on several arguments from Hunter Biden that the charges should be dismissed. He has pleaded not guilty and his lawyers contend the case against the president's son is politically motivated after Republican criticism of the plea agreement.

Here is what we know about the cases:

Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, with attorney Abbe Lowell, left, leaves after a closed-door deposition in the Republican-led investigation into the Biden family, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024.

What are the accusations behind the gun charges?

The indictment charges Hunter Biden with knowingly deceiving a firearms dealer by buying a Colt Cobra 38SPL revolver on Oct. 12, 2018. He is charged with falsely filling out a federal form denying he was addicted to any narcotics. And he is charged with knowingly possessing the revolver despite the restrictions against people addicted to drugs owning firearms.

Hunter Biden has written about his struggle with addiction in a 2021 memoir and in newspaper articles.

The plea agreement would have allowed Biden to plead guilty to two misdemeanors for failing to pay his taxes in 2017 and 2018, and to enter a pretrial program for a gun charge that could have been dismissed if he complied. The deal might have allowed him to avoid prison.

Noreika refused to accept the deal because of disputes between prosecutors and defense lawyers over whether it protected Biden from potential future charges. Congressional Republicans blasted the plea agreement as too lenient.

Prosecutors led by Justice Department special counsel David Weiss deny the case is politically motivated and contend the evidence against Hunter Biden is overwhelming."

But Biden's lawyer, Abbe Lowell, has argued prosecutors are reneging on the plea deal and it should be reinstated. Lowell is also challenging the constitutionality of the gun statute.

Hunter Biden faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted on all three charges, although first-time offenders are typically given shorter terms.

President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden and Hunter Biden with his son Beau watch the Independence Day fireworks display from the Truman Balcony of the White House in Washington, DC, on July 4, 2023.

What other litigation does Hunter Biden face?

The gun case represents one of many legal battles Hunter Biden faces:

He was indicted on federal tax charges for allegedly failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes from 2016 to 2019. U.S. District Judge Mark Scarsi in Los Angeles set that trial for June 20.

The House Oversight and Accountability Committee has questioned him about his foreign business deals as part of an impeachment inquiry into his father. Hunter and Joe Biden have each denied that the president benefited from his sons business deals.

And Hunter Biden remains under federal investigation as a potential foreign agent.

Hunter Biden has also sued Rudy Giuliani over the release of salacious personal material from his laptop, the Internal Revenue Service for allegedly revealing confidential information about his taxes and former Trump White House aide Garrett Ziegler for allegedly accessing and tampering with data from the laptop.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Judge sets Hunter Biden trial on federal gun charges for June 3
Idaho law could soon prohibit transgender state employees and people on Medicaid from receiving gender-affirming health care if a bill pushed by Republican lawmakers passes in the Senate later this month.

House Bill 668 would forbid public dollars from being spent on any medical intervention or surgery that alters the appearance of a person in a way that is inconsistent with the individuals biological sex. The prohibition would apply to health care providers employed by the state or local governments.

Rep. Julianne Young, R-Blackfoot, co-sponsored the bill and told a legislative committee Thursday that gender-affirming health care is controversial at best and interrupts normal healthy sexual development. The proposal passed in the House this month and has been sent to the Senate floor.

The bill from Young and Rep. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa, is the latest in a line of bills aimed at the transgender community in recent years. At Thursdays hearing, transgender residents and their supporters testified that the bill discriminates against them and could lead to higher rates of depression and suicide.

Gender-affirming care for me  I am so incredibly happy in my life, said Saga Christian, who said they used to be homeless, severely unhappy and suicidal. This care has saved my life. And I wake up every morning just incredibly happy, and Ive never understood how someone could have this much joy.

Lily Pannkuk, who spoke against the bill, noted that the bill doesnt block specific medications, such as puberty blockers and hormone treatments, if theyre used to affirm a persons biological sex. Its blocking specific identities of people from accessing medication that everyone gets access to.

One family physician in Boise, Marvin Alviso, said he doesnt know how he would treat patients suffering from gender dysphoria who are on Medicaid if the bill becomes law.

Idaho bill will cost the taxpayers

Some opponents of the bill called it unconstitutional.

This bill violates the 14th Amendments equal protection clause, said Howard Belodoff, a Boise attorney. Belodoff represents transgender clients in a lawsuit against Idahos policy that deems genital reconstruction surgerycosmetic and not medically necessary.

The bill violates the federal Medicaid law, Belodoff said, which doesnt allow restrictions on care based on type of diagnosis or condition. If enacted, the bill would almost certainly be challenged in court, he added.

This is going to cost the taxpayers millions of dollars, he said.

Idaho was ordered to pay $2.5 million in attorneys fees in 2022 after the state lost a lawsuit from a transgender prisoner who was denied gender confirmation surgery.

Last year Gov. Brad Little signed into law a policy to outlaw gender-affirming care for children. A federal judge in Idaho stopped the law from going into effect late last year and ruled it was likely unconstitutional. Attorney General Raul Labrador has appealed that case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Impact on state insurance coverage unclear

It is unclear how the bill would affect state employees. Starting in July, the state is scheduled to switch to a new health insurance provider, Regence BlueShield. The company and the state Department of Administration, which oversees state health care policies, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Young previously told the Statesman that she didnt know how her bill would affect insurance coverage because insurance contracts are subject to negotiation.

One testifier, Isaac Craghtten, raised concerns that the broad language of the bill could potentially make it illegal for a transgender person to take prescribed hormone medication at work on state property or on school campuses.

Bill sent to Senate on narrow vote

Sen. Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, said the bill was discriminatory and voted against it in the Senate committee. She was joined by Sen. James Ruchti, D-Pocatello, and Sen. Jim Guthrie, R-McCammon, who said he had been convinced by the testimony against it and worried about future lawsuits and the discrimination.

Twice during the hearing, Sen. Treg Bernt, R-Meridian, thanked trans testifiers for coming to speak. I appreciate your courage, he told Nikson Mathews. Bernt voted for the bill, which was sent to the floor by a 4-3 vote.

Mathews, who is transgender and has filed to run for a House seat in Boise, told lawmakers that medical research shows gender-affirming care generally leads to improved health outcomes and saves lives.

If that is not medically necessary, I dont know what is, they said.
Idris Elba recently shared some big plans for his mother and fathers homeland of Ghana and Sierra Leone. The British actor told CNN that he wants to build a smart eco-city on Sherbro Island, located near Sierra Leone in West Africa. Elba said the revamped eco-friendly island, which will provide power to residents using wind and solar, will also make tourism more attractive.

At some junction, my business partner Siaka Stevens, who is the grandson of the former president [of the same name who served from 1971 to 1985], said: Look, someone needs to cultivate Sherbro Island for tourism. That was seven years ago, Elba told CNN. Where we are now is that we partnered with the government to figure out a plan of how we can bring in tourism. Well, it started as tourism  now were building a smart, eco dynamic city.

According to Elba, about 40,000 people are living on Sherbro Island, which features 19 miles of beachfront. The island is also a popular place for green sea turtles.

Sherbro Island used to historically be the point of no return in the slave trade. It was where England had their capital city of Sierra Leone [when it was a colony], in a city called Bonthe, which is still there, Elba said. And the relics of the city are still there: the grid system, road system, the old houses, the churches. Its an incredibly historically rich part of Sierra Leone.

While enjoying immense success as an entertainer in Britain, Elba has never forgotten his roots. The Wire actor said he has put together a strong team to execute his vision for Sierra Leone, which he sees as a country with incredible potential despite being one of the poorest in the world.

The key, he said, is to understand how to package an investment opportunity around this beautiful island without destroying it, being climate conscious, and being conscious that there is a youth culture across Africa of the average age of about 20, that wants something.

Ive suddenly found myself in the middle of trying to figure out how to pull this together, and what I did was get the best-in-class thinkers on how to build a robust investment framework for the international players to look at Africa in a different way, Elba continued. And thats what Sherbro Island is. Thats a very long-winded way of saying its my retirement plan.

Elba said Africa is known for its creative industries, including singing, dancing and storytelling, but its also a place that still has great potential to grow a lot more.

We need support from governments saying the creative arts industry does need support and an incentive for it to grow, he said. Ive made nine films in Africa, nine or eight films. Each time Im there, I see the opportunitys growing, I see the quality of the work growing, and I just want to contribute more.

Speaking about his acting career, Elba shared that he doesnt look back on The Wire.

No, I havent watched most of The Wire, he said. Its just because its an incredible time of my life. I cant watch it through that lens. Ive racked up some box sets. Ive got The Wire to get through. Ive got Luther season one to five to get to.

Elba, who moved to the U.S. as a young actor, said he faced great challenges at that time, but he also grew in confidence.

I went through a very tough time; at one point I was homeless, he said. In my early years, The Wire changed my life completely, and my daughter was born at the same time. So that really changed my life. Im always in and out of America. I live in England now, closer to my mum. My dads passed and so Im home in England now, but Im always there.
In this article, we will be taking a look at the 20 Most Forested Countries in Asia. You can also take a detailed look at the 5 Most Forested Countries in Asia.

Forests serve as vital ecosystems that support biodiversity, regulate climate, and provide essential resources for human well-being. In Asia, home to some of the most diverse and extensive forested landscapes on Earth, forests play a crucial role in shaping the continent's environmental, social, and economic fabric.

Forestation, the process of establishing and managing forests, holds immense significance for Asia's sustainable development agenda. Across the continent, countries have recognized the intrinsic value of forests and their potential to drive economic growth, mitigate climate change, and alleviate poverty. According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Asia's total forest area stood at approximately 670 million hectares in 2020, accounting for around 19% of the world's total forest cover. This vast expanse of forests encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia to temperate forests in East Asia, each contributing to the region's ecological richness and cultural heritage.

Sustainability lies at the heart of efforts to manage and conserve Asia's forests, ensuring their continued vitality for future generations. Sustainable forest management practices, characterized by principles of biodiversity conservation, ecosystem resilience, and community participation, form the cornerstone of forest governance strategies across the continent. For example, the Philippines has implemented community-based forest management programs covering approximately 1.2 million hectares of forested land. These programs involve over 300,000 households in forest protection, reforestation, and sustainable livelihood activities. Community-managed forests contribute to biodiversity conservation, watershed protection, and poverty alleviation, with studies showing a significant reduction in deforestation rates and improved forest condition in community based forest management areas.

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These practices aim to balance the socioeconomic benefits derived from forests, such as timber production, with the need to protect ecosystem integrity and maintain environmental services. According to data from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Indonesia's timber production reached approximately 28.7 million cubic meters in 2020, with exports valued at around $8.5 billion USD.

Forests are indispensable allies in the fight against climate change, acting as carbon sinks that absorb and store atmospheric carbon dioxide. Asia's forests sequester an estimated 7.9 billion metric tons of carbon annually, helping to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Sustainable forest management practices, such as reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+), offer opportunities for countries to access climate finance and incentivize forest conservation efforts while promoting sustainable development.

Moreover, economically, the impact of afforestation and sustainable forest management reverberates across diverse sectors, driving innovation, enhancing resilience, and fostering inclusive growth. Forest-based industries, including timber, pulp, and paper, contribute significantly to Asia's economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue and providing employment opportunities for millions of people. According to the FAO, the forestry sector contributes around $260 billion annually to Asia's gross domestic product (GDP) and supports over 70 million jobs, showing its importance as a driver of rural livelihoods and economic development.

International Paper Company (NYSE:IP) is a leading American multinational corporation engaged in the production of pulp, paper, and packaging products. It operates several pulp and paper mills in Asia, including China, India, and Indonesia, where it produces a wide range of paper products for domestic and international markets. While International Paper Company (NYSE:IP) doesn't break down revenue by region, its operations in Asia contribute significantly to its global revenue. International Paper Company (NYSE:IP) is known for its emphasis on sustainability initiatives, like their responsible forest management practices and certification programs ensuring the long-term viability of its fiber supply chain and minimizing environmental impacts.

Similarly, another notable company in forest-based industries is Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE:WY). Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE:WY) exports timber products to various markets in the Asia-Pacific region, contributing to its global sales. The company holds certifications such as the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) to ensure responsible forest management.

20 Most Forested Countries in Asia

IZZ HAZEL/Shutterstock.com

Methodology

To shortlist the 20 Most Forested Countries in Asia, we consulted the data from The Global Economy and Visual Capitalist to gain information on the most forested countries in Asia and to learn about the percentage of forested area in these top 20 most forested countries in Asia. We mostly relied on data from The Global Economy to determine the percentage of forested area in these countries, as of 2021. The list of the 20 Most Forested Countries in Asia has been ranked in ascending order  from countries with lesser percentage of forested area to higher percentage of forested area.

Please note, we have included Georgia in the list too, even though it is generally considered European. We have included it because of its transcontinental location.

By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a similar consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years. Whether you are a beginner investor or a professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders  check details here.

20. Bangladesh

Percentage of Area Forested: 14%

Bangladesh has a variety of forest types, including tropical and subtropical forests. These forests are crucial for preserving biodiversity, providing habitat for numerous plant and animal species, including the endangered Bengal tiger and the Asian elephant. Additionally, Bangladesh's forests play a significant role in soil conservation, helping to prevent erosion and maintain fertile land for agriculture. They also contribute to carbon sequestration, aiding in the fight against climate change. Despite facing challenges such as population pressure and urbanisation, Bangladesh has implemented conservation efforts to protect its forests, including establishing protected areas and promoting sustainable land management practices.

19. Singapore

Percentage of Area Forested: 21.4%

Despite its urban landscape, Singapore maintains approximately 21.4% forest cover, comprising fragmented patches of tropical rainforest, mangroves, and secondary forests. These forests are vital for biodiversity, providing refuge for various plant and animal species, including the critically endangered Raffles' banded langur and the Sunda pangolin. Singapore's forests also play essential roles in mitigating urban heat island effects, improving air quality, and enhancing residents' well-being by offering recreational spaces and promoting eco-tourism. Despite land constraints, Singapore has undertaken extensive reforestation and conservation efforts, including creating nature reserves and green corridors, to protect and enhance its remaining forested areas.

18. China

Percentage of Area Forested: 23.6%

China boasts diverse forest ecosystems ranging from temperate forests in the north to subtropical forests in the south. These forests are home to a vast array of flora and fauna, including the giant panda and the Siberian tiger, and provide essential ecosystem services such as soil conservation, water regulation, and carbon sequestration. China's forests also support the livelihoods of millions of people through timber production, non-timber forest products, and ecotourism. Despite historical deforestation, China has implemented ambitious afforestation and reforestation programs, investing in sustainable forest management and restoration efforts to conserve its forests and mitigate environmental degradation.

17. Philippines

Percentage of Area Forested: 24.2%

The Philippines maintains 24.2% forest cover, consisting of diverse forest types such as tropical rainforests, mangroves, and dipterocarp forests. These forests are biodiversity hotspots, hosting a plethora of endemic species like the Philippine eagle and the tarsier. They also provide essential ecosystem services such as watershed protection, soil stabilization, and carbon sequestration. The forests of the Philippines support the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on forest resources for food, medicine, and livelihoods. Despite facing threats from deforestation, illegal logging, and land conversion, the Philippines has implemented conservation measures, including protected area establishment and community-based forest management initiatives, to preserve its forests and sustainably manage its natural resources.

16. India

Percentage of Area Forested: 24.4%

India has diverse forest ecosystems ranging from tropical rainforests in the Western Ghats to alpine forests in the Himalayas. These forests are biodiversity hotspots, supporting a wide range of plant and animal species, including the Bengal tiger and the Indian elephant. India's forests provide essential ecosystem services such as soil and water conservation, climate regulation, and carbon sequestration. They also support the livelihoods of millions of people through the provision of forest products, fuelwood, and non-timber forest products. Despite facing pressures from population growth, agricultural expansion, and industrialization, India has implemented conservation measures, including protected area networks, afforestation programs, and community-based forest management initiatives, to conserve its forests and promote sustainable use of forest resources.

15. Sri Lanka

Percentage of Area Forested: 34.1%

Sri Lanka maintains approximately 34.1% forest cover, encompassing tropical rainforests, mangroves, and montane forests. These forests are renowned for their biodiversity, hosting numerous endemic species such as the Sri Lankan leopard and the purple-faced langur. Sri Lanka's forests provide essential ecosystem services like watershed protection, soil conservation, and carbon sequestration, contributing to the island nation's environmental sustainability. Additionally, forests play a vital role in supporting local communities by providing timber, medicinal plants, and livelihood opportunities.

14. Thailand

Percentage of Area Forested: 38.8%

The forests in Thailand are known to be biodiversity hotspots, supporting diverse flora and fauna, including the iconic Asian elephant and the Indochinese tiger. Thailand's forests provide essential ecosystem services such as water regulation, soil conservation, and carbon sequestration, contributing to the country's environmental health and resilience. These forests are also popular among tourists. Additionally, forests play a crucial role in supporting local communities through the provision of timber, non-timber forest products, and ecotourism opportunities. Thailand has implemented conservation measures, including protected area establishment and community-based forest management initiatives, to conserve its forests and promote sustainable land management practices.

13. Georgia

Percentage of Area Forested: 40.6%

Georgia consists of temperate deciduous forests, subalpine forests, and coastal forests. Its forests provide essential ecosystem services such as soil stabilization, water regulation, and carbon sequestration, contributing to the country's environmental sustainability. Additionally, forests play a significant role in supporting rural livelihoods through timber production, non-timber forest products, and ecotourism. Despite facing challenges Georgia has implemented conservation initiatives to preserve its forests and promote their sustainable use for future generations.

12. Nepal

Percentage of Area Forested: 41.6%

Nepals forests are renowned for their biodiversity, supporting iconic species such as the Bengal tiger and the one-horned rhinoceros. Nepal's forests provide essential ecosystem services such as soil conservation, water regulation, and carbon sequestration, contributing to the country's environmental resilience and sustainability. Moreover, forests play a crucial role in supporting the livelihoods of millions of people through the provision of forest products, fuelwood, and medicinal plants. Nepal has implemented conservation measures, including community forestry programs and protected area management, to protect its forests.

11. Burma (Myanmar)

Percentage of Area Forested: 43.3%

Burma consists of diverse forest types such as tropical rainforests, mangroves, and teak forests. These forests are biologically rich, supporting a wide range of plant and animal species, including several endangered and endemic species. Burma's forests provide essential ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, soil conservation, and watershed protection, contributing to the country's environmental health and sustainability. Despite facing many issues such as deforestation and land-use changes, Burma has implemented various measures, like sustainable forest management practices, to promote their sustainable use for future generations.

10. Cambodia

Percentage of Area Forested: 44.8%

Cambodia, located in Southeast Asia, boasts a significant percentage of forested area, accounting for 44.8% of its total land area. The country's forests not only provide habitats for wildlife but also serve as essential resources for local communities, offering timber, non-timber forest products, and ecosystem services such as water regulation and soil stabilization. However, Cambodia's forests face threats from deforestation due to agricultural expansion, illegal logging, and infrastructure development. Efforts to conserve and sustainably manage these forests are crucial to safeguarding Cambodia's rich biodiversity and maintaining the well-being of its people.

9. Vietnam

Percentage of Area Forested: 47%

Vietnam is renowned for its landscapes, with approximately 47% of its total land area covered by forests. These forests encompass a diverse range of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to mangrove swamps, supporting a wealth of biodiversity. Vietnam's forests are home to iconic species such as the Indochinese leopard and the Vietnamese mossy frog, as well as providing important ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and watershed protection.

8. Indonesia

Percentage of Area Forested: 48.4%

As one of the world's most biodiverse countries, Indonesia boasts extensive forested areas covering approximately 48.4% of its landmass. These forests span diverse ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, peatlands, and mangrove forests, supporting a staggering array of plant and animal species, including the critically endangered Sumatran orangutan and the Javan rhinoceros. Indonesia's forests also play a crucial role in global climate regulation, acting as vital carbon sinks and contributing to regional and global weather patterns. However, Indonesia faces significant challenges related to deforestation, primarily driven by agricultural expansion, logging, and palm oil production.

7. North Korea

Percentage of Area Forested: 49.9%

The forests in North Korea encompass a variety of habitats, ranging from temperate broadleaf forests in the north to subtropical forests in the south, providing habitats for diverse wildlife such as the Amur leopard and the Korean pine. Forests also play a crucial role in North Korea's economy, providing timber resources and supporting industries such as forestry and paper production. Despite facing challenges such as illegal logging and deforestation, the North Korean government has implemented measures to conserve and sustainably manage its forest resources, recognizing their importance for both environmental and economic sustainability.

6. Malaysia

Percentage of Area Forested: 58%

Malaysia is renowned for its stunning biodiversity, with forests covering approximately 58% of its total land area. These forests include tropical rainforests, mangrove swamps, and peatlands, hosting a remarkable array of plant and animal species, including the iconic Malayan tiger and the orangutan. Malaysia's forests are not only biodiversity hotspots but also provide essential ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water regulation, and soil stabilization. Conservation efforts, including protected area management and sustainable forestry practices, are crucial for safeguarding Malaysia's forests and ensuring the long-term well-being of its people and wildlife.

Click to continue reading and see the 5 Most Forested Countries in Asia.

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Disclosure: none. 20 Most Forested Countries in Asia is originally published on Insider Monkey.
Rutherford County Schools Director James "Jimmy" Sullivan proposes to move autism spectrum disorder classrooms from four middle schools to a La Vergne campus to address issues in behavior.

The district estimates fewer than 20 autistic students out of over 500 would attend the proposed campus that's a short drive from Rutherford's boundary with Davidson County. District officials expect to open the campus by the August start of the school year at a building that's currently the Roy Waldron Elementary School Annex for prekindergarten through first-grade students.

The proposed relocated autism spectrum disorder classrooms would serve grades 1-8 at a repurposed campus that also would provide behavior intervention classrooms for grades 1-5 relocating from three schools: Cedar Grove Elementary in west Smyrna, Plainview Elementary on the far southeast side of Rutherford and Walter Hill Elementary on the northside.

It is too much of a burden on an administrator that is not necessarily trained [to deal with the disorder]," Sullivan recently told members of the Rutherford County Commission Budget, Finance and Investment Committee.

James "Jimmy" Sullivan

Schools add staff for student behavior: 'We have to have a safe learning environment'

The proposal to move autism spectrum disorder classrooms from other parts of the county concerns special education advocate Nicki Vander Meulen. The classrooms would relocate from Whitworth-Buchanan Middle in southeast Murfreesboro, Oakland Middle in northeast Murfreesboro, Smyrna Middle in the central part of the town and Rocky Fork Middle in west Smyrna.

"I'm horrified," said Vander Meulen, an autistic adult and juvenile attorney who serves on the Board of Education for the Madison (Wisconsin) Metropolitan School District.

"The goal of special education is to identify children with disabilities and provide them an education in the least restrictive environment with their peers. This goes against federal law, and this, in my opinion, goes against human decency."

Nicki Vander Meulen

Vander Meulen suggested that Sullivan and other Rutherford County school officials reconsider the proposal.

"It doesnt matter if its a burden to an administrator," said Vander Meulen, adding that burden is not a legally recognized defense in case law before the U.S. Supreme Court for a policy in violation of federal law. "You are not entitled to a Cadillac education, but you are entitled to a free and appropriate education."

Vander Meulen also said she's glad to learn that the proposal would impact fewer than 20 children.

"That being said, it doesn't matter how many children are affected," Vander Meulen said, adding that what matters is that the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process is followed for each child.

Crews break ground on Blackman school: 'Breathtakingly beautiful piece of property':

The proposed school will focus on improving behavior

The proposal from Sullivan includes a nearly $2.4 million renovation of the current Roy Waldron Elementary School Annex, which used to be known as La Vergne Primary School.

The district is yet to announce the new name for the proposed school. Sullivan told county commissioners at the budget committee that the campus will be the "first alternative school for grades (1-5) in the county."

The county has two current alternative schools for grades 6-12 that temporarily serve students expelled from other schools for violations, such as hitting a teacher or illegally possession drugs. The Rutherford district also plans to add a third alternative school for grades 6-12 by converting a building the Board of Education purchased at 814 S. Church St. near downtown Murfreesboro.

The fewer than 20 children assigned to the autism spectrum disorder classrooms also have behavior issues, Rutherford County Schools spokesman James Evans said.

"We are not moving all students with autism to one school," Evans said. "We have more than 500 students with autism being served in the school district."

The goal for all the children at the proposed alternative school would be to serve them with trained specialists to help get the students back to a traditional classroom, Evans said.

"The parents are very supportive of that," Evans said.

'Our alternative schools are full': County seeks to buy building for expelled student

Board members back alternative school for elementary grades

Rutherford County Board of Education Vice Chairwoman Claire Maxwell said she needs to study the proposal to relocate autism spectrum disorder classrooms before taking a position. She had worked as a special education educational assistant at Riverdale High for four years prior to winning her board seat in 2020.

Maxwell does back the proposed alternative school for children with behavior issues in elementary grades, "so we dont have a bigger problem on our hands when they get to middle schools and high schools."

Claire Maxwell

Fellow Rutherford County Board of Education member Tammy Sharp also supports the proposal for the alternative school for elementary grades.

"We're just trying to get everybody in one building at Roy Waldron Elementary, and we needed an alternative school for elementary for some time now," Sharp said.

Tammy Sharp

Primary results for school leaders: GOP voters choose Vaughn, Vaught, Tidwell and Maxwell for Rutherford County Board of Education seats

Proposed school replaces Roy Waldron Elementary Annex

The former La Vergne Primary School, which is now called the Roy Waldron Elementary School Annex on Stones River Road in La Vergne on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024.

The district will have room at the Roy Waldron Elementary Annex next school year because the existing campus with pre-kindergarten through first-grade classrooms will be relocating children in the current zone by August to one of three schools that serve students through fifth grade, including two campuses with classroom space available to add students:

the main nearby Roy Waldron Elementary building that's a short walk from the proposed school;

La Vergne Lake Elementary, which is a short drive from the Roy Waldron campus;

and John Colemon Elementary in north Smyrna.

The Pre-K through first-grade classrooms are moving from the Roy Waldron Elementary Annex following the board's rezoning decision in November to relieve overcrowding in the fast-growing district.

The current Roy Waldron Annex houses about 360 students, but the proposed school will serve a much smaller count next year, Schools Director Sullivan told county commissioners.

We would not want that building to be over 100 with the high needs that it has," Sullivan said.

The proposed school will have a principal and assistant principal, and the staffing level will depend on the number of students and their specific needs, said Evans, the district's spokesman.

"The number of students served will be phased in as the renovations are completed," Evans said. "Renovations on the school to repurpose it will begin over the summer, and the school is planned to open in August, with any remaining renovations being completed over breaks during the year."

Impact of school board rezoning: 'This is not just about changing schools':

Advocate opposes warehouse approach for special education children

The former La Vergne Primary School, which is now called the Roy Waldron Elementary School Annex on Stones River Road in La Vergne on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024.

Housing a group of special education children at one campus would violate federal law, Vander Meulen said.

School districts "are trying to get away with this because its cheaper to just warehouse," Vander Meulen said.

Vander Meulen was unsuccessful in opposing a similar approach for autistic children in her district in Madison. She wrote a column about the issue December 2019 with the headline, "Why is Madison planning to warehouse disabled kids," for Wisconsin Examiner.

The Madison district, however, does require that an IEP recommend each child for the school rather than relocating entire autism spectrum disorder classrooms, Vander Meulen said. Parents are part of the IEP team that crafts and agrees with the education plan for each child.

'I'm very, very excited': Rutherford County Board of Education chooses Shelia Bratton as new chairwoman

Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at sbroden@dnj.com. To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscription.

Proposed alternative school plans

What kind of school: alternative school for behavior intervention classrooms in grades 1-5 and autism spectrum disorder classrooms in grades 1-8

Where would proposed school be: Roy Waldron Elementary Annex, formerly known as La Vergne Primary, to serve as repurposed school

What grades does current Roy Waldron Elementary Annex serve: prekindergarten through first grade

Current number of students at Waldron Waldron Elementary Annex: about 360

How much in renovation costs to repurpose school: nearly $2.4 million

Expected total number of students for proposed alternative school: 100 at the most

Where would autism classrooms move from to repurposed La Vergne school: Oakland Middle, Whitworth-Buchanan Middle, Smyrna Middle and Rocky Fork Middle

Where would behavior intervention classrooms relocate from to repurposed La Vergne school: Plainview Elementary, Walter Hill Elementary and Cedar Grove Elementary

How many children in the autism spectrum disorder classrooms would relocate: Fewer than 20

How many children with autism does the district serve: over 500

Sources: Rutherford County Schools Director James "Jimmy" Sullivan and district spokesman James Evans

This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Rutherford County Schools weigh plan to move autism spectrum classes
A picture circulating online appears to show supporters of US President Joe Biden 2020 victory and shows women holding posters that say "Biden-Harris" and "You're fired."

"Do these mask wearing, Biden supporting liberals, actually think theyre going to take my guns from me? Are they going to take them from you?" says a March 5, 2024 post sharing the picture on X.

Screenshot from X taken March 13, 2024

The image shows four women holding signs for the camera. All are wearing facial coverings, while one appears to be sporting a "Biden-Harris 2024" T-shirt.

One of the posters between them says: "Give up your guns or we will take them." The other, referencing the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, reads: "Abolish the 2A."

Similar posts from conservative influencers such as Ian Miles Cheong, who has previously spread disinformation, rocketed across X and other platforms as voters went to the polls March 5 for the Super Tuesday primary elections.

Biden and former president Donald Trump, who is facing several criminal investigations, have since clinched enough delegates to win their party's nominations, all but assuring a rematch in November.

But the picture of Biden's supporters is not from his most recent campaign -- and it is manipulated.

The original photo, uncovered through reverse image searches, shows one sign saying "Biden-Harris" and another saying "You're fired," a reference to Trump's catchphrase from his time as a reality TV host.

Reggie Aqui, an anchor for ABC7 San Francisco, posted it November 7, 2020 -- the day US media called Biden's victory (archived here).

Screenshot from abc7news.com taken March 13, 2024

"Bay Area celebrates Joe Biden, Kamala Harris' 2020 presidential win," says a photo caption on ABC7's website (archived here). "Supporters holding 'You're Fired' signs at Dolores Park in San Francisco on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020."

The woman seen in the altered version wearing a "Biden-Harris 2024" top has a Reebok shirt in Aqui's original photo.

AFP contacted Aqui for comment, but no response was forthcoming.

Gun control stances

The posts highlight stark differences between Biden and Trump on gun control.

Biden has pleaded with Congress to reform the nation's gun laws, urging Americans in the wake of a February 2024 mass shooting in Kansas City, Missouri to "make your voice heard in Congress so we finally act to ban assault weapons, to limit high-capacity magazines, strengthen background checks, keep guns out of the hands of those who have no business owning them or handling them."

In 2022, Biden signed into law the first significant gun safety regulations in decades, a bipartisan bill that included enhanced background checks for younger buyers and other reforms.

He also announced executive measures aimed at cracking down on so-called "ghost guns" that can be assembled at home in minutes.

Trump has vowed to reverse Biden's actions on guns if reelected, telling members of the National Rifle Association in February that "no one will lay a finger on your firearms" with him back in the White House.

The Republican has said in the wake of mass shootings that such "evil is one of the very best reasons to arm law-abiding citizens."

AFP has debunked other misinformation about the 2024 election here.
New images have revealed plans for a former Debenhams store that will be transformed into a university campus.

Nearly 4,000 students will attend the new University of Gloucestershire (UoG) campus at the old shop in Gloucester.

There will also be a new library, a public cafe and a health, arts and wellbeing centre in partnership with the NHS integrated care board.

More than 1,000 education, psychology and social work students will begin learning at the campus later this year.

A programme of business and community engagement is also part of the plans, including a student-led law clinic, which will provide free legal advice to local people.

UoG is also bringing forward plans to create an Institute for Education at the new campus.

Richard Graham, Conservative MP for Gloucester, hopes the new campus will allow Gloucester to become "Britain's best small city".

"Easily accessible skills training is vital for our city centre regeneration," he said, adding: "I look forward to seeing the interior digital designs of the public spaces soon."

UoG vice-chancellor, Clare Marchant, said the new campus presented a "unique opportunity for strengthening community connections".

"Having consolidated and strengthened our academic schools, we have taken the opportunity to look again at how our new Gloucester campus can best deliver a connected and high-quality student and staff experience and help us meet our ambitions to grow and be more connected to our community," she said.

"Having the teachers, psychologists and social workers of the future being trained in the heart of the city presents a unique opportunity for strengthening our community connections, through placements, research and outreach activity."

Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.
From the The Collision on The Dispatch

Welcome back to a briefer-than-normal Collision, where we look a little closer at the testimony former special counsel Robert Hur delivered to the House Judiciary Committee this week.

The Docket

A new filing from Donald Trumps legal team provides some insight into the former presidents defense in his upcoming Manhattan criminal trial. Trump will not invoke the advice of counsel defense, according to ABC News, meaning he wont formally say that his alleged criminal actions were done at the advice of his lawyers at the time. But the filing does lay out how Trumps team plans to argue that he lacked the requisite intent to commit the conduct charged in the Indictment because of his awareness that various lawyers were involved in the underlying conduct giving rise to the charges. (In other words, he didnt intend to do anything hes accused of and he thought the lawyers were handling it.) The trial, dealing with whether Trump falsified business records related to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels, is set to begin March 25.

Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee issued an order Wednesday striking six of the criminal counts against Trump and several of his co-defendants in the Georgia election-interference case. The quashed counts all relate to the defendants alleged soliciting of Georgia elected officials to violate their oaths of officecharges McAfee says Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis team has failed to provide sufficient detail on. McAfees ruling does not throw out any of the counts dealing with the corresponding overt acts, which is to say, the steps co-defendants are alleged to have taken to further their conspiracy. Willis may appeal the ruling.

One of the unidentified Mar-a-Lago employees referred to in the classified-documents indictment of Trump has come forward to defend the prosecution of his former boss. Brian Butler spoke exclusively to CNN earlier this week to say that he does not believe the case against the former president is a witch hunt. Butler revealed himself as Trump Employee 5 in the indictment and claims that he unwittingly helped Trump aide Walt Nauta, a Trump co-defendant, move boxes that contained classified documents.

Trump himself appeared in court in Florida on Thursday during a daylong hearing as Judge Aileen Cannon listened to arguments to throw out some or all of the charges in the classified-documents case. Attorneys from special counsel Jack Smiths team rebutted Team Trumps argument that the former president had used his declassification powers to alter the documents classification.

We have a trial date for Hunter Biden on the federal gun charges he faces, CNN reports. Judge Maryellen Noreika set the trial to begin in Delaware on June 3. Special counsel David Weiss charged Biden with lying about his drug use on forms used to purchase a firearm. Weiss also has charged Biden in California on tax charges, with the trial tentatively scheduled to start there on June 20.

The Hur-t Locker

Robert Hur, the recently departed special counsel investigating President Joe Bidens retention of classified documents, testified before the House Judiciary Committee Tuesday, at the same time that the transcript of the five-hour interview between Biden and Hurs team was released. And, like most things coming out of Congress these days, the whole ordeal was more noise than light. Hur clearly went into the hearing understanding that this was a game of partisan Ping-Pongand he was playing the role of the ball.

Democrats made statements masking as questions intended to make the point that Biden did not have memory lapses, that the special counsel wrote his report for the purpose of helping Donald Trump defeat Biden, and that Trumps actions were way worse. Republicans, on the other hand, wanted Hur to acknowledge that President Biden should have been charged, that Biden doesnt remember what planet he lives on, and that the charges against Trump should have been dropped yesterday.

Hurs job, however, was to defend his report, and he began by reminding the committee members that a prosecutor must satisfy three prongs before bringing charges: He must believe the person is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, he must believe that he has the evidence to prove the person is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and he must believe that it is more likely than not that a jury would convict the person. Therein lies the rub. Hur, in his report and in his testimony, said he believed that there were several reasons a jury would not convict what would by that point be former President Biden. One of those reasons was that they would believe Biden when he inevitably argued that he didnt remember that he had the classified documents in his residence.

Heres whats incoherent about the political responses to Hurs report. Democrats argued that the special counsel was just wrong about Bidens memory lapses and that no reasonable jury would have believed he couldnt remember the documents were in his basement. Taken to its logical conclusion, Democrats seem to be arguing that therefore Biden should have been indicted. And if Hur had wanted to hurt Biden, as many of the Democrats on the panel suggested, he had more than enough evidence just to recommend charging hima far more politically damaging outcome. Is Hur waiting for his Trump judicial appointment, as one Democrat insinuated? Unlikely. Hur oversaw the Mueller investigation into Donald Trump! Trump, as you may recall, was not favorably disposed toward the people involved in that event.

And on the other side, Republicans tried repeatedly to make the point that the Biden and Trump cases were too similar to have different outcomesone indicted and one not. And we should all expect Trump to use several of the defenses that the Biden team used as highlighted in the special counsels report. But lets be serious here. Trump is charged with obstruction of justice. Not only are those charges rock solid, but the same evidence can also be used to prove Trump acted willfully in retaining the documents. Remember: Trump is not charged with taking the documents in the first place. Hes charged with keeping them after it was clear that he knew he had them.

There was certainly some evidence in the special counsels report that Biden also knew he had national security information in his possession and kept it anyway. But it pales in comparison to the evidence that they have on Trumps state of mind. And Republicans who pressed Hur on how he should have recommended charges against Biden also seemed to miss the logical conclusion of their argument. If Bidens conduct justified charges, the charges against Trump must also be solid.

And then there is the public, which now has access to the transcript. We wont tell you what to think. Fair-minded people can reach their own conclusions about Biden. There are certainly instances where the president clearly has trouble remembering pertinent details of his life. (And, of course, in the press conference he gave after the release of the report, President Biden forgot pertinent details of the interview itself.) There are other times where his memory seems just fine. But Hurs job wasnt to decide whether Biden had the mental acuity to serve another term. Thats our job as voters. Hurs job was to decide whether he could win a case at trial. As he put it on Tuesday:

The evidence and the president himself put his memory squarely at issue. We interviewed the president and asked him about his recorded statement, I just found all the classified stuff downstairs. He told us that he didnt remember saying that to his ghostwriter. He also said he didnt remember finding any classified material in his home after his vice presidency. And he didnt remember anything about how classified documents about Afghanistan made their way into his garage. My assessment in the report about the relevance of the presidents memory was necessary and accurate and fair. Most importantly, what I wrote is what I believe the evidence shows, and what I expect jurors would perceive and believe. I did not sanitize my explanation. Nor did I disparage the president unfairly. I explained to the attorney general my decision and the reasons for it. Thats what I was required to do.

Sarahs View

Frankly, the circus around the Hur testimony was all pretty depressing. It is true what they say: Democracy is the worst form of government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.

In short, Hur wrote the report the way he did because those were the facts as he found them, and under DOJ regulations, he owed the attorney general a confidential memo laying out his reasonsall of his reasonsfor not bringing charges. In that sense, he sounded a lot like what we say we want from journalists but what partisans are rarely willing to accept: all the facts, not only the facts that fit a narrative, and an honest assessment of those facts without concern for whom it may help or hurt politically.

And for that reason, Steve Hayes and Jonah Goldberg have named Rob Hur our Dispatch Mascot of the Week. Congrats, Rob, I hear it comes with a Naw Dawg mug.

Read more at The Dispatch

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CHICAGO  Created amid controversy more than 30 years ago to help Illinois elect a Latino representative to Congress, Illinois 4th Congressional District was once best-known for being drawn in the shape of earmuffs in order to encompass several Hispanic Chicago neighborhoods and some suburbs.

Another truth has emerged during that time. Incumbency has translated into power. Ever since it was redrawn for the 1992 elections, the congressional district has had only two representatives in Congress  Luis Gutierrez and Jesus Chuy Garcia, who was all-but-anointed Gutierrezs successor.

But for the first time since Garcia took office in 2019, the progressive Chicago Democrat is facing a challenge in the partys primary. And that opposition is coming from three-term Chicago Ald. Raymond Lopez, 15th.

The contest not only underscores political differences as Lopez is more conservative than Garcia and the attention-grabbing alderman nicknamed Showpez has appeared frequently on Fox News criticizing Chicagos more liberal policies and mayors. Its also a contrast in personalities as the 45-year-old Lopezs sometimes-chaotic energy infuses his upstart campaign against the more staid Garcia, 67, who in making a bid for a fourth term in Congress has kept a tight campaign schedule as he shuttles between home and his duties in Washington, D.C.

The earmuff-shaped district is no more, having been reworked following the 2020 census to include many new suburbs. The 4th Congressional District now stretches from Chicagos Southwest Side into Cicero and out west as far as Oak Brook and Hinsdale and then north to Melrose Park and Northlake.

That change is key, Lopez said, in why he thinks he can defeat Garcia on March 19. Lopez said extending the district deeper into the suburbs, including parts of more-conservative DuPage County, provides room for him to make a case that hes a more moderate alternative.

Youve never had an opponent in this district, and (Garcia) didnt really campaign to meet his new constituents, Lopez said. In the first year-and-a-half of his term hes nowhere to be found. And thats something that even community groups have told him, because now hes trying to reach out and do all this stuff now, at the eleventh hour.

Garcia, of course, disputes Lopezs assertions as he says voters will recognize his 40-year tenure in Chicago and Illinois politics and the reputation hes built over that time.

While I dont take any opponent for granted, I am a trusted leader, Garcia said. I have built solid relationships with mayors across all of the suburban communities. Even some of the Republican mayors want to see me reelected because Ive delivered.

Before Congress, Garcia was alderman of Chicagos 22nd Ward and later was the first Mexican American in the Illinois Senate. He also founded the Little Village Community Development Corporation as a community organizer and was elected to the Cook County Board of Commissioners in 2010. Most notably, Garcia ran twice for Chicago mayor but lost both times. In 2015, he forced then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel into a runoff and last year he came in fourth in a mayoral bid many viewed as lacking energy.

Despite the setbacks in his efforts to become mayor, Garcia has been popular in his heavily Democratic congressional district. He won a third term in November 2022 with about 68% of the vote over Republican James Falakos and a candidate from the Working Class Party.

That popularity is going to make Lopezs efforts to upend Garcia difficult, as is Lopezs lack of campaign cash. Federal campaign finance records show Garcia spent $406,000 on the campaign through the end of February and still had about $106,000 on hand. Lopez had spent only $38,000 on the campaign during the same time period and had about $34,000 left in his campaign bank account.

Garcia also has the backing of local labor unions such as the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31 and the Chicago Federation of Labor, the Planned Parenthood Action Fund and the Congressional Progressive PAC. Lopez has the support of local chapters of the Chicago Fire Fighters Union, the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police and the International Union of Elevator Constructors, among others.

But Lopez says he isnt deterred and thinks his energy in the race could help his cause.

On a recent Saturday afternoon, the alderman darted around three of his Labrador retriever mixes lounging in his small campaign office on West 51st Street near Gage Park as his husband and paid campaign manager, Hugo, searched for a campaign shirt for him to put on before finding a neighborhood to canvas nearby.

As Lopez campaigned, several drivers pulled their cars over to talk to the alderman while he knocked on doors in the blue-collar Garfield Ridge area near where he grew up. Many residents Lopez spoke to brought up the influx of Central and South American asylum-seekers to cities like Chicago and said members of Congress have to address the issue head-on.

Michael Terrazo, a 38-year-old construction worker who has lived in Garfield Ridge for 11 years, told Lopez that restricting the resources provided to recent immigrants was one of his top priorities. He also told Lopez he supported lowering taxes and maintaining moderate gun control.

I would never vote for an extreme Democrat, Terrazo said. Weve got a lot of homeless veterans. Weve got a bunch of immigrants that came before and never looked for handouts.

Still, Terrazo said he likes Garcia and has voted for him in the past. While not committing to changing his vote this time around, Terrazo said he plans to do more research on both candidates before casting his ballot.

Both Lopez and Garcia said theyd like to prioritize federal resources for the asylum-seekers who have lived in Illinois longer than those who have recently been shipped to Chicago on buses from Texas or otherwise transported from border states. The issue has become one the most serious in Chicago since Texas Gov. Greg Abbott began busing migrants in Texas to Chicago and other cities to the north.

Its only fair for people that have been here and have been working, have been paying taxes, have been abiding by the laws, Garcia said. He added that while Lopez has expressed support for recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program while campaigning, some of Lopezs comments on his various interviews on Fox News signal support for reckless and dangerous actions that would seek to do away with protections for long-term immigrants.

The two also have pitched themselves as the commonsense choice to represent the district.

Garcia said he supports federal legislation to strengthen gun control to prevent mass shootings as well as robberies and carjackings. He also stressed the importance of keeping Illinois an oasis for those seeking reproductive health services and gender-affirming care and creating jobs while lowering the costs of prescription medication and food.

Ive lived in this neighborhood for over 50 years, said Garcia, who hails from Little Village. Im a father and a grandfather and my neighbors are working-class, average people. Thats how I stay rooted and why economic opportunity is so important.

Lopez called himself an upstart firecracker as well as a potential bridge across party lines, which he thinks would help him get things done in Congress. Among his priorities are banning assault weapons and taking steps to reduce the national debt. Before becoming alderman, he worked as a skycap for Southwest Airlines at Midway Airport for 13 years.

Im not coming in as a hyper-partisan politician like Chuy Garcia, Lopez said. For him, negotiating in the middle is still to the left of center within his own conference, let alone whatever other people want to talk about.

While Lopez slams him as little more than a partisan, Garcia is trying to run not only on his political positions but on the federal funds hes brought back to his district and Illinois, including billions of dollars for infrastructure improvements, for energy and environmental projects and for small businesses through the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan and the Paycheck Protection Program.

Lopez counters that while hes a more conservative member of the increasingly progressive City Council, he has voted for ordinances to end the citys subminimum wage for tipped workers, supported increasing the citys minimum wage and endorsed mandating all businesses to grant paid sick leave to employees. He promotes those positions on his campaign website.

Still, Lopez has cast no votes tied to the minimum wage and paid sick leave. He didnt vote in favor of former Mayor Lori Lightfoots management ordinance that established the increased minimum wage in 2019 and he also voted against last years amendment to the Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance that doubled the citys paid leave mandate to 10 days.

I supported labor; I supported organizations; I supported my colleagues, stood at press conferences all advocating for this, but because of the gimmicks of the now deposed mayor, I was put between a rock and a hard place, Lopez said about his vote against the minimum wage increase. As a future member of Congress, theres a reason why people like having stand-alone bills or stand-alone ordinances. The only time that youd have to resort to bundling is to mask the bad policy decisions being made by the executive branch.

Since joining the council, Lopez has proved a loud and harsh critic of the citys mayors. Lopez made headlines for criticizing Lightfoots response to crime that arose as he opposed many of her policies early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Last month, he received criticism from others on the City Council for a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating that Black city leadership, including Mayor Brandon Johnson, had failed to elevate the Black community as they commemorated Black History Month.

As Lopez has feuded with the citys mayors, hes been the subject of much criticism himself. Lightfoot once accused Lopez of carrying water for now-convicted Ald. Ed Burke, Lopezs ward neighbor and ally.

Lopez defended some of his more controversial comments as showing his authenticity and willingness to stand up for what he believes his constituents want to see accomplished.

What resonates and brings people to me is the fact that I am genuine in my beliefs and genuine and honest with my feelings about things, Lopez said. Chicagoans can handle it and they miss having someone whos just gonna cut through all the BS.

As Garcia and Lopez fight it out for Congress, the two are also involved in a proxy battle as Lopez vies for reelection as the 15th Wards Democratic committeeman. Garcia is supporting his opponent, Jorge Agustin, with the two appearing at several fundraising and canvassing events together.

While political insiders might view Garcias backing of Lopezs opponent as little more than a creative way to dig at Lopez, Garcia has long backed progressive candidates on the Southwest Side and said his support for Jorge Agustin is part of that pattern as Garcia hopes to influence the future of party leadership.

Its developing that next generation of leaders who are not just those who run for office, but those who help others get elected, Garcia said. Were about being inclusive and accountable, and the incumbent in the 15th Ward isnt cut from that cloth. He hasnt delivered, and he defends old-guard politicians, like Ed Burke.

____
Pinki Sonkar with the Oscar that she won for Smile Pinki and with her father in Uttar Pradesh - News18

An Indian schoolgirl who escaped destitution to become a poster-child at Wimbledon after starring in an Oscar-winning documentary is back in poverty and lives in a house with no door.

Pinki Sonkar, who at five years old starred in the acclaimed film Smile Pinki, about her life-changing surgery for a cleft lip, enjoyed a spell of fame, rubbing shoulders with Hollywood A-listers at the Academy Awards when the film won an Oscar in 2009.

In 2013, she was invited to toss the coin for the mens singles final at Wimbledon, kicking off Andy Murrays historic victory over Novak Djokovic.

But Ms Sonkar, who is now 18, is back in India living in her village in the Mirzapur district, in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

I find myself in the same circumstances as before the Oscar, studying and working at home, Ms Sonkar told The Telegraph. Nothing has changed for me.

The documentary followed Ms Sonkar and another young child, Ghutaru, who were both born with cleft lips and suffered cruel abuse and taunts.

Pinki Sonkar performs the coin toss before the 2013 Wimbledon tennis mens final between Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic

I was socially ostracised because of my deformity. I remember being treated as an outcast by my schoolmates. My relatives didnt want me around and used to consider me inauspicious, she told Indias News 18 channel.

After being spotted by Smile Train India, an non-governmental organisation, she was given surgery for free by Subodh Kumar Singh, a Varanasi-based plastic surgeon, helping her to overcome her trauma.

Visiting the Oscars was a great experience, it filled me with joy, said Ms Sonkar. Nowadays, I attend school, though apart from journalists, no one comes to see me.

Ms Sonkar watches the Oscars every year. Its the only way to relive the moments which I once lived, she told News 18.

But, in no time, the fairytale ended and I was back to my real life, which is full of pain, trauma and poverty, she said. She said her life story was one full of false promises, poverty, hardships and short-lived fame.

Although the state gave her family a small parcel of land, life in the village is hard.

The villagers have to walk nearly half a kilometre to the well to fetch water for our daily use, she said.

The familys two-room house has no running water, no bathroom and no front door. Frequent power outages often render our phones non-functional, as we struggle to keep them charged, she added.

Pinki holding hands with Megan Mylan, the director/producer of Smile Pinki, at the Oscars - Dan MacMedan/WireImage

Despite the adversity, Ms Sonkar remains committed to helping her village out of poverty and said she had begun assembling a library in her home with books donated by others.

I no longer work in the fields; its now my father and brothers who tend to that. Instead, I concentrate on studying and doing domestic tasks, much like countless other Indian girls, she said.

Ms Sonkar said she had been showered with attention after the Oscars win. She said she had been invited to become an ambassador for the Indian governments Beti Bachao Beti Padhao or save the young girl, educate the young girl initiative, set up in 2015 to address the sex ratio imbalance in the country.

But nothing ever came of it, and while she acknowledges the support received from organisations like Smile Train India, uncertainty looms over her future.

Ms Sonkars dreams of pursuing higher education are clouded by financial constraints and uncertainty.

Im studying commerce, but as for my future plans, I dont have any, she said. With two brothers and three sisters, life is busy.

But Ms Sonkar said she was confident that she would beat poverty one day and help unfortunates like her, she told News 18.

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Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the death of an infant whose remains were found lying in the street.

Authorities discovered an unresponsive infant as they arrived on scene at an intersection in McConnellsburg Borough on March 11, according to a new release from Pennsylvania State Police.

The infant was pronounced dead at the scene despite immediate medical intervention, police said.

Fulton County Coroner Berley Souders said he believes the baby may have been in its ninth month of fetal development, according to WGAL.

This is the most bizarre case Ive ever been involved in, he told the news outlet.

Misty Shives, who lives close to where the infant was discovered, said a placenta and umbilical cord were visible on the sidewalk, according to WGAL.

The circumstances surrounding the babys death are being treated as suspicious, according to authorities.

Were exhausting all leads and investigative tools that we have, Trooper Jacob Rhymestine told McClatchy News.

Souders said more tests than usual are being done to determine who the baby belongs to and the circumstances of its death, WGAL reported.

Anyone with information is asked to call State Police at 717-485-3131.

McConnellsburg is about a 130-mile drive southeast of Pittsburgh.

1-year-old twins faced abuses incomprehensible in their heinousness, PA officials say

Woman drowns baby in hotel bathtub, then throws body in dumpster, Minnesota cops say

New dad beats baby to death while mom works, Florida cops say. Beautiful baby girl
Protestors hold placards with message related to the NHS infected blood scandal as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak gives evidence to the Infected Blood Inquiry in London, on 26 July, 2023

Thousands of people in the UK were infected with HIV and hepatitis C after being given contaminated blood products during the 1970s and 1980s.

A public inquiry into what has been called the biggest treatment disaster in NHS history will publish its findings in May, but victims are still campaigning for compensation.

Who was affected by the infected blood scandal and how many patients were involved?

Two main groups of NHS patients were caught up in the scandal.

Firstly, haemophiliacs - and those with similar disorders - who have a rare genetic condition which means their blood does not clot properly.

People with haemophilia A have a shortage of a clotting agent known as Factor VIII. People with haemophilia B don't have enough Factor IX.

In the 1970s, a new treatment was developed to replace the missing clotting agents, made from donated human blood plasma.

But whole batches of the replacement Factor VIII and IX products were contaminated with deadly viruses.

The infected blood inquiry estimates that 1,250 people with bleeding disorders in the UK developed both HIV and hepatitis C as a result, including 380 children.

Around two-thirds later died of Aids-related illnesses. Some of those infected unintentionally gave HIV to their partners.

Another 2,400 to 5,000 people developed hepatitis C on its own, which can cause cirrhosis and liver cancer.

The second group of patients were given a contaminated blood transfusion after childbirth, surgery or other medical treatment between 1970 and 1991.

Estimating the size of this group is difficult, but the inquiry thinks up to 100 may have been infected with HIV, and between 21,000 and 39,000 with hepatitis C.

Why did the infected blood scandal happen?

In the 1970s, the UK was struggling to meet the demand for blood-clotting treatments, so imported supplies from the US.

But much of the blood was bought from high-risk donors such as prison inmates and drug-users.

Factor VIII was made by pooling plasma from tens of thousands of donors.

If just one was carrying a virus, the entire batch could be contaminated.

UK blood donations were not routinely screened for hepatitis C until 1991, 18 months after the virus was first identified in a laboratory.

What did the authorities know about infected blood?

By the mid-1970s, there were repeated warnings that imported US Factor VIII carried a greater risk of viral infection.

But attempts to make the UK more self-sufficient in blood products in the following years failed, so the NHS continued to use foreign supplies.

Campaigners say haemophiliacs could have been offered an alternative treatment called Cryoprecipitate. This was less effective and harder to administer, but was made from the blood plasma of a single donor, lowering the infection risk.

As late as November 1983, the government insisted there was no "conclusive proof" that HIV could be transmitted in blood, a line robustly defended by former health minister Ken Clarke when he appeared before the inquiry.

By April 1985, all Factor VIII products were heat-treated to kill the HIV virus.

When was the infected blood inquiry set up and when will it report?

The UK-wide infected blood inquiry was announced in 2017 after years of campaigning by victims.

It was led by former judge Sir Brian Langstaff, and took evidence between 2019 and 2023.

The inquiry will publish its report on 20 May.

It had been expected in autumn 2023, but Sir Brian said more time was needed to prepare "a report of this gravity".

Who gave evidence to the inquiry?

One of the first to take the stand was Derek Martindale, who has haemophilia. He was diagnosed with HIV and given a year to live in 1985, aged 23. He survived but his brother - who was also infected with HIV - did not.

The inquiry also heard harrowing testimony from former pupils at Treloar's, a specialist boarding school in Hampshire, where dozens of young haemophiliacs were infected with HIV.

Specialist haemophilia doctors working at the time also gave evidence.

As well as Lord Clarke, the inquiry heard from former and current ministers in all four UK nations, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt.

Will victims of the infected blood scandal get compensation?

Those infected have received annual financial support from the government, but a final compensation deal has not been agreed.

In late 2022, following advice from the inquiry, the government made interim payments of 100,000 each to around 4,000 surviving victims and some bereaved partners.

In April 2023, Sir Brian said interim compensation should also be offered to the children and parents of those infected.

He also recommended a final compensation scheme be set up, with the total cost likely to run into billions.

The government said it would be "inappropriate" to consider final compensation payments ahead of the inquiry's full report.

What happened in other countries which were affected by inflected blood?

Many other countries were affected by the same scandal, although some - including Finland - were self-sufficient in Factor VIII, which minimised HIV infections.

In the US, companies that supplied infected products have paid out millions of dollars in out-of-court settlements.

Politicians and drug companies have been convicted of negligence in other countries, including France and Japan.

In his evidence to the inquiry, former health secretary Andy Burnham suggested there may be grounds for charges of corporate manslaughter in the UK.
In Jordan, workers diligently pack aid from across the country  and the world  onto pallets they hope will be delivered to Gaza by land and air.

There are a total of 10 warehouses, crammed with food and medical supplies, clean water and hygiene kits as well as shelters, blankets and clothes. The stickers show the aid comes from countries across the world, as well as the biggest aid agencies and charities.

The need in the tiny besieged enclave, particularly in the war-ravaged north, is unprecedented according to the UN  which has warned a quarter of the 2.3 million strong population are one step from famine. Children are now dying from hunger and disease, not just Israels bombardment.

This aid  about 90 miles (150km) from north Gaza  could save lives. If all of it could get there.

COGAT, the Israeli defence ministry unit tasked with coordinating with the Palestinians, has told The Independent that Israel is actively engaged in significant endeavours to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. COGAT frequently posts on X/Twitter, that there are no limits to the amount of humanitarian aid that can enter Gaza.

But UN agencies, human rights and aid organisations, as well private charitable initiatives, speaking to The Independent, have accused Israel, which controls everything that goes into and through Gaza, of strangling  and in some cases blocking  assistance with a Kafka-esque system that is having a devastating effect. One UN official says that looming famine in the besieged strip is man-made and primarily caused by restricted access.

We have warehouses that are completely full that are just sitting waiting to dispatch to Gaza in different ways, says one senior humanitarian aid official on the ground in Jordan, who asked not to be named over concerns of backlash.

One of the main things that is making an obstacle is Israels procedures of inspections that they are following on the borders. They never gave us a clear list of what items are allowed or not allowed to enter Gaza  it is a ghost list.

A Palestinian woman waits to receive aid from a UNRWA distribution in Rafah (Reuters)

Sometimes we get approval to cross into Israel, and when we get to the [crossing] we get a no, he adds.

The aid official says it has had a devastating effect on Gaza. During the war they were afraid to die of shelling. Now they are dying because of lack of water, food and medicines.

Israel launched its heaviest-ever bombardment of Gaza and a total siege in retaliation against the bloody Hamas militant attack on southern Israel on 7 October, Around 1,200 people were killed in that attack, with another 250 taken hostage, including toddlers. Up to 136 of the hostages remain in Gaza, an unknown number are still alive.

Israels bombardment has killed more than 30,000 Palestinians, the vast majority women and children, according to Palestinian health officials in the Hamas-run strip. At least 60 per cent of Gazas homes and buildings have reportedly been destroyed or damaged. More than three-quarters of the strips population are displaced.

This has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis according to the UN. As conditions have worsened, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent genocidal acts, including ensuring aid reaches Palestinians under siege.

The European Unions top diplomat, Josep Borrell, told the UN Security Council on Tuesday that this crisis was not a natural disaster It is man-made.

Starvation is being used as a weapon of war, he added, an accusation also made by Human Rights Watch that said this constitutes a war crime. Israel denies this.

Hundreds of thousands of people are now just one step from famine, and disease is rife according to aid agencies. Particularly in the north of the strip, where only a trickle of aid is getting in. There, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that due to food, hygiene and clean water shortages a sixth of children under two years old are now acutely malnourished and 3 per cent suffer from severe muscle wastage. Palestinian health ministry officials have said at least 25 people have died from malnutrition and dehydration. Dr Mohammed Salha, in Al-Awda hospital in north Gaza, stated that pregnant women were now miscarrying, as they were so malnourished.

This should not be happening, UN officials say, as Gaza  which is only 42km long and in some places just 10km wide  should be accessible for aid deliveries.

There are at least half a dozen land crossing points along its borders with Israel and Egypt but most were closed after the 7 October attacks. None are open in the north, where 300,000 people are living in an area that is experiencing one the most acute humanitarian catastrophes in the world right now.

This looming famine is man-made and primarily caused by the very slow and restricted access of food to the Gaza Strip, especially in the north, says Tamara Alrifai from the United Nationss Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA  the biggest UN agency operating in Gaza.

Palestinians carry bags of flour from an aid truck in Gaza City last month (Reuters)

Now, the entire population in Gaza almost exclusively rely on a trickle of humanitarian assistance, especially since the commercial supply line remains largely interrupted, Alrifai says.

UNRWA told The Independent that in February an average of 99 trucks of humanitarian assistance went into the Gaza Strip every day, nearly half the amount making the same trip in January. Both fell well below the target of 500 trucks of supplies (commercial and humanitarian) that used to cross into Gaza every day before the conflict.

COGAT has rejected the claim that there has been a decrease in authorised aid trucks. Prior to the war, COGAT said that approximately 70 trucks carrying food were permitted to enter Gaza on a daily basis  now the average is around 102, a 45 per cent increase according to its own statistics. However these numbers do not take into account the commercial supply of food, which has been interrupted, and the huge surge in reliance on aid from the outside.

The UNs food and agriculture agency (FAO) said two weeks ago that Gazas food production pre-war allowed self-sufficiency in most fruits and vegetables but the conflict has severely disrupted this. According to FAO, 42 per cent of Gazas cropland has been damaged. By the end of January, all broiler poultry are assumed to have been slaughtered or died due to lack of water and fodder, while approximately 70 per cent of beef cattle are estimated to be dead. Fishing has come to a standstill and bakeries have been bombed. Aid is the only way for many to eat.

Aid convoys that do get into Gaza say they have come under Israeli fire. On 5 February, UNRWA reported that one of its convoys was hit by an Israeli tank shell. The Israeli military has yet to publicly comment but said it is looking into the incident. On Wednesday, the UNRWA said an Israeli strike on one of its aid distribution centres in Rafah killed a UN staffer and wounded 22 others. The Israeli military said the strike killed a Hamas operative. The WHO has also said convoys have come under fire and threat.

Trucks containing humanitarian aid from the World Food Programme in northern Gaza (Reuters)

If the shipments, which are approved to enter Gaza via the southern border crossings, try to head to the north, they are often stopped by Israeli military checkpoints or are not approved to continue their journey, according to multiple UN agency officials who were interviewed.

UNRWA said more than half of its requests to bring much-needed water, food and medical supplies to the north have been rejected by Israel since the start of the war in October. The organisation has not been able to access the northern part of the besieged areas since 23 January, despite repeated requests.

The World Food Programme (WFP) delivered food to northern Gaza on Tuesday for the first time in three weeks. Prior to that, they had only managed to get seven convoys to the north since the beginning of the year. They said their last attempt on 5 March was turned around by an Israeli checkpoint and rerouted.

The WHO said only three out of 16 missions to north Gaza in January were facilitated by Israel and none were allowed in February. Their first approved trip to Al-Awda and Kamal Adwan hospitals since the war began was on 1 March.

If the system would work you could talk about 10 to 15 missions to the north each day  its not happening right now, said Richard Peeperkorn, the WHO representative for the occupied Palestinian Territory.

In response to questions by The Independent on why the Israeli military had restricted access to the north, it said The IDF carries out humanitarian operations and will continue to do so. The decisions on the locations and timings of them are based on assessments of the situation. Facing mounting pressure after the attack on UNRWAs aid centre, the military said on Thursday it continues to expand its efforts to enable aid into Gaza  most recently facilitating the delivery of a shipload of aid from Cyprus. Israel wants UNRWA to be disbanded after repeatedly accusing them of supporting Hamas, which the organisation has vehemently denied.

COGAT, meanwhile, denied restricting access to the north, adding that some shipments north were not carried out because of intensive fighting in the area. It said in the last two weeks it has approved and coordinated more than 250 truckloads of humanitarian aid for the northern Gaza Strip.

COGAT did not specify which aid groups were responsible for the trucks or where they were delivered to.

However, aid organisations say that months of strangulation of supplies and a lack of adequate security for the convoys has not only led to unprecedented levels of hunger but to a breakdown in law and order. The WPF said they had to briefly suspend convoys last month  among the reasons given was that they were overwhelmed by starving people in the hardest hit areas.

The WHO say that the situation is chaotic, nothing is properly facilitated and the fighting has destroyed much of the areas roads. It can take a fuel truck two days to do what would have been a half-hour drive before the war. That is if the trucks can secure the permissions in the first place.

There is absolutely no need for these convoys to be so insecure hazardous and dangerous, said the WHOs Peeperkorn. There needs to be a deconfliction mechanism that works, so that the humanitarians can work safely. We have had convoys that were shot at and threatened.

Some countries including Jordan, the US, UK and Egypt have resorted to air-dropping aid to the least accessible areas, even though humanitarians  including the WFP  say it is woefully inefficient, costly and even dangerous, and to be thought of as the last resort. On 8 March, five Palestinians were reportedly killed when a pallet of food supplies crashed into a building because its parachute failed to deploy. There are no guarantees that the food, which literally falls out of the sky, gets to the most vulnerable like the wounded, disabled or infirm. International medics working in Gaza have told The Independent they are concerned that the kind of food in these deliveries  like rice, biscuits and canned goods  may not be properly administered to acutely malnourished people and therefore could be life-threatening as their bodies are not used to it.

Head of Israels COGAT, Colonel Elad Goren, speaks from the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza (Reuters)

A sea route to north Gaza from Cyprus was also opened this week. A pilot mission coordinated by the Cypriots, funded by the UAE and run by US-based charity World Central Kitchen and Spanish group Open Arms saw a barge containing 200 tonnes of food aid set sail for Gaza on Tuesday. Separately the United States, which gives Israel billions of dollars of military assistance every year, is building a sea pier in north Gaza, to enable aid to be delivered via this new maritime route.

UN humanitarian office spokesperson Jens Laerke welcomed any additional delivery of aid but said that sea and air routes cannot be a substitute for the overland transport of food.

WHOs Peeperkorn, agrees, saying that the UN was ready. We need more land entry points into Gaza in the north, and also more entry points within Gaza.

UNRWAs Alrifai added that under international law, Israel must allow sufficient aid access as it is the occupying power. Opening and using more border land crossings is the most effective, efficient and economical way to send much-needed supplies in, she said. Israel must comply with international humanitarian law and allow sufficient food, medical supplies and other items into the strip. This is also what the ICJ order requested.

But another barrier is not just access inside Gaza but what items are allowed to enter in the first place. According to a dozen interviews with UN agencies, Palestinian, international and Israeli charities, as well as individuals manning private initiations and British MPs who have submitted Freedom of Information (FOI) requests in the UK, Israel is arbitrarily denying entry of a slew of life-saving goods because they are labelled at risk of dual use for war by the militants. The dual-use items often include elements within a larger item, like a specific gas needed for a CT machine, or a battery for solar panels.

Gathered from interviews with The Independent, items that have been intermittently or permanently prevented from entering include: some shipments of dates because they had stones in them, metal tent poles, anaesthetic machines and medicines, portable X-rays, both ultrasound and MRI machines and/or their spare parts, solar panels, generators, batteries, ultrasound devices, insulin pens, ventilators, pencils (but not pens), morphine and water purification tablets.

UNRWA food supplies in Rafah, where an aid centre was recently hit by Israeli forces (Reuters)

UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said this week that a truckload of aid was turned back because it contained scissors used in childrens medical kits. He added that the dual-use banned items UNRWA had logged also included anaesthetics, oxygen cylinders, cancer medicines and maternity kits.

British-donated aid has also been restricted. Labour MP Dr Rosena Allin-Khan said that the Israeli aid unit COGAT has prevented 1,350 water filters and 2,560 solar lights supplied by the UK from entering Gaza. Dr Allin-Khan submitted an FOI request to the Foreign Office, and shared the government response on her social media accounts.

She said that nothing was being done to address the issue of supposedly dual-use items being turned away, leading to truckloads of life-saving aid arbitrarily being denied access.

I have heard harrowing reports of children eating weeds to fight off the pain of hunger. There are accounts of newborn babies passing away because they are so malnourished. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities are obstructing and turning away vital aid at the border.

Dr Allin-Khan added that the UK must pressure Israel to end unreasonable barriers to aid and prevent the looming humanitarian catastrophe including insisting on a ceasefire.

COGAT said it vehemently condemns the false accusations that it strangles aid. In a statement sent over the weekend COGAT said according to its statistics 1,543 trucks have entered Gaza since October containing 18,500 tons of medical equipment  as well as 2,347 trucks loaded with 33,820 tonnes of shelter supplies. In those shipments, COGAT claims items have included some X-ray machines, CT machines, oxygen generators and anaesthetics for hospitals. The Independent has asked for clarification on how many of the machines were permitted to enter Gaza, as Palestinian health officials have said that not enough is getting in, and is awaiting a reply.

Citizens queue for food that is cooked in large pots and distributed for free in Rafah, southern Gaza (Getty)

COGAT said it had posted its dual-use list in 2008 which it claimed was clear and accessible to the general public. It said that these items are not sweepingly denied entry into Gaza but rather subject to security evaluation.

But aid officials and charity workers say the 2008 list is effectively obsolete  as, in reality, the process is unpredictable and erratic, with new confusing rules that are not laid out.

One senior aid official in Jordan said there is no standard operating procedure so no one knows what is or is not permitted or how many trucks will be allowed in on which day. He said they were forced to work by trial and error: If an item is denied then we take it off future lists, even if it may not be formally banned.

For example, The Independent was told by two senior aid officials a shipment of dates was barred because the dates contained stones inside them but other shipments got through. COGATs response was that 500 tonnes of dates had been authorised for entry since the commencement of the war.

Another aid worker for a major international charity who asked not to be named, said that sometimes they had lobbied hard to allow one previously banned item in, leading to it eventually being allowed.

The WHOs Peeperkorn says even if they do get an item in it takes an enormous process, a lengthy bureaucratic process. Another UN official said that the requirements on how to submit the requests keep changing and there is no set date. Sometimes you dont hear anything, you dont hear a yes, or you dont hear no. The Independent has also been shown documentation to that effect.

Palestinians rush to get humanitarian aid dropped by the US Air Force into Gaza City (AP)

The Israeli rights group Gisha has submitted several FOI requests to COGAT concerning this. Miriam Marmur, Gishas director of public advocacy said that Israels definition of dual use far exceeds the internationally recognised standard. She said this is not necessarily new. Gaza has been subject to a 17-year-long blockade by Egypt and Israel imposed after Hamas, which is a designated terrorist organisation in the US, violently swept into control of the Strip.

At the same time, many of the items that are reportedly being blocked dont appear to be on Israels dual-use lists. There is very little transparency about Israels policy but whats clear is that vital items for the humanitarian response are being blocked, she said.

Marmur says the uncertainty regarding Israels current policy follows years of obfuscation on what exactly qualifies as dual use.

In the interim convoys have to wait at Egypts border with Gaza, sometimes for weeks  often after going through multiple checks at different checkpoints slowing the process down. There are thousands of trucks with food lined up along the route. Some trucks have taken two months to get through, said Amed Khan, an American philanthropist and humanitarian who has a network facilitating aid into Gaza via the Rafah crossing, and has faced significant delays to his convoys.

It should take two hours [to do the checks] and it can sometimes take two weeks waiting for all the security checkpoints, the stops, the unloading, reloading, he adds.

He questioned why Israel was permitted to control the entire process. Are there no other trusted authorities in the world that can oversee the delivery of humanitarian goods to prevent the death of thousands of innocent human beings?

This is having a direct impact on Gaza where people are starving to death. Dr Salha, who mans the maternity unit that is barely working Al-Awda Hospital in north Gaza, described desperate scenes where even the doctors, alongside their patients, were forced to consume animal feed to survive and caesareans were being performed with limited anaesthetic.

We are getting more and more cases of malnutrition every day. The aid dropped from aircrafts is not enough and only the young fit people can collect it, we need more coming to the north of Gaza, he said.

This situation is critical. Please bring everything into Gaza, into the north as there are few signs of life left.
It was April of 1990. A revolutionary roller coaster was ready to make its debut at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois. They called it Iron Wolf.

The world had seen standup roller coasters before then, but this one was different. It was the creation of two engineers who formed their own design company a few years prior  Walter Bolliger and Claude Mabillard. It was the first roller coaster the B&M duo had manufactured from the ground up.

WGN-TV reporter Robert Jordan was on hand to ride Iron Wolf that day and put together a report. Iron Wolf ended up being a success for the park. It regularly drew crowds and led to other B&M standup coasters being built across the country. The company went on to become one of the biggest and most popular roller coaster manufacturers on the planet. Today they have multiple ride at Six Flags Great America, including Raging Bull, Superman: The Ride, Batman: The Ride and X-Flight.

So what happened to the B&M standup coaster? The trend seemed to slowly fade. We spoke with Duane Marden, the founder of of the Roller Coaster Database, a website the tracks roller coasters all over the globe. Duane thinks the standup coaster fad likely ended because they just werent comfortable. They had clunky over the shoulder restraints and an unfortunately placed bicycle seat. If you were ever the victim of that seat, you are well aware of the pain it could bring.

Iron Wolf closed at Great America in 2011. It was shipped to another Six Flags park, Six Flags America in Maryland. Like many other B&M standups across the country, the ride was converted to sit-down floorless trains. Just like that, standing up on a roller coaster seemed to become a thing of the past.

Until last year.

SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida unveiled their new ride  Pipeline: The Surf Coaster. Its a launching standup coaster designed by B&M. So what makes this standup coaster any different? Why dust off this concept?

The new design features seats that move up and down with the motion of the ride. While you are standing, your feet come off the ground when the coaster encounters negative g-forces. So instead of your shoulders hitting the upper restraints or your lower region crushing into that bicycle seat, the seats move slightly up and down with the motion. The concept lets riders enjoy the motion without any of the pain of the past.

You can see my entire ride on Pipeline here:

I found the coaster to be a ton of fun without any of the discomfort of past B&M standups. I asked Duane Marden if he thinks this could start a trend of new standup coasters popping up across the country. He believes this concept could fit in at quite a few parks who are looking for something different.

Pipeline is now open at SeaWorld and is the only surf coaster anywhere  for now. You can learn more about it and how to plan a visit on their website here.

My full story on the evolution of the standup roller coaster is in the video player at the top of this page.

Here is a full POV video showing you what its like to ride Pipeline: The Surf Coaster:

And take a trip back in time and watch Robert Jordans full report on Iron Wolf from April of 1990:

Have you been on Pipeline? Do you have a favorite Iron Wolf memory? I would love to hear your feedback! Send me a comment on social media! Im on Facebook, X and Instagram.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
In this article, we list and discuss the 20 Most Populated Countries in Asia. If you would like to skip our detailed discussion of the topic, you can go directly to the 5 Most Populated Countries in Asia.

A century ago, the world population stood at only 1.8 billion people. However, as the years have passed, we have seen a rise in the global population count. At first, this was a slow increase. Eventually, however, the worlds population started snowballing  especially in recent years. As of 2024, according to the United Nations, the global population has crossed the 8 billion mark.

Even though the population has risen worldwide, there are some countries and regions that carry the burden of a rapidly rising population the most. Thats because population distribution is heavily dependent on land area. Note that the keyword here is heavily, not completely (well expand on this in a bit). For example, with 48 countries and three territories, Asia is the largest continent by land as well as population  hosting 59.76% of the global population.

Population Distribution in Asia

Just like with the rest of the world, the population is unevenly distributed within Asia as well. For example, South Asia is the most populated part of Asia with over 2 billion people, while Central Asia is the least populated part, with a population of only over 78 million people.

Above, weve stated that population distribution depends heavily but not completely on land area. Thats because, if it did completely, the smallest country in Asia by land area, Macau, would also be the least populated country in Asia. However, that is not the case  Maldives, with a population of 521,021, beats Macau to it.

Despite being the least populated country in Asia, the economy of Maldives has maintained its robust growth performance in 2023 and is expected to grow at an average growth of 5.4% from 2024 to 2025, according to the World Bank. Tourism is the major sector of the country, accounting for almost one-third of the economy.

Story continues

The Link Between Population Growth & Economy

The richest country in Asia is Singapore in terms of GDP per capita (See: 23 Richest Countries in Asia by GDP Per Capita in 2023). Although the country has a population of only 5,637,022 people, Singapore has a GDP per capita of $133,110 as per 2023 data. At the same time, its important to note that Singapore is not the most populated country in Asia, nor the largest or the smallest. Does this mean there is no line between population growth and the economy? No, because people make the economy. Therefore, population growth does affect a lands economy, both, positively and negatively.

For instance, if theres a shortage of workers as well as adequate resources, a rise in demand will result in an increased supply of goods and services, which will result in economic growth. On the other hand, if there is a surplus of workers and inadequate resources in an economy, there simply wont be enough jobs, resources, or goods available for the people. So, the direction in which population impacts the economy depends on the availability of the lands resources.

It is also important to note that, with increased economic activity, highly populated regions are also subject to high levels of pollution. As the demand for more industrial work rises and the stress on limited resources (like land, housing, educational institutions, healthcare, and non-renewable energy like electricity and fossil fuels) increases, pollution becomes inevitable.

For instance, India, the most populated country in the world, also ranks as one of the top five most polluted countries (See: 30 Most Polluted Countries in the World Heading into 2024). Concurrently, India is also one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. It hosts some of the leading global companies, such as Sony Group Corp (NYSE:SONY), and Tata Motors Ltd (NYSE:TTM).

Both of these are among the most prominent companies in Asia, alongside other names like Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA) and the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA)  a Chinese multinational technology company  has recently exited the Indian market as it sold its remaining stake in Paytm. As for the rest of Asia, the company continues to expand. In March 2024, Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA)s media and entertainment arm pledged $640 million over five years to promote Hong Kongs creative industries globally.

On the contrary, Sony Group Corp (NYSE:SONY) and Tata Motors Ltd (NYSE:TTM) have a huge market within India, the rest of Asia, and worldwide too. Recently, Sony Group Corp (NYSE:SONY) has joined a venture with Honda and announced its new electric car prototype, Afeela. The two companies aim to sell EVs in the North American market by 2026. Tata Motors Ltd (NYSE:TTM) is set to invest around $2 billion in EV battery models by 2027, aiming for EV-only dealerships across India and possibly in overseas markets.

20 Most Populated Countries in Asia

20 Most Populated Countries in Asia

Our Methodology

For our list of the 20 Most Populated Countries in Asia, we sourced our data from the World Banks total global population database. Note that we have also included transcontinental countries in our list. For the population density mentioned in the list, we have used 2021 figures (most recent available data) as reported by the World Bank's database. We have also mentioned population growth rates, fertility rates, life expectancy rates, and growth rates (2023 estimates) that we obtained from the CIA World Fact Book.

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20 Most Populated Countries in Asia

20. Cambodia

Total Population: 16,767,840

Cambodia is a Southeast Asian nation with the twentieth-highest population in Asia as of 2024. It has a population density of 94 people per square kilometer of land area. Moreover, according to the CIA World Fact Books 2023 estimates, Cambodia has a population growth rate of 1.04%. It also has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world today, with the tourism and clothing industries contributing significantly to the countrys economy.

19. Kazakhstan

Total Population: 19,621,970

Ranked 19th, Kazakhstan is located in Central Asia and is one of the most populous countries in Asia. With a GDP of $496.126 billion according to 2021 estimates, Kazakhstan is also the wealthiest Central Asian country, and one of the richest countries in Asia. It has a population density of 7 people per square kilometer of land area and a population growth rate of 0.9% with 2.59 children born per woman.

18. Sri Lanka

Total Population: 22,181,000

Sri Lanka is best known for the hospitality of its people and the beauty of its land. The country has a population density of 358 people per square kilometer of land area as of 2021 data, and a fertility rate of 2.14 according to 2023 estimates. With a population growth rate of 0.56%, Sri Lankas overall population is expected to increase further in the coming years.

17. North Korea

Total Population: 26,069,420

Officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, North Korea covers a total land area of 120,408 square kilometers and has a population density of 216 people per square kilometer. The country has one of the last centrally planned economies, with declining growth and trade. According to the most recent data available, North Korea has a population growth rate of 0.4% and a fertility rate of 1.82 children per woman.

16. Nepal

Total Population: 30,547,580

Home to Mount Everest, Nepal is a landlocked South Asian country, bordered by India and China. As of 2024, Nepal is the sixteenth most populated country in Asia with a total population of over 30 million, and a population growth rate of 0.74%. According to the World Bank, Nepal's population density is 210 people per square kilometer.

15. Malaysia

Total Population: 33,938,220

Malaysia, a Southeast Asian country known for its cultural diversity, beaches, and rainforests, is the fifteenth most populous country in Asia. Covering a total land area of 328,657 square kilometers, Malaysia has a population density of 102 people per square kilometer and a population growth rate of 1.01%.

14. Uzbekistan

Total Population: 35,648,100

Located in Central Asia, Uzbekistan is one of the worlds leading cotton producers and is best known for its orchards and vineyards. The country has a total land-covered area of 425,400 square kilometers and a population density of 79 people per square kilometer. Moreover, Uzbekistan is a lower middle-income country with a relatively young population; a fertility rate of 2.92 births per woman, and a mortality rate of 5.2 deaths per 1000 people. Overall, according to 2023 estimates, the country has a population growth rate of 1.61%.

13. Afghanistan

Total Population: 41,128,770

Situated at Central Asia and South Asias crossroads, Afghanistan is a landlocked country featuring important trade routes that connect southern and eastern Asia to Europe and the Middle East. It has a total land area of 652,230 square kilometers and a population density of 61 people per square kilometer of land area. As of 2021 data, Afghanistan is the second poorest country in Asia with a per capita income of just $1,149.

12. South Korea

Total Population: 51,628,120

South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a country in East Asia that occupies the southern portion of the Korean peninsula. South Korea has a land area of 96,920 square kilometers and a population density of 530 people per square kilometer. While the country is among the most populated countries in Asia, it has the lowest fertility rate in the world. The fertility rate in South Korea is only 1.11 babies per woman, which is far below the rate of 2.1 babies per woman needed for a steady population. With the current fertility crisis, South Koreas population is on track to halve by the end of this century.

11. Myanmar

Total Population: 54,179,310

Ranked 11th, Myanmar is located in Southeast Asia and shares borders with India, Bangladesh, China, Laos, and Thailand. Myanmar is a nation of more than 100 ethnic groups. With a land area of 653,508 square kilometers, Myanmar is the largest country in Mainland Southeast Asia. Moreover, it is one of the poorest Asian countries, with a GDP per capita of $1,973 in 2021.

10. Thailand

Total Population: 71,697,030

Thailand is a Southeast Asian country known for its tropical beaches and ancient temples displaying figures of Buddha. It is a highly populated country with a population density of 140 people per square kilometer, occupying 510,890 square kilometers of land area. As of 2023, Thailands fertility rate stood at 1.54, which is a slow decline from previous years. All in all, Thailand has a large but very steady population, with a population growth of just 0.2% in 2023.

9. Vietnam

Total Population: 98,186,860

With a population growth rate of 0.93%, Vietnam is a lower-middle-income Southeast Asian country. Its land covers an overall area of 310,070 square kilometers, and the population density stands at 311 people per square kilometer. Vietnam sees 2.04 births per woman, and the average life expectancy at birth is 75.8 years.

8. Philippines

Total Population: 115,559,010

With the 8th highest population in Asia, the Philippines boasts a population growth rate of 1.58%. The countrys population density stands at 382 people per square kilometer as per 2021 data.

7. Japan

Total Population: 125,124,990

An island country located in East Asia, Japan is a leading country on many forefronts, including population. According to the World Bank, the country has a population density of 345 people per square kilometer. However, this number is going to fall eventually, because even though the fertility rate for the country is 1.39 births per woman, the population growth rate of Japan is negative (-0.41%). According to research published by the Pew Research Center, Japan is going to see a population loss of 52 million by the year 2100.

6. Russia

Total Population: 144,236,930

Being the largest country in Asia and in the world, Russia has a total land area of 16,377,742 square kilometers. Moreover, Russia has a population density of 9 people per square kilometer, fertility rate of 1.51 births per woman, mortality rate of 14.1 deaths per 1000 people, and life expectancy of 72 years at birth.

Click to continue reading and see the 5 Most Populated Countries in Asia.

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Disclosure: None. 20 Most Populated Countries in Asia is originally published on Insider Monkey.
Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Herzog characterized Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumers Thursday remarks on Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as unhelpful and counterproductive.

Herzogs statement came in response to the New York Democrats criticism of Netanyahu on the Senate floor earlier Thursday, when he said the prime minister has lost his way and that his governing coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel after Oct. 7, the day of the Hamas attack on Israel.

Israel is a sovereign democracy, Herzog said Thursday on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. It is unhelpful, all the more so as Israel is at war against the genocidal terror organization Hamas, to comment on the domestic political scene of a democratic ally. It is counterproductive to our common goals.

Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in U.S. history, issued a call for a new election in Israel and scrutinized Netanyahu for his handing over the war in Gaza, saying his vision for the country is outdated.

As a lifelong supporter of Israel, it has become clear to me: The Netanyahu coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel after Oct. 7, Schumer said during his 45-minute speech. The world has changed  radically  since then, and the Israeli people are being stifled right now by a governing vision that is stuck in the past.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) criticized Schumers remarks during the GOP retreat in West Virginia.

Johnson said Schumers calls for new elections in Israel are highly inappropriate and plain wrong.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul (R-Texas) echoed the sentiment, saying the comments were way out of line and very inappropriate.

Before his Thursday remarks, Schumer had largely stayed away from criticizing Netanyahu and his handling of the war in Gaza, despite the growing outcry from Democrats in his chamber.

Earlier this week, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and seven Senate Democrats sent a letter to President Biden, urging him to stop the transfer of weapons to Israel until the country removes restrictions on the U.S.-backed humanitarian aid going into Gaza.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
An American-Israeli mother detailed her harrowing experience of how she and her daughter were captured by Hamas militants and held as hostages for two weeks before being released last year.

Judith Raanan and her now 18-year-old daughter, Natalie, were the first hostages to be released by Hamas after the militant group stormed southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking about 200 more as hostages. In her first interview since being released in October, Raanan described how she and her daughter were captured and released by Hamas militants on NewsNations Elizabeth Vargas Reports.

Raanan said she and her daughter were sleeping in a guest house in the kibbutz near the Gaza border when the Hamas attacks began.

Yes, we heard gunfire. We did not hear any planes above us. We only heard shots from far away. And then until I until I heard some Arabic and I understood that I have two minutes to explain to my daughter what is about to happen. And  and I did, Raanan told Vargas.

She said she told her daughter dont panic, warning her that militants with guns are going to burst through their door. She said she and Natalie were still in their pajamas went the militants came, carrying big weapons and a big bomb.

My girl was afraid. She said, Mom, Im afraid to be raped. I said nobodys going to do nothing to you, Raanan said.

She compared the experience to a Russian roulette, adding that You dont know if youre gonna be dead or alive. While being held in captivity, she said she sung Louis Armstrongs What a Wonderful World to her daughter to keep her calm.

The song by Louis Armstrong. Its a wonderful world.  And she goes like, Mom, I dont think that this is appropriate. This is not so wonderful right now. And I said, This is appropriate. You are Jewish Queen; you are my princess, she said.

When asked how she kept it together while going through the experience with her daughter, she said that they prayed.

All the time. Shes extremely beautiful too. And its not just that it doesnt matter. It just that you know were vulnerable. And we pray, we pray, we talk to Hashem, Raanan said.

NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
An image circulating online appears to show members of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) posing with the black flag of the Islamic State group (IS). But the photo is altered; the original depicts soldiers holding a green-and-yellow flag associated with their unit, which joined a June 2023 military training exercise in Morocco.

"ISRAEL IS ISIS," says Anastasia Maria Loupis in a March 7, 2024 post on X, using another name for the Islamic State group.

Screenshot from X taken March 13, 2024

Similar posts spread across X and other platforms, including Facebook.

Loupis is one of several creators who have monetized misinformation about the war in the Gaza Strip, which broke out October 7, 2023 after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel.

Militants associated with the Palestinian Islamist group killed about 1,160 people -- mostly civilians -- during the assault, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures.

Israel's retaliatory military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 31,300 people -- mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

The photo circulating online has been manipulated; the original does not show the IDF with an IS flag.

Reverse image searches revealed the official IDF account on X shared the unaltered photo June 5, 2023 (archived here). It shows the troops holding a green-and-yellow flag.

  12         "African Lion 2023"     .



  -18  -8,000   ",   >> pic.twitter.com/4SDKbAcAJl     (@idfonline) June 5, 2023

The post's Hebrew caption says the picture captures 12 members of the Golani Brigade who traveled to Morocco to participate in African Lion, US Africa Command's largest annual military training exercise (archived here). In 2023, it involved 18 nations and about 8,000 personnel (archived here).

The Jerusalem Post, Jewish News Syndicate and Times of Israel also published the photo in articles about the IDF delegation joining the military drills (archived here, here and here).

The green-and-yellow flag is associated with the Golani Brigade, according to the Arabic fact-checking service Misbar. AFP found similar flags in several other photographs of the unit (archived here, here and here).

AFP has debunked other misinformation about the Israel-Hamas conflict here.
The shortage of ammunition and military equipment caused by delays in US aid could leave the current front lines in Ukraine very vulnerable. This could be exploited by Russian forces for a sudden breakthrough.

Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW)

Details: The ISW analysts said that Ukraine's prioritisation of areas of the front line which are most at risk from intense Russian offensives could create vulnerabilities elsewhere.

The institutes experts warned that Russian forces could take advantage of this to make a sudden and unexpected advance. A breakthrough could happen if the supply of weapons to the Ukrainian military continues to decline.

They also noted that the fact that Russia retains the initiative along the entire line of contact increases the risks of such a development, allowing Russian military commanders to increase or decrease the intensity of operations on any part of the front line at their discretion.

The ISW analysts stressed that Ukrainian forces are likely trying to mitigate the problems caused by the lack of ammunition and are identifying priority areas on the front line.

However, military analysts are convinced that this has risks for the Ukrainian forces.

On 12 March, the German news outlet Der Spiegel published an interview with unnamed Ukrainian commanders who stated that almost all Ukrainian units and formations are suffering from a shortage of ammunition and military equipment.

Der Spiegel noted that Ukrainian units can only hold their current positions if Russian troops do not use their full capacity to attack.

Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, warned that there is a threat of Russian units advancing deeper into Ukrainian formations in certain areas of the front line.

To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 13 March:

Ukrainian shortages of ammunition and other war materiel resulting from delays in the provision of US military assistance may be making the current Ukrainian front line more fragile than the relatively slow Russian advances in various sectors would indicate.

The rate of Russian advance west of Avdiivka has recently slowed, although Russian forces likely retain the capability to intensify offensive operations in the area at a moment of their choosing.

Ukrainian actors conducted large-scale drone strikes against energy infrastructure and military assets within Russia on the night of 12-13 March.

The governor of the pro-Russian Moldovan autonomous region of Gagauzia, Evghenia Gutul, claimed on 13 March that her recent meetings with Russian officials in Russia led to deepening economic ties between Gagauzia and Russia, which the Kremlin likely hopes to exploit as part of its wider efforts to destabilise Moldova and prevent Moldova from joining the EU.

Russian sources claimed that Russian forces repelled another limited cross-border incursion by the all-Russian pro-Ukrainian Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK), Freedom of Russia Legion (LSR), and Siberian Battalion in Belgorod and Kursk oblasts on the night of 11-12 March and the morning of 13 March.

Russian forces recently made confirmed advances near Avdiivka amid continued positional engagements along the entire frontline on 13 March.

Russian authorities continue efforts to censor protests of wives and mothers of mobilised soldiers ahead of the Russian presidential election.

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FILE PHOTO: Smoke rises during an Israeli ground operation in Khan Younis, as seen from Rafah

ROME (Reuters) - Italy has continued to export arms to Israel, the Italian defence minister said on Thursday, despite assurances last year that the government was blocking such sales following Israel's invasion of the Gaza Strip.

However, Guido Crosetto told parliament that only previously signed orders were being honoured after checks had been made to ensure the weaponry would not be used against Gaza civilians.

Under Italian law, arms exports are banned to countries that are waging war and those deemed to be violating international human rights.

Crosetto announced last year following the explosion of violence in Gaza that the Italian authority which oversees the sale of military goods, known as Uama, had blocked authorisation of the transfer of arms to Israel.

However, picking apart data from statistics agency ISTAT, independent media outlet Altreconomia this week reported that Italy had exported 2.1 million euros ($2.30 million) in arms and munitions to Israel in the last three months of 2023.

In December alone, Italy exported 1.3 million euros worth of arms, three times the level of the same month in 2022.

Crosetto told parliament these were outstanding contracts. "Uama checked them on a case-by-case basis and they did not concern materials that could be used against civilians in Gaza," he said.

Francesco Vignarca, head of a national pacifist network for disarmament, said there was little clarity surrounding arms sales and criticised recent moves to reform the export law.

"With the (proposed) changes, decisions (on exports) will be more political and transparency will be reduced," he said, adding that all outstanding arms contracts to Israel needed to be suspended.

Italy's conservative government offered immediate support to Israel in the wake of the surprise Hamas attack on Oct. 7, but has since criticised the Israeli invasion of Gaza, saying far too many civilians were dying and urging an immediate ceasefire.

($1 = 0.9142 euros)

(Reporting by Giulia Segreti; Editing by Crispian Balmer and Susan Fenton)
Italy's competition watchdog said TikTok had not fully complied with guidelines it had advertised to reassure consumers the app was a "safe" space (GREG BAKER)

Italy's competition authority on Thursday fined TikTok 10 million euros (nearly $11 million), saying the hugely popular video app had failed to sufficiently protect minors.

"The company has failed to implement appropriate mechanisms to monitor content published on the platform, particularly those that may threaten the safety of minors and vulnerable individuals," the AGCM watchdog said in a statement.

"Moreover, this content is systematically re-proposed to users as a result of their algorithmic profiling, stimulating an ever-increasing use of the social network."

The fine has been imposed on three units of China's Bytedance group, namely Ireland's TikTok Technology, TikTok Information Technologies UK and TikTok Italy.

The watchdog said TikTok had not fully complied with guidelines it had advertised to reassure consumers the app was a "safe" space.

"In fact, the guidelines are applied without adequately accounting for the specific vulnerability of adolescents, characterised by peculiar cognitive mechanisms from which derive, for instance, the difficulty in distinguishing reality from fiction and the tendency to emulate group behaviour," it said.

It added that "potentially dangerous" content is promoted through TikTok's recommendation system.

It highlighted the "French scar challenge", where children pinch their cheeks violently to create bruising, a phenomenon explained by numerous tutorials on TikTok that has caused concern in the education and health sectors.

In a statement, TikTok said it disagreed with the watchdog's decision.

"There were only on average 100 daily searches in Italy for so-called 'French Scar' content before the AGCM announced its investigation last year," it said.

"We have for a long time limited the visibility of this content to the under-18s, and made it ineligible in the 'For You' feed."

The short-video app has soared in popularity worldwide, but its ownership by Chinese tech giant ByteDance -- and alleged subservience to Beijing's ruling Communist Party -- has fuelled concern in Western capitals.

On Wednesday, the US House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill that would force TikTok to divest from its parent company or face a nationwide ban.

ar/ide/db
JACKSONVILLE, Ark.  Police in Jacksonville are investigating after they say a man was shot at an apartment complex Wednesday night.

According to the Jacksonville Police Department, officers were called to a shooting at Wingate Square Apartments on Poplar Street just before 9:30 p.m.

Police investigating shooting in central Little Rock neighborhood

After arriving on the scene, officers said they found a man who had been shot in his leg.

Police said the victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment, but officials have not released information on the extent of his injuries.

Man killed in overnight shooting on Reservoir Road

Detectives have not released details on a possible suspect or motive in the shooting.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
When Monica Sementilli and Robert Baker were arrested and accused of a murder conspiracy to kill Monica's husband, Fabio Sementilli, 49, their love affair continued in jail according to documents revealed in a "48 Hours" investigation of the case. Prosecutors allege their ongoing love affair behind bars, including recordings made during police sting operations, represent further evidence of a committed murder conspiracy between the lovebirds.



"It kind of hurts to not be touched or f***** or licked or loved by you," Monica, now 52, writes in one four-page letter to her codefendant. Baker, now 61, is blunt, recorded addressing Sementilli in lockup months after their arrest, "I love you baby. I really do."

Monica Sementilli and Robert Baker / Credit: LAPD

On June 14, 2017, Baker and Monica were arrested and ultimately indicted for Fabio's murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Baker pleaded no contest in July 2023, accepting a life sentence without parole. Monica will stand trial alone in April; she has pleaded not guilty. Their case is profiled by "48 Hours" contributor Michelle Miller in "The Monica Sementilli Affair" now streaming on Paramount+.



On the day of their arrest, according to a recording released by police, Monica tells a cellmate how much Baker means to her: "He's not just my lover, he's my confidant, he's my everything."



Police engaged in an elaborate series of sting operations to continue to investigate the alleged conspiracy between the defendants even while they were held in custody, "48 Hours" has discovered. Police alternately used standard and creative means to intercept or record the defendants' interactions and statements, all of which is being offered as evidence of conspiracy in Monica's upcoming trial.



For instance, "48 Hours" has confirmed that the cellmate to whom Monica spoke when she was first detained was an undercover police officer posing as an inmate to catch Monica speaking candidly on surreptitious recordings. Police call these types of jailhouse setups where officers pose as inmates inside jail Perkins Operations, referring to the case law which guides how these in-jail, sting operations are conducted.



In the course of our investigation, "48 Hours" has learned that police went to even greater lengths than using undercover officers inside cells to ensnare Monica and Baker. As the two defendants were brought to courtrooms for their initial pre-trial hearings, detectives made arrangements for them to be held in adjoining cells prior to the hearings.

Monica Sementilli, left, and Robert Baker during a court appearance. / Credit: CBS News

Waiting in nearby cells to be brought into the courtroom, Monica and Baker had an opportunity to speak directly to each other. On six different occasions, first at the Van Nuys Courthouse and then at the downtown Los Angeles criminal courthouse, interactions between Monica and Baker were recorded.

Beyond the sting operations, detectives also intercepted jail letters, referred to by inmates as "kites," and listened to recorded jail phone calls to establish facts about the enduring love affair between Monica and Baker.



"48 Hours" has obtained copies of three different jail love letters written from Monica to Baker which we have learned police intercepted while Monica intended to pass them to Baker in courthouse holding cells. "48 Hours" has learned that the detectives discovered the letters in holding cells while Monica and Baker attended the hearings. The detectives hastily made copies before carefully returning them for the inmates to retrieve after the hearings so that the defendants were unaware the love letters had been intercepted and copied.



Meanwhile, Monica's defense has repeatedly argued, "the sexual and romantic details of their affair were simply irrelevant to the question whether they conspired to murder Fabio Sementilli."



According to prosecutors the information gleaned from these operations establishes that the ongoing jailhouse love affair is further evidence of the murder conspiracy between the accused.



"In essence, the defendants have promised one another that neither will cooperate with law enforcement or testify against the other to save themselves. Rather, they have promised one another that neither will cooperate with law enforcement or testify against the other to save themselves," wrote Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman.



The unusual situation where the two inmates could speak to each other while detained was designed by law enforcement purposely to record conversations between the unwitting defendants.

Monica Sementilli and Robert Baker used secret code to express love and commitment inside jail, prosecutors cite as evidence of murder conspiracy



According to a 2021 motion filed by the prosecutor, the recordings and intercepted love letters are evidence of an ongoing "secrecy pact" between the accused.



"The defendants often communicated with one another using cryptic language, phrases and codes created in order to secretly communicate without law enforcement's knowledge," including, "the phrases, 'OMM,' '9pm,' 'LOML,' and '100,'" according to a prosecution filing.



Prosecutors allege these coded phrases establish the defendants' love and commitment not only to each other, but also the "conspiracy" and "secrecy pact" between them. "OMM," they allege, means "On My Mind," while they say "9pm" is a reference to a secretive plan to break jail rules and set timing for a phone call where a third party will connect the two to speak directly. The prosecutors contend "LOML" is an "acronym meaning 'Love of My Life' and '100' indicates their 100% commitment to one another."

According to prosecutors, another significant phrase is the one written at the end of one of Monica's love letters, "R or D," an alleged abbreviation for the phrase "Ride or Die."

A drawing found on Robert Baker's cellphone entitled 'Ride or Die.'

Detectives found a drawing "depicting a couple embracing one another wearing only underwear and ski masks while holding guns" in Baker's cellphone "entitled 'Ride or Die.'" There is a statement above the drawing, "A relationship where you both love, protect and spoil each other is the best."

"The phrase 'Ride or Die' was frequently used between the defendants as an expression of their commitment to one another and their secrecy pact. On several occasions defendants expressed that they would remain loyal to one another, and never 'talk' to law enforcement about their conspiracy; in their words, they would 'Ride or Die' for one another," the 2021 filing asserts.

Robert Baker and Monica Sementilli allegedly play sex games during recorded jailhouse encounters arranged and recorded by police

The two lovers took advantage of six rendezvous engineered by detectives, according to motions filed in court. Monica and Baker were recorded "talking to one another and engaging in masturbation and other sex games," wrote the prosecutor. The judge has ruled the alleged sex games portions of these recordings will not be admissible. Nevertheless, these encounters purportedly reveal the passionate nature of their continuing relationship in jail.

Baker confirmed the sex games during an exclusive jailhouse interview with "48 Hours" on March 2. That's what happens when you are stuck in here, he said, gesturing to the jail side of the glass from where he talked to a reporter over a phone.

Once those encounters stopped, the jailhouse co-defendants and lovebirds found ways to break the rules and remain in contact, according to prosecutors. In that 2021 filing, prosecutors said "over the course of the last four years, the defendants made hundreds of calls through third parties  This allows them to speak to one another."

These phone recordings have been shared with the defense as discovery but have not been made public.

In excerpts reviewed by "48 Hours" from two of the six recorded encounters, there is talk of marriage, and in her letters, Monica consistently refers to herself as "Mrs. Baker," "Monica Baker" and "your wifey." "MB" is a code prosecutors allege is an abbreviation of Monica Baker.

"The defendants have continued to refer to one another as husband and wife while in custody for murdering Sementilli's legitimate husband," wrote the prosecutor, who cites this as dedication, not only to each other, but also to their murder conspiracy.

Before the grand jury, prosecutor Silverman argued that the lovers' commitment motivated the conspiracy, saying they were "plotting to kill [Fabio] in order to collect his substantial life insurance monies and be able to live hopefully happily ever after."

Monica's attorneys have repeatedly challenged the evidence of a love affair as irrelevant to proving evidence of a murder conspiracy. There is no doubt, however, that Monica and Baker's commitment to their affair endured at least during the early months in jail, even for years according to the prosecutor.

"We will get married  You are the perfect wife for me. Beyond belief. My mind is like, I'm delirious," Baker says to Monica in a lockup recording.

A letter from Monica Sementilli to Robert Baker signed,

Similarly, she gushes to her lover as she ends a three-page-long letter, or "kite," intercepted on Aug. 6, 2017, with "Love your wifey Monica Baker 'til death. R or D"

In jail sting, Robert Baker mentions Monica Sementilli facing "difficulty" of being "disowned" for loving and wanting to marry him

"48 Hours" has identified one comment relating to this alleged jailhouse marriage talk that may indicate a separate issue at play in the murder conspiracy allegations.

During the grand jury hearings, prosecutor Silverman argued divorce was not an option for Monica, so the couple instead turned to murder.

"She's from an Italian family, which means Catholic. They don't believe in divorce, her family won't, it won't be easy for them to take it  So again this provides a motive," said Silverman.

Monica's defense attorneys have challenged this testimony as flimsy and misinterpreted, insisting the prosecutor has not established that divorce troubled Monica.

However, in one of the recorded conversations between Baker and Monica on Aug. 31, 2017, which police refer to as "lockup overhears," Baker seems to make a stunning admission regarding Monica while they discuss their desire to get married.

"So, when you gonna tell them  when you  when you gonna tell them  how we gonna tell 'em we're gonna get married? How we gonna do this? Then you'll really be officially disowned for loving somebody," Baker says in a seeming reference to Monica getting disowned for their relationship. Monica responds, "I don't know  I think we may need to wait  until the trial, and see what happens with that."

Baker then says, "I'm not the one that has the, difficulty you do."

The transcript made public in the prosecutor's motion is only an incomplete excerpt of the conversation. Nevertheless, this portion of the jailhouse exchange recorded by the Los Angeles Police Department seems to establish that Monica being "disowned" over her love for Baker may have been an issue for the lovers. Furthermore, Baker seems to confirm it as a "difficulty" for Monica. It is a tantalizing piece of a conversation, raising a significant issue that will almost certainly come into play during her trial.

Monica's defense attorneys "are not commenting on any evidence until it is presented at trial," said veteran L.A. criminal defense attorney Leonard Levine.

Monica Sementilli and Robert Baker in Las Vegas in March 2017 - months after Fabio Sementilli's stabbing death. / Credit: Los Angeles County Superior Court

Although it is unclear if the two defendants remain in contact today, after six years of incarceration, evidence appears to demonstrate the stunning revelation they remained dedicated to a relationship in the months after their arrest, perhaps extending for years. These love letters, sex games and promises seem to have continued even after Monica learned that evidence implicated Baker as her husband's killer.

In an exclusive jailhouse interview with "48 Hours," Baker claimed that now the two are prevented from contacting each other. He said, the last time they spoke, in a random encounter passing each other in lockup, she cursed him as a murderer. He did not indicate when this exchange occurred.

Calling Baker a murderer would represent a significant turn in Monica's attitude, as evidenced through August 2017 in the jail letters and recordings. In his interview with "48 Hours," Baker claimed that Monica took no part in a murder conspiracy and that he acted without her knowledge.

Prosecutors dismiss the idea that Monica was not involved, detailing 56 overt acts which they argue constitute the conspiracy between the two lovers to murder the celebrity hairstylist turned beauty industry executive.

Monica's defense attorneys intend to call Baker as a witness during Monica's trial.

"We are confident that Robert Baker's guilty plea and his truthful testimony will finally establish once and for all that Monica Sementilli had nothing to do with the planning or the murder of Fabio Sementilli, her husband," said Levine after Baker's sentencing.

Whether or not Monica Sementilli's love affair with killer Robert Baker constitutes evidence of a criminal conspiracy or simply passionate infidelity will be at the heart of Fabio's wife's trial for his murder. Prosecutors plan to enter details of that love affair dating as far back as one year before the crime, continuing after Fabio's murder, and as revealed by "48 Hours"' investigation, even while the two were locked up awaiting trial.

Greg Fisher is a development producer for "48 Hours." He has covered the Fabio Sementilli case since 2017.

FBI agents raid FCI Dublin, a womens prison known as the rape club | 60 Minutes

Jim Gaffigan raises a glass to bourbon

"Jeopardy!" host Ken Jennings
Semafor Signals

Insights from The Japan Times, Stanford Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center, Nikkei Asia

The News

A high court in Japan on Thursday ruled that denying same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, a move cheered by LGBTQ+ activists who are pressing the countrys government to make same-sex unions legal.

The current law in Japan has been interpreted as restricting marriage to being between a man and a woman  a position supported by the conservative ruling party, but increasingly out of step with public opinion.

The Sapporo High Court upheld a lower courts verdict that not recognizing same-sex marriage violated the countrys constitution. Enacting same-sex marriage does not seem to cause disadvantages or harmful effects, the court said.

However, the court does not hold the power to overturn the law, meaning it will fall to the government to take the historic step of recognizing same-sex unions.

Japan is the only member of the G7 group of developed nations that has not legalized marriage and spousal benefits for same-sex couples. However, its courts have issued other landmark LGBTQ+ decisions in the past year, including declaring a law that required transgender people to undergo sterilization surgery unconstitutional.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

Attitudes towards same-sex marriage are changing in Japan

Sources: Reuters, Stanford Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Center, Bloomberg, The New York Times

Public support for recognizing same-sex marriage is increasing in Japan, with a survey by Kyodo news agency last year finding that 64% of people were in favor. A similar survey by Asia researchers at Stanford University found that respondents became more supportive when it was presented as an issue of human rights and gender equality. Businesses have voiced fears over how a lack of legal protection for same-sex couples impacts global talent recruitment in one of Asias leading financial centers, with Masakazu Tokura, chairperson of the Keidanren, a business lobby group, saying he was ashamed of Japans outlier status among the G7. The New York Times noted that Japans elderly population may be a factor, with a Tokyo reporter for the paper saying in an interview that when people who might hold more conservative views pass on, I think things will change.

Japan stumbles over introduction of first anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination law

Sources: Bloomberg, Nikkei Asia, Amnesty International

After months of pressure to institute legal protections for the LGBTQ+ community  and with an impending G7 summit  Japans parliament hastily passed the countrys first anti-discrimination bill in June last year to promote understanding of LGBTQ+ people. However, a reference that stated gender discrimination would not be tolerated was watered down to say only that unfair discrimination would not be allowed, Bloomberg reported. Moreover, the law outlined no punishments for infringements and said measures should only be implemented as far as citizens feel at ease, which legal experts criticized as impossible to implement. The revised law has no meaning at all. It will not lead to any kind of lawsuits or legal change, a professor of law at Meiji University in Tokyo told Nikkei Asia, while Amnesty International criticized the measures as not enough.

Debate puts ties between Japans ruling party and a right-wing religious group in the spotlight

Sources: Nikkei Asia, CNN , The Japan Times

The debate surrounding the anti-discrimination law points to a growing gulf between Japans ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and public opinion on gender-related issues, Nikkei Asia wrote. The LDP has numerous ties to the Unification Church in Japan  a controversial right-wing religious movement that some see as a cult. After the groups ties to various lawmakers came under the microscope following the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the government voted to dissolve the church in October over its fundraising activities. However, its conservative gender ideology  which states that same-sex unions destroy families and harm national stability  appears to cast a long shadow. Political opposition to issues such as gender-neutral language, LGBTQ rights and the use of separate surnames for married couples chimes closely with the fundamental teachings of the Unification Church, The Japan Times reported in 2022 following Abes assassination.
A Japanese high court has said that the governments ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional  the latest decision backing similar verdicts in favour of marriage equality.

The Sapporo high court ruling on Thursday called on the government to address the lack of any laws allowing for such unions.

The ruling has put its weight behind another order by a lower court last week that said the ban violates the rights of the citizens. It was the sixth district court ruling on the issue.

The latest decision by the high court was hailed by activists who called it a significant step and expressed the need for concrete, legal measures in place to protect same-sex couples.

Japan is the only G7 country currently that does not fully recognises same-sex couples and does not have legal provisions to offer such couples. However, this stance is not unique in Asia, as Taiwan stands as the only country permitting same-sex unions.

Pressure has been mounting on prime minister Fumio Kishidas government to give more rights to the LGBT+ community as public support for same-sex marriages has grown significantly. Opinion polls suggest nearly 70 per cent of the public supports same-sex marriage.

The Sapporo court ruling said that it was strongly expected from parliament that would "institutionalise an appropriate same-sex marriage law as there is public support for it.

Living in accordance with ones gender identity and sexual orientation is an inalienable right rooted in important personal interests, the court said.

Plaintiffs and others shows a banner in front of Sapporo Hight Court in Sapporo, Hokkaido, northern Japan Thursday (AP)

Five previous court decisions in various cities said Japans policy of denying same-sex marriage is either unconstitutional or nearly so. However, unlike the Sapporo ruling, none of the low-level courts clearly deemed the Japanese governments existing policy to reject same-sex couples unconstitutional.

The Tokyo district court ruling last Thursday said the right to marry, have a family and enjoy advantages marriage brings  such as tax deductions and social security benefits  are guaranteed for everyone, and that lack of the legal right to same-sex couples deprives them of their basic right.

But the Tokyo court ruling was only a partial victory for Japans LGBTQ+ community calling for equal marriage rights, as it doesnt change or overturn the current civil union law that describes marriage as between a man and a woman.

The court lacks the authority to overturn the existing marriage law, which is construed to define marriage strictly as between a man and a woman.

One of the plaintiffs, in a beige coat, center, speaks in front of media members by the main entrance of the Tokyo district court (AP)

Amnesty International welcomed the ruling and called it a stepping stone in the fight for marriage equality in Japan.

By recognizing that the governments ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, these rulings make clear that such discrimination has no place in Japanese society, it said.

The Japanese government now needs to be proactive in moving towards the legalisation of same-sex marriage so that couples can fully enjoy the same marriage rights as their heterosexual counterparts.

The law passed by the government last year to promote understanding of LGBTI people is not enough. There need to be concrete, legal measures in place to protect same-sex couples and the LGBTI community in Japan from all forms of discrimination.

Since 2019, there have been at least six legal cases contesting the marriage ban. In a landmark ruling in 2021, the Sapporo court declared the ban unconstitutional.

The governing Liberal Democratic Party, known for its conservative family values has passed a law criminalising discrimination of people on the basis of sexuality.

But the government has been criticised as stonewalling diversity by rights groups.

Tokyo enacted an LGBTQ+ awareness promotion law in June that critics said was watered down. The Supreme Court separately ruled that Japans law requiring compulsory sterilization surgery for transgender people to officially change their gender is unconstitutional.

Additional reporting by agencies
Key Insights

Significantly high institutional ownership implies Verizon Communications' stock price is sensitive to their trading actions

A total of 25 investors have a majority stake in the company with 39% ownership

Insiders have sold recently

A look at the shareholders of Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) can tell us which group is most powerful. We can see that institutions own the lion's share in the company with 63% ownership. Put another way, the group faces the maximum upside potential (or downside risk).

Given the vast amount of money and research capacities at their disposal, institutional ownership tends to carry a lot of weight, especially with individual investors. As a result, a sizeable amount of institutional money invested in a firm is generally viewed as a positive attribute.

In the chart below, we zoom in on the different ownership groups of Verizon Communications.

See our latest analysis for Verizon Communications

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Verizon Communications?

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.

Verizon Communications already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own a respectable stake in the company. This suggests some credibility amongst professional investors. But we can't rely on that fact alone since institutions make bad investments sometimes, just like everyone does. 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 Verizon Communications, (below). Of course, keep in mind that there are other factors to consider, too.

Investors should note that institutions actually own more than half the company, so they can collectively wield significant power. Verizon Communications is not owned by hedge funds. Looking at our data, we can see that the largest shareholder is The Vanguard Group, Inc. with 8.3% of shares outstanding. In comparison, the second and third largest shareholders hold about 8.3% and 4.4% of the stock.

Story continues

Our studies suggest that the top 25 shareholders collectively control less than half of the company's shares, meaning that the company's shares are widely disseminated and there is no dominant shareholder.

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 Verizon Communications

The definition of an insider can differ slightly between different countries, but members of the board of directors always count. 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 Verizon Communications Inc. insiders own under 1% of the company. As it is a large company, we'd only expect insiders to own a small percentage of it. But it's worth noting that they own US$51m worth of shares. In this sort of situation, it can be more interesting to see if those insiders have been buying or selling.

General Public Ownership

With a 37% ownership, the general public, mostly comprising of individual investors, have some degree of sway over Verizon Communications. This size of ownership, while considerable, may not be enough to change company policy if the decision is not in sync with other large shareholders.

Next Steps:

While it is well worth considering the different groups that own a company, there are other factors that are even more important. Consider risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 5 warning signs for Verizon Communications you should know about.

If you are like me, you may want to think about whether this company will grow or shrink. Luckily, you can check this free report showing analyst forecasts for its 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.
Japan's constitution currently defines marriage as one between "both sexes"

Two more rulings in Japanese district courts have added weight to the push for same-sex marriage to be legalised.

This week, courts in Tokyo and Sapporo ruled the nation's current ban was "unconstitutional", in line with previous landmark verdicts.

The rulings in separate cases found that the ban breached citizens' rights.

Even as they welcomed the verdicts, activists warned that the historic step of legalising same-sex unions would still need to come from lawmakers.

Currently, Japan remains the only G7 country not to fully recognise same-sex couples or offer them clear legal protection. But it is not an outlier in Asia, where Taiwan is the only place to allow same-sex unions.

While several municipalities and prefectures in Japan issue same-sex partnership certificates, which provide some benefits, they do not offer equal legal recognition.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's government has come under increased pressure on the issue in recent years as public support has grown significantly. Polls show up to 70% of the population supports same-sex unions.

But Mr Kishida has struggled to pass reforms in his own party in the face of fierce opposition from traditional leadership.

His government is yet to disclose any plans to change or review marriage legislation. But it has passed a law criminalising discrimination on the basis of sexuality - but this has been criticised by LGBT+ activists for stopping well short of recognising marriage equality.

On Thursday, a Sapporo court ruling said it was "strongly expected" that parliament would at some point "institutionalise an appropriate same-sex marriage law", noting the broad public support.

The court also found that: "Living in accordance with one's gender identity and sexual orientation is an inalienable right rooted in important person interests."

At least half a dozen legal cases challenging the marriage ban have been waged since since 2019. In 2021, the Sapporo court made a landmark ruling declaring the ban unconstitutional.

The cases have been closely watched in a country still largely bound by traditional gender roles and family values.
Japanese city on alert after cat falls into vat of toxic chemicals, escapes

A Japanese city is on the lookout for a cat covered in toxic chemicals.

Officials in Fukuyama have warned the public to stay away from the feline, which reportedly wandered into a metal plating factory and fell into a tank filled with hexavalent chromium.

According to Japanese news outlet Asahi Shimbun, an employee at the Nomura Plating Fukuyama Factory on Monday discovered a trail of yellowish-brown footprints leading away from the vat. Security camera footage shows a cat headed out of the factory on the night before and leaving the trail behind.

A sheet had been placed over the 11-foot tall tank, but part of it had turned over, Asahi Shimbun reported. At the time, the tank was filled to approximately 70% capacity with plating solution.

FEDS SEIZE 1,250 POUNDS OF ILLEGAL FISH IN TEXAS WATERS

Security cameras filmed a cat wondering through a Japanese metal plating factory. The next day, an employee discovered yellow footprints leading from a vat filled with toxic hexavalent chromium.

Hexavalent chromium is a strongly acidic and carcinogenic chemical that is commonly used in electroplating, stainless steel production, leather tanning, textile manufacturing and wood preservation. Exposure to the compound has been shown to cause lung cancer in humans when inhaled, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

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Other adverse health effects from hexavalent chromium exposure includes nasal and sinus cancers, kidney and liver damage, nasal and skin irritation and ulceration and eye irritation and damage.

Hexavalent chromium was made infamous in the 2000 biopic "Erin Brokovich," which starred Julia Roberts as the titular character, a legal assistant who brings down a utility company accused of polluting the water supply in Hinkley, California.

Employees at the factory are required to wear masks and use rubber gloves when working with the dangerous chemical, Asahi Shimbun reported.

TREATED WASTEWATER DISCHARGE AT JAPAN'S FUKUSHIMA PLANT IS SAFE, UN NUCLEAR CHIEF SAYS

A general view of the Nomura Plating factory in Fukuyama, Japan, where a cat is believed to have fallen in a vat of toxic chemicals and escaped.

"We immediately alerted police, the Fukuyama city and neighbors near our factory," a representative for Nomura Plating told AFP.

"The incident woke us up to the need to take measures to prevent small animals like cats from sneaking in, which is something we had never anticipated before," he said.

Environmental authorities in Fukuyama said the animal is likely dead but warned residents to avoid any abnormal-looking cats. "Please do not touch it and contact the city or police," officials said, according to Japanese media.

JAPAN MARKS FUKUSHIMA NUCLEAR DISASTER 13 YEARS LATER, PLEDGES TO RECOVER AT ANY COST

Factory officials said the incident with the cat demonstrates the need to take preventative measures to protect small animals from dangerous chemicals.

Social media users expressed outrage at the incident and accused the factory of failing to take appropriate precautions to prevent the cat from harm, the South China Morning Post reported.

One message posted on the NTV News website demanded an apology from the company, compensation for the owner of the cat and called for the government to revoke Nomura Plating's license to handle dangerous chemicals, according to the outlet.

Others noted the difficulty of keeping a cat from wondering places it should not go and urged pet owners to be careful to keep their animals indoors.

One poster joked, "It may have evolved into a superalloy cat."





Original article source: Japanese city on alert after cat falls into vat of toxic chemicals, escapes
Tokyo  The "shrine island" of Miyajima is one of Japan's most iconic destinations. A quick ferry ride from downtown Hiroshima, the postcard-perfect locale is much-loved for its giant "floating" vermilion Shinto gate and sanctuary halls built over the water of Hiroshima Bay.

With a resident population under 1,500, the tiny island and World Heritage Site received almost 5 million tourists last year alone. But one breed of visitor in particular appears to have grown too fond of the charming island for its own good.

Tourists pose in front of the giant

Locals have had enough of the kawa-u, or great cormorant.

Descending on Miyajima's protected forests in huge flocks, the snaky-necked diving birds  who've become known locally as "the black gang"  are ruffling feathers for two reasons.

For one, great cormorants (which are among 40 cormorant species worldwide, four of them native to Japan) are skilled and voracious fish eaters. The sleek birds able to dive almost 100 feet into the sea in search of prey  and they've made a meal of the quiet, shallow waters around Miyajima.

A file file photo provided by Jun-ichi Tsuboi, of the Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, shows a pair of great cormorants on their nest in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. / Credit: Courtesy of Jun-ichi Tsuboi

"The situation is tragic," a fisherman lamented to local network RCC, calling the bird invasion "a matter of life and death" for his business. As the feeding frenzy unfolds, he said he and the island's other fishing folk "can't do a thing except sit back and watch."

Catches of prime commercial species including the conger eel, he reckoned, have plummeted by 80%.

In other parts of Hiroshima, the birds have efficiently picked rivers clean of ayu, or sweetfish. An Osaka-based TV network, ABC, pegged cormorant losses to the Hiroshima fishing industry at more than $1 million.

A file file photo provided by Jun-ichi Tsuboi, of the Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, shows a great cormorant with a fish in its bill near Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. / Credit: Courtesy of Jun-ichi Tsuboi

Almost three feet in length, the insatiable birds are unique among large avians for living in large colonies, which has led to the second reason they're no longer welcome on the island of the gods.

The hearty-eating birds excrete prodigious amounts of acidic guano, thoroughly coating trees and ground vegetation in a pungent white powder.

A tree covered in great cormorant guano is seen on Japan's holy island of Miyajima, in a photo shared with CBS News by Hatsukaichi city's agriculture, forest and fisheries section. / Credit: Handout courtesy of Hatsukaichi city

As portions of the protected forest on Miyajima wither away under the blanket of bird droppings, leaving dead patches of brown earth, the birds simply move on to the next stand of trees.

Yosuke Shikano, who works with the department of agriculture, forest and fisheries section in the city of Hatsukaichi, which administers Miyajima, told CBS News the cormorant droppings had destroyed 2.5 acres of forest already, less than a mile from the picturesque tourist area.

Great cormorants fly over a hillside on Japan's Miyajima island that has been stripped of its tree cover by the copious amounts of acidic guano left by the once-endangered seabirds, in a photo shared with CBS News by Hatsukaichi city's agriculture, forest and fisheries section. / Credit: Handout courtesy of Hatsukaichi city

As in the U.S., cormorants were once endangered in Japan, but populations have roared back thanks to conservation efforts and waterway cleanup campaigns. Throughout the prefecture of Hiroshima, which includes Miyajima, the winter migrant population of great cormorants had swelled to over 7,000 as of December  more than double the number seen in 2014.

Shikano said the city has tried a variety of non-lethal methods, including laser pointers and fireworks, to ward off the cormorants. Fishing poles have been used to cast and fling biodegradable bird deterrent tape through the treetops in some areas.

White tape, which resembles polyester twine but disintegrates harmlessly within a few months, is seen strewn through trees on a hillside on Japan's holy island of Miyajima, intended to scare off seabirds that have damaged the island's protected forests. / Credit: Handout courtesy of Hatsukaichi city

The white tape, which resembles polyester twine but disintegrates harmlessly within a few months, scares off birds by snapping in the wind and reflecting flashes of light.



The defensive campaign has succeeded in reducing the winter migrant population, but not fast enough to suit the city of Hatsukaichi, which is set to start hunting hundreds of cormorants at their breeding nests on the far northwest side of the island.



"It's an endemic species, so we don't want to eradicate them completely," Shikano said. "But the number needs to be managed."

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Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman won last years election in a commanding victory, a law-and-order politician who very much wants to be governor and might just get there.

But in his lawsuit to reinstate Kentuckys death penalty, hes more like Don Quixote, tilting at imaginary dragons, or Hiroo Onada, the Japanese soldier who spent 29 years in the Philippine jungle because he didnt know the war was over.

Thats how one death penalty expert describes Coleman in his latest foray: This train has left the station, said Steve Bright, a Kentuckian whose work on the death penalty has done a lot to force it into near obsolescence across the country. Hes a lot like that Japanese soldier.

Attorney General-elect Russell Coleman, November 16, 2023.

Last year, only eight states in the country imposed 21 death sentences, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. The high-water mark was in 1996, when 315 people were sentenced to death.

The change? Mostly DNA, which helpfully proved that many people on death row had not done the crime. Since 1973, at least 197 people who had been wrongly convicted and sentenced to death in the U.S. have been exonerated, according to the center.

Also helpful were lawyers like Steve Bright, who showed over and over again that death penalty cases were skewed because against poor and minority defendants. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the death penalty in 1976, but has since declared it unconstitutional in such categories as the intellectually disabled or mentally ill.

People try to rev it back up again, but it doesnt usually get anywhere because it takes a long time, costs a lot and doesnt accomplish much, Bright said in a phone call from his office at Yale University Law School, where he teaches the fall semester before going to Georgetown University Law School every spring.

Stephen B. Bright

Bright might be the most famous Kentuckian youve never heard of. Hes a Boyle County native who went to the University of Kentucky for undergrad and law school, (he was student body president in 1970) and started his career at the Appalachian Research & Defense Fund. He headed the Southern Center for Human Rights in Atlanta, where hes been for nearly 35 years.

A mentor of Bryan Stephenson of Just Mercy fame and the National Lynching Memorial, Bright has written with scholar James Kwaka a new book about his career called The Fear of Too Much Justice: Race, Poverty, and the Persistence of Inequality in the Criminal Courts.

Bright won four cases before the U.S. Supreme Court with justices ruling in favor of his client in each case. Three involved racial discrimination in jury selection and the fourth was about giving a poor defendant the right to a mental health expert as they faced the death penalty.

Increasingly, if you give people the alternative, life without parole, which every state has, you can still protect the community, he said.

Death penalty flaws

Kentucky is no exception to all the flaws of death penalty cases.

A Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting project on the death penalty cited a 2022 study by University of North Carolina professor Frank Baumgartner, who found that people sentenced to death in Kentucky are 14 times more likely to have their sentence reversed than to be executed.

He also found disturbing racial disparities in Kentucky death-penalty cases, including that cases with white victims are more than five times as likely to result in a death sentence as those with Black victims.

Another study in 2020 estimated that $440 million has been spent since 1976 on Kentucky death-penalty cases by prosecutors, defense attorneys and the courts  the equivalent of $146 million per execution.

In 2010, Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd ordered a ban on executions because there werent enough safeguards to make sure the state wasnt executing intellectually disabled defendants.

Coleman is arguing that in order to serve justice and the victims families, the death penalty should be reinstated, even as two Republicans in the General Assembly have introduced bills to completely abolish the death penalty, replacing it with life without parole.

For almost 15 years, Kentucky has been bogged down by delays as violent criminals tie up our legal system with costly litigation as they seek to avoid justice, Coleman said in a news release. The survivors of the victims of these horrific crimes have suffered in limbo for long enough.

Neither have yet received committee hearings, held hostage by this years Tough on Crime theme by a bunch of legislators looking to get reelected.

But its made clear over this nations history that the death penalty is racially and economically discriminatory, and this country has clearly executed innocent people. That should be enough for anyone, no matter how much they want to be governor.

Like the Japanese soldier hiding in the jungle, its time for Coleman to get the latest news and then drop this fight.

As Steve Bright says, At the end of the day, its just not worth it.
Two skeletons unearthed during repairs at a Borders abbey are to have their next resting place at the National Museum of Scotland (NMS) in Edinburgh.

The skeletal remains of a man and a woman were found in 2020 during refurbishment work at Jedburgh Abbey.

It is hoped that further analysis of the bones will reveal more about the medieval inhabitants of the site.

Dr Alice Blackwell said they had the research potential to yield "valuable information".

Work on the rampart walls was stopped in September 2020 when the skeletons were unearthed.

An archaeology team recorded the find and sensitively removed them for further study.

Initial studies of the bones found that the male was aged between 25 and 35 when he died, while the woman would have been between 22 and 30.

They were stored along with individual bones from 26 other people, including an infant, that were also found during the ramparts work.

Research using the skeletons could reveal more about the medieval inhabitants of the abbey

Last month the Crown's representative in Scotland - the King's and Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer - approved recommendations by the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel to allocate the two skeletons to the national museum.

Dr Blackwell, who is the senior curator of medieval archaeology and history at NMS, believes the skeletons could help to build up the picture of life at Jedburgh Abbey.

She said: "The human remains and associated artefacts from the recent excavations at Jedburgh Abbey join a substantial and very significant medieval assemblage from previous excavations at the abbey already in the national collection.

"The human remains which came to us as part of this assemblage are currently undated.

"However, if they are found to date to the medieval period, they have the research potential through osteoarchaeological and scientific analyses to yield valuable information about the lives of the people who lived at or near the abbey at that time."

Historic Environment Scotland, which manages Jedburgh Abbey, declined to comment.
Lauren Sanchez has a lot of things cooking.

No, really. Jeff Bezos fiancee was front and center at Aspen Ideas, a three-day conference at the Miami Beach Convention Center, focused on finding climate-change solutions.

On Tuesday evening, Sanchez took to the podium in her role as vice chair of the Bezos Earth Fund, and announced a whopping $60 million investment to help establish the Bezos Centers for Sustainable Protein. The Centers will address challenges facing the alternative protein industry, aka lab-grown and plant-based meats.

READ MORE: Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez spotted out and about in Miami

Trust me, Ive had them, the Indian Creek resident told the crowd. And you can hardly tell the difference. I really like em.

Sanchez, 54, also took the opportunity to announce a new, more personal project, a childrens book called The Fly Who Flew to Space, now available for pre-order (on Amazon, naturally).

The story follows Flynn, a curious, underachieving fly who has dreams of becoming an astronaut. One day while buzzing around the local rocket company, he accidentally gets launched into space. On his far-reaching journey, he gets an education about the Earths natural resources, from amazing natural wonders, like the rainforest, to the atmosphere that protects it all.

READ MORE: Jeff Bezos orders wine (by the glass) at this Italian restaurant in Miami Beach

Sanchez, who flies helicopters and has her own aviation company, told People magazine recently that she actually had the idea for the plot long before meeting the Amazon founder, who also owns Blue Origin aerospace manufacturer in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

The $19.99 book went through some edits and tweaks over time, and will be out on shelves in September.

On Instagram last week Sanchez showed off the colorful cover, which features adorable, bug-eyed Flynn, and doubles as a poster.

Im beyond grateful b/c this story holds a piece of my heart, said the former TV journalists post. Its a celebration of overcoming challenges, the joy of learning, and dreaming beyond the stars.
Jenifer Lewis Reveals Near-Fatal, 10-Foot Fall While Vacationing In Africa: Didnt Know You Could Be In That Much Pain And Be Alive | Photo: Shannon Finney via Getty Images

Jenifer Lewis is sharing that she recently came close to death after a scary fall during vacation left her in critical condition.

On March 12, during an exclusive sit-down with Good Morning Americas Robin Roberts, Lewis got candied about a near-death experience she had in Nov. 2022, People reported. Throughout their conversation, it was evident that Lewis was still shaken up about the incident, describing the previous year as one of the hardest due to the aftermath of it all.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Robin Roberts (@robinrobertsgma)

Roberts asked, Did you think you were going to die? Lewis responded, I did.

I didnt know you could be in that much pain and be alive, she added. I went from that high kick standing on my star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, five months later, I was on the ground of the Serengeti and that same leg couldnt move.

Seven months after the Missouri native wrapped her final scene for the final season of ABCs hit primetime show Black-ish, she planned to retire, relax and enjoy the rest of her years.

I was going to retire, move back home, Lewis said. I had traveled around the world and life was wonderful.

To jumpstart this new chapter, Lewis and her friends planned a trip to Africa. They arrived in Cape Town and traveled to Rwanda where she did hiked up a mountain where gorillas lived.

Were having a good time, were feeling a lot. Were going where the real people are, she told Roberts.

Afterward, they headed to the Serengeti, but tragedy struck once they settled in their hotel. At night, while Lewis was walking in her robe on her balcony, which did not have much lighting, she accidentally walked off the ledge and fell 10 feet before landing on the rocky ground.

When the sun sets in the Serengeti, there are no street lights. Its pitch black, Lewis recalled. I was escorted to the lodge, my room, but I wasnt given a tour. I should have been given a tour.

She continued, I laid out my safari clothes and I saw the infinity pool out on my deck. So I went out, I was just taking in that I was back in the Serengeti once again. And Im walking and all of a sudden, I had fallen 10 feet into a dry ravine full of boulders and stones and sharp rocks. There was a space that was not sectioned off and there was no sign that said, Caution, 10-foot. drop.'

Roberts questioned Lewis about the pain she felt after the steep fall.

Of course I was in shock. My right hip took the impact. My shoulder went up against the stone, Lewis said. A lightning bolt went through my minds eye. In pitch black, I didnt know I was falling, nothing would move. So I laid there and said, Move your body, baby. Come on Jenny, move your body.'

Although it was hard even to take a big breath to scream, she managed to somehow call out to her friend Laurie, who had to use a flashlight to locate Lewis.

When Laurie ran to get help, I heard a lion roar, she said. My last thought, because Im Jenifer Lewis, was What a headline! The King Ate the Queen: Pieces of Jenifer Lewis Body Is Being Flown Back to the States.'

Following her long recovery window over the last year, Lewis wants to be intentional going forward. She decided it was best to share her story now because she wanted the public to see her standing tall again.

I didnt want yall to know I had fallen until I could show you how I got back up, she said.

Watch Jenifer Lewis entire interview with Robin Roberts on Hulu.
FILE - New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin before Gov. Phil Murphy delivers his budget address to a joint session of the Legislature at the Statehouse in Trenton, N.J., Feb. 28, 2023. New Jersey legislative leaders hit the brakes Thursday, March 14, 2024, on a fast-moving bill that would have overhauled the state's open records law, following an outpouring of opposition from civil rights groups, unions and others. Coughlin and Senate Budget Committee Chairman Paul Sarlo, both Democrats, said they will work on amending the proposed legislation that came before committees earlier this week. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

TRENTON, N.J. (AP)  New Jersey legislative leaders hit the brakes Thursday on a fast-moving bill that would have overhauled the state's open records law, following an outpouring of opposition from civil rights groups, unions and others.

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and Senate Budget Committee Chairman Paul Sarlo, both Democrats, said they will work on amending the proposed legislation that came before committees earlier this week.

While advocates who opposed the measure cheered the news, the legislation isn't dead and just what the amendments are is not yet clear.

Understanding how important it is to maintain transparency and the right of the public to know what their government is doing, I appreciate the concerns raised about (the bill), Coughlin said in a statement posted to X, formerly Twitter.

The bill, which lawmakers approved out of committee on Monday, was up for a second, different committee vote Thursday. But then Coughlin said such consideration wouldn't happen while changes to the bill are being considered.

New Jersey's Open Public Records Act, which hasn't been updated in more than two decades, provides the public, including news reporters and commercial interests, the ability to obtain government documents at the state and local levels. The measure under consideration was necessary, the sponsors said, to update the bill but also to block commercial businesses seeking records from towns across the state, clogging clerk's workloads and costing taxpayers.

The sponsors disputed suggestions that the measure would curtail the public or journalists' ability to obtain records.

Opponents of the bill queued up for hours' worth of testimony on Monday, arguing the measure would make government less transparent. One key way that could happen under the measure, they argued was by eliminating a requirement for agencies that lose legal battles over records in court to pay for attorneys' fees. Without that dynamic, it could be difficult for ordinary citizens to afford attorneys to press their claims for public records, according to CJ Griffin, a prominent records attorney in the state.

Other changes in the bill included a requirement that records custodians redact identifying information they believe could result in harassment, a requirement that critics say could lead to unnecessary redactions.

It explicitly relieves agencies of any obligation to convert records to an electronic medium and removes immediate access to records if theyre older than one year. Under current law custodians must ordinarily grant immediate access to budgets, contracts and payment vouchers showing how public funds were used.

The bill called for requesters to use a form created by the agency theyre seeking documents from, compared with the current practice of agencies routinely acknowledging emailed requests for documents. It also seeks to limit the disclosure of public officials emails and correspondence unless a specific subject and time frame are delineated.

Sarlo said he hopes to get stakeholders involved in recasting the bill before the state budget process supersedes lawmakers' agendas in April.

He said the amendments would not only foster greater transparency but effectively modernize the 20-year-old law wile both protecting the information of private citizens and reducing what he called profiteering at the expense of municipalities and taxpayers.

Critics of the initial legislation praised the pause.

Taking the time needed to consult with stakeholders and experts is the right approach, said Amol Sinha, the executive director of the state's American Civil Liberties Union, in a post on X.
President Joe Biden shared a statement Thursday reacting to the news that Nex Benedict, the nonbinary teen whose death sparked outrage last month, died by suicide.

Jill and I are heartbroken by the recent loss of Nex Benedict, Biden said in a statement. Every young person deserves to have the fundamental right and freedom to be who they are, and feel safe and supported at school and in their communities. Nex Benedict, a kid who just wanted to be accepted, should still be here with us today.

Biden said that nonbinary and trans folks are some of the bravest Americans I know, adding that we must all recommit to our work to end discrimination and address the suicide crisis impacting too many nonbinary and transgender children.

The Biden statement comes a day after the Oklahoma Medical Examiners Office confirmed that Benedict died by suicide with their cause of death as combined toxicity from diphenhydramine and fluoxetine.

In memory of Nex, we must all recommit to our work to end discrimination and address the suicide crisis impacting too many nonbinary and transgender children. pic.twitter.com/0D2tVyFx9E  President Biden (@POTUS) March 14, 2024

Bullying is hurtful and cruel, and no one should face the bullying that Nex did, Biden wrote in his statement. Parents and schools must take reports of bullying seriously. My prayers are with Nexs family, friends, and all who loved them  and to all LGBTQI+ Americans for whom this tragedy feels so personal, know this: I will always have your back.

He ended his note by directing LGBTQ youth to the National Crisis Hotline, adding, You are loved exactly as you are.

Relatives of the 10th-grader previously said that Benedict had been bullied over his gender identity.

On Feb. 7, Benedict was involved in a fight with three older girls. The high school student told police officers and medical staff that he blacked out during the fight, and released footage from the school hallways also shows him swaying slightly while walking to the administrations offices. One day after the fight, Benedict collapsed and was rushed back to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The teens death has drawn national attention as activists and trans students have blamed the states antagonistic policies surrounding transgender students for the tragedy.

Following the tragedy, Owasso High School staged a walkout, with 40 students leaving class to protest his death  and the bullying policies students believe caused Benedicts death, NBC News reported.

Theres been bullying issues. This time, the bullying has gone so far that a student has passed, Kane, a walkout organizer, told NBC News. To me, it doesnt matter if Nex passed from a traumatic brain injury or if they passed from suicide. What matters is the fact that they died after getting bullied, and that is the story for so many other students. Ive been close to ending it myself because of bullying. Its not new for so many students.

Dial 988 in the US to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Trevor Project, which provides help and suicide-prevention resources for LGBTQ youth, is 1-866-488-7386.

Find other international suicide helplines at Befrienders Worldwide (befrienders.org).

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Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) told Republican senators Wednesday to expect the House to send them legislation to help Ukraine, but cautioned that what comes out of the House will look substantially different than the $95 billion foreign aid package the Senate passed last month.

Johnson tried to reassure frustrated GOP senators who asked him about funding for Ukraine during a question-and-answer session at the annual Senate Republican retreat, which was held at the Library of Congress.

Johnson told senators that the House will send a Ukraine aid package to the Senate but floated the idea of making it a loan or lend-lease program so U.S. taxpayers would not be shelling out tens of billions of dollars without any expectation of getting a return, according to senators who participated in the discussion.

The Speaker also talked about including something similar to the REPO for Ukrainians Act, sponsored by Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), which would authorize the confiscation of Russian sovereign assets and deposit the proceeds of liquidated property into a Ukraine support fund, senators said.

Notably, Johnson did not say whether such a Ukraine aid package would include tough border security reforms, such as Remain in Mexico language, which would face opposition from Senate Democrats.

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WEST VIRGINIA  MARCH 14: U.S. Speaker of the House Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) (L) speaks as House Majority Leader Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) (R) listens during a House GOP leadership news conference at the Greenbrier Hotel on March 14, 2024 in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. House Republicans are holding their 2024 House Republican Issues Conference, also known as the annual House GOP retreat, in West Virginia from March 13  March 15. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Johnson gave Republican senators a pathway for helping Ukraine a day after he came under pressure from Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) to bring the Senate-passed package funding Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan to the House floor.

I did get the sense that after the appropriations bills were taken care of that they would turn to that, and there have been a number of suggestions. One has to do with the forfeiture, basically, of $300 billion in Russian assets, said Sen. John Cornyn (Texas), one of 22 Republican senators who voted for the Senate emergency foreign aid package last month.

Cornyn, who is running to succeed McConnell as GOP leader after this Congress, said seizing Russian assets to help Ukraine is a great idea.

It would be justice to make the Russians to pay for Ukraine, pay the United States and allies for arming Ukraine, he said.

Cornyn, an adviser to the Senate GOP leadership team, also praised the idea of setting up a lend-lease program to help Ukraine in addition to or perhaps instead of the $60 billion the Senate included in its emergency package.

Thats what FDR did in World War II, he said of a lend-lease program, which President Franklin Roosevelt signed in 1941 to arm Britain and other allies against Nazi Germany.

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After hearing from Johnson, Cornyn said hes pretty optimistic about the House sending a Ukraine aid package to the Senate.

Ive heard the Speaker now say Were not going to leave Ukraine empty-handed, or words to that effect, he said.

Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), who also attended the meeting, said the Speaker clearly stated his intention to help Ukraine.

He was pretty clear about it, Cramer said of Johnsons indication that he would like to pass a lend-lease program and legislation to seize Russian assets to pay for a Ukraine support fund.

I thought it was very hopeful, he said, noting that he and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) have worked with the House on a bill to send back to the Senate that would probably include President Trumps idea of some sort of lend-lease program.

To me its the exact way to go about finding a solution that maybe isnt unanimous but at least everybody can get on board with, he said.

Johnson told reporters during the House Republican retreat at the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia late Wednesday that he will work the will of the House on a package to help Ukraine and said he doesnt want to let Russian President Vladimir Putin take over the country.

No one wants Vladimir Putin to prevail. Im of the opinion that he wouldnt stop at Ukraine  and go all through the way through Europe, he said. There is a right and wrong there, a good versus evil in my view, and Ukraine is the victim here.

But he said House Republicans are processing through all the various options right now and cautioned that whatever the House passes may not look exactly like the Senate supplemental.

Graham said a lend-lease program would help Ukraine stop Russian gains on the battlefield.

I think its an elegant solution, particularly with the REPO Act, where you can take oligarch assets, he said. I think that is a sweet spot, because if youre for helping Ukraine, are you really going to say no to a loan?

Graham emphasized any loan to Ukraine would be waivable and would not charge interest.

Im optimistic. Ive never been more optimistic, he said, citing Johnsons comments.

Former President Trump began pushing the idea of sending aid to Ukraine in the form of a loan last month when he attempted to persuade GOP senators to vote against the Senates Ukraine funding bill.

Loan them the money. If they can make it, they pay us back. If they cant make it, they dont have to pay us back, Trump said at a rally in North Charleston, S.C.

Some Republican senators are skeptical of the loan idea, however, warning that would put more financial strain on Ukraine at a time when the countrys forces are losing momentum in the war, and that it could take weeks longer to craft the policy details of a lend-lease program.

Ill consider any option thats put out there. I think a loan would impose a further burden on Ukraine right now at a time when they dont need it but if thats what it takes to get aid through, Id be willing to consider, said Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), the vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, who took a leading role in crafting the Senate package.

I think that the bill that we passed is a better approach, she said.

I understand that the House wants to leave its own mark on the bill. Thats totally appropriate, but I just wish theyd move on the supplemental. Im really worried about the Ukrainians running out of ammunition, and I think thats why theyve had the battlefield setbacks recently, she said.

Ukrainian troops withdrew from the city of Avdiivka last month, handing Russia a victory.

McConnell pressed Johnson on Tuesday to let House members at least consider the House-passed bill.

I want to encourage the Speaker again to allow a vote. Let the House speak on the supplemental that we sent over to them several weeks ago, he told reporters.

Johnson told reporters Wednesday that I understand the timetable and I understand the urgency of the funding but pointed out that the Senate took four months to pass its Ukraine funding package.

But he emphasized that he wants to pass the regular appropriations bills before turning to the emergency foreign aid package for Ukraine, given the delicate political calculations of passing bills through the House with a narrow Republican majority.

In the sequence of events, it was important for us to not put the supplemental in front of the appropriations bills, because it would affect probably the vote tally ultimately on [appropriations], and we got to get our government funded, he said.

Cramer said Johnson told senators Wednesday that he was confident Senate and House negotiators will reach a deal soon on the second tranche of appropriations bills that need to pass by March 22 to avoid a partial government shutdown.

He was quite confident about getting the appropriations stuff, he said. It sounded like at least five of the six [appropriations] bills are very, very close  even with hours  of being ready.

Johnson, however, confirmed to senators that major disagreements remain over the Homeland Security appropriations bill, which has become ensnarled by the partisan battle over President Bidens immigration and border security policies.

Some appropriators are floating the possibility of separating that bill from the other five fills funding the departments of Defense; Labor; Health and Human Services; State; and other priorities.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
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International travel is still expensive, but that doesnt mean you cant enjoy a nice vacation either alone or with the family without breaking the bank in the process.

According to Kayak, flight prices in the U.S. are expected to decrease by 16% compared to last year, and the average airplane ticket will be $461. International flights, however, are on the rise  up 10% year over year.

Check Out: Why Are Flights So Expensive Right Now? 7 Factors Impacting Prices

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But as any traveler will tell you, its not all about flight prices. Your travel budget should include items like accommodations, on-the-ground transportation, food and the like. Considering that, you could still find some great deals for popular travel destinations.

So where should you plan to go this year? GOBankingRates spoke with several travel industry experts about affordable destinations. Heres what they suggested.

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Romania

Planning a trip to Europe? You might want to consider a leg in Romania  or as your final destination.

Romania has been overlooked as a travel destination by many, but it is a fascinating and beautiful country with so much to offer. It still has the charm, history, scenery and character of more expensive European destinations, without the hefty price tag, said Stefanie Lambert, founder of Eurotravels by Design.

As for cost, Romania is still considered affordable  though youll need to factor in flights from wherever youre starting.

Four-star hotels are easily available for under $100, with many being around $70, said Lambert. A nice meal will cost around $15-$20 but you can find cheaper eats for $10 and great street food for around $5.00.

More specifically, check out destinations like Timisoara, Sibiu and Brasov.

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Thailand

Kayaks research found that many parts of Asia are still high on peoples lists of places to go. One such destination is Thailand.

My wife and I are huge travelers, said Marc Bjerring, co-founder of Spivo. [Thailand offers] budget-friendly experiences with accommodation ranging from $15-35 per night, meals under $5, and daily expenses around $25-40.

Thailand isnt the only country in Asia well-suited for budget-conscious travelers, but its certainly worth checking out.

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Dominican Republic

Located in the West Indies, the Dominican Republic is a popular tourist destination and a hit among those looking for a relaxing beachside getaway. Its also still more affordable than many other places.

Thats a big reason why Sully Montero, romance travel specialist at Teach Travel Discover, suggested it.

Multiple direct/non-stop airport hubs make flights very affordable & the all-inclusive resorts give clients the most bang for their buck in terms of amenities, said Montero. The average price for two people for six nights is $2,500 to $3,500, including airfare and accommodations.

The Balkans

Located in southeastern Europe, The Balkans tend to be slightly less touristy than other European destinations and are still surprisingly affordable.

Compared to Western Europe, the Balkans offer a wallet-friendly adventure. Entrance fees for museums and attractions vary but are generally lower than in Western Europe, said Tim Hentschel, co-founder and CEO of HotelPlanner. In addition, many cities offer free walking tours and boast beautiful squares and historical landmarks to explore at no cost.

But whats the average cost like?

Daily budgets range from $30 for shoestring adventurers to around $100 for luxury seekers, said Hentschel. To maximize savings, visit during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall to avoid peak season pricing).

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Mexico

Mexico, specifically Cancun, has long been a top destination for travelers looking to get away without the hefty price tag. And it continues to be reasonably priced for travelers this year, especially for US-based tourists.

Besides having the most direct flights from almost every major US airport, and the all-inclusive options, Cancun provides clients with the opportunity to explore the culture of Mexico with the amazing tours/excursions that are offered, said Montero.

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The average price for two travelers staying six nights, she added, is about $2,000 to $3,000 including accommodations, flights and transfers. The average tour price is $50 to $100 per person.

Costa Rica

Many Central American countries, including Costa Rica, are still affordable to visit.

Costa Rica has been my most requested destination so far in 2024, and for good reason, said Montero. If clients fly into Liberia International Airport and stay on the west coast (The Guanacaste region), they can experience some of the amazing adventure spots that Costa Rica has to offer at a fraction of the cost. This is a perfect spot for those who like outdoor adventures from ziplining to white water rafting!

According to Montero, a six-night trip to Costa Rica for two costs about $3,500 to $4,500 on average, including airfare and accommodations.

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Vietnam or Cambodia

Thailand isnt the only Southeast Asian country worth visiting for travelers on a budget. Vietnam and Cambodia are up there, too.

Flights from the US to Southeast Asia can range from around $500 to $1,500 or more, said Hentschel. You can find hostels in Southeast Asia for as low as $5 a night and guesthouses for around $10-$20 a night. Budget hotels typically cost around $30-$50 per night, while luxury hotels can cost hundreds of dollars per night.

If you visit these destinations, you can also keep food and ground transit costs low.

If you prefer restaurant dining, you can find budget-friendly options for around $5-$10 per meal, said Hentschel. You can expect to pay around $10-$20 for a bus ride between major cities.

Velishchuk / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Poland

Another affordable, yet popular travel destination that Lambert suggested is Poland.

Like many other travel destinations, Poland has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine, scenery, history and architecture. Its also home to 16 World Heritage Sites and the worlds largest castle.

From the East Coast, expect to pay around $600 to $800 on a round-trip airplane ticket. The average cost of a hotel for three nights is $154.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 8 Popular 2024 Travel Destinations That You Can Actually Afford To Visit
Donald Trump was present at a hearing in Florida on Thursday for his classified documents case, but he said nothing in his own defense, allowing his legal team to present a number of arguments on his behalf that Judge Aileen Cannon didn't seem to be buying.

According to NBC News' blow-by-blow coverage, Cannon "appeared skeptical" of Trump's lawyers' pushing for the case to be dismissed based on the Presidential Records Act, with attorney Todd Blanche arguing that presidents since George Washington have taken materials out of the White House at their own discretion," to which the judge responded with, Its difficult to see how this gets you to the dismissal of an indictment. And when Blanche tried to blame the case on the National Archives and Records Administration, Cannon shot that down as "a red herring."

NARA is not sitting at the table over there, Cannon added regarding the above, saying she will be ruling on the motions "promptly."

Trump, who faces 40 criminal charges related to his alleged mishandling of classified documents, commented on the hearing via a post to Truth Social, writing, "Big crowds in Fort Pierce, Florida, for the Biden induced Witch Hunt against his political opponent, ME! Thank you, a great honor to have you there. Such a thing has never happened in our Country before - Strictly Third World. BUT, WE WILL MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"
On Thursday, Donald Trump and special counsel Jack Smith will have the chance to debate in court Trumps most-cited legal argument in the classified documents case against him: whether as president, he was allowed to keep any documents he wanted.

Trumps legal team have argued in several court filings that charges against the former president should be dismissed because, they claim, Trump had unfettered authority as president to decide what documents from his time in the White House he could keep as his personal records.

Judge Aileen Cannon, who is overseeing the case, has set apart an entire day to hear arguments on whether the prosecution should be thrown out on the basis of Trumps claims about his presidential classification powers.

The hearing comes at a major inflection in the case. In the coming days and weeks, Cannon could rule on several big issues, including setting a new trial date  and whether it comes before the November election  as well as if Trump will get an evidentiary hearing over additional discovery he wants in the case from President Joe Bidens White House, the FBI and beyond.

Trump is facing dozens of charges related to his alleged mishandling of classified documents, and for obstructing the Justice Departments investigation. He has pleaded not guilty.

The question of presidential authority on classified documents is one of several that Trumps team has raised in their motions to dismiss the case against him.

As president, defense attorneys argue, Trump was the chief classification officer and could mark any documents as personal and legally take those documents with him when he left office.

Their arguments cite the Presidential Records Act, the federal law that governs how documents from an outgoing presidential administration are handled. The PRA says the moment a president leaves office, the National Archives and Records Administration gets custody and control of all presidential records from their administration.

Personal records are described in the PRA as things like personal notes, materials relating to private political associations or materials relating exclusively to the presidents own election to the White House.

On the campaign trail, Trump frequently makes the argument that he was allowed to take documents with him after leaving the Oval Office  claiming repeatedly that he did not break the law because he could handle his records from his presidency however he deemed fit.

Trump has claimed that he was covered and protected by the Presidential Records Act, and that he was supposed to negotiate, Im supposed to deal with the National Archives over which documents needed to be returned.

Several legal experts, however, say that Trump was misconstruing the law.

The special counsels office has argued the PRA does not provide a president the ability to change classification designations merely by moving the documents.

His claim that obviously presidential records  highly sensitive government documents bearing classification markings that were presented to Trump during his term in office  can be transformed into personal records by the alchemy of removing them from the White House is false, the special counsels office wrote in a court filing.

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A Thurston County judge denied bail Tuesday for a 37-year-old man accused of murdering a woman who was found in a burning home last weekend.

Galaxy Ray Muffett attended his preliminary appearance in Thurston County Superior Court Tuesday afternoon. A Sheriffs Office detective arrested Muffett on Tuesday in connection with the death of Donna Akers, 49.

Detectives began investigating Muffett following a Saturday house fire on the 4100 block of Cooper Point Road Northwest. When McLane Black Lake Fire Department crews extinguished the blaze at the home, they found a Akers body and a shotgun at the scene, according to a Sheriffs Office news release and court records.

Coroner Gary Warnock confirmed Akers identity to The Olympian on Thursday. He said she died due to homicidal violence.

On Tuesday, Judge Mary Sue Wilson found probable cause for several crimes Muffett is accused of: first-degree aggravated murder while armed with a deadly weapon, two counts of second-degree assault while armed with a deadly weapon, tampering with physical evidence, first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

Wilson ordered Muffett to be held without bail. In doing so, she found Muffett had a propensity for violence that creates a substantial likelihood of danger to the community.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Rosemary Fitzgerald had asked the judge to deny bail. However, that motion was filed Tuesday afternoon, so Muffetts public defense attorney had little time to review it.

Given the situation, Wilson gave Muffetts attorney a chance to respond to the states motion at a March 19 hearing. Depending on whats decided then, Muffetts conditions of release may be altered.

Muffett has 11 prior adult felony convictions and 12 prior adult gross misdemeanor convictions dating back to 2005, according to court records. He also had a warrant out for his arrest for failing to appear in court for a theft and vehicle prowling case in Hoquiam.

Court records describe the investigation into Muffett from the perspective of law enforcement.

Investigators allege Muffett shot Akers in the face while she had her hands up, according to court records. He reportedly had been close friends with Akers, who had been described as his street mom.

The shooting reportedly occurred in a bedroom in the back of the home. Investigators allege Muffett retrieved his shotgun and entered the bedroom to shoot Akers.

Muffett allegedly returned to the living room, pointed the shotgun at several witnesses and ordered them to remain at the house. The witnesses eventually fled the scene, leaving Muffett at the home, according to court records.

A passerby later reported smoke coming from the home, and firefighters were sent. Fire crews reportedly recovered Akers body under a mattress and located the shotgun.

A detective managed to identify Akers after a retail receipt led them to a Lakewood store that identified her and shared surveillance footage. The video reportedly showed Akers with Muffett and a witness.

On Sunday, a separate witness told the detective that Akers visited the home Saturday morning to confront Muffett. The witness alleged Muffett believed Akers set him up to steal his medications.

Court records indicate the witness unsuccessfully tried to meet Akers at the residence. At one point, the witness alleged Muffett peaked through the blinds and claimed to not know Akers. The witness was not allowed inside, so they left.

On Monday, Tumwater police located and detained Muffett near the intersection of W Street Southeast and Capitol Boulevard. Court records allege he fled from law enforcement on foot and hopped over fences through private property.

The Sheriffs Office detective investigating the case responded to the scene and arrested Muffett on a bench warrant. The detective searched Muffett and allegedly recovered a small bag that contained suspected crystal methamphetamine.

The detective interviewed Muffett about Akers death and the house fire. He denied the allegations and showed no remorse or emotion over Akers death, according to court records.

Court records show investigators pieced together what happened after collecting corroborating statements from witnesses Muffett had allegedly threatened.

Muffett allegedly admitted to owning a shotgun after investigators collected DNA samples from him with a warrant, court records show.
A Florida man convicted of a series of rapes, robberies and burglaries in Marion County sought to be released from a facility housing sexual offenders so he could rejoin family and friends. But a judge rejected the request following a hearing.

Circuit Judge Anthony Tatti said his decision was based on evidence presented and a review of records submitted to the court.

The defendant, Frank Kash, told his Public Defender's Office lawyers, Sean Gravel and Kathryn Hamilton, that he plans to appeal the judge's decision.

Staff members at the Florida Civil Commitment Center in Arcaida said they think Kash should remain at the center because they believe his mental condition has not changed.

Frank Kash and one of his lawyers, Sean Gravel of the Public Defender's Office.

A hearing was held Wednesday to determine whether Kash should be cleared to leave the confines of the center. The judge asked Dr. Harry Krop if he was aware of the staff's opinion that Kash, 68, of Arcadia, is not ready to be released. Krop, who appeared via Zoom, told the judge he knows about the report, but disagrees with the staff analysis.

Assistant State Attorney Elizabeth White told the court in her closing remarks that it's not safe to allow Kash back into the community. She noted that he committed 11 violent sexual batteries in less than a year. The prosecutor said the violence involved threats with some type of weapon.

White also noted that, while at the center, Kash was charged with aggravated assault and sentenced.

The lawyer said Kash is in a controlled environment where his behavior can be monitored. She said Kash's crimes were committed at night. She said he hasn't changed and is likely to resume his dangerous pattern if freed.

Sean Gravel

Gravel told the judge that White's presentation focused only on his client's past. He said doctors who have examined Kash testified that he is a changed man and has made enough progress to qualify for an opportunity to live in freedom. Hamilton assisted Gravel at the hearing with questioning one of two experts presented by the defense.

In the 1980s, local law enforcement officials labeled Kash the "Southeast Rapist" and said he was responsible for a string of sexual assaults in Ocala and Marion County.

Authorities said Kash admitted to seven rapes between February 1984 and March 1985. Detectives said comparisons from a hair sample linked Kash to four other rapes.

At the time, officials said they were able to close eight rape cases in the county and the remaining three in the city.

Though Kash did not confess to the rapes, investigators said he admitted to roughly 20 vehicle burglaries from November 1984 to March 1985.

Court records show Kash pleaded guilty to sexual battery, robbery with a deadly weapon, burglary and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in August 1985.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement database lists Kash as a sexual offender.

Jimmy Ryce Act

Before Kash was scheduled to be released from prison, his case was evaluated pursuant to Florida's Jimmy Ryce Act, which came about in 1999. The act states that before inmates with histories of sex offenses are released from prison, they are evaluated to see if they pose a risk to re-offend. If they are a risk, then they can be subject to civil proceedings and commitment to a secure facility for treatment.

Florida Civil Commitment Center

The Jimmy Ryce Act was created in memory of 9-year-old Jimmy Ryce , a south Florida boy who was kidnapped, raped, murdered and dismembered in 1995 by Juan Carlos Chavez. Chavez later died by lethal injection in 2014.

In 2003, when Kash's prison term was up, prosecutors sought to keep him locked up pursuant to the Ryce Act. Prosecutors did not get a chance to file the required documents. Defying advice from his lawyer, Kash decided he wanted to be committed to the center indefinitely.

In 2015, citing advice from mental health evaluators, a local judge rejected the Public Defender's Office's request that Kash be allowed to leave the center.

During Wednesday's hearing, Krop and Dr. Peter Bursten, who also testified via Zoom, testified that Kash has made tremendous strides and wouldn't pose a threat to society if released.

Bursten said a facility in Pensacola has expressed interest in housing Kash, who has support from his brother.

From his approximately dozen visits, Bursten believes Kash has shown enough progress to be freed. He said Kash has not shown any signs of acting out sexually. The doctor said Kash has accepted responsibility for what he did, doesn't have any sexual preoccupation, and understands he has done is wrong.

Asked whether Kash may be faking his changed attitude, Bursten said no. He believes Kash is someone who speaks his mind and was not attempting to manipulate the interviews.

Prison: Sex predator gets 12 years for making contact with victims

Krop said he has seen a significant change in Kash and thinks Kash is safe to be around people.

Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Defense fails to secure release for man held in facility for sex offenders
A judge has released a motion to drop charges against New Jersey Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez. He and his wife Nadine (R) are charged along in a plot to accept cash, gold bars, a Mercedes convertible and mortgage payments. in exchange for political favors for the Qatari government. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

March 14 (UPI) -- A judge refused Thursday to dismiss bribery and other charges against New Jersey's Sen. Bob Menendez, saying his alleged actions weren't protected because of his job as a senator and former member of the Foreign Relations Committee.

Prosecutors have accused Menendez, a Democrat, of acting as an unregistered agent of Egypt, taking cash and other bribes to help the government of Qatar, and exchanging political favors for financial gain.

Menendez had asked that the charges be dismissed on other grounds, too, and this ruling does not affect that request, which remains pending before a judge.

Menedez's lawyers argue that overzealous prosecutors were trying to criminalize the normal activity of legislators and flouting the protections given to members of Congress under what is known as the Constitution's "speech or debate" clause.

"The government's accusations in this case -- that he sold his office and even sold out his nation -- are outrageously false, and indeed distort reality," Menendez's lawyers wrote. "Every official act the senator took represented his good-faith policy judgments."

Democratic New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez exits Federal Court after pleading not guilty on bribery and extortion charges in September. A judge released his motion to have the charges dropped Thursday. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

The ruling came a day after Menendez, 70, delivered a rebuttal of the charges on the Senate floor.

Menendez is currently scheduled to go on trial May 6, but he could file an appeal of Thursday's ruling, his lawyers said, which could delay the trial.
(Bloomberg) -- Advent International and Hellman & Friedman are among the private equity firms weighing bids for Synopsys Inc.s $3 billion software integrity business, people with knowledge of the matter said.

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Thoma Bravo is also in the early stages of considering an offer for the unit, known as SIG, according to the people, who asked not to be identified discussing confidential information.

Bloomberg News reported in February that chip designer Synopsys was working with a financial adviser to kick off a sale of SIG, which helps software developers with application security testing.

Deliberations are ongoing and theres no certainty that any of the private equity firms will decide to make offers for SIG, the people said. Firms could decide to partner up for bids and other suitors may emerge, they said.

Representatives for Advent, Hellman & Friedman, Thoma Bravo and Synopsys declined to comment.

In January, Synopsys, based in Sunnyvale, California, agreed to buy software developer Ansys Inc. for about $34 billion in cash and stock. Ansys makes simulation software used by engineers to help predict how products will work in the real world.

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From the The Morning Dispatch on The Dispatch

Happy Thursday! There will be fewer elephants in the room at the annual GOP retreat this year, as more than 100 House Republicans will reportedly skip the trip. The reason? They just really dont want to be together.

Quick Hits: Todays Top Stories

Whither the Narrative Goes

President Joe Biden speaks during the State of the Union address on March 7, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

President Joe Bidens State of the Union address last week presented both an opportunity to outline a policy vision for the country and to boost his reelection bid. Turning setback into comeback, thats what America does, he quipped, and as the night ended, Democrats hoped the speech would do the same for the presidents campaign.

Biden and former President Donald Trump both reached the necessary delegate thresholds in their respective party primaries on Tuesday to clinch the nominations, formally kicking off the general election. While the Trump campaign is fresh off a victorious primary contest, the Biden campaign has kicked into a new gear following the SOTU. The speech and the redoubled campaign activity have prompted some left-leaning commentators and strategists who previously doubted the presidents reelection chances to change their tune. But with a lengthy reelection campaign ahead, polling still shows the president remains a weak incumbent.

The fiery and historically partisan SOTU provided some reassurance to Democratic strategists looking for signs that Biden can effectively run a reelection effort. Democrats are reinvigorated, Cristobal Alex, a former senior adviser to Bidens 2020 campaign, said after the speech. My phone has been blowing up since last night and hasnt stopped. The campaign brought in a $10 million fundraising haul in the 24 hours following the speechcomparatively, the campaign and allied groups like the Democratic National Committee raised $42 million combined over the month of January. The Friday after the address, Biden set off on a whirlwind tour of battleground states, traveling first to Philadelphia and then Atlanta over the weekend. Earlier this week, he spoke to supporters at two stops in New Hampshire. He was in Milwaukee yesterday and will be stumping in Michigan today. The Biden campaign also launched a $30 million, six-week ad blitz in swing states.

In the early stages of the Democratic primary, some Democrats doubted whether the 81-year-old incumbent was actually up for the rigors of a tough campaign. Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesotawho ended his primary challenge to Biden earlier this monthbased much of his campaign on offering a younger alternative. Worries over Bidens age and acuity had caused some liberal commentators to suggest the president step aside, and they reached a crescendo with the release of special counsel Robert Hurs report on Bidens handling of classified documents last month. Hurs description of Biden as a a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory put that anxiety in stark relief.

The presidents rushed press conference in reaction to Hurs report did little to assuage fears about his competence, and the decision to forgo a Super Bowl interview seemed like further confirmation that Biden wasnt ready for a campaign, let alone four more years in the Oval Office. Surveys have shown that a large majority of voters feel the same. Bidens limited public presence came across as a deliberate strategy to protect against stumbles, either verbal or physical. Biden has given only a small fraction of the number of interviews that former Presidents Donald Trump and Barack Obama had given at this stage of their presidencies, and has held relatively few press conferences.

We had to wait till this yeartill now, reallyto see Biden even begin to show what hed be like on the campaign trail, Ezra Klein, a columnist for the New York Times, said a month ago. What I think were seeing is that he is not up for this. He is not the campaigner he was, even five years ago. Thats not insider reporting on my part. Go watch a speech he gave in Pennsylvania, kicking off his campaign in 2019. And then go watch the speech he gave last month, in Valley Forge, kicking off his election campaign. No comparison here.  You can see it. The way he moves, the energy in his voice. The Democrats denying decline are only fooling themselves.

CNNs Van Jones put his criticisms of Biden more bluntly. If I were Biden, I would stay hidden, he said in January. Hes not a great messenger for himself.

One SOTU later, the Biden campaign is riding a wave of retractions from his doubters. A lot of Democrats were nervous, were concerned, were despondent, were fearful, Jones said on Tuesday. And then we saw Red Bull Biden last week. It was like, Okay, this guy can actually get out there and do some things. Klein published an essay on Monday titled Fine, Call It a Comeback. Referencing his earlier misgivings, he wrote, If the Joe Biden who showed up to deliver the State of the Union address last week is the Joe Biden who shows up for the rest of the campaign, youre not going to have any more of those weak-kneed pundits suggesting hes not up to running for reelection.

Even David Axelroda Democratic strategist and Obama campaign veteran who has been sounding the alarm for several months about Bidens ageoffered some praise for the president. No one speech changes the entire trajectory of a campaign, he tweeted last week, but [Biden] did what he had to last night, commanding the moment.

Biden himself also started taking a different tack: addressing his age head on. He joked about his advanced years in the SOTU, saying, I know it may not look like it, but Ive been around a while. An ad released by the campaign last weekend opened with Biden cheekily admitting, Look, I know Im not a young guy. The comments stand in contrast to the presidents tone last month when he indignantly told reporters, Im well meaning, and Im an elderly man, and I know what the hell Im doing. Politicos Jonathan Martin observed on Monday that Bidens willingness to frontally address his age, not the SOTU speech, was the most important development for Democrats in the last two weeks.

Some left-leaning observers argue that the comeback framing is overstated. Matt Bennettexecutive vice president at Third Way, a center-left think tanktold TMD that Bidens SOTU was outstanding but not surprising given his previous SOTU performance. He also noted that now is about the time when reelection campaigns typically ramp up. I am not at all surprised that the campaign has picked up pace now that were into the general election, he said. But its gratifying to see that doubters are beginning to come around and believe that Biden has it in him to win.

This rhetorical circling of the wagons among professional Democrats is one thing. The polling released in the last week, however, has provided a dose of reality to temper their renewed enthusiasm. All but one of the national polls released after the SOTU show Trump maintaining a slight lead over the president, or even gaining a few points. Plus, Bidens approval rating is near the lowest point of his presidency38 percent, according to FiveThirtyEights polling average. Nate Silver, polling analyst and founder of FiveThirtyEight, noted the yawning gap between the upbeat takes on Bidens performance and the polling. It is just frustrating that people seem increasingly unable to separate out their personal views of how Biden did/is doing from an honest acknowledgment of the state of public opinion, Silver tweeted on Tuesday.

The president tried to downplay his poor numbers earlier this week. None of the polling matters much more now, Biden said in Manchester, New Hampshire, on Monday. Its not nearly as accurate. Polling has changed over the last two presidential cycles, but thats cold comfort given that Bidens numbers are historically abysmal.

Worth Your Time

In the early 2010s, mental health plummeted among adolescents as loneliness increasedand as these individuals began to enter the workforce, their struggles continued. Writing for The Atlantic, New York University social psychologist Jonathan Haidt pointed to the smartphone as one of the greatest roadblocks to human developmentespecially during childhood. Once young people began carrying the entire internet in their pockets, available to them day and night, it altered their daily experiences and developmental pathways across the board, he wrote. Friendship, dating, sexuality, exercise, sleep, academics, politics, family dynamics, identityall were affected. Haidt argued that this phone-based childhood robbed kids of vital learning experiences, like discovering independence through playtime. The main reason why the phone-based childhood is so harmful is because it pushes aside everything else. Smartphones are experience blockers. Our ultimate goal should not be to remove screens entirely, nor should it be to return childhood to exactly the way it was in 1960. Rather, it should be to create a version of childhood and adolescence that keeps young people anchored in the real world while flourishing in the digital age.

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Financial Times: U.S. Held Secret Talks with Iran Over Red Sea Attacks

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Axios: Trump Says Biden Is Not Too Old to Be President [September 2023]

Former President Trump said in an interview airing Thursday that President Biden is not too old to be presidentbut that hes incompetent.  Age is interesting because some people are very sharp and some people do lose it, but you lose it at 40 and 50, also, Trump said on SiriusXMs The Megyn Kelly Show. But no, hes not too old at all. Hes grossly incompetent.

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Let Us Know

Do you think a campaign blitz by President Joe Biden can assuage voters fears about his mental acuity?

Correction, March 14, 2024: This newsletter did not originally state that the Axios article regarding former President Donald Trumps comments about President Joe Bidens age was dated September 2023.

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After seven hours in the deliberation room, the jury deciding James Crumbley's fate had a question Thursday afternoon  though it was answered in private.

Then the jury went back to work.

Jurors have been going at it for about nine hours now, starting at 3:15 p.m. Wednesday, when both sides finished their impassioned closing arguments involving the embattled father of the Oxford school shooter.

Typically, jurors stop for the day at 4:30 p.m., but court officials said the jury asked to stay later Thursday. How late remains to be seen.

According to legal experts, the rule of thumb with how long jury deliberations typically go is this: For each week of testimony, a jury deliberates one day. That means in this case, which had five days of testimony  one work week  which would mean one full day of deliberations before a verdict is reached.

Photos of the four students killed in the Oxford High School shooting appear on a screen as closing arguments begin in the trial of James Crumbley who sits second from left in the Oakland County Courtroom of Cheryl Matthews on Wednesday, March, 13, 2024. Crumbley is on trial on four counts of involuntary manslaughter for the four students killed in the 2021 Oxford High School shooting perpetrated by his son Ethan Crumbley.

Experts note that's not a hard and fast rule, but one they follow in trying to figure out when to expect a verdict announcement.

In Jennifer Crumbley's case, the jury deliberated for 11 hours, a day and a half, before announcing its guilty verdict against the shooter's mother. Her trial had seven days of testimony, almost a week and a half, so the deliberation time fell in line with the rule of thumb.

James Crumbley is charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter for, among other things, buying the gun that his son used to murder four students in the 2021 mass shooting at Oxford High School. Seven others were injured, including a teacher who testified at both parents' trials. Ethan Crumbley, who was 15 at the time of the shooting, pleaded guilty to his crimes and is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

During his father's trial, the prosecution and defense hammered away at the same themes they did in the wife's case, with one side maintaining Crumbley was a careless, negligent father who bought a troubled son a gun and failed to secure it, while the other side maintained the dad never saw any signs that his son was mentally ill or would ever harm someone, that the gun was secured, and that he never knew of his son's plan to shoot up his school.

Prosecutors say Crumbley ignored a mentally ill son who needed help, but instead of getting him therapy, he bought him a gun  the same one the teenager used in the rampage on Nov. 30, 2021. Prosecutors say James Crumbley also failed to properly secure the gun and didn't tell school officials about it when given the opportunity during a pivotal meeting in a counselor's office, where he was summoned on the morning of the shooting over a drawing his son had made. It featured a gun, a human being bleeding, and the words, "The thoughts wont stop, help me."

This drawing is an exhibit from a filing by the Oakland County Prosecutors Office in the case of James and Jennifer Crumbley, the parents of Oxford High School shooting suspect Ethan Crumbley. Prosecutors say Ethan made the drawing prior to the shooting.

Crumbley and his wife went back to their jobs after that meeting and vowed to get their son help within 48 hours. The teenager went back to class. Two hours later, he fired his first shot.

Prosecutors are seeking to hold James Crumbley responsible for the deaths of four students murdered by his son. His wife, Jennifer Crumbley, was convicted on Feb. 6 of the same crimes, and became the first parent in America to be held criminally responsible for a mass school shooting committed by their child. She faces up to 15 years in prison when she is sentenced April 9.

Contact Tresa Baldas: tbaldas@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Jury deliberations to stretch past deadline in James Crumbley trial
The ex-wife of Justin Trudeau may have taken a veiled swipe at the Canadian Prime Minister.

Sophie Gregoire Trudeau appeared onstage at the 30/50 Summit in Abu Dhabi, hosted by Forbes and MSNBCs Mika Brezinski, where she made a comment that seemed to shade her famous ex.

Your needs, you shouldnt expect the minimum, she said. You should expect a maximum of nourishment, presence and help in your life with the people around you. And we shouldnt have to hold it all together as women.

Gregoire Trudeau and the PM announced their split in August. In an Instagram post, Trudeau said the decision to part ways came after many meaningful and difficult conversations, but said the pair remain a close family with deep love and respect for each other. They were married in 2005.

Gregoire Trudeau allegedly recoupled with her current partner Dr. Marcos Bettolli, 18 months before the split was announced, according to his divorce papers, Canadas National Post reported. His ex-wife wrote that her former husband re-partnered with a high profile individual who attracts significant media attention and presents significant security considerations.

Her tell-all memoir Closer Together is scheduled for release in April, and will discuss her struggles with mental health and eating disorders. When I shared my story it was not the easiest thing to do, but it was the right thing to do, Gregoire Trudeau said.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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As juvenile justice takes center stage this General Assembly session, a Republican-sponsored bill aims to bar students who have been convicted or adjudicated of rape and other sex offenses from attending school in person.

State Sen. Johnny Salling and state Del. Nino Mangione cross-filed the bills after they met with two mothers last month who say their toddlers were sexually abused in Harford and Baltimore counties by a teenager who attends a Baltimore City high school.

One mother joined Salling at a Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee hearing Wednesday morning. Salling said he was first introduced to the family after Fox 45 reported that the victims abuser was going to a Baltimore high school.

These are serious incidents of incest and rape, and these sexual offenses, there should be some type of accountability, Salling said in an interview. And you shouldnt allow the students to go back in school because you dont know the mindset of the individual.

Under Senate Bill 1145, a child would be prohibited from attending a state-funded public or nonpublic school in person if they are convicted or adjudicated of rape or a sex offense that would be considered a felony in adult court. Each school system would have to provide an alternative education for those students, such as virtual programs. The bill doesnt outline how long those students would be banned from in-person learning.

Maryland law already bars students who are registered on the adult sex offender registry, which is only for those who are 18 or older, from entering school property or attending public schools. School districts must educate those students in alternative locations until they are no longer on the sex offender registry.

Mangione and Sallings bill seeks to close what they call a loophole for children who commit sex offenses but arent on the adult registry. Maryland does have a juvenile offender registry, but its accessible only by law enforcement personnel for law enforcement purposes.

Thats whats trying to be addressed here, Mangione said. How many others have been walking the halls of these schools?

Registration is often requested by a prosecutor or negotiated in a deal, said Levi Bradford, an education attorney with Public Justice Center, a nonprofit law firm that is part of a coalition opposing the bill. Some kids can avoid registering if the prosecutor says they dont have to, he said, but this bill would rope in those kids who are not required to register.

Local superintendents, principals and security officers are notified when students are arrested and adjudicated. But its up to a judge in that childs case to determine if they should return to their community.

Students have a constitutional right to an education, and a 2022 law restricted removal to instances in which a student poses an imminent threat of serious harm to other students or staff. In-person school removal can be appealed.

Last year, the state Department of Education found Baltimore County Public Schools violated the law when the district banned a student who allegedly committed a sex offense from in-person instruction.

Democratic and Republican lawmakers have a month left to hash out differences in the two chambers massive juvenile justice bills. The main House bill would expand the charges that 10- to 12-year-olds can face to include animal mutilation, firearms charges and third-degree sex offenses.

Sherry Christian, a Baltimore City schools spokesperson, said the school system legally cant discuss individual student matters, sealed judicial proceeding or comment on the legislators and Fox 45s report that a convicted sex offender attends a Baltimore high school.

We can share, more generally, that Maryland law requires City Schools to provide an education to all students legally enrolled in our school system, including students found responsible for juvenile criminal offenses, Christian said in a statement.

The citys school system can only remove a student if they follow specific legal protocols and there is specific evidence of an imminent threat of serious harm, Christian continued. When making this determination, we review all available documents and work closely with the proper authorities to ensure we are meeting the appropriate standards.

The state Office of the Public Defender, as part of a Coalition to Reform School Discipline, strongly opposes the legislation, which they say would violate federal law. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act says student who have disabilities, even student offenders, have to be educated in the least restrictive environment, or districts could risk losing federal funds.

Prohibiting in-person education based solely on a conviction or adjudication is counter-productive, strips individuals of an important problem-solving tool and will more likely result in greater harm to children and communities, Natasha Dartigue, the Maryland Public Defender, said in a statement.

The coronavirus pandemic revealed that virtual school is an inferior form of education, Dartigue said, especially for youth with learning disabilities or other educational deficits. Denying education based solely on past convictions also perpetuates cycles of poverty, unemployment and criminal behavior, she said.

As a mother of Baltimore City school students, Annette Anderson wants to know if juvenile sex offenders go to her kids schools. Anderson, the deputy director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Safe and Healthy Schools, a research center, said she doesnt need to know those students identifies.

I think having a blinded sex registry in a school or a district might be helpful so parents at a minimum are aware, she said.

Anderson said shes encouraged by the juvenile justice legislation being constructed in a thoughtful way this session and not in knee-jerk reaction. But more work is needed, she said, especially around balancing protecting children and the communitys right to know about juvenile offenders.
Vice President Kamala Harris visited a Planned Parenthood abortion clinic in Minnesota on Thursday.

Harris toured the clinic in the Twin Cities area and spoke to physicians about how theyve been affected by abortion bans outside of the state, a White House official told HuffPost. The stop, first reported by NBC News, is part of the vice presidents Fight for Reproductive Freedoms tour. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) and Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) were slated to join her.

Im here at this health care clinic to uplift the work that is happening in Minnesota as an example of what true leadership looks like, Harris told reporters at the clinic, CNN reported.

The reason Im here is because this is a health care crisis, Harris said. Part of this health care crisis is the clinics like this that have had to shut down and what that has meant to leave no options with any reasonable geographic area for so many women who need this essential care.

Minnesota has become a safe haven for abortion in the Midwest since the U.S. Supreme Court repealed Roe v. Wade in 2022. North Dakota and South Dakota enacted near-total abortion bans right after the high courts decision, and Nebraska has a 12-week ban on the books. After the state saw an uptick in out-of-state patients, Walz signed a refuge law that shielded people traveling to Minnesota for abortions from legal consequences in their home states.

The Planned Parenthood clinic provides abortion care, as well as birth control and other reproductive health services. The name and location of the clinic were not released.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during her visit to a Planned Parenthood clinic in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on Thursday. Harris toured an abortion clinic, highlighting a key election issue in what U.S. media reported was the first such visit by a president or vice president. STEPHEN MATUREN via Getty Images

Today is a historic day for Planned Parenthood, as this visit marks the first time in history that a sitting Vice President has visited a Planned Parenthood health center, Jacqueline Ayers, senior vice president of policy, organizing and campaigns at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said in a statement.

The Biden-Harris Administration has been an invaluable champion for sexual and reproductive health care, including abortion, and Vice President Harris has prioritized traveling across the country to see this access crisis first hand since the fall of Roe, Ayers said. We are grateful for the Administrations partnership as we fight for reproductive freedom.

A White House official said Harris planned to highlight the work of pro-choice advocates and lawmakers in Minnesota, and hoped to discuss how the Biden-Harris administration plans to protect reproductive freedom in the coming months.

Harris trip is believed to be the first to an abortion clinic by any president or vice president. This is her third visit to Minnesota since she took office.

Between the president and vice president, Harris has been the more outspoken advocate for abortion rights. Pro-choice advocates have been frustrated with President Joe Biden for his hesitation to fully support abortion rights in a post-Roe world, including his seeming reluctance to say the word itself. In a recent interview with The New Yorker, Biden said hes never been supportive of, you know, Its my body, I can do what I want with it.

The Biden-Harris administration has made restoring federal abortion protections a pillar of its reelection campaign. Biden kicked off the campaign earlier this year with a Restore Roe rally in Virginia, where he condemned the Supreme Court decision that repealed Roe and the extreme abortion bans Republicans have enacted in over a dozen states since.

Related...
Vice President Kamala Harris toured a Planned Parenthood clinic in Minnesota on Thursday, becoming what is believed to be the first president or vice president ever to visit a clinic that provides abortion services in U.S. history.

Sources familiar with Harris visit to the St. Paul clinic told NBC News that the vice president wanted to make sure she was meeting with people directly impacted by abortion policies and to connect with them in their spaces. The sources also said the visit is part of a broader strategy by Harris to be traveling and on the ground with Americans as much as possible.

Harris, who has become a prominent voice in the Biden administration on the issue of abortion, said she made the trip to highlight the work happening in such clinics and to hammer home the point that women need more access to reproductive healthcare in the aftermath of the Supreme Court overruling Roe v. Wade.

In this environment, these attacks against an individuals right to make decisions about their own body are outrageous, and in many instances just plain old immoral, Harris said while standing in the lobby of the clinic. How dare these elected leaders believe they are in a better position to tell women what they need, to tell women what is in their best interest. We have to be a nation that trusts women.

Image: Vice President Kamala Harris (Adam Bettcher / AP)

Harris said that, while in the clinic, she met with about two dozen health care workers and praised them for providing health care in a safe place that gives people dignity. She also said she wanted to come to St. Paul specifically because in the aftermath of Roe v. Wade being overruled, Minnesota workers have been providing care to an influx of out-of-state patients as states around it have restricted access to abortion.

Im here at this health care clinic to uplift the work that is happening in Minnesota as an example of what true leadership looks like, she said.

It is only right and fair that people have access to the health care they need and that they have access to health care in an environment where they are treated with dignity and respect. And please do understand that when we talk about a clinic such as this, it is absolutely about health care and reproductive health care, she added.

In 2013, then-President Barack Obama became the first sitting president to address Planned Parenthood, the group said back then. But Obama delivered his remarks at a Planned Parenthood conference at a hotel in Washington, D.C., and not at one of its clinics.

Minnesota was the sixth stop in Harris Fight for Reproductive Freedoms tour, which she kicked off in January to push for more abortion access in the wake of the overruling of Roe v. Wade. Since the Supreme Court ruling, Harris has held scores of meetings with hundreds of lawmakers from more than 40 states, according to her office.

On Thursday, Harris stressed that efforts to restrict abortion access have endangered womens lives and denied them much-needed care to not only abortion services, but also other care provided by Planned Parenthood, including breast exams and pap smears.

Right now in our country, we are facing a very serious health crisis, Harris said. And the crisis is affecting many, many people in our country, most of whom are frankly silently suffering."

The vice president argued that since Roe v. Wade was overruled, "extremists have proposed and passed laws that have denied women access to reproductive health care.

Sarah Traxler, the chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood North Central States, also spoke after Harris tour of the clinic.

Im honored that Vice President Kamala Harris has visited our clinic today, she said. Its a historic moment, and one that demonstrates how critically important access to reproductive health care is to people and their families across the country.

Traxler said that since the Supreme Courts decision, Planned Parenthood in Minnesota has seen a 25% increase in abortions and a nearly 100% increase in out-of-state patients seeking their services.

This is not by accident. Surrounding states have been limiting and banning abortion, while Minnesota, with the help of our governor, has been increasing access since Roe was overturned, Traxler said.

Ive cared for patients from everywhere from nearby states like South Dakota and North Dakota and Wisconsin, but from faraway states like Texas, Alabama, Wyoming, Florida, Oklahoma, Missouri, and the list goes on, she added.

Harris vowed that Democrats, if given control of Congress and the White House, would codify federal abortion rights into law.

Elections matter, the vice president said.

The issue of abortion has become a top priority for Democrats heading into the November presidential election. President Joe Biden highlighted the issue prominently in his State of the Union address and has promised to push for more access to abortions. A number of polls have also shown that protecting abortion rights is a key concern for many voters.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  FOX4 viewers were moved by the story of a young woman, on her way to the Mayo Clinic for a kidney transplant, found herself stranded in St. Louis after her Greyhound bus never arrived.

It was a story shared last year about Tearia Meeks, who had contacted FOX4 Problem Solvers, hoping to get reimbursed for that ill-fated bus ride.

After Problem Solvers got involved, Meeks did get a full refund from Greyhound. But then the news got even better. Dozens of FOX4 viewers also came to her rescue, offering to drive her to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and flooding a GoFundMe account with more than $8,000 in donations.

So whats the latest with Meeks? Problem Solvers caught up with her at her Kansas City apartment.

FOX4 Problem Solvers updates on some of the most interesting problem makers

I was really surprised and Im trying not to cry, Meeks said as she talked about the generosity of viewers after her story aired.

Meeks did make it back to the Mayo Clinic last spring. This time, she went in a car driven by her uncle.

I had to stay down there longer than I expected because they did a procedure and I got sick, the 30-year-old said.

In fact, she spent a month at the Mayo Clinic, having an operation on her heart as well as dozens of tests. She used the money in the GoFundMe account to pay for a hotel room, food and taxis back and forth to the hospital.

If I didnt have that money, I dont know how I would have covered it, she said.

Prosecutor finds deadly shooting involving Leavenworth police was justified

Unfortunately, Meeks was deemed not healthy enough to qualify for a kidney transplant. Doctors want her to first build up her lung capacity and wean herself off oxygen before considering her for a transplant.

Ive been trying to take my oxygen off and walk around more often and Im starting to notice the difference, she said.

Meeks has also started taking a full load of classes at Penn Valley Community College. She hopes to become a nurse.

I want to advocate for patients like me, she said.

She said when she was diagnosed with kidney problems as a teenager, she never took it seriously. If she had known then, what she knows now, she would have pushed to have a transplant years ago when her body was healthier.

She hasnt given up on getting a new kidney. She hopes to get a job (something difficult to manage for someone who goes to dialysis three times a week) and earn enough money to pay for another trip to the Mayo Clinic or the University of Colorado Hospital in Denver  two of the handful of clinics across the country that specialize in high-risk transplants.

Read more Problem Solvers investigations on FOX4

Im praying this summer or by my birthday in November, Meeks said, who is eternally positive about eventually qualifying for that life-saving procedure.

Im in a good place because Im still living.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Kansas Supreme Court Justice Dan Biles, a 15-year veteran of the court, is participating in a potentially landmark case that could upend the states election laws after he had previously recused himself.

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach and Secretary of State Scott Schwab want an explanation.

The two Republican officials, in a motion filed on Monday by Kansas Solicitor General Anthony Powell, asked Biles to explain on the record his original decision to recuse himself and why he changed his mind. The request opens the possibility that one of the justices, typically a private group, will divulge information about their personal or private affairs.

The case is potentially monumental, involving laws on impersonating election officials and ballot collection and signature verification rules. The Kansas Court of Appeals earlier ruled that voting is a fundamental right, a decision that, if upheld by the Supreme Court, could dramatically constrain the power of the Legislature to enact voting or election restrictions.

The Supreme Court held oral arguments on Feb. 20. Chief Justice Marla Luckert on Feb. 19 issued an order rescinding Biles previous recusal, which he made in January 2023. The order says only that Biles plans to participate in hearing and deciding the case.

Neither Justice Biles nor the Court offered any explanation for the decision to rescind the recusal, Powell wrote in the motion. Under both governing case law and the Code of Judicial Conduct, however, the litigants and the public were entitled to an explanation.

Biles reentry into the case without offering an explanation was improper, has the potential to compromise the publics confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the Court, and creates at least an appearance of impropriety, Powell wrote.

A spokeswoman for the Kansas Office of Judicial Administration said the court doesnt comment on pending cases.

The case before the court was brought by the League of Women Voters of Kansas, Loud Light and other civic groups. In a response to the motion filed on Thursday, Topeka attorney Pedro Irigonegaray wrote the motion is both made too late and is without merit.

Irigonegaray noted that Biles also participated in oral arguments in November and that no one objected at the time.

Defendants unjustifiably belated request threatens to further delay resolution of this matter. The Court should not allow litigants to engage in this type of eleventh-hour gamesmanship, he wrote.

Appointed by Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius in 2009, Biles is one of seven justices and third-most senior. Its not clear whether his participation will alter the outcome of the case. Still, his presence may influence the final opinion even if its not decisive to the outcome.

During the Feb. 20 oral argument, Biles appeared to voice concern with a law targeting impersonation of an election official  a measure critics say is too broad and violates free speech rights.

Biles said the law appeared to make it possible for a person to be arrested for registering people to vote only to have those charges dropped later on. He compared the language to attempting to crush an ant with an atomic bomb.

That has tremendous chilling effect on the speech, he said. A lot of trouble to go to to find out that what you did was correct.

Kobach and Schwabs motion came after J. Christian Adams, president of the conservative Virginia-based Public Interest Legal Foundation, wrote in a March 8 column in The Hutchinson News calling on Biles to offer an explanation.

A problematic explanation would be his desire to break an apparent 3-3 split on the Supreme Court in the election case. Lets hope Justice Biles has a different reason that doesnt involve a thumb on the scales, Adams wrote.
An apartment complex in the 3900 block of Mishicot Road in Two Rivers was where 3-year-old Elijah Vue disappeared from, as seen Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, in Two Rivers, Wis.

MANITOWOC  Katrina B. Baur, the mother of missing 3-year-old Elijah Vue, has been bound over for trial to face charges stemming from the disappearance of her son.

Baur, 31, of Wisconsin Dells, appeared via Zoom from the Manitowoc County Jail Thursday, along with her attorney, for a brief hearing during which she waived her right to a preliminary hearing, which would have required prosecutors to show there is enough evidence to move forward with a trial.

Baur's next court date is an arraignment scheduled for March 22. She faces one felony charge of chronic child neglect, a felony charge of child neglect involving a 6-year-old child, and two misdemeanor charges of obstructing an officer.

Baur's attorney withdrew a motion to dismiss one of the charges during the hearing. The motion was filed March 6 and referred to the original charge of felony child neglect. An amended criminal complaint was filed the day after and the charge was changed to felony chronic child neglect.

Baur's boyfriend, 39-year-old Jesse Vang, of Two Rivers, also made a brief appearance Thursday via Zoom from the county jail. However, he has not yet been assigned an attorney from the Office of the State Public Defender, so his preliminary hearing was rescheduled again, this time to March 23.

Vang faces one charge of felony child neglect. According to the criminal complaint, Elijah was staying at Vang's Two Rivers residence at an apartment in the 3900 block of Mishicot Road for more than a week before he was reported missing at 10:59 a.m. Feb. 20.

Missing Wisconsin children: Elijah Vue is one of more than 30 missing children in Wisconsin

Elijah Vue is still missing after 24 days.

Elijah Vue was reported missing by Vang Feb. 20 just before 11 a.m., but told police the last time he saw Elijah was three hours prior to that call.

According to the criminal complaint, Vang said Elijah was told to stand next to Vang's bed and pray as a form of punishment. Vang then fell asleep for a few hours and when he woke up, the boy was gone.

The complaint said that Elijah had been staying with Vang at his Two Rivers residence for a week before he went missing. Baur, who was in a relationship with Vang, told police she wanted Vang to teach Elijah "how to be a man." Baur typically resides in Wisconsin Dells with Elijah.

Jesse Vang: What to know about Jesse Vang, the Two Rivers man charged with neglecting missing 3-year-old Elijah Vue

The Two Rivers Police Department sent out a Wisconsin Amber Alert, which is an emergency child abduction alert, for Elijah a few hours after he was reported missing. That alert is still active.

Daily search efforts for Elijah 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."

The total reward for information leading to the discovery of Elijah or the arrest and charging of anyone responsible for his disappearance has now grown to $40,000. The FBI has offered a $15,000 reward for information leading to locating Elijah or convicting those responsible for his disappearance, Manitowoc County Crime Stoppers has offered a $10,000 reward, and the city of Two Rivers has now offered an additional $15,000, reward which was funded through community donations.

A missing person poster was on display at the press conference held at the Two Rivers city hall to help find three-year-old Elijah Vue, Tuesday, February 27, 2024, in Two Rivers, Wis.

Two Rivers Police Chief Ben Meinnert said they have received hundreds of tips and leads and officers continue to follow up on all of those.

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.

A candlelight vigil is planned for Elijah at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Walsh Field in Two Rivers. Free candles will be given to the first 600 people.

Do you have information about Elijah Vue?

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.

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's mother bound for trial on neglect of missing 3-year-old
AMSTERDAM, March 14, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B+ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "bbb-" (Good) of Abarca - Companhia de Seguros S.A. (Abarca) (Portugal). The outlook for these Credit Ratings (ratings) is negative.

The ratings reflect Abarcas balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and marginal enterprise risk management.

The negative outlooks reflect ongoing pressure on the balance sheet strength assessment following reserve strengthening in 2022, for a large claim first reported in 2020. This claim is reinsured with one counterparty and, due to its size, exposes the company to significant counterparty credit and dispute risk.

Abarca's risk-adjusted capitalisation, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), declined to strong for year-end 2022, as a result of the above-mentioned reserve strengthening. The BCAR assessment is expected to improve to strongest for year-end 2023, benefiting from equity credit for a newly issued subordinated loan. The balance sheet strength assessment of strong also reflects the companys conservative and liquid investment portfolio. Offsetting factors include Abarcas high dependence on reinsurance and its small capital base, which exacerbates the sensitivity of its solvency position to stressed scenarios and variations in future performance.

Abarca reported net profits (after tax) in 2019-2021, following losses in the previous three years. For year-end 2022, Abarca reported a net loss after tax of EUR 880,000 due to a high loss ratio and net investment losses. AM Best expects Abarca to report solid profits in 2023, and prospective years under IFRS 17.

Abarcas limited business profile assessment reflects its position as a small monoline insurer, focusing entirely on surety insurance in Spain and Portugal. The company has a good market position in Spain, where it generates most of its revenue, and in the smaller Portuguese market. Abarcas distribution channels are mainly direct and through brokers, with a small portion going through its bancassurance channel.

Story continues

This rating action is the result of an accepted appeal from Abarca.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Bests website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Bests Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Bests Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Bests Credit Ratings, Bests Performance Assessments, Bests Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Bests Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright  2024 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314007586/en/

Contacts

Juan A. Villaescusa Prades

Financial Analyst

+31 63 616 2585

juan.villaescusa@ambest.com

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A longtime Kansas City organization is breaking ground with new plans to bridge the affordable housing gap.

Guadalupe Centers plans to build an apartment complex near Hardesty Avenue and Van Brunt Drive, near its elementary school.

Reward increased to $50K to find missing Prairie Village woman

The organization broke ground last week on its Guadalupe Apartments project, which will include 50 mixed-income, one- and two-bedroom units.

Guadalupe Centers said tenants that meet requirements will have access to the nonprofits services, including emergency assistance, case management, adult education, workforce training, youth education programs and more.

A project like this preserves the Guadalupe legacy by continuing to meet the evolving needs of the community while addressing a very important need for affordable housing, Guadalupe Centers CEO Beto Lopez said in a release.

This will have a transformative impact and continue the work that GCI has had in the community for a very long time.

Guadalupe Centers hopes this will help with recruiting teachers for its charter schools, encouraging them to work in urban Kansas City since their housing is on campus.

Hispanic artists proud to show off work in new KCI terminal

Schools and area education organizations are always looking for selling points and benefits that will help them attract and retain quality personnel. Teacher and affordable housing definitely gives GCCS a competitive advantage that I believe has the potential to be an asset to our staff and potential employees, Superintendent Dr. Jim Hammen said.

Guadalupe Centers is the longest, continuously operating organization serving Latinos in the United States.

The KC nonprofit hopes to have the apartment project finished by April 2025.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Hundreds of telegraph poles have been installed across East Yorkshire, which has angered some residents

Telecoms firm KCOM has drawn up plans to share its infrastructure in a bid to stop more telegraph poles being installed across East Yorkshire.

A feasibility study has been sent to rival broadband company Connexin, in confidence, to ask for its views.

KCOM has previously been accused of not allowing its competitors to access its underground network.

Connexin said it would review the findings of the study.

MS3 Networks, another company operating in the area, added it supports the infrastructure sharing request.

Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart previously said KCOM's competitors were being forced to put up telegraph poles to carry cables to homes.

Residents across East Yorkshire have expressed their anger at poles being installed in their neighbourhoods as a result.

According to KCOM, any broadband provider would be able to use the infrastructure sharing service in accordance with its regulatory duties.

It said it has not received any other requests for access to its passive infrastructure under the regulatory scheme, established by regulator Ofcom.

'Save stress and inconvenience'

A KCOM spokesperson said: "Since receiving Connexin's request for access to our passive infrastructure in January, our teams have worked flat out, from a standing start, to create a blueprint of systems and processes to handle and deliver requests for sharing KCOM's ducts and poles.

"[This will] potentially save local residents from the stress and inconvenience caused by the proliferation of new poles in streets across Hull and East Yorkshire."

"Today, we've passed that to Connexin, on a confidential basis, and asked for its views."

KCOM also said it hopes to start commercial negotiations in April, subject to Connexin's response.

In response, a Connexin spokesperson said: "After three years of pushing for a clear and open response on infrastructure sharing from KCOM, we have at last received the results of a feasibility study on the development of an approach to infrastructure sharing from KCOM this afternoon.

"We would like to thank all the local MPs, councillors and Ofcom, who have helped push for this process to get underway.

"Infrastructure sharing to limit unnecessary new telecoms infrastructure is also becoming a greater priority for the government, so we are pleased to see KCOM taking action at last. We will provide our response to this feasibility study once we have had a chance to review their findings."

MS3 Networks CEO, Guy Miller, said: "MS3 have also written to KCOM to support the infrastructure sharing request."

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Imagine Americas response after David Walker published  An Appeal to the Coloured Citizens of the World  in 1829.

A Black man, writing a book, trying to unite a race of enslaved people. An uproar ensued and the book became considered contraband, even more so due to the mention of the Haitian Revolution of 1804.

Black Archive executive director Kamila Prichett, center, and Bart Mervil, CEO of MUCE, right, have collaborated in the presentation of the exhibition On the Ban Wagon: The Power of the Pen.

Walkers Appeal helped inspire On the Ban Wagon: The Power of the Pen, an art installation currently on display at the D.A. Dorsey House in Overtown through Dec. 20, 2024. Curated by My Urban Contemporary Experience (MUCE) CEO Bart Mervil in partnership with the Black Archives History and Research Foundation of South Florida, the exhibit is designed to probe the idea of book banning in order to get visitors interested in why restrictions on literature even exist.

David Walkers Appeal was one of the main catalysts for banning Blacks from reading and writing, said Mervil, the founder of the MUCE, a Miami-based arts production company. I feel like for us, even generations later, its important to make sure that we keep those authors alive.

Kamila Pritchett, the executive director of the Black Archives who conceptualized the idea, agreed: I want to spark a curiosity so that when people leave here they want to check out a banned book, they want to see why its banned.

The installation comes as states across the country continue to ban books in public schools under the auspices of parental rights. Florida, in particular, accounts for about 40 percent of book ban cases in the nation, according to PEN America. This came in large part due to Gov. Ron DeSantis Parental Rights in Education Act, the Florida law that is supposed to stop teachers from using books that contain bias or indoctrination, pornography or content harmful to minors. That and the Stop WOKE Act, with its directive to not teach in a way that could make children feel bad because of the past actions of someone who shares their ethnicity or cultural heritage, have caused confusion among educators about what is even allowed to be taught.

As graduate of the Miami-Dade Public School System, Mervil says he has survived what he deems the shortcomings of the Southern education system.

Education in the south has always been poor because its intentional, Mervil said. An exhibition like this here is right on time.

Contributing artists of On the Ban Wagon: The Power of the Pen: Melissa Martinez, top, Everton Allen, Godwin Ferrier (with book), Anthony Lumpkin, Nate Dee, bottom left, and Tierra Armstrong, right, all find space among the steps of the D.A. Dorsey House in Overtown.

The installation features the commissioned work of 10 artists  Anthony Lumpkin, Azizi DeSouza, Everton Allen, Godwin Ferrier, Inna Malostovker, Melissa Martinez, Nate Dee, Nica Sweet, Sukii Qi and Tierra Armstorng who are either from or based in South Florida. Each artist was given a portion of the home to decorate.

DeSouzas room includes portraits of acclaimed authors like James Baldwin and Malala Yousafzai, whose biography I am Malala was banned in Pennsylvania and her home country of Pakistan.

I wanted to try to find the thread for the viewers so it boils down to people just trying to tell their stories, whether its a religious or from a lifestyle point of view, said DeSouza. In his portrait of Yousafzai, her headscarf is made up of pages from the Quran. The very idea that someones own lived experience could be banned didnt make sense to DeSouza.

Its baffling, you know, he said. You might understand why the person might personally object to some things but I cant I find why its an issue.

Artist Nica Sweet is photographed near her piece Big Magic, 2024 - a mix-media of acrylic, oil, and ink.

Qi felt similarly. The mother of a sixth grader, she homeschools her daughter. And while that decision was made way before Florida led the nation in book bannings, Qi feels justified.

As a mother, you want to be as involved in what your kid consumes, said Qi, though she questioned any parent who wouldnt want their child to learn about perspectives outside of their own.

Why are we banning childrens books talking about self-confidence? she said, referring to the book Hair Love which has been barred in certain parts of the country.

In Qis untitled work at the exhibit, she adorned a wicker chair reminiscent of the one in the Huey P. Newton portrait from 1968 with different colored plants. Some of the plants are painted. Others are not. The idea is that while the vegetation will change over time, the center piece  the wicker chair  will not, similar to how an authors book exists in perpetuity though the forces around it might alter.

As artists, we create a thing and it lasts forever, Qi said, adding that the chair gives flowers to all writers.

Artists Sukii Say Sukii Qi, left, and Ed Waffle, right, in an installation in honor of Jose Rizal inside the D.A. Dorsey Houses exhibition On the Ban Wagon: The Power of the Pen.

That the installation is located at the Dorsey House goes hand-in-hand with the Black Archives mission of documenting Black Miami history. The first Black millionaire in Miami, Dorsey made his fortune by building housing for workers of African descent. Dorsey also planned to build a resort for Black visitors but due to the racism of the time, he was forced to sell the plot of land to Carl Fisher. That land would become Fisher Island.

This is Dorseys wildest dream: for Black people to find a way to thrive in Miami as a collective, participating artist Everton Allen said of the collection of artists. A graphic artist who handled the creative direction of On the Ban Wagon, Allen himself has been inspired to read more due to the exhibition.

If were talking about the Appeal, in particular, people used to be killed for even having this, he continued.

Artist Ed Waffles piece The Power, 2024, acrylic on canvas.

On the Ban Wagon itself will be a living and breathing project, according to Allen. They are currently in talks for the exhibit to be a required field trip for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. The exhibition can evolve to celebrate events like Miamis birthday in July. And the existing artists will be adding new work.

This is a true community initiative, Allen said. Its way bigger than us. We want to keep the kids reading.

Added Mervil: The pages will continue to turn. Every time you come, youll get a new chapter.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: On the Ban Wagon: The Power of the Pen

WHEN: Now until Dec. 20

WHERE: D.A. Dorsey House, 250 NW Ninth St., Miami

Tickets: Free
Agence France-Presse (AFP) was one of five global picture agencies to issue a 'kill' notice on the photograph of the Princess of Wales and her children - AFP

Kensington Palace has been compared to North Korea by a news agency executive, who said the Prince of Waless household was no longer viewed as a trusted source.

Phil Chetwynd, the global news director of Agence France-Presse (AFP), said the photograph of the Princess of Wales and her three children  released to mark Mothers Day and later revealed to have been edited  had clearly violated the agencys rules.

Mr Chetwynd said it was rare for news agencies to kill a picture because it had been manipulated, but that their hand had been forced on this occasion because the palace did not respond to requests for an explanation or to release the original image.

The royal portrait was recalled by AFP and four other international picture agencies  Getty, Associated Press, Shutterstock, and Reuters  on Sunday night.

The move prompted the Princess to release an unprecedented personal statement the following morning, in which she admitted she had edited the image and apologised for any confusion caused.

Phil Chetwynd, of Agence France-Presse, said: 'When you're let down by a source, the bar is raised' - Sergei Supinsky/AFP

Mr Chetwynd said the palace had been considered a trusted source because it had worked with the agencies for such a long time.

Asked on BBC Radio 3s Media Show if it remained so, he replied: No, absolutely not. Like with anything, when youre let down by a source, the bar is raised.

Mr Chetwynd revealed that, before killing the photograph, the agencies had consulted together to decide how to react and asked the palace for the original version.

We all sent a message saying could you give us the originals? Could you have a reply? he said. We didnt get a reply, so thats why we killed the photo.

The photograph was released by Kensington Palace, which has refused to publish the original image - The Prince of Wales

Asked how rare it was for news agencies to take that course of action, he admitted: Its a big deal. It would be rare. We wouldnt like to assume more than one a month, Id say. To kill something on the basis of manipulation  once a year, maybe? Id hope less.

The previous kills have been from the North Korean news agency or the Iranian news agency, just to give you some background and context.

Kensington Palace has refused to release the original version of the photograph, which was taken by the Prince of Wales at the family home, Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, on March 8.

Mr Chetwynd said that if it did so it would help build trust, which relied upon maximum transparency.

News organisations have pushed back against the increasing trend among certain institutions to release their own handout images in order to better control the narrative as well as their image.

Mr Chetwynd said there were processes to determine whether a photograph had been manipulated and that all news agencies had validated the Princesss photograph despite the fact that it clearly violated their rules.

Weve got major issues internally as to how we validated that photo, he admitted. We shouldnt have done  we violated our guidelines and therefore we sent out notes to all of our team to be absolutely more vigilant about all of the content coming across our desk.

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Several districts in Kharkiv Oblast are experiencing problems with TV and radio signals as a result of targeted strikes by Russian drones on the telecommunication and radio infrastructure on 14 March.

Source: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Details: Syniehubov stated that as of 12:30, there were disruptions in TV and radio signals in several districts. Some of the facilities have already been restored.

He emphasised that all communication services are working on repairing damaged facilities and resuming their operation as soon as possible.

At the same time, Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration does not rule out the possibility that the Russians will launch repeated strikes.

Quote: "We must be prepared for a prompt response. We call on residents of Kharkiv Oblast: trust only official sources of information!"

Background:

On the night of 13-14 March, the Russians launched a large-scale drone attack on television infrastructure facilities in Kharkiv Oblast.

Additionally, TV and radio signals disappeared in some areas of Sumy Oblast due to a Russian missile and air strikes on radio-technical facilities, with Sumy Oblast Military Administration warning of possible disruptions in mobile communication.

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Yong Soon Min, a Korean American artist who was an outspoken advocate for Asian American art, has died at 70.

Key points:

The Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (ICA LA) announced Mins death in an Instagram post on Wednesday.

Min served on the institutes Artist Advisory Council for over a decade, from 2012 to 2023, and her works are currently on view as part of ICA LAs Scratching at the Moon, an exhibit that celebrates the work of intergenerational leading artists from the Asian American community.

Good Works Executive Director Anne Ellegood said in a statement that the pioneering artist will be missed by so many, noting, We are extremely grateful for Yong Soons years of service to ICA LAfor contributing her wisdom, generosity, and collaborative spirit.

The details:

Trending on NextShark: 200 Buddhists seek karmic healing against anti-Asian hate at Antioch pilgrimage

Min began exploring the hybridities of Asian American identities after holding her first exhibit Half Home in 1986. Some of her earlier succeeding art works include Make Me (1989), Defining Moments (1992), DMZ XING (1994) and Bridge of No Return (1997).

The Korean American artist later incorporated themes of disability and language into her more recent work, influenced by a brain hemorrhage she suffered in 2011 that permanently affected her language abilities. Additionally, she integrated elements of Korean traditional art, such as the folding screen byeongpung, into pieces like Alice (Miok) (2017), Last Notes and Sketches, Min Tae Yong (1918-2001) (2016) and Mnemonic Journey (2018).

Throughout her career, Min received multiple grants and fellowships, including from prestigious programs such as the Fulbright Scholar Program (20112012), the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department (20102011) and the Korea Foundation (2008).

Her affiliations:

Min was a member of Godzilla: Asian American Arts Network, a collective formed in 1990 that grew from a local organization to a nationwide collaboration of around 2,000 members before its unofficial dissolution in 2001. The group tackled multiple societal issues, including institutional racism, anti-Asian violence and the representation of Asian sexuality and gender, to name a few.

She was also a member of GYOPO, a collective that describes itself consisting of diasporic Korean cultural producers and arts professionals.

Min served as a member of the board of directors of Asian American Arts Alliance, a nonprofit organization that supports the work of New York City's Asian American artists, from 1986 to 1993 and also worked as its administrative coordinator.

At the time of her death, Min was serving as professor emerita at the University of California, Irvine.

About the artist:

Trending on NextShark: Biden campaign ad targets AANHPI voters in battleground states

Born in Bugok, a village near Seoul, in 1953, Min described herself in her biography as a Cold War Baby.

Min moved to Monterey, California, with her mother and brother at the age of seven to rejoin their father. She entered the University of California, Berkeleys Master of Fine Arts program in the 70s and moved to New York City in 1981, where she became Asian Pacific/Korean American and cut her political teeth, her biography read.

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Kremlin-appointed heads of the occupied Ukrainian territories have been tasked with fabricating 75% support for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in the upcoming sham presidential elections, Defense Ministry Main Intelligence Directorate spokesman Vadym Skybytskyi said in an interview with RBC-Ukraine on March 13.

His minions, in order to curry favor, will probably draw 85% or even more, he said.

These numbers are important only for Putin and Russian propaganda to try to show his support both in Russia and in the occupied territories.

Read also: Voting under occupation: How Russia's election unfolds in Donetsk and Luhansk

Skybytskyi also mentioned that the so-called election results could possibly be manipulated to show almost complete support for Putin.

The upcoming presidential elections in Russia are scheduled for March 15-17.

On Dec. 7, head of the Russian CEC, Ella Panfilova, said that they would consider holding Presidential elections in the occupied territories of Ukraine: in Crimea and in the occupied parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson oblasts.

Read also: Car bomb kills Russian sham presidential election organizer in occupied Berdyansk, military administration reports

Ukraines Foreign Ministry said that voting in the occupied territories of Ukraine would be illegal, and null and void.

On Dec. 8, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin announced his participation in the Russian presidential election.

On March 11, the head of the Luhansk Regional Military District Administration, Artem Lysogor, said that early voting in the Russian Presidential sham election would take place in the temporarily occupied territory of Luhansk Oblast for four days.

Earlier it was reported that early voting had also started in the occupied territory of Zaporizhzhya Oblast

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) needs to reassess her floss-ophy when it comes to making public endorsements, according to a consumer protection nonprofit, which is suing her over an unsettling five-minute video she posted earlier this week touting dental work shed had done by a Texas clinic.

The group, Travelers United, claims Noem violated consumer protection laws by filming an undisclosed advertisement for Smile Texas. If you want to promote medical tourism on social media in exchange for $ and/or free or reduced priced services, you can do that, they said in a statement on X. Just make sure to put Ad as the first word in your caption to comply with the law.

The bizarre video features Noem, who identifies herself as South Dakotas governor, effusively praising Smile Texas for giving her the chance to fix her grin after a bike accident years ago knocked out all of her front teeth.

Kristi Noem Hypes Texas Dentist in Very Weird Infomercial

But the team here was remarkable and finally gave me a smile that I can be proud of and confident in and that really is a gift that I think is going to be incredibly special to have, she said. You know I think that I chose the team here at Smile Texas because theyre the best.

The video ends with a shot of Smile Texas logo.

No one with an extremely important job in South Dakota would fly to Texas to receive dental treatment and then sit in that office and film an advertisement without some form of compensation, the lawsuit claims. Kristi Noem acted here as an influencer. She likely either received free dental care in exchange for this advertisement, discounted dental care in exchange for this advertisement or she was paid and received free dental care for the advertisement.

I love my new family at Smile Texas! The video says it all, and I am so grateful for their help fixing my smile for me.  pic.twitter.com/z2kTmiY8td  Kristi Noem (@KristiNoem) March 12, 2024

It was not immediately clear why Noem sought out-of-state dental care, nor why she felt compelled to film and post what essentially amounted to an infomercial. She had not publicly addressed the matter as of Wednesday night.

Noem was also called out by South Dakota Sen. Reynold Nesiba (D), tweeting on Wednesday that her infomercial raises a number of questions. He called for an inquiry into the matter in an interview with the Associated Press, saying he wanted to know whether Noem had used a state airplane or public funds for the trip. Her stumping for a Texas business just undermines the millions of dollars that we have invested in her as being a spokesperson for South Dakota, he added.

Noem, a full-throated denizen of MAGA World, is one of the names twisting in the wind as former President Donald Trump considers who he wants to be his running mate in the 2024 presidential election. She endorsed him for president last year, and reiterated her support at a bill-signing event on Wednesday morning. Asked by a high schooler whether she planned on being vice president, Noem responded with a smile.

I dont know, she said, according to the Mitchell Daily Republic. You know, my answer used to be that President Trump and I had never talked about it, Noem said. Weve talked about it, and what Ive told him is that Ill do whatever it takes for me to help him win.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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A bill that would ask Kentucky voters to decide if they want to allow taxpayer dollars to go to private and charter schools is one step closer to appearing on the November ballot.

The Senate Education Committee approved House Bill 2 on a 11-2 part-line vote Thursday afternoon in a special committee meeting called with less than seven hours notice.

The bill, sponsored by Majority Caucus Chair Rep. Suzanne Miles, R-Owensboro, would, if approved by voters, create a new section of the state constitution that would give lawmakers the authority to pay for non-public schools.

But HB 2 does not outline how they would go about it. During the House debate Wednesday afternoon, Miles said enabling legislation was irrelevant to the discussion of the bill at hand.

The House passed the bill on a 65-32 vote, with 12 Republicans, largely from rural communities, joining all 20 Democrats in opposing the measure.

It now heads to the full Senate for consideration. With two reads in the Senate already, it could get a vote as soon as Friday.

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Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman have both doubled-down this week on their promise to do everything in their power to defeat the amendment, should it reach the November ballot.

Beshear cannot veto constitutional amendment bills, but I can beat em, he said Thursday during his weekly news conference.

I think Kentuckians will overwhelmingly vote against public dollars going to private schools. Private schools are fine, but they are a choice, Beshear said.

You know, the way to fix public education is to fix public education, is to ensure were providing the funding that it needs, and if you look at these (Republican) budgets, theyre not making the increases in public education that are necessary to make those fixes.

The Democratic governor added: So you cant under-fund and starve a system and then say it doesnt work and send the money somewhere else. At the end of the day, these are private corporations that really want to get their hands on a lot of money that should be going to public schools.

The ballot question put forth in HB 2 would read as follows:

To give parents choices in educational opportunities for their children, are you in favor of enabling the General Assembly to provide financial support for the education costs of students in kindergarten through 12th grade who are outside the system of common (public) schools by amending the Constitution of Kentucky as stated below?

The General Assembly may provide financial support for the education of students outside the system of common schools. The General Assembly may exercise this authority by law, Sections 59, 60, 171, 183, 184, 186, and 189 of this Constitution notwithstanding.

As HB 2 marched toward final passage this week, Democrats have accused Republicans of shutting down discussion on the issue.

The bill was approved in an 11-4 vote Tuesday in the House Committee on Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs. The committee was called with little more than two hours notice, a move Democrats said violated the commonwealths open meetings law.

And on Wednesday, Miles and Speaker David Osborne, R-Prospect, repeatedly admonished Democrats who attempted to introduce comments about charter school performance and voucher programs in other states, telling the minority party members these points were not germane to the discussion at hand.

Senate Education Chair Stephen West, R-Paris, told the committee Thursday he rejected claims the process around HB 2 was not transparent.

Its been filed since January, he said of Miles bill. It was a two-and-a-half floor debate in the House. Our regularly scheduled Education Committee meeting was today at 11 oclock. As I walked in 11 oclock today, it was posted on the board that we would have a meeting upon adjournment in room 171, and posted all day long. We had an hour-long meeting on this one bill.

So, I believe weve had good process on this bill, and stakeholders have had ample opportunity to make their case.
New medical marijuana legislation would add more requirements for patients and allow local schools and governments to opt-out of the states cardholder program set to go live in 2025.

House Bill 829 cleared the Kentucky House Tuesday and has been sent to the Senate for consideration. Advocates say the changes it proposes are necessary to further protect patients, while opponents see the new requirements as additional obstacles to care.

Heres a deeper look at what HB 829 would do and the debate around the legislation.

Bill would expand who is eligible to get medical marijuana in Kentucky. Would you qualify?

What does House Bill 829 do for medical marijuana in KY?

Republican Rep. Jason Nemes, who represents parts of Jefferson, Oldham and Shelby counties, sponsored the bill, along with Rep. Patrick Flannery, R-Olive Hill.

When Nemes brought HB 829 to the chambers floor for a vote Tuesday, he described the legislation as a clean up bill meant to smooth over issues with last years medical cannabis law. The legislation makes needed changes to protect patients, Nemes said.

Nemes then outlined the provisions of the bill. Some of the more notable changes include the following:

Allows local governments to opt-out of the state program, provided they do so before the state grants a license to a cannabis business seeking to operate in the local governments territory.

Allows schools, public and private, to opt-out of the program. Should a school elect to participate in the state medical cannabis program, Nemes said they would need to work out a mechanism for administration, whether by a school nurse, parent or otherwise. Specifically, the bill provides that medicinal cannabis must be administered by a school nurse or appropriate school staff member. Otherwise, it will need to be administered by the students parent or guardian. Schools can also choose to prohibit the use of medicinal cannabis on school property altogether.

The state must give Kentucky hemp businesses priority. They will get priority when it comes to contracting, Nemes said. HB 829 specifically directs, when reviewing and considering cannabis business applications, prioritize the review of applications submitted by an individual or entity who is an existing Kentucky hemp business in good standing with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.

Require patients to consult with a pharmacist annually. It requires the consultation at a minimum, cover the possible risks and side effects of medicinal cannabis and any potential drug interactions between medicinal cannabis and any other drug that the registered qualified patient is taking. This goes beyond the certification patients must obtain from their physician. Nemes said this provision is meant to offer additional protection to patients participating in the cardholder program. Qualified medical cannabis cardholders from other states are exempt from this requirement.

What was the debate about the bill?

Several Democratic representatives spoke out against the legislation Tuesday when it was up for a vote in the House. They challenged what they viewed as unjustified restrictions and hurdles for patients.

Rep. Rachel Roberts, D-Newport, said a physicians approval should be sufficient for a medical cannabis patient.

I had hoped we would be back here to expand what is already the most restrictive medical cannabis law in the nation, Roberts said on the House floor Tuesday.

Rep. Chad Aull, D-Lexington, also took issue with the provision requiring pharmacist consultation.

I find it troubling that were going to restrict our own citizens access to this type of medication and care in a more restrictive manner than we are to people who live outside of our borders, Aull said.

Rep. Rachel Roarx, D-Louisville, questioned why school districts would effectively be allowed to veto the treatment for their students. Roarx said it isnt the place of schools to put barriers in place against treatment for serious conditions, such as treatment-resistant epilepsy.

On the other hand, Rep. Josh Bray, R-Mount Vernon, sympathized with schools that dont want the liability of administering a drug they have no clear guidance on. Bray supported the opt-out provision for schools.

The bill has also drawn criticism from advocacy groups such as Kentucky NORML, a state chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

Wednesday, the group issued a statement expressing its deep disappointment in the bill. HB 829 would increase burden on patients, among other issues, Kentucky NORML said.

[House Bill 829] exacerbates financial strains on patients by adding pharmacists to the medical cannabis program. This decision will inevitably lead to heightened costs for patients already grappling with the high expenses of healthcare. We believe that access to essential medical treatments should not come at the expense of financial hardship for patients. The background checks for all patients will end up being costly for the state and will turn away many who need medical cannabis.

Do you have a question about medical marijuana in Kentucky for our service journalism team? Let us know with the Know Your Kentucky form below or send us an email at ask@herald-leader.com.
Leading independent mortgage lender expanding in target markets

TUSTIN, Calif., March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- At a time when the mortgage industry is retracting, New American Funding (NAF) is experiencing significant growth. As one of the nation's largest independent mortgage lenders, NAF's growth is driven by recent key hires, strategic acquisitions, and new, innovative technology solutions.

NAF recently welcomed Mosi Gatling as Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth and Expansion, further strengthening its leadership team. Additionally, the acquisition of Draper and Kramer Mortgage Corp. has expanded NAF's reach and capabilities in the Northeast and Midwest.

One of the company's most distinctive offerings is NAF Cash, an affiliated company that helps traditional homebuyers become cash buyers. This unique solution enables consumers to compete in today's challenging housing market by becoming more competitive when inventory is low.

In addition to Gatling, NAF has made several high-profile additions to its team over the past year, positioning the company for continued success. Notably, the company has experienced substantial growth in Texas, Florida, and the Northeast. In Texas, Tom Boyd, Divisional Executive Vice President, and Russell Calvert, Regional Vice President, have joined NAF along with 130 skilled mortgage professionals, driving expansion in the state. In the Northeast, Andy Pettola, Executive Vice President of National Sales, has recruited more than 150 loan professionals, propelling NAF's growth in the region. Elly Cummings, Divisional Executive Vice President for the Great Lakes & South Florida regions, has onboarded more than 120 mortgage professionals, including Frank Soldano, Regional Vice President, and Miguel Villarreal, Regional Vice President, contributing to NAF's expansion in Florida.

These new team members have generated more than $2.7 billion in loan production over the past 14 months. The depth of expertise and leadership will be crucial in NAF's ongoing expansion and market positioning.

Story continues

"We are delighted to welcome such talented and experienced individuals to NAF's team," said Pat Bolan, Chief Production Officer at NAF. "Their expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we expand our reach and strengthen our position in the market."

With its strategic hires and expansion efforts, NAF is well-prepared to navigate the evolving mortgage landscape and deliver exceptional customer service.

"As we move into our third decade in business, NAF is constantly looking for new ways to help our customers with their mortgage needs," NAF President Christy Bunce said. "Our unique focus on combining industry-leading customer service with innovative technology sets us apart from all other mortgage companies. This distinctive combination positions us to meet the demands of homebuyers and the evolving mortgage industry, which continues to lead our team to a brighter future."

For more information about NAF, click here.

About New American Funding

New American Funding is an independent mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of more than 257,000 loans representing approximately $67.6 billion in value and more than 230 locations nationwide. NAF was named one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Women 2024 by Newsweek. NAF was also named #43 on the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2023. The company offers state-of-the-art career training and provides its branch Loan Officers with innovative technologies to streamline the mortgage process.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-american-funding-continues-growth-adds-key-leaders-to-serve-more-customers-302088643.html

SOURCE New American Funding
Both Ukraine and Brussels are working to ensure that negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU officially commence no later than the end of June, when Belgium's presidency of the EU Council ends and Hungary's six-month presidency begins.

Source: European Pravda

Details: A senior EU official, who spoke anonymously, noted two potential scenarios regarding the timeframe for convening an intergovernmental conference to launch accession talks. The first is contingent on the negotiating framework being approved in March, which at this point is considered unlikely.

"The more realistic (scenario) is that the intergovernmental conference will be held in June, after the European elections," the source said.

In a comment to European Pravda, Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister, also stressed that negotiations on Ukraine's accession should officially begin in the first half of the year, before the end of Belgium's EU presidency.

"We expect the negotiation framework to be approved and negotiations on Ukraine's accession to begin during the Belgian presidency, in accordance with the agreements reached," she said.

The choice of the end of June as the deadline is not accidental, as Hungary's EU presidency begins on 1 July.

Brussels believes that Hungary does not want the issue to be postponed until its term begins, as Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban, alone in his obstructionist views on the matter, may have no way to put the brakes on the convening of the conference and stifle negotiations until 2025; in his view, having negotiations forced through against his wishes during his term may come across as political humiliation for Budapest.

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(Reuters) - The parliament of Kyrgyzstan on Thursday adopted a bill styled on Russia's "foreign agents" law that international observers fear will restrict the work of nongovernmental organisations and independent media in the Central Asian country.

A European Union delegation and multiple Western embassies criticised the bill in a joint statement, saying its passage would "contravene international norms" and jeopardise foreign assistance to the nation of 6.6 million people.

The draft law introduces onerous reporting requirements for NGOs which receive funding from abroad and are engaged in what are deemed to be political activities.

The bill seeks to stop NGOs from "trying to shape public opinion" on government matters, and says that some organisations "interfere in the political life of the state", according to excerpts published by local media. It will now head to President Sadyr Japarov for signing.

International observers have warned the legislation may sound the death knell for smaller civil society groups in the country at a time when they are already weakened.

"If this legislation is adopted, I am worried it would have an overwhelmingly negative impact on civil society, human rights defenders, and the media in Kyrgyzstan," Matteo Mecacci, the head of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's office for democratic institutions and human rights, said in a statement last month.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrote a letter to Japarov in February expressing his concerns over the bill, drawing the Central Asian leader's ire, according to local media.

The mountainous, mostly Muslim country has moved closer to Russia's orbit in recent years. Kyrgyzstan is a member of a Moscow-led security alliance and Russia said last year it would work on "developing" its military facilities there.

Russia has tightened its own "foreign agents" law, first passed in 2012, since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, reflecting a climate of hostility and distrust of the West, which Moscow has accused of meddling in its internal affairs.

(Reporting and writing by Lucy Papachristou; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
A top labor union announced Wednesday that it will be spending $200 million to help President Biden win reelection.

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) announced a massive drive to mobilize working class voters of color in battleground states to back pro-labor candidates, including Biden. The SEIU represents about 2 million members across service industries, including the health care, property service, and public services sectors.

This election, workers are going to vote for candidates up and down the ballot whove got their back, SEIU Executive Vice President Rocio Saenz said in a statement. They are ready to support candidates like President Biden, who walked the picket line, took on big corporations, and invested in good, union jobs.

Workers dont want leaders who blame immigrants for everything while giving tax breaks to billionaires and trying to take our healthcare away, Saenz added.

The announcement stated the union aims to reach 6 million voters of color in the swing states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina. It is hoping to engage with voters who are less likely to vote or who have never voted at all by using field programs and partnering with community groups, among other efforts.

The SEIU endorsed Biden last April, shortly after he formally launched his reelection bid. The union says it plans to launch messaging that contrasts how the president has backed workers with how Donald Trump has sided with big corporations and tried to take healthcare coverage and reproductive rights away from millions.

The organization noted that similar efforts in 2022 increased voter turnout by 27 percent among those that they reached. The union also said it will be reaching out to voters in seven different languages to get its message across.

Our votes are our demand for a better future, SEIU Secretary-Treasurer April Verrett said in a statement. Workers walked the picket lines for better pay and better jobs, and we will vote for the same reasons.

Workers of all races know whats at stake in this election, and will take our energy from the strike lines to the ballot box to support candidates who side with us instead of price-gouging, union-busting corporations, she said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA) launched a seven-figure advertisement that supports President Biden and his infrastructure investments.

The ad will run in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, key swing states that went blue for Biden in 2020, and will target union members, union households and other persuadable voters, the union said.

The ad follows hunters in West Branch, Mich., who are laborers that support Biden.

People have an opportunity to work and put food on the table, and thats through President Bidens infrastructure dollars, one man said in the video.

Another man highlighted that Biden is bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. The ad showed a clip of Biden signing the CHIPS and Science Act in 2022, the bipartisan legislation that provided billions of dollars in incentives to the domestic semiconductor industry.

All of a sudden were getting chip factories, battery factories, and thats because of the Democrats and President Joe Biden, the man in the ad said.

Everythings just boomin, another man said.

The advertisement comes just days after Biden secured the Democratic presidential nomination. With former President Trump securing the GOP nomination hours later, the two will face off again in the general election this fall. Both Biden and Trump have begun gearing their campaigns toward the general election in what will likely be another close race.

LIUNA members are seeing real results from both President Bidens investment in our infrastructure and his commitment to creating good blue-collar union jobs, LIUNA General President Brent Booker said in a statement. Construction is booming!

The LIUNA endorsement is not Bidens first union backing. The president secured support from the United Auto Workers (UAW) union in January after he visited the picket line with striking workers last year. Biden has claimed he is the most pro-union president in history.

On Wednesday, the Service Employees International Union said it would be spending $200 million to help Biden win reelection. The union announced its massive drive to mobilize working-class voters of color to back Biden.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Saturday was the final lights out for the once-mighty Whole Donut chain, but the tradition of a popular morning coffee-and-doughnuts gathering spot lives on at the former Enfield and Canton locations.

The coffee is still beautiful, its still service with a smile inside, I like what theyve done, longtime customer Ty Kohler said Wednesday outside the freshly renamed King Donuts shop in Enfield.

Im a truck driver, Im here every morning and you know I need my coffee, Kohler said before heading to work. Ive been coming here for 15 years, and Id say this is a step up from where it was near the end.

The shop in Enfields Thompsonville was the last survivor in a chain that once had 40 outlets around the Northeast, with Connecticut as its heart.

Most of the buildings have been torn down or turned into entirely different businesses, but a few were leased by people with a new take on what coffee and doughnuts should look like in the 2020s. In Berlin, the Farmington Avenue shop became Switches Coffee & Donuts, and in Canton the next-to-last Whole Donut became a second location for the popular Lukes Donut Shop of Avon.

There was a lot of sadness when it closed, said Lynne Kaye, who worked behind the counter of the Canton shop for 14 years and now has the same job with Lukes. But people like it now, too. And it feels like the same place: People still come in happy, they smile when they see the doughnuts.

The Canton shop on Route 44 became a Lukes last March, and has expanded the menu of breakfast offerings and brought in doughnut recipes from the original Lukes, said owner Fadel Kassim.

Were serving breakfast sandwiches and lunch sandwiches now, we have great doughnuts and coffee. Thats what keeps bringing people back, Kassim said Wednesday morning.

I love the customers, thats what makes this place, said Kaye, who started work at the store when it was a Bess Eaton in the late 1970s. She left for college after a couple of years and didnt return until 2009, when it was a Whole Donut.

Both were very busy, both had their regulars. But you lose people, things change, she said. You get a particular group for a time, then another group. When it was Bess Eaton, it was so busy we needed three or four girls working at a time. We had ceramic coffee cups that we washed in a dishwasher.

It was just doughnuts, coffee and juice back then. Whole Donut brought in sandwiches. And now the new owners have more. Theyre very young and innovative, they use Uber Eats and Door Dash and Facebook, she said. We get some of the customers from before, and were getting new ones, too.

The Whole Donut chain was once part of the morning tradition for thousands of Connecticut people who had 21 locations to chose from, all in the heart of the state. The green-on-white signs with the image of a coffee cup, spoon and doughnut were almost as common as the Dunkin logo would become: At one point, Bristol, Hartford and Enfield each had two Whole Donut shops, while East Hartford and Manchester each had three.

But slow decline set in, with Dunkin expanding and Whole Donut gradually closing one location after another.

The last holdout, part of a strip plaza on Enfield Street just 5 miles from the Massachusetts line, announced Saturday that it was closing.

The location now has a Kings Donuts sign, and Kohler said a quick refresh of the shop turned out well.

Theyre awesome, and maybe the service is a little bit better now. Its clean, its bright, its a little step up from where it was, said Kohler, a truck driver for 38 years who plans to keep up his every-morning visits. This didnt bother me a bit. It needed a makeover.

Kara Aldrich and Darvalle Grandville, two local landscapers, said they, too, are happy with the new operation.

Oh yeah, Im here every day. Sometimes multiple times a day. I was sad when they closed; I thought I wouldnt come back because I wanted my Whole Donut, Aldrich said Wednesday morning. But this is fairly close to what it was. There are a lot of the same people coming as before, Thompsonville people and a lot of landscapers, construction workers. This is where we all come before work.
For beginners, it can seem like a good idea (and an exciting prospect) to buy a company that tells a good story to investors, even if it currently lacks a track record of revenue and profit. But as Peter Lynch said in One Up On Wall Street, 'Long shots almost never pay off.' Loss making companies can act like a sponge for capital - so investors should be cautious that they're not throwing good money after bad.

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See our latest analysis for ASML Holding

How Fast Is ASML Holding Growing?

If a company can keep growing earnings per share (EPS) long enough, its share price should eventually follow. That makes EPS growth an attractive quality for any company. Impressively, ASML Holding has grown EPS by 33% per year, compound, in the last three years. If growth like this continues on into the future, then shareholders will have plenty to smile about.

Top-line growth is a great indicator that growth is sustainable, and combined with a high earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) margin, it's a great way for a company to maintain a competitive advantage in the market. ASML Holding shareholders can take confidence from the fact that EBIT margins are up from 31% to 33%, and revenue is growing. Both of which are great metrics to check off for potential growth.

The chart below shows how the company's bottom and top lines have progressed over time. To see the actual numbers, click on the chart.

The trick, as an investor, is to find companies that are going to perform well in the future, not just in the past. While crystal balls don't exist, you can check our visualization of consensus analyst forecasts for ASML Holding's future EPS 100% free.

Story continues

Are ASML Holding Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?

Owing to the size of ASML Holding, we wouldn't expect insiders to hold a significant proportion of the company. But thanks to their investment in the company, it's pleasing to see that there are still incentives to align their actions with the shareholders. Given insiders own a significant chunk of shares, currently valued at 77m, they have plenty of motivation to push the business to succeed. This should keep them focused on creating long term value for shareholders.

Is ASML Holding Worth Keeping An Eye On?

If you believe that share price follows earnings per share you should definitely be delving further into ASML Holding's strong EPS growth. Further, the high level of insider ownership is impressive and suggests that the management appreciates the EPS growth and has faith in ASML Holding's continuing strength. Fast growth and confident insiders should be enough to warrant further research, so it would seem that it's a good stock to follow. It's still necessary to consider the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 2 warning signs with ASML Holding (at least 1 which is a bit unpleasant) , and understanding them should be part of your investment process.

While opting for stocks without growing earnings and absent insider buying can yield results, for investors valuing these key metrics, here is a carefully selected list of companies in NL with promising growth potential and insider confidence.

Please note the insider transactions discussed in this article refer to reportable transactions in the relevant jurisdiction.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
The pilot of the LATAM Airlines flight in the middle of an investigation into an incident that left 50 people injured allegedly told passengers that he temporarily lost control of the Boeing 787 due to a malfunctioning instrument.

A LATAM Airlines flight on Monday flying from Australia to New Zealand dropped abruptly mid-air following what was described as a "technical event". The incident threw some of the passengers out of their seats with many hitting the roof of the plane and suffering injuries.

An investigation has been launched into the incident by the Chilean Aeronautical Authority as the aircraft involved was registered in Chile.

Brian Jokat, one among the 263 passengers and nine crew members on the flight, said he was asleep before the incident happened and woke up to see individuals stuck to the roof fall to the floor.

He said the aircraft dropped something to the effect of 500 feet instantly, according to CNN.

Thats when I opened my eyes and there was various individuals at the top of the plane. Just stuck to the roof and then they fell to the floor. And then I just realized Im not in a movie, this is actually for real, Mr Jokat said.

After the landing at the Auckland airport, the passenger said the pilot explained that he lost control of the plane and that my gauges just kind of went blank on me.

He said for that brief moment he couldnt control anything and thats when the plane did what it did. Then he said the gauges came back and it reengaged, the plane just reengaged to its normal flight pattern. And we had no issues before, no issues after. But just that moment.

A paramedic walks onboard as passengers look on, after an incident on a LATAM Airlines Boeing 787, in Auckland (Brian Adam Jokat via REUTERS)

Photos taken by Mr Jokat following the incident showed damage sustained to the ceiling of the airplane where he said fellow passengers had hit it.

LATAM Airlines on Thursday said in a statement that it continues to work coordinately with the respective authorities to support the investigation. The airlines, however, said that it will be inappropriate to comment on speculations.

It comes as a possible movement of the pilots seat in the cockpit has come to the centre of focus of the probe into the sudden mid-air dive, aviation industry publication Air Current reported on Wednesday.

The report, citing a senior airline safety official, claimed that the seat movement was pilot induced, not intentional, based on the information available.

The seat movement caused the nose down angle of the aircraft, the publication said, citing another anonymous source who added the possibility of an electrical short was also under review.

The cause of the flights apparent sudden change in trajectory has not yet been explained. Safety experts say most airplane accidents are caused by a cocktail of factors that need to be thoroughly investigated.

New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) said because the incident occurred in international airspace, it fell to Chilean accident investigation authority Direccion General de Aeronautica Civil (DGAC) to open an inquiry.

A view of the damage sustained to the ceiling of the airplane after an incident on a LATAM Airlines Boeing 787, in Auckland (Brian Adam Jokat via REUTERS)

LATAM Airlines, a Chilean-Brazilian carrier, said it "deeply" regretted "any inconvenience and discomfort this situation may have caused its passengers".

It said the plane suffered a technical event during the flight which caused a strong movement.

Mr Jokat said he saw people screaming and crying while fearing for his own life. It was mass chaos for a few short seconds, the passenger said. Clearly there was a moment in my head that I just kind of resigned to the fact this could be it. This might be it.
Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) may have a headache on her hands with Rep. Ken Bucks (R-CO) announcement that hes moving his retirement up ahead of schedule, but that doesnt mean her own plans have changed.

Though he announced months ago that he would not run for re-election in November, Buck said on Tuesday that he would leave Congress at the end of next week, a surprise move that he attributed to wanting to spend more time with family. The decision triggers a special election in his 4th Congressional District, which Gov. Jared Polis (D) announced would be held on June 25.

The regular GOP primary will be held on the same day. Boebert, who had been planning to throw her hat in the ring for that race, said on Wednesday that she would not cut short her own term in Colorados 3rd District in order to enter the special election fray.

Im not leaving my constituents, she told The Hill.

In a statement issued through her campaign, she blasted Bucks decision as a gift to the Uniparty and a swampy backroom deal to try to rig an election Im winning by 25 points, a reference to a February poll that found her vastly outpacing her primary opponents in the 4th District.

Forcing an unnecessary Special Election on the same day as the Primary Election will confuse voters, result in a lame duck Congressman on day one, and leave the 4th District with no representation for more than three months, Boebert said. The 4th District deserves better.

After Bucks departure, Republicans will hold 218 seats in the House out of 435. Had Boebert decided to step down to run in the special election, she would have triggered yet another special election, and the balance in the chamber would have been threatened with an upset. (Boebert nearly lost her seat in 2022 to Democrat Adam Frisch, who accused her running scared from his campaign this year upon her decision to switch districts.)

I will not further imperil the already very slim House Republican majority by resigning my current seat, Boebert declared in her statement, and will continue to deliver on my constituents priorities while also working hard to earn the votes of the people of Colorados 4th District who have made clear they are hungry for a real conservative.

Whoever wins the primary in Bucks district is expected to win the general election because of its reliably red slant. But the Republican candidate who wins the vacancy nomination for the special election will have their name appear twice on the June 25 ballot, potentially giving them an advantage. Some of Boeberts primary opponents, including former state Sens. Jerry Sonnenberg and Ted Harvey, have already announced their intentions to simultaneously run in the special election.

In announcing the double-booking of elections on Tuesday, Gov. Polis explained it away as a cost-saving measure. Boebert challenged his reasoning in a recent Spaces event on X.

Suddenly theyre concerned about that, she said, according to Business Insider. First time Ive ever heard of that in Colorado.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill on Wednesday that could ban TikTok in the United States. The vote came with President Joe Bidens support, amid a warning from his administration that China had used the popular social media platform to try to influence the 2022 midterm elections  and could do so again in this years contests.

The bill, which must still pass the Senate, would force TikToks China-based parent company ByteDance to sell the app within 165 days, or face a ban in the U.S. Several Democratic lawmakers, one Biden campaign official, and one intelligence expert tell Rolling Stone the election meddling and misinformation arguments presented to justify the legislation were not strong enough.

Speaking with Rolling Stone after voting no on the bill Wednesday, Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.) says, The threats that we were told about were things that could be done on any platform  it was not actually about the ownership model of the platform. I think the existing national security threats regarding TikTok will not be solved by and do not warrant this very broad cudgel of a bill.

Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) also voted no on the bill. He says that concerns about the app potentially being used to influence elections are not unique to TikTok, explaining: We saw similar issues with other social media in the last presidential campaign. This is something we need to address for all social media. I think targeting TikTok specifically with this ban is not good policy.

Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), the ranking member on the House Intelligence Committee, voted no on the legislation, too, based on First Amendment concerns. I refer to the TikTok-China threat as theoretical, he tells Rolling Stone. I dont want to sound like a China dove here, because the Chinese are enormously sophisticated in everything that they do. But theres not evidence really that the Chinese have used social media platforms to try to affect presidential elections.

The lawmakers all express concerns about the privacy of Americans personal data, but say that is a much broader problem that the bill would not solve.

The legislation to potentially ban TikTok, one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, quickly advanced through the House and passed Wednesday by a count of 352-65. It now heads to the Senate, where its prospects for passage are less certain. The bill appears to be more controversial with the public than in Congress. Last week, as the legislation was beginning to advance, congressional offices were flooded with calls from angry constituents, young and old, concerned they will lose access to their favorite app.

The bill could become a 2024 general election issue: Biden and his administration have gone all-in on the legislation. While presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump similarly pushed for a U.S. takeover of TikTok as president, he has backed away from it now. One potential reason for that: money. Some observers believe Trump is courting support from conservative megadonor Jeff Yass, a billionaire investor with a large stake in TikToks parent company, ByteDance.

There may be other political considerations at play. In recent campaign strategy discussions, Trump and some of his advisers have expressed their belief that opposing a TikTok ban could help him shave off some of Bidens support among Gen Z and young voters, according to two sources with knowledge of the matter.

Meanwhile, some operatives on Team Biden share that belief  albeit as a concern. One Biden campaign official tells Rolling Stone that they personally do not believe the government has presented compelling intelligence or a sufficient case for a ban. The official says it would be nuts for Biden to willingly give Trump a winning issue, even if a comparatively small one. [And] for what reason? Possibly bogus China scare tactics.

A Biden campaign adviser tells Rolling Stone that their youth voter outreach program is not overly reliant on TikTok, and the presidents campaign has been working to engage young people across a range of platforms for months.

In recent days, Biden officials have been making the case for the TikTok bill in public. Jake Sullivan, Bidens national security adviser, framed the pitch in rather Trumpian terms in a press briefing to reporters Tuesday: Do we want TikTok, as a platform, to be owned by an American company or owned by China? White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre backed him up, saying, Where do we want that ownership? Where do we want that data of Americans to be: here or in China?

A spokesperson for Bidens National Security Council separately told Rolling Stone the TikTok bill is necessary to address the threat posed by certain technology services operating in the United States that put at risk Americans personal information and our broader national security, including through the manipulation by foreign powers of Americans views and beliefs.

The administration and proponents in Congress have argued the legislation would not ban TikTok, but rather only force its sale. The bills opponents reject this strain of thought: Its a conditional ban  if you dont meet this condition, we ban you, says Himes, calling it a lethal threat.

The 165-day timeframe to sell the company, as mandated under the bill, would very likely result in a ban, Frost and Jacobs both note, adding that TikToks size poses another problem: Few people or companies have the resources to buy it.

I think if you really look at the six-month window for divestiture, its quite unrealistic given the size of the company, says Jacobs, adding, One of the things Im concerned about is that [another] large tech company would be the most likely buyer  and you would see further consolidation of an already consolidated market.

Along those lines, progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) announced Wednesday she was voting against the bill, in part, due to potential antitrust questions, adding that any national security concerns should be laid out to the public prior to a vote.

Biden officials participated in briefings on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, ahead of the vote on the TikTok bill. Avril Haines, Bidens director of national intelligence, told lawmakers that her agency cannot rule out the possibility that the Chinese Communist Party would use TikTok to influence the 2024 elections.

In an unclassified annual threat assessment released Monday, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence warned that the Peoples Republic of China is expanding its capability to carry out influence operations and could attempt to meddle in the 2024 election at some level. The section contained a pointed, albeit vague, reference to TikTok: China is demonstrating a higher degree of sophistication in its influence activity, including experimenting with generative AI. TikTok accounts run by a PRC propaganda arm reportedly targeted candidates from both political parties during the U.S. midterm election cycle in 2022.

A separate ODNI report released late last year offers slightly more specific language on this topic. In December 2022, a U.S. media organization claimed that TikTok accounts run by a PRC propaganda arm targeted candidates from both U.S. political parties, garnering tens of millions of views in the United States, it states.

A Forbes report in December 2022 documented how, during the 2022 midterm election cycle, Chinas state-owned media network, China Central Television, ran videos on TikTok criticizing some U.S. political candidates and complimenting others, without clear disclosure that they were posted by a foreign government.

The ODNI report additionally says: Information from August indicated that Chinas English-language messaging efforts on TikTok had increased focus on U.S. politicians and U.S. domestic issues, such as abortion, mass shooting, and immigration.

Gavin Wilde  who served as director for Russia on the National Security Council from 2018-19, in the wake of revelations by the intelligence community that Moscow had meddled in the 2016 election  is skeptical of the case made for a TikTok ban.

Proponents of this legislation have not met the burden of demonstrating that this threat goes beyond the speculative, Wilde tells Rolling Stone. If the U.S. government had the goods, as they had in the run up to the Ukraine war in 2022, Id recommend they bring them. Clearly, the intelligence community is keen to share even exquisite, sensitive intelligence when it serves the national interest. The fact that the most weve seen thus far are vague statements of concern and citations of open source reporting, itself speaks volumes.

He worries that the rush to take drastic action in the fact of theoretical threats could legitimize authoritarian conspiracy narratives about Western social media platforms. Russia-hands are used to rolling their eyes at Moscows claims of U.S. interference based on the mere existence of Western social media platforms paired with public criticism of Moscow from Washington. It would be unfortunate to adopt a similarly conspiratorial worldview  one which assumes so little of the American public, while imparting such wizardry to Beijing, Wilde says.

During the 2022 midterms, Chinese state operatives did try to intervene more directly in American electoral politics during a brief campaign across several Western social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (now known as X). Researchers at Meta identified and suspended the activity and later detailed the attempts in a quarterly threat report.

The effort was very sporadic and involved only a small number of accounts which targeted both Republican candidates, including Biden and prominent China hawk Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), with crude memes adorned with plagiarized text. Unfortunately for the trolls, Only a few people engaged with it and some of those who did called it out as fake, Meta noted.

Jacobs, the California congresswoman, says she believes the PRC and their political influence operations pose real threats, including to U.S. elections.

I dont think that this bill actually answers those threats, she says. A lot of what we heard about as threats was around targeted misinformation or misuse of personal data. But, you know, American data brokers routinely sell and share this data. And targeted misinformation can be done on any social media platform.

Himes says he has a very specific sense for the Chinese threat here as a member of Intelligence, and worries that the Chinese Communist Party could theoretically tell ByteDance to alter the algorithm so it does XYZ. However, he adds, Dont try to tell me that Elon Musk isnt doing that on a regular basis on Twitter, or that every other social media platform doesnt manipulate its algorithms in service of something.

At the end of the day, says Himes, I just wasnt prepared to bless a very complicated restriction on American freedom of expression.

More from Rolling Stone

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House Republicans are accusing President Biden of building a temporary aid port for Gaza in a bid to win back progressive voters ahead of November, and they're worried it will put American lives at risk.

Biden unveiled a plan to build a temporary floating port off the coast of Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians who were displaced as a result of the war between Israel and Hamas.

International groups and several nations have raised concerns about the spread of famine and disease while struggling to get food and medical aid to the population there.

The initiative is expected to take several weeks, and it still remains unclear what the cost would be to taxpayers.

WORLD, UN SIGNAL NO EXIT FOR CIVILIANS CAUGHT UP IN GAZA WAR: 'POLITICALLY TOXIC'

Though the administration announced it would not require American troops to set foot in Gaza, lawmakers raised concerns about their proximity to the war zone.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"It is clearly putting our troops in harm's way," Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., a member of the House Armed Services Committee, told Fox News Digital earlier this week. "[Biden] doesn't seem to understand their hatred for the American soldiers, sailors and airmen and Marines, and if he puts them within range of Iranian proxies rockets, then Iranians proxy rockets are going to be flying at our people.

"I think it's got more to do with his politics and trying to appease a faction of the Democratic Party."

Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas, who is also on the committee, chalked up the Gaza port plan to Michigan Democrats backlash against Biden in the recent primary election. Arab and Muslim leaders in the state urged voters to choose "uncommitted" instead of the president in protest of him not taking a harsher public stance against Israel.

US ARMY BOATS DEPART FOR GAZA ON MISSION TO BUILD FLOATING PIER FOR FOOD DELIVERIES

Rep. Austin Scott was among the Armed Services Committee Republicans criticizing the plan.

"I think he's worried about losing Michigan in November, so he wants to throw [something]  to Muslim American voters, particularly in Michigan," Fallon said, adding the plan was "not in our nation's best interest."

"That aid in Gaza has been used by Hamas as currency," Fallon added.

A third Armed Services Committee member, Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., said, "Were going to be a target out there, and it will help Hamas in the end. Let Israel defeat Hamas, then let us help out with humanitarian aid. We didnt do aid to Germany in 1944. We did it after [the Nazis] were defeated."

URBAN WARFARE EXPERT SAYS ISRAELI MILITARY TAKING UNPRECEDENTED STEPS TO PROTECT GAZA CIVILIANS

Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, also accused Biden of launching the Gaza port effort for political reasons.

"He's doing that, in my opinion, because he had a lot of uncommitted voters out there. These American Palestinians that could vote for him are saying, What the hell, you ain't supporting us enough. So, he's going to try to do what government does, throw some money at it," Nehls said.

Biden made his announcement as the U.S. joined other countries in airdropping aid into Gaza.

"Tonight, Im directing the U.S. military to lead an emergency mission to establish a temporary pier in the Mediterranean on the Gaza coast that can receive large ships carrying food, water, medicine and temporary shelters," Biden said during the State of the Union March 7. "No U.S. boots will be on the ground.

"This temporary pier would enable a massive increase in the amount of humanitarian assistance getting into Gaza every day. But Israel must also do its part. Israel must allow more aid into Gaza and ensure that humanitarian workers arent caught in the cross fire."

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment for this story but did not immediately hear back.





Original article source: Lawmakers blast Biden Gaza port plan as political move to win back progressives
A "Signa" lettering can be seen on a construction fence of an already closed Karstadt department store in the city center. The public prosecutor's office in the southern German city of Munich is investigating suspected money laundering at the insolvent Signa Group owned by Austrian entrepreneur Rene Benko, a spokeswoman told dpa on Wednesday. Peter Kneffel/dpa

The lawyers of Austrian property entrepreneur Rene Benko have rejected allegations of money laundering against the head of the insolvent Signa Group.

"The theories and allegations made in previous reports are unfounded," explained Munich-based lawyer Florian Ufer. "They are rejected."

The Munich public prosecutor's office had confirmed the previous day that there were investigations into suspected money laundering in connection with the Signa Group, but without naming one or more of the accused. The reason for this is criminal charges, it said, adding that these investigations have not progressed very far.

The press release revealed that other public prosecutors' offices in Germany are also involved in the case. According to the Munich investigators, local responsibilities are currently being clarified.

"We cannot comment on the statement from the public prosecutor's office," explained Benko's lawyer Ufer. "Obviously, the authorities are rightly still examining for themselves whether the existing suspicions of money laundering give cause for further investigations."

The central companies of the Signa Group filed for insolvency at the end of December, and Benko, who was considered a billionaire just a year ago, has now also filed for insolvency himself in Innsbruck, the capital of the Austrian state of Tyrol.
The French authorities have been examining the idea of whether to send "boots on the ground" into Ukraine since June 2023 "in the greatest secrecy," Le Monde reported on March 14.

French President Emmanuel Macron remarked on Feb. 26 that sending Western troops to Ukraine could not be "ruled out," prompting the U.S., European allies, and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg to distance themselves from the statement.

Macron's announcement was not "an improvised escalation," but a "strategic message," Le Monde said. Nevertheless, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and U.S. President Joe Biden were reportedly "stunned by Macron's wording."

According to Le Monde, the topic was discussed during a National Security and Defense Council meeting on June 12, 2023.

National Security and Defense Council meetings are highly confidential and attended by the French president, senior ministers, and other high-level figures upon presidential invitation.

While Macron initially kept diplomatic lines with Russian President Vladimir Putin open, the French President began to find that in "call after call," Putin was "no longer articulating a strategic goal," Le Monde said.

Macron undertook a "conversion" in June 2023, and spoke out in favor of Ukraine joining NATO "to send a strong signal to Putin."

The failed counteroffensive during the summer of 2023, when the Ukrainian army was unable to break through Russian defensive lines, reportedly added to the sense of urgency to discussions in Paris.

The Ukrainian military's struggles to hold back the Russian army became a "cause for concern" into the winter.

According to Le Monde, Macron remarked on the evening of Feb. 21 that "in any case, in the coming year, I'm going to have to send guys to Odesa."

President Volodymyr Zelensky told French broadcaster BFMTV on March 11 that "as long as Ukraine holds, the French army can stay in French territory," and that French soldiers "will not die in Ukraine."

Read also: Wests response to Macron comments on troops to Ukraine reveal discord, weakness, experts say

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A group of congressional Democrats including the former House speaker Nancy Pelosi and armed services veterans urged the current Republican speaker, Mike Johnson, to lead, follow or get out of the way of more military support for Ukraine in its war against Russian invaders.

Related: Trump will not give a penny to Ukraine if he wins, Hungarys Viktor Orban says

In the military, we have a great expression, Mikie Sherrill, a House Democrat from New Jersey and a former navy helicopter pilot, told reporters on Capitol Hill. Lead, follow or get out of the way. That is exactly what our speaker has to do.

Last month, Senate Democrats and Republicans passed a $95bn foreign aid package covering Ukraine, Taiwan and Israel.

The Democrats who spoke on Wednesday faced vocal competition from protesters with Code Pink: Women for Peace opposing funding for Israel in its war against Hamas. On Ukraine policy, though, House Republicans have proved more obstructive than Medea Benjamin, the Code Pink co-founder, was able to be at the Capitol.

Under the direction of Donald Trump, the presumptive presidential nominee who openly favors Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin, Johnson has shown no sign of bringing the Senate package up for a vote. The Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orban, recently emerged from meeting Trump to say that if Trump is re-elected, he will not give a penny to Ukraine.

Trump has said he will encourage Russia to attack US allies he deems not to pay enough to be members of Nato.

House Democrats have lodged discharge petitions, a mechanism by which the speaker can be bypassed. Despite significant Republican support for Ukraine aid such efforts remain unlikely to succeed. On Wednesday, one petition was about 50 votes short of success.

Johnson, Sherrill said, has to show some leadership and put this bill on the floor so we can get an up-or-down vote on it. We know we have about 300 votes in favour.

He can follow the Democrats: we have put our discharge petition on the board, get his members to sign this petition and again, support Ukraine. Or he could just get out of the way because we know that the American people are behind the Ukrainians.

We know that each and every day that goes by is another day that Ukrainians are dying. We have members of the Ukrainian armed forces in my district, people who have lost legs, who have lost their vision, because they were standing in the breach  Were fighting hard for this, Mr Speaker. Lead, follow or get out of the way.

Other Democrats who spoke to reporters included army, navy and air force veterans with service in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut.

All saluted Ukrainian courage. More than one called the Ukrainians MacGyvers, an admiring evocation of their make-do-and-mend spirit with meagre supplies, arising from a cult 1980s TV series starring Richard Dean Anderson.

The press conference in the House Triangle was staged in conjunction with Vote Vets and introduced by Alexander Vindman. A former US soldier of Ukrainian heritage, Vindman and his brother Eugene helped blow the whistle on Trumps attempts as president to extract political dirt from Ukraine, prompting his first impeachment. Both were pushed out of the military. Eugene Vindman is now running for Congress in Virginia.

Representing Vote Vets, Rick Harris, the father of Thomas Gray Harris, a former US marine killed in Ukraine, said: It is hard to have lost my son but I am proud of what he did. If he were here today, though he would use much more colourful language than me, he would tell the speaker to call the vote now.

Dan Goldman of New York was not the only speaker to say Ronald Reagan, the Republican president revered in his party for standing up to Moscow, would be rolling in his grave if he knew his party was not supporting democracy against Russia. Vote Vets unveiled a new ad, featuring Reagan saying democracy is worth dying for and set to be broadcast on Fox News.

On Tuesday the Republican leader in the Senate, Mitch McConnell, told reporters Johnson should let the House speak. Asked about Republican proposals to offer aid to Ukraine as a loan not a grant, McConnell said it was more important to act quickly.

The only way to get relief to the Ukrainians and the Israelis quickly is for the House to figure out how to pass the Senate bill, he said, adding: Weve got a bill that got 70 votes in the Senate. Give members of the House of Representatives an opportunity to vote on it. Thats the solution.

Also on Tuesday, the White House said the US would send Ukraine aid worth $300m, the first such move in months. Bidens national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said the funds came from unanticipated savings from Pentagon contracts and would be used for artillery munitions.

This ammunition will keep Ukraines guns firing for a period but only a short period, Sullivan said. It is nowhere near enough to meet Ukraines battlefield needs and it will not prevent Ukraine running out of ammunition.

US officials have also looked at options for seizing $285bn in Russian assets immobilised in 2022, then using the money to pay for weapons for Ukraine.

Also on Tuesday, Biden met the president and prime minister of Poland, to talk about Ukraine. On Capitol Hill, US intelligence agency chiefs pressed House members, saying new Ukraine aid would also discourage Chinese aggression.

The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, told French media Kyiv had improved its strategic position despite shortages of weaponry, but suggested the situation could change again if new supplies were not forthcoming. He also said Russia was preparing a new offensive for late May or summer.

Zelenskiy has said 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in the two-year war.
LEESBURG, Va. (DC News Now)  The Leesburg Police Department (LPD) said a man was arrested and charged with two counts of possessing child pornography.

On Thursday morning, following an extensive investigation, multiple agencies assisted LPD in arresting Luke Mulligan, 42, and executing a search warrant in the 600 block of Rockbridge Dr., SE.

Man dies days after trailer hits, pins him in parking lot in Woodbridge

Officials got the warrant after finding sexually explicit material with juveniles on one of Mulligans electronic devices.

NOVA-DC Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, Virginia State Police, D.C.s Homeland Security Investigations, the Herndon Police Department, the Fairfax County Police Department and the Loudoun County Sheriffs Office helped LPD in the investigation.

Mulligan was taken to the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center and was held without bond. LPD expects additional charges in the case.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Director Jonathan Glazer won the Oscar for international feature film for "The Zone of Interest" on March 10. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)

To the editor: "The Zone of Interest" director Jonathan Glazers remarks at the Academy Awards on Sunday have sharply divided the Jewish community into a convenient but distorted framework  either one is pro-Israel or anti-Israel. This distortion is counterproductive.

Hundreds of thousands of Israelis have condemned their own government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, both before and after Hamas' Oct. 7 attack. His government has failed Israel, and it continues to do so.

This division ignores the realities of Hamas atrocities, its stranglehold over the Palestinians, its use of Palestinian civilians as human shields, the millions of dollars Hamas spent constructing tunnels instead of caring for its people and, most important, the threat Hamas poses to Israel's very existence.

There is no lapel pin that can represent this debacle.

Louis Lipofsky, Beverly Hills

..

To the editor: I loved Glazer's brilliant film, but his acceptance speech at the Oscars was a muddled mess.

Believing that the attack on Israel by terrorists necessitates Israel's defensive war on Hamas does not "hijack" the Shoah or anyones Jewishness. Jews existed in Israel long before 6 million people were killed in lands foreign to them.

Hamas knew the war would be hell when it incited this horror, but its leaders did not care. If they released the rest of the hostages they took from Israel on Oct. 7, this war would be over.

I want the war to end. I want Palestinians to have peace, food and education that is universal and does not include brainwashing.

Hamas, which is aligned with the leaders of Iran, wants to eradicate the Jewish people. Judaism doesnt try to convert. It never has. Peace is there if we respect each other.

Netanyahu will be history with the next election. Hopefully the Palestinians will get better leaders as well.

Lisa Boyle, Pacific Palisades

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
To the editor: Mt. Baldy, the tallest of the San Gabriel Mountains, is well known to be one of the most dangerous mountains in the United States in terms of rescues and fatalities. It lures the unwary, the unprepared and the unsuspecting. ("Winter permits for Mt. Baldy could save lives of hikers  and rescuers," editorial, March 11)

I have climbed Baldy, formally known as Mt. San Antonio, in winter conditions numerous times and have encountered many who had no business out there. But your editorials recommendation of a winter permit system premised on watching a short video and answering a few questions would do little or nothing to alleviate the problem of keeping the unprepared and inexperienced from venturing forth in winter conditions.

It should be noted that "hiking" is an inappropriate term in this context. Ascending Baldy in winter conditions is mountaineering and involves a skill set and equipment requirements quite different from hiking. Simply providing cautionary information will not persuade those who are too inexperienced to back off.

To be sure, more extreme measures, such as closing the mountain under certain conditions, likely would save lives and reduce the number of rescues, but that seems the equivalent of driving tanks instead of cars to reduce highway deaths. We'll just have to abide those few who refuse to exercise sound judgment.

Agustin Medina, South Pasadena

..

To the editor: I have hiked Mt. Baldy and the nearby Cucamonga Wilderness for about 40 years. I am dismayed by the deaths on Baldy, often involving hikers who are ill prepared.

But a permit system without enforcement will be ignored by people who are determined to do whatever they want, whenever they want.

The Cucamonga Wilderness has required permits for many years. I have been asked to show my permit only one time, by a U.S. Forest Service volunteer, and that was many years ago.

Karen Gustafson, Long Beach

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
For more than a decade, the Austin metro grew faster than any large metro in the country. But for at least this year, it's reign has come to an end.

The Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) saw the highest percent growth of any major metro for 12 straight years, according to the city of Austin. And even though the 12-year streak is now over  the city is still growing faster than almost every major city according to multiple census metrics.

The latest data, which was released on Thursday, shows the metro is the second fastest-growing region among cities with populations over 1 million.

Only the Jacksonville, Florida metro area saw a higher rate of growth, which saw a 2.2% increase in population from 2022-2023.

The data also show Austin as the 26th most populous metro area in the country as it added more than 50,000 residents between 2022 and 2023, growing at a rate of 2.1%.

The central Texas trident of communities also saw the seventh-largest numeric increase in population between 2022 and 2023.

The Austin skyline, seen in this October 2023 file photo.

These population estimates show a continued trend of strong and rapid population growth for the Austin metro area even if were not at the very top of the list, said City of Austin Demographer Lila Valencia in a release.

The city explained in a release that migration continues to be a major driver of growth in the Austin region. However, this year migration from other states and other parts of Texas made up a smaller share in growth.

The city also spotlighted the fact that domestic migration  migrants moving into the metro area from other parts of Texas and other U.S. states  is the lowest it has been in the past decade. This comes as international migration was the highest it has been in more than 10 years.

Each of the largest counties in the Austin metro area  Travis, Williamson, and Hays  saw lower net migration between 2022 and 2023. It is worth noting that the steepest declines were seen in Travis County, where estimates indicate more people are moving out of, rather than in to, the county, resulting in negative net migration.

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: Austin, Texas no longer the fastest growing metro in the US
On 14 March, Lithuania's Seimas passed a resolution calling for a European-wide ban on Russian and Belarusian grain crop imports.

Source: European Pravda

Details: The resolution was approved unanimously by 107 Lithuanian Seimas MPs.

The resolution calls on the European Commission to urgently develop a bill prohibiting the import of grain of Russian and Belarusian origin into the EU, as well as other European institutions, to support such a ban.

The Lithuanian Seimas also requests that the European Commission ensure cooperation and coordination among EU member states in order to effectively and uniformly apply this ban across the EU.

Separately, the resolution proposes to consider the possibility of banning imports into the EU of food products of Russian and Belarusian origin and, if necessary, regulating the flows of agricultural products to use Ukrainian products.

In the event of unfavourable market prices, the Seim proposes for the European Commission to apply a system of interventions for the purchase of surplus grain in Ukraine, which will support grain prices and guarantee the income of producers.

Background:

According to media reports, the European Commission is expected to submit a proposal next week for quantitative restrictions on grain imports from Russia and Belarus.

In February, the Latvian parliament adopted a temporary import ban on agricultural products from Russia and Belarus until at least July 2025. The Polish Sejm also adopted a resolution calling for sanctions to be imposed on imports of Russian and Belarusian food products.

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Their dreams came true, said two capital residents, as North Natomas first Costco flung open its doors Thursday morning to hordes of eager shoppers.

Both Elsa Miller, 55, and Demetria Thompson, 45, had eagerly awaited perusing bargain deals in the 160,000-square-foot warehouse at 3881 E. Commerce Way at Arena Boulevard. But they didnt wait overnight, such as the dozens who camped overnight to buy specialty alcohol.

By 7 p.m. Wednesday, about a dozen people shivered outside the warehouse bundled in warm clothing as cold winds swept in. It was a scene akin to Black Fridays of the past in which eager shoppers camped overnight to secure special offers.

Barry Thepvong, of Fresno, looks at whisky bottles during the grand opening of the Natomas Costco store on Thursday. Thepvong said he made the trip last night in hopes of buying liquor at specially discounted prices for the grand opening.

Hundreds of shoppers wait outside the newest Sacramento-area Costco on East Commerce Parkway in North Natomas as the warehouse store opened for the first time Thursday, March 14, 2024.

Miller and Thompson simply walked away with regular grocery items, opting to brave the heavy crowds for the experience.

I can always say in the future that I was a part of the North Natomas (Costco) when they first opened, said Thompson. She bought cheese and salmon after failing to find designer Louis Vuitton bags rumored on social media to be available.

I feel like the (grand opening is) once in a lifetime, said another Natomas shopper, Sonia Colunga, 40. Because if I dont come ... I feel like I missed it.

It was special bourbon  such as Old Fitzgerald Whiskey  that motivated several shoppers to camp outside as early as Wednesday morning and wait in a line that wrapped around aisles once inside.

Elected officials included Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, center, speak at the opening of the new Sacramento-area Costco in North Natomas on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

Elena and husband Dave Murray wait second and third in line for the Natomas Costco grand opening on Thursday. The couple spent the night in front of the store.

Among those who waited a day early were Natomas couple Elena, 52, and Dave Murray, 56, who said they hadnt pitched camping chairs on Black Friday for years but were one of the first to claim a spot in line. Dave Murray arrived about 10 a.m. and his wife came a couple of hours later.

The pair, Costco members for decades, recalled how arriving at 6:30 a.m. to the new Costco in Linda in November was too late to secure a coveted deal.

The rare brands of whiskey motivated Fresno resident Barry Thepong, 38, to drive up to Sacramento and camp overnight starting from 12:30 a.m. Even Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper purchased three bottles, including the Old Fitzgerald Whiskey, after joining the crowds.

Natomas Costco Wholesale shoppers enter the store at its grand opening on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper walks with some of the coveted liquor bottles during the grand opening of the Natomas Costco Wholesale on Thursday.

Its like a collectors edition, too, Thepong said. Whiskey can last for years.

Thepong said he made friends of fellow shoppers overnight and planned to grab breakfast with them.

Its a community thing, too, Thepong said.

It was that sense of community and excitement that was evident among the 500 or so cheering and clapping shoppers as Sacramento-area elected officials cut the ribbon.

There were more than 10,000 Costco members who walked through the doors on opening day, Sacramento City Councilwoman Karina Talamantes said on social media.

About 38,000 Costco members live near the North Natomas location, which prompted Costco officials to open the store on East Commerce Way, Talamantes said. The development, which sits off Interstate 5 and not far from I-80, features a handful of other new stores, as well as EV chargers.

The opening of the capital regions 10th store is bound to shift traffic patterns, according to The Sacramento Bees interactive map analyzing drive times, which could make shopping a little less crowded at the locations near Cal Expo, south Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Arden Arcade, Rancho Cordova, Folsom, Roseville, Woodland and Elk Grove.

And another warehouse is scheduled to open in Loomis in mid-May, said Loomis town manager Wes Heathcock.

Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg  who said he bought a Costco membership on Thursday  couldnt think of another event that would awaken hundreds of Sacramento residents at 7:30 a.m.

This is what community is all about, Steinberg said, as a sunrise gilded the crowd with light of a new day.

Sacramento City Councilwoman Karina Talamantes and Mayor Darrell Steinberg take part in the ribbon cutting for the Natomas Costco grand opening on Thursday.
People who park at a village railway station say they are being fined even though they have paid for parking online.

The car park at Long Buckby railway station near Daventry, Northamptonshire, has two sections which are run by different companies.

Drivers say this is not made clear online or at the site itself.

One of the companies has said the two car parks have separate entrances and it aims for "absolute clarity".

Although the Saba car park (to the left) is separate, many drivers are not aware of this when they enter the main car park

Jo Diprose fell foul of the system when she and a friend planned a trip to London.

Her friend searched online for parking at Long Buckby railway station and was directed to the site of the Saba parking company, which offered a space for a day for 6.

They booked a space each and parked side by side.

She said: "We had our lovely day out and came back, no ticket on the car, but about three weeks later, I had a parking fine from the ANPR camera."

Ms Diprose appealed against the charge, issued by Total Parking Solutions, who manage the main part of the car park, but the appeal was rejected.

The company offered to reduce the fee to 20 as a goodwill gesture.

She said: "I don't think anyone would be looking [for different parking companies] when you feel you've done the right thing and booked a ticket.

The Saba car park has a separate entrance but drivers say this is not made clear

Nick Spann also received a parking charge letter.

He said: "On the rail operators' websites, they reference Saba UK as being the car park operator.

"[My partner] dropped the car in the car park and didn't give it a second thought."

The "fine" arrived two weeks later.

Mr Spann said: "It needs to be stated more clearly on the operator websites that there are two car parks that have different charges applied to them by different operators.

"It needs to be clearer on the Saba website and it needs to be better signposted at the station."

The main car park entrance leads into the Total Parking Solutions car park, not the Saba site, but drivers say this is not clear

A social media post by Ms Diprose had several responses from others who have been caught out.

Total Parking Solutions (TPS) said: "TPS oversees the parking arrangements at Long Buckby, boasting a separate entrance from the SABA-managed area. Our aim is absolute clarity for motorists always."

Saba have been invited to respond.

Find BBC News: East of England on Facebook, Instagram and X. If you have a story suggestion email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk
A school bus driver on Long Island has been arrested on suspicion he sexually abused a young girl on several occasions between May 2022 and October 2023, authorities said.

Miguel Enrique Diaz, 47, was arrested at his Bay Shore home late Wednesday night, the Daily Voice Suffolk County reported. He was charged with one count of first-degree course of sexual conduct against a child, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Diaz works as a Suffolk Transportation bus driver for Bay Shore Middle School and Brook Elementary School, Suffolk County Police said.

Bay Shore Schools did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday afternoon.

Police say the alleged abuse began when the victim was 12 years old.

An investigation by Special Victims Section detectives got underway in early March after a community therapist contacted police, WABC reported.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the case, or who believes their child may be a victim, to contact the Suffolk County Police Department at 631-852-6531.

Bay Shore is a hamlet in the Town of Islip, located some 50 miles west of Manhattan.
The U.S. is gearing up to manufacture crucial weaponry for Ukraine, setting up shop in allied countries, with its first foreign factory in Australia, which will be dedicated to crafting guided long-range missiles, The Wall Street Journal reported on March 13.

Slated to be built at a military base on the outskirts of Sydney, known as Building 215, this initiative comes as the U.S. grapples with a rapidly depleting ammunition stockpile, thanks to heavy usage in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Read also: Ukraine and U.S. forge strategic partnership for joint arms production

From missiles, including GMLRS for the HIMARS rocket systems, to artillery shells, the American industrial base is struggling to keep up, prompting the Biden Administration to scramble to establish multiple production lines overseas for these critically important armaments. It is proving to be no small feat.

European manufacturers are also in the mix, saying that they need long-term orders from governments to feel confident about incrasing their production capabilities.

Lockheed, the company behind GMLRS, currently manufactures them at a single facility in Camden, Arkansas. The company is planning to bring six Australian engineers to become familiar with the process. The plan is to ship semi-assembled missile parts from the U.S. to Australia, where will undergo final assembly at Building 215.

Read also: Australia and France cooperating to ramp up munition production for Ukraine

Australian officials are looking to have a trial batch of about ten Australian-assembled GMLRS to be tested by the end of 2025. By the close of 2030, they are looking to be able to produce thousands of rockets annually, possibly including at sites other than Building 215.

On the Ukrainian front, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has penned a letter to his EU counterparts, highlighting concerns about the ammuntion imbalance with Russia, which has a three-to-one advantage over Ukraine in this area. The weapons shortage in Ukraine is only going to get more acute.

Umerov's called on EU states to deliver their promises of providing Ukraine with a million artillery shells, a pledge made last spring and intended to be delivered within a year. Ukraine needs two hundred thousand 155-mm shells monthly, while Russia is able to potentially double that amount, particularly as it is able to rely on large weapons shipments received from North Korea.

The EU's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has acknowledged a shortfall in delivering on its commitments by March, with the European Commission now saying it may be able to meet that target by the end of 2024.



Read also: No one country can produce enough ammunition for current intensity of warfare

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The excitement of investing in a company that can reverse its fortunes is a big draw for some speculators, so even companies that have no revenue, no profit, and a record of falling short, can manage to find investors. 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 Avaland Berhad (KLSE:AVALAND), which has not only revenues, but also profits. While profit isn't the sole metric that should be considered when investing, it's worth recognising businesses that can consistently produce it.

See our latest analysis for Avaland Berhad

How Fast Is Avaland Berhad Growing Its Earnings Per Share?

Investors and investment funds chase profits, and that means share prices tend rise with positive earnings per share (EPS) outcomes. Which is why EPS growth is looked upon so favourably. It is awe-striking that Avaland Berhad's EPS went from RM0.00033 to RM0.045 in just one year. Even though that growth rate may not be repeated, that looks like a breakout improvement. This could point to the business hitting a point of inflection.

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. Avaland Berhad shareholders can take confidence from the fact that EBIT margins are up from 1.4% to 15%, and revenue is growing. Ticking those two boxes is a good sign of growth, in our book.

The chart below shows how the company's bottom and top lines have progressed over time. For finer detail, click on the image.

Avaland Berhad isn't a huge company, given its market capitalisation of RM481m. That makes it extra important to check on its balance sheet strength.

Story continues

Are Avaland Berhad Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?

It's a necessity that company leaders act in the best interest of shareholders and so insider investment always comes as a reassurance to the market. So it is good to see that Avaland Berhad insiders have a significant amount of capital invested in the stock. To be specific, they have RM76m worth of shares. This considerable investment should help drive long-term value in the business. As a percentage, this totals to 16% of the shares on issue for the business, an appreciable amount considering the market cap.

Does Avaland Berhad Deserve A Spot On Your Watchlist?

Avaland Berhad's earnings per share have been soaring, with growth rates sky high. This level of EPS growth does wonders for attracting investment, and the large insider investment in the company is just the cherry on top. The hope is, of course, that the strong growth marks a fundamental improvement in the business economics. Based on the sum of its parts, we definitely think its worth watching Avaland Berhad very closely. While we've looked at the quality of the earnings, we haven't yet done any work to value the stock. So if you like to buy cheap, you may want to check if Avaland Berhad is trading on a high P/E or a low P/E, relative to its industry.

Although Avaland Berhad certainly looks good, it may appeal to more investors if insiders were buying up shares. If you like to see companies with insider buying, then check out this handpicked selection of Malaysian companies that not only boast of strong growth but have also seen recent insider buying..

Please note the insider transactions discussed in this article refer to reportable transactions in the relevant jurisdiction.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Democratic strategists and White House allies are warning their party that a fresh push to potentially ban TikTok could have serious consequences this fall for engaging young voters  a critical voting bloc already frustrated with President Joe Biden.

TikTok, used by nearly two-thirds of Americans under 30, is under serious threat from a bipartisan bill, which the House passed on Wednesday, to force TikToks Chinese owner to either sell the app to an American company or face a nationwide ban in six months. The bill, driven by national security concerns, faces an uncertain path in the Senate, but Biden told reporters last week that hed sign the legislation if it landed on his desk.

Some Democrats fear that the electoral fallout could not only depress young voter turnout but also cut off a critical channel to communicate with them.

"This legislation, I think, is a mistake," said Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.), the first Gen Z member of Congress and a member of Bidens campaign advisory board. "We need to regulate social media  not just TikTok  but all of it."

Frost, who voted against the bill, warned that it should be a political concern for Democrats courting young voters  a worry that others in the party share.



Democrats need to reach younger voters more than Republicans need to reach them, and TIkTok is the most valuable tool to do that, said Kyle Tharp, who is the managing director at Courier, a progressive media company. Taking that tool away from campaigns, progressive media companies, content creators two months out from Election Day would be a net negative for Democratic candidates.

Former President Donald Trump, for his part, flipped his position on TikTok in recent days. He now opposes banning the app, after he signed an executive order that wouldve done just that in August 2020 but was ultimately blocked by federal courts. Trump offered few explanations for his turnaround, though his GOP allies acknowledge the political opening it offers.

The real threat isn't that Trump's new position will snap up voters under 30, Democrats say, but it builds on already pressing concerns for Biden among young voters, who are particularly angry about his handling of the Israel-Hamas war.

These voters are not going to say, this is my guy, but [Trump] wins if they stay disillusioned and stay home, said a national Democratic strategist, granted anonymity to discuss a sensitive issue. Between Gaza and banning TikTok, theres a generation of voters here who feel completely left out of the political process. Thats the worry.

The path to actually banning TikTok is far from certain. The legislation that may emerge from the Senate  and how fast it might come out  isnt clear, though Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), who lead the Senate Intelligence Committee, endorsed the House bill after the vote on Wednesday. If it became law, ByteDance, TikToks parent company, would have six months to find a buyer. Without a buyer, the app could be banned as early as October 2024, the month before the general election.



I dont see a world in which TikTok gets removed from everyones phone in the next 8 months because our government doesnt work that fast, said Keith Edwards, a Democratic strategist, who added that a potential ban wont affect voters until it actually goes into effect, which could drag past November 2024.

These things dont become real for voters until they actually happen, Edwards said.

Biden has been walking a fine line with TikTok already. Last year, the White House gave federal agencies 30 days to wipe the app off all government devices out of concerns about the national security risk it posed. A majority of states have banned TikTok on government devices. This week, Bidens intelligence agencies held closed-door meetings with congressional members, briefing lawmakers on the global risks of the app, including meddling in U.S. elections.

But in February, the Biden campaign joined TikTok, posting a video of the president answering Super Bowl-themed questions. Theyve also mounted an aggressive influencer strategy, briefing nearly 70 progressive content creators ahead of Bidens State of the Union and aiming to tap into their enormous online audience. The Democratic National Committee has also worked with social media influencers to push out the partys message over the last several election cycles.

The campaign said it is taking security precautions in its use of the app. And a Biden campaign adviser argued that their youth turnout program isnt overly dependent on TikTok, pointing to their presence on other social media platforms. The adviser also cited their youth organizing efforts on college campuses. The Biden campaign recently launched a Students For Biden initiative, including endorsements from 15 youth mobilization groups.



Young voters are critical to President Bidens winning coalition, Bidens campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez said in a statement announcing the endorsements.

But Aidan Kohn-Murphy, founder of Gen-Z for Change  which started as TikTok for Biden, an account that galvanized voters on the platform during the 2020 campaign  said that both the administration and campaign seem to understand the power of TikTok. Because of that, he added, it didnt seem logical that the administration could say that the app needs to be sold or banned.

[Its] a major example that I think a lot of young people would take as proof that Biden is just out of touch with young people, he said, of the decision to support the forced sale legislation.

Harry Sisson, a 21-year-old progressive influencer with nearly a million followers on TikTok, raised his concerns directly with his audience on Wednesday, cutting a video in front of the Capitol Building: For Democrats, I think this is a very bad idea to do in an election year.

"TikTok is in good part why President Biden won [in 2020]  there were so many youth that came out for him," said V Spehar, who anchors news videos on TikTok and has attended influencer events at the White House. "They're starting to slip in their hopes and beliefs that that respect is reciprocated."

Biden has struggled to appeal to young voters during his first term, after they turned out to back him in record numbers in 2020. His approval rating with people aged 18-30 dropped to the lowest point seen by a Democratic president in decades in 2023, hovering in the mid- to low-30s. His position on the Israel-Hamas war, which has low approval with voters under 30, has also threatened his standing with them.

There are gaping holes between what young people think Biden has done and what he has actually done, so to the degree to which this would strip away a path to close that information gap  thats detrimental to Biden and Democratic candidates, said John Della Volpe, a pollster who focuses on young voters and worked on Bidens 2020 presidential campaign. Della Volpe did, however, note that national security comes first.

Its not insurmountable, but its another brick in the backpack for those trying to reach young voters, Della Volpe said.

Other Democrats argue that the party faces a messaging challenge with young voters, so its on them to explain the why of the legislation, said Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), who voted present on the House bill.

I absolutely believe it will not make young voters happy, but I dont think of them as a monolith, nor do I think of them as single issue voters, Crockett said. I think that young people, especially Gen Z  will do an overall cost benefit analysis of the two teams and decide which has their back and its clear that only one team is fighting for them  the blue team.

Hailey Fuchs, Nicholas Wu and Daniella Diaz contributed to this report.
JACKSON, La. (BRPROUD)  A couple now face murder charges after an eight-year-old child died in the hospital months after being found unresponsive, the sheriffs office said.

On Nov. 29, 2023, officers with the Jackson Police Department responded to a call of an unresponsive child at an address on Highway 10 in Jackson. Upon arrival, officers found evidence that the child may have been physically abused, according to the East Feliciana Parish Sheriffs Office. The child was taken to a local hospital to be treated for their injuries.

According to EFPSO, Kirsten Gatlin and Kelvin Seaberry were arrested on charges of second-degree cruelty to juveniles.

According to Sheriff Jeff Travis, deputies were informed by Our Lady of the Lake Childrens Hospital on March 10 that the child had died.

Fentanyl is killing more people in Baton Rouge as dealers are lacing pills, other drugs

Gatlin and Seaberry were booked into the East Feliciana Parish Prison Wednesday on one count each of second-degree murder.

The sheriffs office noted that other children that were in the home remain under the care of the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to BRProud.com.
One of downtown Columbias most stalwart restaurants is ready for a grand reintroduction, and its gotten a serious glow-up.

Drakes Duck-In, the long-running fried chicken joint that has been on the Columbia landscape for more than a century, will will have its grand reopening at 1544 Main St. on Tuesday, March 21, according to restaurant officials.

The Main Street location has been closed for a year as it has undergone a complete renovation and overhaul. While the Main Street spot was closed, Drakes operated a temporary location on Hampton Street. That temporary spot shuttered in February.

While the formal opening on Main Street is slated for March 21, Drakes will have soft opening sessions with staff training from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 14-16 and March 18-19. Restaurant leaders are asking for customer patience and feedback during those soft openings, and patrons can get $10 in Duck Bucks for their next visit.

Aesthetic changes to the restaurant will be immediately apparent to longtime customers. Gone are the rickety, multi-colored booths and tables that once lined the walls. They have been replaced by a host of new booths, chairs and tables that play against the clean white, navy and yellow tones that flow through the dining room. Drakes also has added counter seating with stools at different spots throughout the space, including near the front windows that look out onto Main Street.

Counter-style seating is a part of the new aesthetic at Drakes Duck-In as it plans to reopen its remodeled restaurant.

But physical changes arent the only things that are new at Drakes. Restaurant owners Matthew Bridges and Daniel Boan have brought on City Grit Hospitality Group, led by Sarah Simmons and Aaron Hoskins, to help spearhead the reopening.

Simmons said she has been consulting with Boan and Bridges on the project since last year and will have a hand in operating the business throughout 2024. Simmons and Hoskins, who were finalists for a prestigious James Beard Foundation award in 2023, run several popular restaurants across Columbia, including Il Focolare pizzeria, smallSUGAR cafe and Gervais Streets City Grit restaurant and culinary shop.

Bridges said it has been a roller coaster of emotion in the last year as the Main Street location was closed and overhauled. While Drakes has had a presence, in one place or another, in Columbia since 1907, it has been at 1544 Main St. for the last 28 years. The building at 1544 Main St. was built in the 1870s, according to Historic Columbia.

As far as anticipation for this location, we are very proud of what it has become through this renovation, and we are very amped and ready to reopen and reintroduce ourselves to Main Street, Bridges said.

New booths, tables and decor are part of the renovations at Drakes Duck-In on Columbias Main Street.

Telling a story with new menu tweaks

As Drakes re-emerges at 1544 Main, both Simmons and Bridges noted that there will be some changes to the Drakes menu. However, both were clear that the restaurants storied fried chicken will remain the same.

Every piece of chicken will be fried the exact same way it was before we closed, Bridges emphasized.

But various ingredients up and down the menu have been upgraded, restaurant leaders noted. For instance, Drakes will now make its various sauces  ranch, honey mustard, etc.  in-house. There also will be several new sauces, including a Szechuan-style sauce. Thats a nod to the family of Bridges wife, Beverly, which owned Asian restaurants in the Lowcountry for a number of years.

We wanted a way to add things to the menu that made sense and told a story and wasnt just jumping on a bandwagon, Simmons said of the Szechuan offering. So, as we started talking and with the things I was learning about Daniel and Matthew and their families, I really was like, Lets try this.

Other new entries on the menu will include a vegetarian chicken fried tofu sandwich, as well as salads. One of those salads is specifically designed to be shared family-style, Simmons said.

And, for those looking for some libations, the new version of Drakes will also offer beer and wine.

(Beer and wine) wont take a front seat here; we are still food-first, Bridges said. But if someone prefers to have a beer with fried chicken  and I dont know too many people who dont like that combo  we can offer that.

Drakes is also upgrading its breakfast options. Theyve switched to Belgian-style waffles for the chicken-and-waffles, Simmons noted. The restaurant also has added added overnight oats and granola for a grab-and-go breakfast offering. And Drakes will offer classic diner-style breakfasts with eggs, grits, biscuits and breakfast meats.

There is nowhere on Main Street, really, to get a good, old, classic breakfast, Simmons said. Its really exciting to design a menu that, I think, helps fill a huge gap on Main Street.

Simmons said she has taken note of the love for Drakes Duck-In from people from all walks of life across Columbia.

Everyone has a story to tell, and thats so important, she said. Thats really another reason we wanted to be involved, because this brand is important to the city, and we want to make sure we do it justice, every step of the way.

Columbias Main Street has seen a renaissance in the last 15 years, emerging from a once-moribund corridor to a bustling place with new restaurants, bars, stores, boutiques, hotels, the Nickelodeon Theater, the Columbia Museum of Art and more. Bridges said the effort to renovate and relaunch Drakes is a nod to that changing Main Street.

In order to be sustainable, we have to walk that line between our history and what is going on and the maturing of the Main Street District, Bridges said. We know what we could bring as an older brand, and then meshing that with the modern systems and know-how of City Grit, we saw that as a way to help us bridge that gap between what we were and what Drakes in the 21st century really should be.

Drakes regulars who visit the upgraded restaurant will recognize a familiar face in longtime general manager Edwina Tiny Harmon. She was working to help get the place ready for relaunch when a reporter from The State dropped by recently. Harmon said shes pleased with the new space.

I love it, she said. I dont just like it, I love it.

The dining room at Drakes Duck-In has been remodeled as the restaurant preps for its relaunch.
DRAPER, Utah (ABC4)  Theres a new dating show quickly rising in popularity, only this one follows the mating drama of penguins at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Utah.

The new video series, which consists of two-minute episodes released on TikTok weekly, dives into the courting and mating behaviors of 20 gentoo penguins. According to a press release, the video series not only spills the iced tea of penguin dating dynamics, but also educates about natural mating behaviors of gentoo penguins.

Lets-a-go! First-ever Super Nintendo World plane lands at Salt Lake Airport

The aquarium said the release of the pilot episode attracted thousands of new TikTok followers. The video currently has nearly 40,000 likes and more than 300 comments.

Karmel Harper, the aquariums marketing director, said the idea was joked about for several years. However, last season the jokes turned into a plan after a female penguin, Poppy, tried to steal another penguins mate and captured the attention of aquarium employees.

Everyone at the Aquarium got so invested in the drama! The keepers originally had the idea to do a reality dating show format, and this year, our marketing team was finally able to bring it to fruition, Harper said.

The marketing team plans to release weekly episodes, along with behind-the-scenes content, during the entirety of the penguin mating season which lasts approximately three months.

Some of the contestants include Runner and Georgia, who have been exclusive for several years, and Ava and Nash, who appear to be fighting over Sampsons affections.

Penguins picking up a rocks at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. Gentoo penguins present rocks during the courting phase of the mating season. (Courtesy of the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium)

Penguins Nash and Sampson. (Courtesy of the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium)

Ava picking up a rock. Gentoo penguins present rocks during the courting phase of the mating season. (Courtesy of the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium)

Gentoo penguins at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. (Courtesy of the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium)

While the series is engaging for the community and their social media followers, Harper said theres a deeper purpose to filming the penguin dating show.

Love on Thin Ice aligns with the Aquariums mission of inspiring people to explore, discover, and learn about earths diverse ecosystems, Harper said. People care about things they connect with, and in turn, hopefully, they will be inspired to help protect them and the entire living planet.

One way in which the series is educating the public is by dispelling the misconception that all penguins mate for life. Harper said some species of penguins do mate for life, however, gentoo penguins take a more fluid approach.

Moab Museum celebrates Utah women who made history in monthlong pop-up

Male and female penguins may return to their original mate from the prior year, or they might try courting a different penguin, Harper said. In our colony, we have observed the penguins switching mates from year to year and some couples staying together.

At the beginning of the mating season, gentoo penguins court each other by bowing or presenting rocks to express interest in being mates that season. In a single season, Harper said females will have anywhere from one to three partners while males tend to have one to two partners before settling on a mate.

Once a male and female agree to mate, and begin building a nest, they are likely to remain monogamous during that season as it takes two penguins to raise a chick, Harper said.

While it is not as simple as mating for life with gentoo penguins, they do tend to choose the same mate after the dating process 90% of the time.

To follow along with the series, see the aquariums TikTok account.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
A Macon business owner selling natural soap has found a unique way to make his shop a vehicle for good deeds.

Joshua Hess founded The Sassy Alpaca in 2019, a store that offers 100% natural soap. In 2022 he opened the business in a brick and mortar store in Macon. Now Hess, who has autism, has used the money from his business to purchase the International City Farmers Market in Warner Robins in 2023, something he says he did to help feed the homeless.

Hess said he can relate to those struggling, and he finds calm in helping to feed others.

Because of my autism I have spent most of my adult life homeless and working for less than minimum wage, he said. I know what it is like to struggle - I know what it is like to feel like no one is listening.

And, autism makes it difficult to communicate with people socially so my preferred method of connecting with people is helping them meet their needs. I find it calming, Hess added.

Hess said he bought the market from Joe Bossi, who was the second owner of the market after it was founded in 2010 by Jodi Daley.

A young girl carries a pumpkin at the International City Farmers Market in Warner Robins. The market helps feed the homeless thanks to owner Joshua Hess.

The farmers market partners with local and state organizations to provide free and affordable food to low income families and individuals. One of the organizations is Wholesome Wave Georgia, which allows the market to double Food Stamps and EBT dollars at farmers markets.

Hess said he saw the decline of the market due to COVID-19. When the opportunity to purchase the market presented itself, he didnt hesitate.

I have been a member of the market since 2019 and have seen it fall into decline since COVID began later that year, he said. When Joe offered to sell the market last summer I jumped at the chance. The economy was still in rough shape but improving. I knew if we were going to grow we would need to grow with the economy or our future would just be a series of missed opportunities.

I wanted to help feed my community while ensuring that our local farmers received a fair price for their goods.

A farmer sells produce at the International City Farmers Market in Warner Robins. The market partners with several organizations to help feed the homeless.

Thats not all the market is doing to help Middle Georgia, Hess said.

We are working with local food pantries to bring food items not normally available at the market, as well as non-food items such as personal and feminine hygiene products, churches and learning institutions to develop a shuttle program to help individuals without transportation, and facilitate recruitment and drop-off events for community programs, he said.

Hess said he enjoys the opportunity to help.

Many of our patrons are grateful for the double EBT - they spend their entire EBT allotment at the market to maximize their food supply - and they would not be able to feed their families without the market, he said. I enjoy developing community programs that help the homeless and hungry.

Hess went on to say COVID hindered the number of free meals the market was able to provide due to loss of customers - something he says he hopes to change this year.

During COVID we lost many of our customers - we were only able to provide about 6,000 to 8,000 free meals per year, he said. This year I hope to provide 20,000 free meals.

The International City Farmers Market will also be giving out feminine hygiene products while supplies last through the month of March.

Hess said the market is ready to grow and looking for support from the community.

The market is ready to grow, we are looking for support from the community, he said. Any community-minded individuals or organizations can reach out to me at Josh@ICFarmersMarket.org.

The International City Farmers Market is located at the corner of Watson Boulevard and Maple Street in Warner Robins and can be reached at 478-227-7869.
French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated that he is not ruling out sending Western ground troops to Ukraine to avert a Russian victory.

"All of these options are possible," Macron told television channels TF1 and France 2 on Thursday evening. "To achieve peace in Ukraine, you cannot be weak," he said.

"We must look at the situation soberly and we must say with determination, will and courage that we are ready to use the means necessary to achieve our goal of ensuring that Russia does not win the war."

Since Russia is not setting any limits on its war of aggression against Ukraine, the West does not have to impose any limits on its support for the country in advance, Macron said.

"The only one who would be responsible is the regime in the Kremlin - that is not us," said the president. "We will never lead an offensive, we will never take the initiative, France is a power of peace."

"If Russia won, the lives of the French would change. We will no longer have security in Europe, said Macron, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin's appetite for territory may not stop with Ukraine.

"Wanting peace today means not letting Ukraine fall."

Macron spoke on the eve of meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Berlin on Friday.

The meeting will take place almost three weeks after a Ukraine strategy conference in Paris, to which Macron invited around 20 heads of state and government and which ended in a minor scandal.

At the closing press conference, Macron did not rule out sending Western ground troops to Ukraine - a position which Germany refuted several times in the following days.
PARIS (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron awarded billionaire Bernard Arnault, the CEO of LVMH, the country's highest honour at a Paris ceremony on Wednesday attended by superstar Beyonce and Tesla co-founder Elon Musk, French media reported.

The reception at the Elysee Palace in honour of the world's richest man, who was promoted to Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, had been kept under wraps, with no official communication by the Elysee on social media or elsewhere.

Neither Macron's office nor LVMH returned a request for comment by Reuters.

Arnault, who built the world's biggest luxury empire and controls some of the most glamorous names in fashion including Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior, has forged close links with the French president.

The LVMH CEO has opened a flurry of luxury factories across France over the past few years, revitalising rural areas with well-paid jobs making leather goods, which the government has pointed to as testament to the success of its pro-business policy.

Reuters reported in 2020 that Macron had asked his government to help Arnault negotiate a better price to buy the iconic American jewellery house Tiffany, according to several sources. The Elysee had declined comment at the time.

The story was first reported by Politico.

(Reporting by Michel Rose and Mimosa Spencer; Editing by Leslie Adler)
French President Emmanuel Macron on March 14 again refused to rule out a potential presence of Western troops in Ukraine but stressed that the current situation does not call for it.

"We're not in that situation today," Macron said in a television interview with TF1 and France 2, adding that "all these options are possible."

The French president said during an allied meeting on Feb. 26 that the deployment of Western soldiers on the ground in Ukraine is not ruled out in the future. The remarks sparked a lively discussion among allies, with many NATO members, including Germany and the U.S., emphatically rejecting the possibility.

Other countries, such as Estonia or Czechia, said that the deployment of troops, for example for non-combat tasks, should not be completely ruled out.

"If Russia wins, the life of the French would change. We would no longer have security in Europe. Who can seriously believe that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin, who has respected no red lines, would stop there?" Macron said during the interview.

The president called Russia's war against Ukraine "existential" for France and Europe and warned that Moscow's potential victory would "reduce Europe's credibility to zero." He criticized the earlier strategy used by Kyiv's allies, saying it constrained itself with too many red lines.

"Two years ago, we said we would never send tanks. We did. Two years ago, we said we would never send medium-range missiles. We did," the president noted.

The allies must not be weak and show "determination, will, and courage" to prevent Russia's victory, the president noted.

Macron nevertheless stressed that France would not lead an offensive into Ukraine, saying that should the war spread further, the decision would rest solely with Russia.

Kyiv has not appealed to the West to send its troops to Ukraine, instead asking for increased arms supplies to help Ukrainian soldiers fend off Russian aggression.

Speaking with the French broadcaster BFMTV on March 11, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said that "as long as Ukraine holds, the French army can stay in French territory."

Read also: Le Monde: France examining idea of sending troops to Ukraine since June 2023

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Macron warned that a Russian victory would change the lives of the French (Ludovic MARIN)

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday warned allies against imposing limits on support for Ukraine, saying European security was at stake in Kyiv's battle against the Russian invasion.

With Ukraine suffering military setbacks since the failure of a counteroffensive last summer, Macron had last month shocked some allies by not ruling out sending Western troops to Ukraine.

He said in an interview with French television aimed at clarifying his policy that the sending of ground forces was not on the agenda now but Europe had to keep "all options" open in case the war spread.

Macron's comments came as he prepares on Friday to travel to Berlin for a summit on Ukraine with allies German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

He rammed home his insistence that Europe should not show weakness and do everything it could to stop Russia winning a war that threatened the security of ordinary French and European citizens.

"If Russia wins this war, Europe's credibility will be reduced to zero," Macron said in the interview with French broadcasters TF1 and France 2 television.

Calling the conflict in Ukraine "existential for our Europe and for France", Macron said anybody advocating "limits" on aid to Ukraine "chooses defeat".

He said there had been "too many limits in our vocabulary" since the Russian invasion in February 2022.

"Two years ago we said we would never send tanks. We did. Two years ago, we said we would never send medium-range missiles. We did," he said.

In a post-interview statement, Macron said Russia would not halt its territorial ambitions if it wins its war in Ukraine, posing a threat to the neighbouring countries of Moldova, Romania and Poland.

"Russia has become a power that wants to expand and it's clear that it will not stop there," Macron posted on X. "If we abandon Ukraine, if we let Ukraine lose this war, Russia will surely threaten Moldova, Romania, Poland."

- 'Sinews of peace' -

Macron acknowledged that negotiations would need to take place once the war ended but emphasised that peace did not mean the "capitulation" of Ukraine.

"Today we must have -- to quote (Winston) Churchill -- 'the sinews of peace'. To want peace is not to want defeat or to let Ukraine fall," he said, quoting the famous phrase used by the British premier in a 1946 speech in the United States shortly after World War II ended.

For France "all options" are on the table in its support for Ukraine, Macron said.

"Should the situation get worse, we will be ready" to prevent a Russian victory, but he also said his country would "never go on the offensive" in the war.

"We will never take the initiative," he said.

He warned that "if Russia wins, the life of the French will change. We will have no more security in Europe."

Macron, who said he has probably held more hours of talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin than any other major leader in recent years, said the Kremlin chief could not be trusted.

"Who would think for a single second that President Putin, who did not respect any of his limits and engagements, would stop there?"

He described Russia as an "adversary" of France but was careful to avoid using the word "enemy".

- 'Not in that situation' -

Macron raised alarms throughout Europe last month when he said committing ground troops to Ukraine was not ruled out.

His remark found little echo among allies, but also among the French population, with 68 percent disapproving of such an announcement, according to an opinion poll for daily Le Figaro.

A majority in both houses of parliament backed Macron's Ukraine strategy this week, with the far-right RN party abstaining and the radical left voting against, with its deputies accusing Macron of "war-mongering".

Asked Thursday about sending ground troops to Ukraine, Macron replied: "We are not in that situation today" while adding: "There is a reason not to exclude options."

"If Russia continues its escalation, if the situation deteriorates we must be ready to take the decisions that are needed to make sure Russia never wins."

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(Bloomberg) -- French President Emmanuel Macron is ramping up pressure on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to take a stronger stance in support of Ukraine with a dire warning of the existential threat Russia poses to the European Union.

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The two leaders will meet with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Berlin later Friday to discuss how to better provide aid to Ukraine, particularly military equipment.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiys troops are running desperately short of ammunition as they battle to hold off the Russian advances, fueling fears that a defensive collapse could see Vladimir Putins forces closing in on Kyiv once again. For their part, European nations have struggled to maintain unity, bickering over what kind of equipment to provide and whether to consider sending troops into Ukraine.

Macrons bold stance seeks to rally Western allies behind Kyiv and step up support.

Who can think for a second that President Putin, who hasnt respected any of his limits or commitments, would stop there? Macron asked during a joint interview with TF1 and France 2 television channels on Thursday. The security of Europe and French people are at stake.

Macron sparked tensions with allies two weeks ago by saying nothing should be ruled out when asked about putting boots on the ground in Ukraine. He argued strategic ambiguity was needed to deter Moscow. Scholz and the White House swiftly rebuffed the option, while Putin warned NATO risks a nuclear conflict if it sends troops to aid Ukraine.

Macron has sought to take a lead in Europe on support for Ukraine, organizing a leaders summit in Paris at which countries agreed on a plan to source much-need ammunition for the Ukrainian military outside the European Union, and signing bilateral defense pacts with Ukraine and Moldova. Last week he sent his top diplomat to Lithuania to drum up support from the Baltic states, which praised his sense of urgency.

For a few years weve been living in a world where what we thought unthinkable is happening, Macron said. War is on European soil  there is less than 1,500 kilometers between Strasbourg and Lyiv.

At the same time, Scholz has faced criticism for refusing to agree to Kyivs request to provide it with long-range Taurus cruise missiles. The chancellor has instead highlighted that Germany is one of Ukraines most generous backers, pledging military assistance worth around $30 billion.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski praised Germanys bilateral aid to Ukraine in an interview with Gazeta Wyborcza and Ouest France, while also urging Berlin to do more. I hope that Fridays meeting of the Weimar Triangle will encourage Chancellor Scholz to take more decisive action.

While the meeting in Berlin wont be a game changer, it is the last chance for Scholz and Macron to mend fences ahead of decisive months for Ukraine, Junes European Parliament elections and the appointment of a new NATO leader, consulting firm Eurasia Group said in a note.

It is good that we are coming together in the Weimar Triangle format at this time, Scholz told reporters on Wednesday. It is of course right to sit down and talk to each other now.

He said ammunition and artillery for Ukraine were urgent matters to be discussed, insisting that his relationship with Macron is very friendly.

Asked about discord between Paris and Berlin, French European Affairs Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told LCI TV on Friday that the bonds that unite Germany and France are unbreakable.

The Europeans are absolutely united around the Franco-German relationship in their determination to provide long-term support, for as long as necessary, to Ukraine, he said.

In Macrons TV interview, he blasted his domestic opponents who didnt back a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine that was voted in parliament earlier this week.

Abstaining and voting against support for Ukraine is choosing defeat, he said.

Yet, backing for Ukraine among French voters is showing signs of fatigue. The portion of people who think Paris should maintain current levels of military help has fallen 9 points since last summer to 43%, according to a survey of 1,504 adults last week by pollster Elabe for BFM TV and La Tribune Dimanche newspaper. Four-fifths said they were worried at the idea of the war spreading beyond Ukraine and opposed putting French troops on Ukrainian soil.

Whats happening in Ukraine? Macron asked. A war that is existential for our Europe and for France.

--With assistance from Michael Nienaber.

(Recasts the top of the story, adds comment from Polish foreign minister.)

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Ballard Power Systems (TSE:BLDP) Full Year 2023 Results

Key Financial Results

Revenue: US$102.4m (up 22% from FY 2022).

Net loss: US$144.2m (loss narrowed by 17% from FY 2022).

US$0.48 loss per share (improved from US$0.58 loss in FY 2022).

All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period

Ballard Power Systems Revenues Beat Expectations, EPS Falls Short

Revenue exceeded analyst estimates by 12%. Earnings per share (EPS) missed analyst estimates by 7.5%.

Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to grow 30% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 21% growth forecast for the Electrical industry in Canada.

Performance of the Canadian Electrical industry.

The company's shares are down 15% from a week ago.

Risk Analysis

We should say that we've discovered 1 warning sign for Ballard Power Systems that you should be aware of before investing here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Married At First Sight UK star Erica Roberts has opened up on the "hardest part" of her break-up with co-star Jordan Gayle.

The couple announced their split on Instagram following rumours they parted ways, with Jordan later posting a follow-up saying there was no "villain" in the situation.



Erica has since taken to social media to share more about the break-up, sharing videos from a family day out with her little cousin shopping and at the park, and said that "unleashing her inner child" helped her "heal".

"I think one of the hardest parts about a break-up is trying to fill that connection that you had with someone every single day," she said in the video's narration.

Related: MAFS UK star announces "hard" birth of baby son and confirms name

"You go from having a security blanket and someone there 24/7 to then just not having them there at all.

"And one of the best ways to replace that habit is going out and doing things you enjoy, spending time with people that you love, and just having fun."

She went on to reflect that on some days, it is easy to "feel depressed" and "not want to get out of bed or see anyone", but said this was a reminder to all those in the same position to "get out there" and that they're "in this together".

In the caption of the post, Erica wrote: "This is how Ive been dealing with the break up - surrounding myself with my friends, family and taking the time to heal. Not everyday has looked like this, but at least Im taking this time to use my words & my time wisely "



Channel 4

Related: MAFS UK's Erica responds to 'feud' with co-star Laura

It comes after the star criticised her ex for saying he felt "heartbroken" over their split, labelling his tell-all interview about the break-up "bullshit".

I still can't get my head round it, I still can't believe that we're not going to be together going forward," Jordan told The Sun. "Not only am I heartbroken because we're not together anymore, I've lost the future I thought we were going to have.

"It's really hard to plan for the future as I'm almost grieving that I've lost my best friend and this person that I loved and this relationship that meant the world to me."

Erica, however, warned her Instagram followers not to "be fooled" by his comments, saying: " This f**king article which Jordans done, which I think is absolute bullshit. This is what I cant deal with. Youve sold a story about our relationship, not even telling me.

"Theres been absolutely no fight on his behalf. If you really wanted to make this work, you would try, you would do something. Hes literally done f**k all, so I dont know what this means. I dont know where this has even come from.

Channel 4

Related: MAFS Australia contestant broke up with an ex because of the show

"Quite frankly, I think this was a payday for him and thats all this was. Im just f*****g raging."

Addressing her Instagram comments, Jordan later said it "breaks his heart" that Erica "is hurting", posting to his own Instagram page: "It breaks my heart to know the most important person to me is hurting. However, I do have peace knowing the full situation and just really want happiness for everyone as soon as possible."

Announcing their break-up last month, Erica wrote: "It's disappointing that Jordan and I weren't able to share this on our own terms due to the press leak but we would just like to confirm that we are no longer together.

"This hasn't been an easy decision for us both as we really wanted to make our relationship work. I truly wish him all the best and there is no bad blood between us."

Married at First Sight UK airs on E4 in the UK. Married at First Sight Australia airs on Nine Network in Australia and E4 in the UK.

Interested in talking about Married at First Sight? Visit our dedicated sub-forum

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A majority of Americans disapprove of Vice President Harriss job performance, putting her at a lower approval rating than President Biden ahead of Novembers election.

Only 36 percent of registered voters approve of how Harris is handling the role of vice president, according to a USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll released Thursday. That survey found that 52 percent of registered voters disapprove of her job performance.

In the same poll, Bidens approval rating was 41 precent. Harriss favorability in the poll was 38 percent, Bidens was 41 percent and former President Trumps was 40 percent.

Harris was tasked with challenging assignments early into the administration, including tackling the root causes of migration from Central America and preserving voting rights. The vice president, though, has been the most influential voice out of the White House on reproductive rights issues and has traversed the country, meeting with leaders in the movement.

On Thursday, she is set to visit a Minnesota health center that provides abortion services, which will reportedly mark the first time a president or vice president has visited that type of clinic.

The poll was conducted March 8-11, included 1,000 registered voters and has a margin of error of 3.1 percent.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Malachy McCourt, who has died aged 92, was a younger brother of Frank McCourt, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Angelas Ashes (1996), his desperate chronicle of grinding poverty in 1930s Ireland, though for much of his life Malachy was the better known of the two brothers.

Barrel-chested and red-bearded, within a few years of his arrival in New York in 1952, Malachy McCourt had gone from longshoreman to storyteller on The Tonight Show, co-owner of Malachys, Manhattans first singles bar, where he raised hell with Peter OToole, Richard Harris, Richard Burton and Alan Bates  and occasional Irish character actor.

Frank, meanwhile, slogged away in relative obscurity as a teacher in New Yorks publicly funded school system until he found literary success, aged 66, with Angelas Ashes, which sold millions of copies and was turned into a Hollywood film directed by Alan Parker and starring Robert Carlyle and Emily Watson.

Not to be outdone by his brothers late-blossoming celebrity, in 1998 Malachy weighed in with his own memoir, A Monk Swimming (from a misheard line in the Hail Mary: Blessed art thou amongst women), written in a fruity stage-Oirish and mining every possible stereotype of the hard-drinking, mawkish, kiss-the-Blarney-Stone Irish raconteur. Although it became a bestseller (and was said to have impressed Gerry Adams and Sinead OConnor), critics were generally hostile. The Washington Post dubbed it a distressing embarrassment while Donny ORourke in the Glasgow Herald panned it as a ghastly book  Ugh.

Malachy McCourt, left, and his brother Frank in New York in 1998: they made a cottage industry of Irish blarney with their bestselling memoirs, off-Broadway plays and talk show gigs - AP Photo/Jim Cooper

Malachy admitted he wrote the book because a publisher offered him a huge sum of money  in the wake of Angelas Ashes (Hyperion Press paid him $600,000 for the American edition). Unperturbed by the reviews, in 2001 he went on to publish a second memoir, Singing My Him Song (its original title was I Read Your Brothers Book and Malachy was unable to explain the revised title), for which he was paid mid six figures by HarperCollins in America. Anyone who loved his first slice of autobiography, A Monk Swimming, will love this, observed one critic. Those who didnt, wont.

In 2006 he ran for governor of New York as the Green Party candidate, his policy platform including imposing a prohibitive tax on chewing gum. He got 42,000 votes, or about 1 per cent of the total.

Malachy Gerard McCourt was born on September 20 1931, in Brooklyn, New York, a year after Frank. Their father, Malachy senior, was an ex-IRA man from Co Antrim who had had fled to New York from the British. There he had met Angela Sheehan after he was released from jail for hijacking a truck. They married in 1930 after she became pregnant with Frank.

McCourt with Louis Giambalvo on the ABC TV series Reward in 1980 - Walt Disney Television Photo Archives

After Malachys birth, there followed, in quick succession, twin sons, then a daughter who died after two months. In 1934 the family returned, destitute, to Ireland on a steamboat, three-year-old Malachy roaming the decks singing Paddy Reilly for bread and jam.

They washed up in Angelas native Limerick, where, according to Angelas Ashes, they lived in a damp-sodden room in a tenement slum, scabby-eyed Frank and Malachy sharing a bed with their equally scabby-eyed twin brothers, who both died aged four. Any spare money was squandered by their father on drink.

After the twins deaths and the births of two more sons, the father abandoned his family  got the Irish divorce as Malachy junior put it  to work in Coventry, leaving them to live on bread dipped in tea and feed the fire with furnishings and coal picked off the street. Life chez the McCourts, one critic observed, makes Bleak House look like a Marx Brothers movie.

After the publication of Angelas Ashes, however, Limerick contemporaries came forward to insist that the McCourt children had been the best dressed on the street, the local newspaper, the Limerick Leader, publishing a photograph showing a youthful Frank smartly dressed in the uniform of the elite St Josephs Boy Scouts. But Malachy supported his brothers account.

Two years after leaving Leamys National School, Limerick, aged 13 with no qualifications, Malachy enrolled in the Irish Defence Forces School of Music in Dublin. But he soon followed his father to England. After being hired, and rapidly fired, from a job as a school janitor, he then worked as a wheel welder at a bicycle factory then at a Coventry gas works, until Frank, who had left for America in 1949, sent him $200 to join him in New York. The rest of the family followed.

There, Malachy washed dishes, worked on the docks and sold Bibles  until 1956 when he met a writer for Jack Paars The Tonight Show, who recognised a man who could tell a good story. Malachy made his first of many appearances on the show in 1958 when, despite being visibly intoxicated, he entertained the audience with a story of how he avoided paying his electricity bills by stamping them with the word deceased.

Shortly afterwards he was offered a partnership in a bar on Third Avenue. Malachys Pub, as it became known, opened in May 1958, and after White Rock Beverages launched an ad featuring McCourt as Americas most famous bartender, it became a favourite haunt of celebrities.

In the late 1950s he married Linda Wachsman, a model, but they separated in 1961 due to his infidelities and heavy drinking. In October 1963, after his alcoholism led to him being fired from Malachys, he drunkenly threatened to kidnap their two children, which led to his being held in a police cell overnight. After his release, by his own account he became involved in a shady plot to smuggle gold to India and went on to be part-owner of a new pub, which he left after his customers were held hostage during a robbery.

A Monk Swimming

He had continued to make television appearances, playing Henry VIII in ads for Imperial Margarine and Reeses Peanut Butter Cups and in 1970 took a small part in The Molly Maguires with Sean Connery. He also made occasional appearances on stage. But a talk show, Sound Off with Malachy McCourt, on Channel 9 in New York, was pulled 10 days after it went on the air.

His luck turned in the 1970s when, after landing a job as a talk-show host on the New York independent radio station WMCA, in 1975 he was cast in a long-running role as a barman on the ABC soap opera Ryans Hope. Having decided that his future lay in playing the Irishman from central casting, he went on to take mostly small roles in soap operas and in films including The Brinks Job (1978), Q (1982) and Brewsters Millions (1985).

But Malachy was a man who, by his own admission, spent too much time spinning yarns while in his cups. Truth is, he acknowledged, I knew I couldnt do anything at all but tell stories and lies.

Even Angela McCourt challenged her sons recollections. When in 1977 Frank and Malachy persuaded her to attend A Couple of Blaguards (sic), a two-man revue about their lives, Angela interrupted the tearful renditions of their childhood, shouting at the stage: It didnt happen that way. Its all a pack of lies.

Malachy McCourt in 2016 - Mark Sagliocco

When Angela died in 1981, the brothers called at a Manhattan bar on their way to JFK airport to take her ashes to Limerick, and left the urn behind on a hat rack, though Frank insisted it was only for a few days: Then my brother Malachy and I personally flew them back to Ireland to scatter them. Richard Harris, however, claimed the ashes got lost at the airport.

Malachy recalled that he was 11 when he and a friend first entered a Limerick pub and became fluthered on cider and porter topped off with whiskey. All the McCourt brothers drank heavily, but all became reformed alcoholics, Malachy finally kicking the booze in the late 1980s.

His new-found sobriety helped him land a few more film and soap-opera roles, including as a Catholic priest on the HBO prison drama Oz and film roles in Devils Own with Harrison Ford and Brad Pitt, Bonfire of the Vanities (both 1990) and Gods and Generals (2003).

As well as his memoirs, Malachy McCourt published Through Irish Eyes: A Visual Companion to Angela McCourts Ireland (1998) and Danny Boy: The Legend of the Beloved Irish Ballad (2003).

Frank McCourt died in 2009, followed soon after by Malachys two younger brothers, Mike and Alphie. In 1965 Malachy married Diana Galin, who survives him with their two sons, with a son and daughter from his first marriage and a stepdaughter.

Malachy McCourt, born September 20 1931, died March 11 2024

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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  New Orleans fire crews responded to an Algiers home on Thursday, March 14, after a man cooking breakfast noticed his stove had caught fire.

The New Orleans Fire Department reported crews were dispatched to a home at 2900 Pittari St. around 9:36 a.m.

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At the scene, crews said they found a two-story home with heavy flames coming through the roof and surrounding the back of the home.

NOFD crews said they learned a man had safely escaped the home before firefighters arrived.

According to the NOFD, the man said he was in the process of making breakfast when he saw flames coming from the back of his gas stove.

NOFD officials also said, The homeowner also stated that he didnt have a working phone, which likely contributed to a delay in notifying 911 and attributed to the fires development prior to NOFD arrival.

(Courtesy: New Orleans Fire Department Chief C Mickal)

(Courtesy: New Orleans Fire Department Chief C Mickal)

(Courtesy: New Orleans Fire Department Chief C Mickal)

(Courtesy: New Orleans Fire Department Chief C Mickal)

(Courtesy: New Orleans Fire Department Chief C Mickal)

(Courtesy: New Orleans Fire Department Chief C Mickal)

(Courtesy: New Orleans Fire Department Chief C Mickal)

(Courtesy: New Orleans Fire Department Chief C Mickal)

The NOFD reported that 18 fire trucks carrying 41 firefighters were used to put out the fire, and it was under control by 11:09 a.m.

No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

According to the NOFD, The American Red Cross has been requested to the scene to assist the homeowner with temporary shelter.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO.
A 25-year-old man arrested last month in connection with two sexual assaults may have assaulted other victims in North Texas and in Atlanta, police in Carrollton police said Wednesday.

On Feb. 11, police responded to a report of an assault after being contacted by a victim who was receiving treatment at a local hospital, according to the news release from Carrollton police.

The next day, Carlton Tambaoga, was arrested and charged with sexual assault, according to the release.

The investigation led detectives to identify another possible victim who Tambaoga is accused of assaulting on Feb. 13 and charged him with an additional count of sexual assault, police say.

Carrollton police charged Carlton Tambaoga with two counts of sexual assault, but they say he could be possibly tied to other victims in Dallas-Fort Worth and Atlanta, Georgia.

Tambaoga was tested for HIV and came out positive, according to the release. He remains in custody at the Denton County Jail.

While the investigation is ongoing, detectives have identified four other victims who had contact with Tambaoga, according to police. The investigation indicates the suspect may have sexually assaulted other people throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Houston, and Atlanta, Georgia, who have yet to come forward, police said in the news release.

Authorities are working to reach them as more evidence emerges in the ongoing investigation.

Carrollton police encourage victims to contact a local sexual assault program that offers confidential services, including counseling, advocacy, medical referrals, and legal assistance  if they have not yet filed a police report. Advocates can also be requested to accompany victims when reporting to a local police department.

Anyone with information about Tambaoga or the alleged assaults is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI. Tips can also be submitted online.
After police in Florida spent hours searching for a missing man, they realized they needed to call in reinforcements  K-9 Wyatt.

Lakeland Police Department officers were called to a home when a man, who has autism, left his house alone without his glasses or shoes, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in a March 13 briefing.

Judd said the man was severely autistic, and police believed he may be in serious danger.

Officers searched through the night, Judd said, but as the sun rose, the man was still nowhere to be found.

That is when they called for backup.

Polk County Sheriffs Office Deputy Shannon Rimes and his K-9 partner Wyatt, a bloodhound, arrived at the mans home to join the search with Lakeland police, Judd said.

Using a pillow, Wyatt picked up the missing mans scent and started to follow it through the town, according to the sheriff.

At this point, 10 hours had passed since the man disappeared, Judd said, but Wyatt made quick work of the search.

Soon after, Wyatt discovered the man safe and sound, and he was brought home, the sheriff said.

The good news is hes home, and hes well and hes healthy, and thats our four-legged friend who made it all happen, Judd said. Good job guys.

Lakeland is about a 35-mile drive northeast from Tampa.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  A man was deemed incompetent to stand trial related to a June stabbing that occurred in West Campus near the University of Texas at Austin.

According to Travis County court documents, 45-year-old Brian Baca was ordered to be committed to a mental health facility or residential care facility in September for observation and treatment for no more than 120 days.

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Baca was previously arrested June 12 and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after a person was taken to the hospital with critical, life-threatening injuries. UTPD said at the time he and the victim werent affiliated with UT.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
As illegal squatters taking over homes across Southern California grow increasingly common, one man has dedicated his life to fighting those squatters and protecting homeowners.

Known as The Squatter Hunters, Flash Shelton, 57, is the man behind the operation focused on helping homeowners clear their properties of squatters while fighting to change laws that protect squatters rights.

Sheltons most recent case was helping an elderly woman who owned a Hollywood Hills home that squatters had taken over.

Recently, squatters took over a Beverly Crest mansion and turned it into a wild party house where hundreds of rowdy guests would show up every night.

In February, another group of squatters took over a Hollywood Hills mansion and used the property to produce OnlyFans content.

Intruders breaking into unoccupied homes and living there illegally has become a growing issue that some homeowners are concerned about.

Squatters have turned an unoccupied Beverly Crest mansion into a wild party house, disrupting neighbors while telling police they have a legitimate lease on the property. (KTLA)

Police responded to reports of a woman screaming a multi-million dollar Hollywood Hills mansion on Aug. 10, 2023, to find the estate had been trashed by squatters. (KTLA)

Police responded to reports of a woman screaming a multi-million dollar Hollywood Hills mansion on Aug. 10, 2023, to find the estate had been trashed by squatters. (KTLA)

Hundreds of partygoers seen attending nightly parties at a Beverly Crest mansion taken over by squatters.

Police responded to reports of a woman screaming a multi-million dollar Hollywood Hills mansion on Aug. 10, 2023, to find the estate had been trashed by squatters. (KTLA)

Police responded to reports of a woman screaming a multi-million dollar Hollywood Hills mansion on Aug. 10, 2023, to find the estate had been trashed by squatters. (KTLA)

Guests inside a Beverly Crest mansion that squatters have turned into a party house were seen handcuffed after reports of a burglary on Jan. 26, 2024. (KTLA)

Squatters have turned an unoccupied Beverly Crest mansion into a wild party house, disrupting neighbors while telling police they have a legitimate lease on the property. (KTLA)

Authorities remove belongs from a Hollywood Hills home occupied by squatters. February 2024. (Emily Randall-Smith/Tyler Smith)

Police swarm a Beverly Crest mansion that squatters have turned into a party house after reports of a burglary on Jan. 26, 2024. (KTLA)

Hundreds of partygoers seen attending nightly parties at a Beverly Crest mansion taken over by squatters.

Police responded to reports of a woman screaming a multi-million dollar Hollywood Hills mansion on Aug. 10, 2023, to find the estate had been trashed by squatters. (KTLA)

Police swarm a Beverly Crest mansion that squatters have turned into a party house after reports of a burglary on Jan. 26, 2024. (KTLA)

Squatters have turned an unoccupied Beverly Crest mansion into a wild party house, disrupting neighbors while telling police they have a legitimate lease on the property. (KTLA)

Brentwood home where woman allegedly squatted inside Airbnb property for 570 days. (KTLA)

Police swarm a Beverly Crest mansion that squatters have turned into a party house after reports of a burglary on Jan. 26, 2024. (KTLA)

Squatters have turned an unoccupied Beverly Crest mansion into a wild party house, disrupting neighbors while telling police they have a legitimate lease on the property. (KTLA)

Squatters have turned an unoccupied Beverly Crest mansion into a wild party house, disrupting neighbors while telling police they have a legitimate lease on the property. (KTLA)

Police responded to reports of a woman screaming a multi-million dollar Hollywood Hills mansion on Aug. 10, 2023, to find the estate had been trashed by squatters. (KTLA)

Squatters have turned an unoccupied Beverly Crest mansion into a wild party house, disrupting neighbors while telling police they have a legitimate lease on the property. (KTLA)

Authorities said while many squatters may not necessarily be homeless, some are just career criminals mostly looking for an easy living situation.

If Shelton can help it though, these squatters have now met their match. When asked how he would describe his job, Shelton said, Id say anti-squatter activist, squatter hunter, squatter remover. Just doing what I have to to help people get their squatters out.

Sheltons life mission began in 2019 when his father died and his mother was looking to sell her Northern California home.

While the home was listed on the market, it remained empty during that time. One day, Shelton made a shocking discovery when he walked into the home and discovered seven strangers had moved in, even filling the home with full furnishings.

Flash Shelton removed all the furniture from his mothers home that belonged to an illegal group of squatters in Northern California. (Flash Shelton)

Flash Shelton, founder of The Squatter Hunters speaks to KTLA. about his mission to help protect homeowners.

Flash Shelton removed all the furniture from his mothers home that belonged to an illegal group of squatters in Northern California. (Flash Shelton)

When Shelton contacted local law enforcement, he was told there was nothing they could do as squatters also had rights. Thats when Shelton decided to take matters into his own hands.

Cell phone video of Shelton confronting the squatters shows the culprits were defensive when asked how they were able to move into the home.

Squatters sometimes, in many cases, have a fake lease, Shelton explained. So the first thing I did was I had my mom write a lease in my name.

He then waited for an open window when he knew the squatters had left the home for the day.

I went in and put up cameras, and secured the back door that had been broken into, Shelton recalled.

He then moved all of the squatters furniture and belongings into the driveway. When they returned to the home, he explained the situation to them, that they did not have a legitimate lease and that once he locked the home up and left, they would not be able to re-enter the property.

Following this successful operation, Shelton said he found a new calling, becoming the Squatter Hunter and devoted his time to helping other homeowners who may be stuck in a similar situation.

He runs a YouTube channel documenting his various operations of removing squatters. Homeowners can contact him and for a fee, hell help remove any squatters.

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Shelton said he typically works with law enforcement and his own team and will research every case to assess the threat before confronting the perpetrators.

Sheltons crew may arm themselves with weapons for self-protection and will arrive with proof of the homes authentic lease so they can legally claim the property back.

For homeowners who have dealt with an actual squatter, the process of removing them can be difficult and costly, Shelton said. The process could take weeks, months or even years and may require costly legal fees.

Shelton said he charges his clients anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the case. He said his fees are a more affordable price to pay compared to attorneys who may charge upwards of $130,000 with no guarantee of actually removing the squatters.

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As Shelton continues his crusade of helping homeowners in the fight against squatters, he said hes also working to change local laws concerning squatters rights so that homeowners can be more empowered.

Shelton has started a Change.org petition that aims to make squatting in residential homes a criminal act.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
A former Penn State student is expected to plead guilty Friday in connection with a crash that killed a woman as she jogged near the University Park campus.

Many terms of the agreement reached between Ahmed Alqubaisi, 20, and Centre County prosecutors were not made public during a hearing Thursday.

The agreement came three days after Centre County Deputy District Attorney Megan McGoron asked the countys top judge to revoke Alqubaisis $3 million bail for violations of his bail conditions.

McGoron told Centre County President Judge Jonathan Grine she will not seek forfeiture of the money, while defense lawyer Steve Trialonas said Alqubaisi has the right to contest the alleged bail violations if needed. His bail is among the highest in Centre County history.

Alqubaisi, of the United Arab Emirates, has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement since March 4. Hes detained at the Clinton County Correctional Facility.

Grine in January allowed Alqubaisi to travel to Harrisburg Area Community College to attend classes, but McGoron wrote he did not enroll and was not taking classes. He also was not living at the Ferguson Township address he provided and did not notify the proper agencies of a change in residence, McGoron wrote.

Alqubaisi, she wrote, also made no effort to stay in communication the probation department as required. He did not answer multiple phone calls and text messages from probation officers.

Some of the messages from the probation department sought clarity about two strap tamper alerts for his ankle monitor in February, the department wrote in a letter to Grine. He conceded the violations Thursday.

Alqubaisi was charged with vehicular homicide in the September death of Lovisa Arnesson-Cronhamre, a 25-year-old Penn State doctoral student who was studying architectural engineering. She had hopes of winning a Nobel Prize.

He was accused of speeding when he crossed the eastbound lane and slammed a 2024 BMW M3 into Arnesson-Cronhamre, of Sweden, as she jogged along the 200 block of East Park Avenue.

Her injuries, borough police wrote, included a brain bleed, broken neck, shattered right arm and broken foot. She was taken to Mount Nittany Medical Center before being flown by medical helicopter to UPMC Altoona, where she died.

Alqubaisi is an inexperienced driver, police wrote. He had a learners permit and did not have a licensed driver in the vehicle with him, as required.

Arnesson-Cronhamres family opposed setting bail in the case. Her mother told Grine in September her family was left to cope with immense loss and sorrow. An online petition signed by more than 17,000 people supported the familys objections.

Maja Cronhamre described her daughter as determined, intelligent, humble, caring and loving. She described Alqubaisi as a careless man utterly devoid of respect for others lives.

Arnesson-Cronhamre is also survived by two sisters and one brother.
A man has been given a life sentence for the murder of a student mistakenly thought to be in a rival gang.

Russell Jones, 23, was shot and stabbed in an unprovoked attack in Enfield, north London, on 17 March 2018.

Kyle Gordon was sentenced at the Old Bailey to at least 28 years in prison for his murder, causing grievous bodily harm to another man and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Gordon, 24, was found guilty on Monday after a trial at the same court.

Three other Enfield men - Bilkan Bilkaner, Duke Quainoo and Sherome Williams - had previously been convicted of the student's murder.

'Enemy area'

During Gordon's trial, the Old Bailey heard Mr Jones was a local man who was a student at the University of Hertfordshire.

As he stood with friends outside a shop in South Street he was attacked without warning by men wearing dark clothing and masks.

CCTV footage showed Mr Jones being shot in the abdomen and stabbed a dozen times by a group of four men. His friend, Karun Singh, was stabbed in the back.

Prosecutor Philip Evans KC told the court: "The attackers spent one hour driving around, effectively in an enemy area, looking for suitable targets before they apparently alighted on Russell Jones and his friends quite at random."

In a statement read to the court, Mr Jones's mother, Stephanie Saunders, said her son was "a normal young man" who had been out with his friends.

"He was defenceless and very unaware of what was about to happen," she said. "I can never forgive those responsible for taking his life in the most brutal, vicious, senseless way."

'You had a choice'

In his defence Gordon - who was 18 at the time of the killing - argued he had fallen into gang culture because of the area he lived in.

But passing sentence Judge Anthony Leonard said: "You had a choice and the choice you made was to become a full-blown member of a gang."

Gordon was also sentenced to nine years in prison for causing grievous bodily harm to Karun Singh and 14 years for possessing a firearm with intent. Both sentences will be served concurrently with his 28-year minimum term for murder.

Williams was convicted of Mr Jones's murder following a trial in June 2023 and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years.

Bilkaner and Quainoo were convicted in 2019 and sentenced to a minimum of 29 years.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk
Fostering culinary excellence and cultural learning, the chefs of both hotels embark on a unique exchange opportunity, flying to each other's locations to showcase the best of their own culinary expertise

High-resolution images are available at: https://bit.ly/ICONXBanyanTree_Int

Hong Kong, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hotel ICON in Hong Kong, a unique teaching and research hotel wholly owned by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and an extension of the School of Hotel & Tourism Management (SHTM), is thrilled to announce a collaboration with Banyan Tree Bangkok, a renowned hotel group from Thailand. This collaboration seeks to promote influential culinary delights and cultural exchange through a series of exciting events and promotions. The collaboration has been successfully arranged with the full support of officials from Thailand, including Royal Thai Consulate-General Hong Kong, The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), under the Ministry of Commerce of the Royal Thai Government and Tourism Authority of Thailand (Hong Kong).

Head of Thai Cuisine Chef Renu Homsobat, Banyan Tree Bangkok & Executive Chef Danny Ho, Hotel ICON Hong Kong

Unlike any other, Hotel ICON is an upscale Hong Kong hotel in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui East, only 5-minute walk from the MTR Hung Hom station. Standing as a testament to Hong Kong's creative energy and vibrant arts scene, Hotel ICON showcases work from the city's celebrated designers and the world's most acclaimed architects. Hotel ICON has 262 stylish guest rooms, with sizes from 36 square meters to 80 square meters. Located on level 9, Hotel ICON's Angsana Spa is a tranquil oasis while the harbour-facing outdoor swimming pool and fitness centre allow guests to exercise while enjoying views of Hong Kong Island's spectacular skyline.

Thai Food Influence Festival @ The Market, Hotel ICON

12 March to 30 April 2024

The collaboration commenced with a Thai Food Influence Festival at the renowned buffet restaurant The Market, Hotel ICON, showcasing the extraordinary talents of Head of Thai Cuisine Chef Renu Homsombat from Banyan Tree Bangkok. Chef Renu flew to Hong Kong to collaborate with Hotel ICON's Executive Chef Danny Ho and SHTM students undertaking internship at the hotel in curating an exceptional Thai-themed buffet at The Market. This culinary extravaganza features authentic Northern Thai delicacies and will be available from 12 March to 30 April 2024. Chef Renu will be at Hotel ICON from 12 March for a week, infusing her expertise and passion into the culinary creations of more than 20 authentic Thai dishes from appetizer, soup, hot dish to dessert.

Story continues

Chef Renu learnt to cook at an early age from her mother, who owns a small restaurant in her hometown. Being exposed to the culinary world since childhood, she decided right from the outset that she was going to become a chef. With her passion and dedication, she developed her skills and repertoire over the years to become an acclaimed chef. She is the mastermind behind Saffron's culinary creations around the world, with her presence in 10 restaurants in 7 different countries spanning from Asia to Africa and all the way to the far-flung Americas. Additionally, she has been invited as a guest chef to join several promotions internationally, such as Lotte, Sheraton Hotels, Shangri-La, to name a few.

Launch Event at The Market

12 March 2024

SAVP/ General Manager of Banyan Tree Bangkok - Ms. Nopparat Aumpa, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand - Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai and General Manager of Hotel ICON - Mr. Ian Lee, officiating the ribbon cutting ceremony at The Market, Hotel ICON (from left to right)

To mark the launch of this exciting collaboration, a grand event took place on 12 March 2024, with the presence of esteemed guests including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand, Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, Hotel ICON's General Manager Mr. Ian Lee, Banyan Tree Bangkok's SAVP/General Manager Ms. Nopparat Aumpa, Consul-General Royal Thai Consulate-General of Hong Kong Mr. Chaturont Chaiyakam, Consul (Commerce), Office of Thai Trade Commissioner, Hong Kong Ms. Pannakarn Jiamsuchon and Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand Mrs. Phornmon Chansri. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially kick off the Thai Food Influence Festival.

Seminar at PolyU on Thai Food and Culture

14 March 2024

As part of the collaboration, a seminar on Thai Food and Culture will be held on 14 March 2024. Conducted by Banyan Tree Bangkok, this seminar aims to promote cultural knowledge sharing and discussions, both physically at Hotel ICON Academy, a co-shared space with the SHTM, and through an online video sharing platform.

4-hand Symphony of Cantonese Flavours

21 to 22 March 2024 - Banyan Tree Bangkok

27 to 30 March 2024  Banyan Tree Phuket

The contemporary Chinese restaurant located on level 59 of Banyan Tree Bangkok Bai Yun and the signature restaurant The Watercourt at Banyan Tree Phuket will present 4-Hand Symphony of Cantonese Flavours Menu, a unique culinary collaboration between Executive Chinese Chef Chi Ki Wong from Hotel ICON, Hong Kong, and Banyan Tree Bangkok's Cantonese resident Chef Simon Kin Man Kwok. The two master chefs will join forces to craft an exquisite eight-course culinary journey that blends traditional Cantonese cuisines with local influences. Diners can expect eight-course palatable dishes such as a trilogy appetizer highlighting jelly fish, crispy pork, and bird nest; Hong Kong-style sauteed Phuket lobster; classic steamed grouper in lotus leaf with a modern twist; and abalone steak with egg noodles.

Special Offer at Angsana Spa, Hotel ICON Hong Kong

To celebrate the Thai Food Influence Festival, Angsana Spa at Hotel ICON is launching the Glamorous Family Spa Voyage Package, offering parents the opportunity to indulge in a 75-minute massage and body wrap alongside their little ones, starting from HK$2,288. Additionally, spa packages of 2.5 hours or more are available with an enticing 18% discount. Package is available from 1 March to 30 April 2024. All spa therapists at Angsana Spa are accredited by the prestigious Banyan Tree Thailand Spa Academy.

Very Hong Kong Room Offer, Hotel ICON Hong Kong

Hotel ICON's Very Hong Kong Room Offer enables guests to save up to 15% when booking the hotel 14 days in advance. Whether guests are visiting Hong Kong for business travel, a family holiday, a romantic escape, or a personal retreat, they can immerse themselves in a remarkable hotel experience throughout their journey. Offer is available until 31 August 2024.

For details: https://www.hotel-icon.com/offers/very-hong-kong-package

"We are thrilled to embark on a groundbreaking collaboration with Banyan Tree Bangkok, presenting a rare and exceptional opportunity for our culinary teams to engage in a transformative educational exchange. By sending our chefs to their esteemed establishment and welcoming their chefs to Hotel ICON, we aim to foster a dynamic cultural exchange where both parties can learn, grow, and push the boundaries of culinary excellence. This collaboration epitomizes our unwavering commitment to continuous learning and development, propelling us towards new heights of culinary innovation and mastery." Mr. Ian Lee, General Manager of Hotel ICON.

"Thailand takes great pride in its culinary prowess which stands as a vital pillar of the country's most crucial soft power. With an exquisite blend of traditional herbs and aromatics, Thai food offers a diverse yet signature flavour profile, establishing itself as an iconic presence in the culinary world. Renowned Thai dishes such as Tom Yum Goong and Pad Thai have also become a cherished part of the daily life of many Hong Kongers.

The Royal Thai Consulate-General, Hong Kong welcomes the collaboration between Hotel ICON and Banyan Tree Bangkok, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to deliver the exceptional quality and tantalising taste of Thai cuisine." Mr. Chaturont Chaiyakam, Consul-General of Royal Thai Consulate-General, Hong Kong.

"Thailand has long been recognized as "the kitchen of the world". Blessed by abundant natural resources and continuous development in R&D and food-technology, Thailand is now one of the largest food exporters in the world. The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce of the Royal Thai Government, had been dedicating its efforts to promote Thai products and services via different strategic approaches, including Thai SELECT certificate to market Thai cuisines, Thai Hom Mali Rice logo to educate consumers, and varieties of in-store promotions, etc.

By collaborating with reliable partners like Hotel ICON with support from Banyan Tree Bangkok and PolyU, we are confident that "The Market - Thai Food Influence Festival 2024" will further create public awareness to showcase what Thailand can offers. Meanwhile, I hope you all will enjoy authentic Thai taste, filled with tasty cooking ingredients along with the renowned healthy choice of aromatic rice from Thailand!" Ms. Pannakarn Jiamsuchon, Consul (Commercial), Office of Thai Trade Commissioner, HK.

Hotel ICON

Banyan Tree Bangkok

Hotel ICON Telephone: (852) 3400 1300 E-mail: info@hotel-icon.com Address: 17 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong Website: https://www.hotel-icon.com Facebook & Instagram: @hoteliconhk

Angsana Spa Telephone: (852) 3400 1052 E-mail: spa-hotel-icon@angsana.com Address: 9/F, Hotel ICON, 17 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong Website: https://www.angsana.com/spa/angsana-spa-hotel-ICON

#HotelICONxBanyanTree

About Hotel ICON

A luxury hotel located in the heart of East Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. In the environment of the creative and energetic artistic aura of Hong Kong, Hotel ICON is an artwork presented by famous Hong Kong designers and prestigious international architects. Offering ultimate comfort and excellent service for guests, Hotel ICON has 262 stylish guest rooms, with sizes from 36 square meters to 80 square meters. The Angsana Spa found on the 9th floor is an oasis of tranquility, while the outdoor sea view swimming pool and fitness centre allow guests to both exercise and indulge in the spectacular skyline of Hong Kong Island. The hotel's largest banquet hall, Silverbox, with a maximum capacity of 580 people, is an ideal venue for banquets or meetings. Hotel ICON also has three restaurants, including Above & Beyond, and The Market and GREEN, which provide customers with quality food and impeccable service. In 2023, Above & Beyond, the hotel's Cantonese restaurant, has been elected as one of the 'The Best Restaurants" by Tatler Dining Hong Kong, as its modern Cantonese cuisine and enchanting view create a sublime dining experience for diners. In alignment with the motto of 'We Love to Care', Hotel ICON receives a four-star rating awarded by Forbes Travel Guide for eight consecutive years, and awarded Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Award for 2023, ranking #7 in China by TripAdvisor as an infallible proof on its exceptional service standard.

For more details about Hotel ICON, please visit www.hotel-icon.com or check out the hotel's official Facebook @hoteliconhk and Instagram @hoteliconhk pages for more updates.

ABOUT BANYAN TREE BANGKOK

An iconic destination for leisure and business travelers in Bangkok, the hotel boasts unparalleled panoramic cityscapes, elegantly decorated guest rooms, award-wining spa and the Banyan Tree Club lounge with integrated facilities. The 312 rooms and suites are sleek and contemporary but have sophisticated design flourishes which create a warm aesthetic setting to relax.

Ten restaurants and bars offer the ultimate gourmet experiences including the iconic 60st floor rooftop Vertigo & Moon Bar, named in Conde Nast's 10 top rooftop bars in the world. Vertigo TOO at the 60th floor sky-high cosmopolitan cocktail bar is a sophisticated gathering point in the Sathorn-Silom area with live music. Embark on an unforgettable experience with the ultimate culinary journey aboard our Saffron Cruise amid the timeless splendor of the Chao Phraya River.

ABOUT BANYAN GROUP

Banyan Group ("Banyan Tree Holdings Limited" or the "Group") is an independent, global hospitality company with purpose. The Group prides itself on its pioneering spirit, design-led experiences and commitment to responsible stewardship. Its extensive portfolio spans over 70 hotels and resorts, over 60 spas and galleries, and 14 branded residences in over 20 countries. Comprising 12 global brands, including the flagship brand Banyan Tree, each distinct yet united under the experiential membership programme withBanyan. The founding ethos of "Embracing the Environment, Empowering People" is embodied through the Banyan Global Foundation and Banyan Academy. Banyan Group is committed to remaining the leading advocate of sustainable travel, with a focus on regenerative tourism and innovative programmes that elevate the guest experience.

ABOUT THE ROYAL THAI CONSULATE-GENERAL, HONG KONG

The Royal Thai Consulate-General, Hong Kong, is the Royal Thai Government's Representative with its jurisdiction within the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. As one of the ten Royal Thai Government's Representatives within the People's Republic of China, the Royal Thai Consulate-General, Hong Kong, aligns closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand and its mission to protect, maintain, and promote national interests in bilateral and multilateral fora.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE PROMOTION

The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) is an organization under the Ministry of Commerce of the Royal Thai Government. Our mission is to promote Thai products, services, and trades with international markets.

DITP Hong Kong is one of the 58 DITP offices worldwide, carrying the same mission and objectives to facilitate commerce with potential partners. That is, DITP is working as a Trade ambassador under the Ministry of Commerce, Thailand, and is responsible for all trade, investment, and economic matters in HKSAR and Macau SAR. So whenever you THINK OF THAI TRADE, PLEASE THINK OF DITP HONG KONG.

DITP Website: www.ditp.go.th

DITP Facebook: www.facebook.com/ditphongkong

DITP Instagram: www.instagram.com/ditphk

Cision

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SOURCE Hotel ICON
PRINCETON, WV (WVNS)  Residents experienced power outages due to a car crash on Athens Road late Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

During the night of March 13th, 2024, a vehicle struck a power pole traveling on Route 20 towards Princeton. The crash caused the pole to snap in half leaving one part in the road blocking traffic from both ways.

New details revealed about Ghent toll booth fire victims

59News was on the scene where one man, a victim of the crash, was transported by helicopter after being recovered from the scene.

Customers in that area lost power throughout the night due to the crash. The broken pole has since been replaced and power is now restored in the area of the scene according to Appalachian Power Company customers.

Stick with 59News for updates as they become available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
A migrant living in an emergency shelter at a Rockland hotel is being held without bail on a child rape charge, accused of raping a 15-year-old girl.

Cory B. Alvarez, 26, of Haiti, who was living at the Comfort Inn, was arrested Wednesday night after a 15-year-old girl, who also lives at the shelter, told police he raped her, according to a police report.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has placed an immigration detainer on Alvarez, who pleaded not guilty to aggravated rape of a child under 16 during his arraignment in Hingham District Court on Thursday, Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz said. He was held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for March 22.

At approximately 7:06 p.m. Wednesday night, Rockland Police responded to the Comfort Inn at 850 Hingham St. for a report of a sexual assault, Cruz said. The Comfort Inn is currently part of a government program to house migrant families, and Alvarez lived at that address.

When officers arrived, they found the teenage victim, who was then taken by ambulance to South Shore Hospital for treatment, Cruz said.

The girl, who only speaks Haitian Creole, told investigators through a translator she went to Alvarezs room so he could help her with apps on a tablet before he forced himself on her.

The alleged victim told police, I asked him to leave me alone, but he didnt stop.

The court ordered that Alvarez surrender his passport and have no contact with the victim while in custody, Cruz said.

Rockland Town Administrator Douglas Lapp said in an October special meeting to discuss the emergency shelter situation that the state had notified them the week before that the Comfort Inn would be housing migrants.

The town had absolutely no say in that decision, said Lapp.

At the time, Lapp said, there were 26 migrants living at the hotel and the state had reserved 20 rooms, with the potential to fill all 100.

These are people from other countries that are fleeing unsafe or violent situations and trying to save their families, and theres a legal process where you can enter the country and seek asylum, Lapp said, responding to residents concerns about the influx of migrants in their town.

Rep. David DeCoste, who represents Rockland told Boston 25 News Thursday the incident is a tragedy.

Unfortunately, this type of thing is being repeated all across the country, and the Commonwealth certainly let down this young lady, DeCoste said.

Mass GOP Chairwoman Amy Carnevale said in a statement the alleged crime prompts a pressing need to revisit and amend the legislation pertaining to the right to shelter.

I acknowledge the presence of well-intentioned and compassionate residents of Massachusetts who would like for the state to provide refuge for migrants during times of exigency, Carnevale said. However, it is imperative to discern between appropriate and inappropriate methods of addressing this endeavor. The recent incident exemplifies our states struggle to effectively manage the migrant crisis, and the influx of additional migrants may exacerbate the likelihood of such distressing occurrences.

Gov. Maura Healey did not comment on the incident, referring Boston 25 News to the district attorneys office.

An investigation is ongoing.

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
A homeless man suffering from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia is suing the Marlboro County Sheriffs Office and a former detention officer, alleging he was severely beaten while in handcuffs in custody.

Eldred Joe, 30, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct on May 3, 2023.

Officers with Bennettsville Police Department were dispatched to a call regarding reports of a suspicious male attempting to pull up bushes from various businesses, the lawsuit says.

Joe resisted at the scene and in the detention center but police officers were able to control him and place him in a cell.

The lawsuit says after they left, detention officer Morgan Ridges went into the cell and began brutalizing Joe. The lawsuit alleges the officer pinned Joe to the floor with his foot, stood on, stomped and struck his head then punched him in the face.

Bennettsville Police officers had been dispatched to take Joe to McLeod Hospital for a mental evaluation.

When officers arrived at Plaintiffs cell, he was laying in the fetal position while rocking back and forth and yelling Lord help me, the lawsuit says.

Joe spent 12 days in the hospital, the lawsuit says.

Ridges was arrested in June 2023 and charged with misconduct in office and assault and battery and is awaiting trial.

The disorderly conduct charge against Joe was dismissed in January.

The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Florence.

Joe is represented by Strom Law Firm attorneys Bakari Sellers, Mario Pacella, Amy Willbanks, Alexandra Benevento, and Matthew Robins.

Stories like this where men and women are beaten, brutalized, dehumanized and even killed in jails across America, often by the officers pledged to guard and protect them, are all too common and thats just the ones we know about, Sellers said in a news release. Eldreds Joes only crime was that he was sick. Officer Ridges didnt beat him because he was violent or some kind of threat. He did it because he could and because he believed no one would care.
The Flagler County Sheriff's Office arrested Asdrubal Rodriguez in Palm Coast Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Rodriguez was wanted in a jewelry store heist in Houston in which more than $1 million in property and money was taken, the sheriff's office stated.

A man wanted in a $1 million jewelry store heist in Houston in which people were pistol-whipped and pepper sprayed was arrested in Palm Coast Tuesday, according to the Flagler County Sheriffs Office.

Asdrubal Rodriguez, 35, was charged with driving without a license by the Flagler County Sheriffs Office. But his legal problem in Texas is much more serious.

After he was stopped in Palm Coast, Rodriguez confessed to robbing the jewelry store in Houston and pistol-whipping and pepper spraying people, according to the Flagler County Sheriffs Office.

Deputies searched the SUV Rodriguez was driving and found approximately $79,000 in cash and gold jewelry taken from the robbery, the sheriffs office stated.

The Flagler County Sheriff's Office arrested Asdrubal Rodriguez in Palm Coast, Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Rodriguez was wanted in a jewelry store heist in Houston in which more than $1 million in property and money was taken, the sheriff's office stated.

The sheriffs office first became aware that the wanted man might be in the area when its Real Time Crime Center got an alert that a Maryland tag on a Chevrolet Tahoe came back to suspects believed to be involved in the jewelry store robbery three days earlier, the sheriffs office stated.

The suspects were believed to be armed and dangerous.

Wanted man arrested in Palm Coast: Accused of violent robbery of jewelry store in Houston, Texas

Deputies located the Tahoe in a parking lot off Kings Way in Palm Coast, but the tag was obstructed by a cover. Two men loaded groceries into the vehicle and it left the parking lot by running a stop sign.

Deputies followed the vehicle until back-up arrived and then conducted a high-risk traffic stop in the 1000 Block of Palm Coast Parkway Northwest.

Deputies with guns drawn ordered the men out and the pair were detained without incident.

Rodriguez advised that he has never been issued a drivers license in the United States and also did not have one from Cuba where he was from, the sheriffs office stated.

The sheriffs office used its Rapid-ID technology to verify his identity.

The sheriffs office contacted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement which placed a detailer on Rodriguez, who was being held in the Flagler County jail.

Houston Police issued an arrest warrant for Rodriguez on charges of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon.

The passenger, who lives in Palm Coast, was released without charges after ICE declined to respond, the sheriffs office stated.

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly commended the work of deputies, the Real Time Crime Center and the communications center.

Another criminal made the fatal mistake of coming to Flagler County not knowing that we work with our partners across the country, Staly stated in the release. Our Major Case detectives are working with detectives in Houston for his connection to the jewelry store heist."

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Man wanted in Texas jewelry store heist arrested in Palm Coast
A man and a woman were arrested on meth trafficking charges in north Georgia on Monday.

Towns County deputies received information about drug activity on Vista Road in Hiawassee.

An investigation determined a woman identified as Rebeka Eichold from Blairsville was in the area and already had outstanding warrants in Cherokee County and Clay County, North Carolina.

Deputies established probable cause and then searched the residence, arresting Eichold and 36-year-old Kevin Ray Jones of Hiawassee.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Eichold has been arrested and charged with:

Felony trafficking methamphetamine

Felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute

Felony possession of methamphetamine

Possession and use of drug-related objects

TRENDING STORIES:

Jones was charged with:

Felony possession of methamphetamine

Felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute

Felony trafficking methamphetamine

Possession and use of drug-related objects

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IN OTHER NEWS:
(Bloomberg) -- United States Steel Corp. plunged for a second day after President Joe Biden said the company should retain American ownership, coming out against a takeover by Japans Nippon Steel Corp. despite the risk of upsetting a key ally.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The stock dropped as much as 11%, and has lost about a fifth of its value in the past two days, when news first broke that Biden would express concern about the deal. The shares are now trading at levels last seen before the Nippon deal was announced in December, suggesting investors are increasingly skeptical about its chances of success amid an ongoing federal review.

US Steel has been an iconic American steel company for more than a century, and it is vital for it to remain an American steel company that is domestically owned and operated, Biden said in a statement. It is important that we maintain strong American steel companies powered by American steel workers. I told our steel workers I have their backs, and I meant it.

Bidens statement marks a rare presidential intervention in a transaction that outside an election year would have drawn less public scrutiny. Despite its storied history, US Steels role in the economy has diminished over several decades, a period during which producers in Asia have risen to dominate the global steel market. And while Nippon Steels proposed $14.1 billion acquisition targets an iconic business name, a takeover in the US commodities industry by a company based in a friendly country is hardly unusual.

Biden was silent on the pending review of the deal by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, or Cfius, and stopped short of an outright pledge to block it. Cfius is led by the Treasury Department, and has the power to approve, block or amend the deal on national security grounds, or send it to Biden for a decision.

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Our transaction delivers clear benefits to US Steel, union workers, the broader American steel industry, and American national security, Nippon Steel said in a statement on Thursday evening. No other US steel company on its own can meet this challenge while also meeting antitrust requirements.

Timna Tanners, an analyst at Wolfe Research LLC, said the deal suffered from the unfortunate timing of being brokered in the midst of an election in which both candidates have vowed to bolster domestic manufacturing and use their power to stop jobs from going overseas.

The deal is facing a much more difficult chance of going through now that Biden has come out against it, she said. Its an alarming precedent that the US government is setting.

US Steel fell about 6% in New York on Thursday, dropping more than 30% below the $55 a share being offered by Nippon Steel. US Steel did not immediately respond to request for comment.

Even though its share of the market has shrank, US Steel carries heavy symbolic value. It is based in Pennsylvania, Bidens birth state and a battleground in the presidential election, and embodied the nations economic might in the 20th century.

Read: No Labor Agreement, No Deal: Steel Union Draws Line for Nippon

The announcement of Japanese companys acquisition triggered opposition from Republican and Democratic lawmakers as well as the influential United Steelworkers union. Bidens allies have urged the administration to kill the deal over national security concerns and the threat to unionized steel jobs.

The White House issued Bidens statement as he campaigns in Michigan and Wisconsin, two Midwestern industrial strongholds that are crucial for him to win in November. Presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump is vying for the same blue-collar workers in those states as Biden and has pledged to block the deal outright.

Biden moved against the deal as he prepares to host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a White House state dinner on April 10. The US president has looked to Japan as a bulwark against China in the Asia-Pacific region, but his opposition to the deal deal could strain the two countries relationship.

Read: Cliffs CEO Says His US Steel Deal Is Absolutely Gone

Bloomberg has reported previously that the Biden administration is examining Nippon Steels connections to China in its review of the US Steel deal, as it looks to ratchet up pressure on Beijing.

Bidens comments on Thursday also drive home the influential position of the steelworkers union and its president David McCall. Talks between Nippon Steel and the USW have been rocky so far: the union is seeking written guarantees about honoring all labor contracts, while the company is offering at least $1.4 billion in additional capital spending as a sweetener. Nippon Steel has said it will honor all agreements US Steel has with the USW.

Read: US Steel Takeovers Fate May Hang on the Words of a Union Boss

Its not clear what impact, if any, Bidens statement will have on the Cfius review. The Treasury Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Senator Bob Casey, a Pennsylvania Democrat who faces reelection in November, praised Biden for his commitment to maintaining an American steel industry but did not explicitly oppose the Nippon Steel sale, only saying he would work like hell against any deal that leaves our Steelworkers behind. Some stakeholders have concerns that US Steel might shutter facilities and cut jobs without a capital infusion.

John Fetterman, Pennsylvanias other Democratic senator, cheered on Bidens statement, posting jam this up on X, formerly Twitter.

(Updates with Nippon statement, in sixth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Nepal has announced a new set of rules for mountaineers in the Himalayas, including one ordering them to carry GPS trackers following a deadly year in which 18 people died on Everest and at least five bodies were left unrecovered on the mountain.

With the spring climbing season underway, Nepali officials say climbers must carry small, passive trackers which can be sewn into a jacket and dont need power. They can be detected through packed snow up to 20 yards away and further when tracked from the air using a handheld detector.

The trackers are mandatory for climbers this year, so that if there is an accident their location can be accurately identified, Rakesh Gurung, director of mountaineering at Nepals tourism department, was quoted as saying by AFP.

Students clean the Khumjung School which was established by Edmund Hillary, ahead of the Everest Day celebrations in the village of Khumjung, located in the shadow of Mount Everest (AFP via Getty)

Last month, authorities also announced that Everest climbers will be obliged to bring their excreta back to the base camp in poo bags after summiting the peak.

The new regulation followed increasing complaints about the volume of human waste lining the routes up the mountain, which is prevented from degrading naturally by the extreme cold temperatures.

Nepal has eight of the worlds 14 highest peaks. According to Nepals ministry of tourism, by 14 May last year towards the end of the climbing season, the government had generated revenues of 4.5m from mountain tourism, 3.9m from Everest alone.

Mountaineers tents at Camp 2 of Mount Everest (AFP via Getty)

Professional climbers and some expedition companies have long used advanced trackers to monitor climb progress and provide data for sponsors. However, the newly required GPS trackers will be simpler, passive devices with limited features, no bigger than a USB stick, power-free, and easily integrated into a jackets fabric.

These trackers, costing between 8 and 12 each, will be supplied by the trekking company and reused by detaching them from the climbers upon their descent.

Last year, 60,000 tourists visited Sagarmatha National Park, home to Everest, with 600 attempting the summit. The mountain is littered with tons of waste, including empty cans, bottles, gas canisters, abandoned climbing equipment, as well as plastic and human waste, earning it the unfortunate title of the highest dumpster in the world.

A bird flies with Mount Everest seen in the background (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

The Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee reportedly is in the process of procuring approximately 8,000 excreta bags from the US, which will be distributed among climbers, sherpas, and support staff. Each person will be allotted two bags, designed for multiple uses.

These bags are equipped with chemicals that solidify human waste and significantly reduce its odour.

Jonathan Reilly, director of the British Expedition Company, which organises treks to Everest base camp, told the Telegraph: The waste on Everest is ridiculous.

The question I have is, will climbers bring the poo bags back down the mountain or will they just discard them up there, a bit like dog walkers throwing away plastic bags of dog poo? That would be worse than the current situation because the bags will make it impossible for the waste to biodegrade.

I suspect there will be some climbers who use the bags and then dump them rather than bring them down the mountain.

Everest Base Camp is seen from Crampon Point, the entrance to the Khumbu icefall below the mountain (AFP via Getty)

Similar initiatives have already successfully been implemented on other mountains, such as Mount Denali in Alaska, and have reportedly been welcomed by Everest expedition operators.

The rapid growth of the climbing industry on Everest has led to intense competition and safety concerns. Limited weather windows cause dangerous bottlenecks, exposing climbers to increased risks as they wait in harsh conditions and use up oxygen. Theres also anxiety about operators taking inexperienced climbers into the hazardous death zone above 8,000m, heightening danger for all on the mountain.

A Nepalese rescue helicopter lands at Everest Base Camp during rescue efforts following an avalanche that killed 16 Nepalese sherpas in the Khumbu icefall in 2014 (AFP via Getty)

In October last year, after visiting Nepals high peaks, UN secretary general Antonio Guterres emphasised the urgent need to end the fossil fuel era, highlighting the alarming rate of Himalayan glacier melting due to global warming.

Mr Guterres, who toured the base camps of Mount Everest and Mount Annapurna, stressed the devastating impacts he observed: record glacier melting, increased risk of natural disasters like rockslides, landslides, avalanches, and threats to cultures due to rising rivers and seas.

Mountaineers descending from the summit of Mount Everest (AFP/Getty)

I am here today to cry out from the rooftop of the world: stop the madness, Mr Guterres said at the time. The glaciers are retreating, but we cannot. We must end the fossil fuel age.

A report earlier in 2023 by the Nepal-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development said that the Himalayas could lose up to 80 per cent of their glaciers if the earth warms by 4C in the coming decades or centuries.

We must act now to protect people on the frontline. And to limit global temperature rise to 1.5C, Mr Guterres said.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has asked the judge overseeing the criminal case against Donald Trump to delay the trial by as much as 30 days  just two weeks before it is set to occur.

On Thursday, Mr Bragg asked a judge to push back the trial so prosecutors could review approximately 31,000 pages of records that were submitted by the United States Attorneys Office (USAO) on Wednesday.

Those records, which Mr Bragg said were requested more than a year ago, are related to a federal investigation into Michael Cohen  whose testimony Mr Bragg used to build the case in which he is accusing Mr Trump of falsifying business records.

Mr Bragg said that while most of the filings are unrelated to the case, he noted approximately 172 pages of witness statements could be relevant. He added that prosecutors are prepared to go to trial as expected on 25 March and find no merit for dismissal but do not oppose a brief adjournment of up to 30 days.

The former presidents team sought to delay the case earlier this week when they asked Judge Juan Merchan to pause the trial until the US Supreme Court rules on his presidential immunity claim.

Alvin Bragg (REUTERS)

The Manhattan criminal case against Mr Trump, who is the Republican frontrunner, was set to be the first of his trials to occur before Election Day.

Last year, a grand jury in Manhattan indicted the former president in the first of what would become four criminal cases. He was charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush-money payments that Cohen made to adult film star Stormy Daniels to prevent the release of potential reputation-damaging information before the 2016 presidential election.

He was then indicted in Washington DC for alleged federal election interference, in Florida for allegedly retaining classified documents and then in Georgia for alleged state election interference.

Despite the criminal indictments, Mr Trump is still seeking re-election this year and part of his campaign strategy is to delay his trials as much as possible.

So far, Mr Trumps team has successfully delayed his criminal trial in Washington DC and Florida through various motions to dismiss and appeals. The criminal trial against him in Georgia was slated to go to trial in August, though its highly questionable whether that proposed date will remain firm.

In his request to the judge, Mr Bragg accused Mr Trumps team of trying to delay the criminal trial by failing to timely request materials from the USAO that could be relevant to the case.

The timing of the USAOs productions is a result solely of defendants delay despite the Peoples diligence, Mr Bragg wrote.

The Manhattan DA said that prosecutors requested materials from the USAO last year and Mr Trumps team had access to them in June 2023 but then didnt subpoena additional materials until January and then allowed the USAO to consistently extend the deadline to produce materials.

The result was 31,000 pages of additional records being dropped suddenly on Wednesday with another production of materials anticipated to drop next week.

In response to Mr Braggs filing, Steven Cheun, a spokesperson for Mr Trumps campaign, said President Trump and his counsel have been consistent and steadfast that this case has no basis in law or fact, and should be dismissed.

Today, after conceding serious discovery violations by his office, the Manhattan DA agreed to an adjournment. We will continue to fight to end this Hoax, and all of the other Crooked Joe Biden - directed Witch Hunts, once and for all.
The Mariposa Center for Safety received some much sought-after funding Monday that will help cover operational costs and potentially avoid further budgetary cuts.

Earlier this week, Pueblo City Council narrowly approved an ordinance channeling more than $70,000 from its general fund to the Mariposa Center for Safety, formerly known as the Pueblo YWCA. The center requested financial help from the city and county to help cover operations through June.

Over the past several months, the center reduced expenses and unveiled cash flow projections that showed it would run out of money in March, an outcome that strongly worried Mariposas leaders.

Nicole Ferguson, the centers executive director, said last month that without some financial support, the organization would have to look at severely shrinking and reducing some of the services it provides.

The former Young Women's Christian Association building at 119 W. Eighth St. in Pueblo, Colo., is now the Mariposa Center for Safety.

The Mariposa Center for Safety is a shelter that offers housing, counseling and other services to victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault and human trafficking. It also operates Teresas Place, a visitation and exchange program for parents and their children.

Ferguson said that the centers services are not duplicated elsewhere in Pueblo. It is not a homeless shelter, she said.

The agency helped 496 people in 2022 and 322 people in 2023, according to the centers data. It also assisted more than 100 children during that period and provided tens of thousands of meals.

Services like those we provide at Mariposa Center for Safety will help prevent more fatal victims of domestic violence, said Ferguson, citing a report that showed how many of the citys homicides were domestic-violence related.

We remain hopeful that our existence prevented that number from being much higher. Without us or anyone else intervening in domestic violence, I assure you those numbers will rise."

Ferguson mentioned that Mariposa has sent more than 25 applications to several funding sources so it can close the funding gap that has put some of its services in jeopardy. The organization also listed a nearby property for sale, and initiatives such as its capital campaign and annual gala are in the works to secure more funds, she said.

Why Mariposas leaders wanted the funding

A contingent of the centers leaders, supporters and board members made passionate pleas on Monday to secure the funding from city council. They assured councilors that the center has a long-term plan toward sustainability and that the request is a short-term remedy to keep the organization afloat.

Joe Domko, executive director of Catholic Charities of Southern Colorado, told councilors that the center plays a critical role in the larger ecosystem of service providers in Pueblo and beyond.

(Mariposas) presence is essential for our community as they serve, shelter, support and protect some of the most alienated, vulnerable members of our society  women, children and men fleeing the terrifying reality of domestic abuse, Domko said.

Any reduction in services could seemingly limit Mariposas projections for 2024. The center estimates it will assist more than 500 people and five dozen children this year while providing more than 15,000 meals.

At Teresas Place, the center projects it will serve 165 families and perform nearly 600 safe exchanges in 2024. The city managed 556 exchanges last year and 444 in 2022.

Support from the city of Pueblo will help Mariposa continue to provide critical services to those facing exceptional hardship, trauma and violence and rebuild a foundation to do so in the future, Shanna Farmer, president and CEO of United Way of Pueblo County, wrote in a letter to councilors.

How councilors voted on the ordinance

Councilors passed the ordinance by a thin margin. Dennis Flores, Sarah Martinez, Mark Aliff and newly-appointed councilor Charles Hernandez each voted for it. Regina Maestri, Joe Latino and Roger Gomez opposed the measure.

Maestri and Gomez were both critical of the centers handling of its budget and assets. Ferguson said in January that the center experienced budget cuts after losing some funding sources it relied on.

Maestri said the request put councilors in a really difficult situation, citing the emotion behind it while urging the center to take more financial accountability.

Though Aliff agreed with Maestris point and also encouraged the centers leaders to get their monetary act together, he called its services critical and said, Quite frankly, theres nothing worse in our community than these intimate abusers literally wreaking havoc.

When were talking about the citys responsibility, public safety in taking care of these battered women and children hugely aligns with that, Martinez said. We have a whole department about housing and citizen services, which aligns with Mariposas mission. They fill a crucial city need, so we need to support them.

Outside of its emergency services, the center also offers legal aid, case management and domestic violence education, among other resources.

More Pueblo news: Pueblo Flag Day 2024: Locals encouraged to promote city 'pride' by displaying city flag

Chieftain reporter Josue Perez can be reached at JHPerez@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @josuepwrites. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo Mariposa Center for Safety secures funds from city council
The U.S. Department of Defenses artificial intelligence czar will leave the high-profile post next month.

Chief Digital and AI Officer Craig Martell is exiting after two years in the job, a department spokesperson confirmed to C4ISRNET. DefenseScoop first reported the move March 14.

No reason was given for the unexpected departure.

Martell, who previously worked on machine learning at Lyft and served as an associate chairman of computer science at the Naval Postgraduate School, will be replaced by Radha Plumb, the current deputy under secretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment. The transition is expected to take place April 8.

Martell was the Defense Departments first CDAO, hired months after Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks announced the establishment of the office. Initially seen as an overseer and expediter of all things data and software, the CDAO has since evolved into a key player in the realization of Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control, or CJADC2.

Pentagon AI office must cannibalize to keep operating, Martell says

Hicks last month announced a basic version of CJADC2 had been reached, but declined to say how and where it was being used.

Martell in a statement said he was brought onboard to jumpstart the CDAO, including developing a strategy for the organization and the DOD as a whole, developing the right roadmaps to deliver on that strategy, and creating the right organizational structure to support those roadmaps.

That has since been achieved, according to Martell. He gave no indication of what his plans are.

We brought together four distinct organizations into one, and we accomplished so much in such a short time, he said.

The CDAO subsumed what were the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, the Defense Digital Service, the Advana data-and-systems platform and the chief data officer position.
[Source]

Five men believed to be part of a South American theft group that typically targets Asian business owners in multiple states have been arrested in Baltimore County, Maryland, police announced on Wednesday.

Key points:

The suspects were arrested on Feb. 3 after attempting to ransack a home in Tufton Springs Lane in Reisterstown.

The South American theft group has allegedly committed burglaries across Maryland, Alabama, North Carolina and Oklahoma, going after cash and luxury items.

Baltimore County police said the group often targets large homes belonging to Asian business owners in wealthy areas.

The details:

The Reisterstown homeowner called 911 upon seeing the suspects on surveillance camera. Following their arrests, they claimed that they lived in Florida and came to Maryland to visit the White House.

The suspects, who all had Chilean identification cards, were identified as Gabriel Matamala-Ponce, 20; Thomas Crisosto-Araya, 21; Jorge Gatica-Vergara, 22; Luis Oyanedel-Valenzuela, 23; and Gabriel Miranda-Gonzalez, 27. Chile is the only South American country that does not require a background check to obtain a visa.

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The men have reportedly been charged with first-degree burglary and related offenses. Authorities linked them to at least four other burglaries in the Cockeysville, Essex and Franklin areas.

All five are being held without bond at the Baltimore County Detention Center. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement also has them on detainers.

In charging documents, police said that its burglary unit has handled "many cases" since July 2023 that appeared to be connected to a South American theft group, who were described as a traveling unsettled group who do not reside in the area where they commit their crimes.

One home reportedly suffered a total loss of $820,000 in property.

Whats next:

Investigations into the burglaries continue. In the meantime, homeowners are encouraged to boost their home security measures, while those victimized are asked to report to police.

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FILE - A crew works on putting up a platform near the main entrance at Pimlico Race Course, May 15, 2020, in Baltimore. A new plan, released Thursday, March 14, 2024, to rebuild Baltimore's storied but deteriorating Pimlico Race Course and transfer the track to state control is making a late charge down the stretch of Maryland's legislative session. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP)  A new plan to rebuild Baltimore's storied but deteriorating Pimlico Race Course and transfer the track to state control is making a late charge down the stretch of Maryland's legislative session.

The measure, released Thursday with less than a month to go in the session, would use $400 million in state bonds to rebuild the home of the second jewel of horse racing's Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes.

The plan calls for transferring Pimlico from the Stronach Group, which is the current owner of Pimlico and nearby Laurel Park, to a newly formed nonprofit that would operate under the state.

Greg Cross, chairman of the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority, said in a statement Thursday that the authority supported the plan that will help secure the future of horse racing here in Maryland.

Cross thanked Belinda Stronach and the Stronach Group for the professionalism and good faith they brought to this process with the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority.

We know the state is eager to see the long overdue improvements to Pimlico and investments in the Park Heights community come to fruition, and the governor looks forward to working with the General Assembly to finalize this deal and pass the authorizing legislation to make it a reality, Cross said in the statement.

Craig Fravel, executive vice chairman of 1/ST Racing, the Stronach Group's racing and wagering business, said extensive negotiations have taken place since an announcement in early January outlined a framework for an agreement between the Stronach Group, the Maryland Jockey Club and the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority.

That agreement aims to secure a sustainable future for the Maryland Thoroughbred racing industry and ensure the successful operation of Pimlico Race Course and the Preakness in Baltimore, Fravel said. "We thank Greg Cross and the MTROA board. We look forward to the legislative consideration process and collaborating with the MTROA and Maryland stakeholders to usher in a new era for racing in the state.

Under the plan, the Preakness would relocate to Laurel Park in 2026 while the new facility is being built, before returning to Pimlico, likely in 2027. The temporary move would come as the third Triple Crown race, the Belmont Stakes, is scheduled to return to Belmont Park from a two-year hiatus at Saratoga Race Course while the New York track undergoes a $455 million reconstruction.

Maryland lawmakers approved a plan in 2020 to rebuild the track, but it never got off the ground. The new plan increases the amount of state bonds to be used from $375 million to $400 million. The plan also calls for a training facility, with details to be determined.

Its always been the goal of the authority to put Maryland racing and breeding in a position where we can be a major player in the sport of Thoroughbred racing again," said Tom Rooney, president and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, who was appointed by Democratic Maryland Gov. Wes Moore to serve on the authority. We are one step closer to achieving our goal.

The bill is being introduced late in the General Assembly's 90-day session, which is scheduled to adjourn April 8, but lawmakers had mentioned the possibility of a proposal coming before them.

We knew it was coming, Democratic Sen. Guy Guzzone, chairman of the Senate's budget committee, told reporters Thursday, noting that there are a whole host of issues that we're going to have to review over the coming days.

If the bill gets to the finish line, it would represent the biggest step forward for Pimlico, which has faced an uncertain future for several years and gone through several proposals for updates and changes.

In 2019, the Maryland Jockey Club closed off nearly 7,000 grandstand seats, citing the safety and security of all guests and employees. The Preakness has struggled to draw pre-pandemic attendance numbers in recent years, down to 65,000 people in 2023 for Friday and Saturday compared to more than 180,000 for the same days four years earlier.

___

AP Sports Writer Stephen Whyno contributed to this report.

___

AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/apf-sports
Its that time of year when high school seniors are starting to learn where they will be going off to college next year. For a group of students at Roxbury Prep High School, not only do they already know where they are going--they are getting a full ride. The school already has more than three-quarters of its seniors going off to collegeand counting.

As a senior in high school, knowing what you want to do and applying for the college that is the best fit can be stressful. But for this group of hard-working students, Roxbury Prep High School has found the winning formula to crack the college code. Seven of its seniors who got accepted into colleges have less than $2,000 to pay out of pocket thanks to grants and financial aid.

Then there are six of them, including Leer Li, who got in on a full ride.

They gave me around $348,000 for all four years, said Leer Li, who will be attending Princeton University in the fall.

Leer li will be going to her first choice school, Princeton University, which is also a first for her family who moved from China ten years ago.

My family is proud of me, said Li. And Im also very proud of myself because its really scary to be the first one in your family to do anything. Especially going to college. I wasnt sure if I really wanted to do that because it was going to be a financial burden on my family.

The financial burden is one of the main reasons many of these students didnt even think going to college was possible.

My mom, my brother, and I, we all live together, said Menwongba Dahn Gokawon, who got a full ride to The College of the Holy Cross. Its hard for us financially already.

Ever since ninth grade, I always thought that it was too expensive and that maybe I should just graduate high school and find a job as soon as I graduate, said Miguel Gomez.

After getting a full scholarship to Vassar College, Miguel Gomez hopes to double major in computer science and economics and one day work on Wall Street. He credits his high school counselor with pointing him in the right direction.

It was in 11th grade when I found myself applying to other programs to help me get to college, and thats when I really realized I really do have the potential to reach my best in college, and I could do it, said Gomez.

Of the 99 seniors at Roxbury Prep High School, already 79% have been accepted to a four-year college and to date received $1.6 million in scholarships. The public charter school is part of a network of high-performing charter schools whose mission is to ensure students not only get into, but graduate from college.

We believe all students can, said Chelsea McWilliams, the Principal of Roxbury Prep Upper School. And so we keep our expectations really high for them. And we believe its our job to deliver the support that will get them there.

McWilliams says counselors and teachers make sure their students are prepared for the rigor of college and beyond by leveling the playing fieldfrom offering several AP courses, SAT prep, and access to extracurricular projects.

Particularly for this group of scholars who started during the pandemic, they have just demonstrated such resilience, said McWilliams. And it really proves that students can be successful when we close opportunity gaps and when we believe in them.

With a few months left of high school, these students can take a sigh of relief.

Im glad that financial burden is relieved off my mom and I can focus more on my education and just enjoying the college experience in general, said Gokawon.

But they wont let go of the lessons and values that Roxbury Prep instilled in them.

I feel like my academics I dont stop here, said Aneisya Williams, who will be attending Union College in the fall on a full scholarship. I have to keep on going, got to keep on studying my habits. Finish off strong and not just like let that senioritis affect me.

Principal McWilliams hopes all 99 seniors get accepted into a college. In May, the school has a big pep rally where students declare their college decisions on stage in front of their familieswhich solidifies the schools mission, which is to and through college.

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BOSTON (AP)  The Massachusetts Senate on Thursday unanimously approved a bill that supporters say would help make early education and child care more accessible and affordable at a time when the cost of care has posed a financial hurdle for families statewide.

The bill would expand state subsidies to help families afford child care. It would also make permanent grants that currently provide monthly payments directly to early education and child care providers.

Those grants  which help support more than 90% of early education and child care programs in the state  were credited with helping many programs keep their doors open during the pandemic, reducing tuition costs, increasing compensation for early educators, and expanding the number of child care slots statewide, supporters of the bill said.

Child care in Massachusetts is among the most expensive. It equals sending a child to college, Democratic Senate President Karen Spilka said at a rally outside the Statehouse ahead of the Senate session. We need to make child care and early education more affordable and accessible.

The bill would help increase salaries and create career ladders so early educators can make their jobs a long-term career, while also stabilizing early education programs, Spilka said.

Alejandra De La Cruz, 34, a toddler teacher at Ellis Early Learning in Bostons South End neighborhood, said she loves her job. But she said the center struggles to keep classrooms open because its hard to fill teacher vacancies.

I cannot blame them for leaving. They deserve to earn a proper living, said De La Cruz, who has worked at the center for three years.

I look forward to a time when my salary meets the basic needs of my family including living much closer to where I work, buying healthier groceries and maybe even treating my family to a dinner at a restaurant once in a while, she added.

The proposal would also expand eligibility for child care subsidies to families making up to 85% of the state median income  $124,000 for a family of four. It would eliminate cost-sharing fees for families below the federal poverty line and cap fees for all other families receiving subsidies at 7% of their income.

Under the plan, the subsidy program for families making up to 125% of the state median income  $182,000 for a family of four  would be expanded when future funds become available.

Spilka said the bill is another step in making good on the chambers pledge to provide high-quality educational opportunities to the states children from birth through adulthood.

The bill would create a matching grant pilot program designed to provide incentives for employers to invest in new early education slots with priority given to projects targeted at families with lower incomes and those who are located in so-called child care deserts.

The bill would also require the cost-sharing fee scale for families participating in the child care subsidy program to be updated every five years, establish a pilot program to support smaller early education and care programs, and increase the maximum number of children that can be served by large family child care programs, similar to programs in New York, California, Illinois, and Maryland.

The bill now heads to the Massachusetts House.

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US Representative Matt Gaetz, Republican of Florida, arrives to speak at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland, on February 23, 2024 (AFP via Getty Images)

Matt Gaetz has been served with a subpoena to take part in a deposition in a civil lawsuit connected to allegations that he had sex with a 17-year-old girl, ABC News reports.

The subpoena is part of a lawsuit brought by a friend of the Florida Republican representative, targeting the young woman and others.

The subpoena was issued by lawyers representing the young woman who is now in her 20s. The allegations were at the centre of an investigation by the Department of Justice lasting years into the claims that Mr Gaetz had sex with her when she was a minor, according to ABC.

Mr Gaetzs deposition has been scheduled for 5 April. Its part of a larger defamation and racketeering lawsuit brought by Chris Dorworth, a friend of Mr Gaetz and a former Florida House member and lobbyist, against the woman and others.

An attorney for the woman, John Clune, told ABC he was able to confirm that Matt Gaetz has been served for his deposition.

During the deposition, Mr Gaetz may be asked while under oath about the alleged sexual activity.

A spokesman for Mr Gaetz told The Independent: Congressman Gaetz received a witness subpoena in an ongoing lawsuit between outside parties. He is not being sued, and he is neither a plaintiff nor a defendant in this matter.

The allegations initially came to light in March 2021, with Mr Gatez immediately rejecting the claims, saying that the 17-year-old doesnt exist during an appearance on Fox News.

Theyre saying there is a 17-year-old girl who you had a relationship with, is that true? Who is this girl? then-Fox News host Tucker Carlson asked.

The person doesnt exist. I have not had a relationship with a 17-year-old, that is totally false, Mr Gaetz said at the time.

Court documents show that Mr Dorworth filed a lawsuit last year against Joel Greenberg, a former associate of Mr Gaetz, who was sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2022 after he pled guilty to a number of charges, including sex trafficking a minor.

In the lawsuit, Mr Dorworth alleges there was an effort to erroneously accuse him of child sex trafficking, sex with a minor, prostitution, obstruction of justice, and an illegal ghost candidate scheme.

Mr Gaetz is not part of the lawsuit, but it mentions him and the allegations he has faced and rejected. The lawsuit argues that the now-young woman falsely implicated Dorworth, Gaetz, and others in sexual impropriety.

The young woman is referred to in the suit as AB. She has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit.

Mr Dorworth seeks to recast AB as Mr Greenbergs partner in crime and a participant in a conspiracy to destroy Mr Dorworths reputation ... the Complaint improperly seeks to preempt any claims A.B. may have against Mr Dorworth for raping and trafficking her by making a threadbare request for expansive declaratory judgment, her lawyers write.

In 2021, Mr Greenberg pled guilty to several federal crimes, such as sex trafficking the woman when she was underage, court documents state. Part of the plea deal was that Mr Greenberg would help Department of Justice prosecutors in their investigations into others, including Mr Gaetz, according to ABC.

Mr Greenberg has moved to dismiss the defamation and racketeering suit, writing that it approaches the incredible, if not ludicrous.

To accept the Plaintiffs RICO claim, one must accept a series of irrational premises that provide its foundation. That is, that Joel Greenberg colluded with his victim AB to falsely implicate the Plaintiff to reduce the formers criminal liability or alternatively so that AB could bring a civil lawsuit against Gaetz and the Plaintiff, Mr Scheller added.

Mr Gaetz was informed last year that the Department of Justice would not bring charges against him. He has on several occasions rejected all allegations of wrongdoing, including the claim that he had sex with an underage girl.

The Florida congressman is being investigated by the House Ethics Committee in relation to the allegations from the Justice Department inquiry, such as the sex trafficking claim and possible violations connected to lobbying.
Andy McDonald has been an independent MP for Middlesbrough since losing the Labour whip (Peter Byrne / PA Archive)

Labour has brought Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald back into the party after he was suspended for language used at a pro-Palestine rally.

The 66-year-old had been an independent since being suspended in October after he used the controversial phrase "from the river to the sea.

The phrase from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free has regularly been chanted by pro-Palestinian demonstrators during recent marches.

It is a reference to a Palestinian state stretching from the River Jordan to the Mediterranean.

But it is considered controversial as it is interpreted by some as a call for the destruction or erasure of the Jewish state of Israel.

However, McDonald said he was merely calling for peace in the Middle East  but will not use the phrase again.

Labour launched an investigation and found the MP had "not engaged in conduct that was against the party's rulebook". On Wednesday, they reinstated the whip for McDonald  which means, in essence, he is a Labour MP again, which is key ahead of the next election.

On Thursday, Diane Abbott called for party leader Sir Keir Starmer to return the whip to her as well. The Hackney North MP, the longest serving Black member of Parliament, has been in the cold since losing party membership in April 2023.

Former Tory deputy chair Lee Anderson is now an MP for Reform (Reuters)

It is not just Labour, however, that are engaged in taking away and giving back the whip.

The Conservative Party has recently withdrawn it from Lee Anderson after the former deputy party chairman refused to provide an apology for comments he made about Sadiq Khan on GB News, which the Mayor of London referred to as "Islamophobic, anti-Muslim, and racist".

The MP for Ashfield  who had also been suspended from the Labour Party years prior  has now joined right-wing party Reform UK.

But what are whips, and what does losing the whip mean?

What are whips?

Whips are members of the House of Commons or members of the House of Lords appointed by their parties. It is their job to help organise their partys contribution to parliamentary business, including making sure the maximum number of their party members vote, and vote the way their party wants, according to Parliament.

Whips ensure that their members vote along their partys agenda. They are especially important when the Government has a small majority and could be more likely to lose in votes.

Chief whip Simon Hart (PA)

What is a chief whip?

The chief whip is responsible for carrying out the whipping system. It is his or her job to make sure that MPs of their party attend and vote in Parliament, and that they vote following the partys agenda.

Simon Hart has been chief whip since October 2022.

What is the whip?

The whip refers to either the person responsible for the system, or a message.

The whip is a weekly message about the upcoming parliamentary business that the whips send out to their MPs or Lords. It tells politicians how they should vote or will tell them that they have to vote.

The importance of the vote is designated by the number of underlines  with three underlines being the most serious. This is called a three-line whip, and defying it is very serious.

But the whip can also be lost.

What does it mean to lose the whip?

MPs can lose the whip when they defy their party. It means that they are expelled from the parliamentary party. However, they do not lose their position as MP, but sit as independent members until the whip is restored.

In 2019, 21 Tory MPs voted to block a no-deal Brexit, going against the Conservative Party and Boris Johnson. Winston Churchills grandson Sir Nicholas Soames and Ken Clarke  who had been a Tory MP for 49 years  were among those who had the whip removed.

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn lost the whip in 2020 over his response to the equalities watchdogs report into antisemitism in the party.

How can MPs be removed?

MPs can be removed in a recall election, which was introduced in the UK in 2015 in response to the MPs expenses scandal in the run-up to the 2010 general election.

There are three circumstances in which MPs can be recalled:

If they have been convicted of any offence and sentenced or ordered to be imprisoned or detained. (MPs sentenced to more than 12 months in jail are automatically disqualified.)

If they are suspended from the House following a report and the Committee on Standards recommends a sanction for at least 10 sitting days.

If they are convicted of an offence under section 10 of the Parliamentary Standards Act 2009, which means making false or misleading parliamentary allowances claims.

The recall election involves a petition, which will be open to constituents for six weeks. If 10 per cent of eligible registered voters sign the petition, the MP loses their seat and a by-election will be called.
President Joe Biden is 81 years old, and former President Donald Trump is 77 years old. In November 2028, after the end of the next presidential term, Biden will be 85, and Trump will be 81.

Despite being just 3 years apart in age, American voters have shown more concern about Bidens age than Trumps. The age factor has become a prominent issue in discussions surrounding the two candidates, with considerations about mental acuity and physical fitness shaping the conversations about how able they are to lead.

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Questions about the fitness of older people in the workplace are not just placed on presidential candidates. Concerns about older workers, whether they are legitimate or a form of ageism, continue to impact both workers and employers. It's a pressing issue, with a recent Pew Research Center survey showing workers 75 and older are the fastest-growing group in the labor market.

3 in 10 Older Americans Have Zero Retirement Savings

A core reason many older workers keep working is they need the money. About 3 in 10 Americans older than 59 do not have retirement savings, and many workers cannot support themselves on Social Security alone. They need to continue working, especially as life expectancy increases and the need for more funds arises.

Author, professor and retirement expert Teresa Ghilarducci discussed retirement, older workers and related topics in her recently launched book Work, Retire, Repeat: The Uncertainty of Retirement in the New Economy. In the book, she notes only 10% of Americans between ages 62 and 70 are both retired and considered financially stable. The other 90% are still working because they need to support themselves, or they retired but live at a financial standard below their preworking lifestyle.

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The Pew Research Center lists several reasons older workers are staying in or reentering the workforce:

Older Americans are more educated than previous generations, and higher education leads to higher employment rates.

Lower disability rates and overall improved health enable more workers to extend their careers.

Moving the full Social Security benefit age to 67 from its previous 65 pushed more older workers to stay employed longer.

More jobs require high physical demands and set 40- or 50-hour work weeks. This flexibility and lower strain make more jobs feasible for older workers.

Ageism And Other Roadblocks

Older people experience roadblocks in the workforce. An AARP study looked at age discrimination trends and how they can prevent workers from reaching their full potential and hinder employers from reaping the rewards from experienced staff. The report found that 78% of workers in 2020 experienced or witnessed age discrimination, a percentage that was much higher than the 61% mark in 2018. And, the study found 96% of older workers believe there is a need for stronger age-related job protections.

Seniors provide employers with a range of benefits, including a different generational perspective, deep industry knowledge, loyalty and a desire to contribute and mentor. If you are a senior who is still working or considering going back to the workforce, consider talking to a financial adviser about your long-term plans. An adviser can help you calculate retirement options so you can make the best work and retirement decisions that take into account your fiscal situation and your goals.

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*This information is not financial advice, and personalized guidance from a financial adviser is recommended for making well-informed decisions.

Aran Richardson has written about personal finance, investing and a range of related topics for a variety of publications. He is not a licensed financial adviser, and the content herein is for information purposes only and is not, and does not constitute or intend to constitute, investment advice or any investment service. While Richardson believes the information contained herein is reliable and derived from reliable sources, there is no representation, warranty or undertaking, stated or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information.

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The Stanislaus County Sheriffs Office bomb squad was called to the 100 block of McHenry Avenue near downtown late Thursday morning to investigate a bomb threat, said Lt. Felton Payne.

Firefighters first arrived at the scene to investigate a small fire at a business, but backed off when they located the device, he said.

Employees of SG Property management said a disgruntled landlord, identified as 40-year-old Havel Shenoghaterche, walked into the lobby of their office and threw a device that released fireballs at their bookkeeper.

The device started a small fire that was put out with a fire extinguisher.

The bookkeeper, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of her life, said she was happy to be alive and uninjured. This is the first time weve ever experienced anything like this, she said.

SG Property had recently dropped Shenoghaterche as a client because, employees said, he had a history of coming into the office and yelling at them.

McHenry Avenue was closed from Johnson Street down to the Five Points intersection in Modesto due to an explosives investigation on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

When the incident occurred, SG Propertys employees said Shenoghaterche yelled, The tenants are gonna take me to jail, seemingly to express his willfulness to carry out the act.

As of noon, McHenry was blocked off in both directions from Johnson Street down to the Five Points intersection as the Sheriffs Office investigated the device.

Shenoghaterche was arrested on suspicion of arson, possession of an incendiary device, possessing materials used to make one and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon. His bail was set to $560,000.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more information becomes available. Editors note: The story has been updated to correctly identify the bomb squad as the Stanislaus County Sheriffs unit.
This week, a team with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) arrived in Chicago to assist in the response to the measles outbreak. According to the Chicago Department of Public Health, eight cases have been reported in the city in the past week. Its the first time measles have been detected locally in Chicago since 2019. The outbreak in Chicago comes after an outbreak occurred last month, which has since been contained, in south Florida.

At the same time, in California, at least 300 people have been exposed after a child went to the University of California Davis Medical Center hospital for treatment recently. Michigan also recently confirmed its first case of measles. As the Atlantic reported, measles are making a comeback in the United States, confirming warnings from earlier this year in which health officials predicted we'd see more measles outbreaksin 2024.

We're turning back the clock 30 years, 40 years, and exposing our children unnecessarily to a really nasty virus, one that we had eliminated from the United States, Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of infectious disease at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, told Salon. Leaving pockets of unvaccinated children here in our own country, which once led the world in eliminating measles, seems to us in infectious diseases and public health a great tragedy  and great frustration, frankly.

It's frustrating, in part, because measles is preventable. The measles vaccine is extremely effective. After two doses, nearly 99 percent of people will be shielded against infection. But in order to control the spread of measles in a population, a community needs a vaccination rate of around 95 percent. If it drops below that  even by a single percentage point  it can lead to localized outbreaks, like the U.S. is experiencing.

As experts have previously emphasized to Salon, measles isnt just a fever and a rash as some try to casually portray online. An estimated one in four infected patients will be hospitalized. In severe cases, there can be complications like pneumonia and encephalitis  a swelling in the brain that can trigger seizures, deafness and mental disability. Before the measles vaccine was widely available in the U.S., nearly 400 to 500 children would die from measles and its complications each year.

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In addition to being concerned about the health of unvaccinated children, infectious disease and public health experts tell Salon that the cost, both monetary and emotional, of even one single measles is high for all of those involved, requiring a lot of resources from the healthcare system. Similar to how COVID-19 placed tremendous strain on the U.S. healthcare system, measles outbreaks can do the same.

Whenever a measles case is identified in a community, it sets off a whole cascade of events, Dr. Sean OLeary, who is the chair of the committee on infectious diseases at the American Academy of Pediatrics, told Salon, elaborating when it comes to measles an outbreak is defined by one single case. Public health authorities spring into action when that happens and that can involve a number of individuals, he said.

And time is money, OLeary emphasized.

At the Childrens Hospital in Colorado, where OLeary works, if theres a measles exposure, a whole team in the hospital works to figure out who has been exposed, which can be a lengthy process that involves tracking everyone down.

It's a big deal and that's just the single exposure of a kid coming into the emergency room, OLeary said. Beyond that, the local public health and state public health track down everywhere that person has been, and that takes a lot of time and effort.

After that, for people who were unvaccinated and exposed, officials have to track down their potential exposures as well. Again, this is for one single case. If theres more than one confirmed case, the resources continue to multiply.

The costs can quickly skyrocket, OLeary said. And what's so frustrating, from the perspective of people like myself who work in the world of vaccines, is that these are essentially entirely preventable with a very simple low-cost vaccine.

There have been a few studies published trying to quantify the cost of a measles outbreak. Authors of a paper published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found the median cost for an outbreak was $152,308  but thats just an average estimate. An outbreak in Tucson, Arizona, involving 14 cases in 2008 was estimated to cost $799,136. Researchers estimated that an outbreak of 72 cases in Clark County in the state of Washington came with a societal cost of $3.4 million.

The toll a measles outbreak takes extends beyond public health resources. When it comes to treating measles, OLeary said there arent any effective antivirals and that doctors usually have to manage the symptoms. This can be costly for the patient.

Pneumonia is a common complication of measles, and so they may need oxygen, OLeary said. Some of the kids might end up on a ventilator, so that can be considered part of treatment, but again theres nothing specific that we can use to stop the course of disease.

Schaffner added there are costs to the clinical side as well. Frequently, there are diagnostic delays because there are two generations of doctors who arent thinking about measles right away when a patient comes in with symptoms, which could mean frequent doctors visits. A child infected with measles also has to stay home from school for a couple of weeks. The CDC also recommends that unvaccinated students stay home from school for three weeks after exposure.

On the personal, family and individual side, there are a lot of disruptions, there are medical costs, Schaffner said. There's nothing good to be said about measles.

Schaffner emphasized measles is a public health emergency and the response to one is serious.

There's a terrific expenditure of resources and monies in response to even a single case, Schaffner said .Its thousands of dollars, and a diversion of public health resources from the routine to responding to this outbreak.
The European Commission will present a proposal next week on restricting Russian and Belarusian agricultural imports, Polish news outlet RMF24 reported on March 13, citing an anonymous EU diplomat.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk recently discussed how the EU could impose sanctions on Russian and Belarusian agricultural products and foodstuffs with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Warsaw has complained about the influx of grain from these two countries, as well as from Ukraine.

According to RMF24, the restrictions would only apply to imports into the EU, not agricultural goods transiting through the EU to other countries.

This is due to fears that a total ban could cause prices to rise worldwide, which would impact poorer countries.

Data from Eurostat shows that EU imports of Russian grain went from 970,000 metric tons in 2022 to more than 1.5 million in 2023.

Ausrys Macijauskas, the head of the Lithuanian Association of Grain Growers, said on March 5 that Russian grain is driving down prices across the European bloc in a deliberate move by Moscow to destabilize the markets.

So far, only Latvia has implemented a ban on imports of foodstuffs from Russia and Belarus. Latvia's Agriculture Minister Armands Krauze said shortly before the law came into force in early March that the measure is "not effective" without an EU-wide ban.

Read also: EU ambassadors approve $5.5 billion for defense fund for Ukraine in 2024

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
BEIJING (Reuters) - The association overseeing Chinese journalists issued a rare statement of protest after reporters were blocked by local residents and security guards while trying to report on the aftermath of a blast outside Beijing.

A powerful explosion on Wednesday morning suspected to have been triggered by a gas leak at a fried chicken shop in Sanhe, a city in Hebei province adjacent to Beijing, ripped off the facade of nearby buildings, killed seven people and injured 27 others.

As reporters arrived at the scene, including from state-run radio and television as well as foreign journalists based in Beijing, some were verbally challenged by crowds and physically prevented from conducting interviews or filming.

A video clip on Chinese social media showed two men in black uniforms blocking the camera of a reporter from state television CCTV as she attempted to conduct a live interview. Another showed a reporter from China's state radio saying she was being pushed about by more than a dozen people.

News is highly controlled in China due to concerns of social stability and national security, but it is unusual for state journalists to be prevented from reporting in public.

Local governments should support reporters in their work after a major emergency incident, the All-China Journalists Association (ACJA), overseen by China's Communist Party, said in a statement on Wednesday following the Sanhe explosion.

"They must not obstruct the normal duties of reporters in a simple and rough manner just to control public opinion," ACJA said in a rare defence of reporters' right to report.

The treatment of journalists belonging to state-run broadcasters at the Sanhe blast prompted concerned posts on Weibo, China's popular but heavily censored messaging platform.

"Even CCTV reporters were subjected to this, let alone other media," wrote one Weibo user. "If mouths are covered during a prominent public safety incident such as this, what can be said of other public incidents?"

Sanhe's government, in a statement on Thursday, apologised for the "poor communication skills" of front-line staff as they tried to persuade reporters to leave due to the risk of another gas leak.

"We are deeply aware that safeguarding the legitimate reporting of journalists is needed to satisfy the public's right to know," the statement said.

Foreign reporters are sometimes harassed, including physically, by ordinary citizens who say foreign journalists are out to smear China's image.

In 2021, some foreign journalists complained of being harassed and threatened by civilians while covering floods in central China, prompting the International Federation of Journalists to urge authorities to ensure journalists can report safely and independently.

China's government says it welcomes foreign media to report on China provided they followed the law.

(Reporting by Ryan Woo, Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
Meghan Markle returned to Instagram on Thursday to tease a new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, in a short video promo.

The teaser, which is only about 20 seconds long, introduces the Duchess of Sussexs new brand through a series of shots including a close-up of a flower arrangement, a medium shot of the duchess in her kitchen, and a wide shot of a woman in a long skirt framed in a doorway. Its all shot in a grainy film reel style and set to Nancy Wilsons 1960 jazz song I Wish You Love, clearly evoking a mid-century domestic aesthetic.

The brands few Instagram posts feature a simple white-and-gold design with a delicate, curled logo. Its website invites viewers to join a waitlist for further updates, but has no active pages.

Though there are few details about what American Riviera Orchard will market, its trademark application reveals a plan to sell kitchen and home goods. It includes tableware, textiles, cookbooks, and jellies and jams among the goods and services the brand will provide.

Shes been working on this for over a year and its all the things that are close to her heartall the things shes passionate about, a source told Page Six Style.

Markles new brand is also based in Montecito, the small central coast town where she and Prince Harry now reside with their children. Montecito is part of Santa Barbara Countyan area referred to as the American Riviera.

The Sussexes previously shut down their joint social media account when they stepped down from senior working duties in 2020. Recently, theyve made steps toward launching other ventures, including a shiny new website that went live last month.

Markle previously ran a successful lifestyle blog called the Tig, which she closed in 2017.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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A memorial service is being held later for a woman who was part of a secret army during World War Two.

Nicola Trahan was only 16 when she worked as a courier conveying sensitive messages for the Resistance on her bicycle.

After the war she was highly decorated by the French government for her brave contribution.

She died, aged 97, at home in Salisbury in January. A service is being held at St Mary's Church in Orcheston, later.

Canon Eleanor Rance, who is leading the memorial service, said: "Nicola was so unassuming in life that many of her neighbours and fellow parishioners knew little of her wartime experiences until she died."

Born in Pas-de-Calais in France in 1926, she grew up in both France and the UK and was bilingual in English and French.

Her French military record, held at the French military archives at Vincennes, states that while still a schoolgirl she was part of the Forces francaises de l'Interieur (French Forces of the Interior), the resistance organisation run by the Gaullist French authorities in London.

In spite of the fact that Ms Trahan said she was given parachute training, was code named Teddy and was dropped into France on a number of occasions as a courier, no records currently exist which corroborate Ms Trahan's account of being recruited, trained and working directly for the Special Operations Executive (SOE) - a secret group established in 1940 with the purpose of conducting espionage, sabotage, and other covert operations behind enemy lines.

In 1989, she was awarded an MBE for dedicating 50 years to the Soldiers' Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association (SSAFA) as a midwife and volunteer helping serving personnel and veterans.

Ms Trahan eventually settled in Wiltshire and volunteered at her local church and at Salisbury Cathedral, where she spent almost 28 years working in the gift shop every Friday.

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Six trees covered by tree preservaton orders were chopped down in Sudbrooke

Two men have been fined for illegally chopping down protected trees.

A total of six trees were felled at a property in Main Drive in Sudbrooke, Lincolnshire, in June last year.

On Monday, Bruce Haughton, 34, and Glen Barrett, 64, of Barrett Treecare, pleaded guilty at Boston Magistrates' Court to breaching tree preservation orders (TPOs).

After the hearing, West Lindsey District Council said it takes "wilful damage to our protected environment extremely seriously".

Haughton, of Scothern Lane, Sudbrooke, was fined 3,844 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of 1,538 and costs of 994.70.

Barrett, of Lincoln Road, Faldingworth, was fined 1,600. He was also told to pay a victim surcharge of 640 and costs of 994.70.

The trees formed part of a protected woodland area, said West Lindsey District Council.

The council said it would seek to replace the trees.

Councillor Matt Boles said he was pleased with the sentence.

He added: Tree Preservation Orders are there for a reason and this outcome should serve as a warning to any landowner or businesses wishing to fell trees, to think twice, and check with the council before doing so.

Follow BBC East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastyorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk.

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Johns Creek police are warning parents that this is the time to talk to their children after two teens were arrested for a high school prank.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Parents now is the time to have the conversations with your teens about the consequences of their actions, Johns Creek police said.

This warning came a day after officers arrested two teens they said stepped over the line of fun and damaged someones property.

The department shared a photo on Facebook of a white Ford F-150 that appeared to be damaged.

Johns Creek said vandalism and any form of destruction are not acceptable behaviors and can lead to severe consequences.

TRENDING STORIES:

On Tuesday, Alpharetta police took to Facebook to say that an annual high school prank fest known as Junior/Senior Wars took place over the weekend.

According to officials, students wear ski masks and carry Airsoft-type rifles in groups to homes or other locations where targeted students live to attack them.

Although no one was injured the department said But it is not hard to imagine how badly things might have turned out.

The department is also asking parents to put a stop to this behavior.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
(Bloomberg) -- Short bets worth billions against some of the worlds largest lithium producers are under threat as a supply glut shows signs of thinning.

Most Read from Bloomberg

UBS Group AG and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. have trimmed their 2024 supply estimates by 33% and 26%, respectively, while Morgan Stanley warned about the growing risk of lower inventories in China. The revisions come after lithium prices cratered last year as supply ran ahead of demand, with some producers cutting output.

Now, prices of the key material used to power electric vehicles are showing signs of a revival after the rout last year sent stocks spiraling and attracted short sellers. Bets against top producer Albemarle Corp. and Australian miner Pilbara Minerals Ltd. account for more than a fifth of their outstanding shares, or the equivalent to about $5 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Double-digit capacity has already been taken out of the lithium market and that usually is a sign that the commodity price is bottoming, said Jun Bei Liu, a hedge fund manager at Tribeca Investment Partners in Sydney, who holds a long position in Pilbara. Shorting the company is very dangerous given signals of support for the metals price.

Pilbara Minerals said Thursday it accepted an offer for a lithium spodumene concentrate cargo ahead of a scheduled digital auction. This fills the companys offtake book until December, the company said in a statement to the exchange. The contract is an early sign of price improvement after the commoditys recent plunge, wrote Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Mohsen Crofts in a note.

Some short sellers may already have been caught after the two producers each climbed around 20% in February. The Solactive Global Lithium Index, which tracks the performance of 40 of the largest and most liquid lithium-related companies, jumped 10% in the same period, swinging from an almost 20% decline in January.

Story continues

Investor bets against Pilbara Minerals are hovering around record levels at about 22% of free float, equivalent to $1.8 billion, making it the most shorted stock on Australias benchmark equity index, S&P Global data shows. For Albemarle, short interest stands at a similar proportion and represents $3.2 billion in market value.

Were seeing improved sentiment so a lot of those short positions will need to be covered, said Ron Mitchell, managing director of Australian miner Global Lithium Resources Ltd.

Read More: After Massive Bust, Global Lithium Market Shows Signs of Life

Not everyone is convinced about the rebound, however. The surge in lithium contracts should not be interpreted as the end of the bear market, Goldman Sachs said in a note. The surplus remains sizable, it warned.

Still, other analysts expect prices to stabilize after those of lithium carbonate in China slid more than 80% from record highs in 2022. Capital markets firm Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. said in a note earlier this month that sustainable levels would soon return, while UBS doubts there will be further declines.

The broker also said the market is re-balancing after some miners curtailed production. Core Lithium Ltd. halted operations at its flagship lithium mine in January and is turning to uranium after a sharp rally in prices for the nuclear fuel. Meanwhile, Arcadium Lithium Plc said it will reduce output of spodumene, a mineral from which lithium is extracted.

I suspect we are at or close to the bottom in lithium prices, said Matt Griffin, a fund manager at Maple-Brown Abbott Ltd. in Sydney. The sign we are looking for to get bullish on the space is an increase in demand  either through EV demand surprising to the upside, or a restocking cycle in the battery supply chain.

--With assistance from Annie Lee.

(Adds paragraph on Pilbara lithium auction details)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
This Tesla 3 car crushed by a nine-ton Olmec-inspired head is the doing of Mexican artist Chavis Marmol (CARL DE SOUZA)

A giant stone head resembling an ancient Indigenous sculpture sits on top of a crushed Tesla car. It's not the scene of a freak accident, but a piece of art -- whose creator says he wanted to provoke Elon Musk.

Chavis Marmol, a 42-year-old sculptor who has never owned a car and travels by bicycle, came up with the idea of dropping the nine-ton carving onto a blue Tesla 3 in Mexico City using cranes.

Inspired by the colossal head carvings of the Olmec, considered the first known major Mesoamerican civilization, it sits on a lot owned by a boutique hotel in the Roma district that teamed up with Marmol.

A video released by the Colima 71 hotel shows the moment when the head was released and the car's roof gradually caved in, though not before its batteries had been removed.

"My idea was to make a piece to troll Elon Musk," Marmol told AFP by telephone from Spain, adding that it would be "incredible" if the multi-billionaire Tesla boss saw it.

"Look what I do to your lousy car with this wonderful head. This is bigger than you and the rampant technologies," he said, his comments coming a year after the electric carmaker announced plans to build a huge factory in northern Mexico.

The idea for the artwork became reality following a conversation between Marmol and the hotel's artistic director, Ana Margarita Ongay.

"He very casually told me: 'my dream was always to put an Olmec head on a Tesla.' And at that moment I told him, 'well, let's do it,'" she said.

The first challenge was getting the car, which costs about $40,000 on the used market in Mexico.

"We couldn't buy a new one," Ongay said, adding that a donor whose identity is being withheld helped.

The next challenge was to find the stone from which to carve the head, with its big eyes and thick lips.

The installation of the sculpture was done by stealth.

"We wanted to preserve the magic and mystery of how it arrived, to let the work itself generate an impact and spark conversations," Ongay said.

"What do I feel when I see that? What does Tesla mean to me? What does it mean that it is installing a plant in Monterrey? What does Musk generate among us?"

Marmol said that it did not bother him seeing something worth $40,000 being destroyed, because "it wasn't my money."

"It's the wonderful thing about art, it allows you these atrocities," he said.

sem-dr/nro
SAN DIEGO (Border Report)  The commercial side of the Otay Mesa Port of Entry is the second busiest of its kind along the southern border in spite of the fact its only open during regular business hours.

There are now calls for it to stay in operation 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.

Alfonso Millan Chavez, from the National Chamber of Freight Transporters in Tijuana, says the group is getting ready to ask both the U.S. and Mexican governments to operate Otay Mesa on a full-time basis.

Presidential candidate says U.S. must send money to Mexico to support stuck migrants

He says this would diminish waits for truckers to about 90 minutes per crossing, increasing productivity and generating more money for drivers.

Millan Chavez says the Juarez-El Paso crossing is already operating 24/7 and theres no reason why Otay cant do the same.

1,000 truckers needed in Baja to keep driving border economy

Unfortunately the average wait is now about three hours and during the final quarter of last year, when there is a greater demand to cross the border with products, waits were about six hours for truckers, he explained.

Millan Chavez described crossing times during 2023 as historically long times with lines measuring several miles long, affecting surrounding roads and residents in the area.

He also stated the problems are traced to issues not only on the Mexico side, but also in the U.S. where Customs and Border Protection recently opened another fast lane with a scale to avoid a bottleneck for truckers as they cross into U.S.

Thats a positive step, although a special lane needs to be created for truckers who are bringing in produce from the San Quintin Valley that could spoil in the long lines, Millan Chavez said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE)  The New Mexico History Museum (NMHM) Palace of the Governors will be hosting a free community event to celebrate the completion of five years of rehabilitation work at the Palace.

History Homecoming: Past, Present, Palace will take place on Sunday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Palace of the Governors. The event will include interactive experiences, cultural art performances, demonstrations, and new exhibits inside the Palace.

New Mexico History Museum collecting community objects for Zozobra exhibition

The Palace of the Governors is a nationally significant landmark with complex associations as a structure, site, symbol and setting for more than 16 generations of human activity, said Debra Garcia y Griego, cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. This community event celebrates the incredible work of all those involved in rehabilitation of the Palace and marks the beginning of a bold new approach to exhibitions and programs at the New Mexico History Museum that will better reflect the diversity, interests and breadth of all New Mexico.

During the History Homecoming festivities, visitors can take guided tours of the Palace, explore new exhibits such as, Palace Through Time, Reflections on History and The Art of Peter Aschwanden, and check out the Palace Press. A selection of cultural showcases featuring statewide and regional musical and dance performers will be featured throughout the day.

More information and a schedule of events will be available on the New Mexico History Museums website.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Malaysian Airlines aircraft are seen through a window as they stand on the tarmac at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia, on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017.

Ten years ago, Malaysia Airlines was devastated by the twin disasters of MH370 and MH17.

Flight MH370 from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing disappeared over the Indian Ocean on 8 March 2014 with 239 people on board. Despite millions of dollars spent on the largest search in aviation history the plane has still not been found.

The airline was still reeling from that tragedy when in July of the same year, MH17 was shot down by a Russian-controlled armed group above Ukraine. All 283 passengers and 15 flight crew were killed.

There had been 160 planes flying over the war zone that day but it was MH17 that was hit.

An airline losing two passenger jets in five months was an event that remains unprecedented to this day.

Many saw it like a curse, on an airline which had operated for 70 years largely unscathed.

Malaysia Airlines had long enjoyed an excellent safety record and had even won awards for service. It had a huge fleet flying all over the world from its base in Kuala Lumpur.

But after the calamities in 2014, passengers got the jitters. Customers switched to other airlines and media reports from the time showed near-empty flights on longer routes.

Last year, though, its chief executive said the company was on track to see its first annual net profit in a decade.

The airline did not respond to the BBC's questions but analysts say a slew of route cuts helped shore up its finances, while rebranding with an emphasis on safety has won back customers.

"It is now a leaner, more focused company - albeit one with somewhat reduced ambitions," says aviation industry watcher Greg Waldron.

Today, Malaysia Airlines continues to cross the skies, transporting millions of passengers around the world each year. So how did it keep going?

Malaysia to the rescue

Immediately after the second disaster, the Malaysian government sprang into action. The airline was the national flag carrier with more than 20,000 employees and its stock market value had plunged.

The country's sovereign wealth fund - Khazanah Nasional - stepped in. At that point, it already owned 69% of the company.

A month after the MH17 disaster, it bought out the airline's other shareholders, delisted the firm from the stock exchange, created a new company and declared the old firm bankrupt.

Malaysia Airlines was fully nationalised - the first key step to saving the company.

Under the government's recovery plan - named "Rebuilding a National Icon" - the cost of tickets was also slashed while accountants took a fine-toothed comb to the company's operations.

Prior to 2014, the airline had already begun to cut long, unprofitable routes to places like North and South America and South Africa.

After 2014 it shed these routes in earnest, axing several established long-haul flights, including those to New York and Stockholm. It eventually cut all of its European destinations except for London.

Today, Heathrow remains Malaysia Airlines' only European stop - and that has become a key money-making route, particularly in the wake of Covid.

For the last few years, it has been the only airline running a non-stop flight to London from Kuala Lumpur after British Airways dropped the route during the pandemic.

"With a monopoly like that, on a premier route, an airline can charge a lot of money, particularly to people who are not price-sensitive and must travel quickly," says aviation analyst Brian Sumers.

The company also took advantage of the global aviation pause during Covid to restructure its debts - but kept its planes in the air, being one of the key carriers operating repatriation flights from Europe to Asia.

Other airlines in Asia and Europe retired planes during the pandemic, so they were not ready for the quick bounce-back in demand.

Malaysia Airlines, on the other hand, had a head start when borders re-opened - and it made the most of that advantage, analysts say.

The Asia-Pacific region has the busiest routes in the world - claiming seven of the top 10 international routes - including the most-travelled one, from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore.

There were 4.9 million seats sold on that route alone last year, according to air traffic data firm OAG.

Today, Malaysia Airlines is viewed as a "middle-of-the-pack" carrier focused on Oceania, Asia and the UK.

"They've managed to stay afloat through the backing of the Malaysian government - been able to get things to a steady state, a modern fleet and modern aircraft and manage things in a way that keeps things going," says analyst Ellis Taylor from aviation data firm Cirium.

Dealing with perceptions

The airline's approach seems to have paid off - and it appears that, for many international fliers, pragmatic considerations outweigh the company's past.

"If air traffic is anything to go by, MH370 and other disasters are definitely not front of mind when passengers look to buy tickets," Mr Waldron says.

"Generally they are looking at price, but convenience also plays a role."

That was the case for Australian Hannah Blackiston, who took an MH flight from London back to Adelaide in late 2022. Malaysia was the only airline operating a direct flight.

"I booked it with them without really thinking about it just because it was cheap and I was popping back to see my dad because he was sick," she said.

When booking the flight, she says the tragedies did cross her mind but didn't faze her. However, her mother was much more upset.

"My mum, when she found out, was up in arms about it - she was like 'You can't fly with them!' And I was, like, 'Mum, if anybody's going to be on top of their safety regulations, it's going to be these guys'."

People paid tribute to the MH370 plane victims last week in Malaysia

Her journey was smooth and she had the service was good, she says.

"The flying experience was great, they were a really good provider. There was nothing that would put me off flying with them after having a positive experience. So if anything, yeah, it made me feel a bit better about the brand in general and safety and I would fly with them again."

Australian student- doctor Abdullah Naji, 25, who is currently based in the Malaysian city of Penang, says he flies with them frequently, but mainly domestic routes.

"Of course, there's a natural initial hesitancy that stems from such a historic event, but it's the actions taken post-MH370 that have reinstated my confidence in the airline," he said.

"The airline's efforts in rebranding and focusing on safety are evident, not just in words but in actionable measures," he said.

He pointed out the airline's safety video, a jazzy song and dance number which highlights Malaysian hospitality and features lyrics like: "We're all in this together" and "We'll take care of each other in any weather".

"There's a sense of national solidarity," Mr Naji suggests.

"Locals tend to view the airline as an emblem of national pride, acknowledging the steps it has taken towards recovery and improvement since MH370."

Analysts say the staunch Malaysian customer base has helped to keep the airline going.

Mr Sumers also points out that the brand's resilience is in line with other national flag carriers. "It's surprisingly uncommon for big national airlines to go bust, even amid calamity."

But for those without that relationship, the tragedies associated with the brand seem to linger.

One Singapore-based passenger says she briefly panicked when she realised she was getting on a MH-coded short-haul route from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur. She had booked the flight through Singapore Airlines and didn't realise it was the code-sharing deal.

It was an uneventful flight, she says. "But I do remember having a conversation around: 'Oh wow are we actually on a MH numbered flight when we were boarding."

Mr Naji says it just comes down to experience at the end of the day.

"I used to get very conscious of it when boarding but I'm OK now having flown with them a few times already."
The multiple organizations that make up the Healing and Justice Center came together Thursday morning to denounce a Miami police shooting that left a Black man in critical condition.

Miami police shot Donald Armstrong multiple times last Thursday in Liberty City after his mother called 911 to help her son who was in the midst of a mental health crisis. Members of the Healing and Justice Center (HJC), a collective made up of the Circle of Brotherhood, Dade County Street Response, Dream Defenders and Touching Miami with Love, contended that Armstrong not only shouldnt have been shot but that their Freedom House Mobile Crisis Unit wouldve better handled the situation.

Lonnie Armstrong, cousin of shooting victim Donald Armstrong, speaks to the media during a press conference held by the Healing and Justice Center across the street from the scene of the shooting at NW 58th St and NW 7th Court, in Liberty City, Florida, on Thursday, March 14, 2024. City of Miami police officers shot Donald Armstrong last week more than five times while responding to an emergency call during a mental health crisis.

It is a sad, sad grave injustice what they have done, said Chettarra Thompson, the program manager of the Mobile Crisis Unit. Time and time again, the police have shown us that they are not equipped or well-trained to respond to mental health crises but yet their budget still increases.

Read More: Video shows Miami police shooting man repeatedly. Hes in critical condition, police say

Under the hot Miami sun, person after person chastised the police while demanding that the county make more of an effort to fund community violence intervention programs. Dozens of community members flanked each speaker, many of them holding several signs that read 1,234 people killed by police in 2023, You cant have public safety without the public, Fund community not cops and Instead of police, call 1-866-SAFEMIA, the number of the Mobile Crisis Unit.

University of Miami Medical Student Ryan Gillen holds a sign that reads People With Mental Illness Are 16x More Likely To Be Killed By Police during a press conference held by the Healing and Justice Center across the street from the scene of the shooting at NW 58th St and NW 7th Court, in Liberty City, Florida, on Thursday, March 14, 2024. City of Miami police officers shot Donald Armstrong last week more than five times while responding to an emergency call during a mental health crisis.

Until this kind of work is looked at as an equal part of the public safety ecosystem, said Lyle Muhammad, the executive director of the Circle of Brotherhood, we will continue to see incidents like this.

Members of The Circle of Brotherhood, Dream Defenders, Peacemakers, Touching Miami with Love and Dade County Street Response hold signs that read People With Mental Illness Are More Likely To Be Killed By Police, 1,243 People Killed By Police In 2023 and Fund Communities Not Cops during a press conference held by the Healing and Justice Center across the street from the scene of a shooting at NW 58th St and NW 7th Court, in Liberty City, Florida, on Thursday, March 14, 2024. City of Miami police officers shot Donald Armstrong last week more than five times while responding to an emergency call during a mental health crisis.

In a widely circulated video, Armstrong can be seen waving around a screwdriver and screaming Shoot! Shoot in the heart while several officers point their weapons in his direction. His mother can also be heard pleading with police to not kill her son before at least one officer fires a taser. As Donald begins to fall to ground, another officer unloads multiple rounds into his body. Donald currently is in stable condition, according to Muhammad.

The police life wasnt in danger, said Armstrongs cousin Lonnie Armstrong, later adding, That wasnt called for  they didnt have to shoot my cousin that many times.

Started in 2022, the Mobile Crisis Unit was designed to prevent the violent police responses towards people who have mental health issues. Data has shown that people undergoing a mental crisis are 16 times more likely to be shot and killed if the police are called, according to the Treatment Advocacy Centers 2015 report that HJC Medical Director Dr. Armen Henderson still believes is relevant.

Director of the Healing and Justice Center Rachel Gilmer speaks to the media during a press conference across the street from the scene of a shooting at NW 58th St and NW 7th Court, in Liberty City, Florida, on Thursday, March 14, 2024. City of Miami police officers shot Donald Armstrong last week more than five times while responding to an emergency call during a mental health crisis.

We brought these ideas to the county and said Hey you should fund us and the county said No, were investing in police instead even though all the data shows that police are not equipped to handle situations like this, with or without a case manager or a therapist, said Henderson, who also serves as executive director for the Dade County Street Response.

Although the county earmarked roughly $8 million in funding for the HJC, which runs the Mobile Crisis Unit, the money came from emergency funds that will run out in 2025. Meanwhile, the Mobile Crisis Unit has expanded since its founding in 2022 to now operate six days a week as well as partner with 211 and 988, the National Suicide Hotline thanks to funding from several entities including the U.S. Department of Justice, the Miami Foundation and the Miami Health Foundation.

Members of The Circle of Brotherhood, Dream Defenders, Peacemakers, Touching Miami with Love and Dade County Street Response hold signs that read People With Mental Illness Are More Likely To Be Killed By Police, 1,243 People Killed By Police In 2023 and Fund Communities Not Cops during a press conference held by the Healing and Justice Center across the street from the scene of a shooting at NW 58th St and NW 7th Court, in Liberty City, Florida, on Thursday, March 14, 2024. City of Miami police officers shot Donald Armstrong last week more than five times while responding to an emergency call during a mental health crisis.

The Mobile Crisis Unit needs a total of $162 million a year to fully fund their operation, according to Muhammad. When asked if last weeks police shooting has changed Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cavas position on funding the Mobile Crisis Unit, the Miami Herald has yet to receive a response.

Its really a shame that we live in a place that spends billions of dollars on more police as a solution to all of our problems, said Rachel Gilmer, the director of the HJC.
Michael Gove has named five groups he said would be assessed against a new government definition of extremism.

The communities secretary told MPs he had concerns about the "Islamist orientation" of three of the organisations.

He also named two groups he said promoted a "Neo-Nazi ideology".

The new extremism definition applies to, but does not criminalise, groups promoting an ideology based on "violence, hatred or intolerance".

Groups judged to meet the new definition - expected to be named in the coming weeks - will be blocked from receiving government funding and meeting officials.

The definition has been met with a backlash from civil liberty and community groups, with two of the groups mentioned by Mr Gove already threatening legal action if they end up on the list.

The unveiling of the new definition comes amid the backdrop of heightened community tensions over the Israel-Hamas war, and political rows over the policing of pro-Palestinian marches in London.

The community secretary has said a list of organisations meeting the new definition will be drawn up following "careful" reviews of evidence and consultation with civil servants.

But speaking in the Commons, he said the British National Socialist Movement and Patriotic Alternative would see their activities assessed against the new definition.

He said the groups "promote Neo-Nazi ideology" and were "precisely the type of groups about which we should be concerned".

He also named the Muslim Association of Britain, Cage and Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND) as organisations that "give rise to concern for their Islamist orientation and views".

"We will be holding these, and other organisations, to account to assess if they meet our definition of extremism and will take action as appropriate," he added.

He defined Islamism as a "totalitarian ideology" that calls for "an Islamic state governed by sharia law," and should not be conflated with Islam itself.

'Stifle dissenting voices'

The new definition will define extremism as "the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, that aims to:

1. negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others; or

2. undermine, overturn or replace the UK's system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights; or

3. intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the results in (1) or (2)."

The chief executive of MEND, Azhar Qayum, said his group was "not at all" extremist and would take the government to court if it ends up listed as such.

Speaking to the BBC, he accused Mr Gove of taking "names out of a hat" under the legal protection afforded to MPs speaking in Parliament.

Cage said it would "explore all avenues, including legal" to challenge the "government's deep dive into authoritarianism," whilst the Muslim Association of Britain described Mr Gove's move as "blatant effort to stifle dissenting voices".

Patriotic Alternative said Mr Gove had made "several misleading claims" about it, and his extremism definition was a "dangerous step toward a totalitarian state".

In the Commons, former Home Office minister Robert Jenrick said Mr Gove's definition "though well-intentioned, lands in no man's land".

He said he feared it would not do enough to "tackle the real extremists," or do enough to protect people who are "simply expressing contrarian views".

Fellow Conservative MP Mariam Cates said it could see "gender critical feminists" labelled as extremists, and end up "chilling speech of people who have perfectly legitimate, harmless views".

'Insufficiently policed'

Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner said her party would "challenge and probe" the government's new definition, but pressed Mr Gove for more detail on how it will "work in practice".

She also questioned the timing of the announcement, noting the Conservatives have been in government for 13 years.

In response, Mr Gove said the previous extremism definition, in place since 2011, was "insufficiently precise" and had been "insufficiently policed".

Groups and individuals labelled extremist will have the right to seek reassessment and submit new evidence to a review.

If they still disagree, they can challenge the government's decision through a judicial review of the decision.

Organisations or individuals added to the list will not be criminalised, unlike terrorist groups.

Alongside the redefinition, a new unit - the Counter-Extremism Centre of Excellence - has been set up, to gather intelligence and identify extremist groups.

The groups named by Gove

Patriotic Alternative

Anti-extremism campaign group Hope Not Hate describes Patriotic Alternative as the UK's largest fascist group. Some of its followers were involved in the group National Action, which was subsequently banned under terrorism laws. Patriotic Alternative says its is promoting a patriotic view of the UK - but its critics say followers regularly espouse Nazi thinking.

British National Socialist Movement

British National Socialist Movement has been described in Parliament as a white supremacist group that originated in 1968.

Muslim Association of Britain

The MAB is the UK affiliate of the Muslim Brotherhood, an international and complex network of Islamist organisations. Islamism is a political ideology that believes that predominantly Muslim countries should be run according to a form of government drawn from Islam's holy book, the Quran. Islamism has many branches. Some Islamist groups are so extreme they are also terrorist - but that is not true for every such organisation. The MAB says it has long worked within the law and alongside agencies including the police.

Cage

Cage emerged as a campaign group against the "War on Terror" that was launched by President George W Bush in the wake of the 2001 attacks on the US. It explicitly campaigned against what it said were abuses perpetrated against Muslims in Afghanistan and elsewhere - but its critics say it was often acting for terrorism suspects. It has never been accused of involvement in terrorism and one of its founders has repeatedly won legal cases where he has been accused of involvement in suspect groups.

MEND

Mend, Muslim Engagement and Development, is a Muslim campaign group that tries to encourage people to get more involved in politics and is active in opposing policies that critics say perpetuate a them-and-us victim mentality. The organisation says it legitimately campaigns to protect the rights of British Muslims and has said it will take the government to court if it is named as extremist.
A Massachusetts district attorney has announced that criminal charges have been filed against middle-school students for racially bullying Black classmates in an online mock slave auction.

At a press conference Thursday, Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni said eighth graders from Southwick Regional School had been criminally charged with hate speech and racist bullying, local outlet Western Mass News reported.

As of this morning, a juvenile has been charged with interference with civil rights, threat to commit a crime, and witness interference, Gulluni said. A different juvenile has been charged with interference of civil rights and threat to commit a crime, and four other juveniles have each been charged with threat to commit a crime.

He explained that the students created a conversation on Snapchat in February that included hate speech, racially-targeted violence, derogatory pictures and videos, and a mock slave auction directed at two individuals known to them. The students involved have been suspended, according to Western Mass News.

During a jam-packed Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District board meeting on March 5, administrators immediately addressed the racist incident.

On behalf of the entire school committee of the district, we want to, again, publicly condemn the actions that took place by students in our school community, district chair Robert Stevenson read to the crowd from a prepared statement.

On Feb. 8, he said a group of students outside of school hours engaged in an inappropriate Snapchat thread that involved racial topics that were very concerning. Stevenson explained that the unfortunate and appalling situation was brought to the attention of school administration on Feb. 9 and eventually resulted in four immediate actions, including an investigation, local authorities being made aware of what happened, families of involved students being notified, and the controversy communicated with other members of the school community.

Schools Superintendent Apologizes as Parents Slam Horrifying Slave Auction

[The students] conduct and their behavior that they exhibited is not behavior that is acceptable nor will be tolerated in Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District, Stevenson said. Our district strives to create an environment where everyone is welcomed and treated with respect. Our district is not alone in having to deal with individuals in our schools that do not follow those same ideas and, instead, behave in a manner that is disrespectful and hurtful towards other members of their school community.

By Feb. 16, Stevenson said the district had finished its investigation, but was unable to reveal the actions taken against the students involved due to policy standards regarding childrens privacy.

Harassment, racism, and discrimination affect all of our surrounding communities, Stevenson continued with his prepared statement. The administration of the district will certainly not be held accountable for actions that students take outside of schools. Can we help address these topics while they're at school? We certainly can.

He praised Superintendent Jennifer Willard and principals within the district for how they handled the matter before opening up the meeting for public comments.

Jennifer Diaz, a state grant coordinator who helps increase diversity within districts, continued the districts self-congratulatory remarks, saying that she had only witnessed around five racial incidents during the 20 years shes been in her position and they were immediately addressed.

Yes, there are some bad apples in the student community, Diaz read from the dais, but Southwick has welcomed and embraced students of color.

The majority of the people in attendance at the meeting were unenthused though.

Parent Allyson Lopez, whose daughter was one of the victims in the Snapchat mock slave auction, threw all protocol out the window and directly addressed the board, criticizing them for patting each other on the back. She said her daughter encountered five racial incidents before the Snapchat exchange even happened, and they all occurred under Willards leadership.

Theres a problem with that, Lopez said, glaring at Willard. So, you having to resign is something Id really like to see happen.

She said eight of the 10 students who were involved in the Snapchat slave auction were back in school within two days, but her daughter was too emotionally distraught to return for three weeks.

None of you can tell my daughter what shes been through, Lopez told the all-white school board. Dont tell me you get it; dont tell me the district is not racist.

She blasted administrators for not apologizing to her daughter after the incident, and she explained to Willard that their parenting experiences would never be the same because of race.

None of you on this panel understand because you dont stand in [my daughters] shoes; you dont stand in my shoes, Lopez charged. Up until today, you havent done anything to make it better. You still dont get it because youre looking at me spaced out.

For more than 10 minutes, Lopez aired her frustration to the board, clearly dismissing the three-minute public speaking limit.

Whose time is next? Trust me: Theyll give me their time, she asserted, as a wave of attendees acquiesced. This is the first time your meeting looks like this, and it wont be the last UNTIL you make a change because I will be here EVERY month until change happens.

When she took a seat, Lopez received a standing ovation from the public, or her village as she called them.

New York School Where Teacher Held Mock Slave Auctions Agrees to Beef Up Diversity

Then, Greater Springfield NAACP President Bishop Talbert Swan stood at the dais to explain to the board that the issue wasnt just about what happened in February, but the districts history of racial incidents.

Were here to talk about Black students being called n----rs while theyre in school, a word that is steeped in racial history of slavery, of brutalization, of dehumanization, Swan said. Were here to talk about a culture that exists in this sundown town.

He said parents of color have moved out of the area because their children were harassed and teachers of color had also been victims of racial discrimination.

That culture has to stop, Swan demanded.

Charlene Diaz is a white woman who came to the Southwick School Committee meeting and told Black people in the audience that the members of the School Committee and school district are NOT RACIST and that they always handle racial bullying and harassment incidents properly.



When pic.twitter.com/5kxkzGq6TY  Bishop Talbert Swan (@TalbertSwan) March 6, 2024

The Greater Springfield chapter of the NAACP filed a complaint with the state against the district on March 11 for not doing more to rectify the issue after the investigation was completed, news outlet Mass Live reported.

According to local outlet WWLP, over 1,700 people have signed a petition requesting for Willard and Southwick Regional School Principal Serena Shorters resignations.

Neither Southwick Regional School nor Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District immediately returned The Daily Beasts requests for comment Thursday.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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(Bloomberg) -- BIO, the worlds largest trade group for the biotechnology industry, has gone from trying to water down proposed US legislation to sever ties with Chinese health care companies, to supporting it.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Controversy caused by the Biosecure Act recently led to WuXi AppTec Co., a major target and supplier of essential ingredients to many of the worlds top 20 pharmaceutical companies, exiting the group. The Shanghai-based firm said in a March 12 letter to the trade groups head John Crowley that it was ending its membership effective immediately, citing the distraction caused by the proposed legislation.

The efforts preemptively and unfairly target our company without due process, a transparent review of the facts, or consideration of their impact on U.S. leadership in biotechnology innovation and patient care, Richard Connell, WuXis Chief Operating Officer for the US and Europe, wrote in the letter. They risk distracting from the important and honorable work of BIO, he wrote.

Read More: Weight Loss Drugs Threatened by US Effort to Contain China

BIOs leaders had previously spoken on behalf of firms, including WuXi, that would be affected by the act and worked to limit the disruption it would have on the US pharmaceutical industry and the supply of medicine globally. But in recent days, the group said it now supports the bill.

Lawmakers are seeking to pass restrictions that will bar federally funded institutions from contracting with foreign adversary biotech companies of concern. A core issue for the US is the national security threat posed by alleged ties between a number of firms, including WuXi, and the Chinese government. WuXi has denied any such relationship.

Story continues

But the legislation risks knock-on damage across the complex pharmaceutical supply chain, which relies heavily on places like China and India for medicine manufacturing. It still must pass both chambers of Congress and get the presidents signature before becoming law.

Shares of WuXi AppTec have slumped. The stock dropped more than 5% in Hong Kong on Friday, and sister company WuXi Biologics Cayman Inc. fell almost 8%.

BIOs reversal is having an impact on WuXis stock price, said Wilfred Yuen, an analyst at Daiwa Capital Markets. But its move isnt unexpected given the bipartisan support for the bill, he said.

I also expected the lobby group might not be very active after it got political pushback, Yuen said. Its still politics.

Read More: WuXi AppTec, WuXi Bio Tumble After US Panel Advances Ban Bill

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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Argentine President Javier Milei is being accused of increasing his presidential income while pushing massive spending cuts across the government to deal with the country's economic crisis.

Reports emerged over the weekend that Milei's monthly salary increased from 4 million pesos (equivalent to $4,700, according to the official exchange rate) in January to slightly over 6 million pesos (or $7,073) in February. The salary hike was also extended to other top government officials.

Milei's 48 percent pay raise sparked outrage among opposition members, especially after the president had promised to bring a chainsaw to the Argentine economy and drastically cut public spending.

The situation escalated on Monday, when Milei fired Labor Secretary Omar Yasin during a live interview with TV channel LN+, claiming that the salary increase was "an error that should not have been made." According to the president, the pay increase was an automatic adjustment from a decree signed by former President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner 14 years ago.

"I have just been informed that as a result of a decree signed by former president Cristina Kirchner in 2010, which established that political officials should always earn more than public administration employees, an automatic increase was granted to the political staff of this government," Milei wrote Saturday in a post on X, formerly Twitter. "Every day that passes we find a new rule that favors politicians and harms Argentines."

"In a time of crisis like the current one in which Argentine society is making a heroic effort, politicians have to be the first to lend a helping hand," he added. "The political joke is over."

But Milei's explanation did little to quell criticism. Opposition figures are saying that he authorized his own salary increase through a decree he signed on February 29 and then used Yasin as a scapegoat. The decree established a salary increase in February for national government workers, including the president, vice president, ministers, secretaries, and undersecretaries.

"With the banner of austerity, Milei lies to us," congresswoman Victoria Tolosa Paz, who served in the cabinet of former President Alberto Fernandez, wrote on X. "The President lies to all Argentines."

Even former President Kirchner responded to the accusation by saying that the decree she signed years ago has nothing to do with the salary scandal. "Admit that you signed, got paid and got caught," she wrote.

Milei won the presidential election last year, promising to shock Argentina's economy to end its economic crisis. He promised to dollarize the economy, abolish the central bank, and drastically cut government spending.

Just two days before the scandal, the president's party, La Libertad Avanza, announced a bill reversing a proposed salary increase of around 30 percent for deputies and senators. Milei rallied against the raise, which had been approved in late February by Vice President Victoria Villarruel and lower house leader Martin Menem. "I don't agree with the salary raise. I understand that they might have needs, but 60% of Argentines are poor and 10% are destitute," Milei said on LN+ on Thursday.

Milei rescinded his pay raise on Saturday. He also said that he would be returning the money he was paid last month by discounting it from the following month's paycheck. But for a president having trouble passing his deregulatory measures in Congress and relying almost solely on his public popularity, the scandal poses a significant threat to his ambitious economic agenda.

The post Milei Gave Himself a Huge Pay Raise, Then Took It Back appeared first on Reason.com.
Russian forces intensified their assaults in the Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk sectors of the front, Dmytro Lykhovii, a spokesperson for Ukraine's Tavria group of forces, said on national television on March 14.

Russia continues to advance near the settlements of Terny, Ivanivske, Berdychi, Tonenke in Donetsk Oblast and Verbove and Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, according to Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.

During February, Russian troops occupied Avdiivka, a key front-line city in Donetsk Oblast, and the nearby villages of Lastochkyne, Sievierne, and Stepove.

Lykhovii said there were 13 simultaneous armed clashes as of 8 a.m. on March 14, noting that such intensity of combat activities "has not happened for a long time."

"This is an indicator of the burden, the pressure created by the enemy, the burden which falls on our warriors," Lykhovii said.

A total of 57 armed clashes took place overnight, Lykhovii added. Twelve attack attempts took place in the Donetsk sector of the front and one in the Zaporizhzhia direction, according to the spokesperson.

Lykhovii said earlier that Russian forces were increasing the use of ammunition containing poisonous chemicals, dropping grenades with suffocating and tear gas from drones.

Read also: Abandon all hope: Ukraines wounded warriors compare military medical system to the Inferno

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Combat veterans who suffered traumatic brain injuries due to explosive blasts may have markers in their spinal fluid similar to those of Alzheimer's disease, new research finds. Adobe stock

Combat veterans who suffered traumatic brain injuries due to explosive blasts may have markers in their spinal fluid similar to those of Alzheimer's disease, new research finds.

"Previous research has shown that moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries may increase a person's risk of Alzheimer's disease," said senior study author Dr. Elaine Peskind, of the VA Puget Sound Health Care System and the University of Washington School of Medicine.

"What is lesser known is whether mild traumatic brain injuries from military training and combat may also increase a person's risk. Our study found that these concussions may indeed increase a person's risk of Alzheimer's disease."

Traumatic brain injury is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, an injury as in a motor vehicle crash, or in service personnel, blast and impact injuries. In a mild TBI, also known as a concussion, person may lose consciousness for up to 30 minutes.

The new study -- published online Wednesday in the journal Neurology -- included 51 military veterans who suffered concussions from at least one war zone blast or a combination of blast and impact injuries. They were compared to 85 vets and civilians who had not experienced a TBI.

On average, those in the concussion group had experienced 20 blast concussions and two impact concussions.

Participants took thinking and memory tests and had spinal taps to collect cerebrospinal fluid. Researchers measured levels of two biomarkers -- amyloid beta and tau -- that can be early indicators of Alzheimer's disease.

As those with a history of blast concussion aged, they had lower levels of two amyloid betas than the group without concussion, researchers found. Those were A42 and A40.

"A reduction in the levels of A42 in the spinal fluid had been shown in other studies to be a marker of amyloid accumulation in the brain, reflecting one of the earliest steps in the development of Alzheimer's disease," Peskind explained in a journal news release.

"The levels we saw in this study began at around 45, approximately 20 years earlier than is seen in the general population."

Researchers also linked lower levels of spinal fluid amyloid with poorer performance on memory and thinking tests.

At age 50, on a test in which participants are asked to accurately connect a series of dots as fast as possible, those in the concussion group averaged 34 seconds longer than the group without concussions.

And on a test that asked participants to recall words after a 20-minute delay, the average score for concussion group was 8.8 points, compared to 13.1 for those without concussion.

"Our data show that biomarkers in the spinal fluid associated with concussions from blasts share some properties with the processes that lead to Alzheimer's disease later in life," Peskind said.

"While our research does not fully address whether veterans who experience these injuries will develop Alzheimer's disease, it raises the possibility that they may be on a pathway leading to dementia."

One limitation of the study: The group was young and had few participants over 45, an age well before Alzheimer's disease processes typically emerge. Researchers said longer, larger studies that incorporate brain scans to measure amyloid levels are needed.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the University of Washington Friends of Alzheimer's Research funded the study.

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about traumatic brain injury.

Copyright  2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
MILWAUKEE - Two Milwaukee men are charged with first-degree intentional homicide for a March 6 shooting in the city's Harambee neighborhood.

Prosecutors accuse 40-year-old Joseph Davis and 39-year-old Adriel McGee in the drive-by killing. One of the men was on GPS monitoring for a federal crime when it took place, according to a criminal complaint.

The shooting happened near Buffum and Wright. The complaint states the 41-year-old victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds  including one to the femoral artery.

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The shooting was captured on surveillance video from a nearby home. According to the complaint, that video showed the victim walking alone down Buffum Street carrying a plastic bag when a car pulled alongside the victim and two muzzle flashes were seen coming from separate guns inside the car  the first from an open front passenger window, the second from the rear passenger window. The victim then dropped to the pavement.

The complaint states surveillance video from an area gas station showed the victim buying some items just before he was shot. It also showed a car "consistent with the shooter's car" at the gas station at that time. Two men and a woman were seen at various points going in and out of the gas station before getting into the car and driving out of view shortly after the victim left.

Based on the gas station surveillance, which the complaint states showed "tattoos and other identifying clues" of people in the car, police identified McGee as the driver and Davis as the backseat passenger. It also led police to a home near 42nd and Townsend.

At that home, roughly 16 hours after the shooting, the complaint states police found Davis and McGee. A search of the home found a rifle, three pistols and ammunition. The suspects' car was also found outside the home.

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A police technician examined and compared bullet casings found at the scene with one of the pistols found during the search, and the complaint states a preliminary finding determined it was the gun used in the shooting.

Davis was on federal crime supervision and wearing a GPS bracelet at the time of the shooting, per the complaint. Police spoke to his probation agent, who turned over GPS data. That data placed Davis at the gas station when the victim was there and at the location of the shooting when it happened.

A witness later identified Davis and McGee as the shooters, the complaint states.
Climate scientists say they are lacking important data about the changes happening in Russia's Arctic region, which is harming research at a critical time.

What's happening?

After Russia invaded Ukraine, collaboration between the country's climate scientists and outsiders screeched to a halt, as reported by Scientific American. Russia has also barred most foreign researchers from accessing its field stations.

A group of climate scientists demonstrated the challenges they are facing in a recent paper, published in Nature Climate Change, which assessed how well eight ecosystem variables, like temperature and snow depth, could be represented across the Arctic from 2016 to 2020 and from 2096 to 2100. They created models both with and without the inclusion of 17 Russian stations.

The group pinpointed some knowledge gaps across the entire Arctic region, even with the Russian data included.

"Basically, it takes quite a lot of effort to gather information in harsh, remote environments, so the data is quite limited, unfortunately," lead author Efren Lopez-Blanco told Scientific American. "We don't have coordinated or standardized data sets across the entire region."

However, excluding the data from Russian stations made the situation worse, as biases significantly increased in key ecosystem variables.

"The biases in the numbers that depict the Arctic's climate after subtracting the Russian data could be as dramatic as the effects that climate change itself is expect(ed) to cause by 2100," the publication reported.

Why is the news concerning?

Russia accounts for nearly half of the land in the Arctic. If the trend of missing data continues, scientific understanding of the region will "significantly deteriorate," according to Scientific American.

This comes at a crucial time. Across the globe, populations are already facing the consequences of a warming planet.

For instance, the Amazon is suffering from extreme drought because of a lack of rain, heat waves, and warmer-than-average temperatures. California recently endured a series of atmospheric rivers that pummeled the state with rain. This left many residents without power and caused major flooding and mudslides.

While severe weather is nothing new, scientists agree that a heating planet increases the severity and intensity of these types of storms.

What can I do about our warming world?

Everyday actions make a difference. Vote for pro-environment political candidates who will fight for climate action. You can also keep the pressure on elected officials by contacting their office and hold corporations accountable by supporting brands that have eco-friendly policies.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  The Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake posted on social media Wednesday asking for information regarding a missing woman who was last seen on March 4 at the Salt Lake City International Airport.

Police describe Suzanne Jackson as being about 55 tall and weighing about 145 pounds. Police say she has blonde hair and green/grey eyes, and was last seen at the airport wearing a fleece pullover, black pants and black shoes.

LEARN MORE: What should you do if someone goes missing?

Police describe Suzanne Jackson as being about 55 tall and weighing about 145 pounds. Police say she has blonde hair and green/grey eyes, and was last seen at the airport wearing a fleece pullover, black pants and black shoes. (Courtesy: Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake)

On social media, Unified Police said Jackson may have left the state headed for Arizona.

Anyone with information is being asked to call Unified Police at 801-840-8400 or call Specialist Blakeslee at 385-468-9858.

What to do when speaking to law enforcement

More than 600,000 people go missing each year in the United States, according to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.

Here are some suggestions to keep in mind if someone you know goes missing.

Utah officials suggest taking notes on interactions with law enforcement to keep track of details such as officer names, dates and times of interactions, the case number and what the officers say.

When working with local law enforcement to report a missing person, it is recommended one shares as much information as possible about the missing person, including but not limited to:

Full name or nicknames.

Recent photos.

Date of birth and age at the time they disappeared.

Gender/sex.

Detailed physical description (including unique scars or tattoos).

Date of disappearance.

Medical conditions.

Last known location.

Social media accounts.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
In Mississippi, the poorest state in the nation, Republican lawmakers have loosened their decadelong resistance to expanding Medicaid and making health insurance available to roughly 200,000 of the states low-income residents.

But some Republican leaders have said they will not approve a bill without a work requirement, a provision critics say could still leave the most vulnerable Mississippians behind.

Medicaid expansion would bring coverage to state residents with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level  $20,783 for an individual, or $35,632 for a family of three. Currently, families of three with earnings up to 28% of the poverty level or $7,230 are eligible.

But many health policy experts, advocates and politicians say the work requirement would limit the bills reach. In a largely rural state, residents who lack employment, child care and transportation options could face insurmountable hurdles in meeting the work requirement and gaining access to Medicaid.

Theres always this Gordian knot that poor people have to untie just to even get to the services they deserve, said Leroy Johnson, a supervisor in Holmes County, where more than a third of residents live in poverty.

Holmes City Supervisor Leroy Johnson (Holmes County, Miss. Board of Supervisors)

We dont have the number of jobs we need in the county, so that means the folks got to go outside of the county, which often means driving dozens of miles to larger employers, he said. In order to have a good working vehicle, he added, youve got to have money to buy it.

People with long periods of illness could also be shut out.

Jara Harvey, 26, worked as a nurse in a college town about 80 miles from her home outside of Jackson before a condition that causes extreme fatigue and difficulty walking hindered her ability to work. Her parents have covered her on a private insurance plan, she explained, but it costs them $281 per month.

Shes applied for disability benefits but has been waiting months for approval. Legislators intent on a work requirement, she said, are ignoring people like her.

If there was a requirement for me to work, theres no way on Gods earth I would be able to do it, she said.

The House bill, which passed on Feb. 28., includes a work mandate but would allow Medicaid expansion to advance without one.

The Senate has until Thursday to vote on its own bill, which thus far is a placeholder, or dummy bill, without key details. Senate Medicaid Committee Chair Kevin Blackwell has said that he doesnt think a deal can be reached without a stronger work requirement than the one passed by the House.

Kevin Blackwell speaks inside the state Capitol. (Rogelio V. Solis / AP)

But thats likely to bump up against resistance from the federal government, which has pushed to limit hurdles to enrollment. Thirteen states sought permission for work requirements under the Trump administration. Several backed away from them after legal challenges. Under the Biden administration, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has also revoked previous approvals for the requirements.

Arkansas, which no longer has a work requirement, was the only state whose Medicaid program penalized beneficiaries who failed to work. At least 18,000 residents lost coverage while the requirement was in effect.

Medicaid recipients were required to log their work hours online, presenting a challenge for those who lacked internet service. Researchers found that many low-income adults were unaware of the policy, putting them at risk of being wrongfully kicked off.

In Georgia, the only state with an active work requirement, only 2,344 residents gained coverage in the first six months of the expansion, according to the state. The program, an alternative to traditional Medicaid expansion known as Georgia Pathways to Coverage, serves residents making up to 100 percent of the federal poverty line and doesnt qualify for the federal governments match that would pick up nearly all of the states tab.

As the South struggles with rural hospital closures, some advocates see Medicaid expansion as a way to help them keep their doors open. Growing a states share of insured residents can help decrease the amount of uncompensated care  treatment to patients who are uninsured or otherwise unable to pay  that hospitals provide.

Laura Harker, senior policy analyst with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a nonpartisan research group, said the low enrollments in Georgias program have limited its impact.

Thats more people than before, which is nice, she said. But for hospitals and health systems, thats not making a big dent in their high uninsured rate and the rural hospital closure rate.

In Mississippi, the future of Medicaid expansion is murky. Gov. Tate Reeves, a Republican, reiterated his opposition to the expansion on X, formerly known as Twitter, after President Joe Bidens State of the Union address last week. Our country is going broke and he wants to add millions more to the welfare rolls, he wrote after the president praised the Affordable Care Act. We have to stand strong in Mississippi! NO Obamacare Medicaid expansion!

Lawmakers would need the support of two-thirds of both chambers to override his veto.

Still, House Minority Leader Robert Johnson, a Democrat, is not willing to dismiss the momentum of the first Medicaid expansion proposal to advance this far in the state.

Robert L. Johnson III speaks during a hearing. (Rogelio V. Solis / AP file)

For years, none were even brought up for a vote in committee.

We will fight to perfect a bill to make it as good as we can make it, he said. But at some point, we will realize this is as good as we can do, because some Medicaid expansion is better than no Medicaid expansion.

CORRECTION (March 13, 2024, 9:17 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misstated the income figure for 138% of the federal poverty level for an individual. It is $20,783, not $20,873.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Mississippi officer fired after allegedly forcing detainee to lick own urine off floor

A police officer in Mississippi was fired after video appeared to show the officer forcing a man who had been detained into licking his own urine off the floor, city officials announced Thursday.

Michael Christian Green was a patrolman with the Pearl Police Department when the alleged incident happened Dec. 23. Green was fired four days later after an internal investigation, according to The Mississippi Clarion-Ledger, citing a spokesperson for the City of Pearl.

Green had booked a man into jail after a disturbance at a Sams Club store when the individual knocked on the door of a holding cell and said he had to use the bathroom, federal prosecutors wrote in a criminal information unsealed Wednesday and obtained by NBC News.

After no one let him out, the man urinated in a corner, according to the document. Green is accused of threatening to beat up the man with a phone and demanding that he "lick it up," according to prosecutors.

GEORGIA OFFICER WHO FATALLY SHOT UNARMED, NAKED MAN HAS CONVICTIONS OVERTURNED

A former police officer with the Pearl Police Department in Mississippi is accused of forcing a detainee to lick his own urine off the floor.

Green allegedly stood in the doorway and recorded video with his phone as the man followed the order and later gagged and vomited in a trash can.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

OFF-DUTY CONNECTICUT COP WHO PUNCHED MOTORIST IN ROAD RAGE INCIDENT WILL KEEP JOB

The patrolman recorded the incident with his cellphone, prosecutors said.

"When the City discovered this disturbing incident over the Christmas weekend, it quickly opened an internal investigation," Pearl Public Information Officer Therese Apel said in a news release. "By December 27, 2023, Officer Green was relieved of his duties."

Information about possible charges was not immediately provided, and it was unclear how Green would plead.

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Fox News Digital reached out to the City of Pearl but did not immediately hear back.





Original article source: Mississippi officer fired after allegedly forcing detainee to lick own urine off floor
The Tidelands bill that clarifies where casinos can be built on the Coast and control of local harbors unanimously passed Thursday in the Senate.

The bill has another 30 days until a final vote, said Sen. Scott DeLano, R-Biloxi.

Two amendments were added to the committee version of Senate Bill 2780 before Thursdays vote.

The first, offered by David Blount, D-Hinds County, chairman of the Senate Gaming Committee, makes clear that a Tidelands lease will be required between the municipalities on the Coast and the secretary of state.

Theres been a lot of conversations involving local government on the Gulf Coast to protect their authority to manage ports and harbors down there, Blount said.

Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes, who served as president pro tempore of the Mississippi Senate for five years, and Biloxi Mayor Andrew FoFo Gilich were among Coast officials who were at the Capitol over the last two weeks to discuss their concerns with the Coast delegation.

Blount said he and Secretary of State Michael Watson are not interested in micromanaging the local harbors. While decisions about harbor management and revenues are best managed by locals on the Coast, he said, the amendment further clarifies a lease with the secretary of state is required.

Under the bill, the secretary of state cant restrict the public uses of the property, he said, provided it is for the higher public purpose.

Bill regulates Coast casino sites

The amendment also requires all casino developers to get a tidelands lease directly from the state and not the municipality, as happened when the Mississippi Gaming Commission in December gave site approval to RW Development for a casino in Biloxi.

Weve done this right with a free-market approach that encourages investment in the creation of jobs on the Coast. And we want to maintain that, Blount said.

What Ive learned is that all of this is subject to change by the (gaming) commission, Blount said.

It shouldnt matter whos on the commission, whos in the Legislature, whos the secretary of state, Blount said, but that Mississippi has a consistent environment for the casino industry.

This bill has generated a lot of concern back on the Coast, said Mike Thompson, chairman of the Senate Ports & Marine Resources Committee. In offering the second amendment, he said, We want to make sure that nothing in this bill precludes those government authorities from having exclusive control over their ports and harbors.

Thompsons amendment for a reverse repealer would provide more time to make adjustments to the bill as it moves through the process over the next month by forcing it to conference.

Whats next?

The House version  HB 1659  already passed Feb. 29 by a vote of 113-6.

We have been in contact and working with the House since January regarding this bill and the decision has been made by the Coast delegation that the Senate would take lead on this issue, said Sen. Scott DeLano, R-Biloxi.

The bill now goes back to the House for reconciliation with the Senate version.

Would you agree that this reverse repealer is just another example to be able to tell people back home that were continuing to work on this? DeLano asked Thompson. DeLano said he anticipates working off of the Senate Bill with regards to the sensitive tidelands issues as it moves back to the house.

The deadline for passage of a bill is still a month away. If needed, a conference committee of house and senate members would work to reconcile any differences in the house and senate versions of the bill before it goes to a full vote.

Blunt said the intent is to allow the maximum time for people on the Coast to have input and understand what this bill does and doesnt do.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.  The office of Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against Florida-based MV Realty for deceptive marketing practices toward Missouri homeowners.

The suit alleges that MV Realty contacted Missourians and offered to pay them a small percentage of the value of their homes in exchange for a promise that the homeowner would use MV Realty as their broker whenever they sold their homes. MV Realty contacted thousands of Missouri homeowners, many of whom had previously registered their phone numbers on the states No Call List.

The attorney generals office claims MV Realty sent notaries to meet Missouri homeowners, but the notaries said they couldnt answer any questions about the proposed contract.

Riverview Gardens third graders ingested marijuana edibles

MV Realty failed to notify consumers that the contract would bind homeowners for 40 years and would be enforceable against their children or heirs after their deaths, and a lien would be placed on the property. The suit claims MV Realty lied to homeowners by saying they would not put a lien on their homes and they would never have to pay the money back.

The suit seeks relief for Missouri homeowners by directing MV Realty to remove existing liens, declare the agreements null and void, provide restitution to consumers who were unlawfully charged, and order the realtor to pay upwards of $213 million in fines and penalties for contacting Missourians on the No Call List.

You can read the lawsuit in its entirety below.

MV Realty Lawsuit by KevinSeanHeld on Scribd

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Missourians who believe or suspect theyve been scammed can file a complaint by calling the Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-392-8222 or online by visiting ago.mo.gov.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Boeing and Alaska Airlines have separately denied any legal responsibility for the injuries allegedly caused to dozens of passengers after a door plug blew out of a 737-Max 9 jet during a flight in January.

In its formal answers this week to a class-action lawsuit brought by dozens of passengers of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, Boeing generally acknowledged the preliminary findings of a National Transportation Safety Board investigation that determined the door plug was improperly installed. The company also acknowledged that, in an interview with CNBC, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun publicly described the incident as our mistake.

But Boeing denied liability for any damages alleged by the passengers, saying their lawsuit should be dismissed. The company also contended it cannot be held responsible for any injuries that may have resulted because its products were improperly maintained, or misused by persons and/or entities other than Boeing.

Likewise, Alaska Airlines denied liability, claiming that any injuries stemming from the door plug blowout were caused by the fault of persons or entities over whom Alaska Airlines has no control  including Defendant The Boeing Company and/or non-party Spirit AeroSystems.

Alaska Airlines also denied that the activation of the planes cabin-pressure warning light three times within the previous month  including on the day before the door incident  was related or meant that the plane was unsafe to fly.

The legal filings, submitted as part of the case in the U.S. District Court in Seattle, represent the first formal response from the companies to any of the several lawsuits filed in the wake of the Jan. 5 incident.

Daniel Laurence, an attorney representing passengers who are part of the class action, said Wednesday he was frankly surprised that Boeing and Alaska Airlines dont want to simply admit liability and put this case behind them.

Theyre putting up a wall and circling the wagons, added Laurence, with the Strimatter Kessler Koehler Moore law firm in Seattle. Thats disappointing, given what I think most of the population believes and the evidence appears to clearly support  that they put this aircraft into the air with an unsecured door plug that, had it come out a few minutes later, would have killed everybody on board.

Story continues

Boeing CEO David Calhoun (Aaron Schwartz / NurPhoto via Getty Images file)

The incident occurred shortly after the Boeing-manufactured jet, carrying 171 passengers and six flight crew members, took off from Portland International Airport bound for Ontario International Airport in San Bernardino County, California. After reaching an altitude of about 16,000 feet, the door plug blew out, leaving a large hole in the planes fuselage and forcing the plane to turn back to Portland, where it landed safely.

Following the incident, which has brought new scrutiny to Boeing and its troubled 737 Max airplanes, the Federal Aviation Administration temporarily grounded some models of the plane. The NTSB investigation preliminarily found no bolts had been installed to secure the plug.

The FAA separately launched an audit into Boeing and its supplier, Spirit AeroSystems, finding multiple instances where the companies allegedly failed to comply with manufacturing quality control requirements. The Department of Justice has also separately opened a criminal probe into the door plug blowout, according to a source familiar with the investigation.

In the wake of the incident, at least three separate lawsuits have been filed by Flight 1282 passengers and their spouses, including cases in state courts in Washington and Oregon.

Passengers involved in the federal lawsuit, seeking class-action status, claim they were physically injured and traumatized by the door plugs blowout, which caused rapid depressurization of the planes cabin and led to widespread panic.

The pressure change made ears bleed and combined with low oxygen, loud wind noise and traumatic stress made heads ache severely, the lawsuit states. Passengers were shocked, terrorized and confused, thrust into a waking nightmare, hoping they would live long enough to walk the earth again.

Since the incident, some passengers have avoided flying on any airplane, and some have sought counseling to deal with emotional trauma, Laurence said.

The lawsuit also alleges that several passengers had trouble breathing in the aftermath of the door plug blowout because oxygen masks that dropped during the incident werent functioning.

Alaska Airlines denied that any oxygen masks did not work in its filing this week.

The airline acknowledged that the jets auto cabin pressure controller light had activated three times before the door plug blowout, leading Alaska Airlines to restrict the plane from flying on long routes over water. But the airline disputed that the light warnings made the aircraft unsafe to fly (and) denies any correlation between the pressurization controller warning light activations and the door plug accident on Flight 1282, its filing says.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Thursday that he is putting together a group to buy TikTok after the House passed a bill that would require the apps China-based parent company to divest or face a U.S. ban.

I think the legislation should pass, and I think it should be sold, Mnuchin said on CNBCs Squawk Box, adding, Its a great business, and Im going to put together a group to buy TikTok.

Mnuchin, who served as Treasury secretary under former President Trump, noted that Trump signed an order requiring ByteDance to divest from TikToks U.S. operations while he was in office. The order was later overturned in court.

This should be owned by U.S. businesses, Mnuchin said. Theres no way that the Chinese would ever let a U.S. company own something like this in China.

Trump, however, has come out against the House bill that could ban TikTok, arguing it would help Facebook and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

The former president was banned from Facebook in 2021 in the wake of the Capitol riot for spreading false claims about the 2020 election in the lead-up to Jan. 6, 2021. His account was reinstated last year.

Trump also confirmed meeting with top GOP donor Jeffrey Yass, a major investor in ByteDance, but said the issue of TikTok did not come up.

Despite the former presidents opposition, the legislation easily passed the House in a 352-65 vote Wednesday. It would require ByteDance to divest from TikTok within 165 days or face a ban on U.S. app stores and web hosting services.

The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act now heads to the Senate, which is facing growing pressure to pass the legislation. The White House urged the upper chamber to take swift action on the bill Wednesday.

We are glad to see this bill move forward, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters aboard Air Force One, adding, We will look to the Senate to take swift action.

Updated at 9:50 a.m. ET

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Of the 35 municipalities in Centre County, 22 have fully-functional websites that often include officials contact information, meeting agendas and more. The remaining 13 are either without a website or do not have a functioning one.

Have these websites been created in compliance with Pennsylvanias Sunshine Act, or were the made simply as a convenience to the municipalitys officials and residents?

According to Melissa Melewsky, the media law counsel for the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association, of which the CDT is a member, the Sunshine Act doesnt require bodies of local government to have their own websites  and there arent any laws on the horizon that would require one.

Theres no state law that requires local agencies to have a website, and many do not, Melewsky wrote in an email. Im not aware of any proposed laws that would require local agencies to have a website either.

Despite there not being a law that requires a website, Melewsky says that having one can still be a key asset for a municipality to have.

So, what would stop a local government from having a website?

Any number of things can prevent this. For example, In Milesburg Borough, there is an official website, but it isnt up-to-date with information from its most recent meetings in February and March.

At the February borough council meeting, a Milesburg resident asked why, calling the website archaic.

While updating the site is definitely on our to-do list, weve got a lot things to get done before that  but know that it (the website) is on our long-term agenda, former council president Pete DeLosa said.

Snow Shoe Township also has a website, but it hasnt been updated since February 2023.

The other Centre County municipalities that dont have websites are Snow Shoe and Port Matilda boroughs, and Curtin, Howard, Huston, Liberty, Burnside, Worth, Taylor, Miles and Rush townships. Snow Shoe Borough, along with Huston, Burnside and Penn townships, did not respond to requests for comment.

The other main contributors to not having a website can be cost, lack of web design experience and general lack of interest in one.

According to Melewsky, one of the most common reasons for not having a website though is if the municipality has poor internet access or broadband connectivity issues.

Often, municipalities that do not have a website reflect the community they serve, where internet access may be deficient or unavailable, Melewsky wrote. Pennsylvania is not a fully connected state and there are wide areas and populations that have diminished or no access to the internet.

But Melewsky said that if a local government can operate a website, it should, as the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

Posting public records, meeting agendas, meeting dates, board packets, meeting recordings and FAQs can help keep the community informed while minimizing the work associated with producing this information upon request, she wrote. If an agency can create a website and keep it updated, it can also cut down on costs associated with Right-to-Know Law requests, saving time and public resources.
Several liberal cities and states have been expanding ways of dealing with the surge of migrants coming into their jurisdictions, including asking residents to help house immigrants to relieve pressure on the shelter system.

Denver officials recently told local outlets that the city is looking for alternative ways to house migrants. Fox 31 reported that the city recently emailed Denver rental property owners asking if they would be interested in renting to migrants who need housing.

It comes as the city is scaling back its migrant services in an attempt to reduce the budget deficit by nearly $60 million and consolidate shelters.

DENVER PLEADS WITH PROPERTY OWNERS TO RENT TO MIGRANT NEWCOMERS

"We put out a feeler to all the landlords we have connections with," an official for Denver Human Services told the outlet. "Basically said, listen, were going to have some newcomers who are going to need housing."

They are setting a rent cap of $2,000 and say the effort is being supported by nonprofits that are connecting migrants with various forms of housing.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

A group of migrants receives food in Chicago on Jan. 12, 2024.

But its one of a number of ideas floated as a solution by cities that have seen themselves overwhelmed by migrant numbers.

In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams in June floated the idea of eventually housing migrants in private dwellings and paying landlords of homeowners. He suggested it as he announced that a number of faith-based services had agreed to shelter migrants.

"It is my vision to take the next step to these faith-based locales and then move to a private residence," he said. "We can take that $4.2 billion, or $4.3 billion maybe now, that we potentially have to spend, and we can put it back in the pockets of everyday New Yorkers, everyday houses of worship instead of putting it in the pockets of corporations, and some of those corporations come from outside of our city."

In Chicago, a sanctuary city, suburban lawmakers proposed in January that residents be allowed to sign up to host migrants in their homes.

"You know, we do hear from constituents on both sides of this: what are we going to do to preemptively stop this? And then we hear from people that tell us we should do more, so we do have a very affluent community, a lot of big homes, and what Id like to do is direct staff to create a sign-up sheet  for individuals that would be willing to house migrant families," Naperville, Illinois, Councilman Josh McBroom said.

Migrants are shown in a makeshift shelter at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport on Aug. 31, 2023.

"And if theres people that would do that, God bless them. So, if we could raise awareness in that way, I think we need to find out. I think we need to find out who would be willing to house migrant families," he said.

The proposal was later nixed, according to Patch.com, with Napervilles city council determining state and federal agencies would handle any such action.

NYC MAYOR ERIC ADAMS WANTS TO HOUSE MIGRANTS IN CHURCHES, PROPOSES PRIVATE RESIDENCES DOWN THE ROAD

In Massachusetts, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll asked state residents to open their doors in August after the state saw a shortage of shelters.

"Most importantly, if you have an extra room or suite in your home, please consider hosting a family. Housing and shelter is our most pressing need and become a sponsor family," Driscoll said.

Driscoll's comments echoed Gov. Maura Healeys statement that called on residents to "offer a helping hand."

MASSACHUSETTS OFFICIALS ASK RESIDENTS TO LEND HELPING HAND,' OFFER MIGRANTS AN EXTRA ROOM

"This is a national issue that demands a national response," Healey said during a press conference. "In the meantime, were simply asking the federal government to use the tools already available to give these brave parents a chance to work and support their families. At the same time, were calling on everyone in Massachusetts to come together, help us meet this moment in our state and offer a helping hand."

Meanwhile, in Michigan, state officials asked residents in February to house refugees in their homes and help them to resettle. The state Department of Labor and Economic Development said volunteers who wish to participate must commit for at least 90 days as part of the refugee support program.

Sponsors would be expected to support newly arrived refugees by greeting them at the airport, securing and preparing initial housing, enrolling children in school and helping adults find employment.

Fox News' Michael Dorgan, Danielle Wallace and Greg Wehner contributed to this report.





Original article source: More liberal cities, states ask private residences to house migrants amid overwhelming numbers
United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge announced on Monday that she would be stepping down from her position on March 22. The first Black woman HUD secretary since the Carter administration over 40 years ago, Fudge spent many years in Ohio politics, including over a decade representing the state in Congress before Biden appointed her.

Fudge spoke to USA Today about her decision, citing personal reasons for her decision to resign and stating that she wants to spend more time with her family, particularly her 92-year-old mother. Before joining the Biden administration, Fudge represented Ohio in the House of Representatives, where she served as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and the House subcommittee on elections, among other roles. Discussing her plan to return to Ohio upon her retirement, Fudge told USA Today, Its time to go home. Despite her long career in politics and government, she indicated that her retirement would be permanent, declaring, Dont look for me to ever be on another ballot or another appointee or anything like that.

Fudges retirement is a rare departure for the Biden administration, which has seen most of its top officials remain in office throughout the presidents term. The White House had requested last fall that all cabinet secretaries either step down before the 2024 election year or stay for the remainder of the Biden term; Fudge initially agreed to stay but changed her mind due to consideration of her mothers age. The Biden campaign seeks to point toward this stability as it runs against former President Donald Trump, who has been criticized by a number of his former cabinet officials and top aides. Fudge has expressed her satisfaction with her accomplishments and the timing of her retirement, telling USA Today, I do believe strongly that I have done just about everything I could do at HUD for this administration as we go into this crazy, silly season of an election.

Biden praised Fudge for increasing the housing supply, lowering housing costs in the United States, and fighting against racism in housing.

On Day 1, The New York Times reported he said in a statement about her, Marcia got to work rebuilding the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and over the past three years she has been a strong voice for expanding efforts to build generational wealth through homeownership and lowering costs and promoting fairness for Americas renters.

The current chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Nevada Rep. Steven Horsford, D-04, was also among the people to praise Fudges time as the leader of HUD, stating, Under her leadership, the agency has supported nearly a quarter of a million Black people in purchasing a home and has taken significant steps to root out racial bias in the home appraisal process.

As parting advice for her agency and whoever may lead it, Fudge has urged HUD to focus on tackling the nations homelessness crisis. Having done her part to address this issue and others related to housing in the U.S., Fudge now leaves those tasks to someone else as she retires after a long career in public life.
The United States Southern Command is prepared to execute a noncombatant evacuation of U.S. citizens in Haiti at any time, a top Pentagon official said.

U.S. SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Laura Richardson, while attending a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Thursday, was asked if Southern Command has been tasked with evacuations due to the unfolding violence and unrest in Haiti.

"SOUTHCOM has successfully airlifted embassy staff out of the country. But a number of Americans still remain in Haiti, and some may be looking to leave," Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., said at the hearing. "Some are concerned that the U.S. has not initiated a noncombatant evacuation order, a NEO, to get Americans out of Haiti. General, have you been tasked to operate an evacuation?"

"As part of the wide range of contingency plans that US SOUTHCOM has, we are ready for a NEO activation if required and have other plans ready to go, as we always do, and keep those plans refreshed over and over," Richardson replied. "So we're ready at any time for any type of crisis."

US DEPLOYS MARINE ANTI-TERRORISM UNIT TO HAITI TO PROTECT EMBASSY

Kelly pressed for further information, asking if any additional planning is underway in case the mission becomes an immediate necessity.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

US ANNOUNCES $100 MILLION FOR DEPLOYMENT OF MULTINATIONAL FORCE TO VIOLENCE-STRICKEN HAITI

"I think the two missions of increasing the security at the embassy and a little bit of my capability as well  expanding that  is the platform that we would use if we need to expand from there," said Richardson. "And so we put in all of the necessary measures and that are necessary for any of the plans to be activated."

Southern Command said in a statement early Wednesday that, at the request of the State Department, it deployed a "U.S. Marine Fleet-Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST) to maintain strong security capabilities at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and conduct relief in place for our current Marines, a common and routine practice worldwide."

"The U.S. Embassy remains open, and limited operations continue, focused on assistance to U.S. citizens and supporting Haitian-led efforts to secure a peaceful transition of power," it added.

The U.S. military already has sent forces to Haiti over the weekend to bolster security at the U.S. Embassy and airlifted non-essential personnel  such as family of diplomats  who had remained after an order for such individuals to evacuate last summer.

Department of State spokesperson Matt Miller told Fox News Digital that no plans are currently underway to rescue U.S. citizens stuck in Haiti amid the government collapse, citing state travel warnings that have been in place.

Fox News Digital's Greg Norman contributed to this report.





Original article source: More Marines arrive in Haiti, with Pentagon 'ready' to evacuate Americans, commander says
Boeing (NYSE: BA) is, by far, the worst-performing stock in the Dow Jones Industrial Average so far in 2024. It is also one of just two stocks in the Dow that don't pay dividends, the other being Salesforce.

Boeing shareholders are hoping the business can turn around and resume paying and growing its dividend. But in the meantime, there are other quality dividend stocks that have sold off but are still maintaining or even increasing their payouts. Here's why Boeing, California Water Service Group (NYSE: CWT), and Deere (NYSE: DE) are worth buying now.

Image source: Getty Images.

There's a value case for buying Boeing stock

Lee Samaha (Boeing): The troubles at aerospace giant Boeing continue. Suppose it isn't supply chain difficulties challenging its ability to ramp up airplane production in line with its medium-term plans. In that case, manufacturing quality issues and the need for a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) audit into Boeing and its fuselage supplier Spirit AeroSystems production have the same impact.

With all that said, despite all its difficulties, Boeing is still winning orders and has a backlog of almost 5,600 airplanes. It's not a question of if Boeing will deliver on the backlog, but more of a question of when and with how much profit margin.

Boeing's plan, outlined on its investor day in November 2022, is to ramp up its 737 production rate to 50 planes a month and its 787 production rate to 10 airplanes a month in 2025 and 2026. In doing so, Boeing plans to hit $10 billion in free cash flow (FCF) in the time period.

While recent events have probably pushed back the date it will hit the $10 billion FCF level within that window, Wall Street still thinks Boeing will do so by the end of 2026. With the company's market cap down by more than 23% in 2024 to $122 billion, there's a value case to be made for the stock. While I think there are better ways to invest in the sector than buying Boeing, the stock will still interest value investors.

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Now's a good time to dip your toes into California Water Service Group

Scott Levine (California Water Service Group): Shares of California Water Service have plunged by about 11% since the start of the year. The third-largest regulated water utility by market capitalization, California Water Service has fallen out of favor with investors due to the uncertainty regarding its 2021 General Rate Case and a disappointing fourth-quarter 2023 earnings report. While unwelcome, these two factors should hardly be sufficient to dissuade income investors from picking up shares of California Water Service, which at their current price sport a 2.4%-yielding dividend -- especially given the company's track record of rewarding investors.

Regulated water utilities can't arbitrarily start charging customers more whenever they see fit. They must instead undergo General Rate Cases -- formal proceedings under which they request permission from the relevant public utility commissions and regulators to charge higher rates. It's understandable, therefore, that investors are frustrated with the lack of clarity regarding the California Public Utilities Commission's view of the company's 2021 General Rate Case. Given their lack of confidence that the company will be allowed to charge higher rates, investors are likely concerned that management doesn't have the same insight into its future cash flows, a factor that may affect the company's ability to sustain its dividend.

But this isn't California Water Service's first rodeo. Founded in 1926, the company has an impressively long track record of annual dividend hikes: 56 straight years, a streak that makes it a Dividend King. Surely, the company has faced uncertainty regarding General Rate Cases before, and, despite this, management's prowess at navigating turbulent waters has still left the company able to raise the dividend every year. That record of past performance provides no guarantee that it will continue hiking its payout annually in the future, but it does inspire confidence that management will be able to navigate the current challenges.

With shares valued at 13 times operating cash flow, just below its 5-year average cash flow multiple of 13.1, now seems like a great time to pick up shares of California Water Service.

Deere is entering a slowdown, but the future is bright

Daniel Foelber (Deere): It's been a rough start to the year for Deere. The stock is down more than 6% year to date and has gone practically nowhere for the last three years. But zoom out a bit further, and you'll see that Deere has delivered explosive growth over the last five years, including tripling its net income.

DE Revenue (TTM) Chart

A lot of the stock's gains came in 2020 and the first half of 2021. But the earnings growth came in the years that followed. Deere's recent performance illustrates why cyclical stocks can sometimes behave strangely.

Orders were flooding in for Deere's products. The business was booming. But over the last couple of quarters, its top line went flat and then started to slightly decline. For example, in its fiscal 2024 Q1 (which ended Jan. 29), net sales fell 8% year over year. And diluted earnings per share fell 5%.

Even worse, Deere is forecasting fiscal 2024 net income of $7.5 billion to $7.75 billion. For context, it earned a record $10.2 billion in its fiscal 2023 and $7.1 billion in its fiscal 2022. So the earnings are falling just as quickly as they rose.

Over the last few years, investors have grown accustomed to Deere beating expectations. Now, the opposite is true. When it delivered its fiscal 2023 Q4 report in late November, Deere forecast fiscal 2024 net income of $7.75 billion to $8.25 billion, which is above its updated range. Investors already expect earnings to decline, but the market hates surprises. Deere needs to find its footing and prove that this is just another slowdown.

The best cyclical companies have a way of notching higher lows and higher highs. In other words, the lowest year of earnings during each downturn is higher than the low during the previous cyclical downturn. And each expansion period contains new record highs. Deere has plenty of long-term growth ahead and is an underrated artificial intelligence (AI) company -- it consistently commits a lot of capital to research and development to prepare for the next evolution of agriculture.

It has been a winning strategy to buy Deere when it begins to fall out of favor on Wall Street. And although management has prioritized growth over its stock repurchases and dividend payouts, the stock still has a respectable yield of 1.6% at the current price. Deere is the complete package, and long-term investors would do well to take a closer look at the stock now.

Should you invest $1,000 in Boeing right now?

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Daniel Foelber has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Lee Samaha has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Scott Levine has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Salesforce. The Motley Fool recommends Deere. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

If You Like Boeing Stock Down 23.9% This Year, Then You'll Love These 2 Dividend Payers was originally published by The Motley Fool
Tonight is yet another clear and starry night, however we wont be quite as cold with a warmer air mass in place. A continued light southerly breeze will keep temperatures in the low to mid 40s overnight.

Thursday will be the warmest day of the week  temperatures climbing into the low 70s under mostly sunny skies as a south-southeast breeze persists. Our forecast high of 73 would put us at our warmest temperature since November 8th, 2023  we have reached 72 degrees this year, which is our warmest so far. Our record high is 79 degrees, so the record wont be in jeopardy of falling. A few clouds will be on the increase late in the day as our next system begins to approach but we should remain dry until early Friday. Its a mild night Thursday night with lows in the low 50s.

When to collect these 5 forageable foods in West Virginia

Friday sees our rain chances quickly rise through the morning as a cold front and area of low pressure work their way toward the area. Well see mostly cloudy conditions, with rain showers likely, especially for the second half of the day. A quarter to a half inch of rain is expected for most with a wet commute likely for the evening. In addition, breezy conditions are likely with the passage of our front during the afternoon on Friday, with gusts in excess of 25 mph possible. High temperatures will be mild still despite the rain and clouds in the mid 60s.

Saturday is now dry! Well see partly sunny sies with temperatures warming up into the upper 50s with high pressure in control. Though both weekend days wont be bad, this will be the best of the two days for those outdoor plans.

St. Patricks Day on Sunday brings another disturbance into the region for the afternoon, which will kick off the chance for a few showers. Temperatures will be similar to Saturday, with highs in the mid 50s and we should see plenty of breaks in between the showers  a washout is not expected.

Everything you need to host a St. Patricks Day party in 2024

Monday sees an uptick in cloud cover and its much colder with a northwest breeze present. A few rain showers with snow showers mixing in is expected as high temperatures struggle to reach 40 degrees.

Tuesday will be even colder with a secondary clipper system crossing. A northwest breeze will make for a very cold and breezy day, with highs remaining stuck in the upper 30s for the first day of the spring, and gusty conditions expected under mostly cloudy skies. Perhaps a peak or two of sunshine will return by the afternoon but itll be more of a winter-like day for our first day of spring!

Wednesday brings the sunshine back into the picture as high pressure goes back into control. As a result, we will see mostly sunny skies with a southwest breeze pushing temperatures up to near 50 degrees, which is about normal for this time of year.

Looking ahead in your extended forecast, temperatures will take a brief tumble next week with a series of clipper systems providing some Canadian chill! However, by midweek, we look to see temperatures return to normal for this time of year and by the end of the work week, highs will return to the mid to upper 50s. Another system next Friday will bring the return of showers to the area, which will lead to cooler temperatures for next weekend.

Help us with our growing community of weather photos with #weathertogether. Head to our website and search for the Weather together tab and upload your photos of weather going on around our region.

We are now in spring forest fire season in West Virginia  this means dont burn between 7 AM and 5 PM. Low humidity values during the daytime, along with breezier and warmer conditions will at times increase the fire threat, hence the burn ban during most of the daytime. Follow all regulations or be faced with potential consequences, such as fines!

TONIGHT

Mostly clear. Chilly. Lows in the low to mid 40s.

THURSDAY

Partly sunny. Very warm! Highs in the low 70s.

FRIDAY

Rain likely. Soggy afternoon. Highs in the mid 60s.

SATURDAY

Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 50s.

SUNDAY

Few showers return for the afternoon. Highs in the mid 50s.

MONDAY

Rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy. Highs in the low 40s.

TUESDAY

Few flurries early, afternoon sun. Highs in the upper 30s.

WEDNESDAY

Mostly sunny. Highs near 50.

THURSDAY

Partly sunny. Highs in the 50s.

FRIDAY

Rain showers return. Highs in the 50s.

SATURDAY

Few showers. Highs in the 40s.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
Valeriia Subotina (Karpylenko), a defender of the city of Mariupol and former head of the Azov press service, who goes by the alias Nava, has written a book Polon (lit. Captivity) about the time when she had been held in Russian captivity.

Valeriia used to live in Mariupol with her beloved Andrii Subotin, a border guard officer. Subotina initially worked in the press service of Azov, then headed the press service of the Donetsk border guard detachment, and re-joined Azov regiment at the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The servicewoman reported on the city's defence and wrote texts about the heroism of Azovstal's defenders and the terrible conditions they were in.

Valeriia and Andrii got married at the besieged Azovstall, with rings made of foil. Three days later, Valeriia's beloved was killed.

Valeriias and Andriis rings, made of foil

Photo: Valeriia Subotina on Facebook

After leaving Azovstal, Valeriia spent almost a year in captivity: first in Olenivka, then in Russia's Taganrog. Valeriia's grandmother, who brought her up, died in Mariupol during this time.

Almost a year after being swapped during a prisoners-of-war exchange, Nava's book dubbed Polon (lit. Captivity) has now been published. The Mariupol defender told Ukrainska Pravda. Zhyttia about the book, in which she described Russian torture chambers as well as life after captivity and the struggle for her brothers-in-arms.

Valeriia Subotina (Karpylenko) started thinking about writing a book while she was still in captivity, so she tried to remember everything that happened there.

Quote: "We had no paper, pens, or pencils, especially in Taganrog. But I tried to remember everything in detail," Valeriia says.

Details: In the book, she describes her life a lot, including her childhood and meeting her beloved and happy family in Mariupol. Valeriia explained how Azov became her family.

Subotinas book mentioned Russian soldiers, guards, and security officers from Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) and the Federal Penitentiary Service (FPS) who abused, tortured, beat, and harassed the prisoners of war...

At the same time, Valeriia wrote about joking with her sisters-in-arms, "yoga" in a cramped cell, and how the women in captivity supported each other.

Quote: "What happened to me was not the worst thing. Unfortunately, even more horrible things happen in torture chambers. It's scary to even think about it, but no matter how much it hurts, we have to," Valeriia says.

In one of the chapters, Valeriia described how she worked in the kitchen: they baked bread in poor sanitary conditions and used low-quality flour. Nevertheless, the Azovstal defenders tried to bake the best bread for their captive brothers-in-arms.

The Russians fed the POWs very poorly, serving them porridge with a halibut fish with entrails in it for lunch. Nava recalls that in captivity, they were always thinking about food.

"In fact, it was only recently that I baked bread for the first time. I distributed it to some former prisoners of war at a rally and saw the reaction of the guys and ladies to this bread, as they knew its price and remembered our work at the bakery [in captivity  ed.]," says Valeriia.

Bread baked by Valeriia after captivity

Photo: Valeriia on Facebook

For reference: Valeriia was brought back to Ukraine as part of the prisoners-of-war swap on 10 April 2023.

Valeriia is now a retired officer in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. After coming back from captivity, she was a communications advisor to the commander of Ukraine's Special Operations Forces, and now she continues the information warfare in a different way.

"My main task now is to work at the YOUkraine hub. This is the first hub for former prisoners of war in Ukraine, created by former prisoners of war. Here, we meet, discuss our concerns and support each other," says Valeriia.

The book about captivity is also part of the information campaign. Soon, Valeriia plans to write the next one (Azovstal. Steel Press Service), which will tell the story of her fellow brothers-in-arms.

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A local advocacy group claims that the companies set to install wind turbines in the Pacific Ocean off San Luis Obispo Countys coast will harm or kill marine life with site surveys planned for this spring and summer.

But the allegations, raised by local nonprofit Responsible Energy Adaptation for Californias Transition (REACT) Alliance, are mostly false and based on inaccurate information, according to a Tribune investigation that is part of our new Reality Check initiative.

The site surveys will be conducted by the three companies who won leases to potentially develop floating wind turbines in the 376-square-mile Morro Bay wind energy area located about 20 miles offshore of Cambria and San Simeon. They are Equinor, Invenergy and Golden State Wind.

The surveys use sound to learn about the marine environment, such as where shipwrecks are located, whether the seafloor is sandy or rocky and what the exact depths of the ocean are. Knowing these factors will help the offshore wind companies know where its feasible to construct floating wind turbines and lay subsea cables carrying the electricity ashore.

Have a local question or issue that needs a Reality Check? We want to hear from you

If approved by the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the surveys will likely occur in the spring and summer.

REACT Alliance, led by Morro Bay kayak guide Mandy Davis, has passed out fliers, spoken at San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors and addressed local city council meetings to protest offshore wind energy development.

Among its many claims, REACT Alliance alleges that the site surveys by the offshore wind companies will be using sounds loud enough to injure or kill marine life.

Pacific white-sided and Northern right whale dolphins swim under the bow of a NOAA research boat in the Pacific Ocean near the Morro Bay offshore wind energy area on March 12, 2023.

This survey equipment is basically designed  its high-resolution geographical survey equipment  and it is designed to actually use sound to penetrate the bottom and to see whats down there, Davis said in an interview with The Tribune. It can operate at extremely high decibels, i.e. 228 (decibels).

Davis said the sound from the surveys could potentially hurt marine animals.

What it does is it can displace them at best; it can injure and kill them at worst, she said.

Davis also added she was worried that gray whale migration could be disrupted by the site surveys.

The Tribune spoke to the offshore wind companies and marine acoustic experts to better understand the surveys that are planned and whether they could be harmful to marine life.

At least one of the surveys planned by the companies is not loud enough to hurt or kill marine life, the experts told The Tribune.

However, some aspects of the surveys run the risk of displacing some marine mammals  such as potentially causing sperm whales and beaked whales to avoid diving in the survey areas to feed on fish  but not to the extent of displacing the entire gray whale migration path, they said.

None of these (survey methods) are things that are going to cause physical harm to fish or other marine life, said Brandon Southall, president and senior scientist for Southall Environmental Associates based out of Santa Cruz. However, these disturbances, even if theyre relatively short term, can be meaningful to these species.

Southall is a leading expert globally on noise impacts to marine life. He told The Tribune that the survey methods planned are standard methods used all over the world.

Offshore wind companies say survey technology is safe, tested

Equinor sent The Tribune the technology it plans to use to survey the ocean, which The Tribune then sent to marine acoustics experts for evaluation.

Golden State Wind and Invenergy didnt send their specific technology to The Tribune but confirmed they, like Equinor, will adhere to all applicable environmental laws and work to ensure the survey technology will not harm marine life.

All of our surveys comply with state and federal regulations, and were going to have to do additional reviews and stakeholder meetings prior to commencing, said Tyler Studds, CEO of Golden State Wind. Theres no scientific basis for what (REACT Alliance) is saying about the surveys. The technology were using is well tested and widely accepted as safe to use.

Erin Lieberman, executive vice president of environmental compliance and strategy at Invenergy, said the company plans to conduct standard geophysical and other surveys to map seafloor and sub-surface conditions and inform the responsible project siting, design, construction and operation of the project.

These surveys are carefully designed to minimize potential disturbance to marine mammals and other wildlife, Lieberman wrote in an emailed statement to The Tribune.

The designated 376-square-mile area in which floating offshore wind turbines may be developed, according to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.

Offshore wind company explains surveys to be used for Morro Bay

Equinor will use three survey methods: a multi-beam echo sounder, side scan sonar and sub-bottom profiler.

The multi-beam echo sounder will be towed behind a boat on the surface of the ocean and is used to measure water depth. It will send out blasts of sound at between 200 to 400 kilohertz with a source level of 217 decibels underwater.

The side scan sonar will also be towed behind a boat at the surface of the ocean, but to conduct bathymetric mapping and detect features of the seafloor such as shipwrecks or rocky outcroppings. The technology will send blasts of sound at 230 to 410 kilohertz with a source level of 200 decibels to 201 decibels.

The sub-bottom profiler will be mounted on an autonomous underwater vehicle remotely operated at about about 10 meters above the seafloor. Used to gather detailed information about the seabed  such as whether its too soft to anchor a chain attached to a floating wind turbine  the sub-bottom profiler will send blasts of sound at frequencies between 2 to 16 kilohertz with a source level of 171 decibels.

Experts say survey methods will not kill marine life

After reviewing the survey technology specifics sent to The Tribune by Equinor, Southall said, for these particular sound types, behavior impacts would be minimal.

John Hildebrand, a professor and researcher focused on marine acoustics at the UC San Diego Scripps Institution of Oceanography, came to a similar conclusion as Southall, he said in a separate interview with The Tribune.

Regarding the first two survey methods, Hildebrand said those decibels are high but because the frequencies are so high, nothing can hear those  and theres no good evidence that those two (survey methods) have any physical impact.

Southall came to a similar conclusion and noted that the sound of the boats engine could likely be the most disruptive thing to marine life during those surveys.

Im 99% sure those wouldnt be able to be detected, Southall said. The boat itself is going to be detectable, though.

Both Hildebrand and Southall said the sub-bottom profiler is certainly within the hearing range of most marine life because the frequencies are so low. The sounds from the sub-bottom profiler wont physically hurt any of the oceans creatures but could cause temporary behavior changes, they said.

Such sounds can be detectable to animals and cause them to stop foraging or diving for food, they said. Of specific concern to Southall was the sperm whales and beaked whales, which dive to great depths for food at the sea floor.

A humpback whale takes a breath before plunging under water in the Pacific Ocean near the Morro Bay wind energy area on March 12, 2023.

Southall noted that its difficult to tell how long term the impacts from the sub-bottom profiler could be  for many whales with good fat reserves, its unlikely to be hugely detrimental to their health, he said.

Should other species with lower fat reserves, such as porpoises, hear the sub-bottom profiler and avoid feeding near it, that could be more impactful, he said.

Both Southall and Hildebrand agreed that animals would have to be near the technology, within around 100 meters, to be impacted.

Aside from the low-frequency sound blasts coming from the sub-bottom profiler to survey the ocean floor, Southall said he was concerned about the regular operational sounds from the autonomous underwater vehicles.

Those sounds can be detectable by marine animals, he said, and could cause similar behavioral changes as the boat engine.

Survey methods approved by state, federal government agencies

However, BOEM and the California Coastal Commission require the offshore wind companies to avoid operating the survey equipment when near marine species such as whales, fish and sea turtles.

For example, each survey vessel is required by the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to have trained observers on board looking for protected marine species.

If one is spotted, they must stop all survey operations.

Equinor will also be using underwater infrared cameras developed by Toyon Research Corp. based in Goleta to better detect when animals are nearby, said Jennifer Dupont, the companys head of technical environmental affairs.

In 2022, the Coastal Commission analyzed BOEMs environmental assessment of the anticipated site survey methods to be used by the offshore wind companies.

The state agency found that mitigation measures such as watching for protected marine species, coordination between offshore wind companies, communication with fishing entities and maintenance of slow ship speeds will appropriately minimize risks to marine life.

Survey methods to be used by offshore wind companies are not new

Dupont said the misinformation about the survey technology spread by REACT Alliance was concerning.

Its a very strategic effort against offshore wind ... where, in my opinion, its really weaponizing the environment against the industry, she said. When I see what what REACT is doing, and how this is coming about, its cherry-picking information without proving the full picture. You cant just say 228 decibels without saying what kind of sound that is.

These types of equipment are not new, she continued. The reason you have great bathymetric maps, the reason we can find fish, the reason we know that sea level rise is happening is due to this equipment  we are just using it to make sure that we are building responsibly and doing mapping on a very localized scale to make sure we can site our infrastructure.

One example of a similar survey done on the Central Coast was conducted by CSU Monterey Bay, UC Santa Cruz, BOEM and the California Ocean Protection Council, which partnered on a 2023 study using multi-beam echo sounders or bathymetric side scan sonar data to map the seafloor along San Luis Obispo Countys coast.

Similarly in 2018 and 2019, the U.S. Geological Survey and Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute partnered on a survey along the Central Coast using high-frequency sound emitters and by collecting rock samples to better understand the geology of the areas seafloor.

The wind turbines planned off the San Luis Obispo County coast would be similar to Ocean Winds WindFloat Atlantic floating offshore wind energy project near Portugal. They are each about 688 feet tall, or about twice the height of the Statue of Liberty.

REACT Alliance to continue to oppose offshore wind development

Davis, REACT Alliances founder and president, told The Tribune shes hoping to grow a movement because offshore wind is inappropriate and it is very damaging for the oceans.

The group is currently grassroots and funded by community donations, she said.

On the East Coast, groups labeled as local and grassroots were found to be funded by major fossil fuel and dark money donors that regularly campaign against climate policy, according to a 2023 analysis by the Brown University Climate and Development lab.

Those local groups, such as the Responsible Offshore Development Alliance, American Coalition for Ocean Protection and Save Right Whales, were partially funded by climate-change denying and right-wing think tanks such as the Texas Public Policy Foundation, Caesar Rodney Institute, Heartland Institute and Texas Public Policy Foundation, the Brown University analysis found.

When asked by The Tribune whether the group would accept donations from oil and gas companies or climate-change denying entities  Davis said shed have to discuss it with REACT Alliances board.

REACT Alliance President and founder Mandy Davis, right, and Sheri Hafer, left, speak at a Feb. 28 protest in Morro Bay against offshore wind energy development on Californias Central Coast.

I think if it came down to where we have a lawsuit, I dont know, said Nicole Dorfman, REACT Alliances treasurer.

Davis noted that REACT Alliance wont stop at just the site surveys  they plan to protest offshore wind development throughout the entire process.

We do have a voice, and it may be daunting, but there are local, state and federal laws that we can look to, Davis said. We absolutely feel that if we stay the course  we sort of continue to be the thorn in their side and a monkey wrench in the works on every single one of these permits, and we look to the laws to be on our side and protect what needs to be protected  it will work.
From robocalls impersonating President Biden to fake explicit photos of pop icon Taylor Swift, deepfakes generated by artificial intelligence are on the rise.

Now its hitting close to home for some families.

Our girls should not be solo gladiators fighting for their rights - its shameful, said Dorota Mani, mother and advocate.

Dorota Mani said photos of her 14-year-old daughter, Francesca, were manipulated into deepfake nudes that were possibly shared publicly. She told Congress Francesca was one of more than 30 young girls involved in this incident at her high school in New Jersey.

We took a stand, and my daughter took back her dignity, said Mani.

Since then, the two have been meeting with federal lawmakers on Capitol Hill and pushing better policies to address AI-related incidents at schools.

We believe is indictive of a broader issue across all schools given the ease and allure of creating ai generated content, said Mani.

Leaders from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) are also following an increase in this trend. For the first time ever, there were 4,700 tips for AI-generated content last year alone. Officials say more offenders are using this technology to alter seemingly innocent photos.

Using nudify and unclothe apps to create nude images of children to disseminate online, said John Shehan, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

Lawmakers are still working on bills to regulate artificial intelligence but there is bipartisan support to take action.

Because women who are victims of such a disturbing thing whether its real, or fake or deepfake, they ought to get justice in this country at the federal and state level, said Rep. Nancy Mace, R - South Carolina.

And no laws exist to stop other malicious actors from reposting the material again, said Rep. Gerry Connolly, D  Virginia.

Some attorneys also told lawmakers that any future laws regulating AI should be specific.

We need to hit the target directly otherwise we risk creating law that is unconstitutional, and an unconstitutional law will protect no Americans, said Carl Szabo, NetChoice.

There are already some efforts to try to address the rise in AI content on Capitol Hill.

The Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act would prohibit the non-consensual disclosure of digitally altered intimate images. It would also make the sharing of these images a criminal offense and creates a pathway for victims to seek relief.

Another proposal, the AI Labeling Act, would require clear labeling and disclosures for videos and photos created by artificial intelligence or interacting with an AI chatbot.

These efforts are sponsored by Congressmen Tom Kean, Jr. and Joe Morelle of New Jersey. During a recent press conference, they were joined by Dorota and Francesca Mani.
From robocalls impersonating President Biden to fake explicit photos of pop icon Taylor Swift, deepfakes generated by artificial intelligence are on the rise.

 WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS

Now its hitting close to home for some families.

Our girls should not be solo gladiators fighting for their rights - its shameful, said Dorota Mani, mother and advocate.

Dorota Mani said photos of her 14-year-old daughter, Francesca, were manipulated into deepfake nudes that were possibly shared publicly. She told Congress Francesca was one of more than 30 young girls involved in this incident at her high school in New Jersey.

We took a stand, and my daughter took back her dignity, said Mani.

Read: US spearheads first UN resolution on artificial intelligence  aimed at ensuring equal access

Since then, the two have been meeting with federal lawmakers on Capitol Hill and pushing better policies to address AI-related incidents at schools.

We believe is indictive of a broader issue across all schools given the ease and allure of creating ai generated content, said Mani.

Leaders from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) are also following an increase in this trend. For the first time ever, there were 4,700 tips for AI-generated content last year alone. Officials say more offenders are using this technology to alter seemingly innocent photos.

Using nudity and unclothe apps to create nude images of children to disseminate online, said John Shehan, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

Lawmakers are still working on bills to regulate artificial intelligence but there is bipartisan support to take action.

Read: Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer seeks input from Pulse survivors, victims families on permanent memorial

Because women who are victims of such a disturbing thing whether its real, or fake or deepfake, they ought to get justice in this country at the federal and state level, said Rep. Nancy Mace, R - South Carolina.

And no laws exist to stop other malicious actors from reposting the material again, said Rep. Gerry Connolly, D  Virginia.

Some attorneys also told lawmakers that any future laws regulating AI should be specific.

We need to hit the target directly otherwise we risk creating law that is unconstitutional, and an unconstitutional law will protect no Americans, said Carl Szabo, NetChoice.

Read: NASA to send cosmic message in a bottle on mission to Jupiter

There are already some efforts to try to address the rise in AI content on Capitol Hill.

The Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act would prohibit the non-consensual disclosure of digitally altered intimate images. It would also make the sharing of these images a criminal offense and creates a pathway for victims to seek relief.

Another proposal, the AI Labeling Act, would require clear labeling and disclosures for videos and photos created by artificial intelligence or interacting with an AI chatbot.

These efforts are sponsored by Congressmen Tom Kean, Jr. and Joe Morelle of New Jersey. During a recent press conference, they were joined by Dorota and Francesca Mani.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
By the time Nicholas Winton died in 2015 at the ripe age of 106, the former London stockbroker and self-proclaimed ordinary man had been widely recognized for his extraordinary deeds  rescuing 669 Jewish children from the Nazis, saving them from certain death.

But for most of his life, Wintons rescue of those children from Czechoslovakia on the eve of World War II, bringing them to safety in Britain, was unknown to the public. His story was revealed dramatically on the BBC show Thats Life! in 1988, which introduced him, in an emotional surprise, to some of the very people hed saved. Tears were shed and a fuss was made over this unfussy man. He was dubbed the British Schindler, and knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003.

Even if you didnt know Anthony Hopkins was starring in One Life, the straightforward yet still moving new drama based on Wintons tale, youd be forgiven for assuming it the minute you learned Winton was a modest and quiet elderly man, keeping much to himself. Hopkins can play such a character in his sleep.

What hes truly great at, though, is that moment when he finally lets the wall around him crumble and shows what hes been feeling all along. Yes, this happens in One Life, and yes, you'll likely be wiping tears along with him. The emotional payoff takes a while to arrive, but once it does in the last act of this film, youll have a hard time forgetting Hopkins face.

Holocaust-themed movies are crucial but notoriously tricky ventures. At Sundays Oscars, Jonathan Glazers The Zone of Interest was honored for a hugely inventive approach, illustrating the banality of Nazi evil in its chilling portrayal of an Auschwitz commandants family life right outside the camp wall. One Life, directed with efficiency by James Hawes, takes a much more traditional approach, telling its story in flashback with dialogue that sometimes borders on the overly expository, but with a lovely cast and a story that begs to be told.

Hopkins is the key draw, but Johnny Flynn, the talented actor-musician, has the difficult task of channeling Hopkins as a younger man (the filmmakers chose to shoot the Hopkins scenes first, so that Flynn could then build the connective tissue between the two, something he does admirably.) And its a lot more than 50 years that separate the two versions of Winton. Its the war itself. The events with younger Winton took place in 1939, as the Nazis were marching across Europe but two years before they began implementing their so-called Final Solution, the mass murder of European Jews. The elder Winton knew exactly what became of all those children he couldn't bring to safety, and you can see it in his eyes here.

We first meet the elder Winton at home in Maidenhead, a town in southeast England. Its 1987, and hes staring at faded photos of children from the war. He spends his days involved in local charity work. He cant seem to get rid of all the clutter in his study, despite the pleadings of his wife, Grete (Lena Olin), who tells him: You have to let go, for your own sake. Hes still trying to figure out what to do with a frayed leather briefcase, which contains a precious scrapbook full of war memories.

We flash back to 1939 London, when 29-year-old Nicky, as hes known, who is of Jewish descent but has been raised as a Christian, resolves to leave the comfortable home he lives in with his mother, Babi (Helena Bonham Carter), to travel to Prague. He aims to help with the growing crisis caused by the influx of refugees from the Sudetenland region just annexed by Germany; he and others fear (correctly) that the Nazis will soon invade and send the Jewish refugees to camps.

In Prague, he finds desperate families and starving children, like a 12-year-old girl caring for an infant who has lost its parents. We have to move the children, he tells his colleagues. They say the task is too daunting. He persists, convincing a local rabbi to give him lists of children to begin the process (Im putting their lives in your hands, the rabbi tells him.) Upon his return to London, aided by his spirited mother, he embarks on a furious race against time and government bureaucracy to obtain visas for the children and raise awareness in the media. The process takes time, an official says. We dont have time, he replies.

Somehow, he manages to get the transports going, meeting the trains in London, where children are matched with foster families. (The most moving scenes in the film, until the emotional crescendo at the end, are departure scenes in Prague, with children saying goodbye to parents who must surely sense theyll never see them again).

As the film toggles between 1939 and 1987-88, we learn that Winton managed to get eight trains of children out but not a ninth, with 250 children who were turned back once the Nazis invaded, a loss he keeps buried inside. That is, until he he meets a Holocaust researcher who happens to be married to news magnate Robert Maxwell.

That meeting ultimately leads to the climax in the television studio, faithfully recreated by Hawes, who actually once worked on that very BBC show. The scene is doubly poignant given the knowledge that some of the background actors in the studio that day were actual family members of those Winton saved. There was not a dry eye on the set floor, the director has said.

Thats not difficult to believe.

One Life, a Bleecker Street release, has been rated PG by the Motion Picture Association for thematic material, smoking and some language. Running time: 110 minutes. Three stars out of four.
Protesters in favour of assisted dying at a march in London - TOLGA AKMEN/AFP

MPs will discuss assisted dying next month amid a major push for a change in the law.

The House of Commons will hold a debate on April 29 after more than 100,000 people signed a petition calling for new legislation.

However, there will be no vote at the end as no legislation has yet been put forward.

Earlier this week Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer pledged to make parliamentary time available for a change in the law if he wins the next general election.

By convention, such legislation would not be introduced by ministers but by backbench MPs, and would only have a chance of passing if enough time was granted for it to be discussed.

The issue has gained a renewed focus since Dame Esther Rantzen, the former Thats Life presenter, revealed she had joined Dignitas after being diagnosed with late-stage cancer.

Dame Esther Rantzen has backed calls for MPs to be given a free vote on the issue - Rii Schroer

The debate in April will be opened by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, a member of the petitions committee.

A minister will be called on to close the debate, possibly giving some indication of the governments position.

The petition which sparked the upcoming debate said: Terminally ill people who are mentally sound and near the end of their lives should not suffer unbearably against their will.

However, Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, has refused to give the same assurance by Sir Keir that time would be set aside for a vote.

Aid in dying

Assisted dying is banned in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.

French President Emmanuel Macron this week announced new legislation that would legalise aid in dying.

If passed, it would allow French doctors to prescribe a lethal substance to people suffering from a limited number of incurable illnesses.

The Isle of Man and Jersey, both crown dependencies, could also soon legalise assisted dying for their residents.

It is legal for doctors to help certain people end their lives in several European countries, as well as in Canada and some US states.

Dignitas premises near Zurich in Switzerland - AFP

Since 1998, more than 500 people from the UK have travelled to Dignitas, in Switzerland, to end their lives.

A Commons Health and Social Care Committee report, published last month, said the UK government must be actively involved in discussions over what to do if Jersey or the Isle of Man legalise assisted dying.

The committee heard evidence from former Labour MP Dame Joan Ruddock, who revealed she had been prepared to smother her husband to end his life after his pain became unbearable.

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Two bills aiming to regulate how the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce raises or collects funds from the Dixie National Rodeo and the Agriculture and Forestry Museum have moved forward in the Mississippi Legislature.

The only problem? MDAC Commissioner Andy Gipson believes the proposed laws would take away his ability to effectively fundraise from private donors, obtain sponsorships or even put on festivities at the Mississippi State Fair Grounds or at the agriculture museum, as well as other local events. The bills would also place any private dollars into the hands of lawmakers for final approval, Gipson said.

I have already been contacted by the main Dixie National Rodeo and State Fair sponsors, as well as by dozens of other event promoters who are adamantly opposed to these bills," Gipson said Tuesday in a written complaint to lawmakers. "They see this as a money-grab by the Legislature; a true attempt to confiscate their voluntary private sponsorship dollars by the State. The result of this legislation will either be diminished investment in the Mississippi State Fairgrounds and the Agriculture and Forestry Museum, or an increase in taxpayer dollars going toward those facilities instead of private sector dollars. Both outcomes are unnecessary. Past legislatures have created laws and policies for the Fairgrounds and Museum to operate under state control but in the mode of a business to save taxpayer dollars.

Both pieces of legislation, House Bill 1357 and Senate Bill 2631 have passed on to be considered by the other chamber.

Mississippi Republican Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson, thanks supporters at a watch party for fellow Republican Gov. Tate Reeves, in Flowood, Miss., Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. Gipson is actively opposing two pieces of legislation could hurt Mississippi State Fair, Dixie Nation Rodeo.

On Monday, Rep. Henry Zuber, R- Ocean Springs, presented HB 1357 and it passed 110-4 with almost no discussion related to the bill from his fellow lawmakers.

Essentially, the bill would remove Gipson's right to automatically increase his department's overall budget by taking away an escalation clause within the MDAC's framework. It would also require that any money dedicated to MDAC from the rodeo or the museum in private funds be "appropriate" and approved by lawmakers.

On Tuesday, the Mississippi Senate passed a similar bill to bring Gipson's fundraising into line with other state agencies that need approval from lawmakers before spending funds on festivities such as the state fair and the rodeo. That bill would also concretely define the location of the state fair every year.

Sen. Briggs Hopson, R-Vicksburg, presented the bill and told lawmakers he had even spoken to Gipson about his concerns, but that he feels MDAC still needs more legislative oversight when it comes to spending money. That bill passed 48-3.

Lawmakers pass Jackson Water takeover MS Senate passes bill that would allow state take over of Jackson water and sewer

Gipson, who released his own thoughts on both bills Tuesday, said he hopes others will express their own disapproval of the bill and be in favor of what he said is the right way to raise and manage funds on state festivities, which should not include state oversight on private donations or sponsorships.

All of our great livestock shows and horse shows would be at risk, plus any Trade Mart, Fordice Equine Center and Coliseum events," Gipson said. "I do not believe our Legislators really want to jeopardize the future of the Mississippi State Fairgrounds and Ag Museum.

Both bills have been sent to the other chamber for further consideration. For either to move further along, they will need to be passed out of committee by April 2.

See what lawmakers are up to this week The W merger with Mississippi State University proposal dead in the Senate

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: Mississippi State Fair funding could be decided by legislature, not MDAC
MARQUETTE, Mich. (WJMN)  Several prison cell fires and staff assaults this week at the Marquette Branch Prison have been reported by the Michigan Department of Corrections.

The Marquette Branch Prison is one of five maximum-security prisons in the state.

According to the MDOCs Public Information Officer Kyle Kaminski, several attacks on staff and three fires started by prisoners in their cells happened before a more serious incident Wednesday afternoon.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

In the early evening hours of March 13th, Kaminski said multiple prisoners in solitary confinement again started fires in their cells. Surrounding cells were evacuated and the fires were extinguished without significant damage.

Two employees and one prisoner were taken to the local hospital for smoke inhalation. The employees have since been released, but the prisoner is still hospitalized.

Two cells were temporarily taken out of use, but the units are otherwise still operational.

After the incident, the some of the evacuated prisoners were resistant to going back to their cells. Kaminski said they spoke out against being moved back and made threats to staff, but did not say any physical assault happened at that time.

Over a dozen more staff members were called to the unit. After that, Kaminski said all prisoners were returned to their cells without incident.

As of Thursday afternoon, the Marquette Branch Prison is under restricted prisoner movement protocol in the affected units.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJMN - UPMatters.com.
MUNCIE, Ind.  The woman who pioneered the remaking of Muncie Community Schools, in partnership with its school board and Ball State University, is leaving the school district she rescued.

Lee Ann Kwiatkowski, Muncie's director of public education and CEO, is retiring as the top executive of public school system at the end of this school year.

Associate Superintendent Chuck Reynolds, a longtime district administrator, will succeed her when she officially leaves June 30.

The school board unanimously voted Tuesday to make Reynolds the new top executive for the school district. He is a Muncie native and a Southside High School graduate, who was once band director for Southside and oversaw five first-place finishes at the Indiana State Fair band contest for the Rebels.

Chuck Reynolds, associate superintendent of Muncie Community Schools, will become the CEO and director of education at the end of June with the retirement of Lee Ann Kwiatkowski.

This decision was incredibly difficult for me, Kwiatkowski said. I have grown to love the people of Muncie, and Im very proud of all weve accomplished at Muncie Community Schools in the last five years, but my family is ready for me to be located closer to them.

Kwiatkowski has three children and four young grandchildren in the Indianapolis area, and according to a press release from the school, she plans to spend much more time with all of them while also beginning a new position as vice president of Klipsch Educators College and Innovation in K-12 Education at Marian University.

"She has given more than she has taken every step of the way," school board President Jim Williams said as he announced Kwiatkowski's decision to leave.

Kwiatkowski agreed, after being asked by the board, to help with the transition.

Im especially happy that the school board has asked me to remain as an advisor to the district so I can assist Chuck as he transitions to the CEO position. Hes going to do a fantastic job," Kwiatkowski said in the press release.

More: West View Elementary adds nine classrooms, new administrative offices and health clinic

Known across the community as "Dr. K," Kwiatkowski was hired by the school board in July 2019 in the months following the Indiana General Assembly handing control of the public school system over to BSU. MCS was in a deep financial crisis with poor academic test scores. Enrollment issues followed. In 2018 more than 100 students expected to graduate chose to leave the school without diplomas.

Kwiatkowski said the school system is back on its feet financially and noted the starting teacher salary today is $51,000 annually, compared with $36,000 when she arrived in Muncie, and she also said the school district was $9 million in the red in 2019, and today it is $33 million in the black.

Lee Ann Kwiatkowski, Muncie Community Schools CEO and director of education, stands with a local family she was helping do some back-to school shopping in 2020 as part of the Back-to-School Heroes and Helpers program. "Dr. K" is retiring as CEO at the end of the school year.

"Dr. K's leadership and service was truly extraordinary," Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns said. "She built strong relationships and established collective creditability in the community."

Mearns said many in the community were understandably concerned about what the novel arrangement between the university and the public schools would mean for their children and families. She overcame all that and built trust with Muncie.

Kwiatkowski said that she frequently meets with Mearns to discuss the issues in the schools. She was serving as am education advisor to Gov. Eric Holcomb when she took the job at Muncie Community Schools.

The university president said Reynolds will be a great replacement because of his history and knowledge of Muncie, and he has had the opportunity to work closely with Kwiatkowski in recent years.

More: City Connects links MCS students to services, activities and stability

During the school board meeting, Williams said the school district is now financially stable, enrollment is growing and "academically we are moving in the right direction."

Kwiatkowski gave much of the credit to the people in Muncie, saying that she has never seen a community be as supportive of its schools as Muncie has been.

Reynolds, who began his career in Grant County at Eastbrook Community Schools in 1998 came to Muncie schools in 2000 and served in administrative roles in addition to his time as band director at Southside.

In 2005, he left the Muncie schools to take a position in Richmond Community Schools. He was brought back to Muncie as an administrator after the partnership with Ball State was established but before Kwiatkowski came on board.

Reynolds, who continued to live in Muncie after taking the job in Richmond, said he was surprised when he returned to Muncie schools and saw that so many of the teachers he had work with were gone.

More: MCS to begin periodic security checks of those entering Central, middle schools

He said the unique partnership with Ball State has been tremendously successful and enrollment is growing and elementary schools in Muncie are full. While academics have improved, there is still more improvement to be made.

Working next to Kwiatkowski, Reynolds appeared to be the natural choice to follow her into the top spot. Williams told his fellow school board members Tuesday that it was time enact the "succession plan."

But "Dr. K" said she will still make herself available to help.

"There is a purple part of my heart now that will always be purple," she said.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Change in leadership coming to Muncie schools this summer
kit kat

Britains biggest investor is demanding that Nestle sells fewer chocolate bars amid worries over the public health impact of the Swiss food giants products.

Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM), which looks after around 1.2 trillion of savers money, is seeking to toughen up health targets set by the Swiss food giant as part of an ethical compliance drive.

It has thrown its weight behind a campaign led by the activist group ShareAction to heap pressure on the Kit Kat, Aero and Smarties maker.

Together with fellow asset managers Candriam and La Francaise, they have filed a resolution ahead of Nestles annual general meeting in April, urging its board to set new targets for sales of healthier products and warning over the potential public health impact of unhealthy foods.

Maria Larsson Ortino, senior global environmental, social and governance (ESG) manager at LGIM, said it came after talks between the investment fund and Nestle on healthy food stalled.

She said: We feel theyve come to an impasse in the sense that were not getting any further when it specifically comes to the target setting with Nestle, hence we felt that we need to use another tool in our shareholders toolbox.

Confectionery accounts for almost 10pc of Nestle's business - Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg

Nestle has launched a raft of healthier products in recent years, including a Simple version of Shreddies with just four ingredients. It has also reduced the sugar and salt content in many of its well known brands including San Pellegrino drinks and Maggi instant noodles.

However, new healthier launches have not always gone to plan: the slimmed down Shreddies were ditched by Nestle after just one year on the market.

Nestle last September vowed to increase sales from what it called more nutritious products by 50pc by 2030, following a Financial Times report in 2021 which said Nestle had acknowledged a significant portion of its products would not meet a recognised definition of health in an internal presentation circulated among executives.

Story continues

However, LGIM argued last October that because Nestles commitment was broadly in line with the companys growth predictions, there might be no improvement in the impact of the food it sells on public health if sales of unhealthier products also increased at a similar rate.

Nestle is the worlds biggest food manufacturer, with revenues of 93bn Swiss Francs (82bn) in 2023.

Confectionery accounts for almost 10pc of its business, accounting for 8.1bn Swiss Francs (7.2bn) in 2023 revenues.

Milk products and ice creams accounted for around 12pc of its business, worth 11bn Swiss Francs (9.8bn).

Ms Ortino said: We are not saying that they should divest from their confectionary business at all, and I think weve made it very clear to them.

Last year LGIM asked McDonald's to sign up to World Health Organisation guidelines on antibiotics - Paul Thomas/Bloomberg Finance

It marks the latest in a series of resolutions on environmental and ethical matters filed by LGIM.

Last year it called on the board of ExxonMobil to disclose the cost of transitioning to new green targets, and asked McDonalds to sign up to World Health Organisation guidelines on antibiotics amid growing fears over antimicrobial resistance.

It comes despite a backlash against ESG-focused investing and the concept of social purpose in business more widely.

Prominent city figures such as Terry Smith, the founder of Fundsmith, have argued businesses should focus on making money instead.

ESG funds suffered their largest outflows on record in 2023, as investors pulled a net 2.4bn from them last year, according to global funds network Calastone.

However, Ms Ortino said: We see [ESG] as a financial materiality, that is why were looking at this. Its not for a good feeling that were doing it or because our clients are only interested in ethical issues or anything like that.

What we are concerned about is very much the long-term resilience of LGIM, and the companies in which we are investors on behalf of our clients. And I think excluding ESG from that is negative for the bottom line.

A Nestle spokesman called the filing of the resolution disappointing and counterproductive.

He said: ShareAction are targeting the wrong company. We are already moving and more would be accomplished by asking other firms to level up.

We disagree with the notion that we should aim to limit growth in specific areas of our portfolio. A proportional target is counterproductive to our value creation model. It would require us to weaken valuable parts of our portfolio, creating opportunities for competitors without yielding public health benefits.

The assertion that three quarters of our sales come from unhealthy products is wrong. We have made progress already in year one of our reporting, with more nutritious and specialised nutrition products going from 57pc to 59pc of global sales.

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GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WBTW)  The Childrens Recovery Center in Myrtle Beach, recently opened a second location in Georgetown.

The center works to advocate for abused children. The new location opened its doors in February and is already serving many victims.

The center advocates for about 400 kids every year. Since 2015, the center said its seen a 30% increase in cases and kids speaking out.

I think thats a good thing because I think the kids are getting the message that its ok to tell if something has happened to them and were having more kids disclose about abuse than we ever have, Louise Carson, the executive director for the center said.

The center advocates for children who have experienced sexual or physical abuse. Kids are referred to the center by police, the Department of Social Services, or medical professionals.

Carson said theyve wanted to expand for about five years to serve the Georgetown community.

She says the average age of children theyve seen who have been sexually abused is nine years old, but she said abuse can go beyond that.

To punish their children by not feeding them and you know keeping them locked in a room sometimes, Carson said. Weve seen it all. Weve seen head to toe.

The center is the only advocacy program along the Grand Strand for kids who have experienced abuse. Carson said the center is able to conduct forensic medical exams, recorded forensic interviews, and offer therapy.

Carson said the Georgetown expansion was crucial, so more kids and teens know this resource is available.

Because these were children who were brought into this world, Carson said. And for whatever reason no one has advocated for them and so they need that, they need to know that theyre ok and theyre going to be ok.

Carson said theyve already seen more cases so far this year than this time last year.

She said the need is present in Georgetown and the center received 15 referral requests one day after it opened.

She added speaking up about abuse is not easy, especially for kids.

They are the real heroes in this story because they come here, and they are resilient and theyre children and they want to talk, and they want to heal, Carson said.

Carson said she looks forward to working with other Georgetown non-profits to tackle child abuse.

* * *

Adrianna Lawrence is a multimedia journalist at News13. Adrianna is originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and joined the News13 team in June 2023 after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2023. Keep up with Adrianna on Instagram, Facebook, and X, formerly Twitter. You can also read more of her work, here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
North Korea leader Kim Jong Un drove a "new-type main battle tank" while overseeing military training exercises, state media said Thursday, as Seoul and Washington wrap joint drills to improve deterrence.

Wearing a black leather jacket, Kim saluted ranks of camouflage-uniformed troops, and watched live-fire "training march" exercises from a field command post, flanked by top generals, images published by state media showed.

After he reviewed the tank crews, Kim "mounted a new-type main battle tank, seized the control lever and drove the tank himself", the official Korean Central News Agency reported.

The KCNA report comes as Seoul and Washington hold the final day of their annual Freedom Shield exercises -- involving missile interception drills and air assault, among others.

The nuclear-armed North has long condemned joint US-South Korea military drills, calling them rehearsals for an invasion. It has carried out weapons tests in the past as a response to previous joint exercises of this nature.

Kim "expressed great satisfaction over the fact that the new-type main battle tank successfully demonstrated its very excellent striking power", the KCNA report said.

The North Korean leader also stressed the "importance of the role and duty of tankmen in modern warfare", as well as the "need to organize intensive exercises simulating an actual war".

Pyongyang last week warned that the South and the United States would pay a "dear price" over the Freedom Shield drills, and later announced that Kim had guided a large-scale artillery drill involving a unit that it said was capable of striking the South Korean capital.

On Wednesday, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik visited the headquarters of the army's Special Warfare Command during the ongoing Washington-Seoul drills, which involved "mastering advanced combat skills".

This included "clearing operations" inside North Korea's "key facilities" in case of an attack by Pyongyang.

"If Kim Jong Un wages war, you should become the world's strongest special warfare unit that quickly removes the enemy's leadership," Shin said during the visit.

So far this year, the North has declared South Korea its "principal enemy", jettisoned agencies dedicated to reunification and outreach, and threatened war over "even 0.001 mm" of territorial infringement.

cdl/ceb/aha
Anyone There?

One of NASA's latest probes is carrying on the grand tradition of blasting humanity's message out to the cosmos  and this one's searching for life outside of our pale blue dot.

As Gizmodo reports, the space agency has recruited a nonprofit specializing in research and design for future interstellar messaging to assist in its quest not only to find whether Jupiter's icy moon Europa harbors the conditions for life, but also to communicate with anyone or anything that may come across the craft, too.

That nonprofit, named METI International after its "Messages to Extraterrestrial Intelligence" concept, told Gizmodo that the Europa Clipper mission was a "natural match" for its organization.

"METIs earliest contribution to the project draws on the science of linguistics, which identifies the major families of languages on Earth," METI founder and president Douglas Vakoch told the website in an email. "This let us identify a broadly representative sampling of languages to feature on the message plate."

In a commemorative plate mounted onto the roughly-triangular probe, NASA has inscribed a handwritten version of "In Praise of Mystery: A Poem for Europa," which was penned by US Poet Laureate Ada Limon specifically for the mission.

The craft also contains a far-out etching of a bottle surrounded by rings  a reference to the agency's "Message in a Bottle" campaign, which urged the public to send their names to be included on the probe. In a microchip at the bottle's center, more than 2.6 million names were stenciled using an electron beam at NASA and CalTech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

https://twitter.com/Gizmodo/status/1767276347490230662

Alien Formula

One of the mission's coolest communiques, however, is on the other side of the craft. With METI's help, NASA compiled recordings of people saying the word "water" in 103 global languages and converted them into visual waveforms. Those waveforms were then etched onto the probe in a beautiful starburst design, with the American Sign Language symbol for water resting at its center.

In a nod to our species' own quest to find intelligent life, NASA also included the "Drake equation," named after revered astronomer Frank Drake, who in 1961 developed a formula to try to determine how many advanced civilizations may be out there.

Ultimately, as Vokoch explains, the Europa Clipper's message is more of a time capsule of sorts for future humans than its predecessors sent out on the Pioneer and Voyager missions.

"The more we developed the various parts of the message to be attached to the Europa Clipper," the METI founder told Gizmodo, "the clearer it became that none of these could be interpreted if they were discovered by someone who wasnt already familiar with the contents."

Whether discovered by alien civilizations or by future humans, the Europa Clipper's "message in a bottle" may not make sense to anyone who may find it  but ultimately, as its collaborator says, that's beside the point.

More on extraterrestrial life: Scientists Check Whether Space Telescope Could Detect Life on Earth
NASA engineers are acting as detectives to resolve a communication issue with the Voyager 1 spacecraft, one of the space agency's 46-year-old twin spacecraft zooming through interstellar space.

Voyager 1 and 2 launched in 1977 a few weeks apart, taking advantage of a 176-year planetary alignment to take a grand tour of all four giant outer planets  Neptune, Uranus, Saturn and Jupiter. The spacecraft missions have continued decades after those final planet flybys, eventually entering interstellar space.

Voyager 1 is more than 15.1 billion miles from Earth, and in mid-November, the spacecraft began sending back nonsense computer code instead of science data.

VOYAGER 1 AND 2 CONTINUE OFFERING NEW MYSTERIES FROM INTERSTELLAR SPACE

"It looked like it was just sending back what was the equivalent of just a single tone, you could think about, like a dial tone," Voyager Program scientist Linda Spilker said. "It had gone from sending back useful information, all those ones and zeros turning into data, to now just sort of being stuck sort of in a repetitive loop of ones and zeros and no longer basically communicating with us."

NASA engineers have honed in on one of three computers on the spacecraft, known as the Flight Data System (FDS), as the cause behind the communication problem. The FDS is returning unusable data from the telemetry modulation unit (TMU).

"Its role is to basically collect all of the data from the science instruments and the spacecraft, package them all neatly up and send them back to the Earth," Spilker said of the FDS.

These two systems work in tandem to get science and engineering data back to Earth from 15 billion miles away.

Troubleshooting an issue with a spacecraft traveling through interstellar space is complicated. It takes about 22.5 hours for a message from Earth to reach the spacecraft and another 22.5 hours for a response back to Earth. The Voyagers were also constructed before the digital age.

Spilker said this combination makes the problem-solving effort multifaceted. Circuit diagrams for the FDS computer are posted in a room at JPL covered with sticky notes as engineers search through paper notes and contact retired Voyager engineers.

NASA REESTABLISHES CONTACT WITH VOYAGER 2 LOCATED MORE THAN 12 BILLION MILES FROM EARTH

About once a week, Spilker said a team of engineers "sit down and think about what we can try next." After carefully creating and checking the plan, a command or a "poke" is sent to Voyager in hopes of fixing the corrupted section of the computer. Then, they wait two days to find out if it worked.

"The waiting in between is hard. That's for sure," Spilker said.

On Wednesday, NASA shared hopeful news that the Voyager team saw different activity on one section of the FDS but still not in the correct format. However, an engineer with NASA's Deep Space Network  a network of radio antennas to communicate with Voyagers and other spacecraft  was able to decode the signal and discovered a readout of the entire FDS memory.

This could be the breadcrumb Voyager's engineering team needs to get the spacecraft to speak the correct language again.

"The FDS memory includes its code, or instructions for what to do, as well as variables, or values used in the code that can change based on commands or the spacecrafts status. It also contains science or engineering data for downlink," NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory wrote in a blog post. "The team will compare this readout to the one that came down before the issue arose and look for discrepancies in the code and the variables to potentially find the source of the ongoing issue."

This isnt the first scare for either spacecraft. Another issue with garbled data for Voyager 1 in 2022 was fixed over several months. In 1981, the team experienced a similar communication issue to the current problem.

Last year, an incorrect command sent Voyager 2 pointing away from Earth, unable to send back data. Teams were able to send a patch and reorient the spacecraft.

Spilker and the rest of the Voyager team are used to bumps on this long road. However, it's worth it because the twin interstellar explorers are still collecting valuable data.

Voyager 1 crossed the heliopause 11 years ago, and what it continues to send back is reshaping what scientists know about the interstellar medium. Eventually, future spacecraft missions traveling even farther from the Sun's influence will benefit from lessons learned from the Voyager missions.

"It's just really an amazing story to think that two spacecraft are still operating after 46 years and having basically flown through the outer solar system  the entire heliosphere, across the heliopause, now on out into interstellar space," Spilker said.

With the latest clue in this case, Voyager engineers are devising their next plan of action to help the spacecraft start sending back data from 15 billion miles from Earth.





Original article source: NASA engineers have renewed hope to fix hobbled Voyager 1 after interstellar space data outage
The National Weather Service issued a forecast that includes thunderstorms and possible tornadoes for the Columbus area beginning the afternoon of Thursday, March 14, 2024. The predictions come just weeks after the Feb. 28, 2024 storms that saw at least nine tornadoes tear through parts of the Central Ohio.

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather warning for the Columbus area and other parts of Central Ohio.

Storms are expected to begin this afternoon and carry into the evening with damaging winds and large hail serving as the most considerable threats, the NWS in Wilmington said. Isolated tornadoes are also possible.

As the storm moved into Ohio early Thursday afternoon it weakened and will likely continue to do so, but the threat of isolated large hail, damaging wind gusts and a possible tornado remains, according to the NWS in Wilmington.

The storms are expected to move into the Columbus area beginning at 5 p.m. and continue through midnight. Heavy rains and localized flooding are expected.

Counties included in the warning are:

Wayne, Fayette, Union, Franklin, Hardin, Mercer, Auglaize, Darke, Shelby, Logan, Delaware, Miami, Champaign, Clark, Madison, Preble, Montgomery, Greene, Butler, Warren and Clinton.

[135 PM] Storm update - the line of storms has progressed into western Ohio but has weakened in the past hour. Still cannot rule out localized strong/damaging wind gust as this line passes. Remain weather aware! pic.twitter.com/jxuAAJSouB  NWS Wilmington OH (@NWSILN) March 14, 2024

Tornado predictions come weeks after 9 struck Central Ohio

The forecast including hail and tornadoes comes weeks after the Feb. 28 storms that tore through several Central Ohio counties in the Columbus area.

The storms resulted in no deaths, but left a wake of damaged homes, vehicles and garages along with splintered and downed trees. The NWS confirmed that at least nine tornadoes struck the region.

What's the difference between tornado watches and warnings

While the NWS hasn't issued thunderstorm or tornado watches or warnings as of Thursday morning, it's important to understand the difference in urgency between the two distinctions.

A tornado watch means tornadoes are possible in areas that often include large parts of several counties or states.

If a tornado watch is issued, it's a good time to review emergency plans, check supplies and decide the safest place for you to go in the event that the storm gets worse. Ensure your phones are charged and have a plan to act quickly should the watch become a warning.

A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or is indicated by weather radar.

A warning means theres imminent danger to life and property in the warning area, and you should immediately move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and avoid windows.

More: Severe weather: What are the differences between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?

What to do if your power goes out

You can check local outage maps for AEP or the Columbus Division of Power online. Also, Ready.gov, a website run by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has a few tips:

Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.

Use a generator, but only outdoors and away from windows.

Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.

Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.

Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.

Charge devices beforehand

More: Thursday storms: how to check AEP outage map in central Ohio during high wind, hailstorm

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus forecast: Storm weakens but severe weather threat remains
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  They sit in silence, passed by thousands each and every day. Grassy mounds off Moores Lane at Primm Park are literally stacked up history.

There was a huge village here, explained Tom Kunesh with the Tennessee Ancient Sites Conservancy, describing the history of the Fewkes Group Archaeological Site.

These mounds built a thousand years ago were the center of life for the Yuchi people during what is known as the Mississippian period, hundreds of years before America was discovered.

Push to preserve 250-year-old Walton Oak in Sumner County

Yuchi, who are considered the oldest known language group, tribal group in the state of Tennessee, the word Tennessee, tennasi, comes from the Yuchi, said Kunesh.

(Photo: WKRN)

(Photo: WKRN)

(Photo: WKRN)

As the president of the Tennessee Ancient Sites Conservancy and his mother a member of the Lakota tribe, Kunesh works to ensure these sites will never be disturbed.

Where we see a mound, he sees a sacred site.

Urban development uncovering, disrupting indigenous graves

As a temple mound, this would be a large, and such a large mound, this would be a large village site, so not only does it have like a cathedral here, and such a cathedral that there would be, there are smaller mounds around, so that would be important people sites, and it means that this was big, that there was a lot of agriculture growing around here and a lot of people doing agriculture, he said.

But unbridled development has robbed living ancestors of a legacy that can never be reclaimed.

Along Browns Creek by itself in Nashville, there were over 6,000 burials in stone box graves found and destroyed, wiped out, explained Kunesh.

Hidden Tennessee | Discover some of the Volunteer States best-kept secrets

The mounds not yet been destroyed, scattered around this area, are sacred and a visit to these treasures hidden in plain site just may take you on a spiritual adventure into a distant almost forgotten past, if you let it.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
The death of sixteen-year-old Nex Benedict, whose mother is a tribal citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, has been ruled suicide according to a medical examiner's report.

According to The Oklahoman, a summary autopsy report concluded the 16-year-old died from diphenhydramine and fluoxetine toxicity. The medical examiner ruled the teen died by suicide. The full report will be released in about ten business days.

Nex, who identified as non-binary and used he/they pronouns, died on February 8, one day after a physical altercation in a girls bathroom at an Owasso, Okla. high school. Their death captured attention around the globe, galvanizing LGBTQ+ advocacy, anti-bullying messaging, and debates about anti-transgender legislation.





Nex faced bullying for their gender identity, according to their grandmother and guardian, Sue Benedict. Body cam footage released last month shows Nex in the emergency room, where they were being examined after their head was hit on the ground during the aforementioned altercation. Nex can be heard telling the officer that three girls were making fun of the way Nex and their friends dressed. Nex says they poured water on the girls, and then all three physically attacked him.

Nex was released from the hospital, but just 24 hours later, Sue called 911 to report that the teen was having difficulty breathing, with their eyes rolling in the back of their head and their hands clenching. Emergency medical crews performed CPR on Nex and transported them to an area hospital. Nex was pronounced dead around 3:30 p.m., according to The Oklahoman. '

Suicide rates for Native American youth are four times higher than any other group in the United States.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.

If you are an LGBTQ young person in crisis, feeling suicidal or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call the TrevorLifeline now at 1-866-488-7386 or the Rainbow Youth Project at 1-317-643-4888.

About the Author: "Elyse Wild is senior editor for Native News Online and Tribal Business News. "

Contact: ewild@indiancountrymedia.com
(Bloomberg) -- NATO countries must boost their military aid to Ukraine, the head of the alliance urged, as Kyivs forces struggle to hold the line against a fresh Russian advance.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Ukrainians are not running out of courage, they are running out of ammunition, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters in Brussels on Thursday. Together we have the capacity to provide Ukraine with what it needs, now we need to show the political will to do so.

All allies need to dig deep and deliver quickly, every day of delay has real consequences on the battlefield in Ukraine, Stoltenberg added as he presented the alliances annual report. He said that two-thirds of member nations will meet the blocs overall spending target this year.

Authorities in Kyiv have been pressing for a steady supply of ammunition and other weapons to fend off the invaders. Ukraines top diplomat said Wednesday that badly needed ammunition stocks being collected through a Czech-led initiative will begin arriving on the front line in the foreseeable future, rather than months.

Stoltenbergs remarks come after US President Joe Biden slammed Donald Trump last month for suggesting he would allow Russia to attack members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization that under-spent, calling the remarks dangerous and un-American.

The prospect of Trumps return to the White House has triggered increased talk among allies about what Europe could do to ensure the US is invested in transatlantic security. With Russian President Vladimir Putins expansionist ambitions apparent, European officials have started warning about the prospect of an attack on NATO within the next few years.

This year, two-thirds of allies will meet the 2% target, up from just three allies in 2014 when we agreed the defense investment pledge, Stoltenberg said in a reference to NATO nations goal to spend 2% of their budgets on the sector.

He said that 2023 was the ninth consecutive year of increased defense investment across Europe and Canada, with spending rising by an unprecedented 11%. This year, NATO allies in Europe will invest a total $470 billion in defense, amounting to 2% of their combined GDP for the first time, Stoltenberg said.

Stoltenberg said last month that a record 18 NATO countries out of the then-31 members were expected to meet the alliances defense spending goal this year. Sweden became the 32nd member earlier this month and Finland last year.

New countries to meet NATOs target on defense spending last year included Denmark and Hungary.

Polish President Andrzej Duda has called for NATO member states to raise the minimum level of defense spending to 3% of economic output. Warsaw is seeking reinforcement of the alliances eastern flank in the face of Russias war in Ukraine, Polands neighbor.

Russias annexation of Crimea in 2014 that year prompted countries to start reversing a trend of scaled-back spending following the end of the Cold War. That drastically accelerated since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, most notably in Germany, which chronically underspent.

--With assistance from Zoe Schneeweiss and Slav Okov.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
NATO and China held their eighth annual military staff talks on March 13 in Beijing, where the two delegations discussed global and regional security issues, including Russia's war against Ukraine.

The talks occurred as China begins joint naval exercises with Russia and Iran in the Gulf of Oman, and NATO conducts its largest military drills in decades.

The NATO delegation was headed by Major General Dacian-Tiberiu Serban, director of the cooperative security division. The leader of China's delegation was Major General Yao Qin, deputy director of the office for international military cooperation.

According to a NATO press briefing, the delegates discussed "the global and regional security landscapes, with emphasis on Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine."

Beijing has maintained close ties with Moscow during its full-scale war against Ukraine, increasing economic cooperation and disrupting Western attempts at isolating Russia. China has also weighed in on possible peace negotiations, saying talks must include Moscow.

No details were released as to the content of the staff talks.

"Both sides agreed on the value of continued engagement," the NATO press release said.

Read also: The Invisible War: Inside the electronic warfare arms race that could shape course of war in Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg speaks during a press conference on Annual Report of 2023. -/NATO/dpa

NATO countries are not providing Ukraine with enough ammunition and its forces are running out, the alliance's secretary general told reporters at a press conference in Brussels on Thursday.

"The Ukrainians are not running out of courage. They are running out of ammunition," Jens Stoltenberg said. Later in the press conference, he added, "NATO allies are not providing Ukraine with enough ammunition and that has consequences on the battlefield every day."

Stoltenberg was presenting his annual report on NATO, which said member states' military spending rose 11% last year.

Military spending by NATO members, particularly in Europe, fell dramatically after the end of the Cold War. But European nations have been rearming in the wake of Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Nevertheless, the report said that only 11 of 31 NATO members hit the target of spending 2% of GDP on defence last year. Sweden joined as NATO's 32nd member on March 7 of this year.

Finland became the 31st member in April 2023, and is included in the 11 countries who hit the target.

The United States has by far the biggest military budget among NATO members in absolute terms. But according to the report, Poland spent the largest share of national GDP - 3.92% - on defence in 2023. On that measure, the United States came second with 3.24%.

The United States and Croatia were the only NATO member states that spent a smaller proportion of GDP on defence in 2023 than they did in 2014, the year Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula.

Stoltenberg said that NATO allies also needed to invest in their industrial capacity to produce armaments that Ukraine can use.

He said Western intelligence services estimate that the number of Russian soldiers killed or wounded in Ukraine has now exceeded 350,000.

"Russia is paying a very high price for marginal gains," Stoltenberg asserted.

Ukrainian attacks also sank or disabled a significant part of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, Stoltenberg added. In the air war, he said, Ukraine has been shooting down high-quality surveillance aircraft belonging to Russia.

Stoltenberg did not say how many of the estimated 350,000 Russian casualties are fatalities.

These numbers cannot be independently verified. The Russian side does not provide any precise information about the losses in its own ranks.
By Huw Jones

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain proposed a draft law on Thursday that will compel banks to give customers three months' notice and an explanation before closing their accounts, after former Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage said last year he was 'debanked' on political grounds.

Terminating services became a political issue after Farage said his account at private bank Coutts, part of NatWest, was closed due to his political views, spurring a row that ended with the shock departure of NatWest CEO Alison Rose.

Finance minister Jeremy Hunt said in October he would change the law to make sure banks cannot close accounts just because they disagree with others' political views.

"The government has been unequivocal in its view that customers should not see a payment service terminated on grounds relating to their lawful freedom of expression including, for example, political beliefs," the finance ministry said in its draft law, which is out for comment.

Payment services providers like banks would have to give 90 days' notice of an account closure, up from two months at present, and must provide a "sufficiently detailed and specific explanation" to the customer.

Banks would not be allowed to insert clauses into customer contracts to circumnavigate the new requirements.

However, lenders closing an account due to anti-money laundering or terrorist-financing safeguards would not have to give a notice period or an explanation.

Parliament is expected to approve the new rules before the summer, and they will come into force "as soon as practicable".

The ministry said that while concerns that led to the review of the rules related to retail customer services, the broader issue of debanking predated the Farage incident.

"The government has therefore concluded it is appropriate to address its reforms to contract-termination rules to all payment services providers," it said.

(Reporting by Huw Jones; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General, answers questions at NATO headquarters during an interview with the German Press Agency dpa. Federico Gambarini/dpa

Western intelligence services estimate that the number of Russian soldiers killed or wounded in Ukraine has now exceeded 350,000, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday.

"Russia is paying a very high price for marginal gains," Stoltenberg asserted in Brussels.

Ukrainian attacks also sank or disabled a significant part of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, Stoltenberg added. In the air war, he said, Ukraine has been shooting down high-quality surveillance aircraft belonging to Russia.

Stoltenberg did not say how many of the estimated 350,000 Russian casualties are fatalities.

These numbers cannot be independently verified. The Russian side does not provide any precise information about the losses in its own ranks.

At the same time, Stoltenberg appealed to the 32 NATO member states to provide more military support for Ukraine.

The NATO secretary general specifically addressed the Republicans of US presidential candidate Donald Trump, who are currently blocking planned aid from President Joe Biden's administration.

Every day of delay affects the situation on the battlefield, Stoltenberg said on the sidelines of a meeting with Polish President Andrzej Duda at NATO headquarters.

Ukraine has been defending itself against a Russian war of aggression with Western help for more than two years.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has called on Alliance member states to show political will and do everything possible to ensure that Ukraine receives the weapons and ammunition it needs as soon as possible.

Source: Stoltenberg at the presentation of the NATO Secretary General's Annual Report, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Stoltenberg noted that the unprecedented assistance provided by NATO member states to Ukraine has helped it to survive as a sovereign independent state.

"But Ukraine needs even more support, and they need it now. The Ukrainians are not running out of courage, they are running out of ammunition. Together, we have the capacity to provide Ukraine with what it needs, and now we need to show the political will to do so.

All allies need to dig deep and deliver quickly. Every day of delay has real consequences on the battlefield in Ukraine," he stressed.

"This is a critical moment. And it would be a grave historic mistake to allow Putin to prevail," Stoltenberg added.

In his speech, the security general also cited the results of a survey conducted in all member states, according to which two-thirds of respondents were in favour of further support for Ukraine.

The survey also showed a high level of support for NATO membership in these countries, including in the United States.

Read also the joint article by the Czech and Polish Foreign Ministries: "Ukrainians are brave, but they cannot be superhuman"

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Nevada Democratic Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen tell 8 News Now they are both reviewing legislation that would require the sale of TikTok or potentially ban the app in the United States.

By a vote of 352-65, the U.S. House voted Wednesday on concerns that TikTik poses a national security threat.

The House bill now goes to the Senate, where its prospects are unclear. Lawmakers in the Senate have indicated that the measure will undergo a thorough review. If it passes the Senate, President Joe Biden has said he will sign it.

Lawmakers from both parties and administration officials have voiced concerns that TikToks parent company, ByteDance, could be compelled by Chinese authorities to hand over data on American users, spread pro-Beijing propaganda or suppress topics unfavorable to the Chinese government.

Nevada Reps. Mark Amodei, a Republican, and Democrats Susie Lee and Dina Titus voted in favor of the proposal. Democratic Rep. Stephen Horsford voted against it.

Sen. Cortez Masto believes TikToks ties to the Chinese Communist Party are deeply concerning and that we need more information about how the app is distributing the large amounts of data it collects, a spokesperson said. She is currently reviewing this specific legislation.

Sen. Rosen recognizes that TikTok has become a popular and widely used platform across the country, a spokesperson said. She also believes that we must do more to protect Nevadans data from undue influence by the Chinese government and intrusion from foreign adversaries. She is reviewing the legislation passed by the House and other bipartisan proposals under discussion to address this issue.

TikTok, for its part, has long denied that it could be used as a tool of Chinese authorities. The company insists it has never shared U.S. user data with the Chinese government and will not do so if asked. To date, the U.S. government also has not provided evidence that shows TikTok shared such information with authorities in China.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Federal prosecutors have started to produce tens of thousands of documents in response to a subpoena from Donald Trump in the New York state hush money case, threatening to delay the start of that trial by weeks.

The case is set to go to trial March 25, but after the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York began to provide reams of previously undisclosed documents, the ultimate start date of the trial may be up in the air.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who is prosecuting the case, said in a brief, three-page filing Thursday that federal prosecutors began this month to provide tens of thousands of documents which Trump had been seeking via subpoena. Bragg said that federal prosecutors had provided approximately 31,000 pages of additional records this week alone.

Trump has previously asked for a 90-day delay in the start of the trial; Bragg said in his most recent filing that he would not oppose a 30-day delay in light of the new document production.

Trump faces 34 counts over allegedly routing payments to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. With the Fulton County, Georgia judge mulling a trial date, the D.C. Jan. 6 case frozen as the Supreme Court weighs Trumps claim of near-unlimited presidential immunity, and the Mar-a-Lago records case mired in a mess of the judges making, Braggs hush money case is set to be the first of the Trump prosecutions to make it to trial.

Per the Bragg filing, he sought records related to the case from federal prosecutors last year; Trump followed up with his own subpoena in January.

Federal prosecutors began producing tens of thousands of records in response to Trumps subpoena this month, Bragg said, with more records to come. The records appear to include some documents that federal prosecutors previously declined to provide, Bragg said in the filing.

Bragg said that Trump had issued his subpoena effectively at the last minute and had agreed to multiple delays from the U.S. Attorneys Office to start providing records in response.

We note that the timing of the current production of additional materials from the USAO

is a function of defendants own delay, Bragg wrote.

Nonetheless, and although the People are prepared to proceed to trial on March 25, we do

not oppose an adjournment in an abundance of caution and to ensure that defendant has sufficient time to review the new material, the filing reads.

Bragg also asked the judge to delay a deadline for his response to Trumps discovery motions from Friday until Monday.
FILE - Dr. Craig Wright arrives at the Federal Courthouse, on Nov. 16, 2021, in Miami. Britain's high court ruled Thursday March 14, 2024 that an Australian computer scientist is not, as he claimed, the mysterious creator of the bitcoin cryptocurrency. Craig Wright has for eight years claimed that he was the man behind Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonym that masked the identity of the creator of bitcoin. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

LONDON (AP)  Britain's high court ruled Thursday that an Australian computer scientist is not, as he claimed, the mysterious creator of the bitcoin cryptocurrency.

Craig Wright has for eight years claimed that he was the man behind Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonym that masked the identity of the creator of bitcoin.

His claim was rejected by the Crypto Open Patent Alliance, or Copa, a non-profit group of technology and cryptocurrency firms, who brought the case to court.

In his ruling, Justice James Mellor said Wright did not invent bitcoin, was not the man behind Satoshi, or the author of the initial versions of the bitcoin software. Further explanation will emerge when Mellor's written statement is published at a later date.

Having considered all the evidence and submissions presented to me in this trial, Ive reached the conclusion that the evidence is overwhelming," he said, according to a court transcript.

During the trial, Copa claimed Wright had created an elaborate false narrative and forged documents to suggest he was Satoshi and had terrorized those who questioned him.

A spokesperson for Copa said Thursday's decision is a win for developers, for the entire open source community, and for the truth."

For over eight years, Dr. Wright and his financial backers have lied about his identity as Satoshi Nakamoto and used that lie to bully and intimidate developers in the bitcoin community, the spokesperson added.

Wright, who attended the start of the five-week trial, denied the allegations.

At stake was not just bragging rights to the creation of bitcoin, the worlds most popular virtual currency, but control of the intellectual property rights.

Wright has used his claim as bitcoins inventor to file litigation to drive developers away from further developing the open-source technology, the alliance claimed in their lawsuit. The ruling will clearly impact three pending lawsuits that Wright has filed based on his claim to having the intellectual property rights to bitcoin.

Story continues

The murky origins of bitcoin date to the height of the financial crisis in 2008. A paper authored by a person or group using the Nakamoto pen name explained how digital currency could be sent around the world anonymously, without banks or national currencies. Nakamoto seemed to vanish three years later.

Speculation on the true identity swirled for years and the names of several candidates emerged when Wright first surfaced to claim the identity in 2016, only to quickly return to the shadows, saying he didnt have the courage to provide more proof.

Bitcoin is the world's most high-profile digital currency, and like others is not tied to any bank or government. Like cash, it allows users to spend and receive money anonymously, or mostly so. It can be converted to cash when deposited into accounts at prices set in online trading.

Supporters say it can be more trustworthy than traditional money, which can be vulnerable to the whims of those in power. Skeptics say their volatility has introduced a potential new risk to the global financial system, and fret about their potential to promote illicit activities and introduce uncertainty.

Despite occasional big wobbles, one bitcoin is now worth over $70,000, three times what it was worth just a year ago.

Thursday's verdict is a relief to the crypto exchanges who have been rejecting the idea of Wright as Satoshi.

Satoshi understood the value of decentralization and built bitcoin so that it could not be controlled by a single person or entity," said a spokesperson for Kraken, one of the biggest exchanges. Were pleased the court recognized the overwhelming evidence that categorically settles that Wright is not Satoshi.
Agence France-Presse (AFP) says it no longer considers Kensington Palace a trusted source after the truly bizarre case of the Mothers Day photo which Kate Middleton apologized for editing this week.

Phil Chetwynd, AFPs global news director, told BBC radio Wednesday about how his agency and others tried to get the palace to provide the original image to establish the extent to which the image had been edited. When they received no reply, they issued kill notices informing editors not to publish the doctored photoa move which Chetwynd says has been more typically associated with images from the regimes of Iran and North Korea rather than the British Royal Family.

Where, and How, Is Kate Middleton? The Internet Knows

The image from Kensington Palace sent social media into meltdown when it was published over the weekend. Its release was reportedly partly intended to firefight the conflagration of conspiracy theories and speculation sweeping across cyberspace about the princess health following her surgery in January. Instead, it poured gasoline on the flames.

Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing, read a statement from Kate on Monday. I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mothers Day.

Speaking on The Media Show, Chetwynd said AFP would previously treat Kensington Palace as a reliable source of images. He said that the offending photographwhich showed the Prince of Wales with her children, but contained several conspicuous anomalies that indicated editingclearly violated our rules and it was a mistake for news agencies, including his own, to have initially cleared it for publication.

Its actually not even very well photoshopped, Chetwynd said. [There were] clearly a lot of problems with the photo, so it shouldnt have been validated. I think as soon as it was, all the photo editors at all the major agencies immediately saw there was a problem and got together and spoke about it and [said] what do we do?

Asked on the show if Kensington Palace is still a trusted source for AFP, Chetwynd answered bluntly: No, absolutely not. Like with anything, when youre let down by a source, the bar is raised, he added.

Chetwynd did concede that the saga highlighted major issues internally as to how we validated that photo despite its clear violation of standards. We have sent out notes to all our team at the moment to be absolutely super-more vigilant about the content coming across our desk, even from what we would call trusted sources, he said.

Asked if he thought it would be helpful for Kensington Palace to release the original image so that the extent of the edits could be made clear, Chetwynd said: Thats what we asked for. Before we killed the photo, we all sent a message saying: Could you give us the originals? Could you, you know, have a reply? We didnt get a reply, so thats why we killed the photo.

Its a big deal for an agency to issue a kill, he went on, adding that a kill specifically on the basis of manipulation might only come around once a year. Previous kills weve had have been from, you know, the North Korean news agency or the Iranian news agency, just to give you some background or context, Chetwynd added.

You cannot be distorting reality for the public, he said, speaking generally about how much editing should be permitted for photos that are then published by the media. Theres a question of trust. The big issue here is one of trust and the lack of trustor the falling trustof the general public in institutions generally and in the media. And so its extremely important that a photo does represent, broadly, the reality that [it was taken in], and therefore it is not, in a sense, telling some kind of lie or some kind of false truth around an event that happens.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Billy Ngo invites you to The Sacramento Bees newsroom. And hes bringing food.

The founder of Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine, Kodaiko Ramen & Bar and Fish Face Poke Bar, Ngo will join me on March 26 for an event called News & Nosh, where well discuss his career, the local dining scene and Sacramento Eats: Recipes from the Capital Regions Favorite Restaurants, my cookbook that was published in November.

News & Nosh will feature bites from each of Ngos restaurants (he also owns high-end dog food store Healthy Hounds Kitchen in East Sacramento), along with a Q&A between the two of us, audience questions and cookbook signings.

The event will run from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on March 26 at 1601 Alhambra Blvd., Suite 100 in Sacramento. Tickets are $50 apiece and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Sacramento Eats is a 160-page, hard-cover compilation of recipes from 60 beloved local restaurants and bars. Each entry includes a paragraph about what makes the business special, and pictures, many of them shot by The Bees photographers, accompany each recipe.

Two of Ngos concepts have recipes featured in Sacramento Eats  Krus warm mushroom salad, a menu staple since the restaurants days in midtown, and a spicy-sweet Japanese curry that Kodaiko chef/partner Takumi Abe makes at home.

Born in a Hong Kong refugee camp, Ngo immigrated to Sacramento as an infant and began bussing tables at a now-closed local restaurant while in high school. He was just 23 when he founded Kru, considered by many today to be the regions preeminent Japanese restaurant.

That includes James Beard Award judges, who named Ngo as Sacramentos lone semifinalist for Best Chef  California this year. Finalists will be announced on April 3.

Ngos next project is Chu Mai, a modern Chinese and Vietnamese tribute to his late mother Mai Chu, which will open in Richmond Grove near midtown Sacramento later this year.

What Im Eating

A promising new Indian restaurant hides among the big-box stores in Delta Shores Shopping Center, the sprawling retail complex along Interstate 5 by Sacramentos southern border.

Chaat Bistro sits across from Koshi Eats and Firehouse Crawfish in Delta Shores South, an enclave of local businesses in a sea of national chains. Opened by Barinder Kaur last April, its intriguing small plates and thoroughly-spiced main dishes  medium heat is still pretty darn fiery  make it a destination restaurant amid shopping trips.

If theres one dish you need to order, its the fish pakora ($12), brimming with cardamom pods and other aromatic spices that inspired me to take a long whiff before diving in. Freshly fried in an orange batter in the style of Amritsar, a 1.5-million person city in Punjab, it came out steaming hot with a slow, simmering kick.

The mango curry ($17 with chicken or fish, $19 with shrimp or lamb) was a table favorite as well. We opted for the same fluffy swai in this sweet-savory auburn curry served with basmati rice, rarely seen around Sacramento and a welcome deviation from hotter items.

Meatless options are stellar, from cumin-tossed potatoes called jeera aloo ($14) to samosa chaat ($19) smashed and topped with chole bhature (stewed chickpeas), yogurt and mint and tamarind chutneys. Dont forget an order of cherry naan ($5) stuffed with a sweet red paste, or dive fully into sugar land with kulfi falooda ($5) ice cream sundaes.

Chaat Bistro

Address: 8128 Delta Shores Circle South, Suite 140, Sacramento.

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Phone: (916) 629-9347.

Website: https://chaatbistro.com/

Drinks: Beer and wine, including a couple Indian imports such as 22-ounce bottles of Flying Horse Royal Lager.

Vegetarian options: Many, and several are vegan.

Noise level: Medium.

Openings & Closings

 Armenian American steakhouse Vs Paradise has opened at 1001 Front St. in Old Sacramento, transforming the former Fat City Bar & Cafe space into a swanky cocktail bar and dining room. Look for rib-eye steaks and lamb khorovats skewers as well as some Asian-inspired or veggie-forward dishes from consulting chefs Tyler Bond and Joe Pruner.

 Yang Kee Dumplings new Roseville location began its soft opening March 6 at 1470 Eureka Road, Suite 170 in Eureka Ridge Plaza. Its the second location for this Davis-based Chinese restaurant known for its handmade dumplings and noodles.

 Gold River Distillery, Sacramento Countys first legal post-Prohibition distillery, will close at the end of March, owner Greg Baughman announced on Facebook. A founding member of Rancho Cordovas Barrel District, the distillery at 11460 Sunrise Gold Circle is selling bottles of its Wheel House line of spirits for 50% off until March 30.
A 16-year-old from Oklahoma whose death in February was the subject of attention across the US died by suicide, a medical examiner has said.

Nex Benedict was non-binary and used they/them pronouns.

Their death one day after a fight in a school toilet prompted protests and vigils across the country.

The cause of death was revealed in a partial autopsy report released on Wednesday by Oklahoma's chief medical examiner.

The medical examiner said Nex had died from taking a combination of medications.

The day before Nex died, the student was involved in a brief fight in a toilet at Owasso high school, authorities say. The fight was broken up by other students and a school staff member.

The school did not call an ambulance, but its nurse recommended that Nex undergo further medical checks "out of an abundance of caution".

In bodycam footage released by police of an interview at the hospital that day, Nex said that they and their group had been picked on before the fight "because of the way that we dress".

Nex returned home and on 8 February, their mother called emergency services, saying their breathing was shallow and their eyes were rolling back. The teenager later died in hospital.

As the case began to receive national scrutiny, police released a statement saying only that preliminary autopsy information showed the teenager had not died "as a result of trauma".

On Wednesday, police said they had suspected suicide throughout the course of their investigation but had waited for the autopsy report to make a definitive statement.

A complete autopsy will be released in 10 days.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said his "heart is broken" over Nex's death.

"The Medical Examiner's finding of suicide makes me even more concerned that bullying played a role in this terrible loss," he wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

In the wake of the incident, the school district did not confirm whether Nex had been bullied for their gender identity.

The superintendent of Owasso Public Schools called Nex's death "devastating".

"As we mourn together, OPS remains focused on the safety and well-being of our students and staff," said Margaret Coates.

Vigils for Nex Benedict were held in cities across the US

Campaigners have criticised laws in Oklahoma that ban students from using school toilets and changing rooms that do not align with their sex at birth and have raised concerns about LGBT people being targeted.

One advocacy group, Freedom Oklahoma, said at the time that members of the LGBT community had experienced increased hostility "fuelled by state law and the rhetoric around it".

On Thursday, President Joe Biden said in a statement that he and Jill Biden are "heartbroken" over Nex's death.

"Every young person deserves to have the fundamental right and freedom to be who they are, and feel safe and supported at school and in their communities," he said.

After news of Nex's death spread, vigils honouring them were held in more than a dozen US cities.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story you can visit BBC Action Line.

From Canada or US: If you're in an emergency, please call 911

You can contact the US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255 or the Crisis Test Line by texting HOME to 741741. Help is also available in the US and Canada by dialing 988
Low-cost drone swarms are changing warfare and offer new ways for the United States to help its partners and allies globally. From Ukraine to Taiwan, these systems provide defenders cheap ways of generating mass, denying terrain and imposing costs on attacking states. The United States can take advantage of this trend, even in a constrained budgetary environment, by exporting the knowledge and electronics partners need to scale up production of these systems.

Put simply: Helping free societies build swarms of low-cost drones can play a central role in retooling foreign military assistance for a new era of strategic competition.

In September 2023, Ukraine revealed the Magura V5 unmanned surface vehicle at an international arms expo. Within three months, the swarming attack drone disabled a large Russian landing ship used to transport soldiers and equipment. Two months later, six of the low-cost networked drone boats sank a Russian missile boat in the Black Sea. Each drone can deliver a 320-kilogram explosive within a 450-nautical-mile range. New systems like this are a critical component of what Ukraine needs to win the maritime fight in the Black Sea.

The same story is playing out in the skies above Ukraine and increasingly deep inside Russia. In late 2023, Ukrainian engineers unveiled the mass-produced long-range Cobra drone, which uses riveted steel and salvaged electronics and motors to deliver a 16-kilogram payload to targets as far as 300 kilometers away at a price of only $3,500 per drone.

Just as impressive, the U-26 Bober loitering munition has a range exceeding 700 kilometers and uses a unique duck shape to avoid radar detection. It was produced using crowdsourced funds and has been used to strike targets deep inside Russia. The estimated cost per Bober is $108,000.

There is a critical component linking both the Magura drone boats and long-range attack UAVs like Cobra: the electronic components and software required to build and operate mesh networked attack drones. Unmanned aerial vehicles all require servo motors, flight controllers and increasingly software-defined radios. Payloads can change based on the mission, but these components are a constant. Even the body of the drone itself can change based on what materials are readily available and produce the required performance.

The war in Ukraine has seen variants using everything from wood, carbon fiber and foam to cardboard. Cheap materials and readily available component parts and technical blue prints unleash the power of additive manufacturing and DIY crowdsourcing.

This revolution requires the United States to rethink elements of its legacy approach to security cooperation and foreign military sales. Too often, major weapon systems are either too costly, too few or too escalatory to send to partners. This debate is on display across Europe as countries grabble with what they can and cannot send to Ukraine due to fears about empty bins and inventories required to support future major contingencies. It is even on display with weapons as simple and plentiful as artillery shells. And there are often unnecessary escalation concerns placed on certain systems from MQ-9 drones to Taurus cruise missiles that further complicate political support for military exports.

Instead of just sending weapons, the United States should start stockpiling and sending core component parts its allies can use to assemble their own drone swarms. First, the export restrictions would be easier to overcome, reducing the time it takes to help a friend in need. Second, the costs would be lower and ensure partners are part of the solution. Third, and most important, the approach would build an indigenous cadre of drone experts, thus accelerating military innovation and adaption. This approach could be a test case for recent calls to adapt security cooperation for the 21st century, including updating export policies governing unmanned systems.

This logic extends beyond Ukraine. If the United States is worried about Chinese military action in the near future against Taiwan and the Philippines, then it should unleash this new vision for the arsenal of democracy in support of these front-line democratic countries.

New defense programs could combine what worked in Ukraine with local knowledge networks and readily available materials. It could even include adapting existing initiatives like the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to launch programs for training partners  including the ranks of women increasingly joining the Filipino and Taiwanese militaries  on building and operating drone swarms. China can produce more naval ships than the United States and its partners, but it cannot match a democratic society open to all citizens creating new attack drones. In the 21st century, Rosie the Riveter also knows python coding and 3D-printed attack drones.

The original arsenal of democracy kept allies and partners in the war against authoritarian regimes by supplying military equipment. This model should evolve and unlock more creative, asymmetric approaches to unleash indigenous swarms in defense of front-line democracies. The future is already here. The question is how best to align resources and policies to the new character of war.

Benjamin Jensen is a senior fellow focused on wargaming and strategy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank. His professional experience includes stints with the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, the U.S. Army and NATO.
CONCORD  A bill that wouldve repealed New Hampshires "divisive concepts" law was effectively killed on the House floor Thursday when representatives voted to indefinitely postpone it.

It was one of a number of education bills voted on in the House that educators say are being used in "conservative culture wars."

The "divisive concepts" law, passed in 2021, restricts how New Hampshire teachers can discuss topics like race, gender identity, and sexual orientation. It prohibits teaching concepts like an individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously.

Teachers throughout the state have said the law is vague and punitive, causing them fear over what they can and cannot teach or say.

Megan Tuttle, NEA-NH president, the largest teachers union in New Hampshire which opposes the state's divisive concepts law.

House Bill 1162, sponsored by 10 Democratic representatives, including Rep. Charlotte DiLorenzo, D-Newmarket, and Rep. Joan Hamblet, D-Portsmouth, would have prohibited New Hampshire from enacting any education laws that bar any school employee from teaching the historical or current experiences of any group that is protected from discrimination, repealing the divisive concepts law.

Racists support divisive concepts law, representative says

On the House floor, bill sponsor Rep. Peter Petrigno, D-Milford, spoke in favor of HB 1162.

In my testimony before the Education Committee, I said, 'Not everyone who agrees with this law is a racist. But everyone who is racist supports this law,'" said Petrigno, causing commotion on the House floor. The reason we study the past is to understand how we got to where we are today and to work towards making tomorrow a better place for all of us. And we cannot do that if we're not allowed to connect the dots.

Petrigno also said the bill would help the problem of teacher shortages by addressing teachers' concerns over the increased politicization of the job.

2024 local election: Exeter Co-op School Board candidate who vowed to end DEIJ teaching defeated at polls

Rep. Alicia Lekas, R-Hudson, spoke against the bill.

Many of us, including people in this room right now, have had our kids and our friends' kids come home upset because they were being taught that all white people are racist. And that because they were a boy, they were oppressors, said Lekas. Since this law was passed, I haven't heard any of that. So I would say it seems to be working and there's no reason to repeal it.

Gov. Chris Sununu supports the divisive concepts bill, saying at a State of the State breakfast in Portsmouth Tuesday that he hasn't heard of any teachers not being able to say something they could say before.

2022 story: Young NH teachers leaving the profession. The "heartbreaking, infuriating" reasons why.

The motion to indefinitely postpone HB 1162 passed 192-183, largely along party lines. Republicans hold a slim majority in the House.

NH teachers union vows to 'continue fighting' divisive concepts law

This is not the first time there's been an effort to repeal the divisive concepts law: Last year, a similar bill, also sponsored by Petrigno, was voted down.

The NEA-New Hampshire, the largest teachers' union in the state, responded to Thursday's vote, stating the divisive concepts law has had a chilling effect on honest education in the state, and the union is disappointed in the vote to indefinitely postpone.

As a social studies teacher, I know how important it is for students to have truthful and accurate information that helps them better understand the lives, cultures, and experiences of different people, said Megan Tuttle, president of NEA-New Hampshire, in a prepared statement. Unfortunately, current New Hampshire law impedes educators ability to help students build critical thinking skills that are truly foundational to their success in all facets of life.

She said NEA-New Hampshire will continue fighting to repeal the divisive concepts law.

House passes bill that could 'out students'

The New Hampshire House passed HB 1312 by just one vote, 186-185. This bill, if it becomes law, would require schools to notify parents when they are teaching sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression and allow them to opt their child out.

It also prohibits a district from adopting a policy that prohibits school personnel from answering parents questions about their child's physical, mental, or emotional health, sexuality, or changes in related services, wrote Rep. Glenn Cordelli, R-Tuftonboro, in the opinion in support of the bill. He added that answers to those questions could be withheld if there was a belief that such disclosure would result in abuse or neglect.

Schools recognize and respect that parents can and should be involved in the education of their child, wrote Rep. Linda Tanner, D-George Mills, in the opinion against passing the bill. However, this bill goes further to include a new section of education law dealing with the emotional well-being and mental health of students. It dangerously moves towards forcing teachers to out students to their parents without regard to the best interests of the child.

NEA-New Hampshire stated the bill would create a liability for educators as to how certain personal information should be handled."

"Lets be clear  this bill will make it more difficult for educators to be that One Trusted Adult' as outlined in the New Hampshire Department of Educations program established to prevent bullying and mental health and substance abuse issues while promoting self-esteem, community engagement, and availability for learning, Tuttle stated on behalf of the union.

Tuttle accused politicians of using the educator and family relationship as a political football in their conservative culture wars.

'Students' Freedom to Read Bill' passes NH House

The NEA-NH was pleased with the Houses passage of HB 1311, the Students' Freedom to Read Bill.

This bill, sponsored by Rep. David Paige, D-Concord, will require school boards to adopt procedures for addressing book removal requests.

Paige said under this bill, school districts must clearly delineate what criteria staff will use when selecting books and other materials for the library, as well as create a transparent reconsideration process for when parents request to remove a material.

This includes ensuring the policies do not exclude books based solely on an author or subjects identity within a protected class such as race or sexual orientation, said Paige. But to be crystal clear, this does not mean, as some have argued, that a book with a Black character or a gay character or a blind character could never be removed for any reason, merely that it cannot be removed because of their identity.

The bill, which Paige described as commonsense bipartisan legislation that is against censorship, passed 194-180.

The 'Students Freedom to Read Bill' will help ensure New Hampshire children have access to diverse stories that provide them with different perspectives and help them see how others think and feel, said Tuttle.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: NH House votes to keep 'divisive concepts' accused of 'culture wars'
A controversial NHS gender clinic is following discredited trans healthcare guidelines that encourage puberty blockers and castration for those who identify as eunuchs, a job advertisement suggests.

A job description for a new clinical lead  with an annual salary of up to 128,000  at the Sandyford Clinic in Glasgow states that it adheres to the latest version of treatment rules set out by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH).

The US-based organisation, which presents itself as a global authority on trans healthcare, but which experts have claimed is an extreme lobby group, is facing scrutiny following an embarrassing leak of internal documents.

The latest WPATH guidelines, which have not been officially endorsed by the Scottish NHS, support puberty-blocking hormones that have been banned in England but can still be offered to Sandyford patients, and endorse permanent gender reassignment surgery for adolescents.

The guidelines also claim that eunuchs should be formally recognised as a gender identity and that they can benefit from affirming surgery, in the form of physical or chemical castrations.

The Edinburgh-based author JK Rowling is among those to raise fears over the activities of WPATH, after a leak of internal correspondence suggested its members knew young people could not meaningfully consent to life-altering treatments but carried on offering them.

Womens groups claimed that the Sandyford service, which insiders have admitted offers treatments not backed by robust evidence, was failing children by choosing to follow extreme and ideological rules not supported by science.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Tories demanded an investigation into the centre, home to Scotlands only gender identity clinic for children.

Children deserve better

Trina Budge, a director with the For Women Scotland campaign group, said: This advertisement for a senior post shows the Sandyford is following extreme guidelines from an organisation that has been completely discredited.

Lobbying groups have been allowed to push medical quackery to children and young people, aided by activist clinicians writing up treatment rules not backed by any evidence.

Children deserve better and, at some point, someone is going to have to take responsibility for the harm caused. This gender clinic is being run like the Wild West and it is now time for the Chief Medical Officer to step in.

The Scottish NHS incorporated the previous version of WPATH rules, published in 2012, into its national guidelines for trans patients.

However, it has never publicly endorsed the latest version of the rules, published in 2022, which go further than the previous version in several key areas.

In information accompanying the advertisement for the clinical lead post, which pays between 96,963 and 128,841, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde states that Sandyfords gender service provides assessment, coordination of treatment and ongoing support for those expressing gender dysphoria.

It adds: The service adheres to National Standards as set out in the Gender Reassignment Protocol for Scotland and the World Professional Association for Transgender Healths Standards of Care (8th Version, 2022).

It emerged this week that Sandyford is also to continue to refer children to endocrinologists for possible prescription of puberty blockers, despite an independent NHS England review warning their use could not be justified due to safety concerns.

NHS Scotland had previously denied following WPATH rules, despite NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde saying that the Sandyford was modelled and informed by its guidelines.

Leaks published last week showed that WPATH members discussed problems with young people consenting to irreversible gender-affirming medical treatments, which can lead to infertility.

They also privately discussed possible links between hormone treatments and cancer.

Lack of credible evidence

In its review of puberty blockers, NHS England considered the WPATH guidelines in detail but dismissed them.

It said the bodys standards of care did not include evidence that had not been considered by a review conducted by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which found a lack of credible evidence to support the use of puberty blockers.

However, in contrast to the NHS England findings, the WPATH guidelines recommend pubertal hormone suppression in eligible transgender and gender diverse adolescents after they first exhibit physical changes of puberty.

They add that gender-affirming surgeries for adolescents, such as mastectomies, can be considered in minors when clinically and developmentally appropriate.

WPATH adds that there may be a benefit for some adolescents to having genital surgery performed before the age of 18.

Gender reassignment surgery is not carried out by the NHS on those aged under 18, nor are castrations for those who identify as eunuchs.

However, the WPATH guidelines back surgical intervention for eunuch individuals when there is a high risk that withholding treatment will cause them to attempt medical procedures themselves.

Meghan Gallacher, deputy leader of the Scottish Tories, said: This only reaffirms why the Scottish Conservatives have repeatedly called for an inquiry into the activities at the Sandyford clinic.

The public will be deeply concerned that whoever was successful in getting this well-paid job was under orders to follow guidelines from a discredited organisation, rather than from the NHS itself.

The wellbeing of our young people must be a priority, but it appears SNP ministers eyes are off the ball in relation to this clinic and that must change.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde declined to comment.

Sources said it was following the previous version of WPATH guidelines, rather than the latest version referenced in the job description.

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Imagine a British organisation that is wholeheartedly embracing electric vehicles. Installing AI to boost customer-interface efficiency. Fastidiously ensuring every new piece of kit is vetted for its sustainability. Employing a Green Team of 48 staff dedicated to assessing social values and emissions targets. And all during a cost of living crisis.

Theres more: underpinning this pioneering strategy is a 2020 commitment that it would become the first organisation of its kind in the world to reach carbon net zero.

Pretty ambitious, wouldnt you agree?

A great USP for a Gen Z energy company, or maybe even an organic food brand aiming to make a few headlines and maybe garner an international award or two for its bold green agenda.

How would you feel if I told you that its actually the NHS? Brandishing its Earthshot credentials while 7.6 million languish on waiting lists and find that speaking to the same GP twice in a row is as statistically impossible as getting a face-to-face appointment.

Oh no, please dont have a heart attack  the ambulance fleet is recharging. And if youre pregnant and the shock is threatening to bring on contractions, try to distract yourself. Climate-friendly pain relief is coming to a labour ward near you, quicker than you can bellow: I dont give a monkeys about the environmental impact, just give me the flaming epidural before I break my husbands fingers!

But in our brave new virtue-signalling world, patient care is very much a secondary consideration. In fact, its hard to escape the suspicion that the eco-zealots would rather we didnt exist. How much easier to hit targets and win accolades without a load of sick people on trolleys blocking up the corridors.

This week, we learn that the NHS is rolling out artificial intelligence (AI) receptionists under new plans to cut the number of missed hospital appointments.

The technology, which books appointments and predicts who will not attend, uses insights including peoples jobs, childcare commitments, live traffic and weather updates to determine who is most unlikely to show up, thus maximising doctors time.

Groundbreaking, expensive, but necessary.

Or  and Im going out on a limb here  why not just employ staff to (whisper it) answer the phone?

The reason why one in 10 hospital appointments is a no-show isnt due to squally showers, its because when we call the number provided to cancel, the phone rings out endlessly, presumably on a desk in a dark basement, beside all the other banished landlines where nobody can hear the callers scream.

Forget cradle-to-grave care; technology and ecology have now been elevated to the level of greatest priority. Why else would the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, thrillingly announce his Budget thus: Making changes on the scale we need is not cheap. The investment needed to modernise NHS IT systems so they are as good as the best in the world costs 3.4 billion. But it helps unlock 35 billion of savings  10 times that amount.

I have no facts at my disposal to refute his assertion. But I do not have faith in this creaking behemoth that has more than 1.6 million employees. Its one of the largest employers on the planet, yet its doctors and nurses have never been more demoralised. The most lowly junior doctors earn a basic salary of 14.09 an hour  little more than a Pret barista earns  and retention is a huge problem.

Medicine is about people. And they do an amazing job under what are often deeply distressing, depressing conditions. Yet were supposed to place our trust (and hard-earned taxes) in technology?

When Hunt added, we will slash the 13 million hours lost by doctors and nurses every year to outdated IT systems and use AI to cut down and potentially cut in half form-filling by doctors, I threw my hands up in despair. If AI is the answer, I shudder to think what the question was.

The NHS is not so much on its knees as on its last legs. It is wasteful; slow and sclerotic. No matter how much money is poured into its gaping maw, things dont improve enough. Why? Because it is structurally unsound and ought to be dismantled and rebuilt. But no politician, no political party has the gumption to tell it to us straight.

Thats why doctors at my local surgery are wreathed in smiles when I apologetically murmur I have access to Bupa; one less name to languish for three years, in pain, on an NHS waiting list. They can feel good as they write the referral; a patient outsourced to the private sector is a patient treated.

Incidentally, Hunt also pledged an extra 2.5 billion this year to the NHS to help ease the pressure  the medical equivalent of bits and bobs, I reckon.

My worry is that money that should be earmarked for patients could end up being lavished on rewilding hospital grounds and trials of biodegradable catheters.

I care about tackling environmental issues and reducing global warming, but that is not the purpose of the NHS; it has one job and until it does that one job properly, everything else feels like deliberate misdirection.

If Russia is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma, then Britains NHS is starting to look like a cock-up, tethered to an eco-millstone, inside a woke conspiracy.

Diagnosis? Doomed.

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Esther Joseph, a clothes vendor whose daughter was kidnapped and released with ransom, in Kaduna

Esther Joseph, a clothes vendor whose daughter was kidnapped and released with ransom, in Kaduna

By Garba Mohammad, Abraham Achirga and Giulia Paravicini

KADUNA, Nigeria (Reuters) -Esther Joseph said she went "almost mad" with anguish when her 13-year-old daughter Precious Sim was kidnapped from a northern Nigeria high school along with other students on July 5, 2021.

In the following days, she tried to go after the kidnappers in the surrounding forest, but army soldiers - alerted by fellow community members - caught up with her and brought her back.

In the end, she sold her meagre possessions - including pots, fans and a television set - and enlisted the help of her brothers and in-laws, as well as local church members, to pay a ransom of 2 million naira ($1,256) and secure her daughter's release.

Precious, kidnapped from the Bethel Baptist High School of Maraban Damish in Kaduna State, came home after one month in captivity, Joseph told Reuters.

The 51-year-old street hawker said that she has not fully recovered yet from the ordeal, and her daughter still suffers from panic attacks.

"Sometimes she gets agitated when you turn the light on. She jerks up in her sleep and runs to hold me. Heavy sounds scare her," she said in an interview in the town of Kaduna, northwestern Nigeria.

Kidnappings at schools in Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, were first carried out by jihadist group Boko Haram, which seized 276 students from a girls' school in Chibok in Borno State a decade ago. Some of the girls have never been released.

But the tactic has since been adopted by criminal gangs without ideological affiliation seeking ransom payments, with authorities seemingly powerless to stop them.

With Nigeria's economy and poverty levels worsening, abductions have become an almost daily occurrence in recent years.

On March 7, 286 students - some as young as eight - and school staff were kidnapped by gunmen in Kuriga, a town in Kaduna State. Local authorities told Reuters on Wednesday that the captors demanded a total ransom of 1 billion naira, or just over $620,000, for their release. On Monday night, around 60 people were abducted in Buda, in the same state, residents said - bringing the total of those kidnapped across the country in the first two weeks of March to nearly 750, according to Amnesty International.

"Kidnapping for ransom has eclipsed other motivations for abductions, especially political reasons," research firm SBM Intelligence said in a July 2023 report.

Speaking about last week's mass kidnapping in Kuriga, Information Minister Mohammed Idris said on Wednesday that the government position was that security forces should secure the hostages' release without "a dime" paid for ransom. Paying to free hostages has been a crime in Nigeria since 2022 and carries a jail sentence of at least 15 years.

The kidnappings are tearing apart families and communities who have to pool their savings to pay the ransoms, often forcing parents to sell their most prized possessions like land, cattle and grain to secure their children's release.

While Precious returned to school and is now studying international relations in her first year of university, many other kidnapping victims drop out after being released, fearing they might be abducted again.

At least 10.5 million children are out of school in Nigeria, the highest number in the world, according to the U.N. children's agency UNICEF. That is due to insecurity, including abductions and a long-running insurgency in the northeast.

Kidnappings are "a major driver of withdrawal of children from schools in northern Nigeria," said Isa Sanusi, director at Amnesty International in Nigeria.

"No parent wants to go through the horror of having children abducted by ruthless gunmen... On and off, schools are closed due to security concerns and the children end up missing out on education. Because girls are usually raped when abducted, many girls have been withdrawn from schools and married off at an early age."

GUNMEN ON MOTORBIKES

SBM Intelligence estimates that 7,000 people have been kidnapped throughout Nigeria since President Bola Tinubu took office in May.

Successive Nigerian governments have deployed soldiers and bombed suspected hideouts used by armed groups, mainly in Kaduna, Zamfara and Katsina states.

But that has not stopped the kidnappings. Gunmen on motorbikes control large swathes of land. Schools in remote rural areas, often unfenced and with minimal, if any, security, are an easy target.

Sanusi said that it was difficult to get accurate figures for school kidnappings. He said that, according to Amnesty's findings, more than 780 children were abducted for ransom in 2021 alone. And as of 2022, more than 700 schools were closed in seven of Nigeria's 36 states.

"Some schools have reopened, while others remain indefinitely closed," Sanusi said.

Emmanuel Audu-Bature, a member of a vigilante group, remembered going to the bush with another vigilante to bring the ransom for his brother-in-law Treasure, 12, to his kidnappers.

"He was the only one left to be released and we had to take the ransom to the forest. In the process we were also kidnapped. After a week they released us, after we too paid a ransom," he said.

Treasure came back home a year later, he said. "We had already given up (hope). But there was this night when my mother-in-law called me and told me: 'Treasure is back'."

($1 = 1,592.9100 naira)

(Reporting by Garba Mohammad and Abraham Achirga in Kaduna, Giulia Paravicini in Nairobi; writing by Silvia Aloisi; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
Youverify, a Nigerian provider of identity verification and anti-money laundering (AML) solutions for banks and startups, secured a $2.5 million investment from Elm, which specializes in offering ready-made and customized digital solutions to public and private institutions in Saudi Arabia.

The pre-Series A investment from Elm also includes a strategic partnership to help Youverify streamline AML compliance for businesses, bolster global risk intelligence, and expand its products into new markets.

Since 2022, Youverify has expanded its real-time business verification coverage to 145 jurisdictions across 48 countries. Additionally, the platform offers coverage for real-time individual verification, including credit history and national identity numbers, in 46 countries, according to founder and CEO Gbenga Odegbami, who launched the startup in 2018. The chief executive mentioned on a call with TechCrunch that Youverify exceeded its initial objective set during its seed extension round in 2022, which was to expand coverage across 30 African countries.

Despite this, the company currently serves commercial customers in only 12 countries. Across these countries, Youverify processes 4 million monthly applications for over 3,500 businesses with 800 active clients. This marks a significant increase from the 400 businesses and 5 million application processes per year recorded in 2022. Additionally, the platform's capacity to verify IDs has expanded from 400 million to 5 billion people -- as well as 600 million businesses across various industries such as gaming, travel, healthcare, and telecommunications.

Individuals and businesses can verify their identity, registration status and ownership using their government data through Youverify. This is not the generic OCR-based KYC, which uses image recognition to validate the ID presented to it. In addition, we launched our anti-money laundering and risk classification product to address some of these industries, the CEO noted.

For example, our risk classification determines the AML and financial risk exposure that clients pose to our customers. We utilize a variety of reliable data sources, including government sanctions and watchlists, global news outlets' sentiment data, country-risk models and commercially accessible data, to make informed decisions on AML-related risks.

He elaborates that Youverify's approach entails utilizing established mathematical models and AI algorithms to assess and analyze risks. Subsequently, the platform generates regulatory reports for submission to regulators across multiple countries. Other providers in the same space include Smile Identity, Dojah, and Identitypass.

The surge in financial services across Africa has drawn increased attention from regulators. Reports indicate that transactions totaling $116 billion will occur through digital payment channels this year, necessitating stringent measures to combat identity theft and fraud. Accordingly, there's a growing emphasis on transparency in financial regulations and the enhancement of strategies for AML and Know Your Customer (KYC) through the adoption of regulatory technologies (regtech). Africa expects to follow suit as the demand for regtech solutions rises globally.

Odegbami stresses that collaborating with regulators across various markets has honed Youverifys proficiency in compliance and cultural sensitivity. This expertise enables the company to customize its solutions to suit diverse enterprise requirements. Such experiences underscore the increasing global importance of the governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC) market, which currently surpasses $57 billion annually.

"We are excited to partner with Youverify, a company that shares our vision for leveraging technology to solve critical challenges faced by businesses today," said Fahad bin Issa Ibrahim Al-Shathry, VP of Elm Investment. "This collaboration is a testament to our dedication to collaborating with exceptional founders through investing in a budding technology ecosystem not only in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia but also globally to drive efficiency, security, and trust."
(Bloomberg) -- The market value of digital assets is poised to nearly triple to $7.5 trillion by 2025, according to one Wall Street firm that is bullish on a cryptocurrency comeback.

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This year and the next will bring a monster of a crypto cycle, according to Bernstein as the research firm initiated coverage on Robinhood Markets Inc. at outperform. Investors should ride the crypto comeback arc, said analyst Gautam Chhugani who sees the online brokerages crypto trading volume growing nine-fold over the next two years.

Now is the best time to enter Robinhood, in our view, with an 18-24 month window, to ride the crypto comeback, he wrote in a note Thursday, assigning a price target of $30 to the stock  the highest among analysts tracked by Bloomberg.

Robinhood shares rose as much as 12% to the highest intraday level since December 2021 in New York trading Thursday after reporting positive February operating data, including increases to assets under custody and surging trade volume. The stock has gained more than 40% so far this year. Wall Street is circumspect on its outlook, among analysts tracked by Bloomberg, six rate the stock a buy, 10 say hold and three recommend selling.

With crypto assets expected to grow to $7.5 trillion from $2.6 trillion today, the largest digital currency, Bitcoin, is set to become a $3 trillion asset by 2025 propelled by the unprecendented success of exchange-traded funds tied to the token, he added. He sees Bitcoin touching a high of $150,000 next year.

Bitcoin slid 2% to $71,606 as of 10:59 in New York, after reaching a record high above $73,000 on Wednesday.

Story continues

The crypto market is amidst unprecedented institutional adoption, Chhugani said. We expect continued success of the Bitcoin ETF and a likely launch of an Ethereum ETF within 12 months.

When it comes to Robinhood, Chhugani said the companys full suite crypto offering within a regulated broker platform is in a sweet spot. Traditional broker platforms, such as Charles Schwab Corp., remain shy on offering crypto, he added.

In short, we are bullish crypto and we believe, Robinhoods crypto business resurgence will restore its fortunes back again with investors.

(Updates shares, adds chart.)

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR/AP)  The death of a nonbinary student the day after a fight inside an Oklahoma high school restroom has been ruled a suicide, the state medical examiners office said Wednesday.

A summary autopsy report was released more than a month after the death of 16-year-old Nex Benedict, a student at Owasso High School. Family members said Benedict had been bullied at school and the teenagers death in February drew concern from LGBTQ+ rights groups, as well as attention from Oklahomas governor and the White House.

From the beginning of this investigation, Owasso Police observed many indications that this death was the result of suicide, Owasso Police Department Lt. Nick Boatman said in a statement. However, investigators did not wish to confirm that information without the final results being presented by the Oklahoma Medical Examiners Office.

Three facing federal gun charges in deadly Chiefs Super Bowl parade shooting

In a 911 call on Feb. 8, Sue Benedict  the teens grandmother and legal guardian  had expressed concern about a head injury. The teenager was conscious and alert after the fight a day earlier when they told police about the attack by three girls that occurred after the teen squirted them with water, according to police video released last month.

The report shows Benedict had toxic levels of two drugs in their system, Diphenhydramine and Fluoxetine, and died of an overdose. Diphenhydramine, better known by its brand name formulation Benadryl, is an antihistamine typically used to relieve allergy symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Fluoxetine (commonly found in Prozac) is FDA-approved to treat depression, anxiety and eating disorders, according to the National Institutes of Health.

A complete autopsy will be released in 10 days in accordance with state law, the medical examiners office said.

Boatman would not confirm whether or not police found a note from Benedict at the scene.

In this image provided Malia Pila, Nex Benedict poses outside the familys home in Owasso, Okla., in December 2023. The death of Nex Benedict, a nonbinary student the day after a fight inside an Oklahoma high school restroom, has been ruled a suicide, the state medical examiners office said Wednesday, March 13, 2024. (Sue Benedict via AP, File)

A lawyer for the Benedict family, Jacob Biby, told The Associated Press that he was working on a statement from the family Wednesday but declined to comment further.

In video footage from the hospital the day of the altercation, Benedict explains to an officer that the girls had been picking on them and their friends because of the way they dressed. Benedict claims that in the bathroom the students said something like: why do they laugh like that, referring to Benedict and their friends.

And so I went up there and I poured water on them, and then all three of them came at me, Benedict tells the officer from a hospital bed.

Paramedics responded to the familys house and performed CPR on the teen before rushing them to the hospital, where they later died. Family members have said Benedict was nonbinary, which means they didnt identify as strictly male or female.

Bullying and harassment have a significant impact on students and, tragically, many of these youths believe that suicide is the only option for peace, said Brandon Dilawari, a case manager at Rainbow Youth Project USA, an Indiana-based group that aims to improve the safety and wellness of LGBTQ+ young people. This is not an isolated incident by any means.

The group reported a dramatic spike in calls from Oklahoma to its national crisis hotline after news of the teens death became public.

Woman allegedly admits to taking dead man to bank to withdraw cash in jail call

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said in a statement posted on X that hes heartbroken over Benedicts death, and hes concerned that bullying played a role.

Experts tell us that social media, bullying and a host of other factors are fueling a rash of suicides among young people, particularly for marginalized and traumatized youth, he said. Combating this problem likely means strengthening laws against bullying, as well as increasing emphasis on mental health services. Perhaps most immediately it means rejecting the cruelty of words and actions so often inflicted by other students, adults and algorithms on our youngest generations.

Margaret Coates, superintendent of Owasso Public Schools, also released a statement Wednesday, saying the district has an experienced team of counselors on hand to help students and staff in need of support.

The loss of Nex, a member of the Ram Family and the Owasso community, is devastating. We understand that the information released today may bring up additional thoughts, feelings and emotions for students and staff members, Coates said.

As we mourn together, OPS remains focused on the safety and well-being of our students and staff. Lets continue to lean on each other in the days ahead, the statement continued.

The Associated Press Sean Murphy contributed to this story.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Editors Note: If you are in the US and you or a loved one have contemplated suicide, call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to connect with a trained counselor. Outside the US, a worldwide directory of resources and international hotlines is provided by the International Association for Suicide Prevention, and you can turn to Befrienders Worldwide.

The death last month of a Oklahoma 10th grader the day after they told their family they were involved in a fight at school was determined to be a suicide, says an autopsy summary by the state medical examiner that was released Wednesday.

Nex Benedicts family released a statement Thursday calling for close attention to be paid to the full autopsy report, rather than the initial findings already publicly available, to ensure other pertinent portions of the report are not overshadowed by the classification of Nexs death.

In their statement, Benedicts family released what they said is a portion of the full autopsy report, detailing numerous areas of physical trauma over Nexs body that evidence the severity of the assault.

CNN has reached out to the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to confirm they shared the full report with the family. The full report will be released March 27, within 10 days of the summary report as dictated by state statute, the examiners office said Wednesday.

According to family and friends, Nex Benedict identified as nonbinary and their death February 8 in Owasso drew national attention, with multiple vigils taking place for the teen throughout the US, as advocates pointed to a heightened and hostile climate against the LGBTQ+ community.

The Rainbow Youth Project USA, a national organization devoted to LGBTQ youth suicide prevention, told CNN last week it saw a 238% increase in crisis calls from Oklahoma in the weeks since Nex died.

This led the organization to create a rapid response team in Oklahoma simply to handle the volume of calls, particularly from Owasso.

The Owasso Police Department issued a statement Wednesday, saying early evidence indicated the death was the result of a suicide but it waited for the medical examiners conclusion before making the information public.

The Owasso Police Department would like to take this moment to inform anyone in crisis or contemplating suicide of the Oklahoma Mental Health Lifeline, just call or text 988, police spokesperson Lt. Nick Boatman said.

Police video shows Nex describe fight

Body camera video from February 7 released by the Owasso Police Department shows a police officer speaking with Nex and their guardian in a hospital after a fight in an Owasso High School bathroom between two groups of students.

Nex, 16, says the day of the fight, they went to the bathroom and I was talking with my friends, they were talking with their friends and we were laughing. And they had said something like, Why do they laugh like that? And they were talking about us in front of us.

In response to those comments, Nex poured water from a water bottle on the students and thats when things escalated, Nex tells the officer.

They came at Nex and grabbed at their hair, Nex says. Nex was then able to grab one of the girls and threw her into a paper towel dispenser, they say. Nex eventually got thrown onto the ground and the other students proceeded to beat them up, Nex says in the video.

The altercation was broken up by students and a faculty member, police have said. All students walked to the assistant principals office and the nurses office, police said.

The officer wearing the body camera advises Nex and guardian Sue Benedict that the courts could view throwing liquid on someone as assault and as the action that started the altercation.

Eventually, the Benedicts decided not to seek charges.

The following afternoon, Owasso Fire Department medics responded to an emergency involving the teenager, who was transported to a pediatric emergency hospital where they later died, police said.

Federal agency investigating school district

The US Department of Education said earlier this month it is opening an investigation into whether the school district failed to appropriately respond to alleged harassment, according to a letter from the department.

Owasso Public Schools officials said they received notice March 1 about the investigation.

The district is committed to cooperating with federal officials and believes the complaint submitted by HRC is not supported by the facts and is without merit, schools spokesperson Brock Crawford said at the time.

CNN has reached out to Owasso Public Schools and the US Department of Education for comment on the autopsy results.

A GoFundMe has been established on behalf of Nex and their family.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Russian citizens will spend this weekend casting their vote for their next president, even though the result has already been decided.

Vladimir Putin, already the longest-serving ruler of Russia since Joseph Stalin, will win a fifth and unconstitutional term after polls close on Sunday.

No amount of votes against him can prevent his victory, say the Russian dissident community, since the system is rigged and those that could challenge him have either been killed, imprisoned or exiled.

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, center, left a plan to disturb the elections that will be enacted after his death (AP)

Its impossible to win against Putins regime through legitimate means, says Evgenia Chirikova, who once unsuccessfully ran to be a local mayor in a Moscow suburb, with the help of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny. She is now in exile in Estonia, having had her life threatened by the authorities.

But the Russian dissident community has nevertheless convened a plan to disturb this rubber-stamping exercise.

Known as Noon Against Putin, Russian citizens frustrated with the leaders rule are being called to head to the voting booths all at the same time: Midday, 17 March, the final day of the election.

We want this dark time to end. We want a clear, normal future, the campaigns website says. But we, citizens of our country, with our pain and our hope, are not noticeable either to the authorities or to each other.

AT NOON on Sunday, March 17, the last day of voting, when we come to the polling stations, we will show others and see for ourselves that there are many of us . We can become a force that cannot be hidden behind drawn percentages.

The plan, created by Russian opposition politician and former St. Petersburg lawmaker Maxim Reznik, has gathered traction since Navalnys death.

Vladimir Putin is expected to extend his reign this weekend (AP)

This can be a powerful demonstration of the mood of the country, a post on Navalnys Telegram channel said in early February. This will be a nationwide protest against Putin that takes place near your home. Its available to everyone, everywhere. Millions will be able to take part. And tens of millions will witness it.

A fortnight after his death, his wife Yulia Navalnaya then endorsed the campaign as well. It has become what Russian independent media outlet Novaya Gazeta called Navalnys political testament.

I want to do what [Alexei] thought was right, and I urge everyone to come to his memory," Ms Navalnaya said in a video at the start of this month. This will be your personal contribution to the common cause. There are probably many people close to you who are against Putin and against the war.

It has since been backed by a host of prominent anti-Putin figures, including Mikhail Khodorkovsky, formerly Russias richest oligarch, and Gary Kasparov, the chess grandmaster turned opposition figure. Their Anti-War Committee, made up of dozens of exiled figureheads of the dissident community, have also backed the plan.

Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Kremlin opposition leader Alexei Navalny, has pledged to continue his work (AFP via Getty Images)

Nearly 20,000 Russians have been arrested for opposing Putins war in Ukraine since he ordered the full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022. Hundreds were detained for merely laying flowers in memory of Mr Navalny last month.

But the plan for Noon Against Putin is to stay well within the law - participants are being asked to vote, or not vote, however they please, so long as it is not for Putin - in the hope of circumventing the very real threat of arrest.

Ultimately, the plan is one intended to show at least a shade of the true nature of Russian dissidence, in a country where the stakes for opposing the Kremlin are the highest theyve been since Stalins Gulags.

The main thing we can do at noon is to show that there are many of us! the campaign website says. The queues that will line up all over the country will show how much discontent has accumulated in the country, how many people want a normal, stable future, they want a better life.
Former prime minister Liz Truss accepted a 20,000 trip from a little-known US lobby group, government papers have shown.

The South West Norfolk MP attended a meeting on a private American island in February, organised by the so-called Green Dragon Coalition.

Details were recorded in the register of MP's interests.

Labour's candidate for the Norfolk seat said Ms Truss was "distracted by the bright lights of the world stage".

Sea Island, off the coast of the state of Georgia, is famous for hosting golf competitions

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the register of interests recorded that the coalition donated 19,541 to pay for flights and accommodation for Ms Truss and one staff member to attend the conference on Sea Island, off the coast of the US state of Georgia.

The three-day event was held at a five-star hotel between 2 and 4 February, and was described on its website as "a small gathering of the great minds of today - the creative visionaries, influential authors, educators, entrepreneurs, and political luminaries".

There is little public information available about who is involved in the Green Dragon Coalition, although a page on the group's website features a photograph of Mike Lee, Republican senator for Utah - and a loyal backer of Donald Trump.

The group takes its name from the Green Dragon Tavern, a Boston pub where organisers planned the so-called Boston Tea Party in 1773.

A statement on the group's website said: "It is time to take a stand and fight for the foundational values that made America great."

The event came weeks before Ms Truss attended another US event, the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), where she claimed her short stint in Downing Street was "sabotaged" by the "administrative state and the deep state".

Labour's prospective candidate for South West Norfolk, Terry Jermy, said: "Time and time again Liz Truss demonstrates that her priority is not South West Norfolk.

"Whether it be this latest trip to the USA where she was spreading conspiracy theories or making previous lucrative paid speeches around the world.

"Residents are telling me time and again they want an MP focused on their concerns and challenges, not someone distracted by the bright lights of the world stage."

Liz Truss declined to comment on the visit.

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830.
North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un ordered his troops to make preparations for war during an exercise with his troops this week, making the comments as the U.S. and South Korea are wrapping up large-scale military exercises.

Kim oversaw a training session for tanks crews on Thursday in Pyongyang and praised the ability of the troops participating in the exercise, calling them the most powerful tanks in the world, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency.

The North Korean leader also urged his troops to conduct more training simulations preparing for war, according to KCNA, which reported that Kim called for them to take revolutionary measures toward perfecting war preparations.

At the end of the training session, Kim also mounted a battle tank and drove it, according to KCNA.

Kim has grown more combative against the U.S. and South Korea in the past year. In January, Kim said he would no longer seek peaceful reunification with South Korea and ordered the tearing down of a statue that symbolized that goal.

His latest remarks come as the U.S. and South Korea are finishing Thursday an 11-day exercise on the Korean Peninsula.

Those military drills have angered North Korea, which has traditionally responded with missile tests and inflammatory remarks against the U.S. and South Korea.

Tensions have soared between North Korea and South Korea in recent years after mediation attempts under former President Trumps administration failed.

The relationship reached a new low point last year after North Korea launched a spy satellite into space, which led to the abandoning of a military reduction agreement at the border.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(Bloomberg) -- Chinese pharmaceutical stocks rose amid speculation that authorities are working on a plan to support the development of world-leading innovative drugs.

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The CSI 300s healthcare sub-gauge rose as much as 3.6%, the most since Feb. 6, before paring the gain. Drugmaker stocks rose as analyst firms, including Nomura Holdings Inc., cited an unverified government document detailing a plan for full-scale support for innovative drug development.

While its authenticity has yet to be confirmed, the document indicates several steps, including more support for a stable financing environment and better insurance coverage for innovative drugs, Jialin Zhang, head of China healthcare research at Nomura, wrote in a note.

Sichuan Kelun-Biotech Biopharmaceutical Co. surged 29% in Hong Kong and another drugmaker InnoCare Pharma Ltd. rose as much as 13% in mainland trading.

We believe the government will support the development of a stronger and more innovative healthcare industry by providing more financial and regulatory resources in the next few years, UOB Kay Hian analyst Carol Dou wrote in a note.

Chinese biotech firms have been under pressure after a US Senate committee advanced a bill that may ban some of the nations firms from accessing federal contracts. The legislation would also largely cut off WuXi AppTec Co. from the market that generates more than half of its revenue.

The sector had been hit last year by a broad, year-long anti-graft campaign to root out corruption in the pharmaceutical industry.

Companies that manufacture drug ingredients on contracts for other brands will benefit from more from domestic innovative product pipelines, Dou said.

Story continues

--With assistance from Dong Lyu.

(Updates with analyst comment in eighth paragraph)

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North Korea's Kim puts West on notice by operating 'worlds most powerful' tank during live fire exercises

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un operated a newly developed battle tank as he renewed calls for his military to prepare for war, state media reported Thursday.

Kim expressed "great satisfaction" with "the worlds most powerful" tank, which he drove himself during a "training match" that explored the combat capabilities of tank crews, according to Reuters.

Kims participation added "to the high militant spirit of the tankmen of our army," the Korean Central News Agency reported.

The tank training came after South Korea and the U.S. military ended their annual 11-day joint drills which took place near the border with North and South Korea, per KCNA. The North has condemned these drills as a rehearsal for invasion and North Korea's Defense Ministry vowed to carry out "responsible military activities" in response.

KIM JONG UN THREATENS ATTACKING, 'OCCUPYING' SOUTH KOREA IN EVENT OF CONFLICT

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un salutes as he guides a military demonstration involving tank units on Wednesday.

During the training exercises, heavy tanks moved through simulated harsh combat circumstances and fired live rounds.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"Swiftly weaving their way through various worst combat circumstances, heavy tanks hit targets at once with powerful strikes and broke through strong defense lines with high maneuverability," KCNA reported.

The training exercises involved heavy tanks moving through simulated harsh combat circumstances and firing live rounds.

The Norths Defense Minister Kang Sun Nam also attended the tank training.

The Norths Defense Minister Kang Sun Nam also attended the event, per Reuters.

The North Korean government did not provide the name or specifications of the battle tank driven by Kim.

MOSCOW RELEASES $9M OF FROZEN ASSETS TO NORTH KOREA IN EXCHANGE FOR WEAPONS: REPORT

Kim's appearance comes after he led artillery firing drills for the Korean People's Army  the country's military force  last week.

The Korean Central News Agency released a picture on Thursday of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sitting inside a tank during a military demonstration on Wednesday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un poses with a tank and members of the Korean People's Army during a military demonstration on Wednesday.

The South Korea-U.S. military exercises involved a computer-simulated command program and included 48 types of field exercises.

North Korea remains particularly hostile as Kim continues to ramp up his weapon supplies and pursues advanced ballistic and nuclear technologies.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit South Korea next week, where he will hold a meeting with South Korean foreign minister Cho Tae-yul in Seoul.

North Korea's military exercises took place hours after the U.S. and South Korea ended 11 days of joint military drills.

Kim now joins Russian President Vladimir Putin in operating a military vehicle after Putin took a flight on a nuclear-capable bomber last month.

Putin rode the Tu-160M bomber, codenamed "Blackjacks" by NATO  a bomber capable of carrying 12 cruise missiles and flying approximately 7,500 miles without refueling  on Feb. 22.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: North Korea's Kim puts West on notice by operating 'worlds most powerful' tank during live fire exercises
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  A Georgia woman who disappeared in September was last seen at the Club Wyndham resort in North Myrtle Beach before her killing, authorities in North Myrtle Beach said Thursday afternoon at a news conference.

Courtesy: J. Reuben Long Detention Center

Bornold Eberhart, 42, also of Georgia, was arrested Friday on a murder charge in the death of Kristin Laymon. He remains in the J. Reuben Long Detention Center, where he was taken following his arrest on Friday.

Ive been in the investigation bureau for about six years now and this is the most complicated investigation I have ever been involved in, Lt. Mike Swarthout said. There thousands of man-power hours put into this.

North Myrtle Beach police were contacted on Nov. 8 by police in Duluth, Georgia, about Laymon, who they said had not been heard from since Sept. 22. Duluth police said her last known location was at Club Wyndham.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Laymon was reported missing by her daughter on Oct. 9, according to a Duluth police report obtained by News13. Her daughter told police that Laymon had not been answering her phone calls and that they would go straight to voicemail.

Her daughter also said she had access to Laymons emails and her bank account, which showed she had received multiple overdraft emails and that her account had a negative balance, the report said. She said Laymons bank account had not been used since September, which was unusual because she was typically financially responsible.

Laymons former co-worker told a News13 reporter on Wednesday that she had been working at a flower shop in Tucker, Georgia, but was fired about a month before she disappeared. The reason for her firing was not immediately known.

The person also said that Laymon was not dating Eberhart and that she had a different boyfriend. Authorities did say in the news conference, however, that while the two werent dating, they might have had an intimate relationship.

North Myrtle Beach detectives verified that Laymon had come to the city on Sept. 22 and was with Eberhart. The departments investigation revealed that Laymon and Eberhart got into an argument in the early morning of Sept. 23. Laymon was last seen alive entering an elevator at 2:12 a.m. that day.

Authorities said they couldnt share how they knew about their argument. They also said Eberhart was not in the elevator with Laymon.

Detectives think that Laymon was killed in the early morning hours of Sept. 23. A day later, police said Eberhart left North Myrtle Beach and returned to Dekalb County, Georgia, with Laymons body in his vehicle.

Authorities said an autopsy will be conducted in Dekalb County on Friday morning.

* * *

Hannah Huffstickler is a multimedia journalist at News13. She joined the News13 team in January 2024 after graduating from Coastal Carolina University in December of 2023. Keep up with Hannah on Facebook and Instagram. You can also read more of her work here.

* * *

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.

* * *

Dennis Bright is a Digital Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
King Harald V of Norway has been discharged from an Oslo hospital after receiving a pacemaker this week, the palace said Thursday.

The 87-year-oldEuropes oldest monarchis doing well following the procedure, the royal court said in a statement. He will now remain on sick leave until April 8 with his 50-year-old son, Crown Prince Haakan, taking over the kings royal duties during his rest and recuperation period.

Norways King Harald Has Pacemaker Implanted After Falling Ill

Harald was given the permanent pacemaker Tuesday after he became ill with an infection last month during a vacation in Malaysia. He was given a temporary pacemaker due to a low heart rate, the palace said, while he was still in the Southeast Asian country on March 2. Haralds personal physician, Bjrn Bendz, said the temporary device would make his return flight to Norway safer.

The king has been hospitalized multiple times in recent years due to bouts of ill health. Before becoming unwell in Malaysia, Harald was on sick leave at the end of January because of a respiratory infection. Hed been hospitalized the previous month as well for another infection and again in August last year because of a fever. In 2020, he had an operation to replace a heart valve after hed been taken to hospital due to breathing problems.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Hes not getting out of jail: Suspect in Madeline Soto case could face death penalty or life in prison, expert says

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  An expert weighed in after the man whos considered the prime suspect in the disappearance and murder of 13-year-old Madeline Soto was charged with 60 additional sex crimes, saying hes not getting out for jail.

The suspect, Stephan Sterns, 37, is also the boyfriend of Madelines mother. Sterns has not yet been charged with murder; however, a few days after Madeline was reported missing, he was arrested on several charges.

Madeline Soto abused for nearly 2 years before her disappearance, death: report

No matter what, hes not getting out of jail, professor of forensic studies at Florida Gulf Coast University David Thomas said.

Thomas told NBC affiliate WESH that if Sterns is convicted, he will never live a day outside of a jail cell.

Originally, I knew they charged him with one or two charges in the very beginning, and thats fine because they got him off the phone. Now what theyve done is a complete forensic analysis and recorded almost every incident that he had, Thomas told WESH.

After Madeline was reported missing last month, Sterns was arrested on Feb. 28 for several charges, including sexual battery and possession of child abuse material. Authorities said they found disturbing images and videos on his phone.

Detectives later found more evidence, leading to the additional 60 charges. These charges include 40 counts of unlawful possession of materials depicting sexual performance by a child and eight counts of sexual battery on a child under 12.

Sheriff accidentally posts picture of body after Madeline Soto found; prosecutor wants investigation

According to WESH, these charges are enough for Sterns to be sentenced to life in prison if convicted.

Capitol felonies means that hell be in prison for life, and theres no doubt in my mind they have the evidence to secure, to make those charges to support that, Thomas said.

Earlier this month, the Osceola County Sheriffs Office released an arrest report that states Sterns sexually abused Madeline when she was 11 years old.

Thomas told WESH that there is likely already enough circumstantial evidence to charge Sterns with murder but believes Kissimmee police detectives want to make sure the case is sealed.

Give law enforcement, give the medical examiners office the opportunity to do their job because it takes time to do a great forensics analysis, he told WESH. They want to make sure justice is served, and its served properly.

What happened to Madeline Soto?

(Orange County Sheriffs Office)

Madeline Soto was last seen alive on Feb. 26, when she was supposed to be dropped off at her school by Sterns; however, police said she never showed up.

At the time of her disappearance, authorities said they found texts on her phone claiming that she wanted to go live in the woods when she turned 13. She had just turned 13 on Feb. 22, just days before she went missing.

The Orange County Sheriffs Office revealed that Sterns had been caught on camera throwing items into a dumpster shortly after 7:30 a.m. that day. Madelines backpack and school laptop were found in the dumpster.

Then, at 8:19 a.m., Sterns was spotted returning to his apartment complex with Soto in the car. According to the sheriffs office, detectives believe she was already dead at that time.

The 13-year-olds body was found in the woods off Old Hickory Tree Road in Osceola County. Authorities claim Sterns was spotted in the area on the afternoon of Feb. 26.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
The chair of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said Wednesday that the lack of Boeing records will complicate the investigation into the midair blowout on an Alaska Airlines flight earlier this year.

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy sent a letter to Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) to update the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on whether the NTSB has received documentation from Boeing in connection to the installation of the door plug that blew out on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9.

The NTSB launched an investigation shortly after the Jan. 5 incident. In a preliminary report released last month, the NTSB said four bolts meant to help secure the door plug were missing after it was opened for rivet repair work in September. Homendy said during a committee hearing last week that the repairs were performed by contractors who worked for Boeings supplier, Spirit AeroSystems.

As of Wednesday, she said the NTSB still does not know who performed the repairs, noting Boeing was unable to provide video footage of the installation.

To date, we still do not know who performed the work to open, reinstall, and close the door plug on the accident aircraft. Boeing has informed us that they are unable to find the records documenting this work, she wrote in the letter.

A verbal request was made by our investigators for security camera footage to help obtain this information; however, they were informed the footage was overwritten. The absence of those records will complicate the NTSBs investigation moving forward, she added.

A Boeing official told The Hill it is standard practice for video recordings to be maintained on a rolling 30-day basis. Homendy said federal investigators first asked for documents that would have contained this information on Jan. 9, just four days after the incident.

She said investigators later identified the door crew manager, but his attorney told the NTSB he would not be able to provide a statement or interview due to medical issues. She then said Boeing provided thevNTSB with names of individuals who may provide insight regarding the work performed to open, reinstall, and close the door plug in September 2023 on Feb. 2.

Homendy said the NTSB sent another request on March 2 asking for the names of all those who reported to the door crew manager during September. However, she said Boeings response did not include those who worked on the door panel.

When she called Boeing CEO David Calhoun about it, she said he stated Boeing had no records of the work being performed and that he could not provide that information.

She also reiterated in the letter the NTSB is not looking for the names of people for punitive purposes, but instead to learn about Boeings quality-assurance processes and safety culture.

Boeing said in a statement that it will continue to work with the investigation.

We will continue supporting this investigation in the transparent and proactive fashion we have supported all regulatory inquiries into this accident. We have worked hard to honor the rules about the release of investigative information in an environment of intense interest from our employees, customers, and other stakeholders, and we will continue our efforts to do so, the statement read.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The NTSB told a Senate committee Wednesday that Boeing has erased security video footage of work related to the door plug (pictured) that blew out on a 737 jet mid-flight in January. The video was routinely overwritten because security footage is only retained for 30 days, according to Boeing. File Photo courtesy NTSB/UPI

March 14 (UPI) -- Boeing failed to retain security video of work on the door plug that blew out of a 737 Max in mid-flight in January, the National Transportation Safety Board said.

In a letter to the Senate Committee on Commerce Science and Transportation, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said the agency was informed that security camera footage was "overwritten" after sending Boeing a verbal request for the footage of work being performed on the aircraft.

"To date, we still do not know who performed the work to open, reinstall, and close the door plug on the accident aircraft. Boeing has informed us that they are unable to find the records documenting this work," Homendy wrote.

The NTSB added the absence of that video footage will complicate the NTSB's investigation. The agency said it is not seeking to identify the person who did the work for punitive purposes, but to "learn about Boeing's quality-assurance processes and safety culture."

The door plug work was done at Boeing's Renton, Wash., facility in September 2023. The rivet repairs required the door plug that failed in flight to be opened, according to the NTSB.

The plug blew out during an Alaska Airlines flight just minutes after takeoff from Portland International Airport on Jan. 5.

Homendy said Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun told her Boeing is unable to provide the names of those who did the work and has no records of the work performed. Boeing said it doesn't keep security video longer than 30 days.

A Boeing statement Wednesday said the company will keep supporting the NTSB investigation "in the transparent and proactive fashion we have supported all regulatory inquiries into this accident."

Boeing told ABC News it has responded "comprehensively" to all NTSB investigation requests.

"Early in the investigation, we provided the NTSB with names of Boeing employees, including door specialists, who we believed would have relevant information. We have now provided the full list of individuals on the 737 door team, in response to a recent request," Boeing said. "With respect to documentation, if the door plug removal was undocumented there would be no documentation to share."

In a Wednesday letter to Boeing NTSB Director Timothy J. LeBaron reminded the company of its obligations to "take all reasonable steps to ensure that investigative information is protected from public release. As explained above, failure to abide by these requirements may lead to removal of Boeing's status as a party to the investigation."

LeBaron said before the NTSB's adoption of the final report regarding the door plug accident, only NTSB personnel are authorized to publicly disclose investigative information.
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. (WJMN)  Tensions amid prolonged contract negotiations are bringing forward concerns from both nurses and management at MyMichigan Medical Center Sault.

The hospitals nurses picketed in front of the hospital Tuesday afternoon. Among their claims was the concern that a lower raise in their new contract would push new talent to other hospitals offering higher wages, and a lost sense of community after managers of the then-War Memorial Hospital chose to join the MyMichigan hospital network.

Ontonagon village manager: Not having an ER is a big deal

Abigail Menard, who has worked at the hospital for over 10 years, said its as simple as cause-and-effect. I do think that is the big ticket herewe know that if we sign a contract that isnt promoting the recruiting and the retention of our ends to our facility, we arent just accepting a lower hourly wage for the next three years. We are accepting that we arent the greener pastures that nurses are looking for.















What I used to love about working at War Memorial was the feeling of family, said Elizabeth Pancheri, a 28-year veteran of the nursing staff. You really felt like you were always a part of the group that cared and looked out for each other and the community. But since MyMichigan took over, theres a feeling much more corporate. We areYou are not part of decision making. You are just a cog in the wheel.

A press release from the Michigan Nurses Association also highlighted concerns about anti-union conduct. The charges filed with the National Labor Relations Board allege discipline, retaliation and changing of terms or conditions of employment in a case filed in May of 2022 and settled in January of this year.

According to the Soo Leader, the hospitals transition to the MyMichigan network began in February of 2022.

President of MyMichigan Medical Center Sault Kevin Kalchik declined to comment on the NLRB charges or settlement, but spoke with Local 3 at length about his reaction to the picket, ongoing negotiations, and MyMichigan network transition.

Kalchik said despite the hospitals new branding, most aspects of their operation have stayed the same. The management here locally is exactly the same. Our board is exactly the same.

In regards to weve changed and were not a family anymore,' said Kalchik, I dont believe thats true. Ive worked here for 20 years now and all our staff care about the community. We say hi in the hallway to everybody that we pass. We say hi to the community as they come into the hospital here.

On the nurses contracts, Kalchik said the hospital has offered an 18% raise over three years, with 12% happening in in the first year. The increase is probably two or three times greater of an increase in one year or in the span of a contract than weve ever had in the past 20 years.

That would land their pay around $43/hour, according to Kalchik. Despite that, nursing staff say it isnt enough to compete with other hospitals.

Every time a coworker leaves to go somewhere else with higher pay and better benefits, my heart just drops, said Pancheri.

As of March 13th, no deal had been struck. Kalchik said he expects all parties to reach an agreement soon.

It can be difficult, but change is necessary for us

The decision to become a part of the MyMichigan hospital network was made from a standpoint of financial concern but not catastrophe, said Kalchik.

We didnt want to be like that hospital in Cheboygan that chose to join somebody when the wheels had fallen off of us.

We discussed the recent transition of Aspiruss Ontonagon Hospital to a rural health clinic due in part to difficult financing. [that] could happen here eventually, Kalchik said. For a rural hospital, we have O.B. services, dialysis, inpatient, behavioral health, a lot of other different specialties that rural communities our size do not have so its important for us to really monitor our financial resources while were treating all of our staff very fairly.

Suspect located following lockdown at MyMichigan Medical Center Sault

While nurses associate the shift to MyMichigan with an injury to its sense of community, Kalchik says the networks support has made it possible to keep all its current services running.

If my Michigan was not a part of this, the narrative would be way different because we would still have to increase the wages of our nurses because theyre valued and they they deserve a fair and equitable rate of paybut we would also be looking at what services we have to cut in. Thats thats the important part about being a part of the system of MyMichigan Health, when in the past when we had, you know, $1,000,000, $2,000,000 loss, we were thinking about what services do we have to cut, how can we reduce costs. And yes, we have to think about those things to be successful in the future, but Im not hearing from anybody at my Michigan health thats not in the ICU saying, Kevin, you need to cut this service, you need to cut that. Theyre thinking now what more can we do for your community and how can we make the all of the services that you have sustainable? Kevin Kalchik, MyMichigan Medical Center Sault President

Nurses push back on MyMichigan benefit

Amelia Dornbush with the Michigan Nurses Association says local nurses suspect MyMichigan executives of continuing anti-union behavior, and that they are frustrated by demands for concessions that were not asked for in non-union nursing contracts.

Dornbush added that now War Memorial is now a MyMichigan facility, nurses want pay parity with other hospitals in the network.

Despite our hospital not being one of their big moneymakers, said Menard, that doesnt change the fact that we are showing up all those days and still doing the same job, carrying the same workload.

Michigans right-to-work repeal takes effect Tuesday

Kalchik insists that MyMichigan is not creating any issues at the facility, and called the nursing staff an amazing part of their care team.

The nurses say that staff who participated in the picket were not on the clock, and patient care was not affected. Menard said she wants to thank the community members who joined them, and reassure people that the nursing staff will continue showing up to provide compassionate care to the community.

This is a developing story. Stay up-to-date with the latest information on-air and online.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJMN - UPMatters.com.
Two arrests were made following the death of a sergeant who was attacked and killed after breaking up a dispute early Sunday morning at New Yorks Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel, according to the Batavia Police Department.

Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello was working a special assignment detail at Batavia Downs when police responded to reports of a disturbance at the bar.

Sanfratello escorted Michael J. Elmore and Lyndsey Jean Wilcox out of the casino following the disturbance when Wilcox became combative, striking the 54-year-old sergeant, Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch said during a media briefing Wednesday.

PHOTO: Sergeant Thomas Sanfratello (Genesee County Sheriff's Office)

MORE: TikTok influencers say ban would be 'devastating'

While taking Wilcox into custody, Elmore returned to the scene, and an altercation ensued, according to Heubusch.

Elmore removed a large piece of jewelry from around his neck  a "metal, thick rope" that he used as part of the attack, according to police.

Elmore also allegedly put Sanfratello in a chokehold and beat him with his fists, according to Heubusch.

PHOTO: An ambulance is seen outside Batavia Downs Gaming, March 10, 2024, in Batavia, N.Y. (WHAM)

Sgt. Sanfratello became unresponsive during the altercation. Although "several members of Batavia Downs security staff and bystanders" began performing CPR, he was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police.

No other officers or staff members were hurt during the altercation, according to police.

According to police, Elmore, 33, was charged with three felonies: aggravated manslaughter in the first degree, aggravated felony assault upon a police officer and felony burglary in the second degree.

PHOTO: Lyndsey Jean Wilcox (L) and Michael J. Elmore (R) (Batavia Police Department)

MORE: Body of missing 54-year-old woman found in cemetery on the side of highway in Mexico

Wilcox, 39, was charged with two felonies: felony burglary in the second degree and attempted felony assault in the second degree, according to police.

Sgt. Sanfratello was a 32-year veteran of the sheriff's office, joining as a dispatcher in 1992 before becoming a deputy sheriff in 1996 and a sergeant in 2007, according to a release.

According to his obituary, Sgt. Sanfratello was twice awarded Deputy of the Year.

Police ask anyone who witnessed the fight or has video of it to contact the Batavia Police Department Detective Bureau.

NY sergeant killed in line of duty after attack with metal necklace chain: Police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
President Bidens administration has approved the release of nearly $107 million in migrant aid for New York City in response to Mayor Adams office finally submitting the required paperwork last week after months of application delays, local and federal officials told the Daily News on Thursday.

The aid  which has sat untouched since Congress first allocated it last summer  is at long last being authorized for disbursement to the city after the Adams administration provided the feds last Friday with required budgetary documentation as well as a waiver asking the feds to relax a cap on how much of the money can be used on hotel costs, White House and City Hall officials confirmed.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, which administers the program that includes the outstanding aid for the city, formally approved the waiver Friday afternoon, clearing the way for the city to receive the full pot of $106.8 million, White House officials said.

Under the initial application rules, only 10% of the total aid earmarked for the city could be used to cover costs related to housing migrants in hotels. FEMA bumped that figure up to 15% in response to the Adams administrations waiver request, a step that, combined with the submission of budgetary documents, made the rest of the application up to snuff, according to the White House.

A White House official said the Adams team finally came into compliance with all paperwork requirements after accepting help from a FEMA team that traveled to the city at the beginning of this month to resolve the citys application issues.

A City Hall spokesman confirmed the aid authorization came after the city supplemented its application last week.

The spokesman, Charles Lutvak, stressed that the greenlight from the feds doesnt mean the cash is immediately getting pumped into the citys coffers, though. Now that its application has been approved, the city still needs to submit detailed receipts for the money to actually be forked over, Lutvak said.

We appreciate the productive collaboration of our federal partners and will continue to work closely with them so money can be released, Lutvak said.

The city already received $49 million from the feds in migrant aid last year from a separate program that did not require detailed documentation up front.

The long-delayed aid from the other program became a flashpoint earlier this month when a Biden administration official told The News that it wasnt being released because the mayors team had failed for months to submit the correct paperwork. The official described the mayors administration as having not stepped up to the plate and noted that other U.S. cities, including Chicago, had managed to submit the correct paperwork to unlock their allotted funds and start drawing them down.

The comments from the Biden administration official drew a sharp rebuke from the mayor, who argued the feds application requirements are far too complicated and not considerate of the crisis the citys facing in trying to shelter and provide services for tens of thousands of mostly Latin American migrants.

On the flipside, Adams maintained before Thursday that the citys application was complete and that the feds were holding up the money.

All the paperwork is submitted, he said in a March 6 appearance on Fox5.

Ultimately, the mayor has said that the outstanding $107 million is a drop in the bucket in comparison to the more than $4 billion the city has spent so far on the local migrant crisis. Last year, the mayor said Biden had failed New York by not sending more help.

The mayor has drawn the ire of some fellow Democrats by publicly lambasting Biden over the issue. Supporters of Biden say Congress can ultimately only allocate the additional funding the mayor is seeking, and that hes undermining the president politically by railing against him ahead of his reelection battle against Donald Trump this year.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, New Yorks top Democrat on Capitol Hill, said after Thursdays aid approval news that hes pushing for allocating more migrant assistance, but that its being blocked by congressional Republicans.

I worked hard with NYC and FEMA to deliver these funds, Schumer wrote on X about the $107 million bucket. Now Republicans must stop blocking the strong, bipartisan border bill, which can deliver more.

Lutvak echoed Schumers sentiment.

We will continue to advocate for additional federal funding as the city has spent more than $4 billion to manage this national humanitarian crisis, as well as for the comprehensive immigration reform that far-right Republicans have blocked for decades, he said.
Barack Obama hit out at Silicon Valley tycoons' aspirations to colonize Mars.

Earth would be more liveable than Mars "even after a nuclear war" and climate change, he said.

It comes as Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos test mega-rockets that could take humans to the red planet.

Barack Obama took a shot at the likes of Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos by saying that Earth would be more liveable than the red planet "even after a nuclear war."

Speaking on Wednesday, the former US president said that Silicon Valley "tycoons, many of whom are building spaceships," should be focusing on saving Earth rather than investing in flying humans off to space.

"When I hear some of the people talk about the plan to colonize Mars because the Earth environment may become so degraded that it becomes unliveable, I look at them like, what are you talking about?" said Obama at the opening of the 2024 POwR.Earth Summit in Paris per Barron's.

"Even after a nuclear war, Earth would be more liveable than Mars, even if we didn't do anything about CC [climate change] it would still have oxygen  as far as we can tell, Mars does not," he said.

Obama emphasized that the development of space exploration should continue for the sake of knowledge and discovery.

But when it comes to relocating humans to outer space, "I would rather us invest in taking care of this planet here," said Obama.

"We were designed for this place, and it would be good if we kept this place in a way that's liveable," he said.

A picture shows Starship fully stacked on its launchpad. Elon Musk said Wednesday the rocket is 'ready to launch' on its second fully integrated flight, pending regulatory approval. SpaceX

The comments came a day before Musk's SpaceX aimed to test its behemoth Starship mega-rocket for a third time. The prototype rocket, which is a crucial part of Musk's plan to colonize the red planet, blew up on its previous attempts.

The billionaire has previously said he wants to send millions of humans to Mars by 2050 and that it was "highly likely" humans would land on the red planet within the next decade.

Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin plans to test its own mega-rocket, New Glenn, for the first time in August this year.

The rocket could compete with Starship for NASA's plans to return to the moon ahead of heading to Mars.

The former Amazon CEO said last year he saw more potential in putting humans on gargantuan space stations rather than sending them to another planet.

Read the original article on Business Insider
SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Chinese automakers seeking global growth are building more car factories in overseas markets, as foreign regulators mull imposing measures against imports of China-made electric cars.

Chery Auto is holding talks with the Italian government to manufacture there, Reuters reported on Wednesday. Should the talks succeed, Chery would be among the first Chinese automakers with a European manufacturing presence.

The growing clout of China car exports has been causing friction with the U.S. and Europe.

Here's what Chinese automakers are planning:

BYD

The world's largest EV maker has been building car factories in Thailand, Brazil, Hungary and Uzbekistan.

BYD started production at the Uzbekistan plant in January with a Song Plus hybrid crossover. The factory has a planned annual production capacity of 300,000 vehicles.

Under a partnership with Thai industrial developer WHA Group, BYD will produce 150,000 EVs per year in Thailand and its local plant is expected to start operation later this year.

Its Brazil manufacturing complex is expected to start operations by year-end, or in early 2025, with an estimated annual production capacity of 150,000 units in the first phase.

BYD announced its Hungarian plant producing EVs and plug-in hybrids in December, saying it would create thousands of local jobs, boost the local economy and support local supply chains. It didn't say when production could start.

BYD also said it is looking for a location in Mexico for a factory with production capacity of 150,000 cars annually for local sales solely.

BYD has capacity to produce 4 million cars in China annually. Its biggest overseas markets in 2023 included Thailand, Brazil, Israel and Australia.

CHERY AUTO

Chery Auto, China's largest automaker by export volume, said last year it would invest $400 million to set up a factory in Argentina producing 100,000 cars by 2030.

The company sold more than half of its cars outside of China in 2023, the majority of them with gasoline engines. Russia is its largest overseas market while it also has a big presence in Latin America.

Story continues

In 2014, it set up a plant in Brazil which has an annual capacity of 150,000 units.

Chery is considering building a car factory in the UK this decade, the Financial Times has reported.

SAIC MOTOR

State-owned SAIC, China's second-largest auto exporter with its MG-branded cars, is looking for a site in Europe to set up a plant for EV production.

SAIC has built three overseas car plants in Thailand, Indonesia and India. It also has a so-called knocked down (CKD) assembly plant in Pakistan where it puts together cars from parts delivered to the site.

GREAT WALL MOTOR

Great Wall Motor has a factory in Thailand with an annual capacity of 80,000 units.

GEELY GEELY.UL]

Geely, whose brands include Lotus and Volvo, has factories in Belarus, United Kingdom and Indonesia.

(Reporting by Zhang Yan, Brenda Goh; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
Supporters of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) carry a hoarding of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah for celebrations in Ahmedabad

By Krishn Kaushik

NEW DELHI (Reuters) -Behind the doors of a small, non-descript office in the heart of New Delhi lies the headquarters of an electoral trust run by just two men that is the largest-known donor to Indias ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), according to a Reuters review of public records.

The Prudent Electoral Trust has raised $272 million since its creation in 2013, funnelling roughly 75% of that to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party. The trusts donations to the BJP total 10 times as much as the $20.6 million it issued to the opposition Congress party, the records show.

The previous Congress-led government introduced electoral trusts in 2013 to allow for tax-exempt contribution to parties. It said the mechanism would make campaign financing more transparent by reducing cash contributions, which are harder to trace.

But some election experts say the trusts contribute to opacity around the funding of political parties in India, where this years general election  due to be called within weeks  is expected to return Modi to power for a rare third term, polls predict.

While Prudent does not disclose how donations made by individual corporate donors are distributed, Reuters used public records from 2018 to 2023 to track flows from some of Indias largest companies.

Eight of India's biggest business groups donated at least $50 million in total between 2019 and 2023 to the trust, which then issued cheques for corresponding amounts to the BJP, according to the Reuters analysis.

Four companies whose transactions were identified by Reuters - steel giant ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel, telco Bharti Airtel, infrastructure developer GMR and energy giant Essar - have not given money to the party directly and do not appear on its donors' list.

GMR and Bharti Airtel said in response to Reuters questions that Prudent determines how their donations are distributed.

Prudent decides "as per their internal guidelines, which we are unaware of," said a GMR spokesman. He added that the company doesn't "like to align with any political party."

Bharti Airtel, which created Prudent before transferring control to independent auditors Mukul Goyal and Venkatachalam Ganesh in 2014, said it has "no influence on the decisions, directions and mode of disbursal of funds."

Spokespeople for the other groups did not respond to calls, text messages and emails.

Goyal and Ganesh did not respond to questions sent via email and post. When asked on a brief phone call about how Prudent functioned, Goyal said: "That is something we do not discuss."

Prudent - the largest of India's 18 electoral trusts - is legally required to declare how much it has collected from each donor and the total amounts disbursed to each party.

But it is the only one among India's four largest electoral trusts to accept contributions from more than one corporate group.

Trusts "provide one layer of separation between firms and parties," said Milan Vaishnav, an expert on Indian campaign finance at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a Washington-based think-tank.

Political finance in India is widely seen as murky, with most political donations in India undisclosed, Vaishnav added.

BJP said in its latest public disclosure in March 2023 that its political war chest - funds it had available including cash reserves and assets - was valued at 70.4 billion rupees ($850 million). That gives it a colossal financial advantage over Congress, which had 7.75 billion rupees in funds.

BJP spokespeople did not respond to repeated requests for comment for this story.

The records show that Prudent was also the largest-known donor to the Congress party in the decade to March 2023.

LAYER OF SEPARATION

India's Supreme Court said in a February campaign finance ruling that corporate contributions are "purely business transactions made with the intent of securing benefits in return."

Reuters was unable to establish if political parties know the identities of donors that give through trusts that receive contributions from multiple groups.

MV Rajeev Gowda, head of research for Congress, told Reuters that electoral trusts are a "semi fig-leaf" and that he believed parties knew the donors' identities. Gowda, who doesn't manage the party's finances, didn't provide evidence.

BJP's next largest known donor is Tata Group's Progressive Electoral Trust, which has given the party 3.6 billion rupees collected from the salt-to-airline conglomerate's companies. Progressive is also Congress's next largest donor, having given it 655 million rupees.

Progressive's by-laws require it to distribute funds proportionate to the number of seats held by each party in parliament. Prudent has no similar restrictions and Reuters' analysis of its donations found no such pattern.

NEAR-INSTANT TRANSFERS

Trusts are allowed to retain a maximum of 300,000 rupees for annual operating expenses. Remaining funds must be disbursed in the fiscal year they were received.

In its analysis of contribution reports filed by Prudent to electoral authorities, Reuters identified 18 transactions between 2019 and 2022 in which the eight corporate groups made large donations to the trust. Within days, Prudent issued cheques for the same amounts to BJP.

Before the 18 contributions, which are not exhaustive of all the donations made by the groups to Prudent, the trust did not have sufficient funds for the payments to BJP.

Companies tied to billionaire L.N. Mittal's ArcelorMittal group were among Prudent's most prolific donors.

On July 12, 2021, for instance, ArcelorMittal Design and Engineering Centre Private Limited gave Prudent a cheque for 500 million rupees ($6.03 million). The next day, Prudent issued a cheque to BJP for the same amount.

ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India also issued 200 million rupees to Prudent on Nov. 1, 2021, and 500 million rupees on Nov. 16, 2022. The respective sums were sent to BJP on Nov. 5, 2021, and Nov. 17, 2022.

A spokesman for ArcelorMittal did not respond to requests for comment.

Bharti Airtel, meanwhile, issued 250 million rupees to Prudent on Jan. 13, 2022 and 150 million rupees on March 25, 2021. The trust sent out cheques to BJP for those amounts on Jan. 14, 2023 and March 25, 2021.

And three companies in the RP-Sanjiv Goenka group - Haldia Energy India, Phillips Carbon Black and Crescent Power - cut cheques for 250 million rupees, 200 million rupees and 50 million rupees on March 15, March 16, and March 19, 2021 respectively. On Mar. 17, BJP received a 450-million-rupee cheque from Prudent; a 50-million-rupee cheque followed on March 20.

The RPSG group did not respond to requests for comment.

Donations from Serum Institute and companies in GMR Group, DLF Ltd and Essar Group moved to BJP immediately after Prudent received them.

Reuters was unable to identify a similar pattern of funds being sent to the trust and transferred to Congress immediately afterwards.

However, Reuters found similar patterns involving two regional parties. Megha Engineering and Infrastructure transferred 750 million rupees to Prudent across three transactions on July 5 and July 6, 2022. The trust issued a 750-million-rupee cheque on July 7 to Bharat Rashtra Samithi, a centrist party in Telangana state, where Megha group is headquartered.

And property developers Avinash Bhosale Group, based in the western Maharashtra state, gave 50 million rupees to Prudent on Nov. 27, 2020. The trust issued a cheque for that amount to the Maharashtra Pradesh Nationalist Congress Party, which is independent of the national Congress party, on Nov. 30.

The corporate groups did not immediately return requests for comment. BRS's general secretary said he was "not aware" of specifics about the donations, while a senior NCP official said that the party had recently split and "every record will not be available with us.

CAUSE OF CONCERN?

Public records and party reports show BJP's war chest has swelled since Modi became prime minister in 2014, from 7.8 billion rupees ($94.09 million) in March 2014 to 70.4 billion rupees in March 2023. Congress' funds increased from from 5.38 billion rupees to 7.75 billion rupees in the same time period.

The financing gap between the BJP and Congress is a cause of concern, said Jagdeep Chhokar of Association of Democratic Reforms, a Delhi-based civil society group that was the main petitioner behind the electoral bonds challenge in the Supreme Court.

"Level playing field is an essential part of democracy," he said.

Some BJP officials have said in the past that the large sums it has raised on its books are an example of its transparency.

BJP has been the major beneficiary of electoral bonds, a mechanism that allowed donors to give unlimited amounts to parties without public disclosure.

It received some 65.66 billion rupees of the 120.1 billion rupees worth of such bonds sold between their January 2018 introduction and March 2023. Such bonds made up more than half the contributions received by the BJP in all but one fiscal year since their introduction.

The Supreme Court called the mechanism "unconstitutional" in February and ordered the government-owned State Bank of India, which issued the bonds, to release buyers' details. Specifics are set for release by March 15.

($1 = 82.7710 Indian rupees)

(Reporting by Krishn Kaushik, Additional reporting by Aditya Kalra, Kripa Jayaram and Sumanta Sen; Editing by Katerina Ang)
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) slammed a CNN analyst for calling her fellow squad member Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) a public relations agent for Hamas on Wednesday.

How on earth is this kind of blatant Islamophobia so casually accepted without pushback? This is shocking, Ocasio-Cortez said Wednesday in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Her post came in response to a clip of Republican strategist Scott Jennings on CNNs NewsNight in which he said he is surprised, that in the year of our Lord 2024, there is a public relations agent for Hamas sitting in the United States Congress, in response to an earlier interview with Omar.

Other members of the squad also criticized Jennings for his comments, which Omar retweeted.

Scott Jennings comments are reminiscent of the anti-Muslim bigotry we saw in the George Bush post-9/11 era, Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) said in a post on X. It is disgusting and must not be normalized. CNN should denounce this hateful, dangerous and blatant Islamophobia immediately.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley said, Blatant Islamophobia has no place in our society  let alone on primetime TV.

Its dangerous, unacceptable, and cannot be normalized, she said on X.

Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) called Jenningss comments disgustingly racist and Islamophobic and said comments similar to the ones he made are extremely dangerous and fuel anti-muslim hate crimes.

CNN should never have him on again! Bowman continued.

Jenningss comments followed an interview with Omar in which she said it was her understanding that Israel didnt show up to negotiations in Egypt for a cease-fire.

It was Israel that refused to send negotiators to be at the table to carve out  you have to remember that a cease-fire is not something that happens magically, Omar said.

The Hill has reached out to CNN, Omars office and Jennings.

Updated at 1:53 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Click here to view the video

Finding four-leaf clovers can be extra tough near St. Patrick's Day because many Canadians may have to dig through the snow.

But what are the odds of finding a four-leaf clover, anyway?

The statistics here are a bit mixed. A quick Google search says the odds of finding a four-leaf clover on your first try is about 1 in 10,000 - but a 2017 analysis of 5.7 million clovers over six countries suggests your chances are closer to 1 in 5,000 - and while that's much better, it looks like four-leaf clovers are a rare find no matter how you slice it.

As for five-leaf clovers? Those are even more elusive. Your odds of picking up one of THOSE on your first try are around 1 in 24,000, according to the 2017 study.

There's a seasonal aspect to it, too: Spring and fall are the best seasons to find four-leaf clovers, and winter is the worst.

RELATED: St. Patrick's Day green traditions linked to these weather patterns

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CLOVER

Four-leaf clovers have been considered a sign of good luck in Ireland for centuries. Druid priests carried three and four-leaf clovers to use in ceremonies, with the latter thought to possess qualities that brought about good luck.

St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was a big believer in the healing power of clover, even using the three-leaf variety as an educational tool to explain the Holy Trinity. It's these deep cultural connections that led to the clover becoming the official symbol for St. Patrick's Day.

WATCH: St. Patrick's green traditions were shaped by weather

Click here to view the video

Thumbnail: Custom graphic by Cheryl Santa Maria. Clover image: Canva.
An officer was fired after his disturbing actions toward an arrestee were caught on video, Mississippi officials said.

Ex-patrolman Michael Christian Green was accused of forcing a man to lick his own urine off the floor, City of Pearl spokesperson Therese Apel said in a March 13 news release.

Criminal information against Green was unsealed March 13, detailing a charge stemming from the Dec. 23 video, according to city officials. The footage was also sent to the FBI.

Green was fired on Dec. 27 after an internal investigation, the city said.

Michael Green does not represent the values and standards within the Pearl Police Department, Apel said in the release. The charged actions have both embarrassed and dishonored the faithful officers who serve and protect our city every day.

Candace Gregory, a former prosecutor and the director of Mississippis Public Integrity Division, aided in the citys investigation and will review the police departments policies and procedures, according to the release.

Training assistance will also be provided, the city said.

Pearl is about a 5-mile drive southeast from downtown Jackson.

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Officers in Wisconsin are investigating after an 8-year-old child was found dead in their home, according to a sheriffs department.

Authorities were called around 6 p.m. Saturday, March 9 to a Fulton Township home for reports of a missing child, according to a March 12 Rock County Sheriffs Office news conference streamed by WMTV.

Deputies and police officers spoke with the childs family and searched the home, but did not find the child, officials said. Authorities then began searching outside around the home and neighborhood.

Drones, K9 officers and more than 20 deputies searched for the 8-year-old, officials said.

After obtaining a search warrant for the home, officers searched it again. This time, authorities found the child deceased inside, officials said.

On March 11, an autopsy was performed. The next day, detectives arrested 20-year-old Dayveon Lathrop, a relative of the child, according to officials.

Authorities have not released the childs identity or the relationship between the child and Lathrop.

Attorney information for Lathrop was not available in court records.

Lathrop is charged with first-degree intentional homicide, hiding a corpse, child neglect, bail jumping and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to officials.

13-year-old boy on way to school hit and killed in crosswalk, Colorado cops say

Dad killed child months before reporting him missing, officials say. Hes found guilty

Multiple 911 calls from injured child lead to 3 bodies in rural home, Florida cops say
The water and electrical work being done to feed Meta's $800 million data center in Rosemount will be available to other future users that want to develop nearby land, officials announced Thursday.

Mortenson is starting construction on the two-year project later this month on land purchased by Meta, parent company of Facebook, from the University of Minnesota for $39.7 million. The site is adjacent to Dakota County Technical College on the east end of Rosemount.

The project, which in September was estimated to cost $700 million, "positions Minnesota in attracting high-tech investments," Gov. Tim Walz said at a news conference Thursday held at the Rosemount Community Center.

Officials hope the infrastructure groundwork will help spur more development nearby.

The data center will be optimized for an "AI workload," said Brad Davis, Meta's director of data center community and economic development.

Minnesota's commitment to clean energy is helping attract more projects, Walz said. Xcel Energy last month sold 285 acres in Becker to Microsoft that will be home to a data center.

Ryan Long, Xcel Energy's president for Minnesota, said the utility company is paying for a transmission line and other infrastructure that will feed the facility. That transmission line could also serve other customers in the future.

Data centers and the potential of more electric vehicles are a key reason Xcel's is predicting a rare and significant jump in demand for energy on its Upper Midwest system.

The Rosemount center's usage, Long said, is factored into Xcel's electricity use plan, currently being considered by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.

As with all of Meta's data centers, the Rosemount facility will be powered by 100% renewable energy, Davis said.

Some of that power will likely come from a solar facility built by Flint Hills refinery in Rosemount, the largest of its kind, Rosemount Mayor Jeff Weisensel said.

Meta is funding a water line extension that will help further development along County Road 42, Weisensel said.

The Meta center is receiving sales tax abatements through a state program for data centers and may not be the only light industrial project on UMore land, said Leslie Krueger, the University of Minnesota's assistant vice president for planning.

Weisenthal confirmed the university and The Opus Group are working to develop another parcel of UMore land but it has not progressed to project stage.
An off-duty police officer died after a motorcycle crash Wednesday morning.

Just before 8 a.m., police were called to a crash between an SUV and a motorcycle at U.S. 23 and Cottswold Drive, according to our news partners at WBNS.

Andrew Mott, 36, was taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

>> Rash of attacks targeting mail carriers locally, nationally; new legislation introduced

Mott was an officer with the Columbus Division of Police and was on his way home from work at the time of the crash, according to Columbus police.

During his tenure, Officer Mott exemplified professionalism, respect, integrity, dedication and enthusiasm in every aspect of his duty. Officer Motts legacy will endure through the lives he positively impacted and the countless individuals he helped during his service. He will not be forgotten, and his memory will continue to inspire us all, police said in a statement.

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther released a statement offering his condolences to Motts family and friends.

Our officers serve bravely every day to protect our residents, and I am deeply grateful to Officer Mott for his years of service to Columbus. Please lift up his family who is experiencing unfathomable loss, Ginther said.








empty civil service office

Civil servants at Britains official statistics body have threatened to go on strike after being asked to work in the office for two days a week.

More than 1,000 employees at the Office for National Statistics (ONS) are being balloted over strike action after bosses told them to stop working from home full time.

The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union, which is spearheading the push for industrial action, has said that many workers come in several days a week anyway while others only accepted a job at the ONS because they were promised the flexibility to work from home.

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: Its a mystery why managers have changed their minds, especially after having regularly reassured members they could remain working more flexibly.

No evidence-based business case has been made for their rushed decision  a move that has caused anger among staff demoralised by the lack of trust and the need for rapid changes to their childcare and other arrangements.

The union has called for talks with ONS management before the strike ballot of its members closes on April 2.

It marks the latest pushback from staff who want to continue working from home as bosses increasingly demand an end to remote practices.

Ministers have been trying to pressure Whitehall staff back into the office at least 60pc of the time, or three days a week for full-time staff, over fears that working from home has reduced productivity and increased waiting times for services.

Companies have started a crackdown after becoming fed up with staff failing to hit a mandatory three days in the office.

Bank of America, one of the worlds biggest lenders, earlier this year sent out letters of education to its home-working staff threatening them with disciplinary action if they fail to meet minimum office attendance.

Others have imposed full-time office working. HS2 contractor Laing ORourke last month ordered staff back to the office full-time, warning that working from home had become a threat to the business and was affecting staff engagement.

Story continues

The decision came months after Nick Smallwood, head of the Governments Infrastructure and Projects Authority, told MPs that the rise of remote working had delayed work on major projects.

Lord Cruddas CMC Markets, the foreign exchange and spread betting company, has also told staff that they have to be at their desks full-time.

The ONS did not respond to a request for comment.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
One driver was killed and another was hospitalized from a Wednesday crash, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

The two-vehicle collision happened at about 1:35 p.m. in Dorchester County, said Lance Cpl. Nick Pye.

A 1999 Lexus sedan was driving west on U.S. 78, and as it was turning onto West Meadow Drive, it collided with a 2015 Chrysler sedan that was heading east, according to Pye.

The Lexus driver died, Pye said.

The Dorchester County Coroners Office has not publicly identified the Lexus driver.

The Chrysler driver was hurt and taken to an area hospital, according to Pye. Further information on the Chrysler drivers condition was not available.

Pye said the drivers were the only people in the vehicles, and no other injuries were reported.

There was no word if either driver was wearing a seat belt, but the crash continues to be investigated by the Highway Patrol.

Through Tuesday, 156 people had died on South Carolina roads in 2024, according to the state Department of Public Safety. Last year, 999 people died in crashes in South Carolina, DPS reported.

At least six people have died in Dorchester County crashes in 2024, according to DPS data. There were 14 deaths reported in the county in 2023, DPS reported.
YUKON, Okla. (KFOR)  One person was injured after a car drove into a building in Yukon Thursday morning.

Officials say the incident happened at the Yukons Best Tag Agency near West Main St. around 11:30 a.m.

Car in Yukon Tag Agency. Image KFOR.

LOCAL NEWS: One in custody after apartment fire in SW Oklahoma City

According to fire crews, one person was hurt inside the car. The extent of their injuries is unknown.

Fire crews are on scene assessing the damage.

No more information is available at this time.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has said that the confrontation between drones and electronic warfare at the contact line has come to the forefront, and the first country to get ahead of their opponent in the arms race will have a chance to win.

Source: Oleksandr Syrskyi on Facebook

Quote: "The confrontation between drones and electronic warfare has come to the forefront, and only the first to get ahead of the enemy in this competition will have a chance to win."

Details: As follows from the message, Syrskyi visited the Zaporizhzhia front.

Syrskyi reported that Russia continues to attack Ukrainian positions near Robotyne and Verbove, but without much success. The fighting is characterised by numerous uses of drones of all types in combination with artillery and mortar fire.

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COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  Muscogee County School Districts online registration for the 2024 to 2025 school year is less than a month away.

Registration opens for all students on April 8. Heres what current students need to get registered:

Two proofs of address:

Lease/mortgage/property tax AND

A current utility bill stating the name and service address

Withdrawal form or last report card from the previous school if transferring to a different school in the district

Students new to the district, including kindergartners, will need to provide these documents:

Students Birth Certificate

Students Social Security Card

GA Immunization Form (3231) or waiver form giving more time to get Form 3231

GA Eye, Ear & Dental Form (3300) or waiver form more time to get Form 3300

Two proofs of address:

a. Lease/mortgage/property tax

b. A current utility bill stating the name and service address

Withdrawal form or last report card from the previous school

If you are living with someone, the individual must accompany you and provide proof of address and a photo ID to complete an Affidavit of Residency. These are renewed yearly. If a renewal affidavit is issued, the parent must also provide official mail to that address.

 Muscogee County School District

Registration is ongoing through the year. You can complete it at at this link.

Anyone needing assistance can contact their zone school or central registration at centralregistration@muscogee.k12.ga.us or (706) 748-2219.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
Here in Florida, state statute prohibits supervisors of elections from endorsing candidates of any party, and they must remain neutral.

That rule was broken by Seminole County Supervisor of Elections Chris Anderson, who recently took to Facebook and posted his endorsement of former President Donald Trump for president in 2024.

It was on my private Facebook. Im an American citizen, just like everybody else. And I have a right to my opinion, Anderson told Channel 9. Theres plenty of checks and balances that are put in place to keep elections safe, like no one person can do something involving ballots.

Because of the endorsement, Anderson said he opted to take himself off of the Seminole County canvassing board. He said because he intends to run for reelection, he would have had to leave the board eventually as the canvassing board certifies the elections.

Anderson can still attend the board meetings in an advisory position, but he has no voting power.

Read: Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer seeks input from Pulse survivors, victims families on permanent memorial

Not being on the canvassing board, he does not have a vote in certifying the elections. But the ramifications go further than just this presidential preference primary, it goes into all elections that are being held in 2024, said Amy Pennock, a candidate for Seminole County supervisor of elections. So by him endorsing one candidate on social media, he has effectively removed himself from actively participating in the elections process as far as the canvassing board goes for the primary election in August and the general election in November.

Only on 9: Seminole Supervisor of Elections removed from canvasing board over Trump endorsement

Youve got to know the statutes, especially when it comes to elections. If thats your role as the elections officer, youve got to know the statutes, youve got to know what you can and cant do, and what is maybe stretching what you can and cant do, Pennock added. And by him endorsing one candidate, hes basically told two-thirds of the voters of Seminole County that his focus is on one party, one candidate.

Read: It is out of control: Residents concerned about constant crashes along Poinciana Boulevard

Anderson disagreed, telling Channel 9, My beliefs have never affected my service to my country as a combat veteran, my county as a deputy sheriff and my community as supervisor of elections.

He said he does not regret the post and said he will not take it down.

I have no regrets, he said. The post is still up. Its gonna stay up. I said what I said. And just like whoever complained, they had a right to say what they said. So do I. Just because Im a public official doesnt mean I lose my voice.

Anderson, who announced he will run for reelection for the office, has yet to formally file to run.

Read: Orlando unveils new concept for Lake Eola Park expansion

The institution of voting is what the supervisor of elections is supposed to be about, said Deborah Poulalion, a candidate for supervisor of elections. Not any party, not any politician. I do not think its appropriate for a supervisor of elections to endorse anything.

Well, I think its important for people to know that the voting processes are more than just one person. And that we can really be confident that even though this one person has made a mistake, and its causing a disruption, that the system itself is going to work, Poulalion added.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
There is wide variation across England in how long patients wait for hospital treatment, BBC News analysis reveals.

Patients should start treatment within 18 weeks but at the worst-performing hospital trust, Milton Keynes, nearly two-thirds are waiting longer.

And that is four times as many as are waiting over 18 weeks at the best-performing trust in the country.

It comes as figures for the end of January show the overall waiting list had fallen slightly to 7.58 million.

Experts said while there were some valid reasons for the variation identified by BBC News, the scale of the differences was also down to some hospitals' poor performance.

Chart showing waiting list by hospital trust

King's Fund think tank chief analyst Siva Anandaciva said factors such as the underlying health of the local population, for example, could only partly explain the findings.

Some of the differences were clearly "unwarranted", he said, and due to how well individual hospital trusts were performing and managing their waiting lists, including maximising use of operating theatres.

"The focus on the national picture masks that you can have a significantly different experience of care if you live in Camden or Cumbria," Mr Anandaciva said.

"Ultimately, it does really test the 'N' in 'NHS'."

But Mr Anandaciva also pointed out no trust's performance was great - with every one missing the target to see 92% patients within 18 weeks.

'We can't rely on NHS'

Liz Magnall, 58, from Bury, is one of those who found herself facing a long wait at one of the worst-performing trusts.

She was on a Manchester University NHS Trust waiting list for a gynaecological procedure, until, with worsening symptoms, opting to borrow money to pay to have the treatment privately.

The doctors treating Ms Magnall also spotted early signs of cancer, so she ended up having a hysterectomy to stop the disease developing.

She feels relieved she went private. "I literally don't know how long I would have waited on the NHS," Ms Magnall said. "I feel great now.

"My advice? Go private. We can't rely on the NHS."

Manchester University NHS Trust said waits had now improved for the sort of treatment for which Ms Magnall had been waiting.

And a spokesman said the trust was happy to meet her to discuss her case.

The trust had some unique pressures, he said, pointing out it was the largest in the country, running 10 hospitals, and took on many of the most complex cases from other hospitals across the region.

Productivity 'varies'

Other struggling trusts also said progress was being made on backlogs.

In March last year, Milton Keynes University Hospital predicted it would return to "sensible waiting times" within two years.

Since then, it has tried a variety of initiatives, including doing more robotic surgery and asking staff to work overtime to run extra clinics.

It has also recently launched a new mobile operating theatre.

A spokesman for the hospital said waiting times were improving, adding: "Teams across the hospital continually review waiting lists and are working tirelessly to bring appointments forward where possible."

Tackling the hospital backlog, which covers planned treatments such as knee and hip operations, is one of the government's key priorities.

But it has failed to make significant inroads into reducing the total number waiting for treatment, which is now more than three million higher than before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Rory Deighton, of the NHS Confederation, which represents hospitals, said much of it was out of the control of individual hospitals and due to the "cards many have been dealt".

Money to invest in new buildings and equipment varied, while staffing shortages and access to social care to help patients out of hospital could "vary considerably".

"This impacts how productive each trust can be," Mr Deighton said.

'Deliver improvements'

NHS England said since the pandemic it had had to focus on tackling the very longest waits, of over 18 months.

Significant progress was being made with that and steps were being taken to reduce variation, including writing to those patients who had waited over 40 weeks to offer them treatment at other hospitals.

The worst-performing trusts were receiving extra support, which should "deliver improvements", a spokeswoman added.

The other UK nations are also missing their targets to see patients needing planned care.

The BBC News analysis also reveals ear, nose and throat (ENT) services are the specialism with the longest waits.

Chart show waits by speciality

ENT has long argued more needs to be done in the community to stop so many patients being referred to hospital for treatment for uncomplicated problems such as rhinitis and tinnitus, which commonly causes ringing sound in the ear.

Royal College of Surgeons of England president Tim Mitchell, who is himself an ENT surgeon, said too many ENT patients were being "left in limbo" and struggling in pain and with reduced quality of life..

But he added: "No area of healthcare is immune to the immense challenges facing the NHS.

"It is imperative that in the upcoming general election political parties set out detailed plans for how they will properly fund and support ongoing reform of the NHS."
IURII BUKHTA / Getty Images/iStockphoto

With rare and valuable coins selling for thousands and even millions of dollars, buyers and sellers need to take every step they can to ensure they get the best deal. Thats especially true for those who are new to the process.

Check Out: 9 Most Valuable American Quarters in Circulation

Read Next: 5 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money

Although coins can be bought and sold at a variety of places  including coin dealers, online sites and coin shows  you may actually get the best prices at auction houses.

Sponsored: Protect Your Wealth With A Gold IRA. Take advantage of the timeless appeal of gold in a Gold IRA recommended by Sean Hannity.

Buying Valuable or Rare Coins at Auction

For buyers, auctions have at least one advantage over other places: You might make a winning bid at a price that is below what you would pay elsewhere. If youre a newbie to the hobby, you might not have enough expertise to negotiate the right price with a professional dealer or experienced collector. You dont have to worry about that at an auction house because the process involves bids instead of negotiations.

The best tip for buyers is to research the coin collectors market to make sure you know how much a particular piece should sell for based on supply, demand and condition. A good place to start is to buy a copy of The Guide Book of United States Coins, also known as the Red Book. Learning about coin values will help you avoid bidding too high at auctions.

Learn More: 8 Rare Coins Worth Millions That Are Highly Coveted by Coin Collectors

Selling Your Coin Collection at Auction

Selling your coins at auction makes sense for numerous reasons. Auctions tend to attract enthusiastic buyers from all over, which helps guarantee that your sales price will be pretty close to the coins retail value, according to Warwick & Warwick, a collectibles auction company. Auction houses also take care of a lot of important (and paid) services, such as marketing, photography and social media promotion.

Story continues

Most auctions these days have a combination of live, phone and online bidders, which also ensures the biggest potential customer base. Even better  you dont have to be there when the auction happens, unless you want to be.

If youre a newbie looking to sell, here are some tips to get the best prices:

Find a specialist auction house : Warwick & Warwick recommends finding an auction house that specializes in coins because theyll have a more detailed understanding of the numismatic market and a customer base which is likely to pay a premium.

Weed out the bad coins : According to the Coin Appraiser website, coins that dont usually do well at auction are gold bullion specimens such as Krugerrands and Maple Leafs. Instead, you should focus on selling coins that havent been sold at auction over the past five years or so, and coins in top condition with good eye appeal. Bullion coins can be sold to a reputable and established coin shop  be sure to do your research before heading in.

Hire an expert: This might be the most important step you can take  on both the buyer and seller side. The advice of a seasoned professional can be invaluable, according to Mid-American Rare Coin Galleries. Having an expert look at lots, figure bids and execute a bidding strategy is well worth the investment of a few percentage points.

Set a reserve: A reserve refers to the minimum amount youre willing to accept for a coin sale. This is a good idea if you are a newbie because you are assured that the coin or coins you sell will not be sold for a price thats below what you expected.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Coin Auction Newbie? Tips for Buying and Selling High-Value Coins
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Employees with Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) and KHMD Jazz Radio are officially forming a union with SAG-AFTRA.

According to a press release from SAG-AFTRA, over 80% of OPB and KMHDs content creators  including on-air staff, hosts, reporters, audio and video producers  signed the petition to unionize, delivering it to OPB management on Thursday.

This comes after OPB has expanded its newsroom and coverage within the last few tears. Plus the formal announcement states KMHD has solidified its place as one of the regions most respected jazz stations.

How Oregon, Southwest Washington representatives voted on the potential TikTok ban

The newly formed unit claims that with these advancements, they can do their best work and to provide the best coverage possible when they have a seat at the table.

In the petition, the employees wrote, in part:

We request a systemic change that we strongly believe will provide the structure to ensure we are not just consulted but are represented in vital decisions, including but not limited to wages, salaries, working conditions and major systems changes. We declare our intention to unionize with SAG-AFTRA, a union with a strong history representing content creators in public media organizations.

More than $4 billion in Oregon kicker credit left unclaimed

OPB and KMHD join other public media outlets across the country in unionizing with SAG-AFTRA, including NPR and its member stations nationwide. Just this week, WFYI in Indiana also announced their intent to join SAG-AFTRA.

We choose to work here because we are dedicated to our communities and passionately believe in our public service mission, said OPB and KMHD employees. We hope to collaborate with OPB leadership to increase morale among our colleagues, build on the equity and inclusion efforts in our workplace, and create an environment at OPB and KMHD where every employee has the support they need to thrive.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
ChatGPT users will be able to get summaries of French and Spanish language news and links to articles under the terms of an announced partnership between its creator, OpenAI, and publishers Le Monde and Prisa Media (SEBASTIEN BOZON)

OpenAI on Wednesday announced partnerships with French daily Le Monde and Spanish conglomerate Prisa Media, saying it intends to develop news-related uses of its ChatGPT artificial intelligence tool.

OpenAI will be able to use content from Le Monde and Prisa Media publications including El Pais, Cinco Dias, and El Huffpost to train the models powering its artificial intelligence, the San Francisco-based company said in an online post.

"In partnership with Le Monde and Prisa Media, our goal is to enable ChatGPT users around the world to connect with the news in new ways that are interactive and insightful," OpenAI chief operating officer Brad Lightcap said in the post.

In the coming months, ChatGPT users will be able to get summaries of news content from the publishers along with links to original articles, according to OpenAI.

"This partnership with OpenAI allows us to expand our reach and uphold our commitment to providing accurate, verified, balanced news stories at scale," Le Monde chief executive Louis Dreyfus said in the post.

He described Le Monde as France's leading news outlet with 600,000 subscribers and more than 2 million daily users.

"Our partnership with OpenAI is a strategic move to ensure the dissemination of reliable information to AI users, safeguarding our journalistic integrity and revenue streams in the process," Dreyfus said.

Financial details of the partnerships were not disclosed.

Prisa Media chief executive Carlos Nunez called the OpenAI alliance a "step toward the future of news" where technology and human expertise merge to serve readers.

OpenAI had previously announced partnerships last year with The Associated Press and Axel Springer.

The European Parliament gave final approval on Wednesday to the world's most far-reaching rules to govern artificial intelligence, including powerful systems like OpenAI's ChatGPT.

The AI Act focuses on higher-risk uses of the technology by the private and public sector, with tougher obligations for providers, stricter transparency rules for the most powerful models like ChatGPT, and outright ban on tools considered too dangerous.

Brussels has been sprinting to pass the new rules since OpenAI's Microsoft-backed ChatGPT arrived on the scene in late 2022, unleashing a global AI race.

There was a burst of excitement for generative AI as ChatGPT wowed the world with its human-like capabilities -- from digesting complex text to producing poems within seconds or passing medical exams.

But with the excitement came a swift realisation of the threats -- not least that AI-generated audio and video deepfakes would turbocharge disinformation campaigns.

gc/des
Ukrposhta, Ukraines state-owned postal service, was the first to resume operations in the countrys recently liberated cities and villages, delivering packages and much-needed pensions to the most vulnerable. The company is continuing to grow, expand, and digitize its services.

Ukraines state-owned railway company Ukrzaliznytsia transported 25 million passengers in long-distance trains in 2023, many from front-line zones that are subject to incessant Russian attacks. With Ukraines airspace closed since the start of the full-scale war, Ukrzaliznytsias trains are often the only means of reaching safety. It has also supported Ukraines wartime economy, helping to purchase needed fuel, opening more routes, and overcoming challenging export logistics.

In spite of Russias targeted attacks, Ukraines state-owned electricity transmission system Ukrenergo repaired and maintained the countrys energy infrastructure amid the harsh winter and blackouts in 2022.

What unites these companies is their commitment to corporate reform. All three of these companies have established supervisory boards, which has in turn bolstered trust. These independent bodies are selected on a competitive basis and are often composed of foreign experts with extensive knowledge and networks.

Read also: Opinion: Europe has a Russian fossil fuel addiction

With their reforms have come a spike in their investors and partnerships. Ukrzaliznytsias annual revenue jumped from $2.17 billion to $2.35 billion after it established its supervisory board in 2018. In 2023, Ukrzaliznytsia earned a record $3.55 billion.

Ukrenergos reforms, and the increase in trust that followed, meant that it could attract low-interest loans from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), KfW Development Bank, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), and the Netherlands. Before it became a private joint-stock company, Ukrenergo only received loans from the Ukrainian government. With donor funding, the company is able to restore destroyed infrastructure and build new strategic electricity transmission lines.

Ukraine has, over the past eight years, systematically built up this trust through corporate reform. Last year, Ukraine corporatized the nuclear energy company Energoatom and the Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine (OGTSU), and it is currently working to corporatize the company Guaranteed Buyer. The Ukrainian government has also conducted competitions to select the members of Ukrposhta and OGTSUs supervisory boards.

The changes in Ukrzaliznytsia, Ukrposhta, and Ukrenergo can become the practice for all other state-owned companies, as the improvement of corporate governance is now a state policy.

Read also: Opinion: The threat to American hegemony is real

The Ukrainian government launched its comprehensive corporate reform in February, when Ukraines parliament passed a bill on improving the rules of corporate governance for state-owned enterprises. This bill gives supervisory boards more authority, ensures that its chairman and other members of the board cannot be unjustifiably dismissed, and mitigates political interference by the state.

The government will also determine which state-owned companies will remain as such, and which will be privatized. Indicators for the biggest companies will be set regarding profitability, liquidity, and solvency. These supervisory boards will now be responsible for approving financial, strategic, and investment plans based on ownership policies and letters of expectation, as well as have the authority to appoint and dismiss company executives. An internal control system will be established and, instead of audit committees, compliance, risk management, and internal audit instruments will be implemented.

But with great power comes great responsibility. The government will develop procedures to regularly evaluate the supervisory boards performance and approve remuneration and dividend policies. The remuneration of the heads of state-owned enterprises and supervisory board members must be justified and based on market-level rates. The bill also provides a clear list of grounds and procedures for dismissing supervisory board members.

These steps lay the foundation for increasing trust, accessing affordable financing, attracting investments, hopefully creating new jobs, generating more profit, and paying more taxes. They turn reform into a tangible tool for supporting the stability and resilience of the economy. And, of course, they also demonstrate that, even in the midst of war, Ukraine is working to systematically implement reforms.

Editors Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. If passed, the law could ban TikTok nationwide if ByteDance Ltd.  a Chinese-based tech company  fails to sell the social media app to another owner.

Oregon and Southwest Washington representatives have had mixed responses to the bill, although the majority have shown support for it. Find their statements on why they voted for or against the new legislation below.

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Oregon Republican Rep. Cliff Bentz

According to the office of Congressman Bentz, who voted yes, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce unanimously passed the bill before it reached the House of Representatives.

It is paramount that we take action to protect Americans from potential surveillance, data breaches, and targeted political messaging orchestrated by apps being controlled by adversarial foreign powers like the Peoples Republic of China, Bentz said. This bill provides a critical framework to safeguard our national security interests while minimizing disruptions to users and businesses.

Oregon Democratic Rep. Suzanne Bonamici

Rep. Bonamici voted against the act. In a statement, the congresswoman told KOIN 6 the U.S. should protect data privacy, national security and save its electoral system from foreign interference  but she believes lawmakers could negotiate a more comprehensive and effective approach than the newly-passed act.

Instead of targeting one company, we should consider comprehensive legislation to improve how Americans access and control their data across all apps and uses, Bonamici said. I also have serious constitutional concerns about this bill. The First Amendment of the U. S. Constitution enshrines the protection of free speech and a press free from fear of retribution from the government. Protecting this right is a cornerstone of our democracy, and one that I am committed to upholding.

Oregon Republican Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer

Congresswoman Chavez-DeRemer, who voted in favor of the potential ban, explained this law would apply to all apps that are controlled by foreign adversaries.

Congress has received classified briefings that have made TikToks national security threat clear, and thats reflected in the overwhelming bipartisan support this bill received in both committee and on the House floor, Chavez-DeRemer said. This is the right thing to do for our country and Americans security and privacy. To anyone frustrated with this bill: Ask TikTok to do the right thing and sever its ties with the Chinese Communist Party.

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Oregon Democratic Rep. Val Hoyle

Rep. Hoyle took to X, the app formerly known as Twitter, to explain why she voted against the act.

Unlike our adversaries, we believe in freedom of speech and dont ban social media platforms, Hoyle said. Instead of this rushed bill, we need comprehensive data security legislation that protects all Americans.

Oregon Democratic Rep. Andrea Salinas

With a yes vote, Congresswoman Salinas said she supports Americans right to free speech but is also concerned about the Chinese Communist Party having unfettered access to the data of U.S. TikTok users.

I also have deep concerns about the Chinese Communist Party having unfettered access to Americans data, Salinas added. Protecting our privacy and national security has to be a top priority, which is why I voted to force the Chinese parent company ByteDance to divest from TikTok. Doing so would remove China from the equation and allow Americans to continue enjoying an app they love without having to worry about their data being compromised.

Traffic Alert! OR 217 in Tigard to close for the weekend

Though the bills Senate vote hasnt happened yet, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) told KOIN 6 News he is generally leaning towards the ban but will gather more information before making a final determination.

Im going to be talking to the intelligence community. Im going to be trying to understand better whether the bill could actually ban TikTok, Merkley said.

KOIN 6 has also reached out to the office of Democratic Oregon Rep. Earl Blumenauer and Democratic Washington Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez, who both voted in favor of the bill.

The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act now heads to the U.S. Senate.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) The Oklahoma Turnpike Authoritys executive director tells News 4 he cannot guarantee free road access will remain along the routes of two existing roads in Cleveland and Tulsa County when the Authority builds two planned turnpikes, even though the OTAs website shows free access remaining.

Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) Executive Director Joe Echelle told News 4 in an exclusive interview currently free-to-drive portions of Indian Hills Road in Cleveland County and the Gilcrease Expressway in Tulsa County may go away when two Access Oklahoma projects are built along the routes of those roads.

But, the Access Oklahoma website contains maps of the future turnpikes, showing free access roads would be built alongside them.

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The existing portion of Indian Hills Road in question runs between I-35 and Western Avenue.

Maps on the Access Oklahoma website show the proposed East-West Connector Turnpike would run along the current path of Indian Hills Road. It shows one-way service roads on each side of the turnpike, which if built, would effectively keep the current, free access provided by Indian Hills Road in place.

Echelle confirmed to News 4, that is what he wants to see happen.

There are portions of [a new turnpike] where we parallel an existing Indian Hills Road. The proposal that the Turnpike Authority is showing currently on our website shows one way frontage roads on each side of the new turnpike, which called the East-West Connector, Echelle said. Thats what were proposing to be built.

But theres a catchEchelle said any plans for an access road to remain free would be up to the cities the turnpike runs through, not just the OTA.

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We are currently talking to the City of Newcastle, the City of Moore, City of Norman about the need for one way frontage roads, maybe the desire of those cities as they only have a frontage road on one side. Thats two way obviously to frontage roads is more impactful than one frontage road, echelle said.

Ultimately, he could not guarantee with 100-percent certainty that free access will remain where Indian Hills Road runs currently.

Maps on the OTAs Access Oklahoma website also show parallel service roads being built along portions of the future Gilcrease Expressway Turnpike extension between 41st West Ave. and LL Tisdale Parkway in Tulsa County. Currently, a two-lane free road exists on that same route.

Echelle told News 4 he doesnt know if those service roadsposted publicly on his agencys websitewill actually be included in the final plan. He could not guarantee any free access will remain for drivers where the current free road stands.

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What that looks like, ultimately, Im not even for sure because we havent even really taken possession of those plans, Echelle said. Its a part of the program because its something that we know needs to be built and our state needs to serve Tulsa and Northwest Tulsa, we think better, but we havent really gotten into the design of that at all.

The OTA faced heavy backlash in 2022 when it opened a different leg of the Gilcrease Expressway Turnpike in Tulsa County.

Part of that leg of the turnpike was built on top of an existing, two-lane road. The OTA did not build any service roads to keep the free access there, and drivers now have to pay a toll when they drove for free.

And then somewhere it morphed into a turnpike versus just a feasible road to get to and from work to home, said Melissa Myers who lives near the Gilcrease.

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Members of the group PikeOff OTA tell News 4 the OTAs lack of commitment to keep free access roads in place, and has been paid for with tax dollars in both cases, is concerning.

I feel like the Turnpike Authority hasas weve seen with the Gilcreasea history of saying one thing and doing another and then pretending like that was the plan all along, said Tassie Hirschfeld, a member of PikeOff OTA. And I think there are so many citizens potentially impacted by this that its time to say stop, its enough already.

Hirschfeld said she doesnt understand why the OTA would publish maps online showing free access roads would be built along the East-West Connector and Gilcrease, if those plans werent final.

From day one, Access Oklahoma has been misrepresented to the public because public has been kept in the dark until the very last minute, Hirschfeld said. They should not have put it on the website without talking to the community, to community leaders, and getting buy in from the public. And so when they encounter opposition, they try to backtrack and say, oh, thats not final. Were not sure.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
In January, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testified along with other social media CEOs at a Senate hearing about their platforms' effect on children. (Senate Judiciary Committee)

In just the last few days, a couple of developments involving TikTok have arisen to illustrate the right and wrong way to think about the rapidly expanding social media platform.

The first was a devastating expose that independent journalist Jonathan M. Katz posted there of a misleading story Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) told during her official GOP response to President Biden's State of the Union address.

In his TikTok on March 8, the day after the speech, Katz expertly demolished Britt's claim to have interviewed an immigrant who told of having been sold out as a sex slave and Britt's attempt to tie the story to Biden's immigration policy  never mind that the subject's travails took place 20 years ago, in Mexico, and had nothing to do with immigration policy.

Its a great business and Im going to put together a group to buy TikTok.

Ex-Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin

In doing do, Katz also exposed the laziness of our own political press corps, which had to scurry to follow his lead. This was social media at its best  concise, visual and effective.

The second occurrence was the House vote Wednesday to effectively ban TikTok. The measure, which passed by a lopsided, bipartisan vote of 352 to 65, requires TikTok's Beijing-based owner, ByteDance, to divest the platform's U.S. operations within six months or face a nationwide ban.

The rationales put forth for the ban are varied and almost uniformly questionable. Its advocates cite the threat of Chinese government breaches of users' privacy, its potential use as a conduit of Chinese anti-democratic propaganda into the U.S., its purportedly deleterious effect on its youthful users  one critic likened it to "opium."

The campaign to ban TikTok deserves close scrutiny, covering such issues as who's really behind it and why this platform is taking more heat from lawmakers than all other social media platforms put together.

The House's headlong plunge into TikTok-banning smacks of what the fictional panjandrums of "Yes Minister" labeled "politicians' logic": "Something must be done; this is something; therefore, we must do it." The thing that something must be done about is clipping the wings of the Beijing regime.

Story continues

Whether targeting TikTok will advance that purpose is doubtful in the extreme. As Sir Arnold Robinson and Sir Humphrey Appleby of that classic British political farce understood, this is all about theater.

Let's start with the huge majority of the House vote, which brought 197 Republicans together with 155 Democrats in favor. The "no" vote, however, was also bipartisan, with 50 Democrats and 15 Republicans opposed.

Read more: Column: Meta and Twitter show the drawbacks of giving self-satisfied billionaires too much power

Capitol Hill observers chuckled over how the issue brought together the strangest of strange bedfellows, with Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) voting on the same side (the "no" side) possibly for the first and last time from now to the end of recorded time. The ban's prospects in the Senate are uncertain, though President Biden has said he'd sign it if it passed.

Donald Trump, who used to advocate a ban and even tried to implement a ban while he was president, more recently reversed himself, notably after a meeting with GOP megadonor Jeff Yass, who owns 15% of ByteDance. That stake is worth about $40 billion, based on the parent company's putative value of $268 billion as of year-end 2023. (Trump said the subject of TikTok didn't come up during their encounter.)

Interestingly, a figure who slithered out of the woodwork as a potential buyer of TikTok if ByteDance does divest is Steven T. Mnuchin, who was Trump's Treasury secretary. He posed less as a savior of TikTok's users from the sinister designs of Chinese overlords than an investor spotting the main chance on the horizon. More on him in a moment.

First, let's turn to who's pulling the strings on a TikTok ban. One evident culprit is Meta, which owns the social media platforms Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.

Meta paid for an extensive publicity campaign aimed at eroding TikTok's reputation by playing up its supposed threats to the health and welfare of young users, the Washington Post reported in 2022.

Meta's concern isn't hard to understand: TikTok has become more popular than any of its platforms. Social media marketing surveys indicate that the average monthly time spent on Facebook this year has been around 15.4 hours; on Instagram it's 16.5 hours and on WhatsApp it's 16.75 hours. On TikTok, it's 27.9 hours.

Even worse from Meta's standpoint, TikTok's user base has been skewing younger than Instagram's, its most direct competitor, and much younger than Facebook, which has been trending toward older users.

As for the suggestions that TikTok is somehow uniquely injurious to youthful users, represents a unique threat to users' privacy, or presents a national security issue, one can only think this is some sort of a gag.

Read more: Column: Is this the beginning of Facebook's downfall?

The worst serial violator of users' privacy is arguably Meta. The company drew a record $5-billion fine from the Federal Trade Commission in 2019, when it was known as Facebook. That fine arose from Facebook's violations of a settlement the company had reached with the government in 2012 over its previous privacy violations, as well as a habit of deceiving users into thinking their privacy was secure.

The FTC isn't done with Meta yet; as recently as Tuesday, the agency obtained a ruling from a federal appeals court allowing it to continue investigating the company's privacy practices, including allegations that it deceives parents about policies designed to protect children from online contacts with potential abusers.

Spreading anti-democratic propaganda? Facebook's connections with the data firm Cambridge Analytica, which facilitated the spread of political propaganda in the presidential election and Brexit vote in 2016, have been thoroughly documented. (That's not to excuse the Chinese regime's appetite for censorship, or its mistreatment of ethnic minorities such as the Uyghurs.)

Anyone inclined to wring their hands over TikTok's role in sullying public discourse and internet safety in this country must acknowledge the role of all the leading social media platforms  not only Meta but X and YouTube.

All have fallen down on the job of policing disinformation, racism, antisemitism and other forms of hate speech on their sites. X bathes in all this as examples of "free speech," as the platform's owner, Elon Musk, brags. All have undertaken layoffs that eviscerated their "trust and safety" teams, allowing untrustworthy and dangerous content to inundate their users.

That brings us to Mnuchin. He surfaced Thursday on CNBC and the financial press with an announcement that he was putting together an investment consortium to take TikTok off ByteDance's hands, if the divestment becomes mandated. "Its a great business and Im going to put together a group to buy TikTok," he said.

Would that make TikTok any safer for its users or democracy? Why would anyone think so? The last takeover of a social media company by a prominent individual was Musk's acquisition of Twitter, now renamed X. From the standpoint of users or anyone interested in a civil, reliable, safe public space, that deal has been disastrous. Under Musk's leadership, Twitter has become a sub-functional hellscape of filth that has evolved into a megaphone for its owner to pump conspiracy theories and hate speech out onto the internet.

But the ban-TikTok campaign really isn't about any of that. As Jason Koebler of 404Media observes, a TikTok ban would "have the effect of further entrenching and empowering gigantic, monopolistic American social media companies that have nearly all of the same problems that TikTok does."

He's right. At its heart, TikTok today is no different from the other platforms, and it won't become different no matter who owns it. All of them share the same business model, which is to deceive their users into thinking they're getting a valuable service for free, when in fact the users are simply raw material to be sold to advertisers and political manipulators, en masse.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Americas military leaders in the Pacific are asking Congress for a surge in funding to keep their edge against China.

The request comes in the form of an annual review Indo-Pacific Command sends lawmakers, listing what it thinks is necessary to stay the regions top military power.

Defense News obtained an unclassified copy of this years report, which requests around $26.5 billion. Thats more than $11 billion above what INDOPACOM asked for in 2023 and more than four times the figure from two years ago. Much of the money would go toward precision weapons, infrastructure on Islands where American forces could operate and the missile defense of Guam  a longtime focus of the combatant command.

The 2024 defense policy bill allotted $14.7 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative  a select list of what the Defense Department spends in the region. Congress, though, hasnt yet passed a full defense budget for this fiscal year, so the Pentagon doesnt know how much it will actually get to use. Meanwhile, the Defense Departments newly requested budget for FY25 includes about $9.9 billion for the initiative, around $800 million more than requested for FY24.

Speaking with Defense News on the condition of anonymity, a senior defense official said about $15 billion of the $26.5 billion listed in this years report is also included in the FY25 budget request. That leaves $11 billion in unfunded priorities, which the combatant command details in another review it sends each year to Congress. Munitions, infrastructure projects and the defense of Guam make up most of that $11 billion disparity, the official said.

More broadly, the gap between what INDOPACOM says it needs and what the Pentagon requests in the Pacific Deterrence Initiative is an enduring point of tension among lawmakers, the combatant command and the Defense Department. Congress created the program in part to give military leaders in the Pacific a chance to pitch what they need directly to lawmakers, rather than risk it getting lost in the Pentagons budgeting process.

Motivating that change has been Chinas recent military buildup. The Peoples Liberation Army is the worlds largest active-duty force  some 4 million strong  and has spent the last 20 years improving its weapons and working toward its goal of building a world class military.

The Pentagons annual assessment of Chinas military says the PLAs goal is to be able to win in a fight against a strong enemy, a likely reference to the U.S. A secondary goal is to keep another country from intervening in a conflict over Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its rightful territory and has threatened to invade.

The security environment in the Indo-Pacific is becoming more dangerous and defined by an increasing risk of confrontation and crisis, reads INDOPACOMs new report.

By far the largest section in the new request is for posture and presence in the region, with a price tag of almost $19 billion. Many items in that group have appeared in past reports, but now include a higher dollar figure. For example, the document asks for just over $2 billion in funding to defend Guam and $125 million to defend Hawaii  the latter nearly three times more than last years request as the combatant command seeks a new radar installation.

The trove of weapons included  from long-range missiles to mines to torpedoes  is listed at just under $8 billion, near triple that of last year.

It also includes a new $1.7 billion request for all domain attritable autonomous capabilities, or drones, for the Navy. Those programs are listed as classified, but closely resemble the goal of Replicator  an effort by the Pentagon to buy thousands of drones that could be useful against China before next August.

The other major increase in this years report is for military construction: $4.8 billion, which is more than double the amount requested last year. Those funds would largely go to military sites spread across different Pacific Islands.
FILE - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas meets with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Amman, Jordan, Tuesday Oct. 17, 2023. The Palestinian Authority's prime minister announced his government's resignation on Monday, seen as the first step in a reform process demanded by the United States as part of its latest ambitious plans to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool, File)

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP)  Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has appointed his longtime economic adviser to be the next prime minister in the face of U.S. pressure to reform the Palestinian Authority as part of Washington's postwar vision for Gaza.

Mohammad Mustafa, a United States-educated economist and political independent, will head a technocratic government in the Israeli-occupied West Bank that could potentially administer Gaza ahead of eventual statehood. But those plans face major obstacles, including strong opposition from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Israel-Hamas war that is still grinding on with no end in sight.

Its unclear whether the appointment of a new Cabinet led by a close Abbas ally would be sufficient to meet U.S. demands for reform, as the 88-year-old president would remain in overall control.

The change that the United States of America and the countries of the region want is not necessarily the change that the Palestinian citizen wants, said Hani al-Masri, a Palestinian political analyst. People want a real change in politics, not a change in names.  They want elections.

He said Mustafa is a respected and educated man but will struggle to meet public demands to improve conditions in the occupied West Bank, where Israeli restrictions imposed since the start of the war have caused an economic crisis.

In a statement announcing the appointment, Abbas asked Mustafa to put together plans to re-unify administration in the West Bank and Gaza, lead reforms in the government, security services and economy and fight corruption.

Washington welcomed his appointment but urged Mustafa to quickly form a Cabinet to implement changes.

"The United States will be looking for this new government to deliver on policies and implementation of credible and far-reaching reforms. A reformed Palestinian Authority is essential to delivering results for the Palestinian people and establishing the conditions for stability in both the West Bank and Gaza," National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said.

Mustafa was born in the West Bank town of Tulkarem in 1954 and earned a doctorate in business administration and economics from George Washington University. He has held senior positions at the World Bank and previously served as deputy prime minister and economy minister. He is currently the chairman of the Palestine Investment Fund.

The previous prime minister, Mohammad Shtayyeh, resigned along with his government last month, saying different arrangements were needed because of the new reality in the Gaza Strip.

The Palestinian Authority was established in the 1990s through interim peace agreements and was envisioned as a stepping-stone to eventual statehood.

But the peace talks repeatedly collapsed, most recently with Netanyahus return to power in 2009. Hamas seized power in Gaza from forces loyal to Abbas in 2007, confining his limited authority to major population centers that account for around 40% of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Abbas is deeply unpopular among Palestinians, many of whom view the PA as little more than a subcontractor of the occupation because it cooperates with Israel on security matters. His mandate ended in 2009 but he has refused to hold elections, blaming Israeli restrictions. Hamas won a landslide victory in the last parliamentary elections, in 2006. Although it is considered a terrorist group by Israel and Western countries, Hamas would likely perform well in any free and fair vote.

Abbas, unlike his Hamas rivals, recognizes Israel, has renounced armed struggle and is committed to a negotiated solution that would create an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. That goal is shared by the international community.

Israel has long criticized the PA over payments it makes to the families of Palestinians who have been killed or imprisoned by Israel, including top militants who killed Israelis. The PA defends such payments as a form of social welfare for families harmed by the decades-old conflict.

The dispute has led Israel to suspend some of the taxes and customs duties it collects on behalf of the PA, contributing to years of budget shortfalls. The PA pays the salaries of tens of thousands of teachers, health workers and other civil servants.

The United States has called for a reformed PA to expand its writ to postwar Gaza ahead of the eventual creation of a Palestinian state in both territories. Netanyahu has ruled out any role for the PA in Gaza, and his government is opposed to Palestinian statehood.

Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem in the 1967 Mideast war. The Palestinians want all three territories to form their future state.

Israel annexed east Jerusalem in a move not recognized internationally and considers the entire city  including major holy sites sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims  to be its undivided capital. Israel has built scores of settlements across the West Bank, where over 500,000 Jewish settlers live in close proximity to some 3 million Palestinians.

Israel withdrew soldiers and settlers from Gaza in 2005, but along with Egypt imposed a blockade on the territory when Hamas seized power two years later.

Netanyahu has vowed to dismantle Hamas and maintain open-ended security control over Gaza in the wake of Hamas Oct. 7 attack, in which militants stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people and taking another 250 hostage. Israels subsequent invasion of Gaza has killed more than 31,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials.

The Palestinian Authority has said it will not return to Gaza on the back of an Israeli tank, and that it would only assume control of the territory as part of a comprehensive solution to the conflict that includes statehood.

___

Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas (L) presents his new prime minister, Mohammed Mustafa, a long-trusted adviser on economic affairs, at the Palestinian Authority's headquarters in Ramallah (-)

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas has appointed Mohammed Mustafa, a long-trusted adviser on economic affairs, as prime minister, the official Wafa news agency said on Thursday.

Mustafa's appointment comes less than three weeks after his predecessor, Mohammed Shtayyeh, resigned, citing the need for change after the Hamas attack of October 7 triggered war with Israel in Gaza.

The 69-year-old now faces the task of forming a new government for the Palestinian Authority, which has limited powers in parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Mustafa, who studied at George Washington University in Washington, is an independent executive committee member of the Palestine Liberation Organisation -- dominated by the ruling Fatah movement.

He has served as deputy prime minister for economic affairs, held a board seat on the Palestine Investment Fund and worked in a number of senior positions at the World Bank.

He has also advised the Kuwaiti government and the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, the Public Investment Fund.

Since 2007, control of the Palestinian territories has been divided between Abbas's Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Mustafa was involved in reconstruction efforts in Gaza after Israel's 2014 invasion.

The current Gaza war broke out after Hamas militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,160 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli figures.

The retaliatory Israeli military offensive in Gaza has killed at least 31,341 people, most of them women and children, according to the territory's health ministry.

During the war, violence in the West Bank has flared to levels unseen in nearly two decades.

Israeli troops and settlers have killed at least 430 Palestinians in the West Bank since the Gaza war began, according to the health ministry in Ramallah.

The United States and other powers have called for a reformed Palestinian Authority to take charge of all Palestinian territories after the end of the war.

Shortly after Shtayyeh's resignation in late February, Palestinian factions including Hamas and Fatah participated in talks hosted by Russia that addressed the war in Gaza and post-war plans.

Afterwards the factions said in a statement they would pursue "unity of action" in confronting Israel.

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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has appointed economist and former World Bank official Mohammed Mustafa as prime minister of the Palestinian Authority (PA).

The move comes amid pressure from the United States, as well as some Arab countries, for the PA to be reformed and revitalized in the wake of the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel.

Washington wants the Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, to rule the Gaza Strip following the end of Israel's military operations to oust Hamas there.

The PA sees Gaza as part of a potential future Palestinian state. Washington, which is pushing for a two-state solution, believes PA control over Gaza would further that long-sought objective.

Hamas, an Islamist militant group, forcibly expelled the more moderate PA from the coastal strip in 2007.

Abbas is looking to create a technocratic government in the West Bank with the appointment of his close ally Mustafa, the long-time chair of the Palestinian Investment Fund, observers said.

It is expected that the 69-year-old will form a Cabinet of people with no party affiliation. Until then, outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh will remain in office as head of a caretaker government.

Shtayyeh resigned at the end of February under pressure from Washington. The formation of a new government under Mustafa could take weeks or even months.

The appointment of Mustafa is intended to both reform the PA and reunite Palestinian institutions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, according to a letter from Abbas cited by the official Palestinian news agency WAFA.

Abbas heads the PA as well as the secular Fatah faction within the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), an umbrella group pushing for an independent Palestinian state.

Fatah and Hamas are the two largest Palestinian factions - and bitter rivals. Reconciliation talks between the two groups have taken place for several years. Some representatives of the Fatah party had expressed sympathy for Hamas' terrorist attacks in Israel.

Mustafa's appointment was also seen as preparation for long-delayed presidential and parliamentary elections to finally be held in the Palestinian territories.

Abbas was elected president in 2005. But his continued rule has not been legitimised by an election thereafter.
The Town Council appointed members to nine seats on four Palm Beach boards and commissions Tuesday following presentations by applicants.

At their regular meeting in chambers, council members filled slots on the Landmarks Preservation Commission, Architectural Commission, Retirement Board of Trustees and Code Enforcement Board.

The landmarks board filled openings for two regular positions.

Brittain Damgard was reappointed to her seat as a regular member, as was Jacqueline Albarran, who holds the board's non-resident expert architect seat.

The landmarks board reviews exterior changes to the more than 350 landmarked buildings in town, and recommends additional buildings for landmark protection to the council each year.

Jacqueline Albarran

The architectural board filled openings for three regular positions following presentations by six applicants. Three other applicants did not appear Tuesday.

Chair Jeffery Smith was reappointed to his position, while Katherine (KT) Catlin and landscape architect Claudia Visconti were named to fill the seats of term-limited commissioner John David Corey and Thomas Kirchhoff, who chose not to seek a second term.

The council also appointed David Phoenix to serve as an alternate on the architectural board to replace Catlin, who has served five years in the role. Phoenix, who spent 30 years in the interior design industry, formerly served on the California State Historic Preservation Commission.

Corey, a retired real estate investor, is running for the Group 3 Town Council seat currently held by Maggie Zeidman, who announced in October that she would not seek reelection. The town election is scheduled for March 19.

Jeffery Smith

Both Corey and Kirchhoff were recognized for their service to the town during Tuesday's meeting.

The architectural board oversees renovations to all buildings in town that are not landmarked, as well as demolitions and new development.

The Retirement Board of Trustees filled an opening for one resident member, with Chair Daniel Stanton being reappointed to the position.

The retirement board acts in a fiduciary capacity for the towns retirement funds and acts in an advisory capacity to the council on matters relating to the administration of the towns various retirement plans.

The Code Enforcement Board filled three regular positions following presentations by six applicants.

Chris Larmoyeux and Scotch Peloso were reappointed to second and final terms, while former board chairman Harris Fried was appointed to fill the seat of Linda Wartow, who was term-limited and not eligible for reappointment.

The council also appointed John Cohen, a mediator with the Florida Supreme Court, to serve as an alternate on the code enforcement board to replace Fried.

The Code Enforcement Board hears cases involving violations of the Town Code and ordinances, and imposes administrative fines and other noncriminal penalties where a pending or repeated violation exists.

All terms on town boards are for three years, with the exception of Albarrans on the landmarks board. There are no term limits for retirement board trustees.

After the council finished making its appointments, member Julie Araskog praised the strong group of candidates who made presentations Tuesday and urged those who were not selected to reapply.

"This has been, by far, the most qualified group of candidates," Araskog said. "So come back. If you didn't get on today, and sometimes it takes two or three times, but (come back). I am so impressed, and I just want to thank everyone who applied."

Jodie Wagner is a journalist at the Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at jwagner@pbdailynews.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Palm Beach Town Council appoints members to four boards and commissions
FILE - Chicago Bears quarterback Andy Dalton (14) is sacked by Minnesota Vikings defensive end D.J. Wonnum (98) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Minneapolis. The Carolina Panthers have filled a major void, agreeing to terms on a two-year contract with outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum, according to the players agent Deiric Johnson. (AP Photo/Jim Mone, File)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)  The Carolina Panthers have filled a major void, agreeing to a two-year contract with outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum, according to the players agent Deiric Johnson.

Terms of the deal were not immediately available.

The Panthers were in need of a few pass rushers after trading outside linebacker Brian Burns to the New York Giants and losing outside linebackers Frankie Luvu to Washington and Yetur Gross-Matos to San Francisco in free agency.

The 26-year-old Wonnum has spent all four seasons in the league with the Minnesota Vikings, starting half of the 62 games hes played in, including 14 last season. The 6-foot-5, 258-pound Wonnum has 171 tackles and 23 sacks during his career. He had eight sacks last season.

The Panthers are also meeting Thursday with two other premier pass rushers in San Francisco's Chase Young and Baltimore's Jadeveon Clowney, but no deals have been reached so far.

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
With sclerosis and dysfunction in so much of what should make Britain tick, its rare to see an example of something working just as it should. This week, Parliament rose up to force a hamstrung Government to do something that was obviously needed: stop a foreign power buying a newspaper. But during the debate, far more was revealed as we learnt just how successfully autocracies have found clever ways to buy up the right people. All this extends far wider than a newspaper bid.

Im not quite sure if George Osborne was worth the vast sums that his firm charged to advise the Emiratis. But his involvement certainly clarified an important part of this story: former chancellors are now for hire, willing to run errands for autocracies who pay enough. We dont know what Nadhim Zahawi received for acting as the Emirati point-man when the deal was put together. Nor do we know how much David Cameron was paid for his time lecturing in Abu Dhabi. But we know all three were, at some point, in the Emirati orbit.

We have also seen the mechanics of what you might call influence-laundering. You have various companies (or subsidiaries) who sound innocent enough. International Media Investments, or New York University, Abu Dhabi campus. But when you follow the money, you often end up back in the UAE. This can get you past awkward questions. It allows, for example, former prime ministers to say: whats all the fuss about? I just lectured NYU students! The public, however, can see through all this fairly easily.

This was my fear about RedBird IMI buying The Spectator. Not that wed be turned into an Arab Pravda, but that the magazine would be seen as part of this influence-laundering apparatus. For example, I happen to think Islam is often unfairly maligned in this country and that recent reforms in Saudi Arabia are more impressive than are generally credited. But if I said so, and you know that Emiratis owned my magazine, would you take me seriously? Your suspicions would remain, quite rightly, if the Emirati government owned even 5 per cent. Thats why its important that Rishi Sunaks new law does rule out minority shareholdings.

Ive spent the past few months trying to understand this gilded underworld and it has been quite the education. Ive been struck at just how successful the Emiratis have been, not just with individuals but governments, too. Dangling 10 billion of potential investment in front of a cash-strapped government, as Abu Dhabi did to the UK under Boris Johnson, has had an effect. It successfully compromises an entire government. It buys influence and soft power. It attaches a price to us upsetting them  and makes us more likely to look the other way when they start cosying up to Vladimir Putin.

Its no coincidence that the strongest internal opposition to blocking the RedBird IMI bid  on both the Labour and Tory benches  came from those with a foreign policy focus, who argued that it could sour relations with the UAE. British silence, it seems, can be bought quite cheaply. From the Emirati perspective, its a brilliant strategy. From ours, its a trade-off whose implications have not been properly thought through. We need someone to build Sizewell C  but whats the real price of a cheap bid?

The RedBird IMI drama has pulled back the sheets in Westminster and shown who is bed with whom. A depressing sight, but at least it helps discussion on what to do about it. Rishi Sunaks new proposal seems sensible and robust: expand the definition of foreign power to identify any outfit using government money in a way that might compromise people, governments or newspapers. It should then be possible to place a lifetime ban on ministers taking money from such entities (what Ive called a Blair-Osborne Act).

Our inward investment strategy also needs to be synced with foreign policy, which itself needs to be more coherent. Must we really blow kisses to Putins allies while they finance the Kremlins war machine? If British fighter pilots can be prosecuted when they teach Chinese ones how to fly, what about ex-ministers who tell Chinas allies how to spin? And how to get the better of the governments they used to serve? These are different examples, but a similar principle is at stake. A line needs to be better drawn.

At the root of all this we find a crisis of confidence in our values, and doubt about how far our democratic model is even worth defending. The story of this century, so far, has been rising autocracies and declining, debt-addled democracies. It intensified after the crash, when European governments started selling more sensitive infrastructure to foreign powers  thinking it was the only way to raise serious money. This led to the idea, which has never quite been challenged, that any democracy needs an autocratic sugar daddy.

This week could mark the moment when this debate changes. Principle was put in front of money by backbenchers in the House of Lords, who said that, if there wasnt a law stopping newspapers being bought by foreign powers, there should be. So they proposed one. This is the whole idea of a second chamber filled with people who do not see politics as a stepping stone: they are free to speak on principle. Free to introduce laws, when needed, whether the government likes it or not.

Sunak had been quiet, not wanting to prejudge the RedBird IMI bid referral process. But his ministers were forced into a five-day rush to change the law when Tina Stowells Lords amendment was in prospect. When Robert Jenrick lined up almost 150 Tory MPs and Labours Thangam Debbonaire said she was against the deal, Parliament was united. In this way, our democratic apparatus moved to its own defence. Proving once again that our ancient parliamentary system works in practice, even if it doesnt work in theory.

So the Emiratis have, in this sense, done Britain a favour. This saga has revealed just how far our system is exposed  but also how it can be defended, when the political will is there. A free press is a cornerstone of our democracy, as it is any democracy, and this was the week that Parliament moved to protect it. And, in so doing, showed the limits of what money can buy.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
A passenger brought a box cutter on a Tampa-bound flight, warned that he wanted to stab someone and charged a flight attendant, according to federal prosecutors.

William Allen Liebischs threat caused the Frontier Airlines plane to make an emergency landing in Atlanta after taking off from Cincinnati on Nov. 11, 2022, prosecutors said.

After landing, Atlanta Police Department officers were waiting for Liebisch at the gate, expecting him to step off the plane as other passengers exited the aircraft, according to prosecutors.

However, Liebisch charged down the aisle toward a flight attendant while wielding the box cutter, prosecutors said.

A nearby passenger stopped Liebisch by tackling him until the police officers arrived on the plane and arrested him, according to prosecutors.

Now, Liebisch, a 43-year-old Cincinnati resident, has been sentenced to two years and six months in prison on a charge of interfering with the performance of the duties of a flight crew, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Georgia announced in a March 14 news release.

McClatchy News contacted Allison Cobham Dawson, a federal public defender appointed to represent Liebisch, for comment on March 14 and didnt receive an immediate response.

TSA confiscates box cutter, but man had a spare blade

On Nov. 11, 2022, Transportation Security Administration officers discovered Liebisch had a box cutter at a TSA security checkpoint at the Cincinnati airport, according to prosecutors.

The officers confiscated the box cutter and mistakenly believed they had disabled (it) by removing the blade, prosecutors said.

They were unaware that an extra blade was hidden within the box cutters handle, according to the attorneys office.

After the flight left Cincinnati, Liebisch put the spare blade in the box cutter and began cleaning his nails, prosecutors said.

A passenger who watched as Liebisch trimmed his nails reported him to the flight attendants, according to a sentencing memorandum.

Then, the flight attendants had two male passengers, including a former law enforcement officer, help them stop Liebisch from acting out, the sentencing memo says.

One of the passengers stood in the back of the plane, close to Liebisch, as the other sat in the seat of the traveler who reported Liebisch to the flight attendants, prosecutors said.

Their presence made (Liebisch) nervous, as seen in how he continuously banged the box cutter against the nearby jump seat, the sentencing memo says.

According to prosecutors, Liebisch was standing up, because he refused to sit down, when he said he wanted to stab someone on board the flight, according to the sentencing memo.

The plane lands

After the planes captain chose to land in Atlanta instead of Tampa, the flight crew told passengers to deplane without grabbing their belongings from the overhead bins, the sentencing memo says.

In other words, they were told to get off the plane as quickly as possible, according to the sentencing memo.

Trying to avoid escalating a volatile situation, Atlanta Police Department (APD) officers stayed nearby but out of sight while passengers deplaned, the sentencing memo says.

The officers ultimately subdued him after one passenger tackled Liebisch as he raced toward a flight attendant with the box cutter, according to prosecutors.

The flight never made it to Tampa that day.

Liebischs disturbance on the flight, his arrest, and TSAs baggage re-inspection protocols forced Frontier Airlines to delay the flight to Tampa until the following morning, prosecutors said.

Ahead of sentencing, Dawson, his federal defender, wrote that her client had a traumatic brain injury and experienced substance abuse issues as a result before the day of the flight, according to a sentencing memo submitted on his behalf.

She acknowledged Liebisch had a prior criminal history and encounters with law enforcement, all of which she said happened after his brain injury.

Dawson wrote that while this isnt an excuse for his criminal behavior, she asked the court to consider these factors when issuing his sentence.

She also wrote that he is extremely remorseful.

In December, Liebisch pleaded guilty to the charge against him, prosecutors said.

The flying public deserves to travel in peace without fear that a fellow passenger will create a violent disturbance, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan said in a statement.

McClatchy News contacted Frontier Airlines for comment on March 14 and did not immediately receive a response.

Cruise passenger asked to quiet down smashes cocktail glass in mans face, feds say

Passenger uses blanket to hide himself groping woman next to him on flight, feds say

Delta overserved dad accused of fatally running over wife at Utah airport, lawsuit says
Almost a year to the day Patrick Rene McDowell pleaded guilty to all counts in the 2021 traffic stop shooting death of a Nassau County deputy, his defense team filed a motion for a change of venue for his upcoming sentencing phase.

"The publicity in Nassau County and all of Northeast Florida was, and continues to be, overwhelming, constant and pervasive, and its content has been uniformly negative about McDowell," the motion states. "The negative publicity has continued virtually unabated from the date of the incident to the present."

A fair and impartial jury cannot be seated in Nassau County or any other county within the 4th Judicial Circuit, the motion asserts due to the publicity. It also highlights several comments from Sheriff Bill Leeper to the media during and after the five-day manhunt for McDowell, including advising residents to shoot and kill him if they saw him.

When McDowell was eventually located wounded and hiding in a restroom at a Callahan park, he came out unarmed and complied. Law enforcement still released a K-9 dog to attack him, the motion pointed out. Residents created items for sale such as T-shirts and sweatshirts showing the attack and have a widespread presence on social media.

"I will just say that I wish he gave us an opportunity to shoot him, but he didn't," Leeper said at a news briefing after McDowell was arrested. "He crawled out like a coward."

Then after McDowell pleaded guilty, Leeper told the media, "He stuck his arm out and pulled that trigger and took a life. He was brave enough to do that, he should be brave enough to stick his arm out and take that needle of death and give up a life."

What happened to Deputy Joshua Moyers?

Moyers

About 11:45 p.m. on Sept. 23, 2021, McDowell and a woman were on Sandy Ford Road when something caught Deputy Joshua Moyers' attention about the van he was driving, the Sheriff's Office said. So he activated his emergency lights to pull him over.

The woman with McDowell said he told her, "I'm not going to jail," according to court documents. He pulled over near some railroad tracks west of U.S. 301 and gave the deputy a bogus name. Once that was learned, the deputy asked McDowell to get out of the vehicle. Moyers was then shot in the face and then again after collapsing to the ground.

Moyers was 29 and engaged to be married.

What happened to Patrick McDowell?

McDowell, a troubled military veteran on drug-offender probation, was in a stolen minivan at the time. He fled briefly in the van before abandoning it and hiding under a shed with the woman. She said she convinced him to let her go, and she called 911 when she was far enough away and cooperated with deputies, according to court documents.

During the ensuing manhunt, officers and McDowell exchanged gunfire and he and a K-9 were wounded. But McDowell eluded authorities for several days.

Deputy Joshua Moyers: JSO K-9 Huk seen charging in to get suspects before being shot in new police bodycam

He contacted a friend through social media pleading for her help, but he was being monitored by investigators. Authorities stopped her before she arrived at his hideout at some ballfields, and a SWAT unit apprehended McDowell. He was suffering from two bullet wounds from the shootout during the initial search.

On March 10, 2023, he pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, eight counts of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer and one count of use of a deadly weapon on a police K-9.

Should the death penalty be unanimous or a majority?

Patrick McDowell prepares to exit a courtroom after a hearing to discuss issues in his sentencing phase in the 2021 shooting death of Nassau County Deputy Joshua Moyers.

One of the issues attorneys are still at odds on is whether McDowell's sentence should be a unanimous vote by the 12 jurors for the death penalty or at least an 8-4 majority.

At the time of the shooting, a death sentence required a 12-0 jury recommendation. Not long after McDowell entered his guilty plea, the law changed to the majority.

During the plea hearing last March, Judge James Daniel spent several minutes making sure McDowell understood he still faces a possible death penalty. Daniel also thoroughly addressed the new legislation being considered that would do away with unanimous jury decisions being needed to recommend execution.

When is the sentencing phase for Patrick McDowell?

Jury selection is tentatively scheduled for the first week of April, although it's still being determined how many jurors will decide if McDowell, 37, should be sentenced to life in prison or death.

The defense has already scheduled several people to testify for him during the sentencing phase. Among them are his 13-year-old son, fellow Marines he served with in Iraq, friends, former security co-workers and a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs doctor who evaluated him for post-traumatic stress disorder.

After McDowell's time in Iraq with the U.S. Marine Corps, his father said "he slipped into a darker place" in a statement to The Florida Times-Union and turned to drugs.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Patrick McDowell seeks change of venue in Deputy Joshua Moyers' death
This expansion project will drive new & significant job opportunities in the Nashville area

The Crump Group Inc. US Plant Expansion

Nashville, North Carolina

Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nashville, NC  March 14, 2024  The Crump Group Inc., a premier provider of naturally crafted, single or limited ingredient dog treats, is thrilled to unveil plans for a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility located in Nashville, North Carolina. This expansion marks a pivotal moment in the company's commitment to growth, innovation, and community impact.

Following the successful acquisition of the facility in 2021, which involved an initial investment exceeding $40 million to procure the property, manufacturing facility, and equipment, The Crump Group Inc., which offers premium dog treats under the brands Caledon Farms, Crumps Naturals and Dog Delights, is now poised for an even more substantial leap forward. With an additional investment of $85 million, the expansion project will significantly bolster the companys production capacity as The Crump Group currently partners with major retailers across North America, including Costco, PetSmart, Pet Valu, Walmart, Loblaws, Publix and Target.

The expansion project reflects The Crump Group's ongoing commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its customers while also driving sustainable growth. The added space will facilitate increased production capabilities, enabling the company to better serve its expanding customer base and maintain its position as a leader in the industry.

With heightened customer demand, we stand poised to aggressively expand our operations while maintaining unmatched value to our customers," declared Margot Crump, co-founder and CEO of The Crump Group. "Our ongoing investment across diverse capabilities enables us to deliver innovative solutions with the hallmark quality and adaptability to which our customers have become accustomed."

Story continues

In addition to its economic significance, the expansion underscores The Crump Group Inc.s commitment to environmental sustainability. The company will implement state-of-the-art technologies and processes that will minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable manufacturing practices.

"This investment and expansion underscores our unwavering dedication to both operational excellence and community prosperity. By expanding our footprint and creating new employment opportunities, we will make a positive and lasting impact on the local economy, shared Paul Sproule, President at The Crump Group Inc.

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About The Crump Group Inc.

The Crump Group is family owned and operated, producing all natural, gently dehydrated single and limited ingredient pet treats since 2006. Our core brands include Crumps Naturals, Caledon Farms & Dog Delights. We also produce many private brands which are sold and distributed across North America. The Crump Group's pet products are currently available at major retailers such as Costco, PetSmart, Pet Valu, Walmart, Loblaws, Publix and Target to name a few. Visit www.thecrumpgroup.ca

Attachment

CONTACT: Sandip Randhawa The Crump Group 888-478-4011 sandip@crumps.ca




Pay It 4Ward: Paying off lunch debt in Guthrie

GUTHRIE, Okla. (KFOR)  School lunch debt has reached an all-time high across America, according to USA Today.

Across the U.S., students owe a whopping $19 million dollars in unpaid lunch charges.

In Oklahoma, several generous nonprofit organizations have raised tens of thousands of dollars to help families struggling to pay for school lunch.

Wednesday, News 4 and First Fidelity Bank honored one woman with a big goal: to wipe out the school lunch debt in her school district, Guthrie Public Schools.

PAY IT 4WARD: Oklahoma City nonprofit provides hugs to troops

Shelby Langley runs a small cookie business out of her kitchen.

Shes a busy baker who cooked up an idea to organize a fundraiser to pay-off school lunch debt in her community.

Langley volunteers at Fogarty Elementary School where her kids are students in 2nd grade and kindergarten.

We are honored to present Shelby Langley with $400 because she went out into her community and got everybody involved and was able to pay off all these lunch balances, which is a big task, said First Fidelity Banker Linda Bowen.

Langley started fundraising on the Facebook page Real Talk Around Guthrie late last year. Dozens of people donated, raising thousands of dollars to pay for kids with a negative balance.

She raised $2,500 so Guthrie students could start off the semester with a zero balance.

Guthrie grandparent, Sandy Oreilly, nominated Shelby Langley for the Pay It 4ward Award.

I thought (her idea to pay off lunch balances) was just so perfect, OReilly said.

OReilly has lived in Guthrie for thirty years. Her grandchildren are 1st and 3rd graders at Fogarty Elementary.

I really saw a need in Guthrie, Langley said. I wanted to help fill that need, and I thought, what better way than to ask the community to help?

Donations from around Guthrie paid for every kid at three different public schools.

PAY IT 4WARD: Oklahoma City diner known for generosity and good gravy

Everybody just rallied together, Langley said. I was asking for $5 per person just to see if we could do it, and I had people sending me $25 and $50 and even $500. Were really excited for what has happened and what is going to hopefully continue. I am so proud of this community,

Langley is changing lives, one lunch at a time, and shes already organizing another lunch-debt-payoff in Guthrie for March.

She spun up a new Facebook page Lunch on Us dedicated to lunch debt donations for Guthrie Public Schools.

She plans to use her $400 from First Fidelity Bank to pay for more lunches for Guthrie families who need some help.

According to Lunch Is On Us, donors have raised $3,386.97 for seven schools as of March 12.

Pay it 4Ward is sponsored by First Fidelity Bank.

Nominate someone for Pay it 4Ward

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
PD: Man found with a grenade and a gun in Visalia arrested

VISALIA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A 37-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday after the Visalia Police Department discovered a handgun, ammunition and a grenade in his possession.

Just after 11 a.m. on Wednesday, the Visalia Police Department Special Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic stop in the area of Court Street and Mineral King Avenue.

Police say during the stop, officers located a handgun and a hand grenade. The Visalia Police Department Bomb Squad was called and rendered the hand grenade safe.

Police say 37-year-old Rigoberto Benavides was arrested and charged on suspicion of a felon in possession of a destructive device as well as a felon in possession of a firearm and ammo.

Visalia Police say he was transported and booked into the Tulare County Adult Pre-Trail Facility.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
Lord Moylan said the Welsh language was used as a "tool for promoting nationalist sentiment"

A Tory Lord has been sharply criticised for claiming there is almost "linguistic fascism" in parts of Wales.

Lord Moylan said language can be used as "a tool for promoting nationalist sentiment".

His remarks sparked controversy in the House of Lords, with critics branding them "high-handed".

A Conservative frontbencher said the UK government supported the Welsh language and was backing Welsh government plans for a million Welsh speakers by 2050.

Speaking during a debate on safeguarding the union, Lord Moylan said: "We remain a voluntary union and that voluntary union is essentially based on affection. We are attracted to each other.

"The fact we choose to stay together is because of the affection that exists. Not coercion but affection. That is our strength and that is what we need to build on."

Turning to the issue of language, he told peers: "It is a sensitive subject but we shouldn't be too sensitive about discussing it.

"There is no doubt, and Sinn Fein will appreciate this, that the use of language is a tool for promoting nationalist sentiment."

Sparking cries of dissent, he added: "When I look at Wales and see the almost linguistic fascism that now exists in parts of it, I am deeply concerned that we will find ourselves, on some occasion in the future, in a situation rather like we were with Scotland in 2014, when, half way through the referendum campaign, we realised that unionism might lose the referendum, so out of touch we were. I do not want to see something like that happen in Wales."

Lord Moylan was an adviser to Boris Johnson when he was mayor of London, and became a peer in 2020.

'I really object to the term'

Baroness Humphreys, who is deputy leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said: "I really object to the term language fascism.

"People fail to understand that Wales is a bilingual nation and people have the right to use their first language, whichever language that is, or both languages if they want to."

Labour frontbencher Baroness Chapman of Darlington said: "I was sorry to hear Lord Moylan refer to linguistic fascism in Wales.

"I would invite him gently and with a great deal of respect to consider his use of language and also whether I think what could be perceived as a high-handed tone that he deployed in that remark would actually serve in the longer term to strengthen or weaken the union."

Tory frontbencher Lord Cameron of Lochiel said: "In relation to the Welsh language, I would like to be clear that the UK government fully supports the Welsh government's aim of there being one million speakers of Welsh by 2050.

"The Welsh language is devolved but the UK government is committed to supporting the promotion and use of the Welsh language in Wales."

He added: "Languages belong to everyone. I have taken a long interest in promoting the Gaelic language and hark back to the UK Conservative governments of the 80s and 90s and their contribution to Gaelic broadcasting."

Lord Cameron told peers: "This government will never cease to be a government that puts the safeguarding and strengthening of our union at the centre of our work."
A new report from the Pentagon on unidentified flying objects and unidentified anomalous phenomena has partially confirmed high-profile whistleblower allegations about planned clandestine government programs for the retrieval and reverse-engineering of non-human aircraft via private contractors.

The report has also, however, drawn sharp rebuke among academic skeptics and disclosure advocates after raising more questions and concerns than it answered. Concluding the Department of Defense's investigation into itself, the report from the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office claims to have found "no empirical evidence" of UAP, yet also declassifies the DOD origins and developmental plans for a UAP-related program called Kona Blue, that AARO says never got off the ground.

Disclosure advocates have since roundly criticized the report for its alleged lack of scientific rigor and failure to fully disclose firsthand accounts and significant details involving the programs mentioned in the report. The report's critics include famed Pentagon Papers lawyer Dan Shehan, former Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP) director Lue Elizondo and the DODs former top civilian intelligence official, Christopher Mellon. The 63-page report is not only notably laden with typographical errors, misplaced URLs, self-referential citations and statements misrepresenting the public conclusions of UAP scholars  but also omits a significant amount of the historically declassified data which the office was tasked with compiling in the report.

In a Friday press conference ahead of the report's release, DOD officials said the United States has "found no evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence."

But acting AARO director Tim Phillips also revealed plans to deploy what AARO calls "Gremlin" surveillance technology  a configurable sensor array designed in partnership with the Department of Energy and Georgia Tech  to capture more UAP-related data in military hotspots where sighting reports are numerous.

ARRO is testing the Gremlin system at a large range in Texas, with hopes that it can be used in the event of any UAP-related problem with critical infrastructure or national security  echoing concerns from witnesses who have attested to heightened UAP activity near facilities with nuclear capabilities.

"We've been out there going against some known UAS [unmanned aerial systems] targets, but some unknown targets, picking up a lot of bats and birds. We're learning a lot about solar flaring. We're really starting to understand what's in orbit around our planet and how we can eliminate those as anomalous objects. So we're going to do that. And then we're going to go to the department and say we are ready to deploy our system in response to a national security site or a critical infrastructure with a UAP problem," Phillips told reporters.

The report's release follows a months-long, tense standoff between Congress and AARO, with lawmakers and UAP whistleblowers on one side and the now-retired former AARO director Sean Kirkpatrick on the other. In January, Kirkpatrick denounced Congressional inquiry into UAP, claiming top members of Congress hold a religious belief in UFOs that transcends critical thinking and rational thought." Kirkpatrick similarly misrepresented UAP whistleblower claims, saying none of [the UFO whistleblowers] have any firsthand evidence or knowledge"  a statement repeatedly proven incorrect by members of Congress who have spoken to witnesses of clandestine UAP programs.

U.S. Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence Scott Bray explains a video of unidentified aerial phenomena, as he testifies before a House Intelligence Committee subcommittee hearing at the U.S. Capitol on May 17, 2022 in Washington, DC.

Government UAP programs, paranormal research and "human consciousness anomalies"

In addressing whistleblower claims of a collaborative program between the DOD and private companies to "reverse-engineering extraterrestrial technology" and hide it, the report appears to contradict itself repeatedly while incidentally confirming the existence of a number of government operations that may de facto fit the bill.

On one hand, AARO states that "no empirical evidence" for the claims exists and that "claims involving specific people, known locations technological tests and documents allegedly involved in or related to the reverse-engineering of extraterrestrial technology, are inaccurate."

"It is critical to note that no extraterrestrial craft or bodies were ever collected  this material was only assumed to exist by KONA BLUE advocates and its anticipated contract performers," the report says.

On the other hand, however, the report in doing so not only confirms evidence that three such programs were in varying stages of development, but provides additional context for their potential funding sources and role in Defense Intelligence Agency strategy, further supporting several whistleblower claims.

"AARO confirmed the existence of one Intelligence community controlled access program that was unnecessarily expanded in 2021 to include a UAP reverse-engineering mission," the report says, adding that appropriate congressional committees were notified.

Yet the report claims "this program was expanded despite the lack of any evidence or mission need to justify the expansion" and that it "never recovered or reverse-engineered any technology, let alone off-world spacecraft. This controlled access program was disestablished due to its inactivity, absence of mission need, and lack of merit."

The expansion of this program may or may not be related to the other two programs, depending on how the report's language is interpreted. The report's lack of clarity is compounded when the AARO authors then seem to play a shell game, both admitting and denying the existence of two other such programs related to whistleblower claims. Arguing at times over semantic minutia, the report also seems to spotlight what may have been a keyhole opportunity for disclosure advocates in the bureaucratic labyrinth of esoteric DOD acronyms and classification protocols.

"At the direction of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), the Defense Appropriations Acts of Fiscal Years 2008 and 2010 appropriated $22 million for the DIA to assess long-term and over-the-horizon foreign advanced aerospace threats to the United States. In coordination with the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, DIA established AAWSAP (Advanced Aerospace Weapons System Application Program) in 2009, which was also known AATIP. The contract for this DIA-managed program was awarded to a private sector organization," the report says.

Then, contradicting their own recognition of official documentation, the authors add that "unlike AAWSAP, AATIP was never an official DoD program." Rather, this was an "unofficial UAP community of interest within DoD" which also happened to have been officially directed to do this  and thus, under DOD direction, "researched UAP sightings from military observers as part of their ancillary job duties."

"The selected private sector organization conducted UFO research with the support of the DIA program manager. This research included: reviewing new cases and much older Project BLUE BOOK cases, operating debriefing and investigatory teams, and proposals to set up laboratories to examine any recovered UFO materials."

The report goes on to explain that "AAWSAP/AATIP also investigated an alleged hotspot of UAP and paranormal activity at a property in Utah  which at that time was owned by the head of the private sector organization  including examining reports of 'shadow figures' and 'creatures,' and exploring 'remote viewing' and 'human consciousness anomalies.' The organization also planned to hire psychics to study 'inter-dimensional phenomena' believed to frequently appear at that location."

Phillips told reporters Friday that the Kona Blue program was declassified for the report's release, which details the program's origin as an effort to reestablish the UAP program under the auspices of the Department of Homeland Security. The report claims that Kona Blue was "supported by individuals who believed the US government was hiding off-world technology" and was actively readied for formal authorizations to the extent that Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks notified congress "in the spirit of transparency.

"The program was never approved by DHS and its supporters never provided empirical evidence to support their claims," the report says, adding that "many of these (transparency advocates) were involved in or supportive of a cancelled DIA program and the subsequent but failed attempt to reestablish this program under DHS."

David Grusch

Although many UAP reports remain unsolved or unidentified, AARO assesses that if more and better quality data were available, most of these cases also could be identified and resolved as ordinary objects or phenomena. Sensors and visual observations are imperfect; the vast majority of cases lack actionable data or the data available is limited or of poor quality, the report says. "All investigative efforts, at all levels of classification, concluded that most sightings were ordinary objects and phenomena and the result of misidentification."

In explaining how it came to these contradictory conclusions  that the government had both undertaken known programs of UAP study and that reported sightings and firsthand encounters with those programs simultaneously never happened  AARO's top reason given was that the government has always said they never happened.

"AARO assesses that the incidents of UAP sightings reported to US government organizations, the claims that some constitute extraterrestrial craft, and the claims that the US government has secured and is experimenting on alien technology, most likely are the result of a range of cultural, political and technological factors," AARO said. "The aggregate findings of all US Government investigations to date have not found even one case of UAP representing off-world technology."

Beyond the visible conflict of interest in AARO's methodology, there appears to be a bigger problem with AARO's efforts. While AARO knows that UAP appearances are largely non-extraterrestrial, mainly ground-based and marine-based, the office doesn't exactly know what it's doing yet amid conflicting jurisdictions and complex policy navigation. More pointedly, it created a report about something which is has not yet even defined.

"The vast majority of the reporting tends to be in the atmosphere because that's where we're operating. We've received one report in the maritime domain. And we've received no reports in space. However, we do have working groups in space and in the maritime. And what we're trying to do is define what is a UAP incident, and how that will be reported," Phillips told reporters.

Public outcry around the report likens a Pentagon self-investigation to charging the fox to guard the henhouse. Asked by reporters why Americans should accept the Pentagon's non-independent and unverifiable inquiry into itself, DOD Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder did not address the inherent conflict of interest in the investigation.

https://twitter.com/colmanjones/status/1766206133318926446

"The AARO office used a very rigorous, analytical, scientific approach to investigate all past U.S. government efforts, all claims by interviewees. They were granted access at the highest levels to all information. None of the agencies that they spoke with prevented them from getting any of the information that they needed to do," Ryder said.

Phillips echoed the strategy, lauding a number of agencies for their inter-DOD collaboration. He said AARO closed about 122 cases closed last month, with 68% assessed to be "aero garbage, balloons, trash that's up there in the atmosphere." And confirmed that AARO was involved in identifying the Chinese spy balloon that flew over U.S. airspace last year.

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"We've had about 1,200 cases that we've looked at. We approximately receive anywhere between 90 and a 100-110 a month from the operating forces," Phillips said, adding that AARO has worked with Joint Staff. "I would say that we  we probably, on average, around 100 cases a month we are clearing."

Internal Pentagon collaborators

Clearing that many cases that quickly means AARO wasnt necessarily operating independently during the time period covered in the report. Its initial operational capacity wasn't met until last October.

"AARO's been around for about 18 months. And we just achieved initial operating capability, I would say, in October of last year is when we actually were able to bring the staff on and start to develop some of the sensors and the capabilities, the flyaway kits, so we could respond quickly when there's a UAP incident," Phillips said.

ABC News' Luis Martinez asked Phillips to explain how AARO was able to provide a comprehensive report in such a short time span, asking about the staff size required for the task.

"Or were you relying on these agencies, for example, the CIA, to come up with their own determinations, then you would review their work?" Martinez asked Phillips.

"All of the above," answered Philips. "As the acting director, I work for the Deputy Director of Defense [Kathleen Hicks.] There's actually been  there's  trying to get information, we've actually had to solicit her personal assistance to open a door."

Though he did not provide an exact staff number for AARO, nor how many non-AARO staff had a hand in writing their own investigative findings, Phillips went on to further describe how AARO ultimately compiled the report.

"This review was primarily, it was the  our operational directorate that was actually making the contacts, arranging for the interviews, they were involved. But then I had our analytical team who was actually looking at the statements, putting the stories together, the act of writing, by Dr. Kirkpatrick. Just probably a good 100 days of tech editing and legal review. I've never had so many help from so many experts on the DOD staff that help us get it right," he said.

The roar of science: Pentagon watchdog skewers UAP policy for being a risky mess

Calls for further legislative action by congress are bolstered by a January investigation from the DOD Inspector General, which found the Pentagon's work on UAP investigation and reporting so "uncoordinated" that it could have overlooked national security threats  an assessment most military branch leaders agreed with in the report.

"We determined that the DoD has no overarching UAP policy and, as a result, it lacks assurance that national security and flight safety threats to the United States from UAP have been identified and mitigated," the OIG report said. "The FY 2022 NDAA assigns AARO, under the OUSD(I&S), responsibility for synchronizing and standardizing the collection, analysis, and identification of UAP incidents. However, the DoD has not yet issued comprehensive UAP guidance. In the absence of DoD-level guidance, the DoD Components have developed varying informal processes to detect and report UAP incidents."

The OIG report also calls out the DOD for saying AARO was operational as early as July 2022 (as claimed in the edited transcript of the Friday briefing, despite Phillips' answer to the contrary).

"The Under Secretary noted that the findings that inform the recommendation appear to be based on observations that largely predate the establishment of AARO on July 20, 2022. The Under Secretary also commented that the report describes AARO as having been 'operational' at the time of its establishment when in fact the office was not at initial operational capability. The Under Secretary stated that AARO will achieve full operational capability using the resources provided in the Future Year Defense Plan beginning in FY 2024," the report said.

Christopher Mellon is the former deputy assistant secretary of Defense for Intelligence and former minority staff director for the Senate Intelligence Committee. He has called the report a "huge potential conflict of interest."

"Imagine a small office at the DoD trying to investigate the Iran-Contra affair. Congress did a great job with that inquiry, something that would have likely been a whitewash if the Executive had tried to investigate itself. Further, many witnesses did not trust AARO and would not meet with them," Mellon said in a tweet.

"The public needs to understand it is imperative to continue aggressively investigating UAP, for both national security and scientific purposes, regardless of the accuracy of this report," he added.

This new report is not going to satisfy anyone. To begin with, it is a case of the DoD and the IC investigating themselves without even the independence that Inspectors General enjoy. Obviously, there is a huge potential conflict of interest. Imagine a small office at the DoD  Christopher K. Mellon (@ChrisKMellon) March 8, 2024

"As a former U.S. Navy fighter pilot who works with other advanced UAP witnesses, I am very discouraged and disappointed by the Pentagons report. Once again, the Pentagon demonstrates it is more interested in discounting witnesses and whistleblowers than it is with actually identifying anomalous objects and phenomena in our airspace," tweeted former US Nay pilot Ryan Graves, the co-founder of Americans for Safe Aerospace.

In a Friday interview with NBC News Now's Gadi Schwartz, Graves said the report's language "is really detrimental to people who want to come forward: witnesses, potential whistleblowers  commercial and military pilots.

Through the weekend, critics of the AARO report swarmed X (once known as Twitter) with similarly pointed take-downs that shredded the DOD's methodology at length. Particularly, the report's sourcing caught eyes online, as readers scoffed at its lack of transparency.

"If I submitted a summary judgment brief to a court (a dismissal motion based on evidence) 'sourced' like the AARO Report, my case would be immediately dismissed. No court would accept references to my 'case files,' as if that was evidence," said one reader, an attorney from South Carolina. "Where's AARO's cited evidence? MIA."

https://twitter.com/garymauney/status/1766546799689392501

"The DOD report states only conclusions ... and provides no data and no definitions of what they were trying to do in the first place," said Stanford professor, Garry Nolan said.

https://twitter.com/rpowell2u/status/1766467359768797476

News Nation journalist Ross Couthart, who last year broke the story of UAP whistleblower David Grusch, pointed out that Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) was among a number of lawmakers who attested to seeing firsthand evidence of UAP encounters and programs.

"There is video for f**ks sake. There is video of this object, this craft hovering, taken by an American Air Force pilot," Couthart said in a weekend interview.

Important point from @matthew_pines, if - as @DeptofDefense is inferring - David Grusch misled Congress under oath about a covert retrieval and reverse engineering #UAP legacy program, put him on trial and let him call witnesses. Let's see who's lying. Remember, it's a breach of https://t.co/dzE5xCKZqO  Ross Coulthart (@rosscoulthart) March 9, 2024

Daniel Shehan, defense attorney for the New York Times in the 1971 Pentagon Papers case, sharply criticized AARO's report in an open letter on March 8. Shehan called the report a "cheap retread of the now utterly threadbare lies."

"I personally know that Dr. Kirkpatrick and his associates at AARO are consciously lying when they falsely assert that they have been provided no substantial evidence of the existence of a secret U.S. government UFO crash retrieval program because I personally provided to Dr. Kirkpatrick himself, under oath, the fact that ... I was granted access to the still-classified files of Project Blue Book related to the over 700 cases of UFO sightings that could not be rationalized as any natural phenomenon that had been simply mistakenly mis-identified as a UFO," Shehan wrote.

"I was shown, by official representatives of our U.S. government, several official photographs of an active UFO retrieval operation," he said, adding that he provided "ample supportive information directly to Dr. Kirkpatrick to enable him and his associates at AARO to identify and locate those files that had been specially delivered to the then brand-new Madison Building basement for my review."

"If Dr. Kirkpatrick and his staff had made even the slightest good-faith effort to identify and recover that cache of specific official U.S. government Blue Book files specially delivered to Washington for my inspection, they would have had the proof they now deny having found."

Daniel Sheehan says hes seen U.S. Government photos from Project Blue Book of a 40-50 foot crashed UFO, evidence of a legacy retrieval program.



A crashed flying saucer, wasnt any doubt.



Reality Check w/ @RossCoulthart :https://t.co/G1AuaGB6h5#ufox #ufotwitter #ufo #uap pic.twitter.com/utw1rtOuao  UAP James (@UAPJames) March 11, 2024

Disclosure advocate Lue Elizondo, former director of the AATIP, called the report "intentionally dishonest, inaccurate and dangerously misleading." Elizondo called on Congress to take legislative action for greater transparency and pledged to continue working with lawmakers to help their efforts to achieve disclosure.

"I hold Pentagon leadership and former AARO leadership accountable for this obvious attempt to diminish and embarrass whistleblowers, to undermine the truth and ignore the evidence. Their goal is clearly to minimize Congressional and public scrutiny, and to cover up the truth," Elizondo said in a Friday statement  one which was applauded online by a former head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

"Many of us who have worked the UAP topic for the government are aware of the ample classified evidence that has been provided to AARO and contradicts this report. This report only makes it more abundantly clear to Congress that they must take more legislative action to demand transparency on the UAP topic on behalf of the American people," Elizondo said.

Tim Burchett

The ball is in Congress' court

On Capitol Hill, interest reportedly remains high among congress members. Last month, Graves said after staff meetings with sponsors of the UAP Disclosure Act that "it does not seem like they have lost interest, and remain committed to UAP transparency."

News Nation's Joe Khalil also reported Tuesday that GOP-led House Oversight Committee members have confirmed an effort to form a UAP Select Committee is underway among some congress members.

 Exciting progress: Weve received confirmation that our Select Committee on UAP White Paper has been making waves among members of the Congressional UAP Caucus .



With efforts underway to gather signatures for establishing an official UAP Select Committee, our united push https://t.co/cGdCdQ9u1i  UAP Caucus (@uapcaucus) March 12, 2024

According to February memo from Laurence Brewer, chief records officer for the U.S. Government, and Chris Naylor, NARA's executive for research services, all federal agencies will have until the end of the fiscal year in July to "review, identify, and organize each UAP record in its custody for disclosure to the public and transmission to the National Archives."

The move is required by the new records management provisions in the recently enacted 2024 defense policy bill, which establishes a new UAP public repository in the National Archives. Agencies are expected to receive further instructions soon on handling specific records.

The second volume of AARO's report is slated to include any findings resulting from interviews and research completed from Nov. 1, 2023 to April 15, 2024 and will "provide analysis of information acquired by AARO after the date of the publication of Volume I."

In the meantime, all eyes are again on congress  and the skies.
A Peoria, Ill., man faces charges after he was arrested Wednesday on a warrant out of Bettendorf, a news release says.

Shortly after 1:30 p.m., the West Burlington Police Department responded to Walmart, 324 W. Agency Road for a report of a theft in progress. Upon arrival the suspect fled from the responding patrol officer, the release says.

The suspect failed to comply with multiple orders to stop and was apprehended after a foot pursuit. He was identified as Deyvon Mangwell King, who had active arrest warrants out of Bettendorf and was in possession of a loaded firearm, cocaine and marijuana, the release says.

Deyvon King (Des Moines County Jail)

King was transported to the Des Moines County Jail.

The active arrest warrants out of Bettendorf were failure to appear-two counts of operating while intoxicated  first offense, failure to appear-possession of a controlled substance, according to the release

From King was charged with the following stemming from the Wednesday incident: Possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a controlled substance (marijuana,) possession of a controlled substance (cocaine,) interference with official acts, and fifth-degree theft.

The West Burlington Police Department was assisted by the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Taskforce and the Burlington Police Department.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
Person dies at hospital from injuries in north Charlotte shooting: CMPD

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A homicide investigation is underway after a person died at the hospital from injuries in a north Charlotte shooting Thursday, CMPD said.

The shooting happened at an apartment complex around 2 p.m. Thursday, March 14, in the 4500 block of Tanager Park Drive off Sunset Road. Paramedics treated the person for life-threatening injuries and transported them to Novant Health Presbyterian.

Queen City News is tracking CRIME in your area  >> Latest stories here

The person was pronounced deceased at the hospital, CMPD said.

Queen City News is working to learn more about the deadly incident.

This is a developing story; check back for updates

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Peter Navarro had his last-gasp request to stave off prison time rejected by a federal appeals court on Thursday, placing the former Donald Trump aide one step closer to serving time for defying a subpoena from the Jan. 6 select committee.

A three-judge panel ruled unanimously, writing in an order that Navarro failed to present substantial questions of law that might result in his conviction being overturned.

Navarro had been hoping to avoid prison time while he appealed his contempt of Congress conviction from January. Thursdays ruling means he must surrender to a federal prison in Miami on Tuesday and spend four months behind bars, barring a last-second intervention by the Supreme Court.

MAGA Loyalist Peter Navarro Gets 4 Months in Prison for Brazenly Defying Congress

Navarro has long attested he was given executive privilege by Trump that meant he wasnt legally required to heed a Congressional subpoena asking him to testify and hand over documents about the Capitol attack.

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta rejected that argument in January, however, noting that Navarro had no evidence Trump ever doled out executive privilege to him.

The appeals court also noted Navarros lack of evidence for his claim, saying of presidential immunity, That did not happen here.

In a two-page order, the appeals court added that, even had immunity been given by Trump, Navarro still would have been required to comply with the Jan. 6 committees request because of its imperative need for evidence.

In viral press conferences outside his trial in January, Navarro, while talking over protesters who jeered him incessantly, told reporters he expected his appeal to reach the Supreme Court.

With just days to go before he has to turn surrender to prison, the high court is Navarros last hope to avoid time in the clink. If the Supreme Court weighed in on the matter, The Washington Post reported itd be extremely unusual given the circumstances.

Navarro is the second former Trump adviser to be convicted on federal charges for defying the Jan. 6 committee. The first, Steve Bannon, was convicted in a 2022 jury trial and sentenced to four months behind bars, but a judge allowed him to remain out of prison as his appeal plays outthe exact circumstances Navarro was hoping to receive.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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The operating life of Californias last nuclear power plant already has  in all probability  been extended five years, allowing it to stay open until 2030.

Now theres growing interest in keeping Diablo Canyon Power Plant in Avila Beach open even longer, possibly for 20 more years  and PG&E is finally acknowledging that its planning for that possibility.

Theres no guarantee that we could ... be allowed to operate beyond 2030, but we certainly are hopeful, Erik Werner, director of Diablo Canyon outage management, said at a recent meeting of the Diablo Canyon Independent Safety Commission. And in our decision-making model and our long-term, long-range planning, we are taking into consideration with strong intent to be able to proceed past 2030 and have maintenance plans in place. ... So, high level, Ill say that already has started. It didnt start this year. It started before that.

This comes at a time when PG&E customers already are fed up with the multiple rate increases the utility has hit them with over the past several months. Average electric bills are roughly $50 per month higher than they were at this time last year, and more increases are expected.

PG&E significantly underestimates the cost of running Diablo Canyon

The question is, will it be cost effective to keep an aging nuclear power plant running 20 more years, especially as other types of energy  wind, solar, and battery storage  come on line.

The utility is getting some financial help over the next five years in the form of a $1.1 billion federal grant. But that doesnt leave ratepayers will be off the hook, and it isnt just PG&E customers who will be affected.

SB 846  the state legislation that extended the operating life of the plant  specifies that a fully nonbypassable charge is to be imposed on all customers of electrical corporations, electric service providers, and community choice aggregators. That means every Californian who is on the grid will pay to keep Diablo Canyon running.

That reduces the financial burden on PG&E ratepayers but its unclear whether it will be worth it.

Estimates of the cost of operating Diablo Canyon past 2025 differ dramatically. PG&E has approximated the cost of running the plant until 2030 at about $5 billion, according to TURN, a utility watchdog group.

TURN claims that significantly understates the true costs of continued operation of DCPP, according to testimony it submitted to the California Public Utilities Commission. It says the cost will likely be closer to $10 billion.

PG&Es estimate excludes a wide range of costs, TURNs staff attorney Matthew Freedman said. They arbitrarily limited the scope of costs by just ignoring a whole lot of things.

Those include administrative costs, such as legal and financial services; retention bonuses for employees; $300 million to be set aside to pay for replacement power in case the plant goes offline; and $100 million per year in guaranteed profits, he said.

TURN has no estimate beyond 2030, though the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which opposes continued operation of the plant, has estimated that keeping Diablo online through 2045 could add from $55 to $124 a year to the typical utility bill.

Or it could be even higher because these costs, at the moment, are highly speculative and because the older Diablo Canyon gets, the higher the capital and operating costs will become to keep it online and providing electricity, EWG wrote in a news release.

The PUC has yet to determine whether its cost-effective to keep Diablo open even until 2030, much less for a longer period.

One thing to keep in mind: In calculating cost-effectiveness, its important to consider the price of energy needed to replace Diablo Canyons nuclear power to determine whether it makes sense to keep the plant open.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom tours the control room at Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant in Avila Beach during a quick visit to San Luis Obispo County on March 1, 2023.

Lets go back to getting our tax base

Meanwhile, supporters of Diablo Canyon are mobilizing. The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors is expected to adopt a resolution endorsing a 20-year extension; the board recently voted 3-2 to put the item on the agenda. Thats a good indication that it will be approved.

Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg, a former PG&E employee who has also worked in the solar power industry, introduced the idea. I think its important for us as a board to continue to support the plants operation, she said. ... Lets go back to getting our tax base back.

For decades, San Luis Obispo County has depended on tax revenue from PG&E, in addition to Diablos well-paying jobs that further boost the local economy.

Two other supervisors agreed to bring the resolution back for a vote, while the remaining two said its premature.

It also fails to consider the bigger picture.

While it would help SLO Countys economy, it may increase the burden on ratepayers, especially if major capital expenditures are needed to keep the plan operating safely.

And the power may not be needed beyond 2030. Skeptics may find it hard to believe, but California may succeed in adding enough new sources of power  including wind, solar and battery storage  to compensate for the loss of Diablo Canyon.

While a resolution doesnt carry much weight  its simply a statement of support  it does send a signal to the public. Some could interpret it as a sign that a 20-year extension is a done deal.

Its not. The five-year extension agreed to by the California Legislature was intended to be a stop-gap measure to see the state through a period of transition.

Rushing to give the plant a blessing to stay open for 20 more years  without knowing what that might entail  may be great for PG&E, but not so great for the beleaguered ratepayers of California.

The Board of Supervisors should keep that in mind before choosing sides.
A Missouri pharmacist has been sentenced to prison after officials say he attacked his supervisor and repeatedly stabbed him.

Robert E. Sapp, 65, was working as a civilian pharmacist at the Post Exchange Pharmacy on the Fort Leonard Wood Army installation, according to a March 12 news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Missouri.

McClatchy News reached out to Sapps attorney for comment on March 14 but did not immediately hear back.

On Dec. 3, 2021, Sapps supervisor approached him and asked to have a conversation in another area of the pharmacy, officials said.

Video showed Sapp pull a knife out of his right pocket and open a blade, according to officials.

Sapp held the knife behind his back as he approached the supervisor in another area of the pharmacy. Sapp lunged toward the supervisor with the knife, knocked him to the ground, and continued stabbing at his face and head, officials said.

Another employee interrupted the attack and Sapp took off, officials said.

Military police shut down the installation and caught Sapp trying to leave in his vehicle, according to prosecutors. When they arrested him, police found a bloody knife and blood on Sapps clothes and car, according to officials.

One witness told authorities she saw Sapp and the supervisor arguing before the two of them tumbled to the ground, then she saw Sapp standing over the supervisor with a knife stabbing him, according to a criminal complaint. Page 3

The supervisor was taken to a hospital where he was treated for multiple stab wounds, officials said.

On May 1, Sapp pleaded guilty to one count of assault with intent to commit murder. On March 12, he was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in prison without parole.

Pharmacy tech stole medicine from veterans mailboxes, feds say. Cruelty and greed

Doctor with poison expertise accused of fatally poisoning wife, a Wichita native

Pharmacy company bribed doctors with hunting trips, gym passes in $54M scheme, feds say
Philippe de Gaulle, right, in 1962 with his father, the then French president, on board a boat on the Rhine during a state visit to West Germany - AFP via Getty Images

Philippe de Gaulle, who has died aged 102, was the only son of General Charles de Gaulle, the French leader of the Free French during the war and postwar president; tall and ramrod-straight, he bore an extraordinary physical resemblance to his revered parent and in 2003 he published a bestselling memoir of his struggle to restore French dignity during and after the war.

As an 18-year-old, Philippe, his mother and two sisters followed his father into exile in London on the fall of France in June 1940. He joined the Free French navy, commanded a torpedo boat in the Channel and later fought as a soldier in the 1944 Allied advance into France, when he was wounded several times. Post-war, he rose to be an admiral in the French navy and later served for 18 years as a Gaullist senator and guardian of his fathers reputation.

In his memoir, De Gaulle Mon Pere, a series of conversations with the journalist Michel Tauriac, Philippe described his fathers near-despair, following his famous BBC broadcast calling for French resistance on June 18 1940, when only 1,000 of the 50,000 French forces in Britain rallied to his call.

The de Gaulles, pere et fils, at a garden party reception at the French Embassy in Washington, DC in 1945 - Bettmann

He rejected as a myth the claim that France rose up spontaneously behind de Gaulle, describing how his father would tour barracks alone and address meetings across Britain almost begging for support (though of course the myth was one fostered by de Gaulle himself to reinforce the claim that France had earned a right to be considered one of the victors of the war).

He recalled how his father suffered badly from the contempt in which the French army was held by the British after its defeat in 1940. Yet, although Britains wartime leader Winston Churchill was often driven to fury by the impossible Frenchman, and de Gaulle openly expressed his disapproval of Churchills fondness for whisky, which sometimes led to Churchill throwing tantrums like a big child, Philippe insisted that the two men liked and had great mutual respect for each other.

He never heard his father denigrate Churchill  yet I lived in Britain at the time when he had plenty of reasons for doing so. His father, he insisted, considered Churchill as the great victor of the Second World War.

Philippe Henri Xavier Antoine de Gaulle was born in Paris on December 28 1921 the eldest of three children and only son of then Captain Charles de Gaulle, and Yvonne, nee Vendroux.

Educated at the College Stanislas de Paris, Philippe joined the French navy and was a student at the Ecole Navale when Germany invaded France in 1940.

In his memoir Philippe recalled how his parents imbued him with a consciousness of his duty as a French patriot, gentleman and Roman Catholic. He recalled his mother darning clothes and tending a flock of hens at her wartime home in Wales and described his father, who addressed him as dear old boy, as a man who had difficulty expressing affection. After having hugged me, which he did rarely, he sent me away after 15 minutes, he recalled, though he also remembered the tenderness with which his father would sing songs to his severely disabled daughter, Anne, to calm her during the Blitz on London in 1940-41.

Philippe de Gaulle in 1945 - Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images

Philippe fought for the Free French navy in the Channel campaign and in the Battle of the Atlantic. Promoted to sub-lieutenant in 1943, he participated in the Battle of France (1944-1945) as a platoon commander of the Regiment Blinde de Fusiliers-Marins, an armoured regiment of marines of the 2nd Armoured Division.

On August 25 1944 he participated in the liberation of Paris and was tasked with obtaining the surrender of Germans entrenched in the Palais Bourbon, the premises of the National Assembly, a potentially dangerous assignment which he carried out alone and unarmed. Subsequently he fought in the Vosges during the winter of 1944-1945.

Promoted to lieutenant in 1948, he remained in the French navy, and, trained as a naval pilot, fought in Indochina and Algeria. From 1976 to 1977 he was Commander of the Atlantic Fleet in the rank of vice-admiral. Promoted admiral in 1980, he ended his military career as Inspector General of the Navy, retiring in 1982.

Admiral Philippe de Gaulle in 1982 - AFP

From 1986 to 2004 de Gaulle served as a Gaullist in the French senate, where, generally speaking, he reflected his fathers views. In 1991 he joined Communists and other dissident members of the senate in voting against French military involvement in the first Gulf War, on the grounds that the French contingent would only be a subordinate element in a strategy conceived and driven by the Americans.

In 1992, as France prepared to vote in a referendum on the Maastricht Treaty, he weighed in on the side of campaigners for a Non vote, telling a news conference that his father opposed the idea of a homogenised United States of Europe, preferring the European Communitys original policy of leaving political decisions to individual member states.

After his fathers death in 1970, Philippe inherited his parents residence, La Boisserie, in the northern village of Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises, which he opened to the public. He went on to stand alongside a succession of French presidents and politicians who came to pay tribute to the great general at the annual memorial ceremony at his grave.

Even though comrades considered Philippe to be worthy of an honour for bravery, his father never appointed him a Companion of the Liberation or awarded him the Medal of the Resistance. But Philippe insisted that he had never suffered from the burden of having such a revered father and regarded himself as fortunate compared to Winston Churchills son, Randolph, who died young after an unhappy life.

Philippe de Gaulle with his wife Henriette in 1955 - Gamma-Keystone

He remained tight-lipped about his own offspring, however. In 1947 he married Henriette de Montalembert de Cers, a descendant of the family of the Marquis de Montalembert. She died in 2014 and he is survived by their four sons, of whom the eldest, Charles, served as a National Front MEP from 1999 to 2004, when the party was led by the far-Right Jean-Marie Le Pen. The youngest, Pierre, a business consultant based in Geneva, shocked the nation in November last year by announcing plans to apply for Russian citizenship because the West had abandoned traditional values.

Admiral Philippe de Gaulle, born December 28 1921, died March 13 2024

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Crypto and AI will drive exorbitant energy use after decades of flat demand, analyst says

Crypto and AI will drive exorbitant energy use after decades of flat demand, an energy expert said.

Data centers are expected to triple their power consumption in the US over the next seven years.

"The power sector is facing a new normal," ClearView Energy's Tim Fox said.

Artificial intelligence and crypto euphoria have not only rippled across the markets. They're shaking up the power sector, too.

AI and crypto industries are served by data centers  essentially warehouses full of massive computers that run complex code 24/7  which require a lot of electricity, and it's pushing the grid to its limits.

"The power sector is facing a new normal," Tim Fox, managing director of ClearView Energy said in a CNBC interview. "Annual power demand has been flat for the past decade. It still currently is. Americans consumed less power last year than they did in 2022. However, annual consumption and peak demand forecasts  those are now higher than at any point in the last decade."

The nationwide forecast of the next five years of electricity demand has gone up from 2.6% growth last year to 4.7%, power sector consulting firm Grid Strategies said in a report. Data centers are a main driver of the boom, they added.

Last year in the US, crypto mining accounted for 0.6%-2.3% of the country's electricity demand, the Energy Information Administration found. Miners alone used the same amount of electricity as all of Australia in 2023, and the energy the crypto industry uses is expected to grow "considerably," ClearView's Fox said.

AI, too, is expected to consume huge amounts of electricity. Driving the data center boom is generative AI, which will help triple the electricity consumption of those centers from 2.5% to 7.5% by 2030 in the US, the Boston Consulting Group has estimated.

The worry among power industry experts is that the US electric grid is not ready to handle that surge, and new power plants take a long time to build and any expansion or update to America's aging grid system would be a prolonged process.

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"It may take only one or two years to connect new load to the grid, while it may take over four years to bring new generation online and even longer to build new transmission connections between regions to enable power sharing during peak periods," the Grid Strategies report said.

Complicating that calculus is that the world is facing a climate crisis that will only add to the power sector's concerns.

"There's also a policy problem," Fox said. "The Biden administration wants to decarbonize the grid. About 20 states have targets that mandate decarbonizing the grid. And these states, they set these targets at a time of flat to even declining load demand. So we would suggest these targets just got harder to hit."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Philippines Former First Lady and Congresswoman Imelda Marcos waves to supporters as she takes part in the announcement of her son BongBong Marcos' vice-presidential candidacy, in Manila

MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippine's former first lady Imelda Marcos is set to leave hospital on Thursday, after suffering from fever and a slight pneumonia, her son President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said.

The 94-year-old widow of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. has been hospitalised since last week and was put on antibiotics. She is renowned for amassing more than a thousand pairs of shoes and a vast collection of jewels.

"She's recovering well. She's scheduled to come out on, I think, Thursday." Marcos Jr. told reporters on Wednesday while on a working visit in Germany.

Marcos said his mother is "in good spirits" and wants to go home soon.

"She has been complaining of the food in the hospital."

Imelda Marcos and her family have been accused of looting more than $10 billion from the Southeast Asian country in bank deposits, shares, jewelry, art and property before her husband was ousted by a popular uprising in 1986.

In the last three decades, the government has recovered about half of the wealth the family and its associates were accused of plundering.

Imelda Marcos was charged with civil and criminal crimes, but some cases were dismissed, and a 2018 graft conviction remains under appeal.

(Reporting by Mikhail Flores; Editing by Michael Perry)
A judge assesses pies during a competition in Scotland. In pie-loving countries around the world, March 14 - or 3.14 - is celebrated as pi day. Andrew Milligan/PA Wire/dpa

If you were looking for an excuse or occasion to make pie, mathematicians have got one for you. On March 14, maths aficionados like myself celebrate Pi Day  the number that represents the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter.

Denoted by the Greek letter , this peculiar number is generally referred to as approximately 3.14. Though in most cases its rounded-off version is used, in 2022 computers were able to calculate it to 100 trillion digits.

This is why pi is perplexing: It is an irrational number, the sequence 3.14159265358979323846  goes on for eternity without following a single pattern and never repeating itself.

Pi helps us calculate the vastness of space, explain how stripes and spots emerge in animal fur coats and understand so much more about life. On March 12, 2009, the US House of Representatives passed a bill recognizing Pi Day.

All over the world, people honour pi in various ways.

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, for example, holds a Pi Day Challenge, encouraging the public to solve maths problems and think like scientists (give these previous tests a try). Various schools and organizations throw pi digit memorization contests.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology honours Pi Day in a quirkier way. Every March 14, the university releases its decision letters to prospective students at 6:28 p.m. Eastern to honour tau, which is double the value of pi.

For food (and maths) lovers, the pi-related discounts ($3.14 for an 11-inch pizza) at US restaurants that sell circular food or offer endless pie-eating competitions might be sufficient to commemorate the holiday.

But if you were hoping to get into the kitchen and make pies from scratch like me, here are 3.14 recipes for the best pie to make on Pi Day: three pies, and one pie bar. The pies below link to LA Times recipes, but there are plenty more similar recipes online.

The Strawberry Forest Pie, tart with jammy berries and rich with a thick chocolate pudding layer, is a draw for those who adore the flavors of traditional Black Forest gateau. Its cold creamy texture provides a lightness to balance its intense flavours.

If you prefer a mixture of fruits in your desserts, you might like the Creamy "FruitTart" Pie. Persimmons, plums, figs and kiwis create a harmony of brightness and colour. But if you like your desserts with a salty edge, the Fresh Raspberry Pie's graham cracker crust will hit the spot.

Pi is derived from circles; experiment with the circular form of a pie and make Blueberry Pie Bars. Its fruity, floral and citrus flavours will win you over.

It doesn't matter how big or small you choose to make your pies  the ratio, pi, stays the same. But maybe stick to the measurements in the following recipes for pie success.
STREETSBORO, Ohio (WJW)  A head-on crash that killed a 63-year-old Kent man Thursday morning was caused by a driver who crossed a double-yellow line to pass, according to police.

It happened just before 6:30 a.m. on state Route 43, just south of Kennedy Road, according to a Thursday news release from police.

Father accused of using cattle prod to discipline children

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Police arrived at the scene to find two severely damaged sedans blocking both lanes of the road.

The driver whose car was struck, a 63-year-old man from Kent, was transported to a hospital but ultimately died of his injuries, according to the release.

Investigators learned the other driver, a 33-year-old man who was heading north, was illegally passing slower-moving cars and had crossed a double-yellow line while approaching the crest of a hill.

Police: Girl, 9, found mother dead of gunshot wound

In this case, the law broken was passing on a double-yellow line, Police Chief Patricia Wain is quoted in the release. The real cause of this crash appears to be impatience and stands as a strong word of warning to motorists that their actions have deadly consequences to innocent victims.

Police have not released the identities of the man killed or the driver believed to be at fault.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Target Corp (NYSE:TGT) stands as a retail powerhouse with over $100 billion in sales and a market capitalization of $62.2 billion as of July 2023.

With over 1,900 stores, the company has cemented its position as a top retailer, leveraging its upscale image and a strategy focused on an exceptional in-store experience.

Target's owned and exclusive brands contribute to approximately one-third of its sales, showcasing the company's successful differentiation in the market.

Despite a robust performance, Target faces challenges in the dynamic retail landscape, including the need to adapt to digital shifts and maintain its competitive edge.

On March 13, 2024, Target Corp (NYSE:TGT) released its annual 10-K filing, revealing a comprehensive view of its financial health and strategic direction. As the nation's sixth-largest retailer, Target has experienced significant growth, with sales exceeding $100 billion and a substantial market capitalization of $62.2 billion as of mid-2023. The company's success is rooted in its commitment to providing a gratifying shopping experience and a diverse product range that resonates with an affluent consumer base. This SWOT analysis delves into the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats as disclosed in the latest SEC filing, offering investors a nuanced understanding of Target's market position and future prospects.

Decoding Target Corp (TGT): A Strategic SWOT Insight

Strengths

Robust Brand and Market Presence: Target Corp (NYSE:TGT) has established a formidable brand identity, characterized by its "Expect More. Pay Less." promise and the iconic "Bullseye Design." With over 1,900 stores strategically located in key urban and suburban markets, Target has become a staple in American retail, attracting a loyal customer base. The company's brand strength is further bolstered by its owned and exclusive brands, which account for about one-third of total sales and often yield higher margins than national brands. This brand equity not only drives customer loyalty but also provides a competitive edge in the crowded retail space.

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Efficient Supply Chain and Fulfillment Network: Target's supply chain is a testament to its operational excellence, with stores fulfilling more than 96 percent of total sales. This efficiency not only enhances the shopping experience by ensuring product availability but also reduces fulfillment costs. The company's distribution network, which includes a mix of distribution centers and direct vendor shipments, is designed to optimize inventory management and minimize markdowns. The agility of Target's supply chain allows for rapid response to market demands and contributes to the company's overall financial strength.

Weaknesses

Dependence on Physical Footprint: Despite the growth in digital sales, Target's business model remains heavily reliant on its physical stores. This dependence poses a risk in an increasingly digital retail landscape where consumer preferences are swiftly shifting towards online shopping. The company must continue to invest in its digital channels and fulfillment services to maintain relevance among consumers who favor convenience and speed over the traditional in-store experience.

Challenges in Rapidly Changing Consumer Preferences: Target's success in the fashion and home goods segments hinges on its ability to anticipate and quickly adapt to changing consumer trends. Failure to accurately forecast these trends can lead to inventory misalignment, resulting in excess stock or stockouts, which can negatively impact sales and profitability. As consumer behavior continues to evolve, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Target must enhance its data analytics and trend forecasting capabilities to stay ahead of the curve.

Opportunities

Expansion of Digital and Omnichannel Capabilities: The ongoing shift towards e-commerce presents a significant opportunity for Target to expand its digital footprint and omnichannel offerings. By leveraging its strong brand and customer base, Target can further develop its online platforms, mobile app, and same-day fulfillment services to meet the growing demand for convenience and immediacy. Enhancing digital capabilities will not only drive sales growth but also strengthen customer engagement and loyalty in the long term.

Strategic Partnerships and Exclusive Collaborations: Target has a history of successful partnerships with renowned brands and designers, which have differentiated its product offerings and attracted new customers. The company's collaborations with Apple, Disney, Levi's, and Ulta Beauty, among others, create unique shopping experiences and drive traffic to both physical and digital channels. Continuing to pursue strategic partnerships and exclusive collaborations can further solidify Target's position as a discovery destination for consumers.

Threats

Intense Competition and Market Saturation: The retail industry is highly competitive, with players ranging from traditional brick-and-mortar stores to e-commerce giants. Target must continuously innovate and differentiate its offerings to stay ahead of competitors who are also vying for market share. Additionally, the market saturation of retail outlets in certain regions can limit Target's growth potential and put pressure on pricing and margins.

Regulatory and Cybersecurity Risks: Target operates in a complex regulatory environment that is subject to changes in data protection laws, trade policies, and labor regulations. Compliance with these evolving requirements can incur significant costs and necessitate changes in business practices. Moreover, cybersecurity threats pose a constant risk to the company's operations and reputation. Ensuring robust data security measures and maintaining customer trust in the face of potential breaches is critical for Target's sustained success.

In conclusion, Target Corp (NYSE:TGT) exhibits a strong market presence and brand equity, underpinned by an efficient supply chain and a commitment to innovation. However, the company must navigate the challenges of a digital retail landscape and evolving consumer preferences. By capitalizing on opportunities for digital expansion and exclusive partnerships, Target can bolster its competitive position. Vigilance against threats such as intense competition and cybersecurity risks will be crucial for the company's future growth and profitability. This SWOT analysis underscores Target's strategic initiatives and potential

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.


KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Kansas City, Missouri police detectives are on the scene of a deadly shooting Wednesday afternoon.

The shooting was reported just before 3:20 p.m. in the area of E. 36th Street and Mersington Avenue.

Kansas City woman charged in sons death deemed fit for trial

When officers arrived on scene they found a man with life-threatening injuries. He was later pronounced dead. He has been identified as 38-year-old Matthew M. Wolfing.

The incident is being investigated as a homicide.

No suspect information has been released at this time.

Detectives are continuing to work the scene looking for evidence and witnesses to determine what may have led to the shooting.

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Anyone with information is asked to call the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
GASTONIA, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Gastonia Police are looking for a woman who they said stole a Winston-Salem identification and $10,000 of a credit union members savings.

Police said she went to the State Employees Credit Union on Cox Road on Monday, March 11, and withdrew $7,690. Then, she went to another Gastonia SECU on Union Road for $3,190.

The unidentified woman also attempted to get another $5,866 from the SECU in Belmont the same day, but the Credit Union employees suspected something. Unfortunately, the woman left before authorities could respond.

Queen City News is tracking CRIME in your area  >> Latest stories here

If you recognize her, please call the Gastonia Police Department at 704-866-6702. You can also call Crimestoppers of Gaston County and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Negotiations between the Polish and Ukrainian governments will take a few weeks to resolve the issue of Polish farmers blocking the border with Ukraine, Pawel Kowal, Chairman of the Polish Sejm's Foreign Affairs Committee, said in an interview with publicly funded radio broadcaster Ukrainian Radio.

Kowal emphasized the complexity of the issue but remained confident in its eventual resolution: "In the history of the European Union, there have been dozens, hundreds of such crises when it was necessary to protect some sectors of production in a country through market opening. And the EU knows how to do it. All this needs to be negotiated."

He also stressed that Poland today is "the main country that seeks more ammunition for Ukraine" and support for Ukraine within NATO and the EU, so Polish politicians need support in society for this. "If we want to help Ukraine, we also have to get help for our farmers, because in a democratic country it all connected. From this point of view, there is nothing wrong with Polish-Ukrainian relations."

For a month now, Polish farmers have been staging protests across Poland and at the border with Ukraine, opposing Ukrainian agricultural imports as well as the EU's Green Deal.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk was unable to secure an agreement with Polish farmers to halt their protests against Ukrainian agricultural imports during a meeting on March 9, according to a report by Polskie Radio.

The Polish government has repeatedly said it understands the concerns of its agricultural producers and pointed out the supposed negative impacts of the EU's decision to continue a free trade regime with Ukraine, originally instituted in 2022.

According to Warsaw, the influx of cheaper Ukrainian products threatens the domestic production and livelihoods of Polish farmers, which Kyiv denies. Poland has already instituted a ban on several Ukrainian products, such as grain.

Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said at a press conference on March 4 that the border blockade and ongoing trade disputes with Poland have a higher economic cost to Warsaw than Kyiv.

Only 5% of Ukrainian agricultural exports are transported by road, with 90% being shipped out via maritime routes, he said.

Read also: Media: EU to propose restrictions on Russian, Belarusian grain imports

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
DOTHAN, Al. (WDHN) Spring is still about a week away, but allergy season is in full bloom.

Most of the Southeast is in the midst of a pollen-bomb with high and medium-high levels of pollen in the air.

The result? Allergy sufferers are sneezing, coughing, and blowing their noses more.

Histamine is released, that causes us to feel itchy, that causes our eyes to feel itchy, our throats to close up, and have wheezing, said Dr. Darien Sutton, ABC News medical contributor, on Good Morning America.

Cars and other outdoor items are covered in a blanket of yellow, dusty pollen.

Allergy season typically begins in April, but it shows signs of starting earlier each year, and human actions might be to blame.

According to a 2023 study from climate central, the allergy season has increased by 15 days in 200 different cities since 1970.

The study says this is because increased levels of carbon dioxide are increasing pollen release.

Doctors recommend using air purifiers, changing air filters, wearing masks, showering, changing clothes, and consulting ones doctor about over-the-counter and prescription medications.

Its about figuring out how you can change your environment, Sutton said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com.
Ukrainian Defence Intelligence (DIU) has reported that authorities in the Russian Federation's Belgorod Oblast decided to evacuate local residents due to the operations carried out by Russian [pro-Ukrainian] military volunteer groups.

Source: intercepted conversation of a resident of the Russian Federation, a fragment of which was provided to Ukrainska Pravda by a source in Ukraines Defence Intelligence

Details: An intercepted conversation with a local resident indicates that the people of Grayvoron, Grayvoron district, Belgorod Oblast, Russian Federation, are being evacuated.

Quote: "Uncle texted, basically, that buses are standing or going. Grayvoron is being evacuated.

Mom called me, Dima called. They said they were evacuating."

Details: Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of Belgorod Oblast, reported on Telegram at 14:18 that "the Grayvoron city district was again attacked by the Armed Forces of Ukraine" (Russian authorities continue to stubbornly refuse to recognise that they are opposed by Russian volunteers). Gladkov stated there are casualties in the city.

At 15:30, he reported that an air-raid warning was issued in Belgorod Oblast.

Background:

On 13 March, Russian volunteer soldiers fighting on the Ukrainian side announced strikes on Russian military positions in Belgorod and Kursk and called on local residents to evacuate.

On 14 March, at 10:30, Denis Nikitin, the head and founder of the Russian Volunteer Corps, announced that Russian volunteers would open fire on Russian military targets in Belgorod and Kursk within an hour and a half.

The Russian Volunteer Corps then issued a call to all residents of Kursk and Bryansk oblasts who did not have time or were unable to evacuate to seek shelter immediately.

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Corrections and clarifications: An earlier version of this story misstated when Texas passed HB 1181, an age-verification law. It passed in June 2023.

A high-stakes battle over pornography, child safety and free speech is heating up across the nation, with more than a half-dozen states passing age-verification laws aimed at halting minors from accessing Pornhub and other adult web sites.

Texas is among seven states to pass some form of the controversial legislation, which effectively blocks millions of adult video enthusiasts from entering Pornhubs site unless they can prove they are at least 18 years old.

Attorneys and advocates for porn sites argue that the laws are not just prohibiting minors, but adults, too. Pornhub says it had no choice but "to completely disable access to our website in Texas" in order to reduce the risk of hefty fines and penalties.

In addition to Texas, Pornhub has reluctantly blocked site access for people in other states with age-verification laws, including Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Utah and Virginia.

We are fighting not only for the rights of our members and the larger adult entertainment community, but for the right of all Americans to access constitutionally protected expression in the privacy of their own home," said Alison Boden, Executive Director of Free Speech Coalition, a national advocacy organization for the First Amendment rights of adult businesses. The group filed a lawsuit in federal court last year over what it called an "anti-porn ban" by Utah lawmakers.

The HB 1181 law passed in June 2023 in Texas requires companies that offer sexual material harmful to minors to verify that those who visit their website are 18 or older, either by proof of government-issued identification or another system that uses public and private data.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, sued Pornhubs parent company, Aylo, in February to force them to comply with the HB 1181 law. Paxton also threatened the company with millions of dollars in civil penalties  including up to $10,000 per day for noncompliance, and $250,000 if a child is exposed to pornographic content due to not properly verifying a users age.

Texas has a right to protect its children from the detrimental effects of pornographic content, Paxton said in announcing the suit. I look forward to holding any company accountable that violates our age verification laws intended to prevent minors from being exposed to harmful, obscene material on the internet.

The Texas case illuminates similar restrictions on pornography websites across the US. And it shines a light on the debate over the balance between keeping children safe online and free speech protections guaranteed by the First Amendment.

New message on Pornhub in some states

When Texans go to Pornhub, they find a message that says the law impinges "on the rights of adults to access protected speech . . . Not only will it not actually protect children, but it will also inevitably reduce content creators' ability to post and distribute legal adult content and directly impact their ability to share the artistic messages they want to convey."

Pornhub says the "only effective solution" to protect children and adults is to verify the users' age on their devices and deny or allow them access to age-restricted content and websites based on that verification, according to the message on the site.

Until the real solution is offered, we have made the difficult decision to completely disable access to our website in Texas, the adult site's message read.

Paxton's office declared victory when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit determined the Texas law does not violate the First Amendment.

Applying rational-basis review, the age-verification requirement is rationally related to the governments legitimate interest in preventing minors access to pornography, the court said. Therefore, the age-verification requirement does not violate the First Amendment.

A sign hangs at the Pornhub booth at the 2024 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo at Resorts World Las Vegas on January 24, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Identification card required for adult access

More than a handful of states across the US have passed age verification legislation in the last year. Many of them require the companies to obtain an identification card from users who want to access adult sexual content.

Louisiana was the first state to pass an age-verification requirement law.

"So far, six other states have copied this (Louisiana) bill but minor changes have been made to the text, which can have big implications for systems designed to achieve compliance," reads a post from the Age Verification Providers Association. The organization is a not-for-profit global trade body representing 26 organizations who provide "age assurance solutions."

Child safety debate rages across the US

The laws - and pushback from the porn industry - cast light on the debate over free speech and child safety.

The Free Speech Coalition sued Texas over the latest law, arguing infringement on freedom of speech.

"We can all work to keep minors from accessing adult content, but allowing the government to dictate what information adults can see is unconscionable and unconstitutional," according to Boden.

A statement from the coalition following the recent court decision allowing Texas to uphold the law reads: "Our battle, of course, is just beginning. Unfortunately, weve already seen how this designation has been weaponized to censor and ban LGBTQ+ literature, reproductive rights resources, sex education, art, and healthcare. Sexual expression, online and off, has been and continues to be the canary in the coal mine of free speech.

Child safety advocates and state legislators where laws have passed argue that protections are needed to ensure kids are safe online.

A poll from RMG Research shows a majority of Americans support a federal law requiring adult websites that contain sexual content to have some kind of age-verification requirements.

The battles in states across the country could foreshadow what's to come in other states looking at age verification laws.

"After a wave of legislation focused on child online safety swept through state legislatures over the past two years, legal challenges against the new laws are gaining traction in federal courts," reads an article from Tech Policy Press. "But rather than signaling a change in the tide, the lawsuits may ultimately spur a new round of bills that address flaws in those passed in the first wave."

Indiana age-verification bill could be next

Similar legislation in Indiana could become law and possibly lead to Pornhub also disabling access to that state, the difference is, the company may also be held legally liable by minors' parents.

Senate Bill 17 is on its way to Indiana Gov. Gov. Eric Holcomb. and it would, like HB 1181, require "adult-oriented websites" to mandate the verification of its users to make sure they are 18 or older.

According to Indiana law, harmful materials for minors can include representations of nudity, sexual conduct and sadomasochistic abuse.

The Indiana bill differs from the Texas law because it allows parents to sue if their children access a pornography site that is "knowingly or intentionally" not utilizing age-verification measures. The minor's parent or guardian can receive up to $5,000 in damages if a court rules in their favor. The attorney general can also sue pornography websites that don't abide by the law, but the civil penalty would be up to $250,000.

Pornhub also disabled access in 2023 in Utah when the state passed its age verification law.

Contributing: Brittany Carloni for the Indianapolis Star, David DeMille for the St. George Spectrum & Daily News

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pornhub says states are stripping Americans' right to free speech
The Lviv District Administrative Court ruled against Ukraines former president, Petro Poroshenko, in a lawsuit filed against Ukraines Parliament Deputy Speaker, Oleksandr Korniyenko, and seven Carpathian border guards who prevented his departure from the country, the courts chief public relations specialist, Tetyana Romaniv, told the Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne on March 14.

Yesterday (March 13), a decision was made, announcing both the introductory and operative parts, which fully denied Petro Oleksiyovychs claim, she said.

Read also: There is trend of attacks on anti-corruption organizations, journalists, and independent media  Shabunin

Poroshenko filed a lawsuit against Korniyenko and the border guards on Dec. 18, 2023, alleging they prevented his exit from the country without any legal grounds. A preparatory hearing was held on Jan. 17, during which Poroshenko demanded the decision be annulled and sought compensation for moral damages.

Regarding the situation at the border on Dec. 1, Poroshenko said he intended to leave Ukraine to meet with politicians in Poland and the United States. All the details of the visits had been agreed with Ukraines Foreign Ministry, he added.

The border guards explained that they refused Poroshenkos departure because his official trip was canceled by Ukraines parliament.

Read also: Former president Poroshenko claims border guards did not let him leave Ukraine

Korniyenko stated that he canceled Poroshenkos international trip after receiving a confidential letter from an unspecified state institution.

Ukraines SBU security service reported on Dec. 2 that Russia planned to use Poroshenkos planned meeting with Hungarian PM Viktor Orban in a propaganda campaign against Ukraine.

The European Solidarity party stated that the SBUs explanation causes outright surprise and that Poroshenko only planned visits to Poland and the United States.

Poroshenko was going to meet with leaders of EU countries wary of supporting Ukraine to try and persuade them to change their position, he said on Dec. 4.

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

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Its the time Portlanders have been waiting for. With the forecast pointing to temperatures in the 60s  and potentially the 70s  this weekend, patio season has arrived.

Head to these local bars and restaurants to soak up the sun while its here.

PPS board lays out plan to make up days lost during winter storm

Location: 1411 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

10 Barrel Brewings Portland brewpub is a rooftop party in the Pearl. The Bend-founded beer company also offers wine, cocktails, pizza, nachos and other tasty snacks.

Location: 3943 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227

Even while competing with the other patios on Mississippi Avenue, Bar Bar stands out for its juicy burgers, sandwiches, cajun fries and more. The bar couples with Mississippi Studios, where guests can catch live music throughout the week.

Location: 3203 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202

With a heated patio and sidewalk, The Richmond Bar is a great outdoor eat-and-drink destination even in cold weather. The business offers happy hour between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. daily, and all day on Sunday.

Officials detail 4 construction incidents that inspired PDX airport renovation delay

Location: 600 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214

Head to the Central Eastside District for Rontoms spacious back patio with the perfect ambiance for any day or night on the town. For music fanatics, the bar hosts free Sunday Sessions with local acts.

Location: 2337 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97232

Tropicale serves up fresh island cocktails on its heated patio all year round. The restaurants signature drinks include pina coladas, margaritas and tropical drinks, except for when its closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Location: 304 SE 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97214

This Portland brewpub offers one of the best patios in the city, and is considered one of the best brewpubs in the nation as well. And in addition to Wayfinder Beers food and drink offerings, it holds trivia nights every Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

Musician recovers instruments, equipment stolen from Portland studio

Location: 1305 SE 8th Ave, Portland, OR 97214

At White Owl Social Club, visitors can expect quality adult beverages, fair prices mixed strong. The bar also offers an outdoor pavilion thats dog-friendly.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Two Binance executives, Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, will remain in Nigerian custody at least until a hearing on March 20.

The men were arrested on Feb. 26 after flying to Abuja to meet with the Nigerian government at the government's invitation.

The country is experiencing a foreign exchange crisis and has accused Binance of contributing to the crash of its currency, the naira.

Two senior Binance executives will remain detained in Nigeria at least through a March 20 hearing, according to a Wednesday report from the Wall Street Journal.

The two men  American citizen Tigran Gambaryan, Binance's head of financial crime compliance, and dual U.K.-Kenyan national Nadeem Anjarwalla, the exchange's regional manager for Africa  were arrested on Feb. 26 after flying to Nigeria's capital city of Abuja to meet with the Nigerian government at the government's request.

Though neither Gambaryan, a former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) special agent, nor Anjarwalla have been charged with any crimes, the Nigerian government has accused Binance, their employer, of crashing its currency, the naira.

According to a Wall Street Journal report citing Anjarwalla's wife, a Nigerian court approved a two-week detention on Feb. 28, pending an investigation, two days after they were first placed under detention at a guarded house.

A spokesperson for Nigeria's National Security Adviser told Bloomberg that the detentions were "not necessarily [an] arrest" but called it "a national security issue" for the country.

A second court hearing on Wednesday did not officially extend the detention period but set a follow-up hearing for March 20, until which Nigerian officials were given more time to respond to arguments made by the Binance executives' lawyers, according to the report.

Olayemi Cardoso, Nigeria's Central Bank governor, told local media that $26 billion in untraceable funds flowed through Binance Nigeria last year alone. The West African country is facing an ongoing foreign exchange crisis and is searching for ways to stem capital outflows.

A spokesperson for Binance previously told CoinDesk that the exchange was "working collaboratively with Nigerian authorities to bring Nadeem and Tigran back home safely to their families." The exchange tweeted Wednesday it was still working to bring "colleagues home."
The 2024 election may be anyones game, but the lineup itself is set. On November 5, voters will once again get to choose between Donald Trump and Joe Bidenand the prospect of a second Trump presidency looms. The former president hasnt left what his return to the White House will mean up to the imagination: Trump has explicitly pledged to further undermine American democracy if elected, and his far-right allies are actively building the political machinery to do it.

Every four years we are told that this election is the most important of our lifetimes. Finally, its not just idle talk. A second Trump term could spell the end of the United States as we know itbut it doesnt have to. Though the election is still many months away, and we cannot yet know who will win, we need to begin preparing for the possibility of a Trump victory now, just in case.

This time around we should be under no illusions about whats at stake. In 2016, as Americans adjusted to the shock of Trumps upset victory, the same political class that promised us that Trump could not possibly win began to assure us that everything would be OK. Other Republicans would rein in Trumps worst impulses, the institutions would hold, and Trump would rise to the occasion and respect the gravity of the job he had, perhaps inadvertently, won. Eventually, hed find a presidential tone and learn the value of uniting the country. As pretty as all those notions were, none were trueand most were laughable, even at the time.

The pundit class is less sanguine about what a second Trump term would look like, yet wishful thinking remains: For example, the alluring fantasy that the legal system will save us has made a return in this primary season. As it turned out, the effort undertaken to strike Trumps name from ballots using the Fourteenth Amendments safeguard against insurrection proved to be a waste of time and energy, as these suits foundered in the Supreme Court. Trump is guilty of insurrection but, unfortunately, neither the Senate nor the judiciary have convicted him. Keeping Trump off the ballot without a conviction opens the door for keeping nearly anyone off the ballota specter that was raised in the Supreme Courts unanimous opinion. Its the sort of door through which conservatives would be thrilled to walk.

The real problem is not that Trumps name is on the ballot, but that 74 million people voted for Trump in 2020, and many will vote for him again this year. We must stop indulging in magical thinking; no judicial deus ex machina is arriving to absolve us of our responsibility. Instead, we must accept reality and turn instead to the force that could actually prevent a Trump victory: the 81 million people who voted for Biden.

These votes cannot be taken for granted. Biden is a significantly weaker candidate today than he was in 2020. He is too old. He is unpopular. He has alienated and infuriated many progressive voters through his unequivocal support for Israels bloody actions in Gaza as civilian casualties continue to rise. Some voters who would never vote for Trump may understandably feel tempted to sit this election out or to vote third party. This is also a form of wishful thinking, and an abdication of the only choice available to us.

Barring a medical crisis, there are only two conceivable versions of Americas future: the one where Biden wins another four years in the White House and continues the status quo or the one where Trump returns to it and unravels American democracy. We must encourage people to choose the better of those two options in the months ahead, even if they would prefer a different one.

But the job doesnt stop with securing every possible vote for Biden. Again, we look to the past for prologue: While we work to achieve a Biden victory, we must also lay as much groundwork as possible for a coordinated, effective opposition against the kind of insurrection that starts inside the Capitol building, not on the Washington Mall. To stop Trump, we would need a mass movement on a scale not seen in decades: demonstrations that grind social and economic life to a halt and that make government resistance to the will of the people prohibitively expensive. This kind of movement would require levels of organization and cooperation between disparate groups not seen since the civil rights movement. Building this kind of movement will be extremely difficultwhich is why it is essential to begin preparations now, instead of scrambling to organize as Trump actively cracks down on dissent.

What should we be prepared to do, to fight for our democratic ideals? Well have to deepen our resolve and take a different approach from the scattershot way we collectively dealt with the first Trump presidency. Lets try to think of a different way that we might band together to confront our worst fears, should they come to fruition.

Imagine that, months from now, you wake up to terrible news: Trump has won a second term. You are devastated and afraid, but not helpless: You know what happens next. Already, labor unions, houses of worship, universities, professional organizations, and other entities capable of mass mobilization are planning demonstrations for inauguration weekend: general strikes, prayer events, teach-ins, marches on the street.

These events will happen in every major citypeople do not need to travel far to participateand last for a few days at most. The five million people who marched in the 2017 Inauguration Day protests made headlines, but the demonstrations offered little more than emotional catharsis. Their ultimate ineffectiveness transformed #Resist from a declaration of real-world defiance into social media posturing before the year was out. The demonstrations you will join in 2025, on the other hand, must send a firm message to the Trump administration from day one: The American people are both able and willing to bring everyday life to a screeching halt if necessary.

In the lead-up to the inauguration, there are calls to violent resistance on social media. These calls are met with instant condemnation from all the organizations listed above, and anyone who attempts violent resistance is quickly expelled from events. Organizers understand that a democracy that replaces politics with violence is no longer a democracy and that we cannot save our system of government with methods that actively destroy it. They also understand how deeply foolish kinetic resistance would be. Like any authoritarian, Trump is very comfortable with the idea of violence and will happily jump at any provocation, real or imagined, to unleash the various armed groups at his disposal upon his enemies. Anything that helps him claim that public safety requires a crackdown plays directly into his hands.

When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu first attempted to remove judicial oversight from the Israeli government and roll back democracy in that country, huge numbers of Israelis came together every Saturday for months to protest this slide into authoritarianism. After the Inauguration Day protests, something similar takes shape in the United States. Activists and community leaders tap connections made at those initial protests to maintain pressure on the Trump administration. People do not sink into hopelessness in the way many did after those initial protests in 2017. They remain civically engaged, and a sense of real community begins to form.

During Trumps first term, activists made the dangerous, if understandable, mistake of labeling every objectionable policy decision a harbinger of fascism. This time around, activists and community leaders understand the difference between the terrible policies we expect of any Republican presidentthings like rolling back environmental regulations or cutting the taxes of wealthy Americansand policies that threaten human rights and the structure of American democracy, like declarations of martial law or legal repression of minority groups. Organizers understand that placing a bad tax bill in the same category as internment camps for undocumented immigrants undermines the case against internment camps. It makes these camps feel like less of a threat to democracy than they actually are.

When Trump inevitably crosses one of those red lines, activists spring into action. Within a few days, the types of demonstrations seen on Inauguration Day once again bring American life to a standstill. Organizers issue a specific, measurable policy demand: Step back from that red line, or the protests will continue. They do not repeat the mistakes of Occupy Wall Street or the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, which made generalized demands without a clear victory condition. Instead, they look to actions like the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which made enormous progress toward ending Jim Crow laws by targeting a specific type of segregation in a single town, rather than taking on the entire system at once.

Everyone involved in these protests understands that Trump will look for an excuse to end their opposition by force. They also understand that a violent crackdown on a clearly peaceful protest can galvanize people to action.

Activists remember the swift and dramatic response to Trumps decision to send Department of Homeland Security and Border Patrol into Portland, Oregon, to put down the 2020 Black Lives Matter demonstrations. Before the feds showed up, the Portland protests had all but petered out, and many citizens sympathetic to BLM had grown frustrated at the property damage and violence that sometimes accompanied these protests. Once armored agents with loaded M4s began breaking up protests, however, the demonstrations ballooned from a couple hundred people into thousands.

Fox News told the world that Portland was burning to the ground; had that been true, Portland residents might have supported federal intervention. But residents could see with their own eyes that their city was not burning, and so they showed up en masse to oppose the actual danger: armed federal agents actively violating the First Amendment. Mothers, veterans, and people from other broadly respected walks of life formed groups, made T-shirts, and came to the protests together. When activists and journalists published footage of police tear-gassing and brutally assaulting those peacefully protesting mothers and veterans, the protests grew even larger. It only took a few weeks before Trump withdrew his army from the city. Talk of sending DHS and Border Patrol to other cities ceased. Regular people faced down men in body armor with loaded M4sand won.

These days, it doesnt always feel like such victories are imminent. You are afraid a lot of the time. Nothing about these protests is easy, comfortable, or safe. But you do not feel helpless, because you put in the work in the days leading up to the inauguration to ensure that you were ready to push back. Maybe you became more active in a charitable or mutual aid organization. Maybe you began to attend lectures or local political events and made connections there. Maybe you talked to your church leaders or the professors at your local university. You became more active and involved in your community, so you were ready to push backnot by #Resisting, but by doing something real.

Trump supporters often call themselves patriots and real Americans, but that has never been true. Real Americans strive to move this nation closer to the as-yet-unrealized American dream of freedom, equality, and democracy. Real Americans do not bow their heads to authoritarians or acquiesce to laws that violate inalienable human rights. Should Trump win in 2024, it will be up to the true patriots to push back against his anti-American agenda. We cannot bury our heads in the sand. We must begin to prepare today.
Heterobilharzia americana, a flatworm commonly known as liver fluke, was discovered in the Colorado River in Blythe, a community on the California-Arizona border, its first known presence in California. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

For five years, an elusive tormentor of animals hid from authorities in east Riverside County as 10 dogs were injured and another killed.

The victims hailed from Los Angeles, Riverside and Orange counties, while the suspect maintained a strong alibi: It had never visited California.

It took authorities years to discover the one key detail linking the abuser with those abused: time spent at the Colorado River at or near the California-Arizona border town of Blythe.

Thats where professor Adler R. Dillman, chair of UC Riversides Department of Nematology (study of roundworms) and an expert on parasitology, and a team of researchers and students recently unmasked their culprit.

A parasite called Heterobilharzia americana, a flatworm commonly referred to as liver fluke, was behind the illness of the 11 dogs.

The parasite normally makes its home in Texas and in the South. Its discovery in California, in the Colorado River, marked its first recorded appearance in the area.

Dillman said he was part of a team that made four trips to the Colorado River between March and August of 2023 to collect more than 2,000 snails of two distinct species known to transmit the worms. They used DNA to identify both snails, Galba cubensis and Galba humilis, and the flatworm.

That squad included UC Riverside postdoctoral researcher Anil B. Baniya and graduate students Connor Goldy and Perla Achi. The trio, Dillman and others published their findings Wednesday in the scientific journal Pathogens.

I was super excited to finally provide an answer as to what was happening with those dogs, Dillman said in a phone interview on Wednesday evening. We suspected it was this parasite, but once we finally confirmed it, I was jumping up and down with excitement.

Dillman and various public health agencies dedicated to humans or animals have been trying to raise awareness of the parasite and its harm to dogs.

The parasite can cause canine schistosomiasis, an illness that affects the liver and intestines of dogs, according to Dillman.

Read more: It hit 120 degrees in this California town. For the homeless, 'its a miserable life out here'

Los Angeles County Department of Public Heath veterinarian Emily Beeler said symptoms include:





loss of appetite

vomiting

diarrhea

profound weight loss

signs of liver disease, which can include the above symptoms and, among others, increased thirst, the need to pee and yellowish eyes

If your dog has these symptoms after swimming in the Colorado River," Beeler said, "its a good precaution to ask your veterinarian for a simple fecal test.

The health department notes that the disease in dogs has a very gradual, insidious onset."

The department issued one of its first warnings in March 2019 after two South Bay dogs tested positive for the parasite after returning from a trip to the Colorado River in 2018.

Eventually, the number grew to 11 dogs from five households across three counties infected between 2018 and 2023 with canine schistosomiasis, with seven from Orange County.

Some of the dogs had shown signs of illness, others were tested as a precaution after their owners realized they also had taken their pets to the river. In total, nine were tested through fecal exams, while two underwent liver biopsies, according to the L.A. County Department of Health.

Although six dogs were asymptomatic, five were stricken by vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss, according to the department.

One of those five dogs died, while the other four recovered thanks to treatment that included antiparasitic drugs.

It was discovered through interviews that all of the infected dogs had visited the Colorado River near Blythe.

In January 2023, Dillman said Beeler called and asked him to test those waters for the parasite.

Dog owners told him they had visited two primary places, Quechan Park and Hidden Beaches Resort.

Dillman and his teams first discovery was that the two species of snails that carry the parasite had migrated to California.

How they arrived remains a mystery.

We dont know how these snails reached California," Dillman said. "Its a bit complex.

Read more: Thinking of the dog park? Think twice: Mystery dog illness in L.A. spurs warnings by officials

The professor noted that there was an outbreak of canine schistosomiasis in Moab, Utah, in 2018 . Ultimately, 12 dogs living near a man-made pond with those snails present tested positive. Dillman said the location of that pond was only a couple of miles from the Colorado River.

Researchers didnt check to see if the snails were in the river, he said. Its possible theyre there.

Along with dogs, the parasite has been known to infect raccoons and horses.

The disease cannot be transmitted between dogs and humans, though people may develop a self-limiting rash (meaning it goes away on its own without treatment) after swimming or contacting contaminated waters, according to Sara Strongin, chief veterinarian at the Riverside County Department of Animal Services.

The snail excretes a juvenile form of the worm, which then has 24 hours to find a mammal host to infect or die, according to Dillman.

The goal of the worm is to reach the intestines of a host, where it continues to develop into an adult. There it mates and releases thousands of eggs, Dillman said. Those eggs clog the lungs, spleen, liver and hearts of hosts along with immune cells called granulomas that fight them.

Eventually, organ tissue stops functioning, Dillman said.

If found in time, however, antiparasitics like praziquantel and fenbendazole can help fight off an infection.

"The goal here," Dillman said, "is to get awareness out and make sure dog owners know what signs to look for."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Editor's note: If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts, addictive tendencies, stress and other mental health issues, you can call or text 988, Oklahoma's Mental Health Hotline, or call 911.

President Joe Biden responded Thursday to the death of an Oklahoma teen by calling on the country to do a better job of protecting transgender and nonbinary children.

The statement released by the White House comes one day after the release of a summary autopsy report that concluded Nex Benedict died by suicide.

The Owasso High School student died in February, one day after an altercation with other students inside a school bathroom. The circumstances surrounding the 16-year-olds death have drawn nationwide scrutiny, particularly over the measures schools take to keep transgender children safe. Nex used the pronouns they, them, he and him, and their gender identity did not align with their gender assigned at birth.

Every young person deserves to have the fundamental right and freedom to be who they are, and feel safe and supported at school and in their communities, Biden said. Nex Benedict, a kid who just wanted to be accepted, should still be here with us today.

More: After Nex's death, former LGBTQ+ students say Owasso has troubling history of bullying

The president said no student should face the types of bullying Nex faced and said schools and parents should take reports of bullying seriously.

Nex Benedict was a 16-year-old sophomore at Owasso High School who loved nature, cats and music, family and friends have said.

Federal investigation into Nex Benedict's death

The U.S. Department of Education has launched a civil rights investigation into Owasso High to determine whether administrators adequately responded to reports of sex-based bullying during the current school year.

In honor of Nex, Biden asked people to recommit to our work to end discrimination and address the suicide crisis impacting too many nonbinary and transgender children.

The Oklahoma chief medical examiners office said it planned to issue its full report into the teens death later this month. In a one-page summary made public Wednesday, Dr. Ross Miller, a state pathologist, said the teen died of toxicity from diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, and fluoxetine, an anti-depression medication.

An attorney representing the Benedict family issued a statement Thursday that called on policymakers, school officials and others to work to end bullying "to prevent any other family from having to suffer through the heartache now borne by Nex's loved ones."

It remains undetermined whether any charges will be filed in connection with Nexs death or the fight that preceded it. Steve Kunzweiler, the district attorney for Tulsa County, said his office would not comment until prosecutors have received all reports related to the investigation, including the full findings from the medical examiner.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: President Biden calls for action in response to Nex Benedict's death
SAN DIEGO (Border Report)  Xochitl Galvez is one of the two leading candidates for president in Mexico. While polls indicate shes unlikely to win, Galvez is making waves for demanding the U.S. send money to Mexico to support migrants passing through the country.

She says Mexico has turned into the third country for people heading to the U.S.

Mexico is taking care of migrants in exchange for nothing, said Galvez. Migrants are being supported by civic groups, religious groups and non-profits.

ICE breaks ground on new dorms for detainees in El Paso

She made these comments earlier this week while campaigning in Tijuana.

If were going to continue on this path, there needs to be money, there needs to be resources and attention paid to this issue, she said. Right now, these migrants are living in violent conditions where their human rights arent respected.

Galvez believes funding from the U.S. government would lead to more support and services for the migrants traversing through Mexico on their way to the U.S.

The presidential candidate stated she would demand money from the U.S. should she win the election on June 2.

When I sit down to negotiate with Biden or Trump, whoever is president, were going to negotiate resources for the migrants who are waiting for their humanitarian visas as we look for a solution to this migration of millions of migrants headed to the United States, Galvez stated.

During her visit to Tijuana, she promised to modernize border crossings and infrastructure to help commuters cross the border faster.

Its not right people have to wait three hours to cross the border, she told reporters.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Stephan Sterns, the man officials identified as the prime suspect in the death of 13-year-old Madeline Soto, is heading to trial this spring after he was charged with 60 child sex crimes.

Sterns, who lived with Soto and is dating her mother, waived his arraignment that was scheduled for April 2, according to Osceola County court records.

Hes not getting out of jail: Suspect in Madeline Soto case could face death penalty or life in prison, expert says

An arraignment is when a defendant appears before the court to acknowledge the charges against them and enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Because he waived the formal arraignment process, Sterns will not appear in court. Instead, his attorney will submit a written plea on his behalf.

His next court appearance is a pre-trial hearing scheduled for April 24. The prosecution and defense will appear simultaneously before a judge to determine if they will proceed with a jury trial. Its also an opportunity for defense attorneys to submit various motions, like a motion to dismiss the charges.

Screenshot from video (Courtesy: Osceola County Sheriffs Office)

Court records state a jury trial date has already been set for May 13 in Osceola County.

Sterns has not been charged with Sotos murder, but detectives said they found evidence of Sterns sexually abusing a child dating back to 2019, when she would have been 8 years old.

According to Kissimmee police, disturbing images and video discovered on his phone led to 60 new charges, including sexual battery of a child, lewd and lascivious molestation, and possession of child sexual abuse material.

If found guilty of the sexual battery charges, which are capital felonies, he faces life in prison or the death penalty.

No matter what, hes not getting out of jail, David Thomas, professor of forensic studies at Florida Gulf Coast University, told NBC affiliate WESH.

Thomas believes there is probably enough circumstantial evidence to bring a murder charge against Sterns, but Kissimmee police detectives want to make sure their case is air-tight.

Give law enforcement, give the medical examiners office the opportunity to do their job because it takes time to do a great forensics analysis, Thomas told WESH. They want to make sure justice is served, and its served properly.

(Orange County Sheriffs Office)

Madeline Soto was last seen alive on Feb. 26. Law enforcement believes Sterns may have killed Soto when he was supposed to drop her off at school.

According to the Orange County Sheriffs Office, Sterns was caught on camera throwing items into a dumpster around 7:35 a.m. that day. Officials found her backpack and school laptop in the dumpster.

Madeline Soto case: 60 new charges filed against mothers boyfriend

Sterns was spotted again at 8:19 a.m. returning to his apartment complex with Soto in the car, according to the sheriffs office. Detectives believe she was already dead at that point.

Madeline Sotos body was later found in the woods off Old Hickory Tree Road in Osceola County. Officials claim Sterns was spotted in the area on the afternoon of Feb. 26.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Prince William praised his mother, Diana, the late Princess of Wales, at an event in London on Thursday, saying she taught him that everyone has the potential to give something back.

The event, marking the 25th anniversary of The Diana Award, also saw Prince Harry, Williams brother, speak with winners via video call, making it one of the few occasions both princes have taken part in since the Duke of Sussex quit royal duties.

In his speech, William told the audience that he and his wif e, Catherine, Princess of Wales, have sought to focus on Dianas legacy through their own work.

I know that she would have been honored to see a charity in her name doing such inspirational work to uplift young people from all corners of the globe, the Prince of Wales said, according to Kensington Palace.

She taught me that everyone has the potential to give something back, that everyone in need deserves a supporting hand in life, he said, adding, I am so proud to see this belief of my mothers manifested in the amazing young people receiving the Legacy Award tonight.

During the event, the heir to the British throne also met staff and supporters of the award as well as presenting the Legacy Award to this years winners.

Harry separately spoke with the 20 Legacy Award recipients via a livestream following the ceremony at Londons Science Museum.

Thank you, very much, for inspiring so many others and at the same time protecting my mothers legacy, I really appreciate that, the duke said during the 30-minute video call.

In addition to the honor, award winners are supported with personal and professional development to amplify their social work and allow them to keep inspiring other young people to do the same.

Prince Harry met with winners via a livestream for around half an hour after the ceremony concluded. - The Diana Award

Williams appearance meanwhile comes amid frenzied speculation about the status and wellbeing of his wife, which intensified after Kensington Palace released a family photo featuring her that was later revealed to have been digitally altered.

Kate has not been seen in public for months following an abdominal operation at a London hospital that the palace said was planned, but which necessitated her diary to be cleared of upcoming events due to a lengthy recovery period.

The palace might have hoped that Sundays photo, released to mark Mothers Day, would quell the increasingly widespread confusion and concern about the princess. But it instead caused a firestorm of controversy after international photo agencies withdrew it, expressing concern it had been digitally manipulated.

Kate took responsibility, apologizing for what she said was an experiment with photo editing. But her brief statement did not explain why and how she had edited the image, and no new pictures of the princess have been issued since.

The Diana Legacy Awards are held every other year, and recognize young leaders in the name of William and Harrys late mother, Diana.

It was established two years after Dianas death in a 1997 car crash in Paris. William said in his address on Thursday night that 50,000 people had received the Diana Award over the past 25 years.

The brothers made separate contributions to Thursday nights ceremony. The Duke of Sussexs appeared virtually; he lives in the United States, following his split from the working royals in 2020 alongside his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.

Since then, the brothers relationship has become increasingly frosty. Harry wrote in his memoir Spare that William attacked him during an argument, and called his elder brother difficult, rude and abrasive.

They have appeared together at royal events marking the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles III, and on occasion at events related to Dianas legacy, but have otherwise rarely crossed paths in public.

CNNs Max Foster and Simon Cullen contributed reporting

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(Bloomberg) -- Board members of Colombias state oil company are objecting to President Gustavo Petros attempt to overhaul it with new directors as he works to wean the country off fossil fuels.

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Ecopetrol SAs governance committee issued a report Tuesday that said none of the five candidates proposed by Petro  elected in 2022 as Colombias first leftist leader  have the experience needed to run the company, according to an internal document seen by Bloomberg News. Representatives of Ecopetrol declined to comment. Petros office didnt immediately respond to a message seeking comment.

The fight over the future of Ecopetrol  Colombias largest company  underscores the rifts that are arising over Petros push to eliminate the countrys dependence on fossil fuels, which has major implications for its economy and finances. Petro has refused to sign new exploration contracts even as oil and coal account for about half of Colombias exports, and the country is facing a looming shortfall in production of natural gas used to cook and generate power.

Ecopetrol shares have lost 11.3% this year, compared with a 7.3% gain for the countrys Colcap index. The stock is down 0.2% on Thursday.

Because the government holds a large majority of Ecopetrols stock, the new members are expected to be elected at a March 22 shareholder meeting despite the boards objections.

Read More: Ecopetrol Weighs Options to Import Gas as Colombia Supply Drops

Petros nominees include Deputy Environment Minister Lilia Tatiana Roa, who describes herself in her LinkedIn profile as supporting community proposals to resist extractivism, as well as former union head Edwin Palma, whom the board document said may not have the required 12 years of professional experience to be named to the body.

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The board document also says nominees Lilia Tatiana Roa and politician Angela Maria Robledo lack the necessary management and industry experience. Gabriel Garcia Realpe, a former senator who backed Petros presidential campaign, has legislative expertise but no comparable business management background, the board said. Alvaro Torres, who was proposed by the oil-producing provinces and is close to Ecopetrol Chief Executive Officer Ricardo Roa, may lack the required financial expertise, the report said.

The new directors threaten to deprive Ecopetrols board of some of its accumulated experience and its independence, said Jorge Restrepo, an economics professor at Bogota-based Javeriana University. Having directors who oppose the companys main business of oil production also presents conflicts of interest, and three of the board nominees backgrounds as politicians risks politicizing the company, he said

The concerns over the potential new board members adds to questions over Petros appointment of Ricardo Roa as Ecopetrols CEO. Colombias attorney general is investigating allegations of illicit money going into Petros presidential campaign, which Roa managed.

Read More: Colombia Names New Attorney General Amid Probes of Petro Allies

Earlier this year, Ecopetrol shareholders approved a reduction in the experience needed to become a board member to 12 years, down from 15 years, which was seen as a way to allow Palma to be part of the list.

The board members that are set to remain on the body are Juan Jose Echavarria, Monica de Greiff, Gonzalo Hernandez and Luis Alberto Zuleta.

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Yuri Feniuk, serviceman of the 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine, poses in an undisclosed location in the Donetsk region - AFP/GETTY

Today, we bring you the latest news from across the battlefront, Francis continues his analysis of shifting sands of French political opinion towards Ukraine and we speak to our Defence Editor Danielle Sheridan about her eventful trip to a NATO exercise in Poland.

Listen to Ukraine: the Latest, The Telegraphs daily podcast, using the audio player at the top of this article or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast app.

War in Ukraine is reshaping our world. Every weekday The Telegraphs top journalists analyse the invasion from all angles - military, humanitarian, political, economic, historical - and tell you what you need to know to stay updated.

With over 70 million listens, our Ukraine: The Latest podcast is your go-to source for all the latest analysis, live reaction and correspondents reporting on the ground. We have been broadcasting ever since the full-scale invasion began.

Ukraine: The Latests regular contributors are:

David Knowles

David is Head of Audio Development at The Telegraph, where he has worked for nearly three years. He has reported from across Ukraine during the full-scale invasion.

Dominic Nicholls

Dom is Associate Editor (Defence) at The Telegraph, having joined in 2018. He previously served for 23 years in the British Army, in tank and helicopter units. He had operational deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan and Northern Ireland.

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Francis is Assistant Comment Editor at The Telegraph. Prior to working as a journalist, he was chief of staff to the Chair of the Prime Ministers Policy Board at the Houses of Parliament in London. He studied History at Cambridge University and on the podcast explores how the past shines a light on the latest diplomatic, political, and strategic developments.

They are also regularly joined by Telegraph reporters and correspondents around the world, including Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent), James Kilner, (Foreign Correspondent and Editor of the Central Asia & the South Caucasus Bulletin), Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent), Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent), Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent), Colin Freeman (Foreign Correspondent), Danielle Sheridan (Defence Editor), and Tony Diver (US Editor).

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The Russian authorities are obstructing the evacuation of civilians from Belgorod and Kursk oblasts, which have been raided by pro-Ukrainian Russian volunteer fighters, the Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorates (HUR) spokesman Andriy Yusov told NV on March 14.

There is a growing desire among civilians in the oblasts to leave the combat zone for their safety, but "the local authorities not only do not facilitate evacuation, but also block transportation and communication arteries in every possible way, including by surrounding railway stations," he said.

Read also: Pro-Ukrainian Russian fighters urge civilians to evacuate as they prepare to attack military positions in Belgorod and Kursk

The Freedom of Russia Legion, the Russian Volunteer Corps, and the Siberian Battalion, all composed of Russian citizens, crossed the border into Russia on March 12. They announced the start of an operation to liberate the Russian Federation from dictatorship. According to preliminary data, it is taking place in Russias Belgorod and Kursk oblasts.

The Legion later announced its control over part of the village of Tiotkino in Kursk Oblast, with the advance ongoing. The ASTRA Telegram channel, citing sources, reported that at least four Russian soldiers were killed, and nine others wounded in massive drone attacks and volunteer raids on March 12.

Read also: Raid in Russias Kursk and Belgorod oblasts may last until sham presidential elections  Russian Freedom Legion

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin referred to the volunteer raid in an interview with propagandists, labeling it an attempt to disrupt the elections in Russia and gain leverage in the upcoming peace talks.

The Legion said that the raid in Russia would last at least until after the Presidential "elections" scheduled for March 15-17.

On March 14, the RVC called on residents of Belgorod and Kursk oblasts to evacuate immediately and announced that it would open fire on military targets in those oblasts in response to Russian shelling of Ukraine.

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BEIJING (Reuters) - Local government officials in China's Sanhe county, near Beijing, said on Thursday they had started an investigation into the cause of a massive explosion at a shop selling fried chicken that left 7 dead and 27 injured.

Officials said that 14 people had been discharged from the hospital, and that the initial indications were that a gas leak had caused the blast.

Last year, President Xi Jinping ordered a safety overhaul across China, calling on all regions to rectify safety risks and "hidden dangers" after 31 people died in a gas explosion at a barbecue restaurant.

The explosion on Wednesday at a fried chicken shop, in the town of Yanjiao in China's northern province of Hebei, caused a massive orange fireball. The force ripped off the fronts of several buildings, crumpled cars on surrounding streets and left large pieces of debris on fire.

On-site rescue work has ended, cleanup at the scene is still ongoing and an investigation has begun, officials said in a statement.

(Reporting by Bernard Orr and Shangai newsroom; Editing by Gerry Doyle)
The care at Landmark of Louisville Rehabilitation and Nursing was abysmal when state inspectors filed their survey report of the Kentucky facility on July 3, 2021.

Residents wandered the halls in a facility that can house up to 250 people, yelling at each other and stealing blankets. One resident beat a roommate with a stick, causing bruising and skin tears. Another was found in bed with a broken finger and a bloody forehead gash. That person was allowed to roam and enter the beds of other residents. In another case, there was sexual touching in the dayroom between residents, according to the report.

Meals were served from filthy meal carts on plastic foam trays, and residents struggled to cut their food with dull plastic cutlery. Broken tiles lined showers, and a mysterious black gunk marred the floors. The director of housekeeping reported that the dining room was unsanitary. Overall, there was a critical lack of training, staff and supervision.

The inspectors tagged Landmark as deficient in 29 areas, including six that put residents in immediate jeopardy of serious harm and three where actual harm was found. The issues were so severe that the government slapped Landmark with a fine of over US$319,000  more than 29 times the average for a nursing home in 2021  and suspended payments to the home from federal Medicaid and Medicare funds.

This excerpt from the July 3, 2021, state inspection report of Landmark of Louisville Rehabilitation and Nursing includes an interview with a nurse who found an injured resident. New York State attorney general's office

Persistent problems

But problems persisted. Five months later, inspectors levied six additional deficiencies of immediate jeopardy  the highest level  including more sexual abuse among residents and a certified nursing assistant pushing someone down, bruising the persons back and hip.

Landmark is just one of the 58 facilities run by parent company Infinity Healthcare Management across five states. The government issued penalties to the company almost 4 times the national average, according to bimonthly data that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services first started to make available in late 2022. All told, Infinity paid nearly $10 million in fines since 2021, the highest among nursing home chains with fewer than 100 facilities.

Infinity Healthcare Management and its executives did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Such sanctions are nothing new for Infinity or other for-profit nursing home chains that have dominated an industry long known for cutting corners in pursuit of profits for private owners. But this race to the bottom to extract profits is accelerating despite demands by government officials, health care experts and advocacy groups to protect the nations most vulnerable citizens.

To uncover the reasons why, The Conversations investigative unit Inquiry delved into the nursing home industry, where for-profit facilities make up more than 72% of the nations nearly 14,900 facilities. The probe, which paired an academic expert with an investigative reporter, used the most recent government data on ownership, facility information and penalties, combined with CMS data on affiliated entities for nursing homes.

The investigation revealed an industry that places a premium on cost cutting and big profits, with low staffing and poor quality, often to the detriment of patient well-being. Operating under weak and poorly enforced regulations with financially insignificant penalties, the for-profit sector fosters an environment where corners are frequently cut, compromising the quality of care and endangering patient health. Meanwhile, owners make the facilities look less profitable by siphoning money from the homes through byzantine networks of interconnected corporations. Federal regulators have neglected the problem as each year likely billions of dollars are funneled out of nursing homes through related parties and into owners pockets.

More trouble at midsize

Analyzing newly released government data, our investigation found that these problems are most pronounced in nursing homes like Infinity  midsize chains that operate between 11 and 100 facilities. This subsection of the industry has higher average fines per home, lower overall quality ratings, and are more likely to be tagged with resident abuse compared with both the larger and smaller networks. Indeed, while such chains account for about 39% of all facilities, they operate 11 of the 15 most-fined facilities.

With few impediments, private investors who own the midsize chains have quietly swooped in to purchase underperforming homes, expanding their holdings even further as larger chains divest and close facilities. As a result of the industrys churn of facility ownership, over one fifth of the countrys nursing facilities changed ownership between 2016 and 2021, four times more changes than hospitals.

A 2023 report by Good Jobs First, a nonprofit watchdog, noted that a dozen of these chains in the midsize range have doubled or tripled in size while racking up fines averaging over $100,000 per facility since 2018. But unlike the large, multistate chains with easily recognizable names, the midsize networks slip through without the same level of public scrutiny, The Conversations investigations unit found.

They are really bad, but the names  we dont know these names, said Toby Edelman, senior policy attorney with the Center for Medicare Advocacy, a nonprofit law organization.

When we used to have those multistate chains, the facilities all had the same name, so you know what the quality is youre getting, she said. Its not that good  but at least you know what youre getting.

In response to The Conversations findings on nursing homes and request for an interview, a CMS spokesperson emailed a statement that said the CMS is unwavering in its commitment to improve safety and quality of care for the more than 1.2 million residents receiving care in Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes.

The statement pointed to data released by the oversight body on mergers, acquisitions, consolidations and changes of ownership in April 2023 along with additional ownership data released the following September. CMS also proposed a rule change that aims to increase transparency in nursing home ownership by collecting more information on facility owners and their affiliations.

Our focus is on advancing implementable solutions that promote safe, high-quality care for residents and consider the challenging circumstances some long-term care facilities face, the statement reads. We believe the proposed requirements are achievable and necessary.

CMS is slated to implement the disclosure rules in the fall and release the new data to the public later this year.

We support transparency and accountability, the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, a trade organization representing the nursing home industry, wrote in response to The Conversations request for comment. But neither ownership nor line items on a budget sheet prove whether a nursing home is committed to its residents. Over the decades, weve found that strong organizations tend to have supportive and trusted leadership as well as a staff culture that empowers frontline caregivers to think critically and solve problems. These characteristics are not unique to a specific type or size of provider.

It often takes years to improve a poor nursing home  or run one into the ground. The analysis of midsize chains shows that most owners have been associated with their current facilities for less than eight years, making it difficult to separate operators who have taken long-term investments in resident care from those who are looking to quickly extract money and resources before closing them down or moving on. These chains control roughly 41% of nursing home beds in the U.S., according to CMSs provider data, making the lack of transparency especially ripe for abuse.

A churn of nursing home purchases even during the COVID-19 pandemic shows that investors view the sector as highly profitable, especially when staffing costs are kept low and fines for poor care can easily be covered by the money extracted from residents, their families and taxpayers.

This is the model of their care: They come in, they understaff and they make their money, said Sam Brooks, director of public policy at the Consumer Voice, a national resident advocacy organization. Then they multiply it over a series of different facilities.

These pictures showing residents asleep in their food appeared in the 2022 New York attorney generals lawsuit against The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center in Albion, N.Y. New York State attorney general's office

Investor race

The explosion of a billion-dollar private marketplace found its beginnings in government spending.

The adoption of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965 set loose a race among investors to load up on nursing homes, with a surge in for-profit homes gaining momentum because of a reliable stream of government payouts. By 1972, a mere seven years after the inception of the programs, a whopping 106 companies had rushed to Wall Street to sell shares in nursing home companies. And little wonder: They pulled in profits through their ownership of 18% of the industrys beds, securing about a third of the hefty $3.2 billion of government cash.

The 1990s saw substantial expansion in for-profit nursing home chains, marked by a wave of acquisitions and mergers. At the same time, increasing difficulties emerged in the model for publicly traded chains. Shareholders increasingly demanded rapid growth, and researchers have found that the publicly traded chains tried to appease that hunger by reducing nursing staff and cutting corners on other measures meant to improve quality and safety.

I began to suspect a possibly inherent contradiction between publicly traded and other large investor-operated nursing home companies and the prerequisites for quality care, Paul R. Willging, former chief lobbyist for the industry, wrote in a 2007 letter to the editor of The New York Times. For many investors  earnings growth, quarter after quarter, is often paramount. Long-term investments in quality can work at cross purposes with a mandate for an unending progression of favorable earnings reports.

One example of that clash can be found at the Ensign Group, founded in 1999 as a private chain of five facilities. Using a strategy of acquiring struggling nursing homes, the company went public in 2007 with more than 60 facilities. What followed was a year-after-year acquisition binge and a track record of growing profits almost every year. Yet the company kept staffing levels below the national average and levels recommended by experts. Its facilities had higher than average inspection deficiencies and higher COVID infection rates. Since 2021, it has racked up more than $6.5 million in penalties.

Ensign did not respond to requests for comment.

Even with that kind of expense cutting, not all publicly traded nursing homes survived as the costs of providing poor care added up. Residents sued over mistreatment. Legal fees and settlements ate into profits, shareholders grumbled, and executives searched for a way out of this Catch-22.

Recognizing the long-term potential for profit growth, private investors snapped up publicly traded for-profit chains, reducing the previous levels of public transparency and oversight. Between 2000 and 2017, 1,674 nursing homes were acquired by private-equity firms in 128 unique deals out of 18,485 facilities. But the same poor-quality problems persisted. Research shows that after snagging a big chain, private investors tended to follow the same playbook: They rebrand the company, increase corporate control and dump unprofitable homes to other investment groups willing to take shortcuts for profit.

Multiple academic studies show the results, highlighting the lower staffing and quality in for-profit homes compared with nonprofits and government-run facilities. Elderly residents staying long term in nursing homes owned by private investment groups experienced a significant uptick in trips to the emergency department and hospitalizations between 2013 and 2017, translating into higher costs for Medicare.

Overall, private-equity investors wreak havoc on nursing homes, slashing registered nurse hours per resident day by 12%, outpacing other for-profit facilities. The aftermath is grim, with a daunting 14% surge in the deficiency score index, a standardized metric for determining issues with facilities, according to a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services report.

The human toll comes in death and suffering. A study updated in 2023 by the National Bureau of Economic Research calculated that 22,500 additional deaths over a 12-year span were attributable to private-equity ownership, equating to about 172,400 lost life years. The calculations also showed that private-equity ownership was responsible for a 6.2% reduction in mobility, an 8.5% increase in ulcer development and a 10.5% uptick in pain intensity.

Hiding in complexity

Exposing the identities of who should be held responsible for such anguish poses a formidable task. Private investors in nursing home chains often employ a convoluted system of limited liability corporations, related companies and family relationships to obscure who controls the nursing homes.

These adjustments are crafted to minimize liability, capitalize on favorable tax policies, diminish regulatory scrutiny and disguise nursing home profitability. In this investigation, entities at every level of involvement with a nursing home denied ownership, even though the same people controlled each organization.

A rule put in place in 2023 by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services requires the identification of all private-equity and real estate investment trust investors in a facility and the release of all related party names. But this hasnt been enough to surface the players and relationships. More than half of ownership data provided to CMS is incomplete across all facilities, according to a March 2024 analysis of the newly released data.

Nursing home investors drained more than $18 million out of a single facility through a complex web of related party transactions. New York State attorney general's office

Even the land under the nursing home is often owned by someone else. In 2021, publicly traded or private real estate investment trusts held a sizable chunk of the approximately $120 billion of nursing home real estate. As with homes owned by private-equity investors, quality measures collapse after REITs get involved, with facilities witnessing a 7% decline in registered nurses hours per resident day and an alarming 14% ascent in the deficiency score index. Its a blatant pattern of disruption, leaving facilities and care standards in a dire state.

Part of that quality collapse comes from the way these investment entities make their money. REITs and their owners can drain cash out of the nursing homes in a number of different ways. The standard tactic for grabbing the money is known as a triple-net lease, where the REIT buys the property then leases it back to the nursing home, often at exorbitant rates. Although the nursing home then lacks possession of the property, it still gets slammed with costs typically shouldered by an owner  real estate taxes, insurance, maintenance and more. Topping it off, the facilities then must typically pay annual rent hikes.

A second tactic that REITs use involves a contracting facade that serves no purpose other than enriching the owners of the trusts. Since triple-net lease agreements prohibit REITs from taking profits from operating the facilities, the investors create a subsidiary to get past that hurdle. The subsidiary then contracts with a nursing home operator  often owned or controlled by another related party  and then demands a fee for providing operational guidance. The use of REITs for near-risk-free profits from nursing homes has proven to be an ever-growing technique, and the midsize chains, which our investigation found generally provided the worst care, grew in their reliance on REITs during the pandemic.

When these REITs start coming in  nursing homes are saddled with these enormous rents, and then they wind up going out of business, said Richard Mollot, executive director of the Long-Term Care Community Coalition, a nonprofit organization that advocates for better care at nursing homes. Its no longer a viable facility.

The churn of nursing home purchases by midsize chains underscores investors perception of the sectors profitability, particularly when staffing expenses are minimized and penalties for subpar care can be offset by money extracted through related transactions and payments from residents, their families and taxpayers. Lawsuits can drag out over years, and in the worst case, if a facility is forced to close, its land and other assets can be sold to minimize the financial loss.

Take Brius Healthcare, a name that resonates with a disturbing cadence in the world of nursing home ownership. A search of the federal database for nursing home ownership and penalties shows that Brius was responsible for 32 facilities as of the start of 2024, but the true number is closer to 80, according to BriusWatch.org, which tracks violations. At the helm of this still midsize network stands Shlomo Rechnitz, who became a billionaire in part by siphoning from government payments to his facilities scattered across California, according to a federal and state lawsuit.

In lawsuits and regulators criticisms, Rechnitzs homes have been associated with tales of abuse, as well as several lawsuits alleging terrible care. The track record was so bad that, in the summer of 2014, then-California Attorney General Kamala Harris filed an emergency motion to block Rechnitz from acquiring 19 facilities, writing that he was a serial violator of rules within the skilled nursing industry and was not qualified to assume such an important role.

Yet, Rechnitzs empire in California surged forward, scooping up more facilities that drained hundreds of millions of federal and state funds as they racked up pain and profit. The narrative played out at Windsor Redding Care Center in Redding, California. Rechnitz bought it from a competing nursing home chain and attempted to obtain a license to operate the facility. But in 2016, the California Department of Public Health refused the application, citing a staggering 265 federal regulatory violations across his other nursing homes over just three years.

According to court filings, Rechnitz formed a joint venture with other investors who in turn held the license. Rechnitz, through the Brius joint venture, became the unlicensed owner and operator of Windsor Redding.

Brius carved away at expenses, slashing staff and other care necessities, according to a 2022 California lawsuit. One resident was left to sit in her urine and feces for hours at a time. Overwhelmed staff often did not respond to her call light, so once she instead climbed out of bed unassisted, fell and fractured her hip. Other negligence led to pressure ulcers, and when she was finally transferred to a hospital, she was suffering from sepsis. She was not alone in her suffering. Numerous other residents experienced an unrelenting litany of injuries and illnesses, including pressure ulcers, urinary tract infections from poor hygiene, falls, and skin damage from excess moisture, according to the lawsuit.

In 2023, California moved forward with licensing two dozen of Rechnitzs facilities with an agreement that included a two-year monitoring period, right before statewide reforms were set to take effect. The reforms dont prevent existing owners like Rechnitz from continuing to run a nursing home without a license, but they do prevent new operators from doing so.

Were seeing more of that, I think, where you have a proliferation of really bad operators that keep being provided homes, said Brooks, the director of public policy at the Consumer Voice. Theres just so much money to be made here for unscrupulous people, and it just happens all the time.

Rechnitz did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Bruis also did not respond.

Perhaps no other chain showcases the havoc that can be caused by one individuals acquisition of multiple nursing homes than Skyline Health Care. The companys owner, Joseph Schwartz, parlayed the sale of his insurance business into ownership of 90 facilities between mid-2016 and December 2017, according to a federal indictment. He ran the company out of an office above a New Jersey pizzeria and at its peak managed facilities in 11 states.

Schwartz went all-in on cost cutting, and by early 2018, residents were suffering from the shortage of staff. The company wasnt paying its bills or its workers. More than a dozen lawsuits piled up. Last year, Schwartz was arrested and faced charges in federal district court in New Jersey for his role in a $38 million payroll tax scheme. In 2024, Schwartz pleaded guilty to his role in the fraud scheme. He is awaiting sentencing, where he faces a year in prison along with paying at least $5 million in restitution.

Skyline collapsed and disrupted thousands of lives. Some states took over facilities; others closed, forcing residents to relocate and throwing families into chaos. The case also highlights the ease with which some bad operators can snap up nursing homes with little difficulty, with federal and state governments allowing ownership changes with little or no review.

Schwartzs lawyer did not respond to requests for comment.

Not that nursing homes have much to fear in the public perception of their reputation for quality. CMS uses what is known as the Five-Star Quality Rating System, designed to help consumers compare nursing homes to find one that provides good care. Theoretically, nursing homes with five-star ratings are supposed to be exceptional, while those with one-star ratings are deemed the worst. But research shows that nursing homes can game the system, with the result that a top star rating might reflect little more than a facilitys willingness to cheat.

A star rating is composed of three parts: The score from a government inspection and the facilitys self-reports of staffing and quality. This means that what the nursing homes say about themselves can boost the star rating of facilities even if they have poor inspection results.

Multiple studies have highlighted a concerning trend: Some nursing homes, especially for-profit ones, inflate their self-reported measures, resulting in a disconnect from actual inspection findings. Notably, research suggests that for-profit nursing homes, driven by significant financial motives, are more likely to engage in this practice of inflating their self-reported assessments.

At bottom, the elderly and their families seeking quality care unknowingly find themselves in an impossible situation with for-profit nursing homes: Those facilities tend to provide the worst quality, and the only measure available for consumers to determine where they will be treated well can be rigged. The result is the transformation of an industry meant to care for the most vulnerable into a profit-driven circus.

The for-profit nursing home sector is growing, and it places a premium on cost cutting and big profits, which has led to low staffing and patient neglect and mistreatment. picture alliance via Getty Images

The pandemic

Nothing more clearly exposed the problems rampant in nursing homes than the pandemic. Throughout that time, nursing homes reported that almost 2 million residents had infections and 170,000 died.

No one should have been surprised by the mass death in nursing homes  the warning signs of what was to come had been visible for years. Between 2013 and 2017, infection control was the most frequently cited deficiency in nursing homes, with 40% of facilities cited each year and 82% cited at least once in the five-year period. Almost half were cited over multiple consecutive years for these deficiencies  if fixed, one of the big causes of the widespread transmission of COVID in these facilities would have been eliminated.

But shortly after coming into office in 2017, the Trump administration weakened what was already a deteriorating system to regulate nursing homes. The administration directed regulators to issue one-time fines against nursing homes for violations of federal rules rather than for the full time they were out of compliance. This shift meant that even nursing homes with severe infractions lasting weeks were exempted from fines surpassing the maximum per-instance penalty of $20,965.

Even that near-worthless level of regulation was not feeble enough for the industry, so lobbyists pressed for less. In response, just a few months before COVID emerged in China, the Trump administration implemented new regulations that effectively abolished a mandate for each to hire a full-time infection control expert, instead recommending outside consultants for the job.

The perfect storm had been reached, with no experts required to be on site, prepared to combat any infection outbreaks. On Jan. 20, 2020  just 186 days after the change in rules on infection control  the CDC reported that the first laboratory-confirmed case of COVID had been found at a nursing home in Washington state.

The least prepared in this explosion of disease were the for-profit nursing homes, compared with nonprofit and government facilities. Research from the University of California at San Francisco found those facilities were linked to higher numbers of COVID cases. For-profits not only had fewer nurses on staff but also high numbers of infection-control deficiencies and lower compliance with health regulations.

Even as the United States went through the crisis, some owners of midsize chains continued snapping up nursing homes. For example, two Brooklyn businessmen named Simcha Hyman and Naftali Zanziper were going on a nursing home buying spree through their private-equity company, the Portopiccolo Group. Despite poor ratings in their previously owned facilities, nothing blocked the acquisitions.

One such facility was a struggling nursing home in North Carolina now known as The Citadel Salisbury. Following the traditional pattern forged by private investors in the industry, the new owners set up a convoluted network of business entities and then used them to charge the nursing home for services and property. A 2021 federal lawsuit of many plaintiffs claimed that they deliberately kept the facility understaffed and undersupplied to maximize profit.

Within months of the first case of COVID reported in America, The Citadel Salisbury experienced the largest nursing home outbreak in the state. The situation was so dire that on April 20, 2020, the local medical director of the emergency room took to the local newspaper to express his distress, revealing that he had pressed the facilitys leadership and the local health department to address the known shortcomings.

The situation was a blueprint for exactly what not to do in a crisis, medical director John Bream wrote. Patients died at the Citadel without family members being notified. Families were denied the ability to have one last meaningful interaction with their family. Employees were wrongly denied personal protective equipment. There has been no transparency.

After a series of scathing inspection reports, the facility finally closed in the spring of 2022. As for the federal lawsuit, court documents show that a tentative agreement was reached in 2023. But the case dragged out for nearly three years, and one of the plaintiffs, Sybil Rummage, died while seeking accountability through the court.

Still, the pandemic had been a time of great success for Hyman and Zanziper. At the end of 2020, they owned more than 70 facilities. By 2021, their portfolio had exploded to more than 120. Now, according to data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Hyman and Zanziper are associated with at least 131 facilities and have the highest amount of total fines recorded by the agency for affiliated entities, totaling nearly $12 million since 2021. And their average fine per facility, as calculated by CMS, is more than twice the national average at almost $90,000.

In a written statement, Portopiccolo Group spokesperson John Collins disputed that the facilities had skimped on care and argued that they were not managed by the firm. We hire experienced, local health care teams who are in charge of making all on-the-ground decisions and are committed to putting residents first. He added that the number of facilities given by CMS was inaccurate but declined to say how many are connected to its network of affiliates or owned by Hyman and Zanziper.

With the nearly 170,000 resident deaths from COVID and many related fatalities from isolation and neglect in nursing homes, in February 2022 President Biden announced an initiative aimed at improving the industry. In addition to promising to set a minimum staffing standard, the initiative is focused on improving ownership and financial transparency.

As Wall Street firms take over more nursing homes, quality in those homes has gone down and costs have gone up. That ends on my watch, Biden said during his 2022 State of the Union address. Medicare is going to set higher standards for nursing homes and make sure your loved ones get the care they deserve and expect.

President Joe Biden signed an executive order on April 18, 2023, that directed the secretary of health and human services to consider actions that would build on nursing home minimum staffing standards and improve staff retention. Nathan Posner/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Still, the current trajectory of actions appears to fall short of whats needed. While penalties against facilities have sharply increased under Biden, some of the Trump administrations weak regulations have not been replaced.

A rule proposed by CMS in September 2023 and released for review in March 2024 would require states to report what percentage of Medicaid funding is used to pay direct care workers and support staff and would require an RN on duty 24/7. It would also require a minimum of three hours of skilled staffing care per patient per day. But the three-hour minimum is substantially lower than the 4.1 hours of skilled staffing for nursing home residents suggested by CMS over two decades ago.

The requirements are also lower than the 3.8 average nursing staff hours already employed by U.S. facilities.

The current administration has also let stand the Trump administration reversal of an Obama rule that banned binding arbitration agreements in nursing homes.

It breaks a village

The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center in Albion, New York, was, by any reasonable measure, broken. Court records show that on some days there was no nurse and no medication for the more than 100 elderly residents. Underpaid staff spent their own cash for soap to keep residents clean. At times, the home didnt feed its frail occupants.

Meanwhile, according to a 2022 lawsuit filed by the New York attorney general, riches were siphoned out of the nursing home and into the pockets of the official owner, Bernard Fuchs, as well as assorted friends, business associates and family. The lawsuit says $18.7 million flowed from the facility to entities owned by a group of men who controlled the Villages operations.

Although these men own various nursing homes, Medicare records show few connections between them, despite them all being investors in Comprehensive Healthcare Management, which provided administrative services to the Villages. Either they or their families were also owners of Telegraph Realty, which leased what was once the Villages own property back to the facility at rates the New York attorney general deemed exorbitant, predatory and a sham.

So it goes in the world of nursing home ownership, where overlapping entities and investors obscure the interrelationships between them to such a degree that Medicare itself is never quite sure who owns what.

Glenn Jones, a lawyer representing Comprehensive Healthcare Management, declined to comment on the pending litigation, but he forwarded a court document his law firm filed that labels the allegations brought by the New York attorney general unfounded and reliant on a mere fraction of its residents.

These pictures of the same resident one month apart at the Holliswood Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Queens appeared in a 2023 New York attorney general lawsuit against 13 LLCs and 14 individuals. The group owns multiple nursing homes and allegedly neglected residents, while owners siphoned Medicare and Medicaid money into their own pockets. New York attorney general's office

The shadowy structure of ownership and related party transactions plays an enormous role in how investors enrich themselves, even as the nursing homes they control struggle financially. Compounding the issue, the figures reported by nursing homes regarding payments to related parties frequently diverge from the disclosures made by the related parties themselves.

As an illustration of the problems, consider Pruitt Health, a midsize chain with 87 nursing homes spread across Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Florida that had low overall federal quality ratings and about $2 million in penalties. A report by The National Consumer Voice For Quality Long-Term Care, a consumer advocacy group, shows that Pruitt disclosed general related party costs nearing $482 million from 2018 to 2020. Yet in that same time frame, Pruitt reported payments to specific related parties amounting to about $570 million, indicating a $90 million excess. Its federal disclosures offer no explanation for the discrepancy. Meanwhile, the company reported $77 million in overall losses on its homes.

The same pattern holds in the major chains such as the Cleveland, Tennessee-based Life Care Centers of America, which operates roughly 200 nursing homes across 27 states, according to the report. Life Cares financial disbursements are fed into a diverse spectrum of related entities, including management, staffing, insurance and therapy companies, all firmly under the umbrella of the organizations ownership. In fiscal year 2018, the financial commitment to these affiliated entities reached $386,449,502; over the three-year period from 2018 to 2020, Life Cares documented payments to such parties hit an eye-popping $1.25 billion.

Pruitt Health and Life Care Centers did not respond to requests for comment.

Overall, 77% of US nursing homes reported $11 billion in related-party transactions in 2019  nearly 10% of total net revenues  but the data is unaudited and unverified. The facilities are not required to provide any details of what specific services were provided by the related parties, or what were the specific profits and administrative costs, creating a lack of transparency regarding expenses that are ambiguously categorized under generic labels such as maintenance. Significantly, there is no mandate to disclose whether any of these costs exceed fair market value.

What that means is that nursing home owners can profit handsomely through related parties even if their facilities are being hit with repeated fines for providing substandard care.

What we would consider to be a big penalty really doesnt matter because theres so much money coming in, said Mollot of the Long-Term Care Community Coalition. If the facility fails, so what? It doesnt matter. They pulled out the resources.

Hiding profit

Ultimately, experts say, this ability to drain cash out of nursing homes makes it almost impossible for anyone to assess the profitability of these facilities based on their public financial filings, known as cost reports.

"The profit margins (for nursing homes) also should be taken with a grain of salt in the cost reports, said Dr. R. Tamara Konetzka, a University of Chicago professor of public health sciences, at a recent meeting of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission. If you sell the real estate to a REIT or to some other entity, and you pay sort of inflated rent back to make your profit margins look lower, and then you recoup that profit because its a related party, were not going to find that in the cost reports.

That ability to hide profits is key to nursing homes ability to block regulations to improve quality of care and to demand greater government payments. For decades, the industrys refrain has been that cuts in reimbursements or requirements to increase staffing will drive facilities into bankruptcy; already, they claim, half of all nursing homes are teetering on the edge of collapse, the result, they say, of inadequate Medicaid rates. All in all, the industry reports that less than 3% of their revenue goes to earnings.

But that does not include any of the revenue pulled out of the homes to boost profits of related parties controlled by the same owners pleading poverty. And this tactic is only one of several ways that the nursing home industry disguises its true profits, giving it the power to plead poverty to an unknowing government.

Under the regulations, only certain nursing home expenses are reimbursable, such as money spent for care. Many others  unreasonable payments to the headquarters of chains, luxury items, and fees for lobbyists and lawyers  are disallowed after Medicare reviews the cost reports. But by that time, the government has already reimbursed the nursing homes for those expenses  and none of those revenues have to be returned.

Data indicates that owners also profit by overcharging nursing homes for services and leases provided by related entities. A March 2024 study from Lehigh University and the University of California, Los Angeles shows that costs were inflated when nursing home owners changed from independent contractors to businesses owned or controlled directly or indirectly by the same people. Overall, spending on real estate increased 20.4%, and spending on management increased 24.6% when the businesses were affiliated, the research showed.

Nursing homes also claim that noncash depreciation cuts into their profits. Those expenses, which show up only in accounting ledgers, assume that assets such as equipment and facilities are gradually decreasing in value and ultimately will need to be replaced.

That might be reasonable if the chains purchased new items once their value depreciated to zero, but that is not always true. A 2004 report by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission found that the depreciation claimed by health care companies, including nursing homes, may not reflect actual capital expenditures or the actual market value.

If disallowed expenses and noncash depreciation were not included, profit margins for the nursing home industry would jump to 8.8%, far more than the 3% it claims. And given that these numbers all come from nursing home cost reports submitted to the government, they may underestimate the profits even more. Audited cost reports are not required, and the Government Accountability Office has found that CMS does little to ensure the numbers are correct and complete.

This lack of basic oversight essentially gives dishonest nursing home owners the power to grab more money from Medicare and Medicaid while being empowered to claim that their financials prove they need more.

They face no repercussions, Brooks of Consumer Voice said, commenting on the current state of nursing home operations and their unscrupulous owners. Thats why these people are here. Its a bonanza to them.

Ultimately, experts say, finding ways to force nursing homes to provide quality care has remained elusive. Michael Gelder, former senior health policy adviser to then-Gov. Pat Quinn of Illinois, learned that brutal lesson in 2010 as head of a task force formed by Quinn to investigate nursing home quality. That group successfully pushed a new law, but Gelder now says his success failed to protect this countrys most vulnerable citizens.

I was perhaps naively convinced that someone like myself being in the right place at the right time with enough resources could really fix this problem, he said. I think we did the absolute best we could, and the best that had ever been done in modern history up to that point. But it wasnt enough. Its a battle every generation has to fight.

Click to learn more about how some existing tools can address problems with for-profit nursing homes.

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: Sean Campbell, The Conversation and Charlene Harrington, University of California, San Francisco

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Campbell is an adjunct assistant professor at Columbia University and a contributing writer at the Garrison Project, an independent news organization that focuses on mass incarceration and criminal justice.

Harrington is an advisory board member of the nonprofit Veteran's Health Policy Institute and a board member of the nonprofit Center for Health Information and Policy. Harrington served as an expert witness on nursing home litigation cases by residents against facilities owned or operated by Brius and Shlomo Rechnitz in the past and in 2022. She also served as an expert witness in a case against The Citadel Salisbury in North Carolina in 2021.
TechCrunch

Amazon, Microsoft and Google  have relaxed their egress fees, which are a tax of sorts that the cloud companies charge customers to move their data to another vendor. Its a way to keep existing customers in the fold, but its kind of a ham-handed way to do it, and doesnt exactly foster goodwill. For example, there are limits to the kind of data you can move, and each requires you to contact the vendor and open a request to get your own data out of the cloud.
A promising and popular North Carolina brewery is winding down operations following the closing of its Raleigh taproom.

The buzzy Wilmington brewery New Anthem looked to be one of the up and coming forces in North Carolinas beer scene. But last week it closed its newest satellite taproom in Raleigh and on Wednesday announced it would close its Wilmington locations after this weekend.

New Anthem posted an image on its Instagram page Wednesday afternoon that said simply The End alongside a tallboy can of its flagship IPA Neon God. In the post, the brewery announced the immediate closing of its downtown Wilmington taproom and set the final day of its 15,000 square foot brewing space as Sunday, March 17  St. Patricks Day.

This is an indefinite closure as well barring an 11th hour surprise, the Instagram post reasds. All we can say to you all is, thank you, it has been an honor to make beer for you. Truly. We are grateful to have been a contributor to this community, both locally and in the great state of North Carolina. Well miss yall.

New Anthems history

Opened in 2016 in downtown Wilmington, New Anthem was started by Aaron Skiles and quickly became know for well crafted versions of some of todays most popular beer styles  notably hoppy and hazy double IPAs and crispy lagers.

New Anthem opened its Raleigh location last year in the Smoky Hollow development off of Peace Street and Glenwood Avenue, seemingly marking another win for the Triangles beer scene. Many of North Carolinas top breweries have added satellite locations in the area in recent years, a trend kicked off by Ashevilles Hi-Wire and Burial breweries.

But since late February New Anthem kept its Raleigh location closed, while suggesting on social media that the beer would flow again soon. Then on March 4, the brewery announced that its Raleigh location would close indefinitely.

Its painful to see and be part of, but were going to be keeping our Raleigh location closed indefinitely, New Athem posted on its Raleigh Instagram account. We attempted a few last-minute shots to keep it open, but we werent successful.

The mill has been full of rumors for weeks about the fate of New Anthem Beer, and yes, were struggling, the post continued. We have been for a while. The list is long on the reasons why Top of the list debt and expansion before/during COVID and the hangover from COVID that just will not go away. However, were not quite done yet, we re still fighting.

Then a week later New Anthem announced it would close all of its locations.

New Anthem did not respond to messages requesting comment.

In its farewell post on its Raleigh social media accounts, New Anthem thanked its supporters, but also cautioned beer fans and diners not to take their favorite spots for granted.

Parting, just wanted to say, we have the best people customers too, the post reads. I appreciate all of you, every single one and hope to see you on the other side of this. As well to mention, there are many, many breweries and other businesses alike in similar circumstances. If you like them, support them.

16 new Triangle restaurants to watch in 2024: Rooftop views, basement brews & expansions

The 21 best new restaurants that opened in the Triangle in 2023. Some are future legends
BEIJING (Reuters) - There is "no fairness to speak of" in citing national security to reduce the competitive advantage of other countries, a spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry said on Thursday, criticising a U.S. bill to force a TikTok divestiture or ban.

The measure is the latest in a series of moves in Washington to respond to U.S. national security concerns about China, from connected vehicles to advanced artificial intelligence chips to cranes at U.S. ports.

Wednesday's bill, overwhelmingly passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, would give TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance about six months to divest the U.S. assets of the short-video app, or face a ban.

"The U.S. House of Representatives passing this bill lets the United States stand on the opposite side of the principles of fair competition and international trade rules," said ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin.

"If so-called national security reasons can be used to wilfully suppress other countries' superior companies, there would be no fairness to speak of."

China has persistently railed that the United States overstretches the concept of national security, and Wang has previously said its bullying acts, as he described them, disrupt normal international trade order, and will eventually backfire.

"The U.S. increasing the (serious) handling of this matter lets the world see clearly whether the United States' so-called rules-based competition is beneficial to the world or is only self-serving," he added.

U.S. legislators have raised fears that TikTok's U.S. user data could be passed on to China's government.

The fate of TikTok, used by about 170 million Americans, has become a major issue in Washington, where lawmakers have complained their offices have been flooded with calls from TikTok users who oppose the legislation.

Wang said the U.S. did not find evidence of TikTok violating national security, but abused state power to go after the company.

TikTok's CEO Shou Zi Chew has said the firm never shared, or received a request to share, U.S. user data with the Chinese government, adding, "Nor would TikTok honor such a request if one were ever made."

(Reporting by Laurie Chen; Writing by Bernard Orr; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
Former US President Donald Trump arrives for a campaign event in Rome, Georgia, on March 9, 2024 (Elijah Nouvelage)

Prosecutors preparing to put Donald Trump on trial in New York for allegedly covering up hush money payments said they would accept a delay of up to 30 days Thursday after both sides received a deluge of case documents, court filings showed.

Trump's side had previously sought a delay to the March 25 start of the criminal trial, the first ever of a former US president. Trump, again the Republican candidate for this year's election, is accused of covering up hush money payments related to his successful 2016 bid for the White House.

The former president, in court separately in Florida Thursday as his team sought the dismissal of charges for mishandling classified documents, faces 34 counts of accounting fraud, which include transactions linked to payments to porn star Stormy Daniels.

The judge in the records case rejected Trump's attempt to have the case dismissed for "unconstitutional vagueness," and did not rule on a second challenge his team had brought against the prosecution.

- Election rematch -

In the hush money case, prosecutors say Trump illegally covered up remittances to longtime aide Michael Cohen, to reimburse him for payments made to bury stories about Trump's alleged extramarital sexual relations with Daniels and a Playboy model. He denies the charges.

A New York grand jury indicted Trump in March 2023 over the payments made to Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford.

"(Prosecutors) do not oppose a brief adjournment of up to 30 days to permit sufficient time for defendant to review the US Attorney's Office (documents)," the Manhattan District Attorney said in its submission to the court.

"Yesterday afternoon... the USAO produced approximately 31,000 pages of additional records to both the People and the defense in response to defendant's subpoena, and also indicated that an additional production would follow by next week."

Trump's legal team said on his Truth Social platform that "this case has no basis in law or fact, and should be dismissed."

Trump has previously described the proceedings as a "disgrace."

"It's a rigged state. It's a rigged city. It's a shame," he said previously.

- Racing the clock -

One expert suggested Trump's legal team were using stalling tactics to delay the trial.

"Trump and his counsel are doing all that they can to prevent any case being tried before the November election," said University of Richmond law professor Carl Tobias.

Trump is facing four criminal cases as he campaigns to retake the White House, with his legal teams thus far failing to push the actual trials until after the November 5 vote.

Trump, who has seized on his legal woes to rev up his supporters and denounce Democratic opponent Joe Biden, has claimed the charges are "just a way of hurting me in the election."

Biden and Trump each won enough delegates Tuesday to clinch their party nominations in the 2024 presidential race, all but assuring a rematch and setting up one of the longest election campaigns in US history.

The results in four statewide elections Tuesday, the latest in the months-long march to determine the Democratic and Republican party flag bearers, were essentially a foregone conclusion as incumbent Biden and former president Trump had already seen off all primary challengers.

gw/tjj
The aftershocks of George Floyd's death are still reverberating for Home Depot. Godofredo A. Vasquez-Pool/Getty Images

A Home Depot store violated labor law when it disciplined Antonio Morales, the National Labor Relations Board ruled on Feb. 21, 2024.

Morales, a Home Depot employee in the Minneapolis area, had drawn the letters BLM on a work apron and refused to remove them. BLM stands for the Black Lives Matter movement, which campaigns against violence and systemic racism aimed at Black people. Morales ultimately quit because of pressure to end the use of BLM messaging.

The NLRB has now ordered Home Depot to rehire Morales based on the legal right U.S. employees have to engage in concerted activity for the purpose of mutual aid or protection.

As a legal scholar who has studied issues of race in the workplace for more than 20 years, I believe the Home Depot decision establishes an important precedent for workers who express broad concerns about systemic racism.

This decision indicates that employees have a right to demonstrate their support for the Black Lives Matter movement on the job if they are seeking to improve their own working conditions with respect to racial discrimination. And this right persists even if the messaging arguably has political connotations that some workers or customers might disagree with.

Right to display slogans

The National Labor Relations Board is the federal agency that conducts elections when employees seek to be represented by a union. It also prosecutes and adjudicates complaints filed against employers and unions based upon unfair labor practices as defined by the National Labor Relations Act.

Workers have the right to display slogans related to working conditions when theyre on the job under Section 7 of that law, which was enacted in 1935. Section 7 protects the rights of employees to wear and distribute items such as buttons, pins, stickers, t-shirts, flyers, or other items displaying a message relating to terms and conditions of employment, unionization, and other protected matters.

In this Home Depot case, the NLRB reviewed a preliminary decision issued in 2022 by Paul Bogas, an NLRB administrative law judge. Bogas found that Home Depots ban on manifestations of support for the Black Lives Matter movement didnt violate labor law.

Story continues

The NLRB disagreed with the decision by Bogas in a 3-1 decision that cited a 1978 Supreme Court precedent.

In that case, Eastex Inc. v. National Labor Relations Board, the court found that workers distributing materials related to their terms and conditions of employment are protected by Section 7 when there is a reasonable and direct connection to the advancement of mutual aid and protection in the workplace.

That ruling held that this protection exists even when political messages may be involved in the workers communications. Moreover, what may be viewed as political in one context can be viewed quite differently in another, the Supreme Court held.

At the Home Depot in question, Morales and other employees had previously discussed concerns about racial misconduct by a supervisor and two separate incidents of destroying a display of Black History Month materials the workers had created to celebrate Black culture.

Employees had a right to express their support for BLM messaging in the workplace because they had already objected to working conditions based upon racial concerns, the NLRBs majority ruled.

One of the NLRBs four members, Marvin Kaplan, dissented, in part, from the majority based on his different view about the purpose of Morales display of the BLM messaging. Morales was expressing support for the Black Lives Matter movements goal of combating police violence against Black individuals  not with improving terms and conditions of employment, Kaplan wrote.

Discussing racial justice at work

Morales show of support for the Black Lives Matter movement in the workplace was hardly an outlier.

Many Black Americans began to speak out about racism and discrimination by discussing BLM in their workplaces amid the widespread protests that followed George Floyds murder by police officers on May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis.

A year after Floyd was killed, a poll found that 68% of Americans thought that employees should be able to discuss racial justice issues at work.

Employees who wanted to show their support for BLM at work have in recent years met resistance from other employers besides Home Depot, including the Publix and Fred Meyer supermarket chains.

Some companies have said their bans on workers displaying BLM insignia were intended to prevent disruptive responses by other workers and customers who may not agree with the movements message.

Mixed decisions

Legal decisions about this issue have been mixed so far.

A court found that a Pennsylvania government agency violated the First Amendment when it prohibited workers from wearing face masks emblazoned with BLM messaging during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But Whole Foods has prevailed against workers in similar cases. An NLRB administrative law judge found that its employees had worn BLM insignia merely as a political statement unrelated to their working conditions.

That preliminary decision is now in question after the NLRBs final ruling about the same issue in the Home Depot dispute.

Whole Foods workers asserted in a separate legal challenge that their employers ban on wearing BLM insignia represented racial discrimination under federal law. In that case, the court found that the employees had failed to prove that the ban had a racial motivation.

Whole Foods was instead seeking to stop expression of a politically charged and controversial message by employees in its stores, according to the court.

Whole Foods employees who were dismissed from their shift for wearing Black Lives Matter face masks conduct a protest in 2020. Erin Clark/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

One interesting aspect of these cases is the apparent contradictions involved.

After Floyds death, many big companies proclaimed their commitment to fight racism and promised to do a better job of supporting diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

Home Depot, for example, expressed its anguish over the senseless killing of George Floyd and other unarmed Black men and women in our country. The company explained how it had established worker programs to facilitate internal town halls to share experiences and create better understanding.

Amazon, which owns Whole Foods, made a similar statement, along with a pledge to donate US$10 million to organizations that are working to bring about social justice and improve the lives of Black and African Americans.

Possible aftermath

To be sure, this NLRB decision isnt the final word on this issue, because Home Depot has filed an appeal.

Regardless of how the courts respond, the NLRBs decision is historic. The labor panel has established that a workers support for Black Lives Matter in the workplace isnt merely an expression of their political beliefs.

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: Michael Z. Green, Texas A&M University

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Michael Z. Green 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.
Russia has used around 50 North Korean missiles to attack six Ukrainian oblasts since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Oleksandr Filchakov, the head of the Kharkiv Oblast prosecutor's office, said on March 14 during a press conference.

North Korea has been shaping up as Russia's leading weapons supplier, reportedly providing Moscow with extensive military packages, including ballistic missiles and over 3 million artillery shells.

In Kharkiv Oblast, only one case of Russia using North Korean Hwasong 11 (KN-23/24) missile was officially confirmed, Filchakov said, referring to Russia's attack on Kharkiv on Jan. 2.

Filchakov added there are two other cases of Russia reportedly launching North Korean missiles against the region that are currently being investigated, namely during an attack on Kharkiv's Slobidskyi city district on Feb. 7.

"We are waiting for the results of the expertise, after which we will be able to confirm it (the use of North Korean missiles)," Filchakov said.

The prosecutor also said that North Korean missiles used by Russia are of poor quality, and "several cases" were recorded of the Hwasong missile "exploding in the air."

"It (Hwasong 11) differs from the Iskander-M: it has an imperfect control system, its flight range is up to 700 kilometers when Iskander-M could strike for a distance up to 250 kilometers," Filchakov said.

One of the first cases of Russia using North Korean ballistic missiles was recorded on Dec. 30, 2023, during an attack on Zaporizhzhia, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) wrote.

Later on, Russia hit an apartment building in Kyiv with a North Korean missile in early January, killing four people and wounding over 50, according to the SBU.

Read also: Russia, China and North Korea have new dynamics. And its bad for Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Correction: This article has been updated to accurately reflect how researchers are working to remove shorter-chain PFAS and how the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking to trap the substances.

Forever chemicals are everywhere  but there are significant steps consumers can take to protect themselves against the toxic substances, leading environmental engineers said.

We are living in a mega-experiment, Mohamed Ateia Ibrahim, an environmental engineer at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), told attendees Tuesday at South by Southwest.

For decades, the government has implemented few regulations on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, a vast class of degradation-resistant chemicals linked to a staggering array of health impacts, he said.

Last month, the EPA proposed designating nine PFAS as hazardous  but there are nearly 15,000 such chemicals in existence, and for many of the substances, there may be no safe level of exposure.

If there is a safe level, that level is very low: Many public water utilities consider the safe threshold for PFAS to be 20 parts per trillion  the equivalent of a few drops in an Olympic-sized swimming pool. The EPA suggests far lower thresholds for some common PFAS, including 0.004 parts per trillion for PFOA and 0.02 parts per trillion for PFOS.

The chemicals have become pervasive, with research finding them in many U.S. waterways and consumer products. Asked where he was surprised to find PFAS, Ibrahim laughed ruefully.

Id be lying if I said I get surprised anymore, because its everywhere, he said. Where you can you find PFAS? Its there, just waiting for someone to analyze it.

But discovering PFAS in toilet paper  that was  unpleasant, he added.

The ubiquity of forever chemicals makes it hard to do something that will completely eliminate your exposure, said Leslie Hamilton, a materials scientist at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory.

But consumers can reduce it significantly, Hamilton said.

In particular, Hamilton and Ibrahim said that consumers could reduce their risk by checking food and clothing packaging, and by finding out if their local water utility tests for forever chemicals.

First, Hamilton said, customers can ask their municipal water treatment plants if they test for PFAS. Local water treatment facilities tend to pick up the phone, and theyll talk to you, she said.

When it comes to products they buy or interact with, both scientists said that consumers should be far more cautious around anything  from furniture and carpeting to clothing  that is stain, heat or grease-resistant.

Since Ive been in the field, Ive learned more about my own and my familys exposure risk, Hamilton said.

She noted that PFAS exposure is of particular concern for the growing bodies of babies and young children, as well as fetuses in utero who can absorb the chemicals through their mothers exposure.

Since learning that the lining in popcorn bags contains PFAS, weve switched to an air popper, and there are other small replacements you can make, like switching from Teflon pans to cast iron, Hamilton said.

The nonprofits GreenScreen and PFAS Central also maintain comprehensive lists of PFAS-free products, from apparel to baby goods to furniture.

But I decided not to live in fear, because youre never going to be able to completely eliminate your exposure, Hamilton said.

This consumer-awareness approach has limits. Many industries use PFAS as part of the manufacturing process used to make goods ostensibly free of the chemicals, the environmental engineers noted.

Many industries actually use it without knowing that theyre using PFAS, Ibrahim said.

The broad question for consumers and society alike, he added, is whether the added performance benefits of PFAS justifies the risk of exposure.

People need to think. Our society is relying on chemicals, but we have to understand its a risky business  and to get to something that will replace PFAS will take time.

The difficulty of replacing PFAS stems not just from their usefulness but their ubiquity  a market share that was enabled in large part by the industrys reluctance over the past 70 years to share the growing evidence that the compounds were dangerous, according to research from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).

Documents uncovered by UCSF show that the chemical industry knew about the dangers of PFAS and failed to let the public, regulators, and even their own employees know the risks, Tracey Woodruff, a former EPA scientist and UCSF professor of reproductive sciences, said in a statement.

The understanding of PFAS risks has grown in tandem with the chemicals themselves, according to an Environmental Working Group timeline.

The first of the now-ubiquitous class of fluorinated compounds was invented by DuPont chemist Roy Plunkett in 1938. Teflon, the first commercial PFAS product, came to market in 1946.

By 1950, chemical giant 3M found that PFAS chemicals were toxic to mice. In 1956, Stanford researchers found that they also bound themselves to human blood proteins.

But even as this internal knowledge grew, reports have found, companies suppressed it.

The UCSF meta-analysis published in 2023 in the Annals of Global Health went through decades of internal industry documents to show that companies knew PFAS was highly toxic when inhaled and moderately toxic when ingested by 1970, forty years before the public health community.

One decisive event that broke through that wall of silence was the 2017 settlement by DuPont of a massive class-action suit brought by West Virginia residents poisoned by the thousands of pounds of PFAS-like chemicals dumped into rural waterways.

DuPont sought to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that proof of pollution didnt equate to proof of harm.

The lawsuit rests on a mistaken premise: the premise that any discharge of chemicals into the environment creates legal liability, the company said.

To be actionable, however, a discharge of chemicals must cause the plaintiff to suffer actual harm.

For its part, the American Chemistry Council (ACC), the industry trade group for chemicals, argues that this diverse universe of chemistries is essential to modern life.

ACC says that forever chemicals is a pejorative coined by activists to frame PFAS primary benefits of strengthened durability and functionality as a liability.

In 2019, DuPont announced it was learning from the past and scaling back, though not eliminating, its use of PFAS, according Alexa Dembek, chief technology officer at the company.

The company now says its use of PFAS is limited. We have systems, processes and protocols in place ensuring that PFAS is used safely, controlled to the highest standards and minimized.

And last year, 3M agreed to pay $10.3 billion over the next 10 years to help public water utilities clean up any PFAS they find. The company has also said it would stop making PFAS by 2025.

We got here because PFAS was this miracle chemical, Hamilton said.

She paraphrased a quote from Dark Waters, a movie starring Mark Ruffalo about the West Virginia suit: People werent saying I want PFAS in my corn muffins, but they wanted corn muffins not to stick to the muffin pans, you know, so it was just so good. And so it got to be so prolific before we knew anything about the dangers.

And so regulations are catching up, but its always just not going to be as fast as maybe the information getting to the public, she said.

A letter last September by the United Nations Human Rights Office suggested another possibility: that the chemical companies had used their influence with the EPA itself to head off regulation.

The companies had impermissibly captured the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and delayed its efforts to properly regulate PFAS chemicals, the U.N. rapporteurs wrote.

The same letter called out the federal government for failing to criminally prosecute massive, serious, and widespread PFAS contamination caused by DuPont.

EPA press secretary Remington Belford said the agency would be responding to the UN shortly, and that the agency would use every available tool to protect people from dangerous PFAS chemicals.

But another key change is that PFAS have gotten easier to find: Over the past decades, exponential advances in chemical analysis have allowed the chemicals to be detected at far lower concentrations than before, Ibrahim noted.

That ability to find PFAS at lower and lower concentrations coincided with a growing awareness by endocrinologists that minuscule levels of PFAS were disruptive to the bodys endocrine system, Hamilton said.

Our bodies are some of the most exquisite sensors, she said  meaning if the endocrine system is looking for a particular hormone, it may be disrupted by even extremely low levels of a PFAS molecule that looks similar.

The same properties that make PFAS so dangerous  like their extreme reluctance to react with other chemicals  make them very hard to study, detect or remove.

Thats because every step from finding them to pulling them from water requires in some way grabbing, trapping or manipulating them with other chemicals  processes that are stymied by the same characteristics that make PFAS so useful in various industries.

Because they are so unreactive, for example, its hard to get them to stick to a sensor to assess how prevalent they are, or to get them to bind to a filter that can remove them.

When it comes to cleaning PFAS out of water, the first step is to pull the the chemicals out of the liquid they are dissolved in.

And there are ways to do that now, Hamilton said  running the contaminated water through activated carbon or ion exchange filters.

But while those are a good first step, Hamilton said, they only grab long-chain PFAS, not shorter-chain ones  a reference to the number of carbon atoms in the molecule.

To get the shorter-chain compounds, researchers are developing new filters embedded with novel molecules specifically designed to trap PFAS.

But while those can pick up the PFAS, they create a new problem: The filter itself becomes a highly concentrated reservoir of forever chemicals. Throw it in a landfill, and the PFAS leach right back into the water.

The simplest method of dispensing with the filter without releasing the chemicals is to burn it, which Hamilton said is simple and practical but energy intensive, as well as creating unknown off-gases and residues.

Ultimately, the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, where Hamilton works, is looking at using iron-containing soil minerals as an eco-friendly means to trap PFAS, destroy it, and capture all the teeny-tiny residues of the PFAS molecules that are left over, Hamilton said.

Because fluorine  the building block of PFAS  is itself toxic, the ultimate goal is finding biochemical processes that convert the fluorine into a stable mineral that can be easily disposed of.

Even with all its risks, Hamilton said, there are still going to be areas where we need [PFAS]  complex industrial chemistries that rely on it, or certain protective gear where we need oil and water resistance.

The spread of PFAS didnt happen overnight, and their replacement wont either, she said. It took several decades of [research and development] work for the current thousands of PFAS compounds to come to market, she said. We have to give time to the replacements to go through the same journey.

 Updated March 15 at 11:55 a.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Serbian performance artist Marina Abramovic returns to her former home of Amsterdam with a retrospective at the Stedelijk Museum (Ramon van Flymen)

Performance art pioneer Marina Abramovic turns to the Dutch television interviewer sitting next to her and tells him to take his clothes off. And he obliges.

"I'm still shaking. But when Marina Abramovic tells you to take off your clothes, you do it," Max Terpstra, 25, a journalist for the NPO1 television channel said as the interview ended.

Amsterdam's Stedelijk Museum of modern art is hosting a retrospective exhibition featuring around 60 of the boundary-pushing works of Abramovic, regarded as one of the world's foremost avant-garde performing artists.

From Saturday, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Abramovic, 77, whose career spans five decades since she emerged from her birth city of Belgrade in the former Yugoslavia in the 1970s, moving to Amsterdam and New York.

The edgy exhibition, simply titled "Marina Abramovic", features famous works including the 1974 "Rhythm 0" -- and a re-performance of the provocative 1977 work "Imponderabilia".

In "Imponderabilia", visitors have to squeeze between two naked performers -- one male, the other female -- to enter into the exhibit.

Another work, called "Luminosity", features a naked woman suspended on a bicycle seat against a wall.

In "Rhythm 0" -- seen on video at the Stedelijk -- Abramovic sat motionless on a chair for six hours, while the audience could select from 72 objects to be "used" on her in any way they liked.

The objects included flowers, honey and grapes, but also knives, a scalpel, scissors and a gun.

At the time, the self-proclaimed "grandmother of performance art" emerged from the experience almost naked, crying and bleeding, with rose thorns embedded in her stomach. One man even pointed a loaded gun at her.

Her work often challenged the boundaries of human endurance with her mind and body paying a toll.

"But it was worth every minute. I would never change a thing," Abramovic told AFP in an interview.

- 'Beautiful things' -

Abramovic's Amsterdam exhibition represents a homecoming for her, said Stedelijk Museum director Rein Wolfs.

Abramovic holds a Dutch passport, has a bank account here and even maintains a bicycle in Amsterdam, the Stedelijk Museum said.

"Marina has a lot of history here. Some of her most important works started to come out during that period, so she is very much linked to Amsterdam," Wolfs told AFP.

It was here she first met and later lived with her closest collaborator, the late Frank Uwe Laysiepen, better known as "Ulay".

"Amsterdam is full of memories and beautiful things. It is so emotional for me to come back," Abramovic told AFP a few days ahead of the opening of her exhibition.

"I was really attracted by the human aspect here. The freedom to be able to say whatever you want," she said.

"But everything is going backwards these days," she lamented.

"It's not just Amsterdam, not just Holland, but the entire world. All that political correctness in so many ways really restricts the freedom of artists," she said, adding: "It's so difficult to find the right kind of balance".

- 'Next level' -

Dressed in her trademark black dress, fingernails painted bright red and walking with a cane, Abramovic reflected on her work.

Asked about telling a journalist to disrobe during an interview, Abramovic said it was not part of performance art, but a response to a comment he made about nudity in her work.

"You know, this young kid was talking about nudity. He was looking at 'Luminosity' with this naked woman on the wall, saying he was very uneasy with it... afraid of his own nudity.

"I said, it's OK. You're now with me. We do exactly the things we are afraid of. Can you take your clothes off and get rid of your fear right here?" she said.

"That was the weirdest interview of my life," said NPO1 journalist Terpstra.

"I am a huge fan of Abramovic, but what she just did there was next level."

Abramovic's work can be seen at the Stedelijk Museum until July 14.

jhe/ric/rlp
(Reuters) - British gambling firm Entain has hired advisers to oversee the possible sale of several of its overseas brands, the Financial Times reported on Thursday.

These brands include Netherlands-based BetCity, which the gambling firm had bought last year, FT added.

The Netherlands, last year proposed a plan for tighter deposit limits from the second quarter, which is expected to hit Entain's annual revenue and profit, the company said earlier this month.

A local offshoot of Ladbrokes in Australia, Sweden-based Enlabs and Georgia-based CrystalBet are other brands that are not integrated into Entain's main tech platform and under review, the report said.

Wall Street boutique advisory Moelis is advising Entain's board and the group's recently formed capital allocation committee, and any disposals will be of brands that are not integrated into the company's technology platform, which makes them easier to sell, the FT added.

Entain, like other gambling firms, gained from a rise in online betting during the pandemic, but stiffer regulations in its main markets have hurt its bottom line.

The UK, the gambling firm's largest market, is expected to put out a review this year, which is said to include a stake cap on slots at 5 pounds ($6.37) and increased affordability checks.

Entain expects its core profit to incur a 40 million pounds hit in 2024 from the regulatory moves in the UK and Netherlands.

($1 = 0.7818 pounds)

(Reporting by Urvi Dugar and Radhika Anilkumar in Bengaluru; Editing by Savio D'Souza and Sonia Cheema)
People take part in early voting at a mobile polling station in Donetsk, a Russian-controlled region of Ukraine - Sipa US/Alamy

Vladimir Putin sounded much like an earnest social democrat during his state of the nation speech last month, his major campaign pitch ahead of this weeks presidential election.

He promised better schools, a green investment programme and new leadership colleges in a package of handouts designed to prove that the Kremlin cares about ordinary Russians.

The pledges, which Bloomberg estimated would cost 100 billion, also included tech development grants, mortgage support, childbirth cash bonuses and increased benefits.

Its a message that the Kremlin has stuck to doggedly in the run-up to the election, despite unease created by the disqualification of two anti-war candidates, the death in prison of opposition leader Alexei Navalny and intensified Ukrainian drone strikes.

The last few weeks have been so turbulent that on Thursday Putin directly appealed for unity ahead of the opening of polling stations in Russia.

You realise what a difficult period our country is going through, what complex challenges we are facing, he said in a televised address from the Kremlin. We need to continue to be united.

The Kremlin wants Putin to win around 80 per cent of the vote on a turnout of around 75 per cent and it has been cajoling, pressuring and persuading Russians to vote for him.

An advertisement on Russian television also urges citizens to take part in the election.

The message is that its the patriotic duty of every good Russian to vote for Putin who will deliver better living standards paid for by massive handouts because Russias burgeoning economy has outfoxed the Wests sanctions.

The reality, though, is different, Western analysts said.

They said that life has become more fragile and more expensive for ordinary Russians and that the Kremlins reliance on its cash reserves and oil and gas sales cant continue indefinitely.

Stephen Hall, associate professor of Russian politics at Bath University, said that Putin had prioritised global grandstanding over improving the lives of ordinary Russians since he became president on New Years Eve 1999 and that his pre-election promises are for show.

I dont think Putin 5.0 will be much different, he said. Modern-day autocracies need to have some form of legitimisation and so they need to go through the process of holding elections.

The election will hand Putin another six-year term, his fifth as president, making him the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Joseph Stalin.

A woman poses in Donetsk after casting her ballot during early voting in Russia's presidential election - AFP via Getty Images

Members of a local election commission prepare a mobile polling station - AFP via Getty Images

For Maximilian Hess, author of Economic War: Ukraine and the Global Conflict between Russia and the West, Putin is more interested in promoting his legacy and challenging the West than improving the lives of ordinary Russians.

The international economic war against the US dollar system is a huge priority for Putin. Its a much bigger priority for Putin than most people realise in terms of the domestic economy, he said.

Alex Kokcharov, Russia analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence, agreed.

He said that after the Kremlin had dealt with the election, Putin would focus on rewarding loyal oligarchs, imposing repressive traditional Russian family values and boosting his war in Ukraine.

The next round of mobilisation is likely to be delayed to mid-May 2024 after Putin has been inaugurated for his fifth term, he said. Domestic policy will become even more socially conservative.

Many Russians are also sceptical of Putins campaign pledges.

A resident of St Petersburg told The Telegraph that services were getting worse and real wages were dropping because Putins priority was the conflict in Ukraine.

Only the stupid will actually expect him to deliver on his promises of all this money, they said.

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Vladimir Putin has ruled Russia as president or prime minister since the final day of 1999 (Mikhail METZEL)

President Vladimir Putin on Thursday urged Russians to stay the course in the face of a "difficult period", hours before polls open in a vote set to extend his hardline rule.

The former KGB agent is set to secure another six-year term this weekend in a vote the Kremlin says will show society is fully behind his assault on Ukraine.

"I am convinced: you realise what a difficult period our country is going through, what complex challenges we are facing in almost all areas," Putin said in an address to Russians on the eve of the vote.

"And in order to continue to respond to them with dignity and successfully overcome difficulties, we need to continue to be united and self-confident," he added.

Victory in the March 15-17 contest will allow Putin to stay in the Kremlin until at least 2030, longer than any Russian leader since Catherine the Great in the eighteenth century.

Appointed by his predecessor Boris Yeltsin on the final day of 1999, Putin has ruled Russia as president or prime minister ever since.

His first years in office saw an economic boom as Moscow cashed in on its vast energy resources.

But under his rule, Russia became increasingly authoritarian at home, eventually cracking down and outlawing all forms of dissent.

And abroad, Putin ramped up confrontation with the West and dispatched troops into Ukraine -- annexing Crimea in 2014 and backing separatist rebels in the eastern Donbas region before launching his full-scale offensive in 2022.

- 'Not to stray' -

With all his major critics dead, in prison or exiled, Putin sees Russian society as united behind him.

"We have already shown that we can be together, defending the freedom, sovereignty and security of Russia," he said in a video message, while flanked by flags of the Russian tricolour and the president's state insignia.

"Today it is critically important not to stray from this path," he said.

The vote was a way for Russians to demonstrate their "patriotic feelings," he added.

Voting will also take place in four recently occupied territories of Ukraine, as well as the Crimean peninsula, annexed by Moscow in 2014.

"Our fighters at the front will also vote. They, showing courage and heroism, defend the Fatherland and, participating in the elections, set an example for all of us," the Russian leader said.

In the Ukrainian city of Mariupol -- under the control of Russian forces -- election officials on Thursday opened pop-up polling stations at small tables in the street and on the hoods of cars.

Banners were unfurled sporting a red, white and blue 'V' logo -- an army symbol used as a sign of support for the military offensive.

Kyiv has dismissed the vote as a sham and appeared to have targeted some of those involved.

Last month a member of the Russian elections body in the occupied Zaporizhzhia region was killed in a car bombing celebrated by Kyiv's spy agency.

The poll comes at a time of high confidence for Putin.

Russia's troops in Ukraine have chalked up their first battlefield gains in months and his most strident critic, Alexei Navalny, died in an Arctic prison colony last month.

No genuine opposition candidate has been allowed on the ballot, with Putin officially facing off against three Kremlin-approved candidates from political parties loyal to him and his policies.

In recent days authorities have arrested several campaign staff for pro-peace candidate Boris Nadezhdin, who was barred from standing.

Kyiv has also stepped up its aerial attacks on Russia ahead of the vote, hitting major oil refineries and border towns in some of the most significant drone strikes on Russian territory since the start of the conflict in late February 2022.

bur/yad
Marine Le Pen, former leader of the French right-wing populist party Rassemblement National (National Rally  RN), who had a long-standing reputation as a "friend of Putin", has unexpectedly slammed Russia for the war in Ukraine during debates in the French parliament regarding support for Ukraine.

Source: European Pravda, citing BFMTV

From the podium of the National Assembly, Le Pen stated that by launching a full-scale attack on Ukraine on 24 February 2022, Russia "triggered a war on the EUs doorstep and a geopolitical crisis that is without doubt the most dramatic of the last 20 years," and reminded the audience of the thousands of dead and injured, as well as millions of people who were forced to flee their cities and villages.

Quote: "We owe our respect and support to the Ukrainian nation, which has endured aggression... It is the heroic resistance of the Ukrainian people that will lead to Russia's defeat," declared Le Pen.

She outlined that France provides support to Ukraine in the form of asylum for Ukrainians who have fled abroad due to the war and in the form of material assistance, including weapons, and France "has no reason to blush" about the support provided.

At the same time, Le Pen criticised President Emmanuel Macron's statement that he does not rule out the potential presence of Western allies' troops on Ukrainian territory in the future.

"By causing a wave of objections from many capitals regarding the sending of troops, Macron has ultimately and unfortunately reassured Vladimir Putin," stated Marine Le Pen, adding that "the best strategic ambiguity is silence."

She also accused Macron of "instrumentalising" the war in Ukraine for his electoral purposes.

"Either youre pro-Macron, or youre accused of being pro-Putin," she said.

Background:

Le Pen's party abstained during the National Assembly vote on 12 March. Prior to the debates, the current leader of the RN party, Jordan Bardella, stated that they are generally in favour of supporting Ukraine, but there are certain "red lines."

372 MPs of the lower house of the French parliament voted in favour of supporting the bilateral agreement on security cooperation between France and Ukraine, while 99 voted against. The vote is not binding.

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A 30-year-old Blue Grass man is in custody after police allege he tried to hypnotize a child on a school bus, according to court records.

Nicholas Munger faces a felony charge of enticing a minor under 13  sexual abuse or exploitation, and aggravated-misdemeanor charges of assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, sexual exploitation by school employee, and indecent contact with a child, court records show.

Nicholas Munger (Scott County Jail)

About 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 4, 2021, Davenport Police began investigating an incident involving the enticement of a minor, according to court records.

Munger, officers allege in arrest affidavits, can be seen on video sitting next to a victim on a bus for about 14 minutes. After he was read his Miranda Rights, police say Munger stated he was trying to hypnotize the victim while on the bus, affidavits say.

Police allege in affidavits that Munger also admitted to finding subjects online similar to the victim and had them take their shirts off through hypnosis.

Mungers social media accounts show him requesting pictures of minors with their shirts off. The victim stated Munger inappropriately ran his hand over the victims body over clothing while they were sitting next to each other on the bus, police allege in affidavits. On video, Munger leans over toward the victim multiple times while sitting next to the child, affidavits show.

After he was read his Miranda Rights, Munger admitted to touching the neck and shoulder of the victim, court documents show.

Munger was a bus monitor for Durham Buses for the Davenport School District and had direct supervisory authority over the victim, police allege in affidavits.

In an another court document, police allege Munger enticed the victim, a child under the age of 13 or believed to be under the age of 13, with the intent to commit sexual abuse upon or sexual exploitation of the child.

Earlier, in August of 2023 in Scott County Court, Munger pleaded not guilty to an aggravated misdemeanor charge of purchase/possession (of a) depiction of a minor in a sex act  first offense, court records show.

On May 4, 2021, Davenport Police received a report of a man trying to hypnotize a child on a school bus the previous day. A search warrant was executed on Mungers person and residence on May 5, 2021, police say in arrest affidavits.

In affidavits, police allege that As a result, 15 electronic devices were seized and a follow-up search warrant was executed on the devices. A single image of an unclothed minor was found on three separate devices.

One such device included (Mungers) iPhone, which had been seized from his person at the time of the search warrant, affidavits show.

That case is set to continue in April, court documents show.

Munger, who has been released on bond, is set for arraignment April 4 in Scott County Court.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
Questions are growing over whether President Biden and former President Trump will participate in any presidential debates this cycle.

Trump has stepped up his calls for Biden to face him in a debate over the past week, saying in a Truth Social post he would debate him anytime, anywhere, anyplace.

Biden responded late last week that he was open to debating Trump but said doing so depends on the former presidents behavior.

With Biden not committing to participating yet and Trump having previously slammed the commission overseeing debates as biased against him, this years election could be the first in 50 years without a debate between the general election candidates.

I think if the Republicans had nominated anybody but Donald Trump, you might be having a different discussion, Democratic strategist Jim Demers said.

Debates have been a hallmark of presidential elections for decades, regularly marking a climax of the race and yielding memorable moments that get talked out beyond Election Day. But the 2020 debates between Trump and Biden were so contentious that it appeared debates between general election candidates may cease.

The first debate between the two candidates in late September 2020 was a chaotic event. Trump regularly interrupted Biden and moderator Chris Wallace while they were speaking, and the debate was at times incoherent.

Another debate held in October, in which the candidates microphones were muted when the other was speaking, was generally viewed as better. But in the aftermath, Trump and the Republican National Committee (RNC) accused the Commission on Presidential Debates, which has conducted every debate since 1988, of being biased against Trump.

The commission originally formed under joint sponsorship from both parties and identifies as nonpartisan. The RNC voted in 2022 to direct GOP nominees not to participate in debates the commission organizes, with then-RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel saying the party would find newer, better debate platforms.

But Trump said he would debate under any circumstances in a Truth Social post last week.

The Debates can be run by the Corrupt [Democratic National Committee], or their Subsidiary, the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD). I look forward to receiving a response, he said.

But Biden has remained noncommittal, at least for now, and his campaign said Trumps call for debates was just him being thirsty for attention. Trump re-upped his call Tuesday, saying a debate must immediately be held for the good of our now failing Nation.

Aaron Kall, an expert on presidential debates and the director of debate at the University of Michigan, said he believes its more likely than not that at least one or two debates will be held, but eight months before Election Day may be early for Biden to commit to it.

I think he wants to use  the kind of leverage he has to get the best deal possible, so I dont know that he has an incentive to commit right now, but eventually I would think he is likely [to participate], Kall said.

Kall said Bidens reference to Trumps behavior may indicate concern about a debate playing out similarly to 2020, especially if Trump continues to try to make false claims about the 2020 election being stolen and other statements that need to be fact-checked.

I think hes worried about that misinformation going out to a large audience that would tune into the debates, he said.

Frank Fahrenkopf, a co-chair of the commission and former RNC chair, noted that the commission does not work with the parties, but rather the candidates, so Trumps decision on whether to participate matters more than the RNC motion.

The commission communicates with the candidates through a person the campaigns choose to act as the go-between for questions they may have, he said, adding it has not yet had direct contact with anyone from the Trump or Biden campaigns.

He said discussions about the debates usually would not begin with the candidates until the conventions in the summer, but it may start earlier with Biden and Trump both having mathematically clinched their parties nominations on Tuesday.

Fahrenkopf noted the point people the campaigns choose are for getting answers to questions about the debate, not for negotiating the logistics.

The commission names the date, names the location, university campuses which we choose, names the format and names the moderators. Theres no debate between the commission and the candidates, he said.

The commission has already set three debates for Biden and Trump from September to October, along with a vice presidential debate. Fahrenkopf said the commissions members will meet in the upcoming weeks to determine what the format will be.

He said the debates are still too far away for him to determine how he feels about the chances of them actually happening, but he was encouraged by comments both candidates have made.

That was good news to us, and we just have to see where it goes, Fahrenkopf said.

Republican strategist Nicole Schlinger said Trumps recent remarks seem to indicate he sees himself as more robust than Biden and wants to draw a contrast between their stamina and policies. But she said a risk exists any time a candidate participates in debates, though it may not make sense if his lead in polling remains well into the fall.

The Trump team is coming off a primary campaign where he didnt need to debate. With his strong polling right now, they have to wonder if its worth doing, she said.

Democratic strategist Douglas Wilson said Trump and Republicans view Biden as old and feeble, so they expect that winning a debate against him would be easy. He said Trumps strategy is to be aggressive with Biden in challenging him at a debate so the incumbent makes a gaffe, as he has been seen to make from time to time.

But Wilson argued Bidens performances in his past State of the Union addresses  during which some congressional Republicans heckled him and he was able to respond in the moment  should be a sign he should not be underestimated.

He did pretty damn well, and I think it will be a great mistake on the Trump team to underestimate how Biden will perform in those debates, Wilson said.

Mone Holder, the senior director of advocacy and programs for the progressive organization Florida Rising, said a risk exists for Biden to make a misstep, but he should be able to show he can speak to various issues on the national stage. Even if Trump acts as he did previously, that is important for the country to see as well, she said.

It definitely is something that we need to see, folks need to see and take account into when were deciding who were going to cast the ballot for in November, Holder said.

But Demers, the Democratic strategist, said he does not believe debates would be helpful or in the publics interest. He argued that Trumps behavior would most likely turn the event into a circus.

I just dont think the voters are gonna get anything out of it, and I think its not worth giving Donald Trump any credibility considering what hes like, he said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Polish farmers continue to block the movement of Ukrainian freight transport at five checkpoints, causing queues of lorries at Ukraines borders with Slovakia, Hungary and Romania.

Source: Colonel Andrii Demchenko, Ukraines State Border Guard Service spokesperson, on air during the national joint 24/7 newscast and in a commentary to Ukrainska Pravda

Quote: "As of now, Polish farmers continue to block five crossing points; these are the Yahodyn, Ustyluh, Uhryniv, Rava-Ruska and Shehyni checkpoints. And while they still allow a certain number of lorries to cross into Ukraine (the least at Yahodyn and Shehyni checkpoints), they do not allow lorries to cross into Poland at all.

In fact, the movement of lorries from Ukraine to Poland at these five checkpoints is now completely blocked."

Details: Demchenko said that there are approximately 1,050 lorries queuing in Poland, most of them at the Rava-Ruska and Yahodyn checkpoints. Lorry traffic through the Krakivets checkpoint is not currently blocked.

In a comment to Ukrainska Pravda, Demchenko added that due to the blockade in Poland, queues in other directions have also increased. For example, 500 lorries are queuing in the direction of the Uzhhorod checkpoint from Slovakia, more than 1,000 lorries are queuing at the Tysa checkpoint from Hungary, and 500 and 350 lorries are queuing at the Diakove and Porubne checkpoints on the border with Romania, respectively.

The volume of lorry traffic using these checkpoints is unsurprisingly high, straining their capacity.

Bus and car traffic is not blocked at any checkpoint.

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Rachel Reeves has been accused of not knowing how the state pension works after a spat with Jeremy Hunt on social media.

The Chancellor claimed Ms Reeves was scaremongering in a post on X, formerly Twitter, after she warned cuts to National Insurance would result in less money for the NHS and the state pension.

Ms Reeves argued that National Insurance Contributions fund state pensions and the NHS in a post on Wednesday and queried whether tax cuts would be funded by cuts in retirement payouts and the health service.

This is just scaremongering, the Chancellor replied. The value of NICs receipts do not determine the NHS budget or the value of pensions. Those decisions are taken entirely separately.

National Insurance Contributions fund state pensions and the NHS.



So will the Prime Minister's 46 billion of unfunded tax cuts come from cutting state pensions or cuts to our NHS? #PMQs  Rachel Reeves (@RachelReevesMP) March 13, 2024

The rival to take Mr Hunts job received a community note  a tool used to fact-check posts  pointing out that it was a common misconception that National Insurance Contributions (NICs) were ringfenced for the NHS and other social security services.

Contrary to popular belief, there is no National Insurance fund that is used to pay for pensions and the health service. The NHS receives just 18pc of its annual budget from NICs, according to Kings Fund, a healthcare charity.

It comes as Mr Hunt slashed two pence from NIC payments in the Budget last week, saving the average worker 450 a year, which combined with last years cut will add up to 900, according to the Treasury.

He also signalled the Governments interest in abolishing the NIC payments altogether, which the Chancellor vowing to end the unfairness of the double taxation. He later walked back the comments, admitting that the changes were not going to happen any time soon.

Steve Webb, partner at consultants LCP and former pensions minister, said: The Chancellor is entirely right to say that the level of employee NI contributions has no bearing on either the funding of the NHS or the level of the state pension.

The Government is entirely free to use other taxes to fund the NHS or pensions, and so the amount raised from employee NICs does not determine the level of health or pensions spending.

Theres a perfectly sensible debate to be had about whether we should have a separate system of employee NICs or not, but what matters for the NHS and pensions is the total amount of tax available, not the revenue from any particular tax, he added.

Labour have opposed the latest cut to NICs, which comes on top of a cut in the Autumn Statement last year from 12pc to 10pc, and argued that the move is an unfunded pledge.

Sir Keir Starmer has also vowed to reverse the abolition of the Lifetime Allowance threshold, which was abolished by the Chancellor in November. The system imposed a punishing 55pc charge on savings over 1,073,100.

But the party has said it will protect top public sector workers from its planned raid on pensions, amid fears of a public sector exodus. It said last month it would reintroduce the charge in a way that ensures we retain public sector leaders.

A Labour spokesman said: Government documents state NICs funds go towards the NHS and state pension. If the Chancellor is committed to abolishing National Insurance, then he needs to come clean with the British public and explain what taxes will rise or what public services will be cut.

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The number of children arrested on terrorism charges has doubled since 2020 - AlexRaths/iStockphoto

A record number of children have been arrested for terrorism, official figures show, as a government adviser warned of an increasing threat from online radicalisation.

Home Office figures published on Thursday showed that 42 children aged under 17 were arrested last year, nearly one in five of the total number of people held for terror-related offences.

It was the highest number since records began in 2002, up by a third on 2022s figure of 32 and double the number three years ago.

Jonathan Hall KC, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, said the increase could be linked to isolated teenagers being radicalised in malign online spaces.

Although there had been evidence of both far-Right and Islamist radicalisation, Mr Hall said the ideology was often a muddle of prejudices and hatred.

The ideological component here is projected online in gore, black humour, memes, kill counts, livestream, plus official publications of groups like al-Qaeda and Islamic State, he said.

Mr Hall warned that the risk of children being radicalised by extremism on social media was a blindspot in new rules being drawn up under the Online Safety Act to tackle toxic content online.

The internet is a major source of radicalisation and self-radicalisation of children, resulting in a well-documented increase in children being investigated and arrested for terrorism offences, Mr Hall wrote in a submission to a consultation by the regulator on its planned new code of conduct, which aims to protect the public from illegal content online.

But despite this, he added: Ofcom appears to have a blind spot in its analysis of risk. It fails to consider that age is a risk factor relating to the harm used by terrorism content.

The necessary special protection for children against exposure to terrorism content is missing.

Ideological extremism

The data also showed that the number of people arrested for terrorism-related offences was at its highest since 2019, the year of the London Bridge terror attack by Usman Khan in which two Cambridge students were stabbed to death.

The total of 219 arrests in 2023 was up 31 per cent on the 167 in 2022.

Islamist extremists remained the predominant ideology for people held in custody for terrorism-connected offences, at 64.8 per cent of the total. Far-Right extremists accounted for their highest proportion on record, at 26.2 per cent.

Disseminating terrorist material was the most common reason for people being arrested by police, followed by collection of information useful for an act of terrorism and membership of a proscribed organisation.

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Key Insights

The projected fair value for Breville Group is AU$25.97 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

With AU$28.44 share price, Breville Group appears to be trading close to its estimated fair value

Analyst price target for BRG is AU$25.09 which is 3.4% below our fair value estimate

Does the March share price for Breville Group Limited (ASX:BRG) reflect what it's really worth? Today, we will estimate the stock's intrinsic value by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. The Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model is the tool we will apply to do this. Believe it or not, it's not too difficult to follow, as you'll see from our example!

We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model.

Check out our latest analysis for Breville Group

The Method

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.

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value:

Story continues

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (A$, Millions) AU$186.8m AU$131.7m AU$139.6m AU$166.6m AU$203.5m AU$226.4m AU$245.6m AU$261.9m AU$275.7m AU$287.6m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x6 Analyst x6 Analyst x6 Analyst x3 Analyst x2 Est @ 11.23% Est @ 8.51% Est @ 6.61% Est @ 5.27% Est @ 4.34% Present Value (A$, Millions) Discounted @ 7.9% AU$173 AU$113 AU$111 AU$123 AU$139 AU$143 AU$144 AU$142 AU$139 AU$134

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = AU$1.4b

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 (2.2%) 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 7.9%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033  (1 + g)  (r  g) = AU$288m (1 + 2.2%)  (7.9% 2.2%) = AU$5.1b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= AU$5.1b ( 1 + 7.9%)10= AU$2.4b

The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is AU$3.7b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of AU$28.4, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. Valuations are imprecise instruments though, rather like a telescope - move a few degrees and end up in a different galaxy. Do keep this in mind.

dcf

Important Assumptions

We would point out that 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 Breville Group as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 7.9%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.257. 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 Breville Group

Strength

Debt is not viewed as a risk.

Weakness

Earnings growth over the past year underperformed the Consumer Durables industry.

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Consumer Durables market.

Expensive based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value.

Opportunity

Annual revenue is forecast to grow faster than the Australian market.

Threat

Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the Australian market.

Moving On:

Although the valuation of a company is important, it ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" 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. For Breville Group, there are three important elements you should further research:

Financial Health: Does BRG have a healthy balance sheet? Take a look at our free balance sheet analysis with six simple checks on key factors like leverage and risk. Future Earnings: How does BRG'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 High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Australian 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.
Relative of elderly California millionaire allegedly murdered by caregiver reveals how she became easy target

Violet "Evelyn" Alberts, a wealthy 96-year-old woman killed in a plot to steal her lavish California home, made herself an easy target by isolating herself with a "mistrusting" attitude and fear that those around her wanted her money, her former stepson told Fox News Digital.

When she was found dead in bed at her Montecito home in May 2022, ingredients to bake cookies in celebration of her upcoming birthday were found laid out on the table.

Porter Ranch resident and caregiver Pauline Macareno, 48, was charged with elder abuse, fraud and manipulation of legal documents in relation to Alberts' death, according to the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department.

Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said at a press conference last Friday that she tricked Alberts by offering her a reverse mortgage and "orchestrated a series of transactions, including forging documents and establishing fraudulent entities to gain control over Alberts assets unlawfully" in 2022.

CALIFORNIA SUSPECTS ACCUSED OF MURDERING 96-YEAR-OLD WIDOW WHO WAS BAKING COOKIES FOR HER BIRTHDAY: POLICE

Violet Alberts, 96, is fondly remembered as a beloved resident of the Montecito community.

Macareno was sentenced to six years behind bars for the fraud, according to court records, and now faces charges of solicit to commit murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Brown said she was "referred" to Alberts for her care but did not specify by who or which agency.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Alleged accomplices Harry Basmadjian, 58, Ricardo MartinDelCampo, 41, and Henry Rostomyan, 33, face charges ranging from murder to conspiracy and solicitation of murder in the plot.

Attorneys for Macareno, MartinDelCampo and Rostomyan could not immediately be reached for comment. Basmadjian "suffered a life-threatening medical emergency that left him totally incapacitated with a grim prognosis" after his arrest, the sheriff said.

"In the eyes of Pauline Macareno, Miss Alberts was living too long," Brown said at a press conference last Thursday. "And so the acceleration of her death is presumably what was  behind the murder."

"Without any immediate family nearby, Violet relied on her friendships and connections within the neighborhood, through which she achieved a sense of belonging with a tight-knit community," Brown said.

Bruce Anderson, Alberts' former stepson from a previous marriage of hers, said he and his wife had no idea his former stepmother had been murdered until his California-based brother read about it in local newspapers.

VIRGINIA MAN ARRESTED AFTER DNA FORENSIC ADVANCEMENTS LINK HIM TO 2 COLD-CASE MURDERS

Ricardo MartinDelCampo, Pauline Macareno and Henry Rostomyan are all suspects in Violet Alberts' murder case.

Anderson said Alberts, who went by her middle name, Evelyn, met his father, John Anderson, when he was the president of the California Rare Fruit Growers Society and she was a member.

The pair married in 1991. Although they divorced in 1996, they remained close friends until the elder Anderson died in 2005, paying frequent visits to each other's homes in Santa Barbara County.

Alberts' first husband died in the 1990s, Brown said last Thursday. When she died in 2022, Brown said, Alberts had aged out of her savings and was in a distressing financial situation.

PHOENIX SENIOR CHARGED IN KANSAS WITH 1982 COLD-CASE MURDER

But Alberts' hilltop property, within walking distance of Oprah Winfrey's home and Michael Jackson's compound, was her major point of pride, Anderson said.

The property was dotted with rare fruit and nut trees, he said, and Alberts had a prized Koi pond with fish imported from Japan, some worth thousands of dollars. She had a "real interest in Japanese culture," and had a six-foot-deep Japanese soaking tub and Japanese design features throughout her nearly 5,000 square foot home.

Assessment records show the home was last appraised at just under $5 million.

Alberts also kept a chicken coop on her property and was known for years in the Montecito community for selling eggs at local farmer's markets.

"Here's a lady that's got millions of dollars and she's selling eggs down at the farmers market just to talk to people. That's the kind of person she was  very outgoing and talkative," Anderson said.

But although she was known for her impeccable homemaking and hosting, Anderson said, she wasn't "overly trusting."

"She questioned a lot of things," Anderson said on Tuesday. "Apparently she was [too trusting] in the end.  I don't think she was an easy mark, but she might have been later in life."

Brown said at Thursday's press conference that Alberts was having difficulties with her "memory and cognition."

This aerial view shows the Montecito neighborhood of Santa Barbara, California, on March 5, 2021.

Since he had become estranged from her around 2005, Anderson said, his former stepmother "might have been more inflicted with memory problems and dependent on other people."

Anderson's wife, Darlene Anderson, said that "vivacious" Alberts "always thought that someone was trying to get something over on her."

It was "painful" when Alberts "did not want to keep in contact" because "she always thought that the only reason we would be checking on her would be to try to get into her will," Darlene Anderson said.

"I never would have thought that us not doing something would have us not know that she was in that type of trouble," she said. "She had enough money that we just thought she would be able to take care of herself  we forgot that when you are in your 90s, you don't always have the mental faculties to do that."

Hearing of the heinous crime in the star-studded town where "people knew each other, ran into each other in the grocery store [and] shared the same doctor" was a shock, she said.

Darlene Anderson said that Alberts had a difficult financial start in life, and that "every time her family contacted her, it wasn't to say, Hey, I was just thinking about you today and I wanted to tell you that I love you."

"When they called, it was 'You have all this money and I don't have any and I need this, you need to send me $10,000.' You get to the point where you don't want to pick up the phone," she said. "I think that's something that's extremely sad. You definitely want to take a look at that and never want to be in that position in your life."

The Andersons said that the role of family in Alberts' life was a "major bone of contention" in Alberts' relationship with her second husband that contributed to their divorce.

"She loved my father-in-law completely, [but] she was a little bit jealous of his family because she didn't have children of her own," Darlene Anderson recalled. "She didn't understand the dynamics of a family."

Another point of contention, they said, was that Alberts "wanted to give her estate away to a cat shelter" when she died.

"[My father-in-law was like, 'A cat is a cat and it's not supposed to have millions of dollars,'" Anderson said.

Alberts lived in the Montecito neighborhood of Santa Barbara, California.

Regardless, Darlene Anderson said, it "wasn't up to [Macareno] to decide whether Evelyn was going to will her money the way she wanted it."

"[Macareno's] job was to take care of her  someone abused her, scared her, probably told her that if you didn't do this or do that, they would take away those contacts that she had," she continued. "Can you imagine the fear that woman went through? It makes me extremely angry."

Although this type of murder in affluent Montecito  an area with residents such as Meghan Markle and Prince Harry  is "extremely rare," Pasadena-based criminal defense attorney Brian Claypool told Fox News Digital that "serious crime in posh, affluent areas in California has been on the rise."

"Last year, a lovely young lady working at an upscale furniture store in West Los Angeles was murdered in broad daylight," Claypool said. "Serious smash-and-grabs happened in Beverly Hills before the holidays. Prosecutors are soft on crime in certain counties, like Los Angeles, which has emboldened criminals."

CLICK HER TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP



The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department did not return Fox News Digital's requests for comment on the case at press time.





Original article source: Relative of elderly California millionaire allegedly murdered by caregiver reveals how she became easy target
SAN DIEGO (Border Report)  Earlier this week, the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) announced a sewage pump station just south of the border in Tijuana was going offline for repairs.

This resulted in an additional 10 to 12 million gallons of untreated sewage being released daily into the U.S. side of the southern border.

The effluent was supposed to be captured by the IBWCs wastewater treatment plant, located north of the border.

Once-hot spot for migrant crossings in California down 90%

Environmentalists like Bethany Case of the Surfrider Foundation doubt the facility can handle the extra flow since the plant is already working at capacity.

12M gallons of additional raw sewage from Mexico to flow into US per day

It can only process 25 million gallons a day and when we go beyond that, the extra effluent is not treated. They cant do it, said Case.

She fears most of the waste would end up on the Tijuana River Valley floor and eventually out to sea.

Its going to end up in somebodys property, in our watershed, she continued. None of it gets processed, some of it will make it out to the ocean.

On Tuesday, when Border Report spoke with Case, there was a definite pungent smell in the air.

Its the smell of the worst porta-potty ever, said Case.

Now the IBWC is saying the planned shutdown of the sewage pump station in Tijuana is being postponed.

It says CESPT, Baja Californias Commission for Public Services, has delayed the shutdown while it continues with preparations for the infrastructure rehab and construction work to be completed during the shutdown.

IBWC says it will notify the public when CESPT will go forward with the shutdown and release of the additional untreated sewage into the Tijuana River Valley.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. (PIX11)  The remains of three people were found by a work crew at a home construction site in Wall Township, New Jersey, according to witnesses who saw the evidence. They said that they suspect that the skulls and bones were from a historic burial, but investigators from the local police department and prosecutors office declared the site a crime scene.

The discovery was made at a lot in the 1100 block of Narrumson Road. Barbara Miesegaes lives just a few steps away, right next door.

The skull was right there where that little yellow marker is, she said in an interview from the edge of her property, as she pointed to a small yellow flag that investigators had planted on Tuesday.

Her home abuts the lot where there was a 10-foot-deep space dug out of the soil, where a homes basement had intended to be built. Contractors had started digging it out on Tuesday. A few hours into their dig, according to witnesses, the construction workers made the grim find.

We were shocked: NJ school district cancels bus service at end of school year

There were bones, human bones, Miesegaes said. I think there were like two adults, and one was a child.

Peter Murcko lives right across the street from the lot where police officers and detectives, as well as investigators from the prosecutors and medical examiners offices, were on hand, going through the crime scene in detail.

Before theyd first arrived on Tuesday, the couple that had recently bought the empty lot in order to build their dream home, as well as the contractors, were on hand. They ended up in disbelief, according to their neighbor.

He showed me a photo of one of the skulls, said Murcko. The skull wasnt in good shape, but the teeth were in very good shape.

NYC man accused of decapitating head of childhood friend, prison pal: NYPD

Murcko said that investigators had indicated that the teeth may be helpful in identifying the remains.

Another key part of the investigation involves a full analysis of all of the soil at the site.

On Wednesday afternoon, investigators asked the Monmouth County Public Works Department to bring in industrial equipment to dig out and haul away all of the dirt at the site.

Industrial diggers, front-end loaders, and dump trucks were on the scene late in the workday removing two-story-tall mounds of soil to another location. There, it can be sifted, examined, and tested, according to law enforcement sources.

The block on which the site is located is bound by Algonkin Trail on its west end and Lenape Trail on its east. They are among many Native American street and place names in this part of New Jersey. In keeping with that, neighbors have a widely accepted assumption that this mystery is not from foul play in recent years, and is possibly not foul play at all.

I think Native American, Miesegaes said her theory was about the bodies. She said that when an in-ground pool was dug in her backyard next door, workers found tools in the deep soil that may have predated European settlement in this area. They also found glass medicine vials, she said, that were from generations ago.

In any case, said Murcko, the neighbor across the street, this new find appears to be very old. Back in the old days, he said, everybody had their family cemetery.

The owners of the lot were on scene early Wednesday afternoon, but they didnt make any public comment.

Neighbors, though, said that both they and the owners had one more message about what had been the final resting place of at least three people.

Whoever they are, said Miesegaes, the next-door neighbor, I hope theyre at peace.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Usually, when one insider buys stock, it might not be a monumental event. But when multiple insiders are buying like they did in the case of Hurco Companies, Inc. (NASDAQ:HURC), that sends out a positive message to the company's shareholders.

While insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing, we do think it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing.

View our latest analysis for Hurco Companies

Hurco Companies Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

The Executive Chairman Michael Doar made the biggest insider purchase in the last 12 months. That single transaction was for US$199k worth of shares at a price of US$21.59 each. That means that even when the share price was higher than US$20.88 (the recent price), an insider wanted to purchase shares. While their view may have changed since the purchase was made, this does at least suggest they have had confidence in the company's future. In our view, the price an insider pays for shares is very important. As a general rule, we feel more positive about a stock if insiders have bought shares at above current prices, because that suggests they viewed the stock as good value, even at a higher price.

Over the last year, we can see that insiders have bought 13.90k shares worth US$298k. On the other hand they divested 2.43k shares, for US$52k. Overall, Hurco Companies insiders were net buyers during 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!

Hurco Companies 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.

Does Hurco Companies Boast High Insider Ownership?

Many investors like to check how much of a company is owned by insiders. We usually like to see fairly high levels of insider ownership. From our data, it seems that Hurco Companies insiders own 7.3% of the company, worth about US$9.4m. Overall, this level of ownership isn't that impressive, but it's certainly better than nothing!

Story continues

So What Do The Hurco Companies Insider Transactions Indicate?

It doesn't really mean much that no insider has traded Hurco Companies shares in the last quarter. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. We'd like to see bigger individual holdings. However, we don't see anything to make us think Hurco Companies insiders are doubting the company. So these insider transactions can help us build a thesis about the stock, but it's also worthwhile knowing the risks facing this company. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 3 warning signs for Hurco Companies (of which 2 make us uncomfortable!) 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.

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 woman found dead near the southbound entrance ramp to Interstate 55 at Stevenson Drive Wednesday afternoon had been missing for several weeks.

Teresa Ann Coleman, 54, of Springfield, was last seen on Feb. 17 according to a flyer shared by Coleman's family on social media.

In a news release issued Thursday, Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon said that preliminary autopsy findings determined Colemans death was a homicide.

Investigators comb over the ground near where a body was found on Exit 94 to I-55 South in Springfield Wednesday, March 13, 2024.

More: Coroner: Female remains found near Springfield highway

Reached by The State Journal-Register Thursday, Allmon said he couldn't divulge how Coleman died.

Springfield Police Deputy Chief Sara Pickford said that ISP is leading the investigation.

Pickford confirmed that SPD took a missing person report on Coleman when the department was contacted by her family.

An Illinois Department of Transportation work crew discovered Coleman's remains early Wednesday afternoon. That is when Illinois State Police were summoned to the site.

The death remains under investigation by the ISP, the Springfield Police Department and the coroner's office.

Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Remains found near Springfield highway identified as missing woman
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  The remains of a U.S. Army Air Force airman from Kalamazoo, who was killed during World War II, have been identified, according to the Department of Defense.

On Wednesday, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the remains as 1st Lt. Richard J. Kasten, 24, of Kalamazoo.

In January 1944, Kasten was assigned to the 68th Bombardment Squadron, 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy). He was a navigator on board a B-24D Liberator when, on Jan. 21, his plane was attacked by German air forces near Ecalles-sur-Buchy, France. The plane crashed near Lignieres-Chatelain, where four of the 11 crewmembers were killed. German troops found the crash site and found three sets of remains. Kastens remains were not reported, and he was listed as Killed in Action by October 1944, the DPAA said in a news release.

In April 2019, DPAA historians and American Battle Monuments Commission officials exhumed remains from the Suresnes American Cemetery and determined they belonged to Kasten, according to the release.

DPAA said scientists used anthropological analysis and mitochondrial DNA to identify Kastens remains.

He will be buried in Battle Creek, but a date has not been set. For family and funeral information, call the Army Casualty Office at 800.892.2490.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Prosecutors in Donald Trumps New York hush-money case signaled that they would be open to a 30-day adjournment, hinting at a possible postponement just 11 days before his first criminal trial was set to begin.

On Thursday, the Manhattan District Attorneys office cited an enormous caseload for its reasoning, including more than 100,000 pages worth of documents issued by the U.S. Attorneys office, 31,000 of which were released the day before, with another truckload expected sometime next week.

Based on our initial review of yesterdays production, those records appear to contain materials related to the subject matter of this case, including materials that the People requested from the USAO more than a year ago and that the USAO previously declined to provide, wrote Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg in a three-page notice.

Nonetheless, and although the People are prepared to proceed to trial on March 25, we do not oppose an adjournment in an abundance of caution and to ensure that defendant has sufficient time to review the new materials, he concluded.

Trumps team, meanwhile, had originally asked for a 90-day delay upon the reception of the initial 73,000 pages on March 4. Ultimately the decision will be up to Judge Juan Manuel Merchan, who has ignored the former presidents previous delay tactics, citing the lack of concrete trial dates for any of Trumps other criminal cases.

It is currently unclear when Merchan might rule.

Trump is accused of using his former fixer Michael Cohen to sweep an affair with porn actress Stormy Daniels under the rug ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Hes facing 34 felony charges in this case for allegedly falsifying business records with the intent to further an underlying crime. Trump has pleaded not guilty on all counts.

Cohen, who is anticipated to be a star witness in this trial, has no doubts that the former president will be found guilty in this case.

I can tell you from everything I know about it, hes going to be found guilty, Cohen, the former Trump lawyer, said during The New Republics Stop Trump Summit in October.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  As an advocate for survivors of sexual abuse, Priscilla Bordayo is always looking for ways she can help with the healing process. Working with multiple organizations, Bordayo has played a hand in legislative change.

Bordayo leads a non-profit called Remarkable. So finding out she is one of the 6 News Remarkable Women for 2024 instantly made her think of those she helps. Mentoring and discipleship is really, really important to me, Bordayo told 6 News. So I was just excited for the opportunities for the non-profit, but also just excited because it felt like all the hard work is paying off.

Remarkable Women: Priscilla Bordayo. (WLNS)

Bordayos non-profit through Rivers of Life Church focuses on helping young adults with their identity, purpose and character. And it uses the word remarkable as a reminder. The re is we all get a re-do, Bordayo said. The mark is were all marked with a purpose and then the able is I believe were all able to reach that mark, we just cant do it alone.

Bordayo is also the worship and events director at the church. But that is just the tip of the iceberg for what she does for the community.

During her time with Ending Violent Encounters, she stood by rape victims as they got their rape tests done. Many times she wasnt getting paid but she was doing it out of passion.

A survivor herself  Bordayo says her goal is to help victims of sexual crimes get out of a negative mindset. Im a victim of being abused by my father, Bordayo said. My story is one of the power of forgiveness, the power of restoration and being able to reach your full potential no matter what has happened to you.

As she heals her generational trauma she is working to help others and her work continues as statewide manager for the group Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice. I just really really believe that we have to help others get out of the victim mindset in order to reach their full potential, Bordayo told 6 News. Thats a very difficult thing to do, its to get unstuck. And so thats like my life mission

In her time shes been able to make an impact on legislation such as the Clean Slate Bill and The Safer Michigan Act. We dont want legislators creating laws without including our voices. We were able to change the time limits on when people can report and how much money they can have access to  and making sure people are educated that it even exists.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recognized Bordayos work, honoring her with a 2020-2021 service award.

Remarkable Women: Priscilla Bordayo (right) with MI Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (left). (Photo: Priscilla Bordayo)

Bordayo also uses her motto Hurt people hurt people, but healed people heal people as a way to look at life. I think that any person thats willing to try and to heal is remarkable, Bordayo said.

She adds that using social media to share her story has helped connect her with those who have gone through similar things. Along with all of her advocacy, she finds time to be on the YMCA board. And with 3 years into Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice she says she looks forward to continuing to make change.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
Rep. Marc Molinaro announced Wednesday that he was cosponsoring a bill protecting access to in vitro fertilization (IVF), becoming the first Republican to do so.

Molinaro, a vulnerable Republican seeking re-election, said in a statement that he is "a parent who has personal experience with IVF" and expressed support for "all women and families who choose IVF to bring life in to the world."

"Protecting it is just commonsense," he added.

The bill, called the Access to Family Building Act, is sponsored by Rep. Susan Wild, D-Pa. It was introduced in the House in January, before the Alabama Supreme Court's controversial February decision which ruled that fertilized embryos are people and threw the legality of IVF in the state into question.

The bill would "prohibit the limitation of access to assisted reproductive technology, and all medical care surrounding such technology."

Another Republican, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida, had previously been reported to have supported the bill, but said that she was "added to the bill without confirmation" and that there "are amendments that would need to take place" for her to support it.

Also in January, Sens. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., introduced a similar resolution in the upper chamber using unanimous consent, meaning that any one member could stop it from passing. The bill was blocked by Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., who called it "a vast overreach that is full of poison pills."

Molinaro has previously spoken out against Republican efforts on reproductive rights, opposing language in an appropriations bill that would have limited access to the abortion pill mifepristone.

Molinaro faces a tough re-election race this fall in his upstate New York district, which backed President Joe Biden in 2020 under its current congressional lines. He first won election to his current seat in 2022 by a margin of fewer than 5,000 votes.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The Republican National Committee sued Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, on Wednesday in an attempt to force election officials to trim down the states voter rolls.

The lawsuit, which was filed in federal court, argues that Michigan is violating the National Voter Registration Acts requirement to maintain clean and accurate vote registration rolls.

The move comes just days after Trump allies effectively took over the RNC's leadership ahead of the 2024 election.

At least 53 Michigan counties have more active registered voters than they have adult citizens who are over the age of 18. That number of voters is impossibly high, the lawsuit said. An additional 23 counties have active-voter registration rates that exceed 90 percent of adult citizens over the age of 18. That figure far eclipses the national and statewide voter registration rate in recent elections.

Americas voter roll system is built for registration, not removal. The rolls often include outdated registration as most voters do not remove themselves from the system when they move.

And while federal law requires officials take steps to keep the rolls up-to-date, it also protects voters from overzealous purges by requiring that officials wait years to remove a voter who has simply stopped casting a ballot.

Still, theres no evidence that bloated voter rolls lead to voter fraud, even as Republicans increasingly seize on the rolls as a focus of their election activism.

Benson told NBC News in a statement that election officials in the state have "done more in the last five years than was done in the previous two decades to remove deceased voters and ineligible citizens from our voting rolls and ensure their accuracy."

She said more than 700,000 voters have have been removed from the voter rolls since she took office, while another half million will be removed if they do not vote in this year's general election.

"Lets call this what it is: a PR campaign masquerading as a meritless lawsuit filled with baseless accusations that seek to diminish peoples faith in the security of our elections. Shame on anyone who abuses the legal process to sow seeds of doubt in our democracy," Benson added.

Since the 2020 election, some Republican activists have taken to personally challenging the eligibility of thousands of voters and developing a computer program they believe will help them find fraud.

In recent years, conservative activists also seized on a prominent voter roll maintenance program known as ERIC (the Electronic Registration Information Center), a bipartisan, interstate partnership that helps states share data to keep their voter rolls up-to-date. After conspiracy theories about ERIC flourished, nine GOP-lead states left the program, taking their data with them and weakening the coalition's efficacy.

The RNC suit in Michigan, a key battleground state, suggests voter rolls may become a more central part of the GOP's election law strategy.

The filing occurred the same day NBC News reported that two election lawyers, Charlie Spies and Christina Bobb, were joining the RNC.

Bobb has been a prominent advocate of the GOP's baseless claims that the 2020 election was stolen. She will serve as senior counsel for election integrity, while Spies, a longtime lawyer for the GOP, serves as general counsel.

Speaking to conservative activists in 2021, Spies disputed election conspiracy theories and pushed supporters to adopt election changes that would make the system more palatable to Republicans.

The deal is early voting is not going away, he said. Weve got to take advantage of that, and telling people not to vote early is cutting your nose off to spite your face. It doesnt work.

He continued: We change the system, make us super confident in it, he said. Then encourage people to vote using the laws that we have.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The Democratic scheme is intended to ease the re-election of Sherrod Brown, pictured.

The Democratic scheme is intended to ease the re-election of Sherrod Brown, pictured. Photograph: Andrew Harnik/AP

Democrats working to boost a Trump-endorsed Republican candidate for the US Senate in Ohio, as a way to boost their own progressive senator, should be careful, an aide to the Republican said, lest such efforts backfire and they lose a precious seat.

Related: Pennsylvania creates election security taskforce ahead of 2024 contest

Such tactics have been used by Democrats before  when they support a more extreme Republican to be nominated out of a calculation that that candidate will then stand less chance of winning against a Democrat in a general election. Of course, such tactics could backfire and see extremists elected.

Democrats constantly underestimate the America First movement at their own peril, Reagan McCarthy, communications director to Bernie Moreno, told news outlets.

They thought President Trump would be easy to beat in 2016 and then they got their clocks cleaned when he demolished Hillary Clinton. The same thing is going to happen to Sherrod Brown this year.

Democrats control the US Senate by 51 seats to 49. Republicans have high hopes of retaking the chamber, with Ohio on their list of targets.

Brown, 71, is a major presence on the Democratic left, first elected to the Senate in 2006 when he beat Mike DeWine.

DeWine is now the Republican governor of a former battleground state that has trended right. In the last Senate election, the bestselling author JD Vance, a self-described conservative knuckle-dragger, took the other seat.

This years Republican Senate primary sees Moreno, a businessman also endorsed by Vance, facing Matt Dolan, a state senator backed by DeWine, and Frank LaRose, the secretary of state. Polling indicates a close race with Dolan leading. Election day is next Tuesday.

On Thursday, multiple outlets reported that Duty and Country, a group linked to the Democratic Senate Majority political action committee, was spending about $2.7m on an ad to run across the state, meant to boost Moreno among Republicans by calling him ultraconservative, too conservative for Ohio and too aligned with Trump.

Donald Trump needs Bernie Moreno, said the ad, titled Maga Fighter, in reference to Trumps endorsement.

Ohio doesnt.

The aim is to give Brown a better chance in the general election, against a candidate Democrats can portray as too extreme, linked to attacks on reproductive rights and democracy itself, key themes for Democratic campaigns from Joe Biden down.

Hannah Menchhoff, a spokesperson for the Senate Majority Pac, said: When Ohio voters head to their polling place, they deserve to know the truth about Bernie Moreno  and the truth is that Moreno is a Maga extremist who embraced Donald Trump just like he embraced his policies to ban abortion nationwide and repeal the Affordable Care Act.

A similar Democratic effort recently succeeded in California. In an open primary for a US Senate seat, the former US House intelligence chair Adam Schiff successfully boosted the Republican Steve Garvey past other Democrats, making for what should be an easy victory in November.

Democrats in Pennsylvania  much more of a battleground than deep-blue California  have also enjoyed success with such tactics. In 2022, they played up the conservative credentials of Doug Mastriano, a Trump-endorsed candidate for governor with far-right links and views. The Democrat, Josh Shapiro, won the election with ease.

Reed Galen, a Republican operative turned co-founder of the Lincoln Project, an anti-Trump group, said that such tactics were relatively common but not always sound.

The risk of course is that you lose to the Trumpier guy. But its hardball  something Democrats arent typically known for, he said.

Galen also pointed to Browns strength even when targeted by national Republicans, saying the senator had a better than average chance of re-election.

According to polling released on Wednesday by Emerson College Polling and the Hill, Brown is indeed well placed to retain his seat. In hypothetical match-ups, the Democrat led LaRose 39% to 33%, Moreno 39% to 34% and Dolan 37% to 34%.

Hes an institution, Galen said of Brown.
The constitutionally enshrined freedom of expression apparently doesn't extend to transgender space camp employees in Alabama.

That's the resounding message, per The Birmingham News, as Republican elected officials and reactionary influencers alike melt down over one parent's claim that a trans person is working at Huntsville, Alabama's US Space and Rocket Center, which is associated with NASA's Marshall Spaceflight Center.

In an interview with the paper, the father of an 11-year-old girl said that he'd heard secondhand that another child called her parents after saying that a "guy" was in the student dorms at the educational facility. It appears, per agenda-driven sources that doxxed this person's identity, that the person being referenced is a trans woman who was assigned male at birth  and the child in the secondhand tale apparently felt "uncomfortable" in her presence.

As is the case in right-wing outrage cycles, politicians and social media pundits  including those who don't live in the state of Alabama, such as the virulently transphobic LibsofTikTok influencer Chaya Raichik  have glommed onto the story, accusing the trans employee of "grooming" or otherwise harming children simply by being in their presence.

Needless to say, these are baseless and morally bankrupt claims designed to make trans people feel unwelcome and even unsafe in public spaces  though in this case, it doesn't seem that the person it's targeting has been fired or had to resign as of yet.

While Raichik did include the person's name and photo, which we will not share out of an interest in protecting her identity, officials in Alabama were more vague when referencing the manufactured debacle.

Senator Tommy Tuberville, who has also expressed transphobic sentiments regarding the "trans athletes" strawman argument, initially put out a statement on X-formerly-Twitter that didn't reference trans people specifically. Instead, he said that he wants to make sure that the space camp "remains a safe space for children and young people" that is "untarnished by the progressive agenda of today."

He later doubled down on his claim in spectacularly ignorant fashion, telling the conservative 1819 News website that "theres no reason to have a transgender in charge of boys and girls at a space camp in Huntsville, Alabama."

In its own statement to the Birmingham News, the Space and Rocket Center outlined the many precautions it takes to keep the children in its care safe without ever mentioning transgender people  understandable, considering the fact that they are transgender has nothing to do with the safety of other children.

"As a condition of employment, camp staff undergo nationwide criminal background checks including court records, Department of Corrections data, state sex offender registries from across the country, and multi-panel drug tests," the center told the Birmingham News. "Additionally, staff sleep in separate rooms from students and use separate bathroom facilities. We also provide 24-hour onsite security including round-the-clock video surveillance, regular foot and vehicle patrols, and controlled campus and building access."

"We are an apolitical organization with no social agenda," it continued, in what perhaps is a rebuttal to claims like those made by the senator. "Our singular mission is to inspire and educate."

Despite the assurances, Tuberville's fellow Alabama elected official, representative Dale Strong, is calling on the center to fire its employee and open an investigation into any "potential harm or damages" she may have inflicted upon children.

Strong's colleague, representative Robert Aderholt, said in his own X post that he'd called the space camp to "express [his concerns] directly." In another tweet, fellow Congress member Gary Palmer called the "situation" at the space camp "unacceptable."

As trans advocates and their allies have long explained, this kind of coordinated anti-trans backlash is not actually geared toward children's safety. Instead, its proponents are using children as a shield for outright hatred  which is, to any fair-minded person, far more disgusting than a trans person working with children.

More on right-wing freakouts: Elon Musk Deletes Tweet Saying Ex-Wives Responsible for Collapse of Civilization
By Joseph White

DETROIT (Reuters) - HomeTown Services, a heating and cooling repair company in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is getting ready to install driver monitoring cameras in some of its trucks, and already uses streamed data to remind drivers not to sit too long in idle vehicles, wasting gasoline.

"People will sit in a vehicle for an hour or two," said Del Underwood, vice president for purchasing and fleets for the company. Now, technicians get a text message instructing them to either turn off their trucks or move to the next assignment.

That may annoy some employees, but it is good news for Ford Motor Co's commercial vehicle unit, Ford Pro, which has placed a big bet on software-related services. Ford Pro hopes selling connected-vehicle services such as driver monitoring systems to small and medium sized fleet operators will help generate as much as $1.8 billion in annual profit within two years.

Ford CEO Jim Farley has urged investors to think of Ford Pro's bundle of software and vehicle sales, not Tesla, as the "future of the automotive industry."

Companies including Geotab and units of Verizon dominate the market for telematics services provided to large vehicle fleets, said Mike Ramsey, vice president at technology consultancy Gartner.

But Ford "can get all the guys buying Ford Transits for their plumbing business," Ramsey said.

Small and medium-sized business fleets in North America and Europe constitute a large enough market that Farley has told investors Ford Pro could earn 20% of its pre-tax profit from selling software and services within two years.

Farley has forecast Ford Pro pre-tax profits at $8 billion to $9 billion this year. He has promised investors Pro can earn fatter margins than its consumer businesses, partly due to services and maintenance business driven by telematics connections to vehicles and data.

In 2023, Ford Pro had 500,000 paid subscriptions for software services. "It's up 46% and the margins are over 50%," Farley told analysts in January. He said 12% of vehicles Ford Pro sells have software subscriptions attached and he wants to triple that.

Story continues

Ford Pro Chief Ted Cannis told investors last May that software subscriptions could bring in $2,000 a vehicle in revenue per year, and by adding on services such as insurance, Ford could boost that revenue per vehicle to $4,000 to $5,000.

Ford uses telematics connections to prompt commercial vehicle owners to get parts replaced before they break. Boosting the rate of service subscriptions by one percentage point can "add about $30 million of incremental EBIT to the business," Ford Pro Chief Financial Officer Navin Kumar said last month.

Ford is also selling data from its vehicles to large fleets that subscribe to rival telematics services.

FORD'S FERRARI

While Farley sees big dollars, investors so far have not boosted Ford's share valuation to anywhere near Tesla's level. The Silicon Valley electric vehicle company is worth more than 10 times Ford's market capitalization.

Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas has called Ford Pro "Ford's 'Ferrari.'" But he also asked "How long can Ford Pro fund losses in the vertically integrated EV strategy?"

In 2023, Ford Pro earned $7.2 billion in pre-tax profits and had a 12.4% pre-tax profit margin. By comparison, Ford's overall pre-tax profit margin was just 5.9%, reflecting the cost of United Auto Workers strikes at key U.S. factories and a $4.7 billion pre-tax loss on electric-vehicle operations.

Ford Pro's above-average profit margins have prompted rivals to counter.

Stellantis last year grouped its commercial vehicle operations under a new name: Stellantis Pro One. Beyond emulating Ford's use of the word "Pro," Stellantis said it aims to generate 5 billion euros annually from sales of connected services.

General Motors last year reorganized its North American commercial vehicle business to sharpen competition with Ford Pro.

Another challenge for Ford Pro will be to make paid subscribers out of customers who currently get software and telematics services for free.

Fize Electrique, an electrical contractor in Quebec, is using Ford Pro software during a one-year free trial to monitor 12 Ford EVs it purchased for battery charge levels. That is crucial because EV batteries lose driving range faster in Quebec's cold winter weather.

"When we got the first E-Transits, I was watching the numbers all the time," said Alain Fiset, who oversees the company's fleet. Data pulled from the vehicles "helped us understand what's the state of the battery."

That in turn convinced Fize to accelerate the move to an all-electric fleet, taking advantage of Quebec's relatively stable power rates.

Ford Pro is experimenting with new ideas for software services, and not all the projects work out, Dave Prusinski, chief revenue officer for Ford Pro's software operations, said in an interview.

In 2021, Ford and business software company Salesforce announced plans to develop a subscription software service called VIIZR that would automate work orders for contractors. But that project has been wound down, Prusinski said.

"Realistically it was not our core," he said. "There were some great solutions on the market. We were seeing traction, we couldnt catch up fast enough."

(Reporting By Joe White, editing by Ben Klayman and David Gregorio)
GOP lawmakers pushed back against Sen. Bernie Sanderss (I-Vt.) new proposal for a 32-hour workweek during a committee hearing Thursday, saying such a mandate would hurt workers and crush small businesses.

The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, which Sanders chairs, met to discuss new technology and increased productivity and focused on the possibility of a standard four-day work week.

In reality, there is no free lunch, Ranking Member Bill Cassidy (R-La.) said of the proposal.

Workers will be the ones who would pay  not get paid extra. The government mandating a 32-hour workweek requiring businesses to increase pay at least an extra 25 percent per hour, would frankly destroy some employers.

Sanders introduced a bill Wednesday that would lower the threshold required for overtime pay from 40 hours to 32 hours over four years, arguing the shortened workweek would increase productivity.

Cassidy said many jobs would be shipped overseas or replaced with automation, or businesses would be incentivized to hire more part-time employees to avoid penalties associated with requirements for full-time workers.

If this policy is implemented, it would threaten millions of small businesses operating on a razor-thin margin because theyre unable to find enough workers, Cassidy said. Now theyve got the same workers, but only for three-quarters of the time, and they have to hire more.

Sanders argued that Americans have become more productive over time due to technological innovations and that workers should benefit from this increase. He cited research saying Americans work more hours than other wealthy nations and that shorter work weeks have been effective in places like France, Norway and Denmark.

The question that we are asking today is a pretty simple question, do we continue the trend that technology only benefits the people on top? Sanders said. Or do we demand that these transformational changes benefit working people? And one of the benefits must be a lower work week.

Liberty Vittert, professor of the practice of data science at Washington University in St. Louis, said while some companies may be able to be more productive during a shorter week, that isnt a possibility for many businesses and industries.

Over 70 percent of the U.S. job economy is people working with their hands, Vittert said. They dont necessarily have extraneous meetings, or too many coffee breaks to cut out. So statistically, you cant apply this type of cutting of hours across the entire economy.

Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) said it could be beneficial for larger companies to voluntarily offer shorter hours to attract workers, but retail and small businesses would suffer.

Im not worried about big corporations, Braun said. They generally are going to land on their feet anyway and I believe they ought to be negotiated with for all the things you might do to improve the position of a worker there. But what about Main Street and small business?

Cassidy also called out Sanders for his own employment practices.

Ill note that the chair has not done that with his staff, Cassidy said of a 32-hour week. Why? Because theres a certain amount of work required for the continuity of the work. Thats just basic.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Republicans say Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) made a serious political misstep with his call for new elections in Israel to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

They wasted no time going after Schumers address, with a number of visibly frustrated GOP senators arguing the 45-minute speech was a major miscalculation.

So now hes meddling in the Knesset elections in Israel? Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) told The Hill about Schumers call, using the name of the Israeli Parliament. I think the voters in that country should decide that. Theres a war Cabinet that has people that are political arch rivals. I dont hear them calling for an election, so how the hell can somebody in the United States call for elections?

Its a misstep because were meddling, and hes trying to have it both ways, Tillis continued, arguing politics was at the core of Schumers address. There is no good foreign policy or other reasons to make that kind of statement.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.)

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) questions Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell during a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing for the Semiannual Monetary Policy Report to the Congress on March 7, 2024. (Greg Nash)

Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in U.S. history, had largely stayed silent on the topic of Israel in recent weeks as Senate Democrats and progressives increasingly became infuriated with the escalating situation in Gaza.

That changed Thursday as he issued his most blistering criticism yet of Netanyahu, saying the Israeli leader had lost his way after a number of political and legal battles. He also argued that the prime minister is in a coalition with far-right extremists and has been too willing to tolerate the civilian toll in Gaza, which is pushing support for Israel worldwide to historic lows.

As a lifelong supporter of Israel, it has become clear to me: The Netanyahu coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel after Oct. 7, Schumer added, referring to Hamass attack. The world has changed  radically  since then, and the Israeli people are being stifled right now by a governing vision that is stuck in the past.

His remarks lit a fuse with a number of top Senate Republicans.

Almost immediately after Schumer concluded, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) panned his call for new elections and fresh critique of Netanyahu.

It is grotesque and hypocritical for Americans who hyperventilate about interference in our own democracy to call for the removal of a democratically elected leader of Israel, McConnell said, calling Schumers remarks unprecedented.

We should not treat fellow democracies this way at all, he continued. Only Israels citizens should have a say in who runs their government. This is the very definition of democracy and sovereignty. Either we respect their decisions or we disrespect their democracy.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.)

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is seen leaving the Capitol after voting Thursday. (Allison Robbert)

Netanyahu was slated to address the Senate GOP during its annual retreat Wednesday via video, but he had to cancel at the last minute.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and House Republican leaders, meanwhile, quickly called a press conference at the annual GOP retreat in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., to slam the Democratic leaders call as inappropriate and wrong.

We need to be standing with Israel. We need to give our friends and allies our full support, Johnson said.

Top political leaders in Israel also argued that Schumer erred Thursday.

Benny Gantz, a leading rival of Netanyahu who serves in his wartime Cabinet, labeled Schumers call a mistake. Gantz is a leading contender to replace Netanyahu and met with Schumer in Washington only last week.

Other Senate Republicans ratcheted up their criticism even further. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) called Schumers push for a new election disgusting.

Whether you like [Netanyahu] or not, hes been an effective leader. Hes in the middle of a war and youre trying to get him ousted, Scott said. How are you helping Israel and the people of Israel?

Schumer responded to the backlash with a post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

The U.S. cannot dictate the outcome of an election. That is for the Israeli public to decide, he wrote. As a democracy, Israel has the right to choose its own leaders. But the important thing is that Israelis are given a choice. There needs to be a fresh debate about the future.

The situation in Gaza has created a headache for Schumer, forcing him to straddle the fence between backing Israels right to defend itself after Hamass attack on Oct. 7 and the dissatisfaction within his Democratic conference with Netanyahus handling of the war.

Top Stories from The Hill

About 1,200 people were killed and 250 abducted when Hamas militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7. Gazas Health Ministry, which doesnt differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count, has said that more than 31,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began Oct. 7. The United Nations also says approximately a quarter of Gazas population is now starving.

Senate Democrats said they were pleased with Schumers remarks while noting he has been dealt a difficult hand on the topic.

I thought his speech did meet this moment, Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) said. You could clearly recognize this was an emotional speech, that this was a difficult speech, but that he felt it was a necessary speech.  It was a moment where obviously Sen. Schumer felt enough was enough.

That dissatisfaction within the conference has also been rising lately. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and seven Senate Democrats penned a letter earlier this week calling on President Biden to halt giving weapons to Israel for the war until Israel nixes restrictions on U.S.-backed humanitarian aid going into Gaza.

Sanders and others have also called for future aid to Israel to be conditioned on whether the country is violating human rights and international accords.

Hes right, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) said about Schumers call for new elections. The Netanyahu government has created a humanitarian crisis in Gaza that is bleeding support for Israel all around the world.

Schumer also cited four key obstacles to the goal of establishing a two-state solution: Hamas and Palestinians who support and tolerate their efforts; radical right-wing Israelis; Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas; and Netanyahu.

But it was his call for new elections that have reverberated and angered the GOP intensely. Tillis at one point wondered what it would have been like if the Knesset had called for new elections in the U.S. months after the 9/11 attack.

How would we have reacted to that? Tillis said. Come on, Chuck.

Alexander Bolton contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
In this image from video provided by Senate TV, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks on the Senate floor at the Capitol in Washington, March 14, 2024. Schumer is calling on Israel to hold new elections. Schumer says he believes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has "lost his way" amid the Israeli bombardment of Gaza and a growing humanitarian crisis there. Schumer is the first Jewish majority leader in the Senate and the highest-ranking Jewish official in the U.S.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Thursday that Israel should hold elections while claiming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lost his way.

In a 40-minute speech on the Senate floor, Schumer, the highest-ranking elected Jewish official, called for the revival of a two-state solution. He pointed to Netanyahu as one of the four obstacles to this solution.

According to Schumer, the other obstacles to a two-state solution are Hamas, and the Palestinians who support and tolerate their evil ways, radical right-wing Israelis in government and society, (and) Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Schumer saved some of his most pointed criticism for Netanyahu. As a lifelong supporter of Israel, it has become clear to me: The Netanyahu coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel after October 7. The world has changed, radically, since then, and the Israeli people are being stifled right now by a governing vision that is stuck in the past, said Schumer.

Five months into this conflict, it is clear that Israelis need to take stock of the situation and ask: must we change course?

The Senate majority leader said he believes a new election is the only way for a healthy and open decision-making process about the future of Israel, at a time when so many Israelis have lost their confidence in the vision and direction of their government.

In his reasoning to stand against Netanyahu, Schumer said the Israeli leader gives into the demands of extremists, and is too willing to tolerate the civilian toll on Gaza.

He added that Netanyahu has not shown an interest in carving out a path for peace, even before the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7.

In January, Netanyahu rejected calls for a two-state solution, following his conversations with President Joe Biden.

I will not compromise on full Israeli security control over all the territory west of Jordan  and this is contrary to a Palestinian state, Netanyahu said in a social media post.

The White House distanced itself from Schumers remarks. We know Leader Schumer feels strongly about this, said John Kirby, the National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications at a press conference Thursday, adding theyll let him speak to his comments.

Were going to stay focused on making sure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself, Kirby said, as reported by Real Clear Politics Philip Melanchthon Wegmann.

But Republicans took a firm stance against Schumers statements while defending Israels autonomy.

As CNN reported, Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., in his remarks on the Senate floor said, Israel is not a colony of America whose leaders serve at the pleasure of the party in power in Washington. Only Israels citizens should have a say in who runs their government.

It is grotesque and hypocritical for Americans who hyperventilate about foreign interference in our own democracy to call for the removal of a democratically elected leader of Israel, McConnell said. This is unprecedented. We should not treat fellow democracies this way at all.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La, told reporters Thursday that Schumers remarks were not only highly inappropriate, but plain wrong for an American leader to play such a decisive role in Israeli politics while our closest ally in the region is (in) an existential battle for its very survival, according to the Washington Examiner.

We need to be standing with Israel, and we need to give our friends and allies our full support. We have to stand with and support them right now, Johnson said at a press conference during the House Republicans annual retreat at The Greenbrier in West Virginia. But what youre seeing from the White House and clearly from the Senate Democrats is really exactly the opposite. They seem to be standing with and supporting Iran and its proxies instead.

Ari Fleischer, the former White House press secretary under the Bush administration, in a post on X said Schumers remarks were one of the most disgusting speeches ever given in the Senate.

Fleischer said, Senators dont get to pick who foreign democracies elect. This is election interference. He also stated the Senate majority leader doesnt understand how Israel is united to destroy Hamas, adding, Its bigger than Bibi.

American survivors, family members of Oct. 7 victims sue UNRWA

Schumers remarks come as survivors and family members of those who died in the Oct. 7 attacks sue the U.S. nonprofit that raised funds for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

The lawsuit, filed earlier this month, claims the Hamas attacks were financed and aided by the UNRWA and its U.S. National Committee, according to Fox News.

In January, lawmakers, including Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, pointed to official dossiers that alleged UNRWA employees were involved in the Oct. 7 attacks, which led the U.S. to suspend sending money to the agency, starting March 1.

But Mark Goldfeder, the attorney for the plaintiffs, told Fox News stopping funding for UNRWA was way too little, way too late.

They funded it up until the point, even after the reports came out of UNRWA staff literally participating in the massacre, Goldfeder said Wednesday. Even after the United States suspended its own UNRWA donations, even after all of that, they continued fundraising, and they continued sending money.
EAST LAKE, Ohio  The Republican Senate primary in Ohio has turned nasty, negative and chaotic. Again.

The race to face Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown is a three-way contest between state Sen. Matt Dolan, business executive Bernie Moreno and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose. And the relative peace that held for months of campaigning has been shattered by what has become an all-out brawl in the final leg of the race.

Moreno compared Dolan to anti-Trump Republicans Liz Cheney and Mitt Romney, and said LaRose will lie through his teeth to get political power. Dolan called Moreno a phony and he concluded that LaRoses mishandling of a constitutional amendment on abortion rights dismisses him from the race. LaRose said Moreno is very liberal and is part of the corporate elite and that Dolan is an anti-gun guy with a very shoddy abortion record.

In a sign of the last minute chaos, a long discussed story about an Adult Friend Finder account linked to Moreno published on Thursday by the Associated Press after bubbling on social media and behind the scenes for weeks. The episode raises the prospect of even more personal attacks over the final days.

Despite the GOPs best efforts to avoid it, for the second straight election cycle the Buckeye State is home to a bruising intraparty fight, one that Republicans worry could produce lasting damage to the eventual nominee and threaten their chances of flipping the seat  and the Senate. The stakes are even higher than 2022, because theres an incumbent this time; the winner will have to take on the battle-tested Brown.

Its pretty ugly. Unfortunately, we're at a phase where theres a lot of negative advertising. I think, obviously, that will eventually harm the nominee, said Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio). The more negative dollars you spend attacking each other, the more it makes it harder. Weve certainly learned that the hard way.

In the 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race, Mehmet Oz never fully consolidated support after narrowly beating Dave McCormick in the primary. The GOP lost that race to Democrat John Fetterman. Vance himself emerged bruised from a brutal 2022 primary and entered the general election with a divided Ohio Republican Party as well as an uphill financial battle, though he ended up winning by 6 points.

This election cycle, Senate Republicans moved to quickly shut down ugly primaries and coalesce support behind their preferred candidates. It worked in other places, but not Ohio. The National Republican Senatorial Committee and its chair, Steve Daines (R-Mont.), urged each of the three campaigns to refrain from going negative until they felt it was absolutely necessary, according to a person familiar with their strategy. Party strategists were pleased the candidates honored that request for much of the contest.

But now, the bloodbath has arrived. Republicans are watching anxiously.

Whoever comes out is still gonna have to turn around and run against one of the better campaigners Ohio's ever seen in Sherrod Brown, said Rep. David Joyce (R-Ohio). His advice: Get their message out to the people on what they're going to do on behalf of Ohio, and not necessarily why the other guy's a bad guy."

The Senate is closely divided, and Republicans need to pick up just one seat beyond the lay-up open race in West Virginia to win the majority. The GOPs focus is trained on Brown and Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.). Brown has handily dispatched all three of his past Senate opponents, even as the state has grown redder and Trumpier.

Both Dolan and Moreno are personally wealthy, and Moreno has the backing of former President Donald Trump and many conservative senators, including Vance. Dolan has the endorsement of the states governor, Mike DeWine, and former Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio). Polling suggests the race is a toss up, and in recent weeks the candidates and their allies have begun unloading months and months of tension.

As the primary enters its most brutal phase, the frustration is palpable.

"They can't run on a record. They have to run on nastiness and made-up lies," Moreno said in an interview with POLITICO during the Lake County GOP's Lincoln Day Dinner, where the candidates sat at adjacent tables near the front of the room. "It's sad to see Republicans repeating left-wing talking points."

Minutes later, Moreno took the stage to address hundreds of Republican attendees and attacked Dolan for his endorsements from "RINOs" like Portman and DeWine. (LaRose and Dolan largely trained their harsh words on Brown and Biden in this particular forum.)

At times, its hard to keep track of the attacks, which have Republicans back in D.C. wincing.

Its a classic trap. And quite honestly, I dont think that dirtiness helps that much, said Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). Its a lot more potential higher cost in a general for not much benefit in the primary.

Tillis added that Brown, whom he called a friend, is a very formidable opponent.

Democrats have celebrated the late outbreak of fighting, believing that it will damage the eventual nominee. And a Democratic super PAC aligned with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer made its preferred pick clear on Thursday when it aired a TV ad meant to boost Moreno over Dolan and LaRose.

We expect whoever comes out of that primary will likely be the most extreme and likely be damaged, said Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), chair of the partys Senate campaign arm.

The airwaves are swamped with negative disses. Ads knock Dolan as unfit to serve in the Senate because he publicly attacked Trump calling him a liar and warn that in Columbus he pushed through tax breaks that benefited businesses like his. LaRose, ads warn, was called a champion for trans equality who supports taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood and changed Ohios ballot language to tamper with the election results.

Moreno is dubbed a closet Democrat who was sued for stealing his employees pay, opposes the Second Amendment, supports Hillary Cinton and has the same dangerous views as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and like-minded House Democrats.

They say nasty names about each other, they call each other liberals and Democrats, Brown said. Calling somebody Hillarys friend is about the lowest thing you can get in that primary.

Brown, meanwhile, has been on air for more than a month airing positive spots touting his work to boost Ohio steel, protect pensions and help veterans get health care. He had $13.5 million banked by the end of February, according to his campaign finance reports. Thats several times what any of his GOP opponents had on hand  though two of them can loan their campaigns large sums if needed.

And the attacks clearly rattle their various targets. LaRose devoted some of his speech to the Lake County GOP to stressing that he does not support gender-transition surgeries for minor children.

I don't think that the attacks that have been lodged against me are things that Ohioans believe, ridiculous things like that I'm for the radical trans agenda, he said in an interview after his speech.

While theres broad concern from Republicans on the tenor of the closing days of the race, some see tough primaries as good training for the general election.

Politics is not for sissies, said Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), who is running for GOP leader and hasnt endorsed any Ohio candidates. It just makes them tougher in the general, whoever survives.

Plus, some note, the internecine mudslinging is not as prolonged as it was in 2022. During that bout, Josh Mandel and Mike Gibbons nearly got in a physical fight, Jane Timken made an insult about male inadequacies" and Trump briefly forgot Vances first name  just to name a few bizarre moments.

That primary led Senate Leadership Fund, a top GOP super PAC, to spend $32 million to boost Vance against Democrat Tim Ryan, in part because Ryans fundraising dwarfed Vances considerably after that messy affair. Republicans won  but theyd prefer not to have to put the state GOPs fractured coalition back together again.

Modern politics is this way," said Ohio GOP Chair Alex Triantafilou. "And you know, frankly, the one two years ago was worse."
Brooklyn residents rate street named among coolest in the world: A-minus

PARK SLOPE, Brooklyn (PIX11)  Time Out magazine recently unveiled its annual list of the coolest streets in the world right now, evaluating factors like food variety, nightlife, cultural offerings, and community vibes.

Ranking at No. 13: Park Slopes Fifth Avenue holds its own. But what do the residents who call it home think? Walking down Fifth Avenue, youll encounter a delightful mix of old and new.

There werent many restaurants here when I was younger, long-time resident Nannette Simmons reminisced.

Brooklyn is home to one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world

The avenue boasts a diverse culinary scene. From classic Italian staples at Joes Pizza to innovative culinary creations that blend Jamaican and American flavors, theres something for every palate.

Maggie Weber, Director of Education at the Old Stone House, illuminates the areas historical significance.

Paths evolved into roads as the city grew, she explained, highlighting the avenues rich past.

But how cool is Fifth Avenue, according to the people who experience it daily? Residents we spoke with offered their verdicts:

Resident 1: An A-minus. Its got a great vibe, but theres always room for improvement.

Resident 2: An A! It offers a little bit of everything.

Resident 3: B+. Theres a good mix of things to do, but it can get crowded sometimes.

Resident 4: B. Its a nice local spot, but not quite on par with some other trendy areas.

Resident 5: Definitely an A! Great food, strong community feel, whats not to love?

Kind of shocking: Ridgewood ranks 4th on list of worlds coolest neighborhoods

While opinions vary slightly, the overall sentiment leans towards a positive evaluation.

Fifth Avenues eclectic mix of restaurants, from familiar favorites to exciting new additions, coupled with a strong sense of community, secures its place as a cool and happening spot in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD)  A new restaurant is bringing its unique take on chicken to Baton Rouge.

Co-owner, Moe Badawi said Chicken Wagon Nashville Hot Chicken, 1955 Staring Lane, is estimated to open around the middle of March.

While construction is ongoing, Badawi said when they open, customers will be able to get Coke products, Hot chicken, crinkle fries, loaded mac and cheese, chicken tenders and chicken wings.

He said the recipe for the Nashville-style hot chicken is their home recipe. We have traveled around the country comparing recipes and been in the restaurant business since 1990, said Badawi.

The restaurant will serve chicken ranging from non-seasoned to extra spicy that will make your eyes water, said Badawi.

Asian restaurant in Baton Rouge gets new look with patio and garden after renovations

He said this is the first Chicken Wagon Nashville Hot Chicken location and they will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Customers will be able to take out, use the drive-thru or eat in said Badawi.

The restaurant interior highlights one-of-a-kind artwork. Anime or cartoons will cover the restaurant. Badawi said he went to Dubai, Jordan and Australia for over 60 days to work with artists to create the art.

He said that when customers walk in, it will be like walking into a museum or art gallery.

The drive-thru for Chicken Wagon Nashville Hot Chicken, 1955 Staring Lane. Photo courtesy of Michael Scheidt)

A closeup of sign for Chicken Wagon Nashville Hot Chicken, 1955 Staring Lane from the parking lot. (Photo courtesy of Michael Scheidt)

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Then-Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin speaks with reporters at the White House on July 23, 2020. (Associated Press)

As Congress weighs a bill that would lead to a nationwide ban of the popular video app TikTok, former Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said Thursday he is assembling an investor group that will try to purchase the China-based company.

This should be owned by U.S. businesses, Mnuchin said in a television interview Thursday morning. Theres no way that the Chinese would ever let a U.S. company own something like this in China.

Mnuchin, a Los Angeles resident who has worked as an investment banker and Hollywood film producer, said he had spoken to a bunch of people about forming a group to buy the app that is used by roughly 150 million Americans.

It would be a combination of investors, so there would be no one investor that controls this, he told CNBCs Squawk Box. The issue is all about the technology. This needs to be controlled by U.S. businesses.

The Chinese government has previously said it would oppose any sale of TikTok.

In 2020, leaders in Beijing tightened export control rules to necessitate government approval for any sale of TikTok to a U.S. owner.

With concern growing among U.S. leaders about TikToks effect on national security  and influence on millions of young people  the U.S. House passed a bipartisan bill Wednesday that would lead to a nationwide ban if owner ByteDance Ltd. does not sell its stake. President Biden has pledged to sign the bill, which passed in the House by a vote of 352-65 with 50 Democrats and 15 Republicans casting a vote against.

Read more: Congress is threatening to ban TikTok. Here's what you should know

But its fate is uncertain in the Senate after former President Trump came out this week against a TikTok ban, even though he worked during his presidency to block the app.

In a rambling interview on CNBC, Trump said that he continued to believe TikTok posed a threat to national security. But banning it, he said, would upset young people. According to Pew, 63% of 13- to 17-year-olds use TikTok.

Story continues

Frankly, there are a lot of people on TikTok that love it, Trump said. There are a lot of young kids on TikTok who will go crazy without it.

Trump also expressed concern that any move to block TikTok would benefit Facebook, a platform that in 2021 kicked Trump off its platform for his role in the Jan. 6. storming of the U.S. Capitol.

The thing I dont like is that without TikTok, you can make Facebook bigger," Trump said. "And I consider Facebook to be an enemy of the people, along with a lot of the media.

Mnuchin, a Republican who served as Treasury secretary under Trump and tried to force a TikTok ban in 2020, said he supported the bill passed by the House.

I think the legislation should pass, and I think it should be sold," he said.

Lawmakers who support the bill have argued TikTok poses a national security threat because the Chinese government could force the company's owner to hand over data that would compromise U.S. users of the app.

Even if the Senate passes legislation, ByteDance will likely challenge it in court on free speech grounds. Last year, a federal judge blocked Montana's attempt to ban the app, arguing that the ban deprives TikTok users of communicating by their preferred means of speech.

Supporters of a ban say the bill does not violate the 1st Amendment because it targets ByteDance's conduct, not the app's content.

TikToks own conduct makes clear that it is beholden to the [Chinese Communist Party] and presents an unacceptable threat to U.S. national security," Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr said earlier this month in a statement.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Russian servicemen at an improvised polling station during early voting in the presidential elections in the Russian-controlled Donetsk region - Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP

Russian volunteers fighting for Ukraine took prisoners and advanced deep into Russian territory as their cross-border raid intensified on Thursday.

The anti-Kremlin militants behind the joint operation were battling against Moscows forces several dozen kilometres inside the country after launching a surprise strike from Ukraine, a commander said.

The Russian Volunteer Corps chief, known by his codename Fortuna, said: There are directions where divisions have advanced several kilometres, others have advanced several dozen kilometres.

We have prisoners, I can not say the number yet as hostilities are still ongoing, he added.

It was the third day of fighting since the operation was launched by the Freedom of Russia Legion alongside the Siberian Battalion and the Russian Volunteer Corps.

All three groups are made up of Russian citizens but are under the control of the Ukrainian military.

On Thursday, the groups urged Russian soldiers to surrender and urged civilians to evacuate the Russian frontier regions of Belgorod and Kursk.

The Kyiv loyalists repeatedly warned of large-scale attacks against Moscows military presence in the area as the cross-border scuffles escalated.

Earlier this week, the Russian rebels used tanks and armoured vehicles to punch across the border in separate directions.

The Freedom of Russia Legion claimed to have occupied a small frontier village, Tyotkino, in the Kurk region in the initial attack.

On Thursday, unverified battlefield footage appeared to show Russian soldiers waving white flags to surrender to the pro-Kyiv forces in Spodariushino, almost 100 miles to the southeast in the Belgorod region.

Before the video was circulated online, the Russian rebel groups had urged their countrymen fighting in Vladimir Putins forces to surrender.

It is enough to simply surrender to representatives of the Russian liberation forces, notifying them that you are surrendering because of I want to live, the Russian Volunteer Corps and Freedom of Russia Legion wrote in a joint statement.

As shelling on Belgorod intensified, Denis Nikitin, leader of the Russian Volunteer Corps, urged civilians to also escape the fighting.

Immediately leave Kursk and Belgorod regions, all major population centres, he said in a video shared on the Telegram messaging app.

We will open fire on military targets in this area within 1.5 hours of this announcement.

Damaged cars and a store at the scene of fresh aerial attacks on Belgorod - AFP

Soon after the rebel groups began sharing battlefield footage of burning buildings.

The Russian Volunteer Corps released footage that it claimed to be of first-person view drones smashing into Russian armoured vehicles.

The group also claimed to have killed a military man, named as Dmitry Alekseevich Golyshkin, in an attack on a car in Russia.

Footage shared on social media showed the burning wreckage of a vehicle on a road.

The Freedom of Russian Legion posted an aerial video shot from a drone appearing to show two buildings being pounded by artillery fire.

While Putins army is destroying civilian homes, Legion artillerymen destroyed two ammunition depots of Putins combatants in Tyotkino at once, it wrote on X.

It is the largest cross-border incursion launched by Kyiv loyalist Russians since the start of the full-scale invasion.

The three groups said they aimed to sow chaos in the lead-up to Putins expected victory in this weekends Russian presidential elections.

The raid had been prepared for several months. We have a number of different scenarios for this kind of raid, Commander Fortuna said.

While Kyiv has said the units are made up of Russian citizens operating independently, officials have acknowledged the groups were acting as part of Ukraines security and defence forces.

The cross-border skirmishes were accompanied by sustained Ukrainian drone and missile strikes on Belgorod.

Russian officials said Ukrainian forces had fired at least eight missiles at the frontier region, killing one person and wounding six others.

Ukraines defence intelligence released purported intercepted audio of a discussion between two Russian citizens about orders to evacuate civilians from the area.

Uncle texted, basically, that buses are standing or going. Grayvoron is being evaluated, a voice said. Mum called me, Dima called. They said they were evacuating.

Russias defence ministry claimed to have repelled the cross-border raids. It shared footage of what it said were destroyed tanks and armoured fighting vehicles belonging to the anti-Putin fighters.

06:40 PM GMT

Thats all for today

Thanks for following the Telegraphs live blog coverage of the war in Ukraine. To recap:

Russian soldiers fighting for Ukraine continue cross-border attacks near Belgorod and Kursk, warning Russian authorities to evacuate civilians.

Ukrainian rationing of ammunition - particularly shells - could lead to a Russian breakthrough on the front lines, according to a US think tank.

Russia reportedly jams signals on a plane carrying Grant Shapps, the UKs Defence Minister.

Russia sanctions 227 US nationals on the eve of the presidential election, which will all but certainly see Vladimir Putin reelected.

Natos secretary general has accused the alliances member states of not doing enough to help Kyiv as Ukrainian suffers acute shell shortage

Well be back tomorrow with the latest updates.

05:41 PM GMT

Watch: Bizarre TV advert urging Russians to vote

05:21 PM GMT

Kherson apartment building hit in Russian attack

Russian troops have hit an apartment building in the central city of Kherson, according to a post by Ukraines service for emergency situations on Telegram.

None were injured in the attack.

04:37 PM GMT

Russia sanctions over 200 US nationals ahead of presidential vote

Moscow announced on Thursday it would bar entry to 227 US citizens they claim are involved in anti-Russian activity.

The Russian foreign ministry said in a statement published to its website: Entry to the Russian Federation is closed to 227 Americans involved in the development, implementation and justification of the Russophobic course of the current US administration.

The latest sanctions target Matthew Miller, the US State Department spokesman, several journalists from The Washington Post and The New York Times as well as university professors at Harvard, Yale and Columbia.

Moscow has banned more than 2,000 Americans from entering Russia in what it says is a response to a barrage of US sanctions against Russian individuals and companies.

Russias foreign ministry also warned against any attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of the Russian Federation during the upcoming election.

The announcement came on the eve of Russias presidential elections, which are all but certain to see Putin granted another six-year term in office.

04:12 PM GMT

Italy condemns attack on Navalny ally as Russian persecution

Italy has criticised the attack on Leonid Volkov, a Russian opposition leader and close ally of Alexei Navalny, saying it has proved Russias persecution of Putin critics.

Antonio Tajani, the Italian foreign minister, told reporters: Something really serious happened with the death of Navalny and also the attack on his closest collaborator.

It is proof that Russia continues to persecute those who oppose the regime and this cannot but deserve our condemnation.

Lithuania, where Mr Volkov was struck outside his home in Vilnius, said it suspects Russias special services of involvement in Tuesdays attack.

03:58 PM GMT

Russia reportedly jams signal on plane carrying Grant Shapps

Russia is believed to have jammed the satellite signal on an aircraft being used by Grant Shapps, the Defence Minister, to travel from Poland back to Britain, a government source travelling with him on Thursday said.

The source told Reuters the GPS signal was interfered with for about 30 minutes while the plane flew close to Russias Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad.

Mr Shapps is conducting a day trip on Thursday to eastern Europe to meet with UK troops taking part in the Nato exercise Steadfast Defender.

The Ministry of Defence has not commented.

03:48 PM GMT

Update: Russian authorities close shopping centres in Belgorod amid shelling

Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of the Belgorod region, has said shopping centres in and around the city will remain closed until the end of the day.

He quoted safety concerns as the reason behind the closures in a post to Telegram and said they will reopen in the following days depending on the situation in the region.

Belgorod has come under fire over the course of the day with anti-Kremlin group the Freedom of Russia Legion urging civilians to flee the area.

The group of soldiers called on the Russian governors of Kursk and Belgorod to immediately announce civilian evacuations of the regions.

03:36 PM GMT

MoD: Challenging situation for Ukrainian forces in coming weeks

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine  14 March 2024.



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/PS5XNUKusV #StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/QwWfLl5AJO  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) March 14, 2024

02:52 PM GMT

Watch: Ukrainian strikes on Belgorod

02:39 PM GMT

Ukraine rotates troops amid man-power shortage

Ukraine has begun rotating its front-line troops amid concerns of an acute man-power shortage.

Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Ukrainian army chief, announced Kyiv has commenced troop rotations for those who have been at the front for a long time as its forces come under heavy Russian attacks on the eastern front.

Despite the quite difficult situation across the front line, we have managed to launch the process of rotating and replacing battalions and units that have been performing combat missions on the front line for a long time, Gen Syrskyi said on Facebook.

This will allow us to stabilise the situation and positively affect the moral and psychological state of our soldiers, he added.

Ukraine is struggling with an acute manpower shortage as the war enters its third year, with parliament considering a new mobilisation law after its initial efforts to lower the age of conscription failed.

02:27 PM GMT

Ukraine wipes out 12 per cent of Russian capacity in series of targeted strikes

Ukrainian drone strikes on Putins oil refineries have slashed Russias oil-processing capacity by 12 per cent.

Recent Ukrainian attacks targeted three oil refineries deep inside Russian territory, in what Vladimir Putin described as an attempt to disrupt the upcoming presidential election.

Yesterdays strike caused a fire at Rosneft PJSCs Ryazan plant near Moscow, one of the countrys largest crude-processing facilities, while a further attack damaged the smaller Novoshakhtinsk refinery in the southern Rostov region.

Ukraine launched a drone attack causing a fire at a Russian oil refinery. Video footage posted on social media showed a plume of black smoke above flames at the Ryazan plant, which refines about 12.7 million tons of oil a year, according to sources https://t.co/31nAmw4Bfi pic.twitter.com/aBszfiGgmQ  Reuters (@Reuters) March 13, 2024

These followed a similar attack at Lukoil PJSCs Norsi plant in Nizhny Novgorod on March 12, and have together caused significant disruption.

Ukrainian intelligence sources told Suspilne that the strikes are intended to reduce Russias economic output and reduce oil revenue and fuel supplies that Russia uses directly for its war effort in Ukraine.

02:11 PM GMT

Russian elections in occupied Ukraine are illegal, says Nato Chief

Jens Stoltenberg, the Nato secretary general, has condemned tomorrows elections in occupied regions of Ukrraine as illegal.

Any attempt to organise Russian elections in occupied regions of Ukraine would be completely illegal, Mr Stoltenberg said.

His comments come as the Ukrainian foreign ministry called on Western allies to refuse to recognise the results of the elections taking place in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson and Crimea.

In a statement, the ministry said the electoral campaign demonstrated Moscows continued flagrant disregard for international law norms and principles.

02:02 PM GMT

Pictured: Pro-Kyiv Russian legion advances in Belgorod

Russia Freedom Legion troops make contact with Vladimir Putin's forces - Telegram

Soldiers of the Freedom of Russia Legion during recent operations - Telegram

01:48 PM GMT

Nato chief blasts allies for lacking political will to support Ukraine

Nato members are not doing enough to help Kyiv as Ukrainian suffers acute shell shortage, the alliances secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said.

In an unusually blunt address about the state of the war, Mr Stoltenberg said Nato allies had the capacity to provide more to Ukraine but needed to show the political will to do so.

The Ukrainians are not running out of courage, they are running out of ammunition, he told reporters in Brussels. Ukraine needs even more support and they need it now.

His urgent warning comes as the US continues to drag its feet over passing a $65 package of aid for Ukraine through congress.

Nato allies are not providing Ukraine with enough ammunition and that has consequences on the battlefield every day, Stoltenberg said. It is one of the reasons why the Russians have been able to make some advance on the battlefield over the last weeks and months.

We have the capacity, the economies, to be able to provide Ukraine what they need. This is a question of political will. To take the decisions and to prioritise support for Ukraine.

01:21 PM GMT

Russia forced to abandon daring river crossing raid

Russian reconnaissance troops attempting to cross the Dnipro River in Kherson were forced to abandon their mission after suffering heavy casualties, Ukraines military reported.

A boat carrying Moscows forces attempted to land on the western bank near the Antonivskyi Bridge, the Southern Operational Command said.

A bunch of invaders were sent from the left bank of the Dnipro in Kherson Oblast in a motor boat to test their fate, it said in a post on Telegram.

Under heavy fire from the defense forces, the occupying boat magically repeated the fate of the Russian fleet  having lost a quarter of its capacity and fullness, it retreated to the left bank again.

This comes as a total of 70 clashes broke out on the front lines in the past day, with the Russian army carrying out 68 airstrikes and 37 rocket attacks, the armys general staff posted on social media.

The main fronts where fighting took place include Kupiansk, Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, Novopavlivka and Orikhiv.

12:52 PM GMT

Watch: Pro-Kyiv rebels destroy Russian ammunition depot

12:29 PM GMT

Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant shelled by Ukrainian army, claims Russia

The Ukrainian army has shelled the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Russia has claimed.

The Russian-controlled management of the nuclear plant - which is the largest in Europe - said an explosive device was dropped by the Ukrainian army near a fence at the site where diesel fuel tanks are located.

Such attacks are unacceptable, it said.

It was not immediately clear when the attack had taken place.

Rafael Grossi, the EU nuclear chief, has repeatedly warned of the danger of attacks on the plant, which was captured by Russia in March 2022 and has been shutdown ever since.

12:04 PM GMT

Pictured: Pro-Ukrainian forces strike Belgorod

Damaged cars and a store at the scene of fresh aerial attacks on Belgorod - AFP

11:43 AM GMT

Putin never threatened to use nuclear weapons, claims Kremlin

Vladimir Putins comments that Russia technically has nuclear weapons at the ready was not a threat to use them, the Kremlin has said.

Putin fuelled international concern on Wednesday when he warned the West that Russia was technically ready for nuclear war and that if the US sent troops to Ukraine, it would be considered a significant escalation of the conflict.

However, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, has said that Putin had merely been answering a journalists questions and that his comments were not a threat to use nuclear weapons.

He added that Putin has never considered using nuclear weapons on Ukraine, and that western media had purposefully misconstrued the Russian leaders comments.

This was deliberately taking something out of context, said Mr Peskov. Putin made no threats about the use of nuclear weapons in this interview. The president was just talking about the reasons that could make the use of nuclear weapons inevitable.

Putin has made numerous alleged threats to use nuclear weapons since Russias invasion of Ukraine.

11:30 AM GMT

Putin urges Russians to Vote for a candidate of your choice

11:21 AM GMT

Russian oil tycoon dies suddenly in fifth mystery death linked to top oil firm.

Vitaly Robertus, the vice president of the Russian oil giant Lukoil, has died suddenly at the age of 53, Russian media reported.

The company announced the death of Mr Robertus in a brief statement yesterday, expressing deep regret over his death but providing no further details on the cause.

It is with deep regret that we inform you that the vice-president of the company, Vitaly Robertus, suddenly died at the age of 54, Lukoil said.

He is the fourth executive to die since the start of Vladimir Putins war against Ukraine, and the fifth prominent figure associated with the oil giant.

In late October, Vladimir Nekrasov, the chairman of the companys board, died unexpectedly of what the company said was acute heart failure, aged 66. He had been brought in to head the board after the previous chairman, Ravil Maganov, plunged from a sixth-floor hospital window and died in September 2022.

11:11 AM GMT

Update: Ukraine destroys ammunitions depots in Russian border village

Fighting is raging around the border village of Tetkino in Kursk, where pro-Kyiv Russian forces have destroyed two Russian ammunition depots, the fighters reported.

The Freedom of Russia Legion posted a video on Telegram reportedly showing the destruction of the ammunition stores.

The group of soldiers called on the Russian governors of Kursk and Belgorod to immediately announce civilian evacuations of the regions.

Footage posted on social media allegedly shows civilians rushing to evacuate from Belgorod on foot and having their paths blocked by Russian authorities.

THERE IS NO PANIC!!



'Just do not panic!',  authorities advised as they block citizens from leaving.



People are fleeing on foot from Belgorod .



 continues to liberate the Belgorod People's Republic of Putinist forces. pic.twitter.com/1vh7iIrrC3  Jason Jay Smart (@officejjsmart) March 14, 2024

So far, one person has been killed and another three have been injured following aerial attacks on Belgorod, the regional governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, said.

As a result of an explosion, a car driven by a female civilian overturned into a ditch. The woman died on the spot from her injuries, the governor posted on social media, adding three more people had been wounded by shrapnel.

Also in Belgorod, footage posted on social media allegedly records exchanges of gunfire in in the village of Grayvoron. Meanwhile, footage posted on Telegram by the Russian ministry of defence allegedly shows the bodies of scores of Ukrainian soldiers strew across the ground in Belgorod following a drone strike.

10:38 AM GMT

Update: Russia repels pro-Kyiv militia

Russia is repelling attacks from pro-Kyiv militia troops, Russian state-owned news agency Tass reported.

Russias National Guard (Rosgvardia) together with the armed forces are repelling a Ukrainian-backed armed groups attack near the village of Tetkino in Russias western Kursk region, it said.

The Russian ministry of defence claimed that its troops had thwarted an attempt by Ukrainian forces to make a breakthrough into the Belgorod and Kursk regions. It added that Ukraine had lost 250 military personnel, seven tanks and several other vehicles and rocket launchers.

10:26 AM GMT

Kyiv intelligence foils Ukrainian railway bomb plotter

A Ukrainian man suspected of working for Moscow has been arrested for planning to blow up a railway in Kharkiv, Kyiv intelligence services reported.

The alleged saboteur is accused of trying to destroy power lines using homemade explosives, in an attempt to disrupt supplies headed for Ukrainian troops.

The security service said in a post on Telegram that the mans plans were discovered before he had a chance to carry out the attack and the identities of his Russian contacts had been established.

As a result of the special operation, an enemy saboteur who tried to detonate power lines of railway tracks and rolling stock near the junction station was detained, it said.

The attacker turned out to be a local resident who worked for the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces (known as GRU).

10:06 AM GMT

Watch: Russian rebel strikes target Belgorod

If you're just waking up and don't understand what's happening in Belgorod: around 6am local time there started shelling of the city and other settlements of the region. Meanwhile, imperial russian sources also tell about clashes against democratic Russian forces at the border. pic.twitter.com/RpJMZvYzH9  WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) March 14, 2024

09:48 AM GMT

Russian drone strikes disrupt TV signal in northeast Ukraine

The northeastern Ukrainian border region of Sumy said parts of its territory had lost television and radio signal this morning after Russia launched a mass overnight drone attack that damaged communications infrastructure.

The attack with 36 drones hit four cities in Sumy and television facilities in the neighbouring Kharkiv region, officials said, suggesting Moscow was testing a new tactic of targeting communications infrastructure.

As a result of the damage, part of the territory of the region (temporarily) cannot receive Ukrainian television and radio signal, the regions administration said in a statement on Telegram messenger.

It also warned that mobile phone signal in the area could be disrupted.

In Kharkiv, the local governor said repairs were underway after TV infrastructure was struck, but gave no further details.

Ukraines military said in a statement that its air defences had shot down 22 of the 36 drones launched by Russia overnight.

Five were shot down over Ukraines southern Mykolaiv and southeastern Dnipropetrovsk regions, local officials said.

09:29 AM GMT

Watch: Russian airport on fire

A Russian airport in Sochi is on fire, multiple Ukrainian sources have reported.

Footage of the incident posted on social media shows a blaze and black smoke rising from the region of the airport in Sochi, which sits on Russias Black Sea coast.

Videos taken from the airport itself appears to show a plane on fire.

Russian authorities claimed it was planned and attributed it to military exercises.

The cause of the blaze remains unclear.

09:28 AM GMT

Pictured: Ukrainian artillery fire on Russian positions

Ukrainian servicemen of the 126th Separate Territorial Defence Brigade fire a D-30 howitzer towards Russian troop - Serhii Nuzhnenko/REUTERS

A Ukrainian serviceman of the 126th Separate Territorial Defence Brigade prepares a shell for a D-30 howitzer - Serhii Nuzhnenko/REUTERS

Ukrainian servicemen of the 126th Separate Territorial Defence Brigade load a D-30 howitzer - Serhii Nuzhnenko/REUTERS

09:07 AM GMT

Watch: Armed Russian solider intimidates voter

As Russian citizens go to the polls for the presidential election tomorrow, a video has emerged online showing alleged voter intimidation.

The footage allegedly shows an armed Russian soldier watching over an old woman as she casts her vote.

The incident reportedly took place in occupied Severodonetsk at a voters home before the day of the official ballot.

This follows reports of pro-Russian collaborators accompanied by armed soldiers going from house to house with ballot boxes looking for voters.

 A video is going viral that seems to show a so-called 'early presidential election' taking place in a civilian's home, reportedly in occupied Severodonetsk.



The video depicts an armed Russian soldier present during the voting process.

pic.twitter.com/P2cQNOpsK4  UNITED24 Media (@United24media) March 13, 2024

08:47 AM GMT

US aid delays could enable Russian breakthrough, says think tank

Ukrainian shell hunger could soon lead to a Russian breakthrough on the front lines, a leading think thank has warned.

Ukraine is being forced to ration critical ammunition  in particular, artillery shells  and prioritise allocation based on those areas currently facing the most intense Russian attacks, the Institute for the Study of War reported.

This could create vulnerabilities elsewhere that Russian forces may be able to exploit to make sudden and surprising advances if Ukrainian supplies continue to dwindle, it said.

The warning echoes that of Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Ukrainian army chief, who said yesterday that the situation is gradually becoming more difficult and there is a threat of enemy units advancing deep into our battle formations.

According to the ISW, the current front line is not stable, and timely Western resourcing of Ukrainian troops is essential to prevent Russia from identifying and exploiting an opportunity for a breakthrough on a vulnerable sector of the front.

The think tanks sobering assessment comes as a $65 billion package of US aid remains tied up in Congress.

08:26 AM GMT

Pro-Kyiv Russian soldiers call for immediate evacuation of Russian territories

Russian volunteers who are fighting for Ukraine have warned of imminent strikes and urged the residents of two Russian territories to evacuate immediately.

The pro-Kyiv militia, called the Freedom of Russia Legion, yesterday urged civilians to flee Belgorod and Kursk.

This morning, the soldiers released a video renewing its calls for an evacuation of the regions and said military strikes will start very shortly.

Immediately leave Kursk and Belgorod regions, all major population centers, a member of the unit reportedly said the video. We will open fire on military targets on this territory within an hour and a half after this appeal

08:16 AM GMT

Russias FSB security HQ hit by Ukrainian drone

A Ukrainian drone attacked the building of Russias FSB state security service in Russias Belgorod on Wednesday, the Tass news agency reported, writes Michael Murphy.

There were no casualties from the attack, it said, although the building has been damaged.

It comes as the Ukrainian army launched a sweeping drone attack on several Russian regions for the second night in a row, officials said on Wednesday, again targeting energy facilities and setting at least one refinery on fire.

The Ryazan oil refinery was attacked by a UAV, Pavel Malkov, governor of the Ryazan region that borders the Moscow region to its north, said on the Telegram messaging app.

Read Michaels full report here.

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Its all in the family (in some key ways) for the new Black Box Theatre production of Jane Eyre: The Musical.

Making its area premiere, opening Friday, March 15, the classic story has music and lyrics by Paul Gordon and a book by John Caird, based on the 1847 novel by Charlotte Bronte. The musical premiered on Broadway in 2000.

The new Black Box Jane Eyre: The Musical will run March 15-29, 2024.

The Tony-nominated musical brings Brontes classic gothic romance to life as the audience follows the independent, passionate governess Jane Eyre (played by Kiera Lynn Martin in her BBT debut), through her harsh childhood after being left as an orphan to an uncaring aunt, through her employment as a governess at Thornfield Hall.

There, she meets the mysterious and magnetic Edward Fairfax Rochester (played by Joe Urbaitis), master of the house and warden of her pupil. Though drawn to each other (hes 20 years older in the story), they are haunted by the ghosts of Rochesters past, which threaten to enjoy any possibility of a future of love or happiness for either.

This is the biggest production we have brought to the Black Box stage, said director Lora Adams, BBT artistic director and co-founder.

There are 14 in the cast (pared from the original version of 34 characters). Each performer (except Martin and Urbaitis) plays multiple parts, with ensemble and at least one named role.

Kiera Lynn Martin and Joe Urbaitis star as Jane Eyre and Edward Fairfax Rochester.

Its brilliant the way Lora has it set up, because anyone whos offstage is behind the scrim and they can all sing, music director Amy Trimble said this week. Its a beautiful way of maximizing a small cast in a big production, where we need voices.

Trimble  whos married to Urbaitis, whom she met putting on a Music Guild show in 2016  brought the idea of doing Jane Eyre to Adams. She previously music directed Clue (when Urbaitis was Professor Plum) and I Love You Because at BBT, pre-pandemic.

Trimble fell in love with the sweeping, dramatic music of Jane Eyre before it was on Broadway, in a Canadian recording, after it was her favorite novel of all time.

It has over 24 years, a couple times a year I would just need my soul filled with music and its songs just always did it, she said Tuesday. I have found its one that I go back toIt has so many songs, theyre simple and complex  which is exactly like the story and exactly like our set.

Trimble knew the show isnt well-known, and would be perfect for the 60-seat BBT, 1623 5th Ave., Moline, which likes to take chances.

Amy Trimble at WaterMark Corners, which closed Feb. 10, 2024.

She remembers having an abridged, illustrated Jane Eyre when she was in 3rd grade, and also has seen several filmed versions.

Theres a romantic in all of us, Adams said. Especially when its hard to come by. Not every relationship youre in works out.

She greatly admires how modern Jane is in speaking her mind and that she finds her happy ending.

Theres a beautiful contrast between bigger-than-life Blanche (played by Shelley Cooper) and Jane, Trimble said.

Blanche is a rival for Rochester to Jane, and Martin loves the story being focused on women. At the start of the show, Jane is constrained by society and years to be free, after being a captive bird.

Shes thrust into the world, forced to be strong and independent, Martin said. She always cares and has that soft spot inside her, but she has to be strong and independent to keep herself safe and make sure that she survives her circumstances, able to push through, see the world, and find her purpose.

Trimble and her mother owned and operated WaterMark Corners in downtown Moline, which closed Feb. 10 after 25 years in business. Jane Eyre helped Trimble to recover during the transition.

We started rehearsals in January and I would leave work emotionally exhausted, she said. It would be two and a half hours later, and it was the most beautiful, heartwarming experience. It came so easily  I know the show so well, I just knew it in an intimate way.

It was absolutely therapeutic, Trimble said. It really gave me like, during rehearsal for two and a half hours a night, nothing else existed. Very rarely does that happen.

A penchant for orphan tales

Martin said she wanted to play the title role in part since Paul Gordon wrote one of her favorite shows, Daddy Long Legs, which she and her mom saw while she was I high school in Bloomington, Ill.

Kiera Lynn Martin, left, plays the title role of the governess in Jane Eyre at Black Box Theatre.

He sort of specializes in making adaptations of novels into musicals. Im more of a Jane Austen girl than a Bronte girl, she said, noting hes also penned musicals of Austens Pride & Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility and Emma.

Daddy Long Legs (set in early 20th century New England) is about the relationship of an orphan to her benefactor, who pays for her education anonymously. Martin also played the famous orphan Annie as a 7th grader in Bloomington, in that popular musical.

A 26-year-old now, she moved to the QC in 2022, after she started working at Circa 21. Martin graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in musical theater. She played Miss Shields in the past holiday seasons Christmas Story at the Rock Island dinner theater.

Kiera Lynn Martin in Circas A Christmas Story in the 2023 holiday season.

When I was in college, I loved getting to do shows in our black box space  I loved the intimacy of it, Martin said Tuesday. Its definitely different from being on the Circa stage, feeling I can directly speak to them. So much of Janes dialogue in this show is either narration or narration over the speakers, and this feels like the perfect venue for that, so close to them, like youre telling them the story.

Martin loved Ride the Cyclone and Thrill Me at Black Box.

I have always been an obscure musical nut  always liked things more off the beaten path, she said. The world Ive existed in post-graduation has been more commercial driven, regional theater. To get to do something more dramatic and driven, and not as well known, is great.

Martin was in a Kate Hamill adaptation of Sense and Sensibility (straight play) at WIU and in the black box, did Time Stands Still and Circle Mirror Transformation.

She loves being in musicals and non-musicals alike.

Kiera Lynn is a 26-year-old Western Illinois alum whos performed in several Circa 21 shows, now making her Black Box debut.

The small capacity of Molines Black Box fits the intense emotion and personality of Jane Eyre.

If we were further away, it wouldnt be as powerful or moving, Martin said.

For being a small stage, its not a huge set show, Trimble said.

A musical/life partnership

She also music directed Urbaitis, her husband (as Fagin) last April in Spotlight Theatres Oliver, another orphan-centric show. At Music Guild, the spouses did Little Shop of Horrors and met doing My Favorite Year in 2016. Urbaitis will return to Guild this August in Fiddler on the Roof in the lead role of Tevye.

Joe Urbaitis played Fagin in the 2023 Spotlight Theatre production of Oliver.

Were often each in different shows, Trimble said. We go home and decompress. I can give him music notes at home after rather than here (at the theater).

I enjoy the emotions and the story, and the people are great to work with, Urbaitis said. Its great story and great music.

Lora Adams at the Mid-America Emmy award ceremony Sept. 30, 2023. After a long career at WQPT PBS, she earned a best historical documentary trophy for Snapshots: Your Dutch Friend, a short film of how two young sisters  Juanita and Betty Wagner of Danville, Iowa  became pen pals with Anne Frank and her sister Margot.

Adams is a big fan of the 19th-century time period of Jane Eyre.

You just have a chance to create this entirely different world, the director said. Our season is pretty eclectic; we dont tend to the same sorts of things, ever.

This BBT season is all about love  it may be dysfunctional love, it may be romantic love, she said of comparing Thrill Me to Jane Eyre. Even down to All Is Calm, love of country. I had someone who was very passionate about music directing it.

If Im going to be the one directing, its gotta be something that speaks to me, Adams said, noting shes seen many film versions of the story. Her favorite version is the 2006 PBS version, starring Toby Stephens and Ruth Wilson, billed as The Greatest Love Story Ever Told.

The BBT cast has told her, in most shows they learn blocking first and dont deal with emotions until the end, but Adams takes the opposite approach. It doesnt make any sense to me to do a big sweeping romance, and have nothing behind it. Weve had a lot of conversations about it, and thats always very exciting for me as a director.

Eden Myers as Adele in Jane Eyre.

Adams is also very particular about the performers clothes and hair.

Of Jane (who ages from about 12 through her 20s in the show), she has such a pure heart, that its really the beating heart of the show, the director said, noting her influence on Rochester. Its because of the way she is, that she gets him to be what he is meant to be.

In the story, Jane creates her own family  a metaphor for the cast and crew of the Black Box as family.

Shes like many of us, we create that family, Adams said. The people within any show, that becomes a family, and whether those relationships continue on forever, or just within the confines of the show, there is that sense of  its not just a team, but family and were all here to help one another.

I dont think you can have really successful theater without having that heart, she added. Thats what we go for, finding that heart in all of this.

Karen LeFebere, left, as Mrs. Fairfax, and Kiera Lynn Martin as Jane.

Martin agreed that every cast shes been part of has been very welcoming and supportive. Its a very unique and special thing, she said.

The cast includes Shelley Cooper (Blanche/Miss Scatchard), Daniel Williams (St. John Rivers), Karen LeFebere (Mrs. Fairfax), Stephanie Perry (Mrs. Reed/Lady Ingram), Eden Myers (Helen Burns/Adelle), Em Foster (Young Jane/Louise Ingram), Kirsten Myers (Vicar/Col. Dent), Abby Berg (Bertha), Jacob Berg (John Reed/Lord Ingram), Doug Kutzli (Mr. Brocklehurst/Robert), Heather Lueder (Grace Poole) and Tyler Henning as Mason.

Performance dates are March 15, 16, 22, 23, 24, 28, and 29 at 7:30 p.m. and March 17 and 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets ($16) are available at the BBT website HERE.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
Soldiers from 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) wave goodbye to the crew of US Army Vessel Monterrey as she pulls out from port on a humanitarian mission to Gaza, on Tuesday, March 12. The seagoing soldiers face a tricky task - John C Clark/AP

Two days ago, four unassuming looking US Army Vessels sailed from Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia en route to the Eastern Mediterranean. Their mission: to establish a roll-on, roll-off dock capability that allows ship-to-shore humanitarian assistance to Gaza. They will do this by building a pier that extends from Gaza into the sea so that ships can unload food and aid there.

The jury is out as to whether this is a practical solution to a dire situation or the US trying (too hard) to show leadership in the absence of any meaningful progress ashore.

However, whilst various agencies are currently wrestling with the definition of famine, something needs to be done and soon. The US and others are air-dropping aid in but it is clear that the amount of aid needed exceeds that which can be delivered by air. And as so often happens with this method of delivery, controlling it once dropped is problematic with misappropriation, fighting, stampedes and even unopened parachutes all causing further deaths. ActionAid have said that such a small delivery of aid will do practically nothing to avert the absolute humanitarian crisis facing millions of Palestinians.

The reality is that if you want to move 500 lorries worth a day, or 2 million meals (or whatever the actual requirement is, opinions vary) and sustain it over months, then by sea is the best option. You do still have to get it from sea to shore, a problem solved millions of times a day in ports the world over, but Gaza doesnt have a suitable one. It has a tiny fishing port with a depth of water of about five metres and no cranes.

Now we get to the real failing in this part of the war, the inability to secure permission to use the two ports on either side of Gaza, namely the Israeli port of Ashdod to the north and the Egyptian port of El Arish to the south. It is indicative of the complexity and viciousness of this conflict that the combined influence of the countries seeking to resolve this emergency is insufficient to have an arrangement in place that would allow ships to berth in these ports and distribute aid from there.

When looking at other solutions from the sea, a shallow sandy gradient and no protection from the weather makes getting cargo across the beach difficult. There is also the threat, but Ill come back to that.

An option considered by the UK months ago was putting Royal Marines ashore on the beach, one of their core roles. I spoke to someone who was involved in the planning for this in the UK and the answer was interesting.

The Marines over the beach plan was riddled with problems. First, the gradient is not ideal and you have about three good days and then four to five bad days of weather. Second, the Israelis were content with the plan but we had to consider the optics of pallets of aid (we know its aid but a photo of a pallet could be interpreted as anything) rolling off with an Israeli tank looking on  UK supplies Israel reads the headline. Third, the issue of who does it go to? You cannot just dump it. Fourth, what contact can there be between UK troops on the beach and Palestinians? A mother runs up and hands her child to a soldier  what do you do? What if someone shoots  what are the rules of engagement?

In sum, how do you protect against the weather, how do you defend against the threat and how do you manage the optics  these three issues stopped the UK from offering beach delivery as a solution.

Theres also, in a British context, a lack of volume. Both the Royal Navys amphibious ships are at extended readiness (mothballed), possibly forever. What is available is a single Royal Fleet Auxiliary with just one landing craft, which would have been a drop in the ocean. It is also likely that it was the same optics part that stopped the US from offering up its vast over-the-beach amphibious capability in this role. There is another factor, too: neither nation would want to tie up its equipment and personnel in a task with an indefinite duration.

Instead, the US Joint Logistics Over the Shore (JLOTS) solution  building a pier  has now been put into play. Once the pier is built, this could solve the volume issue without further military involvement. The weather and threat issues remain, and these give seasoned mariners doubt as to the validity of the plan.

But building artificial harbours in unsuitable, dangerous places has been done successfully. The most obvious example was the Mulberry harbours put in place to support the Allied invasion of Normandy. The US used something similar in Vietnam and more recently after earthquakes destroyed the port in Haiti in 2010.

The four US Army ships, SP4 James A Loux, Monterrey, Matamoros, and Wilson Wharf are just part of what is likely to become a much larger civilian/military cooperation to build and run the pier. The ships themselves are large landing craft: one very large, the Loux, and three merely large ones. All are designed to run up on a beach and lower a ramp so that their cargoes can be disembarked, though the weather has to be suitable.

In this case their main cargo is the parts of the new harbour. These include the pier itself which needs to be attached to the beach  tricky in its own right, on sand; a floating pier placed at right angles to it (to which ships can come alongside and transfer their stores); and then connectors that hold all this together. There are many versions of all three but this is the outline. The one factor that is on the plans side is the very small tides of the Mediterranean: this would all be a lot more difficult on a strongly tidal shore.

One big problem is that of time  it will take about 60 days before this is up and running. It is possible that once the US Army ships have crossed the Atlantic (should take about three weeks  it wont be a pleasant journey for the smaller ones) and landed the harbour equipment they could be used to deliver aid but the issues of weather and force protection and optics remain.

The threat is real. Hamas militants or members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group would love to have a go at either the ships or the pier itself. Hezbollah has a credible anti-shipping missile threat which could reappear at any moment with no US Navy carrier there any more to deter them. Hamas has less sophisticated rockets and missiles which could target the new port.

Major General Ryder, the US Department of Defence press secretary, said: its certainly a risk, but if Hamas truly does care about the Palestinian people, one would hope that this international mission would be able to happen unhindered.

Putting Hamas and care in the same sentence is contestable. The old navy brigade online inevitably point to his Air Force uniform and roll their eyes (although wait until they find out that US Army vessels are commanded by Warrant Officers  there will be a riot).

President Biden for his part has announced that we will not put boots on the ground, a clunky expression often aimed at sections of the electorate who want nothing to do with the Middle East ever again. It isnt helpful though; not just because of the imagery it invokes, or because its constantly being used in situations where it patently isnt true, but because in this case, given the issues of building, maintaining and protecting this pier on the beach, its almost impossible to imagine doing it without some US boots on the beach. The advantage of the build-a-harbour option over normal over-the-beach amphibious ops, of course, is that those boots wont have to stay for long and wont need to come back  except perhaps at long intervals for maintenance.

In the meantime, airdrops continue and small deliveries by sea are in train. A larger, more sustainable solution is on its way but has caveats and besides, is unlikely to be up and running for months. But even this is still a sticking plaster. The real solution, as ever, is a diplomatic one. In amongst all the other negotiations and broader discussions, freeing up the use of the ports to the north and south must now be a priority.

The 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), the US Armys most deployed unit, are on their way. They are very highly regarded and will need to live up to their reputation  this is a complex maritime solution to a humanitarian disaster, and the clock is ticking. On this occasion though, the best thing that could happen is they get halfway across the Atlantic and are told to go home because they are no longer needed.

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Here's a roundup of recent incidents and announcements from Ventura County agencies:

Simi school searched after anonymous threat

Simi Valley Police Department officers increased patrols around Valley View Middle School Thursday after school officials reported a threat made by an anonymous party using a tip-sharing site.

A student was later taken into custody.

A Simi Valley Unified School District representative had called authorities around 11 p.m. Wednesday after the threat arrived via the WeTip platform, police officials said in a news release. The message claimed the unknown party intended to bring a bomb to the Tapo Street campus on Friday.

School resource officers and school staff "completely swept" the campus Thursday and found no evidence of concern, the department's release said.

The campus was swept again Friday. Police officials said the effort included officers with K-9 dogs trained to sniff out explosives.

Jake Finch, a spokesperson for the school district, said the district informed families and staff about the threat early Thursday afternoon. Finch said Valley View won't cancel classes, but reiterated that police would increase patrols around the campus Friday.

"This doesn't look like a credible threat but we are taking it as seriously as if it were one," Finch said Thursday. "We are being very cautious."

Police officials said school staff members were on "high alert" and know safety procedures if they see anything unusual. The police department boosted officer presence around the campus Thursday and planned to do so again Friday.

On Friday, the police agency said school resource officers investigating the matter had identified a juvenile suspect. The youth, a student at the school, was taken into custody and lodged at the county's juvenile detention facility.

Threats made via tip lines have become a recent trend, police officials said, including one at a San Fernando Valley campus Wednesday that turned out to be a hoax.

Driver sentenced in fatal DUI

A 22-year-old Oxnard man was sentenced to four years in prison on Tuesday for a 2022 DUI crash that killed a pedestrian.

Luiz Armando Ayala had pleaded guilty in January to a felony count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and to a misdemeanor charge of being an unlicensed driver. Ayala also admitted to several special allegations, including that he fled the scene and the crime involved great violence, the Ventura County District Attorney's Office said in a news release. Special allegations can impact sentencing.

The incident killed John Sherman Winter, 58, of Santa Barbara.

At around 3:30 a.m. on July 17, 2022, Winter had been sitting on the curb of Rose Avenue near Tiesa Lane, close to St. John's Regional Medical Center.

Ayala had been driving southbound on Rose. A witness saw him speeding and swerving before he stopped his car at a red light, prosecutors said. When the light turned green, he sped away, reportedly driving on the shoulder of Rose Avenue at high speed when he hit Winter.

Winter died at the scene.

Oxnard Police Department officers arrested Ayala not far from the site. He was taken to a hospital, where his blood alcohol concentration measured .13% nearly two hours after the collision, prosecutors said. The legal limit in California is .08%.

Court records show Ayala will be taken to Wasco State Prison. As of Thursday afternoon, he remained in custody at the county's main jail.

Items may be updated.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Roundup: Simi Valley school on alert after anonymous threat, more news
Royal Caribbean announced Thursday it will no longer stop its cruise liners at its private beach in Labadee, Haiti, out of an abundance of caution as the country struggles with rampant gang violence and political instability.

Due to the evolving situation in Haiti, and in an abundance of caution, were temporarily suspending our visits to Labadee for our entire fleet, Assistant Vice President Aurora Yera-Rodriguez said in a statement. We continue to monitor and assess the situation with our Global Security & Intelligence Team.

The halt in stops will last for at least the next week and continue on a rolling basis afterward, CEO Michael Bayley said.

The company cited warnings from the U.S. government in its decision, urging all American citizens in Haiti to leave the country last week. The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince was also evacuated of nonessential personnel, and a group of Marines was deployed to protect the facility.

Haiti remains politically unstable after gang violence skyrocketed late last month when Prime Minister Ariel Henry left for Kenya to secure a United Nations-backed multinational security force and organized gangs broke out thousands of prisoners. Roaming gangs control about 80 percent of Port-au-Prince, according to the United Nations.

Henry has not been able to return to Haiti, citing the violence and airport closures, and said he will resign, endorsing a U.S.-backed plan for a transitional government council that has faced criticism from some Haitian political leaders.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
China moves swiftly to carry out growth tasks set at two sessions, in show of institutional advantage

09:28, March 14, 2024 By Wang Cong, Zhang Weilan and Wang Yi ( Global Times

China's State Council, the country's cabinet, has called on all departments and localities to take concrete measures to carry out key development tasks outlined at the just-concluded two sessions, as central government agencies and local governments across the country also moved swiftly to map out plans to meet various targets.

Coming just a day or two after the two sessions concluded, the prompt responses and concrete plans from Chinese officials at various levels to mobilize the country to meet development objectives for everything from GDP growth to food security to job creation again provide a vivid display of China's efficiency in policymaking and implementation, in stark contrast to the dysfunction in some Western countries, experts said.

Such a distinctive institutional advantage, coupled with solid economic fundamentals, offers reassurance that China will not only meet its development targets for 2024, but also ensure high-quality development for years to come, despite mounting challenges. And sustained economic growth in China will contribute to global development, rather than hurting other economies as some foreign media suggested, experts noted.

Swift arrangements

On Tuesday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang presided over a State Council executive meeting, which deliberated and approved arrangements for the State Council's key 2024 tasks, among other things, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

The meeting stressed that the Government Work Report delivered at the second session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), the top legislature, has set the economic and social development objectives and tasks for this year, and more should be done to map detailed measures and policies to implement the key tasks.

On Wednesday, Li made an inspection tour in Beijing, during which he called to earnestly implement the various tasks set during the two sessions and cultivate and strengthen new quality productive forces, while promoting the deep integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation, and accelerate the creation of new drivers and new advantages for high-quality development, according to the China Media Group.

According to the Government Work Report adopted during the two sessions, China will aim for a GDP growth rate of around 5 percent in 2024 and create more than 12 million new urban jobs, among other goals. It also offered specific policy measures, including the issuance of ultra-long special treasury bonds and development of new quality productive forces, to power the Chinese economy.

"Traditionally, following the two sessions, the State Council holds an executive meeting specifically for implementing the Government Work Report," aiming to make detailed arrangement for carrying out the tasks involving different departments and localities, Li Chang'an, a professor at the Academy of China Open Economy Studies at the University of International Business and Economics, told the Global Times on Wednesday, "this is a very important mission."

On Wednesday, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, who is also the head of the office of the Central Financial Commission and secretary of the Central Financial Work Commission, presided over a meeting to learn and implement the spirit of the two sessions, calling for conscientious implementation of the arrangements made by the Government Work Report and effective work in preventing financial risks and supporting high-quality development.

Meanwhile, Chinese central government agencies and local governments have been holding meetings to map out plans to implement key tasks. On Tuesday, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology held a meeting on implementing "the spirit" of the two sessions, vowing to strictly implement the tasks laid out in the Government Work Report.

The Beijing Municipality also held a similar meeting on Tuesday, which called for full efforts to implement tasks, consolidate and enhance the positive economic recovery, boost market expectations and confidence, and ensure the completion of goals and tasks.

Also on Tuesday, the Communist Party of China Jiangsu Provincial Committee held a meeting, calling for in-depth investigation and research to formulate measures that are practical and feasible in carrying out the task of developing new quality productive forces, which has become a buzzword.

More than just meetings, many localities have also started major projects. On Wednesday, Beijing's Huairou district commenced 90 major projects, with an investment of 60 billion yuan ($8.34 billion), covering areas such as infrastructure and high-tech. Haikou, in South China's Hainan Province, also kicked off 25 projects on Wednesday, with a total investment of 23.16 billion yuan.

Institutional advantage

These all point to China's institutional advantage of efficient policymaking and implementation, experts noted.

"China's economic achievements over the past decades show that the Chinese government has a strong ability to understand the actual situation and grasp future development trends. Only with a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses, can China make development plans in line with objective development laws and fine-tune them in accordance to changes in the real conditions," Tian Yun, a Beijing-based economist, told the Global Times.

Tian noted that China's institutional advantages have helped the country undertake major tasks of national significance and enhance its economic resilience and strength, even as it faced challenges such as the US-provoked trade war against China.

In stark contrast to China's efficiency, some Western governments, particularly in the US, are plagued by partisan divisions and dysfunctions that mean they cannot make and follow through on long-term development plans, experts noted.

Apart from its institutional advantage, China's economic fundamentals also remain solid, with various indicators in the first two months of 2024 pointing to an accelerating recovery. Most notably, China's trade in goods hit a record high of 6.61 trillion yuan, up 8.7 percent year-on-year, with exports jumping 10.3 percent, beating forecasts. China's consumer price index, which has remained low and sparked foreign media hype, also rose by 0.7 percent in February, signaling improving demand.

Given such an improvement and a package of forthcoming policy measures, China will be able to meet its annual development goals, economists said.

"In 2024, although China's economy still faces severe external pressure, if China's fiscal policy intensifies and its monetary policy becomes more flexible, China's 5-percent economic growth target can be achieved, and higher growth is possible," Justin Lin Yifu, dean of the Institute of New Structural Economics at Peking University, said at an event at the institute on Wednesday.

Though improving economic conditions in the world's second-largest economy should be good news for the global economy amid a severe downturn, some foreign media outlets, which have been fearmongering about China's "slowdown," have shifted gear to hype "China threat" claims amid improving data. The New York Times on Tuesday asserted that China's surging exports are set to draw a "global backlash" because it puts "jobs around the world in jeopardy."

Such a claim disregards normal market competition principles and ignores the benefits China's upgrading manufacturing sector brings to the world. "For example, Chinese-made electric cars are highly cost-effective, which is why they are popular in overseas markets. This is a natural choice made by consumers," Tian said.

Moreover, the overall improvement in China's economy also means a greater contribution to global growth, economists said. According to Lin, if China's economy grows by 5 percent, it would contribute about 1 percentage point to the global growth rate and about 30 percent of global expansion.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
The inauguration was attended by government representatives, Japanese and Chinese partner companies, FPT executives, and other distinguished guests. (Photo: Business Wire)

DALIAN, China, March 14, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Global IT company FPT announced the inauguration of its new extension in China, FPT Dalian. Leveraging its highly skilled workforce with diverse language proficiencies, the new subsidiary is poised to enhance support to companies in Japan and China, with a future direction of broadening its global customer base.

The strategic move allows FPT to gain access to a high-quality talent pool of over 200,000 Japanese-proficient IT engineers and a network of top-notch universities with ICT training, serving its initial focus on supporting existing Japanese customers. Combined with FPT's well-established position in Japan and global resources, it can extend support and provide end-to-end digital solutions to other Chinese businesses and thousands of Japanese companies operating here.

Located in the high-technology zone for leading enterprises, such as Canon, Amazon, and KPMG, this new office allows the firm to stay closer to its existing customers and further expand its Chinese presence.

According to Mdm. Chu Thi Thanh Ha, Chairwoman of FPT Software (a subsidiary of FPT), FPT Dalian, not only enables the company to further accompany businesses in the region but also serves as a commitment to the governments of China, Japan, and Vietnam. "As a leading IT firm in Vietnam, we aim to serve as a bridge for economic corporations between China, Japan, and Vietnam. We believe FPT Dalian can actively help strengthen relationships and promote cross-border collaborations among companies here." she pledged.

According to FPT Dalian CEO Pham Thanh Tuan, the firm plans to expand its local workforce to 2,000-3,000 employees within the next three to five years. To realize this goal, it is committed to close collaborations with universities and other educational institutions in Dalian to provide ICT training and career opportunities.

The establishment of FPT Dalian also received support from the local authorities, marked by Dalian government representatives' recent visit to FPT. Here, the government delegation expressed strong support for FPT's Dalian branch and its vision for the city's socioeconomic development.

Story continues

After nearly two decades of operating in Japan, FPT Japan has become one of Japan's largest foreign-invested tech firms in terms of human resources. With a workforce of 3,000 onsite employees, nearly 15,000 employees working from overseas, 16 local offices and innovation hubs, FPT Japan has provided services and solutions to over 450 clients worldwide. The company is also recognized for excellent employee benefits and workplace happiness, earning accolades such as Best Workplaces in Asia, Best Places to Work in Japan, and Best Places to Work for Women in Japan.

Before FPT Dalian, FPT has developed a solid presence in China, with offices in Shanghai and Nanning, launched in 2017 and 2023, respectively, and has formed strategic partnerships with key Chinese players in the automotive and semiconductor sectors.

The new office is located at No.1, Hui Xian Yuan, Dalian Hi-tech Industrial Zone, Dalian, 116025, China.

About FPT Corporation

FPT Corporation (FPT) is a globally leading technology and IT services provider headquartered in Vietnam. FPT operates in three core sectors: Technology, Telecommunications, and Education. During over three decades of development, FPT has constantly provided practical and effective products to millions of people and tens of thousands of business and non-business organizations worldwide, establishing Vietnams position on the global tech map. Keeping up with the latest market trends and emerging technologies, FPT has developed the Made-by-FPT ecosystem of services, products, solutions, and platforms, which enables sustainable growth for organizations and businesses and offers distinctive experiences to customers. In 2023, FPT recorded a total revenue of US$2.17 billion and 70,000+ employees. For more information, please visit https://fpt.com.vn/en.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240313863173/en/

Contacts

Mai Duong (Ms.)

FPT Software

PR Manager

MCP.PR@fpt.com
Royal Caribbean has canceled cruise ship stops to a private area in Haiti as the nation faces ongoing violence and rising political uncertainty.

The Miami-based cruise company, which has a resort in Haiti called Labadee, said on Thursday that it has suspended stops there for the next several days.

Passengers and crew havent faced violence or threats, and the move is a preventive measure, the company said.

We have not had any security concerns; this was done out of abundance of caution, Jonathon Fishman, director of corporate and incident communications for The Royal Caribbean Group, said in a statement sent to the Miami Herald on Thursday.

Part of what cruise passengers see when in Labadee. In January 2023

READ MORE: Flight suspensions between Haiti and South Florida extended. Heres what you need to know

Over the past several weeks, Haiti has faced a new phase of civil unrest as gangs unleashed havoc, blocked airports and shut down the main port, making it difficult for needed supplies to reach Haitians. Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced he would resign from his post. He had backed a plan for a presidential council that would select the countrys next leader, but other Haitian political leaders rejected that plan, creating more uncertainty.

Royal Caribbean said that its global security and intel team is closely monitoring the situation in Haiti, and that we are temporarily making adjustments to sailings visiting Labadee.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Labadee is a resort in the north of Haiti, far from the gang violence and civil unrest in major cities Cap-Haitien and Port-au-Prince. The resort is fenced and has its own security.

Haiti maintains sovereignty over Labadee, but leased it to Royal Caribbean in 1985 for its exclusive use as a resort for cruise passengers.

The ships affected by the carriers decision to suspend all calls to Labadee are the following, according to the company:

 Oasis of the Seas  3/10 and 3/17 sailings

 Symphony of the Seas  3/9 and 3/17 sailings

 Adventure of the Seas  3/15 sailing

 Mariner of the Seas  3/16 sailing

 Explorer of the Seas  3/17 sailing

 Grandeur of the Seas  3/18 sailing

We will continue to monitor and reassess calls as needed, and will communicate updates with guests directly, the company said.

A Celebrity Cruise ship, off the coast of Labadee, a tourist attraction for cruise ship passengers in northern Haiti. In January 2023. The Royal Caribbean Group owns Celebrity.

Meanwhile, airlines on Thursday continued to cancel flights between South Florida and Haiti citing security concerns. They had started doing so in early March as armed gangs surrounded Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince. The airport has effectively been closed since then.

American Airlines extended its suspension of flights between Miami Port-au-Prince through March 25, spokeswoman Bri Harper told the Miami Herald on Thursday.

JetBlue Airways has canceled flights through March 22, said senior manager of corporate communications Derek Dombrowski. The airline has daily service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port-au-Prince. Spirit, which also flies out of Fort Lauderdale, has put flights to Haiti  to Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien  on hold until further notice, spokeswoman Nicole Aguiar said.

Freight companies, air and sea, have also been affected as the countrys main port was closed.

For the second straight week, Amerijet canceled its two regularly scheduled cargo flights between Miami International Airport and Port-au-Prince. The flights normally leave Miami on Monday and Thursday. Other cargo companies have also put shipments on hold.
(Reuters) - Royal Caribbean Group has suspended cruise visits to Labadee, a secluded peninsula in Haiti, for the next seven days following months of escalating gang violence in the country, a senior company executive said in a Facebook post on Thursday.

The company will continue the suspension as required with three days advance notice to guests sailing on impacted itineraries, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley said.

Violence by powerful armed gangs had gripped Haiti, causing thousands to flee their homes, after anti-government protests broke out early in February.

The violent clashes in the capital had damaged communications and led to prison breaks, culminating in the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. The Haitian capital was calm following Henry's announcement.

Royal Caribbean's global security team "is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Haiti", a company spokesperson said in a statement, adding that the temporary adjustments to sailings resulted from "an abundance of caution".

Rival Carnival Corp does not have any cruise stops in Haiti.

(This story has been corrected to say Labadee is a 'secluded peninsula,' and not 'private island,' in paragraph 1)

(Reporting by Deborah Sophia in Bengaluru, additional reporting by Doyinsola Oladipo; Editing by Devika Syamnath)
Key Insights

Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, General Mills fair value estimate is US$130

General Mills' US$66.03 share price signals that it might be 49% undervalued

The US$69.06 analyst price target for GIS is 47% less than our estimate of fair value

Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS) as an investment opportunity by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. This will be done using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. There's really not all that much to it, even though it might appear quite complex.

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.

See our latest analysis for General Mills

The Calculation

We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. 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.

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF ($, Millions) US$2.73b US$2.80b US$2.86b US$2.92b US$2.99b US$3.05b US$3.12b US$3.19b US$3.26b US$3.33b Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x3 Analyst x3 Analyst x3 Est @ 2.09% Est @ 2.15% Est @ 2.19% Est @ 2.22% Est @ 2.24% Est @ 2.26% Est @ 2.27% Present Value ($, Millions) Discounted @ 6.0% US$2.6k US$2.5k US$2.4k US$2.3k US$2.2k US$2.2k US$2.1k US$2.0k US$1.9k US$1.9k

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = US$22b

Story continues

After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.3%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 6.0%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033  (1 + g)  (r  g) = US$3.3b (1 + 2.3%)  (6.0% 2.3%) = US$93b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$93b ( 1 + 6.0%)10= US$52b

The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is US$74b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of US$66.0, the company appears quite good value at a 49% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out.

dcf

The Assumptions

The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at General Mills as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 6.0%, 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 General Mills

Strength

Debt is well covered by earnings and cashflows.

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 Food market.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow for the next 3 years.

Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value.

Threat

Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the American market.

Looking Ahead:

Although the valuation of a company is important, it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. 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 discount to intrinsic value? For General Mills, we've compiled three essential items you should look at:

Risks: For example, we've discovered 1 warning sign for General Mills that you should be aware of before investing here. Future Earnings: How does GIS's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered!

PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the NYSE every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Due to increased shelling from the Russian side, more and more residents of the border areas decide to move

Police evacuated 16 people from the village of Lugovka, Sumy Oblast after Russian occupiers destroyed a bridge over the Vorskla River, which is located near the village and connects it to automobile roads, reported the press service of National Police on March 14.

"The enemy is destroying civilian housing and infrastructure. Yesterday, a Russian missile destroyed a bridge over the Vorskla River," law enforcement officers said.

The National Police published a video of the evacuation of civilians from the village of Luhivka.

Read also: Russian bombing strikes family in Sumy Oblast, injuring children

"Police officer Dmytro Piddubnyi evacuated 16 residents of the village of Luhivka," the caption reads.

Police note that, due to the intensification of shelling by the Russian Federation, more and more residents of border areas are deciding to relocate to safer areas.

Law enforcement officers have been escorting vehicles and ensuring public order. The police also help civilians, including the elderly and families with children, to leave and help them to stay in safe places away from the shelling.

Read also: Ukrainian authorities refute Russian fakes about massive offensive in Sumy Oblast

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The Telegraph's Danielle Sheridan was among journalists on the plane with Grant Shapps when the signal was jammed

Russia jammed the Global Positioning System (GPS) signal of the Grant Shapps official jet on a round trip to Poland.

Mr Shapps, the Defence Secretary, was travelling on the RAFs Envoy, a Dassault 900LX, to visit troops in Mazury, a military base near the Belarus border, when the aircrafts pilots lost access to the GPS.

The jet was passing Kaliningrad, a Russian territory between Poland and Lithuania, when the attack happened on Wednesday morning.

On the return flight, Russia blocked the system again, this time for 30 minutes, as Mr Shapps, who was accompanied by journalists, flew back to London on Wednesday evening. The planes internal Wi-Fi was also temporarily down during both of the jamming attacks.

A defence source said the jamming was directly related to Putin and the attack on Ukraine and the sensitivities around Kaliningrad.

However, Mr Shapps was assured that it did not threaten the safety of the aircraft. It is understood the pilots had contingency plans for such an event and were able to navigate by other means at their disposal.

The source added: While the RAF are well prepared to deal with this, it still puts an unnecessary risk on civilian aircraft and could potentially endanger peoples lives. There is no excuse for this, and its widely irresponsible on Russias part.

Grant Shapps during a meeting with soldiers in Orzysz, Poland, on Wednesday - Tomasz Waszczuk/Shutterstock

Dr Ramsey Faragher, founder of Focal Point Positioning, a navigation technology company specialising in GPS, explained the pilots flying Mr Shapps aircraft would have been using a GPS system similar to Sat Nav when the jam happened.

The pilot will have known visually from information in the cockpit that the GPS signal was no longer active, causing frustration and confusion for the pilot, he said.

Dr Faragher said GPS systems are notoriously easy to jam, which in turn pollutes systems within the cockpit.

Fortunately there are multiple ways on the aircraft for a pilot to understand where they are, he added.

Large expensive aircraft are generally fitted with the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), which uses radar and transponders, instead of GPS, to allow aircraft to warn each other of impending collisions. Being independent of GPS means these systems continue to prevent airborne collisions during GPS jamming.

Dr Faragher added: The issue is small light aircrafts which rely entirely on the pilots eyeballs and GPS. In these aircrafts there are no collision avoidance systems like there are on larger planes.

This is not the first time Russia has targeted RAF aircraft. In 2021, planes flying from Cyprus were subjected to routine GPS jamming by Russia.

Defence sources have said Russias pattern of behaviour was typical of being able to antagonise other nations without using direct violence.

This year Finland, Norway and Poland have all warned Russias jamming of GPS was not only affecting military units but also airlines and air ambulance services. The practice has been regarded as an almost daily occurrence when transiting near the Russian border.

A recent study by the Institute for the Study of War, a US-based think tank, found Russias electronic warfare units are so widespread that they cause havoc with GPS signals in nearby countries.

It cited high levels of GPS interference in Poland on Jan 10 and Jan 16, and in the south Baltic Sea between Dec 25 and Dec 27. However, it was reported that although the interference affected aircraft GPS systems, flights were not impacted because air traffic control enabled navigation through alternative systems.

Putin needs to understand Nato is ready

Mr Shapps was travelling to Poland to visit some of the 1,500 troops from the Armys 7th Light Mechanised Brigade Combat Team who are taking part in Exercise Polish Dragon, an offshoot of Operation Steadfast Defender, Natos biggest military exercise since the Cold War. In total 20,000 British troops are conducting exercises between January and June.

Training alongside Nato allies in Poland, troops demonstrated a multinational live firing exercise as they acted out a scenario inside a kill house, where soldiers had to track down and fire on the enemy.

The deployment has seen 7th brigade of desert rats lead a multinational task force comprised of more than 750 vehicles which travelled across more than 3,000km of Europe in eight days  to test the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VTJF) ability to respond to a crisis situation.

Lt Col Ben Hawes, CO of 2nd Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment and battle group commander of VJTF, said: Our job is to punch ahead through complex terrain and set conditions for the armour to be launched. The reality is we are very close to the border with Belarus.... there is a deterrent effect as well.

Speaking to soldiers after the demonstration, Mr Shapps told them they were heroes and thanked them for their work.

We need to make sure that Putin understands that Nato is ready and that he cant just carry on moving West, and that is where you guys come in, he told them.

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A Russian missile landed near the Greek prime minister during a visit to Ukraine last week.

It's not an isolated event  several visiting NATO leaders have been threatened by air attacks.

Experts told BI that the incidents reflect Russia's willingness to provoke Ukraine's allies.

Last week, Russia launched a deadly missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Odesa just as Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was visiting its port.

"We heard the sound of sirens and explosions that took place near us," Mitsotakis said, per The Guardian, adding that there wasn't time to reach a shelter.

But, he wrote on X: "We shall not be intimidated."

Many details are still emerging about the incident, but sources told Reuters that the strike hit less than half a mile from Mitsotakis.

It incited international outrage, and was far from an isolated incident.

In the two years since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion, allied dignitaries visiting Ukraine have been harried by strikes  and in one case, a drone  in the cities they've visited.

Air raid sirens went off during President Joe Biden's visit to Kyiv in February last year.

Russian strikes also cast a shadow over the visits of top EU diplomat Josep Borrell, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as well as German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Many of these strikes killed Ukrainian civilians, which has become part of Putin's modus operandi in the war.

As such, it's unclear whether all of these incidents point to a single strategy  or are, indeed, intentional, said Cristian Nitoiou, a senior lecturer in diplomacy and international governance at the UK's Loughborough University.

"Definitely, I think Russia has been trying to be quite aggressive and intimidate Western leaders," he told Business Insider.

However, he said he doubts that there is a plan "to actually kill or specifically target a key policymaker from the European Union or from the United States."

Even so, there's clear menace involved.

President Joe Biden with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an unannounced visit to Kyiv, Ukraine, on February 20, 2023. Evan Vucci/AP Photo

In February, a Russian drone ominously tailed German Defense Minister Annalena Baerbock in the southern city of Mykolaiv, sending her and her retinue scurrying away. Russia frequently uses drones to help target artillery strikes.

Both Nitoiou and Rafael Loss, a policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, told BI that events like this will have set off intense diplomatic discussions with Moscow.

Incidents like these also signal that Russia is far more willing to escalate matters in Ukraine than Ukraine's allies are, Loss said.

What happens if someone gets hit?

Imagine, for a second, that one of these world leaders was actually hit.

NATO's principle of collective defense  Article 5  doesn't apply to armed attacks in this scenario as they would not be in NATO space, Loss told BI.

But it could trigger Article 4, where NATO states consult each other on what to do in response.

"And out of that could emerge some kind of diplomatic, political, economic, or even military response," Loss said.

President Vladimir Putin. Contributor via Getty Images

How an affected country reacts may depend on how hawkish it is toward Russia, Nitoiou added.

Countries like Poland and the Baltic states  which have long been wary of their larger neighbor and are vocal about the possibility of a larger conflict  are more likely to escalate with unilateral action, he said.

But the most likely scenario is that none of Ukraine's allies would opt for a military escalation, he said.

Russia is 'greasing' a slippery slope

Russia is testing NATO's attitude to risk, Loss told BI, and the incidents involving leaders visiting Ukraine can be read as part of a much wider strategy of provocations.

"Any conflict crisis can be described as a sort of slippery slope towards escalation, but I think over the past two years we've seen that Russia is sort of deliberately greasing the slope in many ways," he said.

He pointed to when a Russian missile was deemed to have entered NATO airspace by passing over Poland in late December.

In March last year, a Russian fighter jet also clipped a US Reaper drone over the Black Sea and caused it to crash.

Polish F-16s take part in a NATO exercise on July 4, 2023. JOHN THYS/AFP via Getty Images

Actions like this aim to manipulate Ukrainian allies' attitude to risk, stalling them from helping over fears that it would prompt an escalation, Loss argued.

"Russia is trying to shape this by creating these kinds of risks and uncertainties very much in the minds of Western policymakers," he said.

Loss believes that French President Emmanuel Macron's recent suggestion that NATO troops could be deployed to Ukraine  albeit in a nonlethal capacity  is a way of pushing back on this.

It would be a way to make Putin think more about potential escalations if French soldiers were killed, he said.

As it is, Russia seems "very comfortable" raising the stakes while Western countries continue to urge restraint, Loss said.

Incidents like the one with the Greek prime minister last week "certainly point to a growing confidence on the Russian side that there's not going to be any consequences for these kinds of activities," he added.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Russia continues to suffer losses in the war of aggression against Ukraine as it has lost 970 soldiers, 17 armoured combat vehicles, 11 artillery systems and 5 tanks over the past day alone.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook

Details: The total combat losses of the Russian forces between 24 February 2022 and 14 March 2024 are estimated to be as follows [figures in parentheses represent the latest losses  ed.]:

427,840 (+970) military personnel;

6,757 (+5) tanks;

12,938 (+17) armoured combat vehicles;

10,565 (+11) artillery systems;

1,017 (+0) multiple-launch rocket systems;

717 (+2) air defence systems;

347 (+0) fixed-wing aircraft;

325 (+0) helicopters;

8,220 (+15) strategic and tactical UAVs;

1,920 (+1) cruise missiles;

26 (+0) ships and boats;

1 (+0) submarines;

13,959 (+27) vehicles and tankers;

1,708 (+9) special vehicles and other equipment.

The data is being confirmed.

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Russia illegally printed ballots for voting in an unrecognized region of Transnistria ahead of the Russian presidential "elections" scheduled for March 15-17, Oleg Serebrian, Moldovas Deputy Prime Minister said, a European news website Euractiv reported on March 14.

These ballots were more than likely printed right there (in Transnistria) to avoid taking them through a border crossing, said Serebrian.

Moldovas borders are controlled and there is no way of legally bringing them in or taking them out.

Moldovas authorities have already summoned the Russian ambassador to address the decision to open six polling stations in Transnistria, violating the agreement that permits voting only at one polling station at the Russian embassy in Chisinau.

The ambassador rejected the complaint and told journalists that Russia allegedly wants to ensure voting for approximately 250,000 of its citizens in the region.

Read also: Moldovan Parliament leader optimistic country can achieve goal of EU accession prior to 2030 target

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin announced in late 2023 his participation in the so-called Russian presidential elections in March 2024.

The head of the Russian CEC, Ella Panfilova, said on Dec. 7 that they would consider holding Presidential elections in the occupied territories of Ukraine: in Crimea and the occupied parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson oblasts.

Ukraines Foreign Ministry said that voting in the occupied territories of Ukraine would be illegal, and null and void.

Deputies from the unrecognized breakaway region of Transnistria appealed to Russias Federation Council and State Duma, requesting protection for the region on Feb. 28.

They claimed this is necessary due to alleged pressure from Moldova. In response, Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it is carefully considering Transnistrias request.

Read also: FSB interrogates and recruits Ukrainians in unrecognized Transnistria  NRC

Moldova does not anticipate any escalation or destabilization in the Transnistrian region, Daniel Vode, a spokesperson for the Moldovan government, said following the so-called summit.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Russia is suspected of jamming the satellite signal of the aircraft carrying UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps on his way back from Poland.

Source: Reuters, citing a source in the UK government and journalists travelling with Shapps, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Reuters' sources said the aircraft's GPS signal had been blocked for about 30 minutes as it flew near Russia's Kaliningrad Oblast.

They added that mobile phones could not access the Internet at the time, so the plane was forced to use alternative methods to determine its location.

The UK Ministry of Defence refused to comment on the situation.

A source told The Times that the Royal Air Force has an algorithm for dealing with such failures, but "it still puts an unnecessary risk on civilian aircraft and could potentially endanger peoples lives".

"There is no excuse for this and its widely irresponsible on Russias part," the source added.

The Times also reported that Russia has been regularly jamming signals of British planes taking off from Akrotiri airbase in Cyprus in the past. However, this has rarely been the case with planes carrying UK officials.

Failures in GPS used by airlines, smartphones and weapons systems have been previously observed near Kaliningrad. This year, Estonian Defence Forces Commander Martin Herem stated Russia was behind them.

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Russia struck Kharkiv city center with Shahed attack drones and S-300 missiles, Kharkiv Mayor, Ihor Terekhov, reported early on March 14.

Shahed (drones) target Kharkiv, Terekhov wrote at 4:37 a.m. EET.

Kharkiv was again being hit with Shaheds, Terekhov wrote, and a civilian infrastructure object located in high-density residential area in the city center was targeted.

Read also: Russian attacked Kharkiv Oblast: one dead and seven wounded, including three children

No casualties have been reported, but the facility and nearby residential buildings were damaged.

Shortly thereafter, explosions were heard in the city, Terekhov wrote at 5:10 a.m., without providing any other details.

"The occupiers are striking Kharkiv, " Kharkiv Oblast Governor, Oleh Synehubov, wrote at the time.

Russians struck Kharkivs Shevchenkivsky district with an S-300 missile, Synehubov announced at 5:57 a.m. EET.

Read also: 3-year-old girl among 7 injured in Russian missile strike in Kharkiv Oblast, water pipeline damaged

"At this moment no casualties are reported, there is damage to non-residential civilian premises."

A second strike of the morning was reported in a forest on the outskirts of Kharkiv near some non-residential buildings, Terekhov reported at 6:23.

"A S-300 was used, he said.

No casualties, fortunately, everybody is fine. Minor damage was caused to several buildings."

Monitoring channels and the Air Force reported the drone attack on Kharkiv around 3:00 a.m. EET.

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Consequences of shelling in the Kharkiv Oblast

Russian military launched a massive drone attack, targeting television infrastructure in Kharkiv Oblast. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, Kharkiv Regional Military Administration head, Oleh Synehubov, reported on Telegram on March 14.

Repair work is underway at some of the affected sites, he said.

Read also: Russian attacks target transmission facilities in Sumy Oblast, disrupting communication lines

 /Telegram

Russia attacked around 15 populated areas in Kharkiv Oblast, including Vovchansk, over the last day, Synehubov added.

Russia attacked Kharkiv with S-300 missiles and Shahed drones during the night and early morning of March 14.

Read also:

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Company Logo

Global Market for Ultrasonic Metal Welding Equipment

Global Market for Ultrasonic Metal Welding Equipment

Dublin, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Ultrasonic Metal Welding Equipment - Global Strategic Business Report" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Ultrasonic metal welding, a staple technology within various manufacturing sectors, has been garnering significant attention. The latest comprehensive study dives deep into the expansive world of ultrasonic metal welding equipment, unveiling market dynamics and future trajectory forecasts.

In response to the critical need for data-driven decision making, a new thorough analysis of the global ultrasonic metal welding equipment market projects a notable growth trend, with expectations to surge from US$476.7 Million in 2022 to US$616.5 Million by 2030 at a CAGR of 3.3%.

Segmentation and Regional Insights



The Mobility sector within this market is showing promising expansion, with an anticipated CAGR of 3.9% to reach US$261.4 Million by the end of the analysis period. Another significant area is the Electrical & Electronics segment, which has been revised to grow at a CAGR of 2.7% over the next eight years.

The U.S. continues its strong performance with a projected market value of $129.9 Million in 2022, while China emerges as a rapidly growing market, estimated to increase at a 5.6% CAGR through 2030. Other important markets like Japan and Canada are projected to grow at 1.7% and 2.7% CAGR respectively. Notably, Germany is predicted to witness a 2.2% CAGR within Europe.

Competitive Landscape Highlight

The market features a mix of competitive players with 42 prominent companies shaping the landscape.

Strategic market shares and company presences are meticulously analyzed across various geographies.

The market analysis encompasses a breadth of essential factors, including the impact of current global events, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the evolving economic scenario in China. Additionally, the study addresses supply chain disruptions, trade tensions, and the looming risk of recession.

Story continues

What's Included in the Analysis?

A special focus on the influence of global events on market dynamics.

An in-depth look at global competitiveness and detailed market shares.

Insights into market presence, categorized by strength across multiple geographies.

Access to a year's worth of updates and entry to an advanced research platform.

This extensive analysis serves as a vital resource for understanding the ultrasonic metal welding equipment market's developing trends and strategic business implications. With its comprehensive data and insights, stakeholders across industry sectors can make informed decisions aligned with global market shifts.

For those vested in the future of advanced manufacturing technologies and market potential, the findings of this report are now available and will provide a crucial advantage in strategic planning and investment considerations.

Global Market Perspective

























Ultrasonic Metal Welding Equipment Market Analysis: Analysis spans from 2014 to 2030. Detailed analysis by geographic region: USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa. Annual sales figures provided in US$ Thousand. Percentage CAGR provided for each region.

Market Perspective by Application: Mobility Electrical & Electronics Alternate Energy Other Applications

Historic Review and Future Analysis provided for comparison.

16-Year Perspective provided for understanding the long-term trends in each region and application segment.

























Key Attributes

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 294 Forecast Period 2022 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $476.7 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $616.5 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 3.3% Regions Covered Global

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes

Forward Sonic Tech Co., Ltd.

Herrmann Ultrasonics, Inc.

Nippon Avionics Co., Ltd.

Tech-Sonic, Inc.

VETRON TYPICAL Europe GmbH

Weber Ultrasonics AG

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/xbyoll

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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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




Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC) called on residents of Belgorod and Kursk oblasts to evacuate immediately and announced that they will open fire on military targets in these oblasts in response to Russian shelling of Ukraine, Denis Nikitin, head of RVC said in Telegram on March 14.

"We will open fire on military targets in this area within an hour and a half after this video is published," he said.

Nikitin said that, the day before, Russian volunteers had called on the authorities of two regions to evacuate local residents, but their calls were ignored, endangering civilians.

Read also: Pro-Ukrainian Russian fighters urge civilians to evacuate as they prepare to attack military positions in Belgorod and Kursk

On March 12, three units consisting of Russian citizens, the Freedom of Russia Legion, the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC), and the Siberian Battalion, crossed the border into Russia and announced start of an operation to "liberate Russia from dictatorship."

On March 12, the RVC announced a second entry into Russia to "bring closer the moment of death" to Putin and entire "Kremlin regime."

The Russian Ministry of Defense, for its part, claimed the "elimination of 234 Ukrainian saboteurs" in the Belgorod and Kursk oblasts.

Read also: Putin claims Russian volunteers in Kursk Oblast want to disrupt his 'elections' and 'gain a trump card' in peace talks

On March 12, the Freedom Legion of Russia announced that it had taken control of part of the village of Tiotkino in Kursk Oblast, and the advance continues. ASTRA cited a source saying that at least four Russian soldiers were killed and nine others wounded in massive drone attacks and volunteer raids on March 12.

In an interview with propaganda media, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin commented on the volunteer raid, calling it an attempt to disrupt the "elections" in Russia and "get a trump card" in upcoming peace talks.

The Freedom of Russia Legion said that the raid in Russia would last at least until after the Presidential "elections" scheduled for March 15-17.



Read also: Russian Volunteer Corps reveals foiled plan to free Navalny and send him to Ukraine

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The aftermath of the Russian attack on Sumy Oblast on 13 March. Photo: Sumy Oblast Military Administration

Russian missile attacks and airstrikes on radio facilities in Sumy Oblast have temporarily disabled broadcasting transmitters in the settlements of Sumy, Shostka, Bilopillia and Trostianets.

Source: a report from Sumy Oblast Military Administration

Details: The report noted that the damage has left part of the oblast temporarily unable to receive Ukrainian television and radio signals.

Mobile phone service disruptions are also possible.

Local authorities are stepping up their efforts to deal with the aftermath and restore the signal.

Quote from Volodymyr Artiukh, the Head of Sumy Oblast Military Administration: "The enemy is waging an information war, targeting Ukrainian broadcasting. We will not allow them to win. We are currently assessing the aftermath and are already drawing up recovery plans.

Do not panic, and do not fall for fake news. Switch to alternative means of communication and trust only verified sources of information."

Background: On the night of 13-14 March, Russian forces launched a large-scale drone attack on TV infrastructure in Kharkiv Oblast.

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Russian forces attacked 10 border communities in Sumy Oblast on March 13, killing one person and injuring two others, the regional military administration reported.

Shelling from a helicopter killed one resident of Velyka Pysarivka and wounded two others. The village was also hit with airstrikes, which caused over 30 explosions.

The attacks struck the communities of Velyka Pysarivka, Bilopillia, Krasnopillia, Nova Sloboda, Esman, Shalyhyne, Seredyna-Buda, Znob-Novhorodske, Yunakivka, and Vorozhba.

The Russian military fired 66 times at the Sumy Oblast border throughout the day, assailing the region with drones, rockets, artillery, and other weapons. The attacks caused 332 explosions in the area.

The border communities of Sumy Oblast suffer near-daily attacks from nearby Russian troops. An attack on Velyka Pysarivka on March 12 injured five children.

A Russian missile strike on the city of Sumy, the regional capital, killed two people and injured at least eight. Russian forces launched the attack overnight on March 12-13.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: EU ambassadors approve $5.5 billion for Ukraine defense fund in 2024

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Russian attacks against the town of Seredyna-Buda in Sumy Oblast on the morning of March 14 injured four civilians, the regional prosecutor's office said.

At around 10 a.m., Russia carried out a mortar strike against the town, inflicting light injuries to a 44-year-old man and a 43-year-old woman, the prosecutors said.

Russian forces simultaneously attacked the town with drones, again injuring the man and two other civilians aged 43 and 64.

At least seven houses and one car were damaged as a result of the attack.

Seredyna-Buda lies at the very border with Russia's Bryansk Oblast and some 150 kilometers north of Sumy. The surrounding area and other border regions of Sumy Oblast suffer daily attacks by Russian forces.

The regional center, Sumy, came under a deadly attack on March 13, resulting in three people killed and a dozen injured.

Read also: ISW: Russian breakthrough possible, current front line likely not stable

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Consequences of the Russian Shahed strike in Sumy, March 13, 2024

Russia launched missile and air strikes targeting radio tech facilities in northern Ukraines Sumy Oblast, knocking out broadcast capabilities in several areas, the Sumy Regional Military Administration reported on Telegram on March 14.

As a result, a part of the region is unable to receive Ukrainian television or radio signals. The authorities also warned of possible disruptions in mobile communications.

Read also: Russian drone strike on Sumy leaves three civilians in critical condition

Russian attacks on Ukrainian broadcasting are part of a broader information war, said the administration head, Volodymyr Artiukh, adding that the consequences of the strikes are being analyzed and plans for restoration are being made.

"Do not panic and do not give in to information provocations, he said.

Switch to alternative means of communication, trust only trustworthy sources of information."

On the same day, the Sumy Regional Military Administration reported that Russia had targeted civilian infrastructure in a drone attack in several communities. Shostka, Trostyanets, and Bilopillya, as well as the oblast capital of Sumy, were all targeted.

On March 13, at least two civilians were killed and 12 others injured in a Russian overnight attack on Sumy; emergency services rescued 10 residents, five of whom were pulled from under the rubble.



Read also: Sumy mourns after Russian attack, rescue operations continue

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Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of Russia's Belgorod Oblast, has said that Russian air defence assets and personnel shot down eight air targets over the city of Belgorod and the surrounding district of the same name. At the same time, Russian Telegram news outlets are reporting an alleged attempt by a "Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group" to enter the territory of the oblast, but Russian volunteer soldiers who are fighting on Ukraine's side said that it was them attacking military targets in Russia. They explained that they were forced to open fire because Russia continues to hit peaceful settlements in Ukraine.

Source: Gladkov; Russian Ministry of Defence; Russian Telegram channels; an Ukrainska Pravda source in the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine; Alexei "Lyutik" Baranovsky, a volunteer soldier of the Freedom of Russia Legion, on air during the 24/7 national joint newscast; Russian Volunteer Corps on Telegram

Quote from Gladkov: "Our air defence assets have responded to the attack over Belgorod city and Belgorod district  eight air targets approaching the city were shot down. Emergency services are gathering information about the consequences on the ground. According to early reports, a car driver was killed in the incident. The ambulance service also received a report of two women and one man who were injured. Ambulance crews have arrived at the scene."

Photo: Russian Telegram channel Astra

Details: The Russian Defence Ministry said that eight rocket projectiles were supposedly shot down over Belgorod Oblast at around 08:30.

Gladkov said that two private houses and a healthcare facility were damaged in Belgorod, as was one car.

Russian Telegram channels posted photos and videos of the fire in Belgorod.

Photo: Russian Telegram channel Belplus

Mash, a Kremlin-aligned Russian Telegram channel, reported that on the morning of 14 March, a Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group was supposedly trying to enter the territory of Belgorod Oblast and that a battle was supposedly taking place near the village of Spodaryushino. However, they did not provide proof to back this up.

It is worth noting that the day before, Russian volunteers from the Russian Volunteer Corps and the Freedom of Russia Legion called on residents of Kursk and Belgorod oblasts living near military facilities to evacuate.

"Putin's murderers are launching large-scale attacks on peaceful Ukrainian settlements, setting up their positions between your homes, your children's schools and government institutions. Every day, dozens of ordinary innocent people (mostly women and children) are killed in attacks from Belgorod. The attacks on Ukraine from the territory of Belgorod must stop! Due to this, we have been forced to inflict strikes upon the military positions located in the cities of Belgorod and Kursk. To avoid civilian casualties, we urge everyone to leave the cities immediately. We urge the local authorities to protect people's lives and start evacuating the cities of Kursk and Belgorod," the Russian Volunteer Corps stated.

Ukrainska Pravda's source in the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine said that the local authorities of Belgorod and Kursk oblasts are blocking the evacuation, forbidding people to leave under the threat of fines and dismissal from their jobs.

On the morning of 14 March, the Russian Volunteer Corps published a second message.

"We are once again addressing the residents of Kursk and Belgorod oblasts! Your authorities have not taken any measures to protect you or evacuate you, and the attacks on peaceful towns and villages in Ukraine continue as before! We are forced to retaliate and fire at military facilities in the border areas! Evacuate immediately. We will open fire on military targets within an hour and a half after this video message (published at 09:14  ed.)," they said.

Alexei "Lyutik" Baranovsky, a volunteer of the Freedom of Russia Legion, clarified that the strikes are to be carried out by drones.

Earlier, Denis Nikitin, who goes by the alias White Rex, the head and founder of the Russian Volunteer Corps, told Ukrainska Pravda that the volunteers had already captured some weapons. He said that with each new operation on the territory of Russia, the scale of the fighting increases  they obtain "more artillery, more equipment and more people."

Baranovsky reported on the morning of 14 March that "the situation is tense in Kursk Oblast and fighting continues in Belgorod Oblast" and that their "liberation operation has been going on for three days and will continue."

"The goal is to ultimately overthrow the Putin regime," Baranovsky said.

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Andrii Yusov, spokesman for Ukraine's Defence Intelligence (DIU), has stated that Russian authorities refuse to allow residents of Belgorod and Kursk oblasts to be evacuated and instead use them as human shields.

Source: Andrii Yusov on the air during the national 24/7 newscast

Quote: "The authorities (of the Russian Federation - ed.) are once again trying to use civilians, their own fellow citizens, as a human shield in order to protect the Russian terrorist regime."

Details: Yusov stated that a number of interceptions between Russian security forces and the local population show that transportation hubs are cordoned off and there are checkpoints.

The authorities also threaten people with penalties and dismissal from their jobs.

Today, soldiers of the Freedom of Russia Legion, the Russian Volunteer Corps and the Sibir (Siberian) Battalion declared a "limited military operation" and urged border residents to evacuate.

In connection with this, Russian volunteers opened a humanitarian corridor for civilians and Russian servicemen from 21:00 today until 7:00 on 15 March.

Background:

On 13 March, Russian volunteer soldiers fighting on the Ukrainian side announced strikes on Russian military positions in Belgorod and Kursk and called on local residents to evacuate.

On 14 March, at 10:30, Denis Nikitin, the head and founder of the Russian Volunteer Corps, announced that Russian volunteers would open fire on Russian military targets in Belgorod and Kursk within an hour and a half.

The Russian Volunteer Corps then issued a call to all residents of Kursk and Bryansk oblasts who did not have time or were unable to evacuate to seek shelter immediately.

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Revenue : Achieved record quarterly revenues of $11.84 million, a 10% increase year-over-year.

Net Income : Reported Q1 net income of $74,505, a significant improvement from a loss of $(443,521) in the same quarter last year.

Adjusted EBITDA : Posted $1.19 million in adjusted EBITDA, highlighting operational efficiency.

Cash Flow : Marked the 9th consecutive quarter of positive cash flow from operations.

Assets and Equity : Total assets reached $37.1 million with shareholders' equity at $32.15 million.

User Growth : Current unique casino operations and registered user numbers on B2B platforms are 808 and 8.3 million, respectively.

Acquisition Update: Progressing towards the MeridianBet Group acquisition with a special meeting set for March 19, 2024.

On March 14, 2024, Golden Matrix Group Inc (NASDAQ:GMGI) released its 8-K filing, announcing a strong start to the fiscal year with record revenues and a return to profitability in the first quarter. The company, a leading developer and licensor of online gaming platforms, systems, and content, reported a 10% increase in revenues compared to the same period last year, reaching $11.84 million.

Golden Matrix Group Inc Reports Record Q1 Revenues and Positive Net Income

Golden Matrix Group Inc operates in the interactive media industry, with a focus on both B2B and B2C segments. The company's B2C segment, which includes RKings Competitions and the regulated casino MEXPLAY in Mexico, generated the majority of the revenue, accounting for 61% of the total. This segment's success is critical as it directly impacts the company's market presence and revenue growth.

Financial Performance and Strategic Developments

The company's financial achievements, including a net income of $74,505 and comprehensive income of $272,396, are significant turnarounds from the losses reported in the previous year. This profitability reflects GMGI's ability to optimize its operations and adapt to market conditions. The positive adjusted EBITDA of $1.19 million further demonstrates the company's operational efficiency and its potential for sustainable growth.

Story continues

Golden Matrix's strong balance sheet, with $17.29 million in cash and $37.1 million in total assets, positions the company well for future investments and strategic acquisitions. The anticipated acquisition of MeridianBet Group is a key strategic move that could enhance GMGI's product offerings and market reach, potentially leading to increased top-line growth and profitability.

Challenges and Industry Outlook

Despite the positive results, the company faces challenges such as the need for continuous innovation and the management of regulatory changes within the gaming industry. The CEO of Golden Matrix, Brian Goodman, expressed confidence in the company's position and its growth prospects, particularly in light of the pending MeridianBet acquisition.

"We are exceptionally pleased with the companys performance in Q1 to kick-off the new fiscal year," said Golden Matrix CEO Brian Goodman. "We achieved positive GAAP earnings and adjusted EBITDA of almost $1.2 million, we set multiple records, delivering our highest ever quarterly results for Revenue, Total Assets, Shareholder Equity and Cash-on-Hand. The company is well-positioned for continued growth within its B2B and B2C divisions. We continue to make significant progress towards closing the pending Meridian Bet acquisition and look forward to working to boost top-line growth and profitability once these two world class businesses have been combined."

Golden Matrix's performance is a testament to the company's resilience and strategic planning. The company's focus on expanding its user base, as evidenced by the growth in registered users across its platforms, is crucial for driving long-term revenue. Additionally, the company's commitment to maintaining a strong cash position and positive cash flow from operations is essential for navigating the competitive landscape of the interactive media industry.

For more detailed financial information and future updates, investors are encouraged to refer to the company's Form 10-Q for the first fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2024, filed with the SEC.

Golden Matrix Group Inc's solid start to the fiscal year, with record revenues and a return to profitability, positions the company as a noteworthy player in the interactive media space. The strategic focus on both B2B and B2C segments, coupled with the anticipated acquisition of MeridianBet Group, suggests a promising outlook for GMGI's continued growth and market expansion.

Explore the complete 8-K earnings release (here) from Golden Matrix Group Inc for further details.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


Queues at gas stations in the Belgorod region

Russian civilians living close to the Ukrainian border in Russias Kursk and Belgorod oblasts are scrambling to leave for safer areas deeper in the Russian heartland, as seen in video footage posted online on March 14.

The video was published by pro-Ukrainian Russian volunteer units Freedom of Russia Legion (FRL), Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC), and the Siberian Battalion, who are currently conducting a raid into the Russian regions.

Recorded by a local resident, the footage shown by RVC captures long lines at gas stations and massive traffic jams on roads leading towards Belgorod.

Meanwhile, the Siberian Battalion reports that panic is spreading among residents of the town of Gayvoron, with some also starting to leave the settlement.

Evidence of this is the unusual surge of cars from Grayvoron towards Belgorod, the message said.

Read also: RVC fighters behind assassination of FSB officer in Russia's Bryansk Oblast  NV Ukrainian intel source

Previously, FRL urged residents to evacuate from the border areas of Kursk and Belgorod oblasts due to the "limited military operation" conducted by FRL and RVC.

Read also: Pro-Ukrainian Russian Volunteer fighters launch liberation operation in Belgorod and Kursk

Ukrainian Defense Intelligence spokesman Andriy Yusov told NV that Russian authorities are hindering the evacuation of civilians from Belgorod and Kursk oblasts.

Read also: FSB claims detention of four RVC members in St. Petersburg

"The local authorities not only do not facilitate the evacuation but actively block transportation and transportation arteries, including railway stations," Yusov said.

On March 12, FRL, RVC, and the Siberian Battalion announced another raid into Russian territory, describing it as an operation to "liberate the Russian Federation from dictatorship." The incursion was accompanied by several waves of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russias industrial infrastructure.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
President Vladimir Putins rule over Russia, set to be extended in an effectively uncontested election over the next few days, has never been more total  from the Arctic penal colony where the man who posed the greatest challenge to that rule died, to the field north of Moscow where a rebellious mercenary chief was killed in a fiery plane crash.

Putin will begin another six years in power with his domestic opponents either dead, jailed or exiled. His war in Ukraine has recast life at home and intensified a clash with the West now shadowed by the uncertainty of Americas own election. Russias military is advancing on the battlefield and its economy has shown surprising resilience in the face of global sanctions.

The victory orchestrated by the Kremlin, however, will bely signs of fragility behind that choreographed show.

Despite an atmosphere of repression not seen since the Soviet era, there have been sprouts of internal dissent and external attacks ahead of the election that have pierced the picture of unity and stability the Kremlin has cultivated.

The results have been announced in advance, said Nikolai Rybakov, chairman of Russias liberal political party Yabloko, which decided not to join the race this year. Its painful, unpleasant and shameful but you have to admit that you cant influence the results right now, he said in a phone interview from Moscow this week.

We see that people have an internal demand for peace and changes for the better. But its hard for people to resist the ever-present propaganda of hate and anti-Westernism. And on the other hand, people see what criticism of the government can lead to, he added. People are afraid for their lives and the lives of their loved ones, and you cant blame them.

War and repression

Six years ago, Putins victory in the 2018 election was also a foregone conclusion. But his army was not waging a brutal full-scale war across the border, opposition leader Alexei Navalny was still a free man investigating official corruption, some independent press could still operate inside the country and Russia was preparing to welcome the world for the mens soccer World Cup.

Back then, Putins regime was repressive but more wary of how it was perceived. The invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has changed that.

But Putin appears to be in a stronger position than at any point in his 24 years in power.

His approval rating remains high at 86%, with 76% of Russians supporting his war in Ukraine, according to the independent pollster Levada Center.

Of course gauging public opinion is difficult in Russia, with relentless propaganda boosting the Kremlins narrative and people often too afraid to speak freely.

Perhaps one crucial factor is that the countrys economy has largely weathered international sanctions.

Western brands have been replaced by Russian ones, and closer ties with Asia, particularly China, have helped fill some gaps.

Inflation is higher than 7%, meaning that prices have soared for some everyday goods  including eggs, leading to a high-profile shortage that forced Kremlin intervention. But official statistics show wages are rising and, in general, there has been little economically to shake Russians from their everyday lives.

Putin is poised to sweep to another six-year term in the March 15-17 presidential election, relying on his rigid control of the country established during his 24 years in power  the longest Kremlin tenure since Soviet leader Josef Stalin. (Mikhail Metzel / Kremlin Pool via AP)

There is no one to oppose Putin on the ballot anyway. Russias opposition has been decimated, with Navalnys death last month just the latest devastating blow.

The political field has been cleared out, Yekaterina Duntsova, a former regional legislator and journalist who tried running for president this year, told NBC News.

Fundamentally, the country has changed for the worse in the last six years, she said in a phone interview from Moscow earlier this month. She was one of two candidates with an anti-war message barred from running against Putin, while three Kremlin-approved candidates will be on the ballot alongside the Russian leader.

People live in a state of aggression  finding out who is for and who is against, looking for some virtual enemies and the fifth column, Duntsova said.

Russian elites with anti-war views have been forced into exile, and those remaining in Russia have been kept in check. Independent media fled the country, and any form of protest has become impossible without risking arrest.

History textbooks have been altered to extol the virtues of the war, basic military training is now part of the curriculum for high school seniors, and public spaces are filled with posters summoning Russian men to join the army. The so-called Western values of freedom of expression and respect for human rights have been banished, resulting in the outlawing of the LGTBQ+ movement and persecution of human rights advocates.

Politically motivated arrests and the detention of foreigners, including Americans, are also becoming routine.

Russian society is at a point right now where its experiencing the largest scale of political repressions  particularly for expressing ones opinion or exercising ones rights and freedoms, said Denis Shedov, a board member for the Memorial Human Rights Defense Center, heir to the human rights group Memorial, which was shut down in Russia in late 2021. We have not seen the likes of this in the history of modern Russia.

What changed over the last six years is that many Russians now live with a palpable fear and anxiety about repression, he said, unclear about what actions or mere words could land them in trouble.

That has spiraled out of control since the war started, Shedov said. His organization has documented the cases of 682 political prisoners, but that number is likely much greater, he said, as limited resources mean that his colleagues sometimes cant keep up with reality.

Diplomacy and dissent

Putins standing has been evident on the global stage in recent weeks, too.

He has renewed his nuclear saber-rattling and repeatedly inserted himself into the U.S. election campaign, exploiting splits in the Western alliance that may be amplified by the return of former President Donald Trump.

Putin has stated his preference for President Joe Biden to remain in the White House, a mischievous intervention that may hint at his confidence in the geopolitical winds.

The Kremlins military has been advancing on the battlefield in Ukraine, taking advantage of stalled U.S. aid and Kyivs dire shortages of soldiers.

Russia Ukraine Military Operation Artillery Unit (Stanislav Krasilnikov / Sputnik via AP)

But he has not had it all his own way.

Less than a year ago, the Russian leader faced the gravest challenge to his rule, in the shape of Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin. And while he saw off that short-lived mutiny, it was a sign of the unpredictable forces that the war in Ukraine has unleashed.

For all his armys recent progress, Putin has fallen far short of his hopes for a rapid campaign that would force Ukraines capitulation. Instead, two years in, Russian border towns and villages are frequently targeted by Ukrainian shelling and even incursions by anti-Kremlin fighters. Deeper into Russia, the countrys energy infrastructure has faced the dual threat of a growing wave of Ukrainian drone attacks and its own Soviet-era frailties, which caused a utilities collapse this winter.

And while Putin has tried to keep the war a distant concept for the public, the attritional fight has fueled anger from an unexpected source.

The wives of men mobilized to fight in Ukraine have publicly called him out for failing to return their loved ones home and end the war, wielding white scarves and flowers in protest. They have now called on Russians to spoil their ballots because they say no candidate has answered their pleas.

This simmering sentiment led two people with an anti-war message to emerge during the election cycle. Duntsova was rapidly barred, but seasoned politician Boris Nadezhdin drew people from across Russia to line up and give their signatures in support of his anti-war candidacy. He was swiftly barred, too.

And the Kremlins narrative was further muddied by the thousands of people who turned out for Navalnys funeral, or lined up for days to pay their respects at his grave despite warnings from authorities.

Navalny, who was President Vladimir Putin's fiercest foe, was buried after a funeral that drew thousands of mourners amid a heavy police presence. (AP)

His wife and potential successor as opposition leader, Yulia Navalnaya, urged the West in an op-ed this week to not recognize Putin as the legitimate president, which she said would send an important signal to Russian society and elites still loyal to the Kremlin.

But any pressure from outside has done little to stop Putin from crafting a Russia that is increasingly his.

We want to hope for the best, Duntsova said. But we prepare for the worst.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Outside an Australian community centre, local election candidates make last-ditch efforts to win over people who are filing into the makeshift polling station.

Most voters are too pre-occupied trying to dodge the flyer-thrusting politicians to notice a clue that this is not your ordinary campaign for a seat on the City of Gold Coast council.

Incumbent councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden is seeking re-election.

But concealed beneath his beige trousers is the outline of an electronic ankle bracelet - a device which allows police to track his movements.

The 31-year-old is charged with murdering his stepfather, Robert Lumsden, at the family's home in August last year.

Further details about the proceedings can't be reported at the moment for legal reasons, but his lawyers have indicated at a pre-trial hearing that he will plead not guilty.

And because a Queensland Supreme Court judge granted him bail, he is able to campaign ahead of Saturday's election - becoming perhaps the only Australian in recent history fighting both a political battle and a murder charge simultaneously.

'Voters always get it right'

Deciding to stand for public office again has been called "selfish", "strange", "entitled" and "unbelievable".

But when approached by the BBC outside the polling booth at Runaway Bay, Mr Bayldon-Lumsden is defiant.

"I believe democracy is the most important thing, and voters always get it right," he says.

"So if voters want me, they'll choose to re-elect me. And if voters don't want me, they'll vote for someone else."

But few think it is that simple.

After being charged, Mr Bayldon-Lumsden was suspended from the council, while still receiving his full salary of A$160,000 (82,700; $105,000) a year.

Critics say this means almost 50,000 people in his area have not had a voice on the local council.

"We've had issues from parks simply not being mowed, right through to major development applications going through our community, without actually having someone sitting at the table to represent us," says one of his rival candidates Joe Wilkinson.

If Mr Bayldon-Lumsden were to be re-elected, it's far from clear if or when he would be able to resume office.

Deciding whether to suspend him again - and leave residents without a councillor once more - would fall on the Queensland Minister for Local Government, Meaghan Scanlon.

She would need to "consider the public interest factors involved in this matter and decide whether to exercise intervention powers", her department says, though no decision will be made until after the election.

This week Ms Scanlon said she wanted to be "really clear" that neither she, the state's premier, nor their offices "have had any conversations with that councillor or their legal team" following his suspension.

She was responding to rumours swirling in the community that the murder suspect had been told he would not be suspended again if re-elected on Saturday.

And should he win, Mr Bayldon-Lumsden argues he must be allowed back into the job and the council chamber.

"There's nothing that requires a suspension," he says.

"Democracy should be the priority here, so if the community decides they want me to stay as their representative, then that should be the case.

"I think it'd be a brave state government to go against the will of the people in a democratic election."

'Anyone but Ryan'

With Australia's compulsory voting system, turnout will be high. His five rival candidates have banded together in a policy that one summed up as "anyone but Ryan".

These elections feature preferential voting, allowing constituents to rank their favoured candidates in order.

"We're encouraging people to put Ryan last," says Jenna Schroeder, who like all candidates in the Division Seven district, is running as an independent.

Although the killing was huge news locally, she estimates up to 40% of voters do not realise the implications politically.

"I have known Ryan for quite a while and this all came as a shock," Ms Schroeder says.

"I can appreciate that people really like him as a person, but we have to separate that person from the candidate and look at the community, because that's what a councillor does, right?

"They represent the community. And if we don't have someone doing that, we need to let people know."

Another contender in Saturday's race, Edward Sarroff, believes Mr Bayldon-Lumsden should sort out his legal case before trying to get back into politics.

"He's got very serious charges that he needs to deal with in his personal life," says Mr Sarroff.

"I feel that the community, to an extent, have romanticised it. They want to feel like they're helping this guy out... That's with the courts.

"No one's denying he's done good work for the community. The problem is, he's not able to do any work for the community right now."

Voters weigh in

In the nearby suburb of Labrador, the waterfront is packed with early morning joggers and locals walking with dogs and take-away coffees.

And most people the BBC spoke to seemed oblivious to the peculiar situation playing out in their neighbourhood.

"It's certainly unusual," says Bob Partridge, 79, pulling off his goggles after completing his daily swim in the local saltwater lagoon.

"If I was in his position I wouldn't stand, and it's unlikely I'll vote for someone who can't represent me."

His friends Ruby and Neil Luxford, say they found it worrying to learn their councillor was missing in action.

"He's innocent until proven guilty," Ms Luxford, 68, says. "But if he wants to stand again, he should wait until his court case has come up, is over and then see."

Another pensioner, who marches off for his ocean dip before I can ask his name, gives short shrift.

"He's being paid $160,000 a year and can't vote on council. It makes me sick. It's my birthday today and just talking about this is ruining it."

Australians can cast a ballot in person up to a fortnight before an election day, in what's called pre-poll.

And sitting at a picnic table overlooking the water, Sharyn Smith tells me she met Mr Bayldon-Lumsden at the polling booth earlier this week.

"I was surprised to see his name on the ballot paper given the circumstances. I thought it was a very strange thing," Mrs Smith said.

"But he was very chatty and appeared nice. I felt a little bit for him. It must be a very hard thing for him to do, because he's getting so much scrutiny."

Having won with almost 80% of the vote after preferences at the last election in 2020, some of his rivals believe Mr Bayldon-Lumsden can win again.

It's "definitely feasible" says Joel McInnes, one of several candidates who said he'd chosen to stand because of the "bizarre" situation.

"It's been surprising to me how much support he has had," he says.

"There have been a few people that have come up and confronted him and told him what they really think about him running. And he has handled himself quite well in those situations."

"He can definitely still do it," says Bruce Byatt - who questions Mr Bayldon-Lumsden's "moral compass" in standing.

And Jenna Schroeder agrees a win is "possible" - pointing to the councillor's "name recognition".

"The biggest anomaly is those disengaged voters who are voting for someone who they like the look of, once they get in the booth."

One resident who clearly is engaged, and a supporter of Mr Bayldon-Lumsden, is Baerbel Seifert.

"I've lived in my area for over 30 years and he's the only one who came in and actually did something. All the other ones made a lot of promises, and nothing happened.

"We don't know what happened in the legal case, so I think he deserves a chance to do it again."

For a man with such a serious charge hanging over him, Mr Bayldon-Lumsden seems relaxed.

One of his promotional placards features a family dog - with the slogan: "Rufus says Vote Ryan."

"The support in the last two weeks of pre-poll has been very positive," he says.

"And that support has meant the world to me, my mum and my sister. I just want to get back in and keep doing great things for the local area."

It will be many months before his criminal case comes to trial.

But by Saturday night, it will become clearer whether Mr Bayldon-Lumsden has kept his political dream alive, for now at least.
HAI PHONG, Vietnam, March 14, 2024 /CNW/ -- GoodWe, a leading player in the solar energy industry, has officially commenced operations at its manufacturing plant in Vietnam. Representing a global milestone, the new facility marks the third in the company's manufacturing network.

GoodWe Opens New Manufacturing Facility in Vietnam

Covering approximately 14,800 square meters and divided into two phases, the factory will initially specialize in the production of grid-tied and hybrid inverters. Upon reaching full operational status, Phase I's production lines are expected to achieve an annual capacity of 5GW.

Michael Mendik, Country Manager of GoodWe USA & Canada, expressed his enthusiasm for the factory's readiness. He said, "In the North American market, our primary focus is on residential, commercial and industrial sectors. Local production in Vietnam will enhance our price competitiveness and elevate our service offerings, ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality products tailored to the diverse needs of our customers."

The factory, drawing upon over a decade of GoodWe's inverter manufacturing expertise, has fully integrated advanced inverter manufacturing technology and implemented rigorous quality control systems. A range of intelligent manufacturing techniques, including quality traceability and digital monitoring, has been incorporated to ensure the quality and excellence of products.

Daniel Huang, Founder and CEO of GoodWe, said, "We are dedicated to establishing an overseas benchmark factory, showcasing operational excellence, and replicating success across our global markets in the future. The positive impact of this milestone is also on GoodWe's innovation capabilities and its contribution to job creation in the local Vietnamese market."

He also said that this move exemplifies GoodWe's commitment to strengthening its global brand image. "With the opening of the Vietnam factory, we look forward to cultivating expanded customer cooperation opportunities across the key markets such as United States and ASEAN countries, and beyond."

Story continues

GoodWe is a world-leading PV inverter manufacturer and smart energy solution provider listed on Shanghai Stock Exchange. The company has nearly 5,000 employees worldwide and installations in over 100 countries and regions. GoodWe offers an extensive range of products and solutions tailored for residential, commercial and industrial, and utility-scale PV systems, delivering reliable and high-performance solutions across its entire portfolio. In 2021, GoodWe was recognized as one of the top three hybrid inverter suppliers worldwide by Wood Mackenzie.

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State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters at the February meeting of the Oklahoma state school board, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024.

Public money for Oklahoma students is paying for email pitches like this one:

Good morning! Ryan Walters, state superintendent of Oklahoma, banned porn/explicit reading materials and graphics from classrooms in Oklahoma, but Edmond Public Schools is appealing this action, asking the state Supreme Court to allow porn back in classrooms.

That pitch goes on to say:

School board members wont even allow adults to read these books out loud, yet Edmond Public Schools are begging for kids to be reading this sexual garbage.

And this one, seizing on the death of an Owasso High School student:

An open letter called for Ryan (sic) immediate removal from office for, the letter claims, fostering a culture of violence and hate against the 2SLGBTQI+ community in Oklahoma schools.

Ryan responded to the letter saying: [this is a] standard tactic of the radical left, and they will stop at nothing to destroy the country and our state.

Want Ryan on to discuss? the pitches conclude.

Vought Strategies, a communications firm in Arlington, Virginia, sent those emails in recent weeks to national media outlets. The Oklahoma State Department of Education hired the firm to write speeches and op-eds and book Walters on at least 10 national TV and radio appearances per month.

That has some people questioning whether Walters is boosting his national profile at the publics expense  something Mary Vought, president and founder of the firm, made clear she is working to do.

I will work with my network of stakeholders to obtain attendance at national events and conferences in order to increase the national exposure of the client, she wrote in her bid for the contract, public records show.

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A former attorney general said the agencys use of public money and resources for personal gain is concerning.

To have somebody whose sole purpose is not to get information to the public, but to get information about you on a public platform for your own personal gain is an illegal use of public funds and public resources, in my view, said Drew Edmondson, a Democrat who was Oklahomas attorney general from 1995 to 2011. I cannot think of a rational, legal explanation.

State set up Vought LLC

Another question about the use of public resources was raised because secretary of state records show that David Martin, an Education Department employee, set up the LLC for Vought Strategies in Oklahoma on Nov. 9, the last day proposals were accepted. Martin is the registered agent, and he listed the Oliver Hodge Building, where the department is housed, as his address.

Martin did not respond to a voicemail left for him on Tuesday. According to his LinkedIn profile, Martin started at the department in March 2023 as assistant chief operating officer; in November, he was promoted to senior director of technology and accountability.

Dan Isett, the departments director of communications, couldnt explain why Martin registered the LLC.

No, I dont have anything for you on that, he told KOKH.

Walters: We're doing national recruiting for teachers

Months ago, Walters, in an interview with FOX 25 (KOKH-TV), offered an explanation for why his department needed the public relations contract. He said his national media appearances are for teacher recruitment.

So youre saying, we as Oklahoma parents and students are going to benefit from you going on more national media? reporter Wendy Suares asked during the Nov. 13 interview.

What Im saying is, we are doing national recruiting efforts for teachers to come to our state, Walters replied.

Mary Vought, in her bid, said she has 17 years of national media experience and has pitched and orchestrated TV and radio interviews on Fox News, CNN, Bloomberg TV, Newsmax, One America News Network, Sirius XM, Salem Radio, Fox News Radio and more.

For Voughts work, Oklahoma agreed to pay an estimated $30,000 for the first four months, from March 6 to June 30, public records show. The contract can then be extended for up to three years.

Vought, in a Nov. 9 letter submitted to the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, said her compensation would be $5,000 per month. She followed up on Nov. 14 with an hourly breakdown, estimating her firm will spend a total of 25 hours per week, at a rate of $200 per hour.

Vought did not respond to multiple attempts to reach her for comment.

Vought came under fire for a similar contract with Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy. She was hired in 2019 for $4,000 a month in state funds to get him on Fox News and right-wing media outlets and write op-eds under his name. The contract was extended and amended multiple times through the end of Dunleavys second term in 2026, skirting the states procurement laws and playing at political favoritism, according to Dermot Cole, a former writer for the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Alaska Dispatch and Alaska Dispatch News.

The resumes of Mary Vought and Walters top adviser, Matt Langston, appear to overlap. Vought worked for U.S. Sen. Ron Johnsons office from 2011-2013. Langston was Johnsons traveling press secretary from June 2010 to Jan 2011, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Voughts was the only bid received, even though the state maintains a list of a dozen Oklahoma-based public relations firms approved for state contracts.

Education Department: It's a contract extension

The contract started March 6, but emails make it clear Vought was working for Walters as early as Aug. 10.

Isett on Tuesday told KOKH that Vought already had a contract with the department and the March 6 contract was an extension.

I have an email from central purchasing saying were in the clear to continue working with them while we were waiting for the new RFP to be approved, Isett said. To be clear, we wouldnt proceed if it were extralegal.

Isett did not provide the previous contract by publication. Oklahoma Watchs attempt to inspect the contract in person on Wednesday was rebuffed by department staff.

Oklahoma Watch was unable to find a record of payments to Vought in the states online checkbook system through Jan. 31, which is the most recent data available.

The top item on the contract shows the state and Vought agreed that, as of March 6, Vought had not yet begun the work.

Supplier shall not commence work, commit funds, incur costs, or in any way act to obligate the state until the contract is effective, it reads.

Vought has pitched Walters to national media outlets on topics including fentanyl and the southern border, drag queens in the classroom, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, teacher unions, library books, and his appointment of Chaya Raichik, the far-right social media influencer behind Libs of TikTok, to a library advisory committee.

None of the email pitches obtained by FOX 25 and Oklahoma Watch contain any reference to teacher recruitment.

The emails were sent by Caroline Woods at Vought Strategies. When reached by phone, Woods referred all questions, including Woods title, to Mary Vought.

Walters is in Washington, D.C., this week, making appearances on Newsmax and Fox News.

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This story was produced in collaboration with FOX 25 (KOKH-TV) and Anchor/Investigative Reporter Wendy Suares.

Oklahoma Watch, at oklahomawatch.org, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: State hired Vought Strategies to push Ryan Walters to national media
A new bakery is bringing freshly baked bagels and empanadas to Sacramento.

Forgotten Bakery will officially open its doors on Saturday at 4650 Stockton Blvd., the business announced Wednesday in a news release.

Nestled by the Fruitridge Pocket and Colonial Heights neighborhoods, the bakery focuses on beer-fermented, hand-rolled and honey-boiled bagels and Chilean-style empanadas made from a family recipe.

The bakery is a walk-up concept, allowing customers to order online or through a kiosk.

After picking up your order, you can stick around and enjoy your food on the patio.

Co-founders of the Forgotten Bakery, Robby Naim, left and Paul Dollar.

Why does new Sacramento bakery focus on bagels and empanadas?

Forgotten Bakery is a product of partners and co-founders Robbie Naim and Paul Dollar and their upbringings.

Naim, who was born in Sacramento but grew up in the Bay Area, comes from a bagel-making background.

He told The Sacramento Bee in January that his family used to have a bagel factory, Bagel Mania Bakery, in the Bay Area.

I grew up with bagels and being in the factory all the time, Naim said. Its just part of our life.

Dollar brings Chilean roots and culinary passion to the business.

He always made empanadas for his family on holidays, his partner said.

We kind of combined those two ideas together  empanadas and bagels  and came up with the idea of opening a bakery for both, Naim said.

Aeriel view of the Forgotten Bakery at 4650 Stockton Blvd. in Sacramento.

Co-owner: Forgotten Bakery brings something new to area

Sacramento has long been a constant in Naims and Dollars lives. Both of them used to come to the city often to visit family.

Dollar, who was born and raised in Miami, frequented Sacramento because his father was raised in the Colonial Heights neighborhood.

Naim said the purpose of bringing Forgotten Bakery to Sacramento was to create something nice for the community.

There were a lot of new people who have moved into Sacramento, also to this area, Naim said. But the people who have been living here for 30, 40, 50 years, they deserve something new and on Stockton Boulevard.

I feel like its been forgotten, Naim said about the area. We want to bring back something to the community, something to the neighborhood that brings people together in the area.

Theres a lot of potential, he said.

We are not looking to compete, Dollar said in the release. We are looking to create a new segment for Sacramento in our beloved neighborhood especially since we also live down the street.

Empanadas at the Forgotten Bakery.

Whats on the menu?

Forgotten Bakerys menu features freshly baked bagels, empanadas and bagel sandwiches.

According to the release, signature items include the Loxanna bagel sandwich  the bakerys take on a classic lox bagel  and the Chilean Classic Pino empanada served with traditional Chilean-style salsa.

The Loxanne bagel sandwich at Forgotten Bakery in Sacramento.

When is Forgotten Bakery open?

The Forgotten Bakery is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

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What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com.
Burnaby, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 14, 2024) - Great Eagle Gold Corp. (CSE: GEGC) (FSE: GI8) announces the election of Patricia Kovacevic to the Board of Directors of the International Green Gold Council (IGGC). Patricia will continue to serve as an independent board member at Great Eagle Gold Corp ("Great Eagle Gold").

The IGGC, located in Geneva, Switzerland, is on a mission to redefine gold's function in the contemporary economy by introducing Digital Green Gold. This endeavor is a substantial change in how gold is perceived, focusing on environmental sustainability and social responsibility, while still highlighting gold's fundamental role as a universal medium of exchange.

Digital Green Gold is made up of certified gold resources, the value of which is unlocked through tokenization, and monetization in a well-regulated, stable ecosystem that is fully harmonized with the international financial system. This strategy not only retains the traditional significance of certified gold by leaving it in its untouched state but also presents an environmentally sound option to traditional mining methods.

Leading the charge in the digital green gold sector, the IGGC is dedicated to formulating legislative policies, setting standards for the industry, and advocating for practices that support a strong international market. Its aim is to develop a sustainable and just monetary system that makes the most of the inherent worth of gold.

Steve Moses, Chairman of the IGGC, remarked on Patricia Kovacevic's appointment, stating, "With her extensive background in regulatory legal matters, underscored by her senior roles in legal and regulatory affairs at CryoMass Technologies Inc. and Philip Morris International, Patricia brings a wealth of experience in collaborating with governmental regulatory bodies. Her dedication to setting leading-edge policies and standards for the burgeoning digital green gold industry is expected to be invaluable."

Story continues

The IGGC's mission revolves around four core pillars designed to nurture a thriving global digital green gold market to benefit its sponsoring members and stakeholders:

Promoting green gold policy legislation globally for governments.

Advocating the value proposition of digital green gold for investors.

Developing policies and standards for Digital Green Gold Miners.

Formulating policies and standards for Green Gold Tokenizers.

Following her appointment, Patricia shared her excitement, saying, "It's a privilege to become a member of the International Green Gold Council's Board of Directors and play a role in propelling this innovative sector forward. I am committed to the council's vision of aligning regulatory compliance with digital asset innovation, aiming to reestablish gold as a dependable, environmentally and socially responsible asset. I am enthusiastic about contributing to the development of this emerging industry and aiding Great Eagle Gold in its trailblazing position as the world's Premier Digital Green Gold Miner."

Marketing Agreements Update

Further to Great Eagle Gold's news release on February 28, 2024, the Company provides additional information in regards to certain Marketing Agreements that have been entered into.

Great Eagle Gold has retained TD Medial LLC, dba Life Water Media ("Life Water") of 5826 New Territory Blvd., Unit 2144, Sugar land Texas, to provide digital marketing services pursuant to an agreement  entered into between the Company and Life Water dated February 27, 2024 (the "Life Water Agreement"). Life Water's specific duties under the  Life Water Agreement include the creation of media and advertising, dissemination on various digital platforms, digital marketing campaigns, influencer management and communication on digital mediums.

The Life Water Agreement has a term of six months, unless extended upon a subsequent mutual agreement, or unless terminated by either party at any time. Pursuant to the Life Water Agreement, Great Eagle Gold will pay Life Water a fee of US$100,000 for the first month of the term and thereafter may elect to provide additional payments as the services proceed. 

In addition, Great Eagle Gold has also retained MIC Market Information & Content Publishing GmbH of Gerhart-Haupptman-Str. 49B, 51379 Leverkusen, Germany ("MIC") to provide online marketing services pursuant to an agreement  entered into between the Company and MIC dated February 27, 2024 (the "MIC Agreement"). MIC's specific duties under the  MIC Agreement include the creation of text material and advertisements, creation of campaign and ad groups, keyword research, marketing campaigns and management of the foregoing.

The MIC Agreement has a term of six months, unless terminated by either party upon the provision of 30 days' notice. Pursuant to the MIC Agreement, Great Eagle Gold  will pay MIC a fee of 16% of the marketing budget being managed by MIC, with the current proposed budget to total 100,000.

Stock Option Grants

The Company announces that it has granted incentive stock options (the "Options"), pursuant to its stock option plan (the "Plan"), consisting of 650,000 common shares of the Company, to certain directors, officers and consultants of the Company.

The Options are exercisable at a price of CDN$0.51 for a period of 5 years. The Options, which vest immediately, and the common shares issuable upon exercise will be subject to a four-month hold period expiring on July 12, 2024.

About Great Eagle Gold Corp.

Great Eagle Gold Corp. (CSE: GEGC) (FSE: GI8) a Canadian public company, aims to be a leading digital green gold miner. Its unique strategy involves developing and acquiring certified gold resources to exchange into digital green gold tokens. By keeping the gold secured in the ground while tokenizing and monetizing its value, Great Eagle Gold introduces an innovative, ESG-friendly approach to wealth creation in the traditional gold mining industry.

Great Eagle Gold's inaugural gold resource development project is situated in Colombia's second-largest gold-producing region, Bajo Cauca. Hacienda Rio Rayo encompasses three fully permitted exploration and production concessions, hosting nine active alluvial gold mining operations with an average monthly output of approximately 35 kilograms. The total area covered by these three concessions is 2,523 hectares. Despite its rich history of gold production, this extensive area has never undergone modern exploration or certification of gold resources. Identifying and quantifying this untapped potential is Great Eagle Gold's primary focus. Moreover, Colombia is anticipated to be the first country to enact green gold legislation, as championed by the International Green Gold Council, thus pioneering the way for a thriving green gold tokenization industry.

Besides its Colombian project, Great Eagle Gold's global acquisition strategy targets existing mining titles with NI 43-101 certified gold resources. This approach is in anticipation of a wave of green gold legislation, which is expected to open tokenization opportunities worldwide.

The securities referred to herein will not be or have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Great Eagle Gold Corp.

Chris Hansen, Chairman

For further information please contact:

Email: info@greateaglegold.com

Website: www.greateaglegold.com

Phone: +1 (415) 300-6144

Investor inquiries:

Green Gold Communications S.A.S.

Worldwide Toll Free: +1 (877) 513-5213

Direct: +1 (775) 341-6015

Email: Info@greengoldcommunications.com

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to Great Eagle's operations and green gold mining initiatives, its Colombian property exploration and development plans, expansion plans, estimates, expectations, forecasts, objectives, predictions and projections of the future. Specifically, this news release contains forward looking statements with respect to Great Eagle's proposed operations, acquiring and developing certified green gold resources and their tokenization, and the receipt of required approvals. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "projects", "intends", "anticipates", or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or "variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "can", "could", "would", "might", or "will" be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Great Eagle to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: risks related to the exploration and development and operation of Great Eagle's projects, the actual results of current exploration, development activities, conclusions of economic evaluations, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future precious metals prices, as well as those factors discussed in the sections relating to risk factors of our business filed in Great Eagle's required securities filings on SEDAR+. Although Great Eagle has attempted to identify important factors that could cause results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results to be materially different from those anticipated, described, estimated, assessed or intended.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities law. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or statements made, by third parties in respect of the matters discussed above.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/201699
A school district worker accused of altering a family members grades has been arrested and fired from her position, according to school officials and police.

The 35-year-old woman was arrested Wednesday, March 13, and charged with tampering with a government record, KTRE reported, citing an arrest affidavit. She is listed as the junior high and high school registrar for the Groveton Independent School District.

Beginning in the 2021-2022 school year, the school worker made more than 145 changes to the relatives grades without permission from the students teachers, according to court documents obtained by KETK.

She was allowed to change grades as part of her job, but only with authorization from teachers, police told the East Texas News.

The document said she changed the students class average for a six-week period, which would then impact the students semester grade, KYTX reported. The 6-weeks averages, and in-turn semester averages, were consistently increased and the changes led to the student rising into the top 10 percent.

Police said the student rose from being ranked 15th to 5th due to the school workers alterations, according to KYTX.

The woman was fired Jan. 29 after the school district confirmed the allegations. Following her firing, law enforcement was notified and the police investigation began, the school district said in a statement.

Upon discovery of the alterations, the superintendent ordered the immediate investigation of the potentially affected records of all students grades 6-12, according to the statement. Groveton ISD is working diligently to correct the alterations and to ensure the accuracy of each students educational record.

Groveton is about a 110-mile drive northeast of Houston.

Woman pretends to be high schooler and attends 3 different schools, Boston officials say

Mom sneaks past school security and attacks teacher during class, New York cops say

Middle school counselor charged with child sex exploitation, Tennessee officials say
Few Democrats have vocally supported Israel  and, consequently, its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu  as much as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. As Netanyahu thumbed his nose at Barack Obama throughout Obamas presidency, even coming to Washington to try and scuttle the Iran nuclear agreement, Schumer steadfastly supported Israels longest-serving leader.

Schumer frequently invokes his Jewish faith and heritage, specifically talking about his late father Abe telling him, If you are doing the right thing and you persist, God will reward you and will succeed. But on Thursday, Schumer made clear that he will not reward Bibi.

In a floor speech, Schumer noted his surname comes from the term shomer, meaning guardian in Hebrew, and added that his nuanced views on the matter have never been well-represented in this countrys discussions about the war in Gaza. He spoke candidly about his youth in Brooklyn, and added that after five months of suffering on both sides of this conflict, our thinking must turn  urgently  to how we can achieve lasting peace.

Schumer called for course corrections and named three major obstacles he sees to peace. Unsurprisingly, he blamed Hamas, which launched the surprise assault on Israel in October last year, but added: Palestinian civilians do not deserve to suffer for the sins of Hamas, and Israel has a moral obligation to do better.

He then turned his attention to Netanyahus government, which the right-wing prime minister has filled with extremists and nationalists  such as Ministry of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has called for the subjugation and forced displacement of Palestinians, as Schumer described. Schumer also criticised the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, which has long lacked a democratic mandate.

To be clear, Schumer did not call for a permanent ceasefire like Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin. Nor did he call for conditioning aid to Israel, like his fellow alumnus of James Madison High School in Brooklyn, Senator Bernie Sanders, who is also Jewish. At the same time, he did call for new elections in Israel, saying, It has become clear to me the Netanyahu coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel after October 7.

Schumers remarks matter on multiple fronts. As the senator from New York, he represents the state with the largest Jewish population. Despite being Senate Majority Leader, Schumer is not a creature of Washington. He frequently travels all over the state and would not make such remarks without knowing many Jewish New Yorkers and many other Jewish Americans who simultaneously fear the rise of antisemitism and feel that the Israeli governments actions have caused an unacceptable loss of civilian life.

Schumers words allow for Democrats in his caucus to feel safer in criticizing Netanyahus government. Like Schumer, Senator Ben Cardin, the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, is Jewish and he praised Schumers speech.

I think October 7 changed things in Israel, and the Israelis need to speak as to their leadership, Cardin, who is retiring at the end of the year, told reporters. Like many Jewish Americans, Cardin also had deep reservations about the Israeli governments rightward lurch long before October. That move to the far right led to massive protests in Israel, which Durbin pointed out.

All the demonstrations that led up to this October 7 event indicated there was going to be a change in Israel, he said.

Senator Peter Welch, who along with Durbin supports a ceasefire, praised Schumers speech as extraordinarily constructive and statesman-like and I am so thrilled to have him stepping up and saying what needs to be said.

Senator Bernie Sanders, who once lived on a kibbutz in Israel, told The Independent that I think the people of Israel have got to understand that they are increasingly isolated from the rest of the world.

Senator Elizabeth Warren, an outspoken critic of the Netanyahu government, also praised Schumers speech. The Netanyahu government has created a humanitarian crisis in Gaza that is bleeding support for Israel, all around the world, she said.

Senator Ron Wyden, who is Jewish and whose parents escaped the Nazis before the Holocaust, said he and Schumer, who entered Congress together, share a similar perspective. We've talked about these issues an awful lot, and I heard some of the conversations we had in the remarks and I thought it was a real path forward, he said.

Of course, Schumers remarks did not come without consternation. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell blasted Schumers speech almost immediately and Speaker Mike Johnson did the same at the House GOP retreat. Similarly, the American Jewish Committee said while it appreciated Schumers defence of Israel, we do not believe it is appropriate for US officials to try to dictate the electoral future of any ally.

John Fetterman, the most Democratic outspoken supporter of Israel in the Senate who has faced relentless criticism from progressives, told The Independent: I would hope that every one of those leaders would agree that you have to go after Hamas, even if that means going against sometimes even the United States wishes.

But Schumers willingness to speak as both a prominent Jewish American and the top Democrat in the Senate shows that many Jewish Americans do not see Netanyahus course of action as acceptable. And it will likely provide cover for other Democrats who want to break with the Israeli government.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), the highest-ranking Jewish official in the United States, condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus handling of the war in Gaza and called for new elections in Israel once the war winds down.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has lost his way, said Schumer. The Netanyahu coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel after October 7th.

In a speech on the Senate floor, Schumer said Netanyahu and his right-wing government are endangering the state of Israel by refusing to protect civilians in Gaza and by rejecting any peace plan that creates a Palestinian state.

Schumer says the humanitarian crisis in Gaza where an estimated 30,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war, is pushing support for Israel to historic lows.

Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) called Schumers speech grotesque and said the Democratic leaders remarks undermine Israels democracy and threaten its alliance with the U.S.

Israel is not a colony of America whose leader serves at the pleasure of the party in power in Washington, said McConnell.

At a retreat in West Virginia, House Republicans including Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) the backlashed continued.

It is just plain wrong for an American leader to play such a divisive role, said Johnson.

CAIR the nations largest Muslim civil rights group calls Schumers remarks short sighted.

The problem is decades long in Israel, its not just Netanyahu its the Israeli government, said Robert McCaw, CAIR Government Affairs Department Director.

President Biden has aired his own frustrations over Netanyahus leadership of the war.

The State Department which is currently working to broker a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas distanced itself from Schumers comments.

These are statements made by Senator Schumer not the Biden administration said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer offered a vision of a peaceful future for Israel and Palestine on Thursday in a floor speech in which he called on the president and his fellow lawmakers to embrace the concept of a separate, legitimised Palestinian state and called for a new government in Jerusalem.

Mr Schumer said on Wednesday that Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels controversial prime minister, was not part of a productive path forward for the region and said that new elections should be held in the country. Mr Netanyahus support of a brutal assault upon the Gaza Strip while aid has only trickled into the territory has drawn the ire of president Joe Biden and other Democrats, who are facing a political price in their own party as images of the carnage appear across social media and television.

Palestinian civilians do not deserve to suffer for the sins of Hamas, and Israel has a moral obligation to do better, said Mr Schumer in his floor speech.

The Netanyahu coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel, he continued. The Israeli people are being stifled right now by a governing vision that is stuck in the past.

He later described the prime minister as an obstacle to lasting peace in the region.

The Democratic leaders remarks drew an immediate dissent from Senator John Fetterman, a freshman Democrat who has emerged as Israels most vocal supporter in the Senate Democratic caucus since the war began last October. Mr Fetterman told The Independent in an interview after Mr Schumers speech that he supports the Israeli leader...that we have and added that he would be supportive of any leader that Israeli citizens elect.

Republicans also opposed his position, with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson declaring them just plain wrong at a press conference alongside GOP House leadership after the senators speech.

"We want to speak very clearly and concisely to say that this is not only highly inappropriate, but just plain wrong for an American leader to play such a divisive role in Israeli politics, Mr Johnson said.

The war between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza has raged for months since a bloody terrorist attack on Israeli soil last October ended with more than 1,200 dead. Since that attack, the siege of Gaza has resulted in an additional 30,000-plus dead and thousands more injured and facing hellish conditions including dehydration, starvation and lack of electricity. Millions of residents have poured into the south of Gaza as the north has been almost entirely flattened by the Israeli military and debates are now raging over whether the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) will begin a full invasion of the south as well.

Support for the Israeli government and Americas role in funding and supplying the country has frayed among Democrats in particular as images of the dead and wounded have become increasingly visible. Footage appearing to show a crowd of civilians approaching an aid convoy and being fired upon by Israeli troops, resulting in the deaths of more than 100 people, escalated demands for the Israeli government to allow more aid to be safely distributed in southern Gaza.

Mr Netanyahu currently holds power in Israel thanks to a coalition his party formed with other far-right factions in late 2022. The factions have been blamed for stoking tensions with Palestinians including their support for the Israeli settler movement, which the White House has taken steps to sanction for violence against Palestinians in the West Bank and elsewhere.

Mr Netanyahus relationship with the United States has deteriorated significantly over the past few months, never having been rock solid in the first place thanks in large part to his closeness to and support for Donald Trump  Mr Bidens 2020 and most likely 2024 presidential opponent. After the presidents State of the Union address last week, Mr Biden was heard telling Democratic lawmakers about a recent conversation with the Israeli leader in which he had supposedly told Mr Netanyahu that the two would soon have a come-to-Jesus meeting.

Mr Schumers words on Thursday are likely to bolster the sentiments of progressives in the Senate and House of Representatives who have criticised the Israeli militarys assault on Gaza. One of those progressives, Senator Bernie Sanders, has repeatedly called for the US Congress to cease writing Mr Netanyahu a blank check for his countrys war effort.

One of his allies in the chamber, Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio, concurred with the leaders call for new elections in his own remarks to reporters.

I think the sooner that Netanyahu is gone, the better, he was reported as saying.

White House national security communications adviser John Kirby told reporters on Thursday the Senate leader gave the White House advance notice of his remarks but stressed that it was done as a courtesy and was not about approval, or disapproval or editing in any way.

We know the leader Schumer feels strongly about this ... were gonna stay focused on making sure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself while doing everything that they can to avoid civilian casualties and, of course, were still focused, laser-focused, on trying to get a temporary ceasefire in place so that we can get the hostages out and get more aid in, he said.
Sen. Chuck Schumer of Brooklyn on Thursday called for new elections in Israel, saying that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lost his way  a major rebuke of the embattled conservative leader from one of Israels staunchest allies in Washington.

In a nuanced 41-minute speech on the Senate floor, Schumer stopped short of explicitly telling Israelis to vote Netanyahu out of power. But the senator offered a scathing assessment of the prime minister, warning that his stewardship of the Jewish state after the Oct. 7 attacks risks making the country a global pariah, threatening its very survival.

Schumer, the Democratic majority leader, said Netanyahu has led an over the top military operation in Gaza, where more than 30,000 have been reported dead and a famine threatens. Schumer argued the prime minister has put his own political survival ahead of his countrys interests.

As a lifelong supporter of Israel, it has become clear to me that Netanyahu no longer fits the needs of Israel after Oct. 7, Schumer said. The world has changed radically since then. And the Israeli people are being stifled right now by a governing vision that is stuck in the past.

Schumer  a Jewish Park Slope liberal who has been the subject of large protests from American progressives over his backing of Israel  added that a new election in Israel is the only way to allow for a healthy and open decision-making process about the future of Israel at a time when so many Israelis have lost their confidence in the vision and direction of their government.

The Israeli ambassador to the United States, Michael Herzog, wrote on social media that Israel is a sovereign democracy.

It is unhelpful, all the more so as Israel is at war against the genocidal terror organization Hamas, to comment on the domestic political scene of a democratic ally, Herzog wrote.

The speech comes as President Biden has slowly been ramping up criticism of Israel over the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, where Israel is seeking to stamp out Hamas. Earlier this month, Vice President Kamala Harris called for an immediate, temporary ceasefire in Gaza. The relationship between Biden and Netanyahu is deeply strained.

But Biden has not called for a leadership change in Israel.

A White House spokesman, John Kirby, told reporters: We know Leader Schumer feels strongly about this, and well certainly let him speak to it.

Were going to stay focused on making sure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself, Kirby added. And, of course, were still focused  laser focused  on trying to get a temporary ceasefire in place.

Many liberal voters have expressed displeasure about American support for the Israeli war effort in Gaza by voting uncommitted on primary ballots in the Democratic primary elections. They have threatened to withhold their vote from Biden in his expected November general election rematch with former President Donald Trump.

Layla Elabed, a progressive Palestinian American activist in Michigan  where more than 100,000 voters selected uncommitted in the Democratic primary election  issued a statement Thursday saying that Schumer is beginning to shift but far too slowly and with little substance for what actions Biden can take now.

How many children in Gaza will be killed by Israeli bombs before Schumer demands an end to U.S. weapons aid? added Elabed, the sister of Rep. Rashida Tlaib.

Republicans, meanwhile, defended Netanyahu.

Israel is not a colony of America whose leaders serve at the pleasure of the party in power in Washington, Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Republican minority leader, said on the floor of the Senate. Only Israels citizens should have a say in who runs their government.

He said Democrats have an anti-Israel problem.

Still, Schumer has been full-throated in his support and admiration for the Israeli state. He said Americas bonds to the country are unbreakable.

He spoke at length Thursday about his concerns about growing anti-Jewish prejudice, and expressed concern that many people, especially on the left, seem to acknowledge and even celebrate a right to statehood for every group but the Jews.

Jews have a human right to their own state, he said.

At the same time, he said Netanyahu has made a grievous error by turning his back on any hope for a two-state solution in Israel.

As the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in our government, and as a staunch defender of Israel, I rise today to say unequivocally: This is a grave mistake, Schumer warned. For Israel. For Palestinians. For the region and the world.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) issued a call Thursday for new elections in Israel and heaped criticism on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus handling of the ongoing war with Hamas, as part of the senators push for a two-state solution in the region.

Schumer delivered what he deemed a major address on the escalating situation in the region, headlined by his comments directed at Netanyahu, the polarizing Israeli leader. He pressed that Netanyahu has lost his way, pointing to the political and legal battles he has faced recently while also allowing that the off-and-on prime ministers highest priority is the security of Israel.

However, I also believe Prime Minister Netanyahu has lost his way by allowing his political survival to take the precedence over the best interests of Israel, Schumer said, arguing Netanyahu is currently in a coalition with far-right extremists and has been too willing to tolerate the civilian toll in Gaza, which is pushing support for Israel worldwide to historic lows.

As a lifelong supporter of Israel, it has become clear to me: The Netanyahu coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel after Oct. 7, Schumer added, referring to Hamass attack. The world has changed  radically  since then, and the Israeli people are being stifled right now by a governing vision that is stuck in the past.

Prior to the nearly 45-minute speech, Schumer  the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in U.S. history  had largely kept his powder dry on the topic as he attempted to balance his personal feelings on Israel and the rising concern among Senate Democrats and progressives who have become vocal critics of Netanyahus handling of the conflict.

That feeling burst open earlier in the week as Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and seven Senate Democrats penned a letter calling on President Biden to halt giving weapons to Israel for the war until Israel nixes restrictions on U.S.-backed humanitarian aid going into Gaza.

We urge you to make it clear to the Netanyahu government that failure to immediately and dramatically expand humanitarian access and facilitate safe aid deliveries throughout Gaza will lead to serious consequences, as specified under existing U.S. law, the group wrote.

Sanders and others have also called for future aid to Israel to be conditioned on whether the country is violating human rights and international accords.

Progressives have also been vocal in calls for a permanent cease-fire, which Schumer argued Thursday would only give Hamas more time to plan and launch attacks. However, he did side with Bidens push for a temporary pause as he continued to hold out hope for a two-state solution.

Schumer cited four key obstacles to that goal: Hamas and Palestinians who support and tolerate their efforts; radical right-wing Israelis; Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas; and Netanyahu.

On the Israeli side, Schumer called for the country to consider its options for the future through a new election.

At this critical juncture, I believe a new election is the only way to allow for a healthy and open decisionmaking process about the future of Israel, at a time when so many Israelis have lost their confidence in the vision and direction of their government, he said. Holding a new election once the war starts to wind down would give Israelis an opportunity to express their vision for the post-war future.

Top Republicans shortly after took aim at Schumers critical remarks of the sitting Israeli prime minister. Mere minutes after the Democratic leader concluded his remarks, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said on the Senate floor that the calls against Netanyahu were inappropriate and that the only ones with a say in the matter should be Israelis.

It is grotesque and hypocritical for Americans who hyperventilate about interference in our own democracy to call for the removal of a democratically elected leader of Israel, McConnell said. This is unprecedented. We should not treat fellow democracies this way at all.

Only Israels citizens should have a say in who runs their government, he continued. This is the very definition of democracy and sovereignty. Either we respect their decisions, or we disrespect their democracy.

This is not the first major speech Schumer has delivered on Israel and its future. He delivered one in November to condemn the rise of antisemitism and called on Democrats to condemn it.

Senate Democrats have indicated they are split over the possibility of arms sales to Israel if Netanyahu goes ahead with an Israeli ground invasion of Rafah, a southern Gaza city. Biden has called for the invasion to not go forward, labeling it a red line for the U.S.

Biden told Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) following last weeks State of the Union address that he told Netanyahu that the two would have to have a come-to-Jesus meeting about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. Netanyahu responded by saying his country would not be getting off the gas.

We know that Leader Schumer feels strongly about this. Were going to stay focused on making sure Israel has what it needs to defend itself while doing everything they can to avoid civilian casualties, and were still laser focused on trying to get a temporary cease-fire in place, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters on Thursday.

Thats where our head is right now.

The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants raided southern Israel, killing nearly 1,200 people and abducting about 250 others.

Gazas Health Ministry, which doesnt differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count, has said that more than 31,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began Oct. 7. The United Nations also says approximately a quarter of Gazas population is now starving.

Brett Samuels contributed. Updated at 12:07 p.m. EDT

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(Bloomberg) -- Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer reached his breaking point Thursday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, 159 days into the Israel-Hamas war.

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Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the US, called for new Israeli elections and replacement of Netanyahu, an extraordinary public rebuke that reflects a wrenching reexamination of close bonds with Israel that the Gaza conflict has provoked among Democrats.

I believe a new election is the only way to allow for a healthy and open decision-making process about the future of Israel, Schumer said in a speech on the Senate floor. Netanyahu, he said, has lost his way and become beholden to right-wing extremists.

Schumer has been a key ally of Israel in Congress for decades. But the Gaza conflicts toll on Palestinian civilians has opened a schism in the Democratic coalition with ramifications for the November US elections. A backlash against President Joe Bidens support of the war threatens to cost Democrats votes in key battleground states like Michigan.

Schumer previously urged Israel many times to do more to avoid civilian casualties and allow aid to flow more freely to hungry Gaza residents.

Though Schumer said its up to Israelis to choose their leaders, he said the Netanyahu coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel and said the Israeli leader had made a grave mistake by rejecting an eventual two-state solution to the conflict.

The bitter reality is that a single state controlled by Israel, which they advocate, guarantees certain war forever, Schumer said.

Schumers comments Thursday moved him closer to progressives like Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and independent Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who have been sharply critical of Israels handling of the war.

The speech also marks the culmination of more than a decade of Democratic frustration with Netanyahu. Party members and voters were angered by the Israeli leaders sparring with former President Barack Obama.

Republicans accused Schumer of inappropriate interference with a key US ally.

Its just plain wrong for an American leader to play such a divisive role in Israeli politics, while our closest ally in the region is in an existential battle for its very survival, House Speaker Mike Johnson said at a Republican retreat in West Virginia.

Mitch McConnell, the Senate Republican leader, said its grotesque and hypocritical for Americans who hyperventilate about foreign interference in our own democracy to call for the removal of a democratically elected leader of Israel.

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Schumer had given the White House notice ahead of his remarks but stopped short of endorsing them.

Were going to stay focused on making sure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself while doing everything that they can to avoid civilian casualties, and of course, were still laser-focused on trying to get a temporary cease-fire in place, Kirby said.

Schumers comments satisfied progressive Democrats, but they also triggered condemnation across the Israeli political spectrum, even among Netanyahus rivals, as inappropriate. So while his statements could help temper one of Bidens domestic political weaknesses, they could also make the embattled Israeli prime minister even further entrenched.

Israeli Reaction

Israels ambassador to the US, Michael Herzog, said in a social media post that Schumers criticism was unhelpful and counterproductive to our common goals. He later met with House Republicans at their retreat in West Virginia.

Netanyahus Likud party also criticized the speech, as did Benny Gantz, a member of Israels war cabinet but whos also the leader of an opposition party and a long-time rival of the prime minister. Gantzs popularity has surged above Netanyahus since the war started.

Schumer is a friend of Israel but he erred in his remarks, Gantz said. Israel is a robust democracy, and only its citizens will decide its future and leadership. Any external interference on the matter is counter-productive and unacceptable.

One Democrat, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, said he also disagreed with Schumers call for elections, telling reporters he wouldnt appreciate Israel intervening in US elections.

Fetterman, who is among the most hawkish Democrats on the war, said he supports a two-state solution but that cant happen with Hamas, whom he blames for the suffering of the Palestinians. Hamas is considered a terrorist organization by the US and European Union.

They could end the death and the chaos by surrendering and sending all of the hostages home, he said.

Schumer also declared that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas must step down and the Palestinian people must reject Hamas.

--With assistance from Billy House, Erik Wasson and Jordan Fabian.

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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has called on Israel to elect a new prime minister to replace Benjamin Netanyahu in order to move towards a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians in the form of a two-state solution.

In what was billed as a major speech on a two-state solution, Schumer said on the Senate floor on Thursday that Netanyahu was one of four obstacles to this solution.

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., holds a news conference in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on June 21, 2023.

The majority leader said he believed that "Prime Minister Netanyahu has lost his way by allowing his political survival to take the precedence over the best interests of Israel."

Along with Netanyahu, Schumer listed "Hamas, and the Palestinians who support and tolerate their evil ways, radical, right-wing Israelis in government and society, [and] Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas" as the other obstacles.

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According to Schumer, who is Jewish, Israeli elections are "the only way to allow for a healthy and open decision-making process about the future of Israel." He added that he believed a majority of Israelis also recognize a need for change in their government.

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In his reasoning for calling on elections to potentially replace Netanyahu, Schumer explained: "He has put himself in coalition with far-right extremists like Ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, and as a result, he has been too willing to tolerate the civilian toll in Gaza, which is pushing support for Israel worldwide to historic lows."

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Schumer emphasized that Israel will not be able to overcome such a poor public image. "Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah," he said.

After Schumers speech, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, RKy., took to the floor and addressed the remarks of his Democratic colleague, but did not call him out by name.

"The Jewish state of Israel deserves an ally that acts like one," he said, condemning the call for new Israeli elections as "unprecedented."

"Israel's unity, government and security cabinet deserve the deference befitting a sovereign democratic country."

The Kentucky Republican added that "foreign observers" who arent able to recognize these important distinctions should not give their own prescriptions. McConnell additionally claimed the Democratic Partys issue is not with Netanyahu, but with the state of Israel itself.

Michael Herzog, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., posted his reaction to the news on X, formerly Twitter:

"Israel is a sovereign democracy. It is unhelpful, all the more so as Israel is at war against the genocidal terror organization Hamas, to comment on the domestic political scene of a democratic ally. It is counterproductive to our common goals."

As recently as January, Netanyahu rejected the prospect of two states, claiming, "I will not compromise on full Israeli security control over all the territory west of Jordan  and this is contrary to a Palestinian state."

The Palestinian Authority has also reiterated its desire for the territories of Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, with Jerusalem as the capital.





Original article source: Schumer calls for new Israeli leader to replace Netanyahu in Senate floor speech
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, on Thursday, March 14, 2024, criticized Israeli leadership in a speech on the Senate floor. In this photo, Schumer speaks with reporters inside the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer urged an overhaul of both Israeli and Palestinian Authority leadership and said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lost his way, in strong and lengthy comments delivered on the U.S. Senate floor Thursday morning.

The New York Democrat  the highest-ranking Jewish member in Congress  called for Israel to hold elections and pursue a fresh debate about the future of Israel after October 7, the date when Hamas militants stormed Israels southern border, brutally attacking and killing an estimated 1,200 people.

The world has changed radically since then, and the Israeli people are being stifled right now by a governing vision that is stuck in the past, Schumer said.

Schumer urged Israel to make significant course corrections five months into its retaliatory war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip, where tens of thousands of civilians have been killed in Israels near-constant bombardment.

The latest Qatar-led negotiations to broker a ceasefire and hostage deal have stalled while the Muslim holy month of Ramadan is underway, and as Netanyahu is poised for an offensive in Gazas southernmost city of Rafah, an area densely crowded with displaced Palestinians.

More than 31,000 civilians have been killed in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip since the conflict began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Schumer squarely blamed Netanyahu for worldwide support for Israel sinking to historic lows and directly named right-wing Israeli leaders and top Palestinians as obstacles to a two-state solution.

Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah, he said.

Schumer said he supports a temporary pause in fighting but stopped short of calling for a permanent ceasefire, saying doing so would only allow Hamas to regroup and launch further attacks on Israeli civilians.

There can never be a two-state solution if Hamas has any significant power, he said.

Grotesque and hypocritical

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell immediately answered Schumer on the floor and panned his speech as unprecedented.

It is grotesque and hypocritical for Americans who hyperventilate about foreign interference in our own democracy to call for the removal of the democratically elected leader of Israel, the Kentucky Republican said.

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Israel is not a colony of America whose leaders serve at the pleasure of the party in power in Washington. Only Israels citizens should have a say in who runs their government. This is the very definition of democracy and sovereignty, McConnell continued. Either we respect their decisions, or we disrespect their democracy.

House Republicans also quickly delivered a rebuke from their party retreat in West Virginia.

Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota said Democrats have a problem, but its not with Netanyahu.

It is with the anti-Israel members of their own party that have taken over the woke left, he said in a video posted on X from the Greenbrier Resort.

Israels ambassador to the U.S. characterized Schumers comments as unhelpful.

Israel is a sovereign democracy. It is unhelpful, all the more so as Israel is at war against the genocidal terror organization Hamas, to comment on the domestic political scene of a democratic ally. It is counterproductive to our common goals, Ambassador Michael Herzog said in a post on X.

As of mid-afternoon Thursday, Netanyahu had not issued a response on his press offices web page or X account.

Democratic support

Senate Democrats largely fell in line behind Schumers call for new leadership in Israel.

Sen. Patty Murray, the bodys president pro tempore, said she was grateful for the majority leaders speech.

Netanyahu & his far-right coalition have made clear they oppose a two-state solution, which is the path to lasting peace. Israelis should have the opportunity to choose new leadership through an election, the Washington Democrat wrote on X.

Let us know what you think...

Ohio Democrat Sherrod Brown, who faces a tough reelection campaign this year, told reporters on Capitol Hill I think the sooner that Netanyahu is gone, the better.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, who has for months called for restrictions on U.S. aid to Israel, said Schumer made a very important point, and that is the people of Israel have got to understand how increasingly isolated they are from the rest of the world community.

The Netanyahu government is denying food and humanitarian aid to hundreds of thousands of people who are facing starvation, the Vermont independent said, referring to Israels refusal to open adequate land crossings for aid, which Israel denies. I hope very much there will be new leadership in Israel.

I know there are people who say Well, why is it the business of the United States to get involved in Israeli politics? Well, one of the reasons is we have put billions of dollars every single year for many decades in Israel. Theres now legislation, as you know, (for) $14 billion. So what happens in Israel is very much of a legitimate concern for the American people, Sanders, another leading Jewish lawmaker, said Thursday on Capitol Hill.

U.S. aid to Israel

The $14 billion in proposed additional military assistance passed in the Senate in early February as part of a larger $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine and Taiwan.

The proposed aid breaks down to $10.6 billion from the Department of Defense for Israels war effort and $3.5 billion from the Department of State to help the nation reestablish territorial security and deterrence.

Brown was one of the bills original sponsors, along with Tim Scott of South Carolina.

House Republicans have not scheduled a vote on the bill, which would also provide $9.2 billion for humanitarian assistance in Israel and Ukraine.

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Israel has been the top recipient of cumulative foreign assistance from the U.S. since its formation in 1948.

To date, the U.S. has provided $158 billion in aid and missile defense funding.

The latest 10-year bilateral agreement between the U.S. and Israel, signed in 2016, promised $38 billion in military aid.

The post Schumer levels heavy criticism at Israel on U.S. Senate floor, calls for elections there appeared first on Arkansas Advocate.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, on Thursday, March 14, 2024, criticized Israeli leadership in a speech on the Senate floor. In this photo, Schumer speaks with reporters inside the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer urged an overhaul of both Israeli and Palestinian Authority leadership and said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lost his way, in strong and lengthy comments delivered on the U.S. Senate floor Thursday morning.

The New York Democrat  the highest-ranking Jewish member in Congress  called for Israel to hold elections and pursue a fresh debate about the future of Israel after October 7, the date when Hamas militants stormed Israels southern border, brutally attacking and killing an estimated 1,200 people.

The world has changed radically since then, and the Israeli people are being stifled right now by a governing vision that is stuck in the past, Schumer said.

Schumer urged Israel to make significant course corrections five months into its retaliatory war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip, where tens of thousands of civilians have been killed in Israels near-constant bombardment.

The latest Qatar-led negotiations to broker a ceasefire and hostage deal have stalled while the Muslim holy month of Ramadan is underway, and as Netanyahu is poised for an offensive in Gazas southernmost city of Rafah, an area densely crowded with displaced Palestinians.

More than 31,000 civilians have been killed in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip since the conflict began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Schumer squarely blamed Netanyahu for worldwide support for Israel sinking to historic lows and directly named right-wing Israeli leaders and top Palestinians as obstacles to a two-state solution.

Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah, he said.

Schumer said he supports a temporary pause in fighting but stopped short of calling for a permanent ceasefire, saying doing so would only allow Hamas to regroup and launch further attacks on Israeli civilians.

There can never be a two-state solution if Hamas has any significant power, he said.

Grotesque and hypocritical

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell immediately answered Schumer on the floor and panned his speech as unprecedented.

It is grotesque and hypocritical for Americans who hyperventilate about foreign interference in our own democracy to call for the removal of the democratically elected leader of Israel, the Kentucky Republican said.

Israel is not a colony of America whose leaders serve at the pleasure of the party in power in Washington. Only Israels citizens should have a say in who runs their government. This is the very definition of democracy and sovereignty, McConnell continued. Either we respect their decisions, or we disrespect their democracy.

House Republicans also quickly delivered a rebuke from their party retreat in West Virginia.

Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota said Democrats have a problem, but its not with Netanyahu.

It is with the anti-Israel members of their own party that have taken over the woke left, he said in a video posted on X from the Greenbrier Resort.

Israels ambassador to the U.S. characterized Schumers comments as unhelpful.

Israel is a sovereign democracy. It is unhelpful, all the more so as Israel is at war against the genocidal terror organization Hamas, to comment on the domestic political scene of a democratic ally. It is counterproductive to our common goals, Ambassador Michael Herzog said in a post on X.

As of mid-afternoon Thursday, Netanyahu had not issued a response on his press offices web page or X account.

Democratic support

Senate Democrats largely fell in line behind Schumers call for new leadership in Israel.

Sen. Patty Murray, the bodys president pro tempore, said she was grateful for the majority leaders speech.

Netanyahu & his far-right coalition have made clear they oppose a two-state solution, which is the path to lasting peace. Israelis should have the opportunity to choose new leadership through an election, the Washington Democrat wrote on X.

Ohio Democrat Sherrod Brown, who faces a tough reelection campaign this year, told reporters on Capitol Hill I think the sooner that Netanyahu is gone, the better.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, who has for months called for restrictions on U.S. aid to Israel, said Schumer made a very important point, and that is the people of Israel have got to understand how increasingly isolated they are from the rest of the world community.

The Netanyahu government is denying food and humanitarian aid to hundreds of thousands of people who are facing starvation, the Vermont independent said, referring to Israels refusal to open adequate land crossings for aid, which Israel denies. I hope very much there will be new leadership in Israel.

I know there are people who say Well, why is it the business of the United States to get involved in Israeli politics? Well, one of the reasons is we have put billions of dollars every single year for many decades in Israel. Theres now legislation, as you know, (for) $14 billion. So what happens in Israel is very much of a legitimate concern for the American people, Sanders, another leading Jewish lawmaker, said Thursday on Capitol Hill.

U.S. aid to Israel

The $14 billion in proposed additional military assistance passed in the Senate in early February as part of a larger $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine and Taiwan.

The proposed aid breaks down to $10.6 billion from the Department of Defense for Israels war effort and $3.5 billion from the Department of State to help the nation reestablish territorial security and deterrence.

Brown was one of the bills original sponsors, along with Tim Scott of South Carolina.

House Republicans have not scheduled a vote on the bill, which would also provide $9.2 billion for humanitarian assistance in Israel and Ukraine.

Israel has been the top recipient of cumulative foreign assistance from the U.S. since its formation in 1948.

To date, the U.S. has provided $158 billion in aid and missile defense funding.

The latest 10-year bilateral agreement between the U.S. and Israel, signed in 2016, promised $38 billion in military aid.

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The post Schumer levels heavy criticism at Israel on U.S. Senate floor, calls for elections there appeared first on Alabama Reflector.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, on Thursday, March 14, 2024, criticized Israeli leadership in a speech on the Senate floor. In this photo, Schumer speaks with reporters inside the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023. Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom

WASHINGTON  Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer urged an overhaul of both Israeli and Palestinian Authority leadership and said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lost his way, in strong and lengthy comments delivered on the U.S. Senate floor Thursday morning.

The New York Democrat  the highest-ranking Jewish member in Congress  called for Israel to hold elections and pursue a fresh debate about the future of Israel after October 7, the date when Hamas militants stormed Israels southern border, brutally attacking and killing an estimated 1,200 people.

The world has changed radically since then, and the Israeli people are being stifled right now by a governing vision that is stuck in the past, Schumer said.

Schumer urged Israel to make significant course corrections five months into its retaliatory war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip, where tens of thousands of civilians have been killed in Israels near-constant bombardment.

The latest Qatar-led negotiations to broker a ceasefire and hostage deal have stalled while the Muslim holy month of Ramadan is underway, and as Netanyahu is poised for an offensive in Gazas southernmost city of Rafah, an area densely crowded with displaced Palestinians.

More than 31,000 civilians have been killed in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip since the conflict began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Schumer squarely blamed Netanyahu for worldwide support for Israel sinking to historic lows and directly named right-wing Israeli leaders and top Palestinians as obstacles to a two-state solution.

Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah, he said.

Schumer said he supports a temporary pause in fighting but stopped short of calling for a permanent ceasefire, saying doing so would only allow Hamas to regroup and launch further attacks on Israeli civilians.

There can never be a two-state solution if Hamas has any significant power, he said.

Grotesque and hypocritical

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell immediately answered Schumer on the floor and panned his speech as unprecedented.

It is grotesque and hypocritical for Americans who hyperventilate about foreign interference in our own democracy to call for the removal of the democratically elected leader of Israel, the Kentucky Republican said.

Israel is not a colony of America whose leaders serve at the pleasure of the party in power in Washington. Only Israels citizens should have a say in who runs their government. This is the very definition of democracy and sovereignty, McConnell continued. Either we respect their decisions, or we disrespect their democracy.

House Republicans also quickly delivered a rebuke from their party retreat in West Virginia.

Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota said Democrats have a problem, but its not with Netanyahu.

It is with the anti-Israel members of their own party that have taken over the woke left, he said in a video posted on X from the Greenbrier Resort.

Israels ambassador to the U.S. characterized Schumers comments as unhelpful.

Israel is a sovereign democracy. It is unhelpful, all the more so as Israel is at war against the genocidal terror organization Hamas, to comment on the domestic political scene of a democratic ally. It is counterproductive to our common goals, Ambassador Michael Herzog said in a post on X.

As of mid-afternoon Thursday, Netanyahu had not issued a response on his press offices web page or X account.

Democratic support

Senate Democrats largely fell in line behind Schumers call for new leadership in Israel.

Sen. Patty Murray, the bodys president pro tempore, said she was grateful for the majority leaders speech.

Netanyahu & his far-right coalition have made clear they oppose a two-state solution, which is the path to lasting peace. Israelis should have the opportunity to choose new leadership through an election, the Washington Democrat wrote on X.

Ohio Democrat Sherrod Brown, who faces a tough reelection campaign this year, told reporters on Capitol Hill I think the sooner that Netanyahu is gone, the better.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, who has for months called for restrictions on U.S. aid to Israel, said Schumer made a very important point, and that is the people of Israel have got to understand how increasingly isolated they are from the rest of the world community.

The Netanyahu government is denying food and humanitarian aid to hundreds of thousands of people who are facing starvation, the Vermont independent said, referring to Israels refusal to open adequate land crossings for aid, which Israel denies. I hope very much there will be new leadership in Israel.

I know there are people who say Well, why is it the business of the United States to get involved in Israeli politics? Well, one of the reasons is we have put billions of dollars every single year for many decades in Israel. Theres now legislation, as you know, (for) $14 billion. So what happens in Israel is very much of a legitimate concern for the American people, Sanders, another leading Jewish lawmaker, said Thursday on Capitol Hill.

U.S. aid to Israel

The $14 billion in proposed additional military assistance passed in the Senate in early February as part of a larger $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine and Taiwan.

The proposed aid breaks down to $10.6 billion from the Department of Defense for Israels war effort and $3.5 billion from the Department of State to help the nation reestablish territorial security and deterrence.

Brown was one of the bills original sponsors, along with Tim Scott of South Carolina.

House Republicans have not scheduled a vote on the bill, which would also provide $9.2 billion for humanitarian assistance in Israel and Ukraine.

Israel has been the top recipient of cumulative foreign assistance from the U.S. since its formation in 1948.

To date, the U.S. has provided $158 billion in aid and missile defense funding.

The latest 10-year bilateral agreement between the U.S. and Israel, signed in 2016, promised $38 billion in military aid.

The post Schumer levels heavy criticism at Israel on U.S. Senate floor, calls for elections there appeared first on Georgia Recorder.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, on March 14, 2024, criticized Israeli leadership in a speech on the Senate floor. In this photo, Schumer speaks with reporters inside the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 14, 2023. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer urged an overhaul of Israeli and Palestinian Authority leadership and said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lost his way, in strong and lengthy comments delivered on the U.S. Senate floor Thursday morning.

The New York Democrat  the highest-ranking Jewish member in Congress  called for Israel to hold elections and pursue a fresh debate about the future of Israel after October 7, the date when Hamas militants stormed Israels southern border, brutally attacking and killing an estimated 1,200 people.

The world has changed radically since then, and the Israeli people are being stifled right now by a governing vision that is stuck in the past, Schumer said.

Schumer urged Israel to make significant course corrections five months into its retaliatory war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip, where tens of thousands of civilians have been killed in Israels near-constant bombardment.

The latest Qatar-led negotiations to broker a ceasefire and hostage deal have stalled while the Muslim holy month of Ramadan is underway, and as Netanyahu is poised for an offensive in Gazas southernmost city of Rafah, an area densely crowded with displaced Palestinians.

More than 31,000 civilians have been killed in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip since the conflict began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Schumer squarely blamed Netanyahu for worldwide support for Israel sinking to historic lows and directly named right-wing Israeli leaders and top Palestinians as obstacles to a two-state solution.

Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah, he said.

Schumer said he supports a temporary pause in fighting but stopped short of calling for a permanent ceasefire, saying doing so would only allow Hamas to regroup and launch further attacks on Israeli civilians.

There can never be a two-state solution if Hamas has any significant power, he said.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell immediately answered Schumer on the floor and panned his speech as unprecedented.

It is grotesque and hypocritical for Americans who hyperventilate about foreign interference in our own democracy to call for the removal of the democratically elected leader of Israel, the Kentucky Republican said.

Israel is not a colony of America whose leaders serve at the pleasure of the party in power in Washington. Only Israels citizens should have a say in who runs their government. This is the very definition of democracy and sovereignty, McConnell continued. Either we respect their decisions, or we disrespect their democracy.

House Republicans also quickly delivered a rebuke from their party retreat in West Virginia.

Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota said Democrats have a problem, but its not with Netanyahu.

It is with the anti-Israel members of their own party that have taken over the woke left, he said in a video posted on X from the Greenbrier Resort.

Israels ambassador to the U.S. characterized Schumers comments as unhelpful.

Israel is a sovereign democracy. It is unhelpful, all the more so as Israel is at war against the genocidal terror organization Hamas, to comment on the domestic political scene of a democratic ally. It is counterproductive to our common goals, Ambassador Michael Herzog said in a post on X.

As of mid-afternoon Thursday, Netanyahu had not issued a response on his press offices web page or X account.

SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE

Senate Democrats support Schumers remarks

Senate Democrats largely fell in line behind Schumers call for new leadership in Israel.

Sen. Patty Murray, the bodys president pro tempore, said she was grateful for the majority leaders speech.

Netanyahu & his far-right coalition have made clear they oppose a two-state solution, which is the path to lasting peace. Israelis should have the opportunity to choose new leadership through an election, the Washington Democrat wrote on X.

Ohio Democrat Sherrod Brown, who faces a tough reelection campaign this year, told reporters on Capitol Hill I think the sooner that Netanyahu is gone, the better.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, who has for months called for restrictions on U.S. aid to Israel, said Schumer made a very important point, and that is the people of Israel have got to understand how increasingly isolated they are from the rest of the world community.

The Netanyahu government is denying food and humanitarian aid to hundreds of thousands of people who are facing starvation, the Vermont independent said, referring to Israels refusal to open adequate land crossings for aid, which Israel denies. I hope very much there will be new leadership in Israel.

I know there are people who say Well, why is it the business of the United States to get involved in Israeli politics? Well, one of the reasons is we have put billions of dollars every single year for many decades in Israel. Theres now legislation, as you know, (for) $14 billion. So what happens in Israel is very much of a legitimate concern for the American people, Sanders, another leading Jewish lawmaker, said Thursday on Capitol Hill.

U.S. aid to Israel

The $14 billion in proposed additional military assistance passed in the Senate in early February as part of a larger $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine and Taiwan.

The proposed aid breaks down to $10.6 billion from the Department of Defense for Israels war effort and $3.5 billion from the Department of State to help the nation reestablish territorial security and deterrence.

Brown was one of the bills original sponsors, along with Tim Scott of South Carolina.

House Republicans have not scheduled a vote on the bill, which would also provide $9.2 billion for humanitarian assistance in Israel and Ukraine.

Israel has been the top recipient of cumulative foreign assistance from the U.S. since its formation in 1948.

To date, the U.S. has provided $158 billion in aid and missile defense funding.

The latest 10-year bilateral agreement between the U.S. and Israel, signed in 2016, promised $38 billion in military aid.

The post Schumer levels heavy criticism at Israel on U.S. Senate floor, calls for elections there appeared first on Idaho Capital Sun.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, on March 14, 2024, criticized Israeli leadership in a speech on the Senate floor. In this photo, Schumer speaks with reporters inside the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt | States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer urged an overhaul of both Israeli and Palestinian Authority leadership and said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lost his way, in strong and lengthy comments delivered on the U.S. Senate floor Thursday morning.

The New York Democrat  the highest-ranking Jewish member in Congress  called for Israel to hold elections and pursue a fresh debate about the future of Israel after October 7, the date when Hamas militants stormed Israels southern border, brutally attacking and killing an estimated 1,200 people.

The world has changed radically since then, and the Israeli people are being stifled right now by a governing vision that is stuck in the past, Schumer said.

Schumer urged Israel to make significant course corrections five months into its retaliatory war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip, where tens of thousands of civilians have been killed in Israels near-constant bombardment.

The latest Qatar-led negotiations to broker a ceasefire and hostage deal have stalled while the Muslim holy month of Ramadan is underway, and as Netanyahu is poised for an offensive in Gazas southernmost city of Rafah, an area densely crowded with displaced Palestinians.

More than 31,000 civilians have been killed in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip since the conflict began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Schumer squarely blamed Netanyahu for worldwide support for Israel sinking to historic lows and directly named right-wing Israeli leaders and top Palestinians as obstacles to a two-state solution.

Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah, he said.

Schumer said he supports a temporary pause in fighting but stopped short of calling for a permanent ceasefire, saying doing so would only allow Hamas to regroup and launch further attacks on Israeli civilians.

There can never be a two-state solution if Hamas has any significant power, he said.

Grotesque and hypocritical

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell immediately answered Schumer on the floor and panned his speech as unprecedented.

It is grotesque and hypocritical for Americans who hyperventilate about foreign interference in our own democracy to call for the removal of the democratically elected leader of Israel, the Kentucky Republican said.

Israel is not a colony of America whose leaders serve at the pleasure of the party in power in Washington. Only Israels citizens should have a say in who runs their government. This is the very definition of democracy and sovereignty, McConnell continued. Either we respect their decisions, or we disrespect their democracy.

House Republicans also quickly delivered a rebuke from their party retreat in West Virginia.

Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota said Democrats have a problem, but its not with Netanyahu.

It is with the anti-Israel members of their own party that have taken over the woke left, he said in a video posted on X from the Greenbrier Resort.

Israels ambassador to the U.S. characterized Schumers comments as unhelpful.

Israel is a sovereign democracy. It is unhelpful, all the more so as Israel is at war against the genocidal terror organization Hamas, to comment on the domestic political scene of a democratic ally. It is counterproductive to our common goals, Ambassador Michael Herzog said in a post on X.

As of mid-afternoon Thursday, Netanyahu had not issued a response on his press offices web page or X account.

Democratic support

Senate Democrats largely fell in line behind Schumers call for new leadership in Israel.

Sen. Patty Murray, the bodys president pro tempore, said she was grateful for the majority leaders speech.

Netanyahu & his far-right coalition have made clear they oppose a two-state solution, which is the path to lasting peace. Israelis should have the opportunity to choose new leadership through an election, the Washington Democrat wrote on X.

Ohio Democrat Sherrod Brown, who faces a tough reelection campaign this year, told reporters on Capitol Hill I think the sooner that Netanyahu is gone, the better.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, who has for months called for restrictions on U.S. aid to Israel, said Schumer made a very important point, and that is the people of Israel have got to understand how increasingly isolated they are from the rest of the world community.

The Netanyahu government is denying food and humanitarian aid to hundreds of thousands of people who are facing starvation, the Vermont independent said, referring to Israels refusal to open adequate land crossings for aid, which Israel denies. I hope very much there will be new leadership in Israel.

I know there are people who say Well, why is it the business of the United States to get involved in Israeli politics? Well, one of the reasons is we have put billions of dollars every single year for many decades in Israel. Theres now legislation, as you know, (for) $14 billion. So what happens in Israel is very much of a legitimate concern for the American people, Sanders, another leading Jewish lawmaker, said Thursday on Capitol Hill.

U.S. aid to Israel

The $14 billion in proposed additional military assistance passed in the Senate in early February as part of a larger $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine and Taiwan.

The proposed aid breaks down to $10.6 billion from the Department of Defense for Israels war effort and $3.5 billion from the Department of State to help the nation reestablish territorial security and deterrence.

Brown was one of the bills original sponsors, along with Tim Scott of South Carolina.

House Republicans have not scheduled a vote on the bill, which would also provide $9.2 billion for humanitarian assistance in Israel and Ukraine.

Israel has been the top recipient of cumulative foreign assistance from the U.S. since its formation in 1948.

To date, the U.S. has provided $158 billion in aid and missile defense funding.

The latest 10-year bilateral agreement between the U.S. and Israel, signed in 2016, promised $38 billion in military aid.

The post Schumer levels heavy criticism at Israel on U.S. Senate floor, calls for elections there appeared first on Daily Montanan.
Dive Brief:

The federal government has opened an investigation into the Change Healthcare cyberattack, the HHS Office for Civil Rights said Wednesday.

OCR, which enforces the HIPAA privacy and security rule, will probe technology firm Change and parent company UnitedHealth Group on whether protected health information was breached and if UnitedHealth complied with the laws requirements.

The amount of data exposed could be significant: Change is one of the nations largest insurance claims processing centers and touches one in every three patient records.

Dive Insight:

The cyberattack on Change has upended the healthcare sector for three weeks. Providers have reported a range of operational challenges during the outage, including problems receiving payment from patients and insurers, verifying coverage, submitting prior authorization requests and exchanging clinical records.

In a Wednesday letter on the investigation, OCR Director Melanie Fontes Rainer noted the unprecedented magnitude of the Change cyberattack, adding it posed a threat to patient care and industry operations.

The agency wont prioritize investigations of providers, health plans and business associates that were impacted. But OCR reminded the industry of their obligations under the HIPAA rule, including the requirement to file timely breach notifications with the HHS.

The Change attack comes as regulators have raised red flags about cybersecurity in the sector, urging healthcare organizations to boost their cyber protections and proposing future cybersecurity requirements for hospitals.

We are intent on getting the healthcare sector to recognize how critical it is that they take up whatever measures they can because they are subject to be attacked, as we see now with Change Healthcare and what that has meant to the entire healthcare sector, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said during a press conference Monday.

Story continues

Ransomware and hacking are the primary cyber-threats to the industry, according to OCR. The agency tracked a 256% increase in large breaches involving hacking and a 264% increase in ransomware over the past five years.

Large healthcare data breaches reported last year affected more than 134 million people, a 141% increase from 2022, according to OCR.

UnitedHealth confirmed late last month that the ransomware group AlphV, also known as Blackcat  which has recently targeted the healthcare industry  had claimed responsibility for the attack.

Last week, UnitedHealth, which acquired Change in 2022, said systems are expected to begin coming back online in mid-March.

In a statement, the company said it would cooperate with the OCR investigation.

Our immediate focus is to restore our systems, protect data and support those whose data may have been impacted, a UnitedHealth spokesperson told Healthcare Dive. We are working with law enforcement to investigate the extent of impacted data.

This story was originally published on Healthcare Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Healthcare Dive newsletter.
HILLSDALE, Mich. (WOOD)  A sergeant with the Hillsdale County Sheriffs Office has been charged with seven felonies for allegedly assaulting an inmate under his care at the Hillsdale County Jail.

The Office of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a news release Thursday detailing the charges against 43-year-old Ronald Leggitt, of Marshall.

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The charges stem from an incident on Dec. 16, 2021. A woman was taken into custody and brought to the jail where Leggitt was supervising operations and staff. The woman had reportedly resisted officers during her arrest and was also disruptive during the booking process.

During this time, Leggitt allegedly assaulted the inmate six times with pepper spray.

It is alleged that over the course of 80 minutes, Leggitt assaulted the inmate with (an) aerosol subject restraint, commonly known as mace or pepper spray, spraying the chemical irritant into her face from a distance of mere inches, the release stated. During five of the six alleged assaults, the victim was secured in an emergency restraint chair, restrained in wrist and ankle cuffs as well as a chest restraint.

According to court documents, Leggitt faces six counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, a felony charge with a maximum punishment of up to four years in prison, and one count of misconduct in office, a five-year felony.

Nessel believes Leggitts actions exceeded any protocol and undermined his oath as a law enforcement officer.

Law enforcement officers have an obligation to protect the physical safety of those within their custody, Nessel stated. When their conduct stoops to criminality, we must take such allegations very seriously. My department prioritizes matters of public integrity and will continue to hold those who violate the rule of law accountable.

Michigan man charged with threatening elected officials

Leggitt has been placed on unpaid administrative leave, the AGs Office said. Because of his position within the county, district and circuit court judges have recused themselves from the case. Instead, he will be tried in Lenawee County. He is scheduled to be formally arraigned Friday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
President Joe Biden and Donald Trump are in agreement: US Steels $14 billion sale to Japanese giant Nippon Steel shouldnt go forward.

The sitting president made his views clear Thursday with a statement from Biden saying "it is vital" for the Pittsburgh steel maker "to remain an American steel company that is domestically owned and operated."

Trump recently promised to block the merger "instantaneously" if he wins this November after avoiding comment on the topic for weeks after it was announced in December.

The arrival of the candidates at their current stance was perhaps inevitable given the heat of election year politics, opposition from unions that both campaigns are trying to court, US Steels roots in the swing state of Pennsylvania, and the intensely negative reaction to the idea of selling an iconic American company to overseas owners.

But the end result masked a more complex debate in recent months that saw some allies of the candidates offering initial views that perhaps the deal wasn't all that bad. At least before the political landscape hardened.

Shares of US Steel (X) have fallen by over 15% since the news of Biden's opposition was first reported by the Financial Times on Wednesday afternoon.

Biden's path from 'serious scrutiny' to outright opposition

Biden's statement on Thursday was the latest step in a wary response to the deal that was evident from the beginning.

On Dec. 21, three days after the news dropped, National Economic Adviser Lael Brainard released a statement saying the deal "appears to deserve serious scrutiny" but stopping far short of outright opposition.

Her statement also mentioned the need to wait for an investigation of the deal to be completed, offering notes like "we welcome manufacturers across the world building their futures in America."

That tone was gone in this weeks brief statement that saw Biden saying, "I told our steel workers I have their backs, and I meant it."

Story continues

President Joe Biden speaks at an event in Milwaukee on Wednesday. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

The change came following fierce opposition from midwestern Democrats like Sens. John Fetterman and Bob Casey of Pennsylvania and Sherrod Brown of Ohio.

Labor voices like the United Steelworkers, which endorsed Biden in 2020, have also been vocal about opposition to the deal and issued a statement February saying it "received personal assurances that President Joe Biden has our backs."

This weeks statement also came while the president was campaigning in must-win Midwestern states where opposition to the deal is the deepest. The president traveled to Milwaukee on Wednesday and is stopping in Saginaw, Mich., today before returning to Washington.

The statement also notably comes before the results of any investigation, with a review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) still apparently ongoing.

A more winding process within Trump-world

The progress to "no" in Trump-world was a little more winding. Trump was notably silent on the issue for weeks after the December announcement but with a public debate of sorts among his aides.

One of Trump's leading voices on trade is Robert Lighthizer, his former trade representative who has stayed in his inner circle. Lighthizer represented US Steel and the larger steel industry for years during his time in the private sector and came out against the idea immediately.

Then-President Donald Trump walks ahead of United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer before a signing ceremony in 2020. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) (Drew Angerer via Getty Images)

"Countries don't let this happen," he said in a Fox Business appearance on Dec. 21, adding, "It matters who owns American industry."

But the appearance was perhaps more memorable for surfacing a level of debate within Trump's orbit.

Lighthizer's interviewer that day was Larry Kudlow, the former director of Trump's National Economic Council, who took a different tack.

"I don't think they're a big factor," he said of the potential deal's impact on Americans, adding "Japan is an ally" before he quickly pivoted to topics where they agreed.

The divide was even starker when it came to Wilbur Ross, Trump's former commerce secretary, who wrote earlier this year in the Wall Street Journal that "there's nothing in the deal from which the U.S. needs defending" and that there is "no real cause for concern other than xenophobia."

But Trump came down clearly on Lighthizer's side of the debate, saying at the end of January after a meeting with the Teamsters that the deal is "so terrible."

The presumptive GOP nominee now regularly brings up the issue during campaign stops and argues that it was the Trump administration that saved the steel industry but Biden is "letting it go."

Ben Werschkul is Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance.

Click here for politics news related to business and money

Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
A Defense Department Inspector General review of the militarys COVID vaccine exemption process found that while the services largely followed policy when considering waivers, the Army and Air Force routinely overran deadlines, according to a report released Thursday.

The review also found a range of discharge types and reentry codes for service members involuntarily separated after vaccine refusal, leaving some troops with full benefits after being kicked out, while others received partial benefits.

Prolonged delays in addressing requests for religious accommodations could impact a service members job placement and impede the commands ability to make well-informed deployment and assignment choices, said Defense Department Inspector General Robert Storch said in a release.

The review began in February 2022, prompted by IG hotline calls alleging that the services were rejecting exemption requests en masse. In June that year, then-Inspector General Sean ODonnell sent Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin a memo with preliminary findings, including concerns that requests were being processed too quickly and without thorough review.

The denial memorandums we reviewed generally did not reflect an individualized analysis, demonstrating that the Senior Military Official considered the full range of facts and circumstances relevant to the particular religious accommodation request, ODonnell said.

These concerns also prompted multiple lawsuits against DoD and the services, alleging that adjudication authorities were blanketly denying religious waiver requests. One case resulted in a judge halting the Air Force from discharging anyone for vaccine refusal after a waiver denial.

In 2023, after federal legislation required Austin to repeal the mandate in January, DOD settled two of the lawsuits by paying the complainants legal fees.

In the end, the IG found that the Army and Air Force actually took longer to approve requests than their policies required.

While the Army has a 90-day deadline for processing requests, the cases reviewed averaged 192 days to receive a decision. In the Air Force, 35 reviewed requests averaged 168 days to adjudication, though the deadline was 30 days.

When Austin announced in August 2021 that the COVID-19 vaccine would become required, vaccine exemptions in the military were rare. Most were for medical or administrative reasons, like an allergy, a pregnancy or someone preparing to separate from service, rather than the highly subjective religious exemption requests that flooded the services after the mandate came down.

Policy requires that sincerely held religious beliefs be accommodated as long as they do not impact military readiness, unit cohesion, good order and discipline, or health and safety.

The IG found that decision authorities weighed expert advice while considering the health risks of allowing someone to go unvaccinated, and that in the end, each case was examined individually before making a decision.

The fallout of the militarys COVID-19 vaccine mandate

But the unprecedented number of requests  16,000 from active duty troops as of January 2023  slowed down the adjudication process, the IG found.

At the same time, though the services followed DOD guidelines for discharges, those guidelines didnt have uniform rules for using various types of discharges and reentry codes, which govern whether someone can re-join the military again at a later date.

As a result, discharged service members experienced different impacts to their educational benefits and eligibility to reenlist in military service after discharge, according to the report, as most vaccine refusals resulted in general discharges, which specifically denies GI bill benefits.

The IG recommended reviewing the exemption process to find ways to make it more efficient during high-volume periods, as well as creating standardized policy for discharges and reentry codes after vaccine refusal.

DOD accepted both recommendations and has efforts underway to address them, according to the report.
DENVER (KDVR)  After months of investigation, detectives have arrested half a dozen suspects accused of participating in supplying fatal pills to a 43-year-old woman.

Jessica Lange was found dead by her partner on July 27, 2023, in their residence in the 5400 block of North Highway 1, which is also north of Fort Collins in Larimer County. A toxicology report identified multiple drugs in Langes system, including methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Colorado second in US for teen overdose death rates: study

Investigators identified three Fort Collins residents as suspects using interviews and digital evidence. One of the suspects, Gary Brown, 52, was found to have several active cases with Fort Collins Police Services associated with his home in the 600 block of Justice Drive.

Police reported receiving several complaints from neighbors about suspected drug trafficking activity. On Feb. 29, FCPS conducted a search warrant on the home with the Larimer County Sheriffs Office and found methamphetamine, several hundred fentanyl pills and three firearms.

One person was cited, and three people were arrested for that search, including Brown. He was arrested on a charge of unlawfully distributing fentanyl resulting in death, and was issued a $750,000 cash-only bond by Larimer County Court.

Also arrested were:

Christopher Bonin, 65, was arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance (fentanyl) and possession of a controlled substance (schedule I/II/III/IV/V drug). Larimer County Courts issued him a $1,250 personal recognizance bond

Alissa Garcia, 31, was arrested on two warrants for failure to appear Garcia was booked on her warrants and issued a $50 personal recognizance bond and a $500 cash-only bond

Bryce McClain, 37, was cited for possession of a controlled substance

13 arrested, 2 wanted in northern Colorado drug trafficking bust

Later on Feb. 29, the Larimer County Sheriffs Office arrested two more people:

Diane Petryszyn, 36, was arrested on a charge of unlawful distribution of fentanyl resulting in death Larimer County Court issued her a $500,000 cash-only bond

Roland Rideout, 42, was arrested on a charge of unlawful distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and a second charge of tampering with physical evidence Larimer County Court issued Rideout a $750,000 cash-only bond



In August 2023, Larimer County Sheriffs Office investigators conducted a search warrant at a residence in the 3500 block of Windmill Drive in Fort Collins. Law enforcement found user amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine during the operation.

Fentanyl is destroying lives in our community, and well continue working with our partners to hold dealers accountable, said Larimer County Sheriffs Office Investigations Captain Bobby Moll in a release. These distribution investigations are challenging and resource intensive, but every pill we get off the street is a potential life saved.

Fort Collins Police Services Assistant Chief Adam McCambridge said the department prioritizes the communitys safety and well-being.

The collaborative efforts of officers, deputies, and detectives are invaluable in combating the devastating impact of illicit drugs, such as fentanyl, which knows no jurisdictional boundaries. By working together, we are able to make our region a safer place for all, said McCambridge in a release.

Download the FOX31 App: Breaking news alerts & Pinpoint Weather

Both the house on Justice Drive and Windmill Drive were condemned for mitigation, and additional charges against the defendants are pending, according to the Larimer County Sheriffs Office.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Spring is known for violent weather and Central Mississippi may get a taste of it Friday.

Friday, 2 p.m. update

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and Louisiana until 7 p.m. The probability of severe weather has been upgraded from marginal to slight in some southern and coastal counties, MEMA said.

Friday, 10:15 a.m. update

The chance of severe storms in South Mississippi is marginal, according to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. Isolated severe thunderstorms are possible through early afternoon as a boundary pushes south through the area. Primary threats with these storms will be damaging wind gusts and quarter-sized hail, the National Weather Service added.

Power outage? Tips to help you weather being off the grid in Mississippi

 The threat for severe weather along and north of the I-10/12 corridor is increasing.



Damaging winds and hail will be the primary threat but cannot rule out a tornado.



A watch means the ingredients are in place for severe weather to occur.  Stay weather aware today! https://t.co/sDO0KYA4u2  NWS New Orleans (@NWSNewOrleans) March 15, 2024

Friday, 8 a.m. update

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Mississippi and Alabama until 10 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.

A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect including De Kalb, Scooba and Electric Mills until 9 a.m.

Thursday, 1:44 p.m. update

"We have a cold front that's going to move into the area later this afternoon and this evening," said Christopher Rainer, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Jackson. "It could bring some isolated storms with primary concerns being damaging winds and hail up to golf ball size.

"Winds could be roughly 60 miles per hour. A fair amount of lightning is possible with the system."

According to the NWS, the primary area of concern is north of I-20. Rainer said storms should be moving into the area around 4 p.m. The threat of severe weather should dissipate about 8 p.m., but another threat could linger.

"As far as rain is concerned, we do have isolated flash-flooding potential," Rainer said. "We could have areas with 1 to 3 inches, with some localized areas having higher amounts."

That could push some rivers out of their banks in coming days, including the Pearl River, which is just over flood stage in the Jackson area at 28.4 feet.

"At the moment, we do have a few rivers that are receiving minor flooding," Rainer said. "With this approaching rain we could see some rivers get into minor flood stage and a few get into the moderate flood stage as well."

Although no tornado activity is forecast with the system, Mississippi is entering a dangerous time of year. On March 24, 2023, a series of tornadoes ripped through portions of the state killing more than 20 and all but leveling the town of Rolling Fork.

While this spring, which begins on March 19, isn't expected to be an exceptional year for tornadoes, NWS Meteorologist Logan Poole told The Clarion-Ledger in an earlier interview that Mississippi should be prepared.

"We live in one of the most severe weather, tornado-vulnerable areas in the nation," Poole said. "That just comes along with the territory."

The NWS is forecasting another round of storms to move into parts of Mississippi as early as 5 a.m. on Friday.

Do you have a story idea? Contact Brian Broom at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: MS weather could be severe Friday
Grant Shapps said any commitment to a raise in spending was an issue for a future manifesto - WOJTEK RADWANSKI/AFP

Grant Shapps has called on the Government to spend 3 per cent of GDP on defence.

The Defence Secretary said in a more dangerous world it was right for the UK to increase its defence spending.

He said committing to any rise would be an issue for a future manifesto.

The UK currently spends 2.27 per cent of GDP on defence, despite Mr Shapps calling on Jeremy Hunt to raise defence spending to 2.5 per cent ahead of the Budget.

The Budget failed to feature any major announcements on funding for the Ministry of Defence. Members of Nato are expected to spend 2 per cent of their GDP on defence.

Asked whether he thought Britain should increase defence spending to 3 per cent he said: So clearly, I think we should be and Ive spoken about 3 per cent in the past, before I was Defence Secretary.

I do believe that its a more dangerous world and I made a whole speech about it in January at Lancaster House.

He added: I coined the phrase moving from post-war to pre-war. We therefore have to be much more prepared. Defence is the best way to protect ourselves against a military conflict, you have to show your adversaries, so I am clearly in favour.

Grant Shapps suggested UK would consider conscription if we entered a global war - TOMASZ WASZCZUK/EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK

His comments come after Carlos Del Toro, the US Navy secretary, said in January that Britain should reassess the size of its armed forces in response to threats from Russia and the crisis in the Middle East.

Mr Shapps also suggested the UK would consider conscription if the country entered a global war.

He said while the UK does not have plans for conscription in place, it was a tactic used in both World Wars and would be a model to follow in the event of international conflict.

He said: I do think we have a very good, very professional army and we have our reserves. And as weve always had to do in global conflicts, we would obviously have to look at other models in a global conflict, conscription is always the go to thing to do.

Mr Shapps added that such a move would mean working out what you do with all these extra people and the cost of the equipment and whether youd rather do that and then have more planes, tanks and ships.

His comments come after The Telegraph revealed in January that the head of the Army was to warn the British public they will be called up to fight if the UK goes to war with Russia, with the Army having been reduced to its smallest size since Napoleonic times.

Gen Sir Patrick Sanders said the Government would have to mobilise the nation in such an event.

Mr Shapps also revealed he would definitely sign up as an RAF pilot in the event of war.

Thats even more so from what Ive seen and experienced, he said.

Speaking on a trip to visit troops at a Polish military base 62 miles from the border with Belarus, Mr Shapps, also discussed international support for Ukraine with his counterpart.

It comes as the UK secured an order of 14 new Chinooks that will be used by Special Forces, as part of a deal that had previously been cancelled under Ben Wallace, the former defence secretary.

The new helicopters significantly enhance the UKs ability to operate in challenging environments, including deserts and the arctic.

With double the range of a standard Chinook, they can air-to-air refuel and have the ability to carry up to 55 personnel with a top speed of 186 mph, were almost not ordered because of spending concerns held by Mr Wallace.

Following negotiations with the US government, the UK has reduced the cost by over 300 million.

Mr Shapps said: The addition of these Chinook helicopters marks a significant milestone in our efforts to modernise and enhance the agility of the UK Armed Forces, cementing our ability to respond at pace to situations and threats across the globe.

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.
Seabirds like this sooty shearwater can drown when they become tangled in drift nets and other fishing gear. (Photo by Roy Lowe, USFWS/Flickr, CC BY)

Seabirds like this sooty shearwater can drown when they become tangled in drift nets and other fishing gear. (Photo by Roy Lowe, USFWS/Flickr, CC BY)

My colleagues and I mapped activity in the northeast Pacific of dark fishing vessels  boats that turn off their location devices or lose signal for technical reasons. In our new study, we found that highly mobile marine predators, such as sea lions, sharks and leatherback sea turtles, are significantly more threatened than previously thought because of large numbers of dark fishing vessels operating where these species live.

While we couldnt directly watch the activities of each of these dark vessels, new technological advances, including satellite data and machine learning, make it possible to estimate where they go when they are not broadcasting their locations.

Examining five years of data from fishing vessel location devices and the habitats of 14 large marine species, including seabirds, sharks, turtles, sea lions and tunas, we found that our estimates of risk to these animals increased by nearly 25% when we accounted for the presence of dark vessels. For some individual predators, such as albacore and bluefin tunas, this adjustment increased risk by over 36%. The main hot spots were in the Bering Sea and along the Pacific coast of North America.

How we did our work

Fishing boats use Automatic Identification System, or AIS, to avoid colliding with each other. Their AIS signals bounce off satellites to reach nearby ships.

This data is a valuable tool for mapping risk at sea and understanding the footprints of fishing fleets. AIS data captures an estimated 50% to 80% of fishing operations occurring more than 100 nautical miles from shore.

But in some areas, vessels AIS signals cant reach the satellites, either because reception is poor or many boats are crowded together  much as cellphones can have difficulty sending text messages in remote wildness or in crowded stadiums. And just as location tracking can be disabled on phones, fishing vessels can intentionally disable their AIS if they want to hide their location. Boats that do this may be engaged in criminal activities, such as illegal fishing or human trafficking.

We calculated how much risk dark vessels pose to marine life by overlapping their activity with the modeled habitats of 14 highly mobile marine predators. Using the same method, we also calculated how much risk observable fishing vessels that broadcast their locations pose to marine life. These two calculations allowed us to understand the additional risk from dark fishing vessels.

A Hawaiian monk seal entangled on a large fishing float.(Photo by Doug Helton, NOAA/NOS/ORR/ERD, CC BY)

A Hawaiian monk seal is entangled on a large fishing float.

(Photo by Doug Helton, NOAA/NOS/ORR/ERD, CC BY)

Why it matters

We know that many sea creatures, including endangered species, are killed by overfishing, accidental catch and entanglement in fishing gear. More overlap between wildlife and fishing boats means that those harmful impacts are more likely to happen.

Even considering only observable fishing boats broadcasting their positions, the presence of boats signals considerable risk for marine life. For example, California sea lions forage in Pacific coastal waters from the Canadian border to Baja California and are accidentally caught by boats fishing for hake and halibut. We found observable fishing activity in over 45% of the sea lions habitat.

In another example, migratory salmon sharks feed on salmon near Alaskas Aleutian Islands during the summer and breed in warmer waters off the coasts of Oregon and California during the winter. Along their journey, salmon sharks are accidentally caught in fishing nets and longlines. We detected observable vessel fishing activity in nearly one-third of salmon shark habitat.

Our findings indicate that such threats are higher when dark fishing boats are present. Estimates of risk to California sea lions and salmon sharks increased by 28% and 23%, respectively, when we accounted for dark vessels.

This information could affect fishery regulation. For example, regulators use risk information to set catch limits for species such as tuna; higher risk could mean that catch limits need to be lower.

For species such as sea lions and salmon sharks that are accidentally caught by fishermen, higher risk levels could indicate that fishing boats should use more selective gear. California is currently acting on this issue by helping fishermen phase out use of large-mesh drift gill nets in state waters. These nets, which hang like curtains in the water, catch many other fishes along with the target species.

Accounting for dark vessels is particularly important in international waters where boats from multiple countries operate, because AIS data is one of the most complete sources of fishing activity across nations. Tracking dark vessels can help make this information as comprehensive as possible and provide insights into the multinational impacts of fishing.

Our study does not account for vessels that do not use any vessel tracking system, or that use systems other than AIS. Therefore, our risk calculations likely still underestimate the true impact of fisheries on marine predators.

Whats next

The worlds oceans are rich in life but poor in data, although this is changing. High-resolution satellite imagery may soon offer even more information on risk from dark vessels.

President Joe Biden and other global leaders have pledged to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030. Better data on human-wildlife interactions at sea can help ensure that new protected areas are in the right places to make a difference.

The Conversation

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The post Sharks, turtles and other creatures face more risk from industrial fishing than previously thought appeared first on Alaska Beacon.
Representatives from 60 countries gathered to set a new record for most nationalities in a business lesson

LONDON, March 14, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hult International Business School has broken the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the "Most Nationalities in a Business Lesson." Over 90 members of the Hult community came together at Hults Holborn campus in London on March 13, 2024, smashing the minimum of 50 nationalities in one business class to set the record.

The 60 nationalities represented include Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guinea Bissau, India, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Romania, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

Students were thrilled to take part:

"I feel like this was very representative of whats normal at Hult. In my class alone, were represented by at least thirty different nationsand we only have a total of 60 people in our cohort,"Tomaz Nicolai Diaz, US, Masters in International Business.

"When someone asks me about a fun fact, I can now say I was part of a world record attempt! I dont think everyone has that honor. Its definitely going on my CV,"Melanie Buritica, UK, Masters in International Business.

The record-breaking event took place in a class taught by Hult Professor Chris Kinsville-Heyne, titled The Crisis for Leaders, which focused on crisis management, mitigation, and response. All attendees, which included undergraduate and postgraduate representatives, were required to stay for the entire 45-minute class to meet the requirements of Guinness World Records.

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"I was thrilled to see this wide array of learners in the classroom, as it reflects just what makes Hult specialits diversity of cultures and thought," said Professor Kinsville-Heyne. "Discussing details in the World Economic Forum's 2024 Global Risk Report, I challenged students to think beyond limitations and envision ambitious solutions to current global challenges; to dream big and make meaningful contributions as a collective."

Hult touts a diverse student body, with 95% of students studying at a campus outside of their home country. The current global class of Hult students includes more than 150 nationalities, with 144 languages spoken and 13% of students with dual nationalities.

"The diversity in our classroom opens up a lot of really challenging conversations and helps us navigate how we talk about certain issues, how to find a middle ground or decrease the polarization growing in the world, as mentioned in Professor Kinsville-Heynes class," Diaz added.

"Whenever youre surrounded by so many different perspectives, youre forced to come closer and not focus so much on differences, but similarities."

An independent witness and time tracker were present to ensure rules of record were adhered to. Students were required to show passports to prove their nationality. The event was also ratified by an adjudicator from Guinness World Records.

About Hult International Business School

Hult is a business school for those "made to do" and strives to create a better future for all by inspiring and challenging its community to make an impact that matters. Degree programs include undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate, with a global campus network spanning three continents. Hult is recognized by top international accrediting bodies including the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Association of MBAs (AMBA), and The European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS). Learn more by visiting www.hult.edu.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314879102/en/

Contacts

Erin Brown, Global PR Director

U.S. Mobile +1 (857) 919-4745

erin.brown@hult.edu
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The Socorro Independent School District (SISD) will be hosting the 2024 College, Career and Job Expo for sophomores, juniors and seniors on Monday, March 18.

The event will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, March 18 at Montwood High School, 12000 Montwood Dr.

Dozens of employers from across the city will attend along with colleges from across the region, according to SISD.

SISD says students will have the chance to meet with representatives from colleges, technical schools and the military and network with local business and industry partners about future career opportunities.

Additionally, there will be summer jobs and internships opportunities at the event. El Paso Workforce will be accepting applications for summer training and for job placement.

SISD says students should be ready to interview, bring resumes and dress to impress. The expo will also feature a special guest, and raffle prizes will be given out.

Students may register at sisd.net/ccje.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
A soldier with a rifle began to be on duty at the building of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

A soldier armed with a shotgun was photographed guarding the building of the Russian Defense Ministry in Moscow, Radio Svoboda reported on Telegram on March 14.

The shotgun, similar to the Pantsir anti-aircraft missile and cannon system installed on the building over a year ago, is intended as a defense against drones, experts noted, due to its ability to spread buckshot widely.

Read also: Largest fuel supplier in southern Russia forced to halt operations after drone attack  HUR

Images of anti-aircraft missile systems on central Moscow rooftops and near Russian dictator Vladimir Putin's residence in Novo-Ogaryovo first surfaced in January 2023.

Despite these installations, Moscow experienced a significant drone attack in May 2023.

In July 2023, the Pantsir-S1 system on the Russian Defense Ministry headquarters failed to intercept a drone less than 300 meters from the point of impact in Moscow.

Read also: Burning oil products leak at oil depot in Russian Orel after UAV attack

Drones attacked Russias Kursk, Belgorod, Tula, Voronezh, Nizhny Novgorod, Bryansk, Leningrad, and Oryol Oblasts, as well as Moscow on the night of March 12. Explosions were heard near an oil depot in Orel, which caught fire. An oil depot owned by the company Lukoil in the Nizhny Novgorod Oblast was shut down following a large fire.

Drones attacked Russias Voronezh, Kursk, Belgorod, Bryansk, Leningrad, and Lipetsk oblasts overnight on March 13, as well as an oil refinery in Ryazan, where a serious fire broke out. In addition, a drone attacked the Federal Security Service (FSB) building in Belgorod.

Ukrainian SBU security service attacked three Russian oil refineries in Ryazan, Kstovo (Nizhny Novgorod Oblast), and Kirishi (Leningrad Oblast), an NV source reported on March 13. The attacks are a continuation of a series of special operations against enemy refineries that the SBU had previously launched, the source said.

A Russian Air Force base in Buturlinovka and a military airfield in Voronezh were also targeted in the mass wave of air strikes, an informed source told NV on the same day.

It is believed that the strike was organized by Ukraines SBU security service with other representatives of the Defense Forces, the source told NV.

Read also: 1 dead, 2 injured in Belgorod Oblast as Russia comes under drone attack for third straight night

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

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
A 19-year-old man accused of vandalizing an LGBTQ pride mural in Delray Beach pleaded not guilty on Thursday, though only after some confusion in court led the judge to issue a warrant for his arrest.

Dylan Brewer, of Clearwater, was arrested on Feb. 12, a week after police said he performed burnouts on the Pride mural in a dark pickup truck with a President Trump flag attached. Witnesses and surveillance cameras recorded the incident, Brewer and the license plate, but Brewer left before officers arrived, according to the probable cause affidavit.

He faces one count of felony criminal mischief over $1,000 and one count of reckless driving.

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Witnesses had told police they saw Brewer deface the mural multiple times, according to the affidavit. Several people turned in cellphone video of the burnouts, and one person followed the truck, recording the license plate and the driver, described as a young white man in a cowboy hat. The license plate is registered to Brewers parents.

Two friends of Brewers who were in the truck with him provided sworn statements to police, according to the affidavit. They said he was the only one driving the truck; one said he did not know Brewer planned to do burnouts, though he had recently modified his truck in order to do burnouts more easily.

Judge Daliah Weiss had called Brewer and his attorneys names at the arraignment Thursday morning. When neither responded, she issued a bench warrant for Ozelies arrest, as is common practice.

Brewers attorney, Richard Ozelie, told the South Florida Sentinel that they hadnt attended the arraignment Thursday because it wasnt supposed to happen: Ozelie had already filed a waiver of arraignment to go along with a not guilty plea. But the waiver was inadvertently not docketed by the Clerks Office, Ozelie said in an email.

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Ozelie later appeared before the judge that same morning over Zoom and had the warrant withdrawn, court records show. He declined to comment further on the case.

Rand Hoch, president and founder of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, told the Sun Sentinel that he had sat through all of the arraignments Thursday morning and thought it odd initially when Brewer and Ozelie did not show up. He was also surprised by the decision to plead not guilty.

Heres a guy who was caught on video, two passengers identified it as him, and one of them stated that he had the car retrofitted so it could do more damage doing burnouts, Hoch said. One would think he would say yeah, I did it and throw himself on the mercy of the court and see what they do for sentencing.

The HRC helped the city pay for the mural initially, Hoch said. He said he considers himself a victim in the case.

In 2022, Alexander Jerich, 20, of Lake Worth Beach, pleaded guilty to the same charges Brewer is facing for defacing the same mural in 2021 while driving in a birthday rally for Trump. He was sentenced to probation, which recently ended, and was ordered to write a 25-page essay about the victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando. Hoch described the sentence as a slap on the wrist.

Two other cases since then have not yet led to arrests. Just over a year ago, a truck driver burned tire marks into the Pride flag mural on Sebastian Street between State Road A1A and Seabreeze Boulevard near a part of Fort Lauderdales beach that is widely known as a LGBTQ beach.

Last June, a motorcyclist burned tire marks into the Pride flag mural at an intersection in Boynton Beach. A police report said the motorcyclist took photos of the damage and his helmet appeared to have a camera mounted on it.

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The mural was later painted over. Now, it is defaced again, likely to stay that way in order to be used as evidence. Each repainting, Hoch estimates, should cost around $8,000.

Meanwhile, an online fundraiser for Brewers legal expenses has raised close to $34,000, according to its website. Several comments expressed hatred towards LGBTQ people; others called the charges extreme and politically motivated.

Hoch, who had read the comments, feels the opposite.

With all the hate crimes happening right now, especially in Florida, somebodys got to hold these people accountable, he said. And thats what judges are there for  no one expects this kid to be in jail for five years but some jail time wouldnt be bad and might send a message to other kids.

Staff writer Angie DiMichele contributed to this report.
(BCN)  A resolution passed Tuesday by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, which joined dozens of other California jurisdictions, and hundreds nationwide, is declaring racism responsible for disparities in access to health care and worse health outcomes for Black and other underrepresented Americans compared to white Americans.

The resolution also outlined steps to take to combat the crisis. It comes roughly four years after the COVID-19 pandemic brought to light multiple health disparities in the United States and across the Bay Area, and nearly four years to the day of the killing of Breonna Taylor by police officers in Louisville, Kentucky.

Several high-profile killings that year of Black Americans by police officers, including Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia and George Floyd in Minnesota brought attention to health outcomes influenced by structural and institutional racism, including racial profiling in multiple areas of American life that impact physical and mental health and can shorten lives.

A 2016 study from the peer-reviewed medical journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America showed that white medical students still believe racist myths about Black patients, including believing they feel less pain and have other biological differences that they do not.

A more recent study from researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine showed that disparities in rates of hypertension, pre-eclampsia and anemia were the result of bias in the medical community. Even when education and economic status are equal, Black Americans receive better health care when being treated by a Black medical professional because of bias from white medical professionals, according to the study.

3 deputies injured while arresting Santa Rosa man who allegedly attempted break-in

In Sonoma County, the countys health department zeroed in on the fact that Black residents have an average lifespan at birth of 10 years less than white county residents, among other disparities.

Supervisors passed the resolution unanimously after an impassioned and at times emotional speech from Health Services Director Tina Rivera. She noted during her presentation that she was the only Black person who was the head of a county department, which made the effort more challenging.

She said living and working in Sonoma County as a Black woman was extremely difficult.

This is probably the single most important presentation I make before you today, Rivera told the board. Because this is not just a presentation. I believe its a call to action.

Following the presentation, three angry, aggrieved white men spoke separately during the public comment period, denouncing the resolution and the countys anti-racism efforts to improve its health care system. Supervisor Chris Coursey said the men helped prove why the resolution was needed.

Rivera, during her presentation, said silence in the face of this challenge would not serve the countys goals of implementing antiracist policies to reduce harm from institutional racism.

Today I stand with those who have felt ignored and erased and abandoned and abused. And I stand with those who, like me, have suffered discrimination, microaggressions, bigotry, physical, mental and emotional harm, Rivera said.

Besides informing the board that Black Sonoma County residents live an average of 71 years, compared to white residents, who have a life expectancy of 81.6 years from birth, the presentation included data from the 2021 Portrait of Sonoma County report that spotlighted multiple disparities.

Among them, it said that over 13% of Latino adults and over 10% of Native American adults living in Sonoma County have at least a bachelors degree, compared to 41.5% of white adults.

Sonoma County Black and Hispanic or Latinx children are about 2.5 times more likely to live in poverty than white children. People of color, especially Black and Native American residents, are overrepresented in the countys unhoused population, according to the countys data.

Black people are more than twice as likely not to have health insurance and Hispanic or Latinx people are four times more likely to be without health insurance than white people in the county.

Return of Bay Bridge lights nears complete funding

These outcomes are the result of centuries of laws, policies, and systems that disadvantage people of color, Rivera wrote in her report to the board. They contribute to poorer health outcomes within these communities because they prevent people from gaining access to the programs, services, resources, and opportunities they need to live and thrive.

The resolution included eight areas for the county to focus on, including investing in learning and leadership programs to help change the countys organizational culture and ensuring the countys workforce reflects its population.

The resolution directs the county to create a Health Equity Action Plan, Community Health Assessment, and a Community Health Improvement Plan focusing on structural racism.

Staff across departments will identify best practices to promote racial equity in community and internal county services.

The resolution also calls on the county to advocate for and prioritize more allocation of resources and funding to antiracist goals and the needs of communities of color.

Other actions include better collection of data, youth engagement, and working with community partners already involved in combating the effects of racism.

In 2018, Milwaukee County in Wisconsin was the first jurisdiction in the United States to declare racism a public health crisis. Similar declarations have been made by 265 organizations and jurisdictions around the country, with at least 39 in California, including Sonoma County.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Nationwide Cargo of East Dundee, Illinois, filed for bankruptcy protection on Wednesday. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

An Illinois trucking company with 183 trucks and 171 drivers recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Founded in June 2010, Nationwide Cargo Inc. of East Dundee, Illinois, hauls general freight, fresh produce and meat, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations SAFER website.

The petition, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on Wednesday, lists Hristo Angelov as the president of Nationwide Cargo.

No reason was given as to why the carrier filed for bankruptcy protection, but it seeks to reorganize, according to the petition.





Nationwide Cargo lists its assets as between $1 million and $10 million and its liabilities as between $10 million and $50 million. The petition lists the number of creditors as up to 49 but states that funds will not be available for unsecured creditors once it pays administrative fees.

Angelovs attorney, David D. Leibowitz, did not respond to FreightWaves request for comment as of publication.

Nationwide Cargos trucks had been inspected 185 times and 48 had been placed out of service in a 24-month period, resulting in a nearly 26% out-of-service rate. This is higher than the industrys national average of around 22.3%, according to FMCSA.

The trucking companys drivers had been inspected 457 times over the same 24-month period, with 18 drivers being placed out of service, resulting in a nearly 4% out-of-service rate. This is lower than the national average of around 6.7%, according to FMCSA.





In the past two years, the companys trucks had been involved in 12 injury crashes and 18 tow-aways.

The carriers gross revenues from Jan. 1 until its bankruptcy filing date are nearly $9.3 million. Its petition states the company made around $40 million in 2023 and nearly $34 million in 22.

According to the petition, Nationwide Cargos shareholders Angelov, Peter Trendafilov and Peter Panteleymenov each took a shareholder draw of $10,000 in December.

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The petition states that a payment of $200,000 was made in December to Five Star Garage, also located in East Dundee. According to the Illinois secretary of states business entity search, Five Star Garage is owned by Angelov.

The trucking company is involved in three pending lawsuits in Tennessee, Illinois and Arizona.

The three largest creditors with secured claims listed in the petition are Equify Financial LLC of Fort Worth, Texas, owed more than $3.5 million; Commercial Credit Group Inc. of Naperville, Illinois, owed nearly $1.8 million; and Continental Bank N.A. of Salt Lake City, owed nearly $676,000.

A creditors meeting hasnt been scheduled yet.

Do you have a news tip to share? Send me an email or message me @cage writer on X, formerly known as Twitter. Your name will not be used without your permission.





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The post Illinois trucking company with 171 drivers files for bankruptcy appeared first on FreightWaves.
(Bloomberg) -- Africas inefficient and aging ports are hampering the continents chances of capitalizing on a surge in ship traffic thats avoiding attacks by Houthi rebels through the Red Sea, logistics experts said.

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The number of vessels sailing around the southern tip of Africa is up 85% from the first half of December, when the Iran-backed, Yemen-based terrorists intensified their attacks on ships, according to Clarksons Research. Some of the biggest beneficiaries are ports in South Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Namibia, all of which have seen volumes rise, manufacturing and logistics company Fictiv Inc. said.

However, most ports in Africa are inefficient and not in the best condition to be able to fully realize all the benefits, said Vinny Licata, Fictivs head of logistics. This is could be a real opportunity for Africa, but several ports were already congested due to inefficiencies. Investments are needed to enable them to compete.

Merchant ships have largely avoided the route that would ultimately take them through the Suez Canal since the attacks started. Last week, a missile strike killed three crew members, the first confirmed deaths since the attacks began.

Currently, Africa accounts for about 6% of global maritime trade, despite approximately 90% of its imports and exports being transported by sea, according to Freight Right Global Logistics Chief Executive Officer and Founder Robert Khachatryan.

Freight costs from Asia to the US East Coast are projected to increase by 20% to 30%, with delivery times extended by two weeks due to the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, said Khachatryan.

Its here that South Africas port-infrastructure problems  ranging from equipment breakdowns to staff shortages  hurt its competitive advantage. Shipping companies using the Cape route for east-west trade have largely avoided having to restock and refuel at South Africas maritime hubs due to their inability to provide services.

This shift has directly benefited strategically located ports like Toamasina in Madagascar, Port Louis in Mauritius, and Walvis Bay in Namibia, which lie along the east-west route connecting Asia with Europe as ships avoid South Africa, Khachatryan said.

Countries with the capability to quickly scale up port and logistical operations  such as Morocco and Ghana  could accommodate the increased demand for maritime services.

Their investment in port infrastructure in recent years positions them to manage the surge efficiently, Khachatryan said. For other parts of Africa, concerns arise from sea-piracy incidents near Somalia and Nigeria as vessels navigate around Africa, he said.

Fragmented Politics

Rising traffic around the Cape of Good Hope could strengthen South Africas position in the BRICS club of nations and potentially in global trade negotiations in the longer term, said James Hill, CEO of MCF Energy Ltd.

Read more: BRICS to Grow as Saudi, Iran, UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia Join Ranks

African policymakers may look at port-development strategies that will help to build intra-African and international connectivity, Hill said. Even after the conflict in Israel ends, the danger in the Gulf may continue as the Houthis may choose to retaliate against the US for their counterattack, meaning these benefits may continue.

--With assistance from Adelaide Changole, Jeremy Diamond and Hayley Warren.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem speaks to members of the public at a town hall in Mitchell on March 13, 2024.

MITCHELL  Gov. Kristi Noem leveled accusations against Native American parents and political leaders Wednesday while saying she wants to help Native American students succeed.

She made the comments during a town hall meeting in Mitchell, where she signed two education bills into law, and at a later town hall in Winner.

Chronic absenteeism among South Dakotas Native American students attending public school increased from 31% to 54% from 2018 to 2023  the highest among all South Dakota student demographics. A third of Native American public school students dont complete high school, 84% are not considered college and career ready, and only 7% take the ACT, according to the latest data from the state Department of Education.

Noem told town hall attendees in Mitchell that she is only as good and doing as good a job as the kids that are suffering the most in the state. With three of the five poorest counties in the nation located in areas of South Dakota with tribal lands, she said theres work to do.

My next step would be to do what I can to get a tribe to participate with me to help their kids be more successful, Noem said. Because they live with 80% to 90% unemployment. Their kids dont have any hope. They dont have parents who show up and help them. They have a tribal council or a president who focuses on a political agenda more than they care about actually helping somebodys life look better.

Tribal leaders personally benefitting from cartels, Noem alleges

Earlier this year, tribal leaders and tribally enrolled legislators criticized comments Noem made about drugs on South Dakota reservations during a speech to lawmakers about the U.S.-Mexico border. In that speech, Noem made multiple references to the ravages of fentanyl and other drugs on reservation communities, and said the drugs are coming from Mexican cartels.

On Wednesday afternoon, Noem expanded on those comments during her town hall in Winner.

Weve got some tribal leaders that I believe are personally benefitting from the cartels being here, and thats why they attack me every day, she said.

South Dakota Searchlight reached out to several Native American legislators and a tribal president after Noems town hall comments, including some who were critical of her border speech. None responded with comments by the time of this articles publication. The Oglala Sioux Tribe banned Noem from the Pine Ridge Reservation after her border speech.

Lyle Miller, a Mitchell-based Native American artist and veteran who taught art at Crow Creek Tribal School for 20 years, told Noem during the Mitchell town hall that the problems Indigenous people face are connected to trying to secure their identity. Many tribal communities experience generational trauma from colonization and policies that stripped Native Americans of their culture, language and religion.

Theres a history between the United States government and the Lakota people and other tribes here in the Northern Plains, Miller said. Those students are struggling to understand American education, but its hard to understand something that isnt very inclusive of who you are, who your identity is.

The state passed standards in 2018, the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings, to teach South Dakota students about local Native American history and culture. But according to a 2021 survey by the state Department of Education, less than half of teachers taught the material.

State Department of Education Secretary Joe Graves told South Dakota Searchlight after the town hall that the state is working on a number of initiatives regarding Native American student success. One is to increase competition in education by further supporting alternative education.

We have seen some really promising things come out of the Native American community specifically in what theyre doing in forming private or alternative schools that are focused on language and culture, Graves said. So, we want to support that in every way.

Rapid City Area Schools had a Lakota immersion program in 2021 but struggled to find qualified teachers, so the program is on hold, Media Relations Manager Bobbi Schaefbauer said. The school district has a dedicated staff member for implementing the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings and other Native American education programs.

Bills fund phonics training, require higher teacher pay

One of the bills Noem signed allocates $6 million toward phonics literacy training for teachers in an effort to improve students reading proficiency levels. The effort was one of Noems legislative priorities this year after she announced the initiative during her December budget address.

The other bill mandates a statewide minimum teacher salary of $45,000 and requires districts to raise their average teacher compensation by 97% of the annual increases in state education funding. The law is intended to increase teacher salaries in the state  and thereby improve teacher recruitment and retention  since South Dakota ranks 49th in the nation for average teacher salaries.

Sioux Falls Republican Rep. Tony Venhuizen, one of the legislators who supported the teacher pay bill, said during the Wednesday event that the law will allow teachers to teach in the best way possible.

Studies tell you the number one factor in school for effective education is not facilities, its not spending, its not class size  its having a quality teacher in the classroom, Venhuizen said. Well, if you want to have quality teachers enter the workforce and stay in the workforce, you have to pay them.

Carbon pipeline discussed

Aside from discussions about education, Noem took questions from the Mitchell audience ranging from potentially being picked as former President Donald Trumps running mate to workforce recruitment efforts to signing a group of pipeline bills into law last week. Those bills add new legal protections for landowners affected by a proposed carbon dioxide pipeline in eastern South Dakota, while preserving a regulatory path forward for the project.

Michael Boyle, a pastor from Parkston, asked Noem why she didnt veto the pipeline bills. Noem said the bills had been through thorough debate, were deemed constitutional and passed by legislators.

Im not Xi Jinping and Im not a dictator and Im not somebody whos going to come in and say, You know what? The constitution doesnt matter. Im going to force my will on people, Noem responded.

Noem told town hall attendees that if they have any concerns about the pipeline bills they can bring them to her or their legislators ahead of the next legislative session. The 2024 legislative session ended last week, and the 2025 session will begin in January.

Quantum computing, local cybersecurity bills

Earlier Wednesday, Noem visited Dakota State University in Madison, where she signed a bill providing about $3 million in state funds to establish a Center for Quantum Information Science and Technology, which involves multiple state universities doing research into the developing field of quantum computing.

In a news release about that, Noem said she also signed a bill providing $7 million to start a cybersecurity initiative for cities and counties.

The amount is roughly what South Dakota would have received from the federal government over the last several years if the state had enrolled in a grant program aimed at bolstering local government cybersecurity. South Dakota is the lone state in the nation not participating in the program, after Noems administration said there were too many strings attached to the offer.

Noem also held a town hall meeting Wednesday afternoon in Winner and is scheduled to host a town hall at 9 a.m. Mountain time Thursday at Common Grounds in Spearfish.

South Dakota Searchlights Joshua Haiar contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Noem slings accusations about tribes while signing education bills
A Democratic lawmaker in South Dakota requested an inquiry into Gov. Kristi Noem (R) on Wednesday after the governor posted a video promoting a Texas cosmetic dentistry firm.

State Sen. Reynold Nesiba (D) said the video  which he described as an infomercial  raises a number of questions, adding to concerns that Noem could have broken the law by posting unmarked advertising or accepting gifts.

The Noem video features before and after shots of recent cosmetic surgery for her teeth and a testimonial from her that appears to be shot inside the companys Houston office.

Im the governor of South Dakota and had the opportunity to come to Smile Texas to fix my teeth, which has been absolutely amazing, Noem, who is seen as a potential running mate for former President Trump, says at the beginning of the video.

Consumer advocacy group Travelers United sued Noem on Wednesday, claiming the video constitutes undisclosed advertisements, violating consumer protection law.

Nesiba told The Associated Press that he wonders whether Noem was compensated for the surgery or used her state plane to fly to Texas, referring to previous controversies over Noems use of the state plane for campaign business.

In the video, Noem said her teeth needed to have an adjustment from a biking accident that took place years ago.

But the team here was remarkable and finally gave me a smile that I can be proud of and confident in and that really is a gift that I think is going to be incredibly special to have. You know I think that I chose the team here at Smile Texas because theyre the best, she said.

The video, which was simultaneously posted to all the governors social media pages, ends on an image of the companys logo.

South Dakota law bans lawmakers from receiving gifts worth more than $100.

Noems office has not replied to previous requests for comment.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The nations first utility-scale offshore wind farm is fully operational and capable of sending its entire capacity of power to the electric grid.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and other state and federal officials flipped a symbolic switch on Thursday, marking the completion of the South Fork Wind Farm, a 12-turbine project built off the Rhode Island coast and connected to the Long Island energy system.

This will serve as a beacon to the rest of the nation, a statement of what is possible, Hochul said at the event at Stony Brook Universitys Southampton campus on Long Island.

Officials marked the completion Thursday of the South Fork Wind Farm, a 12-turbine project off Rhode Island that is sending power to New York.

South Fork Wind Farm is the first large offshore wind farm in the country

The 132-megawatt wind farm is expected to generate enough power for about 70,000 homes and businesses, making it the first large offshore wind farm in America.

It comes seven years after the Block Island Wind Farm, a demonstration project of 30 megawatts built in Rhode Island state waters, became the first project to deliver offshore wind power to the grid.

Danish offshore wind giant rsted, the owner of the Block Island project, built the South Fork Wind Farm in partnership with Eversource, a New England utility. Part of the work for the project, which is located about 19 miles southeast of Block Island, was staged from the Port of Providence.

Other offshore wind projects in the works

The two companies are also working together to build Revolution Wind, a 704-megawatt offshore wind farm that would be located near their South Fork project. They started onshore construction last year and are set to move offshore in the next few months.

The Revolution project, which would power about 350,000 homes and businesses, would send 400 megawatts of capacity to Rhode Island and the remainder to Connecticut.

Another major offshore wind project in the region, this one closer to Marthas Vineyard, started offshore construction last year around the same time as South Fork but has yet to be completed. At 800 megawatts, Vineyard Wind is much larger.

Three weeks ago, developers Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Avangrid Renewables announced that nine turbines had been installed and that five of them had started delivering power.

At Thursdays event, Deb Haaland, secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, said that the nation is making progress toward the Biden administrations goal of developing 30,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2030.

Its happening right here and right now, she said.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: First large offshore wind farm in the nation is now producing power
Three deputies responding to a call in San Bernardino County earlier this week helped a mother deliver a baby boy, authorities announced Thursday.

The deputies were called to the 14300 block of Mcart Road in Victorville just after 5:30 a.m. Tuesday.

They arrived to find a mother in active labor with a baby who decided he couldnt wait until mom got to the hospital, the S.B. Sheriffs Department stated in a news release.

Deputy J. Tomasello is seen with newborn baby Bryson in an image provided by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department on March 14, 2024.

Deputy J. Tomasello immediately put his gloves on when the mother told him the baby was coming and she needed to push.

Deputies Robinson and Vasquez held the mothers hand while she pushed and Deputy Tomasello readied to deliver the baby, the Sheriffs Department stated.

Baby Bryson, a healthy boy, was born minutes later, according to the release.

Mom and son were taken to a nearby hospital for precautionary measures.

Santa Ana Winds topple trees, cause damage across Southern California

Deputy Tomasello later had the opportunity to visit the mother and Bryson, who were both doing well.

The Sheriffs Department posted a picture of Tomasello with Bryson in its news release.

Congratulations to the mother and baby Bryson! Great work deputies! the Sheriffs Department stated.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
A routine traffic stop by deputies in Riverside County resulted in the recovery of an arsenal of weapons, ammunition, explosive target material and drugs, authorities announced earlier this week.

Riverside County Sheriffs deputies stopped 30-year-old Christian Ray Snowden just after 11 p.m. March 10 near the intersection of Ramona Expressway and State Street in San Jacinto, according to a news release from the department.

After learning that Snowden had several outstanding arrest warrants, deputies found that he was in possession of methamphetamine. A subsequent search of his vehicle revealed eight firearms, a suppressor, high-capacity magazines, ammunition and five pounds of explosive target material.

Traffic stop results seizure of guns and drugs in Southern California

A search warrant was later executed at Snowdens residence in the 1400 block of Calle San Sebastian where additional ammunition and another 20 pounds of explosive target material.

Snowden was booked into the Smith Correctional Facility on narcotics and weapon-related charges.

Authorities did not provide any information about what the outstanding arrest warrants were for, nor did they say why Snowden was pulled over.

Anyone with information about this investigation is encouraged to contact Riverside County Sheriffs Deputy Rubalcava at the San Jacinto Sheriffs Station at 951-654-2702.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD)  Southern University System President Dennis Shields went before Louisiana lawmakers and asked them to make good on a reported long-term funding shortfall of well over a billion dollars.

Shields was basing the number off a letter issued last year by the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In a letter to former Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, the agencies cited data from 1987 to 2020 stating that funding per student equal to LSU would have led to another $1.1 billion dollars being provided to Southern due to its land grant status.

A recent report indicated that, that parity is, has not been happening for Southern University over the last 30 years. Something north of $1.1 billion is where were trailing. I would ask this body to take action this year to immediately begin addressing that by increasing our base funding significantly and by addressing our physical needs, said Shields.

Louisiana lawmakers react to bill passed by US House that could ban TikTok

Shields told lawmakers that Southern University has more than $430 million in capital projects waiting to be approved.

Latest News

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to BRProud.com.
BOCA CHICA, Texas  SpaceX achieved a historic milestone Thursday in launching the world's largest rocket as it orbited Earth, but the company's Starship was lost during reentry.

The third integrated flight test of Starship Super Heavy roared to life from its tower in Boca Chica, Texas, shortly after 9:25 a.m. EDT. Communication with both Starship and a system designed to track the craft was lost about an hour after liftoff, and the craft never returned to Earth.

"We are making the call now that we have lost Ship 28," Dan Hout, a spokesman for SpaceX, said during the live broadcast of the launch.

The FAA said a "mishap" investigation is being opened, but no public injuries or property damage was reported.

The SpaceX Starship spacecraft lifts off from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, on March 14, 2024. SpaceX on Thursday carried out the third test launch of Starship, the world's most powerful rocket that is vital to NASA's plans for landing astronauts on the Moon and Elon Musk's hopes of eventually colonizing Mars.

The launch system, consisting of 39 Raptor engines, provided the necessary thrust to carry the spacecraft over the Gulf of Mexico. After igniting the Raptor engines, Super Heavy executed a flip maneuver while Starship entered a coast phase before reentry.

During the reentry phase, SpaceX said it could collect valuable data at hypersonic speeds, more than five times the speed of sound.

The plan was for both Starship and the rocket that carried it to space to splash down in the Indian Ocean, but that never happened.

"Obviously, there's a lot to go through," Hout said. "Everyone wants to know right off the bat what happened. It takes us a little bit of time, but I can assure you that as soon as we start finding things out, we're going to let everybody know."

Before Thursday's test flight, Starship made it to the edge of space in November before its automated termination system triggered a self-destruct of the spaceship.

SPACEX MAKES CHANGES TO STARSHIP AFTER LESSONS LEARNED' FROM TEST FLIGHT

The FAA closed the November test flight mishap investigation last month. SpaceX was required to implement 17 corrective actions, including hardware and upgrades, before Thursday's orbital flight test.

SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk said the second test flight achieved several milestones, and the company hoped to expand on those with Thursday's flight.

The first test flight in April ended with an epic explosion 24 miles over the Gulf of Mexico when SpaceX launched Starship for the first time. Previous test "hops" were completed in Texas  some also explosive  before SpaceX tried to launch the spaceship and booster together.

For the third test flight, SpaceX said it took a different trajectory with Starship and tested a new set of "ambitious objectives."

The previous two tests were set to land in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Hawaii . Neither of the last two vehicles survived the ascent to make a water landing. SpaceX said the third test flight was supposed to culminate with a splashdown in the Indian Ocean.

NASA managers continue to follow the testing and development of Starship, which will be used to land NASA Artemis astronauts on the Moon in 2026. However, SpaceX still needs many more test flights before the vehicle flies people.





Original article source: SpaceX achieves historic milestone in launch of world's largest rocket into space but Starship lost on reentry
SpaceX teams are now combing through the data from their third successful Starship launch.

 WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS

Though Space lost contact with the massive rocket after lift-off, the company is still celebrating several achievements.

Thursdays flight test was critical for future plans to get people back to the moon.

READ: Cape Canaveral may face in-state space race if DeSantis signs bill

At around 9:25 a.m. Eastern time, the Starship and its heavy booster lifted off from a Starbase launchpad in Boca Chica, Texas.

That super heavy booster was expected to make a controlled landing in the ocean. Instead, it broke up over the Gulf of Mexico.

It was still the fastest and farthest that Starship has ever flown.

WATCH: SpaceX successfully launches 3rd Starship

SpaceXs Starship did reach its coasting altitude, where the launch team was able to open the ships payload door.

Thats important for SpaceX because they want to use this to eject Starlink, sort of like a Pez container, into outer space, Space UpCloses Dr. Ken Kremer explained. This is what will launch dozens and dozens of them instead of just 23.

SpaceX was also able to collect re-entry data on the Starships heat shield before losing contact with the ship.

SpaceX is developing a version of its starship as a human lander for NASA to transport astronauts to the lunar surface during the Artemis III mission as soon as 2026. Its also the ship SpaceX envisions will bring humans beyond the moon to Mars.

READ: Space Floridas New President and CEO is on a Mission

SpaceX says itll take their teams time to determine if everything worked as expected Thursday.

Meanwhile, Starship and Super Heavy vehicles are already being prepared or future flights.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
ETF Investing Tools

Leading European investment bodies have strongly opposed the introduction of progressive cash penalties for ETFs under the Central Securities Depository Regime (CSDR).

The opposition, which argues its introduction could damage the region's competitiveness, comes in response to the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) consultation launched last December, aimed at boosting settlement efficiency in Europe.

However, the proposals have been met with resistance from the ETF market, despite an acceptance that ETFs should be treated separately from equities when assessing settlement fails due to their unique market requirements.

If introduced, penalty rates would increase progressively from 2.5 basis points (bps) on day one to 12.5 bps per day if ETFs fail to settle six days after the intended settlement date (ISD).

Impact of Increasing ETF Penalty Rates

Leading the opposition was the Association of Financial Markets Europe (AFME), which said the structural barriers to settlement efficiency should be addressed.

We strongly believe that increasing penalty rates for ETFs will not have a positive impact on improving settlement efficiency. Instead, the primary effect would be an increase in costs to EU investors in ETFs, making the region less competitive, it said.

We believe that greater focus on addressing existing structural barriers to timely settlement is critical to improving settlement efficiency in ETFs.

The comments echo Jane Street, which warned ETF trading costs would be set for a substantial increase under ESMAs proposal to introduce progressive penalty rates.

This is due to authorized participants (APs) passing on the costs of settlement fails with wider bid-ask spreads.

Increased Costs for Investors

The Investment Association also raised concerns about increased costs for investors.

Additional cash penalties imposed on APs may force them to price this into the spreads offered to the end investor and make EU products less attractive when compared against jurisdictions without cash penalties, it said.

Story continues

The European Fund and Asset Management Association (EFAMA) agreed and called for a more detailed analysis of ETF settlement fails.

We believe the potential costs associated with the proposed changes are disproportionately higher than the perceived benefits, it said.

Our analysis suggests a high volume of ETF orders are settled within three to four days of trade execution and progressive increase in penalties are unlikely to have any meaningful impact on expediting settlement.

A New ETF Category

Part of the issue with ETF settlement fails is due to the fragmented nature of the European ecosystem, leading many to agree the ETF wrapper should have its own category for settlement fails.

The European Union currently has 14 currencies, 17 central counterparty clearing houses (CCPs) and 31 central security depositories (CSDs), according to the Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry (ALFI).

As a result, AFME said it supported ESMAs proposal to introduce a new category for ETFs, which takes into account the market specificities of the product and the role of market makers in providing liquidity.

EFAMA agreed, adding: This natural fragmentation means an appropriate settlement fail rate may be different to standard equity fail rates. Where settlement is non-standardized and subject to primary and secondary market trades, a different settlement fail rate should apply.

The industry body also suggested considering the underlying exposure of the ETF, which can vary in liquidity profiles.

Settlement fails have been of particular importance to ETFs, which are prone to late settlement due to the connection between primary and secondary markets.

ALFI suggested exempting ETF primary market transactionsbetween the ETF issuer and its APsof cash penalties, reserving them for the secondary market.

The Investment Association added a new category for ETFs will naturally drive more focused action on improving settlement rules and practices underlying ETFs.

A more detailed analysis of ETF settlement fails must be carried out to understand and delineate various issues underlying ETF settlement fails, it said.

We also recommend a periodic review, every 12-24 months of the settlement efficiency and the impact (and any changes) to the current penalty regime.

Such a review will also help ESMA calibrate an appropriate roadmap to accelerating the settlement cycle for EU capital markets.

ESMA said reducing settlement fails is now essential given the growing conversations around shortening the settlement cycle from T+2 to T+1 and eventually T+0 in Europe.

Cash penalties were established under CSDR in February 2022 but its introduction was plagued with issues during the first few months.

The controversial mandatory buy-in regime, which contractually requires authorized participants to source securities elsewhere in the event of a settlement fail, continues to loom over the industry.

The introduction of the regime has been described as a last resort by the regulator should settlement times not improve.





Permalink |  Copyright 2024 etf.com. All rights reserved
When a single insider purchases stock, it is typically not a major deal. However, when multiple insiders purchase stock, like in Roots Corporation's (TSE:ROOT) instance, it's good news for shareholders.

Although we don't think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions, we do think it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing.

Check out our latest analysis for Roots

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Roots

In fact, the recent purchase by insider Edward Kernaghan was not their only acquisition of Roots shares this year. They previously made an even bigger purchase of CA$527k worth of shares at a price of CA$3.03 per share. That means that an insider was happy to buy shares at above the current price of CA$2.40. Their view may have changed since then, but at least it shows they felt optimistic at the time. In our view, the price an insider pays for shares is very important. It is generally more encouraging if they paid above the current price, as it suggests they saw value, even at higher levels.

Roots insiders may have bought shares in the last year, but they didn't sell any. You can see the insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below!

Roots 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.

Insiders At Roots Have Bought Stock Recently

Over the last three months, we've seen significant insider buying at Roots. We can see that insider Edward Kernaghan paid CA$475k for shares in the company. No-one sold. This is a positive in our book as it implies some confidence.

Does Roots Boast High Insider Ownership?

For a common shareholder, it is worth checking how many shares are held by company insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Our data indicates that Roots insiders own about CA$13m worth of shares (which is 14% of the company). Whilst better than nothing, we're not overly impressed by these holdings.

Story continues

So What Does This Data Suggest About Roots Insiders?

It's certainly positive to see the recent insider purchase. And an analysis of the transactions over the last year also gives us confidence. Insiders likely see value in Roots shares, given these transactions (along with notable insider ownership of the company). In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing Roots. For example - Roots has 3 warning signs we think you should be aware of.

If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions of direct interests only, but not derivative transactions or indirect interests.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
International Game Technology (NYSE:IGT) Full Year 2023 Results

Key Financial Results

Revenue: US$4.31b (up 2.0% from FY 2022).

Net income: US$180.0m (down 35% from FY 2022).

Profit margin: 4.2% (down from 6.5% in FY 2022). The decrease in margin was driven by higher expenses.

EPS: US$0.90 (down from US$1.36 in FY 2022).

All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period

International Game Technology EPS Misses Expectations

Revenue was in line with analyst estimates. Earnings per share (EPS) missed analyst estimates by 38%.

Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to grow 2.4% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 9.6% growth forecast for the Hospitality industry in the US.

Performance of the American Hospitality industry.

The company's shares are down 12% from a week ago.

Risk Analysis

You should learn about the 3 warning signs we've spotted with International Game Technology (including 1 which is concerning).

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.
Asa Ellerup, the estranged wife of the architect turned suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann, revealed in a statement Wednesday night that she doesn't think her husband is "capable" of the allegations against him.

"I will listen to all of the evidence and withhold judgment until the end of trial," she said through her attorneys, Bob Macedonio and George Duncan. "I have given him the benefit of the doubt, as we all deserve."

Heuermann is facing counts of first- and second-degree murder in connection with the deaths of four women whose remains were found in the brush alongside Ocean Parkway, about 50 miles east of New York City. The victims were Melissa Barthelemy, 24; Megan Waterman, 22; Amber Costello, 27; and Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25.

SUSPECTED SERIAL KILLER REX HEUERMANN'S LAWYER DEFENDS SADISTIC INTERNET SEARCHES IN GILGO BEACH CASE

Asa Ellerup attends a press conference at the Suffolk County Courthouse in Riverhead, New York, on Jan. 16, 2024. Ellerup is the estranged wife of accused serial killer Rex Heuermann, who appeared in court that day to face an additional murder charge for the death of Maureen Brainard-Barnes.

"Ms. Ellerup visits Mr. Heuermann weekly and still maintains that Rex is not capable of the crimes he is accused of," her lawyers said in the statement.

Ellerup, who filed for divorce from Heuermann after his arrest in July, has begun visiting him regularly at the Suffolk County Jail.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

A spokeswoman for the county sheriff said visitation logs show Ellerup first visited him in November, and she has stopped by a total of seven times. In her statement, she claimed to be going every week.

Her lawyer said she began visiting more frequently after her husband's indictment in Brainard-Barnes' death in January  months after prosecutors filed charges in the other three cases.

The "Gilgo Four," clockwise from top left, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Costello. The background shows a wooden cross in the marsh next to Gilgo Beach, New York, where their remains were found in the brush just yards from Ocean Parkway.

The divorce proceedings remain ongoing, Macedonio told Fox News Digital, and the couple had issues even before Heuermann's arrest. Prosecutors have alleged that Heuermann continued to patronize sex workers regularly up until his arrest, and women in the industry have described encounters with him in places as far apart as Atlantic City, Las Vegas and San Francisco.

Her lawyers said she wanted to send her "heartfelt sympathies" to the victims and their families.

"Nobody deserves to die in that manner," she said.

GILGO BEACH SERIAL KILLER: WHY DNA FROM SUSPECT REX HEUERMANN'S DAUGHTER MATTERS

Now that she's overcome the initial shock of learning her husband has been accused of committing the community's most infamous cold case murders, however, she's decided to let due process unfold while remaining skeptical of the allegations, Macedonio added.

Heuermann is accused of killing a group of women known as the Gilgo Four, whose remains were all found in close proximity during the search for Shannan Gilbert, who went missing after a panicked 911 call in 2010. More than a decade later, Suffolk County police said they believed Gilbert's death had been an accident.

GILGO BEACH SERIAL KILLER SUSPECT CHARGED WITH 4TH MURDER

However, the search uncovered the remains of the Gilgo Four and six other victims found further east down Ocean Parkway.

A road sign directing drivers to Gilgo Beach off Ocean Parkway, about 45 miles east of New York City.

The investigation into the remaining deaths is ongoing.

GO HERE FOR MORE TRUE CRIME FROM FOX NEWS DIGITAL

Heuermann faces three counts of first-degree murder and four counts of second-degree murder. He has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail and due back in court April 17.

He was born and raised in Massapequa Park, New York. He bought his childhood home from his mother in the 1990s and moved his family there.

Neighbors described him as a quiet businessman who carried a briefcase to the nearby train station, wearing a three-piece suit to head into his Manhattan office five days a week.





Original article source: Suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann 'not capable' of murders, wife says after jail visits
CARROLLTON, Texas - Carrollton police say they arrested a suspected serial rapist that is HIV positive. Police fear there may be more victims across the metroplex.

Police say they met with a sexual assault victim getting treatment at a Carrollton hospital on Feb. 11. Police then arrested Carlton Tambaoga, 25, for the alleged crime. They determined he has HIV.

That initial investigation led police to identify at least five more sexual assault victims.

Police believe Tamboaga has more victims throughout the DFW Metroplex, in Houston and Atlanta, Georgia, that havent come forward yet.

Amy Jones is the CEO of the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center. She works with survivors of sexual violence every day.

"Im so grateful were living in a time where law enforcement collaborates in this way and has the evidence and the technology to be able to recognize that this individual is a serial perpetrator," she said. "So many survivors chose to make reports to police, and so many choose not to. Sexual assault is one of the most unreported crimes."

Another concern is that Tambaoga is HIV positive. This means he could have spread the infection to his alleged victims.

"Its always a concern," Jones said. "Most perpetrators are not using some form of protection when they perpetrate this sexual violence against another individual."

Detectives are working to reach out to the additional victims as part of the investigation. That could be difficult as many people fear coming forward.

"Unfortunately, there is still an incredible strong stigma. There is still a lot of shame," Jones said. "There is still so many individuals in their cultural communities, maybe in their families, in their community of faith, their work or even at large, that feel theyre not able to come forward and speak about this."

Jones says even if sexual assault survivors dont want to file a police report, they should get tested for STIs.

While Tambaoga sits in the Denton County Jail, Jones commends the victim who helped police arrest him.

"I thankfully have been in this work long enough that I have seen a shift, but Im gonna tell you its not enough," she said. "We still have a lot of work today. We still have way too much shame, and theres way too much victim blaming."

Tambaoga is currently being held in the Denton County Jail on two counts of sexual assault. His bond is set at $600,000. More charges could be coming.

Carrollton police are urging any sexual assault victims to seek immediate medical attention and to get tested for STDs. Theyre asking victims to contact their local police department where the assault occurred.

Additional resources available:

Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center: 972-641-7273

Parkland Victim Intervention Program/Rape Crisis Center: 214-590-0430

Denton County Friends of the Family: 940-382-7273

The Turning Point Rape Crisis Center (Collin County): 800-886-7273

The Womens Center (Tarrant County): 817-927-2737

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673

Free STD Check: www.freestdcheck.org; 214-599-2173
Investing in stocks inevitably means buying into some companies that perform poorly. Long term Sunpower Group Ltd. (SGX:5GD) shareholders know that all too well, since the share price is down considerably over three years. So they might be feeling emotional about the 73% share price collapse, in that time. And more recent buyers are having a tough time too, with a drop of 41% in the last year. Shareholders have had an even rougher run lately, with the share price down 14% in the last 90 days. We note that the company has reported results fairly recently; and the market is hardly delighted. You can check out the latest numbers in our company report.

Now let's have a look at the company's fundamentals, and see if the long term shareholder return has matched the performance of the underlying business.

See our latest analysis for Sunpower Group

There is no denying that markets are sometimes efficient, but prices do not always reflect underlying business performance. By comparing earnings per share (EPS) and share price changes over time, we can get a feel for how investor attitudes to a company have morphed over time.

Sunpower Group became profitable within the last five years. We would usually expect to see the share price rise as a result. So given the share price is down it's worth checking some other metrics too.

Revenue is actually up 27% over the three years, so the share price drop doesn't seem to hinge on revenue, either. This analysis is just perfunctory, but it might be worth researching Sunpower Group more closely, as sometimes stocks fall unfairly. This could present an opportunity.

You can see below how earnings and revenue have changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image).

You can see how its balance sheet has strengthened (or weakened) over time in this free interactive graphic.

What About The Total Shareholder Return (TSR)?

We'd be remiss not to mention the difference between Sunpower Group's total shareholder return (TSR) and its share price return. The TSR attempts to capture the value of dividends (as if they were reinvested) as well as any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings offered to shareholders. Dividends have been really beneficial for Sunpower Group shareholders, and that cash payout explains why its total shareholder loss of 64%, over the last 3 years, isn't as bad as the share price return.

Story continues

A Different Perspective

Investors in Sunpower Group had a tough year, with a total loss of 40%, against a market gain of about 1.4%. Even the share prices of good stocks drop sometimes, but we want to see improvements in the fundamental metrics of a business, before getting too interested. Unfortunately, last year's performance may indicate unresolved challenges, given that it was worse than the annualised loss of 8% over the last half decade. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Sunpower Group better, we need to consider many other factors. Consider risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Sunpower Group you should know about.

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 Singaporean 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.
Three people suspected of embezzling money from the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine have been detained in Finland by detectives of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office of Ukraine (SAPO), along with officers of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) of the Finnish Police. The money was allocated for the purchase of 5,000 bulletproof vests for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Source: NABU

Quote: "On 11 March 2024, three people were detained in the Republic of Finland on suspicion of laundering money of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine during the purchase of personal protective equipment worth 5.7 million. The property of one of the detainees, a Finnish citizen, was seized."

Photo: National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine

Details: Reportedly, one of the detainees is a representative of a private company that failed to deliver 50% of the bulletproof vests purchased and fully paid for by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence.

The investigation discovered that instead of purchasing 5,000 bulletproof vests for the Defence Forces, the suspects spent part of the money on luxury cars and real estate.

Photo: National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau stated that the detectives would use the evidence collected in their own criminal cases on the fact of misappropriation of funds from the Ministry of Defence in the purchase of bulletproof vests.

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Controversy surrounding the annual South by Southwest festival, familiarly called SXSW, has spiked after more than 100 acts, the majority of them European, dropped out over the U.S. Armys and defense contractors sponsorship of the music and cultural event in Austin, Texas.

As of Wednesday, five music labels and 105 bands and individual musicians, including more than 60 acts from the United Kingdom and all 12 Irish bands originally slated to perform, chose to forego the nine-day festival in protest of the Pentagons support for Israels war in Gaza.

More than 10 acts have decided to stay in for financial reasons but are going to make statements on stage or use their time slot to focus on Palestine, as tracked by Austin For Palestine Coalition (AFPC), the organization leading the boycott.

Among the acts that have pulled out are Chicago-based songwriter Ella Williams, known as Squirrel Flower, Los Angeles-based indie band Mamalarky, and hip-hop trio Kneecap from Belfast, Northern Ireland.

The avalanche of boycotts stems from an AFPC pressure campaign, launched Feb. 21, asking artists to apply pressure on SXSW over the participation of defense entities, Zainab Haider, the lead for the initiative at AFPC told The Hill.

The group has protested the Armys heavy sponsorship of SXSW as well as the festivals inclusion of military defense firm RTX, also known as Raytheon, and its subsidiary Collins Aerospace, which both make weapons and equipment used by the Israeli military.

Top Stories from The Hill

BAE Systems has also been called out for its participation as an exhibitor in a connected event known as Startup Crawl at Capital Factory House. In a statement to The Hill, a BAE spokesperson said the defense firm has no plans to participate in any way in SXSW.

RTX and Collins Aerospace did not respond to requests for comment.

Army spokesperson Matt Ahearn said its proud to be a sponsor of SXSW, and to have the opportunity to showcase Americas Army. SXSW presents a unique opportunity for the Army to meet technology innovators and leaders, explore new ideas and insights, and create dynamic industry partnerships as we modernize for the future.

The AFPC effort has quickly picked up steam, and since late last month nearly 600 people have emailed SXSW to express their horror at the military-linked sponsors, Haider said.

These entities are either sponsoring, funding, or supplying weapons for Israels assault on Gaza, for what the International Court of Justice is investigating as Genocide in Palestine.

Israel in October launched an air and ground campaign in the Gaza Strip after the Hamas militant group, which controls the territory, attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people and taking 253 others hostage.

More than 30,000 Palestinians have since been killed, the majority women and children, according to Gazas health ministry.

The United States, Israels biggest military backer, provides some $4 billion to Israel in defense assistance annually and has also sent additional weapons to the country since the start of the war to be used in the conflict, such as American-made aircraft and bombs.

AFPC contends that RTX makes missiles, bombs and other weapons the Israeli military uses against Palestinians, while Collins Aerospace provides components for aircraft used by the Israel Defense Forces. BAE Systems, meanwhile, has supplied weapons and equipment used in the occupation of Palestinian territories, according to AFPCs website.

Haider said the group coordinated with Austin Federation of Musicians and United Musicians and Allied Workers to spread their message, and it also delivered it by hand to those at the SXSW offices but did not receive a response.

The boycotts quickly drew the attention of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R), who wrote, Bye. Dont come back, in a post on social media. Austin remains the HQ for the Army Futures Command. San Antonio is Military City USA. We are proud of the U.S. military in Texas. If you dont like it, dont come here.

The official SXSW account quickly responded that it does not agree with Governor Abbott.

Organizers of the festival wrote that they fully respect the decision these artists made to exercise their right to free speech, while defending the Armys sponsorship role in the festival.

The defense industry has historically been a proving ground for many of the systems we rely on today, they wrote.

These institutions are often leaders in emerging technologies, and we believe its better to understand how their approach will impact our lives. The Armys sponsorship is part of our commitment to bring forward ideas that shape our world. In regard to Collins Aerospace, they participated this year as a sponsor of two SXSW Pitch categories, giving entrepreneurs visibility and funding for potentially game-changing work.

The Israel-Hamas conflict was also acknowledged, though organizers did not take sides.

We have and will continue to support human rights for all, they wrote. The situation in the Middle East is tragic, and it illuminates the heightened importance of standing together against injustice.

AFPC called the SXSW response empty and performative.

It was immediately clear to our coalition and the musicians who have dropped out that these empty words touting justice did not do a great job hiding the fact that SXSW IS forcing musicians to be in bed with warmongers, the group said.

The music component of the SXSW festival started Monday and will run through Saturday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Ukraine has begun rotating troops who have been serving at the front for a long time despite the increasingly difficult situation faced by the countrys Armed Forces, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on March 14.

In a post on Facebook, Syrskyi said Ukrainian troops continued to hold the lines in the Zaporizhia direction but said they were coming under heavy attack from Russian drones, artillery and mortars.

On the positive side, despite the quite difficult situation across the front line, we have managed to launch the process of rotating and replacing battalions and units that have been performing combat missions on the front line for a long time, Syrskyi said.

This will allow us to stabilize the situation and positively affect the moral and psychological state of our soldiers.

Read also: Abandon all hope: Ukraines wounded warriors compare military medical system to the Inferno

Ukraine is battling with a manpower shortage and the government aims to ramp up mobilization efforts in 2024 and has pledged to change the approach to military recruitment, giving more choices to potential conscripts.

The parliament is now considering a new draft of the mobilization law after its initial, contentious version was withdrawn.

Combined with the lack of manpower, Ukraine faces an increasingly perilous situation as U.S. arms and aid continue to be delayed in Congress.

On March 13, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said Ukraines ammunition shortage caused by the delays could soon lead to a Russian breakthrough on the front lines.

The ISW highlighted that Ukraine is being forced to ration critical ammunition  in particular, artillery shells  and prioritize allocation based on those areas currently facing the most intense Russian attacks.

With Moscows forces currently holding the initiative in the war and being able to determine the time, location, and scale of offensive operations, this leaves other areas of the front-line highly vulnerable.

Read also: Russia claims it has taken control of Nevelske in Donetsk Oblast

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Multiple law enforcement agencies across several Western Washington counties participated in an investigation to shut down a major illegal marijuana grow operation by Chinese nationals.

On March 13, search warrants were served at multiple residences for the unlawful manufacturing of controlled substances, unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, and unlawful use of a building for drug activity.

With the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Washington State Patrol Investigations Division, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, the Washington State Department of Ecology, the Pierce County Sheriffs Office, the Lakewood Police Department, the Bothell Police Department, and the Snohomish County Drug Task Force, eight search warrants were served in King, Mason, and Snohomish counties.

A total of 3,580 growing marijuana plants, 78 pounds of manufactured product, 12 vehicles, 1 handgun, and cash were seized.

On March 13, our Special Investigations Division concluded a narcotics investigation into a major illegal marijuana grow operation by Chinese nationals. Search warrants for multiple residences were obtained. pic.twitter.com/qI31mWylJX  Tacoma Police Department (@TacomaPD) March 14, 2024








TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan dispatched coast guard boats on Thursday to join a rescue mission at China's request after a fishing vessel capsized near the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen islands, amid heightened tension in the sensitive Taiwan Strait.

China claims democratically-governed Taiwan as its own territory, over the island's strong objections, and has stepped up military activities near it in recent years, with almost daily incursions into air defence identification zones.

Authorities on both sides sent the rescue boats after a Chinese fishing vessel capsized in the early hours, Taiwan's coast guard said in a statement, adding that two people were missing, though two had been rescued and two bodies retrieved.

Coast guard chief Chou Mei-wu told a parliamentary committee the boats were sent after Chinese authorities sought help, adding that such requests were common, with 119 people rescued in such efforts over the past three years or so.

"The waters are narrow around the Kinmen-Xiamen (area) and co-operation between Taiwan and China is very important," he said, referring to the neighbours' cities that face each other across the strait.

Taiwan sent four coast guard vessels and its Chinese counterpart six to participate in the rescue effort, the coast guard said.

Last month, China's coast guard began regular patrols around the Kinmen islands close to its coast, after two Chinese nationals died while trying to flee Taiwan's coast guard after their boat entered prohibited waters.

The Chinese fishing boat capsized about 1.07 nautical miles west of Taiwan's Dongding island, the coast guard said, with armed forces stationed there also engaging in the rescue, but did not elaborate.

In a statement, Taiwan's Kinmen defense command said it had not received any request from Chinese authorities to search the island, but added that any survivors found would be handed to the coast guard.

Last week, Taiwan's top China policy-making body urged its giant neighbour not to change the "status quo" around the waters there by sending coast guard boats into restricted areas, saying tension should be "controllable".

(Reporting by Yimou Lee; Editing by Stephen Coates and Clarence Fernandez)
Taiwan and China are carrying out a joint search-and-rescue mission for two missing crew members after a Chinese fishing boat capsized (Handout)

Taiwan and China are carrying out a joint search-and-rescue mission for two missing crew members after a Chinese fishing boat capsized Thursday near an outlying Taiwanese island, killing two, Taipei's coast guard said.

The coast guard dispatched patrol vessels after it received a report around 6 am Thursday (2200 GMT Wednesday) that a fishing boat carrying six people had sunk 1.07 nautical miles southwest of Kinmen Islands' Dongding islet.

Two crew members were rescued while two others "showed no signs of life", Taiwan's coast guard said in a statement.

The joint operation comes a month after the Taiwanese coast guard's pursuit of a Chinese fishing boat in the area left two men dead, further straining cross-strait relations.

Beijing claims democratic Taiwan as its own territory and has never renounced use of force to bring the self-ruled island under its control.

Administered by Taipei, Kinmen is located five kilometres (three miles) from the Chinese city of Xiamen.

Coast guard chief Chou Mei-wu told a parliamentary session Thursday that the fishing boat was "0.3 nautical miles within Taiwan's prohibited or restricted waters".

He added that both sides were striving to locate the missing within the "golden rescue time" of 72 hours.

Chou also recalled several previous joint rescue efforts by Chinese and Taiwanese authorities.

"In the past three years, we have had 17 cases like this where they (China) asked us for support, and we rescued 119 people," he said.

Taiwan's Premier Chen Chien-jen praised the rescue operation in parliament, saying previous efforts "have shown that China and Taiwan can work together in humanitarian aid".

By around 5 pm, Taiwan's coast guard told AFP "search and rescue is ongoing".

- Incident last month -

Last month, a Chinese boat carrying four people capsized near Kinmen while being pursued by Taiwan's coast guard.

Two of the crew died and two others were rescued and temporarily detained.

A survivor reportedly said the boat was "rammed", though Taiwan insisted the coast guard was following legitimate procedures after the vessel entered "prohibited waters".

Beijing accused Taiwan of "seeking to evade their responsibilities and hide the truth" about the incident, while a Taiwanese coast guard official has said the boat involved was zigzagging, "lost its balance and capsized" while trying to evade the patrol.

Since the February 14 incident, Taiwan's coast guard chief said an average of six to seven Chinese vessels have been seen in waters around Kinmen.

aw/dhc/lb
There's still a chance Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez's name will appear on the November ballot if he runs for his Senate seat as an independent candidate, as multiple rumors suggest.

When asked by a TV reporter if he would consider running as an independent, Menendez declined to answer.

In the meantime, New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy and Rep. Andy Kim have been battling at conventions throughout the state to claim the coveted county line for June's primary election as they seek the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination, while Menendez continues to fight charges in the Southern District of New York.

The newest superseding indictment brought by federal prosecutors in the Southern District  up to 18 counts from four  added new charges for the senator, his wife, Nadine Arslanian Menendez, and alleged co-conspirators Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, including conspiracy to obstruct justice and obstruction of justice and amid allegations that Menendez was working to benefit Qatar in addition to Egypt.

The original indictment included businessman Jose Uribe, who has changed his plea from not guilty to guilty on seven counts, including conspiracy to commit bribery and wire fraud, and agreed to cooperate with authorities.

A ruling Thursday did not go Menendez's way.

U.S. District Judge Sidney H. Stein in Manhattan said in a written ruling that charges alleging Menendez accepted bribes from three businessmen in return for legislative favors cannot be dropped on grounds that members of Congress get extra protection from some laws for what they do in the legislative sphere.

He said criminal intent cannot be protected by wording in the Constitution meant to protect information sharing by legislators.

The fact that this information sharing is part of a corrupt scheme prevents a characterization of those discussions as legislative acts, the judge wrote.

The judge also rejected Menendezs claim that one charge violates the separation of powers doctrine governing branches of government.

Menendez pleaded not guilty earlier this week to the latest indictment, including the four charges and other charges contained in subsequent rewrites of the charging document. He has said prosecutors were trying to pile on charges against him but that he is innocent and will prove it.

A May trial has been set, although lawyers have indicated that any appeal of the new ruling might require the trial date to be postponed for months.

Menendez, 70, held a powerful post as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee until he was forced to relinquish it after being arrested last fall. He has refused calls for him to resign from Congress.

Story continues below photo gallery.

While the deadline to file for the June primary election is days away, on March 25, rumors about Menendez are surfacing saying he plans to run as an independent.

"It's not a coincidence that we're talking about this now," said Micah Rasmussen, the director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics. "If he misses the deadline, he becomes a lame duck and irrelevant, so he's leaving the possibility out there that still keeps him in the game."

Senator Bob Menendez is shown as he exits federal court in the Southern District of New York, in lower Manhattan, after pleading not guilty, Monday, October 23, 3023.

The deadline to file as an independent is in June, a month after Menendez's trial begins on May 6. If he does file then, he will have until August to pull his name from the ballot.

"Right now, Menendez can always negotiate giving up his public office," Rasmussen said. "Once he says he's not running, he doesn't have that to trade with prosecutors. It really gives him several more months of keeping himself out there as potentially having a public future."

Menendez's attorney was not immediately available for comment.

Who to know: List of who is charged in Sen. Bob Menendez's bribery case after new indictment

When questioned by an NBC reporter on Thursday in Washington, D.C., Menendez said, When I decide to declare whatever my path is, I will do it then. I don't have to do it on television for you."

Another benefit to being a candidate is that Menendez will still be able to use donations toward his defense fund.

The senator raised an additional $195,000 from executives, real estate developers and others for his legal defense fund, bringing the total to $469,500 that he can use to pay legal expenses as of January.

Congressman Andy Kim speaks to the press after he lost the Bergen County Democratic Convention, Monday, March 4, 2024, in Paramus. First Lady Tammy Murphy (not shown) won with more than 60% of the vote.

Menendezs legal expense fund was first set up in early 2014 when he was accused of accepting bribes in exchange for promoting the interests of his longtime friend Salomon Melgen, a Florida ophthalmologist. A trial on the corruption charges ended in a mistrial. The judge acquitted Menendez and Melgen of some of the charges, and prosecutors dropped the remainder of the charges a week later.

Rasmussen, however, said running a campaign to raise money is "hard to swallow" at this point. While Menendez has had core supporters who never stopped contributing, running as an independent may change that.

"He will almost certainly be in the single digits," Rasmussen said about Menendez's percentage chance of winning. "As a contributor, you really have to ask yourself the justification for contributing at that point when there's no possibility of him winning. That's a tough sell, because they want him to be in office and that's not really a viable argument anymore."

What will happen if Menendez runs as an independent?

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

If Menendez stays in the election, "It would absolutely change the dynamics of the race" and give Republicans a chance to capitalize, Rasmussen said.

"If you take even 5% of the vote, that can potentially upend the race," Rasmussen said. "Most third-party candidates are called spoilers. It potentially puts a seat in play that isn't right now and hasn't been since 1972."

Rasmussen said Democrats will now have to pay careful attention to whom they nominate and shouldn't make the mistake of assuming whoever it is will win. "All bets are off if this does happen," he said. "It could unsettle everything."

Kim has taken notice and posted a comment on social media: "If Sen. Menendez runs as an independent, Dems must put forward the strongest general election candidate. Im a Dem that won a district Trump won twice and am currently appealing to independent voters by far bigger numbers than my competitors. I can win this Nov. no matter what Menendez decides to do."

This article contains material from the Associated Press.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Bob Menendez could run for US Senate as an independent
Key Insights

The projected fair value for SBF is 5.13 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

SBF's 3.94 share price signals that it might be 23% undervalued

The average premium for SBF's competitorsis currently 39%

How far off is SBF AG (FRA:CY1K) from its intrinsic value? Using the most recent financial data, we'll take a look at whether the stock is fairly priced by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. Our analysis will employ the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. It may sound complicated, but actually it is quite simple!

Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model.

View our latest analysis for SBF

The Method

We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (, Millions) 2.60m 3.67m 6.00m 2.74m 3.22m 2.96m 2.80m 2.69m 2.63m 2.59m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Analyst x2 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ -8.09% Est @ -5.49% Est @ -3.68% Est @ -2.41% Est @ -1.52% Present Value (, Millions) Discounted @ 6.1% 2.5 3.3 5.0 2.2 2.4 2.1 1.8 1.7 1.5 1.4

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = 24m

Story continues

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 6.1%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033  (1 + g)  (r  g) = 2.6m (1 + 0.6%)  (6.1% 0.6%) = 47m

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= 47m ( 1 + 6.1%)10= 26m

The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is 50m. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of 3.9, the company appears a touch undervalued at a 23% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Valuations are imprecise instruments though, rather like a telescope - move a few degrees and end up in a different galaxy. Do keep this in mind.

dcf

Important Assumptions

The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at SBF as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 6.1%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.206. 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 SBF

Strength

Debt is well covered by earnings.

Weakness

No major weaknesses identified for CY1K.

Opportunity

Expected to breakeven next year.

Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%.

Threat

Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow.

Next Steps:

Although the valuation of a company is important, it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. What is the reason for the share price sitting below the intrinsic value? For SBF, we've compiled three further factors you should explore:

Risks: You should be aware of the 2 warning signs for SBF we've uncovered before considering an investment in the company. Future Earnings: How does CY1K'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 German 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.



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Over the past year, Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) has impressed investors on almost every front. Financial results have been excellent, clinical progress has been solid, and its stock has crushed the broader market.

If there is one area where Eli Lilly hasn't been close to perfect, though, it's with its planned regulatory goals. Last year, it failed to earn anticipated approval for some new products due to regulatory roadblocks.

Eli Lilly recently ran into another regulatory hurdle that's worth paying attention to as well. What is it and what could it mean for investors?

Donanemab's approval will be delayed

Eli Lilly has been looking to develop an effective Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment, an area that's been extremely difficult to crack for the entire industry. The company reported positive results from a phase 3 clinical trial for donanemab, an AD candidate, last year, which was followed by a request for regulatory approval in the U.S. and was completed in the second quarter.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declined to grant accelerated approval to donanemab in January 2023 due to a lack of data from long-term, late-stage studies. (Companies can request accelerated approval for medicines based on clinical data thought to predict efficacy.) If Eli Lilly had earned this nod, it still would have had to seek full approval after directly confirming efficacy in phase 3 studies. So this setback wasn't a big deal.

However, the FDA delayed Eli Lilly's approval once last year. Regulatory action was initially expected by year-end but was pushed back to the first quarter of 2024.

The agency sent more bad news Eli Lilly's way last week. The FDA said it will push regulatory approval beyond the first quarter and convene a panel of experts to discuss the study Eli Lilly used to support donanemab's approval. This isn't a good sign. Most regulatory applications are completed in approximately 10 months. Eli Lilly's will likely run for about a year or more.

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Further, the decision to seek the advice of independent experts -- especially when it had not initially said it would -- may indicate the FDA has serious questions and concerns regarding the data.

Even in the worst-case scenario, Eli Lilly will be fine

What should investors make of these developments? Suppose the worst happens, and the FDA doesn't approve donanemab. Would that change Eli Lilly's prospects? It wouldn't. While donanemab would be a nice addition to the company's lineup, the pharmaceutical giant doesn't need it to continue delivering above-average financial results and stock market performance.

Eli Lilly's new crown jewel tirzepatide, marketed as Zepbound or Mounjaro, generated more than $5 billion in sales in 2023, its first full year on the market. It's difficult to overstate how impressive that is. Many drugs never reach annual sales that high throughout their entire time on the market. But things are just getting started for this medicine.

It should earn a number of label expansions in the coming years that will catapult its revenue even higher. That estimated $25 billion in peak yearly sales doesn't seem out of reach. While tirzepatide will be the star of the show for Eli Lilly for the foreseeable future, it will have an excellent supporting cast.

Cancer drug Verzenio is still performing well. New approvals, such as ulcerative colitis medicine Omvoh, will also contribute meaningfully. Further, the drugmaker isn't done innovating. Having made some breakthroughs recently -- both tirzepatide and Omvoh have novel mechanisms of action for the conditions they treat -- Eli Lilly is still going after challenging targets.

In January, it reported highly encouraging results from an early-stage study of a gene therapy for hearing loss. A patient with more than 10 years of hearing loss experienced hearing restoration within 30 days of treatment. It's too early to pop the champagne bottles as there's still a long road ahead. But Eli Lilly is up to something here.

And of course, it still isn't necessarily the case that the FDA won't approve donanemab. In my view, the most likely worst outcome for now would be an FDA request for an additional trial. Donanemab might also earn approval elsewhere -- although the U.S. market is generally the most profitable. Still, Eli Lilly's prospects remain incredibly attractive. Analysts think the company's earnings per share will increase by nearly 51% per year for the next five years.

Even half of that would be incredible for a drugmaker of this size. Eli Lilly's recent regulatory setback is, if anything, an opportunity to buy the stock on the dip.

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Should Investors Worry About Eli Lilly's Latest Regulatory Setback? was originally published by The Motley Fool
TURIN, Italy (Reuters) -Italy's Iveco Group plans to focus on new and deeper partnerships for future growth, the bus and truck maker said on Thursday, as it unveiled a new five-year business plan targeting a 20% bump in revenue by 2028.

The group, controlled by Exor, the investing company of the Agnelli family, will invest 5.5 billion euros ($6 billion) between this year and 2028, it said, with a focus on energy transition, artificial intelligence & software defined vehicles, and autonomous driving.

It announced on Thursday a preliminary deal with Ford Trucks, the heavy commercial brand of Ford Otosan, for potential cooperation in developing heavy-duty truck cabins.

It said it would also extend its existing partnership with South Korea's Hyundai Motor in battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell electric (FCEV) vans and FCEV city buses to electric heavy-duty trucks for the European market.

Iveco has lagged competitors in the heavy-duty truck segment in recent years.

"Today we commit ourselves to a new plan, an acceleration of our product portfolio, stronger and more diverse partnerships, and a dialling up of our sustainability journey," CEO Gerrit Marx said.

Milan-listed shares in the company extended gains after the five-year plan was published, and were up 11.8% by 1500 GMT.

The group - the smallest among Europe's truck-making heavyweights such as Daimler Truck, Volvo and Traton - has been a stand-alone company since the beginning of 2022, when it was spun off from CNH.

Analysts have often seen Iveco as a potential target in industry consolidation, but Marx has presided over a partnership-based strategy to support its access to new technologies, including clean-mobility ones, and new market segments.

Iveco said its net revenues from industrial activities would rise to around 19 billion euros in 2028 from 15.9 billion euros last year. Margin on adjusted operating profit (EBIT) from industrial activities is seen between 7% and 8% in 2028, from 5.2% in 2023.

($1 = 0.9164 euros)

(Reporting by Giulio Piovaccari; Editing by Gavin Jones and Jan Harvey)
JonnyPops is facing a lawsuit filed in California alleging the Minnesota-based company misleads customers about the nutritious nature of its frozen treats.

The suit's complaint charges the ice pop-maker with the "use of misleading, unlawful and fraudulent packaging and advertising practices to attract customers to pay a premium for its seemingly wholesome, fruit-filled ice pops, when in reality, almost all of the nutritional content of these ice pops come from added cane sugar." Current packaging says the products are "made with simple ingredients." Advertising has also boasted "real" or "fresh" cream and "real fruit" as ingredients.

The lawsuit also alleged the nutrition labels on the boxes are misleading, as they show a serving size of one frozen pop despite Food and Drug Administration guidelines requiring these products to use a serving size of two-thirds of a cup, which would equate to two or three pops.

"We believe that these claims are without merit," JonnyPops said in a statement. "We cannot comment further on the specifics of the case, as it is a pending legal matter. ... We are preparing to respond appropriately."

The complaint said the company's practices harmed the plaintiffs "monetarily"  a box of four ice pops costs about $5  as well as physically after dealing with the "harmful effects" of excess sugar. The suit said just one pop exceeds the recommended daily limit of added sugar for children.

The total number of prospective class members is unknown  as the filed suit named just one plaintiff: Jose Shuton  but the suit indicated "the classes likely consist of thousands of individuals throughout California." Filed Feb. 1 in Los Angeles County's California Superior Court, the case could end up as a class-action suit if certified as such.

Abe Chaballout, the plaintiff's attorney, was not reachable for comment.

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Originally founded in a St. Olaf college dorm, JonnyPops are now available from a wide range of retailers including Target, Sam's Club and Costco. In Los Angeles, JonnyPops are available at grocers like Ralphs and a few natural food stores. The company moved its headquarters to Elk River in 2022.

Other Minnesota food companies have faced similar cases, with many of them originating in California where state laws are favorable to consumers filing lawsuits about ingredients. From a legal standpoint California has a reputation for being "pro-consumer," said Paul Vaaler, a professor at the University of Minnesota Law School and Carlson School of Management.

Lakeville-based Post Consumer Brands agreed to a $15 million settlement in 2021 after a California class-action about the advertising of its sugary cereals as healthy. General Mills prevailed in 2019 in a California lawsuit about the sugar levels in its cereals. The judge who granted General Mills' motion to dismiss the case held that the company had not misled consumers.
A trooper was headed to work when he saw a frightened dog trapped on an icy lake in New Jersey, authorities said.

Michael Betz saw the animal at 12:56 p.m. Feb 27 as he was going to the New Jersey State Police Lake Hopatcong substation, troopers said in a March 14 Facebook post.

He pulled over and tried to call the small dog to the shoreline, but it wouldnt budge, troopers said.

At one point, the dog fell through the ice and struggled to stay above water before finding a rock to stand on in the lake, troopers said.

So he put on a drysuit and found a paddleboard to rescue the animal.

Betz jumped into the water, put the cold animal on the paddleboard and helped it to safety, troopers said.

The dog named Georgy was returned to its owner.

Owner goes to all lengths to find lost Colorado dog. Turns out, she was just feet away

4-month-old puppy lost in snowy forest found with thermal imaging drone, NY rescuers say

120-pound dog treads water for 30 minutes in icy pond. She didnt have much left
Donald Trumps upcoming Stormy Daniels trial could be delayed by a month after federal investigators turned up 100,000 new documents relevant to the case.

The people do not oppose a brief adjournment of up to 30 days to permit sufficient time for the defendant to review the [U.S. Attorneys Office] productions, Manhattan prosecutors wrote to the judge in a court filing on Thursday.

The last-minute surprise throws a wrench into the prosecution's plans to put Trump on trial for much of April and May, with the trial supposed to start on March 25. But the new batch of documents has thrown that timeline into doubtand may spark new grounds for Trumps lawyers to protest.

Stormy Daniels Is Going to Screw Trumps Campaign Schedule

Almost immediately, Trumps lawyers accused prosecutors of holding back the evidence, while the Manhattan District Attorney quickly accused Trump's lawyers of playing their usual delay games.

On Thursday, a March 8 court filing was made public reflecting how the former presidents lawyers formally asked the judge overseeing the case to sanction prosecutors for violating the lawfor allegedly hiding material that could weaken their case.

Trump defense lawyer Todd Blanche cited what he called the Manhattan DAs attempts to suppress voluminous exculpatory evidence that's been held for years by the fedsand have only surfaced since last week.

Blanche also claimed that prosecutors are insisting on improper redactions of internal communications involving current and former prosecutors associated with this case.

The new evidence undercuts the peoples theory of the case, Blanche wrote, referring to the DAs office.

Blanche also cited newly available information that he said would seriously question the character of the porn star at the center of the scandal, Stormy Daniels, who was born Stephanie Clifford. He said the new information bears on Cliffords bias and motive to monetize her status as a witness in this case, and it is extremely problematic with respect to prejudicial pretrial publicity.

Part of the chaos stems from the fact that the investigation has a messy origin story. Back in 2017, federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York investigated the way Trump secretly funneled a $130,000 hush money payment to Stormy Daniels. But with Trump still in office at the time, prosecutors only pursued criminal charges against the lawyer who coordinated the deal, Michael Cohen.

The Manhattan DA picked up where the feds left off, indicting Trump on 34 felony counts last year for faking business records to hide the deal. As part of that investigation, county prosecutors requested whatever relevant records the feds could share about their probe.

Manhattan DA Already Wants a Gag Order on Trump in Hush-Money Case

In the court filing on Thursday, the DAs office revealed that SDNY turned over a whopping 73,000 pages of records since just March 4and an additional 31,000 pages on Wednesday alone. The office notified the court that it expects the feds to turn over a third batch next week.

Its a stark development, given that lawyers usually receive evidence well ahead of a criminal trialand this one of historic proportions is supposed to be just days away.

By the DAs own description, the bulk of the material appears to be documents and testimony that prosecutors at the Manhattan U.S. Attorneys Office presented to the federal grand jury that examined the casean investigation that included testimony from Trumps right-hand money man, former Trump Organization chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg.

The DAs court filing attempted to lay the blame on Trumps defense lawyers, saying that prosecutors diligently sought the full grand jury record related to Cohens campaign finance convictions from the USAO last year and received a subset of the materials. That evidence was turned over to Trumps team in June 2023.

But Trumps lawyers waited until January 18 to independently seek the records from the feds and consented to repeated extensions every time the feds asked for a little extra time.

The timing of the USAOs productions is a result solely of defendants delay despite the peoples diligence, prosecutors wrote.

Prosecutors stressed that they are nonetheless prepared to proceed to trial on March 25, but alerted the judge that they do not oppose an adjournment in an abundance of caution and to ensure that defendant has sufficient time to review the new materials.

Justice Juan Merchan, who is overseeing the trial, is expected to demand some answers about this unanticipated derailment of a case he has kept chugging along at a rapid pace.

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Even after almost 160 years of exhaustive study and analysis, the death of President Abraham Lincoln continues to intrigue scholars and history buffs eager to understand what really happened. Enter Manhunt, an new Apple TV+ miniseries that shifts the perspective to the eyes of Lincolns assassin, John Wilkes Booth, and the government official who led the effort to catch him.

The first two episodes of the seven-part drama, based on James Swansons nonfiction book Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincolns Killer, premiere Friday on the streaming service. Anthony Boyle stars as Booth and Tobias Menzies portrays Edwin Stanton, the U.S. secretary of war who vehemently pursued the assassin and vowed to enact justice.



Booth and his history-altering act at Fords Theatre on April 14, 1865, are well known, but the aftermath of the shooting and its wide-reaching implications have long been the subject of speculation and conspiracy. Heres a closer look at the actual search that inspired Manhunt.

Booth was a very public figure

John Wilkes Booth didnt have the benefit of anonymity in anything he did, let alone committing a very public crime. Born near Bel Air, Maryland, on May 10, 1838, Booth was the son of popular stage actor Junius Brutus Booth. Naturally, John and his brother Edwin followed in their fathers footsteps and became performers themselves.

John debuted at age 17 in a production of William Shakespeares Richard III and performed so well that an acting company based in Richmond, Virginia, asked him to go on tour. Within a few years, he was a nationally-known figure and something of a heartthrob. The ladies loved him; he was very popular, said Clark Evans, a curator for the Library of Congress.

But as his fame grew, so did his discontent with the government. According to the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Booth became an agent for the Confederacy during the Civil War, often meeting with the heads of its secret service. He and Southern sympathizers began forming a plot to kidnap Lincoln, hoping to use him as ransom to negotiate the release of Confederate prisoners of war.

But once Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered on April 9, 1865making it clear the war was nearing an endkidnapping Lincoln would no longer serve any purpose. Still, when Booth knew the president would be attending a performance of Our American Cousin five days later in Washington, D.C., he vowed to go a step further.

His escape wasnt subtle, either

Getty Images

Booth, who was very familiar with the layout of Fords Theatre, made his way into the box occupied by the president and First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln at around 10:15 p.m. After shooting Lincoln with his Deringer pistol, which he subsequently dropped, and fighting off intervening military officer Henry Rathbone with a dagger, Booth fell from the box onto the stage.

According to witnesses, he yelled, Sic semper tyrannis! The Virginia state motto to this day, the Latin phrase translates to Thus always to tyrants! He was chased out the back of the theater by a man named Joseph B. Stewart and ultimately fled on horseback.

According to the National Park Service, Lincolns unconscious body was brought to the first-floor bedroom of a neighboring house. He died at 7:22 a.m. on April 15. In the meantime, Stanton had already begun his investigation and eyewitness interviews. The manhunt was on.

Booth received plenty of help

Although Booth has, understandably, garnered most of the infamy from Lincolns murder, he didnt act alone. Officials questioned hundreds of people in the days following the shooting and determined 9 other individuals had a significant role in the plot also meant to kill then-Vice President Andrew Johnson and Secretary of State William Seward.

The conspirators included David Herold (played in Manhunt by Will Harrison), as well as boarding house owner Mary Surratt (Carrie Lazar) and her son John (Joshua Mikel). Each offered direct aid to the fugitive Booth, who quickly crossed into Maryland on his path south where hed likely find more sympathizers for his cause.

Booth and Herold stopped for guns and supplies at the Surratt family tavern, and the two next made their way to the home of physician Samuel Mudd (Matt Walsh), who later claimed he was unaware of what they had done. The doctor made a splint for Booths broken leg early on the morning of April 15 and offered the two men shelter.

How Booth fractured his leg is still a mystery. It was initially believed he suffered the injury during his tumble to the Fords Theatre stage, and Booth even wrote in his diary that he in jumping broke my leg. However, some historians now think its much more likely his fast-galloping horse tripped during the escape and landed on his left leg.

Booth and Herold continued on toward the Potomac River, hiding in a pine thicket for days until it was safe to cross into neighboring Virginia. They finally made it on April 22, but their escape would last only a couple more days.

Stanton and investigators quickly pursued Booth

Getty Images

By this point, the search for Booth, Herold, and John Surratt was well underway. Within 24 hours of the shooting, Secret Service director Lafayette Baker (Patton Oswalt) had obtained photographs of the three men that were then featured on a wanted poster Stanton and the War Department published. Additionally, a lockdown was enacted, with guards stationed around all forts and most people prohibited from entering or leaving the nations capital.

The notion that Booth and his conspirators would have any chance of acquittal via trial was quickly rendered absurd. Officially published on April 20, 1865, the War Departments wanted poster offered a total reward of $100,000 (equivalent to nearly $2 million today) for the apprehensions of Booth, Surratt, and Herold. Stanton didnt mince words about the three figures on the poster; he presumed guilt for not just Booth, whom he referred to as the murderer of our late beloved president, but the two accomplices as well. The poster continued:

Let the stain of innocent blood be removed from the land by the arrest and punishment of the murderers. All good citizens are exhorted to aid public justice on this occasion. Every man should consider his own conscience charged with this solemn duty, and rest neither night nor day until it be accomplished.



According to the U.S. Army Center of Military History, thousands of civilians and military personnel searched for the outlaws under Stantons direction. Eventually, troops cornered Booth and Herold inside a barn on the Virginia farm of Richard Garrett in the early hours of April 26. Herold immediately surrendered, but Booth refused and was shot by Sergeant Boston Corbett in the ensuing standoff. He died a couple hours later.



As for the remaining seven conspirators, all except John Surratt who had fled the country were quickly apprehended and tried by military tribunal. Four were hanged, including Mary Surratt, who became the first woman executed by the federal government later that July.

Conspiracy theories persisted for more than a century

Not surprisingly, the publics fascination with the fate of Booth and his conspirators began almost immediately. The New Yorker writes that later in 1865, a New York World reporter named George Alfred Townsend published a 79-page account of his investigation into Lincolns assassination, complete with maps, floor plans, and witness testimony.

Still, speculation became rampant. According to The New Yorker, many in Lincolns administration believed Confederate President Jefferson Davis ordered the assassination. After this idea waned, it was suggested that Vice President Johnsonor even Stanton and Bakermight have been behind the plot for political reasons.

Much more recently, David Balsiger and Charles Sellier Jr.s 1977 book The Lincoln Conspiracy and the subsequent movie adaptation posited their own alternative and inaccurate theory about what happened. On the basis of newly uncovered evidence such as missing diary entries from Booth, the book alleged that Booth survived the manhunt and fled overseas to England. The authors also claimed that instead of killing the murderer, troops fatally shot a Booth lookalike named J.W. Boyd by mistake, and the government hid the error as part of a cover-up. But obituaries and family papers showed that Boyd didnt die at Garretts barn and instead passed away months later in January 1866.

Thomas Turner, a Bridgewater State University professor who published several articles about the assassination, wrote in 1982 that the attention around Lincolns death and the manhunt for Booth follows a pattern typical to that of other beloved hero-villain folk tales. In traditional mythology, the slayer [Booth] of the folk god [Lincoln] cannot be released by an ordinary death but must wander the world alone and branded with infamy, Turner explained. The murderer owes everything to the deification of his victim. No one has ever read or questioned where the murderers of Presidents Garfield and McKinley are buried, but the murderer of Lincoln could not rest so easy.

Watch Manhunt on Apple TV+ Now

The two-part premiere of Manhunt is Friday, March 15, on Apple TV+. New episodes release weekly on Fridays through April 19. The limited series stars Tobias Menzies as Edwin Stanton, Anthony Boyle as John Wilkes Booth, and Hamish Linklater as President Abraham Lincoln.

Booth and Stanton are naturally bound to have a lot of screen time in Manhunt, but showrunner and executive producer Monica Beletsky promises the show will cast a wider net and incorporate overlooked figures of the war and its aftermath.

One of the things thats special about the show is that when we think of the Civil War, many people dont realize how many peoples lives were touched by it, and that it was really a diverse set of people, Beletsky told PhillyVoice.com. Im really excited about showing some of the unsung heroes in the story. Many who are African American, who we dont learn about in school, and so I feel proud to tell their stories as well.

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Although we watched Truman (Tom Hollander) die in the penultimate episode of Feud: Capote vs. the Swans, were going to watch it all over again in the finale. Yes, we have to watch this agonizing sequence play out twicebut now, we get to see the events leading up to Trumans death, and what Answered Prayers could have been.

Its 1984, six years after Babes (Naomi Watts) death, and Truman misses her dearly. He visits her grave, throwing the ugly carnations a friend has left to the side to make room for him to snuggle up to her headstone. Youre positively frigid, Babe, says Truman. Everythings frigid without you. Is it better in there? Truman is already flirting with the idea of death. Babe has always set the latest fad, hasnt she?

Truman visits Jack (Joe Mantello), who wants nothing to do with his floozy ex-partner, especially since hes seeing a younger man now. But Jacks new piece of ass is excited to see Trumanlets not forget, Truman is incredibly famous at this timeand invites him in to have dinner. Truman promises hes sober. Hes fully consumed by his work on Answered Prayers now, which he says will be an apology and an explanation to all the people he hurt, but fictionalized. When Jack walks his guest out, he warns Truman that the swans will never forgive him. But Truman pushes back; people want to forgive. Look at Jackhe allowed Truman to come in for dinner after so many missteps. The heart is built to forgive.

Babe Paleys Swan Song Makes For a TragicBut MasterfulEpisode of Feud

In his fantastical version of New York, Truman writes about La Cote Basque closingsomething invented for the show, as it really closed in 2004and all the ghosts who return for one final meal. He gives new names to his swans: C. Z. (Chloe Sevigny) is Kiki, Slim (Diane Lane) is Lady Ina, Babe is Cleo, and Truman is P.B. Jones. (Calista Flockharts Lee keeps her real name.) All of the girls are at lunch, but this time, theyre all eating separately. P.B. grabs lunch with Kiki, using the time to apologize for writing those nasty things about her in the Esquire piece. Kiki apologizes instantly, but P.B. still wants to make it up to her.

P.B. drives Kiki out to the countryside, taking her for whiskey and late freedom. They share a dance and a laugh like old times, which satisfies Trumans need to redeem himself in the eyes of C. Z., the most forgiving of the bunch. As he plunks letters out on his typewriter, Truman is visited by the ghost of his mother Lillie (Jessica Lange). Lillie pours her son a drink, upset that hes become sober without her ghastly presence. She pushes him to try harder on his next chapter in the book.

Tom Hollander and Diane Lane. FX

This one is trickier. It follows Slim, who is now Lady Ina. P.B. stalks Ina around Manhattan, shouting vague apologies at her while she lobs hisses of anger over her shoulder back at her arch-nemesis. P.B. finally gets her full attention when he tells her that the venom of the snake must all be drained out eventually; its exhausting to stay angry forever. Ina isnt fully on board with P.B. yet, but she invites him into her home to help her pack up while she plans a move to a faraway cottage. P.B. encourages her to express her anger and really get madthrow plates and break things and get everything out of her system. It works. After P.B. throws another Black and White Ball with Ina as the guest of honor, she has fully forgiven him

Truman earns more heckling from his mother on this one; she wants him to write something a little less fruity. This comment thrusts Truman into the catacombs of his childhood. His mother always hated him, especially when he bothered her in the middle of dates. She used to call him a sideshow attraction because he was obsessed with her, clinging to her like a baby even in his older childhood years. Back to the present, Lillie gives Truman more alcohol and pours a smattering of pills into his hand to keep him writing.

Feud Provides a Vital Reminder: Naomi Watts Is a Master of Her Craft

Next up on the Answered Prayers roster is Lee, who P.B. meets for lunch at La Cote while she dines with her movie-director husbandloosely based on Herbert Rosswho cant stop eying men at the bar. P.B. needs to really impress Lee to earn her forgiveness, so he gives her something to give her more notoriety than her fairy tale sister Jackie Kennedy: a fully finished memoir. Lee will be able to make it big in the literary world. Oh, and theyll also plot to kill her gay husband, too. The pair giggle the night away while poisoning his cigarettes.

Still, Lillie is not happy with the book. Truman, she says, is not in touch with his hatred for women, so theres no real reason for the book to be published. Why does he have to beg to be let back into the circle? She would rather he write his feelings about her suicide, forcing Truman to remember the day his mother died.

Tom Hollander and Diane Lane. FX

Theres one last swan Truman has to make peace withand its not Babe. Ann Woodward (Demi Moore) meets Truman in the memory of his mothers death, recalling that he always said she reminded him of his mother. Maybe thats why you were so cruel to me, Ann says, infuriated. Truman doesnt even try to win Anns forgiveness. Whats done is done. Hes accepted his fate. Ann will always loathe Truman for accusing her of murdering her husband.

Theres only one thing left to do, Ann tells Truman. The pair meet at Babes gravesite, where Truman lays a boxed copy of Answered Prayers on his dear friends headstone. But Truman isnt leaving Babe a copy. He douses the papers in gasoline while Ann encourages him to get rid of the evidenceif he wants to earn any forgiveness, he needs to never write about the swans ever again. Truman sets fire to his manuscript.

Now, weve arrived at the same place that the last episode of Feud left off: Truman is at Joanne Carsons (Molly Ringwald) California home, still struggling with alcoholism, and still attempting to finish Answered Prayers. These visions of the swans cause Truman to nearly drown himself; a few days later, he passes due to liver disease. Joanne calls Jack to let him know about the news. Jack is curious about Answered Prayersis anything salvageable? No, says Joanne. Its all gibberish. Only one thing was written over and over: A dream, a dream, a dream, a dream thats as real as stubbing your toe.

Its criminal that Babe only appears a handful of times in this episode, but at least her final scene is exquisite. Years later, in 2016, Trumans ashes are for sale in an auction. Kate Harrington (Ella Beatty) attempts to purchase them, but doesnt have the funds. Ultimately, Trumans ashes are purchased for $45,000 by a private bidder in New York. The swans, who have all passed at this point, watch on as ghosts. They hate what Manhattan culture has become. As they all pile out, Babe looks over her shoulder, catching one last glimpse of her friend before shes pulled out into the white sunlight beaming in from the city.

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WASHINGTON  Peter Navarro, a Donald Trump adviser sentenced to four months in federal prison this year following his conviction for defying the Jan. 6 committee, must report to federal prison in Miami next week after a panel of federal appeals court judges rejected his bid to put his sentence on hold.

Three federal appeals court judges ruled that Navarro had "not shown that his appeal presents substantial questions of law or fact likely to result in reversal, a new trial, a sentence that does not include a term of imprisonment or a reduced sentence of imprisonment that is less than the amount of time already served plus the expected duration of the appeal process."

Navarro's lawyers previously indicated they would seek to take their case to the Supreme Court.

Navarro was directed to report to federal prison in Miami on March 19 by 2 p.m., according to a filing in which Navarros lawyers asked the federal appeals court to stay his surrender date.

Navarro was involved in Trump's efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and was subpoenaed by the Jan. 6 committee in February 2022 but refused to provide testimony or the documents requested. The House committee ultimately issued its report in December 2022, before Republicans took control of the House in January 2023.

Federal prosecutors said ahead of his sentencing that Navarro "like the rioters at the Capitol, put politics, not country, first, and stonewalled Congresss investigation" and "chose allegiance to former President Donald Trump over the rule of law."

You are not a victim, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta told Navarro at his sentencing in January. You are not the object of a political prosecution  you arent. You have received every process you are due."

Thursday's order was issued by Circuit Judges Patricia Millett, Robert Wilkins and Cornelia Pillard of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

Stanley Woodward, an attorney representing Navarro, declined to comment on the ruling when reached.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Former President Donald Trumps campaign is running online advertising to raise cash for 2024  and a portion of that ad spending is monetizing pro-Nazi content on the streaming service Rumble, Rolling Stone has observed.

In a short video ad that plays before select videos on Rumble, Trump makes a pitch to the MAGA masses to help him counter crooked Joe Biden by donating to his 2024 campaign: I am very humbly asking if you could chip in $5, $10, or even $25. Trump vows that donors will help him win back the White House and make America great again, greater than ever before, I promise you that.

On Monday, Trump ads were being served up at the beginning of a new Rumble video by the reactionary broadcaster Stew Peters. In that video, Peters touts Adolf Hitler as a hero for the horrific Nazi book burnings of the 1930s, calling the violent display of cultural erasure awesome. Peters even advocates a modern reenactment of the fiery Nazi spectacle, seeking retribution against what he falsely paints as a Jewish-led conspiracy to make us surrender to LGBTQ acceptance and sexual degeneracy.

It should be shocking for any American presidential candidates advertising to appear alongside pro-Nazi content. Yet in the context of the 2024 campaign, there are few surprises when it comes to open fascism. Trump has in recent months echoed Hitler himself by claiming immigrants are poisoning the blood of America, and polls show such fascist rhetoric has been avidly received by MAGA supporters.

Peters, likewise, has been undergoing a steep slide into fascism. A failed rapper and former bounty hunter, he found success in far-right media, particularly on Rumble, where The Stew Peters Network has more than 500,000 followers. But what began as Peters promoting dark conspiracy theories about the Covid-19 vaccine soon morphed into calls for Anthony Fauci and Hunter Biden to be hanged. In response to the Israel-Gaza war, Peters began spouting anti-Zionism, mixed with far uglier antisemitism. He soon dropped any pretext by hosting Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes on his show to expose international Jewry, as well as by platforrming the neo-Nazi leader of the Goyim Defense League.

Why are Trump campaign ads monetizing Peters explicitly pro-Nazi content? The campaign lays responsibility for placement of the advertising with Rumble. A spokesperson for the Trump campaign tells Rolling Stone: We arent picking any particular video or channel to run ads on, and we are not given visibility into every single ad that is served during every video. Rumble is ultimately responsible for the ads that are served on any given video on their platform.

The Trump advertising links out to a landing page seeking donations that benefit the Trump Save America joint fundraising committee. The fundraising arm benefits both Trumps official 2024 campaign and Save America, his leadership PAC, which is helping pay off the former presidents astonishing array of legal bills. The URL for the donation page includes the words generic, rumble, and video, lending credence to a lack of targeting.

Rumble touts its streaming service as an unapologetically free-speech platform that is content neutral and designed to be immune to cancel culture. The companys early investors include J.D. Vance, now a GOP senator from Ohio, who is said to be in the mix for Trumps 2024 running mate. As a YouTube alternative popular with far-right and cultural-outcast creators, Rumble hosts controversial figures including Andrew Tate and Russell Brand. Last year, it suffered a public flight of advertisers who chose not to be associated with such content.

Rumble did not respond to multiple emails from Rolling Stone about whether the platform has guardrails to avoid placing a presidential campaign ads against pro-Hitler content, or whether individual advertisers can choose to block certain content or creators.

In an FAQ for Rumble investors, the company says it offers both programmatic and non-programmatic advertising  that is, advertising placed by computer algorithm and not. The Trump campaign statement refers to its use of run of network inventory  a term of art for untargeted, computer allocated advertising  meaning its ads appear on any video the algorithm serves. The Trump campaign did not answer questions about whether it has any concerns about its advertising relationship with Rumble or qualms about helping Peters monetize his pro-Nazi views.

In the March 8 video where the Trump campaign ads appeared, Peters leaped over the fascist line hes been towing, and landed squarely in pro-Nazi territory. The title of Peters video is chockablock with buzzwords that a responsible advertiser might choose to avoid: America TRANSforms Into Weimar 2.0: Nazis BURNED LGBT Propaganda To Cleanse Germany.

During the broadcast, Peters blasts the Weimar conditions in the contemporary United States and insists they must be met by Weimar solutions. Weimar is a reference to the German Weimar Republic that was overthrown by the Nazis. Peters praises the horrific Nazi campaign of book burning that was enacted shortly after Hitler came to power, calling it one of the first remedies that Hitler and the National Socialists had to offer to what Peters described as a Weimar era of complete and total degeneracy and sexual perversion, which had been encouraged, he claimed, by a government and culture ruled by Jews.

In Peters twisted telling of this dark history, Nazis across Germany united to storm perverted libraries, perverted bookstores, and burn all of their transgender manuals, all of their porn, all of their disgusting literature on leading homosexual lifestyles. (The Nazis infamously also burned books by Bertolt Brecht, Ernest Hemingway, Sigmund Freud, and Hellen Keller.) Peters said the Nazis did exactly what reasonable people would do if given the opportunity, and insisted of the book burning: It was justified. It was great. It was awesome. Period. Point blank.

Peters used his show to voice denial about the Holocaust  claiming war propaganda made it impossible for him to know if Hitler was really a ruthless person that murdered millions  before returning to the book burning campaign. Peters asked of the Nazi leader, Wasnt he a hero? for enacting it, elaborating: Wasnt Hitler doing the right thing when he ordered these books to be burned and these places to be stormed by force?

Leaving no doubt about his own dark agenda, Peters called for a modern reenactment. I want to see people on horseback storming the school libraries and collecting these books  and the people who push them, he said, adding that the bonfires would serve as a public societal cleansing ceremony. But Peters does not want to stop with spectacle: We will burn their books, well burn their ideas to the ground. And then well put them on trial, and theyll be held accountable for their assault on humanity, and the rape and murder of childhood innocence. No quarter for parasites. Maximum accountability. Extreme accountability is the only remedy here. Kill it with fire.

(Full disclosure: Peters has previously called on this reporter to be publicly hanged  after a trial for mass psyops  as part of his agenda for extreme accountability.)

Rumbles terms of service supposedly prohibit creators from posting content that is abusive, inciting violence, harassing, harmful, hateful, antisemitic, racist or threatening. Its unclear how much Peters makes from his Rumble broadcasts, or if monetization of his videos has ever been in jeopardy. Peters is currently preparing to launch a new show called Uncancelable.

The evening after this article was published, Peters posted a show segment titled Rolling Stone TARGETS Stew Over Weimar TRUTH. Peters doubled down on his description of Nazi book burning as a heroic act, but he added: Thats not to say that Hitler was a hero; thats not to say Hitler and his cronies didnt do bad things. Of course they did. Everyone did. It was a war! (Peters also insisted that media vultures like Rolling Stone are in league with Satan.) In a quote provided to Rolling Stone, Peters continued to advocate modern-day book burning: If youre like Rolling Stone and youre NOT advocating for the mass burning of perverted, pedophilic and/or pornographic content, you are COMPLICIT in child sexual exploitation.

Rumble is hardly alone in keeping Peters content in circulation. He is active on Telegram. Despite a vow by X execs to stamp out antisemitism, Peters posts and streams regularly at Elon Musks platform. He even has an Instagram channel that is brimming with antisemitic content.

Ironically, while Trump ads run against his show, Peters does not take a kind view of the former president, whom he claims bows to his Zionist masters. In recent days Peters has been posting memes of Trump mugging with a menorah and a cartoon of Trump pulling apart his shirt to reveal a Star of David where a Superman S might go. In a caption to the cartoon, Peters writes of Trump: America FIRST after Israel of course. .

Update, Mar. 15: This story has been updated to reflect Peters latest remarks and statement to Rolling Stone.

More from Rolling Stone

Best of Rolling Stone
By Pete Schroeder

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -JPMorgan Chase & Co has been fined $348.2 million by a pair of U.S. bank regulators over its inadequate program to monitor firm and client trading activities for market misconduct, the Federal Reserve announced on Thursday.

The Fed fined the bank alongside the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), and said the misconduct occurred between 2014 and 2023. In a separate announcement, the OCC said JPMorgan failed to properly monitor billions of trades across at least 30 global trading venues.

A bank spokesperson said the firm self-identified the issue and is working to address the matter, and does not expect any disruption of existing client services. In addition, there was no evidence of employee misconduct or harm to clients or the broader market, the spokesperson added.

JPMorgan disclosed in February that it expected to pay roughly $350 million in civil penalties for reporting incomplete trading data to surveillance platforms. It said at the time it was also in "advanced negotiations" with a third unnamed regulator that may not result in resolution.

The settlement announced on Thursday marks the second sizeable fine in the last few years for the bank over its data management and monitoring. In 2021, JPMorgan agreed to pay $200 million to settle civil charges from two other regulators over record-keeping lapses, the first in a wave of cases over similar lapses across Wall Street.

Under the new OCC order, the bank must overhaul and improve its trade surveillance program and conduct a third-party review of its policies. It must clear any new trading venues with regulators under the new order.

(Reporting by Pete Schroeder and Chris Prentice; Editing by Paul Simao)
The shipping and trucking industry forms the lifeblood of the American economy. In 2022, the last year with full data available, the trucking industry generated $940.8 billion in sales, representing more than 80% of the nations aggregate freight billing, and the 11.46 billion tons of cargo moved was up nearly 5% year-over-year. We just cant do without trucking.

That doesnt mean that we always need a full load on the truck. The trucking industrys less than truckload, or LTL sector, holds an $82 billion niche within the larger transport segment. LTL is logistically and organizationally demanding  but makes it possible for smaller shippers to get their goods into the system without having to fill a whole trailer. The recent bankruptcy of the major trucking company Yellow has opened up new opportunities for LTL, as the defunct firms assets were auctioned off.

JPMorgans Brian Ossenbeck has run with that theme, noting advantages for LTL and saying that he believe[s] the industry is still on a positive multi-year trajectory as not all of Yellows capacity will come back online, which will re-enforce the industrys focus on yields and disciplined growth better service and network density can drive further market share gains over time while a recovering manufacturing PMI is a positive sign for volumes in 2024-2025.

Following from this, the analyst has picked 3 LTL stocks to buy as the market shifts underfoot. We ran these tickers through the TipRanks database to see what other Street experts make of their prospects. Lets check the details.

ArcBest Corporation (ARCB)

First on our list is ArcBest, the Arkansas-based trucking firm that has a century of experience in the shipping business. ArcBest is a holding company, and works through a group of subsidiary companies that include trucking firms, LTL shippers, and logistic brokers and transport managers. ArcBest provides the logistic solutions its customers need to maintain their own supply chains and deliveries. Among ArcBests subsidiaries, ABF Freight is the best-known LTL carrier.

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Altogether, ArcBest is a powerhouse in the shipping industry. The company boasts some 15,000 employees, working across 250 locations throughout the US. ArcBest has over 105,000 active carriers, and generated $4.4 billion in revenue last year. The company prioritizes technology and innovation, and invests nearly $175 million annually in tech initiatives to maintain top-flight service.

Turning to the companys results, we find that ArcBest last reported quarterly results for 4Q23. In that quarter, the company brought in $1.09 billion in consolidated revenue, a total that included a double-digit percentage increase in the LTL-rated business. The total quarterly revenue was down more than 6% year-over-year, but beat the forecast by $10 million. At the bottom line, ArcBest realized a non-GAAP diluted EPS of $2.47. This was 24 cents, or nearly 10%, better than had been expected.

For JPMs Ossenbeck, the picture here shows a shipping company that is expanding on its position. The analyst sees ABF as a solid contributor to ArcBests overall success, and writes, We believe the strong 2H23 performance, which beat normal operating ratio seasonality, shows ABF is on the right path that also gets a bit easier in 2H24 when labor inflation drops 630bps under the union labor contract. Continuing to shrink ABFs reliance on transactional activity likely provides a mix tailwind and improves sentiment on ARCB given the market is still skeptical that dynamic pricing is margin accretive. In addition, we believe ArcBest can demonstrate greater leverage in the early stages of a cyclical freight market recovery given the company has high cost LTL operations and an asset-light operation that was barely profitable last year.

We believe the combination of these factors merit an Overweight rating on ARCB especially given valuation does not appear demanding even on a discounted SoTP basis, Ossenbeck summed up.

That Overweight (Buy) rating is complemented by a $168 price target that implies a one-year upside potential of 25% for the stock. (To watch Ossenbecks track record, click here)

Overall, ARCB shares get a Moderate Buy rating from the Streets consensus, based on 9 recent reviews that include 6 Buys, 2 Holds, and 1 Sell. The stock is trading for $134.03 and carries an average price target of $161.89, suggesting a gain of 21% for the next 12 months. (See ArcBests stock forecast)

Saia, Inc. (SAIA)

Next up is Saia, a trucking company that got its start in Louisiana and Texas in 1924, and began expanding across the South in the 1980s. Today, the company operates in 36 states, and can even manage offshore deliveries to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. The firm specializes in LTL shipping, and offers delivery guarantees along with shipment tracking resources. The company is also able to handle cross-border traffic with Canada and Mexico.

In the full-year 2023, Saia generated a total of $2.9 billion in revenue. This was up 3.2% year-over-year, and reflected an acceleration in business during the second half of the year. Zooming into the quarterly performance for Q4, we can see those 2H gains close-up.

For the quarter, Saia brought in $751.1 million in revenue, a total that was up 14.5% from the prior year  and was $5.65 million above the forecast. The LTL business showed solid gains in the quarter, including an 18.1% increase in the LTL shipments per workday, and 8.2% increase in the LTL tonnage per workday, and a gain of 11.7% in LTL revenue per hundredweight. At the bottom line, the company saw earnings per share of $3.33, beating the estimates by 13 cents, and growing significantly from the $2.65 EPS reported in 4Q22. Along with this increased business, the companys stock is by 114% for the last 12 months, and 35% for 2024 so far.

Turning to analyst Ossenbeck, we find that he is upbeat on this company, particularly in light of its growth in recent years. Ossenbeck says of Saia, Saia became a national LTL carrier after significant expansion in recent years and management has re-doubled on this growth strategy with the purchase of 28 new service centers for $244mm in the Yellow real estate auction. Saias expanded footprint and continued growth will allow for improved coverage and service that in turn drives both volume and market share in addition to network density and a reduced utilization of interline P&D and local agents.

Management has a proven track record and is capable of executing a growth strategy without jeopardizing margins or service levels as the company improved OR by a total of 1,000bps and operating income by +38% annually from 2017 to 2022, a period when 41 new terminals were opened and total shipment count grew by +15%, Ossenbeck adds, and goes to note: Saias improving service levels will drive yields higher as shippers in Mastios annual survey recognize that Saias performance and service levels represent better value compared to peers.

This all adds up to an Overweight (Buy) rating, with a $676 price target to indicate room for 14% share growth over the course of the year.

The consensus view on SAIA is a Moderate Buy, derived from 16 recent reviews that include an 11 to 5 breakdown of Buy over Hold. That said, the shares average target price of $587 suggests the stock will remain rangebound for the time being. (See Saias stock forecast)

XPO Logistics (XPO)

Well wrap up this list with XPO Logistics, a freight hauler based out of Connecticut  and another specialist in LTL shipping. XPO currently operates as a pure-play LTL company; between the summer of 2021 and the fall of 2022, the firm spun off its logistics and transport brokerage businesses, keeping just the LTL activities to itself. XPO can move shipments into 99% of the postal zip codes in the US, and can also reach large areas in both Canada and Mexico.

XPO is a big believer in the use of technology to smooth out logistic operations, and uses a proprietary platform to track the movement of goods and shipments efficiently through its LTL transport system. The company boasts that it de-risks its customers supply chains through its use of technology.

On the more mundane side, XPO claims some 38,000 employees, working through 596 locations to serve over 52,000 shipper/customers. The companys business has been strong, as evidenced in the most recent print, for 4Q23. Revenue rose by 6% YoY to $1.94 billion, in turn beating the Streets forecast by $20 million. At the other end of the scale, adj. EPS of $0.77 outpaced expectations by $0.15. Such results have certainly helped the shares, which are up an impressive 275% in the last 12 months, with 40% of those gains generated in 2024.

Checking in one last time with JPMs Ossenbeck, we see that the JPM shipping expert sees multiple supports for XPO shares going forward. He says of the company, its business, and its prospects, We continue to like the opportunity ahead of XPO to improve service and network density based on self-help initiatives while taking a measured approach to restarting capacity purchased from Yellow. We expect the market will remain somewhat skeptical that XPO can bring on a dozen facilities in 3-6 months without any OR drag but it is worth noting that service center incentives are now more aligned with operating ratio improvement than in prior years XPO still trades at a discount to pure-play competitors, but we believe the company could close the valuation gap over time by continuing to improve damage claims and service levels while also leveraging the recently acquired terminals from Yellow.

Ossenbeck uses these comments to back up another Overweight (Buy) rating on an LTL shipper, and he gives XPO shares a price target of $144, suggesting a gain of 17% by this time next year.

Overall, XPO gets a Strong Buy consensus rating, a view that is based on 17 recommendations. The break down here includes 14 Buys, 2 Holds, and 1 Sell; the stock is trading for $122.75, and its $126.82 average target price indicates potential for a modest upside of 3% over the next 12 months. (See XPOs stock forecast)

To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks Best Stocks to Buy, a tool that unites all of TipRanks equity insights.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analysts. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment.
Trading information for KKR & Co is displayed on a screen on the floor of the NYSE in New York

By Emma-Victoria Farr

FRANKFURT (Reuters) -Private equity firm KKR has launched a 2.8 billion-euro ($3.06 billion) takeover offer for German electricity and energy producer Encavis, the company said on Thursday.

Elbe Bidco, an investment vehicle owned by KKR is to offer a cash consideration of 17.50 euros ($19.13) per Encavis share.

Encavis shares were up 27% in early Frankfurt trading.

The management board and supervisory board of Encavis have expressed their support for the offer. Encavis had confirmed talks with KKR last week.

German family business Viessmann will invest as a shareholder in the KKR-led consortium, after which it will hold a significant minority stake, it said in a statement. This is Viessmann's first major commitment since selling its core heating systems business to Carrier Global Corp in a 12 billion-euro ($13.13 billion) deal last year.

KKR and the management board intend to delist Encavis as soon as possible after closing. The management plans to remain on board under the new ownership.

KKR has already secured 31% of shares in the Hamburg wind and solar park operator from a group of major shareholders, as both sides announced on Thursday.

The financial investor's offer is 30% above the closing price of Encavis shares listed in the MDAX small cap index on Thursday.

Encavis shares fell to their lowest level in almost four years in February. Three years ago the valuation was almost twice as high.

Through the takeover, Encavis will "increase its contribution to the green energy transition in Europe," KKR said. "The consortium plans to strengthen the company's project pipeline, expand capacity and expand its presence in core markets."

Encavis operates 40 onshore wind farms and 190 solar farms across Europe. The company also builds and maintains wind and solar parks through an Italian subsidiary.

($1 = 0.9147 euros)

(Reporting by Tristan Veyet and Marleen Kaesebier in Gdansk, Emma-Victoria Farr in FrankfurtEditing by Miranda Murray, Tomasz Janowski and Sharon Singleton)
SOUTH PASADENA  Arthur Jay sits in a second-floor office overlooking his store, where countless bolts of fabric are perused by customers and measured and cut by staff.

His office door is always ajar, so he can keep an eye on the store hes run since 1970. He took over the business his father, Sy, opened in 1959 at the same location on the corner of Pasadena Avenue and Park Street.

After 64 years, Jays Fabric Center is closing. He already sold the wholesale business, Lady Ann Fabrics, in February. All items are on sale until the last day on March 30.

What will happen to the rest of the fabric? Jay said hell sell it to an undertaker who will take all of it. He wouldnt live long enough to sell it piece by piece, he said. Jay owns the building and said there is a future plan for it, but he couldnt say what it was.

Until the doors close, Mr. Jay  as hes affectionately called  continues to give attentive customer service. On a recent Thursday, he was working to find a fabric with just the right blue stripe for someone who inquired.

As an independent store, what we can offer is customer service, he said, lamenting that the practice has been lost.

Associate Christine Barhitte said this is common. She marveled at the way he could locate a particular fabric in the vast warehouse from a customers tiny swatch.

But at age 82, Jay is ready to spend more time with his wife, Diana, and his grandchildren in Chicago and California. He also has a decades-old stamp collection that he wants to tend to.

To a certain extent, Im sad, he said. But Im not 25 years old anymore.

Fine fabrics and seamless service

Decades ago, Jays was one of many independent fabric stores in St. Petersburg. Today, only a few remain in Tampa Bay and, after Jays closes, the only one that will remain in St. Pete is Fabric Smart.

Jays started out as a drapery store, but soon expanded to include fashion fabrics. When Mr. Jay took over the business, he said he didnt learn to sew, he learned to analyze. (He does know how to sew, and can give expert advice on everything from proper construction of garments to printing methods.)

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You learn things by listening, he said.

Over the years, he became an expert in fashion trends and a style forecaster for clothing and home decor. He stocked the largest varieties of fabric in town.

Jay has worked closely with decorators and upholsterers. Some sage advice: Before you go through the trouble of reupholstering, look at buying new furniture first, because the expense is likely less.

During the pandemic, customers lined up to buy elastic (imported from France) and fabric to make masks. It was one of the busiest times the store saw in recent years  Jay had to ration the amount of elastic each customer could buy.

Over the years, Jay has seen fewer younger customers who sew, since its no longer taught in school. But there is a young employee, 20-year-old Alex Colan, who learned to sew on a machine at the store during downtime this past year.

Before she was hired in 2019, Barhitte  who has been sewing since she was a child  said that Jay quizzed her on things like the proper way to put fabrics away (it depends on the way the sun hits them and the rub of the fabric). She said he likes to hire people who are experienced to provide the best customer service.

Ive learned a lot about fabric since Ive been here, she said. Shes going to work at Fabric Smart after the store closes.

The end of an era

In its last few weeks, the store has been buzzing with customers snatching up fabric before it closes.

It was so busy at one point that customer Renee Spahn offered to help out and has been working there the past few weeks. She sews historical costumes for events like the Renaissance Festival and said shell probably have to start buying fabric at stores in Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.

Jay predicts that the fabric industry will eventually be predominantly online  a move he has resisted because fabrics have to be touched, he said.

Angie Goodwin has been shopping at Jays since she moved to St. Petersburg from San Diego three years ago. She was stocking up on trims that she uses for her upcycled clothing business, Spenny Lane.

I love it here, Im very sad, she said.

Barhitte  who visited the store many times while visiting her mother before she moved here  said a lot of customers have been shopping there for longer than she can imagine, often as kids with their grandmothers.

Ive enjoyed the time, Ive enjoyed the customers, Jay said. We tried to be a service to the area.

Jays Fabric Center is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 801 Pasadena Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 727-381-6600.
Key developments on March 13:

EU ambassadors approve $5.5 billion for defense fund for Ukraine in 2024

Russian anti-Kremlin militias tell Russian citizens near Ukrainian border to evacuate

Russian oil refinery partially shuts down after drone attack

Media: Ukrainian drones attack 3 oil refineries in Russia, airfield in Voronezh Oblast

49 injured, 5 killed in Russian attack on Kryvyi Rih.

EU ambassadors have agreed in principle on a top-up of 5 billion euros ($5.5 billion) for the European Peace Facility (EPF) in support of Ukraine's defense needs in 2024, the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council said on March 13.

The EPF has been a key tool for supporting Ukraine's defense capabilities since 2022 but has been largely depleted as member states disagreed on the best way to replenish it and unlock further cash for Ukraine.

"The (European Union) remains determined to provide lasting support to (Ukraine) & ensure that the country gets the military equipment it needs to defend itself," the Belgian presidency said on social media.

The Financial Times (FT) reported on March 12 that EU member states are near the deal on additional funds for Ukraine's defense.

According to the outlet, the agreement will prioritize weapons produced inside the EU but will not exclude those manufactured outside the bloc.

Larger states contributing to the EPF have previously complained that smaller countries with stockpiles of Soviet-era equipment sent outdated military gear to Ukraine and used the reimbursements to modernize their own arsenals.

The FT reported in February that countries like Germany and France want to phase out the reimbursement model this year and instead focus EU funds directly on arms contracts within the continent.

Foreign arms supplies are now critical for Ukraine as assistance from the U.S., a key military donor, has been stalled for months by domestic political infighting.

Read also: US announces $300 million defense aid package for Ukraine

Russian anti-Kremlin militias tell Russian citizens near Ukrainian border to evacuate

Three Russian anti-Kremlin militias issued a joint statement on March 13 telling Russian citizens located by the Ukrainian border to evacuate, saying that they planned to launch attacks against Russian military positions in the area.

The statement came a day after the Freedom of Russia Legion and Siberian Battalion, both militia groups consisting of Russian citizens that fight alongside Ukraine against Russia, crossed the Ukrainian border into Russia's Belgorod and Kursk oblasts and began engaging the Russian military.

The Freedom of Russia Legion later said it had taken control of the village of Tyotkino in Kursk Oblast.

The joint statement, issued along with the Russian Volunteer Corps, appealed to citizens and officials of Belgorod Oblast.

"(Russian President Vladimir) Putin's killers are carrying out massive attacks on peaceful Ukrainian cities, placing their positions between your homes, your children's schools, and government institutions," the statement said.

"The shelling of Ukraine from the territory of Belgorod must stop!"

As a result, the militias said they have been "forced" to fire upon Russian military positions in the area.

They also urged authorities in Belgorod and Kursk oblasts to evacuate civilians in order to prevent casualties.

Russia's Defense Ministry claimed the previous day that it had repelled the militias' incursions and caused hundreds of casualties on the attackers.

The Kyiv Independent cannot verify either the claims of territory seized by the militias or the accounts from the Russian side.

Read also: What do we know about the Siberian Battalion that reportedly crossed into Russia?

Media: Ukrainian drones attack 3 oil refineries in Russia, airfield in Voronezh Oblast

Ukrainian drones attacked three oil refineries in Russia, as well as a Russian Air Force air base, and an airfield in Voronezh Oblast overnight on March 13, Ukrainska Pravda reported, citing an unnamed source in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

Oil refineries were allegedly attacked in Ryazan, in the cities of Kstovo, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, and Kirishi, Leningrad Oblast, according to the media outlet.

The attacks, which Ukrainska Pravda's source called "a continuation of a series of special operations against Russian oil refineries that were launched earlier," were reportedly carried out by the SBU itself.

"Our task is to deprive the enemy of resources and reduce the flow of money from oil and fuel that the aggressor directs to the war and the killing of Ukrainian citizens," the unnamed source told the media outlet.

The SBU, together with other representatives of the Defense Forces, also reportedly attacked the Russian air base in the town of Buturlinovka in Voronezh Oblast and a military airfield in Voronezh.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify the information, and there were no official comments from the Ukrainian authorities.

Read also: The Invisible War: Inside the electronic warfare arms race that could shape course of war in Ukraine

Russian oil refinery partially shuts down after drone attack

Certain "technological facilities" of the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Rostov Oblast have shut down after an overnight drone attack, Rostov Oblast Governor Vasiliy Golubev said on Telegram on March 13.

Russian officials have claimed an uptick in the intensity of drone attacks in recent days, with alleged attacks on oil refineries reported in Ryazan Oblast, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, Leningrad Oblast, and the city of Oryol.

The Novoshakhtinsk refinery is situated close to the border with the partially Russian-occupied Donetsk Oblast, around 200 kilometers (124 miles) behind the front line.

Golubev claimed earlier on March 13 that three drones had been destroyed on approach to the refinery in the early morning.

The governor published a later update that a drone had fallen onto the territory of the Novoshakhtinsk refinery. There were no casualties, but certain "technological facilities" of the refinery had been shut down, Golubev claimed.

Ukrainska Pravda reported that Ukraine's military intelligence agency, HUR, was responsible for the attack, citing a source in the agency who said the attack was part of a pre-planned and ongoing operation.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that 65 drones had been downed overnight and on the morning of March 13.

Read also: After 10 years of war, Krasnohorivka in new danger as Russia advances in the east

Russian attack on Sumy kills 2 people, injures 8

An overnight Russian drone attack on a five-story apartment building in Sumy killed two people and injured at least eight, Ukraine's State Emergency Service said on March 13.

The bodies of two residents were retrieved from under the rubble in the afternoon, according to the report, which didn't specify the age or gender of the victims.

Earlier, three people were considered missing, and at least 10 were rescued, the authorities reported.

People may still be under the rubble, rescue operations are ongoing.

A total of 15 apartments were damaged and another 30 destroyed in Sumy as a result of a Shahed-type drone attack, the region's administration reported.

Over the past day, Russia attacked two more residential high-rise buildings in Ukraine.

A drone strike on a nine-story apartment building in Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, killed five residents, injured 49, including children. A total of two people were killed, and seven wounded as a result of a bomb attack on a residential building in Myrnohrad, Donetsk Oblast.

Read also: Abandon all hope: Ukraines wounded warriors compare military medical system to the Inferno

49 injured, 5 killed in Russian attack on Kryvyi Rih

The number of injured in a Russian missile attack against Kryvyi Rih in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on the evening of March 12 has risen to 49, Governor Serhii Lysak said on March 13.

At least three missile hits were recorded in the city, one of which struck a nine-story building and another hitting the roof of a five-story building.

Lysak's previous update on the casualties said that five people had been killed and 44 wounded.

The governor said on March 13 that 10 adults were still in the hospital, five of them with severe injuries. Seven children were also hospitalized, all with moderate injuries.

Kryvyi Rih, with a population of around 660,000, is the second most populous city in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. It has suffered multiple deadly attacks by Russian forces since the outbreak of the full-scale war.

The hometown of President Volodymyr Zelensky came under a particularly heavy attack in July 2023, which resulted in six people killed and over 70 injured.

"Every day, our cities and villages are subjected to such attacks. Every day, Ukraine loses people to Russian evil," Zelensky wrote on social media following the March 12 attack.

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Key developments on March 14:

Syrskyi: Ukraine begins rotation of troops who have been fighting 'for a long time'

Russian reconnaissance troops forced to retreat after failed attempt to cross Dnipro, Ukraine says

Russia claims fighting in Kursk, Belgorod oblasts amid ongoing anti-Kremlin militia raid

Military: Russian troops intensify attacks in Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk sectors

Bulgaria confirms long-awaited armored personnel carriers headed to Ukraine

Ukraine has begun rotating troops who have been serving at the front "for a long time" despite the increasingly difficult situation faced by the countrys Armed Forces, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on March 14.

In a post on Facebook, Syrskyi said Ukrainian troops continued to hold the lines in the Zaporizhia direction but said they were coming under heavy attack from Russian drones, artillery and mortars.

"On the positive side, despite the quite difficult situation across the front line, we have managed to launch the process of rotating and replacing battalions and units that have been performing combat missions on the front line for a long time," Syrskyi said.

"This will allow us to stabilize the situation and positively affect the moral and psychological state of our soldiers."

Ukraine is battling with a manpower shortage. The government aims to ramp up mobilization efforts in 2024 and has pledged to change the approach to military recruitment, giving more choices to potential conscripts.

The parliament is now considering a new draft of the mobilization law after its initial, contentious version was withdrawn.

Read also: Abandon all hope: Ukraines wounded warriors compare military medical system to the Inferno

Combined with the lack of manpower, Ukraine faces an increasingly perilous situation as U.S. arms and aid continue to be delayed in Congress.

On March 13, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said Ukraines ammunition shortage caused by the delays could soon lead to a Russian breakthrough on the front lines.

The ISW highlighted that Ukraine is being forced to ration critical ammunition  in particular, artillery shells  and prioritize allocation based on those areas currently facing the most intense Russian attacks.

With Moscows forces currently holding the initiative in the war and being able to determine the "time, location, and scale of offensive operations," this leaves other areas of the front-line highly vulnerable.

Russian reconnaissance troops forced to retreat after failed attempt to cross Dnipro, Ukraine says

Russian reconnaissance troops attempting to cross the Dnipro River in the Kherson Oblast were forced to abandon their mission after suffering heavy casualties, Ukraines military has said.

According to the Southern Operational Command, a boat carrying Moscows forces attempted to land on the western bank near the Antonivskyi Bridge.

"A bunch of invaders were sent from the left bank of the Dnipro in Kherson Oblast in a motor boat to test their fate," it said in a post on Telegram.

"Under heavy fire from the defense forces, the occupying boat magically repeated the fate of the Russian fleet  having lost a quarter of its capacity and fullness, it retreated to the left bank again."

Fierce fighting is ongoing on the Russian-held east bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast for months, where Ukrainian forces have established limited footholds and managed to hold them for months.

Last month Russia claimed it had seized the Ukrainian bridgehead in the village of Krynky, one of the main flashpoints in this sector, which was later refuted by Ukraine.

"Our units reliably hold the defenses of the right bank," Southern Operational Command added.

Read also: Ukrainian soldiers storming eastern bank of Dnipro fear their mission is hopeless

Russia claims fighting in Kursk, Belgorod oblasts amid ongoing anti-Kremlin militia raid

The Russian National Guard claimed it was repelling an attack near the village of Tyotkino in Kursk Oblast allegedly carried out by "sabotage groups" on March 14.

The statement came amid the combat operations conducted by the Freedom of Russia Legion and the Siberian Battalion, which crossed the border into Russia from Ukraine on March 12 and reportedly launched another attack.

Roman Starovoit, Kursk Oblast governor, claimed the battles with "Ukrainian saboteurs" were ongoing. The Russian National Guard claimed to have fought the attack near Tyotkino together with the Russian Armed Forces and Federal Security Service (FSB) border guards.

Later, the Freedom of Russia Legion published a video purporting to show an attack on Russian ammunition in Tyotkino.

Earlier, the anti-Kremlin militia claimed to have taken under control the village bordering Ukraine. Ukraines military intelligence said the units are comprised of Russian citizens acting as part of Ukraines "security and defense forces."

The Russian Defense Ministry also claimed to have thwarted an "attempted breakthrough" near the village of Spodaryushino in Belgorod Oblast on March 14, according to Russian state-controlled media outlet RBC.

Read also: What do we know about the Siberian Battalion that reportedly crossed into Russia?

The Freedom of Russia Legion, the Siberian Battalion, and the Russian Volunteer Corps published an appeal to the Kursk and Belgorod oblasts governors, urging them to declare an evacuation for civilians in the two regions and "to stop following criminal orders."

"The liberation of Russian regions from (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's terrorist regime is underway these minutes. Massive strikes are now being launched against Putin's forces in the Belgorod and Kursk oblasts," the statement read.

"The operation to liberate the Kursk and Belgorod regions will continue until all aims are achieved," the anti-Kremlin militia said.

The Siberian Battalion urged Russians via social media to ignore the Russian presidential elections, which are set to take place on March 15-17, calling the ballots and polling stations "fiction."

The Kyiv Independent couldnt independently verify the claims, and there were no official comments from Ukrainian authorities.

Military: Russian troops intensify attacks in Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk sectors

Russian forces intensified their assaults in the Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk sectors of the front, Dmytro Lykhovii, a spokesperson for Ukraine's Tavria group of forces, said on national television on March 14.

Russia continues to advance near the settlements of Terny, Ivanivske, Berdychi, Tonenke in Donetsk Oblast and Verbove and Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, according to Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.

During February, Russian troops occupied Avdiivka, a key front-line city in Donetsk Oblast, and the nearby villages of Lastochkyne, Sievierne, and Stepove.

Lykhovii said there were 13 simultaneous armed clashes as of 8 a.m. on March 14, noting that such intensity of combat activities "has not happened for a long time."

"This is an indicator of the burden, the pressure created by the enemy, the burden which falls on our warriors," Lykhovii said.

A total of 57 armed clashes took place overnight, Lykhovii added. Twelve attack attempts took place in the Donetsk sector of the front and one in the Zaporizhzhia direction, according to the spokesperson.

Bulgaria confirms long-awaited armored personnel carriers headed to Ukraine

After months of delays, 100 Bulgarian armored personnel carriers are on their way to Ukraine by rail, Bulgaria's Defense Minister Todor Tagarev confirmed on March 14.

Tagarev initially said on Feb. 2 that the armored personnel carriers were on the way to Ukraine, but news emerged on Feb. 20 that the delivery had been delayed, as the Bulgarian Defense Ministry was asking NATO to cover the transport costs.

Bulgaria's parliament approved two tranches of military aid to Ukraine on Dec. 8, 2023, including the delivery of the armored vehicles free of charge, together with armaments and spare parts.

The suggestion to dispatch the vehicles, acquired during the final years of Bulgaria's communist regime, was made public and ratified by the National Assembly in the summer of 2023.

The total cost of the transportation exceeded 170,000 leva ($95,000) and involved 240 military personnel, according to Tagarev.

While the minister did not specify when the entire group of armored personnel carriers would arrive in Ukraine, he said the first train left on March 7 and has since arrived in Ukraine.

According to Bulgarian news outlet News.bg, the vehicles are being reported in sets of six.

Tagarev admitted that "with better organization, the armored personnel carriers could have been sent faster," News.bg reported.

Initially a hesitant partner, Bulgaria has become increasingly supportive of Ukraine as the war has progressed. In its December decision, the country's parliament green lit not only the armored vehicles but also the supply of Soviet-era air defense missiles to Ukraine.

Read also: Opinion: Will Europe ever get serious about defense?

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Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, Commander of Ukraine's Air Force, has stated that anti-aircraft missile units, including those equipped with Western-supplied Patriot air defence systems, continue to perform combat missions in designated frontline areas.

Source: Oleshchuk on Telegram

Quote: "Another challenging day of war! The enemy continues to attack Ukraine on various fronts using guided aerial bombs and air-launched missiles.

The Air Force is engaging all available assets and equipment to counteract enemy tactical aircraft, keep them at a distance, hamper the actions of enemy Sukhoi warplanes to the fullest extent possible, and, should the opportunity arise, destroy them!

I assure you that anti-aircraft missile units, including those equipped with Patriots, continue to carry out tasks in designated frontline areas."

Details: Oleshchuk noted that Ukrainian pilots also perform combat missions every day, heroically crushing Russian occupying forces.

The defenders of the Ukrainian skies pay a high price to deter and destroy the Russians in the air, on the ground and at sea.

Oleshchuk expressed his gratitude to "everyone in the service and everyone who helps" to preserve the future of the Ukrainian people and particularly praised the enormous contribution of thousands of volunteers.

Why this is important: International media outlets reported that the Russians had destroyed two Patriot systems near the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast. Ukrainian forces did not comment on the matter.

A Patriot air defence division (or battery) consists of a command post, radar, and up to eight launchers, each with four launch containers capable of using different types of missiles.

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First Lady Olena Zelenska explained how she deals with anxiety and revealed a secret that helps her "put her mind at ease" on the podcast How are you?

Source: Ukrainska pravda. Tabloid

Zelenska, in particular, admitted that she is currently attempting to rekindle her childhood creative abilities.

Quote: "When I was a girl, I was in music school. There was plenty of music around. I played [piano]. Then I graduated from music school, put the piano away, and began a free life, as I thought then. And recently, I rediscovered the instrument and realised I needed it. Maybe to play it sometimes," she said.

"Because you create music rather than simply listen to it. Even your body resonates with instruments that produce sound. It's so private, even physically. As a result, I'm currently looking for ways to rediscover my skills within myself. Of course, there is almost nothing left of them, but my hands remember something," she added.

Details: As for anxiety, the first lady advises not to hide from your feelings and not ignore them.

"I've realised that I experience two types of anxiety. The first is when I realise why I'm worried. For example, when I am worried about an upcoming event and need to prepare for it. This is reasonable anxiety, so to speak.

There is also irrational anxiety. Just a bad inner feeling. And in moments like this, I wonder if there's anything I can do to make things better. In the first case, I simply begin to prepare for the event. I understand that if I procrastinate, as I sometimes do, the consequences will be worse. I will suffer until the end, and this suffering will never end. To stop suffering, you need to do as much as possible in order to calm down, prepare for the event," Zelenska advises.

"In the second case, if you have nothing to offer yourself, you should engage in physical activities. I am reassured by physical education and sports. Always. After at least an hour, the mind is in the right place. I tried to meditate, but it seems I need to practise more, because I havent experienced the miraculous effects yet. But I know it will come if I keep going. But if I cant just calm down, I have to do something, physically," Zelenska said.

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Russian forces are increasing pressure on the Tavriia front; 24 combat clashes happened on that sector of the front just on the morning of 14 March, while 57 were recorded in total throughout the last 24 hours.

Source: Dmytro Lykhovii, spokesman for the Tavriia Operational Strategic Group, on the air of the national 24/7 newscast, as reported by ArmyInform

Quote: "The Defense Forces are continuing to conduct defensive operations in the Tavriia Operational Strategic Group's operational zone. And if there were 57 combat clashes in our operational zone the day before, there have already been 24 clashes as of 8:00 today."

Details: As of 8:00, 12 assault actions had been repelled by Ukrainian defenders in Donetsk Oblast, Lykhovii reports. One attempted Russian assault occurred in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

"A single figure testifies to the tension that existed at night and in the morning. As of 8:00, there were 13 clashes going on simultaneously. It hasn't been this way for a long time. And this is an indicator of the sheer tension, the pressure the enemy creates, and what burden falls on our soldiers," said Lykhovii.

Previously: The Ukrainian Armed Forces' General Staff reported that 79 combat clashes occurred at the front over the last day. Additionally, 970 Russian soldiers were killed or injured.

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Costco has a loyal following, and they know what they want. Like most retailers, the members-only warehouse club tends to cycle items in and out  or discontinue some products altogether.

This doesnt sit well with customers who regularly have these items on their shopping lists. Given the sheer volume of products in a Costco store, it probably isnt too hard to find some type of substitute, but that doesnt mean its the same.

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Saving money is the main reason Costco customers purchase a $60 annual gold star membership or a $120 annual executive membership. However, many people also develop a strong preference for certain Kirkland-brand items.

Therefore, its easy to understand why it can be simultaneously disappointing and frustrating to search their local warehouse for a certain item, only to find its not just temporarily out of stock. Costco superfans might begrudgingly move on from these items, but that doesnt mean theyll forget them.

If youre a Costco shopper, its possible you can relate. Maybe youve developed a fondness for certain items, only to have them eventually disappear. You may have even forgotten some of these beloved products if they were pulled a while ago. Or, perhaps you havent yet realized some of your favorites are no longer on the Costco shelves.

Jeff Shenk, managing editor of Costco.97, has seen plenty of items come and go and wants some of them to make a comeback. Heres a look at eight former Costco items hes hoping make their way back into stores.

andykatz / Getty Images

Del Destino Organic Fire Roasted Red Peppers

These Del Destino Roasted Red Peppers are healthy and versatile to jazz up tons of recipes, said Shenk.

He said this former Costco item was a beloved pantry staple at a notably low price.

These peppers used to come in large, 42-ounce containers from Costco and cost under $10 a jar, said Shenk. Other stores like Walmart carry these same peppers for nearly $24, so fans wish Costco would bring back this bargain.

Story continues

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Hebrew National Bagel Dogs

Similar to pigs in a blanket, Hebrew National Bagel Dogs was a great one-minute meal option found in Costcos freezer section, said Shenk. With a package price close to $12, Costco members saved money on this snack because other retailers sell them for nearly $20 today.

More than just a low-priced snack, people also really enjoyed these bagel dogs.

Customers especially liked the soft, bagel dough pastry, which is different from other store-bought brands, said Shenk.

Explore More: The Single Best Thing To Buy at Dollar Tree in March 2024

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Reds Burritos

A former hit at Costco, Reds burritos, came in tons of flavors with the favorites being chipotle chicken and bean and cheese, said Shenk.

Quick and easy to make, he said this was a popular lunch option among Costco members.

Each Costco burrito saved $1 as compared to other grocery stores, which can add up during a freezer stock, said Shenk.

Shutterstock.com

Kirkland Signature Organic Greens Juice

A staple product Costco-holics are missing is the Organic Greens Juice, said Shenk. This drink featured cucumber, apple, kale, lettuce, celery, lemon and mint, with each serving only containing 80 calories.

He said Kirkland Signature customers loved this item because it was light and sugar-free.

The green juice was offered in a pack of two 33-ounce bottles priced at just $7.99, capturing quite the deal compared to other green juice products that sell for $9.99-$19.99, said Shenk. Another plus is that this juice didnt need to be refrigerated until after opening, so you could prevent excess fridge clutter.

skynesher / iStock.com

Take & Bake Pizzas

If you didnt want to wait for a hot fresh Costco food court pizza, another option was the Take & Bake Pizzas, said Shenk. These pies were easy to bring home and stick in the oven, perfect for busy weeknights at only $8.99 for a large, 18-inch pepperoni pizza.

He said the Take & Bake pizzas did garner mixed reviews, which could have something to do with their disappearance.

However, we  and a lot of other Costco members  would love to see these pizzas make a comeback, said Shenk. Especially since other store-bought take and bake options cost anywhere from $12-$20.

Learn More: Stock Up on These 6 Sams Club Items Before Winter Ends

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Kirkland Signature Ultra Shine Premium Dish Soap

Kirkland Signature Ultra Shine Premium Dish Soap was a great option for Costco customers who wanted more eco-friendly, quality cleaning products that are gentle on skin without strong scents or dyes  at bargain prices, said Shenk.

This product had a pleasantly light citrus scent, he said, and when compared with Dawn Dish Soap, the consistency and cleaning ability were excellent.

Plus, the price of Kirklands soap was around $8 for 135 ounces, which is several dollars cheaper than $12-18 for the same size bottle of Dawn, said Shenk.

Chase Brock / GOBankingRates.com

Food Court Combo Pizza

One of the most heavily missed Costco discontinued items is the Costco food court Combo pizza, said Shenk. Some customers only came into a Costco store to order this pizza, which had peppers, olives, mushrooms, onions and pepperoni as toppings.

He said Costco still has pizza on the food court menu  $1.99 per slice or $9.95 per 18-inch pizza  but cheese and pepperoni are the only toppings to choose from. Consequently, he said die-hard Costco fans have started petitions(2) to bring this menu item back

If you cant recall the taste, the price may sway you to want this menu item back, said Shenk. For reference, a Dominos Deluxe pizza, which has similar toppings, is $18 for only 14-inches.

Syda Productions / Shutterstock.com

Kirkland Signature Disinfecting Wipes

Kirkland Signature Disinfecting Wipes are missed by many, coming to fruition during the height of COVID-19, but later, discontinued completely, said Shenk.

These disinfecting wipes were available in a fresh air or lemon scent.

Each wipe was thick and did not leave behind white lint like Clorox or Lysol wipes, said Shenk. Customers liked the texture of these wipes for scrubbing and the fact that the price was around $9.99 for a four-pack, whereas competing brands sell for closer to $15.

He said some Costco shoppers even noted that these Kirkland wipes were big enough to attach to a Swiffer.

Costco members who love a clean home are begging for these bargain wipes to be restocked, said Shenk.

Hopefully, Costco will grant their wish and get these wipes back on the shelves in the not-so-distant future.

Disclaimer: Photos are for representational purposes only.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Im a Costco Superfan: These 8 Items Need To Come Back Immediately
In late 2023, Ukraine finally re-launched the process of vetting judges as part of a long anticipated judicial reform  a key condition for Ukraine's accession to the European Union.

Four months later, the results are mixed.

On the one hand, the High Qualification Commission, a top judicial body, has approved firing almost half of the judges that the Public Integrity Council, the judiciary's civil society watchdog, vetoed. Yet, the other half, deemed unethical by the Public Integrity Council, remains.

Ukraine's most odious judges  Pavlo Vovk and Vsevolod Kniaziev  still keep their jobs. Both of them were previously charged with several crimes by the state.

Another top judicial body, the High Council of Justice, has not made any progress at all, judicial experts and activists say.

The High Council of Justice makes final decisions on judicial appointments and dismissals, after the Qualification Commissions suggestions.

So far, the council has failed to approve the dismissal of a single judge under the vetting procedure.

The council has also routinely refused to open disciplinary cases and punish judges that were accused of a variety of misdemeanors.

"As of now, the High Council of Justice has not met expectations," Nika Kreidenkova, an expert at legal watchdog Dejure and a co-head of the Public Integrity Council, told the Kyiv Independent.

Upsides and downsides of vetting

A key pillar of Ukraine's judicial reform is the qualification assessment, or vetting, of judges, which is carried out by the High Qualification Commission.

The vetting of judges was suspended in 2019, when the previous High Qualification Commission was dissolved by President Volodymyr Zelensky as part of the reform.

A new High Qualification Commission was appointed in June 2023, and the vetting resumed in November.

Read also: Ex-Supreme Court chief charged with bribery released on bail, can return to work

Under the vetting procedure, the Public Integrity Council approves or vetoes judges based on their compliance with ethics and integrity standards. The High Qualification Commission can either uphold or override a veto with a two-thirds majority.

So far, the High Qualification Commission has overturned 23 vetoes imposed by the Public Integrity Council on judges and upheld 20.

Kreidenkova from Dejure argued that the current High Qualification Commission is performing better than the previous one.

The commission is more willing to cooperate with the Public Integrity Council, coordinate the vetting of judges with the council and take its opinions into account, Kreidenkova told the Kyiv Independent.

The High Qualification Commission is also more open: it broadcasts its meetings and publishes its decisions on individual judges, Kreidenkova added.

One of the upsides is that the commission supported firing several judges accused of issuing unlawful rulings against protesters during the 2013-2014 EuroMaidan Revolution, according to Kreidenkova and Tetiana Chyzhyk, a judicial expert at anti-corruption watchdog AutoMaidan.

These include Olena Izovitova-Vakim, Oksana Myroshnychenko, and Andriy Klyuchnyk.

Vitaly Tytych, a former head of the Public Integrity Council, disagreed with Kreidenkova's assessment of the High Qualification Commission.

He said that the High Qualification Commission had no right to greenlight judges if they were correctly vetoed by the Public Integrity Council based on the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct.

"If a conclusion is correct, the Public Integrity Council must defend its veto consistently," Tytych said. "And if the Public Integrity Council made a mistake, it must admit it."

But if the High Qualification Commission approves some judges whose behavior is unethical and vetoes others, such an approach is "arbitrary and subjective" and creates unequal conditions for different judges, he added.

"There will be doubts on whether such decisions are based on the law," he said.

Tytych, a fierce critic of Ukraines courts, also criticized the current High Qualification Commission for failing to revisit the assessments made by the previous commission.

The Ukrainian authorities recognized in 2019 that the previous commission's decisions led to the failure of judicial reform and had to re-launch the commission, Tytych argued. That is why he believes these decisions must be reconsidered.

Read also: Who is Viktor Pavlushchyk, newly-elected head of key Ukrainian anti-corruption agency?

Drunk driving cases

Despite praising some of the commission's actions, Kreidenkova and Chyzhyk criticized it for refusing to fire judges who helped drunk drivers escape punishment.

"The commission is not reacting (to their violations)." Kreidenkova told the Kyiv Independent.

Chyzhyk told the Kyiv Independent that drunk driving cases may be very profitable for judges since some of them take bribes for closing such cases.

Ruslan Sydorovych, a deputy head of the High Qualification Commission, defended the commission's decisions.

He told the Kyiv Independent that it had to be careful because some of the previous decisions on dismissals were canceled by the High Council of Justice and the Supreme Court as unfounded.

"It's not a battle against windmills but work for a concrete result," he said. "Are we aiming to get a conveyor belt of decisions that will be then canceled one by one?"

Some of the judges have already disputed the decisions on their dismissals with the Supreme Court, and more are expected to do so.

"This trend is concerning," Kreidenkova said. "The Supreme Court may try to save (tainted judges) from dismissal."

She argued that because the previous High Qualification Commission failed to do its job, some tainted judges who did not meet integrity standards got into the Supreme Court, and now these judges may undermine judicial reform.

One of the judges appointed by the previous commission to the Supreme Court, Vsevolod Kniaziev, became the courts chairman in 2021. In May 2023 he was charged with accepting a $2.7 million bribe.

Kreidenkova said that, if they do try to destroy the reform, the Supreme Court itself would have to be reformed again.

Judicial experts and anti-corruption activists have also accused the High Qualification Commission of providing insufficient motivation, or a written response, for its decisions on judges.

Syrodovych denied the accusation and argued that, according to a Supreme Court ruling, such issues were within the commission's discretion. He also said that the law does not allow divulging secret deliberations of the commission during its sessions.

One of the judges vetoed by the Public Integrity Council and green-lighted by the High Qualification Commission is Alina Honcharova. She has missed deadlines for about 100 drunk driving cases and closed them after the expiry of the statute of limitations.

Sydorovych admitted that the number of drunk driving cases in which she missed deadlines was "inappropriately high" and added that the decision on Honcharova "was not a simple one."

He attributed the high percentage of closed cases to lawyers' efforts to delay them. Sydorovych admitted that judges have legal tools to rein in such lawyers but said that they are usually "afraid of doing that."

He also argued that it had been more forgivable for judges to miss deadlines before 2021, when the statute of limitations was three months for drunk driving cases. Since 2021, the statute of limitations for such cases has been a year.

Read also: How Ukrainian officials get away with having Russian citizenship  even amid war

Another judge approved by the High Qualification Commission, Ada Pedenko, has closed cases against 21 drunk drivers due to the statute of limitations.

In 2021, she exempted a person from criminal liability for drunk driving despite the legal ban on such an exemption, according to the Public Integrity Council. Sydorovych argued that Pedenko could have made an honest mistake in this case rather than intentionally doing something illegal.

In 2013, Pedenko also fined an AutoMaidan protester based on fake evidence, the Public Integrity Council said.

The High Qualification Commission has also rejected the Public Integrity Council's veto on Judge Larysa Radutska.

In 2014, she considered a case against a protester who went to ex-President Viktor Yanukovych's Mezhyhirya residence as part of a rally during the EuroMaidan Revolution, according to the Public Integrity Council. Radutska deprived the protester of her driving license for four months for allegedly failing to stop when requested by a police officer.

Sydorovych argued that, according to court decisions, the person punished did not have anything to do with EuroMaidan protesters. However, AutoMaidan denies this claim, saying that she was indeed a protester.

Radutska also violated asset declaration rules, the Public Integrity Council said. She denied the accusations.

Vovk saga

While there are questions about the High Qualification Commissions ability to spearhead the cleanup of Ukraines tainted courts, the main test lies ahead  whether the most unscrupulous judges will face the long delayed justice.

Among them one stands out  Pavlo Vovk.

He has become a symbol of injustice, lawlessness, and impunity in Ukraine. In 2019-2020 he and other judges of the Kyiv District Administrative Court were charged with usurpation of power, obstruction of justice, organized crime, and abuse of authority.

In audio recordings published by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), Vovk is heard discussing numerous corrupt deals and giving illegal orders.

People walk past the offices of NABU, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, on Oct. 1, 2019 in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

The criminal case against Vovk and other judges of his court was sent to the High Anti-Corruption Court in June 2022.

In December 2022, the U.S. sanctioned Vovk for soliciting bribes in return for interfering in judicial and other public processes.

The same month, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bill to liquidate Vovks Kyiv District Administrative Court.

Despite the liquidation of the court, Vovk still remains a judge. He keeps receiving a salary financed by Ukrainian taxpayers and has a legal right to be transferred to another court.

So far, the only decision that the High Qualification Commission has made on Vovk was on his eligibility for a Supreme Court job.

In 2017, Vovk attempted to run for a Supreme Court job but voluntarily withdrew his candidacy amid corruption scandals. However, Vovk filed a lawsuit to require the High Qualification Commission to vet him as part of the Supreme Court contest.

Judge Pavlo Vovk, former head of the now liquidated Kyiv District Administrative Court (OASK). (Pavlo Vovk/Facebook)

In 2021, the Supreme Court upheld Vovk's lawsuit.

On Feb. 12, 2024, Vovk did not show up for vetting at the High Qualification Commission, and it rejected his candidacy for the Supreme Court due to his absence.

However, he has not been fired and still remains a judge.

Sydorovych said that the commission had not had the opportunity to vet Vovk yet because he has yet to pass a test that assesses the judges knowledge of the law. So far, only judges who had passed legal tests during the previous commission's stint have been vetted.

There were no tests between 2019, when the previous commission was dissolved, and 2023. That is why the new commission must adopt new legal knowledge tests, and only then Vovk can be tested, Sydorovych said.

He said that the tests are being currently prepared by legal scholars and must be validated by the commission in March.

Local courts

Apart from vetting incumbent judges, the High Qualification Commission has also launched a procedure to hire new judges for local courts.

Chyzhyk argued that there is no rigorous vetting of candidates during the procedure, and many are just approved automatically regardless of their background.

Out of 432 candidates, the commission has already recommended appointing 228 judges and rejected just 10, Chyzhyk said. Other candidates are still being considered.

Sydorovych responded that he had not seen candidates for local courts with evidence of violations of integrity and ethical standards. He also said that Ukrainian law allows the commission to assess judges' integrity but does not let the commission interview candidates on compliance with professional standards.

High Council of Justice

Out of the two main judicial bodies, the High Council of Justice, has faced more criticism than the High Qualification Commission.

The first recommendations on judges' dismissals were sent by the High Qualification Commission to the High Council of Justice in November. So far, the High Council of Justice has not approved a single ousting.

In its response to the Kyiv Independent, the council did not comment on why it had not considered any of the recommendations sent by the new High Qualification Commission.

The council said that it had considered three recommendations on dismissals sent by the old High Qualification Commission, which was dissolved in 2019. Specifically, the High Council of Justice approved the dismissal of one judge and rejected the firing of two judges in 2023.

Read also: Judicial reform in limbo as only few tainted judges are fired or convicted

In many cases, the council is also refusing to open disciplinary cases against judges for alleged violations. Chyzhyk argued that such refusals are unmotivated.

In December and January, the High Council of Justice refused to open 692 disciplinary cases against judges, according to Dejure.

Even after disciplinary cases are opened, the council rarely decides to fire judges, according to Chyzhyk. She said that most often the council punishes judges just by reprimanding them.

The High Council of Justice told the Kyiv Independent that it had punished 26 judges in 2024. Specifically, the council issued warnings against nine judges, reprimanded 14 judges, and fired three judges.

Among others, the High Council of Justice has so far failed to take any action against Vovk.

Chyzhyk said that many disciplinary cases have been initiated against Vovk but the council has approved opening only one.

That case has not seen much progress either: it was suspended, with council members arguing that it can only be considered after a court determines whether Vovk is guilty.

Dejure has also criticized the High Council of Justice for dragging its feet on considering a disciplinary case against Vsevolod Kniaziev, former chairman of the Supreme Court.

He has been fired as chairman of the court but formally remains a judge.

Tytych argued that the High Council of Justice's problems stem from the controversial way in which it was appointed in 2022.

At that time, a selection panel including Ukrainian and foreign experts approved several controversial and tainted candidates for High Council of Justice jobs. The panel also banned broadcasts of its interviews with candidates, citing alleged security risks due to the ongoing Russian invasion.

The panel also vetoed the candidacy of Larysa Golnyk, Ukraines most famous whistleblower judge who has become a symbol of integrity for civil society watchdogs.

Ukraines leading civic watchdogs issued a statement, saying that the panel had undermined trust in the process by taking these steps, and that the decisions may lead to catastrophic results for judicial reform.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
(Bloomberg) -- Manhattan apartment rents rose in February as a strong economy and tough sales market translated into a busy month for leasing.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The median rent on new leases signed last month was $4,230, up 3.3% from a year earlier, according to appraiser Miller Samuel Inc. and brokerage Douglas Elliman Real Estate. The monthly figure is below a record $4,400 reached last summer.

Prices in Brooklyn climbed 2.9% to $3,499 and in northwest Queens, the median was up by $1 to $3,239.

Rents typically drop during the winter, but prices eased up less than expected this year, according to Jonathan Miller, president of Miller Samuel. Relatively low unemployment has boosted the market, and many house hunters are stuck renting as high mortgage rates make buying a property tougher.

The economy has been too strong, for the time being at least, he said.

Nearly 4,350 leases were signed in Manhattan in February, a 7.7% increase from a year earlier. Leases in Brooklyn jumped 62% to 2,498, while in northwest Queens  a part that includes Long Island City and Astoria  they reached a record of 591.

As spring approaches in New York City, apartment costs often start to rise. Rents climbed 1.9% month over month in Manhattan and 1.2% in Queens, while they were flat in Brooklyn. Renters may face more increases in the coming season as the market gets closer to its busiest months, Miller said.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
After quietly buying about $100 million in land on Hawaii's Big Island, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff is donating $150 million to hospitals in the area.

The donation comes after NPR broke a story about Benioff's land purchase that sparked concerns among the largely native population of Waimea. People are worried housing prices will go up and that their culture could be in jeopardy, according to NPR.

Benioff's donation will be distributed to the Hilo Medical Center, which will receive $50 million, and the nonprofit healthcare organization Hawaii Pacific Health, which will receive $100 million "to help create a healthcare campus of the future" at Honolulu-based Straub Medical Center, according to a press release.

"Our philosophy has always been to give locally and to give through experts who deeply understand local needs, and we are so pleased to have found that with the wonderful, lifesaving teams at Hilo Medical Center, Hawaii Pacific Health and UCSF Health," Benioff and his wife, Lynne, said in a statement. "We feel fortunate to have been part of the Hawaii community for many decades and to be able to support our ohana [family] in this way. Nothing is more important than the health of our community and access to care for all who need it."

Benioff, who's worth about $10.6 billion, has purchased more than three dozen parcels of land totaling more than 600 acres in Waimea through a nonprofit and at least six anonymous limited liability companies with the same San Francisco Bay Area address, according to NPR, which broke the story last month.

"I came to Hawaii for the first time and fell in love," Benioff told NPR. "I fell in love with the people, or what we call here in Hawaii ohana." I fell in love with the land that we call aina.' And, of course, I fell in love with the aloha spirit."

Benioff and his family will use about 165 acres of the land and the remaining plots will be developed into a community center and an affordable housing complex, according to NPR.

Story continues

"Marc and Lynne (Benioff's wife) have donated almost 75% of the total land they've purchased in Hawaii over the last quarter century and well over 90% of the land they've purchased since 2020," a spokesperson for the couple told The New York Post.

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This article Marc Benioff Acquires $100 Million In Hawaii Land, Donates $150 Million To Local Hospitals originally appeared on Benzinga.com

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It may seem as if outspoken billionaire Mark Cuban has always been an entrepreneur  and for the most part, that is true  but like most Americans, he actually started out in the corporate rank-and-file. That didnt last very long, though.

Read Next: 30 Celebrities Who Went From Rags to Riches

Learn More: 5 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money

Cuban was able to identify fairly quickly that his true personality wasnt really suited for corporate America and that if he was going to thrive, he would have to do it on his own. So, what were the indicators that gave Cuban his heads-up, and might they apply to you? Read on to learn more.

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Cubans First Corporate Experience

As Cuban told Trevor Noah on his Whats Now podcast, he signed on with Mellon Bank immediately after graduating from Indiana University in 1981. At first, it seemed like a dream job, and Cuban felt that he fit in completely. He even felt comfortable enough to send articles to the banks CEO and form a rookie club that would meet, drink and network with upper-level executives.

All seemed to be going well as Cuban thought he was making a name for himself and helping the company to progress as well. But those days didnt last very long. At one point, as he told Noah, his boss was yelling at him nonstop, telling him to stop with all his crazy ideas and essentially fall in line.

That was one of the first indicators Cuban had that if he wanted to help shape and mold a company, he might have to do it himself.

Find Out: 29 Celebrities Who Are Even Richer Than You Think

Cubans Second Rank-and-File Job

Cubans second wake-up call was his job with a PC software retailer called Your Business Software. After working there for nine months, the future billionaire was fired in Cuban-esque fashion  for trying to make a deal.

As Cuban told the story in a 2017 podcast, he left the store unattended while closing a $15,000 deal with a client without informing his boss. Once again, his entrepreneurial spirit pushed him beyond the rules that apply to employees, and he paid the price for it  at least in terms of keeping that job. In reality, the lessons he learned there solidified his own beliefs that he should be doing things his own way.

Story continues

What Are the Personality Characteristics of an Entrepreneur?

From Cubans experiences, an entrepreneur is someone who has their own ideas about how things should be done, and they arent shy about expressing them. While this can lead to problems in a corporate setting, its essential for survival as an entrepreneur.

As Cuban himself told WIRED in late 2023, I was a lousy employee because I was a know-it-allI was an entrepreneur at heart, and I always thought I had a better idea [for how to do things].

According to the York School of Continuing Studies, these are the 10 main signs that you might be an entrepreneur at heart:

You feel stuck

You want variety

You want to be your own boss

You constantly look for new ideas

You like doing the hard work

Youre a problem solver

You believe in upskilling and reskilling

People look to you for guidance and inspiration

Youre organized and a good communicator

Youre passionate

As you can tell by reading the list, Cuban himself has many, if not all, of these traits.

Are You an Entrepreneur at Heart?

Many people dream about being an entrepreneur, but its not for everyone. Without at least some of the personality traits listed above, you might find it far more difficult than you imagine to be an entrepreneur.

However, if making your own way and being in charge of all of your decisions sounds more suited to your personality than simply showing up for work every day and doing what youre told, you might have the entrepreneurial spirit after all.

Of course, simply wanting to do things your own way, as Cuban described, isnt enough to guarantee success as an entrepreneur. In addition to being passionate about your ideas, youve got to have the mental toughness to successfully implement them. You also need the financial wherewithal to budget and fund your dreams while ensuring that they are good ideas in the first place.

But if youve got what it takes to be an entrepreneur, it can be a very satisfying life. Cuban thinks that entrepreneurial skills are beneficial for everyone, even if you dont end up running your own company, and he recommends learning them as early as possible.

As he told CNBC Make It in 2018, Those are skills that are valuable to everyone and are difficult to pick up in school. His final words of advice about the subject were, Learn about things that are interesting to you. The quest for knowledge opens up opportunity to do things you may not have thought possible.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Mark Cuban on How His First Job Led Him to Entrepreneurship  Does This Apply to You?
Justin Eagleton often hides a tiny, buried image of himself within his artwork, like an Alfred Hitchcock-style cameo - Paul Cooper

Justin Eagleton is, by his own admission, an unlikely GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters; the Governments intelligence, security and cyber agency) recruit.

As a successful graphic artist and portrait painter  Marcus Rashford and Rick Astley are recent subjects  he goes into schools to enthuse youngsters about his craft, describing himself to the children as a professional colour-in-er. Now, though, he is going more John Le Carre.

He has turned his considerable skills, developed over a 30-year career, to producing a brightly-coloured, engaging, busy artwork of a riverside scene, town meets country, that doubles as a puzzle and recruiting tool.

Released this week by GCHQ, to mark its debut on LinkedIn, it is embedded with clues and red herrings designed to challenge and identify those who process information differently and possess strong lateral thinking as potential new recruits.

To have a shot at landing a role at GCHQs doughnut-shaped HQ in Cheltenham (or its four less well-known regional offices, all name-checked in the picture puzzle), you have to unearth a total of 13 hidden or cryptic elements in the picture that represent letters of the alphabet. Put the letters together and they will then reveal a message.

It is all a far cry from the traditional tap-on-the-shoulder method used by the secret services to recruit Oxbridge graduates, but when it came to enlisting Manchester born-and-bred Eagleton, he recalls, GCHQ did it in the old-fashioned way.

The new puzzle contains 13 hidden elements representing letters of the alphabet, which when correctly put together reveal a message

I had created an artwork of Alan Turing [one of the founders of computer science] with all Manchester stuff coming out of his head to get over the story of him living in the city for seven years, he explains. Everyone went crazy for it.

Included in their number was a correspondent who wrote to Eagleton and offered him a commission to create something to decorate their new premises in Manchester.

I thought they were solicitors when I turned up at their offices, but then there was a bloke five times the size of me, covered in tattoos who made me empty my pockets, put everything I had in a scanner, and said Id get them back when I left.

Eagleton was put in a lift alone and sent upwards. Halfway up, I remember thinking, Ive given all my life details away and Ive no idea whats at the top of the lift. My body went into a panic, like something really terrible was going to happen.

Instead, when the lift doors opened, he was met by Bradford-and-Bingley-like guys [the men in bowler hats who advertised the building society in the 1980s] who introduced themselves as from GCHQ.

In that first meeting, they saw something in Eagleton  despite his un-James-Bond-like standard footwear of one red trainer and one white  that persuaded them to give him the job of designing a mural for their new office.

It went so well that in 2022 they signed him up again to do the recruitment puzzle picture. Ive always liked hiding lots of things in my digital artworks.

He refers to such add-ins as easter eggs, terminology used in the gaming industry, where in the past he worked on the graphics for the Fifa video game series, to refer to details hidden in plain sight.

Among the easter eggs in his artworks, he often includes a tiny, buried image of himself, a habit he likens to director Alfred Hitchcock making a brief cameo in many of his films. In the case of the GCHQ picture, the eagle-eyed can spot Eagletons head and shoulders sitting in one of the line of cars on the riverside at the front.

So how do you go about designing an artwork to reach the specific target audience that GCHQ has in mind of, as it puts it, people whove never thought of working with us?

Its that thing of telling a story but making people ask questions. They look at it and think, Thats cool, I like it, but I dont know what it is. Why the hell have they got a deckchair at the front, and a bottle going into the wall?

There is a twinkle in his eye as he is saying it. Is he giving me a clue as to how to solve the puzzle? He doesnt quite answer my question. I remember when I started on it and the people I liaise with said, Can we have a jaybird in it? But if I put a jaybird in the artwork, no-one would know what a jaybird looks like. Its pretty obscure as a visual.

He is now smiling broadly as if he has just dropped another hint. Or is he just playing with me?

I am imagining he has signed endless non-disclosure agreements and so really cant say anything more. No, he reassures me, Ive signed absolutely nothing. Ive had quite a lot of freedom, to be honest.

So no interference? There was an earlier version of the artwork that was totally different, of an Italian village and a coastal path, but they wanted GCHQ in the middle of it.

It sounds pretty much like working for any other commercial client. Whats really crazy about it is that I dont know the second name of anybody I work with there. I love that. All the email addresses are a first name and a number.

The two-year commission was also shaped by world affairs. It has been a long process, and here I must be careful about how I say this, but some of the delays were because of what was going on in the world, with things that mean other things that arent quite so important take a bit more of a back seat.

He hasnt, he adds, had any direct contact with the puzzle team at GCHQ. Surely such a team is out of the pages of a thriller? Its real. I dont know whether it is one person or 100, but someone releases a GCHQ puzzle in words and pictures every Christmas.

A bit like his new artwork? No, more like a geeky version of an A-Level text. Ive tried them and sometimes I manage to get a couple right.

The recruitment puzzle is about attracting more than geeky A Level students. They want to attract people who will get the easy clues. There will be people at the high end who get the very difficult ones, but GCHQ want a range.

And that represents a shift in emphasis, he suggests. Im good at quizzes. I am one of those people who knows rubbish like characters from Coronation Street. Popular culture is where I sit, while GCHQ is more University Challenge. Now they want to get both so they are trying to appeal to them in a different way and that is what I am good at.

So, Corrie fans, this is your chance. But where to start? If I were to try it out, I ask, where would he suggest I begin? Its not the most difficult, he replies encouragingly, once you get a few of the letters.

How about a clue to find the first one? He pauses for a moment and then pronounces, suddenly solemn, is it not a female sheep? You heard it here first.

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By Vivian Sequera and Mayela Armas

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is facing increasing pressure from her allies to choose a substitute to potentially run in her place in the July presidential election, five sources with knowledge of the matter said.

Machado, a 56-year-old industrial engineer, won the opposition's nominating contest in October by a landslide, but Venezuela's top court has since upheld a ban on her candidacy that was imposed over her support of U.S. sanctions, among other things.

Machado has so far refused to consider a substitute, saying her ban is an effort by President Nicolas Maduro to protect himself from a viable opposition challenger.

But the clock is ticking on a decision - candidates have between March 21 and March 25 to register formally, though substitutes can be admitted until April 20. The election itself has been set for July 28.

Leaders of opposition parties this week asked Machado to define a strategy, and though they have expressed their support for her candidacy, they want her to decide on an alternative candidate, the opposition sources said.

"There are pressures on her to not leave (the substitution) too late," one of the sources said.

Machado did not respond to a request for comment. A representative for her party told journalists this week it was weighing different scenarios, without giving further details.

"One day at a time," she said in the central state of Carabobo on Wednesday, when asked about what would happen were her registration rejected.

"I think Maduro needs to think really hard about how he will look to the country," she added.

The U.S. has insisted the Maduro government lift the ban on Machado and said recently he has not complied with an election guarantee deal signed last year.

"The United States is key in this process," another source said.

Some of the sources said Washington could urge Machado to make a decision on a substitute, though State Department official Brian Nichols said last week the U.S. would take its cues from the opposition.

"The United States will continue to support the will and the right of Venezuelans and Venezuelan political parties to select their presidential candidates," a White House National Security Council spokesperson said when asked about pressure on Machado and whether or not the U.S. wants her to step aside.

The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The U.S. has already said a relaxation in oil sanctions will expire in mid-April unless Machado can run.

Before the October primary several candidates urged the creation of a substitution plan, but no mechanism was ever agreed. Any substitute could also face a ban.

(Reporting by Vivian Sequera and Mayela Armas in Caracas, additional reporting by Matt Spetalnick in Washington and Tibisay Romero and Johnny Carvajal in Valencia; Writing by Julia Symmes Cobb; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
Mastercard Incorporated MA and Nexi, two giants in the payments industry, are joining forces to revolutionize payment landscape in Europe. Nexi, the leading PayTech in Europe, has strategically chosen Mastercard as its partner to bolster open banking account-based payments across the continent. Through this collaboration, Mastercard's Open Banking technology will facilitate e-commerce payments across Nexi's extensive network, promising seamless and secure transactions for merchants and consumers.

Advancing Secure and Seamless Payment Experiences

The partnership aims to build an integrated digital payment ecosystem that prioritizes security, seamlessness and choice for consumers. Leveraging Mastercard's Open Banking-powered solutions, the initiative promises to enhance payment experiences by offering a broader range of options to consumers when making online purchases. Unlike traditional payment methods, open banking enables swift digital payments directly from a consumer's bank account, enhancing efficiency and convenience through existing authentication protocols.

Empowering Merchants with Real-Time Solutions

Merchants stand to gain significant benefits from this collaboration, including real-time payment authorization and settlement. With improved access to funds and enhanced cash flow management, merchants can better align with evolving customer expectations for fast and frictionless payment experiences. By leveraging innovative technologies and payment methods, businesses can stay ahead in the competitive digital landscape while ensuring seamless transactions for their customers.

Leadership in Innovation and Customer Convenience

Bart Willaert, EVP of International Open Banking at MA, expressed excitement about leading the development of account-based payment methods in partnership with Nexi. The collaboration signifies Mastercard's commitment to offering innovative payment experiences while ensuring security and convenience for consumers and businesses across Europe.

Story continues

Similarly, Omar Haque, Head of eCommerce at Nexi, emphasized the strategic collaboration's potential to enhance customer convenience and accelerate transition to a digital-first payments landscape in Europe. With their combined expertise and resources, MA and Nexi are poised to reshape the future of payments in Europe.

Price Performance and Zacks Rank



Shares of Mastercard have gained 10.8% year to date compared with the industrys 8.3% growth. MA currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).



Stocks to Consider



Some better-ranked stocks from the same space are Envestnet ENV, Fidelity National Information Services FIS and International Money Express IMXI, each carrying Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.



Envestnet delivered a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 7.72%. The stock has gained 11.4% year to date. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ENVs 2024 and 2025 earnings suggests growth of 20.8% and 18.1%, respectively, from a year ago.

Fidelity National delivered positive earnings surprise in two of the last four quarters while missed in the other two. The stock has gained 15.7% year to date. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FIS 2024 and 2025 earnings indicates a gain of 37.4% and 12.5% from the prior-year levels, respectively.

International Money Express delivered positive earnings surprise in two of the last four quarters while missed in the other two. The stock has lost 8.1% year to date. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for IMXIs 2024 earnings implies a 13.9% increase from the year-ago actuals.

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(CBS DETROIT) - A jury has found James Crumbley, the father of the Oxford High School shooter, guilty of all four counts of involuntary manslaughter.

The jury returned a unanimous verdict on Thursday after a nearly week-long trial to determine if the father holds any responsibility for the Oxford High School shooting, where his son killed four students, Justin Shilling, Madisyn Baldwin, Tate Myre, and Hana St. Juliana, and injured seven other people on Nov. 30, 2021.

Jury deliberations began on Wednesday.

Attorney Ven Johnson, who is representing the victims' families, issued the following statement:

"Today, a 12-person jury unanimously found James Crumbley, the father of the Oxford High School shooter, guilty as charged for his gross negligence, which ultimately played a causal role in the deaths of four OHS students. This guilty verdict, along with those found against the shooter's mother, Jennifer Crumbley, won't bring back the lives of these four students, but it represents one more step towards holding everyone responsible accountable under the law, which is justice for the victims' families and the Oxford community. "We are eager for the decisions of both the Michigan Court of Appeals and the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals in our civil lawsuits. We are resolute in our determination to hold Oxford Community Schools and various OCS employees accountable, as they could have prevented the shooting, as indicated in their own district's Guidepost Solutions investigative report. Until everyone responsible for this tragedy is fully and legally held accountable for their role, our clients and our firm remain steadfast in our fight for justice."

Crumbley is accused of not keeping the gun used in the shooting safely stored away and not getting his son the necessary help for his mental health needs.

Defense attorney Mariell Lehman argued that he was not aware that his son had access to the gun.

The conviction comes after a jury found his wife, Jennifer Crumbley, guilty of the same charges in February.

James and Jennifer Crumbley will each be sentenced on April 9.

Closing arguments in James Crumbley trial

Closing arguments began on March 13, after the defense called Karen Crumbley, the sister of James Crumbley, to testify. She was the only witness the defense called to the stand.

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald gave her closing argument and said that James Crumbley needs to be held responsible for the Oxford High School shooting due to his gross negligence. James Crumbley is accused of not safely storing the gun away from his son or getting his son the help he needed for his mental health struggles.

"James Crumbley is not on trial for what his son did," McDonald said. "James Crumbley is on trial for what he did and what he didn't do."

Defense attorney Mariell Lehman argued that he was not aware that his son had access to the gun or was going to carry out the shooting. She also said the father wouldn't have known what the shooter was writing in his journal or in text messages to his friend.

Testimony in James Crumbley trial

During the trial, the prosecution called several witnesses to testify. Most individuals called to the stand also testified during Jennifer Crumbley's trial.

The first person called to testify was Molly Darnell, a teacher at Oxford High School who was injured in the shooting. She testified about how she made eye contact with the shooter before he shot her.

The shooter's school counselor and the former Oxford High School dean of students both testified about meeting with James and Jennifer Crumbley and their son the day of the shooting, and detectives who responded to the scene of the shooting testified about searching the Crumbley parents' house and searching for the parents after charges had been issued.

Assistant principal Kristy Gibson-Marshall testified talking to the shooter and witnessing him being taken into custody. Gibson-Marshall said the shooter didn't say anything and turned his head away from her.

Luke Kirtley, the owner of a coffee roasting business, testified about how he called 911 after he saw James Crumbley's car.

The parents were found in an art studio in the same building as Kirtley's business.

A Detroit police officer was the only person the prosecution called to testify that they didn't call to testify in the trial of Jennifer Crumbley.

On Friday, Detective Sgt. Joe Brian with the Oakland County Sheriff's Office testified that speaking with James and Jennifer Crumbley on the day of the shooting. A video presented during the trial showed James Crumbley telling Brian he called police after hearing that there was an active shooter at the school where his son was a student and finding his gun missing.

David Metzke is a member of the department's SWAT team and discussed responding to the industrial building and locating the parents in the art studio. He was recalled to testify on Wednesday and said that he reviewed surveillance footage after finding the parents and said that James and Jennifer Crumbley did not leave the premises of the building after arriving; they had only stepped outside to smoke.

Officials react to James Crumbley guilty verdict

On Thursday, Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard issued a statement following the verdict:

"As I have said at each step of these legal proceedings, my first thoughts are always with the families of the victims and the community so terribly impacted by this tragedy. You have my unwavering support. I know that these proceedings are not a re-opening of a wound, it is tearing wider a wound that has yet to heal. Each time my staff re-lives that terrible day in that school through their testimony, I can see the anguish in their faces. As this is the last criminal trial, I pray in the days ahead there will be less traumatic moments and more peaceful ones. "The unconscionable actions of a troubled son and the inexplicably tragic inaction of two adults to exercise even the most basic responsible parenting for their son forever changed four families and the Oxford community. If you're very first thought when you hear about an active shooter at your child's school isn't, 'Is he OK?' but to worry if your son is the shooter or to rush home to find out if the gun you irresponsibly left unsecure is still there, then you should've done something in advance. There were so many inflection points where they could've changed the course of events, including when they refused to bring their child home on the day of the shooting. "James Crumbley now stands guilty of involuntary manslaughter  joining his wife and son as convicted felons  in the deaths of four Oxford High School students. I applaud and thank the jurors for reaching a fair and just verdict in what was surely a difficult and emotionally draining experience for them. I'm also grateful for the prosecution team and my investigators who worked tirelessly on this case."

Statement from Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter:

"Another guilty verdict does not bring back Madisyn, Tate, Hana and Justin, but this is justice for the families and community - and for that I am grateful. I am also grateful for the dedicated efforts of Prosecutor Karen McDonald and her team on this groundbreaking case."

Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin issued the following statement:

"This is a historic moment in the fight against gun violence, & also I hope a moment that brings relief for Oxford. Thank you to everyone who testified in these cases, & to the families of Madisyn, Tate, Justin, & Hana for their continued courage. "As they said tonight, there is much more work to do to protect our kids from gun violence, but their resolve has ensured that justice was served. "It's also important to thank [Prosecutor Karen McDonald] and her office, who have worked tirelessly on these cases for over two years. They felt the Oxford story in their guts like all of us, and they took action, even when others may not have pursued something so groundbreaking. "Michigan law now reinforces the precedent these cases and the courts have set here: If you have an unsecured weapon in a home with children, and one of them uses it to commit a crime, you can be charged and held accountable."

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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer calls on Israel to hold election to replace prime minister
Peter Welch spoke with The Independent in an exclusive interview about the Israel-Hamas war (Getty Images)

Senator Peter Welch has a rare reputation on Capitol Hill. In the words of Senator John Fetterman, the Vermont junior Senator is the nicest guy in Washington, DC.

Along with the tattooed Pennsylvanian, Mr Welch also counts Alabama Republican Senator Katie Britt among his dearest friends since he joined the upper chamber in 2023 after spending 16 years in the House of Representatives.

Now, the nicest guy in the nations capital is on a mission, one at odds with the leadership of his party: achieving a ceasefire in Israels war on Gaza.

Mr Welch spoke to The Independent on a day when the issue of the Israeli-Gaza war electrified DC, with Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the United States, delivering an impassioned speech simultaneously defending Israel's right to defend itself but also calling for new elections in Israel, a statement that sparked a backlash not just from Republicans but from one Democratic senator, John Fetterman; and as White House officials met with Muslim leaders in Chicago amid fears that US policy on the war could become a key issue in swing states like Michigan come November.

He said: Its a practical issue.

The only way were going to get [aid] in is to get peace, but we need a lot more cooperation from Israel, the Vermont senator told The Independent, later noting that celebrity chef Jose Andres nonprofit World Central Kitchen is sending more food to Palestinians than just about anyone in here.

When Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on 7 October, they killed at least 1,200 people and took more than 200 people hostage. Now, Israeli forces have descended on Gaza, killing at least 30,000 since October  including several thousand children  according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

The United Nations warns that some 576,000 people  or one-quarter of Gazas population  are one step away from famine. The organization has also accused the Israeli government of systematically blocking aid deliveries into Gaza and of opening fire on convoys that do make it through.

In an exclusive interview with The Independent, Mr Welch made his stance clear: President Joe Biden must work towards peace and delivering aid in Gaza as he faces the wrath of young voters concerned about Palestinians.

Biden will have to face young voters on Gaza this November, Senator Welch says

Young people are relating to the Palestinian suffering, Mr Welch told The Independent. When they see Israel and [Itamar] Ben-Gvir where he is explicitly for pushing all the Palestinians into the sea, theyre called, and I think the President is.

Mr Ben-Gvir is the far-right Israeli National Security Minister who has strongly supported the Israeli war effort in Gaza. My right, the right of my wife and my children to move around Judea and Samaria is more important than freedom of movement for the Arabs, Mr Ben-Gvir said in an interview last year, referring to the West Bank by its biblical names.

More recently, Mr Ben-Gvir has called for the emigration of Palestinians from Gaza.

Itamar Ben-Gvir is Israels far-right Minister of National Security (AFP via Getty Images)

Mr Welch said President Biden has made the right move in calling for more aid to Gaza and threatening to condition Israeli aid if an offensive in Rafah moves forward.

Its a real issue  thats why moving this direction to try to have some equality and reignite this aspiration from the two-state solution and the dignity of the Palestinian people is so important, Mr Welch said.

In Michigan, more than 100,000 Democratic primary voters cast their ballots as uncommitted as part of a campaign by activists and lawmakers in the state to signal their opposition to Mr Bidens response to Israels war in Gaza. Democratic voters in Washington, Minnesota and North Carolina followed suit.

Thats why I think what Schumer has done today can help really shift our direction, the senator continued. But its a big issue. I mean, its a war issue, and young people are just horrified at the suffering of the Palestinians

Some members of the Senate Democratic caucus appear to be moving in Mr Welchs direction as of late. Mr Schumer called for an end to Benjamin Netanyahus leadership in Israel in his speech on Thursday morning.

The Netanyahu coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel, Mr Schumer said on the Senate floor. The Israeli people are being stifled right now by a governing vision that is stuck in the past.

Mr Welch praised Mr Schumers speech  but not all Senate Democrats appreciated the call.

Mr Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania and close ally to Mr Welch, told The Independent he didnt agree with everything the Majority Leader said.

My support of the Israeli leader is the one that we have, or any leader that Israeli citizens elect, Mr Fetterman told The Independent. I would hope that every one of those leaders would agree that you have to go after Hamas, even if that means going against, sometimes, even the United States wishes as well.

Meanwhile, those across the aisle condemned Mr Schumers remarks  including House Speaker Mike Johnson.

This is not only highly inappropriate, its just plain wrong for an American leader to play such a divisive role in Israeli politics, while our closest ally in the region is in an existential battle for its very survival, Mr Johnson said in a statement from the 2024 GOP retreat in West Virginia.

Speaker Mike Johnson speaks at the 2024 GOP retreat (Getty Images)

Senator Welch says US aid to Israel breaks American law

Not only does Mr Welch support a ceasefire, but he also told The Independent the US has broken foreign aid law by sending weapons to Israel.

Mr Welchs predecessor, Senator Patrick Leahy, is best known for championing his namesake Leahy Law, which refers to two statutory provisions that prevent the federal government from using funds to assist foreign governments when there is credible information that they have committed gross violations of human rights.

Last week, Mr Leahy told The Independent the US has broken the Leahy Law by sending aid to Israel due to the number of civilians who are being injured or killed by US paid armaments.

I agree with Senator Leahy, Mr Welch told The Independent.

The reality is, whatever legitimate military reasons [Israel has], they have also a humanitarian responsibility under international law to allow people to be fed, he continued.

Last month, the president released a new memo on foreign aid requirements, with some Democrats praising it as a step towards potentially conditioning US aid to Israel. However, the memo only outlined existing laws  like the Leahy Law  stating that countries receiving US aid must follow humanitarian guidelines, such as providing credible and reliable written assurances that they are complying with international law and humanitarian standards.

Mr Welch was one of only four members of the Senate Democratic caucus  along with Senators Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and fellow Vermonter and independent Bernie Sanders  who voted against a national security package last month that would provide aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

Mr Sanders, unlike Mr Welch, has not come out in support of a permanent ceasefire but has called for an end to aid for Israels war in Gaza. Despite his objections, Mr Welch noted Democrats who support his position lack a critical mass.

Senator Bernie Sanders wants the US to condition aid to Israel (Getty Images)

We dont have votes in the Senate, we dont have the votes in the House, Mr Welch said when asked about conditioning aid to Israel. So, this is something where the Administration has to make a decision.

The President has also said he will consider conditioning aid to Israel if the Israel Defense Forces ramps up its offensive in the city of Rafah. On Wednesday, news broke that Israel struck a United Nations facility in Rafah, killing an aid worker and injuring civilians. White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby said the administration is deeply concerned in response.

For Mr Welch, it is Mr Biden who must act immediately to condition aid and ensure a ceasefire in Gaza.

Its really the president who has got the authority  hes got the authority and the power, Mr Welch told The Independent. Congress has some of us who would cut off military aid, but not thats not a majority in the House or Senate.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)  Vice President Kamala Harris visited a Planned Parenthood clinic on Thursday, marking what her office said was the first time a president or vice president has toured a facility that performs abortions, as the White House escalates its defense of reproductive rights in this year's election.

Right now, in our country, we are facing a very serious health crisis, Harris said. And the crisis is affecting many, many people in our country, most of whom are, frankly, silently suffering.

The clinic, nestled in an industrial area near the city line between St. Paul and Minneapolis, has been a beacon for many women in the region. Although Democratic leaders in Minnesota have protected abortion access, neighboring states have banned or severely restricted the procedure with policies that Harris described as immoral.

How dare these elected leaders believe they are in a better position to tell women what they need, Harris said. We have to be a nation that trusts women.

Harris said she met two dozen health care workers at the clinic who had created an environment where patients can be safe and free from judgement.

Dr. Sarah Traxler, chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood North Central States, introduced herself as a proud abortion provider and called Harris' visit a historic moment. She said the number of patients visiting the clinic from out of state has doubled.

"Everyone should have the right to access health care," Traxler said.

Protesters gathered across the street, holding signs that said life is a human right and abortion kills a human being.

Cathy Blaeser, the co-executive director of the anti-abortion group Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, said, The vice presidents visit shows the Biden administrations full-blown devotion to extreme abortion policies. She added that Minnesotans dont want to be known for abortion tourism."

The White House has few options to protect access to abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade two years ago, clearing the way for Republican-led states to enact limitations or bans on the procedure. But the visit reflected Democrats' intense focus on reproductive rights to rally their voters to reelect President Joe Biden in a likely rematch with Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee.

Harris, the first woman elected vice president, has led the White House's outreach, and her trip to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area is part of a nationwide tour she began in January.

The decision to make a historic visit to a clinic showcased her more aggressive approach to the issue than Biden. While Biden has vowed to restore Roe v. Wade's protections if Democrats regain full control of Congress, he tends to talk about the right to choose instead of saying abortion.

During her visit, Harris spoke plainly about women's health needs and the clinic's role in providing birth control and preventative care.

Everyone get ready for the language  uterus, Harris said. That part of the body needs a lot of medical care from time to time."

After visiting the clinic, Harris spoke at a campaign event held at the Coven, a coworking space that caters to women in St. Paul. She said Minnesota had once again demonstrated to our nation just how much progress a Democratic trifecta can make, a reference to the party's control of the governor's office and both legislative chambers.

Democrats harnessed that power in January 2023 by rushing through legislation that enshrined in state law the right to abortion and other kinds of reproductive health care. There are no restrictions on abortion at any stage of pregnancy in Minnesota.

Meanwhile, abortion is currently illegal in more than a dozen states, including Minnesota neighbors North Dakota and South Dakota, and is restricted in Iowa and Wisconsin. Harris blamed Trump for the erosion of abortion rights and called him the "architect of a health care crisis.

Let us all recognize who is to blame, she said. The former president, Donald Trump, handpicked three members of the United States Supreme Court with the intention that they would overturn Roe. He intended for them to take your freedoms. And he brags about it.

Trump touted his role in eliminating the nationwide right to abortion during a recent Fox News town hall, saying, I'm proud to have done it. During his term, he tipped the ideological balance on the high court by nominating three conservative justices, paving the way for the Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade.

Since then, Democrats have felt encouraged by electoral victories in 2022 and 2023 when abortion access was on the ballot. And in his State of the Union address last week, Biden vowed that we'll win again in 2024. He also said that if voters send me a Congress that supports the right to choose, I promise you I will restore Roe v. Wade as the law of the land again.

Before the flight back to Washington on Thursday, Harris surprised Central High Schools girls varsity and junior varsity softball teams at practice. As she watched, Harris told the players, Im impressed.

____

Associated Press writer Chris Megerian contributed from Washington.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 14, 2024) - Midnight Sun Mining Corp. (TSXV: MMA) (OTC Pink: MDNGF) (the "Company" or "Midnight Sun") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Darin Wagner to the Company's Advisory Board.

Al Fabbro, Midnight Sun's President & CEO, stated: "As we move forward with the exploration of our flagship Solwezi Project, it is imperative that we continue to bolster our team. The breadth of experience Darin brings, particularly with his experience in Africa and successfully leading a number of M&A transactions, will be invaluable to Midnight Sun. With our recently announced Dumbwa earn-in with KoBold Metals, we gained a world-class partner. We are now building the bench strength of our internal team, to position Midnight Sun for success as we move forward at Solwezi. We are confident in saying that the quality of the individuals involved with our project are a reflection of the quality of the Solwezi Project itself."

Mr. Wagner stated: "It is increasingly rare to find a junior explorer like Midnight Sun with a highly successful exploration team making new discoveries in the stomping grounds of major copper producers. Solwezi is a rare asset amongst junior explorers as evidenced by the strong third-party interest in helping to move the project forward. The recent agreement with KoBold Metals is a hugely significant milestone and shareholders should be excited about what this means for the project. I congratulate Al and his team for their foresight in finding a path to move the project forward, while protecting the upside for Midnight Sun's shareholders in today's challenging markets. As one of those shareholders I am thrilled by the recent developments at Solwezi and looking forward to being a part of the excitement in the months ahead."

Mr. Wagner is a Professional Geologist with extensive experience building and leading exploration stage companies, as well as guiding mineral exploration programs globally. He has been directly involved in a number of M&A transactions and helped to raise several hundred million dollars for mineral exploration since 1999.

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In 1999 Mr. Wagner became Vice President, Exploration for New Millennium Metals Corp. which was successfully merged with Platinum Group Metals Ltd. in 2002. Mr. Wagner served as Exploration Manager for Platinum Group Metals through the acquisition, discovery, and initial delineation of the multi-million-ounce Maseve PGE mine in South Africa.

Mr. Wagner became President of Sydney Resource Corp. in 2005 and helped steer the successful merger with Band Ore Resources to form West Timmins Mining Inc. in 2006. He then served as President, CEO, Director, and Qualified Person for West Timmins Mining through the discovery of the high-grade Thunder Creek and 144 gold deposits - which form part of the Timmins West Mine Complex in Timmins, Ontario. He oversaw the acquisition of West Timmins by Lake Shore Gold in an all-share deal valued at $424 million which was completed in 2009.

He then founded Canadian explorer Balmoral Resources Ltd. and served as its President and CEO through a series of gold and base metal discoveries culminating in its 2020 acquisition by Wallbridge Mining Company Ltd. in an all-share deal valued on closing at $160 million. Mr. Wagner was also a co-founder of Falco Resources, a founding director of NewCastle Gold (acquired by Equinox Gold in 2017) and served as an advisor to the management of Nova Royalty Corp. up to its recent acquisition by Metalla Royalty and Streaming. He currently acts as a technical advisor to MAG Silver and to newly listed Dryden Gold.

About Midnight Sun

Midnight Sun is focused on exploring our flagship Solwezi Project, located in Zambia. Situated in the heart of the Zambia-Congo Copperbelt, the second largest copper producing region in the world, our property is vast and highly prospective. Our Solwezi Project is surrounded by world-class producing copper mines, including Africa's largest copper mining complex right next door, First Quantum's Kansanshi Mine. Led by an experienced geological team with multiple discoveries and mines around the world to their credit, Midnight Sun intends to find and develop Zambia's next generational copper deposit.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF MIDNIGHT SUN MINING CORP.

Al Fabbro

President & CEO

For Further Information Contact:

Adrian O'Brien

Director of Marketing and Communications

Tel: +1 604 809 6890

Em: adrian@midnightsunmining.com

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation that are based on expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections as at the date of this news release. The information in this news release about the timing and ability of the Company and the earn-in agreement with KoBold; and any other information herein that is not a historical fact may be "forward looking statements". Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (which may, but not always, include phrases such as "anticipates", "plans", "scheduled", "believed" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements and are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Neither the Company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake, and assumes no obligation, to update or revise any such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/201660
(Bloomberg) -- Millennium Management, one of the worlds biggest hedge funds, made tens of millions of dollars when Egypt allowed its currency to weaken after a successful bet by one of its senior traders, people familiar with the matter said.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Naveen Choppara, who joined Millennium in Dubai last year, wagered that Egypt would allow the devaluation in order to stave off an economic crisis, according to the people, who requested anonymity as the details arent public. When the pound tumbled 38% on March 6 after the countrys central bank introduced a record interest-rate hike, he made a profit of about $40 million, some of the people said.

A former top trader at Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Choppara made the bet on the North African nation through derivatives called non-deliverable forwards, or NDFs, which are agreements to buy or sell currencies at a set price and date, the people said. The trade may have been costly to assemble, which might have reduced his overall profit, some of the people said.

Choppara and a spokesperson for Millennium declined to comment.

The wager shows how international investors have speculated on the future of Egypt, a regional linchpin home to 105 million people that has been on the brink of economic disaster. The country, one of the biggest global buyers of wheat, has been buffeted by surging commodity prices since Russias invasion of Ukraine while Israels war with Hamas in neighboring Gaza has further exacerbated economic pressures and contributed to its worst foreign-exchange crisis in decades.

Following the currency move, Egypt and the International Monetary Fund announced a deal to more than double the countrys rescue program to $8 billion. Efforts to unlock the long-expected IMF loan and the economic reforms were accelerated by the United Arab Emirates, via Abu Dhabi wealth fund ADQ, agreeing to invest $35 billion in the country.

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Choppara favored NDFs that locked in the right to receive US dollars in exchange for a certain number of pounds over a period of months, the people said. When the devaluation occurred, he would have profited from the difference between the new, far weaker spot rate for the Egyptian currency and the prices agreed in his NDF contracts.

Choppara joined Goldman Sachs in London in 2012 and rose to become a senior trader in emerging-market rates and foreign exchange. He often made about $50 million in annual profit for the Wall Street bank by trading the Egyptian pound as well as the Nigerian naira, the people said.

A spokesperson for Goldman Sachs declined to comment.

Millennium, the $62-billion hedge fund founded by Izzy Englander, hired Choppara last year as part of the hedge funds plans to expand its emerging markets operations in Dubai.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Milwaukee's pending zoning changes would encourage smaller housing developments such as the accessory dwelling units envisioned at the Art Intersection MKE project.

Milwaukee might soon change its zoning code to encourage development of small apartment buildings and apartments in commercial areas  growing the city's affordable housing supply.

Those revisions, which need approval from the Common Council and Mayor Cavalier Johnson, would be a first step towards Johnson's vision of eventually increasing Milwaukee's population to 1 million.

Smaller rental developments also will likely need public financing help, housing industry experts say, as well as building code changes. But zoning to promote such projects must happen first, they say.

"The deck is stacked against small developers who don't know how to navigate the process," Milwaukee developer Montavius Jones told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Milwaukee would join a growing number of cities that have changed their zoning to encourage housing developments  especially smaller projects. That includes Minneapolis, St. Paul, San Francisco, Portland, Oregon, and Charlotte, North Carolina.

In Wisconsin, communities such as De Pere and Madison have taken similar actions.

Milwaukee's possible zoning changes would amount to "a very positive step," said Jim Villa, chief executive officer of NAIOP Wisconsin, a real estate development trade group.

"I think the focus on growth and housing choice is really important," he said.

"We want to use this process to remove the zoning barriers," said Sam Leichtling, Milwaukee's planning manager.

Leichtling spoke at a recent Plan Commission presentation on the proposed zoning changes. More details will be unveiled this spring for feedback from Milwaukee residents and property owners, followed by a commission and council review.

Smaller scale projects could come near single-family homes

The idea is to promote more housing  but not high-rises, or even mid-rise buildings, in neighborhoods largely characterized by single-family homes, Leichtling said.

Instead, zoning would be changed to create a little more density, said Amy Oeth, a city planner.

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"This really will allow for some incremental density, and create more choice for more neighborhoods," Oeth told the Plan Commission during the March 4 presentation.

That includes such "neighborhood scale" housing as duplexes, triplexes, townhouses and buildings with four to eight apartments.

Other forms of housing could include tiny homes, such as Veterans Community Project Inc.'s development planned at 6767 N. 60th St., and accessory dwelling units. The latter refers to a house or apartment that shares the building lot of a larger, primary home.

Another change would encourage more apartments by eliminating floor area ratios  which typically limit a building's floor area in relation to the size of its lot.

Instead, zoning would set height limits, setbacks and design standards for apartment buildings.

That creates more certainty about the building's appearance, Oeth said, with "a more equitable playing field for development."

A third zoning change would update design standards to better support walkable urban neighborhoods.

A solution to the housing market's 'missing middle'

The zoning adjustments have their roots in the Johnson administration's Growing MKE study released in November. It also called for reducing minimum parking space requirements.

Tiny homes, such as those Veterans Community Project Inc. plans to build on Milwaukee's northwest side, are among the neighborhood scale housing the city's zoning changes would promote.

The pending zoning changes would encourage the "missing middle" of housing  projects larger than single-family homes and duplexes but smaller than most market-rate apartment communities, said Angie Tabrizi, who operates Moxie Development Collective LLC.

"We're trying to figure out how to build in more density wisely," Tabrizi said, in an interview.

Her Milwaukee firm works with nonprofit groups on developments  including Meta House's $30 million residential substance abuse treatment center planned for Piggsville. Moxie also is looking to do its own projects.

More housing means increased property tax revenue for the city, Milwaukee Public Schools and other local governments, and additional customers for nearby stores, restaurants and other businesses.

It can combat climate change by being built near bus lines, bike paths and other alternatives to driving, said Jones, who operates Milwaukee-based Narvarte Development LLC.

Also, increasing the supply should make housing more affordable by creating additional competition among developers and landlords.

Removing development barriers a key part of strategy

To be sure, zoning code changes alone won't ensure more housing is developed.

"We recognize there are other barriers," Leichtling told the Plan Commission.

That includes financing, he said.

Tabrizi said well-established development firms have few financial incentives to build missing middle housing.

But making it easier to build such projects with less-restrictive zoning will open the door for start-ups and other emerging developers, she said.

Jones, who launched Narvarte Development in January, said the city can help on the financing side by making pre-approved plans for small rental developments available for a fee. That reduces architectural costs.

City Hall also could approve more tax incremental financing districts for such developments, he said. Those districts use property tax revenue from new developments to help pay their costs.

"It's so hard to do these smaller projects at scale," Jones said. "That's why people don't do them."

Meanwhile, the city is seeking a $4.2 million grant from a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development program to help build around 25 affordable housing units.

That would provide opportunities to own homes which cost less than traditional single-family houses, according to the grant application.

Jones also cautioned against a backlash.

That's happened in such Wisconsin communities as Neenah.

Its Common Council in 2022 rejected a housing project  despite the Plan Commission's endorsement  after neighbors said it "would bring undesirable tenants, more crime, increased traffic and lower property values," according to the Appleton Post Crescent.

Meanwhile, affordable apartments under development in Brookfield won city approval in 2023 but also drew vocal opposition.

The benefits of increased density outweigh the "potential pitfalls," Jones said.

"We're in an affordable housing crisis," he said.

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: A solution for Milwaukee's lack of affordable housing: zoning changes
A big focus for healthcare companies recently has been on the weight-loss industry. It's no coincidence that two of the most valuable healthcare stocks in the world are big players in that field with a couple of promising weight-loss treatments.

Companies are eager to get glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) drugs to market because they could help bolster their long-term growth prospects. And investors are paying attention, as possessing the next big weight-loss drug could be a sign of a stock that's due to skyrocket.

Even non-investors may be familiar with Novo Nordisk by now as the company's diabetes treatment Ozempic has been incredibly popular over the past few years. It's even become a trend on social media, due to the GLP-1 drug's ability to help people lose weight. In five years, the stock has soared more than 440%.

If you're not eager to jump aboard Novo Nordisk stock and its already high valuation, there's a much smaller Danish stock you may want to consider instead: Zealand Pharma (OTC: ZLDP.F)

Zealand's stock is up 81% this year

Since the start of the year, Zealand's stock has outperformed Novo Nordisk, up 81% versus 27% for its much larger Danish peer. Investors are bullish on the stock due to the company's progress in a recent trial for one of its drugs, which shows promise as a potential weight-loss treatment.

In a phase 2 trial, survodutide was effective as a treatment for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, more commonly abbreviated as MASH, a type of liver inflammation. Eighty-three percent of adults who used the drug in the trial achieved some improvement. What was also important is that at a 6mg dose, the drug was safe and there weren't any serious health concerns.

That bodes well for the drug in an ongoing obesity trial (which is in phase 3), where the same dosage is involved. While it may not necessarily mean it will produce a high percentage of weight loss, safety and adverse side effects are of key concern for investors, as that could derail a drug, regardless of its effectiveness.

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In a phase 2 obesity trial, survodutide helped up to 40% of people lose at least 20% of their body weight after 46 weeks.

This is a riskier option for investors

With Novo Nordisk, investors benefit by investing in a large, established pharmaceutical company with strong revenue and profit numbers. Zealand Pharma isn't nearly as large or as safe. While the company has generated impressive top-line growth over the years, its bottom line is nowhere near breakeven.

In 2023, Zealand reported a net loss of 703.7 million Danish krone ($105.6 million) as its revenue more than tripled to 342.8 million Danish krone ($51.4 million). The sharp increase in the top line was due to an increase in milestone payments related to its collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim -- the two companies have been developing survodutide together. Novo Nordisk is also one of Zealand's collaboration partners.

There's some risk for Zealand's business, given its losses and continual cash burn. But with survodutide in late-stage trials and potentially contributing revenue soon, Zealand's financials could soon look a whole lot stronger.

The company isn't in a dire situation by any means, either. Zealand finished last year with cash and marketable securities totaling 1.6 billion Danish krone ($245 million), and its operating cash burn during the year was 425.7 million Danish krone ($63.9 million). The company's operations appear to be sustainable and well-funded right now.

Is Zealand Pharma stock a buy?

Zealand Pharma is a risky option but possesses some intriguing upside right now. At a market capitalization of just over $6 billion, it's a small fraction of Novo Nordisk's massive size.

Even though it's up big this year, this healthcare stock could just be scratching the surface in terms of its long-term potential. Investors who are comfortable with the risk should consider buying Zealand Pharma stock today.

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Missed Out on Novo Nordisk? This Much Smaller Danish Biotech Could Be the Next Hot Weight-Loss Stock. was originally published by The Motley Fool
Craving corned beef and cabbage for St. Patricks Day?

We scoured the Sacramento area in search of pubs that serve that classic Irish dish as well as more traditional grub.

Heres what we found.

What is corned beef and cabbage?

Corned beef and cabbage is salt-cured beef served with a side of steamed potatoes and cabbage.

Although the dish is associated with Irish culture, it wasnt traditionally eaten by folks in the Emerald Isle, according to Smithsonian magazine.

Rather, Irish immigrants began eating corned beef and cabbage after they settled in the United States and started buying their meat from kosher butchers, according to Smithsonian magazine.

What we think of today as Irish corned beef is actually Jewish corned beef thrown into a pot with cabbage and potatoes, the publication said.

The word corned beef has nothing to do with corn and everything to do with the way the beef is cooked, according to Smithsonian magazine.

The British invented the term corned beef in the 17th century, the publication said. Its used to describe the large salt crystals that are used to cure the meat.

Which Sacramento bars serve traditional Irish food and drinks?

Below are four bars in the Sacramento area that offer Irish-inspired food and drinks perfect for St. Paddys Day celebrations.

Sean Finnegans Pub at 1030 Second St. in Sacramentos historic Old Town offers a Irish sandwich with sliced corned beef and Irish cheese.

The eatery serves an assortment of sandwiches and traditional bar bites including fries, tater tots and freshly baked pretzels.

Sandwiches at the pub all cost $8.75 and sides range from $5 to $7.

Drink options include Irish coffee, which costs $9.25.

Seans pub is opens at noon every day, closing at 10 p.m. Monday and Saturday; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 9 p.m. Thursday and Sunday. It closes at 1:30 a.m. Friday.

You can find corned beef and cabbage at OMallys Irish Pub, 1109 Second St. in Old Town Sacramento.

The pubs Sunday brunch menu features a corned beef hash, while the dinner menu includes shepherds pie and fish and chips.

Plates range from $10 to $13.

The pub is open from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.

At Bonn Lair, youll find Irish dishes and British-style plates.

The pub at 3651 J St. in midtown Sacramento offers Scotch eggs, which are hard boiled eggs wrapped in sausage, rolled in bread crumbs and then deep fried. Youll also find Irish pasties filled with meat and vegetables, and corned beef and cabbage.

The Irish tacos which were filled with ground beef, diced potatoes and served with a medium taco sauce, said Ida H, a Sacramento based Yelp user.

Dinner entrees range in price from $12 to $14, while lunch items cost $8 to $10.

The pub also has an expansive beer menu.

Bonn Lair is open 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. seven days a week.

Father Paddys Pub and Restaurant prides itself in offering Yolo Countys most authentic Irish bar experience.

On the restaurants menu, youll find items such as Irish stew, corned beef and cabbage and shepherds pie.

Main entree plates at Father Paddys range in price from $16 to 18.

There are also salads, sandwiches and soups, which cost $8 to $10.

The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com.
Steve and Rachel Moon, of Newport, celebrate St. Patricks Day at Molly Malones in Covington. They were also celebrating just getting their vaccine.

A new study has confirmed what many of us know: Ohioans sure can party. And St. Patrick's Day is no exception.

Ohio was ranked the fifth-best state to celebrate the holiday in an analysis that used Eventbrite listings and Google search terms to measure the best and worst states to ring in St. Patricks Day this year.

Massachusetts came out on top as the best state to celebrate the day. It had the seventh-highest number of St. Patricks Day events listed on March 16-17 and the highest Google search popularity for the holiday. Rounding out the top five are No. 2 Illinois ranked second, No. 3 Pennsylvania and No. 4 New York just above Ohio.

Landing in the last spot is Mississippi, with only one event listed on Eventbrite during the holiday weekend and the lowest Google search popularity out of all 50 states.

The study was performed by Chummy Tees, a novelty t-shirt brand based in Sonora, California.

There is such a vast Irish culture to immerse yourself in, no matter how you choose to celebrate. Some of the most popular things to do include enjoying drinks at a local Irish pub and trying traditional Irish foods such as corned beef, cabbage and soda bread," Josh Neuman, founder of Chummy Tees, said in a press release.

Racers in the Shamrock Shuffle begin and end near the regional headquarters of Cleveland-Cliffs on West Chester Road

St. Patrick's Day 2024: Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland area events to celebrate the day

Whether you find yourself in the Columbus, Cincinnati or Cleveland areas this St. Paddy's Day, there are plenty of shamrock shenanigans to be had in the Buckeye State on March 17.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: See where Ohio ranks as a St. Patrick's Day celebration hot spot
The White House expects NATO nations to increase their defence contributions before the summit in Washington.

Source: White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre,during a press gaggle

Details: Jean-Pierre said that at the Vilnius summit last summer, NATO members had agreed that spending more than 2% of GDP would be needed to address shortfalls and respond to changing security realities.

This year, for the first time since the Alliance's inception, 19 NATO members plan to spend at least 2% of their GDP on defence, representing a six-fold increase since 2014.

Quote: "We expect that number to increase before the Washington summit.

And if  if you combine NATOs European Allies collective GDP, they will spend 2 percent of their collective GDP on defence. This is a major milestone and a clear demonstration that Allies recognize the need to invest more in security following Putins reinvasion of  of Ukraine."

Background:

In July 2023, NATO member states reached a consensus to set a binding threshold for defence spending at 2% of GDP.

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Senior White House officials are planning to meet with Arab-, Muslim- and Palestinian-American community leaders in Chicago on Thursday, multiple sources familiar with the meeting told CNN, as President Joe Biden continues to grapple with anger and concern across the country about the Israel-Hamas war.

Thursdays meeting would mark the latest in ongoing efforts by the Biden White House to hear directly about concerns over the situation in Gaza, though that is hardly expected to be the only issue discussed. Officials are also expected to more broadly discuss concerns about Islamophobia in the US in the aftermath of Hamas terror attacks on October 7.

Among those expected to participate in the meeting, according to sources, are: Tom Perez, the White Houses director of intergovernmental affairs; Steve Benjamin, White House director of public engagement; Mazen Basrawi, White House liaison to Muslim-American communities; Curtis Ried, the National Security Council chief of staff; and aides Dan Koh and Jamie Citron.

Vivian Khalaf, chairman of the board of the Palestine Childrens Relief Fund, told CNN that she was invited to Thursdays meeting with White House officials but declined to attend. In an interview, she made clear her deep dissatisfaction with the Biden administrations handling of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Under the current conditions, for every life we save by dropping food, at least 10 more are being killed by the dropping of bombs, Khalaf said, referencing the US recent efforts to airdrop humanitarian aid into Gaza. I know this, because I am living it every day through the organization that I lead.

Several other community leaders familiar with Thursdays meeting told CNN that there was an active effort by some to boycott sitting down with White House officials as a way of pressing Biden to call for a permanent ceasefire in the war. A large group of activists in the greater Chicago area sent a letter to the White House ahead of the meeting, lambasting the outreach.

There is no point in more meetings. The White House already knows the position of the aforementioned groups and our allies across the nation, the letter read.

The letter continued, There is no confusion as to our consistent demand for an immediate ceasefire to end the mass murder of civilians and stave off the worst humanitarian crisis in modern times. We believe another meeting would only act to whitewash months of White House inaction followed by meek handouts. We are interested in serious action.

The letter was signed by a few dozen coalitions and community leaders. Tarek Khalil, an attorney and board member with American Muslims for Palestine-Chicago, was among the activists who spearheaded the letter. Khalil was not personally invited to the White House meeting but suggested that a good portion of the signatories were.

It was not immediately clear who would be represented at the meeting, and the White House declined to provide a list of attendees.

You cannot play firefighter and arsonist at the same time, Khalil said of the White Houses policy on the conflict.

Khalil added, If this community felt that this would be fruitful and it would be beneficial, we wouldve accepted the invitation. But this is a cynical invite, its not grounded in a principal moral stance but rather in political expediency.

Asked for comment on the letter, a White House official told CNN, Senior officials are in Chicago for a series of meeting with community leaders, part of an ongoing process to engage with communities impacted by the Mideast conflict.

The Chicago area has sizeable Muslim and Arab populations. The citys residents are still reeling from the recent death of 6-year-old Wadea Al-Fayoume, who was stabbed 26 times in October allegedly by his familys landlord. Authorities said he was targeted for being Muslim.

Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and other top US officials have escalated calls for a temporary ceasefire and to ramp up humanitarian aid going into Gaza in recent weeks, urging Israel to do more to protect civilians. But negotiations remain stalled, even as the humanitarian toll of the Israel-Hamas war rises.

Biden is confronting mounting discontent within his own party over his handling of the conflict, including young and progressive voters and voters in battleground states that will be critical to his 2024 coalition.

On Thursday, White House officials and community leaders are expected to discuss concerns ranging from the war to a rising tide of Islamophobic incidents. The Council on American-Islamic Relations said it received 3,578 complaints of anti-Muslim or anti-Palestinian incidents during the last three months of 2023, a 178% increase over the previous year.

The expected meeting comes on the same day that Biden is traveling to Michigan, his first re turn to the state since the Democratic primary contest there produced more than 100,000 uncommitted votes  in large part fueled by fury about the presidents handling of the war.

Last month, senior Biden administration officials  including United States Agency for International Development Administrator Samantha Power and principal deputy national security adviser Jon Finer  met with members of Arab- and Muslim-American communities in Michigan, home to one of the countrys largest Arab and Muslim populations.

Thursdays meeting is a part of the White Houses ongoing efforts to reach Arab and Muslim communities. The White House has said it has had more than a hundred conversations with local and state leaders about the Israel-Hamas conflict. It is also fielding concerns internally; chief of staff Jeff Zients held a listening session with Muslim-, Arab- and Palestinian-American staff, and he directed Bidens Cabinet to reach out to their own Muslim-, Arab- and Palestinian-American staff.

This story has been updated with additional reporting.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
White House officials are set to meet Thursday with Arab, Muslim, and Palestinian American leaders in Chicago, a source familiar with the meeting confirmed to The Hill.

The meeting, which was first reported by CNN, comes as President Biden has faced increasing pushback from the pro-Palestinian community over his stance on the Israel-Hamas war.

The Illinois Democratic primary is next week, and theres an effort there to get Democrats to cast protest votes against Biden.

The organization, Muslim Civic Coalition-Activate, launched a Protest Power Vote campaign that is encouraging voters in Illinois to write in Gaza on their primary ballots or to leave it blank. Additionally, the Abandon Biden organization has a presence in Illinois and has been advocating for protest votes.

The push for a protest vote in Illinois follows similar efforts in Michigan and Minnesota. In Michigan, 100,000 people voted uncommitted, while 45,000 people voted uncommitted in Minnesota. Biden officially clinched the Democratic presidential nomination Tuesday.

Biden is traveling to Michigan on Thursday and is not expected to meet with leaders in the Arab American community while hes there. Biden has pushed for a temporary cease-fire in the Middle East to free hostages and get aid into Gaza while advocates have pushed for him to call a permeant cease-fire.

CNN reported that White House officials meeting with the leaders in Chicago include Tom Perez, director of intergovernmental affairs; Steve Benjamin, director of public engagement; and Mazen Basrawi, liaison to Muslim-American communities, among others.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
John Kirby, White House National Security Council Coordinator, has stated that the White House continues to support the bill to assist Ukraine, which was passed by the US Senate last month.

Source: John Kirby in a comment to Voice of America, as reported by European Pravda

Details: When asked about House Speaker Mike Johnson's proposal to provide Ukraine with credit-based financial assistance, Kirby indicated that the White House prefers the Senate bill.

Quote: "We believe that the bill passed in the Senate adequately addresses our strong desire to continue to support Ukraine. It responds well to the needs of Ukraine's defence, as well as Israel's defence and other issues of our national security around the world," the White House representative said.

"So we continue to urge Speaker Johnson to bring this bill to the floor, vote on it, and move on. We know that if there is an opportunity to vote, it has strong support from both parties," he added.

Background:

Earlier, Johnson told Republican senators that his House would draft legislation to support Ukraine, which could take the form of a loan or lend-lease to protect American taxpayers' interests.

Previously, Ukraine's Minister of Justice, Denys Maliuska, stated that the Ukrainian government is willing to accept credit-based financial assistance from the US in order to expedite its approval in Congress.

The US State Department, commenting on the idea of aid in the form of a loan, said that "burdening Ukraine with billions of dollars of foreign debt" in a full-scale war is not appropriate.

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Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin meets with China's President Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 24, 2023. ALEXANDER ASTAFYEV/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images

Some Russian companies are seeing their business boom thanks to trade with China, Reuters reported.

Oil, logistics, and auto sectors are major beneficiaries of Beijing and Moscow's economic alliance.

Analysts warn of China's potential losses if sanctions extend to companies there that do business with Russia.

Even as the West keeps up the pressure with sanctions on Russia's economy, some companies in the country are finding that their business is thriving under lucrative trade deals with China.

Reuters reported on Wednesday that some firms have seen business double since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The report pointed to a logistics company doing business in the border region between China and Russia which has seen a big jump in activity since Western companies left the country two years ago.

As China buys more Russian energy supplies, Chinese companies are supplying Russian firms with machinery and vehicles, Reuters said.

Chinese car makers have helped Russia's sluggish automobile market bounce back from less than a million vehicles sold in 2022 to 1.06 million in 2023, with car exports to Russia surging nearly sevenfold.

Meanwhile, Russia's dealerships that once offered Volkswagen, Renault, and Stellantis models have shifted focus to Chinese brands like Geely and Chery, with salespeople saying that the Chinese products bring more money amid few alternatives in the country.

Beijing's deepening economic bond with Moscow is an expression of the "no-limit" partnership the countries have touted as the war in Ukraine drags on, but also point to how the US-led alliance's sanctions may be losing their bite over time.

Reuters said Russia-China trade has surged 64% to $240 billion since the Kremlin's military action in Ukraine.

The support of the world's second-largest economy has been a source of vital support to Vladimir Putin as he pursues another six-year term in this month's presidential election.

Story continues

Still, experts warn of underlying risks in Russia's economic reliance on China, as China may have much to lose if sanctions extend to domestic companies.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov minimized the concerns, affirming that the two nations have pursued the objective of enhancing trade and economic ties beyond $200 billion even prior to the war.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Key Insights

Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Nova Wellness Group Berhad fair value estimate is RM0.83

Current share price of RM0.55 suggests Nova Wellness Group Berhad is potentially 34% undervalued

The RM0.66 analyst price target for NOVA is 20% less than our estimate of fair value

How far off is Nova Wellness Group Berhad (KLSE:NOVA) from its intrinsic value? Using the most recent financial data, we'll take a look at whether the stock is fairly priced by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. We will take advantage of the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model for this purpose. Models like these may appear beyond the comprehension of a lay person, but they're fairly easy to follow.

Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model.

See our latest analysis for Nova Wellness Group Berhad

Crunching The Numbers

We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Seeing as no analyst estimates of free cash flow are available to us, we have extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the company's last 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, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value:

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10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (MYR, Millions) RM7.39m RM10.3m RM13.2m RM16.0m RM18.6m RM20.8m RM22.8m RM24.6m RM26.2m RM27.6m Growth Rate Estimate Source Est @ 54.66% Est @ 39.32% Est @ 28.59% Est @ 21.07% Est @ 15.81% Est @ 12.13% Est @ 9.55% Est @ 7.75% Est @ 6.49% Est @ 5.60% Present Value (MYR, Millions) Discounted @ 10% RM6.7 RM8.5 RM9.9 RM10.8 RM11.4 RM11.6 RM11.5 RM11.3 RM10.9 RM10.4

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = RM103m

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 (3.5%) 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 10%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033  (1 + g)  (r  g) = RM28m (1 + 3.5%)  (10% 3.5%) = RM427m

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM427m ( 1 + 10%)10= RM161m

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 RM264m. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of RM0.5, the company appears quite undervalued at a 34% discount to where the stock price trades currently. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent.

dcf

The Assumptions

We would point out that 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 Nova Wellness Group Berhad as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 10%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.054. 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 Nova Wellness Group Berhad

Strength

Currently debt free.

Dividend is in the top 25% of dividend payers in the market.

Weakness

Earnings declined over the past year.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Malaysian market.

Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%.

Threat

Dividends are not covered by cash flow.

Revenue is forecast to grow slower than 20% per year.

Next Steps:

Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. 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. Why is the intrinsic value higher than the current share price? For Nova Wellness Group Berhad, we've compiled three essential factors you should assess:

Risks: Take risks, for example - Nova Wellness Group Berhad has 2 warning signs we think you should be aware of. Future Earnings: How does NOVA'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 High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Malaysian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
(Bloomberg) -- Nvidia Corp.s annual artificial intelligence conference is just days away and expectations are high for the semiconductor maker to deliver news that will sustain the blistering rally in its stock.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Nvidia GTC, the companys graphics processing unit technology event, has quickly become a global AI conference for developers. It runs from March 18-21 in San Jose, California, with Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang due to speak on the opening day. His comments may help Nvidia stock end a bout of volatility and resume its surge of more than 80% this year.

Its a huge catalyst because theyll probably give more information, not only on industry penetration, said Ted Mortonson, technology desk sector strategist at Robert W. Baird & Co. He compared the gathering to Apple Inc.s yearly product launch.

Huang typically kicks off the event with an introduction of new products and an outline of his latest vision for where technology is headed. Hell be under pressure to show off innovations that can replicate the wild success of the H100 chips for data centers and cement Nvidias leading position in this lucrative market.

This years appearance carries more weight after Nvidias 2024 gains alone added $1 trillion in market value for the company, catapulting it into a position as the top-performing stock in the S&P 500 Index. Its been a bumpy ride for investors since the March 7 record close: on Tuesday, the shares snapped the worst two-day drop in five months, only to slide again on Wednesday. In early trading Thursday, shares were down more than 1%.

Some of that volatility is likely due to traders positioning ahead of next weeks event. Options data show that investors are paying an increasing premium for calls to profit from a rise in prices as the meeting approaches, especially for short-term contracts.

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Its kind of like the Apple product introductions  everybody tries to get in front of it, said Mortonson. The million-dollar question is if you get selling on the news after Jensens keynote presentation.

The event is so important to the shares that Bank of America analysts led by Vivek Arya have dubbed it the AI Woodstock. They have raised their Nvidia price target to $1,100 from $925 ahead of the conference.

Even after almost quadrupling in the past 12 months, Nvidias valuation suggests that theres still room for further gains, according to BofA. The stock now trades at a lower multiple than when ChatGPT was launched in November 2022, Arya wrote.

And Wall Street is overwhelmingly bullish on Nvidia heading into the event. The company has 60 buy ratings, seven holds and zero sells among analysts tracked by Bloomberg.

I feel very comfortable and confident where the level of demand is and upside to pretty much every estimate Ive seen out there, probably including our own for the next 12 to 18 months, TD Cowen analyst Matthew Ramsay said in an interview. He has an outperform rating and $900 price target on Nvidia.

While expectations are positive leading into the San Jose event, analysts and investors alike are aware that Nvidia stock is trading near technically overbought levels that could spark another pullback. Because of its size  it rocketed into the ranks of the three largest S&P 500 stocks this year  sharp moves in any direction could swing the entire market.

Nvidia is a name thats being held to very high expectations and so they have the pressure to continue to perform, said Chris Carey, a portfolio manager at Carnegie Investment Council. If they dont, its going to be a surprise in the short term, and then an opportunity as well.

Mixed in with concerns that hype around Nvidias leadership in AI is baked into the stock, theres also the possibility for more positive momentum, depending on what comes out of an event that has historically given shares a boost.

Theres so much speculation and so much over-exuberance on this name that it doesnt really trade on valuation anymore, said Mortonson. Its believe in the dream, so to speak, and the dream is happening.

Top Tech Stories

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ByteDance Ltd.s human resources chief has taken the helm of the companys sharply reduced gaming division and will refocus the business on more personal content, avoiding a head-on clash with Tencent Holdings Ltd.

SoftBank Group Corp. is exploring a potential investment in Mistral AI, the French company emerging as Europes hottest artificial intelligence startup, people with knowledge of the matter said.

Reddit Inc. is telling potential investors in its initial public offering that it expects revenue in 2024 to grow by more than 20% versus the previous year, according to a person familiar with the situation.

The fate of an app used by 170 million Americans is now in the hands of 100 senators. Even before the House passed a measure, 352 to 65, on Wednesday to ban TikTok unless its Chinese owner divests it, the short-video app had turned its lobbying efforts to the Senate, where many a previous legislative juggernaut has gone to die.

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(Updates stock moves at market open)

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Noah Berger/Getty Images

Nvidia stock doesn't look expensive even at a $2 trillion valuation, according to Bank of America.

The bank increased its Nvidia price target to $1,100 ahead of its "AI Woodstock" event, implying 24% upside.

BofA said Nvidia is trading at a lower forward P/E ratio than it was in November 2022.

Even at a $2.2 trillion valuation, Nvidia stock still isn't expensive, Bank of America said in a note on Wednesday.

The bank reiterated its "Buy" rating and increased its price target to $1,100 from $925, representing potential upside of 24% from current levels.

"Despite YTD outperformance, NVDA valuation and ownership attractive compared to semis/infotech peers," Bank of America analyst Vivek Arya said.

Shares of Nvidia have surged 80% year-to-date and are up 287% over the past year as demand for its AI-enabling graphic cards remains insatiable.

But amid the stunning success of Nvidia's underlying business, the company's stock is still trading at valuations lower than when ChatGPT was first launched in 2022.

"NVDA trading lower today at 37x NTM PE vs. 44x PE when ChatGPT was launched in November 2022," Arya said, adding that the stock is trading well within its historical forward price-to-earnings range of 26x to 69x.

Meanwhile, while most investors own Nvidia stock, they're still underweight the stock relative to its weight in the S&P 500.

"Valuation, ownership levels still suggest room for upside," Arya said. "Our recent ownership analysis suggests that while NVDA is broadly owned (67% of funds in our survey), relative weighting (NVDA ownership concentration vs. concentration in SPX) is below large cap infotech peers (1.01x vs. 1.13x peers) despite nearly 9x faster growth potential," Arya said.

Further upside in Nvidia stock could be sparked by its "AI Woodstock" event on March 18, when it hosts its GPU Tech Conference and is set to unveil the successor to its wildly popular H100 chip.

"We expect GTC to showcase: 1) Rising impact of genAI, omniverse/digital twins across a wide range of end-markets, 2) Opportunity to re-architect nearly $1-$2Tn of global computing infrastructure with accelerators, resulting in a $250-$500bn annual market (vs $250bn prior) over the next 3-5 years, 3) Pipeline update across accelerators (B100, N100), Ethernet switches, DPU, and edge AI," Arya said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Santiago Ochoa's reporting for the Yakima Herald-Republic is possible with support from Report for America and community members through the Yakima Valley Community Fund. For information on republishing, email news@yakimaherald.com.
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Jasper Kenzo Sundeen's reporting for the Yakima Herald-Republic is possible with support from Report for America and community members through the Yakima Valley Community Fund. For information on republishing, email news@yakimaherald.com.
As the national debate over Black history continues, one aspect of the legacy of race in America is undergoing something of a rebirth: Black cemeteries that were established in the era of segregation
TORONTO, March 14, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In honour of International Womens Day on March 8, the Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO) hosted an impactful networking event and pitch competition to celebrate the achievements of women in the health science sector. The event, supported by EY Canada, Cozen OConnor and Stem Cell Network, featured video remarks by the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), remarks by the Honourable Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Womens Social and Economic Opportunity, and a fireside chat with Sophie Park, Managing Director of Bayer G4A Investments & Partnerships, and showcased 11 women-led companies from the OBIO Women in Health Initiative (WiHI) Seed Program.

Launched in July 2022 with Government of Canadas support through FedDev Ontario, the OBIO WiHI aims to bridge the gender disparity in the health science industry, particularly in senior management roles and leadership positions. The program offers comprehensive training, support and networking opportunities, empowering women with the skills and knowledge required to excel in leadership positions. The OBIO WiHI has supported more than 325 women in the health science industry through a combination of experiential learning and financial support.

The WiHI Seed Program addresses the significant barriers that women-led health science companies face in accessing financing. The inaugural program cohort, A.I. VALI, Atorvia Health Technologies, Cove Neurosciences, HDAX Therapeutics, ImaginAble Solutions, mDETECT, MoxyPatch, Noa Therapeutics, Paradox Immunotherapeutics, Tenomix, and Vessl Prosthetics, benefited from six months of advisory support, access to expert networks, essential industry resources and trainings, and non-dilutive funding of up to $20,000.

To mark International Womens Day, the cohort presented their business opportunities in a pitch competition, culminating with the announcement of HDAX Therapeutics, Paradox Immunotherapeutics and Tenomix Inc. receiving investments of $100,000 each from the OBIO WiHI. The audience also voted ImaginAble Solutions the recipient of a $15,000 non-dilutive Audience Choice Award.

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WiHI Seed cohort companies also made several announcements during the March 8 event, including the successful closing of their first financing rounds for Noa Therapeutics and Tenomix. The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) through its Life Sciences Innovation Fund (LSIF), FACIT and Phoenix Fire (part of the Archangel Network of Funds) all invested in Tenomix. OCI LSIF and Phoenix Fire invested in Noa Therapeutics. Representatives from OCI, FACIT and Phoenix Fire were in attendance to celebrate these announcements.

"I am profoundly grateful for the support and recognition from OBIO, right from our inception. Their backing through various programs and the recent investment via the WiHI Seed Program underscores their commitment to empowering women-led initiatives in health. This support has been instrumental in our journey to revolutionize pathology workflows and make a meaningful impact on cancer care," said Eveline Pasman, Co-Founder & COO of Tenomix, an emerging company developing innovative technologies that streamline pathology workflows, drive down healthcare costs, and enhance patient care by improving treatment decisions.

"The combination of financial and wraparound supports delivered through the WiHI Seed Program enables women entrepreneurs to achieve critical milestones in their businesses," said Dr. Maura Campbell, President & CEO of OBIO. "We are pleased to support these women-led companies alongside our ecosystem partners at OCI, FACIT, and The Firehood. Access to early-stage capital is a critical barrier for women entrepreneurs, especially in the life sciences sector. These contributions are key to creating a more inclusive industry in Ontario."

"Supporting organizations, like OBIO, that increase the participation of women in our health sector is vital for our healthcare system," said the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. "The Government of Canada is pleased to continue to support OBIO as they drive positive change for the future of women through the Women in Health Initiative (WiHI) Seed Program and in the life sciences sector across Canada and the world."

Earlier this month, OBIO and FACIT announced a new partnership to address the barriers faced by women-identifying entrepreneurs in the health science sector. Building on both organizations commitments to support women-led companies and advancement of made-in-Ontario intellectual property, the new partnership will advance Ontarios women-led companies towards commercialization.

"OBIO's dedication to championing women in the health sciences sector, demonstrated through the Women in Health Initiative (WiHI) Seed Program, aligns with our shared goal of creating a more inclusive and equitable industry," said Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO, Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI). "By collaborating with partners such as OBIO, FACIT and The Firehood, we can help women entrepreneurs reach key milestones in their ventures, increasing our impact significantly and making strides toward a future where entrepreneurship is accessible and inclusive for everyone."

About OBIO

Founded in 2009, OBIO is a not-for-profit membership-based innovation organization engaged in strategy, programming, policy development and advocacy to further the commercialization of human health technologies that position Canada as a leader in the international marketplace. OBIO advances this goal through collaborative partnerships with industry, the investment community, academia, the health care system and government. For more information, please visit www.obio.ca and follow OBIO on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).

About FedDev Ontario

For 14 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canadas most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontarios Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314233734/en/

Contacts

Media:

Doriane Rey

Manager, Marketing and Events

OBIO

dorianerey@obio.ca

Edward Hutchinson

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca
By MEGAN HUGHES

[email protected]

IRONWOOD  The Gogebic-Iron County Airport voted Monday at its regular monthly meeting to replace the airports water pump, which failed earlier in the day, leaving the airport without access to water in the main buildings.

Airport manage Jeremy Busch said that with the lack of access to water, the bathrooms were unusable, and in the meantime the airport called in for portable toilets to be brought to the site until repairs could be made.

The capacitor went bad, said Busch. His suggestion was to replace it.

Busch said he was waiting f...
By P.J. GLISSON

[email protected]

BESSEMER  Members of the Bessemer City Council considered options in security at their Monday meeting.

Although no formal action was taken, Mayor Peter Tacconelli said he will talk to Department of Public Works Lead Ben Tucker, as well as former DPW lead Neal Nelson, regarding whether city employees can install security cameras in the Bessemer City Hall.

I do believe our DPW can handle that installation, said Tacconelli. I really dont feel we need a technician to install those cameras.

Tacconellis statements followed a report by City Manager Chris...
(Bloomberg) -- Oil rose to its highest closing price in 2024 as the International Energy Agency warned of a supply deficit throughout the year.

Most Read from Bloomberg

West Texas Intermediate settled above $81 a barrel, the highest since November and topping the key psychological level of $80, which has acted as a barrier for the past few months. The IEA reversed an earlier forecast for a surplus and now expects a shortfall if OPEC+ continues output cuts in the second half of the year.

Crude has risen about 13% this year while remaining in a tight trading band for the last three months. While production cuts from OPEC+ have shown signs of tightening supplies in the short term, output from outside the cartel has risen and traders are still concerned about demand in China.

Despite the recent leg higher, traders are expressing caution about fully buying into the rally as quick jumps have often led to selloffs in recent months.

Meanwhile in the US, crude inventories dropped for the first time in seven weeks, including a decline at the hub in Cushing, Oklahoma. The drawdown pushed WTIs prompt spread to strengthen to 57 cents in backwardation, the highest in a week.

To get Bloombergs Energy Daily newsletter into your inbox, click here.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
By P.J. GLISSON

[email protected]

BESSEMER  Members of the Bessemer Parks and Recreation Commission voted last week to add several additional components to a pending new five-year recreation plan and a related capital improvements plan.

Commissioners voted, specifically, to add the expense of a splash pad and ADA playground equipment to the improvement plans cost.

They also voted to add the splash pad to the recreation plan and to track down which goals in the previous five-year plan already had been accomplished so that those items can be removed from the updated plan.

City M...
By P.J. GLISSON

[email protected]

BESSEMER  Members of the Gogebic County Board of Commissioners Economic Development and Capital Improvements Committee learned last week that the county fairgrounds are positioned for progress on various counts.

They also voted to authorize the countys insurer  the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority  to negotiate with U.P. Engineers and Architects in Houghton on costs relating to continuing plans to replace the 4-H horse barn and the hay barn.

MMRMA said today they would like to negotiate for us with U.P. Engineering so we do not pay more...
By P.J. GLISSON

[email protected]

HURLEY - Members of the Hurley City Council learned Tuesday evening that the city's $2.3 million utility construction project is set to start as soon as weather permits.

Jeff Seamandel, a project manager in the Rhinelander office of MSA Professional Services, said he has scheduled an April 3 pre-construction meeting.

He predicted that a May start date for construction led by Jake's Excavating and Landscaping will be set at that meeting.

The session is expected to include representatives of the city, utility companies, contractors, and the state depar...
IRONWOOD, Mich. - Shawn L. Heckathorn, 57, of Ironwood, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 8, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Shawn is survived by his wife, Coleen; children, David (Vanessa), Christina, Alycia (Aaron), Brittany (Ian) and Brian (Clare); grandchildren, Tyler, Spencer, Paige, Alejandro, Jackson, Aaliyah and Camden; brothers, Michael (Tammy) and Jesse (Brenda); many nieces and nephews; and mother-in-law, Betty.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Shirley.

Shawn was born in Logansport, Indiana. He joined the U.S. Navy after graduating from high school in Ridgecrest, California. While serving in the Navy, he spent time stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, where he met his wife, Coleen. After several years proudly serving his country, he and his family settled in Ironwood. He spent the last nearly 20 years working diligently for Charter Communications in various capacities.

Shawn's greatest joys in life were spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He loved taking road trips to visit family and was always ready to help his family with various location changes - even some trips bringing him across the country. Shawn loved to make his special pancakes on Sunday mornings before church, followed by watching the Green Bay Packers and eating his favorite chili cheese dogs. He especially loved camping, making sure everyone had their favorite snacks and playing games while sitting around the fire. All his family and friends knew there was never a shortage of "Dad jokes," or theme-filled songs about his beloved pets.

Shawn's presence will be missed greatly by those around him.

A celebration of Shawn's life will be held on Saturday, March 16, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at the Lighthouse Faith Center, 301 E. Aurora St., in Ironwood, with the Rev. Thomas Rouse officiating.

Following the service, full military rites will be accorded by the Ironwood American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard, assisted by the U.S. Navy Funeral Honors Team.

A luncheon will be served at the church fellowship hall following the military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516, a charity focused on helping veterans which Shawn passionately supported.

The Heckathorn family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Aspirus Ironwood oncology team and the Home Health and Hospice team who provided compassionate care for Shawn.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.
Asian food startup Omsom is setting its sights on the growing ethnic packaged food market.

Similar to how Cava (CAVA) and Chipotle (CMG) popularized Mediterranean and Mexican food on their way to becoming multibillion-dollar enterprises, Omsom aims to win America over with its Asian cooking sauces and packaged spicy noodles.

"The white space we found was that Asian American stories and flavors are taking America by storm," Omsom co-founder and CEO Vanessa Pham told Yahoo Finance for the season two premiere of Lead This Way. "But when you walk into the mainstream grocery store, and you look at the shelf, it is not ... up to par with what you're seeing in restaurants and even in movie theaters."

Pham and her sister Kim Pham originally came up with the idea while hiking in Bolivia in 2018. The duo juggled building the idea on nights and weekends while continuing their careers in finance.

"As a daughter of Vietnamese refugees, I think I was on a safe path. I just wanted to do right by my parents' sacrifices and refugee journey," Pham said. She was leaning into the idea of "de-risking" but felt like she wasn't honoring her potential.

By 2019, the two sisters quit their jobs to work full-time on Omsom, bootstrapping the business for the first year.

"I was 24, Kim was 26, ... we really did not have anything to work with as far as funds. We put everything we had into the business," Pham said.

To supercharge their vision of a "proud and loud" Asian food brand, the Phams applied to the Mars SEEDS of CHANGE Accelerator and were the only pre-launch business to be a part of the program. They received a $50,000 equity-free grant to start, and the process helped connect them with others who were eager to support the brand.

Their current investors include Jen Rubio, founder of luggage company Away; Shan-Lyn Ma, founder of wedding platform Zola; Jared Smith, founder of RXBar; and VC founder Elly Truesdell of New Fare Partners.

Story continues

As of March 2024, the pair, who first launched their products during the start of the pandemic in May 2020, have sold more than 4 million products in over 2,000 stores. Their products can be found in the aisles of Whole Foods (AMZN), Target (TGT), and Sprouts (SFM).

According to Prophecy Marketing Insights, the ethnic food market is currently valued at $50.7 billion and is expected to increase at an annual growth rate of 5.80% to reach $84.7 billion by 2034.

Social media may have played a key role in the category's rise, Truesdell told Yahoo Finance over the phone.

"Younger consumers are much more informed through social media; through digital channels [they] have been able to educate themselves and be more exposed to international foods," she said, adding: "There's a lot of appetite, no pun intended, for global flavors across younger generations."

The total ethnic grocery store market, which includes items beyond food like alcohol, floral, general merchandise, health, and beauty, grew 1.4% from a year ago to $114.69 billion, with the Asian market jumping 3.2% year over year, per NIQ data.

The Asian food market, in particular, has even greater potential, according to Truesdell.

"There's still a little bit of intimidation factor around making all of these foods from scratch for yourself at home," Truesdell said, drawing consumers to ready-to-eat packaged goods made by companies like Omsom.

Kim Pham, left, and Vanessa Pham, right, are the sisters and co-founders of Omsom. (Yahoo Finance).

Others are joining the fray, such as Hong Kong-based DayDayCook (DDC), which went public on the New York Stock Exchange last November. In the US, the company is offering a Singaporean line of noodle kits and soup and a Korean line of curries, marinades, and stir-fry sauces.

CEO Norma Chu told Yahoo Finance its "north star vision is to become the General Mills for Asian food."

The post-COVID impact of more Americans cooking at home, the rising cost of dining out, and a more health-conscious consumer are all providing a "huge opportunity going forward," according to Chu.

"The demand is higher, much higher now, especially since the pandemic," Chu said. "Convenience, eating healthier, ... and eating delicious meals is going to be a must. Consumers are looking for basically products that can fit or check all these three boxes."

Freedom Finance Global PLC equity analyst Georgy Vashchenko told Yahoo Finance that the US ethnic food market is expected to grow by a single digit on an annual basis. The Asian market is expected to expand even faster, "driven by factors such as rising disposable incomes, changing consumer preferences towards convenience, and increasing urbanization."

And there's "a lot of space for small players" thanks to improvements in the US supply chain, allowing more customers access to the food at local and chain grocers, said Vashchenko.

Big players have been tapping into consumers' changing palettes as well.

McCormick & Co (MKC) named Tamarind, a sweet and tangy flavor often used in African, Indian, and Middle Eastern cooking, as its 2024 flavor of the year. In the year prior, the team named its Vietnamese Cajun Style Seasoning the flavor of the year.

General Mills (GIS) has dumplings and wonton brand Wanchai Ferry, which it gained in its acquisition of Pillsbury back in 2001.

A Kraft Heinz (KHC) spokesperson told Yahoo Finance that "new and diverse flavors" are "one of the fastest growing and most attractive spaces within our portfolio."

Per Kraft Heinz's Foresights & Trends Exploratory Research report from 2023, half of Gen Zs favorite foods are ethnic, and 54% of consumers say they often buy global food or drinks. Last year, Kraft Heinz launched six limited-time Heinz sauces to restaurants, including flavors like Harissa Aioli, Creamy Chimichurri, and Yuzu Wasabi, some of which will hit grocery store shelves in 2024.

Lead This Way

Brooke DiPalma is a senior reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter at @BrookeDiPalma or email her at bdipalma@yahoofinance.com.

Click here for all of the latest retail stock news and events to better inform your investing strategy
Today

A widely scattered shower or thunderstorm is possible this evening. Then cloudy skies overnight. Low 53F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.

Tonight

A widely scattered shower or thunderstorm is possible this evening. Then cloudy skies overnight. Low 53F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.

Tomorrow

Intervals of clouds and sunshine. High 71F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Stiri pe aceeasi tema

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- Presedintele Frantei, Emmanuel Macron, sustine ca Europa nu va mai fi in siguranta daca Rusia castiga in Ucraina. In interviurile acordate pentru TF1 si France 2, lideruk de la Paris a vorbit despre ajutorarea ucrainenilor, trimiterea de trupe in Ucraina si amenintarile nucleare ale Rusiei.Macron

- The Republic of Moldova and France will sign defence and economic cooperation accords during a visit by Moldovan President Maia Sandu to Paris on Thursday, the French presidency said in a statement, according to Reuters. Western powers are seeking to increase support for Republic of Moldova amid what

- The organisation of the European People's Party Congress in Bucharest is a sign of recognition of the importance of the National Liberal Party (PNL) within the European People's Party family and the relevance of Romania, Liberal leader Nicolae Ciuca told a joint press conference with EPP Chairman Manfred

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- Ar fi premiera premierelor in razboiul din Ucraina! Mai multi membri ai NATO si Uniunii Europene iau in considerare trimiterea de soldati in Ucraina pe o baza bilaterala, a declarat luni prim-ministrul slovac Robert Fico, conform Reuters. Fico, care se opune de mult timp livrarilor militare catre Ucraina

- French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said he would convene a meeting of pro-nuclear EU countries on 4 March to discuss the launch of an Important Project of Common Interest (IPCEI) in the field of nuclear power, according to Euractiv. Le Maire made the announcement on Wednesday on the sidelines

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Suletea leaga victoriile in Liga 4

IN FORMA Vitis Suletea a legat doua victorii la rand! La numai cateva zile dupa ce a invins-o pe CSO Negresti, scor 2-1, trupa pregatita de Gigel Ghenghea a cules trei puncte si din confruntarea cu Flacara Muntenii de Sus, 2-1 (2-0). Dupa patru etape in care au obtinut un singur punct, au venit, iata, [] Articolul Suletea [citeste mai departe]
By Stephen Nellis

(Reuters) - Oracle on Thursday said it is adding generative artificial intelligence features across its corporate software lineup, intensifying competition with Microsoft and other technology firms to sell the technology to businesses customers.

Oracle's cloud-based software offerings are central to many businesses in running their finances, supply chains and human resources departments, and the Austin, Texas-based company said that the new features are designed to save time for those people by generating reports, summarizing complicated data or drafting job descriptions, among other tasks.

For Oracle, a late comer to the cloud computing market, the features are a core part of its efforts to catch up to corporate software rivals such as Microsoft, which is also trying to woo business with its "Copilot" AI features. Oracle has spent billions of dollars on Nvidia chips and partnered with Cohere, an AI start founded by ex-Google employees.

Unlike consumer apps such as ChatGPT where users simply type requests directly to a chatbot, Oracle has identified about 50 different features where the AI system has been tuned to handle specific tasks, such as writing up a product description in a catalog based off data in a company inventory system, or summarizing a long chain of back-and-forth price negotiations with a supplier. In all cases, a human employee reviews the AI-generated information before it becomes final.

Steve Miranda, executive vice president of applications development at Oracle, said the approach was meant to avoid some of the pitfalls of current AI technology, such as the tendency to make up inaccurate information, while still providing productivity improvements.

"We think we've got a broad set of use cases that we think we brought to market quickly. That's going to give us some great feedback, but it's very much in a controlled fashion to avoid some of the issues," Miranda said.

Miranda said that Oracle does not plan to charge extra for the new features. (This story has been refiled to add a dropped word in the quote in paragraph 6)

(Reporting by Stephen Nellis in San Francisco; Editing by Michael Perry)
The fresh newsletter for the International Community in Hungary - described by readers as a "Great read each week" - is now available for your interest and use via the link below.

You can see the new edition of the Xpat E-Magazine here:

https://xpatloop.com/newsletters/2024/14-march.html



1. First up is an invitation for you to the third UK Education Event in Budapest:

Exceptional educational opportunities, complimentary drinks, food & networking.

To confirm your attendance please click here to register asap!

Limited places available, reserved on first come first served basis.



2. You can see example events happening these days below and in Xpat Calendar:

E.g. Cirque Dance: Solus Amor, Three Rarely Heard Classical Compositions, Folk Dance.



3. Also for your interest there are new Movies & Specials, + News, Information & Inspiration:

E.g. 15 March National Holiday Events, Xplore Pesti Vigado, Annual Spring Festival Features 40 Events.



Now we hope you like what's in it for you below.

Yours with best wishes, Team XpatLoop



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Hungarys public media is set to mark International Jazz Day on April 30 with the launch of Szakcsi Radio, a new online jazz radio station.

The non-stop radio station will launch a test broadcast on March 15.



Embracing and presenting Hungarian jazz on a wider scale is a true public-service function, Anita Altorjai, the head of public media service provider Duna Mediaszolgaltato, told a press conference at the Budapest Music Centre.



Daniel Papp, the head of Hungarys Media Service Support and Asset Management Fund (MTVA), said it didnt take long to decide that the radio station should be named after pianist and composer Bela Szakcsi Lakatos, one of the finest figures in the history of Hungarian jazz, who died in 2022.



Radio station available here



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BRADSHAW  Boyd Stuhr, 89, a fourth-generation agricultural producer, who farmed near Bradshaw, is being remembered as a strong advocate for agriculture at the county, state and national levels due to his many volunteer efforts and leadership activities.

Stuhr passed away on Tuesday, March 12. According to his obituary, information from the University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and previous News-Times reporting:

Boyd graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Agriculture in 1956 and was inducted into the agricultural honoraries of Alpha Zeta and Gamma Sigma Delta. He was a charter member of the Alpha Gamma Sigma fraternity and was elected as AGS National Executive Secretary for 4 years. He served on active duty as a Navy Aviator from 1956 to 1960 and for a total of 11 years in the Naval Air Reserves.

Boyd was instrumental in the formation of the Nebraska Association of County Extension Boards. He was elected to the York County Extension Board for two three-year terms and served as its chairman of the board. He saw the need for a state organization of extension boards and served on the steering committee, where he initiated the formation of the state association and in planning the first state convention. He was elected to the first board of directors and later served as chairman of the board. Boyd also served on the Nebraska Extension Advisory Committee for four years and represented Polk, Seward and York Counties Extension Program Unit on NACEB in the early 1990s.

Boyd served on the Nebraska Foundation for 4-H Development for eight years and in 1983, he served as president of the Executive Council.

Through the years, Boyd was active in promoting and speaking out for agriculture and the corn industry in Nebraska. He was an active member of the local, state and national Corn Growers Association. For 10 years he served on the Nebraska Corn Growers Board of Directors and also served as state treasurer.

He chaired several committees including government relations in which he testified before the Nebraska Legislature and lobbied in Congress numerous times on behalf of Nebraska corn farmers. He was instrumental in ethanol promotion and worked diligently in bringing the ethanol industry to York County.

Boyd was elected as a director of the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District and served from 1974 to 1977. He was a director and member of the York County Feeders Association for many years and also served on the Research and Nutrition Committee of the Nebraska Livestock Feeders Association. He was a community committeeman of the York County ASCS for 16 years and worked as a field assistant for 10 of those years. He was elected and served as a county committeeman for six years.

Boyd served on the Bradshaw Board of Education for 25 years. He served on the Board of Directors of the Nebraska Association of School Boards for 12 years and was the only two term president (1982 and 1983) of NASB. He was elected as a board member of Education Service Unit Number Six and served 15 years representing agricultural concerns.

Boyd and his wife Elaine received the Nebraska Cooperative Extension Meritorious Public Service Award and were selected as the Nebraska Honor Farm Family by The Lincoln Journal Star in 1978. They were inducted into the York County Ag Hall of Fame and in 2022, their family was recognized with the Nebraska Pioneer Farm Award at the York County Fair as the Stuhr family maintained continuous ownership of 240 acres acquired by Henry Stuhr in 1922. The Stuhrs are members of Farm Bureau and of Zion Hampton Lutheran Church.

Funeral services for Mr. Stuhr will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church in Hampton with the Reverends David Feddern and Brandon Metcalf officiating. Services will be livestreamed at www.zionhampton.com.

Interment will follow in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Hampton, with Military Rites. Visitation will be held from 1-8 p.m. on Sunday, March 17 and from 9 a.m.  3 p.m. on Monday March 18, all at Metz Mortuary in York. Additionally, visitation will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Hampton on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m., where family will be present to greet friends. In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church for later designation by the family. Online condolences may be directed to the family at metzmortuary.com.
Everyone hears about the controversial fights in Washington, but they dont always know the untold stories of true legislating. Practical answers to real problems dont make headlines, but those solutions make a difference in Americans lives. Last week, we made strides toward passing such a bill that would right a wrong done to thousands of Americans and Nebraskans: our railroaders.

On Wednesday, the Senate Budget Committee held a markup to consider my bipartisan Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness (REEF) Act, and I was invited to introduce my bill to the committee. The Budget Committee rarely considers any bill other than the budget  so it was a unique and important opportunity to advocate for railroaders. The committee unanimously approved the REEF Act, another rare victory, and the bill is now ready for a full Senate vote.

Once passed, the REEF Act will end cuts to railroad workers unemployment and sickness benefits. A law passed years ago mandates that the Railroad Retirement Board cut its Unemployment Insurance Account each year and use that money to offset the federal budget deficit. These cuts, 5.7 percent annually, are set to continue through 2031. That means the government will cut railroad employees benefits repeatedly over the next seven years.

Theres a glaring problem with these cuts. The Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, which funds unemployment and sickness benefits for railroaders, is the only federal benefits program entirely funded by one industry: the railroad industry. Theres not one general taxpayer dollar in the fund. The government is essentially stealing money from railroad workers to offset federal debt. Its a classic case of Washington meddling that punishes working people.

Ive heard from many railroad workers over the years. They all agree that these cuts are demoralizing, are unfair, and make them want to leave the industry.

Thats a major problem. Railroaders keep our trains moving, whether to transport passengers or freight. In 2021, Nebraska freight rail alone employed 8,436 railroad workers. The same year, freight rail transported 34.5 million tons of products from Nebraska to other parts of the country. That included 19.1 million tons of farm products and 7.2 billion tons of food products. Nationally, corn is the highest-volume grain carried by railroads  and as one of Nebraskas top exports, transporting corn is vital to our agriculture industry and our economy. If railroad workers suffer, railroads suffer. If workers and railroads suffer, Nebraska suffers.

Railroad employees deserve the benefits theyve earned by committing their careers to the railroad, in many cases for years or decades. Theyve paid into the Unemployment Insurance Account throughout their careers to contribute to their retirement and other benefits. Its a question of fairness: that money should be used for its intended purpose rather than by the federal government.

The REEF Act will right the wrong of unfair cuts, ensuring that the people who keep our trains moving receive the benefits theyve earned. This is a common-sense bipartisan legislative change, and I applaud my colleagues on the Budget Committee for unanimously approving my bill. I look forward to passing it in the full Senate soon.

Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.
New Delhi: Once again, the underdog prevails! Last night at the Critics Choice Awards, the standout film of the year clinched the coveted 'Best Film Award'. During the presentation of the Best Feature Film accolade, esteemed actor Anil Kapoor showered praise on his close friend and acclaimed director-writer, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, declaring, "Thats the kind of madness he possesses. Thirty-nine years ago, and he still retains it. I'm certain, absolutely certain, that it will only grow in the years to come. It's a privilege and an honor to dub David Lean as Vidhu Vinod Chopra for the exceptional film '12th Fail'."

Kapoor further exclaimed, "The maverick, the eccentric, the genius - Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Sir, words can't express how elated I am to present you with this award, because you truly deserve it. My friend, I adore you. We've been friends for four decades now, and you haven't changed a bit. You still look as youthful as ever!"

A humble Vidhu Vinod Chopra reciprocated, emphasizing, "For better cinema in our country, alongside talented writers, we need to offer greater acknowledgment to exceptional films." Followed by a standing ovation for the fantastic as he received the award with the entire cast on the stage dedicating it to each one of them there.

Actor Vikrant Massey has won the Best Actor award for his performance in '12th Fail' at the 6th edition of Critics' Choice Awards 2024. He expressed his gratitude towards the makers of the film and the audience for giving him so much love and appreciation.

Vikrant expressed his heartfelt gratitude after receiving the award and said, "This is special; thank you to the critics for considering me. I have the real Manoj Sharma and Shraddha Joshi Ji joining me today, and without them, this wouldn't have been possible. One person I want to thank is our director and writer of the film, Vidhu Vinod Chopra Ji. Thank you for being my home and mentor in this labyrinth called Bollywood. And lastly, thank you to the audience. It's still in theatres because of your love. I feel so blessed. Thanks to each and every critic."
New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reaffirmed the Indian governments commitment to providing citizenship to persecuted refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. He emphasized that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is a pathway for these individuals to gain equal rights as citizens of India. In a recent interview with news agency ANI, Shah encouraged refugees to place their trust in the Narendra Modi-led government, stating that citizenship would be granted with retrospective effect. He addressed concerns about the number of applicants, acknowledging that misinformation campaigns might deter some from applying but assured that the government is prepared to welcome all eligible individuals.

The Home Minister clarified that the CAA is designed to offer citizenship to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs, Christians, and Parsis facing persecution in their home countries. He reassured that the act does not contain provisions to revoke anyones citizenship and is solely focused on granting rights.

Responding to questions about the potential impact on existing citizens, Shah confirmed that new citizens under the CAA would be integrated into the national registry just like any other Indian, with the ability to participate fully in the democratic process, including running for political office.

Shah also addressed the documentation concerns, noting that a majority of refugees possess the necessary paperwork, and solutions will be sought for those who do not. He reiterated that Muslims are also entitled to apply for Indian citizenship under the constitutional rules.

The Home Minister took the opportunity to dispel fears among minorities, assuring them that their rights would remain intact under the CAA. He criticized opposition figures who have labeled the act as anti-Muslim, explaining that the law must be viewed in the historical context of Indias partition, which led to the displacement and persecution of religious minorities.

Shah concluded by expressing the governments moral obligation to protect the rights of persecuted individuals and welcomed those who have sought refuge in India since the countrys independence until the end of 2014. He called for unity and understanding as the nation moves forward with the implementation of the CAA.

Shah Slams Oppositions Critique On CAA

The Home Minister has voiced strong criticism against the opposition for their scrutiny over the timing of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) rule enactment. Dismissing allegations of political maneuvering, he labeled the oppositions stance as deceitful politics. Shah while answeing question on Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal governments opposing CAA implementation said, "Article 11 of our Constitution gives all the powers to make rules regarding citizenship to the Parliament."

Shah said, "All opposition parties including Rahul Gandhi, Mamata or Kejriwal are indulging in jhooth ki rajneeti (politics of lies) so the question of timing does not arise. BJP has made it clear in its 2019 manifesto that it will bring CAA and provide Indian citizenship to refugees (from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan)."

Underscored that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had transparently declared its intention to implement the CAA in its 2019 election manifesto. He pointed out that the legislation was duly passed by both houses of Parliament and only experienced a delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He further stated that the formulation of rules is now merely procedural, emphasizing that the CAA is a nationwide law, and its implementation is not influenced by electoral considerations. The Minister urged the opposition to abandon what he perceives as vote-bank appeasement tactics, highlighting that he has consistently affirmed the inevitability of the CAAs realization over the past four years.

The notification of the CAA rules by the Union Home Ministry on March 11 came just before the announcement of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The CAAs objective is to grant Indian citizenship to oppressed non-Muslim migrants, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians, who fled to India from neighboring countries before the end of 2014.
New Delhi: Bhutan's Prime Minister, Dasho Tshering Tobgay, who arrived in the national capital on a five-day official visit to India, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. This is the first overseas visit of the Bhutanese PM who assumed office in January 2024. He was received at the airport by Union Minister of State for Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Ashwini Choubey.

#WATCH | Delhi | Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dasho Tshering Tobgay calls on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg (LKM). pic.twitter.com/Zj6QFVFNms  ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2024

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal who welcomed the Bhutan PM said that his visit is a testament to the ties of friendship between the two countries.

"Warm welcome to India! PM @tsheringtobgay of Bhutan arrives in New Delhi on his first overseas visit after assuming office in Jan 2024. Received by MoS @AshwiniKChoubeyat the airport. The visit of @PMBhutan is in keeping with the exemplary ties of friendship between India and Bhutan," Jaiswal said in a post on X.

The Bhutan PM is accompanied by the Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister, Energy and Natural Resources Minister, Industry, Commerce and Employment Minister, and senior officials from the Royal Government of Bhutan.

During his visit to India, Tobgay will call on President Droupadi Murmu and is expected to hold bilateral talks with PM Narendra Modi.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and other Indian dignitaries will also call on the Prime Minister of Bhutan.

Tobgay is also scheduled to visit Mumbai.

The visit of the Prime Minister of Bhutan will provide an opportunity for the two sides to review the progress in their unique partnership and to discuss ways and means to expand the enduring ties of friendship and cooperation between both nations.

In January, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra paid an official three-day visit to Bhutan during which he called on the Bhutan Prime Minister.

India and Bhutan enjoy exemplary ties of friendship and cooperation, based on trust, goodwill and mutual understanding at all levels.

The tradition of regular political and official exchanges is an important hallmark of the special ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bhutan on his first overseas visit after winning the election in 2014. PM Modi undertook a State visit to Bhutan in August 2019, after assuming office for the second term.

The King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck visited India from 14 - 16 September 2022 and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

In April 2023, the King of Bhutan visited Delhi and met the President of India, PM and EAM. A Joint Statement titled "A Framework for Expanded India-Bhutan Partnership" was issued, which reaffirmed the strength of the unique ties while outlining concrete areas to advance the India-Bhutan partnership.
KOLKATA: In an unpleasant development, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee sustained a ''major'' injury, her party said in a post on X. The Trinamool Congress supremo was immediately taken to the state-run SSKM hospital in Kolkata. Her party, TMC, also shared pictures of Mamata Banerjee in which her forehead can be seen bleeding.

''Our chairperson @MamataOfficial sustained a major injury. Please keep her in your prayers,'' West Bengal's ruling party posted on X.

Our chairperson @MamataOfficial sustained a major injury.

Please keep her in your prayers pic.twitter.com/gqLqWm1HwE  All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) March 14, 2024

In one of those photos, the Trinamool Congress chief can be seen lying on a hospital bed with a deep cut in the middle of her forehead and blood on her face. The 69-year-old politician slipped and hit her head on a furniture at her Kalighat residence. She suffered major injuries to her forehead after which she was immediately rushed to the state-run SSKM Hospital by her party workers.

As the news spread, Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal expressed shock and grief over Mamta Banerjee's injury and wished her a speedy recovery.

''Shocked to see this. Pray for ur speedy recovery Didi. God bless u,'' Kejriwal posted on X.

Shocked to see this. Pray for ur speedy recovery Didi. God bless u https://t.co/Cc9fn1cNMO  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) March 14, 2024

Meanwhile, West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar also reacted to the news and said, "We wish for the speedy recovery of the West Bengal Chief Minister. We pray to God that she recovers soon and returns to her normal health."

#WATCH | Balurghat: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee sustained 'a major injury', State BJP President Sukanta Majumdar says, "We wish for the speedy recovery of the chief minister..." pic.twitter.com/bTKhgt0Mqr March 14, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to X and said, "I pray for a quick recovery and the best health for Mamata Didi."

I pray for a quick recovery and the best health for Mamata Didi. @MamataOfficial March 14, 2024

Mamata Banerjee had shortly returned from an event in South Kolkata's Ballygunge and was at her home when the incident occurred. The TMC supremo was later discharged from the hospital after receiving stitches and some medical tests. She was accompanied by her nephew and TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee, other family members and state government officials on her way back home.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the commencement of two fresh corridors of Delhi Metros Phase 4. This significant event will take place at the JLN Stadium on Thursday, marking a new chapter in the capitals urban transit system. The upcoming additions to the metro network will bridge Inderlok with Indraprastha and Lajpat Nagar with Saket G Block. Spanning over 20 kilometers, these new stretches aim to enhance the citys connectivity and alleviate the perennial problem of traffic snarls.

The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, gave the green light to this project on Wednesday, setting the stage for a transformative urban infrastructure development. An investment of Rs 8,399 crore has been earmarked for these corridors, with contributions coming from the Central government (Rs 4,309 crore), the Delhi government, and various international funding bodies.

Key Details Of New Metro Corridors

The Inderlok-Indraprastha corridor, an extension of the Green Line, will intersect with six other lines, enhancing the networks versatility. Meanwhile, the Lajpat Nagar-Saket G Block corridor will link four lines, all while being an entirely elevated route.

This corridor will feature eight elevated stations, creating a seamless travel experience from Lajpat Nagar to Saket G Block, passing through key areas like Andrews Ganj and Greater Kailash-1.

Approximately 11.35 km of this corridor will run underground, complemented by 1.03 km of elevated tracks. This line will host 10 new stations, providing direct access to central and east Delhi from the Bahadurgarh region.

These corridors will introduce eight new interchange stations, significantly enhancing the connectivity within the existing metro network.

As part of its fourth phase, the Delhi Metro is constructing an additional 65 km of routes, with these corridors slated for completion in stages by March 2026.

Currently, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) operates an extensive network of 391 km with 286 stations, positioning it as one of the most rapidly expanding metro systems globally.
Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out raids at various sites in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal, linked to Sheikh Shahjahan regarding a purported land seizure case. Security searches were conducted at his residence and are currently ongoing. Shahjahan stands accused of sexual violence and land usurpation in Sandeshkhali village. Shahjahan was apprehended on February 29 by West Bengal Police from a hideout in Minakhan, North 24 Parganas district. These recent operations are in response to a new Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) linked to Shahjahan's alleged land grabbing activities.

Earlier in February, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had conducted raids at multiple locations in West Bengal related to the same land-grabbing case. Additionally, the agency had previously conducted raids in January pertaining to the Public Distribution System (PDS) scam, another case implicating Shahjahan.

A previous search operation in January encountered resistance when ED officials were attacked en route to raid Shahjahan and other Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shankar Adhya's residences. Around 200 locals, purportedly supporters of the TMC leader, obstructed the officials and armed paramilitary forces, resulting in injuries to two ED officials. This incident sparked a political feud, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) questioning the state government's handling of law and order and the TMC accusing the agency of instigating the locals.

The Ministry of Home Affairs intervened, demanding a comprehensive report from the West Bengal government regarding the attacks. Shahjahan had evaded capture until his arrest, prompting the Calcutta High Court to instruct a collaborative Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprised of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and West Bengal Police to investigate an assault on ED officials in Sandeshkhali.
Palantir CEO Alex Karp. Fabrice Coffrini/AFP

Palantir CEO Alex Karp went on a bizarre rant against short sellers on Wednesday.

The traders "just love pulling down great American companies so they can pay for their coke," he told CNBC.

The software company's shares are up 46% this year.

The CEO of Palantir slammed short sellers  who make money by betting that a listed company's stock price will fall  in a bizarre rant on Wednesday.

In an interview with CNBC's "Money Movers," Alex Karp said he took pleasure knowing that traders who'd shorted Palantir would now have less money to spend on cocaine given the software company's shares were up 46% this year.

"I love burning the short-sellers," he told the outlet. "Almost nothing makes a human happier than taking the lines of cocaine away from these short-sellers who are going short on a truly great American company  not just ours, but just love pulling down great American companies so that they can pay for their coke."

Karp added: "The best thing that would happen to them is we will lead their coke dealers to their homes after they can't pay their bills."

Palantir had one of its best trading days of the year last Wednesday. Its shares spiked 10% after announcing a deal with the US Army to develop its TITAN ground station system, which uses artificial intelligence to guide missiles. Big one-day moves like that often leave short-sellers facing significant losses.

Just over 4% of Palantir's available shares are being shorted, according to data from Refinitiv. Goldman Sachs, Barclays, and Ken Griffin's hedge fund Citadel are among the names who've bet against Karp's company, per MarketBeat.

Karp also acknowledged in his CNBC interview that some Palantir staff had left due to its vocal support for Israel.

"We've lost employees. I'm sure we'll lose employees," he said. "If you have a position that does not cost you ever to lose an employee, it's not a position."

Story continues

In January, Karp flew Palantir's board to Tel Aviv in a show of solidarity amid the ongoing war with Hamas, while the software company  founded by the right-wing billionaire Peter Thiel  has also inked a deal to provide Israel with battle tech.

Disclosure: Palantir Technologies CEO Alexander Karp is a member of Axel Springer's shareholder committee. Axel Springer owns Insider Inc, Business Insider's parent company.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Tensions escalated at the Central Jail in Punjab's Gurdaspur when two inmate factions clashed with each other on Thursday. Authorities summoned the police force to quell the unrest, but the inmates even violently attacked the officers.

Injured in the altercation were Yoda Singh, assigned to jail security, Mandeep Singh, SHO of Dhariwal, ASI Jagdeep Singh, and a police photographer.They were hospitalized for treatment.

The situation in the jail remains tense, with additional police forces called in from outside, including from Pathankot, Batala, and Amritsar. Reports indicate that the police conducted aerial firing to control the inmates.

During the fray, another officer, Havildar Baljinder Singh of Thana Kahnuwan, was also injured, raising the total injured to four.

Prisoners Hurl Stones At Jail Staff

The clash was intense, requiring significant effort from jail staff to free the prisoners. Amidst the chaos, the prisoners retaliated by hurling stones at the staff. Responding swiftly, SSP Gurdaspur Dayama Harish Kumar, DC Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal, and IG Border Range arrived at the scene upon receiving the news. Paramilitary forces were also deployed to maintain control around the jail.

Tear Gas Shells Used To Control Situation

Later, a group of prisoners climbed onto the rear roof of the jail, pelting stones at the police. Tear gas shells were employed by the police to disperse them. Inside the jail, clothing was set on fire by the prisoners, resulting in smoke filling the area. The cause of the clash remains unclear. Senior police officials will address the media in a forthcoming press conference to provide updates on the situation.
New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday for supporting Pakistani minority protesters outside his residence. Kejriwal also alleged that both the BJP and Delhi police supported the protesters.

Arvind Kejriwal further alleged that the BJP aims to secure the Pakistani migrants as their vote bank, hence the party's support for these protesters. Criticizing the implementation of CAA rules in the country, the Delhi CM stated that this would lead to Pakistanis spreading across India and causing disturbances among the populace.

Directing his criticism towards X, Kejriwal wrote, "Today, some Pakistanis demonstrated and caused a disturbance in front of my house. Delhi Police accorded them full respect and protection. BJP fully supported them."

"Do they have the audacity to demand an apology from the CM elected by the people of Delhi with an overwhelming majority? And is BJP supporting them? While displaying animosity towards me, BJP stood with Pakistanis and began betraying India? With the implementation of CAA, these Pakistanis will disperse across the country and harass and disturb our own people. BJP aims to secure them as its vote bank," he added.

Hindus and other minority people who migrated from Pakistan gathered outside Arvind Kejriwal's residence in Delhi after his anti-CAA mark. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, slamming CAA Kejriwal said, with this law poor people from Pakitan, Bangladesh and Afganistan will flood India that will pose threat to the security of the country. "Would you like people from Pakistan to live in a slum in front of your house? Would you feel safe? Law and order will collapse," he stated.
Hundreds of farmers from Punjab reached Delhi on Thursday to participate in the "Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat" at Ramlila Maidan. The Delhi Police has granted permission for the farmers to convene the 'mahapanchayat' under the stipulation that the attendance does not surpass 5,000 individuals. The police have prohibited the presence of tractor trolleys and restricted them from performing marches at Ramlila Maidan.

Our journey will be on foot from Uchana to Jind, and then well travel by train from Jind to Delhi, a farmer told ANI. Despite protesting for more than a year and presenting our demands, we have not seen any action from the government. Protestor Suresh Kumar added noting that even after suffering losses from hailstorms, they received no government assistance. As per reports Manjit Dhaner, leader of the BKU (Ekta-Dakaunda) Dhaner group has stated that they anticipate over 30,000 farmers from Punjab to arrive in the capital city.

11.35 AM: Reiterated Their Demands For MSP

Women farmers gathered at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan for 'Kisan Mahapanchayat', advocated for their demands including the enactment of MSP legislation. They also raised slogans against the Modi-led central Government.

#WATCH | Farmers gather at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan to hold 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' to press for their demands including MSP law pic.twitter.com/fmDB2iG0Gv  ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2024

09.25 AM: Bhartiya Kisan Union Leader Calls For Accountability

Bhartiya Kisan Union (Tikait) leader from Uttar Pradesh, Hoshiyar Singh urged the government to remember the promises made during previous Delhi Protest. We have come here to remind the government that the promises should be fulfilled, and farmers should be provided apt price of their crops," he told PTI.

VIDEO | Kisan Mahapanchayat: "The central government had made some promises during our Delhi protest. However, none of the promises have been fulfilled so far. So, we have come here to remind the government that the promises should be fulfilled, and farmers should be provided apt pic.twitter.com/vBNn75pF1z  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 14, 2024

09.00 AM: Heavy Turnout Of Farmers At Ramlila Maidan

Farmers have commenced congregating at Ramlila Maidan. Visuals indicate a significant influx of farmers arriving at the venue, with numerous buses assembled outside the gates. The Mahapanchayat is slated to take place from 11 am to 2:30 pm.

08.32 AM: Traffic Advisory For Commuters

Several roads including Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Barakhamba Road, Bahadurshah Zafar Marg, Tolstoy Marg, Asaf Ali Road, Jai Singh Road, Swami Vivekanand Marg, Sansad Marg, Netaji Subhash Marg, Baba Kharag Singh Marg, Minto Road, Ashoka Road, Maharaja Ranjeet Singh flyover, Connaught Circus, Bhavbhuti Marg, DDU Marg, and Chaman Lal Marg are expected to experience disruptions due to a gathering of farmers in Delhi, reported PTI.

There are potential traffic diversions at locations such as Delhi Gate, Mir Dard Chowk, Ajmeri Gate Chowk, Guru Nanak Chowk, Kamla Market, Paharganj Chowk, Jhandewalan roundabout, Maharaja Ranjeet Singh flyover from Barakhambha Road to Guru Nanak Chowk, Barakhamba Road, Janpath Road, KG Marg crossing, and the roundabout of GPO (Gol Post Office) starting from 6 am on Thursday.

Additionally, commuters traveling towards ISBT, the railway station, or the airport should carefully plan their journeys and allocate sufficient time.

A Month Of 'Delhi Chalo' March

The mahapanchayat convenes concurrently with separate sit-ins by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and the non-political wing of the SKM. These groups have been stationed at Shambhu and Khanauri along the Punjab-Haryana border for a month, following the interruption of their Delhi Chalo march by security forces. While the SKM is not actively participating in the Delhi Chalo movement, it has offered its backing to these offshoot groups at both locations.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), comprising 37 farm unions, posited the idea of 'Mahapanchayat' during a gathering in Chandigarh on February 22. Subsequently, on March 11, they got approval from both the Delhi Police and municipal corporation for the peaceful assembly. Responding to the call from the SKM, farmers are planning a march on foot from Uchana to Jind, followed by participation in a Mahapanchayat at Delhis Ramlila Maidan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led panel appointed Former bureaucrat Sukhbir Singh Sandhu on Thursday for the position of Election Commissioner. The appointment comes a few days after Arun Goel suddenly resigned from his position ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

The committee met this morning to discuss and fill the vacant position. The panel consist of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, law minister Arjun Meghwal and Leader of Opposition. After the committee discussion, Opposition leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury allegedly said that the procedure followed for selection of the Election Commissioners has some lacunae.

Who Is Sukhbir Singh Sandhu ?

Sukhbir Singh Sandhu is a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1988 batch from Uttarakhand cadre. As per records, he is from Punjab and was born in 1963, Sukhbir served as the chief secretary of Uttarakhand. He was also appointed as a chief secretary in 2021 after Pushkar Singh Dhami became the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. Looking more into his work front, Sandhu held a position as the chairman of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). He worked as an additional secretary in the Department of Higher Education.

Early Life

Sukhbir Singh Sandhu holds a prestigious degree and has been academically strong, he did his MBBS from Government Medical College and completed a Master's Degree in History from Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar. Besides this, he also holds a law degree. He has authored papers on 'Urban Reforms', 'Municipal Management and 'Capacity Building'. Sandhu was honoured with the President Medal for his services as Commissioner of, the Municipal Corporation in Ludhiana.
A few hours following the Union Home Minister's media appearance on Thursday post the implementation of the CAA, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal criticised Amit Shah over his failure to effectively address concerns regarding the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). While referring to the refugees as 'infiltrators,' He claimed that while the CAA targets 'infiltrators from Pakistan' who entered before 2014, there's uncertainty about potential extensions, questioning what would happen if the timeframe were extended to 2019. "Rohingyas came to India during your (BJP's) regime. Will you give jobs and ration cards to Pakistani infiltrators? Spending taxpayers' money on minorities from other countries is not acceptable, he added.

"A bigger migration than that in 1947 will happen due to the implementation of the CAA, the CM said. He further suggested that there are 2.5 crore to 3 crore minorities in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh. An unimaginable number of people will come to India if the doors are thrown open for the minorities of neighbouring countries," he claimed, Kejriwal said during the press conference.

With the Lok Sabha Elections approaching, Kejriwal accused the BJP of attempting to build a vote bank in the nation. He questioned why the Modi government isn't prioritising the creation of job opportunities for existing impoverished citizens instead of seeking to bring in more from neighbouring countries. Additionally, he accused the Home Minister of evading relevant questions and reiterating the same initial agenda. Earlier today, refugees from Pakistan protested in Delhi, with some gathering outside the Chief Minister's residence.

Amit Shahs Interview

Union Home Minister Amit Shah in a first interview after the announcement of implementation of CAA reiterated the Indian governments dedication to granting citizenship to persecuted refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. He stressed that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) serves as a pathway for these refugees to obtain equal rights as Indian citizens.

Speaking in a recent interview with news agency ANI, Shah urged refugees to place their trust in the Narendra Modi-led government, assuring them that citizenship would be granted retroactively. Addressing concerns regarding the volume of applicants, Shah acknowledged the presence of misinformation campaigns that might dissuade some from applying but assured that the government is ready to welcome all eligible individuals.

The Home Minister clarified that the CAA aims to provide citizenship to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs, Christians, and Parsis who face persecution in their home countries. He reiterated that the act does not include provisions to revoke anyones citizenship and is solely focused on granting rights.
13 March, is a remarkable day in the Life of Pragya Samal, she witnessed an unusual event at the Supreme Court of India where she was working as a researcher at the Centre for Research and Planning. The Supreme Court Judge CJI Chandrachud and others congratulated Pragya Samal for acquiring a US Scholarship to complete her master's degree in law. She is the daughter of Ajay Kumar Samal, a Supreme Court attendant and a cook at the official residence of one of the judges.

The 25-year-old Pragya Samat, daughter of a Supreme Court attendant admitted offers from six Western universities for the LLB Program and also achieved scholarships from at least two of them. She got admission offers from Columbia Law School, Chicago Law School, New York University, the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, the University of California Berkeley School of Law and the University of Michigan Law School. Besides, she has secured scholarships from Berkeley and Michigan law schools.

Samal completed her graduation in LLB from Amity University in 2021 and later she started working as a law researcher at the Supreme Courts Centre for Research and Planning (CRP).

This is a speechless moment for a young girl to be gestured at by the senior judges. "We know Pragya has managed something on her own, but we will ensure she manages to get whatever is required," Chandrachud said after felicitating the young lawyer.

Pragya, whose aim for pursuing a master in law probably got whetted after seeing her father work on the hallowed premises of the Supreme Court, smiled a broad smile and folded her hands in gratitude as Justice Chandrachud gifted her three books on the Indian Constitution signed by all the judges of the apex court.

In conversation with PTI Pragya coated CJI Chandrachud is her inspiration. "With the live streaming of court hearings, everyone can watch him (Justice Chandrachud) speaking. He encourages young lawyers and his words are like gems. He is my inspiration," she said
SRINAGAR: First-time voters, who are excited to vote in Jammu and Kashmir, have said that they will vote for peace prosperity and development. Over 3.4 lakh youth who are first-time voters of Jammu and Kashmir are eligible to cast their vote in the coming elections. The Chief Election Commissioner of India, during his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, said three lakh forty thousand first-time voters will be eligible to cast their votes in the upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Election Commission said that around 86.9 lakh voters including 44.34 lakh men and 42.55 lakh women are registered in Jammu and Kashmir. The number also included 67,400 persons with disabilities and 158 transgenders. There will be 11,629 polling stations with an average 747 voters per polling station to be set up in the Union Territory. The Election Commission said that 77,290 voters are above 85 years of age which includes 2886 being more than 100 years of age.

The first-time voters in the Valley are extremely excited about casting their votes this election. Shahzada Aiman a 20-year-old student said" There are many points that we would want to cast our vote on, main agendas remain of development, road infrastructure. The Srinagar city has become a mess due to traffic jams.

The hospitals are also in a mess, as emergencies are always overbooked. The government schools are in a bad state, and everyone goes to private schools. There needs to be a focus on the education sector. The revenue department in the Valley is one of the most corrupt departments and there should be more transparency, And we will vote on these grounds.

Among the 3.4 lakh first-time voters, around 1.35 lakh are female first-time voters. The Election Commission also said that the electoral gender ratio of women voters has gone up as well. The number has increased from 945 in 2019 to 954 in 2024. Most of these young first-time voters are focused on candidates who assure them of development in all sectors like health and education.

"It's after a long time we are having elections, and our population has increased and our youth are showing interest in voting. People should vote for their candidates of choice. I am very much happy that so much has changed in the last few years regarding development, and I am happy people will come out and vote for a good candidate." Said Imaad Ahmed.

Another college-going student who is going to cast his vote first time Angad Deep Singh said "It's a great thing that we will get the chance to vote for the first time. We will get to choose our leader ourselves. We have seen so much development in the last few years and we are happy. We want more and more development. It will also help us in seeking employment."

The Election Commission websites have also helped a lot of youngsters across the Union territory to know about the election system and voting. They are aware of their democratic rights and want to vote based on development and education.

Jammu and Kashmir will be going to Parliamentary as well as Assembly elections this year. The Political parties across the Union Territory are pressuring simultaneous elections but the Election Commission is yet to take a decision.
New Delhi: As a 90s kid, you have got to remember the popular show 'Shaka Laka Boom Boom' starring Kinshuk Vaidya in the lead role. His magic pencil was a fantasy for all the kids and is for some today as well. Back then, the show had a huge fanbase and was very popular amongst the kids.

As the show has clocked decades now, the little Sanju is all grown-up and dashing now and here's how he looks like!

32-Years-Old Kinshuk Vaidya is now a successful actor and a huge crush of many social media users. He has a massive fan following on Instagram and keeps sharing pictures and videos with his fans.

The actor earned praise for his character Arjun in RadhaKrishn. The actor also shares a great bond with Sumedh Mudgalkar, who plays Krishna in the show.

About 21 years ago, in 2000, Kinshuk's show went on-air and he rose to popularity with it. He had the best set of friends in the show, including Hansika Motwani. A few years ago, he had actually taken a break from acting.

However, the actor made his comeback on the small screen with the show Ek Rishta Saajhedari Ka in 2016, which also featured Shivya Pathania.
New Delhi: Bringing cheers to lakhs of state government employees ahead of the festival of Holi, the Odisha government has announced 4 percent Dearnes Allowance hike for employees and Pensioners.

The enhanced DA and TI will be paid from 01.01.2024 retrospectively. This will benefit 4.5 lakh State Govt employees & 3.5 lakh pensioners, the state government has said.

"CM Naveen Patnaik today announced 4% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (TI) for Govt employees and pensioners. The State Government announced release of 4 percent additional dose of Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (TI) in favour of State Government Employees and Pensioners respectively to enhance the rate from 46% to 50%," an official twitter release said.

It may be noted that last week (March 7) the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved to release an additional instalment of Dearness Allowance (DA) to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners w.e.f. 1.1.2024 representing an increase of 4% over the existing rate of 46% of the Basic Pay/Pension, to compensate against price rise.

The combined impact on the exchequer on account of both Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief would be Rs.12,868.72 crore per annum. This will benefit about 49.18 lakh Central Government employees and 67.95 lakh pensioners.

This increase is in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission, said the cabinet note.
New Delhi: The Uttar Pradesh state government has announced to increase the financial assistance under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana by Rs 10,000 to Rs Rs 25,000 for the financial year 2024-25. The revised amount will be effective from April.

Here Is The Stage-Wise Breakdown Of Financial Assistance Under UP Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana



Stage 1 : Rs 2000 lump sum which was given on the birth of a girl child has been raised to Rs 5,000

Stage 2 : After one year of complete vaccination of girl child up to Rs 1000 one lump sum was given. Now it has been raised to Rs 2,000

Stage 3 : After admission of girl child in class first, Rs 2000 lump sum was given. Now it has been raised to 3,000

Stage 4 : After admission of girl child in class six, Rs 2000 one lump sum was given. Now it has been raised to Rs 3,000

Stage 5 : After enrolling of a girl in class nine, Rs. 3000 a lump sum was given. Now it has been raised to Rs 5,000

Stage 6 : Such girls who have passed Class 10/12 and enrolled in at least two-year diploma course or graduate degree. Rs 5000 lump sum was given. Now it has been raised to Rs 7,000
(Bloomberg) -- Mexicos state oil company is promising to slash greenhouse gas emissions to reach net zero by 2050, an ambitious goal for the indebted oil producer as it struggles to turn around flagging production and reduce its massive debt burden.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Petroleos Mexicanos said it would cut methane emissions by 30% over the next six years as it aims to reduce its total emissions to net zero by 2050, according to a company sustainability plan released Wednesday night.

Pemex is also promising to stop all gas flaring by 2030, improve its emissions monitoring process and reduce its water use. The company says it will need to invest as much as 12% of its capital expenditure to meet its emissions reductions target from 2025 through 2030.

Pemexs board of directors approved the environmental, social and governance plan earlier this month, paving the way for ESG investors to potentially return to the indebted oil producer.

The plan establishes the companys commitment toward ethical and sustainable production, and reinforces Pemexs role as an agent of change in the nations energy sector when it comes to climate action, chief executive officer Octavio Romero wrote in the document.

Read More: Pemex Approves Emissions Plan, Opening Door to ESG Investors

The plan, which has been in development for the past year, aims to help Pemex meet the requirements of some funds that have been limiting exposure to the companys bonds because of its ESG record, especially as a growing number of banks and investors are demanding companies mitigate practices that are harmful to the planet.

Pemexs reputation has been marred by a host of mishaps over the past few years, including two massive methane leaks, a deadly offshore platform accident and a gas explosion that set the Gulf of Mexico ablaze.

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The company, the worlds most indebted oil firm, is in desperate need of financing as it tries to reinvigorate production that has dwindled to about half its output from two decades ago, as well as reduce its roughly $106 billion debt burden.

The plan was also was also a condition for some banks to renew revolving credit lines that are up for renegotiation later this year.

Here are some other highlights of the plan:

Pemex will seek to reduce water use and curb sulfur emissions

Pemex will improve its greenhouse gas emissions monitoring process and begin a program to quantify methane emissions

Pemex to publish annual report on sustainability progress and will provide periodic updates alongside earnings

Business opportunities analyzed in the sustainability plan include EV charging stations and green hydrogen imports

--With assistance from Jose Orozco and Amy Stillman.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
New Delhi: The European Parliament has just given its green light to the World's first comprehensive AI Law -the EU AI Act, that will govern how artificial intelligence (AI) is used across the continent. These rules are designed to ensure that humans remain in control of this powerful technology and that it serves the best interests of humanity.

Interestingly, it took a whopping five years for these rules to pass through the EU Parliament, indicating the thoroughness and significance of the regulations.

Scope of the Regulations: Which AI Systems Are Covered?

Under the EU AI Act, these regulations will have a broad impact, affecting AI systems such as OpenAIs ChatGPT and Googles Gemini, among others. Essentially, any machine-based system operating with some level of autonomy and producing output based on data and inputs, whether from machines or humans, will fall under the purview of these rules. Moreover, companies developing AI for general use, like Google and OpenAI, will need to adhere to EU copyright law during the training of their systems.

Risk-Based Approach: Categories and Scrutiny Levels

A key feature of the EU's AI Act is its risk-based approach. It categorizes AI systems into four risk categories: unacceptable risk, high risk, general purpose and generative AI, and limited risk. The level of scrutiny and requirements placed on AI systems will vary depending on their risk category.

For instance, higher-risk AI models, such as ChatGPT 4 and Google's Gemini, will face additional scrutiny due to their potential to cause significant accidents or be misused for cyber attacks. Companies developing such AI systems will be required to provide clear information to users and maintain high-quality data on their products.

Regulations for High-Risk AI Systems

The Act also prohibits certain high-risk applications of AI, including the use of AI-powered technology by law enforcement to identify individuals, except in very serious cases. Predictive AI systems aimed at forecasting future crimes are also banned, as are systems designed to track the emotions of students or employees.

Prohibited Applications and Ethical Considerations

Another important provision of the Act mandates the labelling of deepfakesmanipulated images, videos, or audioto prevent the spread of disinformation. Moreover, companies developing AI, like OpenAI and Meta, will be compelled to disclose previously undisclosed details about their products.

In light of recent events, Google has taken steps to restrict its Gemini chatbot from discussing elections in countries holding elections this year, aiming to mitigate the risk of spreading misinformation.

Implications and Timeline

These regulations signify a significant milestone in guaranteeing the responsible advancement and utilization of AI technology within the European Union. Scheduled to take effect from May 2025, they herald a fresh era of AI governance focused on safeguarding both individuals and society at large.

These regulations mark a significant step in ensuring the responsible development and use of AI technology within the European Union. They are set to come into force starting in May 2025, and mark the start of a new era of AI governance aimed at safeguarding both individuals and society as a whole.
New Delhi: The layoff spree that started in 2022 seems to be continuing. To date, there is no sign of relief from the job-cutting news. Many companies announcing a fresh round of layoffs. Following suit, tech giant IBM has once again joined the ranks of companies implementing layoffs this year.

Employees To Be Affected

The company revealed plans to lay off employees from its marketing and communications divisions. (Also Read: Want To Invest In Eco-Friendly Schemes? Check Detailed Comparison Of SBI vs BoB Green Rupee Term Deposit)

Number Of Affected Employees

However, the exact number of affected employees was not disclosed. (Also Read: NHAI Revised Banks & NBFC List To Issue FASTags: Check New Authorized Entities Here)

Layoffs Unveiled In 7-Minute Brief Meeting

The decision to downsize was unveiled during a concise seven-minute meeting led by Jonathan Adashek, IBM's chief communications officer, with employees in the affected departments.

Although IBM did not officially confirm the layoffs, CNBC reported on the restructuring, citing undisclosed sources.

AI Impact

IBM's move aligns with statements made by its CEO, Arvind Krishna, last year, where he indicated a strategic shift towards leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline operations.

Krishna mentioned a potential pause in hiring for roles that could be automated in the future, with a focus on back-office functions like human resources. He explained, "I anticipate around 30 percent of those roles could be replaced by AI and automation within five years."

Companies Announced Layoffs

The reported layoffs add IBM to a growing list of companies implementing workforce reductions in 2024. According to layoffs.fyi, a website tracking job cuts, at least 204 companies have announced layoffs this year, affecting nearly 50,000 employees.

Restructuring Plans

In January, IBM's Chief Financial Officer, James Kavanaugh, hinted at ongoing restructuring efforts, indicating a comparable spending level to the previous year's $400 million investment in restructuring. Last year, the company reduced its workforce by approximately 3,900 jobs.
COPENHAGEN: In a significant move towards gender equality and national security, Denmark has embarked on a journey to mandate military service for women, making it the latest nation to do so. This decision, announced by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, aims to bolster the country's defence capabilities and ensure parity between genders in the realm of armed forces participation. Frederiksen emphasized that the extension of conscription to women and the elongation of service duration from four to eleven months for both genders signify Denmark's commitment to peace and preparedness rather than an inclination towards conflict.

Denmark's Strategic Move

Denmark, as a member of the NATO alliance and a staunch supporter of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, has underscored the importance of a robust defence posture in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges. Despite Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen's assertion that Russia does not pose an immediate threat to Denmark, the government remains steadfast in its determination to fortify national security. With only 9,000 professional troops complemented by 4,700 conscripts currently undergoing basic training, Denmark seeks to augment its military strength by enlisting more individuals into its armed forces.

Policy Reforms

The proposed changes in Denmark's military conscription system entail a comprehensive restructuring of the recruitment and training process. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen outlined the legislative adjustments required to implement the new system, with the anticipated timeline set for enactment in 2026. Under the revised framework, conscripts will undergo five months of basic training, six months of operational service, and supplementary training. This revamped approach aims to foster a more inclusive and comprehensive defence mechanism that is adaptable to contemporary security threats.

International Comparisons: Mandatory Military Service For Women

Denmark's decision to mandate military service for women aligns with global trends towards gender mainstreaming in defense policies. Countries such as Sweden and Norway have already embraced the concept of compulsory military service for both men and women, reflecting a broader shift towards gender parity in armed forces recruitment. Israel, despite its longstanding conscription policy, exempts certain segments of the population, highlighting the complexities inherent in balancing national security imperatives with individual rights and religious considerations. Eritrea's contentious conscription practices, characterized by forced military training for both genders, underscore the challenges associated with coercive recruitment strategies and their implications for human rights.

Beyond Denmark, several other nations have either active or inactive policies regarding military service for women:

Sweden: In 2017, Sweden reinstated conscription for both men and women amid concerns over regional security threats. This decision reflects Sweden's proactive approach to strengthening its defence capabilities.

Norway: Since 2015, Norway has mandated national service for both men and women, making it a trailblazer in gender-inclusive military policies among NATO members.

Israel: Military service is compulsory for Israeli citizens, with exceptions for certain groups, including ultra-Orthodox and Arab Israelis. While women are not obligated to serve, many choose to do so voluntarily.

Eritrea: Eritrea has drawn international attention for its controversial conscription practices, which require both boys and girls to undergo military training. Despite legal limitations on service duration, many Eritrean youth face prolonged conscription periods.

South Korea and North Korea: Both Koreas have longstanding traditions of compulsory military service, with recent adjustments to include women in mandatory conscription. In South Korea, women can now fulfil their military obligations alongside men, reflecting evolving societal norms.

Switzerland: While military service is compulsory for men in Switzerland, women have the option to serve voluntarily. However, discussions are underway to potentially revise this policy and introduce mandatory conscription for women.

Poland: Poland allows women to volunteer for military service, with certain professions requiring compulsory service. This approach reflects Poland's recognition of the valuable contributions women can make to national defence.

Cuba: In Cuba, military service is mandatory for men, while women can choose to serve voluntarily. This distinction underscores Cuba's approach to gender roles within its armed forces.

These diverse examples illustrate the varying approaches to female conscription worldwide, reflecting each nation's unique security challenges, cultural norms, and historical contexts. While some countries have embraced gender-inclusive military policies, others continue to grapple with questions of equality and national defence.
LAHORE: A senior Pakistani politician has stirred a big controversy by making a bold statement against the incumbent PML-N government in the country that has caught everyone's attention. Mian Javed Latif - the man at the centre of the controversy - is a close aide of former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif. He has suggested that the current government led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is merely a "puppet" regime, indirectly implying that the military holds the reins.

Latif, a stalwart from Nawaz Sharifs PML-N and a former federal minister, made these remarks during a television interview. He pointed out that the PML-N failed to secure a simple majority in the National Assembly during the recent general elections. Latif asserted that the current government is effectively controlled by the military, regardless of which party appears to be in power.

PML-N Mum Over 'Puppet' Remark

Despite the significance of Latif's statements, the PML-N has not officially responded. This is the first time a senior leader from the ruling party has openly acknowledged the government's status as a "puppet setup" orchestrated by the military.

In the aftermath of the February polls, where independent candidates supported by Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerged victorious, the PML-N formed a coalition with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and other smaller parties. This alliance secured key positions in the government, including the prime ministerial and presidential posts.

Allegations Of Rigging In Pakistan Polls

Imran Khan and PTI have persistently accused the military establishment of electoral manipulation, labeling the elections as massively rigged. Pakistan has a history of military involvement in governance, either directly or indirectly.

During the television interview, Latif stood by his remarks despite being questioned by the anchor. He insisted that he was speaking the truth, maintaining his stance even when prompted about potential personal motivations.

Who Is Mian Javed Latif?

Mian Javed Latif, born on January 1, 1964, in Sheikhupura, is a seasoned Pakistani politician. He has been associated with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) since 2008 and has consistently won elections, serving as a member of the National Assembly. Latif comes from a politically active family background, with his father also a politician. He has held various positions within the PML-N and has contested and won seats in multiple general elections, displaying a strong electoral track record.

Latif has faced controversies despite his political successes, including a public altercation with fellow politician Murad Saeed in 2017. However, he later apologized for his actions. Mian Javed Latif's recent comments have sparked debate and scrutiny within Pakistani political circles, highlighting the ongoing tensions between civilian leadership and military influence in the country's governance.
The app leverages Open Banking and Personetics' AI-powered personalized engagement platform to increase the financial health and viability of small and medium-sized businesses

TEL AVIV, Israel, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Portuguese bank Banco BPI and Personetics today announced the introduction of Pulsoo, an independently branded application that empowers small and medium business (SMB) owners to manage their businesses. In a single pane of glass that can be quickly consulted and queried throughout the business day, Pulsoo provides updates, hyper-personalized insights and recommendations that are tailored to the financial literacy level of SMB owners. Using Open Banking capabilities and the Personetics AI-based engagement platform, Pulsoo is a 360 business insights ecosystem that covers issues such as current accounts, loans, taxation, fiscal planning, employee management, and much more.

Personetics and Banco BPI Partner to Deliver Financial Management Insights and Tools for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses with Pulsoo App

Pulsoo is the result of BPI's commitment to focus on the basic role of banks -- helping customers address the financial challenges and needs they face in their daily lives -- combined with a commitment to practical innovation. In partnership with NOS, Portugal's leading telecom, Afonso Fuzeta Eca, BPI's designated Executive Member of the Board and responsible for the Center of Excellence for Innovation and New Business, designed Pulsoo to focus on supporting the SMEs that constitute 90% of all businesses in the country. "Pulsoo will allow companies to ask their accountants and bank managers fewer questions, and instead do much more on a self-service basis. By providing more hyper-personalized value than traditional banking apps, Pulsoo allows business owners to better manage their companies," said Afonso Fuzeta Eca.

Personetics was key to bringing Pulsoo's finance manager to life. Its Engagement Platform enriches businesses' payments, receivables and credit card data and categorizes it in ways that are meaningful for owners. AI, machine learning and natural language programming (NLP) models are applied to the enriched data to generate, manage and deliver dozens of hyper-personalized, easy-to-understand insights and recommendations designed to empower business owners to take intelligent, focused action.

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Said Fuzeta Eca, "Personetics accelerated our product development immensely, enabling us to bring Pulsoo to market in only 6 months. In addition, our lively exchanges of ideas with the Personetics team, based on their extensive experience with creating hyper-personalized insights and presenting them in real time, helped make Pulsoo even better."

"We are pleased that BPI's Center of Excellence for Innovation chose to partner with Personetics for Pulsoo, their first public-facing product and delighted to have Personetics personal, AI-driven financial insights and recommendations help the SMEs that are so well-represented in the Portuguese market," said Udi Ziv, CEO of Personetics. "We admire BPI's value-driven approach to innovation and are proud to support those efforts, with advanced analytics and actionable recommendations that can help increase business success."

About BPI

BPI is a financial institution focused on providing retail banking services in Portugal, where it is the fourth largest bank in terms of business volumes, with market share above 11% in loans and in customer funds. BPI is part of the CaixaBank Group, which since the end of 2018 holds the entire share capital. BPI's business is organised into several segments: Retail, Premier, Private Banking, SME, Corporate and Institutional Banking. BPI offers a complete range of financial products and services, adapted to the specific needs of each sector, through a specialised, omnichannel and fully integrated distribution network.

About Personetics

Personetics is the global leader in financial data-driven personalisation, customer engagement, and advanced money management capabilities for financial services. We are creating the future of "Self-Driving Finance," where banks can proactively act on their customers' behalf to help improve their financial wellness, drive deposit growth and ultimately achieve financial goals.

Our industry-leading data analytics solutions harness customer financial transaction data to provide day-to-day actionable insights, personalised recommendations, product-based financial advice, and automated financial wellness programs. We offer solutions for mass market consumer banking, SMB banking, wealth management, and credit card issuers.

We drive business impact for financial institutions by improving relevant product targeting for accurate, efficient cross-selling and upselling. We help financial institutions deepen their customer relationships, increase core deposits and customer retention, expand share of wallet, and boost Customer Lifetime Value.

Personetics currently serves over 135 financial institutions spanning 34 global markets, reaching 150 million customers. We are backed by leading venture capital and private equity investors, with offices in New York, London, Tel Aviv, Singapore, Tokyo, Paris, Madrid, Sao Paulo, and Manila.

Learn more at personetics.com

Media Contact for Personetics

Michal Milgalter

michal.milgalter@personetics.com

+972-52-3571981

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2362351/Personetics_and_Banco_BPI.jpg

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SOURCE Personetics
Understanding the Dividend Profile of Prologis Inc

Prologis Inc (NYSE:PLD) recently announced a dividend of $0.96 per share, payable on 2024-03-29, with the ex-dividend date set for 2024-03-15. As investors look forward to this upcoming payment, the spotlight also shines on the company's dividend history, yield, and growth rates. Using the data from GuruFocus, let's look into Prologis Inc's dividend performance and assess its sustainability.

What Does Prologis Inc Do?

Warning! GuruFocus has detected 10 Warning Signs with PLD.

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How to calculate the intrinsic value of a stock?

Prologis was formed by the June 2011 merger of AMB Property and Prologis Trust. The company develops, acquires, and operates around 1.2 billion square feet of high-quality industrial and logistics facilities across the globe. The company also has a strategic capital business segment that has around $60 billion of third-party AUM. The company is organized into four global divisions (Americas, Europe, Asia, and other Americas) and operates as a real estate investment trust.

Prologis Inc's Dividend Analysis

A Glimpse at Prologis Inc's Dividend History

Prologis Inc has maintained a consistent dividend payment record since 1997, with dividends currently distributed on a quarterly basis. Prologis Inc has increased its dividend each year since 2009. The stock is thus listed as a dividend achiever, an honor that is given to companies that have increased their dividend each year for at least the past 15 years. Below is a chart showing annual Dividends Per Share for tracking historical trends.

Breaking Down Prologis Inc's Dividend Yield and Growth

As of today, Prologis Inc currently has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.62% and a 12-month forward dividend yield of 2.88%. This suggests an expectation of increased dividend payments over the next 12 months.

Over the past three years, Prologis Inc's annual dividend growth rate was 14.50%. Extended to a five-year horizon, this rate decreased to 12.90% per year. And over the past decade, Prologis Inc's annual dividends per share growth rate stands at an impressive 11.00%.

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Based on Prologis Inc's dividend yield and five-year growth rate, the 5-year yield on cost of Prologis Inc stock as of today is approximately 4.81%.

Prologis Inc's Dividend Analysis

The Sustainability Question: Payout Ratio and Profitability

To assess the sustainability of the dividend, one needs to evaluate the company's payout ratio. The dividend payout ratio provides insights into the portion of earnings the company distributes as dividends. A lower ratio suggests that the company retains a significant part of its earnings, thereby ensuring the availability of funds for future growth and unexpected downturns. As of 2023-12-31, Prologis Inc's dividend payout ratio is 1.35, which may suggest that the company's dividend may not be sustainable.

Prologis Inc's profitability rank, offers an understanding of the company's earnings prowess relative to its peers. GuruFocus ranks Prologis Inc's profitability 9 out of 10 as of 2023-12-31, 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. Prologis Inc's growth rank of 9 out of 10 suggests that the company's growth trajectory is good relative to its competitors.

Prologis Inc's revenue per share, combined with the 3-year revenue growth rate, indicates a strong revenue model. Prologis Inc's revenue has increased by approximately 12.70% per year on average, outperforming approximately 83.54% 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, Prologis Inc's earnings increased by approximately 18.20% per year on average, outperforming approximately 71.56% of global competitors.

Lastly, the company's 5-year EBITDA growth rate of 17.80%, outperforms approximately 85.19% of global competitors.

Next Steps

In conclusion, Prologis Inc's consistent dividend growth, sustainable payout ratio, strong profitability, and robust growth metrics present an attractive profile for value investors. The company's forward-looking indicators suggest a commitment to rewarding shareholders through dividends. However, investors should keep an eye on the payout ratio and growth prospects to ensure long-term dividend sustainability. With Prologis Inc's next dividend payment on the horizon, value investors may consider this as an opportunity to engage with a company that has demonstrated a reliable track record and promising future outlook.

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.


If you're looking for a multi-bagger, there's a few things to keep an eye out for. Firstly, we'd want to identify a growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and then alongside that, an ever-increasing 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. In light of that, when we looked at Rio Tinto Group (LON:RIO) and its ROCE trend, we weren't exactly thrilled.

Understanding Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)

For those who don't know, ROCE is a measure of a company's yearly pre-tax profit (its return), relative to the capital employed in the business. To calculate this metric for Rio Tinto Group, this is the formula:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)  (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)

0.16 = US$15b  (US$104b - US$13b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2023).

Therefore, Rio Tinto Group has an ROCE of 16%. In absolute terms, that's a satisfactory return, but compared to the Metals and Mining industry average of 7.7% it's much better.

Check out our latest analysis for Rio Tinto Group

roce

Above you can see how the current ROCE for Rio Tinto Group compares to its prior returns on capital, but there's only so much you can tell from the past. If you're interested, you can view the analysts predictions in our free analyst report for Rio Tinto Group .

What Does the ROCE Trend For Rio Tinto Group Tell Us?

Things have been pretty stable at Rio Tinto Group, with its capital employed and returns on that capital staying somewhat the same for the last five years. This tells us the company isn't reinvesting in itself, so it's plausible that it's past the growth phase. So don't be surprised if Rio Tinto Group doesn't end up being a multi-bagger in a few years time. That being the case, it makes sense that Rio Tinto Group has been paying out 61% of its earnings to its shareholders. These mature businesses typically have reliable earnings and not many places to reinvest them, so the next best option is to put the earnings into shareholders pockets.

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In Conclusion...

In a nutshell, Rio Tinto Group has been trudging along with the same returns from the same amount of capital over the last five years. Since the stock has gained an impressive 80% over the last five years, investors must think there's better things to come. But if the trajectory of these underlying trends continue, we think the likelihood of it being a multi-bagger from here isn't high.

One more thing, we've spotted 2 warning signs facing Rio Tinto Group that you might find interesting.

While Rio Tinto Group isn't earning the highest return, check out this free list of companies that are earning high returns on equity with solid balance sheets.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
By Matthias Inverardi and Rachel More

DUESSELDORF/BERLIN (Reuters) -German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall expects record sales and increased profitability this year, as the war in Ukraine drives up defence spending in the NATO bloc in a trend set to buoy the company for years to come, it said on Thursday.

Rheinmetall expects to top 10-billion-euro ($10.9 billion) in sales for the first time in 2024, according to a company forecast that also envisages an operating profit margin of 14-15%, up from 12.8% in 2023.

"A new decade of security policy has begun," Chief Executive Armin Papperger said as the group presented results for 2023, the first full year of the Ukraine war.

Rheinmetall has ridden a boom in defence spending after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 pushed Germany and other countries to ramp up military purchases to support Kyiv and replenish their own arsenals.

A surging share price has boosted Rheinmetall's market value to 18.4 billion euros from 4 billion euros two years ago.

Its shares were up 4.75% at 1115 GMT.

Underscoring the scale of the company's ambitions, Papperger said he saw a good chance of it winning orders to develop a successor to the U.S. Bradley fighting vehicle in a contract from the U.S. government.

I am optimistic that we have a good chance, he said. "But that doesn't mean we've won this thing yet."

Rheinmetall will fight hard for two years, he said, expecting Washington to make a decision at the end of 2026.

As part of the tender, Rheinmetall has already received almost $800 million from the U.S. government to develop a prototype for the Bradley successor in an order that could top $45 billion.

Papperger sees potential revenues from the company's Ukraine business at around 2-3 billion euros a year and overall revenues at 20 billion euros in several years' time. Rheinmetall said it had no problems financing potential acquisitions but had no plans to buy any of fellow German defence firm Renk.

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Consolidated sales rose in 2023 by 12% to just under 7.2 billion euros. In the weapon and ammunition division, sales rose 29% on the year before, while vehicle systems saw a 15% boost.

However, total sales fell short of the company's target of 7.4-7.6 billion euros.

Germany, Kyiv's biggest military backer in Europe, announced a new defence policy after Russia's attack on Ukraine, creating a 100-billion-euro defence fund to modernise its armed forces.

Other NATO allies have stressed the need for greater defence spending, and Ukrainian demands for ammunition have led to a European drive to ramp up production in that area.

As well as booking major orders for Germany and other armed forces in 2023, Rheinmetall said it made "extensive deliveries from the entire product portfolio" to Ukraine, including tactical vehicles and ammunition for Gepard anti-aircraft tanks as well as mobile field hospitals.

At the end of last year, Rheinmetall's order backlog was at an all-time high of 38.3 billion euros, up from 26.6 billion euros a year earlier.

($1 = 0.9147 euros)

(Reporting by Rachel More and Matthias Inverardi; Writing by Rachel More and Matthias Williams; Editing by Tomasz Janowski and Mark Potter)
Roblox RBLX recently unveiled the trailer of Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire on its platform. It is the first instance of a 2D trailer transforming into a 3D playable game on the platform. This interactive experience is like a 4D amusement park ride where viewers are transported into the world of the movie.



The viewers find themselves in a Roblox version of the Hollow Earth filled with giant monsters and must complete obstacle courses alongside characters like Suko, the Mini-Kong.



In the Godzilla x Kong Obby video game, players can earn special collectibles like Godzilla's tail and Kong's axe, which they can use as exclusive gear in Roblox. The developer of this game, The Gang, believes that this effort can set a new standard for movie promotions in the future.



Movie studios have had a tough year due to strikes and production delays. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is releasing during a slow period at the box office, with few hits in 2024 so far. This makes it even more important for studios to find creative ways to attract audiences.

Roblox Corporation Price and Consensus

Roblox Corporation Price and Consensus

Roblox Corporation price-consensus-chart | Roblox Corporation Quote

Recent Partnerships to Boost RBLXs Daily Active Users

Roblox recently entered into a few prominent partnerships. The company collaborated with brands like Hugo Boss BOSSY, Max Mara and Mango.



Hugo Boss, a luxury fashion brand, has partnered with Roblox to connect with customers in a digital-first way. BOSSY is using RBLX to create virtual worlds where players can explore and try different outfits. The partnership expects this approach will help them connect with younger consumers and build loyalty.



The Italian fashion brand Max Mara launched the Max Mara Coats Adventure on Roblox. In this virtual world, inspired by Max Mara's expertise in fabrics and fashion, meadows are transformed into expanses of fabric and trees become giant spools. The adventure aims to increase brand awareness and engagement by allowing users to solve puzzles and interact with each other using their avatars in the digital universe.



Mango, a fashion company in Barcelona, Spain, launched a virtual store on Roblox to connect with its customers in the digital world. In the virtual store, called Mango's Outfit Shopping Mall, players can purchase digital clothing and products for their avatars. This fashion brand also plans to offer exclusive designs and special events to engage with players.



These partnerships are expected to boost the companys daily active users (DAUs) and total hours engaged in the upcoming quarters.



The Zacks Consensus Estimate for RBLXs 2024 DAUs is pegged at 81,479, indicating year-over-year growth of 19.1%. The consensus mark for total hours engaged is pegged at 71,287.8, indicating year-over-year growth of 18.8%.



Shares of this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company have lost 11.7% year to date against the Zacks Consumer Discretionary sectors 2.5% growth due to tough competition in the metaverse from big players like Meta Platforms META and Microsoft MSFT. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.



Meta, the company behind creating huge virtual worlds in 3D, where people can keep their identities and records of transactions, is leading the way. It has chosen the European Union to focus on developing metaverse technology, aiming to create more job opportunities in Europe.



Microsoft is also playing a big role in building the Metaverse. It is improving AltspaceVR to make sure people stay safe while using this technology. MSFT is teaming up with Qualcomm to make a new kind of chip for augmented reality. This chip could make the Metaverse even better by adding new features.

Story continues

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Zacks Investment Research
By Gilles Guillaume

PARIS (Reuters) - MG Motors, a unit of Chinese automaker SAIC, will open a second European parts centre by the summer of 2024 in France to meet the country's growing demand for its vehicles, a spokesperson told Reuters on Thursday. MG, whose electric compact car MG4 was the 23rd best-selling car in France last year after just a year on the market, already has a central logistics centre in Amsterdam, which distributes parts spare parts throughout Europe. "Given the increase in rolling stock, we are planning to open a parts distribution centre in France, allowing faster availability of our parts in France," the spokesperson said. The new European site will be operated by a partner near Lens, in Hauts-de-France, near the Belgian border. The company did not disclose the how much it would invest in the centre.

As well as finding ways to reach new customers, MG needs to focus on building out a car servicing network to strengthen loyalty, the MG spokesperson said. MG will also expand its dealer network in France to 200 outlets this year, from around 160 now, ensuring any MG customer is no more than 30 minutes from a sales and repair centre, the spokesperson said.

Apart from an aggressive price war shaking the EV sector, trade tensions are running high between China and the European Union, which is investigating whether Chinese EV makers benefit from unfair government subsidies.

SAIC is currently evaluating whether to build a factory in Europe.

Chinese EV maker BYD said in December it would build its first European plant in Hungary and the Italian government is holding talks with Chery Auto about the possibility of the Chinese firm manufacturing cars in the country, two sources told Reuters this week.

According to French auto consultancy Inovev, MG sold two out of three Chinese-made cars in Europe last year, with sales of 230,000 cars.

(Reporting by Gilles Guillaume, Writing by Nick Carey; Editing by Ros Russell)
(Bloomberg) -- Saudi Arabia is in talks to add top Wall Street banks for a secondary share sale in oil giant Aramco, as it pushes ahead with one of the largest stock offerings in recent years, people with knowledge of the matter said.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The kingdom plans to hire JPMorgan Chase & Co. as one of the main underwriters to the offering, the people said, asking not to be identified as the matter is private. Bank of America Corp. and Morgan Stanley are also contending for lead roles on the deal, which could raise as much as $20 billion, according to the people.

It has already lined up Citigroup Inc., Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and HSBC Holdings Plc to work on the offering, Bloomberg News reported last month. Boutique bank Moelis & Co. has been acting as a financial adviser to help pick underwriters for the deal, according to the people.

Aramco shares fell as much as 1.7% in Riyadh.

The final lineup of advisers may still change and more banks are expected to be added before the deal launches, the people said. No final decisions have been made on the timing of the sale or the number of shares the government will offer.

Its likely to be a marketed offering thats open for a few days for investors to submit their orders, similar to the structure adopted by the Public Investment Fund for its $3.2 billion stake sale in Saudi Telecom Co. in 2022, the people said.

Representatives for Aramco, Bank of America, JPMorgan, Moelis and Morgan Stanley declined to comment.

Low Fees

Proceeds from a new offering could help fund big initiatives by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to diversify the economy away from oil.

Aramco, which has a market value of $2 trillion, raised its dividend payout to $31 billion this month despite a retreat in energy prices and lower production. That came days after Saudi Arabias government transferred a further $164 billion stake in the oil giant to the PIF.

Story continues

A follow-on offer would come four years after Saudi Arabia raised about $30 billion in Aramcos IPO, which was the worlds largest ever stock sale. Some of these Wall Street banks also worked on that deal, when they were paid just over $100 million for their work.

Those relatively minuscule fees are common in the region. In comparison, banks including Goldman and JPMorgan split about $60 million from helping Peloton Interactive Inc. raise $1.2 billion in 2019. The Chinese internet giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., which raised $25 billion in its 2014 IPO, paid about $300 million to its underwriters including performance fees.

Still, getting a role on the follow-on offer may help the banks get other business in the kingdom, which is pushing ahead with an ambitious plan to diversify the economy.

Read More: HSBC to Leapfrog Barclays in Equity Rankings on Aramco Coup

--With assistance from Todd Gillespie.

(Updates with shares, adds details on fees in final three paragraphs.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
LONDON (Reuters) -Anheuser-Busch InBev's shares closed 4.85% lower on Thursday, following a brief trading suspension and more details on tobacco giant Altria's stake sale in the brewer.

U.S. cigarette maker Altria said on Wednesday it would cut its around 10% stake in the world's top beer maker, selling around 35 million shares or around a fifth of its total holding. AB InBev plans to buy back $200 million worth of shares.

AB InBev's shares were suspended on Thursday at the request of Belgium's Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) until after the publication of a press release giving details on pricing. The suspension was lifted at 1300 GMT.

The brewer said in its statement that Altria's underwriters would pay just under 55 euros, or $60, per AB InBev share, a discount of around 6.5% discount to Wednesday's closing price of 58.82 euros per share.

The sale will see Altria's holding in the company reduced to around 8.1%, or 7.8% if its underwriters fully exercise an option to purchase additional securities.

While the sale would likely be a short-term weight on AB InBev's share price, it was of "minimal longer-term significance" and was not surprising, James Edwardes Jones, analyst at RBC Capital Markets, said.

Altria received cash and a stake in AB InBev in return for its holding in SABMiller when AB InBev acquired the African beer maker in 2016, also adding to its stake around that time.

In 2016, AB InBev consistently traded at over $120 per share and sometimes as high as $130 per share. It has been in steady decline since and traded for just over $64 per share on Wednesday.

Callum Elliott, analyst at Bernstein, said that as the income generated by its stake has declined, Altria has shifted from viewing it as "strategic" to a "financial investment".

The tobacco company said on Thursday it would expand its share buyback programme by $2.4 billion thanks to the sale.

(Reporting by Emma RumneyEditing by Elaine Hardcastle and Mark Potter)
VANCOUVER, BC, March 14, 2024 /CNW/ - Sitka Gold Corp. ("Sitka" or the "Company") (TSXV:SIG) (FSE:1RF) (OTCQB:SITKF) is pleased to provide project updates for its portfolio of Gold, Silver and Copper properties located in proven, mining friendly jurisdictions in North America (see Figure 1).

Sitka's project portfolio includes the RC Gold project ("RC Gold") and OGI project ("OGI") located in Yukon, the Alpha Gold project ("Alpha Gold") located in Nevada, the Burro Creek project ("Burro Creek") located in Arizona and the Coppermine River project ("Coppermine River") located in Nunavut. Sitka's projects vary from grassroots and discovery stage properties to advanced stage projects that include the recent discovery of a significant gold deposit at its RC Gold project which is open for expansion in all directions. The Company's primary focus for 2024 is on its flagship RC Gold project where an initial inferred gold resource of 1.34 million ounces of gold (1) was recently announced and a winter diamond drilling program focused on expansion of this resource is currently underway. Results from drilling at the Alpha Gold Project in Nevada have been received and key permits have also recently been secured to allow for drilling at the Burro Creek project in Arizona and the Coppermine River project in Nunavut.

Sitka Gold Corp. is a well-funded mineral exploration company headquartered in Canada with approximately $7.5 million in the treasury. The company recently began trading on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX-V) and delisted from the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE).

Figure 1: Location map of Sitka Golds mineral properties (CNW Group/Sitka Gold Corp.)

"Since its inception, Sitka's goal was to curate a portfolio of highly prospective mineral properties that would provide diversification across key target minerals and mining friendly jurisdictions", said Cor Coe, Director and CEO of Sitka. "Having accomplished that, Sitka spent the past several years systematically advancing these properties through varying stages of exploration. The results of these efforts have led to multiple discoveries and milestones, the most recent being the advancement of RC Gold from a discovery hole to an initial mineral resource estimate of 1.34 million ounces of gold within just 12 months. With our main focus on growing that resource towards critical mass while exploring the several additional drill ready targets at RC Gold ripe for discovery, we are also excited to continue our exploration efforts at Alpha Gold where we have discovered a large Carlin-type gold system that has the potential to host a significant gold resource similar to other other deposits along the Cortez-trend where over 50 million ounces of gold has been discovered to date. With drill permits now in hand for Coppermine River and Burro Creek, along with a treasury of approximately $7.5 million, Sitka is well positioned to further unlock the potential within its mineral portfolio and create additional shareholder value."

Story continues

RC Gold, Yukon

The Company is currently conducting a winter diamond drilling program at its year-round road accessible RC Gold Project in Yukon as part of a 15,000 metre diamond drilling program planned for 2024. Recently drilled core from DDRCCC-24-057 where drilling is currently underway can be viewed in Figure 4. Current drilling is focused on stepping out from Hole 47 that was drilled in 2023 south of the current Blackjack gold deposit (900,000 ounces of gold at a grade of 0.83 g/t; see news release dated January 19, 2023). Hole 47 contained the best gold mineralized intersection to date on the property, returning 219.0 m of 1.34 g/t gold including 124.8 m of 2.01 g/t gold and 55.0m of 3.11 g/t gold. Drilling in 2024 will continue to focus on expanding the recently discovered Blackjack and Eiger gold deposits (with Eiger hosting 440,000 ounces of gold at a grade of 0.50 g/t, see news release dated January 19, 2023) that are approximately 1.5 kilometres apart (see Figures 2 and 3). Drilling will also be targeted to expand the Saddle Zone, located midway between the Blackjack and Eiger deposits, where the largest and strongest gold-in-soil anomaly on the property is located (see Figures 2 and 3) along with other prospective areas within the 386 square kilometre contiguous property that hosts 9 known intrusions that are all known to be gold bearing from previous work.

Figure 2: 3D rendering of the Blackjack and Eiger gold deposits. These deposits remain open in all directions, are approximately 1.5 km apart and have the potential to be linked together as they appear to emanate from a common intrusive source at depth. 2023 drilling intersected gold mineralization outside of the current resource outlined in yellow. (CNW Group/Sitka Gold Corp.)

Figure 3: Plan map of the Northern Extent of the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex where several drill intervals and surface samples have demonstrated the high-grade nature of the Reduced Intrusion Related Gold System present. Yellow stars indicate where outcrop rock samples or drill hole intervals have returned >10 g/t gold. Several additional targets with the potential to host intrusion related gold deposits of significant size and grade have yet to be drilled within this approximately 3 km x 5 km (CNW Group/Sitka Gold Corp.)

Figure 4: Drill core from hole DDRCCC-24-057 where drilling is currently underway. This is the first drill hole of the 15,000 metre diamond drill program planned for 2024 at RC Gold. Pictured is megacrystic feldspar quartz monzonite cut by sheeted quartz-arsenopyrite veining. (CNW Group/Sitka Gold Corp.)

The project is located a two hour drive east of Dawson City and is accessed via the Klondike Highway and a network of industrial roads that service placer mines in the area. The RC Gold Property is located within the Tombstone Gold Belt (TGB) which is host to two producing mines, Kinross's Fort Knox Mine in Alaska and Victoria Gold's Eagle Mine in Yukon located approximately 50 kilometres east of RC Gold. The TGB has produced several significant new gold discoveries in recent exploration including the Blackjack and Eiger deposits at Sitka's RC Gold Project, Snowline Gold's Valley Gold deposit discovery, Banyan Gold's Aurmac deposit discovery and Victoria Gold's Raven deposit discovery.

Alpha Gold, Nevada

The Alpha Gold property lies 40 km SSE of Nevada Gold Mines' Cortez complex, including the Pipeline, Cortez Hills and Goldrush tier one gold deposits and is located at the southeast end of the Cortez trend (Figure 5). Four holes totaling 1027.3 m were drilled in the 2023 program at Alpha (see Figure 6). The 2023 drilling and previous drilling produced broad gold intervals with abundant Carlin pathfinder elements in strong Carlin-type alteration in all drill holes (see Table 1).

Figure 5: Alpha Gold Property Location. The Alpha project was staked after discovering the Alpha anticline on projection and parallel to the Cortez trend with felsic dikes and Carlin-type alteration and pathfinders on the surface along its axis. Analogous anticlines are important controls in the Pipeline, Cortez Hills, and Goldrush/Fourmile gold mines at the NNW end of the Cortez trend. (CNW Group/Sitka Gold Corp.)

The 2023 drilling and previous widely spaced drilling demonstrate that gold mineralization appears continuous along the 2.5 km segment of the Alpha anticline with encouraging evidence of higher-grade zones. An additional 4.5 km segment of the Alpha anticline continuing SSE to Frazier Creek remains untested by drilling. Four initial surface rock chip samples at Frazier Creek returned up to 0.775 g/t gold, greatly surpassing all surface gold from the Alpha NW area highlighting the potential of this area.. Drilling and geologic modelling continues to support a large Carlin-type gold system with extremely prospective untested targets and excellent potential for discovery of a high-grade core zone.

Table 1  Alpha NW Drill Results greater than 0.2 g/t gold 2021 to 2023. Wide spaced drilling at Alpha has continued to intersect broad gold intervals.

HOLE ID FROM (m) LENGTH (m)* GOLD (g/t) COMMENTS AG23-13 117.3 4.57 0.34 This release AG23-13 135.6 6.10 0.29 This release AG23-14 350.5 9.14 0.50 This release incl AG23-14 353.6 3.05 0.82 This release AG23-15 96.0 19.81 0.41 This release incl AG23-15 100.6 7.62 0.55 This release AG23-16 143.3 28.96 0.38 This release incl AG23-16 160.0 10.67 0.49 This release AG21-02 89.9 3.05 0.25 May 6, 2021 News Release AG21-02 155.4 6.10 0.24 May 6, 2021 News Release AG21-03 65.5 1.52 0.25 May 6, 2021 News Release AG21-03 83.8 4.57 0.28 May 6, 2021 News Release AG21-03 190.5 1.52 0.36 May 6, 2021 News Release AG21-04*



<0.2 Sep 26, 2021 News Release AG21-05** 118.9 12.19 0.41 Sep 26, 2021 News Release AG21-06*



<0.2 Nov 16, 2021 News Release AG21-07 62.5 4.57 0.28 Nov 16, 2021 News Release AG21-07 111.5 4.57 0.34 Nov 16, 2021 News Release AG21-07 125.0 6.10 0.27 Nov 16, 2021 News Release AG21-07 149.4 3.05 0.29 Nov 16, 2021 News Release AG21-08 262.1 1.52 0.44 Nov 16, 2021 News Release AG21-08 333.8 3.05 0.38 Nov 16, 2021 News Release AG21-08 339.9 9.14 0.60 Nov 16, 2021 News Release incl AG21-08 344.4 3.05 1.10 Nov 16, 2021 News Release AG21-08 364.2 3.05 0.41 Nov 16, 2021 News Release AG22-09 115.82 3.05 0.30 Oct 6, 2022 News Release AG22-09 137.2 15.24 0.42 Oct 6, 2022 News Release AG22-09 149.4 6.10 0.23 Oct 6, 2022 News Release AG22-10 202.7 3.05 0.27 Oct 6, 2022 News Release AG22-10 210.3 48.77 0.70 Oct 6, 2022 News Release incl AG22-10 211.8 21.34 1.21 Oct 6, 2022 News Release incl AG22-10 225.6 1.52 4.62 Oct 6, 2022 News Release AG22-11 483.1 12.19 0.50 Feb 22, 2023 News Release AG22-11 483.1 1.52 2.32 Feb 22, 2023 News Release AG22-12***



<0.2 Feb 22, 2023 News Release

*Hole located off anticline axis; ** Lost hole in mineralization; ***Lost hole above target

*Intervals are drilled core length, as insufficient drilling has been completed at this time to determine true widths

The 2023 drilling at Alpha greatly advanced the definition of structural controls to mineralization along the Alpha anticline and highlighted prime areas for targeting the deeper increasingly prospective Wenban 5 correlative host. Sitka has completed 5143.5 m of drilling in 15 holes since 2021 on the northwest end of the 7 km Alpha anticline. A longitudinal section of the 2.5 km segment where the drilling has occurred is shown in Figure 7 with gold and in Figure 8 with arsenic. The Alpha anticline lies in a down-dropped area east of a lower plate window as Goldrush does. All drilling at the Alpha project has occurred in the northwest portion of the project, except AG20-01. Drilling near the Alpha anticline axis has yielded significant gold intercepts, so far testing only the shallow Horse Canyon host stratigraphy. The Horse Canyon is the uppermost of two important carbonate rock units that are host to gold deposits in the Cortez Trend, the deeper carbonate rock unit is the Wenban 5.

Higher gold grades up to 4.62 g/t in Hole AG22-10 (see news release of October 6, 2022) close to steep dike-filled structures along Alpha anticline support an interpretation that main stage gold deposition relates to host rock intersecting the anticline hinge and to cross-structures along it. This important relationship and association with higher grades in drilling to date at the project provides many emerging structural/stratigraphic targets in the Horse Canyon Fm and the untested Wenban 5 equivalent host rocks which are highlighted in Figure 7. The Wenban 5 is the equivalent of the horizon that hosts most of the world class Goldrush ore body.

Figure 6: Alpha Project surface geology and drill hole location map. The purple line is the trace of the Longitudinal Section Line that runs broadly parallel to the Alpha anticline. Rocks on the surface in the drill area are non-reactive rocks that dont host gold. Reactive carbonate rocks that host gold deposits in the Cortez trend lie below the surface as shown on the longitudinal sections. Drilling has confirmed that the permeable reactive host rock units do exist at depth, are absorbing m (CNW Group/Sitka Gold Corp.)

Figure 7: Alpha Gold Longitudinal Section with Gold Looking East. Drilling has intercepted gold in the Horse Canyon Fm host rock horizon in all holes along the Alpha anticline, which parallels this section. AG22-10 intersected host rock and structure near the ideal location where they intersect resulting in much better grade (up to 4.62 g/t). The ideal location at the intersection of structure with permissive host rock is possible along the length of the section with more precise targeting. (CNW Group/Sitka Gold Corp.)

Figure 8: Alpha Gold Longitudinal Section with Arsenic Looking East. Arsenic forms a larger cloud around gold in Carlin-type gold systems and this is well demonstrated at Alpha. Arsenic is especially strong at the northwest end of the section in AG23-16 emphasising the untested potential there. Arsenic can also reflect leakage from more gold-enriched mineralization below which supports the potential in the deeper untested Wenban 5 rock unit. (CNW Group/Sitka Gold Corp.)

Coppermine River, Nunavut

The Company is pleased to announce that Arctic Copper Corp (ACC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Sitka Gold Corp, has received a Land Use Permit and a water permit to allow diamond drilling on the Company's Coppermine River Project.

Arctic Copper Corp currently holds approximately 12,000 hectares in 2 separate claim blocks in the Coppermine River District of Nunavut. The Copper Leaf showing, a new discovery made in 2015 by Arctic Copper personnel, is located approx. 60 km southwest of Kugluktuk and has never been tested by drilling (see Figure 9 and 11).

Figure 9: A location map for the Coppermine River Project. The project is located 60 km south of Kugluktuk. (CNW Group/Sitka Gold Corp.)

The Copper Leaf showing consists of strong massive and disseminated sediment-hosted copper sulphide mineralization in the Husky Creek Sandstone Formation. The mineralization appears to lie proximal to a major gabbro dyke that trends north-south for more than 12 km. Grab samples from the Copper Leaf showing returned values of up to 13.45% copper and up to 65 g/t silver in sandstone interpreted to be brought to surface by frost heave action (see Figure 11). A single line gravity survey (see Figure 10) was conducted over the Copper Leaf showing in 2015 and revealed a strong gravity anomaly 90 m wide located proximal to the Gabbro Dyke. An expanded gravity survey conducted in 2019 suggested significant strike potential along the east flank of the gabbro dyke for more than 400 m.

Figure 10: The figure shows a plan and cross sectional view of the gravity survey across the Copper Leaf Showing. The plan shows select samples of the mineralized Husky Creek sandstones and vein and breccia styles of mineralization located adjacent to the gabbro dyke(4). The gravity survey identified a sustained gravity anomaly to the east of the gabbro dyke where mineralized samples were collected from frost boils. The resulting gravity high area is interpreted as an increase of density resulti (CNW Group/Sitka Gold Corp.)

The mineral occurrences at Copper Leaf display similarities to other major world renown sediment hosted copper deposits such as the Kamoa-Kakula copper deposits in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The similar stratiform style, similar age, and similar depositional and tectonic environment indicate the potential for large high grade copper deposits to occur at Copper Leaf. The current published mineral resource at Kamoa-Kikula is 1.3 billion Mt grading 2.70% copper yielding 77.4 billion lbs of contained copper(1)(2). Other analogues to Copper Leaf include the Keweenaw Copper deposits in the United States (3.5 billion pounds of copper Indicated Resource (3)).

(1) Gilchrist, G., Pri.Sci.Nat.SACNASP, and Witley, G., Pri.Sci.Nat.SACNASP (Qualified Person): Kamoa and Combined Kakula Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource. Effective Date December 31, 2022. (2) These figures are for discussion purposes and do not imply that Arctic Copper Corp. has such copper deposits at this time. (3) Carl Michaud P.Eng. et al, Preliminary Economic Assessment White Pine North Project Michigan, USA, NI43.101 compliant. July 12, 2023. (4) Close, Scott, M.Sc.,P.Geo., Technical Report of the ACG,ACJ and ACRAE Claim Blocks Coppermine River Project for Arctic Copper Corp., December 15, 2015; Available at www.sitkagoldcorp.com

Figure 11: Sediment-Hosted Copper Mineralization assaying up to 13.45% Cu and up to 65 g/t Ag at the Copper Leaf Showing. Minor amounts of the green copper oxide mineral malachite are visible on the surface of the sandstones which contain copper sulphide minerals. (CNW Group/Sitka Gold Corp.)

Burro Creek, Arizona

The Burro Creek Gold and Silver Project is located 105 km by road southeast of Kingman, Arizona and is accessed via a 1.6 km dirt road west off Highway 93. The project covers an area of approximately 287 hectares and consists of four centrally located patented mineral claims and an additional 35 lode claims. The Property covers a low-sulphidation epithermal vein system that has been traced for over 1.7 km and exhibits widths of up to 45 metres.

The Company has received its drill permit to further explore its Burro Creek Property where a historical gold and silver resource (indicated and inferred) has been identified(1, 2) (see Table 2 and news releases Nov 12, 2019) within the Burro vein which is a low sulphidation epithermal gold-silver vein. Previous drilling by Sitka Gold confirmed the mineralization from the historical resource continues to the southern boundary of the patented mining claims (see Figure 13). The recently received drill permit now enables drill testing south of the historical resource beyond the patented mining claims. Previous work including surface geochemistry (see Figure 11), prospecting and geological mapping indicates the Burro vein continues for at least an additional 1.5 km to the south.

Figure 12: Mobile Metal Ion (MMI) soil sampling at Burro Creek. The projection of the Burro vein to the south is obscured by a thin cover of volcanic rocks. MMI surveys were conducted using this technique which is a proven advanced geochemical exploration tool used to target buried mineral deposits. The results from this survey indicate the Burro Vein continues south of the existing resource area for at least 1.3 kilometres. (CNW Group/Sitka Gold Corp.)

The historical mineral resource estimate of the Burro deposit is based on 87 reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drill holes and 9 sampled adits totaling 6,672m and 2,682 assays. Mineralization was constrained within a 3-dimensional geological solid created using Gemcom software. Practices consistent with CIM (2005) were applied to the generation of the historical mineral resource estimate and the parameters of the modeling are fully described in the NI 43-101 report referenced below.

Previous reverse circulation, diamond drilling and underground development conducted on the property outlined an historical indicated resource of 2,331,871 tonnes grading 1.01 g/t Au and 36.77 g/t Ag (yielding 122,491 ounces at a 1.63 g/t Au equivalent) and an historical inferred resource of 2,247,069 tonnes grading 0.60 g/t Au and 30.95 g/t Ag (yielding 81,304 ounces at a 1.13 g/t Au equivalent), both using a cut-off grade of 0.50 g/t Au(1). The historical results reported in the NI 43-101 technical report are considered by management to be reliable and relevant, though not conforming to current NI 43-101 standards (1,2). The Company is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves.

The Property was fully permitted to commence production in 1988 but the production decision was deferred due to a decline in the price of gold and silver(1). At that time, the intent was to place the Burro gold and silver deposit into production and continue to expand the resource through exploration funded by the ensuing profits.

(1) Pautler, J. (October 27, 2018) Technical Report on the Burro Creek Project

Table 2: Historic Resource Summary





HISTORIC INDICATED RESOURCE:**



AuEq* Gold Silver Gold Equivalent

Cut-Off Tonnes Grade (g/t) Ounces Grade

(g/t) Ounces Grade (g/t) Ounces

0.5g/t 2,331,871 1.01 75,567 36.77 2,756,778 1.63 122,491

HISTORIC INFERRED RESOURCE:**



AuEq* Gold Silver Gold Equivalent

Cut-Off Tonnes Grade (g/t) Ounces Grade

(g/t) Ounces Grade (g/t) Ounces

0.5g/t 2,247,069 0.6 43,243 30.95 2,236,113 1.13 81,304

*AuEq metal prices: US$846.00/oz gold, US$14.40/oz silver (3-year average as at January 31, 2011)

** J.Pautler, NI43.101 Technical Report on the Burro Creek Project, Oct 27, 2018



Recent exploration by Sitka in 2020 included 10 drill holes to define the on-strike continuity of the Burro Vein within the bounds of the patented claims (Figure 12). The results confirmed that the vein extends to the southern limits of the patented claims where Mobile Metal Ion (MMI) geochemical surveys conducted in 2013 indicate that the Burro Vein likely continues southward beneath a thin cover of volcanic rocks. Hole 19-56 intersected 1.14 g/t gold and 42.94 g/t silver over a core length of 41.08 m. Drilling is now permitted to test for the extension of the Burro Vein which could add significant potential to the property.

Table 3: Summary of drill hole highlights from the 2019 through 2020 diamond drilling program

Drill Hole ID

Interval Core Gold Silver News Release Date



From (m) To (m) Length (m) (g/t) (g/t) Friday, January 17, 2020 BC19-56

15.03 56.11 41.08 1.14 42.94 Friday, January 17, 2020

including 37.34 56.11 18.77 2.20 27.79 Friday, January 17, 2020

including 42.67 43.74 1.07 17.55 33.00 Friday, January 17, 2020 BC19-57

0.00 50.63 50.63 1.10 35.97 Friday, January 17, 2020

including 10.70 22.40 11.70 3.23 72.86 Friday, January 17, 2020

including 18.93 20.21 1.28 16.85 77.00 Friday, January 17, 2020 BC19-58

29.41 54.41 25.00 0.37 83.99 Friday, January 17, 2020

including 44.50 50.90 6.40 0.75 119.37 Friday, January 17, 2020 BC19-59

26.52 53.64 27.12 0.62 79.58 Friday, January 17, 2020

including 47.85 53.64 5.79 2.08 23.69 Friday, January 17, 2020 BC20-60

36.48 48.37 11.89 1.02 66.66 Thursday, February 20,

2020

including 36.48 39.84 3.36 1.76 52.26 Thursday, February 20,

2020 BC20-61

106.55 134.72 28.17 1.01 10.91 Thursday, February 20,

2020

including 128.62 132.95 4.33 3.12 6.37 Thursday, February 20,

2020

including 129.84 131.24 1.40 6.24 8.00 Thursday, February 20,

2020 BC20-62

116.73 122.77 6.04 0.94 14.16 Tuesday, April 14, 2020

including 118.56 121.30 2.74 1.45 17.44 Tuesday, April 14, 2020



130.33 132.89 2.56 0.62 56.80 Tuesday, April 14, 2020 BC20-63

140.96 142.00 1.04 1.27 1.00 Tuesday, April 14, 2020 BC20-64

no significant results



Tuesday, April 14, 2020 BC20-65

no significant results



Tuesday, April 14, 2020

*Intervals are drilled core length, as insufficient drilling has been completed at this time to determine true widths

Figure 13: Drill collar locations from the 2019-2020 diamond drilling program and vein trace from surface outcrop. (CNW Group/Sitka Gold Corp.)





1. A NI 43-101 report dated October 27, 2018 titled "Technical Report on the Burro Creek Project" was commissioned by Sitka Gold Corp and has been completed by J. Pautler, P. Geo., an independent qualified person. This report has been filed on SEDAR.



2. The Property contains an historical mineral resource estimate (the Burro Deposit) as defined by the National Instrument 43-101 Standards for Disclosure for Mineral Projects and is not considered by Sitka Gold Corp. to be a current mineral resource because a qualified person has not completed sufficient work to reclassify it as such. The indicated and inferred historical mineral resource estimate was prepared for Northern Freegold Resources Ltd. in November, 2010 in compliance with the standards of NI 43-101 at the time by Dr. A. Armitage, Ph.D., P.Geol., and J. Campbell, B.Sc., P.Geo. of GeoVector Management Inc., an Ottawa, Ontario based consulting firm specializing in resource estimation, project assessment, and project management. The historical resource estimate was contained in an NI 43-101 compliant technical report titled "Technical report on the Burro Creek Project, dated January 31, 2011 by Pautler, J.M., Armitage, A. and Campbell, J. and filed on SEDAR on February 28, 2011 ( www.sedar.com ) (1).

OGI Property

Sitka continues to explore the OGI property for its Sedex Pb-Zn-Ag potential as well as for Intrusion Related Gold System occurrences. The OGI property is strategically located at the western end of the Tombstone Gold Belt immediately north of the Brewery Creek deposit, recently acquired Victoria Gold, and 20 km west of the Mike Lake Project, recently acquired by Prospector Resources (Figure 14) Previous exploration has included soil geochemical surveys, airborne magnetics (done by the Geological Survey of Canada), gravity geophysics, stream sediment sampling, geological mapping and a small rotary air blast (RAB) drilling program. Previous soil surveys have produced areas of interest for follow-up exploration.

Figure 14: Location map of the OGI property located within Yukons Tombstone Gold Belt (CNW Group/Sitka Gold Corp.)

About the flagship RC Gold Project

The RC Gold Project consists of a 386 square kilometre contiguous district-scale land package located in the heart of Yukon's Tombstone Gold Belt. The project is located approximately 100 kilometres east of Dawson City with a 5,000 foot paved runway and is accessed via a secondary gravel road from the Klondike Highway which is usable year-round and is an approximate 2 hour drive from Dawson. It is the largest consolidated land package strategically positioned mid-way between Victoria Gold's Eagle Gold Mine - Yukon's newest gold mine which reached commercial production in the summer of 2020 - and Victoria Gold's former producing Brewery Creek Gold Mine.

On January 19, 2023 Sitka Gold announced an Initial Mineral Resource Estimate prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") guidelines for the RC Gold Property of 1,340,000 ounces of gold(1). The road accessible, pit constrained Mineral Resource is classified as inferred and is contained in two near/on-surface zones: The Blackjack and Eiger deposits. Both of these deposits are at/near surface, are potentially open pit minable and amenable to heap leaching, with initial bottle roll tests indicating that the gold is not refractory and has high gold recoveries of up to 94% with minimal NaCN consumption (see News Release July 13, 2022). The Mineral Resource estimate is presented in the following table at a base case cut-off grade of 0.25 g/t Au:

RC Gold Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate

COG g/t Au Blackjack Zone

Eiger Zone

Combined Tonnes

000's Au g/t 0z Au

000's

Tonnes

000's Au g/t 0z Au

000's

Tonnes

000's Au g/t 0z Au

000's 0.20 35,798 0.80 921

32,523 0.45 471

68,321 0.63 1,391 0.25 33,743 0.83 900

27,362 0.50 440

61,105 0.68 1,340 0.30 31,282 0.88 885

22,253 0.55 393

53,535 0.74 1,279 0.35 29,065 0.92 860

17,817 0.60 344

46,882 0.80 1,203 0.40 26,975 0.96 833

14,506 0.66 308

41,481 0.86 1,140



Notes 1. Mineral resource estimate prepared by Ronald G. Simpson of GeoSim Services Inc. with an effective date of January 19, 2023. Mineral Resources are classified using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards. 2. The cut-off grade of 0.25 g/t Au is believed to provide a reasonable margin over operating and sustaining costs for open-pit mining and processing 3. Mineral resources are constrained by an optimised pit shell using the following assumptions: US$1800/oz Au price; a 45 pit slope; assumed metallurgical recovery of 85%; mining costs of US$2.00 per tonne; processing costs of US$8.00 per tonne; G&A of US$1.50/t. 4. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. 5. Totals may not sum due to rounding.

To date, 54 diamond drill holes have been drilled into this system for a total of approximately 18,877 metres including 16-holes totalling 6,515 metres in 2023 focused on expanding the initial resource. The resource expansion drilling in 2023 produced results of up to 219.0 m of 1.34 g/t gold including 124.8 m of 2.01 g/t gold and 55.0 m of 3.11 g/t gold in drill hole DDRCCC-23-047 at Blackjack (see news release dated September 26, 2023).

*For more detailed information on the underlying properties please visit our website at www.sitkagoldcorp.com.

RC Gold Deposit Model

Exploration on the Property has mainly focused on identifying an intrusion-related gold system ("IRGS"). The property is part of the Tombstone Gold Belt which is the prominent host to IRGS deposits within the Tintina Gold Province in Yukon and Alaska. Notable deposits from the belt include: Fort Knox Mine in Alaska with current Proven and Probable Reserves of 230 million tonnes at 0.3 g/t Au (2.471 million ounces; Sims 2018)(1); Eagle Gold Mine with current Measured and Indicated Resources of 233 million tonnes at a grade of 0.57 g/t Au at the Eagle Main Zone (4.303 million ounces; Harvey et al, 2022)(2); the Brewery Creek deposit with current Indicated Mineral Resource of 22.2 million tonnes at a gold grade of 1.11 g/t (0.789 million ounces; Hulse et al. 2020)(3); the Florin Gold deposit, located adjacent to Sitka's RC Gold project, with a current Inferred Mineral Resource of 170.99 million tonnes grading 0.45 g/t (2.47 million ounces; Simpson 2021)(4) and the AurMac Project with an Inferred Mineral Resource of 347.49 million tonnes grading 0.63 gram per tonne gold (7.00 million ounces)(5).

(1) Sims J. Fort Knox Mine Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, USA National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report. June 11, 2018. https://s2.q4cdn.com/496390694/files/doc_downloads/2018/Fort-Knox-June-2018-Technical-Report.pdf





(2) Harvey N., Gray P., Winterton J., Jutras M., Levy M.,Technical Report for the Eagle Gold Mine, Yukon Territory, Canada. Victoria Gold Corp. December 31, 2022. https://vgcx.com/site/assets/files/6534/vgcx_-_2023_eagle_mine_technical_report_final.pdf





(3) Hulse D, Emanuel C, Cook C. NI 43-101 Technical Report on Mineral Resources. Gustavson Associates. May 31, 2020. https://www.goldenpredator.com/_resources/Brewery-Creek_NI-43-101-05OCT2020-File.pdf





(4) Simpson R. Florin Gold Project NI 43-101 Technical Report. Geosim Services Inc. April 21, 2021. https://sedar.com/GetFile.do?lang=EN&docClass=24&issuerNo=00005795&issuerType=03&projectNo=03236138&docI d=4984158





(5) Banyan Gold News Release Dated February 7, 2023 (Technical Report to be filed within 45 days of news release) https://banyangold.com/news-releases/2024/banyan-announces-7-million-ounce-gold-updated-mineral-resource-estimate-aurmac-project-yukon-canada/

Upcoming Events

Sitka Gold will be attending and/or presenting at the following events*:

Swiss Mining Institute, Zurich, Switzerland: March 20 - 21, 2024

121 Mining Investment, London, England: May 16-17, 2024

Takestock Investor Forum, Stampede Event, Calgary, Alberta: July 3, 2024

*All events are subject to change

About Sitka Gold Corp.

Sitka Gold Corp. is a well-funded mineral exploration company headquartered in Canada with approximately $7.5 million in the treasury. The Company is managed by a team of experienced industry professionals and is focused on exploring for economically viable mineral deposits with its primary emphasis on gold, silver and copper mineral properties of merit. Sitka is currently exploring its flagship RC Gold Project within the Tombstone Gold Belt in the Yukon Territory. The company is advancing the Alpha Gold Project in Nevada and has drill permits for its Burro Creek Gold and Silver Project in Arizona and the Coppermine River Project in Nunavut.

The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Cor Coe, P.Geo., Director and CEO of the Company, and a Qualified Person (QP) as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

SITKA GOLD CORP.

"Donald Penner"

President and Director

Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements

This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forwardlooking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things, the use of the proceeds raised under the Offering and the Company's anticipated work programs.

In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will complete its anticipated work programs and use the proceeds of the Offering as currently anticipated.

These forwardlooking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market uncertainty, the results of the Company's anticipated work programs and that the Company will not use the proceeds of the Offering as currently anticipated.

Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.

Sitka Gold Corp Logo (CNW Group/Sitka Gold Corp.)

Cision

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SOURCE Sitka Gold Corp.

Cision

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(Bloomberg) -- Follow Bloomberg India on WhatsApp for exclusive content and analysis on what billionaires, businesses and markets are doing. Sign up here.

Most Read from Bloomberg

A correction in Indias small-cap stocks portends souring risk appetite on the broader market, which is now an underperformer in Asia Pacific.

An index of small-cap stocks has lost more than $40 billion in market value in less than two weeks after authorities flagged risks of overheating and guided funds to limit purchases. The selloff deepened on Wednesday, with gauges of small- and mid-cap stocks plunging more than 4% each.

As sentiment weakens, investors are pulling money out of richly valued larger shares as well. The MSCI India Index is now lagging MSCIs Asia-Pacific Index for a second straight month. Some investors anticipate losses will deepen.

The regulatory actions against small cap stocks are testimony to the valuation froth in India. India could continue to underperform Asia going into the national elections in the next few weeks and amid the chip rally in other markets in the region, said Nitin Chanduka, a strategist at Bloomberg Intelligence.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India has been concerned about large flows into small- and mid-cap stocks amid an outsized rally in the riskiest area of the nations $4.5 trillion market over the past year. It asked funds to come up with measures to moderate inflows into related plans and safeguard investors from sudden redemptions.

It may not be appropriate to allow bubbles to keep building because when they burst, they impact investors adversely, Chairwoman Madhabi Puri Buch said earlier this week. Sebi is open to allowing money managers to hold more large-cap stocks in their small-cap portfolio to manage risk, she said.

Story continues

Buch further said the regulator has observed patterns of price manipulation in new listings taking place on platforms for tiny companies.

In light of the regulators remarks, ICICI Prudential Asset Management Co. on Tuesday said it temporarily halted lump-sum deposits in its mid and small-cap funds starting Thursday. Last month, Kotak Asset imposed limits on flows on recurring plans in its small-cap fund, citing the sharp surge in this segment that has led to valuation distortions in some cases.

The S&P BSE Small Cap Index is down more than 12% from an all-time high reached earlier this year. Smaller stocks led the record-breaking rally in the Indian equity market in the past year, forcing foreign funds to look beyond the typical large cap names.

This space was too hot and the correction may not be completed in a hurry, said Porinju Veliyath, founder and portfolio manager at Equity Intelligence Pvt. Ltd. There is still a lot of froth in many pockets, he said, adding that the slump may provide investors an entry point into quality stocks.

(Updates throughout.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
(Bloomberg) -- SoftBank Group Corp. is exploring a potential investment in Mistral AI, the French company emerging as Europes hottest artificial intelligence startup, people with knowledge of the matter said.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Japanese tech giant has expressed interest in backing Mistral the next time it raises funds, the people said. Any deal could potentially value Mistral at more than $2 billion, though the two parties havent discussed precise terms, according to the people.

Deliberations are ongoing and theres no certainty they will lead to an agreement, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private. Representatives for SoftBank and Mistral declined to comment.

Mistral has positioned itself as a plucky European champion challenging US dominance in the field of artificial intelligence. It was formed in early 2023 by former engineers at Googles DeepMind and Meta Platforms Inc.

In December, Mistral closed a $415 million round from a range of investors, including Salesforce Inc. and Nvidia Corp. The financing valued the firm at about $2 billion. Microsoft Corp., which is already a key partner of OpenAI, said last month it would invest 15 million ($16 million) in Mistral and make the French companys latest model available to customers of its Azure cloud services. After the Microsoft deal, Mistral swiftly announced partnerships with IBM and Snowflake Inc.

In recent months, SoftBank has turned more attention toward AI investments after staying out of financing rounds for booming generative AI startups like OpenAI. Alex Clavel, co-chief executive officer of the SoftBank Vision Funds, has said the firm is looking very carefully at generative AI firms but will place its bets wisely.

Story continues

SoftBanks billionaire founder Masayoshi Son is seeking as much as $100 billion to bankroll a chip venture to compete with Nvidia and supply semiconductors essential for AI, Bloomberg News reported last month. The optimism on AI has also benefited SoftBank-backed chip designer Arm Holdings Plc, which has seen its share price more than doubling since its initial public offering last year.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Net Sales : Q4 net sales decreased by 16.2% to $165.3 million; full-year net sales down 4.4% to $494.8 million.

Net Loss : Q4 net loss of $210.9 million; full-year net loss of $195.3 million, primarily due to impairment charges.

Operating Cash Flow : Full-year net cash provided by operating activities increased by 92.7% to $62.4 million.

Free Cash Flow : Free cash flow for the full year increased by 130.3% to $53.3 million.

Adjusted EBITDA : Q4 adjusted EBITDA decreased by 61.6% to $14.9 million; full-year adjusted EBITDA down 19.9% to $70.2 million.

Adjusted Net Income Per Share: Q4 adjusted net income per Class A common stock at $0.13; full-year adjusted net income per share at $0.58.

On March 14, 2024, Solo Brands Inc (NYSE:DTC) released its 8-K filing, disclosing its financial results for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year of 2023. The company, a Direct-To-Consumer (NYSE:DTC) platform operating four premium outdoor lifestyle brands, faced a challenging quarter with a significant net loss primarily due to impairment charges. Despite this, the company saw a substantial increase in operating cash flow and free cash flow, indicating some operational strengths amidst the difficulties.

Solo Brands Inc (DTC) Reports Decline in Q4 and Full Year 2023 Earnings Amid Strategic Shifts

Company Overview

Solo Brands Inc operates a DTC platform with a portfolio including Solo Stove, Oru, ISLE, and Chubbies apparel. These brands offer a range of outdoor and lifestyle products from portable fire pits and foldable kayaks to premium apparel. The company distributes its products through individual brand websites and strategic partnerships.

Financial Performance and Challenges

The company's net sales for Q4 2023 were $165.3 million, a decrease of 16.2% compared to Q4 2022. The full-year net sales also saw a decline of 4.4% to $494.8 million. This decrease was partly attributed to a lack of significant new product launches. The direct-to-consumer channel experienced a revenue decline, while wholesale revenues saw an increase.

Story continues

The gross profit margin for Q4 decreased to 58.3%, a reduction of 150 basis points year-over-year, mainly due to a shift in channel mix favoring wholesale, which typically has lower margins. Selling, general, and administrative expenses saw a slight decrease due to lower fixed costs, partially offset by increased marketing expenses.

Impairment charges of $249.0 million were recorded in 2023, significantly impacting the net income, which resulted in a net loss of $210.9 million for Q4 and $195.3 million for the full year. The adjusted net income and adjusted EBITDA also saw declines in both Q4 and the full year, reflecting the challenges faced by the company.

Financial Achievements

Despite the net loss, Solo Brands Inc achieved notable financial improvements in its cash flow metrics. The net cash provided by operating activities for the full year increased by 92.7% to $62.4 million. Additionally, the company's free cash flow saw a significant increase of 130.3% to $53.3 million. These achievements are important as they indicate the company's ability to generate cash from its core operations, which is crucial for sustainability and future investments.

Balance Sheet and Full Year 2024 Outlook

As of December 31, 2023, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $19.8 million and inventory valued at $111.6 million. The outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan Agreement were $60.0 million and $91.3 million, respectively.

For the full year 2024, CEO Chris Metz provided guidance with total revenue expected to be between $490 million to $510 million and an adjusted EBITDA margin projected to be between 10% to 12%. This guidance reflects the company's cautious optimism in the face of an uncertain environment and consumer spending pressures.

Conclusion

Solo Brands Inc's financial results for Q4 and the full year of 2023 reveal a company facing significant challenges, particularly with impairment charges that have heavily impacted net income. However, the strong performance in operating cash flow and free cash flow suggests underlying operational strengths. The company's focus for 2024 will be on leveraging brand strengths and making strategic investments for long-term growth, despite the current uncertain economic climate.

For a more detailed analysis and further information, investors are encouraged to review the full 8-K filing and tune into the conference call scheduled for March 14, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Explore the complete 8-K earnings release (here) from Solo Brands Inc for further details.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


SpaceXs powerful Starship and Super Heavy rocket completed a more successful third orbital test flight from Texas on Thursday morning with no explosive endings on the way up that marred the first two test flights in 2023.

The way down, though, still saw more destructive ends as the first-stage booster came in at more than 600 mph hitting the Gulf of Mexico and the upper stage spacecraft broke up on reentry halfway around the Earth. The overall mission, though, was considered a success by SpaceX officials.

This is the furthest that weve gotten in our test flight, but the further we fly, the more data that we can get and thats ultimately the measure of success here, said SpaceX commentator and quality systems engineering manager Kate Tice. I think today has been a huge success, given where we were, wed gone, and how much further weve gotten with both the booster and Starship itself.

The Federal Aviation Administration announced late Wednesday it had granted SpaceX a license for the Orbital Flight Test 3, and the 396-foot-tall rocket took flight at 9:25 a.m. EDT from the companys Starbase launch site in Boca Chica, Texas.

SpaceX is continuing test flights from Texas, but has stated it plans to shift operations to the Space Coast once the spacecraft is deemed operational. SpaceX has already begun construction on a Starship launch tower at Kennedy Space Center and is in talks to build out a site at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

NASA is also eagerly awaiting Starship to come to fruition so it can support the Artemis III mission as the lander that will bring humans including the first woman back to the moons surface for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972. That mission could come as soon as September 2026.

Congrats to @SpaceX on a successful test flight! Starship has soared into the heavens, posted NASA Administrator Bill Nelson on X. Together, we are making great strides through Artemis to return humanity to the moon  then look onward to Mars.

Story continues

To get there, though, more SpaceX test flights must continue from Texas, with as many as six more planned for 2024, according to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. The third one was a step forward in its efforts.

The Super Heavy boosters 33 Raptor engines that produce more than 17 million pounds of thrust on liftoff performed just as well as the last flight. They remained lit until SpaceX performed a hot staging maneuver during which all but three of the Raptor engines shut down while letting the Starship upper stage light its engines and safely separate. The Starship then continued its climb into space for a suborbital trip that took it east for an attempt to splash down in Indian Ocean.

The second launch attempt in November saw both the Super Heavy booster explode on its way back down to the Gulf of Mexico and Starship self destruct before it completed its ascent burn.

This time, though, the Super Heavy booster made it closer back to Earth, although not completing what SpaceX had planned, a controlled burn right above the surface of the Gulf to demonstrate its capability to land similar to how Falcon 9 first-stage boosters land. SpaceX lost control of the booster, though, still traveling more than 600 mph when it hit the water.

Attention turned to the Starship upper stage then, as it completed its burn less than 10 minutes after launch and began a 30-minute coast phase during which SpaceX performed some new tests including the opening and closing of the spacecrafts payload door and a fuel transfer demonstration on board the spacecraft.

Images of reentry delivered via a Starlink satellite flying on board that connected to SpaceXs constellation showed plasma buildup surrounding the spacecraft just under 62 miles altitude with cheers from SpaceX employees coming in waves in the background during the broadcast. Imagery cut out with Starship still traveling at 16,500 mph at about 46 miles altitude.

This was wild. Weve never seen the super hot plasma grow in real-time, Musk posted to X.

Were not expecting Starship to survive the impact, said SpaceXs Dan Huot during the broadcast. Were not going to be recovering any of the hardware.

Huot said data from the Starlink broadcast cut out at the same moment as the tracking and data relay satellite, so that could mean the spacecraft came apart on reentry.

It is a realistic possibility that we lost our ship, which honestly was always on the table, Tice said. We didnt know how far it was going to get. The further we could fly and the more data we could collect was always the biggest win.

Huot confirmed the spacecraft known as Ship 28 was lost.

So no splashdown today, he said. Its incredible to see how much further we got this time around. We had a couple of those ambitious objectives  that we were able to take advantage of while Starship was in outer space flying over our planet for the very first time, so that was just really incredible.

Eventually, plans are for both halves to make vertical safe landings as part of the spacecrafts reusable design.

The fully-stacked rocket takes off from a 469-foot-tall launch integration tower, which SpaceX CEO Elon Musk refers to as Mechazilla. Its designed to one day capture the Super Heavy booster on its return with the aid of two pivoting metal arms called the chopsticks, but that wont occur until a future test launch.

Neither the April or November launches ended according to plan, but instead had explosive ends. The first attempt saw the Super Heavy booster and Starship upper stage fail to separate prompting SpaceX to send a self destruct command while it was over the Gulf. It also demolished the launch pad, although SpaceX was able to improve that so it survived fairly intact after launch No. 2.

The second attempt saw a successful separation with the first use of the hot-staging technique, but the Super Heavy still blew up on its way down to the water and the Starship upper stage, while it made it into space, did not finish its ascent burn and had an automatic self destruct sequence enacted.

Starships second flight test achieved a number of major milestones and provided invaluable data to continue rapidly developing Starship, read a launch preview on SpaceXs website. Each of these flight tests continue to be just that: a test. They arent occurring in a lab or on a test stand, but are putting flight hardware in a flight environment to maximize learning.

That flight with the upper stage technically making it to space despite the explosion made Starship the most powerful rocket to ever make it to space. It bested NASAs Space Launch System rockets 8.8 million pounds of thrust produced when it flew the Orion capsule to space on the Artemis I mission back in 2022.

For the third flight, original plans were for SpaceX to also try to relight one of the upper stages six Raptor engines while in space and attempt a controlled reentry, but teams opted out of that as it approached reentry.

Even if it had performed the burn, there was never a plan to attempt any sort of landing on a droneship like its Falcon 9 first-stage boosters.

The change in flight path to the Indian Ocean from the first two attempts plans for a Pacific Ocean landing near Hawaii allowed for more public safety while attempting the new rocket features.

This rapid iterative development approach has been the basis for all of SpaceXs major innovative advancements, including Falcon, Dragon, and Starlink, reads the post on SpaceXs website. Recursive improvement is essential as we work to build a fully reusable transportation system capable of carrying both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, help humanity return to the moon, and ultimately travel to Mars and beyond.
A boater passes SpaceX's Starship, the world's biggest and most powerful rocket, last year in Boca Chica, Texas. (Eric Gay / Associated Press)

The SpaceX rocket that is intended to take humans back to the moon and someday to Mars completed its third and most successful test flight Thursday morning.

Stacked on top of a Super Heavy booster, the Starship rocket lifted off flawlessly at 6:25 a.m. PDT from the company's Boca Chica, Texas, launchpad, with all 33 of the booster's engines igniting and propelling Starship into space.

Less than three minutes later, the booster successfully separated from the rocket in what Elon Musk's company calls a "hot stage" sequence, meaning engines on Starship lighted moments before the separation. The maneuver is intended to improve the rocket's payload.

Starship then entered a "coast phase," cruising through space for many minutes before reentering the Earth's atmosphere toward a planned splashdown in the Indian Ocean. The company eventually lost contact with the craft and about 65 minutes into the flight it said the rocket was lost.

The company called the third flight a success, noting it was the longest flight yet of the rocket.

This was a great step forward. It was a vast improvement from the last test flight. It was not a 100% success, but I would still call it a success because it achieved many of the milestones that SpaceX set out, said Laura Forczyk, executive director of space industry consultancy Astralytical.

During the flight, Starship completed several objectives, including opening and closing payload doors that will be used to launch future satellites. It also initiated commands to transfer tons of propellant from one tank to another. The company will review the data to determine whether the transfer was carried out.

"Starship will make life multiplanetary," Musk tweeted after the test flight was over.

The two previous launches of earlier versions of Starship ended in explosions not long after launch, but gave scientists valuable information about the rocket system, which is by far the most powerful ever built. SpaceX secured approval from the Federal Aviation Administration on Wednesday to conduct the latest flight.

Story continues

Like the company's Falcon rockets, the Starship and Super Heavy booster are both designed to return to Earth and be reusable, which Musk has said will dramatically lower the cost of space travel. On Thursday, SpaceX had hoped to bring the booster back down in a controlled reentry to the Gulf of Mexico but was unable to do so.

Starship is key to the company's financial security. The spaceship and the Super Heavy booster it is attached to are intended to eventually replace the company's workhorse Falcon 9 rocket. It is intended not only to carry cargo and crew to the lunar surface but also to launch more and larger Starlink broadband satellites than the company's existing lineup of rockets can.

Last April, the company launched the Starship rocket for the first time. The rocket cleared the launchpad, at the southern tip of Texas near the Mexican border, and soared above the Gulf of Mexico for a few minutes before exploding.

SpaceX later said that a propellant leak caused multiple engines to fail and the explosion was caused by the rocket's autonomous flight termination system, which is designed to make the rocket self-destruct if the software senses that it is going off-course or that its performance is unsafe.

The launchpad also was damaged on blastoff  sending debris flying across nearly 400 acres.

SpaceX's second test flight in November lasted about twice as long, giving enough time for the booster and Starship to separate. The booster exploded moments after falling away, followed shortly by Starship. That explosion, too, was due to the rocket's autonomous flight termination system.

Starship, with its Super Heavy booster, is the largest and most powerful rocket ever developed, taller than the Saturn V that sent Neil Armstrong to the moon and with about twice the thrust. If the company completes its mission to the moon, Musk will be a small step closer to his goal of taking humans eventually to Mars. The company already has a contract with NASA to carry people to the moon.

The aerospace company, formally known as Space Exploration Technologies Corp., doesnt typically view in-flight failures during a rockets development as major setbacks, but rather as learning moments that help develop its vehicles further.

Regardless of the outcome of the latest mission, SpaceX still has a long way to go until people can take trips to Mars. Problems still to be solved include figuring out life support systems and how to land the spacecraft in one piece.

Bloomberg News contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Three lactose-intolerant women are steamed over a surcharge for nondairy milk substitutions in Starbucks beverages.

California residents Maria Bollinger, Dawn Miller and Shunda Smith filed a lawsuit earlier this month in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, alleging the coffee giant discriminated against customers with lactose allergies by charging them an extra fee for nondairy alternatives to its coffee-based drinks and other beverages.

"Starbucks charges customers with lactose intolerance and milk allergies an excessively high surcharge to substitute non-dairy alternatives in its drinks," according to the complaint, which seeks restitution as well as monetary damages.

The "excessively high" fee alleged in the suit involves a surcharge ranging from 50 cents to 80 cents on Starbucks beverages that contain nondairy, lactose-free options, such as soy, almond, coconut, oat and other plant-based milks. Non-dairy milks typically cost more than regular dairy, with 2022 data finding that plant-based products cost about $7.87 per gallon compared with $4.21 per gallon for cow's milk, according to Marketplace.

Lactose intolerance, which affects 30 million to 50 million Americans, qualifies as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The plaintiffs claim that by charging extra for plant-based milks in their beverages, Starbucks violated their rights under the ADA and California Unruh Civil Rights Act, a law that bars businesses from discriminating against residents of the state on the basis of age, race, sex, disability and other criteria.

A Starbucks spokesperson said the company can't comment on pending litigation, but noted that domestic customers do have nondairy options at no extra charge.

"In U.S. Starbucks stores, at no additional cost, customers can add up to four ounces of nondairy milk to hot or iced brewed coffee or tea, cold brew and Americano beverages," the spokesperson said.

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Members of the Starbucks' Rewards loyalty program also can redeem points to get nondairy milk when it is not part of the standard recipe.

Starbucks uses 2% cow's milk in most of its coffee-based beverages, according to the lawsuit, which argues that the chain will substitute whole milk, half-and-half, or fat-free skim milk for free. The same goes for sugar-free sweeteners, which can also be used to replace regular sugar upon request for no additional charge, the lawsuit states.

"There is no expertise or additional work required of Starbucks employees that would substitute whole milk or fat-free milk in place of 2% regular milk, or who would make caffeine-free or sugar-free beverages, to also be able to substitute non-dairy alternatives such as soy, almond, coconut, oat, or other lactose-free 'milk' in place of 2% regular milk," according to the claim.

Starbucks isn't the only restaurant chain to come under fire for tacking on charges for plant-based milk. Dunkin' in January was hit with a similar suit, while a number of other coffee sellers around the country are also being called out for nondairy milk charges.

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Caddo Parish School students will benefit from a new partnership between Southwestern Electric Power Company and Volunteers of America North Louisiana.

SWEPCO announced Wednesday morning that it would award a grant of $75,000 to Volunteers of America North Louisiana to expand its Communities in Schools and LightHouse programs. Both programs currently serve approximately 7,000 students.

"SWEPCO recognizes how beneficial both programs are, helping thousands of students in the classroom," SWEPCO External Affairs Manager Michael Corbin said. "We see this as the perfect opportunity and time to assist them in expanding the programs to help even more students.

According to SWEPCO, CIS focuses on attendance, behavior and course performance. Seventy-eight percent of students receiving intensive services met or made progress toward either an academic, attendance or behavior goal.

LightHouse works to ensure students are mastering their coursework by offering after-school assistance with homework and enrichment activities.

SWEPCO, AEP Awards Grant Benefiting Thousands of Caddo Parish Students, March 13, 2024.

Together, these efforts are making a significant impact in reducing barriers to education and ensuring children stay in school, Carolyn Hammond, president/CEO of Volunteers of America North Louisiana, said.

More: SWEPCO names Shreveport lawyer as vice president of External Affairs

Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: SWEPCO grant Volunteers of America will benefit Caddo Parish students
Terraform Labs, the bankrupt cryptocurrency firm behind the fallen algorithmic stablecoin TerraUSD (UST), has been granted permission by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Brendan Shannon to retain the law firm Dentons for its legal representation, Reuters reported.

The approval came during a bankruptcy court hearing in Delaware, where the judge found the legal spending necessary.

This decision follows a contentious debate with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Terraforms creditors, who had opposed the US$166 million legal fee arrangement.

The courts ruling allows Terraform Labs to maintain its legal defense with Dentons, despite the SECs challenge regarding the substantial retainer fee.

Dentons has agreed to return US$48 million to Terraform and submit future legal work to increased oversight by the bankruptcy court.

Terraform and the law firm will be preparing for a trial later this month, where it faces allegations of securities fraud by the SEC.

The agency has accused Terraform Labs and its founder and former chief executive Kwon Do-hyung (also known as Do Kwon) of offering and selling securities in the form of cryptocurrencies and orchestrating a multi-billion dollar securities fraud involving its algorithmic stablecoin UST.

The collapse of TerraUSD in May 2022 had a significant impact on the cryptocurrency market, leading to the bankruptcies of several major crypto firms.
Tether

Canadian Budtender community gears up for sampling events in Vancouver, Oakville, and Edmonton through March 24-31, 2024

B-Week is March 24-31, 2024.

Budtender Appreciation Week is coming March 24-31, 2024.

B-Week 2024 Events Across Canada

Join us for events in Vancouver, BC, Oakville, ON, and Edmonton, AB.

Toronto, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Toronto, ON, March 14, 2024 - Tether, a leading name in the Canadian cannabis industry, is preparing for a weeks worth of events in honour of the third annual Budtender Appreciation Week (B-Week), an initiative created to recognize and celebrate the contributions of cannabis retail workers across Canada. This year's events promise to be bigger than ever, featuring sampling events in Vancouver, BC, Oakville, ON, and Edmonton, AB through March 24-31, 2024.



As part of Tether's commitment to fostering a thriving cannabis community, the organization emphasizes the significant role that Budtenders play in shaping consumer preferences and driving market trends. Through initiatives like Budtender Appreciation Week, Tether aims to empower Budtenders to become authentic advocates for cannabis products, leveraging their expertise to bridge the gap between consumers and cannabis brands. By collaborating with brands and providing Budtenders with opportunities for education and community building, Tether envisions a future where mutual success is achieved.



Leveraging its community of close to 5,000 Budtenders and retail decision-markers, Tether has curated a week-long series of opportunities that include retail visits and educational sampling events.



B-Week 2024 Schedule of Events

Sunday, March 24: Vancouver Sampling Event at The Beaumont Studios

Wednesday, March 27: Oakville Sampling Event at the 707 Galaxy Club

Thursday, March 28: Edmonton Sampling Event at Pioneers Cabin

March 24-31: Retail store visits in ON and BC from the Tether team



Green Hedge and our portfolio of brands are proud to be a part of Tethers Budtender Appreciation Week at events across Canada, says Steve Crichton, Director of Education & Corporate Development at Green Hedge. The Tether team has been incredible to work with and is championing brand activation and Budtender engagement. We could not be more thrilled to participate in these upcoming events and look forward to connecting with Budtenders across the country, sharing knowledge and educational samples.

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Tethers B-Week sampling events are already generating excitement with a lineup of beloved partners that include 40 Acre Blends, ADCANN, Axis Insurance, Antidote Processing, Blunt Botanicals, Boxcar, Bud Lafleur, Cannabis MarketSpace, CannabisNewsWire, Cannabis Prospect Magazine, Cannabis Retailer, Cheap & Cheerful, Choklit Park, Coast Mountain Cannabis, F.A.A.F.O. Cannabis Co., Farm & Florist, Fuego, Glacial Gold, Greenhouse Print, Green Mile Original, Green Monke, Grow Up Conferences & Expo, High Plains, Kinloch Wellness, Lasqueti Cannabis Corp, Lune Rise Farms, MillRite and EPIC by Greenway, NightNight CBN, Primeau Cannabis, Primo, Rocky Mountain Cannabis, Rosebud Farms Ltd., Roxton Air, Smokin Joes, StratCann, Sweet Justice, Tastys, Terra Labs, Thumbs Up, Token Naturals, Valhalla FLWR, Value Buds, Victoria Cannabis Company, VIP Media Group, West Blvd, West Coast Gifts, Wink, WYLD, Weathered Islands, Wildcard Extracts, XPLOR and more.



To become a B-Week Partner, please contact ddias@marigoldpr.com. To stay up to date with event details and brand announcements, follow @tetherbuds on Instagram.



Media representatives and cannabis influencers are encouraged to be part of these unique events. To secure your complimentary media pass, please contact Mackenzie Bentley at mbentley@marigoldpr.com.



Attendance at Tethers B-Week events is strictly limited to those who meet the minimum age in their province or territory. Pre-registration is required to guarantee your spot.



Sampling opportunities will be reserved exclusively for Budtenders and Retailers. Industry professional tickets are available but limited.



About Tether

Tether is Canada's Budtender community, connecting cannabis brands with a network of over 4,500 Budtenders from across Canada. By providing Budtenders with the necessary education, connections, and resources to succeed and providing brands with a cost-effective way to connect, promote and educate, Tether paves the way for a stronger community and a brighter future for the industry. To learn more, visit https://tetherbuds.com/.

Attachments

CONTACT: Mackenzie Bentley Tether (778)-697-4373 mbentley@marigoldpr.com




SINGAPORE, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Brilliance Capital is pleased to launch the sale of three adjoining ground floor commercial units within Bukit Timah Plaza, a mixed-use commercial and residential development. Bukit Timah Plaza stands as a symbol of luxury and prime location, attracting discerning investors and businesses alike. The ground floor strata units, now available for sale, present a rare opportunity to secure a prime piece of commercial real estate in this coveted location. Sized from approximately 301 to 635 sq ft, these units redefine prime commercial real estate with their main road frontage, strategically positioned just beside the entrance and drop-off point, ensuring unparalleled visibility.

THREE PRIME ADJOINING GROUND FLOOR COMMERCIAL STRATA UNITS AT BUKIT TIMAH PLAZA FOR SALE

Bukit Timah Plaza is an iconic mixed-use development comprising a four-storey retail podium as well as Sherwood Towers, a residential development comprising 270 units. Built in the late 1970s, it has undergone several renovations to keep it up to date with modern shopping standards. Located in the heart of Bukit Timah, the retail podium is anchored by one of the largest NTUC FairPrice Finest stores in Singapore that operates 24 hours, occupying more than 40,000 square feet space and a crowd puller in the area. It is also home to popular F&B outlets, retail shops, learning and educational hubs, medical, as well as two banking halls. The development is well served by more than 427 car parking lots spanning across three floors on level 3, basement 2 and basement 3, adding an extra sense of convenience for both shoppers and occupiers, enjoying direct access to both the retail podium and residential blocks of Bukit Timah Plaza.

The development is strategically located in one of the most affluent areas in the central region of Singapore, well-known for its high-end residential neighborhoods, luxurious homes and prestigious schools. Over the next few years, more than 1,500 residential units and serviced apartments will be completed and expected to inject more vibrancy to the area. The development is well positioned to cater to the growing demand from the increased catchment in future.

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Sitting on an island site, Bukit Timah Plaza commands prominent main road frontages along Jalan Anak Bukit, Upper Bukit Timah Road and Dunearn Road. It is also highly accessible to the rest of the island via Pan Island Expressway (PIE) and Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE), and within walking distance from both Beauty World and King Albert Park MRT station on the Downtown Line.

Sammi Lim, Founder and Executive Director, Brilliance Capital Pte Ltd, said: "Bukit Timah Plaza has always been synonymous with prime real estate, and these ground floor strata units epitomize the essence of strategic location and high visibility. Priced at a compelling $4.8 million, the trio of strata units, each boasting individual titles and seamlessly contiguous, is a palatable quantum for investors seeking a lucrative venture in a high-traffic locale. The units are currently tenanted and investors can seamlessly step into a premium investment with immediate returns. This is an astute choice for those seeking both stability and growth in their investment portfolio.

We have further observed that investors who are looking for steady cash flow, potential income appreciation, and a resilient asset class are entering or actively looking out for opportunities to enter the commercial sector. The buyer pool would include local and overseas investors, corporates, private funds, family offices, and ultra-high net worth individuals. We do expect keen interest from owner-occupiers as well, who are looking for a strategic business location with unmatched visibility and accessibility. These ground floor strata units at Bukit Timah Plaza not only offer an attractive investment proposition but also serve as an ideal space for businesses seeking a premium storefront in a prime district. As the commercial real estate landscape continues to evolve, these units stand out as a compelling choice for those seeking stability, growth, and long-term value in their property investments."

One notable advantage for potential buyers is the exemption from Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) and Seller's Stamp Duty (SSD), typical of commercial properties, further enhancing the appeal of this offering.

Brilliance Capital is the sole marketing agent for this private treaty sale.

About Brilliance Capital Pte. Ltd.

Brilliance Capital is a boutique real estate consultancy that provides advisory and agency services covering commercial and industrial investments, residential sales, and leasing services of all asset classes. Brilliance Capital is the brainchild of Sammi Lim  an extension of herself and her dedication in helping clients buy, sell, lease their properties, especially for corporates, institutional funds, ultra-high net worth individuals and private family funds that aim to diversify into real-estate investments.

Cision

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SOURCE Brilliance Capital
(Bloomberg) -- Senators from both sides of the aisle swatted down the idea of fast-tracking legislation that would force TikToks Chinese owner to sell the video-sharing app within six months, reducing its prospects of becoming law.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, said he supported separating TikTok from the influence of the Chinese government but warned that the deadline in the bill to sell it or shut down its US operations would be too short. Texas Republican Ted Cruz, who sits on the Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over the measure, said the Senate should refer it to the panel for further work.

Im glad the House has acted, Cruz said Thursday, a day after the House of Representatives passed the measure by an overwhelming majority of 352 to 65. Now, he said, the bill should be subject to a full amendment process.

That could tie it up for months, potentially killing it in an election year when lawmakers are eager to get back home to campaign. Its a fate thats befallen many bills in the past, and senators signaled they were loath to rush on a bid to ban an app thats used by as many as 170 million Americans.

Virginia Democrat Mark Warner, the chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said Thursday on Bloomberg Televisions Balance of Power that he would like the Senate to pass a TikTok bill quickly but acknowledged that his colleagues have a variety of proposals.

We need to get this done, he said of legislation to force divestiture.

The ban would present senators with a thorny decision. A Pew Research Center poll from December showed 38% of Americans support a TikTok ban, down from 50% in March. And Republican calculations became trickier after Donald Trump, the partys presumptive nominee for this years election, came out against a ban that he had supported during his presidency.

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Read More: Mnuchin Now Wants to Buy TikTok, Days After Leading NYCB Rescue

TikTok is lobbying full-scale, no holds barred, no matter how much time they have, Blumenthal said. The House bill really has to be reviewed very carefully.

CEOs Lobbying

That lobbying campaign was in full force Thursday afternoon. TikTok Chief Executive Officer Shou Chew was at the Capitol meeting with members, including Senator John Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat. Fetterman favors the House-passed legislation, citing the national security risks that he says TikToks Chinese parent ByteDance Ltd. could pose to US users.

TikTok declined to comment Thursday. But it has framed the bill as an outright ban, arguing, like Blumenthal, that six months wouldnt be enough time for a sale. Fetterman said Chew didnt change his mind.

Read more: Why TikTok Faces a US Ban Over National Security: QuickTake

I expressed my frustrations, and I was clear that my children use TikTok, Fetterman said in an interview. So if I was trying to ban TikTok, I wouldve already banned it on the phones in my own home.

James Andrew Lewis, a technology expert with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, questioned the efficacy of the bill. If you want a nice symbolic action, then they can move ahead on this, Lewis said. But if you want to actually do something, theyll need to rewrite it.

Cruz said he has spoken to Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell, a a Washington State Democrat, and that it wasnt yet clear whether the panel will act on the House bill.

Other senators suggested the bill didnt go far enough, casting even more doubt on its chances. Senator Elizabeth Warren, Massachusetts Democrat, advocated a proposal she has with South Carolina Republican Lindsey Graham for an independent commission to propose rules for social media companies.

The threats posed by social media are not confined to one company, Warren said in an interview. We need curbs on social media that protect privacy, protect our children and ensure integrity.

Read more: These Are the Biggest Questions Now Facing TikTok: QuickTake

Senator Josh Hawley, a Missouri Republican and a fierce critic of TikTok, said he hoped the chamber would consider and vote on the House bill but was pessimistic about that outcome. He said massive lobbying spending has stifled congressional efforts to rein in abuses by tech behemoths.

Lets put it on the floor and lets have a debate. We can amend it. Well have an open amendment process. Wed legislate, Hawley said. But I predict that will not be what happens.

--With assistance from Oma Seddiq, Alex Barinka, Anna Edgerton and Kailey Leinz.

(Updates with Warner, in the fifth and sixth paragraphs.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Tilly's (NYSE:TLYS) Posts Q4 Sales In Line With Estimates But Stock Drops

Young adult apparel retailer Tillys (NYSE:TLYS) reported results in line with analysts' expectations in Q4 FY2023, with revenue down 4.1% year on year to $173 million. On the other hand, next quarter's revenue guidance of $114 million was less impressive, coming in 8.1% below analysts' estimates. It made a GAAP loss of $0.69 per share, down from its loss of $0 per share in the same quarter last year.

Is now the time to buy Tilly's? Find out by accessing our full research report, it's free.

Tilly's (TLYS) Q4 FY2023 Highlights:

Revenue: $173 million vs analyst estimates of $171.7 million (small beat)

EPS: -$0.69 vs analyst estimates of -$0.22 (-$0.47 miss)

Revenue Guidance for Q1 2024 is $114 million at the midpoint, below analyst estimates of $124 million

Gross Margin (GAAP): 27.5%, down from 40.8% in the same quarter last year

Free Cash Flow of $310,000, down 95.2% from the same quarter last year

Same-Store Sales were down 8.8% year on year

Store Locations: 248 at quarter end, decreasing by 1 over the last 12 months

Market Capitalization: $219.4 million

With an emphasis on skate and surf culture, Tillys (NYSE:TLYS) is a specialty retailer that sells clothing, footwear, and accessories geared towards fashion-forward teens and young adults.

Apparel Retailer

Apparel sales are not driven so much by personal needs but by seasons, trends, and innovation, and over the last few decades, the category has shifted meaningfully online. Retailers that once only had brick-and-mortar stores are responding with omnichannel presences. The online shopping experience continues to improve and retail foot traffic in places like shopping malls continues to stall, so the evolution of clothing sellers marches on.

Sales Growth

Tilly's is a small retailer, which sometimes brings disadvantages compared to larger competitors that benefit from economies of scale.

As you can see below, the company's revenue was flat over the last four years (we compare to 2019 to normalize for COVID-19 impacts) as its store footprint remained relatively unchanged.

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Tilly's Total Revenue

This quarter, Tilly's reported a rather uninspiring 4.1% year-on-year revenue decline to $173 million in revenue, in line with Wall Street's estimates. The company is guiding for a 7.8% year-on-year revenue decline next quarter to $114 million, an improvement from the 15.2% year-on-year decrease it recorded in the same quarter last year. Looking ahead, Wall Street expects revenue to remain flat over the next 12 months.

Here at StockStory, we certainly understand the potential of thematic investing. Diverse winners from Microsoft (MSFT) to Alphabet (GOOG), Coca-Cola (KO) to Monster Beverage (MNST) could all have been identified as promising growth stories with a megatrend driving the growth. So, in that spirit, weve identified a relatively under-the-radar profitable growth stock benefitting from the rise of AI, available to you FREE via this link.

Same-Store Sales

Tilly's demand has been shrinking over the last eight quarters, and on average, its same-store sales have declined by 12.7% year on year. This performance is quite concerning and the company should reconsider its strategy before investing its precious capital into new store buildouts.

Tilly's Year On Year Same Store Sales Growth

In the latest quarter, Tilly's same-store sales fell 8.8% year on year. This decrease was a further deceleration from the 13.7% year-on-year decline it posted 12 months ago. We hope the business can get back on track.

Key Takeaways from Tilly's Q4 Results

We enjoyed seeing Tilly's exceed analysts' gross margin expectations this quarter. We were also happy its revenue narrowly outperformed Wall Street's estimates. On the other hand, its EPS fell significantly short, and its revenue and EPS guidance for next quarter missed analysts' expectations as its same-store sales have already declined 13.4% as of March 12, 2024. Overall, the results could have been better. The company is down 6.4% on the results and currently trades at $6.76 per share.

Tilly's may have had a tough quarter, but does that actually create an opportunity to invest right now? When making that decision, it's important to consider its valuation, business qualities, as well as what has happened in the latest quarter. We cover that in our actionable full research report which you can read here, it's free.
London, UK --News Direct-- Tirupati Graphite PLC

Tirupati Graphite PLC (LSE:TGR, OTCQX:TGRHF) joint managing director Puruvi Poddar joins Proactive's Stephen Gunnion with details of an exploration programme at the company's flake graphite projects in Madagascar.

The programme, differing from prior approaches, involved over 5,000 diamond core drill cores and more than 25,000 auger drills. SRK Consulting has visited the site to compile data for an updated Competent Persons Report (CPR), marking continuous exploration efforts over the last three years.

Poddar also touched on the global graphite market, highlighting the restrictions on graphite exports from China. These restrictions have intensified demand for graphite worldwide, underscoring its importance as a critical material.

She said Tirupati Graphite is uniquely positioned as one of the few significant graphite producers outside China, with operations in Mozambique and Madagascar. This strategic position is poised to benefit from the growing demand for graphite, especially from the battery sector, with anticipated increases in graphite prices and demand.

Despite challenges, including a working capital gap partly due to delayed funds from the Madagascan government, the company remains optimistic about its ability to meet future demand and achieve its immediate goal of becoming EBITDA positive.

Poddar said Tirupati Graphite's capacity to produce 1,500 to 1,600 tonnes of graphite per month and established market presence underscore its potential in the rapidly evolving graphite market.

Contact Details

Proactive UK Ltd

+44 20 7989 0813

uk@proactiveinvestors.com

View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/tirupati-graphite-advances-graphite-exploration-in-madagascar-amid-global-demand-surge-338302075
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) own, operate, or finance income-generating real estate. REITs allow individuals to invest in various types of real estate without having to directly own or manage the properties. REITs typically focus on a specific type of real estate, such as residential, commercial, or industrial, and they are required to distribute a large percentage of their taxable income to shareholders in the form of dividends, making them attractive for income-seeking investors.

Let's take a look at two REITs from different industries that you could buy today.

NexPoint Residential Trust, Inc.

NexPoint Residential Trust (NYSE:NXRT) owns 39 multifamily properties consisting of 14,485 units across 11 markets in seven Southeastern and Southwestern states, including Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Las Vegas, Orlando, Phoenix, Raleigh, and Tampa.

NexPoint currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.46242 per share, equating to an annualized dividend of about $1.85 per share and giving its stock a yield of about 6% at the time of this writing.

In addition to having a high yield, NexPoint is a dividend-growth star. It has raised its annual dividend payment for eight consecutive years, and its 10.1% hike last October has it on track for 2024 to mark the ninth consecutive year with an increase.

Don't Miss:

Investing in real estate just got a whole lot simpler. This Dara Khosrowshahi-backed startup will allow you to become a landlord in just 10 minutes, and you only need $100.

Commercial real estate has historically outperformed the stock market, but few investors have the capital or resources needed to invest in this asset class. A platform backed by industry giant Marcus & Millichap is changing that, allowing individuals to invest in commercial real estate with as little as $5,000.

Plymouth Industrial REIT

Plymouth Industrial REIT (NYSE:PLYM) owns, operates, and manages a portfolio of 211 single and multi-tenant industrial properties totaling over 34 million square feet. Nearly all of its properties reside inside the "Golden Triangle" region of the United States, which contains over 70% of the U.S. population.

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Plymouth currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.24 per share, equating to an annualized dividend of $0.96 per share and giving its stock a yield of about 4.4% at the time of this writing.

Plymouth has also raised its annual dividend payment each of the last three years, and its 6.7% hike last month has it on track for 2024 to mark the fourth consecutive year with an increase.

Read Next:

Commercial real estate has historically outperformed the stock market, but few investors have the capital or resources needed to invest in this asset class. A platform backed by industry giant Marcus & Millichap is changing that, allowing individuals to invest in commercial real estate with as little as $5,000.

Collecting passive income from real estate just got a whole lot simpler. A new real estate fund backed by Dara Khosrowshahi gives you instant access to a diversified portfolio of rental properties, and you only need $100 to get started.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

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 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
They arent lawyers. But to those entering a divorce, the services Amy Bloomberg Corben and Sheri Heitner-Anderson are just as, if not more, valuable.

What the founders of Un-tied, a concierge service that assists clients with navigating divorce or legal separation, offer is guidance that only comes from a been-there-done-that perspective.

After their respective long-term marriages ended in divorces, Corben and Heitner-Anderson joined forces to start their Scottsdale business in 2021.

Since then, theyve built a thriving resource tool for dozens of clients and have established partnerships with Valley family law firms that recognize the value of this rare and niche service.

We are hand holders from the very beginning and try to help in every aspect, Heitner-Anderson said. What they need is an experienced and knowledgeable family attorney, a therapist and us.

Prospective clients arrive in different stages of the process. Some arent sure if they need an attorney, while others have been discussing divorce and want to know what their rights are or to understand the process. Some have been blindsided with a petition by their spouse, who has already hired a lawyer, and are in a panic because theyve been told they have 20 days to respond.

We are not attorneys so we cannot interpret the law but we can explain the process, Heitner-Anderson. Its about just being a massive information provider.

Its not unusual for Corben or Heitner-Anderson to return frantic text messages late at night after a client has had an argument or uneasy meeting with their soon-to-be ex.

We chat with them and talk them off the ledge, Corben said. Were more of the empathetic ear versus an attorney.

Although it was not by design, so far, all of Un-tied clients have been women.

We really want to work with men (too), but as time went on, it was evident that women were our client base, Corben said. Men think theyve got this.

In Un-tieds first year it experienced 170% growth, according to company data. From 2022 to 2023, it saw a 140% growth and is on track to do the same this year.

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Business is generated by word of mouth with most clients coming to Un-tied with 15 years of marriage or more. Several have been married for 30 years. Many of them have completely relied on their husband for financial security and never dealt with bills or documents regarding assets, property or savings. Their focus has been on raising their children and letting their spouses career elevate.

Many dont have any idea what their net worth is Theyve been told for years its not theirs, its mine, Corben said, referring to the messages clients have received from their husbands. Its scary to not know what your financial future is.

Un-tied is provides a service that is aimed at the approximately 40-50% of marriages in the United States that end in divorce, according to the American Psychological Association.

A free 30-minute consultation with a prospective client begins the process. Even if Un-tied isnt a fit, Corben and Heitner-Anderson always give them resources to help them through their journey so that they arent left flailing.

Un-tied is provides a service that is aimed at the approximately 40-50% of marriages in the United States that end in divorce, according to the American Psychological Association.

Theyve also gone to clients homes and worked in the bedroom because they were so distraught and devastated, they could not get out of bed.

There is nothing we wont do to help them get to a better place and the shinier side of life, Heitner-Anderson.

Rebecca Seskind saw the end of her 13-year marriage coming in a slow, steady decline. Still, that didnt make it easier for the Phoenix resident and mother of three children.

Seskind was in the dark about key details and what she was entitled to, such as health insurance, budgeting and finances. She said she never thought about it because her ex-husband always took care of things.

Seskind was grateful for Corben and Heitner-Anderson sharing their knowledge about the technicalities and procedural aspects of divorce. But, she also needed more.

I had panic attacks and they were talking me off the ledge, making sure I kept my emotion out of the decision-making process, said Seskind, who was constantly reminded that the split was now a transaction and not about love or what happened in the past. It was good to hear that from empowered and educated women who had been through it.

Seskinds divorce was finalized last November. Although she is no longer paying Corben and Heitner-Anderson, they still check in with her.

Its more like a sisterhood, Seskind said. Im part of a network now and thats pretty cool.

Newly-divorced Heitner-Anderson's ability to decipher Corben's obscure Facebook posts about going through her own divorce was the catalyst for Un-tied

Corben and Heitner-Anderson met while their children attended the same preschool. They kept in touch and saw each other occasionally as their now adult children got older.

Heitner-Anderson had endured 18 months of divorce proceedings before her 18-year marriage to her husband and business partner legally ended. With a business, several residential and commercial properties and other assets to contend with, Heitner-Andersons lawyer confessed that she had never had a client with such a complex divorce.

Her attorney offered a career prediction: You are going to help people get through this process. Youve gained so much knowledge, Heitner-Anderson said.

In 2019, Corben was plunged into a painful divorce to her college sweetheart and husband of 23 years. After doing everything in her power to save the marriage Corben slowly started to accept reality.

Her ex is a lawyer so she thought they would go through mediation. However, Corben quickly realized she needed a lawyer.

This happened during the pandemic so much of the process was done virtually. This added to the loneliness Corben was feeling as she balanced being a comfort to her sons. She looked for support groups but found nothing that could help her deal with what she was going through.

I couldnt get out of bed On a dime, your life has changed, Corben recalled. I felt so alone. I wished there was someone to hold your hand and say, Its going to be OK and youll see this bright light at end of tunnel and your life will be amazing.

Corben started to express her feelings on Facebook in cryptic posts. Facebook friend Heitner-Anderson picked up on them. She reached out to Corben and the two made plans to catch up.

And what was intended as a quick happy hour glass of wine turned out to be three hours formulating the business model for Un-tied.

Corben had an event planning business but the pandemic forced her to put it on the backburner. Heitner-Andersons background spans media sales, advertising and public relations. But they both realized their personal experiences would be valuable assets for others facing divorce and hopefully help soften the blow while reassuring them that they can and will survive this.

Clients will say, I dont know how I could have gotten through this without you, Corben said. That makes us feel like weve hit a void that needed to be filled.

What: Un-tied

Where: 9375 E. Shea Blvd., Suite #107-D, Scottsdale

Employees: Three

Interesting stat: Approximately 40-50% of marriages in the United States end in divorce, according to the American Psychological Association.

Details: 480-214-9840, untiedaz.com

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Un-tied founders help others with unique concierge service during divorce
CorpGov hosted a fireside chat with Michael Verrechia, Partner and Managing Director of the M&A and Activism Advisory Group at Morrow Sodali at the 36th Annual Tulane Corporate Law Institute in New Orleans, Louisiana. The in-person interview was joined by Editor-in-Chief John Jannarone and they discussed the implications of the Universal Proxy Card, currently the centerpiece of the fight at The Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS).

The situation is even more unusual at Disney because of the enormous presence of retail investors who rarely vote  let alone manage so many choices. Mr. Verrechia shared his insights on how the process may shake out.

Watch the full recording below:

About Michael Verrechia

Mike is Senior Managing Director of the M&A and Activism Advisory Group at Morrow Sodali. With 20 years of experience, Mike provides strategic counsel in matters of shareholder activism in contested director elections, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and proxy solicitation.

Several contested situations in which he has served include Newell Brands/Starboard, Olympus Corporation/ValueAct, Natus Medical/Voce Capital, Blackwells Capital/SuperValu, Anheuser Busch/InBev, Martin Marietta Materials/Vulcan Materials, Mylan Labs/Icahn, Sodastream International/Teleios, Caesarstone Ltd./ Kibbutz Sdot-Yam, Sothebys Inc./Third Point, Breeden Partners/H&R Block, Ranger Governance/Computer Associates.

In the last year, Mike has also provided guidance to issuers in some of the largest successful M&A transactions including Connecticut Water Service/SJW Group, Pfizer/Medivation salesforce.com/MuleSoft & Demandware, Monsanto/Bayer, RiteAid/Walgreens and Time Warner/AT&T.

About Morrow Sodali

Morrow Sodali is a leading provider of strategic advice and shareholder services. The firm provides corporate boards and executives with strategic advice and services relating to investor engagement, environmental, social, and corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions and shareholders activism, strategic communications, investor relations, and research. From headquarters in New York, London, and Sydney, with offices and partners in major capital markets, Morrow Sodali serves approximately 2,000 clients in 70 countries, including many of the worlds largest multinational corporations. In addition to listed and private companies, our clients include financial institutions, mutual funds, ETFs, stock exchanges, and membership associations.

Story continues

Contact:

CorpGov.com

Editor@CorpGov.com

The post Universal Proxy Put to Test at Disney: Hear from Morrow Sodalis Michael Verrechia at Tulane appeared first on CorpGov.
(Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden is expected to soon release a statement of concern about Nippon Steel Corp.s proposed purchase of United States Steel Corp., people familiar with the matter say. Shares of the Pittsburgh-based company fell the most in almost four years.

Most Read from Bloomberg

US Steel dropped as much as 15% to $39.86, the biggest intraday loss since June 2020. The move is the latest show of support from the Biden administration for the steel union as it seeks to win better terms from the Japanese steelmaker. Nippons proposal is to buy the company for $55 per share in cash. Nippon Steel shares opened modestly lower in Tokyo on Thursday, falling as much as 0.6%.

The scope of what Biden will say, and how far hell go, isnt clear, said the people, who asked not to be named because the information is private. The news was first reported by the Financial Times.

In a joint statement on Wednesday evening, Nippon and US Steel said, We welcome the administrations scrutiny of the transaction, as an objective and comprehensive review of this transaction will demonstrate that it strengthens US jobs, competition, and economic and national security.

We will continue to advocate for this deal, and we are confident that fair and thoughtful evaluation will result in its approval, the companies added.

The White House declined to comment.

Bidens administration has regularly sent warnings about the deal and has steadfastly sided with the United Steelworkers over the sale of a once-iconic firm based in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state. So far, the White House has stopped short of calling for the deal to be blocked.

Politics hang over the administrations considerations, with Donald Trump pledging to block the deal outright.

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Cfius Review

The Nippon bid for US Steel is up for review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, or Cfius, a process shrouded in secrecy. Allies of Biden have urged the administration to kill the deal over national security concerns  despite Japan being a close ally  and the threat to unionized steel jobs.

The deal has also been assailed by the USW, with the unions leader, David McCall, saying in interviews with Bloomberg News that hes been unhappy with the potential takeover.

The union is seeking explicit guarantees that Nippon will honor all its labor contracts, while Nippon has offered at least $1.4 billion in new capital spending as a sweetener to win the unions support  which would substantially clear the political path for Biden to let the deal proceed.

McCall and his top aides at the USW met with representatives from Nippon Steel last week. In February, USW said in a statement it had received personal assurances that Biden has our backs.

Serious Scrutiny

The issue is simmering as the White House prepares to host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a state dinner next month on April 10. The red tape on national security grounds risks straining bilateral ties with a close ally. But the Biden administration is also examining Nippon Steels China ties, a potential complication as the administration looks toughen its stance on China.

Japan should persuade the US on the merger by saying it will contribute to reaching carbon neutrality by 2050, Satsuki Katayama, a lawmaker from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, said in a post on social media platform X. If this combination doesnt work out, China will be allowed to take the lead. Japans top government spokesman declined to comment on the matter.

White House National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard said in December, days after the deal was announced, that the administration had concerns. The deal appears to deserve serious scrutiny in terms of its potential impact on national security and supply chain reliability, she said at the time.

Members of Congress in both parties have also raised national security concerns, including because of the Japanese steelmakers exposure to China. And Trump has said that he would block Nippons takeover instantaneously.

Biden has staunchly supported labor unions throughout his presidency and is seeking the support of the unions and their members in his election rematch with Trump.

US Steel said in a government filing this week that it will hold a special shareholder meeting over the deal on April 12.

After a meeting with Nippon Steel last week, the union said the discussion yielded no progress and ended in less than an hour. Nippon said in a statement at the time that it addressed the USWs concerns about capital investment, job security and technology sharing.

--With assistance from Shoko Oda, Andrew Janes and Momoka Yokoyama.

(Updates with Japanese government spokesman declining to comment in 14th paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Appointments Are Part of the Companys Strategic Growth Plan

LOS ANGELES, March 14, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Williams Homes, one of the largest, privately held residential builders and developers in the Western United States with operations in twelve markets spanning four states and growing, today announced the promotions of seven key executives. The announcement comes as the company moves towards its 30th anniversary in less than two years, and has its sights set on further expansion throughout the Western United States.

Company executives promoted include Patrick Henneberry, president of regional operations; Daniel Faina, chief marketing officer; Kyle Milano, division president, Southern California; Rob Giordano, vice president of operations, Central California; Scott Powe vice president of construction, Idaho; Pavol "Paul" Seidner, operations manager, Idaho; and Northern California division president, Mike von Quilich concurrently serving as interim division president, Texas.

"These gentlemen are genuine attributes to our executive management team," said Lance Williams, Williams Homes chairman and CEO. "As the company continues to grow, we are only as good as the vision, work ethic and leadership of those around us. I am confident that each is equipped with all of the tools needed to help take Williams Homes to the next level."

PATRICK HENNEBERRY, PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL OPERATIONS

After a 25-year tenure with Castle and Cooke, Henneberry joined Williams Homes in 2017 as division president of the companys Central California division. In his newly created position of president of regional operations, Henneberry will be responsible for developing and implementing full operational processes and procedures consistently across all divisions.

DANIEL FAINA, CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

Faina has been serving in a dual role as division president, Southern California and chief marketing officer since January 2022. He will now focus solely on marketing and sales strategy and objectives for all divisions as chief marketing officer.

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KYLE MILANO, DIVISION PRESIDENT, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Milano has been promoted to division president, Southern California after joining Williams Homes in 2021 and serving as vice president of land acquisitions.

ROB GIORDANO, VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS, CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

Giordano joined Williams Homes in 2015 as a construction superintendent in the Central California division. His contributions led to his promotions to general superintendent, and vice president of construction.

SCOTT POWE, VICE PRESIDENT OF CONSTRUCTION, IDAHO

Powe joined Williams Homes Idaho division as a general superintendent in November 2021 after working in various capacities for Pardee Homes for more than 20 years.

PAVOL "PAUL" SEIDNER, OPERATIONS MANAGER, IDAHO

Seidner joined Williams Homes in 2021 as a land development superintendent. He relocated to Idaho in 2022 to oversee land development in the state, and also worked closely with project management and operations.

MIKE VON QUILICH, INTERIM DIVISION PRESIDENT, TEXAS

Von Quilich will serve as interim division president, Texas while maintaining his existing role as division president, Northern California.

ABOUT WILLIAMS HOMES

Williams Homes is a residential homebuilder headquartered in Los Angeles, California that specializes in building high-quality new homes for families. Founded in 1996, the privately-owned company has built thousands of homes during the last two decades in the Western United States, including communities in California, Montana, Idaho, and Texas. Committed to insightful design and superior craftsmanship, Williams Homes continues to set a new standard in homebuilding and ultimately, the customer experience. For more information, visit www.williamshomes.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240314652564/en/

Contacts

Lisa Silagy

Director of Marketing, Williams Homes, Inc.

310.755.8999 | lsilagy@williamshomes.com
A sign at the Mineral Point Dollar General. Workers walked out in protest of working conditions and donation policies.

Workers at a southwestern Wisconsin Dollar General walked out briefly in protest of the discount retailers donation policy and worker conditions at the store.

The Mineral Point stores workers walked out March 9, temporarily closing it. The store reopened after about three hours, and Facebook posts showed signs the workers made announcing their walkout and some of the reasons behind them.

The store is closed. The whole team has walked away due to a lack of appreciation, being overworked and underpaid, one sign read. Another said, "We quit!"

Madison TV station WKOW 27 interviewed former store manager Trina Tribolet and first reported on the walkout. Tribolet advocated for better conditions and underscored issues with the stores donation policies.

Workers disagreed with the companys policy of throwing away items close to their expiration date and those that the store didnt sell any longer, she said. Workers felt that they should be donated and did so, giving them to local charities.

Tribolet also told the news station that understaffing and trying work hours played a part in their discontent.

They need to do better by their customers and they need to do better for the communities they build their stores in, she told WKOW.

A sign at the Mineral Point Dollar General. Workers walked out in protest of working conditions and donation policies.

A picture posted to a local Facebook group showed a letter that said "Policies, Processes, and Procedures need to change! Don't make claims about supporting and helping communities when the reality is that it's all about the bottom line and not about support or help."

The Tennessee-based company said in a statement to USA TODAY that the store reopened after about three hours.

We are committed to providing an environment where employees can grow their careers and where they feel valued and heard, the statement said. "We apologize for any inconvenience our customers experienced during the three hours the Mineral Point store was closed this past weekend.

Its statement also indirectly addressed the workers' concerns over its donation policies:

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The Mineral Point Dollar General store has donated nearly 7,500 pounds of food to local food banks such as Second Harvest Food Bank of Southern Wisconsin over the past twelve months. Food safety is a top priority for Dollar General, therefore, DG stores are required to follow Company donation policies.

More: Proposed Dollar General store stirs up controversy in Sauk County

Dollar General has undergone explosive growth in the last decade, particularly in small towns like Mineral Point, which has a population of just over 2,500. In 2019, CNN reported that about 75% of its stores are in communities with 20,000 people or less.

Its success has come as other discount retailers like Family Dollar have lagged far behind. Family Dollar announced yesterday that it was closing about 1,000 stores.

A sign at the Mineral Point Dollar General. Workers walked out in protest of working conditions and donation policies.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Dollar General workers in Mineral Point, Wisconsin walk out in protest
Shell drilling

The world is at risk of energy shortages unless more money is invested in drilling for oil and gas, Shell has warned.

The energy giant said global investment in low carbon energy was only half what is needed, meaning the world could be at risk of energy shortages in future unless alternative sources are secured.

The warning came as Shell watered down a key climate pledge to cut its own carbon intensity and pledged a sharp increase in production and sales of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Separately, the International Energy Agency (IEA) warned that the world was facing a slight deficit of oil this year because of surging US demand and continued production cuts from Opec+ countries.

The oil price to a four-month high on Thursday, breaching $85 for the first time since November.

Earlier this week Rishi Sunak announced plans to build new gas power stations in Britain, warning that the country risked blackouts during the transition to net zero without the investment.

Shell chief Wael Sawan said: The world must achieve an orderly transition away from fossil fuels to low-carbon energy to achieve net zero emissions.

Today, fossil fuels meet around 80pc of global energy demand, with an even greater reliance in many developing countries. We support a balanced energy transition, one that maintains secure and affordable energy supplies as the world moves to net zero.

He said expanding LNG production was essential to the energy transition, with Shell planning to boost production from 28 million tonnes to around 39 million tonnes.

Mr Sawan said: We expect LNG will play a critical role in the transition. It continues to provide a secure supply of energy in many European countries.

It also offers flexibility to electricity grids as wind and solar power grow, and opportunities to lower carbon emissions from industries such as cement and steel by replacing coal.

Shells decision to ramp up production of LNG, set out in the companys new Energy Transition Strategy, marks a step back from the green policies drawn up in its last strategy, which was published before the Ukraine conflict disrupted global energy markets.

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The company now plans to reduce the net carbon intensity of the energy it sells by 15-20pc by 2030. Its previous target had been to reduce the measure by 20pc.

It has also dropped a plan to reduce the net carbon intensity of its energy by 45pc by 2035 because of uncertainty in the pace of change in the energy transition, although it still intends to achieve a 100pc reduction by 2050.

The company also announced a new target to reduce the emissions caused when customers use its oil products. These so-called Scope 3 emissions will be reduced by 15-20pc by 2030. It is the first time Shell has targeted a reduction in these numbers. The company said it would support customers as they move to electric mobility and lower-carbon fuels, including natural gas, LNG (liquid natural gas) and biofuels.

Shells new report warns: Current global investment in low and zero-carbon energy is around $1.7 trillion a year. To reach net zero by 2050, scenarios suggest that $3-4 trillion of commercially viable investment in low-carbon energy is required each year.

The lack of sufficient investment in low carbon energy means more money must be spent to maintain oil and gas supplies and prevent shortfalls, Shell argued.

Significant investment will be required to keep supplying oil and gas while low-carbon alternatives are developed and made commercially available.

This continued investment is needed because demand for oil and gas is expected to drop at a slower rate than the natural decline of the worlds oil and gas fields, which is at 4pc to 5pc a year.

Shells oil products  meaning petrol, diesel and other fuels  released 517 million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere last year.

The company also trades in oil and gas produced by other companies. In 2022, the oil and gas fuels it sold, including its own, released a total of 910 million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere.

For comparison, the whole UK produced about 400 million tonnes of CO2 in 2023  less than half of what Shells products generated.

The oil major also revealed on Thursday that Mr Sawan was paid a total of 7.9m in his first year on the job. This included a base salary of 1.4m, an annual bonus of 2.7m and a 2.6m long-term incentive payment.

Jonathan Noronha-Gant, senior fossil fuels campaigner at Global Witness, said: Shells CEO million pay packet is a bitter pill to swallow for the millions of workers living with the high costs of energy.

Our reliance on Shells dirty oil and gas make them rich whilst the rest of us get poorer.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
A host of state and local officials, led by Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Amazon Web Services representatives, promoted the explosion in data center development in the region during an hourlong event Wednesday at the Germanna Community College campus in Spotsylvania County.

The governor touted the data center development as a driver in the states economy with the creation of jobs and big tax revenue injections for localities.

Board of supervisors members from Spotsylvania, Stafford, Caroline and Louisa counties also spoke during the event. All of the speakers touted job creation and the millions of dollars in expected tax revenues related to the data center projects.

In the Fredericksburg area, Spotsylvania has approved four data center projects. Stafford has approved one project.

Data centers have a ripple effect, the governor said. They are an economic catalyst bringing great jobs along with tax revenues for localities.

For every dollar that a county invests, theres $13 that comes back to them from this ecosystem, Youngkin said. So this is truly an engine of economic opportunity, which is why Virginia is so proud to be the international center of data center activity.

The governor noted that data center development started in Northern Virginia, but has recently migrated to more rural areas, such as the Fredericksburg region.

Amazon has invested more than $60 billion in Virginia in the past 18 years, said Youngkin, adding that it now is accelerating investment in a big way.

Youngkin and Shannon Kellogg, Amazon Web Services vice president of public policy, told the crowd 70% of global internet traffic goes through Virginia.

The governor emphasized the state has to keep building its workforce to support the cloud capital of the world, adding that Virginia and Amazon are committed to doing that.

To that end, Amazon is supporting training programs at Virginia community colleges geared toward future data center employees.

Kellogg also announced that the company will provide grants totaling $400,000 for organizations in Caroline, Louisa, Spotsylvania and Stafford counties for various community issues  ranging from education to health and so much more.

In Spotsylvania, work started in mid-January on its first data center project, the initial phase of the Cosner Tech Campus.

The county approved rezoning for the project from mixed-use to industrial for a 1.9-million-square-foot campus on 329 acres, near a new development, Alexanders Crossing, which was approved to have 2,607 houses. The data center projects approval removed more than 1,850 homes from the neighborhood development project.

The Cosner campus is one of four county projects by Amazon, which plans to invest $6 billion in the county and build a total of 6.6 million square feet of data centers. Three of the four projects will include data centers. The other project is a utilities site to serve Carolines new data center site.

Spotsylvania Board of Supervisors Chairman Jacob Lane, along with board of supervisors members from Stafford, Caroline and Louisa, spoke during the ceremony, with all citing the impact the data centers will have in their communities while saying they will have little impact on county services.

Lane told the crowd the county expects to get $13.8 million in tax revenue from the Cosner campus next year, something that will continue annually for 15 years.

Stafford also will benefit from its approved data center project.

According to the county, the Potomac Church Tech Center will have two data center buildings on 50 acres off Old Potomac Church Road, near U.S. 1 and Stafford Hospital. A second data center site could be developed on the property.

The Stafford data center site is expected to generate $251 million in total revenue over the next 25 years, or an average of $10 million per year.

Lane echoed other local officials when he called it a momentous day, adding that Amazon has a track record of being a community partner. The data centers, he added, will bring much needed revenue to our community and can be used for schools, public safety and many other essential services while also creating jobs.

Amazons projects do indeed inject millions of dollars into localities and are integral for internet usage. Still, the company is the beneficiary of perks through a state program and there are critics of the data centers and impacts they can have.

The company gets tax breaks through a state program that is triggered when Amazon invests a certain amount in data center development in localities. Amazon also has faced critics of the rapid expansion of data center development while concerns over the impacts remain.

Once Amazon invests $6 billion in data centers in the localities, a state incentive program will allow the company to pay significantly lower taxes on its computers and servers than other businesses pay in equipment taxes.

And while Amazons data center development plans have gone through without much of a problem or push-back from residents in the Fredericksburg region, the same cant be said for other communities, primarily in Northern Virginia.

Groups have battled Amazon over data center developments in Prince William, Loudoun and Fauquier counties, with concerns focused on such issues as noise along with usage of water and electricity by data centers.
The Fremont Fire Department kept busy in 2023, having the second most fire response calls in the more than 130-year history of the department, Fire Chief Todd Bernt told the Fremont City Council on Tuesday.

During Bernts presentation of the FFD annual report on Tuesday, March 12, the veteran fire captain said the department had a successful year in 2023, with only two firefighters suffering injuries during nearly 4,000 calls for service.

The department also slightly reduced both turn-out times and response times in 2023, key metrics in responding to emergency calls as fast as possible.

Bernt said the department responded to 3,927 emergency calls in 2023, which was a decrease of 2.58% from the number of emergency calls in 2022. The 2023 total, he noted, was a 23% increase in calls from 2020, with medical-related responses increasing by 3.9% from 2022 to 2023.

More than 91% of all emergency responses the department does are medical calls, not fires, Bernt told council members. Only 335 of the 3,927 calls were for fires that required extinguishing, a 9.7% decrease in the number of fires responded to in 2022.

Every year, our call volume just goes up. The community is getting old, Bernt said.

As for turn-out times, which is the time from when an emergency call is received to when the responding firefighters or EMTs leave that station, Bernt said times were lowered in the fire and medical call categories from 2022.

For a fire call, 90% of the calls in 2023 had an average turn-out time of 3 minutes and 44 seconds, a 14-second lower average time than in 2022. For medical calls, the 2023 average turn-out time was 2 minutes and 53 seconds, which Bernt said was 4 seconds less than in 2022.

For travel times from the station to a scene, Bernt said both the fire travel time and EMT/medical travels times were very slightly lowered in 2023 and were in the four to five minute time range for arrival on scene.

No firefighters were injured during fire calls; however, Bernt said two staff members suffered injuries on EMT/medical calls, which he described as being related to strains and muscle pulls from lifting heavy patients.

The department is still struggling to find new firefighters and Bernt hopes to have several candidates before the council in the next two to four weeks for approval to be hired. Bernt admitted some preferred protocols for fighting fires cannot be done because the department simply does not have enough firefighters to do all recommended tasks at a fire scene.

Right now, were skimping on a lot of things on the fire scenes because were just sending seven people, Bernt said. We dont have an RIT team, we are skipping a lot of steps right now because we just dont have the people.

The council also voted 8-0 to approve the hiring of four new police officers for the Fremont Police Department, taking the department up to 38 sworn law enforcement officers.

Two of the newly-hired officers must attend and graduate from the state police academy at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center in Grand Island before they will be eligible to patrol the streets in Fremont. Two other officers are already certified and can begin patrolling once on staff.

One candidate hired in November is currently halfway through the current academy class and is expected to graduate in early May.
A crackdown on parents whose children are considered chronically absent at Fremont Public Schools has continued, with the Dodge County Attorneys Office charging at least another 20 parents with the misdemeanor crime since Monday, March 5.

According to Dodge County Court filings, new Deputy County Attorney James McCave  who Johnson Crossing Academic Center Principal Brent Harrill called aggressive during a February Board of Education meeting  has charged at least 20 more parents with one count of suspicion of compulsory education violation, a Class III misdemeanor punishable by up to three months in the county jail.

In February, McCave had filed one charge of the alleged crime against at least five different parents  all Latino or Hispanic. Since March 5, he has charged 20 parents who do not identify as Latino or Hispanic with the alleged crime.

Messages seeking comment from McCave about the charges were not returned. Dodge County Attorney Pamela Hopkins also did not respond to messages seeking comment on the cases.

FPS Superintendent Mark Shepard said on Wednesday, March 13, that nobody at any level of the FPS district or on individual campuses has any role or authority to initiate the filing of charges against parents for truant students.

As far as any petitions or charges being filed, you would need to contact the County Attorneys office or the court system. This is not something the schools in Dodge County are involved in, Shepard said in an email. FPS participates in the Dodge County Truancy Task Force. The Task Force meets quarterly. The meetings include representatives from the Dodge County school districts, County Attorneys office and members of various support agencies in the county.

Chronic absenteeism is defined under Nebraska state law as a student who is absent for 18 full days of school with no valid reason in one school year. FPS officials at all campuses work diligently, Shepard has stated in prior interviews, to prevent students from getting to the 18 missed days status via parental outreach and meetings as the number of days a student misses grows larger.

However, Shepard said students are only reported to the county attorney after 20 days of missed school in one school years time period.

When a student reaches 20 days of absence, without barriers to regular attendance  extended illness, etc.  FPS reports the excessive absences to the County Attorneys office as required by State Statute 79-209, Shepard said. Prior to forwarding information to the County Attorney, parents of FPS students are notified of absences in writing when their student reaches five, 10, 15 and 20 days absence. A meeting with the parent and school officials is also scheduled during this time period to discuss barriers to attendance and solutions to improve attendance.

In the most recent cases filed, a mix of single parents and mother-father pairs were charged with the alleged misdemeanor crime for students missing classes since the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year in mid-August.

The Tribune is not identifying parents by name to avoid revealing the identity of students.

One parents 15-year-old child missed 31 days of school.

Two separate parents were charged after each of their 17-year-old children both missed 34 days of classes.

Two other separate parents of two 17-year-old students who were both absent for 68 days each were charged.

A father of an 11-year-old student who missed 39 days was charged.

The mom and dad of a 12-year-old child who missed 25 days were both charged.

The mother and father of an 11-year-old student were both charged after their child missed 37 days of school.

Another mom-dad duo were both charged after their 12-year-old child was absent 24 days.

The mother of a 13-year-old was charged after her child missed 72 days of classes.

A father-mother duo were both charged after their 17-year-old child missed 51 days of school.

Another mom-dad pair were both hit with charges after their 16-year-old child missed 34 days of school.

A mother of a 15-year-old student was charged after the child missed 33 and 1/4th days of classes.

A father-mother duo were both charged after their 14-year-old child missed 32 days of classes.

Shepard said he and other district officials support efforts by law enforcement that lead(s) to regular attendance.

We are in support of enforcement of truancy statutes that lead to regular attendance. We know that regular attendance in school is essential to student success. Our goal is to have students regularly attend school, Shepard said in the email.

FPS Board of Education member Jon Ludvigsen said he was not aware that so many parents had been charged for the truancy crime by the county attorney in the past three weeks, but said he did not want to comment on allegations he does not know all the details about.

I dont really have a comment on that, because I dont know the situations with these (cases). Obviously, somebody needs to be responsible for the kids, Ludvigsen said. But I dont really have a comment on that because legal matters are way above my pay grade.

When asked whether or not he believes parents should face potential jail time for their children missing school, Ludvigsen said the district has a policy about attendance that needs to be followed.

The main thing is, we have a policy. If we have a policy, we have to follow the policy. Thats the purpose of having policy. And I know this is more of a legal thing ... this came from the Legislature, he said. If the State of Nebraska says this is what you have to do and our policy says this is what we need to do, then, then we have to do it.
Carie Hallford, one of the co-owners of the Return to Nature Funeral Home, will return to court Thursday for a show cause hearing after she allegedly failed to appear for a court-ordered sobriety test.

Carie and her husband Jon Hallford are facing hundreds of charges related to the discovery of 190 bodies improperly stored at the Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose.

According to previous reporting from The Gazette, Kate Singh, a spokesperson for the 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office, confirmed that Carie Hallford missed a required sobriety test that is part of her bond agreement. As a result, she will have to appear in court Thursday for a show cause hearing where she could have her bond raised or revoked.

Court records show that Carie Hallford posted a $100,000 surety bond to be released from custody on Feb. 27. Continued sobriety tests as well as GPS monitoring are terms of her bond agreement, according to previous court hearings. Jon Hallford has been out on bond since Jan. 29 and has reportedly continued to maintain his requirements for release.

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Carie Hallford's attorney, Michael Stuzynski, in a previous phone conversation with The Gazette, stated that due to the gag order placed on the case he was unable to provide any additional information regarding Carie Hallford's alleged bond violation, or if any other terms of her bond had been violated.

"All I can say is that there's a court date where this will be addressed, and we will have answers," Stuzynski said.

Return to Nature Funeral Home came under a multi-agency investigation in October following reports of a complaint about a foul odor in the area. Investigators said they found more than 180 bodies in various states of decomposition inside the building that were not properly stored. The two were arrested in Oklahoma in November 2023. Both appeared in court and had cash bonds set at $2 million.
A man with a handgun made it past security at the El Paso County courthouse due to an error at security Wednesday morning.

The El Paso County Sheriff's Office said that the man, who was at the courthouse on "official business," brought the gun through security in a bag. The gun was flagged during screening, but security personnel pulled out a different bag to be searched.

Once the error was discovered, the Sheriff's Office said the building was searched and the gun and its owner were found "within a matter of minutes."

The Sheriff's Office said there was no indication that the man was a threat.

A juror serving on Wednesday who preferred to remain anonymous told The Gazette that the owner of the handgun was serving with him three days into a trial. He said that the man made it to the jury deliberation room before security found him.

Fourth Judicial District Attorney spokesperson Kate Singh confirmed that a judge ordered a mistrial for two joint criminal cases Wednesday with codefendants listed as Khean Caballero and Dante Hamlet, respectively. The cases are now both set for May 6.

Singh said the person involved in the incident was now part of an open investigation that could not be commented on.

The sheriff's office said the handgun owner was served a summons to appear by the Colorado Springs Police Department.
A snowstorm sweeping across southern Colorado Thursday has led to the cancellation of a hearing for Carie Hallford, one of the co-owners of the Return to Nature Funeral Home.

The snowstorm resulted in the closure of the El Paso County courthouse and the postponement of all hearings Thursday, and as a result, Carie Hallford will appear on Friday at 1:30 p.m. for her show cause hearing.

Carie and her husband Jon Hallford are facing hundreds of charges related to the discovery of 190 bodies improperly stored at the Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose.

According to previous reporting from The Gazette, Kate Singh, a spokesperson for the 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office, confirmed that Carie Hallford missed a required sobriety test that is part of her bond agreement. As a result, she will have to appear in court for a show cause hearing, where she could have her bond raised or revoked.

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Court records show that Carie Hallford posted a $100,000 surety bond to be released from custody on Feb. 27. Continued sobriety tests as well as GPS monitoring are terms of her bond agreement, according to previous court hearings. Jon Hallford has been out on bond since Jan. 29 and has reportedly continued to maintain his requirements for release.

Carie Hallford's attorney, Michael Stuzynski, in a previous phone conversation with The Gazette, stated that due to the gag order placed on the case he was unable to provide any additional information regarding Carie Hallford's alleged bond violation, or if any other terms of her bond had been violated.

"All I can say is that there's a court date where this will be addressed, and we will have answers," Stuzynski said.

Return to Nature Funeral Home came under a multi-agency investigation in October following reports of a complaint about a foul odor in the area. Investigators said they found more than 180 bodies in various states of decomposition inside the building that were not properly stored. The two were arrested in Oklahoma in November 2023. Both appeared in court and had cash bonds set at $2 million.
A Colorado Springs elementary school student is memorializing a cherished friendship that ended in a tragic and brutal way.

When Fiona Turner, 9, met Odyssey Elementary School classmate Elianna Wentz, they became fast friends. The two hit it off almost immediately, spending time together in and out of school. Fionas family hosts a book club for her third-grade classmates, and Elianna  known to friends and family as Ellie  was a regular attendee.

She was really nice, and bright, and she always had a smile on her face, Fiona said.

That friendship was lost forever in December, when Ellie and her brother Aden, 7, were killed in what was initially reported as a burglary. Their mother, Kimberlee Singler, is accused of their murder. A third child, age 11, was injured in the attack but survived. Singler, who allegedly injured herself as well, fled the country and is currently awaiting extradition in London.

I feel sad, because I didnt want to lose her, Fiona said. Also, I didnt get a chance to say goodbye.

The third grader has channeled her grief into a tangible memorial to the slain Wentz children.

I knew that Ellie liked to read, Fiona said. So I thought she might like to have a Little Library in memory of her.

The Little Library  a house-shaped receptacle where community members can leave a book or take one for free  has been a family project, according to Jasmin Turner, Fionas mother.

We like DIY projects in our family, Jasmin said. So we went to the Habitat for Humanity Re-store, found this perfect shelf, and we repurposed it. My husband built the roof and door from scrap wood we had at the house.

Once the little structure was built, Fiona took on the task of decorating it. She painted it yellow and blue, which she says were Ellie and Adens favorite colors. One wall reads, in large letters, In loving memory of Ellie and Aden.

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She put a lot of flowers on it, and leaves, Jasmin said.

And clouds! Fiona chimed in.

Odyssey students and staff members have gotten involved in the project, painting decorative rocks for the area near the Little Library.

We have a bunch of rocks now, Fiona said. More than 50.

Book donations from family friends and Odyssey staff  plus a few titles from Fionas personal collection  will comprise the Little Librarys literary stock.

The Little Library is the latest of a series of grief projects Fiona has undertaken since learning of her best friends death, her mother said.

She made a memory box for her class, so students could write about Ellie and leave their notes there, Jasmin said. She made bracelets for staff with Ellies and Adens name on them. In a way, the little library was natural next step.

The librarys official grand opening is set for March 23 at the Turner family home, at 5034 Sweetgrass Lane in northeast Colorado Springs. Fiona is already thinking about expansion.

She would really like it to be a community hub, with snacks for pets, a lemonade stand, a little art gallery  she has lots of ideas for things to add on to it as time goes on, her mother said. Shes very community-minded in everything she does.

In the meantime, though, she will tend to the Little Library outside her home and do whatever she can to keep her best friends memory alive, she said.

She was really smart, and she would always stand up for people, Fiona said. Ill always remember that.
Tiny mollusks from eastern Europe are a threat to Colorado water infrastructure and ecologies that the Colorado Division of Wildlife has been battling against since 2007.

Legislation in 2021 authorized a study of the threat to Colorado waters. CPW and the Colorado State Patrol are setting up permanent inspection and decontamination stations at the Trinidad Port of Entry on I-25 and on I-70 at the Loma Port of Entry at the Utah state line, according to a news release.

The stations will operate March 14 through Oct. 31, Thursday thru Monday. All vehicles with a motorized or trailered watercraft entering the state will be required to stop for an inspection.

CPW said inspection can go quicker if boat owners thoroughly clean and dry their craft before entering Colorado. Any vessels that are wet or muddy will be decontaminated before being allowed to proceed.

Vessels that are clean and dry will be issued a green seal and white inspection receipt showing they passed inspection, as will decontaminated vessels.

All trailered and motorized watercraft will still be required to go through an ANS inspection at their final destination, according to the release.

Inspecting the highest risk watercraft at ports of entry will serve as a first line of defense and help ensure Colorado's lakes and reservoirs remain free of highly destructive aquatic nuisance species, said Robert Walters, CPW Invasive Species Program Manager.

Based on an infestation of these invasive aquatic pests in Highline Lake, and evidence of potential infestations in many more lakes and reservoirs, including deep cold-water mountain reservoirs, CPW began a program of requiring all trailered watercraft entering the state to be inspected before they can be launched.

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A successful pilot inspection and decontamination project in 2022, where 95 watercraft were checked in three, one-day inspections over the summer, decontaminated 60 watercraft, 26 of which were confirmed to have adult mussels.

In the second year of the pilot program in 2023, CPW operated nine inspection and decontamination stations at ports of entry and welcome centers across Colorado. CPW inspected 21 vessels, two of which were found to have adult mussels.

While we did not see the number of watercraft during the 2023 operations, we still prevented two boats with mussels from entering Colorado waters and gained a better understanding of motorized boat travel into the state, said Walters.

Based on the information gathered in 2022 and 2023, CPW determined that the Loma and Trinidad Ports of Entry would be the highest impact locations for the next phase of the program, as they saw the highest number of high-risk out-of-state motorized boats, said a release from CPW.

Zebra and quagga mussels are small freshwater mollusks related to oysters that are native to the Black, Caspian and Azov seas and to the Dnieper River drainage in Ukraine.

They are small, and their larva are microscopic. They arrived, it is suspected, in the Great Lakes in 1988 aboard ocean-going ships. In 2007, they were discovered in Lake Mead, more than 1,000 miles further west than any other known infestations at the time.

They cluster together and can block water intakes at dams and can reduce flow to hydroelectric generators. They also consume nutrients needed by native species and deplete food sources. Once established they are extremely difficult to eradicate, sometimes requiring completely draining a reservoir so it can be treated with chemicals.

The primary method of overland dispersal of these mussels is through human-related activities, especially trailered watercraft, said the CPW web page on invasive mussels. Given their ability to attach to hard surfaces and survive out of water for extended periods [30 days!], many infestations have occurred by adult mussels hitching rides on watercraft. The microscopic larvae also can be transported in bilges, ballast water, live wells, or any other equipment that holds water.
Paul J. Batura is a local writer and host of WHAT A LIFE! Lessons from Legends radio program heard on Saturdays at 6 a.m. on AM 1460 and 100.7 FM KGFT on Sunday afternoons at 1 p.m. You can reach him via email: Paul@PaulBatura.com.
You are here: Arts

Chinese culture took the spotlight on Wednesday at a multicultural festival hosted by a Maltese co-educational school.

The China Cultural Center in Malta dazzled teachers and students of the St Thomas More College Middle and Secondary School in southeastern Malta's Zejtun city with a vibrant showcase of Chinese cultural activities.

From experiencing Chinese calligraphy to handmaking lanterns and trying on the traditional Chinese attire Hanfu, attendees immersed themselves in a rich tapestry of Chinese cultural interactions.

Teacher Roberto Lia spearheaded a booth showcasing hairstyles and accessories from various countries, with a special introduction to China's Hanfu and traditional hairstyles. Lia expressed her admiration for ancient Chinese costumes and envisioned future visits to the China Cultural Center with her students for more enriching experiences.

School Head Adrian Galea emphasized the school's commitment to multicultural exchange and integration, highlighting the festival's role in helping students better understand different cultures, broadening their horizons, and nurturing their cross-cultural communication skills.

The multicultural festival will last until March 15.
First space-bred giant panda in the plant world returns to the wild

Global Times) 09:43, March 14, 2024

Students plant Myricaria laxiflora in Guojiaba Township of Zigui county in Yichang, Central China's Hubei Province, on March 12, 2024. Photo: Xinhua

More than 3,000 rare and endangered plants were successfully reintroduced into the wild on Tuesday in Yichang, Central China's Hubei Province. Among them, 500 Plantago fengdouensis, dubbed the "giant panda in the plant world" due to its extremely limited distribution, had traveled to space and returned, marking the first of such practice.

The plants include 1,000 Myricaria laxiflora and 2,000 Plantago fengdouensis, which are endemic to the Yangtze River and have been reintroduced into their historical distribution areas through artificial breeding efforts, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Among the 2,000 Plantago fengdouensis, 500 were descendants of space-mutation breeding plants, marking the first time that the space-breeding species has been reintroduced into the wild.

Some 4,000 Plantago fengdouensis traveled to space onboard the Shenzhou-13 manned spaceship. After 183 days of space travel, they returned to Earth in 2022 and were subjected to cultivation experiments.

"Space breeding technology has its advantages of high mutation rate and short breeding cycle, which provides a new pathway for creating germplasm resources with excellent traits," Huang Guiyun, senior engineer at the Yangtze River biodiversity research center of the China Three Gorges Corporation, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

The researchers will monitor the survival rate and growth of these space-mutation breeding species, and select those with excellent traits for better restoration of the ecological environment in the water-level fluctuation zone, Huang said.

Planting the two species, which feature strong resistance to water flow and waterlogging, not only plays a role in soil reinforcement and riverbank protection in the water-level fluctuation zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir area, but also helps with restoring biodiversity in the Yangtze River Basin, said researchers.

Huang explained that the return of rare plants to the wild is a systematic project, which involves the research on wild acclimatization to explore the flowering and fruiting conditions of the returning plants. Meanwhile, research on the original habitat and biodiversity will be carried out to protect the integrity of the ecosystem, ensuring that the plants can naturally reproduce and thrive after their return.

The Yangtze River biodiversity research center has successfully rescued and protected 30,000 specimens of 1,950 rare and endemic plant species in the Three Gorges Reservoir area, such as the sparse-flowered water fir and the lotus-leaved iron fern. Additionally, the center has conducted breeding research, overcoming challenges in propagating nearly a hundred rare plant species and producing over 260,000 seedlings of these unique and rare plants.

Starting from the Shenzhou-16 mission launched in May 2023, which was the first since Chinese space station enters application phase, the China Manned Space Agency has openly solicited space breeding experiments for public participation. The agency also established a space breeding experiment management platform to accept applications for experimental projects.

After careful review and selection, 136 types of space breeding materials were carried to space with the Shenzhou-16 manned spaceship. This includes 47 types of crops, 76 types of forestry, grass, and medicinal plants, as well as 13 types of microorganisms and others.

The seeds that are exposed to space often deliver higher yields, better quality, and stronger resistance, experts said.

To date, the Chinese manned space engineering project has created over 40,000 space-induced germplasm materials through various flight missions, developing over 460 new varieties of crops such as rice, wheat, corn, soybeans, cotton, oilseeds, and vegetables. This has significantly increased crop yields and quality, generating economic benefits of over 360 billion yuan ($50 billion).

For example, a "space pepper" can yield as high as 4,000 kilograms per mu (0.067 hectares) and has a vitamin content twice as high as regular peppers; the "space pumpkins" average over 200 kilograms each, and the "space tomato" seed is capable of producing over 10,000 tomatoes per tree.

Huang said that compared to ordinary Plantago fengdouensis, the space-bred seedlings have exhibited notable differences. "Observations show that the space-bred ones are visibly larger, with some developing clusters of leaves instead of the typical two cotyledons," the expert noted.

She said the ultimate goal is to create a new variety through space breeding, and the project is already showing encouraging signs. Ongoing genetic studies will further compare these traits with the conventional variety.

As to why her team has chosen Plantago fengdouensis to go into space, Huang explained that, for one thing, most space breeding experiments in this field focus on crops, while little has been done involving endangered plants in China, which is a new field to explore. In addition, it is a nationally protected second-level plant with an extremely narrow distribution, and space breeding could explore the potential for creating a new variety to further contribute to the species' conservation.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
You are here: Arts

A visitor looks at Chinese sculptor Liu Shiming's works at the Liu Shiming Art Gallery in New York, the United States, March 12, 2024. (Photo by Yu Zheng/Xinhua)

A new art gallery honoring the late Chinese sculptor Liu Shiming opened to the public in Midtown, New York City, on Tuesday.



Located on the 5th floor of 15 East 40th Street, the Liu Shiming Art Gallery greeted visitors Tuesday evening with an inaugural exhibition entitled "From The Beginning: Sculpture by Liu Shiming," set to run throughout the summer.

Featuring over 35 pieces, the exhibition offers a glimpse into Liu Shiming's prominent role in modern Chinese sculpture.

Liu, who died in 2010 at the age of 84, was among the first generation of homegrown artists from the People's Republic of China, who mined his grassroots experiences and research into classic Chinese art to create "Chinese methods" of sculpture.

Liu's works often depict ordinary people he knew, such as villagers, herders and opera performers, and vividly record the daily lives of China's countryside residents in the 1960s.

According to Fran Kaufman, the gallery's curatorial director, the gallery is committed to showcasing Liu Shiming's work through solo and combined exhibitions.

A monograph on Liu's work, authored by Richard Vine, former managing editor of the New York-based monthly magazine Art in America, is scheduled for release in early 2025.
The skies and the future are clear for takeoff at the Mason City Municipal Airport.

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced SkyWest Airlines, operating as United Express, as the airports Essential Air Service provider, and construction of the airports new terminal is nearing completion.

The three-year term will start April 1.

The Essential Air Service Program, governed by the DOT, subsidizes air service to small communities that otherwise might not have airline service. The DOT sought proposals in January for service in Mason City.

Its a contract between them and the airline, David Sims, airport manager in Mason City, said. Previously, SkyWest Airlines took over the Essential Air Service contract on March 1, 2021. About a year later, due to the pilot shortage, they announced their intention to leave the city among 28 other cities around the country.

The airports previous carrier, Air Choice One, flew small, single-engine, eight-seat airplanes  considerably smaller than SkyWest, which operates 50-seat, twin engine jets.

Its much more comfortable, much safer, and much more reliable aircraft, so we were fortunate to be able to resume service with a major brand, Sims said.

All of the United Express flights out of Mason City connect in Chicago at OHare International Airport.

Reason being, that is one of the United Airlines largest hubs in the U.S., Sims said. Having the flights is a big, big deal for our airport and a big deal for our community. And the connection with United at Chicago gives you opportunities to have one-step connections to over 200 worldwide destinations.

SkyWest resuming operations wont present a big change at the airport, Sims said.

Were continuously working with the airline on flight schedules, trying to improve our connections for our passengers to make when they get to Chicago, Sims said.

Additionally, the new contract agreement with SkyWest means United Express flights will be some of the first to fly out of the airports new terminal, which is both on-schedule and on-budget, Sims said.

Construction is set to be complete at the end of April followed by completing its parking lot and interior. The first day of operation in the terminal is set to be in July.

Mason City Administrator Aaron Burnett said the partnership with SkyWest and the unveiling of the new terminal makes this an exciting time for area travelers.

The terminal project has really been one of the premier projects weve had in the capital improvement plans, Burnett said. Being able to move forward with this is a great improvement, not only for Mason City but the region.

The new terminal, adjacent to the current terminal which was built in the 1960s, is roughly the same square footage, 23,000 square feet, but Sims said the airport will gain efficiency by rearranging the building for modern air travel.

When this current facility was built, we did not have transportation security. We did not have screening. So in this building, everything has kind of been shoehorned in as things have evolved over the years, Sims said. The new terminal is being purpose-built and laid out to meet todays traveling standards and the future.

The existing gate at the airport holds 15-20 people. Upon completion, the new terminals gate will hold up to 100 people, have a passenger boarding bridge -- connecting the aircraft directly to the building -- spaces for breastfeeding mothers, and service animal relief areas.

There are many modern amenities being added that are just expected to be in a modern commercial terminal building, Sims said. We were able to take on this project and be able to do it with a very small impact to the local community.

The majority of the new terminal project was funded through the $150 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund, or CARES Act, with additional funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law and the airports regular Federal Aviation Administration funding.

Burnett said the project used a great mix of federal and local funding and that he looks forward to seeing the new terminal operational.

Its a beautiful building and they did a lot of work to incorporate those architectural elements the city cares about, Burnett said. Its really an improvement to the process of flying in and to Mason City.

While there is no connection between SkyWests partnership with the Mason City airport and its new terminal nearing completion, Sims said its two great things to have going on at the same time.
Mason City received a $1 million Community Project Funding award through U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinsons office to complete the water infrastructure expansion to serve the Mason City Industrial Park area, according to a press release.

This project is critical to several major development projects and the future growth of the local economy. Mason Citys water and wastewater utilities along with rail and interstate access make it an ideal location for many industries.

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have successfully worked to cut wasteful spending while ensuring we bring resources back home to be reinvested in Iowa," Hinson stated in the release. "I am proud to have secured funding to expand Mason Citys water infrastructure to meet current demand and facilitate future growth. I will always advocate for our rural communities and ensure North Iowa has everything it needs to thrive.

Mason Citys current water storage and distribution system is made up of two pressure zones. The Loop main project funded in this project will create the capability to provide a much larger volume of water entering the industrial park area from the high-pressure zone side of the distribution system to directly service current and future developments.

Several expansions and new industrial projects already are planned in the area that will greatly increase demand in the near future. In addition to production needs, the increase in water volume and pressure also improves firefighting capacity needs.

The new looped distribution main will facilitate development opportunities to over 800 acres of land in and around industrial park.

Local governments, development partners, and businesses provided broad support of this project and the funding to complete such an essential infrastructure improvement in our community.
Public school professional and community advocate Rich Lorence, a Mason City Democrat, will challenge incumbent state Sen. Waylon Brown, R-Osage, in Iowa Senate District 30 representing Cerro Gordo, Worth, Mitchell, and a portion of Floyd counties.

Brown faces Doug Campbell of Mason City in the Republican primary election June 4.

As a father and a public school employee, I am deeply concerned about the state of education in Iowa, including the attacks on AEA services," Lorence said in a press release. "In addition, Iowa has become increasingly unwelcoming for a variety of reasons, and the number of young people leaving our state is very troubling."

"I am running for the Iowa Senate to make Iowa better for all families, and I plan to do that by giving students the opportunity to go to a fully funded public school with fully intact AEA services, giving Iowans freedom from government intervention in health care decisions, supporting Iowans' rights and freedoms as landowners and being a responsible steward of Iowa's land and resources," he added in the statement.

Lorence is a behavior interventionist and provides campus security at Mason City High School. He lives in Mason City with his wife, Jennifer, and is the father of four grown children. To learn more about his campaign, visit his Facebook page facebook.com/LorenceforIowa.
North Iowa Figure Skating Club in Mason City is hosting its 41st annual spring showcase, according to a press release. The theme is "Viva Ice Vegas."

Two shows will be held, one at 7 p.m., Friday, March 22; and the other at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at the Mason City Arena.

The showcase will feature our NIFSC members, Learn-to-Skate members and a final performance by 2024 senior, Mollie Conway.

Conway is a senior at Mason City High School and the daughter of Michael & Carol McCutcheon. She has been skating with NIFSC for 14 years alongside her four sisters, Morgan, Mackenzy, Ellie and Emersyn. During her skating career she has been the recipient of the NIFSC Dedication Award and NIFSC Hammer Awards, participated in many competitions including Bend of the River, Mankato, MN, Winter Iowa Games and State Games of America. She has given countless hours to NIFSC through volunteering.

Guest skater Wren Warne-Jacobsen, who is the 2023 Collegiate Senior Womens Figure Skating Champion, a three-time Team USA international competition, nine-time Minnesota State Figure Skating Champion, and a finalist in the 2023 FISU World University Games, will also perform.

Tickets are $12 and available online at www.nifsc.org. For more information visit the North Iowa Figure Skating Club Facebook page.
The U.S. House on Wednesday passed a bill that would lead to a nationwide ban of the popular video app TikTok if its China-based owner doesn't sell, as lawmakers acted on concerns that the company's current ownership structure is a national security threat.

The bill, passed by a vote of 352-65, now goes to the Senate, where its prospects are unclear.

Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, co-led the legislation, which would force the popular social media platform to divest its U.S. subsidiary to avoid the ban.

The bill would prevent app store availability or web-hosting services in the U.S. for applications, like TikTok, unless the application severs ties to entities like ByteDance that are subject to the control of the Chinese Communist Party.

The bill also gives the president the authority to deny other social media apps owned and operated by foreign adversaries access to U.S. users unless they sever ties to their foreign owners.

Hinson and backers said the goal is not a ban but a forced divestiture by ByteDance because of concerns that top Chinese government officials have access to American users' data and could use such access to manipulate TikToks algorithm to sow divisiveness and discord, poison U.S. public opinion and suppress content critical of Beijing, as well as compromise the cellphones of millions of American users.

TikTok just needs to cut ties with CCP or they will lose American users, said Hinson, who sits on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party that originated the bill.

TikTok has about 170 million American users.

ByteDance Technology is a Chinese internet technology company headquartered in Beijing. It is operating in the United States through a holding company, ByteDance Ltd., the parent company of TikTok.

Trump opposition

The legislation moved forward despite opposition by former President Donald Trump.

Trump  who tried to ban TikTok as president  posted on Truth Social that getting rid of TikTok would only help Facebook, which he called a true Enemy of the People!

The presumptive 2024 Republican presidential nominee launched Truth Social to rival Facebook and Twitter after Trump was banned from the sites. Trump personally could potentially profit if the company goes public as planned this year, CQ-Roll Call reported.

Trump also recently met with billionaire hedge fund investor Jeff Yass, whose fund has a more than a $30 billion stake in TikTok parent ByteDance, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Asked by CNBC Monday if he had changed his views on TikTok after meeting with Yass, Trump said TikTok never came up during their meeting.

Asked about Trumps opposition ahead of the vote, Hinson said her mind was made up on the bill, which she said has bipartisan support in Congress.

I dont think any outside influence is going to change my mind here, she said. And if TikTok does not cut ties with the CCP, it should not be able to operate in the U.S., plain and simple. This is a national security issue.

Lawmakers on Tuesday received a classified briefing with U.S. intelligence and law enforcement officials that led them to fast-track the measure.

I saw many dozen other members of Congress on both sides of the aisle at that meeting, Hinson said. ... And, at least in my mind, it has flagged a very important discussion about the role social media is playing in our country right now and the damaging impact it has on our kids. I think that is a larger conversation we need to have after we first make sure we get TikTok to divest ties from the CCP.

TikTok alerts users

Some free-speech advocates say the measure violates First Amendment protections.

But backers contend the bill is an appropriate step to protect Americas national security interests, and only applies to applications controlled by a foreign adversary.

Iowas members of Congress received numerous calls last Thursday from TikTok users who were prompted by the app to call their representatives in response to the House legislation targeting the social media platform.

The aggressive move by the wildly popular social media app came the same day the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously passed the bill that would ban TikTok from U.S. app stores unless its Chinese parent company sells the app.

President Joe Biden said Friday he would sign the bill if it reaches his desk.

TikTok users last Thursday were greeted with a message warning that Congress is planning a total ban of TikTok, and prompting them to call their congressional representative.

At one point that day, Hinson was personally answering phones and explaining to callers the intent of the bill.

It was nonstop, Hinson told reporters Tuesday.  We were getting a barrage of phone calls.

The Marion Republican accused TikTok of lying to and manipulating its users, many of whom are U.S. youth.

It is so unacceptable. And TikToks disregard to kids mental health was really on full display, Hinson said. And, quite frankly, they proved our point for us.

Hinson asked what if TikTok had taken the same tactic ahead of a U.S. election, falsely saying polls were closed on Election Day.

Or whatever message the CCP wanted them to disseminate to their captive American audience, she said.

Hinson said shes also fielded calls from parents ticked off at TikTok.

This is about protecting our kids, she said. You want to infuriate parents across the country, feed their kids a lie and manipulate them as a political pawn.

House passage of the bill is only the first step. The Senate would also need to pass the measure for it to become law, and lawmakers in that chamber indicated it would undergo a thorough review. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said he'll have to consult with relevant committee chairs to determine the bill's path.

Caleb McCullough of the Courier Des Moines Bureau contributed to this story.

How the 'TikTok ban' and other social media legislation could restrict internet use How the 'TikTok ban' and other social media legislation could restrict internet use
This photo taken on March 13, 2024 shows commercial aircraft ARJ21 (R) and C919, manufactured by Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC), on display at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Selangor state, Malaysia. [Photo/Xinhua]

The static display and demonstration flight of the China-manufactured commercial aircraft ARJ21 and C919 were held on Wednesday at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Malaysia's Selangor state.



This was the last leg of ARJ21 and C919's five-country Southeast Asian demonstration flight tour after Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Indonesia. Visitors to the show included Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Liew Chin Tong, representatives from local investment promotion institutions and aviation sectors.

During the demonstration flights and static displays, producer of the two aircraft Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) conducted a series of product promotion activities for potential customers.

The purpose of this tour was to validate the aircraft's adaptability to the airports and routes in the above-mentioned five countries, assess the adaptability of the airport ground service equipment, evaluate the adaptability of special flight procedures, and demonstrate the economic viability of these routes, said COMAC, adding that demonstration flights would lay the foundation for future market development in Southeast Asia.

The ARJ21 regional aircraft can accommodate 78-97 passengers, with a flight range of 2,225-3,700 kilometers. The C919 jetliner has a layout of 158-192 seats, with a range of 4,075-5,555 kilometers, according to the company.

On May 28, 2023, the C919 successfully completed its first commercial flight. Since then, five C919 aircraft have been delivered to China Eastern Airlines, its inaugural customer, operating round-trip flights on Shanghai-Beijing and Shanghai-Chengdu routes. It has safely transported over 140,000 passengers so far, according to COMAC.
Town Pump Convenience Stores will soon be opening a new, larger Town Pump at 2910 N. Montana Ave., officials said Wednesday, saying it replaces the previous store next door.

The store, estimated to cost $7 million when permits were pulled in 2023, will be open 24/7 as of Saturday, a company official said.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday in collaboration with the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce, Town Pump officials said in a news release.

With 12,400 square feet of floor space, the new Town Pump has a larger selection of food items, beverages and snacks. It will feature a Beer Cave offering a wide selection of beers. A wine section also provides a large variety of options for customers.

The Stone House Deli features an open kitchen that will allow customers to view the preparation of salads, sandwiches, wraps and breakfast items from scratch. The deli area will also offer grab-and-go items like assorted fresh brewed coffee, cappuccino, nachos, sodas, popcorn, hot dogs and freal milk shakes.

The location will have 18 fueling stations offering Conoco gasoline and diesel fuel.

The 4,000-square-foot Montana Lils Casino in the new building will feature 20 gaming machines including Lils Platinum with exclusive reel, poker and keno games. Town Pump plans to turn the existing 2900 Montana Ave. location into a larger Lucky Lils Casino. The company is planning a major interior and exterior renovation, which is scheduled to start in the next couple of weeks, an official said.

Butte-based Town Pump operates eight convenience stores, nine casinos (Lucky Lils, Montana Lils, and Magic Diamond), Town Pump Express Car Wash, and the Comfort Suites Hotel in the Helena valley.

Town Pump officials said the new location reflects their ongoing commitment to the Helena community, where they have operated for over 60 years.

We are pleased to offer our customers a wider range of products and services at this expanded store, Dan Sampson, Town Pumps director of development and construction, said in a news release.

The new Town Pump in East Helena is still under construction and expected to open this summer. It will be a 26,000-square-foot facility that will feature a 22,500square-foot convenience store and 3,500-square-foot Lucky Lils Casino. The $14.4 million project at Wylie Drive and Highway 12 will be one of the chains largest stores, company officials said.

The Town Pump Charitable Foundation maintains a dedication to charitable efforts in Montana, focusing on basic needs and education. In 2023, Helena nonprofits received $179,600 through 45 grants.

Helena Town Pump associates raised $29,649 during the Be A Friend in Deed, Help Those in Need campaign for Helena Food Share, which was then matched by a $50,000 grant from the foundation.

Also, Helena Chamber officials said recently they would be having a grand opening for a new Maverik gas station on the south side of Helena on March 21.

Maverik officials would not confirm their opening date as of late last week, but said there would be an announcement soon.
A former member of the U.S. Air Force at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for obtaining and selling child abuse material, officials said.

Brandon Earl Bankston, 23, pleaded guilty in October to possession with intent to sell child pornography, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said in a news release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris ordered $60,000 restitution for the 20 victims who made a request, according to the attorney's office. The investigation identified over 20 victims, officials said, but only 20 requested the restitution.

The government said Bankston obtained child sexual abuse material (CSAM), from various websites and stored the materials in cloud-based storage accounts.

Bankston would use different application platforms and fake accounts to promote the materials he was selling, court documents said. He would receive payment through an online wire service and then provide a link to buyers to the cloud-based storage account.

The contents he would sell contained thousands of videos and photos of child sexual abuse and some of the abuse of toddlers, authorities said.

In summer 2021, the Great Falls Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force was alerted to a suspect in Montana who uploaded CSAM to an account on X, formerly Twitter, and then the task force learned of a Snapchat user who posted an image of the materials, also in Montana.

The internet address belonged to Bankston, who was assigned to the 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron at Malmstrom.

Bankston, who is originally from Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia, received about $6,750 for his sales from 42 separate transactions, authorities said.

He was discharged and is not affiliated with the Air Force, officials said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case. The Great Falls Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations did the investigation.
The Montana Club is having a March 29 event that organizers describe as a "final farewell" to the downtown Helena icon that at one time hosted copper kings, presidents and celebrities.

It is last call, Charles Robison, president of the Original Montana Club Cooperative Association, which has filed voluntary bankruptcy, said Thursday. We are winding things down in bankruptcy. We dont expect to open again.

Dealing with no income for months, the Montana Club is opening its bar that day in order to raise money to pay for operating expenses and help pay for insurance for the building. The event starts at 4 p.m. and runs for an undetermined time at 24 W. 6th St. The club hopes to raise $3,500-$5,000.

The public is encouraged to come in for a drink and, if they want, buy the bottle, Ramon Mercado, secretary of the Original Montana Club Cooperative, told members of Hometown Helena earlier in the day. He said the bottles will be sold at state liquor store prices. He said because the club has not been open for a period of time, its liquor license will be classified as "non-use status" at the end of March. He said the club still has its liquor license, but the status changed due to the amount of hours the club is open.

Robison called the bankruptcy an important turning point.

But we dont know what way it is turning, he said.

Its another gloomy chapter in the saga of the 139-year-old club, which is facing financial problems and closed its dining room at the end of 2023. The cooperative filed for voluntary bankruptcy Nov. 1.

The cooperative  which owns the Rathskeller, the second, third and sixth floors and an office on the first floor of the seven-story building  has been sued by the Montana Club Building Condominium Owners Association, which owns portions of the 31,381-square-foot Montana Club, for nearly $500,000 in unpaid assessments and interest coming out to about $700,000.

It is only the cooperative portion of the building that is under the Chapter 11 bankruptcy and being sold.

Mercado said the sale is a way to get rid of the inventory and some stuff will go bad if it is not sold. Mercado told members of Hometown Helena, a grassroots civics group, about the March 29 event during their Thursday morning meeting at Helena College. Hometown Helena had met for nearly 20 years at the Montana Club until earlier this year when the Montana Club lost its insurance and was unable to host events. Hometown Helena began meeting at Helena College Feb. 15.

Mercado told Hometown Helena members Thursday that the club has gotten insurance.

Robison said there is much uncertainty at the club due to the bankruptcy.

It will be in new hands, but we do not know who it will be, he said, adding the sale is to satisfy creditors.

He said there was an opportunity for new ownership to revive the club in some form or fashion, but it will take some investment.

He noted such revivals of landmark buildings have taken place in other Montana cities.

There is a lot of potential in these community gems and it takes someone with the expertise and patience to invest and make it happen, he said. And Montana has some great people who have done that.

According to Historic Montana, a group of Helenas elite founded the Montana Club in 1885 for gentlemen only.

Members built a seven-story building in 1893, but fire consumed that landmark in 1903.

 Cass Gilbert, architect of the Minnesota State Capitol and New York Citys famed Woolworth Building, incorporated the original first-floor stone arch design into the new plans. Completed in 1905, the American Renaissance style building sheathes a contemporary structural system in a classical facade, Historic Montana states on its website.

Robison said there is some sadness in what has transpired with the club.

Its sad, but were also trying to make the best of what is a long-term difficult situation, he said.
Dune 2

At the Cinemark

Grades: James: A; Brent: A-

When Paul rode a sandworm across the desert, on his way to fulfilling his destiny, I set my resistance aside and just sank into Dune 2.

After a slow building-block beginning in 2021, the story finds its narrative groove in the finale.

I suspect Frank Herbert is grateful for Denis Villeneuve  and vice versa.

Herberts 1965 masterpiece Dune has received a respectful adaptation that blends mind and heart.

The labyrinth plot has simple threads: Pauls prophetic journey and the tale of an underdog civilization that fends off colonization.

Im the first to admit that I dont enjoy unraveling mythical stories. I dont willingly dive inside complex maze spread over multiple universes or multiple films.

But Dune 2 provided us with two magnetic performances that allowed us to enjoy the film, even if we couldnt pass a quiz on the plot afterward.

Timothee Chalamets Paul Atreides and Zendayas Chani are both charismatic characters.

That said, we need other voices to appreciate Dune 2.

For advice I turned to future critic James ORourke, 14, of Huntington Beach, California. James is my academic grand-kid  his mom and dad are former students.

When I walked out of the theatre, I immediately knew that Denis Villeneuve had created a masterpiece, said James. For people who didnt particularly love the first Dune movie, but were curious to see more of the universe, I believe that they appreciate this film more. This movie will join the ranks of great sequels like the Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.

James singled out a couple scenes for applause.

The black-and-white scene where Feyd-Rautha was fighting prisoners of war was very cinematic and the action was compelling, James said. That was a really epic moment.

James appreciated that Paul evolved significantly in the second film.

Paul grew as a leader the first time he rode the sandworm, he said. His mother realized that the prophecy about him would come true.

James believes anyone can enjoy Dune 2 even without knowledge of what came before.

James has always enjoyed action/adventure and science fiction movies.

I believe Dune 2 is the best of both genres, he said. The cinematography, the action and the acting are all top tier.

James says his interest in film began as early as first grade when he played the first EA Star Wars Battlefront video game. That experience launched him into the Star Wars universe, a galaxy where his dad, Shawn, a 2004 Carroll College graduate, already lived.

Its been fascinating and thrilling to watch my son travel through the worlds I explored as a child, said Shawn. He offered his perspective on mythologies I thought were my own. However, I now realize that I was simply holding them for him.
A bipartisan group of six legislators submitted a letter formally expressing their displeasure with the Superintendent of Public Instruction on Wednesday. The complaint asserts that Elsie Arntzen, a Republican, has failed to satisfy the duties of the office to which you were elected.

I recognize that this is an extraordinary response, ineffectual as it might be, said Rep. David Bedey, R-Hamilton, who chairs the Education Interim Budget Committee. But I also believe that this is an extraordinary set of circumstances.

Six of the eight lawmakers who sit on the committee voted to submit the complaint following two days of fierce, lengthy debate over the implementation of a slew of education-related laws passed during the 2023 legislative session.

On laws pertaining to school choice, Indian Education for All, early literacy targeted intervention programs, public charter schools, teacher pay and a multimillion-dollar data modernization project, the Office of Public Instruction expressed viewpoints on how to enact the legislation that contrasted starkly with those of legislators and education professionals who supported the laws.

Conspicuously absent from these heated discussions was Arntzen. She declined to attend committee meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday despite personal invitations. Rob Stutz, deputy superintendent and chief legal counsel, attended in her place. He stood for lengthy questioning from lawmakers on both days, but ultimately, as Bedey said, the buck stops at the top of the org chart.

After learning of the action, Arntzen responded with a letter read during public comment by Stutz.

This is a political persecution, Arntzen wrote. I am being attacked because I am a conservative.

Her agenda as OPI superintendent, she wrote, has been to stand up for limited bureaucracy, fight the radical transgender agenda and woke-ism and promote good government. Arntzen warned that relying too much on legislative intent versus the written law  a clash repeated throughout the committee meetings  would be a dereliction of OPIs duty and set a dangerous precedent.

What schools are feeling is confusion and chaos, according to repeated testimony from education professionals. Programs arent being delivered, administrators are spending hours simply trying to figure out how to follow the rules and teachers are left in the lurch, they said.

Legislators, many of whom have worked on education bills for years, if not decades, said OPI has been displaying a never-before-seen pattern of obstruction.

In every case, theres a calculation to impede these bills, said Sen. Daniel Salomon, R-Ronan. And, why? There is no real answer. The problem is we are hurting kids.

House Bill 352, for example, creates a pathway and sets aside funding for schools to create literacy programs during the summer for Montanas youngest students who appear to need extra support.

OPI asserts that schools cant take advantage of these opportunities to create such programs this summer due to a technicality in the law that might make them vulnerable should a financial audit occur. Committee members and multiple educators spoke up in favor of allowing districts to begin these literacy programs this June, rather than wait an entire year for students in need of literacy support to access these early interventions.

A bill crafted last session to ensure that schools spend Indian Education for All funding on corresponding instruction in the same year garnered robust discussion about who should be responsible for penalizing districts that fail to do so.

Nearly 150 schools submitted no or incomplete proof of spending IEFA funding for IEFA instruction in the most recent academic year, according to data presented to the committee Tuesday, accounting for roughly $580,000 allocated to support the teaching of American Indian culture and history.

I dont even know where to start, said Rep. Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Box Elder. The way I see it, this is the shirking of responsibility.

Meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday both lasted nearly 10 hours.

Bedey pointed to the superintendents absence as a matter of priorities, a view shared by Windy Boy, who expressed frustration that two days of conversation could not yield any real solutions as a result.

We dont even have the top dog here. We haven't had the top dog here in two days, Windy Boy said. It would seem like we would have more willingness to come up with a solution that is going to help some of these schools that are struggling. When theres only one side here, this thing is broken.

There was one thing that everyone could agree on  the credit that should go to OPI employees doing the daily work of serving Montanas children. Stutz defended their efforts as a pattern of doing awesome things for kids in Montana.

Im just really overwhelmed by all this, said Rep. Connie Keogh, D-Missoula. Yet I know that there are so many people at OPI that are working really hard and doing some really great work.

Sen. John Fuller, R-Kalispell, and Sen. John Esp, R-Big Timber, voted against submitting the formal letter.

Both senators said they felt it was important to recognize Arntzen is a statewide elected official, and that her position on how to implement these laws, even if different from their own, should be looked at with some merit. They felt it would be more fruitful to let interested parties take the disagreements to court, and Fuller reminded the committee that in a relatively short period of time, there would be a new superintendent as Arntzen is termed out of her role. She is running in the GOP primary for Montana's eastern congressional district.

Everything else gets litigated in this state, Fuller said. Why not this?
Montana officials took a "victory lap" this week as the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would likely ban TikTok in the United States, a year after the state attempted its own ban on the social media giant.

The 2023 Montana Legislature passed Senate Bill 419 carrying a first-of-its kind TikTok ban devised by Republican Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen and carried by freshman Sen. Shelley Vance, R-Belgrade. Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte, who had already prohibited TikTok on all state-owned devices, signed the bill into law last May.

That law is currently held up in court, where a federal judge has already determined it likely treads too far on foreign affairs authority granted to the federal government.

"I'm glad that Congress finally followed Montana's lead," Knudsen said Thursday on the statewide radio program Montana Talks. "The reason Montana did this a year ago was because Congress wouldn't act."

The federal legislation that advanced from the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday did so in widely bipartisan fashion on a 352-65 vote. Montana's ban last year passed both chambers by thinner margins: 30-20 in the Senate and 54-43 in the House.

Both of Montana's House members, Republicans Matt Rosendale and Ryan Zinke, voted for the federal proposal.

The federal bill would ban the app if its China-based owner doesn't sell TikTok, theoretically eliminating the national security concerns that the company's user data could be harvested by the Chinese government.

Similarly, Montana's SB 419 contained a provision that would void the ban if TikTok "is acquired by or sold to a company that is not incorporated in any other country designated as a foreign adversary" identified in federal law.

"China is not our friend and I just applaud the House for taking the bipartisan action they did today," Gianforte, a former congressman, told Fox Business on Wednesday. "  This is about allowing foreign nationals to spy on Americans and it doesn't matter if it's China, or North Korea or Russia, we should not allow these foreign adversaries to have an inroads to our young people in this country and their private information. If they were divested, that would clean up the problem."

TikTok and a handful of Montana users sued Knudsen shortly after the Montana bill was signed into law and the ban's Jan. 1 start date has been stalled while the case plays out. Earlier this month, Virginia and 19 other states filed a brief in support of Montana's ban while the attorney general is making his case to the Ninth Circuit that the start date should be allowed to take effect.

Knudsen and others have argued that TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, is beholden to the Chinese government and could be forced to turn over U.S. users' personal data gathered by the social media platform.

TikTok's attorneys have held up Knudsen's own testimony during the 2023 Legislature to contend he is instead trying to enact foreign policy beyond the state's authority to do so. The company's attorneys are still trying to access through the court proceedings consumer complaints Knudsen's office claimed to have received against TikTok prior to the 2023 session.

A year ago, when Knudsen was first proposing the ban to state legislators who were skeptical of its potency, he said the state-level measure posed a "unique legal question."

"I think Montana has an opportunity here to be a leader," Knudsen told the House Judiciary Committee last year.

Whether the ban considered by Congress has the horsepower to pass through the U.S. Senate remains unclear, although the Associated Press reports President Joe Biden has committed to signing the legislation if it were to reach his desk.

Despite Montana's law so far falling short of taking effect, Knudsen relished being the first to put something on the books.

"I'll take a victory lap here," Knudsen said Thursday. "We wrote that legislation here, that came out of my office based on the investigation that we did at the state Office of Consumer Protection. We look at that and went, 'Wow, maybe Congress will do something.' And they didn't, and we went, 'Well, what we can do?' Like is there a legal path? We have to try to do something here, and that's why we came up with that state legislation over a year ago."
Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence during an inspection tour in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for efforts to deepen the integration of scientific and technological innovation with industrial innovation, and accelerate the cultivation of new driving forces and new advantages of high-quality development.

Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour in Beijing on Wednesday.

During his inspection at an operation center of the city's high-level autopilot demonstration zone, Li urged strengthening support in setting standards and factor guarantees, so as to boost the development of the automobile industry and the construction of smart cities with the upgrading of the autopilot technology.

At the Yizhuang office area of Chinese tech giant Baidu, the premier stressed that it is necessary to give full play to the advantages of rich application scenarios in China, enhance institutional support, and create a more relaxed environment for the development of the artificial intelligence industry.

While visiting Naura Technology Group Co., Ltd., Li encouraged the company to further increase sci-tech investment, accelerate R&D on advanced process equipment, and better promote collaborative innovation across the whole industrial chain.

The premier also inspected the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence and called for achieving new breakthroughs with advanced resources and cooperation.

Li also presided over a symposium and noted that developing new quality productive forces is an intrinsic requirement and an important focus to promote high-quality development, urging efforts to achieve breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields, and promote industrial innovation through sci-tech innovation to accelerate the development of a modern industrial system with advanced manufacturing as the backbone.

Noting that artificial intelligence is an important engine for developing new quality productive forces, he also called for achieving key breakthroughs in areas such as computing power, data and algorithms to let artificial intelligence better empower various industries.

At the symposium, the premier also stressed the need to actively promote inclusive and prudential supervision on the basis of maintaining the bottom line of safety.

Li expressed the hope that Beijing will give full play to its advantages, take the lead in the development of new quality productive forces, and play a leading role in demonstration.
Montana beer is a unique industry.

Local breweries are dedicated customers of Montana farmers, buying locally grown raw agricultural ingredients. They brew those ingredients into a wide array of delicious, value-added, made-in-Montana products that routinely win national awards.

Breweries have become community hubs for activities like live music and philanthropy. Many are now centerpieces of rural towns. A great example is Libby, where Cabinet Mountain Brewing is known as Libbys living room.

Some dedicate their entire brand and atmosphere to notable Montana history, such as Missoulas Great Burn Brewing paying homage to the devastating fire of 1910 and wildland firefighters, or Sheriff Henry Plummers Outlaw Brewing in Bozeman harkening back to the vigilante days.

How many other industries can lay claim to be being homegrown, merging agriculture, manufacturing, art and history, while also being some of the most well recognized local community gathering places, all at the same time?

Add to that the fact that local breweries make flat out good beer and its no wonder that they produce 50 million pints a year, bring $500 million into Montanas economy annually, and make us the third largest craft brewing market per capita in the nation.

Its great to see such a special and beloved industry celebrating after successes in the 2023 legislative session.

Republican Sen. Terry Vermeire of Anaconda passed the bipartisan Senate Bill 312 that makes it easier for different breweries to make and sell collaborative brews.

Republican Rep. Ross Fitzgerald of Power passed House Bill 31, a bipartisan piece of legislation that created academic brewers licenses. Montana State University recently shared how theyre using their new academic license: it allows researchers in MSUs Barley, Malt and Brewing Quality Lab to brew small amounts of beer as part of their research, identifying beneficial traits in new barley lines and evaluating how different varieties perform at each stage of the pipeline from field to brewery.

But the biggest cause for celebration at breweries has been House Bill 305, passed by Republican Rep. Ed Buttrey of Great Falls.

It allows breweries to obtain more types of alcohol licenses, expanding their hours of operation. Matt Leow, the executive director of the Montana Brewers Association, called it a huge leap forward and the Ronan Cooperative Brewery went as far as throwing an official New License Party on March 1.

As we move into spring and summer, maybe youll find yourself responsibly enjoying a Teddy Roosevelt American Badass IPA from Meadowlark Brewing in Sidney, a Swing Yer Tail Pale Ale from 2 Bassett Brewery in White Sulphur Springs, or a White Noise American Wheat from Uberbrew in Billings.

As you do, raise a pint in cheers to local agriculture, small businesses, Montana pride, and yes, even your local politicians serving in Helena, all of who have worked together to make Montana one of the best craft beer states in the nation.
DECATUR  A more detailed picture has emerged from police documents of a gathering where everyone was consuming alcohol and smoking cannabis before a fight broke out and a Decatur man came close to being stabbed to death.

The 32-year-old victim needed emergency surgery at Decatur Memorial Hospital on March 8 after having what was described as a pocket knife plunged into his chest and losing a large quantity of blood. The cops said doctors had described the wound as life-threatening.

Donald J. Burton is accused of wielding the knife as he argued and fought with the victim. The 30-year-old defendant was arraigned Monday in Macon County Circuit Court on charges of attempted murder and two counts of aggravated battery involving a deadly weapon and great bodily harm.

He has yet to enter formal pleas to the charges.

The warrant for Burtons arrest was filed by Decatur police officer Lucas Bray who quotes from several witnesses present when the fight started around 2:30 a.m. at a home in the 1300 block of North Edward Street.

One 32-year-old woman told Bray: Everyone was consuming alcohol and smoking cannabis while hanging out.

She said Don had begun arguing (with the victim) over an unknown matter. She said this took place in the living room of the residence. She said Don threw a mop bucket at (the victim), striking him and also breaking the light out causing the room to go dark.

She stated Don and (the victim) began physically fighting and (the victim) was stabbed by Don She said Don fled on foot and she observed an apparent stab wound to (the victims) chest.

Other witnesses said the fight didnt end there, however. As Burton fled, they described him being pursued by the victim even with blood gushing from his chest wound.

Bray quotes a 35-year-old man as saying Burton dashed into a bedroom with the victim close behind him. (The witness) advised detectives that Donald and (the victim) were still trying to go after each other and he stepped in between them to separate them.

He said after he separated them he ran to the neighbors to call 911.

Bray said detectives used witness descriptions and Burtons own Facebook page to positively identify him as their suspect. The male and female witnesses both picked Burton out of a photo lineup that showed the defendants face along with five others.

Burton was found and booked into the Macon County Jail by around 12:30 p.m. the day of the stabbing.

Judge Lindsey Shelton denied him pretrial release at his arraignment after ruling he posed a threat to the community and specifically the alleged victim in this case.

She also made her decision after being told Burton is accused of being in violation of both probation and conditional discharge sentences.

Court records show he was sentenced to 24 months probation in December after pleading guilty to possession of methamphetamine. And in July he was given a 12-month conditional discharge after admitting a charge of domestic battery involving bodily harm.

Burton will face a preliminary hearing on the stabbing charges March 27.

2023 mugshots from the Herald & Review Lourash Hirstein Phillip Gehrken Joseph A. Williams Jetrevius O. Jarrett Edwards King-Woods Wilson Derrickson Colby J. Park
WASHINGTON  When a total solar eclipse transforms day into night, will tortoises start acting romantic? Will giraffes gallop? Will apes sing odd notes?

Researchers will be standing by to observe how animals routines at the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas are disrupted when skies dim on April 8. They previously detected other strange animal behaviors in 2017 at a South Carolina zoo that was in the path of total darkness.

To our astonishment, most of the animals did surprising things, said Adam Hartstone-Rose, a North Carolina State University researcher who led the observations published in the journal Animals.

While there are many individual sightings of critters behaving bizarrely during historic eclipses, only in recent years have scientists started to rigorously study the altered behaviors of wild, domestic and zoo animals.

Seven years ago, Galapagos tortoises at the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, South Carolina, that generally do absolutely nothing all day  during the peak of the eclipse, they all started breeding, said Hartstone-Rose. The cause of the behavior is still unclear.

A mated pair of Siamangs, gibbons that usually call to each other in the morning, sang unusual tunes during the afternoon eclipse. A few male giraffes began to gallop in apparent anxiety. The flamingos huddled around their juveniles.

Researchers say that many animals display behaviors connected with an early dusk.

In April, Hartstone-Roses team plans to study similar species in Texas to see if the behaviors they witnessed before in South Carolina point to larger patterns.

Several other zoos along the path are also inviting visitors to help track animals, including zoos in Little Rock, Arkansas; Toledo, Ohio; and Indianapolis.

This years full solar eclipse in North America crisscrosses a different route than in 2017 and occurs in a different season, giving researchers and citizen scientists opportunities to observe new habits.

Its really high stakes. We have a really short period to observe them and we cant repeat the experiment," said Jennifer Tsuruda, a University of Tennessee entomologist who observed honeybee colonies during the 2017 eclipse.

The honeybees that Tsuruda studied decreased foraging during the eclipse, as they usually would at night, except for those from the hungriest hives.

During a solar eclipse, theres a conflict between their internal rhythms and external environment, said University of Alberta's Olav Rueppell, adding that bees rely on polarized light from the sun to navigate.

Nate Bickford, an animal researcher at Oregon Institute of Technology, said that solar eclipses actually mimic short, fast-moving storms, when skies darken and many animals take shelter.

After the 2017 eclipse, he analyzed data from tracking devices previously placed on wild species to study habitat use. Flying bald eagles change the speed and direction theyre moving during an eclipse, he said. So do feral horses, probably taking cover, responding to the possibility of a storm out on the open plains.

The last full U.S. solar eclipse to span coast to coast happened in late summer, in August. The upcoming eclipse in April gives researchers an opportunity to ask new questions including about potential impacts on spring migration.

Most songbird species migrate at night. When there are night-like conditions during the eclipse, will birds think its time to migrate and take flight? said Andrew Farnsworth of Cornell University.

His team plans to test this by analyzing weather radar data  which also detects the presence of flying birds, bats and insects  to see if more birds take wing during the eclipse.

As for indoor pets, they may react as much to what their owners are doing  whether theyre excited or nonchalant about the eclipse  as to any changes in the sky, said University of Arkansas animal researcher Raffaela Lesch.

Dogs and cats pay a lot of attention to us, in addition to their internal clocks, she said.

Meteorological events to look for in 2024and where best to see them Meteorological events to look for in 2024and where best to see them Feb. 22, 2024: Venus and Mars conjunction Feb. 26, 2024: Zodiacal light April 8, 2024: Total solar eclipse April 12, 2024: 'Devil comet' crosses the sky Aug. 12, 2024: Perseids meteor shower Aug. 19, 2024: Supermoon September-October 2024: Will Comet C/2023 A3 shine bright? Oct. 2, 2024: Another solar eclipse Dec. 13, 2024: Geminid meteor shower All year: Increased aurora activity

Total solar eclipses through the decades
CHICAGO  A national memorial to fallen journalists conceived in the wake of the deadly June 2018 mass shooting at the newsroom of the Capital Gazette in Maryland will have a strong Illinois connection.

The Fallen Journalists Memorial Foundation announced Wednesday that Chicago-based John Ronan Architects will design the memorial slated to rise at the National Mall in Washington, the culmination of a nearly year-long selection process.

The design concept was chosen from more than 50 proposals, besting four finalists with its vision of transparency and light as the core tenets of a free press.

We were inspired by his unique and compelling design concept, which calls for the use of transparent materials to convey themes of clarity and light to reinforce the importance of the work of journalists, photojournalists and a free press, David Dreier, chairman of the Fallen Journalists Memorial Foundation, said in a news release.

John Ronans award-winning Chicago work includes the modernist Poetry Foundation building in River North, the colorful Gary Comer Youth Center in Grand Crossing and the Ed Kaplan Family Institute for Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship at the Illinois Institute of Technology, where Ronan is a professor of architecture.

Headed by architecture critic Paul Goldberger, the 10-member selection committee also included former Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin.

The memorial will feature layers of transparent elements that will appear different from all three sides of the one-third acre triangular site, which will be located in view of the U.S. Capitol. Funded entirely by private donations, the project is estimated to cost $50 million, with a target completion date of late 2028.

The memorial will be a journey of discovery that unfolds slowly, space by space, like a story that casts the visitor in the role of investigative journalist, Ronan said in the news release. I look forward to working with the foundation to create an inspiring place of remembrance which honors those who have sacrificed their lives in pursuit of the truth and celebrates the First Amendment foundations upon which democracy is built.

On June 28, 2018, a lone gunman took the lives of five Capital Gazette employees inside the Annapolis newsroom in one of the deadliest attacks on journalists in American history. The gunman, Jarrod W. Ramos, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five consecutive life terms in 2021.

The nonprofit foundation was launched on the one-year anniversary of the newsroom shooting by Dreier, a former congressman and then-chairman of Chicago-based Tribune Publishing, which owned the Capital Gazette at the time.

The foundation was authorized by Congress in December 2020 to build a memorial to fallen journalists on federal land in Washington.
SPRINGFIELD  A panel of Illinois lawmakers began hearing testimony Wednesday on Gov. J.B. Pritzkers proposals for sweeping changes in the states health insurance industry.

The changes, which Pritzker first unveiled in his State of the State address in February, would limit the ability of companies to deny claims or steer patients toward cheaper, and possibly less effective, treatments. They are contained in an amendment to House Bill 5395.

They include banning prior authorization requirements for people to receive inpatient treatment at a psychiatric facility as well as all forms of so-called step therapy for prescription drug coverage. Step therapy refers to the practice of requiring a patient to try one or more cheaper, alternative medications before being allowed to access medications prescribed by their doctor.

Other changes in the plan include requiring insurance companies to publicly post the types of treatments and therapies that do require prior authorization; requiring them to maintain accurate lists of the providers who are in their networks; and banning the sale in Illinois of short-term, limited duration insurance plans that dont meet the minimum standards under the federal Affordable Care Act.

Emily Miller, a senior adviser in Pritzkers office, tried to assure the House Human Services Committee Wednesday that the administration was not waging war against the health insurance industry.

Insurance has a role to play, and I'm not here to demonize the insurance industry, she said. I am here, though, to say that it is time for consumers to have a say in how insurance companies are administering their health care plans. And we want to make sure that consumers are protected.

During the hearing, the committee heard personal stories from individual patients and their families, including some legislators, who spoke about their experiences having claims denied by their insurers.

Among them was state Sen. Patrick Joyce, D-Essex, whose son was born with a rare heart malfunction that requires treatments for which he needs prior authorizations. He also had a daughter who died following a long battle with leukemia.

We had her stay four days in the hospital because we couldn't get a nausea medication that we knew worked after chemo (round) two, he said. We couldn't get it authorized in chemo (round) three. Very frustrating. Four days in the hospital, and I'm not sure how that saves somebody money.

Dr. Mary Dobbins, a pediatrician and psychologist who is a past president of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, testified about what she called a mental health crisis among children and youth in the United States. She said the crisis has been artificially magnified by the requirements that tie up our time, our clinical time.

I've had multiple patients who destabilized because medicine they'd been doing well on was now denied, and the parents couldn't afford to pay for it out of pocket, she said. The appropriate level of care is commonly denied.

But Lori Reimers, who represents the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, a trade association for pharmacy benefit managers, argued that practices like step therapy and prior authorization requirements are important to control costs. Without them, she said, businesses couldnt afford to offer health benefits to their employees.

Insurance cards are not magic wands that simply make going to the hospital or going to the pharmacy more affordable, she said. There is incredible work in negotiating those costs between hospitals, physicians  both medical and behavioral  (and) drug manufacturers, all through a sophisticated and, yes, very complicated network of tools. Without these tools, costs cannot be negotiated down and eventually insurance is no longer attainable.

Speaking at a news conference after the hearing, Pritzker brushed aside suggestions that his proposals would result in higher costs for consumers.

Nobody's getting rid of broad cost controls here. That is not what this is about, he said. There are specific things  and we've done this before, this is not unusual  there are specific things where insurance companies are taking advantage of the power that they have. And we're simply saying, You've got to be more reasonable, that there are situations in which you can't, and shouldn't, stop people from getting the health care that they need on the spot.

The committee took no action Wednesday, but Chair Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, said the committee plans to hold more discussions and could vote as early as next week to advance the bill to the full House.
SPRINGFIELD  Lake Michigan is Illinois largest drinking water supply, serving almost 6.6 million people in the state.

Legislators including Sen. Laura Ellman, D-Naperville, are working to increase research and monitoring of Illinois water resources, including the lake.

Just note with climate change, more and more states will grapple with greater and greater challenges, Ellman said in a news conference Wednesday. And Illinois is very well positioned for safe water as long as we remain good stewards.

Ellman was part of a group of legislators highlighting four water-focused initiatives at a Capitol news conference Wednesday. Two of the bills focus on increased research and reporting of water quality in the state.

Ellman sponsored Senate Bill 2743, which would require the State Water Plan Task Force to meet every three months and publish a new State Water Plan including critical issues and recommendations every 10 years. Senate Bill 3716, filed by Sen. Adriane Johnson, D-Buffalo Grove, would require the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to regularly monitor the water quality of Lake Michigan and to publish an executive summary every two years. Both measures await a vote from the full Senate.

Sen. Mike Simmons, D-Chicago, and Laura Fine, D-Glenview, focus on contaminants in drinking water. Simmons Senate Bill 3450 would establish maximum levels of certain contaminants in drinking water, creating a state standard like the levels set by the U.S. EPA.

Senate Bill 2705, filed by Fine, would ban the sale and distribution of certain products that contain intentionally added PFAS, otherwise known as forever chemicals, starting in 2025. All other products containing PFAS would be banned by 2032 unless the product cannot be made without the chemicals. Senate Bills 3450 and 2705 both await a committee assignment.

Free school meals

New legislation unveiled on Tuesday aims to provide state-funded breakfast and lunch to all public and private K-12 students in Illinois, fulfilling a law that was passed in 2023 but never financed.

Sen. Laura Ellman, D-Naperville, introduced Senate Bill 1931, which would allow the Illinois State Board of Education to reimburse school districts the full cost of the free meals at an anticipated price of $209 million. Ellman sponsored separate legislation allocating the funding, but what amount of money, if any, is allocated will be decided during the states budgeting process.

Ellman said meals provided under the program are required to meet national nutrition requirements, which contain nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.

Research shows that students who eat school meals eat more healthy foods than those who do not eat school meals, Ellman said at a news conference.

Senate Bill 2209, introduced by Sen. Christopher Belt, D-Swansea, would create a grant program offering up to $7,500 in grants to select schools that provide free breakfast to students once the school day has begun.

And it allows students to be able to grab something in the classroom, some form of breakfast in the classroom, to help take away a growling belly or to give them energy that they so deserve, Belt said.

Students who qualify for reduced-price breakfast or lunch options would receive meals under this program for free. The measure would also need further funding approval from lawmakers.

Education poll

The Illinois Education Association, the states largest teachers union, on Tuesday released the results of its annual State of Education report.

A statewide poll included in the report surveyed 1,000 Illinoisans from Jan. 22-25, finding that 65% of respondents think funding for public schools should increase, up nine points from the year prior. Of the current public-school parents polled, 73% said public school funding should increase.

When asked to give a letter grade to the nations public schools, respondents were more likely to give a lower grade this year than in past years. Just 3% said they gave the nation an A grade this year compared to 6% last year.

When asked about their local schools, however, Illinoisans gave an overall higher grade, with 14% giving an A.

What all this should tell us is that public education is a very important issue to the people of this great state, and they dont want the status quo, they want better for our students, teachers, faculty and staff, IEA President Al Llorens said in a news release.

The survey also asked Illinoisans whether they favor or oppose certain policies, such as banning books in school libraries. A majority, 76%, of respondents oppose the practice.

While majorities of respondents said they support Illinois high schools teaching about the history of slavery and racism in the United States, they were split on whether they would support a state law that bans the teaching of critical race theory in schools. Of the respondents, 38% were supportive, 37% were opposed and another 14% responded they did not know.
CHICAGO  Issues surrounding underpaid and overworked teachers and support staff underscore newly released polling data from the sixth annual State of Education Report released Tuesday by the Illinois Education Association.

We can look at the results of this poll over the last several years and clearly see a trend  people have a growing appreciation for their teachers, education support staff and our higher education faculty and staff, said IEA President Al Llorens. But they also know teachers and support staff jobs have gotten much more difficult, and that theyre still underpaid and undervalued.

According to data collected between Jan. 22 and Jan. 25 by pollsters Jill Normington of Normington-Petts, a Democrat, and former Illinois GOP chairman Pat Brady of Next Generation Strategies, 58% of people polled believe teachers are underpaid. The percentage of people who believe teachers are underpaid increased by 9% since last year.

Of the 1,000 surveyed, 71% say education support staff are also underpaid, 76% think teaching has become harder over the last few years, and 79% say they are very worried about the teacher shortage.

What all this should tell us is that public education is a very important issue to the people of this great state, and they dont want the status quo; they want better for our students, teachers, faculty and staff, Llorens said. Strong schools are an investment in the future of our students and also the future of our state. However, we are never going to have strong, equitable schools for all students until our schools are fully funded, until our education support staff are paid a living wage, and until our teachers and facultys pay and benefits are on par with the work they do.

In January, the Tribune reported on a shortage of paraprofessionals at Crystal Lake District 47. According to the District 47 Board of Education, the starting pay for newly hired support staff is $16.14 an hour.

Stephanie Lieurance, president of Crystal Lake Association of Support Staff and learning resource paraprofessional at South Elementary in District 47, said its increasingly difficult to live on a paraprofessional salary.

I make about $20,000 a year. That doesnt even cover the cost of insurance that the district offers us, Lieurance told the Tribune in January. Im fortunate in the fact that my husband makes a decent living, but I know a lot of parents that have had to leave and go find other full-time jobs because they cant afford to feed their families.

Lieurance said many paraprofessionals at District 47 and across the state support students with disabilities and students who have autism and are nonverbal. Often, the paraprofessionals get scratched and spit on, and deal with students who get physical.

One of the questions on the poll asked Illinois adults if theyve heard anything about teachers and paraprofessionals being physically assaulted at school.

While 10% said they didnt know, 48% answered yes. A follow-up question asked participants if a paraprofessional was assaulted in their school community, with 49% answering no and 22% saying yes.

However, poll takers overwhelmingly favored new legislation to stop and prevent violence against teachers and support staff at schools.

The data clearly show us Illinoisans have a growing support for public education, the education support staff and teachers who do that work, Normington said. Weve been doing this poll for six years now, and because of that, we have some great comparables and the ability to see trends. This year we saw increased support in nearly every area of our poll from teacher pensions to funding for public schools.

Normington said polls are usually done on either registered voters or likely voters, but this data set reflects what Illinois really looks like from a demographic and regional perspective.

We usually do this survey around this time and we wait for about half of the school year to be gone before we talk to people all over Illinois, she said.

One of the questions asked participants to write one word or phrase that comes to mind when thinking about Illinois public school teachers.

The word used most was underpaid, followed by "overworked" and "hardworking."

Other words used among the 1,000 entries were "unions," "caring," "overwhelmed" and several more, like "liberal" and woke.
Re: Governor Pritzker State of the State and Budget address.

Lets focus on his assessment of the illegal immigration crisis. In his infinite wisdom and his lockstep support of Joe Biden, this problem is a manufactured crisis by President Trump and Texas Governor Abbott!.

J.B.s rationale is its President Trumps crisis because Trump told the Republicans in Congress to not support the recent border security bill. Apparently J.B. believes this just became a crisis in February 2024?

10,000,000 immigrants have invaded the United States since Joe Biden took office. Keep in mind that the year President Trump left office there were just over 400,000 apprehensions. Whats even more amazing is that with those 400,000 apprehensions, 180,000 were deported.

Joe Biden deported just over 140,000 out of his 2.5 million encounters. Thats definitely a result of President Trump. What does J.B. want Governor Abbott to do with all these immigrants?

But lets play J.B.s game. In Illinois we spent, or are spending close to $1 billion dollars to take care of 35,000 illegal immigrants for 18 months. So lets just say that only 10% of the immigrants in 2023 crossed into Texas. That 10% (of 2.5 million) is 250,000. If Texas didnt send some out to the welcoming sanctuary communities, the cost for Texas would be close to $7 billion for that 18 months.

J.B. stood in the General Assembly and with a straight face, boldly lied pr even worse , talked to us like we are stupid, all with thunderous applause of his Democrats.

It is time to discard this greedy political class.

Eric Murray, Pawnee
A man with multiple felony convictions was charged again Tuesday after a traffic stop in Morganton.

Jeremiah Lane Hightower, 46, of Morganton, has active warrants for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while license revoked, fictitious registration plate, felony possession of a firearm by a felon, no liability insurance and white light from rear of vehicle, according to a release from the Morganton Department of Public Safety.

The charges came after an officer pulled over a vehicle driven by Hightower on Tuesday because of a fictitious registration plate and broken taillight, the release said.

When officers made contact with Hightower, he was found to be in possession of a marijuana bowl. A search of the vehicle turned up 2 grams of methamphetamine and a gun, the release said. All items were seized for evidence.

After Hightower was placed under arrest, he told officers he had swallowed narcotics, the release said. Burke County EMS transported Hightower to a local hospital where he remained in public safety custody on Wednesday.

Warrants were issued for Hightower for the charges above and will be served once he is released from the hospital, the release said.

Hightower has been charged with felony larceny and felony breaking and entering more than 10 times each, according to public safety. Records from the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction show he was convicted of a habitual felon charge in 2015.
Assumptions that major data centres must be in capital cities are about to be upturned, with service delivery firm DQA and indigenous tech firm Dickerson Digital poised to announce the first of what will be 22 new sovereign data centres designed along First Nations principles.

The purchase of the facility  already operating in an as-yet-unannounced regional city signals the commencement of what founder and CEO Michael Dickerson said will be a five-to-seven-year program to build an indigenous-owned, sovereign data centre capability that also includes two sites in New Zealand and one in Tonga.

Sovereign data is hugely important to both indigenous populations and Australian citizens as a whole, he told Information Age, citing the challenges of new regulations such as the US CLOUD Act.

Cultural data is hugely important, Dickerson said.

If the US deems that data is sensitive to US needs, it can actually own all of the data sets  and if youve got that in a public cloud, you can lose your whole cultural heritage.

Concerns about loss of control over indigenous heritage-related data  explored in a recent Lowitja Institute discussion paper  have better access to indigenous data a key part of the Commonwealth Closing the Gap Implementation Plan, with efforts underway to promote in-depth data stocktakes and a far greater flow of data from governments to Indigenous organisations and communities.

Data sovereignty has become increasingly important as local governments, businesses, and government space and other agencies face pressure to keep citizen, customer, and mapping, sensor and other operational data within Australias legal jurisdiction.

Rather than trying to emulate the hyperscale cloud operations of Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud and domestic players like Macquarie Government, Dickersons network of cloud sites will focus on maintaining local data controls while tapping DQAs Microsoft specialist skills to incorporate locally-limited Azure technology.

Customers will be able to link into public cloud platforms for data that does not require sovereign control, while Dickerson is also using Microsofts Azure Orbital ground stations as a service framework to bring satellite services to even the most remote parts of Australia.

We can actually give the features and flexibility of Azure sovereign and Azure cloud, Dickerson explained, promising a whole unified approach to what data sets can and cant move or operate under sovereign guidelines.

With the advent of things like genAI, youre going to need to be delivering that data closer to where people need to consume it, he continued  adding that in the evolving data centre model, you can use the power and capacity of public cloud for genAI and things like that  where you can anonymise data sets to still use its power  but not send that data offshore.

Maintaining sovereignty over cloud platforms has become crucial  particularly as businesses aggregate data to train purpose-built generative AI (genAI) large language models  with Gartner recently predicting that failure to do so will severely impact 30 per cent of multinationals by 2025 as businesses struggle with a growing number of trans-jurisdictional regulatory obligations, tariff restrictions, import/export bans, country specific technology protocols, and local content requirements.

Multinationals have spent decades managing their business operations within economic and geopolitical risk but now, Gartner VP analyst Brian Prentice explained, need to expand sovereign risk to include digital to avoid any potential fallout as it increasingly fragments along national and regional lines.

Data sovereignty, the First Nations way

The new data centre strategy is about much more than just building rows and rows of servers; rather, Dickerson envisions the regional facilities as centres of gravity for indigenous employment and economic growth.

Plans include the training of indigenous workers in technology skills  an effort to change the current situation in which there are nearly no indigenous workers in IT and only a few government initiatives to change that.

The project will, for example, leverage the Kalinda tiaki Foundation to offer jobs at Microsoft and DQA  whose CEO Steve Melville said the company would be bringing young people into Level 2 and Level 3 technical support roles to help it service its base of government agencies and large managed service providers.

The capability thats being built here is starting from the data centre up, Melville explained.

Its a group of organisations that are working together to make this happen, so that theres a career path there for young people.

We are particularly keen to foster local communities so we not only create jobs, but create a culture of adding value to the community.

Each data centre also promises employment opportunities for local service providers in adjacent industries such as cleaning, landscaping, equipment maintenance, and more.

We consider a data centre to be a meeting place of all of these jobs, and careers, and wealth, explained Dickerson, a Wajarri-Nunda man from Yamatji Country.

I think thats fundamentally what indigenous people see anyway  community first.

Indigenous communities will be consulted on issues such as the location of data centres and sensitivity to the land around them.

Engagement with government, defence aligned industries, secure agencies and corporates has found a lot of businesses looking at how they can engage indigenous organisations to deliver meaningful outcomes, Dickerson said.

This is a clear pathway that shows from engagement to capital flow, to on the ground community involvement.

Thanks to ubiquitous remote working technology, this distributed model of computing and training also speaks to First Nations peoples ties to their home communities.

The big thing with technology, Dickerson explained, is that you can actually work from anywhere.

You dont need to leave country  and that means youre not taking people out of their community, but rather youre taking jobs to the community.
An AG600M firefighting aircraft drops water during a gathering and dropping water test in Jingmen, central China's Hubei Province, Sept. 27, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua]

The AG600M, the fire-extinguishing variant of China's AG600 seaplane, is scheduled to gain its type certification this year, according to Aviation Industry Corp of China, the nation's leading aircraft maker.



The State-owned conglomerate said that passing the type certification is the major task for the AG600M project team, and engineers have been working to meet the schedule.

Type certification refers to a set of procedures overseen by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, and is one of the crucial stages any civilian aircraft needs to go through to make sure its design and performance meet related requirements.

After receiving type certification, civilian aircraft also need to gain production certification and airworthiness certification.

So far, four AG600M prototypes have been used in test flights and have carried out fire-extinguishing trial operations in typical blaze scenarios.

In January, two prototypes conducted test flights in an extremely cold environment.

The tests took place at Hulunbuir Hailar Airport in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region and verified the AG600M's capability and performance in freezing temperatures ranging from -20 C to -40 C. The test crew also checked procedures for operations in cold weather, AVIC said.

The company said that in the coming months, the AG600M project team will carry out a series of test flights across the country to meet its schedule of qualifying the aircraft for the type certification before the end of this year.

After the airworthiness certification work, initial deliveries are expected to start before 2025, according to AVIC.

The AG600M model performed its first land-based test flight in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, in May 2022. It carried out its first water-based test flight in Jingmen, Hubei province, in August that year.

It has a maximum takeoff weight of 60 metric tons. In a typical firefighting operation, it will collect 12 tons of water from a lake or sea, which should take less than 20 seconds, and use it to douse fires over an area of about 4,000 square meters, designers said, adding that the plane has a flight range of up to 4,500 kilometers.

The AG600 is China's second amphibious aircraft model after the SH-5, which was developed in the 1970s for military purposes and has long been retired from service.

It is one of three large-size aircraft to emerge from the nation's ambitious effort to become a top-tier player in the global aviation industry, joining the Y-20 strategic transport plane and the C919 narrow-body jetliner. Both the Y-20 and C919 have been in active service.

Tens of thousands of researchers and engineers from nearly 200 domestic institutes, universities and enterprises took part in the design and production work of the plane.

With a length of 37 meters and a wingspan of 38.8 meters, the AG600 is roughly the size of a Boeing 737. It is the world's biggest amphibious aircraft, surpassing Japan's ShinMaywa US-2 and Russia's Beriev Be-200.

The aircraft is designed for both ground and water-based takeoffs and landings. It is capable of rescuing 50 people during a maritime rescue mission, designers said.
Center chicken barbecue dinner

Center United Methodist Church will hold its chicken barbecue on Saturday, March 16, from 4 p.m. until sold out.

The cost is $12 per plate which includes 1/2 chicken, beans, slaw, roll and a dessert. Brunswick Stew will also be available. Dine in or carryout.

Center United Methodist is located at 1119 Union St. S, Concord. Call 704-782-1785 for details.

Barbecue chicken dinner

On Saturday, March 16, New Gilead Reformed Church will have a barbecue chicken dinner fundraiser from 11 a.m. until sold out.

Dine in or carryout. Plate includes: half barbecue chicken, beans, slaw, roll, chips, drink, and dessert for $11, whole chicken: $9, and quart of slaw: $5.

The church is located at 2400 Old Salisbury-Concord Road, Concord.

Mt. Mitchell hot dog sale

Mt. Mitchell Global Methodist Church will be holding a hot dog sale on Wednesday, March 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The church is located at 6001 Old Salisbury-Concord Road, Kannapolis. For more information, call 704-933-0155.

Palm Sunday at Mt. Mitchell

Palm Sunday Worship at Mt. Mitchell Global Methodist Church will be March 24 at 11 a.m. A covered dish meal and Easter Egg Hunt will follow.

The church is located at 6001 Old Salisbury-Concord Road, Kannapolis.

Calvary Lenten retreat

A second Lenten retreat will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 23.

All are welcome to attend this first of two Lenten retreats as we learn about incorporating healing actions into our lives.

Calvary Lutheran Church is at 950 Bradley St., Concord. Refreshments will be served.

New GriefShare program

A GriefShare program will be hosted by Cold Springs Global Methodist on Sundays through April 21, from 3:30-5 p.m. for those dealing with life stresses following the loss of a loved one. For more information and to register, go to griefshare.org/findagroup or call the church office at 704-782-1811.

Oak Grove starting GriefShare program

GriefShare Support Group spring sessions will be on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Oak Grove Baptist Church, room 23, through May 11. Register at GriefShare.org, use ZIP code 28075. The church is located at 200 Sims Parkway, Harrisburg. For more information, call 704-455-2763.

Maundy Thursday and Good Friday

Maundy Thursday service observed on March 28 at 7 p.m. at Mt. Mitchell Global Methodist Church.

Good Friday service will be held on March 29 at 7 p.m. The church is located at 6001 Old Salisbury-Concord Road, Kannapolis.

Calvary Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday Worship at Calvary Lutheran Church will be Thursday, March 28 at 7 p.m. Our eyes will be on Jesus healing action of washing his disciples feet on the night before his crucifixion.

Calvary Lutheran Church 950 Bradley St., Concord.

Good Friday prayer vigil

A Good Friday prayer vigil will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church Friday, March 29, from noon to 5 p.m.

Come by for quiet prayer in the sanctuary. Devotionals will be provided.

Calvary Lutheran Church is located 950 Bradley St., Concord.

Good Friday Tenebrae worship

The Good Friday Tenebrae worship service will be at 7:45 p.m. Friday, March 29, at Calvary Lutheran Church.

In the light and darkness of this service we experience what Jesus went through to bring healing, wholeness and salvation to all creation.

All are welcome to join us for this powerful service. The church is at 950 Bradley St., Concord.

Calvary Easter Sunrise

An Easter Sunrise service will be held at 6:30 a.m. Sunday, March 31, at Calvary Lutheran Church.

Meet us at the outdoor chapel (or outdoor shelter if raining) as we watch the sun rise and begin the celebration of Easter.

Calvary Lutheran Church is at 950 Bradley St., Concord. All are welcome.

Easter worship service

The Easter worship services at Calvary Lutheran Church will be at 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday, March 31.

Celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Calvary Lutheran Church is at 950 Bradley St., Concord.

Easter Sunrise service

Mt. Mitchell Global Methodist Church Sunrise service will be observed March 31st at 7 a.m.

Breakfast will be provided following the Sunrise service. The church is located at 6001 Old Salisbury-Concord Road, Kannapolis.

Apocalyptic Bible study

James Fore hosts Uncovering Apocalyptic weekly Bible study every Monday at 1:30 p.m. in the parlor at Calvary Lutheran Church, Concord. All are welcome.

How Great Thou Art drawing class

James Fore leads a weekly drawing class, How Great Thou Art, every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Calvary Lutheran Church, Concord. All are welcome. Bring paper and pencil. Call the church office at 704-782-6923 for more details.

Fresh produce and more

The Bulb Market at Grace Lutheran Church is open every Friday from 3-4 p.m. with fresh produce for the community.

Cabarrus Rowan Community Health Center will be offering primary care and basic health screenings on-site at the church on the second Friday of each month. Grace Lutheran is at 58 Chestnut Drive, Concord.

Sportscenter weekly Bible study

Join Calvary Lutheran Church for its Sportscenter weekly Bible study. Pastor Debbie Frye hosts the study every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at the Sportscenter, 233 Country Club Drive NE, Concord.

Centering Prayer weekly via Zoom

This Centering Prayer Group meets every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. All are welcome. For the Zoom link, check the Calvary Lutheran Church Facebook page or website http://www.clconcord.org, or call the church office at 704-782-6923.
You dont need a crystal ball to predict that the seven months before the Nov. 5 general elections promise to be ugly, costly and divisive. They will impact our moods, our interpersonal relations, our work and normal events.

Typically, after the primary elections is a period I call reconciliation month. To win primaries the candidates must reach out to the most extreme factions of their party. But to win the general election they must move to much more centrist positions and attempt to mend fences with those who might have felt neglected or excluded. Not this cycle.

Candidates have already put on the combat pads, are raising money and launching their campaigns. Super PACs and Independent expenditure groups, like 527s and 501c4s, are popping up like spring daffodils. They have neither the moral, legal nor spending restrictions candidates must follow. With obtuse sounding names required for identification slugs on broadcast, print and even web advertising, we have little idea who donates or how much. Sadly, these groups often have too much influence on election outcomes. Their only real restriction is they arent supposed to have direct contact or input with the candidates campaign  a wink-wink unenforceable stipulation.

Do you remember the fable about the scorpion and the frog? It teaches that vicious people cannot resist hurting others, even when it is in their own interests. Its not hyperbole to compare Donald Trump to the scorpion. But Joe Biden, in his State of the Union Address, showed us a feisty and combative side, demonstrating hes ready to put on the gloves and go the distance with 45. If the two agree to debate they will need EMS to mop up the blood. Most of us would prefer different candidates, but these are the two weve got.

North Carolina has several state races that promise excitement, emotion and controversy.

Mark Robinson is infamous because of his outrageous comments. Rob-a-bob-Robinson is an election and holocaust denier, advocates we return to the good old days when women couldnt vote, demonizes abortion (though he paid for one for his own wife), quotes Adolph Hitler and has told Black Democrats they are modern day slaves who dont even know who their masters are. To be sure theres more coming.

Robinson wont take this beating lying down. Count on him striking back at Democrat Josh Steins ultra-liberal politics, his refusal as AG to defend laws he didnt support, his previous record in the legislature and as Attorney General. And there will be not-so-subtle insinuendos about Steins Jewish heritage.

This promises to be the costliest and nastiest gubernatorial contest weve experienced. But it might take a back seat to our Superintendent of Public Instruction election.

Michele Morrow upset incumbent Cathy Truitt in the biggest surprise of the primary, even though she has no experience in public education. Morrow, a nurse, participated in the Jan. 6 march on the capital but says she left when instructed by authorities and never entered the building. Shes a MAGA supporter who home-schools her children and wants to cut funding for public education, declaring public schools indoctrinate children with left-leaning views of diversity, inclusion and history. Shes a fighter.

Her opponent is Democrat Mo Green, superintendent of Guilford County Schools for seven years, then executive director of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. This donnybrook will pit traditional public school supporters against passionate voucher advocates. Already the Chamber of Commerce and other business groups are getting into the fray. Between now and November expect charges and countercharges, liberal vs. conservative politics, and experience vs. passion.

Before Novembers main event there are two statewide runoffs on May 14. A second primary for the Republican lieutenant governors nomination will feature Jim ONeill, the district attorney for the 31st prosecutorial district, and Hal Weatherman, former chief of staff for former Lt. Gov. Dan Forest and before that for Congressman Sue Myrick. Neither will likely have lots of money so it will be interesting to see how they pursue the runoff.

The same can be said about the Republican runoff for state auditor. First-time candidate Jack Clark is a CPA with auditing experience, running against Dave Boliek, Jr., with law and MBA degrees. Boliek demonstrated, as chair of the UNC Chapel Hill board of trustees, a willingness to be controversial. Clark came out on top first time around, but can he prevail in the runoff?

And weve not even mentioned legislative and judicial contests that might be interesting.

Novembers elections promise all the mayhem of an Allstate TV commercial. Were predicting they will be stormy with a probability of ugly. This will be one Thanksgiving we really will be thankful to enjoy.
All Peoples Church of Jesus Christ

Worship at 11 a.m. Sunday at American Legion Post 172. Pastor: Prophet Roland Jordan delivers the message.

Ann Street United Methodist Church

335 Ann St., Concord. Pastor: Rev. Randy L. Wall. In person and Facebook Live worship at 11 a.m. Sermon: I Thirst. Scripture: John 19:23-28.

Bethpage United Methodist Church

109 Fellowship Ave. at West C St., Kannapolis. 704-932-5296. Pastor: Rev. McKenzie Sefa. Christian Education at 9 a.m. Worship at 10 a.m.

Bogers Chapel United Methodist Church

1775 Flowes Store Road E, Concord. Pastor: Pastor Eric Shaver. Sunday school 9 a.m. Worship Service 10 a.m. (In person or Facebook). Opening Scripture: Psalm 51:1-12. Sermon: Stay. Scripture: John 12:20-33.

Calvary Lutheran Church

950 Bradley St., Concord. 704-782-6923. Pastor: Rev. Debbie Frye. In-person worship at 8:30 a.m. (casual worship) and 11 a.m. (traditional worship with Childrens Church). Coffee/Cookie Social 9:30-11 a.m. Sunday school for all ages 9:45 a.m. Childrens Area and Nursery available at all times. All services live-streamed and available anytime on the Calvary Lutheran Concord Youtube channel  easy access through our website www.clconcord.org or church app Calvary Lutheran ChurchNC. All are welcome. Sermon Series: For the Healing of the World. Sermon theme: Invitation to Plant our Own Seeds of Healing.

Center United Methodist Church

1119 Union St. S, Concord. Pastor: Rev. Brian Crady. Sunday school for In Betweens and young adults at 9 a.m. Worship at 10 a.m. Nursery is provided during the worship service. Website is www.centerumcconcord.org. Look forward to you joining us for our service!

Cold Springs Global Methodist Church

2550 Cold Springs Road, Concord. Pastor: Rev. Cliff Wall. Worship at 10 a.m. on Sundays. Visit online at https://youtube.com/@coldspringschurchconcord.

Crossroads Church

220 George W. Liles Parkway, Concord. Pastor: Lowell McNaney. Live worship streamed on Facebook, Crossroads Concord Church app or mycrossroads.co website at 9:30 a.m. and 11:11 a.m.

Crown Pointe Baptist Church

703 Tennessee St., Kannapolis. Pastor: Rev. Doug Crawley. Sunday school at 9 a.m. Worship at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary, or view online at our Facebook page.

Eastside Missionary Baptist Church

199 Elgin Drive, Concord. Pastor: Rev. Stephen Burrow. In person services: Sunday school 9:30 a.m. Worship services 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Recorded worship services and other information at EastsideMissionaryBaptist.org. You will be welcomed. Practice social distancing.

Epworth United Methodist Church1030 Burrage Road NE, Concord. Pastor: Rev. Dennis Marshall. Sunday school at 9 a.m., followed by worship at 10 a.m. We welcome all to join us in person, or you may livestream or watch the recorded service at our website at www.epworthnc.com.

First Presbyterian Church

201 Vance St., Kannapolis. 704-938-4623. Pastor: Eddie Spencer. Coffee fellowship 9:30 a.m. Sunday school 10 a.m. Worship service 11 a.m. in person and also live streamed on YouTube. www.firstpresb.org.

Forest Hill United Methodist Church

265 Union St. N., Concord. Senior Pastor: Rev. Mandy Jones. Associate Pastor: Rev. Wes Judy. We are open for in-person worship. Contemporary worship, 9 a.m. Sunday school/small groups, 10 a.m. Traditional worship, 11 a.m. Both the contemporary and the traditional worship services will also be live-streamed at foresthillumc.org or facebook.com/foresthillumc, in case you dont feel like being here in person.

Grace Church of Concord  A Global Methodist Community

28-B Branchview Drive, NE, Concord. Lead Pastor: Michael Dominick. Worshipping every Sunday at 10 a.m. Sermon: On the Via Dolorosa. Scripture: Mark 15:15-24. Series: Places of the Passion. Topic: On the Via Dolorosa, Jesus endured all the pain for us. We are delighted to invite you on a special journey with us during this Lenton Season, as we explore the profound significance of the journey towards Easter Sunday, through Paster Mikes sermon series Places of the Passion. To learn more about the church visit www.graceconcord.org where you will find links to our Sunday Morning LiveStream and more

Harmony Church Concord

101 White St. NW, Concord. Pastor: Rev. Thad Brown. We will have a brunch beginning at 10 a.m. in our fellowship hall, followed by a baptism remembrance service. We welcome Everyone to come worship with us! Our service is broadcast live on Facebook.com/HarmonyUnitedMethodistChurch. For more information, you can call 704-791-2883 or 704-467-0179.

Jackson Park United Methodist Church

715 Mable Ave., Kannapolis. Pastor Laurie Knoespel. Adult Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. Worship at 10:30 a.m. Nursery will be provided during worship service.

Kirkwood Presbyterian Church

900 Klondale Ave., Kannapolis. Pastor: Rev. Dennis B. Craft. Worship at 11 a.m. in church sanctuary on Sundays. No mask restrictions.

McGill Baptist Church

5300 Poplar Tent Road, Concord, in-person services. Pastor: Rev. Steve Ayers. McGill will stream a worship service Sunday at 10 a.m. on www.facebook.com/mcgillbaptistchurch/ and on YouTube. The services will be live and also available on recording afterwards. Fifth Sunday in Lent. Sermon: Bearing Fruit. Scripture: Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33.

Midway United Methodist Church108 Bethpage Road, Kannapolis. Pastor: Rev. Craig Allen. Come join us on Sunday morning at 9 a.m. for Sunday school and 10:30 a.m. for worship. Our service is also livestreamed on the web at midwayunitedmethodistchurch.org or facebook.com/midwayUMC. Fifth Sunday of Lent. Worship theme: Listening for the unexpected (Jn. 12:30). Sermon: More Than a Really Cool Teacher. First Reading: Psalm 51:1-12. Second Reading: John 12:20-33. Suggested Hymns: UMH 568, Christ for the World We Sing, UMH 420, Breathe on Me, Breath of God.

Mt. Mitchell Global Methodist Church

6001 Old Salisbury-Concord Road, Kannapolis. Pastor: Joel Locklear. Office phone: 704-933-0155. Office hours: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. (adult and children classes). Worship at 11 a.m. in person or Facebook. Nursery for children up to 5 years old. Sermon: Are You Listening? Scripture: John 12:20-33.

Multiply Church Concord

150 Warren C. Coleman Blvd. N, Concord. Pastor: Rev. Douglas Witherup. 8:30 a.m. service held at 280 Concord Parkway S, Suite 15, Concord. Services at 150 Warren C. Coleman Blvd. N, are worship and sermon at 9:30 a.m. and worship and sermon at 11:15 a.m.

New Gilead Reformed Church

2400 Old Salisbury-Concord Road. 10 a.m. Sunday School followed by 11a.m. worship in the Sanctuary or worship live on YouTube. We hope that you can connect with us online if you cant be with us in person.

Oak Grove Baptist Church

200 Sims Parkway, Harrisburg. Pastor: Rev. Franklin D. Watkins. 10 a.m. In-person worship service. Also available on Facebook Live and YouTube Live.

Rodgers Park Baptist Church

309 E 24th St., KannapolisC. Weekly message from KJV Bible, by Pastor Joel Ervin. Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. Worship at 10:45 a.m. Facebook Live at 11 a.m.

Second Presbyterian Church

1578 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., Kannapolis. Pastor Sue Black, Minister. Assistant Minister: Rev. Aaron Price. Sunday school at 10 a.m. Worship at 11 a.m. Sermon: Do You Understand What I Have Done for You? Scripture: John 13:1-17. Maundy Thursday Service will be held on March 28 at 6:30 p.m.

St. Johns Reformed Church

901 N. Main St., Kannapolis. Pastor: Rev. Chris King. Sunday school for all ages, 9 a.m. Worship service, 10:30 a.m. Website  www.ourstjohns.org. Email/Phone- ourstjohns@gmail.com / 704-932-3656. Sermon: The Poison of Folly. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 10.

Trinity United Church of Christ

38 Church St., Concord. Pastor: Rev. Nathan King. Worship at 11 a.m., in person or Facebook (live or watch later). Website: commachurch.com. Youre invited! Sermon: Footprints on the Moon by Rev. Cathy Cook.
Cabarrus County Schools is planning to adjust the salaries of classified workers as part of the 2024-25 budget, according to an update provided to the Board of Education on Monday night.

The school system conducted a salary study last year, the results of which revealed that classified employees, including custodians, bus drivers, cafeteria workers and others, were getting paid approximately 10% below the market average. The district has 1,772 classified workers.

From May to August of last year, the districts human resources team conducted a full audit of all classified employees salary scale placement. The finance department then completed an extensive evaluation of the impact of making adjustments to current employees placement.

Evergreen, an external consultant, suggested new salary scales that are market-aligned. As part of the upcoming budget every classified employee will be included as part of the new salary schedules, which will factor in work history and educational achievements.

It will take the entire salary scales and move them closer to the market, Dr. Michael Williams, chief human resources officer, said.

The total proposed cost, which does not include licensed staff, is approximately $2.6 million per year. It will be recurring funding and could likely increase with whatever the salary growth is in future years.

People will be more accurately compensated for their actual experience, said Chief Financial Officer Phillip Penn, noting it will also allow the district to attract and retain talent more effectively. If we go out and we spend all the time and effort to get the best possible talent but we dont give them progression on where they get paid going forward, that is what creates the turnover in the first place, and we want to try and address some of that as we go forward.

Upon approval of the funding, the salary schedule will be released publicly, Williams said. Once released, human resources and finance would make adjustments to employee placement on the new salary schedule.

Weve been waiting a while to get all of this information and Im sure that many of our employees are going to be happy to see this tonight, said board member Laura Blackwell Lindsey.

If the county commissioners approve of the salary adjustments, the hope is for them to take effect July 1.

A budget work session is slated to be held Monday March 25 at 6 p.m. The school board is projected to adopt the proposed 2024-25 budget during its April 15 business meeting.

During the Monday meeting, the school board also:

Approved the architectural contract for the Mary Frances Wall Pre-K center, which will be on the site of Beverly Hills Elementary School. The total contract for Design and Construction Services is in the amount of $552,500. The school board voted to close the elementary school last month.

Approved the summer retesting program. This will occur in May for elementary, middle and high schools, and in June for Wolf Meadow Elementary School. The program provides the opportunity for non-proficient students to re-take and hopefully pass EOGs and EOCs.
Nozomi Networks Inc., the worldwide leader in OT and IoT security, today announced a US$100 million Series E funding round to help accelerate innovative cyber defences and expand cost-efficient go-to-market expansion globally. This latest round includes investments from Mitsubishi Electric, a global leader in digital manufacturing, electronics and electrical equipment and Schneider Electric, a global leader in digital automation and energy management. They join a growing list of OT original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who have invested in Nozomi Networks, including previous investors Honeywell and Johnson Controls.

As we meet with customers around the world, the reality is that they operate highly heterogeneous environments and are looking for a security platform that can effectively defend those environments, said Edgard Capdevielle, President and CEO of Nozomi Networks. This investment clearly underscores the need and support for OEM-agnostic security solutions in light of todays escalating attacks against critical infrastructure around the world.

The company will use this latest investment to help scale product development efforts as well as its go-to-market approach globally. With criminal and nation-state cyber threats to industrial and critical infrastructure on the rise, the need for Nozomi Networks solutions has never been greater. At the same time, recent consolidation in the OT and IoT security space is driving a new need for full-featured solutions that arent limited to single-vendor support, but rather are able to holistically address the cybersecurity requirements of the vast majority of industrial and critical infrastructure organisations who must protect complex, multi-vendor environments.

With the increasing risk of cyber threats facing critical infrastructure owners everywhere, now is not the time to compromise on cybersecurity, said Barbara Frei-Spreiter, Executive Vice President of Industrial Automation, Schneider Electric. As a partner of Nozomi Networks, we have collaborated over the years to provide customers with cybersecurity solutions and services that help them to control, prevent and mitigate risks to their operations. This investment speaks to ensuring the market has access to robust cybersecurity solutions that can scale without compromise across heterogeneous industrial and critical infrastructure environments and reinforces the importance of interoperability across systems and vendors.

Theres never been a more important time to invest in critical infrastructure cybersecurity, and Nozomi Networks stands out globally as a leading supplier in that segment, said Satoshi Takeda, Chief Digital Officer, Mitsubishi Electric. Nozomi Networks unique R&D model and ability to innovate and scale quickly sets them apart. Customers and partners all rely on Nozomi Networks expertise and constantly advancing technology to secure the industrial infrastructure that runs the world.

Nozomi Networks customers benefit from the companys broad industry support from the OT and IoT OEM community, with existing partnerships with ABB, Emerson, GE Vernova (formerly GE Power and GE Renewable Energy), Hitachi Energy, Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Mitsubishi Electric, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Schneider Electric, Siemens, and Yokogawa. These partnerships enable Nozomi Networks to provide superior support for customers heterogeneous operating environments.

This round is the latest in a series of milestones for the company, including:

A decade of innovation in OT and IoT cybersecurity  including the recent launch of the industrys first multi-spectrum wireless security sensor

More than 105 million OT, IoT and IT devices protected worldwide

12,000+ installations spanning six continents

5x organic growth in ARR since launching its flagship Vantage product in 2021

More than 2,000 Certified Nozomi Networks Engineers worldwide

Mitsubishi Electric and Schneider Electric join a distinguished list of Nozomi Networks investors, including prior investors Activate Capital, Energize Capital, Forward Investments, GGV Capital U.S., Honeywell Ventures, In-Q-Tel, Johnson Controls, Keysight Technologies, Lux Capital, Planven Investments SA, Samsung, Porsche Ventures, Telefonica Ventures, and Triangle Peak Partners.
COMPANY NEWS: Azul, the only company 100% focused on Java, today announced accelerated growth last year across its product portfolio and geographies, including unprecedented demand for its OpenJDK products in the wake of Oracles Java SE pricing policy change and enterprises grappling with soaring cloud costs.

Growth boosted by Oracles Java pricing change

In January 2023, Oracle introduced a controversial new Java licensing and support pricing plan based on a companys total number of employees, including every full-time, part-time, contractors and consultants, regardless of the amount of Java actually used within the organisation. The outcome of the subscription fee change has resulted in companies around the world seeing anywhere between 2x  12x increase in prices for what a customer previously paid Oracle.

Since that announcement, Azul has seen tremendous growth in new customer bookings for its OpenJDK-based Oracle alternative, Azul Platform Core, with an increase of 49% year-over-year. The number of new Core customers added increased by 36% year-over-year.

One customer, the University of Sydney, switched from Oracle Java to Azul Platform Core, looking for cost savings, greater predictability and ease of doing business.

As with most universities, we are always looking for efficiency from our IT vendor relationships, not just by lowering costs, but also by eliminating uncertainty and distractions. Supporting so many departments and managing a wide range of vendor relationships means I cant afford to worry about unexpected headaches such as price increases and audits, said The University of Sydney vendor management specialist and university software licensing community executive member Emiliano Fisanotti. With Azul, we found a trusted partner who was easy to work with and provided a secure, drop-in replacement for Oracle Java.

Its clear that customers are frustrated with the uncertainty around Oracle Javas frequent pricing and licensing changes  the switch last January was its fourth major change in four years, leaving customers looking for other options, said Azul co-founder and CEO Scott Sellers. Azul is the clear leader in helping ease that transition to our Java runtime and development platform that is based on the same open-source code as Oracles, with broader support, for typically at least 70% less in support fees.

Product and territory growth

In addition to success seen with Azul Platform Core, Azuls growth was also driven by new and existing customers prioritising cloud cost optimisation  customers typically experience a 20%+ decrease in their cloud and infrastructure costs as a result of deploying Azuls high-performance Java runtime Azul Platform PrimeAzul Platform Prime  leading to an increase in new customer bookings of 30% year-over-year. Azul also maintained a 95% customer ARR retention rate last year.

Outside of North America, Azul experienced high growth in its regions  Azuls Asia-Pacific (APAC) region grew 37% year-over-year in new bookings and its Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region saw an increase in new bookings last quarter of 69% year-over-year.

Global channel acceleration

The Oracle pricing change also opened up new opportunities and revenue streams for Azuls partners, with 36 new channel partners joining the PartnerConnect program in a six-month period. In addition, new customers doing business through Azuls channel partners increased by 67% year-over-year.

Now with more than 100 members globally, the expanded channel program rewards partners with accelerated benefits as they grow with the program. By partnering with Azul, channel partners are able to help customers optimise their cloud infrastructure and lower Java support and licensing costs, all while delivering transformative revenue-generating applications at attractive margins.

Whenever changes occur in software pricing models, they present an opportunity for us to assist clients in modernising their legacy infrastructure and optimising their cloud investments. At SoftwareOne, weve forged partnerships with key software providers, such as Azul, to empower clients with comprehensive insights into their software estate, enabling them to unlock additional commercial opportunities, commented SoftwareOne vice president of software alliances and operations Dwight Jordan.

Azul also began to offer select products on the AWS and Google Cloud marketplaces, making it easier for customers and their channel partners to seamlessly procure Azul products.

Product and technology excellence

Azul continued its long history of Java innovation by releasing new products and features last year that ensure performance, security and value for customers. New products and innovations include:

Announced in February 2023, Azul Platform Core and Azul Platform Prime now support 64-bit ARM architectures, including AWS Graviton, enabling customers to optimise cloud costs and boost the performance of cloud-native applications, popular open-source technologies and Java-based frameworks.

In August 2023, Azul launched ReadyNow Orchestrator for Platform Prime, slashing warmup times for Java applications and opening another path to improved operational efficiencies and optimised cloud costs.

In May 2023, Azul released the world's first commercially supported builds of OpenJDK with Coordinated Restore at Checkpoint (CRaC) functionality, delivering a highly anticipated feature to the Java community and a major milestone toward improving Java startup and warmup times.

Launched in October 2023, Azul added a new feature to its Intelligence Cloud platform, Code Inventory, that saves substantial development time and money by accurately identifying dead and unused code for removal.

Azuls innovative processes, technology and services were recognised by Cisco with a 2023 Emerging Excellence Award. Azul was chosen from more than 600 Cisco suppliers as a company that is up and coming, breaking out of the norms by differentiating themselves, going above and beyond in service and operational performance in one or more key business functions regarding delivery, capabilities and quality and responsiveness. Azul was also recently ranked #9 among The Software Reports Top 25 Cloud Computing Companies of 2024. Reinforcing its leadership in Java, Azul was also re-elected to the Java Committee Executive Team, a key steering committee for Java, its development and roadmap.

Last year was a year of exceptional growth for Azul. Our relentless dedication to Java innovation, coupled with our unwavering commitment to customer excellence and building out our channel ecosystem, enabled us to have a tremendous year, continued Sellers. With our clear vision focused on Java, dedication to our customers and a robust roadmap ahead, we are poised for even greater success in the year ahead.

About Azul Systems

Headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, Azul provides the Java platform for the modern cloud enterprise. Azul is the only company 100% focused on Java. Millions of Java developers, hundreds of millions of devices and the worlds most highly regarded businesses trust Azul to power their applications with exceptional capabilities, performance, security, value and success. Azul customers include 36% of the Fortune 100, 50% of Forbes top-10 Worlds Most Valuable Brands, all 10 of the worlds top-10 financial trading companies and leading brands like Avaya, Bazaarvoice, BMW, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Telekom, LG, Mastercard, Mizuho, Priceline, Salesforce, Software AG, and Workday. Learn more at azul.com and follow us @azulsystems.
COMPANY NEWS: Intel today announced that Stacy Smith, executive chairman of Kioxia, formerly Toshiba Memory, and chair of Autodesk, was appointed to Intels board of directors, effective immediately.

Smith will serve as an independent director and join the boards audit and finance committee.

Stacys deep understanding of the semiconductor industry, along with Intels history and strategy, will be a significant asset to the board as it guides the companys transformation journey, said Intel board chairman Frank D. Yeary. In particular, Stacys expertise in finance and leading capital allocation strategies in the capital-intensive semiconductor industry will be additive to Intels board as the company continues its efforts to create a globally resilient semiconductor supply chain.

Smith, 61, spent nearly 30 years at Intel, serving in a variety of leadership roles. Prior to his retirement in 2018, he served as the group president of manufacturing, operations and sales, leading the companys global technology and manufacturing group and its worldwide sales organisation.

Prior to this, he spent more than a decade in finance leadership roles, including as chief financial officer. In addition, Smith held the role of chief information officer and, before that, was general manager of Intel Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), where he was responsible for Intel sales and marketing for the EMEA region.

I am excited to be joining the Intel board at this pivotal moment as the company accelerates its IDM 2.0 strategy to win in its core markets, grow in emerging compute markets and become one of the worlds leading foundries, said Smith. Intel is executing one of the most significant transformations in the semiconductor industry, and it is an honor to have the opportunity to contribute to the companys evolution as it regains its iconic position in the global technology ecosystem.

In addition to Smiths extensive breadth of semiconductor industry, operations and manufacturing, and sales, marketing and branding expertise, he brings extensive public company board experience to Intel. He has served as executive chairman of Kioxia since 2018 and as chairman of the board of Autodesk since 2011. Additionally, he has served on the board of Wolfspeed since 2023.

Previously, he served on the board of directors for Virgin America from 2014 to 2016 and Gevo from 2010 to 2014.

Smith holds an MBA in finance from the University of Texas.
COMPANY NEWS: Tenable, the exposure management company, today announced innovative enhancements to ExposureAI, the generative AI capabilities and services within its Tenable One Exposure Management Platform.

The new features enable customers to quickly summarise relevant attack paths, ask questions of an AI assistant and receive specific mitigation guidance to act on intelligence and reduce risk. The platforms generative AI-powered search and chat applications are fueled by Google Cloud  including Gemini models in Vertex AI.

Organisations face a high volume of exposures and more complicated threat actor tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP's) across the modern attack surface today. They are also facing a global cyber workforce shortage of 5.5 million trained professionals, according to the most recent data from ISC2. Even the most seasoned security experts struggle to sort through, understand and prioritise complex attack paths.

As a result, 44% of IT and cyber leaders say they are either very confident or extremely confident that they can leverage generative AI to improve their organisations cybersecurity strategy. Tenable Attack Path Analysis, part of the Tenable One platform, leverages generative AI-based capabilities to help organisations enhance their preventive security. This includes explainability functionality that provides specific mitigation guidance with clear visibility and succinct analysis of complex attack paths, specific assets or security findings.

These new AI capabilities enable virtually anyone in the security team to digest and take action on the most complex attack paths across various exposures to stay steps ahead of attackers. Added functionality includes:

Attack path summary : Security practitioners can view a summary generated for each attack path in a single pane of glass that provides comprehensive descriptions of the entire attack path and gives direction on how an attacker can leverage a live attack path within the environment.

: Security practitioners can view a summary generated for each attack path in a single pane of glass that provides comprehensive descriptions of the entire attack path and gives direction on how an attacker can leverage a live attack path within the environment. AI assistant : Users can ask Tenables AI assistant specific questions about the summarised attack path, as well as each node along the attack path. Questions like: What can you tell me about this asset? How many domain admins have access to this asset? Which patch can I apply to mitigate the vulnerability in this attack path? What is the number of attack paths this patch mitigates?

: Users can ask Tenables AI assistant specific questions about the summarised attack path, as well as each node along the attack path. Questions like: What can you tell me about this asset? How many domain admins have access to this asset? Which patch can I apply to mitigate the vulnerability in this attack path? What is the number of attack paths this patch mitigates? Mitigation guidance: This feature automatically provides specific mitigation guidance for each attack path. Security and IT practitioners no longer need to spend time sifting through options to determine which patch or version number to apply, or which user group has unauthorised access.

[Watch the Tenable ExposureAI APA demo here.]

When cyber teams examine the risk to their infrastructure and data, often the biggest challenge is deciphering the immediate course of action, said Tenable chief technology officer Glen Pendley. ExposureAI, with Google Cloud, takes the guesswork out of the process and saves invaluable time in recommending the exact path to remediation.

Generative AI is a game changer for cyber defenders; helping them to better protect their organisations against increasingly sophisticated and relentless threats, said Google Cloud vice president of security engineering Eric Doerr. Integrating our security-specific gen AI models into partner solutions, such as in Tenables Exposure Management platform, will further empower defenders to address pressing security challenges and mitigate disruptive cyber risks.

Tenable One combines vulnerability management, cloud security, OT security, external attack surface management (EASM), identity security, web application, and API scanning data to discover weaknesses before attackers can exploit them. It continuously monitors environments delivering the broadest exposure management coverage available. For more information or to register for a product demo, please click here.

Read todays blog post titled: Introducing Tenable AI Assistant: Your Generative AI Analyst to Achieve Proactive Security.
[Provisional translation]

On March 13, commencing at 6:25 p.m. for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with H.E. Dr. Hilda C HEINE, President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, who was visiting Japan.
Photo taken on March 13, 2024, shows rescue workers cleaning up shattered glass at the scene of the explosion at a residential community in Xiaozhanggezhuang village of Yanjiao, North China's Hebei province. [Photo by Cao Boyuan/Provided to China Daily]

Local authorities in Sanhe, Hebei province, apologized to the media for forcing them out of the site of an explosion on Wednesday that killed 7 and injured 27 others, according to a statement published on Thursday morning by the city's command headquarters for the handling of the incident.

The statement especially mentioned that several reporters with China Media Group were forced out of the site during their interviews.

"Due to the poor communication skills and the use of rough methods by our on-site personnel, misunderstandings and public questioning arose from their conducts, leading to adverse social effects," the statement said, adding "for which we feel deeply responsible and extend our apologies to journalists".

On Wednesday night, a video clip showed two or three CMG reporters being pushed away during their interviews by a dozen of male personnel at the incident site.

Following the matter, the All-China Journalists Association published an article on its official WeChat account, voicing that journalists have the right to conduct interviews.

The article went viral online on Wednesday night and got reposted by many netizens, especially by media workers.

"During the initial stages of the rescue, on-site personnel had maintained good interaction with media reporters," the official statement of Sanhe said.

But as the rescue work progressed, the experts with the command headquarters conducted professional assessments and discovered that there were still ongoing risks of natural gas leakage at the scene, advising that all non-rescue personnel be evacuated beyond the cordon to prevent secondary disasters.

During this process, journalists who persisted in reporting from the scene were forcibly led out of the site, the statement added.

"In our future work, we will learn from this experience, further improve relevant mechanisms and actively establish communication platforms with the media," the statement said.

It added that local authorities will genuinely safeguard the rights of journalists to conduct interviews, provide more convenience, and respond promptly to social concerns. "We welcome media friends to supervise our work."

The explosion that drew media to Sanhe occurred at 7:54 am on Wednesday in the town of Yanjiao, suspected to be caused by a gas leak at a shop, according to another statement by the city's emergency management bureau on Thursday.

As of early morning on Thursday, the site had been basically cleaned up. All the injured were sent to hospital and their injuries were not life-threatening. Among them, 14 have been discharged.

An investigation is underway about the cause of the explosion.
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A little-watched federal civil trial in Delaware reveals how Democrats professing to be defenders of democracy are working feverishly to pervert the democratic process.

The case involves No Labels, the political organization that may run a "unity ticket" third-party candidate this November challenging President Joe Biden and the likely GOP nominee, Donald Trump. The group alleges that liberal activists are engaged in a criminal conspiracy to undermine No Labels and prevent it from gaining ballot access in various states.

This may sound far-fetched, but the trial  which involves issues of copyright infringement and the No Labels website  has produced some eye-openers. Democrats are panicked that a No Labels candidate could siphon away votes from Biden and increase Trumps chances of returning to the Oval Office. And theyre prepared to go to great lengths to make sure that doesnt happen, democracy be damned.

Last week, The Washington Post reported that the trial produced testimony revealing political operatives "took over the NoLabels.com domain last year and purchased Google search ads aimed at spreading the misleading claim that the group supported" Trump "and other right-wing causes."

The goal was to smear the group and dissuade moderate and independent voters from supporting a No Labels candidate. Planning documents released during the trial state, "This is a real opportunity for us to mirror the NL.ORG language while also framing the entire NL project as a right-wing shadow effort by crafting language that looks like its coming from NL," the Post reported.

No Labels discovered the subterfuge after the fake website appeared in November "with Google ads that redirected people searching the groups name," according to the paper. The group sued and a federal judge ordered the phony site taken down until the matter is adjudicated. The judge reiterated his decision after hearing testimony last week.

Activists are also attempting to use arcane campaign finance laws to sidetrack efforts by No Labels to field a candidate.

Politics is a rough-and-tumble endeavor and dirty tricks are part of the racket. Notorious Democratic trickster Dick Tuck once donned a conductors cap to wave a train out the station while Richard Nixon was giving a whistle-stop speech from its rear platform. Alls fair in love and politics.

But Democrats have aggressively positioned themselves this campaign as the grand supporters of democracy working to save the nation from the authoritarian Trump. Yet here they are, slogging through the sewer in a desperate attempt to limit choices for American voters in the November election. Democracy? Only if its a one-way street, apparently.

(COMMENT, BELOW)
A Colorado grandmother will receive $4 million after suing two Denver police officers who ordered a raid on her home because they misread Apple's Find My iPhone feature.

A Denver district judge on Monday increased the amount due to 78-year-old Ruby Johnson, a week after a jury ruled her constitutional right against unreasonable search and seizure was violated by the January 2022 raid.

Johnson sued Gary Staab, the Denver Police Department detective who obtained the warrant, and his supervisor Gregory Buschy, the sergeant who reviewed and approved the warrant.

Staab's attorney did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday. Reached by phone Tuesday, the Denver city attorney representing Buschy named David Murphy declined to comment. A spokesperson for Denver Police also declined to comment Tuesday but confirmed that Staab and Buschy were still on the force.

Jan. 4, 2022, was an ordinary Tuesday for Johnson in her home, where she has lived for 43 years. It's the place where she raised three children by herself as a United States postal worker.

She had just taken a shower and was sitting in her living room. Johnson was watching television wearing a bathrobe, bonnet and slippers when she heard a police officer over a bullhorn telling her to come out with her hands up. Johnson opened her door to find an armored military-style vehicle on her front lawn along with officers in tactical gear toting rifles and a K-9 German shepherd.

Her attorneys wrote that the 5-foot Johnson was placed in a marked car for hours without knowing why. They added that no one asked the grandmother if she needed the bathroom, medicine, food or a glass of water.

ACLU of Colorado legal director Timothy Macdonald, the lead attorney for Johnson, said the raid never should have happened because there were plenty of signs that Johnson's house had nothing to do with the alleged crime.

On Jan. 3, a man named Jeremy McDaniel reported that his truck had been stolen from a Hyatt. Inside the vehicle was firearms, drones, $4,000 in cash and an iPhone 11, which McDaniel told police he had traced near Johnson's home.

The blue circle indicating where the phone might be spanned at least six different properties, attorneys wrote. But investigators zeroed in on Johnson's house, using their reading of the Apple Find My app as the "sole basis" for the warrant.

Johnson's attorneys wrote that Staab had filed fewer than 10 search warrant affidavits in the last five years and had never submitted an affidavit that involved SWAT or used Apple's Find My app.

Staab's affidavit also mentioned that the owner had rented a car and driven by the address seen on the tracker app but didn't see his truck. Staab "drafted his hastily prepared, bare-bones, materially misleading affidavit," Johnson's attorneys wrote, and Buschy approved the affidavit with no revisions about 11 a.m. that day.

Denver Deputy District Attorney Ashley Beck approved the affidavit at 11:42 a.m., according to court documents. And, a bit over an hour later, Denver County Court Judge Beth A. Faragher signed the warrant.

Less than an hour after that, Denver SWAT members swarmed Johnson's home and demanded by bullhorn that she leave her house.

Officers asked Johnson how to open her garage door, and she told them. Still, her attorneys wrote, officers used a battering ram to open the back garage door. The attorneys also wrote that officers left the home in disarray and broke items in the house, including the head off a figurine gifted to her by her youngest son.

Officers found nothing - including the phone - linking her to the alleged crime, according to court documents.

"This all could have been avoided with a 30-second Google search, let alone training and greater care taken," Macdonald told The Post.

He added that the case sets an important precedent and was made possible by a national wave of legislation to hold officers accountable via lawsuit after the police killing of George Floyd in 2020. Also spurred by the 2019 case of medics killing 23-year-old Aurora, Colo., man Elijah McClain, Colorado in 2021 became the first state to eliminate qualified immunity protections for police officers. That law opened officers up to lawsuits like Johnson's.

Macdonald said this case is one of the first in Colorado to use the new law, and he hopes the seven-digit verdict will help keep officers accountable, adding that Johnson is still suffering from the effects of that day.

With her illusion of safety shattered, she stayed with her daughter for a week after the raid, Macdonald said. But she couldn't stand the thought of going back to live there alone, so she stayed with her youngest son in Houston for months. She struggled to sleep and has since developed ulcers.

Johnson didn't return to the house for three months, her attorneys wrote: "After a lifetime of being a law-abiding, hard-working, churchgoing member of her community, she nurses anxiety about what her neighbors thought of her that day and think of her now."

Macdonald said it was too much: Johnson moved out of the property that had been her castle for 43 years to elsewhere in the Denver area.

"We hope this has been the start of the healing for her," he said.

(COMMENT, BELOW)
Beauty trends come and go, but one thing has been a makeup mainstay for millennia: deep red lipstick. Women - and, yes, men too - have painted their faces with this hue since the start of civilization.

Now, archaeologists have identified the oldest known physical example of lipstick. Carbon dated to between 1936 and 1687 in antiquity, the analyzed contents of a small stone vial from Iran are a Bronze Age form of dark red lipstick that was probably applied with a brush.

"It is important to note that in the present state of knowledge, we hypothesize a lip-paint, rather than a solid lipstick," Massimo Vidale, one of seven scientists who studied the substance, said in an email.

Looking very much like a modern tube of lipstick, the cylindrical container carrying the suspected lip paint was unearthed in 2001 from a 3rd millennium B.C. graveyard near the Halil River in Kerman Province, in southeastern Iran. Vidale and his team of researchers recently examined the container and published their findings last month in a study in Scientific Reports.

"It is always a sudden revelation," said Vidale, a professor of archaeology at the University of Padua in Italy. "Even more, because the substance under our eyes matched perfectly with the very unusual form of the fine stone container, so close to the lipstick cases of our days."

It's ironic that the first known lipstick specimen was found in Iran, a country that banned cosmetics like lipstick and nail polish following the 1979 Islamic revolution. Though restrictions have been relaxed, many women - including government workers and medical students - are still prohibited from wearing makeup.

Vidale said the vial's contents were in powder form due to dehydration after more than 3,700 years. Under the microscope, dark pigments were clearly visible, indicating the original product was an "intense red color," the team reported in the study.

Using an environmental scanning electron microscope, the scientists were able to identify the makeup's makeup. It features a large amount of hematite, a ferric oxide mineral whose name is derived from the Greek word for "blood" because of its red color. The contents also include vegetable oils and waxes, which are found in today's lipstick as well.

"Combined together, this is exactly what one would expect in a modern lipstick," Vidale wrote.

The use of lipstick dates back more than 5,500 years. According to ancient texts, Queen Puabi (also known as Shub-Ad) of Ur in Mesopotamia was the first to apply coloring to her mouth. The Sumerian sovereign apparently used a mixture of white lead and crushed red rocks around 3500 B.C. to rouge her lips, according to a 2006 paper by Sarah Schaffer, published by Harvard University. How that toxic cosmetic impacted the queen's health is not known since much of her life remains a mystery.

Ancient Egyptians were also known to use lipstick for ceremonial, funerary and everyday purposes. A famous illustration from around 1150 B.C. shows a woman anointing her lips with what could be makeup. Known as Turin Papyrus 55001, the drawing depicts a young Egyptian with a brush in one hand while the other holds a mirror and what appears to be "a thin, round-bottomed cylindrical cosmetic vial," similar and size and shape to the Iranian container, according to the Scientific Reports article.

Vidale and his fellow researchers, whose study of the lipstick was supported by the universities of Tehran and Padua and the International Association for Mediterranean and Oriental Studies in Rome, became interested in the vial when team member Nasir Eskandari spotted it in the collection of the Jiroft Archaeological Museum in Iran. At the time, its purpose was unknown. The container was originally unearthed when the Halil River flooded ancient graveyards in 2001 and exposed numerous artifacts. Many items were looted but then recovered by Iranian security forces.

Measuring approximately two inches tall by three-quarters of an inch wide, the stone vial is slightly smaller than a modern tube of lipstick. The hand-carved container is made of chlorite and includes a hole on the top for extracting the contents. Its chiseled features give it the appearance of a marsh reed - offering a clue to its purpose.

"Because of its shape, mimicking a segment of a marsh cane, it is very thin and easy to handle," Vidale told The Washington Post. "At the time, people used common cane segments as cases or receptacles, but this one is made of a prestigious stone."

The vial is believed to have been used by the Jiroft culture. This Bronze Age civilization was unknown until the 2001 graveyard flooding. Its capital is thought to have been the city-state of Marhasi, which is mentioned in ancient texts but has yet to be located.

"What we know today is that this was an advanced Mesopotamian-like civilization, a major player in long-distance trade and military ventures, which used its own writing system and was ruled by large cities and powerful, authoritative rulers," Vidale said. "The rest is slowly emerging from new excavations."

Exactly how this lipstick was used and by whom is not known. Since the vial was buried in a grave, Vidale speculated that it may have been part of funeral rituals.

"We are groping in the dark here," he wrote. "We can assume that the dead were adorned for their final journey, but also that cosmetics were important personal possessions of daily use, and that, upon an individual's death, they could not be used by others."

The discovery demonstrates to Vidale and his team how closely modern society resembles so-called primitive civilizations of long ago.

"The evidence supports a simple point: the world of the early Bronze age, when the first cities became the political hubs of powerful and hierarchic states, was already very, very similar to our one," he wrote.

(COMMENT, BELOW)
Nearly a decade ago, Congress passed a law that allows private American space companies the rights to resources they mine on celestial bodies, including the moon.

Now, there's a private venture that says it intends to do just that.

Founded by a pair of former executives from Blue Origin, the space venture founded by Jeff Bezos, and an Apollo astronaut, the company, Interlune, announced itself publicly Wednesday by saying it has raised $18 million and is developing the technology to harvest and bring materials back from the moon.

Specifically, Interlune is focused on Helium-3, a stable isotope that is scarce on Earth but plentiful on the moon and could be used as fuel in nuclear fusion reactors as well as helping power the quantum computing industry. The company, based in Seattle, has been working for about four years on the technology, which comes as the commercial sector is working with NASA on its goal of building an enduring presence on and around the moon.

Earlier this year, two commercial spacecraft attempted to land on the moon as part of a NASA program designed to carry instruments and experiments to the lunar surface, and eventually cargo and rovers. The first attempt, by Astrobotic, a Pittsburgh-based company, suffered a fuel leak and never made it to the moon. The second, by Houston-based Intuitive machines, did land on the moon, but came in too fast and tipped over. Still, it was the first American spacecraft to land softly on the moon in more than 50 years, and it was the first commercial vehicle to achieve the feat.

NASA is planning additional missions in the year to come, which it says will not only help pave the way for humans to return to the moon but for private industry to begin commercial operations there as well.

Rob Meyerson, the former president of Blue Origin, co-founded Interlune with Gary Lai, another former executive at Blue, and Harrison Schmitt, a geologist who flew to the moon during Apollo 17. Also on the founding team are space industry executives Indra Hornsby and James Antifaev.

In an interview, Meyerson said that the company intends to be the first to collect, return and then sell lunar resources and test the 2015 law. There is a large demand for Helium-3 in the quantum computing industry, which requires some of its systems to operate in extremely cold temperatures, and Interlune has already lined up a "customer that wants to buy lunar resources in large quantities," he said.

"We intend to be the first to go commercialize and deliver and support those customers," he said.

NASA might want to be a customer as well. In 2020, it said it was looking for companies to collect rocks and dirt from the lunar surface and sell them to NASA as part of a technology development program that would eventually help astronauts "live off the land."

In a tweet, then-NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine wrote that the agency wanted "to establish the regulatory certainty to extract and trade space resources."

NASA has also said it is in a space race to the moon with China. Both are focused on the lunar south pole, where there is water in the form of ice in the permanently shadowed craters there. But China has also said that it is interested in extracting other resources, including Helium-3, which it said was present in a sample it returned from the moon in 2020.

Interlune intends to conduct a prospecting mission as early as 2026, when it would fly its harvester on a commercial rocket and spacecraft to an area of the moon believed to hold vast quantities of Helium-3. Once there, it would dig through the lunar soil, or regolith, as it is known, and using a spectrometer measure the amount of Helium-3 it collected. "The objective there is to get the data," Lai said in an interview.

If that goes as planned, the company hopes to launch another mission in 2028 that would be an "end-to-end demonstration of the entire operation," Lai said. That would entail flying a harvester to the moon, which would scoop up the regolith, then its processor would separate out the Helium-3. A small quantity would return to and be put "into the hands of the customer." By 2030, the company intends to conduct full-scale operations.

But getting to the moon is difficult - and expensive. Setting up a mining operation and then bringing the products home is even more so. To be successful, Interlune would have to rely on a number of launches and technologies that don't yet exist, such as a lunar rover that would crisscross the surface to dig up regolith.

But Meyerson said Interlune has a chance of being successful because of the growing demand for Helium-3 and advances in space transportation and technology over the last several years.

Interlune has developed an extraction technology that is small, light and doesn't require an enormous amount of power, he said, making it easier to transport to the moon and operate there.

The company is also betting that as more commercial space ventures begin flying to the moon in partnership with NASA, deliveries to and from the surface will become more common, the way SpaceX now flies crew and cargo to the International Space Station in low earth orbit.

"We're just starting this operational cadence, and we're really building the whole industrial base around going to the moon," Meyerson said.

The company's funding round was led by the venture capital firm Seven Seven Six, whose founder and general partner, Alexis Ohanian, said that the space sector has become far more appealing to investors. "The space economy is something we can actually talk about with a straight face now, and I think some of the smartest people on the planet are making those efforts," he said.

That's in large part, he said, because of companies like SpaceX, which is flying its reusable Falcon 9 rocket at an unprecedented rate and is working on its next-generation Starship rocket, which NASA intends to use to carry astronauts to the moon.

"We've seen the technology come such a long way," Ohanian said. "Obviously, what SpaceX has done has really validated the potential for what private companies can do in this space and really shown a tremendous business model. And that, frankly, opens the door for funds like ours to say, Yeah, why not?' We're not exclusively investing in space, but we feel like it makes sense to take these really ambitious bets on technology that can potentially drive tremendous, tremendous value. And while it's risky, we have a great appetite for that."

He said he was aware that it might take years, or longer for a moon mining business to make money. But he said that, "we're comfortable waiting for a decade plus to see those returns."

(COMMENT, BELOW)
 Residents of Brienz, Switzerland, gathered at a town hall, where officials warned them they would need to evacuate their homes by 6 p.m., CNN reported.

The head of the early warning service, Stefan Schneider, said a large mass of rock outside the small hamlet was expected to tumble down in a matter of days, probably as a result of climate change.

"Up to 2 million cubic meters of rock material will collapse or slide," he said.

Fortunately, fewer than 100 people live in the town. [CNN, 5/10/2023]
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PHILADELPHIA  Northeast Philadelphia native Marc Rayfield is a registered Democrat, considers himself a liberal and voted for Democrats John Fetterman (for Senate) and Josh Shapiro (for governor) in 2022 and for Joe Biden in 2020. Now, though, he says he finds himself estranged from the party due to rising crime and homelessness in his beloved city of Philadelphia.

Because of his crime concerns, Rayfield is now doing something he thought he'd never do in his life: buying a gun and going to target practice. So is his wife.

"I see what's taken place in cities across the country," said Rayfield, who is well-respected in the community for his years of volunteer efforts for various Philadelphia organizations. "I travel a lot. I've been to every major city in the last year in the country."

Rayfield is a 60-year-old former executive at CBS Radio who took the skills he learned in the news business for over three decades into the organic spirit business as an entrepreneur. His new gun decision, he said, was "largely influenced by a lot of the social policies that are really impacting our cities coming out of the death of George Floyd and COVID."

"We decided, as somebody who had never fired a gun in my life, that it was about time to be open-minded and considerate," he explained of taking gun safety lessons through a program that uses certified instructors.

"The final straw was sort of seeing what's taking place as a result of what's going on in Gaza and how that's impacting college campuses and the rise in antisemitism," he said.

Rayfield is by no stretch of the imagination an uninformed voter. He says he knows what is at stake in this year's presidential election, yet he finds himself unhappy with his choices thanks to issues such as crime and the southern border crisis.

"Well, first of all, I would never vote for Trump, never, but I don't feel great about Biden at all, and I would not vote for Kamala Harris."

Rayfield says he is hoping for two things: Either a third-party candidate emerges who would ensure Trump loses, or Biden dramatically deciding over the summer to bow out.

"I'm hoping that maybe during the convention, he pulls the Lyndon Johnson and says that he's not going to run again and they've already identified somebody ... it would have to be anyone else but Biden and Harris," he said.

Pennsylvania is arguably once again the most important state in the country in determining who the next president will be. Trump narrowly won it in 2016, but Biden narrowly won it in 2020.

If Biden wants to hold on to that narrow margin of victory, he cannot afford to lose one vote  in particular, voters such as Rayfield, who is a reliable Democrat, lives in the Philly suburbs and does not espouse the social justice requirements demanded of Biden from the progressive left.

Yet Biden has lost him.

Chris Borick, a political science professor at Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania, says the reality is that neither Trump nor Biden has much of a margin of error in this evenly divided state.

"It's hard to imagine large shifts in the electorate short of a historic event," Borick said. "Biden has a number of weak links in his coalition, and while many of his 2020 voters wouldn't flip to Trump, the lack of enthusiasm for Biden can translate into some voters taking a pass on the election or taking a flyer on a third-party candidate."

Rayfield isn't the only part of the Biden coalition that is detaching from the president, who won the state by a single percentage point in 2020. A large chunk of that support came from Black voters, 92% of whom chose Biden.

Muhlenberg's survey of voters in Pennsylvania in late December showed Biden only garnering the support of 52% of people of color while Trump was earning a solid 29%, an eye-popping number for a Republican presidential candidate.

The survey also showed that 65% of registered voters in Pennsylvania don't believe Biden deserves to be reelected.

Larry Ceisler, a Democratic Philadelphia-based public affairs professional, says Biden cannot afford to lose someone like Rayfield when the current president is facing his left flank saying they are not going to vote for Biden because Biden has not sided with the Palestinians in Gaza.

"It could be a real problem," said Ceisler.

"Neither Biden nor Trump can afford to lose votes because you look at the states that are going to be competitive ... and you're talking a handful of votes across all these states," he said.

"So while it bothers me that Biden is sort of pulling back on Israel, or at least talking a different game because he's concerned about Michigan, and Trump is now sending out mixed messages on abortion, both candidates and their teams realize how tight things are."

Ceisler was referring to Biden's remark at a press conference in which he criticized Israel's military operations in Gaza.

Ceisler said if Biden goes too far in favor of the Palestinians, he loses legacy Democrats like Rayfield, but if he seems too supportive of Israel, he loses young social-justice-type voters. Losing too much of either group could open the door for a third-party candidate.

"It is unbelievable to me that they are willing to say, 'OK, well, we'll let Trump win, who is even going to be more supportive or more contrary to what we feel about Gaza and all the other things we care about are going to go down the drain,'" he said of young progressives who have voiced their decision to either stay home or vote for a third-party candidate.

For example, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., pleaded with Michigan Democrats to vote "uncommitted" in the state's Feb. 27 primary rather than for Biden.

Ceisler said this clamoring on the far left leads him to believe there are people and organizations on the left that want Biden to lose, "because I think that they want to rid the Democratic Party of the influence that comes from sort of the establishment centrist part of the party."

Between 1996 and 2016, Pennsylvania was a reliable electoral win for Democratic presidential candidates, but it kept getting tighter every four years.

In 2020, Trump narrowly lost the state. In 2024, Pennsylvania is up for grabs. But if Biden is losing middle-of-the-road suburban Democrats like Rayfield, then his problems are deeper than many realize.

(COMMENT, BELOW)

Salena Zito is a CNN political analyst, and a staff reporter and columnist for the Washington Examiner. She reaches the Everyman and Everywoman through shoe-leather journalism, traveling from Main Street to the beltway and all places in between.
SHELBYVILLE  Incumbent Shelby County Coroner Brad Phegley and challenger Richard Moon, who has past experience as a chief deputy coroner, are competing in the Republican primary election on Tuesday.

Moon, of Lakewood in rural Shelby County, is a paramedic at Abbott Ambulance in Shelbyville and Phegley, of Windsor, is a retired Illinois State Police officer who has served as coroner for four years. The winner of the Republican primary may end up being unchallenged in the Nov. 5 general election, as no coroner candidates have filed to run in the Democratic primary.

Before being elected, Phegley served as chief deputy coroner for eight years for former Coroner Brian Green. Phegley said he has attended numerous training seminars and handled many death investigations during his time in these two roles.

Phegley, a U.S. Army veteran, said he believes that he is the best candidate due to his extensive training and experience. The incumbent said he knows how to properly run the office and how to give the best care to families during difficult circumstances.

"I have dealt with many homicides, suicides, natural and accidental deaths," Phegley added. "It is imperative that a coroner knows how to interpret a death scene by evidence presented and respond accordingly so the proper decision is made as to the cause of death and when to notify the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services."

Moon also has past experience in the Shelby County Coroner's Office, having served for more than five years as chief deputy coroner for Green until his retirement. The challenger said he is currently serving as a deputy coroner in Fayette County and assists the Effingham County Coroner's Office as needed.

To prepare for these responsibilities, Moon said he has completed mandatory basic coroner training and attended many classes given by the Illinois Coroners & Medical Examiners Association. He said this training has been augmented by his knowledge from working for the last 25 years as a paramedic, all in Shelby County.

"With my experiences as a paramedic, I feel I am able to provide the families with better understanding of the cause and manner of death of their loved ones, Moon said.

Endorsements for Moon have included Bond County Coroner Tony Brooks, Cumberland Coroner Steve Sherwood, Effingham Coroner Kim Rhodes, Fayette Coroner Dave Harris, and Stark County Coroner Steve Sloan.

Phegley, who worked for nearly 27 years as a State Police officer and for two and a half years as a Shelby County deputy, has garnered endorsements that include Shelbyville Police Chief Chad Brachbill and Shelby County Sheriff Brian McReynolds.

"They know they need someone they know and trust to work with in my position," Phegley said. The incumbent worked as a special agent and handled death investigations among his caseloads during his last 15 years with the State Police.

Phegley said he is running for re-election because being coroner is an important job for the community. The incumbent said he believe that he has done a good job as coroner and has the experience needed to continue his service.

"I have served the people of Shelby County in a proper and compassionate way while saving the county thousands of dollars by reorganizing my office," Phegley said.

Moon said the mix of experiences that he can bring include 40 hours of handgun training presented by Critical Conflict Solutions in Jacksonville and multiple hours of training with East Central Illinois Mobile Law Enforcement Training Team 13 in Coles County, plus child/infant death and mass causality incident training.

If elected, Moon said his goals include promoting public safety in Shelby County schools, improving the communications with local agencies and saving taxpayers money from unnecessary expenditures such as on-call pay.

"I believe I am the best candidate because I will bring professionalism, compassion, and accountability to the office," Moon said.

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MATTOON  Holocaust survivor Bill Gingold of Champaign is scheduled to speak Monday, March 18, at the Mattoon Public Library in conjunction with the ongoing "Courage to Remember" traveling exhibit at the Cross County Mall.

The presentation is set for 6 p.m. at the library, 1600 Charleston Ave.

Gingold's talk will be free and open to the public.

The Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation, of which Gingold is a member, reported that he was born on Sept. 20, 1939, at a hospital in Warsaw, Poland that was bombed and destroyed the next day by Nazi Germany. He and his family were subsequently confined in the Warsaw Ghetto.

In January 1942, the Gingolds escaped across the Russian border. They, along with other Jewish people, were then transported to a Siberian lumber camp. The family was able to leave the camp in November 1942 and eventually ended up in Kazakhstan.

Following Germany's surrender, the Gingolds entered the U.S. sector of Berlin in September 1945. The family was sent in May 1946 to the Foehrenwald Displaced Persons Camp, where they spent the next six years. They emigrated to the U.S. in May 1951 and resettled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The federation's Holocaust Education Center has brought the "Courage to Remember" exhibit to the mall. The exhibit will be open from 4-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday through March 29. Field trips can be arranged at 217-369-5039 or hec@cujf.org.

Photos: Preserving the silent witnesses to the Holocaust
Q: What happened to the mail out of the Winston-Salem Bulky Item Pickup cards? I didnt get my card in the mail until March 12. My pickup time has passed already. The collection dates in my neighborhood were March 4-8. I know that I couldve looked this up, but the cards are a great reminder.  K.D.

Answer: Johnita Campbell, the deputy sanitation director for the city, said that the mailing to the residents on the first route was delayed because of unforeseen circumstances.

Citizens who received their notices late should go ahead and place items out for collection as our crews will revisit the area until everything has been cleaned up.

We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused. As always, we strive to provide the best service possible, Campbell said.

Q: I own homes in two North Carolina counties. I know I cannot vote in the state and national elections in both counties. What I want to know is can I vote in both counties for municipal elections?  R.U.

Answer: No, he cannot, said Patrick Gannon, the public information director for the N.C. State Board of Elections.

The place where you register to vote should be your primary residence, the place where whenever that person is absent, that person has the intention of returning, according to N.C. General Statute 163-57, which defines establishing residence for registering and voting.

A voter who relocates temporarily with the intention of returning to their home will maintain their home residence. But if a voter intends to permanently move, that voter loses the residency at the previous address.

Gannon said that state law prohibits someone from claiming two residences for voting.

Merely owning property or paying taxes somewhere does not establish residency for voting purposes, he said. What matters is where the persons fixed habitation is.

The voter must have lived at the residence that they are claiming for voting purposes for at least 30 days prior to the election.

If a person moves within 30 days of an election, they should vote based on the residence they are moving from, Gannon said.

N.C.G.S. 163-57 (6) says, If a person goes into another state, county, municipality, precinct, ward, or other election district, or into the District of Columbia, and while there exercises the right of a citizen by voting in an election, that person shall be considered to have lost residence in that State, county, municipality, precinct, ward, or other election district from which that person removed.

Thank you

On behalf of the VFW Memorial Honor Guard, I extend a heartfelt thank you to the anonymous person who paid for our lunch at Petes Restaurant on March 9. Our Honor Guard had completed a mission to render military honors to a veteran (Army) at Calvary Baptist Church before five of us stopped for lunch. Your generosity and patriotism is appreciated by all of us.  Cliff Harris, quartermaster, VFW Memorial Honor Guard
The U.S. House 6th District has its presumptive new representative in newcomer Addison McDowell after Mark Walker abruptly ended his primary runoff effort Wednesday.

For Walker, it appears a job offer to be faith outreach director for Donald Trumps 2024 presidential campaign was too enticing to pass up, considering the Trump endorsement of McDowell.

Thats even though on Tuesday he accepted WGHP/FOX8s offer for a debate on April 24 and challenged McDowell to accept by saying a live debate on broadcast TV. What could be better for the people in the heart of the district? Count me in. How about you, Addison?

The withdrawal is the second time Walker has left a campaign in the last year. In October, he dropped out of the race for the GOP nomination for governor to run for the 6th District seat.

No Democrat chose to run in the Sixth after the Republican-controlled state legislature in 2023 gerrymandered the congressional district map to change the district from Democratic-leaning to safe- Republican.

The 6th District is the most Triad-centric of the four U.S. House districts in the region.

The district includes Kernersville, Walkertown and the southern Forsyth border with Davidson and Davie counties through the 2030 general election barring a successful legal challenge. In Guilford County, the 6th portion forms a loop shaped like a backward C around the countys suburban communities and High Point. Also included is all of Davidson, Davie and Rowan and about 20% of Cabarrus County.

McDowell (26.1% of the vote) and Walker (24.1%) combined for just more than 50% of the vote out of the five candidates in the March 5 primary. The other candidates were Christian Castelli (21.1%), Bo Hines (14.4%), High Point mayor Jay Wagner (9.2%) and Dr. Mary Ann Contogiannis (5.1%).

Although the Trump endorsement helped the former aide to U.S. Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., Walker and other 6th District candidates put more focus on Hines congressional district shopping than on McDowell.

Trump posted on his Truth Social page his offer to Walker to serve as director of outreach for faith and minority communities with the job becoming immediately available. Walker is a former pastor.

Walker quickly changed his Facebook page introduction to his new Trump campaign role.

Walker said in his acceptance post that I am delighted to accept the position, and after the Biden administration is defeated in November, Im grateful for the offer to continue our work with President Trump in the White House.

President Trump and I discussed the faith community and know it is Americas foundation and vital to our nations healing. Ill continue my work as a bridge-builder and am looking forward to bringing these skills to the Trump campaign.

In addressing his decision to forego the runoff, Walker posted that after speaking with Addison directly a couple of times over the last several days, Im convinced that Addison can do great things for the people of the 6th District, which allowed me to not file for the upcoming runoff and work immediately and directly with President Trump.

McDowell to Washington

McDowell responded to Walkers withdrawal decision to claim the 6th District seat, saying on his Facebook campaign page that on Day One, I will lead the charge to secure our border, bring back our jobs and defend our God-given freedoms.

After accepting Trumps offer, Walker posted his congratulations to McDowell, saying were both committed to working with President Trump for a better America.

Walker said he initially thought McDowell is way too young to take on the wolves in DC.

However, Walker said he recognized McDowells potential, and that the loss of his brother to an accidental fentanyl overdose in 2016 created a maturity and a strength in Addison to move forward as the next representative of the 6th District.

From one pastors kid to another, I will be doing all I can to support Addison as he prepares to flip this seat from Democratic to Republican.

Good luck and take your faith with you. Youre going to need it.

Walkers candidacy future

Walkers acceptance of the Trump campaign offer seems both out of the blue and also not a surprise given past campaign decisions by Walker.

The two have had a rocky relationship at times since Trump arose as a GOP president candidates in 2015.

Walker flirted with a 2020 GOP primary run against U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, who was seeking his second term.

At that time, Walker sought Trumps endorsement given Trump was displeased with Tillis stances on not spending taxpayer funds on the southern U.S. border wall.

Media reports had Trump deciding not to endorse Walker in hopes of avoiding a fiery primary campaign that may have weakened the winner for the November 2020 general election.

Walkers political fortunes were altered in 2021 when the then-Democratic controlled N.C. Supreme Court threw out the previous GOP gerrymandered congressional map that produced a 11-3 Republican advantage to approve a map that produced a 7-7 split.

Walker chose not to run for his fourth term in the 6th District in 2022 as it was considered a slight Democratic-lean that Democrat Kathy Manning won.

In 2022, Walker defied Trump in declining to exit the U.S. Senate GOP primary against the Trump-endorsed Budd. At that time, Trump offered Walker an endorsement for a U.S. House seat as an enticement to exit.

Depending on the early polls on the 2024 Republican governors race, Walker was either a distant second or third to Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who easily won the primary with 64.8% of the vote with state Treasurer Dale Folwell second at 19.2%.

Walker exited the governors race on Oct. 25 to enter the crowded 6th District GOP primary race.

Initially, Walker was viewed as a favorite given he had name recognition among 6th District voters as a three-term representative of the district from 2015-21.

However, the campaign dynamic changed after Trump surprisingly endorsed McDowell over three previous congressional candidates in Walker, Castelli and Hines.

Responses

Even though Walker has either lost or exited campaigns since leaving Congress in 2021, political analysts are ambivalent about whether not pursuing the 6th District runoff could end his political career as a candidate.

Mark Walker is not yet 55, so he still has other opportunities to run for office in the future, said Mitch Kokai, senior policy analyst with conservative think tank John Locke Foundation.

Stepping out of this race, and avoiding another possible loss, probably helps him if he does hope to return to elected office in the future.

Assuming that his new position builds some bonds with the Trump camp and Trumps supporters, he could be opening up the door to other options in the future, Kokai said.

However, Kokai cautioned that one thing is clear. Running as the guy who used to be in Congress is not going to be his ticket back to Capitol Hill.

He will need to develop a new strategy if he decides to throw his hat into the ring again at some point down the line.

Michael Bitzer, a political science professor at Catawba College, said Walker likely remains ambitious about pursuing higher office in the future.

But, who knows other than Walker.

McDowell capturing the most votes in the GOP primary is is one of the two or three most surprising results around the state, said John Dinan, a political science professor at Wake Forest University.

Mark Walker had previously served in Congress for six years and had the highest name recognition of any candidate in the race, while McDowell had not held public office and enjoyed very little name recognition before he secured Donald Trumps endorsement, Dinan said.

But Trumps endorsement of McDowell and his highlighting of that endorsement in a campaign appearance in Greensboro in the week before the election was enough to propel McDowell to the top spot in the primary.

Dinan said Walker likely considered a low voter turnout for the runoff in dropping out and accepting Trumps offer.

The biggest challenge facing a second-place finisher is that the typical primary runoff turns out about 10% of voters. By comparison, 24% of voters participated in the March 5 primary.

The Trump endorsement clearly put Walker at a disadvantage going into a potential May runoff election, especially after several other candidates in the race endorsed McDowell after the election, Dinan said.
Lancaster County Sheriff's Office deputies used a Taser to subdue a man Wednesday afternoon, according to Chief Deputy Ben Houchin.

Deputies made contact with 44-year-old Jarrad King at about 2:50 p.m. on the 300 block of B Street.

Houchin said the Lincoln Police Department had been searching for King concerning a burglary.

When deputies attempted to take King into custody, he began to try to walk away, Houchin said.

Deputies proceeded to grab him and take him to the ground. King, who is 6-foot-3, began to struggle and deputies used a Taser twice to take King into custody.

Deputies and Nebraska State Patrol troopers who were assisting the Sheriff's Office suffered scrapes and bruises to their head, arms and legs, according to Houchin.

Law enforcement found 3 grams of methamphetamine and steroids inside of King's car.

King was arrested on suspicion of burglary and multiple counts of assaulting an officer and resisting arrest.

He is being held at the Lancaster County jail.

Top Journal Star photos for March 2024
A Lancaster County Sheriff's sergeant was cited and placed on administrative leave for allegedly failing to serve a warrant and official misconduct.

Sgt. Ryan Schmuecker, a 19-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office, was cited Wednesday by the Lincoln Police Department.

In February, Schmuecker made contact with two people who had outstanding warrants for failure to pay fines. Schmuecker decided to release both people without arresting either of them, Sheriff Terry Wagner said.

Instead, Schmuecker told them to pay their fines. Such conduct is a potential violation of Nebraska law, Wagner said, which says public servants commit official misconduct when they knowingly violate any statute or lawfully adopted rule or regulation relating to their official duties.

In Schmuecker's case, he neglected to serve a warrant, which is a misdemeanor offense.

Wagner said he was unsure what the original fines were for or why Schmuecker decided to release the two people.

When Wagner became aware of the incident, he contacted LPD to investigate Schmuecker's conduct and whether it "constituted criminal activity."

Wagner then decided to launch an internal investigation and placed Schmuecker on administrative leave, according to the Sheriff's Office.

This is not the first time Schmuecker has faced questions about his conduct on the job.

In August 2022, Lancaster County District Judge Susan Strong tossed evidence in a felony case over alleged police misconduct that involved Schmuecker.

Juan Morales was arrested in July 2021 on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance when two deputies were searching for another man at Shamrock Mobile Home Court wanted in a strangulation case.

Morales drove up to a trailer and parked his car, and the two deputies, Lane Johnson and Schmuecker, in separate unmarked vehicles and plain clothes, stopped Morales and ordered him to the ground to see if he was the man they were looking for.

Schmuecker testified that when Morales went to the ground, he made a throwing motion before lying down.

Johnson, who was approximately 25 feet away, said he didn't see it.

Schmuecker cuffed Morales' hands behind his back, then left him in front of his truck to check if he was wanted.

While still in his truck, Schmuecker said, he heard the sound of glass hitting the ground and saw Morales smashing a pipe with drug residue in it.

Johnson testified that he didn't recall seeing a pipe on the ground or Schmuecker approaching Morales.

Schmuecker said that's when he went to search for whatever Morales had thrown and found a Crown Royal bag with marijuana and methamphetamine in it.

"After defendant had been arrested and while he was still handcuffed behind his back, Sgt. Schmuecker found two small bottles of alcohol. He had the defendant drink the alcohol. When asked why at the hearing, Sgt. Schmuecker said he 'was just trying to extend a kind gesture,'" Strong said in her order to exclude evidence.

Strong did find that the stop was lawful since Morales arrived in the car that belonged to the victim in the strangulation case.

But she wrote in her order, "Anything discovered after the illegal detention and arrest, including the Crown Royal bag and its contents, must be excluded as fruit of the poisonous tree."

Also, in her order, Strong mentioned that while she normally ascribes great weight to the testimony of law enforcement officers, it is difficult to assume that Schmuecker followed proper procedure.

Wagner said he believes that if Schmuecker is convicted, he will have to forfeit his position with the Sheriff's Office.

Top Journal Star photos for March 2024
The University of Nebraska State Museum and Mueller Planetarium will reopen to the public on Friday.

The 97-year-old Morrill Hall has been closed since Oct. 2 for renovations to improve accessibility and better protect its exhibits.

The museum received $9.3 million from a building renewal fund made possible by LB384, which addressed a backlog of improvements and maintenance to University of Nebraska-Lincoln facilities.

It's the largest renovation project ever at Morrill Hall.

"We're very thankful for the Legislature for these funds," Adam Eakin, assistant director of the University of Nebraska State Museum, said. "We in the museum had a wish list of the things we'd like to have done."

A lot of the renovations had to do with making the building compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines, something Eakin noted Morrill Hall definitely needed.

"It's a 97-year-old building, it wasn't built with accessibility in mind," he said.

Accessibility improvements include widened doorways, better and safer layout and spacing, a new admissions desk installed at the recommended height, and a sink and water supply in the lactation room.

Other renovations include a new HVAC system, LED lighting installed throughout the facility, dual-flush toilets and new windows, although some of the renovations won't be fully completed until a few months after the museum reopens.

The museum also renovated and updated its classrooms. Eakin said that before the renovations, there was only one classroom available, and that really limited staff on what they could provide.

"The education team is a lot more flexible now with what they can offer," he said.

The expansion and improvements of Morrill Hall classrooms will allow longer summer camps and a brand-new spring break camp for children on Thursday and Friday.

Previously, summer camps were half-day camps for a three- to four-week period during the summer. Eakin said now the museum is able to run full-day, two-day and five-day camps through all of June and July centering around space, art and science, insects, elephants, rhinos, dinosaurs and other areas.

"It's an opportunity to learn and experience and have fun while doing it," Eakin said. "We're hoping that'll get them excited and spark that lifelong interest in science and learning."

The renovated facility will also include new exhibits, along with updates to existing ones.

The "Science of Saving Species" exhibit will focus on why animals and other life become endangered and the science behind preventing extinction.

"Elizabeth H. Dolan: Rediscovering a Nebraska Artist" will highlight a famous mural artist with a lifetime connection to Morrill Hall, who was commissioned to do a series of murals for the museum in 1926 and whose work remains in the building today.

A third exhibit featuring the David Easterla collection of ice age mammals will be positioned on the second floor.

One of the exhibits Eakin and the rest of the team at Morrill Hall are especially excited for is the National Geographic Photo Ark, featuring the work of Nebraska wildlife photographer Joel Sartore, which is coming to the building later this spring.

The Photo Ark includes portraits of over 15,000 species taken by Sartore in his goal of documenting the approximately 20,000 species living in zoos, aquariums and wildlife sanctuaries across the world. Sartore hopes his photo collection will inspire people to save some of the planet's most endangered animals.

"It's a fascinating exhibit and his work is just incredible and we're incredibly fortunate," Eakin said. "Lots of changes, lots of exhibits, it's an exciting time."

The final exhibit addition will see Morrill Hall's third floor reopen this summer to showcase "TreeHouses: Look Who's Living in the Trees," centering around the abundant wildlife in trees.

Eakin said the original plan was to open Morrill Hall mid-January, but supply-chain issues and other minor problems didn't allow that to happen.

"Overall, the project has been great," he said. "But as with any construction project, we reached hurdles," he said.

While a lot is changing about Morrill Hall, Eakin said they're not taking anything away from what made the building so special to visitors over the years.

"We've tried to find a balance between providing updates and refreshing the building, but at the same time holding onto those elements that people find enjoyable and important," he said.

The life and work of Lincoln's Joel Sartore
WASHINGTON  Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called on Israel to hold new elections, saying Thursday he believes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has "lost his way" and is an obstacle to peace in the region amid a growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Schumer, the first Jewish majority leader in the Senate and the highest-ranking Jewish official in the U.S., strongly criticized Netanyahu in a 40-minute speech on the Senate floor. Schumer said the prime minister has put himself in a coalition of far-right extremists and "as a result, he has been too willing to tolerate the civilian toll in Gaza, which is pushing support for Israel worldwide to historic lows."

"Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah," Schumer, D-N.Y., said.

The high-level warning comes as an increasing number of Democrats push back against Israel and as President Joe Biden steps up public rhetoric on Netanyahu's government, arguing that he needs to pay more attention to the civilian death toll in Gaza amid the Israeli bombardment.

The Biden administration imposed sanctions Thursday on three extremist Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank who are accused of harassing and attacking Palestinians to pressure them to leave their land.

Schumer so far positioned himself as a strong ally of the Israeli government, visiting the country just days after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas and giving a lengthy speech on the Senate floor in December decrying "brazen and widespread antisemitism the likes of which we haven't seen in generations in this country, if ever."

But he said on the Senate floor Thursday that the "Israeli people are being stifled right now by a governing vision that is stuck in the past."

Schumer says Netanyahu, who has long opposed Palestinian statehood, is one of several obstacles in the way of the two-state solution pushed by the United States. Netanyahu "has lost his way by allowing his political survival to take precedence over the best interests of Israel," Schumer said.

The majority leader also blamed right-wing Israelis, Hamas and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Until they are all removed from the equation, Schumer said, "there will never be peace in Israel and Gaza and the West Bank."

The United States cannot dictate the outcome of an election in Israel, Schumer said, but "a new election is the only way to allow for a healthy and open decision-making process about the future of Israel, at a time when so many Israelis have lost their confidence in the vision and direction of their government."

At the White House, national security spokesman John Kirby declined to weigh in on Schumer's call for new elections, saying the White House is most focused on getting a temporary cease-fire in place.

"We know Leader Schumer feels strongly about this and we'll certainly let him speak to it and to his comments," Kirby said. "We're going to stay focused on making sure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself while doing everything that they can to avoid civilian casualties."

The speech drew a swift reprisal from Republicans. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-K.y, said on the Senate floor immediately after Schumer's remarks that "Israel deserves an ally that acts like one" and that foreign observers "ought to refrain from weighing in."

The Democratic Party has an anti-Israel problem, McConnell said. "Either we respect their decisions or we disrespect their democracy," he said.

And at a House GOP retreat in West Virginia, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., called Schumer's speech "inappropriate."

"It's just plain wrong for an American leader to play such a divisive role in Israeli politics while our closest ally in the region is in an existential battle for its very survival," the Republican speaker said.

Netanyahu has long had a more cozy relationship with Republicans in the United States, most notably speaking at a joint session of Congress in 2015 at the invitation of GOP lawmakers to try to torpedo former President Barack Obama's nuclear negotiations with Iran.

The move infuriated Obama administration officials, who saw it as an end run around Obama's presidential authority and unacceptably deep interference in U.S. politics and foreign policy.

This week, Netanyahu was invited to speak to Republican senators at a party retreat, but Israeli ambassador Michael Herzog took his place due to last minute scheduling issues, according to a person familiar with the closed-door meeting.

Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii, who is Jewish, praised Schumer's remarks.

"This is a gutsy, historic speech from Leader Schumer," he posted on social media. "I know he didn't arrive at this conclusion casually or painlessly."

It is unclear how Schumer's unusually direct call will be received in Israel, where the next parliamentary elections are scheduled for October 2026. Many Israelis hold Netanyahu responsible for failing to stop the Oct. 7 cross-border raid by Hamas, which killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and his popularity appears to have taken a hit as a result.

Protesters in Israel calling for early elections say Netanyahu is making decisions based on keeping his right-wing coalition intact rather than Israel's interests at a time of war. They say he is endangering Israel's strategic alliance with the United States by rejecting U.S. proposals for a post-war vision for Gaza in order to appease the far-right members of his government.

Muslims around world observe holy month of Ramadan
Game changing.

Thats how Harnoor Dhaliwal, associate executive director of the Walter Scott, Jr. Scholarship Program, described a more-than $23 million pledge made by the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation to bring the prestigious scholarship program to the University of Nebraska Medical Center and boost the existing scholarship program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

The pledge made by the foundation, which was founded by the late Kiewit CEO Walter Scott, Jr. and his late wife Suzanne, will allow more high-achieving Nebraska high school students each year to earn the scholarship when they major in a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics or health science field at UNO.

The pledge will increase the Scott Scholars program class sizes at UNO from 32 scholarship recipients per class to 42 recipients per class. Students must be a Nebraska resident, have a 3.5 or higher high school GPA and score 30 or more on the ACT to qualify for the scholarship. The pledge is expected to support the program through the 2028-2029 academic year.

Every year, when we review applicants, we have way more qualified applicants than we have available (scholarships), Dhaliwal said. This allows us to look at all the talented students across the state of Nebraska and say, Theres a place for you and that place is at UNO.

At UNMC, the Scott Scholars program covers the room and board for this years inaugural class of 12 scholarship recipients who are all enrolled at the College of Medicine. The scholarship also provides a stipend to fund professional and research opportunities for four years. The more than $3 million pledge from the foundation will also support a second 12-member scholarship cohort that will begin studying at UNMC this fall.

The scholarship program at UNMC is open to native Nebraska students as well as those from outside Nebraska. Similar to UNO Scott Scholar students, UNMC Scott Scholar students live together on campus and have access to learning opportunities unique to the scholarship program.

The hope is that, once a Scott Scholar student earns their medical degree and completes their residency, they will choose to practice in Nebraska, Dhaliwal said.

What were trying to do here is really create a pipeline of leaders, whether theyre from Nebraska or outside of the state, to create a pool of physicians that are choosing to reside in Nebraska after residency, he said.

Two UNMC Scott Scholars, Heather Richard and Ryan Chapman, said they are open to practicing medicine in Nebraska. They, along with fellow medical student Nour Elrokhsi, were also Scott Scholars at UNO.

While plans in school are subject to change, Richard says she sees herself becoming a pediatric oncologist.

I see myself landing back in Nebraska and practicing in the state and kind of giving back to the community that has given me so much, Richard said.

Chapman said hes developed interests in infectious diseases, cardiology and internal medicine. Like Richard, he also wants to give back to a Nebraska community and live up to the selfless ideals embodied by Walter Scott, Jr., who died in 2021.

Although Scott achieved much in his life, Chapman remembered him as an incredibly generous guy when the two met.

All he wants to hear about is you, Chapman recalled.

Richard agreed with that assessment.

He was very kind to every single student and he treated us all with so much love and respect, she said.

The Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundations $23 million pledge was made through the University of Nebraska Foundation as part of the University of Nebraskas $3 billion Only in Nebraska fundraising campaign.

Top Journal Star photos for March 2024
Nebraska's delegates in the U.S. House voted with the majority Wednesday as the body passed a bill that could lead to a national ban of the popular video-sharing app TikTok if its China-based owner doesnt sell its stake in the platform.

Reps. Mike Flood, Don Bacon and Adrian Smith all supported the bill, which was spurred by potential national security concerns and passed on a bipartisan vote of 352-65 in the GOP-controlled House.

"Todays vote was an overwhelming bipartisan show of force sending a message: America will not allow our foreign adversaries to use our countrys free marketplace to undermine our love for liberty," Flood, who represents the state's 1st Congressional District which includes Lincoln, said in a statement.

The app, which has amassed more than 150 million American users, is owned by Chinese technology firm ByteDance Ltd, which lawmakers fear is beholden to the Chinese government that could demand access to the data of TikToks consumers in the U.S. at any time it wants, the Associated Press reported.

That worry stems from a set of Chinese national security laws that compel organizations to assist with intelligence gathering.

The legislation would ban TikTok from app stores and web-hosting services if ByteDance doesn't sell its stake in the platform within six months of the bill's enactment.

President Joe Biden has said he will sign the bill if Congress passes it, but the legislation faces an unclear path through the Senate, where several bills aimed at banning TikTok have stalled.

In a statement to the Associated Press, a spokesperson for TikTok said the company is "hopeful that the Senate will consider the facts, listen to their constituents, and realize the impact on the economy, 7 million small businesses and the 170 million Americans who use" the platform.

Flood has been a vocal critic of the social media platform, penning a guest editorial that appeared on Fox News' website late last year, declaring it "time to ban TikTok and to end its casual support for terrorism."

His editorial came after some TikTok creators circulated Osama Bin Laden's 2002 manifesto titled "Letter to America" in light of the Israel-Hamas war, highlighting bin Laden's criticism of the U.S. government's involvement in the Middle East and support of Israel.

TikTok said it had "aggressively remov(ed)" hundreds of such videos, which were not particularly widely viewed on the platform with an estimated 1.6 billion monthly active users.

Still, Flood pointed to the videos as he called for action in his November editorial, deploying some of the same lines he did in his statement Wednesday.

"We cannot let the Chinese Communist Partys favorite social media app for Americans undermine our love for liberty and respect for human life," Flood wrote then. "Congress needs to put a total TikTok ban in place quickly for the good of our country."

In all, 197 Republicans and 155 Democrats voted for the measure, though some Republican opponents of the bill said the U.S. should warn consumers if there are data privacy and propaganda concerns, but the final choice should be left with consumers.

The answer to authoritarianism is not more authoritarianism, said Rep. Tom McClintock, a Republican from California. The answer to CCP-style propaganda is not CCP-style oppression. Let us slow down before we blunder down this very steep and slippery slope.

Nebraska became the first state to ban TikTok on government devices in August 2020 under then-Gov. Pete Ricketts, who pointed to some of the same privacy and security concerns cited by lawmakers in D.C.

Now a sitting U.S. Senator, Ricketts will have a chance to vote on a potential all-out ban of the app.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Top Journal Star photos for March 2024
State lawmakers and affordable housing advocates urged more than 100 Nebraskans at a Wednesday rally to "not give up hope" as the state's housing shortfall worsens and attempts at intervention stall in the Legislature.

Led by Sen. Tony Vargas of Omaha, the group of advocates gathered in a Capitol hearing room Wednesday morning to sound the alarm on the state's affordable housing crisis and the inequities created by the shortfall.

Advocates cited bleak statistics, while lawmakers offered cautious optimism at the rally Wednesday, which marked Nebraska's second annual Housing Affordability and Justice Lobby Day.

The valuation of comparable homes built by Habitat for Humanity in Omaha has increased by more than $100,000 in the last four years, a lobbyist for the nonprofit said.

And annual eviction filings in the state have jumped from around 6,200 in 2019 to nearly 11,000 last year, a lobbyist of the Women's Fund of Omaha said.

"I want to leave you with this: The time for action  it says it right here, 'The time for action is now,'" Vargas said, reading from prepared remarks to a crowd of mostly young attendees Wednesday. "I feel like the time for action was 10 years ago. We have been bringing  senators, the advocates, the organizations  have been bringing these bills for years.

"There's certain bills that have not gotten out of committee. There's certain bills that have gotten out of committee. There's bills, we just saw, we couldn't get the votes to pass. I'm asking you to not give up."

Vargas' plea was indicative of the headwinds housing advocates face in the Legislature, where, even as lawmakers acknowledge and tout the statewide housing shortage, the road to progress is littered with disagreement.

The coalition that organized this year's Housing Affordability and Justice Lobby Day identified 10 priority bills being considered by the Legislature that deal with housing access or justice  eight of which haven't been advanced from their respective committees with fewer than 20 days left in the legislative session.

The advocacy coalition's two priority bills that have made it onto the floor of the Legislature  LB175 and LB1115, both introduced by Sen. George Dungan of Lincoln  were packaged together into a single bill that ultimately failed to overcome a filibuster last week, effectively killing the proposals that would have expanded tenant rights and privacy in Nebraska eviction cases.

Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Bennington used her personal priority designation on the package of legislation, which would have restored the right to a jury trial in Nebraska eviction cases and allowed some eviction court records to be sealed from public view.

Nebraska is one of eight states in the U.S. that has banned jury trials for evictions, a move that a state Supreme Court justice suggested last year raises "a potential constitutional problem."

Dungan's legislation garnered support from a majority of the 49-member Legislature but fell three votes short of the required 33 to overcome the filibuster led by Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar, who cast the proposal as "an attack on property rights."

"Now, you might lose a little bit of hope when last week you saw that my priority bill ... well, it didn't go on to the next round," DeBoer said at Wednesday's rally. "And that's OK, because it was closer than we've ever gotten, and I am confident that we can come back again and do better next time."

When she spoke with colleagues who helped vote down the bill, DeBoer said they had heard from landlords who had urged them not to support the legislation. Three of the 16 lawmakers who voted against the bill personally own rental properties, according to their latest financial disclosure filings.

"But what we need to hear from is all of you as well," the senator said. "Call your senators. Tell your senators this matters to you."

Erin Feichtinger, the policy director for the Women's Fund of Omaha, offered a less rosy view of the Legislature's inaction at Wednesday's rally.

"A staggering number of Nebraska children are impacted by evictions ... disrupting their lives, their education and their future success in ways that we cannot and won't see when members of this Legislature say that people who need their help are bad people," Feichtinger said.

Her comments came a week after multiple conservative lawmakers had suggested the tenant rights proposal would handicap landlords who rent to residents who are "cooking meth," own "vicious dogs" or are "tearing up the property."

Three of the housing advocacy coalition's stalled priority bills, including two introduced by Vargas, called for a combined $80 million to be appropriated to a set of state housing funds, including the Rural Workforce Housing Fund, the Middle-Income Workforce Housing Fund and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

The Legislature's Appropriations Committee delivered a budget package last week that included no new dollars added into any of the three funds, instead calling for a $25 million transfer from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to be split between the Rural Workforce Housing Fund and the Middle-Income Workforce Housing Fund.

Most of that transferred cash  $20 million of it  would go to the rural fund under the committee's proposal.

Facing questions from advocates over the Legislature's inaction on housing, Vargas acknowledged Wednesday that he would rank this year's progress "low," pointing to moral victories in lieu of legislative ones and doubling down on the importance of continued advocacy.

"I think what we heard is we had wins by getting bills to the floor, by fighting for them and educating the public that these are necessary needs and all senators from all walks of life should be supportive of them," said Vargas, who will be term-limited after this year. "The priority bill for Sen. DeBoer is one really great example of that.

"But we fell short. And, bringing this bill next year, we're not gonna fall short because we're making sure we're holding senators accountable to these really important policy ideas that are gonna make it easier and create more equity in the system, create more opportunity for fairness in the system."

Top Journal Star photos for March 2024
A coalition of more than 40 Nebraska businesses and organizations formally launched their opposition campaign Thursday to a petition drive aimed at changing the state's Constitution to upend Nebraska's tax system.

The group, named No New Taxes Nebraska, raised alarm at a Thursday news conference over the proposed EPIC Option," which seeks to eliminate property, income, inheritance and corporate taxes in Nebraska, replacing them with a consumption tax on all new goods and services, except groceries.

Organizers behind the ballot initiative for EPIC  which stands for Eliminate Property, Income and Corporate  have said that a 7.5% consumption tax applied to all new services and goods, including new homes, would sufficiently fund state government, schools and local governments.

But at Thursday's news conference in the state Capitol, members of the newly formed No New Taxes Nebraska coalition cited two studies that have shown the state's consumption tax rate would have to be 22% to make the proposal workable  a rate that would "devastate" Nebraska's economy, they said.

"If you have goods and services taxed at 22%, no one is going to spend money in Nebraska," former state Sen. Brett Lindstrom of Omaha said at the news conference in the Capitol's Rotunda, where he was joined by representatives from the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, the League of Nebraska Municipalities and the Nebraska Hospital Association, among other organizations that have joined the opposition group.

"We have 75% of our population that lives within an hour of our borders," Lindstrom said. "They're gonna drive that hour to go spend their money. They're not gonna spend on Main Street. And it will be  it will decimate our economy."

The opponents, too, warned about the inherent loss of local control that would accompany the EPIC Option, which would eliminate locally levied property taxes and voter-approved local sales taxes used to fund programming in some Nebraska communities.

The Legislature would instead write the budget for every political subdivision in the state.

"I think it's so important to understand that the way that EPIC works, under the petition itself, is, simply, everything comes to Lincoln," said Lynn Rex, the executive director of the League of Nebraska Municipalities. "The Nebraska Legislature will be looking at 244 school districts, 93 counties, 527 cities and villages and others  (Natural Resource Districts), fire districts and others."

OpenSky, a Lincoln-based fiscal policy think tank conducted an analysis with the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy of a similar proposal last year that showed implementing the EPIC Option with a 7.5% consumption tax would create a $7.4 billion revenue shortfall.

Their analysis concluded the state's consumption tax rate would need to be 22.1% to balance the state's budget.

The Tax Foundation, a Washington D.C.-based tax policy nonprofit, came to a similar conclusion in an analysis of the EPIC Option released this week, determining the plan would require a statewide consumption tax rate of 21.6% or more.

Still, it's unclear what steps No New Taxes Nebraska plans to take to prevent the EPIC Option from appearing on the November ballot.

At Thursday's news conference, Korby Gilbertson, a lobbyist and leading opponent of the radical tax restructure, pointed to planned voter education and informational campaigns, but said No New Taxes Nebraska hasn't yet determined whether to conduct a paid ad campaign and has not specifically planned events to champion the group's cause.

The EPIC Option may fail to reach the ballot either way. Organizers have suspended their contract with a Florida company for paid signature-gathering and had less than $43,000 on hand at the end of January, the latest month for which their campaign finance filings are available online.

Every successful petition or referendum effort for the past decade has spent $1.5 million or more on gathering signatures and campaigning.

The drive must get valid signatures from at least 10% of Nebraska voters  about 123,000 voters  by July 3 to make the November 2024 ballot. The petition also must have signatures from 5% of voters in at least 38 counties to qualify.

Facing questions over the timing of their opposition campaign launch Thursday  which comes as EPIC proponents appear to have lost steam  Gilbertson said it would be unfair to categorize the group as "scared" of EPIC Option organizers.

"Our concern is that there is quite a bit of misinformation floating around the state. We have been working as a loose coalition for months ... to try to clarify the action impact of an EPIC tax," she said, emphasizing that the group's goal is to correct the record before the issue ends up on the ballot.

Top Journal Star photos for March 2024
WATERFORD  The owner of Mobcraft Beer Inc. has declared the company's Waterford brewery project dead, saying the former village firehouse property is up for sale.

Mobcraft President Henry Schwartz said costs have grown out of control for transforming the former village fire station into a microbrewery attraction along the Fox River.

After three years of planning and hoping, Schwartz said his company's endeavor in Waterford has come to an end.

"We understand the people of Waterford and the Village Board are upset," he said. "We are, too. It is extremely disappointing that this project was not able to come together."

The Milwaukee-based beer maker three years ago signed a deal with the Village of Waterford and purchased the vacant fire station at 122 Second St. Plans called for converting the property into an attraction that included a microbrewery, tavern and restaurant, with outdoor seating overlooking the river.

The project's demise is creating disappointment among those who looked forward to welcoming a brewery to the area.

Angie Winski, manager at River City Auto Body LLC, 814 Bakke Ave., said she would have enjoyed patronizing the Mobcraft Beer attraction with family or friends.

"I think a lot of people would've enjoyed it," she said. "It would've been a nice thing for the community."

Robert Ulander, a town supervisor in the neighboring Town of Waterford, said he appreciates a craft beer now and then. And he, too, had plans to check out the firehouse brewery.

Ulander said he heard that Mobcraft was officially dropping its plans.

"It's disappointing," he said. "But I understand things change over time."

Waterford Village President Don Houston and other Village Board members could not be reached for comment.

The village sent Mobcraft a notice in January declaring the company in default of its agreement to open the firehouse brewery by the end of 2023.

Village Administrator Zeke Jackson said although the company's default is disappointing, the village is ready to work with a buyer of the property.

"We are excited and eager to see who steps forward to purchase the property from Mobcraft, and look forward to working with future new owners to bring a great new business to our riverfront," Jackson said.

The village has been working for years to spur redevelopment in the former fire station. The riverfront property was vacated six years ago when the Waterford Fire Department moved into new headquarters at 819 Mohr Ave.

An earlier plan for a brewpub fell through before Mobcraft Beer stepped forward to take over the project in 2021. The company has a microbrewery in Milwaukee and recently opened a second in an old courthouse in Woodstock, Illinois.

Waterford village officials agreed to sell the firehouse for $400,000 in a deal that would rebate the purchase price back to Mobcraft over time. No rebate ever occurred, and the village keeps the entire sale price, Jackson said.

After presenting a project that called for investing more than $1 million in transforming the old fire station, Mobcraft ran into cost overruns and other business problems that stalled the project.

Schwartz released an announcement Monday citing cost increases and business difficulties that "drained" Mobcraft of cash at a now-shuttered brewery in Denver. Needing triple the amount of money to complete the Waterford project, Schwartz said the company has no choice but to cancel its plans.

"MobCraft can no longer move forward with the firehouse brewery project in Waterford," he said in a written statement. "We are looking to sell the building to an interested party that can pick up where we left off."

Some potential buyers have emerged already, Schwartz wrote, and he urged any other possible suitors to come forward.

"The last thing we want to do," he wrote, "is to hold onto the property and delay something awesome going into the space any further."

He did not disclose how much Mobcraft is asking to sell the old firehouse.

Ulander said although the town has no role in the matter, he hopes village officials find another brewery plan.

"Hopefully they can figure something out," Ulander said. "I thought that was a great idea."

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People visit the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 in Barcelona, Spain, Feb. 26, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

The European Parliament on Wednesday approved the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act with an overwhelming majority in Strasbourg, France.



The Parliament passed the act with 523 lawmakers voting in favor, 46 against and 49 abstentions.

European Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton welcomed the result, saying that "Europe is now a global standard-setter in AI."

As the first-ever comprehensive legal framework on AI globally, the regulation has adopted a risk-based approach, subjecting higher-risk AI applications to stricter regulation.

Under the new rules, certain AI applications will be prohibited, including biometric categorization systems based on sensitive characteristics, and the untargeted scraping of facial images from the internet or CCTV footage for facial recognition databases.

Additionally, the Act prohibits emotion recognition in workplaces and schools, social scoring, predictive policing, and AI designed to manipulate human behavior or exploit vulnerabilities.

For general-purpose AI (GPAI) systems, the Act requires compliance with transparency requirements, such as adhering to European Union (EU) copyright laws and publishing detailed summaries of the content used for training.

Bird and Bird, an international law firm, noted that negotiations surrounding the AI Act brought several contentious issues to light, particularly regarding the treatment of biometric AI systems.

The company highlighted nuances in the text that could introduce uncertainty within the industry, particularly with regard to prohibitions and restrictions on biometric systems, along with exceptions and caveats.

Furthermore, Bird and Bird identified confusion among businesses regarding obligations related to GPAI models, posing challenges in distinguishing between GPAI models and systems, and understanding their separation from high-risk systems.

"Much work lies ahead that goes beyond the AI Act itself," said Dragos Tudorache, co-rapporteur of the Civil Liberties Committee of the European Parliament. "We must now prioritize bringing this law into action."

The AI Act, pending final endorsement, is expected to come into force in May following its publication in the official Journal.

The rules will become fully applicable within 24 months of their entry into force, with specific timelines for different aspects such as bans on prohibited practices, codes of practice, general-purpose AI rules, and obligations for high-risk systems.
RACINE  The Racine Unified School Board has narrowed its superintendent search to two finalists, and final interviews for the position will take place next week.

The board announced Tuesday that Soren Gajewski and Caroline Pate-Hefty are vying for the role of permanent superintendent.

The School Board hopes to choose a permanent superintendent by mid-April with a start date of July 1, according to a news release.

Gajewski is the current Racine Unified School District interim superintendent, a role he has held since July 2023.

He was also RUSD acting superintendent for two months starting in May 2023.

Gajewski anticipates holding the interim superintendent position through the end of the 2023-24 school year.

He has worked at RUSD for the past 17 years and held a variety of roles: elementary school principal, middle school principal, K-8 school principal, deputy chief of schools and chief academic officer.

Gajewski applied for the permanent superintendent role with great enthusiasm.

Pate-Hefty is superintendent of the Whitewater Unified School District, a position she has held since July 2020.

Whitewater is about an 80-minute drive west of Racine.

Prior to her current role, Pate-Hefty was executive director of student services in Maywood, Melrose Park and Broadview Public Schools in Cook County, Illinois for more than eight years, according to a news release. Before that, she was director of special education for the Harlem School District near Rockford, Illinois.

The announcement of finalists comes after several superintendent search focus groups were recently held.

Feb. 23 was the deadline to apply for the job, and 42 people applied, according to Stacy Tapp, RUSD chief of communication and community engagement.

The RUSD Board interviewed seven candidates in early March, according to Tapp.

A public meet-and-greet will take place next Wednesday, March 20, at 6:30 p.m. at the RUSD Administrative Service Campus, 3109 Mt. Pleasant St., Building 1. The event will also be streamed on Facebook Live.

Next Thursday, March 21, the School Board will interview Gajewski and Pate-Hefty and likely make a job offer shortly after that.

Six photos of Racine Unified kindergarten open house Excited screams and cheers of children filled the school gymnasium Tuesday at the Bull Early Education Center, 815 DeKoven Ave. Yolanda Allen Yolanda Allen, Bull Early Education Center principal, talks with a family during a Racine Unified kindergarten open house Tuesday at the BEE C Holly Grafwallner Holly Grafwallner, Racine Unified early learning coordinator, talks to families during a Racine Unified kindergarten open house Tuesday at the Endia Williams Endia Williams, right, looks around while standing next to Candace Williams during a Racine Unified kindergarten open house Tuesday at the Bul Shannon Venegas Shannon Venegas, Bull Early Education Center bilingual special education teacher, talks to a child during a Racine Unified kindergarten open h Joseph Davis Joseph Davis opens his juice box during a Racine Unified kindergarten open house Tuesday at the Bull Early Education Center, 815 DeKoven Ave. The Trujillos Isaac Trujillo, left, and Elliot Trujillo share a laugh during a Racine Unified kindergarten open house Tuesday at the Bull Early Education Ce RUSD kindergarten open house March 2024
1. Yes. The area is still in a drought, and long-range forecasts are predicting a hot, dry summer .

2. Yes. Despite modest rainfall, area lake levels are far below normal. Restrictions are likely.

3. No. Frequent rainfall has helped this spring. Unless summer is unusually dry, it should be OK.

4. No. The area was very hot last summer, but water restrictions never reached Stage 3.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say without seeing how much rain the area gets in April and May.

Vote

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WOOD RIVER  Just because one house exploded in Wood River on March 2 doesnt mean the damage was limited to one structure.

Wood River Mayor Greg Cramer said Tuesday the blast caused major damage to eight homes, at least six of which probably wont be repaired.

Cramer, Hall County Building Inspector Ryan Grubbs and Grand Island/Hall County emergency management director Jon Rosenlund appeared before the Hall County Commission Tuesday to report on the Wood River damage.

The explosion was caused by a man intentionally tampering with the natural gas system in his home at 107 E. Eleventh St.

The blast damaged at least two churches. First United Methodist received major damage. Itll have to have the roof taken off, Cramer said in an interview.

The Lutheran Church had its windows blown out on the west side  cracked all their stained glass, Cramer said. He doesnt believe the church suffered any major structural damage.

Wood Rivers elementary school had some minor structural damage, including cracks in the walls. The ceiling in the gym flexed hard enough it bent the ceiling grid in the middle, Cramer said.

In addition, Wood Rivers city hall has some minor cracking on the block walls, Cramer said.

Rosenlund handed out a damage assessment report indicating that 16 people evacuated following the explosion. Fourteen people were sheltered and displaced. One person was killed, and one was injured.

The damage to eight businesses totaled $1.8 million. Two public buildings received $240,000 worth of damage. One street was damaged at an unknown cost, and 39 homes received a total of $1.7 million in damage.

Of those homes, two were destroyed, eight received major damage, nine suffered minor damage and a total of 20 were affected.

The damage to Wood River School is estimated to be $200,000. The damage to City Hall is estimated to be $40,000. Damage to the Wood River Library is to be determined.

Grubbs spent every day last week in Wood River, including Saturday and Sunday, he said in an interview.

Hes seen some things that dont make particular sense, he said. One house might be perfectly fine and then the house next to it has a garage wall thats jumped off its foundation.

Grubbs hasnt been in every Wood River home, but he will come check out a house free of charge when homeowners ask for it. That offer applies to homes that may have been damaged by the explosion.

Grubbs is giving pass-fail grades. If he gives a passing grade, the homeowners can remain in their home. Sometimes, people can remain but he might point out issues that a professional needs to look at.

Cramer said that Wood River residents began cleanup late in the day on March 2.

The next morning, at least 150 people turned out  kids, adults, older people and families, Cramer said.

Some were raking. Others ran magnets along the ground, picking up nails.

There was nails everywhere, Cramer said. Id never seen so many nails.

The Wood River Ministerial Association is providing assistance and support to those impacted by the explosion.

A fundraiser soup supper will be held from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, March 17, at Wood River Mennonite Church. Those who donate at least $25 will receive a Wood River Strong decal. The fundraiser is sponsored by Dark Horse Graphics and Designs.

Donations may be made to the Wood River Ministerial Association, in care of Heritage Bank, P.O. Box 487, Wood River, NE 68883. Make your check payable to Wood River Ministerial Association and write House Explosion Relief Fund in the memo line.
Traditional clothes (Daegu National Museum)

Exploring museums offers children a wonderful opportunity to gain valuable and educational experiences. Museums are also an excellent indoor activity when the weather is not cooperating.

Discover Daegus top three museums promising exciting experiences for both parents and kids. Moreover, these fantastic places have extremely affordable admission!

DAEGU NATIONAL MUSEUM

The museum primarily focuses on the preservation and research of ancient and medieval history in Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do. Daegu National Museum is particularly renowned for its extensive Korean traditional costume collection.

Admission is free and there is even a childrens museum section designed like a kids cafe. Additionally, the museum features a fantastic digital art zone, as well as indoor and outdoor childrens facilities, making it a great family destination.

English brochures are available, and most exhibits have English explanations. The museum offers free parking and is only 5 km (3.1 mi) away from the U.S. military bases in Daegu.

Daegu National Museum (Daegu National Museum)

Address: 321 Cheongho-ro, Suseong-gu, Daegu, NAVER MAP

Hours: 9 a.m.  6 p.m. (Closed on Mondays or on Tuesdays when Monday is a holiday, and closed on Chuseok and Seollal)

Phone: 053-768-6051

Admission: Free

WEBSITE

-Main exhibits

Ancient Culture Hall

Introducing major relics and cultural assets from the prehistoric era to the Three Kingdoms period in the Gyeongbuk region.

Ancient history exhibition (Daegu National Museum)

Medieval Culture Hall

Learn about Buddhist and Confucian culture in the region.

Confucianism exhibition (Daegu National Museum) Buddhism exhibition (Daegu National Museum)

Costume Culture Hall

Experience the beauty and history of Korean traditional costumes.

Traditional clothes (Daegu National Museum)

Special exhibits

Every season, the museum offers special ancient or medieval history exhibits.

-Digital Art Zone

Following a Zoo in the Museum theme, the Digital Art Zone inside the Daegu National Museum features screens projecting images of lions, elephants and more during a 9-minute show. The artwork beautifully depicts the day and night of the forest and the sea, providing a fantastic experience for audiences. Postcards or stickers are provided for free as souvenirs after the show.

RESERVATION

Digital Art Zone (Daegu National Museum) Digital Art Zone (Daegu National Museum) Digital Art Zone (Daegu National Museum) Digital Art Zone (Daegu National Museum)

-Childrens Museum

This portion of the Daegu National Museum is designed as an educational and interactive kids cafe where little visitors can learn about traditional Korean clothing while parents relax in comfortable chairs. All visitors are required to take off their shoes upon entry. Reservations can be made through Naver or on-site, and each session allows for 50 minutes of playtime. Make sure to reserve ahead if visiting on the weekend. Naver reservations are available without creating an account. Only elementary school students, younger children, and guardians are allowed to enter.

Childrens Museum (Daegu National Museum) Childrens Museum (Daegu National Museum) Childrens Museum (Daegu National Museum) Childrens Museum (Daegu National Museum)

Hours: 10 a.m. - 5:50 p.m.

RESERVATION

DAEGU NATIONAL SCIENCE MUSEUM

Explore nature, evolution of life, space, technology and more at the science museum located about 25 kilometers away from U.S. military bases in Daegu. The Daegu National Science Museum has an extensive exhibition hall, astronomical projection hall, 4D theater and plenty more to fill a full day of fun and education. This museum is a top pick for families in Daegu as it also boasts a top-notch childrens science museum.

Given its size, if you plan to explore the main halls and the Childrens Museum on the same day, allow yourself enough time. For families with children, the childrens science museum is a must-visit, and exploring the Astronomical Projection Hall or 4D Theater in the main building is highly recommended.

Each exhibit comes with English explanations, and lockers are available at the ticket booth with a 100 won coin.

Daegu National Science Museum (Korea Tourism Organization)

Address: 20, Techno-daero 6-gil, Dalseong-gun, Daegu, Naver Map

Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Closed on Mondays or on Tuesdays when Monday is a holiday, and closed on Chuseok and Seollal)

Phone: 053-670-6114

Tickets: Adults 3,000 won / Children 2,000 won (Separate admission fees are required for the Astronomical Projection Hall, 4D Theater, and Childrens Science Museum)

Parking: 1,000-2,000 won (9 a.m. - 6 p.m.)

Website

-Main exhibits

Nature and Discovery: Explore the relationship between humans and nature in this extensive exhibit analyzing environmental and natural disasters.

Science, Technology, and Industry: Learn about the impact of energy on civilization, energy shortages, and various industries through science and technology.

Evolution of Life: Take a close look at the huge dinosaur bone and fossil displays in this section. There are also large-scale models of animals showcasing the history of life on earth and marinelife in the East Sea.

History of Science and Technology Civilization: Highlights science and technology related to civilization and clocks. The water clock (Jagyeongnu), Sejong the Greats invention, is the main exhibit.

Evolution of Life (Daegu National Science Museum) Evolution of Life (Daegu National Science Museum) Evolution of Life (Daegu National Science Museum)

-Astronomical Projection Hall

Visitors to this section of the Daegu National Science Museum can observe the beautiful stars and celestial phenomena through a projection on a dome screen. It offers vivid learning experiences through simulations and videos.

Astronomical Projection Hall (Korea Tourism Organization)

Tickets: Adults 2,000 won / Children 1,000 won

-4D Theater

Dont miss the immersive experience at the Daegu National Science Museums 4D Theater. Visitors go on a journey through jungle to learn more about nature and science.

4D Theater (Daegu National Science Museum)

Tickets: Adults 2,000 won / Children 1,000 won

-Childrens Science Museum

This part of the Daegu National Science Museum allows kids to nurture their interest in science. The childrens museum is divided into two sections: Kids World and Mobility World. Also, there is a fun indoor playground. Reservations are required through the website or on-site, and its possible to book on-site on the day of your visit. Only elementary school students, younger children, and guardians are allowed to enter.

Tickets: 3,000 won

Childrens Science Museum (Daegu National Science Museum) Childrens Science Museum (Daegu National Science Museum) Childrens Science Museum (Daegu National Science Museum)

-Kids World exhibit

At the Childrens Science Museums Kids World exhibit, science and technology is explored through games and activities. Create a tornado, check out the robots and more.

-Mobility World exhibit

This section of the Childrens Science Museum has an automotive theme. Kids can enjoy driving RC cars, participating in 4D simulations of driving on an unpaved road, learning about the functions of car parts, and experiencing future driver convenience systems.

NATIONAL DAEGU METEOROLOGICAL SCIENCE MUSEUM

What the National Daegu Meteorological Science Museum lacks for in size, it makes up for in the amount of educational and entertaining exhibits it offers.

Take your kids to explore weather and natural phenomena through interactive displays. Exhibits feature brief English explanations, but please note that videos and shows dont offer English service.

This fun easy outing for families is only about a 25-minute drive from the U.S. bases in Daegu and offers free parking.

National Daegu Meteorological Science Museum (National Daegu Meteorological Science Museum)

Address: 10 Hyodong-ro 2-gil, Dong-gu, Daegu, NAVER MAP

Hours: 10 a.m.  5:30 p.m. (Closed on Mondays or on Tuesdays when Monday is a holiday, and closed on Chuseok and Seollal)

Phone: 053-953-0365

Tickets: Adults 2,000 won / Children 1,000 won (Free for children under 7 years old)

WEBSITE

-Key activities/displays

 Creating weather using air, humidity and wind

 Exploring wind dynamics at the Wind Research Center

 Learning about clouds, rain, and weather at the Raindrop Research Center

 Experiencing simulations of typhoons, tornadoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis

 Hot air balloon experience

 Learning about global climate change

 Watching 3D videos about weather changes

 Discovering nine meteorology-related professions and playing the role of a weathercaster
Construction on the new Black Hawk Bridge is a likely factor in the old bridges movement, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation. While there were sensors in place to track movement, it was a citizens report of a shift in the bridge supports that triggered its closure.

The bridge connects Lansing, Iowa, to Wisconsin south of De Soto.

Black Hawk Bridge project manager Clayton Burke said there is no single cause that can be identified regarding the movement of the bridge pier, but nearby construction work on the new bridge is a likely source. Another possible factor was the condition of material the piers are dug into.

Sensors were installed on the old bridge in fall 2023, when new bridge construction began. The Iowa DOT contracted Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc. to monitor the sensors and report any concerning bridge movement.

A citizen reported in late February that the bridge deck on the Wisconsin side had shifted and did not look the same. The report triggered a review of the data collected, which showed issues with the bridge and data reporting that required the bridge to close for repairs.

(The contractors) didnt believe the data, so we werent provided alerts from them when the actual movement occurred, Burke said. The DOT has since corrected the issue and we are continuing monitoring.

Since the shutdown, contractors have started removing the shifted bridge decks to access the troubled piers below. Tests on other piers since the shutdown revealed no sensitivity to movement.

The damaged piers will be removed and replaced once contractors remove all of the bridge decks in the affected area.

Plans for the new bridge, under construction next to the current Black Hawk Bridge, call for piers to be 3 times deeper than the current bridge. The present bridge has a foundation depth of 55 feet and does not reach the bedrock underneath. In the new bridge, the foundation is planned to reach 150 feet below the surface, plunging well into the bedrock below.

Repairs on the current bridge are estimated to finish in late April, according to the Iowa DOT. The timeline on building the new bridge is still unchanged, with completion by 2027.
I am trying to find reasons to support the discussed November referendum coming from the current La Crosse School Board, but its getting tougher with each meeting to trust them to use their budget wisely and equitably.

Lets review some of the financial decisions and discussions over just the past two years. There was the fact that Superintendent Aaron Engel lost a $300,000 deposit on property contingent on passing a referendum to build a new, consolidated high school -- a referendum that wasnt expected to pass. Lets repeat that. The leader of our kids education, with the school boards blessing, gambled away $300,000 to a private company, and we will never see that money again.

Next, the school board will not stop discussing closing North Woods International School, one of the district's newest state-of-the-art elementary school building with capacity, land and a prestigious international accreditation. Rather, they seem concerned with pandering to friends in their own Emerson neighborhoods who are irresponsibly advocating for a century-old building that needs exorbitant repairs just to be habitable for a few more years.

Seriously, the audacity to ask the community for more money when a third of a million dollars was recklessly thrown at a clearly losing bet, followed by discussions of tossing out a perfectly great school to build another one, is the type of audacity only seen by out-of-touch politicians.

I hope the school board and the leader they continue to endorse has a better showing in the next few meetings. We taxpayers are listening.

Kathy Abraham, La Crosse
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The top Democratic lawmaker in the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday urged the chamber's GOP members to pass a foreign aid package containing funding for Ukraine by the end of next week and send it to President Joe Biden's desk for signature.

"The clock is ticking, and we have to get the bipartisan national security bill over the finish line before we leave town next Friday, March 22," House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said during a press briefing on Capitol Hill.

"It's reckless to do otherwise," the New York Democrat said.

House Majority Leader Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, does not oppose more aid to Ukraine, but he has been blocking a vote on the 95-billion-U.S.-dollar foreign aid package -- of which some 60 billion dollars will be offered to Ukraine -- that recently passed in the Senate. His reasoning is that the bill lacks sufficient measures to strengthen security at the U.S. southern border.

While Jeffries has virtually no control over which particular piece of legislation gets a vote on the floor, pressure has been mounting on Johnson to bring the foreign aid bill up, with the White House saying it will surely gain enough votes to get passed if Johnson lifts his hold.

Jeffries in his remarks at the press briefing pointed to Polish President Andrzej Duda, who visited Washington and met with Jeffries and Johnson on Tuesday, saying the Polish leader "was so strongly supportive of making sure we continue to support the Ukrainian effort."

After meeting with Duda, Johnson in a post on X praised Poland as "a strategic partner in promoting a free and prosperous future and in advocating for greater defense spending by our European partners."

Alternatively, the Biden administration on Tuesday announced an additional tranche of security assistance to Ukraine worth 300 million dollars, money that became available from cost-savings in the Pentagon's contracts with domestic weapons manufacturers to replenish U.S. stocks.

"The House of Representatives must pass the bipartisan national security supplemental as soon as possible," National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said of the legislation containing the Ukraine aid during a press briefing at the White House on Tuesday.

"We all know that if it came up for a vote, it would pass on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis, just as it did in the Senate," he added.
The town of Campbell has a great collaborative relationship with La Crosse County. My colleagues across the state often decry a less collaborative experience.

I want to thank all who routinely collaborate with me, including La Crosse County Emergency Management Coordinator Tracy Hameau, who was critical in our flood response last spring. The La Crosse County Sheriff's Department has been a keen partner in emergency response efforts, training and National Night Out.

Carol Drury and her staff at the La Crosse County health department coordinating with the town of Campbell to pass well permitting restrictions to protect the Mt. Simon aquifer as a potential long term alternate water source.

La Crosse County Supervisor Margaret Larson, along with Jadd Stilwell and Jackie Davis of the La Crosse County Solid Waste Department who worked tirelessly to create the only collection program in Wisconsin to prevent spent PFAS filters from being incinerated at the Xcel facilities or being locally landfilled.

The USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center partnership to include Campbell in the USGS National Tap Water study. We are grateful for our partnership with experts at UW-La Crosse, UW-Madison, Wisconsin Geological Survey, USGS and Davy Engineering to monitor PFAS movement to protect neighboring communities and develop a safe long term water solution.

Our local state and federal legislators who continue to partner for nearly $4 million dollars in funding opportunities to address PFAS in Campbell. Thanks to the town of Campbell Board, admin staff, Fire Department, Police Department and maintenance staff who serve our citizens.

Together we can accomplish amazing things.

Lee Donahue, Campbell
Yerkes Observatory has been mapping the heavens since its 1897 opening, earning a global reputation over its 126-year history as the birthplace of modern astrophysics.

Today the storied institution, 373 W. Geneva St. (State Hwy. 67) in Williams Bay, is mapping out the next chapter in its evolving history as the nonprofit Yerkes Future Foundation, with a four-As focus on astronomy, architecture, arboretum and art, announces ambitious plans to tie it all together and build Play/Space, a unique, accessible, world-class playground, at one of the most important sites in the history of global science.

Founded by renowned astronomer George Emery Hale and cited in international scientific literature more than 10,000 times, Yerkes is home to the worlds largest refracting telescope, with notable Yerkes discoveries including William Morgans 1951 discovery of the spiral arm structure of the Milky Way. Renowned astronomers and scientists who have worked, studied and walked within the observatorys halls include Edwin Hubble, Otto Struve, Gerard Kuiper, Carl Sagan, NASAs first Chief of Astronomy Nancy Grace Roman, and Nobel prize-winners Albert Einstein and Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar.

Looking to inspire future generations of astronomers and scientists, the Yerkes Future Foundation on March 13 announced plans to construct Play/Space, a unique astronomy and science-inspired playground, on the 50-acre arborteum observatory campus designed by the legendary Olmsted architectural landscape firm.

The things we do here are world class, said Yerkes Future Foundation Executive Director Dennis Kois, who has led science museums, contemporary art centers and sculpture parks around the United States. We want this (Play/Space) to be world class.

Making the observatorys first major foray into youth-oriented outreach and education, Kois said Yerkes astronomers and staff worked with design firm Monstrum to create a family-friendly playground inspired by a colorful Big Bang supernova, a luminous explosion of a massive star or white dwarf triggered by runaway nuclear fusion.

Upon its completion, the proposed Play/Space development at Yerkes will be one of only fifteen playgrounds in the United States created by Denmark-based Monstrum, including those in New York City, San Francisco, Dallas, Baltimore, Memphis, Miami, Pismo Beach, Calif., Sarasota, Fla., Tulsa, Okla., Council Bluffs, Iowa and Draper, Utah. Monstrum has a Wisconsin playground installation, The Purple Octopus Playground, at the Above & Beyond Childrens Museum in Sheboygan, 57 miles north of Milwaukee.

Created for play in all four Wisconsin seasons, Monstrums abstracted supernova takes the form of a 7,000-square-foot, multi-level playground rising 26 feet in the air.

Play/Space will include three different slides, a hidden multi-level maze, climbing walls, accessibility ramps, big orbit swings, planets, waveforms, balance boards and a stage with seating. Graphics and fun facts placed throughout and around Play/Space will connect core concepts of astronomy, space and STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Math) to the play experience.

In Play/Space, swings become models of gravitational arcs, while tube slides demonstrate how acoustic waves travel. A planetary play hut will include a built-in, low-fi planetarium.

Yerkes Future Foundation Director of Programs and External Affairs Walt Chadick said its hoped that Play/Space will serve as a source of inspiration for the next generations of aspiring astronomers and scientists.

We want them to develop and sense of wonder and curiosity about what they dont know, Chadick said.

Monstrum designs and hand-builds unique playgrounds around the globe with a focus on artistry and architectural quality. Their thematic playgrounds are at the forefront of accessibility, sustainability and safety, inspiring movement and connections between kids and adults.

Founded in 2003 by Ole Barslund Nielsen, encompasses a team of nearly 100 craftsmen, architects and designers at their Copenhagen workshop. Nielsens background in theatrical art and sceneography, sparked the idea for a new kind of playground and the launch of Monstrum, which today creates playgrounds worldwide for a wide range of clients and sites from residential area and community parks to malls and museums.

Crowdfunding challenge launches

Yerkes also announced March 13 that it is launching a crowdfunding challenge for Play/Space with the support of the Lombard, Ill.-based Michael D. and Jolynn Blair Family Foundation.

The Blairs have been summer residents of the Lake Geneva area since 1977.

Mike Blair was the founder and CEO of Cyborg Systems, an international software applications company. Jolynn Blair is the former editor of the Global News and currently serves as president of the Blair Family Foundation.

The couples enthusiasm for the concept of Play/Space led them to provide generous support for the creation of the project design.

Community members can make a tax-deductible donation for Play/Space in any amount via the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter to help Yerkes reach its crowdfunding goal of $50,000.

All gifts, large or small, will be doubled thanks to a challenge grant made by the Blair Family Foundation. If Yerkes hits its $50,000 Kickstarter goal, the matching grant will double that and provide $100,000 in total support to build Play/Space.

The Blair Family Foundations $50,000 Kickstarter challenge is part of a larger challenge grant in support of Play/Space, matching all gifts dollar for dollar up to $500,000. Thanks to their generosity, Yerkes has already raised nearly half of the total project budget of $1.2 million. The Kickstarter community challenge will bring the Play/Space project that much closer to a planned Summer 2025 groundbreaking.

Weve been fortunate as a family and want to provide charitable support whenever we can, and wherever we are, said Jolynn Blair. Play/Space at Yerkes Observatory is designed to entice children to view astronomy as an exciting science, encouraging them to learn and discover the wonders of space. Its a stunning, futuristic, and colorful design that will welcome visitors of all ages and abilities.

The public can also donate to Play/Space directly at yerkesobservatory.org, by mailing a check to Yerkes Observatory, or even with a securities transfer.

However they choose to donate, all donors to Play/Space will see their gift doubled by the Blair Family Foundation, up to a half million dollars in total. All donations are tax deductible.

Play/Space and education

The planned Play/Space playground installation aligns with Yerkes longstanding educational mission.

We know Yerkes and Play/Space will inspire future generations of astronomers, science enthusiasts, and space explorers, said Amanda Bauer, Yerkes Montgomery Foundation Deputy Director and Head of Science and Education. What we dont yet know is  what will they discover?

An elevated accessible stage within Play/Space will face tiered seating able to accommodate 25. The stage will be used by Yerkes educators as a part of visits by the thousands of K-12 students, scout troops and weekend families visiting Yerkes each year. The stage will also be activated by Yerkes guides and trained volunteers sharing pop-up lightning talks of five minutes or less about science concepts and recent discoveries in astronomy, ecology, and space.

There is data that tells us if children dont visit public science institutions by the time they are 12, they are unlikely to ever visit as adults, Kois said. If we want a science-literate citizenry in our future, if we want our kids and grandkids to be able make sense of their future lives in a world of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, space exploration, climate shifts, deep fakes and who knows what else, its critical that institutions like Yerkes engage kids and families today.

Accessibility, safety and design

Notably, Play/Space is at the forefront of inclusive design, going far beyond ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards by using a forward-looking approach to accessibility not commonly seen in American playgrounds.

Rather than special equipment for one-at-a-time use by a child with a mobility challenge, Play/Space includes fully-integrated accessibility that allows kids of all abilities to play together. Chadick noted. Monstrum has included wheelchair ramps, transfer platforms, movable components and play elements that are usable by children in a wheelchair, those with differing mobilities, and those with full mobility  together.

Play/Space has also been designed to support the needs of children with vision, hearing, and other sensory processing and mobility challenges, as well as those on the neurodiversity spectrum. For example, Play/Space includes dark, semi-enclosed spaces to help children with autism or sensory processing needs take a break and self-regulate.

The playground will be ASTM Certified (the American safety standard for playgrounds), and is also designed to meet all European playground safety standards, which are considerably stricter than those in the U.S. Monstrums staff has decades of experience designing and engineering for childrens safety and collaborates in research and standard-setting with the Nordic Playground Institute, Europes leading source for play safety and risk assessment.

Play/Space is designed to support the comfort and engagement of the families and children using it. Yerkes plans to include abundant seating for parents, shade for hot summer days, and a nearby structure that will provide water stations, family restrooms and changing tables, a nursing room and quiet space for children with processing challenges to take a break, and a picnic area.

Play/Space will be constructed from 100% FSC-certified Siberian Larch and certified sustainable forestry products, supported with galvanized and stainless steel. All paint is certified with the Nordic Ecolabel as containing the lowest possible levels of VOCs and environmentally harmful substances.

Yerkes will be setting aside a percentage of each gift to support the future maintenance of Play/Space, ensuring it will remain a world-class community asset for decades to come.

How to donate

Yerkes crowdfunding campaign in support of the proposed Play/Space project kicked off on Wednesday, March 13.

To make a charitable crowdfunding donation, which will then be doubled by the Blair Family Foundation challenge grant, visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/yerkesplayspace/playspace-an-astronomy-playground-at-yerkes or simply visit kickstarter.com and search Yerkes.

Learn more

For more information about Yerkes Observsatory, visit https://yerkesobservatory.org, email info@yerkes.org, or phone 262-245-5555.

In photos: 100 years ago Einstein visited Yerkes Observatory and more Yerkes photos Einstein visit Williams Bay history - 23 Williams Bay history - 16 Williams Bay history - 28 E.E. Barnard Yerkes figure Watch now: A look inside Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay Planning for the future Ornate design Gathering in the rotunda Historic library Opening the roof World's largest refracting telescope Maneuverable by hand Historic plate Rotating the dome Viewer's angle Historic facade Elaborate entrance Largest of three Forty-eight acres on Lake Geneva
 Flash

People walk past destroyed buildings after Israeli strikes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on March 13, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Palestinian death toll due to the ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has climbed to 31,272, reported the Gaza-based Health Ministry on Wednesday.

Within the past 24 hours, the Israeli army killed 88 Palestinians and injured 135 others, pushing the total death toll to 31,272 and injuries to 73,024 since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict last October, the ministry said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Philippe Lazzarini condemned the loss of a large number of children as a result of the conflict.

"Staggering. The number of children reported killed in just over four months in Gaza is higher than the number of children killed in four years of wars around the world combined," he said in a statement. "This war is a war on children. It is a war on their childhood and their future."

Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in Gaza 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.
This transcript appears in the March 15, 2024 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.

[Print version of this transcript]

Live Dialogue with Helga Zepp-LaRouche

Despite Injustice, Build Humanity an Oasis of Hope!

The full video of this webcast is available here. The following is an edited transcript of the live dialogue. Subheads and hyperlinks have been added.

Harley Schlanger: Hello and welcome to our weekly dialogue with Helga Zepp-LaRouche, founder and chairwoman of the Schiller Institute. Today is Wednesday, March 6, 2024. Im Harley Schlanger and Ill be your host today. You can send any questions or comments you have to questions@schillerinstitute.org.

Helga, its clear that the rebellion of nations against the unipolar order, and its so-called liberal democratic empire is deepening as was evident in the March 4, UN General Assembly meeting, which took up the question of the veto by the United States to stop the UN Security Council from demanding a ceasefire for Gaza. Id like to begin by asking for your analysis of this revolt, as part of the global revolt of the Global South, and if you foresee the possibility that this could force a shift in the U.S./UK position of continuing its complicity with Netanyahus murderous policy in Gaza.

Helga Zepp-LaRouche: The reality on the ground is so overwhelmingly known to the whole world community that it is absolutely astounding how the Western establishments are trying to pretend all of that is not taking place. But it reminds me, really, of Schopenhauers, The World as Will and Idea: As if a pure demonstration of willpower would make reality change. But that is not going to happen.

I think the hesitation of the United States and European nations to finally come around and helpto make sure the killing stops; make sure the weapons supplies stop; making sure the humanitarian aid can happen; and that a solution be foundAny day this is being blocked further, it does more damage to the reputation and image of the so-called values-based order. I think were reaching a point, and may have reached that point already, that this cannot be undone. And the consequences of this are of the utmost severity because the whole world really depends on finding a solution based on diplomacy; based on negotiations. The more the hardening of these positions occurs, the more difficult it becomes, because we are not only looking at one crisis, we are looking at two regional crises, which have the potential of leading to a world war.

So, I can only hope that the message which comes from almost every nation on the planet, to the so-called Global North, or Collective Westhowever you want to call itthat it does penetrate some minds and some ears, because unless the West is shifting and really moves in to settle these conflicts, they will get out of control. But I find that the mental condition of the establishment in the leading nations of the West really poses a big question: Are these people still in the real world, or are they not? And I can only say, the more that message is gotten across, the better.

Schlanger: There are several questions that have come in regarding both Gaza and Ukraine. Let me start with one on Ukraine, which is probably of particular interest to you, about the so-called leak of the discussion among German Air Force officials about the use of the Taurus missile against Russia, striking the Kerch Strait Bridge and so on: German Chancellor Scholz again publicly said hes opposed to providing Taurus missiles to Ukraine, but this leaked conversation raises the question of who is actually in charge of Germanys policy? And also, who may have been responsible for the leak? What are your thoughts on this?

Zepp-LaRouche: The interesting thing about this debate in the media is that theyre all trying to cover up the reality of that conversation; that what these four officers of the German Air Force were discussing, were scenarios of how to cover up German complicity in the delivery of these Taurus cruise missiles.

Now, obviously Scholz, as far as I know at this point, is holding out, and says no. And he probably listened to President Putins recent speech, that if Germany sends missiles to Ukraine, that is definitely the red line which makes it a party to the war. The result could be sites inside Germany being targeted by Russian counter-reactions, possibly leading to a general war. So, I think Scholz is sort of holding out.

But you have an absolutely unbelievable effort by the media to deflect the fact that these talks actually occurred with the involvement of part of the German militarynamely the Air Forceand trying to shift it to a discussion of how outrageous it was, who leaked it, was it the Russians. And it is so unbelievable!

I dont think this will hold, because there are intelligent people. For example, Focus, which is mainstream media, had an article by Ralph Thiele, who basically says on the question of who leaked it, most likely it would have been the British. And I think this is a breath of fresh air, in terms of rational thinking. He makes the point that not only are the British very experienced in hybrid warfare, but that they have been visible for anybody who wants to see, as being the force that pushed the most for foreign escalation of the war. So, I think that is definitely something to be considered: that they would have an interest in discrediting Scholz, whom they probably regard as an obstacle to the escalation with Ukraine.

The situation in Ukraine is de facto what former General Harald Kujat already said last August, that given the fact that the Ukrainians are clearly losing the warand he saw this coming already half a year agothat NATO would be facing the question of either going for a diplomatic solution, or going for an escalation. And obviously what we saw was one escalation after another.

So, we are sitting right on the verge of this going completely all the way. And I think Putins message was also very clearhe delivered it very calmlybut he said very clearly that if the West is putting troops into Ukraine, or any other escalation, that Russia is prepared to use its doctrine: And the doctrine says, if the territory of Russia is threatened, they will use nuclear weapons.

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RLC/Tom Evans

The Western media are naturally trying to change that, that Putin is threatening the West with war, but if you look at the actual situation, theres nothing to support that whatsoever. I can also advise people to listen to an extremely interesting interview, which was given by the Swiss intelligence expert Jacques Baud with the German-language Overton Magazin, in which he gives, in my view, a very sober assessment, including expressing the utmost frustration at the German government. And I dont even want to repeat what he said: You should listen to it yourself.

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DoD/Lisa Ferdinando

Schlanger: Well, we have also a comment sent in by Francis Boyle, the well-known human rights attorney, and hes writing about Benny Gantz, the Israeli war cabinet minister, who came to the United States earlier this week, met with Kamala Harris, met with Lloyd Austin. And you have mixed messages: You had Harris calling for an immediate ceasefire, but then, after the meeting with Gantz, clearly the green light was given to Israel to go ahead and invade Rafah.

Boyle writes that, What Austin said, is that there must be a credible and implementable plan for protecting civilians and addressing the humanitarian situation, prior to any ground operations in Rafah. But that seems highly unlikely. What do you make of this back and forth with the Gantz visit, what Harris had to say, and the fact that Biden is continuing to announce his full support for Israel?

Zepp-LaRouche: I think the blame will come back to the Biden administration for everything which is happening right now. Because not only does the Gantz visit reflect the fact that the political future of Netanyahueverybody knows that the moment this war would stop, Netanyahu would no longer be in office, and he would probably face criminal charges. And Netanyahu obviously wants to prolong the situation, in order to avoid that which everybody is expecting to happen once the fighting stops.

Now, I think the blame, or the guilt for the incredible tragedy which is happening before the eyes of the world, will entirely go back to the United States, and the more quickly people in the United States are demanding that this horror show should stop, the better. But Im very afraid that it does require a completely different approach, which is what we are pushing: We say, that obviously you need the immediate stop to weapons sales; you need humanitarian aid; you need the ability for UNRWA to function again, because they are the only organization on the ground which could quickly go back into action, because theyre used to it, and they have all the knowledge on the ground and so forth.

All of these things have to be done very quickly. But you need something even bigger than that, and that is why we proposed the Oasis Plan, the idea of comprehensive economic development, not only for Gaza and Israel and the immediate neighboring countries, but the entire region of Southwest Asia, as part of a huge development and reconstruction program, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and naturally Israel and Palestine; and a two-state solution.

This all needs to be part of a package, in a comprehensive Middle East conference: Because you need to give people hope. And I can only advise people to please watch our video, if you have not done so alreadyand help us to distribute itbecause it shows how to put on the agenda, for immediate implementation, an economic development perspective. It starts with the production of lots of fresh water, gained from desalination and other means, by building corridors and canals from the Mediterranean to the Dead Sea, and the Red Sea. That way, fresh water is available for agriculture, for reforestation, for building new cities, for infrastructure, for a development perspective for the entire large region of Southwest Asia.

You have to have hope! You have to give young people some perspective of having a decent future, where they can raise families, where they can have a normal life of studying; of doing useful things with their lives. Because if you dont put this on the agenda, what will happen is that even if you get some kind of a partial solution or a ceasefire, but you dont have a perspective of hope, you will have new waves of conflict, of terrorism, of even war. So, are we the intelligent species, or not? And that is the real question.

So, Im quite hopeful, because since we have been circulating this video, we have gotten a lot of responses. It has not yet broken out big into the public, except, I gave an interview to Global Times, which they published in full. That interview does report that the Schiller Institute is promoting this Oasis Plan. So, all the readers of Global Times are now aware of this, and hopefully the interest in this perspective will grow. And if you have any heart for what is happening to the people in Gaza right now, help us to put the Oasis Plan perspective on the table, because I think that is the one factor which can, in my view, really shift the situation.

Schlanger: There are a number of questions coming in about the developments recently in Europe. One asks, Do the statements from Scholz and Borrell recently represent a difference between them and some of the more hawkish neocons?

And then RJ sends in a question: Is there anything to make of the widening rift between Macron and Scholz, over the formers desire for an independent European army defense system, and Scholzs seeming desire to stay reliant on U.S. weapons?

Zepp-LaRouche: I can only say that from many discussions we had with military people in France, in Germany, in Switzerland, in Italy, and other European countries, there is right now an absolute super-fight behind closed doors. In France, people are almost in a state of war with Germany, because they regard Germany as a complete traitor. That doesnt mean that the French position is any better, because even this idea of Macron to send troops to Ukraine is correctly rejected by most sane forces in Germany. But in general, the problem is that rather than having a position, like de Gaulle would say, for Europe to have a joint mission for a positive role in the world, they stay within geopolitics, which legitimizes a campaign of racist hatred against Russia.

That is an argument which Jacques Baud, in the interviewwhich is really very interestinghe makes the argument that the present demonization against Russia is based on racism; that the Europeans have no clear aim, nor does the United States; they dont have an aim for what they want to accomplish in the Ukrainian situation. When Austin is being asked, what is his idea, he says, To weaken Russia. Baerbock says the same thing. They dont have an ideathey just want to weaken an opponent and have soldiers fight for the sake of fighting. The latest reports are that there are already 500,000 people dead in Ukraine, according to Jacques Baud and other sources; a 10:1 ratio of dead Ukrainians to dead Russians.

There should be no dead people at all. But nevertheless, what should be the perspective for young soldiers? To enter a war; to be in a meat grinder until youre dead? I think this idea of just weakening RussiaI think the argument of Baud that its based on a deep racist conception is absolutely truthful. And that has to be stopped! If we do not get off this geopolitical idea that there is any legitimate reason for this confrontation, we will end up in World War III, in the shortest possible time. I think the more people wake up to this fact, the better.

Schlanger: I think its worth noting, when you talk about what Jacques Baud said about this racism against Russia, that Keir Giles of Chatham House has written at least three books, which are just filled with these slanders that you cant trust the Russians, because theyre almost genetically committed to lying and being dishonest.

Now, Helga, we have some other questions: Theres a question that came in from a supporter in Washington State, who is referring to the Super Tuesday primary results yesterday, in which Trump won all but one of the Republican primaries, and Biden won all of the Democratic primaries, basically wrapping up the nominations. So, it looks as though it will be a Trump vs. Biden election. So, from Washington State, someone wrote: I am not a Trump supporter but appreciate his opposition to Bidens proxy war against Russia in Ukraine. But in an interview with Fox News yesterday, he said he supports Israel, saying, Youve got to finish the problem, referring to Hamas. Doesnt this undermine his claim to be an opponent to the neocons and their wars?

Zepp-LaRouche: Yeah, I think it would tend to do that, because the problem is that if you do not stop the present geopolitical game, we will end up in World War III. Just take the combination of the Taurus cruise missile being able to reach Moscow [from Ukraine]thats what these people are pushingand the possibility of the Middle East crisis getting out of control: We are much, much closer to the danger of nuclear war than most people consider. And the problem with Trumps position on the Middle East is, basically, that I have not seen any sign that he is really thinking about a new paradigm. And I can only say that that depends to a large extent on other candidates, like the independent candidates, and hopefully reasonable people within the Trump campaign, who respond toI mean, the message Biden got, for example, not only in Michigan, but also I think it was Minnesota (correct me if Im mistaken), but there were a lot of abstentions expressing total disagreement with Bidens policy on the Middle East.

So, I can only hope that the people, the analysts, advising Trumpor that he gets the idea on his ownrealize that an absolute change is necessary and the only way for the world to survive is to stop this geopolitical thinking! The world is not a zero-sum game; it is not a game where one wins, and the others lose. The entire Global South is moving in the direction of cooperation, of a win-win strategy, of an idea of building a completely new system where everybody can prosper and become richer. And if the Collective North is not waking up to the idea that they have to join this new way of thinking, then I think the best case would be that the West would collapsewhich they will because we are moving very fast on that train alreadyand in the worst case we would end up in the annihilation of the entire civilization.

Schlanger: Youre right, it was Minnesota, and it was a larger uncommitted vote in the Democratic primary against Biden, reflecting opposition to his war policy, than even the week before in Michigan. Well see whether hes getting the message or not.

Now, I have a question that came in about the UN General Assembly session yesterday, where Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner General of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which is doing most of the humanitarian aid in Gaza, he said that the withholding of funds for UNRWA has brought it to the brink of imminent collapse: Meaning, the one agency thats providing aid is collapsing, and its being deliberately collapsed by Netanyahus policy, and then Biden and a number of other countries withholding funds. But the person who wrote the question said, As a self-described UN skeptic, can the UN Relief and Works Agency be trusted, given the charges that many of its members were involved in the attack from Gaza on Israel on Oct. 7?

Zepp-LaRouche: I think what we see right now is about 1.5 million people around Rafah, and a few people left in North Gaza, and theyre all acutely about to die of acute hunger. If the world is watching that and not doing everything possible to provide these people with the means of survival, I dont think that this stain on the human conscience will ever go away!no matter what. So, the only human thing would be to immediately reinstall the UNRWA capabilityI dont knowthe world is not reacting! Its already a big discussion: Why are the neighbors of Gaza not acting; why are the other Arab countries not acting? And that is definitely a criticism which will become louder as this thing drags out.

But I think the key question is reallyit comes back to the United States, and it comes back to Great Britain, and unfortunately to Germany, which has a position which is unbelievably inhuman, to say the least. In Germany, youre not even allowed to mention what the International Court of Justice in The Hague is saying. If you repeat just what the Court is saying, you can be punished! Its unbelievable whats going on in Germany!

You have 1.5 million people who are starving, and the German media, for example, are not reporting that. Theyre saying, Oh, there is the threat of a hunger starvation crisis. But they are in the middle of it! People are dying already! If theres any sense of proportionality, I think we have to get a real escalation of the mobilization, and as I said already, you have to do everything possible to save the people who are now in acute danger of dying. And as we are talking here, they die like flies, as the minutes run out: So immediate help has to occur. But then we need a shift in the direction of putting yourself on a higher level, and saying, Are we human beings, or are we not?

Schlanger: Now, theres an interesting development yesterday: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken sent out a message that Victoria Nuland is resigningor retiring. Obviously, this is too late, given the damage shes done. But there is a question sent in: Do you think she left to avoid the blame when it comes to the question of who lost Ukraine?

Zepp-LaRouche: There are people who have actually done some more research, and they claim that the money which she raised, and her apparatus raised was not $5 billion for NGOs to make a color revolution in Ukraine, but more like $12 billion. And obviously the Ukraine situation is an utter failure. And there will come the question of who lost Ukraine? Because, when the United States and NATO left Afghanistan in a complete haste in 2021and we all remember the rather shameful departure from Kabul airport which was completely uncoordinated and almost like a flightthere was discussion already then, where people said, Well, what is the United States and what is NATO doing for the people who were working for them?I dont know the word in English, the Ortskrafte; the people from Afghanistan who collaborated with NATO over 20 years, they were pretty much left behind.

And as to the Ukraine situation, there is a big debate in the United States, talking about no more money to Ukraine. And the great danger obviously isand as the escalation is threatening with the Taurus missile as an immediate stepif Ukraine is lost, it will for sure continuously damage the reputation of the West, of the United States. And the myth of the invincibility of the unipolar world, or the rules-based order, will go down the drain.

Now, that is better than if you have an escalation leading to World War III. So, the only elegant way out of this situation is to really say, OK, this was a mistake. We should go back to, at least, where we were in March 2022. It now becomes clearer that Zelenskyy was completely ready to make a compromise in Istanbul; that even the German and French governments agreed to the denazification, which even Zelenskyy would have agreed with. So that was an immediate option to stop the war.

And the role of then-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who went in from London to Kiev and said, No, you have to keep fighting, that should also be investigated. Because its not only against the UN Charter and against most constitutions to make a war of aggression, but one should also consider whether the effort to stop the possibility of ending a war should not fall under the same kind of scrutiny.

So, I think the only elegant way would be to immediately stop, and say, Lets have a negotiation. The Chinese envoy to Ukraine is apparently traveling to several countries throughout Europe right now, including Kiev and Moscow. The Chinese 12-point program is still a very reasonable approach to start a diplomatic solution, and that should be put on the agenda with the utmost urgency.

Schlanger: I have one final question, which I think youve actually answered this so far several times today, but the fact that it keeps coming up, and with a certain amount of urgencythis is from Angela in Italy: I appreciate your efforts avoid a new world war, but one question comes to my mind again and again: How is it possible that the world can tolerate whats going on in Gaza? Why is it not possible to stop Netanyahu? Im asking because, despite the fact that Ive tried my best to stop these horrendous crimes from being committed, after all these months, nothing has changed. I feel hopeless and helpless. Can you think of a collective action that can be done internationally?

Zepp-LaRouche: Well, I have to say the same thing I said already: If there would be, lets say, a group of countries that would put the Oasis Plan, in earnest, on the agenda, making speeches about it, making TV programs about it; or have a group of, lets say, Nobel Prize winners, who would say, there is actually a plan for how the interests of every country in the region can be addressed. Or any kind of prominent people, lets say, of former presidents, former heads of state, all religious leaders, the Pope, the various religious leaders of Judaism, of Islam; if they would get together and say: Lets put the Oasis Plan of development on the agendathat could change it!

We need something drastic! And if you dont give up, dont become despairedand I know that that is very difficult. Sometimes you tend to sayalso absolutely horriblethat I better go back to my private life and not listen to the news anymore. There are many people who say this or express this, but that doesnt help. It just helps the warmongers to get ahead.

But I think if we all mobilize, and the Schiller Institute and the International Peace Coalition, thats what we are really trying to accomplishif we would get some countries, some heads of state, some former heads of state, some Nobel Prize winners, or any combination of really top religious leaders, to come out and say: The only way is peace through development, the new name for peace is development, and here is the Oasis Plan which can do it, that would inspire everybody! It would inspire the people in the region; it would inspire the neighboring countries.

I have thought about it a lot and the proposal made by my late husband Lyndon LaRouchealready in 1975its still the only way to get peace in the Middle East! So, join our efforts, come to our weekly International Peace Coalition discussion every Friday, including March 8, and mobilize all your friends to join the effort.

Schlanger: People can watch the 14-minute video on the Oasis Plan. And one suggestion: Look, were now in the beginnings of the hot phase of the 2024 election in the United States. Candidates are going to be campaigning all over the country. And take the lead from Diane Sare, Jose Vega, and other LaRouche organization members who are going to these town meetings and presenting the Oasis Plan, and putting the candidates on the spot on this. That is something people can do, as a way of bringing this to the publics attention.

Helga, thanks for joining us today. Any final words?

Zepp-LaRouche: Get active: You know, this is not a period to be a couch potato or be a bystander, watching from the fence. Because it is you who can make the difference, because if good people unite for a plan, they can bend the arm of the worst tyrant. These are the words of Friedrich Schiller, but I think he was on the mark.

Schlanger: OK, thank you and see you next week.

Zepp-LaRouche: Till next week.
This article appears in the March 15, 2024 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.

International Peace Coalition Meeting

In the Foothills of a Third World War

[Print version of this article]

March 8The 40th consecutive weekly online meeting of the International Peace Coalition opened with a warning from Schiller Institute founder Helga Zepp-LaRouche that we are continuing to flirt with nuclear war. She cited the currently ongoing NATO Steadfast Defender 2024 exercise where 90,000 troops are explicitly rehearsing a war with Russia as an example of the supercharged environment. The mainstream media, rather than looking at the increasing danger of World War IIImarked by the recent scandal of the leaked audiotape in which German military officers discuss covert means of directly entering the Ukraine warare focusing their attention on speculation over who leaked the audio file.

Turning to the situation in Southwest Asia, she said that the conflict in Gaza is being driven by geopolitical motives and cannot be looked at separately from Ukraine. Several UN Special Rapporteurs are now calling it genocide, calling attention to the growing danger of starvation, and saying that it is intentional on the part of the Netanyahu regime. Investigation of genocide will inevitably bring us to the question of U.S. and German involvement and culpability. The Oasis Plan, as proposed by Lyndon LaRouche in 1975, provides the only way out of this ghastly situation.

Zepp-LaRouches strategic overview was followed by reports from military and intelligence experts who expanded on the nature of the war danger.

Col. (ret.) Richard Black, former chief of the U.S. Armys Criminal Law Division at the Pentagon, observed that the Ukraine war was the lead item in President Bidens State of the Union address, underscoring that whenever a president says he wont send U.S. troops, its almost a promise to do the opposite.

German Lt. Col. (ret.) Ulrich Scholz, a former NATO planner and lecturer on air warfare, warned: NATO nations have not trained together for decades, and are not capable of going to war. If the Americans dont do it, nobodys going to do it. Regarding the war propaganda in Europe, he said, All the war talk is a face-saving exercise. They want out. His advice? Look for an area where we have common interests and stop the shooting.

Helga Zepp-LaRouche interrupted the proceedings to report that the U.S. Embassy in Moscow has now advised Americans that they should avoid large Moscow gatherings for 48 hours, as extremists plan to attack such events. Numerous countries that routinely ape U.S. foreign policy gestures have followed suit.

Former U.S. diplomat, CIA officer, and vice-chair of the National Intelligence Council, Graham Fuller told the gathering: The fundamental problem of world stability today lies in the inability of the United States to read the tea leaves, to understand the geopolitical shifts in the world today.

He said that the U.S. is no longer the sole superpower; the U.S. cant face this reality, and this is the danger. One of the problems of democracy is that you have to galvanize the entire population to go to war.... Youve got to demonize the enemy, demonize Putin, make it a struggle between absolute good and absolute evil. Fuller asserted that advocacy of democracy is being used as a weapon, but we dont support democracy when it is inconvenient. We have a United States today which is perhaps the most ideologically driven nation in the world.

Never Again Means All of Humanity

Prof. Richard Sakwa, British Professor Emeritus of Russian and European Politics at the University of Kent, warned: We are now in the foothills of the Third World War. He said that we should distinguish between two levels: the world as it was structured in response to the horrors of World War II, with the UN and international law in the spirit of Never Again; and the paradigm which replaced this after 1989, or what he termed the Second Cold War.

In the first Cold War, diplomacy continued. But when Obama expelled the Russian diplomats in response to unproven allegations, diplomacy was being destroyed. A political West emerged based on Cold War thinking. Sakwa said that there is an emerging consensus against this in the Political East. They promote an idea of commonwealth, in opposition to the imperialism of the West. The Global South and Political East can hold us back from moving from the foothills to the peaks of a Third World War.

Mexican Congressman Benjamin Robles Montoyas statement March 6 on the floor of Mexicos Chamber of Deputies, was shown to all assembled. The Congressman emphasized, We have reached the precipice of nuclear war. Achieving peace through development, that is the path.

Prof. Steve Starr, the former director of the University of Missouris Clinical Laboratory Science Program and published author in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists warned that the war danger is heightened by the fact that Joe Biden is up for re-election, and cant be seen to be losing the war in Ukraine. He said that the danger of nuclear war is greatly exacerbated by false narratives, such as the one where we can use tactical nukes to make Russia back down. The electromagnetic pulse generated from a single nuclear weapon, detonated above the U.S., could take out our entire electrical power grid, all solid-state circuitry and computers. An 800-kiloton nuclear weapon detonated directly over a target such as Manhattan would ignite a firestorm over an area of 100150 square miles. Each side has thousands of nukes, and the resulting smoke and soot created from their nuclear detonations would form a global stratospheric layer reducing the sunlight reaching the Earths surface and halting agriculture for 10 years, in what is called nuclear famine.

George Koo, retired specialist in U.S.-China trade, concurred with Col. Black: the U.S. has a tendency to say one thing and do the opposite. He said that the U.S. is sending a signal to the Philippines and Taiwan, encouraging them to start proxy wars with China. The P.R.C. government fully recognizes who is behind this. They will take out U.S. naval forces in their neighborhood in response.

Humanity for Peace coordinator Anastasia Battle presented a report on the March 2 meeting in Detroit, Emergency Conference for Peace in Gaza: The Children of God Cry Out for Justice, at New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, the historic church of C.L. Franklin, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered a speech in 1966. Nine videos of the speakers are now available on YouTube.

Ray McGovern, co-founder of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity, reminded the participants that President John F. Kennedy, in his speech at American University, warned that we should never give an adversary a choice between humiliating defeat and nuclear war. Now this very choice is being presented to Russian President Vladimir Putin at re-election time. He presented his assessment of Putin: I would say hes a statesman, and hes a pretty cool customer. McGovern went on to wryly quote former President George W. Bush: Dont misunderestimate the Russians.

McGovern presented some provocative speculation about the recent resignation of State Department harpy Victoria Nuland. He pointed out that we havent seen the entire leak from the German officers (see articles elsewhere in this issue). If Russia intercepted it, so did the U.S. National Security Agency. Maybe Nuland was working behind everyones back with German Defense Minister Pistorius to transfer Taurus missiles to Ukraine. McGovern emphasized that this is speculation, but as likely an explanation as any.

This was followed by a discussion session in which many new participants introduced themselves. In conclusion, Helga Zepp-LaRouche recommended that the Americans ally with the Global South. The signs of hope are small, but sometimes when you are in a crisis, even small signs of hope can cause a shift. She reported, as such a sign of hope, the growing number of leaders who have endorsed Lyndon LaRouches Oasis Plan for peace in Southwest Asia.
This article appears in the March 15, 2024 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.

[Print version of this article]

Schiller Institute Online Conference

The Oasis Plan

The LaRouche Solution for Peace Through Development

Between Israel and Palestine and for All of Southwest Asia

April 13, 11:00 a.m.  4:30 p.m. (EDT)

On February 18, 2024, The LaRouche Organization released a 14-minute video titled, The Oasis Plan: LaRouches Solution for the Middle East.

The whole world is witness to the horrors being inflicted upon the Palestinian people, shared with us every day in video form, opens the video. But the destruction continues, actively supported by the United States and a diminishing number of other countries. Humanitys moral fitness to survive is being tested. The horror show must end, starting with an immediate, unconditional ceasefire. This must be accompanied by a massive flow of humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and work toward a political solution to the crisis, including the existence and full international recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state.

But without economic development, the video states, without a viable and meaningful path of progress into the future, political agreements in themselves are unsustainable. The people of the region must know that their children will enjoy a better future, a better life. Peace through economic development is the only successful basis for a lasting, just peace in the region. This is what Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin came to realizethere is no purely military basis for peace or security; development is essential.

How can the Israelis and Palestinians ever make peace after what has happened? Helga Zepp-LaRouche, the founder and international leader of the Schiller Institute, emphasizes that we cannot solve this conflict, or any conflict, by remaining on the level of the conflict. Using a concept from Nicholas of Cusa (14011464) called the coincidence of opposites, she urges us to rise above the level of despair, hatred and vengeance, to find a common interest in increasing the welfare of all the people through economic development of the region as a whole.

We urgently need an inspiring vision of a future in which the Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side. Peace through development is the name of the concept Lyndon LaRouche (19222019) and his co-thinkers have proposed since 1975, and not only here, in the form of the Oasis Plan, but for the whole world in the form of the World Land-Bridge.

The Oasis Plan focused primarily on addressing the greatest barrier to development in the regionthe shortage of fresh waterthrough the construction of a network of desalination plants, ideally nuclear powered, that could turn the plentiful seawater into freshwater. And these plants would not only be on the Mediterranean coast; they would be built along two new canals: one connecting the Red Sea with the Dead Sea, and another connecting the Dead Sea to the Mediterranean.

By cooperating to fight the desert, rather than each other, the people of the region will better be able to recognize the humanity in each other, the common capability of human beings to discover principles of nature and to transform our relationship to the environment around us.

There are no human animals.

The Oasis Plan is not only for Israel and Palestine, and the neighboring countries, but the whole Southwest Asia region, including war-torn Afghanistan, Syria, and Yemen. And it will only come about by rejecting geopolitics, and by starting to build a new paradigm of international relationsa new security and development architecture.

Many speak about the day after. But the only way to get there is to give people hope right now. Now, it is urgent that the future vision of the Oasis Plan be known, developed, and supported, in order to chart a course out of death and destruction, toward mutually beneficial cooperation among sovereign nations.

As Helga Zepp-LaRouche said in a webcast on March 6, 2024, You have to have hope! You have to give young people some perspective of having a decent future, where they can raise families, where they can have a normal life of studying, of doing useful things with their lives. Because if you dont put this on the agenda, what will happen is that even if you get some kind of a partial solution or a ceasefire, but you dont have a perspective of hope, you will have new waves of conflict, of terrorism, of all kinds of even war. So, are we the intelligent species, or not? And that is the real question....

But I think if we all mobilize, she continued, if we would get some countries, some heads of state, some former heads of state, some Nobel Prize winners, or any combination of really top religious leaders, to come out and say: the only way is peace through development, the new name for peace is development, and here is the Oasis Plan which can do it, that would inspire everybody. It would inspire the people in the region, it would inspire the neighboring countries, it would reallyand I have thought about it a lot and the proposal made by my late husband Lyndon LaRouche, already in 1975, its still the only way to get peace in the Middle East!

The memory of those who have perished, and to give hope to the living, demands that we summon the courage to make peace through development.

Register here for the conference.
On 13 March the public security ministry in Mexicos Guerrero state (SSP) announced that two state police officers suspected of involvement in the murder of a student from the Ayotzinapa rural teacher training college had been arrested.

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On 13 March Perus congress voted to summon the energy and mines minister,, for questioning to avoid facing a motion of censure.

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"A good book is easy to find." That is the message on a sign at Hernando Guanlao's home in the Makati area of Manila, the capital of the Philippines.

Guanlao has turned his home into a free public library. Visitors can borrow the books inside for free.

Guanlao says he hopes his library will inspire people to read, especially the young. The 72-year-old told reporters that his library includes books that all students can enjoy  from young children in Kindergarten to older students in grade 12.

Guanlao says his library has books for readers of all interests. He spoke to reporters at his home, which is filled with thousands of available books.

He calls his library Reading Club 2000. It contains many different kinds of books, or genres.

Genre is a group of artistic, musical, or literary works that share a particular style, form, or content. Some genres in literature are poetry, non-fiction (or real stories), and fiction (or imaginary stories). Then there are sub-genres such as cookbooks, science fiction, and mystery, to name just a few.

Guanlao added, "There are also spiritual books for those who are looking for religious knowledge, hardbound and softbound books, autobiographies, and many different genres that one can enjoy, all for free.

He started his library more than 20 years ago when he set 50 books on the walkway in front of his home. Guanlao's collection has grown greatly over the years -- thanks to a continuous supply of books from donors.

Speaking of donors, he said, "They just leave boxes of books outside my house. He has also started donating books himself. He sends reading materials to public schools in far-away communities.

Guanlaos efforts come at a time when reading ability among students in the Philippines remains low. The Program for International Student Assessment reports that reading scores in the Philippines are among the lowest in the world. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development runs that program.

Students in the Philippines are also facing learning delays in math and science.

Guanlao is firm about his goals: "My mission is to give away used and donated books to others at no cost, he said, and to promote education through literature."

Im Anna Matteo.

Adrian Portugal and Karen Lema reported this story for Reuters News Agency. Anna Matteo adapted it for VOA Learning English.

_______________________________________________

Words in This Story

inspire  v. to stimulate to greater or higher activity : make spirited

literature  n. written works having excellence of form or expression and ideas of lasting and widespread interest

mission  n. a preestablished and often self-imposed objective or purpose

promote  v. to help (something) grow or develop
In her small home in the capital of Greece, Athens, 93-year-old Ioanna Matsouka has knit thousands of brightly colored scarves for children in need from Greece to Bosnia to Ukraine. She has no plans to stop just yet.

"Until I die, I will be knitting," Matsouka told Reuters. Her knitting tools called needles made noises through her expert fingers, her nails painted red. "It brings me joy to share them, she said.

Since she took up knitting in the 1990s, Matsouka has easily made over 3,000 scarves, her daughters estimate.

By the door to her home, bags filled with her latest creations await their new owners. A knitted blanket is thrown over a large chair where she spends her days.

In the beginning, the scarves were gifted to friends. As the number of scarves grew, they were donated to childrens homes across Greece. Then, through people she knew, they reached children in Bosnia and Ukraine. The latest 70 scarves went to a refugee camp near Athens this winter, via the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR.

"The fact that we give them away gives her strength," said her daughter Angeliki.

She recounted simple artwork and mail her mother received over the years: "Thank you, be well, keep going. You gave joy to children; you gave joy to people... That's her only reward: a letter, a few words."

Matsouka knits one scarf a day now. Her eyesight suffers and she sometimes has severe facial pain, a condition known as trigeminal neuralgia.

Angeliki says her mother is an example of strength and hope.

Matsouka wakes up every morning, drinks a glass of milk, puts on her jewelry and gets to work. She takes a break for lunch and a short sleep, then knits into the night.

She may have even found the secret to a long life in it, she says. "It's the happiness I get from giving," she said, sitting beside a big blue bag filled with the knitting materials.

Im Jill Robbins.

Karolina Tagaris reported this story for Reuters. Gregory Stachel adapted it for VOA Learning English.

________________________________________________

Words in This Story

knit  v. to make (a piece of clothing) from yarn or thread by using long needles or a special machine

scarf  n. a long piece of cloth that is worn on your shoulders, around your neck, or over your head

joy  n. a feeling of great happiness

blanket  n. a covering made of cloth that is used especially on a bed to keep you warm

reward  n. money or another kind of payment that is given or received for something that has been done or that is offered for something that might be done
Researchers say they have identified stone tools that might represent the oldest-known evidence of humans in Europe.

The recent research suggests that the human ancestors started settling Europe 1.4 million years ago. That is hundreds of thousands of years earlier than previously thought.

The stone tools were first discovered in the 1970s near the town of Korolevo, close to Ukraine's borders with Hungary and Romania. But the tools age had remained unclear.

The place of the find is important for understanding how humans first spread into Europe. They moved into the area during warm periods, called interglacial periods. Those were times, in between Ice Ages, when huge amounts of ice covered Europe.

The scientists used a method for estimating the age that identifies the effects of cosmic rays on some kinds of minerals. The new method placed the age of the sediment layer containing the stone tools at around 1.4 million years.

The researchers believe that the maker of the tools was likely a human ancestor called Homo erectus. That early human species appeared around 2 million years ago and spread across Africa, Asia and Europe before disappearing perhaps 110,000 years ago.

"No bones were found at Korolevo, only stone tools. But the age suggests that Homo erectus was the only possible human species at the time. We know very little about our earliest ancestors. They used stone tools for butchery and probably used fire," said Roman Garba of the Czech Academy of Sciences. Garba was the lead writer of the research published in Nature.

Homo erectus was the first member of our evolutionary lineage. Homo erectus had body proportions like our species, Homo sapiens, though with a smaller brain.

The tools, made of volcanic rock, were made in a way that is called Oldowan. While simple, they represent the beginning of human technology.

Until now, the oldest-known evidence of humans in Europe was from about 1.2 million years ago from a place called Atapuerca in Spain.

The Korolevo findings suggest how the first humans might have moved into Europe. Homo erectus fossils from 1.8 million years ago are known from a place in the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia called Dmanisi. Garba said the evidence from Korolevo and Dmanisi suggests Homo erectus entered Europe from the east or southeast, moving along the Danube River.

It has been difficult to identify the age of places like Korolevo. The study dated the tools, left by their makers on a riverbed, by estimating when the layer holding the objects was buried under sediment.

Mads Knudsen of Aarhus University in Denmark described how scientists were able to date the prehistoric tools.

He said cosmic rays from outer space are always passing through the Earths atmosphere. When they do, they create particles that are smaller than atoms, such as neutrons and muons. These particles are so small that they pass through all sorts of materials.

These particles react with minerals in rocks to produce radioactive nuclides, a class of atoms. The sediment was dated based on the ratio of two nuclides. This is possible because the two nuclides break down at different rates, through the process of radioactive decay.

Europe was later colonized by other human ancestor species including Homo heidelbergensis and Neanderthals. Scientists say Homo sapiens evolved in Africa about 300,000 years ago. They arrived in large numbers in Europe around 40,000 to 45,000 years ago.

The researchers suspect evidence of human occupation in Europe that is even older than Korolevo will be found.

"The question is not 'if' but 'when' we will find a site of similar or older age somewhere else in Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria or Serbia," Garba said.

Im John Russell.

Will Dunham reported on this story for Reuters. John Russell adapted it for VOA Learning English.

______________________________________________

Words in This Story

cosmic rays  n. particles of atomic or smaller size that pass into the Earths atmosphere from space at extremely high energy levels

sediment  n. material (such as stones and sand) that sinks to the bottom of a body of water forming a layer that solidifies into rock over long periods of time

species n. a group of animals or plants that are similar and can produce young

butchery  n. the job or act of preparing meat for eating

lineage  n. the people who were in someone's family in past times

proportion  n. the relationship between the size, shape, and position of the different parts of something

fossil  n. something (such as a bone or footprint) that is from a plant or animal that lived in ancient times

ratio n. a numerical relationship between two values
NORTH PLATTE  Almost 100 people turned out March 12 at the West Central Research Extension and Education Center to receive information on disaster relief options in the wake of the Feb. 26 Bettys Way and Stapleton wildfires.

Coordinated by Lincoln County Extension Educator Randy Saner and hosted by WCREEC, the meeting brought together representatives from the Farm Service Agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Region II Human Services, a range specialist, Levi Fisher from the Lincoln County Cattlemen, Lincoln County Commissioners and local businesses helping coordinate fencing supplies and hay relief efforts.

The most impactful information came from ranchers Barb and George Cooksley of Anselmo, who shared what lessons were learned after a massive fire at their ranch just last April.

A pulled pork and beef brisket dinner served by Hot Meals USA served as a starting point for neighborly therapy as those impacted by the fire shared their experiences while waiting in line and then eating.

Cell phone photos showed how one couple was cut off by flames trying to get to their cows and calves.

Fearing the worst, they were relieved to learn later that neighbors on the other side of the fire had cut the fence allowing the cattle to run to safety.

Some were not so fortunate, as Saner related one family lost their seed stock bulls. While their cows and calves were safe, it will be two to three years before bulls born this spring will be able to breed and return those genetics to the bloodline.

Bruce Solko, county executive director for North Plattes FSA office, outlined the federal programs available to producers. These include the Emergency Conservation Program, the Livestock Indemnity Program, the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program and the Conservation Reserve Program.

Under ECP Stolko covered special programs providing disaster relief.

EC-3 is for replacing or restoring permanent fences, he said. The fence must have been destroyed or seriously damaged by the disaster event and after installation they must function similar to what was existing before the natural disaster.

Paperwork must go through the local office to receive federal assistance, he said. Cost-share assistance is available for livestock, cross and boundary fences, wildlife exclusion fence used to protect a crop and cattle gates.

Stolko noted the replacement fence must be placed in the exact location of the previous fence due to the National Environmental Policy Act. He added there is a 60-day signup period after signup is announced.

Be aware you cant begin restoration before receiving a FSA approval letter in writing and a NEPA review is completed. Schedule an appointment with the FSA and know the name of the applicant or applicants who will be paying, he said.

The minimum cost of restoration is $1,000 per participant or $250 if certifying socially disadvantaged, limited resource or beginning farmer/rancher. The maximum is $500,000 per participant. Cost shares vary from 75% to 90% depending on category.

Participants have six months to complete the practice and turn in bills to FSA, although if there are extenuating circumstances, Solko said there are extension provisions.

Other areas covered by the executive director were removing debris from farmland, emergency wind control measures and whether a producer is hiring the work done or they are doing it themselves.

Basically whatever you do, document, document, document, said Solko, a point reiterated by all the speakers.

Under the LIP a producer is eligible if the livestock was maintained or produced for commercial use and includes adult and non-adult beef cattle, dairy cattle, poultry, sheep, swine, equine and so forth.

Livestock losses must be a direct result of the wildfire and exceed the normal death loss percentage for that species and age of livestock, he said.

For livestock losses, evidence and documentation must be submitted to FSA within 30 days of the fire. Livestock injured because of the wildfire and then sold at a reduced price within 30 days of the event, which for the Bettys Way and Stapleton Fires is by March 27, must also be documented.

A wide range of third-party documentation is acceptable, Solko said, such as veterinary records, rendering truck receipts or certificates, tax records, private insurance documents, photographs  even though those are tough they are among the best evidence when date stamped.

Solko added this is a good year-round practice as anything that dies going forward this year associated with a disaster event can qualify for LIP.

The ELAP program will help cover grazing losses, explained Solko.

Grazing losses cant be counted until April 1, but can cover purchased or produced feed loss, the additional cost of purchasing feed above normal quantities, and the cost for transporting feed directly to livestock, Solko said.

He emphasized that due to other fire disasters nationwide, a recent addition is coverage for the transportation of feed more than normal distances or the transportation of livestock to feed and the transportation of water to livestock.

Again, paperwork is critical as records will be needed for what feed was lost and receipts for any feed now being purchased.

If you buy hay from a neighbor, they must sign the receipt, Solko said.

Regarding CRP, if a practice failed because of a natural disaster the County Committee evaluates the site and makes a determination. Stolko noted emergency haying and grazing of CRP acres in Custer, Lincoln and Logan Counties has been authorized and may go up to May 1, which is the start of the primary nesting season in Nebraska.

Unfortunately, we dont have products to cover every situation, but hopefully we will have something that can be of assistance, Solko said.

At the NRCS assistance is available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program program for rangeland deferment and spring-planted cover crops with a focus on resource recovery. District conservationist Carol Aikens noted in-office visits are encouraged to assist individual operators. The new signup period began March 13, so timing is everything, she said.

Jerry Volesky, a range and forage specialist at WCREEC, discussed grazing management after a wildfire with the group using information gleaned from research at the Barta Brothers Ranch in 2022 and 2023.

While there is a loss of plant residue and litter and wind scouring during and after a fire, the good news is perennial grasses will recover as they are resilient, said Volesky. However, management after a fire is key. Their research showed delaying pasture turnout by 1-2 months and reducing stocking rates by 20-40% allow for fire recovery and drought potential.

May and June rainfall will be the ultimate in determining what to do this year, Volesky said.

He noted it is not uncommon to see an increase in annual weeds following a fire.

Dont worry about them as this is temporary. They can actually be a good thing as residue and roots will help hold the soil, Volesky said.

The Cooksleys took their turn to tell what it has been like recovering from a major fire that crossed their ranch last April.

The ranch has been in my family for 110 years and in the 45 years since Ive been back home from college we have had roughly 40 fires on the ranch, George Cooksley said. Focus on what you know, your fire will be different from your neighbors.

Barb Cooksley, who has a masters in range management, noted even after keeping cattle off the burn for a year, shes not impressed with what is out there this spring. There is a lot of space between those plants, and we are going to rest the pasture as long as we can.

She and George cautioned those who had been through the recent fire that they will experience a roller-coaster of emotions as first the grass will green up, then any winds may cut it back, only to green up again.

Talk to each other, use your neighbor support system. If someone reaches out to you and asks what they can do to help, let them help! said Barb Cooksley.

She noted as individuals seek assistance, they will learn patience as the paperwork and mapping required will seem endless.

Start local and work your way up. You might have to reach all the way to the federal level and your Congressional representatives. Let them know youve been impacted by this, she said.

Cooksley related how they also sought relief from property taxes by reaching out to the County Assessors in the two counties where rangeland was burned in the fire. We found some relief in one county due to zero or reduced grazing, repeating the evenings mantra to document everything.

George Cooksley encouraged the audience to look at the opportunities provided by the fire and not the setbacks.

This gives you a chance to do something different to make your operation better, he said. Dream big. Ive been there more times than I want to remember. Get out there, you have a job ahead of you and a cow herd you have a responsibility for. I work a lot better with a positive attitude.

Combating depression is always a challenge after a natural disaster or crisis, but Shannon Sell from Region II Human Services in North Platte offered hope while listing a variety of resources fire victims could tap into. Region II covers 17 counties in West Central Nebraska and counseling and consulting services are only a phone call away, said Sell.

Nebraska Extension passed out cards with additional resources such as the Rural Response Hotline, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Nebraska Family Helpline.

Lincoln County Commissioner Chris Bruns noted the Lincoln County Assessors office was willing to help with property tax protests related to the fire.

Use Form 425 for protesting your value if you have lost 20 percent or more of your valuation, particularly buildings. Its not just your fire, its Lincoln Countys fire, he said, noting the form must be filed by July 15.

Saner encouraged those at the meeting needing hay to visit with him immediately or to call the Lincoln County Extension office as he had a long list of people willing to donate hay but needed to connect them directly to avoid having to have a hay depot and load and unload forage multiple times.

Ben Smith, a field operations manager for Farm Rescue, said they were ready to provide transportation for hay and would work with Saner and others to coordinate those deliveries.

Levi Fisher, who is helping coordinate the Lincoln County Cattlemens Fire Relief Fund with Equitable Bank, noted donations to date had far exceeded their initial expectations. Unfortunately, were getting better at this. It was impressive how quickly this meeting came together and how we are all pooling resources, Fisher said
 Flash

People wait to leave the Gaza Strip for Egypt via the Rafah crossing in the southern Gaza Strip, Nov. 1, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Israeli officials said on Wednesday that the country is resolved to attack Rafah, the Gaza Strip's southernmost city sheltering some 1.4 million internally displaced Palestinians by the Israeli strikes elsewhere, and will evacuate most of the residents ahead of the attack.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Spokesman Daniel Hagari stated in a press briefing that the military intends to guide the population of Rafah towards "humanitarian islands" that Israel planned to create with the international community in central Gaza before launching the offensive.

He said that basic needs, including housing, food and water, would be provided in these designated areas.

Hagari did not mention a date for the beginning of Rafah's evacuation or the commencement of the planned offensive.

The international community and various humanitarian organizations have expressed deep concerns about Israel's plan to carry out a ground operation in Rafah, a small city densely populated by displaced people, which also serves as Gaza's primary gateway for crucial aid supplies from Egypt. They have warned that any military operation in Rafah would result in a humanitarian catastrophe.

In the morning, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant visited the Gaza Strip and held an operational situation assessment, said his office in a statement.

During the visit, he "observed the work carried out in preparation for the maritime corridor," which is expected to be used for aid shipments from Cyprus to the war-ravaged enclave.

Regarding the military plans to conduct a ground operation in Rafah, Gallant said: "Even those who think we are delayed will soon see that we will reach every location necessary."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly said the army will expand the offensive into Rafah, where Israel believes some Hamas militants are hiding in underground tunnels.

More than five months of Israel's relentless attacks in Gaza have left much of the Palestinian territory devastated, exacerbating a deepening humanitarian crisis.

According to warnings issued by the United Nations, approximately one in every four of Gaza's 2.3 million population is at risk of starvation.

Since Israel began its retaliatory offensive on Oct. 7, 2023, at least 31,272 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, with more than 75 percent of them being civilians, according to an update from the Hamas-run Health Ministry. Additionally, more than 7,000 people are missing and are believed to be trapped under the rubble of bombarded homes.
The British radio telescope at Jodrell Bank in Cheshire has set a new space record making contact with the American Pioneer V satellite at a distance of 407,000 miles.

The previous record, about 290,000 miles, was set by the Soviet satellite Lunik III, which photographed the back of the Moon last year.

Jodrell first made contact with Pioneer V after it went into orbit around the Sun, between the paths of Earth and Venus.

The American satellite was launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida three days ago on 11 March.

Solar paddles

Shortly after launch, the Jodrell Bank telescope was used for the first time to give commands to a rocket in space.

By pressing a button at Jodrell Bank, the 90lb (43kg) payload was separated from the third stage of the launching rocket.

The telescope then succeeded in switching off the satellites transmitter, which will help conserve its battery power for later in the mission.

It is hoped eventually Jodrell Bank will be able to pick up signals from the satellite up to 50 million miles from Earth.

This will only be made possible by the very large solar-powered batteries on board which run the transmitter. The solar paddles projecting from the satellite will recharge the batteries using the suns radiation, but the current will still need to be conserved if it is to last until July, as planned.

The transmitter will be switched on for no more than 45 minutes a day at first. Later transmitting time will be reduced to five minutes a day.

Within a week, the satellite will be more than a million miles from Earth and its more powerful 150-watt transmitter will have to be switched on by command from Jodrell Bank.

Courtesy BBC News

In context

In April 1960, the command centre in Hawaii began having problems contacting Pioneer V and Jodrell Bank began to play a bigger role in controlling the satellite.

When the telescope was built in 1957, it was the worlds largest fully steerable radio telescope, a title it held for more than 10 years. It is still in the top few radio telescopes in the world.

Originally called the Mark 1, it was upgraded to the Mark 1a in 1970. It was rededicated the Lovell Radio Telescope in 1987 to mark 30 years of operation.

The Lovell Radio telescope now has a new galvanised steel surface built at a cost of 2.5m.

It is 30 times more sensitive than when it was built.
The structure of the main deck of the 4th Macau-Taipa Bridge has been completed, the Public Works Bureau (DSOP) has announced.

According to the statement, the bridges main deck was completed Tuesday evening, effectively linking the two ends of the bridge, with the assembly in place of the last pre-made piece of the structure.

DSOP noted the major milestone achieved Tuesday evening, remarking also that the works were completed according to plan, with the bridge main structure to reach completion before the end of the first quarter (Q1) as expected.

Although the Pac On area in Taipa and the Zone A of the new landfill areas are now technically linked via a road link, there is still a lot of work to be done until the new bridge can start operating, the DSOP noted. The bureau confirmed that construction is on time and should reach full completion in the last quarter of this year.

The 4th Bridge started construction almost four years ago, on March 26, 2020, and according to DSOP, the project has suffered several constraints and delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as impacts from severe weather conditions.

DSOP also noted that there were some additional difficulties related to the complexity of geological conditions and air traffic restrictions.

The bureau advised that the next steps for this project include works related to corrosion prevention, waterproofing and asphalt paving on the deck and installation of safety barriers on the traffic lanes as well as wind protection barriers. Other works still to be completed include the installation of electromechanical equipment and systems.

The bridge is about 3.1 kilometers long, with the section above the sea measuring approximately 2.9 kilometers, and includes two maritime navigation spans measuring 280 meters.

The bridge deck is designed to have eight traffic lanes (four in each direction) with two to be used exclusively as motorcycle lanes (as happens currently at Sai Van Bridge).

The government also said to expect that, when the bridge commences operations, there will be an alleviation of traffic on the current three bridges, as well as an increase in road circulation capacity between Macau, Taipa and Coloane.

The bridge will also serve an important role in the development of Zone A of the new landfill areas, as well as allowing a faster and shorter connection between Taipa, Cotai and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Port.
European Union lawmakers are set to give final approval to the 27-nation blocs artificial intelligence law today [Macau time], putting the world-leading rules on track to take effect later this year.

Lawmakers in the European Parliament are poised to vote in favor of the Artificial Intelligence Act five years after they were first proposed. The AI Act is expected to act as a global signpost for other governments grappling with how to regulate the fast-developing technology.

The AI Act has nudged the future of AI in a human-centric direction, in a direction where humans are in control of the technology and where it  the technology  helps us leverage new discoveries, economic growth, societal progress and unlock human potential, said Dragos Tudorache, a Romanian lawmaker who was a co-leader of the Parliament negotiations on the draft law.

Big tech companies generally have supported the need to regulate AI while lobbying to ensure any rules work in their favor. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman caused a minor stir last year when he suggested the ChatGPT maker could pull out of Europe if it cant comply with the AI Act  before backtracking to say there were no plans to leave.

Heres a look at the worlds first comprehensive set of AI rules:

HOW DOES THE AI ACT WORK?

Like many EU regulations, the AI Act was initially intended to act as consumer safety legislation, taking a risk-based approach to products or services that use artificial intelligence.

The riskier an AI application, the more scrutiny it faces. Low-risk systems, such as content recommendation systems or spam filters, will only face light rules such as revealing that they are powered by AI. The EU expects most AI systems to fall into this category.

High-risk uses of AI, such as in medical devices or critical infrastructure like water or electrical networks, face tougher requirements like using high-quality data and providing clear information to users.

Some AI uses are banned because theyre deemed to pose an unacceptable risk, like social scoring systems that govern how people behave, some types of predictive policing and emotion recognition systems in school and workplaces.

Other banned uses include police scanning faces in public using AI-powered remote biometric identification systems, except for serious crimes like kidnapping or terrorism.

WHAT ABOUT GENERATIVE AI?

The laws early drafts focused on AI systems carrying out narrowly limited tasks, like scanning resumes and job applications. The astonishing rise of general purpose AI models, exemplified by OpenAIs ChatGPT, sent EU policymakers scrambling to keep up.

They added provisions for so-called generative AI models, the technology underpinning AI chatbot systems that can produce unique and seemingly lifelike responses, images and more.

Developers of general purpose AI models  from European startups to OpenAI and Google  will have to provide a detailed summary of the text, pictures, video and other data on the internet that is used to train the systems as well as follow EU copyright law.

AI-generated deepfake pictures, video or audio of existing people, places or events must be labeled as artificially manipulated.

Theres extra scrutiny for the biggest and most powerful AI models that pose systemic risks, which include OpenAIs GPT4  its most advanced system  and Googles Gemini.

The EU says its worried that these powerful AI systems could cause serious accidents or be misused for far-reaching cyberattacks. They also fear generative AI could spread harmful biases across many applications, affecting many people.

Companies that provide these systems will have to assess and mitigate the risks; report any serious incidents, such as malfunctions that cause someones death or serious harm to health or property; put cybersecurity measures in place; and disclose how much energy their models use.

DO EUROPES RULES INFLUENCE THE WORLD?

Brussels first suggested AI regulations in 2019, taking a familiar global role in ratcheting up scrutiny of emerging industries, while other governments scramble to keep up.

In the U.S., President Joe Biden signed a sweeping executive order on AI in October thats expected to be backed up by legislation and global agreements. In the meantime, lawmakers in at least seven U.S. states are working on their own AI legislation.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed his Global AI Governance Initiative, and authorities have issued  interim measures  for managing generative AI, which applies to text, pictures, audio, video and other content generated for people inside China.

Other countries, from Brazil to Japan, as well as global groupings like the United Nations and Group of Seven industrialized nations, are moving to draw up AI guardrails.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The AI Act is expected to officially become law by May or June, after a few final formalities, including a blessing from EU member countries. Provisions will start taking effect in stages, with countries required to ban prohibited AI systems six months after the rules enter the lawbooks.

Rules for general purpose AI systems like chatbots will start applying a year after the law takes effect. By mid-2026, the complete set of regulations, including requirements for high-risk systems, will be in force.

When it comes to enforcement, each EU country will set up their own AI watchdog, where citizens can file a complaint if they think theyve been the victim of a violation of the rules. Meanwhile, Brussels will create an AI Office tasked with enforcing and supervising the law for general purpose AI systems.

Violations of the AI Act could draw fines of up to 35 million euros ($38 million), or 7% of a companys global revenue. KELVIN CHAN, LONDON, MDT/AP

US spearheads first UN resolution on artificial intelligence

The United States is spearheading the first United Nations resolution on artificial intelligence, aimed at ensuring the new technology is safe, secure and trustworthy and that all countries, especially those in the developing world, have equal access.

The draft General Assembly resolution aims to close the digital divide between countries and make sure they are all at the table in discussions on AI  and that they have the technology and capabilities to take advantage of its benefits, including detecting diseases, predicting floods and training the next generation of workers.

The draft recognizes the rapid acceleration of AI development and use and stresses the urgency of achieving global consensus on safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems. It also recognizes that the governance of artificial intelligence systems is an evolving area that needs further discussions on possible governance approaches.

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the United States turned to the General Assembly to have a truly global conversation on how to manage the implications of the fast-advancing technology of AI.

The resolution would represent global support for a baseline set of principles for the development and use of AI and would lay out a path to leverage AI systems for good while managing the risks, he said in a statement to The Associated Press.

If approved, Sullivan said, this resolution will be an historic step forward in fostering safe, secure and trustworthy AI worldwide.

The United States began negotiating with the 193 U.N. member nations about three months ago, spent hundreds of hours in direct talks with individual countries, 42 hours in negotiations and accepted input from 120 nations, a senior U.S. official said. The resolution went through several drafts and achieved consensus support from all member states this week and will be formally considered later this month, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly.

Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding but they are an important barometer of world opinion.

A key goal, according to the draft resolution, is to use AI to help spur progress toward achieving the U.N.s badly lagging development goals for 2030, including ending global hunger and poverty, improving health worldwide, ensuring quality secondary education for all children and achieving gender equality. MDT/AP
The head of the U.N. atomic agency told local Japanese representatives at a meeting in Fukushima on Wednesday that the ongoing discharge of treated radioactive wastewater at the ruined nuclear power plant has met safety standards and that any restrictions on products from the region are not scientific.

International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Grossi joined local officials and representatives from fishing and business groups and reassured them that the discharges are being carried out with no impact to the environment, water, fish and sediment.

Grossi, who arrived in Japan on Tuesday, visited Fukushima for the first time since the release of the treated water began in August.

Grossi examined the discharge and sampling facility on Wednesday, escorted by Tomoaki Kobayakawa, president of the plants operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings. He last visited the plant in July after issuing an IAEA review predicting only negligible impact from the discharges. An IAEA comprehensive report later concluded that the discharges meet international safety standards.

The 2011 disaster damaged the Fukushima plants power supply and reactor cooling functions, triggering meltdowns of three reactors and causing large amounts of radioactive wastewater to accumulate. After more than a decade of cleanup work, the plant began discharging the water after treating it and diluting it with large amounts of seawater on Aug. 24, starting a process thats expected to take decades.

The discharges have been opposed by fishing groups and neighboring countries including China, which banned all imports of Japanese seafood immediately after the release began.

There is no scientific reason to impose any restriction on products coming from us, Grossi said at the meeting in Iwaki, south of the Fukushima Daiichi plant.

This is very important in particular to be said in this forum here in Fukushima, he said. He noted a political dimension to this activity since  some neighboring countries are also manifesting concerns.

Despite earlier fears that the water discharge would further hurt Fukushimas hard-hit fishing industry, it has not damaged its reputation domestically. Chinas ban on Japanese seafood mostly hit scallop exporters in Hokkaido. Tokyo has earmarked a fund of more than 100 billion yen ($680 million) that includes compensation and other support, including measures to help find other export destinations.

The discharges are at the beginning of a long process, Grossi said, stressing the importance of transparency, technical accuracy and wide open, honest dialogue and consultation. He stressed that the IAEA has its own office and lab at the Fukushima plant to independently monitor the process.

Grossi said he met with residents not only to highlight the main points about the discharges but to learn from you. He said he would keep coming back to Fukushima and that he is open to hearing residents concerns and needs.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishidas government has reversed earlier plans for a nuclear phaseout and is accelerating the use of nuclear power in response to rising fuel costs related to Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine and pressure to meet decarbonization goals. MARI YAMAGUCHI, TOMIOKA, MDT/AP
In the midst of the Japanese Contemporary Art Exhibition at the Sands Gallery, Level 6 of The Grand Suites at Four Seasons, two outstanding artists, Hiroya Yoshikawa and Keitoku Toizumi, have taken center stage, providing a captivating blend of tradition and imagination.

Hiroya Yoshikawa, born in Kyoto in 1967, proudly carries on the legacy of his family business, Yoshikawa Sensho. With a focus on the art of yuzen dyeing, a technique cherished for 380 years within the realm of kimono design, Yoshikawas craftsmanship is marked by meticulous attention to detail and a profound dedication to preserving this time-honored tradition.

Growing up within the walls of Yoshikawa Sensho, he was immersed in the captivating world of kimono-making, where the delicate beauty of silk and the intricate techniques of yuzen dyeing became a part of himself.

Yuzen dyeing, a technique that has thrived for 380 years, holds a special place in his heart. The silk, introduced alongside techniques from China, has become the canvas for the creation of kimono, known as gohuku.

My goal, and one of the defining characteristics of my gohuku work, is to provide a unique sense of transparency and depth, achievable only through the application of traditional techniques on high-quality silk, Yoshikawa said, in a reply to the Times.

While the world of art often focuses on conceptual ideas and messages, Yoshikawa acknowledges the importance of capturing the essence of beauty, stating, I think it is necessary to have beauty that can captivate peoples hearts and minds, so I do not create my work with an awareness of trends.

Beyond aesthetic appeal, Yoshikawas work is a tribute to the profound history and culture that is intertwined with the fabric of Kyoto. He challenges himself to express the beauty and glamor of women not as kimonos, but as works of art, using traditional techniques. With the technique of yuzen dyeing, Yoshikawa aspires to deliver lustrous messages that are concerned with inviting womens deepest pleasures and intelligence into a beautiful world.

The other artist in the exhibition, Keitoku Toizumi, born in Osaka in 1979, is renowned for his Pink Army series, a collection that masterfully depicts the delicate balance between reality and fiction. In this exhibition, his primary focus is on the artwork titled Tender Heart.

According to Toizumi, he aims to explore different forms of expression in addition to the tableaux I make, and this work is one of them.

I wanted to create a different work, as I have an impression that many of the edition works we see nowadays are reproductions of the original. The original tableau [was] completed as a two-in-one set, but this work, in which the two images are fused together using lenticular printing, is the final form as I envision it, the artist added.

The Tender Heart artwork consists of two images fused together using lenticular printing, resulting in a final form that embodies the artists vision. By incorporating additional expressive elements into edition works, which are not achievable in traditional tableaux, the artist enhances the originality and uniqueness of these pieces.

Asked by the Times for his take on the citys art scene, Toizumi said, In the Cotai area, the whole city looks like a huge artwork, and I felt that the passion was incredible. Although the number of works I exhibited this time was not that many, I felt a desire to create work that would not lose this passion.

As visitors wander through the Sands Gallery, they are invited to embark on a dual artistic experience. Yoshikawas meticulous yuzen dyeing transports them to a world of tradition and grace, while Toizumis imaginative Tender Heart series blurs the lines between reality and fiction, inspiring introspection and wonder. Staff Reporter
One country, two systems and national integration remain the core spirit of the Two Sessions, the collective term for the second plenaries of the 14th term of the National Peoples Congress (NPC) and the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), according to a briefing yesterday afternoon following the recent close of the sessions in Beijing.

Yesterday, Beijings Liaison Office in Macau organized a briefing on the spirit of the Two Sessions, catering to over 260 people from the local government as well as local and national associations, companies and governmental advisors.

Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng reminded those present to accurately implement One country, two systems and construct walls for national security. He said that the relations between One country, two systems must be accurately understood to safeguard the full governance authority of the Central Peoples Government, implement the principle of Macau governed by patriots and unyieldingly safeguard national sovereignty, security and developmental interests.

He also reiterated that Macau must grasp its opportunities to diversify its economy through means such as cultivating new industries. The development in Hengqin should also be utilized. Macau should also act as a platform between overseas countries and China to help foster deeper development of the country. Public administration reform and livelihood are also points worth noting, Ho added.

In addition to these items, director Zheng Xincong of the liaison office also added that Macau should perform excellently to embrace the silver jubilee of the Special Administrative Region (SAR). Highlighting the Chinese Government Work Reports mention of the two SARs, he underlined that Beijing exercises special care for the SARs. He also reminded NPC and CPPCC delegates to build a strong sense of honor, responsibility and mission.

CPPCC vice chairman Edmund Ho pointed out that the spiritual core of the entire Two Sessions is inseparable from the comprehensive promotion of Chinese-style modernization and the comprehensive deepening of reform and opening up.

He added that Macau residents must not stay aloof or stuck in a mindset from decades ago, and become determined and courageous to comprehensively improve and optimize the business environment. He also instructed the government to improve its administrative efficiency.

Conceding that reform will involve difficulties, he warned that reluctance to change will only bring a lack of development and avoidance of reality.
His writing won Chinas first Nobel Prize for Literature, but is it patriotic enough? Thats the question at the center of a high-profile lawsuit now driving a debate about nationalism in China.

Patriotic campaigns have become more common in recent years in China, as online nationalists attack journalists, writers or other public figures they say have offended the countrys dignity, but it is unusual for a figure as prominent as Mo Yan to be targeted.

Patriotic blogger Wu Wanzheng, who goes by Truth-Telling Mao Xinghuo online, sued under a law that carries civil penalties and, in some cases, criminal punishments for perceived offenses against Chinas heroes and martyrs.

Wu claimed Mos books have smeared the Chinese Communist Partys reputation, beautified enemy Japanese soldiers and insulted former revolutionary leader Mao Zedong.

The lawsuit filed last month demands that the author apologize to all Chinese people, the countrys martyrs and Mao, and pay damages of 1.5 billion yuan ($209 million)  1 yuan for each Chinese person. He also requested that Mos books be removed from circulation.

Wu based his grievances on the 2018 law that made insulting heroes and martyrs a crime punishable by up to three years in prison. The law is part of President Xis campaign to fight historical nihilism, a phrase the party uses for any interpretation of historical events that runs counter to its official narrative.

Mo, whose real name is Guan Moye, won the Nobel in 2012. He is known for portraying rural life in China and delving into some of the downsides of the countrys rapid economic development.

Literature and art should expose the darkness and injustice of society, he said in 2005 while accepting an honorary doctorate from a Hong Kong university. But the 69-year-old has had few conflicts with Beijing.

In 2011, he became vice chairman of the state-backed Chinese Writers Association. After he received his Nobel, a top party official praised him as an outstanding representative of Chinas rising economic might and international influence.

It seems unlikely that Wu will win the lawsuit. The Chinese government has not formally commented on the saga, but state-run tabloid Global Times on Tuesday published a story quoting a recent speech by Mo, indirectly signaling support for the author.

The blogger said on Chinese social media platform Weibo that a Beijing court rejected his first lawsuit because Wu failed to provide Mos home address. His current lawsuit is based on part of the 2018 law that would hold someone civilly liable if they insult or slander heroes and martyrs to the detriment of the public interest. The Associated Press could not independently verify his claims because the court has not made the documents public.

Sharp-tongued media commentator and former editor of Global Times Hu Xijin also criticized Wu, calling his attempt to sue Mo a farce and a populist act. On Weibo, Hu decried support for the action as a very alarming trend in online public opinion.

In return, Wu threatened to sue Hu too.

Online, discussion was divided: Some called it a reflection of growing nationalism in China and others condemned the accusers. The controversy has trended on Weibo, where the hashtag #MoYanbeingsued had been viewed around 2 million times. At least one other related hashtag has been censored.

Murong Xuecun, a well-known Chinese writer who lives in exile in Australia, said he sees no evidence the government is backing the targeting of Mo.

However, this trend has incited people to report, to inform on and to expose each other, targeting those who diverge from mainstream ideologies or promote universal values, he said.

The 2018 law and other similar laws have resulted in scores of arrests, including an investigative reporter who challenged Chinas official casualty numbers in a border skirmish with India in 2021 and a former editor of a financial magazine who questioned official justifications for Chinas involvement in the Korean War. SIMINA MISTREANU, TAIPEI, MDT/AP
At the heart of contemporary fashion is an intersection between culture, trends, versatility, and personal expression. Among the forerunners who embody this spirit of diversity and inclusivity, Miss Abaya sparkles brightly, showing that each piece of clothing  particularly, every Abaya  is more than just an outfit, it's an evolving statement of identity.

Balancing Professionalism and Style: Innovating Modest Work Wear

The fashion industry has long grappled with balancing professionalism with personal style and comfort. This balance is more pronounced in the sphere of modest wear. Miss Abaya has pioneered a fresh perspective on this, proving that modesty and style are far from incompatible  especially with their work-appropriate designs.

Dressing for success, modestly

Miss Abaya's collection emphasizes smart, modest, comfortable work-appropriate attire. The Abayas maintain the innate modesty and elegance of the Islamic dress code while incorporating features aligning with professional wear.

A perfect example of this fusion is the Open Abaya collection, a versatile range that exudes modest elegance while lending itself perfectly to a professional ensemble. With minimalistic styles, high-quality material, and a polished finish, these Abayas elevate the modest work wear ethos.

Integrating Modesty, Style, and Professionalism

The Miss Abaya philosophy embodies the idea that professionalism doesn't have to discard personal style or compromise modesty. Their designs amalgamate these elements symbiotically, each reinforcing the other.

A glance at the sophistication of their Black Abaya collection showcases this philosophy in action. The sleek black silhouette, crafted with attention to detail, represents humble modesty, individual style, and professional appropriateness.

A Tapestry of Traditions: Miss Abayas Eid Collection Story

Eid, the pinnacle of Islamic celebrations, calls for an outpouring of traditions and cultural diversities. Miss Abaya's Eid collection echoes this vibrant celebration, intertwining threads of various cultural and festive traditions, crafting a tapestry of beauty, and story with every Abaya.

Weaving Cultural Nuances in Eid Collection

The Eid collection by Miss Abaya reflects an understanding of the significance of cultural nuances and festive traditions that form a part of the Eid celebrations worldwide. From the ebullient colors to the intricate designs and patterns  each piece encapsulates the joy and beauty of Eid.

Recognizing the distinctiveness of each cultures festivities, Miss Abaya's Eid collection incorporates various elements into its designs. Whether it's Arabian florals, Turkish geometrics, or Moroccan detailing  every piece tells a tale of different traditions, unified by the spirit of Eid.

Celebrating Festivity with Style

Miss Abaya's Eid collection goes beyond just the aesthetic appeal; its about the experiences. While each Abaya reflects the cultural melange, it's also an expression of personal style and festivity. From breezy open Abayas ideal for warm summer Eids, to cozy and elegant black Abayas for cooler climates, each design ensures you embrace the joyful festivities with style and grace.

Conclusion

In an era where fashion is a form of expression, Miss Abaya stands apart in the modest fashion industry, offering an amalgamation of elements ranging from work-wear to festive clothing. Miss Abaya brings to life the unspoken stories in every fold and stitch of its fashion-forward and unique collections, catering to the modern, modest, and style-conscious woman.

From redefining work-appropriate dressing to vibrantly illustrating traditional stories through its Eid collection, Miss Abaya is not only about crafting beautiful Abayas; it's about weaving narratives of culture, empowerment, grace, and style. It exemplifies the dynamic essence of modest wear and provides a platform where women can express their identities without compromising on their values or sense of style.

This provided content was produced by Lee Enterprises. The news and editorial departments had no role in its creation or display.
LA CROSSE  A New Hampshire provost with a background in African American history will replace University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow, who was fired in December after producing and appearing in pornographic videos.

The UW Board of Regents announced Wednesday that James Beeby will assume the post July 1. Hell be the first new UW-La Crosse chancellor in 17 years. Gow was chancellor from 2007 to 2023.

Beeby has been the provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at Keene State College in New Hampshire since August 2021.

In a community forum on campus, Beeby discussed his efforts in strategic planning to improve relations with the community. He said he worked to establish workforce connections in education and health care in New Hampshire, areas in which he believed the university needed better ties.

He also served as dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Southern Indiana from 2016 to 2021. Before that he was a professor and chair at Middle Tennessee State Universitys Department of History. He has published articles and book chapters about African American history, the history of the American South and race relations.

He earned a doctorate in American culture studies from Bowling Green State University, Ohio, in 1991. Beeby began college at the University of Wales and is from a small village in England.

As chancellor, Beebys annual salary will be $281,112. Gows salary in 2023 was $262,719.

UW President Jay Rothman thanked Betsy Morgan for acting as interim chancellor at UW-La Crosse after Gows dismissal. Morgan was a finalist for the permanent position.

Betsy Morgan deserves our thanks for stepping up at a difficult moment, Rothman said. The campus community is indebted to her for her leadership. She is a wonderful presence within the university and the broader La Crosse community.

Christopher Olsen, provost at Indiana State University, was the other finalist.

The Regents fired Gow in December after they learned he was producing and appearing in pornographic videos along with his wife.

Rothman wrote in Gows termination letter that Gow failed to obtain consent before engaging in another occupation as required under his contract, failed to demonstrate appropriate judgment and his decision-making could disrupt harmony on campus.

Gow maintained the firing was an overreaction that violated his First Amendment rights.

Gow was slated to retire as chancellor at the end of June and move into a $91,915 teaching role in UW-La Crosses communications department beginning in the fall of 2024. But Rothman has ordered a review of Gows tenure. The results could void that employment agreement.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Migratory birds arrive at nature reserve in N China's Hebei

People's Daily Online) 09:55, March 14, 2024

Migrant birds rest at the wetland and bird provincial nature reserve in Haixing county, north China's Hebei Province. (Photo/Liu Guobin)

The wetland and bird provincial nature reserve in Haixing county, north China's Hebei Province has welcomed the arrival of over 10,000 migratory birds since the start of spring, including oriental storks and white-naped cranes, both of which come under the strictest level-one protection.

Located in the southeastern part of Hebei, the nature reserve, which covers an area of 260 square kilometers, is an important stopover along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. It is also a vital breeding site for some waterfowls and an important wintering habitat for cranes, geese and ducks.

Haixing county has provided a more suitable habitat for birds through various measures in recent years, attracting 263 bird species.

Migrant birds fly over the wetland and bird provincial nature reserve in Haixing county, north China's Hebei Province. (Photo/Liu Guobin)

Migrant birds fly over the wetland and bird provincial nature reserve in Haixing county, north China's Hebei Province. (Photo/Liu Guobin)

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Responses to the Wisconsin State Journals candidate questionnaire. The election is April 2.

Sean Burke

Age: 48

Hometown: Madison

Family: Single

Job: Self-employed

Prior elected office: None

Other public service: Volunteer work for Madison LGBTQ+ Pride, Ten Percent Society at UW-Madison, Outreach, various community event committees, AIDS Network (now Vivent Health) and community homeless shelters, food panties and organizations. Activism for LGBTQ+, civil rights activist over the past 20+ years. Poll worker.

Education: Madison Area Technical College, two years

Tommy Rylander

Age: 41

Hometown: Madison

Family: Wife (Brenda) and two kids (Juniper, 10 and Basil, 8)

Job: Licensing specialist, Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Prior elected office: None

Other public service: Legislative aide, state Sen. John Lehman, 2007-11; Wisconsin Department of Health Services, 2011-present

Education: Bachelors degree in political science and journalism, UW-Whitewater

Q&A

What unique expertise or experience would you bring to this office?

Burke: The Dane County Board needs new and diversified perspectives. When elected I will be the only member of the board who is homeless. My real-life experiences will be beneficial in finding solutions to the shortage of affordable housing in Dane County. My professional experience and activism will be focused on finding real solutions and not about political brinksmanship.

Rylander: Years of political activism, campaigning and organizing. Four years of legislative work and constituent relations. Seventeen years of public service.

What issue do you think has not received enough funding and attention in the county?

Burke: Accessing capital to start a new business, especially for communities of color, has been a topic that has not received much attention. As District 12s supervisor, I will vigorously champion the creation of a $1.5 million grant program to allow communities of color access the capital they need to succeed. Their success is a win for the entire community.

Rylander: Dane County has a lower poverty rate than Milwaukee County, but a higher homelessness rate, due to a lack of affordable housing for those that need it most. The County Board should invest in and shepherd low-cost housing options, and make sure they are integrated with the community through mixed-use development and effective transportation options.

What can or should the county do to reduce racial disparities in the criminal justice system?

Burke: The creation of new economic growth opportunities, within communities of color, while making housing more affordable, are vital first steps. Increased access to mental health and substance abuse programs are key to addressing racial disparities and disproportional incarceration rates. Ongoing funding of the Community Restorative Court is a crucial step in in criminal justice system reform.
Responses to the Wisconsin State Journals candidate questionnaire. The election is April 2.

Steven Peters

Age: 40

Hometown: Madison

Family: Fiancee Lindsey

Job: Legislative aide, Wisconsin Senate

Prior elected office: Dane County Board, District 15, 2018-2022

Other public service: Board member, Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center Board, 2018-present

Education: Bachelors degrees in history and political science, UW-Madison

John Wollaeger

Age: 56

Hometown: Madison

Family: Wife and three sons

Job: Orthopedic surgeon, VA Hospital Madison

Prior elected office: None

Other public service: None

Education: Bachelors degree in biochemistry from Yale; M.D. from UCLA

Q&A

What unique expertise or experience would you bring to this office?

Peters: I have spent over a decade working in the Wisconsin state Legislature for various elected state officials crafting public policy and working with communities around the state. This gave me the core of the public policy development experience that I bring to this role and, along with my past experience on the County Board, enhances my ability to contribute to debate and ably represent District 9.

Wollaeger: Health and Human Services make up 39% of the operating budget. As a physician I feel that I can contribute to trying to make sure that these funds are used efficiently.

What issue do you think has not received enough funding and attention in the county?

Peters: Mental health and substance abuse resources offered by County Human Services are vitally in need of attention in the 9th and the county as a whole. We should grow relationships with partners who meet people where they are at to deliver these services. We must work with our service partners to go beyond the urban core of the county and break the stigma around rural and suburban mental health care.

Wollaeger: Our debt. According to the Dane County website, The operating budget totals $789,298,454. The budget includes a levy increase of 13.6% driven primarily by increased debt service costs. Property taxes on the average Madison home will increase by $147.22. We need fiscal responsibility to prevent costs and taxes to continue to rise at unsustainable rates.

What can or should the county do to reduce racial disparities in the criminal justice system?

Peters: The board has committed to addressing racial disparities and has set the groundwork for first steps. The implementation of approved reforms, like the use of community courts as an alternative to jail will be aided by hiring a director of the Office of Justice Reform. Ideally, they will have lived experiences working in, listening to, and believing the communities of color who are most affected.
Gus Diggs wanted to tell his customers why he was moving his business.

He didnt intend to cause upheaval, nor did he want to be dragged into the quagmire of online commentary or cancel culture or find himself evicted from the building where he operated his business, Keymaster Comics and Collectibles.

And he really didnt mean for vandals to target the building.

Yet thats exactly whats happened after his Instagram and Facebook posts.

In the post, Diggs asked the building owner to move Nazi memorabilia set up as part of a World War II display near his booth in the N.C. Art and Antique Mall in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Its not the vibe Im trying to send, he said. An SS (Nazi) uniform in front of my booth is just not me.

But when a satisfactory arrangement  a compromise in other words  couldnt be reached, Diggs decided he had to move, so he took to social media to explain.

And all hell broke loose.

Social media megaphone

The Antique and Arts Museum, if youve never been, is basically half furniture store and half antiques, collectibles and knick-knacks.

On one side, small business types, entrepreneurs and collectors can rent small spaces to showcase their wares. Shoppers can stroll aisles set up on the other side to look for deals on bookcases, tables, credenzas and the like.

Recently, though, a World War II display set up near the front that included German regalia rubbed Diggs wrong. So he asked management if it could be moved.

Ive got customers with green hair, LGBT people, kids, minorities, he said. I told (management) that it was a very sensitive subject with some of my customers.

Deirdre Thompson, the owner of the mall, offered to cover parts of it, Diggs said, but that didnt go far enough. My customers had to walk right by it, he said.

Frustrated, he decided to move and said he told managers that he was going to use social media to explain himself.

So he did.

To be transparent, they did offer to cover the swastikas with construction paper, he posted earlier this month. But hiding hate behind a thin veneer and proudly displaying your SS uniform in front of our GIs is the type of bigotry and hate that has to be called out.

And with a few clicks of a keyboard, Diggs set off an unintended series of events.

Swift reaction

Few things put out into cyberspace go unnoticed. And the reaction was as swift as it was predictable.

Its sad that people are so easily offended these days, one commenter added to the online discourse. I dont agree with any NAZI beliefs but you cant erase history because it offends you. The Swastika originally was a symbol of peace, good luck and prosperity. Learn from history and stop trying to erase it.

While that may be true that the swastika may have once meant good fortune, its sure as hell doesnt anymore.

I find it offensive that (some dont understand) why its offensive, a receptionist at Temple Emanuel synagogue said in taking a message for the rabbi. I suppose there are people who still need to be educated.

Calling that out, though, resulted in Diggs being called an agent of cancel culture and worse.

What was that one word they used?  Virtue signaling, he said. (It means) trying to make yourself look better than others. I was just trying to let people know why I was leaving.

The weekend of March 2-3, emotions peaked and the outside of the mall was vandalized. Diggs assumes it was in response to his post. He condemned the vandals, and said he apologized after it happened.

Thompson, the malls owner, didnt want to say much about the exchange. She lamented the vandalism and acknowledged that she asked Diggs to move.

Im just trying to run a positive, happy business, she said. (The display) was part of another booth, a military dealer. He had Army and Navy stuff. Some Russian stuff and some German stuff that had a swastika on it.

To be fair, Thompson also set up a booth that pays homage to Sam the Dot Man McMillan, a local African-American folk artist who gained a national reputation for his signature splash of polka dots in his work.

Still, a disagreement over Nazi symbols caused Diggs to move his collectibles and set up shop across Peters Creek Parkway in the Lost in Time Antiques store.

The vitriolic responses to his post saddened but didnt surprise him.

It is what it is, he said. It didnt have to get to this point.
The executive director of the regional organization that represents utility regulators in more than a dozen Midwestern states has been appointed to Wisconsins three-member utility regulation commission, Gov. Tony Evers announced Thursday.

Marcus Hawkins appointment is effective April 8. He takes over the term previously held by former commissioner Tyler Huebner, who was fired in January by the Republican-controlled state Senate. Hawkins term is set to end March 1, 2027.

Im so excited to be joining the Commission during such a critical time of rapid change in the utility industry, Hawkins said in a statement. Throughout my career, Ive had the opportunity to work alongside many dedicated and inspiring utility commissioners from Wisconsin and around the country. Im very humbled to be stepping into this role myself and hope to follow the excellent examples that have been set before me.

Hawkins has spent the last five years as executive director of the Organization of MISO States, OMS, which represents regulators in the 15 states and the Canadian province of Manitoba within MISO, an independent nonprofit organization established in 2001 to operate electricity markets and oversee regional planning.

Before joining OMS in 2016, Hawkins spent time as a senior engineer at the PSC, program manager and engineer with Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corp. and as an energy capital markets analyst with PA Consulting Group in Denver, Colorado.

Hawkins experience with utilities and previous work within Wisconsin have well prepared him to take on the role of commissioner, Evers said in a statement.

We have important work ahead of us at the PSC, from expanding access to high-speed internet to building 21st-century clean energy infrastructure across our state, and Im glad to have Marcus expertise back at the PSC and know that he will serve the people of Wisconsin well, Evers continued.

Hawkins received a bachelors degree in nuclear engineering and a masters degree in mechanical engineering from UW-Madison. He also holds certificates in technical communication and energy analysis and policy.

Hawkins appointment to the utility regulation commission comes after Republicans in the state Senate voted to fire Huebner, who joined the agency in 2021.

Hawkins will join commission chairperson Summer Strand, who joined the agency last March, and commissioner Kristy Nieto. Strand was named chair of the agency in January following the resignation of Rebecca Cameron Valcq. Nieto was appointed in January to fill the seat left vacant by Valcqs departure.

The state Senate, which wrapped up the most recent legislative session earlier this week, will have final say on Hawkins appointment. Senate Republicans have fired 21 of Evers appointees since 2019, including picks to the Department of Natural Resources policy board, Wisconsin Elections Commission, UW Hospital Board and the PSC.

Today in history: March 14 1794: Eli Whitney 1879: Albert Einstein 1951: Korean War 1962: Edward M. Kennedy 1964: Jack Ruby 1967: President John F. Kennedy 1990: Mikhail S. Gorbachev 2011: Neil Diamond 2012: British Prime Minister David Cameron 2015: Robert Durst 2017: Mitch Seavey 2017: Robert Neller 2018: Stephen Hawking 2021: Brian Sicknick 2021: Drew Brees
Additional community projects aimed at improving wastewater and stormwater infrastructure will now be eligible for state funding under a bill Gov. Tony Evers signed into law Thursday.

The Democratic governor signed 15 bills in total, including a measure to allow the use of airguns for big game hunting in Wisconsin and another providing more flexibility for anglers looking to transport their catch.

Wisconsins Clean Water Fund Program provides funding to municipalities for wastewater and stormwater infrastructure projects that protect and improve public health and water quality. The fund is supplemented by state tax dollars and federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in 2021.

Senate Bill 99, now Act 106, expands what types of projects can receive funding to now include connecting laterals and sewer lines. Such lines, which transport wastewater from structures to municipal or private wastewater systems, were previously ineligible for funds through the program.

Evers said in a statement the expansion will help ensure communities across the state have the resources they need to bolster their infrastructure and replace and modernize aging systems.

The governor, along with the state Department of Natural Resources, announced late last year the allocation of more than $400 million in funding to 84 municipalities through the Clean Water Fund Program.

Other bills signed

Senate Bill 586, now Act 115, allows the use of airguns in any hunting season now open to firearms. Under the law, an airgun is defined as a weapon originally manufactured to expel one or more metal projectiles by the expansion of compressed air.

Airguns were previously allowed for hunting small game, like rabbits and gray squirrels. The law allows them to be used on larger game like deer and black bear. More than 20 states allow for airgun hunting of big game.

Senate Bill 411, now Act 112, allows anglers to transport a dressed or filleted game fish as long as they provide a physical or digital photo that proves the time and date of the photograph, and evidence of the fishs length before the head and tail were removed.

The transportation of a fish with the head or tail removed was previously restricted if the fish was subject to a minimum size limit and taken by hook and line from inland or outlying waters. A dressed or filleted fish could only be transported if it continued to meet the minimum size limit with the head or tail removed.

Proof that the fish had originally met the minimum size limit could include a photo of it next to a ruler.

Today in history: March 14 1794: Eli Whitney 1879: Albert Einstein 1951: Korean War 1962: Edward M. Kennedy 1964: Jack Ruby 1967: President John F. Kennedy 1990: Mikhail S. Gorbachev 2011: Neil Diamond 2012: British Prime Minister David Cameron 2015: Robert Durst 2017: Mitch Seavey 2017: Robert Neller 2018: Stephen Hawking 2021: Brian Sicknick 2021: Drew Brees
TWIN FALLS  For a person in the middle of a mental health crisis, dispatching someone wearing a badge and carrying a gun might not be the best choice.

But for when qualified mental health providers arent available, law enforcement officers receive training to better recognize and handle situations involving someone in such a situation.

Encounters between law enforcement officers and the mentally ill can have negative results. Between 2015 and 2020, a quarter of fatal police shootings in the U.S. involved someone with a mental illness, statistics show.

As officials try to bring that number down, law enforcement is seeking to have a more holistic approach, a more passionate approach when dealing with the situations, said Twin Falls County Sheriffs Sgt. Ken Mencl.

Last week, local police officers, deputies and others gathered at St. Lukes Magic Valley Regional Medical Center to gain insight about interactions with someone suffering from a mental illness, addiction or in a mental health crisis.

The program, with days worth of valuable learning called Crisis Intervention Training, had its beginnings in Twin Falls County dating back to 2009, Mencl said.

More than 2,700 communities nationwide have implemented similar programs. Since about 2015, with the exception of a few pandemic years, about 30 officers have gone through the training in Magic Valley each year.

With the training, theyll be better able to handle the myriad of calls they respond to, with each one having its own dynamics and difficulties.

The more knowledgeable an officer is in identifying appropriate communication and responses for each of those events, particularly when dealing with a person experiencing mental health concerns, is paramount to a successful outcome, sheriffs office spokesperson Lori Stewart said.

And last Friday, law enforcement officers, probation and parole personnel and St. Lukes security personnel celebrated with increased confidence and a feeling they are better prepared to face such challenges as they received their diplomas.

Its not uncommon for law enforcement officers to encounter those in mental health situations  whether it be to someone hanging onto the side of the railing of the Perrine Bridge or someone distressed at their home, Mencl said.

Twin Falls Police Sgt. Dusty Solomon related that police officers in her city are acquainted with an individual with mental illness who occasionally goes off medications and will cause a disturbance in the neighborhood.

That is always going to cause a commotion and neighbors are going to call in, Solomon said.

But when officers respond, they know the woman and her circumstances.

They know how to speak to her and to start that conversation and get her to agree to go to the hospital with them, Solomon said.

Some situations can be scary as law enforcement try to access the situation after a violent act.

On Dec. 26, Brandalyn Michelle Maglaughlin, 42, stabbed a man and shot another in Jerome County, police say. In recalling that incident, Sheriff George Oppedyk said deputies at first didnt know what they were responding to, whether it be a domestic dispute or intruder.

Once Maglaughlins mother was contacted, it was learned that she hadnt been taking her medications.

But that didnt make her any less dangerous, Oppedyk said.

Due to the violent nature of the incident, deputies took her to the county jail, and a court hearing the next day was postponed due to a reported mental health situation. Maglaughlin was committed to State Hospital South in Blackfoot for a time.

Records show the order of commitment was terminated on March 5 and that she is now back in jail awaiting a March 21 preliminary hearing.

Oppedyk said he was glad that the incident ended without harm to his deputies or Maglaughlin.

Whether it be for police officers, firefighters or EMS, there needs to be an understanding that not everything is medical  some things are mental health, said Lisa Bayes, clinical director at the Crisis Center of South Central Idaho in Twin Falls.

Solomon said that officers can understand that a person having mental health issues might not want to be disobedient to a law officers orders.

They might be hearing voices in their head telling them to do something else, she said.

And knowing what resources are available is vital, Bayes said. Sometimes it can mean taking someone to the emergency room, but sometimes not, she said.

The Crisis Center provides emergency substance abuse and mental health services for adults without charges to patients in need and has a good working relationship with law enforcement and probation and parole. Someone can stay at the center for up to 23 hours and 59 minutes but most people get the help they need in less time.

The Crisis Center has been a big help, Oppedyk said, while acknowledging it is not a long-term solution with the 24-hour limit.

Mencl said officers are also trained in substance abuse, which, when manifested, can be similar to mental health situations.

Even when its neither, I tell people that these skills are good for any crisis situation, Solomon said.

Mobile Crisis Teams

As Mencl said, it can be better for mental health providers  rather than law enforcement officers  to show up on someones doorstep when it isnt a violent situation.

Clinics, law enforcement prioritize mental health amid 28% rise in suicide rates Since 2022, suicide rates in the Magic Valley have increased by 28.57%. Clinics and law enforcement across the valley are working together to prevent worsening mental health cases.

And that is happening to a limited degree in the Magic Valley in the form of mobile response teams, said Val Seeley, adult mental health clinician with Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

We get calls from school counselors. We get calls from family members, Seeley said.

They also are in contact with law enforcement officers, sometimes asking the Health and Welfare members to meet them at a certain location, or providing feedback that officers encountered someone the night before that, although they didnt want to go to the hospital, they could use some follow-up.

But what is frustrating for both law enforcement and Health and Welfare, Seeley said, is that the mobile response teams work only from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Oppedyk noted that many situations involving mental illness or mental health crises often happen on weekends or late at night.

But the mobile response teams services are expected to expand.

As Health and Welfare transitions to managed care, a contract was issued to Magellan Healthcare, which will hire and train mobile responders.

The contract will include expectations that the mobile crisis response will grow... over the course of a couple of years and it will be 24/7, Oppedyk said.

Seeley has seen productive times when participating with mobile response. Usually, in addition to a clinician, a peer support specialist, someone who is in recovery from mental illness or substance abuse addiction, and has experience and now in recovery, comes along.

About two weeks ago, he went on a call to Buhl; the man they visited was in his mid-20s and had an addiction problem and suffered from depression.

The peer support specialist understood the mans struggles  he used to be in the same position  and they went for a walk.

We took a couple of laps round the block and this guy said, I feel so much better. Im glad law enforcement didnt show up, Seeley said.

The team got the man back into a therapist and back on medication.

Eventually, Seeley said he aims to have the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline more broadly known and used.

The goal in the long term, when mobile teams are ready at all hours of the day, is that people will understand to call 911 if they need strictly law enforcement and call 988 for mental health crisis and then 988 will become the dispatch for mobile response calls.

We arent there yet, Seeley said. We are still trying to educate the community.

Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in the Magic Valley, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Times-News app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Construction at Exit 211 on I-84 in Heyburn

Construction to upgrade the Heyburn Interchange (Exit 211) began March 11, adding another work zone on Interstate 84 as work began at the nearby Burley Interchange (Exit 208) in late February.

Both multi-year projects include replacing the interchanges, with funding coming from Governor Littles Leading Idaho program.

Drivers can expect the following:

All lanes on I-84 will be open during the day. Drivers will be shifted many times to run on temporary pavement to keep traffic flowing.

Nighttime lane closures on I-84 as needed.

Nighttime ramp closures as needed.

Lane closures and traffic shifts on State Highway 24 where it crosses underneath the interstate.

The new interchange will be shifted to the east and feature longer ramps to access I-84 and two new signals to control ramp traffic. The existing loop ramps will be removed, and the I-84 bridges will be replaced.

Nighttime lane closures are not anticipated until early April.

To be alerted, visit the project website to sign up for email updates. Live traffic impacts can always be checked at 511.idaho.gov.

Also:

Idaho Public Television is seeking nominations, March 11 to April 12, from the public to honor a school teacher as their next Digital Innovator. The IdahoPTV Digital Innovator program recognizes Idaho teachers who enhance learning by integrating technology or digital media into their classrooms. Each spring IdahoPTV selects one Idaho K-12 educator to serve as Digital Innovator for the following school year. Nominees must be K-12 educators holding a current teaching certificate and currently teaching in an Idaho classroom or working in an Idaho school. Go to https://www.idahoptv.org/education/educators/innovator/ to fill out the nomination form.

The Alzheimers Foundation of America (AFA) is offering scholarships of up to $5,000 to college-bound high school seniors affected by Alzheimers disease or other dementia-related illnesses as part of its annual Teen Alzheimers Awareness Scholarship Contest. Entries can be submitted at www.alzfdn.org/scholarship

and must be received by 3 p.m. April 1. Eligible teens must submit an essay (1,500 words maximum) or a video (no more than four minutes) describing how Alzheimers disease has impacted their lives and what they have learned about themselves, their family and/or their community through their experience with Alzheimers.

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson

requested $1,000,000 for the Rock Creek Conservation Project in Twin Falls through the Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture, Rural Development Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. This funding would be used to enhance water quality and provide flood control benefits in the lower Rock Creek watershed in Twin Falls County and alleviate flooding while providing sediment removal and total phosphorous reduction from agricultural runoff.

First Federal Bank President and CEO, Jason Meyerhoeffer, has announced the retirement of executive vice president and chief operating officer, Jay Dodds. Dodds will be stepping away at the end of March after spending nearly 39 years at the bank. Dodds helped grow the bank from a handful of branches with $200 million in assets in 1985 to the current 13 branches, located throughout the Magic and Treasure Valleys, with $1.4 billion in assets. First Federal Bank will host an open house to honor Dodds from 4 to 6 p.m. April 4 in the Community Room at the First Federal Corporate Office at 303 Shoshone St. N., Twin Falls. For additional information or questions regarding the open house, please contact Valli Nelson at vnelson@bankfirstfed.com or at 208-933-3413.

Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane

reminds Idahoans to look to the Idaho Secretary of State, county clerks, and local election officials as the trusted sources of election information. Idaho voters should be looking for information that comes from an official source, such as a .gov website. In Idaho, mailers, websites, and other materials that look similar in name or appearance to official government sources, are already circulating as we head into the May 21 Idaho Primary Election.

 Times-News

Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in the Magic Valley, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Times-News app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
19792024

TWIN FALLS  Tera Lynn Cook of Twin Falls, Idaho, passed away surrounded by family after a long battle with chronic illness. Born on June 24, 1979, Teras life was marked by her intelligence, graduating Valedictorian from Westminster University, and her dedication to helping others as a PSR worker.

Her greatest joy came from her son, Evan Zamora, whom she shared with her partner, Louis Zamora.

Teras loving spirit will be deeply missed by her son, Evan; mother, Patricia (Russell) Rockstahl; stepfather, Joe Rockstahl; siblings: Russell Wiersma (Natalie), Kimberly Mallett (Ryan), and Shelbie Conner; partner, Louis Zamora; and her loyal Rottweiler, Ren. She was preceded in death by her father, Terry Cook and her grandparents: Melvin and Betty Cook, Blane and Faye Russell.

The family is grateful for the support during these times and invites family and close friends to celebrate Teras life at White-Reynolds Funeral Chapel, 2466 Addison Ave. E. in Twin Falls, ID, Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.

To leave a condolence visit www.whitereynoldschapel.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Valley House in Teras name are appreciated.

Thank you to Visons Hospice for sending their special angels.

We cannot fully appreciate joyful reunions later without tearful separations now. The only way to sorrow out of death is to take love out of life. Fly Butterfly Fly.
House Bill 652, which is designed to critically wound citizen initiatives in Idaho, will also administer an absolute kill shot to the citizen referendum. For those not familiar with the referendum, it is an infrequently-used mechanism that allows voters to veto a bill enacted into law by the Legislature. Voters can make a law with the initiative or use the referendum to veto a law passed by the Legislature. The reason that the people rarely use the referendum is that the Legislature has set timelines that are nearly impossible to meet. Referendum petitions with the required number of signatures must be submitted to the Secretary of State no later than 60 days after adjournment of the legislative session in which the bill they want to veto is passed. Most of those 60 days would be spent trying to fulfill bureaucratic requirements before signature gathering could actually commence.

The last time voters used the referendum was in 2012, when it was used to veto three unpopular education laws, commonly called the Luna Laws. It took a herculean effort to meet all of the bureaucratic requirements and gather the signatures. Approval of HB 652 would render the referendum useless. That, in turn, would result in a successful court challenge of the new law.

There is a serious drafting error in HB 652. One section sets a 60-day public review period in the Secretary of States office just for initiatives. During those 60 days, petition signers can remove their signatures from an initiative, which is a constitutional problem in its own right. The next section just assumes that the 60-day public review period applies to both initiatives and referendumssloppy work.

Regardless of how the signature removal provision applies, it is an unconstitutional burden on the right of voters to use both the initiative and the referendum. The Florida Supreme Court issued a remarkable decision in 2010 that clearly spelled out the danger. The Courts reasoning applies to both the initiative and the referendum.

The Florida Court said: These signature-revocation provisions substantially burden the constitutional rights of initiative proponents and initiative signatories by affording initiative opponents an unopposed, definitive opportunity to persuade electors to revoke their signatures for any reason and by any means, even illegitimate.

The Court continued, the provisions vest rival political action committees with the primary responsibility for drafting, distributing, marketing, and submitting petition revocation forms, and render it practically impossible for initiative proponents to determine whether they have obtained the requisite number and distribution of verified signatures until it is too late to gather, submit, and verify additional signatures.

The Court concluded: Placing a signature upon an initiative petition does not signify ones definitive agreement with a proposed amendment or revision; rather, one is merely agreeing that the proposal is worthy of statewide consideration and discourse for a vote at a later date. If an elector simply changes his or her mind in this regard, he or she remains free to participate in public discussion and to vote against the proposal.

Some proponents of HB 652 argued in the House that the bill would not apply to the Open Primaries Initiative, which is currently being circulated. However, that is a debatable issue because of the bills troublesome wording. Under current law, a signer may have his or her signature removed at any time prior to the county clerks verification of the signature. That would occur well before June 30 because that is the deadline for clerks to send their petitions to the Secretary of State. The effective date of HB 652 is July 1 of this year. HB 652 provides that the Secretary of State will have a public review period starting after receipt of the initiative petitions and extending for 60 days, during which signers can request that their signature be removed, even though the signature would have already been certified by the county clerk well before that time. You can bet that opponents of the initiative would then argue that the public review period becomes immediately effective on July 1 and that signers can have their signatures removed from the Open Primaries Initiative for the duration of that period.

HB 652 is an unconstitutional mess and should be put out of its misery in the Senate.
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Fiber-cement manufacturer SHERA expects a 15-percent increase in revenues to P1.75 billion in 2024 from P1.5 billion in 2023, as it maximizes its P2-billion investment in a Pampanga plant.

SHERA Philippines country head Thunnop Jumpasri said they have bigger plans following its 50th year of operating in the country.

Weve been here for 50 years. Weve seen lots of market penetration and changes. The Philippine market is a big opportunity for us, considering that the Philippines is the fastest-growing construction market in ASEAN, Jumpasri said at the sidelines of the 4-day Philippine World Building and Construction Exposition (WORLDBEX) at the World Trade Center Thursday.

He said SHERA was on track to completing its P2-billion plant in Mabalacat, Pampanga by end-2024

The facility will increase its footprint in the Philippines, making sustainable and eco-friendly products become more accessible to Filipinos, particularly those who are looking to integrate greener solutions into their establishments, buildings and homes.

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Jumpasri said the plant would increase its output annually starting with 100,000 MT in the first year and 200,000 MT in the second year.

The company committed to hiring 120 to 150 full-time workers once the plant is completed.

Jumpasri said the company plans to expand capacities as need arises, given the potential for growth of the local construction industry.

The Philippines is SHERAs first overseas plant outside Thailand. It bared plans to expand to other markets in the ASEAN. Its Philippine output is intended for export to Taiwan, Korea and some parts of China.

The company plans to register its facility with the Board of Investments (BOI) for tax incentives.

SHERA is the the biggest fiber-cement innovator in Southeast Asia with annual production capacity of 1 million MT.

It has over 15,000 distribution networks across the ASEAN region. The company has also forged business partnerships across four continents in more than 40 countries.
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German aerospace firm Lufthansa Technik Philippines (LTP) is spending P8 billion to expand its hangar in Clark Freeport, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Thursday.

The investment was discussed during a meeting between the Philippines and the German aeronautic firm at the Philippine Trade Mission to Germany.

We appreciate Lufthansas recent consideration of Manila as a destination for one of its direct flights from Europe to Southeast Asia. It does not only open opportunities for tourism but also for other business services of Lufthansa that the Philippines can support, said Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual.

Pascual joined the meeting with President Marcos and LTP president and CEO Elmar Lutter to discuss the companys plan to build a second hangar in Clark.

Meanwhile, the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) underscored the importance of the agreements signed between the Philippine and Germany in the recent German-Philippine Business Forum in Berlin.

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GPPI said the landmark event, graced by the presence of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., marked a significant milestone in the strengthening of international business relations between the two countries.

As the biggest economy in the EU, both in GDP and population, and a global force in technology and innovation, Germany is certainly one of the countries where we look forward to further fostering strong business partnerships and collaborations between our two countries, President Marcos said.

He said the Philippines is grateful for the interest of German companies to support the Philippines commitment to sustainability and climate resiliency.

The president highlighted the importance of Germany as a key partner in the European Union and outlined policy reforms and key legislations aimed at making the Philippines a more attractive destination for foreign investors.
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Prague, Czech RepublicFollowing a three-day working visit in Germany, President Marcos arrived in Prague on Wednesday afternoon (Thursday dawn in Manila) for a two-day state visit to the Czech Republic.

Accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and the Philippine delegation, the aircraft carrying the President landed at 5:43 pm local time (12:43 am Manila time), signaling the start of engagements in the Czech Republic.

His visit to Prague is the second half of his five-day official visit to the two Central European nations, Germany and the Czech Republic, in an effort to bolster cooperation with the said nations.

President Marcos is slated to engage in discussions with Czech Republic President Petr Pavel during his visit here.

Additionally, he will hold meetings with other key figures including Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Senate President Milos Vystrcil, and Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Marketa Pekarova Adamova, underscoring the importance of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

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One of the significant highlights of the visit is the anticipated signing of a Joint Communique on the establishment of labor consultation mechanisms.

This pact aims to enhance cooperation between the Philippines and the Czech Republic, ensuring the safe migration of Filipino workers while safeguarding their rights and welfare.

As both nations prepare to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their bilateral ties, forged since October 5, 1973, the Presidents state visit holds particular significance in bolstering the enduring friendship and cooperation between the Philippines and the Czech Republic.
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Berlin, GermanyPresident Marcos said he is looking forward to meeting US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, who is scheduled to visit Manila next week for a courtesy call in Malacanang amid the ongoing tensions between Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea.

The first item I will be seeing, meeting with Secretary Anthony Blinken on Tuesday, Mr. Marcos told reporters here.

The President said he is hoping to discuss the strengthening of trilateral relations between the United States, Japan, and the Philippines during Blinkens visit to the country.

Well, of course, well hope the intention is to continue the plan to strengthen the cooperation between the three countriesthe United States, Japan, and the Philippines, the President said referring to his meeting with Blinken.

Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said Blinken is expected to arrive in Manila on the eve of March 18 before paying a visit to President Marcos on March 19. Japan, meanwhile, has yet to confirm their attendance.

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The United States and Japan are both critical of the ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

Both nations have expressed their support to the Philippines amid Chinas recent provocations.

Meanwhile, China has previously called on the US for using the Philippines as a pawn to stir up tensions in the region.

China urges the U.S. not to use the Philippines as a pawn to stir up trouble in the South China Sea. The Philippines should not let itself be at the mercy of the U.S., Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said.
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Speaker Martin Romualdez said Thursday that thousands of Filipinos would benefit from President Marcos visits to Germany and Czech Republic this week due to the number of job opportunities his diplomatic engagements were expected to generate.

Romualdez said that contrary to unfounded claims of leisurely pursuits, the Presidents schedule was packed with back-to-back meetings and discussions aimed at advancing our national interest and the welfare of our people.

He cited as example Tuesdays bilateral meeting between President Marcos and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, in which the latter invited Filipino workers to Germany as the country eased restrictions on the entry of foreign workers.

Recently, Germany passed the Skilled Immigration Act that relaxed certain requirements and provided incentives such as allowing family members to join workers, among others, to attract foreign labor, especially in the IT, engineering, health, and teaching professions.

Romualdez said that as a result of President Marcos initiatives, Filipino workers are most welcome in Germany to fill its labor gap. He cited reports that the country needs about 400,000 additional workers annually to grow its economy.

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The Philippines and Germany also signed the renewal of the Cooperation Program between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), which will capacitate Filipino workers in the fields of digitalization and the green economy.

Earlier, Romualdez also said the investment deals worth at least $4 billion or P220-billion secured by Marcos from eight different types of agreements during his three-day working visit to Germany will undoubtedly spur job creation, stimulate innovation, and enhance productivity.

The Speaker also pointed out that labor is among the key areas President Marcos would discuss with Czech President Petr Pavel during their meeting today (Czech Republic time).

During his state visit to the Czech Republic, President Marcos is expected to discuss with his counterpart the increase in quota for the entry of Filipino workers and the safeguards to ensure the protection of the rights and welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers.

In 2023, the Czech government announced a further increase in the quota for Filipino workers as follows: 5,500 per year beginning January 2024 and 10,300 per year beginning May 2024, or more than 900-percent increase from the initial quota of 1,000 per year in 2018.

According to the Department of Migrant Workers, details on the deployment of Filipino workers to the Czech Republic will be discussed during President Marcos state visit to Prague.
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The Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported Thursday that it made 268 seizures of counterfeit products in 2023including cigarettes, apparel, and accessorieswhose total assessed value reached P25.3-billion, according to Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio.

Rubio credited the success of these operations to the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services (CIIS) of the agency. He also praised the efforts of the Intelligence Group, the mother unit of CIIS, in securing the Intellectual Property Rights of affected brands in the country.

In the past five years, BOC confiscated smuggled items reached over 45 billion pesos, according to CIIS director Verne Enciso.

In 2023 alone, members of the CIIS unit assigned at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) under field station chief Alvin Enciso seized more than P24-billion worth of counterfeit products from China.

At the recent launching of the Customs Intellectual Property Rights Summit in Manila, the BOC Intellectual Property Rights Division (IPRD) collaborated with partner government agencies and international companies to discuss IPR enforcement, Customs jurisdiction, product identification, and other infringement challenges within the domain of IP practice.

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The two-day event aimed to broaden intelligence and enforcement networks, forge new alliances, and upskill field agents to protect consumers and trademark owners from the dangers of counterfeiting.

One of the speakers, lawyer Kristian Nico Acosta, head of the Legal Department of the Guess Group of Companies, talked about leveraging technology to combat cyber infringements. He discussed utilizing online databases, GPS systems, advanced cameras, and other IP certification tools.

Collaborative efforts among brand owners, law enforcement agencies, prosecution authorities, and courts were emphasized as crucial in the enforcement of intellectual property rights, especially against infringing activities online.

The program also featured sessions on counterfeit product identification, facilitated by brand representatives from esteemed businesses such as So-En, Bio-Oil, Mattel, Louis Vuitton, Nike, Unilever Philippines, Shimano, and other reputable brands.

IPRD acting chief Paul Pacunayen expressed trust in the turnout of the event and thanked the participants:

The war against counterfeit goods may seem ambitious, but we do not doubt that the people in this room, right here, right now, are the right people to make the effort successful. We thank you again for your continued support and dedication and look forward to seeing you at future events, he said.
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The Court of Appeals (CA) has affirmed with finality its decision denying a petition filed by the NOW Telecom Company Inc. which seeks to be the countrys third major telecommunications service provider.

NOW Telecom was asking the CA to compel the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to comply with orders by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) allowing the petitioner to operate a cellular telephone service facility within specific frequency ranges.

In a four-page resolution penned by Associate Justice Tita Marilyn Payoyo-Villordon, the CAs Special Ninth Division denied the motion for reconsideration filed by Now Telecom seeking reversal of the courts September 21, 2023 resolution.

The ruling rejected Now Telecoms petition for mandamun against the NTC and its former commissioner now Commission on Audit chairman Gamaliel Cordoba.

The appellate court found NOW Telecoms motion for r consideration to be a mere rehash of its previous arguments which has already been addressed and ruled upon by the court.

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Clearly, NOW Telecom failed to raise new issues, interpose new compelling arguments or present new credible evidence in its MR which would warrant a reconsideration or reversal of our decision, the CA ruling stated.

This latest CA decision came after the Supreme Court upheld the denial of NOW Telecoms petition to prevent the NTC from enforcing the provisions of its memorandum circular imposing certain qualifications and restrictions with respect to the entry of new participants in the domestic telecom industry.

Consequently, NOW Telecom was defeated by Mislatel Consortium, a partnership between Udenna Corporation and China Telecom, in the 2018 bid for new major player in the telecommunications industry.

Mislatel subsequently transformed into Dito Telecommunity Corp.

In 2023, NOW Telecom secured a US$2.15-million grant from the United States Trade and Development Agency for the development and implementation of a mobile and fixed wireless network using 5G technology.

The petition for mandamus filed before the CA centered on NOW Telecoms plea to compel the NTC to adhere to the resolution and order of automatic approval (OAA) issued by ARTA.

The company filed the petition under Rule 65 of the Revised Rules of Court, seeking to enforce ARTAs resolution and OAA both dated March 1, 2021.

These ARTA documents declared NOW Telecoms application for a provisional authority to operate in the frequency range of 1970 to 1980 megahertz (MHz), paired with 2160 to 2170 MHz and 3.6 to 3.8

gigahertz, as automatically approved by the operation of Republic Act (RA) 11032, also known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.

However, the CA maintained that the applicant failed to show that it has a clear and legal right over the frequencies which NTC failed to assign.

The CA explained that ARTAs resolution and Order of Automatic Approval (OAA) issued on March 1, 2021 directing the NTC to issue a provisional authority in favor of NOW Telecom to operate within certain frequency ranges is still in dispute as ARTA, itself, set aside the subject issuances in a resolution dated June 17, 2022.

In the said resolution, ARTA endorsed anew to the NTC NOW Telecoms application for the assignment of frequencies for prompt disposition.

NOW Telecom sought reconsideration of the June 17, 2022 resolution, which ARTA denied in its resolution dated August 22, 2022.

ARTAs March 1, 2021 resolution and order were the basis for NOW Telecoms filing of the petition for mandamus before the appellate court.

The appellate court likewise held that NOW Telecom did not prove any ministerial duty on the part of [NTC] which it neglected to perform. It pointed out that RA 7925, or the Public Telecommunications Policy Act of the Philippines, entrusted NTC with the duty to take the necessary measures to implement the laws policies and objectives.

As the principal administrator of the said law, the NTC found in its Consolidated Order dated 28 December 2005 that NOW Telecom is non-compliant with the requirements under the law and disqualified it from getting an allocation of 3G frequency, the CA declared.

Hence, to order NTC through the instant Petition to immediately assign the frequencies to NOW Telecom, would mean that the Court would arrogate upon itself the expertise and discretion to determine whether NOW Telecom is qualified, much less, the best qualified among all other applicants, it added.

The CA also explained that it is the policy of the courts not to interfere with the discretionary executive acts of the executive branch unless there is a clear showing of grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction.
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PRAGUEPresident Marcos on Thursday expressed hope that the Czech Republic would assist the Philippines in modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines amid the countrys issues in the South China Sea.

Mr. Marcos and Czech President Petr Pavel tackled issues in the South China Sea as the Philippine leader conveyed Manilas position on the matter and the defense cooperation between the two countries.

Czech is always an important part of that evolution, Mr. Marcos said in a press conference with Pavel at the Prague Castle upon his arrival on the second leg of his Central European tour.

I briefed President Pavel on the situation in the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea, and I underscored that the Philippine position on the South China Sea remains consistent, clear, and firmly anchored in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Mr. Marcos added.

He also told Pavel that while the persistent incidents of aggression and harassment in the South China Sea are unfortunate, the Philippines continue to engage all its neighbors and stakeholders through diplomacy and dialogue.

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Mr. Marcos also thanked the Czech Republics support as a like-minded partner in upholding peace, stability, and the rules-based international order.

The state visit reaffirms the Philippines commitment to further cultivate its bonds and friendship with the Czech Republic and cementing the enduring ties between the two countries and its citizens, the President said.

Meanwhile, Speaker Martin Romualdez said Thursday that thousands of Filipinos would benefit from President Marcos visits to Germany and Czech Republic this week due to the number of job opportunities his diplomatic engagements were expected to generate.

Romualdez said that contrary to unfounded claims of leisurely pursuits, the Presidents schedule was packed with back-to-back meetings and discussions aimed at advancing our national interest and the welfare of our people.

He cited as example Tuesdays bilateral meeting between President Marcos and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, in which the latter invited Filipino workers to Germany as the country eased restrictions on the entry of foreign workers.

Following his three-day working visit in Germany, Mr. Marcos will also hold meetings with Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Senate President Milos Vystrcil, and Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Marketa Pekarova Adamova, underscoring the importance of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and the Philippine delegation, the aircraft carrying the President landed at 5:43 p.m. Wednesday (12:43 a.m. Thursday Manila time).

His visit to Prague is the second half of his five-day official visit to the two Central European nations, Germany and the Czech Republic, in an effort to bolster cooperation with the two nations.

One of the significant highlights of the visit is the anticipated signing of a Joint Communique on the establishment of labor consultation mechanisms, the Presidential Communications Office said.

This pact aims to enhance cooperation between the Philippines and the Czech Republic, ensuring the safe migration of Filipino workers while safeguarding their rights and welfare.

As both nations prepare to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their bilateral ties, forged since October 5, 1973, the Presidents state visit holds particular significance in bolstering the enduring friendship and cooperation between the Philippines and the Czech Republic.

Recently, Germany passed the Skilled Immigration Act that relaxed certain requirements and provided incentives such as allowing family members to join workers, among others, to attract foreign labor, especially in the IT, engineering, health, and teaching professions.

Romualdez said that because of President Marcos initiatives, Filipino workers are most welcome in Germany to fill its labor gap. He cited reports that the country needs about 400,000 additional workers annually to grow its economy.

The Philippines and Germany also signed the renewal of the Cooperation Program between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), which will capacitate Filipino workers in the fields of digitalization and the green economy.

Earlier, Romualdez also said the investment deals worth at least $4 billion or P220-billion secured by Marcos from eight different types of agreements during his three-day working visit to Germany will undoubtedly spur job creation, stimulate innovation, and enhance productivity.

The Speaker also pointed out that labor is among the key areas President Marcos would discuss with Czech President Petr Pavel during their meeting today (Czech Republic time).

During his state visit to the Czech Republic, President Marcos is expected to discuss with his counterpart the increase in quota for the entry of Filipino workers and the safeguards to ensure the protection of the rights and welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers.

In 2023, the Czech government announced a further increase in the quota for Filipino workers as follows: 5,500 per year beginning January 2024 and 10,300 per year beginning May 2024, or more than 900-percent increase from the initial quota of 1,000 per year in 2018.

According to the Department of Migrant Workers, details on the deployment of Filipino workers to the Czech Republic will be discussed during President Marcos state visit to Prague.
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As Marcos downplays Xi orders for China to prepare troops

BERLINPresident Marcos said he will meet with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in Manila on Tuesday (March 19) as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation amid the ongoing incursions of China in the West Philippine Sea.

The first item I will be seeing [is a] meeting with Secretary Anthony Blinken on Tuesday, Mr. Marcos told reporters in an interview before leaving for Prague Wednesday evening.

Mr. Marcos arrived at the capital of the Czech Republic, the second leg of his Central Europe tour, at 6:25 p.m. Prague time (1:25 a.m. in Manila).

The President also shrugged off Chinese President Xi Jinpings recent order to his troops to prepare for conflicts in the East and South China Seas, saying Beijing is already doing this.

Well, frankly I dont think there is anything new there. Thats whattheyve been doing already. They have defined the ten-dash line and they continue  theyre there to defend it, and on our part wecontinue to defend what we, and the international community, has recognized our maritime territory, he said.

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That really has been the policy since, I think, years already, for the last two, three years, the President added.

Mr. Marcos said he is looking forward to trilateral discussions withthe US and Japan next week, as Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa is also expected to arrive in Manila.

Well, of course well hope the intention is to continue the plan to strengthen the cooperation between the three countriesthe United States, Japan, and the Philippines, he said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said Blinken is set to arrive in Manila on the eve of March 18 before paying a courtesy call on Mr. Marcos on Tuesday.

Manalo said his Japanese counterpart has yet to confirm his arrival.

Sources earlier said President Marcos will visit the United States from April 11 to 13, when he will have a bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden at the White House before a trilateral summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Mr. Marcos will also meet top US security officials during his visit as well as attend a business forum organized by the US-ASEAN Business Council.

The United States and Japan are both critical of the ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea and have expressed their support to the Philippines amid Chinas recent provocations.

The Philippines and the US have a Mutual Defense Treaty that commitsthe two allies to come to each others aid if one becomes the subject of an armed attack in the region.

Manila also has ongoing negotiations with Tokyo for a Reciprocal Access Agreement that will allow larger numbers of Japanese Self Defense forces to enter the Philippines for joint military training.

China has repeatedly denounced joint military exercises and patrols in the South China Sea, saying the US was militarizing the contested region and threatening regional stability.

China claims almost the entirety of the South China Sea as its own,ignoring legal precedents and competing claims from a host of Southeast Asian nations.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said Beijingis hoping the possible expansion of a military agreement between thePhilippines and Germany would contribute to peace in the region.

We hope that cooperation between relevant countries is conducive topeace, stability and development of the region, Wang said.

Germany has been providing training for the Armed Forces of thePhilippines since 1974, making it the Philippines second oldest formal defense partner. With Rey Requejo
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Sharing the limelight in the ongoing Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant are two new faces. Baguios Justine Tarah Marie Valencia and Pangasinans Grace Jineah Lumague have been gaining a strong following and may spring a surprise at coronation night.

Valencia, a stunning Cordilleran beauty, emerges as a dark horse in this years competition. A graduate with a degree in International Hospitality and Tourism Management from the University of Baguio, Valencia took on a part-time job while studying to help provide for her family after her fathers passing when she was 19 years old.

She won Miss Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio 2023 and Miss Beautederm-Miss Baguio Turismo 2023, which allowed her to introduce the passion for promoting Baguios tourism industry. Valencia aims to showcase her provinces rich and unique traditions on the international stage while advocating for preserving Baguios delicate ecosystem and sustainable tourism practices.

Lumague, 22, was recently appointed as representative of Pangasinan by an accredited partner and organizer of Mutya ng Pozorrubio. She is currently pursuing a Nursing degree at the University of Baguio following in the footsteps of her parents who are both working in the medical field.

Grace Jineah Lumague from Pangasinan advocates for womens rights and the welfare of the marginalized

Joining the Mutya ng Pozorrubio 2024 and Miss University of Baguio, Lumague said she was able to use them as a platform to lay out her advocacies on womens rights and the welfare of the sick and less fortunate. She is a member of the Philippine Red Cross Youth  University of Baguio doing health-related activities and also joined the Leknaan Ya Pozorrubio, Inc., an NGO doing outreach programs and giving medical assistance to Pozorrubio.

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Clothing line taps Rabiya Mateo as endorser

Beauty queen turned actress Rabiya Mateo has added MAGS Clothing to her multiple endorsement deals.

I was actually Miss MAGS before I joined the Miss Universe Philippines search, Mateo said during a contract signing event with the brand. I believe in MAGS goal to empower women to choose comfort for their style.

Rabiya embodies the ideal customer for the clothing brand: a beautiful, down-to-earth, and empowered modern Filipina, said MAGS owner and CEO Mags Cue.

MAGS, with stores nationwide, has established itself as one of the Philippines favorite ladies fashion brands.
MILLINGTON. Tenn.  Lt. Cmdr. Guy Burnette, a native of Marion, North Carolina, was recently recognized while serving the U.S. Navy assigned to Commander, U.S. Second Fleet, currently forward-deployed to Norway in support of NATO exercise Steadfast Defender 2024.

Burnette earned the Navy Arctic Service Ribbon in recognition of his valuable contributions in the Arctic.

Created in May 1986, the Navy Arctic Service Ribbon is awarded for U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps personnel, both officer and enlisted members, who serve above the Arctic Circle. Service members must complete 28 days of service, consecutive or non-consecutive above the Arctic Circle to qualify for this one-time award.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Marion.

My family is from Marion and theyve been there for over a century, said Burnette. It was the home of my father, my fathers father, and my fathers fathers father before him.

Burnette joined the Navy 15 years ago. Today, Burnette serves as an operation assessment officer.

Steadfast Defender 2024, NATOs largest exercise in decades, includes more than 90,000 troops from 32 allied nations. The exercise will demonstrate NATOs ability to deploy forces rapidly from across the alliance to reinforce the defense of Europe.

I never set a goal to serve in the Arctic, but I am excited about this opportunity, said Burnette I got to work with NATO and understand the partnership. We are here to show the world that we can fight and win.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Burnette serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nations prosperity and security.

We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day, said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.
Zimbabwe, Africas primary tobacco producer, launched its annual tobacco-selling season amidst projections of a substantial decrease in both yield and quality due to a drought exacerbated by climate change and worsened by the El Nino weather pattern.

From a record-breaking 296 million kilograms (326,000 tons) last year, production is estimated to plummet to approximately 235 million kilograms (259,000 tons) this season, as stated by Patrick Devenish, chairman of the Tobacco Industry Marketing Board.

Devenish underscored the vulnerability of small-scale farmers, who heavily rely on rainfall, making them particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of droughts, which could compromise tobacco quality. Despite China being the primary buyer, other markets in Western and Eastern Europe, along with parts of Africa, remain significant. In 2023, tobacco exports reached a record $1.2 billion, compared to $975 million in 2022, according to TIMB. Tobacco, alongside minerals such as gold, serves as a major foreign currency earner for Zimbabwe.

Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka highlighted that about 75% of the crop is cultivated by small-scale farmers lacking equipment and dependent on rain, rendering the countrys production highly weather-dependent. Despite a rebound in tobacco production after a severe decline in the late 1990s following the eviction of white farmers, the current drought has dashed hopes for a prosperous season. George Seremwe, president of the Zimbabwe Tobacco Growers Association, anticipates a 20% or greater loss in earnings due to the droughts impact. Likephone Makii, a tobacco farmer, expressed dismay over the low prices for his crop, foreseeing the need for food assistance to sustain his family through the year.

As the drought affects both cash crops like tobacco and staple foods like maize, millions of Zimbabweans are expected to rely on food aid, according to aid agencies.
The Islamic police in Nigerias Kano state apprehended 11 Muslims on Tuesday for breaking the Ramadan fast by consuming food. Kano, predominantly Muslim, operates under Sharia law alongside secular regulations.

Annually during Ramadan, the Islamic police, known as Hisbah, conduct searches in eateries and markets. Detainees, 10 men, and one woman, were released after pledging not to deliberately skip fasting again. Lawal Fagge, Hisbahs spokesperson, mentioned arrests near bustling markets following reports from vigilant individuals. Non-Muslims are excluded from arrest unless found selling food to fasting Muslims. Released individuals promised fasting adherence, with some needing supervision from relatives or guardians.

Over two decades ago, Sharia was introduced alongside secular law in 12 northern Nigerian states with Muslim-majority populations. Ramadan holds significant importance in Islam, believed to be the month when the first Quranic verses were revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Fasting during daylight hours is one of Islams Five Pillars, observed throughout Ramadan.

This years Ramadan, projected from March 11 to April 9, is expected to last 30 days. However, fasts are not solely physical; they encompass spiritual growth, self-discipline, and empathy for the less fortunate. Hisbahs actions reflect Kanos commitment to Sharia observance and underline the societal expectation of fasting adherence. Such measures aim to maintain the religious sanctity of Ramadan and foster community solidarity.

As Muslims worldwide embark on this sacred journey, the arrests in Kano serve as a reminder of the religious significance attached to fasting during Ramadan and the societal expectations surrounding it.
The UK will offer asylum seekers who fail to receive refugee status up to 3000 pounds in exchange for a voluntary relocation to Rwanda.

The UK had reached a deal to send asylum seekers for their applications to be processed in Rwanda, under a five-year agreement with no limits on numbers.

The UK government said the plan would deter people from arriving in the UK on small boats across the English Channel.

The government is pressing ahead with the asylum relocation plan despite the UK supreme court ruling which unanimously judged the Rwanda scheme was unlawful, citing safety concerns.

After the Supreme Court ruling, the government introduced a new bill to make clear in UK law that Rwanda is a safe country

The bill passed by a majority of votes in parliament, despite opposition by some conservative MPs.

In exchange for Rwanda taking asylum seekers, the UK will have to pay the country up to 379 million over five years.

The UKs asylum system costs nearly 4bn a year, including about 8m a day on hotel accommodation.
At least 38 individuals suffered injuries in a fire that erupted on Thursday at a warehouse owned by a hydrocarbon distribution company situated in the Rades oil zone, a southern suburb of Tunis, civil protection authorities reported.

The blaze was swiftly contained thanks to the prompt intervention of civil protection teams. Authorities provided a preliminary tally of 38 casualties among the workers present at the scene, with four individuals listed in critical condition.

Eyewitness accounts collected by local media suggest that the fire was triggered by a gas leak, leading to multiple explosions within the production chain. Authorities are now working to determine the extent of the damage caused by the blaze.

Residents in the vicinity were urged to exercise caution as emergency crews worked to contain the situation and ensure the safety of the surrounding area.
Heres a quick guide to some upcoming arts and cultural events happening around Missoula in the coming week.

Sculpture artist to talk at MAM

(Thursday, March 14)

Mimi Jung, an artist based in Helena, is showing her first solo museum exhibition at the Missoula Art Museum. "Just Between Us" features large-scale works rooted in the loom and weaving, but they don't look the way you'd expect. The swirling abstract works are formed like in flowing 3D surfaces on the wall. One major piece extends from floor to ceiling in the gallery, some are cast in aluminum.

Jung, who's work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, will be in town on Thursday to give a free talk at the MAM. The show, meanwhile, is up through April 13.

Details: 5-7 p.m. No-host bar.

Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival

(Thursday-Friday, March 14-15)

The 44th annual jazz festival returns to the UM campus this week. That means there will be hundreds of students from junior high to high school and college taking clinics. For the public, it means two evening concerts with their instructors: a lineup of working professionals and recording artists, one per instrument to make for a quintet.

They are Dawn Clement (vocals, piano), Mark Taylor (saxophone), Vern Sielert (trumpet), Molly Redfield (bass) and Zach Paris (drums).

Theyll perform at the evening concerts first thing, followed by the top student sections of the day.

Details: 7:30 p.m., Dennison Theatre, tickets at griztix.com. (Bonus set: After the concert on Friday is over, the guest artists will head to Stave and Hoop for a session with the Conner Racicot Trio.)

Closing reception for a Bray showcase

(Friday, March 15)

Radius Clayworks is closing out a group exhibition, A Beautiful Spirit, of works by widely recognized artists whove visited the Bray in Helena over the years.

Local art followers may recognize the busts contributed by Kensuke Yamada, who studied for his MFA at the University of Montana. The pieces boast stark, layered color and occasional dream-like flourishes (a head dotted with eyes). A towering, multi-figure sculpture by Sunkoo Yuh may leave you wondering if its really made of clay, once youre done wrapping your head around its expressive impact. Sam Chungs functional pieces include both hardline cloud motifs with a pop feel, and vases topped with mountains that lean toward the organic.

Details: 5 p.m. at Clayworks, located next to Radius.

Two-day short play festival

(Friday-Saturday, March 15-16)

See what local playwrights have been working on with Aquaphobia, Echoes, & Resurrection, a packed two-day showcase at the ZACC Show Room. Local theater-makers Salina Chatlain and Anna Stone have lined up pieces by Roger Hedden, Kate Morris, Jay Kettering, Tyler Potter, Rita Barkey, Cathy Capps and more. For the full lineup of writers each night, head to zootownarts.org.

Details: Doors at 7 p.m., plays at 7:30 p.m. 18 and up. $10-$20.

A show falls apart (for laughs)

(Thursday-Sunday, March 14-17)

Missoula Community Theatres latest production is a humorous farce called The Play That Goes Wrong.

The show within the show is called The Murder at Haversham Manor that apparently experiences total breakdowns. If youve seen Noises Off! youll know that this type of meta play can be very funny.

The shows pretty young in theater years, too, dating back to 2012. Brought to life by the producers of Avenue Q, it won the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in 2015, and The New York Times described the Broadway version as a Monty Python-esque murder mystery farce.

The director is Sarah Walker Thornton, an MCT staffer who directed The 39 Steps during her tenure as artistic director of the Cloverdale Playhouse in Montgomery, Alabama.

Details: March 14-17, MCT Center for the Performing Arts, tickets at mctinc.org. Equivalent of a PG rating.

Last weekend for dance showcase

(Friday-Saturday, March 15-16)

The contemporary dance company Bare Bait's new show, A Small Shift in an Uncomfortable Place," features a diverse playlist of moves: One piece is improvised. Another, which uses the Westside Theater's aerial harnesses, was developed with a guest choreographer from Seattle, Rachael Lincoln. The centerpiece, clocking in at around 40 minutes, was developed by the dancers themselves.

Details: 7:30 p.m. each night, Westside Theater, 1200 Shakespeare St. Tickets are $32/$36 adults advance/day of, and $25-$28 students, seniors and military. Go to thewestsidetheater.com.

Cosmic Sans vs. the Skurfs

(Friday, March 15)

DIY production crew Daisy Chain Presents will host a rock n roll showdown with two of the citys best live rock bands: Cosmic Sans and the Skurfs, at the American Legion.

Cosmic Sans just released a new single, "Yuri," ahead of a tour and a slot at the Treefort Music Fest in Boise.

You can also hear Haircut Lapinski, a local super-group, and all soaked in the live video art of UNK Visuals.

Details: 825 Ronan St., doors at 8 p.m., music at 8:30 p.m. $12 in advance through Eventbrite, $15 day of show. All ages. For those 21 and up, theres a catered bar by the VFW.

Dawn Clement and Naomi Moon Siegel

(Saturday, March 16)

Dawn Clement, a vocalist and pianist, is visiting Missoula for the Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival. While here, shes booked a duet evening at the acoustically friendly Longstaff House with trombonist/composer Naomi Moon Siegel. Both worked in the creative melting pot of Seattle, which bears out in their catalogs. While they both improvise and write, they dont play in terms of genre. Clements latest album, Islands, boasts electric keyboards and production flourishes; on acoustic, she can sing standards.

Siegels also played with electronic textures in Syrinx Effect, and in her solo work drawn on myriad genres in her melodically rich originals. You can sample her work on Bandcamp, including "Live at Earshot," recorded at the Seattle jazz festival.

Details: 7 p.m., Longstaff House. There are no tickets or reservations. Suggested donation is $20-$30 to give the performers fair payment.

Quick hits

New studio collective open house: Area 41 Collective is opening a new recording studio for sound and visual arts. The team includes Shadow Devereaux, a hip-hop artist and producer. It runs 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 14, at 1620 Rodgers St. Suite 1. Head to area41mt.com for more details.

Shoegaze and psych at the ZACC: New York pop/shoegaze phenom Hotline TNT is stopping in town, with locals Cosmic Sans and (latent). Tuesday, March 19. All ages, $12-$15, doors at 7:30, show at 8.

Photos: Bare Bait Dance's "A Small Shift in an Uncomfortable Place"
The Missoula County Commissioners selected an interim county attorney to oversee criminal and civil proceedings across the county on Thursday, choosing an inside candidate and one of the county's experienced lawyers.

Matt Jennings, the current chief criminal deputy attorney, will take over the top attorney job on April 1. He replaces longtime county attorney Kirsten Pabst, who announced her retirement in February after 10 years in the position.

"Its an honor to serve in this new role," Jennings said in a statement. "I appreciate the trust and faith put in me from Kirsten Pabst and the county commissioners."

The attorney's office prosecutes all state crimes within Missoula County and can often help out with smaller counties across western Montana. The office also oversees dependency and neglect cases and represents the county in lawsuits.

Jennings has worked in the county attorney's office for the last 10 years, including five years at his current position. He said in a statement that he hopes to keep Missoula's unique justice system running at full speed.

I look forward to advancing Missoulas innovative and creative approaches to criminal justice by balancing accountability and victim services with offender rehabilitation and targeting the root causes of criminal behavior, like substance use and mental health, Jennings said. On the civil side of our office, we provide top-notch legal services in a cost-effective manner to solve problems and make government work for the people of Missoula."

Jennings told the Missoulian on Thursday that the office is on the downside of a crime spike in Missoula from 2020 to 2022. He said the uptick in cases and attorney turnover due to the pandemic extended case times.

Jennings said the office is now completely staffed and he expects the justice system to look more like the pre-COVID system in the next year. He said the office has developed a great team and if he did not step into the top position, another county attorney would have.

Jennings will earn an annual salary of $148,865, a press release said. The County Attorney position is also elected by the public, and Jennings must secure his position in an election this fall.

Bradley Seaman, the elections administrator for Missoula County, said since Pabst's retirement will officially happen after the 2024 candidate filing deadline, each Missoula political party can nominate one candidate to run to fill her position for the general election.

Jennings said he plans to seek nomination from the Missoula Democrat Central Committee. If he wins, he would then serve the rest of Pabst's term and be up for reelection in 2026.

Before working for the Missoula County Attorney's Office, Jennings clerked for retired District Court Judge Karen Townsend. He also worked as a legislative assistant for U.S. Sen. Jon Tester in Washington D.C.

Jennings received his bachelor's and law degrees from the University of Montana. Before getting his law degree, he worked as a vice president for government affairs for a renewable energy company, the press release said.
Ariel Flankey and many others living in tents on the West Broadway Island in Missoula were packing up their belongings, tarps, blankets and other items on Thursday morning as city workers moved through to ask people to move on due to expected spring river runoff that will likely flood the island in the coming weeks.

Flankey, 28, grew up in Missoula and is one of the many hundreds of people in the community living unsheltered even throughout the cold winter months. Shes barred from entering the Johnson Street homeless shelter because of a no-contact order, and many others living on the island have the same issue. So, she and many people who were asked to move on on Thursday are simply packing up their tents and moving a few hundred yards downstream to find another place to sleep for the night.

They always tell us where we cant go, but they never tell us where we can go, she said. Its frustrating.

She feels that most people in the community dont have empathy for what people who dont have houses or apartments go through on a daily basis.

People never think about, What if this was you?' she said. Because theres a lot of people that are 86d for life out of the Poverello Center and the Johnson Street Shelter. Theyre not like, giving us really any options.

City Parks and Recreation Department workers were busy removing many hundreds of pounds of items from the floodplain. Many of the people who live on the island, like Flankey, had been there since last fall and had accumulated a big pile of belongings.

Missoula, like many places in Montana and across the country, has been in the midst of an affordable housing crisis for many years. The city, county and other partners have invested millions of dollars into solutions, including federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, into keeping the Johnson Street Shelter open. But there are simply many people like Flankey who, due to a variety of circumstances, have nowhere else to go besides a tent on public property.

The city gives people who are living in areas that are scheduled for a cleanup many days' advance notice, and the Poverello Centers Homeless Outreach Team works with people living unsheltered to connect them to resources. Social workers from Partnership Health Center also connect with people living outdoors.

Missoula Mayor Andrea Davis said shes confident that the citys Urban Camping Working Group, which has met twice so far, will be able to come up with solutions to address the issue.

Its really important that through this process of the Urban Camping Working Group that there can be a greater understanding of the facts and a greater understanding of the challenges we have as a city and a community of adequately addressing this, Davis said. And also of what opportunities might be there.

She noted that a court ruling last year makes it a violation of the law for cities to punish homeless people with nowhere else to go.

"The city is in a really tough situation due to the fact that more or less we have an unfunded mandate through the Ninth District Court of Appeals ruling," Davis explained. "Its very tricky to navigate the desires of both the folks that want us to leave people alone and allow them to camp in public spaces and a large part of the community that wants us to move people along and clean things up. I think weve actually hit a good middle road. With the limited resources we have, were doing the very best we can.

She said shes hopeful that the city will not be as overwhelmed as it was last summer and that the working group will come up with both regulatory policies to send to the city council and best practices that can be adopted by partner organizations.

Davis said there are still a lot of questions that need to be answered, and the city government cant do it all alone.

Folks that are camping that are on permanent outs (from homeless shelters), thats because of the behaviors, Davis said. The shelter staff and those people have a right to be safe and the guests of those shelters have a right to be safe, so it really puts the question back out to the community. How do we handle the situations that are caused by these behaviors? I think thats whats really complicated here. Ultimately thats what the city is managing when it comes to people sleeping outside is were basically having to manage behaviors and enforce behaviors.

Davis said theres a lot of rhetoric in the community about the issue that isnt necessarily based in fact.

And Im hoping theres a greater understanding of what the city is doing, she said. We constantly hear the rhetoric about sweeps and criminalizing homelessness. In reality we are not ticketing people simply for camping because that is a non-jailable offense in Montana. But there are realities of a whole bunch of people congregating in an encampment because that could pose a public health and safety threat and that does require people coming in for a cleanup, and that does include RVs and campers too. We are always striking a balance between public health and safety and the health and safety of people living unsheltered.

She noted that the city has an internal practice of always giving people a heads-up, connecting them with resources and not throwing away belongings.

Were doing our best to not further trauma, she said. I think the city does a really good job of that.

On Thursday, Davis presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the Scott Street-Ravara housing project on the Northside neighborhood, which will bring over 300 new housing units of different types to a currently vacant plot of land. About 45 of the homes will be income-qualified for families earning less than 120% of the Area Median Income.
Rules that would ease the licensing path for after-school child care providers again got held up as part of a larger package of changes around child care policies that lawmakers have objections to.

The process has left (child care) providers in limbo for years, and now has put them in an impossible position  wanting the rules to pass for  streamlined and clear guidelines, but not at the expense of our most vulnerable children who will be more at risk with weakened immunization requirements, said Heather OLoughlin, speaking on behalf of a group of organizations that have combined to form Montana Advocates for Children.

Citing a range of reasons, an interim legislative committee voted Tuesday to lodge a formal objection to the 97-page document created by the state health department after hearing testimony from child care providers and health care advocates both for and against the rules.

The objection means the rules cannot be adopted while a process between the health department and lawmakers plays out, and could possibly be delayed until 2025 if no agreement on how to move forward can be reached.

The new rules, in part, create a type of child care license specifically for after-school providers, with decreased requirements that align with the needs of school-age children. Making that licensing process easier, the rules say, would increase the number of those after-school providers that get licensed, which means they can accept families that use child care subsidies to pay for care.

Brian Dennis, the president and CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County and a board member of the Montana Afterschool Alliance, asked legislators to advance the rules.

They are more consistent and easier to understand and implement by those small businesses because they create more opportunities and choices for Montana families who seek high-quality, affordable child care that meets the needs of their children and their families, Dennis said.

Dennis said while he understood there was opposition to the full rule package, he didnt want it to be defeated because perfect is the enemy of a lot better.

The real victims in this mess are the children and families who need us most who have been left twisting in the wind, families living on the edge who are forced to make ridiculous choices about how they spend their limited income, Dennis said.

Others who testified asking for a pause to at least part of the rules did so in opposition to their treatment of immunization requirements; part of the rule would allow certain providers to choose whether to accept religious exemptions to vaccination requirements.

Marian Kummer, a retired pediatrician from Billings, said "the allowance of religious exemptions for the day care population is unwise. The day care population is already at risk for vaccine-preventable diseases due to their age and inability to be fully vaccinated.  We need to keep this vulnerable population as safe as possible.

Committee chair Dennis Lenz, a Billings Republican, said the eight legislators at Tuesdays meeting likely had eight different reasons for opposing the bill. He cited various concerns, including that the rules implement more than lawmakers have passed in previous sessions.

Some of this has not passed the Legislature, and I'm saying the Legislature needs to have its imprint, Lenz said, adding that he was not necessarily opposed to the intent of the vaccine rule but more that it was being enacted via rule and not a bill passed by the Legislature.

Rep. SJ Howell, D-Missoula, attempted to separate the immunization section of the rules so the rest could move forward, but that approach failed.

State Rep. Jennifer Carlson, R-Manhattan, said that theres been a policy of allowing religious exemptions for day cares for two years and its worked fine.

This isn't going to be the sky is falling by doing a best practice of allowing people to exercise their religious rights, Carlson said. For those who have said the Legislature has spoken and they've said no to religious vaccine exemptions, I would say that that's not accurate.

She also pointed to a health department memo about non-enforcement of vaccine requirements for day cares, something also referenced by Tracy Moseman, the administrator of the Early Childhood and Family Support Division. The department did not respond to an email Wednesday seeking further information about the non-enforcement memo.

Carlson added that even with the rules delayed, after-school providers could still get licensed and take families that use the Best Beginnings child care scholarship.

I don't believe that rules creating a new category of care outside of what is established in the law  just so that we can give money to another entity who doesn't want to follow the day care rules for licensing, Carlson said.   I don't think that doing this wholesale change in a rules package without legislation is appropriate.

Carlson continued that one of her main objections to the rules is that home day cares will now pretty much have to follow the same rules as a licensed day care center. She said that did not mesh with the Montana Day Care Act, meant to give parents with a wide variety of diverse child care options.

That is what the law provides for and if the department wishes to change it so that all day cares must follow the same rules and preschools become daycares, which by law they are not day cares, and after-school programs get Best Beginnings money, even though they're not day cares, then we need to change the law to make that be the policy of the state of Montana.

Carlson also objected to definitions in the rule that she said conflicted with definitions in state law.

Howell also voted to object to the rules, though they said they supported child care scholarship money going to after-school providers and said they felt the Religious Freedom Restoration Act allowed the state to enact vaccine requirements intended to protect children.
After waiting months for the state health department to produce demographic data on how many people lost Medicaid coverage since the start of the redetermination process, the House Minority leader on Wednesday slammed the department director over apparent issues with the accuracy of the information provided.

In a letter addressed to Charlie Brereton, the director of the Department of Public Health and Human Services, House Minority Leader Kim Abbott, D-Helena, said the numbers provided to the committee "creates confusion  not clarity."

The health department furnished an interim legislative committee that handles issues related to health care with demographic data on redetermination, such as race, age, gender and location of those who have gone through the unwinding process.

Medicaid "redetermination" or "unwinding" refers to a federally mandated process happening across the country. During the nationwide public health emergency tied to COVID-19, those who were no longer eligible for Medicaid under certain metrics were not removed from the insurance program. Last spring, the federal government ordered states to go back through their Medicaid rolls and reassess enrollees' eligibility.

This data should, if accurate, provide the most in-depth look at exactly who was impacted by the unwinding, but Abbott and other Democratic lawmakers are skeptical of the accuracy of the numbers provided.

"... The data you provided in response to my information request does not appear to be directly comparable to the data reported on your own agencys Medicaid dashboard. This fact makes comparisons over time challenging, if not impossible," Abbott wrote.

This letter was in part sparked by a severe correction DPHHS had to issue to the numbers.

Hours after DPHHS first handed over the data Tuesday, the department amended the number of American Indian/Alaska Native children who had their coverage terminated or renewed and whose cases are still pending.

The original records request stated that 11,445 tribally affiliated children had their coverage terminated, 19,815 had it renewed and 2,269 were still pending. The numbers were amended to be thousands less than the original: 4,137 terminated, 7,907 renewed and 771 still pending. It remains unclear if the amended numbers are accurate, as DPHHS has not responded to multiple questions about the data.

That mistake is not the only thing Abbott is taking issue with. The Helena Democrat is requesting clarification on a number of the metrics provided, including the number of children and adults on Medicaid before redetermination started and a proportion of the number of seniors who were kicked off Medicaid over the last few months.

Abbott contends that the DPHHS Medicaid enrollment dashboard that includes historical data for Medicaid enrollment in Montana does not match up with the data provided to the committee.

In response to Abbott's letter, Brereton released the following statement through a spokesperson:

"Let's be honest: opponents to Medicaid redetermination want Montana taxpayers to continue footing the bill for individuals ineligible for Medicaid. Despite this most recent political stunt, the department remains committed to protecting the taxpayer-funded Medicaid program for eligible Montanans who need it most. The Biden administration approved Montana's Medicaid redetermination plan last year and our redetermination process is now complete. There is a wide coalition of reasonable people, including legislators, who believe that Medicaid enrollment must return to pre-pandemic levels.

"The department responded in full to Rep. Abbotts original questions, and well review her newest line of politically charged questioning."

"Your continued unwillingness to take responsibility for, or make adjustments to, a poorly designed and executed Medicaid redetermination process is unacceptable. Your reflexive need to blame problems in other programs in your agency on a process that you designed, and is entirely within your control, further undermines your credibility," Abbott wrote. "Unfortunately, your agencys response to my information request on Medicaid disenrollments creates confusion  not clarity."

In a legislative committee meeting Wednesday, another Democrat, Rep. Mary Caferro, asked Brereton and his colleague about some of the same numbers that Abbott took issue with. Both DPHHS employees said they would get back to her with that information.

This is not Abbott's first letter to the director regarding redetermination. In late January, she sent a separate letter to Brereton criticizing his handling of the unwinding process and urged his department to fill the records request in a timely manner.

"You refused to undertake this redetermination process in a responsible way that would minimize coverage losses," she wrote earlier this year. "Now you refuse to be held accountable for the damage your department has done. Your attempt to excuse this behavior is unacceptable. If any private business ran this way they would certainly be looking for a new CEO."

Since last spring, droves of Montanans have seen their Medicaid coverage terminated, the majority of which was not for eligibility issues but for procedural reasons like not responding to mailers.

Outside of the records request made by the committee, there is not readily available demographic data about terminations, renewals and pending cases.
Advocates for some 200 wild horses roaming North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park are hoping a signal of support from Congress will prevent the removal of the beloved animals from the rugged landscape.

A National Park Service decision is expected around April as to the horses' future in the parks colorful, rolling Badlands. It's part of an ongoing process to craft a park management plan for livestock  a term horse advocates reject.

Republican Sen. John Hoeven's legislation, tucked in the annual Interior and Environment budget bill that Congress passed and President Joe Biden signed, strongly recommends that the Park Service keep the horses in place. It also signals a potential future action that would deny any funding intended to remove them.

Now we'll continue to have a dialogue with them and hopefully get to a good solution, Hoeven said in an interview with The Associated Press.

A remaining question is how many horses would ensure the long-term preservation of the herd. Advocates want to see a genetically viable herd of at least 150 horses to avoid inbreeding issues. Park Superintendent Angie Richman has said the horses, if they ultimately stay, would still have to be reduced to 35 to 60 animals under a 1978 environmental assessment.

Richman and the National Park Service did not respond to emails for comment on Hoeven's legislation.

Previously, park officials have said their evaluation of whether the horses should stay is in line with their policies to remove non-native species when they pose a potential risk to resources. The park has proposed removing the horses quickly or gradually or taking no action.

Advocates have feared a predetermined ouster of the horses, whose predecessors were accidentally fenced into the park in the 1950s and were subject to subsequent roundups.

The horses' origins include Native American tribes, area ranches and domestic stallions introduced to the park from the late 1970s through the 1990s, said Castle McLaughlin, who researched the horses as a graduate student while working for the Park Service in North Dakota in the 1980s.

They really are sort of living history because they reflect the kinds of horses people in North Dakota, both Native and non-Native, had over the last 150 years, said McLaughlin, who cheered state leaders' commitment to preserving the horses and said she is cautiously optimistic but still skeptical the Park Service will do the right thing here.

The horses are often seen along the park's scenic road and hiking trails, thrilling visitors and photographers who happen upon them.

A vast majority of public comments on the decision process has favored keeping the horses.

Chasing Horses Wild Horse Advocates President Chris Kman said she is hopeful the legislation results in the horses staying, but she awaits the park's decision and wonders what the legislation means for a management plan for the horses.

I don't think that any of us will trust, even with an act of Congress, that the park is going to do the right thing and allow a genetically viable herd of horses to stay, she said. ...Their attitude all along has pretty much been, you know, We can't keep the horses. We understand the public wants them, but we're not doing it anyway,' no matter what the overwhelming response was."

Last year, Gov. Doug Burgum offered state collaboration for maintaining the horses in the park. Richman has said park officials are certainly willing to work with the governor and the state to find a good outcome."

All of the horses are in the park's South Unit near Medora. Park officials' ultimate decision will also affect about nine longhorn cattle in the park's North Unit.
This story has been updated to include a statement from Whitefish Mountain Resort after the ski patrol's union vote.

Professional ski patrollers at Whitefish Mountain Resort have officially unionized, citing poor retention and high cost of living as the primary reason to organize their workplace.

Whitefish Professional Ski Patrol announced March 5 that 96% of eligible workers voted in favor of unionizing. Last month, 77% of eligible workers signed a petition to the National Labor Relations Board to hold a union election. That gave Whitefish Mountain Resort a 10-day period to voluntarily recognize the union. The company did not, so the patrollers and NLRB moved forward with the ultimately successful vote in early March.

After the petition but before the vote, a Whitefish Mountain representative stated: "We value our ski patrol and what it brings to our overall operation, and we intend to work to chart the best path forward

After the vote, Whitefish Mountain Resort issued a statement expressing dismay at the patrol unionization.

"While we're disappointed with the outcome of this vote, we will continue to do everything we can to work together moving forward to positively impact the work lives of all of our employees, including a newly unionized patrol team. Our position all along was that, if approached and given the opportunity to discuss these issues directly, we could have made meaningful change happen through direct communication. That opportunity has passed and we will continue to maintain a positive and respectful relationship with the Patrol team within this new paradigm."

The ski patrol's unionization was part of a string of ski patrol union drives at privately owned resorts across the West this winter, in which five different professional patrols have pursued unionization. Ten other ski patrols in the United States are already unionized. (Additionally, workers at New York state-owned ski areas like Whiteface and Lake Placid, part of the state's Olympic Regional Development Authority, have joined New York's largest union of state employees, the Civil Service Employees Association.)

Ski patrollers are responsible for managing visitor safety at ski resorts, including deploying and collecting signage, fencing and pads on ski runs each morning and evening. They risk injury and death to mitigate avalanche danger with hand-thrown explosives or by triggering slides themselves from above. As mountain-based medical technicians they respond to injuries and fatalities in and around ski areas.

But pay is notoriously low, especially when compared to mountain-town housing prices, and even full-time professional patrollers generally do not receive healthcare or paid sick time because they only work during winter ski seasons.

That has patrollers across the West pursuing collective bargaining via unions as a way to improve working conditions and retain experienced patrollers. Most ski patrols unionize under the United Professional Ski Patrols of America, which falls under Communication Workers of America Local 7781.

Ryan Dineen is a 12-year veteran of Breckenridge Ski Patrol who works as an avalanche technician, one of the most dangerous jobs in patrolling. He's also a local organizer with CWA 7781, advising other patrollers on how to organize their workplace, and he helped unionize his own ski patrol in 2021.

"We are professionals who do a real job that carries with it real stress and carries with it real emotional and physical trauma," he said. "Were willing to do the work, we love the work. Were willing to sacrifice our bodies and sometimes our mental well-being for the people who access these mountains  we just demand that when we go home at night we can pay the bills."

Union wave

In Colorado, patrollers at POWDR-owned Eldora Mountain submitted a petition in October seeking a union election, but the drive is tied up in litigation according to Dineen. In Utah, patrollers at Alterra-owned Solitude Mountain submitted a petition Feb. 14. The Salt Lake Tribune reported that Alterra rejected the request to voluntarily recognize the union, sending the matter to a vote.

In California, patrollers at Palisades Tahoe, also owned by Alterra, submitted a petition on Feb. 26. And patrollers at Colorado's Vail-owned Keystone Ski Resort submitted a petition March 1, reigniting a union drive there after a 2021 attempt failed by a single vote.

Montana's Big Sky Resort patrol unionized in 2021. Patrollers at Stevens Pass Ski Resort in Washington and Park City Mountain Resort in Utah are also unionized.

In Colorado, unionized patrols include Aspen-Snowmass, Telluride Ski Resort, Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Purgatory Resort, Loveland Ski Area, Breckenridge Ski Resort and Steamboat Ski Resort. Crested Butte patrol union, formed in the 1970s, is widely cited as the first professional ski patrol union in the United States.

Whitefish patroller Matt Bagwill, who helped organize the union drive, said wages and benefits for patrollers have failed to keep pace with Whitefish and nearby Kalispell's sharply rising cost of living, leading to poor retention of patrollers and significant financial hardship among those who remain.

"We all love working here, we want to work here, we love this mountain, we love this community," he said. "Were trying to pay rent without hurting."

Bagwill works as a wildland firefighter in the summers, based out of Jackson, Wyoming. He said he worked more than 900 hours of overtime last summer "so I could afford to come up here and lose money."

He said first-year patrollers at Whitefish make $18 an hour. It's a drastic improvement from the previous starting pay of $13 an hour just a few years ago. But, he said, while starting wages have risen, wages for more experienced workers remained the same  a phenomenon known as "wage compression."

"Its really that middle and upper squishing and compression of the wages," he said. "Theres not a whole lot of upward from that" starting wage of $18.

A fourth-year patroller there told the Flathead Beacon she makes less than $2 more an hour than her rookie colleagues.

The median household income in Whitefish hit $70,000 a year in 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Per-capita income was nearly $60,000 annually. The median value of owner-occupied homes was $610,000 that year. Realtor.com recently reported the median listing price of homes for sale in Whitefish was $1.4 million.

Meanwhile, a ski patrol wage of $18 an hour equates to $37,440 annually, just $165 above the federal poverty line for a household.

But patrollers don't work all year  at Whitefish they work full-time for only about 20 weeks each winter. That equates to $14,400 a season with no health insurance and no paid sick days.

Bagwill lamented how poor retention because of wages has already robbed his crew of experienced patrollers who know the mountain and its hazards better than newer workers.

"We have a very young patrol nowadays with a very small group of people who know all our avalanche routes."

Dineen, the union organizer from Breckenridge, cited a similar dynamic.

"My mentors are gone, in some cases because it financially didnt make sense anymore."

Bagwill said the patrol's director and assistant director have been "awesome" in advocating for the workers from their position as managers, but "progress has been slow" and "we kind of felt the need that having a collective voice is going to get our goals accomplished."

Challenges breed collectivization

As multimillion-dollar homes proliferate across Whitefish and the Flathead region and more long-term rentals are converted to vacation rentals, Bagwill said patrollers aren't trying to get rich  they just want to pay their rent while ensuring visitor safety and learning from longtime patrollers who can afford to stick around.

"Itd be nice to not have to hurt in the winter and go crazy in the summer to make it happen," he said.

Dineen, whose ski area is owned by Vail Resorts, had a similar take: "Im not saying anybody has to hand that to me, but I work for a billion-dollar corporation, and the fact that I get paid the same amount as a frontline walk-up position doesnt seem just."

It's a common theme for pro patrollers at Western resorts.

"I think we all face fundamentally the same challenges," he said. "We operate either in mountain towns or adjacent to mountains town, where wealth disparity is fundamental, is blatant at all times. The struggle to make these places your home and your community, it takes elevating your voice through collectivizing your voice in order to  not advocate for change or seek change  but force change. And I think we all see that."

Ski corporations don't like that, he said, noting that no resort owner has voluntarily recognized a patrol union.

"Its not that we dont just get voluntary recognition, its that our employers choose to run anti-union campaigns that include captive-audience meetings," he said, referring to a practice recently made illegal in some states, "compulsory meetings that youre forced to attend basically to be fed disinformation."

Cory Cavegn, who has patrolled at Keystone resort for four years, recently told The Colorado Sun, "Weve seen quite a few other patrols get into the union  and its pretty apparent that patrollers with the same amount of tenure and training are receiving better compensation at those other resorts.

Vail Resorts is the largest ski area company in North America, with 37 resorts, including three with unionized patrols: Park City, Breckenridge and Crested Butte. Two years ago, Vail announced it would spend $175 million more each year on employees. That included bumping rookie patroller pay to $21 an hour ($1 more than other new hires).

In a workplace where trust is essential  whether ski-cutting an avalanche-prone slope, throwing explosives or treating an injured skier on a mountainside  anti-union efforts by resort owners sow division and distrust among ski patrols, Dineen said.

"In order for our employers to make us not successful they need to divide us, often hiring outside consultants to discourage unionization, he said. "Its fundamentally creating a less safe environment."
Its a wonder I havent abandoned all my ideals, they seem so absurd and impractical. Yet I cling to them because I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart. Its utterly impossible for me to build my life on a foundation of chaos, suffering and death.

No, these words arent from an online post or a columnist looking out on our fragile landscape in 2024. They are perhaps the most memorable and often quoted lines of a teenage Anne Frank before she was killed in the Holocaust.

I once had the privilege of visiting the house and annex in Amsterdam where Anne hid for several years. Stepping up, ducking down and maneuvering behind the bookcase to the hiding place and then eventually exiting to a room where her diary is displayed along with family deportation and concentration camp documentation. The most meaningful moment for me was not the diary, but a ledger of names of those exterminated opened to the page that included Annes name. It was the names above and below hers that rattled me. One young boy was the exact age of my 7-year-old daughter at the time. How is it that we are capable of such evil? Dear God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Christians need not look far to be reminded of what we are capable of. Wed put the son of God to death if we could, and we did. Its hard not to think about the cross this time of year. Jesus was stretched out to die in the most excruciating torture devised at the time. But heres the irony of it all. They werent wrong. What happens when we get it right? What about when were just doing our job and following the regulations and procedures?

Plenty of us think of Jesus as an innocent man, but Im not so sure about that. As Episcopal preacher Barbara Brown Taylor notes, the charges against him were blasphemy and treason and they accused him of subverting religion and undermining the nation, and as far as I can tell they were right on both counts. He was killed by piety and due process.

Church leaders and politicians alike shout and curse at each other. The high court has just handed down another verdict and primary season is all but wrapped up. We stare down an unsettling reality that none of us truly wish to confront  that the next few months will bring out the worst in us all. It is possible to be right on both counts, follow all the procedures and process, and still get the answer wrong.

I wonder sometimes, is it even possible to say such words: I still believe, in spite of everything, people are truly good at heart. Apparently, Jesus does and thats why his old-fashioned lynching is so important. It somehow communicates an absurdity of love that we can hardly fathom. It is while hes on that tree that he sends out a cry heavenward: Father, forgive them. They do not know what they are doing. One of my seminary professors would often say: Forgiveness is what it costs God to be with people like us who, every time God reaches out to us in love, beat God away.

What situation in our lives could be worse than hanging on a cross? Our God gets mixed up in the mess of this life here on earth, even to the point of going with us criminals to the cross. Perhaps youve heard it said, There may be only one cross here today, but God knows we are all hanging on the other two. I still believe, in spite of everything, people are truly good at heart. Why? Because Jesus did.

No one asked to be forgiven at Golgotha, he just did it. Father, forgive them. The life is falling out of his body and hes thinking about us. I suppose thats why I havent given up yet, even if I dont know what Im doing.
Almost anyone associated with the Seventh Day Adventist Church will recognize the significance of todays date, March 14. It was on this day on 1858 that a young lady named Ellen G. White reported a vision while attending a funeral near Bowling Green, Ohio. The eventual result of her ensuing spiritual convictions was not only the founding of the church by that name but also her writing thousands of articles and 40 books on health, theology, family life and education as well as the organization of schools and health facilities.

Spiritual visions, or revelations, compose a fascinating field of theology which is avoided by most people due to its perplexity. Prior to the turn of the 20th Century, claims of spiritual visitation were largely attributed to a confusion of psychological pathology and religiosity and were assumed to be schizophrenic or epileptic episodes. But then, serious scholarship began to delve into the subject matter with more open mindedness, and the first breakthrough that caught their attention was the commonality of some of the more outstanding claims of personal revelations. In addition to White, who was born in Maine in 1827, there was Mary Eddy Baker, founder of the Christian Science movement, from New Hampshire born in 1821, and Joseph Smith of the Latter Day Saints, born in Vermont in 1805.

Was it a mere coincidence that three of Americas most historical religious movements were founded on spiritual visionaries all of whom were seriously spiritual minded individuals born in the early 19th Century in New England?

Such commonalty justified many investigators to dismiss the presumption of mental aberration and instead consider that these visionaries were mentally fusing the contradictions of their Puritanical background and their understanding of Gods intention of the supreme good.

Who of us at some very personal moment has not felt the inner conflict between our institutional faith expression and our ideal love for others? This realization opened up the potential frequency that lies in all of us to perceive a burning bush brainstorm and to sense we have received a spiritual insight unique to our personal relationship to God.

In 2011, David Hufford undertook to examine the general populations experience with this phenomena in an essay entitled Visionary Spiritual Experiences and Cognitive Aspects of Spiritual Transformation. For his investigation, he employed the understanding of religious visions to be the the souls affective, even languorous, conflict between the actual practice of religious organizations and the devout, inner spiritual ideals (My reduction of words, not Huffords.).

What was really most revealing in his research happened to be the surprisingly huge number of responders to his survey (over one half of the population in any given era) consistently reporting to claim such phenomena. How could it be otherwise? Who of us has not looked up to the heavens above our heads and not thought as Isaiah, Gods creation is evident around us in nature  including the sky, the clouds, the sun and the stars. Or bemused as did the Preacher of Ecclesiastes, He has made everything beautiful in its time; He has put eternity in mans mind.

Perhaps it was David as a little shepherd boy lost in thought as he guarded his charge out in the solitude of the pastures who, because children also have their insights into spiritual truths, marveled, The heavens declare the glory of God, the firmament displays His handiwork, or When I look at the heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have ordained, what is man that you are mindful of him or the son of man that you care for him?

And of course there was the greatest theologian of all the Bible writers, Paul, who summed these thoughts in these words, Since the creation of the world, Gods invisible nature, His eternal power and deity has been clearly perceived 

In truth Gods revelations are all around us  if we will merely look and see.
Editors note: Calendar items must be submitted at least five days before an event. Email all items to news@morganton.com.

TODAY

Free health fair

A free health fair will be held Thursday, March 14, at St. Charles Catholic Church, 728 W. Union St., Morganton, from noon to 6 p.m. The fair will provide a basic exam, along with diabetes risk and heart disease assessments. No appointment is necessary. The fair is sponsored by the Burke County Health Department, UNC Health Blue Ridge, and Campbell University.

FRIDAY

ACC Chili Cookoff The Morganton Downtown Development Association will hold its 30th annual ACC Chili Cookoff from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Morganton Community House. Local amateurs and professionals will compete to make the best chili recipe. Visitors who purchase tickets for $10 will have the opportunity to have all-you-can-eat chili with all of the fixings, cornbread, salad, dessert and beverage. Both dine-in and carry-out options will be available. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Morganton Main Street office at 828-438-5280 or info@downtownmorganton.com.

SATURDAY

Fundraiser

The Meeting Place Mission will hold its annual Skeet Shoot and Bourbon Tasting fundraiser on Saturday, March 16. Skeet shooting will take place at noon followed by a bourbon tasting at 4 p.m. Heavy hors doeuvres will be served and a silent auction will be held. Visit https://skeet.my.canva.site/ for tickets or more information.

Support group meeting

The Burke County Parkinsons Support Group will meet Saturday, March 16, at 10 a.m. at the Valdese Public Library, 213 St. Germain Ave., SE. Anyone with Parkinsons, their caregivers, friends and family are invited to attend. For additional information, call 828-879-1093.

Support group meeting

The Survivors of Loss to Suicide Hickory NC Support Group will be meeting, Saturday, March 16, from 9-10 a.m. at St Stephens Library at 3225 Springs Road NE, Hickory. The group offers support for the families and friends who have lost a loved one to suicide and is open to teens and adults. If you have any questions or need any further information, email or call Leisa Bentley at leisabentley@charter.net or 828-234-5822.

MONDAY, MARCH 18

Vietnam Veterans meeting

Vietnam Veterans of America, Robert Douglas Avery Chapter 1116 will be meeting on Monday, March 18, at Timberwoods Family Restaurant with a social hour beginning at 5 p.m. and meal at 6 p.m. Meals for first-time guests will be paid for. A business meeting will begin at 6 p.m. All Vietnam veterans, members and non-members, are invited to attend this meeting. Membership information will be provided for all non-members interested in joining our chapter. For those who filled out a membership form, dont forget to bring a copy of your DD 214. Any questions that you have can be directed to Chapter Secretary Tom Johnson at 828-413-0143.

TUESDAY, MARCH 19

Musical performance

Western Piedmont Community College, 1001 Burkemont Ave., will have the KAIA Quartet performing in WPCCs Leviton Auditorium on March 19 at 11 a.m.

Friendly Tuesday Club

The Friendly Tuesday Club will meet at 10 a.m. at the Burke Senior Center, 501 N. Green St., Morganton, for a potluck meal.

THURSDAY, MARCH 21

Lunch and Learn

Friends of the Valdese Rec will host Valdese Mayor Charles Watts as a guest speaker for its Lunch and Learn. The free event for adults begins at noon with lunch and 20 minutes of social time before the program. RSVP by March 19 to friendsofthevaldeserec@gmail.com if you would like to attend. The event will be held at First United Methodist Church, 217 St. Germain Ave. SE, Valdese.

New Dimensions board meeting

New Dimensions will hold its monthly Board meeting on Thursday, March 21, at 4 p.m. in person on campus as well as via Zoom. Contact ckinard@ndschool.org for link information.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23

Eggroll fundraiser

First Hmong Baptist Church of Morganton, 301 Walker Road, will hold a eggroll fundraiser on Saturday, March 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The menu includes a combo plate with chicken stick, fried rice and two eggrolls for $10; two chicken sticks and fried rice for $10; four eggrolls and fried rice for $10; a dozen eggrolls for $20; one chicken stick for $5; fried rice for $5; and $4 for boba tea. For more information, email Chong Thao at tsoogthoj@gmail.com.

Pancake breakfast

The Rotary Club of Valdese will hold its annual pancake breakfast on March 23 from 7-11 a.m. at First Methodist Church, 217 Germain Ave., SW, in Valdese. Tickets are $8.

THURSDAY, MARCH 28

DAV meeting

Disabled American Veterans Chapter #43 will have its monthly meeting at 2779 DAV Ave., on March 28 with social hour beginning at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and the meeting at 7 p.m. For questions or more information, contact Dave Tubergen at 828-437-0177. All veterans are welcomed to come and discuss the new rules for service-connected assignments and the new toxic exposures  oil well fires, firefighting foam, Camp Lejeune Water, Agent Orange exposure worldwide, and contaminated drinking water from military runoff. Other toxins are also considered. Come and talk with us to see if we can assist you.

FRIDAY, MARCH 29

Vietnam War Veterans Day ceremony

National Vietnam War Veterans Day will be observed at the KIA Monument at the historic courthouse square. The Quaker Meadows Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will be conducting a service to recognize veterans who served during the time of the conflict on Friday, March 29, at 11 a.m. Those attending should bring chairs if they want to sit. There will be a special section reserved for veterans of the Vietnam War. In the event of rain, the service will be inside the historic courthouse which is handicap accessible. For information, contact the DAR chapter at quakermeadowsdar@gmail.com.

Blood Drive

A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held Friday, March 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at North Morganton United Methodist Church, 990 Sanford Drive, Morganton. To schedule your appointment, contact www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767.

Free Bingo

The Lake James Community Center will have free bingo on Friday, March 29, from 6-9 pm. at the Center on N.C. 126. Hot foods will be available for purchase to eat in or to go. Several door prize drawings will be held throughout the evening. The public is invited.

THURSDAY, APRIL 4

Smart Start meeting

Burke County Smart Starts board of directors meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 4, at 4 p.m. at the Partnership offices located at 304 W. Union St. Board meetings are open to the public and are held in handicapped accessible facilities. COVID, flu and other health restrictions will be observed. For anyone with a hearing impairment who may require the assistance of an interpreter or have other special needs, call the Partnership at 439-2326 or use the NC Relay System at 1-800-735-8262.

THURSDAY, APRIL 11

Public Input Meeting

The public is invited to a presentation of the proposed park in Glen Alpine at the intersection of Bridge and Linville streets on Thursday, April 11, at 6 p.m. at Glen Alpine Town Hall. A site map showing planned amenities and layout will be shown and public comments recorded. The town will be applying for a NC PARTF grant and wants to make sure the park includes features residents desire.

FRIDAY, APRIL 12

ACAP annual conference

ACAP Hickory/Foothills (Adult Children of Aging Parents) will be presenting its annual Caregiver Conference on Friday, April 12, at 8:30 a.m. until noon on the CVCC Campus, West Wing Commons, 2550 U.S. 70, SE, Hickory. In partnership with the Catawba County Library System and Catawba Valley Community College Human Services Technology Program, ACAP Hickory/Foothills will present the half day caregiving conference. The speakers will be Timothy Aumen, Ph.D. from Wake Forest University and George Place, Ph.D., community wellness specialist, Flow DoJo Training, as they discuss The Mindful Heart of Caregiving: Making Room for Peace, Balance, and Gratitude.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

Scavenger hunt

Burkes Amazin Race, a community scavenger hunt, is coming up on Saturday, April 13. Teams of 3-5 members (ages 21+) will compete to collect clues, take on fun challenges, and adventure through Downtown Morganton, followed by an Afterparty & Awards Celebration at Comma Performing Arts Center. Theres even a $300 Top Prize. Register your team by April 1 and learn more at https://www.bcuw.org/amazinrace.

THURSDAY, APRIL 18

Lunch and Learn

Friends of the Valdese Rec will host Sheriff Banks Hinceman as a guest speaker for its Lunch and Learn event. The event will begin at noon with lunch and 20 minutes of social time before the program. RSVP to friendsofthevaldeserec@gmail.com if you would like to attend. The event will be held at First United Methodist Church, 217 St. Germain Ave., SE, Valdese.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

Trip

Cruise Unifour Christian Ministries will be embarking on a cruise to Grand Turk and Dominican Republic. Members of the public are invited to join. Call Annette Guffey at 828-493-1723 or 828-396-1906 for more information.
Dan Rather, the noted CBS Evening News anchor, completed his final episode as anchor on March 9, 2005. In the last several minutes of the program, he announced that he wanted to return to a word he often used to close the news on previous nights. One of his favorite things to do was to end a program with the word courage. In closing his last news broadcast from the anchor chair, he ended by saying the word. In signing off, he both showed his character and his hope for the country itself in the wake of terrorist attacks and natural disasters.

In this election season, we deserve candidates with clear visions and individuals who we see can demonstrate different kinds of courage. For example, it is easy to attack ones opponent and not have any personal vision or political courage in oneself. Attacking is easy, leading is harder. An election season is, in part, a test of character, will and endurance but it is also a mark of courage. Americans, and people in general, are inspired by courage. When Sen. Margaret Chase Smith gave a speech against McCarthyism, she displayed courage both as a woman and as a politician. John Kennedy took inspiration from the courage displayed by other leaders. His book, Profiles in Courage, tells the stories of some of these individuals across the history of the country. Ronald Reagan acted with courage and compassion when he spoke to the country in the wake of the Challenger disaster. His words soothed a nation and are still heard by individuals who grew up in the 1980s.

As Rather reflected in his closing, there are many different kinds of courage and many moments and avenues where courage is essential. Sure, we may think of political courage in a large way, but there are also intense moments in life where physical, emotional and spiritual courage are needed.

A quick breeze on social media reveals moments caught on film where individuals courageously acted in a physical way to save others. The fireman who braves icy waters to save an individual or animal caught in wintry ice. The runner, full of exhaustion, who makes it across the finish line or is helped over the line by a compassionate and courageous individual who stops and helps them.

Emotionally, we display courage when we take time to sit with a friend who is grieving or when we offer up either some tough or calming words to help an individual grow. Displaying courage especially involves the timing of the act. We both find and miss times to show our courage either because we are distracted by something; or simply, we are too afraid to reach out. Emotional courage involves taking the time to read the natural rhythms of our bodies and minds. There are times where a courageous act simply involves stopping what we are doing at the time, being still, and seeking moments of rest in order to heal in both the short and long term.

A local writer penned a great line last year. She wrote, What we hear in our spiritual hearts is critical for navigating this life and where we plan to be in the next. Such a true and deeply felt statement. Spiritual courage may be the most important. Even an atheist has to have courage not to believe, and this is certainly ones choice. King Davids words in the Psalms courageously cry out; praying for his God to search him, and try him, and lead him in the way. We act courageously when we seek something higher and think of ourselves less.

Courage is a word and a behavior we should be spending more time talking to young people about because our history as human beings is so full of accounts where people exhibited courageous acts. Historians throughout the past have weighed in on the paths other people took which either involved the courage to do something or the courage to simply stay still on an issue until another, greater moment of action. As people, we gain courage from the decisions and actions of others. We often ask the question: What would so and so have done in this situation? It is a fair question.

There are thousands of quotes about courage and many, many lives to see courageous acts in. One quote reads, Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something is more important than fear. Rightly so.

As citizens  as voters  let us strive hard to make courageous choices regarding candidates running at every level of the election process. If given the opportunity, let us ask them about the moments in their lives where they have displayed elements of courage. Let us try to hear them honestly and courageously  ourselves. Then, lets have the courage to vote our conscience freely and prayerfully with the understanding that other people in other countries do not always get to make the choices we do.
EDITORS NOTE: If you have something going on in southwest Montana that you would like to share, send an email to editor@mtstandard.com. To get even more coverage, people are encouraged to go to eventsinbutte.com to add their special event.

Three Forks Music Night with Katie Hall, 6 p.m., Bridger Brewing, Three Forks.

Open print studio, 1:30 p.m., Friday, March 15, Imagine Butte Resource Center, 68 W. Park St. Learn how type is organized and how to use a composing stick to set type. $100 for materials.

Live music with Platinum Street Jazz, 8 p.m., Friday, March 15, Elks Lodge, 206 W. Galena.

Menopause the Musical 2: Cruising Through The Change, 7 p.m. Friday, March 15, Mother Lode Theatre, 316 W. Park St. The sequel to Menopause the Musical is a hilarious and heartfelt look at the joys of menopause and friendship  plus hot flashes, mood swings and memory lapses. For these four ladies, menopause was not the end, but the beginning of a beautiful friendship where love conquers all and friendships never fail. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased at buttearts.org or by calling 406-723-3602.

Music by Beat Deaf, 7 p.m., Saturday, March 16, Slainte Butte America Pub, 8 S. Montana St.

Chautauqua Open Mic, 6:30 p.m., Saturday, March 16, Elling House Arts and Humanities Center, Virginia City. Musicians, poets, humorists entertain. Performers should call 406-843-5454 to reserve spot on stage.

Three Forks Music Night with Brendan Nolan, 6 p.m., Bridger Brewing, Three Forks.
An integral part of Irelands culture, Irish dance has been described as a celebration of heritage, weaving tradition with creativity.

Thats a winning combination here in Butte. Heritage and tradition are bound tightly together and residents relish keeping both alive, no matter their ancestry.

Which is why Cindy Powers got into Irish dancing in the first place. She wanted to celebrate the Irish ancestry she and her husband, Tom Powers, share. So, the wife, mother and schoolteacher decided to turn to dance in 1997 and helped to form the Corktown Dancers.

There was an interest, said Powers, who taught the class at the Knights of Columbus. I was learning right along with the kids.

A bonus was bringing her daughter, Kerry, to class.

It was a natural tie-in for my daughter to learn about her heritage, said Powers, whose husband is a founding member of Buttes Irish band, Dublin Gulch.

Powers believes dancing can be empowering and brings with it a new level of confidence. She has also witnessed how dance has helped contribute to childrens social growth.

Theres abundant proof to back up Powers statement.

According to a 2018 article in Healthline, an online medical magazine, dancing can be a definite boost to a persons emotional and social well-being.

In a 2022 study featured on the National Library of Medicine website, researchers concluded that dance provides benefits for participants that are both personal and independent. It also credited dance for illuminating the ego and providing relief of physical tension, anxiety, and aggression.

There is one more positive attribute to share, at least for this Butte troupe. Powers said that Irish dancing has helped her young dancers better appreciate their roots and through dance, the kids have learned to honor their ancestors, Irish or otherwise, who made sacrifices while making their way to Butte.

Thanks to worldwide response to the stage production of Riverdance, the popularity of Irish dance grew and by 2004, the Corktown Dancers had grown as well. So much so, the name was changed to the Tiernan Irish Dancers and had become a subsidiary of the renowned Trinity Academy of Irish Dance of Chicago, Milwaukee & Madison.

Its been 20 years and Powers has already passed the baton to her daughter, Kerry Powers Hall, who is now the lead instructor.

Now the dance belongs to Kerry, and I work for her, said Powers with a laugh. She is so much more fluent.

Hall is fluent. She has been part of Irish dancing for most of her life  first as a student, then as an instructor.

It is a tremendous feeling to watch her teach, said Powers.

Hall credits her mom for giving her the opportunity.

She passed the reins to me under the direction of Chicago, said Hall.

Mother and daughter are both teachers with Butte School District No. 1. After 27 years, Powers will retire at the end of this school year. Hall, a kindergarten teacher, has nine years under her belt.

Hall believes the two positions, teaching kindergarten students and guiding a dance troupe, complement each other.

I bring instructional skills I use for teaching kindergarten and use them in the dance class, said Hall.

As the Tiernan Irish Dancers celebrate their 20th anniversary this year, Powers and Hall cant help but reflect on the past two decades.

Some of the troupes present members, which number about 100, are second-generation dancers.

Hall has thoroughly enjoyed watching her students, some of whom have been dancing since they were 3, grow to adulthood.

They have grown as dancers, grown as people, said Hall.

Powers looks a bit closer to home.

Halls 20-month-old daughter, Collins Roisin, has been to dance practice a time or two.

She is already tuned in and kicking to the beat, said Powers, a proud grandma. The seed has been planted.
Muslims around the world are observing the holy month of Ramadan, with worship, charity, dawn-to-dusk fasting and nightly feasts. Muslims gather for prayers inside mosques in Indonesia, Kashmir, Pakistan and Turkey. outside at New York's Times Square and in the Gaza Strip. Ramadan this year comes as the Middle East remains inflamed by the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, and many in the enclave are going hungry. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and begins with the sighting of the crescent moon. For many of the world's 1.8 billion Muslims, fasting begins after an announcement from officials in Saudi Arabia, which is home to the holiest places in Islam.
This week, 10 Muscatine High School Model UN students were able to attend the National High School Model United Nations Conference in New York City.

By attending the largest high school Model UN conference in the world, these students had the opportunity to meet with fellow participants from over 70 different countries and 250 schools.

According to Rachel Hansen, who advises and co-leads the group alongside Aaron Smith, the MHS Model UN group has been attending this conference since 2014.

One of the reasons why weve tried to attend this conference each year is because its a large international conference, so the students have the opportunity to meet students from around the world who might have different perspectives from them, and they often times make friends that they stay in contact with for years," Hansen said.

Another reason Hansen gave for attending was that the committees featured at this national conference give students the chance to focus on what she sees as compelling topics.

They have a lot of crisis committees. Oftentimes some of the smaller UNs that we do in the state of Iowa only have maybe four committees that students can be on, she said. "At the national conference, meanwhile, they have 20-30 committees, so the choices are larger and the topics are interesting.

While at the conference, Muscatine students represented the Cuban delegation, the former Vice Chairman of the Peoples Republic of China and the Israeli Minister of Intelligence. Additionally, one of the students, Kira Holler, received an Award of Excellence for her work during the conference as the Minister of Intelligence in the Crisis Committee simulating the Cabinet of Israel.

This is not the first time that MHS has been recognized at the event, as last year the group was able to take home an award for excellence in research and preparation. This is, however, the first time that an MHS student has won an individual award at this specific conference.

(Holler) was really good at diplomatic efforts in her committee, which means she worked well to build a consensus, did a good job communicating her ideas in front of the group, and worked really well and productively with other delegates in her committee, Hansen said, emphasizing how tough the topic had been for Holler as well as how much preparation shed had to do for it within a short amount of time.

As for the other students who attended the event, Hansen referred to them as some of the best students within their club.

They are very conscientious, they want to do well, and they work really hard to build diplomacy and consensus within their groups, making sure to include other people in the papers theyre writing or the discussions that theyre having  and theyre constantly striving to get better, she said.

For Hansen as an advisor, she felt that the most encouraging part of attending events such as this one is getting to watch how her students support one another, using their individual experiences to offer advice and guidance to their fellow Model UN members.

Its very rewarding to see students rally around each other and be excited for each other," she said.

With the school year nearly done, the about 40 members of the MHS Model UN will be spending the next two weeks focusing on their next big event  a state Model UN conference at the University of Iowa at the start of April.

No, you can't change the locks: 8 must-know eviction laws for Florida landlords No, you can't change the locks: 8 must-know eviction laws for Florida landlords
RUSHVILLE, Ill. (AP)  Authorities have identified the five people killed in a fiery collision between a school bus and semitruck on a highway in rural Illinois, including a young brother and sister, another 3-year-old boy and both drivers.

The eastbound bus from Schuyler-Industry Schools crossed into westbound U.S. Route 24 for an unknown reason Monday and into the path of a semi carrying sand, according to the state police's preliminary findings.

Both vehicles became engulfed in flames after colliding, which happened at around 11:30 a.m. in Rushville, a Schuyler County community of about 3,000 roughly 60 miles (95 kilometers) west of Springfield, the agency said. All four people aboard the bus  three children and the driver  were killed, as was the truck's driver.

The county coroner identified the children as 5-year-old Maria Miller, 3-year-old Andrew Miller and 3-year-old Noah Driscoll, all from Rushville, state police said. Maria and Andrew Miller were sister and brother, the county coroner confirmed Tuesday.

The bus driver was identified as Angela Spiker, 57, of Rushville, and the truck driver as David Coufal, 72, who was from the nearby village of Browning.

Sheriff Bill Redshaw said that at the time of the crash, the bus was taking the kids to school.

He told reporters Monday that the tragedy hit the small community hard.

Theres not really words at this time that can be said, Redshaw said. When you have a loss of life like this, its devastating.

The Rev. Pamela Thompson, co-pastor of Life Family Church in Virginia, Illinois, described the Miller children as sweet, innocent and pure-hearted.

They were always ready to play hug. They loved coming to church and loved their family so much," said Thompson, who co-pastors the church with her husband, Brandon. The Miller family attends the church.

Church members and the community were heartbroken after learning about the crash, she said.

Everyone was ready to step up and do whatever it took to support Sarah and her family, she said, referring to the siblings' mother. Its been really hard for everybody. Its just a different dynamic when little children are involved. It just hits everybody.

Schuyler-Industry Schools canceled classes Tuesday and Wednesday because of the crash.

It is with a heavy heart that we announce our school community has lost both staff and students in the traffic incident involving one of our school buses this morning, the school district said in a statement.

The cause of the crash is under investigation by a National Transportation Safety Board team and the state police, the Illinois agency announced.

The coroner said autopsies on the victims were being conducted Tuesday in Springfield.
Three New York City boroughs lost almost 80,000 residents from people moving away last year, according to population estimates released Thursday, but city officials think those numbers are a vast undercount that doesn't capture the influx of asylum seekers who came to the city.

The city rented out entire hotels to house some of the tens of thousands of migrants who came to New York City last year and also put cots in schools and temporarily housed people in tents, a cruise ship terminal and a former police academy building.

As many as 50,000 people were overlooked in the citys shelters, according to city officials, who plan to challenge the 2023 population estimates with the U.S. Census Bureau.

We wanted to flag it, said Casey Berkovitz, press secretary for New Yorks Department of City Planning. Once you account for this underestimate ... the year marked a return to prepandemic levels.

The three counties representing the boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx in New York City lost 28,300 people, 26,300 people and 25,300 people respectively last year, according to the estimates. Even though births outpaced deaths and people from abroad moved into these counties, these factors couldn't overcome an outflow of residents, though it was substantially smaller than in 2022.

Only Los Angeles County had a larger population loss last year  56,000 fewer residents in 2023, the largest decline in the U.S.

In the most popular destinations for immigrants  counties in South Florida and counties that are home to Houston, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Jose  international migration grew by double digits year-over-year.

The estimates dont distinguish between legal and illegal immigration, so its impossible to know if any of the growth came from unlawful border crossings. Arrests for illegal crossings hit a record high in December but fell by half in January.

In Miami-Dade County, there were almost 54,500 new residents from outside the U.S., the highest in the nation last year and an almost 40% increase over the previous year. The international migration offset the departure of more than 47,000 residents who left Miami-Dade County for other U.S. counties.

Among metro areas, which combine counties having social and economic connections, the Dallas metro area had the biggest growth last year  more than 152,000 residents  and surpassed 8 million residents for the first time. That growth was followed by metro Houston, with almost an additional 140,000 residents, and metro Atlanta, with an increase of more than 68,000 people.

Metro Atlanta jumped two spots from last year to become the sixth most populous metro area, with 6.3 million residents. It is surpassed only by metro New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas and Houston.

Polk County, Florida, was the county more people moved to last year than any other county in the U.S., according to the estimates.

More than 29,300 people moved last year to the county located between Tampa and Orlando, two metro areas where housing has grown increasingly pricey and the county is considered a cheaper alternative. In short order, Polk County has come to have fewer orange groves along Interstate 4 and more subdivisions for local service workers as well as distribution warehouses for on-demand deliveries for residents in both metropolitan areas.

Almost all the growth in Polk County  88%  consisted of people moving from another part of the U.S. rather than from abroad, according to the 2023 population estimates.

Subdivision growth has been springing up and it happens in such a manner that you dont always notice it. But when you are stuck in traffic, thats when you really pay attention that its going on, Matt Joyner, a seventh-generation Polk County resident, said about the influx of new residents.

Only four other counties  Harris and Montgomery counties in metro Houston; Collin County in metro Dallas; and Maricopa County, home to Phoenix  grew by more people, thanks to their higher numbers of natural increase, or births outnumbering deaths.

Harris County, which is home to Houston, grew by almost 54,000 people, the most of any county last year, with about two-thirds of the growth coming from births outpacing deaths. That natural increase of almost 34,700 people was the highest in the nation.

With more than 62,000 acres of citrus groves, Polk County is one of the leading producers of oranges in Florida. The state's citrus industry in recent years has been squeezed between a fast-spreading bacteria that has attacked the health of trees all over the state and relentless growth that has spilled over as its metro areas have expanded.

Despite that, Polk County has held onto its citrus heritage. Most of the growth has been concentrated in the northeastern part of the county, just a few miles from Walt Disney World in metro Orlando. But many of the citrus growers there who sold their land to subdivision builders have just moved to the southern part of the county, where citrus groves are still plentiful, said Joyner, CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, a growers' advocacy group.

New residents to Polk County have something picturesque to see if they drive around the countys groves right now  white flowers on citrus trees and a sweet aroma in the air.

Everywhere you go right now, the groves are snow white and the smell is sweet, Joyner said. It reminds you of the old days.

Follow Mike Schneider on X, formerly known as Twitter: @MikeSchneiderAP.
DES MOINES  Every member of Iowas all-Republican U.S. House delegation voted Wednesday to pass a measure to force the wildly popular social media platform TikTok to split from its Chinese parent company or face a national ban.

Our bill is simple: it forces TikTok to cut ties with the CCP (Chinese Community Party) or lose American users, U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, of Marion, said on the House floor.

Hinson sits on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party that originated the bill.

Today, we are sending a message to the CCP that we are going to deflate the 140 million spy balloons theyve installed on American phones, she said. We are going to protect our kids, our national security, and our cybersecurity."

The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate where it faces an uncertain future and concerns from some lawmakers that it violates Americans rights to free expression. Critics say rather than explicitly singling out TikTok, Congress should focus on bolstering data privacy and security.

Iowa Republican U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley told reporters Wednesday he will likely vote to approve the bill in the Senate but is not yet a firm yes. 

Grassley said he wants more information from U.S. intelligence officials and colleagues that serve on the Senate Intelligence Committee about the national security risk posed by TikToks Beijing-based parent, ByteDance.

Though TikTok is incorporated in the United States, its ties to ByteDance have long triggered fears the app could be weaponized by Chinese government officials to snoop on Americans and shape their political views by promoting and spreading misinformation or disinformation.

The company says it has never and would never share U.S. user data with the Chinese government and disputes claims of any foreign interference or influence.

I think anything connected to the Chinese Communist Party must be suspect, and thats why Im telling you Im leaning toward (supporting the bill), Grassley told reporters during a weekly conference call. But Im going to reserve just a little bit of judgment till I get the briefings we ought to have until we pass it.

Regardless of how I vote, I think (Senate Majority Chuck) Schumer should bring it up for a Senate vote, Grassley said.

The 90-year-old, an avid use of Twitter, now X, said hes never used TikTok.

Grassley last year discounted concerns about a potential TikTok ban violating the First Amendment free-speech protections, noting that users could migrate to other apps.

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, in a 2023 op-ed column, called TikTok a dangerous platform China has weaponized against Americans. She praised efforts, including in Iowa, to ban the app from government devices and called for prohibiting other taxpayer-funded entities, such as federally funded universities and airports, from advertising or partnering with the platform.

Make no mistake about it, TikTok is an arm of the Chinese Communist Party propaganda machine living rent-free on the devices of 150 million Americans, and its putting our national security in jeopardy, Ernst wrote. This insidious app collects your data, surveils behavior, monitors user habits, and negatively influences our youth with an endless stream of addictive content.
The Cabinet has endorsed the governments actions in the fight against illegal brews and narcotic drugs.

As announced by the Interior Ministry, these measures involve suspending all 52 licenses and permits issued to manufacturers and distillers of second-generation alcohol for 21 days, revoking all bar licences issued by counties against the law, and conducting an audit of conflict of interest within the ranks of enforcement agencies.

Additional measures include nationwide crackdowns on the sale, transportation, distribution, and consumption of illicit brews and narcotic drugs.

The Cabinet has resolved that any public officials resisting these measures in the fight against illicit brews and drugs will be in violation of Chapter Six of the Constitution and the laws on conflict of interest. This pertains to officials in the National Police Service, National Administration, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, public health, public prosecution, among others.

The Cabinet was briefed that since the Interior Ministry implemented these measures, 2,393 non-compliant premises, 359 pharmacies and chemists, and 452 agro-vets have been closed.

During a meeting chaired by President William Ruto at State House Nairobi on Wednesday, the Cabinet was informed that about 5,835 raids were conducted on illicit and narcotic premises, resulting in the seizure of 289,390 litres of illicit brews and 13,198 litres of counterfeit alcohol.

Furthermore, seven vessels used for drug trafficking, 3,603 rolls of bhang, and 44 stones have been confiscated.

Noting the rising cases of alcohol and drug addiction, the Cabinet instructed the Ministry of Health to develop a framework for establishing rehabilitation wards in all Level 5 hospitals.

Additionally, the ministry received direction to collaborate closely with county governments to ensure that each county establishes a rehabilitation center.
In a Wednesday morning interview, Mary Muthoni, the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, reassured Kenyans that the transition to the newly formed Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) would not result in the loss of their National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) funds.

PS Muthoni clarified that no money would be lost during the transition process.

Even if you are registered under NHIF you need to register afresh with the Social Health Authority. What I know is that many people especially hospitals who are owed by NHIF are asking whether they will be paid, she acknowledged.

This (transition) committee is looking for an end-to-end transition. When you close NHIF it does not mean you throw away the liability. it means any funds that are there will be converted into SHA, the PS explained.

The Ministry of Health official stated that the transition committee, chaired by Kap-Kirwok R. Jason, will handle any such issues. Other committee members include Dr. Daniel Mwai, Dr. Kipruto Chermusoi Chesang, Dr. Jacinta N. Wasike, Gladys Wambui Mburu, Stephen Kaboro Mbugua, Dr. Elizabeth N. Wangia, Christopher Leparan Tialal, Dr. Jacob Otachi Orina, and Dr. Stanley Bii.

Equally if there is any hospital that has not been paid, they will be paid by the Social Health Authority. There is nobody who is going to be locked out. That is why there is a transition committee to give guidance, PS Muthoni added.

Last week, Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Nakhumicha declared that the registration of SHA would commence on March 8.
President William Ruto has reaffirmed Kenyas commitment to assuming control of the UN Security Council-approved mission to Haiti, despite recent developments that led to the resignation of Haitis Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

In a statement on Wednesday, Ruto disclosed that he had conversed with United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who informed him of plans to establish a new Presidential Council in Haiti to restore order to the Caribbean nation.

Had a telephone conversation with United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the developments in Haiti. He briefed me on the decision of the Summit of Caribbean Countries (Caricom) and the US, together with other partners, on the political situation in Haiti, Ruto said.

The President stated that Kenya will deploy its forces as soon as the Presidential Council is in place.

He informed me that a new Presidential Council will be formed shortly to manage the situation in Haiti. I assured Secretary Blinken that Kenya will take leadership of the UN Security Support Mission in Haiti to restore peace and security in Haiti as soon as the Presidential Council is in place under an agreed process, Ruto assured.

Also Read  Why Kenya has Put Haiti Police Mission On Hold  PS Korir
Jowie, born Joseph Irungu, conveyed a heartfelt message to the family of the late businesswoman Monica Kimani following his conviction for her murder.

Justice Grace Nzioka of Milimani High Court read his submission as she delivered a death sentence on Wednesday, March 13.

In his submission, Jowie expressed his shock at the madness of the crime, in which Monica Kimani had her throat slit from ear to ear. The 33-year-old acknowledged that nothing he says would alleviate the pain of Ms. Kimanis family.

While reading Jowies statement, Justice Nzioka highlighted that specific submissions from the accused drew her attention.

He says he expresses his sadness that such a tragic loss of life on extreme circumstances bordering on absolute madness beyond understanding even for him as he stands there convicted, the judge read in part.

Jowie also stated that he agreed with Monica Kimanis family that no amount of monetary compensation to the family would revive her, nor offer solace to her family.

It is my prayer that the deceaseds family will find peace and Monica Kimani will rest in eternal peaceI am aware that nothing at this stage will relieve the pain of the deceaseds family so the less I say the better, read his submission.

Maintaining his innocence, the accused expressed disappointment with the court for linking him to the murder of Monica Kimani.

Jowie made the aforementioned submissions in his application for a custodial sentence instead of the death penalty.

He says it is his prayer that the court can mete out a custodial sentence that is not necessarily death, Justice Nzioka read.

Jowie Irungu further asserted that despite Ms. Kimanis family advocating for a death sentence, her father, Bishop Paul Ngarama, publicly stated he would not seek vengeance. He urged the court to take into account the deceaseds fathers perspective and also consider that he(Irungu) is a first offender, convicted purely on circumstantial evidence.

Jowie additionally pleaded with the court to consider the duration he has spent in custody since the September 19, 2018 murder.

In her ruling, Lady Justice Grace Nzioka observed that Kimanis murder was not a defensive act or a result of provocation but was a planned, intended, and executed crime.

Based on what I have said, I have ordered that the first accused before this court, Joseph Kuria Irungu alias Jowie, shall suffer death as provided for the offence of murder under section 204 of the penal code of Kenya. That is the order of the court.

Death Sentence in Kenya

The death sentence, however, does not mean that Jowie will face the hangmans noose. Thousands of convicts have been sentenced to death for various capital offenses but no one has been executed since 1987 when military officers, Senior Private Hezekiah Ochuka and Sergeant Pancras Oteyo Okumu, were hanged for treason for their role in the 1982 failed coup against the late President Daniel Arap Moi.

While the Supreme Court declared the mandatory death penalty unconstitutional in 2017, death sentences are still passed in Kenya and are usually commuted to life imprisonment.

In July 2023, the Court of Appeal declared the life imprisonment sentence unconstitutional. President Ruto subsequently reduced the death sentence imposed on capital offenders, effective from November 21, 2022, to a life sentence.

A gazette notice dated July 19, 2023, announced the softened conviction rule, following a recommendation from the Advisory Committee on the Power of Mercy chaired by Attorney General Justin Muturi.

The Power of Mercy Act 2011, enshrined in Article 133 of the Constitution of Kenya, empowers the President to exercise the power of mercy based on the advice of the Advisory Committee. This includes granting a free or conditional pardon, postponing the carrying out of a punishment, substituting a less severe form of punishment, or remitting all or part of a punishment.

Most recently, Chief Justice Martha Koome has since presented two bills too parliament that call for abolishing the death penalty for the crimes of murder, violent theft and treason. She says the proposed changes aim to align the countrys laws with international human rights standards.

Koome is also seeking changes to certain laws drafted in 1930 before Kenya gained independence, that seek harsher penalties for capital offenders.

The judiciary also advocates changing the life sentence penalty to a maximum of 30 years and replacing the word manslaughter with the words second-degree murder.
Shakahola cult leader Paul Nthenge Mackenzie skipped his bail hearing on Wednesday, March 13.

Through his lawyer Wycliffe Makasembo, Mackenzie attributed the boycott to alleged mistreatment by prison officials at Shimo la Tewa Maximum Security Prison.

Makasembo informed the court that Mackenzie had complained about being separated from the other suspects.

After declining to present himself at the hearing of an application by the prosecution to oppose his release and his 94 co-accused followers on bond, Mackenzie remained within the Shanzu Court premises.

Makasembo informed Principal Magistrate Leah Juma that his client had a fear of abduction.

He requested an adjournment of the hearing to provide an opportunity to educate Mackenzie on legal matters and persuade him to continue attending the proceedings.

However, Senior Assistant DPP Peter Kiprop, Principal Prosecution Counsel Anthony Musyoka, and Senior Prosecution Counsel Peris Ongega opposed the adjournment, dismissing Mackenzies claims as theatrics to delay the proceedings.

The DPP team stated that there was no harm if the court heard their bond application in Mackenzies absence, citing that Article 50 of the constitution allows the trial of any case in absentia of an accused person.

The prosecution further submitted that Mackenzie is already a convicted prisoner; hence, the law requires prison authorities to separate him from the remandees.

Juma also heard that Mackenzie has been radicalizing his co-Shakahola suspects to stage a hunger strike, raising serious security concerns.

In her ruling, Magistrate Juma summoned the officer in charge of Shimo la Tewa Maximum Security prison to appear and shed light on the alleged violation of Mackenzies rights, including segregation from others.

The investigations officer, Chief Inspector Raphael Wanjohi, was also summoned to explain the allegations of abduction.

The court also directed the probation department to prepare bail reports to guide it in determining the DPPs application to oppose the bond.

Juma further directed the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) to prepare psycho-social reports on each of the accused persons.

The court will provide further direction on March 27, 2024, when the matter will be mentioned.
ST. HELENA  The owners of the Napa Valley Wine Train are planning a November ballot measure to determine the fate of a proposed hotel at Charles Krug Winery.

Noble House Hotels & Resorts, which bought the Wine Train in 2015, announced the initiative in a news release Wednesday afternoon.

Seeking approval via the ballot box would bypass the city planning process, which typically involves years of application processing, negotiations between city and developer, environmental review, and public hearings with the Planning Commission and City Council.

In a statement, Noble House said environmental consultants "have been studying all potential project impacts to ensure appropriate requirements are incorporated into the initiative before the project can proceed."

Noble House said St. Helena resident Krisi Raymond filed a request for Title & Summary of the initiative. If a petition gains enough signatures, the City Council will have the choice of approving the project as described in the petition or putting it on the November ballot.

Last October, Noble House unveiled plans for a 52-room luxury resort on fallow land at Charles Krug, with no connections to city water or sewer systems. (The project's website currently describes a project of "up to 56" rooms.)

During public meetings at St. Helena High School, developers and their representatives said that by its third year of operation the hotel could generate $3.46 million a year in tax revenue for St. Helena, including $2.37 million a year in transient occupancy taxes from hotel rooms.

"Several individuals from St. Helena put forth the idea of considering a ballot initiative for the project, which would put the project directly before the people and allow the city to reap the economic and financial benefits of the project sooner," according to Noble House's statement.

Approving a hotel through an initiative process would be unprecedented in St. Helena. Calistoga voters approved a pair of hotels in 2012 and 2013, but only after both projects had gone through the city planning process and been approved by the City Council.

City officials react

The city released its own press release Thursday. The city's statement said the planning and public works departments don't have the details they need to "thoroughly evaluate" the initiative, which the city didn't receive until Wednesday.

Giving the voters of St. Helena the final word on this proposal seems appropriate given its significance for the community, but I am concerned that using the initiative process will bypass environmental review, said City Councilmember Anna Chouteau.

The city's statement also quotes City Manager Anil Comelo saying that while he's always pleased to see economic development proposals that can generate revenue for the community, "The devil is in the details."

"We will analyze the proposal as best we can under the extremely short window of time we have been given to ensure that city rules and regulations are met," Comelo said. "We will then provide the City Council with our assessment.

Mayor Paul Dohring said the city will analyze the ballot measure "to ensure that it aligns with our community's expectations, values and interests."

"As mayor, I will continue to make it crystal clear to Noble House that we fully expect an environmentally superior project and significant contributions to the city for infrastructure restoration, roadway improvements, sidewalk replacements, open space and trail enhancements, and the construction of employee housing," Dohring said.

'A world-class vision'

The developers' statement quotes Krisi Raymond calling the project "well-designed and well-thought out, with very minimal impacts."

"Im excited to lead the charge amongst my fellow residents in getting this into the community and giving St. Helena voters a voice on such a transformative project," Raymond said.

Jamie Colee, CEO of Noble House, said the company has been "encouraged by all the enthusiasm" for the project.

The standard timeline for processing an application takes several years from start-to-finish just to secure the needed entitlements," Colee said. "During our community outreach to create more awareness about the project and its benefits, weve been encouraged by the idea shared by others that there is another path forward to provide more immediate impact and community benefit by allowing this project to be reviewed and decided upon by the people.

Jeff Richardson, chief operating officer of C. Mondavi & Family, which owns Charles Krug Winery, said, Weve been working with Noble House for the last three years to create a world-class vision for this site. On behalf of the Peter Mondavi Sr. family, were fully behind getting this project approved through the initiative process. This will be the premier resort in the city of St. Helena, and well all be pulling for the measures success at the ballot box."

Noble House touted a "growing coalition of St. Helenans" who support the project, including Marcus Marquez and KC Garrett, who will serve as campaign committee members for the initiative.

A hotel initiative would add intrigue to what's already shaping up to be a consequential election for St. Helena, with three City Council seats on the ballot and a potential city-initiated ballot measure to transform St. Helena into a charter city and impose a real estate transfer tax.

This article has been amended to include comments from city officials.

PHOTOS: All aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train! Wine Train Wine train Wine train Wine train Wine Train Wine train Wine train Wine Train Wine Train Wine Train Wine Train Wine train Wine train Wine train Wine train Wine train Wine train Wine train Wine train Wine Train Wine train
Former West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon and Dixon City Councilmember Thom Bogue have emerged as clear front-runners in the 3rd District State Senate primary election after last week's voting.

Although the vote will be finalized April 12, Cabaldon leads two other Democratic opponents at 26.7% of the vote, while Republican challenger Thom Bogue is ahead of everyone with 28.2%.

Vallejo Councilmember Rozzana Verder-Aliga trails at 20.7%, followed by Rohnert Park Councilmember Jackie Elward at 18.1%. Woodland resident Jimih Jones, a manager at Davis Toyota, is last with 6.5% of the vote.

Cabaldon and Bogue are on track for a November runoff to represent the 3rd District, which includes all of Napa and Solano counties, along with parts of Yolo, Sonoma, Sacramento and Contra Costa counties.

According to David McCuan, a Sonoma State University political science professor and commentator, votes could shift slightly in the coming weeks, but Cabaldons Democratic challengers are unlikely to overtake him.

Its not likely to change," he said. "We know Rozzana has congratulated the winner. We dont see a lot of movement because Rozzana and Jackie, in the Democratic districts, are so far behind."

On Friday, Cabaldon announced in a news release that his main competitor, Verder-Aliga, had conceded the second slot in a runoff. Cabaldon said that Verder-Aliga asked him to take care of her home city of Vallejo.

"I gave her my word that I will fight for the community she calls home," he said in the statement.

Earlier this week, Verder-Aliga said she has no regrets about her campaign.

"I am very proud of the campaign we ran," she said. "We ran based on truth and integrity. My contributions and support came from businesses, individuals, community leaders, just regular folks. Every dollar was very much appreciated. (My campaign) was based on grassroots groups and individual people."

Verder-Aliga was backed by many traditionally powerful Democratic constituents, such as the California Labor Federation and the 3rd District incumbent Bill Dodd, who is leaving because of term limits.

McCuan said based on the amount of support she received from the Democratic party, the close results in Solano and Napa counties were surprising. As of Tuesday, Cabaldon led Verder-Aliga in Solano by about 500 votes.

She should be dusting him there, but she's not, McCuan said. That speaks to the strength of his candidacy across the board.

Cabaldon and Verder-Aliga approached their campaigns in different ways, with Cabaldon casting a wider net of supporters, according to McCuan.

The way to think about it is, hes broadcasting and shes narrowcasting, he said.

McCuan said that Verder-Aligas strategy was highly targeted and local, but public perception of Vallejo's city government could have also played a role in the results.

"Vallejo has struggled," said McCuan. "There's a perception that people who come out of that network are not necessarily the best. And Rozzana's a quality candidate by all stretches of the imagination. I think there's a bias you have to overcome."

Meanwhile, Cabaldon's strategy involved searching the district high and low for dollars and outlying constituencies. The difference between the candidates is evident from the amount of money they both raised through independent expenditures.

Cabaldon raised over $1 million in independent expenditures, which is money that is not donated directly to a candidates campaign. He was able to gain the attention of groups like the California Charter School Association Advocates.

McCuan notes that the charter school advocates' group isnt a traditionally Democrati-leaning body and has traditionally opposed the California Teachers Association, a heavy hitter in California politics. The CTA chose to back Verder-Aliga, thus giving Cabaldon an opportunity to work with the CCSA.

In contrast, Verder-Aliga raised about $150,000 in independent expenditures and got most of her finances donated directly to her campaign.

Cabaldon is running across the board. Where this becomes apparent is he racks up three times her vote in Yolo County, McCuan said.

According to the California secretary of states website, Cabaldon has outrun Verder-Aliga in Yolo County by about 10,000 votes.

Elward, the third Democrat in the race, was not far behind Verder-Aliga, but according to McCuan her base near the edges of the 3rd District made her an unlikely primary winner.

Jackie is at the tail end of the district, to the (west), with a voter subset from Rohnert Park that is very condensed in that area, he said of Elward's Sonoma County position in the weeks leading to the primary. As a result, its harder for her to get saturation and support and exposure.

Though Elwards scope of support was narrower, she was able to garner endorsements from SEIU California and the California Nurses Association.

With that said, Elward and Verder-Aliga split certain Democratic constituencies which McCuan said likely contributed to their positions in the primary results.

Jackie has had some elements of labor and workers. Rozzana has had other elements of labor and workers and traditional Democratic constituencies, McCuan said in an election day interview.

Whats next

With primary results all but settled, Cabaldon wont have to continue running a competitive campaign ahead of the general election.

McCuan said that in California, it is common for Republican candidates to get most of the support theyre going to get in the primaries. It is then nearly certain Cabaldon will become the next 3rd District senator.

Bogues high-water mark is the day after the primary election, McCuan said.

The 3rd District is by and large a Democratic area. In the district, 50% of voters are registered as Democrats and 19% are registered as Republican. The remaining 31% are either registered with minor parties or none at all.

Cabaldon has proved himself to be what McCuan calls an adept fundraiser who has significantly outraised his competitors. That means that if Cabaldon continues to seek out more money, it signifies his intentions to seek influence once in office.

You want to be influential when you get there amongst your peers," said McCuan. "Thats an important component of the iceberg under the surface. Cabaldon is really knowledgeable about that.

State senators serve four-year terms and work on committees in the California capital. They also help turn bills into laws, draft public spending, conference with their constituents and swear in appointed officials.

McCuan predicted that Cabaldon will continue to think about his eventual moves in Sacramento as November approaches.

Cabaldons building what he wants to do for his career when he gets there because hes been there as a staffer, McCuan said. Hes already thinking about the next play, which starts in January."

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About 140 years ago in Napa, someone decided to plant some redwood trees on the 300 block of Franklin Street.

Little did that would-be arborist know that those trees  and others that were eventually planted around them  would grow to become iconic, towering landmarks of this downtown city block.

It's like living in a forest, said Cindy Fluken, a longtime Franklin Street resident. It's just fabulous.

Celia Ramsay, another Franklin Street homeowner, agreed. Theyre like sentient beings out there, she said of the redwoods, which are planted between the curb and sidewalk of the street. Theyre pretty cool.

It's so magical to be able to walk under such a grove of trees, added neighbor Kim Balkoski, who also lives on the 300 block of Franklin Street, which is between Pine and Laurel streets. They do make a beautiful pathway.

However, the 29 mature redwoods need special attention. Over the years, the shallow root system of the trees has caused sidewalks and the street to buckle and crumble in some places. Drought has also weakened them.

That became even more evident on Feb. 4, when a ferocious windstorm known as a bomb cyclone hit Napa and the Franklin Street block with devastating force.

At 5:19 a.m., a 100-foot-tall redwood, across the street from Ned Roscoes home on the 300 block of Franklin, fell and crashed into his work truck and through the middle of his home.

He, his wife Jane and their granddaughter, who was spending the night, were asleep when he heard a big, long boom. And then car alarms. And you could see the blue flash of electricity from the power lines being hit as the tree fell. It was stupefying.

Had his granddaughter not moved that night from her bedroom to the living room to sleep, she would have been crushed by the redwood that fell, Roscoe said. The tree also crushed his work truck flat as a pancake, he said. By 7:30 a.m. his house was red-tagged as unsafe to occupy.

No one was hurt, although Ned and Jane have temporarily moved out of their Franklin Street home.

This was the second time the family has lost a home to a disaster. In 2017, the Roscoes lost the cabin they were living in to the North Bay wildfires. That was how they ended up living on Franklin Street.

One of the nice things about moving on to your second disaster is you have less stuff, said Ned.

On top of that, the Roscoes are members of downtown Napa's First Presbyterian Church at 1333 Third St. Two top layers of the roof at the church building, which marks its 150th anniversary this year, were ripped off by the storm. So after getting his wife and granddaughter situated, Roscoe headed to the church to help with that cleanup.

I was still wearing my housecoat trying to direct traffic around the roof debris, he recalled of the damage, which left long sheets of copper on the sidewalk.

Jaina French, spokesperson for the city of Napa, said the tree that hit Roscoes home was about 100 feet tall.

The tree that failed was in good health and did not have a structural failure; rather, it uprooted itself, said French.

After power was restored to the block, PG&E then recommended removing four other trees, French added.

Two of those trees had significant die-back  one had a hard lean towards the power lines and the fourth tree was severely damaged by the tree that fell, she said.

On Feb. 10, PG&E called on a contractor named Core Tree to remove the trees.

The remaining redwoods appear to be in good health, and there are no current plans to recommend removing additional trees, according to French.

The trees are special, agreed French. In 1988, the grove of redwoods was designated a city landmark.

The grove was honored because these trees are approximately 100 years old, and their majestic presence adds much to the charm and character of this neighborhood, said French.

Although this designation does add to the protection of those trees, they are considered street trees and are subject to provisions in city code related to street trees. Per Napa's municipal code, the trees are owned by the adjacent property owner, and the owner is responsible for routine maintenance.

The citys responsibility in certain circumstances would be on a case-by-case basis, according to French. However, Napa code does give the city jurisdiction over the trees.

Were aware that redwood trees, as beautiful as they are, are expensive ornaments, said Balkoski, the Franklin Street resident.

She said theres been some confusion with residents as to who is responsible for what with the trees, including upkeep and how they coexist with electrical wires, old cables and power poles.

There's kind of a hot potato thing that goes on, she said, whereby workers from utilities have told her: 'Well, that's the other guys responsibility. There's a lot of gray area."

I know that they are potentially a hazard and certainly they don't belong planted on city streets or near houses, said homeowner Ramsay. They are best (found) in parks or where they naturally grow in the woods.

Regardless, Ramsay added, we definitely want to make sure we can take care of the trees so that we're not finding ourselves in the situation we're in right now.

Fluken agreed that the trees need regular maintenance. But until the latest emergency, she didnt realize the homeowner was responsible for such care, and has since reached out to a tree service. The most important thing is that no one gets hurt, she said: Safety is No. 1.

So what is the best kind of tree for Franklin Street?

My answer would be: What would be the right kind of street for those trees? said arborist Bill Pramuk of Pramuk Trees and Associates.

I suggested turning (that part of) Franklin into an irrigated park with a pathway for residential access and parking, he said. I think it could work.

If thats not possible, irrigating (the redwoods) as much as possible is the key, added Pramuk, who writes the Trees and People column for the Napa Valley Register. The root zones are so limited because they are paved over. The trees cannot get the amount of moisture they need  especially after years of drought in California  which makes them stressed.

We cant see whats happened down below. You can have trees that look relatively healthy, even though there is a very reduced root system.

Redwoods are tremendously resilient, but they have their limits, said Pramuk.

Who planted the Franklin Street redwoods? Its not known for sure who planted the mature redwood trees on Franklin Street. According to the Napa County Historical Society, the planting of redwoods in the 300 block of Franklin was mainly started by Henry Brown around 1890. Known as the Franklin Redwood District, the area stands as a unique example of coastal redwoods in street landscaping. A Napa Valley Register story from 2010 listed another source. According to Dave Perazzo, then the city parks superintendent and a certified arborist, Dewitt Treadway  founder of Napas Treadway & Wigger Funeral Chapel  was the first person to plant a coastal redwood on Franklin back in the 1880s. Treadways neighbors joined him, planting more than a dozen more, Perazzo said at the time. As of the end of February, there are 14 mature redwoods on the west side of the 300 block of Franklin Street and 15 on the east side.

Photos: The giant redwood trees of Franklin Street in downtown Napa Franklin St. 2 Franklin St. 3 Franklin St. 4 Franklin St. 5 Franklin St. 6 Franklin St. 7 Franklin St. 8 Franklin St. 9 Franklin St. 10 Franklin St. 1

PHOTOS: Significant storm causes damage in Napa
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Wings of Tatev opens a new tourist season

Parliament speaker: Armenia not waiting to become EU membership candidate

Alen Simonyan: Russia needed twice as much as we needed Russian border guards presence in Armenia

Armenia legislature chair: I don't think Russian border guards will protect us if Turkey attacks

Armenia does not join CSTO statement condemning terrorist attack in Moscow Region

Armenia parliament head: What we want at this time is to get the border with Azerbaijan

No discussion at this phase regarding Armenia's EU membership, legislature speaker says

Armenia parliament chair does not rule out that Azerbaijanis will attack

Armenia has calculated the risks if Tavush Province defense line collapses, legislature head assures

Parliament speaker: No part of Armenia territory is subject to negotiation

Armenia PM, France delegation discuss processes taking place in South Caucasus

Moscow Region terrorist attack death toll rises

France lawmakers visit Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan

France ambassador, French MPs visit Armenias Sotk gold mine

Lemkin Institute expresses concern that Azerbaijan regime may get revenge upon Armenian captives

AraratBank places its 27th issue of dollar bonds

2.5-year-old girl in critical condition after falling into boiling water container in Armenias Byureghavan

Friends of Armenia Network report: Offering Armenia EU candidate status would be important signal

US State Department reveals objectives of upcoming Blinken-Pashinyan talk

Newspaper: Azerbaijan leader reprimands Armenia PM

Nikolay Konashenok, who tried to fly to Armenia, is taken into custody for 14 days for petty hooliganism
Past daily of Armenia writes as follows: One of the most discussed topics in recent days is the possibility of Armenia's geopolitical turn, the first "flower" of which was the official letter from Yerevan to Moscow regarding the removal of Russian border guards from [Yerevans] Zvartnots [International] Airport on September 1.

The second one, which [Armenian PM] Nikol Pashinyan also talked about during his last press conference, was about the conditions for [Armenia] leaving or staying in the CSTO. In fact, according to our information, since the middle of last year, quite intense discussions have been taking place within the [Armenian] authorities, both regarding the exit or not, regarding the "occasion" of the exit, which the public perceives as appropriate.

According to the sources of Past newspaper, there is quite a lot of alarm and concern in narrow authorities circles on this topic. Many [people] consider the consequences of such a decision to be unpredictable and, being participants in those discussions, initially presented their position more actively, but in the last period they do not express themselvesalthough they are firmly against that decision, considering it to be another miscalculation. Our interlocutor, who was well aware of these discussions, said that the option [of] making the announcement of the withdrawal [of Armenia] from the CSTO on the day of the RF [(Russian Federation)] presidential elections was discussed quite seriously.

Accordingly, the "occasion" may be the "unexpectedly" initiated exacerbation at the border, amid which Pashinyan will announce his withdrawal from the CSTO on live broadcast. According to our information, this option has been discussed quite seriously, especially the western wing of the [Armenian] authorities is excited, considering that it will be a good "gift" in connection with the [re]election of [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, with corresponding informational support from the western mass media.
Internal legal grounds being created for Armenia to apply to ICC in connection with Azerbaijan's war crimes

European Union responds to Azerbaijan statements on EU-US-Armenia trilateral meeting

Russia MFA: Friends of Armenia Network report objective is to tear Armenia from Russia, EAEU

Russian 102nd Military Base in Gyumri is only guarantee of Armenia's sovereignty, Russia MFA says

Siranush Sahakyan: Hard to convince international organizations to pressure Azerbaijan on Armenian captives matter

Lawyer: Ruben Vardanyan gave international resonance to Karabakh issue, earned Azerbaijans hatred

Armenian woman is appointed state minister in new Palestine government

Lawyer: Azerbaijan uses matter of Armenian captives, hostages for political purposes

Ameriabank named the Best Bank in Armenia for 2024 by Global Finance magazine

International law expert: Azerbaijan should at least promise autonomy so that Armenians can return to Karabakh

Ombudsman: There are 20 Armenians left in Nagorno-Karabakh

Armenia ex-ombudsman: Azerbaijan pursued goal of de-Armenianizing Karabakh from very beginning

Russia TV programs Evening with Vladimir Solovyov and Sunday Evening with Vladimir Solovyov blocked in Armenia

US State Department to Zakharova: Turbulence in South Caucasus is fueled by Russia's actions in recent months

Russia FM: Putin was surprised by Armenia PM Pashinyan's decision to recognize Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan

Lavrov: PM Pashinyan invited EU mission to Armenia, promising Azerbaijan that it will be for 2 months

Legislature head: Armenia will attend for first time the gathering of EU countries parliament speakers

Armenia parliament speaker: We are trying to defend our country by all possible means

Iraqi security services eliminated a high-ranking IS member

Armenia parliament speaker: Our ally Russia left us all alone at most critical moment

Lebanon to file a complaint to UN Security Council over Israeli strikes on south of country

Armenia legislature head: We are not going to concede anything that is ours

Clinton and Obama to participate in Biden's campaign fundraiser

Armenia legislature speaker to meet with Azerbaijan counterpart again

Media: Powerful explosion hits Somalia's capital city

France detains 2 suspects for sending bomb threats to lycees

Military aircraft crashed into the sea near Sevastopol

White House: US passed detailed data on terrorist attack threat to Russian Federation

Lavrov: EU mission in Armenia is turning into a NATO mission

Mash: A mass round-up of migrants began in Moscow and the region

Members of the European Council's Political and Security Committee to visit Armenia

EU envoy: We already have attracted 60M to develop Armenias educational sector

Armenia ruling force MP: We are EAEU member, in parallel we work towards integration with EU, other markets

Dollar, euro lose value in Armenia

Mahmoud Abbas approved the new government of Palestine

Labor, social affairs minister: Increase in number of 3rd and subsequent children recorded in Armenia

MP: Euronest urged EU to develop specific proposals on how to respond to Armenia's European aspirations

Armenia government humanitarian aid reaches Gaza (PHOTOS)

Armenia government makes allocations to hold events for Parajanov, Aznavour 100th birth anniversaries

Armenia to provide $300,000 to Japan for earthquake relief

Armenia MP: Euronest called on EU to increase humanitarian, financial aid for forcibly displaced Karabakh children

Yerevan ex-mayor Hayk Marutyan is founding political party

Azerbaijan ombudsperson meets with dozens of Armenians remaining in occupied Karabakh capital Stepanakert

Russia MFA spox: Armenia is being turned into tool for implementing dangerous plans of the West

Europeans for Artsakh discusses upcoming actions toward protecting Karabakhs interests

Armenia to provide humanitarian aid to 1.5 million people displaced from Gaza

Pashinyan: Some circles forcibly displaced from Karabakh are taking steps that create threat to Armenias security

Secretary General: Armenia, indeed, has not recently participated in CSTO Secretariats work

State Department disagrees with Azerbaijan comments on upcoming US-EU-Armenia meeting

President: Document to dissolve Karabakh republic was only way to save compatriots

Newspaper: Generals are gone, Armenia PM has decided to hand over some Tavush Province settlements to Azerbaijan

Volvo launches its last diesel car

US First Lady writes childrens book about her cat

Almost 1 child in 6 is cyberbullied in Europe

Foreign Ministry: Upcoming Armenia-US-EU high-level meeting not directed to any third party

Zakharova on Azerbaijan weapons supply to Ukraine: Main thing is that something similar doesnt appear about Armenia

Russia MFA spox: Future of entire South Caucasus is only tool for France

Zakharova: Everything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed

Russia MFA spox: We do not use the term Zangezur corridor

Wings of Tatev opens a new tourist season

Parliament speaker: Armenia not waiting to become EU membership candidate

Alen Simonyan: Russia needed twice as much as we needed Russian border guards presence in Armenia

Armenia legislature chair: I don't think Russian border guards will protect us if Turkey attacks

Armenia does not join CSTO statement condemning terrorist attack in Moscow Region

Armenia parliament head: What we want at this time is to get the border with Azerbaijan

No discussion at this phase regarding Armenia's EU membership, legislature speaker says

Armenia parliament chair does not rule out that Azerbaijanis will attack

Armenia has calculated the risks if Tavush Province defense line collapses, legislature head assures

Parliament speaker: No part of Armenia territory is subject to negotiation

Armenia PM, France delegation discuss processes taking place in South Caucasus

Moscow Region terrorist attack death toll rises

France lawmakers visit Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan

France ambassador, French MPs visit Armenias Sotk gold mine

Lemkin Institute expresses concern that Azerbaijan regime may get revenge upon Armenian captives

AraratBank places its 27th issue of dollar bonds

2.5-year-old girl in critical condition after falling into boiling water container in Armenias Byureghavan

Friends of Armenia Network report: Offering Armenia EU candidate status would be important signal

US State Department reveals objectives of upcoming Blinken-Pashinyan talk

Newspaper: Azerbaijan leader reprimands Armenia PM

Nikolay Konashenok, who tried to fly to Armenia, is taken into custody for 14 days for petty hooliganism

Ancient boats built with advanced construction techniques discovered in Italy lake

Iran's supreme leader receives Hamas politburo chief in Tehran

Olivier Decottignies The right of return of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians is being violated today

FSB: Primary data received from detainees in Crocus terrorist attack case confirm Ukrainian trace

Tigran Balayan to Toivo Klaar: Azerbaijan is gearing up for new aggression against Armenia

Iran's ambassador to Russia: Next meeting of 3+3 platform may take place as early as this year

Armenia nuclear plant, Rosatom Service directors sign contract on new cooling systems for plant

Armenia President: We have warm relations with Greece, this is also related to our history, principles, beliefs

Kirill Komarov: Rosatom can offer Armenia nuclear reactors with capacity of 50 to 1,000 MW

Armenia PM is presented Military industry Committee 2023 activity report

US, UK, Ukraine are involved in Moscow Region terrorist attack, Russia official says

State Department: US supports South Caucasus countries sovereignty, territorial integrity

Dollar drops, euro rises in Armenia

NATO discussing possibility of shooting down missiles near alliance borders

Justice minister on returning Azerbaijani who crossed Armenia border: Political decision enabling correct positioning

Switzerland launches 10-year project of CHF 9 million in Armenia

Britain's Supreme Court rules over Assange's extradition to US

Anne-Laurence Petel: We reaffirmed France's support for Armenian democracy

Premier: Armenia has been ready to implement liberalization of visa regime with EU for long time

Nikol Pashinyan: Highways, railways, pipelines, cables must enter Turkey from Azerbaijan via Armenia
At this time, there is nothing new regarding my last message. I had noted that new concert dates are being discussed. At the moment, I have nothing new to say in that sense. Zhanna Andreasyan, the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, stated this during a briefing with reporters after the Armenian governments Cabinet meeting Thursdayand addressing the question of what news there is about renowned American rapper Snoop Dogg's postponed concert in Yerevan.

And as for the songin which, according to many people, Armenian culture is mocked and cultures of various nations are mixedof Ladaniva group that will represent Armenia at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, Andreasyan responded: "I am not familiar with the [music] video, I consider it normal that there can be different opinions about any product. I haven't watched [it] myself, so I can't give any opinion."

Snoop Dogg's concert in Yerevan was supposed to take place in September 2023, but it was put off after the tragic events in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Armenian authorities have earmarked $6 million for this concert.

In December, Minister Andreasyan had announced that the talks regarding the timeframe of this concert were underway.

"Preliminarily it is being discussed that it could be in May-June [2024], but they will announce the final date after the negotiations are over," she had said.
Editors note: Kimiko Darcy won the national round of the competition on Sunday, March 17. Hear her winning performance during a campus concert on Sunday, April 28.

Next week, Emory College first-year student Kimiko Darcy will participate in the national round of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Competition as a Senior Performance finalist in piano, the first representative from Georgia to do so in more than a decade. The 2024 National Conference takes place March 16-20 in Atlanta, with Darcy performing on March 17.

In recent years, no other student from the state of Georgia has come close to competing in the national round so this is a huge accomplishment on its own, says Elena Cholakova, director of piano studies in the Emory Department of Music.

When Darcy auditioned for one of Emory Musics merit-based scholarships in the fall of 2022, Cholakova was immediately impressed with the maturity of tone production, phrasing and artistry in her playing.

Darcys poise at the piano continues to impress now that she has a home in the music department.

There is a level of confidence in her performance that comes with a great deal of practicing and performing that we don't often see in our freshmen students, says Cholakova.

Despite her confidence as a performer, Darcy feels a bit on-edge as she looks ahead to her big moment in Atlanta.

I am very excited to challenge my musical abilities at the national competition, but I am also quite nervous, she says. I try not to worry about the result. However, I will try my best, and whatever the result is, I will be content with it, as long as I am happy with how I performed.

For Cholakova, Darcys success is evidence of Emorys growing support of the arts on campus.

In recent years, Emory University has placed a bigger emphasis on the arts, and in return we have seen our students flourish and achieve great things. I know this is only the beginning of the journey for Kimiko and I can't wait to witness all the wonderful things she will achieve during her undergraduate studies at Emory.

Emory community members can hear Darcy perform her national competition repertoire during her solo recital on Sunday, April 28, at 12 p.m. in the Performing Arts Studio. The program features compositions from Bach, Beethoven, Ginastera and Rachmaninoff.
10:20





"There are a lot of people, there is no count as of now. Due to the wrong campaign going on, many people will hesitate to file an application. I want to assure everyone to apply here and have faith in the Narendra Modi government that you will be given citizenship with retrospective effect. This law is accepting you as a refugee. If you have entered India illegally, there will be no criminal case against you... There is no need for anyone to get scared. Everyone will be given equal rights as they will become the citizens of India," Amit Shah said in an interview with ANI on being asked about the number of people getting citizenship after CAA.





The Home Minister said there is no need for any section or any person to fear because there is no provision in CAA to take away anyone's citizenship.





"CAA is only to give rights to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs, Christians and Parsi refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan..."





Answering a query, he said those who get citizenship under CAA will be added to the citizenship list like every common citizen of India.





"They will have as many rights as you or I have. They can contest elections and become MP, MLA, CM and Ministers."





"All those people who have entered India between 15th August 1947 and 31st December 2014 are welcome here. As per my knowledge, there are 85 per cent people who have relevant documents. We will find a solution for those who don't have the documents. Even Muslims have the right to apply for citizenship in India under the rules of the Constitution," he added.





The Home Minister assured the minorities that there was no case for their rights to be taken away by the implementation of the CAA.





"I have spoken on CAA at least 41 times on different platforms and spoken on it in detail that the minorities of the country need not be afraid because it has no provision to take back the rights of any citizen. The CAA aims to confer Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants--including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians--who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014, and through this law, their sufferings can be ended," he added.





The Home Minister was critical of opposition leaders like AIMIM's Asaddudin Owaisi and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee for claiming that the CAA was anti-Muslim.





"You cannot see this law in isolation. On August 15, 1947, our country was partitioned. Our country was partitioned into three parts; this is the background. Bharatiya Jan Sangh and BJP were always against the Partition. We never wanted that country to be partitioned based on religion," he said.





"So when the country was partitioned on the basis of religion, minorities faced persecution, they were being converted, women in the minority section were being tortured and came to India. They came to our refuge; don't they have a right to get our citizenship?





"Even Congress leaders during the partition in their speeches said that those minorities should stay wherever they are due to the widespread bloodshed and they will be welcomed later in our country. Now they started doing vote bank politics and due to appeasement," Shah added.





The Home Minister said that it was the moral duty of the government to ensure the rights of those who were persecuted.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured persecuted refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan to have faith in the Narendra Modi government and said that under the rules of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), everyone will be given equal rights as they will now become citizens of India.
Thaksin out in public for first time since release

Thaksin Shinawatra and his daughter Paetongtarn visit the Bangkok City Pillar Shrine. Photo: AP

Thailand's former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra visited a Bangkok temple on Thursday in his first public appearance since being freed early from a jail sentence for graft and abuse of power.



The controversial billionaire, twice elected premier and ousted in a 2006 military coup, went to the Bangkok City Pillar Shrine ahead of a three-day trip to Chiang Mai in the kingdom's north later in the day.



Scores of media camped out in front of the shrine where Thaksin, wearing a blue shirt and a neck brace, prayed from around 5am, according to an reporter at the scene.



Later today, he is due to fly to Chiang Mai  his home city and traditional political power base  to meet family and supporters and pray at the graves of his relatives.



He was accompanied by his daughter Paetongtarn, now head of his Pheu Thai party, and her husband.



The 74-year-old politician returned to the kingdom in August after 15 years of self-exile and was immediately jailed for eight years on charges dating back to his time in power.



But his sentence was cut to one year by King Maha Vajiralongkorn within days of his return and last month, the government said Thaksin was eligible for early release because of his age and health.



The former Manchester City owner's return to Thailand came shortly after his Pheu Thai took power at the head of a coalition government that includes parties close to his old foes in the military.



The timing of his return led many to conclude a backroom deal had been struck to cut his jail time, a suggestion denied by the Pheu Thai-led government.



Ramet Rattanachaweng, spokesman for the royalist Democrat party, said the public would be watching closely to see if Thaksin is being given special treatment.



"He is on parole. If he gets something beyond regular regulations, the probation and corrections departments will have to explain themselves," Ramet said. (AFP)
Abu Dhabi [UAE], March 13 (ANI/WAM): Following the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council has resolved to intensify humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people in Gaza during the holy month of Ramadan. This will be achieved through initiatives undertaken by Emirati humanitarian organisations. The UAE''s expanded Ramadan aid initiatives for Palestinians encompass essential needs, healthcare, and religious observance, reflecting the nation''s unwavering commitment to fostering solidarity and synergy with the Palestinian people. The UAE''s latest initiatives build upon its ongoing efforts to address the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. These initiatives aim to provide swift and coordinated relief, particularly for vulnerable populations such as women, children, and the elderly. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, said that the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reflect his commitment to improving the humanitarian situation of the Palestinian people, particularly in the Gaza Strip, and alleviate their suffering. He emphasised the UAE''s long-standing fraternal ties with the Palestinian people and its commitment to provide continued support through humanitarian initiatives. The UAE had launched "Galant Knight 3" on 5th November 2023, led by the Joint Operations Command of the Ministry of Defence, in cooperation and coordination with the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, the Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, and the rest of the charitable organisations in the UAE, with the aim of providing humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people in Gaza. Relief aid was delivered to the Gaza Strip via 212 aircraft and two cargo ships, with an additional third aid ship currently en route from the UAE to the Egyptian city of Al Arish. A total of 922 trucks laden with various aid items were mobilised, 521 of which have already entered the Gaza Strip. The total aid provided totalled 21,000 tonnes of food, health aid, and shelter materials, coordinated with international organisations including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the Office of the United Nations Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs and Reconstruction in Gaza. The country launched the "Tarahum - for Gaza" campaign to assist Palestinians impacted by the conflict. Over 24,000 volunteers participated domestically, assembling 71,000 relief baskets from locally sourced materials. In late February, the UAE initiated Operation "Birds of Goodness" to deliver 293 tonnes of aid via Emirati and Egyptian aircraft. Joint crews from both nations conducted the drop operation over the northern Gaza Strip. The county also constructed the Emirates Field Hospital in Gaza, boasting 200 beds and staffed by over 100 medical professionals. The hospital handled 8,798 cases and offered a diverse array of medical services including orthopedics, women''s and children''s surgeries, anaesthesia, internal medicine, dentistry, psychiatry, family medicine, and CT scans. It also houses a laboratory and a pharmacy, and provides medical supplies to support other hospitals in the sector. Furthermore, the UAE Floating Hospital was inaugurated and anchored at the port of Al Arish to deliver essential medical treatment and support to the Palestinian community. Staffed with diverse medical and administrative professionals, encompassing specialties such as anaesthesia, general surgery, orthopedics, and emergency care, along with nurses and auxiliary personnel, the hospital boasts a 100-bed capacity. It is equipped with operating theatres, intensive care units, radiology facilities, a laboratory, a pharmacy, and medical storage spaces. As part of the healthcare initiative in UAE hospitals, 1,056 patients and their companions were accommodated, comprising 545 injured children and individuals with cancer, along with 511 companions. This initiative aims to host 1,000 Palestinian children, accompanied by their families, for treatment in the country, and to provide treatment for 1,000 Palestinian cancer patients. Additionally, six water desalination plants were established, generating 1.2 million gallons of potable water daily to sustain over 600,000 individuals. Furthermore, five automated bakeries were set up to meet the daily requirements of more than 72,000 people. Each bakery has a production capacity of approximately 15,000 loaves per hour. Furthermore, these bakeries supply flour to seven existing bakeries in Gaza, catering to the daily needs of around 14,000 people, thereby partially addressing the food requirements of the region''s population. (ANI/WAM)
After Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan was barred for two-weeks from holding meetings at Rawalpindi''s Adiala Jail, where he is currently serving sentence, the Punjab government has clarified that the restrictions have been put in place due to security concerns, Geo News reported. Yesterday, Geo News had reported that Punjab''s Home Department citing a security alert has restricted all forms of visits, meetings, and interviews within Adiala Jail. Punjab''s Information Minister Azma Bukhari said, "This move wasn''t made to take away any facility from him (Imran Khan). There is a serious threat alert, which is under investigation." Bukhari, who recently assumed office after her party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, came into power, said her party was not seeking revenge from the former prime minister, reported Dawn. She said the fresh restrictions were imposed because, a few days ago, the law enforcers had arrested terrorists who possessed a map of the jail in which Khan is currently imprisoned. Last week, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) claimed to have arrested three terrorists, allegedly belonging to Afghanistan, who had a map of Adiala Jail, a hand grenade, and improvised explosive devices. "The incident is under investigation. A series of threat alerts have been issued. These measures were taken to ensure the security of all the prisoners. The security of the facility has to be improved," she said. Responding to the PTI''s allegations that the arrest of three terrorists was a false flag operation, Bukhari said that the opposition party "sees conspiracies" in everything, assuring the party that their leader was being provided with all facilities in prison. "There''s a threat in general (to the Adiala Jail), not Imran Khan, that something unpleasant might happen. Therefore, it is important not only to ensure Imran Khan''s security, but everyone else''s," she said. Moreover, PTI Chairman Gohal Ali Khan expressed concerns over the abrupt ban on Khan''s meetings in Adiala Jail and feared that the former PM''s life was in danger, reported Dawn. Addressing a press conference outside the jail, Gohar said that the party leaders were barred from meeting the incarcerated PTI founder. He said that the authorities did not inform anybody about the two-week ban on Khan''s meeting. The authorities gave "terrorism" as a reason for the move, he added. Gohar further demanded immediate meetings and consultations with Imran Khan and also sought details about Khan''s health, Dawn reported. The PTI founder, who was moved to the Adiala jail in September 2023 from Attock jail, is serving a cumulative sentence of 31 years in various cases and has been engaging his lawyers, party leaders and family members during his imprisonment, as earlier Monday and Thursday were assigned to him to hold meetings. (ANI)
Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Wednesday alleged that Imran Khan''s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has been asking the European Union to revoke the country''s generalised system of preferences (GSP) Plus status, Geo News reported. Notably, the ''GSP+'' serves as a special incentive arrangement to promote good governance and sustainable development by facilitating trade. Pakistan was given the status in 2014, which has now been further extended until 2027. The country enjoys duty-free or minimum duty on exports to the European market. Speaking to media persons in Islamabad, Tarar said, "PTI spokespersons are getting instructions from jail to harm Pakistan and a conspiracy is being hatched so that the country''s GSP+ status is withdrawn." "PTI has used the [lack of] facilities being provided to PTI founder [Imran Khan] in jail as an excuse to attack Pakistan''s GSP+ status," claimed the information minister. He said that PTI was conspiring against Pakistan by creating a "false narrative," adding that the party was making attempts to put the country''s economy at stake through a campaign based on lies, Geo News reported. Tarar claimed that Khan was getting "luxurious facilities" in jail that are not available to any other person in prison. "The PTI founder has been provided with a kitchen, an additional room, a gallery to walk in and exercise equipment," he added. He further claimed that Khan was allowed to hold hundreds of meetings during his imprisonment and that he was allowed to meet four days a week. "Every prisoner is only allowed to meet once in jail according to the prison manual," he said. On the other hand, PTI has rejected the claims PTI spokesperson said that the minister''s presser was nothing but "lies and accusations." "No letter has been written to the European Union and neither do we intend on writing such a letter," the PTI spokesperson said. He said that those who "forcibly occupied the country are teaching patriotism to others", adding that PTI is the most popular party and a reflection of the federation. He added that the Imran Khan''s efforts for the success of the IMF programme are in front of everyone. "Ishaq Dar''s incompetence caused delay in the completion of the IMF programme," he said. The PTI leader also claimed that the second tranche was issued after the PTI founder''s approval. (ANI)
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader, Ali Amin Gandapur, held a meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday and stressed the need for political engagement with incarcerated party founder Imran Khan, The News International reported. Gandapur said that he requested Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to facilitate a meeting of his with Khan, adding that Shehbaz assured him of facilitating a meeting. "I told him that political engagement with Khan Sahib is very necessary to solve political issues. He was very positive and told me plainly he would make my meeting possible so I can complete consultations regarding the Senate election," Dawn quoted Gandapur as saying after the meeting with PM Shehbaz. Gandapur has said he had very "positive" talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on public and provincial issues, law and order, and other matters. "We had good talks. It was very positive. He assured that he would fulfil his promise and would not lie," the PTI leader said. The PTI leader further said PM Shehbaz had also assured him that he would be allowed to meet the party founder in Rawalpindi''s Adiala Jail, where the authorities have beefed up security measures and barred ex-premier Imran from holding meetings owing to a "threat alert," The News International reported. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM said he told the premier that he had to hold a meeting with the party founder to discuss the upcoming Senate polls. Earlier on Tuesday, Punjab''s Home Department, citing a security alert, restricted all forms of visits, meetings, and interviews with Imran Khan within Adiala Jail. The Punjab government has clarified that the restrictions have been put in place due to ''security concerns'' and are not aimed at Khan, Geo News reported. "This move wasn''t made to take away any facility from him (Imran Khan). There is a serious threat alert, that is under investigation," she said. Last week, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) claimed to have arrested three terrorists, allegedly belonging to Afghanistan, who had a map of Adiala Jail, a hand grenade, and improvised explosive devices. Moreover, PTI Chairman Gohal Ali Khan expressed concerns over the abrupt ban on Khan''s meetings in Adiala Jail and feared that the former PM''s life was in danger, reported Dawn. Gohar said that the party leaders were barred from meeting the incarcerated PTI founder. He said that the authorities did not inform anybody about the two-week ban on Khan''s meeting. (ANI)
Speaking to ANI, Vivek Joshi, Secretary at the Department of Financial Services, said that the five PSBs laid out action plans to meet the MPS requirement.

These banks are Punjab and Sind Bank; Central Bank of India; Indian Overseas Bank and UCO Bank, and Bank of Maharashtra.

Public sector banks have time till August 2024 to meet the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) requirement.

"Out of twelve Public sector banks, four were complying with minimum public shareholding MPS requirement as of 31 May 2023. As a part of the ongoing effort, three more PSBs have complied with the requirement till now. The remaining five PSBs have laid out action plans to meet the MPS requirement going forward," Joshi told ANI.

The Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) norm mandates at least 25 per cent public float for all listed companies. A blanket exemption was given to some PSUs from MPS till August 2024.

The twelve PSBs are: State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Central Bank of India, Canara Bank, Union Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, Punjab and Sind Bank, Indian Bank, UCO Bank, and Bank of Maharashtra.

"SBI, Canara, Bank of Baroda, PNB, BoI, Indian bank and UBI comply with the MPS requirements," Joshi said.

According to the rule, companies are required to have a public shareholding of at least 25 per cent within three years of being listed. (ANI)
VMPL Trichy (Tamil Nadu) [India], March 14: Kauvery Hospitals, one of the leading multi-specialty healthcare hospital chains in India has always been at the forefront of medical treatment, technology and services. Always being patient-centric, and committed to the patient's well-being, the neonatology department at Kauvery Hospitals celebrates "NICU Graduation Day"! The Neonatology department admits babies in NICU who have serious complications, or are grossly under-weight, weighing between 600-700g approximately. Around 1250 newborn babies are recovered every year. Sometimes babies may be placed in the NICU for a pretty long time, like 2-3 months; Or they may be discharged early, when they attain a weight of approximately 1.3 kg. After being discharged they are contacted regularly over phone to keep track of their health and development and to offer guidance for the same, and they are required to come back to the hospital for frequent follow ups. At these follow ups, parents receive relevant information on how to handle the baby, feed the baby etc., so they can take good care of their babies in their home environment. To mark this important milestone in the life of the baby, which indicates its readiness to grow up and develop in a normal home environment, the neonatology department celebrates "Graduation Day" honoring the babies who recently "graduated" from the NICU. Dr. Suresh Chellaiha, Academic Head, Kauvery Hospital Trichy highlights the importance of responsible smartphone use for children, emphasizing balance to promote their well-being and social interaction Speaking of this Dr D Senguttuvan Chief Paediatrician & Co-Founder Executive Director says, "Babies who braved serious complications at the time of admission to NICU, and are hale and healthy now and are growing up in a normal home environment are invited to the "Graduation Day". This is a ceremony where parents express their gratitude and joy. We, at the neonatology department, also share in their happiness with a feeling of satisfaction, and this is expressed with a small gift which we present to them at the ceremony. I would like to appreciate the assistance of the doctors who stood by me in this endeavour: Dr K Senthil Kumar, HOD NICU, Dr Meganathan P, Dr C Vignesh, Dr Kiruthiga P, Dr VP Karthikeyan Celebrations like these demonstrate the dedication and commitment of the Kauvery Hospitals, which helps reinforce the trust and faith of the general public in the institution. (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)
NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 14: Avaana Capital, known for its thematic strategy and focus on sustainable investments, announces the approval of investment in the "Avaana Climate and Sustainability Fund" by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). With a total value of USD 120 million, including a substantial USD 24.5 million investment from GCF, this initiative marks a significant stride towards fostering climate innovation and sustainability in India. The approval was granted during the 38th Board Meeting of the GCF, held in Kigali, Rwanda, on March 5th, 2024. "We are delighted to share the news of the Green Climate Fund Board's approval of Avaana Capital's Climate and Sustainability Fund," expressed Anjali Bansal is the Founding Partner of Avaana Capital. "This milestone represents the culmination of dedicated efforts, with gratitude extended to the Green Climate Fund team, including Rajeev Mahajan, Ayaka Fujiwara and Donggun Kim, for their unwavering support and guidance throughout this journey. We also acknowledge the leadership of Kavita Sinha and Soji Omisore in making this partnership a reality. This collaboration underscores GCF additionality and our shared commitment to advancing climate action." Avaana's collaboration with the GCF highlights the transformative impact of technology and innovation in shaping low-emission and climate-resilient development pathways. "The Green Climate Fund's investment in India's first tech-led climate VC underscores the transformative impact that technology and innovation have in carving low-emission and climate-resilient development pathways," stated Bansal. "It also further highlights the potential that India presents in developing solutions for mitigation and adaptation that are affordable and inclusive, enabling a just transition." The GCF, recognized as the world's largest climate fund, is dedicated to supporting developing countries in developing and implementing climate action projects. It commits financial resources for the adaptation and mitigation of climate change effects, targeting key areas such as Energy Transition, Mobility, Supply Chains, Sustainable Agriculture, and Food Systems. Avaana extends its gratitude to mission-aligned institutions, including SIDBI's Green Finance Vertical team, for their invaluable role as the GCF Accredited Entity. The approval of the Avaana Sustainability Fund marks a significant push towards advancing India's commitment to driving climate innovation and taking action. "We are grateful for all the support from our partners SIDBI as the Accredited Entity, FCDO, and others," concluded Bansal. Kavita Sinha, Director of GCF Private Sector Facility, remarked, "The Green Climate Fund is proud to partner with Avaana Capital, and SIDBI, a GCF Direct Access Entity, to support the Avaana Sustainability Fund that aims to support commercialization of local, early-stage climate technology ventures. These climate technology ventures will enable India's transition to a low emissions, climate resilient future. This partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to fostering climate resilience and sustainable development in India, especially for those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change." Avaana's philosophy revolves around the belief that substantial outcome creation along India's path towards net zero emissions necessitates an ecosystem approach, integrating critical elements of technology, policy, industry, and academia. Avaana uniquely integrates and works across four ecosystems: Digital innovation, Industry Linkages, Policy, and Academia, and Catalytic Capital. This approach results in the creation of insights and thought leadership, positioning Avaana at the forefront of emerging technologies and investment areas. The fund follows a proactive thesis-led sourcing approach for tracking high-quality entrepreneurs and follow-on investments in portfolio companies, facilitating their journey to scale. Avaana Climate and Sustainability Fund, India's first and largest climate-tech venture capital fund, invests in future market leaders at the early-stage, leveraging technology-led innovation to build and scale solutions for climate and sustainability while delivering exponential returns. Avaana invests in thematic areas of Energy and Resource Management, Mobility and Supply Chains, and Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems. Since 2018, Avaana's investments feature over 20 startups, including portfolio companies such as FarMart, Ninety One cycles, Kazam, Eeki Foods, Aerem, Sentra, Eggoz, TurnO, and Terra.do. Avaana's Team has previously made investments in category leaders like Delhivery, Nykaa, Urban Company, Shadowfax, Ninjacart, Moveinsync, and Stellapps. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
After the conclusion of the International Yoga Festival at Parmarth Niketan, yogis from 75 countries along with saints and locals attended the vibrant Holi celebration.

The event was also attended by renowned artists like MC Yogi and Shivmani.

Key figures including Patanjali Yogpeeth Acharya Balkrishna and Swami Chidanand Saraswati, were also present at the event highlighting the need for eco-friendly Holi celebrations.

President of Parmarth Niketan Swami Chidanand Saraswati, spoke about unity, expressing joy at the international participants' enthusiasm for both the festival of colours and the spirit of yoga.

Foreign devotees also shared their happiness about the lively celebration, complimenting India for its beauty and impressive festivals.

While speaking to ANI, a foreign devotee said, "For the past seven days, people from all over the world have been practising yoga together, gaining knowledge, listening to spiritual discourses, performing rituals, and today, everyone played Holi together, and then took a dip in the Ganges."

While speaking about the importance of these activities, she added, "This is not just about having fun. The point is, while conflicts and separations are happening all over the world, with different countries, different colours, and different races, when all these people are holding each other's hands, playing Holi, dancing, and taking a dip in the Ganges together, so that stays with us."(ANI)
Global star Priyanka Chopra is adored by her fans and her visit to India often excites them. Recently, she was spotted at the Mumbai airport along with her cute daughter Malti Marie. Priyanka Chopra and her daughter Malti Marie arrived in India. The paparazzi were excitedly awaiting Priyanka's arrival, and she smiled and waved politely. Her beautiful black outfit was accented with a contemporary cowboy hat, making her seem effortlessly chic. Meanwhile, her daughter Malti looked adorable in a gorgeous green dress. The 'Dostana' actress, as always, looked stunning as she posed for the camera with her little munchkin. Earlier, she took to her Instagram stories to share an adorable selfie with her daughter. She wrote in the caption, "Mumbai meri jaan. Here we go!" Talking about her work front, after turning executive producer for 'To Kill A Tiger', Priyanka Chopra Jonas is all set to star in 'The Bluff', which will be directed by Frank E Flowers. Priyanka took to Instagram and announced her new project. She wrote, "Now and then we had a hope that if we lived and were good, God would permit us to be pirates. -Mark Twain." Hollywood actor Karl Urban is in talks to join 'The Bluff' team.As per Deadline, set in the 19th century Caribbean, The Bluff follows a former female pirate (Priyanka) who must protect her family when the mysterious sins of her past catch up to her. The movie, produced by AGBO Studios and Amazon MGM Studios, is directed and co-written by Frank E. Flowers. This will be Priyanka's second project with The Russo Brothers after she starred in their Amazon Original series 'Citadel'.A few days ago, Priyanka became an executive producer for the Oscar-nominated documentary 'To Kill A Tiger'. She expressed her excitement about joining the team as an executive producer alongside Dev Patel, Mindy Kaling, and others. Taking to her Instagram handle, she wrote in a post, "I'm so proud to join the incredible team of the Academy Award nominated documentary @tokillatigerdoc , and to announce that @netflix has acquired the global distribution rights to this powerful feature directed by @nishappics . When I first watched this film in 2022, I was immediately captivated by its poignant narrative, depicting a father's valiant struggle within the judicial system to secure justice for his daughter. This project serves as a testament to the boundless love and unyielding determination of a devoted father for his cherished daughter."She continued talking about the project, saying, "This hard hitting piece of art also really hits home on so many levels, but personally, I was born in the state of Jharkhand (where the survivor and her father are from), and as the daughter of a father that was my forever champion...I was moved to pieces. I cannot wait for audiences around the world to discover this moving story. 'To Kill a Tiger', directed by Nisha Pahuja, has won two dozen prizes throughout the world, including Best Documentary at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, the Amplify Voices Award at TIFF, and Best Feature Documentary at the Canadian Screen prizes. The Directors Guild of Canada recognised Pahuja with the 2023 Excellence in Documentary Award. Despite not having any distribution in the United States, it made the Oscar documentary shortlist and was nominated; the Netflix arrangement will ultimately alter that. According to Deadline, Pahuja spent eight years working on the film, which centers on Ranjit, a poor farmer whose 13-year-old daughter Kiran became the victim of a brutal sexual assault. Pressured by his village to drop charges against the three young men accused of the attack, Ranjit and his wife Jiganti refused. The film takes place in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand (where Priyanka Chopra Jonas was born). To Kill a Tiger, a release comments, "serves as a testament to the boundless love and unyielding determination of a devoted father for his cherished daughter." Along with Chopra, Patel, and Kaling, fellow executive producers are Dr. Atul Gawande, the surgeon and bestselling author, Canadian poet Rupi Kaur, writer-producer Andy Cohen (Beijing Spring), Anita Lee, Andrew Dragoumis, Shivani Rawat, Mona Sinha (Equality Now), Mala Gaonkar (Surgo Foundation), Regina Scully, Anita Bhatia, Niraj Bhatia, Deepa Mehta and others. Apart from this, Priyanka Chopra will be seen in 'Heads of State', alongside John Cena and Idris Elba. She will also be seen in Farhan Akhtar's next directorial 'Jee Le Zaraa' alongside Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt. (ANI)
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Wednesday that helpline numbers will be launched soon to assist applicants for Indian citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA-2019). According to MHA, the applicants will be able to get information related to CAA-2019 by calling free of cost. "Helpline number to assist applicants for Indian citizenship under CAA -2019 will be launched soon. Applicants will be able to get information related to CAA-2019 by calling free of cost from anywhere in India. The service will be available from 8 am to 8 pm," MHA posted on X. The MHA on Monday notified CAA Rules, 2024 removing legal barriers to rehabilitation and citizenship to such persons, and will give a dignified life to refugees who have suffered for decades. Earlier, the MHA provided a web portal on which eligible non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan fleeing religious persecution can now seek Indian citizenship. A mobile app 'CAA-2019' will also be launched very soon to facilitate applications through mobile app. Now, the persons persecuted from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh on religious grounds of six minority communities - Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians-- can apply for the grant of Indian citizenship on portal https:/indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in. The portal was made available on Monday night soon after the MHA notified the rules under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA-2019), now called the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024. The rules grant Indian citizenship to these refugees who had sought shelter in India before December 31, 2014. This is a specific portal on which the people persecuted from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh on religious grounds can apply for Indian citizenship. All the six minority communities-- Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians-- persecuted from the three countries, who had sought shelter in India before December 31, 2014, can submit applications in a completely online mode on the web portal named "Indian Citizenship Online Portal". An application will be submitted to an Empowered Committee through the District Level Committee headed by a designated officer. All documents along with photographs are to be uploaded online and the applications will be processed after a background check by security agencies. As the CAA is for undocumented people from the six communities, a clutch of documents including those issued by Government authorities in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh to be uploaded by CAA applicants to get citizenship. As per the rules, the applicant will have to appear in person to subscribe the application and take oath of allegiance, failing which the district-level committee may recommend refusal. The applicants will have to produce an "eligibility certificate" issued by a "locally reputed community institution" confirming that he or she belongs to "Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian community and continue to be a member of the above mentioned community. The online application process provides multiple categories under which an applicant can seek Indian citizenship. These include: (i) a person of Indian origin (ii) a person married to a citizen of India (iii) a minor child of an Indian citizen (iv) a person whose parents are Indian citizens (v) a person who or either of parents was a citizen of Independent India (vi) a person registered as Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder (vii) a person seeking citizenship by naturalisation - an adult registered as overseas citizen of India for five years, and who has been living in India for a year. The applicant can submit any of the following documents while applying for Indian citizenship under CAA: (i) Copy of passport issued by Afghanistan, Bangladesh or Pakistan government (ii) birth certificate issued by a government authority in these countries (iii) educational certificate from a school/college/board or university in Afghanistan, Bangladesh or Pakistan (iv) identity document of any kind issued by government authorities in these countries (v) residential permit issued by Foreigners Regional Registration Officer or Foreigners Registration Officer in India (vi)any licence issued by government authorities in these three countries (vii) land or tenancy records in these countries (viii) Any document that shows that either of the parents or grandparents or great-grandparents of the applicant is or had been a citizen of these countries. In effect, any document issued by a government authority in Afghanistan or Bangladesh or Pakistan to establish that the applicant is from either of these countries is valid for the citizenship process. This applies even if the document is past its validity period. The applicant will also need to prove that he or she entered India before the cut-off date of December 31, 2014. (ANI)
Union Home Ministry (MHA) will soon launch a helpline number Under the Citizenship Amendment Act of 2019, now called the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024, to assist applicants for Indian citizenship. The helpline number will be toll-free and applicants can call from anywhere in India to obtain information related to CAA-2019. The service will be available for 12 hours every day from 8 am to 8 pm. "Under the Citizenship Amendment Act of 2019, a helpline number will soon be launched to assist applicants for Indian citizenship. Applicants can call toll-free from anywhere in India to obtain information related to CAA-2019. The service will be available from 8 AM to 8 PM," said the MHA. It is expected that the helpline number will be launched by the end of this week. The announcement comes after the MHA provided a web portal on which eligible non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan fleeing religious persecution can now seek Indian citizenship. A mobile app 'CAA-2019' will also be launched very soon to facilitate applications through mobile app. Now, the persons persecuted from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh on religious grounds of six minority communities - Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians-- can apply for a grant of Indian citizenship on portal https:/indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in. The portal was made available on Monday night soon after the MHA notified the rules under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA-2019), now called the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024. The rules grant Indian citizenship to these refugees who had sought shelter in India before December 31, 2014. This is a specific portal on which the people persecuted from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh on religious grounds can apply for Indian citizenship. All the six minority communities-- Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians-- persecuted from the three countries, who had sought shelter in India before December 31, 2014, can submit applications in a completely online mode on the web portal named "Indian Citizenship Online Portal". An application will be submitted to an Empowered Committee through the District Level Committee headed by a designated officer. All documents along with photographs are to be uploaded online and the applications will be processed after a background check by security agencies. As the CAA is for undocumented people from the six communities, clutch of documents including those issued by Government authorities in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh to be uploaded by CAA applicants to get citizenship. As per rules, the applicant will have to appear in person to subscribe the application and take oath of allegiance, failing which the district-level committee may recommend refusal. The applicants will have to produce an "eligibility certificate" issued by a "locally reputed community institution" confirming that he or she belongs to "Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian community and continue to be a member of the above-mentioned community. The online application process provides multiple categories under which an applicant can seek Indian citizenship. These include: (i) a person of Indian origin (ii) a person married to a citizen of India (iii) a minor child of an Indian citizen (iv) a person whose parents are Indian citizens (v) a person who or either of parents was a citizen of Independent India (vi) a person registered as Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder (vii) a person seeking citizenship by naturalisation - an adult registered as overseas citizen of India for five years, and who has been living in India for a year. The applicant can submit any of the following documents while applying for Indian citizenship under CAA: (i) Copy of passport issued by Afghanistan, Bangladesh or Pakistan government (ii) birth certificate issued by a government authority in these countries (iii) educational certificate from a school/college/board or university in Afghanistan, Bangladesh or Pakistan (iv) identity document of any kind issued by government authorities in these countries (v) residential permit issued by Foreigners Regional Registration Officer or Foreigners Registration Officer in India (vi)any licence issued by government authorities in these three countries (vii) land or tenancy records in these countries (viii) Any document that shows that either of the parents or grandparents or great-grandparents of the applicant is or had been a citizen of these countries. In effect, any document issued by a government authority in Afghanistan or Bangladesh or Pakistan to establish that the applicant is from either of these countries is valid for the citizenship process. This applies even if the document is past its validity period. The applicant will also need to prove that he or she entered India before the cut-off date of December 31, 2014. The MHA on Monday notified CAA Rules, 2024 removing legal barriers to rehabilitation and citizenship to such persons, and will give a dignified life to refugees who have suffered for decades. (ANI)
The deceased was identified as Sita Devi (22), a local, the police informed.

Further, according to the police, the driver of the killer vehicle was taken into custody and further action, as per due process, was being taken.

The driver also sustained injuries for which he was receiving treatment, the police informed further.

The injured, meanwhile, were admitted to Lal Bahadur Shashtri Hospital and were under treatment at the time of filing this report.

Footage of the incident, captured by a CCTV camera, showed the vehicle crashing into shops lining the road.

The video also showed the vehicle picking up speed after ramming the shops and driving off.

Further details are awaited. (ANI)
Miffed after his son was denied a ticket for the Haveri-Gadag Lok Sabha seat, senior BJP leader KS Eshwarappa on Wednesday laid the blame on former chief minister and Lingayat stalwart KS Eshwarappa. Sulking after the BJP put former CM Basavaraj Bommai on the ticket for the Haveri-Gadag Lok Sabha constituency, the senior BJP leader claimed Yediyurappa had promised that his son KE Kantesh would be the party's candidate for the seat. Making no bones about his misgivings on Wednesday, Eshwarappa told reporters, "Yediyurappa promised KE Kantesh will get the BJP ticket from Haveri. Taking him at his word, Kantesh was directing his efforts on Hageri, trying to win the trust of the people. However, my son was eventually denied a ticket. Yediyurappa cheated us." He claimed that his supporters were urging him to contest the Shimoga seat as an Independent, opposite Yediyurappa's son BY Raghavendra, as a mark of protest. "The party unit in Karnataka is in the hands of a family. There is a call within to protect the party from the family. Aren't there any other Lingayat leaders in Karnataka? Yediyurappa ensured tickets for Shobha Karandlaje and Basavaraj Bommai. Why then was my son Kantesh ignored? This is grave injustice," the senior BJP leader said. "I have served the party faithfully for 40 years. CT Ravi, Sadananda Gowda, Nalin Kumar Kateel and Pratap Simha have also come out in my support, saying it was unfair," Eshwarappa claimed. The former Deputy CM alleged that Yediyurappa deliberately gave the Haveri ticket to Bommai despite promising that the party would pick Kantesh from the seat. "Bommai said at the election committee meeting that he wasn't keeping well and wouldn't contest the Lok Sabha elections. Bommai said the Haveri ticket should go to Kantesh. Despite expressing his unwillingness to contest the polls, he was put on the ticket. Yediyurappa deliberately gave Bommai the ticket for Haveri. Yediyurappa's decision is unfair for party loyalists," he said. Saying that his supporters were urging him to contest the elections from Shimoga, Eashwarappa said, "They (his supporters) are saying that if you contest (Shimoga), you will win. Also, I want Modi to be PM again." On Eshwarappa being 'unhappy' over the denial of the Haveri ticket to his son, Bommai said earlier, "I had urged the Parliamentary Board to give a ticket to KE Kantesh to ensure social justice but the national leaders picked me, instead, to ensure the party's victory from the seat. Eshwarappa is a very senior and valued party colleague and he would be given the respect that he deserves." "The party workers wanted sitting MP DV Sadananda Gowda to contest again from the Bengaluru North Lok Sabha constituency. Both Eshwarappa and Sadananda Gowda would be given plum positions in the party," he added. On Eshwarappa blaming his father for the denial of a ticket for his son, Yediyurappa's son and sitting MP BY Raghavendra said the party leaders would reach out to him. "Eshwarappa is upset. Anyone in his place would be hurt. It is normal to feel pain in such cases. I don't know why they (Eashrappa and his son) didn't get tickets. However, I have no clue why he accused BS Yediyurappa. It seems he holds the wrong opinion about my father. I am sure that party seniors would reach out to him and sort matters," Raghavendra said. Thanking the party leadership for naming him as the candidate from Shimoga, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit the constituency on March 18 to campaign for him. "I feel blessed to be the BJP candidate again. I am grateful to the party leadership for reposing its faith in me. Prime Minister Modi has set us a target of more than 400 seats (for NDA). He will be visiting Shimoga on March 18. Our campaign will start with his visit," Raghavendra said. On March 13, the BJP released the second list of 72 Lok Sabha candidates, including three former chief ministers and four Union Ministers. In Karnataka, the party fielded Union Minister Pralhad Joshi from Dharwad, Tejaswi Surya from Bangalore South constituency, Bommai from Haveri and PC Mohan from Bangalore Central. The BJP also named Raghvendra from Shimoga and V Sommana from Tumkuru. The party released its first list of 195 candidates earlier this month, featuring PM Modi from Varanasi, Home Minister Amit Shah from Gandhinagar and Mansukh Mandaviya from Porbandar. (ANI)
The Centre constituted the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal, comprising a Delhi High Court judge, to adjudicate whether or not there is sufficient cause for declaring the Jamaat-e-Islami, Jammu and Kashmir (JeI) as an 'unlawful association'. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a notification in this regard on Wednesday. "Jamaat-e-Islami, Jammu and Kashmir (JeI) has been declared as an unlawful association, vide notification dated February 27, 2024, published in the Gazette of India, Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 5 read with sub-section (1) of section 4 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), the Central Government hereby constitutes the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal consisting of Justice Navin Chawla, Judge, High Court of Delhi, for the purpose of adjudicating whether or not there is sufficient cause for declaring the Jamaat-e-Islami, Jammu and Kashmir (JeI) as unlawful association," the MHA stated in its notification. Earlier, on February 27, the MHA extended the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami-J-K under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 for another five years. Taking to his official; X handle, Union Home Minister Amit Shah posted, "Pursuing Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji's policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and separatism, the government has extended the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami-Jammu Kashmir for five years." "The organisation is found continuing its activities against the security, integrity and sovereignty of the nation. The outfit was first declared an 'Unlawful Association' on February 28, 2019. Anyone threatening the security of the nation will face ruthless measures," Shah added. The Centre banned JeI-J-K, declaring it as an 'unlawful association' under the UA(P)A on February 28, 2019. A notification to this effect, then, stated that the JeI was in close touch with militant outfits, was supporting extremism and militancy in Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere and was involved in anti-national and subversive activities in the country intended to cause disaffection. (ANI)
The tea industry in Tripura is set for a major transformation with the establishment of the Tea Auction Centre in Agartala. Tripura will officially become the second state in India to establish its own Tea Auction Centre. This strategic development is set to usher in a new era for the marketing and distribution of the high-quality tea produced in the state, which stands as the fifth largest tea producer in the country, with an annual output of approximately 9 million kilograms. Speaking on the launch, Samir Ranjan Ghosh, Chairperson, of Tripura Tea Development Centre, said "In Tripura, we are launching the Tea E-Auction Centre from Thursday. Our CM Manik Saha will inaugurate this. The history of Tea in Tripura is more than 100 years old. As I am asked about the quality of tea in Tripura, I would like to say that there was no procedure for measuring the quality of the tea in the past years. In 2018, after the establishment of the new government, the initiative was taken to develop the tea industry." "In Tripura, there is annual production of made tea is about 9 million kgs with the 5th largest tea producer in the country after Assam, West Bengal, Tamilnadu and Kerala and more than 50 per cent of the produced tea is sold through Kolkata and Guwahati tea auction centre and rest quantity being sold in the private buyer as well as local market. So steps were taken to set up a tea e-auction centre in Agartala by the Tripura Tea Development Corporation Ltd," he said. The establishment of the Agartala Tea Auction Centre is a pivotal step towards addressing longstanding challenges such as high transportation costs and lengthy sales cycles that have historically impeded the sector's growth. The decision to set up an e-auction centre, along with a dedicated warehouse for tea auctioning, was made during a departmental review meeting of the Industries and Commerce Department of the Government of Tripura. This initiative was supported by the Tripura Tea Development Corporation Limited (TTDCL) and received backing from the Tea Board of India, highlighting the national importance of this endeavour. The establishment of the Agartala Tea Auction Centre is anticipated to bring about several benefits, including enhanced profitability for sellers due to reductions in freight, warehousing, and sampling costs, and improved price discovery leading to better market valuations of Tripura tea. Significant reductions in the sales cycle time by up to 40 per cent, thus freeing up working capital for producers, a 1-2 per cent increase in the price of made tea due to the streamlining of the sales process. Preparatory steps for the launch of the e-auction centre have been meticulously undertaken. These include stakeholder meetings with tea producers and sellers, identification and preparation of the necessary infrastructure at the former office of the Directorate of Industries and Commerce in Gurkhabasti, Agartala, and the allocation of warehousing facilities in Badharghat, Agartala. Moreover, efforts are underway to engage an organizer and e-auctioneer to ensure the smooth operation of the auction centre. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the efficiency of tea sales and distribution, thereby benefiting both producers and buyers within and beyond the borders of Tripura. The Agartala Tea Auction Centre is poised to significantly impact the tea industry in Tripura, offering a beacon of hope for increased market access and profitability. This landmark initiative reaffirms Tripura's commitment to fostering growth and innovation in its tea sector, setting a precedent for other tea-producing regions in India. (ANI)
The All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Andhra Pradesh affairs Manickam Tagore on Thursday took a swipe at TDP national president N. Chandrababu Naidu for allaying with the BJP despite the Central government not giving Special Category Status to the state. "Babu claims no differences with BJP except for the denial of Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh. Denying SCS, yet still clinging to the alliance? Looks like self-interest outweighs Andhra's needs for Babu & TDP. #PoliticsAsUsual #TDP #BJP," Tagore posted on X. The TDP Chief on Wednesday said that he had no differences with the Bharatiya Janata Party, except over the denial of Special Category Status (SCS) to Andhra Pradesh and what he was asking it was to help in developing the State. He said that the TDP-BJP Jana Sena Party (JSP) alliance was for the benefit of the state, adding that his support for the NDA during Atal Behari Vajpayee's time was unconditional. In the run-up to the elections for the state assembly and Lok Sabha, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Jana Sena Party (JSP) sealed a seat-sharing pact in Andhra Pradesh on Monday. According to the pact, the BJP will contest from six seats, the TDP from 17 seats and the JSP from two seats for the parliamentary elections. In the assembly elections, the BJP will contest from 10 seats, the TDP from 144 seats and the JSP from 21 seats, as per the statement. The seat-sharing was finalised at a meeting held at Amaravati today following the meeting between the three parties in Delhi, where an alliance was formalised. Naidu has received sharp criticism from his opponents for allying with the BJP. He had pulled out of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in 2018 after the Modi government's refusal to grant Special Category Status (SCS) to Andhra Pradesh. APCC president YS Sharmila demanded that Naidu explain to the state's people why he chose to align with the BJP, which had betrayed the people on all fronts in the last 10 years. (ANI)
Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Thursday said people need not fear about the Citizenship Amendment Act and that Home Minister Amit Shah has been informing people about the law from different platforms. Speaking with the media upon his arrival at Kangra airport in Dharamshala, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting said, "Home Minister Amit Shah has been briefing people about the CAA from Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and other platforms that no one should get worried about it. It is a law that gives citizenship," he said. "The country was divided into two parts on the basis of religion at the time of independence. Hindus, Sikhs, Christians,Bodh and Parsis who remained in Pakistan or migrated to Afghanistan and Bangladesh... They were assured by the then government, led by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, that their rights would be secured," Thakur said. Earlier speaking to ANI, Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured persecuted refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan to have faith in the Narendra Modi government and said that under the rules of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), everyone will be given equal rights as they will now become citizens of India. "There are a lot of people, there is no count as of now. Due to the wrong campaign going on, many people will hesitate to file an application. I want to assure everyone to apply here and have faith in the Narendra Modi government that you will be given citizenship with retrospective effect. This law is accepting you as a refugee. If you have entered India illegally, there will be no criminal case against you...There is no need for anyone to get scared. Everyone will be given equal rights as they will become the citizens of India," Amit Shah said in an interview with ANI on being asked about the number of people getting citizenship after CAA. On March 11, the Union Home Ministry notified rules for the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The CAA, introduced by the Narendra Modi government and passed by Parliament in 2019, aims to confer Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants--including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians--who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014. (ANI)